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The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway
Since her mother’s death, Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway has been determined that nothing in her life will change ever again. That’s why she keeps extensive lists in journals, has had only one friend since childhood, and looks forward to the monotony of working the ren faire circuit with her father. Until she arrives at her mother’s favourite end-of-tour stop to find the faire is under new management and completely changed.
Meeting Arthur, the son of the new owners and an actual lute-playing bard, messes up Maddie’s plans even more. For some reason, he wants to be her friend - and ropes her into becoming Princess of the Faire. Now Maddie is overseeing a faire dramatically changed from what her mother loved and going on road trips vastly different from the routine she used to rely on. Worst of all, she’s kind of having fun.
Ashley Schumacher's The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is filled with a wise old magician who sells potion bottles, gallant knights who are afraid of horses and ride camels instead, kings with a fondness for theatrics, a lazy river castle moat with inflatable crocodile floaties, and a plus-sized heroine with a wide-open heart... if only she just admits it.
Meeting Arthur, the son of the new owners and an actual lute-playing bard, messes up Maddie’s plans even more. For some reason, he wants to be her friend - and ropes her into becoming Princess of the Faire. Now Maddie is overseeing a faire dramatically changed from what her mother loved and going on road trips vastly different from the routine she used to rely on. Worst of all, she’s kind of having fun.
Ashley Schumacher's The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is filled with a wise old magician who sells potion bottles, gallant knights who are afraid of horses and ride camels instead, kings with a fondness for theatrics, a lazy river castle moat with inflatable crocodile floaties, and a plus-sized heroine with a wide-open heart... if only she just admits it.
Audio CD
First published March 14, 2023
42 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ashley Schumacher
7 books559 followersAshley Schumacher is an author of whimsical and romantic books for teens and adults with a degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas. A full-time writer, she feels more than a little vindicated for having spent lots of math classes reading beneath her desk. When Ashley isn’t working, you’ll most likely find her playing cozy video games, planning trips to far-off places, leafing through the folklore and fairytale anthologies she is always acquiring “for research”, or traipsing about her North Texas home with her husband and son.
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March 1, 2023
I had so many five starred readings lately. But in my opinion; some books deserve extra shiny plus star to be differentiated and praised for its brilliance! This is absolutely one of them that deserves six starred review! This book is so sentimental, sweet, motivating, heartwarming!
Could you fall in love with a book as soon as you read its first chapter? That’s what happened to me! We meet with ten years old Madeline Hathaway who is raised in Faire circuit, carrying a magical coin that gives her true answers each time she flips, worrying about her mom’s health issues and questioning the fate.
She meets with mysterious Wizened Old Wizard who wants her three precious belongings in exchange of great advice. Then he gives her a tiny globe at the middle of delicate gold chain as he advises her taming the world with kindness. Next day she comes back to meet him, she realizes he vanished into thin air as if he’s never been there!
We move forward to meet with 17 years old Madeline who lost her mother nearly one year ago, still grieving, traveling around in their RV with her father, planning to spend her summer stick on her routine: reading her comics, applying her special hair and face treatments, staying away from the crowd!
But one thing she didn’t expect is meeting with Arthur, joyful lute playing bard, who is the son of Faire’s new owners, calling her Gwen short for his Guinevere, invading her comfort zone to become her friend!
She finds herself as faire’s new princess, saluting to people, walking along with two kings.
She also finds herself joining road trips with Arthur, discovering the fabulous attractions around Oklahoma.
She breaks her promises to open her heart to new people! She doesn’t want to get connected because there’s always risk to lose them forever. After losing her mother, she cannot get through from another hurt!
But Arthur already got her under her skin. She rejects to become friends with him from the beginning but now she realizes she wants to be more than friends with him.
Madeline has to learn loving herself, embracing her body shape, her insecurities, opening her heart to love, kindness, friendship! Could she tame her life for her own happiness?
I loved this book so much! I even loved it more than author’s fantastic debut “ Amelia Unabridged “!
I loved to see how Madeline’s character got out of her cocoon, embracing the change and dear Arthur was so patient, caring, sweet mud pie!
Both of their dads earned so many hugs!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Could you fall in love with a book as soon as you read its first chapter? That’s what happened to me! We meet with ten years old Madeline Hathaway who is raised in Faire circuit, carrying a magical coin that gives her true answers each time she flips, worrying about her mom’s health issues and questioning the fate.
She meets with mysterious Wizened Old Wizard who wants her three precious belongings in exchange of great advice. Then he gives her a tiny globe at the middle of delicate gold chain as he advises her taming the world with kindness. Next day she comes back to meet him, she realizes he vanished into thin air as if he’s never been there!
We move forward to meet with 17 years old Madeline who lost her mother nearly one year ago, still grieving, traveling around in their RV with her father, planning to spend her summer stick on her routine: reading her comics, applying her special hair and face treatments, staying away from the crowd!
But one thing she didn’t expect is meeting with Arthur, joyful lute playing bard, who is the son of Faire’s new owners, calling her Gwen short for his Guinevere, invading her comfort zone to become her friend!
She finds herself as faire’s new princess, saluting to people, walking along with two kings.
She also finds herself joining road trips with Arthur, discovering the fabulous attractions around Oklahoma.
She breaks her promises to open her heart to new people! She doesn’t want to get connected because there’s always risk to lose them forever. After losing her mother, she cannot get through from another hurt!
But Arthur already got her under her skin. She rejects to become friends with him from the beginning but now she realizes she wants to be more than friends with him.
Madeline has to learn loving herself, embracing her body shape, her insecurities, opening her heart to love, kindness, friendship! Could she tame her life for her own happiness?
I loved this book so much! I even loved it more than author’s fantastic debut “ Amelia Unabridged “!
I loved to see how Madeline’s character got out of her cocoon, embracing the change and dear Arthur was so patient, caring, sweet mud pie!
Both of their dads earned so many hugs!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
November 18, 2022
AS really said “let me write ‘well met,’ but for teens.”
and she did a decent job. the setting is fun if you enjoy ren faires, the characters are cool if you enjoy teenage humour, and the story is engaging if you enjoy messages about coping, growth, and identity. it ticks all the boxes for a YA contemporary novel.
that being said, this did feel a little too simple, a little too basic for me. everything important is given in the synopsis, so it never felt like i was discovering anything new in the story. but i do think, for what this is, its okay.
thanks for the ARC, st. martins press/wednesday books!
↠ 2.5 stars
and she did a decent job. the setting is fun if you enjoy ren faires, the characters are cool if you enjoy teenage humour, and the story is engaging if you enjoy messages about coping, growth, and identity. it ticks all the boxes for a YA contemporary novel.
that being said, this did feel a little too simple, a little too basic for me. everything important is given in the synopsis, so it never felt like i was discovering anything new in the story. but i do think, for what this is, its okay.
thanks for the ARC, st. martins press/wednesday books!
↠ 2.5 stars
October 22, 2022
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway was the first book that I had read by Ashley Schumacher. Although I would consider The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway a YA book it had the right amount of inspiration and heartbreak to make it a very enjoyable read. As soon as I began reading it I found myself totally immersed in this well plotted book and so invested in its diverse characters. The setting was a Renaissance Faire. What a perfect setting! It brought back fond memories of when I took my own children to the local Renaissance Faire that was held each year as they were growing up. In The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway the inner workings of a Faire were explored and included the extravagant presentations and parades the employees of the Faire prepared for the attendees, the elaborate costumes the employees wore and the varied shops that the employees manned. Ashley Schumacher created a story that was funny, heartfelt and magical. I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Madeline Hathaway was an only child. She was brought up on the Faire circuit so her life was quite different from children who grew up in a permanent home and attended a public school. Madeline’s mom and dad homeschooled her. She and her mom and dad lived in a blue RV that they named Britomart. Maddie did not have a lot of friends but Fatima remained her good friend even though Fatima and her family no longer were part of the Faire circuit.
When Maddie was ten years old, she decided to take the coin that had been in her mother’s family for generations from her mother’s jewelry satchel. Maddie decided that she would flip the coin to see if the coin would tell her if her mother was going to get better. Her mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer. All the doctors were optimistic and felt that her mother’s cancer was treatable. When Madeline flipped the coin, though, it told her no, the cancer was not treatable. After that Madeline left Britomart, her family’s RV and wandered around the Faire that they were at that day. She encountered a wizened old wizard behind a counter of a shop. Madeline wondered if the wizard could predict a new fate for her mother and erase the one the coin predicted. The wizard told Madeline that he would listen to her question and give her his best advise. In order to get the advise, Madeline had to return the next day with three of her most valued items. Before Madeline left, the wizard predicted that Madeline was expecting certainty and he told her that no such thing existed. The wizard did not want Madeline to leave empty handed so he handed her a necklace with a tiny globe on it. Then he told her that the globe represented the world. The wizard confirmed that the world “can be vast and cruel. But it can, sometimes be shrunken and tamed. Sometimes, if you’re clever, you can find ways to make it kinder.” Then the wizard added, “ You say you don’t believe in fate, but I believe you do, and I believe it’s your fate to decide what taming the world means for you.” The wizard went on to say, “ I think your fate will surprise you, my young friend. Keep the necklace. It is my gift to you.” Madeline put the necklace on. That night before she went to bed, Madeline selected three treasures to bring to the wizard the next day but when Madeline went back the stall to ask the wizard if he thought the coin could have been wrong, the stall was empty. Madeline never saw the wizard again. He had simply disappeared. Madeline never got the answer to her question.
Seven years later, Madeline was now seventeen years old, and her and her dad had recently arrived at Stormsworth, her mother’s favorite Faire. Madeline’s mother had died almost a year ago and Madeline was still grieving for her, as was her father. When they arrived at Stormsworth, Madeline noticed that someone had made major changes to the existing structures. This made Madeline sad because her mom died close to when they were supposed to leave Stormsworth last year. Madeline wanted to remember Stormsworth as her mother had seen it. What Madeline discovered, though, was that the new owners had built a new and very impressive castle and even a moat. As Madeline was taking it all in, she was greeted by a young bard that carried a lute. Madeline would soon learn that the bard’s name was Arthur and that his fathers were the new owners of the Faire. Arthur immediately dubbed Madeline, Gwen after Guinevere from King Arthur’s court. Madeline was a creature of habit. To cope with her mother’s loss and the thoughts of loosing anyone else, Madeline kept journals in which she recorded everything she noticed. Arthur’s presence at Stormsworth threatened to upset the type of summer Madeline had anticipated her and her dad would have. Madeline had planned to figure out how to live with the one year anniversary of her mother’s death that was approaching very soon and help her dad in their shop. Arthur had other plans. He slowly wiggled himself into “Gwen’s” life. He persuaded “Gwen” to become the princess of Stormsworth. Arthur planned trips for “Gwen’s Discovery Program”. He attended to her every need and Arthur made her laugh. Madeline saw herself as a seventeen year old girl who was fat, motherless and smart. Could Arthur help Maddie love herself again? Could Maddie open her heart and let Arthur in? Could they become friends or even more?
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher was inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I really enjoyed Gwen’s and Arthur’s characters. My heart went out to Maddie as she grieved for her mother. Loosing a mother at the impressionable age Maddie was at was a loss that was beyond comparison. It was good that she had a therapist but Arthur seemed to be the piece of the puzzle that Madeline/Gwen had needed to help her move on. Arthur instilled her with self confidence again and helped her accept and love her body. Madeline/Gwen transformed into a girl who became more assertive and self assured. The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway was about grief, family, friendship, trust, letting go, fate and choices. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for allowing me to read this ARC of The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher that I won in a goodreads give away in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for March 14, 2022.
Madeline Hathaway was an only child. She was brought up on the Faire circuit so her life was quite different from children who grew up in a permanent home and attended a public school. Madeline’s mom and dad homeschooled her. She and her mom and dad lived in a blue RV that they named Britomart. Maddie did not have a lot of friends but Fatima remained her good friend even though Fatima and her family no longer were part of the Faire circuit.
When Maddie was ten years old, she decided to take the coin that had been in her mother’s family for generations from her mother’s jewelry satchel. Maddie decided that she would flip the coin to see if the coin would tell her if her mother was going to get better. Her mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer. All the doctors were optimistic and felt that her mother’s cancer was treatable. When Madeline flipped the coin, though, it told her no, the cancer was not treatable. After that Madeline left Britomart, her family’s RV and wandered around the Faire that they were at that day. She encountered a wizened old wizard behind a counter of a shop. Madeline wondered if the wizard could predict a new fate for her mother and erase the one the coin predicted. The wizard told Madeline that he would listen to her question and give her his best advise. In order to get the advise, Madeline had to return the next day with three of her most valued items. Before Madeline left, the wizard predicted that Madeline was expecting certainty and he told her that no such thing existed. The wizard did not want Madeline to leave empty handed so he handed her a necklace with a tiny globe on it. Then he told her that the globe represented the world. The wizard confirmed that the world “can be vast and cruel. But it can, sometimes be shrunken and tamed. Sometimes, if you’re clever, you can find ways to make it kinder.” Then the wizard added, “ You say you don’t believe in fate, but I believe you do, and I believe it’s your fate to decide what taming the world means for you.” The wizard went on to say, “ I think your fate will surprise you, my young friend. Keep the necklace. It is my gift to you.” Madeline put the necklace on. That night before she went to bed, Madeline selected three treasures to bring to the wizard the next day but when Madeline went back the stall to ask the wizard if he thought the coin could have been wrong, the stall was empty. Madeline never saw the wizard again. He had simply disappeared. Madeline never got the answer to her question.
Seven years later, Madeline was now seventeen years old, and her and her dad had recently arrived at Stormsworth, her mother’s favorite Faire. Madeline’s mother had died almost a year ago and Madeline was still grieving for her, as was her father. When they arrived at Stormsworth, Madeline noticed that someone had made major changes to the existing structures. This made Madeline sad because her mom died close to when they were supposed to leave Stormsworth last year. Madeline wanted to remember Stormsworth as her mother had seen it. What Madeline discovered, though, was that the new owners had built a new and very impressive castle and even a moat. As Madeline was taking it all in, she was greeted by a young bard that carried a lute. Madeline would soon learn that the bard’s name was Arthur and that his fathers were the new owners of the Faire. Arthur immediately dubbed Madeline, Gwen after Guinevere from King Arthur’s court. Madeline was a creature of habit. To cope with her mother’s loss and the thoughts of loosing anyone else, Madeline kept journals in which she recorded everything she noticed. Arthur’s presence at Stormsworth threatened to upset the type of summer Madeline had anticipated her and her dad would have. Madeline had planned to figure out how to live with the one year anniversary of her mother’s death that was approaching very soon and help her dad in their shop. Arthur had other plans. He slowly wiggled himself into “Gwen’s” life. He persuaded “Gwen” to become the princess of Stormsworth. Arthur planned trips for “Gwen’s Discovery Program”. He attended to her every need and Arthur made her laugh. Madeline saw herself as a seventeen year old girl who was fat, motherless and smart. Could Arthur help Maddie love herself again? Could Maddie open her heart and let Arthur in? Could they become friends or even more?
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher was inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. I really enjoyed Gwen’s and Arthur’s characters. My heart went out to Maddie as she grieved for her mother. Loosing a mother at the impressionable age Maddie was at was a loss that was beyond comparison. It was good that she had a therapist but Arthur seemed to be the piece of the puzzle that Madeline/Gwen had needed to help her move on. Arthur instilled her with self confidence again and helped her accept and love her body. Madeline/Gwen transformed into a girl who became more assertive and self assured. The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway was about grief, family, friendship, trust, letting go, fate and choices. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for allowing me to read this ARC of The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher that I won in a goodreads give away in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for March 14, 2022.
May 9, 2025
💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is a charming-YA Contemporary Romantic Comedy set at a Renaissance Faire.
If that description sounds even slightly alluring to you, you need to pick this up posthaste.
In this story we follow 17-year old, Maddie Hathaway, who has traveled and worked the Faire circuit with her parents her whole life. Maddie doesn't attend regular school and has had only one really close friend.
A lot has changed over the last year for Maddie though. Her good friend and their family have left the circuit, so they are forced into long-distance friendship. The most devastating change though is that Maddie's Mom has passed away, leaving her and her Dad to travel the circuit alone.
It's understandably left a huge hole in their lives and while they are still close, they have a more difficult time connecting without Mom around.
When we meet Maddie, they are just getting to the final stop of the season, a place in Oklahoma that was her Mom's favorite. This seems fitting as the one-year anniversary of her passing is going to happen while they are there.
Unfortunately, the property is under new management and a lot has changed.
Being back at this place and seeing the changes sends Maddie for a bit of loop. She is struggling and feels alone. Her Dad keeps himself busy with work and Faire friends, so it gives Maddie a lot of time to just be in her own head. Sometimes that is not a comfortable place to be.
Then we meet Arthur. A jovial and fun-loving bard, son to the new owners, who sets his sights on Maddie, christens her Gwen, as in Guinevere, and then refuses to leave her alone, no matter how much Maddie tries to shut him down.
We are talking the teen grumpy-sunshine set-up of my dreams. Once Arthur and Maddie meet, I was unable to look away. They are just so cute.
I loved how wholesome this story felt. I generally wouldn't use that word, but I don't know, it just seems to fit here. It was such a great examination of IRL-issues, while also bringing such warm humor and charm.
The setting of the Faire is so well done. I love how the Faire shapes the action. It's not just stated as the backdrop to sell copies, it actually is an integral part of the story.
I feel like a lot of Readers will be able to connect with this one. As an exploration of grief and confidence issues, I can't give it higher marks. I also liked the way Maddie's character grew over the course of the story.
As Maddie was able to let down her walls, the world opened for her in such a positive way. I know this is a standalone, but I would love more of this story and these characters.
Maddie is at such an important point in her life, the end of high school, and I would love to see what choices she makes for herself in the future.
Initially, I gave this one 4.5-stars, but the more I have sat with the story, thought about it, talked about it, recommended it to people, the more in love with it I am.
I laughed, I cried, I became so invested in Maddie's life and outcome; how could I not bump this up to 5-stars?
If you love witty banter and humor, paired with the honest exploration of real-world issues, you have to check this out; particularly if you a fan of Renaissance Faires. Additionally, I think this could be a great story for parents and teens to read together. I think it could open up some great dialogue.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
This is the first novel I have read from Ashley Shumacher and I am definitely excited to read more of their work in the future!
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is a charming-YA Contemporary Romantic Comedy set at a Renaissance Faire.
If that description sounds even slightly alluring to you, you need to pick this up posthaste.
In this story we follow 17-year old, Maddie Hathaway, who has traveled and worked the Faire circuit with her parents her whole life. Maddie doesn't attend regular school and has had only one really close friend.
A lot has changed over the last year for Maddie though. Her good friend and their family have left the circuit, so they are forced into long-distance friendship. The most devastating change though is that Maddie's Mom has passed away, leaving her and her Dad to travel the circuit alone.
It's understandably left a huge hole in their lives and while they are still close, they have a more difficult time connecting without Mom around.
