Books Like...

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is a heartwarming tale about Miri, a young girl from Mount Eskel who is chosen to attend the Princess Academy, where she learns about reading, commerce, and quarry speech alongside other eligible mountain girls. As the girls prepare to potentially become the prince's wife, they discover the value of their skills and knowledge, realizing that what they are is worthy.

Miri's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and courage unfolds as she navigates the challenges of the academy, her feelings for a village boy, and the threat of bandits. The book weaves themes of empowerment, family love, and recognizing one's own importance into a feel-good narrative that combines adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age elements.

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen is a charming novel set in a Southern resort where Kate, a widow, and her daughter, Devin, visit Kate's Aunt Eby. The story follows their journey of healing, rediscovery, and new beginnings, surrounded by endearing characters and a touch of magic. The book beautifully captures the essence of relationships, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love and hope. Allen's writing style blends magical realism with lyrical language, creating a delightful and immersive reading experience.

Thomas the Rhymer is a prose re-telling of the famous traditional ballad, centering around a minstrel named Thomas who is taken to the land of the Sidhe to live and love for the Queen. The story is narrated from four different viewpoints, providing insight into the emotional growth of Thomas as he navigates his time in Faerieland. Ellen Kushner's writing style brings to life the characters and setting, creating a magical and fantastical world that stays true to the source material while adding depth and detail to the tale.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale about Princess Ani who is betrayed by her lady in waiting and ends up living as a goose girl in another kingdom. The story follows Ani's journey of self-discovery, as she learns to communicate with animals and navigate the challenges of her new life while trying to reclaim her true identity. The writing style is described as enchanting, evocative, and almost poetic, with a focus on character growth, friendship, and the themes of truth and magic.

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen is a light, magical novel that follows the story of Josey Cirrini, a young woman trapped by the demands of her mother and seeking a different existence. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Della Lee appears in her closet, becoming a catalyst for change. The book weaves together elements of romance, family relationships, and magic, creating a heartwarming and funny atmosphere filled with a sense of longing. Readers are introduced to diverse and interesting characters, including one who is followed by books that appear as she needs them, adding a touch of whimsy to the story. Despite the magical elements, the writing style is easy and enjoyable, making The Sugar Queen a sweet and engaging read.

Sarah Addison Allen's writing in The Sugar Queen is described as gentle, quiet, and enchanting, drawing readers into a world where the characters are relatable and the stories are unique. The plot moves at a pace that keeps the reader's interest, with quirky, warm characters who navigate themes of love, family, loss, and a touch of magic. The book is praised for its ability to evoke emotions, create a sense of comfort akin to a Hallmark movie, and provide surprises that keep readers engaged. The author's talent for incorporating magical realism into her stories is highlighted, with readers expressing anticipation for her next book and admiration for the enchanting qualities of The Sugar Queen.

In "The Girl Who Chased the Moon" by Sarah Addison Allen, Emily Benedict returns to her mother's hometown after her passing, discovering family secrets and unraveling mysteries from the past. The story unfolds in a small town in North Carolina, filled with quirky characters and magical elements like changing wallpaper and ghost lights, creating a charming and heartwarming atmosphere. As Emily delves into her mother's history and navigates the town's secrets, she finds herself on a journey of love, loss, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

'The Peach Keeper' by Sarah Addison Allen is a tale set in the small town of Walls of Water, North Carolina, where old secrets and ghosts come to light as a wealthy heiress restores an aging mansion. The story follows the unlikely allies, Willa Jackson and Paxton Osgood, who uncover family truths, friendship dynamics, and the nature of love. With a touch of magical realism, Allen weaves a narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The book explores themes of friendship, family secrets, and the impact of the past on present-day relationships. Through Willa and Paxton's evolving bond, the story delves into the complexities of small-town life, lineage, and the power of uncovering hidden truths to forge new connections and understanding among the characters.

'These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901' by Nancy E. Turner is a captivating tale of Sarah Prine, a pioneer woman in the late 19th century Arizona Territory. Through Sarah's diary entries, readers witness her journey of establishing a ranch, facing hardships like sickness, bandits, and Indian attacks, while also experiencing moments of joy, humor, and romance. The book offers a vivid glimpse into the pioneer experience, showcasing Sarah's resilience, hard work, and ambition as she navigates through life in the wild west.

The novel, written in diary format, provides a first-hand account of Sarah's life as she grows from a young girl to a woman in the Arizona Territory. The story is filled with a mix of heartbreak, love, and adventure, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction set in the American Southwest during the 1800s. Sarah's strong character, her love for books, and her enduring spirit shine through the pages, creating a narrative that is both poignant and inspiring.

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine is a retelling of Snow White with a twist, focusing on the character of Aza, an innkeeper's daughter with a beautiful singing voice. Aza, who is not considered conventionally pretty, finds herself in the midst of court intrigue and personal struggles as she navigates her newfound status as the lady in waiting to the Queen of Ayorthia. The storyline cleverly weaves themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and the importance of talent over appearance, set in a kingdom where singing is a major form of communication. The book is praised for its unique take on a classic fairy tale, engaging plot twists, and the way it explores complex themes through relatable characters.

Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper is a unique blend of well-known fairy tales and science fiction, offering a mix of hope and bleak outlook for the future. The protagonist, Beauty, is portrayed as a symbol of hope, hidden by her aunt on the fairy side of the family. The book weaves together various fairy tales, time travel, and elements of fantasy, creating a storyline that spans different time periods and settings, from the 14th century to the 21st century, Faery land, and even Hell. Tepper's writing style combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, mythology, and social justice to create an enthralling and thought-provoking tale.