Bethany Jett - The Cinderella Rule: A Young Womans Guide to Happily Ever After

The Cinderella Rule is an excellent resource for both teenaged girls and the parents, relatives, teachers, mentors and friends who want them to seek a prince who will woo and pursue them. Bethany Jetts writing style is practical, full of wisdom and engaging. I plan on buying this book for my 19-year-old daughter and for her boyfriend, too.

Arron Chambers

Pastor and Author of Remember Who You Are and Eats with Sinners

In a world where young women are inundated with messages telling them to chase after the bad boy, beast or vampire, it is refreshing to hear one telling them that they are worthy of a godly prince. As a father of a teenaged girl, I appreciate Bethanys insights and advice. Both are timely and inspiring for young Cinderellas navigating the sometimes confusing world of love and dating. I laughed, I cried, I got a pedicure.

Terry Davis

Family Minister at Journey Christian Church

Greeley, Colorado

Any girl who quotes a minion from Despicable Me (whaaa?) had me at hello. Bethanys charm, mixed with pop culture and a large amount of the Bible, will help the single woman who wishes to become a godly (datable) woman. The Cinderella Rule is a helpful guide for all the single ladies.

Renee Fisher

Spirited Speaker and Author of Faithbook of Jesus , Not Another Dating Book and Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me (www.devotionaldiva.com)

The Cinderella Rule is a beautiful and compelling look at what it means to be a daughter of the King and bride of Christ. Bethany Jett does a marvelous job of pointing young women to their true beauty and value within and guides them on a journey filled with hope and promise.

Nicole ODell

Founder of Choose NOW Ministries

Author of The Diamond Estates Series

Reading The Cinderella Rule is like chatting with your older, cooler cousinyou know, the one who you always wanted to paint your nails and do your hair for you. Although Bethany does discuss highlights and French manis, she also talks about something much more important and enduringyour future husband. The Cinderella Rule explains that Mr. Right is someone who recognizes and seeks your inner beauty and helps you shine brighter. Bethany gives a straightforward, modern, conversational how-to for loving yourself in order to find Prince Charming and live happily ever after.

Laura L. Smith

Author of S kinny , Hot , Angry and the Status Updates Series

2013 Bethany Jett

Published in association with the literary agency of Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary, Inc. of Hillsboro, Oregon.

Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com

Revell edition published 2014

ISBN 978-1-4412-2528-3

Previously published by Regal Books

Ebook edition originally created 2013

Ebook corrections 09.30.2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible,

New International Version . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Other version used is NKJV Scripture taken from the New King James Version . Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Some names have been changed for confidentiality purposes.

For Tara, Siobhan, and Natalie

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

JANE AUSTEN, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

My girls, you are the fortune.

Im so proud of the women youve become, and I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Contents

Acknowledgments

To God be the glory. Let my words be worthy (see Jer. 15:19).

Justin Jett, the man of my dreams: It was always you. 05=45. You are an amazing husband and father. Your unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my hearts desires. Thank you for stepping into every role needed while we pursued this dream. I owe you a million loads of laundry.

Jeremiah, Jedidiah, and Josiah: Thanks for being so good for Daddy while Mommy was writing. You three are the delight of my life. I love you millions and millions and more. My prayer is that you are Prince Charmings for the girls who allow you to pursue them.

My mom, Johnnie Alexander Donley: for tirelessly reading, editing and critiquing. I owe my love of words to you. Im glad you know how much I adore you.

My dad, Jeffery R. W. Donley: Thank you for teaching me the absoluteness of Gods truth. I appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support. Dont paint with a shovel. I love you.

Jill and Nathaniel: Ive always tried to be the best role model possible, and I hope nothing you read embarrasses you or makes you think less of me. Im so proud of who you have both become. Youre the best siblings in the entire world. I love you always. Spirish forever.

My agent, Amanda Luedeke: God directed our paths to the lounge sitting area that last night of the conference. Bella Jacket! Thanks for seeing potential. You are amazing, and I am so thankful to have you in my life. Im excited about our journey!

Steve Lawson: Your no made your yes that much sweeter. Thanks for believing in the story. Youre my champion.

Kim, Jackie, Mark, Julia, Rob and everyone at my publisher: Your kindness, expertise and openness made this overwhelming process easier on a newbie. Thanks for all the hard work and dedication youve put into not only this book, but me. You guys are fantastic!

Cecil Murphey: Your generosity in bestowing the scholarships for the FCWC was how God opened the door for this journey. I am forever grateful.

Clella Camp, the best roommate Ive ever had: Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. I wouldnt have gone to the conference if it hadnt been for you.

To the Kindred Heart Writers: I love you all. Thanks for adopting me as a junior member.

To my Dream Team: Thank you for taking the time to give me your opinion. I love you.

To my friends: Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and patience.

Introduction

Cinderella got it right.

Ariel chased Eric, Belle saved the Beast and, while both Princess Aurora and Snow White slept, Prince Charming pursued his lady. He knew what he wanted; and what he wanted was mild, modest, mysterious Cinderella. Though unknowingly, she let herself be pursued.

Being pursued is fun.

I remember daydreaming about when Id meet my future husband. Would he be cute? Tall? Funny? Would it be love at first sight, or was he someone I already knew? The fantasy of meeting him became an obsession. Every guy who crossed my path caused the daydreamer voice in my mind to shout, This could be him! What if hes the one?

Was he the guy behind the counter at Subway?

Or maybe the cute waiter who winked at me?

The pizza delivery guy?

Why didnt my fantasies include rich men in fancy cars? Why was there usually food involved?

I dreamt of our story, eager to experience it. I prayed that wed meet early in life. God, please bring him to me soon. We dont have to get married right awayI just want time to hang out.