Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Ella : an Amish retelling of Cinderella

GIVEAWAY
PRICE, SARAH
ELLA : AN AMISH RETELLING OF CINDERELLA

In Sarah Price's heartwarming Amish version of this best-loved fairy tale, 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 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 Hannes Clemens, 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.

My Review:

Sheer brilliance! I get giddy just thinking about this Amish fairy tale series. We've had Beauty and the Beast and now Cinderella and Snow White coming out in the fall. I truly hope that this series is as endless as the number of fairy tales out there! It's so much fun to spot the similarities to the original tales while marveling at the unique Amish twist Price brings to each story.

"Be kind and good, no matter what happens, for God has a plan for you." Ella has lived by the wise counsel of her dying mother in the midst of the most trying times. Clearly I am not as sweet natured as our plucky heroine, because I seethed in fury at the odious Linda's horrid behavior and loudly encouraged Ella to be anything but kind and good. Ha! I love getting riled at the villains in a fairy tale -- especially since I know justice will be served in the end. :-) And the way this familiar tale plays out is pure magic. This author is beyond clever and I want to say so much more but you really need to discover all the delightful nuances yourself. A truly sublime read that will make you happy.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like to win a copy of Ella : An Amish Retelling of Cinderella, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 15 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

30 comments:

  1. I love a retelling, and Cinderella is one of my all-time faves! Mixed with Amish, I can imagine who tasteful and wonderful this book might be. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks, Kav!

    freda.mans[at]gmail.com

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    1. Honestly, I wish I could say more, but the way Sarah Price wove the fairy tale elements into the story while staying true to the Amish setting and characters. Good luck, Freda.

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  2. I don't think I have ever read anything by Sarah Price...and what a whimsical concept for the book. It sounds skillfully done, per your review! Thanks!

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    1. Yep, this would be a great introduction to Sarah Price, CC. Good luck.

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  3. I haven't read this one, yet, but after LOVING Belle, it's a must-read. I've read a number of Price's Amish fiction stories and enjoyed them all. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(com)

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    1. I'm a late bloomer when it comes to Sarah Price's books but I'm loving this series. Good luck, Terrill.

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  4. I should also mention that the narrator she uses for the majority of her Amish books or maybe just the ones I've listened to is amazing.

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    1. That's good to know. I've wondered what an audio Amish fiction book would 'sound' like because of the occasional Pennsylvania Dutch words and phrases.

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    1. I do too and this one is spectacular. Good luck!

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  6. Oh my goodness, Kav, for some reason this makes me giddy :) I'm not even an Amish fan, but the idea of an Amish retelling of beloved fairy tales has me completely intrigued. Count me in! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Isn't it an awesome concept?! And I just plain love fairy tale retellings. Good luck, Cheryl.

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  7. This sounds different but fun to read. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae5r(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Lots of fun. I love fairy tale retellings and I'm surprised no one thought of doing the Amish angle before now. Good luck, Lucy.

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  8. An interesting twist on a favorite fairy tale! Similar ones I've read are Melanie Dickerson's, without the Amish angle :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Love Melanie Dickerson's books as well. Good luck, Trixi.

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  9. Now this is something I would enjoy reading. Great review. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  10. I know I'd love this!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I know you would too! Eeep! Good luck, rubynreba.

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  11. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Ella". I would like to have this whole series and I already have "Belle".

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. It's definitely a series for the keeper shelf. And I love how she's set up book three -- Sadie's story in this one. Good luck, Wendy.

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  12. I absolutely love retellings!!

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

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    1. Me too! And this one is awesome! Good luck, Deborah.

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  13. What fun! I love your reviews. Please enter me for an opportunity to win a print copy of Ella. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  14. Some like a good read. Thank you for the chance to win.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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