The Golden SlipperA Cinderella Retelling
A girl with a dream. A prince without magic. A masquerade ball that changes their lives forever.
Miraslava has spent her life dreaming of freedom from her family and servitude. Her cruel step mother and step sisters have done everything in their power to make Mira’s existence unbearable. But Mira is a planner. She’s been taking odd jobs around town, saving up for a portal passage to the human realm—the one place her family can’t reach her.
When the royal family announces a week-long celebration—with a ball every other night—her friend offers her a job that lands her in the castle. And right into the arms of the crowned prince of Skazka. Luca isn’t exactly what Mira has pictured, with his mischievous eyes and a kind smile, keeping his own secrets. She knows she has no time to dream about unattainable boys, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember to stay away.
But fate—and magic—have other plans. A little makeover, a dance beneath the Skazka stars, and a giant turquoise cat throw Mira down a path she never could’ve imagined.
With her cruel family watching her every move, and a gorgeous prince trying to steal her heart, is it any surprise Mira loses a shoe?
And when the clock strikes midnight, Mira might lose more than that—she might lose her heart.
The Golden Slipper is a retelling of the traditional Russian Cinderella fairytale. Set in the world of Skazka, this complete stand-alone novel is full of slow-burn romance, banter, strong friendships, and heart!
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Luca leads me to the dance floor. He leads me in a half circular walk, his gaze sweeping over me, before I stop in front of him. Now that we’re here, I feel awkward because I know who he is, and he has no idea about me.
But then, I realize maybe that’s a good thing. I can be anyone I want to be tonight. Not an orphan, or a poor servant girl, but a lady of society dancing with a prince.
With that realization, I’m the one who moves forward first. He grins as he places one hand around my waist while still holding my hand with his other. I put my free hand on his shoulder, not taking my eyes off his.
Even with his dark mask, I would recognize him anywhere. He’s become an annoying clumsy shadow around this palace, but as we start to move, I find he’s anything but clumsy. His movements are precise, years of practice coming into play. Yet it’s the intensity in his gaze that keeps me captive.
We move through the room as if held together by an invisible ribbon, wrapped tightly around our waists. It’s as if we’ve been doing this dance all our lives. We anticipate each other’s movements, spinning and shifting as the music flows through us. Luca pulls me even closer as we turn together as one. My breath catches somewhere three steps behind...
Valia Lind
USA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction.
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
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The Skazka Fairy Tales
The Skazka Fairy Tales consists of four primary books, and includes three additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
