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A Crowned Hope
Is there any hope for a happily ever after while impersonating a princess?
Keira loves working in the royal stables of Glysein, but it will never help her earn enough coin to pay the family debt she owes. When her best friend, the Princess, offers to pay off Keira’s debt if she would impersonate her while a Prince visits, Keira reluctantly decides it is her only way to save herself from the streets. The only problem is that Prince Oliver, the prince she is supposed to entertain, is not as cold as Haleston Princes are said to be. He is, actually, more warm, kind, and gentle than any other man she has ever met before.
When a maiden runs into his arms while he is in the stables of Glysein, Prince Oliver of Haleston is curious about her right away. Discovering that the clumsy maiden is actually the Princess he is supposed to court makes his trip much more intriguing than he expected. However, the Princess does not seem eager to accept his compliments or his affection. Proposing a ruse to the Princess, suggesting that the two of them appear as if they are actively courting, gives Oliver hope that he might be able to break through the shy princess’s shell, because for him, none of it has ever been pretend.
When two worlds collide and deceptions are revealed, will there be any hope for Keira and Oliver to gain their happily ever afters? Is there any hope for a prince and a pauper?
A Crowned Hope is a retelling of the Prince and the Pauper, and is a standalone novella, complete with tropes mistaken identity, fake relationship, and true love. A Crowned Hope is part of the Hope Ever After series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairytale retellings. Each book is written by a different author, so they can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series will be donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.
*A Crowned Hope will be donating all proceeds made from the book for one year to O.U.R.*
Keira loves working in the royal stables of Glysein, but it will never help her earn enough coin to pay the family debt she owes. When her best friend, the Princess, offers to pay off Keira’s debt if she would impersonate her while a Prince visits, Keira reluctantly decides it is her only way to save herself from the streets. The only problem is that Prince Oliver, the prince she is supposed to entertain, is not as cold as Haleston Princes are said to be. He is, actually, more warm, kind, and gentle than any other man she has ever met before.
When a maiden runs into his arms while he is in the stables of Glysein, Prince Oliver of Haleston is curious about her right away. Discovering that the clumsy maiden is actually the Princess he is supposed to court makes his trip much more intriguing than he expected. However, the Princess does not seem eager to accept his compliments or his affection. Proposing a ruse to the Princess, suggesting that the two of them appear as if they are actively courting, gives Oliver hope that he might be able to break through the shy princess’s shell, because for him, none of it has ever been pretend.
When two worlds collide and deceptions are revealed, will there be any hope for Keira and Oliver to gain their happily ever afters? Is there any hope for a prince and a pauper?
A Crowned Hope is a retelling of the Prince and the Pauper, and is a standalone novella, complete with tropes mistaken identity, fake relationship, and true love. A Crowned Hope is part of the Hope Ever After series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairytale retellings. Each book is written by a different author, so they can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series will be donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.
*A Crowned Hope will be donating all proceeds made from the book for one year to O.U.R.*
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2024
30 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 7, 2024
4.25 stars.
A lovely, fast paced and a quick read. Reminded me of Barbie's 'Princess & the Pauper', which was adorable.
A 'Prince and the Pauper' retelling? This should be fun, I've never read any PatP retelling. But given the summary it sounds like it's going to be like Barbie's Princess and the Pauper, and I can't be more excited about that.
Also, I loved Oliver in 'Spindled Slumber' and wanted a book about him too, so this is perfect.
A lovely, fast paced and a quick read. Reminded me of Barbie's 'Princess & the Pauper', which was adorable.
A 'Prince and the Pauper' retelling? This should be fun, I've never read any PatP retelling. But given the summary it sounds like it's going to be like Barbie's Princess and the Pauper, and I can't be more excited about that.
Also, I loved Oliver in 'Spindled Slumber' and wanted a book about him too, so this is perfect.
April 16, 2024
5⭐️ Absolutely amazing! If Kayla writes it, I'm going to read it! I can not say enough about Oliver and Keira. Their story was so adorably sweet. Their selflessness and kindness toward each other...bloomed into true love. This series is such a gem!
May 23, 2025
I was in the mood for something hopeful recently, so I dived back into the Hope Ever After multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. A Crowned Hope by Kayla Eshbaugh is the sixth book I've read from this series, and I don't even think I've covered half of them yet. This book is a sweet retelling of The Prince(ss) and the Pauper with cozy romantic vibes. Although the book has a villain, he is a minor part of the story and only appears in a few scenes. Overall, it is a pleasant escape from reality with a humble protagonist who is loved by many people.
Keira is a peasant girl who owes money on her cottage to a greedy noble named Lord Roth, who threatens to force her to marry him if she can't pay it off. She just happens to be good friends with Princess Anna and shares a strong enough resemblance to her. Because of Anna's trauma over a recent lost love, she asks Keira to impersonate her to deter the affections of a foreign prince who has come to court her. It works so well that Prince Oliver is completely taken in by Keira's humility, grace, and horse grooming skills. When he eventually learns her secret, he holds no ill will toward her and instead swears revenge on Lord Roth for his ill treatment of the beloved pauper.
This is a cozy and romantic story that takes place in an unnecessarily complicated world. The prologue tells of a magical race called the Ancients and a wicked king's curse from the distant past, but none of that is important to Keira and Oliver's story. Due to being a descendant of the wicked king, Oliver believes his bloodline is cursed to only have one child each, yet the curse already seems to have broken because he has a brother. As a reader, I did not see the problem with the royal lineage having one child each because that means they would always have an heir. Yet, this was something that Oliver was concerned about when he decided to marry Keira. The magical backdrop also played little part in the setting, aside from some pretty multi-colored seashells in Keira's kingdom.
Despite her low status, Keira is treated well by everyone in the story except Lord Roth, making it a pleasant read for someone who is feeling low. There is barely any conflict in the story. When there is, Lord Roth seems completely unjustified in his actions, leaving no room for remorse in his punishment. Most of Keira's struggles revolve around her low self-esteem in thinking that she does not deserve to marry a prince. However, practically everyone in the book is on her side, especially Princess Anna. It was great to see such a supportive cast of characters. I also liked how Anna and Keira's names subtly reference two different Barbie movies that were inspired by the same story.
A Crowned Hope is a heartwarming and romantic retelling of The Prince and the Pauper that offers a pleasant escape from reality. With its cozy atmosphere, humble protagonist, and supportive cast of characters, this book is a great choice for readers looking for a feel-good story. Although the world-building could be tighter, the romance and character relationships shine through, making it a delightful read for those looking for some hope in their lives. The Hope Ever After series has a lot of diversity in terms of tone and setting, so it was interesting to see how much this one differed from the others I've read so far.
Keira is a peasant girl who owes money on her cottage to a greedy noble named Lord Roth, who threatens to force her to marry him if she can't pay it off. She just happens to be good friends with Princess Anna and shares a strong enough resemblance to her. Because of Anna's trauma over a recent lost love, she asks Keira to impersonate her to deter the affections of a foreign prince who has come to court her. It works so well that Prince Oliver is completely taken in by Keira's humility, grace, and horse grooming skills. When he eventually learns her secret, he holds no ill will toward her and instead swears revenge on Lord Roth for his ill treatment of the beloved pauper.
This is a cozy and romantic story that takes place in an unnecessarily complicated world. The prologue tells of a magical race called the Ancients and a wicked king's curse from the distant past, but none of that is important to Keira and Oliver's story. Due to being a descendant of the wicked king, Oliver believes his bloodline is cursed to only have one child each, yet the curse already seems to have broken because he has a brother. As a reader, I did not see the problem with the royal lineage having one child each because that means they would always have an heir. Yet, this was something that Oliver was concerned about when he decided to marry Keira. The magical backdrop also played little part in the setting, aside from some pretty multi-colored seashells in Keira's kingdom.
Despite her low status, Keira is treated well by everyone in the story except Lord Roth, making it a pleasant read for someone who is feeling low. There is barely any conflict in the story. When there is, Lord Roth seems completely unjustified in his actions, leaving no room for remorse in his punishment. Most of Keira's struggles revolve around her low self-esteem in thinking that she does not deserve to marry a prince. However, practically everyone in the book is on her side, especially Princess Anna. It was great to see such a supportive cast of characters. I also liked how Anna and Keira's names subtly reference two different Barbie movies that were inspired by the same story.
A Crowned Hope is a heartwarming and romantic retelling of The Prince and the Pauper that offers a pleasant escape from reality. With its cozy atmosphere, humble protagonist, and supportive cast of characters, this book is a great choice for readers looking for a feel-good story. Although the world-building could be tighter, the romance and character relationships shine through, making it a delightful read for those looking for some hope in their lives. The Hope Ever After series has a lot of diversity in terms of tone and setting, so it was interesting to see how much this one differed from the others I've read so far.
April 10, 2024
Highly Recommend
I haven’t been reading all of the Hope Ever After books because they weren’t in Kindle Unlimited. If you are also hesitant to try a new to you author, give Kayla Eshbaugh a shot! I can vouch for her books.
I love the magical world she’s created with magical beings, called Ancients, and the human kingdoms who were cursed for following the traitor king in trying to annihilate magical beings. I love how the curses differ for each royal, and the way that some Ancients are trying to help the royals break their curses.
This Princess and the Pauper retelling had a great take on an old classic. It made me laugh, and the sweet romance shown through little acts of kindness made me smile. I couldn’t put it down!
It does tie in to Kayla Eshbaugh’s other books, particularly Spindled Slumber, but it can be read independently.
I haven’t been reading all of the Hope Ever After books because they weren’t in Kindle Unlimited. If you are also hesitant to try a new to you author, give Kayla Eshbaugh a shot! I can vouch for her books.
I love the magical world she’s created with magical beings, called Ancients, and the human kingdoms who were cursed for following the traitor king in trying to annihilate magical beings. I love how the curses differ for each royal, and the way that some Ancients are trying to help the royals break their curses.
This Princess and the Pauper retelling had a great take on an old classic. It made me laugh, and the sweet romance shown through little acts of kindness made me smile. I couldn’t put it down!
It does tie in to Kayla Eshbaugh’s other books, particularly Spindled Slumber, but it can be read independently.
November 16, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but I ended up DNF’ing it at 60%. It’s just TOO corny. Normally I have a fairly high corny tolerance but… yeah, this one was over the top. I liked the overall storyline (Prince and the pauper), but the insta-love relationship was a whole other level of shallow.
Think I’ll try one or two more of the series, but so far I’m 0 for 2
Content:
The first 60% is clean on all fronts (no language, violence, or sex)
Think I’ll try one or two more of the series, but so far I’m 0 for 2
Content:
The first 60% is clean on all fronts (no language, violence, or sex)
March 30, 2024
Such a cute story that serves a purpose! This a part of the Hope Ever After series which brings awareness to end sex trafficking. This follows the story of Keira and Oliver, a pauper and a prince. If you’re looking for a quick, fast paced, and clean romance read this is a good one!
March 17, 2024
Slightly longer review today. The story of the prince and the pauper will always have a special place in my heart. It reminds me of how Christ came down to earth to die in our place and rise again so that we might be like Him, and his rainbow as a symbol of how He keeps His promises.
With all that said, prince and the pauper retellings are some of my absolute favorite. The tropes of forbidden love, hidden identity, and differences in classes are some of my favorite. I loved seeing Oliver’s story after getting a glimpse of him in Spindled Slumber. He is everything dashing and chivalrous, and he has some of the sweetest moments with Keira. Keira is such a sweet character and perfect for Oliver. I especially love her name, as one of my nieces has the same name.
I received an eARC from the author, I wasn’t required to give a positive review.
With all that said, prince and the pauper retellings are some of my absolute favorite. The tropes of forbidden love, hidden identity, and differences in classes are some of my favorite. I loved seeing Oliver’s story after getting a glimpse of him in Spindled Slumber. He is everything dashing and chivalrous, and he has some of the sweetest moments with Keira. Keira is such a sweet character and perfect for Oliver. I especially love her name, as one of my nieces has the same name.
I received an eARC from the author, I wasn’t required to give a positive review.
April 3, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is connected to Kayla’s Cursed Kingdoms series (most closely with Spindled Slumber in particular), however you don’t need to read the series/book to enjoy this one
– this is told from Keira & Oliver’s points of view
– a character manipulates & hurts another
– it is mentioned that both of Keira’s parents have passed away
Review:
I was so excited to find out that Prince Oliver would be getting his own story and I loved every minute of it! I loved how far he fell for Keira and how much he wanted to protect her. I also loved Keira’s determination to do the work required to pay off her parents’ debt without accepting charity. Her best friend tried hard to get Keira to accept money from her, but I really liked that ultimately Anna wanted to honor her friend’s wishes. Both Keira’s friendship with Anna & her budding relationship with Oliver were so sweet! I loved both aspects of the story and I’m really hoping that we will be getting a story for Anna!
Summary:
Keira’s parents had wanted her to be able to have a better life than they grew up with, but when they suddenly passed she is instead left with a debt to repay. And the job she knows and loves – working in the palace stables – likely will never earn her enough to pay it off in a timely manner. So when her best friend and confidant – Princess Anna of Glysien – offers to pay off her debt for a favor, Keira is quick to accept after thinking on it for a short time. The favor? Impersonate the princess during the time a cold Halston prince is to come to visit. Only problem is, the prince isn’t what either of the ladies expected…
Prince Oliver of Halston hasn’t been able to find someone he loves and wants to marry. But when he comes to the kingdom of Glysien and a girl runs into him upon entering the royal stables, Oliver finds himself interested in finding her again. Luckily, he discovers the girl is none other than the princess he is meant to be courting during the month he’ll be staying there. But she seems to be shy to his affections. When something comes up, Oliver suggests that he and the princess pretend to be truly courting. Because Oliver truly wants to show his affection for her to her and hopes that with their time together, the princess might warm up to him…
*I received an ARC & am not required to leave a positive review*
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is connected to Kayla’s Cursed Kingdoms series (most closely with Spindled Slumber in particular), however you don’t need to read the series/book to enjoy this one
– this is told from Keira & Oliver’s points of view
– a character manipulates & hurts another
– it is mentioned that both of Keira’s parents have passed away
Review:
I was so excited to find out that Prince Oliver would be getting his own story and I loved every minute of it! I loved how far he fell for Keira and how much he wanted to protect her. I also loved Keira’s determination to do the work required to pay off her parents’ debt without accepting charity. Her best friend tried hard to get Keira to accept money from her, but I really liked that ultimately Anna wanted to honor her friend’s wishes. Both Keira’s friendship with Anna & her budding relationship with Oliver were so sweet! I loved both aspects of the story and I’m really hoping that we will be getting a story for Anna!
