Book 2 in my Texas Ever After series releases in just 5 days! I’m so excited to share this story with you. Reimagining the Cinderella fairy tale in an 1800’s Texas setting has been so much fun.
I was inspired by the classic line from Woody in Toy Story 2 – If the boot fits. What could be a more perfect premise for a western Cinderella, than to replace the glass slipper with a cowboy boot? That idea led to flipping the script and turning Cinderella into Asher Ellis – a down on his luck cowboy with a stepmother and two stepbrothers to provide for. However, I wanted to mix up more that the roles of hero and heroine. Too many fairy tales cast stepmothers in the role of villain. There are some wonderful, kindhearted, godly women who open their hearts to their stepchildren, and I wanted to honor them. So, you won’t find an evil stepmother in this version. Who plays the role of villain, then? That’s a closely guarded secret, but one I hope readers will appreciate.
Asher Ellis is a hardworking cowboy who’s been supporting his family since his father died when he was eighteen. He sends home nearly all his pay from the distant ranch where he works, and when he learns that Eli Dearing has evicted his stepmother and brothers from their home, he returns to town determined to make the man pay. Samantha Dearing longs to make a difference in the world and to be loved for who she is and not for her inheritance or the connections she brings to her cattle-baron father. Providence brings these two together, but the truth about their families and an unseen evil work to tear them apart.
I love playing with names in these retellings. I worked hard to create names in this story that would harken back to the Disney tale while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have Asher Ellis – Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. The three key older ladies of the story all have names inspired by royalty as befits a fairy tale – Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. And don’t forget the cattle king with a foreman named Duke.
If you like print books, it’s not too late to grab a copy at a 40% discount from Baker Book House. Even the shipping is free! Grab it here.
Did you grow up with Disney fairy tales like I did?
If so, which movie was your favorite?
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I remember playing with those larger wooden spools. My grandmother had a box of them and we used them for all different kinds of things.
I love your books, Karen!The title is perfect! I got my copies yesterday – one for me and one as a giveaway for my author newsletter!
Hooray! Thank you so much for including a giveaway, Kelly. You’re such a blessing.
Yes, I grew up on the Disney fairy tales, a looonnggg time ago, when there weren’t very many of them. I think Cinderella was probably my favorite, probably because of the birds and mice. I can always see the birds twirling the ribbons to make her dress. I revisited them with my daughter and then my granddaughter – so many movies now with additional tales.
Looking forward to this release. I really enjoyed the first in this series!
I had Disney records and story books that I played of my Fisher Price record player over and over. 🙂 I loved the songs and all those happily ever afters. I love that you are enjoying them with your daughter and granddaughter, Betty.
I don’t preorder very many audiobooks from Audible, but I preordered this one as soon as it became available. I cannot wait to listen! And yes, I loved the Disney fairytales and I loved when grandkids came along because then I had the excuse to add all those older Disney movies to my collection.
You just made my day, Robin! I hope you love the story. And I look forward to gradkids coming so we can enjoy these all over again.
Definitely Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.” It’s my daughter’s favorite, too. The Tchaikovsky score makes it soar, and I listened to the ballet on the stereo many. many times as a child because my dad loves classical music. During a trip to Orlando when our daughter was 5, we searched EVERYWHERE for Aurora, only to be told she lived in her castle at Disneyland and only occasionally visited Cinderella at her castle at DisneyWorld. My husband promised our disappointed child that someday, we would get out to LA to meet her. Which we did – 12 years later! Aurora was quite surprised to meet a young lady of her own age rather than a little girl, but sweetly asked about our daughter’s college plans. It really was a magical moment.
What a great story, Janice! I love that.
Cinderella is my favorite. I don’t have a good reason why, I just have always liked it. So, I am really excited about your new book.
My second favorite Disney cartoon was Robin Hood. I mean, really. A fox with bows and arrows, saving the damsel in distress! Guaranteed winner!
I love the Disney Robin Hood, Rachel. Some great music and comedy in that one.
I grew up watching the Disney Princess movies at the movies or on VHS. I credit Belle for going to study aboard in Paris in July 2004. Loved visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL too. (I’ve visited Hong Kong Disney World–it’s big enough to fill up of the park sites at the Orlando one) The Disney Stores at the mall were always fun to visit.
Looking forward to reading your new novel when it arrives at the library! For those who are subscribers to the Bethany House e-newsletter, “If the Boot Fits” and an excerpt was featured in this week’s edition!
How fun, Elisa! I’ve visited Disney World and Disneyland, but I’ve never visited a park outside the US. I bet Hong Kong Disney World was amazing!
Beauty and the Beast, of course.
That is my favorite too, Gena. I hope to indie pub a Beauty & the Beast story to finish off my Texas Ever After series next year. 🙂
Ooooh, yes, please! 🙂