Trowbridge and Fye

by Carrie Anne Noble

Fairy tales are fun…until your life becomes one.

It’s 1987, and fifteen-year-old Frances Fye might be a little too obsessed with fairy tales. But when grief and the loneliness of small-town life threaten to overwhelm her, stories carry her off to magical adventures.

Then a new boy shows up at school—mysterious, magnetic, and shockingly similar to Fran’s favorite fictional hero. And when a wrong-number phone call leads to friendship with Trowbridge, an exiled bridge troll with sinister intentions, Fran’s world cracks wide open.

Suddenly, the fairy tales she’s always loved aren’t just stories anymore. They’re real—and dangerous.

Entangled in the deadly schemes of fae royalty, she has little choice but to depend on the most unlikely her middle-aged English teacher who’s more than he seems, the secretly sensitive school rebel, and her less-than-charming ex.
To escape the mythical lands she once longed for, Fran must face the truth she’s spent years real courage isn’t found in books.

It’s found in her.

Carrie Anne Noble delivers a heartfelt, imaginative YA fantasy full of 1980s nostalgia, magical twists, and the bittersweetness of finding your courage. Trowbridge and Fye is a charming, clever adventure perfect for anyone who ever wished their favorite fairy tales could come to life.

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Carrie Anne Noble is the author of fantasy fiction infused with fairy tales, folklore, and wonder. She lives in the woods of Pennsylvania but can be lured out with cheese or chocolate. You can read more about her at http://www.carrienoble.com.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a clever story! Such wonderful nostalgia for me. I grew up at the end of the 80’s so I just loved all the pop culture references! I love the blend of real and fantasy worlds woven together so well! This story was just a delight to read!.

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

[Rebecca Albert]

Want to Read!

Looking forward to reading another book from Carrie Anne Noble. I really liked her last book The Gingerbread Thief.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie Anne Noble is a favorite author of mine and back in 2015 i think it was or around there is when I found her first book I read called The Mermaids Sister. That book was one of the handful of books that stopped me from quitting books back then and she still keeps writing amazing stories just like The Mermaid’s Sister.

This story about folklore, fairy tales, and fairy tale characters meshing with the real world is a perfect cozy read with a heartfelt message along with nostalgia for the 80s. It’s full of whimsy, humor and a great message about finding and recognizing your inner courage.

I definitely recommend checking it out along with the other stories by Carrie Anne Noble. Go check it out!

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

[Carrie R. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really lovely YA fantasy read. I loved the quirky group of characters that Fran befriends along the way. I think Russ was my favorite character. The world could really use more people like him. In addition to the fantasy themes, this book also touches on topics such as grief and complicated parent/child relationships. This book takes place in 1987 which gave it a nostalgic vibe. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers who enjoy books with found family, unlikely friendships, and adventures in mythical realms.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noble is a master of drawing a reader into any story, whether it be set in some fictional timeframe or, like this, the era of wrong numbers, cassette tapes, and wild fashion. But not only does she set up the "real" world well, she enchants readers with the fantasy realm too—trolls, pixies, beetle Faeries, legendary literary heros, unicorns, dark forests, and fields awash with deadly poppies. Add in bits of humor amid the suspense that makes you chuckle along the way ... a masterpiece.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Anne Noble is another new-to-me author with this fairy tale story, Trowbridge and Fye. This YA fantasy is a story of what ifs, what if fairy tales came true. Would you be courageous or run the other way? Would they be filled with a prince charming or would you find the strength to do what needs to be done yourself? AND what about the villains and the danger? These are the questions 15-year-old Frances Fye faces. Characters from her real world fill this story showing that they are not quite what they seem in everyday life. Such a delightful story for adults as well as teens. 4.5 Stars

[Kate Jameson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're anything like Frances Fye (or me), you dreamed of a fairy tale adventure as a kid. But Frances soon discovers that fairy tales aren't just the beautiful daydreams she's always imagined - darker nightmares lurk in their shadows. Soon, she's caught up in faerie traps, curses, and places far away from home, surrounded by people she's not sure she can trust. A phenomenal tale of daring, courage, and coming of age from Carrie Anne Noble, who was kind enough to provide me with an ARC!

[Becca Wierwille · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected, Carrie Anne Noble did not disappoint with this new story! But what thrilled me with this story was everything that I didn't expect or know how to predict. Where would Fran's mysterious phone calls lead? Would she really make it to the faerie realm—and what would happen if she did? Who can she trust? A fun fantasy tale for readers YA and up!.

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

[Green Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun adventure features teen angst, the eighties, and an underdog troll you can’t help but root for. I greatly enjoyed it. The author brings such a poignancy to her characters that you can’t help but care about their fates. And the blending of iconic decade and fairytale is a winning combination for this tender escapade.

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

[Emily Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my honest review!

I love Noble’s imagination. The way she mixes modern and vintage makes her fresh takes on fairy tales or fairy tale creatures so unique! This one took me a a bit to get into, but soon enough I was swept into the world and the dilemma of fantasy vs. reality, and facing the hard (and beauty) in both.

Make sure to read the Author’s notes at the end of how the story came to be. It makes the novel even more meaningful hearing the heart behind it!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended YA read for young teen through adult

Fun, involving story about a teen girl who immerses herself in fairytales to battle grief and isolation, only to find some of them are true. I think teens, especially younger, would enjoy this as well as adults. One interesting point to consider is France’s, the MC, relationship with a teen boy from school and a mysterious male phone friend (days before cell phones). They deceive her and try to win her affections at the same time, and she cares but yet is so disappointed. A good life lesson. I like that, in the end, Frances was strong and more mature.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightfully cozy tale from Noble! This one is worth reading for the 80s nostalgia alone. Be prepared to be pulled into Fran's story from page 1, with a fast-paced adventure that will take you from the Mortal Realm to the Faerie Realm! Trowbridge might be a troll, but he is loveable all the way through! Don't be tricked by the faeries, though. Who can Fran trust throughout her journey? You'll have to read it to find out! This is a fun, clean YA fantasy perfect for readers of all ages.

[Sheri Yutzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s cozy fantasy, but not in the way you’d expect. Trowbridge & Fye is a refreshing ode to the power stories have to shape us, especially when we’re young. An unlikely friendship with a troll, a girl learning to be a heroine herself, and a visit to the dangerous and enchanting land of Faerie all combine to make this story heartwarming and memorable.

[Jessica T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming coming of age story appropriate for all ages. It is set in the 80s, so it also brings that nostalgia.

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

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting and enjoyable read. This was a great escape that kept me turning pages and I will be watching for more.

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

[Marian Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous fairytale inspired story from Carrie Anne Noble! This is a must-read if you love nostalgic, 1980s vibes alongside fae lore!

[deLancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

truly a fabulous book

this is truly a fabulous book! my only critique is that it ended! please write more, Carrie Anne Noble. you are brilliant!

[Star Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one absolutely deserves 5 stars. The review will be brief because I do not want to spoil any aspect of this beautiful tapestry. Read this if you have ever experienced grief but remain hopeful about happily ever after.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jamie Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to be brave and ask to be an ARC reader for this, and Ms. Noble herself said yes!! I was absolutely honored to have received this early. Trowbridge and Fye did not disappoint. I knew I would enjoy but I wasn't expecting to fall in love. This one has everything you could ever want in a fairytale. Full of heart!! Younger readers will adore this, very clean.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful YA book! I was immediately drawn into the story and didn’t want to stop reading. I loved the whole idea of fairytales and how this friendship started from a wrong number. This is a book that I can see myself reading again so I can appreciate it more!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Tabitha Caplinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trowbridge and Fye is such a lovely little adventure full of fairytale goodness. Bridge trolls, portals, fae plots, all wrapped in sweet characters navigating loneliness, betrayal, and grief. It was such an enjoyable read that left me wanting more.