Although not my preferred version of the story, I'm willing to forget that because the ending in this version is quite good as well.

Spoiler

Instead of melting (aka getting hurt by love), the princess gets to be with Sergei and enjoy the beauty and joy of a mortal life).

Sanderson's illustrations are absolutely magical: the warm glow of an early winter evening, the deep snow blanket of the forest, the ornate clothes (I prefer Father Frost to Santa Claus in that regard)... I'm not a winter person at all, but stories like this bring out the magic of winter.