Ella's mother vanished when she was a child. After waiting the appropriate amount of time, her father remarried a woman, Patrice with two daughters, Greta, the elder and Danica, the younger. When Ella was sixteen, Patrice poisoned the tea, killing her father instantly. Ella was able to make it halfway up the staircase, but she weakened and fell part-ways down the stairs, succumbing on the seventh step. Patrice immediately had the staircase carpeted, hiding Ella's bloodstains, and proceeded to have the life that she wanted. And Ella became the ghost that haunted the house, dressed in her father's favorite gown, and eternally sixteen.
Her haunting came with rules. She was visible only to the residents of the house, so Patrice and her daughters could see her, and she had to obey their every whim. If the house was injured in any way, Ella could feel its pain. And she was able to leave the house at night, but was forcibly pulled back to its boundaries at the stroke of midnight.
Then there was amazing news-His Highness the Prince was going to have a three day ball at the palace, where he would dance, not only with royalty, but also commoners. From these dancers, he would select his queen. Patrice was thrilled-she knew that one of her daughters would be chosen, and since Greta had become a powerful magician, she had the best chance. What they didn't know was that Ella also wanted to attend, and she knew a fairy that might help her get her wish.
I am not a fantasy/romantasy fan but I truly loved this novel. Marske did a good job telling her tale within the bones of the original Cinderella, but gave it some powerful twists which were enchanting and unique. It is a novella and a very quick read, but it gives you a lot to think about. I especially want to mention the cover illustration (my first!) as it beautifully encapsulates and enhances the story. Disney, this ain't!
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