The Shadow In The Glass by J.J.A. Harwood | Blog Tour Book Review

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The Shadow In The Glass by J.J.A. Harwood

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication date: 18th March 2021

Blurb: 

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay…

Review:

The Shadow In The Glass is a loose retelling of Cinderella. I had never read a retelling novel before so I was excited to see how it would pan out.

Eleanor Hartley's mother was a housemaid for The Pembrokes. After her mother and father died, the Pembrokes became her legal guardians and Mrs Pembroke promised that Eleanor would become a lady. Those plans changed however when Mrs Pembroke passed away and Mr Pembroke didn't heed his wife's wishes.

Mr Pembroke is a lecherous man, having his way with the maids and dismissing them when they fall pregnant. Eleanor is determined that it won't happen anymore. When she discovers a book in one of her secret trips to the library of the house, a strange woman comes to her offering her seven wishes in exchange for her soul.

This could be what Eleanor has been waiting for, an out. But it comes at a cost. 

I absolutely loved the backdrop of Victorian era London in this novel. It is written so beautifully that you can picture every scene vividly. I felt like I couldn't put it down and was desperate to see how Eleanor's decisions and life would go.

I will definitely read more retellings after The Shadow In The Glass!

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A massive thank you to HarperCollins for having me on the blog tour. You can find information about the other bloggers taking part in the tour in the graphic below.