Like many readers, I love a good version of Beauty and the Beast, and Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham is one of my new favorites. With an angry, traumatized Beauty and a gentle, careful Beast, it's an aching mixture of darkness and whimsy that struck all the right notes for me.

When Beauty takes her father's place as the Beast's prisoner, she hopes to find a fearsome beast who will devour her. Instead, she find a shy and sensitive young man under a spell who is just as much a prisoner as she, forced to remain a beast until someone agrees to marry him. From him, she learns the value of silence, and in his home, she finds freedom from past demons. But how can she break his enchantment and grant him the same freedom when her heart is full of doubt?

First, I loved Beauty and her growth from sardonic girl who talks without listening and revels in her own cleverness to a compassionate young woman who listens for the truth between words. From the first (and even earlier — from the book description), it's clear that Beauty is a survivor of sexual assault, and flashbacks throughout the book reveal how she was courted and then betrayed by the charismatic but cruel Stephan. The assault itself is not described, thankfully, but it's effect on Beauty, her shame and self-blame, her fury and her fear of letting another man close only to find he's not who she thought he was, is central to the story, as is her journey to healing.

The Beast is just as skittish as Beauty at first, though for different reasons, and their tentative friendship and romance unfolds through long afternoons in the library (is a Beauty and the Beast retelling complete without one?) as she teaches him to read and they share ever larger pieces of themselves. Whether they're discussing philosophy or playing pirates, their interactions are utterly charming, and the growing care they take for each other's hearts is equally so. Through her, he learns to be playful, and through him, she learns patience. In Beauty's own words, "If I am Whimsy, you are Fortitude." They complement each other's strengths and weaknesses with grace and mutual respect.

I would definitely recommend this for fans of the Beauty and the Beast story (and even for fans of the Disney classic), but be aware it comes with trigger warnings for depression and discussion of past sexual assault and abuse. While I wouldn't characterize any of it as graphic, the portrayal of Beauty's trauma is very emotional, so take care and don't read if you aren't in the right space for it. If you are up for it, however, you will be rewarded with a beautiful story of healing and self-acceptance, with a sweet love story and whimsical humor to lighten the darkness.

My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I believe most every book has something to offer. I got about 3/4 into this one and it wasn’t for me. It follows the story of Beauty and the Beast pretty closely with a few darker twists. Our Beauty is getting through the trauma of sexual assault (CW/TW: vague rape depiction) and her journey of healing on the page. The flashbacks were a bit distracting, even though I knew it helped explain the background of Beauty. I may try it again at some point, but for now, I’m putting it down and moving on.

I enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast Retelling. I liked that it kept that basic outline of the fairy tale but then it gave us a deeper meaning for why Beauty chose to stay with the Beast. I liked seeing both the Beast and Beauty deal with their different issues together and find healing as they became friends and learned what real love is. I thought the story was really good and would be one I would recommend someone read who wants a good fairy tale retelling.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel.
This took me so long to read. I did like it but it felt very generic, almost like I read something like it before. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it though because I did very much.

I love this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It essentially is Bell is trapped in a terribly abusive relationship with a man she is to marry. Since this is expected of her and is what her family needs. Then it is very much the normal Beauty and the Beast story we all know and love. A few more added details and moments have been changed, but the most changed part is the reason for staying with the Beast. On top of that I do like the characterization of Beauty and Beast -- it is different than most stories which is refreshing.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book!

This fresh, powerful take on Beauty and the Beast is captivating. It’s raw with complex emotions and a beautiful story of healing from/working through the trauma of sexual assault. Beauty is a fascinating character in this story with creativity, ambition, and vulnerability. The beast is sensitive with unexpected vulnerabilities of his own. The writing is beautiful. Absolutely loved this!

I was surprised by all the negative reviews of this book. It was a really quick read, but it was cute none-the-less. I appreciated the way in which this story was told. I thought the author handled the hard situation pretty well, considering there is no easy way to talk about rape. Ever! Not every book is for everyone, but I really enjoyed reading it. I love fairytales of all kinds, and this one was cute!

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️

This was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I loved the magical elements and how it was told in a way that was believable. I liked how it ended with them not keeping everything- it made it more believable.
The only reason so gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I thought Beauty was a total brat to everyone in the beginning. I was glad she grew up a bit towards the end.

A whimsical retelling of Beauty and the Beast, addressing the downfall of wishing. Things aren’t always as they appear, for better AND worse, and Beauty is working through traumatic demons that haunt her every step.

I love the relationship she has with her father, the quiet way of the “Beast”, and the growth Beauty undertakes from a young trusting girl to a strong young woman.

The story has some sweet moments and touches on tough topics, but is mostly fluffy and light. A great “read in a day” version of an old favorite.

I’d rate it 3.5 overall.

Thank you NetGalley for this galley in exchange for my honest review.

It was quick read and uncomplicated. It follows a lot of what we already expect form a Beauty and the Beast retelling, so a lot of lengthy expositions was skipped. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and characters, but it definitely won't be considered a deep work of literature. It is however a nice pallet cleanser book.

TW: SA, emotional manipulation

Beauty for Ashes is Apt in the retelling of beauty and the beast. With whimsy for days (which I love) and characters that enchanted me from the first page this story has it all. I adore books but only once in a while find one that blows me away. Beauty Reborn is one of the rare few books that completely capture me. I will be reading this one again and again.

It does touch on PTSD, Depression, and Trauma Response and Recovery but does so in a way to bring just the right of tension without being triggering.

"And beauty from ash, though it's ash still. The bad is not good, but through grace, we can make something good of it in the end."

Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham

I have always loved Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I really enjoyed this book.

Elizabeth Lowham does a create job capturing Beauty as intelligent and imaginative all at the same time.

Beauty and Beast (whose name is actually Andre) fit so well together and create a strong bond through their love of stories.

I especially loved the ending and felt like it tied the entire book together perfectly.

Beauty Reborn is a story of overcoming past trauma and learning to trust in yourself. Embracing the present instead of living in the past. Beauty may have been whimsical, but she overcame the horrors of the world with her family and Andre by her side.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of beauty reborn. this was ya but it was mysterious and dark and beautiful.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Fairytale retellings are fun, and I'm always interested to see the ways authors change the original stories to make them their own. Beauty Reborn did not disappoint me; in fact, I very much enjoyed reading it. The first part of the book was a little slow because of the time Beauty spent alone (and lack of dialogue resulting from it), but it wasn't boring. Through the fairy, the book explored the concept of regret and the ways that our mistakes shape us, but it never felt preachy.

Beauty (17 and then 18) was likable but relatable in her flaws. Yes, she was generally a good person. However, she was admittedly selfish at times (not that I blame her) and intentionally did things to anger her oldest sister, Astra (24). Her motivations for taking her father's place were quite valid and far more believable than simply an altruistic love for her family (though she did love them). I loved Beast (19), who was shy and gentle and patient. Each of them carried tragedy and pain that directly affected the story and how they got to where they were.

I will definitely watch for any other books this author writes.

Note: Implied past sexual assault.

I love this story SO much! My absolute favorite fairy tale ever is Beauty and the Beast, so I jumped at the chance to read Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham. I devoured this book in less than 24-hours I was that engaged. Beauty Reborn is an apt title. The main character, Beauty, does undergo a rebirth born out of time, space, and healing, but the fairy tale itself is also reborn through Lowham’s skillful storytelling. The fantasy aspect of this story is superb and unique and magical. I was wholly captivated by Beast’s castle, by the uber-fierce forest that surrounds his home, and the enigmatic blue fairy that pops up often to stir trouble all her own. In addition to the fantastical elements, I also really love the characters. Beauty is different. She is feisty and whimsical and so naïve. But she learns…my goodness, does this poor girl learn her lesson. What I love about her character the most is that she does mature and she comes to understand how to see the truth of a matter. She becomes cautious, she sees through image to truth, and understands that healing happens when a person’s truth is shared with trusted loved ones and then faced together. I really, really like Lowham’s version of Belle. I also like her version of Beast. I like how his supposed beastliness becomes a safe-harbor for Beauty. I like how he is opposite of a beast in his manner — he is unassuming, he is calm, and he is quiet. He listens and he pays attention to details. He is exactly the beast Beauty needs. And then there is the Gaston character — Stephan. Stephan is a true villain and his real-to-life villainy makes him incredibly ugly and sinister. I avidly disliked his character, and wanted Beauty to stay as far away from him as possible. The topics discussed in this novel are compelling as well. I especially resonate with the wish that people would be transparent about who they are. It would make life easier and safer if bad guys (and girls) had signs over their heads that stated, “I’m bad, stay away!” But that is not how life works. Instead, we have to be cautious and careful about who we let into our inner circles and into our hearts.

Beauty Reborn is a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling that I wholeheartedly enjoyed and highly recommend. This book is fun and engaging and magical. If you are a fan of fairy tales, Young Adult lit with excellent and timely themes, or fast-paced and highly engaging stories, then purchase yourself a copy of this book today. You do not want to miss out on this captivating story!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

this was a 2.75 read for me and i wish i could give it higher but it just didn’t work for me

beauty reborn is a beauty and the beast retelling where beauty is the youngest daughter of a merchant who when bankrupt, has to sell all of their belongings and move to a small cottage and attend to the land. the same plot comes of beauty’s father picking a rose and beauty going in his place and this the beauty and the beast story begins..

yet both beauty and the beast feel very lackluster in this novel. it especially disappointed me on how throughout this entire book beauty continues to say that she’s a very whimsical girl like whimsy whimsy whimsy yet i never understood that as all her decisions are mainly rooted in logical behavior. she discusses philosophy a lot as it seems to be her passion so maybe that’s the whimsy she’s talking about?? but it was just so confusing because whimsy to me means head in the clouds not a grasp on reality and she very clearly was incredibly logical in the way she thought. i did appreciate her healing journey i thought that was one of the especially well done aspects of this book her trauma and the nonlinear narrative and her journey towards love again was really really good.

but everything else fell flat. all the characters are given hints of a personality but this book is both too short and not focused enough on the side characters to really give us characters to care for.

but unfortunately it’s not just the side characters that suffer from this..we are only told of beasts personality through beauty’s pov and beast is not the biggest conversationalist so all the characteristics we get of him are he’s nice. honest. observant. and engages beauty in conversation. i felt the chemistry was lacking so while their interactions were a little fun to read about, again i was not invested in anything that was happening..

I die hard love Beauty and the Beast so any retelling are right up my alley. This one was wow it did an amazing job with the parts of retelling the original story as well as making it all its own. It was almost nearly perfect but something just felt a little off with the story to make it an unbelievable 5 stars. This one sets solid at the 4 star mark. It was so worth the read and I would totally read its again.

This is a beauty and the beast retelling. I liked the focus on Beauty and what she is going through. The flashbacks worked for me and I liked how the layers were pulled back. I also liked the growth of the relationship between Beauty and the Beast. They come to trust each other slowly and it's sweet.

The idea of wishes is interesting. I do like the family dynamics. Beauty's siblings have a bit more dimension and I would be interested in seeing another book about Rob or possibly Astra.

This is an interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast. There's a magic castle and a tormented beast who had a curse place upon him until completion. Beauty goes to the castle in place of her father and there the story goes. Not everything is similar to the versions I have read and that kept the story interesting.

I loved the beast! Right from the start I was hooked. The author does a good job letting us see who he really is and how he connects with the castle. Beauty strives to discover who she is after her hopes are completely dashed by a suitor.

There's a message to the book and I think it's done well. What makes things beautiful? Are the things we truly wish for what we actually want in life? I think the story answers those questions. It' had more of a darker vibe. There is laughter and fun, with plenty of great magic, but it's still a bit oppressive at times. The sister is such a mean girl and I just wanted to put some duct tape on her mouth.

The cover is so gorgeous and I will look for more by this new to me author. A 3.5 star retelling for everyone who likes Beauty and the Beast, and for those who want to experience a little magic in their life. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to try a new author.

TW: sexual assault (nothing graphic)

"Beauty Reborn" is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that explores why exactly Beauty would volunteer to go to the Beast in place of her father. Family loyalty is a powerful motivator, but can that really be all there is to it? Turns out, the answer is no. There is a reason Beauty wants to leave her life behind, and it's not because her family is newly impoverished or because of her overbearing elder sisters.

This Beauty is a lot more daring, outspoken, and, well, "whimsical" than others I've read about. A lot of retellings make Beauty very blatantly different from others in her town (probably taking a cue from the Disney movie's opening scenes) but Lowham takes a much more subtle approach. Beauty has an interest in a lot of heavier topics like philosophy, and wants to discuss them, despite the fact that most other people in her town don't fully understand what she's talking about. I wasn't thinking, "she's not like other girls" until about halfway through. Lowham's Beast is very shy, almost hesitant, preferring to hide from Beauty altogether instead of forcing her to be in his company. Beauty has two older sisters and an older brother in addition to her father, and to be honest I'm half in love with her brother; I enjoyed the fact that we got to spend time getting to know Beauty's family.

My one complaint is that the beginning act of this book is told at an almost breakneck pace. There's a lot of jumping around in the timeline - current events, flashbacks to give us details about current events, side stories, etc - that it took me a little while to get truly grounded in this world. The existence of magic and fairies doesn't seem to phase anyone, but neither is it commonplace. I don't really understand exactly how the magic system works, except that making a wish comes with a price. Little magic, like the workings of Beast's castle, seem to happen without a cost or thought. It just happens.

Overall I thought it was a great retelling that took different approaches to a very familiar story, and a wonderful debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

I was gifted a copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.