This is such a lovely retelling of Cinderella. It was sweet and charming and heartbreaking and just so so lovely. Instead of a doting father and a hateful stepmother, as the story is usually told, the infant Elya was dropped on the doorstep of her father and his wife. Her stepmother becomes her savior when she takes the infant in rather than sending her away. But she is still brought up to serve the family. What more could an illegitimate daughter hope for. She was fed, clothed, housed, had proper work. And she was thankful. But when she learns to write and sneaks away to store her thoughts in a journal, she is surprised to find someone writing her back. Someone who is concerned for her.

I love fairytales where the main characters have personality and agency. Especially stories like these in which the inner battle is just as important as the visible one. Does Elya deserve better? Of course, but what will it take for her to believe it?

Complete with a Charming prince, a fairy godmother, a ball that ends at midnight, and glass slippers, I recommend this wholesome story to anyone who loves fairy tales. ( )