Pearl and the Baker: A Regency Retelling

Once in a Wood

by Sienna Peake

A girl. A baker. A cottage in the woods.

Pearl Hartley is determined to protect her brother from being sent away, even if that means fleeing into the forest by night.

Rowan Barrington wants nothing more than to work peacefully as a baker deep in the woods, forgetting his painful past.

When an accident leads Pearl to Rowan's doorstep, will they discover they no longer have to struggle alone?


Pearl and the Baker is a sweet, clean Regency romance inspired by the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. It is the first book in the Regency fairy tale retellings series Once in a Wood.


Once in a Wood series--Where fairy tale forests meet Regency romance

Pearl and the Baker - inspired by Hansel & Gretel

Rosalyn and the Wolf - inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Guinevere and the Three Brothers - inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Hannah and the Nightingale - inspired by The Nightingale

Genres: Regency, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fairy Tales, Novella, Retellings, Fiction

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2025

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Regency- Fairytale Retelling

The evil stepmother in this book was more-so the juvenile kind, not actually trying to kill the stepchildren. Which was a good change of pace compared to all the other fairytale retellings I’ve read lately, but it did also make her seem like an easy villainess or just silly.

I did like the concept of this short little book, but as it continued there was a lot of the couple remembering embraces or nearness or smelling the other. It was happening or remembered on almost every page and got to be a bit much for me. They were cute, don’t get me wrong but there was the classic “FMC hurt her ankle and can’t walk” trope so she has to be carried down the stairs and it creates the forced proximity trope on a higher level. 😅

It was a touch dramatic towards the end, but was overall a cute read and I plan to continue the series. I really liked the sibling bond between Pearl and Henry in this book.



Main Content-
Pearl wonders if her mother is looking down on her.

Mentions of a forest seeming like it’s magical or like fairies live there & a cottage being enchanted (mostly said by a young boy and Pearl agrees with him; At the end, Rowan says he is a firm believer in the magic of the forest/woods and Pearl agrees); A couple mentions of church going & a curate; A mention of Providence arranging good; A mention of Heaven; A mention of a place being like a corner of heaven; A mention of something tasting heavenly; A mention of a good omen.


No language stronger than the regency exclamation “devil take it!”.

Being grabbed, Having hair pulled, Pain & Injuries (up to a couple sentences).

Pearl calls her stepmother a “witch of a woman” and she accidentally eavesdrops on her plan for Pearl and Henry, so Pearl gathers her brother and they run away from home; Rowan has a strained relationship with his older brothers due to their teasing and trouble-making.

Mentions of a mother dying in childbirth & grief (Pearl and Henry’s mother); Mentions of someone catching on fire, the screams, & concern for that person; Mentions of injuries & pain; A couple mentions of fights; A mention of gambling; A couple mentions of drinking from a flask (implied alcohol).



1 kiss lasting a couple sentences.

Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Shivers/Tingles, Nearness, Smelling, Noticing, & Staring (including muscles, up to a few sentences); Remembering touches, embraces, warmth, nearness, & smelling (up to a few sentences); Wanting to touch, embrace, & be near (up to a few sentences); Blushes.

Some bare feet/ankles cause blushing for the main couple & also a comment about one bathing in a pool (due to the time period).

A man (implied to be a scoundrel) eyes Pearl with a lingering look and like she’s a piece of meat, which makes her uncomfortable.

A few mentions of chaperones.

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was just the cutest little story! I wish it were longer but the pacing is perfect. The romance was so sweet and adorable and fluffy. I loved the theme of a strong family bond. Pearl and Rowan were so cute! Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Cornet: mention of mother who has passed, minor violence (little death), romance and kissing (lightly detailed)

[Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ | Hansel and Gretel retelling | 11/12+

୨୧ ❝ Rowan could still remember the feel of Miss Hallett’s small frame in his arms as he’d carried her, the way she’d looked at him with her dark, doe-like eyes as though still asking him whether she was safe in his presence ❞ ୨୧

꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: » I’m Only Me When I’m With You ⇾ Taylor Swift «

okay, I think I found a book buzz word, because every book I’ve read so far that has included baking I’ve loved. every. single. time. I am a baker myself, so it only makes sense that baking in books would just tickle my fancy. I just took five years of reading for me to realize that!

I did not know which retelling this was until I started reading, then I started picking up the breadcrumbs of the Hansel and Gretel nods (get it? if you don’t, you fail) and I rather liked this retelling! all I could think about while getting into this was the line from Boss Baby where he asks “so this book is about cannibalism and burning people alive?” but I’m here to tell you this retelling is safe! because, y’all, this was so much fun!



Pearl was a very good character. she’s protective of her little brother and is independent WITHOUT being an annoying I don’t need a man character. she was the kind of independent that was created from a life of being neglected and a partially hardened heart. I’m just so glad the author kept this book within the times, which included customs.

Henry was a cutie pie. Aunt Agnes was as sweet as a chocolate chip cookie, and Rowan…OMG ROWAN…was our ooey-gooey cinnamon roll! random fact, but Rowan and Ronan are two of my favorite boy names. the moment I read “Rowan” on my kindle, I perked up and a visible smile spread over my face. he was a total gentleman! he was so sweet and kind and respectful! aaaaaand he’s a baker!



y’all, we need more novellas and books like this. because I just felt so happy after reading this. though books that crush my heart then give it back to me are also my jam, but I also like balancing it out with fluffy but meaningful stories as well.

bottom line: loved this story. it’s beautiful and sweet and perfect for a quick spring read.

─────୨♡୧─────

꒰🧁꒱ content warning (spoiler free)


➸Christian content:
a mention of a mother leaving to heaven; mention of church on Sunday


➸spiritual content:
none!


➸sexual content:
1 non-detailed kiss

Pearl notices Rowan’s muscles a few times (not detailed); Aunt Agnes says she’s still young and spry and might take up a romance of her own; Pearl blushes at the thought of Rowan seeing her bare ankle (to get it looked at) and he respectfully turns away when the stocking is taken off by the doctor; Rowan says it isn’t proper for him to be in a lady’s bedroom; a few times Rowan carried Pearl and some light attraction is felt and later mentioned (remembering the feel of Pearl in Rowan’s arms or Pearl remembering how it felt to be carried by Rowan); Pearl has been taught to never venture out alone with a gentleman; Rowan says he bathes in the forest pool to Pearl and they both blush (Pearl trying not to think about Rowan bathing); Pearl’s stepmother accuses Pearl of living in the woods with a strange man; a married woman gets pregnant


➸language:
2 ‘pish’s; 1 ‘witch’; 1 ‘dear me’; 1 ‘mercy!’; 1 ‘devil take it’


➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
Rowan’s brother drink from a flask and is drunk in one scene


➸lgtbq+:
none!


➸magic/witchcraft:
none!


➸violence:
Pearl sprains her ankle; a brawl ensues with two men fighting and beating each other up (not detailed); and Pearl is struggling against her stepmother (who is yanking her hair, and Pearl shoves her against the wall); a woman’s shirt catches on fire but she runs away and you don’t see anything


➸other:
a mention of a bout of schoolboys dying from cholera; mention of gambling


➸possible triggers:
death of a mother; a brother only comes around to get money from his family



─────୨♡୧─────

꒰🌳꒱ quotes

➸ He turned to Pearl and smiled, and she noticed for the first time a slight dimple in his left cheek. It was rather adorable.

➸ ”But all honest work is honorable. I hope you never forget that, lad.”

➸ ”I wanted to say - that is - “Mr. Barrington shifted from side to side. Pearl waited, a strange blend of fear and hope beginning to stir inside her.
“Yes? Go on.”
“What I wanted to say is - “ Mr. Barrington began again, then straightened, looking Pearl in the eyes. “You Don’t have to go.”

[Fiction with Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog Post: https://fictionwithphoebe.com/pearl-a...

To protect her young brother from their stepmother’s machinations, Pearl Hartley flees her home and unexpectedly stumbles upon Rowan Barrington and his aunt’s cottage. What starts as a temporary shelter, begins to feel more and more like home. However, both Rowan’s and Pearl’s pasts soon come knocking.

A lot of retellings are based on the more common fairy tales (Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, etc.). So it was unique to read a Hansel and Gretel retelling.

I’m not really an outdoorsy person, but Pearl’s love of the forest was contagious.

Henry was a sweet kid, who loves the forest (especially the frogs and toads) just as much as his sister does.

Rowan is one of my favorite MMCs. A gentleman who gave up his comfortable lifestyle and became a baker, how could I resist 😉

I also loved all the descriptions of the beautiful forest and mouthwatering baked goods.

Favorite Moments
🍪 spiced biscuits
🍞 almost falling down the stairs
🍪 carrying down the stairs
🍞 proposal
🍪 epilogue

Content Notes:
mention of a woman dying in childbirth, woman is described as a “witch,” mention of boys dying from cholera, touching, noticing and awareness, mention of bathing in a forest pool, mention of gambling, one mention of devil, some very mild violence, an implied divorce/annulment

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! It's a charming reinterpretation of Hansel and Gretel that adds a fresh twist. The characters are wonderfully engaging, and the setting captures the imagination perfectly. Plus, the author's notes at the end offer insightful background and context that enhance the reading experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic retelling of Hansel and Gretel! Pearl is a grown young woman who lives with her father, step mother and her young brother Henry. Pearl thankfully overhears her stepmothers plan for Pearl and Henry and takes her life into her own hands. As her and Henry set out to make their own life, she stumbles upon Rowan and his aunts vibrant cottage in the forest.

I loved Pearl's independent character, she knows what she wants and stands up for herself and her younger brother. That's not an easy thing to do and it can be outright scary to set out on your own like this. But she does it and I admire her greatly for doing so. Rowan is a very sweet man that loves his quiet home and baking goodies to sell in town. They are the perfect match for each other in temperament and interests.

Rowans Aunt Agnes is splendid as well! Her light hearted and humorous personality shines through the pages and makes heavy situations seem lighter just with her presence.

If you're looking for a quick regency read with fairy tales vibe, then you'll love this sweet, clean romance set in a fairytale like forest!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, whimsical, and beautiful retelling!

Inspired by Hansel and Gretel but set in Regency England (or rather in almost magical English forest) this novella is such a delight to read.
The main characters are lovely, and one can’t help but cheer for their HEA. The style is easy and engaging. However, though the story is light, it still touches on issues like parental abandonment, emotional distance, hunger for reciprocal love, simple joys and purpose in life. And though it’s a retelling, the novella has a few unexpected twists, and the added mystery only makes it more interesting.
A great beginning to the series.

I was honored with an advanced copy but had no obligation to leave a positive review. Opinions expressed are my own, as I greatly enjoyed this novella.

[Lover of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet short book! I loved it so much!!

[Smasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content:

Profanity: None.

Violence: Mild. Twisted ankles, burned skirts, and threats of being grabbed.

Sexual: Mild. Being carried, chaste kisses. There is one insinuation of a character 'living with a man' that was "crass" (it's regency).

Triggers: Negligent parent prompting children to run away to be safe.


Probably closer to a 4.5 rating, but not 'perfect unicorn' 5 star for me.

How do you know a book is delightful?

When you finish you immediately go put all the author's other books on your wish list.

This was adorable. I loved the sweetness of how Pearl and Rowan come together. The atmosphere of the story made it all the better; a cottage in the woods, baked goods described that made me want an orange roll SO BAD (hahah), and family- both found and by blood.

Henry was so cute, and reminded me of my little nephews with his antics, which gave depth to the story. And Aunt Agnes being Rowan's support made my heart happy. We aunts can be quite ferociously proud and supportive of our nieces and nephews.

I admit I kept forgetting this was set in regency times, because most fairy tale retellings are more medieval and until she would mention propriety or being in Lancashire I totally spaced it. You don't really find a lot of regency books set in the woods. Unless it's highwayman robbing them for a few scenes.

For being just shy of 100 pages, this was paced beautifully and I was totally satisfied with all of it, especially the ending. I don't know if I could've been that generous, but I was glad to see Pearl and Henry's Dad come back to himself and seek forgiveness and reunification.

I'm quite excited to read more from the author. I have one more from her from a fairy tale book sale so it's next on my list! Who doesn't need more sweet cozy fairy tale romances in their life?

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl and the Baker
Once in a Wood #1
By Sienna Peake

What's a young woman to do when she overhears her step-mother plotting against her and her young brother? Why run away into the woods, of course. Pearl Hartley refuses to allow her young brother to be sent away to the worst boarding school in the land. And she refuses to be sent into service to support her step-mother's excessive lifestyle. With her father slipping deeper into his detached existence, Pearl has no choice but to leave. Henry's life depends on it.

But slipping away in the night does not solve all their problems. Pearl needs to seek work and shelter so that she can keep Henry and herself safely hidden away from her step-mother. An unfortunate mishap finds Pearl and Henry seeking shelter with Rowan Barrington and his aunt. Pearl being Pearl refuses to accept their aid without working in someway to not be an unexpected burden. Can this hidden cottage in the woods provide the safety Pearl and Henry seek, at least until they can again set out on their own?

Pearl and the Baker is a sweet retelling of Hansel and Gretel that most definitely has a Regency feel to it. This story would be appropriate for readers 12 and up in my opinion. This is a clean read that has all the main elements of the classic fairy tale while presenting them in a unique and original way.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Sami Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC for my honest opinion of this book.

This was a lovely, sweet romance with an independent main character whose love for her brother is prevalent from the first chapter. I like that she and the MMC find each other in similar circumstances and meet each other where they are without judgement. The pacing was great, it never felt like the plot was lagging. I also appreciate the attention to detail from the time period and the occupations that Peake has shown.

My only critiques for this book are that I believe the book could be longer to give more time to flesh out the relationship between the main couple. It felt like we caught a glimpse at the beginning, but there were time jumps that mean we missed a bit of their relationship blossoming from the initial meeting. I would have preferred to spend more time getting to know both of them as they got to know each other!

Overall, I gave 4/5 stars because it was well-written, easy to follow along, and I didn't want to put it down.

[Victoria Pring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet. I loved the sibling dynamic and how sweet all the characters were. except the awful ones ofcourse. I thought the stepmother was horrible ofcourse but in the way all of us who read fairytales would expect, the brother however was a slimy vindictive little waste of oxygen that caused a far greater level of hatred. I think it was due to how real he felt (its the umbridge effect). Overall I loved this book, if I had to make any small complaint it would be Pearl was written very much as a child forced into an adults role rather than an adult forced to take on unexpected duties, this meant it took me a while to change gears when she became the love intrest of the well situated baker who had already lived long enough to be a bit jaded, im not sure of the ages but to make me feel better im going to say she was 20ish and he was maybe late 20s, dont tell me if im wrong, I dont want to know, but that ambiguity around the ages of these characters is the reason the book didnt get that final star.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. It is a clean regency romance inspired by Hansel and Gretel. The main characters are Rowan and Pearl. Pearl overhears some news at home so she packs a bag and takes off with her brother Henry to keep them together. Along the way she gets hurt and then Rowan and his aunt welcome Pearl and her brother into their home. Will Pearls dad and stepmom come looking for them? Will she be able to start a new life for her and her brother? Will Rowan be able to give them the life they deserve? I loved watching Rowan and Pearl fall in love. I also loved how Rowan and his aunt automatically treated Pearl and Henry as family. The characters in this book were wonderful. This book was such an amazing book. If you like regency fairy tale retelling books then I recommend this one.

[Tales Untangled · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.

Genre: Regency Fairy Tales, Regency Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings, Regency Romance
Spice Level: Kissing
Format: I would call it a novella

PEARL AND THE BAKER is the first in a new series. This is feel-good, low-takes romance at its heart.

The characters are fun and sweet (except the evil ones), and the twists to the well-known fairy tale are fun. This is a book you can share with kids and adults.

The Regency elements come out in the setting and social class. This is not a book of balls and visiting hours. In fact, this is a tale tucked in the woods. I wanted to sit and eat a treat from the baker as the story unfolded.

I think sweet romance readers are going to love this book!

Happy reading!

[Tales and Toils · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE this story!!!

The tale is inspired by the classic Hanzel and Gretel. What I love about these old dark fairytales is the innocent youthful curiosity that meets with danger in a most enchanting setting. This story absolutely accomplished that with the addition of a sweet love story that was so heartwarming. Pearl's stepmother has made her mind up to send her off to work as a governess with the expectation of receiving her earnings back home and her little brother Henry to be sent off to school. Their father remains lost in his grief and when he makes no effort to support or defend his home, finances or his children from the woman he married, Pearl leaves at night determined to care for herself and Henry in order to remain together. The woods, a charming cottage, a found family, a handsome baker named Rowan, betrayal, and a thrilling fight scene that involves an oven, all made for a very satisfying, nostalgic but quick read. Can't wait for the rest of the series!!!

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical and charming retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Add to that Regency and a romance and it is delightful. Sienna Peake has a way of pulling the reader into this story, the forest, the characters and their lives. Like I said, DELIGHTFUL.

From Pearl and Henry's escape to the interactions with Rowan and the danger of the story there is much to love in this retelling. Especially the romance that builds between Pearl and Rowan, it grows into something beautiful. I am excited for more in Peake's Once in a Wood series. If you love classic
childhood stories, regency and romance, snag this novella today!

*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hansel & Gretel is not often a fairytale that is retold, but I love this creative retelling!The Pearl & the Baker drew me in the moment I picked it up.

Henry was such a darling little brother and the perfect bait for investing me in this story. How dare Georgina send him away 🥹. Their father's neglect broke my heart for Henry and Pearl.

And Rowan Barrington - a man who is a baker! Definitely, the makings of a perfect man. The instant protectiveness from Rowan tugged some heartstrings.

The sassy aunt was the icing on the cake, or perhaps I should say "cottage." Forest settings are my absolute favorite, too, and I want to live there now, XD.

Poor Pearl and even Rowan. The struggle to learn to rely on others and God is so real, but there is so much more peace when it's not all on our shoulders.

CW (only) for younger readers: Technically nothing, but a lot of dwelling on how touches feel.

My rating/Age recommendation:
5 out of 5 stars/ 16+

This series is so good! I can't wait to start reading Rosalynn & the Wolf!!!

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully sweet novella inspired by the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Although not what I would strictly call a re-telling, it cleverly weaves in many of the elements of the original tale in unexpected ways. The story is set in Regency England but the forest setting gives it a magical feel. The writing is engaging and easy to fall into and the sweet romance is suitable for readers of any age. Overall, this was a delightful story and I can't wait to read more of the Once in a Wood series.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.

[Moani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for this book in exchange for my honest review. This was a great story, I can really see the similarities to Hansel and Gretel that the author used and it was such a sweet romance. Even the sibling love and protection was spot on, and it had a great twist on the antagonist of the story. I was skeptical about whether I would like this book or not because it was such a short story but the pacing was done really well and the time skips helped the progression of the story as well. Overall it was a great short romance story I would definitely recommend.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This regency era Hansel and Gretel retelling has quite a twist to the original tale. I like that the book sticks to the original tale where a brother and a sister travel in the woods together after their stepmother wants them out. After that the book is quite different from the original with the added elements of romance and the fact that the siblings are saved by someone nice. Since this book was a novella, it was on the shorter side so I do feel thins book could have been longer so we could have more in-depth characters.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I really enjoyed this cozy heartwarming story!
Such a sweet retelling of Hansel and Gretel that’ll leave you wanting more! The author does a wonderful job at making you feel so attached to the characters! I read this book in one day I just couldn’t put it down! Definitely recommend for a nice cozy sit down read! I can’t wait to read the other stories in the Once in a Wood Series!

[M D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! Once I started, I didn’t stop reading. Although Pearl and the Baker is based on the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, it is a great little story that would still easily flow on its own without prior knowledge. If you are familiar with the fairy tale you can still expect fun surprises throughout. You can feel the inspiration from the fairy tale yet are still enjoying a unique story of its own. Well done Sienna Peake!

[Julianne Munich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very wholesome fairytale story with cozy vibes of a forest, a cottage, and a handsome baker!
I loved Rowan, and I liked how Pearl was determined to create a better life for her little brother and escape from her abusive family. The baking scenes and family life shown was really cute.
There could have been a little more length and more scenes of Rowan and Pearl alone together, growing in their relationship.
A sweet, cozy read.

[Kaitlin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique twist of Hansel and Gretel! I really enjoyed this story, only wishing it was longer! I’m so glad everything turned out well in the end! Rowan and Pearl were so sweet and strong and it was nice to see the two families grow together!

Thank you to Sienna Peake for the review copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet short retelling of Hansel and Gretel!!! Unlike that story, this one has a happy ending. I honestly liked it. Because it wasn't to long, but it gave you the idea of how Pearl and Henry are and what Pearl would do to protect her family. If you like quick retelling in such a cute way. I would read this book and probably what is coming soon from this series.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this story, but I absolutely loved the characters and seeing damaged, good hearted people slowly open themselves up to the possibility of hope. The themes in this book were delightful, the forest setting magical, and overall it was just a simple, sweet, feel-good tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book! To capture the essence of a fairytale in such a short book is in itself a great accomplishment and then the author also makes us feel about the characters. So glad to have found this book and ready for another.

[Korynn Mangum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute!! Such a great spin on Hansel and Gretel—it maintained the necessary elements, but was transformed into a sweet little romance. Really endearing characters, a few fun twists and a satisfying ending. I truly only wish it was longer haha.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely novella with great worldbuilding and endearing characters. I was rooting for Pearl and Rowan the whole time, and Henry is adorable.
A charming break from reality.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Liss B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great pallette cleanser between my usual more intense readings.

The romance was filled with little easter eggs that reminded me of the original fairy tale. It had me smiling the entire time.

Looking forward to reading more from this author!