Ella: An Amish Retelling of Cinderella (An Amish Fairytale #2)

Title: Ella: An Amish Retelling of Cinderella
Author: Sarah Price
Series: An Amish Fairytale #2
Genre: Christian Fiction
Publishing Date: May 29, 2018

 

About the Book:

In Sarah Price’s heartwarming Amish version of this best-loved fairytale, a hardworking, overlooked young woman is rewarded in unexpected ways . . .

“Be kind and have faith.” Ella Troyer strives to abide by her mother’s final words, although life in the small Amish town of Echo Creek isn’t always easy. Her new stepmother, Linda, treats her coldly, and her two stepsisters, Drusilla and Anna, delight in gossip and laziness. After her father’s death, Ella’s stepsisters are free to attend youth singings while Ella stays at home to manage the household chores, rarely seeing another soul. Until one day, while running an errand, she has a chance meeting with a young Amish man from a nearby town.

Drusilla and Anna are full of admiration for charming, affluent newcomer Johannes Wagler, and Linda hopes to ensnare him as a husband for one of her girls—while keeping Ella out of the way. As for Hannes, he longs to catch another glimpse of the mysterious young woman who can sing so sweetly and bake the most delicious pie he’s ever sampled. Now, with a little help from some unlikely sources, Ella dares to hope she might find her heart’s dearest wishes—for love, family, and a home of her own—coming true at last . . .

Review:
What an adorable tale! Cinderella is one of my favorite fairytales, with Ever After being my favorite version (although it’s movie form and not a book), because Without the magical pumpkins and mice turned into horses,  it was made to appear possible. I love this retelling for the same reason. It was able to stay true to the Cinderella tale without straying from the realm of possibility.

I loved how well the characters were developed. In the classic Cinderella story, she was forced to be the maid in her home and was really never permitted to leave. This story adds a bit of a twist in that since the family is Amish, they all attend church services together and there are other occasions where Ella leaves the home and is a part of society. Although prevented from having her own social life, she’s not completely absent from the community. She is called upon to help at church events as well. Everywhere she goes Ella is a humble helper.

I won’t do any spoiling, but considering the story takes place in an Amish community, I think it’s safe to say that there is no royal ball in this story. There isn’t even a glass slipper. The event that takes it’s place manages to reflect Ella’s character in a deeper way than a piece of clothing ever could. The author weaves everything together to fit in a truly heartwarming way.

This was such a lighthearted and enjoyable read. I highly recommend this tale especially to fans of Cinderella. It’s one a mother and daughter could enjoy together as well. Everyone loves a good fairytale every now and then 🙂

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and the author in hopes of an honest review. I am under no obligation for a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Rating: 

Age Appropriateness: This is a perfect story for young readers to enjoy. It takes the story of Cinderella and adds a Christian twist to it.

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