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I Wish I May
Zelda Ravensdale wants to graduate from Madame LeBleu's School for Godmothers at the top of her class, but with her magic acting up, she must prove herself worthy by completing a special mission from the headmistress herself.
Lonely Crown Prince Leo has no interest in becoming king. When he wishes away his crown, he sets off a series of events that risk upsetting the balance of magic in the modern world. The fairies need an ally on the throne to keep magic under their control and as a lover of the magical sciences, Leo is the perfect candidate.
Now Zelda must convince Leo to keep his crown, but that's easier said than done. When they discover a magical organization bent on stealing magic for themselves - and taking out the crown prince with fairy sympathies - every Happily Ever After and even their lives are on the line.
For fans of royal romances, magical boarding schools, and quirky fairytale mashups as in The School for Good and Evil and Ella Enchanted.
Lonely Crown Prince Leo has no interest in becoming king. When he wishes away his crown, he sets off a series of events that risk upsetting the balance of magic in the modern world. The fairies need an ally on the throne to keep magic under their control and as a lover of the magical sciences, Leo is the perfect candidate.
Now Zelda must convince Leo to keep his crown, but that's easier said than done. When they discover a magical organization bent on stealing magic for themselves - and taking out the crown prince with fairy sympathies - every Happily Ever After and even their lives are on the line.
For fans of royal romances, magical boarding schools, and quirky fairytale mashups as in The School for Good and Evil and Ella Enchanted.
- GenresFantasyClean Romance
330 pages, Hardcover
Published July 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Adelyn Belsterling
2 books13 followersAdelyn Belsterling is a writer of all things hopeful and stories full of magic. She grew up on a steady diet of Disney VHSs, fantasy books, and musical theater. Adelyn lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and cavalier, Theo. She is a graduate of Grove City College with a degree in Marketing Management and spends her days chasing a toddler and neglecting her garden while writing novels in her free time.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fantasy - Magic Realism
I did not mean to stay up until 5am to finish this book. But, oops, oh well, this was so much fun?!?
Right at the beginning, I was instantly reminded of Ever After High and just the idea alone of a boarding school for fairy godmothers-in-training fascinated me. I love a good boarding school setting and unlike other books I’ve read that promote being set in a boarding school, this one actually had a ton of scenes set in said boarding school—something you wouldn’t think is a rarity for a boarding school book, but seems to be in my experience.
I’m going to call this a hidden gem—I don’t even remember where I first learned about this book, but it was a one-time thing and I added it to my Amazon wishlist to check out at a later date. Very glad I did that!
There were a couple comments here and there I didn’t care for which is making me drop it from a 4.5 to a 4 rating. Zelda and Leo also cuddle a bit too much in their bedrooms for my tastes and while it’s awkward at first and doesn’t go any farther, I thought it was a wee much especially with certain kisses that had some strong emotions. 😅 Which is a bummer because had all that been toned down a bit more, I probably would have given this book a 5 star rating.
It was a little fast on the attraction, but I was invested into the story so I was really just squeeing in delight over certain scenes. They were very cute together and I really liked not only the pacing of the story but also how everything happened. I kept thinking I was seeing foreshadowing and all the ways the plans made could go horribly wrong, but apparently I’m a worry-wart because none of my concerns happened. I wasn’t expecting something towards the end though and I’m not sure how I didn’t see it, but I liked it. 👀 There was some angst that the end, but no where near the amount I was trying to brace myself for, so I would say this is definitely a less-angsty, maybe slightly more cozy read.
I did think the inclusion of real world places (like France or Korea) and things (including laptops and Snapchat) was a little odd. This is a fictional country but then there would be these mentions that kind of made me pause when it would be brought up. Perhaps it’s supposed to be an alternative world where there are fairy godmothers everywhere? Because of this, it was more of a magical realism in a way, which was different for me.
We finally got Leo’s POV towards the end and I was very happy about that, to say the least. Sure, these two might have been a wee bit kissy and touchy for my tastes for a YA book, but I have to say that I highly enjoyed this book else wise and not only plan to get a copy of this book for my shelves, but also look forward to seeing what happens next for this series.
Main Content-
Lots of magic content due to the godmother-in-training plot-line with many, many mentions of magic, spells, potions, and wands (all in a fairy godmother way, not in a witch/wizard way).
Zelda is a fairy godmother-in-training and this is a major part of the book; Zelda uses her magic through her wand and it is often described as her feeling it from her spine down her arm to her fingertips (she and others use their magic for creating snow or storms, serving tea, changing someone’s appearance and clothing, making dresses and shoes, baking, creating a fire, and healing someone else’s injuries); Also for creating potions (such as a shrinking potion, a potion for endless fog, a cloaking potion); A couple of spells are written out (“Goodlewollup et snoodle” and “Fiddle ond faddle”); At the beginning, Zelda feels a block when trying to use her magic; Fairies are forbidden from using magic without a wand; Drinking a potion and shrinking; Someone turns another into a puppy (which Zelda doesn’t think is legal).
Magic cannot stop death; Magic is usually only passed down through daughters; Some phones for a class have been magicked and the fairy godmothers-in-training are able to transport through the phone to their godchild (Zelda experiences this a handful of times); A man has clairvoyance because of his mother’s magical DNA and can see glimpses of the future (which Zelda thinks would be more of a curse than a blessing; The man also calls it his “inner eye”).
When a fairy officially becomes a godmother, they receive their wings (which can be different types of wings from butterflies to hummingbirds to ravens) and are able to use them to travel; Until then, fairies can only travel through charmed phones.
Seeing elves & many mentions of them and other magical creatures; *Major Spoilers* .
A teacher says that Zelda can do nothing short of “miraculous” with her items in the class.
Mentions of thaumaturgy magic and it being illegal because of the cruel methods but it also being dangerous to expose someone to magic if they don’t already have the gift of magic (to the point it can stop the person’s heart); A mention of a place being decorated as a prehistoric jungle with dinosaurs; A mention of a religious fervor to coax someone one to be able to sing; A mention of Père Noël.
Being tied-up, Pulling a shoulder out of its socket, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing someone being tied-up, being hurt, and in pain (up to a few sentences); Sneaking out.
Language: nothing stronger than ‘suck’ and ‘freaking’, which are both used once; Fictional phrases like “oh my giddy gourds”, “rotting, stinking pumpkins”, “water biscuits”, and “lug nuts” are exclaimed; Someone says to another for “rust rot your gears”; When Leo’s little sister says ‘stupid’, he tells her not to use the ’s-word’ and she says that isn’t the s-word and knows what it is because she’s not a baby; Leo’s little sister also calls him a ‘buttmunch’; A mention of someone telling another to do “something vulgar” to himself in anger; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Zelda does lie a handful of times (mostly because of a secret she has to keep with her godchild and feels guilt especially when lying to her best friend or Leo).
Zelda and her friends go to a pub/bar and drink microbrews and wine; Zelda’s family runs a winery and sell enchanted wine (such as wine for remembering where you placed an item or keeping dinner conversations from lagging or turning dull); Zelda has too much of her family’s truthful wine and her head feels fuzzy around Leo; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, someone having too much, & pubs/bars.
Leo has a strained relationship with his father because of his expectations for Leo (which makes him not want to be a prince/heir and break rules; He also calls his father toxic; Zelda feels angry that anyone could feel like their parent doesn’t want them around).
A guy grabs at Zelda and she jerks her arm out of her grip; A Halloween event (mentions of spooky decor & carved pumpkins).
Mentions of a missing person; Mentions of a parent’s illness & the family preparing for the worst; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of a teen’s parents splitting up and them trying to “figure out how to be single again” (the teen is struggling); A few mentions of a tattoo; A couple mentions of planning a murder; A couple mentions of kiss-ups; A couple mentions of Disneyland; A mention of slave labor; A mention of vomit.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
4 hand kisses,
4 forehead/hair kisses,
3 almost kisses (up to a few sentences)
1 kiss with no details,
6 kisses lasting a sentence,
3 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5-7 sentences,
1 kiss lasting a couple paragraphs (7-10 sentences).
Remembering kisses & almost kisses (up to a few sentences); Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Lots of Touches (including some cuddling/nestling and Leo pulling Zelda into his lap once), Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Shivers, Tingles/Electricity, Flutters, Warmth, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (up to a few sentences); Remembering all the of prior (up to a few sentences); Blushes & Flirting; A bit of jealousy.
Zelda goes to Leo’s room and she feels awkward when he offers her to sit on his bed (which makes her think that she can’t think the last time she’d been on a boy’s bed and tells herself to stop being ridiculous); They sit next to each other at the head of the bed and watch a movie; Leo later sneaks into Zelda’s bedroom and he joins her on her bed (a gossip rag reports a picture of him sneaking out of her room, which Zelda’s best friend calls her a “sly dog” for and Zelda protests that it wasn’t that kind of meeting); After a kiss, Leo says that he and Zelda should go to bed, but quickly clarifies he means their separate rooms; Leo crawls under the covers of Zelda’s bed to be next to her (they share a kiss, but nothing more); At one point, Leo and Zelda fall asleep on a sofa and she wakes up on his chest; Zelda wears a dress with a “daringly low back” and Leo traces delicate lines down her spine.
Zelda’s ex-boyfriend says he doesn’t want anything serious and asks if she wants something casual with him (which Zelda says would be a hook-up and turns him down because of her self-respect).
Zelda reads a gossip rag article that has a spread dedicated to Prince Leo in uniform and his buttocks (which Zelda is embarrassed by and thinks all the pictures of it is degrading).
Seeing a couple kissing/making out and her sitting on his lap at another time (twice on the latter, up to a couple sentences); Zelda’s best friend tells her to snog Leo under the mistletoe; Zelda’s best friend wants Zelda to tell her about her kisses with Leo.
Many mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates/dating, break-ups, & exes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & a make-out session; Mentions of handsome guys & girls giggling at one; Mentions of flirting & crushes; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of an offer of hooking up with someone; A couple mentions of a man being handsy; A mention of Leo’s ex-girlfriend telling the press what kind of kisser he is “among other things”; A mention of a male student having a “number of the students” crushing on him (not gender specific); A mention of a strapless bra; A mention of a woman’s dress hugging her figure.
I did not mean to stay up until 5am to finish this book. But, oops, oh well, this was so much fun?!?
Right at the beginning, I was instantly reminded of Ever After High and just the idea alone of a boarding school for fairy godmothers-in-training fascinated me. I love a good boarding school setting and unlike other books I’ve read that promote being set in a boarding school, this one actually had a ton of scenes set in said boarding school—something you wouldn’t think is a rarity for a boarding school book, but seems to be in my experience.
I’m going to call this a hidden gem—I don’t even remember where I first learned about this book, but it was a one-time thing and I added it to my Amazon wishlist to check out at a later date. Very glad I did that!
There were a couple comments here and there I didn’t care for which is making me drop it from a 4.5 to a 4 rating. Zelda and Leo also cuddle a bit too much in their bedrooms for my tastes and while it’s awkward at first and doesn’t go any farther, I thought it was a wee much especially with certain kisses that had some strong emotions. 😅 Which is a bummer because had all that been toned down a bit more, I probably would have given this book a 5 star rating.
It was a little fast on the attraction, but I was invested into the story so I was really just squeeing in delight over certain scenes. They were very cute together and I really liked not only the pacing of the story but also how everything happened. I kept thinking I was seeing foreshadowing and all the ways the plans made could go horribly wrong, but apparently I’m a worry-wart because none of my concerns happened. I wasn’t expecting something towards the end though and I’m not sure how I didn’t see it, but I liked it. 👀 There was some angst that the end, but no where near the amount I was trying to brace myself for, so I would say this is definitely a less-angsty, maybe slightly more cozy read.
I did think the inclusion of real world places (like France or Korea) and things (including laptops and Snapchat) was a little odd. This is a fictional country but then there would be these mentions that kind of made me pause when it would be brought up. Perhaps it’s supposed to be an alternative world where there are fairy godmothers everywhere? Because of this, it was more of a magical realism in a way, which was different for me.
We finally got Leo’s POV towards the end and I was very happy about that, to say the least. Sure, these two might have been a wee bit kissy and touchy for my tastes for a YA book, but I have to say that I highly enjoyed this book else wise and not only plan to get a copy of this book for my shelves, but also look forward to seeing what happens next for this series.
Main Content-
Lots of magic content due to the godmother-in-training plot-line with many, many mentions of magic, spells, potions, and wands (all in a fairy godmother way, not in a witch/wizard way).
Zelda is a fairy godmother-in-training and this is a major part of the book; Zelda uses her magic through her wand and it is often described as her feeling it from her spine down her arm to her fingertips (she and others use their magic for creating snow or storms, serving tea, changing someone’s appearance and clothing, making dresses and shoes, baking, creating a fire, and healing someone else’s injuries); Also for creating potions (such as a shrinking potion, a potion for endless fog, a cloaking potion); A couple of spells are written out (“Goodlewollup et snoodle” and “Fiddle ond faddle”); At the beginning, Zelda feels a block when trying to use her magic; Fairies are forbidden from using magic without a wand; Drinking a potion and shrinking; Someone turns another into a puppy (which Zelda doesn’t think is legal).
Magic cannot stop death; Magic is usually only passed down through daughters; Some phones for a class have been magicked and the fairy godmothers-in-training are able to transport through the phone to their godchild (Zelda experiences this a handful of times); A man has clairvoyance because of his mother’s magical DNA and can see glimpses of the future (which Zelda thinks would be more of a curse than a blessing; The man also calls it his “inner eye”).
When a fairy officially becomes a godmother, they receive their wings (which can be different types of wings from butterflies to hummingbirds to ravens) and are able to use them to travel; Until then, fairies can only travel through charmed phones.
Seeing elves & many mentions of them and other magical creatures; *Major Spoilers* .
A teacher says that Zelda can do nothing short of “miraculous” with her items in the class.
Mentions of thaumaturgy magic and it being illegal because of the cruel methods but it also being dangerous to expose someone to magic if they don’t already have the gift of magic (to the point it can stop the person’s heart); A mention of a place being decorated as a prehistoric jungle with dinosaurs; A mention of a religious fervor to coax someone one to be able to sing; A mention of Père Noël.
Being tied-up, Pulling a shoulder out of its socket, Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few sentences); Seeing someone being tied-up, being hurt, and in pain (up to a few sentences); Sneaking out.
Language: nothing stronger than ‘suck’ and ‘freaking’, which are both used once; Fictional phrases like “oh my giddy gourds”, “rotting, stinking pumpkins”, “water biscuits”, and “lug nuts” are exclaimed; Someone says to another for “rust rot your gears”; When Leo’s little sister says ‘stupid’, he tells her not to use the ’s-word’ and she says that isn’t the s-word and knows what it is because she’s not a baby; Leo’s little sister also calls him a ‘buttmunch’; A mention of someone telling another to do “something vulgar” to himself in anger; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Zelda does lie a handful of times (mostly because of a secret she has to keep with her godchild and feels guilt especially when lying to her best friend or Leo).
Zelda and her friends go to a pub/bar and drink microbrews and wine; Zelda’s family runs a winery and sell enchanted wine (such as wine for remembering where you placed an item or keeping dinner conversations from lagging or turning dull); Zelda has too much of her family’s truthful wine and her head feels fuzzy around Leo; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, someone having too much, & pubs/bars.
Leo has a strained relationship with his father because of his expectations for Leo (which makes him not want to be a prince/heir and break rules; He also calls his father toxic; Zelda feels angry that anyone could feel like their parent doesn’t want them around).
A guy grabs at Zelda and she jerks her arm out of her grip; A Halloween event (mentions of spooky decor & carved pumpkins).
Mentions of a missing person; Mentions of a parent’s illness & the family preparing for the worst; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of a teen’s parents splitting up and them trying to “figure out how to be single again” (the teen is struggling); A few mentions of a tattoo; A couple mentions of planning a murder; A couple mentions of kiss-ups; A couple mentions of Disneyland; A mention of slave labor; A mention of vomit.
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
4 hand kisses,
4 forehead/hair kisses,
3 almost kisses (up to a few sentences)
1 kiss with no details,
6 kisses lasting a sentence,
3 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5-7 sentences,
1 kiss lasting a couple paragraphs (7-10 sentences).
Remembering kisses & almost kisses (up to a few sentences); Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Lots of Touches (including some cuddling/nestling and Leo pulling Zelda into his lap once), Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Shivers, Tingles/Electricity, Flutters, Warmth, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (up to a few sentences); Remembering all the of prior (up to a few sentences); Blushes & Flirting; A bit of jealousy.
Zelda goes to Leo’s room and she feels awkward when he offers her to sit on his bed (which makes her think that she can’t think the last time she’d been on a boy’s bed and tells herself to stop being ridiculous); They sit next to each other at the head of the bed and watch a movie; Leo later sneaks into Zelda’s bedroom and he joins her on her bed (a gossip rag reports a picture of him sneaking out of her room, which Zelda’s best friend calls her a “sly dog” for and Zelda protests that it wasn’t that kind of meeting); After a kiss, Leo says that he and Zelda should go to bed, but quickly clarifies he means their separate rooms; Leo crawls under the covers of Zelda’s bed to be next to her (they share a kiss, but nothing more); At one point, Leo and Zelda fall asleep on a sofa and she wakes up on his chest; Zelda wears a dress with a “daringly low back” and Leo traces delicate lines down her spine.
Zelda’s ex-boyfriend says he doesn’t want anything serious and asks if she wants something casual with him (which Zelda says would be a hook-up and turns him down because of her self-respect).
Zelda reads a gossip rag article that has a spread dedicated to Prince Leo in uniform and his buttocks (which Zelda is embarrassed by and thinks all the pictures of it is degrading).
Seeing a couple kissing/making out and her sitting on his lap at another time (twice on the latter, up to a couple sentences); Zelda’s best friend tells her to snog Leo under the mistletoe; Zelda’s best friend wants Zelda to tell her about her kisses with Leo.
Many mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates/dating, break-ups, & exes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & a make-out session; Mentions of handsome guys & girls giggling at one; Mentions of flirting & crushes; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of an offer of hooking up with someone; A couple mentions of a man being handsy; A mention of Leo’s ex-girlfriend telling the press what kind of kisser he is “among other things”; A mention of a male student having a “number of the students” crushing on him (not gender specific); A mention of a strapless bra; A mention of a woman’s dress hugging her figure.
July 21, 2024
J’adore! The perfect cozy fantasy!
I was drawn to this book not only by the beautiful cover but the interesting premise! A story where the fairy godmother searches for her prince and HEA? Yes, please! I hoped going into this book it would be cozy and heartfelt. It did not disappoint! Adelyn is a marvelous writer, and she has created a world I would love to revisit. The romance was the perfect level of sweet and romantic, and the magic system was unique. If you love fairytales, this is a must-read.
I was drawn to this book not only by the beautiful cover but the interesting premise! A story where the fairy godmother searches for her prince and HEA? Yes, please! I hoped going into this book it would be cozy and heartfelt. It did not disappoint! Adelyn is a marvelous writer, and she has created a world I would love to revisit. The romance was the perfect level of sweet and romantic, and the magic system was unique. If you love fairytales, this is a must-read.
July 11, 2024
I was so excited when I was given the chance to read an ARC for a book that I have always loved in Wattpad and now being able to finally have it on my hands after so many years fells unreal.
For those who don’t know what this amazing book is about, we follow the story of Zelda Ravensdale, a fairy godmother-in-training (GIT) during her fourth and final year at Madame LeBleu’s School for Godmothers. As she is training and competing to become the “First Fairy”, she is asked to help and convince the Crown Price Leopold to not give up his royal position. As Leo joins the Erimount Academy of Magical Sciences (EAMS), the best school for tinkers (who happens to be across of Zelda school), they embark on a mission to keep the balance in the magic world as a magical organization tries to steal magic for themselves.
I have to say that this book was so endearing and swoon-worthy as I remembered. There is so much love in every corner of the story as Zelda and Leo relationship is explored. When reading a Young Adult novel, all I want to feel is lighthearted and thrown back to that gleeful and charming years. The city of Erimount is beautifully described with the castle roaring on top of the city. Both of the schools, the inside of the classes and what is asked of GITs is explained picture clear and just makes me want to be part of the class. It is more than a fairytale royal romance. Zelda is such a great character to follow and her friendships with Imogen and Specs are precious too. I long for stories that show how beautiful friendship and love is. I cannot wait for more people to fall in love with this story and inspire others to look for their own Happily Ever After, just like Zelda.
For those who don’t know what this amazing book is about, we follow the story of Zelda Ravensdale, a fairy godmother-in-training (GIT) during her fourth and final year at Madame LeBleu’s School for Godmothers. As she is training and competing to become the “First Fairy”, she is asked to help and convince the Crown Price Leopold to not give up his royal position. As Leo joins the Erimount Academy of Magical Sciences (EAMS), the best school for tinkers (who happens to be across of Zelda school), they embark on a mission to keep the balance in the magic world as a magical organization tries to steal magic for themselves.
I have to say that this book was so endearing and swoon-worthy as I remembered. There is so much love in every corner of the story as Zelda and Leo relationship is explored. When reading a Young Adult novel, all I want to feel is lighthearted and thrown back to that gleeful and charming years. The city of Erimount is beautifully described with the castle roaring on top of the city. Both of the schools, the inside of the classes and what is asked of GITs is explained picture clear and just makes me want to be part of the class. It is more than a fairytale royal romance. Zelda is such a great character to follow and her friendships with Imogen and Specs are precious too. I long for stories that show how beautiful friendship and love is. I cannot wait for more people to fall in love with this story and inspire others to look for their own Happily Ever After, just like Zelda.
July 16, 2024
I was given the opportunity to read this book through an ARC.
✨ COZY FANTASY YA
✨ ELLA ENCHANTED VIBES/ DYNAMIC
✨ A CUTE ROMANCE
✨ 4.5/5 STARS
This book follows Zelda through her ups and downs as she tries to navigate her last year in Madame LeBleu’s school for Fairy Godmothers. Between classes, exes, and new love interests, what could go wrong?
I enjoyed this book immensely. These are some of the things that I loved:
- Zelda and Leo’s relationship developed slowly and then all at once culminating in a romance where Zelda helps Leo sees things from a different perspective. - Zelda’s friendship with Imogen was also a breath of fresh air, where they helped to balance each other out not only as characters within their own plot lines, but outside of them too.
- The relationship that the family had with one another was a great contrast to Leo’s family. Although we do see glimpses and snippets of Leo’s mom and sister filling the supportive roles in Leo’s life
- The classes that Zelda attended were fun to read about and envision!
The things that I think I wanted to see more of:
- Zelda’s mom pulls her to the side and gives her a pep talk and tells her that maybe “she is a different kind of fairy”, we see Zelda’s emotions and response but then it kind of just falls of the edge as she ends up still becoming the type of Godmother she wanted to be
- Going into this, I was expecting a fully fantasy world, but it’s a fantasy world set within the modern day world, so the countries that are referenced are modern day countries/ continents as well as modern day technology/ social media platforms. It threw me for a loop and I had to reorient myself, but that could be a personal thing.
- More character development between Specs and Imogen. They have a moment where it’s not their first kiss but then Zelda’s magic is sucked away so we lose that discussion between Imogen and Zelda
Overall, this book was a fun, quick read. I would absolutely recommend this book to those who want a light hearted romance with cozy feelings all throughout.
✨ COZY FANTASY YA
✨ ELLA ENCHANTED VIBES/ DYNAMIC
✨ A CUTE ROMANCE
✨ 4.5/5 STARS
This book follows Zelda through her ups and downs as she tries to navigate her last year in Madame LeBleu’s school for Fairy Godmothers. Between classes, exes, and new love interests, what could go wrong?
I enjoyed this book immensely. These are some of the things that I loved:
- Zelda and Leo’s relationship developed slowly and then all at once culminating in a romance where Zelda helps Leo sees things from a different perspective. - Zelda’s friendship with Imogen was also a breath of fresh air, where they helped to balance each other out not only as characters within their own plot lines, but outside of them too.
- The relationship that the family had with one another was a great contrast to Leo’s family. Although we do see glimpses and snippets of Leo’s mom and sister filling the supportive roles in Leo’s life
- The classes that Zelda attended were fun to read about and envision!
The things that I think I wanted to see more of:
- Zelda’s mom pulls her to the side and gives her a pep talk and tells her that maybe “she is a different kind of fairy”, we see Zelda’s emotions and response but then it kind of just falls of the edge as she ends up still becoming the type of Godmother she wanted to be
- Going into this, I was expecting a fully fantasy world, but it’s a fantasy world set within the modern day world, so the countries that are referenced are modern day countries/ continents as well as modern day technology/ social media platforms. It threw me for a loop and I had to reorient myself, but that could be a personal thing.
- More character development between Specs and Imogen. They have a moment where it’s not their first kiss but then Zelda’s magic is sucked away so we lose that discussion between Imogen and Zelda
Overall, this book was a fun, quick read. I would absolutely recommend this book to those who want a light hearted romance with cozy feelings all throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
⭐️ 4 Stars⭐️
Thank you to Adelyn Belsterling for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I remember when I first read this book on Wattpad, and got half way through before I heard the exciting news it was going to be published into a book. After years of waiting, I’m happy to say this book was perfect. I enjoyed all of the characters you get to meet along the way. It was lovely to see them grow across the book.
I would definitely recommend if you love fairytale, Cinderella like stories with some independent growth, romance and adventure.
Thank you to Adelyn Belsterling for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I remember when I first read this book on Wattpad, and got half way through before I heard the exciting news it was going to be published into a book. After years of waiting, I’m happy to say this book was perfect. I enjoyed all of the characters you get to meet along the way. It was lovely to see them grow across the book.
I would definitely recommend if you love fairytale, Cinderella like stories with some independent growth, romance and adventure.
August 19, 2024
SUPER cute & cozy. I loved it. YA and very “trying to find my place in the world” without being *too* angsty for me; adorable love story; delightfully sweet. I’ll definitely be watching for more by this author!
August 4, 2024
Adelyn Belstering kindly gifted me an ARC copy of IWIM + this is my honest review <3 I also read this book on wattpad a few years ago and it was just as lovely, even better reading it again.
There is something I need to do first of all. Bring your eyes towards the covers, the golden swirls, the near sunset sky blue tinged with darkish blue-purple on the cover. And Zelda, our protagonist looking ever so fierce, brave, helpful, smart (she wants to be valedictorian! whimsical magic and make it STEM, wow!!) and courageous. Even though her intuition knows what's right, it doesn't always turn out flawless and I love that because mistakes happen and plans change. But, Zelda preserves to find the truth about a strange new discovery while doing her godmother training. Her magnificent wand, it is truly stunninggg. And, you know who made this gorgeous cover, the queen author herself!!! I adore it so much, it truly is one of the prettiest + artistic covers I've seen.
Let's start the review now, shall we?
As a sickly sweet lover of fairytales, this is a guaranteed happily ever after that will not leave your heart broken. Add in the touch of romance between Zelda and the prince who is such a golden retriever = you being charmed to swoon (no spice too <3 + I'll also mention that it's clean with no bad language!). Oh, and if you didn't realize with the golden lettering on the cover + the swirls, it is a fairytale and enchanted world just like Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow and Barbie: Princess Charm School vibes. A whole school full of like-minded people wanting to be fairy godmothers? There is no other magical world like this, trust me. It makes you feel like you're in the classical age with oriental and baroque architecture filled city in Zelda's universe. The well-thought out + development of reaching the end of the academic year with different classes where they could practice being a fairy godmother made me want this school to be real!!! How aesthetic it must be to be all sparkly and fabulous to go to an elite boarding godmother school like this. Just imagine your life because did I mention how much I wish this was real life?
Leo is such a loveable romance interest who believes in Zelda and supports her. He is such a charmer and smart too. When he doesn't want to be king, it obviously disturbs the balance of magic and Zelda is the one tasked to be a fairy godmother in training with him. Not only that, but it seems that someone is out to have magic all for themselves and they will go to the extent of harming Prince Leo. Zelda will be having none of that and it begins a whirlwind of adventures where magic is involved, a rival is academic, a group of friends who stick together to find the truth and break the rules ofc and a sparkly golden happily ever after will happen.
I especially loved the spells they did, and don't even mention Zelda's new wand that she gets- it is so so gorgeous!! The part about Zelda's wand is one of my fav quotes in the book *SPOILER*: "The woman lifted the lid to reveal a wand of cut crystal set on a regal velvet pillow. It had a slender glass handle and at the tip, a multifaceted star which refracted at the light of the glittering chandelier above the counter." What a gorgeous illustration this paints in your mind, ahh.
Lastly, this is a 100% HEA, if you're like me and need something sweet like a frosted cupcake with rainbow sprinkles that just makes everything better, then pick this book up. It gives the most intense fairytale, cottagecore spring-coded vibes filled with contemporary magic and a sprinkle of a prince charming romance here and there. It also has 29 mentions of the word 'pumpkins' which makes it perfect to curl around with during this autumn/fall reason and obviously, you need to drink a white pumpkin latte (as told by the author herself) with this if you're planning on reading it then. Not to mention that Belsterling has also mentioned on her instragram that peach pie (Zelda loves baked goods!), the scent of lavender and rosemary, listen to Extraordinary Magic by Ben Rector and lastly, be a royal by wearing your fanciest ball gown and sit on a plush cushion to unlock the ultimate vibes for reading IWIM. I know for sure what I'm going to do this fall hahaha.
p.s this stunning book has gorgeous custom hand-drawn chapter header illustrations (which is in the ebook too!) and spacers + if you get the physical copy (which you definitely should because it's the most luxe feeling ever and imagine this cover on your bookshelf because like yes, please?!?!?!), you will have cream paper, matte coating on the cover and a cute little mouse pattern printed inside the cover (as told by the author herself). In addition, if you want a glimpse of the physical copy check out her instagram and get ready to have your mind blown awayyyy <3. I will add here that I've ordered my own copy of the book too eheheh.
That's it from me and I hope you enjoyed this review as much I enjoyed yapping and obsessing over this whimsical + fairytale book. Mwah! Loads of love and hugs to you dear reader <333
There is something I need to do first of all. Bring your eyes towards the covers, the golden swirls, the near sunset sky blue tinged with darkish blue-purple on the cover. And Zelda, our protagonist looking ever so fierce, brave, helpful, smart (she wants to be valedictorian! whimsical magic and make it STEM, wow!!) and courageous. Even though her intuition knows what's right, it doesn't always turn out flawless and I love that because mistakes happen and plans change. But, Zelda preserves to find the truth about a strange new discovery while doing her godmother training. Her magnificent wand, it is truly stunninggg. And, you know who made this gorgeous cover, the queen author herself!!! I adore it so much, it truly is one of the prettiest + artistic covers I've seen.
Let's start the review now, shall we?
As a sickly sweet lover of fairytales, this is a guaranteed happily ever after that will not leave your heart broken. Add in the touch of romance between Zelda and the prince who is such a golden retriever = you being charmed to swoon (no spice too <3 + I'll also mention that it's clean with no bad language!). Oh, and if you didn't realize with the golden lettering on the cover + the swirls, it is a fairytale and enchanted world just like Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow and Barbie: Princess Charm School vibes. A whole school full of like-minded people wanting to be fairy godmothers? There is no other magical world like this, trust me. It makes you feel like you're in the classical age with oriental and baroque architecture filled city in Zelda's universe. The well-thought out + development of reaching the end of the academic year with different classes where they could practice being a fairy godmother made me want this school to be real!!! How aesthetic it must be to be all sparkly and fabulous to go to an elite boarding godmother school like this. Just imagine your life because did I mention how much I wish this was real life?
Leo is such a loveable romance interest who believes in Zelda and supports her. He is such a charmer and smart too. When he doesn't want to be king, it obviously disturbs the balance of magic and Zelda is the one tasked to be a fairy godmother in training with him. Not only that, but it seems that someone is out to have magic all for themselves and they will go to the extent of harming Prince Leo. Zelda will be having none of that and it begins a whirlwind of adventures where magic is involved, a rival is academic, a group of friends who stick together to find the truth and break the rules ofc and a sparkly golden happily ever after will happen.
I especially loved the spells they did, and don't even mention Zelda's new wand that she gets- it is so so gorgeous!! The part about Zelda's wand is one of my fav quotes in the book *SPOILER*: "The woman lifted the lid to reveal a wand of cut crystal set on a regal velvet pillow. It had a slender glass handle and at the tip, a multifaceted star which refracted at the light of the glittering chandelier above the counter." What a gorgeous illustration this paints in your mind, ahh.
Lastly, this is a 100% HEA, if you're like me and need something sweet like a frosted cupcake with rainbow sprinkles that just makes everything better, then pick this book up. It gives the most intense fairytale, cottagecore spring-coded vibes filled with contemporary magic and a sprinkle of a prince charming romance here and there. It also has 29 mentions of the word 'pumpkins' which makes it perfect to curl around with during this autumn/fall reason and obviously, you need to drink a white pumpkin latte (as told by the author herself) with this if you're planning on reading it then. Not to mention that Belsterling has also mentioned on her instragram that peach pie (Zelda loves baked goods!), the scent of lavender and rosemary, listen to Extraordinary Magic by Ben Rector and lastly, be a royal by wearing your fanciest ball gown and sit on a plush cushion to unlock the ultimate vibes for reading IWIM. I know for sure what I'm going to do this fall hahaha.
p.s this stunning book has gorgeous custom hand-drawn chapter header illustrations (which is in the ebook too!) and spacers + if you get the physical copy (which you definitely should because it's the most luxe feeling ever and imagine this cover on your bookshelf because like yes, please?!?!?!), you will have cream paper, matte coating on the cover and a cute little mouse pattern printed inside the cover (as told by the author herself). In addition, if you want a glimpse of the physical copy check out her instagram and get ready to have your mind blown awayyyy <3. I will add here that I've ordered my own copy of the book too eheheh.
That's it from me and I hope you enjoyed this review as much I enjoyed yapping and obsessing over this whimsical + fairytale book. Mwah! Loads of love and hugs to you dear reader <333
July 15, 2024
I received an ARC copy, and I couldn't be happier!!
Let me see if I can explain how much I loved this book
I Wish I May is about Zelda, a fairy godmother in training in her Last year in Madame LeBleu's school for godmothers. All she wants it to be is first fairy and become a fairy godmother. She is assigned to the prince to change his mind about his wish. She is dealing with a lot between classes, exes, and a new love intrust.
When they discover a magical organization that is trying to steal magic for themselves.
Zelda and Leo have a cute and slow burn Romance that was beautiful to witness. I also love the friendships in this book. I love Imogen and Specs. As well as the family dynamics. The world building was also fantastic.
I'm not gonna lie. I hope she keeps writing in this world.
I would recommend this book it's a sweet quick read that is very heartwarming.
Let me see if I can explain how much I loved this book
I Wish I May is about Zelda, a fairy godmother in training in her Last year in Madame LeBleu's school for godmothers. All she wants it to be is first fairy and become a fairy godmother. She is assigned to the prince to change his mind about his wish. She is dealing with a lot between classes, exes, and a new love intrust.
When they discover a magical organization that is trying to steal magic for themselves.
Zelda and Leo have a cute and slow burn Romance that was beautiful to witness. I also love the friendships in this book. I love Imogen and Specs. As well as the family dynamics. The world building was also fantastic.
I'm not gonna lie. I hope she keeps writing in this world.
I would recommend this book it's a sweet quick read that is very heartwarming.
July 29, 2024
I read this on Wattpad many a day and age ago. I always hoped she'd publish so I could have a copy on my shelf. This month, that came true.
This book is like a hug. It's warm and comforting. It's written by someone who truly loves the fairytale genre and isn't above embracing the things that made such tales beloved in the first place. The characters are charming and have tangible motives, the world is whimsical and embraces the meshing of modern and mystical very well.
I will say my copy had some glaring formatting issues (they had two chapters repeated) but it didn't detract from the experience of reading the story. And who knows, if this book goes as far as it easily could, that misprint might be very valuable one day!