Summary:
Keira’s parents had wanted her to be able to have a better life than they grew up with, but when they suddenly passed she is instead left with a debt to repay. And the job she knows and loves – working in the palace stables – likely will never earn her enough to pay it off in a timely manner. So when her best friend and confidant – Princess Anna of Glysien – offers to pay off her debt for a favor, Keira is quick to accept after thinking on it for a short time. The favor? Impersonate the princess during the time a cold Halston prince is to come to visit. Only problem is, the prince isn’t what either of the ladies expected…
Prince Oliver of Halston hasn’t been able to find someone he loves and wants to marry. But when he comes to the kingdom of Glysien and a girl runs into him upon entering the royal stables, Oliver finds himself interested in finding her again. Luckily, he discovers the girl is none other than the princess he is meant to be courting during the month he’ll be staying there. But she seems to be shy to his affections. When something comes up, Oliver suggests that he and the princess pretend to be truly courting. Because Oliver truly wants to show his affection for her to her and hopes that with their time together, the princess might warm up to him…
*I received an ARC & am not required to leave a positive review*
May 7, 2024
In "Crowned Hope" by Kayla Eshbaugh, readers are treated to a delightful retelling of the classic tale of The Prince and the Pauper. Set in the enchanting world of Terra, this novella weaves together elements of mistaken identity, fake relationships, and true love to create a heartwarming and captivating story.
Keira, a hardworking stable hand, finds herself thrust into a world of royalty when her best friend, the Princess, offers her a chance to pay off her family's debt by impersonating her. Reluctantly agreeing to the ruse, Keira soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of romance and intrigue when she meets Prince Oliver of Haleston. Oliver, unlike the cold and distant princes of legend, is warm, kind, and generous, captivating Keira with his charm and genuine affection.
The chemistry between Keira and Oliver is palpable, their blossoming romance characterised by kindness, humor, and mutual respect. Oliver's unwavering support and patience towards Keira as she navigates her new role in the royal court is endearing, while Keira's determination to maintain her independence and integrity adds depth to her character.
Eshbaugh's writing style is as enchanting as ever, with vivid descriptions and lyrical prose bringing the magical world of Terra to life. The richly detailed kingdoms adds depth and authenticity to the story, immersing readers in a world filled with wonder and intrigue.
The novella also features appearances from beloved characters from Eshbaugh's previous works, providing fans with a sense of continuity and connection to the larger narrative of Terra. The further exploration of Terra's lore and magic system adds depth to the world-building, laying the groundwork for future stories in the series.
Overall, "Crowned Hope" is a charming and enchanting read that will delight fans of fairy tale retellings. With its lovable characters, engaging plot, and richly imagined world, this novella is a testament to Eshbaugh's talent as a storyteller. Fans of the series will eagerly await the next installment, eager to return to the magical world of Terra for another happily ever after.
Keira, a hardworking stable hand, finds herself thrust into a world of royalty when her best friend, the Princess, offers her a chance to pay off her family's debt by impersonating her. Reluctantly agreeing to the ruse, Keira soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of romance and intrigue when she meets Prince Oliver of Haleston. Oliver, unlike the cold and distant princes of legend, is warm, kind, and generous, captivating Keira with his charm and genuine affection.
The chemistry between Keira and Oliver is palpable, their blossoming romance characterised by kindness, humor, and mutual respect. Oliver's unwavering support and patience towards Keira as she navigates her new role in the royal court is endearing, while Keira's determination to maintain her independence and integrity adds depth to her character.
Eshbaugh's writing style is as enchanting as ever, with vivid descriptions and lyrical prose bringing the magical world of Terra to life. The richly detailed kingdoms adds depth and authenticity to the story, immersing readers in a world filled with wonder and intrigue.
The novella also features appearances from beloved characters from Eshbaugh's previous works, providing fans with a sense of continuity and connection to the larger narrative of Terra. The further exploration of Terra's lore and magic system adds depth to the world-building, laying the groundwork for future stories in the series.
Overall, "Crowned Hope" is a charming and enchanting read that will delight fans of fairy tale retellings. With its lovable characters, engaging plot, and richly imagined world, this novella is a testament to Eshbaugh's talent as a storyteller. Fans of the series will eagerly await the next installment, eager to return to the magical world of Terra for another happily ever after.
March 10, 2024
A beautiful gender reversed retelling of the Prince and the Pauper.
It's always nice to visit the blessed kingdoms as we get to learn more about the magical beings that inhabit Terra and Glysien was a gorgeous place with rich and mysterious stories.
Keira is a very relatable heroine, she's worked hard for everything she has and refuses to accept charity. She's accepted her lot in life but learns that it's alright to hope and want more - her worth isn't measured by what life she was born into. She is a very creative and kind person, doing her best to make everyone feel comfortable when she's with them.
Oliver is one of the sweetest men you'll ever meet. His kindness, generosity and patience towards Keira is so heart-warming to watch. He knows that she's scared and is willing to wait and put in the work to help her feel secure enough to step forward into to future with him. I love that they have a connection that then gradually blossoms into love.
Whilst Gideon takes after their father, Oliver definitely inherited a lot of his attributes from their mother. I already fell in love with her when we first met her in Spindled Slumber, but this story made me fall even more in love - the thing that matters most to her is her sons being happy. There were also some questions raised about her relationship with Ora and Haleston's curses- I'm now hoping that we'll get to see her and the king of Haleston's story one day.
