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The Princess Swap #1
Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper)
What would happen if Cinderella found herself in the beast's castle, and Beauty woke up in some evil stepmother's home? Fairy tales meet Freaky Friday in this series, where there’s a magical mix-up for every princess!
Ella’s spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it’s hard to have adventures when you’re stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she’s thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more—this time in the castle of a dangerous beast.
Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family’s trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she’s going to enter—and win—a royal competition in the prince’s honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated.
Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast’s clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition?
For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)!
Ella’s spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it’s hard to have adventures when you’re stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she’s thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more—this time in the castle of a dangerous beast.
Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family’s trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she’s going to enter—and win—a royal competition in the prince’s honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated.
Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast’s clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition?
For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)!
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2025
114 people are currently reading
1850 people want to read
About the author
Kim Bussing
10 books52 followersKim Bussing is an award-winning author of fairy tales for adults and children. Books in her middle-grade series, THE PRINCESS SWAP, have been selected as Amazon Editor's Picks, featured as both Barnes & Noble and Publisher's Weekly New & Notable picks, and have been included on the Kids Indie Next List by the American Booksellers Association.
When she's not writing, you can find her at a bookstore (unsurprisingly), attempting to bake macarons, or listening to Broadway soundtracks.
You can find her online at her website or on Instagram.
When she's not writing, you can find her at a bookstore (unsurprisingly), attempting to bake macarons, or listening to Broadway soundtracks.
You can find her online at her website or on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
June 15, 2025
I liked the Snow White/Sleeping Beauty mashup better, but this first book, which I read out of order, was also very good. All the bows are tied up neatly by the end.
Major themes were being careful what you wish for, forgiveness, seeing the world from another perspective, leaving assumptions behind, and reunion. Interesting take on these Disney Princess stories. All our major heroes are the Princesses who are self-sufficient enough to take care of themselves and their relationships but also know how to ask for help. Especially as a stock holder, I would love nothing more than for Disney to follow Bussing’s lead and reimagine all the sexism that underpins these classics. These princesses are great role models for little girls and grown women.
Major themes were being careful what you wish for, forgiveness, seeing the world from another perspective, leaving assumptions behind, and reunion. Interesting take on these Disney Princess stories. All our major heroes are the Princesses who are self-sufficient enough to take care of themselves and their relationships but also know how to ask for help. Especially as a stock holder, I would love nothing more than for Disney to follow Bussing’s lead and reimagine all the sexism that underpins these classics. These princesses are great role models for little girls and grown women.
January 20, 2025
Just when I thought I'd seen every creative way to retell a fairy tale, a new series called The Princess Swap series showed up at my library. At first glance, Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) by Kim Bussing appears to be a simple case of mistaken identity as two princesses wind up in the wrong story. However, it is actually much more than that. In fact, these two misplaced heroines wind up exactly where they need to be to learn important lessons and grow into the iconic princesses they were meant to be. The book ages down its protagonists to 12 to match its ideal reader's age and forgoes the romance from these classic stories in favor of more relevant themes including friendship, forgiveness, and perseverance. It even has a touch of disability inclusion with Ella's glass leg.
One minute, Ella is at home, minding her own business, and the next, she finds herself in an unfamiliar land surrounded by strangers. She learns that she has magically replaced the daughter of the merchant who sold her father the glass leg she uses to walk. In gratitude for her mobility device, she accompanies the merchant to the castle of a fearsome beast to help find his missing daughter. Meanwhile, Belle is recruited as a new servant for a cruel woman and her two daughters to replace the stepdaughter who went missing. To ensure that she will not stray from her tasks, Saffira gives Belle an obedience bracelet, placing her under the curse from Ella Enchanted. Her only hope to get out of it is a kiss from a prince. Fortunately, she already has one in mind.
Although the rules about the world's magic system are not explained as well as they could be, this book does a phenomenal job of creating a believable and enchanting fairy tale world. Magic is commonplace and abundant here, so no one questions it when they pop into another kingdom on a whim or get stuck with unusual curses like being turned into a beast. The descriptions of the surrounding environment paint a lovely picture of a whimsical world that would be a dream to live in even while having to deal with the occasional curse. Even Ella's disability is a more fantastical depiction than real-life deformities and promotes inclusion among its audience. The author is clearly a huge fan of fairy tales because she uses names of famous fairy tale authors throughout the story. Belle's last name, Villeneuve, refers to the original author of "Beauty and the Beast," and certain landmarks are named after other fairy tale icons like Grimm and Perrault.
