Lady Tremaine: A Novel
by Rachel Hochhauser

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

5 out of 5 fairies

Never thought I’d be sitting here, having compassion for someone who is usually the villain in the story. If you enjoyed the movie Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, then you are going to love this! It’s reminiscent of it in some ways, but completely its own in so many others. That movie is just the closest to the vibe I can think of, to try and convey what you’re getting into. Now, onto the review. I loved this book so much, and Lady Tremaine is such a determined, strong woman. She’s trapped in a world where men are the ones who matter, and she only wants to make sure those under her charge are taken care of. It means major sacrifices at home, being strict, and refusing to bow no matter the pressure from society and those she lives with. I’m a little torn over the new respect I have from her thanks to this book, and I absolutely love this! It takes true talent to make someone who is usually portrayed as a villain sympathetic, and Hochhauser hit it out of the park!

“A bold and beautifully written examination of a mother’s love told through the eyes of Cinderella’s ‘wicked’ stepmother.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Destined to be one of the biggest books of the year.” Glennon Doyle, #1 bestselling author of Untamed

“Splendid.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Breathtakingly beautiful.” Emilia Hart, bestselling author of Weyward

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