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All That Glitters #11
Lost Starlight: A Peter Pan Retelling
Happily ever after
was only the beginning of their story.
When Lady Gwendolyn Darling’s betrothed, Prince Peter, goes missing, rumors spread throughout the kingdom that he left to escape her. Gwendolyn begins to wonder if she was ever enough for Peter, or if her timid ways, which have always been difficult for others to embrace, was the reason he left. Was Peter unable to love her with such flaws? He, after all, knew her better than anyone else.
Determined to understand the reason for him leaving for herself, Gwendolyn goes on a quest to find him–and the truth, even if it breaks her heart in the end.
When a pirate Captain, named Hook, begins stealing lost boys from Pixie Isle, the pixies come to collect their debt from Prince Peter of Walden. It is his task to save these boys and remove Captain Hook from the Misted Seas forever.
Peter will do everything he can to repay his debt and make his way back to the proper, kind, and lovely Lady Gwendolyn Darling. She calms his restless heart, tames his curse, and has given him purpose in his life. She is his guiding star in an endless night. But even if he repays his debt, will she ever forgive him for leaving in the first place? Has he lost her starlight in his life forever?
Peter spent most of his life before meeting Gwendolyn longing for things far beyond Waldon's shore, cursed to always seek adventure and never be satisfied. Now, all he wants is to return home and never leave her again.
I have a debt that is due–one that comes at the steep price of my happiness.
That is the price these pixies come in the dark of night to collect.
When Lady Gwendolyn Darling’s betrothed, Prince Peter, goes missing, rumors spread throughout the kingdom that he left to escape her. Gwendolyn begins to wonder if she was ever enough for Peter, or if her timid ways, which have always been difficult for others to embrace, was the reason he left. Was Peter unable to love her with such flaws? He, after all, knew her better than anyone else.
Determined to understand the reason for him leaving for herself, Gwendolyn goes on a quest to find him–and the truth, even if it breaks her heart in the end.
When a pirate Captain, named Hook, begins stealing lost boys from Pixie Isle, the pixies come to collect their debt from Prince Peter of Walden. It is his task to save these boys and remove Captain Hook from the Misted Seas forever.
Peter will do everything he can to repay his debt and make his way back to the proper, kind, and lovely Lady Gwendolyn Darling. She calms his restless heart, tames his curse, and has given him purpose in his life. She is his guiding star in an endless night. But even if he repays his debt, will she ever forgive him for leaving in the first place? Has he lost her starlight in his life forever?
Peter spent most of his life before meeting Gwendolyn longing for things far beyond Waldon's shore, cursed to always seek adventure and never be satisfied. Now, all he wants is to return home and never leave her again.
I have a debt that is due–one that comes at the steep price of my happiness.
That is the price these pixies come in the dark of night to collect.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2025
19 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 7, 2025
Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted Peter Pan to end up with Wendy. And wondered why it never happened. WHERE was the romance. If you’re one of those people too, this book is for you. If you know, you know!
Wendy Darling is one of my favorite non princess Disney characters. I love how refined and feminine and sweet she is (bring back soft characters!) and she was so effortlessly likable in this. She is a type of character that is represented less and less in modern literature, soft, timid, hesitant, and feminine. I always love when I see characters like this, especially in fairytales, because every type of woman deserves representation, including softer ones. Prior to reading Lost Starlight, I read this romance novel with an overly brash female mc with the most annoying personality ever, so Wendy was a breath of fresh air after that 😂
And Prince Peter! He is written with all the mischievousness and boyishness you’d expect from Peter Pan. Except in this, Peter Pan is a prince, which is I think the first I’ve ever seen that in for a Peter Pan retelling! Kayla perfectly captured the essence of Peter Pan. He’s got all the mischief you’d expect, but with a crown this time.
I love the dynamic between Peter and Wendy because their personalities are so different, which makes their romance even sweeter. Peter is handsome, extroverted, mischievous, informal, and kind of a menace. Wendy is timid, vulnerable, quiet, proper, shy, and very sweet. You cannot tell me that a dynamic like that would not make for the cutest couple ever. The sweet, timid girl who is brought out of her shell by a protective, mischievous boy. I mean come on. You cannot tell me a pairing like this is not catnip for romance readers.
I’ve seen feedback from other readers about the timelines being confusing and tbh it really isn’t if you’re reading the chapter headings that make it clear what timeline that chapter is. Just read the titles of the chapters first and you’re good lol. It only skips between the past and present, with the past chapters slowly getting closer to the present day, so it’s not like it’s anything different from what’s been done by a million other authors. I’ve read books with timelines like these before and it made perfect sense to me 🤷🏻♀️ Don’t let that deter you from the cuteness of Peter and Wendy, you’ll be missing out.
While this book works as a standalone, the present day chapters make a lot more sense just for context purposes, if you have read Sea’s Secret, Kayla’s little mermaid retelling, which I highly recommend doing. It’s ok to start with this one if you want, but also read the others for full appreciation of Peter and Wendy’s story!
Of all the novellas that take place on Terra, I think that this one is my favorite. And Willow and the Harvest Moon and Iced Path are hard to beat. But idk, the romance in this one. It was just so WHOLESOME. There’s something about it. It actually made me sad when it was over because I didn’t want it to be, and rarely will a book make me feel that way.
Wendy Darling is one of my favorite non princess Disney characters. I love how refined and feminine and sweet she is (bring back soft characters!) and she was so effortlessly likable in this. She is a type of character that is represented less and less in modern literature, soft, timid, hesitant, and feminine. I always love when I see characters like this, especially in fairytales, because every type of woman deserves representation, including softer ones. Prior to reading Lost Starlight, I read this romance novel with an overly brash female mc with the most annoying personality ever, so Wendy was a breath of fresh air after that 😂
And Prince Peter! He is written with all the mischievousness and boyishness you’d expect from Peter Pan. Except in this, Peter Pan is a prince, which is I think the first I’ve ever seen that in for a Peter Pan retelling! Kayla perfectly captured the essence of Peter Pan. He’s got all the mischief you’d expect, but with a crown this time.
I love the dynamic between Peter and Wendy because their personalities are so different, which makes their romance even sweeter. Peter is handsome, extroverted, mischievous, informal, and kind of a menace. Wendy is timid, vulnerable, quiet, proper, shy, and very sweet. You cannot tell me that a dynamic like that would not make for the cutest couple ever. The sweet, timid girl who is brought out of her shell by a protective, mischievous boy. I mean come on. You cannot tell me a pairing like this is not catnip for romance readers.
I’ve seen feedback from other readers about the timelines being confusing and tbh it really isn’t if you’re reading the chapter headings that make it clear what timeline that chapter is. Just read the titles of the chapters first and you’re good lol. It only skips between the past and present, with the past chapters slowly getting closer to the present day, so it’s not like it’s anything different from what’s been done by a million other authors. I’ve read books with timelines like these before and it made perfect sense to me 🤷🏻♀️ Don’t let that deter you from the cuteness of Peter and Wendy, you’ll be missing out.
While this book works as a standalone, the present day chapters make a lot more sense just for context purposes, if you have read Sea’s Secret, Kayla’s little mermaid retelling, which I highly recommend doing. It’s ok to start with this one if you want, but also read the others for full appreciation of Peter and Wendy’s story!
Of all the novellas that take place on Terra, I think that this one is my favorite. And Willow and the Harvest Moon and Iced Path are hard to beat. But idk, the romance in this one. It was just so WHOLESOME. There’s something about it. It actually made me sad when it was over because I didn’t want it to be, and rarely will a book make me feel that way.
July 2, 2025
I've been excited for Peter and Gwen's story since I read Sea's Secret. Although I think this could be enjoyed on its own, I'd recommend reading the Cursed Kingdoms series through Sea's Secret first, or at least Sea's Secret because there are spoilers for the rest of the series, especially Sea's Secret. it would be more enjoyable to read the stories in order.
I loved reading about Peter and Gwen's romance. The story was enjoyable and the romance was swoony. I absolutely adore this world and the characters in it. I look forward to reading more in this world.
I read an early copy from the author and this is my honest review.
I loved reading about Peter and Gwen's romance. The story was enjoyable and the romance was swoony. I absolutely adore this world and the characters in it. I look forward to reading more in this world.
I read an early copy from the author and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2025
I loved this sweet retelling of Peter Pan! It was a fantastic novella. One of my favorites stories set in the Cursed Kingdom world. While this novella can be read as a stand alone, it is best read after reading Sea’s Secret. Peter and Gwen are side characters in that book. I liked the dual timelines. It was really engaging to me. I read this story in one day! So hard to put down! One of my favorite parts was reading Peter and Gwen’s back story as we moved forward with the main plot. They were so adorable and sweet. Peter’s flirting reminded of Prince Wesley from Glass Midnight 😂 It was hilarious! Gwen’s properness also had me cracking up. I related to her so much! The romance was swoony kisses only. I highly recommend this captivating Peter Pan retelling!
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
August 4, 2025
Lady Gwendolyn Darling has been hired to read for the queen, but when she arrives at the castle she discovers that she's supposed to read to prince Peter. This is a retelling of Peter Pan for those who wanted Peter and Wendy to have a love story!
This is a young adult book, but I believe it works for middle graders as well. Peter is rather humorous and immidiately falls for his storyteller, but he also lives under a curse. Gwen is of noble descent, very timid and thinks it's important to follow etiquette. She also has a mother who constantly pesters her. I like both characters, but unfortunatly I don't feel any chemistry between them. To me they give off more friends vibes than love, and I wouldn't mind if they had stayed just friends.
Besides getting dual POV's, we also get dual timelines. I can understand the thought behind it, but it interrupted my reading flow and I would have prefered it being written in a chronological order.
I usually don't read the blurb until I'm about to write a short summary and I was extra thankful for that this time, because the blurb reveals what happens in the second half of the book. So, if you want to avoid spoilers: don't read the blurb!
To summarize, this is a cute retelling with several known characters from the original fairytale. I was entertained, but some key elements were missing for this to be a hit for me. I'm sure it will find its readers though!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
This is a young adult book, but I believe it works for middle graders as well. Peter is rather humorous and immidiately falls for his storyteller, but he also lives under a curse. Gwen is of noble descent, very timid and thinks it's important to follow etiquette. She also has a mother who constantly pesters her. I like both characters, but unfortunatly I don't feel any chemistry between them. To me they give off more friends vibes than love, and I wouldn't mind if they had stayed just friends.
Besides getting dual POV's, we also get dual timelines. I can understand the thought behind it, but it interrupted my reading flow and I would have prefered it being written in a chronological order.
I usually don't read the blurb until I'm about to write a short summary and I was extra thankful for that this time, because the blurb reveals what happens in the second half of the book. So, if you want to avoid spoilers: don't read the blurb!
To summarize, this is a cute retelling with several known characters from the original fairytale. I was entertained, but some key elements were missing for this to be a hit for me. I'm sure it will find its readers though!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
July 11, 2025
Well, this was definitely a new experience for me. I have had Kayla Esbaugh's books on my TBR for a while, but this was the first book of hers I have read. (Thank you to the wonderful All That Glitters team for the ARC, all thoughts are my own). The story jumping back and forth between past and present was rather confusing at first, but I was able to understand what was going on. As for the characters, Peter was an adorable goofball, and his love for Wendy was sweet. (This was a no-spice book, but Peter frequently kissed Wendy's neck.) Wendy's timidity was something I could relate to, and it was hilarious when she would hide behind her book. I did not read Sea's Secret first, which was recommended, but I still liked Dominicks character. On a final note, this book had multiple similarities to a book I am currently planning, which was slightly annoying, but that is no fault of the author. 🤪 Overall, it was a good read, and a sweet retelling.
October 14, 2025
Such a sweet story! I adored Peter and Gwen (Wendy) they were such stellar characters. There was a lot of flashbacks and I loved the depth they added to the story! There was so many of the original details intertwined with the story and the way Kayla did so was super creative! Especially when Peter interacts with Captain Hook. The story was so pure but still swoony! Can't wait to add it to my library 💗
July 3, 2025
This was a fun Peter Pan retelling! I enjoyed Gwen and Peter's story!
*note can be read as a stand alone but will give spoilers for The Cursed Kingdom Chronicles series. This should be read after Sea's Secrets.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
*note can be read as a stand alone but will give spoilers for The Cursed Kingdom Chronicles series. This should be read after Sea's Secrets.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
July 15, 2025
3.5/5
The book was well written with a great plot and characters. However, the timeline changes diminished my enthusiasm a bit.
The book seems to be a part of a series the author has, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
The book was well written with a great plot and characters. However, the timeline changes diminished my enthusiasm a bit.
The book seems to be a part of a series the author has, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
July 13, 2025
Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is the newest book in the All That Glitters multi-author series of fairy tale retellings. This book is a retelling of Peter Pan that veers drastically from the themes of its source material. The author put in her end notes that she wrote it because she wanted to see a version of Peter Pan where Peter and Wendy get together. While this made for a lovely fantasy romance, it detracts from the character's essence as the boy who never grew up. Still, this is a charming and sweet book that only touches on the J. M. Barrie play.
Lady Gwendolyn is a shy storyteller who enjoys reading books to children. One day, she is hired for an important job at the castle, where she becomes the official storyteller for Prince Peter. Peter is enamoured with her upon sight and looks forward to hearing her read to him each day. After spending enough time with her, he decides he wants her with him always. His desire to marry her is interrupted when she is kidnapped by pixies to read to a group of lost boys in a magical land. After sacrificing himself for the sake of his love, Peter must defeat a hook-handed pirate to return to Gwen and make arrangements for their upcoming nuptials.
This book is written in a non-linear format in the style of Once Upon a Time. It alternates between Peter getting to know Gwen and the rescue mission. The two timelines are different enough that it's easy to tell them apart, so I didn't find it confusing. Both elements were necessary to make up the full story. The "meet-cute" portions were simplistic in nature but lovely to read as the romance blossomed between the outspoken boy and the timid girl. The "Neverland" sequences were magical and exciting, making the book a significant contribution to the All That Glitters series.
Does it work as a Peter Pan adaptation? Eh... While it has pixies, lost boys, and a hook-handed captain, it is missing the most crucial element of the story--the boy who refused to grow up. While I believe that was by design because the author wanted to write a love story, it does not feel like a true Peter Pan retelling. Peter is frequently described as a "young man," and there is nothing written about his childhood. The Neverland elements are more of an inspiration than a basis for the story.
Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is a charming fairy tale romance that draws inspiration from Peter Pan, but ultimately takes creative liberties to craft its own unique narrative. While it may not satisfy fans of traditional Peter Pan adaptations, the book's sweet and magical storytelling will likely delight readers looking for a romantic fantasy with a touch of whimsy. Overall, I would describe this book as a "cozy romance" perfect for someone looking for a light and uplifting read.
Lady Gwendolyn is a shy storyteller who enjoys reading books to children. One day, she is hired for an important job at the castle, where she becomes the official storyteller for Prince Peter. Peter is enamoured with her upon sight and looks forward to hearing her read to him each day. After spending enough time with her, he decides he wants her with him always. His desire to marry her is interrupted when she is kidnapped by pixies to read to a group of lost boys in a magical land. After sacrificing himself for the sake of his love, Peter must defeat a hook-handed pirate to return to Gwen and make arrangements for their upcoming nuptials.
This book is written in a non-linear format in the style of Once Upon a Time. It alternates between Peter getting to know Gwen and the rescue mission. The two timelines are different enough that it's easy to tell them apart, so I didn't find it confusing. Both elements were necessary to make up the full story. The "meet-cute" portions were simplistic in nature but lovely to read as the romance blossomed between the outspoken boy and the timid girl. The "Neverland" sequences were magical and exciting, making the book a significant contribution to the All That Glitters series.
Does it work as a Peter Pan adaptation? Eh... While it has pixies, lost boys, and a hook-handed captain, it is missing the most crucial element of the story--the boy who refused to grow up. While I believe that was by design because the author wanted to write a love story, it does not feel like a true Peter Pan retelling. Peter is frequently described as a "young man," and there is nothing written about his childhood. The Neverland elements are more of an inspiration than a basis for the story.
Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh is a charming fairy tale romance that draws inspiration from Peter Pan, but ultimately takes creative liberties to craft its own unique narrative. While it may not satisfy fans of traditional Peter Pan adaptations, the book's sweet and magical storytelling will likely delight readers looking for a romantic fantasy with a touch of whimsy. Overall, I would describe this book as a "cozy romance" perfect for someone looking for a light and uplifting read.
July 17, 2025
Peter and Wendy's love story!
I have been waiting on this since Kayla Eshbaugh's Mermaid retelling hinted at a Peter and Wendy love story. This was every bit as sweet and gentle as I imagined.
I appreciated the way the author spoke of overcoming long term mistreatment by a parent and the hope she infused in her story-not just for Gwen but for any of us who have lived a similar story in our own childhood homes.
I have been waiting on this since Kayla Eshbaugh's Mermaid retelling hinted at a Peter and Wendy love story. This was every bit as sweet and gentle as I imagined.
I appreciated the way the author spoke of overcoming long term mistreatment by a parent and the hope she infused in her story-not just for Gwen but for any of us who have lived a similar story in our own childhood homes.
July 8, 2025
Countless stories have Wendy fall for Captain Hook, but in this magical tale, Peter is the real hero. Though characters from a previous book make an appearance, this standalone opens a beautiful retelling of Peter and Wendy unlike anything written before. I absolutely adore this retelling with a perfect romance with faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust!
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
July 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of Lost Starlight in exchange for an honest review.
This Peter Pan retelling was quite different than any of the other Peter Pan retellings I've read and I am here for it!
While I loved the plot and idea for the stroy, the execution of it dragged me away from the plot. The first third of the book is quite repetitive and we don't see much happening between the characters. The jumping timeline of the book, while I understand why the author did this, it got very confusing very quickly and was difficult to follow. On top of that there were two POV's, Peter and Gwen. Again, while I understand why the author did this, alongside the jumpy timeline it was just too confusing.
There were a few inconsistencies in the story that pulled me away from the characters and the plot. There were also quite a few scenes, and even chapters that I felt were unnecessary additions to the story and could have been substituted with something else. I was also under the impression that the All That Glitters series is supposed to have dragons in the stories, whereas here the dragon is only mentioned, which was disappointing.
Otherwise, I loved the romance between Peter and Gwen. The two of them are adorable! Reading those scenes where they are clearly falling for each other but neither of them has realized had me kicking my feet and giggling uncontrollably.
I would love to read more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of Lost Starlight in exchange for an honest review.
This Peter Pan retelling was quite different than any of the other Peter Pan retellings I've read and I am here for it!
While I loved the plot and idea for the stroy, the execution of it dragged me away from the plot. The first third of the book is quite repetitive and we don't see much happening between the characters. The jumping timeline of the book, while I understand why the author did this, it got very confusing very quickly and was difficult to follow. On top of that there were two POV's, Peter and Gwen. Again, while I understand why the author did this, alongside the jumpy timeline it was just too confusing.
There were a few inconsistencies in the story that pulled me away from the characters and the plot. There were also quite a few scenes, and even chapters that I felt were unnecessary additions to the story and could have been substituted with something else. I was also under the impression that the All That Glitters series is supposed to have dragons in the stories, whereas here the dragon is only mentioned, which was disappointing.
Otherwise, I loved the romance between Peter and Gwen. The two of them are adorable! Reading those scenes where they are clearly falling for each other but neither of them has realized had me kicking my feet and giggling uncontrollably.
I would love to read more books by this author in the future.
October 28, 2025
Overview:
Language 🤐: Clean
Romance ❤️🔥: Kissing only (non Descriptive)
Violence ⚔️: On page fight and death if I remember correctly but nothing overly descriptive or graphic
⚠️Neglectful/Abusive family⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Soft FMC
- Protective MMC
- Cursed Prince
- Save each other
My Thoughts:
Initial thoughts:
This was a sweet cute Peter Pan retelling! I enjoyed this story! I will have more of a review to come tomorrow!
Final Thoughts:
It's been a few months since I read this wonderful story! I still remember it being a sweet story that felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket. It is a wonderful Peter Pan retelling where Peter and Gwen (Wendy) end up together.
This book was so cute in showing us a timeline of how they met from the very beginning to how their love grew. Peter is so sweet and caring but also so Peter. Gwen is everything soft and sweet but willing to do what it takes to be reunited with her love.
Peter and Gwen truly helped to make one another better and lift each other into who they are truly ment to be!
There is another one of Kayla's stories which is the Sea's Secret which is a Little Mermaid retelling that is inter connected to this book. I have not read it and didn't feel lost not having it but I could tell I was missing out on details that would have fully enriched this story even more wonderful. This one has definitely made me want to read the connecting story and series to learn more about this wonderful world and characters.
Thanks so much to the author for letting me read this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Language 🤐: Clean
Romance ❤️🔥: Kissing only (non Descriptive)
Violence ⚔️: On page fight and death if I remember correctly but nothing overly descriptive or graphic
⚠️Neglectful/Abusive family⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Dual POV
- Soft FMC
- Protective MMC
- Cursed Prince
- Save each other
My Thoughts:
Initial thoughts:
This was a sweet cute Peter Pan retelling! I enjoyed this story! I will have more of a review to come tomorrow!
Final Thoughts:
It's been a few months since I read this wonderful story! I still remember it being a sweet story that felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket. It is a wonderful Peter Pan retelling where Peter and Gwen (Wendy) end up together.
This book was so cute in showing us a timeline of how they met from the very beginning to how their love grew. Peter is so sweet and caring but also so Peter. Gwen is everything soft and sweet but willing to do what it takes to be reunited with her love.
Peter and Gwen truly helped to make one another better and lift each other into who they are truly ment to be!
There is another one of Kayla's stories which is the Sea's Secret which is a Little Mermaid retelling that is inter connected to this book. I have not read it and didn't feel lost not having it but I could tell I was missing out on details that would have fully enriched this story even more wonderful. This one has definitely made me want to read the connecting story and series to learn more about this wonderful world and characters.
Thanks so much to the author for letting me read this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
July 13, 2025
I signed up to read a couple of the books in this series as ARCs, and I just happened to finish reading this in time for release day, so yay!
Let's dive in, shall we?
POV: First person
POV Character(s): Gwendolyn Darling, Peter
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warning: Kidnappings of children, depictions of swordfights/violence
Spice Level: Low, kisses only
This is one of the books in the All That Glitters series, a series of books by different authors all following a theme, in this case that of fairytale retellings. None of the books is interconnected beyond the theme, but I do love that most of the authors have set the stories in worlds of their own and I could easily swap to another book by this author to learn more about the world set forth in this book.
So this is a great little dive into the world Eshbaugh has created, actually. As a caveat, this is set in a world that has existing books written in it, so some of the characters that appear have already had their stories told in previous books, and if you don't want to be spoiled on the rest of their stories, you might want to read it in a more traditional order. This is actually my first book by Eshbaugh, so I just dove in and didn't mind the spoilers for previous books as it might take me some time to get to those anyway. I will say it's rather clear what characters might have their stories spoiled, so if that's a factor for you, this is just a second warning you might not want to read this out of order.
Anyway, let's dive in to the story. Peter is a prince in one of the countries of a world that the Creator made. According to the history of the world, there was a time when the Ancients warred with humanity, and as a result, the countries that united against the Ancients and those that tried to stay neutral suffered from a curse after the evil human king was finally imprisoned who led them to revolt against the Ancients. This is back story that's given right from the beginning, and while it is a bit tedious to simply have it dumped, I do think it helps to have that information when we meet Prince Peter, who suffers from the curse the Ancient inflicted on the royals from every country that united against them.
When we start our story, however, we meet Gwendolyn, a young woman clutching a book and heading into the royal library where she's been summoned as a reader for the Queen. She's nervous and timid, and her poor excuse for a knock on the library door serves as great entertainment for the merry Prince Peter, who surprises her by coming up behind her. With a twinkle in his eye, he leads her into the library where she learns she's not been summoned as reader for the Queen but as a storyteller for Prince Peter! Prince Peter, who happens to be close in age to her and finds teasing her pure pleasure.
I'll be honest and say at first I wasn't seeing the Peter Pan connection. It took a little time for that to develop, and once it did, it was rather interesting to see Eshbaugh's play on the Neverland world and pixies and Captain Hook. I liked how she told a story of a prince whose curse would keep him constantly looking for adventure outside his homeland and whose discovery of stories kept him anchored in his home by allowing him to experience the adventure of every swashbuckling tale of old.
Peter and Gwendolyn made for an adorable couple. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Peter teasing Gwen, which happened frequently, and I loved the way Gwen's timidity was portrayed not as a negative but as something Peter found endearing. Gwen's relationship with her family was explored quite a bit, and I was interested in how she became a changed woman because of Peter's encouragement, learning how to set boundaries with her overbearing mother whose ill-treatment had only exacerbated her timidity.
Once the story moved from the courts to Neverland, it was fun to see a different take on both the pixies and the Lost Boys. I won't spoil anything, but I'll just say there was certainly a satisfying twist on Captain Hook and his part in the story.
There were a few places where the POVs got a bit murky, and perhaps that was corrected in actual published copies, but aside from that, I didn't notice any glaring issues with grammar or spelling beyond what would be normal for a trad published book. So that was a pleasant discovery.
This was a fun book that can easily stand alone, and it was a quick read with some adorable flirting and cute moments between Peter and Gwendolyn.
Let's dive in, shall we?
POV: First person
POV Character(s): Gwendolyn Darling, Peter
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warning: Kidnappings of children, depictions of swordfights/violence
Spice Level: Low, kisses only
This is one of the books in the All That Glitters series, a series of books by different authors all following a theme, in this case that of fairytale retellings. None of the books is interconnected beyond the theme, but I do love that most of the authors have set the stories in worlds of their own and I could easily swap to another book by this author to learn more about the world set forth in this book.
So this is a great little dive into the world Eshbaugh has created, actually. As a caveat, this is set in a world that has existing books written in it, so some of the characters that appear have already had their stories told in previous books, and if you don't want to be spoiled on the rest of their stories, you might want to read it in a more traditional order. This is actually my first book by Eshbaugh, so I just dove in and didn't mind the spoilers for previous books as it might take me some time to get to those anyway. I will say it's rather clear what characters might have their stories spoiled, so if that's a factor for you, this is just a second warning you might not want to read this out of order.
Anyway, let's dive in to the story. Peter is a prince in one of the countries of a world that the Creator made. According to the history of the world, there was a time when the Ancients warred with humanity, and as a result, the countries that united against the Ancients and those that tried to stay neutral suffered from a curse after the evil human king was finally imprisoned who led them to revolt against the Ancients. This is back story that's given right from the beginning, and while it is a bit tedious to simply have it dumped, I do think it helps to have that information when we meet Prince Peter, who suffers from the curse the Ancient inflicted on the royals from every country that united against them.
When we start our story, however, we meet Gwendolyn, a young woman clutching a book and heading into the royal library where she's been summoned as a reader for the Queen. She's nervous and timid, and her poor excuse for a knock on the library door serves as great entertainment for the merry Prince Peter, who surprises her by coming up behind her. With a twinkle in his eye, he leads her into the library where she learns she's not been summoned as reader for the Queen but as a storyteller for Prince Peter! Prince Peter, who happens to be close in age to her and finds teasing her pure pleasure.
I'll be honest and say at first I wasn't seeing the Peter Pan connection. It took a little time for that to develop, and once it did, it was rather interesting to see Eshbaugh's play on the Neverland world and pixies and Captain Hook. I liked how she told a story of a prince whose curse would keep him constantly looking for adventure outside his homeland and whose discovery of stories kept him anchored in his home by allowing him to experience the adventure of every swashbuckling tale of old.
Peter and Gwendolyn made for an adorable couple. I especially enjoyed the scenes of Peter teasing Gwen, which happened frequently, and I loved the way Gwen's timidity was portrayed not as a negative but as something Peter found endearing. Gwen's relationship with her family was explored quite a bit, and I was interested in how she became a changed woman because of Peter's encouragement, learning how to set boundaries with her overbearing mother whose ill-treatment had only exacerbated her timidity.
Once the story moved from the courts to Neverland, it was fun to see a different take on both the pixies and the Lost Boys. I won't spoil anything, but I'll just say there was certainly a satisfying twist on Captain Hook and his part in the story.
There were a few places where the POVs got a bit murky, and perhaps that was corrected in actual published copies, but aside from that, I didn't notice any glaring issues with grammar or spelling beyond what would be normal for a trad published book. So that was a pleasant discovery.
This was a fun book that can easily stand alone, and it was a quick read with some adorable flirting and cute moments between Peter and Gwendolyn.
July 9, 2025
Lady Gwendolyn Darling knows she is timid, quiet, and loves to read. She has a reputation for enthralling her audience and has been a fixture at the orphanage where she volunteers her time. When an opening for a new royal reader became available her mother jumped at the opportunity. What Gwen didn't know is that she would be the dedicated story teller for Prince Peter. Several royal families have curses placed upon them due to a magical war from the past. Peter's family is not immune for his ancient family had sided with the enemy. His curse seems innocent enough on the surface but he knows the devastation abandoning loved ones creates. His mother was given a hint that a story teller is needed to quiet his curse. Peter has had several over the years but this latest one holds his attention and quiets his roaming heart like none other. Determined to not fall in love until his curse is broken he stubbornly claims Gwen is his friend only. But after she was taken by pixies does he relent and admit his feelings. However, saving her from the pixies required a deal with an unknown timeline of when it would be called in. Now Peter has gone missing and Gwen was left the clues to find him.
To me this is definitely more of a romantic retelling than an adventurous retelling. Yes, there is adventure as any Peter Pan retelling should have but it takes a backseat to the story between Peter and Wendy. This is a standalone but reading other books in the series would help with understanding what's going on especially for some of the background characters. When the Ancients popped in it was almost a little jarring for me since I had no context for them. You could tell they were supposed to be a comedic relief but as a newcomer to the series it missed its mark for me. I was hoping for a bit more interaction with Hook especially for the build up we got for him but I like the ending he got. I also enjoyed the fact that Gwen/Wendy didn't have to be the hero, she just had to be present for Peter and stand up for herself. The last thing I will talk about is the timeline. This version had time skips and flashbacks throughout to where it was almost a constant back and forth between in the chapters. The updated version was going to be more linear with having the past at the beginning of the chapter. The constant time skips within the chapter threw me off at times because it was interrupting my reading flow. If you're looking for an adventurous Peter Pan retelling this doesn't hit the mark but it does for a romantic one.
To me this is definitely more of a romantic retelling than an adventurous retelling. Yes, there is adventure as any Peter Pan retelling should have but it takes a backseat to the story between Peter and Wendy. This is a standalone but reading other books in the series would help with understanding what's going on especially for some of the background characters. When the Ancients popped in it was almost a little jarring for me since I had no context for them. You could tell they were supposed to be a comedic relief but as a newcomer to the series it missed its mark for me. I was hoping for a bit more interaction with Hook especially for the build up we got for him but I like the ending he got. I also enjoyed the fact that Gwen/Wendy didn't have to be the hero, she just had to be present for Peter and stand up for herself. The last thing I will talk about is the timeline. This version had time skips and flashbacks throughout to where it was almost a constant back and forth between in the chapters. The updated version was going to be more linear with having the past at the beginning of the chapter. The constant time skips within the chapter threw me off at times because it was interrupting my reading flow. If you're looking for an adventurous Peter Pan retelling this doesn't hit the mark but it does for a romantic one.
December 16, 2025
Some steamy kisses, but not much in the way of Spice
I absolutely love this series! I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, and this series. It is truly unique, and the whole series are interconnected standalones. This one is another Spin-off in the same universe as the Cursed Kingdom series. This one should be read after Sea's Secret, which I have thankfully done.
This series explores the aftermath of a human rebellion against the gods who had ruled and protected them. The kingdoms that rebelled were cursed, while the ones that sided with the gods weren't. This story is told in 2 timelines: the first before the events of Sea's Secret, and the other takes place afterwards. I liked how they did this to show the progression of their love story while giving us a look at the aftereffects of Sea's Secret. While I did highly enjoy the Sea's Secret, this one, sadly, I wouldn't rate as high. This book is well written, and I did enjoy the majority of the characters. The scenes were well described and thought out. The main issues are the pacing of the book as well as some minor character interactions.
As for the pacing, it feels off. It starts with bouncing between flashbacks that occur 2 years before the present time to a month before the present time, before reuniting with the present time. The first 40% went a little slow, while the middle 20% seemed pretty fast-paced to the point that we aren't given a lot of information or have time to process the plot before it bounces off again.
In Sea's Secret, we get small mentions of how the Queen of Walden loves her children and dreams of them reuniting. We also see how she cares for Dominick and then Meria. Sadly, I don't get the same feel in this book. While Dominick is the Crown Prince of Walden and should technically be King since there isn't a ruling Monarch, the decisions are still made by "The Queen", which is how everyone refers to her, including her own son, Dominick. Additionally, her feelings seem to be driven by a desire to protect Peter and Gwen, while not showing outward concern for her newly reunited son and his wife as they embark on a perilous mission.
Overall, this is a cute Peter Pan retelling and still a good book in a great series.
I absolutely love this series! I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, and this series. It is truly unique, and the whole series are interconnected standalones. This one is another Spin-off in the same universe as the Cursed Kingdom series. This one should be read after Sea's Secret, which I have thankfully done.
This series explores the aftermath of a human rebellion against the gods who had ruled and protected them. The kingdoms that rebelled were cursed, while the ones that sided with the gods weren't. This story is told in 2 timelines: the first before the events of Sea's Secret, and the other takes place afterwards. I liked how they did this to show the progression of their love story while giving us a look at the aftereffects of Sea's Secret. While I did highly enjoy the Sea's Secret, this one, sadly, I wouldn't rate as high. This book is well written, and I did enjoy the majority of the characters. The scenes were well described and thought out. The main issues are the pacing of the book as well as some minor character interactions.
As for the pacing, it feels off. It starts with bouncing between flashbacks that occur 2 years before the present time to a month before the present time, before reuniting with the present time. The first 40% went a little slow, while the middle 20% seemed pretty fast-paced to the point that we aren't given a lot of information or have time to process the plot before it bounces off again.
In Sea's Secret, we get small mentions of how the Queen of Walden loves her children and dreams of them reuniting. We also see how she cares for Dominick and then Meria. Sadly, I don't get the same feel in this book. While Dominick is the Crown Prince of Walden and should technically be King since there isn't a ruling Monarch, the decisions are still made by "The Queen", which is how everyone refers to her, including her own son, Dominick. Additionally, her feelings seem to be driven by a desire to protect Peter and Gwen, while not showing outward concern for her newly reunited son and his wife as they embark on a perilous mission.
Overall, this is a cute Peter Pan retelling and still a good book in a great series.
July 31, 2025
While I did receive an ARC copy the review below reflects my own thoughts and opinions.
As a child who grew up watching Peter Pan, I always wanted Peter and Wendy to end up together. If you have ever desired a story that depicts Peter and "Wendy's" love story then this book is for you!
Peter is a prince of one of the royal lines whose ancestors refused to take a stand during the ancient battle and as a result, is part of the cursed line. His curse is to always have a desire to wander and experience adventure. When his mother the queen discovers that listening to stories helps to allevate a part of his curse, she hires young Gwendolyn Darling "aka Gwen" as she is a young woman with a talent and love for story telling. Over the years, the friendship that Gwen and Peter experience deepens into love. When Gwen is kidnapped by Pixies, Peter is willing to do anything to get her back safely. As a result, he makes a deal with the pixies; a deal that he pixies are eager to collect.
When Peter disappears shortly before their planned wedding, Gwen knows something is amiss. When she realizes that he has been taken by the Pixies as part of an agreement, Gwen will stop at nothing to find Peter and help him return. Will Peter be able to fulfill his deal with the Pixies? Will Gwen be able to find Peter and help him complete the promise he made when he first rescued her from the Pixies? Will the two of them ever get their happily ever after? Find out by reading Lost Starlight!
Also, this book is a clean fairy tale read! While there is some mention of Peter kissing Gwen's neck, it still remains perfectly clean. I did wish I had read the Sea's Secret by Kayla Eshbaugh first as the story takes place before Lost Starlight. However, I was able to read Lost Starlight without feeling like key moments of the story were missing because I didn't read the Sea's Secret first. This book does jump between past and present quite a bit which took some getting used to, but after a while I got the hang of it and was able to get into the flow of the story. Overall, Lost Starlight is a fun Peter Pan retelling to read!
As a child who grew up watching Peter Pan, I always wanted Peter and Wendy to end up together. If you have ever desired a story that depicts Peter and "Wendy's" love story then this book is for you!
Peter is a prince of one of the royal lines whose ancestors refused to take a stand during the ancient battle and as a result, is part of the cursed line. His curse is to always have a desire to wander and experience adventure. When his mother the queen discovers that listening to stories helps to allevate a part of his curse, she hires young Gwendolyn Darling "aka Gwen" as she is a young woman with a talent and love for story telling. Over the years, the friendship that Gwen and Peter experience deepens into love. When Gwen is kidnapped by Pixies, Peter is willing to do anything to get her back safely. As a result, he makes a deal with the pixies; a deal that he pixies are eager to collect.
When Peter disappears shortly before their planned wedding, Gwen knows something is amiss. When she realizes that he has been taken by the Pixies as part of an agreement, Gwen will stop at nothing to find Peter and help him return. Will Peter be able to fulfill his deal with the Pixies? Will Gwen be able to find Peter and help him complete the promise he made when he first rescued her from the Pixies? Will the two of them ever get their happily ever after? Find out by reading Lost Starlight!
Also, this book is a clean fairy tale read! While there is some mention of Peter kissing Gwen's neck, it still remains perfectly clean. I did wish I had read the Sea's Secret by Kayla Eshbaugh first as the story takes place before Lost Starlight. However, I was able to read Lost Starlight without feeling like key moments of the story were missing because I didn't read the Sea's Secret first. This book does jump between past and present quite a bit which took some getting used to, but after a while I got the hang of it and was able to get into the flow of the story. Overall, Lost Starlight is a fun Peter Pan retelling to read!
July 14, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Kayla Eshbaugh for allowing me to read a copy of her new release, Lost Starlight, which is part of the multi-author series All That Glitters and is available on Amazon starting July 12th.
Lady Gwendolyn Darling’s betrothed, Prince Peter, disappears and people are saying he left to get away from her. Gwendolyn starts wondering if there is truth to the rumors, knowing how timid she could be at times. Determined to get answers at the expense of potential heartbreak, Gwendolyn sets out to find him. Prince Peter of Walden, in debt to the pixies, was taken to free the boys from Pixie Isle that are being kidnapped by Captain Hook. Peter is doing his best to complete his task as soon as possible so he can return to Gwendolyn. She calms his curse, his heart, and gives his life meaning. He only hopes that she can forgive him for leaving, and vows to return home and be with her forever.
This book was lovely. You have Lady Gwendolyn Darling, a kind, proper, anxious, gentle, loyal, and beautiful young woman that is an excellent storyteller and enjoys spending time with children and Peter. You have Prince Peter, a charming, adventurous, considerate, honorable, and handsome young man that does his best to serve his people and is devoted to his loved ones. The interactions between Peter and Gwendolyn were sweet, funny, and vulnerable. The snippets of their past established how their relationship formed very well. Gwendolyn’s mother is awful, and I cheered for both main characters as they went on their quests to help the pixies and return to each other. I strongly suggest reading Sea’s Secret for context of Peter’s adventures at Pixie Isle with his brother before reading this story. Overall, if you like Peter Pan retellings, great worldbuilding, wonderful characters, and sweet friends-to-lovers romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
Lady Gwendolyn Darling’s betrothed, Prince Peter, disappears and people are saying he left to get away from her. Gwendolyn starts wondering if there is truth to the rumors, knowing how timid she could be at times. Determined to get answers at the expense of potential heartbreak, Gwendolyn sets out to find him. Prince Peter of Walden, in debt to the pixies, was taken to free the boys from Pixie Isle that are being kidnapped by Captain Hook. Peter is doing his best to complete his task as soon as possible so he can return to Gwendolyn. She calms his curse, his heart, and gives his life meaning. He only hopes that she can forgive him for leaving, and vows to return home and be with her forever.
This book was lovely. You have Lady Gwendolyn Darling, a kind, proper, anxious, gentle, loyal, and beautiful young woman that is an excellent storyteller and enjoys spending time with children and Peter. You have Prince Peter, a charming, adventurous, considerate, honorable, and handsome young man that does his best to serve his people and is devoted to his loved ones. The interactions between Peter and Gwendolyn were sweet, funny, and vulnerable. The snippets of their past established how their relationship formed very well. Gwendolyn’s mother is awful, and I cheered for both main characters as they went on their quests to help the pixies and return to each other. I strongly suggest reading Sea’s Secret for context of Peter’s adventures at Pixie Isle with his brother before reading this story. Overall, if you like Peter Pan retellings, great worldbuilding, wonderful characters, and sweet friends-to-lovers romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
July 13, 2025
This book was everything!!! This book was so, so, so cute and I loved it!
Lost Starlight is a Peter Pan retelling novella. This is the definition of short and sweet!
This book follows Prince Peter and Lady Gwendolyn. One of my absolute favorite parts of this book is the dual timeline. This book switched between when Peter and Gwendolyn met and began their friendship, to after they fell in love. I thought this was well done. It let us see all sides of their relationship and let us get closer to the characters and root them on even more. It also added different layers to the story!
While this book is part of the All That Glitters series (a standalone within this series), it is part of the world of other books by the same author. This book can be read by itself, but I think I would have understood it a little more had I read the other books, especially Sea Swept, which follows Dominick and Meria, some of my favorite characters. There was also an interesting curse at play in this book that I really enjoyed, which are also explored in the other books!
I loved both the characters! Peter was so sweet and fun. Gwendolyn was kind and timid. They each brought out the best in each other and were perfect together!
This book also twisted Peter Pan in unique ways. There were the Lost Boys, pixies, Neverland, and Captain Hook, but all appeared different. I especially liked how this was a Peter Pan loves Wendy story.
Gwendolyn is also verbally abused by her mother, which plays a big part of the story. There is some good messaging from this about finding your true worth and escaping abusive relationships, as well as finding love after leaving. Peter is cursed throughout the book, and I loved how much he didn’t want to enter into a relationship until his curse was broken. I really enjoyed that forethought and maturity being shown.
Lost Starlight is an adorable, sweet clean romance that is my favorite Peter Pan retelling!
Lost Starlight is a Peter Pan retelling novella. This is the definition of short and sweet!
This book follows Prince Peter and Lady Gwendolyn. One of my absolute favorite parts of this book is the dual timeline. This book switched between when Peter and Gwendolyn met and began their friendship, to after they fell in love. I thought this was well done. It let us see all sides of their relationship and let us get closer to the characters and root them on even more. It also added different layers to the story!
While this book is part of the All That Glitters series (a standalone within this series), it is part of the world of other books by the same author. This book can be read by itself, but I think I would have understood it a little more had I read the other books, especially Sea Swept, which follows Dominick and Meria, some of my favorite characters. There was also an interesting curse at play in this book that I really enjoyed, which are also explored in the other books!
I loved both the characters! Peter was so sweet and fun. Gwendolyn was kind and timid. They each brought out the best in each other and were perfect together!
This book also twisted Peter Pan in unique ways. There were the Lost Boys, pixies, Neverland, and Captain Hook, but all appeared different. I especially liked how this was a Peter Pan loves Wendy story.
Gwendolyn is also verbally abused by her mother, which plays a big part of the story. There is some good messaging from this about finding your true worth and escaping abusive relationships, as well as finding love after leaving. Peter is cursed throughout the book, and I loved how much he didn’t want to enter into a relationship until his curse was broken. I really enjoyed that forethought and maturity being shown.
Lost Starlight is an adorable, sweet clean romance that is my favorite Peter Pan retelling!
July 18, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
-this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
*this is set in the same world as Kayla Eshbaugh’s Cursed Kingdom Chronicles & occurs right after Sea’s Secret; there are some spoilers to the events from Sea’s Secret in this book
-this is told from Gwendolyn & Peter’s points of view (past & present)
-a character’s parent belittles them & verbally abuses them while the other parent does/says nothing
-there is some sword fighting with one (briefly mentioned) death from it
Review:
I read Sea’s Secret prior to reading this book and I loved that we were getting to find out what happened when Peter went to Pixie Isle! (In Sea’s Secret we just knew he went to the isle for Gwen but not what happened there.) I also loved that Kayla Eshbaugh extended Peter & Gwen’s story (in this book) to include how they met and what happened with them after the Pixie Isle adventure!
I loved seeing Peter & Gwen’s friendship grow and then develop into more! I loved that they were so opposite from each other, but also balanced one another out. I loved Peter’s playfulness and that he’d bring Gwen joy in their time together. I loved Gwen’s quiet and proper personality and seeing Peter break through it.
I’m so excited to see what else Kayla Eshbaugh has in store for this world in future books! (I’ve gotten to the ones already published!)
Summary:
Prince Peter of Walden always knew he’d have to return to Pixie Isle after saving his dear friend Gwendolyn, but he never knew when the pixies would come to collect him…
In order to repay his debt to the pixies, Peter finds that he must rid Pixie Isle of the dreaded Captain Hook who is stealing lost boys for his own plans. Then and only then can Peter return to his Lady Gwendolyn and not feel adrift again…
Gwen had found a home with Prince Peter of Walden in the midst of their story adventures. When he disappears soon after rescuing her, she knows there must be more to the story. Gwen will find Peter and save him from whatever fate took him away from her…
-this is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
*this is set in the same world as Kayla Eshbaugh’s Cursed Kingdom Chronicles & occurs right after Sea’s Secret; there are some spoilers to the events from Sea’s Secret in this book
-this is told from Gwendolyn & Peter’s points of view (past & present)
-a character’s parent belittles them & verbally abuses them while the other parent does/says nothing
-there is some sword fighting with one (briefly mentioned) death from it
Review:
I read Sea’s Secret prior to reading this book and I loved that we were getting to find out what happened when Peter went to Pixie Isle! (In Sea’s Secret we just knew he went to the isle for Gwen but not what happened there.) I also loved that Kayla Eshbaugh extended Peter & Gwen’s story (in this book) to include how they met and what happened with them after the Pixie Isle adventure!
I loved seeing Peter & Gwen’s friendship grow and then develop into more! I loved that they were so opposite from each other, but also balanced one another out. I loved Peter’s playfulness and that he’d bring Gwen joy in their time together. I loved Gwen’s quiet and proper personality and seeing Peter break through it.
I’m so excited to see what else Kayla Eshbaugh has in store for this world in future books! (I’ve gotten to the ones already published!)
Summary:
Prince Peter of Walden always knew he’d have to return to Pixie Isle after saving his dear friend Gwendolyn, but he never knew when the pixies would come to collect him…
In order to repay his debt to the pixies, Peter finds that he must rid Pixie Isle of the dreaded Captain Hook who is stealing lost boys for his own plans. Then and only then can Peter return to his Lady Gwendolyn and not feel adrift again…
Gwen had found a home with Prince Peter of Walden in the midst of their story adventures. When he disappears soon after rescuing her, she knows there must be more to the story. Gwen will find Peter and save him from whatever fate took him away from her…
July 17, 2025
Book review✨
Book: Lost Starlight
Author: Kayla Eshbaugh
Personal rating: 4/5
Spice rating: 1/5
Language: 0/5
Plot: 4/5
This is a retelling of Peter Pan and is a part of the All that Glitters Multi Author series.
Personal thoughts:
This was a really interesting take on Peter Pan.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the prologue, reading was like reading an original fairytale like the ones written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Normally I’m not a fan of jumping back and forth in time but it’s was so seamlessly done by the author I never felt confused or like I was missing something.
I really admired Gwendolyn, she was shy and had suffered much verbal abuse from her mother but that did not stop her from choosing to love those around her and go after Peter when he was taken.
Peter himself was a rather remarkable character, although he denied his feelings forever, he was patient and understanding with Gwendolyn and he constantly reminded Gwen that she was not the horrible things that her mother had said about her but that she was loved and treasured just the way she was.
I am so happy they got their happy ending and I really loved how Gwendolyn and Michael’s relationship was able to grow and how he supported her and also reminded her that she was not the horrible things her mother had said about her.
I have always shipped Peter Pan and Wendy like many other people in the world so this story was a joy to read.
Thank you to the author, Kayla Eshbaugh, for an ARC of Lost Starlight. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book: Lost Starlight
Author: Kayla Eshbaugh
Personal rating: 4/5
Spice rating: 1/5
Language: 0/5
Plot: 4/5
This is a retelling of Peter Pan and is a part of the All that Glitters Multi Author series.
Personal thoughts:
This was a really interesting take on Peter Pan.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the prologue, reading was like reading an original fairytale like the ones written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Normally I’m not a fan of jumping back and forth in time but it’s was so seamlessly done by the author I never felt confused or like I was missing something.
I really admired Gwendolyn, she was shy and had suffered much verbal abuse from her mother but that did not stop her from choosing to love those around her and go after Peter when he was taken.
Peter himself was a rather remarkable character, although he denied his feelings forever, he was patient and understanding with Gwendolyn and he constantly reminded Gwen that she was not the horrible things that her mother had said about her but that she was loved and treasured just the way she was.
I am so happy they got their happy ending and I really loved how Gwendolyn and Michael’s relationship was able to grow and how he supported her and also reminded her that she was not the horrible things her mother had said about her.
I have always shipped Peter Pan and Wendy like many other people in the world so this story was a joy to read.
Thank you to the author, Kayla Eshbaugh, for an ARC of Lost Starlight. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2025
This book was okay. I went into it with fairly high hopes. I don't often see Peter Pan retellings, so I was excited. However, I was surprisingly disappointed.
The formatting in this book was rather confusing. It switched back and forth between the past and the present quickly. In some ways, it felt as if there were two stories told here, one where the romance develops, and one that tests it. Now I don't mind that the story had multiple parts. However, the weaving together felt awkward and clunky. It jolted me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
One of the other problems I had with this book was how the romance felt. I think it was partially due to the fragmented nature of the storyline, but it felt a little bit stilted. It was clean and only had kissing, for which I am grateful, but there was a bit too much longing for my taste. It was pushing some of the lines for me.
There were several things that I liked, however. I love the worldbuilding in this world. It's a really unique idea and I think it has a lot of potential. I know that the author has several other books in this world, so you can see that worldbuilding in other places.
The characters in this world were also good. The main characters felt well-developed. Honestly though, I think my favorite character might be Michael. Seeing how he supports Gwen was beautiful.
I would read other books by this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
The formatting in this book was rather confusing. It switched back and forth between the past and the present quickly. In some ways, it felt as if there were two stories told here, one where the romance develops, and one that tests it. Now I don't mind that the story had multiple parts. However, the weaving together felt awkward and clunky. It jolted me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
One of the other problems I had with this book was how the romance felt. I think it was partially due to the fragmented nature of the storyline, but it felt a little bit stilted. It was clean and only had kissing, for which I am grateful, but there was a bit too much longing for my taste. It was pushing some of the lines for me.
There were several things that I liked, however. I love the worldbuilding in this world. It's a really unique idea and I think it has a lot of potential. I know that the author has several other books in this world, so you can see that worldbuilding in other places.
The characters in this world were also good. The main characters felt well-developed. Honestly though, I think my favorite character might be Michael. Seeing how he supports Gwen was beautiful.
I would read other books by this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
July 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Lost Starlight! I’m a fan of Kayla Eshbaugh’s books (I’ve read 7 so far!), and this one did not disappoint! I love how she builds the worlds for her books and enjoy her descriptive writing. This is a Peter Pan reimagining told through dual points of view and dual timelines and set in the same world as her Cursed Kingdom Chronicles. Peter is playful and protective with a longing for adventure while Gwen is timid, proper, and bookish but finding her strength to speak up. I had no issue with the dual timelines and enjoyed it. I didn’t find it confusing but liked that it provided depth to Peter and Gwen’s relationship - there was less frequent pining and doubt in the thoughts of the characters (compared to Kayla’s other books) and more security in their love for each other. I think reading Sea’s Secret is important for the understanding and enjoyment of this book. There is significant character and plot overlap between the books, so I think that having read Sea’s Secret allowed me to enjoy the dual timeline storytelling better. This is a sweet and clean friends to lovers romance – there is frequent and somewhat detailed kissing and a longing to be married though – so maybe a caution to teen readers. Lost Starlight is a fun and engaging story with lovely themes, and I enjoyed reading it!
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2025
I received an ARC copy from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impressions after reading it.
Lost Starlight is a retelling of Peter Pan but completely different from the fairy tale we grew up with! Here Peter grows up under a curse and his mother enlists a shy, timid storyteller to read to him to help alleviate his curse. Her name is Gwendolyn Darling but her brother Michael calls her Wendy.
Her voice enchants him and they soon become friends. However children start disappearing and then Wendy does as well. Following clues he believes comes from the latest book they were reading he sets sail to find her!
This book has pixies, lost boys and Captain Hook but the story is far different from what you’ve read before!
I enjoyed this story of how true love once again shows up and gives both participants the courage to stand up against their adversaries even if it’s their parents! I heartily recommend this book as one I think you’ll like as you cheer them on and watch Gwen ( Wendy) finally develop the courage to stand up for herself against her most destructive foe!
Fairy tales have always fascinated me and I loved them as I listened with wonder as they were read to me and later as I read them myself!
If you enjoy fairy tales I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book. If you think you’ve outgrown them, why not read this one and see if it changes your mind!
Lost Starlight is a retelling of Peter Pan but completely different from the fairy tale we grew up with! Here Peter grows up under a curse and his mother enlists a shy, timid storyteller to read to him to help alleviate his curse. Her name is Gwendolyn Darling but her brother Michael calls her Wendy.
Her voice enchants him and they soon become friends. However children start disappearing and then Wendy does as well. Following clues he believes comes from the latest book they were reading he sets sail to find her!
This book has pixies, lost boys and Captain Hook but the story is far different from what you’ve read before!
I enjoyed this story of how true love once again shows up and gives both participants the courage to stand up against their adversaries even if it’s their parents! I heartily recommend this book as one I think you’ll like as you cheer them on and watch Gwen ( Wendy) finally develop the courage to stand up for herself against her most destructive foe!
Fairy tales have always fascinated me and I loved them as I listened with wonder as they were read to me and later as I read them myself!
If you enjoy fairy tales I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book. If you think you’ve outgrown them, why not read this one and see if it changes your mind!
July 7, 2025
🌟 ARC Review: Lost Starlight by Kayla Eshbaugh
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Lost Starlight is such a fun, heartfelt, and beautifully unique Peter Pan retelling! I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I was quickly pulled into the emotional depth and whimsical charm of Gwendolyn and Peter’s love story.
The timeline structure took a little getting used to, but once I found the rhythm, I really appreciated how it added layers to the story. It gave me a better understanding of both Peter and Gwendolyn—their choices, their growth, and the bond they share. I had a couple of theories while reading, and while I ended up being right about some things, the journey was still full of surprises. At one point while reading, the Hook movie randomly popped into my head—not necessarily because they were similar, but it added to that nostalgic sense of magic and adventure.
This is a clean, no-spice fairy tale romance with friends-to-more energy, flirty banter, a cursed prince, and a soft but strong heroine who truly shines. Gwendolyn and Peter’s love felt rooted in trust, forgiveness, and true devotion, and I was completely swept away by it.
If you love classic tales reimagined with heart, hope, and a dash of royal intrigue, Lost Starlight definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Lost Starlight is such a fun, heartfelt, and beautifully unique Peter Pan retelling! I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I was quickly pulled into the emotional depth and whimsical charm of Gwendolyn and Peter’s love story.
The timeline structure took a little getting used to, but once I found the rhythm, I really appreciated how it added layers to the story. It gave me a better understanding of both Peter and Gwendolyn—their choices, their growth, and the bond they share. I had a couple of theories while reading, and while I ended up being right about some things, the journey was still full of surprises. At one point while reading, the Hook movie randomly popped into my head—not necessarily because they were similar, but it added to that nostalgic sense of magic and adventure.
This is a clean, no-spice fairy tale romance with friends-to-more energy, flirty banter, a cursed prince, and a soft but strong heroine who truly shines. Gwendolyn and Peter’s love felt rooted in trust, forgiveness, and true devotion, and I was completely swept away by it.
If you love classic tales reimagined with heart, hope, and a dash of royal intrigue, Lost Starlight definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.
July 10, 2025
What a lovely story! I love the world of the Cursed Kingdoms and this one was so adorable.
Gwen was a sweetheart! She was more gentle and careful, but she had a inner strength, especially to care for those she loved. I loved her sweetness. Gwen learned how to lean into her strength and I loved the way Peter supported her. Peter was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting his perspective as well! He fell for Gwen so easily. His love of adventure and lightheartedness was so fun!They had the sweetest romance, full of support and grace towards one another.
I loved the dual timelines in this story. It allowed the readers to see the relationship unfold and also the way that each moment created the trust and love between them. It was a beautiful way of building the story within a shorter book. They had a lot of adventures to go through together and they both grew through them. I loved being back on the island and the way the story of Peter Pan was threaded into the story. It definitely had all the vibes of the story that I loved!
This was a sweet fantasy romance that is connected to the Cursed Kingdom Chronicles and definitely best enjoyed after reading The Sea’s Secret. However, if you choose to read it alone, I believe it can still be enjoyed still! It has some fantasy violence and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
Gwen was a sweetheart! She was more gentle and careful, but she had a inner strength, especially to care for those she loved. I loved her sweetness. Gwen learned how to lean into her strength and I loved the way Peter supported her. Peter was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting his perspective as well! He fell for Gwen so easily. His love of adventure and lightheartedness was so fun!They had the sweetest romance, full of support and grace towards one another.
I loved the dual timelines in this story. It allowed the readers to see the relationship unfold and also the way that each moment created the trust and love between them. It was a beautiful way of building the story within a shorter book. They had a lot of adventures to go through together and they both grew through them. I loved being back on the island and the way the story of Peter Pan was threaded into the story. It definitely had all the vibes of the story that I loved!
This was a sweet fantasy romance that is connected to the Cursed Kingdom Chronicles and definitely best enjoyed after reading The Sea’s Secret. However, if you choose to read it alone, I believe it can still be enjoyed still! It has some fantasy violence and only kisses.
I received an ARC.
July 12, 2025
I received an ARC copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own :)
Wow! This was such a well thought out Peter Pan retelling.
I will be honest, I was a little nervous going into this story because the tale we all know and love has the main characters as children. I was not sure how the author was going to do a romance story with original characters being children but boy was I pleasantly surprised. Yes, the main characters are ADULTS! But Kayla did an awesome job of taking so many elements from Disney's version that we all love but twisting them into a different tale and one more age appropriate for a romance story.
Gwen and Peter's love story was so well thought out and developed. I love the background behind their relationship and the lengthy time period involved in them building a relationship of trust, friendship, fun, and love. The romance is very clean but still gives you butterflies and gives you the desire to have a love like Gwen and Peter.
I also loved the plot! While Peter and Gwen's relationship is a big part of the book, I still loved having pirates, a curse, pixies, a magical island, and lost children. I was engaged the entire time and I greatly enjoyed the entire adventure!! If loved the 2003 live action Peter Pan but want a story where Peter and Wendy are older and get together than this is the book for you!
Wow! This was such a well thought out Peter Pan retelling.
I will be honest, I was a little nervous going into this story because the tale we all know and love has the main characters as children. I was not sure how the author was going to do a romance story with original characters being children but boy was I pleasantly surprised. Yes, the main characters are ADULTS! But Kayla did an awesome job of taking so many elements from Disney's version that we all love but twisting them into a different tale and one more age appropriate for a romance story.
Gwen and Peter's love story was so well thought out and developed. I love the background behind their relationship and the lengthy time period involved in them building a relationship of trust, friendship, fun, and love. The romance is very clean but still gives you butterflies and gives you the desire to have a love like Gwen and Peter.
I also loved the plot! While Peter and Gwen's relationship is a big part of the book, I still loved having pirates, a curse, pixies, a magical island, and lost children. I was engaged the entire time and I greatly enjoyed the entire adventure!! If loved the 2003 live action Peter Pan but want a story where Peter and Wendy are older and get together than this is the book for you!
July 10, 2025
This was a wonderful retelling of Peter Pan! This can be read as a standalone story, but it is helpful if you have read the Sea’s Secret. It helps fill in some background information on Dominick, whom is Peter’s lost brother.
This is my first story from Kayla Eshbaugh. I had not read any of her previous stories so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. At first, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about the dual timelines. I normally don’t enjoy reading the back and forth, it gets confusing to me. After a couple of timeline changes, I understood the reason. It described the process of how they got to where they were and what they lived through.
Gwen lived under her mother’s guidance all of her life, to be a proper lady and always live under that rule. One day when she is summoned to be the storyteller of the queen, she finds out that it is the prince that actually needs the storytelling.
Prince Peter has lived his life under a curse. Being plagued by the need for adventure, he needs Gwen by his side to keep him grounded.
Adventures await within this wonderful story, along with romance, pirates, lost boys, and much, much more! I loved it and highly recommend it! I have received an ARC for my honest review.
This is my first story from Kayla Eshbaugh. I had not read any of her previous stories so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. At first, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about the dual timelines. I normally don’t enjoy reading the back and forth, it gets confusing to me. After a couple of timeline changes, I understood the reason. It described the process of how they got to where they were and what they lived through.
Gwen lived under her mother’s guidance all of her life, to be a proper lady and always live under that rule. One day when she is summoned to be the storyteller of the queen, she finds out that it is the prince that actually needs the storytelling.
Prince Peter has lived his life under a curse. Being plagued by the need for adventure, he needs Gwen by his side to keep him grounded.
Adventures await within this wonderful story, along with romance, pirates, lost boys, and much, much more! I loved it and highly recommend it! I have received an ARC for my honest review.
July 7, 2025
I was waitting for this story after ARC reading Sea's Secret last year. I really, really enjoyed this story.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Nick is still my favorite, though.
Lady Gwen is a delight. She is sweet and kind. I like that she is Bookish and shy. I relate to that so much.
I liked Peter. I think his teasing,flirting and coaxing really brought Gwen out of her shell. He really captured the boyish, light-hearted aura of Peter Pan. I can see some of overly critical females complaining about his teasing nit being "respectful" of Gwen. *Cue eye roll.*
The plot and world building was great as well. The pixies were a tad annoying, but maybe they were supposed to be.
All in all this was a fun read.
Thank you to the author for letting me be a part of her arc team.
I don't understand the reviews talking about the timeliness. I know the author is changing the formatting of the flashbacks...but to me the way they were in the original arc copy makes complete sense..all of the flashbacks connect to what is going on in that part of the story. I don't know. To me, that made perfect sense.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Nick is still my favorite, though.
Lady Gwen is a delight. She is sweet and kind. I like that she is Bookish and shy. I relate to that so much.
I liked Peter. I think his teasing,flirting and coaxing really brought Gwen out of her shell. He really captured the boyish, light-hearted aura of Peter Pan. I can see some of overly critical females complaining about his teasing nit being "respectful" of Gwen. *Cue eye roll.*
The plot and world building was great as well. The pixies were a tad annoying, but maybe they were supposed to be.
All in all this was a fun read.
Thank you to the author for letting me be a part of her arc team.
I don't understand the reviews talking about the timeliness. I know the author is changing the formatting of the flashbacks...but to me the way they were in the original arc copy makes complete sense..all of the flashbacks connect to what is going on in that part of the story. I don't know. To me, that made perfect sense.
July 6, 2025
This book (partly) takes place at the same time as Sea's Secret and since reading Sea's Secret nearly twelve months ago I've been waiting eagerly to read this 'companion' story. I can only say that it wasn't worth the wait. The story itself was fine, the characters and the romance were fine, the world building was intriguing, the way the story of Peter Pan was re-woven was clever. It was the constant jig as the story danced up and down the timeline that made it a frustrating read. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if it was written in two parts, first the development of the romance between Peter and Gwen and second the adventure that re-tells the original story and tests the romance. Instead, it tries to tell both parts simultaneously and as far as I'm concerned this style of storytelling does not work. If you have the patience to put up with the timeline switches it is a good book, I just wish it had been presented differently.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
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