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This I Know: A Collection of Historical Fairytale Retellings
Beyond the Bookery invites you to step into a collection of heartwarming, thrilling, and romantic historical fairy tale retellings.
From a missing childhood friend and a search for the courage to begin a life changing journey in a retelling of The Snow Queen. To a duke’s daughter and her yearning for love while fighting for survival in a war she’s unprepared for in a retelling of The Ugly Duckling. And then to a grieving daughter and her enduring hope for a brighter future in a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
From a missing childhood friend and a search for the courage to begin a life changing journey in a retelling of The Snow Queen. To a duke’s daughter and her yearning for love while fighting for survival in a war she’s unprepared for in a retelling of The Ugly Duckling. And then to a grieving daughter and her enduring hope for a brighter future in a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 23, 2025
Oh wow. This anthology was EPIC!!! OH MY. I LIKE…YES. I LOVE THESE AUTHORS!! HIGHLY recommend these!! I enjoyed reading the first story, Beneath This Sunset by Molly Anderson! I love anything French 🤭 so it was super neat and the story drew me! And then the Beauty and the Beast… aHHH. 🫶 😍 I LOVED THAT! I THINK IT WAS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! And then the last story….Isabelle Perry did an amazing job!!! I loved it!😍
All in all, these are epic and awesome clean novellas and for those searching for fairytale retellings that are clean and Christian, I would highly recommend them!! (I read em literally all in one setting. XD. That’s how good they are. Cause I didn’t get bored and set it aside for later as I normally would sometimes with some books)
**I received an ARC for this anthology and these are purely my own honest thoughts
All in all, these are epic and awesome clean novellas and for those searching for fairytale retellings that are clean and Christian, I would highly recommend them!! (I read em literally all in one setting. XD. That’s how good they are. Cause I didn’t get bored and set it aside for later as I normally would sometimes with some books)
**I received an ARC for this anthology and these are purely my own honest thoughts
December 16, 2025
It's funny that though I will be rating these separately, they all ended up with the same rating 😅.
Beneath this Sunset 🌄:
Okay, this was a really intriguing setup. The author hooked me from the beginning, with Maxence being a French Knight 😉. Though, I did feel sorry for poor Sir Murray 🥲.
I also loved the themes that everyone is worthy of being loved no matter how they look because we are the Creator's creation. Unique with different purposes, but still worthy 💛.
And okay, the plot twist at the end had my jaw literally dropping. There is no way I expected that. I couldn't shut my mouth for a full minute, at least (I've never done that before). And I loved how she chose the ending for the beginning~ Beneath this Sunset. So perfect!
CW: Ale (though I think she that was keeping with the times and water was usually bad back then), touching her hair, wounds (nothing gory), intended execution
My rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out 5 stars)/ 18+
The Bookbinder & the Beast 🥀:
Okay, this one was my absolute favorite out of the stories 😍❤️. The only reason it didn't receive a 5 star rating was because of some stronger language.
Not only is it Beauty & the Beast, but I was also delightedly surprised that the author incorporated wonderful faith themes as her bio had nothing that portrayed that.
Alaric , Duck of Ashthorne was so dashingly handsome and gentlemanly despite his appearance 🖤🎩🌹. It was the absolute sweetest to see Him take care of Rosabelle.
It also encouraged me that God has given everything and everyone in life a purpose, a chance to do good or to change someone for the good.
CW: Several British Euphemisms, and insults (no swearing though thankfully), how it felt to be held, how his heart felt against her cheek...
My Rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)/ 18+
Definitely can't recommend this story enough, I so love it 👌!
One Winter's Dance ❄️:
Though I'm not super fond of the Ice Queen Fairytale, I say that the author did an incredible job in retelling it with Naomi and Kai's story.
Who knew Elizabeth was that evil *scowls*, but all the ice smilies and metaphors were beautifully gripping and well-done.
My favorite scene definitely was the winter's dance (who wouldn't have guessed 😂😉), but I also loved the message that just because you can't feel God doesn't mean He's not there. That's faith, believing even when and in what we can't see.
Also, there were so many, I can't believe this is happening moments... so thrilling, and I also liked the backwoods elements of 1913.
Hiddenite. Even the name just sounds so mysterious 🖤.
CW: blood pooling, kidnapping, a little overly focused on liking the MMC, savoring a kiss
My Rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 out of 5 stars)/ 18+
Definitely recommend this book for the Christian Historical Fiction alone, not to mention three incredibly well-done fairy-tale retellings 🩷.
Beneath this Sunset 🌄:
Okay, this was a really intriguing setup. The author hooked me from the beginning, with Maxence being a French Knight 😉. Though, I did feel sorry for poor Sir Murray 🥲.
I also loved the themes that everyone is worthy of being loved no matter how they look because we are the Creator's creation. Unique with different purposes, but still worthy 💛.
And okay, the plot twist at the end had my jaw literally dropping. There is no way I expected that. I couldn't shut my mouth for a full minute, at least (I've never done that before). And I loved how she chose the ending for the beginning~ Beneath this Sunset. So perfect!
CW: Ale (though I think she that was keeping with the times and water was usually bad back then), touching her hair, wounds (nothing gory), intended execution
My rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out 5 stars)/ 18+
The Bookbinder & the Beast 🥀:
Okay, this one was my absolute favorite out of the stories 😍❤️. The only reason it didn't receive a 5 star rating was because of some stronger language.
Not only is it Beauty & the Beast, but I was also delightedly surprised that the author incorporated wonderful faith themes as her bio had nothing that portrayed that.
Alaric , Duck of Ashthorne was so dashingly handsome and gentlemanly despite his appearance 🖤🎩🌹. It was the absolute sweetest to see Him take care of Rosabelle.
It also encouraged me that God has given everything and everyone in life a purpose, a chance to do good or to change someone for the good.
CW: Several British Euphemisms, and insults (no swearing though thankfully), how it felt to be held, how his heart felt against her cheek...
My Rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)/ 18+
Definitely can't recommend this story enough, I so love it 👌!
One Winter's Dance ❄️:
Though I'm not super fond of the Ice Queen Fairytale, I say that the author did an incredible job in retelling it with Naomi and Kai's story.
Who knew Elizabeth was that evil *scowls*, but all the ice smilies and metaphors were beautifully gripping and well-done.
My favorite scene definitely was the winter's dance (who wouldn't have guessed 😂😉), but I also loved the message that just because you can't feel God doesn't mean He's not there. That's faith, believing even when and in what we can't see.
Also, there were so many, I can't believe this is happening moments... so thrilling, and I also liked the backwoods elements of 1913.
Hiddenite. Even the name just sounds so mysterious 🖤.
CW: blood pooling, kidnapping, a little overly focused on liking the MMC, savoring a kiss
My Rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 out of 5 stars)/ 18+
Definitely recommend this book for the Christian Historical Fiction alone, not to mention three incredibly well-done fairy-tale retellings 🩷.
October 5, 2025
This collection contains 3 Fairy Retellings. So to be fair for individual ratings, I've listed a breakdown below:
3 stars – Beneath this Sunset – This story was an Ugly Duckling retelling. I liked the concept of the story.
4 stars – The Bookbinder and the Beast – This story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I enjoyed reading the story and liked how the book binding and library preservation elements were woven into the plot. I liked the characters and would enjoy reading more of Rosabelle and Alaric’s life and relationship.
5 stars – One Winter’s Dance – This story is a retelling of The Snow Queen. Because I wasn’t as familiar with this particular fairy tale, I had to ‘brush up’ on the storyline. This made it so cool, then to find the “Easter eggs” that were subtly woven within the plot. I enjoyed reading the author’s note of how she used a true historical place/event to weave an interesting plot. I love being ‘educated’ on the little-known tidbits of history that form a foundation for historical fiction.
3 stars – Beneath this Sunset – This story was an Ugly Duckling retelling. I liked the concept of the story.
4 stars – The Bookbinder and the Beast – This story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I enjoyed reading the story and liked how the book binding and library preservation elements were woven into the plot. I liked the characters and would enjoy reading more of Rosabelle and Alaric’s life and relationship.
5 stars – One Winter’s Dance – This story is a retelling of The Snow Queen. Because I wasn’t as familiar with this particular fairy tale, I had to ‘brush up’ on the storyline. This made it so cool, then to find the “Easter eggs” that were subtly woven within the plot. I enjoyed reading the author’s note of how she used a true historical place/event to weave an interesting plot. I love being ‘educated’ on the little-known tidbits of history that form a foundation for historical fiction.
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August 22, 2025This I Know has been submitted for publication!
Be sure to join the ARC or hype team here: linktr.ee/beyondthebookery
And don't miss your chance to get the pre-order deal of 50% off the ebook!
Be sure to join the ARC or hype team here: linktr.ee/beyondthebookery
And don't miss your chance to get the pre-order deal of 50% off the ebook!
September 17, 2025
Beneath This Sunset by Molly Anderson
3 stars. It took me a while to get into this story, mainly because I struggled to figure out if this was historical or fantasy. I finally concluded it was historically-inspired fantasy, based on the snowy kingdom of Enneigé within France; the whole storyline of French nobles helping English peasants fight English nobles; and the blonde, blue-eyed Frenchmen with fair skin that "burned under England's hot sun" vs. dark-haired and -eyed Englishmen. Once I figured that out, my read went smoother, though I was still confused by the whole kingdoms-within-kingdoms part (people were both dukes and kings, which I struggled to wrap my head around). All that said, I really appreciated seeing an Ugly Duckling retelling because those are so rare, and the author did it well. I also really appreciated how almost all the French was spelled correctly/had the correct diacritics!! That is SO rare, so a round of applause for Ms. Anderson.
The Bookbinder & the Beast by Scarlett Clarke
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Oh my word, I adored every minute of this!! First of all it's a Beauty & the Beast retelling (!) and then it's set in post-Napoleonic Era England (!!) and finally it features a bookbinder (!!!). Honestly, I think this is my favourite B&tB retelling I've ever read. I've never seen the Disney film but I have read the Disney kids' books about it and also watched the Disney musical, and this retelling felt very Disney-coded, which I loved. I also loved the main characters—Rosabelle was so plucky and sweet; and I loved how Alaric was more broken than beastly, with plenty of pain to explain his temper and such a strong redemption arc. Their romance was adorable (I don’t know, I love noble x lower class romances...)! The side characters were delightful too, and I just loved the partly-broken-down castle setting. The deep love of books and all the cool bookbinder bits just added to my pleasure, and the plot just perfect. This story may not be for everyone, but I loved it so, so much.
One Winter’s Dance by Issabelle Perry
4 stars. Wow, this was such a unique setting! I've never heard of Hiddenite or the Davis White Sulphur Springs Hotel, and I appreciated learning about both. Unfortunately I'm not very familiar with the fairytale of The Snow Queen, so I wasn't able to pick up on any of the retelling bits; but the plot kept me intrigued, and the end was really cute.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
3 stars. It took me a while to get into this story, mainly because I struggled to figure out if this was historical or fantasy. I finally concluded it was historically-inspired fantasy, based on the snowy kingdom of Enneigé within France; the whole storyline of French nobles helping English peasants fight English nobles; and the blonde, blue-eyed Frenchmen with fair skin that "burned under England's hot sun" vs. dark-haired and -eyed Englishmen. Once I figured that out, my read went smoother, though I was still confused by the whole kingdoms-within-kingdoms part (people were both dukes and kings, which I struggled to wrap my head around). All that said, I really appreciated seeing an Ugly Duckling retelling because those are so rare, and the author did it well. I also really appreciated how almost all the French was spelled correctly/had the correct diacritics!! That is SO rare, so a round of applause for Ms. Anderson.
The Bookbinder & the Beast by Scarlett Clarke
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Oh my word, I adored every minute of this!! First of all it's a Beauty & the Beast retelling (!) and then it's set in post-Napoleonic Era England (!!) and finally it features a bookbinder (!!!). Honestly, I think this is my favourite B&tB retelling I've ever read. I've never seen the Disney film but I have read the Disney kids' books about it and also watched the Disney musical, and this retelling felt very Disney-coded, which I loved. I also loved the main characters—Rosabelle was so plucky and sweet; and I loved how Alaric was more broken than beastly, with plenty of pain to explain his temper and such a strong redemption arc. Their romance was adorable (I don’t know, I love noble x lower class romances...)! The side characters were delightful too, and I just loved the partly-broken-down castle setting. The deep love of books and all the cool bookbinder bits just added to my pleasure, and the plot just perfect. This story may not be for everyone, but I loved it so, so much.
One Winter’s Dance by Issabelle Perry
4 stars. Wow, this was such a unique setting! I've never heard of Hiddenite or the Davis White Sulphur Springs Hotel, and I appreciated learning about both. Unfortunately I'm not very familiar with the fairytale of The Snow Queen, so I wasn't able to pick up on any of the retelling bits; but the plot kept me intrigued, and the end was really cute.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
September 1, 2025
What a fun collection of stories! This I Know is a trio of fairytale retellings set in historical times. Molly, Scarlett and Issabelle used the bones of classic tales (The Ugly Duckling, Beauty and the Beast, and The Snow Queen) to bring delightful stories to life. Unsurprisingly, The Bookbinder and the Beast was my favorite (Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite fairytales to read retellings of).
I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 2, 2025
Ugly Duckling retelling: This was a bit bloodier than I expected, but I loved the medieval style of storytelling, and the idea of a prince rescuing a princess in peril fit the fairytale theme very well! I ended up liking it more than I thought I would!
Beauty and the Beast: I loved the bookish take on this classic fairytale with both Beauty and the Beast sharing a love of antique books and stories! Clean, uplifting, short, and romantic, this book was full of character growth and well won personal battles!
The Snow Queen: This was set in the early 1900’s in a historic hotel and surrounding area. I loved the little historic details and the way the fairytale was woven into the story, as well as the character growth that happened with both main characters! The ending was a spectacular finish and I found it to be very satisfying.
Beauty and the Beast: I loved the bookish take on this classic fairytale with both Beauty and the Beast sharing a love of antique books and stories! Clean, uplifting, short, and romantic, this book was full of character growth and well won personal battles!
The Snow Queen: This was set in the early 1900’s in a historic hotel and surrounding area. I loved the little historic details and the way the fairytale was woven into the story, as well as the character growth that happened with both main characters! The ending was a spectacular finish and I found it to be very satisfying.
September 3, 2025
This I Know: A Collection of Historical Fairytale Retellings
Fairy Tale Frenzy
By Molly Anderson, Scarlett Clarke, and Issabelle Perry
This I Know is a delightful collection of faith-based fairy tale retellings with a historical setting. I loved how each of the three stories created a unique non-magical tale that featured characters that were facing difficulties in life. But hope was found once they looked to God rather than "things of this world."
Experience The Ugly Duckling, Beauty and the Beast, and the Snow Queen from a talented team of writers who have claimed these fairy tales and made them their own. If you are looking for sweet, clean reads that reflect your faith and values look no further.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Fairy Tale Frenzy
By Molly Anderson, Scarlett Clarke, and Issabelle Perry
This I Know is a delightful collection of faith-based fairy tale retellings with a historical setting. I loved how each of the three stories created a unique non-magical tale that featured characters that were facing difficulties in life. But hope was found once they looked to God rather than "things of this world."
Experience The Ugly Duckling, Beauty and the Beast, and the Snow Queen from a talented team of writers who have claimed these fairy tales and made them their own. If you are looking for sweet, clean reads that reflect your faith and values look no further.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews