I loved the concept of this story. The Renaissance Faire setting was unique and fun. Schumacher's full-figured protagonist, Maddie aka Gwen, was endearing and relatable to me especially as someone who was a fuller-figured teen incredibly self-conscious about not being a skinny teenager.

From the first meet-cute between Arthur and Madeline to the final moments, this story was engaging and fun. I loved the way Maddie was trying to make sense of the loss of her mother (not a spoiler, happens in the prologue) as she and her father approach the anniversary of her mother's last Faire and passing. The easy inclusion of Arthur's dads was lovely and the plot twist at the end adorable.

Highly recommend!

I found this book to me a delightful read - which was such a pleasant surprise. I'm not super into teen romance but I was intrigued by the renaissance faire side of the book and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did because it wasn't a "typical" teen romance at all.

Maddie (aka Gwen) our main character is a pretty typical teen (a bit uncomfortable in her own skin) but also very atypical (attends school online, has recently lost her mother, travels the renaissance faire circuit with her father...). When they return to a favored faire, Maddie finds that the new owners have changed several things AND she runs into their son, who takes an immediate shine to her. Maddie and Arthur find their way into a tentative friendship that becomes deeper and has the potential to become more - if Maddie will let it.

Maddie and Arthur's characters are so fun - both are unique and finding their way in life, which may or may not include each other. Arthur's dads are so fun and their different personalities are so complimentary to the story. Maddie's dad is doing the absolute best he can by her after losing his wife and is so supportive. New friends are made along the way and old ones weave into the story as well.

Overall, this book was an incredibly fun read that wasn't at all what I expected but exactly what I didn't know I was looking for. I can't wait to read Ashley Schumacher's other works!

Schumacher is another author that has become an insta-read for me. The books are sweet and unique, while also dealing with grief and moving forward. They always hit a bit hard, but are definitely worth it.

If you've been wanting to pick up one of these books but prefer a bit lighter story, this is a good one to start with. It's mostly about Madeline having fun with Arthur in a unique setting (a renaissance fair!) Arthur is a funny guy and made me smile throughout the book. He's a great person to help Madeline start living her life again and I adored their connection. It built over the summer and all their small road trips sounded like a blast.

I'm so happy I got to read an early copy of this and can't wait until everyone has a chance to check this out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy

This book was wholesome and something I would have absolutely loved as a teen. I think Maddie's struggle with her plus size body is so relatable and seeing my own struggles mirrored in literature would have been such a healing experience.

The only thing that didn't completely sell me was the setting, which I was so looking forward to. This book is supposed to take place at a Renaissance faire and it kinda does, but you never really feel ren faire vibes and shenanigans from this book. I was looking for more from the setting and I guess more from the side characters too. This book is very Maddie and Arthur driven, which is fine they're adorable, but to really get a sense of the setting and get true ren faire vibes we were missing an oddball or two.

Nothing flashy here, but the happiest of Ren Fair fans. Super cute story with a ton of heart and a well rounded cast of characters. Plus-sized heroine learning life lessons and overcoming loss is kinda my jam. Would definitely recommend for kids who are outside the norm.


Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for providing an eARC for a honest review.

This novel is heartwarming and hilarious and the feel-good adventure that anyone who loves YA romance stories will love. While there are so many funny parts that made me smile and laugh, the beating heart of the novel is about Maddie finding her path in the world especially as she's dealing with the grief of losing her mother. Ashley Schumacher handles this grief in a realistic way with how it impacts all aspects of Maddie's life. At the same time, the grief doesn't overwhelm the story, Maddie's personality, the atmosphere of the Renaissance Festivals, and Arthur bring lightness and joy to the story.

I want to give this delightful book to everyone so they can experience the joy as well and close the book with a happy sigh and a smile.

The story is presented as a slow-burn romance, with a summer-long wooing of one character by another. But there's just too much that rubbed me the wrong way in how this premise is handled--girls and women who have never been stalked or harassed might initially think Arthur's persistent presence and insistence on Madeleine doing things with him all summer is cute or devoted, but for those of us who know what controlling relationships look like, this will set off major red flags. The very premise that a young woman in mourning for her mother needs to get over it through a relationship with a guy is problematic at its core, so no matter how nice Arthur's dads were to Maddy (although not so much to each other; abuse is not banter) or how pathetic Arthur could be, this book isn't one I could recommend to anyone.

Wonderfully, perfectly adorable. I laughed, I got misty eyed, I swooned. This was such a surprise!

Imagine traveling most of the year to Renaissance Festivals selling goods and chatting with all the locals you know from year to year. That is Madeline's life. But this last year has been tough, her mother passed and it's been an almost year of first - all the first without her mom. Finally, they are at the final RenFest her mom got to go to before she passed and Maddie is ready to just be quiet at this one - reflect, do her coping mechanisms and get through this final first. But as soon as she arrives, so does an odd Bard.

This story was so many things. Maddie's struggle to find her new "normal" was just heartbreaking but also inspiring. It was easy to imagine what she was going through and feel her pain. Arthur was the perfect serenading bard. His adventures and sweetness was just a perfect mix of hilarious and chaotic. You really can't help but love him. There were so many laugh out loud moments but also heartfelt special moments, it was easy to completely forget you were reading a book instead of spending a fun hour with friends. I loved this one, every moment of it!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

I was so excited for this book for so many reasons. Mainly because I am a huge nerd who loves dressing up and the plus size representation!

Madeline is going through some tough stuff as her mother’s death anniversary approaches. We follow her as she gets roped into being the renaissance fair princess and goes on adventures with Arthur. We watch as Madeline and Arthur help each other grow and change.

Madeline an Arthur’s friendship was very sweet. I loved how they helped each other grow. I adored the setting of the renaissance fair and the description of the costumes. Madelyn felt like a real person and all the characters were really lovable. A couple of the jokes also made me cackle!

I read this book so fast and was hooked from the moment I started it! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and had lots of fun reading it.

I thought this was a cute story, but nothing more. It was billed as a cross between Dumpin' and Well Met, both of which I read and LOVED, and I can see that but it just didn't have the same vibe. The characters felt kinda flat, and I couldn't get over WHY Arthur kept pursuing Maddie when she was so terrible to him. And don't get me started on the whole subplot with the coin... GIANT EYEROLL.
Overall, I liked this but didn't love it, and may recommend it to people specifically interested in books set at renaissance faires.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC!

After the death of her mother, Madeline Hathaway is frozen in place. She is clinging to what is familiar. So, setting up at a well known Renaissance Faire seems like it will be just the thing. However, New managers have stripped the Faire of its comfort. In this discomfort, however, Madeline meets the persistent bard who helps her take steps forward.

This book tackles not only relationships, but the road of recovery through grief.

Representation- Female lead, Plus-size MC, LGBTQ+

A sweet, relatable, and introspective story about a teen girl struggling with grief during the first year after her mother's death. Her coping mechanisms are varied, from a journal in which she attempts to notice things she might otherwise forget, to a coin-flipping routine that might help balance choice with fate, to mutual avoidance with her also-grieving father, to relentlessly pushing away a possible new friend because caring comes at a price. Fortunately for Maddie/Gwen, said friend is equally relentless, and recognizes her tactics for what they are. The two bond over a summer of road trips and family barbecues and Renaissance festival shenanigans, until Maddie/Gwen finds new ways to live with her grief. The setting is fun, allowing for hints of Cinderella-esque fantasy (a makeover, poofy gowns, a ball, a rise from vendor to royalty) and some play on themes of heroes and hierarchies, I loved that the two leads had insecurities I think a lot of teen readers will relate to, such that when the fantasy elements were at play, they felt intentional against a story that also includes acne cream and the challenge of finding a pair of jeans that fits properly. A great match for readers looking for a relatable story about grief and transience, with lots of lovely braided themes about fate and personal choice, perception and reality, and making the world a kinder place.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

After the death of her mother, Madeline Hathaway is stuck. She's stuck keeping notes of everything lest she forget the little things, she stuck making jewelry in her family's caravan because she's too afraid to venture very far outside, she's stuck in the familiar routines because the unknown means nothing but potential heartbreak. So, when her and her father set up at a familiar, and well beloved, Renaissance Faire at the end of the season only to find the new managers have changed everything... Maddie is understandably put on edge. Add in the charming, if annoyingly persistant, bard-- and Maddie soon finds things are changing quicker than she can keep up.

This book hit so many marks for me: plus size female lead, LGBTQ+ representation, well developed main and side characters, and an utterly charming setting. This book is the perfect combination of a SunshinexGrumpy romance and something a little deeper. Not only does the developing relationship take center stage, but so does Madeline's winding journey through grief.

Another reviewer described this book as a mix between Dumplin' and Well Met for young adults, and I think that sums up what this book is perfectly!

⚠️TW - this book mentions: loss of a parent ⚠️

Yay for NetGalley and being able to be chosen to read ARCs! Okay so here's the lowdown on The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway, the cover is what hooked me. I have mentioned in a previous review, I am a sucker for a good cover and I 100% judge books by them.

I like to write up my thoughts as I'm reading and then review at the end, so if you just want the review skip down to the bottom. If you enjoy reading people's thought processes while reading then buckle up!

Very intrigued by the prologue..

Her mom dying is a little emotional, it's almost the anniversary of when I lost my mom to cancer..

I love that the bard calls her Gwen, giving her a "faire" name I'm assuming she starts to use.

I feel like Madeline could have a hint of OCD possibly with her desire to tally things so much? -- did it just start after her mom died? Maybe she's afraid of the things she'll miss out on now that it's just her and her dad?

It was answered, her noticing journal helps her document things that stay the same.

Madeline talking about how she's forgetting things about her mom, I understand that. It's been 4 years in a few weeks and it kills me that I don't remember specific things. I'm thankful to have a saved voicemail that I can listen to when I miss her voice. But I really miss her smile and her laugh.

I love that the bards name is Arthur, definitely explains why he calls Madeline Gwen.

Awe, I hate that Madeline doesn't think she's beautiful just because she's on the bigger side. Weight has no factor in beauty and Arthur was truly calling her beautiful.

"Grief isn't a contest because there are no winners, so we might as well as help each other towards healing" - beautifully said

I like her friend Fatima and how she encourages her to put herself out there.

***She's making matching earrings to match the earrings she made in her before? - maybe it should just be worded different because it says on one page "work on the matching earrings for Fatima's mother" making it seem like she's making earrings.. But the following page it says "but Fatima's dad wants me to make a necklace to match the earrings"

Ahhh!!! I love that Arthur is getting Madeline to be the princess!!

I thought he might live in the castle when she asked him if he lived behind the faire..

The word know is italicized a lot..

Did Arthur pick Madeline because he's attracted to her or because she's the first girl his age he met at faire and needed a princess?

Okay.. a lot of words are italicized..

Arthur is a good egg, making sure things aren't happening without the approval of everyone involved.

I like how Arthur is pulling her out of the shell that she's crawled into since losing her mom.

When does the Wizened Old Wizard make another appearance?

I love that her mom was a princess too.

She's starting to care even though she won't admit it.

This book is making me miss high school, and I NEVER miss high school. Well, maybe it's making me miss the innocent years of first crushes and first loves..

I can relate to her upset when she wants to tell her mom about her good day but can't. I was given a journal when my mom passed and told to "write to her" as if I would be able to get a response..

Arthur is so sweet. I just love how he respects her. But I feel sad because it comes from a place of self-doubt and being unsure of everything.

I love his story of why he calls her Gwen.

I relate to Arthur when he talks about people judging him for being too skinny and making snide comments about him being skinny enough.. and I understand where Madeline is coming from too. I grew up with body issues that unfortunately are very real in our society.

She's heartbroken that her fate coin told her she shouldn't like Arthur 😔

Does Madeline correlate caring with friendship or is she thinking about a relationship?

***On his page she holds up earrings to show Fatima.. so what was she supposed to be making? Jewelry to match earrings or specifically a necklace? I'm confused.

I have an inkling that when she goes to confess her feelings that Bre is going to be there...

Awe, just as bad as if she were there. He is excited about the people he basically said he doesn't care about, coming to work at the faire.. and then to top it off, he didn't say he was didn't want Bre as the princess.

I love the idea of going shopping and just grabbing sizes and not looking at the tags. It makes a lot of sense.

I also find it weird that not only are so many things italicized, but Ashley Schumacher adds dashes-to-phrases-so-much.

The Center of the Universe sounds like an actual cool place to visit. - I had to Google and see if it was a real place.

I love that he played her a song for her mom and it helped her remember things.

The thoughtfulness he put into this gift. I swear, Arthur is well beyond his years.

Arthur isn't jealous because of Bre, he's jealous because of Madeline.

Awe, poor Arthur with his insecurities and thinking that Madeline likes Noah 😔

OMG!!! TWIST!! Martin is the Wizened Old Wizard!!! I love it!

Okay, so my final thoughts are that this book was absolutely everything I needed to read. The little blurb about this book said it was "Dunplin' meets Well Met" and here's what I think about that... yes! Madeline is so much like Willowdean in the way that she starts out self-conscious but self-aware of her plus sized body and assumes that everyone is focusing on that quality, and she has so much character growth with the help of Arthur. Her unsuspecting friendship with Bre and Noah matches Willowdean's friendship with the pagent girls. Add in Well Met's Ren Faire setting and it is perfect!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the eARC!

So this book started fine and kept going in the fine category for a while. I loved that Arthur wasn’t some hot hunk who she just salivated over the whole time. I liked that Maddie was a plus-sized girl who had insecurities. I loved the two of them but their tale was mostly just fine….

Until…..

The last 1/3? of the book was so beautiful and spot on and adoringly mesmerizing. There’s a scene that just took my breath away and then another few that made me tear up and I almost fainted when secrets were revealed and we learned things that made my jaw drop - in a good way.

This book was all about what fate means, what grief does and how it looks for different people and different situations, teenage insecurity and body type insecurity, and two kids who genuinely like being in each other’s presence.

I do still need to take off a star for the middle of the book where it kind of fell a little flat but I LOVED that ending. Perfect.

Highly recommend to any YA contemporary fan and anyone who liked Amelia Unabridged!

As a fan of the Ren Faire, I found this adorable and refreshing. Excellent read. The characters were likable and relatable. Some whimsy, mixed with the heavy topic of grief, but overall it managed to be a good feeling book.

I received an e-ARC of The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway on Netgalley in exchange for my thoughts and review.
I loved so many things about this YA romance. The setting is so very fun and makes me want to head to the nearest Ren Faire. Maddie is a wonderful, wonderful FMC with so many great moments. Her grief responses, her precious friendships, and her moment of gracious self-love in the Target dressing room make her one of my favorite YA FMCs. The references and the side characters are clever and lovely.
*****Slight spoilers ahead*****
The book loses a star because of Arthur, honestly. I love the *idea* of an insecure, skinny bardling as the MMC, but in execution I mostly found him annoying. He spends the first third of the book badgering Maddie into things she doesn’t want to do and calling her a made up name, which any teenage girl will tell you is Gilbert-Blythe-level nonsense not acceptable as flirting in the year of our lord 2022. Then he spends the last third of the book sulking and side-glancing. At his sweet spot he really was worthy of Maddie, but he spent so much of the plot *not* being worthy of her that I wanted to slug him.
However, I will definitely be adding this one to the cart for my library’s YA collection, and I might even revisit my own copy to spend more time with Maddie.

Fun, cute, a great setting, but what I really loved most was that Schumacher didn't make anyone the villain--the 'other girl' the 'other girl's new boyfriend' were so fantastic as characters, that I honestly enjoyed the book more because of it. Maybe it seems like Maddie changed her mind and heart about Arthur a little too quickly, maybe there were times where I rolled my eyes and just wanted them to talk to each other honestly, but overall, very cute.

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathway feels like getting a big hug from life. An "it's okay to trust yourself, to love yourself, and to love other people."

Madeline's family travels most of the year as shopkeepers at renaissance fairs. When Madeline loses her mom, she copes with the loss through journaling and "noticing." On the first anniversary of her mother's death, Maddie and her dad are at her mother's favorite fair; however, this year, it's entirely different. New owners have completely changed the fair, and the change is difficult for Madeline to accept. When Maddie meets a persistent and friendly boy/bard, a friendship (and maybe romance) ensues that Maddie isn't ready for. Can she open up again? How can she care for someone if she can lose them so easily?

The setting of this book is quirky and magical. The relationships are wholesome and the characters are lovable. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable in their skin or dealt with loss. A perfect YA read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was provided with an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.

This was a fun, touching, and enjoyable read. I loved Gwen and my heart went out to her as she grieved her mother's passing. I definitely equal parts wanted to hug her and shake her, as she fails to see her own self worth much of the time. Arthur was the literal definition of a cinnamon roll - incredibly kind and understanding and accepting. He got Gwen to step outside her comfort zone, but did so in a way that wasn't pushy or manipulative. I loved all of the rep in the book, from Arthur's dad to a wide array of skin colors to all sorts of body types. All of this was amazing, and then put it in a renaissance faire setting and you have me sold. Two words: camel jousts. *chuckles* So good.