Another character I adored was Anna - she was a wonderful friend to Keira, supporting her but also being blunt with her when she needed to be. We also got to see some of Anna's own love story too in this book. Again, I have to hope that we will get to see the full story of Anna and Robert too. It's always wonderful when an author makes you care so much about side characters that you want to learn more about their stories - fingers crossed we'll get to read the stories of these two strong and amazing women.
It's always nice to visit the blessed kingdoms as we get to learn more about the magical beings that inhabit Terra and Glysien was a gorgeous place with rich and mysterious stories.
Keira is a very relatable heroine, she's worked hard for everything she has and refuses to accept charity. She's accepted her lot in life but learns that it's alright to hope and want more - her worth isn't measured by what life she was born into. She is a very creative and kind person, doing her best to make everyone feel comfortable when she's with them.
Oliver is one of the sweetest men you'll ever meet. His kindness, generosity and patience towards Keira is so heart-warming to watch. He knows that she's scared and is willing to wait and put in the work to help her feel secure enough to step forward into to future with him. I love that they have a connection that then gradually blossoms into love.
Whilst Gideon takes after their father, Oliver definitely inherited a lot of his attributes from their mother. I already fell in love with her when we first met her in Spindled Slumber, but this story made me fall even more in love - the thing that matters most to her is her sons being happy. There were also some questions raised about her relationship with Ora and Haleston's curses- I'm now hoping that we'll get to see her and the king of Haleston's story one day.
Another character I adored was Anna - she was a wonderful friend to Keira, supporting her but also being blunt with her when she needed to be. We also got to see some of Anna's own love story too in this book. Again, I have to hope that we will get to see the full story of Anna and Robert too. It's always wonderful when an author makes you care so much about side characters that you want to learn more about their stories - fingers crossed we'll get to read the stories of these two strong and amazing women.
December 26, 2025
4.5⭐ 3.5🫑
I absolutely love this series! I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, and this series. It is truly unique, and the whole series are interconnected standalones. This one is another Spin-off in the same universe as the Cursed Kingdom series. It should be read after Spindled Slumber, which I have thankfully done.
This series explores the aftermath of a human rebellion against the gods who had ruled and protected them. The kingdoms that rebelled were cursed, while the ones that sided with the gods weren't. This story takes place about halfway thru the Spindled Slumber after
I absolutely love this series! I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, and this series. It is truly unique, and the whole series are interconnected standalones. This one is another Spin-off in the same universe as the Cursed Kingdom series. It should be read after Spindled Slumber, which I have thankfully done.
This series explores the aftermath of a human rebellion against the gods who had ruled and protected them. The kingdoms that rebelled were cursed, while the ones that sided with the gods weren't. This story takes place about halfway thru the Spindled Slumber after
March 27, 2024
Book Review:
First, I must start by saying how absolutely beautiful and amazing this book is- both inside and out! I mean what a cover, right?? It’s my favorite shade of orange!
So far I have loved all of the books within this series, but a few have stood out to me more than the others. And this is one of them!😍✨
This one differs in that we know the prince from a previous book, but we are entering a NEW kingdom and the female main character is not someone we have ever met before!! It was very exciting to read a retelling in this series in a new setting and with a new character.
I loved their never ending “meet cute” run ins, and how we had a lot of new twists to this story. It highlighted some themes and important points that we haven’t seen yet from this series or author, and also, we had a new villain in addition to our “usual villain”.😬😱
I loved this story in all its view points- romance, the swapping places, learning to love yourself, and so on…
It’s definitely a book I loved and enjoyed. I still recommend this series to anybody who loves retellings and sweet romance!
And this is the first and only book I’ve read on The Prince & the Pauper!! I LOVED the Barbie movie when I was little though (and still do). 🥰🥳💕
I rate this incredible retelling:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars (5/5 Stars)
First, I must start by saying how absolutely beautiful and amazing this book is- both inside and out! I mean what a cover, right?? It’s my favorite shade of orange!
So far I have loved all of the books within this series, but a few have stood out to me more than the others. And this is one of them!😍✨
This one differs in that we know the prince from a previous book, but we are entering a NEW kingdom and the female main character is not someone we have ever met before!! It was very exciting to read a retelling in this series in a new setting and with a new character.
I loved their never ending “meet cute” run ins, and how we had a lot of new twists to this story. It highlighted some themes and important points that we haven’t seen yet from this series or author, and also, we had a new villain in addition to our “usual villain”.😬😱
I loved this story in all its view points- romance, the swapping places, learning to love yourself, and so on…
It’s definitely a book I loved and enjoyed. I still recommend this series to anybody who loves retellings and sweet romance!
And this is the first and only book I’ve read on The Prince & the Pauper!! I LOVED the Barbie movie when I was little though (and still do). 🥰🥳💕
I rate this incredible retelling:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars (5/5 Stars)
Read
April 8, 2024Orphaned and in debt, Keira is determined to not use her connections to the princess to ease her burdens, but when her friend begs her to take her place during the visit of Prince Oliver. Desperate to avoid the unwanted attentions of the man who holds her debts, Keira agrees. And quickly finds that pretending to be a royal is a lot easier than she thought when there’s a handsome prince willing to help.
