During the annual peace talks, Princess Elodie is less than amused to discover that her childhood nemesis, the arrogant-yet-charming Prince Bastien, has been turned into a frog. Blessed by fairies at birth, Princess Elodie can speak to animals, and is now the only one who can help Bastien break the curse before his father declares war on her kingdom. With the help of their servants, Henry and Matilde, and her equally-blessed sisters, they set off on a quest to restore Bastien to his former self, but it is her feelings towards him that begin to reverse.
A charming, lighthearted fairy tale retelling, full of romance and delightful witty banter.
Katherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
I can see why Elodie doesn’t like him, he’s a bonafide twerp for the beginning of the story. But goodness, their banter was fun to read. I found myself smirking quite often. It really was overall cute. It definitely had that fairytale charm to it.
I really liked the concept of this book but little things added up to affect my rating such as comments from Bastein and a few suggestive hints.
Gotta be vague because of spoilers, but I really didn't care for the ending and how the person responsible for turning Bastein into a frog was able to save the day and then be rewarded for it. Now, I get a second chance and that there might be a literal war started if all was revealed, but I don’t like how there wasn’t some kind of punishment and the person was able to get what they want because they saved the day when it was their fault in the first place. 🤷🏻♀️
Main Content- There's magic and spells in this book like a normal, classic fairytale in the sense of Elodie and her sisters were each given gifts by fairies at their births and someone put a spell on Bastien to turn him into a frog; There's a debate going on in the backstory of the story about if the kingdoms should allow commoners to practice magic (it's pretty split on those who are for and those against it); Elodie and the others go see a witch in the forest to see if she can help Bastien (there's some scary magic used by the witch, she's the classic crazy witch that has dead animals and also suggests for them to use virgin's blood and adds that she'll take the left over parts); A man is transformed into a horned beast (up to semi-detailed); There are spells for different things but all require a lot of energy on the caster's part; Mentions of spells & some kingdoms having Enchanter or sorcerer; Mentions of dark magic (including a time that it didn't end well).
Phrases like "Great gods", "Gods", and "Thank the gods" are used and exclaimed (a few times total); The word "ass" is used a handful of times with the double meaning of a jerk and donkey.
Elodie and the group drug a couple people with a potion that will make them forget their conversation; Mentions of wars; Mentions of the death of a mother & grief (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of wine, drinking, social drinking at parties and dinners, & drunks (the kings and empresses of other countries particularly drink a lot and make comments about drinking); Mentions of when young Bastien poked and prodded different animals (also also killed a worm in front of Elodie which broke her sensitive heart); Mentions of lies & lying.
A few kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, & Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Bastien is a flirt and has a reputation as a ladies' man; Mentions of blushes, winks, & flirting; A comment from Elodie about checking the beds of all the maidens to find Bastien; Bastien the Frog says he ran into Elodie's mother in the bath ("that was awkward"); Bastien the Frog suggestively teases Elodie about her nightgown and her changing; Elodie and Bastien the Frog share a bed twice (once she throws him out and he says he can't do anything to her & the second time, Elodie imagines him in his human form laying next to her, semi-detailed); A cad tries to kiss Elodie but she slaps him (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a mother who passed away after giving birth; A few mentions of Bastien's past dalliances, lovers, & paramour; A couple mentions of the witch suggesting to use virgins blood for the spell on Bastien; A drunk man calls out for a woman who is not his wife; A young man is said to not be nice to women; A couple men are naked after a spell ends (barely-above-not-detailed).
There's a couple mentions of Elodie's second oldest sister not "caring for boys" and "isn't interested in men" so take that whichever way you think, I suppose (nothing else is implied about her being lesbian but it's not clear what exactly those comments mean).
I think I can count Katherine as one of my favorite authors now, right? The Frog Prince is a fairy tale that I usually didn’t care about as a kid though I did know it. This story improves upon it in so many ways.
As always, the best thing about this book are the character interactions. They feel real, genuine and honestly, how real people would react. Part of that is due to the strength of the characters. None of them feel flat but rather well rounded and authentic.
That makes the relationships, both platonic and romantic, so the much easier to get into. You buy it. I loved seeing them play out—sometimes in ways I expected and others in ways I didn’t but always consistent with the world and personalities that were set up.
Definitely add this to your TBR. It’s well worth your time!
This was a joy from start to happy ever after. There is a cast of supporting characters but they are very much in support. The focus is on the two leads and they are totally loveable, with great banter as they gradually realise they’re not enemies after all. Lovely lovely lovely. The whole series is beautiful and I can’t recommend it too highly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The only downside is that I can’t find any more…….
Even though this is a frog Prince retelling, I feel like there are elements from other fairy tales added in.
Most people thought these were fine gifts. Who didn’t love beauty, after all? People with sense, Elodie would retort. People that can see that beauty is superficial, that it’s all anyone ever seems to notice of a person, and reduces others to simpering fools.
Elodie and Bastien have been nemesis since they attended their first peace talks. Bastien made fun of Elodie’s gifts which were granted to her by three fairies at birth. One of the gifts happened to be talking with animals. This gift comes helpful when Bastien turns up a frog after the first day of peace talks between kingdoms.
Bastien at first seemed like a crappy hero. I ended up liking the bickering between Elodie and Bastien. I just love bickering like this. Super cute and easy to read. This may even be put on my reread list. That’s how cute it was.
For those like me who are hooked on Kate MacDonald’s books and don’t even bother to read the summary (or title for that matter) before starting, this is a Princess and the Frog retelling. You're welcome. It took me up until someone turned into a frog to figure that out...I am ashamed at my powers of deduction.
This is a fast paced novel - much faster and shorter than her other ones. I quite enjoyed it! The main heroine, Elodie, is far different from the other princesses Katherine has written, which is a nice change of pace and keeps the story fresh. As usual, the banter is top notch and you really do witness the main characters change and learn to communicate before your eyes. Through their experiences it reminds me to give people a second chance but to also NOT let yourself be walked over. An important lesson. It has a mystery element that kept me guessing throughout the book. Every guess I had was wrong... :D Pick up a copy for a nice afternoon perusal!
This was an enjoyable retelling of the Frog Prince. Elodie and Bastien's relationship develops from hate to love over the course of the story as they face trials and challenges along the way. I liked the spunk in both of them and their verbal sparring with each other. Their friendship developed over the story and their interactions were both humorous, at times exasperating yet cute. His valet and little brother as well as her maid added extra depth to the story. Her sisters were not particularly interesting and didn't really add to the story. Their was a small plot twist that was a little predictable but still fun. My main complaint is that the author wrote hesitations into the book by repeating phrases. A lot! It was excessive and became a bit obnoxious. Other than that it was a cute story.
Content: Sexual: kissing Violence: mild Language: A** Other: there are several implications that one of her sisters is attracted to women.
Such a creative take on the Frog Prince tale! This story is thoroughly entertaining, and the characters are just so charming--I still think about their dynamic! Honestly you can't go wrong with any of this author's works! She's got a flair for retelling the old stories in a lovely and surprising new way...like comfort food with a delightful twist.
At first, I was worried that this was going to be a “he likes you, that’s why he acts like a jerk, so excuse him for it” tale, but it wasn’t. Elodie calls him out on all his BS and Bas works hard to be better and HAS been better for several years unbeknownst to her. I'm glad the author made her realize how he's not so bad quickly because sometimes these types of books tend to drag it out with the protagonist in heavy denial for SO long that they seem a little dense.
I loved Bas's emotional layers and his/their backstory slowly unfolding before us in pieces. You realize there’s a lot more depth and goodwill in him than El ever gave him credit for and overall both are extremely likable characters. I like El’s fears/flaws, how she tried never to have an opinion or favor a certain tradition because she didn’t know what kingdom she’d end up in. That not really something you think of as an outsider.
Oh! Also, I loved the unconventional Camille-is-a-gay-princess thing, because that's never talked about but definitely did happen. I just thought it was really fresh.
I will say I am disappointed that you-know-who did not the full negative consequences of their actions, and only had good things happen as a result of the chaos and potential deaths they caused. It doesn't feel very responsible. But I also understand why their friends wanted to shield them. I rated it a four because of that and I wish it had been longer because I just wanted more! It was a quick, light read with character depth most light reads don't usually contain. :)
This was a very amusing new spin on The Princess and the Frog. The banter between Elodie and Bastian was very amusing. There was some action mixed with suspense that kept the reader guessing right up to the book’s climax. My only complaint would be that the person who caused all the trouble in the first place, including bodily harm to others and nearly incited a war, all with complete disregard for anyone accept themselves, was rewarded for their actions. For me, that was where the story fell apart. It felt disingenuous to overlook the malicious actions of one just because Elodie was able to save the day.
One of the very, very few retellings of this fairytale I really enjoyed. I wasn't going to read it at first, but the description drew me in, plus having just finished another of the author's books and thank goodness I gave it a shot. Well thought out, fun, and with thoughtful characters and worldbuilding this is a really good one to relax with.
So rare to read a retelling by a new author and to find it's done well. I'm really pleased I picked this one up though. It was an exciting, fun, yet sweet read. The only thing I got a LITTLE annoyed at was all the broken up sentences. But it was true to character, I suppose, so it wasn't too bad.
The Barnyard Princess was a super cute, clean retelling of the Frog Prince! I loved so many of the characters (the sisterly support! Henry and Matilde!), but especially enjoyed watching Elodie and Bastien's interactions and how they grew, individually and together.
This was my first book by Katherine Macdonald, but I definitely look forward to exploring more of her fairy tale retellings!
I am a self proclaimed connoisseur of fairy tale rewrites full stop this delicious rewriting of the frog princess frog prince however you want to spin it was absolutely delightful. I devoured it swiftly in one sitting it was Charming funny and sweet I look forward to reading more from this author
I have read another of her retellings and I think this one has become one of my favorites. The story was scary, magical, loving, and creative. Katherine did The Frog Prince justice and more with her book.
I am hooked on this author and cannot wait to read more of her books. Grab a copy and enjoy!
The Barnyard Princess is an interesting take on how the Prince was cursed to be a frog, and is an “enemies to lovers” story. Princess Elodie is sweet and likable from the beginning, but Prince Bastien grows on one as the story progresses. There are a few twists and turns and a satisfying ending.
This Princess and the Frog retelling is a carried along by engaging characters with sharp dialogue. There are genuine laugh out loud moments, and a romance that draws you in a it develops.
The retelling is funny and good-natured. Think Disney, with more punch.
This was such an adorable story as well as a refreshing fairy tale retelling. It was a nice change of pace not to read a Cinderella or snow white story. The princess and the frog is seldom a choice and the authors did a wonderful job.
This one took me a bit longer to get into but I still enjoyed it very much. I enjoy how the author makes the characters feelings and emotions relatable, the dialogue is plausible, and everything is very entertaining. Well done!
This is a sweet retelling of the Frog Prince. I really like how the MCs have known each other their whole lives but misunderstood each other. It was nice seeing how they got to know each other better. Contains: a couple mild swear words and kisses
This has to be one of the best retelling of the frog prince that I've read yet! It was creatively written as well as a light and fun read! I loved how much Elodie came to care for the Bastien despite their past history and how their love really blossomed. Overall, this was a very cute and fun book!
A cute retelling. I don't typically like romance where the guy is mean to the girl because he likes her, but this one handles it decently. I liked that it was mostly light too.
2.5 Stars This was an enjoyable read, and easy to fly through. There were quite a few times when the prince, when he was a frog, said inappropriate or scandalous things about the princess. For full content I suggest you check out Lindsey from BFCG's review
Simple and beautiful Retelling Really enjoyed this light and fluffy fairytale. World building and plot was good. Appropriate for all ages. Frog and the princess retelling 4/5