Reviews

Makeover Miracle by Charmaine Ross

emilyhei's review against another edition

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4.0

The last thing Abbey Miller wanted was to be picked as a contestant for reality television show Makeover Miracle, but her best friend needed the chance and she didn’t have the heart to say no. What Abbey didn’t expect though was the overwhelming panic and sadness as she remembers the tormenting bullying she has endured over the years.

Producer Quinn Campbell notices Abbey right away, not just because her stomach gave out but there is a striking beauty hidden underneath her mask of vulnerability. Quinn is reminded of his sister when he is in Abbey’s company, everything about her draws him in and he can’t seem to stay away even if it is crossing the line between producer/contestant.

Full review on CataRomance
http://cataromance.com/2013/03/review-makeover-miracle-by-charmaine-ross/

stephanywrites's review

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2.0

This was a really quick read (I read it in less than a day) and a cute story. It was the kind of story that you KNOW it isn't very good, yet it still entices you to keep reading.

The story was about Abbey, who has been bullied and teased all her life for her looks. She is taller than average, a flaming redhead, and overweight. She has dealt with so many disparaging remarks and the crux of it all: a man who took a bet that he could get her to sleep with him in less than 5 dates. (Which he won.)

Abbey and her friend, Jennifer, are selected to be contestants on Australia-based Makeover Miracle. (Very similar to The Biggest Loser, except not so weight-loss and workout focused.) The producer of the show, Quinn, and her have an instant connection to each other that only grows stronger during the course of the show as they get to know one another.

I could connect with Abbey at first. I understood her pain of being overweight and bullied and feeling self-conscious. But then she just got annoying. I just wanted to slap her upside the head and tell her she is worthy, no matter if she's beautiful or ugly, fat or skinny.

I feel like this book had the potential to address some very important issues on looks and worthiness and self-confidence but it did not. It focused more on the fact that this woman begins to find her self-worth because a guy tells her she is, not because she knows it inherently herself. She discovers she IS beautiful so now she is worthy. This is a slippery slope and I found the message of this book to leave a bad taste in my mouth.

(I received a digital edition of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest and fair review.)
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