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Thank you to Chauncey Rogers for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 3rd, 2018
314 Pages
Synopsis:
If the shoe fits, wear it.
If it doesn’t, make it.
Laure is a street urchin just trying to get away. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She’ll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests., if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and live to tell the tale.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, you know you’re reading something special when you’re doing everything you can to put off getting to the end of a book. Happily is one of these treasures.
Back in January, I read Chauncey’s thriller/horror novel, Cleaving Souls, which kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning. Happily did the same thing only for entirely different reasons. This isn’t quite a fairytale retelling, as Cinderella doesn’t even make an appearance until the end of the story. To give you an idea of how different this book is, here’s how it opens:
Before I start, however, we need to get a few things straight. First, I don’t like questions. They get people off track, they almost always would have been answered if the person had just kept listening, and they’re usually stupid. Yes, stupid. Whoever says otherwise is an idiot. Second, I’ve been told to tell you my story. Not my life story, so forget about learning about my childhood. Just the story of the glass slipper and my engagement to the prince—-the whole story. I don’t want to do this twice; let’s get it right the first time, shall we? There are only a few hours until the wedding ceremony, so sit down, get comfortable, and let’s get this over with—-that way you can leave, which will be great for both of us. Because the third, final, and perhaps most important thing for you to understand is this: I don’t like you.Try not to take it too personally—-I don’t like most people. Really, you’re probably in good company. You’re probably in pretty bad company, too, since there are a lot of idiots, creeps, and perverts who I don’t like either. There’s a group of people that I particularly dislike, however, and my story starts with them.
And that sassy, sarcastic voice belongs to Laure, the snarky, stubborn, cranky heroine of this book. As the story begins, she’s a street urchin who thinks of no one except for herself. But as the story develops it’s obvious that behind her self-absorbed exterior lies so much more. When she meets up with the adorably sweet Luc, he brings out the best in her and before you reach the halfway point, it’s obvious these two are soulmates.
As always, I’m not going to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say the story has a lovely romance, rollicking adventure, plenty of humor, fantastic world-building, and one of the most imaginative plots I’ve come across in a very long time. The only reason why I’m giving this less than a perfect 5 stars is because I thought everything came together a little too quickly at the end. But this is a very minor complaint.
In the end, I cannot recommend Happily highly enough for children and adults. Chauncey has taken an often retold story, and given it a unique and refreshing spin, filled with teachable moments. If you’re a fan of fairytales like: Ella Enchanted, Ever After (with Drew Barrymore), The Princess Bride, and Aladdin, you need to read this ASAP! It’s a beautiful escape from real world woes, and I guarantee you’ll be utterly captivated. And if you read this review Chauncey, I’m putting in my request for a sequel now. PLEASE! Oh, and I’d like to thank Chauncey’s young daughter for requesting that her dad write a story for her. Because of her wish, we are all beneficiaries of this fanciful tale.
James J. Cudney IV said:
Wonderful review! Love the nod to his daughter, too.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jay! I just had to give a shoutout to Ellie!😊
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Chauncey Rogers said:
Thank you for reviewing Happily! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
We’re going to do a pretty splendid blog tour from April 2-16. I think you might enjoy some of the posts. Mind if I email you the schedule for it?
Also, your request has been noted. 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It was entirely my pleasure Chauncey. I love the idea of the blog tour, but I’m unsure if I’ll be able to participate. We’re moving at the end of next week, and my life is going to be in chaos for the next few weeks. I’d love to read the other posts though, so if you still wouldn’t mind giving me the schedule, that would be great. I’ve already enjoyed reading some of the others that have come out from Jay, Nicole and Dani.😊
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Chauncey Rogers said:
Absolutely! I actually already have all the blog tour stops filled out–I just wanted to offer you an advanced look at the posts! 🙂
Moving? Yes, definitely busy and a bit chaotic. Best of luck!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh phew. I was feeling guilty because ordinarily I’d be begging to be part of this blog tour. I’m looking forward to seeing the list.😊
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Chauncey Rogers said:
There will be other tours–sometime when you’re not moving, hopefully! 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
And I will be there! My husband and I have lived in the same town our entire lives so this is huge and scary. I think once we’re settled though our lives will be much better.
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Chauncey Rogers said:
Wow, that is a big deal! But with a good, positive outlook, I think you’ll be just fine!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Chauncey. Fingers crossed.😊
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Heather Tasker said:
This sounds great! Added to Goodreads!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! You won’t be sorry Heather.🤗
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Didi Oviatt - Author said:
Great review! This book has been on my radar! I’m yet to read any of Chauncey’s books, but I think when I do this one will be my first pick 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Didi! I 100% guarantee you’re going to LOVE both this and Cleaving Souls!🤗
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Didi Oviatt - Author said:
I keep seeing great reviews on both, and they’ve both been on my TBR. I better get to it, and quit messing around!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
ASAP!😁
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beetleypete said:
Well done to Chauncey for re-imagining an old tale. But a sequel to Cinderella? Is that a stretch? 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s not quite a sequel Pete. It’s hard to explain without giving away any spoilers. Let’s just say that the events that take place are set after the ball while the search for the foot fitting the glass slipper is on. The main character, Laure is NOT Cinderella. I can’t tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed this story!😊
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beetleypete said:
OK, got it. (Sort-of) 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sorry. I’m usually better at explaining. This isn’t a great head day. Sorry for the confusing review.😒
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beetleypete said:
Not at all. It’s just me! Have a break from the reading, and mend that head! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Will do.
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Beware Of The Reader said:
I can feel that you really really loved this read Kim! Not wanting to end is high praise!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I definitely fell in love with this Sophie. I hope Chauncey gives Laure and Luc a sequel. I’m not ready to say goodbye.
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fragglerocking said:
First Nicole, now you, only need Dani to do it and I’ll be very tempted… 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is so good Fraggle! Dani has a review posted on Goodreads, and I know she’s going to be part of the blog tour in April.😊
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
Lol! Great review! I love that we had similar views on the book!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Nicole!🤗
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The Cozy Pages said:
The opening sets the perfect tone for Laure. Glad you enjoyed it too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
We need a sequel!
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The Cozy Pages said:
👍👍👍👍👍
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robbiesinspiration said:
Thank you, Kim. This sounds like fun. I think I will get this to read to my niece.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!🤗
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Diana said:
Wonderful review Kim. Your enthusiasm for this one makes me want to read it too. I also love the opening that you shared. Sounds perfect so definitely one for my TBR!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana. This really is a gem.🤗
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Carrie said:
LOL!! I love that excerpt, sounds like it would be so up my alley with the oozing sarcastic tone. Great review! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. I think you’d love this book.😊
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Carrie said:
It sure sounds like it. 🙂
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lilisblissfulpages said:
Oh my, I WANT this. Great review. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I hope you read this.😊
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lilisblissfulpages said:
As soon as it’s out… I definitely will read it. 🙂
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
OMG, this sounds great! I like sarcastic heroines! Adding it to my TBR! Great review! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven. I guarantee you’re going to love this!🤗
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jowensauthor said:
Sounds like a great read. Adding it to my TBR list 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve got to read this ASAP Jeanne!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Glad this was so well done! Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks. This really is a treasure.😊
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Michelle Morrison said:
It’s fun to read retellings of classic fairy tales. I love the classic fairy tales, but there is definitely a place for revised versions.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t tell you what a gem this one is Michelle.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Wonderful review! The man continues to deliver great stories. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
He certainly does! Thanks Lashaan.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I have to agree with your amazing review, Book Sister!❤ I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book!❤❤❤ Luc is my kind of guy! Swoony, Swoon, Swoon!📚❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Book Sister! It really is a treasure.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I couldn’t agree more!❤❤❤
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
This has to be a new fave of mine!❤ He did great with horror than YA retelling!😁📚❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m hoping for a sequel!🙏🏻🤞🏻
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Same here!!!😁 That would be so wonderful!❤❤❤
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Janice C. Johnson said:
I really like kids’ literature that grownups can also enjoy. Particularly if it’s snarkily humorous. Gotta read this!
Thanks for commenting on my blog, because that’s how I found you!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what you think when you read this Janice.😊
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Janice C. Johnson said:
It in my Kindle now! I’ll be sure and get back to you.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Fantastic!😊
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Janice C. Johnson said:
I’m about halfway through the book, LOVING it, and have drafted most of my “Great Weekend Reads!” post. It’ll go live this Friday.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t wait Janice.
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