A Modest Proposal

Butterfly Box #1

by Michele Ashman Bell

All my life I had dreamed of changing the ordinary girl's world of fashion by designing modest formal gowns—ones that you'd actually want to wear. With my super-hero stitching I would save you mothers and daughters crying in dressing rooms over yet another "the straps are just too small" prom dress. Don't worry, I even thought of a catchy tagline for my brand: "Modest Is Hottest." I told you I was good!
So I moved to New York and am finally living that dream . . . well, almost. I am at one of the top fashion companies, and my designs are definitely modest;but let's face it, when it comes to outerwear, would you want to buy a skimpy trench coat? Didn't think so. Even though I don't have my dream job, my family is a mess, and my love life stinks, I have a feeling things are going to change.
I mean, they have to soon, or I'll be forced to marry Jace. I did promise to become his wife only if I turned thirty and was still single, but I honestly didn't think it was possible. Now twenty-nine, I'm cutting it way too close.
Right now I'm flying back to Utah for our Butterfly Girls reunion. And since it is the Mormon Mecca, I might find myself a modest proposal. Utah engagements can take mere weeks. Never mind, I'm not that desperate. Really. But maybe the girls can help. We've been best friends since high school. We Butterfly Girls are not the typical Pink Ladies, although we've definitely had our share of drama. We'll laugh and cry over memories, from pageant glory to tragic endings, but the ones stored inside our butterfly box will surprise you most. We only open it when we're all together, and our lives never seem the same after.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Clean Romance

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I grew up in St. George, Utah, where a lot of my family still lives, but now reside with my husband and family in the Salt Lake City area. My favorite thing to do is support my kids in their many interests. Between basketball, ballet and piano lessons we squeeze a lot into a week, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reviews

[JS · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit better than expected, not nearly as good as I hoped. I keep on hoping for an LDS chick lit writer who I can really enjoy--a touch of clean, entertaining romance without feeling preachy or religiously overloaded. I realize that faithful religious people make their religion a big, important part of their lives, but I think there's got to be a better balance between gospel topics and other stuff. And most of all, there's got to be some way of writing religion without preaching and feeling, frankly, a little trite and shallow. (If anyone can recommend any authors that you think have struck this balance, let me know.) For me, the most ridiculous moment in this book related to this issue is when Lauryn checks her email. Any normal character would just check her email, and that would be that. But the author felt it necessary to mention that Lauryn also had to delete some spam (probably body-part-enlargement spam) first. Yes, I get that this is something we all have to do occasionally, but the only reason to actually mention it in your book is if you are trying to make a point.

A brief interruption for some self-analysis: It occurs to me that my reviews tend to sound rather negative. Hmmm... I suppose I should also mention the things I actually like about the books I read. *Sigh.*

In other news, though, I did like the characters fairly well, and it made me reconsider (slightly) my cynical view of the media and design worlds.

Did I mention, though, that the romance was a bit of a disappointment? (Curses! More negativity. Oh well.)

Rating: G

[Stacey Wacknov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh dear. Where to begin...

I picked this up in Salt Lake City, curious to see what makes an LDS-approved fiction book. I am not a chick lit fan, but something about the "girl makes it in fashion in NYC despite challenges along the way" piqued my interest. Plus, you know, the unexplained intrigue at reading such a targeted book.

First, the good: I can see how a devout Mormon woman would LOVE this book. Beyond the uplifting message and fun beach read, I'm sure it's comforting to see character actions and terminology that are specific to your culture and beliefs. And it's nice that this book encourages women to pursue their career dreams and wait for the right guy to support them in that pursuit.

Now the oy vey:

1) Has the author ever truly been to NYC? West 4th Street is in...SoHo? 6:30pm is too late to walk home from work? The most special dinner in town is at the top of the Marriott Marquis? People in the fashion industry eat *bagels*?!?

2) I won't even go further into the misconception of the fashion industry except to say: If you ever even CONSIDERED naming a high-fashion line for women "Butterfly Girls" with a crown logo, you would be laughed back to...well...Utah.

3) No way in hell the supporting character Cooper was straight. The man designs accessories, can walk a runway, ballroom dances, and sings showtunes. I call that a big flaming NO.

And there's more, but I'll leave it at that. It's a sweet story that I wish focused more on the other "Butterfly Girls" characters and didn't leave so many obvious loose ends, but I suppose that's why it's the first book in a series. Clever.

[Linnae · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the time she was in high school, Lauryn Alexander has wanted to design evening wear. But not your ordinary strapless, low-cut type. She wants to design modest dresses that will flatter most body types. Unfortunately, she has been stuck designing outer wear for the past several years, and there doesn't seem to be much hope of advancing beyond that in her current job. Enter an enticing job opportunity from a very well-known designer. Nevermind that something seems a little off--when opportunity knocks, you've got to get to the door. Besides, it won't be anything Lauryn can't handle with the help of her closest friends, the Butterfly Girls, right? She might even find some romance along the way.

Lauryn's story was quick and fun to read, though a bit predictable. The Butterfly Girls, with their pact and yearly meeting, added a layer of depth and possible intrigue that was not explored fully in this book (but perhaps will be in the next?) A good one to recommend to the teenage girls in your life.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed this book. I am still perplexed by some of the unresolved issues, but that is to be expected since this is the first of a series. I'm just sad that I have to wait for the next book! I love this author and I'm glad she has more good books to come.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's sooooo good. I live in St.George at this moment, so when she's talking about what St.George is like, I totally understand. I'm also LDS so I love the story line!

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was so cute and it made me laugh:)

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new offering by Michele is one of my favorites. Michele really knows her stuff and she brings the modesty issue where it needs to be. I really like how she brings this Butterfly Box into the mix. The story is centered around 6 close friends in high school and the tragic accident that brings them even closer and allows them to get together once a year to celebrate their friendship and what matters most in life. Since this is the first in a series, we follow Lauryn in her dreams of becoming a designer of modest evening gowns for the every woman. We find how ruthless and cutthroat the fashion design business can be, but in being true to her ideals, how successful she can be. I really liked how Michele worked with the romantic aspect of the story and implemented a top notch fashion show with her YW and used her co-workers to help. Helping her young stepsister to realize her dreams and to set righteous goals was great. I look forward to the next installment in The Butterfly Box. And, I agree, Modest Is Hottest!!!!

[Anneliese Bennion · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a combination between An Affair to Remember and Sweet Home Alabama. It had a cute plot, for an LDS fiction book. I used to read this genre all the time. However, many years ago I moved on to bigger, better books - usually of the romance genre. This book was ok, but the beginning was slow - so much so that I skipped almost the first 100 pages. After that it gets better. Still, there are things about LDS fiction that is just too cheesy for me. But if you like the genre, you'll love the book.

[Jenifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the perfect book to show how NOT to write conversations. My goodness!!!! This book is 300+ pages and it should be about 100. Boring dialog. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why this people were friends-they had nothing in common. If this is going to be a series I suggest she make her story lines less obvious-too skinny=anorexic, husband has a job making "clean" videos=pornography problem, during high school friend goes to visit grandma for several months=she had a baby and gave it up for adoption..... I do not plan on reading anything else from her.

[Karina Pribil-Corbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's two phases in my reading career that I often refer to- pre-Book Thief and post-Book Thief. I read this book in both stages. In 2011, I loved it! However, four years later after being exposed to life-changing literature, I can't help, but to feel a little disappointed with the novel. It wasn't as good as I remembered it. However, if you are looking for a fun, light, happy read, then I think this is just the book for you. As cheesy as it was, I couldn't put it down. After four years, Jace still gets to me.

I didn't love it. I didn't hate it.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't in the mood for it so didn't finish. I'm sure it was great!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun series.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed these books. I couldn't decide between a three and a four star. It was a light and fun read

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is LDS “chick lit”. This, would be, what I would term a “light read”. I was reading this at the same time as I have been (and am still reading) a serious piece of non-fiction. Both books kept my interest and gave me reading satisfaction. Ms. Bell created a story that provided me with situations and characters that I found endearing and interesting.

Lauren is a 29 year old Southern Utah gal who is living in New York City and working as a designer for a woman who has achieved a recognized name and considerable success in the world of high fashion. Lauren has aspirations to design formal gowns that are modest and can be worn by real women as opposed to high fashion models. As it stands, she is currently designing outerwear.

Lauren’s thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her love life is in shambles. As Lauren finds herself winging her way to St .George for her annual reunion with her high school girl friends, she realizes she will be there on June 1st and recognizes she may well be making good on the promise she made to Jace, one of her best friends from high school. The promise? That if Jace and Lauren reached their thirtieth year without tying the knot, that they would meet on the steps of the St. George Temple on June 1st of year 30 and Jace would propose AND Lauren would have to say yes.

How Lauren and Jace get together is only part of this story. The major portion of the novel is focused on Lauren and her career as a designer. She prayerfully decides to take a job with another designer who has made a name for himself designing gowns for movie stars and other high end clients. She soon finds herself regretting leaving her former position. The new designer has a hidden agenda with regards to Lauren and she has no idea what that is.

Another major plot line concerns itself with Lauren and her girl friends from high school. Andrea, Jocelyn, Chloe, and Emma along with Lauren have an annual reunion where they return
to their home town and get together and pass the Butterfly Box. The box contains memorabilia from their high school days which represents each woman in the group. The box is passed to a member of the group they all agree is most deserving of keeping the Butterfly Box with them until the next reunion. These women are Lauren’s support group. Since high school they have all been one anothers rooting section and have been there for each other in times of stress and trial.

This story hit the spot for me. A very satisfying reading experience.

[07kassiep · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to do my book report on A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell. This story takes place in Manhattan, New York, where Lauryn Alexander works as a fashion designer and in St. George, Utah, where Lauryn grew up and where her friends live. Lauryn is an amazing person. She is kind, hard working, helpful and caring. In the book it describes her as a pretty blonde. Jace is another main character and he is generous, caring, loving and almost perfect. He is a tall brunette with dark blue eyes. All of Lauryn's friends are caring, funny and loving. There are four friends. THis story is told by Lauryn. In the story Lauryn wants to become an evening wear fashion designer. She gets offered a job in New York, but it's in outer wear. She takes the job anyway. Then she gets offered another job, she can't decide what to do. Her 30th birthday comes around and Jace, from High School shows up in her life again. Lauryn ends up making some life changing decisions. The thing that I liked about this book is that it's exciting, romantic, tragic, risky and happy all at the same time. It's definetly a page turner.
One of my favorite quotes is on pg. 36 and it is said by Jacqueline Yvonne saying, "All that glitters isn't gold." I think this can relate to a lot things in life which makes it a good quote. Some things I didn't liike about the book is how Laszlo treats poeple and how her friends lives suck! One of the quotes that I didn't really like is on pg. 74 said by Laszlo Molnar, a big fashion designer who is trying to ruin Jacqueline Yvonne, another designer. "That woman is out to destroy me, but not if I destroy her first." A theme in this book is: sometimes when you think things couldn't get worse, they do. There are many times where things go wrong with Lauryn's life. I think this book is meant for anyone. Some of the main problems are her job, her love life, her family life and her friends lives. This book is a good book in its own way and yes, I would recommend this book.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was well conceived, and the author had clear objectives in mind when writing this novel. The idea was similar to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants i.e. a group of friends that trades a symbolic object. But then the author kept adding more stuff. From prophetic fortune cookies to a mysterious death, the storyline was weakened by the addition of subplots too numerous to mention, many of which remain unfinished. On top of that, the dialogue was pretty weak, both the attempt at witty romantic repartee and the approximation of small group conversation.

I feel so disappointed in LDS fiction. There seems to be a "good enough" approach. This book could have been good with a little more focus and editing. I look forward to reading something from the LDS publishing houses that knocks my socks off.

This book championed good choices, and I really liked that part. It told the part of the story that is usually skipped over: the result of poor choices. It also expressed the little known majority opinion that most women would like to wear clothes that are both beautiful and comfortable. I hope some designer is reading this book and takes a chance on a new idea.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life doesn't always go as you suspect it to but one group of friends has banded together meeting up every year to remember and celebrate their friendships.

This story is actually part of a series but is able to totally stand on it's own. It centers around Lauryn who is living her dream as a fashion designer in New York- except things aren't always as good as they seem.

The story takes you into her past to show how she ended up where she is and continues to reveal more challenges and struggles with herself and her friends. It is an easy read that you quickly get caught up in and really start liking and pulling for the main character. When she gets caught up in some of the drama of the fashion politics I wanted to hurry and keep reading to find out how it would all work out.

This is a clean-book (a rating I created meaning while content is PG-13 or lower - there is no language or inappropriate sexual content). This is also an LDS fiction book- however, I believe that anyone that just enjoys a good clean romance story would like this book.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a book to listen to while traveling and picked this audio book up from the library. I give it 5 stars for being clean. It was kind of typical Mormon Chick Lit. While the religious side of it wasn't too overwhelming it was definitely there. Maybe because the audio book is abridged, the story didn't exactly fit what I expected from reading the back of the box to get an idea of the storyline but that was okay. I found some things in the story a little predictable but really had a hard time figuring out how the boss was actually going to ruin her life. Maybe because I don't fully understand the design world. My biggest complaint about this was because it was audio instead of my reading it. I really didn't like the narrator. I felt like she was just reading quickly to get it done as fast as possible. I would have liked more variation in character voices and sometimes she read the words but the way she read it didn't make sense and I'd have to figure out what it meant exactly. In any case, if you want a light,clean read this one works.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the other books on this shelf, I read this one for research purposes. It wasn't horrible, in that I didn't cringe too often, but it's definitely not stellar writing. It was well-plotted (albeit highly unbelievable, especially the Laslow character), but the dialogue was a little unnatural, and her whole work crisis thing actually didn't make sense at all. It felt like the author was basically saying, "Trust me, these people are bad guys and they're out to get her." Without making it believable in any way. However, I was able to get through it without being too annoyed, so that says something. Oh, my other big irk was the constant haranguing on the modesty theme (I guess the title should have tipped me off, right?) But seriously, it felt like a Young Women's lesson. Let the story speak for itself. You don't need 15 different paragraphs all saying, "You can be modest and still be fashionable!" That got beyond redundant.

[Tristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of girls who went to high school together meets every year to talk about their lives, their past, and their dreams for the future. "A Modest Proposal" is told through the eyes of Lauryn Alexander, an up-and-coming fashion designer who wants to break into the industry with her own line of modest dresses. Her aim is to show that you can look beautiful and still be modest at the same time, but her big break hasn't come yet.

This book seems divided into two very different segments - Lauryn with her high school friends, and Lauryn at work and designing the clothes. The two halves didn't seem very cohesive to me, but I must say, I did enjoy the descriptions of the dresses. Michele Ashman Bell has redesigned her daughter's prom dresses to be modest, so when she talks about fashion, I know she's speaking from experience. This story was an entertaining read and I appreciated the message, that "modest really is hottest."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Modest Proposal, by Michele Ashman Bell, is the first book in The Butterfly Box series. It is about a woman named Lauryn Alexander. Lauryn lives in New York and works as a designer. Her dream is to design modest evening wear, but being modest is holding her back in the fashion world. She has been stuck designing outerwear for years. Finally she gets a new job as an assistant to a big time designer. She thinks this could finally be her chance, but she is finding her new work environment very unpleasant. There is definitely something going on, and she is going to get to the bottom of it. You'll have to read to find out what happens.
Another plot point of this book introduces Lauryn's friends and the history of the Butterfly Box. Each subsequent book in the series will be told from a different member of the Butterfly girls. As always, there is a romance tied into the plot. After all, what would be the draw without it? I can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! The story was cute and entertaining. It's about a group of girls who experienced a horrific tragedy in high-school. To help them cope they invented the "Butterfly Box" where each girl put an item in the box to remind them of the good times they had together. Now that they're older they meet once a year for a little girls only vacation where they get out the butterfly box to reminisce. I liked how the story switched back and forth between the present and the past. It's kinda like two stories combined into one and you learn something about the girls pasts each time there's a flashback! I know there will be a sequel and A Modest Proposal hints that the next book might contain a mystery! I also like Lauryn's character. (She's the heroin) She wasn't annoying or pouty. She was very likable. The romance wasn't over the top either and was pretty creative. And we all know romance is what makes or breaks a book!

[Caron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was a cute story (I am a sucker for clean romances), but there were just too many elements involved. There were the friends dealing with a tragedy and all of their adult problems, and then there was this past boy friend thing going on (The old "If we aren't married by 30 to other people, then lets' meet on the steps of the temple" deal.), and this conspiracy at work going on with the one, and then these multi-layered family problems thrown in. I think she needed to create a series or something, because there were just too many things that were started and not finished, or not developed well. I didn't like her writing style very well (it was a little too cheesy), and there were a lot of religious references that were familiar, but just didn't really add to the story (I feel bad saying that part...).
However, I did want to find out what happened at the end, I kept reading, and I really liked the characters. And everything ended happily ever after.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author knows how to make you want to turn the page. Her storytelling style is really wonderful.

However, I couldn't say more than this book "was ok" (i.e. only 2 stars) because the plot was barely believable and had some gaping holes where motive should be (the whole rival designer thing was especially flimsy); the time line seemed off (particularly where the main character's fiance was concerned); and I was about to scream from the continual repetition of the nonsense about drapey dresses that flattered EVERY woman's figure (news flash: there's no such thing).

I don't want to end on a negative note, so I will also say that I did enjoy the premise of these friends all staying close over the years and helping each other through hard times and celebrating together in the good times.

And as for the colorful and flamboyant male character who isn't gay...more power to both him and the author that created him for breaking out of the stereotypes.

[Lacee Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty quick little read. A little more geared towards the early twenties group of the population....but the concept of having modest and still georgeous evening wear was very appealing. I only wish the author had thought to include illustrations with this one. Oh well my imagination was sad substitute in this case...I unfortunately know very little about sewing or sewing terminology so I had a very difficult time trying to imagine these gowns. Oh well. Maybe somebody will take a hint from this book. In any case this book is what helped me overcome my 2-3 week long artist's block and decide to do a simulated quilt collage for the painting I entered into the LDS International Art Competition (see my blog for a visual of the painting: http://fraisesetmyrtilles.blogspot.co...). So YAY book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Alexander loves to design! Her favorite thing to design is dresses but she is at one of the top fashion designing companies in New York and is stuck designing outerwear. She designs dresses with her tagline "Modest is Hottest" in mind. Things just aren't going her way but she is determined that it will all change soon, after all she is almost 30!


Her best friends from high school have a reunion once a year to open their Butterfly box full of memories and hopes. They gain strength from each other and help each other find their way in this crazy world.


Join Lauryn on her trip to becoming the designer she wants to be, finding love and still maintain her standards. I thought this book was well written and kept my attention. It is a fun read and really pulls you in! You will find yourself cheering on the characters as they try to get their lives in order.

[AnnaMay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' was a lot of fun. This book provided the same kind of enjoyment for me--a nice, light LDS-fiction quick read.

I liked how there weren't any deep gospel issues trying to be resolved. Well, there are some heavy issues with some of the characters, but there aren't any long passages of quoted scripture, etc. This was in the tone of 'a fun night on the town as a college girl.' Of course the ending is unrealistic and the knight in shining armor is as well, but hey, it fit right in with the rest of the story to make a 'chic flick-type' read.

I was craving burgers, fries and shakes after reading this. She only mentioned it like 7 times!? and each time they sounded better and better. We had burgers and made homemade PB-finger shakes this weekend. I'm satisfied now.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eeee.. where to start. First of all I personally do not think that the title was fitting to the book at hand. In fact in the entire book there isn't even a wedding! SHOCKER I know! And the back of the book totally threw me off there too,
I was under the impression that there was a girl who was going to have to try and find herself a husband. (sounds strange I know) but honestly the storyline doesn't even get semiclose to that topic till about a hundred pages in.
Well I enjoyed the storyline everything was a little bit of everywhere. Sometimes I didn't even know what to think. Well I wanted to keep reading to see what happened I still wasn't sure what to do with the information that was being tossed around. So no for the title or the explanation but the rest of the book was okay((:

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this book has a wonderful concept although when reading it I felt that it went so fast in the beginning it didn't give me enough time to get attached to the characters. Lauryn's beliefs were truly noble and if she were a real person I think she'd be amazing. It was a bit cheesy when it came to the romance stuff the storyline was a bit like Sister's of the Traveling Pants mixed in with My best Friends Wedding. So it was a bit predictable yet an enjoyable light read that I would for sure let my daughter read. I like how the author Michele tried to impliment such high standards in a low standard society. It is important for young people(girls & boys) all over to realize the importance of modesty and valuing our bodies-showing ourselves respect.

[Sara Register · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a love-hate relationship with this book. I really loved getting to know the characters. The author did a really good job of writing her characters so they seemed like real people. I love that. I also liked the story line. It was fun to be transported to the life of a fashion designer in NYC. What I did not like about this book was ALL the references to church. If you're not LDS (Mormon) then you will never understand this book. And yes, I realize that it is written for the LDS crowd, I guess I just thought it was a little over the top. With that being said, once I got into the book, it was hard for me to put down. As I said before, I really loved all of the characters. Overall, I liked it.