Lady Tremaine

Reese’s Book Club Pick (A Novel)

By: Rachel Hochhauser

Narrated by: Bessie Carter

REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK • IndieNext Pick • LibraryReads Pick

This program is read by actor Bessie Carter, best known for her role as Prudence Featherington on the Netflix series Bridgerton.

“With excellent accents and a soothing yet engaging voice, Bessie Carter’s narration was enchanting. She beautifully captured the novel’s atmosphere and emotion.”—The Nerd Daily

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Wow!!!

This was an incredible listen. Mother power! Women power! I’m not a huge fan of fairy tales so I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this retelling, This exceeded every expectation.

2026 Favorite

This is a gorgeously rendered retelling of Cinderella through the eyes of the most misunderstood villain in all of Disney, Lady Etheldreda Tremaine Brambley (AKA “the wicked stepmother”). It turns out that she isn’t really wicked. She’s actually amazing. This book made me proud to be a woman and proud to be a mother. I loved every second of the reading experience. I did audio and kindle, and both experiences were awesome. There is intrigue, family secrets, bonding, humor, and a darkness that can only be overcome by a band of determined women. I won’t give too much away, but it is a truly great read.

Lady Etheldreda Tremaine Brambley will possibly be my favorite character of 2026, and this is my favorite book of the year so far. I LOVED IT.

I can’t wait to see Kate Winslet as Etheldreda in the prestige TV version of this book. That’s my dream casting. Maybe someday…

Loved the audio

Powerful ending…still would have liked to see girls more settled. What a evil prince

Delightfully and darkly maternal!

I really enjoyed the twists in this story and appreciate the maternal heroism depicted within this rendition. This tale certainly unfolds in a very different light!

Loved it!

Great narrator. Great story Really enjoyed a different perspective. Well written and engaging . Highly recommend.