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Timeless Fairy Tales #3
Cinderella and the Colonel
There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.
Scratching out a living in a land recovering from war and a hostile takeover, Cinderella—an orphaned, destitute duchess—is desperate to save her lands and servants in spite of the terrible taxes placed upon her by the Erlauf queen, even if it means she must don servants’ clothes and work like a commoner.
Her sacrifices aren’t enough, and when a mountain of debt is levied against her, she is given one season to produce the funds. Cinderella realizes it is only a matter of time before she loses everything she has struggled to protect, and it seems that all is lost until she is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich—a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
From helping her break into the royal library to saving her from a rogue mage, Friedrich draws her closer and challenges her mindset of the queen and the war.
Cinderella knows Friedrich is not all he appears to be, but can she trust him with her country and her heart?
CINDERELLA AND THE COLONEL is fairy tale retelling of love, sacrifice, adventure, and magic. It is filled with humor, deception, and clean romance, and it belongs to the top selling series, TIMELESS FAIRY TALES. The books in this series take place in the same world and can be read all together, or as individual, stand-alone books.
Scratching out a living in a land recovering from war and a hostile takeover, Cinderella—an orphaned, destitute duchess—is desperate to save her lands and servants in spite of the terrible taxes placed upon her by the Erlauf queen, even if it means she must don servants’ clothes and work like a commoner.
Her sacrifices aren’t enough, and when a mountain of debt is levied against her, she is given one season to produce the funds. Cinderella realizes it is only a matter of time before she loses everything she has struggled to protect, and it seems that all is lost until she is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich—a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
From helping her break into the royal library to saving her from a rogue mage, Friedrich draws her closer and challenges her mindset of the queen and the war.
Cinderella knows Friedrich is not all he appears to be, but can she trust him with her country and her heart?
CINDERELLA AND THE COLONEL is fairy tale retelling of love, sacrifice, adventure, and magic. It is filled with humor, deception, and clean romance, and it belongs to the top selling series, TIMELESS FAIRY TALES. The books in this series take place in the same world and can be read all together, or as individual, stand-alone books.
316 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2014
557 people are currently reading
3175 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Shea
118 books4,735 followersMy pen name is K. M. Shea, but my readers—I prefer to call them Champions—call me Kitty.
I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
VISIT MY FACEBOOK GROUP
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VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...
VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://kmshea.com/
I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!
VISIT MY FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27090...
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...
VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://kmshea.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
December 20, 2017
A Cinderella story where the step-family isn’t so terrible?
A Cinderella story about war and prejudice and finding forgiveness between two nations?
A Cinderella story about slow-burn love, and not love at first sight?
A Cinderella story about a Cinderella who is not saved by her godmother or by a prince or by mice, but by her own hard work and initiatives, WITH the help of people who recognize her strength?
Plot
I love that this Cinderella story has so many new layers. It contains serious topics, but still contains the tone of a fairytale. I love that we get to think beyond the initial information given to us. As readers learning alongside Cinderella, we see that Erlauf is not as terrible as the first picture given to us. It is realistic that people are so quick to judge and hate, but it is also realistic and mature to look past that and see that there are real people underneath. It is shown that things aren’t that simple. There is a strong message of forgiveness and empathy here.
Characters
In addition, Cinderella is truly admirable. I can always admire that the original Cinderella is hardworking and kind and forgiving, but I think THIS Cinderella has taken several steps further. It is not just about forgiving an evil stepmother. It is about forgiving a whole nation who you were once in war with, and forgiving a queen who taxes you and has made you dirt poor. It is interesting to see how Cinderella’s perception changes throughout the book, as she interacts with Erlauf more and more. Furthermore, in the face of adversity, she has handled her financial problem very well. I love that she physically works to raise money, and is always thinking of new ways to make more money. She is a hard-worker, and it is even more praiseworthy, knowing that she is doing this so she won’t have to fire any of her servants. It also makes sense because she cherishes these people after what they have done for her. This reciprocity and this feeling of gratitude between Cinderella and her servants are something I appreciate seeing in this book.
On the other hand, there is Friedrich. He is sweet and likable. I would have liked a bit more depth, because next to Cinderella, he seems more like a blank, but it makes sense considering that this book follows more along Cinderella’ story than his. It would be a game-changer if this book were a 3rd person switching perspective every other chapter. However, we do get to see glimpse of his earnestness and thoughtfulness in random scenes here and there. He is undeniably a good guy, with a sense of humor.
Romance
I like the interactions between Cinderella and her colonel. This is infinitely better than the interactions we see in the original or Disney version of Cinderella. Their love is sweet, with cute bantering and great affections for the other person. I love seeing how Friedrich cares about what she thinks and wants, and how he gets jealous. The way his army genuinely likes her and teases the both of them is fun to read as well. I appreciate how that they are opposites in temperament: she is fierce and fiery and he is chill and gentle. She is more serious and he likes making jokes. They complement each other.
Overall, I’m giving this 4 stars. I enjoyed it. It’s sweet and thoughtful, and a great twist on Cinderella’s tale.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
-----------
Soo the 1st book is a fav, 2nd is a total bust, and this 3rd one - well, fingers crossed. I really hope I'll overall love this whole series.
Cinderella retellings are usually a hit or miss for me.
A Cinderella story about war and prejudice and finding forgiveness between two nations?
A Cinderella story about slow-burn love, and not love at first sight?
A Cinderella story about a Cinderella who is not saved by her godmother or by a prince or by mice, but by her own hard work and initiatives, WITH the help of people who recognize her strength?
Plot
I love that this Cinderella story has so many new layers. It contains serious topics, but still contains the tone of a fairytale. I love that we get to think beyond the initial information given to us. As readers learning alongside Cinderella, we see that Erlauf is not as terrible as the first picture given to us. It is realistic that people are so quick to judge and hate, but it is also realistic and mature to look past that and see that there are real people underneath. It is shown that things aren’t that simple. There is a strong message of forgiveness and empathy here.
Characters
In addition, Cinderella is truly admirable. I can always admire that the original Cinderella is hardworking and kind and forgiving, but I think THIS Cinderella has taken several steps further. It is not just about forgiving an evil stepmother. It is about forgiving a whole nation who you were once in war with, and forgiving a queen who taxes you and has made you dirt poor. It is interesting to see how Cinderella’s perception changes throughout the book, as she interacts with Erlauf more and more. Furthermore, in the face of adversity, she has handled her financial problem very well. I love that she physically works to raise money, and is always thinking of new ways to make more money. She is a hard-worker, and it is even more praiseworthy, knowing that she is doing this so she won’t have to fire any of her servants. It also makes sense because she cherishes these people after what they have done for her. This reciprocity and this feeling of gratitude between Cinderella and her servants are something I appreciate seeing in this book.
On the other hand, there is Friedrich. He is sweet and likable. I would have liked a bit more depth, because next to Cinderella, he seems more like a blank, but it makes sense considering that this book follows more along Cinderella’ story than his. It would be a game-changer if this book were a 3rd person switching perspective every other chapter. However, we do get to see glimpse of his earnestness and thoughtfulness in random scenes here and there. He is undeniably a good guy, with a sense of humor.
Romance
I like the interactions between Cinderella and her colonel. This is infinitely better than the interactions we see in the original or Disney version of Cinderella. Their love is sweet, with cute bantering and great affections for the other person. I love seeing how Friedrich cares about what she thinks and wants, and how he gets jealous. The way his army genuinely likes her and teases the both of them is fun to read as well. I appreciate how that they are opposites in temperament: she is fierce and fiery and he is chill and gentle. She is more serious and he likes making jokes. They complement each other.
Overall, I’m giving this 4 stars. I enjoyed it. It’s sweet and thoughtful, and a great twist on Cinderella’s tale.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
-----------
Soo the 1st book is a fav, 2nd is a total bust, and this 3rd one - well, fingers crossed. I really hope I'll overall love this whole series.
Cinderella retellings are usually a hit or miss for me.
February 13, 2015
This is one of those reviews of mine were I stress strongly that the reactions and the consequent review are purely mine. Or if you prefer, there's nothing wrong with you (book), it's me.
It won't change the rating, which reflects my enjoyment of a book, but it may help you understand whether this Cinderella is the right woman for you.
Yes, Cinderella and the Colonel is correctly treated as a re-telling of the famous Fairy Tale. What was unclear from GR and the vendor was that the retelling creates a new frame (a very interesting one), but it's still a Fairy tale and of the Disney school, not the original Grimm one.
Basically this means to me that this is a middle-grader book, not even a YA (I've read a few grim YA). So life is black and white (even if we are told it's not), feeling are barely skin deep (even if we are told it's not) and the heroine is a pleasant girl whose ideals are above all other's. She doesn't feel real, but then nothing really does in FT.
I didn't feel the hate that I'm told she feels toward the enemy at the beginning, nor I felt the love she feels toward the Prince at the end. (How this love came to be? We are never shown it. We are told it's there.)
Depth of characters is not something I would tag this book with, the only one with some depth is the heroine and she's barely there too. I admit I could not really like the Prince, for his speech, his manipulations, the way he acts or doesn't toward the heroine. He's not a jerk or an ass-hole (middle-grader book here), he's simply a guy I wouldn't say a second word to.
The plot might have been interesting with a world-building to sustain it. But this is fairy tale. Magic happens and that's it, it resolves the day. Pity, because there might have been some meat behind this book.
I know, I can't really hate it nor like it. Do you like children's book? If so, this might be for you.
It won't change the rating, which reflects my enjoyment of a book, but it may help you understand whether this Cinderella is the right woman for you.
Yes, Cinderella and the Colonel is correctly treated as a re-telling of the famous Fairy Tale. What was unclear from GR and the vendor was that the retelling creates a new frame (a very interesting one), but it's still a Fairy tale and of the Disney school, not the original Grimm one.
Basically this means to me that this is a middle-grader book, not even a YA (I've read a few grim YA). So life is black and white (even if we are told it's not), feeling are barely skin deep (even if we are told it's not) and the heroine is a pleasant girl whose ideals are above all other's. She doesn't feel real, but then nothing really does in FT.
I didn't feel the hate that I'm told she feels toward the enemy at the beginning, nor I felt the love she feels toward the Prince at the end. (How this love came to be? We are never shown it. We are told it's there.)
Depth of characters is not something I would tag this book with, the only one with some depth is the heroine and she's barely there too. I admit I could not really like the Prince, for his speech, his manipulations, the way he acts or doesn't toward the heroine. He's not a jerk or an ass-hole (middle-grader book here), he's simply a guy I wouldn't say a second word to.
The plot might have been interesting with a world-building to sustain it. But this is fairy tale. Magic happens and that's it, it resolves the day. Pity, because there might have been some meat behind this book.
I know, I can't really hate it nor like it. Do you like children's book? If so, this might be for you.
July 30, 2014
Cinderella and the Colonel was a refreshing spin on a timeless story. The author managed to take a story where the heroine is a victim and turned it into a story about not waiting for a prince to save her. She takes her dismal situation and becomes her own hero. The characters are multi-faceted and take on lives of their own as the story unfolds.
I have never been find of the story of Cinderella. I always hated how going to the ball and getting married were all she was meant to do. It made her into a victim and as a young girl, I couldn't understand why she needed a prince to save her. In this book though, Cinderella takes control of her own destiny, she doesn't need the prince at all, he doesn't free her, she married him for love and becomes something bigger than a princess, she becomes a role-model and a leader. Truly a wonderful story.
I admit, I liked it so much that I read it again.
I have never been find of the story of Cinderella. I always hated how going to the ball and getting married were all she was meant to do. It made her into a victim and as a young girl, I couldn't understand why she needed a prince to save her. In this book though, Cinderella takes control of her own destiny, she doesn't need the prince at all, he doesn't free her, she married him for love and becomes something bigger than a princess, she becomes a role-model and a leader. Truly a wonderful story.
I admit, I liked it so much that I read it again.
October 6, 2023
A fun story, though I think I'd be angrier (a LOT angrier) at the reveal at the end if I were Cinderella. Some things taste more like betrayal to me than others, I suppose. At any rate, there's a slight creep factor which is supposed to be mitigated by lurrrrv which I'm going to overlook since the rest of the story was quite enjoyable, and the retelling had both more depth and more originality to it than many.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
Actual rating 3.5 stars
August 22, 2016
I really liked this book. I found K.M. Shea's work earlier this year and have been immensely grateful as her books got me through some very tough weeks at school.
Cinderella and the Colonel is one of her best yet, even better than Beauty and the Beast. What I appreciated most about Cinderella and the Colonel is that K.M. Shea gives everyone (1) a believable motive and (2) believable actions stemming from that motive.
I want to avoid spoilers, but let me just say that it was a pleasure meet a Cinderella w/ red hair and a temper to match, a stepmother who is a human woman with her own sorrows and graces and not merely a Grimm ogre, and a guy who is so confident in his own masculinity that he will make baskets to impress a girl.
K.M. Shea is creating an interesting world with Loire, Arcainia, Verglas, and Erlauf, and I am hopeful that we will soon learn more of it.
Cinderella and the Colonel is one of her best yet, even better than Beauty and the Beast. What I appreciated most about Cinderella and the Colonel is that K.M. Shea gives everyone (1) a believable motive and (2) believable actions stemming from that motive.
I want to avoid spoilers, but let me just say that it was a pleasure meet a Cinderella w/ red hair and a temper to match, a stepmother who is a human woman with her own sorrows and graces and not merely a Grimm ogre, and a guy who is so confident in his own masculinity that he will make baskets to impress a girl.
K.M. Shea is creating an interesting world with Loire, Arcainia, Verglas, and Erlauf, and I am hopeful that we will soon learn more of it.
August 7, 2018
Recommended to me by Emma.
I think this is my favorite retelling of Cinderella to date.
Since Erlauf has taken over Trieux, Cinderella is trying to keep her estate together with all her loyal servants, even if she has to sell everything, including her hair, and become working class. As the highest Trieux Nobility left she is being taxed to death by the new government.
I liked that this wasn't an insta-love story but a relationship based on friendship.
If all fantasy was written like this, I would read more fantasy.
Definitely going to read more from this author.
I think this is my favorite retelling of Cinderella to date.
Since Erlauf has taken over Trieux, Cinderella is trying to keep her estate together with all her loyal servants, even if she has to sell everything, including her hair, and become working class. As the highest Trieux Nobility left she is being taxed to death by the new government.
I liked that this wasn't an insta-love story but a relationship based on friendship.
If all fantasy was written like this, I would read more fantasy.
Definitely going to read more from this author.
October 24, 2016
Cinderella and the Colonel by K.M.Shea
I did not intend to go on a retelling kick...but I went on a retelling kick. What can I say. I have itches that need to be scratched. In particular, I love retellings that are sweet/clean romance and deliver the happily-ever-after (HEA) ending. The Timeless Fairytales series delivers retellings that have an idealistic undertone, but the heroes and heroines have teeth, grit, and enough interesting character tweaks to be interesting. Also, there's a cohesive universe being developed between these stories that genuinely intrigues me, yet each story stands well on its own.
Personally, I didn't like the characters of Cinderella or Friedrich as much as I liked Elise and her bros in The Wild Swans. I really loved the familial relationships in that book, but on the upside, the romance between Cinderella and Friedrich is superb and deserves to be the focus of this story. It has political twists with Cinderella being the highest ranked noble in a conquered country, and she's under pressure to marry a noble from her country or marry Friedrich, a conquering army officer from Erlauf. Like Elise, Cinderella is another princess that's obsessed with business and finances, and Queen Freja also has a practically minded head on her shoulders. There's a lot of talks about taxes and estates, and the opening--where Cinderella is working in the market and bonding with her servants--had shades of Ever After. There is no faster way to my sugar-coated heart than making me think of Ever After. I am NOT objective here. :)
There are several points from the 'classic' Cinderella tale that were lacking for me. They could be filed away as creative twists, but the step-mother is decidedly non-evil. She's aloof but helpful, which was an interesting choice. The fairy godmother has some help, and she doesn't play the important role in the story as I was hoping she would. The star of the plot really is the politics around the military and uniting the two countries via a marriage alliance. Friedrich's role in that plot is pivotal yet interesting, but this story really does spend a lot of time building into the larger 'evil abounds' plot of the shared fairytale universe. This detracts from the Cinderella retelling, and it's not quite as brilliant as Ever After (I mean, Leonardo Da Vinci as a fairy godmother? Can you really ever beat that?) or Cinder, which I loved to pieces, but Cinderella, Friedrich, and the nobles are interesting enough to carry the plot. In particular, the young nobles and military officers with smaller parts felt distinct to me, and Cinderella and Friedrich's loyalty to their underlings did establish them as good people, which is what made this story work. Also, I love this trend of financed focused princesses who are capable of running countries, so I'll gladly return to this series for more of that.
Rating: TORN. 3 stars because I didn't love it like Wild Swans? 4 stars for being awesome in its own right and having the most believable romantic relationship in this series so far? Round-up. 4 stars.
I did not intend to go on a retelling kick...but I went on a retelling kick. What can I say. I have itches that need to be scratched. In particular, I love retellings that are sweet/clean romance and deliver the happily-ever-after (HEA) ending. The Timeless Fairytales series delivers retellings that have an idealistic undertone, but the heroes and heroines have teeth, grit, and enough interesting character tweaks to be interesting. Also, there's a cohesive universe being developed between these stories that genuinely intrigues me, yet each story stands well on its own.
Personally, I didn't like the characters of Cinderella or Friedrich as much as I liked Elise and her bros in The Wild Swans. I really loved the familial relationships in that book, but on the upside, the romance between Cinderella and Friedrich is superb and deserves to be the focus of this story. It has political twists with Cinderella being the highest ranked noble in a conquered country, and she's under pressure to marry a noble from her country or marry Friedrich, a conquering army officer from Erlauf. Like Elise, Cinderella is another princess that's obsessed with business and finances, and Queen Freja also has a practically minded head on her shoulders. There's a lot of talks about taxes and estates, and the opening--where Cinderella is working in the market and bonding with her servants--had shades of Ever After. There is no faster way to my sugar-coated heart than making me think of Ever After. I am NOT objective here. :)
There are several points from the 'classic' Cinderella tale that were lacking for me. They could be filed away as creative twists, but the step-mother is decidedly non-evil. She's aloof but helpful, which was an interesting choice. The fairy godmother has some help, and she doesn't play the important role in the story as I was hoping she would. The star of the plot really is the politics around the military and uniting the two countries via a marriage alliance. Friedrich's role in that plot is pivotal yet interesting, but this story really does spend a lot of time building into the larger 'evil abounds' plot of the shared fairytale universe. This detracts from the Cinderella retelling, and it's not quite as brilliant as Ever After (I mean, Leonardo Da Vinci as a fairy godmother? Can you really ever beat that?) or Cinder, which I loved to pieces, but Cinderella, Friedrich, and the nobles are interesting enough to carry the plot. In particular, the young nobles and military officers with smaller parts felt distinct to me, and Cinderella and Friedrich's loyalty to their underlings did establish them as good people, which is what made this story work. Also, I love this trend of financed focused princesses who are capable of running countries, so I'll gladly return to this series for more of that.
Rating: TORN. 3 stars because I didn't love it like Wild Swans? 4 stars for being awesome in its own right and having the most believable romantic relationship in this series so far? Round-up. 4 stars.
June 3, 2023
4.5 stars!
I've read alot of Cinderella retellings and this is a fresh new take. Cinderella is a duchess and inherits her estate. She doesn't have a horrible relationship with her stepfamily. She doesn't need a man to save her. She's independent. Her prince is a colonel. This was a sweet story. Lots of adventure and twists. I definitely recommend!
I've read alot of Cinderella retellings and this is a fresh new take. Cinderella is a duchess and inherits her estate. She doesn't have a horrible relationship with her stepfamily. She doesn't need a man to save her. She's independent. Her prince is a colonel. This was a sweet story. Lots of adventure and twists. I definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2018
I really wanted to like this one. I like retellings and even though the first book of the series underwhelmed me, I wanted to give this author another try.
This wasn't without its charms: dual pov, totally clean and safe, no OP drama of any kind, and an h who wasn't a hormonal mess. I appreciated a strong h, who wasn't languishing around in a dilapidated castle, waiting for someone to help her out. I also liked the message of loyalty and hard work being rewarded. However, the development of this story was lacking. Both MCs were a little one dimensional and the conflicts that this world was experiencing were too easily resolved. Plus the romance was lukewarm at best. Who knows why the MCs fell in love with each other? They explain it to each other, but there really wasn't any chemistry on the page.
This wasn't without its charms: dual pov, totally clean and safe, no OP drama of any kind, and an h who wasn't a hormonal mess. I appreciated a strong h, who wasn't languishing around in a dilapidated castle, waiting for someone to help her out. I also liked the message of loyalty and hard work being rewarded. However, the development of this story was lacking. Both MCs were a little one dimensional and the conflicts that this world was experiencing were too easily resolved. Plus the romance was lukewarm at best. Who knows why the MCs fell in love with each other? They explain it to each other, but there really wasn't any chemistry on the page.
November 11, 2015
Fun Clean. Some writing issues in this one were more noticeable to me but it didn't take away from the fun and romance of the book. Cinderella is so far one of my favorite characters in Shea's books. She was strong and a great lead for this roll. I wasn't sure I was going to like the Coloenel but wow he really grew to be great. This was a sweeter kinder take on Cinderella and I really liked it. It was like a regency read more then a fairy tale retelling and they handled the whole ball thing great, I wondered how they were going to pull that off. I loved the ending that is on Shea's blog, make sure you go there and read that. I am excited for the next one! This is a book that a 10 too 100 year old could read and love. That is another thing I love about Shea's books they are for everyone. Reread with my daughters- Reading a book out load is a great way to find all the mistakes and things that are repetitious. If I was going to offer this author some advice I would tell her to find a different way to say Cinderella Said. This is done over and over and the Characters names are used way too often, there are other ways to speak of a person or not use there names at all. BUT overall we loved it! My girls love all these retellings. Now onto Rumpelstiltskin!
August 11, 2016
My Edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages: 238
Series: Timeless Fairy Tales #3
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: I finally found a telling of Cinderella I liked. This didn't have a stupid prince or anything like the old one. I really liked this story. I loved how Shea made the Colonel. He was my favorite.
Cinderella was a duchess and her evil step mother and sisters were actually not evil. They pretty much ignored her almost the whole time. Erlauf invade Trieux which is Cinderella's country. With the tensions of everyone hating each other Cinderella navigates through her emotions and her sense of duty. While this is happening Cinderella has caught the attention of a Colonel.
Shea, you made me like Cinderella. You did the impossible. The reason this didn't get a full five stars was there were a few mistakes but nothing that made me go insane. I wish to say more but then I would ruin the whole story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5 review to come
I want to put this one off but I'm not going too. I really do not like the Cinderella fairy tale. Especially the Disney version. Actually the new live action one wasn't so bad. Mostly to do with Robb Stark being Prince Charming.
Ugh! Okay Let's do this!!!
Pages: 238
Series: Timeless Fairy Tales #3
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: I finally found a telling of Cinderella I liked. This didn't have a stupid prince or anything like the old one. I really liked this story. I loved how Shea made the Colonel. He was my favorite.
Cinderella was a duchess and her evil step mother and sisters were actually not evil. They pretty much ignored her almost the whole time. Erlauf invade Trieux which is Cinderella's country. With the tensions of everyone hating each other Cinderella navigates through her emotions and her sense of duty. While this is happening Cinderella has caught the attention of a Colonel.
Shea, you made me like Cinderella. You did the impossible. The reason this didn't get a full five stars was there were a few mistakes but nothing that made me go insane. I wish to say more but then I would ruin the whole story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.5 review to come
I want to put this one off but I'm not going too. I really do not like the Cinderella fairy tale. Especially the Disney version. Actually the new live action one wasn't so bad. Mostly to do with Robb Stark being Prince Charming.
Ugh! Okay Let's do this!!!
May 4, 2017
3.5 stars
A very nice story about two people from opposite sides falling for each other, light and witty and engaging. The character development was minimal though, all the characters were good and pure at heart while Cinderella was of course the fairest and wittiest and most kindhearted of them all. I liked the twist about the stepmother though, it was refreshing.
For adolescent readers, it's a perfect read, and it was a good escape read for me, right when I needed
something non-taxing or stressing at all. If I read it in a less stressful period of my life I doubt I'd rate it with more than 3 stars, but at this point I needed something entertaining and that's exactly what I got. So 3.5 rounded up to 4 for a job well done, but I have to say it lacked any depth.
A very nice story about two people from opposite sides falling for each other, light and witty and engaging. The character development was minimal though, all the characters were good and pure at heart while Cinderella was of course the fairest and wittiest and most kindhearted of them all. I liked the twist about the stepmother though, it was refreshing.
For adolescent readers, it's a perfect read, and it was a good escape read for me, right when I needed
something non-taxing or stressing at all. If I read it in a less stressful period of my life I doubt I'd rate it with more than 3 stars, but at this point I needed something entertaining and that's exactly what I got. So 3.5 rounded up to 4 for a job well done, but I have to say it lacked any depth.
January 1, 2020
I was a bit worried when I started Cinderella and the Colonel, as the beginning was rather slow and full of dull politics. I admired Cinderella and how kind, loyal, and hardworking she was, and the twist that she’s voluntarily working in order to protect her family home and the loyal servants within it was lovely. It was enough to keep me reading, but the story kind of dragged until Colonel Friedrich entered the picture.
Once he did, I thoroughly enjoyed his and Cinderella's slow-burn romance. At first, Cinderella is wary of the Colonel considering he’s part of the enemy kingdom that has conquered her own homeland, but thanks to his persistence and the more time they spend together, their relationship blossoms in a beautiful way, first to friendship, then into romance. Their love is sweet, with cute bantering and genuine affection for one another. It was delightful watching them come together.
The romance aside, this was a creative take on Cinderella. I loved how most of her struggles came not from abuse (I liked how the stepmother and stepsisters weren’t evil and had more of a background role) but from within, both with her circumstances but mostly with her own prejudices and need to forgive. The book had a strong message of forgiveness and empathy, which I loved. Overall, Cinderella and the Colonel was a lovely and unique Cinderella retelling.
Once he did, I thoroughly enjoyed his and Cinderella's slow-burn romance. At first, Cinderella is wary of the Colonel considering he’s part of the enemy kingdom that has conquered her own homeland, but thanks to his persistence and the more time they spend together, their relationship blossoms in a beautiful way, first to friendship, then into romance. Their love is sweet, with cute bantering and genuine affection for one another. It was delightful watching them come together.
The romance aside, this was a creative take on Cinderella. I loved how most of her struggles came not from abuse (I liked how the stepmother and stepsisters weren’t evil and had more of a background role) but from within, both with her circumstances but mostly with her own prejudices and need to forgive. The book had a strong message of forgiveness and empathy, which I loved. Overall, Cinderella and the Colonel was a lovely and unique Cinderella retelling.
June 18, 2017
I found this preachy and shallow. While I appreciate a proactive heroine in what is typically a passive fairy tale, this Cinderella had no depth. Neither did the prince (aside from being a bit of a jerk that never realized that called perfect stranger "pet" isn't very polite).
The ideas of attacks from dark magic were only superficially developed and really did nothing to contribute to the story or character development. The only real antagonist was the queen, and that whole thing was resolved in two pages of "sorry I was mean" dialogue.
I love a good Cinderella story, but I didn't feel like this was one. Perhaps I would feel differently if I read some of the other books in this series, but this book didn't make me want to.
The ideas of attacks from dark magic were only superficially developed and really did nothing to contribute to the story or character development. The only real antagonist was the queen, and that whole thing was resolved in two pages of "sorry I was mean" dialogue.
I love a good Cinderella story, but I didn't feel like this was one. Perhaps I would feel differently if I read some of the other books in this series, but this book didn't make me want to.
April 9, 2015
I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. It's a great spin on the traditional Cinderella fairy tale. The interactions between the hero and heroine were hilarious. I kept laughing.
I loved how strong the heroine was. When there was a problem, she tackled it. If she didn't know what to do, she figured it out.
There was action and magic and lots of laughs.
One negative: No sex scenes between the hero and heroine. After all the build up of their romance, I would have liked a peek.
Overall, I loved this book.
I loved how strong the heroine was. When there was a problem, she tackled it. If she didn't know what to do, she figured it out.
There was action and magic and lots of laughs.
One negative: No sex scenes between the hero and heroine. After all the build up of their romance, I would have liked a peek.
Overall, I loved this book.
October 30, 2020
This was pretty close to perfect for me, like most of Shea's books, and I pretty much loved everything about it! The characters were wonderfully fleshed out, even some of the more minor ones, and there was character development! I always appreciate it when an author takes a somewhat dislikeable character and turn he/she into a favorite!
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars
Read #1 December 26, 2015 - December 28, 2015
Read #2 December 28, 2015 - January 3, 2016
Read #3 October 28, 2016 - October 28, 2016
Read #4 January 13, 2017 - January 14, 2017
Read #1 December 26, 2015 - December 28, 2015
Read #2 December 28, 2015 - January 3, 2016
Read #3 October 28, 2016 - October 28, 2016
Read #4 January 13, 2017 - January 14, 2017
January 27, 2015
Excellent! Creative! Differently! An explosion of charm and strength! I think I love it even more than the original. I'm very impressed with Shea' s writing. TOTALLY RECOMENDED!
Want to read
January 1, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/1/2020)! 🎁
March 25, 2023
I love this one so much. It’ll forever be one of my favorite books. Ever.
June 4, 2023
This is the most unique retelling of Cinderella I’ve ever read! Rather than making Cinderella poor and a mistreated servant, she’s actually a Duchess of an in debt estate due to a war where her country was conquered by another and she really dislikes them for it (understandably). So already with this new take the story starts out WAY differently then your normal Cinderella tale which also takes things a step further by making her Prince Charming a colonel that at first she wants nothing to do with, lol.
I loved Cinderella and Friedrich and seeing their relationship move from irritating each other to friendship to more was so well done and flowed so naturally I was almost as surprised as Cinderella by the change (but not really, lol 😆). Cinderella herself goes through such a change and while she still has the kindness she’s so well known for, she also has a more fiery and sometimes even petty side that makes her an entirely different yet familiar character all at once. And under all his charm Friedrich is such a sweetheart and I love him for it. 🥰
So far this is my favorite in the series, and I can’t wait to continue!
‼️Content‼️
Language: darn it; darned
Violence: arrows are shot at characters; characters are chased and attacked by assassins; a character kills an assassin (not shown); a mage captures a woman and tries to choke her; an arrow hits a guy’s shoulder; fighting with magic and farm tools as weapons; a girl slaps a guy
Sexual: mild suggestive hints/comments; kissing (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink alcohol
Other: magic; mages, enchanters, a fairy godmother, and magicians; magical objects and powers; death
[Read as one of my 2023 Specific New Books to Read goal]
I loved Cinderella and Friedrich and seeing their relationship move from irritating each other to friendship to more was so well done and flowed so naturally I was almost as surprised as Cinderella by the change (but not really, lol 😆). Cinderella herself goes through such a change and while she still has the kindness she’s so well known for, she also has a more fiery and sometimes even petty side that makes her an entirely different yet familiar character all at once. And under all his charm Friedrich is such a sweetheart and I love him for it. 🥰
So far this is my favorite in the series, and I can’t wait to continue!
‼️Content‼️
Language: darn it; darned
Violence: arrows are shot at characters; characters are chased and attacked by assassins; a character kills an assassin (not shown); a mage captures a woman and tries to choke her; an arrow hits a guy’s shoulder; fighting with magic and farm tools as weapons; a girl slaps a guy
Sexual: mild suggestive hints/comments; kissing (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink alcohol
Other: magic; mages, enchanters, a fairy godmother, and magicians; magical objects and powers; death
[Read as one of my 2023 Specific New Books to Read goal]
November 21, 2019
I randomly picked this because I was in the mood for a fairy tale retelling and wanted something light and romancy.
It was a quick read full of funny moment, sweet themes, and a very shipable couple. Cinderella and Friedrich are too adorable and there were so many moments that had me squealing. I love Cinderella's sweet heart and I love Friedrich's grumpy but soft character
The Cinderella elements were perfect! They were clearly there but also the story way very much fresh and original. I've always had a soft spot for Cinderella's stepmother and I loved how she was handled in this story
A few asides: Friedrich calling Cinderella "pet" bothered me- especially because it bothered her. There's one somewhat gruesome scene- nothing too gory, but as the rest of the book was free of any real action or violence it was a little surprising so far in- but it's quick and central to the story.
And this is book three so if you're like me and you start here, you might get a little lost at the references to previous books (not complaining, I knew what I was getting into). But honestly it wasn't even that much and you can definitely read this one without having read the others
Overall it's a lovely book and I can't wait to dive back into this world. Excited to see what else this author has to offer!
It was a quick read full of funny moment, sweet themes, and a very shipable couple. Cinderella and Friedrich are too adorable and there were so many moments that had me squealing. I love Cinderella's sweet heart and I love Friedrich's grumpy but soft character
The Cinderella elements were perfect! They were clearly there but also the story way very much fresh and original. I've always had a soft spot for Cinderella's stepmother and I loved how she was handled in this story
A few asides: Friedrich calling Cinderella "pet" bothered me- especially because it bothered her. There's one somewhat gruesome scene- nothing too gory, but as the rest of the book was free of any real action or violence it was a little surprising so far in- but it's quick and central to the story.
And this is book three so if you're like me and you start here, you might get a little lost at the references to previous books (not complaining, I knew what I was getting into). But honestly it wasn't even that much and you can definitely read this one without having read the others
Overall it's a lovely book and I can't wait to dive back into this world. Excited to see what else this author has to offer!
June 5, 2023
Unfortunately, this was a little underwhelming for me. I liked the premise, but the execution just wasn't it. And here's why:
First, I liked the entire non-insta-love idea between Cinderella and the Colonel, but unfortunately there was also no real chemistry for me. It was almost cute, but not enough.
Second, I was quite annoyed that the MC is called Cinderella for no reason. We all know that in the original story, it is a demeaning nickname given to her by her stepfamily, her real name being Ella. So I did not get this.
Third, speaking of the stepfamily, it was so vague to me what on earth they were doing this book. They weren't evil, but they definitely didn't have any added value either (except perhaps .
Fourth, I think there was a lot of potential with the Colonel, for instance . And moreover, I cringed every time he called Cinderella 'Pet' - it is not cute.
Apart from these points, I thought it was kind of funny that the author basically mirrored the rivalry between the two kingdoms - Erlauf and Trieux - on Germany and France. At least, that clearly stood out to me. Anyways, after writing this review I am seriously considering lowering it to two stars... but I'll leave it like this for now.
First, I liked the entire non-insta-love idea between Cinderella and the Colonel, but unfortunately there was also no real chemistry for me. It was almost cute, but not enough.
Second, I was quite annoyed that the MC is called Cinderella for no reason. We all know that in the original story, it is a demeaning nickname given to her by her stepfamily, her real name being Ella. So I did not get this.
Third, speaking of the stepfamily, it was so vague to me what on earth they were doing this book. They weren't evil, but they definitely didn't have any added value either (except perhaps .
Fourth, I think there was a lot of potential with the Colonel, for instance . And moreover, I cringed every time he called Cinderella 'Pet' - it is not cute.
Apart from these points, I thought it was kind of funny that the author basically mirrored the rivalry between the two kingdoms - Erlauf and Trieux - on Germany and France. At least, that clearly stood out to me. Anyways, after writing this review I am seriously considering lowering it to two stars... but I'll leave it like this for now.
Read
June 25, 2023This series would make the absolute sweetest show, I think... almost like Once Upon a Time but more wholesome <3
November 9, 2022
A nice, charming retelling of "Cinderella". [But, still, the best variation I have read is "The Reluctant Godfather" (here my review).]
Let's be honest, Cinderella is one of these fairy-tales which are too much ridiculous at one point. I mean, one ball, one shoe and then the HEA. Of course, the story of abusing young girl by her family is timeless, but the true value of the story of Cinderella one can see mostly in a good retelling.
In this version, there was little abusing by the stepmother but Cinderella struggling were showed in a very interesting way.
What was more enjoyable was the love story. It was funny, believable and sweet.
It was also about the role of a woman, her rights, and about hate (and prejudice) between people. So, one can find here a few wise words.
Moreover, we had here a mystery and whole world at some kind of war (or at a pre-war time). This world somewhere in the background sounded like an encouragement to read the next book of 'Timeless Fairy Tales' series. And I am going to do it.
I think 'Timeless Fairy Tales' stories aren't perfect, aren't masterpieces but they are a solid piece for a nice evening. At least I assume this after this one example.
Let's be honest, Cinderella is one of these fairy-tales which are too much ridiculous at one point. I mean, one ball, one shoe and then the HEA. Of course, the story of abusing young girl by her family is timeless, but the true value of the story of Cinderella one can see mostly in a good retelling.
In this version, there was little abusing by the stepmother but Cinderella struggling were showed in a very interesting way.
What was more enjoyable was the love story. It was funny, believable and sweet.
It was also about the role of a woman, her rights, and about hate (and prejudice) between people. So, one can find here a few wise words.
but we are also in the perfect time, because in such uncertain days as these, we can change and defy traditional thought patterns and beliefs
Moreover, we had here a mystery and whole world at some kind of war (or at a pre-war time). This world somewhere in the background sounded like an encouragement to read the next book of 'Timeless Fairy Tales' series. And I am going to do it.
I think 'Timeless Fairy Tales' stories aren't perfect, aren't masterpieces but they are a solid piece for a nice evening. At least I assume this after this one example.
April 24, 2019
I've been reading this series by K.M Shea. The first one Beauty and the Beast showed a lot of promise. There were a few tells of an inexperienced writer but it had a lot of promise. I skipped the second book as it had some things I didn't think I'd enjoy from looking at the reviews. I went on to this book which was a really enjoyable.
It's a retelling, obviously, of the Cinderella story. Except, as with all the books in this series, there are some liberties with the fairy tales. They don't go just as you expect. The series is full of spunky heroines with a whole lot of bravery and also heart. They all have strengths in spades of different sorts. Each heroine has something she brings to the table, holds her own and also has a moral center. None are perfect though and it's an intriguing mix that the author gets just right. I really like strong heroines and this series is delivering them left and right.
I enjoyed the surprises and twists we get with this tale and am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
It's a retelling, obviously, of the Cinderella story. Except, as with all the books in this series, there are some liberties with the fairy tales. They don't go just as you expect. The series is full of spunky heroines with a whole lot of bravery and also heart. They all have strengths in spades of different sorts. Each heroine has something she brings to the table, holds her own and also has a moral center. None are perfect though and it's an intriguing mix that the author gets just right. I really like strong heroines and this series is delivering them left and right.
I enjoyed the surprises and twists we get with this tale and am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
March 17, 2024
Amazing retelling of a favorite fairytale!!
I usually enjoy fairy tale retelling, but this author has shot to the top of my list as being one of my favorites. She entrenched you as the reader into her world and despite knowing the classic fairy tale, I am constantly surprised by the plot and the storyline. Well done!!
I usually enjoy fairy tale retelling, but this author has shot to the top of my list as being one of my favorites. She entrenched you as the reader into her world and despite knowing the classic fairy tale, I am constantly surprised by the plot and the storyline. Well done!!
January 24, 2023
Third in the Timeless Fairy Tales, we move onto Cinderella. This is a MAJOR rethinking of the Cinderella story; here are just some examples:
- her stepsisters aren't evil
- her stepmother isn't really that bad
- Cinderella is hella rich!
- slow-burn instead of insta romance
I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say this (as it's obvious), but I'll be safe:
So, Cinderella is living in a state/kingdom that has been taken over by Erlauf - and there are major political issues between the pair. They all hate each other. And the real message of the story isn't that you need a fairy godmother to make you beautiful and you can be a princess, but This book felt a bit... chaotic? I don't know. I spent quite a lot of the time feeling like I wasn't sure why things were happening/I wasn't interested in the things that were happening.
I liked that Cinderella had a bit more agency (don't worry, we still get a fairy godmother and a pumpkin and a glass slipper and all that), but it felt... strange. Not strange for a woman to have agency, but strange as in it didn't work very well in the world-building. There were no other women with the kind of power that she had. Like The Wild Swans there was a surprising emphasis on financial matters, which is practical I guess. Unfortunately, the love interest is completely bland and uninspiring. Really. Not worth wasting words on him.
My least favourite so far... probably 1.5 stars, even though it was a more thoughtful take on the Cinderella story.
- her stepsisters aren't evil
- her stepmother isn't really that bad
- Cinderella is hella rich!
- slow-burn instead of insta romance
I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say this (as it's obvious), but I'll be safe:
So, Cinderella is living in a state/kingdom that has been taken over by Erlauf - and there are major political issues between the pair. They all hate each other. And the real message of the story isn't that you need a fairy godmother to make you beautiful and you can be a princess, but This book felt a bit... chaotic? I don't know. I spent quite a lot of the time feeling like I wasn't sure why things were happening/I wasn't interested in the things that were happening.
I liked that Cinderella had a bit more agency (don't worry, we still get a fairy godmother and a pumpkin and a glass slipper and all that), but it felt... strange. Not strange for a woman to have agency, but strange as in it didn't work very well in the world-building. There were no other women with the kind of power that she had. Like The Wild Swans there was a surprising emphasis on financial matters, which is practical I guess. Unfortunately, the love interest is completely bland and uninspiring. Really. Not worth wasting words on him.
My least favourite so far... probably 1.5 stars, even though it was a more thoughtful take on the Cinderella story.
August 31, 2024
Now THIS was a good book. I didn’t much care for book 1, so skipped book 2 and went straight to Cinderella, as I heard it was the best in the series… And this one didn’t disappoint! This is a great read, full of honor, sacrifice, and faithfulness in the face of adversity. I loved how the characters and relationships were developed, and the romance was incredibly smooth and natural. Overall, the book has a slower pace and is more focused on developing relationships than action.
Admittedly, the insertion of the ball and midnight flight into the story felt a little forced, as did parts of the ending… but it’s a fairy tale and to be expected, so I’ll let that slide 😊
Content:
There’s no foul language or violence, and the romance is clean. There is magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
Admittedly, the insertion of the ball and midnight flight into the story felt a little forced, as did parts of the ending… but it’s a fairy tale and to be expected, so I’ll let that slide 😊
Content:
There’s no foul language or violence, and the romance is clean. There is magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
February 2, 2022
This book was a refreshing change from the typical cinderella retellings. I liked the way cinderella cares so much for her servants. And the thing I most loved is that her stepmother, while not the best person, never mistreated her.
And I also loved all the soldiers of Friedrich's regiment.
P.S. the basket weaving part was my favourite!
And I also loved all the soldiers of Friedrich's regiment.
P.S. the basket weaving part was my favourite!
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