A modern magical retelling of the classic Cinderella tale.After years of working at the family coffee shop under her step-mom’s rule, Arnessa longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. As hope slowly seems to fade, a charming stranger offers to help her with her studies, and turns her fears into a reason to stand … reason to stand up for herself.
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Delightfully charming! This was a super sweet twist on Cinderella. Cinderella and the prince both have a little magic of their own. All of the Cinderella elements were here but it was very modern and made it fun to read. Arnessa works at the coffee shop but so does one of her evil step sisters, Diamond. And she is a peach, NOT! Diamond lays claim to a guy who wants nothing to do with Diamond and everything to do with Arnessa. And due to said claim, the other evil step sister and evil stepmother come rearing their ugly heads. Since this is a retelling, it runs its natural course and there is the wonderful HEA. However, I really liked this retelling because they got to know each other. It wasn’t one night and then we have to match a shoe to a foot and that whole fiasco. This has a truly great “getting to know you” love story and it was adorable! If you need something super sweet that will lift you up, you should definitely give this a try.
I can’t help but say on repeat that ‘An Unexpected Brew’ is a-dor-a-ble! Cinderella’s story has been told and retold. What makes this book stand out is not the modern setting, but that Arnessa (Cinderella) never wavers in her confidence. She has goals and she has obstacles, but she knows who she is and dang if she isn’t going for them.
Add in elements of magic, strong characters, and realistic frustrations, the story will hook you in. Mueller’s style makes you feel like you’re hanging with friends, chatting about life, laughing at ridiculous life moments. She nailed this retelling in a voice you want to hear from.
Based on the style and story, this book is appropriate as middle grade or YA. I highly recommend ‘An Unexpected Brew’.
The concept of coffee being magical is not a new one by any means, but how good would it be if a barista could brew a bit of luck or confidence into your next cup? Similarly, the tale of Cinderella is not new, but this adaptation of the story has qualities that are original and different. It is an unexpected and delightful brew indeed.
The author has given the old story a new setting and context, and provided some interesting twists to keep readers guessing.
The characters have been reinvented so that they are quite original, yet recognisable and true to the conventions of the much-loved fairy tale. The central characters are likeable and relatable, and their interactions are natural and engaging.
The target audience is YA, but it is a story that will be appealing for a much broader readership. This is a really fun and engaging read.
This is Mueller’s best work yet! Cinderella AKA Arnessa is magic school going barista who works in her family’s magical coffee shop. Her step mom and sisters are monsters (which is to be expected in a Cinderella retelling) but she manages to meet a really cute guy despite their past efforts to thwart her happiness. Will she have time between classes and work for her budding relationship? Read and find out! This book is a quick read because it’s amazing and it’s a novella so what are you waiting for??