Of Snow and Roses

Magically Ever After #1

by T.M. Franklin

Is she a powerful witch... or is it all in her head?

When Neve awakens in a hospital room, cuffed to the bed, the only thing she knows is her name. Her doctor says she’s been a patient at the Blackbriar Institute for most of her life, that she’s been battling mental illness since she was a small child... that bouts of amnesia are common with her condition.

But something doesn’t add up.

And weird things keep happening. Sparks erupt from her fingertips and wishes inexplicably come true. Neve has visions of a woman claiming to be her sister, warning that she’s in danger.

Is it all a delusion?

Then there’s Torbin, the mysterious man in her therapy group with fathomless pain in his dark eyes. At first he seems to hate her, but Neve feels drawn to him in ways she can't explain.

Together, Neve and Torbin must uncover the secrets of the Institute and fight their way to freedom. Along the way, Neve will discover power beyond her imagination... and a love she never thought possible.

Of Snow and Roses is a magical adventure inspired by the fairy tale, Snow White & Rose Red. If you like contemporary fantasy with plenty of twists, turns, and a splash of romance, you’ll love this modern twist on a classic.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Fairy Tale Retellings, Young Adult

233 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2020

About the author

T.M. Franklin writes stories of adventure, romance, & a little magic. A former TV news producer, she decided making stuff up was more fun than reporting the facts. Her first published novel, MORE, was born during National Novel Writing month, a challenge to write a novel in thirty days. MORE was well-received, being selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, as well as winning the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Awards. She's since written four additional novels and several best-selling short stories...and there's always more on the way.

Connect with T.M. Franklin

Web site: http://www.TMFranklin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TMFranklinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TM_Franklin
Email: TMFranklinAuthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story so so much. I love anything with magical powers in so when you mix all powerful witches with shapeshifters and monsters, I am 100% here for it.

I loved Neve and Torbin and there relationship. He was always so protective even when Neve wasn’t sure what was happening, especially then. I also loved the mystery element of it. How we found everything out as Neve did. I kind of wish that this was a series but only so that I could keep reading about all of the fascinating characters, not just Neve and Torbin but everyone in the institute. Especially Lily. I feel like she could have her own book! I’m a little upset that I can’t read more about them actually!

My only negative with this book and it’s not really that big of a deal is that I felt this book could have been longer or made into a series to give us more details and flush out some of the scenes. But apart from that a really fun, interesting and quick read!

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and captivating story from the first page.
It's a great option for when you want something quick and not too complicated.
I was surprised by how original this reteling was.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, quick read. The flow was continuous and well thought out. The author kept you engaged and wanting to continue reading.
I wish that we would have seen Neve's full use of power though.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Using CAWPILE rating system by: ”Book Roast” on youtube as it seems to be working for me.

Characters:
3/10
Very very basic characters, not really developed at all.

Atmosphere:
2/10

Writing Style:
4/10

Plot:
4/10

Intrigue:
4/10

Logic
4/10

Enjoyment:
4/10


Overall Rating 3.57 – 2 Stars

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I just read? Nothing connected. Using Red Rose and Snow-White wasn't necessary since little was used from the original story by way of reframing. The idea was there but the execution was lacklustre.

Meh.

[Brianna Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so captivating and was definitely a page turner. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen. These characters were linked so tightly and the character development kept me on my toes. There were twists and turns and the ending was beautiful. Thank you TM FRANKLIN! 🌟💜

[Alyssa Herget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little palette cleanser. A mystery surrounding a mental hospital where patients are disappearing and losing their memories, with an element of magic as we try to determine what’s happening.

[Rachel Chiapparine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish this story as a whole could have been done without the mental health aspects.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I literally do not understand what I just read.

She's in an insane asylum and it's quite weird.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairytale Retellings are wildly popular (I know I love them) but mostly it's the popular ones, you know, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and etc. Well, T.M. Franklin decided to take fairytales and give them a modern twist in the Magically Ever After series. However the first Fairytale that's up isn't very popular, Franklin's Of Snow and Roses is a modern retake on the fairytale Snow White and Red Roses.


What a great read. The story starts off with Neve in a mental institution called Briarwood, she's a patient therefore, and an unreliable character, at least for a little bit. Neve starts off kinda naive but eventually, she started thinking for herself, investigating and taking risks and when she realizes she's in trouble she starts to fight back. Nave wasn't afraid to accept her crazy, she trusted herself.


Being in a mental institution means there are a bunch of crazy (😂) characters. Tala seems tough and Lily is a spunky chatterbox, they're patients as well but it's the shady staff that you have to worry about. If you pay attention they do not exhibit characteristics you would want in medical care professionals. That includes Doctor Alberich who gives off major sketchy vibes. Neve's one ally is Torbin and they are most definitely some mystery surrounding him. He is the strong and silent type, literally, he doesn't talk so there is a bit of miscommunication but he's soon Neve's only ally in a place that is looking more and more dangerous by the day.



Of Snow and Roses was a fabulous story and kinda makes wanna check out the original tale. Set in what is basically an Asylum shrouded in mystery but with bits of magic. There are experiments and enchantments, magical forests, a big cuddly bear, visions, mystery, a touch of romance, and more. The story truly was intriguing and I can't wait to dig into Franklin's next retelling.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Of Snow and Roses: A Magical Modern Fairy Tale" by T.M. Franklin is an enchanting and mysterious story that brings a contemporary twist to the classic fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red. This novel is the first book in the "Magically Ever After" series, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.

The protagonist awakens in a sterile hospital bed, bound by handcuffs and devoid of any memories of her past. She is a patient at the Blackbriar Institute, a place where she has supposedly been since childhood. Isolated and alone, she is told that she is sick and forgotten by the outside world. However, there is a magnetic pull between her and a mysterious man in her therapy group, a man who carries an indescribable pain within his eyes. Despite his efforts to keep her away, she feels a strong connection to him.

As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Blackbriar, she questions the nature of her illness. Could it be more than a medical condition? Is there magic at play? What secrets lie hidden behind the gates of the institute? Determined to uncover the truth and break free from her restraints, she embarks on a journey filled with puzzles, suspense, and unexpected twists.

"Of Snow and Roses: A Magical Modern Fairy Tale" combines elements of romance, mystery, and fantasy, enticing readers with its intricate plot and engaging storytelling. T.M. Franklin intricately weaves together the allure of fairy tales and the allure of the modern world, resulting in a captivating and unique narrative. With its blend of suspense and enchantment, the novel promises an unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers eager to uncover the secrets within its pages.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by Snow White and Rose Red??

The cover of this book is gorgeous, and it leads you to believe—if you haven’t read the blurb—that it is a more traditional fantasy book, but it is not. (By the way, the book's title page stated the author designed the cover. If so, I'm blown away by her cover art skills! The cover does go with the story, however) It takes place in modern times; it certainly has aspects of magical realism, but is not swords-and-sorcery fantasy. It's supposed to be a modern take on the story of Snow White and Rose Red, but it only took the slightest inspiration from that tale (like supposed sister Red and the bear) as well as from a few other fairy tale stories. I wish the fairy tale influenced it a little more, as I love retellings of classic tales, whether pure fantasy, contemporary, or something in between. This book takes place in a mental institution that is certainly not what it seems. I like and trust the other patients more than I trust the medical staff… and that's saying something because I am a registered nurse! Our heroine is as in the dark as we are about everything, learning along with us as her story unfolds, as one of her issues is amnesia. But are what the medical staff call her delusions something completely different? You'll have to read the book to find out. While I wasn't completely wild about this particular story, I am curious to see what the author does with other books in this series.

I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Jasmyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Neve wakes up in the Blackbriar Institute without her memory I suspected that there would be an evil doctor holding her against her will – and there was – but it was done a lot differently than other stories with similar tropes and themes. Neve will need to tread carefully to figure out who she can trust as a friend, and who is trying to hurt her.

While Neve was the main character, and I enjoyed her story, I found some of the side characters to be more intriguing and enjoyed their time on the pages a lot. Lily was one of my favorites, and the mysterious Tala is still a character I wonder about. Torbin, the strong silent one, had a somewhat predictable part of the story, but he was still fun.

The rest of the characters, including the bad guy and his friends, sort of blended into the background. I never got a real feeling for why they were the bad guys. I like my villains to have depth and backstory as well.

