Beauty and the Beast: A Real Life Fairytale

Silver Creek Novella Series

By: Jamie Brook Thompson

Narrated by: Angie Hickman

There's a tale as old as time of two people falling in love, but what happens when Belle won't have anything to do with it? Join her in this real life fairytale set in the small town of Silver Creek to find out how she'll transform the town's beast into a handsome prince with her heart, not her beautician skills.

©2017 Jamie Brook Thompson (P)2017 Jamie Brook Thompson

Sweet Modern Beauty and the Beast

This is the second book in the Silver Creek Novella Series, and it's a cute modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Belle is a beautician, and she moved from California to Silver Creek a year ago to take a job in a salon. Belle just doesn't fit in the quaint little town with its judgmental matrons and army of Darth Vader helmet style haircuts. Then she meets Adam, a man the town residents call a Beast, living a reclusive life on the outskirts of town. When she's attacked by Gaston, a loan shark to whom her father owes money, she finds an unlikely rescuer.

Give me more male leads like Adam, what a gentleman! He's a broody, shy, sweet mess of a man, just perfect for Belle to take in hand. Belle as a beautician was a clever little twist on Beauty, and her Kindle full of books made me smile. She was a strong character, a fierce fighter protecting her father, not a damsel in distress. In the end it was her own actions and strength that saved them.

Since this is a novella the love story moved quickly over a few days. Even so, Adam and Belle shared some sweet moments, and I can't imagine anything more perfect that reading Pride & Prejudice snuggled in front of a fire while a handsome man feeds me milkshakes. *sigh*

Angie Hickman is an excellent narrator, she has a young voice that fit this series perfectly. She has a good range of character voices, which made it an enjoyable listen. I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Cute modern twist on a fairytale!

I enjoyed this clean modern twist on Beauty and the Beast. I have listened to other books in the series by Jamie Brook Thompson and found them to be enjoyable. I think that Angie Hickman has a great delivery for these stories. The characters in the story might have some overlap from one book to another, but the focus is on a particular couple for the book. My review is not a synopsis of the book, but rather my opinion of it. I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher, and/or narrator.

A Cute Take on a Classic Tale

Beauty and the Beast Silver Creek Novella was a clean, cute cozy. The character of Belle was fun as was Gaston. It felt somewhat like Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast. It was a nice way to spend some time and reminiscent of a fairytale.

Angie Hickman has a lovely voice. Her performance was delightful. This is the first story I've listened to in the Silver Creek Novella Series but hopefully not the last. I hope Angie narrates the others in the series as well.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review."

Loved it!

I loved the narration, it flowed really naturally, had a good tone and excellent pacing. The character voices were great and conveyed emotion.

This story has great characters and it's beautifully written. It's simple and easy to follow while being interesting. The characters are lovable and I couldn't help but want to know what would happen next. Great for when you just want something short and fun.
I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the next book.

This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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Great Story

I loved listening to Angie as she gave voice to Adam and Belle. I loved how it mixed the city and the country into its own unique style with these two. Hearing about a female who is fine taking care of herself on her own is always wonderful to hear. I loved listening to this quick little story and cant wait to hear more.

A Christian Based Fairytale

Loved the premise of making these fairytales with real life characters with common problems and everyday flaws. These are clean, christian based stories with a bit of action and an HEA. I loved how there were the classic characters and how Gaston was depicted! My one and only complaint was that the timeline was just a little rushed. I realize that this was a Novella and in them authors have some limitations with stories; however if the timeline would have been stretched out the story would have been just about perfect! I was given this free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Spare time at the pool or on a drive...It is a fun quick clean read / listen.

Not very B&B-ish except for names of characters

Would you listen to Beauty and the Beast: A Real Life Fairytale again? Why?

I don't think I would listen to this audiobook again. It was a cute, quick listen, but it wasn't oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-listen-again good, though I rarely listen or read books more than once. I book really has to blow me away for me to listen/read 2x.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story itself was cute. I hadn't realized that it was a Christian novel, though it really only touched on religion. I think if I were to change one (okay, two) things, it would be 1. I know it's a novella, but it felt a bit rushed in a few spots and 2. (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT) I really disliked that Gaston was after Belle's dad, and ultimately her, because of her dad's gambling debts. I don't know why, but that just bothered me a bit. Likely because I can't get it out of my head that Belle's dad is supposed to be a good guy.

Which character – as performed by Angie Hickman – was your favorite?

I didn't have a particular favorite character, though Ms. Hickman did a good job narrating. I suppose if I had to pick one, it would be Belle because she was the main character. I know that's an awful reason, but that's what I got. I didn't connect closely to any of the characters.

Any additional comments?

This novella is based around the main character from Beauty & the Beast. If you're hoping to meet the majority of the Beast's household, they aren't mentioned in the book. Just worth noting.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Sweet

A sweet little story redone in a very non traditional way. No bad stuff. Just like author says clean and with a nice message. I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Short and Sweet Modern Fairytale

This is a clean modern fairytale inspired by Beauty and the Best. I have enjoyed listening to this author's real life fairytales. Cinderella was a great story and this one does not disappoint.

Narration was well done and brought the story to life.

The Beast was definitely much better than I expected him to be. Adam was sweet and a gentlemen. It seems gossip has painted him a beast just because of his seclusion and unkept appearance.

Belle is a beautician and has had a string of bad luck. Her dad gets in trouble and trouble comes to find her in the small town of silver creek.

There is a bit of inspirational religious note woven in towards the conclusion.

Looking forward to another real life fairytale book by Jamie Brook Thompson.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

nice modern take on a great story

Nice quick book, and narration was not too slow... sometimes I lose concentration when books are read too slowly but not this one! perfect timing with the newly released Beauty and the Beast, this is a modern rendition. I loved the way everything tied together with the fairy tale, but enjoyable with references to Jimmy Choo pumps and such. I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher, and/or narrator