The Fairy Chronicles: Book One: Marigold and the Feather of Hope

Reader reviewed by Emily Robinson

As an avid reader of fairy stories, I was extremely surprised to discover that the fairy characters in this book are real girls. But it makes sense for the fairies to be real human beings since there is so much at stake for mankind with the possible loss of all hope on earth.

The fairies show impressive courage in battling the gremlins to rescue the Feather of Hope. If the concept put forth in this story were real, I wonder how girls this young (8 years old) could possibly handle the responsibility of the job of protecting nature and fixing the world's serious problems. It is certainly something for young girls to aspire to.

Beth's initial attitude regarding her aunt's peculiarities really struck a cord with me as I remember being embarrassed in my youth to be seen with an eccentric relative. In many ways, this is a story we can all feel connected to.

Shortly after reading this book, I saw a migrating monarch butterfly and actually wondered - Are you perhaps a fairy? This is ideal reading for girls 8-13, or anyone who enjoys children's fantasy.

From the Amazon.com Website, reprinted here with the author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Jaclyn Ortiz

As a fairy lover and dachshund owner, I feel this book was written specifically for me. The author has found a charming way to work fairy lore into real life. I am especially delighted to discover exactly what gremlins are afraid of: stainless steel, vacuum cleaners, and dachshunds. Now, when I have a run of bad luck with things breaking, I know to step up my vacuuming and give my dachshund free run of the house. The girls in this story are very independent and courageous and are great role models for youngsters. A wonderful book for all ages.

From the Amazon.com Website, reprinted here with the author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Susan Richmond

Book Summary: Beth is an eight-year-old marigold flower fairy. In this story, she learns how to be a fairy and discovers things like the purpose of fairies, what gnomes do, and the three things gremlins are afraid of. She attends fairy circle and meets her new friends - Thistle, Dragonfly, and Firefly. They discover that the brownies, keepers of the Feather of Hope, which is the source of all hope on Earth, need their help. Marigold and her dachshund, Peanut, set out on a mission to rescue the Feather of Hope from a house occupied by dangerous gremlins.


Review: Marigold and The Feather of Hope is a must read for all ages. Girls, ages 7-14, will find strength, power, and wisdom in J.H. Sweet's words. Vivid, colorful characters and settings make the story come alive. The story-line is captivating and intriguing, and it keeps you reading until the last page. Looking forward to the next books in the series.

Susan Richmond, author
Conneaut Lake, PA (9/6/2004)

From the Publish America website - reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Liz Guerrero

This author has found an exciting way to entertain while exposing young readers to diverse cultures and nature appreciation. I have read the book to my 3 year old daughter, and amazingly the story held her interest! She actually asked when we were going to read the story again. Thank you for making this excellent adventure available for readers of all ages.

Liz Guerrero
Texas (9/9/2004)

From the Publish America Website - reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Gail

My daughter loved reading this book and couldn't stop talking about it so I read it myself. It reminds me of the stories I read growing up, with endearing and memorable charcters. We have since read some of the E-Books of the The Fairy Chronicles series and have found them completely enchanting as well.

Gail, September 15, 2004

From the Barnes & Noble Website - reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Sarah Jones

Book Summary: Beth is marigold fairy. She attends fairy circle and meets her new friends - Thistle, Dragonfly, and Firefly. They set out on a mission to rescue the Feather of Hope (the source of all hope on earth) from a house occupied by dangerous gremlins.

Review: Forget what you think you know about fairies, gnomes, brownies, and gremlins. This is a whole new world of fairies. Though the author incorporates some traditional lore, this concept of fairies among us is quite interesting and refreshing. I very much look forward to future tales of the girl-next-door using her secret fairy powers to save us all from doom.

Sarah Jones, October 14, 2004

From the Barnes & Noble website - reprinted here with author's permission.