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The Frog Prince
What happens when the fairy tale is over?
Once upon a time, Holly Bishop married the man of her dreams. After the honeymoon, she patiently waited for the “happily ever after” part…until her Prince Charming turned out to be a toad.
Being married then divorced by the age of twenty-six was not a chapter Holly expected to add to her life. Heartbroken but determined to have a fresh start, she moves to San Francisco to become an event planner. She never could have anticipated her enchanting new boss or the colleagues who are out to sabotage her future. Not to mention the egomaniacal men Holly finds lurking at the bottom of the dating pool.
Holly is a recovering damsel in distress, but with no one to save her, she’ll need to face her battles head on. As Holly learns to stand on her own for the very first time, she must make a decision. Can she risk giving up her fanciful dreams to finally become the heroine of her own story?
Once upon a time, Holly Bishop married the man of her dreams. After the honeymoon, she patiently waited for the “happily ever after” part…until her Prince Charming turned out to be a toad.
Being married then divorced by the age of twenty-six was not a chapter Holly expected to add to her life. Heartbroken but determined to have a fresh start, she moves to San Francisco to become an event planner. She never could have anticipated her enchanting new boss or the colleagues who are out to sabotage her future. Not to mention the egomaniacal men Holly finds lurking at the bottom of the dating pool.
Holly is a recovering damsel in distress, but with no one to save her, she’ll need to face her battles head on. As Holly learns to stand on her own for the very first time, she must make a decision. Can she risk giving up her fanciful dreams to finally become the heroine of her own story?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
354 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
617 books2,053 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
May 19, 2009
Much like Devo, Road House, and dipping a Hershey's bar into a jar of peanut butter and then eating it, this book is so bad..it's good.
Making sure Betty Frieden rolls over in her grave, this book is exactly what feminist have been bitching about for years. Not only is the main character whiny, co-dependent and as deep as a puddle, but she also goes on for 3/4 of the book droning on and on about how she's not worthy unless she has a man's love. Yeah, cause that's why.
Well, that is until she goes to the gym, loses a few pounds, recites Oprah quotes, piles on the make-up and dates guys that remind her that - while she may not be the best thing since sliced bread - at least there are people out there more screwed up than she is.
I mean, come on, she mourns the loss of a marriage that was formed simply because the guy was so attractive and suave, it made her feel like she was suavely attractive. (And yes, suavely is a word. I checked.)
But, with all that in mind, I still could not put this book down. It's like watching a really horrible train wreck or that kid who skateboards down a railing for the first time. You just have to watch.
So,whenever you feel like your life can't be any worse or you writing couldn't suck more, all you need to do is read this book...and just like that,you will instantly feel better.
Making sure Betty Frieden rolls over in her grave, this book is exactly what feminist have been bitching about for years. Not only is the main character whiny, co-dependent and as deep as a puddle, but she also goes on for 3/4 of the book droning on and on about how she's not worthy unless she has a man's love. Yeah, cause that's why.
Well, that is until she goes to the gym, loses a few pounds, recites Oprah quotes, piles on the make-up and dates guys that remind her that - while she may not be the best thing since sliced bread - at least there are people out there more screwed up than she is.
I mean, come on, she mourns the loss of a marriage that was formed simply because the guy was so attractive and suave, it made her feel like she was suavely attractive. (And yes, suavely is a word. I checked.)
But, with all that in mind, I still could not put this book down. It's like watching a really horrible train wreck or that kid who skateboards down a railing for the first time. You just have to watch.
So,whenever you feel like your life can't be any worse or you writing couldn't suck more, all you need to do is read this book...and just like that,you will instantly feel better.
October 26, 2015
DNF at 46 percent.
Wait can I say. My patience is at the low end right now. I have no idea how I even got to 46 percent and not one damn thing has gone on in this book besides the main character whining about her life and being single.
I am all for romance novels where the good girl after breaking up with the guy who is not the one, meets the one. Instead we have the main character of Holly still mourning the end of her marriage and being angry that her now ex Jean-Marc didn't love her. I stopped at 46 percent because nothing is happening at this point.
Holly as a character is boring. If the first 1/4 of it was about her getting her life together and then the remaining book being all about how she changes her life for the better I would be totally in for that book. Instead she's a very weak character who keeps getting bossed around by her boss and is afraid to tell her mother no. This is where we are at 46 percent. That means that we have a little more than half way for the book to go for her to somehow get past what has happened? I am doubtful that she's going to get there or at least that it will be written in a coherent manner at this point.
It seems the only goal in Holly's life was to be married to an attractive man, have babies, and be a wife and mother. She has no damn personality at all. I can't even tell you what her favorite color, book, outfit, etc. is because she's still crying in the bathroom at work about her ex.
Holly's job as an event planner seems totally uninteresting. We just have Holly's boss Olivia being super inappropriate and getting all up in Holly's personal life and commenting about her clothes and weight. I am still flabbergasted that Holly would not have pushed back or at least told her freaking boss she is out of line. But of course not, Holly let's people walk all over her.
So besides the lack of an interesting main character and a not too clear plot line, this book really is just stuck. There is nothing happening and I don't care to continue.
I stopped after Holly's mother came to visit and got angry about her leaving her husband. Because yes, she has somehow not told her mother why she got divorced from her husband because she has no damn sense.
Why in the world would you just not be upfront with your family and friends. I get that she would feel embarrassed by the whole thing, but why would you make it seem like your fault? I am not a fan of romance novels where the main character doesn't either speak up to their love interest or others. It drives me crazy.
So that's that. A romance novel with at this point no romance at all besides Holly starring at some guy she called Gorgeous Guy in her head and imagining a life with him. And her railing at the wedding industry and her friends and family for not telling her how marriage really is. Yup, totally everyone else's fault her marriage cashed and burned.
Well I hope in the end that Holly does change, that she realizes she doesn't need a man to be happy, and she stops allowing her boss to dictate what she does outside of work.
Wait can I say. My patience is at the low end right now. I have no idea how I even got to 46 percent and not one damn thing has gone on in this book besides the main character whining about her life and being single.
I am all for romance novels where the good girl after breaking up with the guy who is not the one, meets the one. Instead we have the main character of Holly still mourning the end of her marriage and being angry that her now ex Jean-Marc didn't love her. I stopped at 46 percent because nothing is happening at this point.
Holly as a character is boring. If the first 1/4 of it was about her getting her life together and then the remaining book being all about how she changes her life for the better I would be totally in for that book. Instead she's a very weak character who keeps getting bossed around by her boss and is afraid to tell her mother no. This is where we are at 46 percent. That means that we have a little more than half way for the book to go for her to somehow get past what has happened? I am doubtful that she's going to get there or at least that it will be written in a coherent manner at this point.
It seems the only goal in Holly's life was to be married to an attractive man, have babies, and be a wife and mother. She has no damn personality at all. I can't even tell you what her favorite color, book, outfit, etc. is because she's still crying in the bathroom at work about her ex.
Holly's job as an event planner seems totally uninteresting. We just have Holly's boss Olivia being super inappropriate and getting all up in Holly's personal life and commenting about her clothes and weight. I am still flabbergasted that Holly would not have pushed back or at least told her freaking boss she is out of line. But of course not, Holly let's people walk all over her.
So besides the lack of an interesting main character and a not too clear plot line, this book really is just stuck. There is nothing happening and I don't care to continue.
I stopped after Holly's mother came to visit and got angry about her leaving her husband. Because yes, she has somehow not told her mother why she got divorced from her husband because she has no damn sense.
Why in the world would you just not be upfront with your family and friends. I get that she would feel embarrassed by the whole thing, but why would you make it seem like your fault? I am not a fan of romance novels where the main character doesn't either speak up to their love interest or others. It drives me crazy.
So that's that. A romance novel with at this point no romance at all besides Holly starring at some guy she called Gorgeous Guy in her head and imagining a life with him. And her railing at the wedding industry and her friends and family for not telling her how marriage really is. Yup, totally everyone else's fault her marriage cashed and burned.
Well I hope in the end that Holly does change, that she realizes she doesn't need a man to be happy, and she stops allowing her boss to dictate what she does outside of work.
June 22, 2018
I love Jane Porter. This is my 3rd time reading this book. Great twist on classic girl discovers her own strength story after getting a divorce. The main character is very likable.
May 10, 2010
I'm not sure what to think of this author. I despised Odd Mom Out and absolutely loved Mrs. Perfect, so I decided to give her one more shot. The good news is, this book was not as horrible as Odd Mom Out. And, what made me give this otherwise bland book 3 stars instead of 2, had an interesting ending.
One of the most annoying things about the chicklit genre is the necessity these writers have to give their protagonists a happy ending, which most include a new, or at least renewed, romance. It's like they're saying, hey Main Character, by the end of this book you're probably happier with yourself, have a better job, a better house, whatever, but you know what really makes you complete? A new man! And this book won't end until you get one! Instead, Holly, the main character, realizes that she has romantic options, but does not need a man in her life, and this book ends without giving her a steady, which I think it's more realistic and relatable. I totally understand wanting to give your character a happy ending, but that doesn't HAVE to include a romance.
Other than the ending this book is pretty forgettable. Mrs. Perfect was by far superior.
One of the most annoying things about the chicklit genre is the necessity these writers have to give their protagonists a happy ending, which most include a new, or at least renewed, romance. It's like they're saying, hey Main Character, by the end of this book you're probably happier with yourself, have a better job, a better house, whatever, but you know what really makes you complete? A new man! And this book won't end until you get one! Instead, Holly, the main character, realizes that she has romantic options, but does not need a man in her life, and this book ends without giving her a steady, which I think it's more realistic and relatable. I totally understand wanting to give your character a happy ending, but that doesn't HAVE to include a romance.
Other than the ending this book is pretty forgettable. Mrs. Perfect was by far superior.
December 1, 2007
Everyone loves the story of the poor little waif who's swept from obscurity and poverty into the lap of luxury. This book tells what happens after the rice from the wedding is swept away -- and Prince Charming turns back into a frog.
Porter's book starts out well as Holly tries to come to terms with her divorce from the Prince, reinventing herself as a single woman-about-town in San Francisco. But about two-thirds of the way through the book, Porter seems to lose interest, summing up months of time in a paragraph or two. She never regains momentum, and the book lapses into diatribe after diatribe on the need for women to love themselves, the need for mothers to let their children go, and the need for men to see the "real" woman, not just the perfect makeup.
What started out with a bang ended in a whimper.
Porter's book starts out well as Holly tries to come to terms with her divorce from the Prince, reinventing herself as a single woman-about-town in San Francisco. But about two-thirds of the way through the book, Porter seems to lose interest, summing up months of time in a paragraph or two. She never regains momentum, and the book lapses into diatribe after diatribe on the need for women to love themselves, the need for mothers to let their children go, and the need for men to see the "real" woman, not just the perfect makeup.
What started out with a bang ended in a whimper.
August 21, 2011
Not surprised at all that I couldn't put the book down. I very much relate to Holly. Most of my life I always put other people's needs before mine, had to make sure everyone was happy, and god forbid I disappointed anyone. It took a long time (still not 100% there) to realize that I need to take care of myself. Like many girls, I have always wanted the fairy tale happy ending. I love Disney princesses. Every now and then either a scene from Alladin or a picture of Ariel from Little Mermaid is my wallpaper on my computer. I know I do have the fairy tale happy ending with my husband. He's wonderful and loves me so much. But I still have some soul searching to do about who I am. Who is this person that I've become. I believe, right now, as I "just" finished this book, that I'm taking charge of my life.
I recommend this book. Heck I love all of Jane Porter's books
I recommend this book. Heck I love all of Jane Porter's books
October 22, 2024
This is my second time reading this book. I read it 20 years ago when it first came out. I didn’t remember a lot of it since I read so many books. I enjoyed it so much!
Holly was married and divorced within a year and luck has not been on her side lately. There doesn’t seem to be a silver lining in anything she has been going through. She moves, starts a new job and tries to make new friends. Her relationship with her mom is even testy. Oh, and let’s talk about her boss, Olivia; the dragon queen of the decade. I would take the back door into the building and sneak over to my desk each day, if I had to work with her. Holly just can’t get a break.
She works hard to overcome all of this and sets out to find Mr. Right, but they all seem to be toads. Porter had me laughing at the first date Holly had; Tom Lehman. What a creative character. She describes things so vividly in her books, I felt like I was Holly interacting with Tom each time he appeared. I wanted to run for the hills!
The minor characters were great. I loved a few of her work friends. They were very important to the story. Although considered minor, they were well thought out and we really got to know them. I love when that happens within a story.
This book is written with such care and creativity. Holly is such an authentic, realistic main character, it has made a fiction story seem much more like a true story that a lot of us can relate to. At times Holly can seem pretty negative, but with what she has experienced, most people would be that way for a while. However, she is not that way by nature.
Will Olivia finally find her Prince Charming? She must kiss the right frog before the end of the story or she will have to keep living amongst the toads.
Thank you Jane Porter for sending me this beauty! I loved every minute of it!
Holly was married and divorced within a year and luck has not been on her side lately. There doesn’t seem to be a silver lining in anything she has been going through. She moves, starts a new job and tries to make new friends. Her relationship with her mom is even testy. Oh, and let’s talk about her boss, Olivia; the dragon queen of the decade. I would take the back door into the building and sneak over to my desk each day, if I had to work with her. Holly just can’t get a break.
She works hard to overcome all of this and sets out to find Mr. Right, but they all seem to be toads. Porter had me laughing at the first date Holly had; Tom Lehman. What a creative character. She describes things so vividly in her books, I felt like I was Holly interacting with Tom each time he appeared. I wanted to run for the hills!
The minor characters were great. I loved a few of her work friends. They were very important to the story. Although considered minor, they were well thought out and we really got to know them. I love when that happens within a story.
This book is written with such care and creativity. Holly is such an authentic, realistic main character, it has made a fiction story seem much more like a true story that a lot of us can relate to. At times Holly can seem pretty negative, but with what she has experienced, most people would be that way for a while. However, she is not that way by nature.
Will Olivia finally find her Prince Charming? She must kiss the right frog before the end of the story or she will have to keep living amongst the toads.
Thank you Jane Porter for sending me this beauty! I loved every minute of it!
April 4, 2018
Self-discovery and coming-of-age
Holly gets married and four days into their honeymoon, is told that her husband never loved her. Ten months after walking down the aisle, Holly is in the middle of a divorce, in a new city, working a new job, and is stuck as she tries to figure out why life doesn't have the happy endings that are in all the fairytales her mother read to her constantly when she was a kid.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I like that Holly overcomes her insecurities. I like that she finds a happy medium in her tumultuous relationship with her mom. I love that she realizes her husband is the loser, not her. I don't love that it seems to take forever for her to realize any of this. Some of the chapters are a bit too long for my personal taste. The ending is great though!
Holly gets married and four days into their honeymoon, is told that her husband never loved her. Ten months after walking down the aisle, Holly is in the middle of a divorce, in a new city, working a new job, and is stuck as she tries to figure out why life doesn't have the happy endings that are in all the fairytales her mother read to her constantly when she was a kid.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I like that Holly overcomes her insecurities. I like that she finds a happy medium in her tumultuous relationship with her mom. I love that she realizes her husband is the loser, not her. I don't love that it seems to take forever for her to realize any of this. Some of the chapters are a bit too long for my personal taste. The ending is great though!
February 8, 2018
There’s a sense that we know what we’re getting here, and Porter delivers everything we’re expecting.
Holly is 26, recently divorced and has moved to San Francisco where she’s not doing much. She wastes her weekends eating and watching rubbish tv. She pines for her fairytale ending and is well and truly stuck in the past. Her job is so-so...but, guess what, after a swift talking to, some disastrous dates, a few gym visits and a couple of ‘nice’ work scenarios Holly’s life is sorted.
If only life were so simple!
Holly was so fixated on what everyone else thought of her that she infuriated me. Her long-lost friend, Katie, was one of the few who made sense when she told her to stop being a doormat.
This reminds me of one of those freebie books you used to get on a magazine. There wasn’t anything new here, and it all felt too twee for comfort.
Holly is 26, recently divorced and has moved to San Francisco where she’s not doing much. She wastes her weekends eating and watching rubbish tv. She pines for her fairytale ending and is well and truly stuck in the past. Her job is so-so...but, guess what, after a swift talking to, some disastrous dates, a few gym visits and a couple of ‘nice’ work scenarios Holly’s life is sorted.
If only life were so simple!
Holly was so fixated on what everyone else thought of her that she infuriated me. Her long-lost friend, Katie, was one of the few who made sense when she told her to stop being a doormat.
This reminds me of one of those freebie books you used to get on a magazine. There wasn’t anything new here, and it all felt too twee for comfort.
October 6, 2024
What happens after happily ever after?
There was SO MUCH GROWTH!! I'll be honest, I struggled a bit with Holly in the beginning. I struggled a LOT with Olivia and her mean girl life. But Holly just rolled over and took everything, internalizing all that pain and anger. I really wish she had gone to therapy because she really needs it but it was still a great read.
Trigger warning for fat phobia.
There was SO MUCH GROWTH!! I'll be honest, I struggled a bit with Holly in the beginning. I struggled a LOT with Olivia and her mean girl life. But Holly just rolled over and took everything, internalizing all that pain and anger. I really wish she had gone to therapy because she really needs it but it was still a great read.
Trigger warning for fat phobia.
April 11, 2019
My take on this book: it's about a girl who figures out it's time to pull on the big-girl panties. She grows up, figures some things out, and becomes self-confidant in the process. I'm a huge Jane Porter fan. This one is a little different than others, but I enjoyed the different.
February 19, 2016
Holly Bishop had grown up on fairytales, and in the small Central California town where she lived, she definitely had learned to believe in happily-ever-after.
But when her gorgeous Cinderella-type wedding to handsome Frenchman Jean-Marc comes to a shocking end shortly afterwards, she is stunned. What happened? How did the fairytale betray her?
As she starts over in San Francisco as an event planner, and finds a cute single-girl apartment in a nice neighborhood, the answers elude her, even as she struggles to understand.
She really hates even telling people about the divorce, though. I like this excerpt in her voice:
“So now I don’t say anything about the divorce to anyone, and I just smile. Even though on the insides my eyes are stinging and my jaw aches because, honest to God, I don’t want my own apartment. I had a house—a home—with Jean-Marc. I had a squashy down-filled sofa and bookcases filled with books, yellow climbing roses on the trellis, flagstone pavers from the patio to the pool, and a perfect little gated side yard with lush green grass that would have been perfect for a child’s swing set.”
Before long, however, there is the push from others for her to start dating. Being set up on horrific dates with men who are boorish, self-centered, and just plain unappealing were situations that made me smile.
Her boss Olivia is a nightmare. Sometimes the critical tone she always seems to take is like that voice in your head when you don’t feel you are good enough. Will Holly be able to tune her out, and find her own thoughts?
When does starting over begin to feel like a new beginning? Was it the friendship with a really nice couple of work colleagues? Or the connection she feels with Brian, the newspaper journalist? Or perhaps it is the new voice clamoring to be heard. The one that reminds her that she deserves to be happy. What happens to finally turn things around for Holly? And how will she uncover the deceptive sabotage of someone out to derail her life?
Great and realistic characters grabbed my interest in The Frog Prince, and even the snarky ones, like Olivia, or Tessa, who felt as though they were real people, made me keep reading. This was a book that resonated with me for several reasons, including the familiarity of the settings, places I have lived in my life. 4.5 stars.
But when her gorgeous Cinderella-type wedding to handsome Frenchman Jean-Marc comes to a shocking end shortly afterwards, she is stunned. What happened? How did the fairytale betray her?
As she starts over in San Francisco as an event planner, and finds a cute single-girl apartment in a nice neighborhood, the answers elude her, even as she struggles to understand.
She really hates even telling people about the divorce, though. I like this excerpt in her voice:
“So now I don’t say anything about the divorce to anyone, and I just smile. Even though on the insides my eyes are stinging and my jaw aches because, honest to God, I don’t want my own apartment. I had a house—a home—with Jean-Marc. I had a squashy down-filled sofa and bookcases filled with books, yellow climbing roses on the trellis, flagstone pavers from the patio to the pool, and a perfect little gated side yard with lush green grass that would have been perfect for a child’s swing set.”
Before long, however, there is the push from others for her to start dating. Being set up on horrific dates with men who are boorish, self-centered, and just plain unappealing were situations that made me smile.
Her boss Olivia is a nightmare. Sometimes the critical tone she always seems to take is like that voice in your head when you don’t feel you are good enough. Will Holly be able to tune her out, and find her own thoughts?
When does starting over begin to feel like a new beginning? Was it the friendship with a really nice couple of work colleagues? Or the connection she feels with Brian, the newspaper journalist? Or perhaps it is the new voice clamoring to be heard. The one that reminds her that she deserves to be happy. What happens to finally turn things around for Holly? And how will she uncover the deceptive sabotage of someone out to derail her life?
Great and realistic characters grabbed my interest in The Frog Prince, and even the snarky ones, like Olivia, or Tessa, who felt as though they were real people, made me keep reading. This was a book that resonated with me for several reasons, including the familiarity of the settings, places I have lived in my life. 4.5 stars.
September 24, 2009
What a fun book, and do you not love the cover? The cover is as fun as the book was. This was another book I could not put down. The way the author portrays Holly makes you feel like you are her. The divorcee with nothing but yourself and your thighs that seem to be getting bigger by the day, the girl who has no friends and can not believe that her life is practically over after only being married a year. And we all can relate to the hot stuck up woman who wants to be your friend but in the end they get jealous of you coming out of your shell and making something of yourself and being happy.
I just really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and kept you entertained. I know the book was long-371 pages- but I feel like it could have been more on her relationship at the end. The book teases you, especially with Brian. Then at the end it doesn't say what happened or what is going on. This book could have been another 100+ pages and it still would have held my interest. I think more pages would have completed the book and said where she stood guy wise. It was still a great read though!
I just really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and kept you entertained. I know the book was long-371 pages- but I feel like it could have been more on her relationship at the end. The book teases you, especially with Brian. Then at the end it doesn't say what happened or what is going on. This book could have been another 100+ pages and it still would have held my interest. I think more pages would have completed the book and said where she stood guy wise. It was still a great read though!
August 23, 2009
An entertaining and deep look at a young woman recovering from a divorce and the fairy tale life she thought she would have. Porter works in her fairy-tale motif without cramming it down our throats. The transformation of our heroine happens pretty quickly, and Porter manages to make the girl sympathetic even though she could have easily been whiny (a neat feat, one I have trouble with myself). All the characters are fully-fleshed, even the ones who appear briefly. My favorite is the date who needs special assistance at a restaurant-- it's pretty darn funny, so I won't spoil it. There's also a lot about mother and daughter relationships. I found myself thinking, in particular, about Deborah Tannen's book YOU'RE WEARING THAT? about mothers and daughters and their fraught language and communications.
November 3, 2013
saw some negative reviews here in goodreads about this book. was not expecting much . Therefore not disappointed.
what I like about this book is Holly have a good heart. Despite knowing that she would get in trouble, she still help Tessa.
there are also some humorous moments when Holly goes on a date.
as many have mentioned before, this book can do with a little less whining. I buy the book because i want something light to read. i don't want too much whining or self pity. if i wanted those, i would've bought other genre.
it would also be nicer if the author can rein in the plot more. as it is, I find the story rather scattered .
despite all grouses, I still liked the story. love the courage she shown in the end. don't like Tessa as I felt she could have done better by Holly as Holly had helped her before. in this instant, I liked Sara more for telling the truth to David.
what I like about this book is Holly have a good heart. Despite knowing that she would get in trouble, she still help Tessa.
there are also some humorous moments when Holly goes on a date.
as many have mentioned before, this book can do with a little less whining. I buy the book because i want something light to read. i don't want too much whining or self pity. if i wanted those, i would've bought other genre.
it would also be nicer if the author can rein in the plot more. as it is, I find the story rather scattered .
despite all grouses, I still liked the story. love the courage she shown in the end. don't like Tessa as I felt she could have done better by Holly as Holly had helped her before. in this instant, I liked Sara more for telling the truth to David.
September 27, 2024
So excited to read this 20th anniversary edition, complete with a new epilogue!
Holly Bishop believed in fairy tales. And, that old cliché about kissing a lot of frogs to find your prince. But life smacks her in the face with her husband telling her on the honeymoon he doesn't want to be married. She tried everything before giving up and filing for divorce. Getting on with her life isn't easy despite starting over in a new town. Finally with a lot of kicking, screaming, cajoling from work and friends, plus a lot of hard work and determination, she finds her life and her bliss. She discovers that you don't need a man to complete you, you make your own happiness, and in the end you don't have to be a good girl to be a GOOD GIRL. Just be the best self you can be--shouldn't we all find this in ourselves?
I loved this journey! It's a great book! Read it--and stop kissing toads!
Holly Bishop believed in fairy tales. And, that old cliché about kissing a lot of frogs to find your prince. But life smacks her in the face with her husband telling her on the honeymoon he doesn't want to be married. She tried everything before giving up and filing for divorce. Getting on with her life isn't easy despite starting over in a new town. Finally with a lot of kicking, screaming, cajoling from work and friends, plus a lot of hard work and determination, she finds her life and her bliss. She discovers that you don't need a man to complete you, you make your own happiness, and in the end you don't have to be a good girl to be a GOOD GIRL. Just be the best self you can be--shouldn't we all find this in ourselves?
I loved this journey! It's a great book! Read it--and stop kissing toads!
September 27, 2024
The frog prince 20th anniversary edition by jane porter
In this story we find Holly, recently going through a divorce and she heads to the city. She knows she can do the job at custom events and she lands it. She is not too confident about her appearance and she does get help from others and forms some friendships. A lot of thoughts going through her mind as things happen. It all stems on the marriage that didn't last very long. He's not in love with her.
She does start dating but is not ready to move forward. She takes on a lot at work and is doing well til the kids event. She runs back home for a few days to recuperate but heads back to the city to get what's rightfully hers. Love the transformation she is able to make. Contains and epilogue also!
Received this review copy from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
In this story we find Holly, recently going through a divorce and she heads to the city. She knows she can do the job at custom events and she lands it. She is not too confident about her appearance and she does get help from others and forms some friendships. A lot of thoughts going through her mind as things happen. It all stems on the marriage that didn't last very long. He's not in love with her.
She does start dating but is not ready to move forward. She takes on a lot at work and is doing well til the kids event. She runs back home for a few days to recuperate but heads back to the city to get what's rightfully hers. Love the transformation she is able to make. Contains and epilogue also!
Received this review copy from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
February 3, 2012
I read one of Jane Porter's modern chick lit novels (read: NOT her others with the bodices being ripped off on the book covers) each year we go down to Mexico. Note to Jane: you need to write a new one b/c this was the last one on that list! :) It's a perfect beach read - easy to pick up and put down, easy to follow after a margarita or two, and entertaining. The protagonist was SUCH a freakin' whiner in this book though . . . I understand the necessity of a small pity party on occasion, but Holly Bishop took it to a whole new level. I much prefer the stronger female leads in her other books . . . even though Holly, thankfully, got some gumption at the end.
October 28, 2024
This book had me laughing out aloud through out the book. Holly a small town girl wanting to live a fairy tale life like most girls do. She is always putting others first. This is the journey of Holly after her fairy tale marriage fails and her self discovery in the next year living on her own in San Fransisco, meeting the many toads (men). This book had me rooting for Holly. Highly recommend for a fun chick lit read.
I just reread the 20th Anniversary edition, I loved revisiting Holly and her journey of finding her happily ever after. The epilogue was perfect, the words of what every young woman should live by.
I just reread the 20th Anniversary edition, I loved revisiting Holly and her journey of finding her happily ever after. The epilogue was perfect, the words of what every young woman should live by.
December 27, 2015
This book was just adorable! I was hesitant to read it at first after a lot of reviewers torched Holly's character for being whiny (she is) and a doormat (most definitely) and typically a very weak female lead leaves me screaming with fury, but I could see the potential for growth in her so I tried not to focus too much on her character flaws and just enjoy the story. It was a mixed emotional bag--funny at times (some of her dates, oy!) and sad at others, especially looking at her mother's life and their relationship.
The book is a fairly quick read, and I really enjoyed the way things turned out. Not the most predictable way, but definitely the right one, in my opinion anyway.
The book is a fairly quick read, and I really enjoyed the way things turned out. Not the most predictable way, but definitely the right one, in my opinion anyway.
August 9, 2011
I loved this book much more than I expected to. I'd never heard of the book but wanted a chick lit paperback that I could easily read on the beach so I picked it up for 1.99 at an Independent Bookstore. It took me a few chapters to get into it. At first, it seemed like it could be another book where everyone in the big city, especially at work, is nasty and uncaring but I actually teared up toward the end. I was so moved by Holly's difficulties in maintaining a comfortable relationship with her mom and the cattiness of the women that she works with because I could relate.
4 Stars
4 Stars
January 2, 2013
This was the first Jane Porter book I ever bought and because I enjoyed it so much I became a reader of Porter's books for life. Jane's character Holly had the fairytale we all as little girls dream, about, but as most of us discover there is no such thing. She takes us on Holly's journey to make a new life for her, and learning to have confidence in herself. Holly doesn't have it easy just as life is not a piece of cake. I found myself cheering her on and maybe learning about myself in the process.
March 22, 2014
I loved this book and if you like intelligent, well-written women's fiction, so will you! I can't tell you how many times I laughed aloud while reading it. There is a booster seat scene in the book that is one of the funniest things I have ever read. I could go on and on but seriously, just do yourself a favor a read it. You won't be sorry.
March 28, 2011
This was a cute read. There were times I laughed out loud and times i wanted to smack Holly. But you can relate to some of what she's going through.
March 11, 2018
Written by Jane Porter, The Frog Prince follows Holly as she moves to San Francisco to work for a PR firm and try to get over her recent divorce.
I honestly have a lot of feelings about this book. This isn't a fantasy book. This is a novel about a woman who is having to learn how to be happy with herself, and what that looks like.
She wants to feel something for these handsome men in her life, but she is just going through the motions. She enjoys being around people, but feels frozen inside.
This story was deep. And, honestly, it wasn't a happy story. The ending wasn't sad, just, the novel isn't a happy one. Because Holly isn't happy. She is trying to figure out what will make her happy again.
This is a great book for someone who is feeling lonely. Or who knows someone who is. Who has changed. Who seems different. This might give you a look into what it is like to live by yourself, want other people, but know that isn't what you need right now.
After I finished this book, I bothered all of my friends until I could find someone to watch the Frankenstein Chronicles with me. I needed to feel connected.
Now, for the bad.
This character, Holly, is terribly one dimensional. This is the kind of book that you sympathize with when you find some similarities between what she is feeling and what you are. But the fact that her rhetoric doesn't change until THE LAST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK is annoying and not good.
This was a free book on Nook one day, that is how I ended up with it. And for free, I am not unhappy.
But, there are spelling errors, and the characters, other than Olivia, don't change at all. A good person is a good person and a bad person is a bad person. There are really no grey areas. She has grey areas of feelings, but not people.
There, good and bad.
Also, while I enjoy the cover, it is not accurate to the story.
I honestly have a lot of feelings about this book. This isn't a fantasy book. This is a novel about a woman who is having to learn how to be happy with herself, and what that looks like.
She wants to feel something for these handsome men in her life, but she is just going through the motions. She enjoys being around people, but feels frozen inside.
This story was deep. And, honestly, it wasn't a happy story. The ending wasn't sad, just, the novel isn't a happy one. Because Holly isn't happy. She is trying to figure out what will make her happy again.
This is a great book for someone who is feeling lonely. Or who knows someone who is. Who has changed. Who seems different. This might give you a look into what it is like to live by yourself, want other people, but know that isn't what you need right now.
After I finished this book, I bothered all of my friends until I could find someone to watch the Frankenstein Chronicles with me. I needed to feel connected.
Now, for the bad.
This character, Holly, is terribly one dimensional. This is the kind of book that you sympathize with when you find some similarities between what she is feeling and what you are. But the fact that her rhetoric doesn't change until THE LAST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK is annoying and not good.
This was a free book on Nook one day, that is how I ended up with it. And for free, I am not unhappy.
But, there are spelling errors, and the characters, other than Olivia, don't change at all. A good person is a good person and a bad person is a bad person. There are really no grey areas. She has grey areas of feelings, but not people.
There, good and bad.
Also, while I enjoy the cover, it is not accurate to the story.
February 20, 2017
It wasn't what I thought it would be. There was a lot of thinking and philosophizing and this got in the way of the story. It is the story of Holly who married the man of her dreams, had the wedding and then on the honeymoon finds that he doesn't love her the way that she needs to be loved. She moves from her home in Fresno to San Francisco, where she gets a job as an event planner. She is sinking. She's in a city where she doesn't know anyone and she is drowning, it is her witchy boss that gets her on the path of finding herself. It just so happens that the person that she finds that she is, is not the person her boss wants her to be. Holly believes in doing things right and Olivia just wants devotion. On the way we go with Holly as she goes on some unfortunate dates. She if finding out that she doesn't need a prince to save her, she can save herself.
Now, the writing does not call to you. I didn't like the book. I couldn't be in the story because there were messages all over the place and they didn't quite gel together. It was like someone was telling you what the book is suppose to make you think about instead of coming to those conclusions through the clever writing. It's unfortunate. However, Porter has some great messages to deliver and I hope it helps those who need to hear it.
Now, the writing does not call to you. I didn't like the book. I couldn't be in the story because there were messages all over the place and they didn't quite gel together. It was like someone was telling you what the book is suppose to make you think about instead of coming to those conclusions through the clever writing. It's unfortunate. However, Porter has some great messages to deliver and I hope it helps those who need to hear it.
February 14, 2018
Redundant
I really wanted to like the story. I liked the concept and I love the moral, but too many times I found myself putting the book down in frustration, boredom or irritation. The first half of the book was nothing but the negative inner dialogue of someone fairly pathetic and the second half was pieces of an actual story interrupted by (again) negative inner dialogue. Conversations between 2 characters would stretch for a whole chapter because a character would say one line and the inner dialogue started up for 2 pages, then another conversation line or 2 and then 2-3 more pages of rambling inner dialogue. I think I skipped pages at a time just to try and get back to the actual storyline.
I really wanted to like the story. I liked the concept and I love the moral, but too many times I found myself putting the book down in frustration, boredom or irritation. The first half of the book was nothing but the negative inner dialogue of someone fairly pathetic and the second half was pieces of an actual story interrupted by (again) negative inner dialogue. Conversations between 2 characters would stretch for a whole chapter because a character would say one line and the inner dialogue started up for 2 pages, then another conversation line or 2 and then 2-3 more pages of rambling inner dialogue. I think I skipped pages at a time just to try and get back to the actual storyline.
March 29, 2018
If I could give this book half a star I would. This isn't to say I don't like books about women who fall in love and have the fairy tale. I enjoy a good trashy novel as much as the next person, my issue is with the fact that NOTHING HAPPENED. There is supposed character growth but it's not displayed. There is a fabricated villain for literally no reason. Why would anyone sabotage a fundraiser for children!? The resolution is too easy, nothing feels earned, it feels like natural progression.
The story was easy enough to read and thankfully well written, I enjoyed the premise and feel like a lot could have been achieved from the story. It just never lived up to the potential.
The story was easy enough to read and thankfully well written, I enjoyed the premise and feel like a lot could have been achieved from the story. It just never lived up to the potential.
October 5, 2024
Holly’s life is not going so well because she is a doormat. Her ex married her when he shouldn’t have and she continues to call him to try to figure out what went wrong. Her supervisor is manipulative and cruel at times trying to get her to be a certain way and is more concerned about her own success and not having her subordinates look better than her than the company. Holly dates a bunch of horrible men and some interesting ones but she not sure who she connects with. It sounds like she should have had some counseling. This book was cynical and a downer at times and I felt like the story just ended and there should have been more about the man in the epilogue before it.
February 12, 2018
Moms
Who knew that the fairy tales our mom's told us would mess us up as we get older. Be the good girl. Holly Bishop fell for the fairy tale and when her marriage fell apart, she was devastated. How was she going to survive. She gets a job working for events planning company. Her boss is mean. In the months to come she slowly climbs out of the rut. She makes friends, goes out on a date and gets fired. Through all of this, she couldn't go to her mom for anything. They fight about everything. In the end, she makes peace with her mom.
Who knew that the fairy tales our mom's told us would mess us up as we get older. Be the good girl. Holly Bishop fell for the fairy tale and when her marriage fell apart, she was devastated. How was she going to survive. She gets a job working for events planning company. Her boss is mean. In the months to come she slowly climbs out of the rut. She makes friends, goes out on a date and gets fired. Through all of this, she couldn't go to her mom for anything. They fight about everything. In the end, she makes peace with her mom.
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