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Summary

In this Cinderella retelling, a disgraced illustrator hides at the Biltmore and falls for a millionaire, whom she mistakes for a gardener.

Stats

Genre: Adult Historical Romance (Novella, United States turn of the century)

Series length: Standalone book 

Violence: Very light

Magic/Supernatural: None

Romance/Sex: Strong but clean  

Christian/spiritual element: Moderate, explicit

Recommendation: For those who love Cinderella retellings or humorous and whimsical romances.

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Opening Lines: 

Sunset and sunrise captured the magnificent country chateau best. 

The copper crown rose above the tree line on the hill like a castle from a fairytale, leaving a reflection of soft gray-and-golden glint in the pond at Stella's feet. 

​Yes, she loved this spot. 

Between Stairs & Stardust
by Pepper Basham

An illustrator in hiding
A millionaire with a gardening fascination
And the possibility of a perfect fit for a happily-ever-after

Once Upon a time…
​A young illustrator, forced from her home in Boston, must return to her Blue Ridge Mountains to escape a scandal. Certain that her dreams are on hold, Stella Emory doesn’t expect to find a prince charming in the form of James Craven, a young man who works in the gardens of the famed Biltmore Estate. Brought together unexpectedly, the two begin a tender friendship inspired by James’s little sister and the story of Cinderella, but James isn’t all he seems.

​As their friendship grows into a romance, the truth of James’s millionaire status shakes Stella’s confidence. When her past follows her to Asheville, Stella thinks her chance at romance with James is over, but will a Christmas masquerade and the remnants of a charm bracelet somehow provide the magic Stella needs to clear her name and claim her own happily-ever-after?

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