The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is another indie gem I ran across while trawling through Amazon's "... also viewed" lists looking for my next indie read. The indie market has become so overly saturated with mediocre reads that while I love reading and supporting amazing indies, I must admit to a greater feeling of apprehension at times. HOWEVER, this book put those fears to rest immediately as I found it to be exceptionally well-written and executed. It's laugh-out loud funny with fantastic humor; it's sweet, it's heart-warming, and it charmed the virtual pants right off me. Mattie, in particular, made this book for me. She's stronger than she thinks, and what Wilson does with this self-proclaimed "ugly stepsister" - her growth and realizations - is absolutely wonderful. Her inner monologue is the kind of addictive narration that made this novel a one-sit read, and it made Mattie the kind of character I cared about and connected with instantly.Overall, this book is a super-cute, hilarious, modern, and creative spin on the Cinderella fairytale.