Manderley Prep - Carol Culver

Manderley Prep
A BFF Novel
Carol Culver
Berkley Jam

Young Adult

For Cindy Ellis, attending the exclusive school Manderley Prep is simply a stepping-stone to getting into an Ivy League college. Her father made a lot of money before he died, but Cindy’s stepmother is far more concerned with herself and her twin cheerleader daughters than she is with Cindy, so Cindy’s there on a scholarship. It’s quite a change from the regular public school, where she left her best friends.

Her first day is going badly until she catches sight of Marco, the impossibly handsome Italian exchange student. Rumor has it that he’s a prince. Cindy’s thrilled when he’s assigned to her for English tutoring. Of course, they’re just friends. Right? When Scott and Victoria, two new friends, offer to give Cindy a makeover, it’s almost enough to make her believe in fairy tale endings.

The first in a promising new YA series, Manderley Prep is a modernization of the story of Cinderella. Fortunately for readers, the author adheres more to the spirit of that story than to each plot point. There’s plenty more going on here. Cindy is a great example of a likeable young woman determined to make her own way in life despite all obstacles. The language, along with references to sex and drugs make this more appropriate for high school readers, but adult readers will enjoy it as well.

Rating: 7
December 2007
ISBN# 978-0-425-21747-4 (trade paperback)