A Charming Concept That Doesn't Quite Fit Perfectly

Shonna Slayton's Cinderella's Dress promised a whimsical and romantic retelling or reimagining of the classic fairy tale, likely focusing on magic, destiny, and a touch of historical charm. As a reader who enjoys fairy tale retellings and stories with a sense of enchantment, I was drawn to its inviting title and the potential for a delightful read. The book certainly has a sweet tone and some genuinely charming moments.

The strengths of Cinderella's Dress lie in its creative premise and the unique way it weaves elements of the Cinderella story into a new narrative. Slayton creates a setting that feels both familiar and fresh, blending historical details with a touch of magic. The concept of the dress itself, and its role in the protagonist's journey, is quite compelling and adds an intriguing layer to the story. There are moments of genuine warmth and sincerity, particularly in the interactions between characters as they navigate challenges and burgeoning relationships. The themes of hope, resilience, and finding your own path are explored with a certain tenderness. For readers looking for a light, romantic fantasy, these aspects will likely be appealing.

However, despite its promising premise and pleasant tone, I found that Cinderella's Dress didn't quite fully sparkle. The pacing, while generally good, sometimes felt a little uneven, with some sections moving quickly and others feeling a bit drawn out or predictable. While the characters are likable, I wished for a bit more depth in their development, particularly for some of the supporting cast. The emotional impact, while present in glimpses, didn't consistently land with the depth I had hoped for, making it hard to fully invest in the characters' personal growth. Some of the conflicts felt resolved a little too easily, preventing a stronger sense of catharsis or significant character development.

Overall, Cinderella's Dress is a charming and easy read that offers a delightful escape into a familiar yet reimagined world. It's a solid choice for those who appreciate light fairy tale retellings with a focus on romance and personal journeys. While it didn't quite reach its full potential to be a truly unforgettable or impactful read for me, it's a well-intended story that will likely appeal to readers seeking a more serene and hopeful narrative.

I requested this title back before my blogging break. I have ended up with a number of titles that are overwhelming to catch up on now I am back from my blogging break. I am regretfully not going to be reading and reviewing this title, but now I am back from my blogging break, I am looking forward to reading and reviewing some of your future titles. Thank you so much for the opportunity and apologies.

Title: Cinderella’s Dress



Author: Shonna Slayton



Chapters: 41



Pages: 322



Genre: teen historical fiction fairy tale retold



Rating: 4 stars





Cinderella’s Dress is a retelling of Cinderella with a twist. This story doesn’t focus on Cinderella instead it focuses on the dress and the family that was trusted with protecting the dress. It is set in New York during WWII. Kate Allen wants to design department store windows. But her mother wants to be a model. Her father is overseas. Her brother is leaving for basic training along with her sort of beau.



Then her great aunt and uncle show up with a truck calming that it contains Cinderella’s dress, and they are the protectors and keepers of the dress.





At first I didn’t think I would like it because I’ve never been a fan of Cinderella retellings. But I enjoyed this retelling because it didn’t really focus on Cinderella. And true to fairy tale retellings there’s a prince.



I received a copy of this book from the author through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Sorry, requested but did not find the time to review.