This is the story of Cruella before she became cruel. Estella is sixteen and is quite the troublesome teen in London during 1967. A vibrant red head by disguise with a knack for making clothes, and being quite the thief. However, her schemes for stealing were paired with Jasper and Horace, and they all lived together in a lair. She was smart and creative, and seemed like she longed for so many things. Estella was the one with “skunk hair”, and so she was bullied. But in true Cruella fashion, Estella always got even. As she delves into the fashion world and the busting 60s in London she meets up with new friends, but are they right for her? Will all of this newness change up Estella to Cruella for the taking?

We have always seen the dark side of Cruella in all other portrayals up until now, but with really no notion of the how or why. This book gives her back story when she has some shred of good in her and how she was starting out as a young teen. We often wonder how many of the Disney villains get to where they are and this helps bring light to some of that, leaving room for more of “Estella’s” story. I think it would be fun to potentially expand on this book or even explore this notion further on some background on other villains.

Loved the cover and loved the book. It exceeded my expectations! I don't want to give anything away so I will say....I enjoyed it so much I read in one day. I liked this take on Cruella before she became a villian. Vivid colors and characters.

Loving all things Disney, I was excited to get a chance to read this book in advance. Without giving too much away the main character, Stella, becomes an orphan at a young age and is befriended by two young boys. They grow up together in an old bombed out building learning to survive the streets of London by being pick pockets. Flash forward and Stella is 16 and meets two rich orphans in a fabric shop. These two people change her life and she learns some hard lessons about trust and friendship. All along the way but very sporadically, Cruella, shows up as an inner voice that Stella has to stifle. And this is where the mom in me gets concerned. Because this inner voice appears to be more of a mental illness that Stella has learned to control. Possibly schizophrenia? My concern is that it seems this book is going to be a series and I hope that this is done responsibly and not just thrown in there as a way of introducing Cruella. Because, Stella all on her own right, is a brilliant, young female who should be able to overcome being hurt by others and move on instead of letting her alter ego take over. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the read and think Stella was great I don't necessarily like how Cruella is created in the story. Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Press for giving me this wonderful opportunity for an ARC in exchange for my honest and thought provoking review :)

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Disney for graciously allowing me to read this ARC. I absolutely loved it! Maureen Johnson did a FABULOUS job of providing us with the backstory of Cruella better known in this book as Estella. Estella is an orphan in London, only 16 years old, and makes her money by being a quite cunning thief. One day as she is planning to steal fabric from Liberty she meets the eccentric Magda and Robert who take her under their wings and show her the ways of upscale Londoners. She then begins to make clothes for all of her famous friends, gets invitations to the parties shes always wanted to go to, meets a handsome musician named Peter, and gets recognized for her talents. But as with most good things they don't last forever, she realizes her "friends" aren't as great as she thought they were and the musician she fell in love with isn't as honest as she once believed. We don't see much if Cruella as she is more the evil voice in Estella's head versus a character in this aspect.
This was an awesome backstory and I am so glad I got to read it. 4 stars for the book and I recommend this read for all ages!

Disney Villains get a bad rap but they are almost always based on good people who had bad stuff happen to them. This story is no exception. Estella/Cruella was handed a bad lot in life and this story endears her to me and makes me want to give her a hug. I loved this “behind the scenes” look into her life and now I want to watch 101 Dalmatians again with fresh eyes!! Great job!!!

The trailer for Cruella came out last week, so watching that and reading Hello Cruel Heart really got me even more excited for the movie.

During the London summer of 1967, Hello Cruel Heart follows Estella as she goes from stealing wallets of tourists at Harrods to stealing the heart of the rich young bourgeoisie of the city with her natural sense of fashion.

It felt strange rooting for someone to succeed that we know will become DeVil and kidnap 101 puppies just to make a fur coat.

Will Estella let Cruella to the surface? Read this book to find out and prepare yourself for when Cruella comes out this spring!

