Hansel and the Gingerbread Queen: A Retelling of Hansel and Gretel by Lea Doué (A Villain’s Ever After)

Evony lives in an enchanted candy cottage with a dragon and two helpful yet mischievous brownies. She even has a wand that changes her appearance into whatever she wants. Too bad this charmed life comes at a price she isn’t willing to pay.

Evony is determined to under her mother’s magic and rescue those who succumbed to temptation. Two things stand in her way – an evil gingerbread man and a traveler with distracting molasses eyes.

I adored this story! Doué does an incredible job with the descriptions of the cottage, Evony’s outfits, and the many delicious baked treats. I could picture them vividly, and there was one baking session that had my mouth watering.

All of the characters were so dynamic. I loved watching Evony and Hansel fall in love. And I ached for Evony’s determination to correct her mother’s mistakes before considering her own desires.

This story has reminded me why Doué’s writing made me fall in love with the genre in the first place.

????? Five Roses
No swearing
? Only a couple of kisses
⚔️ No blood, because everyone’s a cookie