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Красота
Дина Кейн израства в бедно семейство, което едва свързва двата края. Баща й загива при трудова злополука. Майка й получава голямо обезщетение, но не дава и цент на дъщеря си. Седемнайсетгодишна, Дина е принудена сама да изкарва прехраната си като сервитьорка в кафене. И се научава да разчита единствено на себе си.
Дина се влюбва в чаровния студент Едуард Джонсън, син на влиятелен банкер с амбиции в политиката. Едуард я прелъстява, за да се хвали пред приятелите си. За отмъщение тя спи с баща му. И разрушава привидно идеалното семейство Джонсън. Едуард се заклева, че ще я накара да си плати.
Амбициозната млада жена напуска кафенето и започва работа в неугледен магазин за козметика. Тя работи неуморно по шест дни в седмицата. Благодарение на вродения й усет към красивото магазинът скоро се превръща в предпочитано място за пазаруване на жени от всички възрасти. Но за Дина красотата е повече от бизнес. Тя е броня, която я защитава от външния свят.
Дина смята, че най-доброто отмъщение е да успее без чужда помощ. Но тя не е предвидила призраците от миналото, които се появяват отново в живота й...
Дина се влюбва в чаровния студент Едуард Джонсън, син на влиятелен банкер с амбиции в политиката. Едуард я прелъстява, за да се хвали пред приятелите си. За отмъщение тя спи с баща му. И разрушава привидно идеалното семейство Джонсън. Едуард се заклева, че ще я накара да си плати.
Амбициозната млада жена напуска кафенето и започва работа в неугледен магазин за козметика. Тя работи неуморно по шест дни в седмицата. Благодарение на вродения й усет към красивото магазинът скоро се превръща в предпочитано място за пазаруване на жени от всички възрасти. Но за Дина красотата е повече от бизнес. Тя е броня, която я защитава от външния свят.
Дина смята, че най-доброто отмъщение е да успее без чужда помощ. Но тя не е предвидила призраците от миналото, които се появяват отново в живота й...
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
29 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Louise Bagshawe
64 books488 followersLouise Daphne Bagshawe was born on 28 June 1971 in England, UK. She attended local all-girls Catholic schools near her family home in Surrey, before going to Oxford University in 1989. After graduating with a degree in Anglo Saxon and Norse, she worked as press officer with EMI records and then as a marketing official with Sony Music. On her 22nd birthday, her passion for writing was realised with a major publishing deal as Louise Bagshawe. She is the author of more than fifteen novels, published in more than eight languages. She is sister of the also writer Tilly Bagshawe.
Louise married Anthony LoCicero, and they had three children, but since June 2011, she is married with her second husband Peter Mensch. She lives in Northamptonshire with her family, and has been the Parliamentary Candidate for Corby and East Northants since November 2006, and became the Member of Parliament for Corby after winning the seat at the 2010 general election.
Louise married Anthony LoCicero, and they had three children, but since June 2011, she is married with her second husband Peter Mensch. She lives in Northamptonshire with her family, and has been the Parliamentary Candidate for Corby and East Northants since November 2006, and became the Member of Parliament for Corby after winning the seat at the 2010 general election.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 19, 2014
Can't stand "perfect" protagonists... I get that she is beautiful, stunningly so, accomplished, smart etc.etc., but I don't want to be reminded of that EVERY SINGLE page. Couldn't finish it.
January 23, 2014
The cover of Beauty is stunning, and the description had me intrigued as soon as I read it so I was keen to get started on Beauty.
Dina Kane is a woman who has worked hard to get where she is, and after the loss of her dad when she was young and a difficult relationship with her mother, this has made Dina more determined to excel in her career. Dina’s determination and skills mean she’s made enemies on the way, and when someone tries to destroy her, Dina’s set on revenge….
Louise Mensch has created a gripping and fantastic story. I had hoped this would be a great read but wow I really loved this novel. I became lost in Dina’s life and the novel flowed at such a great pace that before I knew it I had reached the last page.
The leading woman Dina is feisty, she is powerful and she knows what she wants. I LOVED reading about her life because I never knew what she was going to do next, and so I was excitedly racing through the pages desperate to find out what would happen. Thank you Louise for writing such a strong and fascinating character!
Beauty is a thrilling story of scandal, beauty, ambition, ruthlessness and revenge. This is an addictive read that will capture your attention and have you eager to get to find out what will happen with Dina. I can’t wait for more from Louise!
Dina Kane is a woman who has worked hard to get where she is, and after the loss of her dad when she was young and a difficult relationship with her mother, this has made Dina more determined to excel in her career. Dina’s determination and skills mean she’s made enemies on the way, and when someone tries to destroy her, Dina’s set on revenge….
Louise Mensch has created a gripping and fantastic story. I had hoped this would be a great read but wow I really loved this novel. I became lost in Dina’s life and the novel flowed at such a great pace that before I knew it I had reached the last page.
The leading woman Dina is feisty, she is powerful and she knows what she wants. I LOVED reading about her life because I never knew what she was going to do next, and so I was excitedly racing through the pages desperate to find out what would happen. Thank you Louise for writing such a strong and fascinating character!
Beauty is a thrilling story of scandal, beauty, ambition, ruthlessness and revenge. This is an addictive read that will capture your attention and have you eager to get to find out what will happen with Dina. I can’t wait for more from Louise!
November 26, 2017
Страхотна история за амбицията на една жена да успее в живота, въпреки трудностите! Героините на Луиз Бегшоу винаги показват характер и борбеност с което ме спечелват. Препоръчвам на всички тази книга, както и "Съдба" от същата авторка.
June 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Summertime and the reading is easy! If that is the mood you are in; then I have just the book for you.
First Line of Beauty:
“The maternity ward was having a bad day.”
My Thoughts on Beauty:
I enjoyed it! It starts on the day Dina Kane is born; unwanted and unnoticed. Her own father thinks of her as a ‘bald pink rat’ but she grows in to a beauty. There is a lot more than a pretty face to Dina though; she has brains and a head for business and is determined to find her niche in the world.
The highs of Beauty:
- I loved the feisty Dina. Her life is full of setbacks but she just picks herself up and runs full speed at the next goal she sets herself. It is inspirational to watch her looking for opportunities and then making the most of them. I love seeing the underdog achieve
- I loved the cut and thrust of the business world at the core of the book. We get little details of how Dina makes her businesses work. Don’t worry... not in a way that makes you want to snooze off but in an interesting way.
- I wasn’t expecting the mob background in the book either but it added another bit of colour and drama to the book.
- The book centres around revenge and I have to admit I simultaneously enjoyed it and wanted it to stop.
- The beauty industry is familiar to the majority of women and seeing name dropping of products that I use made me feel connected to the plot.
- Edward is a well drawn evil character that I loved to hate and wanted to slap
The lows of Beauty:
- Insta love. The relationship between Dina and Joel certainly sizzled and I felt they connected on emotional, physical and intellectual levels. But I would like to have seen it developed further. It sprang from nowhere and they both make huge decisions without really knowing each other.
- As much as I loved the message that beauty is for all women and I know personally that when I make an effort to look good that I feel good; I still felt that there was too much emphasis on beauty. It came across as a little shallow at times.
Overall if you are looking for a gossipy-feeling, entertaining, light read this is more than worthy of your time. It certainly kept me turning the pages and the lively pace meant that I never lost interest.
Who should read Beauty?
I’d recommend this to fans of contemporary womens fiction, to those who love beauty products and to those who would love an inside look at the beauty industry. Or if you are looking for a blockbuster to add to your beach bag; this would be a perfect match.
Thanks to Bookbridgr and Headline Review for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Summertime and the reading is easy! If that is the mood you are in; then I have just the book for you.
First Line of Beauty:
“The maternity ward was having a bad day.”
My Thoughts on Beauty:
I enjoyed it! It starts on the day Dina Kane is born; unwanted and unnoticed. Her own father thinks of her as a ‘bald pink rat’ but she grows in to a beauty. There is a lot more than a pretty face to Dina though; she has brains and a head for business and is determined to find her niche in the world.
The highs of Beauty:
- I loved the feisty Dina. Her life is full of setbacks but she just picks herself up and runs full speed at the next goal she sets herself. It is inspirational to watch her looking for opportunities and then making the most of them. I love seeing the underdog achieve
- I loved the cut and thrust of the business world at the core of the book. We get little details of how Dina makes her businesses work. Don’t worry... not in a way that makes you want to snooze off but in an interesting way.
- I wasn’t expecting the mob background in the book either but it added another bit of colour and drama to the book.
- The book centres around revenge and I have to admit I simultaneously enjoyed it and wanted it to stop.
- The beauty industry is familiar to the majority of women and seeing name dropping of products that I use made me feel connected to the plot.
- Edward is a well drawn evil character that I loved to hate and wanted to slap
The lows of Beauty:
- Insta love. The relationship between Dina and Joel certainly sizzled and I felt they connected on emotional, physical and intellectual levels. But I would like to have seen it developed further. It sprang from nowhere and they both make huge decisions without really knowing each other.
- As much as I loved the message that beauty is for all women and I know personally that when I make an effort to look good that I feel good; I still felt that there was too much emphasis on beauty. It came across as a little shallow at times.
Overall if you are looking for a gossipy-feeling, entertaining, light read this is more than worthy of your time. It certainly kept me turning the pages and the lively pace meant that I never lost interest.
Who should read Beauty?
I’d recommend this to fans of contemporary womens fiction, to those who love beauty products and to those who would love an inside look at the beauty industry. Or if you are looking for a blockbuster to add to your beach bag; this would be a perfect match.
Thanks to Bookbridgr and Headline Review for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 20, 2014
I am ashamed to say I have never read a book by Louise Bagshawe before! The author has now released her first book under her married name Louise Mensch entitled Beauty.
Dina Kane hasn’t had the best of upbringings. Her dad died when she was only young and her mum quite obviously could not bare the sight of Dina and clearly favoured her brother, sending him to private school whilst Dina had to attend a public school. As soon as Dina turned 18 it was time to move out and she was very clever but with no money for college she was going to have to work from the bottom up to support herself.
From waitressing to working in a coffee shop she began to climb the ladder and soon found herself working in the beauty industry but she didn’t get this far without blood sweat and making a lot of enemies on the way but Dina is not one to let things go and she seeks revenge!
WOW! I couldn’t put this book down, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I was captivated from start to finish. Dina Kane was a fabulous main character and made a change from the typical female leads that are usually soft natured and loveable and sometimes naive. Dina Kane is an ambitious, strong character who no matter how tough life gets whatever is thrown at her she just gets back up and dusts herself of and comes back with vengeance! It seems with every hit she takes she just finds a way out and comes back so much stronger and this is what I loved about her. I did feel sorry for her even if she didn’t feel sorry for herself, although she is career focused she seemed very lonely.
The book is totally unpredictable which is something I adore in a book never quite knowing what is around the corner, this is what makes a book impossible to put down! The author clearly knows her stuff when it comes to beauty products as this features quite heavily in this book .
I have to say I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up based on the cover and the synopsis but I would have really missed out on a great read. I enjoyed my first book by this author it had so much to offer, scandal, ambition, romance, a glamorous and ambitious main character and a handsome millionaire. I can’t wait to try another book by this author.
Dina Kane hasn’t had the best of upbringings. Her dad died when she was only young and her mum quite obviously could not bare the sight of Dina and clearly favoured her brother, sending him to private school whilst Dina had to attend a public school. As soon as Dina turned 18 it was time to move out and she was very clever but with no money for college she was going to have to work from the bottom up to support herself.
From waitressing to working in a coffee shop she began to climb the ladder and soon found herself working in the beauty industry but she didn’t get this far without blood sweat and making a lot of enemies on the way but Dina is not one to let things go and she seeks revenge!
WOW! I couldn’t put this book down, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I was captivated from start to finish. Dina Kane was a fabulous main character and made a change from the typical female leads that are usually soft natured and loveable and sometimes naive. Dina Kane is an ambitious, strong character who no matter how tough life gets whatever is thrown at her she just gets back up and dusts herself of and comes back with vengeance! It seems with every hit she takes she just finds a way out and comes back so much stronger and this is what I loved about her. I did feel sorry for her even if she didn’t feel sorry for herself, although she is career focused she seemed very lonely.
The book is totally unpredictable which is something I adore in a book never quite knowing what is around the corner, this is what makes a book impossible to put down! The author clearly knows her stuff when it comes to beauty products as this features quite heavily in this book .
I have to say I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up based on the cover and the synopsis but I would have really missed out on a great read. I enjoyed my first book by this author it had so much to offer, scandal, ambition, romance, a glamorous and ambitious main character and a handsome millionaire. I can’t wait to try another book by this author.
December 13, 2014
It's wonderful! The free flowing and unbiased words of the book caught me mesmerised. It's unputdownable !
September 23, 2014
Loved this book, but have to say I'm definitely a fan of Louise Mensch's writing.
October 14, 2018
***Please be forewarned this is solely based off my own thoughts throughout reading and is very unorganized. It should in no way affect your decision on reading this book or not. There are many others who explain the review better than myself. ***
Rated it two based on the characters and the plot itself. But overall it was an interesting story. It all starts out with a bad day and ends with a good one. Dina Kane a New Yorker has not been a favorite of her family since infancy but once she turns the legal age of adulthood, embarks to the city in hope to make something of herself.
Its about a lower class girl moving into the ultra rich and lush life of NYC.
However, I liked the fact the book was focused on business and a hardball woman who knows how to negotiate,works hard,and eventually makes her way up the corporate ladder and soon entrepreneur multimillionaire. Even if the path wasn't an easy one to take in reaching those goals. I thought the love interest in the very well known billionaire man of the city, was a cliche and her being so young obsessing over it like a school girl. I grew a little tired of reading about it after a while and thought she was selfish by her willing to pursue him even though he was married and had kids.
The antagonist of the story was an interesting one; a psychotic, egotistical,bitter, money maniac. I mean I expected it but didnt at the same time, because as you read its like why doesn't he move on already? He's letting one person affect his entire life--the entire book. Yeah sure she blackmailed his father during his campaign trail and caused a divorce. But to have it linger for years in seeking revenge,to the point of killing others, is the simple fact of why I say he's psychopath.
Also I will address the protagonists appearance was praised and gloated over far too much in my opinion. Every new sector of her life and new encounters seemed to be based around it. It was like Regina George in Mean Girls except she was the 'mean girl' of NYC. But I guess that's to be expected because the book is called 'Beauty'. Again too much in my opinion.
.
If you're not into strong language please note there are many and many sexual behaviors that not everyone is or may be comfortable reading. I will say I was surprised of it myself but usually skimmed over because I wanted to see what the ending would be.
Rated it two based on the characters and the plot itself. But overall it was an interesting story. It all starts out with a bad day and ends with a good one. Dina Kane a New Yorker has not been a favorite of her family since infancy but once she turns the legal age of adulthood, embarks to the city in hope to make something of herself.
Its about a lower class girl moving into the ultra rich and lush life of NYC.
However, I liked the fact the book was focused on business and a hardball woman who knows how to negotiate,works hard,and eventually makes her way up the corporate ladder and soon entrepreneur multimillionaire. Even if the path wasn't an easy one to take in reaching those goals. I thought the love interest in the very well known billionaire man of the city, was a cliche and her being so young obsessing over it like a school girl. I grew a little tired of reading about it after a while and thought she was selfish by her willing to pursue him even though he was married and had kids.
The antagonist of the story was an interesting one; a psychotic, egotistical,bitter, money maniac. I mean I expected it but didnt at the same time, because as you read its like why doesn't he move on already? He's letting one person affect his entire life--the entire book. Yeah sure she blackmailed his father during his campaign trail and caused a divorce. But to have it linger for years in seeking revenge,to the point of killing others, is the simple fact of why I say he's psychopath.
Also I will address the protagonists appearance was praised and gloated over far too much in my opinion. Every new sector of her life and new encounters seemed to be based around it. It was like Regina George in Mean Girls except she was the 'mean girl' of NYC. But I guess that's to be expected because the book is called 'Beauty'. Again too much in my opinion.
.
