Though her mother will never let her forget the high class line they descend from, Jane feels anything but noble. The family's wealth has long since been gone, leaving Jane and her sister, Maude, to attempt to find food and make it through harsh winters. When their mother returns from town one day with a new husband and a spoiled daughter, they have hope that money will improve...until their stepfather dies and there is no money. Now, Jane must find a way to keep her family and stepsister from starvation, even if it means talking to people from the woods and going to a certain ball.

As a huge fan of fairy tales and villains, I was so excited to read THE STEPSISTER'S TALE by Tracy Barrett. This wonderful spin on the classic Cinderella story does not disappoint. Jane, the original stepsister, takes on an entirely new light in this novel. In this book, Jane is a firm believer in hard work and sometimes is a little rash when speaking but is never cruel. I think most of all she feels alone, especially with all of the hardship her family has gone through. She fiercely loves her family, even Isabella (the Cinderella of the story) though their relationship definitely takes time.

One of the parts that makes this novel shine is the fact that even though this is the stepsister's viewpoint, Isabella still isn't the antagonist. She's certainly spoiled and not a sub-par manipulator, but she does have a heart. I love all the relationships between Jane, Isabella, Maude, and the mother and how they develop so realistically while still giving the story the Cinderella feel it derives from. I also love the side characters of some of the wood people, like Annie and Will, that add another perfect layer to the story (and a little romance to it with Will).

Full of heart, loyalty, and complexity of character, THE STEPSISTER'S TALE could easily be a favorite for any fairy tale lover. I absolutely loved the beautiful story Tracy Barrett has woven, and I would recommend it to anyone needs reminding that everyone has their own side to the story.