Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold

Romance a Medieval Fairytale #10

by Demelza Carlton

An unlikely duo. A wicked witch. Whatever it takes to find their way home.

Once upon a time...

Rhona is certain her stepmother wants to kill her and her sisters, and she'll stop at nothing to do it. Leaving them in the woods alone, drugging their food and drink...is nothing safe?

Bitter at his brother's betrothal, Grieve is banished to Rum Island as a squire to Rhona's father. Grieve thought he had enough trouble with Rhona's stepmother and the threat of war with Alba, until a witch takes Grieve and Rhona prisoner.

Can Rhona and Grieve survive long enough to find their happily ever after?


Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold

Genres: Romance, Retellings, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Paranormal, Ebooks, Fairy Tale Retellings

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed this nice Retelling twist to the original fairytale. I do believe it was unique and clever

So this slightly combines together with a previous book, Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold, since the main bodyguard for Lady Portia in that book was Grieve. And now in this book we see the story of how Grieve and Rhona fall in love

After a tragic event that kills her mother, Rhona finds out her true self, she is a witch that can control the natural elements. But no one can know who she really is. Much less the new squire her father has agreed to have. Her father gives Rhona the responsibility of showing Grieve there defenses against the Alban, who have threatened to take their lands by force. And it is in this journey that Rhona and Grieve will find more than just ways to help prevent a war... love may have sparked between them.

But, once Grieve finds out that she is a witch, will he stay and love her, marry a woman who he loves but feels so unworthy to have her? A woman who can light fires with her hands, marry a man who is so far beneath her?
Grieve feels like he is unworthy of her, he needs to prove himself to her, but will they both wait for each other ?

Very cute and clever story, I did like it a lot and how the two stories crossed over each other really well.
I love this series and I cant wait to read more!

Received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

[Coco.V]

🎁 Free on iBooks today (3/2/2021)! 🎁

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Grieve and Rhona

Romance trope: fairytale retelling
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale
Length: 127 pages

Plot: Rhona is, by sad circumstances, a witch. She is also the oldest of her sisters and is the de facto lady of her island. Her father, however, has brought a new stepmother home and the two women do not get along. Who does get along? Rhona and her father's new foster son. When war comes to their region, Grieve must leave to fight, but the person most worth fighting for won't be left behind for long.

Commentary: This was an interesting take on a fairytale retelling. It had some elements of the story (Hansel and Gretel) but not enough to make it completely derivative. I loved that the "wicked witch" turned out to be a former queen turned matchmaker under a spell, and the bit about them being disgusting brother and sister was hilarious. I enjoyed this and I will be reading more in this series.

Previous book in the series: Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
Next book in the series: Wish: Aladdin Retold

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting retelling of the classic fairy tale. While Grieve and Rhona are not brother and sister in this tale, there is the evil stepmother who is a main staple of any good fairy tale. I really liked the way the story tied in to "Blow: Three Little Pigs retold". There are lots of characters to love, and while the story is vastly different to the fairy tale it is an enjoyable read.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! OK this wasn’t just a retelling this was a fairytale that was flipped - turned - upside down!! Clever spin on the Hansel and Gretel story we all know as the author took this to a whole new level and intertwined a retelling of the Three Little Pigs into the story - quite a unique story, easy to immerse myself in - it was just what I needed to wind up my reading challenge for the year!

[Amanda Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author painted herself into a corner with the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. She had an overarching plotline and a story that she wanted to tell, and she needed to find a fairytale, any fairytale that she hadn't already used to build this link. I can respect that, but the amount of stretching to make this story even begin to resemble Hansel and Gretel was ludicrous.

Cut out the stop on the island with the witch and the story would have been stronger, not weaker. Making them pretend to be brother and sister made no sense. Silly.

The story itself was better than Blow, but that's not saying much. I think I would have enjoyed it without it trying so hard to make it what it wasn't

[Moms POV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the audio in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw the chance to get a free copy in exchange for my review of this book. I was skeptical. I mean there are so many retells out there, but who would retell Hansel and Gretel?? It is not a book that would be first on my list to retell (obviously not the author's either.) As I was coming to the end of the audio, I wanted more from the author Demelza Carlton. Looking up her profile, I learned this was not her first retell of a fairy tale, but her 10th. Just so you know, I did purchase the book before this one: Blow: The Three Little Pigs Retold. Again my thoughts...what a strange fairy tale to do a retell on, but there is cross over between the two books...and I was left with wanting to know more.

So how did I fell about this audio? Obviously I enjoyed it enough to buy another. Rhona, the main female lead, was strong and sassy even when she was inexperienced. What is not to love there? And Grieve has flaws but wants and strives to be better. Again, who does not want a man that wants AND tries to do better? I know you are making Rhona and Grieve - where is Hansel and Gretel? Well this fairy tale has a twist. And this is no brother and sister.

Carlton does a great job of taking some of the elements of the original fairytale and creating a vastly different experience. Totally loved the audio, and I am fairly certain that if I had the book I would have barely been able to put it down.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative 15+ Hansel & Gretel retelling interwoven with Celtic lore

An imaginative Hansel & Gretel retelling interwoven with Celtic lore where women (while they are not legal rulers) fight at their men’s side and are able to choose their own husbands.

When Rhona’s mother dies she discovers her station isn’t what she thought it was. When her father takes a new wife who wants to give him sons, Rhona’s & her sisters life is in danger. On a neighbouring isle, Grieve’s first love betrays him and to avoid him acting out he is assigned as squire to Rhona’s father. With war looming on the horizon and an allegiance with the Vikings to be made, Rhona and Grieve navigate the war preparations & dangers that ensue.

I loved Rhona’s headstrong character and her fighter spirit. Grieve seemed a bit of a wuss at times, but then the girl was formidable. At times, it felt more like an 18+ fairytale, tbh, on account of how mature the female Mc was and also due to 2 candid but not overly descriptive sex scenes & the daughters of the Isles being free to pick & sample their men before marriage.

Recommended for lovers of upper YA (15+) fantasy with medium heat level, retold fairytales and strong, independent women.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest instalment in her excellent series of fairytale retellings, Return is Demelza's take on the Hansel and Gretel tale. I love the way she includes so many of the elements of the original fairytale and yet makes an entirely new story, and the inclusion in this of so many elements seen in earlier stories in the series. This doesn't mean you have to have read the other books to understand or enjoy this one though - each can be read entirely in isolation, but if you've been reading the series (and who wouldn't when it's so great?!) then it's fabulous to see so many of the previous characters, plots and elements weaving in amongst the new. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all adult lovers of fairytale retellings with a romantic element, or just people who love stories with a twist of magic, a dollop of romance, and a happy ever after. And with the teaser of an ending here, I REALLY can't wait for the next book's release!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Southern Isles with Grieve and Rhona, or should I say Hansel and Gretel?!
February 1, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Imaginative and well-written with a touch of heat and a lot of girl power, but it's not one of my favorites of Ms Carlton's retold fairy tales. I wanted more of the Hansel and Gretel part of the tale. There were a lot of other things going on here, with a previous romance for Grieve (the Hansel character), an evil stepmother, a lot of secondary characters, a war and so many elements carried over from the tale Blow and intertwined with this one. I think I would have liked it better if it had not been linked to the earlier story and had spent more time with just the two MCs. If you have not read Blow recently, you may want to to get the most from the story.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling of Hansel and Gretel. There were very few similarities to the original fairytale, but the story worked well as a unique tale of its own, only drawing inspiration in certain aspects. Rhona and Grieve are well developed, likable characters, and I loved the tie-in with previous novels. They were intriguing characters in Blow, and I was delighted to read and learn more about them. The story itself was well written, and again, a very creative take on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale. Demelza Carlton is an innovator of recreating fairytales in a fresh, new way. The weaving of all of the fairytales in the series makes her work that much more impressive. I look forward to reading more and can’t wait for the next installment. As a caution, there are a couple of intimate scenes/character thoughts throughout the novel.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC of this book; I knew I would like it because it combines two of my favorite things: fairytales and Demelza Carlton! She somehow takes classic children's stories and turns them into something utterly different, and indisputably adult.

I took inexplicable delight in the connections between the characters in this story and those in Blow, Ms. Carlton’s adaptation of The Three Little Pigs. Rather than focusing on Portia and Rudolf, this tale focuses on Rhona and Grieve, but also follows the intersection of their lives. It made me want to go back and re-read Blow to see if there were any details I missed. And one of the great things about these books is that, just like the original fairytales, I believe these adult tales can be read over and over again. That’s probably exactly what I will do. I highly recommend these books!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My latest read from author prolific Demelza Carlton, an interesting re-telling of Hansel & Gretel. The thought of reading a “fairy tale” doesn’t normally appeal to me but I’m glad I did read it, Carlton does a wonderful job with this genre and her spin on this fairy tale makes for can’t put down reading. Extremely well written, the characters well developed. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make a reader get invested into the characters and thereby the book. By the end of this book, I couldn't turn pages fast enough to see how Carleton's carefully crafted tale would unveil. I’ll be reading more from this author!

[Serene Conneeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Australian author Demelza Carlton’s Romance a Medieval Fairytale series, which now has more than twenty titles, and her Hansel and Gretel reimagining is intriguing, magical, adventurous and fun – with some romance, and a little steam, too. (Don’t worry, despite the witch thinking the two she’s trapped are brother and sister, Rhona and Grieve are most definitely not, it’s just a ruse to protect each other.) Return includes threads of the original faery tale, but weaves a whole new story, with a feisty heroine, an impending war, a girl with forbidden magic in her veins, and a boy who doesn’t think he’s worthy of her. With time running out, sisters to save, and invaders at their doorstep, can Rhona and Grieve save each other, and their home, or will family duty tear them apart?

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This twist on the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale is the story of Portia's guard commander and his lady love. As we've come to expect of this stories, it features, in Rhona, a strong, independent heroine who's much more likely to go out and save the world herself than to sit in her ivory tower waiting for a handsome prince on a white charger. She is paired with a hero who embodies the chivalrous ideal; honourable, noble, loyal and unswervingly dedicated to her lady love. Their adventures are of epic proportions but their relationship is surprisingly modern.
I love this series, and this story is well worth the read.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but they were not brother and sister. This is part of the story from Blow in this series. It covers when the guard was chosen for Lady Portia and the island was left until the Wolfe came back to claim his woman. Rhona and Grieve are taken prisoner by a mad witch and they manage to get away from her. Once Grieve leaves it is up to Rhona to keep her people safe and then she comes to an accord to help Wolfe conquer the enemy to get everyone safe. I loved the entire story and the narrator did an awesome job with it. I would recommend it to the over 18-year-old crowd.

I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.6

This is the most unique retelling of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale. I actually enjoyed the references to the three little pigs that appeared in this book. The ability to tie together the characters from different books is greatly appealing. Of course there is no cliffhanger but I do enjoy the tie ins that appear at the conclusion which gives you something to look forward to. Enjoyed the gender role dilemmas that these characters experienced. Highly entertaining, a definite recommend!

[Caprice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return by Demelza Carlton is a retelling of the Hansel and Gretel Fairy Tale. I truly enjoyed reading this take on the familiar story. Complete with witch, evil stepmother, and beautiful "princess," it has everything a lover of fairy tales would want. I'd love to read more of the author's series of retellings. However, it's not really appropriate for younger teens, so make sure the readers are at least 16.

I requested an ARC copy of this book with the intention of giving an honest review, which I have done here.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

RETURN is the eleventh book in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. While they do each stand on their own, there is a lot of overlap. You will definitely want to have read BLOW either before or after this one.

We were teased in BLOW about Rhona and Grieve’s relationship. Now we get to find out the rest of the story. I loved how the two stories were entwined.

I don’t think I have ever held my breath so much while reading a fairytale! It was intelligently played out and a fantastic twist on the children’s version of Hansel and Gretel with which we are all so familiar.

I am loving this series so far and looking forward to many more from Ms. Carlton!

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: RETURN: HANSEL & GRETEL RETOLD
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #
Category /Genre: Fairytale Retelling; Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Demelza Carlton (as an ARC gifted copy)

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I am loving this fairy tale re-telling series. Wonderful twists to the classics and I love how this one intermingles with book 9 - Blow. Definitely a unique twist and much more adult. I really am loving this series more and more with each book I listen to. Also, I can't say enough about the narration - perfect - absolutely perfect for any fairytale - classic or otherwise!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is very little sweet and innocent about this retelling. When a stepmother tries to abandon children in life-threatening situations, when a father blindly support his wife, when war and invasion is imminent, none of this makes for sweet innocent times. The only really sweet part of this story was the love between Rhona and Grieve - their steamy commitment really lightens an otherwise dark retelling. This story is true to the spirit of the original fairytale for those who want the unexpurgated Grimm's Fairytales.

[Raya Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story. It gives a whole other take on the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. It has good descriptions that breathe life into the storyline helping you visualize what is happening in each scene, but it doesnt go overboard that you get bored with details and start to tune it out.

The narrator's does a good job with each character having a new tone from the other which helps pick which character is talking before you hear who it actually is.

I received a free audio book from the author and am leaving a review of my thoughts on it,

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tale Retold in Great Ways

This series gets better as more of the books are read. Each book is a great stand alone story. But, they are all tied together. What’s great is knowing the links doesn’t detract from each story.

Rhona and Grieve are the Greta and Hansel of the title. They’re lovers who pose as brother and sister for a part of the story.

Character development is nicely done. The world view is very consistent with the other books in this series.

This was an enjoyable read. Strong female lead protagonists and honorable men are perfect foils for the plot.

[Susana Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've listen to this story. The narration is very good, with an interesting accent that fits the story. The "ss" sound sometimes is a bit complicated with low quality phones though. Nothing that prevents from fully enjoying the story.
As for the tale, it took me a bit to enter in the complex of all the characters, places and relationships. For a simple tale, the story is quite complex with more that a single focal point, witch I end up enjoying at the end. For me, that and the narration are the biggest points.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is not your regular retelling of Hansel and Gretel. You will laugh once you get to that part. Demelza Carlton brings you into the story and you find yourself hoping things work out for Rhona and Grieve. I enjoyed reading this book and loved it when Rhona becomes a badass. A woman who can end wars. Recommend this to all who love fairytales with a twist.

[Dmcl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grieve and Rhona are the heroes of Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold. He a noble second son; she the oldest daughter of the Lord of Rum Isle, born with witchcraft that must be hidden. Many things conspire to keep them apart, not the least of which is a war and a wicked stepmother. Demelza Carlton puts her own spin on Hansel and Gretel with sassy dialogue and exciting action but no gingerbread house. But you won’t miss it in this engaging story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a excellent, entertaining retelling of the fairy-tale and I really enjoyed reading it. What you will find in this book is: drama, some suspense, twists and turns, betrayal, magic, adventure, romance and some mild erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well written and keeps the readers attention. The characters are well developed with personalities and have feelings of lust, needs and desires. I would recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the take on Hansel and Gretel that I was expecting, but it was really good and played well off the last book. I enjoyed learning Rhona's story and what made her tick. It was nice to see a more human side to her as she was more cold in the last book. Grieve came a long way is all I can say. This was a great read and I do enjoy these remakes of the fairy tales I grew up with. I volunteered to read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jumbled story, inconsistent characters

I have enjoyed a couple other books in this series but this one fell flat. The first half of the story seemed carefully developed and I was interested in the strong, confident characters. But then the story went all over the place, losing pacing and clarity. And the characters became soggy- changing the direction sometimes multiple times in one page. By the end they had lost my interest and I just rolled my eyes with the final scene.

[Elvina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book😍😍 I really enjoyed the plot. But 1 thing I hate is the way she welcome me to this new book😑, I just on the first chapter and she's made 1 character death 😖🤐.
The cover I loved it, so beautiful like she was so determined and really reflected the character 😍. This is why I loved this book, everything was so perfect, start with the cover, the plot, and the ending will always be same😆.