Never Too Old for Fairy Tales

Later in Life Escapes #1

by Melissa John

What happens when a burnt-out mum, trapped in a loveless marriage and dead-end job, escapes on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday? 


Midlife chaos, love, laughter, and a real life prince charming…


Cally Jackson feels life has passed her by… until she gets swept away for a week at an enchanting fairy-tale wonderland.


While reviewing the luxurious resort with her tween daughter, Cally begins to rediscover her long-lost sparkle. Especially when she meets dashing Prince Charming, Han Ji-Sung. Her heart races with possibilities and she soon gets lost in her childhood Cinderella daydreams. Not that he’d ever look twice at a 40-something hot mess. Would he?


Their blossoming friendship inspires Cally to yearn for the life she’s never dared dream of. But when reality beckons, can she find the courage to leave her toxic marriage and finally chase her own happily ever after?


Never Too Old for Fairy Tales is both a heartwarming standalone novel and the first installment of a modern-day fairy tale romance duet. So if you're ready to escape with an enchanting read, join Cally on her whimsical coming-of-middle-age journey of adventure and self-discovery. 


Lose yourself in a story that will leave you smiling, believing in magic, and yearning for your own fairy tale ending. Who says fairy tales are just for kids? 😉 Aren't we all still dreaming of our own happily ever after?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Rom Com, Contemporary

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the blurb and the title.. Never Too Old for Fairy Tales.. I wanted to like this book, but the entire time I'm reading this, .. "She's Married" keeps popping in my head.. not only is she married, but she's on vacation with her 9 year old daughter, met Prince Charming (she spent 7 days with him) and wants to marry him (although she's married.. not divorced, not even separated, but married) -- granted it's not a happy marriage, but the book didn't *hit* like it was supposed to knowing that she was having an affair (emotionally, meeting up with a guy "she gave her heart too, kissing) while on vacation with her daughter.

[Sammar Fawaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! The writing style was superb, creating a delightful and enchanting atmosphere. The story line was charming and filled with a touch of magic. The romance was captivating, and the ending left me eagerly yearning for the sequel. If you're a fan of heartwarming romance novels, I highly recommend diving into this captivating read.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Cally, a mom, with an awful husband and hey she deserves her own fairy tale! This was seriously the sweetest thing and something I think all women want💕 even just a little haha great read!

I received this ARC for an honest review all thoughts/opinions above are my own!

[Shareen Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a light hearted rom-com with an unexpected happily ever after, then this is the book for you!

I enjoyed this book as we went through the life of Cally who has a not-so lovely husband but potentially meets her prince Charming!

I loved the fairytale aspect of this book, it totally gave Disney vibes.

If you love coming of age and unexpected happily ever after tropes, then this is the book for you!

I loved receiving this as an ARC, well done Melissa!

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our protagonist is a woman in her forties, unhappily married and with a child, that goes to a Disney-like-resort. She is a journalist and goes there with her 9 years old daughter to write an article about it.

It's all fun and games until she meet prince charming and starts acting like an idiot!

I've read 50 pages, until she tries to learn Korean to impress a "boy"...

You're a grown-up married woman! Get your s$%!t together! 😵‍💫

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a sweet story, but I wouldn't consider it a romance. It was incredibly nice to read a book with a middle-aged mom as the main character, but try as I might. I just couldn't relate to Cally. She was a little odd and immature. There were quite a few things that just didn't really make sense to me. Why were the staff constantly plying her with alcohol? I could see this at an adults only resort, but she was there with her daughter. It was weird. I did really love the setting and even the basic plot of the story. I think if she had been recently separated from her husband, I would have better feelings about it. I get that her husband is horrible, but she's still married and shouldn't have acted that way. I can't say I really bought her romance with Prince Charming either. It felt forced, and I really did think he was just playing his role most of the time. The parts when she actually spent time with her daughter were my favorite. She could have easily realized her need for a divorce by spending that time with her daughter and seeing the other happy families around her. Then introduce Prince Charming in the next book. Good writing and good idea. I just wish it had been done a little differently.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who never dreamed of Prince Charming or wanted to live in a fairytale castle?

Melissa John has written in Never Too Old for Fairytales a delightful story of the magic found within fairytales. Cally and her nine-year old daughter are invited to a fairytaleworld themepark to explore it, after which Cally is supposed to write a review about their experciences. In this park they meet the classic fairytale characters and even Prince Charming. But the fairytale world is different than the real word and Cally is about to find out what she really wants.

The book is divided into two parts, the first is about the classic fairytales, such as Cinderella and Snow White. I loved what she did to get those fairytales across. She connected the traditional fairytales to real-life. There are several pieces in the book where you can see that. The second part of the book is more about the troubles Cally faces in real life.

The writing style flows beautifully, with a relaxing style. Cally is a bit awkward and therefore she gets in humorous situations. Her daughter Lexi is lovely as well, a kid who wants to be a grown-up, but who still loves fairytales. And Prince Charming is just wonderful, he has more layers which makes him a very nice character. I loved what Melissa John has done to this character. The themepark comes across great as well, just like a fairytale world should look like, with beautiful descriptions, you can see it in your mind. The story does not end with a real Happy-Ever-After, but with questions which I love to learn about in the sequel.

Never Too Old for Fairytales by Melissa John is a wonderful novel, filled with magic, humor and some romance, but also with real-life problems. Whether you are a (secret) lover of fairytales or someone seeking some time out of the real world, this book is a great and relaxing novel to read.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover and blurb are what initially drew me into this book but wow this author more than delivered on what she promised.

Let's start off and say that I love books where the mc is older and more developed life wise, I find this helps the story feel more realistic and I connect to these characters more even though yes I am still in my early twenties. I loved Cally as an fmc, after being in a marriage that is less than happy she just wants time away with her daughter and she definitely didn't expect to fall in love while relaxing but she got more than what she bargained for.

Melissa did an amazing job of not only building the world around these characters but also the connection. I could feel the spark between the two mcs from the moment they meet. I really liked these two together and while I didn't like that Cally wasn't divorced or at least separated from her husband while she's falling in love it does make the story line more interesting. As the title states this is a very whimsical fairy tale esq read, this is a light rom com that I read after a darker book and it did everything I thought it would.

I would recommend this book to all my romance lovers who not only love a HEA but amazing characters and cute moments that keep your head stuck in a book even when you know you should be doing something else.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

[NO SPOILERS] *ARC READ* This book had a really nice message that I think was empowering toward all audiences, not just the target one. In this novel, a mother and her daughter go on holiday to an extravagant fairy tale resort where the MC, Cally, finds herself and what she truly wants out of life—including a fairy tale prince. The world-building in this novel was insane. I literally felt like I could see the surreal nature of the resort through the lens of the characters. I will admit that in regard to Cally feeling out of touch with the younger generation, the slang her daughter uses is a bit outdated but that’s such a small thing that it doesn’t detract from the novel. One thing that I will make a note of is that while Cally is pursuing her attraction to Prince Charming, she is still married to her husband back home, even if it is unhappily. It’s clear that she plans to leave him, however, and their relationship is more symbolic than sexual so I don’t believe it crosses many boundaries. I liked the way this book took a woman who appears relatively average and relatable and shows that she too can find happiness. 3.5/5 stars.

[Marissa (rissareads13) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Rounded Up

Cally gets to have the vacation of a lifetime, all on her job’s dime. As a writer who specializes in family matters she goes to a high-end Fairy tale hotel with her daughter to write a review for the all-inclusive resort. While there, Cally rediscovers parts of herself she thought was long lost and comes to question the life she’s accepted for herself. Can it be her turn for a fairy tale?

I enjoyed the premise of this book and connected with the main character and her struggles with adulting, being a good mom, and balancing a work life. But I didn’t particularly love the romance angle. Both main characters were likable enough, it just felt too forced and strained. The dynamics of the resort were well explored and I would have loved to see more of the background characters. Overall, the romance fell flat and could have been a women’s contemporary novel instead.

[Jessica Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story

Cally’s story is a sweet fulfillment of most every young girl’s fairytale dreams. This resort sounds amazing! Although I can imagine that it is ridiculously expensive. Who cares though! The point is not to worry about finances but indulge in the whimsical fantasies of childhood and youth come to life and as the title suggests, you are NEVER to old for fairytales. I wish there was a little more romantic tension but that’s mainly because I was craving some. The portrayal of her relationship with her daughter, Lexi, is so heartwarming and special. And I truly appreciate that author maintains integrity in her characters, particularly in Cally and Jisung. True, her marriage sucks but she is still married.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost through much of this book. Main character, Cally, also an author who is writing her experience and went into this with her daughter, Lexi. Lexi was absent through most of the story, a big ? for me and she is a working mom who is heading back after this week of 'princess finding' with a relationship with one of the Prince Charmings not to mention she is married upon her arrival and is now hating her husband and supposedly getting a divorce. Too many questions regarding storyline and total lack of morals especially if including her daughter.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[C.W. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a second-chance romance later in life type of story, but while there was a romance, I felt it was more of a women’s fiction with romantic elements, of a disillusioned woman who may just have another shot at her HEA later in life. And honestly, I enjoyed it a lot! I loved reading about Cally’s journey to find herself again, and her relationship with her tween daughter. I also loved the fairytale resort setting, it reminded me so much of Disney.

The romance is sweet and no-spice (they only kiss at the end), and has a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I’m looking forward to book 2!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Too Old for Fairy Tales by @melissajohnauthor is a charming story of rediscovering whimsy amidst the twist and turns of life. 🏰 When Cally and her daughter, Lexi, venture out on their own for an all-expenses-paid to Fairy-Tale Wonderland, Cally's only hope is for her daughter to have fun and to snag a promotion writing a review for the resort. 📝 Instead, Cally finds herself on a journey of self discovery as she is enchanted by the spectacular resort.

This story made me laugh, cry, and hold my puppers tight. I cannot wait for the second installment to be released. 😍

[Kerry Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! This book has my heart, it was easy to read, it was funny, heart wrenching, happy, sad and just a lovely story. The characters and the story grab you from the first page and makes you want to continue in this fairytale of dreams. It’s what every little girl or grown up has dreamt of at some point in their lives. And oh how magical it would be to have this wonderland made into a real holiday resort, I would be the first to book a holiday there. Disney wouldn’t stand a chance if this wonderland was reality!! And it goes to show that no one is ever too old……

[Tanya Royalty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a spectacular (😉) job of making the reader feel like they are a part of the story. The words were so descriptive, I felt like I was a part of the fairytale. People get so busy in every day life, that we forget what it’s like to have dreams and what it was like to believe in fairytales. It was such a cute story and I really enjoyed it!

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.

[Adriane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 stars. This is a shorter, light-hearted rom-com. It had a slow start that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy (maybe I’m just not patient enough). I liked the main female character though and continued, and about 2/3 through the book, wham! it sped up and I was there for the ride. There is a sequel coming and I can’t wait to read it.

[Amy Lierz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet PG-13 almost romance. Journalist Cally Jackson and her daughter have a once in a lifetime opportunity to be princesses and experience a week at a fairy tale resort. This escape is just the jolt that Cally needs to realize she is a shell of herself and her marriage is no longer one of love or romance. There is self discovery, budding new romance, and the opportunity for reflection on childhood dreams of Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters.

[Meghan Mell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book, it did take me a bit to really get into it. I won't lie, I didn't really see where it was going. But I hit that point I a book where it sucks you in! And I fell in love with Cally finding herself!

The detail in this book, made me feel like I was on the holiday with them! I am very much a sucker for a hopeless romantic anything! And Never too Old for Fairy Tales hits all that!

Can't wait for Callys next chaper!

[Amy Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get this book!! It’s a magical, heartwarming story about Cally, a relatable, exhausted, hilarious mum with a horrible husband, who experiences a fairytale. It’s the kind of thing all women wish for!
I couldn’t put it down, it put me in the best mood. Loved it so much! This is my first review on here as this is honestly the only book I’ve felt the need to review!

[Melissa Mccrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took a minute for me to get my visualizations right. However, once I got into the book I couldn’t help but feel each emotion of the main character, Cally. If you’re looking for a feel good romance, this will leave you wishing you could read the next book now. During Cally’s emotional journey, I really started to wish for happiness for her. I hope she gets her happily ever after.

[Savanna Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great adventure! As a mom of 3 daughters, I instantly loved the storyline! With very detailed imagery and relatable characters, this book gets a 5 Star rating from me! Truly a classic fairy tale with a modern spin! Cannot wait for the next part of this story, because my heart is officially invested!

[Rebecca Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never too old for fairy tales was refreshing. It was a magical story which I absolutely loved. Prince charming was a dream and Cally was a hoot. I only wish it finished with a happy ending like all fairy tales do. A sequel means more reading about the characters i have grown to love so I guess I can't complain.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a warm hearted book about a mum in a toxic relationship finding her way and finding her true heart's desire. She learns to love her self and discover her own needs away from being mum and wife. I laughed, I cried and quite frankly I discovered I really don't need smut in a book.
So come find your very own prince charming and join us who have been on this ride.

[Katelyn Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fairy tale lover this story sounded amazing. Throw in clearly hidden k-pop references and I was in literary heaven. As someone who worked in a real life place like the setting of the story I connected with the magic and joy that was created. This story is fun and exciting and makes you believe in following your heart.

[Ebony Gough · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had really good potential. I loved the cover. I loved the title. But honestly I was a bit disappointed. I got the ick with the love story because I couldn’t shake the fact that SHE IS MARRIED WITH A CHILD….WHO IS ON HOLIDAY WITH HER. Also the characters were written to be quite immature in my opinion. Not my fave unfortunately

[Brynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this book and the little girl in me loved the magical feel of it. However, the adult in me felt that this was a little bit juvenile and I wasn’t a fan of some of the themes. Worth the read if you’re a Disney adult that could use a little magic in your life.

[Jenny Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick escape from reality!

At first, I thought this book wasn't for me, but it was!

I was engaged the whole time! I love how the author immerses you in the fairy tale theme park, the reminders of how important family is, and how quickly your life flies by.

Details were vivid, the characters relatable, and the love story was beyond sweet!

I can't wait to read more about Cally's future!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good fairytale and most people want one…
Loved the story and can’t wait to read the next one.

Anyone with a terrible husband and life should be able to get away from it and find themselves in a better place

[Sams_Fantasy_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely lighthearted fairytale, Cally the main female character, was so believable that I could have imagined myself in her shoes.  It is a very enjoyable story and I can't wait to find out what happens next.