I think there is definitely a trend moving more towards fantasy and this book fits nicely into that. Based upon the story of Rumpelstiltskin, this book is intriguing. While the story is a bit dark, it doesn't overwhelm the reader. I think that teens would like the mixture of romance and independence that Charlotte experiences as the story progresses. It is a unique and well-told tale.
Charlotte deals with the death of both her parents, gaining independence, responsibility for family and neighbors and making her own way in the world. I was particularly impressed with her sense of responsibility and gumption. She was willing to work hard and overcome the trials that faced her, characteristics that any teens could easily benefit from.
I thought that Charlotte was very believable. Obviously the book is something of a fairy tale, but I think that Charlotte was realistic in the way she reacted to the situations that confronted her. I found her husband to be particularly likeable and I appreciated his and Charlotte's relationship (even if it did happen a bit too quickly for my liking).
I would promote this book along with a number of other "fairy tale" novels. I think it would go along nicely with a book like Book of a Thousand Days, Briar Rose, The True Story of Hansel and Gretel or Graceling. These novels would mostly appeal to young teenage girls who like the sort of mythical fantasy, that doesn't really go overboard, present in the stories.
5Q, 4P, M/J/S
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