A missing duchess, a stable boy, and a magical ball.

Years ago, Dietrich failed to prevent the disappearance of the Duke’s daughter, and the guilt has eaten at him ever since. His persistent searching has finally paid off, but now that he's found the missing girl, he doesn't know what to do. The obvious answer is to tell her father, but her plea to let her stay hidden leaves him torn between his duty to the Duke and the need to protect the girl he can't stop thinking about.

Trading in her apron for a ball gown is a terrifying prospect for Ella, but if it gives her the chance to leave her step family and find a family that truly loves her, she'll try. As Dietrich teaches her how to be a duchess, her feelings for him develop into something that hardly seems appropriate for a duchess and her father's stable master, leaving her wondering if rejoining the nobility is what she truly wants.

Can love transcend the limits they’ve imposed, or will Dietrich and Ella allow duty to reign supreme?

Once Upon A Pumpkin is a Cinderella fairytale retelling and the third book in the Galamere Chronicles. Each standalone book is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie, the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy, and the comfort of a found family of friends, with a sprinkling of danger and a dash of magic. Perfect for fans of Sarah Beran and Allison Tebo.

Published
September 24, 2025
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The Galamere Chronicles

The series

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In The Galamere Chronicles, the line between myth and reality is razor-thin, and the fate of a world teetering on the edge of chaos rests in the hands of those brave enough to confront the darkness that binds it. Set in the mystical lands of Galamere, where ancient forces stir beneath the surface of a fractured kingdom, this series explores the tangled destinies of a cast of characters bound by power, prophecy, and a shared desire to reshape their world.

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At the heart of this epic tale is the young but fiercely determined Arlen Caelus, a gifted seer who has long been haunted by cryptic visions of a crumbling empire. Torn between her visions of the future and the struggles of her present, Arlen must grapple with her own identity while confronting the shadowy figures who seek to exploit her abilities for their own ends.

Joined by an unlikely band of allies—each carrying their own burdens and secrets—Arlen embarks on a journey that takes her deep into the heart of Galamere’s forgotten histories. Along the way, she will uncover hidden truths about the kingdom’s origins, challenge the oppressive forces of the ruling elite, and face the terrifying reality that the future she sees may be one of destruction, not salvation.

The Galamere Chronicles blends political intrigue, powerful magic, and rich world-building into a narrative that will draw readers in with its complexity and emotional depth. Galamere itself is a character, with its towering cities, sprawling wilderness, and ancient ruins that whisper of a time long past. As the series unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and the true nature of power—both magical and political—becomes clear.

In this world, every choice has consequences, and those who dare to alter the course of destiny must be prepared to sacrifice everything. With its gripping storyline, richly developed characters, and haunting atmosphere, The Galamere Chronicles is a tale of transformation, rebellion, and the unyielding pull of fate. Each page turns like a revelation, pulling readers deeper into a story that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

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10/10

This was such a fun book that I was really looking forward to reading and I was so happy it met my expectations! I loved the way it blended elements from Cinderella with Anastasia so well. I have read several of the previous book in this series (although Once Upon An Apple is still on my TBR List) so it was fun to see Dietrich's story and how him and Ella get together. While I have read previous books in the series each book centers on a different couple so can be read as standalones, you just get more appreciation for characters from previous books when you have read their stories. I am really looking forward to reading the next book and seeing Thea & Nathaniel finally get their HEA!

The Galamere Chronicles Series
Tales of Cake And Comfort: A Cozy Fantasy Omnibus: Thea & Nathaniel
Once Upon An Apple: A Cozy Fantasy Snow White Retelling: Sophia & Lord Caspian Rendon
Once Upon A Rose: Beatrice & Lord Alexander Dunham
Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling: Dietrich & Ella
Once Upon A Cat: A Cozy Fantasy Frog Prince Retelling: Thea & Nathaniel

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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