Glass Across the Sea

Realms of Allumeria #1

by Sara Ella

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Retellings, Young Adult, Christian, Christian Fantasy, Cinderella

432 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away.

Connect with her online at SaraElla.com or find her on Instagram at @saraellawrites.

Reviews

[Maria ♡ (writing reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!! This story has all the heart of Cinderella, the beautiful grandeur of a rich fantasy world, twists that will leave you wishing you could somehow read faster, exceptionally woven-in faith themes, and an incredible cast of characters that will either intrigue you or make you fall in love with them. I highly recommend!!!

“Even shattered glass, lost across the sea, finds its way back to shore. But not before it is changed—made more beautiful and more refined than the day it was broken.”

𐙚 Childhood best friend to lovers
𐙚 Cinderella meets The Count of Mount Cristo
𐙚 In World Stories
𐙚 Glassblowing
𐙚 Castle and Country Setting

This is my first Sarah Ella book and I was immediately blown away by the writing. The descriptions and the metaphors were so beautiful. The writing itself added so much to the whimsy and elegance of the Cinderella retelling.

I’ll be honest – I know absolutely nothing about the Count of Monte Cristo so I'm not be the best person to say if the dash of Count of Monte Cristo inspiration was executed well or not, but I do love the story of Cinderella. I thought Sara did such an incredible job of taking inspiration from the story of Cinderella, but really making it her own. I loved the twists on the story we all know so well and I loved how deeply we got to know our characters.

This story is set in such a luscious and expansive world that comes to life as you read. The lore behind the Realm of Allumeria is so complex and magical full of themes of light overcoming dark. One of my favorite elements of this fantasy land was the in world fables/stories. I've never read a book where stories the characters were told as children shaped so much of the story.

The story had two main settings and I felt that both were executed so well. Noelle lives in the country by the sea and is the daughter of a glass blower. Her mother has fallen under a curse. While her father is on a journey to discover a way to save her mother, Noelle is left to watch over her mother and face her struggles alone. Prince Dante was easily my favorite character. I always love castle politics and royal families that aren't perfect and this book delivered on that so well. I loved seeing the dynamics between Dante and his father, the prince's love of the sea and adventure, and his deep care for Noelle. The romance between Noelle and Dante was so sweet and wholesome and I loved how they went from childhood best friends to lovers without a lot of the angst and awkwardness that is often seen in stories like that. The transition was so smooth and there was a lot less miscommunication than I was expecting which I really appreciated, because it made it feel more like a fairy tale. I really appreciated how much insight we got into why the side characters were the way they were. The side characters really came alive and I loved that we got a chapter here and there from one of their perspectives so that we could really see inside their head and understand them better.

I loved pretty much everything about this story. However, I did find some elements of the conclusion that involved the inworld stories to be confusing, but that was such a small note compared to all of the great things in this book!

Definitely one of my favorite books of the year! Please add this to your tbr if it sounds interesting to you!!!

I received a free physical arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Even shattered glass, lost across the sea,” she cited, “finds its way back to shore. But not before it is changed—made more beautiful and more refined than the day it was broken.”

Magical and lovely.

I came into Glass Across the Sea hoping for a story of light illuminating the shards of life, and that’s exactly what I received. Life-giving light through story.

The prose is like paint and light splashed across a canvas. It’s lovely, glittering like the sparkles on the cover, imbued at various points with fitting wry humor, melancholy, longing, world-specific comparisons, or waves of hope. The multiple third-person perspectives, thoughtfully-structured flashbacks, and character journeys make the book read like a classical fairytale yet carry every quality that speaks to a modern audience. (Speaking of the structure, the whole book is structured so uniquely, with flashbacks within a frame narrative within a frame narrative. It feels like a storybook, and it made me feel a sweet blend of nostalgia and novelty.) And the plot is full of political intrigue, insidious forces threatening to cripple Allumeria, and a last-ditch quest for relics of legend. And it’s all brought down to a scale manageable to follow yet still conveying a wide, sobering scope. I loved the unique way information was revealed to both the characters and the reader, sometimes simultaneously but often to the reader first, forming a different and captivating reading experience. Sara also masterfully balances tying up existing loose ends and introducing new ones, creating enough suspense that I was reading on every possible lunch break and during every free moment, racing to learn the outcome of it all.

And the world! With its whimsical names for settings, delightful French flavor, and prevalent niche skillsets such as glassmaking, Allumeria feels like a portal directly into a fairy-story. It’s full of storms and strife in the characters’ spheres, but that doesn’t diminish the wonder and life to be found there.

Also, as this is a retelling, the story contains plenty of clever nods to those classic tales. The Cinderella threads are vivid and unique while the Count of Monte Cristo threads are more subtle but no less present and and exciting to recognize. (Every time I picked up on a new retelling element, I’d react with wide eyes and an enthusiastic, “OHHH! Aha!” I think people in the same room asked me a few times what was going on. xD)

Then there are the characters, one of my favorite aspects of any story. And these breathe life and emotion into the pages wonderfully. Dante, the adventurous, passionate, selfless, protective prince (and somewhat reluctant royal), saddled with a kingdom’s weight and his family’s grief but displaying a maturity beyond his years. Noelle, wrestling with guilt, affliction, and injustice yet strong in her courage and kindness, possessing a grit and spine born from weathering long-standing adversity. She stands in the shoes (or glass slippers) of all the Cinderella protagonists who have come before her, but she is very much her own person while still embodying all the grace and strength of heart you’d hope to see in a Cinderella girl. Noelle lives a tribute to all the original Cinderellas while traversing her own unique path, and I love it. And I love Jaq so much. And Charles. And is anyone else hoping for more West?

Plus, the trope of longtime friends to more works wonderfully for this tale. It’s deeply sweet, selfless, sympathetic, and lovely with the characters’ long-unstated yet crystalline desire to protect and love one another well.

And ah…the themes of the story. Courage and kindness (as any good Cinderella story should have). Revenge and justice. Hints of providence. Memory and magic and mercy. Grief over loss and longing, even when it’s suffused with je ne sais quoi. The symbolism of the truest form of sacrifice. The grace of the Lamplighter. And once again, light’s inevitable shattering of darkness.

There are so many beautiful quotes. So many of them. It’s a joy to skim through my Kindle notebook and see it stuffed with snippets of light and magic, hope when it aches, and enchanting wordsmithery.

This first book teases new storylines and ones not yet completed, but it’s still very satisfying on its own. I really, really enjoyed this novel, and I’m looking forward to new adventures in Allumeria.

For a fantastical retelling that captures all the magic of Cinderella and infuses it with precious beauty and light, Glass Across the Sea is a wonderful choice. I closed the book feeling like I’d read both a long-beloved fairytale and something completely new. It’s both, and it’s beautiful. Amid the sorrow washing Allumeria, the story is at its heart a celebration of magic and miracle, hope and light, blessing and love. And it’s one you should read if you want to remember those things, too.

heads-up for fairytale-esque magic, some violence (including some remembrances of abuse, one paired with alcohol abuse), and a few sweet and nondescriptive kisses between the teenage MCs. Some people are in loveless marriages yet continue loving another person’s spouse.

🕯️ As a member of the author’s street team, I received an eARC of this book from the author and publisher. But all thoughts expressed within this review are very much my own. 🕯️

[✨fairy princess ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is not a want, it’s a need

(also can we talk about this cover?!?!?! like vjckgjdjfjskaidbfjdicfbdihdj)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

[Chloë Mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

While nothing will ever be able to top Coral for me (given the very important themes tackled in that book), this is absolutely my second favorite Sara Ella book by far. I received an e-ARC from the publisher but am dashing to pre-order because I NEED this book on my shelf. What a magical, beautiful story. I loved all the Cinderella elements and the nods to The Count of Monte Cristo, and while I was scared to pick this one up because I was SO TERRIFIED my heart wouldn't be able to handle it (it's hard for me to read suspenseful books!), Sara Ella does such a good job of weaving in themes of light. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. <3

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required.

After loving Sara Ella’s “Wonderland Trials” duology, I knew I was interested in whatever she wrote next. The second I heard that “Glass Across the Sea” was a crossover retelling between “Cinderella” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” I HAD to read it.

To be totally honest, my knowledge of TCoMC is largely limited to the TV show “Wishbone” which I watched as a kid, LOL. I did skim a Sparknotes summary to remind myself of the basic plot points, though, (I should probably read the actual book someday, but it simply isn’t appealing to me right this minute.) so I can see where that inspiration came into this story. I can also see why Sara Ella struggled to write this novel, because Cinderella and Monte Cristo are opposites thematically. Cinderella is about kindness and forgiveness, while much of Monte Cristo is about revenge. It must have been difficult to decide what to use where, and to decide where the story was going in the end, but I feel that she ultimately did an excellent job with it.

As I stated in one of my updates, this story had SO MANY TWISTS that I wasn’t expecting. It had the bones of Cinderella, and I definitely picked up on elements and inspiration from Monte Cristo, but Sara Ella created a vibrant fantasy world for it to take place in that really impacted the story and surprised me at every turn. Much as I enjoy retellings, they can get quite predictable sometimes (that’s part of the reason we read retellings, so I’m not calling that a positive or a negative, just facts), so it was refreshing to spot the retelling elements, yet also see Sara use them in such unique and imaginative ways that I didn’t quite expect.

The themes were especially on point. Noelle, as our Cinderella character, was presented with some similar hardships to the main character of TCoMC, and yet responded so differently, and even self-sacrificially, instead of trying to take revenge.

I also loooooooved the handling of Noelle’s relationship with the prince, Dante, and that they were childhood friends before falling in love. It added more gravitas when they were separated.
As for the creative fantasy elements that made this story so unique from other retellings that I’ve read, I absolutely adored the concept of the Firefly, the Lamplighter, and the stories-within-the-story that surrounded them. I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler, but I also liked that these tales were more than just myth. They really happened, the characters from them existed, and they had direct impact on Noelle’s story. It’s hard to explain, in the space of a review, what things like the Firefly and the Vestiges are, because they were such creative and unique elements, so you’re definitely going to have to read the book to find out. *nods* 🙂

I thought the way things turned out in the end was delightful, and I’m definitely curious, seeing how the author’s note indicates that there’s another book planned, what will come next. Noelle and Dante’s story was wrapped up pretty well, but there are certainly other characters who can have adventures and get redemption, so I’m looking forward to that eventually being revealed!

Overall, this was such a creative story. Sara Ella really didn’t take the easy path, she turned a retelling into something truly original, unique, and uplifting. I’m so glad I read it, and I hope that many more people enjoy it, too!

Content Advisory:
This book is Christian YA ficiton and very appropriate for that audience.

Language:
None

Violence/Scariness:
There is barely any violence here at all, and the violence that occurs is never graphic.

The step-mother-like character smacks Noelle hard enough to bruise her once, and Noelle realizes the woman has hit her own daughter before, too. The woman also scratches Noelle with a fingernail and otherwise treats her like a house servant.

A man gets hit over the head and falls into water, but is rescued. Mild description of the head wound.

Another man gets stabbed, and there’s brief mention of blood, but he gets healed.

A little boy’s hands get burned by accident. Brief description of the red and blistered skin.

There’s a magical incident where glass orbs that hold memories shatter and the person whose memories they are feels pain with each shatter. This person seems to be brought to the brink of death, but recovers.

Some themes of familial loss as a curse steals the memories of two mothers and a sister. This may be a sensitive area for readers who have lost or are losing family members to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. We’re told one of the mothers died somewhat quickly after the onset of her memory-loss curse while the second mother lingers for years. Big spoiler: All of the people who were cursed get cured.

Sexual/Romance:

The romance here is squeaky clean. Noelle and Dante are childhood friends who fall in love. There are some blushy feelings between them, and some hand-holding. They also dance together a time or two. They share two kisses, both of which are only mildly described.

We learn that one character was pining after another, only to become extremely bitter when that person married someone else.

Spiritual/magic:
The author is a Christian and there are Christian themes throughout. The “Lamplighter” seems to be the name for the creator God. There’s mention of an afterlife that sounds like heaven where various character’s loved ones are waiting for them.

The Firefly are people who have special abilities, given by the Lamplighter, and they are able to craft special objects with seemingly magical properties. They have some other abilities, too. Two Firefly that we meet can heal people and manipulate fire. (This is explained as working by either rewinding or fast forwarding time for the object or the wound.) One Firefly apparently can’t be burned.

Noelle learns stories about the Firefly and the special objects they made. A lot of these objects have consequences for their use. (Example, there’s a special sword that has a consequence where anyone who wields it will eventually die by it.)

A special kind of ink causes three people to get cursed and lose their memories of their entire lives and everyone around them. It seems that their minds, during this time of forgetfulness, go to a spiritual in-between place between life and death. I’m afraid the way I’ve phrased this sounds like purgatory, but it’s described like a made-up fantasy place, not purgatory at all. One character goes there after nearly sacrificing their life and it’s like a cozy little cottage where they meet a couple who passed on long before. The couple explains to this character that they have the choice to move on to the afterlife, or go back home. The choice is represented by two doors in the cottage. The character is aware that their loved ones who have passed on before are beyond one door, while their earthly life is beyond the other door. They choose to go back to life, feeling that the Lamplighter still has more for them to do.

Other:
Dante visits a tavern while searching for someone. Mention of mead and people going there to forget their troubles, but Dante doesn’t drink anything himself.

[Jacquelyn &#x1f490; {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

This is an elegant and beautiful retelling of Cinderella and the Count of Monte Cristo. I’ve never read anything quite like it and I really enjoyed it! I really enjoyed the Christian themes and elements through out the story and the way it was represented in light and darkness. And how we are to be light and to not hide our light. It was really beautiful. Noelle was a lovely character and I adored her! I wanted to wrap her in a hug at certain parts. Also, her name is so pretty! Dante was great and I really enjoyed his character! He was protective and kind. Noelle and his love was so sweet and I loved seeing it grow. 🥹 Gabe was a sweetheart and I adored him! I loved all of the glass making! I’ve always been fascinated by that! Now I want a glass pumpkin of my own…lol. This was a story as beautiful as the cover and I loved it! This is my favorite book by Sara Ella so far! I can’t wait to read the second one!

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t have asked for a better road trip book then Glass Across the Sea, a Cinderella retelling by Sara Ella.

The book is delightfully cozy, sweet, heart-wrenching, and beautiful. I struggled to put it down and was absolutely riveted.

The characters were so pure, kind, and caring. I loved them!

Also, the vibes of this story are amazing. It feels like a Cinderella story: kind, cozy, sad, loving, magical, lyrical.

Content: Curses (not the language kind, the magic kind), violence, mentions of domestic violence, and…(very small spoiler to follow)… people pining after someone who is already married.

Age: I would give this to someone 13+ or a mature 12-year old.

If you love Cinderella retellings as much as me, you should totally read this book (It’s now in my top 3 Cinderella retellings and I’ve read a LOT of Cinderella retellings!)

[Marian Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come soon!

[Jessica Sprecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness cannot hide light forever--it will merely delay it for a little while.

Glass Across the Sea is the third Sara Ella book I have read so far, and in my humble opinion this is her best novel yet, which is high praise as I really enjoyed the Curious Realities series! The characters felt so, so real to me and were so adorable and I adored the ship dynamics (I love Noelle and Dante, Charles and Danielle, Etienne and Lisa, and even King Edmond and Queen Lucia!) and I kept squealing happily reading their interactions! And even more important, the book actually made me think about my own walk with God and how I need to improve it-- which is rare for a YA fantasy book to do for me I won't lie! The twists were amazing in this story as well, and I adored how it turned out and the only thing that would have made me happier would have been more time to see the characters simply happy! I cannot wait for more books in this series to come out! 😍

Content Considerations *slight spoilers*: Curses involving memory loss, curses with writing names and ink and such, other curses, past spousal abuse, physical and maybe emotional domestic abuse, talking to the dead sorta, grave injuries, burns, secret societies, a character gets drunk, kidnapping, false imprisonment, near drowning, near-death of a parent, and romantic touch (nothing beyond kissing). There might be more but it's what I remember.

[Rachel Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's extraordinary that Sara didn't start out writing this story as a Cinderella retelling. It's everything a proper adaptation should be. Warm, lovely, filled with the heart and key moments from the original, but in a fleshed out story world that keeps the pages turning. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and timelines creating nuance for familiar characters, and how Sara created her own fairy tale lore with an even deeper significance, weaving plot twists in seamlessly. I cannot wait for another installment!

I was delighted to receive an early e-copy to read from the author. A positive review was not required.

One of many favorite quotes: "Though she’d failed to make the grand, eye-catching creations that would fetch a high price at Market, she understood more than ever where a piece’s true value lay. In the hands and the heart of the one who created it, just like the cracked glass pumpkin she’d cherished all these years— a piece for which there was no price. A piece that existed for no other reason than to bring joy to the one for whom it was made. That was why she loved making bread or playing a piece on the piano or reading aloud to Gabe. Because light is meant to be shared."

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Light always finds a way to break free.”

Cinderella has never been one of my favorite fairytales. But after reading Glass Across the Sea, my opinion has radically shifted. This YA fantasy reimagining of “Cinderella”—with nods to The Count of Monte Cristo mixed in—did a beautiful job of paying homage to the original tale while still being very much its own wonderful, compelling story. Ella did a brilliant job of portraying Noelle, her Cinderella, as selfless, kind, and strong in ways that retroactively improved my opinion of the literary figure who served as her inspiration. This is a truly lovely novel, one that stands strong on its own while still leaving me hungry for whatever comes next in the series.

"’Even shattered glass, lost across the sea, finds its way back to shore. But not before it is changed—made more beautiful and more refined than the day it was broken.’”

One of the elements that initially charmed me was the lovely fairytale tone to the narrative. I also immediately appreciated all of the nods Ella made to the original French fairytale in her worldbuilding. The world Ella created was beautifully reminiscent of the France of old, which both honored the story that inspired her while imbuing the novel with a strong, rich sense of place. There are also nods to be found in the names—like Noelle’s father, Charles Perrault, named after the Frenchman who popularized the tale—as well as name references to the Disney film adaptations and to the aforementioned The Count of Monte Cristo. And the ways Ella worked the classic symbols of Cinderella into the tale—symbols like slippers and glass, pumpkins and wishes—was absolutely lovely.

"...anything broken could always been fixed. Even the past."

Noelle is our main female perspective. She is daughter to the royal glassmaker, Charles. While her early childhood was charmed, featuring parents who adored her and a wonderfully close best friend in our main male perspective, Prince Dante, tragedy enters her life when her mother succumbs to a mysterious illness—or curse—that also effects the queen. This is also where our story shifts from the source material, as Noelle doesn’t have an evil stepmother. What she does have is a villainous caretaker when her father journeys away in search of a cure. The presence of a living but sick, weak, helpless mother complicates things for Noelle in different ways than the situation faced by Cinderella.

"Mark my words, she’ll shine so bright even the darkest cave will not be able to contain her light.”

Prince Dante has loved Noelle for years, even though she’s not of the nobility. But when his younger sister begins wasting away with the same cursed illness that attacked his and Noelle’s mothers, Dante finds himself making a deal with his father, the king: find the magical Vestige that can cure the ailment, and Dante will be allowed to marry whomever he chooses, even if she’s not of noble blood. This sets him off on a complicated adventure, one that negatively impacts his view of his father’s morality. King Edmund and Lady Charmange, Noelle’s caretaker, are tertiary perspectives in this tale, and their goodness or villainy are more nuanced than they seem upon first meeting.

"Memories were shadows, forever leaving their imprint on someone’s life, growing and changing and shaping a person into who they were."

What are the Vestiges, you ask? That brings us to my favorite element of this novel: the in-world lore. Firefly Isle was one the home of a truly blessed people. But when it could not be decided which of their four Firefly should rule them--the Glassmaker, the Alchemist, the Blacksmith, and the Chandler--the people split into four groups and abandoned the isle. These four Firefly each stole a part of the Lamplighter's Lantern, His gift to His people, and created the four Vestiges from it. Those Vestiges are now scattered, lost to time. Four Firefly are still born in every generation. This story and more are found in The Lamplighter Parables, an in-world compendium that is part fairytale collection, part Scripture. It was through the stories of the Lamplighter that faith came into play in the story, in some really beautiful ways. I love Ella’s decision to refer to God as the Lamplighter in this fantastical world, and how the message of light breaking through the darkness served as such a central theme.

"...this story is about so much more than a girl in a pretty dress (though the cover is everything I ever hoped it would be). It is a story of courage and kindness, of overcoming cruelty, of forgiveness and, of course, love. One thing that always inspired me about the character of Cinderella was that she remained kind, gracious, and caring despite her abuse." (From the Author’s Note at the end of the book.)

Glass Across the Sea is an enchanting tale from first page to last. It recaptured the feeling I’ve always been chasing whenever I engage with a fairytale, but which I very seldom manage to reach. There are high stakes, enduring romance, and a powerful display of good defeating evil. There’s a beautiful fairytale ending that left me perfectly content, while still ensuring that I’m to see what comes next in the series. I can’t believe this is my first experience with Ella’s work, but I’m glad I have her backlist to dig into while I’m waiting for the next installment in the Realms of Allumeria series!

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! I loved the Cinderella vibes! Sara Ella’s writing feels very fairytale-like in this one. I really loved that! I want to reread this one as a physical book now that I read an ebook version of it.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for another Cinderella story! Oh, but what's this? It's a Sara Ella Cinderella story?

Take my money.

No seriously. This was everything I'd hoped for and more. This book had so many things I love all rolled into one. From the beautiful princessy cover and the touch of ocean, lighthouses, and magic to the nuance of emotions and depth of hope and hardship in the story. A new Cinderella - with a dash of the adventurous, richly thematic Count of Monte Cristo thrown in.

I cannot wait to see the rest of the stories in this series. Sara teases a wide world brimming with more adventure to come. We get a taste of a few different places in Allumeria, lending to the adventurous tones of the story. But it was also a lot of fun to see the different culture further inland than the sea-faring village Noelle and Dante live in. Speaking of sea-faring, y'all know how much I love the sea. This story gives us enough of the salty spray against the cliffs and seashells on sandy shores vibes to make my beach girl soul sigh in delight. And the threads of glass, artistry, pumpkins, slippers, and magic will enchant any fairy tale fan.

Also, the magic system in this is super intriguing. I'm certainly looking forward to learning more, but the bits of memory, time, and healing kinds of magic felt like just the tip of the iceberg. Sara managed to both surprise and delight me with her world. It felt like anything could be right around the corner. A new kind of magic, a new people, place, music, color. Anything. The fables and parables lend to a neat history in this world, too. A delightful setting that felt so natural to the two tales interwoven as if they'd always been one.

As for the two tales, I'm far more familiar with Cinderella than the Count of Monte Cristo, but I definitely saw the touches of Monte Cristo sprinkled in. And I thought they were layered in perfectly, paired with beautiful nods to classic Cinderella elements that felt seamless in the world. I love how the mash up brought out a story all its own. Beyond the fairy tale Easter eggs, guys, this story had my jaw literally on the floor more than once! I was so invested in things I cannot say cause spoilers! Let's just say, there were some twisty turny bits - and not just saved for the end!

I adored some of these characters so much and I'm really, really, really hoping we see them again throughout the rest of the series. And not just for cameos! These guys need more story!! Noelle is a delightful, strong, and kind Cinderella who clings to the light in such an inspiring way. And Dante has such a heart for pursuing the truth. I loved his dashing courage and nobility. The "stepfamily" in this classic tale was also a lot of fun. That whole dynamic was SO well done! And Père and the king and Jaq (um, can I put in a vote for more Jaq?!). Just all of the characters. I want to gather them up and hold them close!

This is such a story of endurance, hope, and steadfastness. I love how Sara points us over and over again to light and truth in the midst of storms. Hardships will come. We won't understand. It will hurt. We face loss and grief and frustrations with even those we love. People have their own motivations that conflict with ours and this world is full of opposing forces fighting for what remains of the light - either to wield it or to snuff it out.

But we get to choose how we will respond. And that's what Sara has captured so beautifully here. Courage and heroism is choosing truth, light, and hope, even in our darkest moments.

The story is a swashbuckling adventure with some mild fantasy violence, a sweet, clean romance, and no swearing. It deals with some themes of grief, abuse, death, sickness, and etc. But suitable for a pre-teen in my opinion.

[Mariposa Aristeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Sara Ella’s books is like reading poetry. Her lyrical prose and storytelling sweeps you away into a magical, but broken, world. Glass Across the Sea is a deeply true, and deeply beautiful story about love, light, and finding beauty in the brokenness. Noelle and Dante are the sweetest couple ever, and even the smallest characters (especially Jaq) are so lovable.

[Adalyn Skains · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Even shattered glass lost across the sea finds its way back to shore. But not before it’s changed—made more beautiful and more refined than the day it was broken.”

Ah, this was such a lovely tale. ❤️ Sara Ella is a favorite author of mine and this story is one of her bests. A Cinderella retelling with threads of the Count of Monte Cristo. I was brought to tears at the end of this heartwarming and refreshing story. 🥹🥰

Glass Across the Sea may just be my favorite read of 2025. 🤩 With its beautiful prose, authentic characters, vivid world, adorable romance and so many deep quotes. I could find so many ways to describe its impact on me but simply put, the story in its pages was enchanting. I felt and resonated with it so well. Truly an encouraging and luminous story about the power of sharing light and how it transforms darkness. We must first be broken to be remade. 🧡 This story truly means so much to me.

(I received an e-ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.)

[Moriah Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I completely devoured this thing in a matter of short days. I never wanted to put it down. The Gospel themes shone through so beautifully. It was so intriguing from the beginning. I loved Noelle and Dante so much. AND AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT IMAGINED THE MR. DARCY HAND STRETCH THAT DANTE DID??

Go get this book. I barely made any notes because I was eating it up. Just go get it.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first fiction book of 2026!

Highly recommended for all readers who want to be swept away by an incredible reimagining of Cinderella and The Count of Monte Cristo.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

If you've known me for any length of time, you know I have a love for all things Sara Ella. Her writing is extraordinary, engaging, beautiful, and oh so much more than that. I took my time with this book, the longest time it's taken me to read any book this year, and that's because I wanted to enjoy my time with Noelle and Dante. I wanted to never leave this unique and imaginative world that Ella developed. And I'm a sucker for retellings lol, so there's that.

Glass Across the Sea did not disappoint. It maybe started out a smidge, teeny bit slow for my usual liking, but I got it. There's a reason for everything and really it was just my own issue lol. So don't count that against her.

Glass Across the Sea was full of adventure, fairy tale vibes, and sweet romance/friendship. I cannot wait to see where Ella brings us next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janie_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painters build their images by laying color on top of color, layering until the final product appears. Good writers do the same thing. They take the elements of their story and build their world, word by word and scene by scene, until there is a layered and nuanced story.

Glass Across the Sea is one of the best examples I’ve seen of this. Sara Ella has taken her world and grown it until it feels like a real place. It’s rich, vibrant, wide, and oh so very deep. It feels as if the world really exists and you’ll stumble across it just around the bend.

It’s taken me many years to fall in love with the fantasy genre and it will always come second to sci-fi. But if more fantasies were like Glass Across the Sea, I would be hard pressed to tear myself away and read something else. It really is the perfect example of what a fantasy should be.

Despite the wonderful ending and the neatly tied bow on this portion of the story, I can’t wait to see where Sara Ella takes it next. I love knowing that this is the just the introduction to this world and that there is so much more to come.

Thank you Sara Ella for the ARC. I tried, but I really don’t have the words to describe how wonderful this story is.

Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Kayla E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glass Across the Sea is a sweet, noblebright fantasy with nods to the classic tale, Cinderella. But it is more than that---so much more. Glass Across the Sea is a wholesome, beautiful reminder that there is beauty in what is broken, light always prevails, and true love is real.

I think a few readers would classify this book as a clean romantasy as Noelle and Dante, and the feelings they have but have not spoken aloud to one another, is central to the narrative unfolding. However, there is numerous relationships explored, such as parent/child dynamics and platonic friendship. What Sara Ella does so wonderfully well with all of her characters and their connections with others is that they are not perfect. They aren't 'morally grey;' rather, just people doing what they think is the best with what they have in the moment (and don't we all strive to make the best decisions? Even if hindsight is "20-20" as the saying goes). The depiction of positive relationships, forgiveness, grace, and understanding is done spectacularly and is SO NEEDED in more YA books!

Sara Ella remains one of my favorite authors. This will forever be one of my favorite books. It is sweet and full of light and wholesomeness without shying away from the dark realities life brings us all. It reminds teens and older readers to embrace their light and freely share it with others. I could gush for hours about the beautiful threads woven into this fairytale-esque masterpiece!

Consider this your formal invitation to the Lamplighter Festival and plan to read this book. You'll be so glad you did!

I received an ARC of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own.


**Some of my favorite quotes:

- "Darkness cannot hide light forever---it will merely delay it for a little while."
- "'When the body cannot sleep,' he often said, 'it is usually because the mind has things to accomplish.'"
- "True Light---can never be destroyed."
- "Light is meant to be shared."
- "For a lantern hidden is of no use to anyone, but a lantern on a hill lights the realm."
- "He knew what it was like to hold on to hope---even if the truth remained hopeless."
- "You are stronger than you know. But be careful that strength doesn't turn you hard. Be careful it doesn't keep the light inside from breaking free."
- "They may have grown up in the same realm, but they lived worlds apart."
- "'Even shattered glass, lost across the sea,' she cited, 'finds its way back to the shore. But not before it is changed---made more beautiful and more refined than the day it was broken.'"
- "Don't conform to the mold...Transform it."
- "It isn't the storm that's important, only what you do when that storm inevitably comes."
- "Those who fail to seek will never find."
- "No matter what anyone else says or how they behave, you are responsible for you, my Firefly. Don't let the cracks they create shatter you. Instead, allow them to make you that much stronger."
- "To be fair, cats always had a way of making him feel unsettled."
- "Making something from nothing."
- "Art, in her view, was never a laughing matter. A piece might evoke hope in one while it produced sorrow in the heart of another. It was the same for music. For dance."
- "When people don't understand something, they often resort to fearing it."
- "Just because someone is provoked, that doesn't make them justified to act upon their anger."
- "Not everything broken or cracked is worthless."
- "Even miracles took a little time."
- "It does no good to dwell on the what-ifs. We can only do our best to choose right with every step, and hope to live without regret."
- "All good men make mistakes. It was what happened after those mistakes that determined who a person was at their core."
- "If we fulfill our purpose in this realm by sharing our gifts, we are never truly gone."
- "Men are not meant to live in the past, but they must always remember the past."
- "...everyone needs something to believe in...."
- "She would no longer cower before cruelty."

[Piper Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the lovely Sara Ella herself, and I’m so glad to be granted the privilege!

From the very first pages, this book envelopes you in a sparkling fairytale of many layers. The meaningful symbols, unique magic system, noble characters, and the immersive coastal setting make this Cinderella story a standout.

Noelle is a fantastic heroine whose softness and kindness are her strength and whose bravery, faith, and curiosity pave the (sometimes rough) path toward the ultimate conclusion: Light always finds a way to break free. I love a feminine, warm-hearted main girl. I love how she saw hope even when her heart was broken and her world was falling apart. I wouldn’t change anything about her.

Dante is also one of the most noble, admirable male main characters I’ve read in a long time. It was refreshing that I could trust he’d always try to make the most righteous decision, even if I was desperate for him to make rash choices to reunite with Noelle sooner. His steadiness is what real love looks like, and the love these two had for each other really warmed my romantic heart.

What really made this a worthwhile read, though, was the careful and intentional weaving of truth and beauty into the symbolism. Glass, sea, lighthouses, fireflies. There is a clear connection to biblical principles, but like a painting or favorite Disney classic, Sara Ella makes the ride gorgeous, fun, and compelling with a rewarding end. It may be fiction, but great fiction also tells the truth, and this book is a lovely example of that.

I hope and pray Glass Across the Sea will find the right readers and be on many shelves for a long time to come. It really is worth the journey.

[Ashley Schaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and unique reimagining of Cinderella with a powerful message. Darkness cannot overcome Light.

[Hailey Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella is one of my favorite fairy tales, and I loved Sara Ella's retelling of it. Glass Across the Sea follows the Cinderella story arc while weaving in motifs of The Count of Monte Cristo and its own unique elements.

Noelle and Dante were sweet together. Sara also did a great job rounding out the rest of the cast. Like I said above, the plot weaves together new and familiar elements in a story rich with theme that will sweep readers away.

My only quibble would be that the flow between the present and flashback/memory scenes sometimes felt a little off or the flashbacks were a little too close together. However, that is a *very* minor quibble.

Fairy tale fans will love Sara Ella's latest novel.

Cautions: moderate romance; three kisses

(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. The one downside is that the magic is confusing, especially in the second half of the book.

[Rachel Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Ella works her magic again!

Real quick before we get into said magic--I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This time, the fairy tale in question is Cinderella (with some Count of Monte Cristo vibes). First off, I ADORED the French-inspired fantasy world. The allusions to the original fairy tale/story are very clever, but subtle enough that I could do my own work in piecing the elements together. It's a sweet twist on the original story.

Noelle stands out as a very well done Cinderella character. Many Cinderella characters struggle with one of two extremes--they become passive and simply lie down and take all the abuse, or they become bitter and angry and lose the kindness that Cinderella is known for. Noelle does neither--she stands up to the injustice she experiences, but she never loses her softness and kindness.

The villains in this story are absolutely DESPICABLE--and yet we can see where they came from, what drove them to such lengths, and we can understand them.

All in all, it has the feel of reading a fairy tale or watching a Disney movie, and I loved every moment of it.

Sensitive topics/content:
-loss of a parent
-abuse (some instances of physical abuse shown on page)

Representation:
-abuse survivors
-Latinx (implied, side character)

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

They'll both do anything for those they love....

I fell for Sara Ella's vivid storytelling with her Wonderland duology so you can imagine my excitement when I found out that she was starting off a brand new series, Realms Of Allumeria, with a Cinderella retelling – I also love fairytale retelling, by the way...

And Glass Across The Sea is just any old retelling of the much loved fairytale. The bones of the story we are all so familiar with are most definitely still there but Sara Ella takes them and reweaves them into a tale entirely her own.

And this is a very vibrantly told story indeed. The Realms Of Allumeria come alive in a way that is simple but easy to visualize each scene. The are plenty of twists and turns and even a few surprises along the way for both Noelle and Dante – and by turn, readers. They are a charming young couple and you can't help but like them both as you get to know them better.

I've read quite a few Cinderella retellings and one thing that I really appreciated about Glass Across The Sea is that the heroine's name is not just another variation of the name Ella.

I will confess that I did like The Curious Realities duology – with its darker vibe – a bit more. However, Glass Across The Sea was one of the more unique and interesting Cinderella retellings and it was definitely a good read. This was a great start to the Realms Of Allumeria and I find myself looking forward to reading the next book in this new series from fantasy author Sara Ella....

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all! I absolutely loved Glass Across the Sea! I was hooked from the very first page. The story really came to life. I was transported to Allumeria. I felt like I was right there beside the characters and experiencing everything right alongside them.

I loved the nods to the original story of Cinderella, but I also really loved all the differences. It stayed true to the tale but was also so much more.

I loved the faith parallels too. There were some pretty powerful messages, which I really appreciated seeing woven into the story.

I loved the multiple points of view. It was mostly Noelle and Dante, but there were a few other characters that gave some very interesting insight into things too.

I didn't think there was any way Sara Ella could top The Wonderland Trials, but she's done it with this beautiful and engaging Cinderella reimagining. I loved it so much and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet and enchanting fairy tales!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glass Across the Sea exceeded any and every expectation I had and has enthralled me in every way.

I don’t know why my expectations were low for this book…but I didn’t expect it to be as jaw-dropping amazing as it ended up being! And as an audiobook, it was fabulous—the narrators did the best job!

Noelle and Dante are literally the cutest, I couldn’t predict what would happen next in the plot, the Cinderella aspects delighted my Cinderella-loving heart, and the themes encouraged me every chapter.

I have no reservations when I say I recommend Glass Across the Sea! It’s clean (I feel it’s appropriate for 13+) and sweet with a message of hope and a storyline that hooks you and won’t let you go.

[Viola Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Forgive me as I think I'm just not in a fantasy mood. I loved the message of light throughout the story and unique characters.

The last 20% or so kind of lost me and the magic didn't make sense. That carried into the ending, and I found myself losing interest because I wasn't sure how it was all working. But that could also just be reader error :).