Reviews

Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

megatza's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 This was my first Susan Elizabeth Phillips book, and the first thing that struck me is that she reminds me of Meg Cabot from the same era but with better prose and better characters. I liked her writing and the way this book was structured, even if I didn't love the characters or the conflict. Sugar Beth was the classic popular mean girl and now 15 years (and 3 husbands) later she's returned to her home town, to claim the tiny scraps of her inheritance, to find that some people hold fast to old grudges.

I loved that SEP really digs into both romantic relationships and also the difficulties of female friendships in an age where pitting women against one another felt much more common. This book does feel like it's from 2004, both in structure and tone, but it also aged fairly well because the lessons learned remain relevant today.

It's on the longer side, but all of the plot points felt relevant to the story - there's a primary romance between Sugar Beth and Colin, and secondary marriage in trouble romance arc between Winnie and Ryan, a reconciliation arc for Sugar Beth and Winnie and for Sugar Beth and the town and her old friends, and a coming of age arc for Gigi. They're all intrinsically tied together and add depth to the story.

Thanks to Maria for her choice for personal pick for #KissAndLetMeTeleChat! 

pinkcowlandreads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

procrastinatewithreading's review against another edition

funny lighthearted

4.75

outcolder's review against another edition

4.0

Infuriating yet sympathetic. I had to take a long break in the middle when one of the subplots got too sad for me. Phillips' sense of humor is growing on me and I find I laugh at more of her jokes with each chapter. There's a brief bio of her that says she "touches hearts and funny bones." That's not all she's touching though. I have to admit I am a little too prudish, and find the spicier bits a bit of a shock considering how sweet the rest of the stories and characters are.

Are there really independent bookstores in small town Mississippi?

bluestockinglaura's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mbenzz's review against another edition

5.0

This book sat on my book shelf collecting dust for months, I finally decided to pick it up and give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. It was hilarious! I was totally expecting one of those shallow, annoying, sex-filled chick-lit books...but how wrong was I!! This was a very tastefully done book about a down-and-out former beauty/princess of small-town Mississippi, who finds her true inner strength and pride. I definitely recommend this book to all, it's very funny and will keep you entertained throughout. One of the best books I've read all year!!

alexsaslibrary's review against another edition

3.0

no cuz i shed tears for sugar beth

i like this book for its real, cruel people. i'm not so sure about the romance though???

i really love SEP's chicklit style

bookishghoul_96's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

archangelwings's review against another edition

3.5

tbh the more I think about this, the lower my rating is going.. suga Beth gets all the stars, but I'm afraid I can't do more than a rounded down 3.5* atp

mere's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5