About the Author

Dionna Veremis Raithel writes stories inspired by her lifelong love for creative work as a way of nurturing empathy and the human capacity to understand one another. A mom, stepmom, and stepdaughter, she created The Princess and the Not-So-Wicked Stepmother to offer children a more loving reflection of blended family life. She also shares encouragement for stepparents and blended families on YouTube.

A note from the author:

I believe children in blended families deserve a new narrative. One where the stepmother isn’t the villain, but she’s not the hero either. One that centers the child, makes room for their uncertainty around change and reassures them that love does not have to compete with love.

For more about the story behind the story, watch this video.