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The Four Kingdoms #3.5
A Midwinter's Wedding
A retelling of The Frog Prince fairy tale
Princess Cordelia is used to being overshadowed by her many brothers and sisters. So when she’s offered the chance to attend her brother’s wedding in a faraway kingdom, she leaps at it. In Northhelm, she’ll finally have the chance to stand alone. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll even find romance.
But not everything in the Northhelmian court is as it appears. With her brother distracted by the wedding, only Ferdinand, the ugliest man at court, will listen to Cordelia’s concerns. A beautiful princess and a strangely amphibious soldier may be the only thing standing between all Four Kingdoms and disaster.
Cordelia will have to overcome prejudice, deceit and danger if she wants to save the day and find romance at A Midwinter’s Wedding.
Princess Cordelia is used to being overshadowed by her many brothers and sisters. So when she’s offered the chance to attend her brother’s wedding in a faraway kingdom, she leaps at it. In Northhelm, she’ll finally have the chance to stand alone. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll even find romance.
But not everything in the Northhelmian court is as it appears. With her brother distracted by the wedding, only Ferdinand, the ugliest man at court, will listen to Cordelia’s concerns. A beautiful princess and a strangely amphibious soldier may be the only thing standing between all Four Kingdoms and disaster.
Cordelia will have to overcome prejudice, deceit and danger if she wants to save the day and find romance at A Midwinter’s Wedding.
156 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2017
About the author
Melanie Cellier
90 books2,929 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
June 7, 2024
4 ✨ for seeing everyone again
4 ✨ for Ferdy
3 ✨ for Cordelia (love her name, but she was a bit annoying)
Hi, yes, why do five out of seven of the Royal children in this family have a ‘C’ name and two do not? I don’t feel like I would react well to that if five of my siblings had connecting names but me and a brother do not. That’s neither here nor there but I had to note my confusion—and the fact I could barely keep tract of all of them.
I didn’t care for Cordelia and how she treated her cursed sister, especially since it’s shared through memories that she was close to her sister before the curse that made her unable to share her smarts out loud with everyone. I’m looking forward to her story next—perhaps with William? Does William get his own story?
It was fun to basically see all the couples from the prior books again! It’s been a year and a half since the first book’s ending happened, so I was excited to “see” everyone again. We don’t see Sarah, but we see at least glimpses of everyone else which was like a party, hahaha! 😁
Main Content:
It’s said that the High King and the godmothers watch over all of the people and the kingdoms; Many mentions of curses, those who are cursed, & trying to break the curse; Mentions of fairy godmothers (in the snow they make snow godmothers instead of snow angels); Mentions of magic items (including one that’s supposed to lead you to your true love).
Being attacked (up to a few sentences); Falling through a frozen lake, pain, injuries, & being rescued (multiple paragraphs in describing what is happening); Seeing someone nearly get ran-over by a horse; Mentions of poisons & plans of harming others (unsaid if it’s death or just causing trouble/a war); Mentions of accidents & injuries; Mentions of mulled wine.
No language stronger than ‘sucker’ and ‘idiot’; A couple mentions of curses (not written out); Cordelia is rude to her sister who was cursed to be a fool (but does feel guilty about it at times and softens her tone).
Three kisses lasting a sentence each; Touches, Embraces, Being held, Noticing, Smelling, & Blushes (up to a few sentences in details); Wanting to embrace (a couple sentences); Seeing couples embrace, touch, & kiss (a couple sentences); Cordelia wants to have romance on this trip & wonders what it would be like to be held by someone; Cordelia is please when people notice her appearance & beauty; Cordelia is told by a young man to take of her wet clothing, but it’s because it’s cold and he doesn’t look/watch; Cordelia doesn’t think about someone in a romance way because of his appearance; Mentions of kissing & mistletoe; A couple mentions of jealousy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
4 ✨ for Ferdy
3 ✨ for Cordelia (love her name, but she was a bit annoying)
Hi, yes, why do five out of seven of the Royal children in this family have a ‘C’ name and two do not? I don’t feel like I would react well to that if five of my siblings had connecting names but me and a brother do not. That’s neither here nor there but I had to note my confusion—and the fact I could barely keep tract of all of them.
I didn’t care for Cordelia and how she treated her cursed sister, especially since it’s shared through memories that she was close to her sister before the curse that made her unable to share her smarts out loud with everyone. I’m looking forward to her story next—perhaps with William? Does William get his own story?
It was fun to basically see all the couples from the prior books again! It’s been a year and a half since the first book’s ending happened, so I was excited to “see” everyone again. We don’t see Sarah, but we see at least glimpses of everyone else which was like a party, hahaha! 😁
Main Content:
It’s said that the High King and the godmothers watch over all of the people and the kingdoms; Many mentions of curses, those who are cursed, & trying to break the curse; Mentions of fairy godmothers (in the snow they make snow godmothers instead of snow angels); Mentions of magic items (including one that’s supposed to lead you to your true love).
Being attacked (up to a few sentences); Falling through a frozen lake, pain, injuries, & being rescued (multiple paragraphs in describing what is happening); Seeing someone nearly get ran-over by a horse; Mentions of poisons & plans of harming others (unsaid if it’s death or just causing trouble/a war); Mentions of accidents & injuries; Mentions of mulled wine.
No language stronger than ‘sucker’ and ‘idiot’; A couple mentions of curses (not written out); Cordelia is rude to her sister who was cursed to be a fool (but does feel guilty about it at times and softens her tone).
Three kisses lasting a sentence each; Touches, Embraces, Being held, Noticing, Smelling, & Blushes (up to a few sentences in details); Wanting to embrace (a couple sentences); Seeing couples embrace, touch, & kiss (a couple sentences); Cordelia wants to have romance on this trip & wonders what it would be like to be held by someone; Cordelia is please when people notice her appearance & beauty; Cordelia is told by a young man to take of her wet clothing, but it’s because it’s cold and he doesn’t look/watch; Cordelia doesn’t think about someone in a romance way because of his appearance; Mentions of kissing & mistletoe; A couple mentions of jealousy.
See my content reviews of the rest of the series & spin-off series here:
The Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #2.2, Book #2.5, Book #3, Book #3.5, Book #4, and Book #5.
Beyond the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
Return to the Four Kingdoms series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, and Book #6.
The Four Kingdoms Duology:
Book #1 and Book #2.
August 16, 2024
December 2024 re-read:
5 stars is there even a question??? 🤭🤭🤭🤭 Gosh…
THEYRE SO CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
We all love Ferdy and Deli ofc yesss love love love love love. Can’t wait to see more of Cordelia’s sister in the next book 📚! Byeee 😘
August 2024 1st read:
First Reaction:
"You don't have to fight for me Ferdy. I'm already yours."
Gahhhhhhhh 🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍💗💗💗💗💗😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Full Review:
N/A
5 stars is there even a question??? 🤭🤭🤭🤭 Gosh…
THEYRE SO CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
We all love Ferdy and Deli ofc yesss love love love love love. Can’t wait to see more of Cordelia’s sister in the next book 📚! Byeee 😘
August 2024 1st read:
First Reaction:
"You don't have to fight for me Ferdy. I'm already yours."
Gahhhhhhhh 🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍💗💗💗💗💗😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Full Review:
N/A
September 12, 2022
4.5 stars
I haven’t read retellings in the longest time and this one was amazing. Ferdy is just swoon worthy. Honestly, I didn’t think that there would be an actual curse and I thought the H would be frog looking until the end. I fell for Ferdy even before he became handsome lol. He was just so kind and patient to the h, even when the h sometimes disregarded him. The h was a bit annoying and a busybody but her skills helped the kingdom.
Lifting onto her toes, she pressed her lips against his. A bright light flashed out and enveloped the entire garden.”
“Dimly Cordelia could hear the others crying out, but she clung to Ferdy. At last the light dimmed, and she could see again.
Except the man she was clinging to had been transformed. His legs were straight and strong, making him taller than before. His bulging eyes were gone, and his features were straight and regular. He was every bit as handsome as William.
She stared at him. She could still see the Ferdy she loved in his features, and his smile still melted her heart, just like it had done the moment before their kiss.
“You did it,” he said. “You broke the curse.”
I haven’t read retellings in the longest time and this one was amazing. Ferdy is just swoon worthy. Honestly, I didn’t think that there would be an actual curse and I thought the H would be frog looking until the end. I fell for Ferdy even before he became handsome lol. He was just so kind and patient to the h, even when the h sometimes disregarded him. The h was a bit annoying and a busybody but her skills helped the kingdom.
Lifting onto her toes, she pressed her lips against his. A bright light flashed out and enveloped the entire garden.”
“Dimly Cordelia could hear the others crying out, but she clung to Ferdy. At last the light dimmed, and she could see again.
Except the man she was clinging to had been transformed. His legs were straight and strong, making him taller than before. His bulging eyes were gone, and his features were straight and regular. He was every bit as handsome as William.
She stared at him. She could still see the Ferdy she loved in his features, and his smile still melted her heart, just like it had done the moment before their kiss.
“You did it,” he said. “You broke the curse.”
February 12, 2018
I was so close to not reading this after the severe disappointment of the last half book novella in this series. I'm so, so, so glad I decided to give it a shot because even though it is a between books novella, it turned out to be my favorite in the series.
In this book I actually loved both the main characters. Cordelia was fun and smart. Ferdy was sweet and brave. I liked that Cordelia is honest with herself in the fact that she wanted to go there to snag someone rich and handsome(preferably a prince). It shows a knowing of ones self. And she admits it's not a good thing that she judges on appearance.
Ferdy listens to Cordelia as in actually listens. She realizes this and it's so cool to watch their relationship develop as they grow in respect for one another.
I wish this had been a full novel because Ferdy and Cordelia were such great characters. Definitely the best romantic couple in the series.
In this book I actually loved both the main characters. Cordelia was fun and smart. Ferdy was sweet and brave. I liked that Cordelia is honest with herself in the fact that she wanted to go there to snag someone rich and handsome(preferably a prince). It shows a knowing of ones self. And she admits it's not a good thing that she judges on appearance.
Ferdy listens to Cordelia as in actually listens. She realizes this and it's so cool to watch their relationship develop as they grow in respect for one another.
I wish this had been a full novel because Ferdy and Cordelia were such great characters. Definitely the best romantic couple in the series.
July 25, 2022
(0/10 would never recommend)
listening to this (because of course it was only available in audiobook form fdnskjnfskjndsk) was an exercise in patience for me, one which i nearly failed. i mostly spent my time listening to this alternating between wanting to pour bleach into my ears and wanting to delete my hoopla account so i could never make a mistake like this ever again.
this was beyond painful. literal hell. never again.
listening to this (because of course it was only available in audiobook form fdnskjnfskjndsk) was an exercise in patience for me, one which i nearly failed. i mostly spent my time listening to this alternating between wanting to pour bleach into my ears and wanting to delete my hoopla account so i could never make a mistake like this ever again.
this was beyond painful. literal hell. never again.
November 25, 2021
That was the sweetest most heartfelt thing. ✨ I’m just gonna savor this series awhile.
August 27, 2018
The Frog Prince is one of my favorite fairy tales because its theme is so close to Beauty and the Beast in that the characters must look beyond outward appearances to fall in love with a person’s heart. A Midwinter Wedding was not only a charming take on that premise but it was the perfect continuation of Melanie Cellier's Four Kingdoms series.
Princess Cordelia of Lanover—the sister of Rafe from The Princess Pact—has the opportunity to travel to Northhelm for his wedding. While there, she meets Prince William’s friend Ferdinand (whose appearance is strangely frog-like) and begins to overhear suspicious conversations. While others brush off her observations and concerns, she finds a good listener and faithful friend in Ferdy. Together they unravel a plot against the royals of the surrounding kingdoms, all while gradually falling in love.
While A Midwinter Wedding was only a novella, the story arc felt complete and I found the read fun and satisfying. I not only loved seeing the reappearance of old characters from previous novels in the Four Kingdoms series but I particularly enjoyed getting to know Cordelia and Ferdy. Cordelia’s keen observation was admirable and her childlike excitement while experiencing winter and all the Midwinter activities it entails for the first time delightful. I also enjoyed experiencing her journey to distinguish herself while feeling overlooked in her big family but learn what true beauty is. Ferdy was the perfect hero—so loyal and incredibly sweet; he and Cordelia were not only kindred spirits but an adorable couple. Their romance was utterly cute and enjoyable.
Overall I found A Midwinter Wedding to be a lovely retelling of The Frog Prince and a perfect winter read.
Princess Cordelia of Lanover—the sister of Rafe from The Princess Pact—has the opportunity to travel to Northhelm for his wedding. While there, she meets Prince William’s friend Ferdinand (whose appearance is strangely frog-like) and begins to overhear suspicious conversations. While others brush off her observations and concerns, she finds a good listener and faithful friend in Ferdy. Together they unravel a plot against the royals of the surrounding kingdoms, all while gradually falling in love.
While A Midwinter Wedding was only a novella, the story arc felt complete and I found the read fun and satisfying. I not only loved seeing the reappearance of old characters from previous novels in the Four Kingdoms series but I particularly enjoyed getting to know Cordelia and Ferdy. Cordelia’s keen observation was admirable and her childlike excitement while experiencing winter and all the Midwinter activities it entails for the first time delightful. I also enjoyed experiencing her journey to distinguish herself while feeling overlooked in her big family but learn what true beauty is. Ferdy was the perfect hero—so loyal and incredibly sweet; he and Cordelia were not only kindred spirits but an adorable couple. Their romance was utterly cute and enjoyable.
