Book Review: Reverie of Roses by Thea Hawthorne

May 27, 2026

If you’ve been here for a while you know I am a Thea Hawthorne fan. I love the way she writes characters and fills them with beauty and personality. And this book was no different. This may be my favorite novella yet.

We are back in the magical world of Esk and this time following the story of w struggling artist named, Nora, and a glittering socialite, Lisette. Nora makes a bet with her friends that she can out paint them and suggests painting anyone they want her to and getting into the annual, the art show that kicks off the social season. When her friend, Emlyn, picks Lisette, a woman notorious for starting portraits but never allowing the artist to finish them, Nora feels a little in over her head. Can she get Lisette to sit still for five minutes while she paints her portrait? Will this end like last time she tried to paint her, resulting in tears and crushed spirits from Nora? Why can she simply not resist this beauty so far out of her reach?

As always, Thea’s work is beautiful and I cannot recommend it enough. Please read her work.