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Rachel Hochhauser
Rachel Hochhauser is the author of Lady Tremaine, a novel that reimagines the life of a classic literary villain. She writes fiction that explores the motivations behind well-known figures from traditional stories.
Lady Tremaine
Synopsis
Lady Etheldreda Tremaine, a twice-widowed mother, is determined to secure her daughters' futures through advantageous marriages, despite her crumbling estate and a difficult stepdaughter. When a royal ball presents an unexpected opportunity, Ethel finds herself entangled in a royal secret that forces her to reconsider her priorities. This novel reimagines the classic fairy tale of Cinderella's stepmother, exploring themes of a mother's love and women making their own way.
Vibe
Genres
Characters
Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine BramleyProtagonist
Simeon (Lady Tremaine)Antagonist
The kingdom's prince, whose sudden engagement to Elin draws Ethel into a secret at the heart of the royal family.
Sigrid (Lady Tremaine)Antagonist
The reigning queen, presiding over the royal family through the engagement and the secret it conceals.
Elin (Lady Tremaine)Supporting
Ethel's stepdaughter, the Cinderella figure of this retelling, whose invitation to the royal ball sets the story in motion.
Mathilde (Lady Tremaine)Supporting
One of Ethel's two biological daughters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lady Tremaine part of a series?
No. Lady Tremaine is Rachel Hochhauser's debut novel, a standalone story published March 3, 2026 by St. Martin's Press.
Is Lady Tremaine a Cinderella retelling?
Yes. It reimagines the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the point of view of Cinderella's "wicked" stepmother, Lady Etheldreda Tremaine.