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The Step-Spinsters
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…...(actually, in Medieval France, to be exact) there lived Cinderella's stepsisters, Fredegonde the tall and Javotte the small. They wake up the morning after the legendary ball to learn that they each still have a chance to be the bride—all they have to do is make their feet fit into that tricky slipper. Alas, these two damsels under stress never quite seem to fit in anywhere. But that doesn’t stop them from wishing and hoping as they set upon a quest for grooms and grandeur of their own.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 5, 2017
The Step-Spinsters by Madina Papadopoulos is a kindle scout book I won and it is not a bad book at all to win. It is creative, different, and from a different angle. Instead of Cinderella hoarding the limelight, the step sisters get to tell their side of the story through this book. It is interesting and different.
October 8, 2017
What if Cinderella and her wicked step-family were just misunderstood? I enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella, with a new take on what "Happily Ever After" might really look like.
This is a fun book and a quick read that is sometimes absurd, but at heart it's very refreshing. Madina Papadopolous focuses her retelling on Cinderella's step-sisters, and we see the flaws in all of the characters, including Cinderella. The author peels back the curtain of the fairy tale narrative and tells the familiar story of Cinderella, but with challenges we can all relate to. In this story no one is perfect and being rescued by a knight in shining armor may not be all it's cracked up to be. But just because there are challenges doesn't mean there is no happily ever after. Things may not happen exactly as Cinderella and her step-sisters imagined them, but they end up learning a lot about themselves and each other.
I received a free copy of this ebook through the Kindle Scout program.
This is a fun book and a quick read that is sometimes absurd, but at heart it's very refreshing. Madina Papadopolous focuses her retelling on Cinderella's step-sisters, and we see the flaws in all of the characters, including Cinderella. The author peels back the curtain of the fairy tale narrative and tells the familiar story of Cinderella, but with challenges we can all relate to. In this story no one is perfect and being rescued by a knight in shining armor may not be all it's cracked up to be. But just because there are challenges doesn't mean there is no happily ever after. Things may not happen exactly as Cinderella and her step-sisters imagined them, but they end up learning a lot about themselves and each other.
I received a free copy of this ebook through the Kindle Scout program.
August 16, 2017
I've always loved the tale of Cinderella so when I was offered the chance to read this retelling from the point of view of her stepsisters, I couldn't resist. The Step-Spinsters ended being a charmingly adorable retelling that combined Cinderella's story with a few other fairytales to create something at once recognizable and unique.
I loved how flawed every single character was, it made them feel more realistic than a typical fairytale character would. There were so many unlikely romances that melted my heart and made me cheer for them. Fredegonde and Javotte definitely stole the show, I really enjoyed watching them find their place in the world and accept themselves for who they are (with just a bit of help from some magic, of course). I wish Cinderella's story and change of heart toward the end had been expanded upon more but it was pretty much perfect.
This book was a quick read and the pacing was mostly excellent. I do wish that the ending had been a bit longer with more explanation, it seemed as if everything happened incredibly fast. Other than that, I was captivated. I was never sure what would come next, which was an unexpected feeling for a fairytale retellings. There were definitely some moments where I laughed out loud at a particularly hilarious scene. I also really enjoyed how the book was semi-historical fiction, particularly in regards to the role of women in society at that time. There were random facts scattered throughout that I found fascinating (and that definitely increased my trivia knowledge!).
The Step-Spinsters is a good one to check out if you love retellings or are in the mood for a fun, quick, lighthearted read!
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how flawed every single character was, it made them feel more realistic than a typical fairytale character would. There were so many unlikely romances that melted my heart and made me cheer for them. Fredegonde and Javotte definitely stole the show, I really enjoyed watching them find their place in the world and accept themselves for who they are (with just a bit of help from some magic, of course). I wish Cinderella's story and change of heart toward the end had been expanded upon more but it was pretty much perfect.
This book was a quick read and the pacing was mostly excellent. I do wish that the ending had been a bit longer with more explanation, it seemed as if everything happened incredibly fast. Other than that, I was captivated. I was never sure what would come next, which was an unexpected feeling for a fairytale retellings. There were definitely some moments where I laughed out loud at a particularly hilarious scene. I also really enjoyed how the book was semi-historical fiction, particularly in regards to the role of women in society at that time. There were random facts scattered throughout that I found fascinating (and that definitely increased my trivia knowledge!).
The Step-Spinsters is a good one to check out if you love retellings or are in the mood for a fun, quick, lighthearted read!
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2019
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You think you know the story of Cinderella and her evil step sisters but do you know the whole story. 'Step Spinsters' gives an alternate view of the classic fairy tale. In 'Step Spinsters' the stepsister are misunderstood and Cinderella isn't as perfect as we thin she is.
After Cinderella goes to marry her prince charming we learn that her step sisters and mother are in a dire situation. Non-noble women are not allowed to own property. As such the step sisters and mothers will have nowhere to live should one of them not marry in a short amount of time.
I was really pleasantly surprised by 'Step Spinsters' I thought that a retelling through the eyes of the step sisters would be silly and hard to believe by this wasn't true at all. Both stepsister, Fredegonde and Javotte came across as endearing and easy to connect with. I also loved that there was so much history included. There is often not much back story to the royalty and kingdoms in fairy tales and 'Step Spinsters' gave us a great history lesson especially about the kingdom of Normandy.
I think that there was a lot of positive messages in the story. The pretty girl can be vain and selfish and that sometimes women can feel pressured into situations because of their gender. Even though we have come a long way from the times when women can not own property, when can still be at a disadvantage to men in terms of being able to be financially independent.
I also loved the message that people are not always as they are portrayed. In Step Spinsters, Cinderella is vain, and selfish where Fredegonde and Javotte are hardworking and caring.
While I did enjoy the book, I felt a little let down by the ending. I definitely wanted to have more finality with Fredegonde and Javotte in the future and well as some of the secondary characters. I am hoping this is because there will be a sequel.
This is definitely not was not what is a great read. Step Spinsters is funny while being deep and poignant and in a timely story. A great retelling.This review was originally posted on The Book return...
June 7, 2018
The Step-Spinsters was a cheeky retelling about Cinderella's horrible step sisters. It was full of humor, frivolity, and important moral lessons. I enjoyed how entertaining and unique it was.
It was definitely a different spin on the classic tale. Cinderella wasn't the perfect, kind, sweetheart she has always been known to be. The step sisters were a little more humanized, and a bit lonely, and the Count wasn't the charming prince he was cracked up to be either. It was an interesting turn of events involving the age old adage "what you see isn't always what you get."
There was also an important message about being yourself and not doing things just because they are expected. All the characters learned important lessons about life and love, and not marrying just for money or notoriety. The story playfully poked fun at the ridiculous ideals of the times and old faerie tales.
I could compare this one to My Lady Jane. It had the same type of humor and feeling. It drew me in and had me laughing and rolling my eyes at the same time! There was a little bit of magic, some hilarious conflicts, and a bittersweet type ending. It had a touch of darkness, a dash of sentiment, and a whole lot of intrigue! I'd rate it 3.5 entertaining stars.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!
It was definitely a different spin on the classic tale. Cinderella wasn't the perfect, kind, sweetheart she has always been known to be. The step sisters were a little more humanized, and a bit lonely, and the Count wasn't the charming prince he was cracked up to be either. It was an interesting turn of events involving the age old adage "what you see isn't always what you get."
There was also an important message about being yourself and not doing things just because they are expected. All the characters learned important lessons about life and love, and not marrying just for money or notoriety. The story playfully poked fun at the ridiculous ideals of the times and old faerie tales.
I could compare this one to My Lady Jane. It had the same type of humor and feeling. It drew me in and had me laughing and rolling my eyes at the same time! There was a little bit of magic, some hilarious conflicts, and a bittersweet type ending. It had a touch of darkness, a dash of sentiment, and a whole lot of intrigue! I'd rate it 3.5 entertaining stars.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 9, 2017
I for a good long while thought this book was called the Spin Sisters. The real name makes much more sense.
This book plays with our expectations about fairytales, and our assumptions from Cinderella. Beginning after the legendary ball, Papadopoulos gives us characters that defy our images of the sisters. We are treated to complex characters that are redeemable, and flawed. There's women with small feet and smelly breath. There's women with large feet and a passion for horrible singing. And there's vain women who fall into a love triangle.
Disclaimer: I received this review in exchange for an honest review from Kindle Scout
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
This book plays with our expectations about fairytales, and our assumptions from Cinderella. Beginning after the legendary ball, Papadopoulos gives us characters that defy our images of the sisters. We are treated to complex characters that are redeemable, and flawed. There's women with small feet and smelly breath. There's women with large feet and a passion for horrible singing. And there's vain women who fall into a love triangle.
Disclaimer: I received this review in exchange for an honest review from Kindle Scout
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
July 24, 2017
Kindle Scout offerings tend to come in surges: There will be a plethora of vampire tales, then a plague of dystopias, followed by a month in which every third novel is a romance set in Miami or Beverley Hills. One recent surge offered multiple retellings of the Cinderella fairy tale. Here's another, which I nominated. Since it was selected, I got to read it for free.
The Papadopoulos novel is not presented as a fairy story; the setting is historical medieval France, and (mostly) realistic. Not only that, it weaves other stories (like Bluebeard) into the narrative.
Cinderella and her step-sisters Fredegonde and Javotte are all older girls seeking husbands. In the parlance of the time, they are spinsters, although only Javotte is an actual weaver. The three, with their mother Isabelle, live on an estate which is soon to pass back to the hands of the local Duke, because non-noble women may not hold lands or other real property in this era. Thus the impetus to marry one of the three daughters to Duke Louis' son.
Cinderella is not the innocent betrayed by her evil step-family, nor is she the porcelain beauty of the 1950s portrayed in the Disney film. Instead, her loveliness is assessed by the standards of the time: she possesses a high, hairless forehead, lashless heavy-lidded eyes, and lips so thin they almost vanish. In fact, Cinderella herself connives to attend the Prince's ball separate from her step-family, because she fears their curious appearance will prevent the Prince from appreciating her own beauty.
Fredegonde, or "Freddie" as her sisters call her, is actually a beauty of a different, more modern style. Tall, sturdily athletic, with sweeping eyelashes and tawny red hair, she manages her late father's estate, writes, and composes song lyrics. She loves her tiny sister Javotte, even though everyone in the family avoids getting too close to Javotte and her halitosis—something has left the girl with but a single tooth, as well as chronic bad breath.
Both girls struggle to endure the company of their step-sister Cinderella, whose wit is applied mostly to poke fun at the others' shortcomings and flaws. In the Ducal chateau, meanwhile, the handsome knight Enguerrand teases Prince Louis, naming him "Galant" while subtly discouraging the prince from actually being gallant and valiant. Duke Louis mourns his mysteriously-deceased former wives, and plots to marry again. And Lord Mercier calculates how much he can charge for the wedding gifts, fabrics, and sundries for the upcoming festivities.
I loved the clever way the "fairy godmother" was handled. You finish the story wondering, was there any magic involved at all? Because there certainly was something magical in the not-quite-happily-ever-after ending that managed to stay true to the original tale...
Then danced past it just enough to keep it real!
Liner Notes
In the late 1940s, my mother and her sister competed in a national search for a girl to perform the singing voice of Cinderella for the animated Disney movie. My aunt Betty actually made it to the last stage of this competition, and submitted a tape for Walt Disney. (The singing part eventually went to Ilene Woods, who had already voiced Snow White for a Disney audiobook.)
This story is richly supplied with medieval French style details like hennins and crespinettes that kept me busy looking things up in Wikipedia. At the time of this review, the novel was only available in ebook format.
The Papadopoulos novel is not presented as a fairy story; the setting is historical medieval France, and (mostly) realistic. Not only that, it weaves other stories (like Bluebeard) into the narrative.
Cinderella and her step-sisters Fredegonde and Javotte are all older girls seeking husbands. In the parlance of the time, they are spinsters, although only Javotte is an actual weaver. The three, with their mother Isabelle, live on an estate which is soon to pass back to the hands of the local Duke, because non-noble women may not hold lands or other real property in this era. Thus the impetus to marry one of the three daughters to Duke Louis' son.
Cinderella is not the innocent betrayed by her evil step-family, nor is she the porcelain beauty of the 1950s portrayed in the Disney film. Instead, her loveliness is assessed by the standards of the time: she possesses a high, hairless forehead, lashless heavy-lidded eyes, and lips so thin they almost vanish. In fact, Cinderella herself connives to attend the Prince's ball separate from her step-family, because she fears their curious appearance will prevent the Prince from appreciating her own beauty.
Fredegonde, or "Freddie" as her sisters call her, is actually a beauty of a different, more modern style. Tall, sturdily athletic, with sweeping eyelashes and tawny red hair, she manages her late father's estate, writes, and composes song lyrics. She loves her tiny sister Javotte, even though everyone in the family avoids getting too close to Javotte and her halitosis—something has left the girl with but a single tooth, as well as chronic bad breath.
Both girls struggle to endure the company of their step-sister Cinderella, whose wit is applied mostly to poke fun at the others' shortcomings and flaws. In the Ducal chateau, meanwhile, the handsome knight Enguerrand teases Prince Louis, naming him "Galant" while subtly discouraging the prince from actually being gallant and valiant. Duke Louis mourns his mysteriously-deceased former wives, and plots to marry again. And Lord Mercier calculates how much he can charge for the wedding gifts, fabrics, and sundries for the upcoming festivities.
I loved the clever way the "fairy godmother" was handled. You finish the story wondering, was there any magic involved at all? Because there certainly was something magical in the not-quite-happily-ever-after ending that managed to stay true to the original tale...
Then danced past it just enough to keep it real!
Liner Notes
In the late 1940s, my mother and her sister competed in a national search for a girl to perform the singing voice of Cinderella for the animated Disney movie. My aunt Betty actually made it to the last stage of this competition, and submitted a tape for Walt Disney. (The singing part eventually went to Ilene Woods, who had already voiced Snow White for a Disney audiobook.)
This story is richly supplied with medieval French style details like hennins and crespinettes that kept me busy looking things up in Wikipedia. At the time of this review, the novel was only available in ebook format.
November 13, 2018
Y'all, there better be a sequel!!!
I did not expect to like this as much as I did. But I did. It looked at what happened after the prince took Cinderella away. And that the step-mother and step-sisters weren't awful people, merely misunderstood and trying to do their best. And Cinderella was a judgmental, whiny, brat.
Add in a side of Bluebeard, a wink to King Thrushbeard -- so much fun. And there were some loose threads still to be resolved, so I expect a sequel so that "evil" stepsister Fredegonde gets her HEA too!
I did not expect to like this as much as I did. But I did. It looked at what happened after the prince took Cinderella away. And that the step-mother and step-sisters weren't awful people, merely misunderstood and trying to do their best. And Cinderella was a judgmental, whiny, brat.
Add in a side of Bluebeard, a wink to King Thrushbeard -- so much fun. And there were some loose threads still to be resolved, so I expect a sequel so that "evil" stepsister Fredegonde gets her HEA too!
October 11, 2017
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling
Recommended Age: 14+
I received a free copy of this book from Kindle Scout AND the author herself! This did not influence my decision in any manner.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away… ...(actually, in Medieval France, to be exact) there lived Cinderella's stepsisters, Fredegonde the tall and Javotte the small. They wake up the morning after the legendary ball to learn that they each still have a chance to be the bride—all they have to do is make their feet fit into that tricky slipper. Alas, these two damsels under stress never quite seem to fit in anywhere. But that doesn’t stop them from wishing and hoping as they set upon a quest for grooms and grandeur of their own. – Amazon.com
I really really REALLY enjoy fairytale retellings. I’ve always wanted to see what the world looked like from another’s point of view and with retellings I can do just that! So, being a lover of retellings I feel that I am somewhat critical of them and I haven’t found one that has swept me away since first reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire. Well, the day I picked up this book changed that for me. This book. THIS BOOK. IT. WAS. AMAZING! I thought the book was expertly written. From the first word you’re hooked. The book was also very easy to follow along with even though the author incorporated more of the history and language patterns of the Cinderella era. The character development was phenomenal and I loved how the characters you end up rooting for are not these model-type characters readers are very commonly introduced to. The plot, even though it’s a mostly recycled one from the Cinderella story we know and love, feels new and exciting. I love what the author did with all of the elements of the Cinderella story, especially with the fairy godmother. The pacing is also expertly well done.
While the book was a perfect fit for me, it may not be for some readers. The book seemed a bit denser than other popular books are and the book does showcase Cinderella in a bad light, so it does break the heart of Cinderella lovers everywhere.
Verdict: This author is going places and you can help her out by supporting this book. It’s a wonderful read, perfect for any fairytale retelling fans anywhere. Definitely check out this book if you want to read a book you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Genre: Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling
Recommended Age: 14+
I received a free copy of this book from Kindle Scout AND the author herself! This did not influence my decision in any manner.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away… ...(actually, in Medieval France, to be exact) there lived Cinderella's stepsisters, Fredegonde the tall and Javotte the small. They wake up the morning after the legendary ball to learn that they each still have a chance to be the bride—all they have to do is make their feet fit into that tricky slipper. Alas, these two damsels under stress never quite seem to fit in anywhere. But that doesn’t stop them from wishing and hoping as they set upon a quest for grooms and grandeur of their own. – Amazon.com
I really really REALLY enjoy fairytale retellings. I’ve always wanted to see what the world looked like from another’s point of view and with retellings I can do just that! So, being a lover of retellings I feel that I am somewhat critical of them and I haven’t found one that has swept me away since first reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire. Well, the day I picked up this book changed that for me. This book. THIS BOOK. IT. WAS. AMAZING! I thought the book was expertly written. From the first word you’re hooked. The book was also very easy to follow along with even though the author incorporated more of the history and language patterns of the Cinderella era. The character development was phenomenal and I loved how the characters you end up rooting for are not these model-type characters readers are very commonly introduced to. The plot, even though it’s a mostly recycled one from the Cinderella story we know and love, feels new and exciting. I love what the author did with all of the elements of the Cinderella story, especially with the fairy godmother. The pacing is also expertly well done.
While the book was a perfect fit for me, it may not be for some readers. The book seemed a bit denser than other popular books are and the book does showcase Cinderella in a bad light, so it does break the heart of Cinderella lovers everywhere.
Verdict: This author is going places and you can help her out by supporting this book. It’s a wonderful read, perfect for any fairytale retelling fans anywhere. Definitely check out this book if you want to read a book you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
March 12, 2018
What a pleasant surprise! I won this through Kindle Scout a while ago, and until now, it was rotting on my kindle shelf. A mistake, because I didn't know I'd enjoy this book so thoroughly! Granted, it isn't a perfect story, and it did feel rushed at times, but it had a unique charm most retellings lack. What really won me was the characters. Cinderella and her step-family resembled the ones from the fairytale, yet they were brought alive with realistic traits that were both good and bad. I loved reading the different POVs and see how each character had their own conception of what true happiness was. Throughout the book, I found myself cheering the characters on as they all fought for their 'happily ever after'. It was a short, yet fun and lighthearted ride! I'm looking forward to read other books by Papadopoulos!
June 9, 2018
Have I mentioned before that I love fairy tale retellings? I really, really do, especially when they are done well! “The Step-Spinsters” by Madina Papadopoulos is a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella that is done very well!
One of the reasons “The Step-Spinsters” stands out is its humor. Ms. Papadopoulos has a lot of wit and a great sense of humor that she weaves throughout her story. Sometimes the story almost feels like satire, subtly poking fun at common fairy tale tropes. This is mainly a Cinderella retelling, but there are also nods to other fairy tales like Bluebeard. I really enjoyed finding these “Easter eggs” throughout the story. It is also set in medieval France and includes a lot of realistic historical details, which I appreciated.
I love the characters in this story. The story is told from many different points of view (for example, one chapter you’ll hear from one of the step-sisters, another Cinderella, etc.). I like reading from all of the separate points of view. Each character is well written and has a story of his or her own. Are the step-sisters really evil? Did Cinderella get her happily ever after? You will have to be the judge of that yourself. But make sure you take the time to listen to every side of the story, for there is always another side…
Well done Ms. Papadopoulos! “The Step-Spinsters” is a witty fairy tale retelling that I would recommend to anyone who loves fairy tales, Cinderella, or a good laugh (or all three together)!
Content: This is a clean read with some minor content. Some examples of the content are: a reference to the wedding night; mention of people drinking ale; a man notices a woman’s bosom.
Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars!
Genre: Fairy tale retelling; Fantasy; Young Adult; Romance
I want to thank Madina Papadopoulos for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
One of the reasons “The Step-Spinsters” stands out is its humor. Ms. Papadopoulos has a lot of wit and a great sense of humor that she weaves throughout her story. Sometimes the story almost feels like satire, subtly poking fun at common fairy tale tropes. This is mainly a Cinderella retelling, but there are also nods to other fairy tales like Bluebeard. I really enjoyed finding these “Easter eggs” throughout the story. It is also set in medieval France and includes a lot of realistic historical details, which I appreciated.
I love the characters in this story. The story is told from many different points of view (for example, one chapter you’ll hear from one of the step-sisters, another Cinderella, etc.). I like reading from all of the separate points of view. Each character is well written and has a story of his or her own. Are the step-sisters really evil? Did Cinderella get her happily ever after? You will have to be the judge of that yourself. But make sure you take the time to listen to every side of the story, for there is always another side…
Well done Ms. Papadopoulos! “The Step-Spinsters” is a witty fairy tale retelling that I would recommend to anyone who loves fairy tales, Cinderella, or a good laugh (or all three together)!
Content: This is a clean read with some minor content. Some examples of the content are: a reference to the wedding night; mention of people drinking ale; a man notices a woman’s bosom.
Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars!
Genre: Fairy tale retelling; Fantasy; Young Adult; Romance
I want to thank Madina Papadopoulos for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
September 2, 2017
The author does a good job humanizing Cinderalla, her step-mother, and step-sisters. Cinderalla isn't as perfect as we'd like her to be. Her step-mother and step-sisters are not terrible hateful people. It's clean and well-written, but I simply could not fall in love with the book. What can I say? I've been spoiled by Disney!
June 19, 2018
*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
This review was also featured on ericasbookhelves.wordpress.com
Listen not to what you've heard, for stories often twist and change. Here, for you, a fairytale of what truly—maybe—happened that day
This book had such an interesting premise, as soon as I read the description I was intrigued. It takes the tale of Cinderella that we all know and love and completely turns it on its head. I loved the idea of telling the “evil” stepsisters/mothers view of the story and how they saw what was happening. That’s not all that’s different from the story I knew, the author also added in themes of dark magic/evil as well as internal struggles and all that can go wrong with the haste of which the wedding(s) take place.
I’m not going to lie, at the beginning I was unsure about the writing, I hit about 20 pages in and started to get worried because something about the writing style was really bothering me and hindering my reading experience. However, I’m happy to say that by page 50 I was totally fine with the writing and no longer noticed whatever was bothering me in the first place. That’s not to say that the writing was without flaw, there were still some things that irked me, they just didn’t break the story for me. I found that occasionally Papadopoulos had a tendency to overuse people’s names in the story, it didn’t happen all the time but there were a couple scenes where I found myself noticing it a lot. I also wasn’t a fan of the way that the musical/song aspect of the story was incorporated. I feel like this is something that was great in theory but just didn’t work for me as a reader. The songs just felt like she took dialogue and forced it to rhyme in order to make a song, I just found that they were awkward to read and took me out of the story a bit.
The characters were good overall, I just found them a bit surface level, I wanted more development—which means they must be good characters because I wanted to know more about them! That being said, I also understand that this book doesn’t even hit 200 pages so there isn’t a whole lot of room for character development and I didn’t go in expecting it. The lack of development isn’t a negative, I’m just personally used to getting a lot of it because I typically read either longer books or books that are part of a series— it’s incredibly rare that I read a book this short—so there’s plenty of time to get to know characters. While I’m here talking about the characters can I just say that I could not stand Cinderella or Count Gallant. Oh. My. God. Talk about annoying people. Cinderella was just so vain and irritating, I really thought she wasn’t going to have one redeemable quality to her but she did redeem herself a tiny bit in the end. I really enjoyed both of the stepsisters, but mostly Fredegonde, she was strong and independent—well, as independent as a woman can be in medieval France—she wanted to run the household and be involved in all of that and she took pride in her ability to do so.
The plot was very entertaining but I did find the pacing to be a bit off. Sometimes scenes/parts of the book really dragged and other parts felt very rushed, especially towards the middle/end. I also feel like the climax of the story came and then was resolved so quickly I was kind of left sitting there saying “What? That’s it?” I would have liked to learn/get a little bit more of that evil side of the book.
Overall, if you’re a fan of either fairytale retellings, especially the story of Cinderella, and want a very different take on it, this book may be worth checking out. Some people are going to absolutely love what she did with the story and characters, others just won’t be able to get past everything being turned upside down.
This review was also featured on ericasbookhelves.wordpress.com
Listen not to what you've heard, for stories often twist and change. Here, for you, a fairytale of what truly—maybe—happened that day
This book had such an interesting premise, as soon as I read the description I was intrigued. It takes the tale of Cinderella that we all know and love and completely turns it on its head. I loved the idea of telling the “evil” stepsisters/mothers view of the story and how they saw what was happening. That’s not all that’s different from the story I knew, the author also added in themes of dark magic/evil as well as internal struggles and all that can go wrong with the haste of which the wedding(s) take place.
I’m not going to lie, at the beginning I was unsure about the writing, I hit about 20 pages in and started to get worried because something about the writing style was really bothering me and hindering my reading experience. However, I’m happy to say that by page 50 I was totally fine with the writing and no longer noticed whatever was bothering me in the first place. That’s not to say that the writing was without flaw, there were still some things that irked me, they just didn’t break the story for me. I found that occasionally Papadopoulos had a tendency to overuse people’s names in the story, it didn’t happen all the time but there were a couple scenes where I found myself noticing it a lot. I also wasn’t a fan of the way that the musical/song aspect of the story was incorporated. I feel like this is something that was great in theory but just didn’t work for me as a reader. The songs just felt like she took dialogue and forced it to rhyme in order to make a song, I just found that they were awkward to read and took me out of the story a bit.
The characters were good overall, I just found them a bit surface level, I wanted more development—which means they must be good characters because I wanted to know more about them! That being said, I also understand that this book doesn’t even hit 200 pages so there isn’t a whole lot of room for character development and I didn’t go in expecting it. The lack of development isn’t a negative, I’m just personally used to getting a lot of it because I typically read either longer books or books that are part of a series— it’s incredibly rare that I read a book this short—so there’s plenty of time to get to know characters. While I’m here talking about the characters can I just say that I could not stand Cinderella or Count Gallant. Oh. My. God. Talk about annoying people. Cinderella was just so vain and irritating, I really thought she wasn’t going to have one redeemable quality to her but she did redeem herself a tiny bit in the end. I really enjoyed both of the stepsisters, but mostly Fredegonde, she was strong and independent—well, as independent as a woman can be in medieval France—she wanted to run the household and be involved in all of that and she took pride in her ability to do so.
The plot was very entertaining but I did find the pacing to be a bit off. Sometimes scenes/parts of the book really dragged and other parts felt very rushed, especially towards the middle/end. I also feel like the climax of the story came and then was resolved so quickly I was kind of left sitting there saying “What? That’s it?” I would have liked to learn/get a little bit more of that evil side of the book.
Overall, if you’re a fan of either fairytale retellings, especially the story of Cinderella, and want a very different take on it, this book may be worth checking out. Some people are going to absolutely love what she did with the story and characters, others just won’t be able to get past everything being turned upside down.
March 12, 2018
Description: This is the story not only of Cinderella but of her step-sisters and their missions for marriage. The eldest, Fredegonde wants to get married to someone with a title so that she can selflessly save her family home, and the youngest Javotte wants to marry for love. With the help of special slippers and other magical aid, each one of them is about to go through some wild trials. You'll just have to read it to see how it all works out, and who (if anyone), will live happily ever after in the end.
"Here, for you, a fairy tale of what truly˗˗maybe˗˗happened on that day."
In Short: I highly recommend this book. I have had so much fun reading it. If you like books full of humor you should check this one out. Whether or not you like fairytale retellings this book is a unique piece of art that I think would be enjoyed by anyone looking for something fun to read.
"As they danced, the count complimented Javotte on her one tooth, saying that, though it was just one, it was possibly the most beautiful tooth in all of Normandy."
Pros: I never knew what to expect next. This fairytale was full of wild twists, deception, mystery, romance and even a love triangle or two or three. There is a hint of magic, poetic songs and a very healthy dose of comedy that kept me entertained until the very last page. I thought I would be confused by the large line-up of characters and all their nicknames but I wasn't in the least. Maybe because each character is so vivid and unique. The descriptions are very bizarre and interesting and there are definitely no "perfect people" in this tale. I loved the entire cast and the amount of growth and development for every character. Even some of the characters that didn't make a great impression with me in the beginning changed into admirable people by the end. In this story it's true nothing is what it seems. It's not always clear who is good and who is evil and what will happen in the end, and that's part of what makes it so much fun to read! You get to see the story from all sides and even the cruel reveal their tender spots. This book did have a solid conclusion but I NEED to read more. I know there is still more story to be told for some of our characters so I can't wait for the sequel! This book is beautifully written and well edited. I loved the silly yet rhythmic songs, to me it felt like Disney for grown ups with a slightly sarcastic sense of humor.
"I might have brains and personality, but I'm being judged on my looks and dowry."
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
"Fredegonde and Javotte began to hum, and Isabelle knew there was a song coming. She pretended to fiddle with her headpiece but actually covered her ears. Though it made her happy when they sang, listening to them sing was a whole other matter."
Parent's Guide: Very minor non-graphic violence in the form of jousting and imprisonment in a dungeon. Some kissing but no sexual content. Overall clean book.
"Few ladies could boast of having foreheads so high and lips so thin."
I was offered a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
"Here, for you, a fairy tale of what truly˗˗maybe˗˗happened on that day."
In Short: I highly recommend this book. I have had so much fun reading it. If you like books full of humor you should check this one out. Whether or not you like fairytale retellings this book is a unique piece of art that I think would be enjoyed by anyone looking for something fun to read.
"As they danced, the count complimented Javotte on her one tooth, saying that, though it was just one, it was possibly the most beautiful tooth in all of Normandy."
Pros: I never knew what to expect next. This fairytale was full of wild twists, deception, mystery, romance and even a love triangle or two or three. There is a hint of magic, poetic songs and a very healthy dose of comedy that kept me entertained until the very last page. I thought I would be confused by the large line-up of characters and all their nicknames but I wasn't in the least. Maybe because each character is so vivid and unique. The descriptions are very bizarre and interesting and there are definitely no "perfect people" in this tale. I loved the entire cast and the amount of growth and development for every character. Even some of the characters that didn't make a great impression with me in the beginning changed into admirable people by the end. In this story it's true nothing is what it seems. It's not always clear who is good and who is evil and what will happen in the end, and that's part of what makes it so much fun to read! You get to see the story from all sides and even the cruel reveal their tender spots. This book did have a solid conclusion but I NEED to read more. I know there is still more story to be told for some of our characters so I can't wait for the sequel! This book is beautifully written and well edited. I loved the silly yet rhythmic songs, to me it felt like Disney for grown ups with a slightly sarcastic sense of humor.
"I might have brains and personality, but I'm being judged on my looks and dowry."
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
"Fredegonde and Javotte began to hum, and Isabelle knew there was a song coming. She pretended to fiddle with her headpiece but actually covered her ears. Though it made her happy when they sang, listening to them sing was a whole other matter."
Parent's Guide: Very minor non-graphic violence in the form of jousting and imprisonment in a dungeon. Some kissing but no sexual content. Overall clean book.
"Few ladies could boast of having foreheads so high and lips so thin."
I was offered a complimentary copy in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2017
Full disclosure – I was received a copy of this book from Amazon as part of the Kindle Scout program but have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Happily Ever After?
The Step Spinsters is the debut novel from writer Madina Papadopoulos and is a fresh reimagination of the classic fairy tale. Set in medieval France the story begins the morning after the ball and the rush to find the owner of the glass slipper. After having made the fit, Cinderella is whisked off to the castle to begin her new life as the betrothed of Count Galant. When she arrives, and sees her intended in the light of day, she realizes that the Count may not be all that he had seemed last night at the masquerade, but as this arrangement will get her far away from her family she is willing to give it a shot. Settling into the lifestyle of a future Duchess, Cinderella is frustrated to learn that the Count has invited her step mother and her step sisters to live at the castle in the days leading up to the nuptials. With Javotte and Fredegonde on the scene, no single titled lord is safe as they both jockey to one up their sibling and secure a mate to save their home.
For someone who grew up dreaming of nights in shining armor, jousting tournaments and majestic medieval castles I really enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella. Papadopoulos manages to add a human element to characters that are well known thanks to (or not) the classic Disney characters and movies. Fredegonde and Javotte, while not exactly “ugly” do have their personal flaws that are stumbling blocks to their future happiness and overall the dynamic between Cindy and her sisters more resembles a typical blended family than the cruel family of past stories. It’s a tall order to take a well known beloved story and transform it into something new and fun, but Papadopoulos had delivered. I will be interested to see if she tackles any other fairy tale characters in her upcoming books or branches out into other topics. Whatever her future endeavors are, I am looking forward to reading her future offerings.
Happily Ever After?
The Step Spinsters is the debut novel from writer Madina Papadopoulos and is a fresh reimagination of the classic fairy tale. Set in medieval France the story begins the morning after the ball and the rush to find the owner of the glass slipper. After having made the fit, Cinderella is whisked off to the castle to begin her new life as the betrothed of Count Galant. When she arrives, and sees her intended in the light of day, she realizes that the Count may not be all that he had seemed last night at the masquerade, but as this arrangement will get her far away from her family she is willing to give it a shot. Settling into the lifestyle of a future Duchess, Cinderella is frustrated to learn that the Count has invited her step mother and her step sisters to live at the castle in the days leading up to the nuptials. With Javotte and Fredegonde on the scene, no single titled lord is safe as they both jockey to one up their sibling and secure a mate to save their home.
For someone who grew up dreaming of nights in shining armor, jousting tournaments and majestic medieval castles I really enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella. Papadopoulos manages to add a human element to characters that are well known thanks to (or not) the classic Disney characters and movies. Fredegonde and Javotte, while not exactly “ugly” do have their personal flaws that are stumbling blocks to their future happiness and overall the dynamic between Cindy and her sisters more resembles a typical blended family than the cruel family of past stories. It’s a tall order to take a well known beloved story and transform it into something new and fun, but Papadopoulos had delivered. I will be interested to see if she tackles any other fairy tale characters in her upcoming books or branches out into other topics. Whatever her future endeavors are, I am looking forward to reading her future offerings.
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March 23, 2018
What happens to HEA after Cinderella nails the Prince (Count, in this retelling, but the son of the Duke of Normandy so practically the same thing as a prince)? Specifically, what about her "ugly" step-sisters?
In this retelling, taking place in high middle ages France (it seems like, with the plague, their clothing, references to Eleanor of Aquitaine and what may/may not be the famed Unicorn Tapestries), Cinderella is not quite the sweet and innocent girl mistreated by her wicked steps—she actually enjoys cleaning, but tells lies about her "mistreatment" to be found favorably by the townspeople. "Freddie" and Javotte aren't really that ugly—Freddie just happens to be super tall, a little arrogant, and Javotte has really bad breath (and one front tooth).
Cindy soon discovers discovers that expectations do not meet reality: the dashing count and his large palace are neither dashing nor handsome, and she only gets one handmaiden instead of ten. Meanwhile, in order to save their beloved estate, Freddie determines that she must marry the count's father, even though he's really old, has gone through two wives already, and is rumored to be moderately evil...plus there's that whole blue beard thing. And Javotte just wants to weave her gorgeous tapestries, not smell anymore, and find love.
With a little help from a godmother—in exchange for stealing the mysterious key around the duke's neck—Freddie and Javotte become un-ugly and everything seems to be going exactly as they dreamed. But in this fairy-tale mash-up of Cinderella and Bluebeard, darkness lurks in plain sight.
I was pleasantly surprised by this! It's a little slow, but fascinatingly researched, and the female characters act like they would have in their own time. True, Freddie is wildly ambitious, but she still has the hopes and desires of a woman in the high middle ages, which was so refreshing.
As a Kindle Scout, I received a free copy of this book.
In this retelling, taking place in high middle ages France (it seems like, with the plague, their clothing, references to Eleanor of Aquitaine and what may/may not be the famed Unicorn Tapestries), Cinderella is not quite the sweet and innocent girl mistreated by her wicked steps—she actually enjoys cleaning, but tells lies about her "mistreatment" to be found favorably by the townspeople. "Freddie" and Javotte aren't really that ugly—Freddie just happens to be super tall, a little arrogant, and Javotte has really bad breath (and one front tooth).
Cindy soon discovers discovers that expectations do not meet reality: the dashing count and his large palace are neither dashing nor handsome, and she only gets one handmaiden instead of ten. Meanwhile, in order to save their beloved estate, Freddie determines that she must marry the count's father, even though he's really old, has gone through two wives already, and is rumored to be moderately evil...plus there's that whole blue beard thing. And Javotte just wants to weave her gorgeous tapestries, not smell anymore, and find love.
With a little help from a godmother—in exchange for stealing the mysterious key around the duke's neck—Freddie and Javotte become un-ugly and everything seems to be going exactly as they dreamed. But in this fairy-tale mash-up of Cinderella and Bluebeard, darkness lurks in plain sight.
I was pleasantly surprised by this! It's a little slow, but fascinatingly researched, and the female characters act like they would have in their own time. True, Freddie is wildly ambitious, but she still has the hopes and desires of a woman in the high middle ages, which was so refreshing.
As a Kindle Scout, I received a free copy of this book.
August 4, 2017
This one is quite interesting, as instead of focusing on Cinderella, like most fairytale retellings do, you get to see her step-sister’s point of view. The novel begins the morning after that fateful ball, and after the magic has worn off, you’ll see that things are not always what they seem. Cinderella’s sisters and mother are struggling to keep their house. Because they are women, they cannot inherit property, and one of the daughters must marry before the end of the month if they are to keep their land.
Of course, once Cinderella is plucked from obscurity and brought to the castle, she no longer cares for her family’s plight, which leaves them in quite the desperate situation. We also realize that the prince isn’t quite a princely as he would seem, and duke is a conniving old man, and a troubadour may not be all he’s crack up to be.
I loved the fact that we got more of a realistic setting here, as it is based in Normandy in the medieval times. There’s so many different conflicting storylines here, but at the same time Papadopoulos manages to weave them together very well. There’s also the question of if true love really exists, or if people only get married to further their own interests.
I quite loved this book, the only thing that occasionally tripped me up were the french words sprinkled throughout. However, I believe that you could reasonably understand what they are referring to from context. All in all, quite the lovely retelling, I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the medieval period or fairytale retellings.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, once Cinderella is plucked from obscurity and brought to the castle, she no longer cares for her family’s plight, which leaves them in quite the desperate situation. We also realize that the prince isn’t quite a princely as he would seem, and duke is a conniving old man, and a troubadour may not be all he’s crack up to be.
I loved the fact that we got more of a realistic setting here, as it is based in Normandy in the medieval times. There’s so many different conflicting storylines here, but at the same time Papadopoulos manages to weave them together very well. There’s also the question of if true love really exists, or if people only get married to further their own interests.
I quite loved this book, the only thing that occasionally tripped me up were the french words sprinkled throughout. However, I believe that you could reasonably understand what they are referring to from context. All in all, quite the lovely retelling, I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the medieval period or fairytale retellings.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2017
Picture the classic Cinderella re-imagined in medieval France. Either one of her stepsisters or her stepmother must marry within the month or be homeless, as women not of the nobility cannot own property. The eldest stepsister Fredegonde, tall, homely, and redhaired, aims high for the duke himself. Her sister, Javotte, with bad breath and a single tooth, is a hopeless romantic in love with love. Cinderella, not quite as pure and sweet as in the original tale, is determined to one-up her stepsisters in the marriage market. Fredegonde and Cinderella jockey shamelessly for a good share of the book, neither of them coming off as especially likable. Your typical fairy tale this isn't. But it all ends well, more or less, although not for everyone. And the villain does get his just desserts.
I would have scored this higher, but this really bore very little resemblance to the original tale. I understand the right of an author to take liberties, but Cinderella's personality was often as petty as Fredemonde's and Javotte was actually very sweet. And Isabel, the stepmother, wasn't at all evil. She was just sort of neutral. It was disorienting.
I voted for this through Kindle Scout and was given a copy as a thank you after it won.
I would have scored this higher, but this really bore very little resemblance to the original tale. I understand the right of an author to take liberties, but Cinderella's personality was often as petty as Fredemonde's and Javotte was actually very sweet. And Isabel, the stepmother, wasn't at all evil. She was just sort of neutral. It was disorienting.
I voted for this through Kindle Scout and was given a copy as a thank you after it won.
August 1, 2017
Cinderella as never told before
I loved this book. I never would have thought to tell the story of Cinderella this way. The step sisters are the protagonists and while Cinderella isn't quite the villain she certainly isn't so sweet and innocent as she is usually portrayed. Freddie longs to be independent and to take care of her family even giving up on the idea of love if it means securing her and her families future. Jovette is sweet and hopelessly romantic and has a talent for making tapestries. While the sisters are not considered beautiful by those around them they each have so much more to offer and with the help of their fairy godmother they are given some well help to be seen as more than their faults.
This tale follows the journey of three sisters finding themselves and what it means to find love and to appreciate family. I wish another book would come out because I sincerely want to find out if there is any way for Freddie to get her happily ever after.
Thank you to the kindle scout program for selecting this book to get published and giving supporters a free copy.
I loved this book. I never would have thought to tell the story of Cinderella this way. The step sisters are the protagonists and while Cinderella isn't quite the villain she certainly isn't so sweet and innocent as she is usually portrayed. Freddie longs to be independent and to take care of her family even giving up on the idea of love if it means securing her and her families future. Jovette is sweet and hopelessly romantic and has a talent for making tapestries. While the sisters are not considered beautiful by those around them they each have so much more to offer and with the help of their fairy godmother they are given some well help to be seen as more than their faults.
This tale follows the journey of three sisters finding themselves and what it means to find love and to appreciate family. I wish another book would come out because I sincerely want to find out if there is any way for Freddie to get her happily ever after.
Thank you to the kindle scout program for selecting this book to get published and giving supporters a free copy.
March 7, 2018
It is a very good book both happy and sad. It’s a retelling of the story of Cinderella.
If you remember when she lost her glass shoe, well, the story picks up with the prince trying to find the woman who the shoe belongs to. He plans to marry her. He goes to every house and tries the shoe on every maiden/woman.
The two step-sisters, Fredegonde and Javotte, try on the shoe after they have made every attempt to make their feet fit. It fails, then Cinderella tries it on and it fits perfectly. She and the prince, Galant, are soon on their way to the castle, which is not as Cindrerlla pictured it. Her step sisters and step mother are soon invited to live in the castle until the wedding day.
Javotte and Fredegonde soon fall in love with some of the men who live in the castle. A mystery man soon comes in and falls in love with Fredegonde.
Does she love him or marry him? Who does she marry? What about the prince’s father, the Duke?
Javotte soon learns something bad is going on with him, and only one other person knows the story of... well, spoilers.
What happens to the step-sisters? What happens to Cinderella?
This is a very good book. I give it 5 stars.
If you remember when she lost her glass shoe, well, the story picks up with the prince trying to find the woman who the shoe belongs to. He plans to marry her. He goes to every house and tries the shoe on every maiden/woman.
The two step-sisters, Fredegonde and Javotte, try on the shoe after they have made every attempt to make their feet fit. It fails, then Cinderella tries it on and it fits perfectly. She and the prince, Galant, are soon on their way to the castle, which is not as Cindrerlla pictured it. Her step sisters and step mother are soon invited to live in the castle until the wedding day.
Javotte and Fredegonde soon fall in love with some of the men who live in the castle. A mystery man soon comes in and falls in love with Fredegonde.
Does she love him or marry him? Who does she marry? What about the prince’s father, the Duke?
Javotte soon learns something bad is going on with him, and only one other person knows the story of... well, spoilers.
What happens to the step-sisters? What happens to Cinderella?
This is a very good book. I give it 5 stars.
July 20, 2017
What a delightful story. Cinderella and her step-sisters think the solution to their dreary lives is to find a suitable husband. After all, that's the reality of the medieval fairy-tale. Their happily-ever-after, however, may not be what they expect.
This is a uniquely different spin on the Cinderella story. Cindy's not the perfect woman the classic tale has made her out to be. And the step-sister's are colorful characters. There's scheming to see who can out-marry the others. And one can't forget Her Grace, the cat. You just know she must be up to something. If it were a movie, it would be a musical comedy.
What I enjoyed the most were the quick, snappy snippets and subtle references to other fairy tales and classic tales cleverly woven into the story. Some are easy to spot; others you have to pay attention to. Great writing from start to finish.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
This is a uniquely different spin on the Cinderella story. Cindy's not the perfect woman the classic tale has made her out to be. And the step-sister's are colorful characters. There's scheming to see who can out-marry the others. And one can't forget Her Grace, the cat. You just know she must be up to something. If it were a movie, it would be a musical comedy.
What I enjoyed the most were the quick, snappy snippets and subtle references to other fairy tales and classic tales cleverly woven into the story. Some are easy to spot; others you have to pay attention to. Great writing from start to finish.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
March 17, 2018
Author Madina Papadopoulos provided an e-copy of The Step-Spinsters for review.
The Step-Spinsters is the continuing story of Cinderella and her step-mother and step-sisters (hence, step-spinsters). In this entertaining, fairly quick read we have characters who are all flawed to some degree. I was particularly pleased to find out Cinderella's real name (no, I'm not going to tell).
The story is comical, tragic, mysterious and redemptive as any fairy-tale should be. I found myself rooting both for and against each character at different times. Reading this story with the original (I know there are probably hundreds of versions), or maybe the Disney version in mind, will mess with your mind a bit. In a fun way. A peek into medieval French custom.
I enjoyed The Step-Spinsters by Madina Papadopoulos. If you like the story after ever after, I think you will like this one too. Enjoy!
Mike
The Step-Spinsters is the continuing story of Cinderella and her step-mother and step-sisters (hence, step-spinsters). In this entertaining, fairly quick read we have characters who are all flawed to some degree. I was particularly pleased to find out Cinderella's real name (no, I'm not going to tell).
The story is comical, tragic, mysterious and redemptive as any fairy-tale should be. I found myself rooting both for and against each character at different times. Reading this story with the original (I know there are probably hundreds of versions), or maybe the Disney version in mind, will mess with your mind a bit. In a fun way. A peek into medieval French custom.
I enjoyed The Step-Spinsters by Madina Papadopoulos. If you like the story after ever after, I think you will like this one too. Enjoy!
Mike
August 3, 2017
I was sent a copy by the Author for reviewing purposes. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
A story inspired by Cinderella and set in mid-evil France. A twist on the classic and honestly what a good one! The author takes the tale of Cinderella in a completely new and unexpected direction. She challenges our expectations and forces our minds to see past the fairytale we all have grown up knowing. Very little resembles the classic, but even then, the story is captivating. What an imagination the author has!
Cinderella and her sisters must marry soon. If not, they will lose their home, since there is no male in their household to head the family. Though capable, the eldest stepsister cannot run the household. A tale of 3 sisters trying to find a suitor as soon as they can. How they fight, bicker, and plan together/against each other to win hearts.
Cinderella is to marry the count because of the glass slipper she lost at the ball. Like the classic tale, the slipper fits her. Oh, but wait, she's caught in a love triangle. Who is it that she will marry? Her eldest stepsister is now to become royalty too. This wasn't what Cinderella had planned. It's not what she had hoped for.
If this was a film it would be a comedy, with a little love and a little mystery. I truly enjoyed this story.
A story inspired by Cinderella and set in mid-evil France. A twist on the classic and honestly what a good one! The author takes the tale of Cinderella in a completely new and unexpected direction. She challenges our expectations and forces our minds to see past the fairytale we all have grown up knowing. Very little resembles the classic, but even then, the story is captivating. What an imagination the author has!
Cinderella and her sisters must marry soon. If not, they will lose their home, since there is no male in their household to head the family. Though capable, the eldest stepsister cannot run the household. A tale of 3 sisters trying to find a suitor as soon as they can. How they fight, bicker, and plan together/against each other to win hearts.
Cinderella is to marry the count because of the glass slipper she lost at the ball. Like the classic tale, the slipper fits her. Oh, but wait, she's caught in a love triangle. Who is it that she will marry? Her eldest stepsister is now to become royalty too. This wasn't what Cinderella had planned. It's not what she had hoped for.
If this was a film it would be a comedy, with a little love and a little mystery. I truly enjoyed this story.
July 2, 2018
If you like fairytale retellings, you will probably enjoy this book. Well, if you like silly retellings, you will probably like this book. It is definitely not your average Cinderella book, that is for sure! You know, Cinderella, the one you are usually rooting for and loving? Well, that isn't the case in this book! Hahaha!
I actually found Cinderella to be so annoying! I liked the stepsisters much more! Reading a book that flips the fairytale world upside down is so much fun. And with this book being less than 200 pages, it makes it a fun and quick read.
I am so glad it was sent to me! Pick it up! You'll be glad you did!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I actually found Cinderella to be so annoying! I liked the stepsisters much more! Reading a book that flips the fairytale world upside down is so much fun. And with this book being less than 200 pages, it makes it a fun and quick read.
I am so glad it was sent to me! Pick it up! You'll be glad you did!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2017
This is the story of what happened to Cinderella and the Ugly Sisters after the ball.
We’re in medieval France the day after the famous ball, and the prince is trying to track down the girl who fits the shoe. Beautiful Cinderella seems to have it made, while marriage prospects are bleak for her unfortunate step-sisters. But all is not well at the Duke’s castle and her “fairy god-mother” has her own agenda…
This original take on the Cinderella story combines a number of fairy tale elements with great characters. Told with humour and verve, it’s well-written and edited, very readable throughout. Whether magic is involved or not is left to the reader to decide. A really nice fun read.
We’re in medieval France the day after the famous ball, and the prince is trying to track down the girl who fits the shoe. Beautiful Cinderella seems to have it made, while marriage prospects are bleak for her unfortunate step-sisters. But all is not well at the Duke’s castle and her “fairy god-mother” has her own agenda…
This original take on the Cinderella story combines a number of fairy tale elements with great characters. Told with humour and verve, it’s well-written and edited, very readable throughout. Whether magic is involved or not is left to the reader to decide. A really nice fun read.
December 6, 2018
2.75 stars
This wasn't a bad book just a little to absurd and silly for me. I would recommend it however if you want something different from your run-of-the-mill YA main characters. I did like these characters a lot; they all had their flaws and are handled perfectly in my opinion. This is not a story were the ugly duckling becomes a swan.
This was my favorite quote: "It wasn’t her fault she was so beautiful; rather, everyone else was at fault for being too blind to notice." which is Fredegonde's thought about herself.
This wasn't a bad book just a little to absurd and silly for me. I would recommend it however if you want something different from your run-of-the-mill YA main characters. I did like these characters a lot; they all had their flaws and are handled perfectly in my opinion. This is not a story were the ugly duckling becomes a swan.
This was my favorite quote: "It wasn’t her fault she was so beautiful; rather, everyone else was at fault for being too blind to notice." which is Fredegonde's thought about herself.
October 8, 2017
Awesome fairytale reimagined!!
This was a very creative take on Cinderella. I was happy with the writing, the editing, and the pace. I was disappointed with the ending, only because I was rooting for a tidy happily ever after for everyone. Alas, it is Step Spinsters. I should have clung to the title instead of my romantic hopes!!
This was a very creative take on Cinderella. I was happy with the writing, the editing, and the pace. I was disappointed with the ending, only because I was rooting for a tidy happily ever after for everyone. Alas, it is Step Spinsters. I should have clung to the title instead of my romantic hopes!!
February 17, 2019
Story of Cinderella and her family
Beautiful reimagining of the classic story of Cinderella. A few twists and turns, leading up up to an unexpected climax that was neatly resolved. Would recommend to anyone that doesn’t mind a slight changing of the classic story. Nicely written! I will definitely be on the lookout for any more books from this author.
Beautiful reimagining of the classic story of Cinderella. A few twists and turns, leading up up to an unexpected climax that was neatly resolved. Would recommend to anyone that doesn’t mind a slight changing of the classic story. Nicely written! I will definitely be on the lookout for any more books from this author.
October 25, 2017
This is an extremely unique re-telling of Cinderella and Bluebeard combined. The characters got my attention immediately, the book was well written and I wished the book had never ended. I think this is an awesome author and someone worth watching in the future.
October 31, 2018
Like the title best
A reasonably good re-telling that successfully tricks our expectations with some internal contradictions. Characters were drawn adequately but not in a way to create excitement or sympathy.
A reasonably good re-telling that successfully tricks our expectations with some internal contradictions. Characters were drawn adequately but not in a way to create excitement or sympathy.
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