In this atmospheric thriller, Lucy Ashe masterfully weaves together the elegance of classical ballet with post-WWII tension to create a haunting tale of deception and maternal instinct. Set against the backdrop of a recovering Britain, "The Sleeping Beauties" pirouettes between beauty and menace with remarkable grace.
At its heart is Rosamund Caradon, a woman who has spent years protecting evacuee children in her Devonshire manor. Her maternal protective instincts are put to the ultimate test when the mysterious Briar Woods, a Sadler's Wells dancer, enters their lives like a character from a dark fairy tale. The chance encounter on a London-bound train sets in motion a psychological dance that grows increasingly sinister.
Ashe, drawing from ballet's rich tradition, uses "The Sleeping Beauty" as more than mere backdrop—it becomes a clever metaphor for innocence under threat. The author's rendering of Jasmine's dance obsession and Briar's seductive allure creates a pas de deux of manipulation that keeps readers on edge. The post-war setting adds another layer of vulnerability, as characters navigate a world where trust has become a precious commodity.
While the novel occasionally telegraphs its moves too clearly, its strength lies in the mounting tension between Rosamund's growing suspicions and Briar's elaborate performance. The question isn't just whether Rosamund can protect her daughter, but whether she can see through the choreographed deception before it's too late.
"The Sleeping Beauties" is a compelling exploration of maternal fear, artistic obsession, and the dangerous art of pretense, proving that sometimes the most exquisite performances happen off stage.

Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own. I am auto-approved for this publisher.

Book Description Tagline: Late spring 1945, London: The war in Europe is over. But for Briar Woods, a dancer at Sadler’s Wells Ballet, the past resurfaces and she must come face to face with the truth. It feels as though her war has only just begun.

Dear fellow reviewers, I am having a heck of a time. For nine days, I have attempted to conjure up a sufficient review. My brain screams " Tell them you didn't like it." But I want to start with the positives. I liked the ballet parts. I liked Rosamund and her daughter and the beginning of the novel where it talks about their wartime years. But I didn't like Briar and didn't care for her part in the storyline. It was hard to empathize with a character whose motives were misplaced. As well, the writing style and switching from p.o.v's in mid-chapters was jarring.


A real hit and miss for me!


Publication Date 10/09/24
Goodreads Review 10/10/24

This was a little bit of everything. Historical fiction, a little mystery, dual timeline and dual narrator. This book moves around England and to the Netherlands and back during war time and peace.

The story begins with orphans returning home from staying with Rosamund and Jasmine during the war. Along the war they meet Briar, and she is introduced to story. I thought that this story would be one thing, but I was quickly shown something totally and completely different.

Overall, a compelling tale of women and how they endure and thrive in a world that is not friendly or welcoming.

Advance reader copy provided by Union Square and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this read, it is a WWll historical fiction with drama, mystery, intrigue and dance! I loved the ballet mixed into it and how it weaved its way through the storyline. The dark sleeping beauty retelling was a unique and creative part of the book, it brought in a little fantasy to this book. The dual timeline was really good and enhanced the drama and intrigue. I always enjoy seeing the different points of view.

🩰 Blurb:
In late spring 1945, London, the war in Europe is over. But for dancer Briar Woods, it feels as though her war has only just begun as the past resurfaces and she must come face to face with the truth.

Read if you love:
🌸 Dark Gothic Sleeping Beauty Retelling
🩰 Historical Mystery
🌸 War Setting
🩰 Strong Female Characters
🌸 Dual timeline
🩰The World of Ballet

Spice: 🌶️

🌸 Quote:
"I want to hide from how they must see me, how everyone must see me. But soon the curtains will close, the house lights will brighten, and there can be no more hiding from the reality of what l have done."

Thank you to the author Lucy Ashe, Get Red PR and NetGalley for the advanced copies of the book.

The Sleeping Beauties by Lucy Ashe completely mesmerized me! This book is a haunting mix of ballet, obsession, and mystery set against the rich backdrop of post-WWII London. The story alternates between different timelines, revealing dark secrets through the perspectives of two compelling women: Rosamund, a protective mother, and Briar, a talented but troubled ballet dancer. Their lives intertwine as Briar becomes fixated on Rosamund's daughter, Jasmine, creating a thrilling and suspenseful tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.

What really impressed me about this book was how well Ashe captured the ballet world, showing the intense ambition and how deeply the trauma of war can impact people. Briar, one of the main characters, has a dark, almost fairy-tale quality, balancing her vulnerability and obsession. The historical details, especially about the Sadler's Wells Ballet, are so well-researched, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys dance or historical fiction.

If you enjoy stories with morally complex characters and an immersive atmosphere, this novel will have you hooked from beginning to end. There's also a clever twist that adds depth to Briar's character, making you rethink her motivations and leaving you pondering the story long after you’ve finished.

Set in England mainly after World War II, I found this a unique blend of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and a dark, gothic-like mystery.

Rosamund Caradon is returning to London from the countryside with the last of the evacuated children she had taken in during the war. On the train, she meets a beautiful ballet dancer named Briar Woods, who will be performing in The Sleeping Beauty ballet. Briar seems enamored with Rosamund’s only daughter, Jasmine. Jasmine is taken with Briar as well, as she loves ballet.

Rosamund has an uneasy feeling that Briar’s continual encounters in their lives long after the train ride is not out of pure kindness. Something more sinister is at play here.

With beautiful and vivid prose, I was enchanted by this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. You have the atmosphere of towns scarred from war and the ballet trying to rejuvenate the arts once again, using what rations they can find.

The themes of jealousy, obsession, and motherhood are woven into the narrative. It pulls at your heart as you read on to discover the connection between these women and what Briar’s real intentions are.

Thank you @getredprbooks @lucyashe_author and @unionsqandco for a gifted book and ebook via NetGalley.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I was wondering expecting more of a post WW 2 history thriller, but got a ballet thriller instead. I'm not mad about it, because I love all things dance related. My only real big qualm with the book is that Jasmine is the only character I feel drawn to,.it's a good book with no enjoyable protagonists, which makes it hard to invest in the book.

The Sleeping Beauties
By: Lucy Ashe
Pub date: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Union Square & Co

Rosamund Caradon has been looking after her daughter Jasmine and other evacuees at Gittisham Manor. While the evacuees are returning home, Rosamund decides to go back home to London to check on her family.

While on the train, they meet Briar Woods who inserts her way into the same carriage. Briar tells the children all about her career as a ballet dancer and they are transfixed. Rosamund is uneasy and feels she knows Briar, but can’t pinpoint where. Briar invites them to see her performance, so Rosamund feels compelled let Jasmine have this experience.

This story will explore deceit, regret, suspense, obsession and mistakes. Sometimes a small act of kindness can turn into your worst nightmare. I won’t give away the plot, but as a mother I felt every emotion as you always want to protect your children from people who are not what them seem or might do harm to them.

Thank you GetRedPR for this gifted copy.

A very unique retelling of sleeping beauty in a hauntingly beautiful way. The prose is incredible and the story was a great read.