My favorite thing about this book is how everything comes together in the end. The surprising connection between Ella and the beast reveals a lesson that she would not have been able to learn without experiencing the swap. Meanwhile, Belle, who thinks she has everything under control, is taught an important lesson about trusting others. Aging down the characters makes them more relatable to younger readers than in the original fairy tales. I also like that the author organically weaves new backstories for these characters instead of trying to force them into a world that makes no sense with the events of their lives like in The School for Good and Evil. It was a fresh and original story with just enough familiarity for a comfortable read.
Cinderella and the Beast is a delightfully imaginative retelling that breathes new life into two beloved fairy tales. By swapping Cinderella and Belle into each other's stories, Kim Bussing crafts a fresh, engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and perseverance. With its richly detailed world-building, positive disability representation, and satisfying plot twists, this book is a must-read for middle-grade fans of fairy tales and adventure. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Princess Swap series to see how Bussing continues to reimagine and reinterpret these timeless stories.
One minute, Ella is at home, minding her own business, and the next, she finds herself in an unfamiliar land surrounded by strangers. She learns that she has magically replaced the daughter of the merchant who sold her father the glass leg she uses to walk. In gratitude for her mobility device, she accompanies the merchant to the castle of a fearsome beast to help find his missing daughter. Meanwhile, Belle is recruited as a new servant for a cruel woman and her two daughters to replace the stepdaughter who went missing. To ensure that she will not stray from her tasks, Saffira gives Belle an obedience bracelet, placing her under the curse from Ella Enchanted. Her only hope to get out of it is a kiss from a prince. Fortunately, she already has one in mind.
Although the rules about the world's magic system are not explained as well as they could be, this book does a phenomenal job of creating a believable and enchanting fairy tale world. Magic is commonplace and abundant here, so no one questions it when they pop into another kingdom on a whim or get stuck with unusual curses like being turned into a beast. The descriptions of the surrounding environment paint a lovely picture of a whimsical world that would be a dream to live in even while having to deal with the occasional curse. Even Ella's disability is a more fantastical depiction than real-life deformities and promotes inclusion among its audience. The author is clearly a huge fan of fairy tales because she uses names of famous fairy tale authors throughout the story. Belle's last name, Villeneuve, refers to the original author of "Beauty and the Beast," and certain landmarks are named after other fairy tale icons like Grimm and Perrault.
My favorite thing about this book is how everything comes together in the end. The surprising connection between Ella and the beast reveals a lesson that she would not have been able to learn without experiencing the swap. Meanwhile, Belle, who thinks she has everything under control, is taught an important lesson about trusting others. Aging down the characters makes them more relatable to younger readers than in the original fairy tales. I also like that the author organically weaves new backstories for these characters instead of trying to force them into a world that makes no sense with the events of their lives like in The School for Good and Evil. It was a fresh and original story with just enough familiarity for a comfortable read.
Cinderella and the Beast is a delightfully imaginative retelling that breathes new life into two beloved fairy tales. By swapping Cinderella and Belle into each other's stories, Kim Bussing crafts a fresh, engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and perseverance. With its richly detailed world-building, positive disability representation, and satisfying plot twists, this book is a must-read for middle-grade fans of fairy tales and adventure. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Princess Swap series to see how Bussing continues to reimagine and reinterpret these timeless stories.
February 22, 2025
Creative, earnest, good themes, but ultimately it didn't work for me. It was difficult to parse, with the original tales being altered so much and then the swap on top of that fracture, and uneven pacing, and chapters too short even for modern tastes.
And the writing was sometimes clunky:
" we get to choose to take a situation and make things worse, or we can try to make things good. And though goodness is harder, it grows" expresses an important idea but it's just inserted in by the narrator and is, imo, awkwardly phrased.
Rounded down to two stars because I have no interest at all in the companion book.
