I first experienced Once Upon a Thyme as an ebook, and I adored it so much that I simply had to own the deluxe hardcover. It wasn’t an impulse purchase—it was a book that earned a permanent place on my shelves, and after seeing the care that had gone into this edition, I knew it would become a forever favourite.
This is, without question, one of the most beautiful special editions I’ve ever added to my collection. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted—from the breathtaking dust jacket and illustrated case beneath it to the stunning sprayed edges, full-colour endpapers, and gorgeous artwork woven throughout the book. It’s the kind of edition that invites you to slow down, savour every page, and admire it long after you’ve finished reading. The quality exceeded my expectations in every way.
As for the story itself, it was every bit as charming as its presentation. Celine Jeanjean takes familiar fairy-tale tropes and joyfully turns them on their head, creating a world that is whimsical, witty, and full of heart. The humour had me smiling throughout, the characters were delightfully memorable, and beneath all the playful chaos was a genuinely touching story about embracing who you are rather than who the world expects you to be.
The illustrations elevate the experience even further. Rather than feeling like extras, they become part of the storytelling, making the world feel richer and more immersive with every chapter. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t just impressed by how beautiful the book was—I was reminded exactly why I’d fallen in love with the story the first time I read it.
If you’re considering the deluxe edition, don’t hesitate. If the ebook made me fall in love with the story, this edition made me fall in love with owning it. It’s a keepsake as much as it is a novel, and one of those rare books that feels every bit as magical in your hands as the story does in your imagination.
