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Waking Courage: A Collection of Fantasy Fairy Tale Retellings
Beyond the Bookery invites you to step into a collection of heartwarming, thrilling, and romantic fantasy fairy tale retellings.
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
What happens when you combine a matchmaking shenanigans, an ornery dog, and a ball no one wants to attend? When seamstress Samara Perrson agreed to assist with the royal ball, she never expected to find herself unintentionally included in matchmaking shenanigans. She also never expected to fall for Prince Ewan Landreth. Can a troublemaking dog, scheming siblings, and a stitch of love bring these two together?
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
Betrayed by her lady in waiting, Princess Analise Lockhart of Wilkenshire is forced into servitude in the highland empire of the Aurelian Cliffs. As the royal Goose Girl, she learns about the kingdom’s sudden misfortunes and their desperation for the union to succeed. Will she reclaim her title and save Aurel before the crown prince marries the wrong woman, or remain the peasant goose girl of a dying empire?
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
What happens when you combine a matchmaking shenanigans, an ornery dog, and a ball no one wants to attend? When seamstress Samara Perrson agreed to assist with the royal ball, she never expected to find herself unintentionally included in matchmaking shenanigans. She also never expected to fall for Prince Ewan Landreth. Can a troublemaking dog, scheming siblings, and a stitch of love bring these two together?
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
Betrayed by her lady in waiting, Princess Analise Lockhart of Wilkenshire is forced into servitude in the highland empire of the Aurelian Cliffs. As the royal Goose Girl, she learns about the kingdom’s sudden misfortunes and their desperation for the union to succeed. Will she reclaim her title and save Aurel before the crown prince marries the wrong woman, or remain the peasant goose girl of a dying empire?
- GenresFantasyRetellings
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
About the author
Madisyn Carlin
36 books384 followersIf you dislike "preachiness" and a lot of faith content, my books are not for you.
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Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales where faith and fantasy unite.
Editorial, graphic design, cover design, and website design services offered at Mountain Peak Edits & Design.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin
***
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales where faith and fantasy unite.
Editorial, graphic design, cover design, and website design services offered at Mountain Peak Edits & Design.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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July 14, 2026I'm giving away an ebook of WC. You can learn more about the giveaway here: https://madismusingsblog.wordpress.co...
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Don't miss this sweet, nonmagical fantasy collection featuring a Princess and the Pea retelling (with sibling banter, matchmaking schemes, and canine shenanigans), and a Goose Girl retelling (with betrayal and lots of geese).
You can learn more, or purchase your copy, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F994SBKX
***
Don't miss this sweet, nonmagical fantasy collection featuring a Princess and the Pea retelling (with sibling banter, matchmaking schemes, and canine shenanigans), and a Goose Girl retelling (with betrayal and lots of geese).
You can learn more, or purchase your copy, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F994SBKX
May 11, 2026
Madisyn Carlin's Stitch of Love:
Don't get me wrong, I love all of the books Madisyn has authored that I've read so far, but I was quite happy to read a story of a less violent nature, lol 🤣. I needed that medicine of laughter ❤️🩹.
This book was so adorable... poor, adorable, sweet, awkward Ewan 💙. Him not realizing he quite likes her is so sweet 🤌🏻. The dancing and foot, I felt so much for him 😳🫣🫠.
Samara was so sweet and unassuming, too. It was touching to see her learn that we can love and be loved despite imperfections 🩷.
Blueberry is an absolute disaster 😳😅...
I also enjoyed seeing Gwyn and Varrick as a married couple. They are literally so cute together 😍. And Gwyn's dress. It's absolutely gorgeous. How come Gwyn always gets the best dresses, lol 🤣.
I was also encouraged by the faith themes woven throughout the book. God often sends us the answers to our prayers when we least expect them. When we put the Highest above all, we can have hope even when life doesn't go the way we want or think it should.
CW: Not really any I can think of.
My rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)/ 16+
Okay, I'm going to admit, I didn't read the second story in this book because it needed to go back to the library. I may someday return to it, but not currently. So I can only advise you to read at your own discretion.
But the first story is definitely worth it 😁.
Don't get me wrong, I love all of the books Madisyn has authored that I've read so far, but I was quite happy to read a story of a less violent nature, lol 🤣. I needed that medicine of laughter ❤️🩹.
This book was so adorable... poor, adorable, sweet, awkward Ewan 💙. Him not realizing he quite likes her is so sweet 🤌🏻. The dancing and foot, I felt so much for him 😳🫣🫠.