If you're a fairytale lover as I am, grab a copy. You'll not likely regret it anytime soon!
This book is like a hug. It's warm and comforting. It's written by someone who truly loves the fairytale genre and isn't above embracing the things that made such tales beloved in the first place. The characters are charming and have tangible motives, the world is whimsical and embraces the meshing of modern and mystical very well.
I will say my copy had some glaring formatting issues (they had two chapters repeated) but it didn't detract from the experience of reading the story. And who knows, if this book goes as far as it easily could, that misprint might be very valuable one day!
If you're a fairytale lover as I am, grab a copy. You'll not likely regret it anytime soon!
July 23, 2024
It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once there, I loved it. It was a great middle ground between high and low fantasy: enough high fantasy for all the fun of a new magical world without all the complications of keeping an intricate high fantasy world straight, if that makes sense. Lol.
I really enjoyed the characters and their development and relationships. The plot was interesting and well paced. I would have liked a little more information at the end, but I'm the type of person who likes every detail of the happily ever after explained. Lol.
Overall, this was a fun, easy read that I recommend.
I really enjoyed the characters and their development and relationships. The plot was interesting and well paced. I would have liked a little more information at the end, but I'm the type of person who likes every detail of the happily ever after explained. Lol.
Overall, this was a fun, easy read that I recommend.
November 15, 2024
I picked this up because the blurb sounded interesting and I settled in to get lost in a world with fairy godmothers, intrigue, danger, and romance. I adored Zelda from the start and the way it all quickly turned into a mystery with espionage and danger pulled me into the story. Leo and Zelda were perfect and amazing, and the way the story twisted and turned, finally coming to the ending had me cheering for them both. I adored the world, with hints of our own and the way it all cumulated into a happy ending that left you with a hint of maybe more. Very much recommended!
March 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this as a opening chapter to the Once Upon A Wish series, it had that fairy tale element that I wanted and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was wanting and enjoyed in this romance novel. I thought the storyline worked well and was glad everything worked together to tell the story. Adelyn Belsterling wrote this well and had that writing style that I was hoping for, I'm excited to read more in this series and can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2024
I went into this one fairly blind so I definitely wasn't expecting a high school aged fairy godmother in training with all the modern covienences of texting, cars, and TV! But after I adjusted to this modern world I really enjoyed it! Zelda, Leo, Imogen, and Specs were all awesome characters with Specs being my favorite. My favorite scenes were the fight in the attic and the wing ceremony. Also hoping to see Susan and Dante more in the future!
January 24, 2025
3.75 stars
This spin on Cinderella was a fun one! I really liked the world building and character development. I did think it was a bit too long, and some of the plot lines got a bit confusing at times.
I think this book would translate well into a movie.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book.
This spin on Cinderella was a fun one! I really liked the world building and character development. I did think it was a bit too long, and some of the plot lines got a bit confusing at times.
I think this book would translate well into a movie.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book.
May 18, 2025
A very entertaining read. I hope there is more of the characters and in this world on the way.
November 27, 2025
Overall I really enjoyed this fun, fairytale adventure with Zelda. It was a great time.
August 26, 2024
5 stars ✨
I received an ARC from Adelyn Belsterling. I'm giving my honest review. I pre-ordered a physical copy because I throughly enjoyed this book! I hope to reread in a few months.
If you're looking for a cozy autumn fantasy story this is perfect for you. The story's pacing is really nice. The timeline spans from beginning of the semester to graduation (autumn - spring). The beautiful Prince Leo made me swoon. I related with Zelda, our main protagonist, guilty of being a perfectionist, people pleaser, and struggling to figure out her emotions (because her lovely - ex - boyfriend dumped her before the start of the last year).
Zelda struggles with trying to make her "perfect" magic and wish givings right away. What will happen during her last year? Will she graduate and be a fairy godmother? Who is her first wish person?
P.S. There are dances (ballroom dances) and best friends (Imogen and Specs! They are amazing!).
Tags:
🎃 Autumn / Fall vibes
🎃 Light / Medium Stakes
🎃 Cozy YA fantasy
🎃 Academic / School
🎃 Wholesome / Adorable romance
🎃 Sweet and flirty romance (low to no spice)
I received an ARC from Adelyn Belsterling. I'm giving my honest review. I pre-ordered a physical copy because I throughly enjoyed this book! I hope to reread in a few months.
If you're looking for a cozy autumn fantasy story this is perfect for you. The story's pacing is really nice. The timeline spans from beginning of the semester to graduation (autumn - spring). The beautiful Prince Leo made me swoon. I related with Zelda, our main protagonist, guilty of being a perfectionist, people pleaser, and struggling to figure out her emotions (because her lovely - ex - boyfriend dumped her before the start of the last year).
Zelda struggles with trying to make her "perfect" magic and wish givings right away. What will happen during her last year? Will she graduate and be a fairy godmother? Who is her first wish person?
P.S. There are dances (ballroom dances) and best friends (Imogen and Specs! They are amazing!).
Tags:
🎃 Autumn / Fall vibes
🎃 Light / Medium Stakes
🎃 Cozy YA fantasy
🎃 Academic / School
🎃 Wholesome / Adorable romance
🎃 Sweet and flirty romance (low to no spice)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews