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Forever After Retellings #5
Maiden in the Tower: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling
He's the first man she's ever met. She's the exact opposite of the woman he's supposed to marry.
Lisette Hunt has been hidden away her entire life, with nothing but a large window up in the cottage turret to give her a glimpse of the outside world. Until Gerry Worthington stumbles into her garden in search of his runaway dog.
As a second son, Gerry has never seen the need to take life too seriously. Less than pleased with his frivolity, his mother orders him to marry a woman of means and banishes him to his family's small, rundown estate. Unfortunately, innocent and penniless Lisette is the very opposite of what he needs.
But Gerry cannot resist the mystery surrounding Lisette, and soon he can no longer resist Lisette and her endearing peculiarity. As Gerry slowly opens Lisette's eyes to a larger world, she begins to open her heart to him. However, when Gerry uncovers the truth about who Lisette really is, it may cost them a chance at happiness together.
Lisette Hunt has been hidden away her entire life, with nothing but a large window up in the cottage turret to give her a glimpse of the outside world. Until Gerry Worthington stumbles into her garden in search of his runaway dog.
As a second son, Gerry has never seen the need to take life too seriously. Less than pleased with his frivolity, his mother orders him to marry a woman of means and banishes him to his family's small, rundown estate. Unfortunately, innocent and penniless Lisette is the very opposite of what he needs.
But Gerry cannot resist the mystery surrounding Lisette, and soon he can no longer resist Lisette and her endearing peculiarity. As Gerry slowly opens Lisette's eyes to a larger world, she begins to open her heart to him. However, when Gerry uncovers the truth about who Lisette really is, it may cost them a chance at happiness together.
158 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 24, 2024
Easy 4 stars!
(Clean regency book with a few sweet kisses but nothing more nor any language)
This needed to be at least a hundred pages longer, I feel jipped! It was so cuuuuuttttteeee! 🥰
She’s not in a tower but in a small cottage with an garden that has no rhyme or reason to it. He asked for a tour of her haphazard garden and that was the moment, my dear friends, he won me over with that and how much he loves his dog. 👏🏻
Rapunzel retellings are my favorite—particularly when our Rapunzel character is wide-eyed and so curious about everything and this book did it so well! I really liked Lisette and her bubbly personality. I would probably like any female lead who loves to garden and knows a lot about flowers, but Lisette was just so lovely as well!
Being a novella, the ending was a bit rushed—really would have liked this to be a full hundred pages longer—but it was still a sweet ending.
A lovely spring read!
Main Content:
Lisette reads out loud from the book ‘Sermons to Young Women’ and thinks of the author as a “very conceited and self-important man”: A handful of mentions about God, sin, & forgiveness; A couple mentions of Samson in the Bible (referenced when talking about a dog’s name choice); A mention of praters & praying; A mention of Lisette feeling like she broke one of the Ten Commandments just by looking at Gerry; The “Mother Gothel” character (who is not evil not selfish) hopes to one day be forgiven for her actions.
Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Like the classic Rapunzel tale, Lisette is not allowed to leave her cottage grounds and when she thinks about doing it, she feels very guilty (she does sneak out though a few times and while enjoys her time outside, she still feels guilty to the woman who has taken care of her); Lisette also tells a few lies to the woman and feels guilty for that as well; Gerry’s mother places an importance on him getting marriage to a wealthy girl, but Gerry enjoys the thought of annoying his mother; Gerry bites back a curse when in pain; Gerry drinks wine.
No major or minor language; ‘Deuce take it’ is said once, Heavens!’ Is exclaimed a couple times, and the phrase “Heaven only knew…” is said once.
A dog has a broken leg & it has to be re-set (a few sentences); Mentions of someone getting stung by a bee, hitting their head, bleeding, & passing out; A couple mentions of drinking & wine.
A forehead kiss, a kiss (a few sentences in length), and a kiss lasting about six sentences; Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (a few sentences); Remembering kisses & touches (a few sentences); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (a few sentences); Blushes; Noticing (a few sentences in length); Marriage has never appealed to Gerry because for his father “it had been nothing but a straight-jacket”; Mentions of a mother/wife and baby who passed away in childbirth (and grief from the husband); A few mentions of flirting.
(Clean regency book with a few sweet kisses but nothing more nor any language)
This needed to be at least a hundred pages longer, I feel jipped! It was so cuuuuuttttteeee! 🥰
She’s not in a tower but in a small cottage with an garden that has no rhyme or reason to it. He asked for a tour of her haphazard garden and that was the moment, my dear friends, he won me over with that and how much he loves his dog. 👏🏻
Rapunzel retellings are my favorite—particularly when our Rapunzel character is wide-eyed and so curious about everything and this book did it so well! I really liked Lisette and her bubbly personality. I would probably like any female lead who loves to garden and knows a lot about flowers, but Lisette was just so lovely as well!
Being a novella, the ending was a bit rushed—really would have liked this to be a full hundred pages longer—but it was still a sweet ending.
A lovely spring read!
Main Content:
Lisette reads out loud from the book ‘Sermons to Young Women’ and thinks of the author as a “very conceited and self-important man”: A handful of mentions about God, sin, & forgiveness; A couple mentions of Samson in the Bible (referenced when talking about a dog’s name choice); A mention of praters & praying; A mention of Lisette feeling like she broke one of the Ten Commandments just by looking at Gerry; The “Mother Gothel” character (who is not evil not selfish) hopes to one day be forgiven for her actions.
Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Like the classic Rapunzel tale, Lisette is not allowed to leave her cottage grounds and when she thinks about doing it, she feels very guilty (she does sneak out though a few times and while enjoys her time outside, she still feels guilty to the woman who has taken care of her); Lisette also tells a few lies to the woman and feels guilty for that as well; Gerry’s mother places an importance on him getting marriage to a wealthy girl, but Gerry enjoys the thought of annoying his mother; Gerry bites back a curse when in pain; Gerry drinks wine.
No major or minor language; ‘Deuce take it’ is said once, Heavens!’ Is exclaimed a couple times, and the phrase “Heaven only knew…” is said once.
A dog has a broken leg & it has to be re-set (a few sentences); Mentions of someone getting stung by a bee, hitting their head, bleeding, & passing out; A couple mentions of drinking & wine.
A forehead kiss, a kiss (a few sentences in length), and a kiss lasting about six sentences; Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (a few sentences); Remembering kisses & touches (a few sentences); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (a few sentences); Blushes; Noticing (a few sentences in length); Marriage has never appealed to Gerry because for his father “it had been nothing but a straight-jacket”; Mentions of a mother/wife and baby who passed away in childbirth (and grief from the husband); A few mentions of flirting.
October 2, 2024
The last novella in this series is a Rapunzel retelling and the retelling part was the only thing that didn’t really work for me.
I loved the romance and both Gerry and Lisette were sweet and likable. The writing was great too and I’m sure I’ll pick up more from this author.
The mystery behinds Lisette’s imprisonment was very easy to solve and I had it on the first clue. Since it’s a Rapunzel retelling, maybe I shouldn’t complain that there was a mystery involving locking up an innocent girl, but it was such an infuriating and heartbreaking story that it changed the reading experience for me. I can’t exactly say that it ruined it, I still enjoyed the book, but I can’t say that it was a light read.
To sum up I’m very happy that I found this series. I enjoyed all five novellas and discovered two new authors.
I loved the romance and both Gerry and Lisette were sweet and likable. The writing was great too and I’m sure I’ll pick up more from this author.
The mystery behinds Lisette’s imprisonment was very easy to solve and I had it on the first clue. Since it’s a Rapunzel retelling, maybe I shouldn’t complain that there was a mystery involving locking up an innocent girl, but it was such an infuriating and heartbreaking story that it changed the reading experience for me. I can’t exactly say that it ruined it, I still enjoyed the book, but I can’t say that it was a light read.
To sum up I’m very happy that I found this series. I enjoyed all five novellas and discovered two new authors.
October 2, 2024
4.5 stars
I found this novella utterly delightful and utterly charming for the first 90%. The writing was lively and engaging, and it retained a slight fairy tale-ish vibe, unlike the others in the series I’ve read so far, which felt more grounded in Regency-era reality.
And that scene where Lisette wanted to look fashionable for Gerry? Too funny. Also, Gerry’s dog was freakishly adorable.
The ending was a tiny bit weak, certainly not enough to ruin the story, but it was predictable in a way that the rest of the book wasn’t, and for that I deducted half a star. Dorothea’s culpability in evil granny’s plot was very, very disappointing. You, Dorothea, are an accessory. Shame on you.
I found this novella utterly delightful and utterly charming for the first 90%. The writing was lively and engaging, and it retained a slight fairy tale-ish vibe, unlike the others in the series I’ve read so far, which felt more grounded in Regency-era reality.
And that scene where Lisette wanted to look fashionable for Gerry? Too funny. Also, Gerry’s dog was freakishly adorable.
The ending was a tiny bit weak, certainly not enough to ruin the story, but it was predictable in a way that the rest of the book wasn’t, and for that I deducted half a star. Dorothea’s culpability in evil granny’s plot was very, very disappointing. You, Dorothea, are an accessory. Shame on you.
April 8, 2019
This is a Regency retelling of Rapunzel which I felt the author did very well. Lisette has lived in the tower with Dorothea as long as she can remember. It's all she knows, until a man comes through the gate searching for his lost dog.
Gerry, is the younger son who doesn't know what he wants because he's always done the opposite of his brother just be different than him. His mother sent him to their run down estate in Devon with orders to marry a woman of means before he can return home. When he stumbles upon Lisette and the odd cottage with the tower he's taken in by her unusual beauty and innocence. Lissette and Gerry start spending time together unbeknownst to Dorothea, and Gerry wants to find out why she's not supposed to spend time with him or allowed to go through the gate.
I don't want to give anything away but there's a funny scene involving pink hair powder (which I had to look up because I'd never heard of it before), and a touching scene involving Samson, the dog.
Heidi Kimball is a fairly new author to me but I enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were fairly well developed for a novella and the story didn't feel rushed. I enjoyed this take on Rapunzel, and finding out why Lady Garrick had Lisette hidden away.
I received an advanced copy to read but my review is voluntarily given and all thoughts expressed are mine.
Gerry, is the younger son who doesn't know what he wants because he's always done the opposite of his brother just be different than him. His mother sent him to their run down estate in Devon with orders to marry a woman of means before he can return home. When he stumbles upon Lisette and the odd cottage with the tower he's taken in by her unusual beauty and innocence. Lissette and Gerry start spending time together unbeknownst to Dorothea, and Gerry wants to find out why she's not supposed to spend time with him or allowed to go through the gate.
I don't want to give anything away but there's a funny scene involving pink hair powder (which I had to look up because I'd never heard of it before), and a touching scene involving Samson, the dog.
Heidi Kimball is a fairly new author to me but I enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were fairly well developed for a novella and the story didn't feel rushed. I enjoyed this take on Rapunzel, and finding out why Lady Garrick had Lisette hidden away.
I received an advanced copy to read but my review is voluntarily given and all thoughts expressed are mine.
February 18, 2021
Utterly Charming!
This was such a fun regency retelling of Repunzel. While I felt badly for Lizette, I couldn't help but love the small setting of the story. A lot of time is spent at her small gottage and wild garden. I liked that the cast of characters was small, main focus being on Lizette and Gerry, and of course sweet Samson. It really was just a very fun read and one I'd read again and again.
Content Rated G
This was such a fun regency retelling of Repunzel. While I felt badly for Lizette, I couldn't help but love the small setting of the story. A lot of time is spent at her small gottage and wild garden. I liked that the cast of characters was small, main focus being on Lizette and Gerry, and of course sweet Samson. It really was just a very fun read and one I'd read again and again.
Content Rated G
February 2, 2022
Very sweet retelling of Rapunzel
The evil Grandmother that imprisoned Lisette never got her deserved comeuppance in the story. She kept Lisette in the cottage but never told her who she was. The hero Gerry, I hate that name, found her unexpectedly on the edges of his property. She never left the yard but his sweet dog, Sampson, found his way in and charmed the heroine. So did the hero. She had never met a man before. It was an okay story. Very immature and also needed a Good editor. I like this authors works but I hope the writing gets better. At first I thought this was a YA Novel. The hero sounded like a teenager. But it never said how old he was. I don't think there was even kissing in this novel. No passion but one is love the h. She was so honest and open. I will read this author again. Hopefully her writing will mature and she must get a better editor.
The evil Grandmother that imprisoned Lisette never got her deserved comeuppance in the story. She kept Lisette in the cottage but never told her who she was. The hero Gerry, I hate that name, found her unexpectedly on the edges of his property. She never left the yard but his sweet dog, Sampson, found his way in and charmed the heroine. So did the hero. She had never met a man before. It was an okay story. Very immature and also needed a Good editor. I like this authors works but I hope the writing gets better. At first I thought this was a YA Novel. The hero sounded like a teenager. But it never said how old he was. I don't think there was even kissing in this novel. No passion but one is love the h. She was so honest and open. I will read this author again. Hopefully her writing will mature and she must get a better editor.
May 9, 2019
This was not only an extremely well done regency retelling of Rapunzel, but it was utterly adorable. After Gerry is sent to his run-down estate in Devon by his mother in order to meet and marry a woman of means, he stumbles upon Lisette in a cottage with a tower, and their secret relationship begins.
I loved both characters—Gerry was such a good man despite his need to find his purpose and learn to live his own life, and Lisette was darling, so incredibly sweet and innocent, with an endearing childlike wonder. Through her joy and love of life, despite it being simple and often dull, she helps transform Gerry's outlook. He, in turn, helps Lisette explore the outside world beyond her garden gate in order to discover the truth of her mysterious past. Their romance, which developed at a lovely pace, was set against the tranquil garden setting of Lisette’s tower and eventually the surrounding countryside. The romance was truly so incredibly sweet; I couldn’t stop smiling.
I discovered the secrets of Lisette's backstory quite early on, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment. How Lisette figuratively ended up trapped in her tower—and the reason she was forced to be hidden away—was both horrifying but realistic, making this a really clever Rapunzel retelling.
Overall, The Maiden in the Tower was such a charming and delightful romance, one of my favorites I've read this year. Truly so, so cute.
I loved both characters—Gerry was such a good man despite his need to find his purpose and learn to live his own life, and Lisette was darling, so incredibly sweet and innocent, with an endearing childlike wonder. Through her joy and love of life, despite it being simple and often dull, she helps transform Gerry's outlook. He, in turn, helps Lisette explore the outside world beyond her garden gate in order to discover the truth of her mysterious past. Their romance, which developed at a lovely pace, was set against the tranquil garden setting of Lisette’s tower and eventually the surrounding countryside. The romance was truly so incredibly sweet; I couldn’t stop smiling.
I discovered the secrets of Lisette's backstory quite early on, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment. How Lisette figuratively ended up trapped in her tower—and the reason she was forced to be hidden away—was both horrifying but realistic, making this a really clever Rapunzel retelling.
Overall, The Maiden in the Tower was such a charming and delightful romance, one of my favorites I've read this year. Truly so, so cute.
January 29, 2022
Devon, England 1815
Sweet retelling of Rapunzel. Loved how dog Samson plays an integral role in the novel.
Sweet retelling of Rapunzel. Loved how dog Samson plays an integral role in the novel.
March 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this regency Rapunzel retelling. Gerry was jaded, sent down from London to Devon by his mother to find a titled bride, and instead he finds Lisette, an sweet woman, hidden away from the world. I loved the mystery surrounding Lisette and how Gerry and Lisette's relationship progressed. Though this was a novella, I thought there was just enough detail to really make this book shine. I'm definitely going to be looking for the rest of the books in the series.
August 7, 2024
I think this was my favorite of the series so far! The twist really surprised me, and Lisette and Gerry were so precious together.
May 22, 2024
The insta love in this one really didn't do it for me. I also thought he was a punk.
February 11, 2022
I love Rapunzel retellings and I love the Regency period, so of course I had a great time with this. Objectively this is probably closer to a 3.5 but since it got me out of a massive reading slump I'm bumping it up to a 4. The writing was fairly simplistic but it was lighthearted and fluffy which was just what I was looking for.
I had two main issues with this book, neither of which really affected my enjoyment. First, this book does have the infamous you're not like other girls line (well, ladies in this case) but, to be fair, Lisette really isn't like other girls since she's been isolated from most of humanity her entire life. So although I'd prefer that that line wasn't included because it's pretty cringe, it is accurate so I can't fault the author too much. Second, there was this one scene where the hero needed to wash some stuff out of the heroine's hair. Now, when this came out this probably wasn't an issue, but in a post-Brooklyn Nine Nine world, I just got major Charles Boyle vibes and couldn't take it seriously.
Aside from those two things I really enjoyed this book. It's not something that I'm likely to re-read but I am interested in checking out what else the author has written.
I had two main issues with this book, neither of which really affected my enjoyment. First, this book does have the infamous you're not like other girls line (well, ladies in this case) but, to be fair, Lisette really isn't like other girls since she's been isolated from most of humanity her entire life. So although I'd prefer that that line wasn't included because it's pretty cringe, it is accurate so I can't fault the author too much. Second, there was this one scene where the hero needed to wash some stuff out of the heroine's hair. Now, when this came out this probably wasn't an issue, but in a post-Brooklyn Nine Nine world, I just got major Charles Boyle vibes and couldn't take it seriously.
Aside from those two things I really enjoyed this book. It's not something that I'm likely to re-read but I am interested in checking out what else the author has written.
March 31, 2022
I found this randomly on my library’s website when I looked up Rapunzel retellings, so I decided to give it a go since this fairytale is my favorite and I never get tired of reading retellings of it. ☺️
This is a historical Regency take which was a bit of a wildcard for me as I’m…not entirely fond of books set in the Regency era. I tend to find them boring as all the characters tend to do is go to parties, do nothing exciting, and routinely backstab each other, lol. But this book didn’t fall on that petty category since 1) it’s SUPER short (which I didn’t expect) and 2) we actually don’t spend much if any length of time in society but out in the country.
The plot and romance are pretty typical with really no surprises which would get this book three stars from me, so why four? Because Gerry and Lisette are so stinking cute and precious and I love them both and their struggles and fears. Not to mention they are just too cute together and gave me all the warm feels. I also love Samson—I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a fluffy dog in a story? 🐶
If you like fluffy, light, short historical fairytale retellings, I’d recommend giving this one a try. It’s super sweet, does the original Rapunzel tale justice, and I really enjoyed it.
Content: mention that a woman dies in childbirth and the grief her husband went through because of it; kissing (not detailed); a dog’s leg is broken (not detailed)
This is a historical Regency take which was a bit of a wildcard for me as I’m…not entirely fond of books set in the Regency era. I tend to find them boring as all the characters tend to do is go to parties, do nothing exciting, and routinely backstab each other, lol. But this book didn’t fall on that petty category since 1) it’s SUPER short (which I didn’t expect) and 2) we actually don’t spend much if any length of time in society but out in the country.
The plot and romance are pretty typical with really no surprises which would get this book three stars from me, so why four? Because Gerry and Lisette are so stinking cute and precious and I love them both and their struggles and fears. Not to mention they are just too cute together and gave me all the warm feels. I also love Samson—I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a fluffy dog in a story? 🐶
If you like fluffy, light, short historical fairytale retellings, I’d recommend giving this one a try. It’s super sweet, does the original Rapunzel tale justice, and I really enjoyed it.
Content: mention that a woman dies in childbirth and the grief her husband went through because of it; kissing (not detailed); a dog’s leg is broken (not detailed)
September 29, 2022
Gerry comes across a cottage on his land and meets a mysterious woman. Lisette has only known the cottage and Dorthea all her life. Of course, there is their benefactress Lady Garrick who said if Lisette ever left she would leave them penniless. Gerry is trying to figure out who Lisette’s benefactress is and why she didn’t want Lisette to leave.
This is a quick read. I started to get a little bored towards the end, but I think that has more to do with the fact I’m starting to get burnt out of my historical romance mood.
This is a quick read. I started to get a little bored towards the end, but I think that has more to do with the fact I’m starting to get burnt out of my historical romance mood.
March 22, 2020
There's no magic here, and a handsome price doesn't have to scale a tower wall using a maiden's hair as a rope, but this is a sweet, plausible Regency romance with obvious parallels to the classic fairy tale. Not long, and very well written and executed. Clean content.
August 2, 2021
This novella was so sweet! I loved Gerry and Lisette and Samson! How does Heidi to it? She crafts some of the most heartfelt stories, and I’m even more impressed that she does this so well with her short stories.
I don’t even care that this story was rather predictable. I actually like predictable stories haha, and this one did not disappoint! I loved everything about it!
Well done, Heidi! I can’t wait to read Heart in the Highlands now!!
I don’t even care that this story was rather predictable. I actually like predictable stories haha, and this one did not disappoint! I loved everything about it!
Well done, Heidi! I can’t wait to read Heart in the Highlands now!!
April 30, 2026
“Truth be told, you look far too fetching for your own good with your hair like that. But all in all, I prefer it down. And not pink.”
This novella is a Rapunzel retelling, which I don’t remember ever reading before. It is part of the Forever After Retellings series but is a standalone novella.
Lisette is genuine, sunny, and naive. I loved how she looked at the world and was so happy despite her situation. I loved her hair mishap! The mystery surrounding her being at the cottage was interesting. She was so brave and accepting of the shocking truths of her identity. Gerry is charming, curious, and determined. I loved that after meeting Lisette, he tried to socialize but he couldn’t get her off his mind. I loved that he pursued a friendship with Lisette. I enjoyed the time Lisette and Gerry spent together in her garden. They had a sweet friendship that blossomed into an even sweeter love. And Samson, what a sweet dog!
A few more quotes:
“Sometimes, it’s all right to cling to a little bit of hope, even when it doesn’t make sense.”
“Lisette, I knew from the moment I met you, you were unlike any other young woman I’ve ever known. And it took me only a few short weeks—or perhaps it was just minutes—to fall completely in love with you.” “You’re in love with me?” He smiled. “I am. Rather helplessly so, I’m afraid.”
This novella is a Rapunzel retelling, which I don’t remember ever reading before. It is part of the Forever After Retellings series but is a standalone novella.
Lisette is genuine, sunny, and naive. I loved how she looked at the world and was so happy despite her situation. I loved her hair mishap! The mystery surrounding her being at the cottage was interesting. She was so brave and accepting of the shocking truths of her identity. Gerry is charming, curious, and determined. I loved that after meeting Lisette, he tried to socialize but he couldn’t get her off his mind. I loved that he pursued a friendship with Lisette. I enjoyed the time Lisette and Gerry spent together in her garden. They had a sweet friendship that blossomed into an even sweeter love. And Samson, what a sweet dog!
A few more quotes:
“Sometimes, it’s all right to cling to a little bit of hope, even when it doesn’t make sense.”
“Lisette, I knew from the moment I met you, you were unlike any other young woman I’ve ever known. And it took me only a few short weeks—or perhaps it was just minutes—to fall completely in love with you.” “You’re in love with me?” He smiled. “I am. Rather helplessly so, I’m afraid.”
January 28, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
what a charming, quick read! it made me wish it was spring and i could plant a little garden 🌷🥹
i don’t have any crazy thoughts about this one, other than if you love fairytale retellings (especially rapunzel) and you’re looking for a sweet, clean, and short read with spring/cottagecore vibes, i would pick this one up!
also i read it as a standalone outside of the series it’s in and it still made total sense, so don’t feel like you have to read the other books before this one.
content warnings: no language and no spice. totally clean - just kisses.
what a charming, quick read! it made me wish it was spring and i could plant a little garden 🌷🥹
i don’t have any crazy thoughts about this one, other than if you love fairytale retellings (especially rapunzel) and you’re looking for a sweet, clean, and short read with spring/cottagecore vibes, i would pick this one up!
also i read it as a standalone outside of the series it’s in and it still made total sense, so don’t feel like you have to read the other books before this one.
content warnings: no language and no spice. totally clean - just kisses.
October 5, 2019
Sweet Story!
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
This is a very sweet retelling of Rapunzel. I loved how Gerry meets Lisette. I loved how she trusts him. I loved how her innocence and seeing things through her eyes causes Gerry to become more aware of what he really wants in his life. He wants Lisette, no matter that she doesn't have the titled connections and money his mother expects.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
This is a very sweet retelling of Rapunzel. I loved how Gerry meets Lisette. I loved how she trusts him. I loved how her innocence and seeing things through her eyes causes Gerry to become more aware of what he really wants in his life. He wants Lisette, no matter that she doesn't have the titled connections and money his mother expects.
July 9, 2020
Ms. Kimball has created a charming romance based on Rapunzel.
The plot is full of twists and turns. The characters are wonderful in their interactions and have well developed inner and outer conflicts.
I loved Lisette's innocence and Gerry's delight in seeing the world through her eyes.
I'd be delighted to read the rest of the series.
The plot is full of twists and turns. The characters are wonderful in their interactions and have well developed inner and outer conflicts.
I loved Lisette's innocence and Gerry's delight in seeing the world through her eyes.
I'd be delighted to read the rest of the series.
April 20, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. Lisette has been secluded her entire life but when she meets gerry in her garden she begins to feel that she wants to see more of the world than her own little corner of the world.
I found this a really good book. Lisette has been secluded her entire life but when she meets gerry in her garden she begins to feel that she wants to see more of the world than her own little corner of the world.
April 11, 2020
Rapunzel retelling- surprise! This was an OK read. I appreciated the time put into showing her perspective on the outside world due to her isolation. I thought the explanation for her isolation was too simple. :/
December 29, 2024
This was dull, extremely predictable, and too similar to Tangled. I wish I liked it more.
April 9, 2019
Fairy tale retelling of Rapunzel set in the regency era. What's not to like? The author was able to make the basic story work in the different time period. The tower is figurative, as is being locked away from the world since it is just a verbal command rather than being physically restrained. She still has long hair but there is an actual reason for it and it isn't longer than her person. And her "prince" stumbles upon her and is quite taken with her and wants to be able to save her from her tower prison. So all the basic elements of Rapunzel's story are in Lisette's.
It wasn't hard to see where the story was going ahead of time but I was intrigued with finding out the how and why Lisette was locked away from the world even if I'd already figured out the who. Maiden in the Tower is a sweet, quick read and a fun way to reread a childhood favorite.
No sex, language or violence
It wasn't hard to see where the story was going ahead of time but I was intrigued with finding out the how and why Lisette was locked away from the world even if I'd already figured out the who. Maiden in the Tower is a sweet, quick read and a fun way to reread a childhood favorite.
No sex, language or violence
April 6, 2020
This book was recently recommended by a fellow bookstagrammer. It was just the type of book I was looking for, since I have been wanting to read lighter books, particularly novellas, lately.
This novella was such a lovely read! Lissette and Gerry are such fun main characters. I loved their playful banter and instant chemistry. I'm not that big of a fan of instalove stories, but I do like this one! They both brought out the better in each other. Lissette helped Gerry to look at life with fresh eyes, while Gerry helped Lissette to pursue her dreams.
I also think that the author did a great job of putting a new spin on Rapunzel. I hadn't read any fairytale retellings set in Regency England before reading this book. I have to say that the story of "Rapunzel," fit perfectly with the time and setting!
The only one thing that is keeping me from giving it a 5 star is the ending. I personally felt like the end went by way too fast and then is concluded by a tiny epilogue. I would have loved to see a few more interactions between Lisette, Gerry, and their families at the end. The scene with Lissette and her father was super short and there were no scenes between Gerry and his mother and brother at the end. I think scenes with all of them together would have made the story feel more well rounded. That aside, I will say that the author did a great job for the most part at telling a full story at only 149 pages.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This novella was such a lovely read! Lissette and Gerry are such fun main characters. I loved their playful banter and instant chemistry. I'm not that big of a fan of instalove stories, but I do like this one! They both brought out the better in each other. Lissette helped Gerry to look at life with fresh eyes, while Gerry helped Lissette to pursue her dreams.
I also think that the author did a great job of putting a new spin on Rapunzel. I hadn't read any fairytale retellings set in Regency England before reading this book. I have to say that the story of "Rapunzel," fit perfectly with the time and setting!
The only one thing that is keeping me from giving it a 5 star is the ending. I personally felt like the end went by way too fast and then is concluded by a tiny epilogue. I would have loved to see a few more interactions between Lisette, Gerry, and their families at the end. The scene with Lissette and her father was super short and there were no scenes between Gerry and his mother and brother at the end. I think scenes with all of them together would have made the story feel more well rounded. That aside, I will say that the author did a great job for the most part at telling a full story at only 149 pages.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
April 14, 2019
Gerry Worthington has been sent to the countryside and cut off from his allowance by his mother until he overcomes his reluctance to marry a debutante who will bring status and money to the family. The story starts out with Gerry trying to find his adventure loving dog who has run off yet again. He quickly realizes Samson (the dog) has dug under the gate and entered the garden of the home next door. While there he meets Lisette, who is a breath of fresh air compared to all the women he does know. Lisette has never left the grounds of the walled in cottage and knows little of the outside world. Of course Lisette's innocence is appealing, and Gerry keeps coming back. There's the bit of mystery as to who Lisette is and what will happen once that comes out.
I did enjoy the book. The writing is clear and good. I was surprised at the short length. I read this very quickly, and I think it was probably just a tad bit too short. The mystery being solved happened a bit too fast for me. I was fine with the resolution, and I thought the story very entertaining, so the objection I have is a minor one. This is a cute and short novella for when you don't have a ton of time but want something well written, clean and entertaining.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy the book. The writing is clear and good. I was surprised at the short length. I read this very quickly, and I think it was probably just a tad bit too short. The mystery being solved happened a bit too fast for me. I was fine with the resolution, and I thought the story very entertaining, so the objection I have is a minor one. This is a cute and short novella for when you don't have a ton of time but want something well written, clean and entertaining.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
My least favorite of the series. As it is a retelling of Rapunzel, I was hard-pressed to keep my head wrapped around the OG-story and this one that becomes laid out to readers. It was mostly confusing if not frustrating to read and feel it gave off any idea to the story behind Rapunzel except for her long golden hair.
I'm not so sure what I read actually registered in my brain to comprehend. It wasn't that I didn't like either MC...Lisette and Gerry...I simply never felt connected to them, separate or together. And even when they were together, it was awkward, at best. I want to think that when each Author took on a fairy tale for this series they didn't go too heavy-handed with a literal telling the same old stories. So, maybe some kept one or two aspects and weaved their Regency fairy tale as best as possible. Some of these Authors nailed it and hit great ones out of the park because they were able to take a small aspect of the tales told and bring them to life in the Regency era. Somehow this one missed the mark entirely and I feel sad about it.
I wasn't engaged in their romance nor did I feel there was much of one. I am glad they did eventually get a HEA, so at least this tale ended happily as well.
I'm not so sure what I read actually registered in my brain to comprehend. It wasn't that I didn't like either MC...Lisette and Gerry...I simply never felt connected to them, separate or together. And even when they were together, it was awkward, at best. I want to think that when each Author took on a fairy tale for this series they didn't go too heavy-handed with a literal telling the same old stories. So, maybe some kept one or two aspects and weaved their Regency fairy tale as best as possible. Some of these Authors nailed it and hit great ones out of the park because they were able to take a small aspect of the tales told and bring them to life in the Regency era. Somehow this one missed the mark entirely and I feel sad about it.
I wasn't engaged in their romance nor did I feel there was much of one. I am glad they did eventually get a HEA, so at least this tale ended happily as well.
October 24, 2023
Squuueaaalll!!! I adore fairy tale retellings — especially Regency ones — and this is my first ever Rapunzel. I’ve read numerous Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Snow White re-imaginings but nary a single Rapunzel so I was so excited to discover this little gem. And curious to see how the author would work the fairy tale elements into the story. Let’s just say she handled it brilliantly!
Short and sweet and oh, so satisfying. Lisette’s innocent enthusiasm had me grinning all the way through. And Gerry is so flummoxed by this unusual young woman who defies all high society etiquette. There’s even a bit of a mystery element to this tale involving Lisette’s background which was all kinds of fun to follow to a very sigh-worthy conclusion.
“Maiden in the Tower” is the fifth book in the multi-authored “Forever After Retellings.” I’ve read the first two and intend to hunt down the rest of the series. And — bonus — such pretty cover art to fancy up my bookshelves.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/10/24/m...
Short and sweet and oh, so satisfying. Lisette’s innocent enthusiasm had me grinning all the way through. And Gerry is so flummoxed by this unusual young woman who defies all high society etiquette. There’s even a bit of a mystery element to this tale involving Lisette’s background which was all kinds of fun to follow to a very sigh-worthy conclusion.
“Maiden in the Tower” is the fifth book in the multi-authored “Forever After Retellings.” I’ve read the first two and intend to hunt down the rest of the series. And — bonus — such pretty cover art to fancy up my bookshelves.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/10/24/m...
April 9, 2019
Maiden in the Tower is a clever retelling of Rapunzel set in Regency times. If you're not into fairy tales, you can just read the story and thoroughly enjoy it. If you do like fairy tales, you'll enjoy finding the connecting threads. Gerry and Lisette are likable characters that are easy to empathize with. Lisette and her nurse have been hidden away since she was born. Gerry has been sent to the small estate that he will inherit from his mother with orders to find a bride with a dowry. The plot has some twists and moves at a good pace. I especially liked reading of the afternoons spent in Lisette's garden. Heidi Kimball adds humor with a very old ladies' fashion magazine and a tug on your heartstrings with Gerry's dog. I recommend this to readers of clean/wholesome romance and to fairy tale lovers. I got a copy from KU.
April 6, 2019
I believe this is my first book by Kimball and second in the Forever After series. I really liked the story. It is a Rapunzel retelling set in the early 1800’s. It was a clean, sweet read and I quite enjoyed it. Although Lisette’s situation is sad she is a joyful person and finds purpose in her life and existence. Gerry is a man that was a bit spoiled and unhappy to be sent to live in a crumbling estate in Devon. Gerry’s heart begins to change when he meets a sweet woman that is unlike any woman he has previously met before. Gerry has been in a way banished by his own mother to find a wealthy woman to wed. Lisette is anything but wealthy. But lisette is the woman he is drawn to.
I’ve enjoyed both books I’ve read so far in this series and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I’ve enjoyed both books I’ve read so far in this series and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
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