Samara was so sweet and unassuming, too. It was touching to see her learn that we can love and be loved despite imperfections 🩷.
Blueberry is an absolute disaster 😳😅...
I also enjoyed seeing Gwyn and Varrick as a married couple. They are literally so cute together 😍. And Gwyn's dress. It's absolutely gorgeous. How come Gwyn always gets the best dresses, lol 🤣.
I was also encouraged by the faith themes woven throughout the book. God often sends us the answers to our prayers when we least expect them. When we put the Highest above all, we can have hope even when life doesn't go the way we want or think it should.
CW: Not really any I can think of.
My rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)/ 16+
Okay, I'm going to admit, I didn't read the second story in this book because it needed to go back to the library. I may someday return to it, but not currently. So I can only advise you to read at your own discretion.
But the first story is definitely worth it 😁.
December 31, 2025
Two Novella's so I'll give a short review for each one!
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
This was an adorable Princess and the Pea retelling! I loved Ewan and seeing all the Landreth brothers again as well as Gwyn was delightful! Samara was a sweet girl, and I enjoyed her part in the story as well! Everything came together nicely at the end, and I can't wait to read more about the other brothers! (Most especially Jude!)
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
I've never been a huge fan of the Goose Girl...to be fair though, this was probably in my top five for this one (as in I liked it, despite not liking The Goose Girl). I understood why Annalise couldn't easily regain her identity and liked that aspect of the story. I liked Percival for the most part, some of his actions felt younger than what he was...to me, but overall, I really liked the story!
Recommended for ages 14+
I received an ARC from the publisher and was not in any way required to leave a review, good or otherwise. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
This was an adorable Princess and the Pea retelling! I loved Ewan and seeing all the Landreth brothers again as well as Gwyn was delightful! Samara was a sweet girl, and I enjoyed her part in the story as well! Everything came together nicely at the end, and I can't wait to read more about the other brothers! (Most especially Jude!)
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
I've never been a huge fan of the Goose Girl...to be fair though, this was probably in my top five for this one (as in I liked it, despite not liking The Goose Girl). I understood why Annalise couldn't easily regain her identity and liked that aspect of the story. I liked Percival for the most part, some of his actions felt younger than what he was...to me, but overall, I really liked the story!
Recommended for ages 14+
I received an ARC from the publisher and was not in any way required to leave a review, good or otherwise. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
May 8, 2026
This was sooooo cute!!!! I loved the first book because it was just sweet and simple. No bad guys or evil stuff happening. Just a sweet romance and a wholesome story with good faith content.
The second story was surprising! I was not expecting that twist! It was an interesting take on goose girl and I liked it a lot! I do wish there had been a bit more on her side while she was a goose girl because that part was rather quick and you didn’t get to see much. But other than that, it was great! I feel really bad tho for the brother, he deserved better 😢
The second story was surprising! I was not expecting that twist! It was an interesting take on goose girl and I liked it a lot! I do wish there had been a bit more on her side while she was a goose girl because that part was rather quick and you didn’t get to see much. But other than that, it was great! I feel really bad tho for the brother, he deserved better 😢
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
magic-less, wonderful retellings of familiar fairytales
Retelling of Cinderella/Princess and the Pea
As one comes to expect from Ms. Carlin, this novella is faith-filled, with a well-developed plot and lovely characters. Though the story is not unique, the characters and author’s twist make it a delight to read. It surely can be read as a stand-alone, but for those who’ve read her story in the Noble Collection several characters reappear again.
And though budding romance between friends is on the foreground, overcoming grief, family relationships, deteriorating health, difference in social status, and courage to pursue love, to name a few are among things to consider here.
Retelling of the Goose Princess
This novellas has very familiar story but a few twists make it interesting to dive into. And though it is lighthearted, it does cover such topics as selfish desires and fears, feeling of abandonment and a sense of newfound worth, to name a few. Though the faith theme is not strong here, the novella is filled with goodness and the courage of sacrifice to save others.
These fairytale retellings have no magic, but they have a wonderful presentation of good vs evil, when love triumphs and happily ever afters abound. The novellas will definitely warm your heart and uplift your spirit.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
Retelling of Cinderella/Princess and the Pea
As one comes to expect from Ms. Carlin, this novella is faith-filled, with a well-developed plot and lovely characters. Though the story is not unique, the characters and author’s twist make it a delight to read. It surely can be read as a stand-alone, but for those who’ve read her story in the Noble Collection several characters reappear again.
And though budding romance between friends is on the foreground, overcoming grief, family relationships, deteriorating health, difference in social status, and courage to pursue love, to name a few are among things to consider here.
Retelling of the Goose Princess
This novellas has very familiar story but a few twists make it interesting to dive into. And though it is lighthearted, it does cover such topics as selfish desires and fears, feeling of abandonment and a sense of newfound worth, to name a few. Though the faith theme is not strong here, the novella is filled with goodness and the courage of sacrifice to save others.
These fairytale retellings have no magic, but they have a wonderful presentation of good vs evil, when love triumphs and happily ever afters abound. The novellas will definitely warm your heart and uplift your spirit.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
January 11, 2026
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
5 stars. YAY, another story about the princes of Alarch!! I was delighted to see Varrick & Gwyn after A Noble Protector, and the boys too. I loved Samara, and Ewan was the perfect match for her. Watching their romance unfold was such fun. I especially loved the whole rigmarole of the matchmakers and the ball, which fit the retelling of The Princess & the Pea nicely. For once, it was nice not to have any treason or such tremendous dangers, haha. And Blueberry sounds adorable. 😉 So yes, I loved every bit of this!
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). Ooo, the Goose Girl! I haven't read many retellings of that one. I struggled a bit with this story, but I really loved how the plot reminded me a lot of the French fairytale and I enjoyed watching Analise and Percy try to circumvent the events and take care of the kingdom. It sounded so lovely!
*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.*
5 stars. YAY, another story about the princes of Alarch!! I was delighted to see Varrick & Gwyn after A Noble Protector, and the boys too. I loved Samara, and Ewan was the perfect match for her. Watching their romance unfold was such fun. I especially loved the whole rigmarole of the matchmakers and the ball, which fit the retelling of The Princess & the Pea nicely. For once, it was nice not to have any treason or such tremendous dangers, haha. And Blueberry sounds adorable. 😉 So yes, I loved every bit of this!
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). Ooo, the Goose Girl! I haven't read many retellings of that one. I struggled a bit with this story, but I really loved how the plot reminded me a lot of the French fairytale and I enjoyed watching Analise and Percy try to circumvent the events and take care of the kingdom. It sounded so lovely!
*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.*
February 21, 2026
Waking Courage is a novella collection with two non magical fairytale retellings.
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin is a Princess and the Pea retelling with some characters you might already know if you have read A Noble Protector (which I 100% recommend!). It’s also connected to Lilac, though I have to admit I’m not sure if there are character crossovers or if it’s just set in the same world.
I really enjoyed this faith filled version and its wonderful characters. It’s a quick read but not without depth. I loved seeing the romance between Samara and Ewan develop and the sibling relationships were so much fun.
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel is a Goose Girl retelling and the first book I have read by this author.
It’s a lighthearted read but it addresses some important topics and includes Christian themes and values.
I thought this was a lovely retelling with sweet characters. Annalise and Percival are a very cute couple and I enjoyed this novella and would definitely check out other works by the author.
* Thank you to the authors for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin is a Princess and the Pea retelling with some characters you might already know if you have read A Noble Protector (which I 100% recommend!). It’s also connected to Lilac, though I have to admit I’m not sure if there are character crossovers or if it’s just set in the same world.
I really enjoyed this faith filled version and its wonderful characters. It’s a quick read but not without depth. I loved seeing the romance between Samara and Ewan develop and the sibling relationships were so much fun.
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel is a Goose Girl retelling and the first book I have read by this author.
It’s a lighthearted read but it addresses some important topics and includes Christian themes and values.
I thought this was a lovely retelling with sweet characters. Annalise and Percival are a very cute couple and I enjoyed this novella and would definitely check out other works by the author.
* Thank you to the authors for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
July 15, 2026
If you like fairy tale retellings, you should definitely read Waking Courage, which contains two novellas. The first, A Stitch of Love, is based on "The Princess and the Pea" and is part of a world the author has already written stories about. Prince Ewan is a character who is easy to root for. I also enjoyed the character of his sister-in-law, Princess Gwyn. The couple in "Princess of Mine", a retelling of "The Goose Girl" will hook you right away. The plight of Princess Analise pulls at your heart immediately. As a mystery fan, I also like how Prince Percival delves into detective work to figure out why the princess his older brother is betrothed to is acting so strangely.
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April 30, 2026All of the Fairy Tale Frenzy collections are now out in ebook, paperback, and on Kindle Unlimited!
Find your favorite format here: linktr.ee/beyondthebookery
Find your favorite format here: linktr.ee/beyondthebookery
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews