The B*tches read Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser for September. My friend, Lisa, hosted us and did a fabulous job and I did not take a single photo. That’s a sign of a good evening, no? If you’re not familiar with Lady Tremaine (I wasn’t), here’s a spoiler free summary:
Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.
When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters―only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.
As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.
Two things of note for me this month: First, I would not have read this book if it weren’t for book club, which is one of the (many) reasons I love my Book B*tches so much. Secondly, I listened to this story on Audible rather than reading on my Kindle. I had lots of homecoming monogramming orders to wrap up and realized I could enjoy the lovely narrator while working, killing two birds with one stone. I rarely listen to books, but this was a good one.
As for my thoughts on the book, I really enjoyed it! Fairy tale stuff is not my typical genre, but this was thought provoking and enjoyable. Lady Tremaine is a complex character and I cheered for her throughout. This is an excellent book club selection. Would I rank this as a top ten for me? No. But I am so glad I “read” it!
Happy reading!
