The first chapter had me wondering if I would enjoy this book. It was basically a retelling of Cinderella. However, the second chapter turned things into a new direction that held my attention. Theo was a character I grew to love. The trials she encountered throughout the book seemed nearly impossible to complete, but somehow, she always managed. I loved the redemption arc with Beatrice and Theo not quite hating one another anymore. Towards the end, I felt bad for Theo that she had been tricked. But it seems it will all work out. I can't wait for book 2 in the series. The narrator did a great job with the story. I loved having an accent that isn't American to listen to.

4 out of 5 Stars

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother was fun read and great time. Definitely would recommend it.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the evil step sisters after Cinderella got her HEA? Well, Lady Theodosia also summoned a fairy godmother, but this isn't the sweet little old lady we all know and love. Theo's fairy godmother is a sassy young pipe smoking fairy that would prefer you address her as <i>'Her deliciousness Cecily of the ash fairies most benevolent mistress with the resplendent tits'</i>.
With the help of Cecily's two familiars, Phineas and Kasara, Theo has to complete three task to prove she's worthy of the faeries help to get her out of an arranged marriage to a terrible <b>old</b> Duke.

This was such a fun and different twist on the heavily over-retold story of Cinderella. I laughed, I cried, and quite frankly I was a little unhappy with the ending. However, it's 100% my own misguided desires on how <i>I</i> wanted the story to end and nothing to do with the actual ending.
The author did a wonderful job in telling this story and keeping me entertained the entire time. An impressive debut novel and I'm excited to see what we get from Mayo next.

A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 rounding up for the resplendent tits


<i>Shout-out to my homies at Netgally and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Much thanks to Laura J. Mayo, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cinderella's not my favorite fairytale, mostly because it's extremely unrealistic and doesn't have much of a moral: Be a good little victim and wait for someone to take pity on you. But I'm all for retellings, and this promised to be humorous, so what the heck.

Well, first off, it's not particularly funny, so I'm not sure why they decided to market it as "hilarious." It's not <i>not</i> funny, but it's far from a defining characteristic of the narrative, in my opinion. Maybe they thought Dwin was a barrel of laughs? I thought he was a lying little pissant. Or perhaps I was supposed to chuckle and snort over Theo's insults? They were strong, and I liked it when they were deserved, but I didn't think they were funny. So I dunno.

I liked that Cinderella was villainized---or rather, "Beatrice," not sure why she wasn't just "Ella"---but not into a mustache-twirling, evil-for-the-fun-of-it villain. More that she was taken off her classic pedestal and put on par with the step-sisters. I believe Theo, especially after her horse tale, that Bea was spoiled, entitled, and full of herself. Good but not humble, not good for the sake of being good; she wanted praise and rewards for her benevolence. Which, if you ask me, is not true kindness.

I also liked that the fairy godmother wasn't the classic grandma handing out miracles free of charge and that this followed more common fae lore: They're conniving, manipulative, and superior, treating humans like stupid playthings.

Theo was an interesting protagonist. I could never quite figure out how I felt about her. She was both sympathetic and unsympathetic, likeable and unlikeable. I often wanted to root for her and boo her at the same time. Similar for Cecily: For a fairy she wasn't as bad as she could have been, which made her likeable, but she was still a self-interested, manipulative fairy, which made her unlikeable. Phineas was servile but likeable.

Casca....I'm not sure why he was the love interest. We didn't know anything about him. He wasn't particularly charming or charismatic. He was protective of Theo, but that was about all that was romantic about him; also, I had no idea why he liked Theo, why he thought he was in love with her. It felt rote. Lochlan made more sense; he appreciated Theo's mean streak, her insults, her musical ability. He thought she was beautiful and intriguing. I assumed he'd show himself to be evil in some capacity and that would excise him as a love interest, but that never happened. He was no better or worse than any of the others. So I was actually more interested in Lochlan being Theo's love interest. It just seemed they got along better than Theo and Casca.

I appreciate Mayo's attempt to make the stepmother more sympathetic, a miserable product of unfortunate circumstances and women's lack of choices, but ultimately an antagonist because she was a vindictive bully perpetuating the cycle of maltreatment. A "if I can't be happy, neither can you" kind of mentality. Much more interesting than evil for the sake of evil.

I loved that Theo's arc culminated in her unwillingness to perpetuate that cycle herself. Now we need to see her learn to care about others, because she's still mostly all about herself. She decided not to continue the vindictive cycle, but she's still very woe-is-me.

The more I think about the book for this review, the more I appreciate its story and themes. I very much look forward to book 2 and watching Theo continue to grow.

I don't remember thinking ill of the narration, which means it was great. Thumbs up to Josie Charles, who narrated, and the audio producers.

A truly fun and exciting take on the Cinderella story with such a sense of humor, whimsy, and developed characterization and world building. Really enjoyed this and I'm pumped to read more in this series!

I'm not sure how I can go back to reading fluffy filler books after being hit square in the chest by this beautifully crafted Cinderella inspired fairy tale. The prose was stunning, the narration for the audio was perfection, the twists and turns kept me engaged, and in suspense and Theo was the kind of female protagonist we do not get to see enough of. She is hard and prickly on the surface. Her tongue is sharp as an obsidian blade. She is literally the wicked step-sister of every childhood story, but her complex emotions, her tenacity and quick wit have you rooting for her from the very start. This is likely be one of my very few 5⭐️ reads of the year

This audiobook was completely captivating! It was such a cute, whimsical and magical listen that I didn’t want to stop! I really enjoyed this one.

I love fairytale retellings, and this one was great. It had the whole "don't make deals with the fae", showed what it is like to grow up with a sister who makes everything about them, and shows the pain and growth the victims of nasty rumors can grow.

This book was hilarious, and I loved that it really focuses in on the character growth of the main character and her focus on breaking generational cycles.

This Cinderella inspired story was a fun retelling from the point of view of one of the stepsisters, Theodosia. Taking place after the Happily Ever After for Beatrice and her prince, we get so see another side of the story about what happened with the fairy godmother Cecily. I liked how Theo grew through the story; she started as the stereotypical stepsister and quickly displayed a witty and wily nature while still maintaining her truths. Each task she performs gives more insight to how she ended up portrayed as an evil stepsister. The side characters are interesting as well.

The narration was well done and voice inflections for each character helped keep the dialogue clear during conversations.

I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!) and all opinions are my own.

"How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" by Laura J. Mayo is a reimagined Cinderella tale that, unfortunately, didn't quite live up to my expectations. While the opening was intriguing and piqued my interest, I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Theo, as the story progressed.

Narrator Josie Charles delivered a commendable performance, deftly capturing the essence of each character through nuanced accent changes. However, Theo's sudden shift from a wicked disposition to a kind one during her first task felt rushed and lacked the character development I had hoped for.

While Laura J. Mayo's writing is engaging, the rapid transformation of the protagonist ultimately left me wanting more. Overall, "How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" may appeal to readers who enjoy creative takes on classic fairy tales but might not be the perfect fit for those seeking deep character development.

Thank you to Laura J. Mayo, Orbit, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

"How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" is a Cinderella retelling from the stepsister's point of view. And the book did a great job fleshing out the characters and handling them with care, without idealizing them, but bringing out their flaws.

Also, the story was funny and entertaining, with loads of magic and whimsical characters. It was, in addition, well-paced and kept things interesting until the final chapter.

The romance, on the other hand, could have been handled better, but I enjoyed the ending and how the main character, now having gone through the character development, learned that she deserves better.

Finally, the narrator was amazing and the whole audiobook production was excellent.

This story is told from the perspective of one of those infamous evil stepsisters. The stepsister in question, Theo, haaaates her stepsister who somehow managed to make herself the victim in all situations and somehow soaked up all the affection available for little girls.

Now a new adult at 18 Theo is ghastly to others. When she’s trapped in an engagement she wants no part of she uses the trick her stepsister did and summons a fairy godmother for help.

Theo is given three tasks to prove her goodness, but isn’t sure what’s she’s doing is actually good.

I loved this take on a classic. It ultimately spins this story into one of redemption and the healing breaking of generational pain.

Don’t expect a happily ever after, but the ending is still right for the story.

This is the Cinderella retelling I didn't know that I needed! This book is a riot! I had so much fun reading this, the humor and sharp witt combined with all the magical shenanigans was perfect. I love Theo, even when she is at her worst she is so relatable and its really easy to understand and commiserate with her. The world building is super fun and I liked that even though this was a more lighthearted book that there was great attention to the details. Some of the best parts of this book are definitely the banter between characters. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I was very surprised at the twist at the end and was excited that I didn't see it coming.

The audio for this is so compelling and I loved how the entire story was brought to life. I loved the narrator.

My rating; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and refreshing twist on the Cinderella story, where the supposed "villain," Theo, finally gets a chance to reclaim her narrative. Laura J. Mayo takes familiar fairytale tropes and spins them in fascinating ways, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking look at what it truly means to be good or evil.

Theo is a wonderfully complex protagonist. Though flawed and plagued by rumors of being wicked, she’s still a worthy heroine to root for. Mayo does an excellent job at making readers root for Theo as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to break free from the labels others have imposed on her. Watching Theo navigate her tasks, alongside the mischievous and intriguing fairy Cecily, is both heartwarming and empowering.

The story’s charm lies in its clever reworking of fairytale clichés. While there is a major twist that may seem obvious from the clues, it’s fitting for the genre. Rather than focusing on shock value, the book centers on Theo’s emotional growth, her relationships with magical creatures, and her understanding of herself. Themes like family, loss, revenge, and forgiveness are woven beautifully throughout, making this more than just a fairytale—it’s a story about overcoming hardship and finding one’s place in the world.

The narration by Josie Charles is superb, perfectly capturing the characters and making the listening experience even more engaging. Her voice brings Theo’s story to life with clarity and charm, making it a joy from start to finish.

In the end, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is what fairytales were always meant to be: a magical, heartfelt journey of growth and redemption with a moral takeaway at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale retellings with a deeper, more thoughtful spin. Bravo!

Rated 4.5 Stars

I'm always a little nervous when reading an author for the first time be it a debut or new to me author, wondering whether I'll like it or not but from the get I was utterly charmed by this book. I loved the writing style and the narration was on point. Josie Charles killed it with her characterization, deliverance of the wit and sarcasm of Theo and the varied nuances and intonations of all the characters. The entire production team did a great job of bringing this book to vivid life.

I loved the main character, Theo I know some will find her unlikeable but to me she was loveable and awesome.

How To Summon a Fairy Godmother was funny it filled me with mirth except for those heartfelt and emotional moments. It made me laugh out loud and amused me to no end. I tried to savor it but was way too eager to see what happened next so I ended up devouring it in big gulps. I loved it and highly recommend it. I think it was superbly done and I most definitely can't wait to read more by this author.

Oh my gosh! This one is so much fun. Mayo kind of draws on Ever After vibes but really makes it her own with a whole fairy kingdom and new take on the backstory of cinderella and her step sisters. I loved all the characters and had a heck of a time hitting pause when I had to.

Josie Charles does a spectacular job of narrating! It was a joy to listen to.

I went into this book blind and chose to pick out purely based on the cover. I am so glad I decided to pick this one up. It’s such a unique take on the Cinderella/Stepsister/Fairy Godmother type story, and I loved every minute of it. I will say it’s a little slow to start and get the feel of the overall story but even during the slow start, it was an engaging read. Theo was such an interesting FMC. She starts out as someone that you don’t really want to root for but as you delve further into the story, you start to better understand her. Once you get a better understanding of her character, you can’t help but want Theo to succeed. How can you not end up rooting for a someone with such unparalleled insult skills. I also really enjoyed the world building that Mayo created as Theo worked to complete her bargain tasks. I also found the overarching plot interesting, and it kept my interest throughout. There are plenty of secrets and twists to be revealed as the story progresses. I combo read this with the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is a pure delight and encompasses the essence of the story. I can’t recommend it enough. Overall, this book has great vibes and all I can say is if you enjoy fairytale retellings with a twist, make sure to give this one a chance.

This isn't the first retelling of Cinderella from another perspective, or even the first to suggest that Cinderella isn't the angelic darling that the fairy tale made her out to be, but this retelling does have an interesting angle. One of the stepsisters, Theo, might not be as evil as the one in the tale and when she finds herself trapped in an engagement, she seeks out the fairy godmother that helped her stepsister become princess. But to Theo's chagrin, getting the help she needs takes a circuitous route. On her way, she meets some interesting characters, and may even learn a lesson or two. The story was a fun take on a familiar tale and the ending fit like a glass slipper. If this is the first in a series, I exuberantly look forward to alternative views of other fairy tales.
I enjoyed this book as an audiobook and the narration by Josie Charles was excellent.
I received advanced access to this audiobook thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Hachette Audio - Orbit) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Laura J. Mayo’s "How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" is a delightful, imaginative twist on the classic Cinderella story, offering a fresh perspective on what happens after the fairy tale ends. With a witty and heartwarming plot, this debut novel brings together humor, magic, and romance in a way that will captivate readers from start to finish.

The protagonist, Lady Theodosia "Theo" Balfour, has certainly drawn the short straw in life, especially after her stepsister, Princess Beatrice, has tarnished Theo's reputation by spreading vicious rumors. Beatrice’s account of her life as a mistreated stepdaughter is not just exaggerated but downright damaging, casting Theo and her family as the wicked villains of the story. This clever twist immediately sets up the book’s central conflict: Theo is not the evil stepsister we expect but rather a clever, determined young woman desperate to save her family from ruin.

Forced into a bleak engagement to the elderly and foul-tempered Duke of Snowbell, Theo’s situation seems hopeless—until she learns of the mysterious fairy godmother who supposedly helped Beatrice secure her royal marriage. What follows is a fun, magical journey as Theo summons Cecily of the Ash Fairies, a far cry from the typical benevolent, wand-waving godmother. Cecily is unpredictable, sharp-witted, and more interested in smoking her pipe and bargaining for favors than doling out charity. This character is a highlight of the story, and her interactions with Theo are full of sharp humor and unexpected wisdom.

Theo’s assigned tasks add depth to the plot, pushing her to grow and discover her true desires. Along the way, the introduction of Cecily’s familiars—Phineas, the charming, flirtatious human-turned-mockingbird, and Kasra, the dashing yet aloof fox shapeshifter—infuses the story with further intrigue and wit. These characters not only serve as a comic relief but also challenge Theo’s perceptions of herself and the magical world she’s entered.

Narrator Josie Charles adds a wonderful layer to this audiobook, her warm, engaging voice drawing listeners into the world Mayo has crafted. She perfectly captures Theo's charm, wit, and frustration while breathing life into Cecily’s cunning nature and the various other magical creatures.

The novel also explores interesting themes, such as personal growth, societal expectations, and the nature of kindness. As Theo works through her tasks, she begins to question whether the human world and its rigid, often cruel expectations are truly where she belongs. The relationships she forms with the magical creatures serve as a meaningful contrast to the superficial connections she has in her human life.

Overall, "How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" is a thoroughly entertaining and clever re-imagining of the Cinderella tale. It gives voice to the "wicked stepsister" in a way that feels fresh and poignant, and the romance, humor, and magical elements are balanced in a way that keeps the story light but meaningful. Josie Charles’s narration only enhances the experience, making this audiobook a must-listen for fans of fairy tale retellings.

I found "How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" to be a charming and unique take on the Cinderella tale. It was particularly unjust for Beatrice to paint such a vile portrait of her stepsisters, especially Theo, who is neither wicked nor cruel. Theo's cleverness, charm, and resilience make her an endearing character, and it is impossible not to root for her as she navigates this magical, slightly chaotic world. The humor and deviousness of Cecily as a fairy godmother were refreshing, making this story a truly enjoyable experience.