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Soot and Slipper
Eugenie lives in isolation on her father’s estate, with only her elegant stepmother and two stepsisters for company. When the crown of Jacondria announces a series of royal masquerades, she yearns to go. However, her stepsisters’ fortunes hinge on them finding wealthy husbands, and Eugenie doesn't want to interfere with their odds.
Enter a mischievous fairy who has other plans.
A scant few hours of light-hearted revelry seems harmless enough. By the fairy’s own rules, Eugenie can’t stay the whole night, and with everyone in costume, her stepfamily will never know she was there.
Really, how much trouble can result from attending a masquerade or two?
This novella is based on Charles Perrault's "Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper"
Enter a mischievous fairy who has other plans.
A scant few hours of light-hearted revelry seems harmless enough. By the fairy’s own rules, Eugenie can’t stay the whole night, and with everyone in costume, her stepfamily will never know she was there.
Really, how much trouble can result from attending a masquerade or two?
This novella is based on Charles Perrault's "Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper"
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
170 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
April 7, 2019
So. I love Kate Stradling's books, and it will be no surprise to anyone who knows me to find that I loved this one, too. It's quite a short book/novella (I think it took me a little less than two hours to read it) but the amount of characterisation it manages in that short time is amazing. Unlike Brine and Bone, where it is Magdalene and the prince who are finely drawn out in ink, in this book I find it's the stepmother who is drawn in the most detail. I'm not saying I didn't like the mcs, because I loved them--or that they're not fleshed out--but the stepmother was layered the best. It was delightful to have good and kind mcs, and fun to see them together.
But.
But.
I WAS TOLD THIS WAS LIGHT AND FLUFFY.
I WAS TOLD IT WAS A ETHEREAL DISTRACTION FROM THE AUTHOR'S MAIN THING.
IT MADE ME CRY.
And yeah, I suppose it kind of IS light and fluffy--on the surface. Beneath that, the beautiful bones of it are finely drawn and deadly sharp. I've known exactly what Eugenie goes through when the masks come off; the terror, the sudden recognition of barely concealed contempt in a person you trusted--the disbelief that anyone could have done what was done to her. Every line and shade rang true.
Masterfully done, so I suppose I can forgive Kate for making me cry ;)
But.
But.
I WAS TOLD THIS WAS LIGHT AND FLUFFY.
I WAS TOLD IT WAS A ETHEREAL DISTRACTION FROM THE AUTHOR'S MAIN THING.
IT MADE ME CRY.
And yeah, I suppose it kind of IS light and fluffy--on the surface. Beneath that, the beautiful bones of it are finely drawn and deadly sharp. I've known exactly what Eugenie goes through when the masks come off; the terror, the sudden recognition of barely concealed contempt in a person you trusted--the disbelief that anyone could have done what was done to her. Every line and shade rang true.
Masterfully done, so I suppose I can forgive Kate for making me cry ;)
April 25, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling
Ahh! I needed this to be longer because I enjoyed it so much, but at the same time, it was a perfect length! The only other thing I would have wanted was the male lead’s POV because the final conversations about him were precious. 🥹
It starts when our Cinderella send her stepmother and stepsisters off to the ball—which could feel like the story is already half over but it worked very well! I really liked Eugenie and all the twists to the story. I may have seen an obvious one coming (and adored it) but there was another that surprised me. Honestly, I found the whole book to be delightful. 🥰
This short story (a bit over a hundred pages) follows a lot of the classic elements of Cinderella to the point I was squeeing in delight over my usual favorite parts, but it also had this author’s wonderful writing style and then a unique fairy aspect with a magic system/curses element that fully made sense.
I’m two for two in greatly enjoying Kate Stradling’s books, which tells me I really need to get on with reading her other books!
Main Content-
Has magic in the classic fairy/curses/blessings and fairytale way; Fairies are known to be tricky and always want to play mischief; Eugenie’s fairy godmother (which she didn’t know she had) transforms Eugenie into wearing wonderful dresses and turns frogs into horses; Because of fairies being able to alter someone’s looks or memories, those who deal with fairies are looked upon as untrustworthy; *Major Spoilers* .
Mentions of fairies; A mention of a costume at a ball being of a “demonic monstrosity”; A mention of someone possibly being a ghost who can’t accept her fate and may have to perform “some service” before moving on to the afterlife; A mention of praying (but not towards Whom).
No language stronger than stupid or idiot; “Thank heavens” is used once & something being described as “like heaven” and another as “hellish” are also used once each; Insults about others’ appearances and intelligence are said.
Eugenie’s stepsisters are petty and mean to each other (including trying to grab the other’s hair and say insults like calling one a cow); Eugenie’s stepmother says some harsh and sharp words to her; *Major Spoilers* .
Mentions of deaths, a corpse, grief (including parents for their daughters), & illnesses; Mentions of crimes, prison, & exile; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Eugenie’s stepmother warning the girls to not stop imbibe because it could lead to a lady’s disgrace if her faculties are impaired); A mention of a potential murder.
1 hand/fingers kiss,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting 4-5 sentences (one is shortly after knowing meeting other).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Butterflies, Warmth, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Eugenie recalls her stepmother’s warning about a lady should never enter a closed carriage with a man unescorted, but tosses it to the side because of learning the truth about her stepmother; Eugenie is asked by her mysterious man to come away/run away with him and hide from her stepfamily (she doesn’t); A young woman calls another a “strumpet” in a fit of jealousy.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputations, taking liberties, & rakes/libertines; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a young woman not having a curve in sight (an insult from her sister).
Ahh! I needed this to be longer because I enjoyed it so much, but at the same time, it was a perfect length! The only other thing I would have wanted was the male lead’s POV because the final conversations about him were precious. 🥹
It starts when our Cinderella send her stepmother and stepsisters off to the ball—which could feel like the story is already half over but it worked very well! I really liked Eugenie and all the twists to the story. I may have seen an obvious one coming (and adored it) but there was another that surprised me. Honestly, I found the whole book to be delightful. 🥰
This short story (a bit over a hundred pages) follows a lot of the classic elements of Cinderella to the point I was squeeing in delight over my usual favorite parts, but it also had this author’s wonderful writing style and then a unique fairy aspect with a magic system/curses element that fully made sense.
I’m two for two in greatly enjoying Kate Stradling’s books, which tells me I really need to get on with reading her other books!
Main Content-
Has magic in the classic fairy/curses/blessings and fairytale way; Fairies are known to be tricky and always want to play mischief; Eugenie’s fairy godmother (which she didn’t know she had) transforms Eugenie into wearing wonderful dresses and turns frogs into horses; Because of fairies being able to alter someone’s looks or memories, those who deal with fairies are looked upon as untrustworthy; *Major Spoilers* .
Mentions of fairies; A mention of a costume at a ball being of a “demonic monstrosity”; A mention of someone possibly being a ghost who can’t accept her fate and may have to perform “some service” before moving on to the afterlife; A mention of praying (but not towards Whom).
No language stronger than stupid or idiot; “Thank heavens” is used once & something being described as “like heaven” and another as “hellish” are also used once each; Insults about others’ appearances and intelligence are said.
Eugenie’s stepsisters are petty and mean to each other (including trying to grab the other’s hair and say insults like calling one a cow); Eugenie’s stepmother says some harsh and sharp words to her; *Major Spoilers* .
Mentions of deaths, a corpse, grief (including parents for their daughters), & illnesses; Mentions of crimes, prison, & exile; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Eugenie’s stepmother warning the girls to not stop imbibe because it could lead to a lady’s disgrace if her faculties are impaired); A mention of a potential murder.
1 hand/fingers kiss,
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting 4-5 sentences (one is shortly after knowing meeting other).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Butterflies, Warmth, Nearness, & Noticing (up to a couple sentences).
Eugenie recalls her stepmother’s warning about a lady should never enter a closed carriage with a man unescorted, but tosses it to the side because of learning the truth about her stepmother; Eugenie is asked by her mysterious man to come away/run away with him and hide from her stepfamily (she doesn’t); A young woman calls another a “strumpet” in a fit of jealousy.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of reputations, taking liberties, & rakes/libertines; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a young woman not having a curve in sight (an insult from her sister).
May 7, 2019
Lovely take on Cinderella, with the interesting twist that in this case fairy magic comes with a price and isn't simply bestowed on the fortunate godchild, and such a price is always collected no matter what you may attempt to get out of the debt. Besides that, it's fairly straightforward in its plot, following the tale's hallmarks closely, though the Cinderella and Prince characters do get to know each other for enough time, so it's not a sudden affair. The female lead, although a tad too naïve, was not the irritating variety of ingénue, and I was left intrigued by the Fairy Godmother's creepy aura. I'm guessing the world will be revisited, or if not I'd encourage Ms Stradling to revisit it, because the idea of fairy gifts & magic having a price is one I always like to see explored in retellings.
June 30, 2019
I absolutely ADORED this little novella. I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately and this book reminded me of why I love fairytales so much. This is the exact sort of fairytale that I like to read and wish that I could live in. As a girl who is constantly dreaming of fairytales and living in a faraway kingdom, this book is everything a fairytale lover could ever want.
May 15, 2023
Cute retelling. Wasn't expecting twist at the end...wish it had been a little longer with Eugenie and Pip. Over all 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2020
Okay, totally one of my favorite (if not The Favorite) Cinderella retellings I've read. Short but good.
December 13, 2019
Amazing!!
Why it has taken me this long to pick up another of Kate Stradling's books is beyond me. This is one of the best Cinderella retellings that I've read. It captivated me from the beginning and kept me enchanted with plot twists throughout.
This was a quick read, and I loved that it was. It didn't need more than was written, and the author understood that.
If you love retellings, which honestly aren't my favorite, you will love this one. If you love fantasy, you should read, Soot and Slipper.
You should read it. Enough said.
Why it has taken me this long to pick up another of Kate Stradling's books is beyond me. This is one of the best Cinderella retellings that I've read. It captivated me from the beginning and kept me enchanted with plot twists throughout.
This was a quick read, and I loved that it was. It didn't need more than was written, and the author understood that.
If you love retellings, which honestly aren't my favorite, you will love this one. If you love fantasy, you should read, Soot and Slipper.
You should read it. Enough said.
September 5, 2019
A cute Cinderella retelling that fit all the stereotypes, yet was hardly stereotypical! I loved it so much! All the reveals and twists! This one kept me on my toes and I read it basically in a few hours!
January 2, 2022
This book happens to be the one book I have read which holds a fast romance that didn't feel rushed, and for that it will forever hold a special place in my memory.
It was easy to read, short and sweet, and if you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is what I would recommend.
I like it :)
It was easy to read, short and sweet, and if you're looking for something light and fluffy, this is what I would recommend.
I like it :)
June 4, 2019
Oh how I love Cinderella stories. I'm a big fan of fairy tale retellings in general, but Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast are my two top favorites. So when I saw that one of my favorite authors, Kate Stradling, had a Cinderella retelling I was all over it. SOOT & SLIPPER is a delightful retelling that puts a new twist on the old Cinderella tale.
In the story, Cinderella is still a sweet, good-natured young woman with a stepmother and two selfish stepsisters, but the relationship between the family members is not exactly what you expect. There's also a fairy (with an agenda), a masked ball, and a handsome prince—everything you expect but wrapped in an unexpected package.
I love every moment of it! Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.
In the story, Cinderella is still a sweet, good-natured young woman with a stepmother and two selfish stepsisters, but the relationship between the family members is not exactly what you expect. There's also a fairy (with an agenda), a masked ball, and a handsome prince—everything you expect but wrapped in an unexpected package.
I love every moment of it! Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.
May 20, 2019
Another beautiful and amazing retelling from one of my favorite authors. This story takes the original tale and adds depth and history, plus a rich world and magic system . . . all packed into a novella.
I loved the history between the main characters--definitely not a case of love at first sight. And the depth of betrayal and emotion is stunning, particularly in a story this short.
A definite must-read.
I loved the history between the main characters--definitely not a case of love at first sight. And the depth of betrayal and emotion is stunning, particularly in a story this short.
A definite must-read.
June 28, 2022
Okay, Cara, you are my new best friend for putting this book on my radar.
I absolutely adored every bit of this! What's incredible too is that usually with a novella that I love, I wish it were longer because I want more of the story—but in this case, I think even the length is perfect. We get a full and substantive story with a good pace and intrigue and a fantastic build-up to a great ending. It's exactly the length it ought to be.
I loved this take on the Cinderella story, including the fact that the stepsisters aren't wicked and horrid to the main character, Eugenie, but are just kind of bratty and demanding, and are just as snippy with each other as they are with their stepsister. I appreciated that Eugenie has a good sense of herself and, while she already has some confidence early on, we also get to see it build and see her take risks that are in her best interest, even if she doesn't quite know why at the moment. Yes, she works for her stepfamily sewing amazing fantastical gowns (honestly, the descriptions of the fashions in here were top-notch), but she's not really a servant, and she doesn't bow and scrape all the time.
Pip is a terrific love interest, and I really liked seeing their connection develop. Yes, it's a bit instalovey, but I'm okay with that in a fairy tale. In addition,
I loved the writing style, the character arcs, the magic…all of it. Just a perfect little book, and I can't wait to explore more of this author's work. Merci beaucoup, Cara!
I absolutely adored every bit of this! What's incredible too is that usually with a novella that I love, I wish it were longer because I want more of the story—but in this case, I think even the length is perfect. We get a full and substantive story with a good pace and intrigue and a fantastic build-up to a great ending. It's exactly the length it ought to be.
I loved this take on the Cinderella story, including the fact that the stepsisters aren't wicked and horrid to the main character, Eugenie, but are just kind of bratty and demanding, and are just as snippy with each other as they are with their stepsister. I appreciated that Eugenie has a good sense of herself and, while she already has some confidence early on, we also get to see it build and see her take risks that are in her best interest, even if she doesn't quite know why at the moment. Yes, she works for her stepfamily sewing amazing fantastical gowns (honestly, the descriptions of the fashions in here were top-notch), but she's not really a servant, and she doesn't bow and scrape all the time.
Pip is a terrific love interest, and I really liked seeing their connection develop. Yes, it's a bit instalovey, but I'm okay with that in a fairy tale. In addition,
I loved the writing style, the character arcs, the magic…all of it. Just a perfect little book, and I can't wait to explore more of this author's work. Merci beaucoup, Cara!
May 19, 2020
This novella is like a palette cleanser for the world. A well written retelling of Cinderella that somehow feels familiar yet surprising at the same time filled with charming characters.
The perfect iso-read to spend an evening with and get lost.
The perfect iso-read to spend an evening with and get lost.
November 9, 2021
Rating: 4.25 stars
This was so fun and sweet. A light-hearted short story from an author who knows how to spin whimsical fairy tales. Unlike the traditional Cinderella, this story takes some liberties which I enjoyed. Though some of the story is faithful to the original, there's enough to keep you enticed. I loved the idea of the masquerades and also the fairy godmothers role. Both Eugenie and Pip were loveable and it wasn't hard to root for them. I'd love an extended ending but I'll settle happily for what Stradling gives us- a true fairy tale ending 💜
This was so fun and sweet. A light-hearted short story from an author who knows how to spin whimsical fairy tales. Unlike the traditional Cinderella, this story takes some liberties which I enjoyed. Though some of the story is faithful to the original, there's enough to keep you enticed. I loved the idea of the masquerades and also the fairy godmothers role. Both Eugenie and Pip were loveable and it wasn't hard to root for them. I'd love an extended ending but I'll settle happily for what Stradling gives us- a true fairy tale ending 💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2019
This was an interesting retelling of the Cinderella story. Not my favorite retelling by any means, but I loved that there was more depth and more twists to the tale than usual. Definitely worth picking up if you want a quick read!
May 9, 2025
4★'s One of the best retellings of Cinderella I’ve ever read.
January 10, 2021
I loved everything about this book, apart from its length. I could have easily read three hundred pages more 😍 quality Cinderella retelling 👌
My criteria for such are: an amazing ball scene and a compelling 'Cinderella' and family back ground, and Soot and Slipper definitely ticked those off in a big way for me. I loved everything about the masquerade and Sir Pip, as well as the twist of a sympathetic step family, which only made the ending even more meaningful.
I would have loved to have explored this world's idea of fairy 'godmother's, as they seem to be far closer to our idea of the Sidhe than the Disney ideal and I find them so interesting. Stradling is also adept at creating a feeling of horror and tension (see Bone and Brine) and I'd have loved to see more of that what was present over the nights where the stepmother began to suspect our Cinderella had been disobedient.
Loved it!!
My criteria for such are: an amazing ball scene and a compelling 'Cinderella' and family back ground, and Soot and Slipper definitely ticked those off in a big way for me. I loved everything about the masquerade and Sir Pip, as well as the twist of a sympathetic step family, which only made the ending even more meaningful.
I would have loved to have explored this world's idea of fairy 'godmother's, as they seem to be far closer to our idea of the Sidhe than the Disney ideal and I find them so interesting. Stradling is also adept at creating a feeling of horror and tension (see Bone and Brine) and I'd have loved to see more of that what was present over the nights where the stepmother began to suspect our Cinderella had been disobedient.
Loved it!!
March 3, 2020
It's not often that I pick up a book on a whim and come away with a new favorite author. It's been a long time since I've fallen this hard for a story or a storyteller, and you guys, it's an amazing feeling. I didn't realize my life was incomplete with Kate Stradling, but here we are, and I'm so glad I've found her.
This story is well told, and it brings something new to a rather tired framework. Much of the plot is obvious from the beginning, but hey, it's a Cinderella retelling, so that's not as fair a criticism here as it is for most stories. In any case, watching the story unfold was delightful. If you're in the mood for a fairy tale that keeps all the best aspects of the traditional stories but brings a different slant to the telling, then this is very much for you.
Verdict: completely infatuated
This story is well told, and it brings something new to a rather tired framework. Much of the plot is obvious from the beginning, but hey, it's a Cinderella retelling, so that's not as fair a criticism here as it is for most stories. In any case, watching the story unfold was delightful. If you're in the mood for a fairy tale that keeps all the best aspects of the traditional stories but brings a different slant to the telling, then this is very much for you.
Verdict: completely infatuated
May 11, 2023
I’d say 3.5 stars. I liked the feel of the characters, and that the author tried to come up with a logic to the magic and motivations, but those logic drops felt plopped into the story instead woven in as wholistic world-building.
I didn’t really care for the way the romance played out. I liked both of them and wanted them together, but the blocking and dialogue for their chaste love scenes felt modern and overdramatic, like watching a cringeworthy chick flick. I also wasn’t a fan of how possessive Pip was at the second ball, grabbing her waist and telling the other men to back off because she was “his”. Nuh-uh, not a fan. This sounds like I really didn’t like the book, but I still found it an enjoyable read.
There was one moment when I burst out laughing but maybe it’s because I’m not a twelve year old: “Of course she loved Pip. She had loved him from the first masquerade, but that had been a shallow, frivolous love. This—“ LOL! Oh, but THIS love has lasted three or four whole encounters! A love so profound and eternal! ROTFL!!! I think I’ll end it there.
I didn’t really care for the way the romance played out. I liked both of them and wanted them together, but the blocking and dialogue for their chaste love scenes felt modern and overdramatic, like watching a cringeworthy chick flick. I also wasn’t a fan of how possessive Pip was at the second ball, grabbing her waist and telling the other men to back off because she was “his”. Nuh-uh, not a fan. This sounds like I really didn’t like the book, but I still found it an enjoyable read.
There was one moment when I burst out laughing but maybe it’s because I’m not a twelve year old: “Of course she loved Pip. She had loved him from the first masquerade, but that had been a shallow, frivolous love. This—“ LOL! Oh, but THIS love has lasted three or four whole encounters! A love so profound and eternal! ROTFL!!! I think I’ll end it there.
April 9, 2019
Splendid Cinderella retelling
Kate Stradling is one of my favorite kindle authors, and this book did not disappoint! She once again has ingeniously created a story that is uniquely hers, even though this tale is one quite well known and retold in countless ways by many authors. Loved the chemistry and wit between the main characters, and Stradling’s spin on the classic tale was one I didn’t see coming! Highly recommend to all those who love clean romance and fairytales.
Kate Stradling is one of my favorite kindle authors, and this book did not disappoint! She once again has ingeniously created a story that is uniquely hers, even though this tale is one quite well known and retold in countless ways by many authors. Loved the chemistry and wit between the main characters, and Stradling’s spin on the classic tale was one I didn’t see coming! Highly recommend to all those who love clean romance and fairytales.
April 27, 2022
When I read fairytale retellings, sometimes I just want them to FEEL like a fairytale. Like, give me the simple storytelling in a way that keeps me hooked, give me that magical insta-love. I'm here for it!! Kate Stradling brings a fresh take to Cinderella in this one, and I genuinely loved it. I look forward to reading even more from her!
July 21, 2023
A sweet fairy tale retelling by Kate Stradling. I am becoming a bigger fan of Kate's writing, she writes the best characters. No, the plots and backstory aren't always fully developed but you know what? That's how fairy tales are. But the characters are real and likeable and the story makes sense, even why the villain WAS a villain made sense and was relatable. Well done.
April 16, 2019
I love nearly everything this author releases and this short story was no exception. I especially liked the author's take on the dynamic between "Cinderella" and her stepmother and the history behind yet. It was really well thought out.
February 18, 2022
Oof. If I could rate this 10/10 stars I would. A short, beautiful re-telling of Cinderella, with just enough of a twist to make it extra special. I read it within a couple of hours and already I want to read it again.
November 18, 2020
Another unique version of the Cinderella tale. A fun, quick read.
August 29, 2021
A nice little twist. Well done and enjoyable if a little on the sweeter side
March 19, 2022
An amazing retelling of Cinderella!! I loved the sweet romance and the built up suspense and mystery. A perfect read, really. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 4, 2022
I loved this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
July 18, 2022
Wonderful retelling!
The only critique I have about this story is that it wasn't longer. I thought it to be very sweet and satisfying. I look forward to reading more by this author.
The only critique I have about this story is that it wasn't longer. I thought it to be very sweet and satisfying. I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 21, 2023
Great retelling!
Though short, this is a great story, and I loved reading it! I love retellings, and I am always happy to find new ones to read.
Though short, this is a great story, and I loved reading it! I love retellings, and I am always happy to find new ones to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews