What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind
If anyone else had been her fairy godmother, Lady Agatha’s birthday party would have gone swimmingly.
It really wasn’t Agatha’s fault that she insulted all those guests. After preparing for years to receive a select list of suitors for her charming, fairy-blessed hand, the last thing she wanted to do was alienate the lot of them … but her godmother’s final gift was, well, difficult to control. Now her father doesn’t care that she didn’t mean to call the visiting foreign prince a pathetic little fungus–the damage has been done.
Prince Limplemoyne would’ve been more offended if he was actually attending the party to court Agatha, but that’s not what brought him to these backwoods, fairy-infested mountains. He just wants to find a godmother powerful enough to free him from the royal life he never asked for. But when a mischievous fairy answers his plea in an unexpected way, he finds himself suddenly stuck with the beautiful, sharp-tongued Lady Agatha. Fairies can’t help them get out of this unwanted alliance–they’ll have to stop bickering long enough to figure it out on their own.
Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind is a no-spice, standalone reimagining of King Thrushbeard, perfect for readers who like both whimsy and comedy in their mutually-annoyed-strangers-to-lovers romance.
It really wasn’t Agatha’s fault that she insulted all those guests. After preparing for years to receive a select list of suitors for her charming, fairy-blessed hand, the last thing she wanted to do was alienate the lot of them … but her godmother’s final gift was, well, difficult to control. Now her father doesn’t care that she didn’t mean to call the visiting foreign prince a pathetic little fungus–the damage has been done.
Prince Limplemoyne would’ve been more offended if he was actually attending the party to court Agatha, but that’s not what brought him to these backwoods, fairy-infested mountains. He just wants to find a godmother powerful enough to free him from the royal life he never asked for. But when a mischievous fairy answers his plea in an unexpected way, he finds himself suddenly stuck with the beautiful, sharp-tongued Lady Agatha. Fairies can’t help them get out of this unwanted alliance–they’ll have to stop bickering long enough to figure it out on their own.
Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind is a no-spice, standalone reimagining of King Thrushbeard, perfect for readers who like both whimsy and comedy in their mutually-annoyed-strangers-to-lovers romance.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
46 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 24, 2026
I will read anything EAB writes. Her debut novel won me to her team, and this fairytale retelling has only solidified her status as an auto-buy author for me. Madcap, funny, thoughtful, sweet. And the fairy godmother is an icon.
Read
February 6, 2026Elisabeth Aimee Brown's debut novel, a Cinderella riff titled WHAT COMES OF ATTENDING THE COMMONERS BALL, was one of my favourite reads of 2025. When I learned that her second novel would be similarly inspired by King Thrushbeard, my delight knew no bounds.
I love this fairytale. Always have, probably always will, despite the ways that as I grow older I become more critical of some of the original story's implications. Among my favourite retellings so far are JM Stengl's and Kate Stradling's - twice! I'm delighted to say that Elisabeth Aimee Brown's is a worthy entry in this micro-genre.
As with COMMONERS BALL, this book is a screwball romp that takes the fairytale as a jumping-off point for a story that charts its own course to the end. Lady Agatha, like the princess in Sleeping Beauty, has been showered with fairy godmother gifts - some of which (like her unbreakably even teeth) she puts to...quite unorthodox use, and others of which she'd love to trade in for something more practical, like the Gift of Being Able To Wrestle Men Much Larger Than Herself. When Agatha's 21st and final birthday gift gives her the Gift of Speaking Her Mind, however, everything goes catastrophically wrong, especially once she gets entangled with a prince who doesn't want to be a prince but doesn't make a very good minstrel, either. Will they manage to battle their way back to the luxury of a kingdom...or does fate hold something a bit different in store?
There were such a lot of delightful little twists to this take on the story! First of all, I loved the very fitting ending, as identities are restored and callings are rethought. Without giving too much away, I loved how much this did to set right some of the implications of the original story in a way that I simply haven't seen done before.
Second, I was pleased to find that the original story's theme of humbling was not just extended to the female lead, but to the male lead, too, who discovers that he's just as bad at being a beggar as his new wife is. I've actually seen this element used before in another retelling, but I had to admire Brown's commitment to the theme, which is such that nearly every character, including the princess' father and other suitors, are also humbled by the end of the story.
Third and most of all, I adored what Brown does with the protagonist's insulting outburst which sparks the story. The themes at play here reminded me of Jane Austen's MANSFIELD PARK, which painstakingly discusses the difference between courtesy that flows from a pure and charitable heart, versus courtesy that is being wielded as a means to an end. Lady Agatha, with her magical gifts of Charm and Poise, is well accustomed to smothering up her true opinions and feelings with insincere politenesses. When her godmother unexpectedly gives her the Gift of Speaking Her Mind, it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's only now that she can truly be known and loved. On the other hand, Agatha's true feelings - many of them unflattering - have nowhere to hide and she finds herself having to build habits of real love and empathy.
This was another delightful story from Elisabeth Aimee Brown, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I love this fairytale. Always have, probably always will, despite the ways that as I grow older I become more critical of some of the original story's implications. Among my favourite retellings so far are JM Stengl's and Kate Stradling's - twice! I'm delighted to say that Elisabeth Aimee Brown's is a worthy entry in this micro-genre.
As with COMMONERS BALL, this book is a screwball romp that takes the fairytale as a jumping-off point for a story that charts its own course to the end. Lady Agatha, like the princess in Sleeping Beauty, has been showered with fairy godmother gifts - some of which (like her unbreakably even teeth) she puts to...quite unorthodox use, and others of which she'd love to trade in for something more practical, like the Gift of Being Able To Wrestle Men Much Larger Than Herself. When Agatha's 21st and final birthday gift gives her the Gift of Speaking Her Mind, however, everything goes catastrophically wrong, especially once she gets entangled with a prince who doesn't want to be a prince but doesn't make a very good minstrel, either. Will they manage to battle their way back to the luxury of a kingdom...or does fate hold something a bit different in store?
There were such a lot of delightful little twists to this take on the story! First of all, I loved the very fitting ending, as identities are restored and callings are rethought. Without giving too much away, I loved how much this did to set right some of the implications of the original story in a way that I simply haven't seen done before.
Second, I was pleased to find that the original story's theme of humbling was not just extended to the female lead, but to the male lead, too, who discovers that he's just as bad at being a beggar as his new wife is. I've actually seen this element used before in another retelling, but I had to admire Brown's commitment to the theme, which is such that nearly every character, including the princess' father and other suitors, are also humbled by the end of the story.
Third and most of all, I adored what Brown does with the protagonist's insulting outburst which sparks the story. The themes at play here reminded me of Jane Austen's MANSFIELD PARK, which painstakingly discusses the difference between courtesy that flows from a pure and charitable heart, versus courtesy that is being wielded as a means to an end. Lady Agatha, with her magical gifts of Charm and Poise, is well accustomed to smothering up her true opinions and feelings with insincere politenesses. When her godmother unexpectedly gives her the Gift of Speaking Her Mind, it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's only now that she can truly be known and loved. On the other hand, Agatha's true feelings - many of them unflattering - have nowhere to hide and she finds herself having to build habits of real love and empathy.
This was another delightful story from Elisabeth Aimee Brown, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
April 26, 2026
Lady Agatha is a fairy-enhanced, externally perfect human specimen with a hoard of drooling suitors but also, fortunately for her, a rogue godmother who decides her final fairy gift will be The Gift Of Not Smelling Like Lies—so truth serum all day every day—as well as an unspillable teapot with super insulation powers.
Prince Limplemoyne, aka Lem, is the Prince who wishes he wasn’t one, and ends up in the glade of the selfsame rogue godmother trying to get out of his royal position. He ends up with a… *different* transformation.
She’s not used to having to control her rude thoughts about people and is throwing out very funny insults left and right.
He IS a little bit pathetic, but in an endearing sort of way.
There’s a forced marriage they both despise. (That’s not a spoiler: it says right on the back that it’s a King Thrushbeard retelling).
There is a journey over the Candoori mountains, which feels very much like a more magical Appalachia.
There is tea, bad guitar playing, SO many insults, a lot of ascending and descending of switchbacks, and some very slapsticky heroics as they try to make their way in the world with their newfound godmother gifts/curses.
I think what I love most is the vulnerability dance throughout this story—each is wary, cautiously putting out a toe to see how much weight the bridge will hold. If I let myself be known, will I still be accepted? Loved?
Yes, there are godmothers and magic and Wolpertingers (don’t check my spelling) and royalty and spells and enchanted teapots (just one actually) — but the core of the story is very much the common human question:
When everything is stripped away, will you still love me?
On my worst day, will you still be there?
Anyway. Highly recommend. Also, great inscription.
Prince Limplemoyne, aka Lem, is the Prince who wishes he wasn’t one, and ends up in the glade of the selfsame rogue godmother trying to get out of his royal position. He ends up with a… *different* transformation.
She’s not used to having to control her rude thoughts about people and is throwing out very funny insults left and right.
He IS a little bit pathetic, but in an endearing sort of way.
There’s a forced marriage they both despise. (That’s not a spoiler: it says right on the back that it’s a King Thrushbeard retelling).
There is a journey over the Candoori mountains, which feels very much like a more magical Appalachia.
There is tea, bad guitar playing, SO many insults, a lot of ascending and descending of switchbacks, and some very slapsticky heroics as they try to make their way in the world with their newfound godmother gifts/curses.
I think what I love most is the vulnerability dance throughout this story—each is wary, cautiously putting out a toe to see how much weight the bridge will hold. If I let myself be known, will I still be accepted? Loved?
Yes, there are godmothers and magic and Wolpertingers (don’t check my spelling) and royalty and spells and enchanted teapots (just one actually) — but the core of the story is very much the common human question:
When everything is stripped away, will you still love me?
On my worst day, will you still be there?
Anyway. Highly recommend. Also, great inscription.
April 30, 2026
2/2.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fantasy - Fairytale Retelling (with magic)
Like the author’s debut book, this second book was very quirky and zany. Perhaps not as much as “What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball”, but it writing style is very unique with the first-person POVs, descriptions shared, and overall plot.
Unlike many King Thrushbeard retelling female main characters, I actually felt bad for Agatha at first. She had her life mapped out and planned well—until her eccentric godmother decides that Agatha is telling too many falsehoods (which were really because of her charming diplomatic talents) and blesses (curses) Agatha to be able only say what she is truly thinking. So as soon as Agatha opens her mouth, the truth falls out. Not a terrible problem in the grand scheme of things, really, but it definitely makes dealing with others a bit…complicated when she’s in a bad mood. Agatha did become like the typical King Thrushbeard FMC quickly and became incredibly rude and mean with her comments. Honestly, I was a little glad that Lem was grumpy and rude too at times towards her because then I didn’t have to feel so bad for him because he didn’t deserve it because he did deserve some of her comments. So they were both bickering and kind of at each other’s throats for the majority of the book—which I didn’t really care for, but at the same time, it kind of made sense because they are both upset that their plans were completely changed from what they wanted—that would make most people grumpy. So forget about the Sunshine x Grumpy trope. This is the Grump x Grumpier trope. I’ll let you read and decide who is who.
I did like some elements of this book, mainly:
- Agatha’s love for tea. We’re kindred spirits for that fact alone.
- Our main characters were flawed. Neither were perfect and had a lot to work on, so lots of character development happens (and honestly, definitely still to come even when the book finishes, I’m sure).
However, I think there were more things that didn’t work for me:
- a lot of bickering between the main couple that just felt harsh, not funny, to me and definitely not playful or flirty. Just mean.
- basically every man (except Lem) leers at Agatha and/or is a jerk or a pig.
- it ended a little…silly? I have questions about what will happen next, but at the same time this book already felt too long due to their bickering, so I’m a bit glad it’s over.
So, ironic as it is to say: I think this book frankly wasn’t my cup of tea, unfortunately. I can see why some friends have enjoyed the book, but it wasn’t my favorite style nor kind of characters to read.
Main Content-
Magic-
Agatha’s country is known for fairy godmothers which is why Lem visited (wanting to talk to a fairy godmother for help). Agatha has a fairy godmother and has received blessings on every birthday (ending on her 21st birthday) and they range from the Gift of Cleverness to the Gift of a Charming Voice; Her godmother deviates from the planned blessings at times, including the last one making Agatha unable to lie; Agatha thinks she was designed to be “something of a goddess” and made for her role due to the 21 years of blessings, but *Major Spoilers* .
Magic is shown on-page with a fairy godmother’s actions & also Agatha and Lem being under magic (and sometimes being unable to talk about the spell/magic); Lem also calls the fairy godmother a “witch”, but it seems to be more used as an insult than actually calling her one.
All about & many mentions of magic, fairy godmothers and their blessings, curses, spells, & the effects of it all (including altering appearances); Mentions of other magical & fantasy creatures (including nymphs, enchantresses, and sorcerers); Mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of God.
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, ‘idiot’, and ‘blasted’ (said often); Mentions of curses (said, not written; including Agatha letting out all the profanity she knows at one point); The phrase “Godmothers help me” is said once; Agatha curses the womb that bore a man; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Lying.
Agatha thinks about how no one will miss her or mourn for her if she disappears, and struggles with the darkness calling her in a sad moment; Agatha is hurt by her father’s actions of giving her away to a man they don’t know; Agatha feels worthless and unwanted; *Spoiler* .
Agatha & Lem exchange hurtful/mean words to the other (asking for forgiveness or apologizing happens after some of them).
Negative-
Fighting, Being grabbed, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences).
Agatha & Lem have ale at a tavern; Lem wishes for something stronger than tea at one point; Agatha’s father is drunk on-page & ignores her wishes/pleas (and thus marrying her off with her consent).
Mentions of deaths & grief (including of parents); Mentions of fights/fighting, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies, lying, liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Agatha’s father getting drunk); Mentions of gambling; A few mentions of it being the law that wives cannot desert their husbands & the shame that will follow a wife if she does leave her husband; A mention of a man running a dog-fighting ring.
Romance/Sexual-
Staring at lips,
1 forehead kiss,
1 almost kiss,
3 kisses lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences),
Remembering kisses (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Butterflies, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Blushes.
Agatha & Lem share a bedroom twice, but a bed only once (nothing happens besides noticing nearness and bad breath).
Men often leer at Agatha’s figure/body and some even lick their lips when looking at her or drool/salivate (she comments a couple of times about being concerned that they will try to do something to her); One man says the best kind of woman is one that can’t talk & that he’ll help Agatha if she give him something in return; A man yells a “lewd remark” at Agatha and she tells her that he is incapable of that yet “perhaps in a few years” once he’s finished developing; Another man looks at Agatha with lust.
A handful of men comment about taming Agatha, grab or shake her, and/or beating or punish her (one comments about cutting out her tongue); Agatha’s father and a couple other men comment about not wanting a clever wife and/or make other comments against women; Agatha realizes that marriage to some men will make her wither away.
Mentions of the fairy godmother’s blessing of fertility on the girl’s 21st birthday (which Agatha’s godmother adds that “most women have babies without any fairy help, so it’s a waste when you don’t even know if you’ll need it.”); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting & blushes; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A couple mentions of a man offering to runaway with a married woman; A couple mentions of men’s “baser desires”; A mention of a handsy man.
Like the author’s debut book, this second book was very quirky and zany. Perhaps not as much as “What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball”, but it writing style is very unique with the first-person POVs, descriptions shared, and overall plot.
Unlike many King Thrushbeard retelling female main characters, I actually felt bad for Agatha at first. She had her life mapped out and planned well—until her eccentric godmother decides that Agatha is telling too many falsehoods (which were really because of her charming diplomatic talents) and blesses (curses) Agatha to be able only say what she is truly thinking. So as soon as Agatha opens her mouth, the truth falls out. Not a terrible problem in the grand scheme of things, really, but it definitely makes dealing with others a bit…complicated when she’s in a bad mood. Agatha did become like the typical King Thrushbeard FMC quickly and became incredibly rude and mean with her comments. Honestly, I was a little glad that Lem was grumpy and rude too at times towards her because then I didn’t have to feel so bad for him because he didn’t deserve it because he did deserve some of her comments. So they were both bickering and kind of at each other’s throats for the majority of the book—which I didn’t really care for, but at the same time, it kind of made sense because they are both upset that their plans were completely changed from what they wanted—that would make most people grumpy. So forget about the Sunshine x Grumpy trope. This is the Grump x Grumpier trope. I’ll let you read and decide who is who.
I did like some elements of this book, mainly:
- Agatha’s love for tea. We’re kindred spirits for that fact alone.
- Our main characters were flawed. Neither were perfect and had a lot to work on, so lots of character development happens (and honestly, definitely still to come even when the book finishes, I’m sure).
However, I think there were more things that didn’t work for me:
- a lot of bickering between the main couple that just felt harsh, not funny, to me and definitely not playful or flirty. Just mean.
- basically every man (except Lem) leers at Agatha and/or is a jerk or a pig.
- it ended a little…silly? I have questions about what will happen next, but at the same time this book already felt too long due to their bickering, so I’m a bit glad it’s over.
So, ironic as it is to say: I think this book frankly wasn’t my cup of tea, unfortunately. I can see why some friends have enjoyed the book, but it wasn’t my favorite style nor kind of characters to read.
Main Content-
Magic-
Agatha’s country is known for fairy godmothers which is why Lem visited (wanting to talk to a fairy godmother for help). Agatha has a fairy godmother and has received blessings on every birthday (ending on her 21st birthday) and they range from the Gift of Cleverness to the Gift of a Charming Voice; Her godmother deviates from the planned blessings at times, including the last one making Agatha unable to lie; Agatha thinks she was designed to be “something of a goddess” and made for her role due to the 21 years of blessings, but *Major Spoilers* .
Magic is shown on-page with a fairy godmother’s actions & also Agatha and Lem being under magic (and sometimes being unable to talk about the spell/magic); Lem also calls the fairy godmother a “witch”, but it seems to be more used as an insult than actually calling her one.
All about & many mentions of magic, fairy godmothers and their blessings, curses, spells, & the effects of it all (including altering appearances); Mentions of other magical & fantasy creatures (including nymphs, enchantresses, and sorcerers); Mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of God.
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, ‘idiot’, and ‘blasted’ (said often); Mentions of curses (said, not written; including Agatha letting out all the profanity she knows at one point); The phrase “Godmothers help me” is said once; Agatha curses the womb that bore a man; Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Lying.
Agatha thinks about how no one will miss her or mourn for her if she disappears, and struggles with the darkness calling her in a sad moment; Agatha is hurt by her father’s actions of giving her away to a man they don’t know; Agatha feels worthless and unwanted; *Spoiler* .
Agatha & Lem exchange hurtful/mean words to the other (asking for forgiveness or apologizing happens after some of them).
Negative-
Fighting, Being grabbed, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences).
Agatha & Lem have ale at a tavern; Lem wishes for something stronger than tea at one point; Agatha’s father is drunk on-page & ignores her wishes/pleas (and thus marrying her off with her consent).
Mentions of deaths & grief (including of parents); Mentions of fights/fighting, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of lies, lying, liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Agatha’s father getting drunk); Mentions of gambling; A few mentions of it being the law that wives cannot desert their husbands & the shame that will follow a wife if she does leave her husband; A mention of a man running a dog-fighting ring.
Romance/Sexual-
Staring at lips,
1 forehead kiss,
1 almost kiss,
3 kisses lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences),
Remembering kisses (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Butterflies, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Blushes.
Agatha & Lem share a bedroom twice, but a bed only once (nothing happens besides noticing nearness and bad breath).
Men often leer at Agatha’s figure/body and some even lick their lips when looking at her or drool/salivate (she comments a couple of times about being concerned that they will try to do something to her); One man says the best kind of woman is one that can’t talk & that he’ll help Agatha if she give him something in return; A man yells a “lewd remark” at Agatha and she tells her that he is incapable of that yet “perhaps in a few years” once he’s finished developing; Another man looks at Agatha with lust.
A handful of men comment about taming Agatha, grab or shake her, and/or beating or punish her (one comments about cutting out her tongue); Agatha’s father and a couple other men comment about not wanting a clever wife and/or make other comments against women; Agatha realizes that marriage to some men will make her wither away.
Mentions of the fairy godmother’s blessing of fertility on the girl’s 21st birthday (which Agatha’s godmother adds that “most women have babies without any fairy help, so it’s a waste when you don’t even know if you’ll need it.”); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting & blushes; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A couple mentions of a man offering to runaway with a married woman; A couple mentions of men’s “baser desires”; A mention of a handsy man.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun fairy tale journey! If you liked the author's debut novel, What Comes of Attending the Commoner's Ball, I think you'll enjoy this one. It is firmly in the fantasy/fairy tale genre, complete with fairy godmother and an enchanted teapot, but doesn't get *overly* heavy in the magic department, which is good for me. Love the comedic asides and rhythm of the writing.
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026DNF 41%
I understand that this is a King Thrushbeard retelling and she’s supposed to be a brat, but I was nearly halfway through and NOTHING WAS CHANGING!!!! She was getting worse and bullying the prince and I couldn’t do it anymore. The prince would apologize when he messed and try to do better. But she was just mean and honestly didn’t care. I also didn’t like how everyone was going on about how pretty she was and that’s all they could see. It came up all the time and the prince would just be speechless thinking about it. Almost every page. Plus mentions of people leering at Agatha.
Not for me, it’ll probably get better but I was done with Agatha.
I understand that this is a King Thrushbeard retelling and she’s supposed to be a brat, but I was nearly halfway through and NOTHING WAS CHANGING!!!! She was getting worse and bullying the prince and I couldn’t do it anymore. The prince would apologize when he messed and try to do better. But she was just mean and honestly didn’t care. I also didn’t like how everyone was going on about how pretty she was and that’s all they could see. It came up all the time and the prince would just be speechless thinking about it. Almost every page. Plus mentions of people leering at Agatha.
Not for me, it’ll probably get better but I was done with Agatha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for . ݁Sara .[semi ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1778006928i%2F184595227._UX200_CR0%2C17%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Review of advance copy
3.5 ⭐️
Pretty good! I kinda feel like this one was definitely less funny than WCOATCB, she did add some funny things don’t get me wrong, but it kinda felt forced in my opinion.
Agatha as a character was kinda falling flat for me as well, so that kinda made me drop my rating a little. But lem was pretty fun, so that kinda made up for it.
The plot itself was kinda meh for me, but that could just be because I’m not a huge fan of books where they’re traveling the whole time so idk.
I did go into this having no idea whatsoever of king thrushbeards story, so that could also be why it was a bit bland for me personally as well.
I would say that it was a pretty easy thing to read and get into, and the story itself was very well written.
But other than that, I did overall enjoy it for the most part, and I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth does next!
Content:
Sexual-
Some kissing that was not descriptive
And they share a bed once.
Language-
None.
Spiritual-
None.
Pretty good! I kinda feel like this one was definitely less funny than WCOATCB, she did add some funny things don’t get me wrong, but it kinda felt forced in my opinion.
Agatha as a character was kinda falling flat for me as well, so that kinda made me drop my rating a little. But lem was pretty fun, so that kinda made up for it.
The plot itself was kinda meh for me, but that could just be because I’m not a huge fan of books where they’re traveling the whole time so idk.
I did go into this having no idea whatsoever of king thrushbeards story, so that could also be why it was a bit bland for me personally as well.
I would say that it was a pretty easy thing to read and get into, and the story itself was very well written.
But other than that, I did overall enjoy it for the most part, and I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth does next!
Content:
Sexual-
Some kissing that was not descriptive
And they share a bed once.
Language-
None.
Spiritual-
None.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an early copy via the Kickstarter and devoured it within the day!
Delightful characters and a marvelous twist on the King Thrushbeard fairytale with very relatable female and male lead and the only instance of the Miscommunication Trope that I think I've actually enjoyed
Highly recommend!
Delightful characters and a marvelous twist on the King Thrushbeard fairytale with very relatable female and male lead and the only instance of the Miscommunication Trope that I think I've actually enjoyed
Highly recommend!
April 25, 2026
Five gorgeous blossoming stars for Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind!!! It was so delightful!!
* Tea appreciation
* Forced proximity
* a guitarrr
* CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
* the way they're both so helpless is just hilarious to me XD
* highkey love the themes in this book. If you saw me, truly saw me, would you still love me??
* this is such a spring read; we are in optimal Lady Agatha reading weather here. Take advantage of your opportunity here, folks!!
* didn't even realize it but I read it the day of/after it came out and I feel so on top of my reading life now hehe
* FAIRY GODMOTHER!!! Love how tricky and yet goodhearted she is. Three hours is also "ages," in case you wondered.
* the way they were so annoyed by each other but still so tender drove me insane. By the end it felt as if insults were their love language and honestly I was unprepared for such banter.
* that ending was *kisses fingers* perfection. HERE FOR IT.
* did I mention the cHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?!?
* cozy fantasy at its finest, ladies and gents.
* I love the way Elizabeth writes. It's just so darn *funny* and as such I would read her grocery lists.
Don't take my word for it though!! GO READ!!!
* Tea appreciation
* Forced proximity
* a guitarrr
* CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
* the way they're both so helpless is just hilarious to me XD
* highkey love the themes in this book. If you saw me, truly saw me, would you still love me??
* this is such a spring read; we are in optimal Lady Agatha reading weather here. Take advantage of your opportunity here, folks!!
* didn't even realize it but I read it the day of/after it came out and I feel so on top of my reading life now hehe
* FAIRY GODMOTHER!!! Love how tricky and yet goodhearted she is. Three hours is also "ages," in case you wondered.
* the way they were so annoyed by each other but still so tender drove me insane. By the end it felt as if insults were their love language and honestly I was unprepared for such banter.
* that ending was *kisses fingers* perfection. HERE FOR IT.
* did I mention the cHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?!?
* cozy fantasy at its finest, ladies and gents.
* I love the way Elizabeth writes. It's just so darn *funny* and as such I would read her grocery lists.
Don't take my word for it though!! GO READ!!!
May 5, 2026
This just became my favorite read of 2026 so far!
I originally bought the e-book for this story through Kickstarter, and now I regret that I didn't back the special edition hardcover! I plan on buying two physical copies of this book, one for me, and one for a teen who just had a birthday.
This book is absolutely DELIGHTFUL!!!!
I couldn't stop kicking my feet and laughing at all the spectacularly ironic and playful scenarios and the fabulous banter in this story, and the theme of being real and honest hit home so wonderfully.
Warning: I drank about 4 cups of tea while reading this in one day... it will make you crave lots and lots of tea!
I originally bought the e-book for this story through Kickstarter, and now I regret that I didn't back the special edition hardcover! I plan on buying two physical copies of this book, one for me, and one for a teen who just had a birthday.
This book is absolutely DELIGHTFUL!!!!
I couldn't stop kicking my feet and laughing at all the spectacularly ironic and playful scenarios and the fabulous banter in this story, and the theme of being real and honest hit home so wonderfully.
Warning: I drank about 4 cups of tea while reading this in one day... it will make you crave lots and lots of tea!
Read
April 26, 2026Delightful and very much in the vein of Gail Carson Levine’s Biddle fairytales! You really won’t want to miss this retelling of King Thrushbeard!
May 1, 2026
3.5 stars. Fun and easy to read. The bickering between the MCs lasted for more of the story than my personal preference.
May 4, 2026
2.5 ⭐️A fun lighthearted tale, but I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy it as much as What comes of attending the commoners ball. It did get a bit repetitive with all the men looking at/making comments about Agatha. Overall it just didn’t give me that wonderful contentedness from the story. Lem was definitelymy favorite out of the all characters and I did like the scenes with Bert and Berta’s family.
February 7, 2026
Elisabeth Aimee Brown is fast establishing herself as a new favorite of mine. She has this utterly charming way with words: they leap off the page, effervescent and bright and terribly funny.
How she can take two fairly unlikable characters and still draw you in, get you invested, keep you interested in their histories and character development, and take them on an entertaining journey leading to a satisfying conclusion... well. That’s quite a gift.
Here you have Agatha: who from all appearances is perfection itself. Poised, graceful, clever, beautiful. But upon receiving her godmother’s final gift on her 21st birthday, (deviating from the Standard Progression of Gifts) the internal ‘ugliness’ that she’s been able to keep hidden for so long is now on display for all to see. She wrestles with what it means to be truly seen, and discovers that all the external beauty in the world can never replace an honestly lived life.
And there you have Lem: an unwitting prince who is a bit whiny, a bit awkward. A grumpy, grumbling bumbler. But an upright person with an internal goodness that comes out from time to time, and most of all a wonderful sincerity. He just is who he is and he knows what he is not. The most unlikely hero that I’ve come across in a book in quite some time, who surprises even himself by the end of the story.
It really was a fun, quirky misadventure these two characters went through: full of mistakes, tangents, frustrations and hilarity. You never knew what was around the corner, and each bend in the road held a twist that was a joy to encounter.
I’m not super familiar with the original Thrushbeard tale, and so cannot compare it to that story. But I appreciated the overall messaging of this story. Unlikeable-and-yet-somehow-lovable characters that grow and learn a lesson, and get into a lot of hijinks along the way. Can it really get any better than that?
P.S. I was so incredibly proud to support this book through Kickstarter, and I can’t wait to see more from Brown.
How she can take two fairly unlikable characters and still draw you in, get you invested, keep you interested in their histories and character development, and take them on an entertaining journey leading to a satisfying conclusion... well. That’s quite a gift.
Here you have Agatha: who from all appearances is perfection itself. Poised, graceful, clever, beautiful. But upon receiving her godmother’s final gift on her 21st birthday, (deviating from the Standard Progression of Gifts) the internal ‘ugliness’ that she’s been able to keep hidden for so long is now on display for all to see. She wrestles with what it means to be truly seen, and discovers that all the external beauty in the world can never replace an honestly lived life.
And there you have Lem: an unwitting prince who is a bit whiny, a bit awkward. A grumpy, grumbling bumbler. But an upright person with an internal goodness that comes out from time to time, and most of all a wonderful sincerity. He just is who he is and he knows what he is not. The most unlikely hero that I’ve come across in a book in quite some time, who surprises even himself by the end of the story.
It really was a fun, quirky misadventure these two characters went through: full of mistakes, tangents, frustrations and hilarity. You never knew what was around the corner, and each bend in the road held a twist that was a joy to encounter.
I’m not super familiar with the original Thrushbeard tale, and so cannot compare it to that story. But I appreciated the overall messaging of this story. Unlikeable-and-yet-somehow-lovable characters that grow and learn a lesson, and get into a lot of hijinks along the way. Can it really get any better than that?
P.S. I was so incredibly proud to support this book through Kickstarter, and I can’t wait to see more from Brown.
February 11, 2026
What a DELIGHT and joy it was to read this book!
I knew going into this that I would most likely enjoy it as I had thoroughly enjoyed Elisabeth Aimee Brown’s previous release, What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball.
But this!! This surpassed my expectations! I truly adored it. The characters are flawed and wow are they ever stubborn.. but I loved them all the more for it. Where they began as people just made where they ended up so much more meaningful and so worth the journey.
The wit and humour written into this book was just. so. good. It had me giggling multiple times!! Agatha gains (or is cursed by?) a rather unsavoury gift from her Fairy Godmother but it made for hilarious situations. Poor girl. 😅
The pacing was perfect and the romance was well earned and felt genuine.
For all of those of us who yearn to simply be seen.
Agatha is for us.
Also.. for all of us who are recovering people pleasers. Love this representation. 🙂↕️
Loved this!!!! Read it so fast I gave myself a literal headache!!
Five stars of COURSE!
Thank you to the author for the eARC! I give my review freely and whole heartedly 🫶🏻
I knew going into this that I would most likely enjoy it as I had thoroughly enjoyed Elisabeth Aimee Brown’s previous release, What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball.
But this!! This surpassed my expectations! I truly adored it. The characters are flawed and wow are they ever stubborn.. but I loved them all the more for it. Where they began as people just made where they ended up so much more meaningful and so worth the journey.
The wit and humour written into this book was just. so. good. It had me giggling multiple times!! Agatha gains (or is cursed by?) a rather unsavoury gift from her Fairy Godmother but it made for hilarious situations. Poor girl. 😅
The pacing was perfect and the romance was well earned and felt genuine.
For all of those of us who yearn to simply be seen.
Agatha is for us.
Also.. for all of us who are recovering people pleasers. Love this representation. 🙂↕️
Loved this!!!! Read it so fast I gave myself a literal headache!!
Five stars of COURSE!
Thank you to the author for the eARC! I give my review freely and whole heartedly 🫶🏻
March 11, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
Blessed with fairy crafted beauty and grace, Lady Agatha appears to be the perfectly docile daughter and potential wife, and she intends to keep up that image in order to snag the wealthiest man she can… until her Fairy Godmother gives her the Gift of Sincerity which compels her to speak her mind, which is especially inconvenient when you’ve got a bit of a mean streak and are presented with some unsavoury suitors. Coddled for most of his life, Prince Limplemoyne has an unwanted royal title, an unfortunate name… and seemingly not much else to his credit besides wealth. He’s definitely not your typical strong, tall, and impossibly gorgeous love interest, and he has no interest in being a prince any longer… so the aforementioned Fairy Godmother switches his identity for that of a penniless minstrel. Now this deeply flawed, stubborn, and shallow duo are stripped of their comforts and forced to traipse through the forest together. They’re also unwillingly married. But as their struggles bring out their strengths they (grudgingly) begin to see the good qualities in each other and within themselves. This was so much fun! It’s the kind of tale where you don’t have to overthink, just relax and enjoy the character antics. Melusine the chaotic Fairy Godmother was my favourite! I love a romance between two flawed people who need to go through some character growth; especially when it’s a slow burn (emphasis on the slow). It’s also based on one of my favourite fairytales to see retold, ‘King Thrushbeard’, it’s very rare to see a retelling even though the story has so much potential, so I was glad to learn of this one. I must say I also have an appreciation for tea as a romantic plot point. And a grimacing respect for onions as a romantic plot point. I would have liked an epilogue to see more of Agatha and Lem’s happy ending. If you’re nostalgic for stories like Ella Enchanted or Shrek with themes of embracing one’s true self and finding courage through love with a good dose of humour, I highly suggest picking this one up! This is a no spice fairytale retelling romance, it’s YA demographic-friendly as well. Thank you to the author for the eARC!
Blessed with fairy crafted beauty and grace, Lady Agatha appears to be the perfectly docile daughter and potential wife, and she intends to keep up that image in order to snag the wealthiest man she can… until her Fairy Godmother gives her the Gift of Sincerity which compels her to speak her mind, which is especially inconvenient when you’ve got a bit of a mean streak and are presented with some unsavoury suitors. Coddled for most of his life, Prince Limplemoyne has an unwanted royal title, an unfortunate name… and seemingly not much else to his credit besides wealth. He’s definitely not your typical strong, tall, and impossibly gorgeous love interest, and he has no interest in being a prince any longer… so the aforementioned Fairy Godmother switches his identity for that of a penniless minstrel. Now this deeply flawed, stubborn, and shallow duo are stripped of their comforts and forced to traipse through the forest together. They’re also unwillingly married. But as their struggles bring out their strengths they (grudgingly) begin to see the good qualities in each other and within themselves. This was so much fun! It’s the kind of tale where you don’t have to overthink, just relax and enjoy the character antics. Melusine the chaotic Fairy Godmother was my favourite! I love a romance between two flawed people who need to go through some character growth; especially when it’s a slow burn (emphasis on the slow). It’s also based on one of my favourite fairytales to see retold, ‘King Thrushbeard’, it’s very rare to see a retelling even though the story has so much potential, so I was glad to learn of this one. I must say I also have an appreciation for tea as a romantic plot point. And a grimacing respect for onions as a romantic plot point. I would have liked an epilogue to see more of Agatha and Lem’s happy ending. If you’re nostalgic for stories like Ella Enchanted or Shrek with themes of embracing one’s true self and finding courage through love with a good dose of humour, I highly suggest picking this one up! This is a no spice fairytale retelling romance, it’s YA demographic-friendly as well. Thank you to the author for the eARC!
April 28, 2026
Having already read and loved What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball, this new book was an instant pre-order for me. On the whole, I loved reading it, though I don't feel like it stuck the landing with an ending that felt rather "Oh, okay? Well, that's fine, I guess," rather than something that would leave my feet kicking. It feels almost like it was left too open to allow room for a sequel - which I would love to read - but makes for a less satisfying standalone reading experience.
The story follows Lady Agatha as she has her 21st birthday, completing her cycle of fairy gifts from her godmother, Melusine. Visiting her glade for her final gift, Melusine calls out Agatha for abusing her gifts to turn herself into a lovely object, to be sold off to the highest bidder, and gives her a final present: candor. The story also takes place in Candor ... get it?! Agatha also gets an enchanted teapot that can't spill and always keeps the tea hot, which sounds amazing.
Candor (the trait), as it turns out, is not so great when you are blurting out insults to a room full of men you and your family were planning on auctioning yourself off to. But the insults are just what you were thinking! Unfortunately, Agatha can't really lie anymore and says whatever is top of mind when she opens her mouth. The men who have some shred of dignity leave, meanwhile the sadists are left behind, trying to buy Agatha in order to marry and "break" her. Even though this is a cozy romantasy, the threat of rape is all over this book, so just be warned. It lurks.
Meanwhile, Price Limplemoyne aka Lem aka Prince Limp-Lemon, under the guise of attending Agatha's birthday party, is on a quest to find a fairy godmother so that he can stop being a prince. It was all his brother Henry's idea - who keeps telling Lem what a bad prince he is - and I kind of think Henry doesn't like Lem that much (and he seems to hate Agatha). Henry just berates Lem and then forces him to seek out the dangerous godmother; I was waiting for Henry to betray Lem the whole book. Despite Henry not wanting to stick his neck out for Lem, the godmother is found and gives Lem what he asks for, Monkey's Paw Style. That's how Lem shows up, dressed as a minstrel on Agatha's doorstep, and her father marries her off to him in a drunken rage as punishment (gross).
Like with Commoner's Ball, the pacing of this book is excellent. It's a "just one more chapter" kind of book, the kind I find myself flying through because I need to know what happens. The lore of the book is so fun and clever, too, the way that Melusine strays from the Council of Godmothers' Standard Progression of Gifts is so funny. Agatha was "adopted" by her godmother as a child and the gifts go through age 21. The gifts I could find are below in the order they were mentioned (as best as I could figure out searching my e-book). Will mark as a spoiler in case you don't want to know what the Gifts are, just know they are funny:
As Lem and Agatha travel together they get to know each other and maybe even GASP fall in love?! With alternating POVs I did find their connection genuine and enjoyed the dynamic between them as they struggle to help themselves and each other despite being quite ill-equipped to do so.
Now the ending and this will have general spoilers (will hide) because I want to talk about it. The ending left me really meh. They, of course, I really suspect that this is leading into a book two with Henry as the protagonist and, again, I'll read the heck out of it, but I don't appreciate sacrificing the ending of one book to bolster up a sequel that's not already locked in. If there is no sequel, this book has a less-satisfying ending and I took off a star because of it.
All that being said, very much enjoyed the book on the whole, this author has become an insta-buy for me (for now!), and would recommend if you enjoyed Commoner's Ball.
File it under:
Fractured fairy tale!
Clean romance!
Road trip!
Only one bed!
Books with Henrys! (I have a whole shelf of these now)
You might also like:
What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown - Read this one first!
Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis - Another very funny "fractured fantasy" book but I absolutely hated the ending, so be warned.
This Will Be Fun by EB Asher - A fun, questing "fractured fantasy" romance but this one has light spice and queer characters. There's a sequel, too, but the first book is by far the best of the two.
The story follows Lady Agatha as she has her 21st birthday, completing her cycle of fairy gifts from her godmother, Melusine. Visiting her glade for her final gift, Melusine calls out Agatha for abusing her gifts to turn herself into a lovely object, to be sold off to the highest bidder, and gives her a final present: candor. The story also takes place in Candor ... get it?! Agatha also gets an enchanted teapot that can't spill and always keeps the tea hot, which sounds amazing.
Candor (the trait), as it turns out, is not so great when you are blurting out insults to a room full of men you and your family were planning on auctioning yourself off to. But the insults are just what you were thinking! Unfortunately, Agatha can't really lie anymore and says whatever is top of mind when she opens her mouth. The men who have some shred of dignity leave, meanwhile the sadists are left behind, trying to buy Agatha in order to marry and "break" her. Even though this is a cozy romantasy, the threat of rape is all over this book, so just be warned. It lurks.
Meanwhile, Price Limplemoyne aka Lem aka Prince Limp-Lemon, under the guise of attending Agatha's birthday party, is on a quest to find a fairy godmother so that he can stop being a prince. It was all his brother Henry's idea - who keeps telling Lem what a bad prince he is - and I kind of think Henry doesn't like Lem that much (and he seems to hate Agatha). Henry just berates Lem and then forces him to seek out the dangerous godmother; I was waiting for Henry to betray Lem the whole book. Despite Henry not wanting to stick his neck out for Lem, the godmother is found and gives Lem what he asks for, Monkey's Paw Style. That's how Lem shows up, dressed as a minstrel on Agatha's doorstep, and her father marries her off to him in a drunken rage as punishment (gross).
Like with Commoner's Ball, the pacing of this book is excellent. It's a "just one more chapter" kind of book, the kind I find myself flying through because I need to know what happens. The lore of the book is so fun and clever, too, the way that Melusine strays from the Council of Godmothers' Standard Progression of Gifts is so funny. Agatha was "adopted" by her godmother as a child and the gifts go through age 21. The gifts I could find are below in the order they were mentioned (as best as I could figure out searching my e-book). Will mark as a spoiler in case you don't want to know what the Gifts are, just know they are funny:
As Lem and Agatha travel together they get to know each other and maybe even GASP fall in love?! With alternating POVs I did find their connection genuine and enjoyed the dynamic between them as they struggle to help themselves and each other despite being quite ill-equipped to do so.
Now the ending and this will have general spoilers (will hide) because I want to talk about it. The ending left me really meh. They, of course, I really suspect that this is leading into a book two with Henry as the protagonist and, again, I'll read the heck out of it, but I don't appreciate sacrificing the ending of one book to bolster up a sequel that's not already locked in. If there is no sequel, this book has a less-satisfying ending and I took off a star because of it.
All that being said, very much enjoyed the book on the whole, this author has become an insta-buy for me (for now!), and would recommend if you enjoyed Commoner's Ball.
File it under:
Fractured fairy tale!
Clean romance!
Road trip!
Only one bed!
Books with Henrys! (I have a whole shelf of these now)
You might also like:
What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown - Read this one first!
Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis - Another very funny "fractured fantasy" book but I absolutely hated the ending, so be warned.
This Will Be Fun by EB Asher - A fun, questing "fractured fantasy" romance but this one has light spice and queer characters. There's a sequel, too, but the first book is by far the best of the two.
May 4, 2026
Anyone who likes Ella Enchanted must read this book!
Lady Agatha is perfect. It’s no accident, either: her fairy godmother has been giving her gifts to make her more marriageable since she was a baby. As a result, she’s adapted to having perfect hair, perfect teeth, a straight nose, clear skin…but also things like a charming voice, supernatural grace, and endless poise. She uses them to manipulate people, not to do her bidding but to love her and to smooth out anything awkward or uncomfortable. It’s a perfect mask.
On her 21st birthday, her godmother finally realizes that her gifts have had the result of making Agatha the most disingenuous person in the kingdom, and instead of improving her chances for a fulfilling life, they’re being used to auction her off to the highest bidder at her birthday ball. So for a final gift, her godmother gives Agatha the gift of…Speaking Her Mind.
At her party, Agatha quickly insults every aged, lecherous, ghastly rich man who plans to offer for her hand. And also Prince Lem. But since he’s there to ask her godmother to un-prince him, he doesn’t really care about the impression Agatha’s made, or the fix she’s in as a result.
Until the godmother turns him into a begging minstrel and Agatha’s dad forces them into a shotgun wedding! They’re cast out from Agatha’s home, and their only plan is to find their way back to Lem’s kingdom so they can get their marriage annulled and figure out what to do with their fairy “gifts.”
On the way, Lem becomes the first person to really understand Agatha, and she comes to appreciate his dependability and honesty. They meet some pretty colorful characters - I love Bert and Bertha’s family - and rethink both what they want for their futures and what makes them suitable for their roles in life.
While the catch-and-escape scene(s) at the end got a little long - don’t muse about your entire life while standing in the middle of the road, Lem! - the pace is otherwise good, the story is entertaining, and you end up loving the imperfect characters. I loved the ending and what it said about all that character development that Lem and Agatha went through on their journey. One of my favorite facets of the story is that Agatha’s perfect poise makes it impossible for her to show vulnerability, and the author does a great job of showing how lonely it is when no one can tell that you’re sad, or sorry, or seriously put out.
Now, I seriously hope Henry gets a story next; it certainly seemed like E. A. Brown was setting him up for one!
Lady Agatha is perfect. It’s no accident, either: her fairy godmother has been giving her gifts to make her more marriageable since she was a baby. As a result, she’s adapted to having perfect hair, perfect teeth, a straight nose, clear skin…but also things like a charming voice, supernatural grace, and endless poise. She uses them to manipulate people, not to do her bidding but to love her and to smooth out anything awkward or uncomfortable. It’s a perfect mask.
On her 21st birthday, her godmother finally realizes that her gifts have had the result of making Agatha the most disingenuous person in the kingdom, and instead of improving her chances for a fulfilling life, they’re being used to auction her off to the highest bidder at her birthday ball. So for a final gift, her godmother gives Agatha the gift of…Speaking Her Mind.
At her party, Agatha quickly insults every aged, lecherous, ghastly rich man who plans to offer for her hand. And also Prince Lem. But since he’s there to ask her godmother to un-prince him, he doesn’t really care about the impression Agatha’s made, or the fix she’s in as a result.
Until the godmother turns him into a begging minstrel and Agatha’s dad forces them into a shotgun wedding! They’re cast out from Agatha’s home, and their only plan is to find their way back to Lem’s kingdom so they can get their marriage annulled and figure out what to do with their fairy “gifts.”
On the way, Lem becomes the first person to really understand Agatha, and she comes to appreciate his dependability and honesty. They meet some pretty colorful characters - I love Bert and Bertha’s family - and rethink both what they want for their futures and what makes them suitable for their roles in life.
While the catch-and-escape scene(s) at the end got a little long - don’t muse about your entire life while standing in the middle of the road, Lem! - the pace is otherwise good, the story is entertaining, and you end up loving the imperfect characters. I loved the ending and what it said about all that character development that Lem and Agatha went through on their journey. One of my favorite facets of the story is that Agatha’s perfect poise makes it impossible for her to show vulnerability, and the author does a great job of showing how lonely it is when no one can tell that you’re sad, or sorry, or seriously put out.
Now, I seriously hope Henry gets a story next; it certainly seemed like E. A. Brown was setting him up for one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall, this is a hilarious and enjoyable adventure through the mountains with Agatha and Lem!
What I enjoyed-
+ Dual POV
+ Chapter titles
+ Laugh out loud humor
+ Overall writing style
+ Setting (These mountains feel like the ones close to my home - minus the fairies!)
+ Forced proximity adventure
+ Character growth and realization that true value and beauty lie beneath the surface
I feel like with a King Thrushbeard retelling, it's important to come into it with proper expectations. The point of the story is for the main characters to go through major growth and change - which means that they will probably start as slightly less than likable. This is true to some degree for both of our main characters. I appreciated their growth and enjoyed the story's conclusion!
Personal preference cons-
+ I feel like most of the male characters are written as unsavory, lewd, cruel, and/or inept - for story purposes, I guess I understand why - but it just doesn't sit well with me.
+ I feel like Lem needed a little something more to his character to really bring depth to the story, humor, and relationships - and to better balance Agatha. He's sweet and really shines at the end of the story though!
+ I would have liked more backstory for Lem and Henry in order to better understand them.
The paperback that I received through the Kickstarter campaign is gorgeous - weighty and high-quality with a beautiful design from the colors and cover to the interior illustrations and fonts! I can't say enough good things about it, and it's one of the prettiest books that I own!
Content: kisses-only romance; clean language although there are a lot of mentions of cursing, thinking about cursing, and inward cursing without any profane words being used; a character gets drunk and makes bad decisions; one-bed where nothing happens; strained parental relationships
I backed this book on Kickstarter and received my physical copy and ebook copy prior to the publication date.
What I enjoyed-
+ Dual POV
+ Chapter titles
+ Laugh out loud humor
+ Overall writing style
+ Setting (These mountains feel like the ones close to my home - minus the fairies!)
+ Forced proximity adventure
+ Character growth and realization that true value and beauty lie beneath the surface
I feel like with a King Thrushbeard retelling, it's important to come into it with proper expectations. The point of the story is for the main characters to go through major growth and change - which means that they will probably start as slightly less than likable. This is true to some degree for both of our main characters. I appreciated their growth and enjoyed the story's conclusion!
Personal preference cons-
+ I feel like most of the male characters are written as unsavory, lewd, cruel, and/or inept - for story purposes, I guess I understand why - but it just doesn't sit well with me.
+ I feel like Lem needed a little something more to his character to really bring depth to the story, humor, and relationships - and to better balance Agatha. He's sweet and really shines at the end of the story though!
+ I would have liked more backstory for Lem and Henry in order to better understand them.
The paperback that I received through the Kickstarter campaign is gorgeous - weighty and high-quality with a beautiful design from the colors and cover to the interior illustrations and fonts! I can't say enough good things about it, and it's one of the prettiest books that I own!
Content: kisses-only romance; clean language although there are a lot of mentions of cursing, thinking about cursing, and inward cursing without any profane words being used; a character gets drunk and makes bad decisions; one-bed where nothing happens; strained parental relationships
I backed this book on Kickstarter and received my physical copy and ebook copy prior to the publication date.
April 28, 2026
Review contains minor spoilers
This is one of those books that I just wanted to spend paragraphs raving about, and the reasons why sound ridiculous. Our two MCs take ‘unlikely hero’ to another level. They’re not dirt-poor farmers, soft-hearted thieves, or over-worked dreamers. No, they’re something far more unlikely: a goddess-like woman who suddenly can’t stop insulting people and a plain, grumpy prince who fails at everything. (I do not exaggerate. In one scene he fails to get past an unlocked, unguarded gate.)
Even better, their relationship isn’t built on sweet words or physical appearances. It’s built on actions and knowing each other deeply. At the climax, Lem doesn’t try to save Agatha because he’s thinking about how much he loves her and can’t live without her, but because he understands her completely and wants her to be safe.
Is this book still romantic? Yes. Just not the fluffy kind. At this point in the review I’d normally start mentioning things I didn’t like, but it’s mostly just minor things that don’t really matter. This book is the best sort of retelling: it’s both exactly the same and completely different from the original story. It captures the spirit of it without being strictly bound to the original details.
In short, go read it!
This is one of those books that I just wanted to spend paragraphs raving about, and the reasons why sound ridiculous. Our two MCs take ‘unlikely hero’ to another level. They’re not dirt-poor farmers, soft-hearted thieves, or over-worked dreamers. No, they’re something far more unlikely: a goddess-like woman who suddenly can’t stop insulting people and a plain, grumpy prince who fails at everything. (I do not exaggerate. In one scene he fails to get past an unlocked, unguarded gate.)
Even better, their relationship isn’t built on sweet words or physical appearances. It’s built on actions and knowing each other deeply. At the climax, Lem doesn’t try to save Agatha because he’s thinking about how much he loves her and can’t live without her, but because he understands her completely and wants her to be safe.
Is this book still romantic? Yes. Just not the fluffy kind. At this point in the review I’d normally start mentioning things I didn’t like, but it’s mostly just minor things that don’t really matter. This book is the best sort of retelling: it’s both exactly the same and completely different from the original story. It captures the spirit of it without being strictly bound to the original details.
In short, go read it!
February 5, 2026
I thought this was going to be a 4 star, but the ending was so sweet and tied everything up so well that it bumped it up to 5 stars!
Agatha and Lem start out as two characters that are pretty horrible, but humorously horrible, so you love them anyway. I greatly enjoyed the rude awakening that Agatha gets, she needed that wake up call so badly. And seeing her grow into her own person was so satisfying. And Lem becoming more confident, while still being so Lem was very heartwarming.
By the middle of the book, I started to worry I wasn’t going to find Lem and Agatha’s relationship believable, but it came together PERFECTLY, and by the end of the book I wanted to start the story all over again. SERIOUSLY SO SWEET!
I also loved how the Thrushbeard retelling played out. I sometimes struggle with Thrushbeard retellings because I can’t get behind the reasoning of why the FMC was so horrible. But the reasoning worked so well here!
I hope Henry gets his own story, and we get to see more of the fairy godmother, and maybe a glimpse of Lem and Agatha!
10/10 recommend.
Content: clean, no spice, no swearing, nothing gory
Agatha and Lem start out as two characters that are pretty horrible, but humorously horrible, so you love them anyway. I greatly enjoyed the rude awakening that Agatha gets, she needed that wake up call so badly. And seeing her grow into her own person was so satisfying. And Lem becoming more confident, while still being so Lem was very heartwarming.
By the middle of the book, I started to worry I wasn’t going to find Lem and Agatha’s relationship believable, but it came together PERFECTLY, and by the end of the book I wanted to start the story all over again. SERIOUSLY SO SWEET!
I also loved how the Thrushbeard retelling played out. I sometimes struggle with Thrushbeard retellings because I can’t get behind the reasoning of why the FMC was so horrible. But the reasoning worked so well here!
I hope Henry gets his own story, and we get to see more of the fairy godmother, and maybe a glimpse of Lem and Agatha!
10/10 recommend.
Content: clean, no spice, no swearing, nothing gory
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so much fun! I was a big fan of Brown’s debut novel, What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball, so this was one of my most anticipated reads this year. It was an absolute blast to read! It’s a King Thrushbeard retelling. I’m not super familiar with that fairy tale, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment one bit. I loved it!
Neither main character was very likable in the beginning, which is usually a big turnoff for me, but it somehow worked really well here. They were awful in the most humorous and entertaining way. Plus, it was great seeing their character growth.
I thought it was really interesting how Agatha got a fairy gift on her birthday up to her 21st. And that 21st Gift was a doozy, lol! It caused all kinds of chaos! I thought Agatha’s fairy godmother was a hoot!
This was a really fun read. It had a lot of depth alongside the humor, too, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys no-spice fantasy.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Neither main character was very likable in the beginning, which is usually a big turnoff for me, but it somehow worked really well here. They were awful in the most humorous and entertaining way. Plus, it was great seeing their character growth.
I thought it was really interesting how Agatha got a fairy gift on her birthday up to her 21st. And that 21st Gift was a doozy, lol! It caused all kinds of chaos! I thought Agatha’s fairy godmother was a hoot!
This was a really fun read. It had a lot of depth alongside the humor, too, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys no-spice fantasy.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
If you read Brown’s first book, What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball, you’ll find the same humorous voice in Lady Agatha, but somewhat less cheese (instead there’s tea). Join Agatha and Lem as they traipse and stumble through the forest attempting to find solutions to their many problems. Chiefly, how to get their unwanted marriage annulled, but also, how to not insult everybody accidentally and what on earth to do with this guitar the godmother gifted, and also importantly, how to avoid saying anything about the fact that the other person may not be so bad, and, in fact, might be very kind and gentle indeed.
It’s overall a very comedic tale, but I found it to have a surprising amount of depth amongst the silliness. Agatha and Lem each have a very specific idea of what they want out of life, but it turns out that what they want might be truly terrible after all. Agatha’s growth throughout the story is gently heartwarming, which is saying a lot for a character whose major character trait is Speaks Her Mind. The romance is slow burn, sweet, and adorable. The world is magical and quaint. Five stars from me!
[I supported the Kickstarter, so I got an early ebook.]
It’s overall a very comedic tale, but I found it to have a surprising amount of depth amongst the silliness. Agatha and Lem each have a very specific idea of what they want out of life, but it turns out that what they want might be truly terrible after all. Agatha’s growth throughout the story is gently heartwarming, which is saying a lot for a character whose major character trait is Speaks Her Mind. The romance is slow burn, sweet, and adorable. The world is magical and quaint. Five stars from me!
[I supported the Kickstarter, so I got an early ebook.]
April 26, 2026
Another fabulous novel!
I have been very excited to read another novel by Elisabeth Aimee Brown ever since first reading her fantastic, unique, and funny debut novel, and this did not disappoint! At first, I was worried I would be unenthused by another King Thrushbeard retelling (not like there's THAT many, but Ive read a few lately), but this one kept taking unexpected turns and subverting the fairy tale in delightful and original ways! I kept expecting different predictable tropes to play out, and to my delight kept being surprised when they didn't! (There was ONE major plot point I guessed, though, and was quite proud of myself when it paid off.) This is a wonderfully wholesome book about imperfect and insecure people thrown together who make each other better and learn to truly see beyond outward appearances. I shall eagerly await the next novel!
I have been very excited to read another novel by Elisabeth Aimee Brown ever since first reading her fantastic, unique, and funny debut novel, and this did not disappoint! At first, I was worried I would be unenthused by another King Thrushbeard retelling (not like there's THAT many, but Ive read a few lately), but this one kept taking unexpected turns and subverting the fairy tale in delightful and original ways! I kept expecting different predictable tropes to play out, and to my delight kept being surprised when they didn't! (There was ONE major plot point I guessed, though, and was quite proud of myself when it paid off.) This is a wonderfully wholesome book about imperfect and insecure people thrown together who make each other better and learn to truly see beyond outward appearances. I shall eagerly await the next novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my in my top three favorite reads of 2025, and I went nearly wild that I couldn’t share it with anyone because I read an Advanced copy. But let me tell you, it is hilarious, interesting, and such a fun read.
Elisabeth creates unique characters with tons of personality and a sharp wit. I loved the character’s banter, and Agatha was so funny.
On top of that, you won’t be able to put the book down. I laughed so many times reading it and stayed up late to finish it.
If you enjoyed the commoner’s ball, then you are going to love this!!!! In all honesty, I liked Lady Agatha speaks her mind even more than What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball!
Now, I’m going to keep impatiently waiting for the book to be released so that I can convince all my friends to read it!
Elisabeth creates unique characters with tons of personality and a sharp wit. I loved the character’s banter, and Agatha was so funny.
On top of that, you won’t be able to put the book down. I laughed so many times reading it and stayed up late to finish it.
If you enjoyed the commoner’s ball, then you are going to love this!!!! In all honesty, I liked Lady Agatha speaks her mind even more than What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball!
Now, I’m going to keep impatiently waiting for the book to be released so that I can convince all my friends to read it!
Review of advance copy
What to expect: YA cozy fantasy, King Thrushbeard reimagining, enchanted forest vibes, chaotic fairy godmother, bickering to bantering, grumpy x grumpy, humorous, dual POV
I’ve been looking forward to reading this for a while, and it did not disappoint. It was cute, funny, and full of heart all at the same time. The story felt so well executed, and it had such a comforting feel with flawed, relatable characters. I absolutely adored the two main characters and how they grew throughout the story. Their dynamic made me grin more than once, and following their journey was just so much fun. Ugh—just so, so lovely💕
I got an ebook from backing the Kickstarter.
📖 content 📖
non-descriptive kisses only
no profanity (unless “idiot” counts, then a lot🤣)
nothing graphic
I’ve been looking forward to reading this for a while, and it did not disappoint. It was cute, funny, and full of heart all at the same time. The story felt so well executed, and it had such a comforting feel with flawed, relatable characters. I absolutely adored the two main characters and how they grew throughout the story. Their dynamic made me grin more than once, and following their journey was just so much fun. Ugh—just so, so lovely💕
I got an ebook from backing the Kickstarter.
📖 content 📖
non-descriptive kisses only
no profanity (unless “idiot” counts, then a lot🤣)
nothing graphic
February 24, 2026
Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind is a cozy fairy tale retelling that is also comedic, eccentric, whimsical, and unique.
It’s the first book that started off with me throughly disliking both main characters but unable to put it down. As their misadventure progressed, the characters started to grow and change and developed into characters that I liked and couldn’t help rooting for.
This book has several different twists and turns that keep it interesting and engaging. It also has a romance that is slow, hard earned, and believable.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
It’s the first book that started off with me throughly disliking both main characters but unable to put it down. As their misadventure progressed, the characters started to grow and change and developed into characters that I liked and couldn’t help rooting for.
This book has several different twists and turns that keep it interesting and engaging. It also has a romance that is slow, hard earned, and believable.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the Kickstarter of this book, a little nervous since I'd never read anything from this author before. But she blew away all my expectations! Lady Agatha is everything sweet, cozy, and adorable that a fantasy romance can be.
It's completely clean—a couple kisses are the most it has. And the author is Christian.
I loved the playfulness of the story, the witty banter, the tender moments, and the way each of the characters slowly grew and slowly revealed themselves. Beautifully, beautifully done. After I finished Lady Agatha, I couldn't read anything else but Jane Austen for a week straight.
It's completely clean—a couple kisses are the most it has. And the author is Christian.
I loved the playfulness of the story, the witty banter, the tender moments, and the way each of the characters slowly grew and slowly revealed themselves. Beautifully, beautifully done. After I finished Lady Agatha, I couldn't read anything else but Jane Austen for a week straight.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a delightful story, so funny, whimsical, and cozy 🌷 This is the second book I read by Elisabeth and I love her style and sense of humor.
I really enjoyed reading both Agatha and Lem's POVs. They were so good together; I found myself laughing a lot! Her sharp tongue and his clumsiness were hilarious, as were all those ridiculous situations they found themselves in 😅 Not to mention Melusine and her goofy, mischievous plans and weird behavior. She was the best!
If you like cozy yet intriguing fantasy, with no spice but a lot of yearning, then this story is just for you!
Thank you Elisabeth for this ARC 💫
I really enjoyed reading both Agatha and Lem's POVs. They were so good together; I found myself laughing a lot! Her sharp tongue and his clumsiness were hilarious, as were all those ridiculous situations they found themselves in 😅 Not to mention Melusine and her goofy, mischievous plans and weird behavior. She was the best!
If you like cozy yet intriguing fantasy, with no spice but a lot of yearning, then this story is just for you!
Thank you Elisabeth for this ARC 💫
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read Brown’s first book, What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball, a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. So when the opportunity came to participate in the Kickstarter for her second book, it seemed like a good idea. I was disappointed, however, that I didn’t find Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind to be as enjoyable. It’s very well written, but the things that happen to the main characters seemed sillier. I persevered to the end, and enjoyed the resolution. If you’re into quirky fairy godmothers and their spells, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews