Ella

by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee

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Reserved yet resilient, Ella Blakeley lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, without hope of escape—until the day Prince Kenton announces a ball that changes everything. Even without mice, magic, or fairy godmothers, Ella might discover a life that’s better than she ever dreamed. This intricately woven twist on Cinderella is an enchanting book you won’t be able to put down.

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

Christian, Fairytale, Royal

Series

Ella Series • Book 1

Audience

Young Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

November 10, 2015

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal), Animal harm or death, Bullying or humiliation, Child abuse/endangerment, Chronic or terminal illness, Death of a child, Domestic violence, Grief or loss of a loved one, Poverty or homelessness, Power-imbalance relationships (e.g., teacher/student, boss/employee), PTSD or trauma recovery

Representation

Depictions of prayer, worship, or scripture

Editorial Reviews

"If you love Cinderella, the characterization of a kind and selfless girl turned bold and confident, the going against the grain type-narrative/plot, then this book is for you.

Honestly, this was one of my favorite Cinderella adaptations I've ever read. It's clean, it's selfless, it's a beautiful depiction of love and sacrifice, and it made me want to cry.

Okay. pleasegoandreadthis!!!"

Alissa J. Zavalianos

"Wow! This was such a beautiful and unique retelling of Cinderella and I absolutely loved it! It was amazing and definitely one of the best Cinderella retellings I’ve ever read! It might even be my favorite one! Also, the cover is absolutely stunning! Ella was truly amazing! Her heart was so kind and pure. She acted as a true Christian should even when faced with the evil and harshness of her stepmother. Will was great! He was protective, gentle and always there for Ella. Ella and Will’s romance was so sweet, wholesome and perfect! The twist with the Prince and the double romance was so satisfying! I loved the theme of forgiveness that was woven throughout the book and how it feels to truly forgive even when that person has hurt you so badly. I feel like God had me read this book at the exact moment in my life when I needed to. The ending was absolutely beautiful! I definitely recommend! If you haven’t read it, you need to!! 5 stars and worth every single one of them!"

This Rapunzel Reads

"I absolutely loved this book! Fairytale retellings are among my favorite types of books, and this one certainly surpassed my expectations! So, this book is supposed to be about the Cinderella story that we all know. But it was really SO much more than that! I mean, you could follow along with the original story as you read this book, but I love the little details that are tweaked and added; they add so much to a tale that everyone has been told. Another thing that really added layers to this story as well was the descriptions and feelings. The setting, the characters, the music; everything just felt so alive! I felt like I could just step through the pages and be beside the little pond by Ashfield, with Ella's experiences as my own. I FELT LIKE I WAS ELLA. When I feel like I am a character, I know that there is some astounding writing in play. I fell in love with Will, was intrigued by Prince Kenton, and despised and pitied Victoria. I cannot even describe how well this writing is! Anyways, I love this book to no end. I could not put it down! (My family can testify to that.) This is an absolutely, astoundingly MAGICAL book!"

Lindsey

Great Book

I really like this book. I

Cinderella rewritten

The book is well written and engaging. However, I took off one star because I found Ella (Cinderella) far too goody-goody and sweet to be a believable character.

Must read for youth and their parents!

dearmandy1 said everything I wanted to say, but she said it much better than I would have said it.I do want to stress how much impact this book can have on youth, and even on adults. I was struck by how hardworking Ella was. She not only works hard, but she takes pride in doing a good job. That is just one positive character trait that can be emulated by the youth...and me:) She doesn't wallow in self-pity. I know that, not because the author says it in so many words, it is just how Ella is. And I know Ella. I feel everything she is feeling. I want to be like her. I want to deal with life the way she deals with life. It all seems so natural and right. This is the way Cinderella should have been originally, in my opinion.I could go on and on, but I want you to read the book. I want you to read the book with your daughters and granddaughters, and then talk about it. Share how you felt when Ella was disappointed, or ask your daughter what she would have done in a situation Ella had to deal with. Was this fair? Do you have things in your life that you think are not fair? How could you deal with that a different way? There are so many possibilities for sharing, growth and interaction if parents would read this exceptional book with their children.I think the book is wonderful! As a mother I can see the great teaching possibilities. You wouldn't have to say, "You know, you really would feel better if your room was clean." You can just ask, "Why do you think Ella chose to (whatever you want to use here), even when no one made her do it. That way Ella is teaching, you are just the facilitator. This book is so much more than just a great novel. I think it is a must read for youth and their parents.

Better than the traditional Cinderella

I loved this! I loved Ellas character and felt like had she been my neighbor we would have been the best of friends. and this love story that is different from the traditional Cinderella story was better than the traditional one, in my opinion. I've always thought the "i love you and want to marry you even though I just met you and don't really know you" is quite the shallow love story, but as a silly romantic, I don't let it bother me, but always loved beauty and the beast because they get to know each other and fall in love in the process. So this story, with the change in the love story, was a much sweeter one than the traditional one.Also, the writing flows really well. Sometimes when reading, it can be difficult to get into the story because the writing doesn't flow well, but I was immediately wrapped up in the story and had a hard time putting it down. Very well written!

The classic with a twist.

***4.5 stars***This is a sweet re-telling of Cinderella with a twist. I love the Cinderella story, but when an author can change it up a bit and add their own imagination to the story, it makes it new and exciting."Ella" is well written with great characters. I love how the story moves along without a boring moment. The pacing is wonderful. Ella has a great voice, I loved reading the book from her perspective. Will is the boy next door who has always been there to help and support her. Everyone needs a Will.This story has all the basics of the "Disney" story, but adds depth and a much stronger version in Ella.The book is clean with kissing and a bit of violence. Ella is beat on the hands with a stick in a few places. I would consider it a good fit for teens on up.