From Gregory Maguire, the acclaimed author of Wicked, comes his much-anticipated second novel, a brilliant and provocative retelling of the timeless Cinderella tale. We all have heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave among the ashes. But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty ... and what curses accompanied Cinderella's...

While vacationing on a horse ranch in North Carolina, stepsisters Stephanie and Diana put aside their differences to help free a pair of caged wolves.

A teen girl struggles with obesity, self-harm, and the infuriatingly perfect stepsister in her journey to overcome the stigmas put on her life, on her friendships, and on her future.

Cast off by her old friends, Cinderella agrees to help a new student deal with the stepsisters she will soon have, and meantime, a former friend tries to prevent Cinderella from dancing the lead in their tap recital.

Twelve-year-old Charles experiences many difficulties in adjusting to a new stepfather, stepsister, and stepbrother.

The summer after her father drowned off the island of Curaçao, Cyan and her mother, a painter, return to the house they stay at every summer, along with the daughter of her mother's fiancé. But Cyan blames her mother and spends her time trying to find out what really happened to her father.

"After the tragic death of her mother and a long period of isolation under the thumb of a cruel grandfather, young Caroline Brady has little to hope for in her life in the foreboding Southerland mansion. Her only companion, her enigmatic cousin, Simon, may be a wolf in sheep's clothing and is not to be trusted. But when Caroline's estranged father suddenly resurfaces with news of a new wife and stepchildren in Hawaii that she'll finally be allowed...

When Stephanie's father and Diana's mother go on a marriage retreat to deal with some big problems, Stephanie goes to cheerleading camp and Diana stays with her father, but when everyone returns, things seem worse than ever.

"Building a family is hard, especially with stepsisters who are complete opposites. During the bleak and dreary days of winter, Diana continues to be bullied at school, Stephanie continues hiding a painful secret, and both their lives are shaken by two tragic accidents"--Provided by publisher.

The sorceress Lady Lamorna has her heart set on a very expensive new robe, and she will stop at nothing--including kidnapping and black magic--to get the money to pay for it.