Sunday, January 23, 2011

BW4: C is for Cinders

Cinders by Michelle Davidson Argyle
Have you ever wondered what happens after the "they lived happily ever after" part in fairy tales. Do they live happily ever after?   Is life care free and simple without any problems or worries?   Michelle Davidson Argyle explores that in her debut novella which continues Cinderella's story in "Cinders"

Back cover:  "Cinderella's happily ever after isn't turning out the way she expected. With her fairy godmother imprisoned in the castle and a mysterious stranger haunting her dreams, Cinderella is on her own to discover true love untainted by magic."

When Cinderella married the prince, he saved her from her stepmother and stepsisters and a life of drudgery.  However, the glow of her new life soon begins to wear off.   She had gotten what she wanted, so why wasn't she happy.   She began to wonder...  Does he really love her?  Would he love her without the enchantment spell?  Does she love him even though all she can think about is another. Life in the castle isn't always pleasant. She is determined to break the spell, but when she does, can she live with the unexpected consequences?

Michelle does an excellent job of wrapping a spell around you as you read the story and stays with you long after you've finished it.   I ended up reading it in one sitting, mulling over it for a while, then going back and rereading the last two chapters. Cinderella's story leaves an impression and is actually a bit unsettling.  It makes you think and leaves you wanting more.

Which is actually a good thing.    Michelle recently signed with Rhemalda publishing and will have two more novella coming out along the same lines as Cinders:  Thirds which will be a re-imagining of Grimm's fairy Tale "One Eye, Two Eyes, Three Eyes and Scales, a fairy tale prequel to Sleeping Beauty.    In September, her first novel "Monarch" will be released which I had the pleasure of beta reading during its first stages.  

Michelle is one of the many blogging authors I've follow and is one person I can say I knew her when.  She's a rising star so be sure to keep your eyes on her and check out Cinders.  I highly recommend it.    Check out her website for more information and her blog The Innocent Flower in which she talks about all things book related.  

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8 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this, Robin! This made my day. :)

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  2. So far I have read The Atonement Child and Her Mother's Hope, both by Francine Rivers and both much enjoyed.

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  3. Hey, everyone who is doing the "read around the world" challenge--I just made a google map of my books! Totally fun! Anyone else want to do it?

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  4. I love rewritten fairy-tales. I'll have to check this one out.

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  5. This sounds like a great read! Just added to my list.

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  6. Just found this and am planning to "catch up" on January reads and reviews and the move on with just one a week. I tend to read non-fiction and home, kid, education related stuff. Hope that's okay.

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  7. @Michelle - you are so very welcome

    @Lifeupyourheart - love Francine Rivers

    @Jean - that is so cool. Will have to try it.

    @Kaye - you'll be glad you did.

    @Kim - great

    @Martianne - Welcome to the challenge and whatever you choose to read is great.

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  8. Here is my linky for week 4. I forgot to come over here and put it up.

    My Gift To You

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Thank you for your kind comments.