I gave this book one extra star than I planned on because the ending was OK. The jumping around in time throughout the book, as well as the stilted conversations, really detracted from the story. The flashbacks in the story weren't the problem so much, although the use of italics for both a flashback and the characters' thoughts was also confusing. It was the progression in the story that was more the problem. It was hard to figure out how much time had passed in the story from one chapter to another. On top of all that, I have quite a lot of experience with the main character's problem in the story, and her thoughts just didn't feel authentic at all. It was a classic example of the author telling, not showing. ( )

Great message, but the writing was not up to par. The main character was almost 18, but definitely written for a younger audience; plus, there were some inconsistencies. ( )

This is an inspirational story about Katherine, an 18 year-old girl who suffered a horrendous accident when she was three leaving her with severe burns over her body. Gervay has captured Katherine's lack of self-confidence, her challenges, insecurities and hopes with wonderful sensitivity and the reader can't help but epathise with Katherine and feel her pain, both physical and emotional. The book is told in the third person, but also includes Katherine's thoughts and flashbacks to the past helping the reader to understand her better. The strong relationships Katherine has with her mother, older sister and best friend, Jessie, are both touching and believable. This warm-hearted story will have wide appeal to readers. ( )

A great read. The story centers around a girl burned as a child and the efforts so goes through to become "beautiful" again. It shows how her family supports her and how everyone deals.

Received ARC from Library Things Early Reviews ( )

This book was uplifting, though sad in places, and the characters were realistic. Katherine is likable, neither a victim of her problems or a saint. The book is inspiring without being preachy. ( )