Review - The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood

 

 

Title: The Shadow in the Glass

Author: J.J.A. Harwood

Pages: 414

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Release Date: 18th March 2021

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must to decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay it.

 

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My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley*

 

 

Since Ella's adopted mother died, she has gone from a lady in training to working as a maid for her guardian/adopted father.

Ella finds refuge in the library, sneaking in to read books in the middle of the night.

Then, one night, Ella encounters a woman who offers her seven wishes, but there is a price to pay.

Will Ella use the wishes?

Can she have the life she dreams of?

 

The concept of the book intrigued me, especially the Cinderella aspect, but, unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed.

Ella was a protagonist who I felt sorry for in the beginning, but as the book went on, I found it harder to sympathise with her and began to find her a bit annoying.

My favourite characters were probably Aoife and Leah, who worked as maids with Ella.

The historical setting was interesting, and it had an impact on Ella's life as well as the other women in the book.

The plot was enjoyable to begin with, but as the book went on, I found myself liking it less. I lost interest at one point and did consider stopping reading. Nothing that happened particularly shocked me, and I didn't feel invested in Ella enough to care about what happened to her.

The writing style was easy to follow, but while the premise for this book intrigued me, it didn't live up to its potential.

 

Overall, this was an okay, mixed read.