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The Austen Fairy Tale #1
Rose Petals and Snowflakes: Snow White and Rose Red meets Sense and Sensibility
After their father's death, and thanks to their older half-brother's wanderlust, two sisters find themselves caught in the politics of mysterious forest. Elinrose finds herself in direct conflict with the wood's Mistress, while Snowmari hides a deadly secret that could mean her death if found out. Can their bonds of sisterhood withstand these trying times? Or will they even make it out alive?
Snow White and Rose Red meets Sense and Sensibility in this exciting high fantasy retelling of Austen's classic!
Snow White and Rose Red meets Sense and Sensibility in this exciting high fantasy retelling of Austen's classic!
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2021
37 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Kendra E. Ardnek
72 books279 followersKendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She makes her home in the hills of central Texas with her fellow author husband, who she found at a writer’s conference. When not writing, you can usually find her crocheting her own cloaks, valiantly attempting to read every retelling ever written, and pretending that owning toy dragons makes her a dragon trainer.
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October 3, 2021And it's out and ready for reading!
If you preordered - I had an issue with my internet and was unable to upload the file in time for the deadline. But it's up again with a new purchase link, and I hope you check it out and enjoy this fun blend of fairy tale and Austen.
If you preordered - I had an issue with my internet and was unable to upload the file in time for the deadline. But it's up again with a new purchase link, and I hope you check it out and enjoy this fun blend of fairy tale and Austen.
January 20, 2022
Yes! I knew it! Jane Austen and fairy tales make an excellent mashup!
I love all of Jane Austen's novels, but Sense and Sensibility is my favorite because of Elinor Dashwood, and also because of its focus on sisterhood. Elinor and Marianne's relationship is the classic tale of opposite sisters who would do anything for each other. (I do understand the critics when they say S&S isn't Austen's best; it was her first published novel and she had more to learn. But still.)
Kendra's retelling beautifully portrayed all the elements that make S&S a great story: the deep love and the contrasting personalities of the sisters, the unassuming heroes, the secrets and misunderstandings that drive the plot, even the humor. She made the story mesh wonderfully with the fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red" inside a fascinating magical world. I really enjoyed how certain characters and twists of the plot from S&S found a new fairy-tale interpretation. For two examples, Mrs. Ferrars is the villainous Mistress of the Forest, and Elinrose, Snowmari, their mother, and their niece, Mayblossom (the equivalent of Margaret Dashwood) are spirited to another place away from home due to enchantment. There are countless twists like those that I can't share without giving away the plot. In fact, the reinterpretations fit so well it shows how Jane Austen's stories are fairy tales at heart, dealing with timeless tropes and universal themes.
The characters were excellent. Everyone felt individual and interesting. Elinrose and Snowmari both had great arcs that made this a character-driven story, not just an adventure. The world-building is satisfying, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the Forest with its mysterious life-force. The Rose Cabin sounds sooo lovely.
Even though I know the story well, there were enough differences between S&S and Rose Petals and Snowflakes to keep me guessing about what would happen next. And as I said, the fairy-tale twists were a constant delight. I can't wait to see what Kendra does with the next book in the series.
I love all of Jane Austen's novels, but Sense and Sensibility is my favorite because of Elinor Dashwood, and also because of its focus on sisterhood. Elinor and Marianne's relationship is the classic tale of opposite sisters who would do anything for each other. (I do understand the critics when they say S&S isn't Austen's best; it was her first published novel and she had more to learn. But still.)
Kendra's retelling beautifully portrayed all the elements that make S&S a great story: the deep love and the contrasting personalities of the sisters, the unassuming heroes, the secrets and misunderstandings that drive the plot, even the humor. She made the story mesh wonderfully with the fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red" inside a fascinating magical world. I really enjoyed how certain characters and twists of the plot from S&S found a new fairy-tale interpretation. For two examples, Mrs. Ferrars is the villainous Mistress of the Forest, and Elinrose, Snowmari, their mother, and their niece, Mayblossom (the equivalent of Margaret Dashwood) are spirited to another place away from home due to enchantment. There are countless twists like those that I can't share without giving away the plot. In fact, the reinterpretations fit so well it shows how Jane Austen's stories are fairy tales at heart, dealing with timeless tropes and universal themes.
The characters were excellent. Everyone felt individual and interesting. Elinrose and Snowmari both had great arcs that made this a character-driven story, not just an adventure. The world-building is satisfying, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the Forest with its mysterious life-force. The Rose Cabin sounds sooo lovely.
Even though I know the story well, there were enough differences between S&S and Rose Petals and Snowflakes to keep me guessing about what would happen next. And as I said, the fairy-tale twists were a constant delight. I can't wait to see what Kendra does with the next book in the series.
September 25, 2021
Snow, talking bears, sisterly bonds, and an evil green woman are just some of what makes Rose Petals and Snowflakes a unique retelling of Snow White and Rose Red. True to Kendra’s style, the reader is delivered a tale that takes turns and twists not usually seen in retellings of this beloved fairy tale.
The plot is a combination of Sense and Sensibility and SWRR. As someone who greatly disliked the former, I was relieved to not make one connection between that book and this one. Though it is shorter – only 189 pages or so – there is a lot of action. As a sister, I could identify with the bond between Snowmari and Elinrose, a bond that throws both girls into an unexpected world – or, should I say, Forest. The characters’ decisions and actions drive the plot at a quick pace, but not so quick that it doesn’t, mostly, feel rushed. The foreshadowing elements cleverly sprinkled here and there were fun to connect together as the book progressed.
The settings are well-fleshed out. The differences between the snowy lands and the Forest are well-described in clever details that makes you feel like you’re there. A particular cottage is made to feel homey, a certain part of the Forest sinister, and a particular village charming despite it’s circumstances.
The characters are diverse. Snowmari got on my nerves in the first half with how whiny and melodramatic she was, but she possessed great character development in the second half. Elinrose was my favorite. Steady, strong, and protective, she’s willing to sacrifice everything for everyone she loves. Their niece is adorable, their mother a unremarkable in the beginning, but really coming ’round in the second half. A certain green woman is one of the best fairytale villains I’ve read. The brothers I would have liked to see more fleshed out, but perhaps we will in later tales. Still, their personalities were distinct and I liked how real they were.
Rose Petals and Snowflakes is a clever fairytale retelling. Though some parts did feel rushed and underdeveloped, that’s probably a personal thing and not at all a reason why you shouldn’t pursue reading this book. It well deserves it's 4.5 star rating. I look forward to the upcoming tales in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To see the entirety of this review, go to: madismusingsblog.wordpress.com/2021/0...
The plot is a combination of Sense and Sensibility and SWRR. As someone who greatly disliked the former, I was relieved to not make one connection between that book and this one. Though it is shorter – only 189 pages or so – there is a lot of action. As a sister, I could identify with the bond between Snowmari and Elinrose, a bond that throws both girls into an unexpected world – or, should I say, Forest. The characters’ decisions and actions drive the plot at a quick pace, but not so quick that it doesn’t, mostly, feel rushed. The foreshadowing elements cleverly sprinkled here and there were fun to connect together as the book progressed.
The settings are well-fleshed out. The differences between the snowy lands and the Forest are well-described in clever details that makes you feel like you’re there. A particular cottage is made to feel homey, a certain part of the Forest sinister, and a particular village charming despite it’s circumstances.
The characters are diverse. Snowmari got on my nerves in the first half with how whiny and melodramatic she was, but she possessed great character development in the second half. Elinrose was my favorite. Steady, strong, and protective, she’s willing to sacrifice everything for everyone she loves. Their niece is adorable, their mother a unremarkable in the beginning, but really coming ’round in the second half. A certain green woman is one of the best fairytale villains I’ve read. The brothers I would have liked to see more fleshed out, but perhaps we will in later tales. Still, their personalities were distinct and I liked how real they were.
Rose Petals and Snowflakes is a clever fairytale retelling. Though some parts did feel rushed and underdeveloped, that’s probably a personal thing and not at all a reason why you shouldn’t pursue reading this book. It well deserves it's 4.5 star rating. I look forward to the upcoming tales in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To see the entirety of this review, go to: madismusingsblog.wordpress.com/2021/0...
August 21, 2022
This retelling is completely charming. I gobbled it up in two days! And now I'm handing it off to my kids, all of whom love fantasy books, and all of whom are familiar with Sense and Sensibility, so I know they'll appreciate it fully.
I absolutely loved how elements from Sense and Sensibility got woven together in this, recognizable but not always used in exactly the same ways. Like, if you're familiar with S&S, you know who Lucy Steele is and how absolutely infuriating and sickening she is. The version of her in this has a legit reason beyond her control for certain secrets involving her past, and she's not conniving or horrible, and I completely loved that change.
I can't wait to dive into the next Austen Fairy Tale book, Crown and Cinder, and book three should be coming out in a week or two, so I'll definitely be buying that as well!
I absolutely loved how elements from Sense and Sensibility got woven together in this, recognizable but not always used in exactly the same ways. Like, if you're familiar with S&S, you know who Lucy Steele is and how absolutely infuriating and sickening she is. The version of her in this has a legit reason beyond her control for certain secrets involving her past, and she's not conniving or horrible, and I completely loved that change.
I can't wait to dive into the next Austen Fairy Tale book, Crown and Cinder, and book three should be coming out in a week or two, so I'll definitely be buying that as well!
March 15, 2022
Amazing worldbuilding, which I'm learning is a Kendra Ardnek speciality.
Sometimes in a rendering you either get flat characters or a boring plot. Not so with this. Kendra managed to write the characters well, follow both retelling plotlines both with adherence to the originals and imagination of her own. On top of this, she placed the story in a thoughtful and fun world.
Elinrose was my favorite, with Snowmari a close second. This felt both very fairy-tale ish and cozy, but also amazing fantasy.
*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Sometimes in a rendering you either get flat characters or a boring plot. Not so with this. Kendra managed to write the characters well, follow both retelling plotlines both with adherence to the originals and imagination of her own. On top of this, she placed the story in a thoughtful and fun world.
Elinrose was my favorite, with Snowmari a close second. This felt both very fairy-tale ish and cozy, but also amazing fantasy.
*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 24, 2022
Such a sweet, family focused mashup fairy tale/Jane Austen retelling! I’ve never read Sense and Sensibility (or any of Jane Austen’s books, actually) but I HAVE read Snow White and Rose Red and even without knowledge of S&S I thought these two tales fit very well together for a cozy, fairy tale feel story.
I loved the focus on family though I was a bit disappointed by the VERY mild romance, so if you like more romance this book probably won’t fit those desires even though the lack of romance didn’t diminish the story. The characters all felt real though I will say Elinrose annoyed me with her bossiness and I felt more for Snowmari as a result, haha.
And though the author said Frozen wasn’t an inspiration for this book, it DOES have a very strong Frozen and sisterly bond vibe if you liked that movie. ☺️
Such a fun story and I can’t wait to try the other books in this series!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a landslide traps a girl; a girl nearly freezes to death
Sexual: kisses on the top of the head; kissing (not detailed)
Other: magic; death and grief; magical abilities, forest, and creatures
I loved the focus on family though I was a bit disappointed by the VERY mild romance, so if you like more romance this book probably won’t fit those desires even though the lack of romance didn’t diminish the story. The characters all felt real though I will say Elinrose annoyed me with her bossiness and I felt more for Snowmari as a result, haha.
And though the author said Frozen wasn’t an inspiration for this book, it DOES have a very strong Frozen and sisterly bond vibe if you liked that movie. ☺️
Such a fun story and I can’t wait to try the other books in this series!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a landslide traps a girl; a girl nearly freezes to death
Sexual: kisses on the top of the head; kissing (not detailed)
Other: magic; death and grief; magical abilities, forest, and creatures
December 11, 2022
This is a very imaginative, but well chosen pairing of the mentioned fairy tale and Austen novel, with sprinkles of fairy dust from other fantasy stories.
August 3, 2023
sweet and fun
Great read! I love the strength found in the sisters’ bond and the adventures each went through to be the matriarchs of the next few books
Great read! I love the strength found in the sisters’ bond and the adventures each went through to be the matriarchs of the next few books
September 29, 2021
Five reasons why you should read Rose Petals and Snowflakes:
1. Austen and fairy tales are an astonishingly good match. I am genuinely shocked that I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before. And, I mean, I admit to being a bit skeptical when Kendra first brought up the idea, but both fairy tales and Austen novels use classic themes, tropes, and character types that mesh really well. (Plus, if you’re a fairy tale retelling fan, there’s a fair chance that you’re at least a little bit of a Jane Austen fan, so why not combine the two?)
2. Even if you aren’t a fan of Sense and Sensibility, you can enjoy Rose Petals and Snowflakes. I have read Sense and Sensibility exactly once in my life, quite a few years ago, and it was . . . ah, not my favorite Austen. I finished it, but I definitely skimmed a lot. But in Rose Petals and Snowflakes, Kendra cuts down on a lot of the extra stuff that left me lost (and a bit impatient for something to happen), as well as . . . well, some of the miscommunication-based plot conflict. I still spent a lot of time yelling at characters to just talk to each other. But in a good way!
3. It’s a very family-driven book. I mean, you’d expect that a book inspired by Snow White and Rose Red would be family-driven, or at least sibling-driven. But it’s especially true of Rose Petals & Snowflakes, in which pretty much every major decision (and probably 80% of minor ones too), and therefore most of the plot, is made in some way because of family. From the choice that begins the book (Elinrose’s decision to venture into danger in search of her stepbrother) to the choices that end it, it’s all about family.
4. The magic is cool. There’s a lot of classic fairy tale and mythological beings: tree spirits, fairies, transformed beings, and so on. But there’s also the, I guess you could call it human magic? Which seems somewhat seasonal and somewhat elemental, with Frosts (who have ice-based abilities) and Cinders (who don’t come into the story much, but who control flames/heat) and Sensitives (who have plant-based abilities). I don’t know; I associate them with winter, summer, and spring, respectively. There doesn’t seem be a magic type for autumn, but maybe we just haven’t seen it yet.
5. The Forest is lovely. It’s just what a fae wood should be: beautiful and treacherous, the type of place where the land itself may be for or against you in a more literal sense than usual. And most of the story takes place there, so you get to know it very well.
1. Austen and fairy tales are an astonishingly good match. I am genuinely shocked that I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before. And, I mean, I admit to being a bit skeptical when Kendra first brought up the idea, but both fairy tales and Austen novels use classic themes, tropes, and character types that mesh really well. (Plus, if you’re a fairy tale retelling fan, there’s a fair chance that you’re at least a little bit of a Jane Austen fan, so why not combine the two?)
2. Even if you aren’t a fan of Sense and Sensibility, you can enjoy Rose Petals and Snowflakes. I have read Sense and Sensibility exactly once in my life, quite a few years ago, and it was . . . ah, not my favorite Austen. I finished it, but I definitely skimmed a lot. But in Rose Petals and Snowflakes, Kendra cuts down on a lot of the extra stuff that left me lost (and a bit impatient for something to happen), as well as . . . well, some of the miscommunication-based plot conflict. I still spent a lot of time yelling at characters to just talk to each other. But in a good way!
3. It’s a very family-driven book. I mean, you’d expect that a book inspired by Snow White and Rose Red would be family-driven, or at least sibling-driven. But it’s especially true of Rose Petals & Snowflakes, in which pretty much every major decision (and probably 80% of minor ones too), and therefore most of the plot, is made in some way because of family. From the choice that begins the book (Elinrose’s decision to venture into danger in search of her stepbrother) to the choices that end it, it’s all about family.
4. The magic is cool. There’s a lot of classic fairy tale and mythological beings: tree spirits, fairies, transformed beings, and so on. But there’s also the, I guess you could call it human magic? Which seems somewhat seasonal and somewhat elemental, with Frosts (who have ice-based abilities) and Cinders (who don’t come into the story much, but who control flames/heat) and Sensitives (who have plant-based abilities). I don’t know; I associate them with winter, summer, and spring, respectively. There doesn’t seem be a magic type for autumn, but maybe we just haven’t seen it yet.
5. The Forest is lovely. It’s just what a fae wood should be: beautiful and treacherous, the type of place where the land itself may be for or against you in a more literal sense than usual. And most of the story takes place there, so you get to know it very well.
May 7, 2022
What a great combination of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Snow White! I might not have a sister, but I related to Elinrose so much! I, too, thrive when everything is under my control. But I also seek to provide for those I love when I can. Kendra really challenges her characters, and the stakes were so high! Yes, the romance feels a little rushed, but that is how it is in Sense and Sensibility! So I’m all for it! I can’t wait to dive into Book 2!
May 6, 2024
Sense and Sensibility is my second favorite Jane Austen novel, so I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. ❤️
December 30, 2024
This is a delightful pastiche, and Ardnek stays true to the spirit of each story. The sisters are very much the fairy tale sisters, but at the same time, their personalities match Elinor and Marianne nearly perfectly. I loved finding the tributes to the classics, yet enjoyed Ardnek's original world, characters, and plot equally well. There were times I struggled to understand the magic system, but I think that might be due more to reader than author. Overall, it's well-written, sometimes humorous, full of heart, and completely enjoyable. I look forward to continuing the series!
November 27, 2023
This was pretty painful to read. I liked Faia and Bear. It didn't really feel like a Sense and Sensibility retelling beyond some basic plot points and shallow modern sounding versions of the characters if they resembled their Austen counterparts at all. Most of them didn't. The names are silly. Some of the humor worked but not enough to make me want to reread this one or read any other books by this author. Marianne Dashwood is not nearly as shallow as Snowmari is. Somehow she and Bear make even less sense as a couple than Marianne and Colonel Brandon.
P.s. Freud would have a field day with this magic system.
P.s. Freud would have a field day with this magic system.
June 10, 2023
Things I liked:
-siblings/family interaction
-character rationale being clear (even if I didn't agree with it)
-the way other fairy tales are woven into the main storyline without derailing it
-loose magic system (as in, not all the details given, seems to be flexible while still exacting a price)
Things I didn't like:
-nothing to note! Plot, characters, etc were solid and I greatly enjoyed this
-siblings/family interaction
-character rationale being clear (even if I didn't agree with it)
-the way other fairy tales are woven into the main storyline without derailing it
-loose magic system (as in, not all the details given, seems to be flexible while still exacting a price)
Things I didn't like:
-nothing to note! Plot, characters, etc were solid and I greatly enjoyed this
September 2, 2025
Rose Petals and Snowflakes felt like Jane Austin with a fairy tale twist. Now, before I actually get into my review, I have two confessions to make:
-I haven't read Sense and Sensibility, though I have read a different retelling of S&S and know some things about it.
-I also am fuzzy on the story of Snow White and Red Rose, because I'm pretty sure that it's slightly different from the just Snow White story.
But despite my lack of knowledge of the "source texts" I could tell that Rose Petals and Snowflakes was a retelling. Ardnek did a nice job of capturing the Jane Austin feel and hitting the S&S plot points. She also did a nice job of giving the story a fairy tale feel.
The characters were fun and relatable. I would have liked to get to know the side characters better though. Like I said above, Ardnek does a give job of capturing the fairy tale vibe in her setting. I was a little confused by the magic in the story though. It felt like it just sort of popped out of nowhere about halfway through the book, and the different types of magic that someone could have weren't really explained until they appeared in the plot. I was still able to follow the story fine, but the suddenness of the magic elements did take me out of the story a little.
Overall, Rose Petals and Snowflakes was a fun, short read and I think fans of Jane Austin and fairy tales will enjoy it.
Cautions: light romance; two kisses
-I haven't read Sense and Sensibility, though I have read a different retelling of S&S and know some things about it.
-I also am fuzzy on the story of Snow White and Red Rose, because I'm pretty sure that it's slightly different from the just Snow White story.
But despite my lack of knowledge of the "source texts" I could tell that Rose Petals and Snowflakes was a retelling. Ardnek did a nice job of capturing the Jane Austin feel and hitting the S&S plot points. She also did a nice job of giving the story a fairy tale feel.
The characters were fun and relatable. I would have liked to get to know the side characters better though. Like I said above, Ardnek does a give job of capturing the fairy tale vibe in her setting. I was a little confused by the magic in the story though. It felt like it just sort of popped out of nowhere about halfway through the book, and the different types of magic that someone could have weren't really explained until they appeared in the plot. I was still able to follow the story fine, but the suddenness of the magic elements did take me out of the story a little.
Overall, Rose Petals and Snowflakes was a fun, short read and I think fans of Jane Austin and fairy tales will enjoy it.
Cautions: light romance; two kisses
November 29, 2023
A cute and clean fairy tale/Austen retelling...
This story surprised me. I've never read an Austen retelling, but I've certainly read many fairy tale retellings. Yet, what I like most about this book is how it seamlessly incorporates elements from both stories into one narrative. I loved the witty dialogue, fast-paced plot, and sweet romance. I liked how compelling the characters were, and how I found myself once again relating to Elinrose (Eleanor) in this story. This is definitely an example of escapist, fun, fiction.
This story surprised me. I've never read an Austen retelling, but I've certainly read many fairy tale retellings. Yet, what I like most about this book is how it seamlessly incorporates elements from both stories into one narrative. I loved the witty dialogue, fast-paced plot, and sweet romance. I liked how compelling the characters were, and how I found myself once again relating to Elinrose (Eleanor) in this story. This is definitely an example of escapist, fun, fiction.
July 20, 2022
a great mash up
I’d actually rate it 4.5 stars but that’s not an option. I knock off half a star because it took me a bit to get into the story style but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed the mash up of the two stories and the world she’s created.
I’d actually rate it 4.5 stars but that’s not an option. I knock off half a star because it took me a bit to get into the story style but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed the mash up of the two stories and the world she’s created.
July 4, 2023
Fairy take a la Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility is not my favorite Austen, nor is Snow White and Rose Red my favorite fairy tale. The combination, however, is utterly charming, and much cozier than the source material.
Sense and Sensibility is not my favorite Austen, nor is Snow White and Rose Red my favorite fairy tale. The combination, however, is utterly charming, and much cozier than the source material.
February 27, 2024
Lovely fairytale
A wonderful fairytale of love, adventure and family. I can't wait to read more of the author's stories. I did purchase this book and will purchase more . I do recommend this book, it is romantic but clean. Also a very happy ending.
A wonderful fairytale of love, adventure and family. I can't wait to read more of the author's stories. I did purchase this book and will purchase more . I do recommend this book, it is romantic but clean. Also a very happy ending.
January 22, 2022
I very much enjoyed this retelling! It was a really clever intermixing. I loved the sister's relationship. There was also a nice bit of humor mixed in which was nice.
Why I didn't give it 5 stars, I thought parts at the beginning especially could have been smoother and longer. Which is really my only complaint.
Why I didn't give it 5 stars, I thought parts at the beginning especially could have been smoother and longer. Which is really my only complaint.
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