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The Hair Mavens #1
She Does Good Hair
A hairdresser on the fast-track to salon fame, is yanked back to her hometown when she inherits a rundown salon with three beauticians--stuck in the 80s--and certain to maker her life a tangled mess. Only God could bring together four of the most unlikely of women to be a blessing to each other--that is if they don't kill each other first!
- GenresChristian Fiction
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2013
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Terri Gillespie
11 books192 followersTerri Gillespie is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, and speaker. She was head writer for the Restoration of Israel Minute heard on 25 stations in 11 states and Canada, has contributed to other books, magazines, newspapers and published her first book, Making Eye Contact with God—A Women’s Devotional. Her first novel—The Hair Mavens (Book 1): She Does Good Hair—won The 2013 LYRA for Best Women's Fiction. The Hair Mavens (Book 2): CUT IT OUT! released December 2014. The Third and Final book in the Hair Mavens, REALLY BAD HAIR DAY released June 2021.
Her newest release is SWEET RIVALRY.
Her newest release is SWEET RIVALRY.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 23, 2013
The Hair Mavens was such an emotionally packed novel which I didn’t expect! Based on the cover, I thought it wouldn’t be too in depth with serious issues; just a light hearted novel with a bunch of drama! But wow, I was wrong! There was lots of drama, however there were a lot of emotional parts. My heart strings were pulled so much as well as my desire to have my hair shampooed, cut, and fashioned!
Never have I read a book and felt so at one with almost every character. I saw myself in Shira, Harriet, Beulah, and Kathy. I felt the crisis101 that Shira did when things were outside of her control, I felt that desire to be bossy and be unrelenting in opinion like Harriet, I have felt that compassion that Beulah did for others, and I have felt the need to run away like Kathy. Each woman stuck with me in a different way than I expected and I most definitely didn’t expect to fall in love with each of the characters or have them capture a piece of my heart! I didn’t even expect Jesse to take a small piece of my heart with his ways of waiting to give himself away to his wife!
I loved the spiritual aspect of the novel! It was amazing and biblically accurate, but the interesting thing is how there was messianic Jews in deep friendships with Christians. I thought it was very fascinating in how they were “inter mixed” throughout the novel with one faith, one Savior, and one true God. Through these different, unique friendships I loved how the reader saw how each character was a flawed person who came to see their need for Christ in their life. None of them were perfect and all somewhere throughout the novel cried out to God with the support of another Hair Maven.
Lastly, I loved how the author wrote about each person’s lives. The reader was able to see into each person’s heart despite that another character might think different about them in a certain situation! Terri did an amazing job of describing the setting and the overall scenes since I felt like I could be a bystander watching the event unfold!
So to conclude, I can’t wait to read more about The Hair Mavens! It is sure to be another amazing novel with plenty of drama and a good dose of hair spray!
Thank you Terri for a free copy of "She Does Good Hair" in exchange for an honest review!
Never have I read a book and felt so at one with almost every character. I saw myself in Shira, Harriet, Beulah, and Kathy. I felt the crisis101 that Shira did when things were outside of her control, I felt that desire to be bossy and be unrelenting in opinion like Harriet, I have felt that compassion that Beulah did for others, and I have felt the need to run away like Kathy. Each woman stuck with me in a different way than I expected and I most definitely didn’t expect to fall in love with each of the characters or have them capture a piece of my heart! I didn’t even expect Jesse to take a small piece of my heart with his ways of waiting to give himself away to his wife!
I loved the spiritual aspect of the novel! It was amazing and biblically accurate, but the interesting thing is how there was messianic Jews in deep friendships with Christians. I thought it was very fascinating in how they were “inter mixed” throughout the novel with one faith, one Savior, and one true God. Through these different, unique friendships I loved how the reader saw how each character was a flawed person who came to see their need for Christ in their life. None of them were perfect and all somewhere throughout the novel cried out to God with the support of another Hair Maven.
Lastly, I loved how the author wrote about each person’s lives. The reader was able to see into each person’s heart despite that another character might think different about them in a certain situation! Terri did an amazing job of describing the setting and the overall scenes since I felt like I could be a bystander watching the event unfold!
So to conclude, I can’t wait to read more about The Hair Mavens! It is sure to be another amazing novel with plenty of drama and a good dose of hair spray!
Thank you Terri for a free copy of "She Does Good Hair" in exchange for an honest review!
September 25, 2013
I absolutely loved the book, "She Does Good Hair." Terri Gillespie has a unique way of weaving together a complex plot with many twists and turns. The characters are intricate and endearing, and by the end of the book, I felt as if each were one of my close friends. I enjoyed the issues of faith, loss, purpose and destiny that Terri addressed. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series. In the meantime, I highly recommend "She Does Good Hair." Warning: once you begin, you won't be able to put it down!
September 23, 2013
"She Does Good Hair" is both adorable and entertaining! Terri Gillespie does a great job of drawing you into the story and helps you fall in love with the characters! I could easily see this as a movie -there is humor, drama, and for some a crisis of faith. I couldn't wait to finish it and I loved it! It made me laugh and cry almost at the same time. I highly recommend this book to all!
September 29, 2013
"She Does Good Hair" is a delightful read. From the first page you can see it is going to be a fluffy fun-to-read novel. Then it teases you right along into a permanent wave filled with a blend of emotional hues such joy and sadness, hope and regret, but most of all faith and sisterhood.
Each of the character's that Terri Gillespie has woven into this warm and funny book have a unique sparkle and shine of their own that make you want to set yourself right down in that hometown salon with them.
The best part of all is how the whole thing goes from tangled mess to some lovely new creations...in Him.
Each of the character's that Terri Gillespie has woven into this warm and funny book have a unique sparkle and shine of their own that make you want to set yourself right down in that hometown salon with them.
The best part of all is how the whole thing goes from tangled mess to some lovely new creations...in Him.
September 23, 2013
What a great story! Terri Gillespie has created characters that step off the page and into your heart. She Does Good Hair is a modern day Naomi and Ruth story featuring Shira, a successful stylist with all kinds of issues, who inherits her aunts rundown salon with the provision that she must keep on the three stylist who work there. But those stylists are not so sure they want to work with Shira. There's drama and romance and some wonderful lessons to take to heart. You'll laugh and you'll cry and I think you'll be very glad you downloaded this wonderful novel! I highly recommend it!
April 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the sweetness, the tenderness, the drama, the healing. I had a little trouble getting into it at first but at about page one hundred I realized that I had become invested in the characters and the book took off for me. It was interesting to see how each character's heart was touched and changed. I loved seeing the steadfast love and patience portrayed. Now that I have finished reading the book I find that I really miss the Mavens and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
September 29, 2013
The Hair Mavens Series by Terri Gillespie is one to watch.
Book One, She Does Good Hair, finds Shira leaving a high-end salon in New York City to return to her small hometown. She inherits the run-down Hair Maven Beauty Shop. Three Maven's stuck in the 80's are not necessarily a fan of hers. Shira is a girl with one crisis after another. Her life intertwines with Harriet, Beulah, and Kathy and unfolds in a rewarding way.
Gillespie is unique in the way she seeks to bring unity to the Christian and Jewish faith. I loved the setting of Beth Ahav in the story, meaning House of Love in Hebrew. The book is love story between Shira and Yeshua. Also between Shira and accepting herself and the life she longs to live.
I love the high-fashion, fun, and hilarity of the story that also coincide with real world problems and struggles in faith. The book is touching and fun, a beautiful offering from Terri Gillespie.
Book One, She Does Good Hair, finds Shira leaving a high-end salon in New York City to return to her small hometown. She inherits the run-down Hair Maven Beauty Shop. Three Maven's stuck in the 80's are not necessarily a fan of hers. Shira is a girl with one crisis after another. Her life intertwines with Harriet, Beulah, and Kathy and unfolds in a rewarding way.
Gillespie is unique in the way she seeks to bring unity to the Christian and Jewish faith. I loved the setting of Beth Ahav in the story, meaning House of Love in Hebrew. The book is love story between Shira and Yeshua. Also between Shira and accepting herself and the life she longs to live.
I love the high-fashion, fun, and hilarity of the story that also coincide with real world problems and struggles in faith. The book is touching and fun, a beautiful offering from Terri Gillespie.
September 26, 2013
This is a story that touches many emotions all throughout the book. One page you’re smiling, the next you’re crying, the next you’re laughing out loud. Shira is a young woman who records her crises in a blank journal and then goes shopping to try and make herself feel better by filling voids with stuff. Her purchases are named after the most recent crises. Crisis 113 is the death of her beloved Aunt Edna. What Shira has to realize is there is nothing that can fill those voids except God himself.
The characters in this story are well-developed and there are not too many to keep track of. I fell in love with each and every one of them. This was a truly enjoyable read!
The characters in this story are well-developed and there are not too many to keep track of. I fell in love with each and every one of them. This was a truly enjoyable read!
September 27, 2013
Shira Goldstein exits fast paced NYC’s high fashion salon world under a cloud. When she inherits her aunt’s run down hair salon near Philadelphia—as well as the “stuck-in-the-eighties mavens” who work there—Shira must decide what and who she really wants in life and discover what she and the mavens are willing to do to achieve their divergent goals.
Warm, funny, with light-hearted romance, spot-on dialogue and a loving “Ruth and Naomi” heart for unity between Jews and Gentiles, Gillespie has penned a winning, winsome tale not to be missed.
The best part is that this is the first in a series—and I can’t wait for the next book!
Well worth the download and highly recommended.
Warm, funny, with light-hearted romance, spot-on dialogue and a loving “Ruth and Naomi” heart for unity between Jews and Gentiles, Gillespie has penned a winning, winsome tale not to be missed.
The best part is that this is the first in a series—and I can’t wait for the next book!
Well worth the download and highly recommended.
September 25, 2014
My Comments
There were two things that grabbed my attention about this book….first, my mom enjoys frequenting hair salons and once in a while I join her for my own hair cut needs as well as mother-daughter time; this book mostly takes place in a hair salon *how fabulous!* and second, I LOOOOOVED the book trailer So even though I know nothing about the latest hair trends and usually stay far away from all that girly stuff, this book made me think of my lovely mom (and her passion for hair treatment) and the trailer immediately convinced me that this book was not to be missed!
This is such a well written story, but I had trouble connecting with Shira for the first hundred pages. She has high hopes of managing her own salon in glamorous California, she’s dating a model type actor who is way too superficial for my taste, and she wants nothing to do with her family because of past hurts. Readers, do not be fooled….this is just the START of Shira’s journey and there’s so much more to Shira’s character than this initial first impression. When she learns she has inherited a hair salon she is devastated about the death in her family, but it is just the first step in God reaching out for her as He does for each of us.
There are references to Willy Wonka, Dancing with the Stars, and Ghostbusters.
My favorite characters in the story are Edna (Shira’s aunt and the “mom” who raised her after her mom passed away), Cari (Shira’s best friend and all around great person), and Melly (one of the characters who makes this story so precious). This story reminded me of the movie The Beautician and the Beast; lighthearted, with precious moments, comedy, some romance, and depth.
Meet the Mavens!!
(cue the trumpets)
Shira-most experienced beautician and fearless leader of the bunch. When she realizes she’s now the owner of this rundown beauty parlor her dream of managing her own place must be amended as she adjusts to small town life versus being in the big city. She inherits more than a beauty salon, she becomes part of a family and community, and she discovers how much God loves her. Her #1 rule, keep the client happy and dry.
Harriet-Edna’s best friend, hates it when people are late, smokes, has beehive hair, is very bitter (I disliked her nicknames for Shira and Sam), and gets angry easily. Harriet is the character that has the BIGGEST transformation in the story and she is brilliantly written. She truly reminded me of Edmund from The Chronicles of Narnia…..I couldn’t stand him in the wardrobe story but his redemption made him my favorite character for the rest of the series.
Beulah-let me just say that I love this name and kept trying to pronounce it in my head properly Gillespie does a stand up job of explaining the meaning of names in this story adding even more richness to the characters in doing so. Beulah is the peacemaker in the story, was very close to Edna, and stands by Harriet even when she disagrees with her. She loves being a hair dresser, is so much stronger than she realizes, she’s very loving, and her faith in Christ makes her admirable throughout the story. She never loses faith in Shira, gets along with everyone, and helps guide Jesse in the story.
Kathy-another great character in the story that has her own secrets. She is the youngest of the Mavens and also loved Edna very much. Kathy is amazed that she gets an inheritance in the story, but what she gets serves her well. Kathy is nicknamed the Mouse by Harriet because she acts very timid, fidgety, and reacts in questionable ways when she’s uncomfortable. There are signs of abuse in her demeanor, but she is a huge blessing to the salon and also gradually learns her worth in the story.
Edna-her presence is tangible throughout and it’s clear from the start that she creates an unshakable foundation for the hair salon and the Mavens. She “sees” people from the heart, keeps things balanced, and never stops reaching out to her niece who is also the daughter of her heart. She brings the faith, the joy, the love, and imparts blessings that turn into miracles. She is the original Hair Maven, her memory keeps the salon alive, and she brings inspiration to Shira on how to make it better.
Some of the issues the Mavens have to overcome in the story: division, sabotage, gossip, one nasty rumor, an ailing husband and financial woes, a secretive past, and heartbreak from the past.
These are attacks that are planned in the story that would make a funny blooper reel is this were a movie (some are written out, some I added):
Attack One-do not answer phones
Attack Two-do not do the laundry
Attack Three-do not sell products
Attack Four-change appointments around without marking appointment book
Attack Five-bash talk boss behind her back with clients (this one isn’t funny but it does happen)
I don’t have a kindle, but I was able to read this on my laptop as a pdf file. I also have the kindle application which allows me to read ebooks. I prefer print books, but I don’t want to miss out on great ebooks like this one!
This story had me captivated far more than my initial impression and the last 100 pages I couldn’t stop crying because of how deeply touching the story is! The Mavens have an impossible situation in front of them, but with prayer and help from unexpected places miracles big and small occur for each of them. The presence of God is deeply felt, celebrated, and acknowledged in various ways that makes this story become real for the reader. I believe any woman who has been to a hair salon will relate to the characters within and they will enjoy the journey Shira’s on because it affects all her loved ones in touching ways. Get a copy of She Does Good Hair and watch the sassiness, friendship, and different lifestyles found inside The Mavens’ salon…..you’ll be changed as they are and you’ll be eager to see what’s next in the sequel!
I want to thank Terri Gillepsie for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2013
She Does Good Hair was such a fun read with lots of humor and plenty of heart. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it drew me in since I'm not a huge fan of chick-lit. It's just one of those genres I have to be in the mood for to read. But reading this was such a treat. I thought Terri did a wonderful job with the story and the spiritual aspects of it were absolutely beautiful! It was neat to see Christians and Jews joining together in fellowship!
Shira, Beulah, Harriet, and Kathy all captured my heart in some way. I loved that we got to follow each of these four ladies as they faced one struggle after another. It was so great to see how they dealt with them and how they slowly allowed themselves to depend on each other to get through. Beulah was one of my favorites. She was so kind hearted and forgiving. I loved how she'd still step up to help someone even if they had just hurt her seconds before. That was something I really liked about her. My favorite scenes have to be the ones that were set in the salon. It was such fun! It made me want to go get my hair done :D If only Shira could do it for me.. I'd love to chat with her!
One thing I didn't expect was for this story to be so emotionally packed! Not only was there plenty of drama, but there were also heavy issues these characters dealt with. The death of her Aunt Edna was not the end of personal tragedies & crisis Shira experienced. I couldn't help but tear up as I watched her continue to run from God and try to fill the void with material things. I just have one thing to say. Be prepared with tissues!
This is a story I truly enjoyed. Faith, family, friends and fashion are mixed into this touching novel. I'm so glad I had a chance to read it. A big Thank You to Terri for the review copy. I cannot wait to read more!
Shira, Beulah, Harriet, and Kathy all captured my heart in some way. I loved that we got to follow each of these four ladies as they faced one struggle after another. It was so great to see how they dealt with them and how they slowly allowed themselves to depend on each other to get through. Beulah was one of my favorites. She was so kind hearted and forgiving. I loved how she'd still step up to help someone even if they had just hurt her seconds before. That was something I really liked about her. My favorite scenes have to be the ones that were set in the salon. It was such fun! It made me want to go get my hair done :D If only Shira could do it for me.. I'd love to chat with her!
One thing I didn't expect was for this story to be so emotionally packed! Not only was there plenty of drama, but there were also heavy issues these characters dealt with. The death of her Aunt Edna was not the end of personal tragedies & crisis Shira experienced. I couldn't help but tear up as I watched her continue to run from God and try to fill the void with material things. I just have one thing to say. Be prepared with tissues!
This is a story I truly enjoyed. Faith, family, friends and fashion are mixed into this touching novel. I'm so glad I had a chance to read it. A big Thank You to Terri for the review copy. I cannot wait to read more!
October 22, 2013
#1 Do not answer the phones.
#2 Do not do the laundry.
#3 Do not sale the product.
How in the world is a beauty shop to make it when the beauticians are so "different"?!?
Can these women get it together to honor the memory and last wishes of someone they all loved?!?
Terri Gillespie's "She Does Good Hair" is chick-lit at its best!
Strong female characters, beauty, fashion, drama & romance abound:-)
This book has heart<3 and soul! A wonderfully updated, unique retelling of the story of Ruth!!!
I think fans of "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants", "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", and "Steel Magnolia" (beauty shop esk) will love THE HAIR MAVENS!!!
#2 Do not do the laundry.
#3 Do not sale the product.
How in the world is a beauty shop to make it when the beauticians are so "different"?!?
Can these women get it together to honor the memory and last wishes of someone they all loved?!?
Terri Gillespie's "She Does Good Hair" is chick-lit at its best!
Strong female characters, beauty, fashion, drama & romance abound:-)
This book has heart<3 and soul! A wonderfully updated, unique retelling of the story of Ruth!!!
I think fans of "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants", "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", and "Steel Magnolia" (beauty shop esk) will love THE HAIR MAVENS!!!
October 14, 2013
This is a story that touches many emotions all throughout the book. One page you’re smiling, the next you’re crying, the next you’re laughing out loud. Shira is a young woman who records her crises in a blank journal and then goes shopping to try and make herself feel better by filling voids with stuff. Her purchases are named after the most recent crises. Crisis 113 is the death of her beloved Aunt Edna. What Shira has to realize is there is nothing that can fill those voids except God himself.
The characters in this story are well-developed and there are not too many to keep track of. I fell in love with each and every one of them. This was a truly enjoyable read!
The characters in this story are well-developed and there are not too many to keep track of. I fell in love with each and every one of them. This was a truly enjoyable read!
August 26, 2015
This is such a cute story, and I love the Mavens. Terri does a great job illustrating different personalities. The male characters were a bit weak and didn't quite ring true, but the women were full-bodied and lively. What pushed this from a 4 to a 3 is my weak stomach. Anyone who has no problem with nasal goo, though, will enjoy this charming story.
October 17, 2013
Hilarious and sweet.
January 22, 2018
She Does Good Hair(The Hair Mavens)By Terri Gillespie
At first it was a little slow for me but about half way through the book it pick up and I didn't want to put it down. This book had a little of everything and I was happy it did. I needed something that made me cry laugh and deal with death and that God is still with me because the way my life was going I was feeling a little alone. So thanks for that and I can't wait for the next book. The thing I didn't like was not knowing what some of the words meet because I am not Jewish or Russian
At first it was a little slow for me but about half way through the book it pick up and I didn't want to put it down. This book had a little of everything and I was happy it did. I needed something that made me cry laugh and deal with death and that God is still with me because the way my life was going I was feeling a little alone. So thanks for that and I can't wait for the next book. The thing I didn't like was not knowing what some of the words meet because I am not Jewish or Russian
October 27, 2020
I have to admit, I was thrown at the very beginning. Wondering “What in heavens name is this all about?” The joke was on me. Turned out it was a silly daydream. We all have those now and then, don’t we?
As the story moved forward, I was pulled along by the rip current of tumultuous events that carried the protagonist and those whose lives would shape her future, to the clash that would make or break all their futures.
What a fun ride it was! Take the plunge!
As the story moved forward, I was pulled along by the rip current of tumultuous events that carried the protagonist and those whose lives would shape her future, to the clash that would make or break all their futures.
What a fun ride it was! Take the plunge!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
great book
I enjoyed this book about several unlikely women (hair stylists) who became friends thru the trials each experienced in their lives. I could hardly put it down except to grab for tissues. For me, it was a real tear jerker. I’m on to the next book because I want to see how the relationships grow, especially between Jesse and Shira.
I enjoyed this book about several unlikely women (hair stylists) who became friends thru the trials each experienced in their lives. I could hardly put it down except to grab for tissues. For me, it was a real tear jerker. I’m on to the next book because I want to see how the relationships grow, especially between Jesse and Shira.
May 11, 2018
Great from start to finish!
I love reading different types of books, but to read a book written by someone I know, and fall in love with the story and the characters...that is a treasure.
I love reading different types of books, but to read a book written by someone I know, and fall in love with the story and the characters...that is a treasure.
June 26, 2019
This is a wonderful, contemporary novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a great read that is difficult to put down. In fact, I stayed up way to late last night finishing it. Each character is well developed and sure to capture your heart. I definitely recommend She Does Good Hair.
August 13, 2021
I was unsure of what to expect with this book, as it is not the genre I normally read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters; each had an interesting arc. The ending moved me to tears. Powerful! I am already reading book two... "Cut it Out!"
June 22, 2023
She Does Good Hair was the first novel I read by Terri Gillespie. I absolutely loved it! My favorite Chick Lit! The characters are all amazing and totally pulled me into their stories! The other books in the series are already downloaded onto my Kindle reader! Can't wait to find out what happens next!
April 10, 2015
This is not my usual genre but I thought I'd give it a try. The storytelling is well done and the characters are well developed. The story touches upon many emotions, tickling the funny bone at times and the heartstrings at others. Without giving the plot away, the main character, Shira, is a young woman who journals her life crises and then goes shopping in an attempt to pacify her demons. Her purchases are named according to the crisis that led to the shopping spree. And so the story unfolds, one laughter after another, one emotional moment after another. This was a truly enjoyable book. Give it a try!
December 22, 2014
I was expecting a light fluffy quick read. Boy was I surprised. A Christian romance with some emotional chapters was what I got. The characters are unique interesting strong women. They have a different relationship to Yeshua and each other
January 11, 2015
Beauty leaves the beast
Shira's aunt passing away helped her to find her own way home. Her life was in shambles and she didn't even realize how bad it had gotten...until she went home.
Shira's aunt passing away helped her to find her own way home. Her life was in shambles and she didn't even realize how bad it had gotten...until she went home.
January 2, 2015
What a great way to start the reading new year! Such fun. Quick read with characters you want to know. Diaglog believable and not stilted. Looking forward to book 2 in the series!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews