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Finding Ever After
Between Stairs and Stardust
An illustrator in hidingA millionaire with a gardening fascinationAnd the possibility of a perfect fit for a happily-ever-afterOnce Upon a time...A young illustrator, forced from her home in Boston, must return to her Blue Ridge Mountains to escape a scandal. Certain that her dreams are on hold, Stella Emory doesn't expect to find a prince charming in the form of James Craven, a young man who works in the gardens of the famed Biltmore Estate. Brought together unexpectedly, the two begin a tender friendship inspired by James's little sister and the story of Cinderella, but James isn't all he seems. As their friendship grows into a romance, the truth of James's millionaire status shakes Stella's confidence. When her past follows her to Asheville, Stella thinks her chance at romance with James is over, but will a Christmas masquerade and the remnants of a charm bracelet somehow provide the magic Stella needs to clear her name and claim her own happily-ever-after?
132 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
70 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Basham
41 books2,894 followersPepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of the New River Valley in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 6, 2025
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. As soon as I began this book I was stunned by the pure brillance and beauty of the writing style. It totally lives up to the cover—I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cover match a book better before!
The beautiful mountain and pond setting of this book made for some gorgeous descriptions, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although characters and language was a little too modern for 1913, I hardly even noticed. The characters lived in a magical, timeless place, and I loved it. Again, the writing style is stunning. I don’t know if I can think of any other modern author with such a fantastic style… it’s simply full of gorgeous imagery.
I loved Stella. Although an author, and not an artist, I related to her creative dreams and desires. Her love of fairytales and “magic” (aka what Anne Shirley would call “romance”), and her wistful desire to belong and be happy, really spoke to me. I was encouraged by her courage and dedication, especially at the end. James was also a great character. Sweeter than most male MCs, but still very masculine… a good sense of humour… polished, hardworking, a lover of the outdoors, simple and humble… he was a perfect imperfect “Prince Charming.” Alice was a sweetheart; Mrs. Vanderbilt was lovely; and Aunt E. was hilarious and darling. James’ parents came across as humorous and to be pitied, which was a great twist. And Stella’s grandmother was really amazing.
I didn’t realize right away that this was a Cinderella retelling, but when I did, I was blown away by how good it was!! Basham included all the elements while adding plenty of twists and a whole new angle. For once I enjoyed the miscommunication and I was delighted with how it was handled, as well as the old “I’m not good enough” rejection trope. Everything was so fresh and sweet and “magical” that I just couldn’t put the book down. The romance was very sweet. Although there was a little more touching than I’d prefer, I loved how Stella & James fell in love over each other’s characters, although they appreciated each other’s looks. ;) They were really darling together!
The message of trusting God and His plan, of finding beauty and wonder in everything, of being brave and loving—it was all so lovely. While “magic” was often talked about, it seemed to be “a quality that makes something seem removed from everyday life, especially in a way that gives delight” type of magic, and not “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces” kind—a type of delight at the beauty and wonder of God and His creations.
Overall, this was an absolutely unique, beautiful read, one of the few contemporary romances I’d actually want to have on my shelf—BECAUSE OH, THAT COVER!!
Content: Stella sees Alice drowning and James helpless nearby because he can’t swim, so she strips down to her union suit. Although James can’t help noticing, he barely dwells on it and it’s a pretty clean scene, even if I could have done without it. James’ brother is mentioned to be involved in scandals, being a great flirt, etc, and even mentioned as likely to have “five children before being married.” Stella is trapped into a compromising situation (undetailed) and accused of winning favours from her employer by soliciting him. He is proven to have behaved “very badly” towards many women. Some touching and kissing between Stella & James, undetailed.
A Favourite Quote: “Most all of [the fairytales] have certain things you can count on, like heartache, a little magic, and a happily-ever-after.”
“Heartache?” Alice’s brow wrinkled.
“The hurts that happen in life sometimes. Somehow the heartaches make the happily-ever-after shine brighter.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: She smiled up into the swirling layers of snow. And now, a burst of winter into the early November evening only added to the magic flourishing around her, the hope burgeoning inside. Stella gazed into the sky as the crystalized wisps twirled around her, tickling her cheeks with their cool kisses.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “A fairy godmother? I have a godmother, but I don’t think she’s a fairy. She’s a Republican.”
This time the stranger gave an un-fairylike snort.
“Come, Alice.” James cleared his throat and reached for his sister. “The last thing our new friend is likely interested in is our godmother’s undying affection for Teddy Roosevelt.”
The beautiful mountain and pond setting of this book made for some gorgeous descriptions, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although characters and language was a little too modern for 1913, I hardly even noticed. The characters lived in a magical, timeless place, and I loved it. Again, the writing style is stunning. I don’t know if I can think of any other modern author with such a fantastic style… it’s simply full of gorgeous imagery.
I loved Stella. Although an author, and not an artist, I related to her creative dreams and desires. Her love of fairytales and “magic” (aka what Anne Shirley would call “romance”), and her wistful desire to belong and be happy, really spoke to me. I was encouraged by her courage and dedication, especially at the end. James was also a great character. Sweeter than most male MCs, but still very masculine… a good sense of humour… polished, hardworking, a lover of the outdoors, simple and humble… he was a perfect imperfect “Prince Charming.” Alice was a sweetheart; Mrs. Vanderbilt was lovely; and Aunt E. was hilarious and darling. James’ parents came across as humorous and to be pitied, which was a great twist. And Stella’s grandmother was really amazing.
I didn’t realize right away that this was a Cinderella retelling, but when I did, I was blown away by how good it was!! Basham included all the elements while adding plenty of twists and a whole new angle. For once I enjoyed the miscommunication and I was delighted with how it was handled, as well as the old “I’m not good enough” rejection trope. Everything was so fresh and sweet and “magical” that I just couldn’t put the book down. The romance was very sweet. Although there was a little more touching than I’d prefer, I loved how Stella & James fell in love over each other’s characters, although they appreciated each other’s looks. ;) They were really darling together!
The message of trusting God and His plan, of finding beauty and wonder in everything, of being brave and loving—it was all so lovely. While “magic” was often talked about, it seemed to be “a quality that makes something seem removed from everyday life, especially in a way that gives delight” type of magic, and not “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces” kind—a type of delight at the beauty and wonder of God and His creations.
Overall, this was an absolutely unique, beautiful read, one of the few contemporary romances I’d actually want to have on my shelf—BECAUSE OH, THAT COVER!!
Content: Stella sees Alice drowning and James helpless nearby because he can’t swim, so she strips down to her union suit. Although James can’t help noticing, he barely dwells on it and it’s a pretty clean scene, even if I could have done without it. James’ brother is mentioned to be involved in scandals, being a great flirt, etc, and even mentioned as likely to have “five children before being married.” Stella is trapped into a compromising situation (undetailed) and accused of winning favours from her employer by soliciting him. He is proven to have behaved “very badly” towards many women. Some touching and kissing between Stella & James, undetailed.
A Favourite Quote: “Most all of [the fairytales] have certain things you can count on, like heartache, a little magic, and a happily-ever-after.”
“Heartache?” Alice’s brow wrinkled.
“The hurts that happen in life sometimes. Somehow the heartaches make the happily-ever-after shine brighter.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: She smiled up into the swirling layers of snow. And now, a burst of winter into the early November evening only added to the magic flourishing around her, the hope burgeoning inside. Stella gazed into the sky as the crystalized wisps twirled around her, tickling her cheeks with their cool kisses.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “A fairy godmother? I have a godmother, but I don’t think she’s a fairy. She’s a Republican.”
This time the stranger gave an un-fairylike snort.
“Come, Alice.” James cleared his throat and reached for his sister. “The last thing our new friend is likely interested in is our godmother’s undying affection for Teddy Roosevelt.”
June 11, 2022
Oh wow! I seriously enjoyed that sooooo much!!! So, pull up a chair and prepare for a ramble, oh and don't forget to grab a cookie too ;)
Okay, first off this book is set in Asheville NC at the Biltmore house!!!! I live like, two hours from there and I will say that Mrs. Basham did the Blur Ridge mountains honor on the descriptions! It is just as beautiful and magical as she makes it sound and if you don't believe me go spend a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway and be awed!!! It's awesome you guys!!! God's handiwork is visible everywhere! So, I loved this book was set in an area I know, and love, even if I have never been to the Biltmore because it's so expensive...lol...
I loved Stella (Love that name too!!! Stella Faye! Ack, my heart melts at that awesome combo of names!!!) She was sweet, real, believable!!! I just love that girl!!!! ANd her love for art, fairytales, and the mountains was so great!!!!
James, my heart!!! (So maybe I absolutely love his name! Nevermind it's my dad and *a confusing sentence* youngest older brother's middle names!!! And also my papaw's first name, so the name James is a family favorite!) I loved his character! His love of planets, and Stella and his sister Alice! I want more older brothers in books who look after their sisters like that!
Okay, as for the book itself. I loved that the romance was not what I've come to call quick romance, where within the first few chapters the characters fall in love because they each think the other is beautiful or handsome. That's just sooooooooo shallow, and then the rest of the book is usually just the characters lusting after each other which is gross...but this! This that Mrs. Basham did!!!! It developed! There were deep meaningful conversations and jokes, and yes a kiss or two but not till the end when the characters became engaged. There were romantic thoughts but the characters had other thoughts, good solid relationship-building thoughts and I can't applaud Mrs. Basham enough for that!!!! I love when a book takes its time building the relationship of the characters and makes the attraction more than just that the other character is cute.
I enjoyed this read soooo much! And will be checking out more Mrs. Basham's books in the future!!!! I recommend to anyone looking for a unique fairytale retelling or just a beautiful book set in a lovely area!!!! It was a great read!!!!
Kayti P.
Okay, first off this book is set in Asheville NC at the Biltmore house!!!! I live like, two hours from there and I will say that Mrs. Basham did the Blur Ridge mountains honor on the descriptions! It is just as beautiful and magical as she makes it sound and if you don't believe me go spend a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway and be awed!!! It's awesome you guys!!! God's handiwork is visible everywhere! So, I loved this book was set in an area I know, and love, even if I have never been to the Biltmore because it's so expensive...lol...
I loved Stella (Love that name too!!! Stella Faye! Ack, my heart melts at that awesome combo of names!!!) She was sweet, real, believable!!! I just love that girl!!!! ANd her love for art, fairytales, and the mountains was so great!!!!
James, my heart!!! (So maybe I absolutely love his name! Nevermind it's my dad and *a confusing sentence* youngest older brother's middle names!!! And also my papaw's first name, so the name James is a family favorite!) I loved his character! His love of planets, and Stella and his sister Alice! I want more older brothers in books who look after their sisters like that!
Okay, as for the book itself. I loved that the romance was not what I've come to call quick romance, where within the first few chapters the characters fall in love because they each think the other is beautiful or handsome. That's just sooooooooo shallow, and then the rest of the book is usually just the characters lusting after each other which is gross...but this! This that Mrs. Basham did!!!! It developed! There were deep meaningful conversations and jokes, and yes a kiss or two but not till the end when the characters became engaged. There were romantic thoughts but the characters had other thoughts, good solid relationship-building thoughts and I can't applaud Mrs. Basham enough for that!!!! I love when a book takes its time building the relationship of the characters and makes the attraction more than just that the other character is cute.
I enjoyed this read soooo much! And will be checking out more Mrs. Basham's books in the future!!!! I recommend to anyone looking for a unique fairytale retelling or just a beautiful book set in a lovely area!!!! It was a great read!!!!
Kayti P.
February 23, 2019
I can’t make up my mind if I want to use sweet or cute to describe this novella. So there you have it. It’s cweet. ;)
February 27, 2019
I adored this romantic novella set in historic Biltmore Estate. Pure delight!
July 5, 2021
Between Stairs and Stardust by Pepper Basham is a “charming” fairytale- like meeting of Stella and James at the Biltmore Mansion belonging to the Vanderbilts. Each chapter’s title is a charm from Stella’s bracelet depicting Cinderella.
Such a great story set in the Golden Age in a romantic setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I love Ms Basham ‘s writing. She is so clever and witty. Each book gets better.
*I received an ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Such a great story set in the Golden Age in a romantic setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I love Ms Basham ‘s writing. She is so clever and witty. Each book gets better.
*I received an ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
February 23, 2019
Stella Emory has come to Biltmore to try and keep a low profile while her benefactress gathers evidence to refute a false accusation brought against her. Her plans go a little awry when she rescues a young girl who’s fallen into the lake on the beautiful Biltmore Estate. Suddenly she’s meeting regularly with the young girl and her tree-loving older brother to tell fairytales and spark their imaginations. And perhaps beginning to hope for her own happily-ever-after—until she discovers James isn’t the humble gardener she thought he was, and her past catches up with her and threatens to shatter the fairytale.
This story is full of charm, whimsical wit, and some wonderful reminders about the beauty of imagination. Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of drawing her characters’ hearts together, and James and Stella drew my own heart in from the very first page. Such an enjoyable read!
I provide editing services to the author, however I do not receive any financial benefit from the sale of this novella or the collection it belongs to. This review is my honest opinion.
This story is full of charm, whimsical wit, and some wonderful reminders about the beauty of imagination. Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of drawing her characters’ hearts together, and James and Stella drew my own heart in from the very first page. Such an enjoyable read!
I provide editing services to the author, however I do not receive any financial benefit from the sale of this novella or the collection it belongs to. This review is my honest opinion.
March 5, 2022
If you could remember the first time you read, saw, or heard Cinderella, how you smiled, and felt joyful, and so very happy as the last word was spoken, then you will know the amazing sensation you’ll love after reading Between Stairs and Stardust.
Stella is an artist…from Basham’s description of her works you will wish, as I did, that we could see them. She would be a multi-Caldecott winner and her paintings would be coveted as Michelangelo’s. She is a wonderful character.
James is a gardener who also loves trees. For all his outdoor loves, he never learned to swim. He is a swoon worthy hero.
One of my absolute favorites is Stella’s charm bracelet. So central to this story. So imaginative. So brilliantly done by Basham.
Basham’s story is stellar, and worthy of ten charming stars.
I highly recommend!
Stella is an artist…from Basham’s description of her works you will wish, as I did, that we could see them. She would be a multi-Caldecott winner and her paintings would be coveted as Michelangelo’s. She is a wonderful character.
James is a gardener who also loves trees. For all his outdoor loves, he never learned to swim. He is a swoon worthy hero.
One of my absolute favorites is Stella’s charm bracelet. So central to this story. So imaginative. So brilliantly done by Basham.
Basham’s story is stellar, and worthy of ten charming stars.
I highly recommend!
November 24, 2022
A novella that packs all the punch of a full-length novel! Such a sweet story full of all my favorite things: fairy tales, mistaken identity, true love, fighting for truth, AND Pepper Basham’s signature lyrical writing style.
Plus Christmas!!
And a subtle Cinderella theme!!!
Oh but I do really want a story from Thomas next … ;)
Plus Christmas!!
And a subtle Cinderella theme!!!
Oh but I do really want a story from Thomas next … ;)
September 28, 2020
An absolutely charming story. Stella and James were lovely characters and Alice stole my heart(I'd love to see her get her own story!) I am fast coming to consider Pepper one of my most favorite authors. Her stories are sweet and funny-which is my favorite combo!
December 23, 2025
4.5 stars!
This Cinderella retelling was so sweet! A quick and easy read, perfect to finish right before the busyness of Christmas begins.
This Cinderella retelling was so sweet! A quick and easy read, perfect to finish right before the busyness of Christmas begins.
