The Summer Palace

A Midlife Fairy Tale

By: Kristen Painter

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Newly crowned queen of the Radiant fae, Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft has two goals. First, to show her fae subjects that despite growing up in the mortal realm, she plans to honor all the customs and practices of her new world. Second, to reunite the Radiant fae with the Grym fae. Or at least broker peace between the two estranged kingdoms.

She intends to do both of those by returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited Queen Anyka, too, the woman who rules the Grym.

Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide them with a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.

Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.

©2023 Kristen Painter (P)2023 Kristen Painter

I think this one was better than the first.

I really enjoy the characters in this series. I like the idea of being able to move back and forth between worlds. The story is really interesting and funny. I like that. The narration was really very well done.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace by Kristen Painter
2nd book in the Midlife Fairy retelling. Paranormal women’s fiction. Cliffhanger.
Who is the “good” and “bad” queen? Do they have a reason to be who they are? Can they get over past history and change the lives and path of their kingdoms?

Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft wants to show her new kingdom that she is the right leader and will improve their lives. She decides to go to the Summer Palace with a group of her fae subjects and then hopefully broker peace with Queen Anyka of the Grym fae.
Not everyone is as optimistic as Ro.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The narration is done by B J Harrison who does all the books by this author. The performance is wonderful with emotions clearly heard. I love being able to replay a chapter if I’ve missed something or want to clarify a point. Of course you ca do that as well with a ebook but with the audio you get the emotions and clear pronunciation of those fae names! 🤣 I do find this narrator to be a bit slow so listened to this at a slightly higher speed than my usual 1.5.

Entertaining and clearly not yet the end of the series.
4.5

Hoping for more

Ro and her family are certainly engaging. I hope the next in the series comes out soon.

What?

Why end like that? I sure hope a book 3 was coming soon. Lots of questions. .

cliffhanger

The twin stories intertwine and the plot thickens. Great character development, and I want more, and I want it now! 😍

Another great book!

Newly crowned queen of the Radiant fae, Sparrow “Ro” Meadowcroft has two goals. First, to show her fae subjects that despite growing up in the mortal realm, she plans to honor all the customs and practices of her new world. Second, to reunite the Radiant fae with the Grym fae. Or at least broker peace between the two estranged kingdoms.

She intends to do both of those by returning to the Summer Palace, an old tradition that once brought both kingdoms and their rulers together for a time of relaxation and fellowship. She’s invited Queen Anyka, too, the woman who rules the Grym.

Ro hopes the neutral ground of Willow Hall will provide them with a fresh start and a chance at diplomacy, but the old palace holds dark secrets that could mean the end of the Radiant fae. Or a new day for the Grym.

Can Ro win Anyka over or has too much blood already been spilled? And why does Willow Hall seem like the start of more trouble? All Ro knows for sure is that magic abounds in the Summer Palace. And not all of it’s good.

Kristen Painter never let's me! I am always excited for her next book and I am never disappointed. the Summer Palace picks up right where the Accidental Queen left off. Ever book in this series so far is building and building. I can't wait for book 3. All of Kristen Painter's books are excellent reads and great to listen to! Do yourself a favor and pick up this series, the Noturne Falls series, or the Shadowvale series you can't go wrong!

The Summer Palace is here and did not disappoint!

I had no patience at all waiting for this to come out. I loved the Accidental Queen so much and have looked forward to the Summer Palace. Now that it's here I'm on my second go-round of listening. I love getting to know all of the characters more and seeing how their relationships play out.
I love how the author has shown the stark differences between the two queens. Queen Sparrow shows empathy and caring towards her people and is a strong ruler even though she's new to this Fae world.. Queen Anica is being shown with her flaws but yet showing us and making us understand why she is the way she is. I am hoping that she can turn around all of that to be able to bring the kingdoms together. We shall see!!
The mystery in this story is great too, The history and challenge of figuring out the secrets hiding in plain site are so interesting.
It is well worth a read... after you've read The Accidental Queen of course!
Impatiently waiting for the next book in the series... it will be well worth the wait as this one was!

Just for fun story

Enjoyed an easy listen, enjoyable story! Like the reader too! Waiting for the next book!

Terrific story

So happy to return back to Ro's story!!
New to her role as Queen of the Radiant fae, Ro decides to return to old traditions and opens up the the summer palace. A mystery soon unfolds and I loved reading along as clues and ancient history were revealed. Terrific new addition to this series and the audio narration is excellent!!
Highly recommend!

Never Disappoints!!

Got hooked on the first book and binge listened to this one! Can’t wait for Book 3.