In Story 4 of The Cinderella Body Club Series, Annalise Gallagher wouldn’t describe herself as a normal girly-girl. Thankfully she has wonderful girlfriends, not “fairy tale type girls” and not the “trophy wife types.” They are “the geeky ones” and had put their energy into earning college degrees not ensuring bra and panties were a perfect match. Annalise is all too aware of the scar on her back from a childhood accident. She also knows that her job as a certified picture framer and sales associate at an art gallery wouldn’t appeal to everyone. Can Annalise ever feel beautiful with the scar on her back? Is it possible that there is someone who could accept her scar and who might understand the love of her work? Well, hold those questions for a moment as it’s time to celebrate Girls’ Night Out!

It would seem difficult to think of an extended visit of girlfriends that doesn’t take the opportunity at some point during the conversation for sharing of each other’s own perception of physical attributes – regardless of the ages of the girls or women. Analysis of one’s own physical beauty seems part of the life-long pursuit of happiness for a girl – a woman. Then think of the possibilities that begin with the setting of a girls’ night with the dearest of friends in comfy clothes, uninterrupted time for sharing conversation, wine, and delicious home-made treats. The shared conversation includes the show-and-tell of a grandmother’s gift of a beautiful locket to her namesake granddaughter Cami and the retelling of grandmother’s story – well, at least part of the story as shared up until Grandma Cami fell asleep. But the possibility of a magical locket gives the four (4) friends, Cami, Tess, Raven, and Annalise pause to create a “Cinderella” wish of their own. There’s only one catch. During the retelling of the story, Grandma Cami said that if you make a wish with the locket, the magic will only last from midnight to midnight. Will a wish come true? Is there any possibility that the wish could last longer than 24 hours?

I wish I could gift this series of stories to all adults who are searching for self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-worth. I’d also like to gift this story to every public library, family member or friend that is searching for a special story to give to a reader that has physically recovered from an accident, injury or surgery but still needs to heal their inner torment from the scars –both physically and emotionally– that remain. I am not so naïve to think that all those searching for self-acceptance and self-confidence will have the same experience as Annalise in Story 4, or by Cami in Story 1, Tess in Story 2, and Raven in Story 3 but perhaps the stories can be the catalyst and inspiration to initiate a conversation or at the very least the spark of hope that leads to a new beginning.

Here’s a toast to Girls’ Night Out! Here’s a toast to enduring friendships!! Here’s a toast to enchanted evenings!!!

( )

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

A sweet novella with a predictable "twist." I found the heroine annoying in her insecurities and her reason for disliking her mom just screaming needing a therapist. We don't learn a lot about the man she likes, but everything we do learn is a lot more interesting than her backstory. Just eh. ( )

I don't normally read eBooks, but this was a great, light read to break me in. This romance is a nice, modern update on the Cinderella fairy tale -- with a few twists, of course. The plot moves quickly and the characters are engaging and interesting. I had a good time with this book.

Short, sweet and very cute.

It's the fairy tale everyone dreams of, and the book sucks you right in and makes you feel like you're experiencing the story first hand. Wish it was longer, but so sweet while it lasts. ( )

I absolutely loved this story. It made me just feel happy. Not only was it an enjoyable read, but I also loved the underlining message throughout it. You really are the hardest critic on yourself, but once you meet that person who sees you for who you really are that's all that matters. You don't need a magic locket to make you beautiful to find your happiness.

Annalise and Elijah are such interesting characters. They are relatable and likable. The author Amber Daulton does an amazing job at telling an amazing love story in a relatively short story. I can't wait to see what happened to Annalise's friends while they were under the effects of the locket that night.

I recommend this book and author.

I received this free copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )