Once upon a Shoe

A Cinderella Retelling (Once Upon a Story, Book 1)

By: A. R. Summers

Narrated by: Racquel Olea

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Magic shoes, family problems, and a midnight deadline.... How much do you really know about Cinderella’s fairytale?

Ella always knew she’d marry for love or not at all. She wanted nothing less in a marriage than the obvious affection she witnessed between her father and her stepmother, Iris. But when her father disappears and Iris sinks into depression, Ella cuts herself off from the rest of the world as she struggles with her own emotions, a disgruntled stepsister, and an overwhelming workload. Armed with a fragile hope, she must go to the royal ball to find her father. But a reunion with her childhood best friend threatens to shatter the walls she’s built around her heart.

Crown Prince Aeden always hated his status. He felt like social engagements and propriety were a waste of his time and energy, especially with girls who were just interested in a crown. One such confrontation with Ella led to the start of an unlikely friendship. Over time, Aeden realizes that his feelings for Ella have evolved into something more. But before he can tell her, tragedy strikes and Ella pushes him away. When he finally sees her, Aeden is determined to do whatever it takes to not lose her again. He must convince Ella that they are meant to be together before his time runs out.

Stepmothers aren’t always villains and princes aren’t always charming. With so much uncertainty, do they have what it takes to create a happy ending?

©2019 A. R. Summers (P)2019 A. R. Summers

Friends to Lovers Cinderella Story

I love the new take on Cinderella. Her prince charming is a childhood friend who happens to be the prince. She's the only girl, or anyone really, who sees him as who he is and hates spotlight as much as he does. It isn't until their teens that they realize they want more than friendship, but tragedy strikes, upending Ellas world.

I also love that the stepmother isn't cruel, thought the daughters most certainly are. She goes into a depreasive state, and Ella is worried that could be her future if she doesn't protect her heart.

The prince needa to marry, but Ella doesn't want to be the future queen. He'd do anything for her, even break tradition to wait for her, but for how long without losing the trust of his kingdom.

In a last ditch effort, he sends people out on a mission that could fix what has been broken.

I love that this book has traditional elements such as the lost shoe, fairy godmother, and death, but puts a twist on them all so that you know what's coming but not how. This book was funny and sad and unforgettable. The characters go through so much and the story covers several years. There's also mages and a glimpse into another deminsion that makes me want to read the next one. I listened to the audiobook version and enjoyed it

If you like fairytales with happy ever afters that take a while to get to and keep you rooting for it to happen, I highly recommend this one.