The Summer Palace: A Midlife Fairy Tale Book 2 - A Release Day Spoiler Free Review From Melanie

​​A release day review for Kristen Painter!

As always be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

Basic Info 

Standalone or series?
Book 2 in the Midlife Fairy Tale Series  (CANNOT BE READ AS A STAND ALONE)

Category
Paranormal Women's Fiction

Official Blurb About The Book (From the Amazon Page)

Newly crowned queen of the Radiant fae, Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft has two goals. First, to show her fae subjects that despite growing up in the mortal realm, she plans to honor the customs and practices of her new world. Second, to reunite the Radiant fae with the Grym fae. Or at least broker peace between the two estranged kingdoms.

How? By returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited the ruler of the Grym, too: Queen Anyka

Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.

Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.

How did I get this book?
PA Perks lol

Why did I choose to read  this book:  I read EVERYTHING Kristen releases!

And Now To The Review!

First Impressions:
​This book pretty much picks up right where book one ended, with very little having happened which I always appreciate. 

General Review
Carrying on the dual perspective with input from our main protagonist Queen Sparrow, and the antagonist Queen Anyka of the other half of the other half of the Kingdom, the narrative leans heavily towards Sparrow's story but the insights from the other Queen allow information that is really useful to the story, even if I still got blindsided by a few things (which is always fun - I do like a good jaw dropping moment).   There is a little romance, but the story definitely leans more towards the mystery solving angle. 

Final Thoughts
Book 2 by no means wraps everything up, but as with the first one, the story is complete enough that you don't feel the need to throw your kindle at the all in frustration while frantically looking for book 3, although that being said I definitely can't wait for book 3!
​
Rating
An Easy 5 stars from me and definitely Melanie's Muses Approved!


Pineapple word for this article is Willow

** Disclosure**
​Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links.
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