This is a novella sequel to Sorcery of Thorns. It's kind of a sweet little story that happens in the happy-ever-after, in which some weird stuff starts happening at Thorn Manor--the place shuts them in, and the ghost(?) of Aunt Clothilde seems to object every time Nathaniel and Elizabeth kiss. They deduce that Aunt Clothilde/the house/um, whatever (see spoiler space) will be appeased if Nathaniel does some traditional courtship of Elizabeth, which they then do in adorable ways. It's all very sweet. The relationship between the couple is sweet, as is their relationship with Silas. Plus there's fun stuff like animated clothing and snappy grimoires that just need some love and a hidden ballroom.
I admit I did seriously wonder if Elizabeth was also "in love" (not just "I love him" in general) with Silas, who also seems quite fond of her. I think they are more or less going to be a threesome of a family as is, but I did wonder if this had the potential to uh...go sexual and maybe they all have a threesome. There's a dance scene and a scene in which she finds Silas's artwork in particular that made me wonder. And Nathaniel is bi (or at least made out with a dude once).... Then I thought, "Silas raised Nathaniel, never mind THAT thought."
Anyway, it's all very sweet and cute and charming and romantic. Four stars.
Spoiler space
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
In the end, we find out that it was Silas's doing with the whole "Aunt Clothilde" thing, as he thought Nathaniel needed to be less slow in his courtship. "Silas was impatient to plan the wedding. In fact, he had already chosen the flowers."
Comments