What do you think?
Rate this book
Class Reunion #1
Pretty Is as Pretty Does
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."
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Debby Mayne
134 books74 followersDebby Mayne has published more than 30 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, more than 1,000 web articles, and a slew of devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. For the past eight years, she has judged the Writers Digest Annual Competition, Short-Short Contest, and Self-Published Book Competition. Three of Debby’s books have been top ten favorites by the Heartsong Presents book club. Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July 2009.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 37 reviews
July 22, 2013
I was initially quite excited to read this book for two reasons: 1. My very own 10 year reunion is coming up shortly; 2. I'm also from the deep South--Louisiana to be exact, which is pretty close to Mississippi in terms of nearly everything including culture and attitude.
As I began reading, I was into the story but it didn't take me long to realize one thing--this author is not from the South, and her perceptions of us seem to be based on stereotypes. For example, the characters in this book are supposed to be around my age. I've never heard anyone from my grandmother's or even GREAT grandmother's generation refer to their children as "young'uns", much less someone from my generation, as one character in this book does. There are also a few people that don't speak with proper English, and I couldn't help but be slightly offended at this. Down here we may have a few people that speak that way, but it's definitely not the majority of us. The South is not the only place that has ignorant people.
I also wish I could have been told before I started reading it that this was a Christian fiction novel. Not that this fact in and of itself would have stopped me from reading the book; I am a Christian and read all types of genres. But if I would have known, I wouldn't have thought it so weird that God and prayer were mentioned so many times, and very heavily the closer you get towards the end. Like I said, this is expected if you're reading a Christian fiction novel, and I just didn't know.
I actually didn't like any of the characters in the book. Tim and Priscilla were the only ones I could stand, and even both of them did things I'd like to smack them for. I just really didn't get some of the decisions the characters were making, and by the end of the book I didn't feel anyone had gotten what they wanted or needed or changed for the better.
I know it sounds like I didn't like anything about the book, but I did rate it two stars because I could relate to the overall message--we all like to think that we're far from the person we used to be in high school, but how many of us can truly say that in our heart of hearts. Maybe the addition of ten years doesn't necessarily make you a grownup.
As I began reading, I was into the story but it didn't take me long to realize one thing--this author is not from the South, and her perceptions of us seem to be based on stereotypes. For example, the characters in this book are supposed to be around my age. I've never heard anyone from my grandmother's or even GREAT grandmother's generation refer to their children as "young'uns", much less someone from my generation, as one character in this book does. There are also a few people that don't speak with proper English, and I couldn't help but be slightly offended at this. Down here we may have a few people that speak that way, but it's definitely not the majority of us. The South is not the only place that has ignorant people.
I also wish I could have been told before I started reading it that this was a Christian fiction novel. Not that this fact in and of itself would have stopped me from reading the book; I am a Christian and read all types of genres. But if I would have known, I wouldn't have thought it so weird that God and prayer were mentioned so many times, and very heavily the closer you get towards the end. Like I said, this is expected if you're reading a Christian fiction novel, and I just didn't know.
I actually didn't like any of the characters in the book. Tim and Priscilla were the only ones I could stand, and even both of them did things I'd like to smack them for. I just really didn't get some of the decisions the characters were making, and by the end of the book I didn't feel anyone had gotten what they wanted or needed or changed for the better.
I know it sounds like I didn't like anything about the book, but I did rate it two stars because I could relate to the overall message--we all like to think that we're far from the person we used to be in high school, but how many of us can truly say that in our heart of hearts. Maybe the addition of ten years doesn't necessarily make you a grownup.
August 1, 2013
This is the first of Debby Mayne's books I have read, and the first in her newest series, Class Reunion.
Ah, class reunions. What a wonderful time to reminisce with old friends and to see how everyone has turned out, for better or worse.
The main character is Priscilla Slater, sometimes known as Prissy depending on who's talking. Priscilla has come a long way since high school. She's a very successful businesswoman, although she still lacks confidence.
Laura Moss plays a big part in the story as well. She was the vice president of the senior class and is the head of the committee organizing the reunion. Or maybe I should say she IS the committee since she's practically ran everyone off with her overbearing and bossy ways.
Trudy Baynard is one half of the beautiful couple. Unfortunately, the other half hasn't lasted. Michael decided to trade her in for a newer model and has her on an emotional rollercoaster that's barreling downhill fast.
From her negative attitude to her unibrow, Celeste Boudreaux is the social outcast. Or at least she was until Priscilla gave her a complete makeover. Now she's turning heads, including Pete's, Laura's husband.
The reunion brings all of these ladies back together. Although none were close, growth and maturity, and a string of humorous predicaments, have caused them to form an unusual bond.
Mayne develops a story full of laughs and a little heartache. She touches your heart with this inspiring tale of friendship, losses and the past you thought you left behind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of women's contemporary fiction. Although not overly spoken about, there is talk about faith so I would also recommend to those who like Christian fiction.
*I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.*
Ah, class reunions. What a wonderful time to reminisce with old friends and to see how everyone has turned out, for better or worse.
The main character is Priscilla Slater, sometimes known as Prissy depending on who's talking. Priscilla has come a long way since high school. She's a very successful businesswoman, although she still lacks confidence.
Laura Moss plays a big part in the story as well. She was the vice president of the senior class and is the head of the committee organizing the reunion. Or maybe I should say she IS the committee since she's practically ran everyone off with her overbearing and bossy ways.
Trudy Baynard is one half of the beautiful couple. Unfortunately, the other half hasn't lasted. Michael decided to trade her in for a newer model and has her on an emotional rollercoaster that's barreling downhill fast.
From her negative attitude to her unibrow, Celeste Boudreaux is the social outcast. Or at least she was until Priscilla gave her a complete makeover. Now she's turning heads, including Pete's, Laura's husband.
The reunion brings all of these ladies back together. Although none were close, growth and maturity, and a string of humorous predicaments, have caused them to form an unusual bond.
Mayne develops a story full of laughs and a little heartache. She touches your heart with this inspiring tale of friendship, losses and the past you thought you left behind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of women's contemporary fiction. Although not overly spoken about, there is talk about faith so I would also recommend to those who like Christian fiction.
*I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.*
November 2, 2016
In this fun start to the new Class Reunions series, Mayne manages to keep the story light while delving into issues of family, friendship, identity and beauty. It’s a delightful tale that will leave readers anxious for the next installment.
Priscilla Slater has made something from her life after high school: She is a successful hairdresser with a chain of three salons. Yet, in the eyes of her mother and former classmates, she has definitely not lived up to her “most likely to succeed” title. With their 10th reunion approaching, Priscilla is called upon to extend friendship, makeover skills and a bit of diplomacy to help things come together for all
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Priscilla Slater has made something from her life after high school: She is a successful hairdresser with a chain of three salons. Yet, in the eyes of her mother and former classmates, she has definitely not lived up to her “most likely to succeed” title. With their 10th reunion approaching, Priscilla is called upon to extend friendship, makeover skills and a bit of diplomacy to help things come together for all
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
August 12, 2013
It was a good book, definitely unique and unpredictable. I couldn't connect with it all the way because I felt like there was more to the story though.
