Nobody's Ideal

by L.E. Richmond

226 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

L.E. Richmond was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest by an American writing teacher and a German bookseller. Her childhood consisted in a large part of imagining stories for her PLAYMOBIL characters and checking out as many books from the library as her family could fit on six library cards. Now she spends her time chasing three little Muggles, reading aloud to the hazel-eyed young man who has her heart, and attempting to transfer the stories in her head into words for others. Her passion is for words and stories that thrill the soul, and she is endlessly amazed by the One who not only used words to bring this world into being but also crafted the most epic story of all time.

Reviews

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope]]

DNF at page 60. This is a huge disappointment. 😭 I’ve been so looking forward to this book because of the gorgeous cover. The author includes a note at the beginning about how there is going to be speech and actions that don’t align with being a Christian at the beginning. Okay, I didn’t know that until after I had already bought the book. I started reading it and came across several instances of taking God’s name in vain. Then more swear words came in and I was just done. Swear words and taking God’s name in vain DO NOT belong in a Christian book and they never will. That is not okay. I get the change she was trying to show, but that is not the way to go about it. How is it glorifying God if you’re taking His name in vain even though it may be your characters that do it? I felt that God was convicting me to not read it anymore.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, the first chapter pulled me right in, and the characters got me reading late into the night and flipping pages quickly.

I vaguely remembered the fairytale this story is inspired from when I dove into the first few chapters of this, but I was absolutely clueless as to what would happen. Then around 60% in, that's when my memories decided to hit me with what happened in the fairytale. Instead of feeling like my enjoyment of reading was spoiled, I got all the more excited and read in a frenzy because I had a clue to what COULD happen, and Chel had no clue whatsoever despite her husband dropping several hints. I had to finish the book to know if my theory was right, and it def was which made me all the more happier. XD

Seriously tho, my love of the secret/hidden identity trope was so well written here that I had to go back and reread some chunks of the beginning.

Chel - Oh my heart, during the first two chapters, she completely pulled me in as I related to so much of what she was going through. The way people treated her and how she tries so hard over and over again to be the nice person her grandfather and mother want her to be and failing at it AGAIN is so real. So how she reconciled in the end was so *sighs* satisfying.

Clancy - Did I like him? Yes. Was I annoyed by how he treated Chel sometimes? Also yes. Do I want to read this book from his perspective? Well, YES. That glimpse into his diary made me wanna read everything that happened from his POV so badly. T-T

Bart - Whyyyy are you sooooo frustratinggg but also sooooo endearinggggg

After a reading slump (due to a very disappointing book), Nobody's Ideal made me want to sink back into the bookish world and encounter more characters like Chel. Needless to say, I'd remember this AND recommend it to any teen who struggles to fit in with those around them.

All of my favorite quotes have spoilers so I'll just give an out-of-context quote that is also my fav:

“But you couldn’t do anything that would make me not want you.” “I’ll remind you that you said that.” His tone is light, but there’s an undercurrent of seriousness, and I wonder exactly how much he is going to have to make up for on Saturday.

[Melissa Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book in my hands. I'd never heard of King Thrushbeard, and when I started guessing what was going to happen, I looked it up. Hint: Don't do that if you don't like spoilers. ;) I finished the story pretty quickly - because "one more chapter" syndrome got me before I went to sleep. At that point, I wanted to finish the story. :)

Richmond weaves a beautiful tale of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. This was the first romance I've read in a few months, and I cried during parts of it. Chel's relationship with her mom was one of those things that made me so sad - how hard her mom was trying and how hard Chel was rejecting.

The only thing I wish I had known *before* I started reading it was something that is in an author's note at the beginning. While is a Christian story, there are parts (language, behaviors [but no explicit sex scenes]) that are not. I understand this was to show growth in a character, but I like to know that it's coming *before* I start reading. Not worth removing a star, but I wanted to include it in my review for those who would like to know before picking it up.

[Taylor Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dad knew that I'm nobody's princess. And I've never wanted to be."

Goodness, where do I start. Nobody's Ideal is gritty, emotionally rich, and full of heartbreakingly raw moments that inspire both sympathy and empathy. I'll be honest, Chel would not be someone I would click with on a friend level. She's blunt, quick to judge, self-conscious, and stubborn to the extreme. However, she's also sensitive, kind, and fiercely loyal. Like the title suggests, Chel's pretty extra. Yet despite her not being a character I immediately liked, she grew on me. Her character arc shows the endless possibilities when someone's given a second chance. Everyone makes mistakes, but each individual gets to decide if those mistakes continue to shape their lives in the future.

Oh, Clancy. There's so much I could say about this man, but that might lead into spoiler territory. Clancy is the living, breathing, walking definition of patience. If you look up the definition in the dictionary, I wouldn't be surprised if his photo's there. Although he only ever treats Chel with kindness and respect, she manages to belittle/criticize him at every turn. There were quite a few times I wanted to shake Chel for how she spoke/treated Clancy. However, I did find their bickering hilarious, and the progression of their feelings for each other is beyond satisfying. By the end, I rooted for them as a couple whole-heartedly.

The theme of familial expectation/legacy hit hard. I think most can relate to how crushing the weight can be when it comes to the expectations/demands of family. Whether that's to follow in a parent's footsteps regarding careers or the expectation to marry someone of a particular social status, the burden of these expectations can be suffocating. On this front, I did identify with Chel. At first, this was the only thing we had in common, but it was an aspect that softened my heart toward Chel even when she did things that frustrated me. For me, this theme added so much depth to the story.

I've read all of Laura's published work, and her stories never disappoint. They are full of vibrant characters, snarky humour, and themes that aim to grow a reader's compassion/empathy for others. I highly recommend all of Laura's books - this one included!!

** I was given an e-arc by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All above thoughts/opinions are my own.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of grace, healing, redemption, and forgiveness. This book captured me from the very first page, and I found myself unable to put it down.

I especially appreciated how the characters lived out their faith without being portrayed as “perfect” Christians. That authenticity made them feel real and relatable, and it deepened my connection to their journey. I found myself rooting for them even more because of it.

This story also challenges readers to look beyond outward appearances and into the heart—a message that lingers long after the final page.

While it touches on some heavy topics, I respect the author’s willingness to explore them with care and depth. It’s the kind of story that stays with you.

The author’s note mentioned that this book is different from her other works, but her beautiful writing has definitely sparked my interest in reading more from her.

Another great read from Quill and Flame Publishing House.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of undeserved grace, forgiveness, and second chances, Nobody’s Ideal was a delight to read - even if I wanted to shake some sense into Chel sometimes - and an excellent contemporary take on an old fairy tale.

Rachel, er, Chel, was instantly and simultaneously sympathetic and relatable…and aggravating and grating. Her journey and growth, while painfully slow, was realistic and hopeful, and excellently written.

The setting, other characters - especially Clancy and Cat, and quiet, constant advocacy for life, family, forgiveness, and undeserved mercy and grace made this story real in a way that contemporary fiction can often fall short of.

This story touched me, challenged me, and encouraged me - to give grace and mercy and to seek reconciliation - even when it’s undeserved and painful.

I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Alyssa Feliciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I applaud Richmond for her gentleness. care, and faith filled stance in this story. I adored Bart and Chels story so much.

Richmond does an amazing job keeping you hooked with Rachel's personality. felt that I could resonate with the characters exterior from my BC life. not only does the author speak about pregnancy but she speaks into forgiveness and bitterness as well.

this story was raw and real. I wont ruin the best part but there is a huge twist that made me all giddy when I figure it out. and the epilogue was the perfect insight to a wonderful ending.

this is the second book I have read by this author and both times I felt she brought such clarity and wisdom into modern topics.

I look forward to what she writes next 🩵

[Kim English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobody's Ideal had me a little nervous during the first chapter. It does have some language in it, uses God's name as an expletive, and refers to premarital relations. However, it is real. It is raw. It is emotiona. It is the story of an 18 year old girl rebelling against life and trying to figure out who she is while it seems everything and everyone is against her. The character arc is beautiful and the story of grace, mercy, love and forgiveness is amazing. Once I got into the second chapter, I couldn't put it down
"I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest and voluntary review.

[J. Grace Papponetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by no means my typical genre, but I really enjoyed reading this book. As a fairytale retelling, it works. The story drew me in, and I was so curious where it was going. The twist almost got me, and even when I figured it out, I was still left guessing until the full reveal. I appreciated the snippets from the original fairytale included throughout the book. It’s a really unique and clever take for a fairytale retelling.

[Mark Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It kept me reading.

I loved the dynamic between Chel, Cat and Serenity. The found-family elements. I wanted more of that. The multiple interactions between Chel, Grandpa and Mom were intense, believable and earned.

I also loved the layered and fun mid-section between Chel and Clancy. Chel trying to navigate life in extraordinary circumstances. It was interesting and well written. It felt very real and lived in, and yet comfortable and exciting. Honestly, I enjoyed the relationship so much that I didn’t even think the big twist at the end was needed.

After the author’s warning, I was expecting far worse profanity. It was minimal, depicting a non-Christian. Honestly, the only slightly troublesome thing for me as a Christian was how long the protagonist was unforgiving and angry, sometimes towards those trying to love her. But it was well written: the messiness of the world we live in.

Good characters, good flow, good read.

[Amaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beutiful retelling of the fairytale King Thrushbeard! It's full of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances! The charecters are well written and intriguing! The plot twists very very surprising!! Definitely will be reading again!

romance 3/5
violence 3/5
language 2/5

14+

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this had me hooked immediately. Nobody’s Ideal isn’t an easy, light read, but it was such a good one, and I really enjoyed it!


Content caveat: mild language

~~I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.~~

[Helena Harned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I cry? Did I slightly binge read? Absolutely. Sweet and true to the fairy tale.

[A.J. Skelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, gritty tale full of hope, redemption, and consequences. Different than my typical read, but I really liked the poignancy and the bittersweetness of this story.

[Heather Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gobbled up this story in a single weekend. It’s a mix of gritty, heartwarming, and surprising moments. Chel is such a unique character forged by grief and past hurts, and I loved seeing her grow over the course of the story. Also, Clancy!! Goodness, that man had some PATIENCE. Overall, I really enjoyed this book (as I have everything LE Richmond has written so far!) and can’t wait to see what she writes next!