Review: A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell

A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell
Book Description: All my life I had dreamed of changing the ordinary girl’s world of fashion by designing modest formal gowns—ones that you’d actually want to wear. With my super-hero stitching I would save you mothers and daughters crying in dressing rooms over yet another “the straps are just too small” prom dress. Don’t worry, I even thought of a catchy tagline for my brand: “Modest Is Hottest.” I told you I was good!

So I moved to New York and am finally living that dream . . . well, almost. I am at one of the top fashion companies, and my designs are definitely modest— but let’s face it, when it comes to outerwear, would you want to buy a skimpy trench coat? Didn’t think so.
Even though I don’t have my dream job, my family is a mess, and my love life stinks, I have a feeling things are going to change. I mean, they have to soon, or I’ll be forced to marry Jace. I did promise to become his wife only if I turned thirty and was still single, but I honestly didn’t think it was possible. Now twenty-nine, I’m cutting it way too close.
Right now I’m flying back to Utah for our Butterfly Girls reunion. And since it is the Mormon Mecca, I might find myself a modest proposal. Utah engagements can take mere weeks. Never mind, I’m not that desperate.
Really.
But maybe the girls can help. We’ve been best friends since high school. We Butterfly Girls are not the typical Pink Ladies, although we’ve definitely had our share of drama. We’ll laugh and cry over memories, from pageant glory to tragic endings, but the ones stored inside our butterfly box will surprise you most. We only open it when we’re all together, and our lives never seem the same after.

About the Author: What can I say, I'm a middle-aged mother of four, who, after ten years of hard work, perseverance and a lot (and I mean A LOT!) of rejection letters, finally got a book published. As a young girl I was a devoted journal keeper.  I would express my most personal thoughts and feelings in my journal in a way I could never express them verbally.  Coupled with my great love for reading it only seemed natural to become a writer.During the course of having and raising my children, as a beginning writer, I spent any free time I had writing and learning the craft.  I attended workshops and conferences, joined critique groups (I have the scars to prove it) and sent many of my stories and novels off to magazines and publisher, only to receive rejection after rejection.  I came close a few times, but something wasn't quite right.Still to this day I wonder why I didn't give up.  You'd think after ten years of rejections I'd finally get the message.  Actually I know why I kept writing, I couldn't not write.  It's in my blood.  When I get cut, ink comes out.  There's something so wonderful and fulfilling about the creative process of developing characters and storylines and pouring your heart out on paper that can't be matched by anything else.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to write.  And I want to encourage anyone who has the desire to write to never give up on their dream.  If you want it bad enough and are willing to work hard enough, you will become published.  I believe that with all my heart because that's exactly how it worked for me. I grew up in St. George, Utah, where a lot of my family still lives, but now reside with my husband and family in the Salt Lake City area.  My favorite thing to do is support my kids in their many interests.  Between basketball, ballet and piano lessons we squeeze a lot into a week, but I wouldn't have it any other way.If you have any questions you'd like me to answer, please feel free to email me.  And thanks, for all your support. 

Here's What I think: Modesty is the main theme of the book, and while it is about a proposal, the book really focuses more on the friendships that last a lifetimes and make life a more fulfilling endeavor. Bell has a rather long list of titles under her belt, ranging from chick lit to young adult. She has a great way with the written word. Normally I would expect a book of this size - well over 400 pages - to be somewhat long winded, but this thought never entered my mind except to not that it was not! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series - Hometown Girl.

Disclaimer: Although I did receive a copy of the this title for review purposes, I was in no other way compensated to publish this post. These are my real and honest opinions.

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