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Becoming Beauty
Claws. Long, filthy, and dangerously sharp.
They’re the first thing Bella sees after what’s been the worst day of her life. If Bella were the quintessential Beauty—gorgeous, kindhearted, and self-sacrificing—she might have a chance at transforming this monster into a man, but she’s never been the toad-kissing kind. Obsessed with landing a wealthy nobleman and escaping her humdrum life, Bella will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Which is precisely what landed her here, at the mercy of the Beast.
In this imaginative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Bella's sense of entitlement strains both her family's finances and patience. As punishment for her selfishness, she's sent into the Beast's service where she must choose whether to follow the path she's always dreamed of—or risk it all for something even greater.
They’re the first thing Bella sees after what’s been the worst day of her life. If Bella were the quintessential Beauty—gorgeous, kindhearted, and self-sacrificing—she might have a chance at transforming this monster into a man, but she’s never been the toad-kissing kind. Obsessed with landing a wealthy nobleman and escaping her humdrum life, Bella will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Which is precisely what landed her here, at the mercy of the Beast.
In this imaginative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Bella's sense of entitlement strains both her family's finances and patience. As punishment for her selfishness, she's sent into the Beast's service where she must choose whether to follow the path she's always dreamed of—or risk it all for something even greater.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2014
11 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Sarah E. Boucher
5 books44 followersWhen Sarah Boucher's not embroiled in either teaching kindergarten or penning a new fairytale, cute shoes and handbags, cheesy music, movies that cause her to snort while laughing, baking (especially if chocolate is involved), and more British television than anyone this side of the Atlantic has any business watching, keep her entertained.
A native Utahn, Sarah graduated from Snow College and Brigham Young University. She currently lives and teaches in Ogden, Utah.
A native Utahn, Sarah graduated from Snow College and Brigham Young University. She currently lives and teaches in Ogden, Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 29, 2016
More like, "Becoming Boring" -_-
Full review to come...maybe.
Sometimes you read the first paragraph in a story and it's enough to know that you're going to hate it... that was not the case here. -_-
The beginning was actually pretty decent with a different twist to a well known story.
In this tale, Bella is this selfish vain girl whose reckless request leaves her father in a world of troubles.
What happens next is pretty standard in which after awhile, Bella ends up at the Beast's manor.
As for the Beast?
Well he's very emo. And prone to fits of temper
That was disappointing!
If I wanted to read about an over emotional dude that decides to go reclusive I would read a new adult book!
So Bella and the emo guy start bickering with each other. Bella basically becomes his ( and of another guy who lives there) servant. And some months later she's basically "healed" of her spoiled ways. Because hard labour strengthens the character!*repeat after me!*
After this, the book's plot basically crashes: everything that was mildly interesting disappears.
The Beast, Phillipe, becomes this super accommodating dude who just wants to worship her.
This confuses Bella. *hands up in the air*
Then Bella decides that maybe she's in a love triangle, even though her interactions with the other dude (sorry, can't remember the guy's name any more) were minimal.
The only bits of "magic" that the story has, are related with this pendant that Bella uses and that connects her with the necklace previous owner... memories.
Surprisingly this doesn't faze any of the characters. In reality it was lame as hell...
What happens next is worth of a crazy soap opera
Definitely not what I was expecting. But hey, this is 2016 and everything basically sucks!
February 22, 2015
Becoming beauty is an unique fairytale on beauty and the beast. The premise is interesting, the characters are fine but I thought they are a bit dull.
"I thought I did, but one who's spent years hiding behind a rough exterior, I couldn't see past yours."
July 1, 2017
Very lukewarm sort of book. Would be a good Hallmark movie that they play at 2 am during the holidays when everybody is with their families but you had to work so you have a glass of wine and search the channels for something other than The Grinch.
November 19, 2014
Bella is manipulative, spoiled and entitled. Normally, a character like that would get on my nerves, but for some reason, I found her to be more entertaining than annoying. I guess because she exhibited some remorse for the way she behaved and seemed to understand that she could be better. She's intent on marrying someone wealthy, but Cassie, her beautiful sister, always seems to attract the attention of the man she's trying to catch.
Bella's father goes away on a business trip and she expects him to bring her back a nice gift. When he returns with something truly amazing, it is at a steep price. He needs to return and work for the Beast. His health is poor so her brother, Aaron, and sister, Cassie, make Bella go in his place. I expected Bella to put up more of a fight than she did. She went almost too quickly, which I chose to take as a sign that she's not all bad.
She goes and meets the Beast, who is just as odious as she had imagined, and his servant, Jack. Life isn't easy for her and she has quite a few lessons to learn before her journey's done. The characters are far from perfect and each have something to learn. I loved how kind Jack was to her and tried to help her feel welcome. Her relationship with the Beast also improved and she started to see him in a new light.
There are a lot of parallels to Beauty and the Beast, yet there are a couple of twists which make this a refreshing and fun read. I didn't know how it was going to end. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I'm hoping there will be more of these stories coming! If you like fairytale retellings with a twist, this is a book you will definitely enjoy!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Bella's father goes away on a business trip and she expects him to bring her back a nice gift. When he returns with something truly amazing, it is at a steep price. He needs to return and work for the Beast. His health is poor so her brother, Aaron, and sister, Cassie, make Bella go in his place. I expected Bella to put up more of a fight than she did. She went almost too quickly, which I chose to take as a sign that she's not all bad.
She goes and meets the Beast, who is just as odious as she had imagined, and his servant, Jack. Life isn't easy for her and she has quite a few lessons to learn before her journey's done. The characters are far from perfect and each have something to learn. I loved how kind Jack was to her and tried to help her feel welcome. Her relationship with the Beast also improved and she started to see him in a new light.
There are a lot of parallels to Beauty and the Beast, yet there are a couple of twists which make this a refreshing and fun read. I didn't know how it was going to end. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I'm hoping there will be more of these stories coming! If you like fairytale retellings with a twist, this is a book you will definitely enjoy!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
November 13, 2014
Disclaimers: I received an ebook of this novel for work to write a review for the newspaper Deseret News.
My Synopsis: Belle is not the selfless girl everybody loves. She is a manipulator who wants only one thing — to marry into wealth — and no price is too high to pay in achieving her goal. But when the price is her father’s freedom, her family deems it unacceptable, and she finds herself in servitude to the Beast.
Belle is furious with her family but even more furious when the Beast accuses her of being a selfish brat incapable of doing anything right. Determined to prove him wrong, Belle decides to become the best servant ever.
In the process, Belle quickly discovers that maybe she isn’t the person she always thought she was. Belle realizes that the Beast is less beastly than he seems and that his past still governs the present.
When Belle realizes the Beast fits the exact description of the man she always wanted to marry, she finds herself wondering if her dream of marrying for money still applies and if the Beast really is her prince in disguise.
With heartbreaking decisions to make, Belle faces lying to herself or destroying the Beast again, and time is running out. With mysteries still unsolved, Belle is about to change all of their futures forever. (I pulled these paragraphs from my official review for Deseret News)
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This retelling was not the typical retelling. Everything was twisted and inverted and that was definitely a plus. There have been so many retellings of Beauty and the Beast that it was nice to get one that was different.
I did enjoy the book and I think fans of Beauty and the Beast will eat this one up; however, it just lacked that extra something to draw me in. I loved the writing, the characters, but there was just something missing to make this a 5 star book.
I thought the retelling was imaginative.
So why 3 stars? Like I already said, there was just something missing. I read it, but there were moments where the story lagged. However, having said that I would definitely still recommend this. It's a quick read and fans of Beauty and the Beast will love this.
In Summary: An imaginative, inventive retelling of the old classic story that presents a completely new look on the story. For fans of retellings.
Warnings/Side-notes: No concerns. I would recommend this book to readers of any age.
The Wrap-up: All in all a really good book. It just lacked that extra something to make it stand out more. This was her debut novel and I'll be anxious to see what else this author writes.
Love,
Danica Page
My Synopsis: Belle is not the selfless girl everybody loves. She is a manipulator who wants only one thing — to marry into wealth — and no price is too high to pay in achieving her goal. But when the price is her father’s freedom, her family deems it unacceptable, and she finds herself in servitude to the Beast.
Belle is furious with her family but even more furious when the Beast accuses her of being a selfish brat incapable of doing anything right. Determined to prove him wrong, Belle decides to become the best servant ever.
In the process, Belle quickly discovers that maybe she isn’t the person she always thought she was. Belle realizes that the Beast is less beastly than he seems and that his past still governs the present.
When Belle realizes the Beast fits the exact description of the man she always wanted to marry, she finds herself wondering if her dream of marrying for money still applies and if the Beast really is her prince in disguise.
With heartbreaking decisions to make, Belle faces lying to herself or destroying the Beast again, and time is running out. With mysteries still unsolved, Belle is about to change all of their futures forever. (I pulled these paragraphs from my official review for Deseret News)
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This retelling was not the typical retelling. Everything was twisted and inverted and that was definitely a plus. There have been so many retellings of Beauty and the Beast that it was nice to get one that was different.
I did enjoy the book and I think fans of Beauty and the Beast will eat this one up; however, it just lacked that extra something to draw me in. I loved the writing, the characters, but there was just something missing to make this a 5 star book.
I thought the retelling was imaginative.
So why 3 stars? Like I already said, there was just something missing. I read it, but there were moments where the story lagged. However, having said that I would definitely still recommend this. It's a quick read and fans of Beauty and the Beast will love this.
In Summary: An imaginative, inventive retelling of the old classic story that presents a completely new look on the story. For fans of retellings.
Warnings/Side-notes: No concerns. I would recommend this book to readers of any age.
The Wrap-up: All in all a really good book. It just lacked that extra something to make it stand out more. This was her debut novel and I'll be anxious to see what else this author writes.
Love,
Danica Page
November 23, 2014
***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review***
It’s only recently that I found my love for retellings, and I’m extremely glad because it meant that from the second I read the synopsis I wanted to read this book, so I have to thank the people over at Cedar Fort Publishing for hosting the blog tour and of course the lovely Sarah Boucher.
Onto the book: the heroine Bella was as flawed as anyone else, and it made her so much more relatable as well as entertaining to read about. Her character development is incredibly extensive, but done beautifully so that she stays true to herself and doesn’t simply change overnight but learns from her past faults. At first I admired how determined she was to get what she wanted, but I grew to admire how she realised that dreams change yet she wouldn’t give up on hers.
The Beast was just as great a character, who undergoes a far more visible change (I loved the scene where Bella manipulated him into cutting his nails and hair; it was just hilarious and great comic relief). However he isn’t the only man in Bella’s life and it was brilliant watching the relationships play out, and not always in the way you expect…
It took me a while to get my head around the ending, because while I saw it coming I was in a way hoping it wouldn’t. Yet I realised writing this review that it fit perfectly with the characters (it was very much a character-orientated book) and I can’t see it ending any other way.
This isn’t just a book for people who love fairy-tale retellings, but for people who love a little mystery with their love stories and who can appreciate a great debut from an author who I can’t wait to read more from.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
There is also an interview with Sarah Boucher on the blog.
It’s only recently that I found my love for retellings, and I’m extremely glad because it meant that from the second I read the synopsis I wanted to read this book, so I have to thank the people over at Cedar Fort Publishing for hosting the blog tour and of course the lovely Sarah Boucher.
Onto the book: the heroine Bella was as flawed as anyone else, and it made her so much more relatable as well as entertaining to read about. Her character development is incredibly extensive, but done beautifully so that she stays true to herself and doesn’t simply change overnight but learns from her past faults. At first I admired how determined she was to get what she wanted, but I grew to admire how she realised that dreams change yet she wouldn’t give up on hers.
The Beast was just as great a character, who undergoes a far more visible change (I loved the scene where Bella manipulated him into cutting his nails and hair; it was just hilarious and great comic relief). However he isn’t the only man in Bella’s life and it was brilliant watching the relationships play out, and not always in the way you expect…
It took me a while to get my head around the ending, because while I saw it coming I was in a way hoping it wouldn’t. Yet I realised writing this review that it fit perfectly with the characters (it was very much a character-orientated book) and I can’t see it ending any other way.
This isn’t just a book for people who love fairy-tale retellings, but for people who love a little mystery with their love stories and who can appreciate a great debut from an author who I can’t wait to read more from.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
There is also an interview with Sarah Boucher on the blog.
November 18, 2014
One of my very favorite fairy tales is Beauty and the Beast. I love the messages that you can't always judge someone by the way they look and you don't always know why someone acts the way they do--there is usually a reason. This is a fantastic, twisted version of a favorite!
Bella is a spoiled rotten girl with a vicious streak of entitlement. She's not as pretty as her sister, nor is she as hard-working as her brother. When her demands end up causing her father to be put in a scary situation that leaves him sick, her siblings come up with a good consequence--she can take the place of her father and become a servant to the Beast.
I loved that Bella isn't a perfect girl. I loved that she had many, many lessons to learn and that life wasn't easy for her. It made her easy to relate to, in that way. I enjoyed the flashback/dream aspect that happened to her. The Beast was great! Of course, his journey had a few twists in it as well. I loved that there were similarities to the original story, yet there were fun differences. I didn't see the ending coming!
I thought the story flowed quite well, with a good mix of characters and events. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Content: there are a few moments of mild peril and some romantic moments. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award
Bella is a spoiled rotten girl with a vicious streak of entitlement. She's not as pretty as her sister, nor is she as hard-working as her brother. When her demands end up causing her father to be put in a scary situation that leaves him sick, her siblings come up with a good consequence--she can take the place of her father and become a servant to the Beast.
I loved that Bella isn't a perfect girl. I loved that she had many, many lessons to learn and that life wasn't easy for her. It made her easy to relate to, in that way. I enjoyed the flashback/dream aspect that happened to her. The Beast was great! Of course, his journey had a few twists in it as well. I loved that there were similarities to the original story, yet there were fun differences. I didn't see the ending coming!
I thought the story flowed quite well, with a good mix of characters and events. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Content: there are a few moments of mild peril and some romantic moments. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award
November 10, 2014
I LOVE Fairy Tale Twists and this one has a TWIST on the TWIST!
HOW. FUN. IS. THAT!
Excellent writing keeps you captured until the very end!
Bella knows how to get her way with her father....and he will go to great lengths to give her what she wants.
So when he finds a jewel in the forest he knows it must be for his Bella.
But a beast of a man sees him taking it and demands that it is his.
Bella's father makes a bargain...his life-long servitude for the chance to give the jewel to his daughter.
After hearing the tale...Bella's siblings demand that Bella pay the price instead.
So Bella now finds herself at the mercy of this beast.
It is not easy, but Bella actually finds great satisfaction in doing housework...who knew?
Now that the house is taking shape Bella decides to take on the task of turning the Beast into an acceptable man....
Sounds familiar...
Ready for ONE of the twists...?
Bella keeps dreaming of a girl named Rose...and of different encounters Rose had with this man whom Bella now serves.
Wait until you see how that plays out :)
Another twist comes at the end of the book...so didn't see that one coming!
Believe me...it is DELIGHTFUL!
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. THIS. ONE!
SUCH A FUN BOOK!
I would LOVE to read more from this author!
HOW. FUN. IS. THAT!
Excellent writing keeps you captured until the very end!
Bella knows how to get her way with her father....and he will go to great lengths to give her what she wants.
So when he finds a jewel in the forest he knows it must be for his Bella.
But a beast of a man sees him taking it and demands that it is his.
Bella's father makes a bargain...his life-long servitude for the chance to give the jewel to his daughter.
After hearing the tale...Bella's siblings demand that Bella pay the price instead.
So Bella now finds herself at the mercy of this beast.
It is not easy, but Bella actually finds great satisfaction in doing housework...who knew?
Now that the house is taking shape Bella decides to take on the task of turning the Beast into an acceptable man....
Sounds familiar...
Ready for ONE of the twists...?
Bella keeps dreaming of a girl named Rose...and of different encounters Rose had with this man whom Bella now serves.
Wait until you see how that plays out :)
Another twist comes at the end of the book...so didn't see that one coming!
Believe me...it is DELIGHTFUL!
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. THIS. ONE!
SUCH A FUN BOOK!
I would LOVE to read more from this author!
November 26, 2014
I have really mixed feelings about Becoming Beauty. The book was well written and it's a great twist in a fairytale we all know. The cover is gorgeous! However, I just couldn't relate to or fully fall in love with the main characters. There were three of them, and I just kept holding out, hoping I could connect-- but it never happened. Belle is incredibly self- centered and selfish for quite a bit of the opening scenes, and then at times she is overly pushy and dramatic. Beast has his control freak, grumpy, "slight" anger managements issues going boiling beneath the surface. And, Jack--well, he seems a bit to self sacrificing and codependent for my liking. I wanted to see more relationship development between Belle and the man she gives her heart to, it seemed rushed. While I didn't fully connect with any of them, I will say I enjoyed the story.
The author adds plot twists, shows transformation of characters and weaves in a lot of magic with a cursed, or maybe enchanted ruby pendant. There is romantic tension and a great lesson at the end about family. It's a clean read, and a creative re-working of Beauty and the Beast. Well done and I'm interested in reading any more fairy tale twists Sarah Boucher comes up with!
The author adds plot twists, shows transformation of characters and weaves in a lot of magic with a cursed, or maybe enchanted ruby pendant. There is romantic tension and a great lesson at the end about family. It's a clean read, and a creative re-working of Beauty and the Beast. Well done and I'm interested in reading any more fairy tale twists Sarah Boucher comes up with!
September 3, 2014
I love fairytale retellings, as is obvious by the fact that I’ve written a few. My favorite part of retellings is to be surprised by a twist in the story. In the debut novel by Sarah Boucher, Becoming Beauty, that’s exactly what happened.
Bella is a spoiled girl in spite of her fairly meager upbringing. She has a major sense of entitlement. When her father goes on a business trip, her request for a bauble from said trip sets in motion a series of events that land her as servant for the “Beast”, Phillip.
Add to that a mysterious past with a woman named Rose who Bella seems to be psychically connected with, and a loyal friend who becomes Bella’s only friend in the castle, and you immediately have a twist on the traditional tale. Where it goes from there is completely unexpected as the overindulged princess is brought to her knees.
Boucher has created a flawed heroine you’ll love, and a hero that isn’t what you expect. Prepare to be enchanted by this debut novel from a promising new author. I look forward to what comes from her next!
December 11, 2014
What a fun idea - a re-telling of a traditonal fairy tale! I'm not that well acquainted with the story of Beauty and the Beast, so I didn't know what was 'meant' to happen, and just enjoyed it for itself.
I'm amazed that this is Sarah Boucher's first novel - Becoming Beauty is extremely well written and intricately edited, too. It's smart, witty and clever. I loved the main character, Bella, who is the sort of female protagonist I like - a bit snarky, a bit cynical and not at all girly. I imagine that it is something of a tongue in cheek re-telling; the first section (when Bella is bemoaning her lack of success with men, and her need for luxury and comfort) is actually very funny, and I did rather hope it would continue to be so. The humour lessens, to be replaced by a mystery which adds another dimension to the story and is very satisfyingly resolved.
If this sort of book is up your street, I'd recommend it very highly indeed. Oh, and it's about the best formatted Kindle book I've ever seen, too!
I'm amazed that this is Sarah Boucher's first novel - Becoming Beauty is extremely well written and intricately edited, too. It's smart, witty and clever. I loved the main character, Bella, who is the sort of female protagonist I like - a bit snarky, a bit cynical and not at all girly. I imagine that it is something of a tongue in cheek re-telling; the first section (when Bella is bemoaning her lack of success with men, and her need for luxury and comfort) is actually very funny, and I did rather hope it would continue to be so. The humour lessens, to be replaced by a mystery which adds another dimension to the story and is very satisfyingly resolved.
If this sort of book is up your street, I'd recommend it very highly indeed. Oh, and it's about the best formatted Kindle book I've ever seen, too!
December 20, 2014
I really enjoyed this and I am glad I own it. I was happy to see the change in Bella. She doesn't start out nice, but I felt the change was real. There were some unanswered questions for me, but I liked this one and I am excited to read more from this author.
May 3, 2015
2.5 stars. I love spin-offs of Beauty and the Beast and I liked the main idea of this story, but it felt like the author didn't explain how or why things were happening (especially her dreams) and it made the story feel disjointed.
January 12, 2015
The first part was okay, but I found it fairly unbelievable. The characters made no sense, and the plot twist at the end made them all seem remarkably shallow.
March 26, 2019
I wish this book had been around when I was a preteen/teenager! I would have read it again and again. At the beginning I felt like there was a little too much foreshadowing and that the story would end in an obvious way, but it took some unexpected turns. I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending, but that's the author's choice! A good clean, quick page-turner story that I couldn't put down until I finished at midnight last night.
Read
July 13, 2022This would be an excellent manuscript. An early draft with a lot of potential. Great idea for a fairy tale retelling with an interesting twist, characters with possibility, and fairly good prose.
But it would need a lot of help.
It felt rushed. It felt flat. It felt unexplained.
It felt like rather than diving in and exploring her characters--rounding them out, getting to know them, and seeing what they would do, she was trying to fit them into boxes. Trying emotions on them like ill-fitting clothes. They jumped from emotion to emotion without much reason or explanation. No, actually, there was plenty of explanation, but it was at once simplified and convoluted. Too much telling and not enough showing. Whole weeks seemed to be passed over; whole relationships developing behind the scenes that we don't get to see. It was frustrating.
And it really doesn't work to add one supernatural element () to a book and never explain it or even have the character wonder much about it. If it wasn't going to be explored or explained, the author should have found a different way to learn important information about the history of the characters in the house (.
The ending was fairly ridiculous; the romance had great potential but wasn't developed , and then all of a sudden, ta-da! Everybody fell into place nicely with no problems. As Bella herself put it, "That's terribly convenient."
Bella could have been a wonderfully dynamic character with a great transformation, if only she'd had some redeeming character traits. But she was straight up selfish and manipulative from the start until all the sudden she just wasn't anymore. Except for the climax where she went to rage and pout and was still acting entitled and feeling sorry for herself, even though she'd created her own problems. Her change of heart is simply not believable; it's too fast but at the same time it's not complete enough.
I could go on, but this is long enough as it is. I don't write reviews like this unless it's a book that so frustratingly doesn't fulfill its potential.
But it would need a lot of help.
It felt rushed. It felt flat. It felt unexplained.
It felt like rather than diving in and exploring her characters--rounding them out, getting to know them, and seeing what they would do, she was trying to fit them into boxes. Trying emotions on them like ill-fitting clothes. They jumped from emotion to emotion without much reason or explanation. No, actually, there was plenty of explanation, but it was at once simplified and convoluted. Too much telling and not enough showing. Whole weeks seemed to be passed over; whole relationships developing behind the scenes that we don't get to see. It was frustrating.
And it really doesn't work to add one supernatural element () to a book and never explain it or even have the character wonder much about it. If it wasn't going to be explored or explained, the author should have found a different way to learn important information about the history of the characters in the house (.
The ending was fairly ridiculous; the romance had great potential but wasn't developed , and then all of a sudden, ta-da! Everybody fell into place nicely with no problems. As Bella herself put it, "That's terribly convenient."
Bella could have been a wonderfully dynamic character with a great transformation, if only she'd had some redeeming character traits. But she was straight up selfish and manipulative from the start until all the sudden she just wasn't anymore. Except for the climax where she went to rage and pout and was still acting entitled and feeling sorry for herself, even though she'd created her own problems. Her change of heart is simply not believable; it's too fast but at the same time it's not complete enough.
I could go on, but this is long enough as it is. I don't write reviews like this unless it's a book that so frustratingly doesn't fulfill its potential.
November 19, 2014
I give Becoming Beauty by Sarah E. Boucher 4 out of 5 stars.
It’s a fresh take on the traditional Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, with all of the characters being “somewhat beastly” in nature. It’s about transformation, but Boucher touches on something deeper and I think very important: transformation should never come at the cost of who you really are. Although the characters go through many positive changes throughout the story, they retain the characteristics that, well, make them who they are. I love that concept! I also really appreciated the choice Bella faces in the story – it’s a choice I wholeheartedly identify with (minus the fairy-tale characters and setting), and I think many other readers will as well.
From the first sentence, Boucher draws us into Bella’s personality, point of view, and surroundings. I fully expected Bella to really annoy me, but as self-centered and manipulative as she was, she’s an endearing character because she owns who she is, and I found myself identifying with her instead. And I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed the description and vocabulary in a book quite this much: it’s not over the top, but does paint a concise picture of the characters and their settings and emotions.
Being a fairytale retelling, I was expecting a sinister plot element or character (and to be honest, I totally had one in the back of my mind), but it never came. (Seriously. What is wrong with me?! Ha). I also wanted to get to know Bella’s family a little bit better, discover more of their beastliness.
Becoming Beauty is a quick read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good fairytale retelling. I’d also recommend it to fans of Jane Austen, because to me it had the feel of a Jane Austen novel, though perhaps more introspective. In other words, if you like Once Upon a Time and Emma, I think you’ll really like Becoming Beauty.
It’s a fresh take on the traditional Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, with all of the characters being “somewhat beastly” in nature. It’s about transformation, but Boucher touches on something deeper and I think very important: transformation should never come at the cost of who you really are. Although the characters go through many positive changes throughout the story, they retain the characteristics that, well, make them who they are. I love that concept! I also really appreciated the choice Bella faces in the story – it’s a choice I wholeheartedly identify with (minus the fairy-tale characters and setting), and I think many other readers will as well.
From the first sentence, Boucher draws us into Bella’s personality, point of view, and surroundings. I fully expected Bella to really annoy me, but as self-centered and manipulative as she was, she’s an endearing character because she owns who she is, and I found myself identifying with her instead. And I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed the description and vocabulary in a book quite this much: it’s not over the top, but does paint a concise picture of the characters and their settings and emotions.
Being a fairytale retelling, I was expecting a sinister plot element or character (and to be honest, I totally had one in the back of my mind), but it never came. (Seriously. What is wrong with me?! Ha). I also wanted to get to know Bella’s family a little bit better, discover more of their beastliness.
Becoming Beauty is a quick read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good fairytale retelling. I’d also recommend it to fans of Jane Austen, because to me it had the feel of a Jane Austen novel, though perhaps more introspective. In other words, if you like Once Upon a Time and Emma, I think you’ll really like Becoming Beauty.
November 13, 2014
Bella has tried to live as charmed a life as possible. Although her father does not have a lot, she has managed to get as much as she can from her. Her beautiful sister Cassandra and her brother Aaron work very hard to help out. After going on a long trip, Bella's father returns with the beautiful bauble that Bella requested before he left. However, he obtained this jewel and was taken prisoner for the taking of it. Soon Cassandra and Aaron have decided that Bella should be required to repay the debt that her father made. Bella's life will be charmed no more as she's forced to work for a harsh man she knows only as the Beast.
I love fairy tales and fairy tale retellings, so I was excited to read this book. It was fantastic! It really drew me in from the start. To be honest, I didn't like Bella that much. She is incredibly self-centered and lazy. As she works off her debt to the Beast though, she really turns a corner. She begins to see how horrid a person she really was. More than that though, I think she gets a better idea of self worth. You can really feel how insecure Bella feels compared to her sister Cassandra. Bella has to work hard to find her own strength from within.
Of course, just because this is a familiar story doesn't mean that it goes where you think it will. It's not like a huge twist, but it's definitely a different approach. I liked that a lot though. Almost all the characters show a lot of growth through the story, which is great to watch. Not to mention there's also a good deal of humor. If you enjoy fairy tales with a twist, or even if you just like a good old-fashioned love story, this book will entertain from beginning to end.
Book provided for review.
November 25, 2014
4 STARS
This is a fresh slant on a old beloved tale of Beauty & the Beast. It worked really well. It kept my attention and me wanting to know how it all worked out. I really like Jack, & Cassie right off the bat. Bella & the Beast took time to become likeable.
Bella is the middle child. She is spoiled and wants to have new dresses all the time. She does not feel or act Beautiful. Bella is a daydreamer & lazy.
The Beast is not happy in fact he is full of angry. He lives alone except for Jack.
Cassie is Bella's older sister who is beautiful, talented and a hard worker. She is made to go to the balls with Bella. She always wears the same dress and draws all the gentleman to her.
Jack is the beasts friend since childhood. They learned lessons together. He won't be scared off like everyone else in the beast house.
Bella is pushed out of her house to take her father's place as a servant to the beast, because it is her fault the trouble her father got into. Her father is very sick.
It was hard to guess exactly how this story would work out. Did like the lessons that Bella and the Beast learned along their journey. This book is aimed at anyone who likes fairy tales like the Beauty & the Beast. It is a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read by Cedar Fort Publishing for the purpose of giving a honest review and being part of Becoming Beauty blog tour.
November 18, 2014
3.5 Stars
I've read just about every Beauty and the Beast retelling I could get my hands on, so I was excited to read a new version. I really liked the beginning of the story and how I could already see a different twist on this classic fairy tale. Beast does indeed fall in love with beauty, but not in the way you would think. There was also more than just one romantic interest, which I found intriguing. There were a few similarities as well, with Bella being the main character and her dad being indebted to Beast, which is how Bella ended up serving him.
There were some magical twists to Becoming Beauty that connected Bella with another girl and showed how Beast came to be. I would have liked a little explanation into how that all worked. I really liked the family dynamic of Bella's family and between Beast and Jack. There were quite a few overly dramatic parts with Bella that were too much for me and some places where I disagreed with her reasoning and the way she acted. That all translated into me not loving Bella, which made it hard as a reader. I liked Beast and I loved Jack.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a sweet romance with a happily-ever-after ending. I liked Bella's spunk and her sister's sweetness. I liked how they all made things work as a family in the end.
Content: Some slight innuendo, but otherwise clean.
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
I've read just about every Beauty and the Beast retelling I could get my hands on, so I was excited to read a new version. I really liked the beginning of the story and how I could already see a different twist on this classic fairy tale. Beast does indeed fall in love with beauty, but not in the way you would think. There was also more than just one romantic interest, which I found intriguing. There were a few similarities as well, with Bella being the main character and her dad being indebted to Beast, which is how Bella ended up serving him.
There were some magical twists to Becoming Beauty that connected Bella with another girl and showed how Beast came to be. I would have liked a little explanation into how that all worked. I really liked the family dynamic of Bella's family and between Beast and Jack. There were quite a few overly dramatic parts with Bella that were too much for me and some places where I disagreed with her reasoning and the way she acted. That all translated into me not loving Bella, which made it hard as a reader. I liked Beast and I loved Jack.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a sweet romance with a happily-ever-after ending. I liked Bella's spunk and her sister's sweetness. I liked how they all made things work as a family in the end.
Content: Some slight innuendo, but otherwise clean.
Source: From the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
November 13, 2014
If you love fairy tale retellings then you might be very interested in this book. This has a very unique take on Beauty and the Beast. I kept looking for little things to remind me of the Disney version of this story and sometimes I found them, in a general sort of way, but mostly I did not.
Bella is a manipulative and selfish girl. That’s really the long and short of it. Certain circumstances bring her to “the beast” although between him and Bella the term “beast” is really up for grabs. A sort of transformation takes place over time and really because of small kindnesses. I love transformations for the better. There is something so satisfying in that. In this book we see many people transform in some way or another.
Bella ends up with a necklace. It has a stone hanging from it and Bella realizes that she can see and feel memories through it. She dreams things that are someone else’s memories. It is both freaky and cool and it offers Bella many insights as to her situation.
This story had a love triangle within a love triangle. I’m not really a big fan of love triangles so having a double one going on was a bit overwhelming.
One idea I really loved from this book was no matter what happens to us- grief, hurt, anger, physical ailments or whatever- we cannot allow the beast to take over. Don’t let the crappy things in life remove your humanity and compassion for other people. Yeah, that’s a good message for the day.
Bella is a manipulative and selfish girl. That’s really the long and short of it. Certain circumstances bring her to “the beast” although between him and Bella the term “beast” is really up for grabs. A sort of transformation takes place over time and really because of small kindnesses. I love transformations for the better. There is something so satisfying in that. In this book we see many people transform in some way or another.
Bella ends up with a necklace. It has a stone hanging from it and Bella realizes that she can see and feel memories through it. She dreams things that are someone else’s memories. It is both freaky and cool and it offers Bella many insights as to her situation.
This story had a love triangle within a love triangle. I’m not really a big fan of love triangles so having a double one going on was a bit overwhelming.
One idea I really loved from this book was no matter what happens to us- grief, hurt, anger, physical ailments or whatever- we cannot allow the beast to take over. Don’t let the crappy things in life remove your humanity and compassion for other people. Yeah, that’s a good message for the day.
September 30, 2014
What a deliciously twisted fairy tale! I absolutely loved Bella, even when she was spoiled and awful. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story, and cheered for her when she had finally (almost) mastered herself. She was a hopelessly flawed heroine that I could totally relate to. Sarah has a real gift with words. Her descriptions were vibrant and gave me a clear picture in my head. There were several passages that had me snickering or laughing out loud. I always loved Jack and thought Bella should end up with him. I will admit I didn't catch on that Philip was transferring his affections for Rose to Bella until the wedding dress didn't fit just right. The fast-track relationship between Cassie and Philip at the end felt a little forced, but that could just be because I'm not sure how much time passed between Bella's family arriving and the end. I would have preferred to see Bella's wedding rather than Cassie's as well. The ending felt a little rushed, but the author did tie up all the ends nicely. I know it can be challenging to wrap up a story that is written in your own blood, sweat, and tears - so I think Sarah is a promising novelist and we can definitely expect great things from her!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2015
This isn't your standard take on Beauty and The Beast. If like me you were expecting another romantic retelling of an old classic you may be a little disappointed.
The first big difference is this book has a love triangle, twice actually in the book with the same two guys.
Bella was the only chararcter I thought was okay, she was selfish and spoilt at the beginning but she was strong willed and spoke up for herself. Jack was too much of a background character yet he was part of the story's love triangle. Bella had very little interactions with him but suddenly she had feelings for him. Philip was a total flake and probably one of the worst versions of the Beast I've come across. He loved Rose, then he supposedly loved Bella and then low and behold he fell for her sister. This guy didn't know what love was.
Bella spent most of the book living in the shadow of another woman. I just didn't enjoy reading about Philip and Jack's complicated love triangle with their former love Rose and maybe that's why I tend to avoid books with past loves in them.
The ending I didn't expect. There was an unbelievably quick change of heart and characters were paired off. I got zero romantic vibes from this book.
The first big difference is this book has a love triangle, twice actually in the book with the same two guys.
Bella was the only chararcter I thought was okay, she was selfish and spoilt at the beginning but she was strong willed and spoke up for herself. Jack was too much of a background character yet he was part of the story's love triangle. Bella had very little interactions with him but suddenly she had feelings for him. Philip was a total flake and probably one of the worst versions of the Beast I've come across. He loved Rose, then he supposedly loved Bella and then low and behold he fell for her sister. This guy didn't know what love was.
Bella spent most of the book living in the shadow of another woman. I just didn't enjoy reading about Philip and Jack's complicated love triangle with their former love Rose and maybe that's why I tend to avoid books with past loves in them.
The ending I didn't expect. There was an unbelievably quick change of heart and characters were paired off. I got zero romantic vibes from this book.
January 14, 2015
I promised myself I'd only read a few chapters and then go to bed....didn't happen. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. ONE. DOWN! There's a huge twist in the story that I did not see coming and for a few chapters I was worried that it wouldn't be a happy ever after; there was a BRIEF love triangle (one of my pet peeves especially in YA) but the way it was written made me feel not to give up hope for the story; then there was SLIGHT confusion with a fourth character which had me feeling a little better; finally everything happens where I could relax in the story and every plot detail was resolved. Couldn't believe this was a debut novel (really good one), I had to see what happened with Bella and I was determined that the ending would satisfy me. There's no magic or sorcery in the story, which also had me confused briefly (decided the story was better without it even though the original story had magic), but all in all I finally got what was going on and the book is much better than I anticipated. I saw Bella as having as much as a transformation as the beast does and it was amazing to watch that transpire. Love the cover!
March 10, 2015
Becoming Beauty is a debut novel from Sarah E Boucher and kept me captivated from page one. I read the entire book in one sitting because I had to know where the author was going with this modern retelling of Beauty & The Beast.
Bella is anything but grateful. Stubborn, entitled, and a pain to be around she constantly feels overshadowed by her sister. After coercing her father into risking his life for a rare ruby necklace, Bella's siblings decide that she needs to take responsibility for her actions.
Forced into the service of the "Beast," Bella is confronted with her worst nightmare; manual labor. But there turns out to be more to the "Beast" than she ever thought possible.
This story kept me guessing from page one. I absolutely loved this novel and especially loved the angle that the author took when describing the origins of the Beast. Incredibly lighthearted while talking about some pretty dark stuff, Becoming Beauty was an awesome debut novel from this author and I will absolutely be following her writing for years to come! 5/5
Bella is anything but grateful. Stubborn, entitled, and a pain to be around she constantly feels overshadowed by her sister. After coercing her father into risking his life for a rare ruby necklace, Bella's siblings decide that she needs to take responsibility for her actions.
Forced into the service of the "Beast," Bella is confronted with her worst nightmare; manual labor. But there turns out to be more to the "Beast" than she ever thought possible.
This story kept me guessing from page one. I absolutely loved this novel and especially loved the angle that the author took when describing the origins of the Beast. Incredibly lighthearted while talking about some pretty dark stuff, Becoming Beauty was an awesome debut novel from this author and I will absolutely be following her writing for years to come! 5/5
November 21, 2014
Bella has a dream. She wants to marry a man of means. Being a humble carpenter's daughter is not fulfilling. She wants jewels, dresses, and living in luxury. Her selfishness takes her father to the home of the "beast". Now she finds herself a servant to an ornery master.
As the book began I could see some similarities to the the Beauty and The Beast story that I was familiar with. The big difference from the start, that the main character in the other stories was selfless and kind. Bella in this version was greedy and grasping.
There were many twists on the original story. The beast is not the only character in need of transformation. To me this story represented the choices we have in our behavior. We can be ruled by circumstances or adapt and make the most of our lives in spite of circumstances.
I liked this original take on a well known story. Sarah Boucher has done a wonderful job at making the story her own.
As the book began I could see some similarities to the the Beauty and The Beast story that I was familiar with. The big difference from the start, that the main character in the other stories was selfless and kind. Bella in this version was greedy and grasping.
There were many twists on the original story. The beast is not the only character in need of transformation. To me this story represented the choices we have in our behavior. We can be ruled by circumstances or adapt and make the most of our lives in spite of circumstances.
I liked this original take on a well known story. Sarah Boucher has done a wonderful job at making the story her own.
November 16, 2014
BECOMING BEAUTY is an interesting YA Clean Romance/Fiction. Based on the re-telling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale. An interesting tale to be sure. The characters are engaging as well as enduring. It was interesting to see the growth and the relationships grow between the characters.
The storyline, while, I wouldn't say it was unique, it was interesting and entertaining. A different insight into an old story.
My only fault, the ending felt a little rushed, but with this said, the author did a great job of tieing up all the loose ends. If you enjoy fairy tales, you will enjoy, "Becoming Beauty". Ms. Boucher, is a promising author and one to watch for in the future.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR,courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
The storyline, while, I wouldn't say it was unique, it was interesting and entertaining. A different insight into an old story.
My only fault, the ending felt a little rushed, but with this said, the author did a great job of tieing up all the loose ends. If you enjoy fairy tales, you will enjoy, "Becoming Beauty". Ms. Boucher, is a promising author and one to watch for in the future.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR,courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
November 26, 2014
I found this book to be utterly charming and refreshingly original. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading about a heroine that was not absolutely gorgeous and incredibly perfect. Finally. a heroine that one can actually relate to! I loved how the author made the book unpredictable so that you did not know exactly where it was going from the first chapter but it kept you guessing until the end. Yes, at times Bella wasn't horrible likable but that is part of being human and part of the charm of this book. I loved the character development. I really cannot recommend this book enough and know I will be keeping an eye out for more books by this splendidly original author.
March 6, 2015
3.5
Quick read and pleasant. My only critique is that things happened too quickly. There wasn't a insta-love but somewhat of a love triangle, but that was the least of my concerns. I didn't really feel the love, though. The interactions felt bland and unreal. True camaraderie was only said, not shown. I feel as if the story was just too quickly paced and too quickly resolved.
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this still isnt in my library
Quick read and pleasant. My only critique is that things happened too quickly. There wasn't a insta-love but somewhat of a love triangle, but that was the least of my concerns. I didn't really feel the love, though. The interactions felt bland and unreal. True camaraderie was only said, not shown. I feel as if the story was just too quickly paced and too quickly resolved.
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this still isnt in my library
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December 17, 2024To be quite truthful, this isn’t the greatest Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I loved it anyway. There’s a reason I’ve reread this book, and it just feels satisfying for me.
I always love reading about character development, especially if the main character is insufferable and becomes a better person over time.
Some things are rushed and not all that fleshed out, but I’d read more books by Boucher anyway.
I always love reading about character development, especially if the main character is insufferable and becomes a better person over time.
Some things are rushed and not all that fleshed out, but I’d read more books by Boucher anyway.
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