Fairy Godmother

The Enchanters #1

by Jen Calonita

How did a human girl become a fairy godmother? Godmothers are made, not born. Discover the untold origins of one of Disney’s beloved magic makers.

The first volume in The Enchanters series from the New York Times best-selling author of A Twisted Tale and Fairy Tale Reform School!

Before she created carriages out of pumpkins, fashioned gowns out of thin air, and conjured one-of-a-kind glass slippers, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother was a spirited sixteen-year-old named Renée Dubois. But how did a human girl become a fairy godmother?

A young governess with a tragic past, Renée is determined to prove that fairies are real. Yet when her young cousin follows her into the woods one night and is caught in mortal peril, Renée has no choice but to offer herself in his place. Just when she thinks this is the end, she’s saved by a mysterious duo who take Renée under their wings, and she is brought into the world of the Fée.

So begins a life Renée hadn’t dared to dream of. Studying magic, forging friendships, and stumbling upon an unlikely romance, Renée is on an exciting path. But this new path is not without its own challenges.

Renée longs to return to the mortal realm with the coveted title of godmother, a dream that seems just out of reach. And her tireless empathy, as well as her boundless determination might be just what she needs to become the Fairy Godmother the world will come to know.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Cinderella, Audiobook, Fairy Tales, Fiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Hi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).

I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!

I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.

I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.

I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!

xo
Jen

Reviews

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was Disney in book form.
-----------
A rec from a friend :)

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't we want humans to believe there is some magic in the world? Because if there is magic, then there is hope that anything is possible."

I absolutely adored this backstory to Cinderella's Fairy Godmother! Calonita does a wonderful job of capturing beloved characters in a world of whimsical wonder. I LOVED the message that magic is everywhere, you just have to believe!

I can't wait for the world to read this story!

*ARC provided by Disney via netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kayley Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m happy to have spent a few hours in the land of the fairies.

[Olivia's Bookish Places & Spaces · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I absolutely loved this book is a bit of an understatement. I will say that I loved this book as much as one can love a book, particularly a new read and a read by a newly discovered author. I have been continually impressed by all of the books Disney Press has released, and this book is no exception.

Cinderella is one of my favorite fairytales, but I have always had an interest in the side characters, particularly the fairy godmother (I mean the story can’t really happen without her, right?). Seeing that this book was about that, I absolutely knew I had to read it.

I will say that I absolutely love origin stories, which is why I picked this up. With origin stories there is ample room for creativity and character development. Jen Calonita excels at this. Not only is she a fantastic writer, her world building, backstories, character development serve as a masterclass in writing an origin story. Everything that happened was very plausible (at least for a fantasy novel). The pace of the plot never dragged and there was continual action and plot twists. The reader gets to see how the fairy godmother became the person she was at the end of the novel.

One of the other things that stuck out to me was worldbuilding. Calonita does a superb job of not just building the world but explaining how the fairy realm and magic system “worked”. I was absolutely enthralled by how this was executed. By the end of the book, I really wanted to live in the fairy world.

The ending was unexpected but had a unique twist.

I also really appreciated that the author focused and put value on being selfless, showing your loved ones how much, they are loved, and an appreciation for children and encouraging children to make the “right” life choices.

Additionally, this book is just over 300 pages, and I read it on my flight both to and from Tampa.
As a side note: I would recommend buying the hardcopy with the purple sprayed edges on Amazon. The book itself is absolutely stunning and a real keeper (the flight attendant on my flight back actually asked what book it was because it was so gorgeous and is now going to read it herself).

This is my first read by Jen Calonita, and it will most definitely not be my last! She is definitely an author to watch. I intend to read some of the twisted tale series by her (highly recommend that series as well).

5/5 stars all the way!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a delightful (and much needed) dose of joy and magic! It’s a beautiful fairy godmother origin story that blends seamlessly with Disney’s Cinderella. We even catch a tiny glimpse of Cinderella and Charming beyond their happily ever after at the end. 🥲 I loved getting to know Renée (aka the fairy godmother) and learning more about what shaped her into the woman she eventually becomes. So many wonderful little details were expertly woven in to create the perfect backstory for the Disney film.

In an endlessly distressing news cycle, Fairy Godmother is a refreshing sprinkle of pixie dust. It’s an enchanting fairytale read that never turns dark. Instead, it remains steadily focused on the light, reminding us why whimsy, wonder, and magic is good for the soul.

✨ “Don’t we want humans to believe there is still some magic in the world? Because if there is magic, then there is hope that anything is possible.” ✨

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and refreshing read. I loved this origin story of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. It was really nice learning the backstory of how she came to be.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am, generally, a huge fan of Calonita's work. Unfortunately, it is unusual to love every single thing someone writes, and for me, this one happened to be a miss. Renée (the real name of the titular fairy godmother) was just one of those characters that rubbed me wrong. She spends almost the entire story not doing anything she's told to do and then, of course, being right about everything and the best and strongest and most loveable, etc. That sort of character just isn't for me and I always find myself frustrated when I encounter them.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I want to be a godmother. I am meant to help humans.”

I won’t lie, this book took me a second to get into and while reading this, I had difficulties really locking in.

I feel like this book could’ve gone as something completely original and not related to Cinderella’s godmother. The world-building was so simple (which I admire in fantasy books) and the characters were so fun to read and follow. I didn’t expect a school setting but those are always a delight to me.

“✨💚Taylor Swift Readathon: Debut💚✨
Taylor in Life - YA Novel

[Sreenidhi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give more than 5 stars to this book I would. I LOVED THIS BOOK! The storyline was so good and I loved how Renée became Genevieve’s fairy godmother and then Ella’s. I’m so happy that there was a love interest because they are so cute together! This was such a cute read and I can’t wait for people to read it!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY MOLY! Talk about an original story! This was INCREDIBLE! 🤩🥰💛

[morgan ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is beauty in humans, and humanity, even if it is flawed."

Please give Tressor his own spin-off

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know I needed a fairy godmother origin story until I got one.

This book does a great job of keeping true to the godmother you see in Cinderella while also answering certain questions one might have based off how fairies are depicted in other stories. For instance, why is Cinderella's fairy godmother an old woman when most fairies are young and stay young looking forever? Why doesn't she have wings?

If you have seen Disney's Wish, this will not line up with Wish as that was an origin story in a way for the fairy godmother. I think I prefer this version better (and there's a romance so my hopeless romantic heart is thriving). Overall I loved this book and I want more. I hope a sequel will come out soon.

[Kayleigh Galletto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book! Not only is it gorgeous, but it added so much more story to an old classic.

The first book of the Enchanter’s Tale series, this was a prequel story to Cinderella. We all know the large part Cinderella’s fairy godmother played in her story, but before she guided Cinderella to her happily ever after, she was Renee Dubois - a normal human being facing her own trials in life. So how did she become a fairy godmother?

Heart-warming and sweet with just a touch of heartbreak and romance, I thought this tale was really creative. Being a Bluey mom, I found the lore of the fairy circles really fun. I love how it tied into the story we know and love.

Fast-paced, short and sweet, this was a really quick read. Classified as YA, it was nice and clean: no spice and no gore. Would be a great story to read with your younger crew. There’s a nice message of empowerment lingering in the background. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and unexpected find! Jen does a 5-star job on capturing the essence of Disney’s Cinderella while simultaneously creating an entire backstory for the fairy godmother—it all fits in perfectly with the original animated movie. I love how she incorporated subtle elements from the original toward the very end while the bulk of the story stands as something entirely new. Disney fans (like me) will LOVE this book. And Jen, I too would be making every excuse to make an emergency “research” trip to the parks! Hahaha, I love this book so much and have it amongst my fairy favorites on my bookshelf.

Format note: The size of this book is extremely cute! I love its small, square shape and the purple-painted sides. I hope more books are made like this. Such a charming tale and delightful read.

[Rafael Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Calonita has brought a breath of fresh air to the Cinderella story with this origin tale of the Fairy Godmother.

Rene is an orphan who was raised by her uncle and his wife, and she works as a nanny to their children. One unfortunate night, she finds herself on the brink of death while trying to save one of the children in her care. Saved by the fairies, Rene cannot return to the human realm as she is now a half-fairy. Time works differently on the human side, making it difficult for her to go back. This is a great book for Cinderella fans that will enchant readers of all ages.

My students have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelves for quite some time already, but when I finally started reading I was instantly sold. I loved the heroine of this story. She was so easy to like and root for! I also loved the mythology and plot of the story. Just like I really liked how this story was connected to the tale of Cinderella we know so well. I'm happy to know that this hasn't been the last book set in this world. I can't wait to read Tink's story!

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great fairy godmother origin story. I enjoyed following Renée in this story and seeing how she became Cinderella’s fairy godmother. I liked learning more about her and the Fée world. I liked the cast of characters in this book as well as the overall story. This was a short and sweet read and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Cassidy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt it was vital as an apprentice to read this and I was right. Please read this if you work at BBB!!!! I smiled I laughed I cried, it’s so so so stinking cute. Such an easy read too

[Giaalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need moreeee💝

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see the fairy godmother get a name and a background.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a simple fun little backstory for the fairy godmother! I enjoyed the small little Easter eggs to the original story and how Calonita came up with "logical" reasons for why the godmother made her wacky or odd choices in her small scenes. That said I wished there was more time focused on the other characters as their plot lines feel rushed and the last couple chapters feel like they were crammed in the last minute. But overall it was a enjoyable read!

[Denalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting, imaginative, and entirely delightful, this fairytale retelling gets 5 stars from me. I loved every bit of this!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute! I read this book because my 11 year old neighbor is a big reader and she recommended it. Very cute prequel if you will of Cinderella and her fairy godmother’s backstory. Would recommend to other kids about that same age. Can’t wait to discuss with my young friend!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great origin story! The world building was great, I loved the depth of Renee’s backstory, each of the characters were well crafted AND it has an amazing cover. This book has it all.

[Completely Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED reading about Fairy Godmother’s story! (And how fun that we share the same name🥰). Renée faced a lot of hard challenges, I didn’t expect so many intense events, but it all lead to a beautiful ending and the Fairy Godmother we all know and love from Cinderella✨

[Daniel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an enjoyable read. I like some of the elements of how magic worked, like you get your wand when you are ready and finding your magic words (although this came across as a thing that happens suddenly and would have been more interesting if there was a task or study you go through to find them, or if there was an actual standardization to it instead of just random words that mean something) I liked the focus on her special talent of enlarging vegetables. The challenging fairy norms was cool. I think we needed more time in fairy lessons.

There were several frustrating elements of the story for me. I went spent way too long with Renee as a human and she needed to let go of her human family sooner, that dragged the story. I think it would have been nicer if she forgot about them and then was reminded? and I felt the expanding of the fairy godmothers forgetfulness to be exhaustive to me, and the limitations it put on the story was disappointing. Making the full fairies fear her and treat her poorly and then suddenly everyone is ok with her felt so very rushed. The big moment of the story that we all know of her helping Cinderella felt extremely rushed and very short. And the love story for her and Tressor was extremely under developed and underutilized in the overall story. It’s like they went from enemies to lovers, but with almost none of the anticipation. In general the other characters were underdeveloped. I love the Fairy Godmother and this story made me less interested in her. I wanted to know more about Lune, Margarite, and Tressor.

Ok I know I listed a lot of issues I had with it, but I promise I did like reading it, I just wanted it to be more than what we got.

[Allison Fleischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ARC Review! Provided to me by Disney Publishing

This book was really wonderful! For about 85% of it you forget the connection with Cinderella and it is just a story of a fairy world. The story stands on its own without the Disney connection with compelling characters, an interesting plot and fascinating magic system.

As a fan of the Twisted Tale series this is a perfect sidestep if you’re into Disney lore and compelling YA stories. Overall a very wholesome uplifting read!

[Dragon Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Génial ! J'ai dévoré ce livre en une après-midi !
J'ai adoré l'histoire, les rebondissements, les personnages, l'univers féerique !
La bonne fée vient de devenir mon personnage préféré dans l'histoire de Cendrillon (j'ai adoré découvrir son histoire).

[Andreya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily ever afters do come true if you make a wish and truly believe!