Oliver is convinced he will find his true love on this visit to a neighboring kingdom, but he doesn’t expect his heart to start singing the moment he runs into a pretty girl in the stables. When she turns out to be the princess, he’s convinced he found his love.
But will secrets and rumors keep them apart?
“Have hope in love.”
This story ties in with Kayla’s main series, although it wasn’t until I read the author’s note at the end that I discovered it is set three hundred years before the other books. The world is full of delightful details and an overarching nemesis.
Keira and Oliver are cute together as they both struggle with what is expected of them, but it would have been nice to have more time for their relationship to develop.
In-world swears
Minor injuries, no blood
A literal “rolling in the hay” scene where some clothing is removed. Lewd insinuations and attempted assault. Discussion of children out of wedlock.
Belief in reincarnation
Oliver is convinced he will find his true love on this visit to a neighboring kingdom, but he doesn’t expect his heart to start singing the moment he runs into a pretty girl in the stables. When she turns out to be the princess, he’s convinced he found his love.
But will secrets and rumors keep them apart?
“Have hope in love.”
This story ties in with Kayla’s main series, although it wasn’t until I read the author’s note at the end that I discovered it is set three hundred years before the other books. The world is full of delightful details and an overarching nemesis.
Keira and Oliver are cute together as they both struggle with what is expected of them, but it would have been nice to have more time for their relationship to develop.
In-world swears
Minor injuries, no blood
A literal “rolling in the hay” scene where some clothing is removed. Lewd insinuations and attempted assault. Discussion of children out of wedlock.
Belief in reincarnation
March 11, 2024
Kayla Eshbaugh has knocked it out of the park again with her latest story! Words cannot begin to describe how much I loved this novella! Like all of her books, this one is full of love and hope. A Crowned Hope takes place in the Cursed Kingdom Chronicles. This book is best read after reading Spindled Slumber. Oliver is Gideon’s good natured older brother and this is his story. I love Oliver, he was one of my favorite side characters in Spindled Slumber. It was so much fun learning more about him in this novella. I love how protective Oliver is over Keira. He is a cinnamon roll prince. Keira is admirable character. She is so hard working! Even though she doubts herself, I love how Oliver uplifts her and cares about who she is as a person. This novella was fantastic and I highly recommend! I am looking forward to more books and curses to being broken in the future.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
March 16, 2024
Kayla does it again! Prince Oliver is yet another prince to swoon over 😍🫠 haha
He was so patient and kind and didn't let small things bother him.
The romance did move a bit fast, but this is a novella and a fairytale, so....i didn't mind that lol
Keira was a blessed girl. She was a pauper but friends with a princess which gave her a little backup when she was confronted with certain enemies. But she never took advantage of that. She was a good friend, but frustratingly unkind to herself, thinking herself unworthy of the connections she made. And while I hated her thinking this way, I could relate to it. We all have doubts and fears and sometimes we get in the way of our own happiness.
Loved how she brought out the charm in Oliver and how he helped her open up. It took some convincing but....we finally got out HEA ending 😍
Or was it a HEA? 👀 Up to interpretation hehe
He was so patient and kind and didn't let small things bother him.
The romance did move a bit fast, but this is a novella and a fairytale, so....i didn't mind that lol
Keira was a blessed girl. She was a pauper but friends with a princess which gave her a little backup when she was confronted with certain enemies. But she never took advantage of that. She was a good friend, but frustratingly unkind to herself, thinking herself unworthy of the connections she made. And while I hated her thinking this way, I could relate to it. We all have doubts and fears and sometimes we get in the way of our own happiness.
Loved how she brought out the charm in Oliver and how he helped her open up. It took some convincing but....we finally got out HEA ending 😍
Or was it a HEA? 👀 Up to interpretation hehe
April 9, 2024
So good and such a unique tale
I love this clean retelling of the prince and the pauper. Kiera and Princess Anna's friendship is a great representation of how friendship should be. They support and encourage each other and show how to have a healthy relationship even if power dynamics exist. Oliver is following his mother's wishes and visiting Glysien to find his true love. Oliver's first interaction with Kiera is such a great meet cute! I love seeing them both grow and become better people from learning together. Callies note at the end is so good and it helps tie the themes from the book and touches your heart. This book takes place in an established world and can be read by itself although would be best if read after Spindled Slumber as Kayla notes at the start of the book. 10/10 reccomend!
I love this clean retelling of the prince and the pauper. Kiera and Princess Anna's friendship is a great representation of how friendship should be. They support and encourage each other and show how to have a healthy relationship even if power dynamics exist. Oliver is following his mother's wishes and visiting Glysien to find his true love. Oliver's first interaction with Kiera is such a great meet cute! I love seeing them both grow and become better people from learning together. Callies note at the end is so good and it helps tie the themes from the book and touches your heart. This book takes place in an established world and can be read by itself although would be best if read after Spindled Slumber as Kayla notes at the start of the book. 10/10 reccomend!
November 10, 2025
A Crowned Hope by Kayla Eshbaugh
Switching places is easy if you look alike. The only problem is that Prince Oliver, the prince Kiera is supposed to entertain, is not as cold as Haleston Princes are said to be...
Per the cover this is a Prince and the Pauper retelling but I would rather say this just has the Prince and the Pauper trope. Two characters (a princess and a commoner) do switch places but other than that it doesn't resemble the original in any other way that I could see. Overall this one missed the mark for me becuase I felt the romance was the whole plot and there was no plot other than that romance. I'm lookong for a bit more substance. I do like the overall fantasy world and all the braids and seashells were fun.
Genre: Fantasy romance (just kisses)
Favorite character: Kiera (FMC)
Favorite scene: the switch
Switching places is easy if you look alike. The only problem is that Prince Oliver, the prince Kiera is supposed to entertain, is not as cold as Haleston Princes are said to be...
Per the cover this is a Prince and the Pauper retelling but I would rather say this just has the Prince and the Pauper trope. Two characters (a princess and a commoner) do switch places but other than that it doesn't resemble the original in any other way that I could see. Overall this one missed the mark for me becuase I felt the romance was the whole plot and there was no plot other than that romance. I'm lookong for a bit more substance. I do like the overall fantasy world and all the braids and seashells were fun.
Genre: Fantasy romance (just kisses)
Favorite character: Kiera (FMC)
Favorite scene: the switch
April 9, 2024
Thank you Author Kayla Eshbaugh for the ARC! How is it that your stories just keep getting better and better? Oliver is the Crown Prince,younger brother of Gideon and his mother wants him to find love. Correction,she basically orders him to go to Glysien and proceed with this mission. Unsure if he suffers from the Haleston curse that has plagued his family,he embarks on a mission to fulfill his mother's request. Princess Anna is facing pressures of her own. She enlists the help of her friend Keira to impersonate her since she has no interest in being with the prince. So what do you think happens? Let's just say you should read this charming book and find out! P.S. thank you for the mention in your dedication! I am lucky to be a part of your street team!
March 29, 2024
A fun and fast-paced retelling of The Prince and the Pauper
When I found out Oliver would have his own story told, I was ecstatic! Oliver appears in Spindled Slumber, and I instantly yearned for his love story. He is protective and caring towards Keira and obedient to his mother and the kingdom. I particularly loved the imagery of the beach, the colorful seashells, and the sunset. Keira was a strong and resilient worker. I love the romance; Kayla Eshbaugh always crafts intense yet mesmerizing moments between the couple. This story is a fun and fast-paced retelling of the Prince and the Pauper.
When I found out Oliver would have his own story told, I was ecstatic! Oliver appears in Spindled Slumber, and I instantly yearned for his love story. He is protective and caring towards Keira and obedient to his mother and the kingdom. I particularly loved the imagery of the beach, the colorful seashells, and the sunset. Keira was a strong and resilient worker. I love the romance; Kayla Eshbaugh always crafts intense yet mesmerizing moments between the couple. This story is a fun and fast-paced retelling of the Prince and the Pauper.
March 13, 2024
I got this as an arc book and was not disappointed Honestly, it reminded me a little of Barbie as the princess and the pauper with two girls (one a peasant and other a princess) being born on the same day and end up switching places. As well as the peasant girl falling in love and marrying a royal from a neighboring kingdom. The only thing missing was characters breaking out into song. Also, the ending was both sweet and surprising at the same time. It makes me look forward to Allora's story (which I know Kayla will do when she is and ready). Truly, a book worthy to be "Crowned!"
March 16, 2024
Loved this prince and the pauper fairytale retelling! Keira has had a hard time after the death of her parents but she proves herself to be a hardworking, strong, and independent woman. Oliver is a noble prince and I love seeing his fierce love for this young woman. I love how down to earth he seems and the sweet innocence of the love they share.
I read the e- arc and am leaving my honest opinion
I read the e- arc and am leaving my honest opinion
April 9, 2024
Kiera and Oliver’s story is so good. This is a Prince and Pauper fairytale retell with a twist. I love Kayla’s writing and how she creates this fairytale world that blends within all of her stories. She introduces new characters in each book and weaves in characters that have already been introduced. If you love fantasy fairytales then her books are a must read. Each book can be a standalone but one you read one you will want to read the next one
March 26, 2025
I loved this Prince & The Pauper Retelling. It was so cute and light.
Keira is such a wonderful fmc. She is a pauper who is best friends with Princess Anna. She wants to make her own way and pay off the debts her parents left her with. She is hard working and so sweet.
I adore Prince Oliver! His relationship with his mother is so cute. I love their constant jokes and silliness.
Their romance is so perfect, I love them both so much. This is my favourite of the series so far
Keira is such a wonderful fmc. She is a pauper who is best friends with Princess Anna. She wants to make her own way and pay off the debts her parents left her with. She is hard working and so sweet.
I adore Prince Oliver! His relationship with his mother is so cute. I love their constant jokes and silliness.
