An Ambitious Hope: A Little Red Riding Hood retelling by Lucy Winton (Hope Ever After Book 1)

Ruby is more than ready to head off to become a mage in training… but maybe after one more heart-to-heart with her grandmother. But what started as an early morning hike to visit her grandmother turns into a terrifying journey through the woods at tooth-point. The wolf-shifters who’ve taken her need her help — and they won’t take no for an answer.

When Ruby discovers that she’s not the mage they wanted, she must do everything she can to hide the truth. If they discover the mixup, there’s no telling what they’ll do to the other mage, or her.

Will Ruby be able to help the wolves? Or will she lose her life — and her heart — in the process?

“Grasp that hope and don’t let it go, because if you lose hope it can be very hard to find again. And there’s nothing wrong with an ambitious hope.”

– Lucy Winton, An Ambitious Hope

This was a really cute story. Ruby’s desire to help and protect were so relatable, and Alarick’s need to be a good leader made him sympathetic.

I definitely want more stories in this world! I want to know more about the mage school, and Ruby’s sister!

A couple things threw me out of the story. At one point, an adult character scolds another character like they’re five. It’s just… very odd. And the “only one room” trope feels shoehorned in for no reason.

If you like simple, sweet stories, you’ll enjoy this book. Winton has created a charming world full of adorable characters.

No swearing
Two very chaste kisses
Mild violence, nondescriptive