Finding Cinderella – Colleen Hoover (2013)

Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover, published in 2013, is a heartfelt novella set within the Hopeless series universe. It follows the love story of Daniel, the humorous and loyal best friend of Dean Holder, and Six, Sky’s witty and fiercely independent best friend. Although part of the Hopeless series, it functions well as a standalone, offering humor, romance, and poignant moments as the characters navigate love, identity, and healing.

Plot Summary

Daniel Wesley found solace in an unusual fifth-period escape—a maintenance closet where he napped undisturbed. One day, his solitude was shattered when a girl stumbled in, falling on top of him, her quiet sobs filling the small, dark room. Though the two couldn’t see each other, their connection was instant and electric. Daniel nicknamed her Cinderella, charmed by her humor and mystery. Their shared vulnerability led to an unguarded, magical kiss, a moment so perfect they decided not to ruin it by turning on the light or revealing their real identities. She left as abruptly as she had entered, leaving Daniel enchanted and yearning for her return.

Weeks passed, but the girl didn’t come back. Daniel convinced himself their encounter had been a dream until life continued to weave its unpredictable threads. A year later, his messy on-again, off-again relationship with Val ended, leaving him frustrated and ready for something real. While venting to his best friends, Holder and Sky, he met Six, Sky’s best friend who had just returned from a year-long exchange program in Italy.

Six wasn’t just a name; it was an attitude. Her sharp wit and fierce independence intrigued Daniel instantly, and he found himself drawn to her in a way that felt both familiar and entirely new. Six, equally charmed by Daniel’s unfiltered humor, agreed to a date despite Holder’s firm warning that Daniel should stay away from her. Ignoring the warning only added to the thrill, and Daniel couldn’t resist Six’s captivating presence.

Their first date was unconventional and chaotic, filled with laughter and impulsive antics. Six’s easygoing nature matched Daniel’s playful energy, and their chemistry grew stronger with every moment. They shared childhood stories, flirted shamelessly, and teased each other with effortless banter. The evening culminated in a kiss—bold and unapologetic—that confirmed what they both already felt. This wasn’t just a casual connection; it was something far deeper.

As their relationship unfolded, Daniel and Six navigated their growing bond with humor and passion, uncovering vulnerabilities they had long buried. Six, known for her reluctance to embrace traditional relationships, began to let her guard down around Daniel. For his part, Daniel realized that beneath Six’s confident exterior lay a past marked by mistakes and heartache. Six confessed that she had once faced an unexpected pregnancy during her time in Italy and had chosen to place the baby for adoption. Her voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of the memory still fresh in her heart.

Daniel didn’t falter. Instead, he offered Six unwavering support, assuring her that her past didn’t define her. This moment of raw honesty deepened their connection, allowing Six to trust Daniel in a way she hadn’t trusted anyone before. Together, they learned to navigate their fears and insecurities, finding comfort in each other’s understanding.

But life has a way of testing even the strongest bonds. As their relationship blossomed, the unthinkable happened—a casual conversation led them to piece together an astonishing realization. Six’s adopted child, the one she had never seen, had been adopted by none other than Daniel’s older sister, whom Six had unknowingly met at the hospital during the adoption process. This revelation rocked them both, intertwining their lives in a way neither could have predicted.

The discovery was bittersweet. Six struggled to reconcile her lingering pain with the joy of knowing her child had been placed into a loving home. Daniel, now understanding the magnitude of the connection they shared, vowed to stand by her side. Their bond was no longer just about their budding romance; it was tied to something infinitely larger—a shared past that neither of them had foreseen.

In the midst of these revelations, Six and Daniel leaned on their friends for support. Holder and Sky, pillars of loyalty and wisdom, offered a safe space for them to process their emotions. Together, they all navigated the complexities of love, family, and destiny.

With time, Six found peace in knowing her child was happy and loved. She allowed herself to embrace the future, her walls slowly crumbling as she let Daniel fully into her heart. Daniel, in turn, realized that love wasn’t just about passion or chemistry; it was about showing up, even when life became messy and unpredictable.

In a quiet moment, surrounded by the people they cared for most, Daniel and Six recognized that their love story was anything but ordinary. It was a tale of chance encounters, second chances, and the profound realization that sometimes, the people we’re meant to find have always been connected to us in ways we can’t yet see. Their journey wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs, and that made it beautiful

Main Characters

• Daniel Wesley: A charismatic and quick-witted young man whose humor masks his deeper insecurities. Despite his playful demeanor, Daniel is a loyal friend and a romantic at heart. His journey in the novella is one of discovery, both of himself and his capacity for genuine love.

• Six (Seven Marie Jacobs): Sky’s best friend, Six is bold, free-spirited, and unapologetically herself. Beneath her confident exterior lies vulnerability stemming from her past relationships and a longing for authentic connection. Her interactions with Daniel are both endearing and electric, showcasing her wit and depth.

• Sky and Holder: Secondary but significant characters, Sky and Holder’s loving relationship serves as a backdrop and contrast to Daniel and Six’s budding romance. They also provide comic relief and moments of wisdom.

Theme

• Love and Identity: The story explores how love helps individuals uncover their true selves. Daniel and Six’s relationship allows them to embrace vulnerability and find comfort in authenticity.

• Second Chances: The novella highlights the importance of forgiveness and allowing oneself to hope again after past mistakes or heartbreaks.

• Friendship: Daniel’s close bond with Holder and Six’s with Sky emphasize the role of supportive friendships in personal growth and healing.

• Unexpected Connections: The “Cinderella” motif—a mysterious, magical connection—is a recurring element, symbolizing the unpredictable and transformative nature of love.

Writing Style and Tone

Colleen Hoover employs her trademark conversational and emotionally evocative style in Finding Cinderella. The narrative flows with humor, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt introspection, effectively balancing lighthearted moments with deeper emotional resonance. Daniel’s humorous perspective sets a playful tone, but Hoover doesn’t shy away from poignant and tender scenes that add emotional weight to the story.

The tone shifts seamlessly between humorous banter and romantic intensity. Hoover’s use of duality in tone mirrors the characters’ emotional journeys, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters’ lives and growth.