There’s something especially comforting about a fairytale retelling done right—one that feels familiar yet fresh, whimsical but grounded in heart. The Seamstress and the Pea is exactly that kind of story. With gentle romance, playful banter, and a heroine who stitches her own destiny, this cozy romantasy swept me up from the very first gown fitting.
Title: The Seamstress and the Pea
Author: Megan Rose Walker
Series: N/A
Genre: Closed Door Romantasy / Fantasy Retelling
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
This is an incredibly sweet and charming reimagining of The Princess and the Pea, told through the eyes of a seamstress instead of royalty—and that choice makes all the difference.
Eleanor has just completed her apprenticeship and is working on her first royal commission: gowns for the Queen herself. A surprising test from the Queen sets events in motion, and suddenly Eleanor finds herself not only under royal scrutiny but also in the orbit of Prince James. When James asks Eleanor to pose as his pretend fiancée to deter an unwanted political marriage, the story blossoms into a delightful mix of courtly intrigue, found family, and slow-burn affection.
What unfolds is a fairytale where status and titles are quietly dismantled. Eleanor experiences life as a princess while remaining firmly herself—practical, principled, and deeply shaped by her past. The story gently challenges assumptions about worth, nobility, and belonging, all while surrounding the characters with warmth and supportive relationships.
Prince James is especially fun to read. He’s adventurous, playful, and eager to show Eleanor the magic of his kingdom—particularly its forests, which feel almost enchanted in their quiet beauty. Watching him delight in Eleanor’s wonder was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their relationship develops naturally, rooted in friendship, honesty, and open emotion, which makes the romance feel authentically fairytale-like.
And the Queen? Absolutely delightful. Her frequent appearances, lighthearted spirit, and fierce devotion to her family create a loving foundation that explains so much about the man James has become. She’s one of those secondary characters who quietly elevates the entire story.
Everything about this tale felt cozy, hopeful, and complete—and yet I still found myself wishing I could linger just a bit longer in this world with these characters.
Publisher’s Blurb:
Eleanor is a hard-working seamstress with an inherited distrust of nobility. She doesn’t have time for frivolity or a flirtatious prince, especially if she wants to save enough money to visit her mother’s grave in the neighboring kingdom.
When a dress fitting for the queen begins with a torrential rainfall and ends with an unexpected proposal from Prince James, her world is turned upside down.
Eleanor is the prince’s last hope to avoid an undesired marriage with the rival kingdom’s princess. In exchange for a one month pretend engagement, he will pay her more than enough to finally travel to see her mother’s grave.
Despite her father’s disapproval, she accepts James’s offer and is thrust into a world of formal gowns, doting servants, and pompous royalty.
The jilted princess and her arrogant brother are determined to get rid of Eleanor, and she and James must rely on one another to counter their hostility.
As she spends time with him, the lines between flirtatious acting and genuine affection blur.
Amid her struggles with the royals, internal and family conflicts also arise, fighting to overpower her and the blossoming feelings she has for James.
Can Eleanor overcome the cruel advances of the rival royalty as well as her own prejudices?
Will she choose love when everything is on the line?
This is a cozy no-spice romantasy tale inspired by the Princess and the Pea fairytale.
Although it is a prequel to events in The Whisp and the Prince, it is meant to be read second.
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Final Thoughts:
If you’re in the mood for a fairytale retelling that feels comforting, kind, and quietly enchanting, The Seamstress and the Pea is a lovely choice. With its focus on character growth, family bonds, and love that grows from mutual respect, it’s the sort of story that feels like curling up by a fire with a well-loved book.
What’s your favorite fairytale retelling—or do you prefer your romances set firmly outside the castle walls?
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