February 18, 2019
Pepper has done it again! And while I think that with every book I read from her, it's just the truth. I cannot get enough of her stories. They make me smile, they make me laugh, and of course they even make me swoon ;)
Oh James. I mean if there was an opportunity to meet him at the Bitmore, yeah I would probably go. Fictionally of course. He may be like Prince Charming, but he's really so much more. He's down to earth, and funny. I love a funny hero - someone who can make me smile and laugh. I think he just might be my favorite Basham character! Well, until the next one comes along.
Perhaps the scene stealer for me was Eloise. The story was good without her, but she elevated it to the next level. I have two words for you - grumpy dwarf. You'll have to read the story to see what I am talking about, but oh my goodness she is a wonderful secondary character!
All in all, I could gush over this novella all day. But I think to do it justice, my advice is to just go read it for yourself and share it with someone. Stella and James are a wonderful couple - one that I hope to see again in the future! This Cinderella-esque story is a sure hit with readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh James. I mean if there was an opportunity to meet him at the Bitmore, yeah I would probably go. Fictionally of course. He may be like Prince Charming, but he's really so much more. He's down to earth, and funny. I love a funny hero - someone who can make me smile and laugh. I think he just might be my favorite Basham character! Well, until the next one comes along.
Perhaps the scene stealer for me was Eloise. The story was good without her, but she elevated it to the next level. I have two words for you - grumpy dwarf. You'll have to read the story to see what I am talking about, but oh my goodness she is a wonderful secondary character!
All in all, I could gush over this novella all day. But I think to do it justice, my advice is to just go read it for yourself and share it with someone. Stella and James are a wonderful couple - one that I hope to see again in the future! This Cinderella-esque story is a sure hit with readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 13, 2019
'Oh, she wanted to find home, she just didn't know where to look or how to uncover it. To belong to a place, with a person so much that your heart settled into just.....being? Yes, that sounded a lot like home.
Pepper Basham knows how to tell a fairy tale, let me tell you that right now! This Cinderella-inspired story takes us to 1913 in the North Carolina mountains. Stella Emory is sorta hiding out from a scandal, a most decidedly false accusation when she finds herself jumping into a lake to save a little girl's life who can't drown. A little girl whose big brother, James Craven, is immensely attractive and prince-like. But he's a gardener and she's a nobody, so they definitely wouldn't be able to have a life together. Of could they? Oh, but dear reader, this is the stuff of which fairy tales are made.
Basham deftly weaves this story together in the Cinderella-ish vein and she does it very well indeed. So incredibly precious and delightful with a wonderful happy ever after ending! Bravo! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. My opinion stated here is entirely my own.
Pepper Basham knows how to tell a fairy tale, let me tell you that right now! This Cinderella-inspired story takes us to 1913 in the North Carolina mountains. Stella Emory is sorta hiding out from a scandal, a most decidedly false accusation when she finds herself jumping into a lake to save a little girl's life who can't drown. A little girl whose big brother, James Craven, is immensely attractive and prince-like. But he's a gardener and she's a nobody, so they definitely wouldn't be able to have a life together. Of could they? Oh, but dear reader, this is the stuff of which fairy tales are made.
Basham deftly weaves this story together in the Cinderella-ish vein and she does it very well indeed. So incredibly precious and delightful with a wonderful happy ever after ending! Bravo! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. My opinion stated here is entirely my own.
February 24, 2019
Whimsical. That is the word I would choose for the beautiful novella Between Stairs and Stardust by Pepper Basham. Of course there are a whole bunch of other adjectives that could work as well—fabulous, heart-refreshing, romance-y, and just plain fun.
First off, let’s have a round of applause for a fairytale-ish inspired heroine who has both gumption AND heart. If you’re looking for the defenseless damsel in distress, then you’re gonna be disappointed because Stella Emory is not the helpless gal. Instead she seems to be the one who gives aid when needed! I totally LOVE that element about her. She’s self-less and tenderhearted—the perfect Cinderella of Asheville, NC.
I couldn’t brag about the heroine without mentioning the devoted James. He is the hero of heroes with kindness in every thought and action, loyalty that stretches beyond the social class system, and an all-around goodness that makes him the “prince” of the story.
All in all, this novella brims with enlightening historical details, enchanting landscapes, and a fairy-dust sprinkled romance that stirs the heart.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
First off, let’s have a round of applause for a fairytale-ish inspired heroine who has both gumption AND heart. If you’re looking for the defenseless damsel in distress, then you’re gonna be disappointed because Stella Emory is not the helpless gal. Instead she seems to be the one who gives aid when needed! I totally LOVE that element about her. She’s self-less and tenderhearted—the perfect Cinderella of Asheville, NC.
I couldn’t brag about the heroine without mentioning the devoted James. He is the hero of heroes with kindness in every thought and action, loyalty that stretches beyond the social class system, and an all-around goodness that makes him the “prince” of the story.
All in all, this novella brims with enlightening historical details, enchanting landscapes, and a fairy-dust sprinkled romance that stirs the heart.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2019
This novella was perfection! From the moment the characters meet its simply magic! The romance is sweet, the pace of this story is perfect, and I was really captivated from start to finish. I was absolutely smitten with James. He’s charming, full of humor and also very down to earth. He’s every inch a hero in my book. The fairytale references were perfectly placed within the plot of the story, allowing them to have significance to the story without feeling as though they were forced. This novella was simply charming and I loved it!!
August 8, 2024
I will never understand how Pepper packs an entire story within the confines of a Novella length, but she does it brilliantly. This story is short but full. Characters, plot, and faith message are all well developed. I love the fairy tale inspiration and the warm fluffy feeling it left with my heart.
January 29, 2025
This was one of those stories where I just couldn't seem to connect to the characters. There was nothing wrong with the story, it just didn't hit the way I expected it to. I found some parts to be cute and endearing, the rest just didn't seem to be for me.
February 13, 2019
“Weren’t the best stories about people who had the courage to make it through the hardest circumstances to discover the sweetest ever-afters?”
Between Stairs and Stardust is a lovely and creative re-telling of Cinderella. With all the magic and fairy dust imaginable, this story swirls with captivating language woven around themes of restoration, love and hope that only the One who is the creator of all of life can give us abundantly from His grace.
“Bravery is not walking confidently in the light but keeping faith even in the dark. Oh, yes! For the brave go with hope as their light, and not even the shadow of death will deter them.”
My heart was so moved by this story, I found myself shedding tears from the sheer beauty of it. Basham’s lyrical prose allowed my imagination to flutter and flit as free as a fairy. Add in the grandeur of Biltmore House and I was transported right into this magical tale Between Stairs and Stardust!
“Imagination in the head of a smart mind and the breast of a kind heart? I predict all sorts of glorious trouble in the best possible way.”
I was provided an advanced electronic copy from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.
Between Stairs and Stardust is a lovely and creative re-telling of Cinderella. With all the magic and fairy dust imaginable, this story swirls with captivating language woven around themes of restoration, love and hope that only the One who is the creator of all of life can give us abundantly from His grace.
“Bravery is not walking confidently in the light but keeping faith even in the dark. Oh, yes! For the brave go with hope as their light, and not even the shadow of death will deter them.”
My heart was so moved by this story, I found myself shedding tears from the sheer beauty of it. Basham’s lyrical prose allowed my imagination to flutter and flit as free as a fairy. Add in the grandeur of Biltmore House and I was transported right into this magical tale Between Stairs and Stardust!
“Imagination in the head of a smart mind and the breast of a kind heart? I predict all sorts of glorious trouble in the best possible way.”
I was provided an advanced electronic copy from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.
February 18, 2019
"Bravery is not walking confidently in the light, but keeping faith even in the dark."
Stella Faye Emory never expected to be a fairy-heroine, but a chance meeting along the banks of a pond proved otherwise. An innocent outing would have turned deadly were it not for Stella's quick thinking and superior water skills. . . . . and in the process, she is quite improperly introduced to a handsome young gardener, James and his sister, Alice.
Living temporarily at the magnificent Biltmore estate in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Stella waits patiently to be cleared of nasty insinuations by a former employer, continuing her life as an often sought after artist and illustrator, in virtual obscurity. Between the Vanderbilt's hospitality and the kindness of a benefactor, she is faced with the opportunity to paint her own happily-ever-after; even if it demands the kind of courage that fairy tales are made of.
"Love is a commanding force. It can make the most unassuming person as brave as any knight." Imagination is alive and well between the pages of this sweet romance by Pepper Basham.
Stella Faye Emory never expected to be a fairy-heroine, but a chance meeting along the banks of a pond proved otherwise. An innocent outing would have turned deadly were it not for Stella's quick thinking and superior water skills. . . . . and in the process, she is quite improperly introduced to a handsome young gardener, James and his sister, Alice.
Living temporarily at the magnificent Biltmore estate in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Stella waits patiently to be cleared of nasty insinuations by a former employer, continuing her life as an often sought after artist and illustrator, in virtual obscurity. Between the Vanderbilt's hospitality and the kindness of a benefactor, she is faced with the opportunity to paint her own happily-ever-after; even if it demands the kind of courage that fairy tales are made of.
"Love is a commanding force. It can make the most unassuming person as brave as any knight." Imagination is alive and well between the pages of this sweet romance by Pepper Basham.
February 13, 2019
Pepper Basham writes a magical, spellbinding story that will captivate your heart and make you believe in happily-ever-afters. Her beautiful prose spins a tale based on Cinderella, and the way she weaves the characters together in a surprising circle was beyond amazing. I loved this story of hope, redemption, and faith in what is true.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I purchased one as well. The opinions stated are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I purchased one as well. The opinions stated are my own.
August 9, 2021
This is a sweet story with all the fairytale fun thrown in!
November 7, 2022
I’m not someone who usually enjoys fairytale retellings, but this one was pretty good. The setting and characters were well done and it was fun to learn a little about the Biltmore estate and family.
I wasn’t too fond of all the talk of magic even though most of the time it was meaning more of natural events and things and not the other kind.
I did find it a bit odd that Stella could paint pictures, send them to her publisher and seemingly within days have a finished book in her hands. Things took a lot longer to get places than they do now. I have no idea of the process of getting colored paintings into a book for publication, but I do know you couldn’t just scan them and there they were.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I wouldn’t call it a favorite.
I wasn’t too fond of all the talk of magic even though most of the time it was meaning more of natural events and things and not the other kind.
I did find it a bit odd that Stella could paint pictures, send them to her publisher and seemingly within days have a finished book in her hands. Things took a lot longer to get places than they do now. I have no idea of the process of getting colored paintings into a book for publication, but I do know you couldn’t just scan them and there they were.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I wouldn’t call it a favorite.
March 6, 2022
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Biltmore Estate, the story takes the readers back to the days of not just wealthy, but opulent, living. A sweet and tender love story between an emotionally wounded heroine, who is at the same time, a delightful and rather shy woman, and a hero who is intelligent, strong and captivated by "his faie," the very first time he saw her. There are characters the reader will love, and some characters will not be loved quite as much. A few surprises added in, and this book is a delight to read.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
October 10, 2022
Such a cute Cinderella Re-telling! Full review here: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com...
March 2, 2019
This is a charming short story by Pepper Basham inspired by Cinderella set in the author's favourite historical estate, The Biltmore (which very much still exists) with two delightful leads: Stella Emory and James Craven.
Our two leads are thrust into each other's worlds when Stella dives into the chilly waters of a lake to rescue James' sister who has inadvertently fallen in. Here we have a heroine performing the heroic act and quickly discover that our hero can't swim, hence, why he didn't dive in make the rescue himself. Immediately, the standard romantic hook is turned upside down. James is quickly smitten drawn to the beauty and courage of this 'fairy-like' wonder. But how could a romance ensue between the two, she in-hiding from a Boston scandal she's run away from and he, the son of an extremely wealthy and prominent family.
Basham delights the reader with her quick banter, the humility of both of our leads and their determination to not have their hearts ruled by their family upbringing. But what was most compelling about this story was how Basham captured the magic of the imagination in weaving both the themes and key moments of the famous fairytale to draw our couple together.
Oh, and what a magnificent character Stella's benefactress Eloise Bertram was ... I hope Basham might fashion another story around this lady's story.
I finished reading this story with a big smile on my face. Bravo, Pepper Basham.
Our two leads are thrust into each other's worlds when Stella dives into the chilly waters of a lake to rescue James' sister who has inadvertently fallen in. Here we have a heroine performing the heroic act and quickly discover that our hero can't swim, hence, why he didn't dive in make the rescue himself. Immediately, the standard romantic hook is turned upside down. James is quickly smitten drawn to the beauty and courage of this 'fairy-like' wonder. But how could a romance ensue between the two, she in-hiding from a Boston scandal she's run away from and he, the son of an extremely wealthy and prominent family.
Basham delights the reader with her quick banter, the humility of both of our leads and their determination to not have their hearts ruled by their family upbringing. But what was most compelling about this story was how Basham captured the magic of the imagination in weaving both the themes and key moments of the famous fairytale to draw our couple together.
Oh, and what a magnificent character Stella's benefactress Eloise Bertram was ... I hope Basham might fashion another story around this lady's story.
I finished reading this story with a big smile on my face. Bravo, Pepper Basham.
May 18, 2021
"There was something singularly attractive about a man reading a book."
Sqqquuueeeealllll!!!! Pepper Basham turns fairy tale land upside down in this cleverly rendered Cinderella retelling. Love the unexpected twists she brought to this well-loved tale. Clever and witty and just plain swoonalicious!
It's 1913 in the Blue Ridge Mountains where our plucky heroine dashes to the hero's rescue...see, the author shakes things up right from the very start. It was so much fun to spot the fairy tale elements in their re-imagined state. And the way the story flows courtesy of Basham's whimsical phrasing is divine. And packed with life wisdom.
Throw in a wee bit o' Christmas along with a Biltmore estate setting, not to mention that alluring cover and ingenious title and 'sweet perfection' about sums it up.
"Magic is as much your own making as any fairy godmother's."
Sqqquuueeeealllll!!!! Pepper Basham turns fairy tale land upside down in this cleverly rendered Cinderella retelling. Love the unexpected twists she brought to this well-loved tale. Clever and witty and just plain swoonalicious!
It's 1913 in the Blue Ridge Mountains where our plucky heroine dashes to the hero's rescue...see, the author shakes things up right from the very start. It was so much fun to spot the fairy tale elements in their re-imagined state. And the way the story flows courtesy of Basham's whimsical phrasing is divine. And packed with life wisdom.
Throw in a wee bit o' Christmas along with a Biltmore estate setting, not to mention that alluring cover and ingenious title and 'sweet perfection' about sums it up.
"Magic is as much your own making as any fairy godmother's."
April 6, 2022
I truly enjoyed this retelling of the Cinderella fairytale…..complete with unexpected twists, clever chapter headings and a faith element. The characters sparkled and the Vanderbilt mansion provided a lovely setting. Highly recommended as a fun romance story!
April 23, 2022
Such a sweet short story... a little slow at the beginning but the more I read the more I enjoyed it.
Also, I just have to say how much I love the setting! Any story set in a grand house is guaranteed to suck me right in.
Also, I just have to say how much I love the setting! Any story set in a grand house is guaranteed to suck me right in.
March 29, 2019
Simply magical! Loved every moment of the story!!
October 16, 2021
4.5 adorable Christmas-themed. Cinderella retelling! Perfect little novella ❤🌲
July 21, 2020
Blue Ridge Fairy Tales
What a beautifully written book! It takes place in my very favorite little corner of the world, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore House. The characters were terrific and the story engaging. Another great book by Pepper Basham!
What a beautifully written book! It takes place in my very favorite little corner of the world, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore House. The characters were terrific and the story engaging. Another great book by Pepper Basham!
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