I like that while this featured some familiar characters from Snow White and Rose Red, it wasn’t an actual re-telling of their story (although I’m not super familiar with the original). There were a few spots that were a little repetitive or drawn out a little too much that I found myself skimming through.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of Snow and Roses is fine, nothing particularly exciting or well executed, but also nothing particularly poorly implemented. It's greatest handicap, in my opinion, is that it is too short. There is an interesting and deeply investing story here, with waking up in a mental hospital, learning of your magic and of the hospitals malignant intentions, and then having to try and navigate that setting while maintaining the illusion of you still being subject to the deceit. There's so much rich narrative there with the constraints upon the character, the danger, the isolation, and the deeply disturbing material of a predatory hospital, but the story doesn't immerse itself in it, to try to explore any deeper than a surface layer of these concepts. The audio book comes in at just under six hours and glides along at a fairly smooth, though not rushed, pace. It's fine, just left me with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
The fairytale side of this is largely absent, and doesn't really remind me any classic fairytale I'm familiar with. It also never really achieves that 'fairytale' feel, not that the resulting story is bad by any means, just not fairytale-ish.
I didn't particularly care for the audiobook reader for Of Snow and Roses; she wasn't horrendous, but probably the weakest element of the story.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going with 3.5 stars
(It's like 3/3.5)

I enjoyed this being a quick read, although 20 minute long chapters 🫠 I'm slow so it felt like forever to read one chapter haha. But only 11 chapters + epilogue sooo again still quick‐er lol

Majority of this book I had no idea what was going on and why this institute was sus, which was good because it kept me intrigued to find out! Once I learned more (I did guess one thing right 💁🏼‍♀️ lol v proud of that), I was still trying to understand wtf this Doctor was doing and what he wanted until it was finally explained to me lol

Overall, it was an interesting read that kept me engaged to find out what this institute was really about!

The side romance, I didn't feel a strong connection with because I didn't have a good visual in my head of Torbian, so I feel like how I thought he looked ended up being not very accurate. Idk if I ever had a good visual of Neve? My mind could have used a little more/better character descriptions. I saw Torbian looking like Ralph from Wreck-It‐Ralph 😂 Idk overall I didn't have a strong connection to the two main characters and idk if it was the lack of description, not long enough, maybe lack of communication (in the literal meaning...iykyk lol). I'm not sure!

Overall, this was a decent quick read to finish out the month! I am a little intrigued by the second book, knowing it's about Lily.

[Mimia The Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

So, this was a story inspired by Snow White and Red Rose, which is exciting, since there aren't many books based on this tale. However, the characters were there as well as a few details but the rest was a completely new story, which I should have expected from the blurb but actually didn't because I read fairytale and my head thought immediately of retellings.

This was an entertaining read but not exactly what I was thinking it would be. Also, I was a bit disappointed that the relationship between the sisters was not more developed.

I have more hope for the next one in the series, since Lily sounded like a very interesting character and I already know to expect a new story loosely inpired by the fairytale and not necessarily a retelling.

Lastly, let me just leave with this ilustration of Snow White and Rose Red (that's actually in the wikipedia entry about the fairytale) because I thought it was cute - it really serves no other purpose:



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

[Kristy aka Brooksie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick fantasy about a young woman who wakes up in an institution unable to remember anything other than her name. The other people staying there are either standoffish, rude, or indifferent to her. Each day she questions more things and tries to find out more from a few people she sees each day but it’s difficult to get answers, especially from the huge man who stares at her all day with a grimace on his face.

I enjoyed the story. It was short, it had an interesting plot, and ended well. It wasn’t a deep fantasy where you don’t understand references throughout and easy to follow. I listened to it via Chirp audiobook and it’s 5 hrs 30 min on regular speed but I listened to it on 1.2x which cut the time down an hour and didn’t make the voices too fast (I'm not a fan of listening to 🐿️) If you are looking for an easy fantasy story, to fill in between your regular reading or don’t want to commit to a long book this should fit the bill. I gave this a 3.75 which is not a bad rating. I thought it was worth reading and if I had the choice to read again for the first time I would.

ps. There is a bit of romance in it towards the end, but there is zero spice for those who are not fans of that.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you know what’s real when you don’t know where – or who – you are?

That’s the question at the core of “Of Snow and Roses,” the latest offering from author T.M. Franklin. Neve, our main character, wakes up tied to a hospital bed in a room of strangers. The doctor says she’s been there since childhood, battling amnesia and other issues, but she’s safe and in good hands.

But between her strange housemates and even stranger dreams, Neve is starting to wonder exactly what’s going on at the Blackbriar Institute. And with each passing day, she has more questions than answers.

Like, who is Dr. Alberich? Is Lily a friend or foe? What’s wrong with Torbin, the big guy who stares but never speaks? Why do Neve’s dreams seem more real than her waking life? And what is up with the bear lurking outside her window?

“Of Snow and Roses” answers these questions—and more—along the way, taking you on a taut suspenseful ride from the very first sentence. The unique characters and surprising twists keep you glued to the page, giving T.M. Franklin another chance to do what she does best: tell compelling stories with heart, humor, and a hint of the supernatural.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this story piqued my interest. And I was not disappointed! I was drawn in from the very first paragraph and my attention held through the entire book. The plot was wonderful, the character's easy to attach yourself to, and while there are romantic elements, they weren't cheesy or overdone and didn't take away from the main storyline.I did figure a piece of the puzzle out on my own, but there was still enough suspense to keep me interested.

I was intrigued by Neve & what was going on with her and I was fascinated with Torbin from his first introduction. I love the way the secondary characters fit into the story, and how all of the characters come together in forming the plot.

Also, while I, a grown woman, enjoyed this book very much, it's also something I wouldn't mind my teenage children reading. There is no profanity, there are no sexually explicit scenes, and there's no extremely graphic violence.

And that cover is too beautiful to not mention!

Overall, this is a pretty awesome book - for you or your teenager. Why not both? Pick up two copies and read together!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening in a strange place with no memories except for her name, Neve is told that she is a long term patient at Blackbriar institute. Apparently suffering from delusions as well as amnesia, she struggles to make sense of her situation. Are the visions she’s having of a woman named Rose real or part of her illness? What is her connection to Torbin, the silent patient who is always watching her? And why does she feel safe with the bear that comes to her window at night? When other patients disappear for days then come back changed, Neve is sure something sinister is afoot. When she discovers she has magical powers, she is determined to escape the institution along with the other patients. But is she strong enough to battle the evil holding them captive?

Of Snow and Roses is the first book in T.M. Franklin’s Magically Ever After series. A reimagined version of Snow White and Rose Red featuring compelling characters and fantastic world-building. Neve’s confusion, fear, and frustration are tangible as she attempts to remember who she really is. Well plotted and fast paced, packing an emotional punch, this story will pull you in from page one. Plus anyone who has ever been a victim of manipulation and gaslighting will surely feel a sense of vindication when the evil at the center is confronted.

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

[Leslie || original book nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Snow and Roses: A Magical Modern Fairytale – Magically Ever After Book #1 - Review
 
Couple: Neve & Torbin
 
Author: T.M. Franklin
 
Tropes: Beauty & the Beast retelling, PNR, fantasy, shifter/witch romance, hidden identity
 
Review: A twisted new retelling of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. This book s written in dual POV and features a hidden witch and shifter.
 
Neve is a witch who has been abducted by a mad scientist. As she begins to remember her past, we learn everything that has been going on in the facility holding her captive. I loved how tenacity to unravel the mystery surrounding her and her friends. I felt like while the book was shorter, Neve was well developed and had everything you would want in a FMC.
 
Torbin on the other hand is a bear shifter who tries to protect Neve at all costs. I enjoyed his brief chapters and how he grew in this story. My favorite parts were how he tried to help Neve around his curse.
 
The book is a good YA/NA romance and it a clean one as well. It is fast paced and high intensity with an HEA.
 
Rating: 8/10, go Neve!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover is so beautiful! If I'm honest this was a large part why I bought the book!

I purchased this on a whim from Kobo and I'm glad I did! This was a wonderful magical book. Neve wakes up without her memory in what seems to be an institution, she only has her Doctor to rely on to tell her what happened. As the book progresses we find out more and more and discover the truth right along with Neve which I really liked.

I wasn't expecting the evil in this book to go about things the way they did. It actually surprised me and felt maybe a little out of place, but ultimately it just adds to the book for me since it was unpredictable. I found the whole ceremony/sacrifice thing a bit cultish and new agey, and I didn't think it quite fit into this quaint story but I wasn't expecting that so it was also interesting

I really enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to coming home from work and reading. It's a fairly light read with some dark parts and worth the read if this sounds like something you'd like.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again off into the mind and worlds this author builds and explores. The fun part is we get to do it with her. This time it's all in our minds or is it. Hallucinations, forgotten memories, drugged and messages, Don't Trust Him. Whose face is that? Who are they talking about? Which he is she supposed to be weary of? So many questions and so much confusion. It's a battle of wills that's raging from the first page to the last. Friend or foe. Real or altered. Trust or betrayal. It's all in the mind and it has to come out. You'll wonder what's real. You'll wonder who you can trust. You'll make connections where they shouldn't exist. You'll want to fast forward to the end but don't do it. What's lost will be found and this author will make you work for it in the best of ways.

[Emily D. Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairy tale stories and I have a weird fascination of psychiatric hospitals. This mixes both. Through out the story I kept questioning what on earth was happening because, like Neve, I had no idea who to trust. My only one tiny tiny pet peeve is that I wished the author included rose more in the story since the original fairy tale, Snow White and Rose Red, had both sisters. Other than that, it constantly kept me at the edge that I read it in one day! I even already have my dream cast if it was ever to be adapted on the big or small screen:
Neve and Rose: Zendaya (Spider-Man/Euphoria)
Torbin: Adam Driver (Star Wars/Marriage story)
Doctor Alberich: Daniel Gillies (The Vampire Diaries/The Originals)
Lily: Isabela Moner (Instant Family)

[J D · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a little girl, I read the story of Snow White and Rose Red and read it a lot. I always wished that someone had made an animated movie out of it, there was so much to work with. Yet, this is on another level. I could have never thought of a retelling of this, the love that the sisters have for each other, Neve and Rose. The struggle for Neve and Torbin was hard on me. I will not give any spoilers, but I was really surprised who the bear turned out to be. There was one part that I got a little scared of, but I hated it every time I had to put it down, and I hope that everyone feels the way that I felt about this story as well!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am happily voluntarily leaving a review! Thank You!

[Nia Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars. Here’s my reasoning for 4/5:
- I loved the story. The characters were fun and the premise was really interesting. I never knew what was coming next!
- there was not a lot of world building or character development. While I loved the characters, I still wish I knew more about them.
- I am still confused about some things but maybe the next books will clear that up? I’m just worried because they have different MCs.
- this book was clean with little/no swearing, no gore, and no spicy scenes.

Overall, I would recommend this book but with the warning to just enjoy it for what it is because there isn’t a lot of world building or explanation about the world.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is modern retellings of fairy tales and I did not recognize this one. It’s dark, a la Grimm Brothers.

Neve wakes up in an insane asylum with no memories of her past. All the things you remember from ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ are present, highlighting the dark side of unethical inpatient care…
She’s hallucinating (or is she), being stalked by a bear, and can do magic. At least once she stops taking her medications…

For as dark and twisted as this is, I really enjoyed it. Neve is brave and kind-hearted, willing to risk her own freedom. Torbin gives off major protective vibes (not QUITE green flag ways). And the Good Doctor is appropriately creepy. There’s a lot of science combined with magic and you can almost imagine this taking place today.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and interesting! Fun premise! I love the whole waking up in a hospital with little memory scenario. Neve just wants to get better, but she’s unsure who and what she can trust; things are weird at Blackbriar Mental Institute. Fun mystery! Some really cool ideas with what Neve can do! She’s a strong lady; she does take a bit long to act sometimes, but she handles most things pretty well. Some interesting magical elements; enjoyable paranormal story. There is a pinch of romance; I would’ve liked a bit more, but what was there is really sweet. Overall, strong characters, and I loved the suspense and mystery as the story unfolds!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I read the 2nd one before this one, anything Little Mermaid will take priority. This was an ok book, but didn’t keep my attention like Of Songs n Seashells which is book 2. Neve, Lily, Torbin, Tala, n of course Rose who is on again off again character in this story was ok, learning bits n pieces here n there about each of them, but it takes almost to the very end to read the depth of what you need to know n understand, at least it was for me, the bag of talismans was a big part of it. I know Dr Alberich is a major character and such, but I can think of a few names for him n his groupies of Calum n Angelica, but would just prefer to block them from my mind.

[Chloë Spooneybarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a total page-turner! This had a great balance of magic, while still feeling like it was set in the modern world! Staring out the tale with Neve waking in the institute and following along as she discovers herself, encounters various strange events, and finally sees holes in her perceived safety left me stuck in a chair wanting more! This is a good read if you are looking for a quick complete bite, with a little magic, a sweet blooming romance, and some very entertaining surprise twist while maintaining the hint of darkness mirroring some of the original tales.

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