This EXCEEDED my expectations! In all honesty, I went into this book not expecting to like it. I usually don't like books like this because, given that it's a prequel of a villain, I know how it's going to turn out. I was shocked that, despite my predetermined thoughts, I was so enthralled by the book. I'm only slightly disappointed because I sometimes feel like I'm really generous with my reviews and I was thinking, "This is awesome! I can give a book an average review instead of an amazing one." Nope! I loved this book way too much for me to give it any less than 5 stars. I'll even give it a 4.5 if I'm being stingy. While there are other books out there that I'm completely and utterly in love with, I love this story in a different way. If that makes any sense. If it confuses you, then imagine how I feel reviewing books with my complicated emotions towards each one I read!

Moving on now...

One thing that I didn't even notice I liked about the book until I practically binge read it, was that the story flowed very smoothly. I was caught up in Estella's life and personality. The author also did a good job of showing hints of Estella's darker side out in order to paint a picture of how she, at some point in her life, become the villain we all know and... love? I don't know anymore because my feelings towards Estella/Cruella are all befuddled now! A little part of me kind of wished to see more of Estella's darker side, though, because it would just paint her future character in so much more detail. I did enjoy the moments where we saw Cruella peek out of Estella's normal personality, but they were few and far between, in my opinion.

There was a part towards the end of the book that I feel could've been built up to a little better throughout the story, but the more I think about it, the more I see that if Estella didn't see the build-up, then we probably wouldn't have either. I don't know... I still kind of wish there had been hints here and there. But because it was such a minor part of the overall story, it didn't bother me too much and I was still able to love the book.

Well, there you go! I really loved this book so much more than I thought I would and it's given me a much larger love for this Disney villain than I thought I could ever get.

Overall, a fun, fast read that got off a bit to a rocky start. I don't know how much this book will align with the movie coming out, as this book takes place in the 60s and is more of a (rocky) coming of age story. It appears that the movie picks up where the book leaves off (in the 70s, with The Baroness as a villain.)

To be clear, there is little Cruella in this story (which may be a minus to some). It's more the origin story of Estella, finding her way in the swinging 1960s in London. Cruella, we learn, is the not-so-nice voice inside Estella's head. This was a nice twist, since many of us have a bit of an inner critic inside. We never learn how Estella's becomes so monstrous, but I dug the premise.

The characters, settings and fashion (oh the fashion!) of the story is divine, and the reader roots for Estella to come into her own (while also knowing that it will be a rocky ride.) Knowing that she herself will become a villain makes this a fun read because you can kind of get lost in the story knowing that the challenges she faces will just give her strength and ultimately shape her into this iconic character.

By far the weakest part of the story was the beginning, when there is a VERY brief flashback to Estella visiting some woman with 3 Dalmatians (the Baroness?) The story skips quickly over all details of this (ultimately violent) visit and the whole thing very much feels like it was added to tie into a larger mythology or to the movie. Basically, I read it like, "Wait. What?" Cruel Heart never returns to this mystery woman and her dogs, so that section feels particularly odd and disjointed.

Overall though, I enjoyed this book (although I would have appreciated a teeny bit more of the Estella to Cruella transition).

NETGALLEY NOTE: This was one of the hardest books I've ever read via Netgalley. The galley file was a hot mess. All images were distorted beyond comprehension and oddly any word with two Fs in it had those letters omitted (i.e. someone fell off a "cli" and she made an "oering" to someone.) Making the translation in my head got easier as I went, but the lack of double Fs really made the first few chapters a nightmare to read. (Who knew so many words had two Fs in them?)

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cruella wasn't always evil - once she was just 16-year-old Estella, an orphan with a passion for fashion designing and the skills of a master thief. Then, one summer she meets Richard and Magda Moresby-Plum and gets caught up in the whirl of high society. But, can a no-name orphan from the slummy streets of London fit in with the moneyed crowd? What happens when they tire of her?

I love Maureen Johnson (her <i>Truly Devious</i> series is amazing!) and normally I can't put her books down. This one, however, just didn't live up to her reputation. It was a good, solid story that fits with the Disney version of Cruella DeVil that we all grew up hating. But, it wasn't "edge of your seat" or "lose sleep over" exciting. A solid middle grade origin story about how the orphan Estella and her two friends Horace and Jasper became the crime trio headed by Cruella. I recommend it to hard core fans of villains and origin stories. 3 stars

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was okay but the formatting on the arc was terrible. It seemed whenever there was a double f in a word the letters were missing but the space remained. It took me a bit to realize what was happening. It was an interesting story but I wished it went further towards 101 Dalmatians.

To call this a retelling of Cruella is a bit of a stretch if I’m being honest. This is fully a historical fiction novel, with the concept of Cruella as an afterthought. This is very clearly a setup to be directly connected with the new Cruella movie, which is fine. The pacing of the book was strange, and while I’ve often liked Johnson’s writing for being cut and dry, this missed the mark. None of the characters in this book are particularly likable. I really wanted to like this book. The cover alone was beautiful. However, I kept waiting for the story to reveal itself as the beginning of Cruella’s story. I never got that satisfaction. If this had been marketed as just historical fiction, about a girl who tries to make it in the ranks of the elite while balancing a life of crime- it would have a higher rating from me. Unfortunately, this story allowed itself to pretend to be one thing when it really was something entirely different. This is a huge pet peeve of mine and took away from my enjoyment.

I love a good villain just as much as the next person, so I was really excited to see what kind of back story Maureen Johnson could come up with for Cruella. I am a fan of the author from the Truly Devious series, and remain a fan after this book. I was not disappointed in the least.
Estella/Cruella's story was as interesting as it was heartbreaking. Some of the descriptions of the fashion and Swinging London reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, which is another one of my favorite books.
If I had to pick one thing to criticize, I would say that the book itself felt a little unfinished. I am hopeful that this will be another series to further the story, instead of just a standalone novel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/Disney Press for the ARC.

While I do think this was a fun, captivating read on one or the worst villains, I just felt something was missing! I look forward to the movie, and hope it provides a bit more insight into who Cruella really is, but I’m still glad I read this book! I do think I got a bit more insight, but just felt it missed something on showing us how she and why she is the way she is. Overall, I do think kiddos will enjoy, as everyone loves reading about the bad gals, especially kids! Will definitely be getting my son a copy, even though Cruella is far from his favorite villain.

With this prequel to the upcoming Disney movie, Cruella, and the pre-prequel to 101 Dalmations, Maureen Johnson gives us a fresh perspective on why Cruella turns out to be Cruella. From the start of her journey, Estella navigates traumatic loss while struggling to find her way. Throughout the story, Estella grapples with the voice inside her head (Cruella) that mirrors that voice of self-reflection we all grapple with at times. Sometimes the voice casts doubt and sometimes it gives her strength.

Set in London, in 1967, Johnson weaves a tale of the swinging sixties that transports us back to the time in fits and starts. Referencing the Beatles and some other touchstones of the time place us there, but as a reader, I would have enjoyed much more detail about London at this time. Since it is a novel geared toward Young Adults in 2021, though, I believe that the level of detail was most likely sufficient.

Taking us through Estella's journey to fit in while still remaining true to herself makes "Hello, Cruel Heart" a universal coming of age story with a twist. Since we already know who Estella ultimately becomes, the backstory is ever more humanizing for this character. I honestly have to say that I love Cruella even more than I did before reading this book and believe me, I already enjoyed the character immensely. I've always been drawn to the villains in the Disney canon.

If you are looking for a quick, light read that dives deeper into the character of Cruella De Vil, do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this book when it comes out in April 2021.

***Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an advanced arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book before reading it. I read the synopsis and understood that this would give us more insight into who Cruella DeVil is/was before her depiction on 101 Dalmatians. I also understood that this is inspired by the upcoming movie (which makes perfect sense... red hair... the Dalmatians... fashion sense).

However, this book felt largely unfinished, especially in comparison to the trailer. Readers got to know Estella (Cruella before becoming a villain), her passion for fashion, and her life of stealing. We got to learn how she became connected to Horace and Jasper. Readers also got to see a more vulnerable side of Cruella (formerly known as Estella) when she made friends, was used, and was disappointed by her "posh" friends. The book ended with a string of disappointments, but I can only assume that part II will give us more insight in connection to the things placed in the trailer. Overall, I enjoyed it. This was a quick read. It was a little unexpected, but still pretty good.

After watching the movie trailer this weekend, I had to read this title ASAP. Following around Estella, I was hoping the book would explore more of the inner Estella/Cruella’s inner conflict. Learned a few life and love lessons from Estella the hard way, but not sure if I felt this book embodied the dog-loving (or should I say hating) Disney villain in this title. Probably should have been titled “Estella: Hello, Cruel Heart”. Maybe it will make more sense after I see the movie.

Once upon a time Cruella Devil was not a villanelle! She was just 16 years old orphan girl who tries to survive by stealing things at Swinging London in sixties! And her name is Estella who has been taught the crafts of being a skillful thief by her two accomplices Horace and Jasper who also share their squatters abode with her.

She’s truly passionate about fashion and she has real talent and quite exquisite taste about it. When her path crosses with two rich twins Magda and Richard, she’s directly introduced to posh,privileged life style of London socialite. She gets attracted of charming musician Peter who also gets fascinated by her talents about fashion and made his band wear the clothes she’s designed!

Everything seems going great with her life and she has hopes about her blooming fashion career, she’s happy to hang out with hipsters, discarding Horace and Jasper from her life but are new friends are right for her?

As a fan of Truly Devious series I was truly hopeful about this story and it was great to get an arc copy at the same day the trailer of the movie goes viral ! ( but as far as I see Emma Stone is nothing near to Ms. Johnson’s Estella portrait we can easily sympathize with! )

I enjoyed swinging London premise and I loved to see bright sides of Estella ( we already saw dark side Glen Close showed us on the big screen and we truly enjoyed it) the art, the fashion, entertainment, vivid description of London society were enjoyable and well described!

Only thing I didn’t like was haphazard ending with too many unanswered questions which made me think a sequel would come sooner. I hope it comes because I’d enjoy this easy to read and riveting, fast pacing, well developed journey! As a big fan of author’s writing style, I hope we may get more books of the series sooner. I think this is fresh, interesting, unique approach to one of the unconventional Disney villanelles!
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 a delightful back story of one of my favorite villanelles before she meets with 101 Dalmatians stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide/ Disney Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

The origin story of Cruella deVil except, her name is Estella and she is a thief/designer just trying to make it. The story is set up as a sort of connection to the upcoming live action film ( which surprisingly I just saw the trailer for the other day and it definitely makes sense). Estella is an orphan who makes a living by stealing, one day on one of her fabric stealing runs she runs into two rich teens, Magda and Richard, who take her into their rich lifestyle. Soon she finds herself invited to parties, meeting a cute musician named Peter, and being recognized for her designing talents. Yet, as with all good things, something is bound to go wrong, and soon she finds that maybe her new friends arent as great and maybe the boy she’s fallen in love with isn’t as honest as she thought. It was definitely an interesting take on the origin story of Cruella, and they have “Cruella” be sort of a another personality/voice in the back of Estella’s head that she has to constantly keep in check from coming out. It was a fun read and I can see how it was inspired by the live action that is going to be coming out.

*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Cruella is such an interesting character and I feel like with the recent attempts at her origin story no one has ever quite managed to hit the mark on what makes her so great.

“Hello, Cruel Heart” follows Estella as she navigates her world as a simple thief who stumbles upon a pair of rich new friends and finds a life outside of the lair filled with money, designer fashion and attractive musicians but the summer just come to an end and when it does the fallout is messy.

To call this a Cruella DeVil story is almost laughable because the name itself is given to an almost imaginary friend/other personality that exists in the back of Estella’s mind and only shows itself when she has reached the end of her rope so for the majority of this book she is absent. That alone makes me question the entirety of the sell of this book as an origin because we never see her fully commit to the Cruella we all know and love instead we see a shadow.

The pacing itself too is a rather odd with the crash coming fast, which I enjoyed as it seemed like the most realistic thing that happened in the book, but then the payoff for it is maybe 3 pages before the acknowledgments and the overall mood fell flat. I think the idea of showing her the world she wants was nice but I don’t think the loss the way it happened was enough to push her to the point that we have seen in her final form.

Not quite sure what to think of this one the more I write my review the less I like it but I don’t know it feels like this should have been Act 1 of a larger story but instead it’s all we have which is a shame.

**special thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

This was a rather decent read even if I’m really not the audience. It was a book to give some context to the forthcoming Cruella movie and it did such. I got a solid little read about 60s London. It was heavy in atmosphere which helped the book get over the hump of being a very familiar story. We know she’s going to get her heart broken. We know there’s going to be pain. But it’s all executed so well. 3/5 #DisneyCruellaHelloCruelHeart #NetGalley