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Once Upon a Regency #5
Awake at Widmore Manor
A violent storm. A sleepless night. A test.
Emma Widmore has longed to return to her childhood home since the day she was forced to leave it after her father’s death. Widmore Manor represents every hope Emma has ever had and every person she has ever loved. When she feels drawn back to Widmore Manor on a stormy night, she is granted refuge by the one person she is sure would still know her after all these years. But when James Atwood—heir of Widmore Manor and Emma’s childhood friend—shows nothing but suspicion, Emma’s hope falters. After hearing rumors of a test—a standard—that other young women have failed, Emma worries that she, too, will fail. As Emma seeks to understand this test, she must be reconciled with her past and learn what being home truly means.
Readers have fallen in love with this unique and moving regency retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Get your copy today! Find the other books in the series: The Fairest Heart by Heather Chapman, The Midnight Heiress by Ashtyn Newbold, Spun of Gold by Jen Geigle Johnson, Beauty's Rose by Rebecca J. Greenwood, Awake at Widmore Manor by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Emma Widmore has longed to return to her childhood home since the day she was forced to leave it after her father’s death. Widmore Manor represents every hope Emma has ever had and every person she has ever loved. When she feels drawn back to Widmore Manor on a stormy night, she is granted refuge by the one person she is sure would still know her after all these years. But when James Atwood—heir of Widmore Manor and Emma’s childhood friend—shows nothing but suspicion, Emma’s hope falters. After hearing rumors of a test—a standard—that other young women have failed, Emma worries that she, too, will fail. As Emma seeks to understand this test, she must be reconciled with her past and learn what being home truly means.
Readers have fallen in love with this unique and moving regency retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Get your copy today! Find the other books in the series: The Fairest Heart by Heather Chapman, The Midnight Heiress by Ashtyn Newbold, Spun of Gold by Jen Geigle Johnson, Beauty's Rose by Rebecca J. Greenwood, Awake at Widmore Manor by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
About the author
Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
5 books99 followersOnce upon a time—somewhere between laundry piles and bedtime stories—Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee fell in love with fairy tales and the belief that they still matter. She reimagines classic stories through the lens of real life, where courage and love are the truest magic of all.
Her debut novel, Ella, received the Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers, and her third novel, Finding Beauty in the Beast, earned the Gold Quill Award, both in YA Fiction. A passionate advocate for young writers, Jessilyn loves encouraging youth to pursue their creative dreams and has visited schools throughout Utah and surrounding states. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in English, Jessilyn grew up in Southern California in a family of music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Now living in Utah with her science-teaching husband and their five hilarious sons, she is a boy mom who writes delightfully girly books. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry…or should be.
Her debut novel, Ella, received the Silver Quill Award from the League of Utah Writers, and her third novel, Finding Beauty in the Beast, earned the Gold Quill Award, both in YA Fiction. A passionate advocate for young writers, Jessilyn loves encouraging youth to pursue their creative dreams and has visited schools throughout Utah and surrounding states. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in English, Jessilyn grew up in Southern California in a family of music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Now living in Utah with her science-teaching husband and their five hilarious sons, she is a boy mom who writes delightfully girly books. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry…or should be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 29, 2019
This story is a fun and darling retelling of The Princess and the Pea--Regency style. Emma and her family were forced to leave their home at the death of her father. A true display of character is shown when hard times are endured and Emma is a truly genuine and positive young woman. She went from having it all to having nothing, yet she is able to find the best in all situations and is able to learn so much about who she is and how she can contribute in life. The relationship she has with her sister's family is so endearing and sweet.
I love the connection that Emma feels with nature and especially the pea aspect. Widmore Manor draws her back in and although the new heir is her childhood friend, there are many rumors about him and his heart breaker ways. The relationship that rekindles is so perfect!
I love a fun and fresh fairy tale retelling and felt that this one delivered. While having new aspects, key elements were retained, making it feel new, yet familiar.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I love the connection that Emma feels with nature and especially the pea aspect. Widmore Manor draws her back in and although the new heir is her childhood friend, there are many rumors about him and his heart breaker ways. The relationship that rekindles is so perfect!
I love a fun and fresh fairy tale retelling and felt that this one delivered. While having new aspects, key elements were retained, making it feel new, yet familiar.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
June 4, 2019
Awake at Widmore Manor was not only a beautiful and enchanting story, but it was a delightful retelling of The Princess and the Pea, one of my favorite fairy tales. One thing I love about Jessilyn Peaslee’s novels is that the love stories she tells are so deep; rather than merely showing her characters falling in love, she explores deeper meanings of love, usually through hardships that allow her characters to grow, all while retelling classic fairy tales in a way that makes them feel as if they could have really happened. This story was no exception.
Emma Widmore and James Atwood grew up together, and despite their differing stations, they form a wonderful friendship. They’re separated in their youth by a change in Emma’s family’s circumstances. The story picks up ten years later in the midst of the poverty Emma is experiencing with her sister and her family. Despite their hardships, we see the love between the sisters, as well as Emma’s fierce love for her nephew and niece. They're all striving to make the best of their difficult life, but Emma can’t help but continue to remember her childhood friend and long for the life she left behind.
Circumstances allow Emma to return to her old home in order to see James one last time…but will he remember her after so many years apart? This second half of the story was my favorite part—The Princess and the Pea retelling was masterfully done, the friends-to-lovers romance between Emma and James was utterly adorable, and the growth Emma experiences was so profound and beautiful. I loved how Emma was able to have the strength to do hard things, understand her worth, and realize what was truly important in life. This truly was such a sweet story with so much depth. I only wish the lovely romance had started sooner and gone on longer. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting tale about true love in all its wonderful forms.
God sometimes orchestrates these little, perfectly crafted gifts that change our lives forever. Just because.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emma Widmore and James Atwood grew up together, and despite their differing stations, they form a wonderful friendship. They’re separated in their youth by a change in Emma’s family’s circumstances. The story picks up ten years later in the midst of the poverty Emma is experiencing with her sister and her family. Despite their hardships, we see the love between the sisters, as well as Emma’s fierce love for her nephew and niece. They're all striving to make the best of their difficult life, but Emma can’t help but continue to remember her childhood friend and long for the life she left behind.
Circumstances allow Emma to return to her old home in order to see James one last time…but will he remember her after so many years apart? This second half of the story was my favorite part—The Princess and the Pea retelling was masterfully done, the friends-to-lovers romance between Emma and James was utterly adorable, and the growth Emma experiences was so profound and beautiful. I loved how Emma was able to have the strength to do hard things, understand her worth, and realize what was truly important in life. This truly was such a sweet story with so much depth. I only wish the lovely romance had started sooner and gone on longer. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting tale about true love in all its wonderful forms.
God sometimes orchestrates these little, perfectly crafted gifts that change our lives forever. Just because.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2019
Happy sigh! You know that feeling when you read a book that draws you in and you fall in love with the characters and their personalities, the book that you can't set down because you're completely immersed in the story and you are anticipating that happily ever after...? This was one of those books for me.
I had high expectations for it because of how completely I adored this author's first book, Ella. The emotions that book evoked and the connection I had with the characters is one I haven't forgotten and it's been a couple years since reading it. I cried and cheered and haven't stopped recommending it to other readers because of how much I loved it. So after my previous experience with this author's book, I had high hopes. And let me tell you, those hopes were fulfilled and then some.
This book doesn't have the feeling of a fast paced story. It's not a long book either but the pacing was well done and the transition through the years that the author covered didn't feel rushed. I really liked the familial and friendship themes the author wove into her story. *happy sigh again*
These characters had some very idyllic moments, as well as some hard struggles. Yet, their focus was on the most important things in their life, each other. There were several sweet and tender moments between Emma and her sister. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm not going to give any details, except to say that they were sweet and tender moments.
Emma and James were childhood friends. I loved seeing them playing together as children then watching them reconnecting years later after their many struggles. I adored their characters. And I loved how the author wove the Princess and the Pea into this story. Especially the Pea. Super cute!
Another book that I would highly recommend. I've read a couple of the books in this, Once Upon a Regency series, and have had fun seeing how the different authors have taken different fairytales and spun it to work in the Regency Era.
Now it's time to go back and read, Ella, as well as finally read and enjoy this author's other books.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I had high expectations for it because of how completely I adored this author's first book, Ella. The emotions that book evoked and the connection I had with the characters is one I haven't forgotten and it's been a couple years since reading it. I cried and cheered and haven't stopped recommending it to other readers because of how much I loved it. So after my previous experience with this author's book, I had high hopes. And let me tell you, those hopes were fulfilled and then some.
This book doesn't have the feeling of a fast paced story. It's not a long book either but the pacing was well done and the transition through the years that the author covered didn't feel rushed. I really liked the familial and friendship themes the author wove into her story. *happy sigh again*
These characters had some very idyllic moments, as well as some hard struggles. Yet, their focus was on the most important things in their life, each other. There were several sweet and tender moments between Emma and her sister. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm not going to give any details, except to say that they were sweet and tender moments.
Emma and James were childhood friends. I loved seeing them playing together as children then watching them reconnecting years later after their many struggles. I adored their characters. And I loved how the author wove the Princess and the Pea into this story. Especially the Pea. Super cute!
Another book that I would highly recommend. I've read a couple of the books in this, Once Upon a Regency series, and have had fun seeing how the different authors have taken different fairytales and spun it to work in the Regency Era.
Now it's time to go back and read, Ella, as well as finally read and enjoy this author's other books.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
June 21, 2019
***4.5 stars***
This is a story that just made me happy. I felt good and uplifted after reading the last word.
Emma is a wonderful MC. She is positive and happy no matter the circumstances she endures. At the beginning of the story, she is the daughter of a wealthy landowner and then her father dies, leaving his wife and daughters with very little. In every stage of her life, she has a sweet disposition and the ability to see the good.
When her family loses their fortune, her best friend, James, gains his. It is a complete reversal of fortunes that frees her family but binds him. When she hears that her friend is sad and lonely, she wants to see him and help him find the happy boy of their youth.
One of my favorite relationships in the book was between Emma and her nephew. For me, it showed true and complete love. She does everything she can to protect him and keep him warm. The relationship with her sister is also very tender. Love and devotion are found in every socio-economic level. Her sister married an honorable man who struggles to provide food and shelter for his family.
There are many ways to look at this book and find messages that resonate with me. It is a happily-ever-after story that is based loosely on the Princess and the Pea.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a story that just made me happy. I felt good and uplifted after reading the last word.
Emma is a wonderful MC. She is positive and happy no matter the circumstances she endures. At the beginning of the story, she is the daughter of a wealthy landowner and then her father dies, leaving his wife and daughters with very little. In every stage of her life, she has a sweet disposition and the ability to see the good.
When her family loses their fortune, her best friend, James, gains his. It is a complete reversal of fortunes that frees her family but binds him. When she hears that her friend is sad and lonely, she wants to see him and help him find the happy boy of their youth.
One of my favorite relationships in the book was between Emma and her nephew. For me, it showed true and complete love. She does everything she can to protect him and keep him warm. The relationship with her sister is also very tender. Love and devotion are found in every socio-economic level. Her sister married an honorable man who struggles to provide food and shelter for his family.
There are many ways to look at this book and find messages that resonate with me. It is a happily-ever-after story that is based loosely on the Princess and the Pea.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2020
Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee has proven to me three times before this new novella that she can do a perfect fairytale retelling with new depth, staying true to the messages, but making them new and fresh, with each story being superior to the original (in my opinion). I adored her Cinderella retellings called Ella and Ella’s Will, and her Beauty and the Beast retelling called Finding Beauty in the Beast, so I was so excited about yet another retelling, this time a regency novella based on the fairytale The Princess and the Pea.
As I was with her last couple novels, I was so honored to help edit her drafts. I knew from the first draft that it would be a glorious finished product. Her first chapter was perfection; the chemistry between Emma and James was so believable; the regency aspects were there but didn’t overwhelm; and the story made me feel so many emotions, even bringing me to tears (which to me is a sign of quality writing).
I hadn’t read the finished novella, Awake at Widmore Manor, though, until just a couple days ago when my book club was discussing it.
The finished novella was a little different than I thought it might be based on my conversations back and forth with Jessilyn, but everything worked out just perfectly anyway.
I truly felt, just like with her other books, that her retelling of The Princess and the Pea was far superior to the original story. She included the obvious things from the story, like a pea, a woman coming to the door in the rain, and a test, but the rest was her own. I love her for that – not feeling tied down to what has already been written.
I loved the characters in the novella. All of them had their own depth and their own story, and all were people you could relate to in some way. Emma, the main character of the book, was so funny, dutiful, family-oriented and hard-working. She spent much of her time wishing things could be different, but also being drawn to those in her life with such a loving devotion. She was brave, and made a choice to do something slightly crazy to help her family. And that choice changed everything.
The book had an overall tenderness to it. There was no bad guy trying to destroy her life. If there was any “bad guy,” it was fear of the unknown, unanswered questions from the past, poverty, sickness, chill, and unfair social constructs. And that was much more compelling to me than any villain would be, especially in this particular story.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this little novella. You will want to read it again and again, and even if you don’t like the taste of peas, you will want to pluck one right off the pod and try it for yourself after reading this delectable tale.
As I was with her last couple novels, I was so honored to help edit her drafts. I knew from the first draft that it would be a glorious finished product. Her first chapter was perfection; the chemistry between Emma and James was so believable; the regency aspects were there but didn’t overwhelm; and the story made me feel so many emotions, even bringing me to tears (which to me is a sign of quality writing).
I hadn’t read the finished novella, Awake at Widmore Manor, though, until just a couple days ago when my book club was discussing it.
The finished novella was a little different than I thought it might be based on my conversations back and forth with Jessilyn, but everything worked out just perfectly anyway.
I truly felt, just like with her other books, that her retelling of The Princess and the Pea was far superior to the original story. She included the obvious things from the story, like a pea, a woman coming to the door in the rain, and a test, but the rest was her own. I love her for that – not feeling tied down to what has already been written.
I loved the characters in the novella. All of them had their own depth and their own story, and all were people you could relate to in some way. Emma, the main character of the book, was so funny, dutiful, family-oriented and hard-working. She spent much of her time wishing things could be different, but also being drawn to those in her life with such a loving devotion. She was brave, and made a choice to do something slightly crazy to help her family. And that choice changed everything.
The book had an overall tenderness to it. There was no bad guy trying to destroy her life. If there was any “bad guy,” it was fear of the unknown, unanswered questions from the past, poverty, sickness, chill, and unfair social constructs. And that was much more compelling to me than any villain would be, especially in this particular story.
I can’t say enough about how much I love this little novella. You will want to read it again and again, and even if you don’t like the taste of peas, you will want to pluck one right off the pod and try it for yourself after reading this delectable tale.
June 4, 2019
Enchanting! That is all I can say, absolutely enchanting. I felt like I was reading a fairy tale. Not the kind you read as a 6 year old but a grown up one with substance and depth of emotion. From page one I loved this book, being immediately drawn into scenes of an idyllic childhood. Then to see how with time Emma and James’ relationship changes. Fast forward to see that stormy night when Emma and James meet again. Sigh! Somehow the author was able to capture with words those moments in life when there are no words needed, those moments when silence is healing. It was beautifully written with almost poetic descriptions. I was so glad to wake up early this morning and have such a lovely book to read and think about as the day goes on. A great HEA and clean story.
Having read (and loved immensely) previous books in this fairytale-turned-regency-romance series thru KU, I volunteered to read the ARC of this book. This is a new author for me and I hope to read many more of her stories.
My review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
Rating G for the whole family!
Having read (and loved immensely) previous books in this fairytale-turned-regency-romance series thru KU, I volunteered to read the ARC of this book. This is a new author for me and I hope to read many more of her stories.
My review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
Rating G for the whole family!
June 18, 2019
Author Jessilyn Peaslee has written a delightful and enchanting regency fairytale retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Readers that love regency romance and fairytale retellings will immediately be drawn to and fall in love with this charming read. This story is of a childhood friendship turned, a test, and a sweet romance. This is an enthralling feel good story that will give readers all the warm fuzzies. Readers will immerse themselves in the story and will not want to come back out again. This is a light, fun, charming story that readers will absolutely adore!
Series: Once Upon a Regency
Genre: regency, romance, historical, fairytale
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: June 15, 2019
Number of pages: 147
Other books in the series:
1-The Fairest Heart by Heather Chapman
2-The Midnight Heiress by Ashtyn Newbold
3-Spun of Gold by Jen Geigle Johnson
4-Beauty's Rose by Rebecca J. Greenwood
A review copy of this book was provided purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: Once Upon a Regency
Genre: regency, romance, historical, fairytale
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: June 15, 2019
Number of pages: 147
Other books in the series:
1-The Fairest Heart by Heather Chapman
2-The Midnight Heiress by Ashtyn Newbold
3-Spun of Gold by Jen Geigle Johnson
4-Beauty's Rose by Rebecca J. Greenwood
A review copy of this book was provided purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
June 16, 2019
I knew the Princess and the Pea story should contain three main elements: a young woman caught in a storm, a sleepless night, and a test. Beyond that, it was mostly playing around with the story, and writing and rewriting. And rewriting. :) The story I ended up with is dramatically different than the one I started with, and...I kind of love it. :) It started out as a fun, lighthearted story that I thought I could write in a month, and ended up being a story that changed me and taught me every time I sat down to write over months and months. It got deeper and deeper, the characters more real, the relationships more meaningful. It went beyond a story about a girl who couldn't sleep because she was uncomfortable, and became a story about friendship, love within families, and growth through trials. The love story between Emma and James was based on true and genuine friendship, commitment, and loyalty. I absolutely loved writing this story, and I hope you love reading it!
June 18, 2019
As always, Peaslee has captivated me with her writing. I was at the gym and I couldn't stop so I just kept working out until I finished this riveting story! She has such a beautiful way of writing and I swear she was meant to live in this time! Her voice is so natural and I was consistently immersed and pulled along in the story. James is such a sweetheart and I loved that he had a reputation and we had to wonder about him a little but see what Emma felt in her heart. Sigh. And Emma's such a strong protagonist and I bought how conflicted her feelings would be toward her mother and the way her life has changed. And Mary and Thomas and their sweet babies. Peaslee really knows how to write love and make the reader believe it and feel it in their hearts.
March 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I think this is my favorite fairytale retelling. It just felt so light and sweet even in the hardest and darkest times. It is based on The Princess and the Pea. Honestly I had to reread the plot for that one because I wasn't sure that I could remember enough details about it beyond mattresses and a pea proving her authenticity as a princess. There were a number of ways the author drew in elements from the fairytale to use in this Regency set story but this was very much the author's own work. And I loved it.
I loved James from the sweet moments early in the story and then the reader doesn't see him again for 10 years! You'd think it would be hard to care about him at that point but Emma had never forgotten him and he was so endearing that I couldn't forget him either. His views on inheriting a property were different from just about any Regency romance I've read and that was refreshing. Emma was such a positive person as was her sister. Living in their circumstances could easily make someone bitter but they are both happy. We don't see much of Mary's husband but he was stalwart too. Another unique element was Lady Ramsey's continued devotion to her friend. Usually the Ton turn on their own.
I loved reading this story. I found it joyful and it lifted my soul. And the romance was sweet.
No sex, language or violence
I think this is my favorite fairytale retelling. It just felt so light and sweet even in the hardest and darkest times. It is based on The Princess and the Pea. Honestly I had to reread the plot for that one because I wasn't sure that I could remember enough details about it beyond mattresses and a pea proving her authenticity as a princess. There were a number of ways the author drew in elements from the fairytale to use in this Regency set story but this was very much the author's own work. And I loved it.
I loved James from the sweet moments early in the story and then the reader doesn't see him again for 10 years! You'd think it would be hard to care about him at that point but Emma had never forgotten him and he was so endearing that I couldn't forget him either. His views on inheriting a property were different from just about any Regency romance I've read and that was refreshing. Emma was such a positive person as was her sister. Living in their circumstances could easily make someone bitter but they are both happy. We don't see much of Mary's husband but he was stalwart too. Another unique element was Lady Ramsey's continued devotion to her friend. Usually the Ton turn on their own.
I loved reading this story. I found it joyful and it lifted my soul. And the romance was sweet.
No sex, language or violence
December 31, 2022
Peaslee is the queen of writing friends-to-lovers. This novella is amazing in every way. It is moving to the point of tears, deep with themes and imagery, and sigh, I love all the characters.
The relationship between Emma and her brother-in-law Thomas is also so special. I feel like there needs to be more of that in literature, where healthy, mutual respect and wisdom abound.
And then there’s James. He is so perfect for Emma.
And little Timothy with his beautiful heart.
I adored this story and already want to read it again!
The relationship between Emma and her brother-in-law Thomas is also so special. I feel like there needs to be more of that in literature, where healthy, mutual respect and wisdom abound.
And then there’s James. He is so perfect for Emma.
And little Timothy with his beautiful heart.
I adored this story and already want to read it again!
August 29, 2019
I had never read a Princess and the Pea retelling until Awake at Widmore Manor. The Regency setting made for an enjoyable read, and I liked what Emma found out about what was behind some of her mother's choices. Clean read, with just a kiss or two.
May 2, 2025
Sunshine in my heart
Loved this book. Loved this authors writing. So fitting for the Regency period. This book just radiated peace and love, amidst the story of heartache, loss and then redemption.
Loved this book. Loved this authors writing. So fitting for the Regency period. This book just radiated peace and love, amidst the story of heartache, loss and then redemption.
January 28, 2025
Lost loves are one of my favorite types of stories, and this is such a wonderful sweet book. I laughed, cried and got a heart full of happiness. Love, love love it.
August 7, 2019
This novella is a retelling of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. It's set in Regency England, with scenes set in Emma's childhood (1799, 1805) and when she's an adult (1815). Emma loved Widmore Manor, her pea garden, and her best friend (the hero). But when her father died and another inherited the Manor, Emma's mother refused all help. Emma promised to return to Emma Widmore Manor and her best friend one day, but shame at her poverty held her back. When news that her friend is sad and lonely comes at the same time as an urgent need for a doctor for her sister, she sets out for the Manor...but will her friend even recognize her anymore? Happily, she doesn't have to sleep on a pea.
The hero was a loyal, caring fellow and Emma was very kind and giving, so I liked them and felt they'd do well together. The characters were engaging, though Emma's actions were often foolish. Why play with her nephew before delivering a dress that must be on time? Why set out on a long walk to the manor as night fell when she could have left earlier? It did add suspense and it moved the story toward a happy ending (though it didn't seem like it at the time, and credit for this is given to God). I usually don't like foolish, impulsive heroines, but it worked for me in this story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.
The hero was a loyal, caring fellow and Emma was very kind and giving, so I liked them and felt they'd do well together. The characters were engaging, though Emma's actions were often foolish. Why play with her nephew before delivering a dress that must be on time? Why set out on a long walk to the manor as night fell when she could have left earlier? It did add suspense and it moved the story toward a happy ending (though it didn't seem like it at the time, and credit for this is given to God). I usually don't like foolish, impulsive heroines, but it worked for me in this story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.
June 17, 2019
I was quite excited to read the latest novel from author Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee. Sadly I didn't get to give it my full attention as I've been swamped since it arrived (seriously, I had to have my phone read it to me while I was working on other things and Siri isn't the ideal reader). That said, what I was able to focus on was enjoyable.
This is definitely a unique version of The Princess and the Pea, and by unique I mean totally different. ;) I was a little thrown at first waiting to see how the pea and the mattress would come into play, but there were peas of a sort in the story.
It didn't have as much detail as I would have liked, but it was sweet and clean. I hope to have a chance to read it again with full focus later.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is definitely a unique version of The Princess and the Pea, and by unique I mean totally different. ;) I was a little thrown at first waiting to see how the pea and the mattress would come into play, but there were peas of a sort in the story.
It didn't have as much detail as I would have liked, but it was sweet and clean. I hope to have a chance to read it again with full focus later.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 28, 2019
"Helping me go from liking this story to loving it."
A most enjoyable read! So heartfelt, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I think we got all the hearts. Fine, insert a heart-eyed emoji!
The story was captivating. The characters were memorable.
I loved how the title for the book played into the storyline. It is always enjoyable when authors do that. There were so many lines and quotes that I loved, but here are a few:
“The garden—the place where vegetables, friendships, and children grew best.”
"Sometimes the silliest things are the most sentimental."
“She had sacrificed her own comfort, even her own life, to show her daughters where their true worth could be found.”
I have always liked the story of the Princess and the Pea, but this author’s talented portrayal left me loving it!
A most enjoyable read! So heartfelt, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I think we got all the hearts. Fine, insert a heart-eyed emoji!
The story was captivating. The characters were memorable.
I loved how the title for the book played into the storyline. It is always enjoyable when authors do that. There were so many lines and quotes that I loved, but here are a few:
“The garden—the place where vegetables, friendships, and children grew best.”
"Sometimes the silliest things are the most sentimental."
“She had sacrificed her own comfort, even her own life, to show her daughters where their true worth could be found.”
I have always liked the story of the Princess and the Pea, but this author’s talented portrayal left me loving it!
June 17, 2019
How fun is this cute little novella? It isn't very often that you get a retelling of the Princess and the Pea, and Peaslee does an excellent job at keeping the main components of the fairy-tale and fiddling with the rest to give us an entertaining sweet romance.
It's a super quick read, but it's one that will keep you engaged throughout the whole story. I will admit that the romance at the end was a little sudden for my liking, but it was set up that it wasn't unrealistic.
The story had a great flow, great characters, and if you are looking for something uplifting to read while you are out and about and waiting, definitely give this book a try.
*I received an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
It's a super quick read, but it's one that will keep you engaged throughout the whole story. I will admit that the romance at the end was a little sudden for my liking, but it was set up that it wasn't unrealistic.
The story had a great flow, great characters, and if you are looking for something uplifting to read while you are out and about and waiting, definitely give this book a try.
*I received an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2019
Sweet twist on a favourite fairy tale. James and Emma became friends when everyone around them told them they shouldn’t. When tragedy strikes Emma’s family, she promises to return. Ten years pass and their circumstances change dramatically. Will she ever get to see her friend again? Will he remember her even if she does? This delightful story kept making me smile at so many times, that I am positive I will be reading it again.
June 20, 2019
Loved this story - although it was different to how I imagined it would be - I thought the way they worked the whole “princess & the pea” into it to be interesting & original. I’ve enjoyed this entire series so far. Especially as they have all been written as clean Regency novels. Whilst there were a couple of areas in this story that I couldn’t imagine happening for that era I still enjoyed it & could happily recommend.
January 26, 2020
A contemporary romance hiding in 1799
This book was wrong from the start. In 1799, who refers to meat on bread as sandwiches? No one. Maybe cucumber sandwich at teatime, but not everyday. Meat was a dear item and the staff did not partake of meat, they received their protein in stews or soups, not a lean piece of meat on bread. Check your historical facts before writing. It is a shame, I couldn't get past that and it seemed well written. Oh, well. On to the next author.
This book was wrong from the start. In 1799, who refers to meat on bread as sandwiches? No one. Maybe cucumber sandwich at teatime, but not everyday. Meat was a dear item and the staff did not partake of meat, they received their protein in stews or soups, not a lean piece of meat on bread. Check your historical facts before writing. It is a shame, I couldn't get past that and it seemed well written. Oh, well. On to the next author.
June 18, 2019
Wonderful wonderful book! I loved the riches to rags, overcoming hardship, family ties, childhood romance, and love story in this book! The subtle princess and the pea undertone was charming. I love the portrayal of the various family relationships, love between sisters, aunt's and nephews, parents and children (though not always ideal). Highly recommend!!
June 23, 2019
Awake at Six more Major (Book 5) By Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Five stars, this was a cute love story..Emma grew up upper class, James lower class...But they were the best of friends..Promising to wait, their positions reverse...She was poor he upper class. .. But love never change..Good ending.
Five stars, this was a cute love story..Emma grew up upper class, James lower class...But they were the best of friends..Promising to wait, their positions reverse...She was poor he upper class. .. But love never change..Good ending.
April 26, 2020
Peaslee begins her story in 1799, when Emma Widmore and James Atwood are childhood friends.
The story moves forward to 1815.
James is now the owner of Emma's family manor, while she and her sister are living in poverty.
Peaslee incorporates Andersen's well known fairytale and adds elements from: The Secret Garden to create a sweet romance.
The story moves forward to 1815.
James is now the owner of Emma's family manor, while she and her sister are living in poverty.
Peaslee incorporates Andersen's well known fairytale and adds elements from: The Secret Garden to create a sweet romance.
July 31, 2022
Wonderful Story!
"AWAKE at Wilmore Manor" is a delightful well written story that makes the heart sigh.
Filled with virtues and old fashion beliefs, love is more than money.
God gives us trials and puts obstacles in our path to help us grow. Emma realized that and returned home.
Enjoy 😉 Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee before today's editors ruin her stories.
"AWAKE at Wilmore Manor" is a delightful well written story that makes the heart sigh.
Filled with virtues and old fashion beliefs, love is more than money.
God gives us trials and puts obstacles in our path to help us grow. Emma realized that and returned home.
Enjoy 😉 Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee before today's editors ruin her stories.
October 12, 2024
princess & the pea
What a wonderful retelling of this fairytale. The author took a lot of liberties but I enjoyed each one. I even wondered if the pea would show up in the bed. The emotions this tale created in me were the biggest surprise. I found myself crying in several places which did Not happen in the original tale! Throughly enjoyed!!
What a wonderful retelling of this fairytale. The author took a lot of liberties but I enjoyed each one. I even wondered if the pea would show up in the bed. The emotions this tale created in me were the biggest surprise. I found myself crying in several places which did Not happen in the original tale! Throughly enjoyed!!
June 20, 2019
This story starts full speed right from the beginning. I wish it had given a little more of a introduction. I loved how Lilliana was a strong but caring character. Eduardo was great too. I liked how he was trying to be the leader his people needed.
July 3, 2019
Poignant
It made me cry. The hardships, the cold, the hunger. But, above all of that, the love and commitment. It is a very well crafted tale that draws on your heart strings. It leaves you aching yet satisfied. A great read.
It made me cry. The hardships, the cold, the hunger. But, above all of that, the love and commitment. It is a very well crafted tale that draws on your heart strings. It leaves you aching yet satisfied. A great read.
July 6, 2019
Rating: something more than 3.5
Sometimes you just need a story about kind people. 💖
Not really a retelling of The Princess and the Pea in my opinion, rather a story on its own; also better than most Regency romances I read this year (and I'm including the Harlequin ones!)
Sometimes you just need a story about kind people. 💖
Not really a retelling of The Princess and the Pea in my opinion, rather a story on its own; also better than most Regency romances I read this year (and I'm including the Harlequin ones!)
July 28, 2019
A fairytale retelling with depth
This short novel is a lovely story about love, loss, and the power of overcoming. Emma and James are sympathetic characters, and the novel's message is strong.
This short novel is a lovely story about love, loss, and the power of overcoming. Emma and James are sympathetic characters, and the novel's message is strong.
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