Paths Unknown: Hansel and Gretel Reimagined

Tales of Winberg #6

by Annette K. Larsen

Ansel and Gretchen are best friends—not siblings—and it’s important to Ansel that no one suggest otherwise.



Ansel knows two things for how to wield a sword, and that he’s in love with Gretchen. Trained in combat from a young age, his dedication and skill are matched only by his commitment to keep her safe from any harm, even if it means risking his own heart.

Gretchen has grown up training alongside Ansel, forging a bond through shared struggles and victories since childhood. But when her estranged father suddenly reappears, her world is thrown into turmoil. Is this her chance to rebuild a broken bond, or is he only here to break her trust—again?

As their friendship is challenged and their feelings start to shift, Gretchen's father pulls them into a world of danger and betrayal. Will an old woman in the woods be their means of salvation? And what of their friendship? Will they risk it to discover if their bond could be so much more?

Genres: Fairy Tales, Friends To Lovers, Clean Romance, Fairy Tale Retellings, Retellings

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

I love words. I always have. In songs, in poems, in books, in movies—words move me. In my younger years, I dabbled in writing as a therapy and an escape, but I never expected it to become more than that. While deep in the depths of mommying several small children, I took seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel through a whole lot of trial and error. Not the most time-efficient method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I wrote for me. I wrote from my heart space, and I think that’s the reason that Just Ella has found room in so many of my readers’ heart spaces.

I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.

I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.

I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.

Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...

Reviews

[Mary Mecham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Worth the Wait!

I think my husband knows that he is in for a double dosing of kisses every time I finish an Annette Larsen book. I’ve been waiting for Ansel and Gretchen’s story for so long that I related to Ansel quite a bit—impatient for the romance to begin but knowing I had to be patient.

Was this book ever worth the wait!!! Best kissing scenes, excellent fights, and both emotional and physical distress.

Highly, highly recommend and I’ll be first in line anytime Larsen publishes a new book!

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

This is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel and my first one! It was so cute and long overdue! I’ve been waiting for Ansel and Gretel and it was worth the wait! Gretchen is a fiery and determined character! I loved her! She had her charming quirks and was delightful! Ansel was great! He was so protective and caring of her. I wanted to shake him and tell him to tell her already! Of course, he did…it just took him a while…haha! They were so cute together! I didn’t care for the comments about Ansel’s dad and Gretchen’s mom even though Gretchen’s mom was still married. This was a sweet and satisfying ending to this series! As far as I know this is the last book although I wouldn’t mind a book about Lindy. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this!

Quote I liked:

⚔️ "You go where I go?" she asked. “Always, sweetheart." I threaded my fingers into her hair and brushed my lips with hers. "I go where you go."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

[Mary Ann Bulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot of Hansel and Gretel retellings so that made this a fun read. I have loved every book I've read by Annette K Larsen so was super happy to be an ARC reader for this one! I love Ansel and his patience and Gretchen and her innocence and forgiving heart.
Content: no swears, kisses only.

[Megan Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of Hansel and Gretel is unique, full of mystery, sword play, and danger! I love the twist on the main characters being best friends instead of siblings. I was immediately hooked and couldn’t put this book down. I started it late one day and finished it the next! Annette has a special touch for pulling you into her stories and making you to wish it’d never end.

Ansel and Gretchen are so sweet together. I love their friendship and how it blooms. Ansel is thoughtful, sweet, and protective. Gretchen is stubborn, caring, a
little naive and determined. Neither are perfect and they push each other to be better. They fight for each other. Gretchen’s father…he’s one you like to dislike even despite him doing something good in the end.

Their relationship plot is well paced and picks up as the story progresses. It kept me up late to unravel what was going to happen next.

Highly recommend for teens or adults. There is some fighting and loss of life on page so just be prepared for a little violence more than the original tale.

Read if you enjoy:
🗡️ Fairytale retellings
🗡️ he falls first
🗡️ friends to love
🗡️ slow burn
🗡️ protect each other
🗡️ wound tending
🗡️ sword fights
🗡️ forced proximity

Spice: none, just sweet kisses
Language: none
Violence: sword fighting causing wounds, kidnapping, fighting, loss of life

[Kysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet!

This was such a fun and sweet read! A quick, easy, and light read for when you’re looking for a darling friends-to-lovers story. ☺️ Quite delightful.

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s called skill, Ansel,” she sassed. “And you’re lucky I’ve dragged you here nearly every day for the past ten years, or you would be severely lacking.”

What an incredible unique retelling of a well known fairytale!! From the dedication of this book to the very last page I was swept up into a world of sword fighting, childhood friends, longing for family, kidnapping, betrayal, adventure, and a slow burn tension filled story that kept me hooked!

“Fear for those we love is always more terrifying than fear for ourselves. But that’s our job. We take care of the people we love.”

I loved the close relationship between Ansel and Gretchen, the banter/teasing, the patience Ansel has for Gretchen, and the difficult challenges they face through this story is amazingly written! I wanted to shake Gretchen’s shoulders at times to have her see what I saw between her and Ansel 🤣 but it added to the chemistry and slow burn of the story! 🔥⚔️♥️ The action in this story is epic!! I was ok the edge of my seat in anticipation to see how the story would unfurl!

“Some people might have to decide to fall for a person, but not me. I was in love before I knew what it meant. Maybe I was in love with her from our first meeting, but love looks so different when you’re six than when you’re older.”

This friends-to-lovers Hansel and Gretel retelling works great as a standalone, so if you haven’t read the other books, never fear. With a sword-fighting hero and heroine, an absent father making a sudden reappearance, and an odd old woman in the woods, this book has loads of swoon and a big dose of adventure.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thought are my own.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paths Unknown by Annette K. Larsen is a must read! I have been eagerly anticipating this book and it did not disappoint. It has adventure, friends to more, secret crush, found family and the swooniest moments that just melted my heart away.

Ansel and Gretchen are best friends and have been for many years. They know each other inside and out…except for the one secret that Ansel has been able to keep: he is in love with Gretchen! Things are going great until one crooked estranged father returns, Gretchen suddenly desires to experience her first kiss (but not with him!). Que the adventure and swoony romance as Ansel’s hand is forced to not only protect his heart, but Gretchen’s life too!

Fun moments:
“She’s not my sister”
Ahhh, love the jealousy
“I go where you go”
Savage
That. Kiss!!! “Now you know”
The woods -- whoa, didn’t see that coming
“My girl deserved so much more…”
“I’m always safe with you”

I absolutely adore this fairytale retelling!! It is well written from the first line to the last – honestly, the author exceeded all of my expectations and hopes. I could vividly picture all of the scenes – from the sparring, to the moments of tenderness, to the woods – I felt like l was part of the story! I love how well Ansel and Gretchen look out for each other and all of their banter and tender moments.

Paths Unknown is book 6 in the Tales of Winberg series, but can be read as a standalone. However, you are going to want to read the other books in the series just because the author is THAT good 😊.

CW: kisses only

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have read a number of Annette K Larsen books prior to this one, this is the first I've read in this series. Obviously this retelling did not closely follow the story from the fairy tale, (they are not brother and sister, and this is a romance), it still threw in some events from the fairy tale which made it obvious that they are related stories. I enjoyed the story overall but didn't appreciate the violence that much. I don't really know why I didn't expect it since the original fairy tale has the old witch planning to eat the children and ending up being shoved in the oven. That would be pretty violent. This story gave too much detail for me to enjoy the fight scenes. But that is just me. For someone else it is probably highly exciting and a great climax to the plot.
If you love reimagined fairytales you'll love the short time it takes to read this.

No sex or language
Violence: yes

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

An ok story. I do love Ansel and Gretchen as characters. But their story for me didnt compare to the rest. I found myself wanting to skim and get the book over with. It wasnt bad, but I think I expected a bit more from these two and their story. Im glad they finally got together. It took long enough. Im completely in love with this author and her writing. I hope she writes more either in this series or another fairy tale retelling series.

[Ashlyn Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing retelling! Every page of this book is full of adventure, lovable characters who drive the plot into a beautiful story. The slow-burn, friends to lovers was set perfectly for a Hansel and Gretel retelling that captured my heart immediately. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you for the arc!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author but wasn’t required to post a review. This is my honest, voluntary impression I had upon reading it.

Annette has always written books that touch me with the depths of her characters and the stories they tell and this book is no exception! It’s a retelling of Hansel and Gretel with lots of twists and a story of redemption to some extent to one of the characters.

Ansel and Gretchen have known each other since childhood and been best friends forever doing everything together but feelings change over time and Ansel wants more but knows Gretchen isn’t ready for it with what her life has become because of
one person. When that person returns he puts not only her life but Ansel’s in danger as well!

I was caught up in the story and the pages flew by as I needed to see what would happen next! I was angered by what someone would force another to do
that pushed both of these friends to their limits but awakened Gretchen to realize how much Ansel means to her.

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book to everyone who loves a slow burn romantic story that will keep you riveted until the end!

I believe you will love this story just as much as I did!

[Laurajoyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! I was pulled into the story right away and I didn’t put it down until I finished it! I adored Ansel and Gretchen and how sweet they were to each other. I was definitely on the edge of my seat during some parts in how it would turn out and I loved it!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

PATHS UNKNOWN
by: Author Annette K. Larsen
@annetteklarsen

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Ansel and Gretchen are best friends-not siblings-and it’s important to Ansel that no one suggest otherwise. Ansel knows two things for how to wield a sword, and that he’s in love with Gretchen. Trained in combat from a young age, his dedication and skill are matched only by his commitment to keep her safe from any harm, even if it means risking his own heart. Gretchen has grown up training alongside Ansel, forging a bond through shared struggles and victories since childhood. But when her estranged father suddenly reappears, her world is thrown into turmoil…

“As we run off on new adventures, let us not forget that the greatest adventure is often found in the quiet moments and the simple expressions of love.”

-PATHS UNKNOWN, is a unique and thrilling retelling of Hansel and Gretel. This dear story is filled with great adventure, mystery, forced proximity, lurking danger, betrayal, lots of feels, and plenty of swoon without any spice! It’s a well-paced story that held my attention from start to cover. I did not want to put this story down. I simply had to know what comes next! I enjoyed watching dear characters and their friendship bloom into something more. It was refreshing how dear flawed characters in their own ways not only push but bring out the best in each other. Watching them fight and not give up for each other had a piece of my heart. Seeing their happiness come after great obstacles and facing such hard things was the best part for me! This story is definitely worth the thrilling read and I look forward to reading more from this dear author, ahead!🙌🏻📚❤️✨

“Always, sweetheart. I go where you go.”

•Content: mild violence, sword fighting, battle wounds, kidnapping, loss of life, no language, kisses only.

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

“There was never going to be anyone else for me but you.”

#pathsunknown
#annetteklarsen
#allaboutthebestreads

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this Hansel and Gretel retelling!

Best friends who care so much for each other and want to take care of each other! But as adulthood and real life sneak up on them, the battles they have been preparing to fight become very real.

Sweet romance and I really enjoyed this story!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paths Unknown by @annetteklarsen

ɢʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀᴛ ʙᴇꜱᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇᴍ. ꜱʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇʟꜱ ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴀʀʀɪɴɢ ɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅꜱ ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ɪꜱ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴ ꜱʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇʟꜱ ɪɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟ ʟɪꜰᴇ. ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀɪᴏᴜꜱʟʏ ʀᴇᴛᴜʀɴꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ɪꜱ ᴛʜʀᴏᴡɴ ᴜᴘꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴅᴏᴡɴ. ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴄᴏɴꜰɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ. ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ʜᴀꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʜᴜʀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɪꜱ ꜱʟᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴡᴏʀᴋɪɴɢ ᴏɴ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ.

ᴀɴꜱᴇʟ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ʜɪꜱ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ɢʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ. ɪꜰ ꜱʜᴇ ᴋɴᴇᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ ɪᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ. ᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱɪɴᴄᴇ ʜᴇʀ ꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ʜᴇʀ, ᴀɴꜱᴇʟ ʜᴀꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴀ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴛᴀɴᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴɪᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜɪᴇʟᴅ, ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪɴɢ ɢʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ. ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʏᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴍᴄ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɢʀᴏᴡɴ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ʜɪꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇʀɴ ɪꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ɢʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇɴ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅꜱ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ʜᴇ ᴅᴏᴇꜱ.

ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴛʜʀᴏᴡꜱ ᴀɴꜱᴇʟ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ʜɪɢʜ, ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ꜱᴀɪᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴄᴀɴɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇ ᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ ʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴀɴꜱᴇʟ ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ꜰɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇᴍꜱᴇʟᴠᴇꜱ ʀᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜰɪɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍꜰᴏʀᴛ ɪɴ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ, ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ, ɴᴏᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴛʏᴘɪᴄᴀʟ ɢʀᴀɴɴʏ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ɪꜱ ꜰᴜɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇxᴄɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ.

[Bethany Aich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, folks, we have another read-it-in-one-sitting book. I read chapter one one night and loved it, but was able to put it down to sleep. But when I picked up chapter two as a way to pass the time for a minute the next day, I didn’t put it back down.

Larsen has used her impressive talents, and we have an absolutely perfect retelling of Hansel and Gretel. There may not be a drop of fantasy magic in the plot, but it’s all in the words. The story is recognizable. It’s sweet. It’s swoony. And I LOVED IT.

Gretchen and Ansel have so much going on, so much history, such a strong friendship. It was the best thing ever getting to see their story…and not just for the amazing plot. I loved how they communicated, how they didn’t stay angry but instead worked things out. I loved their banter, their camaraderie. I loved how they always had each other’s back, that they built the other up and did not tear down.

There is, unfortunately, one thing I have to say that could be categorized as a negative. I would NOT give Paths Unknown to my daughter to read, had I one old enough to read it . While the kissing started out as okay, in the end I felt there was way too much of it. It fit the plot, but it could have been toned down considerably. And while Ansel and Gretchen are fictional characters and I didn’t have a problem with all of their unchaperoned time alone, I’m not a fan of that in real life and definitely land more in the “too much kissing before marriage is not a good idea” camp. As such, I would not be offering it to a teenager as a subtle message that this behaviour is right and good. Is this book “clean”? Absolutely. There is not even a hint of any between the sheets happenings and the kisses are not overly descriptive. There is no loss of clothing, no wandering hands. But just because something is clean, does not mean it’s appropriate for any age, or even for every person within a certain age group.

I loved this story. I loved Ansel and Gretchen. I will reread this at some point, probably skimming a couple of paragraphs. ; ) But I will definitely not be recommending it to young adults. Read at your own risk of lack of sleep and make sure you don’t have to get up for work in the morning.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paths Unknown by Annette K. Larsen was such a sweet, adventurous, and emotional read—I absolutely loved it. It’s a fantastic ending to the Tales of Winberg series and had me hooked from the very beginning. The friends-to-lovers trope was done so well, and I appreciated how real it felt. Gretchen didn’t fall in love overnight—she really had to work through her feelings, and that made their relationship feel all the more meaningful. The story also had some fun nods to Hansel and Gretel, which I thought was such a clever way to tie in a fairytale vibe without being too on-the-nose.

And can we talk about Ansel? I adored him with my whole heart. He’s one of the sweetest male characters I’ve ever read—gentle, caring, and just so lovable. Gretchen was great too—funny, strong, and clearly cared deeply for Ansel. Their journey wasn’t easy, but that just made their connection even more satisfying. I couldn’t put this book down and genuinely didn’t want it to end. It was the perfect mix of heartwarming and thrilling, and such a fun read overall. I’m so sad the series is over, but this was the perfect way to wrap it up.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a historical Hansel and Gretel retelling. The main characters are Ansel and Gretchen. They have been best friends since they were kids. Ansel has loved Gretchen for years. How much longer will he wait to tell her his true feelings? Gretchen’s father abandoned her and her family when she was a kid. He has showed up and wants to spend time with her. Will she give in and spend time with him? Will she realize he is still the same man he was when he left (not a good man). Will Ansel be able to keep Gretchen safe when her life is in danger? Will they both make it back alive? Will Gretchen realize her true feelings for Ansel? I loved Ansel he is an amazing guy. I loved no matter what happened he was always there for Gretchen. He was perfect for Gretchen. At first Gretchen seemed childish to me but I ended up loving her too. This is a best friends to lovers book which is my favorite. As a warning this book does have violence and death in it. I do wish the book had an epilogue as I would’ve loved to see them in the future. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read clean Christian romantic suspense and sometimes clean romcoms. I never read historical fiction, it’s just not my thing. Anything written by Annette K. Larsen is a guaranteed read for me. She never disappoints. I was thrilled to read this story. It’s a twist on the story of Hansel and Gretel and it’s part of a marvellous series of twisted fairy tale like books. I fell asleep reading this one quite late last night and I couldn’t wait to finish reading it today. What a fabulous read! I absolutely recommend it! It was such a great story! I find myself getting sucked into her stories and reality ceases to exist around me. The characters are amiable and the descriptions allow me to picture everything in my imagination and are never boring nor too wordy. The author is very gifted and clearly puts a lot of work and thought into her stories. I love the covers too! I hope she continues to write these beautiful books.

[Hannah Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic Hansel and Gretel retelling while still being its own story! Absolutely loved it!

Gretchen and Ansel have been best friends all their lives. Ansel has secretly been in love with Gretchen for most of that time. Gretchen’s long lost father shows up and starts to cause trouble by using Gretchen’s sword skills to win wagers. Can Ansel protect Gretchen? And what will happen when they get lost in the woods?

Highlights:
Sword training
The first kiss 🥰
Finding each other

I love Gretchen for being fierce and brave. I love that she balances those with resourcefulness and compassion.

I love Ansel for being steady and strong. I love his quiet patience.

“He was still my best friend, still everything he’d always been to me. And yet, he was more. So much more.”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.

It was a perfect read for summer, seeing the majority of the book takes place outdoors.

I really enjoyed the adventure and the sword fighting. I think making Ansel and Gretchen well trained swordspeople was clever.

This was a unique twist on the tale. I enjoyed the little nods to the original... the "breadcrumbs,"... the lousy parent, the witch in the woods with the "oven."... the little things were there in their own unique way.

I think my favorite thing was this was a wonderful friends to lovers story. Friends to lovers gets such a negative response compared to enemies to lovers and that isn't fair. I mean friends to lovers is more realistic and healthy. This story captured the beauty of friends to lovers perfectly.

I received an ARC from the author..the opinions in this review are my own..

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

* While this is book 6 in the Tales of Winberg series, it can be read as a standalone.
* First person dual pov
* Spice: kisses suitable for teens and adults
* Content warning: abandonment, loss, and fantasy violence that isn't detailed but maybe more appropriate for older teens

This is actually the first book in the series that I've read and I didn't feel lost, though I am curious to read the rest of the books in the series. I loved how Ansel and Gretchen were best friends who comforted and took care of each other. Both fans and haters of friends to lovers will enjoy this one because the author did a great job in making you understand and feel for the characters. I loved the slow burn and how Gretchen began to allow herself to see Ansel in a new light. Aside from the romance, the conflict kept me hooked and wondering what would happen next. I liked seeing the nods to the original tale and think those who want a clean retelling romance, without magic, will certainly enjoy this one too.

[Elyse Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Lovers of:
-He fell first
-Protective MMC
-FMC who can handle herself
-Childhood Friends to Lovers
-Swoony kisses
-No spice, no foul language

Oh my goodness! This book was phenomenal! I honestly couldn't put it down from the moment I picked it up; I read it in one night! Ansel and Gretchen truly belong together as best friends and lovers...not as siblings. Ansel makes sure everyone knows they're not. ;)

Gretchen is a girl boss, but in the good kind of way. She is still herself and able to hold her own against the men in swordfighting, but also an excellent "mediocre" baker. ;)

Chapter 9 was one of my favorite parts...and just wait until the end. You'll zoom through this book because of the addictive chemistry between Ansel and Gretchen.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave up reading fairy tale retellings years ago. They were the same thing over and over. This author can write anything and I will read it so even if it's a fairy tale I'm in. Hers are never like anyone else's. Her stories are so original. They are character driven and well thought out. There is always a good conflict that is believable even in a fairy tale setting. She does it all without magic just good story telling. She writes a great romance. You understand what the characters and doing and why they are doing it. Keep writing Annette:}
This is a sweet story with a couple of sweet kisses. There is a bit of fighting and abuse. 14 and up.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing!!! I loved reading it so much!!! Ansel and Gretchen have such a strong bond of friendship. I loved Ansel's patience, love, and protection for Gretchen. I loved Gretchen's fierce loyalty and protection for Ansel. They are so well suited for each other. Annette did such a beautiful job showing their relationship bloom!! I loved the banter and the swoon worthy moments between them!! I also really enjoyed finding the similarities with the original Hansel and Gretel story. I am so happy that Ansel and Gretchen finally get their HEA!!! I HIGHLY recommend reading this book!!!!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the author expressed in a message I read of hers, I feel like I have known these characters for a long time and I'm excited to finally get to read their story. They have been secondary characters throughout the series and always add spunk and warmth when they show up. I love that in this story they are already so familiar with each other. They already care for, protect, and tend to hear other's wounds. It melts my heart to see them progress in their relationship. As always, I love the fairy tale retelling. So fun to see this story come to life!

[Dee Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Wait!!

So happy to be back in Winberg with the charming and swoonworthy tale of Ansel and Gretchen!!! Bless Ansel for his years of unrequited love for his best friend Gretchen!! Poor guy!! So when Gretchen finally untangles her feelings of love for Ansel, sighhhh it is delicious!! Soooo sweeet and adorable and precious! And I really appreciate the way Annette Larsen writes a romance that is both heartwarming and passionate, while also clean. Bravo!!

[Rachel Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Was. Fantastic!! 👏👏👏Author Annette Larson has done it again! This is such a sweet yep awesome retelling of Hansel and Gretel, with them being friends instead of siblings and their relationship turning into more. And the romantic scenes!?! Sizzling without the spice! Sweet without being over the top. If you love no spice, zero swearing, fighting without being terribly graphic, all with a great story line, this one is for you!! What are you waiting for? Go!

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! It was nice to see the other characters again! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of Hansel and Gretel! I really loved reading all of the books in this really wonderful series! I really love all of Annette Larsen's books!

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The tension and the terror were real! But the romantic tension and the chivalry were amazing! I loved it! I love how the books in this series are tied together, but can also be read as stand alone novels, and how clean and uplifting the stories are!