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Ashes to Ashes
What would you do for freedom?
Most girls dream about being a princess, but not Arabella Charming. She is tired of the duties, gowns, and titles. Being normal would be nice for a change. With all these rules suffocating her, anger begins to blossom towards others. Including the unsuspecting, delicious gardener.
As each day passes, Arabella finds herself in a fight or flight mode.
When her father auctions her up to another kingdom, she knows her time is up.
With little knowledge of her mother's past and a crown at stake, she runs away in search of a family she has never met in exchange for freedom. This one decision changes everything. With Arabella's world crumbling around her, will she be able to save it all or watch as everyone she loves dies?
The Kingdoms and Curses series is made up of standalone, complete stories in each book. All stories are set in the same world and may overlap at times but they don't have to be read in order or even together.
Most girls dream about being a princess, but not Arabella Charming. She is tired of the duties, gowns, and titles. Being normal would be nice for a change. With all these rules suffocating her, anger begins to blossom towards others. Including the unsuspecting, delicious gardener.
As each day passes, Arabella finds herself in a fight or flight mode.
When her father auctions her up to another kingdom, she knows her time is up.
With little knowledge of her mother's past and a crown at stake, she runs away in search of a family she has never met in exchange for freedom. This one decision changes everything. With Arabella's world crumbling around her, will she be able to save it all or watch as everyone she loves dies?
The Kingdoms and Curses series is made up of standalone, complete stories in each book. All stories are set in the same world and may overlap at times but they don't have to be read in order or even together.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 11, 2021
Cinderella and Prince Charming have grossly overcompensated in the ways they keep their daughter safe. So much so that she is trapped within the castle without being able to get to know anyone - even her guards are switched out after talking to her.
Arabella is far from perfect, especially at the begining of the story, but that's where the character growth comes in. And it can't happen over night - she has too much to learn and experience.
This story weaves in so many details from various Cinderella stories to keep the world familiar while adding in a Robin Hood adventure with complex characters along the way.
Arabella is far from perfect, especially at the begining of the story, but that's where the character growth comes in. And it can't happen over night - she has too much to learn and experience.
This story weaves in so many details from various Cinderella stories to keep the world familiar while adding in a Robin Hood adventure with complex characters along the way.
April 25, 2020
Cinderella and Prince Charming’s daughter should have it all it all but all she wants is her freedom! A freedom outside of the castle she is trapped in! Fab storyline, I adore Arabella and loved reading her story! Full of magic, twists and turns, laughter and tears and great characters , I’m really happy I read this! 😊
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January 1, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/1/2021)! 🎁
July 1, 2020
This is a really good Cinderella retelling. You’d think Arabella Charming would have a happy life as the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Not so much. They keep her in the castle saying the world outside isn’t safe, but they’ve never explained why. So she decides to take her freedom into her own hands which leads to some very dire consequences.
This is an easy book to read. It will draw you in and hold you with some good twists and turns, as well as action and humour. I will admit I didn’t like Arabella much at the beginning because she was a spoiled brat who was still throwing temper tantrums at age 20 - she literally would throw her shoes out the window when she was mad and didn’t care if she hit someone. Not that I can blame her too much, she didn’t exactly have great parents. Who keeps their child locked in the castle with no explanation even when they’re 20? She grew a lot in the story though and I liked her by the end. She was able to channel her fierce determination and stubbornness to save her people! I liked Alister all through the story and I’m really happy that he and Arabella got an HEA. Overall this is a very enjoyable story! It’s a fairly unique retelling/continuation of Cinderella and I also enjoyed the Robin Hood elements thrown in. I definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy fairy tale retellings!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is an easy book to read. It will draw you in and hold you with some good twists and turns, as well as action and humour. I will admit I didn’t like Arabella much at the beginning because she was a spoiled brat who was still throwing temper tantrums at age 20 - she literally would throw her shoes out the window when she was mad and didn’t care if she hit someone. Not that I can blame her too much, she didn’t exactly have great parents. Who keeps their child locked in the castle with no explanation even when they’re 20? She grew a lot in the story though and I liked her by the end. She was able to channel her fierce determination and stubbornness to save her people! I liked Alister all through the story and I’m really happy that he and Arabella got an HEA. Overall this is a very enjoyable story! It’s a fairly unique retelling/continuation of Cinderella and I also enjoyed the Robin Hood elements thrown in. I definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy fairy tale retellings!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 23, 2020
A beautiful and enchanting tale unlike any I've read before. Retellings are a genre I really enjoy reading, mainly because I love to see how the author drew from the original stories I loved growing up, and I am able to enjoy them once again as a nearly fresh slate.
We all know the story of Cinderella, who lived with her evil stepmother and her two stepsisters. She snuck out to a ball with the help of her fairy godmother and met Prince Charming, with whom she falls in love and quickly marries. And that is where the classic story left off. What happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming after that?
Arabella is the only child of Prince Charming and Cinderella. She should have been happy, however she feels smothered by her parents intense desire to keep her safe and sheltered from the outside world. Knowing the story of how her parents met, it doesn't seem fair that she is kept locked in the castle. After all, the most comfortable prison is still a prison. Arabella learns of her family who were cut off, who were supposed to be so horrible to Cinderella. But you know what they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
This story was a beautiful and engaging read. Arabella's character development was spectacular, and I loved the dual perspectives that became more prominent later in the book. I couldn't put this book down. Definitely recommended!
We all know the story of Cinderella, who lived with her evil stepmother and her two stepsisters. She snuck out to a ball with the help of her fairy godmother and met Prince Charming, with whom she falls in love and quickly marries. And that is where the classic story left off. What happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming after that?
Arabella is the only child of Prince Charming and Cinderella. She should have been happy, however she feels smothered by her parents intense desire to keep her safe and sheltered from the outside world. Knowing the story of how her parents met, it doesn't seem fair that she is kept locked in the castle. After all, the most comfortable prison is still a prison. Arabella learns of her family who were cut off, who were supposed to be so horrible to Cinderella. But you know what they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
This story was a beautiful and engaging read. Arabella's character development was spectacular, and I loved the dual perspectives that became more prominent later in the book. I couldn't put this book down. Definitely recommended!
September 9, 2020
I had such mixed feeling about this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but some of it I really didn’t like at all.
Now, Arabella as a character was actually such a great, and loveable person. She was outspoken, stubborn, and mostly just the spoilt brat who said whatever was on her mind. She just wanted freedom and to understand the world outside of the castle walls. BUT, she was too perfect at everything she did, whether it was cooking, or fighting a battle. She was just one of those characters that wasn’t bad at anything.
I enjoyed the first 25% of the book. I loved the storyline and that characters, but the rest of the book was just average after that. There was a lot of weak dialogue and storylines, and wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as the start of the book.
I just wished Cinderella and Charming were better parents!
So a 3/5 stars just because of the mixed feelings. While it wasn’t quite for me, it was still a good read.
Now, Arabella as a character was actually such a great, and loveable person. She was outspoken, stubborn, and mostly just the spoilt brat who said whatever was on her mind. She just wanted freedom and to understand the world outside of the castle walls. BUT, she was too perfect at everything she did, whether it was cooking, or fighting a battle. She was just one of those characters that wasn’t bad at anything.
I enjoyed the first 25% of the book. I loved the storyline and that characters, but the rest of the book was just average after that. There was a lot of weak dialogue and storylines, and wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as the start of the book.
I just wished Cinderella and Charming were better parents!
So a 3/5 stars just because of the mixed feelings. While it wasn’t quite for me, it was still a good read.
April 24, 2020
I absolutely loved it. I read reviews where readers thought she "had everything and wanted more," but she really was just in a gilded cage. She had all the material things (as she mentions), but she didn't have freedom or a personality. She left to figure out what the world was really like and wound up becoming a B.A. who knows who she is.
So many YA novels now have tragic stories where the MC is a "nobody" and they suddenly become the middle of an insane prophesy, but my favorite thing about this story is she starts as somebody and ends up as herself. Not "Cinderella's daughter," Arabella. Her.
I highly encourage everyone to read the whole book, if you still don't like it, you don't like it. I'm glad I read the whole thing because she's strong, independent, and finds herself, which is something I think we all need.
So many YA novels now have tragic stories where the MC is a "nobody" and they suddenly become the middle of an insane prophesy, but my favorite thing about this story is she starts as somebody and ends up as herself. Not "Cinderella's daughter," Arabella. Her.
I highly encourage everyone to read the whole book, if you still don't like it, you don't like it. I'm glad I read the whole thing because she's strong, independent, and finds herself, which is something I think we all need.
January 22, 2021
I've got some mixed feelings when it comes to this book.
It is a well thought out book, with someone what of a slow burn romance and lots of family drama. The once upon a time after the well known happily every after.
Ara is a complex character that seems to have everything but the freedom she desires. She is definitely a petulant, spoiled brat and you see her character slowly grow into the woman she is meant to be.
Allister starts off putting her in her place, but gets pretty sappy in the end. And it's CUTE.
There is a little bit of action, but I felt the ending was kind of a let down. Very anticlimactic in my opinion. I just wanted more of this princess turned bad*ss assassin, especially between her and the wicked step mother.
It is a well thought out book, with someone what of a slow burn romance and lots of family drama. The once upon a time after the well known happily every after.
Ara is a complex character that seems to have everything but the freedom she desires. She is definitely a petulant, spoiled brat and you see her character slowly grow into the woman she is meant to be.
Allister starts off putting her in her place, but gets pretty sappy in the end. And it's CUTE.
There is a little bit of action, but I felt the ending was kind of a let down. Very anticlimactic in my opinion. I just wanted more of this princess turned bad*ss assassin, especially between her and the wicked step mother.
February 25, 2021
3.5⭐ rounded up to 4
Ashes to Ashes was definitely unlike anything I had ever read before. The story was unique and intriguing and I enjoyed it.
The story was very fast-paced and plot heavy, which I have to admit I enjoyed. Although, sometimes I wanted slightly more detail than I was given, and there was the occasional occurrence of too much telling rather than showing. Whilst some chapters had lots of detail and description, I felt like others could have had slightly more.
Also, I did feel like Arabella acted slightly too young for her age to begin with - more like a 16yo than a 20yo. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed, but mostly liked it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next book in the series!
Ashes to Ashes was definitely unlike anything I had ever read before. The story was unique and intriguing and I enjoyed it.
The story was very fast-paced and plot heavy, which I have to admit I enjoyed. Although, sometimes I wanted slightly more detail than I was given, and there was the occasional occurrence of too much telling rather than showing. Whilst some chapters had lots of detail and description, I felt like others could have had slightly more.
Also, I did feel like Arabella acted slightly too young for her age to begin with - more like a 16yo than a 20yo. I also felt the ending was slightly rushed, but mostly liked it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next book in the series!
April 26, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
Ashes to Ashes is an amazing twisted retelling of Cinderella and Robin Hood. It combines both stories plus includes a few twists that make it a unique, incredible tale. The story is told from Arabella and Allister’s perspectives, and each chapter is clearly marked to note who is narrating. It was one of those books that hooks you in right from the very beginning and keeps you interested and turning page. “Just one more chapter” literally turns into staying up late into the night, wanting to know more. It was truly an incredible book, a real joy to read.
Ashes to Ashes is an amazing twisted retelling of Cinderella and Robin Hood. It combines both stories plus includes a few twists that make it a unique, incredible tale. The story is told from Arabella and Allister’s perspectives, and each chapter is clearly marked to note who is narrating. It was one of those books that hooks you in right from the very beginning and keeps you interested and turning page. “Just one more chapter” literally turns into staying up late into the night, wanting to know more. It was truly an incredible book, a real joy to read.
January 20, 2021
A mash up between Cinderella and Robin Hood that involves Cinderella and Prince Charming’s daughter? Count me in!
I honestly really enjoyed this book. I’ve been super into the twist on fairytale retellings lately and this one did not disappoint.
We follow Arabella, daughter of Queen Cinderella and King Charming, who longs for freedom from the castle she has been stuck in her whole life. But what if there is a very good reason for that? And a reason she has not met her family who lives outside the gates?
This was book I could not put down and I highly recommend this twist on a Cinderella retelling.
I honestly really enjoyed this book. I’ve been super into the twist on fairytale retellings lately and this one did not disappoint.
We follow Arabella, daughter of Queen Cinderella and King Charming, who longs for freedom from the castle she has been stuck in her whole life. But what if there is a very good reason for that? And a reason she has not met her family who lives outside the gates?
This was book I could not put down and I highly recommend this twist on a Cinderella retelling.
January 27, 2021
Arabella stats out as a spoiled princess who wishes for the freedom in life that isn't granted her. After learning more about her mother Cinderella's family secret of the stepsisters and stepmother, she now want to meet them and find the truth. Her interactions with Alistair before she runs away and after are pretty amusing with the slow burn romance. After learning the truth and why she was hidden she becomes the strong woman she was always destined to be to be able to rule her kingdom. Looking forward to more books in this series.
April 24, 2020
Arabella just wants her freedom. Freedom from the palace, freedom from the crown she will inherit, and freedom from her mother Cinderella. Feeling alone and kept apart from her kingdom and history, Arabella Charming is determined to leave the castle. Without knowing anything about her parents story or her own people, there is more trouble outside of the castle walls than she could ever have expected.
If you want to sit down and fall in to a story, this is it. Arabella may be seen as the selfish daughter with an attitude problem, but finally getting out of the castle walls is about to open her eyes. Good and bad things may be lurking everywhere, and who can you trust when you know no one? I didn't want to put this down, and I wished it never ended.
If you want to sit down and fall in to a story, this is it. Arabella may be seen as the selfish daughter with an attitude problem, but finally getting out of the castle walls is about to open her eyes. Good and bad things may be lurking everywhere, and who can you trust when you know no one? I didn't want to put this down, and I wished it never ended.
February 18, 2021
Absolutely riveting!
I just devoured this book in an afternoon and it quickly became one of my favorites! Kicking myself for taking so long to dive into this story. Ara starts out young, naive, and a bit spoiled but as her story progresses she goes through things that strip the nativity away and she becomes so much more. I fell in love with her strength and passion. Then there was "Robin" and his boys. I was oh so pleasantly surprised by the mixing of tales.
I just devoured this book in an afternoon and it quickly became one of my favorites! Kicking myself for taking so long to dive into this story. Ara starts out young, naive, and a bit spoiled but as her story progresses she goes through things that strip the nativity away and she becomes so much more. I fell in love with her strength and passion. Then there was "Robin" and his boys. I was oh so pleasantly surprised by the mixing of tales.
April 24, 2020
This was an easy book to read. It follows the story of Arabella, Cinderella and Prince Charming’s daughter. At first, I didn’t like Arabella, but as the story continued, I couldn’t see her growth. While there sad parts toward the end, it had a HEA that made me smile.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
I recieved an ARC from the author in return of an honest review.
This is a really good Cinderella retelling of Cinderella and Prince Charming's daughter Arabelle wanting her freedom. Easy emotionally roller coaster of a read with twists and turns, full of magic, as well as great characters. I recommend this!
This is a really good Cinderella retelling of Cinderella and Prince Charming's daughter Arabelle wanting her freedom. Easy emotionally roller coaster of a read with twists and turns, full of magic, as well as great characters. I recommend this!
February 16, 2021
Cinderella continued with a mix of Robin Hood. I enjoyed this book. I loved that 2 prim and proper parents raised such a rebellious daughter. Good thing too because she needs that stubbornness to take the castle back.
March 17, 2021
Shoes, glamour, mice, and trees
Arabella makes quite the impression with her defiance and tantrums. Alistair, similarly makes an impression with his determination. I liked how this story played out with a darker, edgier feel.
Arabella makes quite the impression with her defiance and tantrums. Alistair, similarly makes an impression with his determination. I liked how this story played out with a darker, edgier feel.
November 11, 2021
Great book! Kept my attention the whole time. Definitely want to read more from this author!!
January 21, 2022
Not your average re-telling
Arabella Charming is chomping at the bit to be free. Free of the castle, free of her family, free of the fairytale. After much planning, that goes wrong, and one lucky escape Arabella finally gets what she wants-but it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.
Arabella is not a weak woman to be trifled with. She has a sassy attitude and a stubborn streak that goes on for miles. Joining her is a handful of support characters that really make the book complete.
There are very clear lines of who the goodies are and who the baddies are, and the baddies are so bad that you can’t wait to see what happens. This book will have you hooked and fully immersed. Between the wit, the storytelling and the plot- there is never a dull moment.
A Lonergan has imagined a fantastic “ever after” for the only child of the Charming’s. With a creative flair she has been able to weave not one but two fairytales into this fast paced adventure.
I recommend this book as it is different from all the other re-tellings/imaginings out here already. A truly original and unique tale .
Arabella Charming is chomping at the bit to be free. Free of the castle, free of her family, free of the fairytale. After much planning, that goes wrong, and one lucky escape Arabella finally gets what she wants-but it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.
Arabella is not a weak woman to be trifled with. She has a sassy attitude and a stubborn streak that goes on for miles. Joining her is a handful of support characters that really make the book complete.
There are very clear lines of who the goodies are and who the baddies are, and the baddies are so bad that you can’t wait to see what happens. This book will have you hooked and fully immersed. Between the wit, the storytelling and the plot- there is never a dull moment.
A Lonergan has imagined a fantastic “ever after” for the only child of the Charming’s. With a creative flair she has been able to weave not one but two fairytales into this fast paced adventure.
I recommend this book as it is different from all the other re-tellings/imaginings out here already. A truly original and unique tale .
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews