Wishes by Starlight

HighTower Fairytales: Cinderella #2

by Jacque Stevens

I, Elya Pavlovna, went to the prince’s Maslenitsa celebration, and I’m still not sure who I am or what will happen next.

After running from a fairy and a prince, Elya is on her own for the first time. The unknown wilds are dark and dangerous, but she knows that if she is found she could be used to destroy everything she has come to love.

But with her sisters asking for her help and her beloved prince in distress, hiding might no longer be an option.

The slipper fits, now will she wear it?

If you like inspirational heroines, unique love stories, and untrustworthy fae, this romantic fantasy retelling is for you! One-click now to start the magic, romance, and heart-wrenching emotional journey!

Wishes by Starlight is the direct sequel to Letters by Cinderlight, a twist on the Cinderella story based in Slavic mythology and full of magical fairies with stories of their own.

What are HighTower Fairytales?

HighTower Fairytales lean more toward the original sources (NOT Disney) with rich semi-historical settings. They have magic. They have scary monsters. And, most importantly, they have unique and complex characters who are trying hard to improve themselves.

They also include plenty of humor and all the heroes marry their prince/princess charming and live happily ever after at the end!

Basically, these stories meant to inspire, but have a very difficult and occasionally dark tower to climb. They are conservatively marked at 14+ and are appropriate for teens and young adults.

Currently these stories include:

Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (2017)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2020)
Depths: A Tale of the Little Mermaid (2020)
Letters by Cinderlight: A Tale of Cinderella (2021)
Robin's Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (2021)

And more on the way!!!

Genres: Cinderella, Fairy Tale Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Jacque Stevens wrote her first novel as a stress relief activity during nursing school. Now, as a USA-Today Bestselling Author, she has taken a step back from nursing so she can spend all her time writing stories filled with elves, fairies, and all things awesome. She also is a freelance editor.

Jacque lives in Arizona. New friends, enemies, and wandering visitors from cyberspace can contact Jacque here: sjacquebooks.com or sjacquebooks(at)gmail.com.

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Reviews

[Escape Into Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to start reading Wishes by Starlight. After the cliffhanger ending of Letters by Cinderlight, I needed to know what would happen to Elya and if she would get her happy ending.

Elya’s character had a lot of growth during the course. I loved watching her realize her worth and overcome the trauma of the abuse she suffered. That first started when she stopped local boys from teasing her stepsisters and continued throughout the book. I had tears in my eyes when she finally faced Charming.

Charming was the real MVP of the book. He did what the people of her village couldn’t or wouldn’t do; he stood up for her. He also gave her time (well, kind of) while writing letters in the magical book to Elya. I believe he would have waited forever for her if Lady Mother hadn’t done what she did.

The author ended the storyline with Elya’s abuse in a very satisfying way. Finally, Lady Mother got what she deserved. I cheered when Elya did what she did. Lady Mother deserved it.

The end of Wishes by Starlight was terrific. Finally, everyone got their happy endings. I loved when Lada showed up and validated everything. What she said as she left made me laugh (and made me wonder if she would be a regular appearance in their lives).

Wishes by Starlight was a great book to read. It kept my attention, and I loved seeing Elya find her happy ending.

I would recommend Wishes by Starlight to anyone over the age of 16. There is mild violence.

[Sam Domingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book a lot more than this one. But I respect the author's note that this is just one way to tell this story and not everyone may like it. I didn't not like it, but I didn't love it either.

However, I do recognize Elya's strength. It was hard to break from the abuse that happened to her. And it's not simple moving on from that or erasing its effects on her life, her choices, her feelings. I love that in the end, she found herself and that she didn't need anyone to save her. She truly was the hero of the story.

Also, I'll definitely reread this another time. Each time I read/reread a book, I find something I like or appreciate better than the last time. I think that'll be the case with this one.

[M.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 4 Stars for Wishes By Starlight by Jacque Stevens.

Ah, this is where the story gets really good. The pace picks up and the scenes grab the reader straight away. Elya grows and stretches here without losing her kindness. There are some sweet moments, particularly between Elya and the rusalka.

I enjoyed the climax. I loved how it all came together. At moments, the writing is still a tad awkward, but it’s a lot stronger than in book one.

In short, it’s a beautiful story with a great deal of heart. Worth the read.

[Sky Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elya had a tough time after the ball (#1 Hightower Fairytale: Letters by Starlight) and she went back to her old home! I loved how Stevens made her grow to love herself before she and the prince met again, but did the poor boy deserve to be heartbroken that whole time? Argh, the twists and turns in this story!!! I could not put it down. Recommended for lovers of Russian retold YA fairytales and Cinderella especially.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second half to Cinderella's alternative story!

I loved the continuation of Cinderella's 'other' story, the magic and extra fairy tale in this story are fantastic, I loved the stepmothers fate and the same with the stepsisters. An excellent retelling of a traditional fairy story

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, there's no better word for the end to this Cinderella retelling. I am officially a Jacque Stevens fan!

I adored the painting of Cinderella's upbringing in a new light, as well as her origin story! She finally has a real connection with Prince Charming, not just one silly ball and happily ever after.

If you enjoy true romance in a fantasy world, check out this duology.

[Joshulynn Shipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I lone the plot twists and its an amazing retelling. But it needs more to it like chapters in the princes point I've view. There are letters but not much else that's all awesome job!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing of Cinderella's tale from Letters by Cinderlight, this conclusion if full of more twists and turns to the tale that you'll enjoy to the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the HighTower Cinderella series we get more of Elya Pavlovna and Prince Charming's story. I enjoyed the ending of their story with its twists, and turns. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second part of Elya’s story as much as I loved the first bit - the soul-searching, the ‘I’m not worth it’, the struggles to help those who were awful to her kept me at the edge of my seat. I especially loved the twist with Natalya at the very end, brilliant! Also, the knowing your true name to be able to curse you gimmick known from Arabic and Celtic fairytales was a nice touch. I’m not going to air spoilers, you’ll have to read it to find out if there is a happily ever after and if Elya will be able to break ther family curse and her word given to Grandma Lada.

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to 'Letters by Cinderlight'! I really liked how Elya's dilemma's were resolved in adventurous and thoughtful ways, that she could show kindness & compassion to those who were awful to her and still be strong. The drawings are so fun too. On to the next in the series!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to Stevens' Cinderella. The girl has to find her own strength and magic, she has to believe in herself before she can rescue her Prince.
The end drifts quite a bit afar from the original but that's ok.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first one more...

I like how original these are and that they give you a different view of stories we've heard and seen for years. I liked Elya's journey and ultimate destination even if I didn't like or follow all of her stops along the way. Charming was so sweet and really made it hard to not be angrier at Elya for making the bargain in the first place. The ending was rushed whereas some of the story seemed to drag. I didn't understand why she told everyone his name when the whole premise is names have power. But overall it was a good, more realistic if you skip the fairies, take on the Cinderella.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as the first. It was mostly just Elya trying to figure out who she is, which got repetitive as she kept trying to force 'Cinderella, Princess of Flames' instead of making any actual progress. This book had a lot more magical elements and almost no interaction between Elya and Charming. That said, he had many letter entries as the chapter openers, so we consistently heard from both characters.

I didn't particularly like that this was a two book series. I think this portion of the story could have been streamlined and combined with the first book to form one novel. I did enjoy the little drawings though.

[MissFaerieKaiti · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I'm rating this story only three stars, I don't want you to think that I think it's a poorly written story. I think it delivers the plot and messages the author wanted to convey. The reason I rated it so much lower than I rated the first book is because I fell in love with the first book as feeling very true to the original Cinderella story, and this book feels more like a divergence from than a continuation of that original tale. Read it for some hard, messy situations from which there exists love and grace, and maybe going in with those expectations will help you avoid the disappointment I experienced.

[Chey]

Elya met her prince, but had some work to do before she could think of being with him. She had to break their curse, but her Lady Mother has other plans for her.

I loved how Elya grew into herself and broke away from her trauma to become stronger. I was also happy to see that Prince Charming was waiting for her no matter what and that he knew the people who turned up claiming to be her weren't. I think how Lady Mother ended up was fitting, but I feel like she should have known the fairy tales to avoid it.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elya's character came off a little stronger in this sequel and the storyline was interesting as it weaved in Russian folklore. Her relationships with different characters was well done but I thought the character of Charming was lacking. I also am not sure how I feel about what happened to Lady Mother. It seemed like the author was giving some mixed messages about her that are never fully fleshed out.

Content:
Sexual: kissing
Violence: drowning
Language: none

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacque Stevens takes this Cinderella story to another level in this second book. In placing the setting in a land in which dwells a rusalka allows for plot twists that keep you reading and reading and reading... This is my favorite Cinderella retelling as it touches on what really matters, what's inside a person and how they act in times that are good and times that are stressful. Loved all of it!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale continues with the fleeing from the ball with no carriages turning into pumpkins or disappearing gowns. It takes way more than fitting a glass slipper for this tale to reach its HEA. Again, I love the additional elements added to this story. The self discovery and overcoming our own faults added such depth to this tale. A very entertaining and satisfying tale!

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Cinderella ran away from it all? Her prince and her stepfamily? In this retelling, Elya runs. She runs to escape her family. She runs to save her prince. And she runs to find her true name. In her flight she befriends fairies and humans alike and learns that she is much more than she had ever dared to believe.

A beautiful conclusion to a lovely retelling.

[Katherine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good conclusion

I appreciate the author's care in writing characters with problems that aren't easily solved. Elya treats those around her well, even when they don't deserve it. The ending is a little bittersweet, but our couple still get their happy ever after.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a road trip. The first one was too short, this was a bit long for all the info it went through. Her soul searching was nice but I feel like we could have done without her going back home at all. The set together is beautiful though.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark journey, bright future

This second chapter of Elya's story is all about learning who she is, and dealing with her scars.
PTSD is totally real. And though not named, it is part of this story.

[Racheal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I liked the first book better, this sequel did well to wrap everything up. I liked that it delved a little more into magic and fairies.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the cliffhanger from the previous book, I was dying to know what happens next, and I must say the sequel is equally good.
I liked how Elya developed from the meek and submissive person she was, to the strong and decisive woman who fought for what is right.
Charming was, well... charming as usual, and I loved the beautiful letters he wrote to Elya in the book.
The character I felt most sympathetic towards in this story was the rusalka. It broke my heart when I found out what happened to her.
The glass slipper had some use in this retelling, but not the way it was used in the original, which was a huge relief. I mean, who spends a whole evening with a woman and needs to use a slipper to recognize her? Thank God Cinderella didn't lose her underwear!
The most satisfying moment was when the villain gets what she deserves.
The ending was great with some twists and turns, and I couldn't have been happier about it.
I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fantasy and fairytale retellings.