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MANDERLEY PREP

Manderley Prep, December 2007
BFF novel #1
by Carol Culver

Berkley
Featuring: Cindy Ellis
224 pages
ISBN: 0425217477
EAN: 9780425217474
Paperback
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"Teenage angst meets a Cinderella story."

Fresh Fiction Review

MANDERLEY PREP
Carol Culver

Reviewed by Morgan Chilson
Posted November 19, 2007

Young Adult

Cindy is being dragged to Manderley Prep, an elite high school that's going to be no fun -- primarily because a lot of people like her two step-sisters go there. She may not fit in as a poor scholarship kid, but Cindy is determined to make the most of her educational opportunity.

Even if she hates it. Which, of course, she does.

Again, it's her sisters who cause problems. They spread rumors that Cindy is gay, and take every opportunity to hurt her. As Cindy tries to stay on top of her school work, begins to fumble into some friendships at her new school, and spends her spare time working at her step-mother's salon, she doesn't think things could get more complicated.

But when she's assigned to tutor Marco -- the Italian stud who's new to the school and has set all female hearts a- fluttering -- well, things may be turning in her direction. But her sisters continue to sabotage her and it begins to seem as if she and Marco will never be more than friends.

I have been reading a lot of teen fiction lately and have been very impressed with the quality of writing. Unfortunately, that is not true of this book. Supposed to be a modern Cinderella story (orphaned poor girl works at salon, goes to rich school where her mean step-sisters taunt her and destroy her reputation), there's little true feeling in this book. It's formulaic and trite.

Learn more about MANDERLEY PREP

SUMMARY

Welcome to Manderley Prep, the most exclusive school on the West Coast.

Every girl needs a BFF - more than one, if possible. But for scholarship girl Cindy Ellis, finding new BFFs isn't easy when she leaves shabby Castle High for Manderley Prep-where the rich and famous send their children to learn how to scratch and claw their way to the top.

Cindy's stepsisters, who also go to Manderley, are beautiful, blonde twins, and captains of the cheerleading squad. They're embarrassed to be seen with her and can't believe she's snagged the attention of the school's hot Italian transfer student, Marco. Now Cindy's not only trying to gather up a new gang of BFFs, but wondering if Marco could possibly be a potential BF.

EXCERPT

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