Lady Tremaine: Reese’s Book Club Pick (A Novel)

Excuse me while I take a sidestep away from the popular crowd once again. This book was just okay for me. I enjoyed the idea of it, the concept, the intention. I liked that Lady Tremaine was something of a nonconformist, though I wish she’d spent more time actually trying to be independent instead of relying on staff for her every need while actively seeking ways to get a man to take care of her financially. Pacing was exceedingly slow, with long flashbacks to past events and an excessive amount of unnecessary detail. Then the final third of the book turned into something else entirely. Everything happened at once here, with little lead up and very little exploration of sensitive issues. Then we get a neat bow at the end, which didn’t work well for me. The audiobook is really well done. Bessie Carter’s narration captured the essence of the characters and kept me entertained. *Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook download!*

Many of us know the tale of Cinderella and her upbringing. An evil stepmother and her two daughters, but what if there was another side to the story? What if there was so much more to Lady Tremaine? Was she really a villain or was she a struggling mother trying to take care of her family? Twice widowed, Ethel is left to care for her two daughters, her step-daughter Elin, and an estate that is falling apart but one she cannot leave. She does all that she can to ensure her children do not suffer, even Elin. Capturing the eye of the prince would be a saving grace for them, financial stability and a need to no longer worry about her daughter futures. But what would it cost them? I found this retelling to be so addictive and I honestly couldn’t put it down. The writing was beautiful, the plot was solid, and there was so much depth to this story. And I’ve recently learned that this was a debut?!! Absolutely incredible. Ethel’s side of the story is emotional and a far darker version. And Elin? This girl was unwilling and anything that was asked of her, she found was beneath her. Needless to say, I was not a fan of her. Yet, given her attitude, Ethel was patient and kind to her. I honestly have so many things I loved about this book, but I’m afraid to give too many details in risk of spoiling anything. I went into this one with no more than the knowledge of the blurb and I think that is the best way to do it! And for the audio? 10/10. This was performed by Bessie Carter and I was immediately pulled in within the first five minutes. The tone, the energy, the pacing, the emotional delivery? It was absolutely amazing. If you have the opportunity to do an immersive read with the audio, I highly recommend it!! Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for an ALC 🩷

Loved this one. 5 stars for the ending. I wanted a fairy tale happily ever after. Audio Book was beautifully read.