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Ivy Ever After
Ivy's life is anything but a fairy tale. Hospitalized again with complications from cystic fibrosis, she's forced to miss her first school dance and the fresh start to middle school she'd been counting on.
When a mysterious nurse offers Ivy a way to make it to the dance, she finds herself transported to the magical kingdom of Hazelbrook. There, she discovers she's the lost princess destined to defeat the dragon terrorizing the realm. If she succeeds, she'll be granted one wish.
But Ivy isn't the only one after the wish, and her "stepsister lungs" make it hard to believe she's any kind of hero, much less a princess. With the help of her friends, both new and old, Ivy must face the dragon before Hazelbrook's happily ever after and the chance to get her own fairy tale ending are lost forever.
When a mysterious nurse offers Ivy a way to make it to the dance, she finds herself transported to the magical kingdom of Hazelbrook. There, she discovers she's the lost princess destined to defeat the dragon terrorizing the realm. If she succeeds, she'll be granted one wish.
But Ivy isn't the only one after the wish, and her "stepsister lungs" make it hard to believe she's any kind of hero, much less a princess. With the help of her friends, both new and old, Ivy must face the dragon before Hazelbrook's happily ever after and the chance to get her own fairy tale ending are lost forever.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 22, 2026
✨💜📚 REVIEW | IVY EVER AFTER by @avalon.writes 📚💜✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, bookish friends. I need everyone to stop what they’re doing for a moment because THIS BOOK!
You know those stories that reach right into your heart, wrap themselves around it, and remind you just how powerful a little imagination, a little magic, and a whole lot of love can be? THAT is the kind of magic Ivy Ever After brings to the table!
What makes this story so incredibly special is the dream world at its heart, created for a child facing severe illness. When reality is filled with challenges no child should have to face, the possibility of escaping into a world of wonder, where imagination can run wild and magic feels possible, is such a beautiful and moving concept. And honestly? THAT is what makes this story hit differently. Because every child deserves magic. Every child deserves adventures, wonder, and moments when they can forget their worries and simply BE a child.
I absolutely adore the idea of a story that uses fantasy to explore something so tender and deeply human. It reminds us that stories are so much more than words on a page. Sometimes, they are an escape. Sometimes, they are comfort. Sometimes, they give us somewhere beautiful to go when the real world feels impossibly difficult. And THAT, my friends, is the kind of bookish magic I will ALWAYS celebrate!
Avalon George, I hope you know how beautiful it is to give readers a story like this. There is something profoundly special about creating a world where a child’s imagination can take center stage, where wonder can bloom even in the shadow of hardship, and where fairytales can offer a little light when it is needed most.
Final thoughts? Ivy Ever After is a beautiful reminder that magic doesn’t always mean making the difficult things disappear. Sometimes, magic means finding wonder, hope, and joy even when life is hard. And sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin in the imagination of a child.
If you love heartfelt stories filled with imagination, fairytale wonder, and a reminder of just how much stories can mean to us, this one deserves a place on your radar!
#IvyEverAfter #AvalonGeorge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, bookish friends. I need everyone to stop what they’re doing for a moment because THIS BOOK!
You know those stories that reach right into your heart, wrap themselves around it, and remind you just how powerful a little imagination, a little magic, and a whole lot of love can be? THAT is the kind of magic Ivy Ever After brings to the table!
What makes this story so incredibly special is the dream world at its heart, created for a child facing severe illness. When reality is filled with challenges no child should have to face, the possibility of escaping into a world of wonder, where imagination can run wild and magic feels possible, is such a beautiful and moving concept. And honestly? THAT is what makes this story hit differently. Because every child deserves magic. Every child deserves adventures, wonder, and moments when they can forget their worries and simply BE a child.
I absolutely adore the idea of a story that uses fantasy to explore something so tender and deeply human. It reminds us that stories are so much more than words on a page. Sometimes, they are an escape. Sometimes, they are comfort. Sometimes, they give us somewhere beautiful to go when the real world feels impossibly difficult. And THAT, my friends, is the kind of bookish magic I will ALWAYS celebrate!
Avalon George, I hope you know how beautiful it is to give readers a story like this. There is something profoundly special about creating a world where a child’s imagination can take center stage, where wonder can bloom even in the shadow of hardship, and where fairytales can offer a little light when it is needed most.
Final thoughts? Ivy Ever After is a beautiful reminder that magic doesn’t always mean making the difficult things disappear. Sometimes, magic means finding wonder, hope, and joy even when life is hard. And sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin in the imagination of a child.
If you love heartfelt stories filled with imagination, fairytale wonder, and a reminder of just how much stories can mean to us, this one deserves a place on your radar!
#IvyEverAfter #AvalonGeorge
October 5, 2026
This was just the whimsical, magical story I was promised. I really loved every second of it because Ivy reminded me of the little girl I used to be. While I can’t relate to the struggles she had to go through with her chronic illness, I did reminisce about writing in a diary, wishing for friends, keeping my favourite plushie by my side and reading fairytales. (Truthfully these are still valid similarities 😂)
One of my favourite parts of the book was how Ivy’s childlike nature was maintained throughout the story. She sets out to defeat the dragon as the prophesied princess, but she has no idea how. Eventually, what everyone expects to happen doesn’t work out at all. Because, how could a child fight a dragon?
The metaphor between Ivy’s illness and the dragon is spectacularly written for a children’s audience. Ivy has such beautiful character development, teaching young readers that someone can still have their happily ever after without actually getting what they thought they needed.
I am super excited to share this lovely story with my niece and nephew, perhaps along with some fluffy fortune pancakes filled with marshmallows and loliberry jam.
🥞🫐🍓
Thank you for the author the advanced copy of her heartwarming story!
One of my favourite parts of the book was how Ivy’s childlike nature was maintained throughout the story. She sets out to defeat the dragon as the prophesied princess, but she has no idea how. Eventually, what everyone expects to happen doesn’t work out at all. Because, how could a child fight a dragon?
The metaphor between Ivy’s illness and the dragon is spectacularly written for a children’s audience. Ivy has such beautiful character development, teaching young readers that someone can still have their happily ever after without actually getting what they thought they needed.
I am super excited to share this lovely story with my niece and nephew, perhaps along with some fluffy fortune pancakes filled with marshmallows and loliberry jam.
🥞🫐🍓
Thank you for the author the advanced copy of her heartwarming story!
October 13, 2026
Ivy Ever After is a whimsical, special, and truly beautiful read that invites readers into Ivy’s world and the magic of Hazelbrook. With its imagination and heartfelt message, this story is sure to capture the hearts of middle grade readers.
This is a story about a girl facing obstacles and challenges along the way, only to discover that the strength within her is greater than anything standing in her path. Ivy’s journey is a beautiful reminder that courage, determination, and believing in yourself can take you further than you ever imagined.
Readers will be transported into the imaginative world of Hazelbrook, where dreams feel endless. Ivy Ever After is more than just a whimsical adventure - it’s an inspiring reminder that even when the road ahead feels uncertain, we each have the strength to overcome challenges and become who we are meant to be.
This is a story about a girl facing obstacles and challenges along the way, only to discover that the strength within her is greater than anything standing in her path. Ivy’s journey is a beautiful reminder that courage, determination, and believing in yourself can take you further than you ever imagined.
Readers will be transported into the imaginative world of Hazelbrook, where dreams feel endless. Ivy Ever After is more than just a whimsical adventure - it’s an inspiring reminder that even when the road ahead feels uncertain, we each have the strength to overcome challenges and become who we are meant to be.
October 23, 2026
I plan to give this to every kid in my life
October 2, 2026
If you need a bit of whimsy for the colder autumn days or something feel good but relatable for your ill child and fantastical enough for them to get transported into another world, look no further than this book.
As an adult i would highly recommend reading this if you want something fun and magical but wonder what would your cookiecutter fairytale look like if it was a bit more real. Wondering what if the happy ever after is not the prince and the magical kingdom but rather learning to live with yourself and your problems, be it medical or something else.
"Ivy ever after" teaches both kids and adults that not everything has and needs a fairytale ending. The book is far from grim but it's more realistic than kids book i remember reading when i was around Ivy's age. Our main protagonist, Ivy, does not magically get better or heal her illness in any point of the book. She is also not the super girlboss, impossibly brave and all-powerful main character that we all seem to get in modern fiction. She is just the average 10 year old kid with health problems that is going thru life like a kid would. She gets scared, anxious, panicked and feels all the feelings a kid in a strange world would feel, including awe. That is the part i respect the most. There is no magic cure-all flower, there is no spell that can make her "normal" in Hazelbrook or at home but in the end you still have to live and make best of it.
I am, thankfully, not someone who struggles with chronic illness but i would imagine i would be very happy to be able to relate to a protagonist that saves the day in a way they also probably never dreamed off while still needing rest, having coughing fits and being carried to the goal by friends. As a children's book i'm glad it exists for all the kids in hospitals or at home wondering how to get to that school dance. To show them that even if there is fantasy, nothing is certain and sometimes you just make the best of what you have and be brave.
As an adult i would highly recommend reading this if you want something fun and magical but wonder what would your cookiecutter fairytale look like if it was a bit more real. Wondering what if the happy ever after is not the prince and the magical kingdom but rather learning to live with yourself and your problems, be it medical or something else.
"Ivy ever after" teaches both kids and adults that not everything has and needs a fairytale ending. The book is far from grim but it's more realistic than kids book i remember reading when i was around Ivy's age. Our main protagonist, Ivy, does not magically get better or heal her illness in any point of the book. She is also not the super girlboss, impossibly brave and all-powerful main character that we all seem to get in modern fiction. She is just the average 10 year old kid with health problems that is going thru life like a kid would. She gets scared, anxious, panicked and feels all the feelings a kid in a strange world would feel, including awe. That is the part i respect the most. There is no magic cure-all flower, there is no spell that can make her "normal" in Hazelbrook or at home but in the end you still have to live and make best of it.
I am, thankfully, not someone who struggles with chronic illness but i would imagine i would be very happy to be able to relate to a protagonist that saves the day in a way they also probably never dreamed off while still needing rest, having coughing fits and being carried to the goal by friends. As a children's book i'm glad it exists for all the kids in hospitals or at home wondering how to get to that school dance. To show them that even if there is fantasy, nothing is certain and sometimes you just make the best of what you have and be brave.
Review of advance copy received from Author
@scaffale.nomade on IG
Once upon a time …
That’s the way Ivy’s story begins, but it doesn’t really carry on as one would expect.
After following @avalon.writes' writing journey on Instagram, I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for her debut novel, Ivy Ever After, which is a middle grade fantasy story that explores the complex theme of life with a chronic illness. Her story is full of doubts, fears and many unfulfilled wishes, but is undoubtedly softened by a magical and enchanted world that even adults will grow fond of.
The main character, Ivy, has always lived with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that makes her life difficult compared to the one of her pears. Her only wish? Being a normal girl, being able to go to the school dance with her friends, intending never to return to those four walls of her hospital room.
But nothing goes as Ivy expected and, in a desperate attempt to go to the dance, she embarks on a magical journey into the world of Hazelbrook. In that world, she will discover the whimsical like atmosphere of Alice in Wonderland, courageous companions and an enemy to defeat. Every last one of those characters, even the most “evil” of them all, will be essential for Ivy’s journey, since they embody the protagonist’s fears, as well as her hopes and passions.
I particularly appreciated that the author didn’t force a happily ever after: she didn’t make Ivy’s disorder go away, but rather she gave the reader a more realistic and honest ending to her story. That’s exactly why I hope for this book to be found by many other young readers that are fighting battles like Ivy’s (even if invisible to the eye). I am sure that they will be encouraged by her story!
At their age, I would have surely cherished seeing myself being represented and I would have loved to enter the magical world of Hazelbrook.
Once upon a time …
That’s the way Ivy’s story begins, but it doesn’t really carry on as one would expect.
After following @avalon.writes' writing journey on Instagram, I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for her debut novel, Ivy Ever After, which is a middle grade fantasy story that explores the complex theme of life with a chronic illness. Her story is full of doubts, fears and many unfulfilled wishes, but is undoubtedly softened by a magical and enchanted world that even adults will grow fond of.
The main character, Ivy, has always lived with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that makes her life difficult compared to the one of her pears. Her only wish? Being a normal girl, being able to go to the school dance with her friends, intending never to return to those four walls of her hospital room.
But nothing goes as Ivy expected and, in a desperate attempt to go to the dance, she embarks on a magical journey into the world of Hazelbrook. In that world, she will discover the whimsical like atmosphere of Alice in Wonderland, courageous companions and an enemy to defeat. Every last one of those characters, even the most “evil” of them all, will be essential for Ivy’s journey, since they embody the protagonist’s fears, as well as her hopes and passions.
I particularly appreciated that the author didn’t force a happily ever after: she didn’t make Ivy’s disorder go away, but rather she gave the reader a more realistic and honest ending to her story. That’s exactly why I hope for this book to be found by many other young readers that are fighting battles like Ivy’s (even if invisible to the eye). I am sure that they will be encouraged by her story!
At their age, I would have surely cherished seeing myself being represented and I would have loved to enter the magical world of Hazelbrook.
October 7, 2026
*Honest ARC Review*
Ivy Ever After is not only a cute, fun middle grade fantasy featuring a chronically ill main character (Ivy has Cystic Fibrosis); it’s also a powerful tale of accepting (not just overcoming) and having gratitude for a rich yet complicated life with said chronic illness.
The way George compares having Cystic Fibrosis to fighting dragons in the fantasy world of Hazelbrook, often referring to her faulty lungs as “stepsister lungs” in reference to the step sisters in Cinderella, helps make understanding the complexity of life with Cystic Fibrosis feel accessible and relatable whether you live with a chronic illness yourself or not. The fear and uncertainty Ivy feels as she first enters Hazelbrook and learns about the prophecy featuring her princess alter ego parallels her fear of her own illness in quite a profound way. Her journey shines light on the strength and faith in something greater it takes to be a young child (or an adult) dealing with a life-altering condition. The friends she makes and saves (shoutout Wallace - my favorite character and one of the most relatable elements of this book. We ALL had a prized stuffie when we were young, right?) along the way help her learn life lessons one usually only begins to figure out in adulthood, showcasing how serious conditions can make you grow up faster than you should ever have to. And the book achieves all of this while spinning a whimsical, magical tale that feels light and fun rather than dark and uncertain.
Whether you’re a spoonie/chronic illness warrior, someone who loves and cares for a person with chronic illness, or just someone looking to learn about experiences you’ve never had, Ivy Ever After is a wonderful and touching read you should add to your TBR.
Ivy Ever After is not only a cute, fun middle grade fantasy featuring a chronically ill main character (Ivy has Cystic Fibrosis); it’s also a powerful tale of accepting (not just overcoming) and having gratitude for a rich yet complicated life with said chronic illness.
The way George compares having Cystic Fibrosis to fighting dragons in the fantasy world of Hazelbrook, often referring to her faulty lungs as “stepsister lungs” in reference to the step sisters in Cinderella, helps make understanding the complexity of life with Cystic Fibrosis feel accessible and relatable whether you live with a chronic illness yourself or not. The fear and uncertainty Ivy feels as she first enters Hazelbrook and learns about the prophecy featuring her princess alter ego parallels her fear of her own illness in quite a profound way. Her journey shines light on the strength and faith in something greater it takes to be a young child (or an adult) dealing with a life-altering condition. The friends she makes and saves (shoutout Wallace - my favorite character and one of the most relatable elements of this book. We ALL had a prized stuffie when we were young, right?) along the way help her learn life lessons one usually only begins to figure out in adulthood, showcasing how serious conditions can make you grow up faster than you should ever have to. And the book achieves all of this while spinning a whimsical, magical tale that feels light and fun rather than dark and uncertain.
Whether you’re a spoonie/chronic illness warrior, someone who loves and cares for a person with chronic illness, or just someone looking to learn about experiences you’ve never had, Ivy Ever After is a wonderful and touching read you should add to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Avalon for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
I wish I had had this book as a child. Though I don't have cystic fibrosis, I do have a medical condition that I will definitely be thinking of as a dragon from now on. One that could rear its ugly head at any time and just mess everything up. One that made it hard to feel "normal" as a kid at an age when all you desperately want is to fit in.
I wish I could go back in time and hand that kid this book - she would have felt so seen by every single word on its pages. She would have adored the magic within and maybe seen a little bit of magic in her own story.
This book was a masterpiece of a love (with a dash of hate) letter to chronic illness and how it derails lives. It was a story about finding strength through the mess that is illness - whether that strength is within yourself, your loved ones, or even just in the courage to rest. It was full of uncertainty, fear, joy, courage, and, above all, hope - just like life with chronic illness.
This is a magical book in so many ways, from the found family full of mythical creatures to the healing it so seamlessly did to my chronically ill soul.
I wish I had had this book as a child. Though I don't have cystic fibrosis, I do have a medical condition that I will definitely be thinking of as a dragon from now on. One that could rear its ugly head at any time and just mess everything up. One that made it hard to feel "normal" as a kid at an age when all you desperately want is to fit in.
I wish I could go back in time and hand that kid this book - she would have felt so seen by every single word on its pages. She would have adored the magic within and maybe seen a little bit of magic in her own story.
This book was a masterpiece of a love (with a dash of hate) letter to chronic illness and how it derails lives. It was a story about finding strength through the mess that is illness - whether that strength is within yourself, your loved ones, or even just in the courage to rest. It was full of uncertainty, fear, joy, courage, and, above all, hope - just like life with chronic illness.
This is a magical book in so many ways, from the found family full of mythical creatures to the healing it so seamlessly did to my chronically ill soul.
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘I don’t need certainty, just a little bit of hope’
A combination of Percy Jackson, alice in wonderland, and candyland. An absolute whimsical adventurous time!!
As soon as I saw this concept of a chronically ill girl getting swept up in a fairytale, I knew I needed to read it.
As someone w chronic illness who is obsessed with fairytales- this book was perfect.
Hazelbrook was silly and strange in the best of ways. I felt like I was returning to my childhood where everything was full of wonder.
Ivy was real, I saw myself in her. She worries, but she preservers. Isn’t that what bravery truly is? Being scared and doing it anyway.
I loved how she was able to lean on her fantastical friends when things got hard, it felt like I became part of the family.
Ivy acknowledges her illness but doesn’t let it define her. She’s witty and kind, lovable and laughable. She makes new friends and stays passionate about her life. I find that so inspirational as someone who struggles to feel like more than a patient.
There was no cure, but she never needed one. She just needed hope.
Thank you Ivy, and truly thank you Avalon for giving me such a whimsical inspiring story that helped me push through a really rough week with my illness.
Thank you for giving me hope 💖💖
A combination of Percy Jackson, alice in wonderland, and candyland. An absolute whimsical adventurous time!!
As soon as I saw this concept of a chronically ill girl getting swept up in a fairytale, I knew I needed to read it.
As someone w chronic illness who is obsessed with fairytales- this book was perfect.
Hazelbrook was silly and strange in the best of ways. I felt like I was returning to my childhood where everything was full of wonder.
Ivy was real, I saw myself in her. She worries, but she preservers. Isn’t that what bravery truly is? Being scared and doing it anyway.
I loved how she was able to lean on her fantastical friends when things got hard, it felt like I became part of the family.
Ivy acknowledges her illness but doesn’t let it define her. She’s witty and kind, lovable and laughable. She makes new friends and stays passionate about her life. I find that so inspirational as someone who struggles to feel like more than a patient.
There was no cure, but she never needed one. She just needed hope.
Thank you Ivy, and truly thank you Avalon for giving me such a whimsical inspiring story that helped me push through a really rough week with my illness.
Thank you for giving me hope 💖💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — if I could rate this higher, I would!
I had the absolute honor of being an ARC reader for this book, and as a medical girlie, there were so many moments where I could see a little bit of myself in Ivy. 🥹
This book was so beautifully written, and I can already picture school-aged kids absolutely LOVING it. Especially kids who are going through something that makes them feel different or left out—but honestly, even if they aren’t, I think there’s something here for everyone.
I especially loved Ivy’s humor early on, including the way she talks about becoming so desensitized to medical questions. It was such a fun and relatable way to bring humor into a story about something much deeper.
This book is magical in so many ways, and I absolutely loved watching Avalon’s journey with it. 💚
Thank you so much, Avalon, for letting me be part of this as an ARC reader. It has been so much fun to watch this book come to life, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
If you have a kiddo who loves to read, definitely preorder this one!
I had the absolute honor of being an ARC reader for this book, and as a medical girlie, there were so many moments where I could see a little bit of myself in Ivy. 🥹
This book was so beautifully written, and I can already picture school-aged kids absolutely LOVING it. Especially kids who are going through something that makes them feel different or left out—but honestly, even if they aren’t, I think there’s something here for everyone.
I especially loved Ivy’s humor early on, including the way she talks about becoming so desensitized to medical questions. It was such a fun and relatable way to bring humor into a story about something much deeper.
This book is magical in so many ways, and I absolutely loved watching Avalon’s journey with it. 💚
Thank you so much, Avalon, for letting me be part of this as an ARC reader. It has been so much fun to watch this book come to life, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
If you have a kiddo who loves to read, definitely preorder this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the most whimsical book I have ever read! I love the representation of cystic fibrosis in here. Ivy Ever After is one of those books that will forever stick with you. It feels like it was written for your inner child and learning how to be okay with things you cannot control. While reading I felt vibes of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. There are just so many fun characters that you get to meet. Wallace has to be my favorite character because he is the type of person (or bear) that will always be by your side and help you grow as a person. Everyone needs a Wallace in their life. I also was not expecting the twist near the end haha! But I do love how this book ended, it was very satisfying and made me tear up. Overall, you’re looking for something with whimsey, adventure, chronic illness representation, self reflection, moral themes, feisty mushrooms, dragons, and just a book to make you feel good after reading, then Ivy Ever After is the perfect read.
Thank you Avalon for letting me be an ARC reader. This was my first ever ARC that I’ve received. 💗
Thank you Avalon for letting me be an ARC reader. This was my first ever ARC that I’ve received. 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute privilege of getting an advance copy from Avalon (I am so glad my instagram algorithm dropped me off in the right place and timing to get one and read before released) and follow Avalon's wonderful writing journey and posts.
As a chronic illness girlie with many medical struggles and hospital visits & stays as a child, wishing it was my time to have joy and adventures like in my faved books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Disney movies, I felt very seen and was very healing.
Such a cute, whimsical, and insightful journey and read! I love Ivy so much! and all the fun, feisty, helpful side characters and especially Wallace the bear!
Perfect for middle grade ages (even older teens and adults for being seen, represented and to add further whimsy and a joyful read in their life!) Particularly with those twists and ending!
I feel so light and cheerful after reading. Thanks so much Avalon for writing this joyful story, putting it out to the world and I would happily read more of what you write!
As a chronic illness girlie with many medical struggles and hospital visits & stays as a child, wishing it was my time to have joy and adventures like in my faved books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Disney movies, I felt very seen and was very healing.
Such a cute, whimsical, and insightful journey and read! I love Ivy so much! and all the fun, feisty, helpful side characters and especially Wallace the bear!
Perfect for middle grade ages (even older teens and adults for being seen, represented and to add further whimsy and a joyful read in their life!) Particularly with those twists and ending!
I feel so light and cheerful after reading. Thanks so much Avalon for writing this joyful story, putting it out to the world and I would happily read more of what you write!
August 25, 2026
Ivy is a girl whose life is plagued with what-ifs and uncertainty but still allows herself to dream and believe in magic. She’s having yet another hospital stay when she adventures into the world of Hazelbrook, where she discovers that she could be the only one to defeat the dragon whose presence is wreaking havoc upon the citizens of Hazelbrook. Ivy also discovers that through the powers of friendship, great pancakes, and most of all, magic, she is capable of much more than she gave herself credit for.
This story has a magically mysterious quest, fun and unique sidekicks, a relatable main character, and a charm that makes you feel as though you’re the one who dances with fireflies and devours lilac bozaberry pancakes. Perfect for readers of all ages but especially for those who love fantasy and fairy tales.
A very magical and heartfelt thank you to Avalon for the arc and letting me be a beta reader!! It’s one of the greatest honors 💜✨
This story has a magically mysterious quest, fun and unique sidekicks, a relatable main character, and a charm that makes you feel as though you’re the one who dances with fireflies and devours lilac bozaberry pancakes. Perfect for readers of all ages but especially for those who love fantasy and fairy tales.
A very magical and heartfelt thank you to Avalon for the arc and letting me be a beta reader!! It’s one of the greatest honors 💜✨
August 27, 2026
I was selected as an ARC reader and I’m so thrilled I was! I loved this book, it was whimsical and fun while showing what it feels like to be a middle schooler with CF.
Ivy’s thoughts and feelings so perfectly match what I could’ve said myself at her age (as someone with CF). The sadness of missing a dance, overcommitting to things to not be left out, and feeling the strain your health has on your family is a hefty load for a young girl. Add in slaying a dragon and she’s got her hands full!
I loved the entourage she accumulated throughout the story! I think we could also use a little mushroom cheering us on, a teddy bear breaking teddy bear laws, and a wise rock formation!
This book balances the realty of being a middle schooler with CF with the fantasy of storybook villages and dragons- and the surprising overlap between the two.
P.S. I’m still giggling over “TFPs” and keep saying it to my husband hahaha
Ivy’s thoughts and feelings so perfectly match what I could’ve said myself at her age (as someone with CF). The sadness of missing a dance, overcommitting to things to not be left out, and feeling the strain your health has on your family is a hefty load for a young girl. Add in slaying a dragon and she’s got her hands full!
I loved the entourage she accumulated throughout the story! I think we could also use a little mushroom cheering us on, a teddy bear breaking teddy bear laws, and a wise rock formation!
This book balances the realty of being a middle schooler with CF with the fantasy of storybook villages and dragons- and the surprising overlap between the two.
P.S. I’m still giggling over “TFPs” and keep saying it to my husband hahaha
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of reading Ivy Ever After, as an advanced reader. This is a beautiful story that follows Ivy as she navigates life through her chronic illness and all the frustration that brings. Avalon George brings us into her world, feel her anger, disappointment and upset with the state of her illness, but allows us to escape with Ivy into an alternative fantasy world where these issues do not plague her in the same manner.
For those of us who spent a large amount of time in hospitals as children, it is a beautiful narrative that discusses how can we navigate illness and growing up, while maintaining our sense of wonder. A joy to read, thank you Avalon, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!
For those of us who spent a large amount of time in hospitals as children, it is a beautiful narrative that discusses how can we navigate illness and growing up, while maintaining our sense of wonder. A joy to read, thank you Avalon, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!
October 6, 2026
As the mom of a child with Cystic Fibrosis, this book felt like a warm embrace and an empowering gift. 💜 Reading about the hospital stays, the enzymes, and the PICC line took my breath away—the author captures those real-life moments with stunning, relatable accuracy. But then the story whisks you away to the fantasy world of Hazelbrook! The magical characters completely stole my heart (I need a Wallace and a Sookie in my life right now), and the unexpected plot twists kept me turning pages. Between the humor, the heart-melting friendships, and the powerful message of courage and teamwork, this book reminds us that no matter what "dragon" we’re fighting, we don't have to do it alone. Absolutely unforgettable!
October 6, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was delighted to receive an ARC copy of Ivy Ever After from Avalon, who is an author local to me in MN!
Ivy Ever After follows Ivy who lives with cystic fibrosis and all of the uncertainty and “what-ifs” that surround a chronic illness. It provides a diverse perspective and is filled with lovable characters. This story is whimsical, heart-warming, and shows us that we don’t need certainty to find our happily ever after.
I would highly recommend this book for middle-grade children or teachers, like myself, who want to diversify their classroom libraries!
Release date of October 6th, 2026
I was delighted to receive an ARC copy of Ivy Ever After from Avalon, who is an author local to me in MN!
Ivy Ever After follows Ivy who lives with cystic fibrosis and all of the uncertainty and “what-ifs” that surround a chronic illness. It provides a diverse perspective and is filled with lovable characters. This story is whimsical, heart-warming, and shows us that we don’t need certainty to find our happily ever after.
I would highly recommend this book for middle-grade children or teachers, like myself, who want to diversify their classroom libraries!
Release date of October 6th, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW (thank you Avalon!)
I wish, wish, wish this had been written when I was a girl! I think my girlhood would have been a little brighter if one of my heroines was Ivy. As a fellow chronically ill woman who has missed out on a fair share of life, dances and all, Ivy's story was just what I needed. A wonderful debut!
RATING: 5 bright stars!
WOULD I RECOMMEND: Absolutely! To old lovers of Emily Rodda's FAIRY REALM series, or anyone who needs a cosy evening with a little bit of magic.
I wish, wish, wish this had been written when I was a girl! I think my girlhood would have been a little brighter if one of my heroines was Ivy. As a fellow chronically ill woman who has missed out on a fair share of life, dances and all, Ivy's story was just what I needed. A wonderful debut!
RATING: 5 bright stars!
WOULD I RECOMMEND: Absolutely! To old lovers of Emily Rodda's FAIRY REALM series, or anyone who needs a cosy evening with a little bit of magic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book is the epitome of whimsy! All of the characters are so whimsical and friendly and love Ivy. I loved that Ivy got to escape into her own magical universe, and that she had her friends by her side. I related a lot to her worries and anxieties, and that made me feel really connected to Ivy! This book would be so perfect for anyone struggling with an illness or medical complications, especially a little girl! I loved Wallace and I loved getting to see Ivy’s character growth! Hazelbrooke was beautiful!! The writing in this book was also so beautiful! 💚🧸
October 18, 2026
Hey so I didn't think this book would make me cry??? What???
I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have honestly been feeling like Ivy lately. Worrying about missing out, not being able to do what I used to, wondering all the what-ifs about me getting worse and more. I loved seeing Ivy grow and realize she doesn’t need control to find her happily ever after. Hope goes a long way, and she's right. The dragon's reign won't last forever. Thanks for the journey, Ivy and Avalon. ❤️ Now excuse me while I find some tissues...
I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have honestly been feeling like Ivy lately. Worrying about missing out, not being able to do what I used to, wondering all the what-ifs about me getting worse and more. I loved seeing Ivy grow and realize she doesn’t need control to find her happily ever after. Hope goes a long way, and she's right. The dragon's reign won't last forever. Thanks for the journey, Ivy and Avalon. ❤️ Now excuse me while I find some tissues...
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so cute!!! I can just imagine little girls with chronic illness seeing themselves as powerful after reading this and it makes me so happy. It’s Alice in wonderland-esque in the universe. Portal takes the main character to Hazelbrook where she has to defeat the dragon. We meet lots of fun little creatures along the way, rescue her teddy bear and she even has a mushroom sidekick. Super cute. I was just grinning the whole time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the book I wish that I had growing up as a child with chronic health issues! It brings so much joy, whimsy, and inspiration to such real struggles! I truly enjoyed this book so much and am now craving some fluffy fortune-telling pancakes 🥰 Beautiful imagery, and helps show a different perspective to health fears for children and my own inner child.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the cutest, most whimsical book I've ever read. Ivy is such a sweet girl, and realistically written. I loved it and didn't want it to end.
Avalon did such an amazing job at writing this. I'm forever obsessed🧚♀️
Avalon did such an amazing job at writing this. I'm forever obsessed🧚♀️
October 6, 2026
Such a cute read!! I was honored to get an ARC copy of this, and I’m so glad! Ivy is truly a hero for every kiddo that has a chronic illness/disability! As a medical mom myself I love the representation that Avalon has written into this amazing book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is adorable! I loved meeting Ivy and her friends especially Wallace, her beloved bear, and the very brave and honorable, Sookie.
Review of advance copy received from Author
adorable characters, whimsical world, fun storyline :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Magical and sweet! This whimsical book was a quick and cozy read. Thank you to the author to allowing me to read this arc before publication in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2026
A very fun story!
November 4, 2026
Such a fun read!! I loved following Ivy and her entourage through the magical world of Hazelbrook!
November 7, 2026
A very sweet story. Ivy and all her friends are very brave. Squeezed my stuffed animals extra tight while reading this!
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