A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I throughly enjoyed this original fantasy. It has everything a fairytale should! The magic, royalty, betrayal and personal growth. When my daughter is older I will definitely let her read this or I just might read it to her! So good!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What little girl doesn’t want a magical dress? Princess Zarina wants a special dress: so special that everyone will remember her and her beautiful dress. With all the dress makers in the kingdom being busy for the Royal Advancement Ceremony combined with a gala so grand with visiting kingdoms, Zarina is taken to a special dress maker outside of the kingdom walls.
Zarina takes off on her own to go pick up her dress and it is not the dress she had envisioned. It wasn’t gold and ruffly, and pretty but instead black with gemstones and fire fairies dancing across the skirt. She was very mad and disappointed but when trying to take the dress off, she realized she was stuck in the dress and not just stuck but magically stuck in the dress! After giving the dressmaker the horses and carriage as promised, Zarina must now find her way back to her castle alone but the kingdom has been invaded and Princess Zarina must now avoid capture while being stuck in the dress. And to make matters worse, the common folk do not like her family or anyone who is a part of the ruling government! No one wants to help her or be seen helping her along her journey home. Will this dress be a help or hindrance in Zarina making it home safely and defeat the invaders? Can she save her kingdom, or will she be captured like the others? A great read with lots of magic and fun and a bit of intrigue thrown into the mix. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a touch of magic in their life. I definitely recommend the book for preteens and for girls to read and learn that they too can make a difference in the world they live in. Zarina grows in ways that she never thought possible. A true hero’s journey!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ A Dress Like No Other ~
Absolutely loved putting myself back into my younger middle school/elementary years. Along with the other stories I read at that time, this book would have fit in perfectly to my tastes as a young girl. A strong female royal figure, adventure that is dangerous and necessary, friends that come along the way and last a lifetime, and so much more. This has everything you would expect for a new/novice reader to enjoy, and is definitely an appropriate read.
Princess Zarina is in line for the Royal Advancement Ceremony, a sort of coming of age moment for her. She gets the opportunity to make a deal with a tailor for the event that should make her night even more memorable. She ends up getting the dress, but it wasn’t exactly what she asked for, it’s something even more than that. This is when everything that was right…suddenly starts to go very wrong.
There is family turmoil, loss, and an evil in the world that Zarina must face if she wants to save her Kingdom. She must evolve, and adapt in order to survive in this world. Watching her grow is a magical journey you want to be a part of. The illustrations are so helpful to aid in the story, and they are fun too. Overall such a well written story, that just makes you feel good to read.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
A Dress To Remember is a children’s fairy tale that is packed with magic, witches, fairies and a magical princess dress that is much ,much more than it seems to be. This is an epic fantasy fairytale that is this authors debut novel. Zarnia is lets just say it she’s a spoiled princess who is about to learn a great deal. This dress is a special dress and our princess doesn’t want it it’s not what she was expecting but I bet she finds herself grateful for the dress amongst other things. I highly recommend this book to young children to even teenagers and adults to. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In recent years, I’ve been so exposed to so many different types of fairy tale stories and so glad to add another new, exciting story to the list! Princess Zarina is very excited for her birthday and ends up meeting a dressmaker to give her the dress she truly wants. Only problem is that the dress is not quite what she expects and ends up becoming trapped in her dream dress. Now as she treks back to her home, chaos erupts and invaders terrorize her home as well as kill the King and Queen. Zarina must now find some way to avoid capture and ends up finding out that some mishaps can turn into your benefit. For those young girls who love fairy tales and strong female characters, this novel is a must read! Very entertaining from start to finish!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book reminds me of an old school fairy tale. Zarina is preparing for her big day and to not be outdone she goes to a dressmaker not inside the kingdom. With the direction of her Auntie they travel to the woods outside of the protected walls of the kingdom.
What a journey Zarina would take to get back to the castle in time for her gala. All while wearing a magical dress and fighting every step of the way to stay alive and get back.
She proves she’s more than just a pretty face and that a dress isn’t always what it seems.
When she comes across her Auntie’s son on her way back to the kingdom, she’s able to make a family a family again! I loved how this story unfolded and came together.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I got this book for my nieces who are 9 and 11. Each of us really enjoyed the storyline and characters. My nieces took turns reading and both had an easy time really getting into the story. Some times kids can be easily distracted and my nieces are this way a lot of the time but once they started this book they kept wanting to keep going. I loved to take away from the story I believe it hit close to home with my oldest niece. I’m a huge fan of a story that can entertain but also teach kids a valuable lesson. My nieces were asking for more books after this one so I’ll definitely take that as a win. We all agreed it’s a five star story.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing magical fairy tale of a story. It was very well written, very well written and very thought out. This book was amazingly written that it painted a picture in your head and made you believe that you were right there watching everything unfold. This book is for all ages to read like a Cinderella story but with a little twist with the dress. Princess Zarina likes to get what she likes and wants, and never takes no for an answer. But this mini journey that she ends up on really makes her realize that things aren’t always what they seem to be, and that she has to learn to, and problem solve for herself. This book will take you on a magical little journey that will have you turning the pages to finding out what happens next.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Zarina is the youngest princess of the royal family. Since she is beautiful, everyone only sees her as a pretty face. She is spoiled and selfish. With her Royal Advancement Ceremony coming up in 2 weeks, Zarina wants the best dress. Her aunt suggests a dressmaker she knows of in the woods, claiming to be the best. Zarina goes immediately. The mysterious dressmaker takes her measurements and what not, demanding the carriage Zarina arrives in as payment.
When Zarina goes back to get her dress it is nothing like she expected. She wanted a gold dress but got a black one instead. The woman told her it may not be the dress she wants but it’s the dress she needs.
Zarina is then abandoned in the woods in the black dress that will not come off. The dress is magic, reacting to the stories Zarina tells. Zarina travels through the woods trying to find her way back home and along the way meets the locals. They try to help her find her way home. Can she make it home on time? Who is this overseer that the locals keep talking about? Is Zarina more than just a pretty face?
This book is geared towards older children although it’s exciting enough to capture the attention of adults as well. It has an interesting and unique theory too. The author did a wonderful job teaching a lesson within the plot.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Zarina is the youngest daughter of the King and Queen and is doted on, she is beautiful and looks every inch the princess she is, so when it is time for her Royal Advancement and the time she gets to have a celebration dedicated to her new status and chair on the royal dais. However, Princess Zarina is determined to have a dress to remember and is worried that the court dressmaker will not be able to do it in time, so when she hears of another dressmaker who lives in the woods, she is determined to have her dream dress, so she goes to see the dressmaker and makes a deal.
The Princess has a definite idea of the dress she wants in her mind, but struggles to explain it, so when she goes back three days before the gala to celebrate her ascension, she returns to the mystery dressmaker and finds that although the dress is beautiful, it is not what she wanted, it is black! She agrees to try the dress on, however, when she does, she regrets it, especially when she is told that she cannot take it off and is told that it contains magical properties, this is where the deal goes wrong and Princess Zarina is left stranded and having to make her own way back to the castle.
Meanwhile, tragedy has fallen while she has been travelling back home and she finds that raiders have taken over the kingdom and killed her parents, the King and Queen and when she discovers this, she knows that she has to go into hiding. Will Princess Zarina be able to use her magical dress to stay out of danger long enough to defeat the raiders and save her Kingdom, or will defeat dog her tracks? This is a fantasy adventure with for everyone from children to adults who love a bit of sweetness and whimsy, with a sprinkle of adventure and danger throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I don’t usually read this genre either but it was a good read. This book is full of adventure and growth.
Princess Zarina isn’t a character many would like at first. Her Royal Advancement Ceremony is approaching and she just has to have a special dress regardless of any danger that may be present. Princess Zarina quickly learns she’s capable of more than she thought and discovers who she truly is. She discovers strengths she didn’t know she had.
There is a lot of character growth throughout this story and my opinion of Princess Zarina changed by the end. If fairy tales are your thing, this book is for you.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Zarina is the youngest member of her royal family. She does not like to take no for an answer and is used to getting her own way. When Princess Zarina wants a special dress for her Royal Advancement Ceremony, she is determined to make sure it is unique and stands out from everyone else’s dress. She finds a mysterious seamstress that has a reputation for making special dresses and makes a deal with her.
Princess Zarina does not get the beautiful dress she asked for and instead gets a black dress that she hates. When the seamstress asks Princess Zarina to try on the dress, she becomes trapped in it. The seamstress gives Princess Zarina a mysterious message about the dress’ magical qualities before she disappears. Princess Zarina is now on her own and it is up to her to find her way back to the castle. Along the way she learns what the magical qualities of the dress are and uses it to try to avoid being captured by the raiders who have taken over the castle and killed the King and Queen.
The storyline of this book was intriguing, and I loved the way the author weaved the story of Princess Zarina and her journey. Through the book Princess Zarina grows and matures through a series of adventures and life lessons. She starts off as being spoiled, self-centered, and strong-willed but learns what is truly important in life. The author did an amazing job of discussing some real-world life lessons while doing it in a fun, easy-to-read book for children of all ages.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a delightful read, even for someone my age. The book starts a little slow, but once you get into it, you stay hooked. The characters were well written. The world building was great. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute fairy tale, we get to see how Zarina learned to become more than just a pretty face. The journey and the magical dress helped her to know whom to trust so that she could protect what was left of her family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys new twists on familiar fairy tales. It is full of hope and sadness.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful and fun read that has great lessons for those young readers. Magic, fantasy, action, descriptive, fast paced, and page turning book! Highly recommend!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Zarina is one of Thirteen children. She is by far the most selfish and strong willed of those thirteen too. As Zarina’s Royal Advancement Ceremony approaches she’s super excited and wants a special dress for her big day. As the ceremony approaches, so does some danger to the kingdom so everyone is warned about going outside of the castle especially without escorts’. But nothing will stop the Princess from getting her special dress made by the one of a kind dressmaker, according to courtyard gossip, who lives out past the forest and who’s gifted hands use magic like fabric in her master pieces. Wanting to waste no time they leave straight away and the princess strikes a deal with the dressmaker. Mydori will make a special dress in the color of her own choosing that will be unforgettable. In a rush the princess won’t take the time to size the dress or take any instruction from the dressmaker. Rushing the dress maker to have the dress ready as soon as possible she leaves in rush with plans to pay the dressmaker with cheaper things than agreed. Rushing home she is caught by her older brother and scolded for going out when raiders are afoot. Not being detoured she leaves again to the cottage past the woods to collect her dress and try to swindle the dressmaker. Mydori puts the dress on the princess and then takes her payment and leaves the Princess on the road alone. Now the princess is stuck miles from the castle, alone, in a dress that is to tight, a color she doesn’t like at all, and to top it off she’s unable to take the dress off!! Traveling back home is going to be long journey. Will she get caught by raiders? Will she get the blasted dress off? Will she learn her lesson? What about the magic of the dress? And what will she do about her dress for the ceremony?? She doesn’t have time to have someone else make her one now!! Plus the sticks said someone would perish?!! What a mess for a dress! This book was super cute! I got it for my almost 11 year old, but I think that my 8 year old would enjoy it as well. It teaches kids a few lessons but it’s also entertaining so it keeps their interest. I’d love to see this turned into a small short film for children!! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my kind of fairy tale. The main character, the princess, is not immediately likable, which is a surprisingly welcomed change from my usual reads. Princess Zanira is, in a word, spoiled, but she doesn’t remain as such as the story progresses and it’s clear that she’s more than the face she shows the world. From the beginning, fantastical elements are woven in such a way that it’s sure to captivate the readers. I could easily imagine the story as I read it and, though I’m not in the age range of the usual audience, it was still a great book!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At the start of this book I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about it. It was a little confusing in the beginning and moved rather slowly at first. However, once you get past that it took on a much more pleasant pace that kept me reading on for more.
We start meeting Princess Zarina who at the beginning I really did not like her at all. Yet, this is her journey into finding herself and discovering strengths she never knew existed. It is about falling flat on her face and coming to realize she doesn’t exactly like the person she is. Knowing she must change to save her people and her kingdom we find heart in her that her kingdom needs. There are so many twists and turns in this book that at times it feels like you might be lost in a maze but definitely keep reading because when the proverbial shoe drops everyone’s eyes open and you begin to understand the path Zarina was set upon. The only thing we need to know is can she save her kingdom or are they doomed to the same fate as her Aunt’s kingdom was? What happens when those closest to you aren’t what they seem?
This almost seems like a coming of age book, a book about growing into the person you are meant to become through the trials and tribulations that life throws at you. It was refreshing to see a book with this much growth in the main character. If you like fairy tales with a lot more growth and heart in them then this book is definitely for you. Definitely a great beach read, something that will keep you coming back just to find out more.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by K.L. Small, and I was very surprised. While the synopsis seemed interesting, I wasn’t sure if I would truly enjoy a juvenile rated book, I thought quickly vanished. Zarina, the youngest and most beautiful of the parents 13 children she is also the most selfish and lets it be known that she doesn’t care.
In two weeks, Zarina will officially have her Royal Advancement Ceremony and get her own chair in the grand room with her family. With recent reports of raiders attacking outlying homes and taking everything of value including food and clothing, the King decides to have a summit. Zarina’s birthday will be the biggest birthday event thus far, including a gala. Finally, she will be allowed to wear a true ball gown and not a little girls dress, only it must be “A Dress to Remember”. Having been told of a seamstress that has “magical” like abilities with what she can create with fabric Zarina ignores all her father’s warnings to get a one-of-a-kind dress. Like with all deals the hidden meanings in the riddles are what set Zarina on a great adventure to return to the castle. Quickly she learns that the subjects of her kingdom, whom she disliked looking at because they always looked so unhappy, start to inform her of how her father and the overseer treat them. She is informed by multiple people on her journey of them taking everything, beatings just because they looked like they might break a rule and told of being thrown in the castle’s dungeons. Venny, one of the men in the village as the scars to prove his claims, only Zarina can’t shake the feeling that she knows him, the slat of his nose the shape of his eyes, she once knew someone with those exact features, but the memory is fuzzy. Finally reaching the castle her heart quickly drops as something is wrong, the guards don’t bare her families royal seal, the banners on the turrets are missing, and the courtyard is filled with raiders.
Can Zarina go from a spoiled selfish girl to someone worthy of the peoples love and respect? What happened to her family? Will she be able to rescue Venny and save the village from the Overseer? The magic in her dress is limited, what will happen when the magic is gone, and her fate is determined? The world the author creates is truly like a fairy tale and yet feels realistic. I can envision the events playing out like a movie in my head and my heart racing that Zarina will succeed. I found myself glued to the pages having to know how it ends. Beautiful quick read with magic, personal growth, villains, and more trapped within its pages.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am well past the intended age group of readers for this wonderful book but I truly enjoyed it and can see many others enjoying it too! Zarina is a true spoilt brat at the beginning but she grows and changes over the course of the story and I think it is something that will draw young readers in and is fantastic for them to experience while captivated by this great storyline. This author is definitely going places and i for one will be keeping a watch on her future books.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very fun! I really enjoyed Zarina’s story and adventures. Not only was I entranced with the difficulty Zarina goes through to get a dress for her gala, and all the trouble she gets into and causes, but there is a great lesson to be learned in thinking of others above yourself, and not having “the world revolves around me” mentality. Zarina was irritating me in the beginning, she seemed to think she should get whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted and the schemes to make sure she isn’t slighted in any way are terrible. She soon learns that everything is not all about her and she might be more important to her kingdom than “just a pretty face”. I really loved watching her realize how much she liked helping all the families and people she helped on her way back to the castle and how nice she was. My heart broke for her family, and how the people of her kingdom perceived her family, but she grew into a wonderful young lady. The magic of the dress is such a clever and fun twist, helping her along her way.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought this was a very well written YA fantasy.
The premise of the story, is a spoiled princess wants a one of a kind dress for her coming out party. The kingdom is facing some hard times, but she is oblivious. She quickly realizes the gravity of what is going on, and does what she can to help her kingdom.
A coming of age story in a fantasy backdrop. Loved it!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I was hooked from the beginning. All the aspects the author used in this book worked wonderfully together. The characters were so likable and entertaining. I always enjoy a good fairy tale and this is one.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What is there not to like about a book that has the Disney Fairytale feel to it?! This book was a fantastic fantasy read that I feel young readers would really enjoy! I mean come on there’s fairies, magic, adventure, evil villains, witches, and castles it has everything that the world of fantasy needs. The novel is being told from Zarina’s point of view; she is also the main character. Zarina is a spoiled princess, (like the evil sisters from Cinderella spoiled) with quite a bit of older siblings. And as tradition would have it, she is about to have very her own Royal Advancement. And being the spoiled princess that she is, she has to have the best, most extravagant dress that the kingdom has ever seen, and even though there are plenty of troubles brewing in the kingdom, the only important thing to the Princess is having this amazing gown for her big day! Deals were made, but like always, anytime you make a deal… it doesn’t come out the way you thought it would. Now, Zarina has to make a choice on whether or not she is going to come to the rescue of her family’s kingdom. Does Zarina stay the spoiled princess or does she grow up and fight for her kingdom? The only way to find out is to pick up the book and get lost in the world of Zarina and her kingdom.
Mary Espinoza, March 2023
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Dress to Remember is a different take on a fairytale. A darker take that was written beautifully. Not all fairytales are sunshine and roses, however most there’s a lesson to be learned from the story being told. When I started it I wasn’t too sure what I was reading, but it didn’t take long to follow the story the authwas trying to tell.
Princess Zarina is spoiled, selfish, naive and the youngest of 13. And despite all that she’s the center of attention, even more so because her Advancement Ceremony is rapidly approaching. Ignoring the warnings of things not being safe due to the raiders, she sets out for the perfect dress. Well she gets that perfect dress and it changes her life. It starts by upending it, and the adventure she embarks on to get back to her home and family is a humbling one. She learns so much about the people she once ignored, but not without difficulty. She also has the help of “the dress.” Magic has been imbued in it to get her to where she’s meant to be in life.
Does she make it back home?
What happens with the raiders?
If you enjoy darker fairy tales it’s something you should definitely check out! You want beautiful character growth this book gives you exactly that. You want an intriguing story, it gives you that as well! Check it out.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A dress to remember by K.L. Small is a story full of magic and love. The magical experience of it being a children’s story made it all that more enjoyable.
Strong-willed For her birthday in two weeks, Princess Zarina desires a unique outfit for the Royal Promotion Ceremony. She bargains with an enigmatic dressmaker for a ball gown that will be remembered by all. For her, the dressmaker fashioned a stunning black gown. Zarina had not anticipated this clothing, though. Even more so when fire fairies twirl over the skirt.
Zarina becomes stuck within the enchanted dress after the arrangement with the dressmaker goes awry. She is on her own to make it back to the castle. But, attackers overrun the country and slay the King and Queen. Zarina the Princess must avoid being taken.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one of kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story that easily kept my interest. There is a lot of action and suspense. I really wanted to know what could possibly happen next. At first I really disliked the main character, Zarina. She annoyed me with her spoiled bratty selfishness. As the story moved along and she started making changes 8 actually became invested in her, her dress and her story.
Overall this is a delightful fantasy story. I would recommend for a younger audience (tween). This is a first time author for me. The story has nice flow and easily engages the reader.
The captivating world of Princess Zarina comes alive in this enchanting tale of a magical kingdom, in A Dress To Remember by K.L. Small, featuring kings, queens, knights, carriages, and horses. Known for her beauty and selfishness, Zarina is the thirteenth child of the King and Queen, and her request for the finest dress in the kingdom sends her and her aunt to the mysterious dressmaker deep in the forest. As it turns out, the cloth is cursed with dark magic. On the return trip to the castle, Zarina meets locals who resent the King and Overseer for their oppressive policies, but before she can help, the royal family is killed. This riveting story follows the young princess as she endeavors to save her kingdom with the help of the enchanted dress. Readers won’t be able to put down this entrancing read, sure to be the first of many from this talented author.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story gave me such Disney’s Brave vibes with the beginning of the story! I loved that Princess Zarina broke the rules about leaving the castle to see a witch to make her a gorgeous dress, so she would stand out at her Royal Advancement Ceremony. When she arrives and the dress isn’t what she wants, the witch leaves anyways and then her hut disappears as well, leaving the princess with a dress she doesn’t want, and cryptic words about how her fate will be revealed. Princess Zarina starts out as a spoilt princess, obsessed with her looks, but as the tale progresses, we see her grow into the type of heroine that is admirable. As the story progresses, you really see her learning how to use her new dress and discovering a world outside of her palace walls. The story is an action packed adventure with twists and turns, along with well written heroes and villains. This is an excellent book with a positive message that both young adults and older adults will enjoy. I can’t wait to see what new stories and adventure this author comes up with.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW what an amazing book. Princess Zarina, the youngest of 13 children is about to have a birthday and it is the year of her Royal Advancement. She wants an amazingly beautiful dress unlike any other that has been seen in the kingdom. Her aunt takes her to a dressmaker outside of the castle that she has heard about and Princess Zarina instructs the woman as to what it is she wants. There are conditions of course, but Princess Zarina agrees to the conditions.
This book is full of adventures, loss, war, being chased and rescues. You can watch Princess Zarina learn and grow and mature through out this book. It is a very good book about responsibility and growing up and taking responsibility for your actions.
I really enjoyed this story and will be buying it in print to share with my daughter.
