The Cinderella Plot

by Pepper Basham

Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:
What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 19, 2026

About the author

Pepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of the New River Valley in Virginia.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

5⭐

“Sometimes the scariest thing in the world is letting people see the real you.”

This is an AMAZING book about identity!

I’m so happy to see Christian authors risking a genre change and/or writing to engage with a larger demographic. It’s wonderful to have an established author publish a book that’s available to the YA audience AND that aligns with Christian values. There is so much available to attract our teens’ attention these days, and knowing that there are engaging books that offer clarity, encouragement, and aid in navigating friendships, forging their identity, and discovering their purpose will put parents’ minds at ease.

I have no doubt that The Cinderella Plot will be a well-loved and widely received story as it’s told in such an authentic voice and centered around identity and warns us about the voices we choose to listen to.

I loved the references to Cinderella, Queen Esther and absolutely lost it (sobbing) at the holding out the sneaker scene!

How wonderful for young adults to have a book that focuses on having the courage to be themselves. I also think it’s important to show that disagreements happen in all kinds of relationships and Basham reminds us that “it’s what you do after the fight that matters.”

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd had books like this to grow up with! What a great encouragement for readers (young and otherwise). These characters are seriously adorable and relatable.

I was honored to read an early draft of this story. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah Brake · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS! THIS BOOK! This is the type of YA book I would have loved to read back in middle school/high school. This has a great story, and even a better message that young girls should hear! I thought this was such a cute read! All the book and movie quotes and references were great!

Ohh and at Ch. 14, when Aunt Diane wants to watch a certain movie with her? I guessed the movie correctly! Just had to add that little piece of trivia 😂

This is a great book for anyone, but a MUST READ for your teenager!

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited that Pepper Basham is foraying into YA! I loved everything about The Cinderella Plot: the bookish main character, the bookshop setting, the best friends trope... It was clean and it was quirky. It was exactly the kind of YA I'm excited to have my teens read--and that I love to read myself.

Disclosure: I received an early digital review copy courtesy of the author.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ The Cinderella Plot” was a fun YA romcom! Pepper Basham’s usual humor was sprinkled throughout the story. Paisley gets a self help book to gain confidence and become a new and better self. This was an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the movie references made throughout the story. Paisley makes some mistakes and learns some lessons along the way, but most of all finds her self even more confident than before. This sweet Cinderella themed book was mostly predictable but still had me turning the pages. Paisley learns a valuable lesson that most people forget, simply to be yourself and to love yourself for who you are not what others want you to be.



I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story with a touching life lesson. Characters are so well articulated that you feel as if you really know them. Small town setting with a book store and coffee shop. Loved this book. This book is definitely worth the read. I received an ARC to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

[Laura Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. My first, and definitely not my last by Pepper Basham. Honestly, this made me want to binge all of her books. This book truly had such a cozy feeling, but also took on some heavy topics and themes! Not only that, it’s so hard to find a YA book that is truly YA, at least in my opinion and this was exactly that!

I feel like if I were in the YA Age range, which this is marketed for, it would be a favorite read. This is so relatable especially for those in high school. Not only that, the faith elements in this were also absolutely amazing! The romance was just so wholesome! Highly recommend this one! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy received from the author.

What a wonderful book! I am looking forward to sharing this book with my nieces. This is exactly the kind of story that we need more of! A story that not only identifies with teens but also reflects the strong family and faith values that will remind us all that we are God’s masterpiece! I really enjoyed these characters. The real-life struggles they face, and the character development and growth as the story progresses is believable as well as relatable.

[austengirl_710 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest, sincerest, hearfelt stories! Loved every minute of it! I definitely am recommending this to every book friend out there!
**I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes the scariest thing in the world is letting people see the real you.”

My 12 yo thoughts:
To come when she finishes.

My thoughts:
This is a wonderful Young Adult romcom full of friendship, faith, and first love. I loved all of the book and movie references! I honestly wish I would have had books like this to read when I was a teen/YA. My favorite thing about this book is how the FMC realizes that she is enough, she is loved for who she is, and that God made her to be exactly who she is.

Paisley is smart, quirky, and finding herself. I loved her friends Molly, Chris, and Skyler. They had me cracking up multiple times. As a Mom, Paisley’s insecurities and struggles broke my heart. It really reminded me how important it is that I pray that God will protect my daughter’s heart and mind against the pressures of this world and the lies of the devil. I loved seeing Paisley realize that she didn’t have to change to be loved because she already was by her family, friends, and God. I enjoyed seeing her realize how important Chris was to her and that maybe she wanted him as her boyfriend (with no space 😆) One of my favorite parts is when Paisley gets her Bible out and compares the truths of God’s Word to her “self-improvement” book! 👏🏻
Chris! Oh Chris is perfectly sweet and protective. I loved when he would run guys off when they were trying to flirt with Paisley. Chris tries to support Paisley during her transformation. Poor guy is struggling! Their conversation where they admit that they care for each other as more than friends was so perfect. There are kisses (of course it’s a Pepper book 😍), I felt that they were appropriate for the YA audience.

A few more quotes:
“These guys fall in love with a voice, or a dress, or a magical moment,” he continues. “And then they can’t recognize the actual person when she’s standing right in front of them without all the sparkles.”

Chris sighs dramatically. “I love it when you talk nerd.”

“You have always been dateable and definitely worth noticing for all the right reasons. The fact that they couldn’t see that—that’s not your problem, Pais. That’s theirs.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this darling story of Paisley, a somewhat quirky, bookish high school senior, who takes up reading a “self-help” book called The Cinderella Plot in an effort to improve herself. She decides to undertake the challenge to transform herself into someone who attracts attention and gets noticed. In the process, however, she risks getting lost in the superficial details, like new clothes, cute hair, and popularity—especially the lure of some unexpected suitors. The details are fun though, and she risks alienating her long-time best friend Chris when she loses track of her priorities. There are myriad literary references throughout the book, which as a fellow bookish girl I heartily endorse. But it’s the voices of the people Paisley loves the most that call her back into the fold, and remind her that she was pretty wonderful just the way she was, and it was there that I could see who this love story really starts with. The beautiful faith element woven through the story was my favorite thing of all. Don’t miss this one, even if YA isn’t usually your first pick. This one has something for everyone. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a sweet, feel-good young adult story with all the feels, The Cinderella Plot checks all the boxes. I sometimes forgot these were young adults as the story rings true with points of walking in the truth of who you are and what real, genuine love and friendship look like. There are so many good one-liner nuggets of truth that I would recommend this to any young woman. Particularly the comparing and contrasting of the world’s message and the Bible’s message; all of us need to be reminded of these points at times. I loved the support of friends and family as they gave room Paisely to stretch and experiment and just support her where she was. Not going to lie though, it is Pepper Basham writing and Pepper knows how to write an evocative and compelling romance. The way Chris showed up…wow! Move over Mr. Dracy, Mr. Benson has entered the room, and he has something to say!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that was hard to put down. I enjoyed it so much. I loved Paisley. Paisley learned so much about herself. I wish I could give this book a ten rating.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham is a must-read novel for girls and women of all ages—though it is marketed as a young adult rom-com.

This charming story, which is as thought-provoking as it is sweet and inspiring, tells the tale of Paisley Harper, high school senior, who is tired of feeling “invisible” to anyone other than her aunt and uncle and three best friends. Cue The Cinderella Plot, a popular self-help book that promises to transform her life in five easy steps—that actually works!

Full of delightful characters, lots of literary references, and gentle humor, this novel is a heart-warming look at friendship, faith, love, influences, and identity. Readers are invited to join Paisley on her quest to discover what it means to be her “best” self (without losing herself in the process).

While I loved everything about The Cinderella Plot—and I am genuinely looking forward to the day I can read it with my daughters—I absolutely adored the friendship between Paisley and Chris (#friendswithswoon).

The following are a few of my favorite quotes:

“God sees us and knows us and loves us exactly as we are. As we are. Not as we try to be. Not as the world wants us to be. As. We. Are.”

“There’s nothing wrong with looking your best, girl. . . . But just remember, all of the glam is a part of who you are but not WHO you are.”

“None of us are perfect. So remember that! You’re not in a world with perfect people. All of us are works-in-progress. Some of us hide our broken parts better than others, but pretending is not the way to fix those pieces. You don’t need transformation. You need to be YOU.”

“It takes years for God to work out the kinks and even then, only death makes us perfect. . . . But God is working in you right now, especially in this, and the most beautiful part is that instead of turning away from Him, you’ve turned toward Him. It’s easy to want to hide when we’ve done wrong, but He wants you all the time, messy or not. Having it all together or not.”

“Life’s too short to waste time on fear.”

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good YA romance from time to time, but finding ones that don't have problematic content can really be difficult at times. When I heard one of my favorite authors, Pepper Basham, was writing a YA romance I knew it was going to be one for the keeper shelf. And I was right!
This is such a charming, and sweet, story. It features situations that I think everyone has dealt with in life, or is currently dealing with if you are a teen currently. I really appreciate how the author made Paisley so relatable. She's a sweet, bookish girl who feels invisible to everyone but family and a few close friends. Who hasn't longed to be noticed by others at some point in life? But is being noticed really a good thing if we have to become someone totally different first?
That's the question this book seeks to answer as Paisley struggles to find where she fits in life and high school. I loved the chemistry between Paisley and Chris. The friends to more, the will they/won't they tension, and the sweetness of seeing their relationship blossom.
I also really enjoyed the message woven throughout the book that we don't need to become someone we aren't just to be noticed. Those who already see us are the ones that truly matter because they see us as we already are right now. The author did a great job reflecting those truths, and tying it all together with a faith thread that felt genuine not forced.
If you're looking for a heartwarming, chemistry laden, sweet romance for your teen, you can't go wrong with this book. And after reading it, I bet your teen won't be as likely to settle for the lesser books that have flooded the YA market.
*I read an early ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Pepper Basham was writing a YA book I was so excited! When given the chance to read an ARC of this I was honored, and this book delivered everything I know and love about a Basham book and more. This is the book I'd love to see in the hands of teens everywhere. It's a funny, clean read with the lesson that being your true authentic self means more than all the popularity in the world.

This book revolves around a fictional self-help book called "The Cinderella Plot". The author tells young women and teens they can have everything they ever wanted if they just follow the rules in the book. There's even an online community to help cheer them on. As the main character, high school senior Paisley evolves in this book and starts to follow the instructions in the self-help book, she transforms and learns more about identity, who she is and whose she is.

There is a bit of mystery surrounding a college guy doing a research project in the town showing interest in Paisley. This sub plot also helps Paisley have great character development in the book and learn some tough lessons along the way.

This book has strong friendships, a wonderful aunt and uncle who support Paisley thoroughly, humor and Christian faith in it. It's cleanly written with a bit of kissing, nothing more than that in it.

This is a book that will appeal to the YA age range of 12-18 and is one I'll definitely let my daughter read when she's old enough.

Thank you to Pepper Basham and Mad Lit Publishing for getting this book out there into the hands of teens. I also want to thank the author and Just Read Tours for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review or positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Adult Rom Com is a genre that I have been interested in recently. The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham is the most recent book in this genre that I have read.

WOW, I feel like this book described by Young Teen age years perfectly!! Paisley Harper is the main character in the book and she feels like she isn't seen by others in her school. She is the "typical girl nerd" with the oversized cardigan and book smart. Paisley isn't feeling very confident about upcoming events like Homeschooling and her Senior Year and other life events. She wants to be noticed by others. A book captures her attention, one that details a 5 step plan to be transformed. She begins putting the plan into action and part way through the book, she takes a step back. I REALLY LOVE how Paisley realizes that her self confidence and self worth isn't found in the plans from a book, but through her faith in God. I can totally relate to Paisley in many ways, especially lacking confidence in my worth as a teenager and allowing myself to be "used" by others. I think this book has a MUCH needed message for Teen Girls in today's world. I couldn't stop reading until I finished this book. I plan on buying a few copies in the future for Teen girls I know. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham

You already know Pepper Basham is one of my favorite romcom authors, so of course I loved this one too. She has such a gift for blending humor, heart, and faith into stories that make me laugh out loud one minute and feel completely tender the next.

The Cinderella Plot is full of bookish charm, small-town warmth, and a heroine who is so easy to root for. Paisley’s journey from feeling invisible to learning her true worth is both relatable and encouraging, and I appreciated how naturally the message of identity and faith was woven into her story. Pepper’s humor shines throughout, but what I love most is how her stories always point back to truth, hope, and the reminder that our value doesn’t come from changing who we are, but from embracing who God created us to be.

This is a clean YA romcom that’s perfect for readers 12 and up, with sweet romance, strong friendships, and a beautiful faith thread running through it all.

A glowing recommendation from me. If you enjoy heartfelt, funny, faith-based romance, this is definitely one to pick up.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming! What a sweet and delightful young adult story, that perfectly captures growing pains, trials & errors, and discovering who and what are most important. Paisley is so easy to root for, she's lost her mom, her dad remarried and moved away, and she lives with her aunt and uncle over their bookshop. She is a quirky, funny senior in high school that gets herself a self-help book for young girls called The Cinderella Plot to become more visible. She begins to transform herself, with friends and family who love her the way she is, but support her by trying something new even when they are not sure where this is headed.

Her best friend Chris figures out he has feelings for her first. Oh what a sweet young man. I loved their friendship, their movie banter, and the journey of how they navigate changes. A heartwarming story of faith, family, humor, and friends to more. Outstanding! I wish I had stories like this when I was young!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branded bookish and quirky, Paisley wants to know what it feels like to not be invisible, and instead noticed for the "right" reasons. So she takes matters into her own hands, with a total style makeover.

Paisley is a bookish teen, who knows her literary stuff. I loved the book and movie references, with fictional hypotheticals, and comparisons to Princess Diaries. I liked that her friends love and support her throughout, encouraging her and letting her know that they are there for her no matter what. Aunt Diane and Uncle Jasper, are supportive and own and amazing bookstore.

Paisley is a relatable protagonist, struggling with self image and wanting to stand out and not blend in. I especially loved her friendship with Chris, and how he encouraged her to be herself no matter what.

A heartfelt coming-of-age read, with humor, friendship, faith, and finding yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pulled into THE CINDERELLA PLOT from the first page and I stayed that way until the very last page. A small town setting, which I love plus a book store and a coffee shop as well! What more could I ask for? Perfect!! The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Pepper Basham threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! THE CINDERELLA PLOT is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and hug a few of these people with what they were feeling and what they were going through. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with THE CINDERELLA PLOT. Pepper Basham is an author I want to read more of.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cinderella Plot is a heartwarming YA RomCom about friendship, family and knowing what's important in life. It's faith-filled, and we see a lot of personal and spiritual growth in the FMC. Even though this is written about teens, for teens, it has lessons that are applicable throughout our lives. Who and what are we letting influence us? Where do our priorities lie?

It's funny, a little heartbreaking, swoony and wrapped up oh-so-nicely! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Safe and clean for ages 13 and up!

A few of my favorite quotes:
Sometimes the scariest thing in the real world is letting people see the real you.

God says I'm loved. A treasure. His child. But what specific things has he given me that make me... me?

How do people survive romance on a daily basis? Reading about it is one thing. Experiencing it is like a constant 120-foot roller coaster drop.

... friendship with kisses and cuddles and sweet romantic moments?
Sign me up for the long-term.

#friendswithswoon

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘what if’
and forget the ‘what is,’ you know?”

What a fantastic debut by the mother-daughter duo Pepper Basham and Phoebe Basham! I loved this young adult novel, filled with teenage angst and that need to find their place in the world balanced by spiritual and Biblical truths. The Cinderella Plot being an actual self-help book targeted for teen girls was clever and the deconstruction of the current trends in self-improvement with the eternal and unchanging truths found in God was well done. Paisley’s honest and hilarious first person voice made her adorable and absolutely lovable. Molly and Skyler, Paisley’s lifelong friends, were very cute together (and I’m hoping for a sequel where they get to be the main characters). Paisley’s best friend Chris was a worthy hero - loyal, devoted, kind, funny, and self-sacrificial. Best friends-to-more trope is one of my favorites and it was well executed here.

If you enjoy YA romcom, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham is not only an entertaining, fast-paced read; it also includes important truths not just for YA readers, but for anyone struggling with feeling alone and unseen. My heart broke for Paisley as she struggled through feeling invisible and learning her worth. Her growth and strength was a beautiful internal transformation to witness. Chris is a true prince. I loved their banter and relationship. The faith tied everything together, reminding Paisley Whose she was, chosen and cherished.

I received a free eARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent YA Rom-com. Friends since childhood, now seniors in high school. She’s quirky and wants a happy ending. Neither want to ruin a good friendship. The blurb is interesting and intriguing and the book is great! The story-line and characters are very well done! This book has humor, misunderstandings, faith, owning up to your own mistakes and even trying to fix it, set in small town, with a bookstore and coffee shop! I really enjoyed it and I think it’s a wonderful book for teens!

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please, PLEASE tell me there’s going to be a sequel! A series! A bonus epilogue that flashes to the future!

RTC.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEVER miss a book from Pepper Basham! I am a longtime fan of all of her stories and when I heard she was going to write a contemporary young adult story I was so excited. I loved this story! Paisley was such a great character and I identified with a lot her personality(book girl here!). The story itself has a great message about being just who God created you to be and no one else. Paisley’s growth through the story was done really well and felt natural to me. I loved all the elements Pepper wove together, the romcom moments made my heart give a happy sigh and the ending was romcom perfection. I’ll be adding a hard copy of this book to my keeper shelf, no question!

I received a copy of this book from JustRead Tours and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.