Cinderella and the Ghost is the reimagining of the classic fairytale. The book takes place in modern day as Ella works through servant-type living arrangements with her stepmother, Adelaide, as her stepsisters do whatever they want and spend money they don't have. When Adelaide passes, the stepsisters come home to attend the reading of the will with Ella. Unsure of where to go of what to do, Ella is pleasantly surprised to learn her father kept a home in France for her, along with money for renovations. Leaving America and her rotten stepsisters behind, Ella flies to the chateau to begin her new life.

She's immediately drawn to the portrait of the first owner, Jean-Daniel Girard. He's handsome, strong, and appears to be focused on her whenever she's around. Little does she know, but is about to learn, Jean-Daniel's ghost resides in the painting and insists she's his savior. With a little bit of determination, time-travel, and mystical jewelry, Ella finds herself transported 300 years in the past and things about her past life draw an uncanny parallel to the life she just left.

The author's take on the Cinderella fairytale was interesting, though the story was a tad slow-going. Ella and Jean-Daniel had chemistry but their character development was flat. Ella's character was beaten down by her stepmother and stepsisters after her father died and she was not given the chance to work through her feelings and reconcile her stepmother and stepsisters' treatment of her. Her baggage would rival a socialite's travel gear and it's pushed to the back burner.

The theme of the book was interesting and I enjoyed the reincarnation aspect of the characters. The love between Jean-Daniel and Ella transcends time and the author pulled off a great time-travel romance. There are several elements to appeal to many readers; ghosts, time-travel, fairytale retelling, and romance.

A great and compelling retelling of the Cinderella story. A castle in France, a time travel, a fascinating ghost, a gentle and sensitive protagonist: it is hard not to love this book.
After the death of his step-mother, Ella discovers that she has inherited from her father a castle in France. It's a wonderful opportunity to start a new life. But the castle is in poor condition and there are many jobs to do. She also will have to conquer the ghost that occupies the house. Jean-Daniel Girard was killed the night of his ball and doesn't know how. Ella will return with him back in time to discover the truth.
I loved the protagonists of this story: Ella is shy but brave with a big heart, knows how to fight. Jean-Daniel is a viscount very snobbish but his love for Ella is strong enough to overcome his sense of duty, is willing to give up everything for her. A really romantic love story!
It's a great, lovable, fast-paced book, the author keeps you enthralled and engrossed throughout the book. The writing was pleasant, clever and flowed easily ..
If you enjoy reading sweet romance, then definitely pick this up!

I never had a chance to review this before it expired. I'm sorry!