Overall I found A Midwinter Wedding to be a lovely retelling of The Frog Prince and a perfect winter read.
April 18, 2025
I'm so glad Ferdy got a happy ending! Cordelia was fine. 😂😂
Read
January 1, 2025Last book of 2024!
A sweet retelling of Princess and the Frog with Christmas/winter vibes and a charming love interest.
A sweet retelling of Princess and the Frog with Christmas/winter vibes and a charming love interest.
March 1, 2019
I rarely come across retellings from the Frog Prince and it happens even more rarely that I actually find ones that are well done. It's a very tricky tale, especially because in the version we all know so well the princess is not exactly the most likeable character. But, there are other versions, versions where the tale is a little differently and more beautifully.
And this book seemed to combine them all. This resulted in a lovely tale with the well known elements of the princess and the frog, like the golden ball and a curse, mixed with a fresh adventure, intrigue and royal balls and gatherings. And all of this in a lovely winter atmosphere combined with winter traditions from all over the world.
Apart from that: Both Cordelia and Ferdy were easy to like characters. They were most of all relatable and very human. Which means that Cordelia needs time to look past Ferdy's looks and that Ferdy needs time to realise that someone can pick him over the crown prince. But it's mostly their relationship, where they both appreciate and trust each other, believe each other and support each other no matter what, that I loved the most. Even though it was only a novella, they got the chance to get to know each other and to develop a friendship before anything else happened and grows, something I really like and appreciate.
I can't wait to read the next book, because the premise once again sounds very interesting and lovely!
And this book seemed to combine them all. This resulted in a lovely tale with the well known elements of the princess and the frog, like the golden ball and a curse, mixed with a fresh adventure, intrigue and royal balls and gatherings. And all of this in a lovely winter atmosphere combined with winter traditions from all over the world.
Apart from that: Both Cordelia and Ferdy were easy to like characters. They were most of all relatable and very human. Which means that Cordelia needs time to look past Ferdy's looks and that Ferdy needs time to realise that someone can pick him over the crown prince. But it's mostly their relationship, where they both appreciate and trust each other, believe each other and support each other no matter what, that I loved the most. Even though it was only a novella, they got the chance to get to know each other and to develop a friendship before anything else happened and grows, something I really like and appreciate.
I can't wait to read the next book, because the premise once again sounds very interesting and lovely!
July 21, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the first time I read it! I needed a little Christmas(*for we need a little Christmas... right this very minute*-sorry what?) and I had a moment when I emerged from the book where I was like "oh right it's like 90 degrees outside eeww" because the story was so immersing. I loved Cordelia, and I loved seeing all the characters again and also for some reason I particularly loved the uncovering of the conspiracy. The romance was sweet, and I loved the little epilogue! It's such a great lead-in to the next book. Overall, this was a great romance novella! 11+
September 23, 2021
Fun but not anything crazy new.
June 20, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Four stars
So, I accidentally read this out of order AGAIN and missed this novella. I wish that I'd read this book first.
(I have a tendency to miss all of the novellas in this series! Did I miss any others? Make sure to tell me if there are any other secret ones!)
It was so much fun getting to see everyone again.
Every time Cordelia was introduced to a character from a previous book, I was like, I KNOW THEM!!! I especially liked seeing the people from Arcadia again, that's probably my favorite country in the kingdom so far.
I didn't know anything about this fairy tale other than the basics, so I didn't really know how this story would go.
I ended up LOVING it though!!
The ending was kind of rushed, and I would've liked to see more of Cordelia and Ferdy as a couple. I feel like the romance went from almost nonexistent to Cordelia suddenly being in love with him, which also kind of bugged me.
Cordelia and Ferdinand aren't my favorite couple in this series, (That honor goes to Max and Alyssa), and I know this might be a controversial opinion, but they wouldve been better off as friends.
Cordelia is a great character, and I think "Aurora" should recruit her for th spy agency. (Long story, I accidentally read the series out of order and it happens in the next book.) She notices everything, although I don't like how no one believes her suspicions. That kind of bugs me.
I also don't like what she thinks of her sister, Celeste, mostly because I know the truth about her. (Again, I accidentally read the series out of order.)
It also kind of bugged me how she wrote Ferdinand off at first because of how he looked. Like, really? I know this is a frog and the princess retelling, but it just bugged me.
Ferdinand is a great, confident character too, and I like how he was always there for Cordelia. And that scene at the end was so sweet...
I don't like that this was in third person. I was confused at who was talking at times, and noticed a few missing commas and minor grammar mistakes.
I'm weird about that. Because I'm a writer, I can't read anything normally and literally analyze every scene, wether it's a climatic romantic scene, or kidnapping scene.
Overall, this was a very good book. Not my favorite in the series, but I'd still recommend it.
CW/TW: Attempted mass murder by poison, (the villains try to do it), one kiss, minimal details, Cordelia is put off by Ferdinand's appearance at first, notes his "crooked legs, bugged out eyes", (the curse is lifted when Cordelia and Ferdy kiss at the end of the novela nd he looks normal), an almost kidnapping, mention of magical godmothers, Ferdinand is under a curse, Cordelias younger sister is under a curse, ahe perceives her as not smart.
Four stars
So, I accidentally read this out of order AGAIN and missed this novella. I wish that I'd read this book first.
(I have a tendency to miss all of the novellas in this series! Did I miss any others? Make sure to tell me if there are any other secret ones!)
It was so much fun getting to see everyone again.
Every time Cordelia was introduced to a character from a previous book, I was like, I KNOW THEM!!! I especially liked seeing the people from Arcadia again, that's probably my favorite country in the kingdom so far.
I didn't know anything about this fairy tale other than the basics, so I didn't really know how this story would go.
I ended up LOVING it though!!
The ending was kind of rushed, and I would've liked to see more of Cordelia and Ferdy as a couple. I feel like the romance went from almost nonexistent to Cordelia suddenly being in love with him, which also kind of bugged me.
Cordelia and Ferdinand aren't my favorite couple in this series, (That honor goes to Max and Alyssa), and I know this might be a controversial opinion, but they wouldve been better off as friends.
Cordelia is a great character, and I think "Aurora" should recruit her for th spy agency. (Long story, I accidentally read the series out of order and it happens in the next book.) She notices everything, although I don't like how no one believes her suspicions. That kind of bugs me.
I also don't like what she thinks of her sister, Celeste, mostly because I know the truth about her. (Again, I accidentally read the series out of order.)
It also kind of bugged me how she wrote Ferdinand off at first because of how he looked. Like, really? I know this is a frog and the princess retelling, but it just bugged me.
Ferdinand is a great, confident character too, and I like how he was always there for Cordelia. And that scene at the end was so sweet...
I don't like that this was in third person. I was confused at who was talking at times, and noticed a few missing commas and minor grammar mistakes.
I'm weird about that. Because I'm a writer, I can't read anything normally and literally analyze every scene, wether it's a climatic romantic scene, or kidnapping scene.
Overall, this was a very good book. Not my favorite in the series, but I'd still recommend it.
CW/TW: Attempted mass murder by poison, (the villains try to do it), one kiss, minimal details, Cordelia is put off by Ferdinand's appearance at first, notes his "crooked legs, bugged out eyes", (the curse is lifted when Cordelia and Ferdy kiss at the end of the novela nd he looks normal), an almost kidnapping, mention of magical godmothers, Ferdinand is under a curse, Cordelias younger sister is under a curse, ahe perceives her as not smart.
July 24, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this one had much as the others 🤷🏻♀️. I felt like it didn’t have a powerful ending and just lacked overall compared to the other books in the series.
August 21, 2024
Great like the rest of them, in my opinion. However, if the current pattern of how the villainous plots are revealed persists, I could see myself getting annoyed. But most importantly, FERDY IS LOVELY!!! Be my husband 😭😭! The entirety of Chapter 6 was just hilarious, man. All I really have left to add is a quote from page 98:
Ava helped both Cordelia and Alyssa out of their snow godmothers. Admiring her work, Cordelia almost didn’t notice that all three girls were staring at her. “The two of you seem to get along very well,” said Alyssa. Cordelia looked between the three of them and then across at Ferdinand. She blushed. “We’re just friends.” “Mmmhmmm,” said Ava disbelievingly. “I don’t think of him like that.” Cordelia squirmed. She didn’t want to admit out loud that his strange looks prevented her from thinking of him as anything other than a friend. It sounded ignoble even in her thoughts, but it was the truth. “He’s a good man,” said Marie before letting the matter drop.
Ava helped both Cordelia and Alyssa out of their snow godmothers. Admiring her work, Cordelia almost didn’t notice that all three girls were staring at her. “The two of you seem to get along very well,” said Alyssa. Cordelia looked between the three of them and then across at Ferdinand. She blushed. “We’re just friends.” “Mmmhmmm,” said Ava disbelievingly. “I don’t think of him like that.” Cordelia squirmed. She didn’t want to admit out loud that his strange looks prevented her from thinking of him as anything other than a friend. It sounded ignoble even in her thoughts, but it was the truth. “He’s a good man,” said Marie before letting the matter drop.
December 2, 2025
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Wow! That was so good! This is a super sweet love story novella! I loved it! I was so happy to be back in this world and with these precious characters! I loved seeing Max and Alyssa again! I’ve missed this world so much! Cordelia was awesome and I loved her! Ferdinand was a sweetheart! Their love story was so sweet! Snow godmothers instead of snow angels was great! 😂 This is the perfect winter/Christmas novella and I highly recommend!
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Wow! That was so good! This is a super sweet love story novella! I loved it! I was so happy to be back in this world and with these precious characters! I loved seeing Max and Alyssa again! I’ve missed this world so much! Cordelia was awesome and I loved her! Ferdinand was a sweetheart! Their love story was so sweet! Snow godmothers instead of snow angels was great! 😂 This is the perfect winter/Christmas novella and I highly recommend!
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
July 8, 2024
I really loved this book because it focused on what is on the inside rather than looks. Normally most romance I see are all about looks. It was so sweet and I love the nonchalant woman empowerment in this series. It isn’t in your face but it is subtle
June 4, 2022
Such a charming story!! I love Melanie Cellier's themes in each of these books and this one especially was truly remarkable! Such a wonderful way of portraying the frog prince!
March 14, 2022
This was a unique retelling of The Frog Prince. I liked how it didn’t have the gross, (slightly concerning) amphibian aspect.
September 24, 2020
4.5 stars! This was such a sweet story. Both of the characters, Cordelia and Ferdy, were very likable. Their friendship to love story was SO sweet. I just loved it. And the winter setting was so much fun! And of course the action was great too. An amazing novella!
December 19, 2017
Midwinter's Wedding is the novella to be read between books 3 and 4 in the Four Kingdom Series. Okay, y'all should all already know how much I'm diggin' this series. (If you don't, see my reviews for the previous five books, novella, and shorts that I've read in the last week and a half. XD) Well, the Frong Prince was no different! I thoroughly enjoyed Cordelia's character and personality. It was so neat to have the observant MC, good with faces and voices. And who doesn't love William and Ferdy?! Ah, man, the kids and the ice skating, the Midwinter's celebration! This was the perfect little winter read. It has Cellier's trademark sweet romance with a tinge of danger and a nod to the classic tale, of course. An excellent addition to the series, as expected.
No language, no violence, mild romance.
No language, no violence, mild romance.
December 19, 2019
Wonderful fairytale novella
I really enjoyed this story. There aren’t too many retellings of “The Frog Prince” fairytale that I’ve come across and liked, but this one was definitely better. I loved the way the author wove a completely new story into the book while still staying true to the original tale. I know it’s considered a novella, but it didn’t really feel like one, probably cause I felt like you got to know the characters so much in such a short time. I felt a little lost at times since I’d never read a book by this author before and didn’t know any of the other characters from other books, but truthfully it only whetted my appetite for more of the books in this series! Can’t wait to read more!
I really enjoyed this story. There aren’t too many retellings of “The Frog Prince” fairytale that I’ve come across and liked, but this one was definitely better. I loved the way the author wove a completely new story into the book while still staying true to the original tale. I know it’s considered a novella, but it didn’t really feel like one, probably cause I felt like you got to know the characters so much in such a short time. I felt a little lost at times since I’d never read a book by this author before and didn’t know any of the other characters from other books, but truthfully it only whetted my appetite for more of the books in this series! Can’t wait to read more!
February 2, 2021
All I can say is that I wish this novella had been made into an actual book because I have never been so in love with a character in my whole booking life. I never really liked the story of the Frog Prince before and this book turned my opinion around and wedged its way into my heart. I can only congratulate Melanie Cellier for such a masterful turn of the story...
An absolutely clean and wonderful retelling no one should miss out on!
An absolutely clean and wonderful retelling no one should miss out on!
September 28, 2020
This was a sweet story. I love retellings of the fairy tales we all loved growing up. I loved how steadfast and loyal Ferdy was. He didn't negate anything she said but he was there with a steady hand supporting her in any way that he could. I loved all the secrets of the house. I always wanted a house with secrets to explore.
May 19, 2018
I found the promise for this novel interesting, and I was blown away by the creative imaginings of the author in pulling it off. I loved the build up between the characters. Their emotions seem real and not rushed.
September 27, 2017
A lot of novellas feel incomplete, but this one felt whole. Overall, a satisfying read.
Want to Read
September 17, 2021This apparently has a stupid mc
:)
:)
August 5, 2020
Eu quase deixei de ler esta novela porque ela é uma extensão de The princess pact , uma história que não me agradou e deixou muito a desejar em enredo, na construção dos personagens - principalmente a protagonista e seu par romântico - e na química do casal principal.
Esta história se desenrola durante os preparativos do casamento de Marie e Rafe, casal do terceiro livro desta série, e, sinceramente, me faltava ânimo para retornar a esse universo que me decepcionou.
Eu só dei uma chance porque me lembrei que na novela que Melanie Cellier escreveu entre o segundo e o terceiro livro, a princesa protagonista e seu par do segundo livro quase não aparecem e têm falas uma pena, na minha opinião, porque gostei muito deles e queria ter mais um pouquinho deles . Achei que o estilo narrativo iria se repetir aqui.
Bom, infelizmente Marie e Rafe têm um pouquinho mais de destaque do que gostaria. Não só eles, mas outro casal que não gostei (Alyssa e Max de The princess companion ) aparecem no livro com a mesma falta de carisma que mostraram em suas próprias histórias.
A prosa simples e eficiente de Melanie compensou isso. Esta série de releituras não é nenhum primor da literatura, sei disso, mas é gostosinha de ler, é leve e se você ignorar alguns absurdos - como o comportamento da monarquia em certas ocasiões, os equívocos nos protocolos reais - você até consegue se distrair e se divertir durante a leitura.
Ao ler essas histórias, a gente tem que manter em mente o que ela se propõe e, definitivamente, não é mostrar a realeza como ela é de verdade, mas uma visão bem romantizada. Com direito a fadas madrinhas, castelos, príncipes se casando com plebeias e princesas em busca do amor, um reino vivendo em paz até que o vilão aparecer, súbitos que amam seu monarcas e principado acima de tudo porque eles são muito justos e bondosos.
Voltando à falar da novela, gostei da Cordelia, ainda que as poucas páginas tenham limitado o aprofundamento da personagem. Mas ela tem carisma e age com naturalidade (bem diferente do irmão, um clichézão ambulante de príncipe).
A história é bacana. Mas a autora concentrou muito tempo dela na intriga em que Cordelia tropeçou no meio do caminho e pouco em desenvolver o romance entre ela e Ferdinand ou no conto d' A princesa e o sapo - que ficou, literalmente, para o último capítulo. Para mim, atrapalhou o desfecho; a intriga foi descoberta e desmontada rapidamente de um jeito bem simples e foi difícil acreditar que Cordelia e Ferdinand se amavam em tão pouco tempo. Uma pena, porque a interação entre eles durante a história foi fofa, genuína, com química e dava para ver que um sentia-se atraído pelo outro. Não precisava dessa correria se Melanie tivesse dividido os subplots melhor.
P.s: Achei absurdo a autora criar uma família gigantesca para Cordelia e Rafe, com seis irmãos e pais vivos e eles nem participarem da história. Foram brevemente mencionados, mas nem o rei nem a rainha compareceram ao casamento de um de seus filhos. O que, apesar da justificativa encontrada pela autora, ainda é difícil de aceitar.
Pelas sinopses do resto da série sei que algumas irmãs de Cordelia e Rafe terão sua própria história. Não foi por isso que a autora tomou a decisão de excluí-las; era simplesmente muita gente, pouco espaço e preguiça de designar função para eles.
Esta história se desenrola durante os preparativos do casamento de Marie e Rafe, casal do terceiro livro desta série, e, sinceramente, me faltava ânimo para retornar a esse universo que me decepcionou.
Eu só dei uma chance porque me lembrei que na novela que Melanie Cellier escreveu entre o segundo e o terceiro livro, a princesa protagonista e seu par do segundo livro quase não aparecem e têm falas
Bom, infelizmente Marie e Rafe têm um pouquinho mais de destaque do que gostaria. Não só eles, mas outro casal que não gostei (Alyssa e Max de The princess companion ) aparecem no livro com a mesma falta de carisma que mostraram em suas próprias histórias.
A prosa simples e eficiente de Melanie compensou isso. Esta série de releituras não é nenhum primor da literatura, sei disso, mas é gostosinha de ler, é leve e se você ignorar alguns absurdos - como o comportamento da monarquia em certas ocasiões, os equívocos nos protocolos reais - você até consegue se distrair e se divertir durante a leitura.
Ao ler essas histórias, a gente tem que manter em mente o que ela se propõe e, definitivamente, não é mostrar a realeza como ela é de verdade, mas uma visão bem romantizada. Com direito a fadas madrinhas, castelos, príncipes se casando com plebeias e princesas em busca do amor, um reino vivendo em paz até que o vilão aparecer, súbitos que amam seu monarcas e principado acima de tudo porque eles são muito justos e bondosos.
Voltando à falar da novela, gostei da Cordelia, ainda que as poucas páginas tenham limitado o aprofundamento da personagem. Mas ela tem carisma e age com naturalidade (bem diferente do irmão, um clichézão ambulante de príncipe).
A história é bacana. Mas a autora concentrou muito tempo dela na intriga em que Cordelia tropeçou no meio do caminho e pouco em desenvolver o romance entre ela e Ferdinand ou no conto d' A princesa e o sapo - que ficou, literalmente, para o último capítulo. Para mim, atrapalhou o desfecho; a intriga foi descoberta e desmontada rapidamente de um jeito bem simples e foi difícil acreditar que Cordelia e Ferdinand se amavam em tão pouco tempo. Uma pena, porque a interação entre eles durante a história foi fofa, genuína, com química e dava para ver que um sentia-se atraído pelo outro. Não precisava dessa correria se Melanie tivesse dividido os subplots melhor.
P.s: Achei absurdo a autora criar uma família gigantesca para Cordelia e Rafe, com seis irmãos e pais vivos e eles nem participarem da história. Foram brevemente mencionados, mas nem o rei nem a rainha compareceram ao casamento de um de seus filhos. O que, apesar da justificativa encontrada pela autora, ainda é difícil de aceitar.
Pelas sinopses do resto da série sei que algumas irmãs de Cordelia e Rafe terão sua própria história. Não foi por isso que a autora tomou a decisão de excluí-las; era simplesmente muita gente, pouco espaço e preguiça de designar função para eles.
November 3, 2022
A Midwinter’s Wedding is the second novella in The Four Kingdoms series that falls between novels three and four. There are crossover characters and the timeline between book one until now is continuous, so this is best read as part of the series but could be read as a standalone. As with the other novels being retellings or reimaginings, this story is no different as it is a retelling of The Frog Prince. This story follows Princess Cordelia from Lanover who has traveled to Northhelm for the wedding of her brother, Rafe (the love interest from The Princess Pact) to Princess Marie. Here she meets Marie’s brother William and his friend Ferdinand (Ferdy), who has a frog-like appearance with bowlegs and bulging eyes.
As the second to last child of seven, Cordelia is looking forward to the chance to be noticed at this royal event. During her time in Northhelm, she overhears multiple suspicious conversations and raises these concerns to William and Rafe. As both dismiss her, she turns to Ferdy for help. Together they work to unravel the mysterious threat against the royals while also getting to know the other. While working together to discover the mystery, they also spend time together participating in winter activities, like ice skating. These moments were all sweet and I loved the friendship that developed between the two of them. I do wish that their transition from friendship to potential romance was done with a little more care, but I do enjoy the foundation that was built. Without some indication about the romantic feelings forming, it felt a little unbelievable, even though the two characters match each other well.
Compared to the previous novella, I loved this one more as, for me, it seemed to fit better and have more purpose. It is not that I did not like Evelyn and Sarah’s stories, but I just felt Cordelia’s weaved together with the others more seamlessly. Everything in this story is fairly straightforward, which was understandable as this was a novella; however, there was tons of potential to expand every element. The two characters more-or-less stay fairly the same in terms of development with a small bit from Cordelia, so there was room to add this to the story. Overall, this story was a great addition to the series. There was room for improvement to make it feel more complete, but I loved the individual pieces of the story a lot. I look forward to reading Celeste’s story next! [3.75 rounded to 4]
As the second to last child of seven, Cordelia is looking forward to the chance to be noticed at this royal event. During her time in Northhelm, she overhears multiple suspicious conversations and raises these concerns to William and Rafe. As both dismiss her, she turns to Ferdy for help. Together they work to unravel the mysterious threat against the royals while also getting to know the other. While working together to discover the mystery, they also spend time together participating in winter activities, like ice skating. These moments were all sweet and I loved the friendship that developed between the two of them. I do wish that their transition from friendship to potential romance was done with a little more care, but I do enjoy the foundation that was built. Without some indication about the romantic feelings forming, it felt a little unbelievable, even though the two characters match each other well.
Compared to the previous novella, I loved this one more as, for me, it seemed to fit better and have more purpose. It is not that I did not like Evelyn and Sarah’s stories, but I just felt Cordelia’s weaved together with the others more seamlessly. Everything in this story is fairly straightforward, which was understandable as this was a novella; however, there was tons of potential to expand every element. The two characters more-or-less stay fairly the same in terms of development with a small bit from Cordelia, so there was room to add this to the story. Overall, this story was a great addition to the series. There was room for improvement to make it feel more complete, but I loved the individual pieces of the story a lot. I look forward to reading Celeste’s story next! [3.75 rounded to 4]
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