Flashback Friday will be a weekly post where I review a book I haven’t read recently. I mostly try to review books right after I’ve read them, but since I didn’t start this blog until April 2011 I have lots of previously read books I’d love to share with you.
Title: Just Ella
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Release Date: September 1999
Pages: 192
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!
From Goodreads.com:
It’s a familiar story: In spite of the obstacles put in her way by her wicked stepmother, Ella goes to the ball, sweeps Prince Charming off his feet, and is chosen to be his bride. Now she’s comfortably ensconced in the palace, awaiting marriage to the man of her dreams. It’s happily ever after time, right?
Wrong! Life for Ella has become an endless round of lessons and restrictions; even worse, Prince Charming turns out to be more like Prince Boring. Why can’t she talk with him the way she can with Jed, her earnest young tutor?
Slowly, Ella comes to realize she doesn’t want the life she fought so hard to win. But breaking her engagement proves more difficult — and dangerous — than escaping her stepmother’s tyranny.
My Thoughts:
This story is a twist on the ‘happily ever after’ of the Cinderella story. It tells what happens after Cinderella is chosen by Prince Charming to be his bride. Ella finds out the Prince isn’t so charming after all. He just wants a beautiful wife with no brains or opinion. It definitely made me question the Disney movie version. You just can’t find your true love after a few dances people!
I just love books with royalty and all that goes along with it. Very entertaining. Ella has to learn all the royal customs that she often finds ridiculous. She starts to doubt if the prince is even worth it. Then there’s her wonderful new friend (and tutor) Jed whose handsome and easy to talk to.
This is a favorite book of mine that I have read more than once. I recommend it to those of you wanting a funny, romantic, exciting book.
Favorite Line:
“‘Why do you put up with this?’ I asked. ‘Doesn’t she make you want to scream?’
Every single one of them gazed at me blankly.
‘Don’t you ever want to do something- something real? Don’t you ever get sick of being ladies-in-waiting? Have any of you ever wondered what you’re waiting for?'”
Happy Reading!
Kathryn Cooper 
That's right. I read Palace of Mirrors a few years before starting my book blog so I haven't reviewed it. I remember enjoying it. Thanks!
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They actually have another book called “Palace of Mirrors” that has Ella as a character and is in the same world but in a different country.
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This is a really cool meme!! I'd actually never heard of this book. It sounds fun!
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