About the book
She’s a baker struggling to support her stepfamily. He’s a prince running from the biggest decision of his life. Can their friendship result in something sweet, or is it a recipe for disaster?
Calliope Cendrillon wants nothing more than for her bakery, “Sweet Pea’s Pumpkin Perfections,” to start turning a profit. After her father’s sudden death left her family in dire financial straits, Callie’s infamous pumpkin treats are the only thing standing between protecting her father’s legacy and losing it all.
When Ever, one of Callie’s new regulars, presents her the chance to cater treats for the prince’s Choosing Ball, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. But Ever has secrets he’s been hiding, and when her attendance and premature exit catches the eye of the prince, Callie finds herself participating in a series of unconventional tests. Trying to find a girl using her slipper was unbelievable enough, but finding a worthy princess using a pumpkin seed? That takes the cake.
When a single pumpkin seed has the power to change Callie’s future, will she be able to cater to her heart? Or will her dreams of true love burn to a crisp?
Genre: Fairytale Retelling (Young Adult - ages 14+)
Rating: 5 Stars!
My Thoughts
Cinderella is my all-time favorite fairytale, but only two retellings (out of no doubt a thousand) truly captured my heart enough to have them appear on my bookshelf to read and read again.
This one has become my third favorite Cinderella-retelling! (And my first read with an incredibly talented author!)
I had no idea how much I had come to enjoy this delightful surprise from the moment I read the first chapter. I found myself adoring the character of Callie, who has a heart of gold! Not only is she resourceful in her business, but she is also ever so caring to everyone she meets-- even to her lazy and cruel stepfamily who would love nothing more than to make her life miserable. I especially love how she even forms friendships and acquaintances through her love for food and feeding others! But there's also a character growth for her as well, as she learns to let go and simply live with blessings that come her way!
Then there's Ever. Charming. Handsome. Sweet and endearing (and a bit flirty). And so ridiculously silly with his puns! I love how the relationship between these two blossomed throughout the story, even when Ever's secret comes to light!
What I also like about this novella is the strong themes of friendships and community, especially through Callie's interactions with her best friend Faye, and her customers through her bakery.
Oh, where can I begin with the twists! This story went beyond the eventual Choosing Ball and a glass slipper. Woven in are elements of the Princess and the Pea which made this Cinderella retelling WORK. But then there was another literature surprise element towards the end. I will not spoil it, but the moment! I read a certain minor character's name and his situation... I was floored. (I leave it to you read it!)
This is my first book by this author, but I can already tell that Sarah Beran has a gift for not only retelling fairytales, but also weave in multiple ones together to create beautifully new stories! (I'm intrigued to try out her Tales of Eurkya series)!
(Side note: as much fun as the baking scenes were... I'm not a big fan of pumpkin, so it was quite easy to enjoy the book without getting hungry.)
About the Author
Sarah 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.
Website: www.sarahberanbooks.com
Social Media
Instagram: @sarah.beran.author
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