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Review: The Cinderella Plot

The Cinderella Plot book cover on blue background

What a joyous experience in getting to read Pepper Basham's first novel for young adults! The Cinderella Plot is written in a way that provides depth and maturity while capturing the innocence of youth, creating the perfect blend of a high school senior's world that is on the cusp of very adult decisions that will shape her future trajectory. It's fun and insightful, while warning us that identity shouldn't be taken lightly.

Book Synopsis

Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question: What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Am I ever grateful that Pepper Basham has written a Christian YA novel that hits at the heart of identity, true friendship, and selflessness. This charming story about Paisley Harper exposes a young woman's desire to be known and loved while navigating the murky waters of the plentiful advice available to her. It's a heed to be discerning about the source of the information we consume while revealing the myriad of ways that God cares for us when we most need direction. I love that this book is written in a way that feels timeless while depositing you in a high school environment. It's exactly the book I would have devoured in my youth and would happily recommend to Christian women, regardless of their age.

The Christian content is top-notch and naturally embedded into Paisley's life, providing grace and biblical truth as she examines her life and heart. This story had me so engrossed in the main character's perspective and voice that I did not want to finish the book, making me hope there will be an opportunity to revisit Paisley and her world again in the future. Readers who love Pepper's winsome style of storytelling and her penchant for writing adorable heroines who emulate the love of Christ in their lives will find that The Cinderella Plot will knock your glass slippers off while donning shoes that truly and comfortably fit.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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