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Double Book Review: Peaflower & Snapdragon

  • Writer: Lavay Byrd
    Lavay Byrd
  • May 29
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 2

Peaflower by Jessica A. Tanner (Author of Sonji)


About this book:

Her kingdom is under attack. His brother is her betrothed.


Princess Marion Thornhill and her lady-in-waiting Emma flee their kingdom of Brecker with the hope of reaching the princess’s betrothed and garnering help against attacking forces. But along the way, Emma reveals her true loyalties. Left stranded in the woods during a spring storm, Marion crosses paths with her betrothed’s brother Rupert, a prince cursed by an angered fairy. Rupert helps Marion - but can they get help for Brecker before it’s too late? And what about their entangled hearts?

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"Peaflower" is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea featuring tropes such as an evil lady-in-waiting and a princess with an animal sidekick.



My Thoughts:

I read this book in several hours in one morning. It was THAT enjoyable!!!


Jessica A. Tanner has outdone herself with this "retelling" of... multiple fairytales? (Well, technically it's a mashup of two-- Princess and the Pea and another one... but there are several other "nods" woven throughout!) I don't want to spoil too much!


The whole story was just... WOW! I didn't think a plot full of intriguing mysteries, family dramas, and unexpected TWISTS could be perfectly balanced with WHOLESOME SWEETNESS! Trust me... this is not your typical fairy-tale retelling.


Ah, this tale was full of delightful characters--- except for two certain villains. But I'll gush about the main ones:


Dear, darling Marion: She's been hurt so many times (more so than her EVIL lady-in-waiting)... and yet to see her grow from her struggles into a brave woman with a big heart. We need more sweet protagonists! (And her near-blindness was SO well done!)


Cinnamon-roll Prince Rupert: Goodness, he surprised me in many ways! His struggles with guilt and shame mixed in with a terrible curse over some mistakes (and a few of others') nearly melted my heart. And yet, we see him shine in helping others and learning to forgive... and to love even as his curse manifested!


And the romance between them! Just LOVELY!


Cheeky Cleevy, Marion's pet rat: Now, I don't like rats... but Cleevy just won my heart! His cheekiness and bravery brought such humor and delight in this tale, and his love for his princess is just so sweet!


I can't praise enough about this delightful romp of a fairytale!


About the Author


When Jessica A. Tanner isn’t writing stories full of vivid characters and creatures, she enjoys a view of the Rocky Mountains, takes long walks, and hangs with her many critters. Jessica is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Realm Makers, and Wolf Creek Christian Writers Network (WCCWN). She has an article and a short story in LOOKING AT LIFE, a collection published by WCCWN. SONJI is her first novel.


Snapdragon by Sarah Beran


About this book:

A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.


Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop.


But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble. Literally.


Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything.


Because fairy princes are not all that they seem.


And in the end, death comes for all.

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“Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity.



My Thoughts:

I was almost hesitant to read this one. One, I never liked the Hades & Persephone myth. Second... "death comes to us all". With the beautiful paperback cover, those words felt... jarring. Almost terrifying. Yet, after reading many glowing reviews-- and Sarah Beran's genius reputation for writing sweet retellings---, I decided to give this book a try. Oh, my goodness, I'm glad I did!


We follow Persephina, (aka Percy) as she's swept into the Fairy Realm... and discovers a whole lot about the fairies she meets... and herself that her life is never the same. Especially when she becomes torn between her longing to return to her mother... and her growing feelings for a certain fairy prince. By the way, I so love her personality-- her sweetness and spunk! And eventually, her courage!


Then there's Prince Hayse, whom most dub the "Lord of Death", blaming him for the decline of the Fairy Realm. And as we see through Percy's eyes, he is every bit a hero. And oh, how my heart broke and warmed for him, especially as we learn more about him and his past. I adore his banter with his friends! (And the slow-budding romance was OH SO SWEET!!!)


There are so many more I could adore, like wise and motherly Kharon, jokester Herman, and loyal Rhea... and that adorable three-legged dog Burr, and even Persephina's mother Demi. Then there are those I don't like. (Like a certain "beetle"... and another prince... whom I won't name for spoilers).


This was such a treat, even with the brief kidnappings and moments of despair. All perfectly balanced with wholesome romance, twists and surprises, delightful humor, and enchanting worldbuilding!


About the Author


Sarah Beran 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.


Facebook Page: Sarah Beran Author

Instagram: @Sarah.Beran.Author




Check out the rest of the series (In case you missed my last post)

Click on image above!
Click on image above!



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