Once Upon a Midwinter's Kiss

The Gardner Girls #4

by Fenna Edgewood

Little Gracie Gardner is all grown up…

When the youngest Gardner sister sets out to seek her fortune she finds more than she bargained for. For as soon as she steps into the mysterious primeval forest of Princewood, Gracie enters a realm in which myths and legends take on flesh and blood, and where new desires haunt her dreams.

Abandoned in a blizzard and forced to seek shelter in the castle of a reclusive young man, Gracie has no idea she will soon become his captive.

The castle's young master has a broken spirit and a proud, unfeeling heart which is rumored to be made of pure ice. The last of his line, he hails from a family renowned for tragedy and violence and spends his days brooding from behind walls of stone.

Opposites in every way, no two people could be more wrong for each other. But as Gracie restores the castle to life and reawakens its owner's humanity, together they must face the darkness which haunts Princewood... as well as the dangerous passion which threatens to consume them both.

This Christmas season, join Gracie as she brings new joy and light to a world of foreboding darkness.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Amazon, Adult, Retellings

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2021

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood writes steamy, swoon-worthy stories of love, family, and adventure. Fenna lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband and two tiny tots (who are adorable but generally terrible research assistants). She is an award-winning retired academic who has studied English literature for most of her life. Before becoming a full-time author, her last "real" job was teaching high school students above the Arctic Circle. After a long hiatus from writing make-believe as a twelve-year-old, she has returned to the genre with a bang!

For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
And be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fenna...

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️ Once Upon a Midwinter's Kiss ❄️
A Christmas Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency Romance
The Gardner Girls Series
✒️ Fenna Edgewood
https://www.facebook.com/fennaedgewoo...
Release Date 10/18/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098TWP94D/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Friends to lovers has never felt so right in this beautiful blending of Beauty and the Beast and The Winter’s Tale.

A heroine in disguise.
A beastly hero.
A family betrayed.

Little Gracie Gardner is all grown up and about to have the adventure of a lifetime…

When the youngest Gardner sister sets out to seek her fortune, she gets more than she bargained for. For as soon as she steps into the mysterious primeval forest of Princewood, Gracie enters a realm in which myths and legends take on flesh and blood, and where new desires haunt her dreams.

Abandoned in a blizzard and forced to seek shelter in the castle of an enigmatic young man, Gracie has no idea that she will soon fall under his thrall or that by accepting his sanctuary, she puts herself in deadly jeopardy.

The castle’s young master has a reputation for murder and is burdened by a past shrouded in secrets. As Gracie befriends the beast, she slowly unravels a web of terror spun by a master of deception. Caught up in a dangerous masquerade, Gracie must join forces with a man who is much more than he seems, as the ghosts of Princewood's blood-stained history begin to rise once more.

As Gracie restores the castle to life and reawakens its owner's humanity, together they will face the darkness which haunts Princewood…as they arm themselves with the power of a love so strong it may even conquer death itself.

This Christmas season, join Gracie as she brings new joy and light to a world of foreboding darkness.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will the shadows find enough ground to tear them apart…

Gracie since I read the first book was the breath of fresh air in each story, a mischievous young girl who even turned a sea stowaway in her last unmarried sister’s story.
So while she was only a child during the first three books, now she is all grown up Gracie, still her mischievous self with a romantic side in plus.

Thus for Gracie, it is love at first sight, from the moment she glanced at Linden, she was enthralled, caught in the web of his Prince Charming like appearance, and happy to never be set free.
On Linden’s side, it is more complicated, believing Gracie is a boy, he is drawn to her but does not know how to name this new feeling which unsettle him.
Together they find themselves first trapped into some game of deceit, firstly necessary to rescue Gracie then it continued with the need to try to unravel which secret lies beneath all those monster rumors.

Gracie and Linden are so perfect for one another, they are intricately linked, soul mates as much as love mates. But as the evil lurking in the shadows shows finally its face, with their devoted love be enough to save them.

And while this is a romance, it is also a family tale, the one we are born into but much more the one you create along the years, those patched pieces that make you whole.
Gracie grew up surrounded by love while Linden has no real relative left, only surrounded by fears and covering but he found warmth among some of his people who in some way adopted him for the orphan he was.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Cara Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Edgewood has upped the steam - keep those fans handy!

Gracie's story is a warm and heartfelt conclusion to the Gardner Girls series. The intensity and loyalty of Linden and Gracie's love for each other created a comforting backdrop for all of the intrigue and mystery of Princewood. I loved that they never doubted each other - and therefore I never doubted them!

It's a modern twist on "Beauty and the Beast" with nods to some of my favorite characters from the beloved movie. But it's not cheesy or overwrought - the author uses a light touch to apply mirth and magic at just the right moments.

This is a love story that checks all those holiday romance boxes: cozy, comfort, and most importantly, a happily ever after that feels true to the characters of this story and all the Gardner Girls from the first three books.

I have been granted a review copy by the author. This review expresses my true and honest opinions.

[Cassie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice, easy read .
Characters weren’t particularly interesting or fleshed out .

[Aenia Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing Gracie play an increasingly more important role in her sisters' love stories, I was looking forward to her story and moment. Her adventure was well-written and perfect for her and Linden. The angle of redemption and the power of individuality and faith was a good touch. I highly recommend this!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 67%. I skimmed through most of it. After they declared their love for one another, I didn’t really care what happened next.

[Elle Cheshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Gracie, who is now all grown up, as she stumbles headfirst into a castle mystery and straight into the arms of Lord Chevalier.

I really enjoyed getting to see a grown-up Gracie, we have only previously seen younger versions of her, and I like that her experiences in the previous books have shaped her into who she is today. Gracie is such a unique and amazing character. She is bold and brings such a light and happiness wherever she goes. I love that she’s undecided on whether she prefers being a boy to a girl more but is just happy being Gracie.

Alongside Gracie we have an excellent cast of characters, Jasper and Mrs Lennox certainly brought the warmth and much needed light-heartedness to this story. Jasper was a favourite of mine - he’s happily himself and bold and fun and charming and exactly the kind of friend we all need in our lives, to bring the light and who helps us when we don’t need even know what we need.

Linden is our love interest and I have to say I love how he looks at and feels around Gracie. His love seems so pure and real that I couldn’t help but smile for them. Gracie feels so perfect for him, though I have to say I wasn’t 100% sold on Gracie’s insta-love for him but with her wild past and thirst for adventure it does fit with her stubborn and somewhat impulsive personality. I thought Gracie fitted well in this castle setting and medieval esque vibes the whole place gives off.

It is an interesting setting, very different from the standard like of a Lady but that’s why it fitted so well for Gracie who has lived a life of anything but that of a proper Lady. It’s a wonderful, little step back in time which feels kind of perfect for a Christmas winter wonderland type book.

The story has a great mystery plotline and coupled with the castle it felt very creepy, I was constantly speeding through dying to uncover the secrets and begging the characters to expose the truth and find out what happened all those years ago. The way it all played out was intense but also so satisfying seeing it come together and see everyone finally find out the truth.

I absolutely adored seeing everyone come together at the end, it made my heart feel so full. And seeing how things were working out was so lovely and I have no doubt that each Gardner will have a beautiful life.

Again, Edgewood brought us another captivating page-turner of a book. She does the mystery aspect so well and blends this with the romance expertly. The setting for this one was a fun change that felt very right as we come into November. I can’t say enough how much I love this series; each book is wonderfully written with such entertaining characters. I highly recommend and would recommend reading all the other books in this series as well (if you haven’t already!)

Thank you to the author and to booksprout for a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book after I complained that I didn’t understand Fleur’s background in The Bluestocking Beds Her Bride. This certainly shed light on her unfortunate circumstances prior to coming to London, but I still feel that I would have liked a bit more exploration of Fleur’s emotional journey after this book but prior to The Bluestocking Beds Her Bride. Perhaps I shall contact the author again.

Meanwhile, I have to say that I loved this book. There’s some gender-bending going on here, as Gracie dresses as a young man and pretends to be Grayson. It’s not the first time she has pretended to be a boy and do the things that only boys should do. Linden, lord of the manor, is engaged to Fleur (but not by choice) and finds himself falling for this strange young man. He is baffled by his response to Grayson, but feels an undeniable pull. Jasper, Fleur’s best friend in the other book, is actually Linden’s best friend in this book and is very open about his attraction only to males. Somewhere along the line, Jasper and Fleur grew close to one another. Again, I’d like to read more about that transformation.

The story is billed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it’s much more than that. Had it been simply a retelling, Gracie would have been revealed when she dressed in a gown and appeared at the ball. That’s not what happens. Jasper senses Linden’s internal conflict and tells him the truth, but of course, Linden doesn’t believe him until he sees for himself. But there is, in fact, a ‘beast’ on the loose and Linden is leading the search.

The relationship between Linden and Gracie is built slowly upon friendship and develops into a deeper kind of understanding between them. This is no temporary lust taking over their ability to think clearly. They’re more like two halves who’ve been looking for each other. I really enjoyed it and I’m excited to read more from this author.

[Made Me Blush Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the Gardner girls is all grown up! Gracie Gardner follows in the courageous footsteps of her mom and sisters with her own twist. A very interesting one that has her hiding her identity after she saves herself from dying alone during a snowstorm.

Set during the impending holiday season, Gracie has been invited to join family friends in Scotland. She's technically at the marriageable age and she knows that this trip is more than a Christmas sojourn. The son of her hosts is a childhood friend and one that hopes to be more. Soon after the journey, Gracie regrets accepting the invite. She's nowhere ready to marry and definitely not willing to settle for a boy she's intermittently spent time with over the years.

When she somehow makes it to Princewood and is taken into the care of it's castle's owner, her life takes a very different turn. Linden has been hiding behind his castle's walls as much as he's been hiding behind the untruths the villagers tell about his family. At one point he may have wanted them to see the real him but now he's just resigned until the night a nearly frozen person wanders into the castle seeking refuge from the snowstorm. Their arrival starts him wondering if there is more to life than just getting through each day. He's having feelings he's never had and is inexplicably drawn to the recuperating visitor.

No spoilers for this one and it would be best to go in blind. There's intrigue, deception and chemistry. Linden's quiet demeanour and open-mindedness hides a tender heart and kindest of spirits that's a balm and perfect match for Gracie's adventurous old soul.

This one drew me in with it's original storyline and I loved the epic family reunion at the end that does justice to this captivating debut series by Fenna Edgewood.

Don't miss this enthralling conclusion to the Gardner Girls series!

[Courtney McCaskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My one sentence review is that this book is completely adorable and it is impossible not to smile while reading it.

Gracie Gardner is making a long journey through a snowy woods when her carriage is attacked by a mysterious creature. Left alone and injured, she dons the only dry clothes she can find, belonging to the driver, and goes in search of shelter. This is how she arrives at a mysterious castle dressed as a boy. The castle is owned by Baron Linden Chevalier, a young man who was orphaned at the age of ten. Ever since the death of Linden's parents, the people of the nearby village have been afraid to go inside the castle, and afraid of its master, because of the mysterious circumstances under which his mother died. Circumstances which bear a striking similarity to the death of Gracie's coach driver...

Although this book is a Regency, it has a strong fairytale quality to it. It's a Beauty & the Beast retelling, and if you like stories with spooky haunted castles, this will be right up your alley. I loved both of the leads. Gracie is strong and independent, and Linden is the ideal fairytale prince (for all that the villagers believe him to be a beast.) I enjoyed the mystery plot as they tried to uncover the real murderer, but make no mistake- this is a feel-good book that will go with your holiday like a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows. It's the perfect mix of sweet and steamy, and Gracie and Linden are so stinking cute together. It's the 4th book in the Gardner Girls series, but I read it as a standalone with no problems. You could read it any time of year, but the characters do plan a winter festival and ball, so it also works as a Christmas read.

I will definitely be checking out the rest of the Gardner Girls series!

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exiting regency romantic story with a touch of an old style gothic novel.
We have medieval castle, a damsel in distress, a lord the villagers fear and the sinister father of his reluctant betrothed. The castle, the winter party in the castle, the jester and the Shakespeare quotes make you feel that the story is set before the regency era. Just as Gracie gets the feeling of stepping back in time, so does the reader. Well written.
When Gracie’;s carriage crashes for unknown reasons, she finds shelter in the castle in question. Quite a few things turn out to be wrong and gradually it becomes clear what happened. Meanwhile, Gracie and Linden, the lord of the castle, are increasingly attracted to each other. But, he’s engaged and Gracie is... a boy?
Its a standalone story, but comes from a series where Gracie’s sisters found happiness. Now its Gracie’s turn. In the previous book, we got to know Gracie as a mischievous young lady who dressed as a boy worked as a cabin boy on a ship.
There are more likeable characters in the book, such as friend/employee Jasper Lennox, optimistic prankster with sharp humor
The ending is a bit cheesy for my taster, but it fits: Linden is included in the Gardner family.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenna Edgewood’s “Once Upon a Midwinter's Kiss: A Christmas Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency Romance” The Gardner Girls Series is just charming!

A wee bit of mystery and old style gothic novel with the magic of a fairytale in this subtle beauty and beast tale.

Little Gracie Gardner has grown up. The youngest of the Gardner sisters is eager and ready for the adventure that awaits her. Gracie has always been so interesting throughout the series with a mischievous, adventure some spirit. It’s love at first sight for Gracie and Linden was a perfect hero for our heroine. Of course things are complicated and it’s delightful to watch these two as they work them out. The characters are well written, the storyline is perfect for Gracie, and the authors voice is delightful. I enjoyed reading it so much!

This story stands on its own and it isn’t necessary to read the entire series but of course you’d be missing out on these wonderful stories if you don’t. Fenna Edgewood is a talented author who delivers such fun and exciting stories. I loved this story and really hated for the series to end. I enjoyed the feel of the mystery in the story and watching Linden try to reconcile his feelings for Gracie. A wonderful must read!

Thank you so much Ms. Edgewood for this fun love story and Gracie’s happily ever after.

[Anna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. I love this series. Why oh why is it over....IS IT OVER??

This was the PERFECT story for Gracie!!! She has always had a little bit of a mystical/storybook/fairytale quality... so this was, like, her perfect story!! Also LOVE that she ended up with someone so sweet and gentle. A perfect compliment to the character we've grown to know throughout the series!


*Spoilers*

Okay but seriously?!?! HIS DAD IS ALIVE AND THAT THREAD IS JUST LEFT DANGLING!!!!!! I....I don't even know how I feel. At first I was irritated. Then the more I thought about it I was like, "No. This makes sense. The man is happy. Linden is happy." ALSO, this author is WAY TOO talented to just slap a random happy ending like that in all of a sudden...like a too good to be true but that was sweet, kind of deal. She is a meatier writer than that. Then I figured I was just thinking about it way too much and I needed to let it go!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner! I have read other books by this author and though they were good but I must say this one hooked me and I couldn't put it down! I loved the mystery element carried thorough and the setting was perfect for it. I like that Gracie is just being herself and that changes for her, I liked Jasper in that he was so secure with himself and called it like it was. And poor Linden seemed so confused and what he thought he knew yet did not. I felt this story was really well done, with a great storyline, plot, and characters. I didn't really feel too much of a Beauty and the Beast vibe except for the master being a recluse but he really wasn't. It was more the myth that surrounded him and Princewood that made it feel more B&B. I did also think that Gracie fell a little too quickly into declaring that she loved Linden. They are for sure ying and yang but compliment each other perfectly.
Some great villainous activity as well in here that deserves its own book!
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series about the Gardner sisters and was really looking forward for the youngest sister Gracie to have her story told. This book was not a disappointment as it followed Gracie’s adventures after her coach was attacked and she found refuge in a castle. However things are not as straightforward as they seem. Linden the master of the castle appears to be hated and feared by his people in the village, and his uncle seems to perpetuate this feeling. Strange things happen in and around the castle and Gracie gets dragged into the danger. Attraction sparks between Gracie and Linden but can their love overcome the dangers and the fact that Linden is promised to his cousin. There are many twists and turns and revelations which will keep you riveted. The characters are well rounded and varied including the kindly housekeeper Mrs Lennox and her gay (in all senses) son Jasper. I could not put this book down and it is another triumph for Fenna Edgewood.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson Aka Gracie is a wild rollercoaster ride! You won’t put it down just start and hold on!
Gracie you remember has traveled the world and been on a ship with pirates. She is on her way to tell a young man they can not possibly marry! A mistake made should not a Life sentence make!
Linden is an heir to an ancient Barony and when Grayson is found he is strangely attracted to him and not understanding their connection!
There are huge secrets at Chevalier keep and most are unknown to Lord Linden Chevalier.
As these two grow closer they greed and horrifying secrets are revealed!
Fleur who was to be Linden’s intended is right in the midst of all of them.
She does not appear to know right from wrong. She should have been fully accountable for her duplicity! More lives could have been lost!
None of the the previous Gardner girls stories were without adventure but this one is gripping in its intensity!
These two so deserve their HEA literally saving each others lives! Bravo so awesome!

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

The youngest Gardner Girl story did not disappoint.

Gracie has always done things differently since childhood. She was torn between being a tomboy and a lady.

Stranded in a storm while traveling, under suspicious circumstances, she again dresses as a boy, and manages to get to a castle. Unknown to her, there is a lot of mysterious history/hysteria surrounding this castle.

Enter Linden, the young Lord who overturns his longtime steward's decision to throw out the stranded and injured traveler.

Thus begins a journey of tons of secrets, some deadly, as well as a burgeoning relationship that is very fraught since Gracie is posing as a boy and Linden is not sure why he is attracted.

We also deal with a "betrothal" that the two parties don't really want, but is part of the many secrets/danngers within this castle.

Another pageturner with lots of surprising twists and turns.

Loved revisiting all the other Gardners at the end.

[Marla Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It had all the elements of a Regency with a Beauty and the Beast vibe. It also had a gothic thread and a little Shakespeare .Honestly,, it kept me enrapt in the story from page one and kept me up late until I finished it!
The story revolves around the main characters, Gracie Gardner and Baron Linden Chevalier. Gracie arrives at Chevalier’s castle on” a dark and stormy night", injured and dressed as a boy. The charade continues for a time until all is revealed.
Other central characters include a best friend (Jasper) , a soon to be betrothed, (Fleur), an wicked uncle (Warburton)kindly servants ( the Lenoxxes)and distrusting townsfolk.
There is also a murder mystery and of course a happy ending..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I mention that to say that I did not have any trouble figuring out what was going on. I am sure I missed a few Gardner family allusions, but I did not misunderstand any major plot points or anything. Because Gracie is on a trip away from home, this was a good place for a new reader to jump in.
There was a definite Shakespeare feel to the book. There are the whole girl-passing-as-a-boy thing, a clown figure who was very funny, and the villain subplot. I liked the characters very much and found them compelling. I hope that we will get to see Linden and Gracie in their future lives because I am curious about how a few things will work out for them. I am most curious about Fleur, who had a very interesting story.

[Janet Welling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining story

For the most part, this is an entertaining story with romance and humour mixed in with a good deal of suspense. Calling this a “Regency Romance” is a bit of a stretch, and the author has taken many liberties with the actions of the characters that are not true to the time period. Overall, the character development is good and the banter between Jasper and Linden makes for some very amusing moments. There are some plot points that don’t really add up and the author throws a major twist into the story near the end of the book, that unfortunately remains unresolved. A little less filler at the beginning would have left plenty of time to develop this final part of the story. My rating, 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a wonderful series. I have loved each one of the Gardiner sister’s stories. This is Gracie’s story, the youngest of the sisters. She’s all grown up now but still full of mischief and adventure. She meets her match in Linden, a beastly Baron, when she arrives at his castle seeking shelter in the middle of a blizzard. Linden is much more than he seems and Gracie is on the adventure of a lifetime. This story is a page turner, filled with secrets and evil lurking, and even a murder mystery. Beautifully written!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the town hate for their lord was a little too much but in those days rumors and gossip had that kind of power. Gracie & Grayson was a complete surprise and I loved it!

Loved that the hero was a virgin- hated that he came off so experienced. (How?!?!?) Loved that the heroine wasn’t a virgin and she wasn’t the typical beauty. She was different. In so many ways she was different. And I loved that the hero loved her. And she loved him too. There was intimacy between the two, more than attraction but there was so much attraction too. Does that even make sense? Anyway, for me this was a good book. I enjoyed it.

And the fireplace scene 🔥🔥🔥

[Abbyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely has a decently written quality to it. Though I'm not sure I would call it Beauty and the Beast retelling. If anything it just takes very certain elements and throws them in to a historical mystery. I feel that the BatB parts were more Easter eggs.

I enjoyed Gracie and Lindens love story coming together while give that major HEA after the trauma.

And major props must be given to the author. The fact that she let Linden not only be a man but show his tears and emotion and trauma. That was fantastically written and handled. It wasn't put in there for the sake of it. It gave depth to his character as well as others.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having met Gracie in 'A Seafaring Lady's Guide to Love', it was lovely to read her own story. Murder, intrigue and treachery abound in this story, threatening to take Gracie's happy ever after before it even begins. Linton's life has been sad and filled with danger, heartache and tragedy, but he somehow manages to be a decent human being. There are other interesting characters here, none more than Jaspar, a gay man in a time when revelation could mean hanging.
This was an ARC I voluntarily reviewed. It's a great story and I gave it 4 stars.

[MacKenzie Raye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency with a Fairytale Twist - At first glance, I feared this book was going to break my heart, but it did no such thing. From the moment Gracie arrived at the castle, I knew this book was for me. The Beauty and Beast feel had me hooked. When I saw the mix with The Winter’s Tale it caused me to hesitate. So glad I didn’t because it was perfectly intertwined together making this romance book a page turner. Linden loved her even though Gracie feared her past might catch up with her. Perfect Read for those that love twists within the storyline as well.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fairy Tale if there ever was one.
All elements are present: the prince, the lost princess, the evil shadow, the white stag.
Jealousy and greed are strong motivators that are at the basis of the machinations to seize the title of Baron of Princewood. An unstable spirit inhabits a woman mistreated and plagued by horrible memories and pushes her to murder again and again.
The white stag appears in many legends, always as a symbol of goodness and often to protect the innocents.
And yet, the book does not bore; on the contrary, it keeps you in suspense almost till the end.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dream of tale.
I love fairy tales and Beauty and the Beast is a favorite this telling of the classic was outstanding. The writing was good, how the characters were written with such depth made for a book that was entertaining, compelling, and a page turner from start to finish. I highly recommend this beauty it is one I am sure you will be happy to have in your library. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[TERESA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this book. The characters were enchanting and the storyline was well done. A fairytale for grownups... I loved the spicy romance and there was mystery and deception all is not as it seems. I do recommend this book!!!

I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie Gardner is the youngest Gardner sister who dreams of adventure and fortune who gets more than she bargained got when she sets foot in the forest of Princewood. Caught in the middle of a blizzard she seeks shelter in the castle of an enigmatic young man. A man who has a reputation for murder and a past shrouded in secrets.

Theirs is an enjoyable story of life and humanity in the face of adversity.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t get enough of the the Gardner girls!

A very original story that has twists and turns throughput. Just when you think there can be no other, along comes another. Gracie, once again, gets her adventure and ferrets out secrets long buried that needed to come to light. The true heroine is the one that finally brings the lies to light and loses a lot in the fray. Enjoy the ride!

[Trina Huskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler alert - sweet read but made me sad

I read two of the first books in this series then jumped to this book because I liked the heroine from a previous book. Spoiler: it made me sad because of the death of a hero character from a previous book. This book has interesting characters that you can’t help but love. I wish I knew what happened with the heroes father, and quite a few of the side characters. I’ll definitely keep looking for others in this series.