I literally just finished reading Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt for Around the World Tours, and oh my goodness, what a charming little book! I was very pleasantly surprised in reading this.Summary: Desi is a 14 year old, and sort of a social outcast after a falling out with her best friend. She hates her job dressing up as a groundhog for Pets Charming, and is nervous about starting high school. Plus, her ex-best friend Celeste, who is completely mean to her, is dating her longtime crush Hayden. Then one day, Desi sees an ad in the newspaper, looking for a Princess for Hire. It is then that Meredith appears, in a bubble, and changes Desi's life. She is told by her agent, Meredith, that she has MP (magic potential) and can work as a substitute for princesses who need a small break or vacation. When she applies the magical rouge, she will turn into the princess for a certain period of time. During the course of the story, we see Desi sub for four very different princesses, and help positively impact all of their lives during her time as their sub. We also see Desi's life change as a result of her experiences.
My Thoughts: What an adorable book, and a ton of fun! When I saw this book, I immediately wanted to read it because it reminded me of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries, one of my all time favorite series, by featuring an unlikely and awkward princess that somehow makes a difference. Desi was an extremely lovable character, both funny and self-aware. This book paralleled the fantasy world of princess subbing very nicely with real life. As Desi changed the princesses lives, her own life changed as well, in very positive ways. I loved this book and think it would be a great story for girls to read, from age 10 and up and would hold lots of appeal for both middle grade and young adult readers. It has a positive message about being true to yourself, but is also a ton of fun! I also read in the author's bio in the back of the book that she is at work on a second Princess for Hire book, so I'm glad to see this being made into a series, and look forward to reading the next one.
The Bottom Line: A charming and fun story with great values and lots of laughs.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Great review for such a cute book. It sounds so sweet, something that my niece and I would enjoy very much. Adore the cover, very fun.
ReplyDeletethe cover for this one is really cute! love the candy necklace and strand of pearls lying side by side. it also sounds like something leslie would like to read. thanks for the great review steph!
ReplyDeletewow..the book sounds adorable and with lovely characters too; i think. but the books is cute and it sure is remind me of princess diaries. nice review Steph!
ReplyDeletep/s: i just realized you change the layout. cute. . =p
agree its a cute book and glad to know its series.
ReplyDeleteI love that cover and it sounds really great too!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I have a copy of this and cannot wait to read it! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it too !
ReplyDeleteHave been seeing this on many IMM posts but you made me want to read it :) Cover reminds me so much of Princess Diaries ..
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about this book. Can't wait for it!!
ReplyDeleteHow cool would it be to be a substitute princess - I love it, I'm going to have to look out for this one! Love your blog too!
ReplyDeleteAwww... this sounds so charming! I liked the Princess Diaries series too, so this will be a fun book!
ReplyDelete