Innuendo: Some innocent kisses

Violence: Nothing problematic

Swearing: Some crude jokes/exclamations but no real swearing

Drinking, Drugs, Smoking: None that come to mind.

Age Appropriate: 12 and up. ( )

Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com

Lucinda Chapdelaine has been an orphan ever since her parents left for a ball and never returned. She was taken in by her uncle at his jewelry shop, and must endure her wicked step-aunt.

And then a woman named Beryl came into the shop. Since then, Lucinda's life has changed forever.

All in the same day that she saw Beryl, the Prince comes to the shop, and a thief boy sneaks into Lucinda's room and stays the night. Peter, the thief, steals something from Lucinda, and she must find him to get it back to Beryl, the rightful owner.

But she isn't the only one looking for it.

When she finally finds the thief, he has sold it - to the Prince for his betrothed.

What will Lucinda do to get it back to Beryl? What other twists and turns will she get herself into along the way?

This story, overall, was very interesting. It kept me guessing and that made it hard to put down. My favorite character was Peter, the young thief, because he was fun and sarcastic. The only thing I wasn't happy with was the ending. It was very abrupt, and it gives you hardly a hint as to what happens to all of the characters.

Other than that, the story was well-written, and I really enjoyed it. ( )

This was a really good book. I heard about it through a newspaper article my mother sent me with a list of LDS women who have all jumped into the YA Fantasy realm. The article listed 2 of my favorites, Stephenie Meyer and Shannon Hale, and also included Julie Berry, Jessica Day George, and Mette Harrison Ivie.

I am so glad my mom sent me that article. I've read 2 books by Ivie and 3 by George and they were all pretty good. This is Julie Berry's first book and I really, really enjoyed it. The writing was witty and concise. The story was believable (as far as magic is concerned) and there were a few twists along the way. ( )

A nice spinoff of Cinderella. A quick read! I enjoyed this story and especially loved the goat called Dog. ( )

I am a HUGE fairy tale fan so when I randomly found this book, I had to give it a chance. Plus the cover is gorgeous!! I just could not tell this book no. It was like it was calling to me. While the basic story line is Cinderella, there are loads of new elements that will keep the reader's interest.

What I liked: I really enjoyed the twist Berry did on the "fairy godmother." It was a welcome, and needed change to set this book apart from other fairy tale retelling books. The witch/godmother, Beryl, made this book for me. I loved her back story-- I personally think she was the glue that held this book together. I also liked the interactions between Lucinda and the prince. They were really cute.

What I did not like: While I like Peter's character (he was funny), I did not care for what happened to him. He gets his happily ever after, allowing for everything else work out in the plot; however, I felt like the author just took the easy way out... I really cannot say more because it might give too much away. I also would have liked to learn more about Beryl and her world. It bothered me that the reader keeps getting hints about said world, and when we finally have the chance to delve into it, the author does not take the opportunity to properly explore it.

Flaws aside, this is a beautifully written, fun, imaginative tale. There are many twists to this book that make it less Cinderella-ish and more original. I highly recommend for any Cinderella fan wanting a change of pace, or anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale. ( )