Title: Cinderella
Author: Jenni James
First published January 1, 2013
250 pages, Nook
ISBN: 2940016316192
Rating: 3.89
Overview
In Jenni James’ adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, we meet Eleanoria Woodston, a girl with a secret. She dresses like a servant and hides herself away from the world, all while dealing with the loss of her beloved father and the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters.
Enter Prince Anthony, who spots Ella and decides to take matters into his own hands. Disguising himself as John, he sets out to discover why Ella hasn’t been seen at court and why she dresses like a pauper.
As John, he invites Ella to a ball, but as Anthony, he must figure out how to pull off the charade without giving himself away. Ella is hesitant to attend, but she can’t resist the possibility of a life beyond her current struggles.
With the prince’s presence making her dream of a better future, Ella must decide if she is willing to take a chance on love and trust in a new beginning.
About the Author
Are you on the lookout for some clean, wholesome romance novels for teenagers? Look no further than “The Jane Austen Diaries” series, featuring titles like “Pride & Popularity,” “Persuaded,” and “Mansfield Ranch.” For fairy tale lovers, check out the “Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection,” which includes classics like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
Middle grade readers can delve into “Prince Tennyson,” a novel to captivate and entertain. Early readers can enjoy the “Andy & Annie Collection,” featuring stories like “A Ghost Story” and “Greeny Meany.”
For those seeking women’s fiction, the “Revitalizing Jane Series” is a must-read. Follow the journey of the protagonist through novels titled “Drowning,” “Swimming,” “Crawling,” “Walking,” “Running,” and “Soaring.”
And if you’re an adult looking for a clean romance series, check out the “Eternal Realm Series,” which includes titles like “Eternity,” “Destiny,” and “Divinity.”
Editoral Review
Jenni James’ retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, is a delightful read that will capture the hearts of young and old readers alike. Published on January 1, 2013, Cinderella offers a refreshing take on the timeless story that has enchanted generations of readers.
The author, Jenni James, is known for her fairy tale retellings, and Cinderella is another example of her expertise in this genre. Her writing style is elegant, descriptive, and romantic, which perfectly suits the magical and enchanting world she creates in the story.
Cinderella follows the familiar story of an orphan girl who is forced to live with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Her life changes when she meets a handsome prince, whom she falls in love with, but faces challenges in winning his heart.
The novel is set in a medieval kingdom, and James does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life with vivid descriptions of the castle, forests, and villages. The characters in the novel are well-developed, with Cinderella being the main protagonist.
She is a relatable character with a kind heart, who dreams of a better life. Her stepmother and stepsisters are portrayed as cruel and selfish, but James does not paint them in a one-dimensional light.
Rather, she explores their motivations and the reasons behind their actions. One of the strengths of Cinderella is its modern take on the classic story.
James adds her unique twist to the plot, making it more empowering and uplifting for young women. Instead of relying on a prince to rescue her, Cinderella takes charge of her own life and chooses her own destiny.
This message of self-reliance and determination is a refreshing change from the traditional fairy tale narrative. However, some readers may find the pacing of the story to be too slow, particularly in the beginning.
Additionally, while the author adds interesting elements to the plot, some may argue that the story deviates too far from the original tale. Overall, Cinderella is an enjoyable read that will enchant readers of all ages.
The novel is well-written, the characters are engaging, and the message is empowering. Fans of fairy tale retellings or anyone looking for an entertaining read will find Cinderella to be a worthwhile addition to their bookshelf.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
