Unnoticed: Beauty For Ashes

Unnoticed is a Cinderella story, although there were also hints of Pride and Prejudice in the characterisation of Mr and Mrs O'Reilly-at times, Mrs O'Reilly made Mrs Bennett seem astute and intelligent, and Mr O'Reilly made Mr Bennett seem like an attentive father. \\r\\n\\r\\nWhat raised Unnoticed above other fairytale retellings was the way the character histories were woven in. Not just for Jane and Price, but for Mrs O'Reilly (and her sister, the family cook), and Mr O'Reilly. It showed their neglect and mistreatment of Jane wasn't because of any wrongdoing by Jane, but was a product of their own backgrounds. I especially liked the way I didn't feel manipulated into feeling sorry for Jane's parents. \\r\\n\\r\\nThe writing was solid, although there were a few places where it wasn't as strong. But these are insignificant in the face of an excellent fairytale retelling with a unique historical Australian setting. \\r\\n\\r\\nThanks to ACRBA and Rhiza Press for providing a free ebook for review.

We all love a Cinderella story - the forgotten child, used and mistreated by a stepmother and two vain step-sisters. And of course, there must be a handsome prince. \\r\\nAmanda Deed has included these elements in her new novel 'Unnoticed', but we are not in fairy-land, we are in the Australian bush, and our handsome prince is in fact a runaway son of an American railroad mogul. He's set himself up as a barber and dentist in town, and hopes to connect with the people in a way that will lead to preaching the love of God to them. Our Cinderella is overlooked and neglected by her step-mother, but in this story, her father is still alive. He's just disconnected as a result of his grief losing his wife. \\r\\nI found this story to be enjoyable - I love Amanda Deed's genuine representation of Australian bush life. I was a little disconnected with her main character because of the persistent weight of insecurity that caused her to shy away from people, especially the one who is trying to show how much he loves her. Still, who doesn't love a happy ending.