Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Isabelle is the ugly step-sister. She didn't get the price (her step-sister did) despite cutting off off her toes in an attempt to get the glass slipper to fit. The entire town hates her and her sister for the way they treated the now prince's wife. She's is ugly in personality and looks. She's an outcast. Her attempts at being perfect, sweet, kind and meet her mother's expectations have failed leaving her jealous, angry and hollow.

Isabelle is given an opportunity to redeem herself. A chance to change her fate. This is her story and it's a great one.

The story is told in third person. It's darker and the focus isn't on the girl who get the prince but the one who didn't. I genuinely enjoyed this version, a version that shows you that a villain is a mix of good and bad. A villain could be me, you, or anyone. We are all imperfect and can change our character.

The read can at times be a bit sluggish but overall it's enjoyable and worth the effort.