Ashley and Harry are just two high school students trying to make it through the last 6 months of their senior year. Except Ashley works in a funeral home with her crazy step mother and evil step sisters, and Harry is a famous pop star sent there on punishment. This is not just another Cinderella story. There are intense plot twists that keep you hooked into this story up until the last word. Read this book, because I can’t wait to read the next one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Octavianohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Octaviano2022-09-09 01:48:332022-09-12 12:24:20Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Octaviano
I love the mix of all the modern day Cinderella tales! Some are sweet and some are spicy! This is a teenage semi-sweet version with lots of chemistry and angst. Ashley and Harry are great together, and it’s a cute retell. Every Cinderella has her day and this Ashley’s. It’s quite the wild ride, but lovable all the same!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-09-09 00:52:132022-09-12 12:26:21Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lauren West
4/5 Stars This book is a retelling of the Cinderella and it’s pretty interesting. As an adult reading it, I had to remind myself that this book is meant for YA to not be too critical of it. This retelling of the classic story was one I haven’t seen before. It features a famous high school student and a student who works at a funeral home. I do think that it’ll be interesting to see how book two can continue on the story with the way this book ended. I’m not sure how the ending can be concluded in book two when the focus is on different characters. But I am interested in seeing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2022-09-08 22:23:532022-09-12 12:26:01Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Daryian Lucas
This is a sweet take on a romance that comes together despite seemingly impossible obstacles. There’s an element of fairy magic, but most of the story isn’t about fairies or magic, so that part was a bit confusing as to why it was included in the story at all; however, I’m guessing perhaps there’s more to that in future books. The fairy/magic element didn’t take away from the overall story, either, though, so it’ll be interesting to see that develop a bit more into the storyline. Despite that, it was beautifully written and the characters are easy to fall in love with or hate. Worth a read, for sure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2022-09-08 20:17:512022-09-12 12:22:59Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Wendy Wary
I loved this book when I read it for the first time. It felt like such a fresh and imaginative way to retell a classic tale. So when I saw the audio book version I just knew I had to give it a try, and it was definitely worth it! I felt like I become so much more involved and invested in the character and the story. I found myself getting lost in the narration and pulled into the familiar story once more.
I enjoyed the fact that it really does feel like a new way to reinvent Cinderella, a story that has been told time and again. The author has done a brilliant job of making the story their own and the audio book brings that to life. This is a great book to try today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-09-08 15:43:252022-09-12 12:06:22Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker
What a wonderful YA story. I Loved that this is a play off of Cinderella. The characters are lively and I could empathize with them because they are so realistic. I liked that Ashley worked in a mortuary and lives with evil stepmother. How different yet Intriguing. Harry I was prepared not to like but somehow the author made me change my mind. I ended up really enjoying his kindness and thought process.
The ending give an implication that there will be another story either more of these two or another couple. Either way I will check it out. The writing is easy to read and flows very nicely. This is filled with drama, cliques an surprises. I enjoyed every second.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2022-09-08 12:03:252022-09-12 12:09:36Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lisa Helmick
When an author does a fairytale retelling it can go wrong or like in this case it can go AMAZINGLY RIGHT.
This modern day retelling of Cinderella was done with respect to the original. The storyline took some twists from the original that just made this book even better then I thought it would be.
Be warned there is some heartwrenching parts that will make you ugly cry. But it’s totally worth it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2022-09-07 23:27:062022-09-08 06:34:30Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jenique Bornman
Ashes by MK Harkins is a modern-day retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. Ashley is an outsider that gets bullied by her peers at school and is disliked by her stepmother. Harry is the “bad-boy” pop star attending her high school while he cleans up his act. They find that they have an instant connection when she hides hum from fans but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to stay together. This is a pretty good read. I like the relationship between Ashley and Harry. The book has nice twists to keep it interesting. There is a good amount of character development, especially for Harry. This is a very good retelling of Cinderella. If you enjoy modern-day fairy tales, you will enjoy this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-09-07 20:32:392022-09-08 06:15:00Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by La Toya Lewis
Ashes (A Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins Narrated by Michelle Shure Five Stars
This book sucked me in from the very first chapter. It is a brilliant modern day Cinderella Story. Ashley and Harry make such a great couple. This book had me laughing out loud one minute and wanting to throw my phone at the wall the next. This is the first book I have listened by this author. I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the books in this series.
This is also the first time I have listened to a book narrated by Michelle Shure. I really enjoyed her voice. It made the story flow and brought the characters to life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sunday Barnabyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSunday Barnaby2022-09-07 18:19:512022-09-08 06:23:20Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Sunday Barnaby
I enjoyed reading this young adult story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into her stories from the start. Her characters are connectable and bring the story to life on each page. This story is no different. This is a well written story that will make you question fairytale magic. Does it have a place in life or is it just that a fairytale? This is a fast paced story that I had a hard time putting down. It is an engaging story where the character’s growth is great. They have great chemistry and are supportive of each other throughout. This is a great story that I truly enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-09-07 16:02:392022-09-08 06:24:27Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Bobbi Wagner
I really liked this book! I finished it in one setting. The characters were amazing and the villains were exceptionally villainous. I loved that yes, it was a Cinderella retelling but it was original. The fairy Godmother story was my favorite part. I need more of that. I’m excited for the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Johnson2022-09-07 14:04:132022-09-08 06:13:35Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Ashley Johnson
I have mentioned in reviews before that I shy away from main characters in their teens because I find them immature and whiny… I suppose that’s a sign of a well written character as immaturity is part of our teen years but there is often something off putting about it. ANYWAY, MK Harkins is an author I’ve read and loved in the past so I decided to take a chance. Ashes was a fun, easy to read, modern day spin on Cinderella. I thought the characters were actually really well written with supporting characters being just as charming as the main. I feel like this author did a great job proving to me that all YA fiction is not the same and retelling a classic tell can be unique and enjoyable. I really enjoyed feeling as though I knew about and cared for the characters and I felt like I was there right in the halls or high school with the vivid imagery. I would definitely recommend giving this book a chance for a fun escape from your day to day and I look forward to reading more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2022-09-07 07:41:432022-09-08 05:57:17Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Felicia Bates
5 out of 5 stars What a wonderfully original retelling of Cinderella. I found the story to be relevant to today’s world. Ashley is a strong and brave young woman. She has a battle ahead and she takes no guff. I found the interactions with the characters, such as the M & M’s, Veronica, Laura, and Harry James were so relatable. The plot twist of solving the poisoning and attempted murders was a great twist. The narration was good. I did feel it could have used a bit more variation of voices. A fun audio read for any age.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-06 11:46:592022-09-06 20:29:13Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Shelly Kittell
This was a cute read! This is a (sometimes morbid) re-telling of the classic story Cinderella. It’s set in a modern time, with a teenage pop star instead of a prince. This is definitely a YA book, you can tell mot only in the content but also in writing style. I enjoyed reading this book as it was different than other reimagined stories I’ve read in the past. This is the first time I’ve read this author before and I’m excited to read more stories from her in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-09-05 20:49:392022-09-06 20:16:51Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Rachel Moss
Ashley is in her senior year at Redmond High School. Her father passed away a year prior leaving her to live with her step mother and two step sisters. Her father left her a trust fund to go away to college but with one stipulation, she must graduate on time. Ashley’s step mother, Veronica, will stop at nothing to get that money for herself. She puts Ashley to work in the family funeral home and only gives her the bare minimum time to complete anything else outside of work.
Harry James, a famous pop star, has gotten into a lot of trouble. His sentence included finishing high school with no more trouble and out of the spotlight. Redmond High School has a really good basketball team so that is the school he decides to serve his sentence out.
Cue the meet cute in the funeral home no less. Instantly there are sparks but the universe seems against them being together.
Everyone loves an old fashioned fairy tale, especially the classics. This book is a modern take on Cinderella and I loved it. Cinderella was one of my favorites when I was a child but this book made it more relatable.
Ashley and Harry are so different from each other yet so similar at the same time. Ashley is hardened by the loss of her father, she no longer believes in love and has so many walls up that she seems indifferent to everything. She is sassy, honest and will say what’s on her mind even if it will get her into trouble.
Harry is a charismatic guy who has trouble disappointing people. He will go out of his way to make everyone else happy, even at the expense of his own happiness. Being thrust into the spotlight at a young age made him lose himself and he has become a shell of what he once wanted to be.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-09-05 13:09:022022-09-06 18:33:20Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Santana Hicks
When I read the blurb about this story, I was kinda interested and thought I would take a chance on something a little different for me. Well, call me hooked. The story is fabulous. I love the way the threads of the classic are woven into the modern. It is not a simple retelling, it is more of reinvention of the fairytale genre.
Ashley Jones is still lost in the grief of her father’s recent death when her step-mother moves her to Washington State for an investment opportunity. Ash starts working for the family funeral home. This makes high school super fun (note the sarcasm). Ash is isolated until Laura moves to town.
Harry James is a pop star. Harry and his best friend accidentally burned down their high school chem lab. As part of Harry’s probation, he must attend and graduate from a normal high school. Guess whose school he attends. From the moment Harry first meets Ash, he knows she is different. She doesn’t care about his superstar status. He can be himself, the real him, with her. As their friendship develops, obstacles and people try to prevent them from being together. It looks like disaster for Ash and Harry.
Like the magic in this modern reinvention, any reader will be put under the spell of this author and her fantastically woven tapestry. Awesome series!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2022-09-05 11:11:552022-09-06 18:31:11Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by m Policicchio
This is a modern-day telling of Cinderella. There have been dozens and dozens of Cinderella themed books over the years. I can’t say I’ve ever come across one where the girl that is comparable to Cinderella works in a funeral home doing makeup. The singer/dancer for Prince Charming has been done.
Ashley is an outcast at her high-school….mainly for one reason. That reason? She works in a funeral home giving makeovers to the newly departed. Harry is the Prince of Pop with the bad boy image to go with it. He’s sent back to high-school as part of his probation. His crime? Setting a school chemistry lab on fire. At least he has his best friend, George Sparks, there to keep him out of trouble…. or can he?
Ashley is a relatable character. She isn’t flat and monotonous. She has character, attitude which comes out more than once and a great personality.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katy Halsemahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaty Halsema2022-09-05 09:23:062022-09-05 12:51:23Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Katy H
Ashes is a great modern day retelling of Cinderella. Ashley doesn’t believe in love. She pushes people away before Ashley can be rejected. This story still has the evil stepmother and stepsisters from the original Cinderella. This time, they are more diabolical by using baked goods to kill people. Thankfully, Ashley meets Harry, her prince charming. I love that their relationship survives all of the obstacles that are thrown their way. Also enjoyed the fact that Ashley’s friend Laura was actually a fairy that helped her find love. Ashes is great for anyone who loves fairytales and romance books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caitlin Weisshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaitlin Weiss2022-09-05 08:13:152022-09-06 18:26:30Ashes (Modern-Day Fairytale Book 1) by Mk Harkins-Review by Caitlin Weiss
This a modern day Cinderella with a much darker vibe and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Ashley lives with her step mother and step sisters who do everything possible to make Ashley as miserable as humanely possible plus a little more for good measure. But the suffering doesn’t end there, she has to deal with it at school as well.
Harry isn’t perfect, he doesn’t stand up for himself or his happiness. He meets Ashley and all of that changed for him.
You would think the story would go as expected but I think that would have made a pretty predictable story and this was anything but.
I can’t wait for the next book to be released, I need to know what happens next for Ashley and Harry but also need to read how George finds his happiness.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2022-09-04 22:12:572022-09-06 10:23:05Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Robin Rankin
I absolutely loved this modern twist on Cinderella. Ashley has such a good heart. I rooted for her and Harry from the moment they met. Every time something happened that made it harder for them to be together I groaned lol. Ashley step family shocked me the most. The lengths they went through to get her trust was insane. I cannot wait to read the next installment. If you’re into fantasy, fairy tales, action with a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2022-09-04 20:37:272022-09-06 10:20:34Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Amber Howard
What a fabulous story! I loved the characters, I laughed, and I cried with the characters. There is young love, with all the ups and downs that accompany teens on the cusp of adulthood. There is suspense, an evil stepmother, a pair of evil-in-training stepsisters, and a funeral home/ crematorium. Throw in a fairy godmother and a charming prince of pop- I can see where the series derives its name. I definitely can’t wait for more installments in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-09-04 20:18:262022-09-06 10:19:34Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Alison Risher
A retelling of Cinderella and I LOVED it! The main character is Ashley Adams. After her dad passes away she is stuck with her stepmother, Veronica, and her stepsisters whom she refers to as the M and M’s. Veronica decided to open a funeral home where Ashley does the make up for the deceased and tried to keep to herself. She is an outcast at school except her one great friend Laura. Harry James is a pop star who caught his chemistry lab on fire and now has to attend regular school to finish his senior year. As he is running from a mob of girls he runs into Ashley and into the funeral home. They hit it off, but then school starts and there are many things that go wrong. The characters are so likable and I was rooting for them through the entire book. The setting is in Washington, my home state, so I always love that connection! There are twists and turns and it is a total page turner. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Audrie Harringtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAudrie Harrington2022-09-04 19:22:182022-09-06 10:18:25Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Audrie Harrington
I am obsessed with fairy tales being retold. In all sorts of ways. Cinderella I feel is one that has been done in the cinematic world over and over again, as well as the literary world, but I can’t say I feel it’s been overdone. I especially loved this one, and the authors way of weaving the tale to add in some aspects that make the reader hold their breathe, think they know what’s coming, and end up being turned around over and over again. I felt like I was really able to connect to the characters, especially some off the original path character that I won’t spoil for you!
Overall, immaculately woven world development, character building and suspense, and of course, the beautiful romance and the many kinship’s shared too. I very much look forward to reading more of these Modern Day Fairy Tales by this author, and imagine most would feel the same. Highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-09-04 14:29:282022-09-06 10:12:40Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Amy Brennan
Set on finishing high school, Ashley does not have time for the famous musician enrolling in her school. All Ashley does have time for is school, working at the family mortuary and avoiding her stepmother and stepsisters. That all changes when he runs into her, literally. Harry did the crime and now has to pay the time by attending a brick and mortar school for the next six months. He expects it to be rough with the expectations his publicist has put forth. When he runs into Ashley, the time doesn’t look so bad. Opinion This modern day fairy tale is charming. Obviously set off of Cinderella, Ashley needs to learn to stand up for herself. The prince, aka Harry, needs the same. While reading it, I was entranced by the update to a classic. This book will appeal to teenagers and adults alike.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2022-09-03 18:41:322022-09-06 09:59:39Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Dawn Brown
I’ll admit, when this book first crossed my path, I dismissed it as just another retelling of the same story that I’ve heard for years. Boy, was I wrong! Yes, this is a retelling of the Cinderella story but with some very interesting and exciting twists and turns!!
Merilee has been in training for over 70 years. It’s going to take her 100 to really get the hang of things. When the Queen Godmother announces an opportunity, Merilee is excited to take it on. Then the ground rules are laid….can Merilee carry out her task without breaking the rules??
Ashley is over love. Her dad is dead and everyone at school hates her. She’s a freak because she lives and works in a funeral home. Her life is in turmoil living with her step-mother Veronica and her step sisters, the M&Ms. School is all abuzz one day when the principal announces that they will have a celebrity in their midst. Everyone needed to treat Harry as a “normal” person and not be grabbing his clothes or trying to get his autograph, or even worse, a date. Ashley has no cares about this said celebrity and just wants to go on with her life.
Harry is running for his life. He’s tired of constantly being told who to hang around with, how to act, etc. It’s when he gets in trouble for setting a fire in a school that he and his friend are sentenced to a small town high school to serve out their probation. What’s six months in a drab, boring ole small town high school versus prison time?
I devoured this book in a mere few hours. It was a very fun read and the ending has me really looking forward to the next book in this series. Not at all what I expected but I am very happy that I gave this book the chance that it deserves!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-09-03 13:24:542022-09-06 09:57:01Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Julie Johnson
Great fairytale retelling of Cinderella! Very modern but with keeping the same concepts of the original Cinderella we all love and know. This modern fairytale is focused around four main characters, Ashley, Lauren, George and Harry. Ashley’s dad recently passed away and she is left in the care of her evil stepmother Veronica, and her two stepsisters, the M & M’s. Harry is a big-time pop star and has fallen into some small criminal trouble with his best friend George, this lands them in the same new school as Ashley and Lauren. Ashley has COMPLETELY blocked off any type of love or affection, that includes even friendships, that is until she meets the other new girl, Lauren. It is up to the fairy, Merilee, to save Ashley and help her find her true love as well as love for herself. There are a lot of twists in turns in this book, but it is such a great and easy read for a large range of ages. There is SLIGHT mention of drugs and attempted murder, but they do not go into any detail whatsoever. I absolutely ADORE that the main male characters, both Harry and George, have great character development and are not the typical prince charming where absolutely nothing is wrong with them, and they seem perfect. Every character in this book grows tremendously and I love how the author depicted their growth through their experiences. It definitely is a feel good, down to earth, but modern fairytale. I cannot wait to read the sequel “Red” which follows their life after high school graduation.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-09-02 22:47:392022-09-06 09:49:47Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Helen Dawkins
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Maryn Belling
Were you less than thrilled with Neon Gods or Electric Idol? Are you too old for My Sister the Vampire or Monster High but still looking for a fun read where the clique is seen for who/what it truly is? Do you miss being able to watch Shrek and not feel like you should be analyzing it for your PopLit or Global Studies class?
MK Harkins delivers with this debut YA fairy tale. Even if you’re a former high school teacher or mom of a kid who’s trying to figure out who she is after her dad has passed away, you’ll feel a connection with Ashley.
Those connections are even stronger if you’re a teen facing hideous high school popularity issues while working and preparing for college while dealing with a family situation that amounts to the absolute worst of foster-care complete with court-ordered therapists and more road-blocks than the PCH during construction season.
I’m not saying you should throw cinderblocks at your stepmom when she commands you to schlep them around before school; but if you know why that would feel good this book might be a boost. Especially if your mandatory therapist disagrees with your coping skills or your after-school job includes being a cosmetologist at a mortuary.
In a world where good & evil aren’t always clear and social media has obscured magic, this book is a nice glimmer of hope.
Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Fairy Tale
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Marynhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaryn2022-09-01 12:28:172022-09-05 13:01:40Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Maryn Belling
Entertaining, Interesting, Heartbreaking Romance! In this modern day rewrite of the Cinderella tale the author takes us through the adventures Ashley has in outwitting her evil stepmother and step sisters. I enjoyed the twists in the plot and the strong character development. All in all this was a good book and is very clean so it is great for fairy tale lovers of all ages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-08-31 22:28:032022-09-02 12:51:11Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
This book is a modern day retelling of Cinderella! We start in a court of fairies discussing a love life that must be fixed! And then we are immediately met with Ashley. She lives with her terrible stepmother and step sisters in a local mortuary.
Ashley is struggling through friendships in highschool with her best friend Laura. They hear of a pop star and his friend serving out some community service in their school. Although Laura is excited for it. Ashley not so much. How great can Harry and George be anyways?!
This was a wonderful young adult read and it was a super adorable time! And the end?!? You just gotta pick this up
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2022-08-31 20:33:132022-09-02 12:43:22Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Michelle Marlow
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jessica Stone
This book is a modern take on Cinderella, and wonderfully done in my opinion. With out giving away to much Ashes, is about a young girl named Ashley(ironically enough) who if forced into serving her wicked step mom and step sisters and work in her stepmothers recently acquired mortuary after her fathers recent death. Harry is a handsome and troublesome bad boy musician who is being forced to attend her school after getting into some legal trouble and this is where their worlds collide. It is a classic, she doesn’t want anything to do with him, and he wants no one’s attention but hers, which she obviously won’t give to him, everyone is fighting to keep them apart troupe.
Ashley is strong independent and snarky and hilarious trying to navigate losing her father who was her world, and Harry is a bad boy rockstar, who may have a strong exterior but inside he’s fighting his own battles.
All and all very well written, I always find quick witty banter between characters to be refreshing, it helps for me to fall in love with them. The author did a wonderful job in bringing just enough information about each character (including the side characters AND villains) to build the story but not make it feel like an overload of unneeded information. I believe this book can be read as a standalone but I’m hoping for more in this series, for me it was a quick read but that’s because once I started, I couldn’t stop. So if you’re looking for a good, YA, Cinderella, modern day retelling give this book a read, you won’t be disappointed.
Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Fairy Tale, Jessica Stone, August 2022
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessicahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica2022-08-31 20:11:582022-09-02 12:41:05Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jessica Stone
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