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Realms of Caelia #3

Ella & the Seven Dwarves: A Combined Retelling of Cinderella & Snow White

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A hidden queen, an evil stepmother, and a prince mourning the girl he loves.

To preserve her life, Princess Ella flees her stepmother’s treachery. Disguised as a peasant girl, she unexpectedly finds refuge in a cottage with seven dwarves. But the longer she hides from her true place as Fallon’s new queen, the deeper her evil stepmother’s claws dig into her beloved realm.

Prince Oberon’s plans to marry Ella are derailed when he and his siblings are cursed as swans, and then completely ruined when he hears of her passing. Returning to life as crown prince after the curse breaks proves more complicated than he anticipates—especially when everyone expects him to marry. Yet how can he marry when the one girl he loves is dead?

When Ella’s stepmother finds her, she is in more danger than ever before—a danger that only true love can fix. Will Oberon be able to save her in time, and will she find the courage to take her rightful place as Fallon’s queen before her stepmother destroys her?

Realms of Caelia is a series of interconnected combined fairy tale retellings. Each book weaves two traditional tales together into a unique story. They are best enjoyed in order. If you like sweet and clean romances, moments of hilarity, and magical fairy tales with happily ever after endings, then Realms of Caelia is for you!
Recommended reading 12+

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

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Sara Farnsworth

8 books23 followers

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5 stars
42 (65%)
4 stars
17 (26%)
3 stars
4 (6%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Dawn.
Author 13 books34 followers
March 9, 2025
I was completely enamored by Beauty in the Tower, the first book I read in the Realms of Caelia series by Sara Farnsworth, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of her newest book, Ella & the Seven Dwarves, which comes out on April 4th. This book is a combined retelling of "Cinderella" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" with elements of "Swan Lake" and "The Wild Swans" that are incorporated from the previous Realms of Caelia book, Lake of the Wild Swans. This breathtakingly magical series combines the lore of many fairy tales and myths to create a world of enchantment and wonder. Sara Farnsworth also does a great job building up love stories that feel organic and heartwarming.

Princess Ella seems to have it all--a loving father, a royal lineage, and a handsome prince who cares about her dearly. Everything goes wrong when her father marries a greedy woman with two vain daughters and falls ill shortly after. When Ella's love, Prince Oberon, goes missing, her father starts to forget important details of his past. If that alone isn't enough to drive anyone into a royal frenzy, Ella is forced to work in the kitchens and become a servant in her own home. After numerous attempts on her life taken straight out of the original "Snow White" fairy tale, Ella runs away, changes her name to Snow, and seeks protection with a family of seven dwarves. Things get even more complicated when Prince Oberon finds her, knowing that her life could be at risk if her true identity is revealed.

The best thing about this series is the level of expertise on the fairy tale lore within the Realms of Caelia. Just about every name, spell, and location come from famous fantasy stories that are seamlessly woven together to create a magical world that feels both familiar and new. Oberon comes from a family in which everyone's name starts with the letter "O," nearly all of whom are legendary figures from Odette to Odin. When I started reading this, I didn't realize taht the book that came before this one was a retelling of "Swan Lake" and "The Wild Swans," so I thought several key details were missing from those sections until I realized they were probably all in the previous book, Lake of Wild Swans. Still, I enjoyed being able to experience at least some portions of that book in this story as well.

"Cinderella" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" are two stories that blend together seamlessly. Both contain a kind and selfless protagonist who suffers with parental abuse, evil stepmothers who are jealous of them, and a chance for a better life by marrying a prince. The main difference is that Cinderella wasn't born a princess. This book gets around that by having Ella's stepmother gradually strip away all the benefits of being a princess until there was nothing left. The love story is beautifully crafted, taking elements from all the best versions of "Cinderella" by making Ella and Oberon childhood friends that grew into something more over time. There's a little conflict over which kingdom they would rule due to Oberon being the crown prince of his kingdom and Ella being the sole heir of hers, but it is resolved quickly when Ella becomes the only hope of liberating her kingdom.

Ella & the Seven Dwarves is an enchanting retelling of beloved fairy tales, woven together with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the source material. Sara Farnsworth's masterful storytelling brings the Realms of Caelia to life, immersing readers in a richly magical world that breathes new life into old fairy tale lore. With its beautifully crafted love story, memorable characters, and expertly blended fairy tale elements, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and fairy tale retellings. I eagerly await the next installment in the Realms of Caelia series, and I have no doubt that it will be just as enchanting as the ones I've already read.
Profile Image for Riella Cristobal .
490 reviews10 followers
April 4, 2025
The next book in the Realms of Caelia is here! I was so excited for Oberan and Ella’s story and I flew through it! I love seeing each couple’s story as the overarching story also is being unfolded.
It was so exciting to read from Oberan and Ella's perspective. Their story has been foreshadowed in the earlier books and I was so excited! I felt so bad for Oberan , especially in Odette’s book. He was such a good brother to her, but he was longing to be with Ella. I really liked Oberan! He was so honorable and responsible, especially as the oldest. Even though he was aware of his role, his love for Ella led him to seek ways they could be together. I loved how he could be playful with her.
Oh Ella! I really felt for her! She had quite the rough go, with her step-family and the especially her step-mother. Ella had a very gentle and tender heart, which was manipulated by her step-mother. She cared deeply for her father and her people, but her own insecurities held her back. At times I wanted to just tell her to be brave and go for things, but she had spent so long being beaten down, that I understood her hesitation. She had to learn to trust not only those around her who cared for her, but herself. I loved how she was able to connect with the dwarves and the home she found there. They were all so sweet and I loved the familial interactions between them.
It was really fun to see old characters and their stories woven in. Though this could be read as a standalone, I think it really benefits from reading the earlier books. The story incorporates inspiration from Cinderella nad Snow White. With every book, I am amazed at how seamlessly Ms. Farnsworth melds the two fairytale inspirations into one story. It goes so well together! I loved getting to see more of the magic of this world and hints of other stories. This is a clean fairytale inspired romance with only kissing. It also features so light depictions of emotional and verbal abuse (in keeping with the fairytales) but nothing graphic.
I received an ARC.
Profile Image for Alex Connell.
7 reviews
March 28, 2025
I received an eARC.

Ella and the Seven Dwarves by Sara Farnsworth is a fairytale retelling of Snow White and Cinderella, which is book three in the Realms of Caelia series. This book is heavily influenced by the events of the book before it, Lake of the Wild Swans. A majority of the dialogue is very well written. The pacing of this book was good.

Ella is a sweet character who lacks confidence in her own abilities after being forced to act as a servant in her own castle. When her father dies and her deranged stepmother takes the throne, Ella flees after multiple attempts on her life, which results in the wicked Queen being able to fake her stepdaughter’s death. She goes into hiding using the alias Snow White and is hesitant to return to her kingdom to claim her throne.
Oberon is a stubborn prince who wants to do what’s right. After being cursed to be a swan with the rest of his siblings and eventually being changed back, Oberon mourns Ella as he is pressured to marry. When he discovers that Ella is alive, he has to convince Ella to return and save her kingdom, a feat she does not believe she is capable of.

I really like that the author incorporated the poisoned comb and corset laces in addition to the typical poisoned apple because I don't often see them used in the Snow White retellings that I’ve read in the past. I also liked the friendship between Lander and Ella.
The dwarves, however, took a while for me to enjoy having on the page. I’ll probably enjoy reading about them more when i inevitably reread this book. The other thing that pulled me out of the world was that a couple of the conversations kept feeling like they were being repeated and that I’d already read the same seven sentences of dialogue twice.

I really enjoyed this no-spice retelling and the way it seamlessly blended the two stories. I was constantly torn between wanting to know how the story ended and never wanting it to end at all. I gave this five stars and am impatiently waiting for the release of the next book (which combines the stories of King Arthur and Robin Hood), as well as the books that will come after that.
775 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2025
Sooooo satisfying!

I absolutely love and adore this series! It’s so complex, full of so many incredible characters that interconnect throughout the kingdom and tie each story together so well.

Ella and Oberon’s story starts out where book two started but takes us back to Ella’s kingdom. We see what she endured while Oberon was in swan form. Then they come together as Oberon begins his search for Ella. We even get a couple scenes from book two but from Oberon’s pov as a swan. It was fun to see how he felt during that time.

This book had such depth and intense feels as Ella battled to find her place as everything around her was taken and falling apart. The dwarves were an incredibly funny family and their banter was on point for siblings. I hope we see them again as the series expands.

I’m hoping we get more of the dragons and their kingdom. The glimpse we do get of the dragon has me intrigued and wanting more.

A m/f romantic fantasy fairytale retelling full of hidden identities, redemption, second chance love, finding one’s confidence and found family. A slow burn, second chance friends to lovers trope.

4 POVs told in third person, including the villain

Cast of characters-
Princess Ella Aneira Fallon
Prince Oberon of Odell
Dwarves - Doran, Leda, Acantha, Koshin, Jaliya, Edric, and Baethan

Steam - clean, true love’s kiss
Profile Image for Rosalyn Nightshade.
181 reviews15 followers
March 28, 2025
Sara Farnsworth just keeps getting better and better. I've read every book in the Realms of Caelia and I've always loved Sara's plots, my only complaint was always how the writing style wasn't very professional or immersive. BUT.. this book is just so good. Sara's writing is definitely improving and it is making her books so much more intriguing and amazing to read! Ella and the Seven Dwarves is a perfect combined retelling of Cinderella and Snow White. I loved getting to read Ella and Oberon's story, which I've been impatient for ever since meeting them in Lake of the Wild Swans. I love how both of them are just so perfect for each other and my heart really went out to them when each thought the other was dead. Overall, this was an awesome addition to the Realms of Caelia and I can't wait to read the next book, especially after all those hints about Robin Hood and Arthur and I can't wait to see how Sara combines those two stories together!
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,777 reviews
March 8, 2025
This is the third of Farnsworth’s Realms of Caelia combined fairy tale retellings. I have read the first one, but not the second. These books all seem to overlap the same time period and share characters, and there are some gaps in this one that I’m pretty sure were covered in the second book. So you might want to read them in order.

Like the first book, this is NOT a quick read. Farnsworth does an amazing job of combining the tales of Cinderella and Snow White, but that means a LONG book. I was worn out by the time I finally finished it. So, just be ready to take your time and enjoy the journey through this book.

Farnsworth does a great job on characters and weaves a believable world in which these two stories fit seamlessly together.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Profile Image for Danie.
212 reviews60 followers
April 5, 2025
This book was good. I will try more books by this author in the future.

I didn't care much for Ella. I know she went through a lot, but she was really wishy washy and her putting things off lasted way too long.

I liked Oberon and the supporting characters though. Which made up for Ella being a little frustrating.

The book could have been shorter.

It follows the general plot of both Cinderella and Snow White and combines them well. The author did a really nice job blending the two stories together.

Overall, It was a good read and I enjoyed it.

If you like Disney Snow White or Cinderella and slower paced stories, I would recommend this book to you. It does take a little time to read, but it isn't boring or hard to read, just long and detailed.

Overall a good read.
Profile Image for Elodie Harper.
49 reviews
December 28, 2025
ummmm....so this book was a bit of a struggle to get through in the end, I nearly dnf'd it at 70% but I pushed through. It wasn't terrible but it felt like there was too much going on. it was advertised as snow white mixed with Cinderella but turns out also secretly the wild swans story as well. there were so many characters and so many storylines that nothing was really fleshed out at all. and we'd spend pages upon pages baking bread and cleaning cottages and then come back to the other p.o.v and find out that so much has happened with literally no explanation. also the characters and dialogue were a little stiff which was kinda disappointing. it was definitely fun and entertaining for the first half even with things not having a lot of sense but the second half felt very long and lost some of my attention.
2,087 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2026
Enjoyable

Thus fairy tale retelling that combines Cunderella with Snow White and the seven dwarves is quite satisfying.

It does help to have read the previous books in this series as it explains about some of the background of some if the other royals who turn up in this story, but I think it is well enough written that if you hadn't read thise ones you wouldn't be too confused. There are also hints for future stories for some of the other royals mentioned in this book.

A couple of times the editor missed things, such as a missing section in a sentence so it didn't make much sense, a confused word order elsewhere, and those did tend to jerk me out of the story, but not so badly that I gave up on reading this book.

All in all, I found it to be a pleasurable read and I'm looking firwa4d to reading the next story in this series.
Profile Image for Sara.
744 reviews53 followers
April 2, 2025
Ella and the Seven Dwarves by Sara Farnsworth 

🍽 Disguises 
🍽 Finding courage
🍽 Happily ever after
🍽 Made me laugh
🍽 Sweet romance, just kisses (no spice)
Genre: Fairytale retelling
Oh, I adored this one! It's the sweetest mix of Cinderella and Snow White with all the satisfying elements of the originals (and some surprises too) carefully woven together. When her evil stepmother tries to take her life, Crown Princess Ella is forced to flee. This is a bit of a longer fairytale but I felt it was the perfect length to fully immerse us in the story. I can't wait to spend more time in Caelia! Highly, highly recommend this series!
Book 3 of Realms of Caelia, best read in order (start with Beauty in the Tower!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC (will be published April 4)
23 reviews
April 2, 2025
I loved this book! This mash up of Cinderella and Snow White was done beautifully and is a must read for those who enjoy walking with a character as they rediscover their confidence, self worth, and importance. I loved reading about Ella’s internal struggles after dealing with both physical and emotional abuse. The dwarves banter was refreshing and an added bonus. Plus, the twists with the “fairy godmother” was so clever and a fun touch to the story as a whole. My favorite parts though were the themes of devotion, loyalty, and the decision to love no matter the distance and the circumstances.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
Profile Image for Kimthebookishbaker.
360 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2025
Snow White meets Cinderella?! Not a mash up I ever expected but definitely one I needed! The stepmother in this one was one of the dooziest stepmothers I've read... Due to the stepmom, I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this story because it was also one of my favorite retellings of Snow White and Cinderella, so it's amazing it's both in one!
Ella is such a sweetie and I loved the dwarves. Oberon was one of my favorites in previous stories, but man my heart goes out to him. He finds his love and still is unsure if he will be forced to wed another due to her having her own agency. I can see that being really rough. I understand Ella not wanting to be found but also... trust is a commodity that you would think goes with love.
Regardless, another great story from Farnsworth!
1,075 reviews12 followers
April 4, 2025
This clean little fairytale twist is so cute! I love how Snow White and Cinderella were combined to make a whole new character! I also loved watching her grow throughout the story from a timid little mouse of a girl to a queen who combined strength with compassion and wisdom. Even the secondary characters were well rounded and felt like they were more than two dimensional cutouts. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Martha Braebuck.
175 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2025
This book was incredible! Despite just having discovered her and her being a rather new author, Sara Farnsworth is quickly jumping up my list of authors. This book was incredibly well-written, the plot was interesting, the romantic relationships were so sweet, and the humour was really fun to read! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet and clean, lighthearted fairy tale retellings. This book completely exceeded my expectations!
Profile Image for Michaela (Reading in the Heartland).
3,853 reviews100 followers
March 27, 2025
This was a fine read. It is a lengthy story. Initially there is a content warning for a gaslighting narcissistic villain and bullying. I can attest that this does make up a huge portion of at least half of the book. About the same portion of the book takes place during the events of the previous book in the series and we relive many scenes.

This was a combined fairy tale retelling of Cinderella and Snow White. It had sweet romance, royalty, curses, an evil stepmother, magic, family, friends, and more. It was a lengthy and drawn out adventure.

Some of this book drug on for me. It was a good retelling but I felt like things were drawn out too much and I lost interest sometimes with the slow moving pace. This is a just kisses romance. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
905 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2025
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! Ella & the Seven Dwarves is a really wonderful retelling of the stories Cinderella and Snow White! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
57 reviews
April 4, 2025
Another captivating read from Sara Farnsworth! This time she had combined two of the most famous fairytales and made them into one amazing tale of love and magic. I could not put it down! I can’t wait to read book four in the series!
Profile Image for Cierla McGuire Sams.
26 reviews
April 15, 2025
Cute, cozy, funny continuation of the Realms of Caelia series! My cousin and I agreed: it makes you want to bake and make soup! 😁
Profile Image for Ashley.
628 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2025
So fun! Snow White and Cinderella are not even my favorite fairy tales and I still absolutely adored this book. Can’t wait for more from this series!
Profile Image for Megan Barnes.
167 reviews
April 3, 2025
This was such a well done mashup of Cinderella and Snow White. It’s a sweet cozy read. As the third installment in the Realms of Caelia series. I definitely recommend reading the previous ones before starting this story.

Our characters are familiar faces from this series. Ella and Oberon barely have an understanding between them before horrible events keep them apart. I love their relationship. The love and care they have for each other, willing to sacrifice for the other. Ella is so sweet caring and sees the good in everyone. Oberon is strong, determined, and his love for Ella is so beautiful. They are such a great blend together - completing each other to become a wonderful pair of leaders through difficult situations. The dwarves! I loved this take on them. A mashup found family with such fun dynamics. They’re so protective of Ella. They warmed up to her and just adopted her as one of their family.

The plot is well paced. There were flashbacks which had snippets from the previous story which would be helpful if you hadn’t read the previous story. I found myself skipping/rushing through those parts to get to the “new” storyline since I’ve recently read Lake of Swans. There were plenty of twists, surprises, and beautiful new takes on the classic details.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Highly recommend. Great for preteen+.

Read if you enjoy
✨ fairytale retellings
✨ Cinderella/Snow White
✨ dragons/fairies
✨ found family
✨ broody prince
✨ lost princess
✨ hidden identity
✨ evil step family
✨ themes of loyalty and courage
✨ Prince that will search the world for his love
✨HEA

Spice: none just sweet kisses
Strong language: none
Violence: poisoning of loved ones, attempts on Ella, bullying/gaslighting
Profile Image for emeraldragonlady (Maddie).
695 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2025
This was an amazing combination retelling I absolutely enjoyed it. It kept me on the edge of my seat and there were so many little Easter eggs for some of the other books that are in this interconnected standalone series. I seriously cannot wait to read some more of the series.
396 reviews63 followers
July 29, 2025
Amazing story mixed perfectly with not only Sara's own story but with the original and the disney version as well. I love this book. Poor Ella went through so much. And Oberon as well. I love they got their Happily Ever After.
Profile Image for Catey.
179 reviews10 followers
July 17, 2026
This book was amazing! Sarah writes some of the best fairy tale retellings. I love when authors combine fairytales! The story was written beautifully and the plot was very well thought out and the pacing was great! And the romance in this book was so cute! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews