Cinder
(Fractured Fairy Tales #2)
by J. E. Taylor (2018)

Elle must escape a life of despair to find magic in a Prince’s arms.

Elle Seeley’s world turns upside down when her mother passes unexpectedly. Her father brings her into his business, teaching her the art of negotiation in the marketplace and how to defend herself against attack.

Well, obviously this is a new take on Cinderella. Told from her point of view; her mother dies, then her father leaving her with a step-mother. It’s unfortunate that the author had to resort to making the step-mother such an evil vilian. Having some subtlety (or a backstory) would have provided a more interesting story.

Of course Cinderella is still obsessed with the prince, and this would surely lead to a very dysfunctional relationship, as explained in Cinema Therapy:

But ultimately the good must prevail and vanquish the evil. This leads to a predictable ending. Even when there is the hint for a nice twist at the end. Because of this, not as good as the first.