And the writing was sometimes clunky:
" we get to choose to take a situation and make things worse, or we can try to make things good. And though goodness is harder, it grows" expresses an important idea but it's just inserted in by the narrator and is, imo, awkwardly phrased.
Rounded down to two stars because I have no interest at all in the companion book.
October 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this ARC!
While these books weren’t what I thought I was getting into, the stories were still really well written. The story swap didn’t hold enough of the original story for me to really imagine that this was a story swap and not just a whole new tale itself. I do think that this will appeal to children who love Disney and have creative minds to think about ways those stories can be reimagined and still have that powerful HEA we all know and love.
While these books weren’t what I thought I was getting into, the stories were still really well written. The story swap didn’t hold enough of the original story for me to really imagine that this was a story swap and not just a whole new tale itself. I do think that this will appeal to children who love Disney and have creative minds to think about ways those stories can be reimagined and still have that powerful HEA we all know and love.
June 15, 2025
this book was about cinderella and belle, they somehow switched places and they had to find a way to get back, and it was really good.
June 22, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5.0 Stars
Once upon a time, two princesses found themselves utterly in the wrong fairy tale. When Cinderella, or "Ella," finds herself inexplicably dropped into a beast's castle, and "Beauty," known as Belle, wakes up in the clutches of an evil stepmother, both must navigate a world of curses and unexpected allies to find their way back to their rightful stories.
Bussing’s prologue immediately immerses the reader in Reverie, a land where wishes have tangible, often mischievous, consequences. The novel thrives as a wonderfully enjoyable and accessible read, particularly for its middle-grade audience. Ella, initially a victim of circumstance; Belle, ever the sensible explorer; and even the supporting cast from the unexpectedly perceptive Marie to the surprisingly human Beast, are rendered with depth and relatability. Their journeys, woven with elements both familiar and fresh from classic fairy tales, feel authentic and earned.
The pacing is brisk and engaging, with alternating perspectives that keep the reader hooked, eager to see how Ella and Belle's disparate quests will converge. The world-building is particularly rich, painting vivid pictures of Miravale's pink stone cities and the mystical Dreamwood, populated by an imaginative array of creatures from wyverns to goblins. While a few minor plot points might feel a tad swift or conveniently resolved, they don't detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) reminds us that destiny isn't always a straight path, and sometimes the most profound adventures begin with a misstep:
"Maybe sometimes we don’t recognize our dreams until we take a wrong turn into them."
This book is a witty, heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and the power of forging your own story, even when the magic has other plans. A delightful read that proves even familiar tales can hold new enchantment.
January 13, 2025
I saw this book before it was out and it has awesome two toned sprayed edges. They are starting the kids young with the pretty books now. Half is blue and half is yellow since this story is Cinderella and Belle. I decided to get the eARC from Edelweiss immediately. I think I will buy the book though because it is pretty and I have a Belle bookshelf so...This book is about Belle waking up in the cellar of Ella's stepmother's house and Ella waking up in a beast's castle. I have to say I kept getting confused but I'm sure middle grade kids will not be confused like me. I'm much older than the targeted audience. However I still enjoyed it I just had to keep telling myself Ella is with the beast, not Belle. I enjoyed the twist with the tales and I loved all of the nods to the original tales. Ella and Belle do not know each other so they are just two confused twelve year olds trying to figure out how to get back to their original lives, but of course Ella does not want to go back to being a slave for her stepmother. I enjoyed the fantasy world that was created in the story. There are side adventures each girl is going on trying to figure out things like Ella helping the beast to stop the curse. I think I will read some of the others coming out in this series.
-But Redmond would remind Ella that we get to choose to take a situation and make things worse, or we can try to make things good. And though goodness is harder, it grows.
-The girls' eyes meet, and Belle is surprised by how one friend can remake the world. How sometimes you don't realize what you can do until you hear it from someone else.
-But Redmond would remind Ella that we get to choose to take a situation and make things worse, or we can try to make things good. And though goodness is harder, it grows.
-The girls' eyes meet, and Belle is surprised by how one friend can remake the world. How sometimes you don't realize what you can do until you hear it from someone else.
January 13, 2025
Podobało mi się bardziej niż się spodziewałam i na pewno sięgnę po więcej pozycji tej autorki.
Póki co koniec z cyklem ładnych okładek dopóki nie wyjdzie druga część 😅 4.5⭐
Póki co koniec z cyklem ładnych okładek dopóki nie wyjdzie druga część 😅 4.5⭐
February 5, 2025
Heads up, this review briefly discusses SA near the end as pertains to the Beast's original backstory in the Villeneuve version to showcase why I find the Villeneuve references and the Beast's introduction in this book so off-putting.
Dnf'ed at about 10%. I might have gotten more than thirty pages in if it was simply the painful writing. But Ever After High did this premise better and understood the fairytales better than this mess. The beast is immediately depicted as not only angry but aggressive, like the Disney version. Miss Bussing references Villeneuve, so she theoretically knows the source material. She also references Perrault, so French Cinderella. These plots and characters have nothing in common with their source materials as far as their introductions go. Maybe it gets somewhat better, but the writing really is painful. I'm tired of the Beast being either an outright villain of late in Middle Grade retellings or just Disney's version. That isn't who he is. And yes, I'm dnfing this much faster than usual because the author specifically uses the names of the authors who made the original French versions of these stories and then destroyed the themes and characterization. The Beast isn't a villain in Villeneuve's version. He is a SA and abuse survivor who got cursed by his abuser when he tried to escape. He was a child and then teen when this happened. He's kind and gentle. He'd never pin a child or teen, since we don't know these characters' ages, against a wall like depicted here.
Dnf'ed at about 10%. I might have gotten more than thirty pages in if it was simply the painful writing. But Ever After High did this premise better and understood the fairytales better than this mess. The beast is immediately depicted as not only angry but aggressive, like the Disney version. Miss Bussing references Villeneuve, so she theoretically knows the source material. She also references Perrault, so French Cinderella. These plots and characters have nothing in common with their source materials as far as their introductions go. Maybe it gets somewhat better, but the writing really is painful. I'm tired of the Beast being either an outright villain of late in Middle Grade retellings or just Disney's version. That isn't who he is. And yes, I'm dnfing this much faster than usual because the author specifically uses the names of the authors who made the original French versions of these stories and then destroyed the themes and characterization. The Beast isn't a villain in Villeneuve's version. He is a SA and abuse survivor who got cursed by his abuser when he tried to escape. He was a child and then teen when this happened. He's kind and gentle. He'd never pin a child or teen, since we don't know these characters' ages, against a wall like depicted here.
April 19, 2025
4.5!!
SUCH A FUN BOOK! The way this is a middle grade book yet there were so many times my jaw DROPPED. The last 100 pages were everything! I would say I would’ve loved this as a kid but I was in fact a kid with an undiagnosed reading disability and never picked up a book till 7th grade so I wouldn’t have read it then.
Everytime a chapter ends the author leaves you thinking
"dang I wanna know what happens next but we are in a different POV" and then you finish that chapter thinking the same thing. I absolutely LOVED both POVs.
I wish there was a little bit more of belles story in Ella plot and vice versa because I could see people saying “what’s the point of them switching. This could just be Belle and it would stay the same.” but I think it still worked with them switching and I LOVED the crossovers and calls to the original story. ELLA HAVING A GLASS LEG?!?!
Ella in Belle’s story was so much fun to read and discover everything, ESPECIALLY THE LAST TWIST! Belle in Ella’s story was such a fun heist mystery read. And Belle dealing with Simone omg. I loved the glass slippers and the mess with the jewelry.
Also I really like Beast and Amir more than I thought I would and the arc they went through.
Marie was such a great character too. I love her so much! ALSO STANLEY I LOVE YOU!
I already have the second book 🤭 I’m so excited to read it
SUCH A FUN BOOK! The way this is a middle grade book yet there were so many times my jaw DROPPED. The last 100 pages were everything! I would say I would’ve loved this as a kid but I was in fact a kid with an undiagnosed reading disability and never picked up a book till 7th grade so I wouldn’t have read it then.
Everytime a chapter ends the author leaves you thinking
"dang I wanna know what happens next but we are in a different POV" and then you finish that chapter thinking the same thing. I absolutely LOVED both POVs.
I wish there was a little bit more of belles story in Ella plot and vice versa because I could see people saying “what’s the point of them switching. This could just be Belle and it would stay the same.” but I think it still worked with them switching and I LOVED the crossovers and calls to the original story. ELLA HAVING A GLASS LEG?!?!
Ella in Belle’s story was so much fun to read and discover everything, ESPECIALLY THE LAST TWIST! Belle in Ella’s story was such a fun heist mystery read. And Belle dealing with Simone omg. I loved the glass slippers and the mess with the jewelry.
Also I really like Beast and Amir more than I thought I would and the arc they went through.
Marie was such a great character too. I love her so much! ALSO STANLEY I LOVE YOU!
I already have the second book 🤭 I’m so excited to read it
October 21, 2024
I was so excited to receive an E-ARC for this from Netgalley and Random House. Look for it in stores or libraries in January 2025.
I adore fairytale spin offs. Belle has always been my favorite princess, so I was thrilled to sit down and read this book. In fact, once I got started I couldn't put the book down. I was invested in Ella and Belle escaping their fates and finding their own versions of happily ever after.
Imagine Ella and Belle accidentally swapped places. Ella is now trapped with the Beast and Belle is trapped as a maid. I loved the strong female characters, the relationships they build with the characters around them, and inventive way that Kim Bussing ties the story all together. Loved the unique solutions and the magical elements that helped the girls. Highly recommend this middle grade fantasy novel to all fairytale fans.
I adore fairytale spin offs. Belle has always been my favorite princess, so I was thrilled to sit down and read this book. In fact, once I got started I couldn't put the book down. I was invested in Ella and Belle escaping their fates and finding their own versions of happily ever after.
Imagine Ella and Belle accidentally swapped places. Ella is now trapped with the Beast and Belle is trapped as a maid. I loved the strong female characters, the relationships they build with the characters around them, and inventive way that Kim Bussing ties the story all together. Loved the unique solutions and the magical elements that helped the girls. Highly recommend this middle grade fantasy novel to all fairytale fans.
February 14, 2025
I love this book!!!
Ok, I kind of felt that Neesa is Amir’s sister. And guess what, she is!!!
His long lost sister!!!!
And Stanley is cute. He just wanted to be a real mouse, and he is!!!
And Belle is so sweet. When she “ won the Revel” she asked to restore her father’s merchant business.
I enjoyed this book.
%100 recommended it.
Ok, I kind of felt that Neesa is Amir’s sister. And guess what, she is!!!
His long lost sister!!!!
And Stanley is cute. He just wanted to be a real mouse, and he is!!!
And Belle is so sweet. When she “ won the Revel” she asked to restore her father’s merchant business.
I enjoyed this book.
%100 recommended it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
This was delightful! I loved the twists on the original fairytale and the themes were so wholesome. I did find myself feeling more invested in Belle’s chapters than Ella’s, but I very much enjoyed it overall.
November 13, 2025
This book is a creative mix of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and a pinch of imagination and flair. I definitely got wrapped up in the story. I love how it twists and turns, picks and chooses, which parts of the stories its based on and a completely new story altogether. I definitally recommend.
June 9, 2025
Fun and adorable <3
April 6, 2025
Fun twist on Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast with a few surprises.
Longer RTC
Longer RTC
December 23, 2024
This was an ARC from NetGalley. As a fan of Disney retellings, this sounded original and interesting. Cinderella and Belle swap stories. I have to say it missed the mark for a few reasons. First, we kick off the story with a swap with very little context and no background. Second, the idea of a retelling is very loose. This was very liberal with the storylines of well known characters. It definitely didn't feel like I was revisiting known plots. This made the first note particularly challenging. Third, the choice to make the characters preteen was an odd decision, and didn't align or add to the story. I am not sure who the audience for this book is. As it doesn't seem to work for a younger audience, and it is too junior for a young adult audience. Great concept, but poor execution.
September 23, 2024
I recieved an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
One day Ella wakes up to in a bed and Belle wakes up in a fireplace, both on the way to a magical adventure neither could have dreamed up. I loved this book! It’s a sweet start to a great series of mixed-up fairy tales. I loved all the characters and freshly added diversity. The fairy tales are familiar and yet mixed up just right so you don’t know what is really going to happen in the end. Bussing is a real talent and the fun in this new take on old stories is apparent on every page. I can’t wait for the next one! Recommended A pleasure to read for anyone who loves fairy tales and wants something new and fun.
One day Ella wakes up to in a bed and Belle wakes up in a fireplace, both on the way to a magical adventure neither could have dreamed up. I loved this book! It’s a sweet start to a great series of mixed-up fairy tales. I loved all the characters and freshly added diversity. The fairy tales are familiar and yet mixed up just right so you don’t know what is really going to happen in the end. Bussing is a real talent and the fun in this new take on old stories is apparent on every page. I can’t wait for the next one! Recommended A pleasure to read for anyone who loves fairy tales and wants something new and fun.
February 2, 2025
4.5 stars!
This book is such a delightful and refreshing take on the classic fairy tales of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty! It weaves together elements from both stories while taking readers on a unique journey filled with magical adventures, personal growth, and some truly special friendships that feel like family. It’s not your average fairy tale! This story reimagines familiar characters and themes in a way that brings them to life in a brand new way, making it ideal for anyone who loves the enchantment of princess stories but is looking for something a bit different.
The narrative dives deep into the idea of self-discovery, featuring fantastic world-building that draws you into a realm where magic is not just an outside force but something tied to the characters’ growth and their relationships. It’s not only about romance or waiting for a prince to come save the day—this retelling focuses on empowerment, meaningful connections, and finding strength in unexpected places. As the protagonist's journey unfolds, they build relationships with other characters who become more like family than just friends, adding a lovely emotional depth to the adventure.
While it may not follow the traditional stories of Cinderella or Belle that we all know, that's what makes it so appealing! The fresh twist on familiar tropes is sure to charm readers, especially those who enjoy a good mix of magical escapism and relatable character development. If you grew up loving classic princess stories but want a more mature and thought-provoking spin, this book is definitely for you!
I had the pleasure of reading an eARC of this book, and I can genuinely say that these are my own opinions. I think this novel will be a big hit for anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings, especially those of us who are a bit older but still hold a soft spot for the magic and adventure of classic princess tales!
This book is such a delightful and refreshing take on the classic fairy tales of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty! It weaves together elements from both stories while taking readers on a unique journey filled with magical adventures, personal growth, and some truly special friendships that feel like family. It’s not your average fairy tale! This story reimagines familiar characters and themes in a way that brings them to life in a brand new way, making it ideal for anyone who loves the enchantment of princess stories but is looking for something a bit different.
The narrative dives deep into the idea of self-discovery, featuring fantastic world-building that draws you into a realm where magic is not just an outside force but something tied to the characters’ growth and their relationships. It’s not only about romance or waiting for a prince to come save the day—this retelling focuses on empowerment, meaningful connections, and finding strength in unexpected places. As the protagonist's journey unfolds, they build relationships with other characters who become more like family than just friends, adding a lovely emotional depth to the adventure.
While it may not follow the traditional stories of Cinderella or Belle that we all know, that's what makes it so appealing! The fresh twist on familiar tropes is sure to charm readers, especially those who enjoy a good mix of magical escapism and relatable character development. If you grew up loving classic princess stories but want a more mature and thought-provoking spin, this book is definitely for you!
I had the pleasure of reading an eARC of this book, and I can genuinely say that these are my own opinions. I think this novel will be a big hit for anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings, especially those of us who are a bit older but still hold a soft spot for the magic and adventure of classic princess tales!
February 22, 2025
(This review contains spoilers of events that took place in the book) Wow… I feel like I just stepped out of the kingdom of Reverie. The Princess Switch was so wonderfully written, I felt entranced by the authors amazing language and taken into the story. This is the best book I’ve read so far this year! It was filled with secrets, spells, and switches. My favorite character in this book was Belle. She was kindhearted and wanted what was best for her family, and was willing to make sacrifices to get that. Ella on the other hand, seemed pretty innocent and I felt bad for her at certain times, but again, she was pretty self-absorbed and stubborn at times. I liked that Ella’s stepsister Marie was actually nice and friendly to Belle unlike her mother and sister. It was a nice twist instead of having two brats as stepsisters. I also loved how the beast was secretly the lost princess, Anisa. She was turned into a beast for her bad actions, since she was very mean before and wanted to escape the castle. She actually was the reason Ella’s father lost his job. This definitely caused some controversy between the two girls. I also liked how Anisa was Amir’s sister. This book was just filled with so many Easter eggs resulting in events later in the text, I loved it!! This book is 100% a must read. It is definitely worth your time. What are you waiting for? Open the book to enter to portal to Reverie!!
March 10, 2025
E-ARC from Netgalley
I love a good fairy tale retelling and this was one of them.
In this story we have Cinderella and Belle. While similar to the stories we know and love but different enough to make the story fresh and unique.
Without giving to much away, Cinderella is treated badly by her stepmother and Belle's father is a collector of magical objects instead of an inventor. Something happens when Belle does a bit of magic at the same time as Cinderella's fairy godfather does his and chaos ensues. They end up switching places. Hence the subtitle princess swap. You have duel points of view, Belle and Cinderella. Each girl is trying to piece together what happened and how to escape their captors. Will they get there HEA, read the book and see for yourself.
I look forward to the other books in this series. I do have E-Arcs for the next two.
I love a good fairy tale retelling and this was one of them.
In this story we have Cinderella and Belle. While similar to the stories we know and love but different enough to make the story fresh and unique.
Without giving to much away, Cinderella is treated badly by her stepmother and Belle's father is a collector of magical objects instead of an inventor. Something happens when Belle does a bit of magic at the same time as Cinderella's fairy godfather does his and chaos ensues. They end up switching places. Hence the subtitle princess swap. You have duel points of view, Belle and Cinderella. Each girl is trying to piece together what happened and how to escape their captors. Will they get there HEA, read the book and see for yourself.
I look forward to the other books in this series. I do have E-Arcs for the next two.
July 8, 2025
First and foremost, I will say that the concept of the princess swap was intriguing and I think that the exchange of Cinderella and Belle's story lines was fairly well done. However, it just wasn't for me. Maybe because it is a fair bit removed from the original stories that I know and maybe it is because of the gender swaps of some characters, but it just wasn't one of my favorite retellings so far.
November 6, 2025
Kim Bussing has a way of twisting fairy tales that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the themes in this one and enjoyed the characters too.
Note- the beast is female and although there isn't anything expressly expressed, there are enough subtly placed phrases that make the reader wonder at romance instead of friendship. I don't think it would be super obvious to kids reading it unless they are already on alert.
Note- the beast is female and although there isn't anything expressly expressed, there are enough subtly placed phrases that make the reader wonder at romance instead of friendship. I don't think it would be super obvious to kids reading it unless they are already on alert.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
I love a good fairytale retelling and this one did not disappoint. The changes to the traditional stories definitely adds to the excitement and helps to make it more relatable to the middle grade age group. This story is full of adventure, friendship, and how seeing things from a different perspective can be the answer to how to find your way onto your own path. It's about the journey and what we learn not the destination.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2025
“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐠.”
Actual Rating: 3.75 ✨
This was so cute 🥺 The writing was very descriptive and pretty which I loved! I also loved the two characters (especially Belle). I think the relationships were all well-written too. The only thing that bothered me was the how little the two main characters interacted, and how choppy the pacing was.
Actual Rating: 3.75 ✨
This was so cute 🥺 The writing was very descriptive and pretty which I loved! I also loved the two characters (especially Belle). I think the relationships were all well-written too. The only thing that bothered me was the how little the two main characters interacted, and how choppy the pacing was.
April 17, 2025
This book was delightful! A nice middle-grade fairytale retelling with lots of adventure, daring girls and lots and lots of magic! I adored it, and I especially liked how multi-faceted every character was! Five stars from me!
November 3, 2025
I loved the concept so much and it was executed SO WELL, both of the girls were given agency in their stories and were both fierce, strong, and resilient - this was such a fun new twist on the stories we all know so well and I can't wait to read her next stories
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed this! It was a unique twist on Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Ella and Belle were bad ass and you got to love it when the FMCs save themselves as well as everyone else.
January 30, 2025
SO cute and fun! Perfect execution of taking inspiration from the original fairy tales and putting an original spin on them.
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