Title: True Beauty
Author: Shelia E. Lipsey [Bell]
Publisher: Bonita & Hodge Publishing Group, Inc.
Series: Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"True Beauty" by Shelia E. Lipsey

My Thoughts....

This is the second read in this series for this author...with 'Beautiful Ugly' being the first one. I would suggest you read the first read before reading the second one...'True Beauty' because be doing so you will be getting the whole story of these three friends...Envy, Kacie and Layla who are still struggling to find their divine beauty.' The author continues the story with the struggles of self images of these three friends as they move forward. Will there be some new changes in their life? YES! Will these friends finally find their 'divine beauty' that they so deserve as they find themselves battling each other as well as their demons? I like this read that showed how these characters growth from the inside out. This was indeed a beautiful realistic read of one coming to terms with one's own past mistakes and definitely learning to love yourself. Would I recommend "True Beauty?" YES!

Title: Beautiful Ugly
Author: Shelia E. Lipsey [Bell]
Publisher: S. E.L.
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Beautiful Ugly" by Sheila E. Lipsey [Bell]

My Thoughts...

This was quite a interesting well written story about three friends...Envy, Layla and Kacie. Each one of these ladies have a different story that was well told in their own unique way. One of these ladies let's say had a lots of 'bedtime friends, another one with a wonderful voice but suffered from self esteem issues and a little on the heavy side and the last one who was born with cerebral palsy however, that didn't stop her...she had six children with another one on the way with no hubby! All three friends were battling some insecurities in one way or another. These three ladies argued and fussed a lot however they were always their for each other when the time was needed. This read was rather entertaining, as well as engaging being so full of its drama and twist and turns. I liked the Christian aspect of the read which was well done by this author. If you are looking for a story full about 'friendship, family drama and secrets then you have come to the right place. Why was it that it seems like every time these friends would get together or even talk on the phone they often got into such heated arguments? Was it because they did not seem to know the meaning of true love? However, Envy, Layla and Kacie always seemed to stick together in the good times and also the bad times. That was one of the reasons I loved about the novel.

The other characters in this story really helped make this read so very interesting...from Nikkei, Leonard, Deacon, Mrs. Rawlings and Dennis to name a few. To get the rest of this wonderfully believable told story you will have to pick up book 2 'True Beauty' to see what happens next for Layla, Kacie and Envy.

I am so glad I gave this book a shot! It's been on my "maybe" list ever since I heard of it, my hesitation steaming from a rumored jerk of a love interest and the whole enemies with benefits plot-line. But, the movie with Robbie Amell came out and it just looked so entertaining that I had to give the book a chance.

And honestly, it's just been so much fun! 

Let's start by saying that the book explores a lot of deep themes. First of all, it explores slut shaming. It explores the idea of beauty. It explores facades. It explores friendships and family. And all the underlying messages are so positive it's heartening.

And it's pretty much all done through our main character, Bianca. A sassy, sarcastic, kind of judgmental girl whom I honestly loved. She's our DUFF - Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Or is she? She's definitely a fun character to explore, and while I didn't agree with all she did (especially toward the end with Toby...) I always loved her. 

Her love interest and the coined douche above is Wesley. Now, I'm going to apologize in advance for the upcoming section - because I absolutely adored Wesley to pieces. I'm sorry, but anyone who finds this guy to be a jerk is wrong. He acted like a douche, sure. But he was not actually a douche.

In fact, out of all the characters in the book, he never once...

TO READ MORE, CLICK THE TITLE! 

What do these two books have in common? A trope that pisses me off, apparently.