Their romance is so perfect, I love them both so much. This is my favourite of the series so far
November 25, 2025
I thought that this book was super cute! I loved how the cover sort of worked its way into the book! There is really only one major-ish conflict in the book, so it is a very hopeful book. I loved Anna, and I thought that it was hilarious that there was a character named Hannah! There aren't very many of us in these types of books. :)
March 10, 2024
Fairytale lovers and classic Barbie movie lovers were SPOILED with this book! *cue I Am a Girl Like You playing in the distance* we finally get a fairytale retelling of the Prince and the Pauper story, where the princess switches places with her commoner friend! Just the fact that this fairytale retelling is based on the same fairytale as my favorite classic Barbie movie made this book feel even more magical. Though different from the movie obviously, this felt a love letter to the original Barbie movie (Keira is an anagram for Erika and the princess’s name is even Princess Anna!)
Oliver being instantly protective at hearing about Lord Roth trying to marry Keira after she refers to him as a cruel and wicked man was just so swoony! Him instantly being violently protective and insisting on finding this Lord Roth was my favorite part! Plus the part about Lord Roth having a pointy nose because that gave me instant Preminger vibes 😂 Also, Teddy of course, every part with Teddy is my favorite part, and he has a cameo in this too!
I love the further worldbuilding of Terra, so you learn even more about this fairytale continent, like Sorra having jinn in their kingdom who work with the royals? And the new concept of soul songs! I wonder how that will play into future books? It is such a sweet and unique concept that I loved. The worldbuilding was fantastic with this book, with beautiful stories about Glysein history, like the story about the translucent rainbow shells. I feel like I got to know the oceanside kingdom well and what makes it special. The magic system is also so unique on Terra, with each kingdom having its own unique magical traits, like the Blackwood objects in Haleston.
I loved the epilogue of the book, which sets the scene nicely for the future books in the series with another curse but a prophecy of hope. It was the perfect ending that built anticipation for future books in the series. I love this series and this world and can’t wait to return to Terra soon for another happily ever after!
Oliver being instantly protective at hearing about Lord Roth trying to marry Keira after she refers to him as a cruel and wicked man was just so swoony! Him instantly being violently protective and insisting on finding this Lord Roth was my favorite part! Plus the part about Lord Roth having a pointy nose because that gave me instant Preminger vibes 😂 Also, Teddy of course, every part with Teddy is my favorite part, and he has a cameo in this too!
I love the further worldbuilding of Terra, so you learn even more about this fairytale continent, like Sorra having jinn in their kingdom who work with the royals? And the new concept of soul songs! I wonder how that will play into future books? It is such a sweet and unique concept that I loved. The worldbuilding was fantastic with this book, with beautiful stories about Glysein history, like the story about the translucent rainbow shells. I feel like I got to know the oceanside kingdom well and what makes it special. The magic system is also so unique on Terra, with each kingdom having its own unique magical traits, like the Blackwood objects in Haleston.
I loved the epilogue of the book, which sets the scene nicely for the future books in the series with another curse but a prophecy of hope. It was the perfect ending that built anticipation for future books in the series. I love this series and this world and can’t wait to return to Terra soon for another happily ever after!
April 6, 2024
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of A Prince the Pauper! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
May 28, 2025
A Crowned Hope
Outstanding work of fantasy. The most amazing adventure. Another excellent book series. I just could not stop reading this story. Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical. If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read.
Outstanding work of fantasy. The most amazing adventure. Another excellent book series. I just could not stop reading this story. Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical. If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read.
October 26, 2024
really good book!!!
October 21, 2025
Great story!
I hope Robert and Anna get their story!
I hope Robert and Anna get their story!
March 30, 2024
This story reminded me a bit of the Barbie movie, the Princess and the Pauper, and I really loved it! (The movie and the book 😄)
Keira is a hard worker, kind, and creative. She wants to earn things and not live off people's charity. She's sometimes a bit doubtful of herself.
Oliver is just such a sweetheart and gentleman.
He's very warm, kind, and generous, and he doesn't care about status or rank.
They were so adorable together, and I loved that Oliver didn't give up easily, showing his admiration for Keira. He also helped her feel more confident and valuable. They really complimented each other.
I always adore Kayla's writing style; she has a beautiful, poetic way of describing things. For example, in this story, she describes a sunset and a rainbow (and more) in a wonderful and descriptive way.
This was absolutely an easy and enjoyable story to read!
It's filled with kindness, humor, friendship, romance, and hope.
So, if you're looking for a story that makes your day brighter and your heart lighter, search no longer.
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I received an e-arc from the author, but this hasn't influenced my review!
Keira is a hard worker, kind, and creative. She wants to earn things and not live off people's charity. She's sometimes a bit doubtful of herself.
Oliver is just such a sweetheart and gentleman.
He's very warm, kind, and generous, and he doesn't care about status or rank.
They were so adorable together, and I loved that Oliver didn't give up easily, showing his admiration for Keira. He also helped her feel more confident and valuable. They really complimented each other.
I always adore Kayla's writing style; she has a beautiful, poetic way of describing things. For example, in this story, she describes a sunset and a rainbow (and more) in a wonderful and descriptive way.
This was absolutely an easy and enjoyable story to read!
It's filled with kindness, humor, friendship, romance, and hope.
So, if you're looking for a story that makes your day brighter and your heart lighter, search no longer.
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I received an e-arc from the author, but this hasn't influenced my review!
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