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Happily
If the shoe fits, wear it.
If it doesn't, make it.
Laure is a teenage street urchin, struggling to get by and dreaming of the day she can get away from it all.
But then she hears about the prince's hunt for a girl who lost a glass slipper. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She'll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.
If it doesn't, make it.
Laure is a teenage street urchin, struggling to get by and dreaming of the day she can get away from it all.
But then she hears about the prince's hunt for a girl who lost a glass slipper. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She'll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.
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Published April 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 5, 2018
Happily by Chauncey Rogers is a retelling of Cinderella, but totally unique and refreshing with an interesting premise! I sort of cherish retellings and couldn’t wait to see how Happily compared to some of the others I’ve read. As soon as I saw it, I instantly fell for the cover too! I had no idea what to expect, but rather than following the story of Cinderella and her wicked step-sisters, it follows what’s happening on the outside with Laure, the female protagonist. Laure is hard-headed, sort of pessimistic and chooses to live differently than a commoner while despising royalty as well. She’s a street urchin, and because she refuses to work, Laure barely makes ends meet by stealing the foods and necessities she needs to survive. With good reason (due to her past) she hates where she lives, Éclatant, and would love nothing more than to leave it all behind forever. During one of her thefts, she ends up causing problems for a boy named Luc and he simply won’t stand for it. He threatens to turn her in for her crime, until she shares her plans to trick the royals and in turn promises to pay him back. They both set out on an exciting, yet often dangerous journey filled with adventure.
I was genuinely connected with all the characters in the book. Laure is a very strong main character and I admired how she evolved throughout the story as she learned many lessons about honesty, love, and friendship. She’s headstrong and stubborn–nearly the opposite of Luc– but even so, she wants to do what’s right and they still had some similarities too. Luc is the type of person that wants to have a positive perspective in all situations. He’s optimistic and wants to help Laure see the good in people, and in life. With their likes and differences, they were nearly perfect medicine for one another. Prince Carl was everything I wanted him to be and truly, all the characters were great and meshed together well. Derived from the characters, one of my favorite morals in the story was to be yourself and to stand up for what you believe in.
I was pleased with the writing and the pacing was spot on which kept me interested throughout. It’s modern and without too much romance which I think makes it appealing to younger readers. The twists kept me guessing and the story wasn’t predictable. I felt like the narrative consistently took the direction I wanted it to. With that said, the ending felt a tad rushed, but with some wonderful surprises which the author tied up well. I can see this easily adapted into a movie as it’s remarkably different and stands out from others! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys retellings or those looking for a magnificent story.
I’d like to thank Chauncey Rogers for bringing this book to my attention and sharing it with me.
You can also see this review @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
My rating: 5*****
I was genuinely connected with all the characters in the book. Laure is a very strong main character and I admired how she evolved throughout the story as she learned many lessons about honesty, love, and friendship. She’s headstrong and stubborn–nearly the opposite of Luc– but even so, she wants to do what’s right and they still had some similarities too. Luc is the type of person that wants to have a positive perspective in all situations. He’s optimistic and wants to help Laure see the good in people, and in life. With their likes and differences, they were nearly perfect medicine for one another. Prince Carl was everything I wanted him to be and truly, all the characters were great and meshed together well. Derived from the characters, one of my favorite morals in the story was to be yourself and to stand up for what you believe in.
I was pleased with the writing and the pacing was spot on which kept me interested throughout. It’s modern and without too much romance which I think makes it appealing to younger readers. The twists kept me guessing and the story wasn’t predictable. I felt like the narrative consistently took the direction I wanted it to. With that said, the ending felt a tad rushed, but with some wonderful surprises which the author tied up well. I can see this easily adapted into a movie as it’s remarkably different and stands out from others! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys retellings or those looking for a magnificent story.
I’d like to thank Chauncey Rogers for bringing this book to my attention and sharing it with me.
You can also see this review @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
My rating: 5*****
April 3, 2018
Why This Book
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Happily by Chauncey Rogers this week and am grateful for that opportunity. I've been a fan of the author's work ever since I read one of his earlier novels, Cleaving Souls, last year after I connected with him via his blog. I liked his style and was eager to see the translation from a more psychological and suspenseful story to a re-telling of a classic Cinderella story.
Approach & Style
It took me about 5 hours over 3 days to read an electronic version via Kindle Reader on my iPad. The book is ~300 pages and divided into ~20 chapters each with a clever title to clue you in on the events. The story is told in first-person POV and from the perspective of Laure, the protagonist. It is a re-telling (re-appropriation, alternative version) of the classic Cinderella tale, but it has several new takes and theories on what was really happening behind the scenes with that darn shoe! It crosses many genres and would be a good read for young adults or adults, especially with the beautiful imagery, language, and multiple double-meanings in many of the lines and action.
Plot, Characters & Setting
Laure is trying to survive in a distant land with no family to support her. She's caught trying to steal some supplies but races away in the nick of time. Just as she's about to be captured again, she stumbles into the perfect escape route with the help of local merchant, Luc. At first, he wants to turn her in, but when an opportunity presents itself for them to both get what they deserve/want, everything changes. Meanwhile, King Justin is looking for a bride for his son, but there is a twist regarding the shoe left behind at a ball. Some fathers (or royalty for that matter!) just don't know when to quit being so pushy. The two stories collide and threaten to change the future for everyone involved, but Laure fights to get what she wants. It's a fairy tale... wanna guess what happens?
Key Thoughts
Although it's a fairy tale, the language is more modern and realistic. Rogers has done a fantastic job removing the fluffy aspects of the original story by adding a touch of rawness and humor. It's very easy to read his work without getting caught up in too much description or too many unnecessary details. There's always a good balance of imagination, facts and ample window room for the reader to fill in the blanks when you read a Rogers novel.
The re-telling of the story is quite brilliant. You of course have your shoes, the ball, a prince and a girl trying to get away from a poor life... but she is not Cinderella... and you know that from the very first page when she begins talking. Sassy, direct, and tough are the three words that most come to mind. When you dive into the other characters, you'll find no true step-sisters, but a pair of reasons/people that hold her back. Not all the characters are picture-perfect pretty models who we often see in these types of stories. Rogers took the facts, threw them high up in the air, caught a few as they landed, twisted and tortured the rest, thus turning everything we knew upside down!
What I enjoyed most about this story is the clever use of modern afflictions or situations in a timeline that could be almost any period in history. It's less about the setting and characters, and instead more about the challenges we face in being who we are. One or two facts about our appearance or lot in life do not define who we can be or what can happen to us. That's where I found myself intrigued and surprised throughout the course of this wonderful read.
It's a story you will enjoy reading if you find humor and smiles in seeing how people can very differently interpret the comings and goings of Cinderella and her prince. Some parts will speak more loudly than others, but in the end, you'll have a very fun connection to familiar people in an alternative setting. You'll know it's the same story, but it will also be something fresh and new. Kudos for such an insightful glance into what makes characters tick.
Summary
I recommend this book, as well as several others written by Chauncey Rogers. His imagination will surprise you and his writing will impress you. Another winner! Be sure to pick this one up on April 3rd when it is officially published.
More Details on the Book
Laure is a teenage street urchin just trying to get away. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She'll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.
No fairy godmother. No magic pumpkin. Just one grumpy girl and a glass slipper. If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn’t, make it.
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Happily by Chauncey Rogers this week and am grateful for that opportunity. I've been a fan of the author's work ever since I read one of his earlier novels, Cleaving Souls, last year after I connected with him via his blog. I liked his style and was eager to see the translation from a more psychological and suspenseful story to a re-telling of a classic Cinderella story.
Approach & Style
It took me about 5 hours over 3 days to read an electronic version via Kindle Reader on my iPad. The book is ~300 pages and divided into ~20 chapters each with a clever title to clue you in on the events. The story is told in first-person POV and from the perspective of Laure, the protagonist. It is a re-telling (re-appropriation, alternative version) of the classic Cinderella tale, but it has several new takes and theories on what was really happening behind the scenes with that darn shoe! It crosses many genres and would be a good read for young adults or adults, especially with the beautiful imagery, language, and multiple double-meanings in many of the lines and action.
Plot, Characters & Setting
Laure is trying to survive in a distant land with no family to support her. She's caught trying to steal some supplies but races away in the nick of time. Just as she's about to be captured again, she stumbles into the perfect escape route with the help of local merchant, Luc. At first, he wants to turn her in, but when an opportunity presents itself for them to both get what they deserve/want, everything changes. Meanwhile, King Justin is looking for a bride for his son, but there is a twist regarding the shoe left behind at a ball. Some fathers (or royalty for that matter!) just don't know when to quit being so pushy. The two stories collide and threaten to change the future for everyone involved, but Laure fights to get what she wants. It's a fairy tale... wanna guess what happens?
Key Thoughts
Although it's a fairy tale, the language is more modern and realistic. Rogers has done a fantastic job removing the fluffy aspects of the original story by adding a touch of rawness and humor. It's very easy to read his work without getting caught up in too much description or too many unnecessary details. There's always a good balance of imagination, facts and ample window room for the reader to fill in the blanks when you read a Rogers novel.
The re-telling of the story is quite brilliant. You of course have your shoes, the ball, a prince and a girl trying to get away from a poor life... but she is not Cinderella... and you know that from the very first page when she begins talking. Sassy, direct, and tough are the three words that most come to mind. When you dive into the other characters, you'll find no true step-sisters, but a pair of reasons/people that hold her back. Not all the characters are picture-perfect pretty models who we often see in these types of stories. Rogers took the facts, threw them high up in the air, caught a few as they landed, twisted and tortured the rest, thus turning everything we knew upside down!
What I enjoyed most about this story is the clever use of modern afflictions or situations in a timeline that could be almost any period in history. It's less about the setting and characters, and instead more about the challenges we face in being who we are. One or two facts about our appearance or lot in life do not define who we can be or what can happen to us. That's where I found myself intrigued and surprised throughout the course of this wonderful read.
It's a story you will enjoy reading if you find humor and smiles in seeing how people can very differently interpret the comings and goings of Cinderella and her prince. Some parts will speak more loudly than others, but in the end, you'll have a very fun connection to familiar people in an alternative setting. You'll know it's the same story, but it will also be something fresh and new. Kudos for such an insightful glance into what makes characters tick.
Summary
I recommend this book, as well as several others written by Chauncey Rogers. His imagination will surprise you and his writing will impress you. Another winner! Be sure to pick this one up on April 3rd when it is officially published.
More Details on the Book
Laure is a teenage street urchin just trying to get away. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She'll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.
No fairy godmother. No magic pumpkin. Just one grumpy girl and a glass slipper. If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn’t, make it.
March 24, 2018
When Chauncey Rogers first asked me to review his new book "Happily", I was automatically intrigued after reading his horror/thriller novel, "Cleaving Souls". Now when he told me it was a Cinderella retelling, I was completely thrown off guard! How was the man that wrote such a thrilling novel as "Cleaving Souls" going to pull off a fairy tale relling??!! Honestly, I was a little scared because what if I didn't like it and I liked Chauncey as a person so much as well as his previous novel.
Well he put those feelings at bay, instantly!!! In fact, I devoured this whole novel in one sitting! This is hands down the best fairy tale retelling that I have read! It was completely incredible and the characterization was absolutely amazing! Laure was filled with this sass and spunk that you can't help but love. Luc has a heart of gold that just made me swoon. The plot was fast and steady yet wonderfully descriptive! This book teaches a lot of valuable principles, for instance you should "never judge a book by it's cover" and "true beauty truly lies from within". I became intensely invested in these characters that I didn't want the novel to stop and I am dying for more! I truly loved everything about it and Chauncey Rogers has quickly made himself one of my all time favorite authors! I know that regardless of the genre or the synopsis of the book that Chauncey Rogers comes out with, it's going to be a magnificent work of art! I would seriously follow his work anywhere! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good retelling and/or Young Adult novel.😍💯📚❤👑
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all opinions expressed are my own.
Well he put those feelings at bay, instantly!!! In fact, I devoured this whole novel in one sitting! This is hands down the best fairy tale retelling that I have read! It was completely incredible and the characterization was absolutely amazing! Laure was filled with this sass and spunk that you can't help but love. Luc has a heart of gold that just made me swoon. The plot was fast and steady yet wonderfully descriptive! This book teaches a lot of valuable principles, for instance you should "never judge a book by it's cover" and "true beauty truly lies from within". I became intensely invested in these characters that I didn't want the novel to stop and I am dying for more! I truly loved everything about it and Chauncey Rogers has quickly made himself one of my all time favorite authors! I know that regardless of the genre or the synopsis of the book that Chauncey Rogers comes out with, it's going to be a magnificent work of art! I would seriously follow his work anywhere! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good retelling and/or Young Adult novel.😍💯📚❤👑
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 2, 2018
I pick my YA carefully - it's one of those genres I don't read too much of. But when I do read it? It's gotta be pretty damn good. And you know what? I'm so glad to say that Happily was! So let's see my 5 reasons why I would recommend you to read it too. You can also read the post on my blog here.
5 Reasons To Read Happily
A Grumpy Cat Main Character
Come on! CAN YOU RESIST THAT? Somehow, a grumpy cat character really, really, REALLY works for YA. Maybe because most of us remember being a teen, and a lot of it is kind of like being a grumpy cat? Also... it's unbelievably amusing. Especially when Laure's plans don't really work out. Or do her in... Her attitudes can be pretty adorable. And it's also adorable seeing them change.
It's A Relatable Story - IF You've Been A Teen!! (LOL)
I mean, of course you've been one, but not all of us remember being one. Laure's emotions and the way she acts and feels are so relatable - that's if you remember how you felt when you were a teen. She acts silly, irresponsibly, selfishly - and it's all perfectly understandable, considering where it's coming from. Even though most of us probably had a much better teenage life than Laure did, it's still pretty easy to relate to her frustration and the way she acts.
Kind Of Like An RPG
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All of the adventures the Laure and Luc went through just felt like a good old RPG to me! That's what made it really fun. The pace was good and it never really wound down. There's never a point when the story gets boring. And they're always in peril! Once you start, you don't really want to stop reading. And this is also one of those books that you can finish in an evening or two! You might see the ending coming - but then again, you might not. I admit, I thought it would end something like the way it did - but I didn't quite get it. So it will keep you guessing to the very end!
This Is Not Cinderella
Okay, I'm sort of risking spoilers a little here - but I mean, we all know Cinderella wasn't a street urchin. There is no family, there is no fairy godmother - even the blurb says that. So we all know Laure is no Cincerella to begin with. I really loved this aspect of the story... That you don't have to be special to be the main character (of your life)! There's something so special with focusing on the story of someone who is actually beside the story. And I feel like it's an especially important message for teens - when growing up, the hardest thing to accept is that you're not, indeed, the main character in world's history. You're only the main character of your own little life. This is something even some adults never come to accept. This is something you can't accept on some days, I'm willing to bet!
Virtues And The Moral
Every good fairytale needs a moral! And I have to say, Happily definitely did, and I think it was more than one. I loved the way the characters (well, okay, mostly just Laure!) grew and showed their better sides. I loved the virtues and morality that was promoted! There should be more fairytales and Teen/MG stories that promote just being yourself, not going for what's cool, rich or coveted, and just being honest, caring and kind. It's generally what fairytales try to promote, but I feel like Happily does it in a very nice, contemporary way. There were way more lessons than I'm mentioning in Happily - but I don't care to mention them all. Read the book and you will find out!
Other Books You Might Like
Okay, so judge me - I haven't actually read Ella Enchanted, but I've seen the movie, and I'm recommending it based on that. But I thought there were a lot of touchpoints in this story! And Cinderella definitely not being the main one of them! Anyway, when I was reading it, some other comparisons were hovering in my mind, but I just couldn't figure out which ones I'm thinking about, so I'm basically stuck with just the one!
I thank Chauncey Rogers for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
Read Post On My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
5 Reasons To Read Happily
A Grumpy Cat Main Character
Come on! CAN YOU RESIST THAT? Somehow, a grumpy cat character really, really, REALLY works for YA. Maybe because most of us remember being a teen, and a lot of it is kind of like being a grumpy cat? Also... it's unbelievably amusing. Especially when Laure's plans don't really work out. Or do her in... Her attitudes can be pretty adorable. And it's also adorable seeing them change.
It's A Relatable Story - IF You've Been A Teen!! (LOL)
I mean, of course you've been one, but not all of us remember being one. Laure's emotions and the way she acts and feels are so relatable - that's if you remember how you felt when you were a teen. She acts silly, irresponsibly, selfishly - and it's all perfectly understandable, considering where it's coming from. Even though most of us probably had a much better teenage life than Laure did, it's still pretty easy to relate to her frustration and the way she acts.
Kind Of Like An RPG
[image error]
All of the adventures the Laure and Luc went through just felt like a good old RPG to me! That's what made it really fun. The pace was good and it never really wound down. There's never a point when the story gets boring. And they're always in peril! Once you start, you don't really want to stop reading. And this is also one of those books that you can finish in an evening or two! You might see the ending coming - but then again, you might not. I admit, I thought it would end something like the way it did - but I didn't quite get it. So it will keep you guessing to the very end!
This Is Not Cinderella
Okay, I'm sort of risking spoilers a little here - but I mean, we all know Cinderella wasn't a street urchin. There is no family, there is no fairy godmother - even the blurb says that. So we all know Laure is no Cincerella to begin with. I really loved this aspect of the story... That you don't have to be special to be the main character (of your life)! There's something so special with focusing on the story of someone who is actually beside the story. And I feel like it's an especially important message for teens - when growing up, the hardest thing to accept is that you're not, indeed, the main character in world's history. You're only the main character of your own little life. This is something even some adults never come to accept. This is something you can't accept on some days, I'm willing to bet!
Virtues And The Moral
Every good fairytale needs a moral! And I have to say, Happily definitely did, and I think it was more than one. I loved the way the characters (well, okay, mostly just Laure!) grew and showed their better sides. I loved the virtues and morality that was promoted! There should be more fairytales and Teen/MG stories that promote just being yourself, not going for what's cool, rich or coveted, and just being honest, caring and kind. It's generally what fairytales try to promote, but I feel like Happily does it in a very nice, contemporary way. There were way more lessons than I'm mentioning in Happily - but I don't care to mention them all. Read the book and you will find out!
Other Books You Might Like
Okay, so judge me - I haven't actually read Ella Enchanted, but I've seen the movie, and I'm recommending it based on that. But I thought there were a lot of touchpoints in this story! And Cinderella definitely not being the main one of them! Anyway, when I was reading it, some other comparisons were hovering in my mind, but I just couldn't figure out which ones I'm thinking about, so I'm basically stuck with just the one!
I thank Chauncey Rogers for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
Read Post On My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
April 12, 2018
“Huh. I’m not accustomed to being concerned about laws.”
He laughed. “Probably not.”
I laughed as well. He had no idea.
Laure is a girl living on the streets for more than a year and surviving by stealing from others. This is her story and she’ll tell you the truth, and nothing more, nothing less. A word of advice: She doesn’t really like you, but don’t take it personally, she doesn’t like most people period.
Laure has always hated Éclatant, where there is no place for her especially since her father never came back.
I couldn’t wait to get out of Éclatant.
Bunch. Of. Idiots.
She just wants out, but for escaping Éclatant, she needs money. She decides to what she’s best at: stealing, this time at the palace market. She has a supposedly good plan until it falls apart and she has to quickly improvise to escape but ends up ruining someone’s everything. Luc finds her and threatens to take her to the guards and claim justice, but Laure makes him see how it’ll not be desirable for either of them and together they set out to try and fit Laure’s foot in the glass slipper to solve their problems: to make Laure the future Queen so she could live a life without struggle and so that she can get Luc all that he lost.
It’s a retelling of Cinderella which doesn’t have much of Cinderella other than her huge glass slipper which she left behind and our grumpy and sulky Laure wants to fit her foot into.
I liked the author’s perspective of Cinderella. It wasn’t as I anticipated it would be, it was different and that made it all the more enjoyable! It was good throughout and it’s not a big read so I quickly devour it, so can you. I must say that the ending seemed a bit rushed though, as compared to the rest of the book, but it’s a standalone so I give it leave on that account!
Laure had some great thoughts about the whole slipper thing, take a look:
I rolled my eyes at the whole thing as I passed through the gates. The prince had fallen in love with a girl whose name and face he didn’t even know, and then had lost her. Now a shoe was their best approach to finding her?
(I’m sure I missed the better ones!)
King Justin is plain mad but his character is really fun, so is all the bickering between Laure and Luc and Prince Carl of course. I liked Luc and his visions and noble opinions, but sometimes he got too high on his moral horse. Laure didn’t disappoint me anywhere being the morose character that she is, but we saw other sides of her too and I loved her all the way! I wasn’t a big fan of the prince, he was fine, good heart!
I highly recommend it :)
Thank you Chauncey Rogers for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
He laughed. “Probably not.”
I laughed as well. He had no idea.
Laure is a girl living on the streets for more than a year and surviving by stealing from others. This is her story and she’ll tell you the truth, and nothing more, nothing less. A word of advice: She doesn’t really like you, but don’t take it personally, she doesn’t like most people period.
Laure has always hated Éclatant, where there is no place for her especially since her father never came back.
I couldn’t wait to get out of Éclatant.
Bunch. Of. Idiots.
She just wants out, but for escaping Éclatant, she needs money. She decides to what she’s best at: stealing, this time at the palace market. She has a supposedly good plan until it falls apart and she has to quickly improvise to escape but ends up ruining someone’s everything. Luc finds her and threatens to take her to the guards and claim justice, but Laure makes him see how it’ll not be desirable for either of them and together they set out to try and fit Laure’s foot in the glass slipper to solve their problems: to make Laure the future Queen so she could live a life without struggle and so that she can get Luc all that he lost.
It’s a retelling of Cinderella which doesn’t have much of Cinderella other than her huge glass slipper which she left behind and our grumpy and sulky Laure wants to fit her foot into.
I liked the author’s perspective of Cinderella. It wasn’t as I anticipated it would be, it was different and that made it all the more enjoyable! It was good throughout and it’s not a big read so I quickly devour it, so can you. I must say that the ending seemed a bit rushed though, as compared to the rest of the book, but it’s a standalone so I give it leave on that account!
Laure had some great thoughts about the whole slipper thing, take a look:
I rolled my eyes at the whole thing as I passed through the gates. The prince had fallen in love with a girl whose name and face he didn’t even know, and then had lost her. Now a shoe was their best approach to finding her?
(I’m sure I missed the better ones!)
King Justin is plain mad but his character is really fun, so is all the bickering between Laure and Luc and Prince Carl of course. I liked Luc and his visions and noble opinions, but sometimes he got too high on his moral horse. Laure didn’t disappoint me anywhere being the morose character that she is, but we saw other sides of her too and I loved her all the way! I wasn’t a big fan of the prince, he was fine, good heart!
I highly recommend it :)
Thank you Chauncey Rogers for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2018
4.5 stars....
Oh my God, this one's really amazing,,, :) :) :)
Oh my God, this one's really amazing,,, :) :) :)
February 20, 2018
I was kindly given an advance copy of this book by the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Rogers has a way of writing that engages and keeps my attention, no matter the subject.
This was definitely a novel and refreshing take on the Cinderella story, and managed not to be cliche, as many fairy tale re-tellings can be. Although I do think that this story would stand up perfectly well as a fantasy story with something else to replace the glass slipper trope.
My only small criticism of the story is that some of the dialogue reads as slightly too modern for the medieval style fairy tale setting.
All in all a great read. I look forward to whatever is next for the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Rogers has a way of writing that engages and keeps my attention, no matter the subject.
This was definitely a novel and refreshing take on the Cinderella story, and managed not to be cliche, as many fairy tale re-tellings can be. Although I do think that this story would stand up perfectly well as a fantasy story with something else to replace the glass slipper trope.
My only small criticism of the story is that some of the dialogue reads as slightly too modern for the medieval style fairy tale setting.
All in all a great read. I look forward to whatever is next for the author.
fairytale-retelling-to-read
October 4, 2018Recommended by Aqsa :)
April 23, 2018
Full review on: FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES
I grabbed the opportunity when this book was free for two days on Amazon, as I had heard good things about this book. And I would say, I wasn’t disappointed 🙂 I totally enjoyed this book. It was a quick read which I finished it hardly in 3 sittings.
Laure is the main character who is living on streets and basically surviving by stealing from others. Her plan is to leave Eclatant but she needed money. She made a solid plan but unfortunately, it failed and she met Luc. The news in the city was that the prince had fallen in love with a girl who came to his ball a day before and left a glass shoe. Laure and Luc together go on an embarking journey for getting a duplicate glass shoe, so that Laure can claim that she is the one who left that shoe. Will they get success in their plan? What difficulties will they face in their journey? Who is the girl who left that glass slipper in the first place? To know the answer to these questions, you need to read the book 🙂
What I Liked
-----------------------------------
1) Happily is a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story. I guess everyone knows that story, still reading this book felt as if the whole story was from a new perspective. It is safe to say that it has Cinderella but the story is not all so-Cinderella 🙂
2) The world building was fantastic. There is a rich town with King and Prince. Then there is a poor town destroyed by the war. There are bandits, adventures, and interesting characters. And oh, in this, the Prince is really nice.
3) I loved how the main characters were so contrasting, though both were almost in a similar situation. Laure was a badass, bitter and a little cynical, while Luc was sophisticated, honest and helpful. Reading the arguments between the two was really interesting.
4) Though the story was predictable in many places, I really liked the little twists that were thrown in between. Those little twists were sometimes humorous and I really was grinning at those scenes.
5) It had a lot of adventures like I said before. That made the story action-packed. The fight scenes were done really good.
6) It was a quick and breezy read. The language was easy to grasp making it a fast read.
7) It had the perfect ending that a story could have. In a Cinderella kind of way.
What I didn’t like
-----------------------------------
1) I felt that the end was little rushed. I mean I liked the ending, but I wish that there were a little bit more details about the final scene.
2) Though I loved that the language of the book was modern, sometimes they were too modern. In a story like this, the language should be little closer to medieval style.
Final thoughts
Happily is definitely a feel-good Cinderella retelling. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for a quick and fun read. You would be surprised by the world-building and the imagination. This book has important messages about friendship and moral responsibilities and is full of humor and adventure.
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I grabbed the opportunity when this book was free for two days on Amazon, as I had heard good things about this book. And I would say, I wasn’t disappointed 🙂 I totally enjoyed this book. It was a quick read which I finished it hardly in 3 sittings.
Laure is the main character who is living on streets and basically surviving by stealing from others. Her plan is to leave Eclatant but she needed money. She made a solid plan but unfortunately, it failed and she met Luc. The news in the city was that the prince had fallen in love with a girl who came to his ball a day before and left a glass shoe. Laure and Luc together go on an embarking journey for getting a duplicate glass shoe, so that Laure can claim that she is the one who left that shoe. Will they get success in their plan? What difficulties will they face in their journey? Who is the girl who left that glass slipper in the first place? To know the answer to these questions, you need to read the book 🙂
What I Liked
-----------------------------------
1) Happily is a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story. I guess everyone knows that story, still reading this book felt as if the whole story was from a new perspective. It is safe to say that it has Cinderella but the story is not all so-Cinderella 🙂
2) The world building was fantastic. There is a rich town with King and Prince. Then there is a poor town destroyed by the war. There are bandits, adventures, and interesting characters. And oh, in this, the Prince is really nice.
3) I loved how the main characters were so contrasting, though both were almost in a similar situation. Laure was a badass, bitter and a little cynical, while Luc was sophisticated, honest and helpful. Reading the arguments between the two was really interesting.
4) Though the story was predictable in many places, I really liked the little twists that were thrown in between. Those little twists were sometimes humorous and I really was grinning at those scenes.
5) It had a lot of adventures like I said before. That made the story action-packed. The fight scenes were done really good.
6) It was a quick and breezy read. The language was easy to grasp making it a fast read.
7) It had the perfect ending that a story could have. In a Cinderella kind of way.
What I didn’t like
-----------------------------------
1) I felt that the end was little rushed. I mean I liked the ending, but I wish that there were a little bit more details about the final scene.
2) Though I loved that the language of the book was modern, sometimes they were too modern. In a story like this, the language should be little closer to medieval style.
Final thoughts
Happily is definitely a feel-good Cinderella retelling. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for a quick and fun read. You would be surprised by the world-building and the imagination. This book has important messages about friendship and moral responsibilities and is full of humor and adventure.
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June 18, 2018
You can find this and many more reviews on my blog Marianna's Corner!
***3.5***
I finally read this!!! I have been in an awful on and off reading slump for some time now and it really has been affecting my reading. I started Happily last month, and even though from the very first chapters I was enjoying it, I just couldn’t keep going. Why I’m telling you all this? Simply because I want you all to know that despite reading this for a long time, I ended up really enjoying it.
Happily is not your typical fairytale retelling and this becomes obvious from the very first chapter. Laure our main protagonist is quite unlikable; she is snarky, pessimistic, cynical and done with all of our s**t. Which is why I loved her so much.
The novel managed to come across as modern while maintaining this fairytale vibe that is expected by a retelling. The world of Eclatant was magical and medieval but it didn’t sugar coat things; the problems of the kingdom were addressed as well as some minor critic of the empire, which I really appreciated and did not expect from a novel like that.
Another thing I liked were the twists?!?!?! There were a lot of plot twists, and overall IT WAS SO FRUSTRATING NOT KNOWING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND WHO IS WHO !!!! (if you read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about)
Lastly, I liked the way the story was told narrative wise; Laure was narrating her whole story right before the wedding. So we got to see how she felt about the events that happened to her from a future self perspective, if that makes sense.
There’s this one thing I did not like; the male protagonist had a birthmark on his cheek, and Laure kept calling it “disgusting” and she was appalled by the mere sight of it. Ok, I get that the author wanted to show her character development and how she changed her views on things because later on she changes her attitude, but still I think it could have been omitted.
A big thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
***3.5***
I finally read this!!! I have been in an awful on and off reading slump for some time now and it really has been affecting my reading. I started Happily last month, and even though from the very first chapters I was enjoying it, I just couldn’t keep going. Why I’m telling you all this? Simply because I want you all to know that despite reading this for a long time, I ended up really enjoying it.
Happily is not your typical fairytale retelling and this becomes obvious from the very first chapter. Laure our main protagonist is quite unlikable; she is snarky, pessimistic, cynical and done with all of our s**t. Which is why I loved her so much.
The novel managed to come across as modern while maintaining this fairytale vibe that is expected by a retelling. The world of Eclatant was magical and medieval but it didn’t sugar coat things; the problems of the kingdom were addressed as well as some minor critic of the empire, which I really appreciated and did not expect from a novel like that.
Another thing I liked were the twists?!?!?! There were a lot of plot twists, and overall IT WAS SO FRUSTRATING NOT KNOWING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND WHO IS WHO !!!! (if you read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about)
Lastly, I liked the way the story was told narrative wise; Laure was narrating her whole story right before the wedding. So we got to see how she felt about the events that happened to her from a future self perspective, if that makes sense.
There’s this one thing I did not like; the male protagonist had a birthmark on his cheek, and Laure kept calling it “disgusting” and she was appalled by the mere sight of it. Ok, I get that the author wanted to show her character development and how she changed her views on things because later on she changes her attitude, but still I think it could have been omitted.
A big thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
February 9, 2018
Being a fan of the author Chauncey Rogers after reading his first two books Home To Roost (now an all time favorite, and Cleaving Souls), I was given a copy of Happily for an honest review. Well, I loved it! It was adorable! This book would appeal to kids as well as grown ups. The story is about how the "Prince" and Cinderella really got together. The characters are all "characters", they are fun and unique. The story also has lots of descriptive action that really hooks the reader. I don't want to give a synopsis of the plot because it would ruin it for the next reader. I love Chauncey's style of writing and his humor, especially with the background of ancient times. Anybody who can take a child's fairytale and turn it into a novel that an adult could love has quite a bit of talent. Thanks, Chauncey, for giving me today's smile!
March 22, 2018
*Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was such a delight to read! It was wonderful and fluffy with some action in between. The fairytale retelling took me by surprise in a way I wasn't expecting. Defiantly in a good way! A lot of times I can predict the way things will turn out but this didn't happen with Happily.
The plot was such a joy. The world building was great. I could picture it all very clearly with the detail the author provided. The journey taken wasn't long but the incidents that took place during that time left me turning the pages wanting more. This was a twist on Cinderella so there was a damsel in need of saving. But this damsel wasn't wanting a Prince in shining armor to rescue her. She wanted to take care of herself. Along the way she made mistakes and had to pay for them. Resulting in a friendship she least expected.
The characters were all lovely. Luc was my favorite. He was a Prince but not in the royal way. He was great from the beginning to the end. Laure is so stubborn and doesn't want help from no one. I enjoyed seeing her grow into the character she ends up becoming. I loved the fact that these characters seemed realistic with problems people have to deal with on a daily basis. Like personal hygiene for example.
The romance can't be too defined without spoilers. So I will just say that I am so very happy with it. It was perfect!
If you love fairytale retellings or just a cute read in general then I highly recommend this.
This was such a delight to read! It was wonderful and fluffy with some action in between. The fairytale retelling took me by surprise in a way I wasn't expecting. Defiantly in a good way! A lot of times I can predict the way things will turn out but this didn't happen with Happily.
The plot was such a joy. The world building was great. I could picture it all very clearly with the detail the author provided. The journey taken wasn't long but the incidents that took place during that time left me turning the pages wanting more. This was a twist on Cinderella so there was a damsel in need of saving. But this damsel wasn't wanting a Prince in shining armor to rescue her. She wanted to take care of herself. Along the way she made mistakes and had to pay for them. Resulting in a friendship she least expected.
The characters were all lovely. Luc was my favorite. He was a Prince but not in the royal way. He was great from the beginning to the end. Laure is so stubborn and doesn't want help from no one. I enjoyed seeing her grow into the character she ends up becoming. I loved the fact that these characters seemed realistic with problems people have to deal with on a daily basis. Like personal hygiene for example.
The romance can't be too defined without spoilers. So I will just say that I am so very happy with it. It was perfect!
If you love fairytale retellings or just a cute read in general then I highly recommend this.
March 22, 2018
I loved this re-telling of Cinderella… actually, I don’t even know if I could call it that since Laure is NOT Cinderella! First of all she gave me more of an Aladdin vibe, a street urchin, down on her luck who has to steal to get by. She is feisty and likeable …o.k, maybe only to me!
“Ten days ago, the weather was nice. I suppose I’m obligated to tell you about the weather first, right? It seems that’s what they always do. Either that or that awful cliché of “once upon a time.” Only, this wasn’t once upon a time. It was just ten days ago.”
She definitely has an attitude, a mouth, and a HUGE chip on her shoulder… but, wouldn’t you after being alone on the streets for so long? You have to look out for yourself!
Secondly, she is LITERALLY not Cinderella! Laure is out to take Cinderella’s place as the wearer of the glass slipper, but she is definitely a different girl!
“Most people aren’t good. Maybe they’re not bad, but they’re not good, either. They’re just people—stupid, selfish, thoughtless people, going about their equally stupid lives. And if you put them in a position where they have to prove whether they’re good or not, nine times out of ten you’re going to be disappointed.”
Which brings me to Luc. In a stroke of bad luck/meets good luck Laure meets Luc, a boy just trying to support his mother and sisters in the wake of poverty and tragedy, with a morally sound view on life and the hard work that it takes to keep it livable.
“I squared up to him. “Fine, so what if I complain too much? You don’t know my life. You don’t know what I’ve been through. And I’ll bet everyone else would complain more if they weren’t so stupid.”
“Stupid?” Luc said. “Laure, they don’t complain because they’re too busy doing something about their problems.”
Enter Laure to swoop in and ruin his very livelihood (You’ll have to read to find out how!) Now the only way they can think to get it back, and to get her out of Eclatant is to pass her off as the mystery woman who ran out of the Ball and away from her Prince.
It shouldn’t be so hard as the Royal Family is as thick and crazy as they are wealthy.
“King Justin?” I said, shocked. “King Justin? That man is an idiot who is more fit to lead a parade of clowns than a kingdom. Haven’t you heard the latest show of royal ineptitude? They’re dragging a shoe around…”
The politics of the story were an unexpected addition and lent to the depth of the story. A people struggling to bring their lives and their land back to what it was before a war that shouldn’t have occurred, and the lengths that need to be traversed to get there.
There are many great morals and messages within this story about judging others. People may not be what you expect, oro”Never Judge a Book by Its Cover”… I do that all the time, so I guess that is somethings I still haven’t learned! 😉
A wonderful story, and a breath of fresh air as the somewhat vapid, rodent commanding, singing Cinderella character’s place is taken by this hard headed, street savvy, angry, lonely girl.
There are so many facets to her and so much growth in her character as she begins to realize that things in her life can change. That maybe, just maybe, she can be the person that Luc thinks she can be.
“Ten days ago, the weather was nice. I suppose I’m obligated to tell you about the weather first, right? It seems that’s what they always do. Either that or that awful cliché of “once upon a time.” Only, this wasn’t once upon a time. It was just ten days ago.”
She definitely has an attitude, a mouth, and a HUGE chip on her shoulder… but, wouldn’t you after being alone on the streets for so long? You have to look out for yourself!
Secondly, she is LITERALLY not Cinderella! Laure is out to take Cinderella’s place as the wearer of the glass slipper, but she is definitely a different girl!
“Most people aren’t good. Maybe they’re not bad, but they’re not good, either. They’re just people—stupid, selfish, thoughtless people, going about their equally stupid lives. And if you put them in a position where they have to prove whether they’re good or not, nine times out of ten you’re going to be disappointed.”
Which brings me to Luc. In a stroke of bad luck/meets good luck Laure meets Luc, a boy just trying to support his mother and sisters in the wake of poverty and tragedy, with a morally sound view on life and the hard work that it takes to keep it livable.
“I squared up to him. “Fine, so what if I complain too much? You don’t know my life. You don’t know what I’ve been through. And I’ll bet everyone else would complain more if they weren’t so stupid.”
“Stupid?” Luc said. “Laure, they don’t complain because they’re too busy doing something about their problems.”
Enter Laure to swoop in and ruin his very livelihood (You’ll have to read to find out how!) Now the only way they can think to get it back, and to get her out of Eclatant is to pass her off as the mystery woman who ran out of the Ball and away from her Prince.
It shouldn’t be so hard as the Royal Family is as thick and crazy as they are wealthy.
“King Justin?” I said, shocked. “King Justin? That man is an idiot who is more fit to lead a parade of clowns than a kingdom. Haven’t you heard the latest show of royal ineptitude? They’re dragging a shoe around…”
The politics of the story were an unexpected addition and lent to the depth of the story. A people struggling to bring their lives and their land back to what it was before a war that shouldn’t have occurred, and the lengths that need to be traversed to get there.
There are many great morals and messages within this story about judging others. People may not be what you expect, oro”Never Judge a Book by Its Cover”… I do that all the time, so I guess that is somethings I still haven’t learned! 😉
A wonderful story, and a breath of fresh air as the somewhat vapid, rodent commanding, singing Cinderella character’s place is taken by this hard headed, street savvy, angry, lonely girl.
There are so many facets to her and so much growth in her character as she begins to realize that things in her life can change. That maybe, just maybe, she can be the person that Luc thinks she can be.
February 20, 2018
If the shoe fits, wear it.
If it doesn’t, make it.
Happily is a fairy-tale retelling by author Chauncey Rogers. This fantasy retelling will be published April 3, 2018. I received advance reader copy of the book in exchange for honest review. This is not your typical happily ever after kind of story. It does not even begin with once upon a time....
"Ten days ago, the weather was nice. I suppose I'm obligated to tell you about the weather fist, right? It seems that's what they always do. Either that or that awful cliché of "once upon a time." Only this wasn't once upon a time. It was just ten days ago." ― Chauncey Rogers, Happily
Guess what happened? Well ten days ago, the prince fell in love with a girl whose name and face he didn't even know and then lost her. And now? Well, a shoe was their best approach to finding her...
Meet Laure. Laure is a teenage street urchin just trying to get away. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She'll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.
I was very positively surprised by Happily. By surprised, I mean that I don't usually set very high expectations for self-published books. Happily exceeded my expectations by millions of miles... First, just look at the cover. Let's start with that. It's perfection, I adore it. Glass slipper, title and tagline and the ambitious "If the shoe fits..." ...there's no confusion to what the book is about. You kind of want to turn it around and see what's it about. Next, I loved the humor in the book. I guess whenever authors lighten up the mood by supposedly funny/ sarcastic descriptions, it always wins me over. I liked the characters. Laure was an interesting main character. She seems a bit rebellious and also grumpy and that might annoy you at first but then her bravery wins you over. And friendship...between Laure and Luc was adorable because Luc is in many ways opposite of Laure.
"Yep", Luc said. "See, what I did was called work. That", he said, reaching up and grabbing the coin from my hand, "is called payment. A lot of people do it every day ― both the working and the paying." He put the coin back down in the bag and said, "Maybe someday you'll experience it yourself."
"Very funny."
(...)
"Nah, not really. I mean, I suppose some work is funny. Most of it is just a part of life, though." ― Chauncey Rogers, Happily
There were some plot twists that were a bit weird before I thought about them so I didn't like that. Moreover, I didn't quite like the ending (although no one likes coming to an end of a good book) because it felt a bit rushed. All in all though, this was a lovely book and I warmly recommend it if you have a passion for retellings.
4/5 stars
February 23, 2018
Happily is not your average retelling. It is so much more. It is full of wonder and whimsy, and jolly good fun. For those who enjoy reading retellings outside of the box, you will love this one!
Oh my, this was wonderful! It had everything I love about faerie tales and retellings. It was engaging, charming, amusing, full of bandits and bamboozling, and had a few great morals.
I loved Chauncey's writing style. It was fun but elegant, and it flowed so nicely. It had some great imagery, allowing me to imagine the world while I read, and he did a fantastic job with fleshing out the characters so that I learned more about them as the story went on.
Laure was a refreshing character. She had fight in her. She struggled for everything she had and endured a pretty hard life. I loved her humor and wit, and really enjoyed watching her change and learn some great life lessons with Luc.
Luc stole my heart. He struggled just like Laure, but he had a vastly different outlook on life and people. He was innately good and kind, and was such an optimist. I loved his heart and how he made an impact on Laure.
And, I loved the story changes made to the prince. He wasn't your average charming, handsome prince. He was a little timid when it came to his kingdom and his father, the king, but he was also kind hearted and ambitious, deep down. Plus, he had a crazy, eccentric king of a father to contend with.
So, what do you get when you throw together an optimist, a pessimist, a bunch of angry bandits, an eccentric king, and a timid prince looking for his true love that ran away from the ball and left only a glass slipper? You get Happily. And, boy did Happily make me happy!
Without going in to too much detail, Happily was more than just a retelling. It was almost a sideways telling. It had a lot of changes from the original tale (good ones), and leaned more toward an origin type story with the way the events unfolded. It was refreshing, entertaining, and whimsical! It had amazing characters, and was so fun to read, almost reminiscent of The Princess Bride.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review and as part of my Faerie Tale Friday post.
Oh my, this was wonderful! It had everything I love about faerie tales and retellings. It was engaging, charming, amusing, full of bandits and bamboozling, and had a few great morals.
I loved Chauncey's writing style. It was fun but elegant, and it flowed so nicely. It had some great imagery, allowing me to imagine the world while I read, and he did a fantastic job with fleshing out the characters so that I learned more about them as the story went on.
Laure was a refreshing character. She had fight in her. She struggled for everything she had and endured a pretty hard life. I loved her humor and wit, and really enjoyed watching her change and learn some great life lessons with Luc.
Luc stole my heart. He struggled just like Laure, but he had a vastly different outlook on life and people. He was innately good and kind, and was such an optimist. I loved his heart and how he made an impact on Laure.
And, I loved the story changes made to the prince. He wasn't your average charming, handsome prince. He was a little timid when it came to his kingdom and his father, the king, but he was also kind hearted and ambitious, deep down. Plus, he had a crazy, eccentric king of a father to contend with.
So, what do you get when you throw together an optimist, a pessimist, a bunch of angry bandits, an eccentric king, and a timid prince looking for his true love that ran away from the ball and left only a glass slipper? You get Happily. And, boy did Happily make me happy!
Without going in to too much detail, Happily was more than just a retelling. It was almost a sideways telling. It had a lot of changes from the original tale (good ones), and leaned more toward an origin type story with the way the events unfolded. It was refreshing, entertaining, and whimsical! It had amazing characters, and was so fun to read, almost reminiscent of The Princess Bride.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review and as part of my Faerie Tale Friday post.
March 12, 2018
This is a Cinderella fairy tale retelling with a twist... the main character is NOT Cinderella! Instead, the main character is a smart-alec orphan girl named Laure who lives on the streets and steals to survive. One day, she steals from a spice merchant, and is running from the soldiers when she runs into Luc, a young cloth merchant, and knocks his entire store of wares into the palace moat. He tracks her down, and together they devise a way to pay Luc back so that he could start over.
The day before, the prince had fallen in love with a girl at the Royal Masquerade Ball, but she ran out on him, and the only thing he has left to identify her by is an enormous glass slipper. The king declared that whomsoever fit the shoe, would marry the prince. It was taken throughout the kingdom, but nobody fit the huge shoe. Laure and Luc decide to fool them by making a matching glass shoe in a neighboring kingdom, and then getting a wasp to sting Laure's foot and make it swell up. If they are found out, they could likely be thrown in the dungeon. Can they get away with it? And can they accomplish all this before the real girl shows up?
This story was nothing like I had expected it to be... it was much better! It was filled with action, adventure, and humor, with just a touch of romance thrown in. It was good, clean fun for all ages. The only things in this book parents might find objectionable for children would be violence and gore, kissing, and the word "sucks". It would be a great story to read aloud with your children, especially if you are one of those parents who wants to introduce your children to fairytales but doesn't like the magic in them. This isn't just meant for children, though, and adults can also get just as much enjoyment out of it. I loved it! Five stars!
The day before, the prince had fallen in love with a girl at the Royal Masquerade Ball, but she ran out on him, and the only thing he has left to identify her by is an enormous glass slipper. The king declared that whomsoever fit the shoe, would marry the prince. It was taken throughout the kingdom, but nobody fit the huge shoe. Laure and Luc decide to fool them by making a matching glass shoe in a neighboring kingdom, and then getting a wasp to sting Laure's foot and make it swell up. If they are found out, they could likely be thrown in the dungeon. Can they get away with it? And can they accomplish all this before the real girl shows up?
This story was nothing like I had expected it to be... it was much better! It was filled with action, adventure, and humor, with just a touch of romance thrown in. It was good, clean fun for all ages. The only things in this book parents might find objectionable for children would be violence and gore, kissing, and the word "sucks". It would be a great story to read aloud with your children, especially if you are one of those parents who wants to introduce your children to fairytales but doesn't like the magic in them. This isn't just meant for children, though, and adults can also get just as much enjoyment out of it. I loved it! Five stars!
March 23, 2018
4.5 Happy Stars!!!
This is not Cinderella’s story. While Cinderella was busy discovering magic, stealing a prince’s heart and dealing with a conniving step family, the rest of the kingdom was going about its daily business. In surviving life, the only way she thinks she can, Laure stumbles into the Prince’s search for his mysterious beauty and devises a clever plan to hoist herself out of a life of desperation. But things rarely go as expected…
Oh my goodness, Chauncey had my chuckling while I read this story. Laure is one fierce heroine. She’s had more than her share of bad luck and thinks the world owes her now. People are not nice, rich people deserve to be robbed and the nobility are a bunch of idiots. How this hard and disaffected young lady befriends an altruistic young man named Luc is a sweet story. Laure’s transformation is believably shown and enchanting to witness.
The adventure of this story is captivating. I thought I knew what to expect, but I really didn’t. Chauncey takes his readers on an action-packed adventure. The bandits, the palace intrigue and the King all make you wonder, what could possibly happen next?! I was totally gripped by the story and needed to know what happens next. The pacing is spot on.
The setting is ideal for this story. Éclatant and all its varied social class structures are well-portrayed. The kingdom of Galamonte is convincingly used to describe what life in a war-ravaged region might be like. The journeys through the country roads and woods are brought to life thanks to the author’s descriptive skills.
This is a light-hearted story that builds on the original fairy tale. There are moments where the action or issues are more realistic and intense but overall, it’s meant to make you smile.
This is not Cinderella’s story. While Cinderella was busy discovering magic, stealing a prince’s heart and dealing with a conniving step family, the rest of the kingdom was going about its daily business. In surviving life, the only way she thinks she can, Laure stumbles into the Prince’s search for his mysterious beauty and devises a clever plan to hoist herself out of a life of desperation. But things rarely go as expected…
Oh my goodness, Chauncey had my chuckling while I read this story. Laure is one fierce heroine. She’s had more than her share of bad luck and thinks the world owes her now. People are not nice, rich people deserve to be robbed and the nobility are a bunch of idiots. How this hard and disaffected young lady befriends an altruistic young man named Luc is a sweet story. Laure’s transformation is believably shown and enchanting to witness.
The adventure of this story is captivating. I thought I knew what to expect, but I really didn’t. Chauncey takes his readers on an action-packed adventure. The bandits, the palace intrigue and the King all make you wonder, what could possibly happen next?! I was totally gripped by the story and needed to know what happens next. The pacing is spot on.
The setting is ideal for this story. Éclatant and all its varied social class structures are well-portrayed. The kingdom of Galamonte is convincingly used to describe what life in a war-ravaged region might be like. The journeys through the country roads and woods are brought to life thanks to the author’s descriptive skills.
This is a light-hearted story that builds on the original fairy tale. There are moments where the action or issues are more realistic and intense but overall, it’s meant to make you smile.
April 2, 2018
This story is pretty much a retelling of Cinderella from another person’s point of view. The glass slipper, a prince, and Cinderella are the only similarities to the original story. You don’t even really get to meet Cinderella until the end. The story is all told from Laure’s point of view. And boy is she one sassy person. Loved it.
Here a quote from the book that sums it up perfectly;
“I rolled my eyes at the whole thing as I passed through the gates. The prince had fallen in love with a girl whose name and face he didn’t even know, and then had lost her. Now a shoe was their best approach to finding her? I couldn’t wait to get out of Eclatant. Bunch. Of. Idoits.”
There was action, there was an adventure, there was the main character learning a different side of herself. It was all done really beautifully and to the point. There was no extra added fluff or unneeded scenes and lala. It just told a really great story from start to finish. Very much enjoyed it, added a nice twist to a very well known story.
(Disclaimer: I received a copy from Author, does not affect my review)
Here a quote from the book that sums it up perfectly;
“I rolled my eyes at the whole thing as I passed through the gates. The prince had fallen in love with a girl whose name and face he didn’t even know, and then had lost her. Now a shoe was their best approach to finding her? I couldn’t wait to get out of Eclatant. Bunch. Of. Idoits.”
There was action, there was an adventure, there was the main character learning a different side of herself. It was all done really beautifully and to the point. There was no extra added fluff or unneeded scenes and lala. It just told a really great story from start to finish. Very much enjoyed it, added a nice twist to a very well known story.
(Disclaimer: I received a copy from Author, does not affect my review)
March 11, 2018
I received this book as a physical ARC from the author. This has not affected my opinion on the book in any way.
FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS!!!! As you know, I love magic and fantasy and fairy tales, and retellings always make me really happy that a story is being kept alive. Cinderella used to be one of my favourite fairy tales, so it’s pretty clear that I have a soft spot for anything glass-slippery. Happily was a fun, sweet, and really interesting modern retelling of Cinderella which I really, really enjoyed.
What I Liked
So this book did a really amazing job as a modern telling of Cinderella. It kept some of the key elements of the glass slipper, a prince, a girl trying to make a better life for herself, yet, this was so refreshing and different. Rogers took away the more “cliché” elements of the story and instead gave it the touch of humour and fun while still keeping it magical. The plot was quite different from Cinderella in ways, what with all the bandits and crazy kings, but was still so fun to read.
I loved the writing style- it wasn’t overly descriptive or boring, but it still managed to give me this entire visual of what Galamonte and Éclatante were like. I enjoyed the humour, it was light and funny and really had me grinning- there were times when I did find it a bit childish, but because it is a middle grade book, it makes sense.
Coming to the characters- Laure is literally the opposite of any girl I would imagine as the main character in Cinderella, and I loved that! Where Cinderella was a shy, introverted girl, who let’s be honest, was a bit of a pushover, Laure was tough, stubborn, and pretty direct. Always up for a fight, she was a fun character to read about. She was quite mean sometimes, but which thirteen year old isn’t? She was flawed and human and really sarcastic and I loved that.
Luc, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Laure. Where she was rude, he was kind. Where she had given up hope, he continued to be optimistic. Where all things looked dark, he continued to look at the good. He was so pure all the time it was almost annoying, cuz this boy saw a silver lining in everything! But I loved that message too- that no matter how dark and hopeless and sad everything seems, there is still something good happening somewhere. I also liked Prince Carl. Kind, patient, and a really sweet character- though he was a bit spineless at first, he grew to be a pretty cool guy.
One of my favourite things about the book was the message. Carl had glasses as thick as a magnifying glass- so what? He’s a good person. Luc has large birthmark on his face- so? Everyone in this book was so accepting of any sort of “flaw” and I loved that, because I wish people were like that too. Physical features do NOT matter. They really don’t. It’s the personality that’s important.
I found the romance okaay. It was one of the few things that I didn’t like about the book. I felt the whole “Laure and Luc” thing was a bit rushed and unrealistic, and though I saw the friendship grow, I didn’t see the spark or chemistry. But then again, it’s targetted for middle grade readers, so I can’t say much.
Now moving on to things I didn’t like too much.
What I Didn't Like
As I said, the romance was a bit of a miss for me. Also, I thought the last 50 pages or so of the book were quite rushed. These sudden plot twists were put in but weren’t explained in depth and it all happened too quickly for me to believe any of it. Parts of the end were a bit unnecessary and could have been left out, especially the big “plot twist”. But on the whole, I quite enjoyed this book and thought it was a really fun read!
Rating:
A 3.75-ish stars rounded up to four. This was a fun, refreshing, and light read, and I really really enjoyed it! Thank you Chauncey for sending this book to me- I really liked it!
FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS!!!! As you know, I love magic and fantasy and fairy tales, and retellings always make me really happy that a story is being kept alive. Cinderella used to be one of my favourite fairy tales, so it’s pretty clear that I have a soft spot for anything glass-slippery. Happily was a fun, sweet, and really interesting modern retelling of Cinderella which I really, really enjoyed.
What I Liked
So this book did a really amazing job as a modern telling of Cinderella. It kept some of the key elements of the glass slipper, a prince, a girl trying to make a better life for herself, yet, this was so refreshing and different. Rogers took away the more “cliché” elements of the story and instead gave it the touch of humour and fun while still keeping it magical. The plot was quite different from Cinderella in ways, what with all the bandits and crazy kings, but was still so fun to read.
I loved the writing style- it wasn’t overly descriptive or boring, but it still managed to give me this entire visual of what Galamonte and Éclatante were like. I enjoyed the humour, it was light and funny and really had me grinning- there were times when I did find it a bit childish, but because it is a middle grade book, it makes sense.
Coming to the characters- Laure is literally the opposite of any girl I would imagine as the main character in Cinderella, and I loved that! Where Cinderella was a shy, introverted girl, who let’s be honest, was a bit of a pushover, Laure was tough, stubborn, and pretty direct. Always up for a fight, she was a fun character to read about. She was quite mean sometimes, but which thirteen year old isn’t? She was flawed and human and really sarcastic and I loved that.
Luc, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Laure. Where she was rude, he was kind. Where she had given up hope, he continued to be optimistic. Where all things looked dark, he continued to look at the good. He was so pure all the time it was almost annoying, cuz this boy saw a silver lining in everything! But I loved that message too- that no matter how dark and hopeless and sad everything seems, there is still something good happening somewhere. I also liked Prince Carl. Kind, patient, and a really sweet character- though he was a bit spineless at first, he grew to be a pretty cool guy.
One of my favourite things about the book was the message. Carl had glasses as thick as a magnifying glass- so what? He’s a good person. Luc has large birthmark on his face- so? Everyone in this book was so accepting of any sort of “flaw” and I loved that, because I wish people were like that too. Physical features do NOT matter. They really don’t. It’s the personality that’s important.
I found the romance okaay. It was one of the few things that I didn’t like about the book. I felt the whole “Laure and Luc” thing was a bit rushed and unrealistic, and though I saw the friendship grow, I didn’t see the spark or chemistry. But then again, it’s targetted for middle grade readers, so I can’t say much.
Now moving on to things I didn’t like too much.
What I Didn't Like
As I said, the romance was a bit of a miss for me. Also, I thought the last 50 pages or so of the book were quite rushed. These sudden plot twists were put in but weren’t explained in depth and it all happened too quickly for me to believe any of it. Parts of the end were a bit unnecessary and could have been left out, especially the big “plot twist”. But on the whole, I quite enjoyed this book and thought it was a really fun read!
Rating:
A 3.75-ish stars rounded up to four. This was a fun, refreshing, and light read, and I really really enjoyed it! Thank you Chauncey for sending this book to me- I really liked it!
October 4, 2020
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Only, this wasn't once upon a time. It was just ten days ago.
So, I finished this book in one day.
I felt a lot of excitement about reading this one initially. Not only did the premise sound incredibly clever, detailing the account of a young girl living on the streets who took advantage of the King's proclamation that the one to fit the glass slipper would marry his son. This has been an ironic commentary about the story of Cinderella for longer than I can remember and I couldn't wait to see how the story would be tackled. I'm pleased to admit that I was not disappointed.
Now, I will admit that this book isn't without its flaws. I wasn't overly fond of a particular plot point near the end, though I won't be mentioning it to avoid spoilers. It felt too convenient and somewhat random, but it was rather small and more of an epilogue wrap up that I feel is kind of a throwback to things ending conveniently in old fairy tales and therefore while I didn't love it, I wasn't too annoyed. It seemed like the bandits were slightly overdone at times, but aside from that, this book was simply amazing.
Just filled with wonderful characters and some of the wittiest takes on Cinderella I've ever had the pleasure to read, Rogers' Happily had me eagerly reading from the very beginning. I adored Laure immensely. Her cleverness was exceptionally fun to read and I found her lovable in the most intriguing of ways. While she had a rather cynical attitude toward everything, as a reader I couldn't help appreciating her and feeling a lot of emotion for her as a result.
I loved Luc as well, though not as much, and appreciated his role in bringing Laure back to all the things she had once lost. Unerringly positive, Luc brought out the best in a girl who had been wronged by the world so much that her only response was a strong desire to run away from anything that could hurt her. I loved their interactions and friendship immensely.
Out of all the characters, though, I have to admit that Prince Carl has got to be my favorite. I loved his personality and I was especially amused and impressed by how he managed to fall in love with a girl and yet could not give a physical description of her that would permit him to later find her. It was simply perfect and I don't think I could have asked for a better rendition of the Cinderella story.
I think, ultimately, this is one of those books that I found myself really impressed with and it was largely due to the creative plot and the fantastic characters. If you haven't heard of Happily yet or haven't gotten a chance to check it out, I'd definitely suggest you do. It's well worth the read. Happily will be officially released on April 3rd!
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Only, this wasn't once upon a time. It was just ten days ago.
So, I finished this book in one day.
I felt a lot of excitement about reading this one initially. Not only did the premise sound incredibly clever, detailing the account of a young girl living on the streets who took advantage of the King's proclamation that the one to fit the glass slipper would marry his son. This has been an ironic commentary about the story of Cinderella for longer than I can remember and I couldn't wait to see how the story would be tackled. I'm pleased to admit that I was not disappointed.
Now, I will admit that this book isn't without its flaws. I wasn't overly fond of a particular plot point near the end, though I won't be mentioning it to avoid spoilers. It felt too convenient and somewhat random, but it was rather small and more of an epilogue wrap up that I feel is kind of a throwback to things ending conveniently in old fairy tales and therefore while I didn't love it, I wasn't too annoyed. It seemed like the bandits were slightly overdone at times, but aside from that, this book was simply amazing.
Just filled with wonderful characters and some of the wittiest takes on Cinderella I've ever had the pleasure to read, Rogers' Happily had me eagerly reading from the very beginning. I adored Laure immensely. Her cleverness was exceptionally fun to read and I found her lovable in the most intriguing of ways. While she had a rather cynical attitude toward everything, as a reader I couldn't help appreciating her and feeling a lot of emotion for her as a result.
I loved Luc as well, though not as much, and appreciated his role in bringing Laure back to all the things she had once lost. Unerringly positive, Luc brought out the best in a girl who had been wronged by the world so much that her only response was a strong desire to run away from anything that could hurt her. I loved their interactions and friendship immensely.
Out of all the characters, though, I have to admit that Prince Carl has got to be my favorite. I loved his personality and I was especially amused and impressed by how he managed to fall in love with a girl and yet could not give a physical description of her that would permit him to later find her. It was simply perfect and I don't think I could have asked for a better rendition of the Cinderella story.
I think, ultimately, this is one of those books that I found myself really impressed with and it was largely due to the creative plot and the fantastic characters. If you haven't heard of Happily yet or haven't gotten a chance to check it out, I'd definitely suggest you do. It's well worth the read. Happily will be officially released on April 3rd!
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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March 19, 2018
I'm super fortunate to be able to get an advanced issue of Happily by Chauncey Rogers and I am so thankful. When I was reading the blurb I couldn't wait to get started, this novel is an alternative version/retelling of Cinderella and is written from a first person perspective.
Let's face it. You know there is going to be a shoe, a prince and a ball but within a few chapters you begin to understand where the story truly is heading and you will be pleasantly surprised. The mixture of modern literacy and the old-fashioned timeline is extremely well-balanced, making for an enjoyable read. This is a Cinderella story with sass.
The main character is not Cinderella, but a smart, headstrong and independent woman who has led a life of stealing from the markets of Éclatant to survive. How Laure spoke to the reader was incredibly relatable, she spoke like me! Having a 'Whatever, I'll do what's best for me' attitude. This begins to change after she meets new friend Luc, where the two characters eventually begin to grow together. After Laure's adventure she comes out stronger, happier and more content with the people she has in her life. Her progression as a character is clear, the way she copes with her emotions she has held back for so long, and how she finds ways to confide in Luc.
'Luc frowned at me. “You sure complain a lot.”'
Laure was also the protagonist which made me happy dance everywhere.
The start of the book has a very clever way of tying in with the end of the story. Starting with...
'King Justin warned me that you'd be coming by. Well, not warned, exactly. More like notified. He said I had to tell you my story and spare you no details - that he wanted it as part of the official royal history.'
By the end of the novel you will understand the reason King Justin would want this story to be part of the royal history. A nice added touch. The book has many aspects to it that are so well thought out, I thank Rogers for giving us readers something so special.
This book is fun. It had me laughing to myself (sorry commuters on the train) and the chapters flowed from one to the other perfectly. I absolutely ADORED the names of the chapters, they gave me some giggles. The perfect thing about this book is Rogers takes an old tale and turns it into something that wins me over, to the point where I forgot about Cinderella and her fairy godmother (woops).
The ending is fast paced towards the second to last chapter, but loose ties fell into place and Laure finally knows what she needs to do to make things right. I have found that a lot of endings are hit and miss in books and can make or break the whole story. However, this had a perfect ending with a twist that links in to the original story we all know and love.
"She’s been asked again and again, but all she’ll say is something about a fairy and magic and a pumpkin..."
I would recommend anybody who loves retellings, old tales, and strong characters with attitude. This is for you.
Let's face it. You know there is going to be a shoe, a prince and a ball but within a few chapters you begin to understand where the story truly is heading and you will be pleasantly surprised. The mixture of modern literacy and the old-fashioned timeline is extremely well-balanced, making for an enjoyable read. This is a Cinderella story with sass.
The main character is not Cinderella, but a smart, headstrong and independent woman who has led a life of stealing from the markets of Éclatant to survive. How Laure spoke to the reader was incredibly relatable, she spoke like me! Having a 'Whatever, I'll do what's best for me' attitude. This begins to change after she meets new friend Luc, where the two characters eventually begin to grow together. After Laure's adventure she comes out stronger, happier and more content with the people she has in her life. Her progression as a character is clear, the way she copes with her emotions she has held back for so long, and how she finds ways to confide in Luc.
'Luc frowned at me. “You sure complain a lot.”'
Laure was also the protagonist which made me happy dance everywhere.
The start of the book has a very clever way of tying in with the end of the story. Starting with...
'King Justin warned me that you'd be coming by. Well, not warned, exactly. More like notified. He said I had to tell you my story and spare you no details - that he wanted it as part of the official royal history.'
By the end of the novel you will understand the reason King Justin would want this story to be part of the royal history. A nice added touch. The book has many aspects to it that are so well thought out, I thank Rogers for giving us readers something so special.
This book is fun. It had me laughing to myself (sorry commuters on the train) and the chapters flowed from one to the other perfectly. I absolutely ADORED the names of the chapters, they gave me some giggles. The perfect thing about this book is Rogers takes an old tale and turns it into something that wins me over, to the point where I forgot about Cinderella and her fairy godmother (woops).
The ending is fast paced towards the second to last chapter, but loose ties fell into place and Laure finally knows what she needs to do to make things right. I have found that a lot of endings are hit and miss in books and can make or break the whole story. However, this had a perfect ending with a twist that links in to the original story we all know and love.
"She’s been asked again and again, but all she’ll say is something about a fairy and magic and a pumpkin..."
I would recommend anybody who loves retellings, old tales, and strong characters with attitude. This is for you.
March 3, 2018
Meet Laure, a surly, sassy thief who may just save the kingdom. With a shoe. And ants.
Laure is brash, headstrong, pessimistic. Of course, she has reason to be, being an orphan and all. A plan to rob a spice merchant’s stall in the palace market leads to a frantic chase through the market, and ends with her stealing a cloth-laden cart and sinking it in the moat in a bid to escape.
Enter Luc, the young man whose cart she stole. At first he wants justice, for his ruined merchandise was all he had left. When they hear the King’s decree that any who can wear a glass slipper will marry the prince, Laure decides to try for it, in order to pay Luc back. Of course, things are never as easy as one hopes. Luc and Laure embark on a quest that takes them into neighboring Galamonte, and deep into their own hearts. Facing bees, bandits, and boorish royalty, the pair end up saving two kingdoms, and reuniting more than one with the person they seek.
Rogers’ Happily was a bold retelling of a classic fairytale. Think you know 'Cinderella’? Think again! Laure is a sassy anti-hero. She wants nothing to do with repaying those she stole from, or with helping others. Her life has left her incredibly pessimistic. Then she meets Luc. Though the meeting was rocky, the two begin to grow in one another. And Laure begins to thaw. She finds her conscious, and Luc inspired her to want to help others, most particularly the country of Galamonte, ravaged by war with Eclatant. The easiest way to do that is marry the prince. Easy if the alternative were to face a dragon while dancing on a bed of nails blindfolded, that is.
I devoured this book in less than a day. Much is narrative. It is, after all, told by Laure to a court chronicler, and hers is the perspective we get. And what a perspective! This girl is alllll sass and sarcasm. I love how she grows over the story, her budding friendship with Luc helping to smooth her roughness, and thaw her feelings. I like how Rogers used the duo to explore optimism and pessimism in an easy to relate to fashion. He mentions in the Introduction that his little one asked him to write her a Cinderella story. With that in mind, I can see other areas where the writing serves as hidden teaching tools, which I think is both wonderful, and wonderfully managed!
Highly recommended if you like sassy protagonists, or fairytale retellings.
***Many thanks to the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Laure is brash, headstrong, pessimistic. Of course, she has reason to be, being an orphan and all. A plan to rob a spice merchant’s stall in the palace market leads to a frantic chase through the market, and ends with her stealing a cloth-laden cart and sinking it in the moat in a bid to escape.
Enter Luc, the young man whose cart she stole. At first he wants justice, for his ruined merchandise was all he had left. When they hear the King’s decree that any who can wear a glass slipper will marry the prince, Laure decides to try for it, in order to pay Luc back. Of course, things are never as easy as one hopes. Luc and Laure embark on a quest that takes them into neighboring Galamonte, and deep into their own hearts. Facing bees, bandits, and boorish royalty, the pair end up saving two kingdoms, and reuniting more than one with the person they seek.
Rogers’ Happily was a bold retelling of a classic fairytale. Think you know 'Cinderella’? Think again! Laure is a sassy anti-hero. She wants nothing to do with repaying those she stole from, or with helping others. Her life has left her incredibly pessimistic. Then she meets Luc. Though the meeting was rocky, the two begin to grow in one another. And Laure begins to thaw. She finds her conscious, and Luc inspired her to want to help others, most particularly the country of Galamonte, ravaged by war with Eclatant. The easiest way to do that is marry the prince. Easy if the alternative were to face a dragon while dancing on a bed of nails blindfolded, that is.
I devoured this book in less than a day. Much is narrative. It is, after all, told by Laure to a court chronicler, and hers is the perspective we get. And what a perspective! This girl is alllll sass and sarcasm. I love how she grows over the story, her budding friendship with Luc helping to smooth her roughness, and thaw her feelings. I like how Rogers used the duo to explore optimism and pessimism in an easy to relate to fashion. He mentions in the Introduction that his little one asked him to write her a Cinderella story. With that in mind, I can see other areas where the writing serves as hidden teaching tools, which I think is both wonderful, and wonderfully managed!
Highly recommended if you like sassy protagonists, or fairytale retellings.
***Many thanks to the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 12, 2018
AS POSTED ON THE WORDY HABITAT
Note: I received an eARC of the book for free from the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Cinderella and any and all retellings of it. If there’s ANY Cinderella retelling, I’m there. Now that we’ve established that, I would have LOVED to hear this story when I was younger.
The Plot
No fairy godmother. No magic pumpkin. Just one grumpy girl and a glass slipper.
Laure is a thief, stealing to live and staying in an abandoned house. But one day, her plan goes awry and she becomes indebted to Luc, a boy who wants to become a merchant and provide for his family.
At the same time, Cinderella runs away from the ball and the royal family is looking for her. Laure, recognizing how stupid it is for the prince to marry the first girl whose foot fits in the show, also realizes that she can take advantage of it.
The story includes travel, bandits and fighting, slapping a prince, the girl saving the boy (rather than just the other way round) and much more.
The Characters
Laure has a cynical view of Eclatánt, the place where this is set. All she wants is to have enough money to leave the kingdom for good. She’s clever and she concocts the plan to impersonate Cinderella somehow. I liked her because she’s not a meek girl and does what is required, not hesitating to run into things or talk back to anyone. She takes no nonsense.
Luc a clever optimist. He has the brains to make money out of an opportune situation and has an attitude to get him where he wants to be. He doesn’t spend time thinking negatives and prefers taking action to be at a better position. He’s also really kind to others, which repays later.
As for Prince Carl and Cinderella? We see a little bit of them but they’re not the main protagonists of the story. Laure and Luc’s story is way more interesting, trust me.
Overall
I really liked it! It’s fun, adventurous and interesting. This is one of my favourite retellings partly because it’s completely not what you expect.
Definitely recommend it to everyone!
Note: I received an eARC of the book for free from the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Cinderella and any and all retellings of it. If there’s ANY Cinderella retelling, I’m there. Now that we’ve established that, I would have LOVED to hear this story when I was younger.
The Plot
No fairy godmother. No magic pumpkin. Just one grumpy girl and a glass slipper.
Laure is a thief, stealing to live and staying in an abandoned house. But one day, her plan goes awry and she becomes indebted to Luc, a boy who wants to become a merchant and provide for his family.
At the same time, Cinderella runs away from the ball and the royal family is looking for her. Laure, recognizing how stupid it is for the prince to marry the first girl whose foot fits in the show, also realizes that she can take advantage of it.
The story includes travel, bandits and fighting, slapping a prince, the girl saving the boy (rather than just the other way round) and much more.
The Characters
Laure has a cynical view of Eclatánt, the place where this is set. All she wants is to have enough money to leave the kingdom for good. She’s clever and she concocts the plan to impersonate Cinderella somehow. I liked her because she’s not a meek girl and does what is required, not hesitating to run into things or talk back to anyone. She takes no nonsense.
Luc a clever optimist. He has the brains to make money out of an opportune situation and has an attitude to get him where he wants to be. He doesn’t spend time thinking negatives and prefers taking action to be at a better position. He’s also really kind to others, which repays later.
As for Prince Carl and Cinderella? We see a little bit of them but they’re not the main protagonists of the story. Laure and Luc’s story is way more interesting, trust me.
Overall
I really liked it! It’s fun, adventurous and interesting. This is one of my favourite retellings partly because it’s completely not what you expect.
Definitely recommend it to everyone!
February 23, 2018
Written by Chauncey Rogers, Happily follows Laure, a street urchin girl who caused the ruin of Luc, trying to trick the crown into thinking she is the girl with the glass slipper so that she can pay Luc back.
So, let us start with this: this is a young adult book, written for Rogers' daughter. Or inspired by her bothering him while he was writing another story.
This is a fun adventure. Laure is sassy and Luc is steadfast and good. Honestly, this is the kind of novel that, if I had a child, and I was tired of telling them the same stories over and over again, I would be pretty happy to find. Though, maybe I would skip over one of the fights that happens at the end.... just demonstrating a little that this author usually writes novels more in the horror genre.
Probably the best thing in this book, other than Kind, birth-marked Luc, is how this novel openly mocks traditional fairy tales and mocks how uptight the upper crust can be. There is a certain, page long, statement about the hunt for Cinderella, followed by a summary, that I think was just perfect. And the fact that, in many ways, the humor reminded me of Monty Python. So, if you don't like Monty Python, you might not like this novel.
The king is annoying. But, looked at it through the novel, I understand why he is like that. This is meant to be a fun book, not the most realist novel in the world. It is a story you can tell. I'll be honest, next time someone asks me to "tell them a story" during a drive - one of the hardest things for me to do - I might use this story. And then go tell them to read the full think if they have any questions.
If you are looking for a good twist on a classic fairy tale, you might like this book. If you are looking to just start your kids in young adult fiction, this could be a good book.for your child.
If you don't like a short story, or characters with sass, or life lessons very clearly woven throughout the novel, you might not like this.
I did receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review from the Author.
So, let us start with this: this is a young adult book, written for Rogers' daughter. Or inspired by her bothering him while he was writing another story.
This is a fun adventure. Laure is sassy and Luc is steadfast and good. Honestly, this is the kind of novel that, if I had a child, and I was tired of telling them the same stories over and over again, I would be pretty happy to find. Though, maybe I would skip over one of the fights that happens at the end.... just demonstrating a little that this author usually writes novels more in the horror genre.
Probably the best thing in this book, other than Kind, birth-marked Luc, is how this novel openly mocks traditional fairy tales and mocks how uptight the upper crust can be. There is a certain, page long, statement about the hunt for Cinderella, followed by a summary, that I think was just perfect. And the fact that, in many ways, the humor reminded me of Monty Python. So, if you don't like Monty Python, you might not like this novel.
The king is annoying. But, looked at it through the novel, I understand why he is like that. This is meant to be a fun book, not the most realist novel in the world. It is a story you can tell. I'll be honest, next time someone asks me to "tell them a story" during a drive - one of the hardest things for me to do - I might use this story. And then go tell them to read the full think if they have any questions.
If you are looking for a good twist on a classic fairy tale, you might like this book. If you are looking to just start your kids in young adult fiction, this could be a good book.for your child.
If you don't like a short story, or characters with sass, or life lessons very clearly woven throughout the novel, you might not like this.
I did receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review from the Author.
March 15, 2018
I read a few reviews of this book and requested a copy from the author for review. I was lucky to get one and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a typical retelling of the Cinderella story, you will be disappointed. This is an alternative version with several theories about what was really going on at the time. Yes, we do find out how Cinderella and the prince meet, yes there is a glass slipper, yes there is a ball, but besides those main facts, the story is a fairytale/fantasy of its own. The characters are quite unique and a strong female protagonist makes this a great story for females today. She is sassy, tough and open (she says what she thinks) as well as her characteristics at the beginning of the story where she is rude, selfish and sometimes mean. She is the heroine trying to escape poverty and have a better life, but she is no Cinderella. The story is told from Laure's point of view and to see how she grows and changes in this story is wonderful. Luc is the main male character who she meets in a very dicey situation, but he sticks with her and her plan to dupe the Royal Family. There is a lot of description of the lives of the peasants and how they survived in medieval times. There is a lot of action and it is very well described as well. My only complaint would be that the language is very modern, but if you want a wide audience (children, YA and adults) maybe that is necessary. I received my copy of this book from the author upon my request, all the opinions stated in this review are my own.
March 31, 2018
I know Cinderella is one fairytale that's been retold to death but this book puts an entirely new spin on the fairytale as it's not about Cinderella at all!
Happily offers you a fresh take, with original characters and an entire world built just for them. I think Cinderella is the only borrowed character (the "prince" doesn't count as one, as he had the personality of wet sand in the fairytale. The prince in this book is so much better!)
Laure, our main protagonist is snarky, pessimistic, and cynical. She decides her ticket out of poverty is to fit into that darned glass slipper by any means and becoming the princess. Once you have the royal riches at your disposal, you would be free to go and do as you please, surely?
Yeah no, that's where things get complicated and the complications take the reader for such a fun ride!
The book was a quick and fun read with humour in all the right places. I loved how Luc's character is portrayed to be so contrasting to that of Laure's even though their circumstances were not all that different. Where Laure is cynical, Luc is hopeful. Where Laure is bitter and sulky, Luc is warm and helpful. Bless that boy's heart.
Thanks a tonne to the author for providing me with an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Happily offers you a fresh take, with original characters and an entire world built just for them. I think Cinderella is the only borrowed character (the "prince" doesn't count as one, as he had the personality of wet sand in the fairytale. The prince in this book is so much better!)
Laure, our main protagonist is snarky, pessimistic, and cynical. She decides her ticket out of poverty is to fit into that darned glass slipper by any means and becoming the princess. Once you have the royal riches at your disposal, you would be free to go and do as you please, surely?
Yeah no, that's where things get complicated and the complications take the reader for such a fun ride!
The book was a quick and fun read with humour in all the right places. I loved how Luc's character is portrayed to be so contrasting to that of Laure's even though their circumstances were not all that different. Where Laure is cynical, Luc is hopeful. Where Laure is bitter and sulky, Luc is warm and helpful. Bless that boy's heart.
Thanks a tonne to the author for providing me with an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review . . .
One thing I really liked in this book were all the characters. Laure, Crazy king Justin, Luc, etc. UNLIKE some similar books I’ve read, the male and female characters aren’t drop-dead gorgeous and they’re okay with it! I was very happy that neither Luc nor Carl were those typical YA genre boys who are tall, dark and broody.
And Laure! I absolutely LOVED reading her POV. Again it isn’t like those classic YA genre “oh I’m woe” girls’ POV. It’s sarcastic, witty, at some places funny; everything I want to see in a character’s POV.
The plot put a unique spin on your average fairy tale. Another thing which I’d like to point out is that there’s no damsel-in-distressing in this book. Laure doesn’t need Luc to save her all the time (loads of thanks to the author for that). Apart from that, the storyline had a fair deal of adventure and it didn’t drag on. But I have to say that the plot twist was a little too . . . unexpected. Maybe a bit of build up would have been nice? Tiny hints, references here and there?
Overall, I really loved this book. How could I not? With the witty protagonist and wild plot, this ain’t your average (boring) fairytale retelling. Though the plot twist was a teeny bit out of the blue . . .
One thing I really liked in this book were all the characters. Laure, Crazy king Justin, Luc, etc. UNLIKE some similar books I’ve read, the male and female characters aren’t drop-dead gorgeous and they’re okay with it! I was very happy that neither Luc nor Carl were those typical YA genre boys who are tall, dark and broody.
And Laure! I absolutely LOVED reading her POV. Again it isn’t like those classic YA genre “oh I’m woe” girls’ POV. It’s sarcastic, witty, at some places funny; everything I want to see in a character’s POV.
The plot put a unique spin on your average fairy tale. Another thing which I’d like to point out is that there’s no damsel-in-distressing in this book. Laure doesn’t need Luc to save her all the time (loads of thanks to the author for that). Apart from that, the storyline had a fair deal of adventure and it didn’t drag on. But I have to say that the plot twist was a little too . . . unexpected. Maybe a bit of build up would have been nice? Tiny hints, references here and there?
Overall, I really loved this book. How could I not? With the witty protagonist and wild plot, this ain’t your average (boring) fairytale retelling. Though the plot twist was a teeny bit out of the blue . . .
April 24, 2018
This is an account of the events surrounding Cinderella's whirlwind, glass-slippered engagement to the prince, but from the viewpoint of a teenage street urchin. My hat is off to Rogers for this uniquely imaginative premise.
My favorite thing about this book might be the snarky, almost curmudgeonly voice of Laure, the main character. That, and her desperate, hare-brained schemes to escape the city and her destitute lifestyle. I don't want to give spoilers, but this is one kids' book that even we grandmas can enjoy.
My favorite thing about this book might be the snarky, almost curmudgeonly voice of Laure, the main character. That, and her desperate, hare-brained schemes to escape the city and her destitute lifestyle. I don't want to give spoilers, but this is one kids' book that even we grandmas can enjoy.
April 3, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this fairy tale-ish story by Chauncey Rogers. It hits all the high notes of a happily ever after story you crave without being a snooze fest because there’s no way you’ll predict how the plot will end up. The characters are enjoyable and relatable, the situations are funny, and the language throughout feels carefully chosen despite the lighthearted content of the story. I’d definitely recommend to a friend!
January 14, 2019
Happily is an unusual twist on the Cinderella fairy tale. The main character, in fact is not Cinderella, but a orphaned, street-smart girl named Laure. The cover says "No fairy godmother. No magic pumpkins. Just a grumpy girl and a glass slipper.", which really intrigued me. Laure was a cynical, wise-cracking teenager having to fend for herself, which usually meant stealing, since the death of her father. Her plan is to steal enough money to guarantee her escape from the kingdom of Ecarlate, a place she has come to despise. After stealing from a local spice merchant, her plans go awry and take a turn she never would have anticipated.
I really enjoyed this book, and the author's fresh look at an old tale. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this book, and the author's fresh look at an old tale. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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