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Wendybird: Peter Pan Retelling - Fantasy Romance
What if Wendy Darling woke up one day with no memory of who she was?
Five years have passed since the attacks on Neverland, yet the scars linger in the Neverland Children’s Home, where orphans live under the watchful eyes of those set in place to protect them. For Wendy Darling, the safe haven of Winter Woods feels more like a cage, and the freedom she craves no more than scribbles in her journal. Alongside her is Peter, a young man whose presence is both a comfort and a challenge. Bound together by a curse neither fully understands, they navigate a world that seems only to offer more questions than answers.
Wendy longs for escape, yet every path beyond Winter Woods is just out of reach. Her journal holds the depths of her desires, but when Peter stumbles across her private thoughts, the fragile trust between them is shaken. As tension grows, a visitor Captain James, the charismatic son of the Lord Regent and the one who saved Wendy and the other orphans five years ago. He is full of charm, opportunity, and the hint of a life beyond confinement. His promise of freedom is tempting, but every choice carries a cost she may not be ready to pay.
A haunting vision and glimpses of a world beyond the icy tundra pull Wendy into mysteries she cannot ignore. Magic stirs in the corners of Winter Woods, and the past she cannot remember may hold the key to everything. Peter’s loyalty is unwavering, James’ love undeniable, yet confusion clings to Wendy as her bonds with both men grow stronger. Friendships are made and deepened, romantic sparks ignite, and reality becomes increasingly mystifying.
Stepping out of the home for the first time, Wendy feels like Cinderella off to the ball, swept into the glamorous world of the 1930s, with bright lights, late nights, and dazzling dresses. Yet in this world, nothing is as it seems, and Wendy must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her own story. With every choice, she balances on the edge of freedom and duty, love and heartbreak, safety and the unknown.
Faeries, hidden cities, ancient secrets, and lingering curses converge to create a world that is breathtakingly beautiful and perilously unpredictable. Wendy will discover courage she never knew she had, confront truths she never expected, and navigate a world alive with wonder. The road ahead is uncertain, but for the first time, she can feel her own strength, her own desires, and the power to shape her destiny. Romance, intrigue, and magic swirl together as Wendy’s journey begins.
For readers who love a Peter Pan retelling, reimagined fantasy worlds, love that refuses to be quenched, and mysteries that unfold like the wings Wendy longs to have, Wendybird is an invitation to Neverland, a place where hope thrives, courage is essential, faith burns bright, and the magic that gives us the power to fly is always within reach.
Five years have passed since the attacks on Neverland, yet the scars linger in the Neverland Children’s Home, where orphans live under the watchful eyes of those set in place to protect them. For Wendy Darling, the safe haven of Winter Woods feels more like a cage, and the freedom she craves no more than scribbles in her journal. Alongside her is Peter, a young man whose presence is both a comfort and a challenge. Bound together by a curse neither fully understands, they navigate a world that seems only to offer more questions than answers.
Wendy longs for escape, yet every path beyond Winter Woods is just out of reach. Her journal holds the depths of her desires, but when Peter stumbles across her private thoughts, the fragile trust between them is shaken. As tension grows, a visitor Captain James, the charismatic son of the Lord Regent and the one who saved Wendy and the other orphans five years ago. He is full of charm, opportunity, and the hint of a life beyond confinement. His promise of freedom is tempting, but every choice carries a cost she may not be ready to pay.
A haunting vision and glimpses of a world beyond the icy tundra pull Wendy into mysteries she cannot ignore. Magic stirs in the corners of Winter Woods, and the past she cannot remember may hold the key to everything. Peter’s loyalty is unwavering, James’ love undeniable, yet confusion clings to Wendy as her bonds with both men grow stronger. Friendships are made and deepened, romantic sparks ignite, and reality becomes increasingly mystifying.
Stepping out of the home for the first time, Wendy feels like Cinderella off to the ball, swept into the glamorous world of the 1930s, with bright lights, late nights, and dazzling dresses. Yet in this world, nothing is as it seems, and Wendy must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her own story. With every choice, she balances on the edge of freedom and duty, love and heartbreak, safety and the unknown.
Faeries, hidden cities, ancient secrets, and lingering curses converge to create a world that is breathtakingly beautiful and perilously unpredictable. Wendy will discover courage she never knew she had, confront truths she never expected, and navigate a world alive with wonder. The road ahead is uncertain, but for the first time, she can feel her own strength, her own desires, and the power to shape her destiny. Romance, intrigue, and magic swirl together as Wendy’s journey begins.
For readers who love a Peter Pan retelling, reimagined fantasy worlds, love that refuses to be quenched, and mysteries that unfold like the wings Wendy longs to have, Wendybird is an invitation to Neverland, a place where hope thrives, courage is essential, faith burns bright, and the magic that gives us the power to fly is always within reach.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 7, 2026
I absolutely flew through this book! It was the perfect mix of cozy vibes, high emotional stakes, and a magic-filled setting.
The whole cast of characters was well developed, all of them with complex motivations and histories. The chosen family aspect of this story was just downright heart-warming, and had it not been 2 am when I was reading some parts of this book, I would have just absolutely squealed in delight. I was rooting for all of them so much that it was easy to stay invested the whole time.
Another thing that kept me hooked (get it?) was the way that the backstories for the characters were revealed throughout the book. I was consistently shocked, but once revealed, I could see the breadcrumbs that had been laid earlier in the story.
Overall, a fun, whimsical, and emotional story that kept me on my toes. Perfect for Disney fans, fantasy lovers, or those who love chosen family stories.
Final Thoughts:
- The dialogue was so witty and full of banter
- A definite must-read for fans of the TV show Once Upon A Time
- Perfect for winter!
- I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store (though I know I must)
The whole cast of characters was well developed, all of them with complex motivations and histories. The chosen family aspect of this story was just downright heart-warming, and had it not been 2 am when I was reading some parts of this book, I would have just absolutely squealed in delight. I was rooting for all of them so much that it was easy to stay invested the whole time.
Another thing that kept me hooked (get it?) was the way that the backstories for the characters were revealed throughout the book. I was consistently shocked, but once revealed, I could see the breadcrumbs that had been laid earlier in the story.
Overall, a fun, whimsical, and emotional story that kept me on my toes. Perfect for Disney fans, fantasy lovers, or those who love chosen family stories.
Final Thoughts:
- The dialogue was so witty and full of banter
- A definite must-read for fans of the TV show Once Upon A Time
- Perfect for winter!
- I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store (though I know I must)
January 7, 2026
"Accidents happen, and sometimes people respond in ways we could never imagine...But regardless, it's how we choose to respond that matters most." pg 31
"A person in hell is still in hell, regardless of loved ones." pg 33
"...don't rush through life. We have gifts today, we won't tomorrow." pg 117
"The key is to determine what mattes most and why. You must always know why. Then you choose. Maybe you're wrong, or maybe you're right. Either way, you'll rest easier knowing the reason you chose what you did." pg 155
"All around, I'm tired. Weary of weakness having its hold on me. Tired of needing my circumstances to change before I can smile." pg 157
"Maybe yesterday is powerless to control tomorrow, and what matters is who we choose to be today." pg 209
This is a Peter Pan retelling, but with a twist. What if there was a curse involved that wiped out the memories of a group of Neverland Residents? What if those that resided in Winter Woods couldn't leave? What if dark magic was involved? What if some weren't exactly who they appeared to be?
This story is told through Wendy's perspective. For the past 5 years, she has lived in the Children's home and has dreamed about escaping Winter Woods. She has no idea who she is, where she came from, or even if Wendy is her real name, as she is part of the cursed group that have no memories before she woke in the Home.
James is the son of Neverland's Lord Regent and Wendy hopes he is her ticket out as James is not confined to Winter Woods. However, there is mystery that surrounds the town, the cursed, James, and of course Peter.
This is a great debut novel by Joy M Wilday! I was quickly pulled into the story and the twists, the turns, and the mystery keeps your attention to the very end. I'm also excited because Wilday told me that this is expected to be a trilogy!
content: mild language, smoking, non-descriptive violence
I received a complementary copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
"A person in hell is still in hell, regardless of loved ones." pg 33
"...don't rush through life. We have gifts today, we won't tomorrow." pg 117
"The key is to determine what mattes most and why. You must always know why. Then you choose. Maybe you're wrong, or maybe you're right. Either way, you'll rest easier knowing the reason you chose what you did." pg 155
"All around, I'm tired. Weary of weakness having its hold on me. Tired of needing my circumstances to change before I can smile." pg 157
"Maybe yesterday is powerless to control tomorrow, and what matters is who we choose to be today." pg 209
This is a Peter Pan retelling, but with a twist. What if there was a curse involved that wiped out the memories of a group of Neverland Residents? What if those that resided in Winter Woods couldn't leave? What if dark magic was involved? What if some weren't exactly who they appeared to be?
This story is told through Wendy's perspective. For the past 5 years, she has lived in the Children's home and has dreamed about escaping Winter Woods. She has no idea who she is, where she came from, or even if Wendy is her real name, as she is part of the cursed group that have no memories before she woke in the Home.
James is the son of Neverland's Lord Regent and Wendy hopes he is her ticket out as James is not confined to Winter Woods. However, there is mystery that surrounds the town, the cursed, James, and of course Peter.
This is a great debut novel by Joy M Wilday! I was quickly pulled into the story and the twists, the turns, and the mystery keeps your attention to the very end. I'm also excited because Wilday told me that this is expected to be a trilogy!
content: mild language, smoking, non-descriptive violence
I received a complementary copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2026
Wendybird by Joy M Wilday
Lots of mixed feelings on this one! First off it's a Peter Pan retelling. Peter Pan was one of my absolute favorite stories growing up (always team Peter!) so I'm always on the lookout for retellings, but also (becuase i love it so much) I'm almost impossible to please! So keep that in mind for this review.
To begin, this is a love triangle situation! I realized that pretty early on and immediately jumped to the back to make sure Wendy ends up with the right guy (phew!).
The setting of this one is interesting because it's like fantasy mixed with the 1930's but the fantasy world only shows up for the last third (other than a brief peek at the beginning). The middle third of the book is where this one lost me. It's very Great Gatsby vibe with Wendy getting drunk every night and making a fool of herself. Not a fan and just dragged out too long.
I did enjoy the ending third when finally fantasy things started happening, but then there was just too much happening all at once. I couldn't keep track of all the timelines and all the relationships between different people. I was definitely left with questions at the end. Like why was Charlie's older brother not in line for the throne? How come Nibs semed so much older if Morgan was actually like Wendy's age? Why were Hook's cronies all forced to live in the Winter Woods if they were in charge? I will say this book actually did make me feel sorry for James, and dislike Wendy a bit which is unusual for me.
The author did try to tie in lots of people from Barrie's life and the original Peter Pan which she explains at the end (and that's really cool), but during the book I just wondered why there were so many named characters who didn't do anything.
But I did like Peter and I think the author did a great job of adding on to the story in a way that still made sense with the original.
⭐⭐⭐
Lots of mixed feelings on this one! First off it's a Peter Pan retelling. Peter Pan was one of my absolute favorite stories growing up (always team Peter!) so I'm always on the lookout for retellings, but also (becuase i love it so much) I'm almost impossible to please! So keep that in mind for this review.
To begin, this is a love triangle situation! I realized that pretty early on and immediately jumped to the back to make sure Wendy ends up with the right guy (phew!).
The setting of this one is interesting because it's like fantasy mixed with the 1930's but the fantasy world only shows up for the last third (other than a brief peek at the beginning). The middle third of the book is where this one lost me. It's very Great Gatsby vibe with Wendy getting drunk every night and making a fool of herself. Not a fan and just dragged out too long.
I did enjoy the ending third when finally fantasy things started happening, but then there was just too much happening all at once. I couldn't keep track of all the timelines and all the relationships between different people. I was definitely left with questions at the end. Like why was Charlie's older brother not in line for the throne? How come Nibs semed so much older if Morgan was actually like Wendy's age? Why were Hook's cronies all forced to live in the Winter Woods if they were in charge? I will say this book actually did make me feel sorry for James, and dislike Wendy a bit which is unusual for me.
The author did try to tie in lots of people from Barrie's life and the original Peter Pan which she explains at the end (and that's really cool), but during the book I just wondered why there were so many named characters who didn't do anything.
But I did like Peter and I think the author did a great job of adding on to the story in a way that still made sense with the original.
⭐⭐⭐
December 1, 2025
Winter Woods is a beautifully atmospheric and hauntingly romantic tale that grips you from the first page. Wendy’s world snow covered, secretive, and suffocating comes alive with rich detail and emotional depth. Her longing for freedom, her mysterious past, and her magnetic connection with the enigmatic Captain James create a story layered with intrigue and heart.
As the novel sweeps readers into the dazzling world of the 1930s, its blend of forbidden love, shimmering nights, and dangerous alliances adds a captivating tension that never lets go. Wendy’s journey of self-discovery is both thrilling and deeply moving, leaving you eager to uncover every secret hidden behind Winter Woods’ locked gates.
A compelling mix of mystery, romance, and magic, this book is a mesmerizing read that lingers long after the final page.
As the novel sweeps readers into the dazzling world of the 1930s, its blend of forbidden love, shimmering nights, and dangerous alliances adds a captivating tension that never lets go. Wendy’s journey of self-discovery is both thrilling and deeply moving, leaving you eager to uncover every secret hidden behind Winter Woods’ locked gates.
A compelling mix of mystery, romance, and magic, this book is a mesmerizing read that lingers long after the final page.
December 2, 2025
I absolutely devoured Joy's debut novel, Wendybird, and I cannot recommend it enough!
From the first page, I was completely captivated by the world she built. Joy's writing is truly beautiful and evocative—she has a way with words that makes every scene feel vibrant and alive.
If you are a fan of classic retellings, this is for you. Wendybird is a unique and masterful Peter Pan spin-off that manages to weave in a stunning, classic-era Great Gatsby feel. The blend of familiar characters and themes with this sophisticated new setting is nothing short of brilliant.
Joy has created such a wonderful story, full of fun twists and genuinely surprising turns. It’s a journey that keeps you guessing while staying true to the heart of the source material.
From the first page, I was completely captivated by the world she built. Joy's writing is truly beautiful and evocative—she has a way with words that makes every scene feel vibrant and alive.
If you are a fan of classic retellings, this is for you. Wendybird is a unique and masterful Peter Pan spin-off that manages to weave in a stunning, classic-era Great Gatsby feel. The blend of familiar characters and themes with this sophisticated new setting is nothing short of brilliant.
Joy has created such a wonderful story, full of fun twists and genuinely surprising turns. It’s a journey that keeps you guessing while staying true to the heart of the source material.
January 14, 2026
Such a fun Peter Pan themed story! It took me a little to understand the setting and intricacies of the “world” it started in, but was a fun journey with plenty of wonderful Peter Pan/JM Barrie references woven throughout.
I enjoyed getting to see different sides to Wendy and other characters as they appear older in the story. And it has very fun/creative modern day elements while keeping so much of the original character personalities intact.
Overall, there were only a couple parts that I struggled to fully understand but the storytelling was exciting and I look forward to reading more from this author! I truly enjoyed the unique take on the stories of the characters and the love they find in this book.
I enjoyed getting to see different sides to Wendy and other characters as they appear older in the story. And it has very fun/creative modern day elements while keeping so much of the original character personalities intact.
Overall, there were only a couple parts that I struggled to fully understand but the storytelling was exciting and I look forward to reading more from this author! I truly enjoyed the unique take on the stories of the characters and the love they find in this book.
December 2, 2025
Mysterious and Captivating Retelling
I truly enjoyed this story, from the beginning I was hooked trying to figure out everyone’s relationship to each other and then I had to know what happened (slight spoiler) to their memories. The author did a wonderful job of making me HAVE to know what had happened and then, the bombshell realizations and twist and turns kept me hooked. It kept me reading way too late in the night! If you like dark and moody mystery’s, huge totally unexpected plot twists, and great character development, you will love this story as much as I did!
I truly enjoyed this story, from the beginning I was hooked trying to figure out everyone’s relationship to each other and then I had to know what happened (slight spoiler) to their memories. The author did a wonderful job of making me HAVE to know what had happened and then, the bombshell realizations and twist and turns kept me hooked. It kept me reading way too late in the night! If you like dark and moody mystery’s, huge totally unexpected plot twists, and great character development, you will love this story as much as I did!
January 26, 2026
Wilday weaves together an enchanting story that echoes beloved characters from JM Barrie's original novel with enough originality to make it her own. What results is a charming coming-of-age tale of love, friendship, and sacrifice.
Set mostly within the beautifully vivid Winter Woods, this is a perfect read to warm your soul during chilly winter days.
Set mostly within the beautifully vivid Winter Woods, this is a perfect read to warm your soul during chilly winter days.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews