All That Shimmers

by Kady Ambrose

Enchantingly romantic historical fantasy novel about the nature of one’s true worth.

Your destiny is a man of sterling and gold…by a woodland fairy, her future is foretold.

While World War I rages in Europe, Vanessa Perkins, a vivacious nanny with a whimsical imagination, enjoys summering with her wealthy Boston employers at a glamorous lakeside resort. There she meets Avery, a gentle botanist, and Ned, a dashing aristocrat.

Raised in a brutal orphanage, Vanessa dreams of being part of a close family like Avery’s, but Ned’s charm and privileged world are intoxicating. While confronting an agonizing decision, she discovers an enchanted grove in the forest, where enigmatic water nymphs and a fairy’s prophecy inspire her to be bold.

But there’s a price for breaking society's rules. And when the Spanish Flu starts killing people she cares about, Vanessa’s choices will either bring her closer to the love and family she craves or drag her into more danger than she ever imagined.

Buy now to enter the enchanting world of Twin Birch House.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

Kady Ambrose is a debut historical fantasy author whose prior work has been published in short story anthologies and “Woman’s World” magazine. Her alter-ego is Lynne Moses, a screenwriter, playwright and writing coach who taught story development in Los Angeles at UCLA Extension and elsewhere. She lives in Paris, where she and her husband are happily bossed around by their sweet little Yorkie-mix, Saylie.

Reviews

[Nicole Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant journey of loss, hope, and love, this immersive fantasy enchants with its rich atmosphere, mystical allure, and seamless blend of history, romance, and magic. Ambrose masterfully combines historical events with deep psychological insight, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance and fantasy. I truly enjoyed this read! The author provided me with an advance review copy for my honest and unbiased review.

[Monique Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book……what a brilliant debut for this author. It’s a perfect mix of historical fiction, romance and fantasy. I have to admit, I don’t usually read anything in the fantasy genre, but the combination of the 3 was fabulous, and I found myself unable to put this book down. I loved all of the characters (especially Vanessa) and all the twists and turns of the plot. What a truly delightful story…you will not be disappointed. I have already put this one on my book club list for next year. I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Convirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Convirs

While I do not often read romance novels, I very much enjoyed All That Shimmers. Kady Ambrose combined elements of fantasy, magical realism, accurate historical facts, and the thrill of first love to craft a briskly moving plot. A variety of strong female characters struggled with the challenges presented to women in 1918 America. As the characters worked to resolve each situation, Ms. Ambrose developed the women to keep the reader engaged and concerned with each one. I especially appreciated the beautifully detailed prose which brought the magical wood and the countryside around Twin Birch House alive. I could almost feel that I could walk around the grounds of the inn and enjoy a dance by the lake, and I wish I could have seen the artwork of the fairies and of the natural world created with watercolors.

The author provided me with an advance review copy for which I am honored to give an honest and unbiased review.

[Ashley | booksaremythirdplace]

This is a great coming of age story for younger audiences that love a bit of whimsy with their historical fiction (I fear high school girls would absolutely LOVE this!). We meet Vanessa, an orphan trying to make her way in the world, determined to find a better life for herself as she works as a nursemaid for the wealthy at a summering hotel. Along with some meddling fates, troublesome Naiads, an enchanted wood, and two men she must choose between, we're also amid the backdrop of WWI, and the Spanish Influenza.

Vanessa blunders her way throughout the book making, in my opinion, some less than stellar decisions (I definitely wanted to shake her at multiple points). Avery is a perfect MMC, and I adored him.

While there are some adult themes, as well as the harsh realities of wartime and the Spanish Influenza, it's a great option if you're looking for spice free romance reads for an upper YA audience.

[Cordia Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the enchanting world of "All That Shimmers," a captivating historical romance at glamorous Twin Birch House. Follow the inspiring journey of a nursemaid who finds both love and a place in America's 1981 social hierarchy. With a touch of magic and breathtaking descriptions of the White Mountains, "All That Shimmers" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys beautifully written and emotionally resonant fantasy romance.

[J. Else · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world plagued by war and sickness, can magic still be found? It’s 1918, and Vanessa works as a nanny for a wealthy Boston family spending the summer at Twin Birch House. There she meets an aristocrat named Ned and the local doctor’s son, Avery. Vanessa is drawn to both young men, but when a fairy gives her a prophecy about her true love, “a man of sterling and gold,” she challenges the social hierarchy and pursues a relationship with wealthy Ned. However, at summer’s end, she’s left behind in scandal. As she’s been raised in an orphanage, Vanessa has nowhere to go if she can’t secure a new job before the hotel closes for the season. Meanwhile, Avery spends his days painting in an enchanted grove, one that he can see but his twin, who has lost her belief in magic, cannot visit anymore. When Vanessa stumbles into the grove, she wonders if the magical creatures there can guide her on what she should do.

Ambrose does a wonderful job balancing the magical elements in contrast to the unfolding events of 1918. The setting is gorgeously brought to life. Amidst the lovely weather and idyllic scenery, emotional challenges will unapologetically unfold which will shake Vanessa’s bright-eyed innocence and confidence to its core. As she’s trying to find her footing after her romantic hopes are dashed, her friends will lose loved ones to both the war and the Spanish flu. The pace slows a bit in the middle portion, but when Vanessa’s troubles and all she’d hoped to leave behind unexpectedly return to Twin Birch House, the pace ramps up and drives the novel steadily forward until its final pages. All That Shimmers is a coming-of-age story about holding onto wonder in the face of arduous adversity.

Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review. (Mild Spoilers in review)

All that Shimmers is a magical story of innocence to experience that sucked me in from the beginning. Vanessa, poor and alone, ekes out a living in the hierarchical world of 1918. She yearns for much more. So, it’s no wonder she succumbs to the lazy delights of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, not realizing that the fairy world can be just as deceptive and filled with complex choices as the real one. The author’s detailed and melodic writing immersed me in this historical and fantastical tale. I was hooked!

Raised in a brutal orphanage in the grime of the city, Vanessa finds work at a Grand Hotel set deep in the woods. The beauty of the woods, the swirl of the privileged guest's seemingly sparkling life, allows her to grasp the tingling, shimmering hope that her life can be more glorious than ever gleaned in her prior nineteen years.

Vanessa’s hunger for more captures the genuine interest of Lachima, one of the magical creatures inhabiting these woods. The mystical element to this coming-of-age story adds metaphor, whimsey, and, most fun for the reader, suspense. After all, I’m never sure if a magical creature's interference will end up being one of benevolence like in Cinderella or if they are out to feed on the desires of humans, just like the naiads that swim in a nearby pond.

Desire comes in the form of Ned. Part of the glittery set at the hotel, he is handsome and rich and takes a fancy to beautiful Vanessa. Part of her knows not to trust his professed feelings for her. He would not be the first man to seek her for a mere dalliance. But Vanessa can’t help but dream that Ned’s words are for real, and at long last, her servitude and loneliness will end.

But as in life and fairytales, all that glitters is not gold. There is another man, Avery. Shy, with a deep feeling for the woods and science, while still noticing magic everywhere. He offers Vanessa another option at love, a simpler life with a man who sees her as a person, who has a family that welcomes her, and neighbors who extend their hand to her.

But like Ned, Vanessa battles an emptiness within, grown large from a childhood of deprivation. Her yearning so palpable the naiads smell it. Needful longing causes these creatures of hunger to snap their lips and lick their sharp teeth.

Yet, in the end, if Vanessa is going to be saved, only Vanessa can do it. She no longer needs to be that orphan child constantly clawing for more. But, now grown from experience, she can brush the glitter of fool’s gold from her eyes and see that the subtler hues the real world offer is the best kind of magic: friendship, love, family.

All That Shimmers is a magical romantic novel that never forgets that the journey of the heart is both perilous and wondrous! I highly recommend it.

[Prisha Rohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a hauntingly beautiful dive into the woods of New Hampshire—where myth meets reality, and the past is never truly buried. From the very first page, the story hooks you with a mix of curiosity and foreboding. Ezra, lured by greed, stumbles upon a glen that feels like something out of a dream. The nymphs, enchanting and dangerous, exude an eerie charm that sets the tone for the rest of the book. What begins as a treasure hunt quickly shifts into a chilling exploration of desire, temptation, and consequence. That opening alone is unforgettable.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of World War I and the looming shadow of the Spanish Flu, this enchanting historical fantasy novel captures the emotional tug-of-war between head and heart, fantasy and reality. Vanessa, with her vivid imagination and deep longing for love and belonging, is a heroine you root for from the very first page. Her encounters with both the kind, grounded botanist Avery and the magnetic aristocrat Ned present more than just a romantic triangle—they explore the deeper question of what truly makes a person worthy.

The novel’s atmosphere is one of its strongest elements. The setting feels alive, from the grandeur of the estate to the ethereal presence of the enchanted grove and its mysterious inhabitants. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated, never overwhelming the historical realism but instead enhancing the sense of wonder.

But what truly sets All That Shimmers apart is the writing itself. There’s a poetic quality to the author’s storytelling, a rhythm that makes the book a pleasure to read. Her descriptions are elegant without being overindulgent, and she has a way of capturing emotions with just the right words. The novel is both atmospheric and deeply human, balancing its dreamy, magical qualities with grounded, heartfelt storytelling.

✨ Highly recommend if you're craving a gorgeously written escape that stirs both the heart and imagination. ✨

[Jan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed All That Shimmers! It’s one of those books that slowly draws you in, and before you know it, you’re completely immersed in the world and the characters.

The story follows Vanessa Perkins, an orphaned young woman working as a nanny for a wealthy family at a mountain resort during WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic. Ambrose clearly did her homework — the historical details feel authentic, from the social hierarchies of Boston’s elite to the fear and uncertainty caused by war and illness. The Spanish flu in particular felt eerily relevant today, showing how societies cope with sudden loss and uncertainty, especially with the rising threat of war in the distance.

The magical elements, including the fates (very Greek Chorus like), and an enchanted forest, are subtle but beautiful, adding a dreamlike contrast to the harsh realities of war, illness, and social expectation. By contrast, Vanessa is wonderfully human — intelligent, empathetic, and imperfect — and her growth is both heartfelt and believable.

Part of me wishes the fantasy elements had been explored a bit more, the concept of fates controlling the future and deliberately choosing to throw obstacles in one's path, but the emotional depth and the historical commentary in the book more than makes up for it. The ending is bittersweet, reflective, and hits all the right notes.

Tropes in the book:

Orphaned heroine finding her place in society

Love triangle / romantic tension

Fish-out-of-water / class divide

Enchanted forest / magical realism / fairys / prophecy

Coming-of-age / personal growth

Slow-burn romance

Bittersweet ending

If you like historical fiction with a touch of magic, complex characters, and themes that still resonate today — resilience, loss, and navigating societal pressures — this one’s worth picking up. An enchanting balance of thought provoking themes, interesting storyline and great writing.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

All That Shimmers by Kady Ambrose was not a usual pick of genre for me. But it was the selection this month for my book club so I plunged in, albeit with a bit of skepticism. I was surprised to find that I was completely captivated by the book, not just for its enchanting story but for the sheer beauty of the writing. The author’s prose is lush and immersive, painting every scene with such vivid detail that I felt transported to the summer of 1918 at the Twin Birch House. Her ability to weave history, fantasy, and romance together is nothing short of masterful.

The novel’s atmosphere is one of its strongest elements. The setting feels alive, from the grandeur of the estate to the ethereal presence of the enchanted grove and its mysterious inhabitants. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated, never overwhelming the historical realism but instead enhancing the sense of wonder.

Vanessa Perkins is a wonderfully complex protagonist, and Ambrose does a fantastic job of making her feel real. Instead of falling into clichés, the story takes its time developing each dynamic with care, making every emotional moment resonate.

But what truly sets All That Shimmers apart is the writing itself. There’s a poetic quality to the author’s storytelling, a rhythm that makes the book a pleasure to read. Her descriptions are elegant without being overindulgent, and she has a way of capturing emotions with just the right words. The novel is both atmospheric and deeply human, balancing its dreamy, magical qualities with grounded, heartfelt storytelling.

If you love books that are not only well-plotted but beautifully written, All That Shimmers is a must-read. Kady Ambrose has crafted something truly special—rich, evocative, and utterly mesmerizing.

[Ben Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magical tale set in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire while WWI engulfs Europe and the Spanish Flu takes even more lives. The protagonist is Vanessa, 19, raised in a Boston orphanage after her parents died when she was six. After years of being a penniless waif she has hired on as a nursemaid for the summer at a beautiful mountain resort, tending two children of one of the many well-off Boston families there for the season. Her adorable little charges keep her from thinking about how she will survive when the season is over, most of the time, anyway.

While most men her age are fighting overseas, Ned, a young aristocrat, was able to stay home and vacation at the resort. When his attention focuses on Vanessa, she’s all too aware how unlikely their romance might be, and how it would change her life if the spark between them turned into a flame. And there’s the local artist, Avery, whose gentle nature and loving family hold a compelling allure of their own. But it’s the intervention of woodland fairy with cryptic advice that pushes her to take action pursuing her dreams.

All That Shimmers is a wonderful read, surprising, suspenseful, magical and complex. Vanessa’s fears, joys and travails in this idyllic setting take the reader from the ordinary to the supernatural, all in one brilliantly told story. Highly recommend.

The author provided me with an advance review copy for my honest and unbiased review.

[Eel Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story spun from moonlight and war-torn shadows, a historical fantasy that dances between the whimsical and the devastating.

Set against the backdrop of World War I and the looming specter of the Spanish flu, this debut novel weaves magic into the mundane through the life of Vanessa Perkins, a nanny with a dreamer’s heart. Her world is split between two suitors; Avery, a soft-spoken botanist whose roots run deep, and Ned, an aristocrat with charm as polished as his cufflinks. But this isn’t just a love triangle. It’s a story of worth. What it means, who decides it, and how far one will go to claim it.

Ambrose’s writing is atmospheric and tender, crafting a world where enchanted groves whisper, water nymphs guide, and destiny is tangled with choice. The magic is subtle, threaded through the human experience rather than dominating it, dreams, loss, the hunger for belonging.


What stands out most is Vanessa’s journey. This is a character-driven tale, and her growth feels earned. She wrestles with heartbreak, hope, and the weight of grief as she carves out her own sense of worth in a world that would rather define it for her.

All That Shimmers is perfect for readers who want their romance laced with melancholy and magic, who find beauty in stories where the ending feels both inevitable and hard-won.

I received this as an ARC, thank you to booksirens & the author I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.

[virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be swept up in a fantastic tale about nineteen-year-old Vanessa, who was raised in an orphanage, becomes a waif, but is hired as a nurse tending children for a mountain resort. While most men are off fighting WWI, a young aristocrat, Ned, focuses his attention on Vanessa, and the sparks fly. But there is also a young artist whose tenderness and gentle demeanor hold an allure all their own.

As the magical woodland fairy offers Vanessa some advice, sprinkling some magic fairy dust to help push her toward pursuing her dreams, All That Shimmers becomes an enchanting read full of suspense as we travel the rich world of fear, joy, and hope into the supernatural world of love.

I enjoyed the book, reading it quickly and getting lost in the magic of a love triangle amidst the heartache of war. The characters and setting are so well-written that you jump from your favorite reading nook into the pages of one of the most well-crafted stories I have read in a while. Five stars all the way around.

Kady Ambrose is an author I have never read before. I will be checking her webpage hoping for me. I want to thank Book Sirens, the publisher, and the author, for the opportunity to read this story as a free ARC. This review is voluntary and mine alone.

[Lee Walling · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All That Shimmers" is quite the delightful mashup of genres. There is the history of American class dynamics, women's suffrage, World War I and the Spanish Flu. There is a love triangle. There is an intrepid and beautiful heroine on an arc from orphanhood and poverty to satisfied fulfillment. And last but not least, there is the magic of fairies and nymphs in an Enchanted Wood. The naiads, water nymphs who are imprisoned in a pond in the wood for bad behavior, stand out among the magic creatures for their, well, extreme lustiness.

We root for Vanessa, the heroine, even though her upbringing in a Boston girls home renders her a bit opportunistic as she seeks love and a secure future. She didn't have a lot of options at the time. Because of that insecurity, she makes some poor decisions that hurt others and herself. And just when you think you are reading a magical love story, along comes the Spanish Flu.

"All That Shimmers" adroitly mixes the magical and mysterious with the reality of life in early 20th century America--particularly, life for a young woman of modest background and means. Folding in the horrors of the Spanish Flu as it ravages families we've come to know elevates the novel to epic stature. A very satisfying read.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wolfed down this beautiful book. I was charmed, engaged, and completely lost in the cleverly crafted story which mixed historical fiction with faerie magic. The love triangle between Vanessa, Ned and Avery - set against the stunning backdrop of the war and the magical woods was original and filled with delightful surprises. The storytelling was so vivid that I felt as if I was there. Ambrose does a terrific job weaving a story - like Downton Abbey or Bridgeton with the haves and the have-nots, and inviting us into their dreams, desires and disappointments. Vanessa is such a vibrant character, she literally jumps off of the page. The supporting characters, specifically Bess and Irene are fully fledged characters who could star in their own books. I sped through this book, reading it whenever I could steal a moment and the second I finished, I wanted more. This screams to be made into a movie as it is so visual, with stunning characterizations, witty dialogue and a structure that leaves you feeling complete….and yet still wanting a sequel. Bravo.

The author provided me with an advance review copy for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this book! I really love historical fiction and this book took place in World War I era at a lakeside resort. There is also an element of fantasy which just makes this book ever better! I really enjoyed the depth of the characters. Vanessa comes from a background of poverty and she is just doing whatever she can to elevate herself in the world. You feel for her and the choices she makes while just trying to earn a better life for herself.

The Spanish Influenza presents a difficult challenge that will either tear this close-knit resort town apart or bring everyone even closer together. Everyone is faced with difficult circumstances between the war and sickness. Will Vanessa choose the charming rich boy from the city or the plant loving small town boy who holds the secret to an enchanting world? It may be slightly predictable but it was like a hallmark movie! You know who she is going to end up with but you enjoy the journey that leads you to that point!

[Viki · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Wow, what a beautiful story! ✨ I’m so happy that All That Shimmers was my very first ARC read—it was such a magical experience! 🪄💖

The characters were absolutely lovable, and I adored the vivid descriptions of the Enchanted Woods 🌿🌙. The story weaves together themes of friendship, love, grief, heartbreak, deception, and growth so beautifully.

Reading about the Spanish flu, especially after everything we've been through in the past few years, made the story even more emotional and impactful. 💔😢 And once I was past 100 pages, I literally couldn't put it down—I just had to know how it all ended! 📖✨

I really enjoyed following Vanessa and Avery’s growth throughout the book. Vanessa’s journey of finding love felt so relatable—how sometimes we get dazzled by all the glitter and sparkles ✨💫, only to realize that what seemed like magic was just a fleeting firework. 🎇 Beautiful for a moment, but not meant to last. And Avery was just the sweetest character ever (with Willow)!

If you love historical fantasy, I highly recommend this book! It’s a story that truly shimmers ✨💖📚

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the era of World War I, Vanessa once had two loving parents and a little sister, but accident and illness robbed her of all of them, and she came of age in a girls' orphanage. Now she's a nanny to a wealthy Boston family, summering at a resort called Twin Birch House. She likes her employers, and loves her little charges, but...

What do the fairies, the water nymphs, and an enchanted grove have to do with her? Is their advice and mysterious clues sending her towards true love with botanist Avery, or charming aristocratic Ned?

And then, the Spanish Flu begins sweeping the US, even reaching the remote community where Twin Birch House is located, and everything changes.

Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author and received an ARC from her.

I love the character development, and how there are no bad guys (if a few greedy ones). The magical elements are wonderful, and described evocatively, but not over the top. I couldn't can't help but pull for Vanessa to find love, and a real home.

[Cathryn deVries · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ ⭐ Historical romance with a touch of magic.

Despite it getting a little spicy, I really enjoyed ‘All That Shimmers’. There was a lot of heart and depth to this story, played out against the backdrop of the Spanish flu during WWI. I’m not generally a romance reader, but I enjoyed the way Vanessa discovered that the flashy and shallow cad Ned was no match for the quiet, deep and respectful Avery. I also appreciated the fact that the spiciness happened with Ned, and was part of Vanessa making a huge mistake. It contrasted with the innocent sweetness of her attraction to Avery.

Vanessa’s worries and dilemmas would be very relatable to teen girls who are working out what love really is. The only thing that makes me hesitate to recommend it for that age-group is that the explicit imagery with Ned tends to stick in the imagination longer than the more genuinely loving interactions with Avery.

Overall though, a well-written book in a beautifully imagined setting with a touch of magic introduced through classical mythology coming to life.

[Olesya Lyuzna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A swoony, dreamlike, and utterly immersive historical fantasy!

From the very first page, ALL THAT SHIMMERS swept me away into a world of enchantment, where magic shimmers just beneath the surface of a vividly rendered post-World War I setting. Vanessa Perkins is a heroine to root for—hopeful yet pragmatic, filled with longing for love and belonging, yet never losing her inner strength.

The novel expertly weaves the allure of fairytale magic with the harsh realities of a changing world, making for a beautifully layered and emotionally rich experience. The twists and turns of Vanessa’s journey kept me guessing, especially as she navigates her choices between Avery (who completely stole my heart) and the dazzling temptations offered by Ned and his world...

Kady Ambrose delivers a story that revives a childlike sense of wonder while staying deeply grounded in its historical era. A truly enchanting debut—I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot going on in this story. Coming-of-age, rich/poor class dynamics, historical setting and events, a flu epidemic, even fairies & naiads (the least understandable aspect for me lol). While very resilient, Vanessa is a flawed heroine and makes many mistakes. This is not entirely a bad thing; it makes her real and leads to consequences of her actions. Avery is the grumpy to her sunshine (or maybe introvert to her extrovert is a better description) but I often wished he was more assertive (first with his father, then with Vanessa). The story got a little slow while Vanessa was infatuated with Avery’s ‘competition’ (Ned), and got a little heavy when so many characters were dying. Eventually there’s an HEA for the couple (Vanessa and Avery) but their journey isn’t particularly what I think of as ‘romantic’ and there’s a fair deal of residual sadness. And maybe that’s just fine. If you’re looking for something a little different, this is it!

[Alex Rayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New Hampshire during the backdrop of WWI and the Spanish flu, this story follows Vanessa, an orphan from Boston who takes a job as a nursemaid for a wealthy family during their summer holidays.

Vanessa is ambitious and wants more for herself, dreaming of rising beyond her current station. She soon meets Avery, a budding botanist, and Ned, a wealthy aristocrat, and finds herself drawn to them both. But when she hears a fairy’s prophecy, Vanessa decides she will live boldly, no matter the cost.

This was such a whimsical historical fantasy, made even more striking because of its devastating historical backdrop. The pacing is quick, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.

Vanessa was a wonderful protagonist. She has big dreams and makes bold choices, but there is also a vulnerability to her. As an orphan, she is used to being alone, and I really enjoyed seeing her journey as she learns to open up, let others in, and find a place she can truly call home.

This was a new period of history for me, but I really enjoyed the way it was brought to life with the added element of magical realism.

Thank you so much to the author for the review copy.

[Bronwyn Mauldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, All That Shimmers is a classic historical romance rooted in realism. It's the story of a young woman striving to make her way in a world on her own terms, despite the societal constraints she faces in early 20th century New England. But like the pond in the enchanted grove that Vanessa discovers, beneath the surface there is much more to her and her story. The fairies and water nymphs she befriends act more like capricious Greek gods than adorable cherubs, bringing both joy and complications into Vanessa's life. Kady Ambrose's commitment to historical facts makes this novel solid and satisfying. The way she incorporates fantasy makes it shimmer. The author provided me with an advance review copy for my honest and unbiased review, and I look forward to more stories about Vanessa and Twin Birch House.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story!! Vanessa and Avery shine as leading characters in this beautiful, heartfelt, and poignant book. Their reactions, their depth, and their emotions are felt, understood, and shared by so many people… readers will have no problem identifying with them and so many of the other wonderful characters. I hope we have not seen the last of their world, and hoping that we get the endings (sad or happy) of all the other characters we met. The mix of fantasy and fairies with such historical accuracy is wonderful, and the depth of research and detail did not go unnoticed! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. For lovers of Narnia, Percy Jackson, and Anne of Green Gables, this is a story you don’t want to miss! This book was absolutely a delight to read and I look forward to more stories of Twin Birch House.

[Lisa Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

All That Shimmers takes the reader on a journey with whimsical, magical feels in a historical fiction setting.

I loved the balance between the fairytale elements and life events, the flawed FMC and her choices that propel the reader into sympathising with the protagonist and her story.

It was intriguing, bright, entertaining.

I would love more back story and world building of the fairies and nymphs, and see such potential in further series of side characters of a sibling and her 'dear friend'.

I would happily continue this universe and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the ARC team, I had a blast!

[M.M. Chromy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All That Shimmers gave me vibes of The Secret Garden mixed with a more adult twist. Vanessa, an orphan and nanny for the wealthy, has a lot of spunk and vigor. She wants to better herself. Avery, one of the main male characters, doesn't want to be a doctor like his father - he wants to be a forest ranger (of sorts) . Vanessa meets Avery after he brings her wards back from a garden filled with the fae. This kicks off their story of how they found their way to each other.

It's not an easy path to their final union, filled with twists and hardship, but it works out in the end. The story takes us along for their love story and Vanessa finding who she is.

I adore Avery. He is easily my favorite character.

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a wonderful setting and time period. The historical details were deep and engrossing. I liked that the characters were complex with all the ambiguity you find in real people. The situation the FMC is in as an orphan with an uncertain future felt truly perilous. I wasn't sure where she'd end up.

It's romantic but definitely doesn't read like a straightforward romance which was a nice surprise.

I love fairies and fantasy but that part of the book felt tacked on. The book wasn't strengthened by that element and could easily have been left out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story.

The author did a great job of making me feel the magic of the Woods, with all of its wonderful sights and sounds.

I loved that only a select few could enter there.

The characters and personalities were fun.

I felt sad at those loved ones who passed and thought the ending was nicely buttoned up.
I got the feeling that we might look forward to the story continuing, as several things are left “open to the imagination”.
I would definitely look forward to that!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a magical, quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily .

[Brittney Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

All That Shimmers was a fun introduction to fantasy romance! Truly is a marvelous debut for what I hope will be a wonderful series. Kady Ambrose mixed elements of fantasy, magical realism, accurate historical facts, and the thrill of first love in a stunning way. There is a poetic storytelling quality that made this book easily devoured. Vanessa Perkins is a wonderfully complex protagonist who was made to feel so real. She grew up in an orphanage after her parents died before becoming a nursemaid for a well to do Boston family. Then the magic unfolds.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All That Shimmers by Kady Ambrose is a tale where the mundane meets the magical, and the heart dances between the realms of reality and fantasy. 🍃

During the tumultuous year of 1918, the story introduces us to Vanessa Perkins, a spirited nanny with a penchant for daydreams~

Her summer at the opulent Twin Birch House becomes a canvas for enchantment, as she encounters the gentle botanist Avery and the charismatic aristocrat Ned. 💕💕

Guided by a fairy's prophecy and the whispers of woodland nymphs, Vanessa finds herself at a crossroads between societal expectations and the allure of the unknown. 🦋

Twin Birch House awaits you~