What do you think?
Rate this book
Mending and Madness
Seven shattered realms. Two broken hearts. One Great King who will always be enough.
Le’eah Nelnhem is the brownie seamstress of Vheyden — a strange occupation, to be sure. At least in Faerie.
But not half so strange as her husband, Kfir, the gnomish innkeeper who went mad nineteen years ago after the birth of their only child.
...or so the fae of the Autumn Court believe.
After all, the voices don’t talk to them.
When an unexpected invitation puts pressure on their already cold and distant marriage, Kfir learns that he’s running out of time to break his curse, mend his relationship with their daughter, and reclaim the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved.
With the help of three insufferable and hilarious companions, Kfir and Le’eah set out on an awkward yet heartwarming journey of faith and forgiveness.
This cozy faerietale is a story of two people who could never be enough on their own, and one Great King who always has been.
“When the clock strikes twelve, the last petal falls."
Mending and Madness is a cozy Christian fantasy romance for readers who love second chances, unexpected friendships, and God’s provision for anxious hearts. This charming faerietale is a complete story, no series experience required.
Sensitive Content This book touches on the realities of mental illness, chronic illness, and family conflict while remaining a cozy, hopeful tale. Fans of happily-ever-afters will not be disappointed or left hanging.
Le’eah Nelnhem is the brownie seamstress of Vheyden — a strange occupation, to be sure. At least in Faerie.
But not half so strange as her husband, Kfir, the gnomish innkeeper who went mad nineteen years ago after the birth of their only child.
...or so the fae of the Autumn Court believe.
After all, the voices don’t talk to them.
When an unexpected invitation puts pressure on their already cold and distant marriage, Kfir learns that he’s running out of time to break his curse, mend his relationship with their daughter, and reclaim the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved.
With the help of three insufferable and hilarious companions, Kfir and Le’eah set out on an awkward yet heartwarming journey of faith and forgiveness.
This cozy faerietale is a story of two people who could never be enough on their own, and one Great King who always has been.
“When the clock strikes twelve, the last petal falls."
Mending and Madness is a cozy Christian fantasy romance for readers who love second chances, unexpected friendships, and God’s provision for anxious hearts. This charming faerietale is a complete story, no series experience required.
Sensitive Content This book touches on the realities of mental illness, chronic illness, and family conflict while remaining a cozy, hopeful tale. Fans of happily-ever-afters will not be disappointed or left hanging.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Laura Cheever
4 books22 followersLaura Cheever writes fantasy novels with strong Christian themes and an emphasis on romance within seasoned marriages. She lives in rural Wyoming with her husband, Andrew, and their four children, the legendary makers of mischief and shenanigans. When she’s not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she homeschools the kids, reads a mildly concerning number of fantasy novels, paints, plays board games, bakes mediocre sourdough bread, and plays old-timey hymns on the piano.
If you enjoy her books, please consider leaving reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. It helps the author so much, and it helps other readers find stories they’ll love! Thank you.
You can stay up to date on Laura’s books and projects by signing up for her email newsletter, The Goblin Grace Gazette.
If you enjoy her books, please consider leaving reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. It helps the author so much, and it helps other readers find stories they’ll love! Thank you.
You can stay up to date on Laura’s books and projects by signing up for her email newsletter, The Goblin Grace Gazette.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 14, 2025
This story was a labor of love and an act of worship to my God from a raw and desperate heart — my dearest prayer for this book is that Jesus finds my meager offering to be acceptable.
And if you like it too, then all the better. 🫶🏻
Remember, my dear friend, that of all the provisions, Christ is the greatest. Of all the gifts, He is the best. Of any inheritance, Jesus is to be the most desired.
🥣 "It's not about the soup." 🥣
Philippians 4:6-7
And if you like it too, then all the better. 🫶🏻
Remember, my dear friend, that of all the provisions, Christ is the greatest. Of all the gifts, He is the best. Of any inheritance, Jesus is to be the most desired.
🥣 "It's not about the soup." 🥣
Philippians 4:6-7
February 1, 2026
What to expect: Cozy Christian fantasy, fixing a broken marriage, gargoyles, God’s provision, a little Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella vibes, whimsical world, light and humorous tone
One aspect that I always appreciate from this author is that she makes a point in her Christian fantasies that it is God who restores people and marriages, not inner strength from the characters. They just have to humble themselves before Him. That is so important. Although this book would be great for married women, as someone who is not married and will not be for the foreseeable future, I found comfort in the second chance the main couple got from the Great King and a lovely reminder of God taking care of His children. This book is not preachy, but it is unabashedly Christian. Also, I’m impressed with the creativity it takes to come up with the world concept and functions. I will be reading every book this author writes.
📚 content 📚
-closed door implied between married couple
-one use of d***
-there is nothing graphic, just know that the conflict is a broken marriage (no infidelity involved), mentions of drinking ale
-faith is very important to the plot
One aspect that I always appreciate from this author is that she makes a point in her Christian fantasies that it is God who restores people and marriages, not inner strength from the characters. They just have to humble themselves before Him. That is so important. Although this book would be great for married women, as someone who is not married and will not be for the foreseeable future, I found comfort in the second chance the main couple got from the Great King and a lovely reminder of God taking care of His children. This book is not preachy, but it is unabashedly Christian. Also, I’m impressed with the creativity it takes to come up with the world concept and functions. I will be reading every book this author writes.
📚 content 📚
-closed door implied between married couple
-one use of d***
-there is nothing graphic, just know that the conflict is a broken marriage (no infidelity involved), mentions of drinking ale
-faith is very important to the plot
October 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet, redemptive love story. It was an easy read with biblical truths and themes at the forefront of an immersive, fantastical setting. The lore and humor were fun, the characters felt real, and there were so many reminders of God’s goodness throughout. I would happily read a follow-up story so here’s to hoping there might be one!
Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the author but my review is my own.
Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the author but my review is my own.
November 28, 2025
This is a must read!
It's full of hope, laughter, and love. And soup. But it's not about the soup. Haha!
The gargoyles are hilarious. They are my favorites!
The whole cast was magnificent.
I'm still gathering myself and would love to add all the glorious details but honestly, please read the story yourself, especially if you enjoyed the classic Disney tales of Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback, and Cinderella, but with already-married romance then you'll love this one.
(And for those who are high fantasy nerds, like me, but have found it difficult to find good fantasy without all the darkness, all of Laura Cheever's books, so far, have met that need/desire, scratched that itch, hit it home, etc. and has found a way to point back to Jesus in such a creative way it's warming to my heart.)
Seriously, get your favorite bowl of soup or beverage of choice and snuggle your favorite blanket this story will bring the nostalgia vibes in waves.
It's full of hope, laughter, and love. And soup. But it's not about the soup. Haha!
The gargoyles are hilarious. They are my favorites!
The whole cast was magnificent.
I'm still gathering myself and would love to add all the glorious details but honestly, please read the story yourself, especially if you enjoyed the classic Disney tales of Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback, and Cinderella, but with already-married romance then you'll love this one.
(And for those who are high fantasy nerds, like me, but have found it difficult to find good fantasy without all the darkness, all of Laura Cheever's books, so far, have met that need/desire, scratched that itch, hit it home, etc. and has found a way to point back to Jesus in such a creative way it's warming to my heart.)
Seriously, get your favorite bowl of soup or beverage of choice and snuggle your favorite blanket this story will bring the nostalgia vibes in waves.
December 21, 2025
This book! I’m loving that more and more fantasy authors are writing beautifully clear gospel messages in fae worlds ♥️
The themes of healing, forgiveness, and falling in love with your spouse who you’ve drifted from were absolutely amazing. M&M is super cozy and the world building is perfection. I genuinely can’t recommend this book enough!
The themes of healing, forgiveness, and falling in love with your spouse who you’ve drifted from were absolutely amazing. M&M is super cozy and the world building is perfection. I genuinely can’t recommend this book enough!
November 25, 2025
This book has solidified that Laura Cheever is one of my favorite fantasy authors. Mending and Madness is a funny and cozy fairytale with themes that are both healing and convicting. Mending and Madness deserves to become a classic of Christian fantasy.
Kfir and Le'eah are wildly relatable in their struggles, and the themes of God's Providence are displayed in extremely powerful ways (I will never look at soup or ravens the same way again). The romances were also very sweet!
Mending and Madness is the perfect book if you like closed door fantasy, deep Christian themes, comedic characters, and cozy worlds.
Kfir and Le'eah are wildly relatable in their struggles, and the themes of God's Providence are displayed in extremely powerful ways (I will never look at soup or ravens the same way again). The romances were also very sweet!
Mending and Madness is the perfect book if you like closed door fantasy, deep Christian themes, comedic characters, and cozy worlds.
November 27, 2025
I really enjoyed Mending and Madness. I am really impressed with how well Laura Cheever was able to develop such great character depth that had me invested in their stories from the start. I sometimes had to stifle my laughs for my husband sleeping next to me. I also teared up at times.I read half the book then went on a trip with my sister staying up too late to read for a few days, and it about drove me mad thinking about getting back to finishing Mending and Madness! A great clean, fun and uplifting read!
* I received an advanced reader copy from the author but my review is my own.
* I received an advanced reader copy from the author but my review is my own.
October 22, 2025
I finished reading Mending and Madness by Laura Cheever a local author. I have now read two of her books and have very much enjoyed both. It took me a bit to get into the fantasy realm of gnomes, gargoyles, goblins, glomphs and whatnot but, I found both books very enjoyable and engaging. This book Mending and Madness was an easy read. I felt it grabbed my attention, kept me engaged and wanting to know more about the family the story was centered around. I wanted to see their growth and reconnection, which ultimately played out. I did find the initial communication and family growth time gap disappointing, but that did not take away from the story and creativity of the book. I love the way the story reminds us to call on the Lord for our wants and needs. The way that Laura is able to take fictional fantasy characters and tie it back to true faith and reminders of our Lord and need for him! I think this book would be an enjoyable short film. I would love to see Rosie's character!
October 16, 2025
I got to read this book before it was even published :D so Mending and Madness is not as long as Laura's other books and its a quick read. It's a read I want to slowly read and enjoy though. I don't know why it's a stand alone!!!! Haha I guess I selfishly just want too much of a good thing. This book was fun . Full of hope. A journey where As a reader your hopeful for multiple characters your rooting for em. But there is a bit of on the edge of your seaT factor. It's a happy read full of awe moments. The gargoyles are hilarious! The ending of this book makes me book nerd self happy. The lore is fun. Moments are sweet. This book is tied with my other #1 favorite book which is : lost king of the Pattern from the Fralsningdor Chronicles. I guess they are both my favorite for different reasons. Lost king of the Pattern is a awesome adventure God glorifying fun book and mending and madness is a fun cute read with God glorifying moments.
These books are awesome. I Def recommend all of them.
These books are awesome. I Def recommend all of them.
November 27, 2025
I really enjoyed Mending and Madness! The author provided me with an advance reader copy early in case I wanted to review--and I sure do. Mending and Madness is a sweet, gentle love story with a touch of magic. You don't need to be a hardcore fantasy reader to keep up. When a fae husband and wife grow apart, it takes two--and a ball--and some magical helpers--and even a sewing machine--to mend their relationship. Oh, and lots of soup.
If you like swoony, no spice romance with zero toxic content, this book is for you (and me!). There are Christian themes, such as trusting in a higher power when you don't what to do; they are presented in a way that a non-religious person would enjoy this book too (just like non-religious folks can like epic fantasies with gods and goddesses). One of the characters seems to have OCD, and his differences/difficulties with it is portrayed very kindly. Another character has a life-threatening illness, and that is covered with taste and kindness also. Looking forward to reading Book 2!
If you like swoony, no spice romance with zero toxic content, this book is for you (and me!). There are Christian themes, such as trusting in a higher power when you don't what to do; they are presented in a way that a non-religious person would enjoy this book too (just like non-religious folks can like epic fantasies with gods and goddesses). One of the characters seems to have OCD, and his differences/difficulties with it is portrayed very kindly. Another character has a life-threatening illness, and that is covered with taste and kindness also. Looking forward to reading Book 2!
January 11, 2026
AHHHHHH IT'S NOT ABOUT THE SOUP!
It's not even about the romance (though that is SUPER cute and raw and loveable).
The message of this book is superb and well-illustrated in the symbolism/plot. I loved the twists on the familiar fairytales and the epic worldbuilding. The writing style and humour had me snorting with laughter! This felt like the perfect marriage of story and theme, and you just KNOW that Cheever has a huge heart that was poured into every word on every page. Christian fiction has a bad rep for being cheesy and unrealistic, and this book is NOT either of those things (unless you consider the literal fantasy elements, which is so relatable you forget that the fae aren't actually real).
I could say so much more, but seriously this book blew me away and I just am grinning like a gargoyle about it! My only disappointment is that I didn't read it sooner! If you like cozy fantasy, faith-focussed literature, and realistic romance RUN! DO NOT WALK!
It's not even about the romance (though that is SUPER cute and raw and loveable).
The message of this book is superb and well-illustrated in the symbolism/plot. I loved the twists on the familiar fairytales and the epic worldbuilding. The writing style and humour had me snorting with laughter! This felt like the perfect marriage of story and theme, and you just KNOW that Cheever has a huge heart that was poured into every word on every page. Christian fiction has a bad rep for being cheesy and unrealistic, and this book is NOT either of those things (unless you consider the literal fantasy elements, which is so relatable you forget that the fae aren't actually real).
I could say so much more, but seriously this book blew me away and I just am grinning like a gargoyle about it! My only disappointment is that I didn't read it sooner! If you like cozy fantasy, faith-focussed literature, and realistic romance RUN! DO NOT WALK!
October 22, 2025
I just finished reading this book. I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC from the author.
Wow!
I love that this author turns a faerietale into an immersive world experience. I can feel the textures of the velvet dress and the wood of the inn.
A word of warning: don't read this without a big bowl of hearty soup! I've been craving Le'eah's butternut, black pepper and hot honey dumpling soup for days! But, as we learn, it's NOT about the soup, but the blessings that can't be taken away.
I love the authentic expressions such as, "merciful twist!" And the glomps are just begging to star in a children's book in which they would certainly steal the show, where too, the Holy King of this shattered world would love us all.
Laura Cheever is a genius world builder/story crafter that takes you away from todays problems and shows you what's really important in life.
Wow!
I love that this author turns a faerietale into an immersive world experience. I can feel the textures of the velvet dress and the wood of the inn.
A word of warning: don't read this without a big bowl of hearty soup! I've been craving Le'eah's butternut, black pepper and hot honey dumpling soup for days! But, as we learn, it's NOT about the soup, but the blessings that can't be taken away.
I love the authentic expressions such as, "merciful twist!" And the glomps are just begging to star in a children's book in which they would certainly steal the show, where too, the Holy King of this shattered world would love us all.
Laura Cheever is a genius world builder/story crafter that takes you away from todays problems and shows you what's really important in life.
November 27, 2025
This book gets ALL the stars! I was already a fan of Laura's other books, The Fralsningdor Chronicles, and this book still exceeded my expectations!
A cozy read with Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Hunchback of Notre Dame vibes (hilarious gargoyles, anyone?).
I couldn't even begin to pick a favorite character, I loved them all! This is a heartwarming story of redemption, love, and reconciliation in a family. I love that Laura's books draw me closer to Jesus and my family. She weaves such beautiful truth into the incredible worlds she creates.
And, since this takes place in the Autumn Court, this is the PERFECT cozy fall read!! I'm sure I will be reading it every fall as the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp.
✨️Friendship
✨️Family
✨️Already married romance
✨️God's Provision
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A cozy read with Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Hunchback of Notre Dame vibes (hilarious gargoyles, anyone?).
I couldn't even begin to pick a favorite character, I loved them all! This is a heartwarming story of redemption, love, and reconciliation in a family. I love that Laura's books draw me closer to Jesus and my family. She weaves such beautiful truth into the incredible worlds she creates.
And, since this takes place in the Autumn Court, this is the PERFECT cozy fall read!! I'm sure I will be reading it every fall as the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp.
✨️Friendship
✨️Family
✨️Already married romance
✨️God's Provision
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 27, 2025
Super cute book! Best way I like to describe it is, if Hallmark decided to write a far based story. I did really like how the core of the “love story” was more repairing their marriage, due to circumstances that caused the couple to drift apart and instead of separating it’s a story of how they rediscovered their love. Gave it 3, instead of 4 stars, due to some grammar issues and a few paragraphs that were a bit rough-flow wise, to read. There was an excessive amount of exclamations used in the first few chapters, that did not fit the scene well. Other than that, super cute book to read.
October 18, 2025
Oh my goodness! It is so hard to find good fantasy books. If a story doesn't capture my attention within the first chapter, I never finish it.
This book is perfection! It captured my attention from the first page to the very last page. It made me laugh and cry and long to find my Kfir. I loved the gargoyles. They added so much entertainment and whimsy.
This book is perfection! It captured my attention from the first page to the very last page. It made me laugh and cry and long to find my Kfir. I loved the gargoyles. They added so much entertainment and whimsy.
November 8, 2025
It’s been years since I’ve read a book so moving and that makes me cry by the end of the last few chapters. What is so special about this book is that every chapter I have read my focus has been on God and what he has done in my life to help me grow to be a better mother, wife and most importantly a Christian. What a moving story!!
November 27, 2025
Precious. Real. Cozy. Whimsical. Challenging. Adorable.
Mending and Madness by Laura Cheever is all these things and more!
Laura’s stories always stir in me a desire to pursue my husband harder than I already do, and this book is no different.
If you’re looking for something with classic Disney vibes but a bit more grit, this is the book for you!
Mending and Madness by Laura Cheever is all these things and more!
Laura’s stories always stir in me a desire to pursue my husband harder than I already do, and this book is no different.
If you’re looking for something with classic Disney vibes but a bit more grit, this is the book for you!
November 5, 2025
I really loved this book. Just showing the struggles with Le'eah, Kfir, and Rosie as a family and how they ending overcoming them and coming back together along with the elements and writing about faith and God were wonderful.
October 27, 2025
I thought it was a cute book with a nice Christian base. I enjoyed the story and a possible second. I do think it needs some editing and way less exclamation points. Other than that I liked it.
November 20, 2025
An absolutely wholesome story full of God's goodness. Also, Ask is my favorite character, hands down.
The entire book is just *chef's kiss*
The entire book is just *chef's kiss*
November 21, 2025
🍲 Mending and Madness by Laura Cheever is an already married romance and I loved it!
🥀This book masterfully highlights the distance that can occur during marriage when there is unhealed hurt and misunderstandings.
🍲Honestly, it was balm to the soul to see the relatable circumstance of feeling distant from your spouse and then the journey to reconnection.
🥀If you haven’t read any books by Laura Cheever this a great one to start with whether you are married or not. Whatever your circumstance this story will speak to you.
🍲I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are honest and my own.
🥀This book masterfully highlights the distance that can occur during marriage when there is unhealed hurt and misunderstandings.
🍲Honestly, it was balm to the soul to see the relatable circumstance of feeling distant from your spouse and then the journey to reconnection.
🥀If you haven’t read any books by Laura Cheever this a great one to start with whether you are married or not. Whatever your circumstance this story will speak to you.
🍲I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are honest and my own.
January 5, 2026
𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸!
Setting up the warm atmosphere and familial aspects of this story, the book begins with Kfir and Le’eah Nelnhem welcoming their beautiful baby girl, Rosie, in the humble inn situated in the heart of Vheyden. The devastation was perfectly conveyed after Le’eah believed life was seemingly without issue, until Kfir began spiraling into a madness that lasted for decades, leaving them outsiders to the Autumn Court. The strong emotion was written in a way that I could personally feel, which is a talent in itself.
Fans of Christian fantasy romance will find this heartwarming journey fits the bill perfectly. Though written with a slower pace, the character growth steadily unfolds, representing the realistic struggles of learning to love again after hardship has taken a toll on a previously unshakable marriage. The world-building of this novel was a highlight for me, both in the fantastical locations and the diverse cast of characters. Rock golems, brownies, gnomes, and fauns are just a few examples of the beings I met, each personified to bring realism to this magical fantasy world.
The dual-POV offers a unique perspective on love, loss, grief, and forgiveness as I witnessed their interactions and felt the warmth of the love held for those around them. The intimate insight into the inner monologues of both characters allowed me to relate to the struggle we all face as we navigate how to be our best selves, often inspired and fueled by the limitless love we have for others.
Setting up the warm atmosphere and familial aspects of this story, the book begins with Kfir and Le’eah Nelnhem welcoming their beautiful baby girl, Rosie, in the humble inn situated in the heart of Vheyden. The devastation was perfectly conveyed after Le’eah believed life was seemingly without issue, until Kfir began spiraling into a madness that lasted for decades, leaving them outsiders to the Autumn Court. The strong emotion was written in a way that I could personally feel, which is a talent in itself.
Fans of Christian fantasy romance will find this heartwarming journey fits the bill perfectly. Though written with a slower pace, the character growth steadily unfolds, representing the realistic struggles of learning to love again after hardship has taken a toll on a previously unshakable marriage. The world-building of this novel was a highlight for me, both in the fantastical locations and the diverse cast of characters. Rock golems, brownies, gnomes, and fauns are just a few examples of the beings I met, each personified to bring realism to this magical fantasy world.
The dual-POV offers a unique perspective on love, loss, grief, and forgiveness as I witnessed their interactions and felt the warmth of the love held for those around them. The intimate insight into the inner monologues of both characters allowed me to relate to the struggle we all face as we navigate how to be our best selves, often inspired and fueled by the limitless love we have for others.
January 19, 2026
🍄🟫🪡 Mending and Madnes🪡🍄🟫
Written by Laura Cheever
Releases November 27th, 2025
Mending and Madness - fantastically whimsical & warm, cozy soup for the soul. But! It was never about the soup 😉
Le’eah & Kfir - blessedly broken in their irredeemable marriage - but God. There is no marriage that The Great King can’t save & this story weaves that narrative beautifully.
This story had me laughing, crying & praising the Name above all names for His provision.
If Laura Cheever writes it I’m going to read it. A weaver of words she is.
I was blessed to receive an ARC of this book for my open & honest opinion. All these thoughts are from my own noggin.
Written by Laura Cheever
Releases November 27th, 2025
Mending and Madness - fantastically whimsical & warm, cozy soup for the soul. But! It was never about the soup 😉
Le’eah & Kfir - blessedly broken in their irredeemable marriage - but God. There is no marriage that The Great King can’t save & this story weaves that narrative beautifully.
This story had me laughing, crying & praising the Name above all names for His provision.
If Laura Cheever writes it I’m going to read it. A weaver of words she is.
I was blessed to receive an ARC of this book for my open & honest opinion. All these thoughts are from my own noggin.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews