Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Sweetly (Fairy Tale Retelling)

by Jackson Pearce

As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too. When their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town and are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia moulds candied magic: coveted treats that inspire confidence, bravery, and passion. Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia's annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable 'witch' of Gretchen's nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak, and Sophia? Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.

Reviewed by Artemis on

3 of 5 stars

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Reviews at The Artemis Reader

Sweetly is definitely my favorite of the series. A retelling of Hansel and Gretel, with a Pearce twist. Gretchen and her brother Ansel have left home, after Gretchen's twin is taken in the woods by a "witch". When their car breaks down they meet Sophia Kelly, a young chocolatier, who offers them a place to stay and work. They quickly discover that young girls are disappearing from the town.

What I liked most about this second installment in the Fairytale Retelling series was the pacing of this story. Pearce really mastered a slow mystery, and kept me guessing as to what was happening. The Fenris are definitely a theme in this series and it was interesting to see their role in this book. The story was enough to look the typical young-adult romance aspect.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 26 August, 2015: Finished reading
  • 26 August, 2015: Reviewed