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My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life
Looking away, I asked as nonchalantly as my rapidly beating heart would allow, "So you're the kind of guy that believes in fairy-tales." "I am. And you're the kind of girl that believes in the reality of here and now." "When you're pregnant and living with your brother and his wife, reality seems like a safer place to stay." Suzanne Quincy was raised by an abusive mother and an apathetic father. In an effort to escape her upbringing, Suzie chooses the numbing effects of drugs and alcohol--and the accompanying lifestyle. She reaches a crossroad when she discovers she is pregnant. Will she listen to the world and abort the baby, or will she listen to the conscience she has ignored her entire life? The choice she makes sends her down a path of self-discovery. This story is about choices and consequences, laughter and tears, and finding the truth in the midst of it all.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
9 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Julie Wright
61 books723 followersJulie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, The American Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 9, 2009
Right off the bat I should probably mention that although I really liked this book, it isn't for everyone. The author is Mormon, so she obviously incorporates that into the book. I'm not a fanatically religious person (although I am religious), so I think that others who aren't really religious can read this too. Hopefully it doesn't bother most people because this really is a very good book. Still though, it's best for poeple who are somewhat religious or who are Mormon (also if your interested in the Mormon church).
The story and the voice of the main character, Suzanna, is very honest. With this sort of subject matter and the changes the main character goes through it could have easily been bothed up, but I thought the author did a great job of making her sound like a believable person. Suzanna is in some pretty bad circumstances when the book starts off. Suzanna has been living a pretty harsh lifestyle of drugs and drinking. Now she's pregnant, and with an abusive mother and questionable "friends" she has no one really left to turn to except her brother who lives in Utah. I really liked seeing the relationship between Suzanna and her brother Sam, along with the other honest friendships she develops. Throughout the book you see her struggle through trying to find her true self and do the right thing.
It's really a story of choices, forgiveness and love. I admit that at times it felt a little preachy and there were a few cheesy lines, but the comments and quotes carried truth in them. Suzanna annoyed me at the very beginning with what seemed to be her inability to actually be nice to anyone and she could have been easily made into a character that you hated, but she wasn't. She was funny with her sarcasm and I was desperately waiting for her happily ever after. Obviously I wasn't let down!
Just one more thing that I want to mention that I really liked about the book was that Suzanna kept her personality even with her growing and changes. Usually people think that you turn into some brain washed, impossibly happy and optimistic person when you choose to believe in a religion. I'm glad that Suzanna still held true to her personality. She's still funny and dishes out the sarcasm at the end, although less rude. This is a really touching book and I could feel the love that Suzanna always mentioned.
The story and the voice of the main character, Suzanna, is very honest. With this sort of subject matter and the changes the main character goes through it could have easily been bothed up, but I thought the author did a great job of making her sound like a believable person. Suzanna is in some pretty bad circumstances when the book starts off. Suzanna has been living a pretty harsh lifestyle of drugs and drinking. Now she's pregnant, and with an abusive mother and questionable "friends" she has no one really left to turn to except her brother who lives in Utah. I really liked seeing the relationship between Suzanna and her brother Sam, along with the other honest friendships she develops. Throughout the book you see her struggle through trying to find her true self and do the right thing.
It's really a story of choices, forgiveness and love. I admit that at times it felt a little preachy and there were a few cheesy lines, but the comments and quotes carried truth in them. Suzanna annoyed me at the very beginning with what seemed to be her inability to actually be nice to anyone and she could have been easily made into a character that you hated, but she wasn't. She was funny with her sarcasm and I was desperately waiting for her happily ever after. Obviously I wasn't let down!
Just one more thing that I want to mention that I really liked about the book was that Suzanna kept her personality even with her growing and changes. Usually people think that you turn into some brain washed, impossibly happy and optimistic person when you choose to believe in a religion. I'm glad that Suzanna still held true to her personality. She's still funny and dishes out the sarcasm at the end, although less rude. This is a really touching book and I could feel the love that Suzanna always mentioned.
April 17, 2009
This will be the hardest review I've done so far. I know I won't find the exact words to express what this book is all about.
First off I should mention that this book will probably be more appreciated by someone, like me, who practices the Mormon faith, but don't by pass up the book because of that. I genuinely believe anyone can enjoy this story.
Suzanna (who prefers to go by Cue) is...well, for lack of a better word, broken. Life has thrown her some heavy things to deal with, like an abusive mother. She has done some questionable things and for the most part she doesn't really think about seriously changing anything until...she finds out she's pregnant. At twenty-two years old with a mother who is selfish, a father who is passive, and her friends who actually don't fit the descriptions of real friends, she has nowhere to go but to her brother's place. Sam, her brother, lives in Provo, Utah. As you can already tell it screams that he is a Mormon. On her way she meets yet another Mormon who's name is Rion (as in the constellation Orion). Rion would have to be my favorite character of the book (you'll see why when you read it). I don't want to give the whole plot away but I'll tell you this, I was satisifed with how everything turns out.
I struggled so much to figure out how many stars to give it. In the beginning of the story I didn't think Suzanna's character always acted in the way I thought she would. It's not so much what she would do but what she would say that didn't seem to fit her all the time. It probably was more the preferences I have than the actual style being untrue to the character though. At times it was hard for me to like Suzanna but I never hated her. The author did a superb job of making sure to separate the sin from the sinner, but without trying to deflect blame. I imagine that's very hard to do. The plot is predictable but I don't think the point was to be unpredictable, but to be a story about finding yourself.
In the end I decided it really did deserve to get 5 stars. At two parts I even got misty eyed, granted no actually tears fell but I'm not a person who cries over what happens in books. I'll feel sad and sympathize with characters but I never feel like crying. This book did it to me. They weren't sad tears though, they were happy tears. I loved how the author also made Mormons look "normal" because we really are. It made me feel so proud that I'm a part of something like this, and it was cool to see how someone looking from the outside in would see things.
Like I said my words won't be enough, you just HAVE to read it.
First off I should mention that this book will probably be more appreciated by someone, like me, who practices the Mormon faith, but don't by pass up the book because of that. I genuinely believe anyone can enjoy this story.
Suzanna (who prefers to go by Cue) is...well, for lack of a better word, broken. Life has thrown her some heavy things to deal with, like an abusive mother. She has done some questionable things and for the most part she doesn't really think about seriously changing anything until...she finds out she's pregnant. At twenty-two years old with a mother who is selfish, a father who is passive, and her friends who actually don't fit the descriptions of real friends, she has nowhere to go but to her brother's place. Sam, her brother, lives in Provo, Utah. As you can already tell it screams that he is a Mormon. On her way she meets yet another Mormon who's name is Rion (as in the constellation Orion). Rion would have to be my favorite character of the book (you'll see why when you read it). I don't want to give the whole plot away but I'll tell you this, I was satisifed with how everything turns out.
I struggled so much to figure out how many stars to give it. In the beginning of the story I didn't think Suzanna's character always acted in the way I thought she would. It's not so much what she would do but what she would say that didn't seem to fit her all the time. It probably was more the preferences I have than the actual style being untrue to the character though. At times it was hard for me to like Suzanna but I never hated her. The author did a superb job of making sure to separate the sin from the sinner, but without trying to deflect blame. I imagine that's very hard to do. The plot is predictable but I don't think the point was to be unpredictable, but to be a story about finding yourself.
In the end I decided it really did deserve to get 5 stars. At two parts I even got misty eyed, granted no actually tears fell but I'm not a person who cries over what happens in books. I'll feel sad and sympathize with characters but I never feel like crying. This book did it to me. They weren't sad tears though, they were happy tears. I loved how the author also made Mormons look "normal" because we really are. It made me feel so proud that I'm a part of something like this, and it was cool to see how someone looking from the outside in would see things.
Like I said my words won't be enough, you just HAVE to read it.
April 30, 2009
You'd think that this book is an old song. Girl is raised in a broken home, girl gets pregnant, she is on her own or at least she thinks she is until she discovers that she has so many people rutting for her. But the truth in this story is unmistakable. Suzanna grows so much during the course of the book. At first I couldn't get her but as she becomes more of who she wants to be I see why she was so critical of everyone in the beggining.
The people around her don't seem to be just secondary characters, the author does a great job in developing every character. Though I have to be honest, some of the characters seem to good to be true. I think its safe to say that Rion is prefect.
Although you should be warned that there are some sappy parts. Most of the book is takes place in Provo. I think that speaks for itself. If you have no problem with that then by all means read the book!
The people around her don't seem to be just secondary characters, the author does a great job in developing every character. Though I have to be honest, some of the characters seem to good to be true. I think its safe to say that Rion is prefect.
Although you should be warned that there are some sappy parts. Most of the book is takes place in Provo. I think that speaks for itself. If you have no problem with that then by all means read the book!
December 11, 2008
I know, I'm in shock, too. Five stars for an LDS novel :o! I promised the author I would read this last February and it finally "called" to me from my pile. This is a must-read for every young person facing an unwanted pregnancy, and all those who care about them. I was very touched by this story!
July 12, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this book. And it was an LDS romance without being Lds preachy. A great fiction book that addressed adoption.
November 23, 2008
Wow! This is one of my very favorite books. I picked this book up off the bargain shelves at Deseret Book, and hesitated when I read the description on the back cover, but decided to buy it. Boy, am I glad I did! It deals with a very sensitive, but very timely subject--unwed pregnancy, and the decisions that accompany that choice.
Suzanna Quincy, raised by an abusive mother and an apathetic father, has chosen a life-style of drugs and alcohol and ends up pregnant. Suzi has to decide if she's going to abort the baby or allow it to live, and has to decide what she's going to do with her life. Some other characters of note: Suzi's brother, who joined the Church as a teen; his wife, who used to live Suzi's lifestyle, but converted to the Church; and Rion, a return-missionary who makes Suzi more closely examine her life and what direction she should go.
This book has so much great stuff in it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, thought-provoking read, but I especially recommend this for moms and teen daughters. Reading about someone who has experienced so many of the things we are taught to stay away from will really help girls understand the lasting consequences of certain choices. If you are looking for a book that will make you think, cry, laugh, and understand others better, this is the book for you!
Suzanna Quincy, raised by an abusive mother and an apathetic father, has chosen a life-style of drugs and alcohol and ends up pregnant. Suzi has to decide if she's going to abort the baby or allow it to live, and has to decide what she's going to do with her life. Some other characters of note: Suzi's brother, who joined the Church as a teen; his wife, who used to live Suzi's lifestyle, but converted to the Church; and Rion, a return-missionary who makes Suzi more closely examine her life and what direction she should go.
This book has so much great stuff in it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, thought-provoking read, but I especially recommend this for moms and teen daughters. Reading about someone who has experienced so many of the things we are taught to stay away from will really help girls understand the lasting consequences of certain choices. If you are looking for a book that will make you think, cry, laugh, and understand others better, this is the book for you!
December 19, 2014
Honestly...I am having a hard time rating this one. It was so good, but tough too. I really struggled with the main character "Cue" at first. I really sympathized with her situation and what she had been through...so in that way she had my heart. But, she was also mean, selfish, and rude. I kept wanting her to snap out of it and recognize others were trying to help her. I really wondered how Rion stuck with her at first. It honestly would be so hard to try and remain friends with someone as bitter and cynical as she was. I loved how she stayed true to her character throughout the book. Her heart changed, but her personality did not. It was amazing to feel her change her belief system...to recognize she is not alone and is a daughter of God. I cried through many parts as I felt my heart break for her. Having had a new baby not to long ago I ached for her as she made the sacrifice she did for her baby girl. I truly believe it takes an angel to give their baby to a family through adoption. That part of the story was very touching. So...great book, but definitely not a light read.
October 20, 2009
I am only giving this a 2.5 because while I by no means disliked the story, nor did I feel any strong liking for it either.
The characters were authentic, but at times some of the dialogue seemed forced and several sections were very preachy. That said, it did a wonderful job of presenting Susannah's struggle to come to terms with her unexpected pregnancy and the choices that she makes in order to save her daughter's life, leading to her choosing to give her daughter up for adoption, her conversion to the Morman religion, etc. It was moving in sections and I felt that Susannah's choices were all sincere.
The characters were authentic, but at times some of the dialogue seemed forced and several sections were very preachy. That said, it did a wonderful job of presenting Susannah's struggle to come to terms with her unexpected pregnancy and the choices that she makes in order to save her daughter's life, leading to her choosing to give her daughter up for adoption, her conversion to the Morman religion, etc. It was moving in sections and I felt that Susannah's choices were all sincere.
July 12, 2008
I don't usually read LDS fiction, but after meeting the [adorable] author of this book I decided to read it.
I'm SO glad I did. I felt for the main character deeply. It was odd even, there were places in the book where the author would describe places I've seen a hundred times, and yet I felt myself tearing up. I honestly couldn't put this book down.
A totally unexpected delight.
ADDED 7/11/08
Even better the second time.
I'm SO glad I did. I felt for the main character deeply. It was odd even, there were places in the book where the author would describe places I've seen a hundred times, and yet I felt myself tearing up. I honestly couldn't put this book down.
A totally unexpected delight.
ADDED 7/11/08
Even better the second time.
April 1, 2008
This is such a perfectly wonderful book. I couldn't put it down, and by the end I was sobbing. I emailed Julie (I'm lucky enough to know her) right away to a) tell her how much I loved it, and b) demand to know if it was in any way based on her life. (It isn't.) Suzy, the main character, is so REAL and what she goes through is so heartbreaking and yet inspiring, I simply could not believe that someone (even someone as talented at Julie) could make this stuff up!
June 27, 2011
I really loved this book. I loved the story of adoption and the incredible journey this young woman went through to not only find herself but give the most precious gift to some who are unable to give that to themselves. This really touched my heart because I have an aunt that has adopted and a sister in law and many friends and I have seen the joy first hand these sweet blessings have brought into their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2010
This book had a rough start and I wondered if I should keep reading. It had been highly recommended, so I kept at it. I am glad I did. It just got better and better. I've rarely read about adoption, but liked how this book talked about it. It can't be easy from either side and she really reiterated that. Very enjoyable book.
March 4, 2008
REALLY REALLY GOOD BOOK!!
May 7, 2009
I cried my way through this book. It was a very emotional read. I think it was well written and good LDS fiction. It was remniscent of Josi Kilpack to me.
January 23, 2009
this was an odd book for me. but you may enjoy.
the story is about a young woman whom just wants to not get past what her brothers choices are and what her mother has done.
the story is about a young woman whom just wants to not get past what her brothers choices are and what her mother has done.
June 7, 2010
Nice, easy LDS escape lit. I really liked Wright's portrayal of her main character, Suzanne, who is so snarky on the outside, while feeling vulnerable inside.
October 14, 2011
I love that I was given the chance to edit this a little and FINALLY spell Jane Austen's name correctly in it (not my fault that it was ever wrong, somewhere in typesetting, it was altered).
August 15, 2019
At 22, Suzanna “Cue” Quincy is a recovering drug addict, estranged from her abusive mother (although still living at her Boston area home), and very much a party girl. Her 10-month older brother Sam escaped the abuse early – he joined the LDS Church, served a mission to Japan, and is currently living in Utah. When he comes home for his temple wedding, things come to a head between their mother and Suzanna. She is involved in a car accident after leaving Sam’s reception and discovers she’s pregnant. When her mother finds out, and Cue refuses to abort the baby, she’s kicked out of the house. Eventually, she ends up on a bus to Utah to stay with Sam. She meets another LDS guy, Rion, on the bus. He’s very interested, but wary. He gets her to Sam’s house and also gets a job with Sam’s computer company. Cue starts to work there also and to go to Church with Sam, much to her dismay. Eventually, she starts to come around to the Church. When she goes into premature labor, she has some very spiritual experiences that convince her to give her daughter up for adoption and to investigate the Church. She does give the baby up to a wonderful couple through LDS Social Services, does get baptized and does end up marrying Rion – in the Temple.
This is a well done LDS book! Suzanna is entirely realistic and her conversion process is believable. The romance progresses in a natural and realistic way. It teaches a lot about the doctrines and beliefs of the LDS Church without being obnoxiously preachy. Even though Suzanna has seen and done a lot of bad things in her life, the message that repentance is possible comes through beautifully. It also gently explains many of the options available to unwed mothers without forcing LDS values on the reader – would be great for teens facing difficult situations in their lives!
This is a well done LDS book! Suzanna is entirely realistic and her conversion process is believable. The romance progresses in a natural and realistic way. It teaches a lot about the doctrines and beliefs of the LDS Church without being obnoxiously preachy. Even though Suzanna has seen and done a lot of bad things in her life, the message that repentance is possible comes through beautifully. It also gently explains many of the options available to unwed mothers without forcing LDS values on the reader – would be great for teens facing difficult situations in their lives!
May 21, 2024
First, I should say that the Mormon faith is deeply interwoven into the story. I am a devout Christian who does not believe in Mormon practices. Nevertheless, this story is much about poor choices, regrets and guilt, courage, faith and forgiveness.
The story is told through the main character, Suzanna. But I don’t think there was a single character in the book that didn’t play a tremendous role within the story.
I thank God for mothers who choose life over abortion and courageously give their child to a loving family because it will be the best thing they could do for their child.
Again, while I do not belief in the Mormon church, I do belief that belief in God and surrendering your life to Him is the only way to an everlasting and fruitful life. Giving up the old person you were and putting on the new person will bring much joy and contentment in your life. And if you fail to forgive as Christ has forgiven you then you will forever be in a holding pattern. Flying around in circles and never feeling free to land and start anew.
Advice for the reader, keep a box of tissues near by. This was an emotional read.
I loved the story, the characters (well, except Doris and Gina — GRRR!), and loved Suzanna’s transformation.
The story is told through the main character, Suzanna. But I don’t think there was a single character in the book that didn’t play a tremendous role within the story.
I thank God for mothers who choose life over abortion and courageously give their child to a loving family because it will be the best thing they could do for their child.
Again, while I do not belief in the Mormon church, I do belief that belief in God and surrendering your life to Him is the only way to an everlasting and fruitful life. Giving up the old person you were and putting on the new person will bring much joy and contentment in your life. And if you fail to forgive as Christ has forgiven you then you will forever be in a holding pattern. Flying around in circles and never feeling free to land and start anew.
Advice for the reader, keep a box of tissues near by. This was an emotional read.
I loved the story, the characters (well, except Doris and Gina — GRRR!), and loved Suzanna’s transformation.
December 5, 2016
I was given this book by my mother a few years ago and never got around to reading it, mostly because I know the premise of it was based in a young girl's conversion to Mormonism and I was not a practicing member. But I decided I would give the book a go for my YA Lit class as it was just collecting dust in a box in my closet.
I have to say I was a little (pleasantly) surprised. Even though I am not a member of the church today I could agree with the message that was being sent in the novel for the most part, and I liked that the novel made Suzanne more a victim of her circumstances than just an immoral and promiscuous girl. I enjoyed the second chance Suzanne got at life and love, even if I couldn't relate the the spiritual and religious aspects of the book. I also liked how they portrayed Suzanne's skepticism of not just Mormonism but religion as a whole. I think it was pretty realistic for a girl in her situation with her upbringing. All in all it was a nice, feel-good book!
I have to say I was a little (pleasantly) surprised. Even though I am not a member of the church today I could agree with the message that was being sent in the novel for the most part, and I liked that the novel made Suzanne more a victim of her circumstances than just an immoral and promiscuous girl. I enjoyed the second chance Suzanne got at life and love, even if I couldn't relate the the spiritual and religious aspects of the book. I also liked how they portrayed Suzanne's skepticism of not just Mormonism but religion as a whole. I think it was pretty realistic for a girl in her situation with her upbringing. All in all it was a nice, feel-good book!
August 17, 2023
Beautiful. This book was stunning. The beginning was stressful to read, in all honesty, but the rest of the book made it all worth it. This book pulled me in from the beginning. I haven't sat down and just read like I read this book in a long while. I needed that. I love the message of hope, healing, and the joy found in the Savior in this book. This book spoke to me deeply. I felt the spirit and my testimony strengthened. I also loved laughing and getting an outsider's perspective on the church.
I love this book.
I love this book.
September 11, 2024
I have to give this book 5 stars because it’s truly a comfort read for me. My paperback is quite literally falling to pieces because of how many times I’ve read it. It has been at least 5 years since I read it, and it still brought up all the feels (even more actually now that I’m a mom) and it’s just one of those “feel good” and light reads. If you like LDS fiction, I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s not too “preachy” but focuses on God’s love for Their children no matter how their lives have gone.
September 5, 2018
It's always interesting when you read a book about a character you really don't care for for half the book! But it was interesting to watch as Suzanna's life, ideas, and character changed throughout the story. And it was neat to see how the atonement of Jesus Christ can really wipe away so much sin and bad experiences through true repentance.
February 27, 2020
This book moved me to tears. As a child that was put up for adoption and now knowing my birth mother I felt deep emotion while reading through this young woman’s journey. I am a member of this faith so seeing members of the church depicted as their true selves accepting and loving of someone that doesn’t quite fit the mold was so powerful and I’m grateful for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
I saw this book on Alisons list of to read and I thought I would try it. It was a very good book, and a good look at how hard it must be to give a baby up for adoption. I cried on the plane ride home while reading it!
October 25, 2025
Content: Abuse, unwanted pregnancy, talk of abortion, drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.
So. Many. Stereotypes which made it so freaking cringey. Such an early 2000s church culture mindset. Mild curiosity kept me going, but I'd suggest a pass on this one.
So. Many. Stereotypes which made it so freaking cringey. Such an early 2000s church culture mindset. Mild curiosity kept me going, but I'd suggest a pass on this one.
April 16, 2018
I'm usually not a huge fan of lds fiction because it can be so corny, but I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. Both signs of a good story!
September 5, 2018
Emotionally engaging and pro-forgiveness, life, and love. It makes one think of how they can be better.
January 1, 2019
3.5 stars. Not at all what I expected, but definitely interesting and enjoyable.
May 29, 2019
A good read, although predictable. I liked the writing of Suzanne's character and her decisions and actions while dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews