This is the kind of Cinderella story I like to read... the sort where the main character takes action for herself and is determined to win. A more recent Cinderella story, An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn, reads far too much like this book and just doesn't past muster.
If you liked An Offer from a Gentleman, I think you'll really enjoy this book. More intrigue, less steam, but a very entertaining read.