She's All That

Spa Girls #1

by Kristin Billerbeck

Three friends. One Spa. And an infinite amount of oversharing!

Genres: Chick Lit, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Humor, Contemporary

308 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

About Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's

Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!

My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.

I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.

Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I'd read a book of Kristin Billerbeck's before - What a Girl Wants - the first in the Ashley Stockingdale series, and I'd quite enjoyed it. This one, however, seemed much more frivolous - the main character kept harping on about how her hair was ruining her life, and I didn't get her obsession with Lysol! I'm not sure that I would bother to continue with this series.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was some very light summer reading & it was okay, but definitely not up to what I was expecting.
I felt the book was unrealistic. The main character was self-centered & has NO discernment about anyone in her life... not only with men, but not even knowing her own "best friend" at all. Her OCD about her hair & her lysol were irritating by the 5th time she mentioned them, let alone the 500th. And the whole deal with the fashion show... like that would happen in a week & a half! PLEASE!
To top it all off, the Christian aspect of it was barely visible & did not integrate into the storyline at all. It's like the author wrote the story, then added a smattering of Christianity here or there to make it work. Very vapid.
I only give it 3 stars because I was entertained. Not because I truly liked it or was impressed... obviously.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character is too unrealistic and fluffy...her inner thoughts are irritating! I wanted to like this book more. Good Christian literature for single girls, I wish this was less splenda and more sugar. :)

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was not my first experience with a Kristin Billerbeck book, it will forever be one of my favorites by her. Believe it or not, some women actually do have life-altering decisions to make regarding their careers at age 30! (And yes, I'm speaking from experience.) Lilly straddled between the immaturity of her 20s and the willpower to make something worthwhile of herself once she hit 30.

Her taste in men was certainly suspect (especially the British guy), but showed that not every female makes the best decisions when dating. Most people her age (especially based on the current generation) don't always make the best financial decisions, so I appreciated that bit of realism, too.

These books were originally written some 20ish years ago, and thankfully have been updated to reflect current cultural references.

After meeting the other two Spa Girls, the remainder of this series is sure to be enjoyable. With visions of the Golden Gate bridge, luxurious spas, and a city view that can only be imagined, I can't wait to go back!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The narrator & main character is shallow, self-centered, whiny, and repetitive. Though she is 29 years old, she acts like she is 12 or 13. Though it’s intended as a Christian book, it doesn’t feel like there is much admirable faith in any of the characters. Perhaps the author didn’t want to seem preachy, but the result is that one wonders the purpose of including references to faith at all. I won’t continue reading this series.

[Saylaveev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book. I found it odd to have the god aspect in it, as I don't think it lended anything to the book at all. I also found that I wasn't too fond of how the men all suddenly came together in one piece, nor how the end happened so quickly, I felt a little jilted. And what is the issue with the Lysol??? Good grief, get over it. I would try reading things by this author again.

[Julie Bohlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book. Easy read. I really connected with the characters :)

[Jessica Kantola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 2 ratings.

I didn't really start to enjoy reading this book until I made up my mind to read the book for what it is: a light, funny read that while it may be fraught with inconsistencies and odd character traits and choices, is still a clean and uplifting read with a great emphasis on friendship.

I would highly recommend this for young adults as an excellent alternative to other books out there that tend to include a lot of sex and profanity.

[Averi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I would like this based on the description of the book but I received it for free so I thought I might as well read it and I’m so glad I did. The book’s description does it absolutely no justice, it was so much better than it let on.

My specific thoughts~

-Nate was just pissing me offffff omg get out of here. I really didn’t like that he was so obsessed with Kim but flirting with Lily. He did seem like a nice guy, I mean he greatly helped start up Lily’s business but he was being a player fr. Kissing Lily and then having a girl in his apartment the next day??

-I hate Kim. She’s the absolute worst. She treated Lily so badly and used her smh. Even though she helped Lily with the gowns for fashion week, that doesn’t take away the fact that she tried to steal $20,000 from her. Also I hate that Kim and Nate moved in together but maybe they deserve it because they both suck.

-I loved how quirky Poppy was and the spa girl’s relationships

-MAX MAX MAX MAX I LOVEEEEEE MAX OH MY GODDDDDD. HE WAITED FOR LILY THAT WHOLE TIMEEEEE PLEASEEEEE. AND HE WAS ALREADY TIGHT WITH HER NANA SO THEY ARE BASICALLY PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER

-Morgan kinda confused me with how sad she was about not being able to marry that old guy that was dying. But she was still an icon

-Stuart’s bitchass, literally go home

I personally don’t think Lily was self-absorbed, even though other reviews I’ve read disagree. I mean, she’s almost 30 and lost her job and she was going through a rough time, is thinking about herself and how she’s gonna make it in life really so bad? Anyways I love the ending and I LOVE that she finally got a boyfriend that loves her for who she is, her frizzy hair and all.


Even though I’m not Christian, I thought it was fun to read about a Christian girl and it offered me insight as to how differently other people live their lives than me.

[Tracie Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character, Lilly Jacobs, is...well, she is awful. There are two defining moments that cemented this for me: she flat out says she would demonstrate Christian charity to the homeless man on the bus but he smelled too bad and that she tried to spray Lysol in the bis once but it was unappreciated. Secondly, her neighbor has a dog that has a ear drainage issue; she called him a "sewer-rotten dog" and griped about leaving fabrics in the dog owner's apartment even though he bought her thousands of dollars in equipment.

Honestly the whole subplot of Lilly having a sensitive nose and her obsession with Lysol (she carries cans of it wherever she goes) was not quirky and eccentric, it was just snobby.

Awful.

I am not religious but generally I don't have too much of a problem with Christian lit. This book is an exception to the rule because Lilly is so insufferably shallow. It's hard to sympathize with someone who asks Jesus for a Marc Jacobs bag while getting a papaya facial at the spa on her socialite friend's dime.

Oh, and she really thinks curly hair is the root of all her problems. If you like shallow Christian snobs who mention their finance degree from Stanford 2000 times, who hates dogs, shows open disgust for the poor, and uses the phrase "he looks like Michael Moore" for any overweight man, this book is for you.

[Cinnabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books featuring women supporting and encouraging other women, and this book is all that. It's refreshing to see characters who are much like I feel most of the time--like I don't have it all together--instead of characters who are so perfect they make me feel inferior. Each of the spa girls has issues, but they are able to lean on each other, depend on each other, and be brutally honest with each other when necessary. And what issues can't be overcome with God and a spa day with your girls?

Of course, there are always a few romantic prospects hovering around, and it's anybody's guess who will be a keeper and who should be kicked to the curb.

Kristin's books always lighten my day, bring a smile to my face, and make me look forward to the next one!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

She's All That isn't all that. It wants to be chick-lit and Christian romance at the same time, but it doesn't mesh well. Instead the earnestness is jarring when it hits against the shallowness. It is weird, and disconcerting, and as awkward as a skinny middle-school girl with frizzy bad hair.

[Celina Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series because it is the perfect wholesome chick-flickesc read when I need a pick me up. It’s an inspirational and uplifting series that reminds me to be grateful for the blessing of my amazing friends. This is the perfect read when you need to focus on what is important in life or are searching for hope.

[Adina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
I totally understand her obsession with Lyasol as a freezy-haired person myself, tortured by smells. :)
The ones that don't get it, are not in tune with the character. We need to do this more, as readers: to let ourselves carried away by the story/character (for me it was easy because I identified with many of her aspects).

[Julia Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, i finished it and actually will read the next books in the series, but i was not Wowed by this one. The main character was so whiny and couldn’t get over herself. She was almost thirty and was annoying. I couldn’t relate with any aspect of her. BUT, the next two tell the stories of the other girls in her group so I’m hoping i will enjoy them more.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fashioned by THE ULTIMATE DESIGNER

I laughed so hard at Lilly throughout this story! It's so neat that when life seems to be spinning out of control, God has it all together. Very well done!

[BooksWithasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

can't even remember when I read this but my mom got this for me.....the friendships, trauma, spa date and also shows the struggles of a Christian woman....
Lilly made me laugh so hard throughout it this book
loved everything for the girly girls 😍

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

picked up this at a library sale and did not realize it was a book of three. Don't think I will continue. It was an okay telling story of three friends and the goings on in their lives.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for a light read but unrealistic

[Isha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Excruciating to read

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but I preferred Ashley Stockingdale to the Spa Girls

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly relatable Christian rom-com.

[Deon]

🥰 FREE on Kindle today (May 17, 2022)! 🥰
https://amzn.to/3NhTj8w
#ad

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

""

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lilly Jacobs isn't following the career path her Nana wishes for her. Although Lilly has an MBA in finance from Stanford, her heart's desire is to be a fashion designer - even if it means existing well below the standard of living she could be achieving with a finance job.

Nana can't see why Lilly would throw away a perfectly good degree for what she considers a pipe dream. And Lilly blames most of the misfortune in her life - from missing out on a promotion at her design job to the breakup with her current boyfriend - on her hair. Yes, her hair. Lilly has grown up with a Q-tip head of hair that has made her the brunt of many jokes. When all seems bleak, Lilly calls a meeting of the Spa Girls. Lilly, Dr. Poppy Clayton and heiress Morgan Maillard live completely different lives, but when they get together at the spa, their differences give way to their status as best friends. They use their spa weekends as times to de-stress, talk things out, and keep focused on what truly matters. Does Lilly really have a future in fashion? Is there a guy who will accept her, crazy hair and all?

This is the first book in the Spa Girls Collection. Lilly is quite insecure, which is a puzzling fit with her dogged determination to make it in fashion design, no matter what. She pursues the career past the point where most people would have given up and taken the higher paying job in finance. Although Lilly admits to being a Christian and this is considered an inspirational novel, neither she nor her friends spend much time praying and seeking God's direction for their decisions. And though the romantic storyline in the novel takes a back seat to career struggles, Lilly's love life provides a great deal of comic levity. Even though she thinks her hair a detriment to attracting men, at one point Lilly has three potential suitors. The result of some of the relationships is hilarious and readers will want to see who (if anyone) Lilly ends up with.

As light romance, this is a wholesome, enjoyable read. And if you're tired of romance that features sleeping around, this is a superb choice. Kristin Billerbeck is making a name for herself in Christian chick lit, and She's All That is a sweet start to a series that should tie together more cohesively once we get the perspectives of the other spa girls.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny book that had me laughing out loud in the break room at work. It's about a girl who had a master's degree from Stanford but refuses to use it, who has a speech impediment when it comes to talking to attractive men, and whose bad hair ruined her life. Against her Grandmother's constant nagging for her to grow up and find a real job, she listens to her heart and follows her gut. While she may seem like she has no confidence on the surface, when you read further into the book and really start to develop a relationship with her, you realize that she has unbelievable confidence! She doesn't back down when other people tell her that she is wasting her time on fashion. She knows she is good at what she does and isn't afraid to say it. She pushes herself to do her best and doesn't accept anything less. I love books that are told in the first person because it feels like they are telling their story to you. And I think you develop a better relationship with the main character when they tell the story. This book is the first in a series of the "Spa Girls Collection". Basically, it's these three friends whose problems can all be solved (if not, minimized) by going for a "Spa Weekend". I think each book will be about a different girl. I can't wait for the next one to come out!
-recommended

[Karen Baney · Rating 4 out of 5]

First person writing can be such a challenge. It requires using only one view point for the entire story and relying on dialogue to uncover other characters' view points. Yet, Kristen did an excellent job. The story line, even though told from only one of the Spa Girl's perspectives, we get a good picture of her two closest friends--their personalities, their fears, their hurts. I can't wait to read the second and third books.

The story itself was entertaining and full of different twists and turns, some of which were entirely unexpected. Kristen's writing style stayed true to the main character. I found myself hoping along with the main character for success in her career, understanding her Nana better, and finally finding the right guy for her. I felt her ups and downs, her fears and joys.
Despite some of the tough situations the main character faces, overall the book maintained a light-hearted feeling. And some of the situations were very tough. But, despite momentary set backs or disappointments, the reader is not left in a sad or difficult place too long.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

She’s All That is the first book of the Spa Girls series by Kristin Billerbeck.

Lilly Jacobs is trying to make it big into fashion. She works for Sara Lang, a well-known fashion designer, and gets passed up for promotion. As if that’s not bad enough, she sees her boyfriend with someone else. Lilly also has to worry about her larger than life hair. She often meets up with her friends, Morgan and Poppy, at Spa Del Mar. Nana has taken care of Lilly because her mother ran off after her father died. Lilly is constantly nagged by Nana to put her finance degree from Stanford University to use. Lilly promises Nana that if fashion isn’t working in six months, she will work in finances. She finds herself liking three different men.

I liked this book, but I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would. I liked the concept of the book, but I felt that liking three different men took away from the building off a relationship or at least chemistry in the book.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lilly Jacobs has sacrificed her Stanford Masters degree in finance to try and break into the world of fashion design. She and her two unlikely best friends from college have a spa date tradition when ever one of them has had an upheaval in her life. Lilly loses her job and decides to make it on her own by opening up her own design company.

I had a really hard time getting into this book, I felt like I was interrupted every two sentences. But also it took a long time to get into the plot, the reader is never sure who the love interest is, and the main character is somewhat narcissistic. Apparantly this is the first book in a series. Not sure if I'll check the next one out.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far too much talk about her frizzy hair. And it never actually got in her way... Sometimes the plot seemed pretty thin, but overall I'd say it was a nice read. There were several parts that made me laugh out loud like a loon and I do think I identified on some level with Lilly. We all have hopes and dreams that may never truly come to fruition. Kudos to her for pursuing her dream with the temptation of more money just a Stanford degree away! I don't really appreciate the stereotyping of Kim though. I've got several tattoos and am nothing like her. Her character didn't do much in the department of "accept people for who they are." I will be giving the sequels a try.