If you wanted to write a modern version of the Cinderella story from medieval Europe, where would you set it? What kind of girl could possibly put up with the bossy, skiving antics of the sisters and the dismissive, insulting manner of the stepmother. They would try the patience of a saint. Maybe this is why the Amish community is the background for this clever version, ELLA: AN AMISH RETELLING OF CINDERELLA.

Since we know the setup so well, no time is wasted in arranging a quick marriage between widow and widower, virtual strangers, each with a daughter or two. Ella Troyer lives in Echo Creek and bears rather more of her share of chores than she should, especially after her father dies. Her stepmother Linda and sisters take over running the general store, and Ella does cooking, washing, cleaning; the home skivvy work. This has an unexpected detrimental effect for the girls in the shop though; Drusilla and Anna can't sew or cook, so what good Amish man would be interested? Of course, the last thing they want is for Ella to wed. Then who would do the work? The tale is sweetly and smartly pieced together for us.

Of course, the Amish would not hold with princes and princely living. But nevertheless, the metaphorical clock is going to strike midnight... I had a good laugh.

I am delighted to see that author Sarah Price is next creating SADIE: AN AMISH RETELLING OF SNOW WHITE and has already written BELLE: AN AMISH RETELLING OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, all set around the same community. Sometimes the old stories really are the best. Grab a copy of ELLA, which is suitable for any age of romance reader, sit back and enjoy.