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Once Upon a Wish
Star Light Star Bright
Beauty. Nobility. Grace. Olisand’s newest, starry-eyed godmother has it all and is eager to prove to her new mentor she has what it takes to be the best godmother the “home of Happily Ever Afters” has ever seen. When she learns her best friend has a crush on the crown prince, she hatches a brilliant plan to bring the pair together. The only problem: her best friend is a troll, and the prince is an insufferable grump who wants nothing to do with magic and romance. It would be a fairytale ending for the ages, if only love were as simple as a wave of a wand.
A swampy Emma x Swan Lake Retelling
A swampy Emma x Swan Lake Retelling
ebook
Published January 1, 2026
About the author
Adelyn Belsterling
3 books23 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
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May 3, 2026
I received this ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review! Okay, Teddy and Toni are absolutely adorable! I just love them and was cheering them on from the start! I only wish that they got together sooner! The parts with them were my favorite. There was one scene with them that I didn’t really love, but other than that. Dilly was absolutely horrid and I hated her! I wanted to slap her off the page multiple times. The love triangle drove me crazy. With all of that being said, I definitely enjoyed it! I can’t wait to get a physical copy for my shelf. I can’t decide if I like this one or I Wish I May better.
May 7, 2026
I cannot tell you how happy I was to get an ARC for this book in exchange for a review. I have been looking forward to this for what feels like an age! And frankly, I think I got the better end of the deal.
I adored "I Wish I May" and this prequel gave me everything I loved about the IWIM and expanded on it. I wondered at the end of the book how King Theodore and the Queen, a fairy godmother ended up a married couple, when said king was prejudice against Zelda for being a fairy godmother herself. This book gave me the answer and it was beautiful and tragic. I loved seeing how Toni and Teddy were when they were younger and just how these two fell in love.
This book is advertised as a "swampy Swan Lake x Emma" and as "cozy fantasy" and it delivers everything it promised. Belsterling is clearly a great lover of this genre shines through beautifully. She embraces what makes fairy tales so beloved, but gives the stories and lore her own spin. If you're familiar with Swan Lake, you'll spot many lovely Easter eggs! And if you're also an Austen fan, you'll get "Emma" vibes in the best way. Yet at the same time, SLSB feels like it's own tale. Toni is a charming heroine who feels real with her passion, competitive nature, desire to truly help others as well as her stuborness on needing to do it herself to "earn it" and having to learn the hard way, that being competent doesn't mean doing it alone. I see so many young woman I've known in her, including myself at one point.
Teddy was a charming prince himself-pun intended. Flawed too, but relatable. I also really loved how Belsterling touched on his insecurities around his looks-it's not an issue that gets discussed enough around teenage boys. I'm glad she was empathetic enough to cover the topic. It made him feel more real too.
I cannot wait to see what she does next. And I really hope this book comes out in paperback cuz I really want it on my self next to IWIM.
If none of what I've said has convinced you to read this, try this: I have a newborn and I still stayed up all night to read this book. This book was better than sleep.
I adored "I Wish I May" and this prequel gave me everything I loved about the IWIM and expanded on it. I wondered at the end of the book how King Theodore and the Queen, a fairy godmother ended up a married couple, when said king was prejudice against Zelda for being a fairy godmother herself. This book gave me the answer and it was beautiful and tragic. I loved seeing how Toni and Teddy were when they were younger and just how these two fell in love.
This book is advertised as a "swampy Swan Lake x Emma" and as "cozy fantasy" and it delivers everything it promised. Belsterling is clearly a great lover of this genre shines through beautifully. She embraces what makes fairy tales so beloved, but gives the stories and lore her own spin. If you're familiar with Swan Lake, you'll spot many lovely Easter eggs! And if you're also an Austen fan, you'll get "Emma" vibes in the best way. Yet at the same time, SLSB feels like it's own tale. Toni is a charming heroine who feels real with her passion, competitive nature, desire to truly help others as well as her stuborness on needing to do it herself to "earn it" and having to learn the hard way, that being competent doesn't mean doing it alone. I see so many young woman I've known in her, including myself at one point.
Teddy was a charming prince himself-pun intended. Flawed too, but relatable. I also really loved how Belsterling touched on his insecurities around his looks-it's not an issue that gets discussed enough around teenage boys. I'm glad she was empathetic enough to cover the topic. It made him feel more real too.
I cannot wait to see what she does next. And I really hope this book comes out in paperback cuz I really want it on my self next to IWIM.
If none of what I've said has convinced you to read this, try this: I have a newborn and I still stayed up all night to read this book. This book was better than sleep.
May 28, 2026
Technically 🌟 3.75 stars
Beautiful, clever, and titled, with a happy home and hard-working disposition, Antonia Heartsell had lived a charmed nineteen years with little to vex her…except for the petulant prince who showed up in her life every summer.
If the quote above 👆🏻is familiar, you just might be an Emma [by Austen] fan. And this mashup on the classic, plus a royalty-meets-friendly swamp troll-meets-Swam-Lake
The words Emma meets Swan Lake are what got me.
This is book two in the series, and I did not read book one. Didn’t matter.
It took me a bit to get into the story since it was YA [MMF is a 19-year-old fairy godmother], it’s not my typical genre. But it was fun to pick out the parallels with a beloved Austen novel.
It was charming. I was encouraged by how sweet and wholesome, non-violent, and not dark.
Hallelu 🙌🏻
There was a kissing scene in which different wording would have made it feel less intimate. Still a clean romance, though.
I was blessed with an ARC for an honest review, and my thoughts are always my own.
More in-depth info on my YT channel and Patreon.
April 9, 2026
AMAZING!
I was lucky enough to be an alpha/beta reader for this novel, and I adored it. Adelyn's first book, I WISH I MAY, is one of my favorite cozy fantasies, and this one was JUST AS GOOD. I cannot wait to read more in this world already and see how she expands it all.
Adelyn's books are a must-read.
I was lucky enough to be an alpha/beta reader for this novel, and I adored it. Adelyn's first book, I WISH I MAY, is one of my favorite cozy fantasies, and this one was JUST AS GOOD. I cannot wait to read more in this world already and see how she expands it all.
Adelyn's books are a must-read.
Did Not Finish
May 28, 2026DNF at 35%
I just could not get into this. There was just something about Toni's internal world and how other people described her that didn't line up. Internally, she was almost shy and overly sweet and a little competitive. But she was viewed as intimidating and top-tier popular. Also, the Emma inspiration with '90s vibes just makes it feel like a Clueless retelling, and I have no desire to revisit that movie.
I'm grateful the author supplied me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just could not get into this. There was just something about Toni's internal world and how other people described her that didn't line up. Internally, she was almost shy and overly sweet and a little competitive. But she was viewed as intimidating and top-tier popular. Also, the Emma inspiration with '90s vibes just makes it feel like a Clueless retelling, and I have no desire to revisit that movie.
I'm grateful the author supplied me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2026
I find I definitely like a good rivals to friends to lovers story. This was cute and fun.
May 29, 2026
I received an ARC of Star Light Star Bright by Adelyn Belsterling for an honest review.
First, let me say that I am not a big reader of fantasy. Second, let me say that fact did not hinder my enjoyment of this book.
Star Light Star Bright is billed as a swampy Emma meets Swan Lake retelling. I am a huge fan of retellings, so I gladly signed up for this ARC.
From page one, Belsterling’s clever storytelling jumps off the page. The first scene sets the reader up for a very unique world that feels one foot in Jane Austen’s realm and one foot in modern day upper class society. If I had a third foot, it would be solidly planted in a fairy tale. I can’t imagine combining those three settings effectively would be an easy task, but the author does it beautifully. I immediately bought into the old-world vibe of debutantes and tea parties while totally feeling as if I might meet one of the characters on the streets of some modern-day, bougie neighborhood. Oddly enough, adding in a green troll BFF didn’t seem odd at all.
I truly enjoyed the way the plot kept me guessing. While I wanted Toni (the heroine) and Teddy (the hero) to find their way to each other, I had no idea how it would happen. Toni, a fairy-godmother in training, promised her best friend troll to grant her happily ever after with Teddy. The problem is that Toni and Teddy belong together. The reader knows that from the start, even if Toni and Teddy do not.
Don’t think the conflict is cliche. Belstering masterfully creates enough angst, attraction, and animosity between the two so the reader never has to stifle an eye roll. Instead, you truly believe the two don’t understand the attraction. Their teen hormones or experiences or attitudes keep them from fully appreciating that the reason they are driving each other crazy has more to do with love than hate.
Which brings me to another enjoyable element. The author nailed teen girl drama. The mean girls are definitely mean, but not in an overdone, Hollywood way. Their “meanness” seems natural, exactly what you might expect from immature, somewhat spoiled, teenage girls.
When one teen girl (I won’t say which. Let it be a surprise) betrays another teen girl and manipulates the friend group to her side, let’s just say that if you made it through high school without that very realistic experience, you are in a rare class.
The fun magic in this clean, fantasy romance is just enough to keep things interesting. I like books where the magic isn’t so far-fetched that it takes a whole chapter to explain it. In Star Light Star Bright, the magic is familiar fairy tale stuff with modern whimsy thrown in–like lipstick in the shade of truth serum.
I won’t go into plot details because I don’t want to spoil one second of the swampy, Austen-esque, fairytale adventure for you. I will tell you that the plot twists definitely honor the original stories. Ultimately, Star Light Star Bright is a fresh, feel-good, fast read perfect for summer.
First, let me say that I am not a big reader of fantasy. Second, let me say that fact did not hinder my enjoyment of this book.
Star Light Star Bright is billed as a swampy Emma meets Swan Lake retelling. I am a huge fan of retellings, so I gladly signed up for this ARC.
From page one, Belsterling’s clever storytelling jumps off the page. The first scene sets the reader up for a very unique world that feels one foot in Jane Austen’s realm and one foot in modern day upper class society. If I had a third foot, it would be solidly planted in a fairy tale. I can’t imagine combining those three settings effectively would be an easy task, but the author does it beautifully. I immediately bought into the old-world vibe of debutantes and tea parties while totally feeling as if I might meet one of the characters on the streets of some modern-day, bougie neighborhood. Oddly enough, adding in a green troll BFF didn’t seem odd at all.
I truly enjoyed the way the plot kept me guessing. While I wanted Toni (the heroine) and Teddy (the hero) to find their way to each other, I had no idea how it would happen. Toni, a fairy-godmother in training, promised her best friend troll to grant her happily ever after with Teddy. The problem is that Toni and Teddy belong together. The reader knows that from the start, even if Toni and Teddy do not.
Don’t think the conflict is cliche. Belstering masterfully creates enough angst, attraction, and animosity between the two so the reader never has to stifle an eye roll. Instead, you truly believe the two don’t understand the attraction. Their teen hormones or experiences or attitudes keep them from fully appreciating that the reason they are driving each other crazy has more to do with love than hate.
Which brings me to another enjoyable element. The author nailed teen girl drama. The mean girls are definitely mean, but not in an overdone, Hollywood way. Their “meanness” seems natural, exactly what you might expect from immature, somewhat spoiled, teenage girls.
When one teen girl (I won’t say which. Let it be a surprise) betrays another teen girl and manipulates the friend group to her side, let’s just say that if you made it through high school without that very realistic experience, you are in a rare class.
The fun magic in this clean, fantasy romance is just enough to keep things interesting. I like books where the magic isn’t so far-fetched that it takes a whole chapter to explain it. In Star Light Star Bright, the magic is familiar fairy tale stuff with modern whimsy thrown in–like lipstick in the shade of truth serum.
I won’t go into plot details because I don’t want to spoil one second of the swampy, Austen-esque, fairytale adventure for you. I will tell you that the plot twists definitely honor the original stories. Ultimately, Star Light Star Bright is a fresh, feel-good, fast read perfect for summer.
May 13, 2026
5 stars ✨
Thank you so much to Adelyn Belsterling for the Advanced Reader’s Copy! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
🦢 Childhood rivals to friends to lovers
🦢 He falls first
🦢 Emma meets Swan Lake Retelling
🦢 Fairy Godmother magic system
🦢 No spice romance
🦢 Magical consequences
🦢 Humor
In this adorable, cozy fantasy novel, Adelyn Belsterling braids a beautiful canvas with this Swampy Emma meets Swan Lake Retelling. This is a prequel to I Wish I May, but anyone can read this story as a standalone.
I couldn't turn the page fast enough. As the audience, we meet our female main character: Antonia Heartsell, who goes by Toni and then we encounter our male main character the annoying, charming, and childhood rival, Prince Theodore Barrois. The fact that their mothers are best friends, Toni and Teddy have been constantly in each other's lives.
Their chemistry sizzles within the first couple of pages (first chapter) and continues throughout the story. I adore this! You have been warned, dear reader: you may experience fits of giggling, oooo's and ahhh's, and wanting to know what'll happen.
Adelyn does a fantastic job keeping the readers engaged with Toni's matchmaking, becoming a Fairy Godmother, family and friendship dynamics, that the story's plot is smooth and gentle. Every page is intentional. There's always a reason why we are diving into characters that are connected to Toni. The character growth is beautiful. The audience gets to see how Toni grows, seeing a lovely arc.
I want to reread this so badly! I throughly enjoyed seeing the world-building and the characters' decisions, having consequences either good or bad. Anyone who ever wants a happily ever after, this novel is for you (and me)! 💕 Thank you Adelyn for writing a stunning tale. ✨
Star Light Star Bright releases on Tuesday, May 26, 2026! Ask your local libraries for a copy, purchase through the local bookstore, or see if your friends will be doing it as a book club. Enjoy! 💚
P.S. I highlighted so many of my favorite quotes. I will share once the book has been released! ⭐️
Thank you so much to Adelyn Belsterling for the Advanced Reader’s Copy! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
🦢 Childhood rivals to friends to lovers
🦢 He falls first
🦢 Emma meets Swan Lake Retelling
🦢 Fairy Godmother magic system
🦢 No spice romance
🦢 Magical consequences
🦢 Humor
In this adorable, cozy fantasy novel, Adelyn Belsterling braids a beautiful canvas with this Swampy Emma meets Swan Lake Retelling. This is a prequel to I Wish I May, but anyone can read this story as a standalone.
I couldn't turn the page fast enough. As the audience, we meet our female main character: Antonia Heartsell, who goes by Toni and then we encounter our male main character the annoying, charming, and childhood rival, Prince Theodore Barrois. The fact that their mothers are best friends, Toni and Teddy have been constantly in each other's lives.
Their chemistry sizzles within the first couple of pages (first chapter) and continues throughout the story. I adore this! You have been warned, dear reader: you may experience fits of giggling, oooo's and ahhh's, and wanting to know what'll happen.
Adelyn does a fantastic job keeping the readers engaged with Toni's matchmaking, becoming a Fairy Godmother, family and friendship dynamics, that the story's plot is smooth and gentle. Every page is intentional. There's always a reason why we are diving into characters that are connected to Toni. The character growth is beautiful. The audience gets to see how Toni grows, seeing a lovely arc.
I want to reread this so badly! I throughly enjoyed seeing the world-building and the characters' decisions, having consequences either good or bad. Anyone who ever wants a happily ever after, this novel is for you (and me)! 💕 Thank you Adelyn for writing a stunning tale. ✨
Star Light Star Bright releases on Tuesday, May 26, 2026! Ask your local libraries for a copy, purchase through the local bookstore, or see if your friends will be doing it as a book club. Enjoy! 💚
P.S. I highlighted so many of my favorite quotes. I will share once the book has been released! ⭐️
May 20, 2026
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ┈ ⋞ 〈 Star Light Star Bright 〉 ⋟ ┈ ★★★★☆
╰┈➤ “I’d wait forever.”
There’s something about this series that makes me hope the author does not stop with just a sequel 🤩
First of all that cover is gorgeousss ✨
Second of all her books are the type that has me staying awake consistently until 1 AM (wait I guess that’s technically a bad thing… oh well 😏🤷♀️)
Anyways, I enjoyed the childhood enemies to lovers very much. It almost had the vibes of Cheaper By the Dozen mixed with Barbie Swan Lake 🦢⛲️💚
I loved all the competition between Teddy and Toni, and I loved the setup aspect as well.
The world building around this exclusive group of young adults was charming, and the dynamics of the group felt like I was involved as well.
My favorite of all was the way Teddy was so selfless when it mattered, but felt free enough for teasing and bets. And seeing all of the antics that Toni got into was amusing for sure!
Now I’m not sure whether this is a good thing or not, but I didn’t give a full 5 stars for two reasons. One, Dilly drove me absolutely insane. Two, the ending felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more closure in a longer scene of all that happened last minute. But overall it could easily be someone else’s 5 star read :)
Overall, if you’re a fan of childhood rivals, mischievously competitive duos, and don’t mind a love triangle… then this is totally a book you should check out! The atmosphere was probably my favorite, so if you love feeling pulled into the world you’re reading (filled with luxury and class, while keeping sane mind) then you would 100% love this.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Special thanks to the author for my complimentary ARC of this book! I was not required to leave a positive review, all thoughts are happily my own :)
Content review is on my insta (comment if you’re interested in seeing it)
╰┈➤ “I’d wait forever.”
There’s something about this series that makes me hope the author does not stop with just a sequel 🤩
First of all that cover is gorgeousss ✨
Second of all her books are the type that has me staying awake consistently until 1 AM (wait I guess that’s technically a bad thing… oh well 😏🤷♀️)
Anyways, I enjoyed the childhood enemies to lovers very much. It almost had the vibes of Cheaper By the Dozen mixed with Barbie Swan Lake 🦢⛲️💚
I loved all the competition between Teddy and Toni, and I loved the setup aspect as well.
The world building around this exclusive group of young adults was charming, and the dynamics of the group felt like I was involved as well.
My favorite of all was the way Teddy was so selfless when it mattered, but felt free enough for teasing and bets. And seeing all of the antics that Toni got into was amusing for sure!
Now I’m not sure whether this is a good thing or not, but I didn’t give a full 5 stars for two reasons. One, Dilly drove me absolutely insane. Two, the ending felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more closure in a longer scene of all that happened last minute. But overall it could easily be someone else’s 5 star read :)
Overall, if you’re a fan of childhood rivals, mischievously competitive duos, and don’t mind a love triangle… then this is totally a book you should check out! The atmosphere was probably my favorite, so if you love feeling pulled into the world you’re reading (filled with luxury and class, while keeping sane mind) then you would 100% love this.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Special thanks to the author for my complimentary ARC of this book! I was not required to leave a positive review, all thoughts are happily my own :)
Content review is on my insta (comment if you’re interested in seeing it)
May 26, 2026
ARC review (honest opinion!) ;)
I’ve been waiting ever so patiently to come back into this godmother world. The wait was worth it. This is a prequel of sorts that is connected to the first book, I wish I may— which you don’t have to read if you don’t want to but who would turn down another book full of whimsy and wonder such as this one? Not meeee!
I loved the perfect summer and swan lakes vibes this gave off- filled with enchantment and beautiful landscapes. I love when imagery is vivid and descriptive and Belsterling as usual did not disappoint. This time around, I was swept amongst the royal life of this fairytale world and I was squealing. I do love a good ball with friends if I do say so myself. May we touch upon the subject of how cleverly the rope of rivals to lovers was done? That was superb and one of the most excellent twists in the story because at one point I really did think I was going to have to have a good cry after I closed the book!! Thankfully, happy tears were shed once I finished the book <3
This a book that will make you swoon, Antonia gives off Emma from Jane Austen in the best way possible since she’s playing a matchmaker for most of the book. There’s nothing I love most than seeing a matchmaker fall in love. Their banter was also kicking your feed in the air worthy while you snicker and castle…and as always there’s no spice- if you’re a young audience, this truly is the book for you!
I have been missing the old vibes Disney fairy tale films have and this book feels just like old Disney. It felt like coming home to a cozy, warm and nostalgic fairy hollow in the woods. If you want a fairytale in a godmother world full of sparkly wonder then I do believe, no I know that you should definitely pick this book. Thank you for reading my review, take care and I hope you have a lovely day ♡
I’ve been waiting ever so patiently to come back into this godmother world. The wait was worth it. This is a prequel of sorts that is connected to the first book, I wish I may— which you don’t have to read if you don’t want to but who would turn down another book full of whimsy and wonder such as this one? Not meeee!
I loved the perfect summer and swan lakes vibes this gave off- filled with enchantment and beautiful landscapes. I love when imagery is vivid and descriptive and Belsterling as usual did not disappoint. This time around, I was swept amongst the royal life of this fairytale world and I was squealing. I do love a good ball with friends if I do say so myself. May we touch upon the subject of how cleverly the rope of rivals to lovers was done? That was superb and one of the most excellent twists in the story because at one point I really did think I was going to have to have a good cry after I closed the book!! Thankfully, happy tears were shed once I finished the book <3
This a book that will make you swoon, Antonia gives off Emma from Jane Austen in the best way possible since she’s playing a matchmaker for most of the book. There’s nothing I love most than seeing a matchmaker fall in love. Their banter was also kicking your feed in the air worthy while you snicker and castle…and as always there’s no spice- if you’re a young audience, this truly is the book for you!
I have been missing the old vibes Disney fairy tale films have and this book feels just like old Disney. It felt like coming home to a cozy, warm and nostalgic fairy hollow in the woods. If you want a fairytale in a godmother world full of sparkly wonder then I do believe, no I know that you should definitely pick this book. Thank you for reading my review, take care and I hope you have a lovely day ♡
May 28, 2026
Star Light Star Bright ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adelyn Belsterling has a true gift & knack for writing stories that pull you in and keep you there. I never once wanted to put down the story!
I had the pleasure of being selected as an ARC reader and boy am I grateful. What’s so funny is that while I love romance, I’ve never sought out fairytale style books. After reading SLSB, I realize I’ve never enjoyed them because I’ve never read Belsterling’s writings!
Adelyn uses popular tropes and twists them/writes them in a way that keeps you turning the page. SLSB covers a slew of deeper topics like betrayal in friendships, believing in yourself/calling, physical insecurities…all wrapped up in a beautiful and fantastical book.
My favorite parts of Adelyn’s writings are how honest and connected you feel, particularly to Toni and Teddy. The main character Toni (who I wasn’t sold on at first) turned out to be a character full of depth. I ended up really enjoying her character and found her to be funny, relatable, and real. Her love story with Teddy is truly swoon-worthy and soooo many pages had me giggling and kicking my feet!
If you’re looking for a read that transports you somewhere much better than here and delivers on every promise, you simply HAVE to add SLSB to your TBR…or else I just might have to curse you into a swan! 🦢
Adelyn Belsterling has a true gift & knack for writing stories that pull you in and keep you there. I never once wanted to put down the story!
I had the pleasure of being selected as an ARC reader and boy am I grateful. What’s so funny is that while I love romance, I’ve never sought out fairytale style books. After reading SLSB, I realize I’ve never enjoyed them because I’ve never read Belsterling’s writings!
Adelyn uses popular tropes and twists them/writes them in a way that keeps you turning the page. SLSB covers a slew of deeper topics like betrayal in friendships, believing in yourself/calling, physical insecurities…all wrapped up in a beautiful and fantastical book.
My favorite parts of Adelyn’s writings are how honest and connected you feel, particularly to Toni and Teddy. The main character Toni (who I wasn’t sold on at first) turned out to be a character full of depth. I ended up really enjoying her character and found her to be funny, relatable, and real. Her love story with Teddy is truly swoon-worthy and soooo many pages had me giggling and kicking my feet!
If you’re looking for a read that transports you somewhere much better than here and delivers on every promise, you simply HAVE to add SLSB to your TBR…or else I just might have to curse you into a swan! 🦢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐
This book is described as a swamy Emma x Swan Lake retelling, and that's what drew me to it. Antonia, a fresh graduate fairy godmother, is eager to prove herself to her mentor, family, and herself. She takes on her childhood friend Dilly's wish to grant her a happily ever after with the crown prince.
However, Dilly is a troll, the crown prince is madly in love with Antonia, and Antonia gets cursed to turn into a swan
This book was super fun to read, funny and entertaining. I loved the competitive friendship between Antonia and Teddy, and their chemistry is brilliant. I just wish Antonia weren't so clueless about the Prince's feelings for her.
Loved Antonia's character development, and pretty much all the characters - her friends, family, the prince - were all so well written. Especially loved the side romance between Rodger and Sasha.
Fairytale retellings are one of my favourite genres, and I'd have enjoyed it even more if the story and worldbuilding had more complexity
This book is described as a swamy Emma x Swan Lake retelling, and that's what drew me to it. Antonia, a fresh graduate fairy godmother, is eager to prove herself to her mentor, family, and herself. She takes on her childhood friend Dilly's wish to grant her a happily ever after with the crown prince.
However, Dilly is a troll, the crown prince is madly in love with Antonia, and Antonia gets cursed to turn into a swan
This book was super fun to read, funny and entertaining. I loved the competitive friendship between Antonia and Teddy, and their chemistry is brilliant. I just wish Antonia weren't so clueless about the Prince's feelings for her.
Loved Antonia's character development, and pretty much all the characters - her friends, family, the prince - were all so well written. Especially loved the side romance between Rodger and Sasha.
Fairytale retellings are one of my favourite genres, and I'd have enjoyed it even more if the story and worldbuilding had more complexity
May 22, 2026
Thank you, Adelyn, for an ARC copy of this book. All reviews are my own.
Emma x Swan Lake x Bridgerton x Shrek
This book is so cozy and while being an Emma x Swan Lake read, I was also getting some Bridgerton vibes from the debutante balls and friendly competition between the young adults. Olisand, kingdom in the story, reminded me of Far, Far Away (Shrek) with its fairy tale vibes with pop culture references.
What really sold this book for me was Toni and Teddy’s childhood rivalry turned relationship. The two had a lot of chemistry and whenever something went amok, Teddy was the first person that Toni turned to. They had playful banter–pulling each other into the lake, Teddy joking that her feet smelled–which added to the chemistry!
After becoming the fairy godmother for the kingdom of Olisand, Toni tries to set up two of her best friends–a troll and a prince–into a Happily Ever After. Hilarity ensues throughout the many setup attempts as Toni’s plans backfire. I don’t want to say too much without giving this away.
[spoiler]
I also want to add that I loved Rodger, Toni’s brother, and I wish that as the matchmaking fairy godmother Toni had something to do with Rodger’s Happily Ever After. It would have played on the irony of the negative consequences of her matchmaking attempts.
Emma x Swan Lake x Bridgerton x Shrek
This book is so cozy and while being an Emma x Swan Lake read, I was also getting some Bridgerton vibes from the debutante balls and friendly competition between the young adults. Olisand, kingdom in the story, reminded me of Far, Far Away (Shrek) with its fairy tale vibes with pop culture references.
What really sold this book for me was Toni and Teddy’s childhood rivalry turned relationship. The two had a lot of chemistry and whenever something went amok, Teddy was the first person that Toni turned to. They had playful banter–pulling each other into the lake, Teddy joking that her feet smelled–which added to the chemistry!
After becoming the fairy godmother for the kingdom of Olisand, Toni tries to set up two of her best friends–a troll and a prince–into a Happily Ever After. Hilarity ensues throughout the many setup attempts as Toni’s plans backfire. I don’t want to say too much without giving this away.
[spoiler]
I also want to add that I loved Rodger, Toni’s brother, and I wish that as the matchmaking fairy godmother Toni had something to do with Rodger’s Happily Ever After. It would have played on the irony of the negative consequences of her matchmaking attempts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
4.5 stars: This was a fun Emma and Swan Princess combo that I think would be especially good for a high school audience. The friends-to-lovers romance was very sweet and focused on kisses in a fairytale way. I loved the first line and the little Austen hints throughout, especially the clever Tasha as Miss Bates reworking. The setting was also an interesting combo: almost modern (dial-up internet) with soft magic that was easy to read about, although I do still have some questions. I did feel like having more friends for the Emma character was a little bit of an odd choice; part of the reason Austen's story works so well is because it is so insulated. But this was a really fun story that kept me engaged and hoping for that happy ending!
May 2, 2026
I loved Star Light Star Bright!
This book was just as good as I Wish I May. It has all the coziness, romance, and friendship of I Wish I May while also having a completely different conflict and plot. This book easily stands on its own and isn’t only enjoyable because it’s a fun look at characters when they were younger.
While Star Light Star Bright is the prequel to I Wish I May, it does contain a spoiler for a slight twist in the first book. But I feel that readers can read the books in whichever order they prefer and still throughly enjoy them.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait to see what else happens in this world!
This book was just as good as I Wish I May. It has all the coziness, romance, and friendship of I Wish I May while also having a completely different conflict and plot. This book easily stands on its own and isn’t only enjoyable because it’s a fun look at characters when they were younger.
While Star Light Star Bright is the prequel to I Wish I May, it does contain a spoiler for a slight twist in the first book. But I feel that readers can read the books in whichever order they prefer and still throughly enjoy them.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait to see what else happens in this world!
May 15, 2026
I had the privilege to receive an ARC for this book. I have first read this series when I was a teenager and seeing it grow and expand after all this years feels really special. I love the banter between the main characters as well as their long friendship. I think the plot about trying to set up your friend nemesis with a troll is so original. I think Dilly is a great character with a lot of depth who shows how beautiful the magic of Ever Afters (and the dangers if you get yourself lost in it). Toni and Teddy relationship is so endearing and it genuinely made me smile many times during the story.
As something to further explore, I wish this story could show more detail of Toni friends goals as I wish I may showed Specs and Imogen’s. They seem to not have a lot to do in the whole structure of the story, just give conversation to the main characters instead of being pivotal parts of Toni story.
Nevertheless, I think this universe is definitely not finished and there are so many ways the author could tell more stories about GITs or other characters within this magical universe. Maybe more magical creatures that have yet to made an appearance. Who knows, but I will be down to read whatever she writes that involves cute not spice romance with a touch of magic
As something to further explore, I wish this story could show more detail of Toni friends goals as I wish I may showed Specs and Imogen’s. They seem to not have a lot to do in the whole structure of the story, just give conversation to the main characters instead of being pivotal parts of Toni story.
Nevertheless, I think this universe is definitely not finished and there are so many ways the author could tell more stories about GITs or other characters within this magical universe. Maybe more magical creatures that have yet to made an appearance. Who knows, but I will be down to read whatever she writes that involves cute not spice romance with a touch of magic
May 21, 2026
I’m so honored to have been an ARC reader for this book. This story absolutely captured what middle school/ early high school me would have eaten up in an INSTANT! This for me now would have truthfully been a 4 star rating but I had to let my younger mind take over because she LOVED this story, OH MY GOODNESS!!! I don’t want to spoil anything but if yall love magic, fairytales, and AWESOMENESS! Then please read this book.
Or for moms, looking at reviews hoping that this book is appropriate for your child.. IT IS!! And this is a great book for your 15 year old who still loves whimsy :)
Or for moms, looking at reviews hoping that this book is appropriate for your child.. IT IS!! And this is a great book for your 15 year old who still loves whimsy :)
May 27, 2026
This book actually made me cryyyyy. I love getting to know love stories that are already established earlier in the series, but this one was a tearjerker for me. It was so bittersweet I can’t think about it without my eyes filling with tears. I love how Belsterling writes love; how she defines it, how the characters convey it differently, and the power it holds against every challenge and curse they encounter. This is a great recommendation for younger audiences looking for light academic fantasy and for older audiences looking for a refreshing but profound read.
June 2, 2026
Loved the 90s vibes of this cute and sweet cozy fantasy! I loved the Emma vibes (think the movie Clueless for the 90s vibes, but our FMC is actually self-aware and sweet), the tennis references, and the dogs' antics. The author said this was like Emma x Swan Lake, but I didn't know anything about Swan Lake so I definitely had some theories about where the book was going. My theories were not half so funny as what actually happened though.
While the romance was super sweet, I also really appreciated the relationship our FMC had with her parents, especially her mom. It was normal and healthy, which is not something we see a lot of.
I loved the author's first book, I Wish I May, and this one was just as cute and enjoyable. Anyone who loves cozy, low-stakes fantasy with light magic and a sweet romance should try these books! The characters are college-aged, but I'd say the content is appropriate for the YA market.
Thank you to the author for my copy! All opinions expressed are my own.
While the romance was super sweet, I also really appreciated the relationship our FMC had with her parents, especially her mom. It was normal and healthy, which is not something we see a lot of.
I loved the author's first book, I Wish I May, and this one was just as cute and enjoyable. Anyone who loves cozy, low-stakes fantasy with light magic and a sweet romance should try these books! The characters are college-aged, but I'd say the content is appropriate for the YA market.
Thank you to the author for my copy! All opinions expressed are my own.
June 4, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It was comforting to return back to the beautiful world that I read about in I Wish I May, although did go back in time.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the relationship between Toni and Teddy. They had a childhood rivalry that evolved into friendship, and then more! Enemies to lovers done right. The banter between them was fun.
It was comforting to return back to the beautiful world that I read about in I Wish I May, although did go back in time.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the relationship between Toni and Teddy. They had a childhood rivalry that evolved into friendship, and then more! Enemies to lovers done right. The banter between them was fun.
June 9, 2026
Antonia has been chosen to be the Fairy Godmother of her home territory and finds herself in a bind with her first wish. Not only will entangle more than she understands, but she's not ready for what her hearts about to do.
Antonia is asked to grant a happily ever after that is more complicated than meets the eye. Can she be the Fairy Godmother needed or will every crash down? Follow her long as she makes her decisions in this second book.
Antonia is asked to grant a happily ever after that is more complicated than meets the eye. Can she be the Fairy Godmother needed or will every crash down? Follow her long as she makes her decisions in this second book.
May 30, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and just finished it.... IT WAS SO CUTE! I loved it! The love story was seriously so sweet, but the whole modern fairytale concept was very fun! I loved the small touches, like the Frenchies, and the great attention to detail. I highly recommend this book to any reader who is interested in a cozy fantasy.
May 14, 2026
I’m so delighted to write this review because I’ve been privileged enough to get an ARC for my honest thoughts, and honestly…what’s better than reading a wonderful book for free in exchange of telling everyone how amazing it is. I would have done it either way!!
Full review in my Substack! https://open.substack.com/pub/topanga...
Full review in my Substack! https://open.substack.com/pub/topanga...
June 5, 2026
Overall, I thought the story was very cute.
The book is marketed as Emma meets The Swan Princess. Both stories are woven together with bits of other fairytales and myths creating a fun story with lots of easter eggs to find for readers who enjoy that (I love stories with references I can look for).
Toni is a flawed protagonist, trying to help her friends by meddling. She grows and learns a lot through the course of the story.
One of my favorite things was how Toni's family engaged with her and each other, especially in moments of crisis. They weren't the most prominent of characters, but when they were there, they were great. I love depictions of loving, functional families.
I love Jane Austen's Emma and I enjoyed how Belsterling chose plot points and wove aspects of Emma's character into the story. Some aspects played out differently than I expected based on the source material (which is a good thing). She also took inspiration from The Swan Princess which provides a fun rivalry friendship and interesting elements to the Emma plot.
This book is a prequel to I Wish I May, however, it doesn't give really any spoilers. The ending does give an explanation for a background arc in IWIM but they can be read completely independent of each other.
I don't think it will be a frequent reread, but it was a fun story to experience. Thank you for the early read, Adelyn.
The book is marketed as Emma meets The Swan Princess. Both stories are woven together with bits of other fairytales and myths creating a fun story with lots of easter eggs to find for readers who enjoy that (I love stories with references I can look for).
Toni is a flawed protagonist, trying to help her friends by meddling. She grows and learns a lot through the course of the story.
One of my favorite things was how Toni's family engaged with her and each other, especially in moments of crisis. They weren't the most prominent of characters, but when they were there, they were great. I love depictions of loving, functional families.
I love Jane Austen's Emma and I enjoyed how Belsterling chose plot points and wove aspects of Emma's character into the story. Some aspects played out differently than I expected based on the source material (which is a good thing). She also took inspiration from The Swan Princess which provides a fun rivalry friendship and interesting elements to the Emma plot.
This book is a prequel to I Wish I May, however, it doesn't give really any spoilers. The ending does give an explanation for a background arc in IWIM but they can be read completely independent of each other.
I don't think it will be a frequent reread, but it was a fun story to experience. Thank you for the early read, Adelyn.
May 26, 2026
⭐ 3
📖 Cozy fantasy, fantasy retelling
💖 Romance level: Gentle
🗣️ Language use: None
📅 Pub day: May 26, 2026
Learn more about my rating system
This story was indeed cozy. The whimsical fantasy world was so sweet to visit. I could easily picture the settings, which felt like old Charleston, SC . . . but fantastical. It has a sweet small town feel and a developed magic system. I especially love the ties into the first book, I Wish I May–this was written as its prologue.
P.s. I was given an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I do think that it needed some more developmental edits. Some of the scenes felt a little rushed, like the swan retelling portion, and in some scenes, it felt like the MMC just conveniently appeared. The story has really strong bones, and I’m excited to see the other works that Adelyn publishes in the future.
Read if you like:
✨ Contemporary fantasy
✨ Light magic systems
✨ 2000’s Rom-coms
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
✨ It’s always been you
✨ The Princess Bride 2
📖 Cozy fantasy, fantasy retelling
💖 Romance level: Gentle
🗣️ Language use: None
📅 Pub day: May 26, 2026
Learn more about my rating system
This story was indeed cozy. The whimsical fantasy world was so sweet to visit. I could easily picture the settings, which felt like old Charleston, SC . . . but fantastical. It has a sweet small town feel and a developed magic system. I especially love the ties into the first book, I Wish I May–this was written as its prologue.
P.s. I was given an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I do think that it needed some more developmental edits. Some of the scenes felt a little rushed, like the swan retelling portion, and in some scenes, it felt like the MMC just conveniently appeared. The story has really strong bones, and I’m excited to see the other works that Adelyn publishes in the future.
Read if you like:
✨ Contemporary fantasy
✨ Light magic systems
✨ 2000’s Rom-coms
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
✨ It’s always been you
✨ The Princess Bride 2
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews