Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

The exciting sequel to Princess of the Midnight Ball

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances—and potential marriages. It's got the makings of a fairy tale—until a hapless servant named Ellen is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

Of all fairy tales, the one I hesitate to read retellings of the most is Cinderella.  The story is so classic and simple that it's been done a million times.  Each version has its own take, but there are still way too many of them.  However, I'd read Princess of Glass a million times over.  For one thing, it really is a whole new take on the old story.

Princess Poppy has already had more dealings with magic than anyone would ever want in one lifetime, but once again she gets thrown into a web of it when the mysterious girl shows up at the ball.  In Poppy's gown, nonetheless!  Ellen has never dealt with magic, and so doesn't realize that there's always a price to pay.

Even though I've read the book a dozen times or more, Princess of Glass keeps me turning pages every time I open it.  This is my personal favorite of Jessica Day George's books.  I would reccomend it to any girl, especially those who love spunky heroines, dashing foreign princes, and a good old fashioned romance. (Not that Poppy would appreciate me calling it that!)

If you like Princess of Glass, you may also like: