Unfortunately, this is unbelievably silly book. I have muchly struggled with the main plot idea where main character Ellie is having a problem of being a stunner. It is a very frivolous motive, even if I get a (kind) idea behind it aiming at showing us that the beautiful people also have problems (which is true). But the beauty as portrayed here is unrealistic - all men are ogling Ellie open-mouthedly, all women (except a) pretty ones b) mature ones (read: older)) envy her and are at defense towards her. Now...this simply is naive view at best. Also, the beauty here is not simply a beauty, Ellie is also described as unbelievably sexy without wanting to. Busty (Christian) blonde, to put it simply. And while I very much believe that such girls exist, they are much more - and most importantly, viewed as much more - in real life. Even by women, even by men. Honestly, I do think that authoress simply imagined what is to be this pretty and went with that.
Oh, and Ellie is also smart, sweet, funny...a bit unemployed nowadays, but that is that.
The parts of equally handsome, rich doctor Nathaniel (with a grumpy side) are better, and his problems are more realistic. Him I get, even if I think he needed to be swiftly kicked in the gear in the last chapters.

The saving grace of this novel is a sweet desire to offer a Christian view, kindness and message. This IS believable. So, to be very blunt here - I would advise the authoress that next time she would go with that - to write about the things she knows at her heart, from her experience. Because then the message rings true.

I found the plot really unimaginative and it didn't work for me. I also had troubles connecting with the main character and was having a hard time reading it. Had it DNF it halfway through.

I liked this book I liked the romance . I also liked the characters and I
Liked the writing and I will be reading more of her work in the future. The premise of this book was interesting and this was a quick entertaining read

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book for free for my honest opinion.

I thought his book was funny and enjoyable.

'Too Pretty' tells the story of Ellie , having to deal all her life with being criticized for being too pretty and people making assumptions about her based on that basis not on her big heart and love for others. Ellie, after some bad decisions decides she is not going to date and makes a pact with God, of course, that is when God sends her Nathan and the ensuing storyline made me smile and giggle. Definitely a feel good book and worth reading.

Good book about overcoming stereotypes, maintaining goals with God and watching two people learn to blossom and accept who and what they are together.

In a world where women are judged harshly on their looks, frequently coming up short to the unrealistic standards, falling too close to the dream brings its own set of problems. Ellie Paxton has spent her life fending off unwanted advances, being passed over for jobs, and fighting jealousy from women on all sides. Now, having lost her job through no fault of her own, and having been badgered by her aunt yet again, Ellie decides to pick up and move to the city with her cousin Chloe. Not only does she want a fresh start career-wise, she decided to take a 6-month break from men, to find who she is and who God wants her to be. Even as her resources dwindle, and she meets a handsome yet elusive man, Ellie holds tight to her promise, and learns that God loves her and has His own plans for her.

While the premise may be a tricky one for some readers to accept, the author does a good job of creating a world in which a stunning young woman struggles to be accepted, and to accept herself. Thankfully, she also has some realistic friends who help keep her from drifting too far, and who seem happy to lend her a hand whenever she needs it. Between her quirky friends, her bumpy past, and her charitable heart, Ellie was just the right mix to be a lovable character. Her 6-month commitment to herself and God was not easy, did not come with promises of success, yet she stuck to it, and she learned to listen to that still, small voice, and to see herself through God's eyes.

My favorite parts about this story was that nobody was perfect. Nobody. Everybody had a backstory, or a flaw, or made bad choices. But they learned from them. They didn't preach it, they lived it. There were mistakes, but there were also apologies. There were broken relationships, but there was also forgiveness. There was pain, but there was also grace.

I give this book 4 stars.


I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

*note to the publisher -- The title? The cover? To be honest I chose this one based on the write up and my desire to find new authors. With both title & cover that belong squarely in the Teen/YA market, I'm baffled to understand why, with the number of serious plot and sub plots, within 'Too Pretty', it's being marketed this way. Just wanted to put that out there. Also when you're pegging the main character as the most beautiful woman that ever lived, turns heads, don't put a full face on the cover. I'm not suggesting the cover model isn't gorgeous, of course she is, but this whole entire concept is based on an extreme case of beauty that serves as a hindrance to life itself! Not a common thing I'm sure, so give us some mystery. A side heat shot at least. The other titles and covers by this author are fabulous. 'Too Pretty'? Would love something a little more creative.

That aside, where to start. Set in Australia, I loved the new locations I was taken to, and how those locations were used as a back drop. There's such a variety, city life to country... I enjoyed how often we were moved around, from luxurious estates, to city apartments, workplaces, tourist sites! Gabrielle (Ellie) is a stunning head turner with her 'outstanding good looks' lady, who has been let go from her job, because her beauty is 'distracting'. It seems so shallow to base a story on this, and probably hard to believe the average person would really care about that. Most of us would love to feel confident in our appearance, or have spent time envying the pretty people that make it in life or seem to get everything they want... You would think it would be hard to get that 'connection' or empathy with the character, that is so needed to be pulled into a story and love it. But you will find that you do. You connect because you know, most everyone I'm guessing, what its like to struggle. To feel alone. Misunderstood. We are no different. Whatever your personal trial you can relate, and it's a good thing to be given a glimpse of the other side. We always see our own side so clearly, or fail to put ourselves in someone else's shoes. Think the grass is greener for everyone else.

The story is told with skill and I was impressed at how easily I let go of the 'presumptions' about Gabrielle, and found myself routing for Nathaniel, the resident dark, handsome, serious and brooding hero to open his eyes! I loved how these two are total polar opposites. They compliment each other well, but before they can discover that, they are both in need of some serious healing. I was impressed that what looks like a fairly simple fun story, actually will take you into the recesses of grief, betrayal, tragedy, neglect and a desperation to understand the affectionate loving relationships children really need from parents. I discovered a few things about myself and the choices I make in life too. She has made a decision. No guys or dating for 6 months, yes, yes they'll be many out there who wish they had that luxury -- but this is Ellie's trial to bear. Nathaniel has suffered several losses, each different from the other, but equally as traumatizing. Lacking the true support of his family, who just seem distant and cold, he has decided he'll never have another relationship again. Queue big event where their paths meet and are pushed together by cutsie Grandma who knows better!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the inclusion of select inspiring passages just added to the beauty of it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

I couldn't even dream of being too pretty. I mean I have never even been called pretty and this girl has trouble because shes so pretty. She doesn't live with her parents as they are missionaries and overseas but she is essentially a missionary in her own way right at home with people being obsessed with her looks. This was a Netgalley free download for review.