Once Upon a Woven Wish: a Rumpelstiltskin Retelling

Enchanted Realms #5.5

by Michelle Miles

A desperate girl with everything to lose. A cursed man bound by ancient bargains. And a final wish that could either save them both—or destroy everything she holds dear.

In a crumbling village at the edge of the kingdom, Serena knows survival is a daily battle. When heavy taxes threaten to steal her family's home, she turns to the ancient Well of Wishes—now little more than legend—and makes a dangerous plea for help.

That night, a stranger answers.

He can weave her whispered hopes into gold and grain, but every wish comes with a cost—a secret, a memory, a piece of her very soul.

As magic breathes life into the dying land, Serena finds herself tangled in an invisible bargain. The stranger is no ordinary man. He's a prisoner of the Well, cursed to grant wishes until someone dares to break the spell. And if Serena can uncover his true name before she loses herself completely, she might just rewrite both their fates.

But wishes have teeth—and some bargains were never meant to be broken.

A lush standalone fantasy perfect for fans of Rumpelstiltskin retellings, magical bargains, and fierce, heart-aching love stories.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2025

About the author

MICHELLE MILES believes in fairy tales, true love, and a little bit of magic in every story. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult books packed with adventure, action, and swoon-worthy romance—because what’s a story without a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart? From angels and demons to dragons, elves, and time travelers, her books are filled with epic quests, fierce heroines, and the kind of heroes worth falling for.

When she’s not crafting new adventures, she brings stories to life as a narrator and hosts Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast where she chats with authors about their writing journeys. A Texas girl through and through, she loves getting lost in a good book, binge-watching movies, hiking the trails, and sipping a glass of wine. Come hang out with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more!

Reviews

[Brend · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Cute, fun, plot driven (as all novellas should be tbh) fairytale retelling you can read in one sitting. A December recipe, honestly. Pick it up next week.

[Ember P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and received an advanced copy of this book. This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin asks the question, what if Rumpelstiltskin wasn't a nasty imp catching people desperate people with his tricks, but a man bound eternally by the same power that grants the wishes. When the price for every wish is too high to pay, destitute Serena follows a fairytale in search of the Well of Wishes to save her family. Who is the hooded man who weaves the wishes, and why can't she forget his haunted blue eyes, even as her memories are forfeit in payment? As the miracles mount around her family and the villagers tongues start to wag, even the king takes an interest in the amazing feats she has supposedly performed. As the walls close in around her, Serena can either admit the truth or ask for one final wish despite the price that will damn her to eternal bondage. As the clock ticks down for the final payment that the Well will neither forget nor forgive, Serena's last chance might lie in finding the name that is both the lock and key to freeing both of them from this terrible curse. The ending will show that you don't have to accept your fate, even when ther seems to be no hope and whether a man bound to the Well for daring to love, will be willing to open his heart again. A slight warning to readers, this book does end on a mild cliffhanger and we don't yet know if Serena has found her happily ever after, but I for one love fairytale retellings and will be waiting to open the next chapter of this story

[Luminea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Woven Wish is a bittersweet and beautiful addition to Michelle Miles's Enchanted Realms series of fairytale retellings. It warns that all magic comes at a price, and no one is exempt.

With winter approaching and the cupboards bare, Serena is desperate to save her family's home and keep them alive throughout the cold months ahead. Finding the legendary wishing well is her last hope. Yet the weaver of wishes tries to warn Serena away, and his brusque behaviour seems to hide a secret heartbreak. Soon their fates are tightly intertwined, and the well's magic demands a price that neither of them are prepared for.

My heart broke for Serena, whose altruism and compassion is largely taken for granted by others. She's beyond exhausted doing chores and hunting for food, while her self-absorbed younger sister complains if she's asked to help with anything. Serena's efforts to aid her neighbours are rewarded with rumours of witchcraft. No one else truly seems to have her back, except for the weaver, whose own kindness resulted in a curse. It made me ache at the unfairness of it all!

As usual, Michelle's writing is beautiful and lush, creating an atmospheric and magical read!

This was a highly original and enjoyable take on the Rumpelstiltskin story. I'm looking forward to the sequel, and reading other books in the Enchanted Realms series!

I received an ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are old tales of a magical wishing well with the ability to grant one’s heart’s desire. Anything the wisher wants. Serena’s family and village are starving thanks to their greedy king. Her father is also sick, possibly dying. Serena has been searching for this magical wishing well, until she finds it. She makes a wish that she’d give anything to save everyone. A mysterious man appears and states the Well can grant her wish for a price.

This is a quick read. It’s a fantasy with a darker setting, with that glimpse of hope and love that shines through.

It’s a unique take on Rumplestiltskin that I appreciate. I love when an author writes a story more inspired rather than the same story.

The romance is sweet. It starts off a bit rocky then escalates pretty quickly with the mutual attraction between the two and that hope they both wish for.

It’s a very fast paced book, but the overall story and world is unique and I enjoyed every moment.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this story! It was an enchanting story with great development, especially in a novella. I was hoping for a little more detail at the end, but it was an joyous read nonetheless.

[HappilyEverReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review (thank you so much for allowing me to read your book Michelle Miles!)

This book was amazing! It kept me thinking the entire time trying to figure out what the consequences of the wishes could be. Because as we all know all magic comes with a price. And you will pay for it one way or another. I was on the edge of my seat at the end it left me eager for the next book in the series and find out what happens with Serena and her mystery man. (What? I’m not gonna tell you everything. If you’re curious I strongly recommend you read the book!)

I thought it was interesting that while this story is based off of rumplestiltskin it wasn’t blatantly so like some retellings. There is just enough in the story that you can see how it is related to the original tale. (Like any good retelling) It takes the structure of the tale and makes it its own.

I am so excited to see where things go from here!

[Vicki Freezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your life is falling apart, when those you love are suffering, or dying, and you learned there was a chance, slim, maybe impossible, but a chance, to change it, for the better. A wish, price, unknown. Would you do it? Would you give away something potentially vital? A memory, a name, or more?

Is the price worth it?

It’s a question that is asked, and it’s the basis of the story. Is the price ever worth it? Or the price the wish demands, always too high?

On the surface, this tale is simple, as it is beautiful, and yet, beneath it, there’s something deeper, an older child with the weight of a family on her shoulders, willing to do everything she can to save her family. No matter what it costs her, no matter how unappreciative those around her are, and beneath all of that, a growing, blossoming love story.

This story was as beautiful to read as it was written, and it had me hooked from page one. I was on the edge of my seat, praying it wasn’t about to end how I thought it was, and I was so glad it didn’t. Looking forward to what comes next, and another author has been added to my instant-read list.

Thank you to Booksirens for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena’s desperation to save her dying father and struggling village leads her to find the mythical well of wishes. The Weaver at the well warns her of the high price that must be paid for the wish. Underneath the Weaver’s cold exterior, Serena glimpses the pain that he bears cursed to be bound to the well and granting wishes. When tales of her miraculous deeds reach the king, Serena is commanded to the palace. Even though her next wish might be her last, she’s determined to find a way to break the Weaver’s curse.

Once Upon a Woven Wish is a lovely reworking of Rumpelstilsken. Serena is a wonderful heroine, selfless, determined, and loyal. The tortured Weaver is the perfect brooding hero, longing for Serena and wishing he could spare her the price of the wishes. Their story becomes a sweet love story marred by the darkness of the well and the tension of whether the curse can be broken drives the drama. Fans of fairy tale retellings are in for a treat with this story and I’m eager to read more from Ms. Miles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I love this story. I’m not sure why the author chose to make it a Novella, (maybe because the holidays are busy and you can read it in one afternoon) but it is a two part book. It is a very sweet, charming story of a selfless girl wanting to save her family and struggling village. When she finds an old wishing well she had heard folktales about, she went to it in desperation. but all wishes have a price. She tells the man at the well she has nothing to give. He replied “Even the poorest soul carries something worth taking.”
The story is gripping and tender. I highly recommend picking it up for a quick trip into a magical world. The only downside is waiting for the next book to be released.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena is desperate; her father is deathly sick, and they are on the verge of losing their home to heavy taxes. As a final attempt, she tries to find a mythical wishing well and meets the wish weaver, who grants her her wish for money against a bargain, taking some of her memories. But one wish isn't enough.

This book is a retelling of "Rumpelstilskin," and I loved how it was executed. It was well written, and I read it in one sitting because I was so captivated by Selena's endeavor to save her family. One thing I really liked is Selene's character; she's selfless, brave, and doesn't back down when things get challenging. The love story was also well executed; I could really feel the tension between the two, and I really loved the ending. I'm really looking forward to the sequel to their story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a woven wish rating: 4.5⭐️

I am a fan of Michelle Mile's work. I love her pen, her imagination, and of course, that makes me love her books. This novel doesn't disappoint ❤️ can't wait for the second one!

Serena is a village girl who just wants her loved ones in her life. She wants love and stability. But sometimes life has different plans, and destiny decides to take its course. She will do all in her power to save her house and, above all, her father. The path she chose led her to a wishing well from stories and to meet the wish-weaver who resides there, and this is the point of no return. Fates are sealed, and destiny is ready to take its course.


Tropes:

Rumpelstiltskin inspired
Broken curses
Magic
Romantasy
Family ties
True love
Determined FMC
Mysterious MMC

[Thoroughly Clean Indies · Rating 5 out of 5]

*There will be a sequel.

Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of Rumpelstiltskin], YA
Tropes: Wishing well
Setting: An earlier century
Writing style: Dual POV, 3rd person, past tense
Tone: Serious
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven

Romance: Yes
Clean level: 2 mouth kisses, one with the barest description, one with zero description. 1 hand kiss. Man strokes women’s hand with a thumb, kisses inside of her wrist.

Sensitive aspect: Gods (referenced; they don’t appear)

Thoughts on main characters: Serena is dedicated to the well-being of everyone around her, and is willing to pay a high price to protect the people she loves. Caedon (“Rumpelstiltskin”) is her mirror in the terrible price he has payed for rejecting the heartlessness of Fae law.

Favorite aspects of the book:
• Writing style
• The originality of the concept

This twist on Rumpelstiltskin features a figure who is forced to extract extravagant payment for wishes fulfilled by a wishing well, which bound him to itself when he “gave freely” to a woman he loved. The payment is a part of the wisher’s self — a memory, a dream, a secret.

The writing style is in line with traditional fairy tales, leaning more on narration than on dialogue. The narrative is well-paced, and the story feels complete, which isn’t always achieved in a novella. I appreciate how the ending allows the book to be read as its own contained story without needing a follow-up so that there’s no frustration while waiting for the sequel. It ended at the right place.

Favorite quotation: “She sacrificed herself to release me, as I gave myself to her freely. That is the only bond stronger than you and your hunger.”

*There’s a link at the end of the book to a bonus chapter.


(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this short and sweet Rumpelstiltskin retelling. It was the perfect length to enjoy on a lazy holiday with a belly stuffed with food. If you like a FMC who wants to desperarely do the right thing for her family, high stakes wishes with a price, and breaking curses with an honest drive to help make things right, sprinkled with a little sweet romance to seal the deal, check this book out. It was very short yet well paced and satisfying. I was also happy to learn there's a sequel because it ended openly and I wanted to know how things tie up. So I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Penny Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow, I love how Rumplestiltskin isn’t the bad guy in this version. Both FMC and MMC have good hearts but have so much bad luck that it lands them in trouble, a well-deep of trouble. I absolutely love how the FMC is so intrigued by the mysterious MMC that it drives her to learn more about him. At times I was cheering her on to find out who he is. But I also was worried that the FMC was going to lose to much of herself. I was elated with the happy ending. Such a creative way to tell this story. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emilee Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC. I love a fairytale retelling! I like this book a lot! The characters were done well. The plot line was interesting! I didn’t think the story was going to be what it was. It thought it was going to be your somewhat traditional Rumplestiltskin story. I’m so glad it wasn’t! The only thing I would say I didn’t like about this book is that Serena and the stranger at the well didn’t get a lot of time together in the book. Overall, the story line, the characters, and the writing was well done!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not easy to retell the tale of Rumplestiltskin without making a lot of characters really stupid. This author did an amazing job though. Every part of the story is believable and makes sense. The characters make choices that are easy to understand. Their motivations were relatable and therefore it felt believable that they would take these risks and yet, the core of the original tale is still there. My main complaint is that the story felt too short. I would have loved to get to know the characters a little better before saying goodbye again.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy getting to read books in the Enchanted Realms series, and this book was a great in-between for the series and enjoyed the use of the Rumpelstiltskin retelling. I was invested in how it uses the fairy tale element and was able to weave something so strong and unique. I enjoyed getting into this world and how the characters were used. Michelle Miles always writes a strong storyline for the retelling genre and enjoyed this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Wishes.
I always wondered what my three wishes would be. Reading this Rumpelstiltskin retelling puts it into a unique fairytale about a cursed Seelie Prince and a desperate poor mortal. We find out why the Wish Weaver is cursed. We find out why Serena Windriver is poor and desperate. Their story is heartbreaking yet beautiful. Mystery. Good remake. Loads of heart. Don’t worry there is a HEA. Plus the author has a bonus chapter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent re-telling of the "Rumpelstiltskin" tale.

This version was fascinating for the views not only of the wish-maker (the eternal caution of "be careful what you wish for" versus "if I don't do this, then what?") but also of the wish-granter (Why were they there? What happens when a wish is granted?).

I thought the balance of reason & emotion, of fear & need, was just perfect.


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)

[Blitheroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this author writes!! Her descriptions are so romantic and flow like poetry, and her style lends itself beautifully to the fantasy world of fairytales. This story is a retelling of Rumplestiltskin and a heroine with a heart of gold just trying to save her family and her village, but she finds love along the way. It's a quick, heart-warming read but their story isn't quite over yet! I will definitely be reading the rest of their story!

[Nicole Presnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Woven Wish is a sweet, quick read that delivers exactly what it promises—a fun, magical short story with just enough whimsy to pull you into its world. I enjoyed the cozy, fairy-tale feel.
Because it is so short, I found myself wishing for just a little more depth and time with the characters, but the story still manages to stand on its own with a satisfying little sprinkle of magic. If you’re in the mood for a light, fast fantasy palate cleanser, this one is a lovely pick.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Serena wanted to do was save her family. When she finds the legendary Well of Wishes, she makes her wishes, but at what cost? Can she save the King’s son? Will she be able to unravel of the wish giver’s name, and will she survive? Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book as an ARC reader. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy reading. The idea of a wishing well is very appealing, but you have to remember there may be consequences to what you wish for. Looking forward to the continuation of Serena and Caedon’s story.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to spin a tale and this Rumpelstiltskin retelling is so good. A girl makes a wish to try to save her family and gets more then she bargains for when the weaver of wishes grants her wish for a price. It’s a well written, fast paced read that draws you in and has you hooked from start to finish as this author intertwines the mc’s fate in this enchanting story.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different twist into the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale. There is no weaving straw into gold but more wish granting and the price paid for such a wish. Read the book in one sitting. It was a short read so the pacing and the character development felt somewhat rushed. Overall, good story for people into fairy tale twists.

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. It’s pulled me in from page one weaving me into the pages as the story took hold. The world building was incredible and it was dark but also lighthearted too. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you so much

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I like how Serena never gave up. It was definitely a page turner, it was hard to put down. Serena did everything she did out of love and devotion, it was what saved her and the Weaver.

[Elizabeth Barrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read. The well was the evil character. The mfc just wants the best for her family and parts of her get taken away by the mmc as the wishes come true. Really enjoyed the retelling of Rumplestiltskin

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Some aspects (e.g. the romance) felt a bit underdeveloped because of the length of the book.
Overall, it is a short, quick, and clean read.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brienne Tarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story!
A very original kind of retelling that you won't be able to put down until you've finished. (Luckily it's not overlong.) When your only hope is a wish...what will the price be?