Cold Hearted

By: Serena Valentino

Narrated by: Billie Brown

This was supposed to be her happily ever after....

It's a familiar tale: A kind and beautiful young girl, reeling from loss. A doting father, frantic to bring a mother's love back into his daughter's life. And the selfish, cruel woman who insinuates herself into that family - a woman so unfeeling, so cold hearted, that when her new husband dies, she makes the girl a servant in her own home. But who is that evil stepmother, that icy lady of the house? How did she become so closed off that, in the face of a child's grief, she thought only to seek wealth and power for herself and her abhorrent daughters?

Before that fateful ball, before the glass slipper and the prince, there was another story - a story of love and grief, of hope and of dreams dashed. It is the story of Lady Tremaine. Even the coldest of villains are sometimes wives and mothers, women who loved and lost and hoped for something grander for their lives...once upon a dream. The latest novel in Serena Valentino's deliciously devious Villains series introduces the most famed and hated wicked stepmother of them all - but turns everything you know about her on its head.

©2022 Serena Valentino (P)2022 Disney Hyperion

The story was wonderful

But I still preferred Lucy Rayner to read the book
But never the less Billie brown did a good job
I just prefer Lucy Rainer to do the books she bring the story to life

amazing story

I never thought I could feel bad for Lady Tremaine. But I felt for her so much.
This also made me realize, I would definitely be a villain. If I went through any of what this poor woman went through, I would be one Hades of a villain
Must Read.
Serena Valentino did it again.

another great book

I loved it.
I didn't agree with the end, I felt bad for Lady tremaine because she actually didn't deserve her fate, she tried really hard...
she was drove into being Cold Hearted.

Great character development

This is a great story showing how the step mother in Cinderella got to be so cruel. I enjoyed the narrative as well.

Great book

Loved the book. A lot of twist and turns in the book. I just wish the ending was different but glad it was truly a happily ever after ending.

Oh! The injustice!

Holy. Cow!!! I never thought I would totally “get” where the evil step mother was coming from, but after this retelling, I do! This was another installment of the wonderful villain series, and well worth the read/listen.

Mediocre

It’s not my favorite in the series. I will say this narrator’s voice is much better than the that if the first few books as it’s less screechy. I did like the hints at the Hook book though. Doubt I’ll listen again.

Chilling Schemes and the Frozen Heart of Villainy

I am absolutely enchanted by Serena Valentino's Villains series and the captivating Odd Sisters. These misfit witches have become some of my all-time favorite characters, brimming with humor, chaos, and unmatched charm. Their stories are nothing short of a masterclass in imagination and storytelling, and I cannot express how much joy and inspiration they’ve brought me.

The Odd Sisters evoke the same timeless magic I’ve always cherished in iconic trios like the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. Their delightful insanity, razor-sharp wit, and deeply layered personalities are a testament to Valentino's genius. Each book in this series is like a beautifully crafted spell, weaving together the threads of classic fairytales with a touch of dark mischief. The seamless connections between these stories leave me in awe—it's a literary standing ovation, truly!

I don’t want these tales to end. I long for more adventures with the Odd Sisters and their wonderfully meddlesome ways. The idea of them having their own corner of a Disney park or starring in their own movie gives me chills in the best way. Imagine a land of the dead brought to life at a Disney park—pure brilliance!

Thank you, Serena Valentino, for this extraordinary gift. Your attention to detail, creativity, and passion shine through every page, and I’ll be singing the praises of these books to anyone and everyone. They deserve all the love and recognition. I truly hope this isn’t the end for the Odd Sisters, because I’d happily follow them into whatever chaos they conjure next!

Amazing

The story was amazing as always. Can not wait till the next book to release.

Another twisted tale

Excellent narration and a deep dive into the perspective of Lady Tremaine’s story. I love the connectivity of the fairies from the other Valentino stories…. Although I was slightly disappointed with her ending. As most of the villains in the other stories seem to have gotten their redemption, I feel Tremaine could have had a little better here. Otherwise couldn’t put it down!