Gretchen and the Bear

by Carrie Anne Noble

Sixteen-year-old Gretchen has been waiting forever to trade life on a dreary orbiting station for life on gloriously regenerated Earth. Still, visiting faerie-infested Britannia is not on her agenda—especially since no human who’s ventured there has ever returned. But when her stepsister sneaks off to the island to meet a faerie boyfriend, Gretchen’s stepmother forces her to risk death to rescue the runaway, or forfeit her father’s life.

Lost in the faeries’ forest, Gretchen meets a family of Bearfolk—fae who can shift between human and bear forms. Kindhearted seventeen-year-old Arthur volunteers to help, while his mother, who believes Gretchen is the heroic Silverhair of faerie legend, schemes to use the girl for darker purposes.

When the quest to save the runaway proves costly, will Gretchen and Arthur find the courage to sacrifice what they hold dearest to save the ones they love most?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fairy Tales, Fantasy Romance

284 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2020

About the author

Carrie 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.

Reviews

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/saTBhyNoUZ4

What a twisted tale!

Not twisted as in bad or dangerous, but more of so many twists and turns within this story! I shouldn't expect anything less from fae, but I must have not prepared myself enough. LOL!

I REALLY liked Gretchen! She was a fun main character and absolutely loved her determination to save Ruby. Her willingness to give her all and help those she loved and/or cared for was inspiring. I also really liked that she was mindful of fae details such as the food and its people (which I had no idea about). It made her a smart, careful young woman and even more likable main character.

Be still my heart, but Arthur. *happy sigh* Oh, Arthur. If you love quiet heroes who love deeply, this hero is for you! He's just…smart, caring, wise, and above all, loyal. As hard as it was for him, I am so glad Gretchen turned his whole world upside down. <3

One thing I want to say but can't expound on is the prophecy. Well done, author! I was asking questions of how things would unfold and was unprepared for HOW those questions got answered. It was definitely nothing like I expected!

The ending of Gretchen and the Bear is I feel uncommon, but by golly, it was one of the sweetest and most hopeful endings I've ever read! Full of love and beauty and HOPE that it warmed my heart in a way I wouldn't have expected without certain things happening. Truly, it was perfect and so moving!

Overall, I highly recommend this story to those who love fae, good plot twists, and stories that pulse with hope and love.

*(I received an ARC from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

[J.M. Hackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fairytale was a combination of Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon with some fae courts thrown in. I absolutely loved it and never knew what was going to happen next.
For me, the characters make the story. Gretchen's spunk, as well as her irritation with her sister, kept her from being too perfect and very relatable. My heart shipped Arthur and Gretchen so hard and well, let's just say, I had to stay up to finish reading the book until the wee hours.
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for Toby -- what a hoot!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gretchen and the Bear is a delightful tale. It's part science fiction and part fantasy.

In the future humanity abandons the ruined earth, little do they know that the Fae are real, and without humans around they quickly set about regenerating the planet.

Gretchen is a new Earth colonist living out her own Cinderella tale with an evil stepmother and a flighty stepsister. When Ruby runs off to marry a Fairy prince Gretchen is sent to retrieve her. But fairy magic is interfering with her advanced tech.

She receives help from a family of bear folk. Fae who transform into bears through the use of a magic fur.

I loved Gretchen she is a strong female character who isn't afraid to be feminine. She is also snarky and spunky, but can be caring and she loves deeply.

Arthur, the Bear of the title, is a wonderful character who I think is every girls dream guy. He's a little to perfect but he isn't human so I'll look the other way on this. I think it was great that the author made their relationship bloom slowly. Their true love grows over the course of their adventure, an adventure that is oddly supervised by Arthur's parents.

Even though the plot is highly original I picked out a couple fairytale inspirations. When Gretchen wanders into the home of Arthur and his family it had notes of Goldilocks and the three bears. As mentioned already Gretchen's family situation had notes of Cinderella and want to add Snow white and Rose Red Just because it's about sisters and there's a bear. Though there is probably another bear tale that is closer that I'm just unfamiliar with.

*I was given this to read one day as I was sitting around wondering what to read next. A tiny elf on a tiny dragon said that I would like it. His only request, that I tell the internet what I thought of it. He cautioned that I should be honest though, for one should never lie about stories. For if you lie about a story then you shall stop enjoying them.

So here dear internet, are my honest words and opinion concerning the story bestowed on me, that you've just read.*

[Gillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I desperately wanted to like this. The concept was neat, and the writing style was good, but a majority of the characters were too thinly sketched for me to really care. Add to that the insta-love and some issues with pacing along with glossed over details that should have been given more attention.

The second half was stronger than the first half, but that wasn’t enough for me to give it a higher rating than this, unfortunately.

[Zaida · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love is unpredictable, as untamable as lightning."
-Gretchen and the Bear by Carrie Anne Noble

In 170 N.E. (New Earth) colonies have resettled in North America, while Britannia is occupied by faerie creatures who live according to their tradition and magic. Gretchen is sent by her overuling Stepmother to fetch her stepsister, Ruby, who ran away with the faerie prince, with the threat that if she doesn't return her father will pay with his life. In Britannia, she's aided by Arthur, a Bearfolk, and his parents, in an attempt to rescue her stepsister. His mother believes Gretchen to be the Silverhair hero come to save their kind in the faerie war, which leads them into a whirlwind of danger, sacrifice, and forces Gretchen and Arthur to risk what they hold most dear in order to do what they feel is right.

What a fun book! The beginning was reminiscent of a few fairy tales mixed together. I liked the future/regenerated Earth idea paired with magical lands setting. The history of the Bearfolk was especially fun to read about. It was clear how Arthur and his parents each individually felt about the importance of loyalty to their kin and elders; how honor and righteousness guided them. I loved how rooted they were in their morals.

I enjoyed A LOT of side characters in this! They had such personality and warmth, and truly helped facilitate Gretchen and Arthur in their hero's journey. I felt the love-spark between them, especially Arthur's love for Gretchen, seemed to happen suddenly and I would've liked more development. Granted, the story's action was on-going so everything had to keep moving forward. It was helpful to get each of their POV, providing a deeper connection with them. Overall a good read, with rich world building and lovable characters!

I won this copy through a giveaway. Thank you to WordCrafts Press and a HUGE thank you to Carrie Anne Noble for sending me a copy, plus all the swag, and signing the book! This is my first signed copy and I love it!

[Georgette · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about a teenager who glanced at another teenager, who then decided to obsess over her for no reason that made any sense, and eventually, after a few days, handed her his birthright bearskin pelt.

Uhm.
Maybe the original fairytale did some leg work I was unaware of, explaining why/how these characters were so "in love"(obsessed) with each other. But it didn't make much sense in this novel. I don't think this is how being in love works. If someone glances at you for one second, then obsessed over you this way after that, that is something that should be concerning, and run away from.

(I don't understand authors who write about teenagers falling in love this way. You're just confusing teenagers, giving them this false idea of romance, and 'love at first sight'. But, why? Maybe such authors are just old, and romanticizing youth, or something to portray it so dishonestly.)

Ruby was pretty much a strawman punching bag, so the main character could be 'not like other girls', and she was a pretty annoying grouch.

The fairy realm was interesting to read about, but it was mixed with muggle technology that kind of spoiled it.
Ursula K Le Guin made some good points in her essay, 'From Elfland to Poughkeepsie' that this author might appreciate, about why this doesn't work, and I wish this author was more familiar with those points, because she has a good grasp on many things about fairytales, but all her books fall into this and are spoiled by it. I really think she would benefit from reading Tolkien's 'On Fairy Stories', too, for a similar lesson.

If only this author would also put romance aside and realise it doesn't count as a plot, and is just mushy and disturbing when portrayed unrealistically. She really has some good, interesting ideas lots of times, spoiled by these two problems!

(I'll probably update this review to articulate more thoughts better, later. The lore about the bears was interesting).

[C.A. Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very weird story. Mostly that was because it didn't follow any recognizable trajectory -- normally there's the typical plot arc, starting in the ordinary world, with rising action to a climax, falling action, and then resolution. Ideally the climax will be predictable based upon the conflicts that have come before, with the villains and heroes you expect.

In this one, Gretchen and Arthur both do start out in their respective "ordinary worlds"--Gretchen in her interstellar world while Arthur (who shapeshifts to bear form once a month) lives back on Earth in the wild forests, overrun by faeries. Gretchen has to go back to Britannia where the faeries are, sent by her stepmother to rescue her stepsister, who has been taken as the bride of the faerie prince. If she doesn't save her stepsister, her stepmother will murder her father. Along the way, she meets Arthur and his family of bear shapeshifters... where his mother in particular is fixated upon a prophecy that the Silverhair will one day come and save the bearfolk from their enemies. Gretchen has a silver streak in her hair, so Arthur's mother is convinced that it's her, and she kidnaps her in order to force the prophecy to come true. Meanwhile, Arthur very quickly falls in love with Gretchen, which is forbidden (she's human, not bearkind after all).

It's a unique story thus far... but it leads one to believe that the climax will be one thing. Only when we get there, we're not even halfway through the story. There were probably four or five different climaxes and stories within the story along the way. Noble kept introducing new characters and acts. I grew weary of them eventually, but I'd invested so much time that I wanted to see the resolution...

One thing about Noble's books is that they are always both whimsical and clean, and the tension remains at a manageable level, so they're good reads for just before bedtime. As usual, I got a happily ever after at the end.

[Hailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Liked:

-Noble has clearly developed a rich and layered faerie world for Britannia. I wish that more of Brittania and the types of faeries had been featured in the novel.

-The blending of all the different fairy tales. Noble's other two novels have had a fairy-tale-like feeling to them, so it makes sense for her to have written a reimagining. Her writing style just has a cozy feeling to it.

What I Struggled With:

-It felt like there was a little bit of a disconnect between the first and second halves of the book. The first half was about Gretchen's adventures in Brittania and trying to find Ruby, while the second half was about her and Arthur's love story despite being apart. The two fit together in the end, but the change threw me off a little.

-While the sci-fi feeling elements themselves didn't throw me off, I was confused about where Gretchen lived. The station and colony are referred to, which made me think that she lived in space for a good chunk of the novel. However, near the end, it's clear that she lives in North America on earth. Maybe I just missed the information about where Gretchen lived, but it did confuse me.

-Toby. After his change of heart, the guy was a fun character. But the character switch and how easily Gretchen trusted and liked him seemed a little unrealistic.

Overall:

Gretchen and the Bear is a blending of fairy tales, and it works best if you read it as a fairy tale. That means overlooking the insta-love and things that wouldn't make total sense in reality. If you can do that, you'll find a unique story.

Cautions: moderate romance; three kisses; ten instances of coarser language; brief, non-detailed nudity related to shapeshifting

[Kerry]

Carrie Anne Noble combines light sci-fi with faery lore to create her YA novel, Gretchen and the Bear. My little Bear and I read and enjoyed the enchantment, light romance, friendships, and fairy land contained in this charming tale. In this future, the British Isles are a new fairy realm, and humans enter at their peril. Humans, meanwhile, seek to re-colonize the Earth. The main human character, Gretchen, is sent by her politically-motivated mother to rescue her stepsister, Ruby. Ruby was sent to broker a deal with the fairy folk, but she went MIA. So, stepmother dearest threatened to murder Gretchen’s ailing father if Gretchen didn’t succeed in rescuing her stepsister in a timely fashion. Gretchen lands in a land transformed into beauty and danger. A magical moth befriends her, and a “Bear folk” lad, Arthur protects her. When Arthur’s parents discover their son’s unusual friendship, an old legend comes to play, and they agree to help Gretchen in her quest. Little Bear and I look forward to reading more by Carrie Anne Noble!

[Laurie Lucking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I never could've imagined pulling together a mash-up of Cinderella and Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but Carrie Anne Noble completely made it work! And if that wasn't enough, this book also had a mix of fantasy and science fiction unlike anything I've ever read before. I absolutely loved Arthur and his dad and so much about the Bearfolk. Their culture was executed to perfection in their language and traditions, and Arthur was just such a sweetheart! *happy sigh* Gretchen was brave and spunky, and I was impressed by the great lengths she was willing to go to save her step-sister and father. Brittania was such a fun place to explore, vividly described and full of surprises. As always, Noble's prose is rich and engaging, and her unique story left me smiling and satisfied (and wanting to attend a Bearfolk feast...). Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys fairy tales with a twist!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun light fantasy YA novel. I like the premise of it being the future and Fae have returned as well as the Bearfolk. Very good world building. Character development was a little rough for m- especially the bear mother, the idea that this super brave and defiant girl was always cowed by Evil Stepmother, without really showing HOW abuse can cause someone to react, and StMom who was just randomly evil, because Power. And the way a Ruby's death was handled was callous and seemed an after thought.
But enough complaints! I was thoroughly enjoyed the premise as well as the world, I loved loved Birna and of course, Papa Bear. The lore of Bearfolk and their pelts and traditions was fascinating. Overall for an early reader an uncomplicated but still rich world to start on. I excited to see what else this author does with this world.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mixing of sci-fi and fantasy in this book! Mrs. Noble has built a world that she could expand upon in so many ways. This book is really unpredictable- I was surprised more often than when I read most fairy tale books, which kept things interesting. It’s appropriate to let your teens or preteens read too- there are some references to death/gross stuff that wouldn’t be appropriate for very young children. The characters are relatable and likable, and while there is the occasional unsophisticated phrase, it’s generally really good writing!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Carrie Noble's writing, and this book of love and fairy tales was fantastic, but it just needed more. It felt so rushed, almost with too much action. I wanted more world building, more depth, more conversations, more descriptions, more time, and slower buildup. This could easily have been expanded into at least two books, maybe three. And I would read them in a heartbeat because I always love what this author puts out

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ursa Major
The great bear. This is a well-told post-apocalyptic story. Faeries control the British Isles, Survivors rule the North American colonies. Gretchen is dispatched by the evil stepmother to recover her stepsister from the Fairie prince. Enter Arthur a burly human that turns into a bear. I won't give it all away but we are heading toward happily ever after before the book is done, which of course leaves room for a sequel.

[Richard Low · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read. I would have preferred to give it 4 ½ stars, but alas I can't.
At first I thought it was a retelling of Goldie locks and the 3 bears, esp when a character 'Ruby' was introduced.
It didn't go that way but it is still a charming fairy-tale, none the less.
I would recommend this as a holiday read, or for someone trying to get back into reading again. It kick started me back into the habit of reading again.

[Janet Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Gretchen and the Bear by Carrie Anne Noble. What a treat! You know it’s a great read whenever you stop any place in your reading and your mind keeps on thinking and playing out the storyline. Her characters draw you into the story and her world building is phenomenal. I highly recommend this book to people of all ages. In fact, this book is going to my 12-year-old granddaughter next!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful YA novel by Carrie Anne Noble! I adored the unique mix of fairytales within a sci-fi futuristic world of faeries and mythical creatures. With beautiful landscapes and characters that will capture you from page 1, this story has it ALL! A must-read for any MG or YA reader looking for a clean adventure that inspires the imagination.

[Andrea Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this fantasy novel! I haven’t enjoyed a book with faerie creatures and fantasy this much since Harry Potter. I don’t like to give spoilers in my reviews, so I’ll keep it short. The writing is excellent, Noble takes you on a tale of enchanting imagery while throwing a few futuristic curve balls. I can’t wait to read more from her! 10/10 recommend!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man. Carrie Ann Noble is a rare treasure. Loved every second of this book. I truly love how original her stories are. I was enchanted by “The Mermaids Sister” and then she went and did it again with “Gretchen and the Bear”. I will be reading “Gold-Son” soon and I can hands down say I will read anything else she comes out with.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful magical realism

Another beautifully crafted story by Carrie Ann Noble, who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. The parts that happen in the North American colony drag some, and Gretchen isn't really as likeable as I'd like her to be, but the beautiful story makes up for it. And the fact that there are some sad things that don't get resolved make me love the story even more. Four and a half stars from me!

[Rapier Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting story I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys fae fantasies. My only regret is that Gretchen and Author didn’t get to spend more time on Britannia together to get to know each other. That was my favorite part of the story and it felt a bit rushed. I was hoping they’d get lost in the forest together.

[Kristin Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, sweeping tale. This is a sci-fi and fantasy, fairytale mash-up. I couldn't believe how many plot twists the author put into this story. It could have easily been split into a duology, so it felt like I was really getting two books for the price of one.

The lyrical voice I expect from this author, Carrie Anne Noble. Full of heartbreak and heroes. Beautifully done!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had a Cinderella theme but with the stepmother being the only real evil one. I enjoyed the fairy tale land. I feel like the author could have spent more time developing the feelings the main characters have for one another. It was very sweet but I feel like it just "happened" to them. The bear-folk idea was very good and a huge part of the whole story - the beginning gave me Goldilocks and the 3 Bears vibes!

[Anna Beste · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique tale with an interesting concept. It was fast paced, but not in the action pact way. The story just moved quickly, and there were more than a few plot conveniences that moved the story along faster than was possibly needed. Overall it was entertaining and enjoyable, full of love, friendship, family, shape shifting, and magic, all with a touch of sci-fi added in for good measure.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third novel by Carrie Anne Noble was another winner. This book drew me in quickly to its fantastical world with characters who I could easily empathize with in their troubles and challenges. This book read like an allegory, as I felt repeatedly reminded of how things are in the real world and the spiritual world.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was fun to read! I wish there was a little more world building in Britannia as I personally enjoy reading about the different breed of faeries. I also think the dialogue was a little cheesy at times. I enjoyed the ending. Everyone got what they deserved.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, very enjoyable book and a quick read. The pace of the story felt unsteady, only real complaint. I loved the images it brought to mind. This is the second book I've read from Carrie Anne Noble and I'll definitely continue reading her works.

[Susie Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting!

Gretchen and the Bear is such an enchanting story! It’s a beautifully crafted and wonderfully spun tale of life, loss and love. Carrie takes you on a free spirited ride through fairy land and leaves you wishing for more. Sure hope there’s a sequel in the works!

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tale similar in ways to Goldilocks, only more complex. There are characters who aren't bad guys, but who make bad decisions that hurt so many others. And then there's that one bad guy, who deliberately makes bad choices to get what they want. It was a well-done story.

[Laurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this endearing sci-fi/fairy tale mash-up!