A Kiss at Midnight

In this refreshing retelling of the Cinderella story, Kate (Cinderella) is ordered to pretend to be her stepsister, Victoria. Susan Duerden narrates this moralistic tale of disguise, trickery, and vanity in genteel tones. She portrays the prince with a subtle Germanic accent and gives Kate a sweet, straightforward characterization. The wicked stepsisters and stepmother are depicted in shrill tones. While the story is well known, James provides twists with mistaken identities, disguises, and more. Duerden's performance is impeccable, especially as she recounts the inevitable court intrigue. Listeners will have trouble keeping a straight face as Duerden weaves this sexy fairytale. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

June 21, 2010
Well-known for tales of dukes and duchesses, James (A Duke of Her Own) upgrades to the handsome prince in this delectable Regency reimagining of the Cinderella story. Miss Katherine Daltry, on the shelf at 23, manages the household of her ungrateful stepmother and silly stepsister, who inherited all of her father's estate. Kate is thrust from the cinders to the spotlight when her stepsister needs a stand-in for a betrothal ball at Pomeroy Castle. Gabriel, youngest princeling of the duchy of Warl-Marburg-Baalsfeld, needs a rich wife to support his archeology habit; Kate is, of course, manifestly unsuitable. Eccentric turns from Professor Biggitstiff, a pickle-eating dog, and an irrepressible godmother spin a candy floss comic romp around a core of heartache. James's deft touch allows the characters to shine through genuinely witty dialogue and an uncluttered plot.