The Amaranth Enchantment

I couldn't put this book down! Captivating characters, unexpected twists and turns, a strong and smart heroine, clever humor, and lots of romance. I loved the story and now plan to share it with my 15-year-old daughter. Can't wait for book II! When is it coming out?!?!

Hard to believe that this is a first book for Julie Berry. The book flowed, the prose was witty and the heroine was endearing. I couldn't put it down - either could my 10 year old daughter. I can't wait for Berry's next books and for the Amaranth movie!!

My 15-year-old daughter, Bailey, recently wrote this review of The Amaranth Enchantment: By R.Bailey Scott Original, relatable, humorous, and fantastic do not begin to describe the fresh, yet masterful, prose of Julie Berry, author of The Amaranth Enchantment. The story grabs you within the opening lines: `Someday, Lucinda," she says,"these jewels will all be yours. "They smile, kiss me and hurry down the hall warning me to be good for Nurse. Papa so tall and handsome. Mama sparkling and trailing perfume "They leave for the ball. "But, they never come back." When it ends 306 pages later, you will find yourself asking for more. The Amaranth Enchantment follows the captivating story of fifteen-year-old Lucinda Chapdelaine as she struggles to find herself and replace the sense of family she lost when here parents died. Sent to live with an evil aunt, Lucinda works as her house servant until one day when a mysterious stranger arrives at her uncle's jewel shop and sets her off on a magical journey full of astonishing twists and turns, temporary disappointments and joy. The story line is fast-paced and exciting, and the plot unique and intricate, something rarely found in fairy tales. While headed toward a happy-ever-after-ending, the book entertains and amuses with many laugh-out loud moments, while still revealing a depth of understanding about loneliness, home, and discovering one's sense of purpose. While the focus is on Lucinda's adventures and victories, Berry inserts the character of a predictable prince, for, as she puts it, "What's a fairy-tale without a prince?" However, Berry deliberately did not let the prince get in the way of developing the female protagonist, Lucinda, who is both strong and independent. "It's not like other fairy tales where the heroine is destitute until the prince comes to save her. Lucinda's victory did not depend on the prince," Berry said. "I saw Lucinda as having a lot of strength, character, and grit, which she uses to reclaim her home and identity. I hope that upon reading this girls will know that they have the ability to build their own future homes and identities by choosing the life they want to live and pursuing their dreams through education and experience. Love, while wonderful, doesn't have to come along to achieve happiness." Along with creating a strong and independent character, she wanted to develop a heroine whom adolescent girls could relate to. Berry insists that that Lucinda could be any girl, for she is neither excessively brave nor exceptionally brilliant. "She is a very believable person whom I hope girls can see themselves in," she said. As Lucinda searches for self and home, Berry breathes life into fantastical settings, people, and creatures. Many female Mormon authors who write for teenagers -- Shannon Hale and Stephanie Meyer, for example - create worlds within best-selling novels, leaving teenage girls hungering for more. Such electrifying fan

This book was given to us as a gift and both of my daughters read it. One is a reader and one not so much. However, this book captivated both of them. My 12 year old says it is the very best book that she has EVER read. My 14 yr old is almost finished and she thinks it is also the best book she has read as well. A great read for girls 10-15. If you have a reluctant reader and want something for her, this is the book and if you have an avid reader and want something new for her, this is the book as well. A wonderful story! Very Clean! Neither of them could put it down until it was finished and now want a sequel. Great read!!!!

This is a charming book for Middle School girls and their Mom's. (Mild Spoilers ahead) Our intrepid heroine is the orphan of two rich parents. She falls for a Prince but she works as a drudge in her mean Aunt's jewellery shop. The fairy God Mother is actually from another planet! There is even a Prince and the Pauper subplot. Although this may not be the most orginal story, it was written with a light hand. The prose flows smoothly. It is a clean read for young girls. Enchanting!