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Romance a Medieval Fairytale #18
Cobble: Elves and the Shoemaker Retold
Three siblings. Two shoemakers. One curse that could change everything.
Once upon a time...
All Alba ever wanted was to be the royal shoemaker, like her father. But her despicable brothers have a very different future planned for her.
When a good deed backfires, leaving her cursed for her brothers' crimes while the real culprits walk free, Alba will be forced to fight for her freedom, or face losing her dream forever.
Can Alba and her new allies bring the true villains to justice?
Once upon a time...
All Alba ever wanted was to be the royal shoemaker, like her father. But her despicable brothers have a very different future planned for her.
When a good deed backfires, leaving her cursed for her brothers' crimes while the real culprits walk free, Alba will be forced to fight for her freedom, or face losing her dream forever.
Can Alba and her new allies bring the true villains to justice?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
11 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
933 books3,878 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 22, 2019
I received an advanced copy and the views and opinions are my own. Alba’s life is made miserable by her lazy, lowlife brothers. They get her to do bad things and end up getting them cursed. Brogan comes into the story after the curse, he rents their house not knowing they lived in the house as well. Brogan is a shoemaker. Alba is also a shoemaker, she gets to make shoes again and falls for Brogan. This was an interesting story, quite different from the story told to us as children. Well written and fun to read. Would recommend this book to all.
April 3, 2019
Brogan, this girl is a woman now and needs your help and affection!😘😉
April 2, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🏰😢 4.5 🌟stars
I really enjoyed Demelza Carlton's take on the traditional shoemaker fairytale. It's well-written and features one of the most put-upon fairytale heroines I've ever come across. Wee, bedraggled Alba😞 suffers in isolation and silence for years as she is used, abused and deprived of her beloved profession and a decent set of clothes. She needs a break! Brogan, the new shoemaker who takes over her dead father's workshop, is perfect for her, though there comes a point when he almost can't resist the lies her brothers spout about her. He is so honorable that you really want their relationship to end in happiness☺
At first I thought that there was a mistaken gap in the story as it lacked an explanation for Alba's cursed existence, but Carlton just pumps up the tension and eventually reveals and explains all. All parties meet their just ends and a passel of beautiful shoes are produced along the way to delight the court ladies' every step!👠
This was a quick and enjoyable read with just a touch of very mild heat and a lot of trials and tribulations working up to a great fairytale ending. I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 2, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🏰😢 4.5 🌟stars
I really enjoyed Demelza Carlton's take on the traditional shoemaker fairytale. It's well-written and features one of the most put-upon fairytale heroines I've ever come across. Wee, bedraggled Alba😞 suffers in isolation and silence for years as she is used, abused and deprived of her beloved profession and a decent set of clothes. She needs a break! Brogan, the new shoemaker who takes over her dead father's workshop, is perfect for her, though there comes a point when he almost can't resist the lies her brothers spout about her. He is so honorable that you really want their relationship to end in happiness☺
At first I thought that there was a mistaken gap in the story as it lacked an explanation for Alba's cursed existence, but Carlton just pumps up the tension and eventually reveals and explains all. All parties meet their just ends and a passel of beautiful shoes are produced along the way to delight the court ladies' every step!👠
This was a quick and enjoyable read with just a touch of very mild heat and a lot of trials and tribulations working up to a great fairytale ending. I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 3, 2019
Three siblings. Two shoemakers. One curse that could change everything.
Once upon a time...
All Alba ever wanted was to be the royal shoemaker, like her father. But her despicable brothers have a very different future planned for her.
When a good deed backfires, leaving her cursed for her brothers' crimes while the real culprits walk free, Alba will be forced to fight for her freedom, or face losing her dream forever.
Can Alba and her new allies bring the true villains to justice?
This author’s series of Retold fairy tales are a joy to read. If you have read some of the others, you may notice that some previous names are mentioned in this one.
I really enjoyed the happy ending. The story is fabulous and very engaging- I loved Alba, I hated her brothers, and I was really pleased they got justice at the end of the story.
This was a quick and enjoyable read with just a touch of very mild heat and a lot of trials and tribulations working up to a great fairy tale ending.
This is very well written and the characters are so well developed and have ones we love to hate and scream at while reading.
I have enjoyed all of the stories with their romance and suspense.
I'm looking forward to the next one!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Once upon a time...
All Alba ever wanted was to be the royal shoemaker, like her father. But her despicable brothers have a very different future planned for her.
When a good deed backfires, leaving her cursed for her brothers' crimes while the real culprits walk free, Alba will be forced to fight for her freedom, or face losing her dream forever.
Can Alba and her new allies bring the true villains to justice?
This author’s series of Retold fairy tales are a joy to read. If you have read some of the others, you may notice that some previous names are mentioned in this one.
I really enjoyed the happy ending. The story is fabulous and very engaging- I loved Alba, I hated her brothers, and I was really pleased they got justice at the end of the story.
This was a quick and enjoyable read with just a touch of very mild heat and a lot of trials and tribulations working up to a great fairy tale ending.
This is very well written and the characters are so well developed and have ones we love to hate and scream at while reading.
I have enjoyed all of the stories with their romance and suspense.
I'm looking forward to the next one!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 21, 2019
This is the retelling of my favourite fairytale, so I approached it with some trepidation. However, the author didn't let me down and wrote a beautiful story that I may even like better than the original!
When I read the original short story version of this (published in the Romancing the Holidays 2 boxset), I was a little concerned that the horrible brothers' story didn't appear concluded, but this new full version is SO much better, giving justice to all their victims and making sure they're punished. I also love all the links that pop up throughout the story for lovers of the series to reference to other books (such as the predictions of the witch at the end, though I'll say no more for fear of spoilers!).
So whether you're a lover of the series looking to continue enjoying the stories, or a new reader looking for an awesome fairytale retelling that can be read as a standalone story (though they're so good you'll want to read the rest of the series!), I highly recommend you put Cobble at the top of your reading list!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
When I read the original short story version of this (published in the Romancing the Holidays 2 boxset), I was a little concerned that the horrible brothers' story didn't appear concluded, but this new full version is SO much better, giving justice to all their victims and making sure they're punished. I also love all the links that pop up throughout the story for lovers of the series to reference to other books (such as the predictions of the witch at the end, though I'll say no more for fear of spoilers!).
So whether you're a lover of the series looking to continue enjoying the stories, or a new reader looking for an awesome fairytale retelling that can be read as a standalone story (though they're so good you'll want to read the rest of the series!), I highly recommend you put Cobble at the top of your reading list!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
April 4, 2019
I don’t know how Carlton does it, but I find myself liking each new release more than the last. Cobble was unique and held me captivated from the first chapter. I knew the basic story of the “Elves and the Shoemaker” fairytale, but I was eager to see what twists Carlton would add to her tale, and I was not disappointed. Alba and Brogan were standouts. Their characterizations were well described and their blossoming affection for one another was apparent, even though it wasn’t said outright. Alba’s brothers were just awful, and kept getting worse—though even that played well into the story. The plot kept me engaged and moved along at a nice pace. I loved the way the shoes were described and wish I could have a pair of my own. It was fun to see how the characters fit in with other stories in the series, and hearing familiar names made me want to go back and read previous books again. I look forward to more books in this series and hope it doesn’t end anytime soon. As a caution, there are a couple of intimate scenes.
June 23, 2019
I adore Demelza Carlton’s Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. Each of the novels has done a fantastic job re-imagining a classic fairytale story and that is certainly the case with Cobble: Elves and the Shoemaker Retold (Book 18). Totally creative but clearly linked to its underlying inspiration tale, Alba’s story is a total blast that is perfectly written. Whether or not you’re familiar with the classic tale you’re pretty much guaranteed to love this novel. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 4, 2019
Sometimes your worst enemies are in the family and for Alba that proved true. Fate had cruelly chastised her robbing what she most wanted but, with the new tenant she may had a new chance. But still she would have to fight to survive her infortune. Awesome plot development that kept me enthralled reading non-stop intrigued by the curse and fuming because of the brothers. Predictable? At all! What a good story! Love how the author entwines and makes reference to characters from other of her stories. It makes me connect dots and exclaim, Ah, I remember this one! Suspense, intrigue, violence, magic, romance and a curse. An interesting and entertaining retold of the shoemaker and the elves that I enjoyed.
April 8, 2019
I have read books by this author many times and am truly amazed at how she takes a classic fairy tale and creates an enchanting read each time. This story is the retelling of the classic "The Elves and the Shoemaker". The story is centered around a girl named Alba, who was cursed to be an elf and remain in her family home as punishment for her part in her brother's wicked schemes. Alba's brothers were tasked by their father to protect her, but instead use her for their own gains. I respect Alba's character because instead of feeling sorry for her situation, she is empathetic towards others and is able to find some happiness by doing what she loves the most (making shoes). I found this story to be entertaining and liked the moral to the story.
April 11, 2019
I absolutely loved this charming tale of a girl with a couple of evil siblings and a passion for shoes. Based on the Grimms The Elves and the Shoemaker, it's a sweet story with a tormented heroine whose first love is the shoes her father taught her to turn into an art form. A Sorceress's curse, two shiftless brothers and a young second son looking to strike out on his own after his brother inherits the family business all figure prominently in the story which maintains a traditional, quasi-medieval setting while managing to be contemporary and relevant.
I love all of Carleton's Fairy Tales Retold series, but some are definitely better than others, and this one, in my opinion, is definitely one of the best.
I love all of Carleton's Fairy Tales Retold series, but some are definitely better than others, and this one, in my opinion, is definitely one of the best.
April 11, 2019
It's another reimagined retelling of a classic fairytale from the inspired mind of Demelza Carlton. With a mysterious beginning, it's difficult to imagine why Alba and her brothers are cursed and what is the nature of the curse. It is certainly unique and Alba's brothers are monstrous and deserving of it, while Alba never had been.
There are characters in this book, both in-person and referenced, who appear in other books in the fairytale retelling series. That's one of the things I like about Ms. Carlton’s series — the continuity between the various tales and the way they connect in surprising ways. I have enjoyed every book in this series, including this one.
There are characters in this book, both in-person and referenced, who appear in other books in the fairytale retelling series. That's one of the things I like about Ms. Carlton’s series — the continuity between the various tales and the way they connect in surprising ways. I have enjoyed every book in this series, including this one.
April 26, 2019
Very nice and unique retelling of this fairy tale. Of course the shoemaker is young and handsome, and of course the female elf is beautiful and cursed. Throw in some nasty brothers and a fairy godmother and you have the makings of a fine tale.
I liked Brogan's character as he is kind and has values. Alba is stuck with two brothers who treat her like crap and threaten more than once to sell her to a house of ill-repute. She loves to make shoes and paint them in unusual ways. Find how the curse is broken and what it will mean to Brogan and Alba.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
I liked Brogan's character as he is kind and has values. Alba is stuck with two brothers who treat her like crap and threaten more than once to sell her to a house of ill-repute. She loves to make shoes and paint them in unusual ways. Find how the curse is broken and what it will mean to Brogan and Alba.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
April 10, 2019
Another great fairytale retelling from Demelza Carlton! A curse, an innocent heroine, her good-for-nothing brothers, a humble shoemaker hero, a fairy godmother, all blend together to deliver an excellent story of love and retribution. The story is full of excellent twists, plenty of action and adventure, magic and romance. The storyline builds slowly and aspects of the story are revealed gradually, holding the reader captivated. A real page turner of a quick read, perfect for fans of fairytale retellings!!!
April 3, 2019
I really enjoyed the happy ending. The story is fabulous and very engaging- I loved Alba, I hated her brothers, and I was really pleased they got justice at the end of the story. I thought Brogan was a nice guy, but a bit of a wimp. There were twists and turns to the story that I am sure weren’t there when I read the original fairytale. The fairy godmother was awesome. My emotions got involved, and I was really happy that the ending was so good.
April 6, 2019
"Cobble: Elves and the Shoemaker Retold" by Demelza Carlton is another of her Medieval Fairytales.
I very much enjoyed this book. I read it straight through on a rainy day and it was creative, engrossing, and appealing. I thought the characters had some good depth and showed growth. There was a good comeuppance for the baddies and a Happily Ever After for the Shoemakers, in good Fairytale fashion.
I very much enjoyed this book. I read it straight through on a rainy day and it was creative, engrossing, and appealing. I thought the characters had some good depth and showed growth. There was a good comeuppance for the baddies and a Happily Ever After for the Shoemakers, in good Fairytale fashion.
April 7, 2019
Dark fairy tale at the beginning. Much of the story proceeds with no hope for any of the significant characters as long as Alba's brother could work their mischief. Lots of miscommunication and false assumptions provide plenty of tension. The shortness of the chapters makes the story feel choppy. Tears aplenty. Not a children's story as it contains some steam. Happily-ever-after.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
April 9, 2019
A brilliant retelling of the classic Elves and the shoemaker. Alba was a lovely gentle soul who lived to craft her beautiful shoes but was unfortunately trapped in a man's world where she was subject to her 2 brother's mistreatment. The 3 become cursed. Enter Brogan the shoemaker who rents their old cottage and workshop. The story then follows the development of the relationships between them all.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2019
A really nice twist on an old fairy tale.
Alba is a really nice female character that was cough in the middle of her brothers sheanings
Brogan is a new shoemaker tt's supposed to take her father place. Yet he's not as talented as she is. What will happen when her cursed self will help him at night? Will he manages to break her curse and rescue her?
Is there any chance for HEA? Find it out in this really nice story.
Alba is a really nice female character that was cough in the middle of her brothers sheanings
Brogan is a new shoemaker tt's supposed to take her father place. Yet he's not as talented as she is. What will happen when her cursed self will help him at night? Will he manages to break her curse and rescue her?
Is there any chance for HEA? Find it out in this really nice story.
April 2, 2019
I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. This author’s series of Retold fairy tales are a joy to read. If you have read some of the others, you may notice that some previous names are mentioned in this one. Probably, a way for the author to get you to read all of the Retold tales. It works for me. I have enjoyed all of the stories with their romance and suspense.
May 12, 2019
This retelling of the Elves and the Shoemaker was fascinating! The description doesn't do the wonderful storyline justice as the story is much deeper than the blurb indicates. I loved how the story unfolds and that it's told from Alba and the new shoemaker's point of views. I've not yet been disappointed by any of Ms. Carlton's retelling and look forward to the next one!
April 3, 2019
I enjoyed this retelling of the fairytale, it is less steamy than some of the others in this series but no less entertaining. Brogan and Alba have great rapport and make a great couple. The brothers are truely evil and deserve to be cursed.
April 3, 2019
I loved reading this unique twist on the Elves and the Shoemaker. I don't think I've ever seen it told as a romance without mixing in other fairytales before. I feel quite satisfied with all aspects of this story.
April 4, 2019
As you plunge into this story you know so well, you’ll absolutely enjoy every moment that is sooo uniquely different in this retelling. I was definitely swept up by this storyline, the incredibly characters and their treacherous journey!! This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
April 8, 2019
What a great telling of an old fairytale. I enjoyed this story and the magic of Alba and Brogan’s love. I can’t wait to read the next in this series.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
April 16, 2019
This was a fun, well-written retelling of the Elves and the Shoemaker. It grabbed my attention and I didn't want to put it down. I got caught up in the story and wanted to skim ahead to find out what happened next! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
November 2, 2020
Alba & Brogan
Alba and her brothers are cursed because of the brothers evil. The fairy who cursed them was careless and did not find out that Alba was not at fault.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
Alba and her brothers are cursed because of the brothers evil. The fairy who cursed them was careless and did not find out that Alba was not at fault.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
April 2, 2021
Very uplifting
Ahhh...Brogan...such a wonderful example of a humble man who is not intimidated by a talented, clever woman...even she did not know what to think of him...terrific story...and once more ties in other characters from the series...
Ahhh...Brogan...such a wonderful example of a humble man who is not intimidated by a talented, clever woman...even she did not know what to think of him...terrific story...and once more ties in other characters from the series...
April 27, 2019
Mesmerizing
A book you can't put down. Even when you walk away the story stays in your head and you can't wait to get back. Fantastic reading.
A book you can't put down. Even when you walk away the story stays in your head and you can't wait to get back. Fantastic reading.
May 14, 2019
Another great story
What a great take on this fairytale. A very interesting angle, with great characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out
What a great take on this fairytale. A very interesting angle, with great characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out
September 6, 2019
Easily one of my favorites in the series! I've read it twice alread and I can see that this will be one I'm going to read again when I need a familiar comfortable book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews