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A Garden of Fairy Tales
Snapdragon: A Thumbelina Retelling
A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.
Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop.
But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble.
Literally.
Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything.
Because fairy princes are not all that they seem.
And in the end, death comes for all.
Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order. “Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity.
Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop.
But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble.
Literally.
Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything.
Because fairy princes are not all that they seem.
And in the end, death comes for all.
Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order. “Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
20 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beran
29 books185 followersSarah lives in sunny southern California with her husband, two small children, and dog Pippin. An elementary music teacher by day, when she is not writing or devouring books she spends her free time running, making music, or playing make believe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 8, 2025
The coziest and funniest kidnapping book EVER!!!!
I am thoroughly convinced that Sarah Beran can take any trope and any retelling and turn it into an adorable, cozy story loaded with banter!!! I mean, a book with multiple kidnappings/ held hostage/ in captivity and I was ROLLING around laughing and going “awwwww” at the same time!
Then can we just talk about how PERFECTLY mashup up these two fairytales (Thumbelina with Hades and Persephone) are? I mean…both get kidnapped, and the way the stories resolve in the end…sheer perfection!
Finally, I was so impressed with how respectful the disability inclusion was! One character is blind, and I loved how well represented he was!!!
I wish I could give this SIX stars!!!!
I am thoroughly convinced that Sarah Beran can take any trope and any retelling and turn it into an adorable, cozy story loaded with banter!!! I mean, a book with multiple kidnappings/ held hostage/ in captivity and I was ROLLING around laughing and going “awwwww” at the same time!
Then can we just talk about how PERFECTLY mashup up these two fairytales (Thumbelina with Hades and Persephone) are? I mean…both get kidnapped, and the way the stories resolve in the end…sheer perfection!
Finally, I was so impressed with how respectful the disability inclusion was! One character is blind, and I loved how well represented he was!!!
I wish I could give this SIX stars!!!!
April 12, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling (with some light faith content)
Despite not being familiar with (or even interested in) Greek mythology at all, I was very excited for this one because I’ve enjoyed many books by Sarah Beran lately and I always love springtime plot with lots of flowers!
That was definitely the highlight for this book for me, all the flowers and the Thumbelina parts.
I do think the pacing wasn’t the clearest—particularly with a quick jump that Percy had been in the Faierie realm for weeks shortly after getting there.
I didn’t quite understand the magic content—but Percy was confused at times because of different people telling her different things, so at least I wasn’t alone!
The romance was very quick, but it was cute and the ending was dramatic. I love when this author introduces the fairytale she’s retelling at the beginning and it really showed what a crazy story Thumbelina is. The original author might have been on something, but it’s Hans Christian Andersen and his stuff is always a little loopy feeling. 😂 Poor Thumbelina nearly gets whiplash at everything that is happening and I was right there with her!
While I might not have loved this one as much as I hoped, it was still pretty cute and springy!
Main Content-
The author recaps the events in Thumbelina (which include a mention of a witch and mentions of magic) and Hades and Persephone (which calls them a mythological king and a goddess).
Set mostly in the Faerie realm and has to do with the magic of the realm; Implied that some from the Faerie realm can read minds; Traveling through Faerie portals (which is also called a magical doorway and Percy feels as if her entire body was being stretched to a breaking point before suddenly snapping back together); (*Spoiler*
Many talks about & mentions of magic, a magical barrier, & using magic (including it sometimes having bad effects on the user); Mentions of magic someone draining a person’s life away (such as eating a certain magically-enhanced fruit and then if the person is exiled, it will slowly kill them); A few mentions of glamours; A couple mentions of fairy godmothers; A mention of a Genie.
A prayer to the Maker; ‘H’s are capital when referring to the Maker; Someone comments that only the Maker has the power over life and death; Someone says a place is “Maker-forsaken”; A wedding takes place at a cathedral.
Mentions of the Maker, thanking Him, & His plans (both in the human and Faerie realms); A couple mentions of prayers & praying; A mention of the Maker’s realm.
Nothing stronger than ‘idiot’, ‘stupid’ and ‘shut up’ which are all used up to thrice; Fictional curses like “how/what/why in Helyos” used six times and “realms no” used twice; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Being kidnapped (x2), Being drugged, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing a death & grief (*Spoiler* ); Seeing a couple fights/punches; Percy feels like she might die; Percy feels grief/homesickness after being kidnapped, taken to a strange place, and being away from her mother; A man is cruel and mean to his underling (calling him names and insulting his intelligence).
Many mentions of kidnappings & kidnappers; Mentions of a coup & deaths of a royal family (including the planned death of an infant); Mentions of potential deaths; Mentions of a progressive disease slowly taking away one’s eye sight & the person becoming blind; Mentions of lies, lying, & deceit; A few mentions of poison & being drugged; A couple mentions of other planned deaths for someone (not related to the coup); A couple mentions of a son disowning his parents for their actions; A couple mentions of blood.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
2 hand kisses (one which Percy wipes off),
1 head kiss,
2 almost kisses (lasting a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
Remembering an almost kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Touches (including tracing someone’s lips), Embraces, Shivers/Tingles, Butterflies, & Nearness (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a few sentences); Blushes.
A guy flirts with Percy with a flower joke that comments on her two lips (he is embarrassed afterwards).
Because Percy is adopted, a guy makes a comment that she is some “cast-off child that nobody wanted” and that she has “dubious origins” (Percy knows he is saying this in anger towards her, but it still hurts).
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & an almost kiss; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of jealousy.
Despite not being familiar with (or even interested in) Greek mythology at all, I was very excited for this one because I’ve enjoyed many books by Sarah Beran lately and I always love springtime plot with lots of flowers!
That was definitely the highlight for this book for me, all the flowers and the Thumbelina parts.
I do think the pacing wasn’t the clearest—particularly with a quick jump that Percy had been in the Faierie realm for weeks shortly after getting there.
I didn’t quite understand the magic content—but Percy was confused at times because of different people telling her different things, so at least I wasn’t alone!
The romance was very quick, but it was cute and the ending was dramatic. I love when this author introduces the fairytale she’s retelling at the beginning and it really showed what a crazy story Thumbelina is. The original author might have been on something, but it’s Hans Christian Andersen and his stuff is always a little loopy feeling. 😂 Poor Thumbelina nearly gets whiplash at everything that is happening and I was right there with her!
While I might not have loved this one as much as I hoped, it was still pretty cute and springy!
Main Content-
The author recaps the events in Thumbelina (which include a mention of a witch and mentions of magic) and Hades and Persephone (which calls them a mythological king and a goddess).
Set mostly in the Faerie realm and has to do with the magic of the realm; Implied that some from the Faerie realm can read minds; Traveling through Faerie portals (which is also called a magical doorway and Percy feels as if her entire body was being stretched to a breaking point before suddenly snapping back together); (*Spoiler*
Many talks about & mentions of magic, a magical barrier, & using magic (including it sometimes having bad effects on the user); Mentions of magic someone draining a person’s life away (such as eating a certain magically-enhanced fruit and then if the person is exiled, it will slowly kill them); A few mentions of glamours; A couple mentions of fairy godmothers; A mention of a Genie.
A prayer to the Maker; ‘H’s are capital when referring to the Maker; Someone comments that only the Maker has the power over life and death; Someone says a place is “Maker-forsaken”; A wedding takes place at a cathedral.
Mentions of the Maker, thanking Him, & His plans (both in the human and Faerie realms); A couple mentions of prayers & praying; A mention of the Maker’s realm.
Nothing stronger than ‘idiot’, ‘stupid’ and ‘shut up’ which are all used up to thrice; Fictional curses like “how/what/why in Helyos” used six times and “realms no” used twice; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Being kidnapped (x2), Being drugged, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing a death & grief (*Spoiler* ); Seeing a couple fights/punches; Percy feels like she might die; Percy feels grief/homesickness after being kidnapped, taken to a strange place, and being away from her mother; A man is cruel and mean to his underling (calling him names and insulting his intelligence).
Many mentions of kidnappings & kidnappers; Mentions of a coup & deaths of a royal family (including the planned death of an infant); Mentions of potential deaths; Mentions of a progressive disease slowly taking away one’s eye sight & the person becoming blind; Mentions of lies, lying, & deceit; A few mentions of poison & being drugged; A couple mentions of other planned deaths for someone (not related to the coup); A couple mentions of a son disowning his parents for their actions; A couple mentions of blood.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
2 hand kisses (one which Percy wipes off),
1 head kiss,
2 almost kisses (lasting a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
Remembering an almost kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Touches (including tracing someone’s lips), Embraces, Shivers/Tingles, Butterflies, & Nearness (up to a few sentences); Noticing (up to a few sentences); Blushes.
A guy flirts with Percy with a flower joke that comments on her two lips (he is embarrassed afterwards).
Because Percy is adopted, a guy makes a comment that she is some “cast-off child that nobody wanted” and that she has “dubious origins” (Percy knows he is saying this in anger towards her, but it still hurts).
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & an almost kiss; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of jealousy.
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April 25, 2025
”What can I say, Snapdragon; I’ve told you you’re like a ray of sunshine. Even the flowers know it.”
~My Thoughts~
Y'all, this book is so cute!! And funny too, like, I think I got a few looks from my sisters for laughing out loud. 😂
This was the first Sarah Beran that I've ever read. I've heard her books hyped over again and again, especially by Lindsey from BFCG (speaking of which, I definitely recommend following Lindsey if you aren't already, especially if y'all want clean or Christian book recommendations or detailed content reviews because she adds like, all the content, which I applaud and thank her for doing because I don't think I'd ever have the time or patience to do it as thoroughly and detail as Lindsey.), and as y'all can probably tell from my rating, it lived up to the hype!! Like, I loved Snapdragon the first time, but I especially loved the reread!
Like, reading Snapdragon was quite the experience because at first we'd meet someone and I'd be like, ‘Can I trust you?’ ‘Are you the love interest?’ *hear something bad about someone* ‘oh dear…’ *character does something bad* ‘I definitely don't trust you. How dare you?!’ *meets other people* ‘Can I trust you?’ ‘I think I can trust you.’ ‘Wait, are you the love interest??’ *funny moment that makes me laugh* *cute moments* ‘JUST KISS ALREADY!!’ *meets person* *hears conflicting stories* *confused* *wants to whack people in the head with a hardback book* *something else happens* ‘nevermind I want to push you off a cliff.’ ‘What?! No!’ *gasp* *funny moment that makes me laugh* *gasp* ‘YOU'RE HERE?!* *happy Jazzie noises* *and they lived happily ever after* *or do they?* ‘WAIT, WHAT?! NO!!’ *sad Jazzie noises* ‘Aw, that's so sweet!!’ *gasp* ‘Yay!’ *😍* ‘IT TOOK Y'ALL LONG ENOUGH!!’ *beetles are confusing* *🥰😍* *sad because the book ended*
And just to think, that's only about half of my reactions to only parts of this book, lol. 🤭😆
But yeah, though, I would have liked to see a couple more scenes that showed us how and why they fell in love, but for the size of this book, I think the romance was done well. It was really cute, and I loved it! It also would have been nice to have had the magic explained a bit more, but like with the romance, it's fine how it is.
I really wish this book didn't end as soon as it did, but it is what it is. Though now I really need books on some of the side characters. 🤭
~Characters~
Percy: As someone who is both named after a flower and loves flowers, I was thrilled to find out Percy loves them too. I really liked her personality, it definitely fit her well. She was great!
Hayes: Actually, I was pretty wary of him at first, but I warmed up to Hayes and by the end I loved him! I thought it was interesting how he was basically blind because it's not something I encounter often while reading, but I really liked it!
Burr: ✨️Pardon me. Are you Aaron Burr, sir?✨️ He's a dog. Honestly, I kept thinking he'd talk, but he didn't. Though he was nice!
Rhea, Herman, and Kharon: I loved them, but I really wish we saw more of them. I really do need books for Herman and Rhea, though!
~Book Cover Rating~
7/10 It's cute! I really like it! But the hardback cover is gorgeous!!
~Content Warnings~
(Warning! 🚨 Before you go any further, there is a chance that something I've said about the content could possibly be a bit spoilerish, so please proceed with caution! Also, if I missed any content, please let me know so I can add it!)
Trigger Warnings:
Kidnapping
Faith based/Christian:
Mentions of God (Who they call the Maker).
Other Religious Content:
None
Violence:
Kidnappings. Mentions of death/dying. A guy gets punched. Mentions of blood.
Sexual Content/Romance:
Kisses (not detailed), wanting to/thinking about kissing someone,
Magic:
There are many mentions of magic, but isn't not really said what exactly the magic can do other than translating words into a language you understand, opening doors to go into their world, and giving life to plants and people and such.
Bad Language:
None
LGBTQ+:
None
Drugs/Alcohol:
None
~Other Notes~
If y'all have any good Thumbelina retelling recommendations, I'd love to hear them!
~My Age Recommendation~
14 years old and older.
~Will I Read the Rest of the Series/More from this Author?~
Yes!
~Will I reread this book at some point in time?~
Most likely yes!
*I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
~My Thoughts~
Y'all, this book is so cute!! And funny too, like, I think I got a few looks from my sisters for laughing out loud. 😂
This was the first Sarah Beran that I've ever read. I've heard her books hyped over again and again, especially by Lindsey from BFCG (speaking of which, I definitely recommend following Lindsey if you aren't already, especially if y'all want clean or Christian book recommendations or detailed content reviews because she adds like, all the content, which I applaud and thank her for doing because I don't think I'd ever have the time or patience to do it as thoroughly and detail as Lindsey.), and as y'all can probably tell from my rating, it lived up to the hype!! Like, I loved Snapdragon the first time, but I especially loved the reread!
Like, reading Snapdragon was quite the experience because at first we'd meet someone and I'd be like, ‘Can I trust you?’ ‘Are you the love interest?’ *hear something bad about someone* ‘oh dear…’ *character does something bad* ‘I definitely don't trust you. How dare you?!’ *meets other people* ‘Can I trust you?’ ‘I think I can trust you.’ ‘Wait, are you the love interest??’ *funny moment that makes me laugh* *cute moments* ‘JUST KISS ALREADY!!’ *meets person* *hears conflicting stories* *confused* *wants to whack people in the head with a hardback book* *something else happens* ‘nevermind I want to push you off a cliff.’ ‘What?! No!’ *gasp* *funny moment that makes me laugh* *gasp* ‘YOU'RE HERE?!* *happy Jazzie noises* *and they lived happily ever after* *or do they?* ‘WAIT, WHAT?! NO!!’ *sad Jazzie noises* ‘Aw, that's so sweet!!’ *gasp* ‘Yay!’ *😍* ‘IT TOOK Y'ALL LONG ENOUGH!!’ *beetles are confusing* *🥰😍* *sad because the book ended*
And just to think, that's only about half of my reactions to only parts of this book, lol. 🤭😆
But yeah, though, I would have liked to see a couple more scenes that showed us how and why they fell in love, but for the size of this book, I think the romance was done well. It was really cute, and I loved it! It also would have been nice to have had the magic explained a bit more, but like with the romance, it's fine how it is.
I really wish this book didn't end as soon as it did, but it is what it is. Though now I really need books on some of the side characters. 🤭
~Characters~
Percy: As someone who is both named after a flower and loves flowers, I was thrilled to find out Percy loves them too. I really liked her personality, it definitely fit her well. She was great!
Hayes: Actually, I was pretty wary of him at first, but I warmed up to Hayes and by the end I loved him! I thought it was interesting how he was basically blind because it's not something I encounter often while reading, but I really liked it!
Burr: ✨️Pardon me. Are you Aaron Burr, sir?✨️ He's a dog. Honestly, I kept thinking he'd talk, but he didn't. Though he was nice!
Rhea, Herman, and Kharon: I loved them, but I really wish we saw more of them. I really do need books for Herman and Rhea, though!
~Book Cover Rating~
7/10 It's cute! I really like it! But the hardback cover is gorgeous!!
~Content Warnings~
(Warning! 🚨 Before you go any further, there is a chance that something I've said about the content could possibly be a bit spoilerish, so please proceed with caution! Also, if I missed any content, please let me know so I can add it!)
Trigger Warnings:
Kidnapping
Faith based/Christian:
Mentions of God (Who they call the Maker).
Other Religious Content:
None
Violence:
Kidnappings. Mentions of death/dying. A guy gets punched. Mentions of blood.
Sexual Content/Romance:
Kisses (not detailed), wanting to/thinking about kissing someone,
Magic:
There are many mentions of magic, but isn't not really said what exactly the magic can do other than translating words into a language you understand, opening doors to go into their world, and giving life to plants and people and such.
Bad Language:
None
LGBTQ+:
None
Drugs/Alcohol:
None
~Other Notes~
If y'all have any good Thumbelina retelling recommendations, I'd love to hear them!
~My Age Recommendation~
14 years old and older.
~Will I Read the Rest of the Series/More from this Author?~
Yes!
~Will I reread this book at some point in time?~
Most likely yes!
*I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2025
❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿
🌸~Genres~🌸
Fantasy/Retelling/Romance/Grumpy x sunshine/hidden identity/Forced proximity
A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.
🌼~Characters~🌼
(Persephina "Percy") FMC I liked her she was really sassy.
(Hayes) MMC he is blind which I think the author did really well. I liked him he was grumpy but also very caring.
(Rhea) HAYES'S FRIEND she was nice I liked her.
(Herman "Hermy") HAYES'S FRIEND He was really arrogant. I sort of liked him.
(Demi) PERCY'S MOTHER I liked her well enough.
(Buford) He was hilarious with his 'book of charms'.
(Rowe) "PRINCE" he was really weird and creepy.
(Bede "Bedle") He was ok.
(Kharon) I liked her.
🌷~Quotes~🌷
“It’s like standing in a waterfall of sunshine. There’s nothing quite like it.” “I know something that comes pretty close.” There was a nervous hesitancy in his voice that made her crack one eye to look at him. “Oh?” He shifted on his feet. “Your smile. The first time I saw it, it was like seeing a sunrise again for the first time.”
“I wasn’t meaning the sunlight, little Snapdragon. I missed your presence— the way you light up a room with your joy and zest for life, the way your laughter brings a breath of fresh air to these cold and stuffy halls. The library has been unbearably cold and lonely without you.”
“Because he’s a handsome prince, a butterfly that makes its home among the flowers that you were born to thrive in. I’m just a dull, dusty moth— and now a blind one, at that. I can’t compete with his beauty, but I also can’t help but be drawn to your flame.”
She knew now, that just as strongly as the pomegranate seeds had bound her to the realm, her heart had attached itself to Hayes— to the serious, studious way he approached each problem, to the way he related to those who should have been underneath him as equals, to the dry, subtle humor he brought to their conversations. To the way he truly saw her.
🌱~What I liked~🌱
The humor, the note to anyone unfamiliar with Thumbelina & Hades and Persephone, The writing style, The dog, the elements of the two stories, How adoption was depicted in a positive way
🪻~What I disliked~🪻
Hayes remembers when Percy was born
💐~Content/Trigger Warnings~💐
Attempted murder of an infant, Kidnapping, blindness, a dog is missing a front paw, Death of parents, Drugging
🪷~Language~🪷
None.
🌸~Genres~🌸
Fantasy/Retelling/Romance/Grumpy x sunshine/hidden identity/Forced proximity
A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.
🌼~Characters~🌼
(Persephina "Percy") FMC I liked her she was really sassy.
(Hayes) MMC he is blind which I think the author did really well. I liked him he was grumpy but also very caring.
(Rhea) HAYES'S FRIEND she was nice I liked her.
(Herman "Hermy") HAYES'S FRIEND He was really arrogant. I sort of liked him.
(Demi) PERCY'S MOTHER I liked her well enough.
(Buford) He was hilarious with his 'book of charms'.
(Rowe) "PRINCE" he was really weird and creepy.
(Bede "Bedle") He was ok.
(Kharon) I liked her.
🌷~Quotes~🌷
“It’s like standing in a waterfall of sunshine. There’s nothing quite like it.” “I know something that comes pretty close.” There was a nervous hesitancy in his voice that made her crack one eye to look at him. “Oh?” He shifted on his feet. “Your smile. The first time I saw it, it was like seeing a sunrise again for the first time.”
“I wasn’t meaning the sunlight, little Snapdragon. I missed your presence— the way you light up a room with your joy and zest for life, the way your laughter brings a breath of fresh air to these cold and stuffy halls. The library has been unbearably cold and lonely without you.”
“Because he’s a handsome prince, a butterfly that makes its home among the flowers that you were born to thrive in. I’m just a dull, dusty moth— and now a blind one, at that. I can’t compete with his beauty, but I also can’t help but be drawn to your flame.”
She knew now, that just as strongly as the pomegranate seeds had bound her to the realm, her heart had attached itself to Hayes— to the serious, studious way he approached each problem, to the way he related to those who should have been underneath him as equals, to the dry, subtle humor he brought to their conversations. To the way he truly saw her.
🌱~What I liked~🌱
The humor, the note to anyone unfamiliar with Thumbelina & Hades and Persephone, The writing style, The dog, the elements of the two stories, How adoption was depicted in a positive way
🪻~What I disliked~🪻
Hayes remembers when Percy was born
💐~Content/Trigger Warnings~💐
Attempted murder of an infant, Kidnapping, blindness, a dog is missing a front paw, Death of parents, Drugging
🪷~Language~🪷
None.
April 10, 2025
This was such a fun, cute, cozy story! I've never seen a Hades and Persephone combined with Thumbelina retelling, but I really enjoyed it. She did such an amazing job combining the two Fairytales into one super cute, fun, clever, unique tale that I wish I could have more of!
There is even a little recap of the original Fairytales included in the beginning of the book in case you don't know it or need a refresher which I loved because I don't always know the originals.
It's a shorter story, so fairly fast paced but also so well done and full of detail. The world building is so good for a short story, you get a backstory on the world, a magic system, how the government is being run, imagery that allows you to imagine it clearly! You can actually get connected with the story it's not distant with a lack of description.
There are many side characters each with their own role and personality and I love all of them. It's definitely a found family and it's so sweet and humourous, full of banter, sibling rivalry, jokes, and love. Such a joy to read.
The FMC, Percy is a florist or so she thinks! She is brought to this new realm and discovers so many truths and her world is expanded. She is sassy, sarcastic, compassionate, kind and fiery.I love her character and she is all sunshine.
The MMC, Hayes is a king of a dying world. He is dark, broody, blind and grumpy. But also a great king who cares a lot about his people and friends though he may not always show it. He is sweet and can be funny when he's in a good mood.
Since it is a shorter book the romance isn't too deep and mostly happens off page but it is still super sweet and cute and I love every interaction they have together.
Then in the end there's quite a few little plot twists and finally everything comes together and gives them their happily ever after. Such a beautiful way to end the book even though I wish there was more 🫠
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, kidnapping.
*I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
There is even a little recap of the original Fairytales included in the beginning of the book in case you don't know it or need a refresher which I loved because I don't always know the originals.
It's a shorter story, so fairly fast paced but also so well done and full of detail. The world building is so good for a short story, you get a backstory on the world, a magic system, how the government is being run, imagery that allows you to imagine it clearly! You can actually get connected with the story it's not distant with a lack of description.
There are many side characters each with their own role and personality and I love all of them. It's definitely a found family and it's so sweet and humourous, full of banter, sibling rivalry, jokes, and love. Such a joy to read.
The FMC, Percy is a florist or so she thinks! She is brought to this new realm and discovers so many truths and her world is expanded. She is sassy, sarcastic, compassionate, kind and fiery.I love her character and she is all sunshine.
The MMC, Hayes is a king of a dying world. He is dark, broody, blind and grumpy. But also a great king who cares a lot about his people and friends though he may not always show it. He is sweet and can be funny when he's in a good mood.
Since it is a shorter book the romance isn't too deep and mostly happens off page but it is still super sweet and cute and I love every interaction they have together.
Then in the end there's quite a few little plot twists and finally everything comes together and gives them their happily ever after. Such a beautiful way to end the book even though I wish there was more 🫠
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, kidnapping.
*I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
March 10, 2025
Absolutely beautiful. The incorporation of flowers, especially the snapdragon, was ingenious. I could not put the book down from the moment I opened it. Percy caught my attention from the start, and her journey kept me engaged. The gradual reveal of information worked really well. For a novella, I thought the pacing worked pretty well, and even the side characters all had distinctive personalities.
As an adopted person myself, I appreciated the portrayal of Percy's adoption by a single woman. They had a respectful relationship that didn't rely on gratitude, and a loving relationship that was healthy for both Demi (adoptive mom) and Percy.
Also, I felt like the author handled Haye’s blindness was handled well. I liked that his vision wasn’t viewed as something to be magically healed at any point and that the focus was always on learning to live with it without losing self-esteem. The increasing positive representation of disability in fairy tales is encouraging.
I loved every moment. Clean in language and content as always by this author. Highly recommend this book. Snapdragon is a must-read, particularly among Thumbelina and Hades & Persephone retellings. 10/10!
**I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
As an adopted person myself, I appreciated the portrayal of Percy's adoption by a single woman. They had a respectful relationship that didn't rely on gratitude, and a loving relationship that was healthy for both Demi (adoptive mom) and Percy.
Also, I felt like the author handled Haye’s blindness was handled well. I liked that his vision wasn’t viewed as something to be magically healed at any point and that the focus was always on learning to live with it without losing self-esteem. The increasing positive representation of disability in fairy tales is encouraging.
I loved every moment. Clean in language and content as always by this author. Highly recommend this book. Snapdragon is a must-read, particularly among Thumbelina and Hades & Persephone retellings. 10/10!
**I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
Snapdragon:A Thumbelina Retelling
A Garden of Fairytales
By Sarah Beran
Percy loves flowers and working in her mother's flower shop is the perfect way to spend her days. It's a life she loves and can't see herself doing anything else.
When Percy's mother hints at romance, she just doesn't see it happening when the men who show up in the flower shop already have sweethearts or wives. Nope not happening, and her walk with a old friend goes so bad. But when a stranger forces her into a strange world, a world that is dying, Percy is at a loss as to figure out why. He keeps saying he's taking her home. Right, mmhmm.
And then there is a Lord of Death (aka Hayes) and an underground community. Well, if three individuals can make a community, that is. Trapped in this Fairy Realm, Percy doesn't know how she'll ever return home. She misses her mother and her flowers.
This was an enjoyable story. There is a bit of violence and kidnapping which is where the Hades and Persephone retelling comes in. Then there is Hayes who is paying the price to keep the dying world alive. And then there are the secrets, lots of secrets which have a big bearing on the entire story.
A Garden of Fairytales
By Sarah Beran
Percy loves flowers and working in her mother's flower shop is the perfect way to spend her days. It's a life she loves and can't see herself doing anything else.
When Percy's mother hints at romance, she just doesn't see it happening when the men who show up in the flower shop already have sweethearts or wives. Nope not happening, and her walk with a old friend goes so bad. But when a stranger forces her into a strange world, a world that is dying, Percy is at a loss as to figure out why. He keeps saying he's taking her home. Right, mmhmm.
And then there is a Lord of Death (aka Hayes) and an underground community. Well, if three individuals can make a community, that is. Trapped in this Fairy Realm, Percy doesn't know how she'll ever return home. She misses her mother and her flowers.
This was an enjoyable story. There is a bit of violence and kidnapping which is where the Hades and Persephone retelling comes in. Then there is Hayes who is paying the price to keep the dying world alive. And then there are the secrets, lots of secrets which have a big bearing on the entire story.
March 20, 2025
Fantasy isn’t my usual genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed Snapdragon!
Sarah Beran is so gifted at world building. I have no idea how she did it in such a short book, but I was completely immersed into a fairy world and these wonderful characters! The first chapter pulled me into with a bit of mystery that kind of reminded me of the beginning of Tangled (though it’s not a repunzel story). I don’t really enjoy mythology—let’s face it, those fake gods were so sad and truly aweful!—but Sarah took something blah and fashioned the idea into something far more lovely, noble, and hopeful.
Hayes was my favorite. No contest. However, Percy, Demi, Kharon, the siblings, and even the oddity that is Bede all won me over!
If you’re looking for a whimsical spring read with a HEA , definitely pickup Snapdragon!
Content: kidnapping, character is drugged (put to sleep, but it sounds worse when said like that), romance (just kisses, nondescript), magic, mentions of characters cursing but not said on the page
Note: I don’t believe this is considered Christian fantasy though there are some mentions of “the Maker” referencing God and his plans for life. Percy also prays a few times seeking guidance.
*I received an ARC copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own🥰
Sarah Beran is so gifted at world building. I have no idea how she did it in such a short book, but I was completely immersed into a fairy world and these wonderful characters! The first chapter pulled me into with a bit of mystery that kind of reminded me of the beginning of Tangled (though it’s not a repunzel story). I don’t really enjoy mythology—let’s face it, those fake gods were so sad and truly aweful!—but Sarah took something blah and fashioned the idea into something far more lovely, noble, and hopeful.
Hayes was my favorite. No contest. However, Percy, Demi, Kharon, the siblings, and even the oddity that is Bede all won me over!
If you’re looking for a whimsical spring read with a HEA , definitely pickup Snapdragon!
Content: kidnapping, character is drugged (put to sleep, but it sounds worse when said like that), romance (just kisses, nondescript), magic, mentions of characters cursing but not said on the page
Note: I don’t believe this is considered Christian fantasy though there are some mentions of “the Maker” referencing God and his plans for life. Percy also prays a few times seeking guidance.
*I received an ARC copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own🥰
July 19, 2025
A cute retelling
Snapdragon caught my attention because it's not just a retelling of Thumbelina, but a mix of that tale with the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, which I think is an excellent idea.
The author cleverly intertwined the stories, and I loved all the puns and references. The characters are charming, though not well-developed due to the story's short length, my only issue is with the plot which has some flaws. Percy's entire predicament could have been resolved with a simple explanation. At first, I thought Hayes and his friends didn't really know her true identity, but when it was later revealed they'd known all along who she was, it made no sense that they'd left her in the dark while the person who'd wanted to kidnap her all along was literally right next door. It's also unbelievable that Hayes wouldn't have someone guard Rowe, since he knew all about his plans to seize the throne. Once recovered, he roamed freely and easily kidnapped Percy. Hades would never be so careless.
Hayes's powers are only shown once, and I would have liked to see more of what he was capable of, as it is mentioned several times how powerful he is. His blindness added a touch of sadness to the character and was a nice reference to the mole from Thumbelina, although Hayes's disability brought to my mind Tiresias rather than Hades.
Snapdragon is a good retelling of two very different tales. I recommend it to fairy tale lovers and those who want new takes on Greek myths. It's worth it.
Snapdragon caught my attention because it's not just a retelling of Thumbelina, but a mix of that tale with the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, which I think is an excellent idea.
The author cleverly intertwined the stories, and I loved all the puns and references. The characters are charming, though not well-developed due to the story's short length, my only issue is with the plot which has some flaws. Percy's entire predicament could have been resolved with a simple explanation. At first, I thought Hayes and his friends didn't really know her true identity, but when it was later revealed they'd known all along who she was, it made no sense that they'd left her in the dark while the person who'd wanted to kidnap her all along was literally right next door. It's also unbelievable that Hayes wouldn't have someone guard Rowe, since he knew all about his plans to seize the throne. Once recovered, he roamed freely and easily kidnapped Percy. Hades would never be so careless.
Hayes's powers are only shown once, and I would have liked to see more of what he was capable of, as it is mentioned several times how powerful he is. His blindness added a touch of sadness to the character and was a nice reference to the mole from Thumbelina, although Hayes's disability brought to my mind Tiresias rather than Hades.
Snapdragon is a good retelling of two very different tales. I recommend it to fairy tale lovers and those who want new takes on Greek myths. It's worth it.
April 10, 2025
This is the most adorable (only?) Hades & Persephone/Thumbelina retelling I have ever read!! 🥰 You may think this is a mash up that cannot be mashed, and I'm
here to tell you, you'd be wrong!
Sarah Beran continues to be an author that can surprise me, amuse me, give me the feels, and even manage to keep me guessing when I think I have the story figured out. Firstly, Percy is the sweetest bit of sunshine, and even when she is literally plunged into clouds of gray. She brings the sunshine and sweetness, even through her sadness. I loved the world that Sarah built. It definitely had me wanting more of it, and I hope to see more of it in the future. Hayes is the grumpiest bit of grump, and I mean, for good reason. But these two together were highly enjoyable. Can we get a book about Herman, maybe?! This guy had me rolling! This is a great book, and I'm excited to read more in this MAS!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Sweet kisses only
🗡️ Some action adventure, nothing too violent
🪄In the vein of Thumbelina, they are fairies! No wings, but their realm uses elemental magic.
📖 A highly enjoyable retelling with all the "Easter eggs" you could ever want!
Thank you to Sarah for providing me with an ARC. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
here to tell you, you'd be wrong!
Sarah Beran continues to be an author that can surprise me, amuse me, give me the feels, and even manage to keep me guessing when I think I have the story figured out. Firstly, Percy is the sweetest bit of sunshine, and even when she is literally plunged into clouds of gray. She brings the sunshine and sweetness, even through her sadness. I loved the world that Sarah built. It definitely had me wanting more of it, and I hope to see more of it in the future. Hayes is the grumpiest bit of grump, and I mean, for good reason. But these two together were highly enjoyable. Can we get a book about Herman, maybe?! This guy had me rolling! This is a great book, and I'm excited to read more in this MAS!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Sweet kisses only
🗡️ Some action adventure, nothing too violent
🪄In the vein of Thumbelina, they are fairies! No wings, but their realm uses elemental magic.
📖 A highly enjoyable retelling with all the "Easter eggs" you could ever want!
Thank you to Sarah for providing me with an ARC. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 9, 2025
I've been so excited to read this story ever since Sarah Beran teased it in her January newsletter! I've never signed up for an ARC copy of a book before, but I was so intrigued that I decided to take the leap and try something new in hopes that I would get chosen. As you can see from my rating, this book did not disappoint my expectations.
Snapdragon is a retelling of Thumbelina and Persephone. (Seeing as the 1994 animated movie of Thumbelina is one of my all-time favorite childhood movies, this book was an extra fun and nostalgic read! 💕)
Even though this book is mainly a Thumbelina retelling, don't assume you know the whole plot. There are plenty of fun twists to keep you reading through the pages. I enjoyed seeing all the nods to the original stories while enjoying the new variations and spins on them. Snapdragon, in my opinion, is a delightful, cozy, and quick read perfect for anyone who enjoys fairytales and happy endings.
Snapdragon is a retelling of Thumbelina and Persephone. (Seeing as the 1994 animated movie of Thumbelina is one of my all-time favorite childhood movies, this book was an extra fun and nostalgic read! 💕)
Even though this book is mainly a Thumbelina retelling, don't assume you know the whole plot. There are plenty of fun twists to keep you reading through the pages. I enjoyed seeing all the nods to the original stories while enjoying the new variations and spins on them. Snapdragon, in my opinion, is a delightful, cozy, and quick read perfect for anyone who enjoys fairytales and happy endings.
March 12, 2025
If I had to choose one author I’d read for the rest of my life, it would probably be Sarah Beran. Her whimsical yet simple settings, her realistic characters, the banter between them and the PUNS!! All of it is so precious and her books have become like that warm, cozy blanket you return to on cold and rainy days.
This book was no exception. Snapdragon is a retelling of one of my favourite myths of all time — Hades and Persephone. While the allusions to the original were fairly subtle and the story did seem a little more Thumbelina in some parts, it was still incredibly enjoyable and beautiful. I loved the message — that true beauty is found within.
The only downside to this book is how short it was. I do hope Sarah ends up writing more in this new universe because it was so interesting!
Content: squeaky clean as always 🧼
This book was no exception. Snapdragon is a retelling of one of my favourite myths of all time — Hades and Persephone. While the allusions to the original were fairly subtle and the story did seem a little more Thumbelina in some parts, it was still incredibly enjoyable and beautiful. I loved the message — that true beauty is found within.
The only downside to this book is how short it was. I do hope Sarah ends up writing more in this new universe because it was so interesting!
Content: squeaky clean as always 🧼
December 27, 2025
My Christmas Eve read this year from my friend. And as always, she picked a good one! Loved the characters and the story. Not a huge fairy tale/romance enjoyer but this was just the right mix of it all. So sweet and fun.
June 28, 2025
I loved this retelling of both Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone! It was clever and fun, and I enjoyed reading it!
March 28, 2025
Delightful fairytale retelling with a very unexpected twist!
What a sweet, heartwarming retelling of actually a fairytale and a myth combined to perfection! The easy style and a well-developed plot just pull you in and fill you up with perfect coziness.
Things I enjoyed:
Captivating magical world
Engaging style
Faith presented
Single POV of the main character
Grumpy-sunshine trope
Wit and honor abound
The library!
Wonderful characters
Ties to the original stories (Easter eggs are just perfect!)
Sweet and Clean romance
All the unexpected twists
All that combined with the principle of seeing true beauty within, importance of character over looks, and finding joy even in the worst of circumstances makes it for a great read.
Extra brownie points for including original fairytales in the beginning and clever names to clue in the readers to guess who is who.
Possible triggers: disability (blindness) but portrayed not as a weakness
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
What a sweet, heartwarming retelling of actually a fairytale and a myth combined to perfection! The easy style and a well-developed plot just pull you in and fill you up with perfect coziness.
Things I enjoyed:
Captivating magical world
Engaging style
Faith presented
Single POV of the main character
Grumpy-sunshine trope
Wit and honor abound
The library!
Wonderful characters
Ties to the original stories (Easter eggs are just perfect!)
Sweet and Clean romance
All the unexpected twists
All that combined with the principle of seeing true beauty within, importance of character over looks, and finding joy even in the worst of circumstances makes it for a great read.
Extra brownie points for including original fairytales in the beginning and clever names to clue in the readers to guess who is who.
Possible triggers: disability (blindness) but portrayed not as a weakness
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
December 3, 2025
I was almost hesitant to read this one. One, I never liked the Hades & Persephone myth. Second... "death comes to us all". With the beautiful paperback cover, those words felt... jarring. Almost terrifying. Yet, after reading many glowing reviews-- and Sarah Beran's genius reputation for writing sweet retellings---, I decided to give this book a try. Oh, my goodness, I'm glad I did!
We follow Persephina, (aka Percy) young woman swept into the Fairy Realm... and discovers a whole lot about the fairies she meets... and herself that her life is never the same. Especially when she finds herself torn between her longing to return to her mother... and her growing feelings for a certain fairy prince. By the way, I so love her personality-- her sweetness and spunk! And eventually, her courage!
Then there's Prince Hayse, whom most fairies dub the "Lord of Death", blaming him for the decline of the Fairy Realm. And as we see through Persephina, he is every bit a hero. And oh, how my heart broke and warmed for him, especially as we learn more about him and his past. I adore his banter with his friends! (And the slow-budding romance was OH SO SWEET!!!)
There are so many more I could adore, like wise and motherly Kharon, jokester Herman, and loyal Rhea... and that adorable three-legged dog Bur, and even Persephina's mother Demi. Then there are those I don't like. (Like a certain "beetle"... and another prince... whom I won't name for spoilers).
This was such a treat, even with the brief kidnappings and moments of despair. All perfectly balanced with wholesome romance, twists and surprises, delightful humor, and enchanting worldbuilding!
We follow Persephina, (aka Percy) young woman swept into the Fairy Realm... and discovers a whole lot about the fairies she meets... and herself that her life is never the same. Especially when she finds herself torn between her longing to return to her mother... and her growing feelings for a certain fairy prince. By the way, I so love her personality-- her sweetness and spunk! And eventually, her courage!
Then there's Prince Hayse, whom most fairies dub the "Lord of Death", blaming him for the decline of the Fairy Realm. And as we see through Persephina, he is every bit a hero. And oh, how my heart broke and warmed for him, especially as we learn more about him and his past. I adore his banter with his friends! (And the slow-budding romance was OH SO SWEET!!!)
There are so many more I could adore, like wise and motherly Kharon, jokester Herman, and loyal Rhea... and that adorable three-legged dog Bur, and even Persephina's mother Demi. Then there are those I don't like. (Like a certain "beetle"... and another prince... whom I won't name for spoilers).
This was such a treat, even with the brief kidnappings and moments of despair. All perfectly balanced with wholesome romance, twists and surprises, delightful humor, and enchanting worldbuilding!
May 19, 2025
2.5 stars. When a stranger shows up in your tiny village to watch you creeepily and then some other stranger kidnaps you and says Sparrow made him do it and then stranger #1 is named Rowe and you don't figure out it might be short for Sparrow... you might be stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
I was already laughing reading the author’s note where she sums up the two fairy tales that inspired this one. I mean Sarah Beran could definitely write a whole book filled only with summaries for well loved fairy tales (books and movies) and I would read it!
But Snapdragon was more than a mashup between Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone. And beside the entertainment factor, I was thankful for this little introduction, because I am only vaguely familiar with Thumbelina and have never read the Greek Myth, so thanks to the introductory note I was able to find the elements of the originals, which was so fun! Snapdragon such a unique and creative story, a book that I enjoyed from beginning to end with wonderful characters, great worldbuilding, and some of my favorite tropes - hidden identity and grumpy/sunshine.
Loved the banter and sarcasm and the romance was just adorable. Percy was sweet but spunky and just wonderful, but I have to say Hayes was my absolute favorite and I think his (growing) blindness was handled really well and portrayed in a respectful way. I also loved how the author used the name giving flower snapdragon in her story. In the 4 books of the Garden of Fairy Tales series I have read so far, all authors really used the flower and made it part of the story.
Snapdragon is set in a magical world and has light faith elements. Even though it’s a quick read, it’s definitely well fleshed out and has depth when it comes to characters and relationships.
Also loved the siblings Herman and Rhea, would love to meet them again in another book!
Absolutely recommend this delightful story full of sweet moments, plot twists and dialogues that will make you laugh out loud!
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
But Snapdragon was more than a mashup between Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone. And beside the entertainment factor, I was thankful for this little introduction, because I am only vaguely familiar with Thumbelina and have never read the Greek Myth, so thanks to the introductory note I was able to find the elements of the originals, which was so fun! Snapdragon such a unique and creative story, a book that I enjoyed from beginning to end with wonderful characters, great worldbuilding, and some of my favorite tropes - hidden identity and grumpy/sunshine.
Loved the banter and sarcasm and the romance was just adorable. Percy was sweet but spunky and just wonderful, but I have to say Hayes was my absolute favorite and I think his (growing) blindness was handled really well and portrayed in a respectful way. I also loved how the author used the name giving flower snapdragon in her story. In the 4 books of the Garden of Fairy Tales series I have read so far, all authors really used the flower and made it part of the story.
Snapdragon is set in a magical world and has light faith elements. Even though it’s a quick read, it’s definitely well fleshed out and has depth when it comes to characters and relationships.
Also loved the siblings Herman and Rhea, would love to meet them again in another book!
Absolutely recommend this delightful story full of sweet moments, plot twists and dialogues that will make you laugh out loud!
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
🌸 Whimsical, Swoony, and Utterly Enchanting 🌸
Snapdragon by Sarah Beran is the kind of fairytale retelling that makes your heart flutter, your cheeks hurt from smiling, and your soul scream “I NEED MORE.” It’s a dreamy blend of Thumbelina charm and Hades and Persephone intensity—with a romance so sweet and swoony, you’ll want to wrap yourself in it.
Let’s talk characters. Hayes is the brooding, serious man like someone out of a dark academia springtime fantasy—quiet, intense, and oh-so-swoon-worthy. He’s the type who keeps the world at arm’s length… until her. And Percy? She’s sunshine in a teacup—vibrant, warm, and bursting with life. Every moment between them is pure gold. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their banter? Adorable. Their bond? Absolutely perfect.
And don’t even get me started on the worldbuilding—it’s lush, magical, and full of clever nods to the classic tales, while still feeling totally fresh and unique. Sarah Beran’s prose blooms on the page—gorgeous, whimsical, and so immersive.
This is the ultimate spring read: a tender romance full of growth, healing, and hope, set in a fairy tale world you’ll never want to leave. Whether or not you’ve read other stories in the Garden of Fairy Tales series, this one stands tall and shines beautifully on its own.
In a nutshell, it has:
✨ Sweet but mysterious vibes
✨ Clean and swoony romance
✨ Grumpy/sunshine perfection
✨ Just enough magic to make your heart ache
✨ A retelling like you’ve never seen before
Snapdragon is the storybook escape your heart’s been craving. I adored every page and can’t wait to return to this beautiful world again and again!
Snapdragon by Sarah Beran is the kind of fairytale retelling that makes your heart flutter, your cheeks hurt from smiling, and your soul scream “I NEED MORE.” It’s a dreamy blend of Thumbelina charm and Hades and Persephone intensity—with a romance so sweet and swoony, you’ll want to wrap yourself in it.
Let’s talk characters. Hayes is the brooding, serious man like someone out of a dark academia springtime fantasy—quiet, intense, and oh-so-swoon-worthy. He’s the type who keeps the world at arm’s length… until her. And Percy? She’s sunshine in a teacup—vibrant, warm, and bursting with life. Every moment between them is pure gold. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their banter? Adorable. Their bond? Absolutely perfect.
And don’t even get me started on the worldbuilding—it’s lush, magical, and full of clever nods to the classic tales, while still feeling totally fresh and unique. Sarah Beran’s prose blooms on the page—gorgeous, whimsical, and so immersive.
This is the ultimate spring read: a tender romance full of growth, healing, and hope, set in a fairy tale world you’ll never want to leave. Whether or not you’ve read other stories in the Garden of Fairy Tales series, this one stands tall and shines beautifully on its own.
In a nutshell, it has:
✨ Sweet but mysterious vibes
✨ Clean and swoony romance
✨ Grumpy/sunshine perfection
✨ Just enough magic to make your heart ache
✨ A retelling like you’ve never seen before
Snapdragon is the storybook escape your heart’s been craving. I adored every page and can’t wait to return to this beautiful world again and again!
March 19, 2025
Percy is quite happy working at her flower shop with her mother. And even though no one ever gives her flowers, it beats being courted by someone like Buford. A disastrous walk with that gentleman results in Percy being kidnapped and taken to the dying fairy realm. Desperate to return to her mother, she finds a temporary home underground with a ragtag family of outcasts, which include the Lord of Death.
But is the title as wrong as his friends claim? Or should Percy not accept everything at face value? Will she discover the truth before the realm dies, taking her along with it?
“Your smile. The first time I saw it, it was like seeing a sunrise again for the first time.”
*giddy squeals* Okay, this story is just amazing. I love it so much. I didn’t know how Thumbelina could possibly be mashed with Hades and Persephone yet I can’t think of a more perfect blending now that I’ve read this!
Percy is a spitfire, yet she’s also sweet and kind. Her connection to her mother is an amazing anchor for her character, but she never cowers from a challenge. And Hayes! *swoon* The grumpy-sunshine dynamic between these two!
I love how Beran has created an overlapping world for many of her stories that allows for them to all be separate while having plenty of room for little Easter eggs between them.
Anyway. Go read this. Go read all of Sarah’s books. They’re beautiful and fun and about so much more than just kisses and puns. They fill my heart with hope.
5 Roses
Sweet kisses
Kidnapping and poison
No swears
But is the title as wrong as his friends claim? Or should Percy not accept everything at face value? Will she discover the truth before the realm dies, taking her along with it?
“Your smile. The first time I saw it, it was like seeing a sunrise again for the first time.”
*giddy squeals* Okay, this story is just amazing. I love it so much. I didn’t know how Thumbelina could possibly be mashed with Hades and Persephone yet I can’t think of a more perfect blending now that I’ve read this!
Percy is a spitfire, yet she’s also sweet and kind. Her connection to her mother is an amazing anchor for her character, but she never cowers from a challenge. And Hayes! *swoon* The grumpy-sunshine dynamic between these two!
I love how Beran has created an overlapping world for many of her stories that allows for them to all be separate while having plenty of room for little Easter eggs between them.
Anyway. Go read this. Go read all of Sarah’s books. They’re beautiful and fun and about so much more than just kisses and puns. They fill my heart with hope.
5 Roses
Sweet kisses
Kidnapping and poison
No swears
April 1, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Percy’s (Persephina) point of view (except for the prologue)
-Percy is kidnapped during the events of this story
Review:
Before I talk about the story itself, I just wanted to say I so appreciate Sarah Beran including a quick summary of the tales she’s retelling at the beginning of the book! It helps make the details close to my mind as I’m reading and easier to see the clever nods to the story within Sarah Beran’s retelling!
I loved seeing the Thumbelina and Hades & Persephone stories mixed together to make Percy’s story! I loved seeing the nods to both storylines in the character’s descriptions and names! I didn’t catch every nod right away which made some things a little surprising for me and gave me a few ‘ah ha’ moments when I did catch on. I loved the quiet & subtle growth to Percy’s romance with Hayes and her friendships with the others around them. And though I wish the story was just a bit longer (I loved the characters so much & didn’t want to leave!), I loved it and the satisfying happy ending the story had! 😍
Summary:
Percy loves her life working in the flower shop with her mother. And though finding love would be nice, it’s certainly not a priority when almost all of the men Percy meets are coming into the shop to buy flowers for their sweethearts. Until one day she meets a mysterious stranger she’s never seen before.
But just as things are looking up, they all go downhill.
What should have been a nice walk turns into a nightmare when Percy finds herself whisked away from her family and her home to a dying Fairy Realm. With no way to get home, Percy finds herself turning to the ‘Lord of Death’ in charge of the dying realm she was left in for help.
Time and hope blossoms into something more while Percy waits for the timing of getting her home to be right. But when secrets come to light, Percy is going to have to decide who she believes and what it means for the relationships she’s come to cherish…
– this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Percy’s (Persephina) point of view (except for the prologue)
-Percy is kidnapped during the events of this story
Review:
Before I talk about the story itself, I just wanted to say I so appreciate Sarah Beran including a quick summary of the tales she’s retelling at the beginning of the book! It helps make the details close to my mind as I’m reading and easier to see the clever nods to the story within Sarah Beran’s retelling!
I loved seeing the Thumbelina and Hades & Persephone stories mixed together to make Percy’s story! I loved seeing the nods to both storylines in the character’s descriptions and names! I didn’t catch every nod right away which made some things a little surprising for me and gave me a few ‘ah ha’ moments when I did catch on. I loved the quiet & subtle growth to Percy’s romance with Hayes and her friendships with the others around them. And though I wish the story was just a bit longer (I loved the characters so much & didn’t want to leave!), I loved it and the satisfying happy ending the story had! 😍
Summary:
Percy loves her life working in the flower shop with her mother. And though finding love would be nice, it’s certainly not a priority when almost all of the men Percy meets are coming into the shop to buy flowers for their sweethearts. Until one day she meets a mysterious stranger she’s never seen before.
But just as things are looking up, they all go downhill.
What should have been a nice walk turns into a nightmare when Percy finds herself whisked away from her family and her home to a dying Fairy Realm. With no way to get home, Percy finds herself turning to the ‘Lord of Death’ in charge of the dying realm she was left in for help.
Time and hope blossoms into something more while Percy waits for the timing of getting her home to be right. But when secrets come to light, Percy is going to have to decide who she believes and what it means for the relationships she’s come to cherish…
April 16, 2025
Wow, so much intrigue, mystery, and chemistry this book was so hard to put down!!!
I 🩷LOVE all the scenes were Hayes and Percy were in together, because of their chemistry. Such a good match and they both have determination. However, Hayes really needed some light in his dark world and Percy was it. He also helped Percy realize what she had been missing, which was a love that would transcend worlds. I 🩷LOVED the library and it was a mystery on how she suddenly found books she was able to read in that realm. I won't spoil anything, but there are a lot of twists in this book.
I also 🩷LOVE the Thumbelina references like the toad, beetle, sparrow, and mole. Plus you can't have a good story without supporting side characters and they are soooo funny. But I don't know if I want them to adopt me lol.
And I must mention the adorable little dog, Burr. I 🩷LOVED that he acted like a unwanted guide dog it was so funny, but just what the "owner" needed
Sooooo many funny lines and with everything else I mentioned I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT
Oh almost forgot just look at the cover
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
I 🩷LOVE all the scenes were Hayes and Percy were in together, because of their chemistry. Such a good match and they both have determination. However, Hayes really needed some light in his dark world and Percy was it. He also helped Percy realize what she had been missing, which was a love that would transcend worlds. I 🩷LOVED the library and it was a mystery on how she suddenly found books she was able to read in that realm. I won't spoil anything, but there are a lot of twists in this book.
I also 🩷LOVE the Thumbelina references like the toad, beetle, sparrow, and mole. Plus you can't have a good story without supporting side characters and they are soooo funny. But I don't know if I want them to adopt me lol.
And I must mention the adorable little dog, Burr. I 🩷LOVED that he acted like a unwanted guide dog it was so funny, but just what the "owner" needed
Sooooo many funny lines and with everything else I mentioned I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT
Oh almost forgot just look at the cover
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
April 20, 2025
What an absolutely sweet and beautiful little mashup!
Percy loves her adoptive mother, garden, and the flower shop they share! She couldn’t imagine not being surrounded by blue skies and flowers. But when what seems to be a chance encounter lands her in a dead and destitute realm Percy suddenly must learn to breath within the underground caves with not a sunray or blossom insight, and only a rapidly declining king, a sweet and lovable companion, and some unexpected and yet world changing friends to help set her free and send her home.
But where exactly is home????
This was such a sweet, cozy, and delightful adventure with just the perfect amount of angst to draw you in and make you need to read just one more paragraph…one more page…one more chapter. The characters were either pure joy and magic or pure deception and lies and it was so very intriguing to discover which was which.
I loved how unexpectedly but completely perfectly Beran was able to intertwine the stories of Thumbolina and Hades and Persophene! It was just absolutely wonderful and made my heart unbelievably happy! And i very highly recommended it!
Percy loves her adoptive mother, garden, and the flower shop they share! She couldn’t imagine not being surrounded by blue skies and flowers. But when what seems to be a chance encounter lands her in a dead and destitute realm Percy suddenly must learn to breath within the underground caves with not a sunray or blossom insight, and only a rapidly declining king, a sweet and lovable companion, and some unexpected and yet world changing friends to help set her free and send her home.
But where exactly is home????
This was such a sweet, cozy, and delightful adventure with just the perfect amount of angst to draw you in and make you need to read just one more paragraph…one more page…one more chapter. The characters were either pure joy and magic or pure deception and lies and it was so very intriguing to discover which was which.
I loved how unexpectedly but completely perfectly Beran was able to intertwine the stories of Thumbolina and Hades and Persophene! It was just absolutely wonderful and made my heart unbelievably happy! And i very highly recommended it!
April 5, 2025
I've never been a big reader of fairy tales or any Greek mythology, but I chose to review this book because it sounded interesting and had high ratings and good reviews here.
The beginning tells the background tales on which this story is based. This only, perhaps, caused me more confusion and distraction in trying to line up all the characters, but once I forgot that part, I was able to become immersed in this story. It is well written and unique and includes a cave with a library--what fun! I laughed at some of the characters and felt the sorrow and intrigue of the dying fairy world. Percy is kidnapped and taken to the home she has never known. Will she ever get back to her mother...and does she want to? Or does this realm need her, along with the king who sacrifices for them? And who is the golden-haired man who tells a different side of the story?
I won't spoil the ending, but it is quite satisfying. There are a couple of kisses/snuggles, but quite chaste, overall.
There is a possible allegory or parallels to Christ and His bride, too.
The beginning tells the background tales on which this story is based. This only, perhaps, caused me more confusion and distraction in trying to line up all the characters, but once I forgot that part, I was able to become immersed in this story. It is well written and unique and includes a cave with a library--what fun! I laughed at some of the characters and felt the sorrow and intrigue of the dying fairy world. Percy is kidnapped and taken to the home she has never known. Will she ever get back to her mother...and does she want to? Or does this realm need her, along with the king who sacrifices for them? And who is the golden-haired man who tells a different side of the story?
I won't spoil the ending, but it is quite satisfying. There are a couple of kisses/snuggles, but quite chaste, overall.
There is a possible allegory or parallels to Christ and His bride, too.
April 11, 2025
🌸Review🌸
The myth meets fairytale books are really good this year. Generally, I stick with old fashioned fairytales with the exception of a few. There has been an amazing uptick of new novels that feature a mixture of both. I’m not going to lie, if I’m going to read a mythology retelling, Hades and Persephone is normally my go to. Snapdragon fits into that category beautifully.
First of all, Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone? It’s an interesting combination that played out in a unique way. I loved catching a glimpse of each tale as I went along and found myself getting excited when I would make a connection.
The characters were lovely. Percy is caring and flowery and our Hades isn’t so much scary as slightly brooding but he is kind. He is such an interesting interpretation of the original tale. Their interactions were loving and sweet. Connecting names to characters in the original tales was very fun too.
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Snapdragon! All opinions are my own.
No-spice level: light kissing
Language: clean
Faith elements: none that I can remember
🌸Tropes🌸
Hidden royalty
Snatched by the fae
Grumpy and sunshine
The myth meets fairytale books are really good this year. Generally, I stick with old fashioned fairytales with the exception of a few. There has been an amazing uptick of new novels that feature a mixture of both. I’m not going to lie, if I’m going to read a mythology retelling, Hades and Persephone is normally my go to. Snapdragon fits into that category beautifully.
First of all, Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone? It’s an interesting combination that played out in a unique way. I loved catching a glimpse of each tale as I went along and found myself getting excited when I would make a connection.
The characters were lovely. Percy is caring and flowery and our Hades isn’t so much scary as slightly brooding but he is kind. He is such an interesting interpretation of the original tale. Their interactions were loving and sweet. Connecting names to characters in the original tales was very fun too.
Thank you to Sarah Beran for an ARC of Snapdragon! All opinions are my own.
No-spice level: light kissing
Language: clean
Faith elements: none that I can remember
🌸Tropes🌸
Hidden royalty
Snatched by the fae
Grumpy and sunshine
March 21, 2025
Wow! Sarah Beran quickly became one of my drop everything and read authors this last year. This book does not disappoint!
I love that the author includes a little overview of the original fairytales (Hades and Persephone and Thumbelina) at the beginning of the story to set you up well for reading a retelling. She is a master of mashing up two fairytales in a unique and swoony way.
I absolutely Persephina (Percy) and her sunshine which is perfectly contrasted with our grumpy MMC who is oh-so-lovable all the same! As usual with Sarah's books, I love her side characters. They really enhance the main story line, bring humorous interchanges, and often can be pivotable to the story later on. This book is for you if you love banter, almost kisses (and EVENTUALLY a real one), and found family.
I would highly recommend you check out this book!
I love that the author includes a little overview of the original fairytales (Hades and Persephone and Thumbelina) at the beginning of the story to set you up well for reading a retelling. She is a master of mashing up two fairytales in a unique and swoony way.
I absolutely Persephina (Percy) and her sunshine which is perfectly contrasted with our grumpy MMC who is oh-so-lovable all the same! As usual with Sarah's books, I love her side characters. They really enhance the main story line, bring humorous interchanges, and often can be pivotable to the story later on. This book is for you if you love banter, almost kisses (and EVENTUALLY a real one), and found family.
I would highly recommend you check out this book!
April 21, 2025
I think I should just start avoiding books that advertise "spunky" heroines as they almost always annoy me. This story is no different.
For the good, I liked the idea of combining of Thumbelina and Hades/Persephone. The fairy realm portrayal was interesting. I liked how Hayes tied into both of the above tales. Bede was lowkey awesome and might be my favorite character. I didn't note any errors (kindle).
For the not so great, Percy annoyed me too often. I'm not sure why Hayes didn't reveal seems like that would have saved time and prevented extra drama. The pacing was off; some moments were well described, while others jumped ahead and skipped character development/connect I'd prefer to have seen. This is a short story, but I didn't really feel any emotions outside of the prologue and one other scene.
For the good, I liked the idea of combining of Thumbelina and Hades/Persephone. The fairy realm portrayal was interesting. I liked how Hayes tied into both of the above tales. Bede was lowkey awesome and might be my favorite character. I didn't note any errors (kindle).
For the not so great, Percy annoyed me too often. I'm not sure why Hayes didn't reveal seems like that would have saved time and prevented extra drama. The pacing was off; some moments were well described, while others jumped ahead and skipped character development/connect I'd prefer to have seen. This is a short story, but I didn't really feel any emotions outside of the prologue and one other scene.
July 6, 2025
This book kinda had a slow start for me, but I love the story of Thumbelina and I haven't seen many retellings for it. the story of Hades and Persphone has always been intriguing. Its super easy to pick out all the tie ins to the Thumbelina story; even though this book is definitely an original and not at all just a rephrasing of the orginal.
I wasn't as familiar to the Hades story, but I know the basic plot.
The plot twist for the Thumbelina characters wasn't excactly surprising for me personally, (I called half of it before it was shown) but I still loved the reveal. I really loved Hayes and all the underground characters. And of course Percy was a lot of fun. The book ended way to soon for me, and now I'm definitely planning on reading the other books in this series by other authors. I will also be looking into more books by Sarah Beran as well.
I wasn't as familiar to the Hades story, but I know the basic plot.
The plot twist for the Thumbelina characters wasn't excactly surprising for me personally, (I called half of it before it was shown) but I still loved the reveal. I really loved Hayes and all the underground characters. And of course Percy was a lot of fun. The book ended way to soon for me, and now I'm definitely planning on reading the other books in this series by other authors. I will also be looking into more books by Sarah Beran as well.
March 18, 2025
Knowing there’d be kidnap in this story I expected it to be a little more dark but found it very entertaining. Only Sarah could take a kidnapping and make it funny! lol I absolutely loved all the characters, the worldbuilding, Percy’s stinky attitude toward her poor kidnapper (yes I did feel sorry for him, lol) and her sweet attitude toward everyone else, the slow burn romance, the secrets, the TWISTS, the clever nods to the original stories of Hades and Persephone and Thumbelina and the disability inclusion with Hayes’ blindness. All in all, this story was absolute perfection and the minute Sarah drops another Greek mythology retelling I will drop everything to read it because her take on it was seriously amazing!!!
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