Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel!
Today we are talking about a novela that I read a bit ago that I loved! It is by one of my favorite authors – Elizabeth Boyle – and is a take off on my favorite story – Cinderella. Enjoy!
Cynders and Ashe by Elizabeth Boyle
ISBN: B007OWPAY8
Publisher: Self-pub
Release: March 25, 2012
Source: I purchased this book to read and review
Blurb:
Lord Ashe has one last night to find his perfect bride, but his search is hampered by his memories of an enticingly mysterious lady who stole his heart five years earlier. But his search to uncover her identity has been hampered by two simple facts: he never saw her face and doesn’t know her name. But her kiss…oh, he’s never forgotten her kiss.
Miss Ella Cynders went to the Ashe ball to help a friend and landed in the suds when she caught the eye and the heart of the all too handsome Lord Ashe. Knowing that such a lofty lord could never marry an ordinary lady’s companion, she flees into the night, vowing never to return. But five years later, Ella cannot forget the passion she found in his arms or the love that his kiss promised. Should she dare find a way into this one last ball and back into his heart.
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I come to this story from a biased point of view. I really haven’t met an Elizabeth Boyle book that I haven’t loved! This story is like others….thoroughly delightful to read! This story starts with a look at the life of Miss Ella Cynders, a seamstress who is working for the well known Madame Delaflote. She is waiting to hear the outcome of Lady Fitzsimons’ thoughts on her latest creation – a fairy gown for the daughter to wear to a masked ball. Lady Fitzsimons has a coveted invitation to the Ashe Ball for that very evening! Anyone who received an invitation to this ball, treasured it, especially if they had an unmarried daughter. Tonight is the night that Lord Ashe chooses his bride. More importantly, he will choose his bride from someone attending the bal so attendance is a must.
Lady Fitzsimons is appalled at the gown that Ella has created for her daughter to wear to the ball, and it is clear to Ella that Madame Delaflote will blame this disaster on her, resulting in her losing yet another job. After Lady Fitzsimons leaves, Ella finds her invitation to the ball and is convinced by her friends to wear her fairy gown creation and attend the masked ball. It’s a repeat of Cinderella that is told in a lovely fashion!
I always enjoy a new telling of the Cinderella story, and this one is excellent. In 46 short pages, it had me cheering, sighing and crying at the happily ever after ending. The character of Ella is a woman who needs a lucky break. In the years since she met Lord Ashe the first time, she’s lost one job after another, and it looks like she is due to lose another over the dress fiasco. Although she considers doing the “right” thing by returning the invitation, it is in her best interests to re-unite with Lord Ashe. Lord Ashe has been looking for Ella for the last 5 years. He is now at the end of his grace period that his parents have given him, he’s been unable to find her, and so he has agreed to choose a bride from the attendees of the ball.
Ms Boyle manages to make 46 pages feel alot longer than they really are!
This novella is well worth picking up – it’s a wonderful read that I highly recommend!