A Dream Not Imagined

          

A MAID, a PRINCE, and a DUKE. A STEPMOTHER, a GARDENER, and a secret ...

Ellie Abbington, a beautiful yet unassuming young woman, quietly longs for her life to change. Too privileged to associate with the servants—too underprivileged to associate with her own family; she dreams a dream of a prince and a happily ever after.

But it could be that her own stepsisters, conniving Dezmarie and easily-influenced Adelaide, are dreaming the same dream ... of the same prince.

In the end, are dreams even all they're made out to be? Especially with deep and long-hidden secrets about to be unearthed?

A Dream Not Imagined is a short story I wrote based loosely on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. Set in an imaginary kingdom, it is nonetheless non-magical and mostly resembles the 1600's era or thereabout. Clean and sweet, it is a tale for young and old alike.

For more fun tidbits about A Dream Not Imagined, visit my pinterest board at: Storyboard: A Dream Not Imagined.

If you enjoy A Dream Not Imagined, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, and perhaps Goodreads, your blog, etc. Positive reviews always warm my heart and encourage me so, so much! It also helps a LOT in getting the word of my stories out. Thank you!

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~ What Readers Are Saying about A Dream Not Imagined ~

"Cinderella arrives at the ball in a different manner than you’d expect. The ball doesn’t exactly go as expected either. I gasped out loud in one part, the twist leaving me floored because I thought I’d known exactly where this novella was going.

Turns out I was wrong. That’s the beauty of this novella. It draws you in with the seemingly normal Cinderella tale, then turns it on its head." - Tricia Mingerink, author of Dare (Read full review)

"Just as the title implies, so the story is. And in a magnificent way, too! Honestly, I got so much more from this story than I expected—entertainment-wise and in other aspects. Shantelle is a sharp writer, one whose work I’ll definitely look out for as I scan shelves in the future." - Miranda A. Uyeh @ To Be A Person, author of To Die Once (Read full review)

"What a beautiful faith-filled take on the faerie-tale, Cinderella. Now I will tell you that Cinderella is my least favourite faerie-tale, but this was such a unique take on the story and I loved every moment of it." - Alyssa

"Oh my goodness! This was so sweet! Short, but, oh, so sweet! The author captured the magical feel of Cinderella perfectly—and without magic. The writing style felt just like the fairytale and I was whisked away to this world by the details the author wrote.
I’m very impressed by this author and I look forward to read future books by her." - Lindsey @ Books for Christian Girls (Read full review)

"And I loved Ellie. I was happy when she was happy, sad when she was sad. Anyway, I loved this book and am looking forward to any future books by this author." - Mandie (Read full review)

"Twists galore follow, but I don't want to give any spoilers. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, and it thrilled the lifelong love of poor little rich girl, rags to riches, and hard luck stories, as well as the new-found love of sweet, meaningful romance, while having a wonderful, Christian message absent from so many of the stories on this list." - Morgan Huneke, author of Crannig Castle (Read full review)

"The book has a delightful twist to it and is different than your usual Cinderella story, yet follows the main theme. I really loved it through and through, and I recommend this book to all fairy tale lovers of all ages." - serena482* (Read full review)

"Agh I love this book! What a fun and unique take on Cinderella! It was such a sweet story, with very powerful lessons.

Thank you, Shantelle, for this lovely story. Your writing is gorgeous and I can't wait to read more from you!" – StormSiren99 (Read full review)

"I loved the dancing, and the final scene before the epilogue was awesome. And now I want to eat some apple-tarts … The whole conclusion and ending was perfection itself.
A Dream Not Imagined is a beautiful story with lovable characters, a thrilling air of mystery, a thread of faith, a sweet romance, and some surprising twists. If you like an enjoyable quick read, or a good retold fairy tale (and who doesn’t!), do consider giving this lovely one a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!" – Deborah O'Carroll @ The Road of a Writer (Read full review)

"A Dream Not Imagined is a novella strongly rooted in faith and true love. It’s not a fluff story, although you could read it that way if you wanted to (and get more out of it than you expect!)

When I read it, I was soooooo not prepared for everything the story would entail. But it was so much fun! The ending made me cry so happily. (Side note: I was laying in my bed at the time that I was reading it and I felt tears slide all the way across my face and onto my pillow. Books that make me cry have to be REALLY good, so examine the evidence for yourself.)" - Amanda @ Scattered Journal Pages (Read full review)

"The characters are – may I say again – darling. Ellie is everything a Cinderella character should be, and represents it so well, so gentle and so sweet.

I would highly recommend this story to all – I would love to have my future daughters read this! It is innocent, guiding, and remarkable." - Raechel @ God's Peculiar Treasure Rae (Read full review)

"A very sweet Cinderella story." - Jaye L. Knight, author of the Ilyon Chronicles

"I have so many good things to say about this story, but am afraid to reveal too much; the best parts in A Dream Not Imagined are entirely unexpected." - Serena @ Poetree (Read full review)

"Shantelle manages to weave a tale, using threads that keep true to the story we all know and love, but she also puts a fresh spin on the classic Cinderella." - Skye @ Ink Castles (Read full review)

"Okay, can we all take a moment to consider that absolutely amazing, beautiful, lovely ending! I loved it so much! It was such a “Wow” moment, and it was totally awesome. I did not expect it at all. Also, those plot twists!" – Hannah @ My Bookcase and I (Read full review)

"Even if you think you know the story behind this fairy tale, you won't be prepared for the unexpected twist. A definite recommend for every fairy tale-lover." - Deborah C. @ Reading in June (Read full review)

"This was a really sweet and touching story. There was no magic but I loved the nods to the original story. Shantelle takes the story in a different direction than expected and spins a mystery over the whole affair. There was a wonderful cast of characters all with their own plans and plots.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy fairy-tale re-tellings and stories of faith and overcoming adversity. I thoroughly enjoyed this short story and am looking forward to reading future works by Ms. Hannu!" - Claire Banschbach, author of The Rise of Aredor (Read full review)

"What a wonderful story! And the vital lesson should be heard by every girl. I recommend this book to fairy tale retelling-lovers, and someone who likes a sweet love story." – Natasha H. @ Looking Through My Lens (Read full review)

"I absolutely loved it! I read the whole thing straight [through] without stopping! It was so good, I couldn't put it down! ... It was a fabulous story ... piled with wisdom!" - Emily

"[A Dream Not Imagined] was so good! I love the twist you put on it! ... awesome job!" - Ashley

"I love how you brought out the truth of our lives being 'God's story' for us and the 'Best story'! Simply lovely! Good job!" - Marla

"I loved [A Dream Not Imagined]! It was awesome!" - Moriah

"A sweet, fun story with a mysterious twist." - Loretta