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A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale #2
Swept Away
Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming, wants what she wants. Today, it's a fine pair of lacy slippers crafted by the renowned Ella's Establishment. To be picture perfect for her presentation to the queen, Charlotte will survive crashed ceilings and falling bricks. Yet, has she met her match in the conservative merchant, whose autumn-colored eyes make her pulse race, especially when he says no?
Caught between the glittering world of the ton and the respectable profession of selling shoes, Edwin Cinder can't understand the lady's persistence or the fire lighting her blue eyes when she's challenged. With his lack of pedigree, there's no chance for this common God-fearing man to win her hand, but he'll risk all to save the duchess from the ravages of a London gale.
Swept Away is a Regency retelling of Cinderella with a twist.
This is the Young Adult Version of Swept Away. It has discussion questions and a lesser focus on some romantic elements.
Caught between the glittering world of the ton and the respectable profession of selling shoes, Edwin Cinder can't understand the lady's persistence or the fire lighting her blue eyes when she's challenged. With his lack of pedigree, there's no chance for this common God-fearing man to win her hand, but he'll risk all to save the duchess from the ravages of a London gale.
Swept Away is a Regency retelling of Cinderella with a twist.
This is the Young Adult Version of Swept Away. It has discussion questions and a lesser focus on some romantic elements.
ebook
First published September 4, 2014
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About the author
Vanessa Riley
46 books1,642 followersI'm Vanessa Riley, and I write Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities of the 1750s to 1830s, The Revolutionary Years. I write for readers who treasure and share with friends books that showcase women, power, strong sisterhoods, and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 22, 2016
Sweet and inspirational Cinderfella story. The characters were pretty much one-dimensional. It's fine if you like this sort of light YA fantasy romance where characters pray frequently.
2.5 stars. Another one for the fluffy shelf.
2.5 stars. Another one for the fluffy shelf.
October 2, 2014
A violent storm brings two people together in this tale that puts a twist on a classic romance. Charlotte, Duchess of Charming is trying to prove that she deserves her new titled position despite the fact that she is a woman. The person who seems to need the most convincing is herself. Edwin Cinder is a man straddling classes as the step-son of a duke, but the son of a cobbler. He is trying to find his place in society when he meets Charlotte. A ball brings the two together and they come to see the chemistry between them.
Vanessa's Riley unique take on the Cinderella story, especially the gender role reversal. The author portrays Charlotte as a strong female character that is coming into her own. She still has insecurities which make her feel real and human. This fresh twist on a classic fairy tale brings a new set of challenges that the traditional telling does not explore. I applaud Vanessa Riley for breaking new ground in the realm of fairy tale retelling and I hope to see more soon.
Vanessa's Riley unique take on the Cinderella story, especially the gender role reversal. The author portrays Charlotte as a strong female character that is coming into her own. She still has insecurities which make her feel real and human. This fresh twist on a classic fairy tale brings a new set of challenges that the traditional telling does not explore. I applaud Vanessa Riley for breaking new ground in the realm of fairy tale retelling and I hope to see more soon.
May 5, 2017
Upon his death in 1818, the Duke of Charming’s daughter, Charlotte, becomes duchess. Charlotte is a strong willed young woman who knows exactly what she wants. She’s tired of a man telling her what to do, and she looks forward to ruling over her own life. When she and her friend Mercy, better known as Miss Goodmom, go to a cobbler, Charlotte spots the perfect pair of slippers to wear with her gown to her coming out ball. Yet the salesman assures her that the slippers are not for sale. Edwin Cinder, owner of the Ella shoe store, notices Charlotte as she and Mercy are leaving and immediately falls in love, yet he is unwilling to let the special shoes go. When the two attend the same ball, tragedy strikes. Edwin came to Charlotte’s rescue once before. Will he be willing to let her do the same for him?
I loved this book. It was just a fun and whimsical take on the classic Cinderella story. I like that the roles were reversed, and the regency setting was delightful. The writing is nicely paced and charming. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep one guessing and references to the original story are subtly and perfectly woven in. The characters felt real and relatable. It’s a lovely novel.
All in all, Swept Away is a charming spin on Cinderella that any fan of Jane Austen and fairytales will enjoy.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this book. It was just a fun and whimsical take on the classic Cinderella story. I like that the roles were reversed, and the regency setting was delightful. The writing is nicely paced and charming. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep one guessing and references to the original story are subtly and perfectly woven in. The characters felt real and relatable. It’s a lovely novel.
All in all, Swept Away is a charming spin on Cinderella that any fan of Jane Austen and fairytales will enjoy.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
December 27, 2019
It was a cute little story. Relationship didn’t really build that much and they fell in love pretty quickly, as do most of these historical romance stories. But cute nonetheless.
June 4, 2022
Enjoyed reading again. Laughed. Love the research the author does & shares.
July 15, 2015
This was a regency twisted version of Cinderella - Interesting, wasn't awesome by any stretch of the imagination, insta-love but not the swoon worthy kind, I didn't believe it.
But if you're not looking for anything too deep, or overly satisfying and something that is short, here's your book.
Moral Note: Pretty clean, some drinking, and talk of drunks, but that's about it.
But if you're not looking for anything too deep, or overly satisfying and something that is short, here's your book.
Moral Note: Pretty clean, some drinking, and talk of drunks, but that's about it.
January 12, 2015
One of the best fairy tale re-telling EVER! LOVE LOVE LOVE all the twists on the Cinderella tale. Well written plot and characters. The only thing I could say bad is that it had to end. Highly recommend this author!
August 29, 2015
This was a great short story and a very fun twist on Cinderella. It was so clever and so different. This version was clean and sweet and had a good love story. The end was a little silly but I loved how they added 'His" shoe. It was a longer short story and worth the price:}
November 27, 2017
Loved it!
October 23, 2022
I liked the writing style. It was very readable. The story was a bit rushed. I also didn’t expect it to be as religious as it was? It wasn’t preachy per se, but it was was more that I anticipated. I would read more from this author in the future I think. She has some other books that also sound interesting.
November 27, 2025
Good, not Great
This was an enjoyable read. It's a different take on Cinderella. It was fun to read once, but it just didn't capture my attention enough to make me want to read more or read it over. As for content, it's clean. No language. Kissing only. No violence.
This was an enjoyable read. It's a different take on Cinderella. It was fun to read once, but it just didn't capture my attention enough to make me want to read more or read it over. As for content, it's clean. No language. Kissing only. No violence.
June 27, 2017
Cute flip on Cinderella
This was a cute and quick story flip on Cinderella. It was an easy and a good little read. Definitely enjoyable.
This was a cute and quick story flip on Cinderella. It was an easy and a good little read. Definitely enjoyable.
August 11, 2015
Charlotte Downing is the Duchess of Charming, and she is determined to have the beautiful fairy slippers on display at Ella's Establishment for her presentation to the queen. Edwin Cinder is the handsome merchant that owns Ella's, and despite his attraction to Charlotte, he has no intention of giving up those shoes, and he knows that he hasn't got the pedigree to win the hand of a duchess. Circumstances throw the two together at a ball held in the home of Edwin's stepfather, when disaster strikes and the building begins to collapse. Edwin will risk everything to save Charlotte's life, but isn't sure he can risk his heart by declaring his feelings for her.
As you can see, this story reverses the roles of Cinderella and her prince in some ways. Edwin does have stepbrothers that are quite undesirable, but has a very good relationship with his stepfather. Charlotte starts out spoiled and defensive, proudly determined to be completely independent and never allow a man to control her. In short, not very likable, and it was rather unclear why Edwin was attracted to her - except that she's beautiful. Edwin is very honorable and wealthy, but because he is not heir to a title, he feels unworthy to pursue Charlotte. His reluctance on that basis is understandable, but in some ways is inconsistent with the rest of his character.
Unfortunately, the quality of the writing seemed to diminish as I got further into the book. It appeared as though the author was trying much too hard to write creative descriptions, and much of the narrative was overdone and awkward at best. reminding me of a young child trying to use big words that they don't completely understand. I almost stopped reading completely when I came to a sentence that was apparently trying to describe the sound Charlotte's gown made as she walked - "the bleating of her beaded gown". What??? I don't even know what word she was looking for! Bleating is the sound sheep make and I can't imagine that a beaded gown would sound anything like that under any conditions. Several incorrect word usages were present as well, such as "fair" when "fare" would clearly be the correct word.
It started out well, but as I got further along the problems began to annoy me more.
Only the first eight chapters tell the story. Chapter Nine is an author's note. Chapter Ten is a Glossary, with less than twenty terms, and the definitions were quite unnecessary. Chapters Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen are excerpts from the author's other books. I was less than impressed with the book I had just finished, and not at all inclined to read anything else she had written.
This story had a lot of potential and was indeed a very interesting twist on the Cinderella tale. It's unfortunate that careless editing and awkward writing spoiled my enjoyment of this light romance.
As you can see, this story reverses the roles of Cinderella and her prince in some ways. Edwin does have stepbrothers that are quite undesirable, but has a very good relationship with his stepfather. Charlotte starts out spoiled and defensive, proudly determined to be completely independent and never allow a man to control her. In short, not very likable, and it was rather unclear why Edwin was attracted to her - except that she's beautiful. Edwin is very honorable and wealthy, but because he is not heir to a title, he feels unworthy to pursue Charlotte. His reluctance on that basis is understandable, but in some ways is inconsistent with the rest of his character.
Unfortunately, the quality of the writing seemed to diminish as I got further into the book. It appeared as though the author was trying much too hard to write creative descriptions, and much of the narrative was overdone and awkward at best. reminding me of a young child trying to use big words that they don't completely understand. I almost stopped reading completely when I came to a sentence that was apparently trying to describe the sound Charlotte's gown made as she walked - "the bleating of her beaded gown". What??? I don't even know what word she was looking for! Bleating is the sound sheep make and I can't imagine that a beaded gown would sound anything like that under any conditions. Several incorrect word usages were present as well, such as "fair" when "fare" would clearly be the correct word.
It started out well, but as I got further along the problems began to annoy me more.
Only the first eight chapters tell the story. Chapter Nine is an author's note. Chapter Ten is a Glossary, with less than twenty terms, and the definitions were quite unnecessary. Chapters Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen are excerpts from the author's other books. I was less than impressed with the book I had just finished, and not at all inclined to read anything else she had written.
This story had a lot of potential and was indeed a very interesting twist on the Cinderella tale. It's unfortunate that careless editing and awkward writing spoiled my enjoyment of this light romance.
November 12, 2014
London, March 1818
Charlotte Downing, the newly named Duchess of Charming, is totally caught up in her coming-out plans. She is busy gathering lovely clothes and is thrilled to find the perfect pair of shoes to match her gown that she plans to wear when she is presented to the Queen. She found these gorgeous shoes in the Ella Store. They are housed in a clear glass case. However, when she tries to purchase the shoes, she is informed that they are not for sale. Furious, she and her companion, Mercy Goodman, are forced to leave the store as a big storm is approaching.
Edwin Cinder is the owner of Ella Store carrying on the legacy of shoe making passed on to him from his father. The store is named after his mother. He is also the stepson of Lord Rundle, his late mother’s second husband. His stepbrothers constantly chastise him for actually working in trade while they lounge in society. However, Edwin is happy with what he does and feels quite blessed with his life.
As it happens, Edwin passes Charlotte and her companion in the street just as the storm strikes and saves them from harm by a falling sign. Unfortunately, the sign hits him and he is knocked unconscious. Charlotte gets him help and back in his stepfather’s home and he is most grateful. Later that evening, he is forced to attend a soiree at Lord Rundle’s home and Charlotte appears as a guest. As they are properly introduced to one another, they find a commonality between them. However, the storm is not over and what happens next is horrendous. Will they be able to survive the destruction of this storm?
This is a cleverly written book loosely based on the story of Cinderella. I believe that readers will enjoy it.
Charlotte Downing, the newly named Duchess of Charming, is totally caught up in her coming-out plans. She is busy gathering lovely clothes and is thrilled to find the perfect pair of shoes to match her gown that she plans to wear when she is presented to the Queen. She found these gorgeous shoes in the Ella Store. They are housed in a clear glass case. However, when she tries to purchase the shoes, she is informed that they are not for sale. Furious, she and her companion, Mercy Goodman, are forced to leave the store as a big storm is approaching.
Edwin Cinder is the owner of Ella Store carrying on the legacy of shoe making passed on to him from his father. The store is named after his mother. He is also the stepson of Lord Rundle, his late mother’s second husband. His stepbrothers constantly chastise him for actually working in trade while they lounge in society. However, Edwin is happy with what he does and feels quite blessed with his life.
As it happens, Edwin passes Charlotte and her companion in the street just as the storm strikes and saves them from harm by a falling sign. Unfortunately, the sign hits him and he is knocked unconscious. Charlotte gets him help and back in his stepfather’s home and he is most grateful. Later that evening, he is forced to attend a soiree at Lord Rundle’s home and Charlotte appears as a guest. As they are properly introduced to one another, they find a commonality between them. However, the storm is not over and what happens next is horrendous. Will they be able to survive the destruction of this storm?
This is a cleverly written book loosely based on the story of Cinderella. I believe that readers will enjoy it.
August 25, 2015
Swept Away, A Regency Fairytale**** by Vanessa Riley
Who would have the nerve to say “no” to Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming? She is very clear about what she wants and expects to get it. However, when she and her friend step into a shoe shop she finds the perfect pair of slippers locked up behind a glass partition and is told they are not for sale. Angrily she leaves the shop, planning to return to talk to the owner. Just as a sign starts to fall on her head due to the breaking storm, Charlotte is saved by Edwin Cinder. Edwin is knocked out by the sign, Charlotte arranges to have him taken to the home of his step-father, Lord Rundle. Even though Edwin does not care for soirees, he is expected to attend Lord Rundle's soiree. He plans to make an appearance and then leave. However, his plans change when he sees Charlotte among the guests. He soon learns she is the Duchess and far beyond his lowly class. The earlier storm continues and becomes much worse as the evening progresses. Suddenly Edwin and Charlotte find themselves under rubble from the horrendous storm. Will they be able to survive until helps arrives or will they have to find their own way out. As they are drawn more to each other, can they find romance after the storm or will their class differences keep them apart?
The story started out a bit slow but picked up as I read. Charlotte starts out as a spoiled, rich woman used to getting her own way. But her character matures into a thoughtful, caring woman. Edwin is of the working class but he is a fine Christian man with honor and integrity. This unique Cinderella story is set in the Regency era with surprises, humor, faith and romance.
~I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review~
Who would have the nerve to say “no” to Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming? She is very clear about what she wants and expects to get it. However, when she and her friend step into a shoe shop she finds the perfect pair of slippers locked up behind a glass partition and is told they are not for sale. Angrily she leaves the shop, planning to return to talk to the owner. Just as a sign starts to fall on her head due to the breaking storm, Charlotte is saved by Edwin Cinder. Edwin is knocked out by the sign, Charlotte arranges to have him taken to the home of his step-father, Lord Rundle. Even though Edwin does not care for soirees, he is expected to attend Lord Rundle's soiree. He plans to make an appearance and then leave. However, his plans change when he sees Charlotte among the guests. He soon learns she is the Duchess and far beyond his lowly class. The earlier storm continues and becomes much worse as the evening progresses. Suddenly Edwin and Charlotte find themselves under rubble from the horrendous storm. Will they be able to survive until helps arrives or will they have to find their own way out. As they are drawn more to each other, can they find romance after the storm or will their class differences keep them apart?
The story started out a bit slow but picked up as I read. Charlotte starts out as a spoiled, rich woman used to getting her own way. But her character matures into a thoughtful, caring woman. Edwin is of the working class but he is a fine Christian man with honor and integrity. This unique Cinderella story is set in the Regency era with surprises, humor, faith and romance.
~I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review~
February 5, 2016
I am the kind of reader who prefers audiobooks. I'd already purchased Swept Away as a kindle e-book, but when I found a review copy available through Audiobook Blast, I jumped at the chance to get the audiobook. So before I start the review, here's my disclaimer:
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast
I was intrigued at the twist in the Cinderella story, and this story did not disappoint. I don't normally read or listen to regency romances, but I looked for familiar elements. I enjoyed how the author mixed them into things (the name of hte shop, the midnight deadline, Duchess Charming, the lone shoe) so that parts were familiar, yet it was its own story. Both main characters are quite likable, and you just root for them to be together despite a few misunderstandings.
One thing about the story that did surprise me was the elements of Christian faith and prayer. This wasn't mentioned in the summary. That can be either a selling point or a turn off depending on the reader. For me, I found it a rather lovely surprise as I am not used to such things in a lot of the romances I read.
I felt that the narrator was quite capable and made the story move along. In some ways, I didn't notice her, but she made it so I could concentrate on the story instead of picking apart the performance.
I recommend this story to people who like fairy tale retellings or short and sweet romances.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast
I was intrigued at the twist in the Cinderella story, and this story did not disappoint. I don't normally read or listen to regency romances, but I looked for familiar elements. I enjoyed how the author mixed them into things (the name of hte shop, the midnight deadline, Duchess Charming, the lone shoe) so that parts were familiar, yet it was its own story. Both main characters are quite likable, and you just root for them to be together despite a few misunderstandings.
One thing about the story that did surprise me was the elements of Christian faith and prayer. This wasn't mentioned in the summary. That can be either a selling point or a turn off depending on the reader. For me, I found it a rather lovely surprise as I am not used to such things in a lot of the romances I read.
I felt that the narrator was quite capable and made the story move along. In some ways, I didn't notice her, but she made it so I could concentrate on the story instead of picking apart the performance.
I recommend this story to people who like fairy tale retellings or short and sweet romances.
August 4, 2015
Swept Away by Vanessa Riley is a wonderful twist on the Cinderella story. I am a huge fan of Ms. Riley's works and she most definitely did not disappoint in this book.
After waiting for the shop owner to arrive to convince him of her desperate need for a special pair of slippers on display, Charlotte relents and leaves with her companion. A wind storm interferes, and our hero, Edwin Cinder, a shoe merchant and stepson of an earl, doesn't hesitate to save Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming from a falling sign. In a case of mistaken identity, she mistakes him for an aristocratic son...he mistakes her as the companion, not the aristocrat she is. They are brought back together later at a ball, by another force of nature, and they will never be the same.
Each character has a purpose and you will be drawn to each one. I love the realness of each character, they each have things that they have to work through, and they are growing throughout the story. I truly did not want the story to end. The writing style is wonderful and easy to follow. If you are looking for a wonderful regency story filled with romance, excitement, faith, and hope, this is the perfect book for you! I highly recommend this book to everyone! It was woderful!
I was surprised to receive this wonderful book by the author, and I am giving my honest opinion of my own free will.
After waiting for the shop owner to arrive to convince him of her desperate need for a special pair of slippers on display, Charlotte relents and leaves with her companion. A wind storm interferes, and our hero, Edwin Cinder, a shoe merchant and stepson of an earl, doesn't hesitate to save Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming from a falling sign. In a case of mistaken identity, she mistakes him for an aristocratic son...he mistakes her as the companion, not the aristocrat she is. They are brought back together later at a ball, by another force of nature, and they will never be the same.
Each character has a purpose and you will be drawn to each one. I love the realness of each character, they each have things that they have to work through, and they are growing throughout the story. I truly did not want the story to end. The writing style is wonderful and easy to follow. If you are looking for a wonderful regency story filled with romance, excitement, faith, and hope, this is the perfect book for you! I highly recommend this book to everyone! It was woderful!
I was surprised to receive this wonderful book by the author, and I am giving my honest opinion of my own free will.
January 10, 2015
This is a shorter regency story with a cute twist on the popular fairy tale, Cinderella. It has quite a bit of action and surprised me with a couple of unexpected plot twists. The story revolves around a man of the merchant class, Edwin Cinder, who wishes to win the love of a beautiful girl of the upper class, Charlotte, the Duchess of Charming, but he is hindered in his pursuit by the wide and seemingly uncrossable gap between their social classes. How their story works out is unlikely and sweet.
I had just a few quibbles with the book. Although very well written as far as writing style and grammar, I felt like the characters were sort of shallow and could have been developed a lot more. Also, Edwin, though a brave and self-sacrificing man, sometimes came across as being weak and unsure of himself. I know you can't always have a perfect hero, but I just felt that these two sides of him that I saw throughout the book were sometimes at conflict with each other and didn't really mesh together completely. Maybe that was just me. But anyway, overall, this was a unique and well-written book. If you like fairy tale retellings, then give it a try.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.
I had just a few quibbles with the book. Although very well written as far as writing style and grammar, I felt like the characters were sort of shallow and could have been developed a lot more. Also, Edwin, though a brave and self-sacrificing man, sometimes came across as being weak and unsure of himself. I know you can't always have a perfect hero, but I just felt that these two sides of him that I saw throughout the book were sometimes at conflict with each other and didn't really mesh together completely. Maybe that was just me. But anyway, overall, this was a unique and well-written book. If you like fairy tale retellings, then give it a try.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.
January 21, 2016
This was an interesting reimagining of the Cinderella story. Edwin Cinder is a wealthy, hard-working, but common-born shoemaker. Charlotte Downing is the Duchess of Charming, trying to live up to her father's legacy after inheriting the title. Both characters are trying to do what their families' want, but they also want to live their own lives and find happiness for themselves.
There are some special shoes, step-siblings, and midnight carriages, but the story is completely different from the usual Cinderella tale. This is a sweet historical romance in which the characters frequently seek God's guidance to get them through times of crisis and difficult decisions.
The wording was quite flowery, and many cliches were employed, so I didn't really enjoy the writing style. However, it was an interesting take on the old fairy tale.
There are some special shoes, step-siblings, and midnight carriages, but the story is completely different from the usual Cinderella tale. This is a sweet historical romance in which the characters frequently seek God's guidance to get them through times of crisis and difficult decisions.
The wording was quite flowery, and many cliches were employed, so I didn't really enjoy the writing style. However, it was an interesting take on the old fairy tale.
July 5, 2015
Interesting twist on the Cinderella story. A young lady has just lost her father who was a duke- she inherits his title and wants to be her own boss. Another young man has made his fortune selling shoes. His mother remarried a man of title who had two boys who treated him badly. The father however treats him very well even after the death of his mother. He takes care of the shoe industry and does well for himself. He meets the young duchess and they fall in love. The lost shoe part is in the story but seems a little forced when she goes back to where an accident happened and finds what she thinks is his boot in the rubble and takes it to him to tell him she wants to marry the owner of this boot.
July 15, 2015
A light-hearted, easy read. Only a few hours from cover to cover. It was a fun twist on a beloved fairy tale. I enjoyed that the "Cinderella" character was male.
Things that bothered me:
Charlotte's character was very spoiled and immature one minute, then demure and almost shy the next. I was confused by her. I don't think the author knew her very well.
The writing at times felt choppy and disjointed. Some inexcusable grammatical errors. (Ex: women instead of woman)
I never understood the title
PG
Other than a few kisses, there was no intimacy
Some Christianity references, but not overbearing
Sweet story
Things that bothered me:
Charlotte's character was very spoiled and immature one minute, then demure and almost shy the next. I was confused by her. I don't think the author knew her very well.
The writing at times felt choppy and disjointed. Some inexcusable grammatical errors. (Ex: women instead of woman)
I never understood the title
PG
Other than a few kisses, there was no intimacy
Some Christianity references, but not overbearing
Sweet story
March 1, 2015
It's the Cinderella fairy tale upside down and backwards. Mr. Edwin Cinder, son of Ella Cinder and stepson of Lord Rundel (he was not an evil stepfather), Then we have the characters of Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming. She is the only titled female in all of England, due to a special dispensation from the king for something he did for him. Want to see how all the pieces fit together. Read it and find out. Listed as a young adult novel, I would, and plan to put it in the hands of my 13 year old niece and plan to do so.
December 11, 2014
Swept Away by Vanessa Riley is a heartwarming story of an 1800's Cinderella in reverse. The writing skills of Vanessa make it feel like you are right there in the story with the two characters, Charlotte and Edwin. This book is suitable for any age or gender who enjoy a charming fairy tale. Once I started reading the book, it was difficult to put down. It is a quick read. Take an afternoon and allow yourself to be swept away back to another place in time where fairy tales do exist!
I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
I was given a copy of the book for an honest review.
February 20, 2015
It's the Cinderella fairy tale upside down and backwards. Mr. Edwin Cinder, son of Ella Cinder and stepson of Lord Rundel (he was not an evil stepfather), Then we have the characters of Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming. She is the only titled female in all of England, due to a special dispensation from the king for something he did for him. Want to see how all the pieces fit together. Read it and find out. Listed as a young adult novel, I would, and plan to put it in the hands of my 13 year old niece and plan to do so.
July 6, 2015
Great twist on the Cinderella story! I loved it. The shoe at the end is one of my favorite twists. I loved the characters and everything about it. Great clean romance. Christian themes intertwined. The only reason for a 4 star instead of 5 is because it felt rushed to me. Almost all of the book happens in one day where the main characters fall inexplicably in love. I can totally see how they're a perfect match, but the pace felt rushed to me and things could have been spread over a few days and still worked. Even with the duchesses's coming out deadline.
Excellent read. Recommended.
Excellent read. Recommended.
February 26, 2016
Great Read Alert! Having read Episode 1, I couldn’t wait to get to Episode 2 of The Bargain. Yes, I loved Episode 2 as well. I was totally satisfied with this Episode, yet I wanted more. Of course, I rushed on to Episode 3.
I loved the smooth transition from Episode 1 to 2. Better still, the dialogue between Lord Welling and Precious continued to keep me on the edge of my seat. These two are different in so many ways, yet they continued to be fascinated with each other… and fall in love.
Beautifully written! Great job, Vanessa.
I loved the smooth transition from Episode 1 to 2. Better still, the dialogue between Lord Welling and Precious continued to keep me on the edge of my seat. These two are different in so many ways, yet they continued to be fascinated with each other… and fall in love.
Beautifully written! Great job, Vanessa.
December 5, 2014
If you are looking for a quick read that holds your attention then this is the one for you. I read it in one sitting, as I had to see what transpired between Charlotte and Edwin. It takes place in the Regency Era and you find yourself transported in time to England. This is my first read by this author but I look forward to more. I just wish it had been longer, as I really liked the characters.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
December 10, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads' First Reads.
I was pleasantly surprised by Swept Away. Despite a slow beginning the book quickly picked up and I found the characters and the story believable for the regency time period. I enjoyed both main characters and found their romance sweet yet plausible, the author clearly did her research for this short novel. I have read many fairy tale retellings and found this story to be a fresh and unique spin on Cinderella .
I was pleasantly surprised by Swept Away. Despite a slow beginning the book quickly picked up and I found the characters and the story believable for the regency time period. I enjoyed both main characters and found their romance sweet yet plausible, the author clearly did her research for this short novel. I have read many fairy tale retellings and found this story to be a fresh and unique spin on Cinderella .
September 23, 2015
Setting aside all comparisons with Cinderella, this is a lovely story, a beautiful romance between Charlotte Downing, a duchess in her own right, and Edwin Cinder, a humble shoemaker who saves her life twice during a devastating storm.
The Cinderella references were plentiful, but I believe the story could have held its own without them. In my opinion, this would be a five-star book except for the numerous errors.
The Cinderella references were plentiful, but I believe the story could have held its own without them. In my opinion, this would be a five-star book except for the numerous errors.
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