Review: Bearly Free

As someone who's struggled to find wholesome "Goldilocks" retellings in the past, I was not prepared for just how much I would love Bearly Free. If there's anyone who can take a juvenile cautionary tale about breaking and entering and turn it into a sweeping romantic thriller, it's Abigail Manning. This book is the second story in her Emerald Realm series. It takes place in a world that contains magic, but it's not a major part of the story, which makes sense, given the source material. Instead, it's an epic romance with a runaway bride and lots of shocking twists.

Lady Aurelia Lockly is a 16-year-old girl whose parents sold her hand in marriage to the highest bidder to help fund their business. Not wanting to be tied down to a stranger who was after her family's money, she runs away and finds herself trapped in an expansive mansion when the owners come home and lock her out of all her potential escape routes. The book builds up suspense as Aurelia lurks through the halls searching for food and places to sleep where she won't be caught, until the son of the owner inevitably finds her and decides to help her instead of turning her in.

The best thing about this book is the tension. There are many chapters where Aurelia is alone in the house and doesn't interact with anyone except a friendly dog who she nicknames "Bear," yet the pacing never feels slow. Abigail places the reader directly in the heart of the intimidating mansion with its hidden compartments, beds of varying comfort, and sweeping hallways. I felt like I was right there with Aurelia, exploring all of its secrets and dodging the staff. Each step she took posed a new threat of getting caught, forcing me to keep turning the page to make sure Aurelia was still safe.

I was not expecting this book to have such a charming love story. Elias, the son of the manor's lord, takes an immediate liking to Aurelia. Soon, the escape mission becomes about both of them rather than just Aurelia. Together, they uncover hidden secrets about each other's pasts and plotting potential paths to freedom. Elias knows what it's like to live a life on the run and does everything in his power to tend to Aurelia's needs and safety. By the end of the book, I was dying to see them get together!

If you are looking for a clean and wholesome retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Bearly Free takes you all the way there and back. Abigail Manning has woven a rich tapestry of suspense, adventure, and romance in an expansive setting filled with memorable rooms and furnishings. It may be hard to find retellings of this particular story, but this is the only one you'll ever need.