December 30, 2015
Kind of disjointed. Jumps around a lot without reason. Could have been edited better. But a decent read.
September 16, 2022
Honestly was not my favorite book, or anywhere close. Most of the characters were in their late 20s, but still acted like they were in high school and used somewhat language nobody uses anymore (such as “pocketbook” for “purse”, or “young’uns” for “children”). It was a very strange combination, and I know it’s set in the south but most people here don’t talk like that anymore (live in Tennessee). The plot was pretty predictable and seemed to drag on for quite some time, the characters felt underdeveloped and mediocre, the chapters seemed to bounce between characters and wouldn’t stick with one to show any real depth or raw emotion; overall would not reread and will not be reading the rest of the collection
July 28, 2024
Pure comfort read-
Debby Mayne writes Southern Christian fiction with charming and sassy characters, all of which I enjoyed. While the story lacked some depth, I enjoyed Priscilla’s faith and inspiring character - she resembles the patience, forgiveness, and grace I hope to have when I grow up (even though she’s younger than me in the story, but I digress…)
A quick and easy read, and I hope to read more of Mayne’s works.
Debby Mayne writes Southern Christian fiction with charming and sassy characters, all of which I enjoyed. While the story lacked some depth, I enjoyed Priscilla’s faith and inspiring character - she resembles the patience, forgiveness, and grace I hope to have when I grow up (even though she’s younger than me in the story, but I digress…)
A quick and easy read, and I hope to read more of Mayne’s works.
November 30, 2022
Though this book dragged along a bit (probably because it's book one of a series) and it ended leaving you curious for more; I think this is a great book 1 to an interesting story. It's a mixture of drama and hidden agendas. I hope that the next 2 books end well and tie up loose ends! Overall I love this Christian fiction series. I normally don't do series but this one, I want to finish!
August 18, 2013
For this tour, I picked a review – and I went out of my comfort zone. I've never read christian fiction, but I thought I'd give it a try. And this book? Well, it isn’t exactly my favorite book. It wasn’t horrible - don’t get me wrong. It just didn’t click with me the whole way through the way I had hoped it would.
When this book started off, I was very excited. Debby Mayne is a really good writer. She was able to pull me into the story with no problem. Every time I was able to read more, I was instantly drawn in. There were no instances of feeling like I had to reread anything to get back into the groove of Pretty Is As Pretty Does. The story started off pretty interesting, too. It is mainly about Priscilla, who has just received an invitation to her ten year high school reunion. The story takes place over the few weeks before the actual reunion, and each chapter is from a different person’s point of view (total of four or five people). I really loved how each chapter gave us a different view. It kept things fresh.
Priscilla herself is a likeable character, for the most part. Near the end she was moving her way down my list for the way she was treating Tim, who turned out to be my favorite character. Priscilla is a beauty salon owner, she actually owns three. And she is going back home to Piney Point for this reunion. Along the way she comes into contact with some people from high school. She ends up on the committee to organize things, and then she also takes several weeks worth of beauty appointments for everyone attending the festivities. Priscilla also stays at home with her parents when she goes back, and we get to see her dynamic with them. She seems like a nice and logical minded person. She generally puts other people’s needs and wants before her own, making her quite the generous friend with her time. I liked all of that about her. What I didn’t like is the way she kind of led Tim on, saying to herself that he knew the details when he agreed to go on the date with her. I don’t know. Maybe I just developed a soft spot for Tim, but I feel like he really got the short end of the stick when it came to his feelings for Priscilla.
Through the rest of the book we meet several people, like Celeste, Trudy, and Laura. They all have some issues. It just got to be too much negativity for me. One person with issues in a book is enough, even two. But chapter after chapter of worrying about this drunken husband, or this ex husband, or being the class wallflower, or letting everyone down for the reunion… too much for me. While the story telling itself was great, the subject matter began to lose me after a while.
Maybe it is because I’m no longer in my twenties, like the characters in this book. But it felt to me like they were all much older than that. The way they spoke of their experiences, some of the terminology they used… things just didn’t add up for me. I’ve never once called my purse a pocketbook. This book does take place in the south, and I’m not sure if it is present day or what, but there were just things like that, that didn’t click with me. Perhaps I’m not familiar enough with the dialect to make an assumption on that.
I was really hoping to love this book, it started out so great. I even emailed a friend and told her the book was fantastic. It just didn’t hold the whole way through for me, unfortunately. Perhaps christian fiction just isn’t my genre, I can’t say that I am all that well versed in it. But I hope you give this book a chance to see. I think Debby Mayne has talent, I just don’t think this was quite the read for me.
When this book started off, I was very excited. Debby Mayne is a really good writer. She was able to pull me into the story with no problem. Every time I was able to read more, I was instantly drawn in. There were no instances of feeling like I had to reread anything to get back into the groove of Pretty Is As Pretty Does. The story started off pretty interesting, too. It is mainly about Priscilla, who has just received an invitation to her ten year high school reunion. The story takes place over the few weeks before the actual reunion, and each chapter is from a different person’s point of view (total of four or five people). I really loved how each chapter gave us a different view. It kept things fresh.
Priscilla herself is a likeable character, for the most part. Near the end she was moving her way down my list for the way she was treating Tim, who turned out to be my favorite character. Priscilla is a beauty salon owner, she actually owns three. And she is going back home to Piney Point for this reunion. Along the way she comes into contact with some people from high school. She ends up on the committee to organize things, and then she also takes several weeks worth of beauty appointments for everyone attending the festivities. Priscilla also stays at home with her parents when she goes back, and we get to see her dynamic with them. She seems like a nice and logical minded person. She generally puts other people’s needs and wants before her own, making her quite the generous friend with her time. I liked all of that about her. What I didn’t like is the way she kind of led Tim on, saying to herself that he knew the details when he agreed to go on the date with her. I don’t know. Maybe I just developed a soft spot for Tim, but I feel like he really got the short end of the stick when it came to his feelings for Priscilla.
Through the rest of the book we meet several people, like Celeste, Trudy, and Laura. They all have some issues. It just got to be too much negativity for me. One person with issues in a book is enough, even two. But chapter after chapter of worrying about this drunken husband, or this ex husband, or being the class wallflower, or letting everyone down for the reunion… too much for me. While the story telling itself was great, the subject matter began to lose me after a while.
Maybe it is because I’m no longer in my twenties, like the characters in this book. But it felt to me like they were all much older than that. The way they spoke of their experiences, some of the terminology they used… things just didn’t add up for me. I’ve never once called my purse a pocketbook. This book does take place in the south, and I’m not sure if it is present day or what, but there were just things like that, that didn’t click with me. Perhaps I’m not familiar enough with the dialect to make an assumption on that.
I was really hoping to love this book, it started out so great. I even emailed a friend and told her the book was fantastic. It just didn’t hold the whole way through for me, unfortunately. Perhaps christian fiction just isn’t my genre, I can’t say that I am all that well versed in it. But I hope you give this book a chance to see. I think Debby Mayne has talent, I just don’t think this was quite the read for me.
September 30, 2013
"We are thrilled to announce
Piney Point High School's
10-year reunion
on June 7, 2003, at 7:30 PM
in Piney Point High's
newly renovated gymnasium.
Attire: Sunday best
RSVP: Laura Moss 601-555-1515
PS: There will be a preparty
at Shenanigan's in Hattiesburg
starting at about 5:00 PM
WOW. Ten years. As I read my high school reunion invitation a second time. I can't help smiling. Although I own one of the most successful businesses in my hometown of Piney Point, Mississippi, I've lost track of most of the people I graduated with.
Knowing the people I went to high school with, this is going to be one crazy event - that is, if everyone attends. I'm not surprised Laura added a preparty to the invitation. Her husband has never attended any social event before prepartying his face off - even in high school. Pete Moss graduated with the dishonor of high school lush, and as far as I know, he continues to hold that honor, which is ironic since I don't remember seeing Laura touching a drop of anything stronger than her mama's two-day-old sweet tea." (pg 11).
As Priscilla Slater anticipates her upcoming high school reunion, she also hopes that she will run into an old high school crush as well, Marcus whom she hopes might just cause a spark to ignite between them. As owner of three beauty salons in the area, Priscilla sees herself as a success while her overbearing mother still believes she has sold herself short of what she could have become. Now armed with hope that she can hold her head high, she takes up invitation of her local beauty supply sales, Tim Puckett, to serve as her "date" for the event. Only Tim has hopes that he might just convince Priscilla that they would make a great couple together and he vows to do whatever it takes to make her see him as more than just a convenient date.
I received Pretty is as Pretty Does by author Debby Mayne compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is the first novel in the Class Reunion Series and anyone who has ever attended their high school reunion can probably relate to at least one of the characters in this book. The book is based around Priscilla Slater who can never be good enough in her mother's eyes no matter what she does, and the chapters alternate with each of the main players attending the class reunion.
Laura Moss who is the reunion chairperson who chases away all the other classmates who have volunteered to help her in the past due to her ability to expect things to be perfect. She is overworked and deals with the drinking of her high school sweetheart, Pete and their four children. There is also Trudy Baynard, the former Miss Piney Point who believes she still needs to uphold her good looks despite the fact that ten years have passed. She has recently divorced her high school sweetheart and husband, Michael who is living another life with his latest girlfriend who is much too young for him. What transpires over the book is sheer genius and I was captivated til the very end. I am also fortunate to have the additional sequels which I will be reviewing shortly, Bless Her Heart and Tickled Pink each showcasing a 15 and 20 year reunion respectively. I rate this one easily a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to adding Debby Mayne to my author watch list.
Piney Point High School's
10-year reunion
on June 7, 2003, at 7:30 PM
in Piney Point High's
newly renovated gymnasium.
Attire: Sunday best
RSVP: Laura Moss 601-555-1515
PS: There will be a preparty
at Shenanigan's in Hattiesburg
starting at about 5:00 PM
WOW. Ten years. As I read my high school reunion invitation a second time. I can't help smiling. Although I own one of the most successful businesses in my hometown of Piney Point, Mississippi, I've lost track of most of the people I graduated with.
Knowing the people I went to high school with, this is going to be one crazy event - that is, if everyone attends. I'm not surprised Laura added a preparty to the invitation. Her husband has never attended any social event before prepartying his face off - even in high school. Pete Moss graduated with the dishonor of high school lush, and as far as I know, he continues to hold that honor, which is ironic since I don't remember seeing Laura touching a drop of anything stronger than her mama's two-day-old sweet tea." (pg 11).
As Priscilla Slater anticipates her upcoming high school reunion, she also hopes that she will run into an old high school crush as well, Marcus whom she hopes might just cause a spark to ignite between them. As owner of three beauty salons in the area, Priscilla sees herself as a success while her overbearing mother still believes she has sold herself short of what she could have become. Now armed with hope that she can hold her head high, she takes up invitation of her local beauty supply sales, Tim Puckett, to serve as her "date" for the event. Only Tim has hopes that he might just convince Priscilla that they would make a great couple together and he vows to do whatever it takes to make her see him as more than just a convenient date.
I received Pretty is as Pretty Does by author Debby Mayne compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is the first novel in the Class Reunion Series and anyone who has ever attended their high school reunion can probably relate to at least one of the characters in this book. The book is based around Priscilla Slater who can never be good enough in her mother's eyes no matter what she does, and the chapters alternate with each of the main players attending the class reunion.
Laura Moss who is the reunion chairperson who chases away all the other classmates who have volunteered to help her in the past due to her ability to expect things to be perfect. She is overworked and deals with the drinking of her high school sweetheart, Pete and their four children. There is also Trudy Baynard, the former Miss Piney Point who believes she still needs to uphold her good looks despite the fact that ten years have passed. She has recently divorced her high school sweetheart and husband, Michael who is living another life with his latest girlfriend who is much too young for him. What transpires over the book is sheer genius and I was captivated til the very end. I am also fortunate to have the additional sequels which I will be reviewing shortly, Bless Her Heart and Tickled Pink each showcasing a 15 and 20 year reunion respectively. I rate this one easily a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to adding Debby Mayne to my author watch list.
July 8, 2013
Who hasn't had angst over attending their high school class reunion?
In Pretty Is As Pretty Does, author Debby Maynes weaves a realistic tale that follows five high school classmates' angst and anticipation of attending their ten year class reunion. Written in the first person narrative with alternating perspectives, the reader follows Priscilla Slater, Tim Puckett, Laura Moss, Trudy Baynard and Celeste Boudreaux as they prepare to attend their ten year high school reunion in Piney Point, Mississippi.
Priscilla was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" in high school, but she battles self-confidence issues even though she has lived up to the expectation and has succeeded in her life.
Tim has been in love with Priscilla since high school, but she hasn't felt the same way about him.
Laura is the class reunion's organizer, she has always been the one to volunteer and control everything, but one thing she can't control is her marriage to the class drunk.
Trudy was the prom queen and beauty pageant winner "Miss Piney Point", whose life is falling apart after her divorce from her husband Michael.
Celeste was the ugly duckling and wall flower in high school. She has always had disdain for people who fit in and had won awards. But now she gets a chance to fit in and feel like she's part of something when she helps Laura with the reunion committee.
Small town drama and personal issues abound when these classmates get together for their ten year reunion. Every person has their own goal for attending the class reunion: show off their success and appearance; curiosity of how their classmates' lives turned out; and reconnect with their classmates. After all the years have past, the angst builds of what they will discover at the class reunion: old classmates aren't the same as they were in high school.
This entertaining story will take you back to your own angst, expectations and memories of your high school class reunion. As the reader glimpses into each of the characters' lives, you will be able to relate to their struggles, successes, failures, mixed with laughter, tears, romance and heartbreak. Author Debby Mayne hits the nail on the head with her accurate depiction of the dynamics of a high school class reunion. The author easily draws the reader into the characters' lives, the events leading up to the class reunion, and the class reunion itself.
Pretty Is As Pretty Does is the first book in the Class Reunion series. The reader will get a chance to catch up with these classmates in the next two books in the series: Bless Her Heart and Tickled Pink, when they attend their fifteen and twenty year class reunions!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
In Pretty Is As Pretty Does, author Debby Maynes weaves a realistic tale that follows five high school classmates' angst and anticipation of attending their ten year class reunion. Written in the first person narrative with alternating perspectives, the reader follows Priscilla Slater, Tim Puckett, Laura Moss, Trudy Baynard and Celeste Boudreaux as they prepare to attend their ten year high school reunion in Piney Point, Mississippi.
Priscilla was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" in high school, but she battles self-confidence issues even though she has lived up to the expectation and has succeeded in her life.
Tim has been in love with Priscilla since high school, but she hasn't felt the same way about him.
Laura is the class reunion's organizer, she has always been the one to volunteer and control everything, but one thing she can't control is her marriage to the class drunk.
Trudy was the prom queen and beauty pageant winner "Miss Piney Point", whose life is falling apart after her divorce from her husband Michael.
Celeste was the ugly duckling and wall flower in high school. She has always had disdain for people who fit in and had won awards. But now she gets a chance to fit in and feel like she's part of something when she helps Laura with the reunion committee.
Small town drama and personal issues abound when these classmates get together for their ten year reunion. Every person has their own goal for attending the class reunion: show off their success and appearance; curiosity of how their classmates' lives turned out; and reconnect with their classmates. After all the years have past, the angst builds of what they will discover at the class reunion: old classmates aren't the same as they were in high school.
This entertaining story will take you back to your own angst, expectations and memories of your high school class reunion. As the reader glimpses into each of the characters' lives, you will be able to relate to their struggles, successes, failures, mixed with laughter, tears, romance and heartbreak. Author Debby Mayne hits the nail on the head with her accurate depiction of the dynamics of a high school class reunion. The author easily draws the reader into the characters' lives, the events leading up to the class reunion, and the class reunion itself.
Pretty Is As Pretty Does is the first book in the Class Reunion series. The reader will get a chance to catch up with these classmates in the next two books in the series: Bless Her Heart and Tickled Pink, when they attend their fifteen and twenty year class reunions!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 21, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Reunions are supposed to be nostalgic, in a way. A chance for you to relive your high school memories, meet up with old friends, compare lives. That's what happens here. But, with a bit of a twist, so to speak. Throughout the planning and preparation for the reunion, old feelings, and old rivalries and even old crushes are brought to the surface.
At times, you might even think the characters were back in high school all over again with the way they behaved. But, as the novel progresses, so do each of the characters. They learn from their mistakes, realize they aren't in high school anymore, and start to grow up and move forward.
The book is told from multiple perspectives, with labeled chapters, which works really well here. You get to see the reunion from people from different "cliques" perspective. And also from Tim's (who's an outsider to the graduating class) so that makes it really interesting. It reminded me of The Breakfast Club as I was reading it.
All of the characters were really well developed and had distinct personalities, even the secondary characters. And they all experienced growth, even just in small ways. Priscilla is a strong main character. She's determined, knows what she wants and goes after it. She's not without her weak moments, especially when it comes to Maurice, but she is also one smart girl so she's able to see through the haze of his good looks and charm and recognize what he really is before he ends up hurting her.
I felt the most for Tim, as he's so smitten with Priscilla and would do anything to be in her good graces. She doesn't really give him much in return though. She's a good friend, but that's all she wants to be, and he wants more. Since this is a series, there may be more that happens between them, which I'm interested to see.
There are some religious undertones to the story, so if that isn't your cup of tea, be forewarned. They are very subtle, and light.
The antics of this group make me glad that I didn't have to go to my ten year reunion (which was supposed to be this year, but I don't think anyone planned anything.) After reading this, it seems like more stress than it's worth. While it would be fun to reminisce with some people I haven't seen in a while, I don't think I'd like the pressure of having to prove myself, or feeling small when those same popular, successful people walk into the room.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If your looking for a cast of unique characters, complete with Southern charm and hospitality, this is the book for you. I'm glad this is a series, because I can't wait to see what all of these characters get up to next.
Reunions are supposed to be nostalgic, in a way. A chance for you to relive your high school memories, meet up with old friends, compare lives. That's what happens here. But, with a bit of a twist, so to speak. Throughout the planning and preparation for the reunion, old feelings, and old rivalries and even old crushes are brought to the surface.
At times, you might even think the characters were back in high school all over again with the way they behaved. But, as the novel progresses, so do each of the characters. They learn from their mistakes, realize they aren't in high school anymore, and start to grow up and move forward.
The book is told from multiple perspectives, with labeled chapters, which works really well here. You get to see the reunion from people from different "cliques" perspective. And also from Tim's (who's an outsider to the graduating class) so that makes it really interesting. It reminded me of The Breakfast Club as I was reading it.
All of the characters were really well developed and had distinct personalities, even the secondary characters. And they all experienced growth, even just in small ways. Priscilla is a strong main character. She's determined, knows what she wants and goes after it. She's not without her weak moments, especially when it comes to Maurice, but she is also one smart girl so she's able to see through the haze of his good looks and charm and recognize what he really is before he ends up hurting her.
I felt the most for Tim, as he's so smitten with Priscilla and would do anything to be in her good graces. She doesn't really give him much in return though. She's a good friend, but that's all she wants to be, and he wants more. Since this is a series, there may be more that happens between them, which I'm interested to see.
There are some religious undertones to the story, so if that isn't your cup of tea, be forewarned. They are very subtle, and light.
The antics of this group make me glad that I didn't have to go to my ten year reunion (which was supposed to be this year, but I don't think anyone planned anything.) After reading this, it seems like more stress than it's worth. While it would be fun to reminisce with some people I haven't seen in a while, I don't think I'd like the pressure of having to prove myself, or feeling small when those same popular, successful people walk into the room.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If your looking for a cast of unique characters, complete with Southern charm and hospitality, this is the book for you. I'm glad this is a series, because I can't wait to see what all of these characters get up to next.
July 5, 2015
Perhaps I didn't quite get into this book because it's only been three years since I left high school and haven't yet been to a high school reunion. However, I do like Southern fiction and the blurb made the book seem promising. I'm sad to say that I was disappointed.
The book started off as a pretty easy read, but as I got a few chapters in something became very apparent. I'm not even from the South and I could tell that the author wasn't either. The grammar seemed kind of ridiculous and somewhat stereotypical. All of the characters seemed to have bad grammar except for maybe Priscilla. Also, there was a character in Priscilla's salon named Chester that I imagined sounded like Beauregard Laurence LaFontaine from American Dad. You know, this guy:
He just kept shouting words like "yahoo!" and "howdy." What? I also imagined this through most of Laura's (one of the main characters) story:
Not to mention she kept saying young'uns and it just got really repetetive and annoying. The only male main character in the book, Tim, kept comparing people to characters from movies that take place in the South. That seems like something someone who wasn't from the South would do. But that's just me. I know that that's something I would do.
I got very confused as to who liked and disliked who. In one chapter a character would be saying how another character isn't so bad or is the closest thing to a friend they have or something like that and then in the next chapter they were suddenly spewing hate about the very same character they were just praising. I understand that this was probably supposed to be some kind of "everyone is two-faced" message, but it didn't seem executed very well. Also, they were very honest with each other and would flat out insult someone to their face, so I don't know if I can even call that being two-faced.
I'd say that this book had a few nice moments and got a little interesting near the end when the actual reunion started. It also made me want to own my own salon, so there's that. That might be brcause the book dwelled on Priscilla and her business and her relationship with her mom a lot more than it did on the actual reunion. I give it 2.5/3 stars. Mostly because I'll still read the next two books in the series.
The book started off as a pretty easy read, but as I got a few chapters in something became very apparent. I'm not even from the South and I could tell that the author wasn't either. The grammar seemed kind of ridiculous and somewhat stereotypical. All of the characters seemed to have bad grammar except for maybe Priscilla. Also, there was a character in Priscilla's salon named Chester that I imagined sounded like Beauregard Laurence LaFontaine from American Dad. You know, this guy:
He just kept shouting words like "yahoo!" and "howdy." What? I also imagined this through most of Laura's (one of the main characters) story:
Not to mention she kept saying young'uns and it just got really repetetive and annoying. The only male main character in the book, Tim, kept comparing people to characters from movies that take place in the South. That seems like something someone who wasn't from the South would do. But that's just me. I know that that's something I would do.
I got very confused as to who liked and disliked who. In one chapter a character would be saying how another character isn't so bad or is the closest thing to a friend they have or something like that and then in the next chapter they were suddenly spewing hate about the very same character they were just praising. I understand that this was probably supposed to be some kind of "everyone is two-faced" message, but it didn't seem executed very well. Also, they were very honest with each other and would flat out insult someone to their face, so I don't know if I can even call that being two-faced.
I'd say that this book had a few nice moments and got a little interesting near the end when the actual reunion started. It also made me want to own my own salon, so there's that. That might be brcause the book dwelled on Priscilla and her business and her relationship with her mom a lot more than it did on the actual reunion. I give it 2.5/3 stars. Mostly because I'll still read the next two books in the series.
October 2, 2013
My Review of Pretty Is As Pretty Does:
Priscilla owns 3 different salons in 3 different parts of the country and she's the one worried about going to her 10 years graduation. She is very insecure to be the woman who has had success in the world. It probably hasn't helped that her parents think of her as a stupid person for dropping out of a major college just to get a degree in cosmetology. But that doesn't seem to matter to them, she is just wasting her life running a salon, and a successful one at that. Will she be able to show what she's done with her life and be proud? Or is she going to go run and hide?
Laura was so sure of her self in high school but now that it comes time for her 10 year high school reunion she is terrified. She ended up marrying the underdog having three kids and a DUI. She loves her family, minus the DUI, but being what she was in high school compared to now, is just sad. Talking with her failure of a husband, she will end up acting as she has everything together and go. Will this experience go well or is it all going to come crumbling down around her?
Tim has had a major crush on Priscilla for years, it probably doesn't help that he works for her. He see her as she really is, an insecure but strong woman. When he hears of her possibly going to her high school reunion, he thinks this would be perfect. So he tells her that he would love to go with her to the reunion, she tells him just exactly what he wanted: Yes. But he wasn't expecting her to say he is like the brother she never had, that had to burn a little. Will she soon feel the way he feels about her? Or will she find someone else?
Trudy pictures herself as a fat, useless, and unlovable woman all because of her useless, good-for-nothing ex-husband. She hates to go to her high-school after being divorced from her high-school sweetheart. She had been the head cheerleader and he the captain of the football team, and now he's off with one of his new lovers and she can barely fit into a skirt. The main thing she's dreading is seeing him and one of the new ladies in his life and after one phone call the dreadful thought is conformed. Will she still go? Is this gonna be a big disaster?This reunion will be one to remember.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Priscilla owns 3 different salons in 3 different parts of the country and she's the one worried about going to her 10 years graduation. She is very insecure to be the woman who has had success in the world. It probably hasn't helped that her parents think of her as a stupid person for dropping out of a major college just to get a degree in cosmetology. But that doesn't seem to matter to them, she is just wasting her life running a salon, and a successful one at that. Will she be able to show what she's done with her life and be proud? Or is she going to go run and hide?
Laura was so sure of her self in high school but now that it comes time for her 10 year high school reunion she is terrified. She ended up marrying the underdog having three kids and a DUI. She loves her family, minus the DUI, but being what she was in high school compared to now, is just sad. Talking with her failure of a husband, she will end up acting as she has everything together and go. Will this experience go well or is it all going to come crumbling down around her?
Tim has had a major crush on Priscilla for years, it probably doesn't help that he works for her. He see her as she really is, an insecure but strong woman. When he hears of her possibly going to her high school reunion, he thinks this would be perfect. So he tells her that he would love to go with her to the reunion, she tells him just exactly what he wanted: Yes. But he wasn't expecting her to say he is like the brother she never had, that had to burn a little. Will she soon feel the way he feels about her? Or will she find someone else?
Trudy pictures herself as a fat, useless, and unlovable woman all because of her useless, good-for-nothing ex-husband. She hates to go to her high-school after being divorced from her high-school sweetheart. She had been the head cheerleader and he the captain of the football team, and now he's off with one of his new lovers and she can barely fit into a skirt. The main thing she's dreading is seeing him and one of the new ladies in his life and after one phone call the dreadful thought is conformed. Will she still go? Is this gonna be a big disaster?This reunion will be one to remember.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
July 14, 2013
Talk of class reunions always brings a vast array of images and thoughts to mind - some good, some not so good.
For Priscilla Slater her 10-year high school reunion will be a chance to show her classmates she’s no longer an ugly duckling. She’s traded her discount wardrobe for designer clothes, she has perfectly straight teeth, gone is her mousy brown hair, and she has a successful chain of hair salons. But her parents’ disapproval of her career doesn’t help her self-esteem.
Once at the reunion, Priscilla discovers her classmates aren’t as she remembered nor have they changed in the ways she imaged. Receiving attention from the boy of her high school dreams, Priscilla realizes he’s not what she thought after all.
The reunion organizer has overdone herself, while her husband does his self in by drinking too much and making a fool of himself. Having starved herself for the event, one woman passes out. The class beauty queen seems unshakable until her ex-husband arrives with his latest fling.
Author Debby Mayne has created realistic and likable characters that will remind you of people you know. The characters are well-developed and a good blend of the typical high school class.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES moves at a steady pace and story flows smoothly. The story is told from a number of view points giving more insight into the members of the class. Mayne also includes the viewpoint of Tim, a rep for a beauty supply company, who is enamored with Priscilla and is her date for the reunion.
Mayne touches on the various aspects of attending a class reunion and does an excellent job showcasing how expectations drive people. The story is plausible and pulls you in from the first page. There’s a good mix of humor throughout the book that will have you smiling and even laughing out loud at times.
Anyone thinking of attending a class reunion should be sure to read PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES first. It will make you see things in a whole new light.
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of the author’s virtual book tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
For Priscilla Slater her 10-year high school reunion will be a chance to show her classmates she’s no longer an ugly duckling. She’s traded her discount wardrobe for designer clothes, she has perfectly straight teeth, gone is her mousy brown hair, and she has a successful chain of hair salons. But her parents’ disapproval of her career doesn’t help her self-esteem.
Once at the reunion, Priscilla discovers her classmates aren’t as she remembered nor have they changed in the ways she imaged. Receiving attention from the boy of her high school dreams, Priscilla realizes he’s not what she thought after all.
The reunion organizer has overdone herself, while her husband does his self in by drinking too much and making a fool of himself. Having starved herself for the event, one woman passes out. The class beauty queen seems unshakable until her ex-husband arrives with his latest fling.
Author Debby Mayne has created realistic and likable characters that will remind you of people you know. The characters are well-developed and a good blend of the typical high school class.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES moves at a steady pace and story flows smoothly. The story is told from a number of view points giving more insight into the members of the class. Mayne also includes the viewpoint of Tim, a rep for a beauty supply company, who is enamored with Priscilla and is her date for the reunion.
Mayne touches on the various aspects of attending a class reunion and does an excellent job showcasing how expectations drive people. The story is plausible and pulls you in from the first page. There’s a good mix of humor throughout the book that will have you smiling and even laughing out loud at times.
Anyone thinking of attending a class reunion should be sure to read PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES first. It will make you see things in a whole new light.
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of the author’s virtual book tour and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
September 13, 2013
For some reason many of us are stricken with fear when we receive an invitation to our tenth year high school reunion. Maybe it's because we want to appear a lot better than we did during those awkward four years. Maybe kids thought we'd turn out one way when in fact we turned out another way. Anticipation. Perception. Reputation. Expectation. Whatever our reasons for breaking out in a cold sweat as the invitation words settle in, author Debby Mayne has nailed the experience in her first book in the Class Reunion series, Pretty Is As Pretty Does.
Narrated by Priscilla, Tim, Laura, Trudy and Celeste, their perceptions help fill in the story as preparations begin for their reunion. We learn Tim has loved Priscilla since high school. Priscilla, voted by her classmates "Most Likely to Succeed" is successful as a salon owner (of three locations), yet she doesn't feel that way. Funny how we can grow up and grow away from those four years but be reduced back to our angst-filled selves so quickly. Laura has put together the reunion and preparty and Trudy is the girl so many others disliked. Trudy is Miss Popular or was, but can she face her classmates and live up to her reputation when her own version of living a fairy tale life has been dashed by divorce?
It took a while for me to get into the story with so many voices telling their tales, but once I did I settled back for a visit with a memorable group of characters, their individual insecurities and lives. Pretty Is As Pretty Does captures the essence of what so many go through when facing the first high school reunion. With humor and great one-liners, fully fleshed characters, a touch of Mississippi sass and heart, seeing the lengths of what some will do to project the perfect image for others will charm readers seeking an entertaining summer read. (http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
Narrated by Priscilla, Tim, Laura, Trudy and Celeste, their perceptions help fill in the story as preparations begin for their reunion. We learn Tim has loved Priscilla since high school. Priscilla, voted by her classmates "Most Likely to Succeed" is successful as a salon owner (of three locations), yet she doesn't feel that way. Funny how we can grow up and grow away from those four years but be reduced back to our angst-filled selves so quickly. Laura has put together the reunion and preparty and Trudy is the girl so many others disliked. Trudy is Miss Popular or was, but can she face her classmates and live up to her reputation when her own version of living a fairy tale life has been dashed by divorce?
It took a while for me to get into the story with so many voices telling their tales, but once I did I settled back for a visit with a memorable group of characters, their individual insecurities and lives. Pretty Is As Pretty Does captures the essence of what so many go through when facing the first high school reunion. With humor and great one-liners, fully fleshed characters, a touch of Mississippi sass and heart, seeing the lengths of what some will do to project the perfect image for others will charm readers seeking an entertaining summer read. (http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
July 2, 2013
Title: PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES
Author: Debby Mayne
Publisher: Abingdon Press
June 2013
ISBN: 978-1426733581
Genre: Women’s fiction
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.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES is the first book I’ve read by Debby Mayne, but if this indications of her style, it won’t be the last. I didn’t go to my ten-year reunion (my school skipped it) but if I had, I probably would’ve faced it with all the angst that the main point of view characters all faced it with. Laura, who married the class drunk. Celeste, the ugly duckling. Tracey, the beauty queen who’s ex is dating a high school student. Tim, in love with Priscilla, and Priscilla, the most likely to succeed…but the one who feels the least successful.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES has enough drama to fuel a soap opera for a season. And enough angst to make you relive your teenage years. Ten year reunion? What has really changed?
Priscilla is a great heroine. I fell in love with her wisdom, her gentle approach, her gift of giving, of mercy. I did hope she’d get together with Tim and see what a treasure he is instead of longing for her high school crush, but… this isn’t a romance. It’s women’s fiction.
I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the Class Reunion series, Bless Her Heart, releasing in August. 304 pages. $14.99 pages.
Author: Debby Mayne
Publisher: Abingdon Press
June 2013
ISBN: 978-1426733581
Genre: Women’s fiction
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.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES is the first book I’ve read by Debby Mayne, but if this indications of her style, it won’t be the last. I didn’t go to my ten-year reunion (my school skipped it) but if I had, I probably would’ve faced it with all the angst that the main point of view characters all faced it with. Laura, who married the class drunk. Celeste, the ugly duckling. Tracey, the beauty queen who’s ex is dating a high school student. Tim, in love with Priscilla, and Priscilla, the most likely to succeed…but the one who feels the least successful.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES has enough drama to fuel a soap opera for a season. And enough angst to make you relive your teenage years. Ten year reunion? What has really changed?
Priscilla is a great heroine. I fell in love with her wisdom, her gentle approach, her gift of giving, of mercy. I did hope she’d get together with Tim and see what a treasure he is instead of longing for her high school crush, but… this isn’t a romance. It’s women’s fiction.
I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the Class Reunion series, Bless Her Heart, releasing in August. 304 pages. $14.99 pages.
June 13, 2013
I have to say that at least in my experience Debby Mayne pretty much nailed all the dynamics that go into a class reunion. She did a marvelous job of depicting all the angst of seeing people that you haven’t seen in years. Remember how you felt? That’s exactly how at least one of the characters felt.
I enjoyed being able to peek into the lives of all the different characters. Some classmates had changed and some had stayed the same. Some for the better and some for the worse. A few of the popular kids had grown up and become successful but inside they still had their own battles of insecurity to face. A few of the wallflowers had blossomed into thriving adults that had successfully become comfortable in their own skin.
This is destined to be a three part series and if the following two books are as entertaining as the first one it is going to be a hit series. The second book in the series is titled Bless Her Heart and is scheduled to release in August 2013. It will center around the classmates 15 year reunion. The final installment is titled Tickled Pink its release date is scheduled in September 2013. It will cover the 20 year reunion.
If you are looking for a fun yet light summer read this would be a great choice. You’ll even have a chance to check out some of Debby’s other selections between the releases!
But wait, there’s more . . . Debby has a fun little prequel that you can read from your computer. Don’t worry it’s only 16 pages long but totally worth the read. Here’s the link: Before The Class Reunion http://www.debbymayne.com/docs/before...
I enjoyed being able to peek into the lives of all the different characters. Some classmates had changed and some had stayed the same. Some for the better and some for the worse. A few of the popular kids had grown up and become successful but inside they still had their own battles of insecurity to face. A few of the wallflowers had blossomed into thriving adults that had successfully become comfortable in their own skin.
This is destined to be a three part series and if the following two books are as entertaining as the first one it is going to be a hit series. The second book in the series is titled Bless Her Heart and is scheduled to release in August 2013. It will center around the classmates 15 year reunion. The final installment is titled Tickled Pink its release date is scheduled in September 2013. It will cover the 20 year reunion.
If you are looking for a fun yet light summer read this would be a great choice. You’ll even have a chance to check out some of Debby’s other selections between the releases!
But wait, there’s more . . . Debby has a fun little prequel that you can read from your computer. Don’t worry it’s only 16 pages long but totally worth the read. Here’s the link: Before The Class Reunion http://www.debbymayne.com/docs/before...
November 5, 2013
What a fun idea!!! Here is a set of 3 books that takes you through a 10 year, 15 year and 20 year class reunion with a batch of people (not necessarily friends...) that all went to school together. The cool thing is that we meet them in the first book and find out their personalities, who they were in high school, who they are now, where the drama in their lives is, and just why they feel the need to either stand up to who they were in high school or why they need to leave that behind. The "main" character is Priscilla who dropped out of college to own a hair salon that has turned into a chain. She is joined by a newer friend Tim, the only one who is a central character that actually did NOT go to school with everyone else. He just happens to be in love with Priscilla and will do anything to spend time with her including going to her high school reunions. Then there are all the secondary characters who lend lots of humor, drama and more drama to everything going on.
I absolutely loved following everyone over the span of 10 years... it's not often you get to go that far in the lives of characters you become friends with. These are contemporary novels that are lots of fun. I would definitely start at the beginning and follow the whole journey, don't jump in the middle. You will enjoy this series!
Pretty is as Pretty Does introduces us to everyone in the gang. It makes you realize just how dysfunctional we all are, but just how boring life would be without everyone. This book is a great start to a fun series - be glad that you can get all three and read them in order and in a row, you will want to.
I absolutely loved following everyone over the span of 10 years... it's not often you get to go that far in the lives of characters you become friends with. These are contemporary novels that are lots of fun. I would definitely start at the beginning and follow the whole journey, don't jump in the middle. You will enjoy this series!
Pretty is as Pretty Does introduces us to everyone in the gang. It makes you realize just how dysfunctional we all are, but just how boring life would be without everyone. This book is a great start to a fun series - be glad that you can get all three and read them in order and in a row, you will want to.
July 24, 2013
It's been ten years since Priscilla and her classmates graduated from Piney Point High School, and now it's time for a reunion. The invitations have been sent and everyone is getting ready. Priscilla now owns a small chain of hair salons, and it's a good thing, because now that they're approaching thirty, some of her high-school acquaintances are feeling insecure. As the time for the reunion draws near, the head of the committee is in a frenzy, while Trudy is starving herself in anticipation of seeing her ex-husband again.
This first novel in the Class Reunion series was the most fun I've had reading in quite awhile. Having attended my own 30-year reunion (ouch!) last year, the characters and their situations rang true. There's the wallflower who finally blooms, the party guy who never grew up, the jock who is still reliving past glories, the beauty queen who fears aging, and the stud who brings the young hottie as his date. Trust me; these are real people. Watching all the characters as they approach the reunion, and some of them growing in the process, kept me glued to the book right up to the last page.
I'm waiting impatiently for the next book in this new series.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Pump Up Your Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This first novel in the Class Reunion series was the most fun I've had reading in quite awhile. Having attended my own 30-year reunion (ouch!) last year, the characters and their situations rang true. There's the wallflower who finally blooms, the party guy who never grew up, the jock who is still reliving past glories, the beauty queen who fears aging, and the stud who brings the young hottie as his date. Trust me; these are real people. Watching all the characters as they approach the reunion, and some of them growing in the process, kept me glued to the book right up to the last page.
I'm waiting impatiently for the next book in this new series.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Pump Up Your Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 23, 2013
Class reunions - nothing like getting that invitation or notice in the mail to bring about memories of all those classmates and wondering how they've turned out over the years!
In "Pretty Is As Pretty Does," author Debby Mayne takes her readers to the tiny town of Piney Points, Mississippi for the high school's ten-year class reunion, and it's a reunion that's not to be missed! From the build-up of anticipation weeks beforehand to the actual event, this story follows the classmates who roll back into town to find that all of them have changed, but some for the good and some for the not-so-good.
Told through the viewpoints of Priscilla Slater, her friend/beau Tim Puckett, and fellow classmate Laura Moss, readers are pulled into the fun and action of the reunion. Mayne does a wonderful job of creating personable characters who grab at the reader's heartstrings as they follow the inspirational and humorous tale.
"Pretty Is As Pretty Does" is the first book in the "Class Reunion Series," with each subsequent book following the same class as they return for reunions in five year increments. This promises to be a fun series to follow. The next book, "Bless Her Heart," is due to be released in early August.
I highly recommend this book!
In "Pretty Is As Pretty Does," author Debby Mayne takes her readers to the tiny town of Piney Points, Mississippi for the high school's ten-year class reunion, and it's a reunion that's not to be missed! From the build-up of anticipation weeks beforehand to the actual event, this story follows the classmates who roll back into town to find that all of them have changed, but some for the good and some for the not-so-good.
Told through the viewpoints of Priscilla Slater, her friend/beau Tim Puckett, and fellow classmate Laura Moss, readers are pulled into the fun and action of the reunion. Mayne does a wonderful job of creating personable characters who grab at the reader's heartstrings as they follow the inspirational and humorous tale.
"Pretty Is As Pretty Does" is the first book in the "Class Reunion Series," with each subsequent book following the same class as they return for reunions in five year increments. This promises to be a fun series to follow. The next book, "Bless Her Heart," is due to be released in early August.
I highly recommend this book!
September 20, 2015
Kept me interested, but not enough to read two more books in the series with the same characters and their antics. Also many of the storylines were not explained. Why were Priscilla's parents fighting all the time? Why didnt her own mother waant her at home? Why was the mother so against beauty and improving appearance? Also the ending was rather unsatisfying. All the drama and build up and the book abruptly ends with out the "happy for now" you need when dealing with page after page of dysfunction. And how did minor character Mandy go from zero to hero? Lastly there is a startlingly lack of character development.
The novel does gets cool points for having quirky, flawed, messed up characters and for being unpredictable, but sometimes a little predictability is nice. I know things dont always work out in real life, but that's why I read fiction because in fiction great things can happen.
An underlying theme in the novel is that class reunions bring out the worse in people so why on earth would these same characters keep attending them?.... but I'm ranting. Overall the book is ok, maybe even good, but like a class reunion has anticipation, false hopes, and ultimately ends in disappointment leaving little desire to revisit it, so does PIAPD.
The novel does gets cool points for having quirky, flawed, messed up characters and for being unpredictable, but sometimes a little predictability is nice. I know things dont always work out in real life, but that's why I read fiction because in fiction great things can happen.
An underlying theme in the novel is that class reunions bring out the worse in people so why on earth would these same characters keep attending them?.... but I'm ranting. Overall the book is ok, maybe even good, but like a class reunion has anticipation, false hopes, and ultimately ends in disappointment leaving little desire to revisit it, so does PIAPD.
May 10, 2018
Pricilla slater is a 20's something business owner who is gearing up for her 10 yr. class reunion. She owns several beauty salons. She feels she has to prove to her former classmates that she is a successful business owner. Pricilla also wants to se her old crush Maurice and see how he responds to the new and improved Pricilla. Will the reunion be what she expects? How will the reunion with Maurice go? In this series we meet several formal classmates of Pricilla's : Trudy Baynard and her ex Michael( jerk) , Laura Moss and her husband Pete( drunk) ,Celeste (mousy and sometime thorn in Laura's side) , Jimmy (Pete's friend and sometimes enemy). We also meet Tim Puckett (Pricilla's admirer and want to be boyfriend). Tim didn't attend school with Pricilla tho. We get a glimpse into their lives and how they may or may not have changed since high school . I liked reading this book . In this book we get a different perspectives from several different characters. We see Pricilla's, Trudy's, Laura and even Tim's side of things. Each chapter is a different persons' perspective, I think this writing style works in this book because it makes it more interesting , I enjoyed seeing what each character was thinking and doing . I looking forward to book two. . Clean read. Christian
June 29, 2013
This was an interesting story that follows the story of four people. Priscilla Slater who is the main character voted Most Likely to Succeed, Tim Pucket who has a huge crush on Priscilla, and ends up her date to the reunion, Laura Moss who is running the reunion and preparty and in way over head, then there is Trudy Baynard who is beauty queen pagenant winner and prom queen who's fallin apart after her divorce to Michael Baynard who is dating whatever flavor comes along.
What we learn in this book is that everyone is not what Priscilla remembers she tries to be nice, but her classmates are a class unto themselves. They all seem to have issues of some sort to jealousy all the way to alcoholic issues. It's a great look into reunions and how they aren't always what they appear to be. That people sometimes lie to make themselves look better than they really are!
What we learn in this book is that everyone is not what Priscilla remembers she tries to be nice, but her classmates are a class unto themselves. They all seem to have issues of some sort to jealousy all the way to alcoholic issues. It's a great look into reunions and how they aren't always what they appear to be. That people sometimes lie to make themselves look better than they really are!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2013
Book Tour Review & Giveaway: Today we’re participating in a virtual book tour for Pretty Is as Pretty Does, Book #1 in the Class Reunion series by bestselling author Debbie Mayne. I can’t tell you how many times I heard that title phrase when I was growing up, probably because I was a bit of a tomboy. So, I had mixed feelings about the title when I saw it. At the same time, a series about class reunions? I was all over that one because it’s a ripe scenario for all kinds of fun drama and hijinks! If you like women’s fiction, be sure to check out our review. And the author has been so gracious in not only giving us a copy of Pretty is as Pretty Does for a giveaway but also a copy of Book #2, Bless Her Heart, which is being published on August 6, 2013. You could win both of them at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6221.
July 10, 2013
Debby Mayne weaves a thoroughly enjoyable tale about the trials and tribulations of a 10 year high school reunion in "Pretty is as Pretty does." She manages to tell the story in first person, from five different perspectives, which makes her characters spring from the page. At the same time Priscilla Slater and her beauty salon "Prissy's Cut and Curl" form the centerpiece for much of the story as former beauty queens scramble there to regain their former glory and the misfit nerd, with some nudging, emerges from her cocoon as a chic stunner.
There is so much going on but since Debby divides the character perspectives into chapters (Priscilla, Tim, Laura, and so on) we always know whose shoes were stepping into and at what time. "Pretty.." is 300 pages that reads quickly and leaves us wanting more. Thankfully Debby's second book of the series is coming soon.
There is so much going on but since Debby divides the character perspectives into chapters (Priscilla, Tim, Laura, and so on) we always know whose shoes were stepping into and at what time. "Pretty.." is 300 pages that reads quickly and leaves us wanting more. Thankfully Debby's second book of the series is coming soon.
July 23, 2013
Debby Mayne pens "Pretty is as Pretty Does" in different and entertaining story lines peeking into the different lives and drama of the characters attending their high school reunion. This is the first book I've read by Debby Mayne and fell in love with her writing as it was crisp and fresh. Her characters were realistic and I could see some of my own classmates within them. I honestly can say I look forward to the next book in the series. A must read for all.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
October 3, 2013
Debby is s new author to me and I absolutely loved this book, it is not only laugh out loud funny, but real. We all want to go to our reunions looking like we have made something of ourselves. Priscilla or Prissy depending on who is talking to her has made something of herself. She has her own product line, and she has a number of salons. While her mother doesn't think she has made something of herself, she has. I highly recommend!
October 6, 2013
I am in love with Priscilla! I loved reading about her and her life. Of course, it then made me want to go see a hairdresser, but well, that will have to wait. Oh and I could definitely relate to harried mom Laura with her four kids and busy life. Plus of course you'd have to add more kids to my life and homeschooling.
Two more in the series= loads more fun reading and books that I can't put down!
Two more in the series= loads more fun reading and books that I can't put down!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 37 reviews