All That Shimmers
Enchanting historical fantasy romance.
She’s promised a man of worth but finding him could cost her everything.
Releases – May 13, 2025!
Your destiny is a man of sterling and gold . . .
By a woodland fairy, her future is foretold.
While World War I rages in Europe, Vanessa Perkins, a vivacious nanny with a whimsical imagination, enjoys summering with her wealthy Boston employers at a glamorous lakeside resort. There she meets Avery, a gentle botanist, and Ned, a dashing aristocrat.
Raised in a brutal orphanage, Vanessa dreams of being part of a close family like Avery’s, but Ned’s charm and privileged world are intoxicating. While confronting an agonizing decision, she discovers an enchanted grove in the forest, where enigmatic water nymphs and a fairy’s prophecy inspire her to be bold.
But there’s a price for breaking society’s rules.
And when the Spanish flu starts killing people she cares about, Vanessa’s choices will either bring her closer to the love and family she craves or drag her into more danger than she ever imagined.

Editorial Reviews
“This book is ingenious in its exploration of life’s complicated layers. The vibrant settings reflect the tension between hope and tragedy . . . stolen kisses, giddy first love, and new friendships happen and matter even as death swirls beyond them . . . prose is both raw and elegant . . .”
Foreword Reviews
“. . . a spectacular and bittersweet saga of loss, hope, and love . . . a well-written, atmospheric, and alluring fantasy that transports readers to a world of beauty and mysticism . . . highly recommend this captivating tale to all fantasy fans.”
Readers Favorite, Makeda Cummings
★★★★★
“. . . a whimsical journey packed with dazzling creatures, hope, heartbreak, and, ultimately, a winsome ending . . . complex characters . . . Ambrose is skilled at tinting even the harshest realities with lovely hues. Comparable titles: . . . Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries”
Publisher’s Weekly BookLife
“Tragic and hopeful in equal measure, this is a heartfelt, character-driven romance that tugs at your heartstrings from start to finish . . . a must-read for readers of historical fiction and fantasy.”
Readers Favorite, Pikasho Deka
★★★★★
“Historical romance and fantasy readers will relish the interwoven elements of history, love, and magic . . . Ambrose excels in drawing together a satisfying blend of magic, social change, and psychological insight.”
Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
“Kady Ambrose masterfully weaved the elements of fantasy and romance to create an enchanting story that readers of both genres will enjoy. I highly recommend it as it’s a five-star book and more.”
Readers Favorite, Carol Thompson
★★★★★
“. . . an enchanting and emotional story of innocence to experience . . . a darker version of Anne of Green Gables meets the mischief-makers of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream . . . I loved it!”
Allison Morse, author of Fallen Star
“Libraries . . . will welcome All That Shimmers into their collections. It’s an exceptionally poignant examination of one twenty-something woman’s shifting options . . . against [a] . . . challenging social and political atmosphere . . .”
Donovan’s Literary Services, D. Donovan, Editor
“Perfect for fans of the historical fantasy of Heather Fawcett and Sarah Addison Allen, All That Shimmers is thoroughly charming and utterly enchanting.”
Sarah Vance-Tompkins, author of I Put a Spell on You
“I wolfed down this beautiful book. I was charmed, engaged, and completely lost in the cleverly crafted story . . . stunning characterizations, witty dialogue and a structure that leaves you feeling complete . . . and yet still wanting a sequel. Bravo.”
Colette Freedman, author of The Affair
“. . . a must-read for anyone who enjoys beautifully written and emotionally resonant fantasy romance.”
Cordia Pearson, author of Iridesce
“Spot on details of the setting and hardships the vulnerable young heroine faces, plus a magical dip into a bit of fantasy, make this book unique. A true delight.”
Meg Mims, Spur Award-winning author of Double Crossing
Subscribe to my newsletter for a free copy of Under Dappled Sunlight,
the prequel novelette to All That Shimmers!