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The Health and Happiness Society #1
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants
Lexie Greene has always had such a pretty face.
Unfortunately, that's where it seemed to stop. She's grown up hearing her Mother constantly remind her that she needs to lose weight. And twenty-two-year-old Lexie knows she's overweight.
With her younger sister's wedding on the horizon and a crush to stalk on Facebook, Lexie's had enough. She gives up her constant daydreams about food and joins a dieting group. As the pounds melt away at the gym, she finds that life on the other side of junk food isn't what she thought.
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants is an inspirational hit about a girl coming to terms with herself, and her past, all while navigating a world of food and fitness.
Unfortunately, that's where it seemed to stop. She's grown up hearing her Mother constantly remind her that she needs to lose weight. And twenty-two-year-old Lexie knows she's overweight.
With her younger sister's wedding on the horizon and a crush to stalk on Facebook, Lexie's had enough. She gives up her constant daydreams about food and joins a dieting group. As the pounds melt away at the gym, she finds that life on the other side of junk food isn't what she thought.
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants is an inspirational hit about a girl coming to terms with herself, and her past, all while navigating a world of food and fitness.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
898 people are currently reading
4284 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
102 books777 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
August 2, 2015
I read this on wattpad just a couple of days ago and I loved it so much. So inspirational, so realistic, so moving. Lexie is so relatable, and everybody is fleshed out - I love how everybody has insecurities and fears, and Lexie's growth is just phenomenal.
April 5, 2019
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants is one of those books that just makes the reader nod their head and say "yeah. Totally. I get that." I have lived many of the experiences that Lexie had in this story, and if was quite refreshing to see how she dealt with them. She went through quite a physical metamorphosis throughout the book, yet on the inside, was still the insecure young woman from before her journey. She had to keep journeying to complete her transition.
Lexie Green is relatable, funny, and insecure. She is an overweight college student who is obsessed with the guy she met online. She is not sure what he looks like, but he is a jock and she is sure he is toned and buff. She assumes she will never meet him in real life, she assumes wrong. With her sister's wedding coming up, she is convinced by her mother's overweight friend to start going to the gym with her as well as watching her calories. She begrudgingly agrees. This is the first step in her transformation journey.
The most important thing that Lexie learns is that you can't change for someone else, or for some extrinsic reason, it has to be for you. Lexie has a lot of issues that she has to deal with, specifically the death of her father, before she can become the person she is meant to be. The story starts off being about her weight, but it is so much more. Following Lexie's journey is inspiring, tear jerking, and hilarious. Most people, whether young or old, male or female, can relate to the feeling of not measuring up or not always getting along with your family. This is an uplifting story about finding yourself, deciding what you want out of life, and making the plans and/or changes you need to be happy, successful and yourself. Lexie is my hero.
Lexie Green is relatable, funny, and insecure. She is an overweight college student who is obsessed with the guy she met online. She is not sure what he looks like, but he is a jock and she is sure he is toned and buff. She assumes she will never meet him in real life, she assumes wrong. With her sister's wedding coming up, she is convinced by her mother's overweight friend to start going to the gym with her as well as watching her calories. She begrudgingly agrees. This is the first step in her transformation journey.
The most important thing that Lexie learns is that you can't change for someone else, or for some extrinsic reason, it has to be for you. Lexie has a lot of issues that she has to deal with, specifically the death of her father, before she can become the person she is meant to be. The story starts off being about her weight, but it is so much more. Following Lexie's journey is inspiring, tear jerking, and hilarious. Most people, whether young or old, male or female, can relate to the feeling of not measuring up or not always getting along with your family. This is an uplifting story about finding yourself, deciding what you want out of life, and making the plans and/or changes you need to be happy, successful and yourself. Lexie is my hero.
August 9, 2017
This book (novella?) was such a fun piece to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and often found myself chuckling. I really enjoyed the writing style as well. I recommend it!
March 23, 2016
"Searching for an outside ideal is never going to make you happy on the inside."
I loved this book soooo much!
Blurb
Lexie Greene has always had such a pretty face.
Unfortunately, that's where it seemed to stop. She's grown up hearing her Mother constantly remind her that she needs to lose weight. And twenty-two-year-old Lexie knows she’s overweight.
With her younger sister's wedding on the horizon and a crush to stalk on Facebook, Lexie's had enough. She gives up her constant daydreams about food and joins a dieting group. As the pounds melt away at the gym, she finds that life on the other side of junk food isn't what she thought.
I can definitely relate to Lexie on some levels! To be completely honest.. I teared up on a few parts because it really did hit home for me. I've always been the bigger girl just like Lexie.
Lexie is determined to lose weight so she can meet the love of her life Bradley. She started talking to him on Facebook and they set a date to meet at her sister Kenzie's wedding.
Lexie started losing weight for the complete opposite than what she should have. I mean.. Instead of wanting to lose weight for her.. she wants to do it because of a boy. I know that sounds messed up but I think it's completely real. Completely normal. She is such a relatable character.
I loved that I could essentially feel the tension between Lexie & her mom. I think the writing is great!
"For the first time in my life, I looked in a mirror and liked what I saw. A flawed girl.."
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants was such a moving, inspiring, funny read! I wish it was longer!!
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
I loved this book soooo much!
Blurb
Lexie Greene has always had such a pretty face.
Unfortunately, that's where it seemed to stop. She's grown up hearing her Mother constantly remind her that she needs to lose weight. And twenty-two-year-old Lexie knows she’s overweight.
With her younger sister's wedding on the horizon and a crush to stalk on Facebook, Lexie's had enough. She gives up her constant daydreams about food and joins a dieting group. As the pounds melt away at the gym, she finds that life on the other side of junk food isn't what she thought.
I can definitely relate to Lexie on some levels! To be completely honest.. I teared up on a few parts because it really did hit home for me. I've always been the bigger girl just like Lexie.
Lexie is determined to lose weight so she can meet the love of her life Bradley. She started talking to him on Facebook and they set a date to meet at her sister Kenzie's wedding.
Lexie started losing weight for the complete opposite than what she should have. I mean.. Instead of wanting to lose weight for her.. she wants to do it because of a boy. I know that sounds messed up but I think it's completely real. Completely normal. She is such a relatable character.
I loved that I could essentially feel the tension between Lexie & her mom. I think the writing is great!
"For the first time in my life, I looked in a mirror and liked what I saw. A flawed girl.."
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants was such a moving, inspiring, funny read! I wish it was longer!!
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
July 30, 2015
Bon Bons to Yoga Pants is one of those books that just makes the reader nod their head and say "yeah. Totally. I get that."
Lexie Green is relatable, she's funny, she's insecure...she's every woman.
She's also obsessed with being "hot" for a guy she's never met in person.
So, yeah...she's totally normal.
Following Lexie's journey is inspiring, tear jerking, and hilarious. Everyone (man or woman) can relate to the feeling of not measuring up, not always getting along with your family, or worrying that you can't have your dreams.
Do yourself a favor and read BBtYP. It started on Wattpad and gained traction quickly because it. is. amazing.
Grab it. Read it. Love it.
Lexie Green is relatable, she's funny, she's insecure...she's every woman.
She's also obsessed with being "hot" for a guy she's never met in person.
So, yeah...she's totally normal.
Following Lexie's journey is inspiring, tear jerking, and hilarious. Everyone (man or woman) can relate to the feeling of not measuring up, not always getting along with your family, or worrying that you can't have your dreams.
Do yourself a favor and read BBtYP. It started on Wattpad and gained traction quickly because it. is. amazing.
Grab it. Read it. Love it.
September 21, 2017
This book is a LOT more fun than it sounds like from the title. It IS about a journey of weight loss, but it's about so much more and it's not a how to book, but rather an uplifting and encouraging book that really just tells a beautiful story about a girl learning who she really is and managing her emotions and things she has put off by overeating and now dealing with them.
November 16, 2016
It was a great tale that proves that what you think about yourself makes you happier than trying to conform to what people think of you. (Or what you think, people think of you.)
August 19, 2017
total mindless reading. it was free. made me hungry
August 17, 2020
This is my second time reading this novel and it gets my heart. Every. Time. Next one to come surely lol so happy to own it now.
February 7, 2021
Couldn’t stop reading it!
I think many of us have felt like Lexie, or maybe it’s just me. Striving to improve and not feeling satisfied. Liked the characters, and the story.
I think many of us have felt like Lexie, or maybe it’s just me. Striving to improve and not feeling satisfied. Liked the characters, and the story.
May 28, 2016
Big thank you to NetGalley and Antebellum Publishing for this read.
It took me a while to read it and honestly don't think I would have ever thought of buying it were it not for the arc. I thought it was a self-help or biographical sort of read.
Once I started, I could not put my Kindle down! I wanted to know what would happen. Not sure am too hot about the ending but it was AN IMPERFECT PERFECT READ.
Am sure am not the only reader to have thought "Psycho" about Bradley then after their video call it turned to trepidation over impending doom for Lexie's heart. Then their first meeting, I mean... I read straight through the night, telling myself one more chapter, then until one shoe drops.
He seemed too good to be true (duh... its fiction, but pretence of reality is a no-brainer) then loved how Cross dismantled his perfection chip by chip until he was perfectly imperfect :-). Bradley was a dream and one word FOOTBALL (bonkers - need I say more?)... hope they got married and had mini-thems and grew old together - happily ever after.
BB2YP was an honest read, pulled some emotional strings that have not tugged since I read TFIOS. Definitely recommend this book and just cause I gushed about Bradley does not mean the other characters were not incredible in their own right or think that it's one of those romance novels.
It tells a story of a young woman finding herself after being "imprisoned" by shackles that are purposely meant to make it impossible for her to do so. Take away: you will often find that you are that muscle-packed guard guarding your own damned cell, while praying for your liberator.
It took me a while to read it and honestly don't think I would have ever thought of buying it were it not for the arc. I thought it was a self-help or biographical sort of read.
Once I started, I could not put my Kindle down! I wanted to know what would happen. Not sure am too hot about the ending but it was AN IMPERFECT PERFECT READ.
Am sure am not the only reader to have thought "Psycho" about Bradley then after their video call it turned to trepidation over impending doom for Lexie's heart. Then their first meeting, I mean... I read straight through the night, telling myself one more chapter, then until one shoe drops.
He seemed too good to be true (duh... its fiction, but pretence of reality is a no-brainer) then loved how Cross dismantled his perfection chip by chip until he was perfectly imperfect :-). Bradley was a dream and one word FOOTBALL (bonkers - need I say more?)... hope they got married and had mini-thems and grew old together - happily ever after.
BB2YP was an honest read, pulled some emotional strings that have not tugged since I read TFIOS. Definitely recommend this book and just cause I gushed about Bradley does not mean the other characters were not incredible in their own right or think that it's one of those romance novels.
It tells a story of a young woman finding herself after being "imprisoned" by shackles that are purposely meant to make it impossible for her to do so. Take away: you will often find that you are that muscle-packed guard guarding your own damned cell, while praying for your liberator.
March 22, 2016
Thank you to Net Galley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bon Bons to yoga pants was funny, engaging and most of all relatable.
Meet Lexie, an overweight girl in her 20's who has always turned to food instead of dealing with her emotions. Her dad died recently, her younger sister is getting married, and there's Bradley, her online crush who hasn't seen anything but her face...yet. Until he invites himself as her date for her sister's wedding. Lexie doesn't have a choice, along with her aunt, she signs up for weekly meeting with a health group. She needs to lose weight, she has 6 months.
Thanks to her aunt, her new friend Me and the Health and Happiness Society, she will learn so much more than how to count calories and her journey.
We either all have been a Lexie, or we know a Lexie. Either way, during her journey we feel the emotions with her. Desperation, embarrassment, motivation, determination and pride. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone, but especially those who struggles with losing weight and emotional eating!
Bon Bons to yoga pants was funny, engaging and most of all relatable.
Meet Lexie, an overweight girl in her 20's who has always turned to food instead of dealing with her emotions. Her dad died recently, her younger sister is getting married, and there's Bradley, her online crush who hasn't seen anything but her face...yet. Until he invites himself as her date for her sister's wedding. Lexie doesn't have a choice, along with her aunt, she signs up for weekly meeting with a health group. She needs to lose weight, she has 6 months.
Thanks to her aunt, her new friend Me and the Health and Happiness Society, she will learn so much more than how to count calories and her journey.
We either all have been a Lexie, or we know a Lexie. Either way, during her journey we feel the emotions with her. Desperation, embarrassment, motivation, determination and pride. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone, but especially those who struggles with losing weight and emotional eating!
July 1, 2017
I really wanted this to be somehow related to yoga, but only the yoga pants are mentioned. Anyhow, the story was wonderful and I was impressed by the outcome. It was a story of transformation and determination, even if the starting point is wrong. The flaws of the characters makes them believable.
This book made me understand things better, because I had the chance to read the thoughts that lead people to certain actions. In some ways it's difficult for me to understand how food can become such an important aspect in one's life, but considering all the layers of emotion and the lives we live, it becomes easier to see why and how this can happen. I rarely read books that take on this subject from this point of view. I feel even more motivated to improve myself now. It was a good lesson on body image, health, reasons and self-confidence. The romance was also quite nice and entertaining.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me understand things better, because I had the chance to read the thoughts that lead people to certain actions. In some ways it's difficult for me to understand how food can become such an important aspect in one's life, but considering all the layers of emotion and the lives we live, it becomes easier to see why and how this can happen. I rarely read books that take on this subject from this point of view. I feel even more motivated to improve myself now. It was a good lesson on body image, health, reasons and self-confidence. The romance was also quite nice and entertaining.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2018
I got to read this while I was doing e-book production for it (one of the perks of the job is that I get to read the good ones) and it is great. Slips by like a fast, easy read and then you finish it and think, wow, there were a lot of deep feels in that. If you've ever felt intimidated at going to the gym, or wondered where those extra pounds came from and why they won't go away, or heard that inner voice whispering you're-not-good-enough, you should read this book. There were moments when it made me a little uncomfortable about my own food choices and reasons for things, but it was a good kind of uncomfortable, if that makes sense. Fun chick lit on the surface, deep and inspiring underneath.
February 1, 2020
This is book is full of such honesty and truth. It’s a story about Lexie who is an overweight emotional eater that only got worse when her Dad died. Her mom is grieving the loss of her husband, who was also overweight, and is constantly on Lexie to lose weight which only drives Lexie to eat more. Lexie’s sister is “perfect”. She is skinny, has their mother’s approval, and is getting married. Lexie has struck up an online relationship with Bradley and Lexie is worried that if he finds out that she is fat he won’t be interested in her anymore. When Lexie finds out that Bradley will be in town when her sister is getting married she freaks because he doesn’t know that she is hiding her weight. Lexie’s mother’s friend, Bitsy, basically forces Lexie to join a weight loss group. She goes but she she isn’t happy about it, but she knows she will be meeting Bradley and wants to look “hot”.
This is the story of Lexie’s journey toward weight loss that many women and probably some men will connect with because, at least in my experience, I know so many women and myself who have dieted and have had body image issues. There were so many times that I was nodding along because I understood exactly how the characters were feeling. The author expressed an important message. You should lose weight for you. Not for a guy. Not for your mom. If you are trying to do something, especially something as difficult as losing a good amount of weight, you need to do it because you want it for yourself. If you aren’t doing it for you and you alone, the chances are you will fail. The author shows this in Lexie’s journey and as her motives change. The author also shows exactly what emotional eating is when Lexie starts a journal after a day of binge eating. She wrote down everything that happened that day that made her eat and the emotions she was feeling. This was a breakthrough moment for Lexie. She realized that she wasn’t just dependent on food, but addicted. I related to all of the characters, even Lexie’s mom because I understand her fear of losing Lexie after her husband died of obesity related illnesses.
I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful this book was and the many important messages and themes. This was a Kindle freebie that has been sitting there forever. I highly recommend this book. It’s very short and reads quickly. When I began this book, I didn’t think I would end up rating it 5 stars, but 5 stars it is. *****
This is the story of Lexie’s journey toward weight loss that many women and probably some men will connect with because, at least in my experience, I know so many women and myself who have dieted and have had body image issues. There were so many times that I was nodding along because I understood exactly how the characters were feeling. The author expressed an important message. You should lose weight for you. Not for a guy. Not for your mom. If you are trying to do something, especially something as difficult as losing a good amount of weight, you need to do it because you want it for yourself. If you aren’t doing it for you and you alone, the chances are you will fail. The author shows this in Lexie’s journey and as her motives change. The author also shows exactly what emotional eating is when Lexie starts a journal after a day of binge eating. She wrote down everything that happened that day that made her eat and the emotions she was feeling. This was a breakthrough moment for Lexie. She realized that she wasn’t just dependent on food, but addicted. I related to all of the characters, even Lexie’s mom because I understand her fear of losing Lexie after her husband died of obesity related illnesses.
I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful this book was and the many important messages and themes. This was a Kindle freebie that has been sitting there forever. I highly recommend this book. It’s very short and reads quickly. When I began this book, I didn’t think I would end up rating it 5 stars, but 5 stars it is. *****
June 1, 2018
I'm giving this 3-3.5 stars because of the subject matter and real-feeling of the main character's voice. I think I would have enjoyed this better as a read book instead of as an audiobook (I didn't not enjoy the author's voice much). However, this was a sweet story and it seemed fitting as I'm on a big fitness kick for the last year because of my upcoming nuptials.
The book as a whole was a bit raw, a bit g-rated, however, it was sweet and heart-warming. The main main character (and her love interest, for that matter) seemed quite young for their ages and extremely earnest. That being said, it was refreshing to have such earnest and open characters. This is a feel-good, positive book with fantastic body image messages. I will definitely continue with the series at some point.
The book as a whole was a bit raw, a bit g-rated, however, it was sweet and heart-warming. The main main character (and her love interest, for that matter) seemed quite young for their ages and extremely earnest. That being said, it was refreshing to have such earnest and open characters. This is a feel-good, positive book with fantastic body image messages. I will definitely continue with the series at some point.
September 18, 2018
You go, girl!
Lexie Green is practically every woman.
I so totally get Lexie Green!
Lexie Greene is now my heroine!
If she's grumpy, then I'm grumpy, if she's sad, then I'm sad. If she's hungry then I'm hungry. If she's happy then I'm happy.
This is a wonderful, adorable book which almost every woman can relate to!
Guess what gals? If Lexie Greene says that we're worthy of ourselves , then, by golly, we are SO totally worthy!!
I would LOVE to read her next book! Thank you, Katie Cross for your inspirations and uplifting words!
I wish I had read this sooner. This was such a fun book to read especially being sick!
I received this ARC from Net Galley and Antebellum Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Lexie Green is practically every woman.
I so totally get Lexie Green!
Lexie Greene is now my heroine!
If she's grumpy, then I'm grumpy, if she's sad, then I'm sad. If she's hungry then I'm hungry. If she's happy then I'm happy.
This is a wonderful, adorable book which almost every woman can relate to!
Guess what gals? If Lexie Greene says that we're worthy of ourselves , then, by golly, we are SO totally worthy!!
I would LOVE to read her next book! Thank you, Katie Cross for your inspirations and uplifting words!
I wish I had read this sooner. This was such a fun book to read especially being sick!
I received this ARC from Net Galley and Antebellum Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2017
Really cute. I'll definitely read the sequel.
January 7, 2018
Thought provoking touching read!
January 15, 2018
I loved it. I laughed, and cried with Lexie. I felt for her and I admired her. It was a book full of emotions and with a lot of things that made you think and wonder.
January 3, 2019
Definitely the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump and get me in the right mindset with my health for the new year!
March 5, 2019
While I enjoyed the overall message that Lexie embraces--loving herself, learning that she's good enough regardless of her appearance, and embracing a healthy lifestyle for herself only--the journey there was...not great. Knowing that this started as a Wattpad serial both makes it better and worse, because on the one hand it explains some of the disconnect between where Lexie starts and where she ends (which isn't totally covered by the various epiphanies she has about her weight loss journey) but it also doesn't excuse the unhealthy way weight and health are treated by all the characters, even the most health-positive ones.
As a short novel, it's understandable that a lot of the side characters don't have much development but some of them have...none. This might be resolved later in the series, I'm not sure (and I'm not sure I want to keep reading to find out) but especially Lexie's mother, sister, and Mira don't have much development. There's no cathartic moment where Lexie explains to her mother how her criticisms and beauty-centric health concerns continue to trigger her desire to binge eat, something that still happens in the last of only two real moments of interaction between Lexie and her mother described. Additionally, despite being the underlying focus for the novel's plot, Kenzie is given no personality traits outside of being skinny and obsessed with her wedding. "Sisterly bonding" is referred to several times by Lexie, but never seen after their first Zumba class.
Mira, though apparently planning all along to help Lexie discover her own happiness, does still focus heavily on the not-so-motivating parts of weight loss. She also has no character development whatsoever.
Rachelle and Bradley are the only side characters with any personality to speak of, revealing their vulnerable sides and supporting Lexie so long as what she does makes her happy. Even then, Lexie's descriptions of Rachelle are downright cruel and ultimately self-centric, as Lexie criticizes the weight she hates so much about herself and is convinced that Rachelle will somehow intervene in her diet and exercise program because Lexie takes anyone else's motivation to be healthy as a personal affront to her for much of the story.
The way Lexie describes herself when she's overweight, the way she rejoices in the particular features of weight loss, and the way she unhealthily goes about getting "healthy" are all...uncomfortable. First of all, the way she constantly describes her own body doesn't seem genuine but instead a poor attempt at understanding how an eating disorder (which is what Lexie has in the beginning and arguably the rest of the novel) affects one's mind. When she begins cutting calories, though there are smatterings of real health advice about buying the right kind of food and consuming the right calories, she engages in a lot of unhealthy behaviors that come dangerously close to encouraging disordered eating. I remember particularly a comment made by Mira that they should avoid eating before working out in the morning in order to double their losses, despite the fact that in general it's accepted that a protein filled snack or meal is good for providing the energy needed for exercise first thing in the morning. What's more, whenever Lexie does specify what she ate (outside of her meals with Bradley or Megan) it's always in small, unhealthy portions. A single yogurt cup, a banana, an orange... While these would be healthy snacks, Lexie repeatedly eats these as meals in order to keep her caloric intake dangerously low. Between that and her early binge eating, almost every description of food in the novel describes disordered eating.
Of course, the story of Lexie Green is her struggle with her bad relationship with food, but her "triumph" at the end isn't so much a triumph as a pendulum swing in the other direction, which was almost certainly not the intention of the author. If a little more care had been taken in emphasizing that Lexie IS consuming a healthy amount of calories, just altering what calories she's eating (which is heavily implied by references to "clean eating" and learning how to shop healthy) then I think the uncomfortable feeling I and other readers have gotten from this novel would be at least somewhat alleviated.
As a short novel, it's understandable that a lot of the side characters don't have much development but some of them have...none. This might be resolved later in the series, I'm not sure (and I'm not sure I want to keep reading to find out) but especially Lexie's mother, sister, and Mira don't have much development. There's no cathartic moment where Lexie explains to her mother how her criticisms and beauty-centric health concerns continue to trigger her desire to binge eat, something that still happens in the last of only two real moments of interaction between Lexie and her mother described. Additionally, despite being the underlying focus for the novel's plot, Kenzie is given no personality traits outside of being skinny and obsessed with her wedding. "Sisterly bonding" is referred to several times by Lexie, but never seen after their first Zumba class.
Mira, though apparently planning all along to help Lexie discover her own happiness, does still focus heavily on the not-so-motivating parts of weight loss. She also has no character development whatsoever.
Rachelle and Bradley are the only side characters with any personality to speak of, revealing their vulnerable sides and supporting Lexie so long as what she does makes her happy. Even then, Lexie's descriptions of Rachelle are downright cruel and ultimately self-centric, as Lexie criticizes the weight she hates so much about herself and is convinced that Rachelle will somehow intervene in her diet and exercise program because Lexie takes anyone else's motivation to be healthy as a personal affront to her for much of the story.
The way Lexie describes herself when she's overweight, the way she rejoices in the particular features of weight loss, and the way she unhealthily goes about getting "healthy" are all...uncomfortable. First of all, the way she constantly describes her own body doesn't seem genuine but instead a poor attempt at understanding how an eating disorder (which is what Lexie has in the beginning and arguably the rest of the novel) affects one's mind. When she begins cutting calories, though there are smatterings of real health advice about buying the right kind of food and consuming the right calories, she engages in a lot of unhealthy behaviors that come dangerously close to encouraging disordered eating. I remember particularly a comment made by Mira that they should avoid eating before working out in the morning in order to double their losses, despite the fact that in general it's accepted that a protein filled snack or meal is good for providing the energy needed for exercise first thing in the morning. What's more, whenever Lexie does specify what she ate (outside of her meals with Bradley or Megan) it's always in small, unhealthy portions. A single yogurt cup, a banana, an orange... While these would be healthy snacks, Lexie repeatedly eats these as meals in order to keep her caloric intake dangerously low. Between that and her early binge eating, almost every description of food in the novel describes disordered eating.
Of course, the story of Lexie Green is her struggle with her bad relationship with food, but her "triumph" at the end isn't so much a triumph as a pendulum swing in the other direction, which was almost certainly not the intention of the author. If a little more care had been taken in emphasizing that Lexie IS consuming a healthy amount of calories, just altering what calories she's eating (which is heavily implied by references to "clean eating" and learning how to shop healthy) then I think the uncomfortable feeling I and other readers have gotten from this novel would be at least somewhat alleviated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
Lexie wasn't my most likable main character I have read. It was hard to read her inner and outer opinion of herself. I did enjoy that she worked on her self love.
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April 14, 2019I LOVED this book. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts that hit me in between the eyes, but my heart also was soft for Lexi as she struggled to find her true self. A feel-good read that speaks to women about appreciating oneself for oneself. Higly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good "chick lit" novel!
October 6, 2020
Cute book that reminded me of myself.
September 8, 2022
This book is so enlightening! It is a journey of a young woman finding herself and struggling with the frustration of not liking herself as she is and trying to rebuild herself. It will hit you on many levels and make you take a look at yourself with new eyes!!
April 28, 2019
What better way to celebrate my birthday than to sit down and finish reading this delightful book. Okay, so maybe not sit down, I listened to the audiobook so I may have roamed around the house and done the dishes.
The narrator was a great match to the main character and brought the story to life. I enjoyed spending time in this world and I'd like to get to know some of the other characters more. Luckily, this is the first book in the series, so I can.
I loved going along Lexie's weight loss journey with her and seeing her develop a deeper understanding of herself. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more stories in this series.
The narrator was a great match to the main character and brought the story to life. I enjoyed spending time in this world and I'd like to get to know some of the other characters more. Luckily, this is the first book in the series, so I can.
I loved going along Lexie's weight loss journey with her and seeing her develop a deeper understanding of herself. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more stories in this series.
May 10, 2021
As the blurb suggests the book follows the utterly darling Lexie and her struggle with mother and sister over her weight. She knows they’re right she just doesn’t want to combat it, just yet. With a wedding coming up and the potential dating game about to step up a mark Lexie wants to shift those pounds. Joining a diet group and trying to stop herself dreaming of doughnuts we read along as Lexie struggles to come to terms with her eating, her family, her feelings of loss from the death of her father and her want to please Bradley it’s going to be a hard pill to swallow.
Gah, so many things in this book resonated with me. I’ve always been a little on the chubby side, dieting a little and then falling off the dieting wagon and I also have struggled with my family and their ‘fatist’ way. My Grandmother, whilst on the day of my graduation, stated ‘I don’t think you’ve put on a little bit of weight, I think you’ve put rather a lot of weight on,’ whilst passing me a mack-off chocolate cake. Soul destroying but I get it. I found Lexie utterly wonderful, she knows she a bit on the big side and it’s eating away at her confidence and her family aren’t helping in the slightest.
In terms of characters each are really well developed; Lexie is determined and strong willed but she’s also emotional, struggling with her identity and her grief. Rachelle is a confident best-friend and I thought her and Lexie contrasted wonderfully although I would have liked to have seen more of her. Supporting characters Mira, Pat and Bitsy are all really well developed to give the story more weight and Bradley sounds like the perfect mix between American lad and English gentleman. Gah dreamboat.
The writing is strong and well-written as with everything I’ve read from Katie. There is enough description, dialogue and also character build up throughout out. I liked the interweaving of the stories although it would have been nice to see more into the lives of Rachelle and Lexie’s sister McKenzie. I know that this is a novella but I really wanted to see more into their stories. I thought the book as a whole was very good at helping quash the demons that sometimes tell us we’re not good enough. It feel very heart-warming but also self-loving which I thought was a lovely touch and ‘effing swan addition/movement and links were a brilliant thing to include.
My only wobble was I thought there could have been more struggles between Lexie and Bradley and their relationship and her striving to lose the weight. It did feel as though the stories was partly disconnected and could have been linked. At the start it really was linked to the worries Lexie hadabout meeting him but as the story continues for me it was a little too sweet?
Overall a lovely little tale to while away the afternoon; I thought the romance was a little sugary sweet but that’s just me and I often have these wobbles with more romance books but the characters are strong, Lexie was just brilliant and I want to read more from Miss Cross in this genre. Yes please very much.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Gah, so many things in this book resonated with me. I’ve always been a little on the chubby side, dieting a little and then falling off the dieting wagon and I also have struggled with my family and their ‘fatist’ way. My Grandmother, whilst on the day of my graduation, stated ‘I don’t think you’ve put on a little bit of weight, I think you’ve put rather a lot of weight on,’ whilst passing me a mack-off chocolate cake. Soul destroying but I get it. I found Lexie utterly wonderful, she knows she a bit on the big side and it’s eating away at her confidence and her family aren’t helping in the slightest.
In terms of characters each are really well developed; Lexie is determined and strong willed but she’s also emotional, struggling with her identity and her grief. Rachelle is a confident best-friend and I thought her and Lexie contrasted wonderfully although I would have liked to have seen more of her. Supporting characters Mira, Pat and Bitsy are all really well developed to give the story more weight and Bradley sounds like the perfect mix between American lad and English gentleman. Gah dreamboat.
The writing is strong and well-written as with everything I’ve read from Katie. There is enough description, dialogue and also character build up throughout out. I liked the interweaving of the stories although it would have been nice to see more into the lives of Rachelle and Lexie’s sister McKenzie. I know that this is a novella but I really wanted to see more into their stories. I thought the book as a whole was very good at helping quash the demons that sometimes tell us we’re not good enough. It feel very heart-warming but also self-loving which I thought was a lovely touch and ‘effing swan addition/movement and links were a brilliant thing to include.
My only wobble was I thought there could have been more struggles between Lexie and Bradley and their relationship and her striving to lose the weight. It did feel as though the stories was partly disconnected and could have been linked. At the start it really was linked to the worries Lexie hadabout meeting him but as the story continues for me it was a little too sweet?
Overall a lovely little tale to while away the afternoon; I thought the romance was a little sugary sweet but that’s just me and I often have these wobbles with more romance books but the characters are strong, Lexie was just brilliant and I want to read more from Miss Cross in this genre. Yes please very much.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
February 27, 2018
I have read this book twice now and it is so good and really hits home with some of the topics without shaming. It connects to you and you root for Lexie to succeed.
March 9, 2019
You can't be happy and FAT!
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