Fairest Inn All: A Contemporary Fairy Tale Love Story

by Amy R. Anguish

A queen, seven uncles, and an apple tart—real life is no fairy tale.

Kari White never planned to rescue a historic inn—or risk her carefully guarded heart.

Summoned to coastal Georgia by seven uncles she barely knows, Kari arrives with one fix the failing Apple Inn and leave before old wounds or deeper feelings can surface. But with an aggressive developer closing in, deadlines looming, and the inn’s future hanging in the balance, walking away may cost more than she’s prepared to lose.

Royal Barrett believes some things are worth fighting for, especially the soul of his hometown. As the creator of the Fairest Inn All contest, he’s determined to protect Brunswick’s history from being erased. But when Kari and the Apple Inn land squarely in his path, Royal discovers that saving the past may require risking his own future.

Forced together by storms, stubborn timelines, and undeniable chemistry, Kari and Royal must confront the fears shaping their choices. Kari gave up on happily-ever-afters long ago, and trusting Royal could unravel everything she’s built. Yet leaving might mean losing the hope she never believed she deserved.

Fairest Inn All is a sweet small-town romance filled with heart, faith, and charm—a contemporary fairy tale retelling about legacy, belonging, and discovering that love can grow in the most unexpected places.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Oh. My. Goodness!! Fairest Inn All is such a delightful retelling of Snow White, with lovely nods to the classic film & fairy tale that are fun to find in this contemporary story. I became fans of bantering siblings Kari and Jake White as friends of the protagonists in Rendersella and couldn’t wait to see how the events at the end of that novel would play out for them in their own book. And voila! Amy R. Anguish wove a layered tale for this brother-sister duo that wrapped around my whole heart. A large part of that rests on their seven senior citizen uncles who make great stand-ins for familiar personalities like Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Doc, etc. I adored these guys and their love for Kari and Jake (especially their tender affection for Kari) and their quirks that kept me giggling (even though they probably gave Kari some gray hairs haha). Also, no Snow White retelling would be complete without a wicked queen and a poisoned apple, and I loved the twist Anguish gave to both of these elements in Fairest Inn All.

Unlike the idealistic Snow White who knew someday her prince would come in the Disney film, this retelling’s heroine doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters. Charming princes, and any other sort of hero, need not apply. I loved this departure from the expected because it lets the author – and readers too – dig deeper into what trusting God with an unknown future looks like. From within the storm and on either side of it too. And it treats us to a sweet ‘he falls first’ romance with a great hero like Royal Barrett. The way he gently pursues Kari while still respecting the pace she sets, gently wooing her through friendship and being sensitive to her needs – whether that’s someone to paint a room, rescue her from a hurricane, or force her out of ‘work mode’ and into ‘tourist mode’ – makes it all the more rewarding for readers to watch Kari fall for him too. The inn renovation and ‘Fairest Inn All’ contest also provide an entertaining framework for Royal and Kari’s relationship to develop (as well as a cute bonus romance) and the HGTV fan in me loved imagining the transformations that Kari, Jake, Royal and the uncles undertake.

Bottom Line: Mirror, mirror on the wall… Amy R. Anguish delivers a charming Snow White retelling in Fairest Inn All. This story is a delightful mix of fun fairy-tale inspiration, heartfelt character growth, and a Honeycrisp-sweet romance or two that kept me completely invested. The author does a wonderful job of infusing new life into a familiar tale and putting her own creative spin on it at the same time, and while I’ve never been a huge fan of the original I absolutely loved this version! The uncles stole their scenes – and my heart – but I also appreciated the emotional depth that Anguish weaves throughout Kari & Royal’s stories too (and I adored Royal’s steady presence and quiet charm). These characters truly felt like family by the time I closed the final page, and I’m already looking forward to Anguish’s next fairy tale retelling!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kari (nicknamed Snow) White and her brother Jake (a.k.a Hunter) head south from West Virginia to Coastal Georgia to help their seven uncles revamp their Inn - The Apple Inn. Royal Barrett is son of Chamber of Commerce member. Royal has a dream to own an Inn; unfortunately his Aunt Queenie doesn’t want to let that happen. She also wants to get her hands on The Apple Inn and most everything else in town. Royal and his dad plan an Inn Restoration contest that throws a few kinks in Kari and Jack’s restoration plans. Queenie even wants to be involved in this. Kari and Royal must work together to try and stop her before she destroys the town and The Apple Inn.

I really enjoyed this modern, Christian, but loose retelling of Snow White. Amy R. Anguish did a great job of telling a great story that has elements of the fairytale without it being too literal. I also enjoyed the fact that she threw in some subtle elements of Little Red Riding Hood as well. I loved the Coastal Georgia setting. I absolutely adored that Royal immediately was attracted to Kari even though she had decided she was never going to have a relationship. I enjoyed the secondary storyline of Jake and Rosie. There was one very minor issues I had, and that was literally just the inaccurate beginning of the hurricane season that was mentioned. Lastly, the Christian elements in the book were not overdone. They felt very natural to the storyline.

If you enjoy Christian romance that channels fairytales without being too literal then you will adore this book. If you DON’T like fairytale retellings or stories with these elements then this might not be the story for you.

[Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs… but who will Prince Charming be? And is there even room for one when she doesn’t believe in love? 🍎

Kari is a pro at fixing up old inns and bringing their charm back to life. When her uncles need help saving their beloved inn, she dives in a little reluctantly but still headfirst. With the Fairest Inn of All competition on the line, the pressure is on!

But things get complicated quickly. Between restoring the inn, dealing with some unexpected distractions (hello, possible Prince Charming? 👀), and competing against a rival who gives serious Evil Queen energy, Kari has a lot on her plate.

Will Kari, her brother Jake, and her uncles save the inn and win the competition? Or will the “evil Queen(ie)” take the crown?

This charming, cozy, fairytale-inspired story by Amy R. Anguish releases on March 24, 2026—and it’s perfect for readers who love sweet romance, small-town charm, and fun fairytale retellings. ✨

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Kim English · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! My first introduction to fairy tale retellings and I'm so glad I chose it...
Kari White makes the perfect Snow White in this re-telling of the classic fairy tale. Her 7 uncles are the most adorable with a range of personalities as the 'dwarfs' of the story. This story has everything the classic has--snow white, a prince, an evil queen but with the addition of southern warmth and hospitality, this is a great 'comfort read' on a rainy day

[Finding Faith in Fiction (Chrissy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't image enjoying Fairest Inn All, Book 2 in the Real Life Fairytales series, as much as I did Book 1, but here we are! It took me a few chapters to get really hooked into Kari's story, but once I did, I enjoyed it so much. Be sure to read the first book (Rendersella) before diving into this one–it's a great read and really help your understanding and enjoyment of this story!

A modern-day Snow White retelling, the story takes us to coastal Georgia, where Kari White is tasked with renovating a long-neglected inn run by her seven uncles. Returning to her childhood home should be filled with warm memories, except Kari can't remember them. Snow, as she's lovingly called by her uncles and brother, is determined to finish the job and get out of town, when an alluring inn restoration contest planned by the local Chamber of Commerce alters her plans. Annoyed with the chamber member's son popping up everywhere she goes, Kari is even more determined to win the Fairest Inn All contest and get back to West Virginia. After all, she doesn't believe in happy endings, and can't allow herself to feel the things that the persistent Royal begins to maker her feel. Can Kari and her brother finish the inn renovations in time for the contest? A hurricane, a pretty baker who distracts her brother, a mean real-estate obsessed Queenie Ville, and a very handsome local seem determined to undermine her plans!

Kari and Royal's developing romance is as slow burn as they come. The author does a phenomenal job of nailing the easily spooked FMC (in this book and in Book 1 of the series)! While they aren't exactly enemies-to-lovers, they aren't really friends-to-lovers either–more like he-won't-give-up-to-lovers. She's grumpy to his sunshine, and he helps her learn to slow down and distract herself instead of being a wound up ball of stress. Royal is endearing because of how he consistently shows up for Kari, even when she has no desire to be won over. After being forced into proximity due to a hurricane, Kari's heart slowly starts to thaw, until an unexpected trip Royal takes feels like betrayal.

There are so many fun and unique Snow White elements in this retelling, while still maintaining a charming new story set in Brunswick, Georgia. The author really captured the charm of Brunswick, including the lighthouse, the historic chapel, the Lover's Oak, and Brunswick stew. You'll be pining to visit this adorable coastal town and the nearby St. Simon's Island for a coastal get away! Kari and Jake's seven uncles, all named after apple varieties, bring a fun seven dwarves twist to the story, while Royal's aunt Queenie plays the perfect evil queen. Royal is very charming prince, one who comes to Kari's rescue more than once, and ultimately saves her from death by apple (tart). All of the cute apple themed touches that Kari uses to decorate the reinvigorated Apple Inn, also add a sweet touch to the story.

This story carried moderate to strong faith content. While Kari knows God, she struggles with her relationship with him to due to hurt in her past. Royal, while also her love interest (kind of), plays the role of a spiritual mentor to her throughout the story, always reminding her that God will carry her through any storm.

What I enjoyed about the story:
🍎 An original take on the original fairytale
🍏 Lovely modern-day Snow White elements
🍎 Small-town coastal vibes
🍏 A cute Inn renovation (HGTV lovers unite!)
🍎 A persistent Prince Charming
🍏 A villainous Queen(ie) & poisoned apple
🍎 Fun connections with Book 1 (Ella's story)
🍏 Strong faith content & faith development

⚠️ Content Warnings:
- Death of a parent (cancer, off page)
- Parental neglect (mostly off page)
- Anaphylactic allergy/epi pen use

Another wonderfully written story by Amy R. Anguish that was so cozy and enjoyable to read!

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5 Stars

I'm already looking forward to Book 3 (release date TBD). If you enjoy fairytale retellings, Snow White stories, or sweet Christian romance, I think you'll love this book!

*Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to be apart of her launch team, and for providing an ARC copy of the book. All opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Fairest Inn All is the second in a series of contemporary Fairy Tales the first book came out last year, Rendersella. While it is a series it is still very much a standalone story. Kari and her brother Jake White are moving to Brunswick Georgia to help their seven uncles with their failing Inn. The book starts with a flashback to when Kari was five and Jake a few years older. She hates her nickname of Snow and keeps telling him don't call me Snow. He is playing the Hunter and see is Snow White.

Then back to the present and they are arriving back at the Inn to help their seven uncles to fix up the Apple Inn. Her uncles last name is Apple and are all named after types of apples. All Kari can see is a lot of work needed and wonders if they can turn the Inn around. Royal Barrett is delivering flyers for a contest for the Fairest Inn All to help preserve the history of the area. This is another deadline for Kari and Jake to aim for.

Meanwhile it wouldn't be a retelling without a villain called Queenie Ville she has her eyes on The Apple Inn and the land to expand her current resort. She has been buying up and tearing down all the older inns.

I won't say much more about the story you need to read it to find out. The uncles are an interesting group of brothers who are getting older so do need help. They all have different personalities and frustrate Kari at times, but she has grown to love them all. Kari has a vision and is driven which at times makes her single minded and unbending. She wants things done on her time which can lead to arguments. Royal comes to help them with the renovations and see sparks happening at times.

I love the ending and what transpires. The faith element is very relevant. Watching Kari grow and change as the book process is good to see too. I have to say there is a side story for Jake that was also great to see. Reading about the renovating of the Inn was really interesting too.

If you enjoy Fairy Tale retellings done in an interesting way and contemporary Christian Fiction give this book a go. I personally would love to stay in an Inn like this .

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun Snow White re-telling! I enjoyed the first book in this series, Rendersella, but I think this one might just be new favorite so far. I really enjoyed the Georgia setting, and having the two main characters work together on restoring an Inn in the heroines family. I especially enjoyed Kari's seven uncles, all named after different uncles. You could clearly see which ones inspired which dwarf from Snow White.
The romance between Kari and Royal was very sweet, giving will they/won't they vibes through most of the story. The struggles that Kari had with trusting her heart to someone, she repeatedly says she doesn't believe in happily ever after's, was something I think a lot of people can relate to. As was Royals struggle with how his Aunt outbid him on the Inn he wanted, and learning to let that go and forgive.
The setting was fabulous and made me want to go visit the Georgia coast now. All the little easter eggs that alluded to Snow White were well done, and I enjoyed getting to see Ella and Chaz from the first book in the series.
Bottom line, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings and are looking for a sweet, inspirational romance to go along with the retelling, you can't go wrong with this book.
*I read an early copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The idea of being alone for the rest of her life left her empty, depleted. But wasn’t that safer than risking everything on love only to have life steal it from her down the road?”
There’s the heroine—Kari White (a.k.a. Snow).
There’s the hero—Royal Barrett (prince-like).
There are seven, well, uncles, all named Apple.
There’s an evil Queenie Ville,
and an old inn in need of restoration.

Kari carries hurts from her childhood. She is stubborn, focused, detail-oriented, and great at restoring inns along with her brother Jake, who is hard working but relaxed and enjoys life. Kari believes that falling in love means pain, and she decides she’ll always be alone and independent. Queenie is determined to own the Apple Inn that belongs to Kari and Jake’s family, and Royal Barrett is determined to help the Whites and keep Queenie from her schemes. As he assists the Whites, Royal hopes to convince Kari to see him as her Prince Charming, and I admire his persistence.

Fairest Inn All is at times fun and other times intense. If you like contemporary fairy tale retellings and romance, I think you’ll enjoy reading Fairest Inn All. The author takes the reader on a tour of Brunswick/ St.Simons, Georgia that makes you want to visit.

I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Karen Procopio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairest Inn All by Amy R. Anguish is a charming modern-day Snow White retelling set along the Georgia coast. The second book in the Real Life Fairytales series, it connects nicely with the earlier story, Rendersella, while still working well as a standalone. When Kari White returns home to help her seven uncles restore their struggling family inn, the last thing she expects is to find herself drawn to the persistent and kindhearted Royal Barrett.

I especially enjoyed the creative fairy-tale elements woven throughout the story. Kari’s seven uncles—each inspired by one of the seven dwarfs—bring humor and heart to the Apple Inn. The renovation project, the small-town coastal setting, and the looming “Fairest Inn All” contest keep the story moving, while the sweet slow-burn romance adds warmth and charm. Kari’s journey toward opening her heart again—to both love and faith—felt authentic and relatable.

If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, cozy small-town settings, and uplifting Christian romance, Fairest Inn All is a delightful read.

I received an early copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, but the opinions are all my own.


This book did not disappoint as a follow up to the wonderful fairy tale retelling, Rendersella.  In Fairest Inn All, Kari isn't looking for her fairy tale ending.  In fact, she doesn't believe they exist. 


But that began to change when Royal Barrett waltzed in to her life like a real knight in shining armor.  It's funny how life can change like that.  An apple might fall from the tree one day and your life is changed forever.  Well, an apple doesn't fall from a tree in this story, but there is The Apple Inn.  Can Kari and her strange crew, which includes seven uncles, who happen to somewhat resemble certain dwarves, win the contest and be the Fairest Inn All?


You'll have to read the book to find out how Kari falls for her royal suitor!

[Terri Wangard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari White’s mom died when she was ten and she believes there’s no such thing as happily ever after. She’d rather be alone and lonely than risk everything on love. She and her brother Jake move to Brunswick, Georgia, to help their seven uncles (modeled on the seven dwarfs) refurbish their inn. There, they meet Royal Barrett, a perfect match for Snow White’s prince.

Kari slowly realizes love is worth the risk and even though God doesn’t always answer prayers the way we want, she has something better to look forward to. She loosens up and becomes much more likeable.

Like Snow White, there’s an evil queen, Queenie Ville, who tries to harm Kari, and it’s Royal to the rescue. Ella from Rendersella makes an appearance. There’s even a love interest for Jake. A fun, modern twist to a beloved fairy tale.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairest in All is a new take on a classic fairy tale. With characters who are engaging and full of so much personality. You can’t help but fall in love with each one as you meet them, well maybe except Queenie, who is quite the perfect villain.

Kari White and her brother Jake, return to their childhood home to help restore the family inn. While old memories continue to flood back in slowly, new memories are being made with each chapter that will be part of their own “Happy Inn-dings.”

Family drama, faith, projects with deadlines, and a romance that will certainly keep you guessing…you won’t want to put this book down.

(I received a digital ARC of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary fairy tale is such a sweet romance. I love a good romance, but I have no interest in smut, so I often reach for Christian romance. This book has many relatable, real-feeling relationship moments, and I found myself remembering the beginnings of my own relationship. While the ending was not a surprise (it is a fairy tale after all), the journey to get there was very enjoyable. I have read several of Amy Anguish's books, and this was a great continuation to her collection.

I did receive a copy of this book as part of the pre-release group, but this review is my truthful opinion of Amy's work.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute clean fairytale retelling! I loved the plays on words that popped up all throughout this book, as well as the happy ending and character growth. This book also connected well with the first one in the series while still remaining a complete story on its own. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Brianna Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet romance book. Zero spice. I like the real life aspect of it and how the characters fall in love in a real life way.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet small town romance blended seamlessly with Snow white. I liked the way the story progressed and the interaction between the characters.

[Sarah Brake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute faith based fairytale retelling of Snow White. I wished there had been more justice for what happened at the end, but it was still a good story!