Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Rachel Hochhauser's debut novel, Lady Tremaine, was published in early March and has really taken off. It is already a New York Times Bestseller, the Reese's Book Club pick for March 2026, a Book of the Month Club pick and a LibraryReads Pick. It is a Cinderella retelling from the point of view of Lady Tremaine, the evil stepmother that asks - Lady Tremaine was really all that bad or was she just doing her best? It deals with animal cruelty, bullying, confinement, death, physical abuse, violence, allusions of rape, grief, murder, pregnancy, injury, and classism.

Lady Tremaine is a widow. Twice over. She has had - as anybody would tell you - very bad luck. And now she is responsible for her own two daughters, a stepdaughter who likes to quote from her book of female etiquette, one peregrine falcon, and the manor left to her by her second husband which is currently crumbling around her. Quite literally. But when she receives a notice that there will be a royal ball, she recognizes her chance to get them all out of this mess for good. But her quest for a better life for her daughters leads her down a road that she did not expect, and she will be forced to make decisions that will put them all at risk.

Wow, wow - I loved this book. Rachel Hochhauser knocked it out of the park. Firstly, I love a good origin story. But this book is so much more than that. The characters are absolutely delightful. Each of them are well-rounded and with their own personalities - not all of which is favorable. Lady Tremaine herself is clever and witty, but also very over her head and trying her very best to keep herself and her household afloat. Her backstory is heartbreaking. The setting of the book is so well built, the writing is wonderful. And the character development, the journey that we go on with these characters is just immensely satisfying. I loved it. I loved the ending. I loved the beginning. The middle was pretty tense, but I loved it. I laughed out loud. I teared up several times. Several. And I may have actually cheered at the climax but I was so absorbed in the book that I can't actually remember. Read it if you like books with witty, clever, well-developed characters and stories with endings don't expect.

I'm giving Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser 5 stars! I cannot wait to see what else this author has up her sleeves, what a phenomenal first novel. There are books you read that you just know will be one of your favorites for the year. I can't imagine this won't be at the top of my list for 2026. As an added note, Bessie Carter narrated the audiobook and did a spectacular job.

For more from Rachel Hochhauser, check out https://rachelhochhauser.com/

Pairs well with roasted parsnips and knowing whether or not it's better to wear pompoms, or set yourself apart by forgoing the pompoms.

My favorite quotes:

"Our dresses as pleated and heavy as a curtain on a grand stage."

"'Forgive me,' he said, taking a step back, 'but what is there to quarrel about?'"

"I had already cut so many corners I was holding a circle. I did not know where else to trim."

"'Brevity may be the point, dear Etheldrede.'"

"'In resolving challenges, one must look to the compass of justice.'"