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A Fairytale Adventure #1
An Unexpected Brew: A Cinderella Story
A modern magical retelling of the classic Cinderella tale. After years of working at the family coffee shop under her step-mom's rule, Arnessa longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. As hope slowly seems to fade, a charming stranger offers to help her with her studies, and turns her fears into a reason to stand up for herself. *An Unexpected Brew is part of a fairytale universe. The first three can be read in any order. Suggested reading order by the -An Unexpected Brew -For The Guild -Of Beasts And Bells
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2018
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59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 6, 2020
A modern Cinderella tale with a magic twist. Delightful, charming and sweet.
This isn't some ugly step-sister story, because both the sisters could have had modeling careers if they wanted. It isn't some mean stepmother story either. Since our Cinderella here is not treated quite as bad as the one in the original Disney tale.
What we get here is the classic Cinderella tale, with a little extra modern twist and a bit of magic added to the mix.
Arnessa spends her days working in the family coffee shop under her step-mom's rule but longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. Saving each day from her work she is still far from fulfilling her dream. And her family does nothing but thwart her. After all, who would be there to make sure the coffee shop runs smooth if Arnessa goes away?!
Help comes however from an unexpected source. A handsome guy who walks into the shop one morning and turns into Arnessa's good friend. He unexpectedly comes to care for the little barista and helps her however he can. Friendship blooms, but Arnessa's family won't allow it. Because the sisters want the handsome guy for themselves. And yet, not even they can stop the sweet romance from growing.
A prince in disguise, an abused fair maiden, a ball and a fairy-god-man. Add in a little magic and a good cup of coffee spelled to give you just the right boost and there you go - a downright delightful brew that you will not be willing to set down. I personally found it wonderful, sweet and charming. But would have loved some higher stakes.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
This isn't some ugly step-sister story, because both the sisters could have had modeling careers if they wanted. It isn't some mean stepmother story either. Since our Cinderella here is not treated quite as bad as the one in the original Disney tale.
What we get here is the classic Cinderella tale, with a little extra modern twist and a bit of magic added to the mix.
Arnessa spends her days working in the family coffee shop under her step-mom's rule but longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. Saving each day from her work she is still far from fulfilling her dream. And her family does nothing but thwart her. After all, who would be there to make sure the coffee shop runs smooth if Arnessa goes away?!
Help comes however from an unexpected source. A handsome guy who walks into the shop one morning and turns into Arnessa's good friend. He unexpectedly comes to care for the little barista and helps her however he can. Friendship blooms, but Arnessa's family won't allow it. Because the sisters want the handsome guy for themselves. And yet, not even they can stop the sweet romance from growing.
A prince in disguise, an abused fair maiden, a ball and a fairy-god-man. Add in a little magic and a good cup of coffee spelled to give you just the right boost and there you go - a downright delightful brew that you will not be willing to set down. I personally found it wonderful, sweet and charming. But would have loved some higher stakes.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
September 27, 2019
A charming read!
The concept of coffee being magical is not a new one by any means, but how good would it be if a barista could brew a bit of luck or confidence into your next cup? Similarly, the tale of Cinderella is not new, but this adaptation of the story has qualities that are original and different. It is an unexpected and delightful brew indeed.
The author has given the old story a new setting and context, and provided some interesting twists to keep readers guessing.
The characters have been reinvented so that they are quite original, yet recognisable and true to the conventions of the much-loved fairy tale. The central characters are likeable and relatable, and their interactions are natural and engaging.
The target audience is YA, but it is a story that will be appealing for a much broader readership. This is a really fun and engaging read.
The concept of coffee being magical is not a new one by any means, but how good would it be if a barista could brew a bit of luck or confidence into your next cup? Similarly, the tale of Cinderella is not new, but this adaptation of the story has qualities that are original and different. It is an unexpected and delightful brew indeed.
The author has given the old story a new setting and context, and provided some interesting twists to keep readers guessing.
The characters have been reinvented so that they are quite original, yet recognisable and true to the conventions of the much-loved fairy tale. The central characters are likeable and relatable, and their interactions are natural and engaging.
The target audience is YA, but it is a story that will be appealing for a much broader readership. This is a really fun and engaging read.
July 29, 2018
This is Mueller's best work yet! Cinderella AKA Arnessa is magic school going barista who works in her family's magical coffee shop. Her step mom and sisters are monsters (which is to be expected in a Cinderella retelling) but she manages to meet a really cute guy despite their past efforts to thwart her happiness. Will she have time between classes and work for her budding relationship? Read and find out! This book is a quick read because it's amazing and it's a novella so what are you waiting for??
October 30, 2018
This was exactly what it claimed it would be - a Cinderella story, and a really fun one at that. Arnessa has had a rough life, especially with her stepfamily making things even worse at every turn. She is trying though, no matter how often she is thwarted, to get ahead in life. Her luck gets a major boost in that regard when a guy walks into the family coffee shop and they become fast friends. From there it's a matter of that friendship growing quickly in a short amount of time and with her family wanting to take away any happiness. The guy though believes things are going to get better very quickly for Arnessa. Arnessa is less convinced but she's willing to hope. With him and her friend Callie assisting along the way, Arnessa might just get a chance to see her dreams have a chance at coming true.
Filled with plenty of fun moments throughout and lots of magic in a modern day setting, this book was a quick but adorable read from start to finish.
Filled with plenty of fun moments throughout and lots of magic in a modern day setting, this book was a quick but adorable read from start to finish.
October 7, 2020
Delightfully charming! This was a super sweet twist on Cinderella. Cinderella and the prince both have a little magic of their own. All of the Cinderella elements were here but it was very modern and made it fun to read. Arnessa works at the coffee shop but so does one of her evil step sisters, Diamond. And she is a peach, NOT! Diamond lays claim to a guy who wants nothing to do with Diamond and everything to do with Arnessa. And due to said claim, the other evil step sister and evil stepmother come rearing their ugly heads. Since this is a retelling, it runs its natural course and there is the wonderful HEA. However, I really liked this retelling because they got to know each other. It wasn’t one night and then we have to match a shoe to a foot and that whole fiasco. This has a truly great “getting to know you” love story and it was adorable! If you need something super sweet that will lift you up, you should definitely give this a try.
November 28, 2018
On the cover, it claims to be a Cinderella story and at first I was skeptical about whether or not I wanted to read it. I never really liked the Disney Cinderella movie because the heroine didn't really do much for herself except be pretty. But I knew J. E. Mueller is a good writer so I gave it a shot.
As it turns out, Arnessa is in every way a classic Cinderella character (exploited and abused by her thankless stepmother and sisters) but she's so much more. She works hard at the coffee shop and in her classes, despite her situation. When the handsome guy suddenly shows up, Arnessa doesn't get whisked away by him. She won't ALLOW herself to do that. Furthering her education is her only way out of her crappy situation so she's reluctant to accept anyone's help, especially his.
An Unexpected Brew was a quick pleasant read and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
As it turns out, Arnessa is in every way a classic Cinderella character (exploited and abused by her thankless stepmother and sisters) but she's so much more. She works hard at the coffee shop and in her classes, despite her situation. When the handsome guy suddenly shows up, Arnessa doesn't get whisked away by him. She won't ALLOW herself to do that. Furthering her education is her only way out of her crappy situation so she's reluctant to accept anyone's help, especially his.
An Unexpected Brew was a quick pleasant read and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
November 9, 2020
What a great retelling of a beloved classic Cinderella but with a modern day twist. Arnessa is just your average girl working her way through college trying to get away from her evil step mother and step sisters. They want nothing more then to see her unhappy and do so by only way they can keep her unhappy is by keeping her working in the family coffee shop and letting her go to class. Well that was until Vincent came into the shop and well step sister had her eyes on him and Arnessa couldn’t care less she just wanted to raise money to move away from them far away. Well Vincent didn’t want Diamond her step sister she wanted to learn more of Arnessa and who she was magic and all. This was a great retelling with a twist I didn’t see coming but you will love this story and the strong will of Arnessa.
August 31, 2019
This book is so adorably cute! It delivers everything you need from a short novelette like this: you have the sweet romance, bullies getting what's coming to them, and of course, magic.
I loved the magic system in this world. Going to college to learn more, to perfect your skills? Beautiful! Making coffee that's spelled to give you a boost? Where can I get that!
The romance is adorable, a real evolution starting with true friendship. It's not instalove, it's something that's grown and deserved.
If there's something lacking, I think it's that there were no stakes. The ending happened fast: knowing the 'true' Cinderella story, I expected it to go on a little longer. It does diverge from the original tale quite a lot, the only true similarity being the evil stepfamily.
I loved the magic system in this world. Going to college to learn more, to perfect your skills? Beautiful! Making coffee that's spelled to give you a boost? Where can I get that!
The romance is adorable, a real evolution starting with true friendship. It's not instalove, it's something that's grown and deserved.
If there's something lacking, I think it's that there were no stakes. The ending happened fast: knowing the 'true' Cinderella story, I expected it to go on a little longer. It does diverge from the original tale quite a lot, the only true similarity being the evil stepfamily.
July 6, 2020
I did not want this book to end. Because it is an adaptation of the classic Cinderella, you already know how the story will end but even that didn't detract from the story. The stepmother...I want to call her Henrietta Hippo. She was evil and abusive, and Diamond, the step sister was exil personified. It took me a second with Vincent, Callie and her two friends Nola and Jasper. Arnessa was beautiful in her own right. And mentioning the Roger's and Hammerstein's version was the icing on the cake for me. I loved Brandy and Whitney Houston in it. This one I'm sure I'll read again. I guess I'm not as far along in my walk with the Lord because I wanted to see that step family get their comeuppance. Pray for me 😉
July 20, 2020
I can't help but say on repeat that 'An Unexpected Brew' is a-dor-a-ble! Cinderella's story has been told and retold. What makes this book stand out is not the modern setting, but that Arnessa (Cinderella) never wavers in her confidence. She has goals and she has obstacles, but she knows who she is and dang if she isn't going for them.
Add in elements of magic, strong characters, and realistic frustrations, the story will hook you in. Mueller's style makes you feel like you're hanging with friends, chatting about life, laughing at ridiculous life moments. She nailed this retelling in a voice you want to hear from.
Based on the style and story, this book is appropriate as middle grade or YA. I highly recommend 'An Unexpected Brew'.
Add in elements of magic, strong characters, and realistic frustrations, the story will hook you in. Mueller's style makes you feel like you're hanging with friends, chatting about life, laughing at ridiculous life moments. She nailed this retelling in a voice you want to hear from.
Based on the style and story, this book is appropriate as middle grade or YA. I highly recommend 'An Unexpected Brew'.
July 2, 2020
Nice twist on Cinderella
This was a well thought-out take on the ancient fairytale. I loved the inclusion of magic as the norm versus just a fairy godmother. I have this one 3-stars due to some errors and the fact that while the story was unique, it was also very predictable and the ending fell flat. It would have been nice to be given an idea on what the next chapter in the series will be about because I think people would want to me more about the characters in this chapter.
This was a well thought-out take on the ancient fairytale. I loved the inclusion of magic as the norm versus just a fairy godmother. I have this one 3-stars due to some errors and the fact that while the story was unique, it was also very predictable and the ending fell flat. It would have been nice to be given an idea on what the next chapter in the series will be about because I think people would want to me more about the characters in this chapter.
August 15, 2020
Cute and Fun Cinderella story
This book was a really cute and fun take on the Cinderella story. I loved the idea of a cafe with magic like luck and charm and extra energy brewed into the drinks. I’m not a Starbucks person but I would definitely go to a cafe like that! I liked the magic system and the characters were pretty cool. My only complaint is the end felt rushed. I wanted just a little more emotional description and interaction in the last chapter. Overall it was well written and I would definitely read more of this author’s work.
This book was a really cute and fun take on the Cinderella story. I loved the idea of a cafe with magic like luck and charm and extra energy brewed into the drinks. I’m not a Starbucks person but I would definitely go to a cafe like that! I liked the magic system and the characters were pretty cool. My only complaint is the end felt rushed. I wanted just a little more emotional description and interaction in the last chapter. Overall it was well written and I would definitely read more of this author’s work.
October 23, 2020
Cinderella is one of my personal favorite stories and this book is such a fun modern adaptation! Cinderella in this story works at a coffee shop under her mean stepmother's rule and dreams of leaving her small town for college. Instead of a prince, she meets a handsome stranger who helps her with her studies and encourages her to stand up for herself. I think this would be more appealing than the traditional cinderella story to students who are a little older and have already heard the classic tale.
October 1, 2018
***3.5 STARS***
This book delivers some sweet, frothy fun just as expected. It’s a modern Cinderella retelling with a magical twist – relatively fast paced, likeable characters, and a quick, easy read. My only gripe was that the ending was a little rushed and didn’t include as much detail as the set-up. I would have liked a bit more resolution esp with the step-mother and step-sisters. Still though, I’d definitely add this book to a vacation read list and will read this author again.
This book delivers some sweet, frothy fun just as expected. It’s a modern Cinderella retelling with a magical twist – relatively fast paced, likeable characters, and a quick, easy read. My only gripe was that the ending was a little rushed and didn’t include as much detail as the set-up. I would have liked a bit more resolution esp with the step-mother and step-sisters. Still though, I’d definitely add this book to a vacation read list and will read this author again.
March 7, 2019
Having read J.E Mueller's two other books, I was already expecting a lot, and this book delivered in spades! Yes, it is the retelling of a really familiar and beloved fairy tale, but the author has given it a beautiful modern twist, yet retaining all the elements that make it timeless. I particularly love the magic systems in J.E Mueller's books. They are such an integral part of the worlds and extremely interesting. For those who love fairy tales and magic, this is a must read!
July 28, 2018
A good quick read for when you are down
It is a nice retelling with a good world building. I do not remember buying it but I am.glad I did. The only issue I uave is that it feels incomplete. What was the thing with stepmom? Why the magic coffee was mentioned so in passing? What about Arnessa' s dreams? It xould have been better
It is a nice retelling with a good world building. I do not remember buying it but I am.glad I did. The only issue I uave is that it feels incomplete. What was the thing with stepmom? Why the magic coffee was mentioned so in passing? What about Arnessa' s dreams? It xould have been better
March 27, 2019
So cute
Such a cute read. This cinderella's family was horrible, yes but not a daily occurance so while her life was hard it wasn't one obstacke after another. This girl could have been anyone and she wasn't bitter or angry like she had every right to be. Would have lovedcan epilogue but the story was still sarisfying without it.
Such a cute read. This cinderella's family was horrible, yes but not a daily occurance so while her life was hard it wasn't one obstacke after another. This girl could have been anyone and she wasn't bitter or angry like she had every right to be. Would have lovedcan epilogue but the story was still sarisfying without it.
December 31, 2019
I'm not great at writing reviews, but I'll try.
I really love fairy tale retellings, and this one is done really well. It is a creative, fun, and heart warming twist on Cinderella. It definitely grabbed my attention and held it-I couldn't put it down. Thoroughly recommend.
There were grammatical errors, but this happens frequently with self-published authors.
I really love fairy tale retellings, and this one is done really well. It is a creative, fun, and heart warming twist on Cinderella. It definitely grabbed my attention and held it-I couldn't put it down. Thoroughly recommend.
There were grammatical errors, but this happens frequently with self-published authors.
August 19, 2018
This is a really fun book to read on a quiet day, fast and charming, witty, and there's a lot of comparisons to Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella, which happens to be MY favorite rendition of the classic tale!
September 22, 2018
This is an easy read and not too taxing on the brain. The plot is good, but I felt it lacked something and seemed a bit rushed, especially the ending. I would have liked more about the ball. With it being such a big part of the story, I felt it was weak.
July 6, 2020
Coffee with a touch of magic! An updated take on the cinderella story that is quite enchanting! The “good guys” are warm, delightful, and quite engaging. and the “bad guys” are wonderfully bad! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and really hope the author writes more along this line.
May 26, 2021
This is the first book in the series, and is probably one of the best (though book 2 is a close second). Mueller creates a fantastical world that flawlessly incorporates modern elements. I would recommend this whole series if you enjoy fairy-tale retellings.
May 2, 2019
Cute, entertaining and fun
September 25, 2019
A fun, relaxing read.
April 4, 2020
A cute, sweet take on a classic fairytale. Easy read.
Read
June 28, 2020Review to come
September 24, 2020
It was a fun read. I found myself smiling as I read it, but I did see through a couple of the plot points though. Even still, I really enjoyed this book!
October 4, 2020
A fun read with a little magic, a slow growing romance, people trying to stop the romance and a fun ending.
March 25, 2026
A cute and simple contemporary retelling of Cinderella. I loved the hints of casual magic usage in this story! The plot is predictable but the characters are the most entertaining part of this tale!
December 30, 2018
A fun take on a classic tale, An Unexpected Brew sheds light on what may have happened if Cinderella were a barista. It's a whimsical tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you're looking for a cute, quick read then this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews