Cover Image: The Cracked Slipper

The Cracked Slipper

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Member Reviews

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

4 star review!

I loved this fairytale retelling of cinderella, the story was well written and made easy reading, and was pleasantly surprised by this book as I am not usually a fan of retellings! This book gives the vantage point of what happens when cinderella goes off in the carriage with the prince with cinderellas point of view written as Eleanor Brice and the Prince as Carthean Prince Gregory.
I look forward to reading the other 2 books in this trilogy!

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I'm a fan of fairytale retellings which is why I requested this book on NetGalley all those years ago. A story where Cinderella has to deal with life after she marries the prince? It sounded like it could be thoughtful and fun.
Well, it was depressing more than anything and did not have a fairytale feeling at all. It just wasn't what I thought it was, so I ended up just stoping, never wanting to get back to it.
I'm just going to mark this as DNF and move on to other more cheerful things.

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An interesting series opener - it's full of content and story. A little bit basic in the writing style but ultimately, enjoyable. The Cracked Slipper is the story of what happens after the fairytale (only darker), which was such a refreshing take - it really kept me reading. I wanted an easy read and I got it. I will look to continue the books.

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All sorts of new versions of well-known fairy tales have been written, and they will continue to be written. This story is a remake of Cinderella, which does not update the well known fairy tale itself, but fantasizes about how the story could go on after The Happily Ever After is read and the children have fallen asleep.
The heroine of this story, Eleanor, has agreed to marry Prince Gregor at an autumn ball, but during those few weeks while she waits for her wedding, she realizes that although she has escaped the grip of her wicked stepmother, her charming prince is a drinker and womanizer, and he does not really care that his bride is educated and wants to know everything about the rule of the kingdom. In addition, Eleanor meets her fiancé's best friend Dorian and realizes that if Dorian had been at the autumn ball, she wouldn't have said yes to Gregor. Dorian appreciates Eleanor's interest in studying and spends all his free time with her in the library, trying to deceive himself that he's not in love with his best friend's bride.
After the wedding starts the everyday life in which everyone will be disappointed. And although they try to take the best out of the life given to them, they themselves and the wicked courtiers do all they can to spoil the smooth running of life.
In itself, it is an interesting idea to move on with the fantasy from the moment the fairy tale ends, adding unicorns and dragons and witches and wizards. However, the interesting disappears from this story when one no longer understands what is the purpose of this story. In a way I got some explanation from closing remarks, which say that the author was inspired to write this after her own failed marriage and complicated divorce, but that can't be the only reason to write this magical fantasy.
This was a strange story.

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Dnf @10%

I think this one would be a real winner for some readers, but unfortunately it just didn't grab me.

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This retelling of Cinderella with a twist was good, but not the best. I'm not usually into reading retellings, but figured I'd give this one a try. I wouldn't read it again, but it wasn't a horrible read.

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I love fairytale retellings and this one was no exception. Was it perfect? No. It was fun and thats what I enjoyed. If you're looking for a Cinderella reimagining, this is it!

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i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the fairy tale elements. It made me excited to read the next books in the series.

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Fun twist on a classic fairy-tale including intrigue, scandal, magic, and unicorns. This story picks up where the happily ever after leaves off. The night before the wedding Eleanor discovers that her Prince isn't so charming after all. After his multiple infidelities, she becomes more disillusioned by her new husband Gregory and closer to his best friend Dorian. Becoming her rescuer and champion against the court gossips only makes her long even more for a love that can never be. But when an important artifact critical to the survival of the kingdom turns up missing, Eleanor is the number one suspect and must prove her innocence to save her own life.
I just love that Prince Charming isn't all he's cracked up to be in this retelling. Eleanor becomes a strong woman able to defend her own self. I'm so excited to read the sequel that sitting in my to read file! Can't wait to find out what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Good story based on Cinderella. What I liked about the book is the fact that the author made me engage in the plot. The writing and magic if the book made me enjoy it that much better. Rating solid 4.5 stars.

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This is the story of what happens after Cinderella and the Prince get together. I was intrigued with this because it did not go where I expected it to go. The ending seemed abrupt. I would have liked more.
Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.

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This book feels like it would fit right in with the writings of 2009. I feel awful saying this, but the only reason I continued reading this and wanted to read the second book was to see if either one of these would happen: 1) Eleanor and Dorian get together or 2) Prince Gregory dies. Sadly, neither happened at the end of the first book.
It felt like the author did not put a lot of imagination into the book, especially with some of the places from the book like Redwine Falls because the water looks like red wine. The conflicts felt like they were there for the sake of having conflicts and had me groaning most of the time.

2 out of 5 stars.

If you would like to read the rest of my review, you can see it on my blog here https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.

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An interesting premise - as a fan of Disney and fairy tales, I was excited to read this book. For me, the characters felt a little one dimensional and the plot was a little lacking - I think I simply expected more. This was however, an enjoyable read but I feel like it could definitely have been pushed more.

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I loved the premise of this book but had a little trouble getting into the story and the characters. Just not my style I guess

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I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

4.5 star review!

I do wish we could give half stars on goodreads and other review platforms as this book is so worthy of that half star!
I've always loved fairytales and as an adult I enjoy retellings too. This is an amazing book full of jealousy, passion, love, magic, a love triangle, friendship, trust, and so much more. Eleanor is such an endearing character and my heart goes out to her so much! Any retellings fan must read this book!!!
This is part of a series spinning on from the Cinderella fairy tale. I cant wait to read what happens next in book 2.

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All of my life, Cinderella (alongside Snow White) has been my least favorite Disney princess. I always had zero tolerance for damsels in distress, whether fictional ole real. And this is why I thoroughly enjoyed The Cracked Slipper. Even though stringy inspired by Cinderella, Eleanore Brice Desmarais is nothing like her; she is an educated, smart, strong, wilful, ponderous, intimating and logical woman, who never relied on her physical attributes to go up the social ladder or to get anything she wanted.

She married Gregory, Prince of the Kingdom of Cartheigh, after both fell in love with each other at that famous ball. Pure infatuation. But Gregory’s childish, spoiled-rotten personality quickly made Eleanore fall out of love with him. And that’s when the story get interesting ;-)

I highly recommend this to any Historical Fiction fans like me, The story has meat, and it’s not your typical subdued princess. Eleanore has personality and opinions which makes you so want to cheer for her. Great read!

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Thank you to Netgalley, Stephanie Alexander and Books Go Social for my arc of The Cracked Slipper in exchange for an honest review. 


Synopsis: A retelling of the Cinderella story finds Eleanor Brice winning the heart of the Handsome Prince, Gregory Desmarais. But things are not as they should be for the happy couple. Eleanor who has spent her time learning, educating herself and being confident and outspoken outside of her time of drudgery and cleaning, finds that in Eclatant Palace women should be seen and not heard. Plus there's the matter of her new princely husband being unable to stick to his marriage vows, keep a hold on his temper or know when it's a good idea to stop drinking. And Eleanor has a new and dangerous love interest of her own. When a terrible magical crime is committed falsely accused Eleanor is dragged into the whole sorry mess with seemingly no way out...

Ok, so I had absolutely no expectations from this book, in fact that's a lie. I expected to start it and no finish it because it was originally published in 2012 and I've never heard anyone mention it. But that is such a huge shame because this was a great book! I really enjoyed it and trust me with my aversion to most fairytale retellings nobody was more surprised about that than me! So basically now I'm just going to rave about how much I loved this book!

This book encompasses exactly what a good fairytale retelling should be. While keeping its base in the fairytale itself, Stephanie Alexander goes on to produce a work all of her own with fantastic world building, great characters and an interesting storyline. I love that Eleanor is outspoken, educated and determined, she's fierce and doesn't let anyone try and 'put her in her place' which I really liked about her. Dorian is another great character with lots of depth to him, and even the 'bad guys' are done well. Gregory is the perfect grey character with his terrible ways but occasional insights into his struggle as crown prince and all the pressure that comes with it. Imogen and Sylvia (stepmother and stepsister) are exactly the kind of mean girls we all love to hate.

I liked the world, I won't go into too much to make it spoiler-y but there's a wonderfully sarcastic talking parrot who delivers some great one liners

Plus there's talking unicorns and there's dragons and there's the framework that's been laid for the perfect story leaving enough intrigue that I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

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Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy in return for my honest review. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I loved the premise and as I love Kate Forsyth books such as Bitter Greens, I was hoping this would love this book. I wasn't able to connect with any of the characters and as such, I didn't care about Cinderella's happy ever after.

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Thank you NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Cracked Slipper
By: Stephanie Alexander


*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟
The Cracked Slipper is a cracked story answering the question of "then what?". This case, specifically speaking of Cinderella, and her happy or not so happy after the ball, the engagement, the glitz and glamour are gone, does Cinderella live in eternal bliss? Well, no. Prince Charming is not so charming once his shine turns dull. In fact, he might be the wrong guy, but Cinderella has made her choice already. I found this story a bit sad overall, and it's not my favorite retelling. It's very unique, and asks an excellent question. I'm just not fond of the answer. Still, fans of retelling will be interested in reading this one.

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Not quite sure to be honest. Cinderella after her ever after. The jury’s still out nd I’m yet to make my mind up whether I enjoyed it or not

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