Violet Eyes

From Goodreads:    "ONCE UPON A TIME" IS TIMELESS

When a storm brings the dashing Prince Richard to her family's farm, Violet falls in love at first sight. Richard also gives Violet his heart, but he knows his marriage is destined to be an affair of state, not of passion. For the king and queen have devised a contest to determine who will win their son's hand in marriage.

To be reunited with her prince, Violet must compete against princesses from across the land. It will take all of her wits - and a little help from an unexpected source - if Violet is to demonstrate the depth of her character and become Richard's bride.

My Thoughts:

-    This is probably my favorite in the Once Upon a Time series!  The story is well thought out, and it doesn't feel rushed.  

-    I loved the characters!  Violet is a wonderful female lead.  I admired many of her qualities, and I loved seeing her make friends with the other princesses.  I admired each of Violets friends for different reasons.  They were all very kind and valuable.  Richard is a swoon worthy prince!

-    I like that Violet and Richard formed their relationship on a nurse/patient bases.  It was nice to see that develop instead of love at first sight.

-    I loved every moment of the competition!  Each test was more bizarre and ridiculous than the first.  

-    This was a fun read!

Midnight Pearls

Goodreads Synopsis:    "ONCE UPON A TIME"
IS TIMELESS

In a quiet fishing village seventeen years ago, one lone fisherman rescued a child from the sea. He and his wife raised the girl, Pearl, as their own daughter, never allowing themselves to wonder long about where she came from -- or notice her silver hair, usually pale skin, and wide, dark blue eyes.

Pearl grows from a mysterious child into an unusual young woman, not always welcomed in the village. As all the other girls her age find husbands, she has only one friend to ease her loneliness. One very special, secret companion: Prince James.

But their friendship is shaken when trouble erupts in the kingdom -- a conspiracy against the royal family combines with an evil enchantment from beneath the sea. Now, just when Pearl and James need each other most, bewitching magic and hints about Pearl's past threaten to tear them apart...forever.

My Thoughts:

-    There a few things that were under developed.  This book had a lot of potential, and I think if it had been longer and had more content, it would have been really great.

-    I enjoyed most of the characters.  Pearl lived a simple life, and I think a lot of girls could relate to her.  I feel like James's character could have been better.  He was kinda fickle and I couldn't figure him out.

-    I really liked that it was the classic Little Mermaid story, but with a few twists in it.  It also has a happy ending.  No one ends up as seas foam!

-    I wish there had been more about Pearl's past, and more of a foundation for her relationship with Kale.

-    Overall, this was a cute and fun read, but I just wanted more info.