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Tales of Eukarya #1
Chords of Green and Gold
Rumpelstiltskin meets the Frog Prince...
Prince Dorian of Anura has been looking a little green lately...literally. After an encounter with a disgruntled princess, a curse has left him with a rather frog-like appearance. Desperate to find a woman to break his son's curse, King Ion decides to host a lavish, golden ball. The only problem? The kingdom is short on funds, and the king's grand plans could send their small kingdom into bankruptcy.
Lydian Miller has always been her father's pride and joy. In fact, he is so proud of her skills as an artist that he drunkenly claims one night that she could turn straw into gold if she wanted to. These claims reach the king of Anura, and before she knows what is happening, Lydian finds herself locked in a room full of straw. The king has one turn the straw into golden party decorations or forfeit her life. All seems lost...until a funny, green-looking fellow arrives with just the help she needs.
Who is her mysterious savior? Why is the golden ball so important? And who would even want her firstborn child, anyway?
Prince Dorian of Anura has been looking a little green lately...literally. After an encounter with a disgruntled princess, a curse has left him with a rather frog-like appearance. Desperate to find a woman to break his son's curse, King Ion decides to host a lavish, golden ball. The only problem? The kingdom is short on funds, and the king's grand plans could send their small kingdom into bankruptcy.
Lydian Miller has always been her father's pride and joy. In fact, he is so proud of her skills as an artist that he drunkenly claims one night that she could turn straw into gold if she wanted to. These claims reach the king of Anura, and before she knows what is happening, Lydian finds herself locked in a room full of straw. The king has one turn the straw into golden party decorations or forfeit her life. All seems lost...until a funny, green-looking fellow arrives with just the help she needs.
Who is her mysterious savior? Why is the golden ball so important? And who would even want her firstborn child, anyway?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2022
25 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beran
29 books185 followersSarah lives in sunny southern California with her husband, two small children, and dog Pippin. An elementary music teacher by day, when she is not writing or devouring books she spends her free time running, making music, or playing make believe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 14, 2024
Super easy 4 stars ✨ (Clean/Light Faith Content Fairytale Retelling)
🐸 Fairytale retelling mashup (The Frog Prince and Rumplestiltskin)
👑 Hidden identity
🎶 Magic musical abilities
🐸 He falls first 🤭
👑 Banter & Puns
🎶 Friends first, then (very light) romance
“Have you ever used a spinning wheel before?”
“I can honestly say that spinning is not in my wheelhouse”
This was so cute! I think I may have a new auto-buy author after reading a handful from this author and enjoying them all! 👀
I instantly liked both MCs. They were just done with the nonsense from others and I imagined them giving deadpanned looks often. They were great together and I really liked their banter and how they were friends first. I also adored the idea of mashing up two fairytales where one part of the main couple was one retelling and the other half the other retelling—which worked so well in this book!
When the guy is described as being “smitten”, I’m sold. 💳💥
His father is one of those bumbling kings that you love to scoff at and was there to give angst to our poor gold weaver. I do think she overreacted just a bit there at the end, but honestly it didn’t bother me too much because I really enjoyed this mashup of two retellings! My only “complaint” would be that it was too short at only 150-ish pages, but it didn’t feel rushed or that things were happening too soon, though, so I suppose it’s not really a complaint but a wish. 😉
(Age suggestion: I would say 13+ because of a couple comments and the light romance, but if the reader has read Melanie Cellier or Deborah Grace White’s fairytale retellings and they were fine, I would think this book would be just fine as well!)
Main Content-
Magical abilities happen in this book due to one’s genetics by having fae blood in the family; Dorian is cursed to look like a frog, but still is somewhat human and can talk; Lydian has the ability to play her harp and use the magic it creates turn into art or add to her artwork (described as a gold, sparkling light); Dorian also has a magical ability and keeps it a secret; Mentions of Dorian’s curse & how to undo it; A mention of the Almighty; A mention of praying.
No major or minor language, but in world curses/phrases like “why in all of the realms” and “ferns and ficuses” are said; Some eye rolling & Sarcasm; The king implies to Lydian that she will be executed if she fails the mission he’s given her (Dorian doesn’t believe his father will actually do that, but Lydian is seriously concerned); When someone makes a snide remark, Lydian says that the people in her country value what’s inside of a person more than the exterior as “you can paint the outside of a coffin to look as pretty as you like, but it’s still full of dead, decaying flesh.”.
Mentions of deaths (Lydian’s mother), grief, & illnesses; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & a drunk (Lydian’s father, but it’s implied that it is not normal for him to get drunk); A few mentions of potential wars & fighting; A few mentions of potential kidnappings of children & ransoms; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of rumors & gossip.
1 cheek kiss,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences;
Some Touches, Hand holding, Warmth, & Shivers (up to a couple sentences, mostly in comfort); Noticing (more so noticing one’s appearance and thinking the person is pretty/handsome, not lusting); Dorian feels “rather like an animal at an auction” when a woman stares at him.
A couple mentions of a woman’s dress hugging her figure (noticed in a flattering way, not lusting or attraction; Lydian thinks that the woman probably has men trailing after her like “lost puppies” because of it).
🐸 Fairytale retelling mashup (The Frog Prince and Rumplestiltskin)
👑 Hidden identity
🎶 Magic musical abilities
🐸 He falls first 🤭
👑 Banter & Puns
🎶 Friends first, then (very light) romance
“Have you ever used a spinning wheel before?”
“I can honestly say that spinning is not in my wheelhouse”
This was so cute! I think I may have a new auto-buy author after reading a handful from this author and enjoying them all! 👀
I instantly liked both MCs. They were just done with the nonsense from others and I imagined them giving deadpanned looks often. They were great together and I really liked their banter and how they were friends first. I also adored the idea of mashing up two fairytales where one part of the main couple was one retelling and the other half the other retelling—which worked so well in this book!
When the guy is described as being “smitten”, I’m sold. 💳💥
His father is one of those bumbling kings that you love to scoff at and was there to give angst to our poor gold weaver. I do think she overreacted just a bit there at the end, but honestly it didn’t bother me too much because I really enjoyed this mashup of two retellings! My only “complaint” would be that it was too short at only 150-ish pages, but it didn’t feel rushed or that things were happening too soon, though, so I suppose it’s not really a complaint but a wish. 😉
(Age suggestion: I would say 13+ because of a couple comments and the light romance, but if the reader has read Melanie Cellier or Deborah Grace White’s fairytale retellings and they were fine, I would think this book would be just fine as well!)
Main Content-
Magical abilities happen in this book due to one’s genetics by having fae blood in the family; Dorian is cursed to look like a frog, but still is somewhat human and can talk; Lydian has the ability to play her harp and use the magic it creates turn into art or add to her artwork (described as a gold, sparkling light); Dorian also has a magical ability and keeps it a secret; Mentions of Dorian’s curse & how to undo it; A mention of the Almighty; A mention of praying.
No major or minor language, but in world curses/phrases like “why in all of the realms” and “ferns and ficuses” are said; Some eye rolling & Sarcasm; The king implies to Lydian that she will be executed if she fails the mission he’s given her (Dorian doesn’t believe his father will actually do that, but Lydian is seriously concerned); When someone makes a snide remark, Lydian says that the people in her country value what’s inside of a person more than the exterior as “you can paint the outside of a coffin to look as pretty as you like, but it’s still full of dead, decaying flesh.”.
Mentions of deaths (Lydian’s mother), grief, & illnesses; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & a drunk (Lydian’s father, but it’s implied that it is not normal for him to get drunk); A few mentions of potential wars & fighting; A few mentions of potential kidnappings of children & ransoms; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of rumors & gossip.
1 cheek kiss,
1 kiss lasting a couple sentences;
Some Touches, Hand holding, Warmth, & Shivers (up to a couple sentences, mostly in comfort); Noticing (more so noticing one’s appearance and thinking the person is pretty/handsome, not lusting); Dorian feels “rather like an animal at an auction” when a woman stares at him.
A couple mentions of a woman’s dress hugging her figure (noticed in a flattering way, not lusting or attraction; Lydian thinks that the woman probably has men trailing after her like “lost puppies” because of it).
January 8, 2024
Only Sarah Beran could make a Rumpelstiltskin x The Frog Prince mashup work.
This book is so cute! I adore the emphasis on falling in love with someone not for their appearance or wealth, but for the inside. Lydian and Dorian are both darling characters and too precious for words and the plot is phenomenal.
The book is short, though, so I'm still sitting here attempting to process that my favorite read so far in 2024 has ended.
The faith element is lighter, but still there, and the romance is so sweet and adorable. 5+ stars to Beran for weaving this fantastic little fairy tale retelling mashup. I'm impatiently awaiting the next book in the series.
This book is so cute! I adore the emphasis on falling in love with someone not for their appearance or wealth, but for the inside. Lydian and Dorian are both darling characters and too precious for words and the plot is phenomenal.
The book is short, though, so I'm still sitting here attempting to process that my favorite read so far in 2024 has ended.
The faith element is lighter, but still there, and the romance is so sweet and adorable. 5+ stars to Beran for weaving this fantastic little fairy tale retelling mashup. I'm impatiently awaiting the next book in the series.
December 28, 2025
This was a cute mashup of The Frog Prince and Rumpelstiltskin (never thought those two would work well together but they do!) with the addition of music based magic, of which I didn’t fully understand the mechanics of but do appreciate the author’s clear knowledge and passion for the subject.
Dorian and Lydian were fine characters and cute together though I never became very invested or attached to them. What I didn’t care for was the whole drama around the “hidden identity” trope reveal. While Lydian didn’t COMPLETELY blow her top over it (which I very much appreciated), I found it weird that she believed the prince wanted to “show off his wealth” with her gold when it was the KING who basically kidnapped her and threw this party she decorated, NOT the prince, and all this was clearly stated to her as such? That just struck me as an odd plot contrivance that annoyed me and had me lowering my opinion of her.
Overall a cute little read with a lot of imagination and thought put into it; I’m interested to see how the author approaches the next book in the series.
‼️Content‼️
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: a man gets a bit drunk and is a little tipsy
Other: magic; magical abilities/powers; a character is cursed to appear frog like; a character is “kidnapped”, locked up, and “threatened” with death; mentions of fae, fae blood giving humans magic, and the land of Faerie
Dorian and Lydian were fine characters and cute together though I never became very invested or attached to them. What I didn’t care for was the whole drama around the “hidden identity” trope reveal. While Lydian didn’t COMPLETELY blow her top over it (which I very much appreciated), I found it weird that she believed the prince wanted to “show off his wealth” with her gold when it was the KING who basically kidnapped her and threw this party she decorated, NOT the prince, and all this was clearly stated to her as such? That just struck me as an odd plot contrivance that annoyed me and had me lowering my opinion of her.
Overall a cute little read with a lot of imagination and thought put into it; I’m interested to see how the author approaches the next book in the series.
‼️Content‼️
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: a man gets a bit drunk and is a little tipsy
Other: magic; magical abilities/powers; a character is cursed to appear frog like; a character is “kidnapped”, locked up, and “threatened” with death; mentions of fae, fae blood giving humans magic, and the land of Faerie
February 6, 2025
Loved this book! It was so creative and fun the way the fairy tales were woven together.
August 31, 2025
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. ݁₊ ⊹
🖼️~Genres~🖼️
Fantasy/Retelling/Romance/Friends to lovers
🎨~Characters~🎨
(Dorian) MMC I really liked him he was kind and caring twords Lydian.
(Lydian) FMC I really liked her she was really smart and talented.
(Lucian) LYDIAN'S FATHER he was a sweet older man who just loves his daughter. I liked him.
(King Ion) DORIAN'S FATHER he was a pretty good father. I liked him
(Belinda) PRINCESS OF NEDRA she was so cruel. I didn't like her at all but we aren't supposed to like her.
🌾~Quotes~🌾
Her wild, curly hair was loose and untamed, and streaks of dirt covered her cheeks, but Dorian had never seen a more beautiful sight in his life. It was official. He was definitely smitten.
At the thought of marriage, her mind jumped to a mottled green face, eyes that were too big to be natural, and green lips that would often go crooked with a wry, teasing smile. For some reason, the thought of marrying anyone else made her stomach curdle.
Dorian was almost sure he saw some fondness in her eyes, but decided it was probably a side effect of the drowsiness. After all, he looked like a frog. Most people did not look at frogs with fondness, especially not beautiful, talented women.
A few seconds later, the door was lifted up and he was struck dumb for a moment by the image of Lydian smiling brightly at him in greeting, framed by the golden light of the setting sun. She was like a beautiful, brilliant angel.
“I can honestly say that spinning is not in my wheelhouse,” he answered with a wry smile.
🐸~What I liked~🐸
The elements of the two Fairy tales, the humor, the characters, The ending, basically everything.
🖌️~What I disliked~🖌️
Nothing.
🌹~Content/Trigger Warnings~🌹
Death of parent, Greif, A man gets drunk
💍~Language~💍
None.
🖼️~Genres~🖼️
Fantasy/Retelling/Romance/Friends to lovers
🎨~Characters~🎨
(Dorian) MMC I really liked him he was kind and caring twords Lydian.
(Lydian) FMC I really liked her she was really smart and talented.
(Lucian) LYDIAN'S FATHER he was a sweet older man who just loves his daughter. I liked him.
(King Ion) DORIAN'S FATHER he was a pretty good father. I liked him
(Belinda) PRINCESS OF NEDRA she was so cruel. I didn't like her at all but we aren't supposed to like her.
🌾~Quotes~🌾
Her wild, curly hair was loose and untamed, and streaks of dirt covered her cheeks, but Dorian had never seen a more beautiful sight in his life. It was official. He was definitely smitten.
At the thought of marriage, her mind jumped to a mottled green face, eyes that were too big to be natural, and green lips that would often go crooked with a wry, teasing smile. For some reason, the thought of marrying anyone else made her stomach curdle.
Dorian was almost sure he saw some fondness in her eyes, but decided it was probably a side effect of the drowsiness. After all, he looked like a frog. Most people did not look at frogs with fondness, especially not beautiful, talented women.
A few seconds later, the door was lifted up and he was struck dumb for a moment by the image of Lydian smiling brightly at him in greeting, framed by the golden light of the setting sun. She was like a beautiful, brilliant angel.
“I can honestly say that spinning is not in my wheelhouse,” he answered with a wry smile.
🐸~What I liked~🐸
The elements of the two Fairy tales, the humor, the characters, The ending, basically everything.
🖌️~What I disliked~🖌️
Nothing.
🌹~Content/Trigger Warnings~🌹
Death of parent, Greif, A man gets drunk
💍~Language~💍
None.
June 25, 2025
A cute, sweet fairy tale retelling that combines The Frog Prince and Rumplestiltskin.
Crown Prince Dorian of Anura has found himself under a curse that gives him froggish features unless he can find a woman willing to share her plate, pillow and firstborn child with him before a year is up. His father, the king, decides the best way for him to meet a lot of women and potentially find "the one" is to throw a lavish ball. Unfortunately, the kingdom is strapped for cash. The king hears of a woman who supposedly can spin straw into gold and brings her to the castle to make golden decorations for the ball. Dorian, horrified that his father has basically kidnapped this young woman, sneaks in to the room where she's being held to try to help her in any way possible. The two strike up a friendship despite his appearance, and he comes to hope that perhaps he might have found the woman who can break the curse after all.
Crown Prince Dorian of Anura has found himself under a curse that gives him froggish features unless he can find a woman willing to share her plate, pillow and firstborn child with him before a year is up. His father, the king, decides the best way for him to meet a lot of women and potentially find "the one" is to throw a lavish ball. Unfortunately, the kingdom is strapped for cash. The king hears of a woman who supposedly can spin straw into gold and brings her to the castle to make golden decorations for the ball. Dorian, horrified that his father has basically kidnapped this young woman, sneaks in to the room where she's being held to try to help her in any way possible. The two strike up a friendship despite his appearance, and he comes to hope that perhaps he might have found the woman who can break the curse after all.
October 15, 2024
This book was so amazing and heartfelt. I love how Sarah Beran always manages to tie in such a good moral to the story and also relate it to how Jesus loves us no matter what. I loved Lydia and Dorian, they're so good together. I also loved Lydia's magic, it's so beautiful! Great book Sarah Beran!
September 4, 2025
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Nothing. Only threats and perilous situations.
Sexual: Mild. Hand holding, cheek kisses, truly clean warm-fuzzy relationship moments.
In the afterword of this book, the author states she wrote this in a month. It explained much for me.
Don't get me wrong, this is cute. It just was lacking in fleshing out some of the plot points, character motivations, and delivery. Having just finished her Order of the Fountain series, (I was feeling the blues from being done) I knew she was capable of writing better. So I was a bit confused until I saw that she cranked this thing out so quickly.
Dorian/Rumpelstiltskin was adorable. He's one of those genuine people that is a bit odd, sweet, and idealistic. Lydian is a creator in her very core, blessed with an abundance of practicality and boldness. I enjoyed seeing them become friends.
The thing that didn't flow for me was the plot. The King is described more than once by Dorian as 'impulsive' and doesn't think through the consequences of his (according to him) flashes of genius. I had a hard time liking the guy who allows a girl to think she's going to be executed if she doesn't pull off the impossible. He seems to have no remorse or even doubts about his plan at any point in the book. Impulsiveness is one thing, but the level of callousness that he displays isn't explained in any satisfactory way to me at least.
And Dorian, bless his little cinnamon roll heart, doesn't say anything? At least Lydian calls him on it when all is eventually revealed. He doesn't assure her even once, in truly authoritative terms that she's not gonna die or be ruined if she doesn't produce results? I needed a better reason for his dithering than I got.
I also think Lydian forgave Dorian a tad too quickly. And I wanted her to verbally destroy the King for his idiotic plotting.
Combining Rumplestiltskin and The Frog Prince is a new one for me though. Never thought that could turn out, but it was a fun mash as usual. Unique and entertaining. Just wish there was more overall polish here with the little plot points that made me go all squinty-eyed.
AUDIOBOOK:
First of all, I'm going to up my rating because the second time through the story was more enjoyable. Some of the things that bothered me on my initial read didn't seem quite so bad as I originally thought. The audio was very well done. Emily Shaver has a very mellow voice and I liked her enough to search for other books she's narrated.
Language: None.
Violence: Nothing. Only threats and perilous situations.
Sexual: Mild. Hand holding, cheek kisses, truly clean warm-fuzzy relationship moments.
In the afterword of this book, the author states she wrote this in a month. It explained much for me.
Don't get me wrong, this is cute. It just was lacking in fleshing out some of the plot points, character motivations, and delivery. Having just finished her Order of the Fountain series, (I was feeling the blues from being done) I knew she was capable of writing better. So I was a bit confused until I saw that she cranked this thing out so quickly.
Dorian/Rumpelstiltskin was adorable. He's one of those genuine people that is a bit odd, sweet, and idealistic. Lydian is a creator in her very core, blessed with an abundance of practicality and boldness. I enjoyed seeing them become friends.
The thing that didn't flow for me was the plot. The King is described more than once by Dorian as 'impulsive' and doesn't think through the consequences of his (according to him) flashes of genius. I had a hard time liking the guy who allows a girl to think she's going to be executed if she doesn't pull off the impossible. He seems to have no remorse or even doubts about his plan at any point in the book. Impulsiveness is one thing, but the level of callousness that he displays isn't explained in any satisfactory way to me at least.
And Dorian, bless his little cinnamon roll heart, doesn't say anything? At least Lydian calls him on it when all is eventually revealed. He doesn't assure her even once, in truly authoritative terms that she's not gonna die or be ruined if she doesn't produce results? I needed a better reason for his dithering than I got.
I also think Lydian forgave Dorian a tad too quickly. And I wanted her to verbally destroy the King for his idiotic plotting.
Combining Rumplestiltskin and The Frog Prince is a new one for me though. Never thought that could turn out, but it was a fun mash as usual. Unique and entertaining. Just wish there was more overall polish here with the little plot points that made me go all squinty-eyed.
AUDIOBOOK:
First of all, I'm going to up my rating because the second time through the story was more enjoyable. Some of the things that bothered me on my initial read didn't seem quite so bad as I originally thought. The audio was very well done. Emily Shaver has a very mellow voice and I liked her enough to search for other books she's narrated.
December 17, 2022
Best Rumpelstiltskin Retelling I've Ever Read!!
OH. MY. GOODNESS. I cannot even express how much I was grinning as I read this a-freaking-dorable book. I would never have thought to mashup The Frog Prince and Rumpelstiltskin, but Sarah Beran weaves it together in the best way ever!
I LOVED Lydian's strong personality, I loved the jokes and easy friendship that developed into more for her and Dorian, I loved the way that the story was so beautifully told! I am always blown away with Beran's books with each one I read!
OH. MY. GOODNESS. I cannot even express how much I was grinning as I read this a-freaking-dorable book. I would never have thought to mashup The Frog Prince and Rumpelstiltskin, but Sarah Beran weaves it together in the best way ever!
I LOVED Lydian's strong personality, I loved the jokes and easy friendship that developed into more for her and Dorian, I loved the way that the story was so beautifully told! I am always blown away with Beran's books with each one I read!
June 18, 2023
Chords of Green and Gold was such a beautiful book!! It feels like it's been a while since a book made me fall in love with it so quickly and thoroughly, but this one definitely did! I loved Lydian and Prince Dorian's story. They were so cute! And they have the best banter! Ahh, so many things to love here. My heart went out to her and her current circumstances of having lost her mom and trying to help her dad. I loved her passion for her art, and how unique it was! The author's descriptions are the best and it all comes to life in your mind! I loved the mix of arts and how the painting and music intertwined for the final result (I'd love to see one of her paintings!) As for Dorian, I was smitten with him since he described his love for all things garden and green —and not because they're particularly my favorite things or anything, since they aren't exactly, 😅 but because that's how good this author's writing skills are. 🙌 Speaking of, I loved her take on the fairytale retellings, her mix of those two, and her own twist on Rumple. 😊 Oh, and the romance? It was the sweetest!! *Happy sigh* it's a slow burn and it's worth the wait while being enjoyable through every second of it. 🤩
As for Emily Shaver, her narration was the best!! I know she's a large part of why I loved this story so much, and she did such a fantastic job! Her performance, the inflections, and nuances, the delivering every line as they were meant to be (from hurt, shock, and anger, to wistfulness, admiration, and longing, to name a few) she nailed all of it! And the different voices for each of the characters? They were all perfect and easy to distinguish. I could definitely listen to her narration for hours.
So, seriously, this book became a favorite real fast, and if you're looking for a unique mashup of fairytale retellings that has all the witty banter, a swoony romance, and a curse to be broken, all delivered through a great narration, then pick up this book! I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. :) ~ 5+ stars!
As for Emily Shaver, her narration was the best!! I know she's a large part of why I loved this story so much, and she did such a fantastic job! Her performance, the inflections, and nuances, the delivering every line as they were meant to be (from hurt, shock, and anger, to wistfulness, admiration, and longing, to name a few) she nailed all of it! And the different voices for each of the characters? They were all perfect and easy to distinguish. I could definitely listen to her narration for hours.
So, seriously, this book became a favorite real fast, and if you're looking for a unique mashup of fairytale retellings that has all the witty banter, a swoony romance, and a curse to be broken, all delivered through a great narration, then pick up this book! I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. :) ~ 5+ stars!
December 5, 2024
I love music-based magic systems, but I've never read a book that used it that I liked. This is the first, and I'm very glad about that. This is short and sweet, with two main characters I absolutely loved.
The chemistry between the two main characters is great. It didn't feel forced, it was established on a friendship (albeit a short one), and I was excited to see how things would turn out.
I never before would have thought a Frog King x Rumpelstiltskin retelling would have worked, but these fairy tales were meshed perfectly. It worked so well because our resident "Rumpelstiltskin" was the Frog Prince, whose appearance was cursed the year before, so our resident "straw into gold girl" didn't put together his identity.
This book carries the meaningful message of being wary of appearance. Outward appearance doesn't tell about the heart, whether kind or wicked. And I loved the author's note at the end that dug the theme even deeper: Jesus never looks at our outward appearance to heal us. He loves us all the same.
I found this to be a charming story. The fmc is a painter who plays her lyre to weave magic into her art, which was so interesting to read. I genuinely liked her and the mmc as characters.
One thing I found confusing is that when the girl decides to name the boy who's been visiting her, since he won't reveal his true name, she decides on "Rumpelstiltskin." It felt too on the nose as a reference to the original fairy tale, so in context of the story, it was far too random a name to call him, and he never calls her out on this.
In all, though, I enjoyed the story and themes of this book. Wish it could have been a little longer, because things did seem to be paced a little quickly, but other than these measly qualms, I would recommend this clean fairy tale retelling.
The chemistry between the two main characters is great. It didn't feel forced, it was established on a friendship (albeit a short one), and I was excited to see how things would turn out.
I never before would have thought a Frog King x Rumpelstiltskin retelling would have worked, but these fairy tales were meshed perfectly. It worked so well because our resident "Rumpelstiltskin" was the Frog Prince, whose appearance was cursed the year before, so our resident "straw into gold girl" didn't put together his identity.
This book carries the meaningful message of being wary of appearance. Outward appearance doesn't tell about the heart, whether kind or wicked. And I loved the author's note at the end that dug the theme even deeper: Jesus never looks at our outward appearance to heal us. He loves us all the same.
I found this to be a charming story. The fmc is a painter who plays her lyre to weave magic into her art, which was so interesting to read. I genuinely liked her and the mmc as characters.
One thing I found confusing is that when the girl decides to name the boy who's been visiting her, since he won't reveal his true name, she decides on "Rumpelstiltskin." It felt too on the nose as a reference to the original fairy tale, so in context of the story, it was far too random a name to call him, and he never calls her out on this.
In all, though, I enjoyed the story and themes of this book. Wish it could have been a little longer, because things did seem to be paced a little quickly, but other than these measly qualms, I would recommend this clean fairy tale retelling.
May 8, 2023
A combined retelling of The Frog Prince and Rumpelstiltskin that was a delight to read! Prince
Dorian is cursed by a princess for rejecting her as
a marriage partner and turns him into a frog man.
Lydian is an artist who is able to make her paintings almost lifelike because she has a secret that she keeps hidden. They meet because the king has heard the story her father told while he was drunk and he wanted to see if she could truly do what her dad said she could. By spending time together they form a friendship that is tested by Lydian when Dorian is changed back into his old self because of the love Lydian has for him as a person for she doesn’t know him as anyone else.
I have always loved fairy tales! They are magical and provide a wonderful escape from the dreary world and stressful times we live in. This was a well written and page turning story which even though I remembered the stories was fresh because it combined the two stories together.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend everyone read this story! Return to your childhood when you were read these stories or when you first read them yourself. The magic is still there to delight and make you smile as old memories return when you first heard them. They can still work their magic on you even though you’re older now. Embrace
them once again and let them become a part of your life again! It’s a great feeling to once again feel what’s been missing in your lives if you haven’t read fairy tales since you were young!
Dorian is cursed by a princess for rejecting her as
a marriage partner and turns him into a frog man.
Lydian is an artist who is able to make her paintings almost lifelike because she has a secret that she keeps hidden. They meet because the king has heard the story her father told while he was drunk and he wanted to see if she could truly do what her dad said she could. By spending time together they form a friendship that is tested by Lydian when Dorian is changed back into his old self because of the love Lydian has for him as a person for she doesn’t know him as anyone else.
I have always loved fairy tales! They are magical and provide a wonderful escape from the dreary world and stressful times we live in. This was a well written and page turning story which even though I remembered the stories was fresh because it combined the two stories together.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend everyone read this story! Return to your childhood when you were read these stories or when you first read them yourself. The magic is still there to delight and make you smile as old memories return when you first heard them. They can still work their magic on you even though you’re older now. Embrace
them once again and let them become a part of your life again! It’s a great feeling to once again feel what’s been missing in your lives if you haven’t read fairy tales since you were young!
October 22, 2024
When a disgruntled princess curses him to have a rather froggish appearance, Prince Dorian despairs of ever looking normal again — for the requirements of breaking the curse require a woman willing to share her plate, her pillow, and her firstborn with him.
Lydian has a truly unique gift, one she tries to keep hidden. But when her father’s drunken boasts reach the palace, Lydian is swept away in the king’s plot to break his son’s curse. The only problem is that what he requires is nearly impossible.
As Lydian grows to rely on the support of her funny, green new friend, Dorian realizes that he’s in love with the smart and creative artist. But will they discover the truth of their feelings before it’s too late?
“With visual art, beauty is found in examination and contemplation. With music, the beauty is in the experience and the memory of the experience.”
Sarah Beran never fails to make me laugh, sigh, and swoon throughout the reading of her books. This was such a delightful mashup of Rumpelstiltskin and the Frog Prince, bringing out the best parts of each. Beran’s knowledge of music and art shine in this story alongside the deeper conversations between the characters.
I loved that there’s no true villain and while the stakes are still high for the characters, the reader can snuggle in with novella for a cozy evening.
5 Roses
No swearing
No blood
One adorable kiss
Lydian has a truly unique gift, one she tries to keep hidden. But when her father’s drunken boasts reach the palace, Lydian is swept away in the king’s plot to break his son’s curse. The only problem is that what he requires is nearly impossible.
As Lydian grows to rely on the support of her funny, green new friend, Dorian realizes that he’s in love with the smart and creative artist. But will they discover the truth of their feelings before it’s too late?
“With visual art, beauty is found in examination and contemplation. With music, the beauty is in the experience and the memory of the experience.”
Sarah Beran never fails to make me laugh, sigh, and swoon throughout the reading of her books. This was such a delightful mashup of Rumpelstiltskin and the Frog Prince, bringing out the best parts of each. Beran’s knowledge of music and art shine in this story alongside the deeper conversations between the characters.
I loved that there’s no true villain and while the stakes are still high for the characters, the reader can snuggle in with novella for a cozy evening.
5 Roses
No swearing
No blood
One adorable kiss
October 2, 2023
I love fairytale, but romance is a no-go for me 99% of the time. I had hopes for this novella when it started. I liked the main character, and she seemed a rational, decently developed person. But as the story progressed, the plot started fading into the background and eventually almost disappeared entirely in favor of the romance. For some, that's a plus, but it's not something I enjoy, and by the end, I was just frustrated. The main character becomes so irrational that she refuses to listen to her "love interest" and storms off, preventing him from delivering vital information. As someone who's in a committed relationship and still remembers the dating phase, I would never have done this, nor would anyone I know, so I found the moment very off-putting. I also don't care for characters who are overly eloquent when it comes to expressing how they "feel" about someone else. It's one of those things that makes me cringe and start skimming.
If you really like romance-centered fairytale, this is probably something you'd enjoy, but it definitely wasn't for me.
If you really like romance-centered fairytale, this is probably something you'd enjoy, but it definitely wasn't for me.
April 8, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness.
Lydian is an artist with a bit of Fae in her. It’s not uncommon, but she has a bit more than usual. She can use her harp and her magic to make her beautiful paintings look like they could come to life.
Dorian is an uncommonly handsome prince who unknowingly catches the eye of an uncommonly beautiful (and rather wicked) princess.
With Dorian under a curse, and Lydian trapped in a tower after the king hears of a drunken boast that someone’s daughter can turn straw to gold, these two will form an unlikely friendship.
This is an adorable book, and a quick read. I loved how cozy it was, and learning the secrets of the various characters. A very satisfying HappilyEver After mixture of Rumpelstiltskin and The Princess And The Frog.
Lydian is an artist with a bit of Fae in her. It’s not uncommon, but she has a bit more than usual. She can use her harp and her magic to make her beautiful paintings look like they could come to life.
Dorian is an uncommonly handsome prince who unknowingly catches the eye of an uncommonly beautiful (and rather wicked) princess.
With Dorian under a curse, and Lydian trapped in a tower after the king hears of a drunken boast that someone’s daughter can turn straw to gold, these two will form an unlikely friendship.
This is an adorable book, and a quick read. I loved how cozy it was, and learning the secrets of the various characters. A very satisfying HappilyEver After mixture of Rumpelstiltskin and The Princess And The Frog.
September 4, 2023
I love Rumplestilskin type stories and this didn’t disappoint!
Lydian is an artist that works hard to make sure her father doesn’t have to work in the shipyard anymore. With her father so proud of his daughter, he brags that she is so impressive, she can turn straw into gold.
Prince Dorian wants someone who will accept him for who he is. When he rejects Princess Belinda, she places a curse on him to find someone that would be willing to share her plate, pillow, and firstborn with.
There are undoubtedly many adorable moments where they are fascinated by each other and are willing to accept each other for better or worse. I really enjoyed this short story!
Lydian is an artist that works hard to make sure her father doesn’t have to work in the shipyard anymore. With her father so proud of his daughter, he brags that she is so impressive, she can turn straw into gold.
Prince Dorian wants someone who will accept him for who he is. When he rejects Princess Belinda, she places a curse on him to find someone that would be willing to share her plate, pillow, and firstborn with.
There are undoubtedly many adorable moments where they are fascinated by each other and are willing to accept each other for better or worse. I really enjoyed this short story!
December 2, 2023
Summary: In this Frog Prince/Rumpelstiltskin retelling, our prince has a problem. After rejecting the proposal of a very shallow princess, he finds himself looking a little green. The walking frog-man must now find a woman willing to share her life with him—unless he wants to become the reluctant groom of the very woman who cursed him.
But wooing a girl without his previous good looks is harder than he thought—perhaps it would help
if he had a lot of gold? Enter a magically talented artist that might have the ability to turn straw into gold and you have a blended fairytale full of humor and sweet romance.
Pros: This was short and sweet and exactly what it should have been—cute characters. Some funny moments. And the two fairytales seemed to work really well together.
Cons: This is this author’s only book on audio that I can see. Now I have to go find her other books and read them WITH MY EYES! And do you have any idea how large my non-audio book tbr pile already is??
It’s huge!!
Lol
Conclusion: This was super cute. Good for anyone who likes sweet fairytales. :)
But wooing a girl without his previous good looks is harder than he thought—perhaps it would help
if he had a lot of gold? Enter a magically talented artist that might have the ability to turn straw into gold and you have a blended fairytale full of humor and sweet romance.
Pros: This was short and sweet and exactly what it should have been—cute characters. Some funny moments. And the two fairytales seemed to work really well together.
Cons: This is this author’s only book on audio that I can see. Now I have to go find her other books and read them WITH MY EYES! And do you have any idea how large my non-audio book tbr pile already is??
It’s huge!!
Lol
Conclusion: This was super cute. Good for anyone who likes sweet fairytales. :)
May 12, 2025
Playful, Sincere, Magical
Chords of Green and Gold is a unique mashup of Rumplestilskin and The Frog Prince that is told from the perspectives of both the FMC and MMC. It celebrates art and music and the beauty they bring to the world. It also reflects on the beauty and complications of family relationships and how those interact with romantic relationships. The magic system is original and fun to imagine. Both of the main characters are strong, kind, funny, and easy to love. The romance is clean and there is no fighting. This is a great shorter read, perfect for quick smiles and adventure.
Chords of Green and Gold is a unique mashup of Rumplestilskin and The Frog Prince that is told from the perspectives of both the FMC and MMC. It celebrates art and music and the beauty they bring to the world. It also reflects on the beauty and complications of family relationships and how those interact with romantic relationships. The magic system is original and fun to imagine. Both of the main characters are strong, kind, funny, and easy to love. The romance is clean and there is no fighting. This is a great shorter read, perfect for quick smiles and adventure.
March 15, 2023
Wonderful retelling of Rumpelstiltskin
I absolutely adore this Rumpelstiltskin retelling. This is so much better than the original. I mean, I never liked how the Miller's daughter was forced to make the gold and then to marry the man who kidnapped and enslaved her in the first place! This story had all the right elements but with a slant on them to make it a much better story. Thank you and hope to read more from this author.
I absolutely adore this Rumpelstiltskin retelling. This is so much better than the original. I mean, I never liked how the Miller's daughter was forced to make the gold and then to marry the man who kidnapped and enslaved her in the first place! This story had all the right elements but with a slant on them to make it a much better story. Thank you and hope to read more from this author.
June 29, 2024
Okay, okay, I admit it - I was wrong. I avoided reading this book for the longest time merely because I judged it by its simple cover (welllll..... and because I was burned out on fantasy romance).
But! This book had all of the best things I like from fairytale retellings. Good writing, likeable characters, clever plotline, sweet and understated romance. I really enjoyed reading it and will look for more from this author.
But! This book had all of the best things I like from fairytale retellings. Good writing, likeable characters, clever plotline, sweet and understated romance. I really enjoyed reading it and will look for more from this author.
July 28, 2025
Cute light-hearted read, I enjoyed all the music terminology incorporated. I realized even the character names were music themed (Lydian, Dorian, Ion[ian] - are all major scale modes). It’s an entertaining mix of fairytales, with light magic, super clean, and no violence or scary scenes (only some brief implied threats).
The style and feel reminded me a bit of that multi-author fairytale retelling series “Once Upon A Time Is Timeless” so if you enjoyed those books, you might like this too.
The style and feel reminded me a bit of that multi-author fairytale retelling series “Once Upon A Time Is Timeless” so if you enjoyed those books, you might like this too.
August 14, 2024
This was my first book by Beran and will not be the last. I would call this a great palette cleanser. Really enjoyed the play on words and especially the music references. A very enjoyable read to take your mind off of everything else and just enjoy the story. Plenty of nods to the original fairy tales with a few good twists thrown in for measure. Clean and no spice.
October 3, 2023
Charming and delightful!
I loved reading this charming and delightful retelling! I thought it was very clever, and I enjoyed seeing how the stories of Rumpelstiltskin and the Frog Prince were woven together.
I loved reading this charming and delightful retelling! I thought it was very clever, and I enjoyed seeing how the stories of Rumpelstiltskin and the Frog Prince were woven together.
October 31, 2023
a very clever retelling
Loved it! Super likeable characters, great banter and clear romantic development without any insta love. The king's character was the only one that was a little inconsistent for me, but it's nice to have some dimension, too.
Loved it! Super likeable characters, great banter and clear romantic development without any insta love. The king's character was the only one that was a little inconsistent for me, but it's nice to have some dimension, too.
February 16, 2024
Very cute romance! Loved the interweaving of two classic fairytales. The cheesy jokes were great as well! My only sadness is that it wasn't longer.
If you like Spindle or Twelve Days of Faery by WR Gingell, you'll love this story
If you like Spindle or Twelve Days of Faery by WR Gingell, you'll love this story
May 7, 2024
I don't feel any particular way about this.
Other than the unnecessary drama at the end (which could have been sorted out in a quick 10-minute conversation), it was uneventful, lighthearted and gentle.
→ 3.5 stars
Other than the unnecessary drama at the end (which could have been sorted out in a quick 10-minute conversation), it was uneventful, lighthearted and gentle.
→ 3.5 stars
January 3, 2025
Very good!
I was looking for a new set of fairy tale books and I came upon this author during my search. This was my first book by her but I really very much enjoyed this retelling. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I was looking for a new set of fairy tale books and I came upon this author during my search. This was my first book by her but I really very much enjoyed this retelling. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
June 19, 2025
Chords of green and gold
Such a cute retelling. Very unique and charming. I loved Dorian and Lydian and how their relationship really blossomed. Sweet and clean. Definitely not angsty
Such a cute retelling. Very unique and charming. I loved Dorian and Lydian and how their relationship really blossomed. Sweet and clean. Definitely not angsty
September 11, 2025
Beautifully written blend of fairytales
Dorian and Lydian had an unusual first meeting. I loved the banter and bad jokes. Being able to see the real person beneath the exterior is a true gift. Heartwarming and endearing story.
Thank you Autumn!
Dorian and Lydian had an unusual first meeting. I loved the banter and bad jokes. Being able to see the real person beneath the exterior is a true gift. Heartwarming and endearing story.
Thank you Autumn!
December 19, 2022
I love Sarah's books!
This was a great book! A wonderful reminder to look,not at the surface, but what is underneath. Finished this I. A day and a half! Keep them coming, Sarah!
This was a great book! A wonderful reminder to look,not at the surface, but what is underneath. Finished this I. A day and a half! Keep them coming, Sarah!
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