What do you think?
Paradise
Her brother needs a miracle, and a distant island is in need of a heroine. Will Ceri's love be enough?
As the eldest of six, eighteen-year-old Ceri Everard has long been the responsible one, the daughter who works long hours in the cane fields with her father and cousins, and the one who helps care for her disabled little brother every night.
Despite tender care from Ceri and all members of the family, Caden is slipping away from them, his frail body that has more wrong than right about it, slowly giving up the fight. When an unexpected opportunity to help Caden arises, Ceri is faced with a terrible choice. In exchange for her brother's chance at life, she must travel to another island where the reclusive man she will be married to by proxy awaits.
His life and hers, as well as all of those living on Paradise, hang in the balance as Ceri races against time to break a century-old curse which may, in turn, break her heart.
As the eldest of six, eighteen-year-old Ceri Everard has long been the responsible one, the daughter who works long hours in the cane fields with her father and cousins, and the one who helps care for her disabled little brother every night.
Despite tender care from Ceri and all members of the family, Caden is slipping away from them, his frail body that has more wrong than right about it, slowly giving up the fight. When an unexpected opportunity to help Caden arises, Ceri is faced with a terrible choice. In exchange for her brother's chance at life, she must travel to another island where the reclusive man she will be married to by proxy awaits.
His life and hers, as well as all of those living on Paradise, hang in the balance as Ceri races against time to break a century-old curse which may, in turn, break her heart.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2026
About the author
Michele Paige Holmes
31 books423 followersMichele Paige Holmes is the author of eighteen published romance novels and five novellas in the Timeless Romance Anthologies.
She loves history and all things romantic, though the reality of her life is often less so, with piles of laundry to be folded, meals to be cooked, and dishes to be washed. She finds those things blessings too, or evidence of the blessings in her life—her husband, five, mostly grown children, and five charming grandchildren (four of whom reside in her home).
She is married to her high school sweetheart, a true Ironman who considers doing ultramarathons and triathlons fun. The only time Michele logs serious miles is at Disney theme parks, but she and her super-fit husband have been happily married for thirty-five years, in spite of her lack of coordination and lagging fitness levels.
While her husband is out running, biking, or swimming, Michele’s furry companion Sherlock Holmes—a Cavapoo strongly resembling a teddy bear—keeps her company and keeps her feet warm during the cold winter months in Utah.
In recent years Michele has enjoyed traveling to some of the locations she writes about. This summer she will be returning to Scotland to do research for upcoming Hearthfire Historical novels.
You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
She loves history and all things romantic, though the reality of her life is often less so, with piles of laundry to be folded, meals to be cooked, and dishes to be washed. She finds those things blessings too, or evidence of the blessings in her life—her husband, five, mostly grown children, and five charming grandchildren (four of whom reside in her home).
She is married to her high school sweetheart, a true Ironman who considers doing ultramarathons and triathlons fun. The only time Michele logs serious miles is at Disney theme parks, but she and her super-fit husband have been happily married for thirty-five years, in spite of her lack of coordination and lagging fitness levels.
While her husband is out running, biking, or swimming, Michele’s furry companion Sherlock Holmes—a Cavapoo strongly resembling a teddy bear—keeps her company and keeps her feet warm during the cold winter months in Utah.
In recent years Michele has enjoyed traveling to some of the locations she writes about. This summer she will be returning to Scotland to do research for upcoming Hearthfire Historical novels.
You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 18, 2026
Paradise by Michele Paige Holmes is a beautiful story about love and sacrifice. It could also be called a fantasy novel, a historical novel, and a romance, but at its heart is about love and the power it has over everything. From the first page, I was engaged and wrapped up in this compelling story. It was so good.
The story focuses on Ceri Everard as she agrees to marry a total stranger, by proxy, to help her family pay for a medical procedure her little brother so desperately needs. As Ceri travels to meet her husband Caden, she learns of the curse placed on her husband’s family and all the residents of his island home. A curse that Ceri is expected to break. When Ceri finally meets Caden, she realizes her task might be impossible. The story is full of adventure, redemption, hope, and love.
Holmes’ storytelling was vivid and colorful and brought the islands and Caden’s home to life. I loved how Holmes wove the history of the curse, Ceri’s family’s connection to the curse, and Caden’s connection to Ceri throughout the story. It was so beautifully paced.
Ceri was a fabulous heroine. I loved how much she grew and changed throughout the story. Her love for her family was so pure and good. She was so brave and strong and so willing to help those she loved. She was the perfect match for Caden.
Caden was such a complex character—he doesn’t appear on page until about halfway through the book, but his presence is felt from the very start. I loved his backstory with Ceri. It was so sweet to see how much he cared for her. I could go on and on about Caden but I don’t want to ruin the experience of getting to know him through the story. It is so good.
I am obsessed with this story that weaves love and sacrifice and romance into a beautiful story. I am still thinking about it days after finishing it. It is so good.
The story focuses on Ceri Everard as she agrees to marry a total stranger, by proxy, to help her family pay for a medical procedure her little brother so desperately needs. As Ceri travels to meet her husband Caden, she learns of the curse placed on her husband’s family and all the residents of his island home. A curse that Ceri is expected to break. When Ceri finally meets Caden, she realizes her task might be impossible. The story is full of adventure, redemption, hope, and love.
Holmes’ storytelling was vivid and colorful and brought the islands and Caden’s home to life. I loved how Holmes wove the history of the curse, Ceri’s family’s connection to the curse, and Caden’s connection to Ceri throughout the story. It was so beautifully paced.
Ceri was a fabulous heroine. I loved how much she grew and changed throughout the story. Her love for her family was so pure and good. She was so brave and strong and so willing to help those she loved. She was the perfect match for Caden.
Caden was such a complex character—he doesn’t appear on page until about halfway through the book, but his presence is felt from the very start. I loved his backstory with Ceri. It was so sweet to see how much he cared for her. I could go on and on about Caden but I don’t want to ruin the experience of getting to know him through the story. It is so good.
I am obsessed with this story that weaves love and sacrifice and romance into a beautiful story. I am still thinking about it days after finishing it. It is so good.
August 18, 2026
I knew Holmes writing style before going into this and you know this girl gives you a whole story before the romance. I should have know the character wouldn't meet the hero till near the middle of the story. So the first part of this book really drug for me especially the boat trip. It just took too long. I almost gave up on this and that is why I gave it 3 stars. I started to skim until she meets the Beast. I enjoyed there interactions so much and all the twists and flips at the end! By 65 percent this book really took off and I loved it from then on. It was just too long of a wait.
This is a non religious, clean love story. There is a little bit of violence.
This is a non religious, clean love story. There is a little bit of violence.
August 28, 2026
4.5 stars!
Paradise is a beautiful Beauty and the Beast retelling set on a mysterious island in the West Indies. It has just enough magical elements woven into the story to give it that familiar fairy-tale feel while still making its own story. As the eldest, Ceri has always put her family first and makes a great sacrifice by marrying a man she's never met in exchange for her younger brother to have life-altering surgery. Her journey to the island of Paradise—and her eventual meeting with Aneirine—set the stage for a story filled with secrets, a centuries-old curse, and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected place.
The first part of the book moved a little slowly for me, but once Ceri arrived on Paradise, the story picked up. I especially enjoyed the nods to Beauty and the Beast. The magical elements were different from the original fairy tale, but there were enough familiar touches to make me smile.
Ceri was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her kindness and compassion stood out, especially in the way she treated everyone—even those who didn't necessarily deserve it. I particularly loved watching her get to know the servants and seeing the relationships she formed with them. And, of course, I loved watching Ceri and Aneirine slowly get to know each other. Their relationship was definitely a highlight for me.
There were moments toward the end when I wasn't quite sure how everything was going to work out, and for a little while, I was worried about how Ceri and Aneirine's story would end. Thankfully, I loved the ending! At its heart, Paradise is a story about sacrifice, love, hope, and courage. It has the feel of a fairy tale while still bringing something new to a story we all know. If you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is definitely one to check out.
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Paradise is a beautiful Beauty and the Beast retelling set on a mysterious island in the West Indies. It has just enough magical elements woven into the story to give it that familiar fairy-tale feel while still making its own story. As the eldest, Ceri has always put her family first and makes a great sacrifice by marrying a man she's never met in exchange for her younger brother to have life-altering surgery. Her journey to the island of Paradise—and her eventual meeting with Aneirine—set the stage for a story filled with secrets, a centuries-old curse, and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected place.
The first part of the book moved a little slowly for me, but once Ceri arrived on Paradise, the story picked up. I especially enjoyed the nods to Beauty and the Beast. The magical elements were different from the original fairy tale, but there were enough familiar touches to make me smile.
Ceri was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her kindness and compassion stood out, especially in the way she treated everyone—even those who didn't necessarily deserve it. I particularly loved watching her get to know the servants and seeing the relationships she formed with them. And, of course, I loved watching Ceri and Aneirine slowly get to know each other. Their relationship was definitely a highlight for me.
There were moments toward the end when I wasn't quite sure how everything was going to work out, and for a little while, I was worried about how Ceri and Aneirine's story would end. Thankfully, I loved the ending! At its heart, Paradise is a story about sacrifice, love, hope, and courage. It has the feel of a fairy tale while still bringing something new to a story we all know. If you're a fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is definitely one to check out.
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 6, 2026
A lovely Beauty & the Beast retelling, the focus is on the building of love than the physical aspects of romance. It’s refreshing and endearing.
August 20, 2026
A wonderful fairy tale retelling
This book is a very interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast. Ceri is the oldest child in the family and has a sweet younger brother with birth defects that could be treated if the family had the money. When she is approached by her father and told that the money was available if she would marry, by proxy, a man that was uncivilized and basically unseen. The choice is difficult but Ceri agrees. As she leaves her island home she discovers there is more to her marriage than she thought. The hope of the island is that she will be the one to break a terrible curse, and there are other difficulties she will need to face and master to save the island. A wonderful read. I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
This book is a very interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast. Ceri is the oldest child in the family and has a sweet younger brother with birth defects that could be treated if the family had the money. When she is approached by her father and told that the money was available if she would marry, by proxy, a man that was uncivilized and basically unseen. The choice is difficult but Ceri agrees. As she leaves her island home she discovers there is more to her marriage than she thought. The hope of the island is that she will be the one to break a terrible curse, and there are other difficulties she will need to face and master to save the island. A wonderful read. I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
August 12, 2026
What an unexpected story! This is such a unique, tender, yet serious story. There is a Beauty and the Beast vibe to it, which is so sweet.
There were things I absolutely loved and things that were hard to swallow. It is not a cozy fairytale but a story of sacrifice, hardship, bad choices, a curse and death. Yet, there is love, hope, courage and a determination to live mixed in. Creating an intricate story that is emotional and hopeful.
I enjoyed the journey Ceri takes. She understands the stakes and makes a decision to follow through with her choices. She makes mistakes, speaks her mind, yet keeps her heart open and tender. Even after experiencing so much heartache. And there is so much heartache for so many people. It feels a bit heavy at times but as you journey through it, you are rewarded by love, laughter, healing and a happily ever after.
So if you want a cozy love story, this is not it. But if you want a story with more emotion, more serious themes and true love, then this is for you!
What to expect:
Sad Goodbyes
A Mysterious Curse
Obstacles and Struggles
Many Choices
Love of family
A Long History
Grief
Death
Abandonment
Hight Stakes/ Little Time
Swimming at the Beach
Reading on the Beach
Gentle Hands
Falling in Love
Beauty and the Beast Vibes
Healing
Happily Ever After
There were things I absolutely loved and things that were hard to swallow. It is not a cozy fairytale but a story of sacrifice, hardship, bad choices, a curse and death. Yet, there is love, hope, courage and a determination to live mixed in. Creating an intricate story that is emotional and hopeful.
I enjoyed the journey Ceri takes. She understands the stakes and makes a decision to follow through with her choices. She makes mistakes, speaks her mind, yet keeps her heart open and tender. Even after experiencing so much heartache. And there is so much heartache for so many people. It feels a bit heavy at times but as you journey through it, you are rewarded by love, laughter, healing and a happily ever after.
So if you want a cozy love story, this is not it. But if you want a story with more emotion, more serious themes and true love, then this is for you!
What to expect:
Sad Goodbyes
A Mysterious Curse
Obstacles and Struggles
Many Choices
Love of family
A Long History
Grief
Death
Abandonment
Hight Stakes/ Little Time
Swimming at the Beach
Reading on the Beach
Gentle Hands
Falling in Love
Beauty and the Beast Vibes
Healing
Happily Ever After
August 12, 2026
WHAT AN EXCITING ROLLER COASTER READ! Whew!!!
Fairytales are not the genre I usually read, but having enjoyed many books by Author Michele Paige Holmes, I thought I’d give this one a try.
This adult fairytale is a can’t-put-it-down kind of book. I quickly became engulfed in the story until I almost felt like I was living it myself. Michele has the ability to describe scenes so vividly and with so much emotion that you feel like you are witnessing them in person.
The characters in Paradise build throughout the story as you learn more about their past and what has shaped them into who they have become.
Paradise is about how one person’s actions caused a terrible curse that could not be broken. The island of Paradise becomes anything but a paradise.
Can Ceri stop the century long curse? Will Ceri’s choice save her disabled brother? Will she herself survive the curse? What role does Aneirin play in this?
One of the things I like best about this author’s books is that they never follow the predictable girl meets boy format. Whether Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy or Fairytale, Michele’s stories are always full of unexpected twists and turns and no two are ever alike. They are exciting until the very last page.
Paradise is an unusual love story and well worth the read.
Fairytales are not the genre I usually read, but having enjoyed many books by Author Michele Paige Holmes, I thought I’d give this one a try.
This adult fairytale is a can’t-put-it-down kind of book. I quickly became engulfed in the story until I almost felt like I was living it myself. Michele has the ability to describe scenes so vividly and with so much emotion that you feel like you are witnessing them in person.
The characters in Paradise build throughout the story as you learn more about their past and what has shaped them into who they have become.
Paradise is about how one person’s actions caused a terrible curse that could not be broken. The island of Paradise becomes anything but a paradise.
Can Ceri stop the century long curse? Will Ceri’s choice save her disabled brother? Will she herself survive the curse? What role does Aneirin play in this?
One of the things I like best about this author’s books is that they never follow the predictable girl meets boy format. Whether Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy or Fairytale, Michele’s stories are always full of unexpected twists and turns and no two are ever alike. They are exciting until the very last page.
Paradise is an unusual love story and well worth the read.
August 27, 2026
loved this book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a sort of beauty and the beast retelling with an island twist to it. I loved the character development in this story. You really get to know Ceri and Aieran well. The romance has such depth and feeling to it. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a sort of beauty and the beast retelling with an island twist to it. I loved the character development in this story. You really get to know Ceri and Aieran well. The romance has such depth and feeling to it. I highly recommend this book.
August 20, 2026
I was engaged in the story from the very beginning to the end.
August 11, 2026
It was a good remix of Beauty and the Beast! With a bit of Rapunzel and Harry Potter. I enjoy Michele Paige Holmes!
She’s definitely in a historical-depictions-of-Caribbean-islands phase in her writing right now.
I think fans of Cortney Pearson would like this book, too.
(You might as well call this novel Trouble in Paradise…)
Poor Ceri 🤗…And gross ship boys…
(Thanks for saving a fellow Megan, Ceri. Although unlike you, I can’t blame her for crying between what happened with the ship boys and losing her sister. 🤗 to your grandparents, too…)
Nice touch with a Bodhi tree!
Love makes you beautiful (:
Favorite quotes:
“‘Heaven is a library.’”
“At a moment like this, he’s thinking of food?” (Sounds like a boy 😂)
“‘A witch or demon invented [chess]…The knight moves in an L, like he’s had too much to drink and can’t walk a straight line.’”
She’s definitely in a historical-depictions-of-Caribbean-islands phase in her writing right now.
I think fans of Cortney Pearson would like this book, too.
(You might as well call this novel Trouble in Paradise…)
Poor Ceri 🤗…And gross ship boys…
(Thanks for saving a fellow Megan, Ceri. Although unlike you, I can’t blame her for crying between what happened with the ship boys and losing her sister. 🤗 to your grandparents, too…)
Nice touch with a Bodhi tree!
Love makes you beautiful (:
Favorite quotes:
“‘Heaven is a library.’”
“At a moment like this, he’s thinking of food?” (Sounds like a boy 😂)
“‘A witch or demon invented [chess]…The knight moves in an L, like he’s had too much to drink and can’t walk a straight line.’”
August 16, 2026
This book was so good. Love a good fairy tale retelling with lots of magic and mystery and curses. The storyline was amazing. Had me hooked from the start and the ending had a crazy plot twist. Slowburn love story and no spice. Sweet romance that just works with the characters. Enjoyed it all
August 11, 2026
Such an endearing story!!
WOW...is my first response after finishing Paradise! Not only is the plot so uniquely original, but I was wholly entranced with Ceri and Aneirin's precious love story. Mysterious Paradise--with its enchantment, struggles, and magic--captured my attention with every page I read.
Ceri's determination and courage, coupled with Aneirin's steadfast love, is the cherry on top of this superbly well-crafted novel. It made me feel a range of emotions and is now one of my top favorites of romances.
I don't want to give anything away--you'll just have to read Ms. Holmes' enigmatic story to see. Please write more of these please!!
WOW...is my first response after finishing Paradise! Not only is the plot so uniquely original, but I was wholly entranced with Ceri and Aneirin's precious love story. Mysterious Paradise--with its enchantment, struggles, and magic--captured my attention with every page I read.
Ceri's determination and courage, coupled with Aneirin's steadfast love, is the cherry on top of this superbly well-crafted novel. It made me feel a range of emotions and is now one of my top favorites of romances.
I don't want to give anything away--you'll just have to read Ms. Holmes' enigmatic story to see. Please write more of these please!!
August 10, 2026
ARC Review: 5 stars
This was such a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling. Not like anything I’ve ever read. The build up of getting to know Ceri and slowly unraveling the story of the curse was done so well. You could feel the tension of the whole island and the people native to the island, before she ever reached it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Aneirin. How beastly would he be? I loved noticing similarities or nods to the original story, but I also loved that it was a completely new story as well. It was told in a way that completely took me by surprise. If you love magic, romance, and good overcoming evil, this is one for you.
This was such a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling. Not like anything I’ve ever read. The build up of getting to know Ceri and slowly unraveling the story of the curse was done so well. You could feel the tension of the whole island and the people native to the island, before she ever reached it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Aneirin. How beastly would he be? I loved noticing similarities or nods to the original story, but I also loved that it was a completely new story as well. It was told in a way that completely took me by surprise. If you love magic, romance, and good overcoming evil, this is one for you.
August 10, 2026
Enjoyed this ‘fantasy fiction’!
I don’t read much mystical/fantasy type books, but this one was very well done! I enjoyed the premise and recognized some underlying nods to well-known fairytales. Well written. Great character development.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I don’t read much mystical/fantasy type books, but this one was very well done! I enjoyed the premise and recognized some underlying nods to well-known fairytales. Well written. Great character development.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 3, 2026
This clean retelling of Beauty and the Beast was written as a historical romance in the West Indies, and had wonderful descriptions of the beautiful flora so abundant there. I loved the strong, humble FMC, and how she made decisions based on love and devotion! This story has representatives of disability and illiteracy, as well as some of the struggles of life as a working class farmer on a sugar cane plantation. The people felt real, and the magic in this story was believable, and fit in with local beliefs and practices. I think this book was well researched and written with finesse. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
August 14, 2026
3.5 stars. This was a very interesting take on Beauty and the Beast. It was a lot darker than I was expecting but not overly graphic. Half the book is getting to the island so Ceri doesn’t even interact with the “Beast” for awhile. That made it drag for me. The last part of the book was exciting and kept me reading. The one wasn’t quite for me. I love her historical books better.
August 6, 2026
Paradise
(A Forever After Fairytale)
by: Michele Paige Holmes
@michelepaigeholmes
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
--I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
~Her brother needs a miracle, and a distant island is in need of a heroine...
-Paradise, is a heart woven story that is simply beautiful and unforgettable in so many ways! This is a story that moved me with all the feels! It’s tenderly stitched with such care that doesn’t shy away from the hard yet, there is such beauty within! It has such goodness and depth! I greatly recommend a tissue or two near by for when your eyes may “sweat” out all the feels. It’s worth it! For myself, I loved watching a remarkably, courageous, selfless character’s tender journey to another island where a reclusive man she will be married to by proxy awaits. His life and hers, as well as all of those living on Paradise, hang in the balance as she must race against the ticking time to break a century-old curse which may, in turn, break her heart. Oh my goodness, this journey was not for the faint of heart and so unique that it had my full attention and heart ripped apart and then beautifully stitched back together all along the way. Yes, there were obstacles, struggles, high-stakes, costs, choices, loss, grief, and plot twists, there was also such courage, faith, trust, hope, patience, miracles, and selfless love. This heartfelt story does have Beauty and the Beast vibes, yet, it has a completely different spin on things. Such selfless acts truly lead to more, and the belonging was so satisfying. Without giving too much away, my friends., this is an unforgettable, beautiful, moving story worth the read!🙌🏻📚❤️
•Content: heartache, loss, death(on and off page), punishment, high stakes, curses, mistakes, secrets, feelings of loneliness, abandonment, grief, failure, mild danger & peril, destruction, disability and mental health rep, no language, villain of sorts, forgiveness, kisses only.
#paradise
#aforeverafterfairytale
#michelepaigeholmes
#anunforgettablestory
#allaboutthebestreads
(A Forever After Fairytale)
by: Michele Paige Holmes
@michelepaigeholmes
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
--I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
~Her brother needs a miracle, and a distant island is in need of a heroine...
-Paradise, is a heart woven story that is simply beautiful and unforgettable in so many ways! This is a story that moved me with all the feels! It’s tenderly stitched with such care that doesn’t shy away from the hard yet, there is such beauty within! It has such goodness and depth! I greatly recommend a tissue or two near by for when your eyes may “sweat” out all the feels. It’s worth it! For myself, I loved watching a remarkably, courageous, selfless character’s tender journey to another island where a reclusive man she will be married to by proxy awaits. His life and hers, as well as all of those living on Paradise, hang in the balance as she must race against the ticking time to break a century-old curse which may, in turn, break her heart. Oh my goodness, this journey was not for the faint of heart and so unique that it had my full attention and heart ripped apart and then beautifully stitched back together all along the way. Yes, there were obstacles, struggles, high-stakes, costs, choices, loss, grief, and plot twists, there was also such courage, faith, trust, hope, patience, miracles, and selfless love. This heartfelt story does have Beauty and the Beast vibes, yet, it has a completely different spin on things. Such selfless acts truly lead to more, and the belonging was so satisfying. Without giving too much away, my friends., this is an unforgettable, beautiful, moving story worth the read!🙌🏻📚❤️
•Content: heartache, loss, death(on and off page), punishment, high stakes, curses, mistakes, secrets, feelings of loneliness, abandonment, grief, failure, mild danger & peril, destruction, disability and mental health rep, no language, villain of sorts, forgiveness, kisses only.
#paradise
#aforeverafterfairytale
#michelepaigeholmes
#anunforgettablestory
#allaboutthebestreads
October 1, 2026
Wow! This book took me on quite the ride! I was completely hooked from the beginning and invested in Ceri, and the other female characters', journey. I was perplexed and trying to understand the proxy part at the beginning of the story and couldn't wait for her to arrive at the island of Paradise. I was completely hooked and turning the pages even faster during the time aboard the ship! Holy moly!!!! The revelations given then by a key figure and Ceri finding out more about what awaited her. Wowsers!!! And watching it all unravel one moment at a time...I couldn't guess fast enough what was going to come next. So many twists and turns and surprises! Loved it all!
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (my favorite fairy tale) and we don't fully meet our "Beast" until quite a ways into the story. But I loved all of the mystery and speculation about him until we do meet him. And even then it's a mystery. I loved their sweet love story! Ceri and Aieran are the sweetest. I especially loved Ceri's character. She is a kind a loving young lady who has endured a lot. And yet, she continued to be kind and compassionate in helping her family and others she encountered. Her compassionate heart served her well and even more so with what she encountered when she reached Paradise and the estate of her husband.
I don't want to spoil anything so I'm going to leave my thoughts at that. Lovely. Mysterious. Emotional. Incredible. I just loved it all!!! And I have been thinking about these characters a lot after I finished reading it several days ago. That's definitely the mark of a great book in my opinion, still thinking about it long after the story has ended and the book has been closed. I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up!
Content: Clean. There are elements of magic and paranormal and a witch in this story. I thought it was written in a very tasteful way. Talk of a curse, death, loss. Some kisses but nothing further. No language.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (my favorite fairy tale) and we don't fully meet our "Beast" until quite a ways into the story. But I loved all of the mystery and speculation about him until we do meet him. And even then it's a mystery. I loved their sweet love story! Ceri and Aieran are the sweetest. I especially loved Ceri's character. She is a kind a loving young lady who has endured a lot. And yet, she continued to be kind and compassionate in helping her family and others she encountered. Her compassionate heart served her well and even more so with what she encountered when she reached Paradise and the estate of her husband.
I don't want to spoil anything so I'm going to leave my thoughts at that. Lovely. Mysterious. Emotional. Incredible. I just loved it all!!! And I have been thinking about these characters a lot after I finished reading it several days ago. That's definitely the mark of a great book in my opinion, still thinking about it long after the story has ended and the book has been closed. I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up!
Content: Clean. There are elements of magic and paranormal and a witch in this story. I thought it was written in a very tasteful way. Talk of a curse, death, loss. Some kisses but nothing further. No language.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 12, 2026
"We must remember that home is more than a place. It is the people and the love you carry with you in your heart."
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is so unique. It had me trying to predict- and never getting it quite right, but being glad about it.
The oldest of several children must make a difficult choice in order to help her disable little brother. Leaving her family wasn't actually a choice, she was more or less 'sold'- although she could have ran away if she wanted. A long and dangerous journey to meet her 'husband', a surprise at the end that she doesn't think she'll survive, and even more surprises when she realizes she actually wants to.
There is mental health rep, a curse that needs broken, disability representation, sacrifice for family, extreme danger, death, attempted assault, fantasy elements, and a very slow burn friendship to more.
"Because of you. With you. For you."
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my opinion.
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is so unique. It had me trying to predict- and never getting it quite right, but being glad about it.
The oldest of several children must make a difficult choice in order to help her disable little brother. Leaving her family wasn't actually a choice, she was more or less 'sold'- although she could have ran away if she wanted. A long and dangerous journey to meet her 'husband', a surprise at the end that she doesn't think she'll survive, and even more surprises when she realizes she actually wants to.
There is mental health rep, a curse that needs broken, disability representation, sacrifice for family, extreme danger, death, attempted assault, fantasy elements, and a very slow burn friendship to more.
"Because of you. With you. For you."
I received a copy of the book from the publisher for my opinion.
August 16, 2026
This story grabbed my attention from the start and I couldn't put it down. I love the theme that true love is selfless and requires sacrifice as well as putting the needs of others before your own. Ceri's innocence and purity are a beacon of light to those around her. The mysterious Aneirin is full of surprises and strength. The adventures they embark on together had me holding my breath to see where their tale would take them. There are some terrific secondary characters who I think could have stories of their own. Paradise is a breathtaking location. I truly loved all that happened there. There are also some very hard themes in this story. The challenges Cheri had to face on her journey to Paradise were a bit overwhelming. However, the tale is tastefully told. Without the bitterness we might not fully appreciate the sweet story that enfolds. Looking forward to more by this author!!!
August 11, 2026
Wow, this book is incredible. It had me hooked from page one to the end. I was so captivated I didn’t even want it to end. The imagination this author has to create stories is amazing. This is much more than a romance. It is mystery, Intrigue, sacrifice, adventure, all rolled into 395 pages. You get a sense of beauty and the beast vibes. Ceri, is a loyal, devoted daughter, she works hard in the Cane Fields all day and then lovingly takes care of her small disabled little brother all evening. Her father made her a promise that he would never send her away. Unfortunately, that promise was not to be kept. The story is equal parts devastating and inspiring. I highly recommend the book to any mature young adult and older.
August 7, 2026
I was invested in this book from the first page. These characters are so complex and interesting.
Ceri and Aneirin love deeply, sacrifice for others and have a strength that is unbreakable.
I loved the threads of Beauty and the Beast and other fairy tales that run through this story.
I laughed, I cried and felt all the emotions in this book. I highly recommend it.
I received an early copy from the author. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Ceri and Aneirin love deeply, sacrifice for others and have a strength that is unbreakable.
I loved the threads of Beauty and the Beast and other fairy tales that run through this story.
I laughed, I cried and felt all the emotions in this book. I highly recommend it.
I received an early copy from the author. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 11, 2026
clean, magical and gripping
Five plus stars for such a compelling story! I could not put it down!
It has danger, curses, magic wrapped up with in a fairytale but more than that.
I was gripped with the emotion and sense of danger and urgency that is felt by the heroine.
There is also forgiveness, love and family.
I was caught up in all the twists and turns.
This is a book I will enjoy rereading even knowing how the story ends.
I highly recommend reading this book!
Five plus stars for such a compelling story! I could not put it down!
It has danger, curses, magic wrapped up with in a fairytale but more than that.
I was gripped with the emotion and sense of danger and urgency that is felt by the heroine.
There is also forgiveness, love and family.
I was caught up in all the twists and turns.
This is a book I will enjoy rereading even knowing how the story ends.
I highly recommend reading this book!
September 4, 2026
The book was an entertaining twist that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Beautifully writen, I wanted them to win but was never sure if and how it was going to happen. Clean, romantic and a page turner.
September 7, 2026
A fantasy with a horrible curse in Brothers Grimm style. Not really my kind of story with too much evil, but well written and the second half was more to my liking, with the two MCs trying to break the curse.
A clean story as to language and intimacy.
A clean story as to language and intimacy.
August 5, 2026
Very well written and very enjoyable all the way to the end. It had an unexpected ending. I had a difficult time putting this book down! It is a clean and sweet fairy tale retelling.
August 9, 2026
This emotion filled fairy tale has it all with evil witches, curses, and true love overcoming all. Wonderful!
September 26, 2026
A unique take on Beauty and the Beast. I really enjoyed it and the way it explored types of love. Sweet, clean, and with a happily ever after.
October 4, 2026
I thought this book was just kind of weird, DNF.
I just couldn't buy into the plot and there were so many logical inconsistencies that I just couldn't keep going.
I just couldn't buy into the plot and there were so many logical inconsistencies that I just couldn't keep going.
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