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The Schnabel Family #2
Prettier If She Smiled More
'A contemporary comic masterpiece. Practically every page boasts lines redolent of humour, wit and sarcasm that will make you snigger if not laugh out loud’
ArtsHub on Dinner with the Schnabels
One perfect life. One disastrous week.
The brand-new novel from bestselling, acclaimed and beloved author Toni Jordan.
As the eldest child in a single-parent family, Kylie’s always had more important things on her mind than smiling. Controlling her job, her home, her romantic life — and most importantly, her family — takes all her concentration. She’s always succeeded, though, because that’s who Kylie is.
Until one Monday morning, when Kylie discovers the local pharmacy where she works is being taken over by a huge corporation, putting her stable job at risk. This leads to a cascade of disasters: her boyfriend is acting suspiciously and she finds herself caring for a high-maintenance Pomeranian.
When her fiercely independent mother breaks an ankle and needs help, it’s up to Kylie, as usual, to fix things. She reluctantly packs her bags, but back in her childhood home, things start to unravel. Could it be that Kylie’s carefully curated life is not so perfect after all?
Prettier if She Smiled More will make you laugh and cry with empathy and recognition and asks the question: when is it too late to start over?
ArtsHub on Dinner with the Schnabels
One perfect life. One disastrous week.
The brand-new novel from bestselling, acclaimed and beloved author Toni Jordan.
As the eldest child in a single-parent family, Kylie’s always had more important things on her mind than smiling. Controlling her job, her home, her romantic life — and most importantly, her family — takes all her concentration. She’s always succeeded, though, because that’s who Kylie is.
Until one Monday morning, when Kylie discovers the local pharmacy where she works is being taken over by a huge corporation, putting her stable job at risk. This leads to a cascade of disasters: her boyfriend is acting suspiciously and she finds herself caring for a high-maintenance Pomeranian.
When her fiercely independent mother breaks an ankle and needs help, it’s up to Kylie, as usual, to fix things. She reluctantly packs her bags, but back in her childhood home, things start to unravel. Could it be that Kylie’s carefully curated life is not so perfect after all?
Prettier if She Smiled More will make you laugh and cry with empathy and recognition and asks the question: when is it too late to start over?
343 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2023
33 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Toni Jordan
24 books274 followershttps://www.tonijordan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authortonijo...
Toni Jordan has worked as a molecular biologist, quality control chemist, TAB operator and door-to-door aluminium siding salesperson.
She is the author of six novels including the international bestseller Addition, which was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, Nine Days, which was awarded Best Fiction at the 2012 Indie Awards and was named in Kirkus Review's top 10 Historical Novels of 2013, and Our Tiny, Useless Hearts, which was longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award.
Toni has been published widely in newspapers and magazines.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in physiology and a PhD in Creative Arts.
Toni lives in Melbourne.
https://www.facebook.com/authortonijo...
Toni Jordan has worked as a molecular biologist, quality control chemist, TAB operator and door-to-door aluminium siding salesperson.
She is the author of six novels including the international bestseller Addition, which was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, Nine Days, which was awarded Best Fiction at the 2012 Indie Awards and was named in Kirkus Review's top 10 Historical Novels of 2013, and Our Tiny, Useless Hearts, which was longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award.
Toni has been published widely in newspapers and magazines.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in physiology and a PhD in Creative Arts.
Toni lives in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 11, 2023
Prettier If She Smiled More is the seventh novel by award-winning, best-selling Australian author, Toni Jordan, and the second to feature the Schnabel family. After two decades working as a pharmacist in the pharmacy she fully intends to buy when her boss Tim retires, Kylie Schnabel is super-organised; she likes to be in control of her life (some would say she’s rigid), preferring predictability over variety. “Narrow horizons were a strength because it was easier to make everything perfect when there were fewer things to worry about.”
But Kylie is having a terrible week: on Monday morning she discovers the pharmacy has been sold to mega-retail-chain, Pharmacy King, and she will have to apply for her own job! Meanwhile, as she works, Pharmacy King’s Gail Osborne is evaluating her performance…
Next, she discovers (thank you, Fitbit!) that her boyfriend is cheating on her. And then commiserations at a cocktail bar turn into complications when her mum, Gloria breaks an ankle (three martinis plus stilettos), and is going to need someone (no, not an agency nurse, absolutely not!!) to look after her.
Kylie can’t help taking control, writing and distributing one of her legendary SOPs so the family knows exactly what needs doing, but she soon realises that she should have tried “something easier than looking after Gloria, like solving the homelessness crisis or mediating between North and South Korea.” And being back in her childhood home, exposed to all its loaded memories isn’t helping her frame of mind.
A children’s tennis coach, Gloria points out that her annual Open Day is on Saturday and absolutely cannot be cancelled: “It was the biggest day of her year, when she signed up students for the term to come.” No way Kylie’s getting involved in that, her sporty brother Nick will have to step up.
In the interest of keeping her job, she somehow finds herself babysitting a spoiled Pomeranian (Caesar) then, as if she hasn’t enough on her plate, reluctantly goes on a blind date, and insists on preparing the family’s Sunday lunch.
As Kylie’s life is turned upside down and she is evicted from her boring but safe and comfortable rut, she begins, painfully, to see that not always being in control, not getting to live the life she had meticulously planned, doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Jordan’s characters will be familiar to the reader, people we all know amongst our acquaintances, and their dialogue and behaviour is what we hear and see in our daily lives. Kylie is earnest and intelligent, full of integrity and good intentions but, for a smart woman, she does fall prey rather easily to her family’s reverse psychology.
Gloria Schnabel, the manipulative matriarch who is unequivocally convinced she knows what is best, is hugely entertaining and issues opinions that will resonate with many readers: “It’s terribly depressing being the same age as old people” and “Rules exist for a reason, Kylie. And that reason is to identify people who lack the imagination to think for themselves so the rest of us know whom to avoid” are examples.
With her unfailing talent for writing humour, Jordan endows her characters with plenty of wit and hilarity, as well as giving them some wise words and insightful observations. And she does manage, within pages, to have the reader laughing out loud, then choking up with emotion. Funny and feel-good, Toni Jordan’s latest novel is an undiluted joy to read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
But Kylie is having a terrible week: on Monday morning she discovers the pharmacy has been sold to mega-retail-chain, Pharmacy King, and she will have to apply for her own job! Meanwhile, as she works, Pharmacy King’s Gail Osborne is evaluating her performance…
Next, she discovers (thank you, Fitbit!) that her boyfriend is cheating on her. And then commiserations at a cocktail bar turn into complications when her mum, Gloria breaks an ankle (three martinis plus stilettos), and is going to need someone (no, not an agency nurse, absolutely not!!) to look after her.
Kylie can’t help taking control, writing and distributing one of her legendary SOPs so the family knows exactly what needs doing, but she soon realises that she should have tried “something easier than looking after Gloria, like solving the homelessness crisis or mediating between North and South Korea.” And being back in her childhood home, exposed to all its loaded memories isn’t helping her frame of mind.
A children’s tennis coach, Gloria points out that her annual Open Day is on Saturday and absolutely cannot be cancelled: “It was the biggest day of her year, when she signed up students for the term to come.” No way Kylie’s getting involved in that, her sporty brother Nick will have to step up.
In the interest of keeping her job, she somehow finds herself babysitting a spoiled Pomeranian (Caesar) then, as if she hasn’t enough on her plate, reluctantly goes on a blind date, and insists on preparing the family’s Sunday lunch.
As Kylie’s life is turned upside down and she is evicted from her boring but safe and comfortable rut, she begins, painfully, to see that not always being in control, not getting to live the life she had meticulously planned, doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Jordan’s characters will be familiar to the reader, people we all know amongst our acquaintances, and their dialogue and behaviour is what we hear and see in our daily lives. Kylie is earnest and intelligent, full of integrity and good intentions but, for a smart woman, she does fall prey rather easily to her family’s reverse psychology.
Gloria Schnabel, the manipulative matriarch who is unequivocally convinced she knows what is best, is hugely entertaining and issues opinions that will resonate with many readers: “It’s terribly depressing being the same age as old people” and “Rules exist for a reason, Kylie. And that reason is to identify people who lack the imagination to think for themselves so the rest of us know whom to avoid” are examples.
With her unfailing talent for writing humour, Jordan endows her characters with plenty of wit and hilarity, as well as giving them some wise words and insightful observations. And she does manage, within pages, to have the reader laughing out loud, then choking up with emotion. Funny and feel-good, Toni Jordan’s latest novel is an undiluted joy to read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
March 21, 2023
Last year, Toni Jordan gifted us with Dinner with the Schnabels, which was an absolute laugh out loud delight from start to finish. This year, she’s gifted us Prettier if She Smiled More, a return to the Schnabel family but this time, from the perspective of eldest daughter, Kylie. We spend one week with Kylie and her family, and what a week it is!
‘Dogs only like us because they know we’re bones on the inside,’ said Mia.
Comedy, that comes across well on the page, is no easy feat, yet Toni Jordan makes it look effortless. Prettier if She Smiled More is just as funny as Dinner with the Schnabels, yet possibly a bit more cutting and on point. This can be attributed to Kylie herself, who was just the most terrific character, and Gloria, her mother, who was incredible in every way, and I don’t mean that entirely as a compliment! Their dynamic was truly hilarious at times.
‘The family photos taken when the children were young though, couldn’t be replaced – which led to a crisis. In those years before Photoshop, what could be done about David, who was in the centre of many of the said photos and who Gloria wished dead several times a day in a variety of painful ways? Facing the grinning face of her ex-husband every day in her own home was untenable.
Gloria’s solution had been to cut out a range of Kevin Costner heads of varying sizes from different magazines and glue them over similarly sized David heads. Now the family photos lined up on the mantel were of Gloria and Kevin, standing proudly behind their children, young Kylie, Tansy and Nick.’
I could relate to Kylie in so many ways and really enjoyed walking in her shoes for the week that this novel spanned. It was entertaining to see her handle each new curve ball thrown her way, and also, uplifting, to see her reinvent herself over the course of the week and arrive at a place where she was ready to live her life with a different intention. I also found it deeply moving when the family all realised just how much of a sacrifice Kylie had made for them all as a teenager during her parents’ divorce, a sacrifice that had changed the course of her life. I went from laughter to tears in an instant during that moment.
I loved this novel and recommend it far and wide. Five big golden starbursts!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
‘Dogs only like us because they know we’re bones on the inside,’ said Mia.
Comedy, that comes across well on the page, is no easy feat, yet Toni Jordan makes it look effortless. Prettier if She Smiled More is just as funny as Dinner with the Schnabels, yet possibly a bit more cutting and on point. This can be attributed to Kylie herself, who was just the most terrific character, and Gloria, her mother, who was incredible in every way, and I don’t mean that entirely as a compliment! Their dynamic was truly hilarious at times.
‘The family photos taken when the children were young though, couldn’t be replaced – which led to a crisis. In those years before Photoshop, what could be done about David, who was in the centre of many of the said photos and who Gloria wished dead several times a day in a variety of painful ways? Facing the grinning face of her ex-husband every day in her own home was untenable.
Gloria’s solution had been to cut out a range of Kevin Costner heads of varying sizes from different magazines and glue them over similarly sized David heads. Now the family photos lined up on the mantel were of Gloria and Kevin, standing proudly behind their children, young Kylie, Tansy and Nick.’
I could relate to Kylie in so many ways and really enjoyed walking in her shoes for the week that this novel spanned. It was entertaining to see her handle each new curve ball thrown her way, and also, uplifting, to see her reinvent herself over the course of the week and arrive at a place where she was ready to live her life with a different intention. I also found it deeply moving when the family all realised just how much of a sacrifice Kylie had made for them all as a teenager during her parents’ divorce, a sacrifice that had changed the course of her life. I went from laughter to tears in an instant during that moment.
I loved this novel and recommend it far and wide. Five big golden starbursts!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
March 9, 2023
Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
A return to the Schnabel family home was a welcome treat.
The focus this time on the eldest daughter, Kylie.
As the oldest child her young shoulders carried more weight than they should have when her father left their lives.
It framed the organised, controlled and complicated life she lead.
An ankle break necessitates Kylie moving back to her childhood home to look after her mum.
Her perfect blueprint for existence will be thrown into turmoil and cracks will appear that will help her in the long run.
Looking after her mother was a challenge.
We had already met Gloria in another book and was aware of her personality.
She being the polar opposite to Kylie.
So begin the fireworks and some revealing and confronting soul searching elements.
I got many laughs from this read, the comedic dialogue is very good and helps lighten the more serious issues under the surface.
It is well written with a great mix characters.
The highlight for me was Gloria and the way she interacted with Kylie, the dynamic and the banter was fantastic.
Toni is an automatic read for me and I would recommend her books for those that love comedy and great life fiction.
A return to the Schnabel family home was a welcome treat.
The focus this time on the eldest daughter, Kylie.
As the oldest child her young shoulders carried more weight than they should have when her father left their lives.
It framed the organised, controlled and complicated life she lead.
An ankle break necessitates Kylie moving back to her childhood home to look after her mum.
Her perfect blueprint for existence will be thrown into turmoil and cracks will appear that will help her in the long run.
Looking after her mother was a challenge.
We had already met Gloria in another book and was aware of her personality.
She being the polar opposite to Kylie.
So begin the fireworks and some revealing and confronting soul searching elements.
I got many laughs from this read, the comedic dialogue is very good and helps lighten the more serious issues under the surface.
It is well written with a great mix characters.
The highlight for me was Gloria and the way she interacted with Kylie, the dynamic and the banter was fantastic.
Toni is an automatic read for me and I would recommend her books for those that love comedy and great life fiction.
April 1, 2023
Toni Jordan's debut novel Addition, was one of my favourite books when it was released in 2008 and I also loved The Fragments - giving it a rare (for me) five stars. I commented then on her beautiful writing and her ability to develop complex, quirky, likeable and very real characters.
Her latest release features Kylie Schnabel - a judicious pharmacist and a responsible and pragmatic daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend - who's perfectly content with her lot in life, harbouring no great ambitions for more than she has. Until it starts disappearing before her eyes.
I have to admit I really wanted to smack Kylie around the head a little on many several occasions here. On this whole, she's a confident woman and acts with purpose - dumps her boyfriend when she suspects he's cheating on her for example - but on so many other occasions she lets stuff slide and gets stomped on.
In some ways it's horrifying to watch (well, read!) because I could see some of my own behaviour in her.
Jordan times Kylie's crises (yes plural, as there are several) brilliantly here and they come thick and fast. There's a lot to love about this book. Jordan's writing is again gentle, clever, familiar and addictive in the way it lures readers into Kylie's world. I came to care deeply for Kylie and Jordan delivers us the perfect character arc... and one that's slightly unpredictable.
Of course there are deeper messages and themes here about the legacy we're left with from childhood and how it can shape the rest of our lives, though at the same time reminding us of the aspirations we once had, long left behind.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Her latest release features Kylie Schnabel - a judicious pharmacist and a responsible and pragmatic daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend - who's perfectly content with her lot in life, harbouring no great ambitions for more than she has. Until it starts disappearing before her eyes.
I have to admit I really wanted to smack Kylie around the head a little on many several occasions here. On this whole, she's a confident woman and acts with purpose - dumps her boyfriend when she suspects he's cheating on her for example - but on so many other occasions she lets stuff slide and gets stomped on.
In some ways it's horrifying to watch (well, read!) because I could see some of my own behaviour in her.
Jordan times Kylie's crises (yes plural, as there are several) brilliantly here and they come thick and fast. There's a lot to love about this book. Jordan's writing is again gentle, clever, familiar and addictive in the way it lures readers into Kylie's world. I came to care deeply for Kylie and Jordan delivers us the perfect character arc... and one that's slightly unpredictable.
Of course there are deeper messages and themes here about the legacy we're left with from childhood and how it can shape the rest of our lives, though at the same time reminding us of the aspirations we once had, long left behind.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
March 25, 2023
When I requested a copy of Prettier if She Smiled More by Australian author Toni Jordan I had no idea it was a follow up to last year’s Dinner With the Schnabel’s. But I decided to dive in anyway and while reading the first book may have given some more context to the characters it felt like this read really well as a standalone.
The Schnabel’s are siblings Kylie, Tansey and Nick plus half-sister Monica. Add in their mother Gloria plus Tansy's husband Simon and children Mia and Lachie and you have one big, mostly happy, occasionally dysfunctional family. This book focuses on Kylie the perfect, take charge, little bit controlling, first born in her early forties. The book is set over one very disastrous week for Kylie when her perfect life comes crashing down. Each section is one day and we watch as Kylie has to contend with a broken relationship, a broken career and a broken ankle (not hers).
Look this was a little bit cheesy and slightly predictable but on the whole it was good wholesome fun. Despite the occasional cringey, you can see exactly where this disastrous situation is heading feeling, I was actually really rooting for Kylie, willing all the parts of her life to come together in the end. What I didn’t expect was to almost tear up but newsflash one of the final chapters had me blinking away a couple of tears!
This one is well worth a look if you are a fan of contemporary family based novels with just a hint of romance.
Thank you @hachetteaus for my #gifted copy.
The Schnabel’s are siblings Kylie, Tansey and Nick plus half-sister Monica. Add in their mother Gloria plus Tansy's husband Simon and children Mia and Lachie and you have one big, mostly happy, occasionally dysfunctional family. This book focuses on Kylie the perfect, take charge, little bit controlling, first born in her early forties. The book is set over one very disastrous week for Kylie when her perfect life comes crashing down. Each section is one day and we watch as Kylie has to contend with a broken relationship, a broken career and a broken ankle (not hers).
Look this was a little bit cheesy and slightly predictable but on the whole it was good wholesome fun. Despite the occasional cringey, you can see exactly where this disastrous situation is heading feeling, I was actually really rooting for Kylie, willing all the parts of her life to come together in the end. What I didn’t expect was to almost tear up but newsflash one of the final chapters had me blinking away a couple of tears!
This one is well worth a look if you are a fan of contemporary family based novels with just a hint of romance.
Thank you @hachetteaus for my #gifted copy.
May 5, 2023
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
After reading Dinner with the Schnabels] I was eager to read another episode in the life of the Schnabels this time featuring Kylie the eldest daughter who is tightly wound, a perfectionist and control freak.
I loved reading Prettier If She Smiled More, it was entertaining, full of sarcasm and fun!
Kylie has discovered the pharmacy she has worked in for twenty years has been sold to the mega franchise Pharmacy King and she has to apply for her own job, she also finds out via her Fitbit App her boyfriend has been cheating on her! In the same week her mother Gloria breaks her ankle and Kylie has to move in and care for her.
Gloria is the fiercely manipulative matriarch and is a huge character that had me laughing out loud, she’s fabulous! I loved the way the author gives her characters so much personality and the banter is absolutely wonderful.
There are some confronting issues Kylie has to face so as well as humour there is a lot of realism. There is an underlying message about how our childhood can shape the rest of our lives and remind us of our dreams we left behind. If you love comedy and domestic drama you will love this book.
Perfect writing and a joy to read! You can read this book as a standalone also.
Publication Date 29 March 2023
Publisher Hachette Australia
Thanks so much to the publisher Hachette Australia and Tandem Collective Global for a copy of the book to read and for having me on the readalong.
After reading Dinner with the Schnabels] I was eager to read another episode in the life of the Schnabels this time featuring Kylie the eldest daughter who is tightly wound, a perfectionist and control freak.
I loved reading Prettier If She Smiled More, it was entertaining, full of sarcasm and fun!
Kylie has discovered the pharmacy she has worked in for twenty years has been sold to the mega franchise Pharmacy King and she has to apply for her own job, she also finds out via her Fitbit App her boyfriend has been cheating on her! In the same week her mother Gloria breaks her ankle and Kylie has to move in and care for her.
Gloria is the fiercely manipulative matriarch and is a huge character that had me laughing out loud, she’s fabulous! I loved the way the author gives her characters so much personality and the banter is absolutely wonderful.
There are some confronting issues Kylie has to face so as well as humour there is a lot of realism. There is an underlying message about how our childhood can shape the rest of our lives and remind us of our dreams we left behind. If you love comedy and domestic drama you will love this book.
Perfect writing and a joy to read! You can read this book as a standalone also.
Publication Date 29 March 2023
Publisher Hachette Australia
Thanks so much to the publisher Hachette Australia and Tandem Collective Global for a copy of the book to read and for having me on the readalong.
April 23, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
If you are looking for a an excellent family satire with a dash of romance, look no further than Prettier if She Smiled More more, a follow up novel to last year’s contemporary smash, Dinner with the Schnabels. Honest, filled with clarity and realism, Prettier if She Smiled More is told from one of the most versatile writers in the Australian publishing world. I initially wasn’t aware that Prettier if She Smiled More was a sequel of sorts to 2022 release Dinner with the Schnabels and I requested away! I’m actually really glad I was granted the opportunity to take part in the read along, it’s one of the best I’ve experienced so far.
Kylie Schnabel thinks she has a pleasant and easy-going lifestyle. However, the eldest and most organised child of the Schnabel family encounters the week from hell that will test her to her very limits. Kylie always ensures that she keeps a tight ship in her professional life as a respected pharmacist, her carefully ordered home, her romantic relationships and her role as the chief family organiser. When Kylie’s mother breaks her ankle, it is up to Kylie to enact a plan of attack to help her mother in her time of need. But Kylie’s mother is a fiery and independent spirit, so it is with trepidation that Kylie moves back into her family home to help her. Then other aspects of Kylie’s life begin to crumble. Will Kylie realise that her life needs a shake up in the wake of this family accident?
From literary fiction, to historical fiction and pandemic fiction, Toni Jordan is an all-round and versatile writer who is well known across the Australian book industry for her sharply observed novels. I read Jordan’s covid inspired tale, Dinner with the Schnabels last year, commenting at the time of reading that it was a timely and connective tale, teaching us a lesson in self-worth as well as resilience. I could easily apply these positive affirmations to Prettier if She Smiled More, a story that continues the fable of the Schnabel clan. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect with this one and I’m glad I went in with an open mind and a blank slate. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Prettier if She Smiled More.
Kylie Schnabel is the main focal point for Toni Jordan’s novel. I really warmed to Kylie from the onset. I’m not sure why I instantly connected to Jordan’s lead character. Perhaps it was her age, which is almost exactly my own, or her role as the dutiful and highly organised eldest child. Or even her responsibility as a pharmacist. I’m not a pharmacist, but I seemed to relate and understand how Kylie felt as she faced new pressures in her once secure position. Without giving too much away, the personal health crisis slash concern Kylie deals with as the novel progresses seemed to appeal to my reader’s heart. I was able to empathise with Kylie’s worries and anxieties with ease. I was also able to completely understand her stress levels in taking on too much, by putting others needs before her own. I thought Jordan handled this aspect of the tale perfectly. Another winner in my eyes was the dialogue, it was pitch perfect, absolutely sound! I could listen to the cast all day and night, they offered the ideal blend of humour, sharpness and endearment.
Jordan incorporates some poignant and mainstream themes that will reach a broad audience range. From personal health issues, to careers, employment pressures, the impact of the pandemic, romance relationships, family reliance, self-doubt, connections and support, this is an attentive novel. There are times when Prettier if She Smiled More will make you gasp, belly laugh, get angry or even shed a tear. Jordan manipulates the emotions of her characters as Kylie’s awful week unfolds, day by day in the short timeline formatted tale. Along the way there are memorable instances of drama, emotion and well-timed comedic interludes. Even though Jordan’s lead is faced with an uphill battle as the week from hell rolls on, the change it ignites is definitely worth the agony faced. Prettier if She Smiled More is a great mature reinvention tale, it is quick witted, lively and identifiable contemporary fiction at its best.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
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4.5 stars
If you are looking for a an excellent family satire with a dash of romance, look no further than Prettier if She Smiled More more, a follow up novel to last year’s contemporary smash, Dinner with the Schnabels. Honest, filled with clarity and realism, Prettier if She Smiled More is told from one of the most versatile writers in the Australian publishing world. I initially wasn’t aware that Prettier if She Smiled More was a sequel of sorts to 2022 release Dinner with the Schnabels and I requested away! I’m actually really glad I was granted the opportunity to take part in the read along, it’s one of the best I’ve experienced so far.
Kylie Schnabel thinks she has a pleasant and easy-going lifestyle. However, the eldest and most organised child of the Schnabel family encounters the week from hell that will test her to her very limits. Kylie always ensures that she keeps a tight ship in her professional life as a respected pharmacist, her carefully ordered home, her romantic relationships and her role as the chief family organiser. When Kylie’s mother breaks her ankle, it is up to Kylie to enact a plan of attack to help her mother in her time of need. But Kylie’s mother is a fiery and independent spirit, so it is with trepidation that Kylie moves back into her family home to help her. Then other aspects of Kylie’s life begin to crumble. Will Kylie realise that her life needs a shake up in the wake of this family accident?
From literary fiction, to historical fiction and pandemic fiction, Toni Jordan is an all-round and versatile writer who is well known across the Australian book industry for her sharply observed novels. I read Jordan’s covid inspired tale, Dinner with the Schnabels last year, commenting at the time of reading that it was a timely and connective tale, teaching us a lesson in self-worth as well as resilience. I could easily apply these positive affirmations to Prettier if She Smiled More, a story that continues the fable of the Schnabel clan. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect with this one and I’m glad I went in with an open mind and a blank slate. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Prettier if She Smiled More.
Kylie Schnabel is the main focal point for Toni Jordan’s novel. I really warmed to Kylie from the onset. I’m not sure why I instantly connected to Jordan’s lead character. Perhaps it was her age, which is almost exactly my own, or her role as the dutiful and highly organised eldest child. Or even her responsibility as a pharmacist. I’m not a pharmacist, but I seemed to relate and understand how Kylie felt as she faced new pressures in her once secure position. Without giving too much away, the personal health crisis slash concern Kylie deals with as the novel progresses seemed to appeal to my reader’s heart. I was able to empathise with Kylie’s worries and anxieties with ease. I was also able to completely understand her stress levels in taking on too much, by putting others needs before her own. I thought Jordan handled this aspect of the tale perfectly. Another winner in my eyes was the dialogue, it was pitch perfect, absolutely sound! I could listen to the cast all day and night, they offered the ideal blend of humour, sharpness and endearment.
Jordan incorporates some poignant and mainstream themes that will reach a broad audience range. From personal health issues, to careers, employment pressures, the impact of the pandemic, romance relationships, family reliance, self-doubt, connections and support, this is an attentive novel. There are times when Prettier if She Smiled More will make you gasp, belly laugh, get angry or even shed a tear. Jordan manipulates the emotions of her characters as Kylie’s awful week unfolds, day by day in the short timeline formatted tale. Along the way there are memorable instances of drama, emotion and well-timed comedic interludes. Even though Jordan’s lead is faced with an uphill battle as the week from hell rolls on, the change it ignites is definitely worth the agony faced. Prettier if She Smiled More is a great mature reinvention tale, it is quick witted, lively and identifiable contemporary fiction at its best.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
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August 31, 2023
3.75 Stars. Toni Jordan is one of my favourite authors – one of the few that never fails to elicit a laugh-out-loud moment from me. Prettier If She Smiled More was no exception to this rule, but I was left waiting a little longer for that moment than usual.
This novel’s title signals just one of the deeper societal issues tackled in this continuation of the Schnabel family’s story. This time the focus is on ever-reliable and organised eldest child Kylie, as she navigates her Week of Three Disasters. Readers also touched with the ‘dependable’ brush will readily identify with Kylie’s myriad frustrations, and potentially reflect on the observation that this character can often be her own worst enemy. But readers of the same generation or older than character Kylie (40s) will likely not be surprised by this story arc.
Prettier If She Smiled More has a relatively straightforward plot that explores both wounds and blind spots we can all in some way relate to. For me, it lacked the level of twist and surprise I have come to expect from Jordan. However, her trademark rapid-fire cutting dialogue and comedic farce shone bright in this novel’s latter half. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
This novel’s title signals just one of the deeper societal issues tackled in this continuation of the Schnabel family’s story. This time the focus is on ever-reliable and organised eldest child Kylie, as she navigates her Week of Three Disasters. Readers also touched with the ‘dependable’ brush will readily identify with Kylie’s myriad frustrations, and potentially reflect on the observation that this character can often be her own worst enemy. But readers of the same generation or older than character Kylie (40s) will likely not be surprised by this story arc.
Prettier If She Smiled More has a relatively straightforward plot that explores both wounds and blind spots we can all in some way relate to. For me, it lacked the level of twist and surprise I have come to expect from Jordan. However, her trademark rapid-fire cutting dialogue and comedic farce shone bright in this novel’s latter half. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
June 5, 2023
This was a character driven novel and the main character took a while to grow on me. But, grow she did. Despite, the novel occuring over only the span of a week. Kylie 'changed' alot during that time or at least was able to self reflect and realise maybe there were other things in life she wanted. Maybe, we all need an unpredictable week like Kylie had to shake things up and remind us of the things that are important (family, fun) and the things that can be open to change.
May 6, 2023
Meh. Felt like I’ve read this book a million times before. Expected something a little ‘meatier’ from
Toni Jordan but the title sets the tone in hindsight.
Toni Jordan but the title sets the tone in hindsight.
July 31, 2023
Predictable, funny in parts but mostly frustrating
March 23, 2025
• Ideal weekend read
• A perfect blend of humour, wit and sarcasm
• Totally relatable!
• Loveable dysfunctional family
• Fabulous banter
What a terrific follow up to Dinner With the Schnabels! Such a fun easy read, and perfect for book three of my 24 hour readathon 📚
• A perfect blend of humour, wit and sarcasm
• Totally relatable!
• Loveable dysfunctional family
• Fabulous banter
What a terrific follow up to Dinner With the Schnabels! Such a fun easy read, and perfect for book three of my 24 hour readathon 📚
February 16, 2025
Not too bad. Very hard to get into but I enjoyed the end
May 15, 2023
I loved this. Recommended.
April 6, 2023
All The Gang’s Here!
Following on from Dinner At The Schnabels, this follows Kylie, the eldest, the sensible one, whose life is work, and everything follows a Standard Operating Procedure. That is, until the ground on which she stands starts to shake, with the Week Of The Three Disasters, causing her to reassess what she thought she knew, and in turn, everyone to look at who Kylie Schnabel actually is.
Written in a humorous descriptive style, with many snicker out loud moments, there is a touch of the ouchies - particularly from another older (invisible to society) woman reader. The onset of the menopause, the reassessment of one’s life, and the perception of these women by society threads a serious, emotive undertone to the book, with more of a touch of the ‘it could have been me’.
I mean, who amongst us hasn’t been told they’d be prettier if they smiled more - or similar? My response to that is to inform the poor misguided fool that I don’t solely exist to improve the aesthetics of their immediate environment.
Then explain to them what all the big words I used meant.
Following on from Dinner At The Schnabels, this follows Kylie, the eldest, the sensible one, whose life is work, and everything follows a Standard Operating Procedure. That is, until the ground on which she stands starts to shake, with the Week Of The Three Disasters, causing her to reassess what she thought she knew, and in turn, everyone to look at who Kylie Schnabel actually is.
Written in a humorous descriptive style, with many snicker out loud moments, there is a touch of the ouchies - particularly from another older (invisible to society) woman reader. The onset of the menopause, the reassessment of one’s life, and the perception of these women by society threads a serious, emotive undertone to the book, with more of a touch of the ‘it could have been me’.
I mean, who amongst us hasn’t been told they’d be prettier if they smiled more - or similar? My response to that is to inform the poor misguided fool that I don’t solely exist to improve the aesthetics of their immediate environment.
Then explain to them what all the big words I used meant.
June 25, 2023
This was my first introduction to the Schnabels as I haven’t read ‘Dinner With The Schnabels’. I was looking forward to ‘Prettier If She Smiled More’ after reading fantastic reviews but found it good off to a very slow start. It was nice however to see the evolution of the protagonist, Kylie, over the course of a week. A strong character, Kylie is quite rigid in her thinking and the beginning of the week sees every important factor Kylie’s life upended.
The book is easy to read and simple fiction but there was something missing for me. Whilst the characters were somewhat developed, the storyline felt relatively predictable. I did find myself feeling sympathetic for Kylie at one stage but the story dragged on for what was a simplistic storyline. Good writing but missing something. A little over 3 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The book is easy to read and simple fiction but there was something missing for me. Whilst the characters were somewhat developed, the storyline felt relatively predictable. I did find myself feeling sympathetic for Kylie at one stage but the story dragged on for what was a simplistic storyline. Good writing but missing something. A little over 3 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 4, 2024
Not my usual kind of book. I found it really frustrating and predictable. If I didn’t have the spare time to finish it within a few days I could’ve seen myself very unmotivated to pick it up. Start of it was pretty engaging then the wheels kind of fell off
December 18, 2023
Kylie is a typical first born child - high achiever and always in control. She has worked as a pharmacist at a small community pharmacy for her entire career as it’s stable - and far more sensible than risking everything to look for a new job. However, one morning, when she turns up at work, she finds out that a pharmacy chain is taking over the pharmacy - and her job may be at risk. Add to this family and boyfriend drama, and Kylie’s life is suddenly spinning out of control.
I loved reading this book. As a pharmacist, I was drawn to reading this and had many laugh out loud moments as Toni so accurately depicted a typical pharmacists personality. I also love reading books about personal growth, which this book had.
I had the pleasure of meeting Toni Jordan at a book launch earlier this year and loved hearing her story of how she got into writing - so inspiring!
Thanks to @hachetteaus for the review copy.
I loved reading this book. As a pharmacist, I was drawn to reading this and had many laugh out loud moments as Toni so accurately depicted a typical pharmacists personality. I also love reading books about personal growth, which this book had.
I had the pleasure of meeting Toni Jordan at a book launch earlier this year and loved hearing her story of how she got into writing - so inspiring!
Thanks to @hachetteaus for the review copy.
August 2, 2025
Contemplated a 2 star but I did enjoy it in parts and warmed to the Schnabels eventually, and it was overall entertaining. The main character didn’t resonate with me for most of the book and seemed rather inauthentic - her life goal is to own the pharmacy and she’s extremely organised but didn’t mention that to the owner, she simultaneously has insight into the fact that she is consciously making her life small to allow control but not into the level of control within her family that is also her own doing or into the fact she might have emotions in response to a relationship ending? The writing itself is nice and quick to read but simplistic and really hammers home the point we are supposed to take from things with little room for reader interpretation. Also the love interest is just a gender flipped stereotypical manic pixie dream girl. Nah
January 12, 2024
Absolutely perfect ‘womens fiction’, it’s so fun and funny and so insightful and thoughtful. As the oldest of seven, and childless Kylie sometimes felt too close for comfort, but gosh I loved her. I didn’t realise Prettier was so connected to Dinner, it definitely felt like a stand alone, but I definitely need to read everything Toni Jordan has written, this was fabulous!
January 4, 2025
DNF this one. The series of disasters became a bit predictable after the first 100 pages. Some funny moments, good turns of phrase and interesting observations about people, but ultimately not for me.
November 2, 2023
plays ‘change of heart’ by the 1975
May 14, 2024
It was slow and I was going to give it one star but then the last couple chapters were okay and made me ever so slightly emotional so I’ll add an extra star for that
February 3, 2024
Much about nothing in this one. I get that it was the life of a perimenopause woman but it just didn’t really go anywhere for me. Not as good as ‘Dinner with the Schnabels’.
September 28, 2025
I got bored and don't remember getting to the end
June 25, 2023
This is a very easy and lighthearted read, though with this comes with a blatant lack of character development. In fact, the protagonist Kylie became more and more infuriating the more of her childhood trauma and family dynamic were revealed throughout the book. I liked that there were subtle humour dotted throughout the prose, but I can foresee many of them getting lost on those who aren’t Melbourne-based. Toni Jordan used a lot of contextual references that are locally known. Overall a very low effort, but also middle value reward of a read.
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May 14, 2023Absolutely loved the wit and humour in this one. The family dynamics are a hoot and very relatable, especially the sibling dynamic. Sometimes I wonder if these humorous and highly readable books don't quite get the credit they deserve. What Toni Jordan has achieved here in terms of structure, plot and writing at the sentence level is quite incredible - it's clever in such an effortless way - and I can't wait for the next instalment of the Schnabels.
July 1, 2023
I found the characters in this book quite annoying, especially Kylie who is supposedly the smart one. With her relationship gone and her job under threat she feels obliged to take on the care for her mother Gloria who has just broken her ankle. And in the hope of saving her job she also takes on the care of a small dog. And her brother and sister just let her do it all! She needs to take a step back and let the chips fall where they may.
July 1, 2023
I was in the mood for a light, fun read. I found it a bit boring overall. Possibly because I’d read the dinner book so the revelations from her childhood and sibling dynamics were the equivalent of water is wet.
Also, why was the donut on the cover and as a divider?
Also, why was the donut on the cover and as a divider?
June 20, 2023
Definitely not as good as her previous titles. The humour has become repetitive .
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