by: Rachel Hochhauser
Goodreads synopsis:
A breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic “evil” stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children
A widow twice-over, Etheldreda is now saddled with the care of her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, and a razor-taloned peregrine falcon. Her entire life has become a ruse, just like the manor hall they live grand and ornate on the exterior, but crumbling, brick by brick, inside. Fierce in the face of her misfortune, Ethel clings to her family’s respectability, the lifeboat that will float her daughters straight into the secure banks of marriage.
When a royal ball offers the chance to secure the future she desperately desires, Etheldreda must risk her secrets, pride, and limited resources in pursuit of an invitation for her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the heir of the kingdom unfolds with unnerving speed, she discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she’s sought for years and the wellbeing of the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.
As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairytale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
I read this in basically one sitting on a very long flight. I was in the mood for a fantasy/fairytale, which usually isn’t my jam. A retelling of Cinderella, this book was a refreshing change of pace and a well written page turner. I am liking Reese Witherspoon’s book club choices lately (we chose Lady Tremaine and Into the Blue this month). They were light summer reads that are way out of my regular favorite genres. It’s fun to step out of my comfort zone and try something new!
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓3/4
Entertaining – I liked it. Definitely a different perspective on Cinderella and her “evil” stepmother and stepsisters. Nothing earth-shattering, just a fun read, well, not really “fun” exactly, but definitely worth reading. It’s a page turner. Hawks and falcons must have been very popular in the 1500-1700’s. I think you will like Lady Tremaine -she is a very interesting and fairly deep character.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 