The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Embark on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, love, and seizing your destiny in this delightful novel that blends the charm of Dumplin’ with the wit of Well Met.

Madeline “Gwen” Hathaway has been living in a world of rituals and lists ever since her mother passed away.

With only one childhood friend and a life revolving around the ren faire circuit she travels with her father, Gwen has always found comfort in the familiar. But everything changes when she arrives at her mother’s favorite end-of-tour stop to find that the faire has been taken over by new management and transformed beyond recognition.

Enter Arthur, the son of the new owners and a lute-playing bard who turns Gwen’s carefully ordered world upside down. Despite her reluctance, Arthur insists on befriending her and even convinces her to become the Princess of the Faire. As Gwen steers this unfamiliar new reality, she discovers unexpected passions, takes risks, and even falls in love.

In The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway, Ashley Schumacher weaves a magical tale filled with whimsical characters, from a wise old magician selling potion bottles to gallant knights who ride camels instead of horses. There are kings who love theatrics, a lazy river castle moat complete with inflatable crocodile floaties, and a plus-sized heroine with a heart as big as her dreams—if only she could muster the courage to chase them.