This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Pretty is as Pretty Does (bk 1)
Bless Her Heart (bk 2)
Tickled Pink (bk 3)
(Abingdon Press - June 1, 2013)
by
Debby Mayne
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel,
Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons and no longer has the mousy brown hair, crooked teeth, and discount-store wardrobe, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth—and she may be surprised at what she discovers.
As Priscilla Slater’s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity… and to flaunt her latest achievement—taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show. As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn’t enough, Priscilla’s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents’ separation. With the once-solid sanctuary of her home broken at the foundation, there’s only one thing Priscilla’s parents can agree on: no matter what sort of accolades their daughter receives as a hair stylist, she’s not living up to her potential. Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news: her offer to purchase one of the best salons in the country is likely to come through. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla’s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. Despite her recent achievements, will Priscilla learn that success doesn’t always result in popularity—or love?
Priscilla Slater shows up at her 20-year reunion as a national celebrity. Her hair salon dynasty has skyrocketed, and to top it off, she has her own line of hair products. She has become a huge success with the “Ms. Prissy Big Hair” line that lets women with the thinnest of locks get the coveted “big hair” look so popular in the South. Her classmates have finally come to terms with adulthood, but they’re handling it with the grace of a Southern woman wearing white after Labor Day. It’s just downright awkward! Asserting the maturity that her classmates have often lacked, Priscilla holds her head high. But she can’t ignore everything. When she catches her mother in the arms of her former high school principal, Priscilla can’t get out of town fast enough. Eager to get back to her more comfortable life, Priscilla runs head on into an ultimatum: Tim tells her they’re not getting any younger—as if she has to be reminded.
If you would like to read an excerpt from Pretty is as Pretty Does (bk 1), go HERE.
My thoughts on Pretty is as Pretty Does:
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll want to knock some sense into some of the characters in this book! Debby Mayne gives us a good look at how teenage drama and angst don't go away at graduation. So many of the characters in Pretty is as Pretty Does continue to hold onto the past with their attitudes and preconceived notions.
I really felt like this quote (from page 130) was quite insightful and really expressed a great "aha" moment for the main character, Priscilla: "...I think about how important image is and how people cling to what they want people to believe. I know I'm guilty of trying to be what people expect, but it's hard to face old friends I haven't seen in years without wondering how I measure up." I think in some way all of us struggle with those thoughts, and just not at reunion time.
At the beginning it took me a bit to get into the differing viewpoints in the chapters but once I did I really appreciated the perspectives of each one and it gave a more balanced approach to the goings-on in the story line. I'm really looking forward to reading the subsequent books in this series to get to know more about each of these characters - and to see where the relationship between Priscilla and Tim goes.
If you enjoy contemporary womens fiction with a touch of romance, be sure to pick up this series. I was not disappointed and enjoyed book one so much I read it in one day!
My thanks to CFBA and Abingdon Fiction for generously providing a copy for review.
JOIN THE PARTY!
Now that all three books have released, let’s party! (Yes, really!) Join our online class reunion the week of October 7, 2013 on Debby Mayne’s Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/136447929891169/ Stop by to answer questions about the books, respond to fun polls, join in fun activities to help you reminisce your high school days, and win great prizes. Tell your friends and meet us there!
