Wendy’s Ever After

by Julie Wright

Chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!



Wendy Darling embarks on a new journey where her past in Neverland collides with her future hopes for love, only to rediscover the adventure never truly ended.

Wendy Darling has grown into a stunning young woman. Her days are filled with social gatherings and elegant balls, but her nights are alive with memories of fighting pirates, soaring through the skies, and other wild escapes through Neverland with Peter Pan—the boy who never grew up.

When Wendy meets a handsome and mysterious stranger, there’s something about him that feels familiar yet elusive. His eyes sparkle with a mischief that tugs at Wendy’s heartstrings, reminding her of Peter. Intrigued and a bit unnerved, Wendy finds herself inexplicably drawn to this handsome young man and soon finds herself back in Neverland.

Caught between the allure of her past and the promise of the future, Wendy must navigate a perilous new journey, rediscovering the courage and wonder that once defined her youth. As she battles old foes and forges allies with new friends, Wendy is torn between her memories of a boy she once loved and the man who has stolen her heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Retellings, Audiobook, Adventure, Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, The American Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances.

She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She hates mayonnaise.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still soaring after reading this one! It is a beautiful story with wonderful themes! Perfect for YA readers and older readers! I can't wait for my teenagers to read it, and all of my friends! While reading it I just kept thinking that my teenagers and all of their friends would adore this one! I need to get a physical copy for my bookshelves and that can be leant out to all of our friends!

I loved watching Wendy try to discover her place in life and society. She's considered a debutante and her mom is actively trying to find her a suitor to marry her. Wendy is wistfully looking back at Neverland and Peter in her heart and mind. I loved the theme of growth and change, and learning to continue on in life that was throughout the book.

Whether you've read Peter Pan or not, or watched any movies of it, you'll be able to enjoy this sweet and beautiful story.

I loved at the beginning of every chapter, there was a quote from the book, Peter Pan, that fits with the chapter. They were quite delightful!

We see some familiar characters from Peter Pan and get to meet a few new ones.

Some favorite moments from the book for me:

The masquerade ball *Happy, Happy Sigh!!!*
Hook and his new cape
Figuring out how to fly again
The maze and telling truths *Oh my heart, yes I had tears in some moments*
That kiss!!! *Oh My!!!*
Peter Pan and Tinkerbell
Wendy and her strength
The new friend Liam
The Lost Boys
The mystery
The mermaid
Truths and Heartaches
Being back in Neverland!!!

There's soooo much more in this book. And I was trying to be very vague in what I shared because I want you to experience it all and enjoy the journey. Just like the journey of life. It's messy and ugly and hard and not what we expect at moments, but it's lovely and beautiful and worth the journey!

Content: Clean. Some very mild moments of peril but nothing graphic.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wendy's Ever After" by Julie Wright is such a fun "Peter Pan" Retelling! It is more like a sequel because it takes place several years after “Peter Pan” ends. In this sweet coming of age story, Wendy Darling meets Mr. Blackwell, a mysterious and intriguing stranger who says and does things that remind her of Neverland. Wendy follows him after a ball to find out why he has such an effect on her and gets swept up in a great adventure back to Neverland, meeting old and new friends. I love the chemistry between Wendy and the enigmatic Mr. Blackwell. Ms. Wright makes Neverland come to life with lush descriptions and she writes with humor and wit. I love that we see Neverland through an older Wendy’s eyes. She must figure out who the real villain is and what is ailing the realm of Neverland (something nefarious is afoot!).

It was fun to try to guess whether the pirates were bad (like Wendy originally thought when she was a girl) or to ponder whether Peter Pan was the problematic one. Or are things not as black and white as they once seemed? I love the fact that there are pirates, and I think anyone who loves the character “Hook” from the television show “Once Upon a Time” will enjoy this story. The romance was wonderful, and I love the theme of loss and hope. Fans of retellings will love this story!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a man is about to strike a child; mention of ghosts and a place being haunted.

TW: possible child abduction and loss of a child; hallucinations; abandonment by a parent.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance at this.

Everyone who enjoys Peter Pan has either written fanfic or imagined what would happen when Wendy grew up. Some have her with Capt. Hook, some have her with Peter, and some choose their own path.

That would be this book. It was refreshing to see that the author came up with an original character for Wendy to be attracted to.

This book wasn't a BAD book, it was just... well, tame. I've read other books written by this publisher with more romance, more 'depth'. This one just kind of simmered, didn't really boil over. It could be the author was trying to capture the innocence of the J.M Barrie book, or it was trying to capture the Disney film (a lot of nods to it).

The book was strong in various aspects, but it never really seemed to hold that strength through the entirety of the book. Liam deserved more depth - his early reveal on who he is and his links to Neverland deserve more depth than what we got, and I feel the book could have used POV's from him. His backstory was too blandly presented.

The villain - Capt. Hook - was present, but not present enough for the end to really hit home. Since the issue with what's going on with Neverland has to do with him. There is also a glimpse as to a possible backstory of his connection with Peter that the author teased which was good, but felt kind of ... there ... and felt awkward. If it was given more focus, or maybe more depth into five years post Wendy and Peter's adventures, or again, more focus on Hook, Liam, and other characters besides Wendy it'd be a good addition to things.

All in all, there are good things in this book, and there are bad things. You make your decision.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read!

For a YA audience, I’d say this was an enjoyable, spice free, intriguing retelling on the classic Peter Pan. As an adult reading YA, Wendy did feel more immature than I typically enjoy, but it never crossed into annoying behaviour. I may have found a couple fight scenes hard to believe, but this is fantasy, haha, and we live for the unexpected!

The romance was sweet, and Wendy and Liam had great chemistry. Neverland is different than the world we remember as kids. But it’s still an adventure waiting to happen on the second star to the right and straight on till morning.

Also, the cover hooked me! 😍 Gorgeous!

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you believe me if I told you that some pirates are heroes?”
She laughed. “Not even for a moment.”

Wendy’s Ever After by Julie Wright is an absolutely delightful, nostalgic return to Neverland — and it completely stole my heart.

Watching Wendy grow up and truly come into her own was so satisfying. She faces her fears, fights for her future, and learns what it really means to love and be loved. Liam is everything you want in a clean romance hero — strong, dependable, with just enough mischief to keep you smiling. The romance is sweet and tender — perfect as an intro-to-romance for younger YA readers but just as enjoyable for adult readers who love a swoony, wholesome love story.

This book has it all: adventure, heartfelt growth, a touch of magic, and plenty of romance vibes. If you’re looking for the perfect summer read, THIS is the one to pick up.

This one is available NOW and ready to be read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/Trigger Warnings: mild peril. Romance-kisses only.

[Anna (The_Reading_Pantry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book with zero expectations and was thoroughly entertained. ◡̈ What happened after the traditional story of Peter Pan when Wendy left Neverland? I liked that this story wasn’t a retelling, but a continuation of the story of Wendy finding herself back in Neverland as an adult.

It was a fun idea and I truly enjoyed it! Liam is the best and I could appreciate the principle of how your opinion could change once you discover all the facts. Wendy was pretty headstrong and stubborn but in the end, it all worked out and I am happy she held true to her values. A quick and easy read! Definitely great for young adults. ◡̈

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens years after Wendy leaves Neverland and is all grown up? Well in this YA Fantasy, we find out. Wendy meets a Mr. Liam Blackwell at a masquerade ball. The chemistry is instantly there but when he starts saying things that only someone has been to neverland would say she becomes curious. When he leaves she follows him and they end up in Neverland. But Neverland seems different than before. Something is not right. Things have become dark. I really liked this story overall. The first half is very interesting and mysterious. The writing flows nicely. We get a great feel of Neverland and how it looks and the creatures. I personally didn’t love how dark it became with the dark fairies and shadow stuff but it was well done. The reason for it all was a bit of a let down but still ok. I did really like Liam and Wendy. And of course we get to see Peter Pan and Captain Hook again. I liked the happy ending! Overall a good story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

okay this was SO FUN. very reminiscent of "return to neverland", which was a major part of my childhood lol. somehow I didn't expect us to actually go to neverland, and that was the majority of the novel, and I'm not complaining, lol! I liked wendy and liam a lot, and seeing their journey, both healing past hurts and moving forward into adulthood, was so lovely. I laughed a lot, just caught up in the adventure, and I loved it. definitely looking forward to checking out more of Wright's backlist!

[Tiffany (Work Kids N Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this out loud with my daughters (9 and 8), and they thoroughly enjoyed the new take on this beloved classic. It was a fun foray into what might have happened after the original ended.

This YA story is an extension of the story of Peter Pan. Wendy has grown up, but never fully let Neverland, or Peter Pan, go. When an opportunity to go back arises, she takes it without hesitation!

Read this book if you like:
🌼 Peter Pan
🌼 Neverland
🌼 Masquerades
🌼 Filling Dance Cards
🌼 Entertaining Callers
🌼 Mermaids
🌼 Pirates
🌼 Flying
🌼 Seeing Memories
🌼 Telling the Truth
🌼 Saving Others
🌼 The Future

Content: losing loved ones, romance- kisses only.

Thank you to Julie Wright and Shadow Mountain for the #gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

" 'I loathe them all.' Wendy Darling stood in the parlor doorway, staring at the flowers that had overwhelmed every surface of the room."

Wendy's Ever After by Julie Wright

Oooh, this was such a fun treat! I enjoyed this unique fairy-tale retelling appropriate for teens, and even kids down to 11 years old. The romance was swoony, the story kept me wanting to read more, and I was intrigued by the mystery of what was going on with Neverland. There is plenty of adventure to go around in this book. Is there a genre Julie can't write? I am amazed she is able to write in so many different genres.
This one is my new favorite of hers though.

Wendy is determined and strong, while still acting feminine. Liam Blackwell is the love interest here, not Peter Pan, which is an interesting twist on the continuation story. And I actually liked Liam more as the love interest.
He is fierce, but good and kind. Where will his loyalties lie?
"Wendy's Ever After" kept me guessing about the characters of Liam, Captain Hook, Peter Pan, and who the true enemy is. And let me tell you, I was quite surprised by the ending.

Julie also introduces a few magical elements you don't get in the Disney version of Peter Pan-like the forget-me-not pools, the vines, and the magical flowers. I loved those aspects and they made it more unique.

I definitely recommend this for kids ages 11 and up; adults would enjoy it too.

Content Guide:
Language: none
Romance Content: kisses only
Violence/gore: Mild-fighting, fantasy violence, Evil shadow taking over beings' souls (not too dark)
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Divorce (past), overbearing mother, magic, loss of loved ones (past), grief

Book Info:
Series: Standalone
Genre: Teen/YA Fairy-tale Retelling
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: Available now-where books are sold
Publisher: Shadow Mtn
POV: single

Thank you to the Author and publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Eden J. Blackwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written, entertaining sequel/retelling of the end of Peter Pan. I loved the characters and the settings. But that was pretty much it.
This book wanted to be many things, but I'm afraid it ended up being none of them.
First of all, it's very short for a fantasy. Which I don't mind that much. Except for the fact that nothing important happens? Wendy and Liam don't get to know each other that well, but they are suddenly in love?
Secondly, the ”twist” is not that big of a deal. I mean, with all the tension that was built during the book, when the truth was revealed, it felt flat. I was honestly disappointed by it. I got to the end and was like: ”Wait, this is it??” I would have loved an epilogue with them back on the mainland
What I liked most were the vibes. And the writing style.
If you like a very fast-paced fantasy, what more is to say, this book is for you! I think it deserves to be read at least to see Wendy getting her ever after.



* I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*

[KA · Rating 4 out of 5]

For many of us who grew up with the magic of Peter Pan, Wendy's Ever After feels like a deeply personal return to Neverland. It offers a chance to revisit a beloved childhood world through the lens of adulthood, exploring themes of growth, change, and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to the past. It mirrors our own journey from childhood wonder to the complexities of growing up, and for that alone, it left my heart a little heavy and my eyes teary by the end.

❝ Finally, she stopped wishing on stars. The years of hoping Peter would return for her were a dark smudge across her memory.

The writing style is well-suited for a young adult fantasy, though I occasionally wished for a more 'show, don't tell' approach. It's an easy fantasy read, and it delivers an alternate, mature ending for Wendy, focusing on her path after her initial adventures.

The pacing of the development between Wendy and Liam felt a touch too fast. As a fan of slow-burn romance, it was challenging to fully root for them when their connection feels more like infatuation. A bit more build-up, perhaps another encounter with more subtle hints of Neverland from Liam, could've definitely made Wendy's decision to follow him feel less impulsive and more earned. That would've likely deepened my emotional investment in their relationship.

Furthermore, despite Wendy being 17 and her repeatedly claiming to be a "grown woman," her voice and reactions sometimes felt juvenile. There were instances when her thinking still seemed that of a child.

I also think that the shadow conjurer threat felt rushed and wasn't given the depth or exploration it deserves. A more developed conflict and resolution could've significantly enhanced the overall plot.

❝ “The real world has all sorts of fairy tales in it. Every twilight, as the stars come out, do you not see the magic in their shine? When the morning sun rises and there is dew sparkling on the blades of grass and flower petals, do you not feel the electric charge of the enchantments the night left behind? And if you cannot see that, then I must ask, what was your childhood like?”

I was initially worried that Peter Pan would be revealed as truly evil, which would've arguably "ruined" a piece of our childhood. I'm glad the narrative wisely portrays him as misunderstood rather than a villain. It preserves the essence of Peter as a boy who doesn't want to grow up, but adds a layer of complexity to his role in Neverland.

❝ Wendy continued to look back at him until he was nothing more than a dark silhouette against the rising sun. “Goodbye, Peter,” she whispered to the wind, trusting it to carry the message to him.

I did wish for a more comprehensive and mutually accepting goodbye between Peter and Wendy. Given the emotional weight of their original story, a more thorough and perhaps gentler resolution could've provided a stronger sense of closure for both the characters and the readers. Wendy's path to accept change and finally say goodbye to the boy who never grew up felt relatable. Her farewell is as much ours as it is hers.

Wendy's Ever After still delivered an impactful emotional experience for me. It resonated deeply because it taps into that nostalgia and the comfort of familiar tales. While we cherish the magic of our youth, we must also embrace the growth that comes with stepping into our own "ever afters." This book serves as a beautiful, emotional closing chapter to a timeless story, perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet beauty of growing up.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Rating: 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Julie Wright for the eARC! All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. A must for any Peter Pan fan, but enjoyable even if you’re simply familiar with the story.

Did anyone ever wonder what happened to Wendy after she returned home from Neverland? In this story she is entering adulthood and being pressured to find a husband. At a ball she is taken with a mysterious man. She has the perfect evening with him, until he abruptly leaves. She follows him and ends up in Neverland. There her beliefs about what she experienced in Neverland are challenged. Is Peter the good guy? Is Captain Hook as evil as she remembered? Is her perspective as an adult different than what it was as a child?

I loved the adventure, and the challenge of perception in this novel. Wendy was lovable as always, but in a different more mature way. If you’re longing for a nostalgic read with a twist, this one is for you. It’s perfect for the young as well as the adult reader.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never feel great going into modern Peter Pan novels, mostly because it’s hard to write something that can survive the inevitable comparison to the original. The only exceptions are H.G. Parry’s Heartless, the screenplay for Hook (say thank you to Carrie Fisher for the uncredited rewrites), and maybe this book? It’s not quite on par with the aforementioned Pan lit, but it’s far better than most spin-offs of Barrie’s original work.

This is a sequel and not a retelling or reimagining, which probably helped a lot. And it doesn’t betray the spirit of Neverland (a frequent mistake by modern authors looking to “correct” the original story).

Unfortunately this did have a bit of heavy moralizing toward the end that I didn’t care for (Wendy scolding Peter for being—well, himself—was sort of obnoxious). But for the most part this story wants to answer Barrie rather than re-form him, and that’s all to the good.

This is probably the best I’ve seen among the Wendy’s perspective novels, and I thought the author did a good job of deepening her character while not betraying the original. I didn’t really care about Liam one way or the other, but his role does provide something important plot-wise as far as how Wendy looks at both Peter and Hook, and whether perhaps neither of them is Neverland’s primary problem.

The tone of this is excellent, it’s not too romance-heavy, and it’s a nice homage to Barrie while still being its own unique tale.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat and intriguing take and spin on Peter Pan and Wendy. I appreciated that this was clean and could be read by teens as well. It was sweet and creative and any other lovers of the classic Peter Pan book or movie would enjoy this. There is plenty of adventure to keep you intrigued.

I received a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review.

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This started so strong and I was really excited. Then it shifted and I wasn’t as invested. It felt like Peter and Liam were at odds like a love triangle and it lost some of the charm for me. It was definitely fun and different and I liked that it was more of a what happened next instead of a retelling.

[Angela | thedutchbooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes place after Wendy has been to Neverland. From the beginning I really liked this book. I also really liked the characters. The ennemies to lovers was clearly present. I really liked the writing style and it reads very easily.

[Sally Bitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book early. The opinions are my own. Julie Wright has a clever imagination and the great ability to spin a fun story! The book had unexpected twists and turns, and was very enjoyable to read.
I loved the characters! They kept me guessing. I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll just say get ready to lounge in a soft chair and enjoy reading in a weekend. The story moved quickly and was hard to put down.
I give it a 4.75 rounding up to 5, which I rarely give. Expect the unexpected. I can guarantee you’ll catch yourself smiling.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dynamic between Wendy and Liam! An adventure you won't want to miss!

I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this sequel to Peter Pan! Wendy is the main character in this book, but there is a twist. She is coming out for a season, growing up, but still holds onto her dream that she will return to Peter and Neverland one day. Until she meets a stranger at a ball and goes on an unexpected adventure. This book was full of so many twists and surprises. I loved Wendy’s inner struggle with her past and growing up to see things in a different way. This was such a fun an quick read that I highly recommend! I felt like this was more on the YA side of a fairy tale retelling, and it only had kissing. If you are looking for a unique Peter Pan YA retelling, then definitely check this one out!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, which does not impact my review.

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overview:

Language 🤐: Clean

Romance ❤️‍🔥: Kisses only (not descriptive)

Violence ⚔️: There is fighting on the page but I don't remember there being anything overly graphic just a few battles.

⚠️Kidnapping, Death of family members mentioned and talked about ⚠️

Tropes/Micro tropes
- Singel POV
- Instant Love
- Strangers to enemies to lovers
- Not interested in love FMC
- Protective MMC

My Thoughts:

This was a really fun Peter Pan retelling. It was interesting seeing how life had moved on for Wendy but how she still truly longed to return to Neverland that she really couldn't really move on from. When she meets a stranger Liam Blackwell at the ball who reminds her of the time she spent in Neverland and drops hints into the conversation that maybe he knows about Neverland she can not help but follow after Liam to see where he is heading.

Watching Wendy grow and evolve over this story was very enjoyable. This was a story that younger ages could totally read and fall in love with but was quite enjoyable for adults. There was lots of exploration of deep emotions in a way that was appropriate for many ages. The book tackled some of the concept of grief and how it can affect someone.

There were so moments where I felt like some of the characters were a bit immature but we were dealing with an immature Peter Pan. There is growth and just wonderful character in this book. This story pulled me in and fully captivated me. My rating is 4.5 ⭐️ for me happily rounded up!

Thanks NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC of this wonderful book all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Brooke (iambookish_brooke) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it was a mixed bag.

I loved Liam, but Wendy and Peter were frustrating characters for me to read. I loved the idea, but overall it was hard to get into.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the chance to read an advanced copy.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WENDY’S EVER AFTER
by: @scatteredjules

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Wendy Darling is drawn back to Neverland, torn between childhood memories of Peter Pan and the mysterious young man who now stirs her heart...

“The more society propelled Wendy into its spotlight, the more she thought she heard the melodic tones of a pa flute and the laughter of Lost Boys a swordplay.”

-WENDY’S EVER AFTER, is a delightfully charming story, wher dear Wendy is caught between the allure of her past and the promise of the future. Watching her navigate a perilous new journey of rediscovering the courage and wonder that once defined her youth had my full attention. I enjoyed seeing Wendy battle old foes and forge allies with new friends. Seeing Wendy being torn between her memories of a boy she once loved and the man who has stolen her heart had me sitting on the edge of my seat. This dear story wonderfully was able to bring about some nostalgia to the original story of Peter Pan, and also take me on a new and exciting adventure! I could not get enough of the unexpected and surprising plot twists, swoony romance, great action and adventure, endearing characters as well as the new ones, witty banter, and growth along the way. This charming story my friends, is worth the fun read.🙌🏻📚🩷✨

“Wait to marry until it’s something you want. With someone you want. Then you won’t be trapped. You’ll be whole.”

•Content: losing loved ones, mild moments of peril/danger, kisses only.

“The real world has all sorts of fairy tales in it. Every twilight, as the stars come out, do you not see the magic in their shine? When the morning sun rises and there is dew sparkling on the blades of grass and flower petals, do you not feel the electric charge of the enchantments the night left behind? And if you cannot see that, then I must ask, what WAS your childhood like?”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Safer together.”

#wendyseverafter
#scatteredjules

“Life is extraordinary hard, but it also comes with extraordinary views.”

#shadowmountainpub
#allaboutthebestreads

[Rachel (books.glorious.books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DANG. This one was a miss for me 😭 I REALLY wanted to like it, and thought I would based on the premise - I’m a big fan of Peter Pan & Neverland stories/vibes. There were parts of it I liked, but as a whole, it fell flat.

SPOILERS BELOW:

Pros:
- I absolutely LOVED the beginning in London with Wendy participating in typical “society,” and being intrigued by a handsome, roguish stranger!
- The mystery with Liam & Hook was good. I liked their relationship and how it changed throughout the book.
- Characters overall felt accurate to the original J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan
- The past connection between Hook & Peter Pan was cool

Cons:
- Besides Liam & Wendy’s meet-cute, the romance felt very blah. And I was kinda mad they kissed early by the halfway point of the book.
- Storyline dragged once they got through the first scene in Neverland.
- Peter’s really frustrating and annoying and rude in this book. And yeah, I guess that’s a little more like Barrie’s version of him? But picking up Wendy’s Ever After, I didn’t realize he’d be like that in this book too. I was expecting more of a humorous/fun Peter Pan than a childish whiny kid.
- Hook becoming “not evil” at the end was lame.

I guess the whole point of this book is that adventure is still there as we age into adulthood, and that our childhood dreams and stories don’t always last/aren’t viable as we grow up. But I was left feeling unsatisfied when I finished, and disappointed with how things turned out.

That being said, I can see that this is a book that some people would like - which is why I ended on an overall rating of 3 stars. My personal preference would be close to 2, though 😢

[Mary Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ ARC Review: What a fun continuation of Wendy Darling’s story! I love this era and I loved the author’s spin and interpretation of Wendy’s life after the events of her first time in Neverland. I loved the wholesomeness of it all. The characters, the plot, the romance, it was all so wholesome.

My biggest complaints, which are few, is Wendy and her stubbornness. She was so frustrating and very distrusting of Liam. But she trusted Peter without batting an eye. Even though he has done some questionable things. Like letting her get drowned by mermaids as a child. Weird. I was embarrassed along with her that she kept chastising Peter for being childish in front of Liam. Liam was a grown man and Wendy kept thinking of Peter! It was annoying. Then, I just felt like the chemistry between Liam and Wendy was a bit off. I loved Liam. He was a very solid character. I think I needed a dual POV or something. Maybe they needed to interact more to make their romance more believable.

Like I said, Liam was a fabulous MMC. I honestly wanted more of him throughout this book. He was strong and loyal, not necessarily morally grey but sort of, but at the same time such a good man. My type of regency era gentleman! I could have seen less of Wendy.

That seems like a lot of negative, but really, I did enjoy this very much. I didn’t feel like the plot ever dragged, but I did want more from it all in all.

*Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Julie Wright for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read if you enjoy:
- Clean romance
- Wendy’s story as an adult
- Neverland adventure
- Roguish MMC
- Soft fantasy

Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language

[Charessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

I must admit, I have mixed emotions about this one. On one hand, I loved it! On the other, I was also disappointed, mostly in Wendy's characterization; she's got such stubborn tunnel vision in this book that she gets rather annoying and I kept wishing she had more common sense or at least was a little bit better at critical thinking (but then, I guess the plot wouldn't be able to move on without that detrimental character flaw (plus, this is a Neverland book, which means that it's a battle between immaturity and maturity)).

Aside from that and wishing the cause of Neverland's sickness being something more compelling than it is (I won't spoil anything, I promise), I thought it was quite an alright installment in the Neverland universe! I adored the romance between Wendy and Liam, and even the love triangle with Peter wasn't bad. Neverland itself was awesome, as usual. I felt the same genuine melancholy Wendy has when she (finally) comes to several revelations and understands what she must do. All the things that I loved about this book (including the excellent writing style) put it on my "I must buy a copy for myself" list and I can honestly see myself coming back to this book like I would any Peter Pan/Neverland book. So good on Julie Wright for keeping in line with the whimsy and what makes this franchise so beloved!

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I was completely mesmerized by Wright’s story. The way she made you think about who was truly the good guy and bad guy - or perhaps they are each a bit of both. It was such a fun and unique new way to look at the Peter Pan story. We of course always think of the original Peter Pan, but this book really opened my eyes to what could be. And honestly I think we can use that in the world today. There are always two side to every story. Each person telling the story of course only wants you to see their version.But sometimes we have to dig a little deeper and try to decipher what’s true and what isn’t.

I adored this book on so many levels. In fact, I read it in one sitting!!! I highly recommend you do the same :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and wild ride this book is! Not only does it honor the original story of Peter Pan, it stays true to the classic fairy tale tradition! 👏🏽

This book is equal parts adventure story, mystery and romance (all very sweet and no-spice). I was hooked from the very beginning and was on the edge of my seat until the very end.

If you love Peter Pan, classic fairy tales, no-spice adventure-romance stories, go grab a copy of this book asap!

Age recommendation: teen/adult. No sexual content. No language. Some mild violence and intense themes.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Peter Pan and Neverland I was so excited to read this book but a few chapters in I was worries it was going to ruin my illusion of Peter Pan and a happy Neverland. All I can say is trust the author, things work out in the end.
Wendy returns to Neverland and is engulfed with a feeling of Home. But she soon realizes things are not the same. Is Neverland sick, is Peter Pan not the boy she thought he was, or is it that Pan and his never ending games feel different as an adult? She is quickly drawn into another adventure, but who does she trust the childish boy from her past or the pirate who is stealing her heart?

[Soquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG

First - how pretty is that cover? I've got it face out on my bookcase.

Second - this is the story that Wendy deserves! It's the perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, romance, innocence, and the cost of growing up. Wendy has grown into a wise, lovely, and capable young woman who can rescue herself - but who also yearns for an equal to be her companion. This story has a lot of heart and some swoony scenes. It reminds me of my teenage daydreams of being whisked away on swashbuckling adventures by a mysterious and handsome yet slightly infuriating man, while I'm dressed in something beautiful, naturally. It's fun to revisit Neverland and see it and its inhabitants through Wendy's mature eyes. This story should be in the hands of every young lady and woman who is young at heart. I loved it!