The Summer Palace

A Midlife Fairy Tale

De: Kristen Painter

Narrado por: B.J. Harrison

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 all 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.

She intends to do both of those 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 Queen Anyka, too, the woman who rules the Grym.

Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide them with 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.

©2023 Kristen Painter (P)2023 Kristen Painter

I think this one was better than the first.

I really enjoy the characters in this series. I like the idea of being able to move back and forth between worlds. The story is really interesting and funny. I like that. The narration was really very well done.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace by Kristen Painter
2nd book in the Midlife Fairy retelling. Paranormal women’s fiction. Cliffhanger.
Who is the “good” and “bad” queen? Do they have a reason to be who they are? Can they get over past history and change the lives and path of their kingdoms?

Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft wants to show her new kingdom that she is the right leader and will improve their lives. She decides to go to the Summer Palace with a group of her fae subjects and then hopefully broker peace with Queen Anyka of the Grym fae.
Not everyone is as optimistic as Ro.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is done by B J Harrison who does all the books by this author. The performance is wonderful with emotions clearly heard. I love being able to replay a chapter if I’ve missed something or want to clarify a point. Of course you ca do that as well with a ebook but with the audio you get the emotions and clear pronunciation of those fae names! 🤣 I do find this narrator to be a bit slow so listened to this at a slightly higher speed than my usual 1.5.

Entertaining and clearly not yet the end of the series.
4.5

Hoping for more

Ro and her family are certainly engaging. I hope the next in the series comes out soon.

Terrific story

So happy to return back to Ro's story!!
New to her role as Queen of the Radiant fae, Ro decides to return to old traditions and opens up the the summer palace. A mystery soon unfolds and I loved reading along as clues and ancient history were revealed. Terrific new addition to this series and the audio narration is excellent!!
Highly recommend!

Never Disappoints!!

Got hooked on the first book and binge listened to this one! Can’t wait for Book 3.

I loved the second book, can't wait for the third!

I've loved this series so far. I really am enjoying the story line of both sides. Of course I want to root for Sparrow but I am also feeling sympathetic to Queen Anyka. Kristen Painter has been able to give her readers a very clear reason as to why Anyka is the way she is. Ro is a very intelligent queen and even though she has been thrust into the this new life she has adapted very well.

I can't wait for the next book in the series! I'm sure with what has transpired in this story, the next book will be even more exciting and filled with more magic, mystery and a little romance.

I waited for this continuation of the story!

I loved the first book so much and was anxious to see how the story unfolds. This second book is still up to the standard of the first book. I am again waiting for the next book in the series!

ABSOLUTELY GREAT STORY

Ms. Painter and BJ Harrison are the BEST COMBO. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE STORYLINE. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!

Grrr...

This is a great series ..
The narrator is good, the story is good, but I HATE CLIFFHANGER Endings!
This seems like one of those series it's better to wait for the last book before reading the series.

Summer Palace

Book 2 in the Midlife Fairy Tale series by Kristen Painter. In the first book we get to see Sparrow (Ro) Meadowcroft become an Accidental Queen in title. In this book we get to see her become queen in actions. She is a fair, kind and considerate queen- in stark contrast with Queen Anyka, the nearby kingdom. While at the Summer Palace, we see Queen Anyka’s distrust and Queen Sparrow’s tolerance waning. We are left waiting for resolution in the next book(s) but not in an unsatisfactory way.

Kristen Painter’s ability to build a world with words alone is beautiful. The Summer Palace comes to view in rich detail, beautiful colors, melodic sounds and beautiful fragrances. It is truly a wonderful experience.

I always purchase the Audible and Kindle versions of every book that KP authors and BJ Harrison’s narration never disappoints. I will ready anything Kristen Painter writes.