Summons to the Ball!

A pauper, a prince, a stepfamily, and  glass slippers . . . you don’t have to be a literature major to guess which story I’m alluding to here. Yet there could be many variables on the theme if one wanted to play around with it. And that’s exactly what Anne Elisabeth Stengl and Rooglewood Press did when they hosted a contest for five retellings of the classic tale of Cinderella.

Apparently the creative juices of Ms. Stengl don’t rest with fashioning the complex, beautiful worlds in her fantasy books. She’s also the brainchild behind this collection entitled Five Glass Slippers, as well as the editor of the book. One of the contest winners, Clara Diane Thompson, who was kind enough to do an author interview with me on her blog, asked if I might read an advanced copy of her debut story, The Moon Master’s Ball, which meant I had a sneak peek of the entire book, including Clara’s first published novella! How could I refuse? Below is the review as I posted it on Amazon.     

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“Five Glass Slippers” from Rooglewood Press delivers the epitome of Cinderella within five diverse, imaginative stories. What a fun romp of a read it was to revisit the basic elements that make Cinderella, well, Cinderella. 

From fairy godmothers (and sometimes godfathers), to cinder girls (an occupation that found many facets), to glass slippers (gotta have those, right?), the five tales conjured up for readers in “Five Glass Slippers” are sure to enchant!

The book reflects five winners of a contest to retell the classic fairytale, using as many elements from the story as possible. Some of the retellings were more recognizable than others, but all were inventive and fresh. I found myself amazed at how God can gift so many with the ability to write, yet not one author creates quite like another. 

“What Eyes Can See,” by Elisabeth Brown was the romance of the group. A reluctant beauty, “Arella” (this story’s Cinderella character) doesn’t want to go to the ball, despite the caring concern from her loving stepmother and stepsisters. Of course, the prince only has eyes for Arella, despite her lack of interest in him. Definitely a complication. Though a bit slow for my liking, the story still had many surprises and sweet moments. I’m a fan of a great ending sentence, and “What Eyes Can See,” would take the prize for a terrifically satisfying conclusion among all the others. 

“Broken Glass,” by Emma Clifton won me over with it’s charming wit. The characters are very distinct and quite hilarious. Three brothers, all princes, have a unique way of relating to one another as well as to the females of the story. One shall inherit the throne, one wants to take the throne, the other is unsure of himself and his place in the royal pecking order. I loved the sarcasm and banter that peppered this tale. It is a creative and roundabout Cinderella, but it is Cinderella, nonetheless. 

“The Windy Side of Care,” drew me in and wrapped me in literary wow. Author Rachel Heffington can turn a phrase and paint a picture with words in ways that made me reread sentences because of their sheer beauty. “Alisandra” (the Cinderella of this story) is a strong, self-assured woman with an ambitious plan for her future—that does not include doting on her stepmother and stepsisters for the rest of her life. Compelling characters and shrewd descriptions made me an instant fan.

“A Cinder’s Tale,” surprised me with its otherworldly twist on the classic fairytale. “Off-world” is a better word choice, actually, as author Stephanie Ricker sets her story in outer space. Since sci-fi is not my genre of choice, I expected to plod through, obligingly. Instead I was treated to a warm cast of characters that I cared about and who’s out-of-this-world exploits were believable and engaging. I loved it!

Finally, “The Moon Master’s Ball,” by Clara Diane Thompson, dished up a more mysterious flare on the old favorite. Though most young ladies swoon at the chance to attend a ball, Tilly (Clara’s Cinderella) dreads going to the place that haunts her childhood memories. From talking rats to imprisoned princes, there’s darkness lurking in Tilly’s town and she seems to be the only one aware of it . . .

Intrigued? I hope you are. “Five Glass Slippers” is sure to offer a tantalizing twist to your preconceived notions of a Cinder girl, her fairy godmother, stepfamily, and the handsome prince! It was a pleasure to get a sneak peek of this book in exchange for my honest review.