Review: The Seamstress and the Pea

I was pleased to receive a recent ARC for The Seamstress and the Pea by Megan Rose Walker. This was the first book I read by this author, and I was impressed by her worldbuilding and romance. "The Princess and the Pea" is a fun story to adapt because every version of it is unique. This one opens with the infamous pea scene and takes the story in an entirely new direction that is reminiscent of a "rags to riches" romcom with some fun and familiar tropes that are presented creatively. Although this story is not set in a magical world, it works well as a historical romance with themes of family and class.

Eleanor thought she had been brought to the castle with a simple task of helping to make a dress for the queen. She did not sign up to be chosen as the fake fiancée of Prince James, who wishes to deter the advances of the calculating Princess Celestine. Though reluctant at first due to her nobility-hating father, Eleanor warms up to the idea of pretending to be in a relationship with James. As time passes, she grows less and less certain whether they are really pretending. As she enjoys their noncommital courtship, the advances of Celestine and her meddling brother place Eleanor and her family in more danger than she realizes.

Although the "fake engagement" trope is nothing new, this author shows a great deal of promise for writing romantic comedy. Eleanor and James play off each other effortlessly, making the transition of their courtship from make-believe to real believable. Both characters are fully fleshed out with their own personal dreams, goals, and aspirations that go beyond their stations in life. James is an aspiring jeweler, and Eleanor longs to solve the mystery of her mother's past. Their personal desires shine through the page, making readers root for their success.

Princess Celestine and Prince Onyx are effective villains, though they don't feel like much of a threat until near the end of the book. Before that point, they are a mere inconvenience that James wishes to get rid of as quickly as possible. They are given their own motivations for wanting to take down Eleanor, which she finds herself sympathetic to despite their questionable methods. The careful planning of Eleanor, James, and his parents demonstrates that their enemies can be outsmarted, though Eleanor soon realizes they should not be underestimated.

The Seamstress and the Pea is a charming romantic comedy that breathes new life into the story of "The Princess and the Pea" with well-developed characters, engaging plot twists, and a swoon-worthy slow-burn romance. The characters are easy to relate to and root for, while their rivals are cunning and sympathetic. Megan Rose Walker's worldbuilding and writing style make for a charming read, and I'm excited to explore more of her work.