I have previously reviewed this book but I wanted to add a bit more since I have had the pleasure of listening to the audio. When you find a gifted person who can bring a story to life by their voice you know that it is going to be special. I knew what the story was about, but to hear Christa narrate it made it even more spectacular. She has this special talent to grab readers attention with her smooth voice and make each character distinctive.
Let’s journey back to the 1920’s as the author pens a retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales. I could see the movie theater as actors were greeted with smiles and adorations. The cigarillo girls parading up and down the aisles with candy and cigarettes were fun to read about. It is hard to think about a time where someone would bring you refreshments as you sat in your seat ready for the picture to begin.
I began to wonder with the mystery taking center stage how the story of Cinderella would tie in. Oh but I needed not to wait long as the author crafts a web of twists that feature a shoe and a young woman who learns to believe in herself. Cinda finds herself behind bars and trapped as she tries to prove her innocence. Here is where I started piecing together fairy tale and story as I remembered Cinda’s landlord. Oh what an evil woman she was trying to get favors for the other girls by having Cinda do something that would get her in trouble.
I loved how the author made the story historically accurate with her intensive research and details. It is easy to place yourself there as the murders were committed and the chaos that followed. I really tried to figure who the guilty person was and why they did it but was unable too. The author gives us a twist on a fairy tale in a very clever way with mystery, danger and characters that come to life. As I finished the book I thought about what the story meant to me. I witnessed people idolizing others and belittling those who seemed not as important. However the best lesson I received was how faith can give us hope. He sees past our imperfections and lovingly gives us grace.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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Cinderella set to the backdrop of early Hollywood cinemas - Perfect
So, I regret to inform readers that it has been a long time since I’ve read a Chautona Havig book. *Gasp* I know, I know. I have failed. But let me say this, I am glad I snatched up this one and I was reminded why I love her work so much.For starters, this fairytale retelling of Cinderella set to the backdrop of early Hollywood cinemas. Think Greta Garbo and early Clark Gable (pre-Gone With The Wind)–which was the best time in movie history. Everything was new and exciting and glamorous. It was also sketchy a filled with all sorts of backdoor dealing that could make ones’ skin crawl, but I digress.The Last Gasp (what they used to call cigarettes) is a blessed torture of who-done-it and will-she-ever as murder knocks on the front door of a superstar and his girl. I love their tender affections for each other. He is trying to figure out how to make a good life and follow the calling God placed on his heart. She is unsure about some things, while determined and focused on others. Together, they are a beautiful mess and I love it.The character I was really digging on was Mrs. Cohan – that woman has some sass and it was fun to read her. She definitely added some punch to the story. I pictured a younger version of my own grandma as neither woman had no issue saying what she thought, whether people l liked it or not.I also enjoyed the twist on the Cinderella part. Yes, there are “step-family” like characters, but they take it to a whole new level of evil.Listen- just get the book. It will be the perfect read for this end of summer relaxation, maybe once the kids are at school. Chautona writes in a way that is simple and pleasant all the way through.***I was given a copy from the publisher. All views are my own and a positive review was not required.
