Riches to Rags

FANTASY/ANTHOLOGY:  Most girls dream of being princesses, but one princess just wants to be a normal girl. Ella Carina, princess of Aelawyn, knows the brutality and lies of her father’s rule. He treats her and her sister as pawns, betrothing both away for what political gain they can earn him. Her freedom comes from an unexpected attack on the castle. The conquering King offers to protect her from the betrothal her father has arranged and hides her with a peasant family. In this simpler life, now known simply as Ella, she flourishes and sparks the interest of the local Blacksmith’s son.  Meanwhile, the prince of Galder has been searching for Carina. She is in great danger from the very people who hid her away.

“Riches to Rags” is a thoroughly engaging remix of a classic favorite. Ella begins the story as a girl, and through the years—and pages—evolves into a mature young lady, ready to take her rightful place in her kingdom. The reader will enjoy taking the journey along with her.  There are some missing words that slow down the pace, and a few times character’s thoughts tend to rehash known information and drag the story down. Beyond that, the story is refreshing and easily holds the reader’s interest and heartstrings as they wait—and hope—for the happily ever after that seems so elusive as endless hurdles are placed before the characters. True to the period, Ella and her love interest only share kisses and picnics.

Emerson Matthews