Fairy Godmother: An Enchanters Tale

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 features a deluxe trim size and beautiful painted edges!

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

319 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[Loracarol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am endlessly fascinated by what sort of books Disney puts out. Something about them intrigues me; how much are writers allowed to push the boundaries set by the films? What kind of stories are allowed on the printed page that aren't allowed in the theater?

This book, compared to others in the Disney oeuvre, doesn't feel like it's taking too many liberties. Fairies who are given a specific task feels very Tinker Bell movies, for example. And this book is for kids! Or, YA, at least, at my library, so it can't go too far into some of the implications of it's world building.

And yet, some of the things the book touches upon genuinely made me as a grown-ass adult wince & shudder a little.

- Genevieve's backstory involving a fire that killed the rest of her family. Cool cool, that's fine.

- The prospect of being sold off into an unwanted marriage, and the adult knowledge of what that would entail for her during that time period.

- The scene where she saves Raymond's life and sacrifices her own for it, and then the discomforting way that drowning is described and her injuries are described. Maybe I just have too vivid of an imagination?

- The realization that being made half-fée has essentially given her a TBI and she'll have memory issues for the rest of her life no matter what she does because there's a price to survival, and sometimes that price includes the knowledge that you can't trust your own brain anymore because you may not even remember that you've forgotten something.

- Her rapid aging every time she goes into the human world, and the depiction of the medicines and healing they have to do because it takes more out of her every time, and she can't stop it, and there's no cure except avoidance which she cannot do because that's not who she is. To be clear, I'm no Mother Gothel who's against aging, but eight years in one hour? Feeling her body change and shift around her? Oof. Combined with the memory problems, and it reminds me of someone coming out of an accident with a TBI and permanent musculoskeletal issues, and all you can do sometimes is ease the pain.

.....I really might be reading too much into it, but I have family members who've had TBI's, and I've been in a car accident and so those parts of the book felt way too real lol.

To be clear, I did like this book. I liked how, unlike some depictions, the fée aren't naturally always happy, but that's a social more.

Also, the queen going from, "stay away from my nephew, he has a lot ahead of him," to "Genevieve keeps going to the human world and I'm worried. :( We should try and convince her to stay here, where she doesn't get sick. :( Maybe we should hook her up with someone? :( Oh right, I broke them up didn't I.... :(" within the space of a few chapters - that does crack me up some.

[Richard K. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have never wondered or thought of 'Where did Cinderellas Fairy Godmother come from'? If you are a Disney fan.....do NOT miss this new tale of one of the most beloved characters in Walt Disneys cabinet of Wonder!

Go back to the first time that you ever saw the original childhood classic Walt Disney movie "Cinderella" and remember that amazement as a kid and thinking to yourself.... I would love to have my own fairy Godmother! C'mon, we all know that we did as a kid. Well, Jen Calonita who has also written in the Disney's Twisted Tale books, (and one of my favorite authors in those books too!) takes the tale of Cinderella way back to a time when Renee Dubois learns about who she really is and who she is meant to be in her time on earth......as a human.

This book was SO well written that it made me actually think that what I was reading was not just for a young adult, but was for anyone who loved that fairy tales from a time when nothing else mattered.

Renee Dubois grew up knowing that she was an orphan....a child without her parents. She was raised by her Uncle and his wife and she is a caretaker for their children. During an accident that involves them all she is helped and saved by 'the Fae' or the Fairies as we know them, and this binds her to always remember that they are real, and that there is 'Magic everywhere....you just need to believe'. As the children grow older so does Renee, and she realizes that she still needs to accomplish something in her life; and THIS is that something.

I HIGHLY recommed this very 'enchanting and hearwarming' tale of who we all grew up to love and to know as Fairy Godmother! I LOVED this book.....it even made me tear up at the end.

5 (and more if I could give it more) Magic Wands waved everywhere!!