Description:

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

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the 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 fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

Adele’s Review:

Wow! Wow. Wow. Lady Tremaine is one of the best books this reviewer has read in years. The writing is exquisite, the story unexpected, and the characters worthy of our empathy and admiration. This fantasy reimagining of the Cinderella tale is more satisfying than the original and void of caricatures.

Told from the POV of a widowed, penniless mother, we understand her difficulty in raising girls in a medieval society where all wealth comes from the male lineage. Without a husband to provide support, the women are forced into hardscrabble existence. Once we understand their desperation, the critical importance of a royal ball and attracting the prince becomes clear. When the festivities end, author Rachel Hochhauser turns the Cinderella fairy tale on its head and gives us a fresh storyline.

I had not expected to love this book. Typically, I read taut thrillers and the occasional romance or women’s fiction novel. When the invitation to read Lady Tremaine arrived in my inbox, I hesitated. But the gorgeous cover art lured me, and the change of pace tempted. After reading the book description, I accepted. What followed were hours of insightful, pleasant reading. Lady Tremaine is highly recommended. Don’t miss this one!

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7984221136

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F5PC98JW