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Homely Girl
A love to last a lifetime?
The odd April and Taj were opposites in so many ways. He was the cute, athletic, boy genius on campus that everybody wanted to be friends with. She was the overweight, shy and withdrawn girl who the bullies teased mercilessly.
But they were friends and the older they got the deeper their friendship became. As friendship turns into something more, do April and Taj have a love that can last a lifetime? Or will time and separate paths rip them apart?
The odd April and Taj were opposites in so many ways. He was the cute, athletic, boy genius on campus that everybody wanted to be friends with. She was the overweight, shy and withdrawn girl who the bullies teased mercilessly.
But they were friends and the older they got the deeper their friendship became. As friendship turns into something more, do April and Taj have a love that can last a lifetime? Or will time and separate paths rip them apart?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2013
114 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Barrett
110 books235 followersBrenda Barrett is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a passion for writing real Jamaican romances.
When she's not weaving words that transport readers to exotic locales, you can find her nurturing her green thumb in the garden or doting on her beloved cats.
With an infectious zest for life, this author brings a unique perspective to her writing that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in the pages of her latest work, as she seamlessly blends romance with some drama, mystery, suspense, or even sci-fi, leaving readers wanting more.
https://www.brenalbar.com/newsletter
When she's not weaving words that transport readers to exotic locales, you can find her nurturing her green thumb in the garden or doting on her beloved cats.
With an infectious zest for life, this author brings a unique perspective to her writing that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in the pages of her latest work, as she seamlessly blends romance with some drama, mystery, suspense, or even sci-fi, leaving readers wanting more.
https://www.brenalbar.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 18, 2013
1.5
I did like first 10% but after that the story started to lose me :( The first WTF moment was when we were introduced with Taj's mother. She had mild mental retardation from birth. You couldn't tell from looking at her that she had a mental issue but adjusting to new environments or people was a real difficulty for her. Loc 325 and She is brain damaged Loc 540. Brain damage might be a cause of intellectual disability but it's not the same. If a person has a learning disability and/or brain damage and/or mental illness it doesn't affect their looks. It looks to me that the author didn't bother to do some basic research if she would have done that, surely she wouldn't have used a word "retard" in her story.
I'm also surprised that no one really cared that April was bullied. Mrs Gordon, April's nice teacher, told her that she would look back on high school and remember it fondly. O.0
After that I didn't bother highlighting WTF moments and because of that I'm stopping writing this review thingy.
I did like first 10% but after that the story started to lose me :( The first WTF moment was when we were introduced with Taj's mother. She had mild mental retardation from birth. You couldn't tell from looking at her that she had a mental issue but adjusting to new environments or people was a real difficulty for her. Loc 325 and She is brain damaged Loc 540. Brain damage might be a cause of intellectual disability but it's not the same. If a person has a learning disability and/or brain damage and/or mental illness it doesn't affect their looks. It looks to me that the author didn't bother to do some basic research if she would have done that, surely she wouldn't have used a word "retard" in her story.
I'm also surprised that no one really cared that April was bullied. Mrs Gordon, April's nice teacher, told her that she would look back on high school and remember it fondly. O.0
After that I didn't bother highlighting WTF moments and because of that I'm stopping writing this review thingy.
January 6, 2015
This is a story that discusses many different issues. Issues such as being an overweight teen girl, bullying, first loves, self-esteem building, mental illness, adoption and divorce, just to name a few.
This story mainly discusses how a young overweight teen girl overcame bullying, made some healthy lifestyle choices, yet never forgot who she was. I enjoyed this heartwarming story because it inspired me to make some changes of my own. I believe all people can relate to this story in one way or another.
Thank you Ms. Barrett
This story mainly discusses how a young overweight teen girl overcame bullying, made some healthy lifestyle choices, yet never forgot who she was. I enjoyed this heartwarming story because it inspired me to make some changes of my own. I believe all people can relate to this story in one way or another.
Thank you Ms. Barrett
July 22, 2013
4.5 stars from me...
I really loved this book. I could really relate with April. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars, is because during the whole book I was cheering for Taj and April. But I understand the direction the author was going in. Definitely a favorite!!
I really loved this book. I could really relate with April. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars, is because during the whole book I was cheering for Taj and April. But I understand the direction the author was going in. Definitely a favorite!!
August 10, 2013
I thought this was a very good read. I read another book by the same author and was far from disappointed. The book was very entertaining. A well put together read. I do recommend!
August 10, 2013
i really like this book it was definitely a good read.. i had my share of bullies before.
December 2, 2023
This is the prequel to The Bancrofts series, so technically it's book 1. Young April is constantly being teased for being shy and overweight. One day, a really cool and popular guy named Taj, takes up for her. Over time, they become more than just friends.
Years later (after a misunderstanding), they reconnect. They're both in other relationships, but that gravitational pull will not let up. April is the most affected, and find herself making a life changing decision.
I loved everything about this book, including the character development (very strong) and the scenery (based on the island of Jamaica). I could visualize the beach and narrow roads as we're driving into the lush countryland.
I recommend this book (and series) to readers of Caribbean descent.
Years later (after a misunderstanding), they reconnect. They're both in other relationships, but that gravitational pull will not let up. April is the most affected, and find herself making a life changing decision.
I loved everything about this book, including the character development (very strong) and the scenery (based on the island of Jamaica). I could visualize the beach and narrow roads as we're driving into the lush countryland.
I recommend this book (and series) to readers of Caribbean descent.
July 21, 2020
Friendship and Young Love
This was okay. I did enjoy the early relationship with Taj and April, especially the friendship he immediately showed her and did judge or make fun like all the other classmates did. April did have a lot of self confidence issues and the situation with her parents didn't help. Most of the book dealt with the teenager years, which was long and drawn out. I was sad that Darla got killed and how it affected Taj, his dad and Harriet. I'm glad that Taj's career is focused on a condition close to his heart because of his mom Darla. However I was disappointed by the ending on this one.
This was okay. I did enjoy the early relationship with Taj and April, especially the friendship he immediately showed her and did judge or make fun like all the other classmates did. April did have a lot of self confidence issues and the situation with her parents didn't help. Most of the book dealt with the teenager years, which was long and drawn out. I was sad that Darla got killed and how it affected Taj, his dad and Harriet. I'm glad that Taj's career is focused on a condition close to his heart because of his mom Darla. However I was disappointed by the ending on this one.
December 26, 2018
Emotions From Ugly to Beautiful
April felt ugly, physically and mentally. Her parents were apart and she was in the middle, forgotten. Along comes Taj the cutest, sweetest boy in school! There's would be a 9 year friendship but forever, it was not to be. This novel had a disconnect to me. It kind of jumped around but I got the message in the end. Never judge a book by its cover, some people start off one way and then evolve! Overall an ok book club read, definitely not one of my favorites but ok.
April felt ugly, physically and mentally. Her parents were apart and she was in the middle, forgotten. Along comes Taj the cutest, sweetest boy in school! There's would be a 9 year friendship but forever, it was not to be. This novel had a disconnect to me. It kind of jumped around but I got the message in the end. Never judge a book by its cover, some people start off one way and then evolve! Overall an ok book club read, definitely not one of my favorites but ok.
January 2, 2022
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. April”s adolescence was filled was many issues, which resulted is low self esteem. Her saving grace was her friend Taj and his family. They went to different universities, Taj in the states and April in Jamaica. Due to a misunderstanding, April cut ties with Taj. As adults, they reconnected, which disrupted April”s engagement to Shemar. April determined her love for Taj was platonic, and they would forever be friends.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. April”s adolescence was filled was many issues, which resulted is low self esteem. Her saving grace was her friend Taj and his family. They went to different universities, Taj in the states and April in Jamaica. Due to a misunderstanding, April cut ties with Taj. As adults, they reconnected, which disrupted April”s engagement to Shemar. April determined her love for Taj was platonic, and they would forever be friends.
February 6, 2018
Loved this story
This is the first book I've read by this author and I am truly impressed. The writing was great, the story engrossing and the ending superb. I think I will continue reading this series.
Although this could be deemed a YA book of sorts,(the ugly duckling to swan story), Ms. Barett was not overly influenced by the culture of the day and writes with a sense of maturity that made the story practical and still magical.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I am truly impressed. The writing was great, the story engrossing and the ending superb. I think I will continue reading this series.
Although this could be deemed a YA book of sorts,(the ugly duckling to swan story), Ms. Barett was not overly influenced by the culture of the day and writes with a sense of maturity that made the story practical and still magical.
March 26, 2018
Patience Required
I became a fan of Brenda Barrett's after reading the Three Rivers series. Had I began this series first, I'm not do sure I would be a fan now. A great deal of patience is required as the storyline really started to build from Chapter Eight.
I'm glad I did persevere through, another brilliantly storyline. I was nice to see how April transformed from an 'ugly duckling into a beautiful swan'. I look forward to the next instalment of this series.
I became a fan of Brenda Barrett's after reading the Three Rivers series. Had I began this series first, I'm not do sure I would be a fan now. A great deal of patience is required as the storyline really started to build from Chapter Eight.
I'm glad I did persevere through, another brilliantly storyline. I was nice to see how April transformed from an 'ugly duckling into a beautiful swan'. I look forward to the next instalment of this series.
June 19, 2022
Outstanding read!
What powerful themes in this book. The friendship of 'Taj and April" was developed while looking for his mother's cat. It is not clear what emotional problem his mother suffered. Taj was well developed. He was adopted and had a giving family. The friendship Taj enjoyed with April was defining in high school. Once April blossomed, she was a beautiful flower. I'm happy that her choice of mates was a mature one.
I enjoy this author's passion and writing.
What powerful themes in this book. The friendship of 'Taj and April" was developed while looking for his mother's cat. It is not clear what emotional problem his mother suffered. Taj was well developed. He was adopted and had a giving family. The friendship Taj enjoyed with April was defining in high school. Once April blossomed, she was a beautiful flower. I'm happy that her choice of mates was a mature one.
I enjoy this author's passion and writing.
December 29, 2018
Nice Read!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I hate how kids can be so mean! I'm glad there was that one person out of the crowd that knew right from wrong and built a new friendship behind it! I think this is a book that many will enjoy and I plan on recommending it to others!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I hate how kids can be so mean! I'm glad there was that one person out of the crowd that knew right from wrong and built a new friendship behind it! I think this is a book that many will enjoy and I plan on recommending it to others!
May 22, 2017
Page turner love story
This book was sooo good and heart warming. I really thought April and Taj was going to marry when they got older that I was rooting for them even though her fiancé was hurting.
This book was sooo good and heart warming. I really thought April and Taj was going to marry when they got older that I was rooting for them even though her fiancé was hurting.
October 27, 2017
LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!
Who would have guessed I would love this book. I thought it would be boring as as outdoors! It is a bittersweet romance and well written. It was not the hot romantic book but painfully sweet and innocent. I LOVED it!!
No Sweat
Who would have guessed I would love this book. I thought it would be boring as as outdoors! It is a bittersweet romance and well written. It was not the hot romantic book but painfully sweet and innocent. I LOVED it!!
No Sweat
June 9, 2018
Good book ... It started slow for me but I kept reading. I was very happy with the outcome, it was not the typical pick up where we left off and ride out in the sunset story line. I liked the characters and the story line... Id only the world would stop judging based on an outward appearance.
December 26, 2018
Good series so far
Good story line. It is hard to get through school being bullied. Taj helped out and befriended April. Nine years passed an she has moved on. They realize they are better off as friends.
Good story line. It is hard to get through school being bullied. Taj helped out and befriended April. Nine years passed an she has moved on. They realize they are better off as friends.
January 22, 2019
Never judge a book buy it's cover
This was an ok book. I was just looking for a bit more from April and Taj...the ending was a shocker.I thought it would have Ended the other way around.
This was an ok book. I was just looking for a bit more from April and Taj...the ending was a shocker.I thought it would have Ended the other way around.
January 28, 2019
Great Treat
This book pulled me in from the very beginning. I kept wanting to know how Taj and April's story ended and although I was surprised, I was not disappointed. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
This book pulled me in from the very beginning. I kept wanting to know how Taj and April's story ended and although I was surprised, I was not disappointed. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
December 29, 2018
It was a okay read, very juvenile to me!!
June 28, 2019
It was ok
The book was ok. This was the only book in the series i haven't read. It had a nice twist in the need. But I was just ok.
The book was ok. This was the only book in the series i haven't read. It had a nice twist in the need. But I was just ok.
May 5, 2020
Finding oneself
Tells how Taj and April became friends and became each other first love. Tells how each had there heart broken and try to move on and possible going full circle
Tells how Taj and April became friends and became each other first love. Tells how each had there heart broken and try to move on and possible going full circle
October 23, 2021
Wow!
This book is a Must read. I was totally captivated. Great writing. Realistic and moving. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This book is a Must read. I was totally captivated. Great writing. Realistic and moving. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
November 30, 2024
Great read
Loved the story , never a dull moment and can't wait for Taj to find his family. Thought he would get the girl, but glad everyone became the best of friends.
Loved the story , never a dull moment and can't wait for Taj to find his family. Thought he would get the girl, but glad everyone became the best of friends.
September 18, 2013
I don't know what happened to the writing in this book. I truly do hate to give bad reviews, but this one just can't be helped. Let me just start off saying that I did enjoy Taj as a main character. He was the cute popular boy, but sensitive to others as people due to his mother's background so he treated everyone as equals. He didn't judge people based on outer appearances, but on behavior. April was an insecure, depressed, obese girl who was bullied at school because of her appearance. Taj befriended her when no one else did and eventually they became boyfriend and girlfriend for the last 3 years of high school because Taj loved her despite her appearance. That's what I liked.
What I didn't like about the story is the heroine April first of all. I understand that she was depressed due to her home life and all, but Ms. Barrett beat us over the head with how unattractive she and everyone else besides Taj thought she was. She described her bad physical traits over and over and over again. The conversations didn't flow well and some just didn't plain make any sense. Example, there was a part in the book where her mother brought in a new boyfriend into the house and April flat out said that he looked like a grandpa and that she didn't like him, how he had shifty eyes, he was leering at her.....you get the picture. Everything just seemed to happen too fast. The only thing that was developed was Taj and April's relationship. The background for them in high school took up 70% of the book, then you have a 2 sentence breakup. ****Spoiler after this point******Afterward, BAM the new boyfriend is introduced after she eyes him in the gym, then WHAM they're getting married. She breaks up with the fiancé to salvage something with Taj, and epilogue she ends up marrying the other. It was just too much. The author shouldn't have devoted so much time to Taj and April's relationship if they weren't meant to be. I understand giving backdrop, but it was too much considering that they did not have their HEA.
What I didn't like about the story is the heroine April first of all. I understand that she was depressed due to her home life and all, but Ms. Barrett beat us over the head with how unattractive she and everyone else besides Taj thought she was. She described her bad physical traits over and over and over again. The conversations didn't flow well and some just didn't plain make any sense. Example, there was a part in the book where her mother brought in a new boyfriend into the house and April flat out said that he looked like a grandpa and that she didn't like him, how he had shifty eyes, he was leering at her.....you get the picture. Everything just seemed to happen too fast. The only thing that was developed was Taj and April's relationship. The background for them in high school took up 70% of the book, then you have a 2 sentence breakup. ****Spoiler after this point******Afterward, BAM the new boyfriend is introduced after she eyes him in the gym, then WHAM they're getting married. She breaks up with the fiancé to salvage something with Taj, and epilogue she ends up marrying the other. It was just too much. The author shouldn't have devoted so much time to Taj and April's relationship if they weren't meant to be. I understand giving backdrop, but it was too much considering that they did not have their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel. I got sucked into the world of adolescence and all of the transitions that take place during those teenage years. It's so easy as adults to gloss over that period of time in life, but when you're going through it, it seems like an eternity. I love the presentation of the teen years as something that had to be completed before (truly) moving on to an adult life that his sure to seem just as long, and with just as many, if not more, trials and tribulations as those teen years. And lastly, as a person of a Caribbean parent, it's nice to see this setting as something other than a fantasy resort for foreigners - real people with real lives and goals and dreams live on these islands :)
November 26, 2017
A coming of age tail in my opinion
We all grow up and change from adolescent to adulthood. For some that change is tremendous, and life changing in a major way. April's change finally boosted that confidence that she needed as a young woman. She also learned to accept herself, and take the opinion of others, good or bad. Someones opinion should not make or break you. But I do know that words and actions can hurt.
Shemar and Taj I was glad that they slowly built a friendship and actually acted like young men. I am interested to see what happens between Taj and his family when a certain secret comes to light.
We all grow up and change from adolescent to adulthood. For some that change is tremendous, and life changing in a major way. April's change finally boosted that confidence that she needed as a young woman. She also learned to accept herself, and take the opinion of others, good or bad. Someones opinion should not make or break you. But I do know that words and actions can hurt.
Shemar and Taj I was glad that they slowly built a friendship and actually acted like young men. I am interested to see what happens between Taj and his family when a certain secret comes to light.
August 21, 2013
Why I read it:
It was free, I could download it straight to my phone, it was set in Jamaica (already something different from your regular romantic comedy short story).
Reasons for the rating (possible spoiler if you read too much into it):
The story was sweet and had nice characters but I was just a little disappointed with the ending. I understand how it all came about and it was certainly logical but the author got us so invested in a certain character and then failed to follow through.
Just left you feeling a little lackluster.
It was free, I could download it straight to my phone, it was set in Jamaica (already something different from your regular romantic comedy short story).
Reasons for the rating (possible spoiler if you read too much into it):
The story was sweet and had nice characters but I was just a little disappointed with the ending. I understand how it all came about and it was certainly logical but the author got us so invested in a certain character and then failed to follow through.
Just left you feeling a little lackluster.
August 6, 2013
I really liked this book. It was kinda hard at parts as kids can be so nasty at times and as in reality some people just shouldnt be parents but are anyways... This book felt very "real" to me though without giving to much away a slight spoiler...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews