Moonlight and Ashes

I have been reading a slew of good books lately but I haven't had time to review them.  Oh well.  But Moonlight and Ashes was too good and I just have to review it.  Written by Sophie Masson, this is not a classic Cinderella story but it is based loosely on the fairy tale we all know and love.  The major difference is that in this story the "Cinderella" doesn't have a fairy godmother...she has magic herself. 

Selena presents a very strong character in the face of multiple challenges.  She goes on a journey to discover her mother's family and the source of her magic.  She meets multiple characters, good and bad, and she is quick to come up with interesting solutions to her problems.  This book is full of themes of loyalty, love, betrayal, compromise and romance.  Anyone who enjoys books by Sharon Shinn, Tamora Pierce, and/or Cinda Williams Chima, is going to enjoy this all encompassing book (that's right, there's no sequel!).