How to Summon a Fairy Godmother
A Laugh-Out-Loud Fairytale What-If
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4.6 • 107 Ratings
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
If a fairy godmother can get one sister into a marriage, getting another out of one should be easy…
Lady Theodosia Balfour is screwed—with the Balfour estate on the verge of bankruptcy, and Theo’s royal stepsister spreading wicked rumors about her, Theo's only path forward seems to be a forced betrothal to a foul-tempered geezer who wishes only to use her as a brood mare.
Desperate for help, Theo clings to the only thing that might save her: the rumor of a fairy godmother. And after discovering a way to summon one, Theo thinks her prayers have been answered. But the fairy she meets isn't at all what she imagined. Drop-dead gorgeous and slightly devious, Cecily of the Ash Fairies is much more interested in smoking her pipe than providing charitable magic to humans. Now, Theo must prove she’s good to gain Cecily’s trust (and magic), but proving goodness doesn’t seem to be all that easy. In fact, it all seems to be rather ridiculous…
"This was an absolutely refreshing spin on the Cinderella mythos and one of the best debut novels I have read in years!!!!" - David Redbird, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I can't remember the last time I was so in love with a story and all its characters. Do yourself a favor and read this book!" - Jamie Brandenburg, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Such a fun book! I ate this up in less than 24 hours." - Hannah Rowan, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I need the next one already!" - Karina Toldedo, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I couldn’t put this book down! I loved this story of what happened after Cinderella’s happily ever after, to her “evil” stepsister, Theo. I can't wait to read the next installment!" - Leesa Tarter, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I think this book will be making my list of top 5 reads of the year! This was such a funny, heartwarming story, so clever and inventive, and perfect for all lovers of fairytale retellings! This is Laura J. Mayo’s debut and I am so impressed!" - Sarah Asnaashari, reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In debut author Mayo's insightful reimagining of Cinderella, a "wicked stepsister" gets the chance to step into the spotlight. After pretty, perfect Beatrice wins the heart of Prince Duncan with help from a fairy godmother, her stepsisters, Florentia and Theodosia ("Theo") Balfour, and their mother are all painted as wicked and abusive—not entirely falsely. As the family slides further into debt and misfortune, Lady Balfour arranges a marriage between Theo and the aging and deeply unpleasant Duke of Snowbell. Determined to get out of the arrangement, Theo summons Beatrice's fairy godmother, Cecily of the Ash Fairies, who agrees to help, but only if Theo first proves she's a good person by completing three tasks for her. With the aid of Cecily's familiars, including the handsome fox shifter Kasra, Theo ventures into the fairy realm, risking life and limb, and in the process discovers what she's really made of. Mayo explores themes of self-image and self-worth, toxic femininity, false narratives, and the different paths to happily ever after. Her characters are flawed, fractious, and unreliable, but Theo's quest to seize control of her destiny and break free of her mother allows her to grow into a sympathetic heroine. With touches of humor and romance to keep things lively, this complex retelling delights.
Customer Reviews
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother-Fun read
I was new to this author when I first downloaded this book and unsure if I liked the writing style. I’m glad I decided to continue on because the more I read the more I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the uniqueness of the characters and situations they found themselves in.
Don’t be afraid to download this book and step into a fantasy all its own.
Loved it! Drama and intrigue
I loved the complicated sister drama throughout this book. I can’t wait to read another!
Fantastic twist on a fairytale
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. This was an excellent story and one I didn’t want to put down. Theo’s character had a distinct voice throughout that was developed and very interesting. There were moments I didn’t love all of her but so many I did. I would highly recommend this fairytale with a twist. It is full of humor and a great read!