If you're not into strong language please note there are many and many sexual behaviors that not everyone is or may be comfortable reading. I will say I was surprised of it myself but usually skimmed over because I wanted to see what the ending would be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Dina Kane has risen from poverty to park avenue. She is resilient and has done whatever it takes to get to the top. She has made some enemies along the way but nothing will stop her from dreaming big. Everyone woman has their own secrets but will Dina’s get in the way of her happiness...
Beauty is a great book by Louise Mensch who previously wrote under the surname Bagshawe. She always has strong female characters in her books and they are always career driven.
Dina has learnt from her mistakes and done some things she isn’t proud of, but she sure is determined. The odds were set against her and yet every time she gets that little bit closer to being the successful businesswoman she has always wanted to be. She has sass and doesn’t take no for an answer. It’s also great to see a female character who doesn’t base their every whim on a man and wants to be rescued. Dina Kane is her own night in shinning armour. Definitely would recommend a read!
Beauty is a great book by Louise Mensch who previously wrote under the surname Bagshawe. She always has strong female characters in her books and they are always career driven.
Dina has learnt from her mistakes and done some things she isn’t proud of, but she sure is determined. The odds were set against her and yet every time she gets that little bit closer to being the successful businesswoman she has always wanted to be. She has sass and doesn’t take no for an answer. It’s also great to see a female character who doesn’t base their every whim on a man and wants to be rescued. Dina Kane is her own night in shinning armour. Definitely would recommend a read!
April 27, 2018
A highly enjoyable read, I'm surprised this isn't more popular/talked about more. As a beauty junkie I liked the references to the real world cosmetic industry, it showed the author did their research. The story itself was well paced and each chapter brought change and new possibilities. The only thing that I raise my eyebrow at is Joel and Dina's romance - a 50 year old and a 24 year old isn't unheard of, but it can be strange to imagine for sure. The other thing is I can't figure out who the intended reader is, because the main character is in her late twenties, as are most of her male love interests, and yet there's pretty graphic sex in there - what adult wants to read that about some, well, kids? Regardless, recommend.
February 25, 2021
O carte usor de citit si foarte placuta!
Dina Kane, o frumusete naturala, nascuta in familia gresita, sa spun asa. Mama ei o uraste de la inceput pentru ca Dina nu era o sarcina planuita, astfel dand planurile mamei sale peste cap.
Creste in umbra fratelui ei mai mare, Johnny, care merge la o universitate si paseste increzator spre viitor sustinut de mama lui, dupa ce tatal lor moare intr-un accident la munca.
Dina va fi nevoita sa plece de acasa la 18 ani, sa lucreze ca ospatarita, vanzatoare intr-un magazin de beauty.
V-a infrunta multe lovituri, v-a fi tradata, isi va pierde fratele, va gasi iubirea vietii ei si isi va cladi propriul imperiu.
Mi-a placut!😊
Dina Kane, o frumusete naturala, nascuta in familia gresita, sa spun asa. Mama ei o uraste de la inceput pentru ca Dina nu era o sarcina planuita, astfel dand planurile mamei sale peste cap.
Creste in umbra fratelui ei mai mare, Johnny, care merge la o universitate si paseste increzator spre viitor sustinut de mama lui, dupa ce tatal lor moare intr-un accident la munca.
Dina va fi nevoita sa plece de acasa la 18 ani, sa lucreze ca ospatarita, vanzatoare intr-un magazin de beauty.
V-a infrunta multe lovituri, v-a fi tradata, isi va pierde fratele, va gasi iubirea vietii ei si isi va cladi propriul imperiu.
Mi-a placut!😊
January 3, 2022
i read this as a 15 year old obsessed w hair and beauty, and the world of cosmetics. I’m now a hairdressing student and assistant after years of dragging through higher education to please others. This book meant a lot to me at the time because i was certain i had to find a way to pursue that dream.
i do remember just how entranced i was by the magical descriptions of the power of beauty industries. it felt so authentic and non-consumerist to a young me. it also kick started my obsession with french beauty coiffé /décoiffé, which has moulded a lot of my opinions and attitudes to life.
cute to reflect on :’)
i do remember just how entranced i was by the magical descriptions of the power of beauty industries. it felt so authentic and non-consumerist to a young me. it also kick started my obsession with french beauty coiffé /décoiffé, which has moulded a lot of my opinions and attitudes to life.
cute to reflect on :’)
February 12, 2023
Caution, if you have experienced sexual assault and harm to women, there are multiple references you might find hard to be replayed. There are a few forms of violence against women by a villain in the story (which gets worse). I respect the author trying to give voice to the reality of DV, however the psychopathy and sexual violence the character that developed over this book is tough for us who have gone through trauma when unprepared when thinking this book is “light” given the genre.
I also gave it three stars as I don’t resonate with the beauty world so not as enjoyable as other books I have read by the author.
I also gave it three stars as I don’t resonate with the beauty world so not as enjoyable as other books I have read by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2017
Well isn't Dina amazing?? She pulled herself up from the gutter by being super industrious and brainy. She was in the right place at the right time and pushed the right people around to get a foot up. Sure, some really bad things happened to her but she overcame them.... Sure she treated some people terribly, and in the end, she certainly paid for some of these things... Until of course everything came up rosy and she found true love.
February 15, 2018
Really feel for dina the main character I have read other reviews complaining about the in depth beauty descriptions. I have mixed views about this but it didn't really bother me and as the book is called beauty you can't really complain. I enjoyed reading most of the book but some parts are disturbing
As it chick lit meets crime type of book which I was not expecting.
As it chick lit meets crime type of book which I was not expecting.
May 30, 2021
The last of my Bagshawe binge! :( So sad, I have thoroughly enjoyed going back and re-reading all of her stuff over the last couple of weeks. Sure, she's never going to win a literary award for highbrow content but I just love the rags-to-riches stories with strong independent women at the forefront. Now I'll have to wait another 5 or so years to start the binge again....
August 9, 2023
Книгата е страхотна. Малко по-различно четиво, не само с€кс и желание. А една амбициозна и неуморима стихия на име Дина. Ако има нещо, което не харесах, то е краткият финал, след толкова дълга омраза и такова дълго желание, всичко се разви в 5 страници. Имах нужда от повече. Отделно останаха две-три недоизказани неща, така че 4.5 звезди от мен.
August 15, 2018
This was an unusual pick for me. I do like chick-lit, but wouldn't qualify this book as that. The story almost reads like a thriller and I was drawn in all the way to the end. Minus one star as there were a little too many stereotypes for me and the way particularly men were depicted was almost misandristic.
March 13, 2019
Wow. This book was just amazing.
So intellegent written with great quality.
One of the best books Ive read in my life actually, I didnt want it to end.
Louise Mensch is a fantastic author! 5 stars, no doubt!!!
So intellegent written with great quality.
One of the best books Ive read in my life actually, I didnt want it to end.
Louise Mensch is a fantastic author! 5 stars, no doubt!!!
April 28, 2020
Dina Kane is the kind of girl I look up to. A beautiful lotus flower growing up in muddy water. She starts from nothing and built an empire without ever getting that piece of paper many of us went into student debt for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2018
Pretty formulaic chick lit, but an enjoyable enough read in bed on a raining weekend.
May 12, 2018
A great book captures you from the first page, a little too much information on the making up of the beauty products, otherwise a cracking read, would recommend.
December 9, 2018
I absolutely loved Beauty. This is typical Louise Bagshawe full of life and passion, with just a hint of danger.
I can’t recommend this highly enough.
I can’t recommend this highly enough.
February 7, 2019
Loved this book.
May 17, 2019
Mildly entertaining but sooo soapy and cheesy. Characters were super one-dimensional and the villain was laughable. Parts of the book felt like a makeup commercial with all the brand name dropping.
May 24, 2019
Solid 3.5 stars. Quick read and enjoyable.
October 29, 2019
Great book based on a career path and generating hope and possibilities, a great read I couldn’t put down
March 7, 2020
Loved this!
June 27, 2020
Ok. Easy holiday read. When I was reading it, I enjoyed it but it didn’t drag me back.
April 25, 2021
Dina Kaneee is such an inspirational story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews