Lady Tremaine

This is such a fun and imaginative read–I devoured it! It’s a retelling of Cinderella, through the eyes of her “wicked” stepmother, Ethel. Ethel, aka Lady Tremaine, aka Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley, is twice widowed and lives in a dilapidated old manor. She has her title, but that is about it. Responsible for her two daughters, a stepdaughter who rebuffs her every attempt at closeness, and a prickly old falcon . . . she must work hard to make ends meet (and attempt to keep up appearances). A royal ball offers to change everything for their family. Ethel must first secure an invite for her daughters (requiring a bit of groveling from her old frenemy, the queen). But after the ball, the story gets extra interesting: she discovers a horrible secret within the royal family and must warn her stepdaughter, Elin. I could not put it down. I thought it was so creative and unique and have been telling everyone I know that it is a must-read!