What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Beauty in the Beast
Princess Rose's fiery temper has kept every potential suitor away...until now. After being spurned and humiliated for the last time, the princes forces every eligible man to present a gift to her under pain of death. The man who brings her the best gift will be chosen as her husband.
When Corbin presents his gift, he hopes that his simple offering will keep him safely overlooked. All he wants is to return to his quiet life as a blacksmith away from forbidding castles and beastly princesses. But love works in mysterious ways, and it all starts with a rose...
When Corbin presents his gift, he hopes that his simple offering will keep him safely overlooked. All he wants is to return to his quiet life as a blacksmith away from forbidding castles and beastly princesses. But love works in mysterious ways, and it all starts with a rose...
263 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2018
38 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
5 books99 followersOnce upon a time—somewhere between laundry piles and bedtime stories—Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee fell in love with fairy tales and the belief that they still matter. She reimagines classic stories through the lens of real life, where courage and love are the truest magic of all.
Her debut novel, Ella, received the Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers, and her third novel, Finding Beauty in the Beast, earned the Gold Quill Award, both in YA Fiction. A passionate advocate for young writers, Jessilyn loves encouraging youth to pursue their creative dreams and has visited schools throughout Utah and surrounding states. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in English, Jessilyn grew up in Southern California in a family of music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Now living in Utah with her science-teaching husband and their five hilarious sons, she is a boy mom who writes delightfully girly books. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry…or should be.
Her debut novel, Ella, received the Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers, and her third novel, Finding Beauty in the Beast, earned the Gold Quill Award, both in YA Fiction. A passionate advocate for young writers, Jessilyn loves encouraging youth to pursue their creative dreams and has visited schools throughout Utah and surrounding states. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in English, Jessilyn grew up in Southern California in a family of music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Now living in Utah with her science-teaching husband and their five hilarious sons, she is a boy mom who writes delightfully girly books. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry…or should be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 22, 2021
Okay, I got charmed despite myself.
When for most I was annoyed because it is >> anachronistic with too many modern Americanisms, raw, simplistic even childish and deliberately stringed along - what I'd call a Wattpad story.
But at the same time, I get its simple, idealistic sensibility, with its mishmash of fairytales.
(I may go in for Ella/Cinderella’s story later.)
When for most I was annoyed because it is >> anachronistic with too many modern Americanisms, raw, simplistic even childish and deliberately stringed along - what I'd call a Wattpad story.
But at the same time, I get its simple, idealistic sensibility, with its mishmash of fairytales.
(I may go in for Ella/Cinderella’s story later.)
January 4, 2018
I absolutely LOVE fairy tales, and I love "Beauty and the Beast." There are so many different versions of this story and I hope you'll enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. And though I do love them, you'll find no hairy monsters or talking furniture in this story. When I write retellings, I ask myself, "What if these people were real?" and "How can I apply the beautiful lessons we learn in this fairy tale to everyday life?" I love magic, of course, but I hope that you will find a different kind of magic while reading this story. There is magic in overcoming trials, in learning to look beyond ourselves, and in learning to love someone who may be unlovable. There is beauty and magic in letting go of the beastly sides of our nature. As Corbin says, "We all have little beasts inside of us."
I fell in love with these characters and they absolutely came to life for me--once I got out of their way and let them speak for themselves. :) This version loosely follows the original, or best-known, versions of this story, but you'll find new elements that I hope you'll love...like, so much you'll cry right along with them....and me. :)
Thank you for reading my little version of this timeless and beautiful story. I hope you love it!!!
I fell in love with these characters and they absolutely came to life for me--once I got out of their way and let them speak for themselves. :) This version loosely follows the original, or best-known, versions of this story, but you'll find new elements that I hope you'll love...like, so much you'll cry right along with them....and me. :)
Thank you for reading my little version of this timeless and beautiful story. I hope you love it!!!
January 29, 2018
****4.5 stars***
There are times when you finish reading a book, and you just smile. Then you remember that it's over and long for more time with the story and characters. This is what "Finding Beauty in the Beast" was for me.
How could a reader not fall in love with Corbin. He is a true gentleman. He has a trait of finding the good in the bad. He rescues the Princess. Rose is not truly the beast that everyone thinks she is. Sometimes it takes a little patience and kindness to bring out the good in the most difficult people.
This book is a journey. It is a journey of two troubled people who learn to be better. It is a sweet story with a few "thorns". I loved learning why roses have thorns and the noble traits of a rose. Sometimes when life is hard, thorns make people stronger and their inner beauty shines forth. That is what I see in this book.
This is a re-telling, but the beast is a Princess and she is "tamed" by a blacksmith. There is an evil character (one of the thorns) who helped the characters fight for each other. Seriously, you just need to read the book. It is well written and fun to read.
The book contains mild violence, talk of an unwed mother, and a brief kiss. I think is is suitable for teens on up.
Source: I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are times when you finish reading a book, and you just smile. Then you remember that it's over and long for more time with the story and characters. This is what "Finding Beauty in the Beast" was for me.
How could a reader not fall in love with Corbin. He is a true gentleman. He has a trait of finding the good in the bad. He rescues the Princess. Rose is not truly the beast that everyone thinks she is. Sometimes it takes a little patience and kindness to bring out the good in the most difficult people.
This book is a journey. It is a journey of two troubled people who learn to be better. It is a sweet story with a few "thorns". I loved learning why roses have thorns and the noble traits of a rose. Sometimes when life is hard, thorns make people stronger and their inner beauty shines forth. That is what I see in this book.
This is a re-telling, but the beast is a Princess and she is "tamed" by a blacksmith. There is an evil character (one of the thorns) who helped the characters fight for each other. Seriously, you just need to read the book. It is well written and fun to read.
The book contains mild violence, talk of an unwed mother, and a brief kiss. I think is is suitable for teens on up.
Source: I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 6, 2020
I don't know whose brilliant idea it was to insinuate this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling as the book is marketed, because it absolutely isn't. If anything, the tale this attempts to retell is King Thrushbeard, and does not do it very well either.
Apparently, the idea was to combine both tales, by making a brutal princess with anger issues be called a Beast merely because she is insufferable (Gods, when are authors going to finally understand what B&B is about?), and giving her a hot blacksmith to literally force into marriage to her and then, by the laws of magic and Stockholm Syndrome, have him fall in love with her because she is So Hot. Defeats the point to have the princess be loved for her looks in spite of her horrific personality. And the worldbuilding? There's none to speak of, as the thinly disguised setting is just another pseudo-Regency stage with zero logic as to customs and social organisation. The whole story is so meh, and just another half-arsed try at retelling a classic tale by someone who doesn't get it.
Apparently, the idea was to combine both tales, by making a brutal princess with anger issues be called a Beast merely because she is insufferable (Gods, when are authors going to finally understand what B&B is about?), and giving her a hot blacksmith to literally force into marriage to her and then, by the laws of magic and Stockholm Syndrome, have him fall in love with her because she is So Hot. Defeats the point to have the princess be loved for her looks in spite of her horrific personality. And the worldbuilding? There's none to speak of, as the thinly disguised setting is just another pseudo-Regency stage with zero logic as to customs and social organisation. The whole story is so meh, and just another half-arsed try at retelling a classic tale by someone who doesn't get it.
January 19, 2018
What a delightful and refreshing book! A different take on Beauty and the Beast! We all have a little bit of the Beast in us! But it is what we do with it is what I came away with from the story.
In this story, it is Rose, the Princess, who is the Beast. She is beautiful. But everyone avoids her. Because she is a beast. She is mean. She is unfair and spiteful. Her once fiance broke off his engagement and decided to have a ball in his own kingdom and chose a commoner for his wife. Rose became enraged and decided to do the same. But her way of doing it threw just about every eligible male in the dungeon before Corbin. She had every eligible male bring her a gift and she would chose a male who brought her the best gift. Well, for one these were poor people. What did she expect!?!
Corbin had just come there from the very kingdom of Rose’s ex-fiance and after that very same ball he threw. Corbin also had a fiance of his own until she decided that perhaps the prince might choose her for a wife. That woke Corbin up to the fact that perhaps she didn’t really love him well enough! So he fled to Rose’s kingdom that night of the ball because he heard that they needed a blacksmith. And since he was a blacksmith and he was an orphan, who was adopted by a loving family from Rose’s Kingdom he decided to start over there. He wanted to see where his roots were and maybe find out who his real family was. He was a kind man. He just never expected to be forced the very next day to try to win the hand of a royal like his ex fiance had just tried.
Anyway, he came with practically nothing except his trade tools which would not make a good gift to a princess. And after some other things happen he rushes to find something at the last minute and finds a single beautiful rose to give her. As he watches all the men before him get thrown into a cage to be taken to the dungeon and one man’s terrible attempt make a terrible ruckus and cause everyone to run away. He just walks forward to her anyway and presents her with his rose. He could have tried to run too. He could have waited till things calmed down but he didn’t. Why? Well it is part of who he is and you will have to read the book to read more about this good and honorable man! Again though, remember we all have a little bit of the beast in us all! Hehe that is all I am going to say about that!
Rose choses him. And the wedding is utterly unromantic and ridiculous! He is also deemed a prince prior to being married even though he doesn’t believe it should be that way. He wasn’t born that way or deserve it. Then from then on, he asks her why she chose him. He asks her often. She doesn’t tell him until near the end. That brings me to tears!
Corbin was afraid to tell Rose that he couldn't read. He was afraid she would ridicule him. Yet, he tells her and instead of belittling him, she teaches him to read. Then he reads to her. Ugh! It was so beautiful!
The things Corbin does for her and around the Castle shows that he is not a lazy man and that he wants to be productive and he wants to help her if she will ever let him in. That does happen but very slowly and Cobin also learns how to be a husband as well very slowly too! I loved every minute of this book. I also loved seeing Will and Ella from the author’s prior books! I loved the last paragraph. It just tied the book it so beautifully!
If you love retellings, falling in love, being productive, doing what is right, helping others, finding your birth family, overcoming your fears, defending all that is yours, symbolism, being happy then this might be for you
In this story, it is Rose, the Princess, who is the Beast. She is beautiful. But everyone avoids her. Because she is a beast. She is mean. She is unfair and spiteful. Her once fiance broke off his engagement and decided to have a ball in his own kingdom and chose a commoner for his wife. Rose became enraged and decided to do the same. But her way of doing it threw just about every eligible male in the dungeon before Corbin. She had every eligible male bring her a gift and she would chose a male who brought her the best gift. Well, for one these were poor people. What did she expect!?!
Corbin had just come there from the very kingdom of Rose’s ex-fiance and after that very same ball he threw. Corbin also had a fiance of his own until she decided that perhaps the prince might choose her for a wife. That woke Corbin up to the fact that perhaps she didn’t really love him well enough! So he fled to Rose’s kingdom that night of the ball because he heard that they needed a blacksmith. And since he was a blacksmith and he was an orphan, who was adopted by a loving family from Rose’s Kingdom he decided to start over there. He wanted to see where his roots were and maybe find out who his real family was. He was a kind man. He just never expected to be forced the very next day to try to win the hand of a royal like his ex fiance had just tried.
Anyway, he came with practically nothing except his trade tools which would not make a good gift to a princess. And after some other things happen he rushes to find something at the last minute and finds a single beautiful rose to give her. As he watches all the men before him get thrown into a cage to be taken to the dungeon and one man’s terrible attempt make a terrible ruckus and cause everyone to run away. He just walks forward to her anyway and presents her with his rose. He could have tried to run too. He could have waited till things calmed down but he didn’t. Why? Well it is part of who he is and you will have to read the book to read more about this good and honorable man! Again though, remember we all have a little bit of the beast in us all! Hehe that is all I am going to say about that!
“We all have little beasts inside of us. Sometimes we let them grow into huge, frightening beasts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them back down. And usually, it’s because of fear that we allow our beasts to grow. Do you think I avoided you for all those weeks because I’m really a childish, unhappy, brooding person? No, I was afraid. I was afraid of this new life and the expectations.”
Rose choses him. And the wedding is utterly unromantic and ridiculous! He is also deemed a prince prior to being married even though he doesn’t believe it should be that way. He wasn’t born that way or deserve it. Then from then on, he asks her why she chose him. He asks her often. She doesn’t tell him until near the end. That brings me to tears!
Corbin was afraid to tell Rose that he couldn't read. He was afraid she would ridicule him. Yet, he tells her and instead of belittling him, she teaches him to read. Then he reads to her. Ugh! It was so beautiful!
“Awake my fairest, my espoused, my latest found, Heaven’s last best gift, my every delight. Awake, the morning shines…’”
The things Corbin does for her and around the Castle shows that he is not a lazy man and that he wants to be productive and he wants to help her if she will ever let him in. That does happen but very slowly and Cobin also learns how to be a husband as well very slowly too! I loved every minute of this book. I also loved seeing Will and Ella from the author’s prior books! I loved the last paragraph. It just tied the book it so beautifully!
If you love retellings, falling in love, being productive, doing what is right, helping others, finding your birth family, overcoming your fears, defending all that is yours, symbolism, being happy then this might be for you
July 21, 2018
4.5 Stars
Rose lost her parents when she was only 13 years old. Feeling hurt, angry, abandoned and broken, she hardens her heart towards everyone. She refuses to let anyone get close to her. The hurt and grief of losing her parents was just too much and she refuses to let it happen again. She knows what they call her, she just doesn't care. She's disconnected herself from everyone and does her best to just exist.
Corbin can't believe his luck. Just as he breaks off his engagement to someone who doesn't love him and moves to the city of Laurel for a fresh start, he discovers that Princess Rose has ordered every eligible bachelor to bring a gift to her Gift Giving Ceremony. The man who brings her the best gift will be her husband and King of Laurel.
All Corbin wants is to live a quiet life as a blacksmith. His hope is that his simple gift will be overlooked and he'll be able to return back to his life as a commoner. But little did he know that fate had something else in store for him and Rose.
Thrown into an unknown world, Corbin does his best to balance his old life and his new life. But somewhere along the way, he loses sight of who he truly is. Having to take a good look within, he discovers that he's no better than Rose. If he had really opened his eyes, who would have seen the hurt and vulnerability behind her angry eyes.
On the path of self discovery, Corbin not only finds out who he is and what he wants, but he will also help Rose discover the person she is meant to be and help her to live again.
But just as things start looking up, outside forces do their best to tear them apart. Will Rose and Corbin allow past hurts and insecurities to get in the way? Or will they discover that together they can conquer anything that's being thrown at them? Will they continue to be miserable? Or will they both finally get the HEA they deserve?
I am a sucker for a good beauty and the beast retelling. So when I stumbled upon this book on Goodreads, I immediately downloaded a sample. It didn't take me long to go and one click this baby! I was definitely intrigued by the princess being the beast. Once I got started, I took very little breaks and read this book in one day.
This is my first book by Ms. Peaslee and I've decided that I will definitely need to keep an eye out for other books by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I am loving these two! What do you think?
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
Rose lost her parents when she was only 13 years old. Feeling hurt, angry, abandoned and broken, she hardens her heart towards everyone. She refuses to let anyone get close to her. The hurt and grief of losing her parents was just too much and she refuses to let it happen again. She knows what they call her, she just doesn't care. She's disconnected herself from everyone and does her best to just exist.
Corbin can't believe his luck. Just as he breaks off his engagement to someone who doesn't love him and moves to the city of Laurel for a fresh start, he discovers that Princess Rose has ordered every eligible bachelor to bring a gift to her Gift Giving Ceremony. The man who brings her the best gift will be her husband and King of Laurel.
All Corbin wants is to live a quiet life as a blacksmith. His hope is that his simple gift will be overlooked and he'll be able to return back to his life as a commoner. But little did he know that fate had something else in store for him and Rose.
Thrown into an unknown world, Corbin does his best to balance his old life and his new life. But somewhere along the way, he loses sight of who he truly is. Having to take a good look within, he discovers that he's no better than Rose. If he had really opened his eyes, who would have seen the hurt and vulnerability behind her angry eyes.
On the path of self discovery, Corbin not only finds out who he is and what he wants, but he will also help Rose discover the person she is meant to be and help her to live again.
But just as things start looking up, outside forces do their best to tear them apart. Will Rose and Corbin allow past hurts and insecurities to get in the way? Or will they discover that together they can conquer anything that's being thrown at them? Will they continue to be miserable? Or will they both finally get the HEA they deserve?
I am a sucker for a good beauty and the beast retelling. So when I stumbled upon this book on Goodreads, I immediately downloaded a sample. It didn't take me long to go and one click this baby! I was definitely intrigued by the princess being the beast. Once I got started, I took very little breaks and read this book in one day.
This is my first book by Ms. Peaslee and I've decided that I will definitely need to keep an eye out for other books by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I am loving these two! What do you think?
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
January 5, 2018
Jessilyn has done it again!
Initially I expected the standard fairy tale with a plot twist. What I found was much deeper and richer - and infinitely more rewarding.
Finding Beauty in the Beast is not just a gender role reversal (although let's be honest, the fact that a girl is portrayed as beastly AND attractive for a change is refreshing) on a well-known story. Instead, it's a story of two people who have been dealt hardships and their inner struggle to overcome them. It's about friendship. About acceptance. About shattering expectations of what life SHOULD look like and instead embracing what life DOES look like. About the beauty that comes from vulnerability and connection
In this story, wounds aren't magically healed by a kiss. Broken hearts and trust require time and healing. The choices made are not black and white - nor are they simple. And the endings are bittersweet, for not everything is perfect because it never is.
Leaps of faith - particularly those involving matters of the heart - are anything but easy, and this novel honors that effort. I planned to read a chapter or two a day, but stayed up half the night instead and it was completely, entirely, 100% worth the sleep loss. That's saying something.
Well done!
Initially I expected the standard fairy tale with a plot twist. What I found was much deeper and richer - and infinitely more rewarding.
Finding Beauty in the Beast is not just a gender role reversal (although let's be honest, the fact that a girl is portrayed as beastly AND attractive for a change is refreshing) on a well-known story. Instead, it's a story of two people who have been dealt hardships and their inner struggle to overcome them. It's about friendship. About acceptance. About shattering expectations of what life SHOULD look like and instead embracing what life DOES look like. About the beauty that comes from vulnerability and connection
In this story, wounds aren't magically healed by a kiss. Broken hearts and trust require time and healing. The choices made are not black and white - nor are they simple. And the endings are bittersweet, for not everything is perfect because it never is.
Leaps of faith - particularly those involving matters of the heart - are anything but easy, and this novel honors that effort. I planned to read a chapter or two a day, but stayed up half the night instead and it was completely, entirely, 100% worth the sleep loss. That's saying something.
Well done!
June 16, 2022
4.5 stars
Everything changed that day. I suppose everything and everyone died a little when the king and queen died, but no one more than Princess Rose.
Everyone calls her the Beast. Rose has a temper that has given her quite a reputation. Corbin is a blacksmith, who recently moved back to Laurel when his heart got crushed by an ex-fiancee. Rose was supposed to be married to a prince who called off the wedding to marry a commoner. She then demands all eligible men who live in her kingdom to bring her a gift so she can choose from them for a future husband. Any who refuses will be hung.
Corbin just moved in and didn’t know about the ordeal until it was time for him to go to the ceremony. On his way, he finds a rose for his gift. When it is his turn, Rose chooses him to become her husband.
I loved this. It was so cute. I loved the relationship between Corbin and Rose. Its growth was believable and well written. The gender swap was done amazingly. I love when fairy tales are gender-swapped. With Rose as the beast, and Corbin as the “prisoner”.
I wish there was another book of these two but the end was the end. It was tied off quite neatly. I feel like my next read might not be so interesting.
Everything changed that day. I suppose everything and everyone died a little when the king and queen died, but no one more than Princess Rose.
Everyone calls her the Beast. Rose has a temper that has given her quite a reputation. Corbin is a blacksmith, who recently moved back to Laurel when his heart got crushed by an ex-fiancee. Rose was supposed to be married to a prince who called off the wedding to marry a commoner. She then demands all eligible men who live in her kingdom to bring her a gift so she can choose from them for a future husband. Any who refuses will be hung.
Corbin just moved in and didn’t know about the ordeal until it was time for him to go to the ceremony. On his way, he finds a rose for his gift. When it is his turn, Rose chooses him to become her husband.
I loved this. It was so cute. I loved the relationship between Corbin and Rose. Its growth was believable and well written. The gender swap was done amazingly. I love when fairy tales are gender-swapped. With Rose as the beast, and Corbin as the “prisoner”.
I wish there was another book of these two but the end was the end. It was tied off quite neatly. I feel like my next read might not be so interesting.
January 30, 2018
This books was so sweet! The story was familiar yet new and that's exactly how you want fairy tale re-tellings to be.
I fell in love with Corbin. What an emotional journey he went on but for the most part, he handled it with dignity and kindness. He won me over right away. The Princess took a bit longer, as expected, but understanding someone's pain and loss can change your view of them. Kindness and love win in this book. That's a good message any day.
It was so fun to see Ella and Will from the previous books appear in this book too. Old friends, happy reminders.
I was smiling my way through most of this book and in the end I felt good. That's exactly where I love to be.
This story is gentle and easy. I would say appropriate for younger teenage readers on up which also makes me happy. I love sharing a book that can be read through many ages.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
I fell in love with Corbin. What an emotional journey he went on but for the most part, he handled it with dignity and kindness. He won me over right away. The Princess took a bit longer, as expected, but understanding someone's pain and loss can change your view of them. Kindness and love win in this book. That's a good message any day.
It was so fun to see Ella and Will from the previous books appear in this book too. Old friends, happy reminders.
I was smiling my way through most of this book and in the end I felt good. That's exactly where I love to be.
This story is gentle and easy. I would say appropriate for younger teenage readers on up which also makes me happy. I love sharing a book that can be read through many ages.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 1, 2018
What a beautiful story! I love a good character transformation, and Rose's transformation was realistic and heartwarming. I loved the descriptive and poetic writing, the way it made me really envision the castle and the characters. Jessilyn did such a great job making these characters real and raw, and at making the reader root for them. There were some twists in there that I didn't see coming either! Also the cover--the symbolism is so perfect. I'll put it up there with Ella among my favorite fairytale retellings. Can't wait for more!
June 5, 2019
Not only do I adore fairy tale retellings, but Beauty and the Beast is my favorite to see reimagined. I read the author’s first two books where she beautifully retells Cinderella and enjoyed them immensely, so I was particularly excited to start this. I not only thoroughly enjoyed this story, but it's the book I've enjoyed the most of the last twelve books I’ve read. Nothing like a magical fairy tale to get one out of a reading slump!
Finding Beauty in the Beast was just as beautiful and sweet as I hoped. I adored the twist of the Beast being the Heroine, Princess Rose. I loved coming to discover her depth as Corbin did as he learned more about her and how she became a Beast. It was wonderful to watch her strive to overcome her pain in order to transform into a better person. One of the messages of the book that we all have little Beasts inside us for us to overcome was quite profound.
Both Rose and Corbin are excellent characters with a lot of depth, pain, and inner struggles. Their journey of discovering themselves, healing from past hardships, and moving forward as they learn to see their true inner beauty and develop their love for one another was beautiful. I especially loved the use of and symbolism of roses throughout the story, both in learning about their noble traits and why they have thorns, and having that knowledge be used as a symbol for the Hero and Heroine and the lessons they learn throughout the story; it added a lovely touch.
Its depth, journey of self-discovery, and the lessons learned along the way mixed with such a classic fairy tale made Finding Beauty in the Beast lovely and enchanting. I’ll definitely be rereading it.
Finding Beauty in the Beast was just as beautiful and sweet as I hoped. I adored the twist of the Beast being the Heroine, Princess Rose. I loved coming to discover her depth as Corbin did as he learned more about her and how she became a Beast. It was wonderful to watch her strive to overcome her pain in order to transform into a better person. One of the messages of the book that we all have little Beasts inside us for us to overcome was quite profound.
Both Rose and Corbin are excellent characters with a lot of depth, pain, and inner struggles. Their journey of discovering themselves, healing from past hardships, and moving forward as they learn to see their true inner beauty and develop their love for one another was beautiful. I especially loved the use of and symbolism of roses throughout the story, both in learning about their noble traits and why they have thorns, and having that knowledge be used as a symbol for the Hero and Heroine and the lessons they learn throughout the story; it added a lovely touch.
Its depth, journey of self-discovery, and the lessons learned along the way mixed with such a classic fairy tale made Finding Beauty in the Beast lovely and enchanting. I’ll definitely be rereading it.
August 19, 2023
4.5 stars. This is one of the best B&B retellings I have read. Fantastic twist on the original, great characters, tender moments, depth of story and characters, wonderfully clean, and just an all-around great read.
January 17, 2018
MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:
I love fairy tales, and this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast is wonderful. Beauty and the Beast is hands down my favorite. I am sure I have said that about others, but it really is the greatest story.
When Corbin is turned away by his true love for an opportunity to marry a Prince, he packs up and leaves town. Hoping to find a better life for himself, and start over new.
When Corbin arrives in Laurel, he is able to take over a Blacksmith’s shop, where the owner had either abandoned it or died…. He was quickly busy with work, not that the town finally had a capable Blacksmith.
The bread maker told him that it was a giving day. All eligible men in the town had to give a gift to the Princess. Whoever gift she accepted would become the King.
This was the last thing on Corbin’s mind since he left his life behind. His heart had just been broken and now he has to give a gift to a Princess that he hears is a terror.
This book brings out all the feels. Love, hate, anger, disappointment, determination, and romance. I did not expect the book to be gender bent. I have to admit I loved that the “Beast” was the Princess, and not the Prince. We get to see the gentle side of Corbin, and how he deals with this new life that he did not choose.
He finds answers to a long unanswered question. He tames the beast, and saves her. It is such a sweet story. I love it when we get to see men be more vulnerable. If you like retelling this is a great one to pick up. Plus, “Who could love a Beast?”. (from Beauty and the Beast) One of my favorite quotes ever.
I was given this book as part of a blog tour in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
I love fairy tales, and this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast is wonderful. Beauty and the Beast is hands down my favorite. I am sure I have said that about others, but it really is the greatest story.
When Corbin is turned away by his true love for an opportunity to marry a Prince, he packs up and leaves town. Hoping to find a better life for himself, and start over new.
When Corbin arrives in Laurel, he is able to take over a Blacksmith’s shop, where the owner had either abandoned it or died…. He was quickly busy with work, not that the town finally had a capable Blacksmith.
The bread maker told him that it was a giving day. All eligible men in the town had to give a gift to the Princess. Whoever gift she accepted would become the King.
This was the last thing on Corbin’s mind since he left his life behind. His heart had just been broken and now he has to give a gift to a Princess that he hears is a terror.
This book brings out all the feels. Love, hate, anger, disappointment, determination, and romance. I did not expect the book to be gender bent. I have to admit I loved that the “Beast” was the Princess, and not the Prince. We get to see the gentle side of Corbin, and how he deals with this new life that he did not choose.
He finds answers to a long unanswered question. He tames the beast, and saves her. It is such a sweet story. I love it when we get to see men be more vulnerable. If you like retelling this is a great one to pick up. Plus, “Who could love a Beast?”. (from Beauty and the Beast) One of my favorite quotes ever.
I was given this book as part of a blog tour in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
January 30, 2018
Author Jessalyn Stewart Peaslee has written an excellent twist on a well-known and beloved fairytale. Both teens and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy this delightful, sweet, and somewhat spunky retelling of Beauty and the Beast. From page one Peaslee sucks readers into her story, hooking them so they don’t want to put it down, not even when they reach the end. The characters in this story are charming and come to life through Peaslee’s wonderful storytelling. It is a story filled with exhilarating and enticing characters and a romantic and magical story. Readers will not soon forget this splendid twist on this top favorite fairytale. This is the type of novel that will keep readers dreaming of their own magical fairytale romance and happily ever after.
Genre: young adult, fantasy, fairytale, retelling
Publisher: Sweetwater Book a division of Cedar Fort
Publication date: January 9, 2018
Number of pages: 263
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: young adult, fantasy, fairytale, retelling
Publisher: Sweetwater Book a division of Cedar Fort
Publication date: January 9, 2018
Number of pages: 263
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2019
My friend triple-dog dared me to read this book. Why? Because we were discussing rags to riches plots, and I had a soapbox spiel about how, in fiction, men are never allowed to marry above their socioeconomic class without negative connotations attached to them. Then my friend brought up this book and now I must abdicate my soapbox.
Corbin marries above his station. And perhaps because it was under duress, he was excused all negative connotations. Plus, he has a very marketable skill in blacksmithing, so it’s not like he couldn’t be financially independent if he wanted to. So maybe I’ll keep my soapbox around a while longer...
How was the book overall? Meh.
I wouldn’t really call it a beauty and the beast retelling. It doesn’t follow the bones of the story enough. This book is more like King Thrushbeard (yes, that is an actual fairytale) or Taming of the Shrew than Beauty and the Beast. Why, oh why, do men never fall in love with physically ugly girls? Whenever I see gender bends of B&B, the girl is always ugly on the inside. Oops, stumbled on my other soapbox... moving on.
Corbin’s family history feels more like a distraction than a critical piece of the plot. When his parentage is revealed, I’m more like “well, that’s cute and all, but can we get back to, you know, saving the princess?!”
Also, the villain really shouldn’t have failed. He had plans in place, loyalties won, legal matters in order, everything. But Corbin shows up with an unreasonable amount of public opinion that he gained months earlier in a single afternoon, and that overturns years of stealth and cunning? Nah. I’m not buying it.
But, hey, the romance was adorable. So I still liked the book. Would never read it again. But I did like it.
Corbin marries above his station. And perhaps because it was under duress, he was excused all negative connotations. Plus, he has a very marketable skill in blacksmithing, so it’s not like he couldn’t be financially independent if he wanted to. So maybe I’ll keep my soapbox around a while longer...
How was the book overall? Meh.
I wouldn’t really call it a beauty and the beast retelling. It doesn’t follow the bones of the story enough. This book is more like King Thrushbeard (yes, that is an actual fairytale) or Taming of the Shrew than Beauty and the Beast. Why, oh why, do men never fall in love with physically ugly girls? Whenever I see gender bends of B&B, the girl is always ugly on the inside. Oops, stumbled on my other soapbox... moving on.
Corbin’s family history feels more like a distraction than a critical piece of the plot. When his parentage is revealed, I’m more like “well, that’s cute and all, but can we get back to, you know, saving the princess?!”
Also, the villain really shouldn’t have failed. He had plans in place, loyalties won, legal matters in order, everything. But Corbin shows up with an unreasonable amount of public opinion that he gained months earlier in a single afternoon, and that overturns years of stealth and cunning? Nah. I’m not buying it.
But, hey, the romance was adorable. So I still liked the book. Would never read it again. But I did like it.
July 9, 2018
Oh wow, what an absolutely beautiful story! I love fairytale retellings, Beauty and the Beast ones most of all. Finding Beauty in the Beast was such a fresh take on the original story and I thought it was so unique having “Beauty” as the “Beast”. It added so many layers to the story and delivered such a meaningful and poignant message.
Rose was definitely not likable to begin with. Her nickname of “The Beast” suited her quite well, but as the story progressed and more was revealed about her, it became clear why she acted the way she did. It didn't make her actions or attitude okay, just more understandable. From the very beginning, Corbin was just an all-around good guy and the perfect person to try to break through “The Beast's” hard exterior.
Finding Beauty in the Beast was the first book I've read by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee, but it definitely won't be the last. I enjoyed every single second of this book. I didn't want it to end, but once I did reach the conclusion I had a big smile on my face. It was an amazingly refreshing read and I'm excited to check out Peaslee's other books!
I voluntarily reviewed this book that I won in a giveaway. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Rose was definitely not likable to begin with. Her nickname of “The Beast” suited her quite well, but as the story progressed and more was revealed about her, it became clear why she acted the way she did. It didn't make her actions or attitude okay, just more understandable. From the very beginning, Corbin was just an all-around good guy and the perfect person to try to break through “The Beast's” hard exterior.
Finding Beauty in the Beast was the first book I've read by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee, but it definitely won't be the last. I enjoyed every single second of this book. I didn't want it to end, but once I did reach the conclusion I had a big smile on my face. It was an amazingly refreshing read and I'm excited to check out Peaslee's other books!
I voluntarily reviewed this book that I won in a giveaway. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
January 26, 2018
Who doesn't love a fairy tale?! I remember my grandma weaving all sorts of retellings of the slew of them and we ate them like her porridge. One of my favorites was my The Beauty and the Beast. I fell in love not just with the hero but with the heroine too. For the longest time I wanted to be her and to experience the slow progression of friendship and finally love that was between the beast and the beauty. Oh, those were the days of our childhood...
See what happens when you read a retelling of a wonderful tale? You tend to slip into so many memories and that's exactly what this author intended to do by writing this story. She takes us back in time of our youth and that is a great thing.
Even though this is a familiar tale, the author definitely made it her own and I found it not just unique but intriguing and humorous.
This is the perfect sweet, clean and fun romance for this time of year!
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
See what happens when you read a retelling of a wonderful tale? You tend to slip into so many memories and that's exactly what this author intended to do by writing this story. She takes us back in time of our youth and that is a great thing.
Even though this is a familiar tale, the author definitely made it her own and I found it not just unique but intriguing and humorous.
This is the perfect sweet, clean and fun romance for this time of year!
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
March 14, 2018
"Finding Beauty in the Beast" is a beautiful fairy tale re-telling. Author Jessilyn Peaslee borrows characters from her first novel, Ella (and its companion book, Ella's Will) and turns the fairy tale on its head. In the best way possible.
Princess Rose is a monster. Some call her a beast. Corbin escapes heartbreak at home and finds himself in Rose's kingdom and forced to present himself as a suitor. Every suitor is required to present a gift and his, though simple, is the one Rose picks. And so begins the tale of transformation, for both of them.
Certainly the best part of this book is the character development. Peaslee does a wonderful job of bringing Corbin and Rose to life and making them completely relatable. Corbin is kind yet still flawed in his interaction with difficult Rose. And Rose is difficult yet vulnerable at the same time. Their love grows at a slow simmer until it can't be denied.
I also appreciated the sweet poetic word-smithing that is so fitting for a fairytale. Peaslee is a master at understanding the workings of the heart and the intricate complications of relationships. You can't help but learn something about yourself when you read one of Peaslee's book.
This is a sweet fairy tale I would recommend for any age
Princess Rose is a monster. Some call her a beast. Corbin escapes heartbreak at home and finds himself in Rose's kingdom and forced to present himself as a suitor. Every suitor is required to present a gift and his, though simple, is the one Rose picks. And so begins the tale of transformation, for both of them.
Certainly the best part of this book is the character development. Peaslee does a wonderful job of bringing Corbin and Rose to life and making them completely relatable. Corbin is kind yet still flawed in his interaction with difficult Rose. And Rose is difficult yet vulnerable at the same time. Their love grows at a slow simmer until it can't be denied.
I also appreciated the sweet poetic word-smithing that is so fitting for a fairytale. Peaslee is a master at understanding the workings of the heart and the intricate complications of relationships. You can't help but learn something about yourself when you read one of Peaslee's book.
This is a sweet fairy tale I would recommend for any age
November 25, 2020
A wonderful retelling!
I've read a lot of Beauty and the Beast retellings over the years, and this is now one of my favorites. I loved how she was the Beast in this story, and the beauty, how he was the commoner made to stay, and that the romance was CLEAN. There were plenty of unique differences to make this story it's own, while enough similarities to be the familiar story we love. I will definitely be reading this one again, and I don't re-read a book if I don't really love it!
I've read a lot of Beauty and the Beast retellings over the years, and this is now one of my favorites. I loved how she was the Beast in this story, and the beauty, how he was the commoner made to stay, and that the romance was CLEAN. There were plenty of unique differences to make this story it's own, while enough similarities to be the familiar story we love. I will definitely be reading this one again, and I don't re-read a book if I don't really love it!
April 9, 2018
Clean read
Loved the twist in the story and how it all worked out in the end. I read in a day.
Loved the twist in the story and how it all worked out in the end. I read in a day.
June 7, 2025
Spot on!
Loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved all the characters and Jessilyn's writing is exceptional. She is a story teller that wraps around you and won't let go. Until the last page. Well done!
Loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved all the characters and Jessilyn's writing is exceptional. She is a story teller that wraps around you and won't let go. Until the last page. Well done!
January 31, 2018
This is an absolute must read! This is a crazy page-turner. The descriptive words that are used can paint an awesome picture in your head. If you are able to pick up a bool and read I suggest this book for you. But judging by the content, probably 12 and up would be a good age to start. When the protagonist breaks off his engagement in a hurtful event, he tries to seek a new life by moving his blacksmith shop to a different kingdom. But when the princess, with a reputation of a beast, chooses him as her husband, he finds many new problems with his new life. This book is a lot like all of the other Beauty and the Beast remakes. But instead of hairy monsters and talking furniture, the characters are real.
February 4, 2018
Such a beautiful book. I think this has become one of my favorite retellings of beauty and the beast. It left a feeling of such deep peace and warmth in me.
July 18, 2022
This was just as delightful a read as Jessilyn's previous books. It was hard to get my hands on though. I don't like reading e books and haven't kindle in years, but it hasn't been available anywhere for a while in print. Since I live in Texas, not Utah where the book was published, it hasn't been in any libraries and I've even requested it (and our library actually got her two previous books at my request). I was so excited to finally see the paperback version in stock on Amazon!
Jessilyn truly has a way with words. She can tell a story so eloquently. I couldn't put it down (even though at certain times I had to, I didn't want to). I wanted to know how the romance between Corbin and Rose would eventually play out. Delightful and fun and worth the read.
Jessilyn truly has a way with words. She can tell a story so eloquently. I couldn't put it down (even though at certain times I had to, I didn't want to). I wanted to know how the romance between Corbin and Rose would eventually play out. Delightful and fun and worth the read.
January 20, 2018
Before I start my review, I just want to say that Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee is a beautiful person. She is kind, fun, humble, gracious, and thoughtful. Most of the time when we read books we know nothing about the author, so I just wanted to tell you a little about what I know of her from a distance. I have never met her, but I consider her a friend, and I greatly admire the gift God has given her to write books with great meaning – books that you will want to read over and over again.
I first was introduced to Jessilyn’s work when I had the great privilege to read her first novel, Ella, which is a masterpiece. Then, I had the honor of reading a late draft of Ella’s Will, offering my feedback, and then thoroughly loving this other perspective of Ella’s story. I had perhaps an even greater honor of reading an early draft of Finding Beauty in the Beast before it was called that. I gave 150 comments, and knew that there was a lot of work to be done. As I read the published piece over the last few days, I saw where she intricately followed my advice, and the advice of others, where things I hadn’t even though about truly blossomed, making the novel one I will never forget.
I have always felt that the key to a great novel is learning to love the characters. There must be characters who you relate to, characters who you cheer for, and characters who you experience joy and sadness with. One of my favorite kinds of characters are those who are seen as villains, but who are also sympathetic. Villains rarely are so 2-dimensional that there is no reason for their cruelty, nor no possible way for them to change.
In this novel, the person who everyone sees as a villain, as a beast, is Princess Rose of Laurel. What Prince Kenton saw, what the people of her kingdom saw, was a woman full of wrath with a fiery temper, who cared nothing about her kingdom or her subjects. They hated her and feared her. At first glance, you would never be able to see anything endearing about her. But, Jessilyn expertly helps us see and feel why Rose became such a beast, and we want nothing more than for her to be the lovely person she once was before her life tragically changed 10 years before.
Corbin, who we are introduced to in Ella’s Will, will enter Rose’s life through a series of quick, seemingly unfortunate events, becoming her husband and the prince. He will be the one who tries to find the beauty in this beast, and with help from his friends, Will and Ella, and his own search for truth, he will help set Rose free from her internal enemy which has held her captive for so long.
Rose and Corbin, from their skin color to their social status to their personalities, seem so different, yet they are more alike then they could ever know on the surface, needing each other more than they could ever imagine.
Through their journeys, individually and together, and through the experiences and help from others in the story, such as dear Mrs. Whiting, you will laugh, you will smile warmly, and you will wipe away tears many times. Towards the end of the book, I cried like a baby. I was literally weeping. Only a brilliant author with authentic characters could do that.
This is not just any book. It is not simply a retelling of Beauty in the Beast. It is actually quite different. For one, the female is the beast, but it isn’t because of how she looks. She is quite lovely, actually, when she isn’t angry or cruel. I love how the central messages of the original fairy tale are the same: that when you see beyond the ugliness of one’s face or character, you can find their true potential and value, that there is hope in dismal situations, and that the monsters within us can be tamed and defeated. I am glad, though, that the story is one we have never heard before, even if we know the ending will be happy.
All stories should have an antagonist, and in this novel, it isn’t as obvious as you may think. There are many mysteries and puzzles to solve, many holes to fill, but I can say with triumph that they are all indeed filled, and in ways that will touch your heart more than you thought possible.
Do I love this book? Well, isn’t it obvious? I hope you will read it and love it as I do. My son couldn’t wait until I was done with it so he could start gulping down the pages. He loves it already.
Thank you, dear Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee, for another masterpiece that brings tears of joy from Heaven.
I first was introduced to Jessilyn’s work when I had the great privilege to read her first novel, Ella, which is a masterpiece. Then, I had the honor of reading a late draft of Ella’s Will, offering my feedback, and then thoroughly loving this other perspective of Ella’s story. I had perhaps an even greater honor of reading an early draft of Finding Beauty in the Beast before it was called that. I gave 150 comments, and knew that there was a lot of work to be done. As I read the published piece over the last few days, I saw where she intricately followed my advice, and the advice of others, where things I hadn’t even though about truly blossomed, making the novel one I will never forget.
I have always felt that the key to a great novel is learning to love the characters. There must be characters who you relate to, characters who you cheer for, and characters who you experience joy and sadness with. One of my favorite kinds of characters are those who are seen as villains, but who are also sympathetic. Villains rarely are so 2-dimensional that there is no reason for their cruelty, nor no possible way for them to change.
In this novel, the person who everyone sees as a villain, as a beast, is Princess Rose of Laurel. What Prince Kenton saw, what the people of her kingdom saw, was a woman full of wrath with a fiery temper, who cared nothing about her kingdom or her subjects. They hated her and feared her. At first glance, you would never be able to see anything endearing about her. But, Jessilyn expertly helps us see and feel why Rose became such a beast, and we want nothing more than for her to be the lovely person she once was before her life tragically changed 10 years before.
Corbin, who we are introduced to in Ella’s Will, will enter Rose’s life through a series of quick, seemingly unfortunate events, becoming her husband and the prince. He will be the one who tries to find the beauty in this beast, and with help from his friends, Will and Ella, and his own search for truth, he will help set Rose free from her internal enemy which has held her captive for so long.
Rose and Corbin, from their skin color to their social status to their personalities, seem so different, yet they are more alike then they could ever know on the surface, needing each other more than they could ever imagine.
Through their journeys, individually and together, and through the experiences and help from others in the story, such as dear Mrs. Whiting, you will laugh, you will smile warmly, and you will wipe away tears many times. Towards the end of the book, I cried like a baby. I was literally weeping. Only a brilliant author with authentic characters could do that.
This is not just any book. It is not simply a retelling of Beauty in the Beast. It is actually quite different. For one, the female is the beast, but it isn’t because of how she looks. She is quite lovely, actually, when she isn’t angry or cruel. I love how the central messages of the original fairy tale are the same: that when you see beyond the ugliness of one’s face or character, you can find their true potential and value, that there is hope in dismal situations, and that the monsters within us can be tamed and defeated. I am glad, though, that the story is one we have never heard before, even if we know the ending will be happy.
All stories should have an antagonist, and in this novel, it isn’t as obvious as you may think. There are many mysteries and puzzles to solve, many holes to fill, but I can say with triumph that they are all indeed filled, and in ways that will touch your heart more than you thought possible.
Do I love this book? Well, isn’t it obvious? I hope you will read it and love it as I do. My son couldn’t wait until I was done with it so he could start gulping down the pages. He loves it already.
Thank you, dear Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee, for another masterpiece that brings tears of joy from Heaven.
February 1, 2020
Next to the Cinderella story, I’ve also loved the story of Beauty and the Beast. I know out there is a lot of retelling of Beauty and The Beast that are quite very good, some stick to the original story or make it more modern like Beastly from Alex Finn, the point of view of Kyle who is the Beast. When I found out that Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee had written a retelling of Beauty and the Beast titled Finding Beauty In The Beast, I knew I had to read it since I love her previous books, Ella and Ella’s Will.
Before reading Finding Beauty In The Beast, I strongly recommend to read Ella and Ella’s Will because of the timeline. In Finding Beauty In The Beast, the story happens after Prince Keaton’s ball which ended Princess Rose of Laurel’s engagement to the prince when he chose a commoner to be his bride and wife instead of the princess. Princess Rose is better known to her subjects and the surrounding kingdoms as The Beast and of course this news to ball was unexpected and hurtful. Corbin engagement to Francine ended the night she went to the ball to hopefully be married to a prince instead of a blacksmith. Feeling betrayed, Corbin wanted to start a new life and decided to go the Kingdom of Laurel and he hopes to find family in the Kingdom of Laurel, the land of his birth. His one regret was leaving his leaving his best friend behind, Will and his newly wife Ella. Once arriving to the Kingdom of Laurel for a day, Corbin finds out that The Beast as known as Princess Rose has also determined to wed a commoner herself. All eligible men in Laurel have been commanded (not requested) to present the princess with a gift upon pain of death or the dungeon. The best gift will result in the giver’s immediate marriage to the princess. When Corbin presents his gift, he just hopes that his gift will keep him safely overlooked. He just came from another kingdom and wants to start his quiet life as a Blacksmith and away from castles and royalty. Somehow, Love works in mysterious ways to bring two broken hearts together and it all started with a simple rose.
I knew that this retelling and reimagined of Beauty and the Beast would be familiar yet have some new twists without any magic. We all know in Beauty and the Beast, the male character is portrait as the Beast (physically or personality wise). In Finding Beauty In The Beast, the gender role is reverse. It’s the female character that is portrait as the Beast as in personality and she is a very beautiful princess. I find this was a very refreshing read for a change! It’s about a story of two people, Corbin and Princess Rose who each have a lot of depth, pain and inner struggle to overcome them. They will both will cross paths unexpectedly and they will both discover themselves, heal from past hardships and move forward together as they learn to see their true inner beauty and develop their friendship and love for one another. What I love about this story is that wounds aren’t magically healed by a kiss. To have a broken heart and trust requires time and healing.
I still love Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee’s writing style, it’s still as charming and lovely with a fairy tale feel without the magic, just like how she wrote her two previous books. I can’t wait what else she would write and I’ll for sure read it!
Before reading Finding Beauty In The Beast, I strongly recommend to read Ella and Ella’s Will because of the timeline. In Finding Beauty In The Beast, the story happens after Prince Keaton’s ball which ended Princess Rose of Laurel’s engagement to the prince when he chose a commoner to be his bride and wife instead of the princess. Princess Rose is better known to her subjects and the surrounding kingdoms as The Beast and of course this news to ball was unexpected and hurtful. Corbin engagement to Francine ended the night she went to the ball to hopefully be married to a prince instead of a blacksmith. Feeling betrayed, Corbin wanted to start a new life and decided to go the Kingdom of Laurel and he hopes to find family in the Kingdom of Laurel, the land of his birth. His one regret was leaving his leaving his best friend behind, Will and his newly wife Ella. Once arriving to the Kingdom of Laurel for a day, Corbin finds out that The Beast as known as Princess Rose has also determined to wed a commoner herself. All eligible men in Laurel have been commanded (not requested) to present the princess with a gift upon pain of death or the dungeon. The best gift will result in the giver’s immediate marriage to the princess. When Corbin presents his gift, he just hopes that his gift will keep him safely overlooked. He just came from another kingdom and wants to start his quiet life as a Blacksmith and away from castles and royalty. Somehow, Love works in mysterious ways to bring two broken hearts together and it all started with a simple rose.
I knew that this retelling and reimagined of Beauty and the Beast would be familiar yet have some new twists without any magic. We all know in Beauty and the Beast, the male character is portrait as the Beast (physically or personality wise). In Finding Beauty In The Beast, the gender role is reverse. It’s the female character that is portrait as the Beast as in personality and she is a very beautiful princess. I find this was a very refreshing read for a change! It’s about a story of two people, Corbin and Princess Rose who each have a lot of depth, pain and inner struggle to overcome them. They will both will cross paths unexpectedly and they will both discover themselves, heal from past hardships and move forward together as they learn to see their true inner beauty and develop their friendship and love for one another. What I love about this story is that wounds aren’t magically healed by a kiss. To have a broken heart and trust requires time and healing.
I still love Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee’s writing style, it’s still as charming and lovely with a fairy tale feel without the magic, just like how she wrote her two previous books. I can’t wait what else she would write and I’ll for sure read it!
January 18, 2018
Finding Beauty in the Beast
By Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Corbin wanted a new life one away from the pain of his intended's betrayal. And he hoped to find family in the Kingdom of Laurel, the land of his birth. His one regret was leaving behind his best friend Will. But Will had just married Ella and Corbin's engagement to Francine had ended the night of Prince Kenton's ball.
Prince Kenton's ball ended Princess Rose's engagement to the prince when he chose a commoner instead to be his bride and his princess. For Corbin, his timing for arriving in Laurel was either very fortunate or unfortunate as Princess Rose, better known to her subjects and the surrounding kingdoms as The Beast, has determined to wed a commoner herself. All eligible men in Laurel have been commanded, not requested mind you, to present the princess with a gift upon pain of death or the dungeon. The gift most pleasing to the princess will result in the giver's immediate marriage to Princess Rose.
To Corbin's surprise and that of the onlooking crowd, his gift is chosen after a series of disastrously offered gifts. But can a poor blacksmith ever win the heart of a princess that became beastly following the death of her parents? Corbin can hope but when he starts to fall into the same air of despair that the castle is suffering from he may soon become a beast too.
Can Princess Rose and Corbin move beyond the labels they've been given? Will Rose ever be anything other than The Beast? And can Corbin become more than a simple blacksmith? Looking beyond what is readily seen may be the only thing that will save the Kingdom of Laurel and the royal family...
Fans of Jessilyn's previous works (Ella and Ella's Will) will enjoy this newest fairytale twist. Yes, Ella and Will have a part to play in this story but they take a secondary role this time. Again magic is absent from this retelling but the rose is the key to everything. This is a delightful and enchanting story that one can curl up with and read away the hours to one's heart's content.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.
By Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Corbin wanted a new life one away from the pain of his intended's betrayal. And he hoped to find family in the Kingdom of Laurel, the land of his birth. His one regret was leaving behind his best friend Will. But Will had just married Ella and Corbin's engagement to Francine had ended the night of Prince Kenton's ball.
Prince Kenton's ball ended Princess Rose's engagement to the prince when he chose a commoner instead to be his bride and his princess. For Corbin, his timing for arriving in Laurel was either very fortunate or unfortunate as Princess Rose, better known to her subjects and the surrounding kingdoms as The Beast, has determined to wed a commoner herself. All eligible men in Laurel have been commanded, not requested mind you, to present the princess with a gift upon pain of death or the dungeon. The gift most pleasing to the princess will result in the giver's immediate marriage to Princess Rose.
To Corbin's surprise and that of the onlooking crowd, his gift is chosen after a series of disastrously offered gifts. But can a poor blacksmith ever win the heart of a princess that became beastly following the death of her parents? Corbin can hope but when he starts to fall into the same air of despair that the castle is suffering from he may soon become a beast too.
Can Princess Rose and Corbin move beyond the labels they've been given? Will Rose ever be anything other than The Beast? And can Corbin become more than a simple blacksmith? Looking beyond what is readily seen may be the only thing that will save the Kingdom of Laurel and the royal family...
Fans of Jessilyn's previous works (Ella and Ella's Will) will enjoy this newest fairytale twist. Yes, Ella and Will have a part to play in this story but they take a secondary role this time. Again magic is absent from this retelling but the rose is the key to everything. This is a delightful and enchanting story that one can curl up with and read away the hours to one's heart's content.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2018
I am a sucker for retelling stories of Beauty and Beast, along with Cinderella. What I liked about this story is the reverse gender roles: the beast is female instead of male. The book has many twists and turns, but it was well written. Although there is no enchantments or spells, it's still learning to the see the beauty in the beast.
Colin is a blacksmith in the kingdom of Claire. He and his fiancee attend the Prince's ball on the night that should have been their wedding day. The Prince decided to marry a commoner and break off his engagement with The Beast, Princess Rose. When Colin's fiancee doesn't refuse to see the prince at a chance to possibly be his bride, Colin is heart broken, because she knew how worried he was. Although she wasn't chosen, Colin decides to leave and start a new life in the kingdom of Laurel where he was born. The day after he arrived, he forced to attend the Gift Ceremony where every eligible bachelor is to present a gift the fury Princess Rose in "hope" to be her husband and future ruler. Colin's simple gift, a rose, is what she chose. Colin wanted to start a new life but not what he was expecting. Now Rose and Colin must learn to overcome their fears, learn to love and work towards rebuilding the neglected kingdom.
There were moments that I had a good laugh. For Example: when Colin sees Bart, the baker, again and explains his situation, Bart briefly explains to his wife what he learned from Colin and he was going to help him. His wife response, "Does he need a sandwich?" Hahaha!!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had great development as they figure out who they are and face their fears. I recommend this book.
Colin is a blacksmith in the kingdom of Claire. He and his fiancee attend the Prince's ball on the night that should have been their wedding day. The Prince decided to marry a commoner and break off his engagement with The Beast, Princess Rose. When Colin's fiancee doesn't refuse to see the prince at a chance to possibly be his bride, Colin is heart broken, because she knew how worried he was. Although she wasn't chosen, Colin decides to leave and start a new life in the kingdom of Laurel where he was born. The day after he arrived, he forced to attend the Gift Ceremony where every eligible bachelor is to present a gift the fury Princess Rose in "hope" to be her husband and future ruler. Colin's simple gift, a rose, is what she chose. Colin wanted to start a new life but not what he was expecting. Now Rose and Colin must learn to overcome their fears, learn to love and work towards rebuilding the neglected kingdom.
There were moments that I had a good laugh. For Example: when Colin sees Bart, the baker, again and explains his situation, Bart briefly explains to his wife what he learned from Colin and he was going to help him. His wife response, "Does he need a sandwich?" Hahaha!!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had great development as they figure out who they are and face their fears. I recommend this book.
January 30, 2018
I have loved the way all of Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee's books fit together! This one starts with the ball that is in both Ella and Ella's Will. I love that you get to see Corbin again and that you get to see what happens to him. I kind of hope that we also get to read Francine's story eventually.
I loved Corbin. I love the way he obviously cares for Francine, even when her love doesn't appear to be as deep. His character is good at being constant. He's a kind and loving man. It made me laugh how he had to pretty much immediately find the princess a gift when he got to Laurel, even though he had other things he would have rather been doing. And then when she chose his simple gift...oh so sweet! But, things don't go perfectly even after she's chosen him.
It was kind of fun that you just see things through Corbin's eyes until he meets Rose, and then at that point, you see some things through her eyes as well. I liked the way she seemed to me. When others looked at her, all they saw was a beast, but when you see things through her eyes, you realize that she has been hurt and that she doesn't want to be the person she is. I liked that she was able to grow and change, with Corbin's help.
I liked that Ella and Will make an appearance in this one. It's so much fun when characters you love from other books cross back into new ones, almost like seeing old friends.
I loved the plot of this one. I loved that Corbin had a touch of a mystery about himself to solve. And also that Rose had a large problem that she had to solve as well.
This book was so much fun! I loved the fairy tale feel of it!
I loved Corbin. I love the way he obviously cares for Francine, even when her love doesn't appear to be as deep. His character is good at being constant. He's a kind and loving man. It made me laugh how he had to pretty much immediately find the princess a gift when he got to Laurel, even though he had other things he would have rather been doing. And then when she chose his simple gift...oh so sweet! But, things don't go perfectly even after she's chosen him.
It was kind of fun that you just see things through Corbin's eyes until he meets Rose, and then at that point, you see some things through her eyes as well. I liked the way she seemed to me. When others looked at her, all they saw was a beast, but when you see things through her eyes, you realize that she has been hurt and that she doesn't want to be the person she is. I liked that she was able to grow and change, with Corbin's help.
I liked that Ella and Will make an appearance in this one. It's so much fun when characters you love from other books cross back into new ones, almost like seeing old friends.
I loved the plot of this one. I loved that Corbin had a touch of a mystery about himself to solve. And also that Rose had a large problem that she had to solve as well.
This book was so much fun! I loved the fairy tale feel of it!
October 27, 2022
When I tell you this has been my favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling...it was a top read this year for sure! So let me first start by saying that this was a genderbent. The "beast" a.k.a Rose is more of a selfish queen than a beast but I loved her! She is spoiled but I promise there is more to what meets the eye! And okay, Corbin is such a good male lead I can't even! If only all men could be like him! He was so kind, caring, and patient with her (even in her really terrible moments) and it just melted my heart at how loving he was! Their relationship was not instant love by any means, it took its time in the best way possible and I loved every second of it!
I did think it was a bit odd when Rose "captures" Corbin because he didn't have a father or any family to make him stay with her. He just stayed on his own though I will say it was funny how chill he was acting in that whole process. I feel like for that portion he was just really like "...wait what?" and it made me laugh🤣.
When reading this it had a very nostalgic feeling that I'm not sure how to describe but it was so magical and lovely! I haven't read anything by this author before but now I need to read anything else they've published because I loved it that much!
If you love beauty and the beast then I HIGHLY recommend this retelling! It was a beautiful story that kept me engaged the whole time!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
I did think it was a bit odd when Rose "captures" Corbin because he didn't have a father or any family to make him stay with her. He just stayed on his own though I will say it was funny how chill he was acting in that whole process. I feel like for that portion he was just really like "...wait what?" and it made me laugh🤣.
When reading this it had a very nostalgic feeling that I'm not sure how to describe but it was so magical and lovely! I haven't read anything by this author before but now I need to read anything else they've published because I loved it that much!
If you love beauty and the beast then I HIGHLY recommend this retelling! It was a beautiful story that kept me engaged the whole time!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews