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A Single Thread of Moonlight - A Cinderella story of revenge and romance
"Delicious fun" Observer
"A sparkling escapist romance" Daily Express
With shades of Pride and Prejudice and The Count of Monte Cristo, Laura Wood has penned a Cinderella story for the Bridgerton generation. Iris Grey's childhood was idyllic... until her father remarried. Iris's new stepmother and two stepsisters were cold-hearted schemers, and when her father dies in mysterious circumstances, Iris knows that something is wrong. Far too spirited to be forced into a life of servitude, she runs away to London.
When she crosses paths with handsome, clever and cold Nicholas Wynter, Iris realises that this is her moment for revenge. Together they plot the downfall of their enemies - but the pair begin to find they have more in common than a desire for justice.
Will their spark burn bright or will it be extinguished in the flames of their ambition?
A fabulously fresh retelling of Cinderella with a heroine who isn't afraid to take her destiny into her own hands Perfect for fans of Jane Austen Laura Wood is the author of A Sky Painted Gold and Under a Dancing Star
More priase for A Single Thread of Moonlight
"A Cinderella revenge story and a Bridgerton vibe... Sardonic dialogue, fabulous dresses, balls and society intrigue delicious fun." OBSERVER
"I adored this Victorian-set retelling of Cinderella, featuring an irrepressible heroine, a sardonic hero, beautiful dresses, intrigue and revenge. Be still, my heart!." Sarra Manning
"Laura Wood is the literary equivalent of lighting the fancy candle on a rainy afternoon" Ella Risbridger
"Swoon-worthy and brilliant with Bridgerton vibes" M.A. Kuzniar
"The perfect delicious read for anyone craving more Bridgerton" Lauren James
"A Cinderella retelling like you've never read before with a swoon-worthy romance"; BOOKSNEST
"A deliciously divine tale of loss, lies and love that completely swept me away" BOOKLOVERJO
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2021
41 people are currently reading
3461 people want to read
About the author
Laura Wood
22 books1,368 followersLaura Wood is the winner of the Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing and the author of the 'Poppy Pym' and 'Vote for Effie' middle-grade series and YA novels, A Sky Painted Gold and Under a Dancing Star.
She loves Georgette Heyer novels, Fred Astaire films, travelling to far flung places, recipe books, Jilly Cooper, poetry, cosy woollen jumpers, Edith Nesbit, crisp autumn leaves, Jack Gilbert, new stationery, sensation fiction, salted caramel, feminism, Rufus Sewell's cheek-bones, dogs, and drinking lashings of ginger beer.
She loves Georgette Heyer novels, Fred Astaire films, travelling to far flung places, recipe books, Jilly Cooper, poetry, cosy woollen jumpers, Edith Nesbit, crisp autumn leaves, Jack Gilbert, new stationery, sensation fiction, salted caramel, feminism, Rufus Sewell's cheek-bones, dogs, and drinking lashings of ginger beer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
September 21, 2021
[Gifted]
Laura Wood has knocked it out of the park with her new Cinderella remix. It's the perfect delicious read for anyone craving more Bridgerton. Eva Ibbotson-style glorious prose with modern banter and feisty heroines.
Laura Wood has knocked it out of the park with her new Cinderella remix. It's the perfect delicious read for anyone craving more Bridgerton. Eva Ibbotson-style glorious prose with modern banter and feisty heroines.
November 9, 2021
What can I say.
Laura Wood writes such good light and swiftly paced novels with wonderful romances in them.
Of course I'm going to like this.
An excellent retelling if you are in the mood for a cosy read.
Laura Wood writes such good light and swiftly paced novels with wonderful romances in them.
Of course I'm going to like this.
An excellent retelling if you are in the mood for a cosy read.
June 13, 2023
This was a thoroughly delightful Cinderella retelling with lots of fun twists on the basic storyline. I love how Laura Wood plays with the fairy godmother especially. Iris Grey is a lovely Cinderella and the twist on the prince is pretty darn good too. I’m definitely going to enjoy re-reading this in the future.
P.S. I just realized how brilliant the title is.
P.S. I just realized how brilliant the title is.
April 18, 2022
what more can i say than i love laura wood, i love her books, i love her writing, and i love everything about her stories! <3
November 27, 2024
Iris Gray hét éve elmenekült otthonról és azóta varrónőként él Londonban, nagyon tehetséges a kézimunkában és meghúzza magát egy feltörekvő ruhakészítő szalonjának hátsó szobájában. Igazából inkognitóban él, ugyanis nemesi családból származik, anyja korai halála után kapott mostohát, akivel nem jött ki és akit felelősnek tart apja haláláért, s pont azért menekült el, mert nem érezte magát se biztonságba a birtokukon. Évek óta próbál valamit kitalálni, hogy leleplezze a mostohája mesterkedéseit, de eddig nem sok mindent sikerült kideríteni az ügyleteiről, viszont szorítja az idő: hamarosan eltelik annyi év az eltűnése óta, hogy halottá nyilváníthatják és öröksége a mostohája családjára száll. Kapóra jön egy külföldi herceg, aki Londonban próbál menyasszonyt találni magának, s bizony Iris mostohatestvérét szemelte ki magának. A lány elhatározza, hogy meghiusítja a házasságot, csakhogy egyedül, csekély forrásaival felszerelkezve nagyon nehezen tud elérni bármit is, úgyhogy kapóra jön neki egy szövetséges. A jóképű Lord Nicholas Wynter a hercegen szeretne bosszút állni, méghozzá úgy, hogy nyilvánosan megszégyeníti, de ehhez szüksége van egy talpraesett partnerre. Egyáltalán nem konvencionális tündérkeresztanyaként felkarolja Iris-t és segít neki bejutni az előkelő körökbe, abba reménykedve, hogy a lány lesz tervének a kulcsa.
Laura Wood nagyon jó kis kerettörténetet hozott létre, ahol egy csomó motívum ugye már ismert a Hamupipőke feldolgozásokból. Van itt is álarcosbál, titokzatos elbűvölő hölgy, aki szerény körülmények között él és titkolja kilétét családja előtt, van sármos herceg és ugye tündérkeresztanyának megfelelő segítő is. Csakhogy mindezeket jól meg is kavarja és nem minden alakul úgy, ahogy várnánk. Iris ugye Nick segítségével eljut régi otthonába és ott próbál nyomozgatni saját szakállára, s bizony kiderül, hogy talán nem egészen minden úgy van, ahogy ő annak idején gyerekfejjel hitte. Nagyon okosan van beleszőve a történetbe az, hogy mennyire másképp látja a világot egy kisgyerek: a lánynak csak idilli emlékei vannak arról, amikor élt az édesanyja vagy amikor az apjával kettesben maradtak, ugyanakkor a házban dolgozók és az ismerősök valami egyéb történetet mesélnek ezekről az évekről. Iris el is bizonytalanodik a küldetésében, s nem tudja már, hogy mi volt a valóság és mi csak megszépült emlék. Ugyan nagyon erős és talpraesett lány, idővel ráébred, hogy egyedül azért nem megy sok mindenre és lassan megnyílik mások előtt is, s még segítséget is tud kérni. Lesznek barátai és az őszintesége Nicholasszal is közelebb hozza őket egymáshoz. Külön tetszett, hogy Iris igazán értékelni tudta a gondtalan életmódot ami átmenetileg az ölébe pottyant, ugyanakkor odafigyelt a kiszolgáló személyzetre is, hiszen ő maga is köztük forgott bujkálása évei alatt.
Amolyan történelmi romantikus ifjúsági regénnyel van itt dolgunk, ezért értem én a Bridgertonhoz való hasonlítás bár azért itt nincsenek pikáns jelenetek és a korszak amiben játszódik a 19. Század vége. Ugyanakkor van benne jó pár félreértés és titok, na meg perlekedés a főszereplők között, akiket a kényszerű partnerség hoz össze mert a szikrák ott vannak természetesen már akkor is, amikor először találkoznak és összemérik a csillogó elméjüket a szócsatákban. Nagyon szórakoztató volt a kapcsolatuk alakulása és szerettem olvasni ezt a mesefeldolgozást.
Részletesen: https://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2...
Laura Wood nagyon jó kis kerettörténetet hozott létre, ahol egy csomó motívum ugye már ismert a Hamupipőke feldolgozásokból. Van itt is álarcosbál, titokzatos elbűvölő hölgy, aki szerény körülmények között él és titkolja kilétét családja előtt, van sármos herceg és ugye tündérkeresztanyának megfelelő segítő is. Csakhogy mindezeket jól meg is kavarja és nem minden alakul úgy, ahogy várnánk. Iris ugye Nick segítségével eljut régi otthonába és ott próbál nyomozgatni saját szakállára, s bizony kiderül, hogy talán nem egészen minden úgy van, ahogy ő annak idején gyerekfejjel hitte. Nagyon okosan van beleszőve a történetbe az, hogy mennyire másképp látja a világot egy kisgyerek: a lánynak csak idilli emlékei vannak arról, amikor élt az édesanyja vagy amikor az apjával kettesben maradtak, ugyanakkor a házban dolgozók és az ismerősök valami egyéb történetet mesélnek ezekről az évekről. Iris el is bizonytalanodik a küldetésében, s nem tudja már, hogy mi volt a valóság és mi csak megszépült emlék. Ugyan nagyon erős és talpraesett lány, idővel ráébred, hogy egyedül azért nem megy sok mindenre és lassan megnyílik mások előtt is, s még segítséget is tud kérni. Lesznek barátai és az őszintesége Nicholasszal is közelebb hozza őket egymáshoz. Külön tetszett, hogy Iris igazán értékelni tudta a gondtalan életmódot ami átmenetileg az ölébe pottyant, ugyanakkor odafigyelt a kiszolgáló személyzetre is, hiszen ő maga is köztük forgott bujkálása évei alatt.
