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The Crystal Realm: A Collection of Retold Christmas Tales
A Festive Retelling of A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man, and The Nutcracker...
In the kingdom of Wiessel, the Festival of the Crystal Star is a greatly beloved celebration that has always been welcomed with mounds of holiday cheer. But this year, some citizens are finding it difficult to indulge in the celebrations… On the eve of the celebration, three women are met with a twist of fate that may put a damper on the festivities.
A young queen struggles with finding joy in her future while dealing with the trauma of her past, an orphaned sixteen-year-old gains a home, only to run from it, and even a starry-eyed dancer finds herself chasing a thief into the night. While the realm celebrates around them, these three must conquer their new enemies while relying on each other in unforeseen manners.
Will the secrets of the Crystal Realm be unraveled? Or will their hearts be left frozen and shattered? Between orphaned royalty, shadowy strangers, and frigid nights in the snow, it seems hard to believe that this festival could have ever been so jolly…
In the kingdom of Wiessel, the Festival of the Crystal Star is a greatly beloved celebration that has always been welcomed with mounds of holiday cheer. But this year, some citizens are finding it difficult to indulge in the celebrations… On the eve of the celebration, three women are met with a twist of fate that may put a damper on the festivities.
A young queen struggles with finding joy in her future while dealing with the trauma of her past, an orphaned sixteen-year-old gains a home, only to run from it, and even a starry-eyed dancer finds herself chasing a thief into the night. While the realm celebrates around them, these three must conquer their new enemies while relying on each other in unforeseen manners.
Will the secrets of the Crystal Realm be unraveled? Or will their hearts be left frozen and shattered? Between orphaned royalty, shadowy strangers, and frigid nights in the snow, it seems hard to believe that this festival could have ever been so jolly…
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
18 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 9, 2022
Sweet!
I really loved these sweet retellings. Even though there are three, they are connected as the characters are introduced in the story before. I love how Abby takes fairy tales and puts her own spin on them. This book put a smile on my face as I read each story. If you want a few sweet, feel-good stories, you need to read this collection..
I really loved these sweet retellings. Even though there are three, they are connected as the characters are introduced in the story before. I love how Abby takes fairy tales and puts her own spin on them. This book put a smile on my face as I read each story. If you want a few sweet, feel-good stories, you need to read this collection..
December 25, 2023
Aw, this was cute! I liked the way the different stories overlapped. Noelle's story was the most exciting and the one that kept me most on my toes, but I loved the Gingerbread Man aspects of Clove's. Serafina's was a little harder for me to get into, but I liked the way it eventually turned out. Some aspects struck me as kind of far-fetched--how on earth do you have that much information about someone's physical appearance on their birth certificate? Also, why did a certain person wait so long to put a certain plan in motion? But I loved some of the worldbuilding details around the festival and the orphanage--and some of the specific heartbreak that they left in their wake. <\3
Content--mentions of abandonment; mentions of a girl running away and putting herself in dangerous situations; mentions of kidnapping and threats of murder
Content--mentions of abandonment; mentions of a girl running away and putting herself in dangerous situations; mentions of kidnapping and threats of murder
November 10, 2022
Good Christmas Read
These three interconnected stories were an enjoyable read. In places they felt a bit heavier/sad/emotional than I would think of when I think “Christmas,” but it actually works well. So many famous Christmas stories have a good deal of sadness- The Christmas Carol, for one. Even the original Christmas Story featuring Jesus is tinged with sadness. But ultimately, there is joy. The stories all ended on a sweet happy note and I was reminded that life can be rough, but it’s better when you remember the family and friends you are in it with.
I received an ARC copy of this, but the review is my own. I continue to enjoy whatever Abigail Manning has the time to write.
These three interconnected stories were an enjoyable read. In places they felt a bit heavier/sad/emotional than I would think of when I think “Christmas,” but it actually works well. So many famous Christmas stories have a good deal of sadness- The Christmas Carol, for one. Even the original Christmas Story featuring Jesus is tinged with sadness. But ultimately, there is joy. The stories all ended on a sweet happy note and I was reminded that life can be rough, but it’s better when you remember the family and friends you are in it with.
I received an ARC copy of this, but the review is my own. I continue to enjoy whatever Abigail Manning has the time to write.
November 11, 2022
The Crystal Realm
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Serafina, Clove, & Noelle’s points of view
– this is a collection of 3 interconnected stories
Review:
I wanted a bit more from the first and second stories, but I absolutely adored the third! All of them were cute retellings! I enjoyed the twists that were put on them (though it took me a second to catch on to the gingerbread man one 😅, it was quite funny once I got it!). While not every story is a romance, the theme of love is prevalent and gave me warm fuzzies while reading. I loved the feeling of winter and celebrations throughout the story and I enjoyed our three heroines.
Summary:
Fearful Future: A Retelling of A Christmas Carol
Queen Serafina is overwhelmed by all the tasks surrounding the Festival of the Crystal Star. Having not grown up royal, all of her tasks are daunting and another reminder of why the king should have chosen a different bride.
When Serafina comes face to face with her past, her present, and her future, will she still feel she should leave her position or stand her ground for love?
Chasing Home: A Retelling of The Gingerbread Man
Clove knows that not everyone who is adopted around the festival will stay adopted, after all, she’s lived it many times over. So when she is adopted once again, Clove tries to be cautious to not fall for another false hope. But she does fall for hope that this time could be different, and at first sign that her fairytale isn’t coming true, Clove runs.
Will she ever get the life she’s dreamed of?
Dancing Secrets: A Retelling of The Nutcracker
Noelle is a helper at the orphanage who loves to dance. When she is given the opportunity to dance in the festival, she is overjoyed, especially when a special gift from the cute toy maker is given to her. But when the children break her gift, Noelle is heartbroken and worries about what he’ll think when she isn’t using his gift at the festival.
Can she fix what is broken in time?
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Serafina, Clove, & Noelle’s points of view
– this is a collection of 3 interconnected stories
Review:
I wanted a bit more from the first and second stories, but I absolutely adored the third! All of them were cute retellings! I enjoyed the twists that were put on them (though it took me a second to catch on to the gingerbread man one 😅, it was quite funny once I got it!). While not every story is a romance, the theme of love is prevalent and gave me warm fuzzies while reading. I loved the feeling of winter and celebrations throughout the story and I enjoyed our three heroines.
Summary:
Fearful Future: A Retelling of A Christmas Carol
Queen Serafina is overwhelmed by all the tasks surrounding the Festival of the Crystal Star. Having not grown up royal, all of her tasks are daunting and another reminder of why the king should have chosen a different bride.
When Serafina comes face to face with her past, her present, and her future, will she still feel she should leave her position or stand her ground for love?
Chasing Home: A Retelling of The Gingerbread Man
Clove knows that not everyone who is adopted around the festival will stay adopted, after all, she’s lived it many times over. So when she is adopted once again, Clove tries to be cautious to not fall for another false hope. But she does fall for hope that this time could be different, and at first sign that her fairytale isn’t coming true, Clove runs.
Will she ever get the life she’s dreamed of?
Dancing Secrets: A Retelling of The Nutcracker
Noelle is a helper at the orphanage who loves to dance. When she is given the opportunity to dance in the festival, she is overjoyed, especially when a special gift from the cute toy maker is given to her. But when the children break her gift, Noelle is heartbroken and worries about what he’ll think when she isn’t using his gift at the festival.
Can she fix what is broken in time?
August 11, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. More peril than actual violence. Some scrapes and cuts depicted.
Sexual: Mild. A few chaste kisses, hand-holding, and hugs.
Triggers: Deals with orphans and rejection/belonging.
This is a collection of three Christmas-like short stories (about 40 pages each) that interconnect.
The first is a sort of Christmas Carol reimagining, though there are no ghosts, it's more of an introspection type visit of past, present, and future. I enjoyed this one due to the character growth seen in just a short time. The little surprise twist at the end was sweet and tender.
The second story is a reimagining of The Gingerbread Man, with a girl who runs away from her new adopted family. Clove is in the first story briefly as the 'ghost of past' kind of stand-in, but this story backtracks so we see how she ended up crossing paths with the Queen from the first story, and then takes us past those events to the end. It was cute, but not anything fantastic.
The last story is the Nutcracker reimagining. It was interesting, and honestly had way too much ground to cover and should have been a longer story at minimum if not a book. I liked it, but it was so quick I didn't have a chance to connect or get attached to the characters because so much plot had to be packed into it. This story also wove in a previous character from the second story, and took it from her entrance and beyond.
Overall, not my favorite compilation. The first story was the best, and I have no real liking for the last two. I enjoyed The Rose Realm collection quite a bit more than this one.
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. More peril than actual violence. Some scrapes and cuts depicted.
Sexual: Mild. A few chaste kisses, hand-holding, and hugs.
Triggers: Deals with orphans and rejection/belonging.
This is a collection of three Christmas-like short stories (about 40 pages each) that interconnect.
The first is a sort of Christmas Carol reimagining, though there are no ghosts, it's more of an introspection type visit of past, present, and future. I enjoyed this one due to the character growth seen in just a short time. The little surprise twist at the end was sweet and tender.
The second story is a reimagining of The Gingerbread Man, with a girl who runs away from her new adopted family. Clove is in the first story briefly as the 'ghost of past' kind of stand-in, but this story backtracks so we see how she ended up crossing paths with the Queen from the first story, and then takes us past those events to the end. It was cute, but not anything fantastic.
The last story is the Nutcracker reimagining. It was interesting, and honestly had way too much ground to cover and should have been a longer story at minimum if not a book. I liked it, but it was so quick I didn't have a chance to connect or get attached to the characters because so much plot had to be packed into it. This story also wove in a previous character from the second story, and took it from her entrance and beyond.
Overall, not my favorite compilation. The first story was the best, and I have no real liking for the last two. I enjoyed The Rose Realm collection quite a bit more than this one.
October 27, 2022
Christmas. It’s my absolute favorite. I was so excited to get to read The Crystal Realm by Abigail Manning as an ARC reader. If you love Christmas then you are sure to love this collection of three familiar stories with a different twist and flair!
Abigail has taken A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man and my personal favorite, The Nutcracker and retells the story in her own unique yet familiar way.
The stories are all connected together by a faint thread. I absolutely love how I was transported within the story itself!
A magical book that would make a perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list who loves fairytales or Christmas. Be sure to purchase a copy for yourself and cozy up with a blanket and hot cocoa, But be forewarned that you will Not want to set this one down!
Abigail has taken A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man and my personal favorite, The Nutcracker and retells the story in her own unique yet familiar way.
The stories are all connected together by a faint thread. I absolutely love how I was transported within the story itself!
A magical book that would make a perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list who loves fairytales or Christmas. Be sure to purchase a copy for yourself and cozy up with a blanket and hot cocoa, But be forewarned that you will Not want to set this one down!
October 27, 2022
First I want to thank the author, Abigail Manning, for sending me the ARC for this book! I feel honored to have this opportunity to be part of this journey! Thank you!
If you're looking for some holiday-esque stories of light romance and cozy vibes, you're going to LOVE these!
I loved how they all intersected in the way that they did! My personal favorite retelling in this was the nutcracker one (but they're all really good!)
Sometimes you just need a cozy, light romantic read to take you into a new state of mind. I seriously could not stop smiling at some parts of this!
Also, this is a perfect light holiday read!!
Happy reading!!!
If you're looking for some holiday-esque stories of light romance and cozy vibes, you're going to LOVE these!
I loved how they all intersected in the way that they did! My personal favorite retelling in this was the nutcracker one (but they're all really good!)
Sometimes you just need a cozy, light romantic read to take you into a new state of mind. I seriously could not stop smiling at some parts of this!
Also, this is a perfect light holiday read!!
Happy reading!!!
January 7, 2023
Short and simplistic, but cute stories and I liked how they all intertwined.
January 20, 2023
There were quite a few grammatical errors, and the plot seemed to move a little too quickly at times; it didn't always feel believable. But this was a cool idea and a really sweet book!
December 12, 2025
Three fun intertwined tales all centering around the Festival of the Crystal Star, basically fantasy Christmas.
The first story is pretty interesting and does a good job of toeing the line around having an unlikeable point of view character while keeping us sympathizing with her. She is a poor orphan who married a king, but while she loves her husband she has had a very hard time adjusting to her public role as queen. She has come to be resentful and unhappy. But when she's offered a chance to potentially walk away, she has to weigh not only giving up the man she loves but also the good she could do for the realm if she stayed queen. This story purports to be a retelling of A Christmas Carol but it's really not--the characters, situations and themes don't match at all other than in the vaguest of ways.
The second story does a much better job of referencing the story it's based on (The Gingerbread Man). It's also about an orphan who grew up in the same orphanage as the first main character. She's deeply suspicious when a family adopts her and is sure they have an ulterior motive for taking in a sixteen-year-old girl. When her suspicions seem confirmed she runs away but has to ultimately decide if it's worth the risk trying to start an entirely new life.
The third story also has a enough elements of the one it's based on (The Nutcracker) to call itself a retelling. A caretaker at the orphanage who is also a dancer is thrilled when she's offered a place dancing in the big Festival of the Crystal Star performance in the middle of the city. The toymaker she has a crush on has made her a special pair of slippers for the performance but she is heartbroken when they're ruined. In trying to get them fixed she stumbles upon a mysterious nutcracker doll that hides a monumental secret.
The first story is pretty interesting and does a good job of toeing the line around having an unlikeable point of view character while keeping us sympathizing with her. She is a poor orphan who married a king, but while she loves her husband she has had a very hard time adjusting to her public role as queen. She has come to be resentful and unhappy. But when she's offered a chance to potentially walk away, she has to weigh not only giving up the man she loves but also the good she could do for the realm if she stayed queen. This story purports to be a retelling of A Christmas Carol but it's really not--the characters, situations and themes don't match at all other than in the vaguest of ways.
The second story does a much better job of referencing the story it's based on (The Gingerbread Man). It's also about an orphan who grew up in the same orphanage as the first main character. She's deeply suspicious when a family adopts her and is sure they have an ulterior motive for taking in a sixteen-year-old girl. When her suspicions seem confirmed she runs away but has to ultimately decide if it's worth the risk trying to start an entirely new life.
The third story also has a enough elements of the one it's based on (The Nutcracker) to call itself a retelling. A caretaker at the orphanage who is also a dancer is thrilled when she's offered a place dancing in the big Festival of the Crystal Star performance in the middle of the city. The toymaker she has a crush on has made her a special pair of slippers for the performance but she is heartbroken when they're ruined. In trying to get them fixed she stumbles upon a mysterious nutcracker doll that hides a monumental secret.
November 26, 2025
A sweet novella with three sweet retellings to love during the holidays! I, of course, loved this novella, and every page I turned filled my heart with joy! It’s always a treat to read a holiday book, and Abigail Manning gave me that treat I wanted once again! Want a read for around Christmas? This is for you!
December 11, 2025
Short stories but intertwined with character crossovers. I love the winter wonderland/festive nature, but wanted the orphanage to really figure out their issue with nobles adopting children only to return them . . Like maybe the adoption process should be more stringent. It was like, background knowledge, but a big enough deal it seems like something should have been done about it.
December 24, 2025
A perfect Christmas fairytale mashup!
This is a perfect Christmas read! You’ve got A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man, and The Nutcracker all rolled into one compilation!
I really loved how each tale was its own individual story, but all three overlapped with one another. It all came together beautifully!
This is a perfect Christmas read! You’ve got A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man, and The Nutcracker all rolled into one compilation!
I really loved how each tale was its own individual story, but all three overlapped with one another. It all came together beautifully!
December 11, 2025
This is a set of three interconnected Christmassy stories that retell A Christmas Carol, "The Gingerbread Man" and The Nutcracker. They are sweet and imaginative, but don't have the depth or maturity of the author's more recent books.
December 21, 2025
Wonderful story for the Christmas season
Three stories woven together masterfully, each retelling a classic Christmas story. No spice. Quick and enjoyable read. Very highly recommend.
Three stories woven together masterfully, each retelling a classic Christmas story. No spice. Quick and enjoyable read. Very highly recommend.
December 25, 2025
Best Christmas fairy tale twists ever
I like how she was able to make each fairytale a nod to the original and yet delightful in its own right. I'll have to share this with my loved ones in the coming years.
I like how she was able to make each fairytale a nod to the original and yet delightful in its own right. I'll have to share this with my loved ones in the coming years.
April 28, 2023
Sweet and charming
They are a bit short, but thats how they're meant to be, I suppose. I liked how they ended up being all interconnected.
They are a bit short, but thats how they're meant to be, I suppose. I liked how they ended up being all interconnected.
December 15, 2023
I give it 3,5 stars ⭐️ lovely short stories that are intertwined, but sometimes it went a little to fast.
December 2, 2024
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plots of all three stories! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down!
February 13, 2025
UM WOW 🤩 this book!!! I think I’m officially an Abigail Manning fangirl because I woke up last night, thinking about this book and my excitement over it. If you love sweet, cozy fantasy books with stellar plot twists and heartwarming surprises, try The Crystal Realm: A Collection of Retold Christmas Stories!
Each short story just blew me away. Abigail immediately and easily immerses me into her stories as I read. Her worldbuilding, strong characters, and imagery just make the fantasy lover in me SOOOO happy. I love her medieval setting as well. This collection involves three Christmas tales and I absolutely enjoyed each twist on the common stories. From the romance, the mysteries, the fantasy elements, and the beautiful themes, Abigail handles these stories like a master.
Note: I know some of my IG friends aren’t huge fans of fantasy with heavy magic elements, so this book would be perfect for those of you who don’t like that. There’s little to no magic in this novella 🫶
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
Each short story just blew me away. Abigail immediately and easily immerses me into her stories as I read. Her worldbuilding, strong characters, and imagery just make the fantasy lover in me SOOOO happy. I love her medieval setting as well. This collection involves three Christmas tales and I absolutely enjoyed each twist on the common stories. From the romance, the mysteries, the fantasy elements, and the beautiful themes, Abigail handles these stories like a master.
Note: I know some of my IG friends aren’t huge fans of fantasy with heavy magic elements, so this book would be perfect for those of you who don’t like that. There’s little to no magic in this novella 🫶
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
April 8, 2024
"The Crystal Realm: A Collection of Retold Christmas Tales" by Abigail Manning is a festive compilation that beautifully intertwines retellings of A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man, and The Nutcracker, capturing the holiday spirit in the kingdom of Wiessel.
The collection follows three interconnected stories, each narrated from the points of view of Serafina, Clove, and Noelle. In "Fearful Future," a retelling of A Christmas Carol, Queen Serafina grapples with overwhelming responsibilities surrounding the Festival of the Crystal Star. Confronted by her past, present, and future, Serafina must decide whether to embrace her role or leave for love.
In "Chasing Home," a retelling of The Gingerbread Man, orphaned Clove navigates the uncertainties of adoption during the festival. As she tries to protect herself from potential disappointment, Clove finds herself running from hope, questioning if her fairy tale will ever come true.
"Dancing Secrets," a retelling of The Nutcracker, follows Noelle, a helper at the orphanage who loves to dance. When given the chance to dance in the festival, she faces heartbreak when the children break the special gift from a toy maker. Noelle must mend what is broken in time for the celebration.
While the first and second stories left the reader wishing for more, the third story stood out with its heartwarming narrative and delightful twists. The interconnected tales, even without focusing solely on romance, exude a prevalent theme of love that adds warmth to the holiday setting. The stories incorporate unique twists that infuse humor and charm, such as the clever rendition of The Gingerbread Man.
The feeling of winter and celebration permeates the narrative, creating a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season. The author successfully transports readers into the festive world of Wiessel, weaving together familiar tales with a fresh perspective.
In summary, "The Crystal Realm" is a delightful collection of interconnected retellings that infuse warmth, charm, and holiday magic. Abigail Manning brings a unique flair to these familiar stories, making them a perfect read for those seeking light romance, cozy vibes, and a touch of Christmas spirit. This review is based on an honest reading experience, and I recommend this collection for anyone looking to immerse themselves in festive holiday tales.
The collection follows three interconnected stories, each narrated from the points of view of Serafina, Clove, and Noelle. In "Fearful Future," a retelling of A Christmas Carol, Queen Serafina grapples with overwhelming responsibilities surrounding the Festival of the Crystal Star. Confronted by her past, present, and future, Serafina must decide whether to embrace her role or leave for love.
In "Chasing Home," a retelling of The Gingerbread Man, orphaned Clove navigates the uncertainties of adoption during the festival. As she tries to protect herself from potential disappointment, Clove finds herself running from hope, questioning if her fairy tale will ever come true.
"Dancing Secrets," a retelling of The Nutcracker, follows Noelle, a helper at the orphanage who loves to dance. When given the chance to dance in the festival, she faces heartbreak when the children break the special gift from a toy maker. Noelle must mend what is broken in time for the celebration.
While the first and second stories left the reader wishing for more, the third story stood out with its heartwarming narrative and delightful twists. The interconnected tales, even without focusing solely on romance, exude a prevalent theme of love that adds warmth to the holiday setting. The stories incorporate unique twists that infuse humor and charm, such as the clever rendition of The Gingerbread Man.
The feeling of winter and celebration permeates the narrative, creating a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season. The author successfully transports readers into the festive world of Wiessel, weaving together familiar tales with a fresh perspective.
In summary, "The Crystal Realm" is a delightful collection of interconnected retellings that infuse warmth, charm, and holiday magic. Abigail Manning brings a unique flair to these familiar stories, making them a perfect read for those seeking light romance, cozy vibes, and a touch of Christmas spirit. This review is based on an honest reading experience, and I recommend this collection for anyone looking to immerse themselves in festive holiday tales.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews