Fairy Tale Karma

by D. Thrush

Princess Ava married her Prince Charming and they lived happily-ever-after. Or did they?

The Princess is interviewed by a skeptical journalist digging for the truth behind the fairy tale. But Princess Ava defends the myth by relating an idealized storybook version while we find out the truth in flashbacks. Young Ava's mother ran off with another man and her clueless father remarried a heartless woman who made Ava work as a maid at her inn. All the while, Ava dreams of living in that beautiful castle in the distance. Enter her newly sober Fairy Godmother who promises to help her achieve her wish. But her unstable magic and the appearance of a cute guy at the inn threaten their plans. How will Ava fulfill her destiny? And then what?

Things don't quite turn out as she imagines. Her handsome prince is always distracted by charity work while she feels neglected and gets hooked on romance novels. What an ironic twist of fate! Their therapist certainly has his work cut out for him! Can this marriage be saved?

The past and present collide in this funny, romantic, magical fantasy story based on Cinderella that will make you believe in fairy tales!

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2014

About the author

D. Thrush mixes it up with Literary & Women’s Fiction, PG-rated Rom Coms, and a Spiritual Inspirational novel. All her books explore family and friendship, love and romance, relationships and life. She writes from the heart and finds it difficult to part with her characters when their stories end, hence several sequels. All books are standalones.

“Fairy Tale Karma” was a #1 Amazon Bestseller, “Guardian of the Light” earned a B.R.A.G. Medallion, and “The Daughter Claus” (which her mother told her to write) was a finalist for the Ian Book of the Year, Wishing Shelf Awards, and Readers’ Favorites. Three more books complete the popular Santina Series.

She enjoys reading (of course!), taking walks, brain games, movies (she was an extra in a movie), watching HGTV wearing sweats, and cohabiting with her significant other in Oregon. And she loves hearing from readers.

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Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Magic only happens for those who believe.”

Thrush has written a humorous and magical adaptation of Cinderella for a modern day young adult audience.

Princess Ava has been “happily” married to her Prince for 25 years now. Investigative journalist Jill Graham, divorced herself, wonders if there really is a happily-ever-after and arranges an interview with Princess Ava to see just how her life is 25 years on.

The story jumps back and forward in time as we are told, by Ava, the romantic and somewhat embellished story of Ava’s meeting with Prince Kellan and their eventual marriage plus the real story of how the events unfolded all those years ago.

This is a timely story for today’s young adults and not so young as we spend hours posting perfect lives on Instagram and facebook. Perfect photos, perfect children and perfect holidays at times we never see the real person. Princess Ava was giving her public what she thought they wanted to hear.

Princess Ava is a very unlikeable character. She is shallow and selfish always worrying about her appearance. I found myself being annoyed with her.
I loved Agnes, the gluten intolerant drunken fairy Godmother. She was brash and coarse or “direct” as she preferred to be called.

Agnes responded,"I’m just trying to get back on the wagon. That darned wagon is slippery."

“She said you were coarse and frumpy,” Princess Ava reminded her. “I am coarse and frumpy,” Agnes admitted. “Although, I prefer to think of it as direct and comfortable.”

I enjoyed this magical HEA story. The characters were real and the atmosphere was light and I was intrigued throughout to see if Ava really did get her happily-ever-after.

With thanks to D.Thrush for my gifted copy to read and review.

[Nick Iuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAIRY TALE KARMA

A fairy tale mixed with a touch of idealism a bit of romance and a little bit of realism... okay make that MORE than a little bit of realism. But that’s good, right? This is the story of what happens when we drop in on a Cinderella-type-princess named Ava just before her 25th wedding anniversary and find that her life isn’t quite so happily ever after? She committed to keeping the romantic tale fresh in everyone’s mind. But in the process she’s pretty much drops out of her marriage, spends most of her time reading romance novels, drives Prince Charming to seek refuge in his projects and charities, frustrates their marriage counselor, sends the kids away to boarding school, and even flummoxes her fairy godmother. Then a news reporter shows up asking for an interview but really seeking, as always, a little bit of dirt to spice up her article.

D. Thrush uses her story-telling magic to weave the Cinderella tale everyone knows together with what actually happened to Ava and the Prince, and those dire consequences twenty-five years later. But there’s plenty of humor, romance, good sense, and wisdom along the way until Ava and her Prince Charming finally recognize that they may not be living a real fairy tale but what they have is pretty wonderful anyway... and then they set off with their kids and the reporter to save the world.

[Ruth Caves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What really happened

Nice writing style, going back and forth to explain the different realities. This makes you more sympathetic to the characters when you are exposed to different viewpoints. I always appreciate a different twist to old stories.

[Courtney Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldnt we all like a happily-ever-after? I enjoyed the contrasting POV, one chapter its Ava telling the reporter her fabricated fairy tale, and the next chapter is a flashback of what really happened. And yes, some magic was involved, but only if you really believe in it. I became really frustrated with Ava throughout the book, because she likes to blame everyone else for her problems. And boy do I get the same flack from my husband for reading romance novels. I can sympathize with her there! This is a really fun read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Ms. Thrush's enthusiasm for her story and her love for her characters shines through like noonday sunlight through a stained-glass window.

This is a modern twist on the classic Cinderella story, but without the glass slippers and cruel stepsisters. Can a "commoner" with an overly-romantic imagination truly find happiness with a Royal Prince? Read this and find out!

(If you've read the "Santina Claus" series, you will recognize the reporter, Jill, from Modern Woman's World magazine. It's the same gal, and I'm kicking myself for not realizing it earlier!)

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 5 out of 5]

No this is not great literature! It is fun and debunks the myth of the happily ever being effortless. Just like life-- Cinderella had help meeting the prince-- but the guy she fell in love with although she fell in love with him-- she did not know he was the prince. A bit of a change for the Cinderella story. It had them get help for marital issues and they finally do get the happily ever after that will delight women of all ages! Thanks D. Thrush!

[Louise Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This book was really different seeing a classic fairy tale from an entirely different view. There was still a bit of romance, a lot of compassion for the characters and a whole lot of mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jennifer Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story

I enjoyed this story and enjoyed the characters story! Always a fun way to see classic fairy tales spun into current times!

[Agamya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only (sorry it took me so long to read it).

This was a really fun and entertaining read, and overall I really enjoyed the book. I love how it feels like the same old 'Cinderella' story when you start, but grows into something that is a lot more plausible and relatable to life today. It's refreshing to see this fairy tale become something that captures today's problems and struggles that many people face. I was weirdly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book and storyline, especially since I wasn't the biggest fan of the characters in this, but I feel like they're another thing that just reflect our own world today. Also, Agnes was such a fun character and brought in so much of the humour that made this book amazing.

SIDE NOTE: I love how instead of cruel step-sisters, Thrush chose dogs. 😂

[Brittni Kitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun twist on old fairy tales. I think it would be fun to count how many different fairytales actually encouraged this story. All the characters were very believable, hard to do with so many personality types. It's also a modern fairytale in the end, something much needed for us adults in this day and age, that grew up with the old tales. Proves that all anyone wants is to be seen in the best light and that there's two sides to every story.

[Beth Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t big on this book when I first started reading it. The book didn’t grip me as much as I thought it might. But the further in I got the more I began to enjoy what I was reading.

Princess Ava seemed to me like she grew as a character, from a little girl to an annoying woman attached to the idea of a fairy tale romance, to a woman who finally gets in touch with reality! Her prince seemed like a bit of a idiot to be honest in the parts of their story which involved the journalist Jill, and I preferred him in the past memory chapters. My favourite character was Agnes, I just love her!!

All in all I think this is a good book to read on a cold winters day snuggled up under a blanket with a cup of tea. Not the first thing I would pick up off the shelf, but I’m glad I did.

I received my free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.

[Sage Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book to review from the author and I have to say, it was a very heart warming book!! I loved how the characters were hilarious and they worked well together!! I highly recommend it for ppl who want to have a little magic in their lives!

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!

I got a free review copy courtesy of voracious readers only and I was engrossed by it from the get go!

It's a great alternative fairy tale with a modern day twist and characters you can actually relate too!

Great job!

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what happens after “and they lived happily ever after”? Well you’re about to find out in this book. Not only does it expand on the happily ever after, it also tell what happened before, in this delightful rendition of a modern day Cinderella.

[Kris Yarych · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy Tale Karma

I read this book without reading the description. I was not expecting the flashbacks. In saying that, I thoroughly enjoyed the twist to the typical fairy tale.

I hope everyone else takes the time to read this as well.

[ReadWriteLove28 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This review was originally posted HERE

When I found out about this book, I was really excited. After all, a modern day Cinderella story sounded like something right up my alley. Of course, there was a twist to the modern day Cinderella story. The book started with an interview between Princess Ava (the Cinderella character) and Jill, a reporter. Jill wanted to know how Ava was able to go from being a miserable, poor girl to a princess.

As the book progressed, there was a mixture of present day scenes and flashbacks. Normally I enjoy flashbacks in books, but they simply didn’t work in this book. There were no apparent transitions between the two time periods, making it a very choppy read. The author used a unique approach by writing a couple of different present day scenes, but this just added to my confusion. Some of the scenes were therapist sessions, conversations with the Queen and King who both had dementia, and the interview with Jill. It seemed to me that most of the chapters that contained these scenes were fillers. The only problem is, I’m not sure which chapters were fillers and which were supposed to be the main story. I really couldn’t tell what the main point of the story was, which just made me even more confused.

In addition, I wasn’t impressed with the characters at all. The main character, Ava, was very unlikeable. She was superficial, whiney, and not satisfied with anything. The fairy godmother seemed to only care about herself. The stepmother was cruel and the father was a spineless coward. Normally I don’t care if I don’t like most of the characters, but during this book, there wasn’t one character that I wanted to support!

One thing that is very important to me when reading is how well I can visualize the story. While reading this book, I never felt as though I was inside of the story.

Although I liked the plot, I felt that it was poorly executed.

I would give this book 1/5 stars.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny read. Like a version of a twisted fairy tale. So clever. Very engaging read. Gotta love the drunken fairy godmother who was banned from the castle! Hard to put down once I started reading. I think this would appeal to a wide range of audiences.

[Virginia Yep · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Definately worth the read. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down.

[Alison Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provided with a free e copy by the author- this is a fair and honest opinion.

I would say this book is a firm 3.75 stars.

This is another book in the style of retelling a fairytale. (Cinderella)
This book has its fluffy feel good moments which is great for a romance. The author obviously loved her characters and built up good introduction to the characters.
Princess Ava did not come across as a likeable character but I loved the blunt and direct fairy god mother Agnes as I identified with her on a couple of levels.
I personally found that some of the flashbacks and time jumps were unnecessary and distracting and would have enjoyed it much more with less of these Nd more getting under the layer of characters. An enjoyable read while it lasted but not a book that I could read more than once.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Never settle’
Even those who believe in “love-at-first-sight” would do well to court before committing. Getting to know each other’s character & personality is almost as crucial as having common enough hopes & dreams. Life isn’t only about love, it’s about building a life…together. Considerations include budgeting, family values, health & exercise, leisurely activities, volunteer work, etc.
Best to cull out prospects who aren’t a close enough match early on than to spend a life in misery or to dissolve a household (with or without children).


Fave line:
‘You have to believe in magic for it to work’

The fairy tale can still be perfect, even if some of the details aren’t.

May we all find our way to our happily ever after!

[Carolyn Ten Broeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t. Just don’t. As a fellow writer, I’m reluctant to give poor reviews because I know what goes into a work and I applaud anyone who finishes a project (hence the rating). This book, a take on Cinderella, has a good concept but misses the mark. There’s no character development so the reader doesn’t care about anyone. Faulty plot lines and dialogue that’s on a 14-year-old’s level, is evident throughout. I’m also a veteran journalist and a reporter features prominently in this story. No reporter would ever act as Jill did or speak the way Jill did. What did Jill do correctly? She had more than the source subject for her story.

[David Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. This is a strange story,but interesting. Shows that not everything is as it seems. I honestly cannot give this more than 3 stars because I did not really like it.

[Anne Turnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twist

A twist on the Cinderella story as a journalist interviews the Princess after
twenty four years of marriage. It seems the original fairy tale, while true in part, has been cleaned up for general consumption.

[Kristen Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and simple

Easy read and the story was filled with teachings on how to be happy and love what you have. Nice spin

[Boosmummy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say that I received this book free from the author through Voracious Readers. A lovely book, wasn't sure at first about Princess Ava but as the book progressed and you learnt about her background I could understand why she acted like she did. The Fairy Godmother is my favourite character, instead of the sickly sweet ones we're used to thanks to Disney we have a real Godmother, one that drinks, is messy and definitely the Godmother you'd want on your side.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a different take on the average fairy tale. I thought it was mildly entertaining but would not be my first recommendation to read

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, quirky read. Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale and this didn’t disappoint. Lots of twists and turns making it a perfect fractured fairy tale.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough book with a pc happy ending. Not quite to my taste.

[Susan Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

To live in the castle

Poor Ava, with a difficult home life growing up. Yet she still managed to grow into a nice young woman who followed her heart and found her happily ever after.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sent a free copy of this novel by Voracious Readers in return for an honest review. I was so excited to read this novel when I read the synopsis but I unfortunately only made it half way through the story before I put it aside. The story line follows no set structure or flow, bouncing from past tense to the represent with no warning, the characters are extremely unlikeable and I struggled to connect with them. I'm sure some people looking for a light summer read will enjoy it but it just wasn't for me.