When we meet Maddie, they are just getting to the final stop of the season, a place in Oklahoma that was her Mom's favorite. This seems fitting as the one-year anniversary of her passing is going to happen while they are there.
Unfortunately, the property is under new management and a lot has changed.
Being back at this place and seeing the changes sends Maddie for a bit of loop. She is struggling and feels alone. Her Dad keeps himself busy with work and Faire friends, so it gives Maddie a lot of time to just be in her own head. Sometimes that is not a comfortable place to be.
Then we meet Arthur. A jovial and fun-loving bard, son to the new owners, who sets his sights on Maddie, christens her Gwen, as in Guinevere, and then refuses to leave her alone, no matter how much Maddie tries to shut him down.
We are talking the teen grumpy-sunshine set-up of my dreams. Once Arthur and Maddie meet, I was unable to look away. They are just so cute.
I loved how wholesome this story felt. I generally wouldn't use that word, but I don't know, it just seems to fit here. It was such a great examination of IRL-issues, while also bringing such warm humor and charm.
The setting of the Faire is so well done. I love how the Faire shapes the action. It's not just stated as the backdrop to sell copies, it actually is an integral part of the story.
I feel like a lot of Readers will be able to connect with this one. As an exploration of grief and confidence issues, I can't give it higher marks. I also liked the way Maddie's character grew over the course of the story.
As Maddie was able to let down her walls, the world opened for her in such a positive way. I know this is a standalone, but I would love more of this story and these characters.
Maddie is at such an important point in her life, the end of high school, and I would love to see what choices she makes for herself in the future.
Initially, I gave this one 4.5-stars, but the more I have sat with the story, thought about it, talked about it, recommended it to people, the more in love with it I am.
I laughed, I cried, I became so invested in Maddie's life and outcome; how could I not bump this up to 5-stars?
If you love witty banter and humor, paired with the honest exploration of real-world issues, you have to check this out; particularly if you a fan of Renaissance Faires. Additionally, I think this could be a great story for parents and teens to read together. I think it could open up some great dialogue.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
This is the first novel I have read from Ashley Shumacher and I am definitely excited to read more of their work in the future!
March 15, 2023
It's been nearly one year since Madeline's mom died. She grew up with her parents on the renaissance faire circuit, being homeschooled and helping her parents with their faire booth. Now it's just her and her dad and Maddie finds herself scared she'll forget things about those she loves, so she keeps a journal, marking down "noticings" of everything that happens. Then she meets Arthur, the son of the owners of her latest faire. Arthur seems determined to break through Maddie's walls and become her friend, inviting her to become the Princess of the faire. Maddie doesn't want to get attached to anyone ever again, but Arthur makes it pretty difficult.
This is such a sweet book that delves into the insecurities of teenage life and the difficulties of grief and loss. Maddie (nicknamed "Gwen" by Arthur) is a lovely character recovering from the loss of her mother. She is a darling introvert and the book does an excellent job of portraying her awkwardness and her body issues. It's so wonderful to see a book that discusses a character who is awkward, overweight, funny, and kind. I really loved Maddie. And Arthur is a genuine and kind character as well, being raised by two dads (!) in a castle. There are a ton of fun ren faire references. Maddie and Arthur's romance is a slow, gentle one. This is not a steamy book, but it's a touching one. Their family and friends are witty and cute. I was a bit frustrated with some of the misunderstandings (Maddie thinking Arthur liked another girl, for instance). Overall, this is a very sweet YA story, though. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. I also won a copy from Goodreads as a giveaway - thank you!
This is such a sweet book that delves into the insecurities of teenage life and the difficulties of grief and loss. Maddie (nicknamed "Gwen" by Arthur) is a lovely character recovering from the loss of her mother. She is a darling introvert and the book does an excellent job of portraying her awkwardness and her body issues. It's so wonderful to see a book that discusses a character who is awkward, overweight, funny, and kind. I really loved Maddie. And Arthur is a genuine and kind character as well, being raised by two dads (!) in a castle. There are a ton of fun ren faire references. Maddie and Arthur's romance is a slow, gentle one. This is not a steamy book, but it's a touching one. Their family and friends are witty and cute. I was a bit frustrated with some of the misunderstandings (Maddie thinking Arthur liked another girl, for instance). Overall, this is a very sweet YA story, though. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. I also won a copy from Goodreads as a giveaway - thank you!
March 14, 2024
3 Stars for The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway (audiobook) Ashley Schumacher read by Ellie Gossage.
This was a cute coming of age story set in the world of the renaissance fair. Gwen is dealing with her mother’s death and everything around her is suddenly changing. If she can get over her own issues then maybe she’ll see that the new people around her are accepting and loving.
This was a cute coming of age story set in the world of the renaissance fair. Gwen is dealing with her mother’s death and everything around her is suddenly changing. If she can get over her own issues then maybe she’ll see that the new people around her are accepting and loving.
November 24, 2022
Review coming soon.
December 29, 2022
Wonderfully, perfectly adorable. I laughed, I got misty eyed, I swooned. This was such a surprise!
Imagine traveling most of the year to Renaissance Festivals selling goods and chatting with all the locals you know from year to year. That is Madeline's life. But this last year has been tough, her mother passed and it's been an almost year of firsts - all the firsts without her mom. Finally, they are at the final RenFest her mom got to go to before she passed and Maddie is ready to just be quiet at this one - reflect, do her coping mechanisms and get through this final first. But as soon as she arrives, so does an odd Bard.
This story was so many things. Maddie's struggle to find her new "normal" was just heartbreaking but also inspiring. It was easy to imagine what she was going through and feel her pain. Arthur was the perfect serenading bard. His adventures and sweetness was just a perfect mix of hilarious and chaotic. You really can't help but love him. There were so many laugh out loud moments but also heartfelt special moments, it was easy to completely forget you were reading a book instead of spending a fun hour with friends. I loved this one, every moment of it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Imagine traveling most of the year to Renaissance Festivals selling goods and chatting with all the locals you know from year to year. That is Madeline's life. But this last year has been tough, her mother passed and it's been an almost year of firsts - all the firsts without her mom. Finally, they are at the final RenFest her mom got to go to before she passed and Maddie is ready to just be quiet at this one - reflect, do her coping mechanisms and get through this final first. But as soon as she arrives, so does an odd Bard.
This story was so many things. Maddie's struggle to find her new "normal" was just heartbreaking but also inspiring. It was easy to imagine what she was going through and feel her pain. Arthur was the perfect serenading bard. His adventures and sweetness was just a perfect mix of hilarious and chaotic. You really can't help but love him. There were so many laugh out loud moments but also heartfelt special moments, it was easy to completely forget you were reading a book instead of spending a fun hour with friends. I loved this one, every moment of it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 9, 2022
Ashley's words will always work for me. Just, yes. My heart is happy.
September 23, 2023
MY HEART! The emotional maturity between Maddie and Arthur is beyond! 🫶🏽 So many nuggets of wisdom.
4.25 ⭐️
4.25 ⭐️
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March 13, 2023I read this months ago, and there is a lot to like, in particular the lovely way the author evokes the best aspects of Renaissance Faires. Brought back happy memories of the first Faire, up above Malibu, more than fifty years ago, at which I worked for several years before grad school and jobs ate my life.
This book is, I think, meant for a very young audience. Our heroine lost her mother, and is pretty woeful; a boy encounters her, and persists in a friendly, ever-present way to bring her out of her Slough of Despond and to enjoy life, and the Faire.
On the surface, it's a sweet, slow-burn summer romance. But an old, crabbed reader like me, who looks back on experiences of self and others I know (far too many others) with stalker men who know what's good for you whether you like it or not shadowed the book with creep vibes that I am very sure the author did not intend. But we bring our own experiences to every read. Then there was the implication that it takes relationship with a guy to cure what's ailing' ya. Urk.
In short, I'd say, adults, read it first before handing it off to your young reader. If that reader is reading for the Faire, go for it! Anything else, it might be a great book to springboard talking things through. I'd love to see what else this author writes.
This book is, I think, meant for a very young audience. Our heroine lost her mother, and is pretty woeful; a boy encounters her, and persists in a friendly, ever-present way to bring her out of her Slough of Despond and to enjoy life, and the Faire.
On the surface, it's a sweet, slow-burn summer romance. But an old, crabbed reader like me, who looks back on experiences of self and others I know (far too many others) with stalker men who know what's good for you whether you like it or not shadowed the book with creep vibes that I am very sure the author did not intend. But we bring our own experiences to every read. Then there was the implication that it takes relationship with a guy to cure what's ailing' ya. Urk.
In short, I'd say, adults, read it first before handing it off to your young reader. If that reader is reading for the Faire, go for it! Anything else, it might be a great book to springboard talking things through. I'd love to see what else this author writes.
August 14, 2022
This is the book for a renaissance fair romance fans! Ashley Schumacher always seems to bring the feels. I'm not going to lie, I liked this cute grumpy-sunshine young adult contemporary romance and setting was so much fun.
Above all, The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is fast paced fun with angst! It's one of those books where time flew by and I got entirely swept up by the story!
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Above all, The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is fast paced fun with angst! It's one of those books where time flew by and I got entirely swept up by the story!
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2023
October 22, 2025Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books
June 16, 2023
A laid back, cutesy YA contemporary romance with a fun setting and some good inclusivity. There were a lot of difficult topics covered in the narrative, but they weren't too heavily investigated. The tone stayed moderately light though there were moments of contemplation and some good information/considerations in the interactions of the characters. Speaking of characters, they were rather sweet and cute - Arthur in particular was quite fun. There are some good discussions about grief and self-confidence. The story reads really easily and quickly, making it a great comfort read. A sweet, fun YA.
Want to read
September 22, 2024D.N.F’d it. Just could not get into this one.
June 20, 2023
Well, this book is just adorable. The whole time I read it I kept thinking - I would have loved this when I was younger. I wish my lil baby teenage self could read this and see HERSELF reflected in the main character. I will always support plus-size representation, especially in YA. 🙌🏼
Our dear protagonist (that I just want to dote on like a cool aunt) Madeline has always worked the Renaissance Faire circuit with her parents, but things have been vastly different since her mom passed away. She's just arrived at the year's last stop where she becomes friends with the local bard who has convinced her to be the Princess of the Faire, not just a lowly jewelry merchant. She's WAY outside of her comfort zone being the center of attention and she finds herself starting to like her new friend. 🥰
This book is jam-PACKED with plot. You've got a magic potion guy, you've got major parent grief, you've got a family heirloom decision-making coin, you've got summer road-trip adventures, you've got a renovated castle, you've got camel jousting, you've got fancy Princess costumes, you've got ex drama, you've got intense journals, you've got the bard’s mega loveable dads, and more Ren Faire language than you can shake a stick at. WHEW.
If you want a sweet, wholesome, cute, sentimental YA rom-com, this is your book.
I'm ready for the sequel (if Schumacher decides to grace us with one). AND to go to my first ever Renaissance Faire. Although I will fully be expecting for someone to randomly choose me to be the Princess now, of course.
Our dear protagonist (that I just want to dote on like a cool aunt) Madeline has always worked the Renaissance Faire circuit with her parents, but things have been vastly different since her mom passed away. She's just arrived at the year's last stop where she becomes friends with the local bard who has convinced her to be the Princess of the Faire, not just a lowly jewelry merchant. She's WAY outside of her comfort zone being the center of attention and she finds herself starting to like her new friend. 🥰
This book is jam-PACKED with plot. You've got a magic potion guy, you've got major parent grief, you've got a family heirloom decision-making coin, you've got summer road-trip adventures, you've got a renovated castle, you've got camel jousting, you've got fancy Princess costumes, you've got ex drama, you've got intense journals, you've got the bard’s mega loveable dads, and more Ren Faire language than you can shake a stick at. WHEW.
If you want a sweet, wholesome, cute, sentimental YA rom-com, this is your book.
I'm ready for the sequel (if Schumacher decides to grace us with one). AND to go to my first ever Renaissance Faire. Although I will fully be expecting for someone to randomly choose me to be the Princess now, of course.
September 20, 2024
Don't worry, someone didn't hack into my goodreads account and mark that I read a romance book. It's growth! I don't know why, but I haven't found a lot of enjoyment with romance. I don't mind it as a subplot, but I think I just needed to find my own niche within the genre. I guess a romance that takes place in a Ren Faire that also features lessons about dealing with grief and body image fears (from both a female and male perspective) is the kind of romance I really enjoyed. I'm not a fan of miscommunication, and there is a bit of that, and sometimes I was annoyed with the characters, although they are high school students falling in love, hence the 4 stars. Overall, I really enjoyed this! It makes me want to read "Twelfth Knight" by Alexene Farol Follmuth. Maybe I just needed nerdy romance stories all along!
February 18, 2023
5 Stars
This book made me happy.
There's really not much more that I can say than that. There's nothing better than coming into a book not expecting much and being completely drawn into the world, the characters, the plot arc. I love this book so much.
My full review detailing exactly what Ashley Schumacher gets right here will be available March 3rd, 2023 at Gateway Reviews.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
This book made me happy.
There's really not much more that I can say than that. There's nothing better than coming into a book not expecting much and being completely drawn into the world, the characters, the plot arc. I love this book so much.
My full review detailing exactly what Ashley Schumacher gets right here will be available March 3rd, 2023 at Gateway Reviews.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
April 4, 2023
This book is about a pair of quirky, lovable insecure kids trying to make their way in the world.
Surprisingly charming, this book explores grief, loss, friendship, family, and first love. And I genuinely enjoyed every bit of it.
Maddie and Arthur are the definition of a grump x sunshine romance.
Maddie starts out very guarded. She is still dealing with the loss of her mother a year prior, and she's resolved that the only way to never feel that way again it record every memory of the people close to her and avoid letting anyone else new into her life. Lest she start to care about them and risk losing them as well.
Yet upon their first meeting, Arthur is having none of that. He is determined to be her friend. And his persistence quickly has him worming himself through Maddie's defenses as they spend the summer working at his fathers' ren faire are taking road trips together.
This book is just a delight, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, low-stakes YA romance.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Surprisingly charming, this book explores grief, loss, friendship, family, and first love. And I genuinely enjoyed every bit of it.
Maddie and Arthur are the definition of a grump x sunshine romance.
Maddie starts out very guarded. She is still dealing with the loss of her mother a year prior, and she's resolved that the only way to never feel that way again it record every memory of the people close to her and avoid letting anyone else new into her life. Lest she start to care about them and risk losing them as well.
Yet upon their first meeting, Arthur is having none of that. He is determined to be her friend. And his persistence quickly has him worming himself through Maddie's defenses as they spend the summer working at his fathers' ren faire are taking road trips together.
This book is just a delight, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, low-stakes YA romance.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
April 2, 2023
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher is a lovely, emotional young adult, romantic comedy that I just loved. The setting of a renaissance fair, and a delightful set of characters make this a wonderful book.
Story Recap:
Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway has worked the renaissance fair circuit with her parents for most of her life. Her mother passed away a year ago, and now it’s just her dad and her working the circuit. Now Madeline has decided that nothing more can change, because she can’t bear another loss, and she’s determined to keep it that way.
Madeline and her father return to the ren fair for the summer and realize the fair has new owners. And nothing is like it was before. She meets Authur, the son of the owners and he is determined to be her friend and called her Gwen, as she is his Guinevere. Eventually, Gwen realizes that change is ok and Arthur isn’t as bad as she first thought.
My Thoughts:
I love a good renaissance fair setting and I felt like I was at the fair with Gwen and Arthur. Gwen is stuck in her grief and needs help. Arthur isn’t the help she expected, but it turns out that he is the help she needs. Grief can be messy and everyone is different I thought the author did a wonderful job of handling this subject for the YA audience.
I enjoyed their slow-burn romance, loved both characters, and rooted for them during the entire book. I loved how Gwen and Arthur became friends first and then built on that friendship for something more. Arthur is a bit of a dork, and awkward at times, and that just endeared him to me.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway to anyone who enjoys young adult romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher is a lovely, emotional young adult, romantic comedy that I just loved. The setting of a renaissance fair, and a delightful set of characters make this a wonderful book.
Story Recap:
Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway has worked the renaissance fair circuit with her parents for most of her life. Her mother passed away a year ago, and now it’s just her dad and her working the circuit. Now Madeline has decided that nothing more can change, because she can’t bear another loss, and she’s determined to keep it that way.
Madeline and her father return to the ren fair for the summer and realize the fair has new owners. And nothing is like it was before. She meets Authur, the son of the owners and he is determined to be her friend and called her Gwen, as she is his Guinevere. Eventually, Gwen realizes that change is ok and Arthur isn’t as bad as she first thought.
My Thoughts:
I love a good renaissance fair setting and I felt like I was at the fair with Gwen and Arthur. Gwen is stuck in her grief and needs help. Arthur isn’t the help she expected, but it turns out that he is the help she needs. Grief can be messy and everyone is different I thought the author did a wonderful job of handling this subject for the YA audience.
I enjoyed their slow-burn romance, loved both characters, and rooted for them during the entire book. I loved how Gwen and Arthur became friends first and then built on that friendship for something more. Arthur is a bit of a dork, and awkward at times, and that just endeared him to me.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway to anyone who enjoys young adult romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 14, 2023
edit: out now!! (03.14.2023)
***
1 Sentence Summary: Madeline has been working the renaissance faire circuit with her parents ever since she was a child, but after her mother died it hasn’t been the same, especially when she finds out her mother’s favorite faire stop has been remodeled by new owners that also happen to have a son her age who ropes her into becoming princess of the faire.
My Thoughts: I liked this, but it wasn’t particularly amazing. It was well written and I really liked the theme of taming the world to make it kinder that was brought up a lot. And the renaissance faire aspect was interesting, though I thought it could have been fleshed out more.
My biggest complaint, however, was the characters. I just didn’t really care about them and they were all kind of annoying. And I didn’t super love the romance either. Like, Arthur is obsessed with Maddie even though she’s constantly rude to him and I didn’t really get why. They didn’t have a lot of chemistry and I didn’t ship them. And also the secondary characters were all very one-dimensional.
Recommend to: People who want to read a YA romance set at a renaissance faire.
(Warnings: swearing; mentions of death)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
***
1 Sentence Summary: Madeline has been working the renaissance faire circuit with her parents ever since she was a child, but after her mother died it hasn’t been the same, especially when she finds out her mother’s favorite faire stop has been remodeled by new owners that also happen to have a son her age who ropes her into becoming princess of the faire.
My Thoughts: I liked this, but it wasn’t particularly amazing. It was well written and I really liked the theme of taming the world to make it kinder that was brought up a lot. And the renaissance faire aspect was interesting, though I thought it could have been fleshed out more.
My biggest complaint, however, was the characters. I just didn’t really care about them and they were all kind of annoying. And I didn’t super love the romance either. Like, Arthur is obsessed with Maddie even though she’s constantly rude to him and I didn’t really get why. They didn’t have a lot of chemistry and I didn’t ship them. And also the secondary characters were all very one-dimensional.
Recommend to: People who want to read a YA romance set at a renaissance faire.
(Warnings: swearing; mentions of death)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
April 16, 2023
This book was such a wonderful surprise! I did not expect to enjoy the renaissance fair setting as much as I did, but here we are! What a charming and warmhearted story about processing grief, finding hope in friendships and falling in love along the way.
'The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway' is a sweet young adult contemporary romance. The book centers on a teen named Maddie who has grown up touring with her parents on the renaissance faire circuit. The first anniversary of her mother's death overlaps with her mother's favourite Renaissance Faire on their yearly circuit. Maddie is finding it difficult to stay connected and enjoy life and the faire they way she used to with her mother around, Enter, Arthur, a persistent and exuberant young bard, who is adamant in becoming Maddie's friend even though she's hesitant about letting another person into her life that she could potentially lose.
First and foremost, I loved the Renaissance Faire setting. It just made the metaphors, the Shakespearean references and the silliness in the character's that much more fun. I wish the author spent a little more time on the everyday life in the faire in certain chapters because that would led to more exciting side plots for Arthur and Maddie.
Starting with Maddie - she's a strong willed, jewelry maker, plus-sized and renaissance faire expert. She grew up in that life and has known only happiness with it. Her mother passing away hurts her so deeply that she's afraid to let anyone else in so she doesn't have to experience that pain again. Watching her flourish and be kinder to herself as the story progressed brought me so much joy. Maddie has a lot of internalized shame about being fat that often presents as anger and seeing her overcome this by being around good, diverse people was so important. Arthur makes her smile and breaks her out of her shell. She makes more friends and bonds with her father. It just made me so happy to see a young character have such a wonderful supportive network around her.
Now, Arthur. I love this boy - I truly do. He was fated to meet, befriend and fall in love with Maddie. This character is kind, funny and genuine-to-the core. It made me so happy to see Maddie flourish and open up again to adventure and joy just by hanging out with Arthur. He's so attentive to her needs and understands her in a way even she doesn't understand herself. He's going into my list of "sweetheart characters".
I really enjoyed the slow-build romance between Maddy and Arthur. It was very sweet and realistic. They go on day trips and slowly fall in love and that was so lovely to witness. I do wish we got to see them interact more with other people and have more plots attached to the ren faire. Also - I really needed an epilogue about their life after the conclusion!
Overall, this book was a fantastic, queen and light-hearted read that makes you go 'aww' every few pages.
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for giving me an eARC of this book!
'The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway' is a sweet young adult contemporary romance. The book centers on a teen named Maddie who has grown up touring with her parents on the renaissance faire circuit. The first anniversary of her mother's death overlaps with her mother's favourite Renaissance Faire on their yearly circuit. Maddie is finding it difficult to stay connected and enjoy life and the faire they way she used to with her mother around, Enter, Arthur, a persistent and exuberant young bard, who is adamant in becoming Maddie's friend even though she's hesitant about letting another person into her life that she could potentially lose.
First and foremost, I loved the Renaissance Faire setting. It just made the metaphors, the Shakespearean references and the silliness in the character's that much more fun. I wish the author spent a little more time on the everyday life in the faire in certain chapters because that would led to more exciting side plots for Arthur and Maddie.
Starting with Maddie - she's a strong willed, jewelry maker, plus-sized and renaissance faire expert. She grew up in that life and has known only happiness with it. Her mother passing away hurts her so deeply that she's afraid to let anyone else in so she doesn't have to experience that pain again. Watching her flourish and be kinder to herself as the story progressed brought me so much joy. Maddie has a lot of internalized shame about being fat that often presents as anger and seeing her overcome this by being around good, diverse people was so important. Arthur makes her smile and breaks her out of her shell. She makes more friends and bonds with her father. It just made me so happy to see a young character have such a wonderful supportive network around her.
Now, Arthur. I love this boy - I truly do. He was fated to meet, befriend and fall in love with Maddie. This character is kind, funny and genuine-to-the core. It made me so happy to see Maddie flourish and open up again to adventure and joy just by hanging out with Arthur. He's so attentive to her needs and understands her in a way even she doesn't understand herself. He's going into my list of "sweetheart characters".
I really enjoyed the slow-build romance between Maddy and Arthur. It was very sweet and realistic. They go on day trips and slowly fall in love and that was so lovely to witness. I do wish we got to see them interact more with other people and have more plots attached to the ren faire. Also - I really needed an epilogue about their life after the conclusion!
Overall, this book was a fantastic, queen and light-hearted read that makes you go 'aww' every few pages.
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for giving me an eARC of this book!
March 14, 2023
For me personally, this is more of a 3-star read because there wasn’t anything truly remarkable about it and it didn’t move me emotionally like I wanted it to. It was just…. Good. However, its thoughtful, well written, and it does the job of catering to a teen audience, so I gave it the extra star.
I appreciated the representations such as…..
-A girl who lives on the road with her dad in a trailer.
-The story is set in renaissance faire.
-The male main character Arthur has two dads.
-Both main characters have body image struggles.
-I love the way the author tackled grief and made It relatable and easy to understand for teens.
“Somewhere along the way, what I meant to be a coping mechanism became shackles.”
-This teen romance was cute, and this quote was especially adorable…
“I hope we didn’t burn your freckles off yesterday. It would be a pity to see so many constellations disappear at once.”
THOOUGHTS:
-Madeline/Gwen was like a hurt puppy. She bites at the hand trying to feed her, and I totally understood her lash out tendencies, I really did, but I wish she could have been a little nicer at times.
-There was a scene in the book where Maddie tells one of her secrets in a place no one can hear, and I was fascinated with this moment because it felt like a big step for her as a character, but it was never revisited or mentioned again, and it was deflating.
-The romance was fine for me. It was sweet but I feel like the topics of grief, self-discovery and body acceptance were the main focus.
-The book was just fine for the first 60%. I wasn’t bored but I also didn’t mind if I put it down for a while. It was cute, but it didn’t fully grab my attention until about 60% when I finally laughed and felt some emotion. It's almost like the book woke up for me at that point.
OVERALL:
An adorable, thoughtful and relatable book for YA readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I appreciated the representations such as…..
-A girl who lives on the road with her dad in a trailer.
-The story is set in renaissance faire.
-The male main character Arthur has two dads.
-Both main characters have body image struggles.
-I love the way the author tackled grief and made It relatable and easy to understand for teens.
“Somewhere along the way, what I meant to be a coping mechanism became shackles.”
-This teen romance was cute, and this quote was especially adorable…
“I hope we didn’t burn your freckles off yesterday. It would be a pity to see so many constellations disappear at once.”
THOOUGHTS:
-Madeline/Gwen was like a hurt puppy. She bites at the hand trying to feed her, and I totally understood her lash out tendencies, I really did, but I wish she could have been a little nicer at times.
-There was a scene in the book where Maddie tells one of her secrets in a place no one can hear, and I was fascinated with this moment because it felt like a big step for her as a character, but it was never revisited or mentioned again, and it was deflating.
-The romance was fine for me. It was sweet but I feel like the topics of grief, self-discovery and body acceptance were the main focus.
-The book was just fine for the first 60%. I wasn’t bored but I also didn’t mind if I put it down for a while. It was cute, but it didn’t fully grab my attention until about 60% when I finally laughed and felt some emotion. It's almost like the book woke up for me at that point.
OVERALL:
An adorable, thoughtful and relatable book for YA readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2022
A sweet, relatable, and introspective story about a teen girl struggling with grief during the first year after her mother's death. Her coping mechanisms are varied, from a journal in which she attempts to notice things she might otherwise forget, to a coin-flipping routine that might help balance choice with fate, to mutual avoidance with her also-grieving father, to relentlessly pushing away a possible new friend because caring comes at a price. Fortunately for Maddie/Gwen, said friend is equally relentless, and recognizes her tactics for what they are. The two bond over a summer of road trips and family barbecues and Renaissance festival shenanigans, until Maddie/Gwen finds new ways to live with her grief. The setting is fun, allowing for hints of Cinderella-esque fantasy (a makeover, poofy gowns, a ball, a rise from vendor to royalty) and some play on themes of heroes and hierarchies. I loved that the two leads had insecurities I think a lot of teen readers will relate to, such that when the fantasy elements were at play, they felt intentional against a story that also includes acne cream and the challenge of finding a pair of jeans that fits properly. A great match for readers looking for a relatable story about grief and transience, with lots of lovely braided themes about fate and personal choice, perception and reality, and making the world a kinder place.
March 17, 2023
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway is a shout out to all of us who feel looked down upon because of our appearances and our insecurities. It is a story of grief and how to let go of those precious memories we are terrified we will forget.
This book is a ballad to living your true authentic self and a lesson in knowing we all have something in us that is incredible cool and noteworthy.
There were a lot of sweet themes. I loved the Ren Faire setting, the twists on fate, the sweet love interest in the form of a bard. I loved how Arthur was able to pull Madi from her shell and teach her how to live and experience again.
Unlike Ashley’s other books, this one didn’t have me weeping. It’s a fun, lighthearted YA with some heavier themes but I think it would make a fun summer read.
And BONUS: it’s set in Oklahoma…so it was fun to see where the characters would travel within my state. Now I just wish this Faire was the real deal!
This book is a ballad to living your true authentic self and a lesson in knowing we all have something in us that is incredible cool and noteworthy.
There were a lot of sweet themes. I loved the Ren Faire setting, the twists on fate, the sweet love interest in the form of a bard. I loved how Arthur was able to pull Madi from her shell and teach her how to live and experience again.
Unlike Ashley’s other books, this one didn’t have me weeping. It’s a fun, lighthearted YA with some heavier themes but I think it would make a fun summer read.
And BONUS: it’s set in Oklahoma…so it was fun to see where the characters would travel within my state. Now I just wish this Faire was the real deal!
January 3, 2023
Ashley Schumacher is just one of my faves. She uses words so beautifully and creates characters who you love to love while at the same time, they make you FEEL so many things. I adored Arthur. I didn't expect to. I honestly am not really into Ren Faire's but this setting, these characters, their hearts - it was just so good. With themes of grief, insecurity and self doubt, this YA Romance gives us all the feels and all of the romance with all of the fun that we want.
For those of you who need to know - This is easier than Full Flight and Amelia. But definitely a warm hug.
For those of you who need to know - This is easier than Full Flight and Amelia. But definitely a warm hug.
June 24, 2023
A heartfelt YA novel about learning to love yourself, dealing with grief and finding love where you least expect it set during a season of the Ren Faires circuit where seventeen-year-old Madeline is trying to cope with the anniversary of her mother's death and goes on a series of adventures with Arthur, the irritating bard who slowly grows on her. Good on audio and recommended for fans of authors like Jen Deluca and her Well met series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2024
As a fellow Renaissance Faire nerd, this book grabbed me immediately. Maddie and Arthur’s budding relationship is sweet and reminiscent of those awkwardly wonderful teenage years. Some of the writing was messy at points- conversations that don’t flow and run-on sentences that make you reread them twice to be sure you understood what the author was trying to say- but it doesn’t take away from the story. A 3.5⭐️ for me!
March 20, 2023
A chance to be a princess, yes please. Madeline definitely has a lot emotional issues going on, the loss of her mom, body image issues, and little interaction with other kids since she travels around to different fairs. Enter Gwen, a nickname and persona that let's her let loose a bit and have some summer fun.
I liked the character in this book, especially Arthur. Even though he has his own insecurities, he sees Madeline for who she really is and is very patient with her. They also have a bunch of fun together. Who wouldn't like a road trip in an avocado colored car that involves lots of tootsie pops.
As with Ashley's other books, this one is another emotional ride, but feel hood as well. I enjoyed all of it.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I liked the character in this book, especially Arthur. Even though he has his own insecurities, he sees Madeline for who she really is and is very patient with her. They also have a bunch of fun together. Who wouldn't like a road trip in an avocado colored car that involves lots of tootsie pops.
As with Ashley's other books, this one is another emotional ride, but feel hood as well. I enjoyed all of it.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
April 4, 2023
Oh Ashley, oh Arthur, Mads..... my heart.
Schumacher we gotta stop meeting like this with all the tears! No wait, don't stop. You know I love it.
This sweet story of a summer renaissance romance with sunshine and grump is sure to tug on the heartstrings of every reader. I just loved it so much.
Yet again more brilliance from Schumacher.
Thank you SMP and Netgalley for letting me devour this piece of art!
Schumacher we gotta stop meeting like this with all the tears! No wait, don't stop. You know I love it.
This sweet story of a summer renaissance romance with sunshine and grump is sure to tug on the heartstrings of every reader. I just loved it so much.
Yet again more brilliance from Schumacher.
Thank you SMP and Netgalley for letting me devour this piece of art!
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