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Upon A Time
A blacksmith’s apprentice who would be a knight. The heir to the throne, at death’s door. One woman who would save them both, if she could…
Charlotte was number sixty-four in the second group of young, hopeful maidens intended to meet the Prince at a grand ball in his honor.
That introduction was not to be.
She returned home to her tiny village—and her visions of a future limited by it—without any warning of the drastic turn her life was about to take.
Soon she would be fighting against the odds to help keep a gravely wounded stranger alive; and waging war with her own heart, as he stirred feelings in her she’d never known.
When the stranger’s royal identity is revealed, Charlotte is faced with an entirely different battle: one to keep her family, village, and the injured Prince in her care all safe from a madman set on taking the throne by any means necessary.
Charlotte was number sixty-four in the second group of young, hopeful maidens intended to meet the Prince at a grand ball in his honor.
That introduction was not to be.
She returned home to her tiny village—and her visions of a future limited by it—without any warning of the drastic turn her life was about to take.
Soon she would be fighting against the odds to help keep a gravely wounded stranger alive; and waging war with her own heart, as he stirred feelings in her she’d never known.
When the stranger’s royal identity is revealed, Charlotte is faced with an entirely different battle: one to keep her family, village, and the injured Prince in her care all safe from a madman set on taking the throne by any means necessary.
156 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2015
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
February Grace
12 books86 followersFebruary Grace is an author, poet, and artist from Southeast Michigan. She is more than mildly obsessed with clocks, music, colors, meteor showers, and steam engines.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 30, 2020
Full review to follow!
July 21, 2015
Once upon a time there was a Ball held for all of the eligible maidens in the land in order for the Prince to choose a bride. Charlotte Rousseau was maiden number sixty-four in line to meet the Prince, but never got the chance after a beautiful, golden haired maiden swept in and caught the Prince's attention. Returning home to her small town of St. Fleur, Charlotte dutifully assists her ailing mother in taking care of their home, helps her father with his work as a physician and spends time with her childhood friend, Thomas. Not long after the Ball, the death of the King and the disappearance of the Prince is announced, making Duke Frederick next in line for the throne. That same day, Thomas and Charlotte find a seriously injured man, Charlotte and her Father fix his injuries that best that they can, but the man will be disfigured and without part of his leg. Charlotte nurses the man back to health and as he heals, finds the connection between the missing Prince and her injured man; she now gets the opportunity that she never received at the ball. However, as the Prince heals, Duke Frederick has been creating problems for small towns such as St. Fleur. It is now imperative to return the missing Prince to the throne and Charlotte and Thomas risk their lives to do so.
This was a really interesting spin on Cinderella. The writing was very fast-paced and this was a shorter book, leaving me to fill in some gaps in time throughout the story; however I did feel that the character development was very good. I had a good picture of who Charlotte, Thomas and Prince Julien really were. I also struggled along with them as their relationships developed. It was evident to me that the hard-working, loyal and brave Thomas was in love with Charlotte, but that she had only ever seen him as a brother figure and friend. I was glad to see that the Prince did not just sweep Charlotte off her feet with good looks and royal standing, but it was Charlotte who really ended up saving the Prince. I really liked that Charlotte could see through his injuries, even when his "Cinderella" couldn't. Wrapping up in an exciting conclusion, the Prince and Charlotte received their fairy tale happily ever after as well as Thomas and the original Cinderella earn a different kind of ever afters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
This was a really interesting spin on Cinderella. The writing was very fast-paced and this was a shorter book, leaving me to fill in some gaps in time throughout the story; however I did feel that the character development was very good. I had a good picture of who Charlotte, Thomas and Prince Julien really were. I also struggled along with them as their relationships developed. It was evident to me that the hard-working, loyal and brave Thomas was in love with Charlotte, but that she had only ever seen him as a brother figure and friend. I was glad to see that the Prince did not just sweep Charlotte off her feet with good looks and royal standing, but it was Charlotte who really ended up saving the Prince. I really liked that Charlotte could see through his injuries, even when his "Cinderella" couldn't. Wrapping up in an exciting conclusion, the Prince and Charlotte received their fairy tale happily ever after as well as Thomas and the original Cinderella earn a different kind of ever afters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2017
A sweet, clean romance story of a potential "Happy Ever After". The cover doesn't exactly match the inside story, but both are great as individuals (cover/story).
It actually is a slight retelling of Cinderella, beginning with a ball, a glass slipper and a woman sleeping next to the fire (not necessarily the same woman), but evolves into a disfigured prince, a kingdom in trouble and a love triangle. I enjoyed it as it was simply a nice book to read with no disappointments. Definitely for someone who enjoys clean romance.
It actually is a slight retelling of Cinderella, beginning with a ball, a glass slipper and a woman sleeping next to the fire (not necessarily the same woman), but evolves into a disfigured prince, a kingdom in trouble and a love triangle. I enjoyed it as it was simply a nice book to read with no disappointments. Definitely for someone who enjoys clean romance.
April 11, 2015
An invite to the ball of the century, every maiden in the country is welcomed, for a chance to become the future Kings bride. However all of them leave with tears and disappointments, never to experience their promised dance, as one girl captures the princes attention.
Now word is out that the prince has found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and preparations for the wedding set the whole Kingdom in motion, that until the dreadful news of the Kings and princes death fall upon the people, setting the start of a dark future for the kingdom
This book was purely mindblowing, it's a read I couldn't set down, and I'll gladly ruin every childhood fairy tale I grew up with if it means reading more of this authors wonderful work.
I have to admit, I was really reluctant to read this book at the beginning, who would want their childhood love story ruined? However the temptation after the first chapter was too big to resist, Grace's writing style is flawless, it's magical in every sense, and you can see the characters and world come to life with every word you read to yourself. Grace posses power in her writing, and I am really excited to get my hands on some of her other work.
What I really loved about this book was that every character she placed within it had it's worth, side characters did not exist within it. She didn't have many people, just a select few, however not many people are needed to tell a story, not even that of a Kings. Her focusing on Thomas, Julian, Charlotte and the others made them become more alive than ever to us, another reason I enjoyed this book so much.
But what I can guarantee will capture every readers heart is the love story told here, because this book is about true love, about the extent it reaches too, what people will do for it, and it shows that love is not about looks or the person, it's about that personality that will capture your heart, about nobility and loyalty and above all, about looking past all the bad and seeing the good.
I know by the end of this prince Julian will have you offering your heart to him without a second thought.
This book is one I'll be recommending to many people for sure, it's a book that will stand proudly on my bookshelf. If you want a magical read, then this is it, with every sense.
Now word is out that the prince has found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and preparations for the wedding set the whole Kingdom in motion, that until the dreadful news of the Kings and princes death fall upon the people, setting the start of a dark future for the kingdom
This book was purely mindblowing, it's a read I couldn't set down, and I'll gladly ruin every childhood fairy tale I grew up with if it means reading more of this authors wonderful work.
I have to admit, I was really reluctant to read this book at the beginning, who would want their childhood love story ruined? However the temptation after the first chapter was too big to resist, Grace's writing style is flawless, it's magical in every sense, and you can see the characters and world come to life with every word you read to yourself. Grace posses power in her writing, and I am really excited to get my hands on some of her other work.
What I really loved about this book was that every character she placed within it had it's worth, side characters did not exist within it. She didn't have many people, just a select few, however not many people are needed to tell a story, not even that of a Kings. Her focusing on Thomas, Julian, Charlotte and the others made them become more alive than ever to us, another reason I enjoyed this book so much.
But what I can guarantee will capture every readers heart is the love story told here, because this book is about true love, about the extent it reaches too, what people will do for it, and it shows that love is not about looks or the person, it's about that personality that will capture your heart, about nobility and loyalty and above all, about looking past all the bad and seeing the good.
I know by the end of this prince Julian will have you offering your heart to him without a second thought.
This book is one I'll be recommending to many people for sure, it's a book that will stand proudly on my bookshelf. If you want a magical read, then this is it, with every sense.
April 7, 2015
Charlotte and Thomas live in a small country town. She a physician's daughter and he a blacksmith apprentice. They have known each other their whole life and been the best of friends.
One day news comes to the town that the king and the prince have been killed in an attempted robbery while hunting. Only 2 guards and Duke Frederick have survived and the guards were hung because they did not save the king and prince.
Duke Frederick will now become the prince as he is next in line. Already he is wreaking havoc by calling in all debts owned to the crown. If they cannot pay, they lose their property and the strongest put into prison.
One day Charlotte and Thomas are out riding and Thomas sees a man in the water, barely alive. They take him back to her father where they care for him. One arm is broken, part of a leg had to be amputated and one side of his face was disfigured. He is cared for night and day, as they would anyone. The finally figure out that this is the prince and the prince has survived!
Charlotte and the prince find themselves very attracted to one another even though she fights her feelings because he is so ill. Thomas sees this and is not happy because he has loved Charlotte for a long time.
Can the Prince get back the Throne from Duke Frederick and save the Kingdom? Will Charlotte be his queen?
This book was utterly enchanting! It was a fairy tale to the T! I normally probably wouldn't have read this because I like a sexier book but I would have seriously missed out on a good book!
One of the parts I really liked was that the prince's life was basically mapped out for him, even a wife, but because of this tragedy he got to see how others lived and what their everyday life was. It would make him a better ruler.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I received an ARC fir an honest opinion.
One day news comes to the town that the king and the prince have been killed in an attempted robbery while hunting. Only 2 guards and Duke Frederick have survived and the guards were hung because they did not save the king and prince.
Duke Frederick will now become the prince as he is next in line. Already he is wreaking havoc by calling in all debts owned to the crown. If they cannot pay, they lose their property and the strongest put into prison.
One day Charlotte and Thomas are out riding and Thomas sees a man in the water, barely alive. They take him back to her father where they care for him. One arm is broken, part of a leg had to be amputated and one side of his face was disfigured. He is cared for night and day, as they would anyone. The finally figure out that this is the prince and the prince has survived!
Charlotte and the prince find themselves very attracted to one another even though she fights her feelings because he is so ill. Thomas sees this and is not happy because he has loved Charlotte for a long time.
Can the Prince get back the Throne from Duke Frederick and save the Kingdom? Will Charlotte be his queen?
This book was utterly enchanting! It was a fairy tale to the T! I normally probably wouldn't have read this because I like a sexier book but I would have seriously missed out on a good book!
One of the parts I really liked was that the prince's life was basically mapped out for him, even a wife, but because of this tragedy he got to see how others lived and what their everyday life was. It would make him a better ruler.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I received an ARC fir an honest opinion.
April 1, 2015
Big thank you to Booktrope Publishers for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review
"Gather around one and all, and see an ancient tale reborn."
This book was absolutely adorable.
First I want to say that it isn't the most original retelling i've ever read.. HOWEVER, it was thoroughly entertaining and creative.
What if the prince meeting Cinderella was not all that it seemed?
What if Cinderella when she ran away, was because she realised that she didn't actually want to marry the Prince and become Queen.
So If that happens, what tale do we have now?
"She was a regular maiden from a humble place, and she was called Charlotte. This is not her story, alone."
So this story begins as all Cinderella recounts do.
"Once upon a time in a faraway land, a call went out across the hills"
So this story revolves around a simple girl named Charlotte who finds a dying man, severely wounded by a stream. She promptly nurses him back to health only to discover that he is much more that he seemed.
After the ball, both the King and Prince were killed...or so it seems.
Now Charlotte's adventure begins.
I really enjoyed the fact that our main man began as extremely handsome and rugged, however he was then disfigured...this story was about love conquering all even when beauty is gone.
I liked Charlotte though her character had the tendency to lean into saint-hood.
And i actually loved the best friend- Thomas, I actually want to read his love story because he deserves the best!
I liked it, it was so sweet and adorable!
Stay Awesome
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
"Gather around one and all, and see an ancient tale reborn."
This book was absolutely adorable.
First I want to say that it isn't the most original retelling i've ever read.. HOWEVER, it was thoroughly entertaining and creative.
What if the prince meeting Cinderella was not all that it seemed?
What if Cinderella when she ran away, was because she realised that she didn't actually want to marry the Prince and become Queen.
So If that happens, what tale do we have now?
"She was a regular maiden from a humble place, and she was called Charlotte. This is not her story, alone."
So this story begins as all Cinderella recounts do.
"Once upon a time in a faraway land, a call went out across the hills"
So this story revolves around a simple girl named Charlotte who finds a dying man, severely wounded by a stream. She promptly nurses him back to health only to discover that he is much more that he seemed.
After the ball, both the King and Prince were killed...or so it seems.
Now Charlotte's adventure begins.
I really enjoyed the fact that our main man began as extremely handsome and rugged, however he was then disfigured...this story was about love conquering all even when beauty is gone.
I liked Charlotte though her character had the tendency to lean into saint-hood.
And i actually loved the best friend- Thomas, I actually want to read his love story because he deserves the best!
I liked it, it was so sweet and adorable!
Stay Awesome
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
May 6, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Have you ever wondered what happened after Cinderella became engaged to the Prince/ Well, this is a tale of what could have possibly happened. Just when things were looking down for one of the girls not to be chosen that night. A mysterious gravely injured man comes into her life. This was a good fairy tale story with plenty of angst and heart warming moments. Of course you have the love at first sight kind of thing because it is a fairy tale. I mean they do have one conversations then bam He loves her. If you over look some of the cheesier moments this was an actually good read. If you just saw the movie Cinderella and are in the fairy tale mood give this a shot. However, be warned it is a darker tale.
April 6, 2015
This was a sweet historical fantasy retake on Cinderella. Charlotte is sent to visit the prince in hopes that he will choose her to be the next queen, but is sent home before even meeting him. Now the country is in turmoil as the king and crown prince were killed and the Duke who is next in line for the throne is charging taxes that are leaving many out of house and home. Charlotte's blacksmith best friend finds a severely injured man whom she nurses back to health. Could he be the Prince or part of his royal guard?
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2015
Cinderella is one of my favorite fairy tales but this retelling may just have topped it. This is a charming story behind the Cinderella myth. It contains true love, lost love, revenge, murder, and a strong woman who helps save her love and the kingdom.
I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds
I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds
cldnt-or-ddnt-finish
April 8, 2015This is an interesting story, it's start is the same night as the Royal Ball at which Cinderella meets her prince!
Unfortunately the writing style and the possible love triangle make this story not for me.
Unfortunately the writing style and the possible love triangle make this story not for me.
May 9, 2015
Not the fairy tale you know
A prince who learns how the common folks live. A love triangle. Intrigue
, murder and suspense. An ending with happiness and a little bittersweet.
A prince who learns how the common folks live. A love triangle. Intrigue
, murder and suspense. An ending with happiness and a little bittersweet.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews