This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Butts for Readers' Favorite
The Ugly Duckling is an incredibly relatable book, especially if you ever had the opportunity to play that role growing up. This book follows Libby, a girl who was scorned by her first 'love' in high school. And by 'scorned,' I mean she harbored a huge crush on the high school quarterback, who she became friends with during their time at the park where she walked her dog. She was a bit chunky in high school (hey, happens to the best of us) and dreamed of her 'happily ever after' with Prince Charming.
Flash forward a few years and she's dropped weight, dyed her hair blonde (because that's what the boys like), and has not lacked for male attention, except for some strange reason, the boys that only see the exterior package don't seem to want to settle down. She starts a relationship with Jude via a hookup after meeting him at a bar, while growing a friendship with his roommate, Will, who is wheelchair bound. So, will the real Prince Charming please stand up? Is it the hottie with the British accent or the best friend who will stand by you no matter what?
Annabelle Costa created a heroine who was all too realistic for me! The awesome thing is that she created a scenario where the heroine got all she ever wanted by changing everything about herself, but realized that it wasn't what would lead to her happily ever after. Being okay with who you are is completely fine, and once you love yourself, you can find someone who loves you, too. Anyone who doesn't love you as you are isn't good enough for you. Excellent life story wrapped into a perfect chick-lit read.
