_basicbookworm 's review for:

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

4.0

---

Madeline has grown up at the renaissance faire, her family traveling on the circuit each year. This year looks a bit different though: it’s been almost a year since her mom died and now her best friend is no longer traveling with the faires. When they get to what was her mom’s favorite faire of all, Maddie is devastated to see the new owners have changed so much about it. She just wants to be left alone, but the owners’ son Arthur will not leave her alone, nicknames her “Gwen” and even cons her into being the faire princess. This faire is nothing that she wawa hoping for, but it forces her to confront her fears and insecurities.

I’ve loved Ashley Schumacher’s writing since her debut, and her storytelling and ability to really get you to feel keeps getting better and better. While this one did not have me ugly crying, it still deals with grief and insecurity and will leave you wanting to just hug Maddie. The ren faire setting was amazing, what a backdrop for a sweet story of a girl finding herself. Maddie’s journey was so beautiful. This is definitely a book worth picking up.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.