As a poor laundress's daughter and the eldest of eight siblings, Nora Sheppard doesn't have much for marriage prospects, but she never expects a proposal from a giant white bear. When his offer is accompanied by a promise of financial support—and education—for her siblings, she can't refuse. They travel northward through Scotland, and by the time they arrive at their private cottage in the Hebrides, she has become Mrs. Davies, or more accurately, Lady Aurand.
Alek Davies, Lord Aurand, had no intention of marrying. He was content with his role as one of the biggest flirts in London society. But when he flirted with the wrong lady and wound up cursed, his plans changed. Now, if he ever wants to be fully human again—and avoid spending eternity in Faerie—all his hopes depend on his new wife.
The question is, can Nora do what Pandora and Bluebeard's wife failed to do? Can she keep from looking at what is forbidden?
Enjoy this YA retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon," set in a Regency England where Faeries are real and magic is an acceptable accomplishment for young ladies.
The Regency Magic Faerie Tales are clean and cozy YA romantasy fairy tale retellings. Each is a standalone with a happily ever after, and they can be read in any order.
I believe this is the fourth retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon that I've read - and I think it's my favorite out of them all! Probably because of the Regency vibes and cozy storytelling. It was such a delightful, quick, and very clean read.
Nora and Alek were such a sweet couple. I appreciated that Nora's character didn't need to be a "girl boss" character, but her strength, courage, and cleverness shone through. She's a very feminine character, who selflessly loves her family, while also having some flaws and insecurities to work through.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and it made me want to go back and read the others now - I'm definitely adding them to my list!
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions in this review are voluntary and my own. 😊
Content: kisses only romance (kissing not detailed), a man and woman sleep in the same bed throughout the book (nothing more than cuddling is ever described), a woman notices how in shape a man is when he doesn't have his shirt on, the villain tries to convince a man to forget his wife and join her in her bed, pregnancy
A perfect, heart-warming, incredible read! This book retold East of the Sun, West of the Moon really well and I loved the way Eliza Prokopovits created the predicament. Usually, I don't really enjoy East of the Sun, West of the Moon retellings, except those by very few authors, because they just don't tell it well enough. However, this book was really enjoyable to read and I loved every minute of it! When Nora finally gave in to temptation and looked at her husband's face in the candlelight, there wasn't all the tension that other East of the Sun, West of the Moon retellings usually have. Instead, it was such a loving and heart-wrenching moment and I really loved how Eliza Prokopovits didn't ruin this scene. I also really loved Nora's capability and practicality - she was such a perfect wife for him! The relationships were incredible as well! I loved how Nora and Alek grew to love each other: how selfless Nora was and how Alek learned to be less self-centered as a result, I loved their outings together, and I loved all the sentimentality that was written into the novel. It was so sweet when Alek refused to wear another shirt when he was captured, because his current shirt was his last remaining link to Nora - she had sewn up that shirt after he had ripped it 😍. I also really loved the importance of the quilt that Nora worked hard to sew. Nora's relationship with her family was also really nice. I loved how she loved and cared for her family and took on a lot of household tasks without being bitter - especially since the entire family chipped in to take care of each other. They were such a perfect and loving family, despite their hardships and struggles. Overall, I highly recommend this book as it was such a cozy read with a wonderful plot and even better relationships!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I flew through this magical story! These regency fairytales are so fun and I adored Alek and Nora. There aren’t a huge amount of books inspired by East of the Sun, West of the Moon, so it was fun to see this take on it. Nora was a sweetheart. I loved her thoughtfulness and her care for her family. She was willing to sacrifice for them. I also admired her clear head, Nora picked things up quickly and responded practically. I loved how her love motivated her, first for her family, then for Alek. Nora was so brave in her journey to save Alek and she was able to push herself beyond what she believed she could do. Poor Alek! He had found himself in quite the predicament, and Nora was his last hope. I appreciated having his POV to give context. As he and Nora spent time together, they really developed a relationship of trust and care. Alek’s circumstances gave him a different perspective and he grew to show his care for Nora. I was totally rooting for them! This is a heartwarming and charming regency fairytale. It has only kissing, but also mentions the past death of loved ones. I received an ARC.
The fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon has always had a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed Eliza Prokopovits retelling. Nora and Alek’s relationship developed so smoothly and wonderfully it had me rooting for them early on. I especially enjoyed Alek’s character development in coming to terms with his tragic history and being able to open up and build a life with Nora. Nora was a character I felt I could relate to since although our circumstances are different I too struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Nora’s inner strength was a strong plot point that I loved reading about. The Sea-Bears Bride is the third book I’ve read by Eliza Prokopovits. I would especially recommend her books to those who love cozy themed books and fairy tale retellings. I look forward to reading more books is the Regency Magic Faerie Tales series.
Before I begin, I would like to thank Eliza Prokopovits for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, The Sea Bear’s Wife, which is the seventh book of her Regency Magic Faerie Tales series and will be available on Amazon on October 14th, 2025.
Nora Sheppard is the eldest daughter out of eight children of a poor laundress. She knows that she doesn’t have great marriage prospects, but she didn’t expect a proposal from a white bear. She agrees when he offers financial aid and education for her family, and they soon travel to the Hebrides as the new Lord and Lady Aurand. Alek Davis, Lord Aurand, didn’t plan on marrying anyone. However, being a flirt in London to the wrong lady got him cursed. Now, the only way he can stop being a bear or spend the rest of his days in Faerie is to rely on his wife. Can Nora break the curse or will she discover a secret she wasn’t supposed to see?
This book was lovely. You have Nora, a kind, considerate, hardworking, earnest, and beautiful young woman that does her best to care for her loved ones and do the right thing. You have Alek, a strong, charming, noble, reserved, and handsome young man that was cursed to be a bear and longs to be free. The interactions between the main characters were funny, sweet, and vulnerable. East of the Sun, West of the Moon isn’t one of my favorite fairytales, but the author did a fantastic job and made me want to learn more about Nora and Alek’s story. I appreciated the references to the original tale, and wanted to hug both of the main characters as I read. Overall, if you like fairytale retellings, regency romance, magic, and sweet marriage of convenience romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
I really, really enjoyed The Sea-Bear’s Wife! I picked it up after my book club mentioned it, and from the first few chapters, I had a hard time putting it down.
Nora comes from a large, poor family, and when she sees a bear watching her from the forest near her home, she somehow knows she’s not in danger. The sense of curiosity and calm acceptance around this moment surprised me at first—but it fits perfectly within the story’s fairytale magic.
Eventually, the bear makes a proposal to her family: he asks for Nora’s hand in marriage—in name only. Once everything is arranged, she sets off with him for his secluded home.
This is where the story truly hooked me. Their relationship develops slowly through acts of mutual care and growing trust. Nora manages the household while Alek disappears for stretches of time, wrestling with his mysterious curse. But as the story unfolds, we realize his situation is far more complicated than it first appears.
As their bond deepens, I found myself emotionally invested, desperate to know—would the curse ever be broken? Would they ever get to be together as their true selves?
Beyond the fantasy and romance, what stood out most was the depth of character development. Nora’s quiet strength, compassion, and adaptability as she grows into her new life contrast beautifully with Alek’s journey of learning to think beyond himself. Watching him realize how to be a better partner—more aware, more selfless—was deeply moving.
A wonderful adventure filled with emotion, heart, and growth. By the final page, I knew I’d be diving into the rest of the series immediately.
(This is an ARC read; however, all opinions are my own and not a trade for riches made by a suspiciously rich bear.)
This book marks my first for many things. First read by this author, first fairytale regency read, and my first introduction to this world. And I was satisfied with everything!
Alek and Nora were always adorable when they spent time together on-page. I loved how they were haunted by their own inadequacies early in their marriage, yet didn't realize the other person felt the same way.
Alek was frustrating at first. Every other chapter, he would realize another way he wasn't being a good husband. But what I liked about him was how he always strove to fix his mistakes–and even went above and beyond when the situation called for it. Once his pride-to-humility arc was underway, I realized what a sweetheart he was.
Now, Nora was a sweetheart the whole time. Granted, she had to build up the courage to actually... you know... talk to her husband. But she was also striving to be the best wife she could be in their arrangement. Not to mention, her bravery in certain events that were partly her fault, but also entirely understandable given her situation.
I liked Eliza's version of Fae! It was much nicer than most versions I've read about (and it's not even that nice). Every side character made the story feel more complete.
The Sea-Bear's Wife by Eliza Prokopovits is a slow burn romance that just gives you all of the feels.
This book was unbelievably cozy. From, the atmosphere to the writing, I was thoroughly entranced in what the author wrote. Mystery upon mystery, with just enough teasing that made you follow the characters' journey and wish them only the best. The inner thoughts of both characters was rich and the dreams and yearning of both of them was quite sweet. I was very much swept up in the longing of a better future for both of them.
The mythical elements of the world that this author wrote was amazing, from selkies to faeries, there was a lot for me to enjoy. I loved the role the FMC had in growing and being mindful of her husband, and the MMC grew to love and respect his wife more and more with each passing page. I loved that. I loved the communication, and the choices that each of the characters made to love each other more and more.
If you want a sweet and cozy fantasy book, this is the one for you.
I was fortunate to get an advance copy of this as an ARC reader - the book did not disappoint! It's about Nora, the main female character, who agrees to marry a sea-bear in order to give her impoverished family a better life. I loved reading about her daily life and routines and watching the slowly growing friendship, then love, grow between her and her mysterious husband. She is such a strong, admirable character and Alek, who I was initially prepared to dislike as he seemed a bit full of himself, grew on me as a caring character with his own story. I was tempted to give this book 4 stars because I'm not happy with Eliza Prokopovits! I have so many questions and want to know so much more about Nora and her friends and family. I have read all the Regency series but this, out of all of them, really made me wish for a sequel. But this book deserves 5 stars in its own right. If you love the other Regency books, you will love this one. There is a bonus epilogue out there!
"The Sea-Bear's Wife," is a lovely young adult sweet and cozy fairy tale retelling of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book follows Nora as she navigates life as an eldest daughter in a large, poor family with few prospects. She receives a sudden marriage proposal from a surprising stranger, and can't turn it down when she finds it comes with financial security for her entire family.
The author did a wonderful job creating unique characters and a storyline that still follows the original fairy tale. I loved how she wove in fantastical elements, including magic and fae in an otherwise "normal" Regency England.
If you're looking for a sweet and clean romance with a guaranteed happily ever after, look no further!
I’m a fan of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, and this was an excellent version. Set in Regency England, Nora makes the sensible but audacious decision to marry a large white bear that offers enough money to change her family’s life in exchange for her hand in marriage.
Alek is a bear. He doesn’t want to be, and he isn’t always, but he is a bear…in desperate need of a wife.
This story is a marriage of convenience, he falls first, Regency England fairy tale retelling, and it is so beautiful. So cozy. I could practically smell every scene and really appreciated how level headed and sweet Nora was. Alek…was a spoiled little thing with a good heart but watching him grow without overly dwelling on his faults was refreshing.
Thank you, Eliza, for an early copy of the book. All opinions are my own!
I will say this book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. For some reason I had a vision of Lord Alek taking Nora to his Estate and her knowing about the curse....
This was not the case & I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. This might not be what I was expecting, but i loved everything about it. After I finished I sat back and thought, what should I rate this book...
And I realized there isn't a thing that I thought could have been "better" about this book. It was wonderful! This was such a creative story and unique take on the fairytale!
I really loved our characters. Nora is sweet, generous, loyal, brave, and intelligent. Alek had his fault, but he grew during the story and realized when he was making mistakes. Overall he was also kind and generous.
The way that the author wove fairie and the regular world together was intriguing. This is only the second book I Have read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more!
There are some topics in there that might upset some readers so I will put them below in spoilers!
* I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
* This is book 7 in the Regency Magic Series and can be read as a standalone. * First person dual pov * Spice: non descriptive kisses
I will admit that I haven't read many East of the Sun, West of the Moon retellings, so it's always fun to read one and see the author's spin on it. The fact that Nora and and Alek's story is set in Regency England makes this story refreshing. I enjoyed watching them slowly go from strangers, to partners, to friends, to falling in love. Wanting to know more about Alek's curse and how it'd be broken was something else that kept me reading. Overall, this was a sweet read worth the try.
This was such a cozy read! I absolutely loved the slow-build between Nora and Alek. There were just so many heart-warming moments and such beautiful relationships built even outside of the main pairing. My favorite part has to be Nora's stubbornness and grit. This is a young woman who is a domestic queen, but is so unafraid in the face of the unknown, and her simplicity and honesty is a huge part of what "wins the battle" in the end.
Also, reading about a young mom with a baby who actually has support...that had me shook. As a mom to a busy 7 month old, that felt like such an aspirational thing lol.
This was my first book by this author, and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a Regency-era setting for a fantasy fairytale, but she wove it together beautifully. The world had just enough detail to feel grounded while still keeping that touch of magic.
I especially loved how she reimagined familiar fairytale elements, making them feel softer and more tender on both sides of the relationship. The inclusion of the shirt washing was a lovely touch, especially since the groundwork for it was laid so early in the story.
I do wish we’d seen Nora return home to her family at the end, but overall, I really loved how this story came together.
What an amazing retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon! It followed very closely to the original fairytale, but had all of the additions that linked it to this delightful series! I loved the way the two main characters grew to love each other, and then fought for the right to stay together! It was so romantic and satisfying! The whole series is clean and uplifting (as is everything by this author), and the plot was easy to follow and compelling to read. I didn’t want to put the book down! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
I really like how the author has this alternate world so closely interwoven with the fae. It makes Alyx's predicament and Nora's efforts plausible in this Regency rendition of the "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" tale. Sweet and romantic with fairy tale charm - this is worth reading.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC ebook of this story. This is the first book of Eliza Prokopovits I have read. This story was entertaining to me. I could "see" the different homes and locations where the main character, Nora, was and her experiences. I plan on reading Eliza's first Regency Magic Faerie Tales books that came before this one and others that will come after
This tale is delightfully magical and absorbing, and a completely unique take on East of the Sun, West of the Moon. So far, none of the books in the Regency Magic Faerie Tales have disappointed me, yet! I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. I enjoyed reading it. This is a clean read and the editing is good. I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so and the opinions stated are my own.
This was a sweet marriage of convenience story. I like that the characters got to know each other and grew as people throughout the book. Overall, a pleasant read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I for one, am unaware about the original fairy tale, and hence I had no clue what was going to happen. But that somehow ended up enriching my experience and I really liked the way the story progressed.