"Prince of Chandeliers": A Review of Ethereal Fantasy

Have I not read true Fantasy genre books before? Quite possibly. I'm most certainly an Historical Fiction lover, but once in a good while, I'll branch out into another genre. This review is of my first true Fairy-Tale Fantasy genre read, and I'm so happy to say I love it.

Firstly, the blurb:

Wisteria never forgets.

When Princess Linetta finds herself in the silver woods with no memory of the past four years, she comes upon an enchanted castle that appears to be composed entirely of chandeliers. Soon a captive within its walls, she is quickly swept into a world of riddles and magical fountains. As she begins to unravel the secrets of its mysterious owner and befriends the eccentric shapeshifting court jester, the truth behind her own history yet seems far from reach. When a malevolent force shifts the landscape that she has grown to know, will she find the courage to defend all she holds dear and preserve the forgotten riddle nearly lost to Time itself?

Set in a world reminiscent of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” Prince of Chandeliers is a story loosely inspired by Beauty and the Beast and “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” yet sprinkled with a dash of “Snow White” in a medley of other familiar stories, all the while spinning a new fairy tale of its very own.

Having read Gina Marinello Sweeney's first three published novels, I was excited to read her latest and first in the Fantasy genre, but not having read said genre before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  From the very beginning, I was transported, whisked away (quite like the heroine), and delighted by the beauty of this tale.  It is so interesting with its kingdoms and characters.  There's a depth to them that is endearing and intriguing.  Gina is a master of ethereal beauty and transcendent imagination in her writing.  I enjoyed her unique L. M. Montgomery-reminiscent writing style in her YA trilogy, and Prince of Chandeliers is an absolutely perfect fit for her style.  It is filled with laughs, tears, thrills, and adventure as well.  One thing it is certainly not - boring.

As for the characters, I would like you to meet them yourself by reading the book, but I just have to say the three main ones, Princess Linetta, the Prince of Chandeliers, and the shapeshifting court jester, easily become dear friends.  The author's writing style goes beyond classic character descriptions, and she pulls back the curtains of their souls, allowing you to experience the story right alongside them in a touching way.  I know she already has a companion novel planned, but my secret wish is that she would also write a sequel.  I don't want to leave these beloved characters behind!

The scenery is stunning.  Whimsical imagination is mixed with royal grandeur to envelop you in a fantastical world that yet feels real.  I was so inspired by her written descriptions that I made a Pinterest board inspired by the novel.  If you are like me, however, I would suggest waiting to view it until you read the book so you can form the images in your imagination yourself and then see how they compare to mine.  I have included a few here in this post, however, to pique your interest. The magic fountains have to be one of my favorite parts, that and the music of the castle.  They wrap you in a cloak of mystery and comfort all at the same time.

There really isn't a thing I didn't like about this book, only that it had to end!   I greatly look forward to the companion novel as well as the rest of Gina's work!  Maybe there are many Fairytale/Fantasy novels out there that hold a candle to Prince of Chandeliers (see what I did with the candle bit?), but I haven't read them.  Even if there are, Gina's style and vision are truly unique, delightful, and enchanting.  She became a dear friend of mine through my reading of her books, and I am so grateful for that blessing and privilege.  I'm so excited to celebrate her newest novel and share it with you all.  Regardless of our kindred spirit friendship, I can highly recommend her books, especially Prince of Chandeliers.

PS. Find my reviews of Gina's previous YA novels here and here!  If you'd like to get a copy of Prince of Chandeliers, you can find it on Amazon! HERE!!

My Simple Daybook vol. IV

 

For Today 3.7.25

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

It's dark outside.  I always seem to get the creative bug in the evenings.  Maybe it's the relaxed mood, maybe it's a cup of tea, or maybe it's just the itch to avoid sleep that sparks the need to *do* something. 🙈

I am thinking...

I dearly miss blogging.  The creative and passionate outlet has been teaching as of late, but it doesn't quite allow for the same creativity.  I miss sharing and processing my thoughts in posts.  Not that my words are of any real consequence.  It's just nice being able to jot them down and share them with a few friends who share similar feelings.

I am thankful...

for the little joys.  I mean the tiny joys.  Stepping out my front door to get in my car in the morning.  The fresh air hits you in the face, the birds are chirping, and you feel as though a new adventure is about to sweep you away, just for that split second.  It has been rainy here for the last couple of days as well.  The sound and smell of the rain is really unbeatable.  Even a cup of tea without any cream or sugar first thing in the morning at work or last thing before you go to bed is a comfort.  I'm so thankful for the tiny joys God gives.

One of my favorite things...

One of my students gave me this gorgeous Mary vase.  She said she was supposed to put flowers in it but insisted I use it for my pens.   She's so beautiful and I love her so much!  She's perfect! 😍

I am creating...

baby items for my sister.  That's right!!  My sister is expecting her first baby and I couldn't be more excited.  Of course I'm knitting for the baby!  Just don't tell her.  I want it to be a surprise.  I did mention I'm knitting the baby a washcloth but I didn't tell her what the design will be.  You'll all just have to wait and find out with her. 😊

I am wearing...

All the fun teacher-y outfits.  Well, I suppose they're not your standard or trendy teacher outfits, but they're my own version.  Some days, I take inspiration from Anne, while on other days, I feel more like Ms. Frizzle.  I'm probably more in the realm of Jo March, if I'm being honest.  I wear what makes me feel comfortable while keeping an adventurous and untamed spirit.

I am reading...

Divine Intimacy and The Courage to be Afraid.  The first is a book of meditations by a Carmelite priest, Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene.  The second is a book by a French priest, Fr. Marie-Dominique Molinié.  This book goes deeper than trusting in God's providence.  It leads you to recognize His loving care as a father.  We say "Our Father" all the time, but how often do we stop to think about what that means?  I know not everyone has a good relationship with their father, and that makes me even more humbled and grateful that I do, but regardless of that fact, each and every one of us has God as our father, and He is the perfect one.  His fatherhood is not far off, subjecting and cold.  He loves with a very personal and intimate love.  He watches over you and wants to guide you every step of the way.  Ultimately, He wants to bring you, His dear child, to be with Him eternally.  The Courage to be Afraid was originally published in 1975 but started as retreats the author gave to Dominican nuns in 1953.

 I am watching...

All these years later, I'm still watching When Calls the Heart.  Can you believe it?!  It's just my comfort show.  I've caught myself up to the current season, Season 12, and it still has that Hope Valley charm.  Sure, it can be *very* cheesy at times and I don't always know about the modernization, but overall, it has kept its wholesome goodness.

This ship has sunk my heart.  🫠💖

 I am listening to...

Now that it's March, you know what that means... Folk Music Season! 😄 (Yes, I made that up, but you might try it.)  Here is my Spotify playlist full of great Irish folk music that is getting me in the mood for St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

I am learning...

how to teach.  Constantly.  I've been teaching for a year and a half and I learn something new every day whether it be a classroom management skill or how to teach superlative adjectives.  There is so so much to learn about teaching.  I feel as though I've not even scratched the surface.  I am always eager to learn more of this noble and multifaceted profession.  

In my kitchen...

Well, it's officially Lent so I'm not making too many exciting things.  (Who am I kidding?!  I don't often make exciting things anyhow. 😅)  Soups and casseroles are my good old standards.  Tomorrow I'm planning on making this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa! 😋

Board Room

My Pinterest is a mix of classroom resources, outfit inspiration, and Saint quotes right now.  Got to love it. 🥰  I also created a mood board for 2025 and I have to say I'm pretty proud of it.  

My 2025 Pinterest Board

Shared Quote

Closing Notes

Thank you ever so much, dear reader, if you have made it this far.  It's such an honor that you even clicked on this little blog link to begin with.  I really do hope to be able to post more frequently again here.  I've missed it and I've missed you all.  There's already one post that is taking shape in my mind inspired by my first Stations of the Cross of the season.  I hope you are having a very blessed start to Lent.  Remember God loves you deeply and desires your eternal happiness with Him!  

God love you!

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,

My Simple Daybook vol. III

 

For Today 6.26.23

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

Well, today there was a stray cat sitting outside our back door, so that was fun!   But I didn't get a picture.  However, I have been enjoying both the early morning sun and the evening golden hour rays that peek through my window.  My window faces north so I don't get a lot of direct sunlight but the little rays that slip in are always delightful.

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans that are taking shape for summer and fall!  When it rains it pours!  I've spent so many years thinking about life, jobs, and vocations, and now things are starting to move.  God is opening doors that I worried over for so long.  This leads into my next section...

I am thankful...

...For God's perfect timing.  Life decisions are a fine balancing act between trusting God's timing and guidance and acting for ourselves.  We cannot just sit around waiting for God to show us our future with a flash of light but we also can't be frustrated when our well-laid plans are not fulfilled.  Act and trust in God.  These were more thoughts, I suppose, but I'm just so thankful to God for opening doors and taking care of my future!

One of my favorite things...

Wow, I can't think of a favorite thing right now.  Probably family time.  It's so important.  My sister is away for quite a while right now.  Family time is precious; don't miss it.  Take advantage of every family trip, every brunch, every car ride, and every grocery store trip together.  Someday, we won't have that precious time together.  Friends will always come and go.  Your family, however, is with you all the time until they aren't.  We truly don't appreciate what we have until it's gone.

I am creating...

I'm actually reeeeeallllyyyyy excited about this one. 😁  I'm just starting this project with a gauge swatch but I purchased all the yarn and printed the pattern so I'm gearing up to create...

Photo credit to Melanie Landsittel

🎉🎉 The School Teacher Cardigan by Melanie Landsittel on Ravelry 🎉🎉

Isn't this such a cute design?!  It's classic and practical, yet is feminine and has an intriguing texture.  I'm super excited to cast on but first I need to read over the pattern thoroughly, take all my measurements, and do the math because this is a customizable pattern!  I'm really hoping it will be pretty straightforward though.

I am wearing...

What have I been wearing?  I can't even think of something that's really been shining through my wardrobe.  I think the most important thing to me recently has been longer skirts.  I was a camp counselor for a traditional Catholic girls' camp (I'll be blogging about that soon!) and I wanted to be able to dress casually and coolly while also staying modest and feminine in accordance with the dress guidelines.  I've been having fun in longer skits that are swishy and yet cool!

I am reading...

...A couple of really good books!  Firstly, I wanted a light-hearted, light on the sappy, beautiful novel to read while I was dog-sitting.  Well, thanks to my dear friend Cecilia and the Immaculata Bookstore, I finally determined to find and read The Awakening of Miss Prim.  I borrowed a copy from the local library and am so happy I finally read this gem!!

I'm still processing how good it was.  I wrote a very rambly review over on Goodreads so if you've already read the book or know the outcome, go ahead and read it to know some of my initial thoughts.  But I've had a lot more thoughts over the past couple of days since reading it.  It's come to my mind while discussing courtship with friends after church and literature with my mom over tea and coffee in the morning.  This book is really on to something; actually, a lot of somethings.  I'm seriously thinking of changing my review from 4.5 stars to 5.  I hope this book opens many eyes to the necessity and beauty of a traditional life.  I also hope people discover and cherish truly good literature; not just the serial works that are a dime a dozen.

Also pictured above is a lovely cross-stitch bookmark my dear friend, Emma, sent me.  Her grandma stitched it!!  Isn't it just precious?!  And it went with the book soooo well!  😍  The little knitting project you see started there is coming along nicely.  It's a dishcloth for my mom because she loved the color when I used it for a hot pad.

The other book I'm really enjoying right now is Mary Magdalene: In the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.  This book is absolutely beautiful and a surprisingly easy read.  I'm loving the short excerpts from the Blessed's visions and the intimate way it allows us to see Our Lord, Mary Magdalene, and the other Biblical figures.  Sometimes this book even goes on the monthly $5 TAN Book sale, so keep an eye out for it there!  (I earn a small commission for purchases made through these links!)

 I am watching...

... All Creatures Great and Small season 3!!!  Eeee!  (Look at their faces, the darlings. 😂)  We've only watched the first two episodes but it is already so so good.  I absolutely positively love this series.  This post is long enough already so I'll spare you my fangirl-y ranting. 🙈

I'm also working through When Calls the Heart season 7.  I know I'm behind but I'm catching up!  I just have to say, seasons 6 and 7 have been bringing my mom and I to. Tears. 😭  I had no idea WCTH was still capable of this.  I've missed you, Hope Valley.

 I am listening to...

...These vintage summer music playlists!  They're so fun.  I love the artwork paired with them as well.  Definitely takes you back in time and helps you to relish every moment of summer!

I am hoping...

...To get some new stickers to put on my water bottle!  I had to get a new one before the girls' summer camp because my dear old hydro flask was compromised with a crack in the bottom of the outside lining.  I've been using it for quite some time in that condition because it wouldn't leak, but I really need my water to stay cold so I had to splurge on a new one!  Now it is a beautiful blank canvas just waiting for some awesome stickers.  I'll hopefully be able to share my final decisions soon! 

I am learning...

...Always to conquer my own will and surrender to God's most Holy and Perfect Will!  It can be very hard to be resigned, even when things are going your way.  But we must always be resigned whether things go well or badly for us.  

In my kitchen...

I made these delicious deserts in the not-too-distant past!  (I haven't made much noteworthy, as of late, unfortunately.)  The fruit pizza on the left was for friends of ours from church when they were having their home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete it in time for the party so I brought it to Mass the following day.   Here is the recipe I followed from Catholic Cuisine!

The dessert on the right is an absolutely delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from The Pioneer Woman!  I definitely recommend letting it set up overnight for the flavors to marry and the filling to hold up best.  It's not too sweet and is the perfect amount of cream cheesy! 😋

My sister also made this stunning version of the Sacred and Immaculate Heart fruit pizza for our own home enthronement!

Board room

Alright, well, I just binged-pinned a bunch of ACGAS and WCTH.  🙈  But I also have lots of beautiful, summery pins accumulating!

(You can view my entire Pinterest here!)

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

I've been writing quite a few pen-pal letters after camp and just generally catching up!  It's been so fun to put things together and send off snail-mail across the country in lots of different directions. 

Closing Notes

Thank you all so much for taking some time out of your day to see what I've been about!  This summer is really shaping up to be a very relaxing yet busy time. 😂  I can't wait to share more with you soon!  What have you been up to?  Have you watched the shows I mentioned or read the books?  Have a wonderful day!!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

We Love L M Montgomery Week: Tag!

Hello my lovely readers!!  My poor little blog is still sorely neglected!  But I just couldn't let this week go by without participating in Hamlette's "We Love L M Montgomery Week!"  She's put together such a lovely party complete with this tag, games, and a giveaway so please do go check it all out!

Today, I'll be answering her questions about all things Lucy Maud!  Let's get to it!!

The LMM Tag

1. Who introduced you to L. M. Montgomery's writing? Tell us the story!

You could say my parents indirectly introduced me to LMM's writings through an Anne of Green Gables/Little Women coloring book I had as a child.  I also loved the Anne of Green Gables cartoon. But the first time I picked up an actual copy of Anne, it was in my parochial school library.  The book seemed so big and was above my reading level but I didn't know that until I brought it home and couldn't read the big words and sentences!  Still, I loved the illustrations and couldn't wait for the day that I could actually read the book.

2. What LMM books have you read?

• Anne of Green Gables
• Anne of Avonlea
• Anne of the Island
• Anne of Windy Poplars
• Anne's House of Dreams
• Anne of Ingleside

• Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories
• Chronicles of Avonlea
• Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902-1903

Wow!  You almost don't realize how many you've read until you list them all out like this!  I still need to finish the Anne series and then I hope to read even more!!

3. What movies or shows based on her books have you watched?

As I mentioned in the first answer, I watched the cartoon growing up. Anne's adventures and life were so delightful.

Then, in middle school/high school, I watched Sullivan Entertainment's movies and fell in love with them instantly. (Not the 4th one, however. We do not speak of that one.)

I've also watched the BBC mini-series of "Anne of Avonlea" from 1975 which is also very good in my humble opinion. (More to come on this later in my post for the link-up!)

Finally, I've watched the more recent PBS series which, although delightful, falls a little flat in story, spirit, and casting.

Oh!  And also a few episodes from the first season of "Road to Avonlea!"  I really need to finish it!  It's so precious!!

4. Which LMM character is your kindred spirit, the one you'd like to hang out with in real life?

Is it too cliché to say, Anne?  I mean, I am Anne at heart so would I need to pick someone different?   I suppose so.  Let's go with Gilbert then.  Diana would be wonderful too but over her, I think I'd even say, Phillipa Gordon.  She is a wildly wonderful character and I know she would just lift my spirits anytime I was around her.  She is sensible yet funny and has such a wonderful outlook on life.  Yes, I'd say, even more than Diana, I absolutely love dear Phil.

5. Which LMM character do you relate to the most? And why?

I'm sure many of us will say Anne but I just can't help myself! Back in 2016, I wrote this about relating to Anne:
"Anne and I are both overly romantic, exaggerate, have a bad temper, and are extremely dramatic. But I also like to think we both have generous spirits, a contagious smile, and are great friends."

Yes, that still rings very true.  I also think I've grown up much like Anne did.  We've grown into ourselves, so to speak.  We desire the best for everybody around us and have a very nurturing heart.  Anne is still my best literary friend to this day.

6. Have you ever been to Prince Edward Island?

No, sadly. It is at the near top of my bucket list of places to travel.  It is only preceded by Lisieux, France and Bethlehem.  I've always dreamed of honeymooning there; walking the beaches, strolling the towns, searching out the best and most romantic bridges, seeing "Anne of Green Gables: The Musical", and enjoying everything about it.  God willing, someday I'll make it there.

7. Who is your favorite LMM heroine?

Besides Anne?  Oof!  I haven't read her other series or stand-alone novels so it's hard to say.  There is one heroine from a short story that stuck out to me and I really just loved the story overall.  "The Magical Bond of the Sea" is one of my favorite LMM short stories.  Our heroine is Nora Shelley.  

"It was a wind that sang and piped and keened of many things--but what it sang to each listener was only what was in that listener's heart."

There's just something about a fishing village heroine who needs to discover for herself the life she is called to and deep down loves all the time; a life of drudgery, yes, but filled with the warmth and comfort of home, love, and family.

"They walked up the sands together in the heart of the autumn sunset, with the northwest wind whistling in their ears and the great star of the lighthouse gleaming wanly out against the golden sky."

"I belong to you and the sea.  But I never knew it until I crossed the harbour tonight.  Then I knew--it came to me all at once, like a flood of understanding.  I knew I could never go away again--that I must stay here forever where I could hear that call of wind and waves."

An honorable mention of a short story heroine would also be Marguerite Forrester in "A Sandshore Wooing."  It was a simply delightful story.

8. Who is your favorite LMM hero?

Of course, there's Gil.  But you know who else deserves a mention?  Matthew.  There is something just so comforting about him.  He is so calm and good to Anne from the moment he found her at the station.  He was probably the first person in her life to really just sit and listen to her and answer her questions honestly.  (Well, there were others in Budge Wilson's "Before Green Gables" but that's not Montgomery so we'll leave that for another time.)  Matthew was so good and even heroic in the little ways of life until the very end.  And when I first read the scene of his death in the book, my heart was sobbing.  Yes, Matthew was a hero although we might not think of him that way at first glance.  But he believed in Anne before anyone else, loved her, supported her, and was so proud of her.  He faced the challenges of life with quiet heroism.   (Kind of reminds me of Beth March, don't you think?)

9. Do you have any fun merch related to her books? If so, please share some photos!

Oh yes!!  "Anne of Green Gables" has been my favorite for so long, I have a very nice little collection.  I am so blessed.  I shared most of it over on my old blog here!

10. What are some of your favorite LMM quotations?

Aaah!  There are so many!  Let me just browse my Pinterest and GoodReads highlights really quickly... (This list isn't even including the ones from my Kindle!)  Now, in no particular order...

“Gilbert laughed and clasped tighter the girlish hand that wore his ring. Anne's engagement ring was a circlet of pearls. She had refused to wear a diamond.

"I've never really liked diamonds since I found out they weren't the lovely purple I had dreamed. They will always suggest my old disappointment ."

"But pearls are for tears, the old legend says," Gilbert had objected.

"I'm not afraid of that. And tears can be happy as well as sad. My very happiest moments have been when I had tears in my eyes-- when Marilla told me I might stay at Green Gables--when Matthew gave me the first pretty dress I ever had--when I heard that you were going to recover from the fever. So give me pearls for our troth ring, Gilbert, and I'll willingly accept the sorrow of life with its joy.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 

“Even when I'm alone I have real good company — dreams and imaginations and pretendings. I like to be alone now and then, just to think over things and taste them. But I love friendships — and nice, jolly little times with people.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

“Anne: "But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake twice".

Marilla: "I don't know as that's much benefit when you're always making new ones".”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

 

 

“I have a dream," he said slowly. "I persist in dreaming it, although it has often seemed to me that it could never come true. I dream of a home with a hearth-fire in it, a cat and dog, the footsteps of friends -- and you!”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“Thank goodness air and salvation are still free...and so is laughter.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“Gilbert darling, don't let's ever be afraid of things. It's such dreadful slavery. Let's be daring and adventurous and expectant. Let's dance to meet life and all it can bring to us, even if it brings scads of trouble and typhoid and twins!" (Anne to Gilbert)”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars

 

“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 

I know that was a ton of quotes so thanks for scrolling all the way to the bottom!  XD  It is always so incredibly delightful to blog about my love for Anne and LM Montgomery.  Thanks again to Hamlette for hosting this wonderful event!!  I hope you enjoyed this post!!  Let me know in the comments below your favorite things about our beloved authoress!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

PS. Here's a bonus quote for you from Montgomery that I was overjoyed to find because I now know she shares my thoughts on knitting!