At a glance
Just Ella
Young Adult Fantasy
Just Ella
Book 1 of the The Palace Chronicles series
240 pages · First published 1999
Fifteen-year-old Ella Brown thought winning Prince Charming's heart meant her troubles were over, but life at the palace proves far less enchanting than she imagined. Between endless etiquette lessons, suffocating restrictions, and a prince whose handsome appearance conceals a disappointingly shallow personality, Ella begins to question whether becoming a princess is worth sacrificing her independence. Her growing friendship with thoughtful tutor Jed Reston opens her eyes to a different kind of happiness, but breaking her royal engagement proves far more dangerous than she anticipated. When her refusal leads to imprisonment, Ella must rely on her courage, resourcefulness, and the help of a loyal servant to reclaim control of her future. Turning the familiar Cinderella story on its head, this clever fairy-tale retelling is ideal for readers who enjoy independent heroines, unexpected twists on happily ever after, and stories about discovering one's true worth.
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Jump to the pours ↓Cerulean Lemonade + Lavender French 75
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Abusive and controlling treatment by family and royal authorities; Physical assault and coercion into an unwanted marriage; Dungeon imprisonment, deprivation, and threats of sexual assault; References to rape committed against other women; Violence, including a killing and references to execution and wartime deaths; Repeated derogatory comments about body size; Mild romantic content, including kissing
Alcohol-Free Pour
Cerulean Lemonade
Butterfly pea tea transforms with a splash of lemon in a display that looks like fairy-tale magic but requires none, just like Ella's story of transformation through courage and ingenuity.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Shop specialty ingredientsButterfly pea tea ↗
How to mix it
- Combine butterfly pea tea, honey syrup, and water over ice. Add lemon juice last to shift the color, then stir.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Lavender French 75
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Delicate lavender and sparkling wine evoke the elegance of a royal ball, while the sharp bite of lemon reflects Ella's discovery that a beautiful fairy-tale ending isn't always what it seems.
What you'll need
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 1/2 oz lavender syrup ↗
- 3 oz brut sparkling wine
- Ice for shaking ↗
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How to mix it
- Shake gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish: Lemon twist or small lavender sprig.
- Glassware: Champagne flute.
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Champagne flute ↗Set up the bar cart
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