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The Peddler's Reward
Spending the winter in Florida with a group of rowdy horse trainers and performers ought to be fun for seventeen-year-old peddler O’Neill. But when he and his ailing guardian Scarff park their wagon with the Gaskins, things go downhill fast. Scarff is growing sicker by the day, and if that isn’t bad enough, O’Neill soon finds himself unwittingly engaged to the Gaskin king’s daughter—a dangerous girl who doesn’t care one fig that he’s already devoted to another. With Scarff in dire need of a rare swampland remedy, O’Neill plunges into the magic-tainted Floridian wilds with three goals in to rescue the runaway Gaskin princess, to obtain the cure for the only father he’s ever known, and to remain alive so he can return north to his true love. Simple. What could possibly go wrong in an enchanted swamp? In the O'NEILL AND THE GRIGGIN, O’Neill discovers what he thinks is a baby left in the woods to die. Bound by magic to care for the feisty faerie creature until he locates its mother, he faces more perils and pitfalls than the average young papa. Can he survive a week of parenting a shape shifting griggin, or will the wee beast’s insatiable appetite and hot temper do him in? Revisit (or meet for the first time) the beloved characters of Scarff, O’Neill, and others from THE MERMAID'S SISTER in this pair of adventure-filled stories by Carrie Anne Noble, set during the timeline of the beloved original novel.
41 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
126 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Anne Noble
14 books390 followersCarrie Anne Noble is the author of fantasy fiction infused with fairy tales, folklore, and wonder. She lives in the woods of Pennsylvania but can be lured out with cheese or chocolate. You can read more about her at http://www.carrienoble.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2020
I really enjoyed The Mermaids Sister and I’m a sucker for book offshoots and spinoffs so I was happy when I came across this one! I always thought Scarff’s and O’Neill’s characters were interesting ones and had hoped to find out more about their travels and adventures as from the book, they are hinted upon frequently and they seemed like they had many a good story to tell. Which they did! I loved the two short stories included in this mini book and liked the brief return to the world in The Mermaids Sister.
Also it was great to read some snippets from what happened when Scarff was sick from their perspective as well as some of their encounters on the road back to Llainfair mountain. Lovely little accompaniment to the main book!
Also it was great to read some snippets from what happened when Scarff was sick from their perspective as well as some of their encounters on the road back to Llainfair mountain. Lovely little accompaniment to the main book!
October 28, 2020
Two stories from O'Neill's adventures - just what I wanted but too short!
I enjoyed returning to the characters and setting from The Mermaid's Sister. O'Neill was my favorite, and it was fun to read about a tiny portion of his experiences and adventures that helped shape him into the dependable, mature, devoted young man from the main story. He is the best travel companion because he knows what to watch out for, who to trust, and how to handle situations. I wish we could have seen a bit more of Scarff as well.
The Peddler's Reward doesn't have any spoilers for The Mermaid's Sister, so it could be read anytime, though I would recommend reading it after the main book because I think you'll understand the context and enjoy it more. O'Neill is always thinking about the girl he loves but never mentions her name, so it's still a mystery. He doesn't let himself believe that she feels the same way, even when some tell him she's waiting for him, because it's too much to hope for, but it's so sweet to see from his perspective how serious he has always been about her. You'll have to read The Mermaid's Sister to know what I mean...
I think the first story felt just a bit rushed. It could have used a little more detail to fill it out, a bit more description and suspense to draw it out before the ending. But hey, it's a short story. I could just read an entire book about O'Neill and Scarff's adventures on the road as peddlers and run-ins with magical creatures. Thanks for sharing a tiny piece of their story as well!
I enjoyed returning to the characters and setting from The Mermaid's Sister. O'Neill was my favorite, and it was fun to read about a tiny portion of his experiences and adventures that helped shape him into the dependable, mature, devoted young man from the main story. He is the best travel companion because he knows what to watch out for, who to trust, and how to handle situations. I wish we could have seen a bit more of Scarff as well.
The Peddler's Reward doesn't have any spoilers for The Mermaid's Sister, so it could be read anytime, though I would recommend reading it after the main book because I think you'll understand the context and enjoy it more. O'Neill is always thinking about the girl he loves but never mentions her name, so it's still a mystery. He doesn't let himself believe that she feels the same way, even when some tell him she's waiting for him, because it's too much to hope for, but it's so sweet to see from his perspective how serious he has always been about her. You'll have to read The Mermaid's Sister to know what I mean...
I think the first story felt just a bit rushed. It could have used a little more detail to fill it out, a bit more description and suspense to draw it out before the ending. But hey, it's a short story. I could just read an entire book about O'Neill and Scarff's adventures on the road as peddlers and run-ins with magical creatures. Thanks for sharing a tiny piece of their story as well!
March 12, 2022
These were some cute, fun short stories, and it was neat to see inside O'Neill's head. I would recommend starting with The Mermaid's Sister before reading these though. Not because it's necessary to follow them. Just because I'm not sure there's enough here to get invested in the characters, so I think it's probably more enjoyable reading them, as I did, when you're already familiar with and fond of the characters from The Mermaid's Sister.
July 1, 2022
two fun tales
The first story reminded me of “Caravan” by Dorothy Gilman but it was fleshed out more than the two chapters on the subject by Dorothy. The second story was familiar but I can’t place it. I feel like I’ve been round a camp fire listening to folk storie and that may well have been the author’s intent.
The first story reminded me of “Caravan” by Dorothy Gilman but it was fleshed out more than the two chapters on the subject by Dorothy. The second story was familiar but I can’t place it. I feel like I’ve been round a camp fire listening to folk storie and that may well have been the author’s intent.
May 6, 2020
Carrie Anne Noble's books have this familiar, fairytale feel to them. When I read them, I can't help but love them. The way she writes, it seems like they could have been published at any point in the last 150 years. Classic.
The Peddler's Reward has that same quality. Good story!
The Peddler's Reward has that same quality. Good story!
May 17, 2020
Super cute stories to go along with The Mermaid's Sister! I loved getting deeper insight into O'Neill and learning a bit of his past. These stories are just as captivating as the full length novel and a must read for anyone who enjoyed the book.
October 3, 2020
Absolutely Enchanting!
Carrie, I LOVE your creativity with mystical and magical things that adults too often forget about. These two stories were so much fun to read after "The Mermaid's Sister"! I shall be following you to see what new adventure you're busily creating :)
Carrie, I LOVE your creativity with mystical and magical things that adults too often forget about. These two stories were so much fun to read after "The Mermaid's Sister"! I shall be following you to see what new adventure you're busily creating :)
October 14, 2020
Another homerun!!
Yet another riveting tale from one of my favorite authors! I nice prequel to "The Mermaid's Sister". Would love to see more of these characters! 10/10, would recommend!!
Yet another riveting tale from one of my favorite authors! I nice prequel to "The Mermaid's Sister". Would love to see more of these characters! 10/10, would recommend!!
January 24, 2021
Warm, clever, funny and visual
Characters are well described, easily imagined, and the situations hilarious to the reader. Being a hero isn't all glamour, as O'Neill would tell you...not that he wants to be a hero at all!
Characters are well described, easily imagined, and the situations hilarious to the reader. Being a hero isn't all glamour, as O'Neill would tell you...not that he wants to be a hero at all!
December 10, 2021
I don't generally read short stories because I prefer to spend some time with a story. However, this book of two "side" stories about characters from the author's book, The Mermaid's Sister, have the same dreamy fairy tale vibe to them and are a delight, if short, read.
August 2, 2023
entertaining, short read
I really enjoyed this short read! Carrie writes so beautifully and crafts such wonderful tales. It’s easy to picture the scenery and get into the story itself. Hope we hear more from these 2 characters!
I really enjoyed this short read! Carrie writes so beautifully and crafts such wonderful tales. It’s easy to picture the scenery and get into the story itself. Hope we hear more from these 2 characters!
April 30, 2020
I read The Mermaid's Sister in January so it was nice to read these two short stories about O'Neill (and Scarff).
September 29, 2020
Fun fantasy
This quick read was a fun get away from the real world. The main character is very likable and that is it's biggest charm!
This quick read was a fun get away from the real world. The main character is very likable and that is it's biggest charm!
November 6, 2020
Not great
I found it too silly, I guess. I liked the mermaid book better than this one. In fact, I didn't actually finish this one.
I found it too silly, I guess. I liked the mermaid book better than this one. In fact, I didn't actually finish this one.
December 31, 2020
Great Companion Pieces
These are delightful companion pieces to The Mermaid's Sister.
They would be entertaining independently as well and don't have spoilers for the main story.
These are delightful companion pieces to The Mermaid's Sister.
They would be entertaining independently as well and don't have spoilers for the main story.
February 7, 2021
A charming Sunday read
I giggled. I tensed. I zoned out. I made up characters and images in my head. And I want more.
I giggled. I tensed. I zoned out. I made up characters and images in my head. And I want more.
February 12, 2021
Fun!
Two fun bonus stories about O'Neill from "The Mermaid's Sister." A very enjoyable, quick read that makes me want another Carrie Anne Noble book to come out soon!
Two fun bonus stories about O'Neill from "The Mermaid's Sister." A very enjoyable, quick read that makes me want another Carrie Anne Noble book to come out soon!
May 31, 2021
Enchanting faerie tale
A brief but welcome companion to The Mermaid's Sister. This tale gives more insight to O'Neill and gives him an adventure as well.
A brief but welcome companion to The Mermaid's Sister. This tale gives more insight to O'Neill and gives him an adventure as well.
March 19, 2023
Enchanting!
Two short stories about O'Reilly's adventures as a young peddler. A quick, easy, and fun read. If you liked the Mermaid's Sister, you will enjoy these stories as well.
Two short stories about O'Reilly's adventures as a young peddler. A quick, easy, and fun read. If you liked the Mermaid's Sister, you will enjoy these stories as well.
October 3, 2023
I enjoyed this little story about O'Neill who was in 'The Mermaid's Sister". Fun, easy and short read. A nice companion to those who want to get to know him more. :)
February 24, 2020
A fun companion to The Mermaids Sister. A quick read filled with a few short stories. Enjoyed it very much.
October 27, 2019
What a wonderful collection of stories about O'Neill and hus guardian Scarff! Set in a magical version of Florida, O'Neill's fantastical adventures never make him forget his true love in Pennsylvania. I loved this truly heartwarming set of short stories!
October 29, 2019
I loved getting to revisit the world of The Mermaid's Sister in these fun short stories! You can find my short video review on:
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November 29, 2019
Good book that makes you think
It was short but more than just a story. It had hidden advice. Very good read. I would recommend it to others.
It was short but more than just a story. It had hidden advice. Very good read. I would recommend it to others.
January 23, 2020
Good read
This book was not as good as The Mermaid's Sister, but good none the less. It felt more scattered and less planned than it predicesessor.
This book was not as good as The Mermaid's Sister, but good none the less. It felt more scattered and less planned than it predicesessor.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews