Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Page Count: 310

Cover:

 
Synopsis:

     As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.
Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry

 

 

Review:
   The shiny cover with a velvet feel to it, the color of it, the feels I felt for a fairytale retelling that I never read the original of. The story was of two kids-Hansel and Gretel- and a candy witch. In Pearce`s retelling it is three kids- Ansel, Gretchen and the Twin- and a sweet candy maker named Sophia. This is a fairytale that I only remember due to the "breadcrumb" trail. My family jokes when horse riding on a new trail that we should leave breadcrumbs so we don`t get lost. The thought that in this story they were searching for the witch in the beginning is interesting along with how Jackson also took from the original idea that Ansel was gaining weight. It was a subtle mention but enough that it stuck out to me.
  Gretchen needs a rock and I feel as if she just clung onto Ansel for far too long, then she moved to Sophia and now she is onto Samuel. She is an okay character but I would have liked more on Ansel.
  Ansel is the older brother the one who feels guilty for letting go of one of his twins hands those years ago. After him and Gretchen get kicked out of their Washington-my home state- home they decide to travel to Carolina for the beach and water, away from the trees and witches. Ansel seems a bit shy but not as bad as Gretchen.
  Samuel the guy I now have a book crush on. He is a shooter, hunter and most of all a rebel. He protects what needs to be protected no matter what anyone says or does to stop him.
  Sophia has some problems, serious problems, but when it comes to baking delicious candied treats she is the Master of all chocolate goodness. Ansel deserved a lady like her and Gretchen a true friend. He parties seemed like they could be a blast and I truly believe I would be one of the "Red Dress" girls.
   If you want to know more about the Red Dress reference, the Samuel being a hunter and Ansel being a rock go read Sweetly the wonderful retelling of Hansel and Gretel.
   

Overall Ratings:
   Plot: 4/5
   Cover: 3/5
   Characters: 3/5
   Overall: 3.5/5