As someone who loves retellings—especially when they give voice to the so-called villains—I found Lady Tremaine to be a striking, elegant, and emotionally intelligent reimagining. Rachel Hochhauser doesn't seek to redeem or excuse the infamous stepmother, but instead, she gives her depth, grief, and a story worth hearing.

So often, fairy tales (particularly those written by men) reduce older women to bitter antagonists—jealous of youth, beauty, or virtue. But Hochhauser turns that trope on its head. She explores what it means to be a woman grieving her own losses, expected to step into the role of “mother” to a girl who neither wants her guidance nor understands her pain.

This quote captures the heart of that emotional tension:
“But most critically: she did not want my mothering. And I did not know how to be an unwanted mother. I did not know how to grow love from infertile ground. It was unnatural for both of us.”
There is so much quiet devastation here. The loneliness of trying to love someone who cannot, or will not, accept that love is rendered beautifully and without melodrama.

Equally powerful is the portrayal of Elin (Cinderella), who is not cunning or rebellious, but quietly shaped by her place in society:
“Elin still self-governed with the expectations of the daughter of a lord. She had little ability to think for herself. She had, instead, her book. Her listless behavior was marked not by cunning, but by belief in virtue and its ability to protect—and save—you.
But in this version, being “good” doesn’t save her. And being “bad” doesn’t explain Lady Tremaine. Both women are caught in a story that never really saw either of them clearly—until now.

Lady Tremaine is not just a retelling—it’s a reframing. It’s a quiet act of rebellion against the tidy roles fairy tales assign. And in doing so, it gives readers something rare: empathy for the misunderstood, and space to question who really writes the rules of villainy.


Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of Lady Tremaine in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who adores the story of Cinderella I was estatic to find out that there was going to be a novel told by the stepmother's point of view. However this isn't your typical Cinderella story as there is no magic that helps Cinderella get to the ball, the prince isn't the charming character he makes himself out to be, and the stepmother actually cares about the well-being of her step daughter. I will say that I was very impressed with the storyline and the way the characters were portrayed.
We are introduced to Ethelreda who was brought ip with a humble upbringing. She marries the love of her life Henry Tremaine and has two daughters Matilda and Rosamund. However, Henry passes away and her husband's family wants to marry off her two daughters who are still in childhood. Determined to keep her daughters safe she marries Robert Bramley who has a daughter of his own Elin.
Years later she is widowed again and one day a messenger comes with a invitation to a ball which is only addressed to Elin. Determined to forward the interests of her daughters Ethelreda requests an audience with the Queen whom she grew up with to snag a spot on the guest list at the ball. When the night of the ball arrives the Prince has eyes only for Elin and proposes marriage. However, Ethelreda soon finds a dark and sinister secret that looms over the royal family and will do anything to keep her step daughter safe.

I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Couldn't be happier when receiving the email from St. Martin's Publishing Group requesting to read and rate this ARC edition of Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine.
First off, I am a huge Disney fan and growing up, I admired any and all things princess - but as an adult - those villains now seem to hold a special place in my heart.
Secondly, this book hits the spot. It is absolutely perfect for those looking for an escape with a new insight on this famous stepmother.
I highly recommend this book!
Thanks again for early access :):):)

I love retellings of fairytales, especially from the point of view from a villain. Ethel's love for her daughters is very strong and I appreciate that so much. It's always refreshing to see a villain given humanity.