Hold Your Crown Up High!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance with slight Sense and Sensibility/Pride and Prejudice nods
THE PREMISE: While they are identical twins, Ginny and Charlotte couldn’t be more opposite – Ginny is the outgoing, sociable, beauty queen that has followed in their mother’s footsteps and is competing in pageant programs, and Charlotte is the nerdy, introverted school librarian who loves Harry Potter. But when Ginny experiences an extreme allergic reaction that could ruin her last chance winning the title of Miss American Treasure, Charlotte finds herself doing the unimaginable….literally wearing her sisters’s shoes and competing in a pageant…
WHAT I LOVED:
- It Takes Two: As a child, I used to lament that I didn’t have a twin sister. Growing up with the Olsen twin movies and loving Nancy Meyer’s remake of The Parent Trap, I envied the closeness and camaraderie having a twin sister brought you. The connection and understanding is like no other. Imagine having someone like that to share your childhood and experiences with? Suffice to say, I loved the idea of a story about twins…and a twin swap!
- The Scholarship Program: She is beauty and she is grace – I’m not usually one to watch pageants, but I will always be happy to rewatch Miss Congeniality. I loved that there were quite a few nods to Sandy B and that iconic movie! But more than that, I enjoyed how this book highlighted the fact that these competitions aren’t just about external beauty – confidence, composure, and caring for causes matter more. And the contestants are portrayed as intelligent and impressive women of sense and strength.
- Teri Wilson Style: This is the third book I’ve read by this author (my first being Unleashing Mr. Darcy) and her books are such fun escapism – brimming with bookish references, dream-come-true romances, and wish-fulfillment fantasy. This book a combination of fun and fantastic tie-ins: Jane Austen, Harry Potter, Miss Congeniality, The Parent Trap. Not to mention adorable encounters, unexpected romance, and a happily ever after.
- Gray Beckham: Swoon – every bookish girl wants a hero that will “talk Darcy” to her and give her a literary nickname. I loved Gray. He was perfect. He had some haughty, judgy Mr. Darcy vibes, but also some playful “you bewitch me body and soul” vibes. I loved every one of his encounters with Charlotte – their literary banter, their challenging each other, their chemistry…
- Buttercup: Haha! Buttercup was such a fun surprise. I loved the evolution of Charlotte’s relationship with her and I would have loved to have seen their “talent routine” together!
WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:
- Could Be Deeper: I think this book and many others by this author are supposed to be cute, carefree, and charming – and they definitely are! But part of me craved a little more depth and development in these relationships. Maybe a little more about the sisters working through their issues on page, maybe a little less insta-love.
FINAL THOGUHTS:
👑 You’re one in a million – an inspiring and positive story about self-acceptance and self-love.
👠 Sisters, stilettos, and secrets – another fun-filled and diverting romantic comedy by Teri Wilson!
👸🏻 A timely and important reminder that “we are all winners,” and we all deserve crowns.
I loved “Unleashing Mr. Darcy.” I will give this book a try.
Teri judged a beauty contest, too. Love her books.