About the Book
Author: Hannah Joy Smith
Genre: Christian Fairy Tale
Release Date: June 23, 2022
The worst possible thing has happened. Priscilla’s sister has become the new duchess. Now, their mother holds Cenerentola’s success as the measuring stick that Priscilla can never live up to. All Priscilla wants is to escape the criticism that comes from living in Cenerentola’s shadow. Taking matters into her own hands, Priscilla hastily agrees to a marriage of convenience to Pietro, the baker.
Pietro treats her differently than she has been taught to expect as the family imbecile. While it is easier to hide her illiteracy and innumeracy in this lower class, adjusting to life as a tradesman’s wife is more difficult than Priscilla bargained for. She is willing to make the best of her situation, but the new duchess is intent on meddling with her life.
What will it take for Priscilla to escape from her sister’s influence? How long can she hide from the past that haunts her? Does she even need to?
Pietro treats her differently than she has been taught to expect as the family imbecile. While it is easier to hide her illiteracy and innumeracy in this lower class, adjusting to life as a tradesman’s wife is more difficult than Priscilla bargained for. She is willing to make the best of her situation, but the new duchess is intent on meddling with her life.
What will it take for Priscilla to escape from her sister’s influence? How long can she hide from the past that haunts her? Does she even need to?
My Thoughts
This story gave me Ever After vibes all the way, so much so that I had to rewatch it! Have you ever seen that version of Cinderella? You definitely should if you haven't! Now this did have a twist! It is not a fairy tale retelling but rather instead of Cinderella the author has written about one of the step sisters. In this story we follow Priscilla one of the "evil" stepsisters which wasn't so evil. I truly felt bad for her. She truly grew up in what I would consider and emotional abusive home. Her mother, the wicked step-mother, was truly wicked. She not only mistreated Cinderella but more so Priscilla. She clouded her mind towards her step-sister and made her feel inferior and worthless about herself.
Priscilla definitely questioned herself throughout the story and always wondered if she too could have a happy ending. I LOVED Pietro!! (Definitely reminded you of another certain adorable baker... Hunger Games anyone?) Anyways, Pietro was the perfect addition to Priscilla's life. Despite her marriage to him being one of convenience, through him she learned what it was like to be truly loved and how to love. How to forgive and be forgiven and ultimately how to truly have faith and walk a Godly life.
I am not going to give you all the details of this story but I will say Hannah Joy Smith did a great job at her debut novel. The one little thing I would change and truly is nothing major and totally a technical thing in the writing and nothing to do with the actual story itself... but the parts where Priscilla is remembering the past kind of ran into each other in the story. I know it was in italics but I wish there would've been some sort of physical break in the wording so we could truly tell that she was going back in time in her mind. But other than that the story was quite lovely and I definitely recommend you read it as well!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Hannah Joy Smith studied at Briercrest College and Seminary, receiving a degree in Psychology and a minor in Biblical Studies. Hannah loves her work where she does therapy with children who have disabilities. She lives in northern Alberta with her husband and their cat, Hermione. To learn more about her and her writing visit authorhannahjoysmith.wixsite.com/facingwritersblog
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