Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

"As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear too.  Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina.

Life seems idyllic, and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone - it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival each year, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. "

Sweetly is a retelling of the classic fairytale Hansel and Gretel with a modern twist. The plot hooked me in with its sense of mystery and danger, and I must admit I kept reading late into the night. Gretchen is a likable brave character, who is determined to overcome her lifelong fear of monsters in order to save herself and the girls of the town.  The other characters were well drawn, particularly Sophia, who became more mysterious and frightening as the novel went on. Sweetly is a companion book to Sisters Red which retells the story of Little Red Riding Hood. A good read for those who like fairytales, the paranormal and chocolate.

By Caroline @ Kew

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