[WriterGirl_15]

A while back I read a rather strange young adult book (I guess you could call it a romance... ) It was about a boy who was found by an elf. The elf tried to return the boy to his parents but the boy blackmailed the elf into keep him. Now the boy is older and has discovered binoculars or a telescope or something. (I can't remember) He uses it/them to 'spy' on a girl - who we later find out is a princess (I think her name is Marigold) - and then uses a carrier pigeon system to get to know her. The boy travels to the palace and gets a job and things get a little crazy. He somehow ends up in prison then he and (his dog?) have to rescue the princess from an unwanted marriage. What book is this? I really want to buy it for my Kindle but I can't remember the title or author. (I seem to recall the author or book description saying his writing involved everything but the kitchen sink... )

[Wondergirl]

How about this --

Amazon.com: Once Upon a Marigold (9780152167912): Jean Ferris: Books

From Publishers Weekly:
In a gratifying fantasy that contains elements of classic fairy tales, Ferris breathes new life into archetypal characters by adding unexpected and often humorous dimensions to their personalities. The protagonist, Christian, has been raised in the forest by a troll named Edric. As he nears manhood, Christian decides it is time to see the world-or at least the section across the river, where the lovely Princess Marigold resides. Having spent many hours gazing at Marigold through a telescope and corresponding with her by "p-mail" (letters sent by carrier pigeon), he has already felt the sting of Cupid's arrow by the time he lands a job in court. Marigold readily returns his affections, but unfortunately, she is about to become betrothed to Sir Magnus. Meanwhile, Marigold's evil mother, Queen Olympia, is plotting to murder both Marigold and her kindly, doting father, King Swithbert. Readers swept into the lighthearted spirit of this novel will likely not be bothered by the predictability of outcomes. As in fairy tales of old, jabs are made at social values and norms, and concepts of nobility and ignobility are painted in very broad strokes. Nonetheless, heroes and heroines emerge as convincing, well-rounded characters embodying flaws as well as virtues. Their foibles-Edric's tendency to mix up adages, Christian's stubborn streak and Marigold's penchant for "awful" jokes-make the good guys all the more endearing.

Ages 10-up. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:
As the cover proclaims, this story is truly "part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink."

[WriterGirl_15]

That's the book! Thanks :)