For those that have seen the movie, "Cruella", know that this book is not the novelization of that movie. If anything, it could be considered as a prequel to that movie which is a prequel to the "101 Dalmatians" movies.

This was a good, entertaining read that I guess could be considered a villain origin story. However, if that's the case, I think the movie "Cruella" does a better job at creating that villain origin story.

It's still a good read and you do feel for Estella's character, especially nearing the end of the book. There's some glimpses at some of the characters we know from "101 Dalmatians" but aside from Cruella's two 'henchmen', none of them really play much importance in this story.

Although it's a good enough read, it's not one that I would necessarily recommend for others to pick up.

***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Cruella De Vil origin story.
This closely resembles the movie Cruella from Disney. It was entertaining and would recommend to anyone who likes villain origin stories.

I really enjoyed this Cruella DeVille origin story! The characters in this book were great and I am sad realizing what Estella will become.

I love a good retelling, and this one fit the bill. It was fun getting to know Cruella as a teenager. (And a glimpse into why she acts the way she does.)
It's also fun to meet new characters. A good villain origin story and fun to her when betrayal changes her heart.

Absolutely loved this back story of Cruella and the emotional rise of her villainy. I empathized with Stella so much and it's so easy to see why she became the person that she did. Fans of the original Disney movie or book will enjoy this.

This was a fun story that gave new life to one of Disney’s favorite villains. It’s gives us insight into what could have possibly made Cruella into such a terrible cruel adult and why. Of course, this is a twisted tale and not necessarily what led one to the next but it was an amazing what if story!!

This book was just too damn cute! I originally requested this one because I love Maureen Johnson. The fact that it was a Disney tie-in was, quite frankly, not even considered. In fact, you could take away anything Disney related and this story would still stand on its own. I haven't seen the Cruella movie, and you definitely don't need to in order to enjoy this book, but reading this has made me want to check out the movie as well. If I get around to it, I'll post a review of the movie here too.

On to the book. I love Estella so much! She is sharp, plucky and a survivor, letting nothing stand in the way of her dreams. Her fashion designs are cutting edge and so creative - she has to be creative when she has so little to work with - but it's that and her sheer nerve that get her both in with high society and eventually lead to her temporary downfall. She is doing technically bad things, like stealing and lying to get ahead, but you still can't help but root for her.

I also loved Jasper and Horace. Found family is one of my favorite tropes in literature and those two are just so cute. I also did really like Magda, even if she's a self-centered airhead. A bit two-dimensional though - I was really hoping she would end up being more than what she did.

Overall, this book was just charming and very fun to read. Not super deep and definitely won't change the world, but you will have a good time running through the streets of London with Estella and her schemes.

I loved this story of teenage Cruella! Villain origin stories are some of my favorites and this one was right up there with the best of them.

I apprecitate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this a really interesting read and the characters are quite engaging. it kept me reading until the end. I highly recommend.

I'm a big fan if disney villians stories. However this one of just not it for me

This stories follows Estelle (Cruellas real name) as a teenager on the streets of London in 1967, her path to become a young fashion designer and how her Cruella alter ego came to be.

While I'm a big fan if Maureen Johnson, this is probably one of my least favorite from her.

I love a good Cruella Deville story and Hello, Cruel Heart is a fantastic precursor to the movie Cruella. However, while I enjoyed the descriptions of British Mod culture, I think it might be a little slow for teen readers. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

A fun look at the origin story of a classic story. A great tie in to the 2021 movie, but enjoyable on its own as well.

I enjoyed this book and any other Disney fans, especially Cruella fans will enjoy it. This is an origin story and gives you a glimpse into the teenage life of Cruella, Estella De Vil. It will make you have a new love for her, a new found appreciation for her character and what she has been through. It is also a story of friendship; always be true to the ones who have been there for you from the very beginning!

This reminds me more of the Cruella movie that came out and I love it. I love knowing more about Cruella and how she became the villain. It's really sad though but a wonderful read.

This book was a really fun look at cruella outside of the scope of the movies. The ending was perfect, and all of the characters were very well written with a lot of depth.

When it to a villain narrative, Maureen Johnson does it best. She knocks it our if the park with this one giving depth and backstory to a villain most of us have known our whole lives, making Cruella more than just the movie bad guy. She is the hero of her own story.

This was a really fun tie-in, like getting a peek at your favorite author's fan fiction for a Disney movie. Johnson manages to create an unapologetically villainy rompy heist with a varied ensemble.

This novel tells the story of a young Cruellawho dreams of becoming a fashion designer. This story is a heartfelt novel because Cruella is not the villain yet. I also like how it was set in the 1960s. Thus, this was a light and fun story!

It's time for a wonderful novel by #Maureen Johnson. # Hello, Cruel Heart is a #Disney story for ages 12 and up. A new story of teenage Cruella de Vil. Taking place in the summer of 1967.
Estella dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She's talented and has ambition. But life for this teenager is not easy.......
Thank you for the advance copy,
#Netgalley, # Maureen Johnson, and # Disney Publishing Worldwide 💜🐾🐾

I was so excited for the Cruella movie, that I just had to read this book! It was a good read, but for some reason my version was missing a bunch of ‘f’s’????