Fairytale Beginnings by Holly Martin

Title:  Fairytale Beginnings

Author: Holly Martin

Publisher: July 10th 2015 by Bookouture

Pages: 230 pages

How I Read It: ARC ebook

Genre: womens fiction, contemporary romance, chick lit

My Rating: 3 crowns

Synopsis:

Fairytale Beginnings: A heartwarming romantic comedy

Love is an open door…except when it keeps slamming in your face.

Hopeless romantic Milly Rose has had her fair share of heartbreak. Obsessed with all things Disney, she refuses to give up on finding her Prince Charming – he’s out there somewhere, isn’t he?

When Milly is given a job to investigate the origins of an historical building in the village of Clovers Rest, she’s not sure what to expect. What she discovers takes her breath away - a beautiful real life Cinderella castle, complete with turrets, a magnificent drawbridge AND a very handsome owner…Cameron Heartstone.

As Milly and Cameron begin to unearth the secrets of Clover Castle, they can’t ignore the intense chemistry building between them. But they’ve both been hurt badly before. Can they take a big leap of faith and find their own happily-ever-after?

My thoughts:

"Rather bizarrely, she could already imagine herself living here, swanning around in beautiful medieval style gowns".

Okay, time to leave reality at the door and step inside for some fun and romantic escapism. I put my hand up, I would love to swan around a castle in a gown, so Holly Martin had me 'Hello'. I am the first to admit I need to take a break at times from the heavier reads and what better way to escape than into a fairy tale for grown ups - castle included! What girl doesn't love a fairy tale? And yes! Given the 'Fairytale Beginnings' one can make the obvious jump to fairy tale endings. Done deal.

"This was ridiculous, a fairy tale, nothing more. She didn't believe in fairy tales."

Fairytale Beginnings is chick lit at its best: little bit ridiculous - corny, silly, repetitive - a lot romantic and fun. As someone claimed, it's Disney for adults (and I particularly enjoyed the 'Tangled' tribute). There is the awesome castle, the good looking Lord, the wannabe Princess in sparkly Converse's, throw in an evil PA, a few odd villagers and, oh! Don't forget a ghost! What's not to love? 

For those who look for maybe more than one aspect to a story, fear not, learning about relationships is just one part of the book The history behind the castle and going with Milly and Cameron as they explore Clover Castle unlocking its mysteries and secrets is fun. I liked that aspect of 'Castle Heritage/National Trust' and the options available for the upkeep of these historic buildings. 

"She thought it might date back to the fourteenth century. She swallowed down the shock of this sudden unexpected discovery".  

So the 'happily ever after' is a given needless to say, but on the way to it there is a whole lot of comedy, flirting, chemistry and mysteries to solve. This book is a must-read for pure fun escapism. Who doesn't need a little happy ending in a castle every once and awhile?  Suspend scepticism and embrace, to appreciate these fairytale beginnings.

"Life is short and precious and we never know what is around the corner. So you live for now, seize every moment that comes your way and if you're going to look back on your life with regret, it's easier to regret the things that you did do, rather that the thing you didn't.

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This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.