Review: All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella’s Stepmother

All the Ever Afters: The Untold Story of Cinderella’s Stepmother by Danielle Teller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow and Danielle Teller for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 3.5 stars

There are always two sides to every story and “All The Ever Afters” wants you to hear Cinderella’s evil stepmother’s perspective. Was she always evil? If not, what could have made her that way? Time to hear the tale that leads from Agnes Vil-de-Loup’s early life until her happily ever after.

We are first introduced to young Agnes at the age of nine when she is sent off to work in the laundry. Even from a young age, we can see that Agnes keeps a sharp eye out for any opportunity to improve her situation. While at the manor she is given the task of cleaning up the master, as he is nothing more than a drunken slob. She manages to make an impression on Sir Emont. How fortuitous that after her first husband dies, she manages to come under his care again and become a nurse to his young daughter. How fortuitous a second time that after his wife dies, Agnes has made herself so indispensable that he cannot do without her and is cajoled into marrying her.

From laundry girl to owning an alehouse to marrying a highborn, Agnes had a knack for improving every situation she found herself in. True, she was hard working and cannot be blamed for trying to elevate her station in life. At this time, being a female meant that you had no agency and she was often at the mercy of men or those above her. Several times she was stripped of everything she had worked for and had to find the strength to get back up again and make a better life for herself and her daughters. But don’t be fooled, she has a mean streak. If you come for what’s hers, be sure that she will take vengeance.

I really enjoyed the first part of this novel. The premise that the tale of Cinderella that you have heard all these years is simply gossip, with facts exaggerated and embellished upon each telling, is delicious food for thought. Was Ella simply a spoiled brat? I love turning things on their head and examining it through a different lens. What if Charlotte, just by having darker skin, was not ugly but simply a victim of racism. There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t understand being held to an unattainable standard of beauty. If Matilda was scarred, would she not seem ugly and scary to some children. And really, is anyone sawing off toes to fit into shoes?

Danielle Teller had me for most of this journey, but there was a noticeable lag halfway through the novel. Although beautifully written, with descriptive and detailed language, somehow the emotion and investment in the characters was lost. I found myself flipping through each page, not eagerly, but rather just to get to the end. I noticed that I wasn’t rooting for Agnes anymore and found the tone changed. I wasn’t buying into Agnes’ perspective. It made me feel like I was reading someone’s journal who wrote it with the idea in mind that someone was going to read it and they wanted to be shown in the best light possible. It made me shift back to believing that the original story of Cinderella was probably true.

I will finish off with a warning that there were some scenes that had mature sexual content. They were in no way offensive and very appropriate to the story, but I was thinking that I would use this in my classroom. I do a fairy tale unit and often do it in a way that challenges the way we think and encourages the students to explore different perspectives from the various characters in the tales. So I only mention it because in my school, it wouldn’t be appropriate. That being said, there are parts that I would love to use as a jumping off point, I’m just not sure how to do it without referencing the text.

Overall, I found this book enjoyable. It was original in thought and made you think outside the box. Rather than relying on magic and fairy godmothers, you are presented with a story of a real woman who has lived a full, if not trying life and came out the other side. Teller has a gift with words, her writing is beautiful. She subtlety and thoughtfully comments on important issues like class, racism, feminism and others. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Does Agnes get her happily ever after? Well, you will just have to read the book to find out!


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Review: The Wife Between Us

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and the authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A jealous first wife. Drinking to excess, fired from her job, she lashes out to those who are only trying to help her. The ex-husband, who is just trying to move on. The new fiancee, marrying the man of her dreams. The prologue reveals the first wife hiding in the shadows, stalking the fiancee. The blurb tells you to assume nothing and even though you know this, try as you might, you will still make assumptions. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you the plot. I will screw it up - I just know it. Even if I try my hardest, something might slip and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. Just do yourself a favour, pick this one up and enjoy.

This was brilliant! I loved every second of this novel. I enjoyed the ride immensely, trying to figure out what was going to happen. It had a “couldn’t put it down” quality and was filled with twists and turns. So smart and so well done. The ending was so exciting and didn’t disappoint. I was invested in the characters and cared about what was happening. I tried to be cynical and say, okay, no one Is what they seem, you know there are”big twists”, just figure out whatever they are setting up and it will be the opposite. I mean, I’m not stupid, I read books, there are no new ideas. But, I have to say, it was fresh and I loved it.

So enjoyable, so much fun. A psychological thriller with enough substance that puts it a head above the rest. Come on - read it already so we can talk about it!

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Review: What Should Be Wild

What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper and Julia Fine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A young girl grows up without ever having held someone’s hand or received the comfort of a hug. She has a strange, magical ability whereby the tiniest brush against her skin causes death or gives life. Her father, Peter, has kept her isolated on his deceased wife’s estate. He is afraid of Maisie’s powers and makes sure that she abides by a strict set of rules, including never to touch a living thing. After all, she killed her own mother in utero. Peter is a scientist and conducts many experiments on Maisie growing up, trying to understand her powers. While he keeps her identity a secret, he has written many academic papers on his daughter’s abilities. Maisie knows how dangerous she can be but assumes all children are born this way and one day, she will grow out of it. After all, grown ups can touch each other without any sort of consequence. Until, one day, she discovers that she alone is different and Maisie begins to question whether or not she is special, or is she indeed, cursed. She begins to rebel and one day breaks one of her father’s strictest rule about not entering the surrounding forest.

Maisie’s maternal line is filled with tragedy. We learn, through alternating chapters, that some of her ancestors are trapped in the forest that surrounds the estate. Each has their own story that has led them to live out their days in this alternate forest, where time stands still. Maisie has grown up hearing the folk tales of what has happened to people who have not heeded the warning to stay out of the forest. But one day, while trying to get home, she stumbles into this strange place. She knows she is somewhere different because she can touch anything and no harm comes to it. She hugs trees and keeps a blade of grass as proof that she is not dreaming. She is startled to see a girl who could be her twin, except for her black eyes and a dark aura about her. After what seems like a few hours, Maisie returns home, only to discover that she has been gone for three days. Her father is missing and Maisie is convinced he has gone looking for her and is somehow trapped in the forest. She goes through Peter’s notes hoping to find a clue as to how to find him, not having any idea how to reenter this alternate forest. A handsome stranger approaches Maisie, announcing himself as a colleague of Peter’s, and offers to help Maisie locate her father. Maisie will need the help of her ancestors, a book of magic and lots of courage to help her solve this mystery.

Be prepared, if you are to read this book. This is not just some dark fairy tale with some magical fantasy thrown in. This story definitely has some horror elements to it that I was not expecting. It seemed to come out of nowhere and I was turned off by the gore and level of violence. Don’t get me wrong - I love a good horror novel. I’m just unconvinced that it was a necessary element to the story telling. I felt that this book was trying to be too many things and I wish it had stayed true to its roots of how the story was set up in the first half of the novel. It was compelling and interesting just figuring out why Maisie had that power, how her ancestors were connected and I didn’t mind the dash of romance thrown in for good measure. Also, because there were so many elements to the story, many things that were set up were not answered. I don’t want to get into specifics so as to not reveal ANY spoilers, but there were fundamental plot lines that were just left hanging, not explained or just resolved so quickly that it was disappointing. Why take the time to set these things up if they are not going to be revealed.

I know many people loved this book and some of my dislike could be a just “not for me” situation. It was an enjoyable read just not without some issues.

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Review: The Beautiful Ones

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Dunne Books and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you are in the mood for a love story that takes its time to unfold, characters who dance before your eyes, the evil, the innocent and the lost souls, magicians and those with magical powers and ahhh the power of love, then read this book!

Imagine France, during the Belle Epoque. Grand balls, beautiful gowns, debutantes and their suitors set the stage for this love story. Antonina (Nina for short) is not your typical debutante dreaming of fancy dresses, jewels, gossiping with her girlfriends or waiting to fall in love with a handsome beau. She doesn’t care about learning how to needlepoint and rejects the rules of society that dictate how a young girl how she should behave. She loves to explore the outdoors, want to learn about science and oh yes, there is this small matter of her magical powers that she has not yet learned to control. In her small town, Nina’s reputation for being odd has already spread, damaging her chances for a good marriage. So, Nina is sent to Loisail to live with her cousin Gaetan and his wife Valerie, where she might have better luck.

Hector is a magician whose talents are unparalleled. His shows are sold out to packed houses, with audiences marvelling at his abilities. Hector and Nina meet and Nina convinces Hector to teach her how to control her telekinesis. Of course Nina falls for Hector but Hector is keeping a secret. The only reason he returned to Loisail was to see Valerie. Valerie was Hector’s first love and she broke his heart. Although Valerie’s beauty is unparalleled, the years haven’t been kind to her. She is a hard bitter woman whom no one or nothing can please. Valerie will do everything in her power to destroy the romance between Hector and NIna, refusing to let him go and love another. Can Hector move on from Valerie? Will Nina still love him after she learns the truth?

This is not a book that you race through, quickly turning page after page to see what happens next. This a novel to be savoured. The way Garcia writes you don’t want to rush, you want to experience it all including the setting and the complex characters. Valerie is deliciously evil and Nina is not a sickly-sweet, helpless character in contrast, but richly drawn in her own right. You feel for Hector because his love for Valerie is pure and he gave of himself fully but he was left broken for so many years.

I enjoyed this novel immensely and found myself wanting to go back in time to drop in and visit with these characters and spend more time in this world that Garcia created.

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Review: Surface Tension

Surface Tension by Mike Mullin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Tanglewood and Mike Mullin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing that Jake loves more than riding his bike. He is addicted to the speed, banking around tight turns and the feel of the wind in his face. He not only loves to ride, but to race and not only to race, but to win. He needs to win enough races so that the USA team will make him an offer to join them. Jake trains very hard and today he is annoyed that a whole bunch of tanker trucks are lined up along his special route. Jake hears the roar of a plane overhead and all of a sudden, he witnesses the trucks opening up in unison when this horrid smell causes Jake to throw up and smash into one of the open trucks. He finds himself in the front seat of a pickup truck, with two men who, instead of helping him, are trying to kill him. Next, Jake wakes up in the hospital and discovers that along with his other injuries, he has undergone brain surgery. He doesn’t remember anyone, including his own mother and has no recollection of his life, including the day of the accident.

Betsy is 17, the same age as Jake, and lives with her father. Her mother left the family a long time ago when her father was becoming radicalized. Betsy was involved in helping bring down Flight 117 but her goal is to become the first full fledged member of the organization. But she needs to complete one more task before that can happen. It is something her father has been training her for her whole life. She just has to kill Jake.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It was exciting and there was lots of fast paced action and Mullin did a great job with the writing. We know that there is some sort of terrorist group whose members speak Arabic and dress up as Muslims, but are just trying to place the blame of the attack onto Muslims. You always had enough information to be interested in the mystery, without the author giving too much away. The story is told in the style of alternating chapters between Jake and Betsy’s point of view and I found that it worked really well. The characters were well developed and you were invested in their well being.

And then, about two thirds of the way through, the book took a sudden shift. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers but the whole thing just became so unrealistic. The actions didn’t seem true to character, there were too many unbelievable things happening, almost like the author decided that the storyline wasn’t enough and he had to add in a bunch of extra stuff in to keep it exciting. I didn’t really respond to the ending and how the whole storyline resolved itself.

Overall I enjoyed the book, except for the wild turn and some parts of the ending. I think that YA’s might enjoy it. One thing I got out of it - Jake made me take out my bike and go for a spin!

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Review: You May Already Be a Winner

You May Already Be a Winner by Ann Dee Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank You to Netgalley, Penguin Random House and Ann Dee Ellis for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Do you remember when you were a little kid and you would live in half reality/half fantasy. Your parents are yelling at you and your mind has already taken off, adding all kinds of imaginary events onto what is really happening. I used to do it all the time. I was a perpetual day dreamer, often lost in thought, so I immediately related to Olivia, the main character in “You May Already Be A Winner”.

But Olivia is a way cooler chick than me. She has a ton of real life responsibilities, more than any kid her age. Her Dad has left her Mom and rumour has it that he left her for another woman. Her mom is barely functioning and has pulled Olivia out of school to watch her little sister Berkeley because Mom can’t afford daycare. Between household chores, cooking dinner and baby-sitting Berkeley, who can blame Olivia for a little day dreaming? Her favourite shows are Iron Chef and Fixer Upper, but she doesn’t spend all day watching TV. She makes sure to get books and workbooks from the library so she and her sister can keep learning. I love that Olivia has her day organized like a school day with lists of what “subject” is scheduled when. She would make a great teacher when she grows up! But what Olivia makes sure to do every day is to enter contests. Any kind of contest that she can find on the computer. She wants to win enough money so her mom can quit her job, she can get a phone, they can live in a real house and most importantly maybe their dad would come back home.

Then, along comes Bart, a boy her age who doesn’t go to school and works for the FBI. He is on a secret mission. Well, probably not the truth when she sees him at school, discovers his name is not Bart and he doesn’t work for the FBI. But she really likes him.

I think this would be a great book for any child (of the appropriate age) to read. Some people found this so sad, heartbreaking, dark and a tear jerker, while I found it realistic. I have taught many a student in this situation, where they aren’t any parents at home and they are responsible for dinner and their siblings. Maybe not to the extent of Olivia’s situation, which is, let’s face it, a children’s services situation, but this is something they can relate to. Also, kids who don’t have a lot, having to go to school with kids who are more privileged, and navigating the social structures is again, something kids can relate to. I also think that it is good for kids who have enough, to read about someone who doesn’t and think about what that means and how their behaviour towards them matters. Kids are not as delicate as we think and can handle a book with serious issues. It has great messages just one being that asking for help is not a bad thing. Another, Olivia is a caretaker and puts the needs of her mom and sister above her own. She has to learn that her needs are important and making sure that she takes care of herself is a great lesson that many adults need to learn. I mean the whole mindfulness movement has become an industry because people are learning that self care matters.

Ellis is engaging and manages to speak to these issues with humour and without the preachiness that children’s books often have. It would be a great book to read with any classroom of kids as part of the curriculum. It is also a touching, meaningful, fun, and engaging book that anyone should read!

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Review: Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure

Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bachelor Nation

Well, this was okay, I mean I just was expecting so much more. I admit it. I wanted the trash, the dirt, the inside scoop. Instead Amy Kaufman took a much higher road. Was it because she didn’t have it? I mean, she mentions all the interviews she requested but didn’t get. Or, was it simply that she can’t betray too much because, let’s face it, she will lose whatever status she has worked so hard to regain since the Bachelor machine kicked her out.

I still gave it 3 stars - I almost went with 2.5 but I couldn’t do it. That’s because it is well written and she takes an honest approach. She outlines the whole history of how “The Bachelor” came about, including other related dating shows, their hosts and creators, I mean back to “The Dating Game”. I was bored and wanted to get to the juicy stuff. Now she did outline If you watch the show “Unreal” (and you should!) the comparisons are amazing. She describes the real life situation, I could see the characters in the show dancing before my eyes. So fun!

Unless you are so far gone into the fantasy of the show, most of what Kaufman reveals you could already have guessed. The casting, the editing, manipulation by producers, none of that was new information. We all know that a villain is created each season. Contestants are starved, plied with alcohol, bored out of their minds and open to suggestions from producers, who are trying to create dramatic TV. Kaufman also has her own agenda, which seems to be needing to get back into the Bachelor’s good graces, so the tell-all seems a little fake, or maybe light is a better word. She is their biggest fan, hosts Bachelor viewing parties and attends Bachelor events. Their is this second voice that comes through, almost as if she is writing with ABC as the reader. I get it, this is her livelihood and she enjoyed it and wants it back. I don’t really understand why she was blackballed in the first place. Many writers don’t portray it in the best light and I agree with her that it doesn’t affect viewership.

Interspersed between the chapters there are testimonials from famous people “confessing”how much they love watching The Bachelor. Each chapter reads the same as they state one cheesy reason after another as to their guilty pleasure.

It was an easy read, and if you are a fan you are going to want to read it. Just don’t expect too many “behind the scenes” details. Now that I think about it it reads like the show with empty promises when they say “after the break, the most dramatic (fill in the blank) ever”. After the break, ya, not so much. So the book keeps promising the goods but doesn’t deliver. Kaufman does relate her personal experiences with the show and does provide a comprehensive background and structure. To be fair, there are some details. Just not what I was hoping for.

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