I thought the story was exciting although predictable. "Cruella" did not seem to fit into the story.

DNF after the first five chapters. The writing was fine but the premise just wasn't grabbing me. I think readers who really enjoy villain origin stories would probably be more into this one than I.

Fans of 101 Dalmations will enjoy Cruella De'Ville's origin story as told in Hello, Cruel Heart. Cruella, who was actually named Estella, was not always cruel. She had a mother, hopes, dreams, and passions like everyone else. So, what happened? Go back to the free-wheeling 60's to explore the hipster scene in London and discover how Estella became Cruella.

Pleasantly surprised but this one, though I shouldn’t have been knowing the author and her style. Full review on goodreads.

Was Cruella always so evil? Was there ever any good in her life? This story tells of her life as a teen and her "family" situation. A quick read for younger fans of Disney

I'm not a Cruella De Vil fan, but I am a Maureen Johnson reader so I decided to skim this book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down, I was instantly enthralled and couldn't care less that I was reading a 101 Dalmations backstory. The story was fast-paced and intriguing and the characters were interesting and charismatic. I loved the late 1960s setting and references and I could just picture the vivid fashions jumping off the page. With all the nods to great bands, I should have read it with a soundtrack playing in the background. So much fun!

I am a HUGE Disney fan and I so wanted to love this book, but I didn't. It was very difficult to "get into" and just was not holding my attention. Also there were a LOT of typos. For some reason, every word that had a double-f was missing the letters! For example, "off" would just show up as an "o". In one sentence, "Their feet were adorned with extortionary slippers and platform boots", I would assume that extortionary should have been extraordinary.

Hello, Cruel Heart is an imaginative interpretation of the catalysts that slowly breathe actual life into the inner voice (Cruella) of a girl named Estella. I truly "saw" swinging 60's London in my minds eye as I read Johnson's descriptions of the clothes, locations, and dialog as portrayed in the story I honestly want to read more about Estella's journey and would thoroughly enjoy it if this were at least a duology.

I read 101 Dalmatians at least 20 times growing up so learning that this was an origin story of Cruella had me hooked right away. It wasn't as enthralling as the original Dodie Smith book, but it was a good story nonetheless enlivened by Johnson's always entertaining writing. Watching Estrella scratch out a living and finding hope as she managed to rise above mere survival was great. I kept reminding myself that I shouldn't get too attached to her because I know she's going to be a villain before the book is over, but the reminders didn't work. I could easily see the path she was taking and how it was not going to work out in the end and it made me sad to see how she was let down. Although I loved the "Swinging London" setting, I question whether that will draw my students in or put them off the book since the time period is so foreign to them. Other than that, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Cute story about Cruella's teenage years. This one does NOT go along with the "Evil Thing" book that came out last year (they are two very different stories and both are good). Still, it's fun story that shows us her relationship with Jasper and Horace in 1967 London

What a fun, fast ride through 1960's London, full of color and adventure. A look into friendship, family and how Estella became Cruella. I'm not usually one to root for the villain, but Maureen Johnson, does such a great job at making the reader feel empathy for Estella. With a peek into homelessness along with the shakers and movers of society. Estella learns what true friendship and loyalty mean.

Johnson's new novel is an addicting and rollicking tale of a spunky 16 year old surviving on her own in 1967 London. Orphaned, Estella arrives in London adrift, but is taken in by two young thieves, Horace and Jasper, who teach her their craft and share their squatters abode with her. Estella is obsessed with fashion design, and also very talented at it, so when she befriends two very wealthy twins who appreciate their talents, she is quick to take advantage of their hospitality and largesse. In her new social scene her talent is quickly recognized and exploited, and her new boyfriend's band is happy to wear her new designs. Along the way she alienates herself from Horace and Jasper and their lifestyle, reveling in being a part of the London swinging summer. The character of Estella was very vividly portrayed and likeable, with lively dialog throughout. It's not clear to me if this is the first of a series, but the ending felt unsatisfactory, and it seems that there are loose ends that could be pursued, such as what really happened to Estella's mother, will Estella and her pals get away with their capers, and will Estella's career take off.

I love Maureen Johnson's writing and Hello, Cruel Heart does not disappoint on that front. I am not sure how I felt about the plot, but the story is wonderful. I think for most the idea of Cruella being something before 101 Dalmatians will be hard to over come for some. This is for a different generation and I hope it does well.

The story did not live up to the original films, it's a challenge to make the connection from this young Cruella to the adult Cruella we all know. This adaptation added nothing to the 101 Dalmations or Cruella universe and we could've done without it.

This book was received as an ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide - Disney Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Being a fan of 101 Dalmatians and a fan of the work of Maureen Johnson, I knew I was in for a treat with Hello, Cruel Heart and I was surely not disappointed. I absolutely loved the new direction Maureen Johnson took with this book focusing on Estella and the heists she took with you guessed it, Jasper and Horace and how she is achieving her dream as a fashion designer in high society with an extremely unique out of the box way. There were moments in the book where I was in disbelief and my jaw dropped open but Maureen Johnson brilliantly constructed a new and different adaptation to a Disney Classic Tale. I can't wait to share this title and hear the opinions from our library community and I know our teen book club will have enticing conversations too.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.