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Glass Roses
It is a truth universally acknowledged that magic is required for any young lady to find her “happily ever after” in a fairytale. This truth is so ingrained in the minds of readers that to suggest its removal is incomprehensible. But what if the magic is removed? Is it possible to find true love when the world is perfectly ordinary?
After Eleanor rescues her stepsister Fanny from an attempted elopement, their father decides to remove the family to the Continent before Fanny’s indiscretion can be discovered. Eleanor finds the opportunity a welcome relief after a disastrous London Season, and is determined to set herself apart from her vain and scheming stepfamily. A chance meeting at a ball earns her the attentions of the handsome Baron Rupert von Schönfeld, a cousin to the Imperial Family of Austria. He is enchanted by Eleanor’s beauty, talent, and kindness, and Eleanor feels certain that she will soon leave her stepfamily behind for good. But Fanny is angry over Eleanor’s interference in her elopement, and gossip is a powerful engine for revenge. As rumors begin to fly, Eleanor’s only comfort is writing about her troubles to her cousin, Isabella.
Isabella, meanwhile, has an adventure of her own to share. Her father has formed a friendship with the surly Duke William of Stirling. His rough manners and intentional slights are irritating, especially to a proper young lady, but Isabella is more than a match with a fiery wit of her own. Then the Duke invites her father to visit his castle in the wilds of the Scottish countryside, and Isabella soon realizes that the Duke’s prickly demeanor hides a kind heart and a mysterious accident from his past. Her heart tells her to let the past rest, but her mind is not ready to give up on discovering the Duke’s secrets, and her curiosity might keep her from the happy ending she desires.
In a world where etiquette reigns and fairy godmothers are noticeably absent, Eleanor and Isabella are left to sort out their own “happily ever after” endings with only their wits, good manners, and accomplishments. Set in Victorian England and beyond, this retelling combines two beloved fairytales with the literary style made popular by authors such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.
After Eleanor rescues her stepsister Fanny from an attempted elopement, their father decides to remove the family to the Continent before Fanny’s indiscretion can be discovered. Eleanor finds the opportunity a welcome relief after a disastrous London Season, and is determined to set herself apart from her vain and scheming stepfamily. A chance meeting at a ball earns her the attentions of the handsome Baron Rupert von Schönfeld, a cousin to the Imperial Family of Austria. He is enchanted by Eleanor’s beauty, talent, and kindness, and Eleanor feels certain that she will soon leave her stepfamily behind for good. But Fanny is angry over Eleanor’s interference in her elopement, and gossip is a powerful engine for revenge. As rumors begin to fly, Eleanor’s only comfort is writing about her troubles to her cousin, Isabella.
Isabella, meanwhile, has an adventure of her own to share. Her father has formed a friendship with the surly Duke William of Stirling. His rough manners and intentional slights are irritating, especially to a proper young lady, but Isabella is more than a match with a fiery wit of her own. Then the Duke invites her father to visit his castle in the wilds of the Scottish countryside, and Isabella soon realizes that the Duke’s prickly demeanor hides a kind heart and a mysterious accident from his past. Her heart tells her to let the past rest, but her mind is not ready to give up on discovering the Duke’s secrets, and her curiosity might keep her from the happy ending she desires.
In a world where etiquette reigns and fairy godmothers are noticeably absent, Eleanor and Isabella are left to sort out their own “happily ever after” endings with only their wits, good manners, and accomplishments. Set in Victorian England and beyond, this retelling combines two beloved fairytales with the literary style made popular by authors such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Britain Kalai Soderquist
4 books39 followersAssociate Editor, Eucalyptus and Rose Literary Magazine
Head Moderator, @/hf_society on Twitter & Discord
Wattpad Featured Author | Amazon | SAGA Egmont | CrunchySerial
Mother, Latter-Day Saint | Chaotic Good Druid/Bard
I am a busy mom of three (and an angel) with six years of experience in novel writing and editing. Previous to becoming a mother and writer, I trained for a career in opera performance. My hobbies include self-taught French lessons, knitting and crochet, and Dungeons & Dragons.
~.~.~.~
Official Website : https://britainkalai.wordpress.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/britainkalaib...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/britainkalai
Instagram: https://instagram.com/britainkalai
Medium: https://medium.com/@britainkalaibooks
Head Moderator, @/hf_society on Twitter & Discord
Wattpad Featured Author | Amazon | SAGA Egmont | CrunchySerial
Mother, Latter-Day Saint | Chaotic Good Druid/Bard
I am a busy mom of three (and an angel) with six years of experience in novel writing and editing. Previous to becoming a mother and writer, I trained for a career in opera performance. My hobbies include self-taught French lessons, knitting and crochet, and Dungeons & Dragons.
~.~.~.~
Official Website : https://britainkalai.wordpress.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/britainkalaib...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/britainkalai
Instagram: https://instagram.com/britainkalai
Medium: https://medium.com/@britainkalaibooks
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 15, 2019
What a fun, clever retelling this is! Told entirely in the form of letters in a very Austen-like voice, this one book contains retellings of both Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella in such a charming way that each time the story switched back to the other character, I was reluctant to let go of the most recent. Both heroines and heroes were quite likable, and the world-building was charming.
It is not a short book, containing two stories as it does, yet it never dragged for me. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and fairy-tale retellings.
And I hope the author will write more books!
It is not a short book, containing two stories as it does, yet it never dragged for me. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and fairy-tale retellings.
And I hope the author will write more books!
January 6, 2016
This book was such a pleasant surprise! I stumbled across it in the Kindle store, liked the sample, and ended up very much enjoying it. Glass Roses cleverly combines two fairytales, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, retold in a Victorian setting—told through the letters exchanged by the two heroines, cousins Eleanor and Isabella. I love epistolary fiction, and the format works perfectly for this story. With Isabella and her father in Scotland as guests at the castle of a surly Duke who gradually improves on acquaintance, and Eleanor forming an acquaintance with a charming relative of the Austrian imperial family in music-filled Vienna, the girls exchange long letters relating their adventures (perhaps a little more descriptively detailed than real letters would be, but we don't mind that, do we!). Both stories stay close to the original classic fairytales, so there are no huge surprises...but the writing and the historical flavor of the Victorian era are quite excellent, and it's a sweet, entertaining light read.
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March 11, 2016I am very happy to announce that the paperback edition of "Glass Roses" is now available. Once again, I will not give a review of my own book, but I will offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has had a hand in preparing this book for release. Special thanks go to Adelyn Sterling for the beautiful new cover. It is available for both the paperback and eBook releases.
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February 22, 2016I am the author, so I will forgo giving an actual review of my own book. I do want to say thank you if you decide to check out the book for yourself. Hopefully you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
August 4, 2017
This book is beautiful.So far, so good.
April 19, 2017
Great pick for book club this month, and awesome to have the author in house! What a difference it makes to actually be able to ask your questions, and hear that the author has thoughtfully and consciously attended to her writing and is able to defend and explain her work and her choices. Soderquist was super down-to-earth and I loved that she didn't take it for granted that she deserves to have her book read. She was grateful to us and anxious to work hard as an author to earn our trust and our continued attentions.
This was a darling story suitable for anyone who loves Victorian and Historical romance or Fairy Tales in general. (warning; there are no fairies in this book!) Great job for this new author.
This was a darling story suitable for anyone who loves Victorian and Historical romance or Fairy Tales in general. (warning; there are no fairies in this book!) Great job for this new author.
April 22, 2017
The author, Britian Soderquist, came to our book club. I have to say, I have a much greater appreciation for her book after listening to the author. This lady has four children. How she finds time to write is beyond me. I have to hand it to her. Although epistolary writing is not my favorite genre, I am glad we read this victorian fairy tale, very cute.
February 2, 2016
This book was a brilliant Victorian fairytale with all the swoonworthy romance you can expect for such a description. It was essentially a retelling of two fairytales, but it could have stood on its own even if I had never figured out what fairytales were being retold. When it comes to the characters, the author doesn't rely heavily on the characters of legend. She makes them her own and the stories are so much better for it.
It had so much of what I look for in a romance: great characters, dreamy love interests, and satisfying resolutions. And, goodness, some of the antagonists were delightfully infuriating! I was seriously ready to punch Eleanor's step family towards the end.
The only things that took away from the story, were some pacing issues and at times, too many characters. I only took off one star because while there were slight flaws, they really didn't hamper my enjoyment of this novel.
Pacing: this book was slightly hard to jump into, but the author really can't be faulted for that. Her style is similar to classical literary writing so it is heavy on exposition. Having previously read a contemporary novel, the switch was jarring for me but once I got into a groove with the language I was in love with the beautiful writing. Also, I felt she captured the epistolary format well, but that meant her characters occasionally delved into mundane details and clunky descriptions so the reader could picture the scene. The effect of this format and its slower nature (they really do feel like real letters between these cousins) can be felt to a greater degree towards the climax. When I was about ready to smash Isabella and William's faces together, Isabella pauses the action in her letter to describe new acquaintances she has made at this ball.
Characters: Eleanor met so many named characters and at the beginning when you have to jump right in with her and her cousin, it was tough to figure out who was who and who was important. Even towards the last 20% of the book, more named characters were introduced and I was on the edge of my seat/way too invested in reaching the resolution to pay attention to them.
But the characters I did remember, especially the more *ahem* difficult ones, were so great! If you love historical retellings similar to Ever After, you'll love this book!
It had so much of what I look for in a romance: great characters, dreamy love interests, and satisfying resolutions. And, goodness, some of the antagonists were delightfully infuriating! I was seriously ready to punch Eleanor's step family towards the end.
The only things that took away from the story, were some pacing issues and at times, too many characters. I only took off one star because while there were slight flaws, they really didn't hamper my enjoyment of this novel.
Pacing: this book was slightly hard to jump into, but the author really can't be faulted for that. Her style is similar to classical literary writing so it is heavy on exposition. Having previously read a contemporary novel, the switch was jarring for me but once I got into a groove with the language I was in love with the beautiful writing. Also, I felt she captured the epistolary format well, but that meant her characters occasionally delved into mundane details and clunky descriptions so the reader could picture the scene. The effect of this format and its slower nature (they really do feel like real letters between these cousins) can be felt to a greater degree towards the climax. When I was about ready to smash Isabella and William's faces together, Isabella pauses the action in her letter to describe new acquaintances she has made at this ball.
Characters: Eleanor met so many named characters and at the beginning when you have to jump right in with her and her cousin, it was tough to figure out who was who and who was important. Even towards the last 20% of the book, more named characters were introduced and I was on the edge of my seat/way too invested in reaching the resolution to pay attention to them.
But the characters I did remember, especially the more *ahem* difficult ones, were so great! If you love historical retellings similar to Ever After, you'll love this book!
February 3, 2016
As the Goodreads description will tell you, Glass Roses is a fairy tale without the one thing that makes a fairy tale a fairy tale: magic. There’s no curses or fairy godmothers. There aren’t monsters or witches. However, it still works. Actually, it’s kind of a refreshing take on the idea of fairy tales. It kind of empowers the classic “princess” into making their own happiness by taking control of their own lives instead of bowing to a mystic force to make things work out. The writing was good and the stories were well told. That being said, romance stories aren’t typically something I get into so this was a little slow for me. But that’s just me.
If you like a good “fairy” tale or romance book, Glass Roses is for you.
If you like a good “fairy” tale or romance book, Glass Roses is for you.
July 16, 2017
Fun and witty banter between two darling cousins who will delight you with their lives' stories. The fairy tales of their lives are well woven and enchanting. I was delightfully surprised at the imaginative way the stories unfolded and beloved old characters found fresh new charming identities.
Love, love, love it and can't wait for her next book to come out.
Love, love, love it and can't wait for her next book to come out.
June 16, 2017
Okay, first off I'd like to preface this review by letting you know that I don't normally like romance stories, nor fairy-tale retellings without the magic. While I like both romances, and fairy-tale retellings, I prefer my stories to have the romance in the background, and with magic interwoven in (I'm a fantasy girl at heart). With that being said. I absolutely loved this book.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD:
The story follows Eleanor (Cinderella) and Isabella (Beauty), who are cousins writing letters back and forth to each other. As the story unfolds, both girls find themselves mixed into blooming romances with Rupert, a Baron who finds Eleanor's glass slippers when their luggage gets mixed up, and William, a Duke and Botanist who works closely with Isabella's father and has a mysterious past. What I really liked about this book was the pacing. Both romances were believable because they took time to flourish and grow. Both cousins had ups and downs in their potential romances, and both had times where it appeared like they might not get their happily ever after, yet, of course, in the end, love triumphed and they both were happily married. Both characters were well written, with consistency, flaws, and growth. I was impressed with how well the author managed to pull me in. As I mentioned before, I normally prefer romance as a sub-plot to a bigger story, but in this case I was totally enraptured by the romance. I felt absolutely enthralled by both romances- excited when they had good moments with their lovers, and upset when they didn't. At one point I was reading this in public and a stranger ended up watching me for like ten minutes to which he explained he was amazed at how much variety of emotions I kept expressing on my face as I read. Honestly I was not expecting to like this book so much. I originally read it because I had seen the author's description of it on Nanowrimo forums and I wanted to support a local Nano writer. I expected a short, predictable read. What I got instead was a well-written, well-paced, creative take on these classic stories. I would recommend this novel to literally anybody- even if it's not normally your type of book. I can't wait for the follow up retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Seriously... go read this book. Like now.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD:
The story follows Eleanor (Cinderella) and Isabella (Beauty), who are cousins writing letters back and forth to each other. As the story unfolds, both girls find themselves mixed into blooming romances with Rupert, a Baron who finds Eleanor's glass slippers when their luggage gets mixed up, and William, a Duke and Botanist who works closely with Isabella's father and has a mysterious past. What I really liked about this book was the pacing. Both romances were believable because they took time to flourish and grow. Both cousins had ups and downs in their potential romances, and both had times where it appeared like they might not get their happily ever after, yet, of course, in the end, love triumphed and they both were happily married. Both characters were well written, with consistency, flaws, and growth. I was impressed with how well the author managed to pull me in. As I mentioned before, I normally prefer romance as a sub-plot to a bigger story, but in this case I was totally enraptured by the romance. I felt absolutely enthralled by both romances- excited when they had good moments with their lovers, and upset when they didn't. At one point I was reading this in public and a stranger ended up watching me for like ten minutes to which he explained he was amazed at how much variety of emotions I kept expressing on my face as I read. Honestly I was not expecting to like this book so much. I originally read it because I had seen the author's description of it on Nanowrimo forums and I wanted to support a local Nano writer. I expected a short, predictable read. What I got instead was a well-written, well-paced, creative take on these classic stories. I would recommend this novel to literally anybody- even if it's not normally your type of book. I can't wait for the follow up retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Seriously... go read this book. Like now.
October 23, 2017
JANE AUSTEN LIVES!!
I first read this story (and its awesome sequel!) on Wattpad, and I’m so jazzed to find Britain’s lovely tale made it to Goodreads!
Glass Roses is “Beauty and the Beast” translated into the Regency world, with lots of clever “Easter eggs” thrown in for those who know how to spot them. Without giving away the plot, this story delivers the familiar surprises those of us who pick up this kind of book crave and expect. Even if you think you’re not a fan of 19th century classics, give this one a try.
My favorite thing about Glass Roses is that it continues the literary tradition of the immortal novelist, while telling old stories in new and unexpected ways. If you love Jane’s novels, Glass Roses is the next book to read. (I wonder if Britain is a reincarnation of Jane??)Britain is an author who’s very much worth supporting. She’s committed to her fans, and constantly improving her craft to provide them with a better experience. This makes for high-quality storytelling that leaves the reader feeling both satisfied and hungry for more.
Read this book and keep a look out for the sequel!
I first read this story (and its awesome sequel!) on Wattpad, and I’m so jazzed to find Britain’s lovely tale made it to Goodreads!
Glass Roses is “Beauty and the Beast” translated into the Regency world, with lots of clever “Easter eggs” thrown in for those who know how to spot them. Without giving away the plot, this story delivers the familiar surprises those of us who pick up this kind of book crave and expect. Even if you think you’re not a fan of 19th century classics, give this one a try.
My favorite thing about Glass Roses is that it continues the literary tradition of the immortal novelist, while telling old stories in new and unexpected ways. If you love Jane’s novels, Glass Roses is the next book to read. (I wonder if Britain is a reincarnation of Jane??)Britain is an author who’s very much worth supporting. She’s committed to her fans, and constantly improving her craft to provide them with a better experience. This makes for high-quality storytelling that leaves the reader feeling both satisfied and hungry for more.
Read this book and keep a look out for the sequel!
May 11, 2018
This was a slow starter, and I was fast heading towards a three-star review. Then it picked up, and I found myself enjoying the story. It didn't offer anything new, but what's the harm in that if the story is still enjoyable?
It dragged again a little towards the end, i.e. I think it could have ended sooner, but all in all, this book helped to bring back my love of historical romance, which I thought I had lost.
It dragged again a little towards the end, i.e. I think it could have ended sooner, but all in all, this book helped to bring back my love of historical romance, which I thought I had lost.
August 10, 2019
Highly Recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book which surprised me somewhat. I have tried to read books before that consisted entirely of letters sent back and forth between the main characters and found them to be very dry, boring stories injured by the lack of action involved in the letters. But I have to say that this book was never boring...quite the opposite. The author is a very talented writer and I quickly fell into step with the format she had chosen and also got caught up in the stories happening in 2 separate countries and the 2 different heroines' love stories. It's a very good book. If you're looking for a well-written historical romance that can offer a little something different than the same-old same-old...then give "Glass Roses" a try. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book which surprised me somewhat. I have tried to read books before that consisted entirely of letters sent back and forth between the main characters and found them to be very dry, boring stories injured by the lack of action involved in the letters. But I have to say that this book was never boring...quite the opposite. The author is a very talented writer and I quickly fell into step with the format she had chosen and also got caught up in the stories happening in 2 separate countries and the 2 different heroines' love stories. It's a very good book. If you're looking for a well-written historical romance that can offer a little something different than the same-old same-old...then give "Glass Roses" a try. 😊
December 8, 2020
Delightful read, I didn't want to put it down! Likeable characters, reminiscent of Jane Austen and the best part...a happy ending!:)
June 12, 2018
To me, this book felt like a warm hug or a cosy blanket. It was comforting, uplifting and pure joy to read.
The premise is an interesting one: a retelling of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, set in the early Victorian period – a perfect combination of 19th century historical fiction and fairytale retellings, which are two of my favourite things to read! This isn’t any magic in this book; it’s a straight-up, clean historical romance, perfect for Austen fans.
What makes this novel extra unique is that it’s told in epistolary form. The characters of Eleanor and Isabella (Cinderella and Belle) are cousins through the remarriage of Eleanor’s father to Isabella’s aunt, and the story is told through the cousins’ regular correspondence. The epistolary format meant that this wasn’t a fast, action-packed novel, but I actually found that to be a merit as it made the letters feel very authentic.
Another point to note about the format is that the author set herself an additional challenge in writing the whole novel in keeping with period language and tone – a challenge which was met with impressive ease. Whilst completely immersed in the story, it was so easy to believe that these letters really had been written by two young ladies during the 1840s.
In terms of plot, I thought the fairytales were introduced in a very clever way. The elements of the original stories didn’t feel forced, but rather were subtle additions which made me smile. I particularly liked the way Cinderella’s role as servant to her stepsisters was brought in by having Eleanor forced to play the pianoforte at evening events so that her sisters could dance, whilst rarely being given the opportunity herself.
I can sometimes find that the characters of Cinderella and Belle a bit dull in retellings – but here I thought each character had a unique voice and personality. The dual storyline also gave an interesting structure to the plot, leading to ebbs and flows which kept me wanting to read on.
All in all, this was a truly lovely and unique historical fiction which completely swept me up in its romance. If you’re a fan of well-researched historical fiction with main characters to root for and love interests you wish could be real, then I think you will love it too!
Read more of my reviews at Sepia Tinted Window.
The premise is an interesting one: a retelling of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, set in the early Victorian period – a perfect combination of 19th century historical fiction and fairytale retellings, which are two of my favourite things to read! This isn’t any magic in this book; it’s a straight-up, clean historical romance, perfect for Austen fans.
What makes this novel extra unique is that it’s told in epistolary form. The characters of Eleanor and Isabella (Cinderella and Belle) are cousins through the remarriage of Eleanor’s father to Isabella’s aunt, and the story is told through the cousins’ regular correspondence. The epistolary format meant that this wasn’t a fast, action-packed novel, but I actually found that to be a merit as it made the letters feel very authentic.
Another point to note about the format is that the author set herself an additional challenge in writing the whole novel in keeping with period language and tone – a challenge which was met with impressive ease. Whilst completely immersed in the story, it was so easy to believe that these letters really had been written by two young ladies during the 1840s.
In terms of plot, I thought the fairytales were introduced in a very clever way. The elements of the original stories didn’t feel forced, but rather were subtle additions which made me smile. I particularly liked the way Cinderella’s role as servant to her stepsisters was brought in by having Eleanor forced to play the pianoforte at evening events so that her sisters could dance, whilst rarely being given the opportunity herself.
I can sometimes find that the characters of Cinderella and Belle a bit dull in retellings – but here I thought each character had a unique voice and personality. The dual storyline also gave an interesting structure to the plot, leading to ebbs and flows which kept me wanting to read on.
All in all, this was a truly lovely and unique historical fiction which completely swept me up in its romance. If you’re a fan of well-researched historical fiction with main characters to root for and love interests you wish could be real, then I think you will love it too!
Read more of my reviews at Sepia Tinted Window.
November 10, 2018
When her stepsister causes a scandal, Eleanor is more than happy to accompany her father to the continent. There she meets the cousin of the Austrian Imperial Family and love begins to blossom. At the same time, her cousin Isabella is introduced to the prickly Duke of Stirling, and she discovers there is more behind his cold demeanor than she thought.
I dearly love fairy tale retellings. This delightful novel is told through a series of letters between the two cousins which was an ingenious decision. Isabella and Eleanor convey their truest feelings on paper, good and bad. There are instances where multiple letters are sent or a letter is delayed in reaching its recipient. WIth two storylines going, it was a mixture of disappointing and excitement to go back and forth.
It is well paced and well written. The cover is gorgeous.
I would recommend this to any fan of fairytale retellings or any fan of clean historical romance. I was privileged to receive a copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I dearly love fairy tale retellings. This delightful novel is told through a series of letters between the two cousins which was an ingenious decision. Isabella and Eleanor convey their truest feelings on paper, good and bad. There are instances where multiple letters are sent or a letter is delayed in reaching its recipient. WIth two storylines going, it was a mixture of disappointing and excitement to go back and forth.
It is well paced and well written. The cover is gorgeous.
I would recommend this to any fan of fairytale retellings or any fan of clean historical romance. I was privileged to receive a copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 6, 2016
I heard about this book in a Goodreads book group and was looking forward to having something to read while I traveled. This is a fun magic-less fairytale retelling of Cinderella/Beauty and the Beast set in the Victorian period. It was fun to see how Soderquist included elements of both fairytales without using them in quite the same way with which we are familiar. This specific kind of blending of genres was new to me, and I enjoyed it very much.
November 27, 2015
A wonderful story with likable characters and beautiful writing. I couldn't help but be drawn in by the fantastic plot, and there were more than a few times where I found myself either laughing out loud or gasping in surprise. If you like Jane Austen and fairy tale retellings, this is definitely your kind of book.
January 5, 2016
Cute mash up of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast
Told in the form of letters from cousins Isabella (Belle) and Eleanor (Elle).
Very Jane Austenish vibe
Well written - I especially liked Isabella's story.
Maybe a tad too long
Told in the form of letters from cousins Isabella (Belle) and Eleanor (Elle).
Very Jane Austenish vibe
Well written - I especially liked Isabella's story.
Maybe a tad too long
June 18, 2016
Cute and clean. I bet parents would like their tween daughters reading this book.
January 23, 2019
Read on wattpad, bought on Amazon.
August 14, 2021
This is such a sweet, delightful book! I also loved that it was done in an epistolary style, which made it feel especially old-fashioned and cozy.
February 22, 2021
2.5 stars
The heroines are painfully naive. For example “omg he is always staring at me, I wonder why?” Or “he ignored my sister, danced one country dance with my other sister, and he waltzed with me twice, but I don’t think he has any preference” Like come on ladies, get a frikkin grip *severe eye rolling*
While I think it’s a clever concept to tell two stories though letters, the letters the heroines write aren’t written in a way that’s realistic. It was as if the author wrote the story in a regular first person perspective and then when going back to edit just added the “dears” and “sincerelys” in between. This was made especially obvious with how character dialogue was handled.
The author also introduced an abundance of completely unnecessary characters which added nothing to the plot.
The book could have been shorter as well, the author spends way too much time describing outfits. Plus there are points that the author makes that are very repetitive, especially as the two heroines are basically yes-women when writing to each other.
Besides all that I listed above, the plot in general is mildly entertaining.
The heroines are painfully naive. For example “omg he is always staring at me, I wonder why?” Or “he ignored my sister, danced one country dance with my other sister, and he waltzed with me twice, but I don’t think he has any preference” Like come on ladies, get a frikkin grip *severe eye rolling*
While I think it’s a clever concept to tell two stories though letters, the letters the heroines write aren’t written in a way that’s realistic. It was as if the author wrote the story in a regular first person perspective and then when going back to edit just added the “dears” and “sincerelys” in between. This was made especially obvious with how character dialogue was handled.
The author also introduced an abundance of completely unnecessary characters which added nothing to the plot.
The book could have been shorter as well, the author spends way too much time describing outfits. Plus there are points that the author makes that are very repetitive, especially as the two heroines are basically yes-women when writing to each other.
Besides all that I listed above, the plot in general is mildly entertaining.
November 16, 2021
Good story
I enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella by way of regency era cousins Isabella and Eleanor exchanging letters. It did seem to drag around the 70% mark and there's gotta be some suspension of disbelief with the behaviour of some people, but overall fun.
I enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella by way of regency era cousins Isabella and Eleanor exchanging letters. It did seem to drag around the 70% mark and there's gotta be some suspension of disbelief with the behaviour of some people, but overall fun.
January 10, 2025
I did not enjoy the first 62%. I’m not sure why I just wasn’t feeling it. I am a person once I start something I have to finish it. And with that I am so glad that I did because it was very good after the 62%. I do like that the letters are between cousins. Once you adjust to that the book does seem to get better.
March 30, 2020
Good: Very good evocation of the time-period; sweet, clean romance; creative retelling of two classic fairy tales.
Bad: Very long-winded (probably should have just stuck with one fairy tale); ending seemed unnecessarily detailed.
Bad: Very long-winded (probably should have just stuck with one fairy tale); ending seemed unnecessarily detailed.
May 10, 2016
So, Britain's writing is absolutely beautiful. That's something I knew off the bat. (and figured would be true because I actually know Britain. She talks beautiful too and is very intelligent.) So it was a very pleasant read in that aspect.
I loved the couples (ESPECIALLY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!) and I thought they were very cute. I got properly irritated with the conflicts in the story (I watch pride and prejudice with a Nerf gun so I can shoot people when annoying things happen.) So overall, I feel this was a well done Victorian romance.
Yay Britain!
The Beast was my favorite.....
I loved the couples (ESPECIALLY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!) and I thought they were very cute. I got properly irritated with the conflicts in the story (I watch pride and prejudice with a Nerf gun so I can shoot people when annoying things happen.) So overall, I feel this was a well done Victorian romance.
Yay Britain!
The Beast was my favorite.....
May 15, 2025
This entire story is told through letters back and forth between the two main characters. Sometimes this format works well, but in this book it always felt like the story was lagging behind the action - I never felt like I was in the moment, but instead reading a less interesting summary of the events.
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