Amolyan történelmi romantikus ifjúsági regénnyel van itt dolgunk, ezért értem én a Bridgertonhoz való hasonlítás bár azért itt nincsenek pikáns jelenetek és a korszak amiben játszódik a 19. Század vége. Ugyanakkor van benne jó pár félreértés és titok, na meg perlekedés a főszereplők között, akiket a kényszerű partnerség hoz össze mert a szikrák ott vannak természetesen már akkor is, amikor először találkoznak és összemérik a csillogó elméjüket a szócsatákban. Nagyon szórakoztató volt a kapcsolatuk alakulása és szerettem olvasni ezt a mesefeldolgozást.
Részletesen: https://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2...
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August 2, 2025Laura Wood is a British author who knows how to write a winsome, well-paced no-spice romance with likeable people in a period setting. I wasn’t *quite* as convinced by the period atmosphere here (1899) as I was by the two books I’ve read of hers set in the 1920s, but I enjoyed this light Cinderella-inspired tale seasoned with a smidgeon of Mary Stewart’s THE IVY TREE.
Also, this is niche, but I am tired of reading about North American cuisine in books set in the UK and it was a DELIGHT to read about all the genuine English puddings!
Also, this is niche, but I am tired of reading about North American cuisine in books set in the UK and it was a DELIGHT to read about all the genuine English puddings!
August 12, 2025
Truly a gem of a book, I want to live inside it!!
January 30, 2022
I love Laura Wood and I love the Cinderella story, so I was incredibly excited for this! I got it for Christmas and enjoyed whizzing through it in those strange hazy days between Christmas and New Year. However, although it was fun enough, I did’t find it nearly as good as Wood’s other YA novels. It was a bit OTT with sensationalism, and neither plot nor, sadly, characters felt very believable or relatable (I know a Cinderella story isn’t striving to be believable, but I struggled to suspend my disbelief). I normally love Wood’s ability to capture coming of age in deftly drawn strokes, and I feel like this story got too wrapped up in trying to be dramatic and thus missed out on the emotional and perceptive depths which usually so elevate Wood’s writing. Also, given how plot-focused this book was, I found the ending rather rushed and not entirely satisfactory.
Overall, a quick, light read. If you’re new to Wood’s writing, I highly recommend starting with Under a Dancing Star, A Sky Painted Gold or a Snowfall of Silver, which showcase her writing at its best.
Overall, a quick, light read. If you’re new to Wood’s writing, I highly recommend starting with Under a Dancing Star, A Sky Painted Gold or a Snowfall of Silver, which showcase her writing at its best.
July 18, 2022
A lovely, easy to read and addictive book! Just like her book 'A Sky Painted Gold', I found that this was also really hard to put down. The characters are interesting and lively, while the pace is perfect and sweeps you along with the story. I love how this YA novel is a quirky mixture of Cinderella and Pride & Prejudice. I never thought that you could combine elements of those stories with such a fantastic result, but Laura Wood has definitely done it. Looking forward to reading her other two novels in the future. Give this book a try if you like historical romance with a twist of spark and spirit.
April 5, 2022
Oh my gosh, I loved this so much. Which is a particular relief! because I adored A Sky Painted Gold and loathed Under a Dancing Star, so despite loving the premise and the first few pages of this one I was a little worried about it - was the book I loved or the book I hated the fluke?! But thankfully, it's looking like I'm back to loving Laura Wood, and I'm so happy about it!!
Also - I was already really loving the book, but THEN it got even better when I realized it would have variations on not one, but TWO of my absolute favorite romance tropes: fake relationship, and character A sets up character B with someone else but catches feelings (please tell me if there's a catchier name for it, lol.) So just on a personal trope level, this was also a huge hit.
I loved Iris, I loved Nicholas, I loved where the story went and how we gradually learn along with Iris that sometimes things and people are messier than we think. I also really loved the dress details here! and the Cinderella tie-ins were super fun and clever. And of course, I loved the romance. This is the second Laura Wood leading man who I've disliked on first meeting and then loved by the end of the book! Very impressive. Also, BLESS Laura Wood for not having a dramatic break-up because of revealed secrets thing! Both characters are understandably frustrated at not getting the whole story, but THEY COMMUNICATE ABOUT IT, and recognize why the other person had reservations.
ALSO, some amazing side characters here! including several female friendships that I just adored. I just want the whole world for Sophia 💕 There's also an ace/aro side character and that was worked into the story beautifully.
I love the way Laura Wood writes - it's so clear and smooth and there's some great dialogue and humor as well.
And I appreciate Iris' added social awareness because of her life after running away - she doesn't act like it would be a burden to be wealthy again, but she recognizes the valuable skills and strengths she's developed on her own, and the more humane perspective her life in London gave her.
I also loved the ending. Some readers might find it too neat, but I don't care, I thought it was perfect (and after all, a Cinderella retelling seems to lend itself to that! :))
I do have two little things that bugged me: the vague references to Iris' tough life/persona seemed a little out of place (the moment where she reveals the knife?! and that she's apparently trained with it?! very impressive, but a little out of nowhere). I'm thankful we didn't have a mean-streets-of-London montage or something, but I think we could see Iris' toughness without throwing in those details: they were pretty jarring.
My other thing: I think Nicholas should have given some reason for why he didn't tell Iris something sooner. I get that he was already working to fix the situation, but in the meantime it was something that could have put Iris or other people in danger if they had no idea.
Other than those things, this was obviously a huge hit. I absolutely adored this. Read it super quickly and it made my heart so happy 💖
CW: Bullying, alcoholism, emotional neglect / abuse, references to sexual harassment / assault
Also - I was already really loving the book, but THEN it got even better when I realized it would have variations on not one, but TWO of my absolute favorite romance tropes: fake relationship, and character A sets up character B with someone else but catches feelings (please tell me if there's a catchier name for it, lol.) So just on a personal trope level, this was also a huge hit.
I loved Iris, I loved Nicholas, I loved where the story went and how we gradually learn along with Iris that sometimes things and people are messier than we think. I also really loved the dress details here! and the Cinderella tie-ins were super fun and clever. And of course, I loved the romance. This is the second Laura Wood leading man who I've disliked on first meeting and then loved by the end of the book! Very impressive. Also, BLESS Laura Wood for not having a dramatic break-up because of revealed secrets thing! Both characters are understandably frustrated at not getting the whole story, but THEY COMMUNICATE ABOUT IT, and recognize why the other person had reservations.
ALSO, some amazing side characters here! including several female friendships that I just adored. I just want the whole world for Sophia 💕 There's also an ace/aro side character and that was worked into the story beautifully.
I love the way Laura Wood writes - it's so clear and smooth and there's some great dialogue and humor as well.
And I appreciate Iris' added social awareness because of her life after running away - she doesn't act like it would be a burden to be wealthy again, but she recognizes the valuable skills and strengths she's developed on her own, and the more humane perspective her life in London gave her.
I also loved the ending. Some readers might find it too neat, but I don't care, I thought it was perfect (and after all, a Cinderella retelling seems to lend itself to that! :))
I do have two little things that bugged me: the vague references to Iris' tough life/persona seemed a little out of place (the moment where she reveals the knife?! and that she's apparently trained with it?! very impressive, but a little out of nowhere). I'm thankful we didn't have a mean-streets-of-London montage or something, but I think we could see Iris' toughness without throwing in those details: they were pretty jarring.
My other thing: I think Nicholas should have given some reason for why he didn't tell Iris something sooner. I get that he was already working to fix the situation, but in the meantime it was something that could have put Iris or other people in danger if they had no idea.
Other than those things, this was obviously a huge hit. I absolutely adored this. Read it super quickly and it made my heart so happy 💖
CW: Bullying, alcoholism, emotional neglect / abuse, references to sexual harassment / assault
May 29, 2023
mon nouveau préféré de laura wood <33
une protagoniste résolue mais qui reste humaine, des femmes fortes, des personnages variés et très intéressants, une intrigue plus complexe !! c'est une formule réussie pour cette jolie romance historique :)
londres, fin de la période victorienne : on y suit iris grey(aussi lady iris scott-holland attention), une jeune femme travaillant en tant que couturière pour une boutique destinée aux femmes de la haute société, haute société qu'elle a elle-même dû fuir à cause d'une belle-mère maltraitante (à la jane eyre et oui) lorsqu'elle avait 12 ans... toujours rongée par l'incompréhension de la mort de son père qui l'a laissé au main de cette femme violente, elle revoit un jour sa dîte belle-mère ainsi que sa fille alors que celle-ci se trouve à l'arrière boutique !!! et par dessus le marché elle apprend que sa belle-soeur, agatha, va se marier avec un prince !!! alors quand un homme froid, un petit peu ténébreux, lui ouvre les portes de l'aristocratie en l'engageant pour ruiner le futur mariage du prince et sa belle-soeur et ne peut refuser cette opportunité.....
ok donc j'ai adoré!!! j'ai adoré les personnages aussi dont la majorité d'entre eux adorables et attachants!! à noter aussi que l'histoire, le passé de chaque perso est bien rodé, les personnalités de chacun.e bien distincte et où l'ensemble est harmonieux, et a rendu la lecture très plaisante.
!! mention spéciale !! à cassie (chaque femme qui ressemble à jo march suscite mon admiration lol), l'aspect féministe qui dégageait d'elle était top, sa passion pour le vélo (qui au 19ème siècle a constitué un moyen d'émancipation important d'ailleurs!!!) ainsi que sa rébellion pour la bourgeoisie et le rôle traditionnel de la femme à cette époque-là, génial !!!! elle apportait vraiment une touche de vivacité, de fougue dans l'histoire !
ici donc laura wood nous fait un remake de cendrillon avec une vision moins manichéenne, à la fois dans la moralité des actions des persos que dans l'aspect romance !!! et j'ai beaucoup beaucoup apprécié cet aspect nuancé !!!! vraiment fan de l'autrice mwah, encore une très belle fiction historique :)
une protagoniste résolue mais qui reste humaine, des femmes fortes, des personnages variés et très intéressants, une intrigue plus complexe !! c'est une formule réussie pour cette jolie romance historique :)
londres, fin de la période victorienne : on y suit iris grey
ok donc j'ai adoré!!! j'ai adoré les personnages aussi dont la majorité d'entre eux adorables et attachants!! à noter aussi que l'histoire, le passé de chaque perso est bien rodé, les personnalités de chacun.e bien distincte et où l'ensemble est harmonieux, et a rendu la lecture très plaisante.
!! mention spéciale !! à cassie (chaque femme qui ressemble à jo march suscite mon admiration lol), l'aspect féministe qui dégageait d'elle était top, sa passion pour le vélo (qui au 19ème siècle a constitué un moyen d'émancipation important d'ailleurs!!!) ainsi que sa rébellion pour la bourgeoisie et le rôle traditionnel de la femme à cette époque-là, génial !!!! elle apportait vraiment une touche de vivacité, de fougue dans l'histoire !
ici donc laura wood nous fait un remake de cendrillon avec une vision moins manichéenne, à la fois dans la moralité des actions des persos que dans l'aspect romance !!! et j'ai beaucoup beaucoup apprécié cet aspect nuancé !!!! vraiment fan de l'autrice mwah, encore une très belle fiction historique :)
October 27, 2021
3'5 ♥
Tengo que ser honesta y, a mi pesar, tengo que reconocer que este ha sido el libro de Laura Wood que menos me ha gustado. Sus tres novelas anteriores fueron un disfrute continuo, en especial 'A Snowfall of Silver', mi absoluto favorito, pero en esta ocasión la historia de Iris no ha conseguido cautivarme tanto como las de sus predecesoras. Pese a esto (una apreciación completamente personal) he pasado un ratito muy agradable leyendo este 'retelling' victoriano de la Cenicienta, ambientado entre un reputado salón de modas londinense y los muros de una bella mansión de la campiña inglesa.
Quizá me ha faltado un poquito más de desarrollo en la caracterización de los personajes; ahondar más en sus motivaciones, en sus heridas y deseos para que la historia fuera más convincente...pero de nuevo me quito el sombrero ante la pericia de la autora para crear preciosas escenas y una ambientación de ensueño.
Si todavía no habéis leído ninguna de sus novelas...¡no lo dudéis! ♥
Mentiría si no os digo que muero por tener su próxima novela entre manos.
Tengo que ser honesta y, a mi pesar, tengo que reconocer que este ha sido el libro de Laura Wood que menos me ha gustado. Sus tres novelas anteriores fueron un disfrute continuo, en especial 'A Snowfall of Silver', mi absoluto favorito, pero en esta ocasión la historia de Iris no ha conseguido cautivarme tanto como las de sus predecesoras. Pese a esto (una apreciación completamente personal) he pasado un ratito muy agradable leyendo este 'retelling' victoriano de la Cenicienta, ambientado entre un reputado salón de modas londinense y los muros de una bella mansión de la campiña inglesa.
Quizá me ha faltado un poquito más de desarrollo en la caracterización de los personajes; ahondar más en sus motivaciones, en sus heridas y deseos para que la historia fuera más convincente...pero de nuevo me quito el sombrero ante la pericia de la autora para crear preciosas escenas y una ambientación de ensueño.
Si todavía no habéis leído ninguna de sus novelas...¡no lo dudéis! ♥
Mentiría si no os digo que muero por tener su próxima novela entre manos.
July 29, 2024
3.75/4 stars as of July 2024.
Laura Wood's books are always cute, feel-good historical fiction and this was no exception!
A cross between Cinderella and Bridgerton with a hint of Austen, this book follows seamstress Iris who ran away from her step-mother 7 years ago after her father's death when she gets a proposition for revenge from a young wealthy Lord.
Despite being over 500 pages long, this book flew by! And whilst it wasn't the most believable or best book I've ever read, I really enjoyed it and loved the writing style.
I would recommend if you like her other books or an easy, romantic and aesthetic read.
Laura Wood's books are always cute, feel-good historical fiction and this was no exception!
A cross between Cinderella and Bridgerton with a hint of Austen, this book follows seamstress Iris who ran away from her step-mother 7 years ago after her father's death when she gets a proposition for revenge from a young wealthy Lord.
Despite being over 500 pages long, this book flew by! And whilst it wasn't the most believable or best book I've ever read, I really enjoyed it and loved the writing style.
I would recommend if you like her other books or an easy, romantic and aesthetic read.
October 20, 2021
I am physically incapable of putting down a Laura Wood book once I’ve started reading it…
I did wonder if the world really needed another Cinderella retelling, but Iris is no insipid Disney princess and this is not the story you know. This is Cinderella by way of Georgette Heyer - complete with high jinks, convoluted plans, a feisty heroine and a swoon-worthy romance. An absolute delight to read!
I did wonder if the world really needed another Cinderella retelling, but Iris is no insipid Disney princess and this is not the story you know. This is Cinderella by way of Georgette Heyer - complete with high jinks, convoluted plans, a feisty heroine and a swoon-worthy romance. An absolute delight to read!
February 15, 2024
I do not have enough words for how happy I am to have discovered Laura Wood's wonderful books. I am reading them with complete delight. This (pardon me, but I can't find a better word for it) elevated Regency romance was delightful. I can safely say, Laura Wood is making my reading year this year.
April 27, 2023
Having been just "whelmed" by The Agency for Scandal, it was nice to finally get around to this one and find that was obviously just a glitch in the system. A Single Thread of Moonlight was swoony, fun and a lovely Cinderalla-style retelling.
April 15, 2022
1.5 stars. Requires zero brain cells to finish. Driven by nothing, no plot, no character developments, no vivid descriptions, just pure vibes.
Also, this was like, bad.
Also, this was like, bad.
February 15, 2022
“A Single Thread of Moonlight” de Laura Wood es una especie de retelling de “La cenicienta” que se acerca lo suficiente al cuento que conocemos como para que sea considerado una versión del mismo y se aleja lo bastante como para que la autora se permita introducir pequeños guiños sobre el hecho de que es un retelling y que le salga bien.
La historia comienza a la manera que todos conocemos: nuestra cenicienta aquí se llama Iris, es la hija de un conde y se queda sin madre siendo niña. Es la heredera universal de su padre hasta que éste se vuelve a casar con una viuda que tiene dos hijas. Sin embargo, apenas un año más tarde, el hombre tiene un accidente cabalgando y muere. Aquí es donde empiezan las diferencias con respecto al cuento.
Iris desde siempre sospechó que lo del accidente de su padre olía muy raro, pero ¿quién va a escuchar a una niña de apenas 11 años? Además su madrastra la maltrata y planea sacarla de la casa pero, antes de que eso suceda, Iris se escapa a Londres donde se cambia de nombre y encuentra trabajo como costurera para una modista. Durante siete años la joven vive de forma anónima mientras intenta averiguar qué sucedió en la casona de su padre mientras planea su venganza. Un buen día se le presenta la ocasión cuando el joven conde Nicholas de Wynter entra en el establecimiento de la modista acompañando a su prima. Allí conoce a Iris y la contrata para que le ayude a arruinar a un príncipe que anda de buscando esposa en Inglaterra: casualmente la candidata de este príncipe para este papel es la mayor de las hermanastras de Iris. Así pues, la joven y su hado padrino aúnan fuerzas para vengarse, sin saber las razones del otro, de la malvada madrastra y del apuesto príncipe.
Nicholas de Wynter consigue hacer creer a todo el mundo que Iris es una amiga de la infancia y por eso ella es invitada a un evento que durará unos días en la casona familiar del padre de la propia Iris. Al finalizar esos días se celebrará un baile donde la madrastra de Iris espera poder anunciar el compromiso del príncipe con su hija mayor… si nadie se lo impide.
Si exceptuamos el retelling/resumen de “Orgullo y Prejuicio”, que no me terminó de convencer porque no aportaba nada, este es el último libro hasta la fecha de Laura Wood. Es una historia que está ambientada en Londres y en el condado de Kent a finales del s. XIX, es un romance victoriano lleno de momentos divertidos y momentos de mucha tensión. Nada en él es lo que parece, pero si es refrescante que esta cenicienta no sea perfecta, que tenga su punto oscuro y que no sea tan buena y angelical como la pintan la mayoría de versiones del cuento. Aunque el estilo de Laura Wood es sencillo y ameno se produce un contraste con la trama, que resulta lo suficientemente compleja como para enganchar al lector, que no puede parar de leer hasta acabar el libro. Es el libro ideal para un trayecto medio-largo de viaje o para un fin de semana de lluvia o frío.
Confirmo que me encanta Laura Wood. Por suerte solo aún me queda “Under a Dancing Star”, que ya he encargado, por leer pero ¿Y después… qué?
La historia comienza a la manera que todos conocemos: nuestra cenicienta aquí se llama Iris, es la hija de un conde y se queda sin madre siendo niña. Es la heredera universal de su padre hasta que éste se vuelve a casar con una viuda que tiene dos hijas. Sin embargo, apenas un año más tarde, el hombre tiene un accidente cabalgando y muere. Aquí es donde empiezan las diferencias con respecto al cuento.
Iris desde siempre sospechó que lo del accidente de su padre olía muy raro, pero ¿quién va a escuchar a una niña de apenas 11 años? Además su madrastra la maltrata y planea sacarla de la casa pero, antes de que eso suceda, Iris se escapa a Londres donde se cambia de nombre y encuentra trabajo como costurera para una modista. Durante siete años la joven vive de forma anónima mientras intenta averiguar qué sucedió en la casona de su padre mientras planea su venganza. Un buen día se le presenta la ocasión cuando el joven conde Nicholas de Wynter entra en el establecimiento de la modista acompañando a su prima. Allí conoce a Iris y la contrata para que le ayude a arruinar a un príncipe que anda de buscando esposa en Inglaterra: casualmente la candidata de este príncipe para este papel es la mayor de las hermanastras de Iris. Así pues, la joven y su hado padrino aúnan fuerzas para vengarse, sin saber las razones del otro, de la malvada madrastra y del apuesto príncipe.
Nicholas de Wynter consigue hacer creer a todo el mundo que Iris es una amiga de la infancia y por eso ella es invitada a un evento que durará unos días en la casona familiar del padre de la propia Iris. Al finalizar esos días se celebrará un baile donde la madrastra de Iris espera poder anunciar el compromiso del príncipe con su hija mayor… si nadie se lo impide.
Si exceptuamos el retelling/resumen de “Orgullo y Prejuicio”, que no me terminó de convencer porque no aportaba nada, este es el último libro hasta la fecha de Laura Wood. Es una historia que está ambientada en Londres y en el condado de Kent a finales del s. XIX, es un romance victoriano lleno de momentos divertidos y momentos de mucha tensión. Nada en él es lo que parece, pero si es refrescante que esta cenicienta no sea perfecta, que tenga su punto oscuro y que no sea tan buena y angelical como la pintan la mayoría de versiones del cuento. Aunque el estilo de Laura Wood es sencillo y ameno se produce un contraste con la trama, que resulta lo suficientemente compleja como para enganchar al lector, que no puede parar de leer hasta acabar el libro. Es el libro ideal para un trayecto medio-largo de viaje o para un fin de semana de lluvia o frío.
Confirmo que me encanta Laura Wood. Por suerte solo aún me queda “Under a Dancing Star”, que ya he encargado, por leer pero ¿Y después… qué?
October 26, 2022
At first I struggled with the book, it sounded like a typical fairytale to me BUT once I'd got into the book I loved it! It was so different from a fairytale, I loved the romance in it as well as the little mystery about Iris' father. It ended just the way I wanted it to and the description was so well written!!!
January 8, 2022
I’ve been a Laura Wood super fan since I chose A Sky Painted Gold for my book club pick a few years ago and this is my now my official favourite. What a dream of a book.
May 13, 2022
oh. my. gosh! Laura’s done it again!
November 3, 2022
4.75 idealne połączenie kopciuszka i dumy i uprzedzenia
December 3, 2021
Best book I have read this year 💞
Bravo Laura Wood 👏🏻
Bravo Laura Wood 👏🏻
May 5, 2025
4,5⭐️ I just love Laura Wood’s books. She writes like a summer evening… lovely, warming, cute, easy. Iris is a badass and Nick, so lovely.
July 26, 2025
A single thread of moonlight is plotted excellently - something I've come to expect from Ms Wood. I loved the mystery, the humour, the romance and the overall feeling of being in the capable hands of a talented writer.
This is the perfect retelling of Cinderella.
This is the perfect retelling of Cinderella.
November 14, 2023
breezed through this, really enjoy this author’s books, another serve yet again
August 2, 2025
perfecte match van mysterie en romance
luvv itt
luvv itt
October 15, 2021
En realidad es un 4.25
Me gustó mucho, nada más terminarlo pasó a ser de mis favoritos.
Al comenzar esta historia no esperaba mucho, me refiero a que no me había hecho expectativas respecto al libro así que mi lectura fue mucho más tranquila. Eso sí, el que fuera un retelling de la Cenicienta ya le daba un plus.
Iris, la protagonista, me cayó bastante bien y Nicholas, su interés amoroso, también me gustó. La pareja que hacían estos dos me recordó un poco a Darcy y Lizzy, sólo un poco, mientras que la historia en general me dio aires de Ever After: a Cinderella story (película que me encanta, por cierto).
Este libro casi no tuvo drama, ni malentendidos tediosos, ni triángulos amorosos; incluso el slow-burn de los protagonistas me gustó. El final sí lo sentí un poco cursi pero créanme que para mí eso no fue un problema.
Si buscas una historia bonita, sencilla, tranquila y con toques de romance, A single Thread of moonlight es para ti.
Me gustó mucho, nada más terminarlo pasó a ser de mis favoritos.
Al comenzar esta historia no esperaba mucho, me refiero a que no me había hecho expectativas respecto al libro así que mi lectura fue mucho más tranquila. Eso sí, el que fuera un retelling de la Cenicienta ya le daba un plus.
Iris, la protagonista, me cayó bastante bien y Nicholas, su interés amoroso, también me gustó. La pareja que hacían estos dos me recordó un poco a Darcy y Lizzy, sólo un poco, mientras que la historia en general me dio aires de Ever After: a Cinderella story (película que me encanta, por cierto).
Este libro casi no tuvo drama, ni malentendidos tediosos, ni triángulos amorosos; incluso el slow-burn de los protagonistas me gustó. El final sí lo sentí un poco cursi pero créanme que para mí eso no fue un problema.
Si buscas una historia bonita, sencilla, tranquila y con toques de romance, A single Thread of moonlight es para ti.
December 19, 2021
I have to be honest: if I had to rank Laura Wood's books in order of best to least liked, this would be at the bottom. Though, I was still eating chapters after chapters with my eyes because it was still such a great story.
What I loved:
-Iris, like all of Laura Wood's girls, is such a great representation of feminism. She is charming and strong-willed. She embraces loving things that are considered girly, while also not letting her gender dictate what she should be like.
-The whole talk about childhood nostalgia actually hit home for me. You really do start to see the flaws in the adults around you as you grow and unfortunately, that can tarnish memories that you thought priceless. Also, you really do become attached to the place you grew up with and no other place will ever compare, no matter how luxurious it may be. In a sense, Iris was still stuck in the past and that was shown splendidly.
-I loved seeing morally grey characters. It can be easy to fault everything a bad character does, but Iris had enough empathy to recognize why those characters did certain things.
-Lady Wynter is a gem
What I hoped to see:
-I felt that Iris dominated a great part of the story. What I found in the author's other books is that we have the main character and how she is swept off her feet into a new adventure. While there was some adventure here, Iris was too tangled up with her own plans to give much thought to what went around her and, consequently, the reader couldn't see the full picture. Her whole stay at Holland House was mechanical, rehearsed, and I wanted to see how she played her part more naturally. Many of the events seemed to take place for the sake of Iris playing her staged role; the last ball, for example, felt so very much rushed. I know that Iris had much going on but could she at least not enjoy being back at home for a while? I guess that's my fault though, I went into this with the wrong expectations and I will not make that mistake again when I reread this.
-The conflict with Helena was ended quite quickly in the end and I wished there had been more drama around it, especially because it had been building up this whole time.
-I find the cover misleading for some reason. While there is a romance, it doesn't really take front-stage until the very end.
Final verdict: I will still auto-buy anything that Laura Wood writes because her stories are made of dreams and they make my heart happy.
What I loved:
-Iris, like all of Laura Wood's girls, is such a great representation of feminism. She is charming and strong-willed. She embraces loving things that are considered girly, while also not letting her gender dictate what she should be like.
-The whole talk about childhood nostalgia actually hit home for me. You really do start to see the flaws in the adults around you as you grow and unfortunately, that can tarnish memories that you thought priceless. Also, you really do become attached to the place you grew up with and no other place will ever compare, no matter how luxurious it may be. In a sense, Iris was still stuck in the past and that was shown splendidly.
-I loved seeing morally grey characters. It can be easy to fault everything a bad character does, but Iris had enough empathy to recognize why those characters did certain things.
-Lady Wynter is a gem
What I hoped to see:
-I felt that Iris dominated a great part of the story. What I found in the author's other books is that we have the main character and how she is swept off her feet into a new adventure. While there was some adventure here, Iris was too tangled up with her own plans to give much thought to what went around her and, consequently, the reader couldn't see the full picture. Her whole stay at Holland House was mechanical, rehearsed, and I wanted to see how she played her part more naturally. Many of the events seemed to take place for the sake of Iris playing her staged role; the last ball, for example, felt so very much rushed. I know that Iris had much going on but could she at least not enjoy being back at home for a while? I guess that's my fault though, I went into this with the wrong expectations and I will not make that mistake again when I reread this.
-The conflict with Helena was ended quite quickly in the end and I wished there had been more drama around it, especially because it had been building up this whole time.
-I find the cover misleading for some reason. While there is a romance, it doesn't really take front-stage until the very end.
Final verdict: I will still auto-buy anything that Laura Wood writes because her stories are made of dreams and they make my heart happy.
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