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Midlife Fairy Tale #2
The Summer Palace
Newly crowned queen of the Radiant fae, Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft has two goals. First, to show her fae subjects that despite growing up in the mortal realm, she plans to honor the customs and practices of her new world. Second, to reunite the Radiant fae with the Grym fae. Or at least broker peace between the two estranged kingdoms.
How? By returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited the ruler of the Grym, Queen Anyka
Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.
Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.
How? By returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited the ruler of the Grym, Queen Anyka
Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.
Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2023
201 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
187 books3,416 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 21, 2023
The Summer Palace by Kristen Painter
2nd book in the Midlife Fairy retelling. Paranormal women’s fiction. Cliffhanger.
Who is the “good” and “bad” queen? Do they have a reason to be who they are? Can they get over past history and change the lives and path of their kingdoms?
Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft wants to show her new kingdom that she is the right leader and will improve their lives. She decides to go to the Summer Palace with a group of her fae subjects and then hopefully broker peace with Queen Anyka of the Grym fae.
Not everyone is as optimistic as Ro.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is done by B J Harrison who does all the books by this author. The performance is wonderful with emotions clearly heard. I love being able to replay a chapter if I’ve missed something or want to clarify a point. Of course you ca do that as well with a ebook but with the audio you get the emotions and clear pronunciation of those fae names! 🤣 I do find this narrator to be a bit slow so listened to this at a slightly higher speed than my usual 1.5.
Entertaining and clearly not yet the end of the series.
4.5
2nd book in the Midlife Fairy retelling. Paranormal women’s fiction. Cliffhanger.
Who is the “good” and “bad” queen? Do they have a reason to be who they are? Can they get over past history and change the lives and path of their kingdoms?
Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft wants to show her new kingdom that she is the right leader and will improve their lives. She decides to go to the Summer Palace with a group of her fae subjects and then hopefully broker peace with Queen Anyka of the Grym fae.
Not everyone is as optimistic as Ro.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is done by B J Harrison who does all the books by this author. The performance is wonderful with emotions clearly heard. I love being able to replay a chapter if I’ve missed something or want to clarify a point. Of course you ca do that as well with a ebook but with the audio you get the emotions and clear pronunciation of those fae names! 🤣 I do find this narrator to be a bit slow so listened to this at a slightly higher speed than my usual 1.5.
Entertaining and clearly not yet the end of the series.
4.5
July 17, 2023
There better be a next one!
I enjoyed both books in the series, but unless another is coming, the ending really leaves one hanging. I don't like being left hanging.
I enjoyed both books in the series, but unless another is coming, the ending really leaves one hanging. I don't like being left hanging.
September 5, 2023
Oh man, it was so good to be back with these characters. I've been in a bit of a book funk, and as always, Kristen and BJ can pull me right out of that.
I'm invested in these characters and knowing what happens next. There are so many possibilities and directions in my head!
I'll give Kristen time to write and BJ time to record, but man, I can't wait for the next installment in this series!!!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
I'm invested in these characters and knowing what happens next. There are so many possibilities and directions in my head!
I'll give Kristen time to write and BJ time to record, but man, I can't wait for the next installment in this series!!!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
March 8, 2024
Dang it! There aren't any more in the series yet so I have to wait to find out what happens next.
September 21, 2024
Newly crowned queen of the Radiant fae, Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft has two goals. First, to show her fae subjects that despite growing up in the mortal realm, she plans to honor all the customs and practices of her new world. Second, to reunite the Radiant fae with the Grym fae. Or at least broker peace between the two estranged kingdoms.
She intends to do both of those by returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited Queen Anyka, too, the woman who rules the Grym.
Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide them with a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.
Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.
Kristen Painter never let's me! I am always excited for her next book and I am never disappointed. the Summer Palace picks up right where the Accidental Queen left off. Ever book in this series so far is building and building. I can't wait for book 3. All of Kristen Painter's books are excellent reads and great to listen to! Do yourself a favor and pick up this series, the Noturne Falls series, or the Shadowvale series you can't go wrong!
She intends to do both of those by returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited Queen Anyka, too, the woman who rules the Grym.
Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide them with a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.
Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.
Kristen Painter never let's me! I am always excited for her next book and I am never disappointed. the Summer Palace picks up right where the Accidental Queen left off. Ever book in this series so far is building and building. I can't wait for book 3. All of Kristen Painter's books are excellent reads and great to listen to! Do yourself a favor and pick up this series, the Noturne Falls series, or the Shadowvale series you can't go wrong!
August 17, 2023
This is the second in this series.
Sparrow Meadowcroft is the newly crowned Queen of the radiant Fae.
She grew up in the mortal realm and has a lot to learn about the Fae world.
She decides to open the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is a very large palace where both her kingdom and the Grim Fae ruled by another Queen would come together and socialize for the Summer months. It has not been used for a long time.
She is hoping by following the old traditions that normalcy will be brought back to her kingdom. The Radiant Fae have been without a Queen or other ruler for 20 years.
Meanwhile, the Grim Fae are plotting to find a dark magic book in the libraries of the Summer Palace.
The Grim Queen wants to remove the curse on her kingdom but wants revenge on the Radiant Fae for killing her parents, never mind that the Radiant Fae rulers were killed by the Grim first, many years ago. Ro is also hunting for the book to keep the dark magic out of the hands of the Grim Queen and its corrupting affect on its users.
Sparrow or "Ro" as she is called hopes to mend the rift between kingdoms but it looks like the Grim Queen cannot put aside her grudges and is more interested in political scheming, revenge, and intrigue than better relations and trade.
Sparrow Meadowcroft is the newly crowned Queen of the radiant Fae.
She grew up in the mortal realm and has a lot to learn about the Fae world.
She decides to open the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is a very large palace where both her kingdom and the Grim Fae ruled by another Queen would come together and socialize for the Summer months. It has not been used for a long time.
She is hoping by following the old traditions that normalcy will be brought back to her kingdom. The Radiant Fae have been without a Queen or other ruler for 20 years.
Meanwhile, the Grim Fae are plotting to find a dark magic book in the libraries of the Summer Palace.
The Grim Queen wants to remove the curse on her kingdom but wants revenge on the Radiant Fae for killing her parents, never mind that the Radiant Fae rulers were killed by the Grim first, many years ago. Ro is also hunting for the book to keep the dark magic out of the hands of the Grim Queen and its corrupting affect on its users.
Sparrow or "Ro" as she is called hopes to mend the rift between kingdoms but it looks like the Grim Queen cannot put aside her grudges and is more interested in political scheming, revenge, and intrigue than better relations and trade.
July 22, 2023
The Summer Palace
I absolutely loved the first book and this one is even better!! I really enjoyed getting to know Ro and Gabriel more and learning more about Summerton.
The Summer Palace ,also known as Willow Hall ,is such a magical place and the descriptions of it are captivating! From the amazing grounds to the unbelievable palace itself, it would be a sight to behold.
There was alot of intrigue and suspense going on in this story and I wasn’t sure which way it would end up and could not wait to find out!
This series is so enjoyable to both listen to and to read. It will be one I revisit to over and over! I can not wait for the next book! Such a great series!
I absolutely loved the first book and this one is even better!! I really enjoyed getting to know Ro and Gabriel more and learning more about Summerton.
The Summer Palace ,also known as Willow Hall ,is such a magical place and the descriptions of it are captivating! From the amazing grounds to the unbelievable palace itself, it would be a sight to behold.
There was alot of intrigue and suspense going on in this story and I wasn’t sure which way it would end up and could not wait to find out!
This series is so enjoyable to both listen to and to read. It will be one I revisit to over and over! I can not wait for the next book! Such a great series!
August 12, 2023
An enchanted read
I love this world. it's so magical yet not too fairy tale like others. I mean that as it's like a paranormal fairy tale. I was so happy both sides met. the grimoire is an interesting book. I can't wait to see where that leads in the future. I even liked the Grym queen, Anyka. she has good in her deep down. The story had so many ways to go with several people. But neither turned out like I thought. definitely kept me guessing.
Loved the narrator as usual. He's one of my favorites
I love this world. it's so magical yet not too fairy tale like others. I mean that as it's like a paranormal fairy tale. I was so happy both sides met. the grimoire is an interesting book. I can't wait to see where that leads in the future. I even liked the Grym queen, Anyka. she has good in her deep down. The story had so many ways to go with several people. But neither turned out like I thought. definitely kept me guessing.
Loved the narrator as usual. He's one of my favorites
August 21, 2023
Addictive part two of the accidental fae queen. Both sides search for a hidden diary in a summer palace. Again, I don't love the split narration, hearing from both good and bad, but I'll grudgingly concede that it adds depth to the story. I did skim several slow sections.
Typos: "lay down" should be "lie down," and the cat was currently "lying on" a seat, not "laying." "Get your feet off...this instant," not "this instance. "I am loathe to admit" should be loath (adj.). Loathe is a verb. People call the queen "your highness" (wrong) and "your majesty" (right) in the next paragraph.
Typos: "lay down" should be "lie down," and the cat was currently "lying on" a seat, not "laying." "Get your feet off...this instant," not "this instance. "I am loathe to admit" should be loath (adj.). Loathe is a verb. People call the queen "your highness" (wrong) and "your majesty" (right) in the next paragraph.
July 17, 2023
This series keeps getting better and better. Is so relatable to our lives and so different at the same time. Normally Fae stories follow a same pattern, not on Kristen books, it has its own hierarchy making it more interesting.
There are so many assumptions from both Summerton and Malveaux that don't allow them to get somewhere. Ro wants peace between both while Anyka is so attached to the past that won't allow any union between them.
Is worth the credit!!!
There are so many assumptions from both Summerton and Malveaux that don't allow them to get somewhere. Ro wants peace between both while Anyka is so attached to the past that won't allow any union between them.
Is worth the credit!!!
July 23, 2023
Royal mystery & politics
What happens when you fall into the Fae version of The Sword in the Stone and after much thought accept the crown? Queen Sparrow has a lot to learn yet has gathered support & respect of many. As they seek to enjoy the summer at a palace that is neutral ground for Summerton & Malveaux, rumor of a dangerous grimoire comes to light. The search is a race against time to find it before the other kingdom.
I cannot wait to see how this story moves forward.
What happens when you fall into the Fae version of The Sword in the Stone and after much thought accept the crown? Queen Sparrow has a lot to learn yet has gathered support & respect of many. As they seek to enjoy the summer at a palace that is neutral ground for Summerton & Malveaux, rumor of a dangerous grimoire comes to light. The search is a race against time to find it before the other kingdom.
I cannot wait to see how this story moves forward.
January 8, 2024
For me The Summer Place falls short of the build up from book one, The Accidental Queen. The characters became 2 dimensional and never moved beyond where they were at the end of book 1. Painter could have added a few chapters to book one and the ending would have been as big of a let down as this whole book was. If she chose to write a 3rd book, I would say more character development is a must and either have the kingdoms reach a treaty or let the best Queen reign.
December 25, 2025
The plot thickens
The queens meet at Willow Hall. Ro wants to find peace between the realms but Anyka isn't interested.
Both women are interested in a certain grimoire. It allegedly has dark magick spells that can either help or hurt each kingdom.
There are a few developing romances. It remains to be seen what comes of them.
Will anyone find the book? What will it mean for the kingdoms?
I look forward to the next book
The queens meet at Willow Hall. Ro wants to find peace between the realms but Anyka isn't interested.
Both women are interested in a certain grimoire. It allegedly has dark magick spells that can either help or hurt each kingdom.
There are a few developing romances. It remains to be seen what comes of them.
Will anyone find the book? What will it mean for the kingdoms?
I look forward to the next book
July 15, 2023
This is a wonderful story that builds off of events from the first book. Having said that, I do suggest reading book one for a more enjoyable reading experience. The author has deftly crafted a world and characters that will draw you in and keep you wanting more. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 28, 2023
So happy to return back to Ro's story!!
New to her role as Queen of the Radiant fae, Ro decides to return to old traditions and opens up the the summer palace. A mystery soon unfolds and I loved reading along as clues and ancient history were revealed. Terrific new addition to this series and the audio narration is excellent!!
Highly recommend!
New to her role as Queen of the Radiant fae, Ro decides to return to old traditions and opens up the the summer palace. A mystery soon unfolds and I loved reading along as clues and ancient history were revealed. Terrific new addition to this series and the audio narration is excellent!!
Highly recommend!
March 6, 2024
AMAZING STORY!!
I am really liking this series! The author has an amazing gift with stories and different worlds she tells us about. This series has Suspense from the beginning of each book until the end of each book, that awesome touch of action that every book needs along with that growing romance between the H and H. Awaiting the next story. Please hurry!!!
I am really liking this series! The author has an amazing gift with stories and different worlds she tells us about. This series has Suspense from the beginning of each book until the end of each book, that awesome touch of action that every book needs along with that growing romance between the H and H. Awaiting the next story. Please hurry!!!
March 10, 2024
The story itself was pretty good but I didnt like the way the author handled it. She just ended it. No Thanks for reading this you can preorder the next one or anything like that. Didnt even say if there will be a next one!! Just ended it and wham!! The story however, was nice. It leaves alot of questions though.
July 11, 2024
really good read and sequel.
Really great read. I loved getting to know these characters better. I only gave four stars as this book, like the last, seems to end with a real cliff hanger, I want to know what’s going to happen next…but there’s no new book. As an author myself, I get that…but I hope there’s a third book coming soon! I really want to know what happens!
Really great read. I loved getting to know these characters better. I only gave four stars as this book, like the last, seems to end with a real cliff hanger, I want to know what’s going to happen next…but there’s no new book. As an author myself, I get that…but I hope there’s a third book coming soon! I really want to know what happens!
September 30, 2024
Entertaining Read
Ro decides to go to the summer palace which traditionally was used by both monarchs. However, it hadn't been used in over a century. Her goal was to create detente between the two nations. This upsets the plans of aggression that the other Queen has. I like the underestimation of Queen Sparrow, humor, and mystery. I look forward to the next book.
Ro decides to go to the summer palace which traditionally was used by both monarchs. However, it hadn't been used in over a century. Her goal was to create detente between the two nations. This upsets the plans of aggression that the other Queen has. I like the underestimation of Queen Sparrow, humor, and mystery. I look forward to the next book.
October 18, 2025
light reading
If you’re looking for a light, simple read without a lot of danger or tension, then this might be entertaining. It’s fairly predictable and the heroine has few flaws and rarely makes mistakes. Not much strife or tension and what there is seems to be too easily resolved.
If you’re looking for a light, simple read without a lot of danger or tension, then this might be entertaining. It’s fairly predictable and the heroine has few flaws and rarely makes mistakes. Not much strife or tension and what there is seems to be too easily resolved.
July 14, 2023
Wow another great read! Kristen has a way of bringing you into the book no matter what she writes. I love the way she paints a world that seems so real. You will wish you could visit.
I can not wait to see what happens next in this series!
I can not wait to see what happens next in this series!
July 14, 2023
I loved this book! This is the second book in this series and it is looking like another wonderful adventure. The characters are interesting and the story is well thought out and keeps you reading makes you feel you are there really looking forward to more in this world
July 15, 2023
What a great second book in this series. Kristen Painter writes such wonderful fantasy books. Her world building really sets up her characters and provides the perfect backdrop. You definitely need to read book one first.
July 16, 2023
Please...write another book!
This story is fun and interesting. But I am left hanging. It definitely feels incomplete! I hope a final book... Or three... Is coming soon....
Please?! With sugar?
This story is fun and interesting. But I am left hanging. It definitely feels incomplete! I hope a final book... Or three... Is coming soon....
Please?! With sugar?
July 27, 2023
An amazing next instalment in this series. I loved the play out and “mystery” of who is good vs who is bad. That cliffhanger though….
I listened to this book of Audible as well and BJ Harrison brings the story to life in the way he always does.
I listened to this book of Audible as well and BJ Harrison brings the story to life in the way he always does.
August 9, 2023
another outstanding book by Kristen Painter
What an edge of the chair nail biter!
I loved all the details, The locations, The new characters, The mystery and suspense. I really hope this is not the last in the series.
What an edge of the chair nail biter!
I loved all the details, The locations, The new characters, The mystery and suspense. I really hope this is not the last in the series.
August 9, 2023
Ro and her friends are amazing well developed characters as one would expect from Kristen. I'm rooting for ro and anaka to bring peace.....and for ro to get her love ! the summer palace is magical and I wish I could visit!
October 14, 2023
a Fae romance for Women with grown children
I love this author! True romance, no need to skip gratuitous physical scenes! Great story! I love that the heroine has a grown child. I can see myself and vice versa!
I love this author! True romance, no need to skip gratuitous physical scenes! Great story! I love that the heroine has a grown child. I can see myself and vice versa!
February 3, 2024
A delightful follow up to the first book, the sequel follows Queen Sparrow and her family to the Willow Hall... And closer to confrontation with Malvo. Unknown to her, Willow Hall hides a dangerous diary in its library. Sparrow must find the diary before Malvo, or risk both kingdoms' safety.
March 20, 2024
I don't know how she pulled it off but somehow this one is even better than the first book. I'm enjoying the points of view from both of the queens. I was surprised more than once. Can't wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews