The Accidental Beauty Queen

October 1, 2018
In this lively novel from Wilson (Unleashing Mr. Darcy), twins switch places to compete in a beauty pageant, leading to a transformation much deeper than makeup. When Charlotte Gorman travels to Florida to support her twin sister, Ginny, in a beauty pageant, she expects nothing more than a vacation. The librarian with a love for Harry Potter doesn’t put much stock in the pageants her sister has devoted her life to. But, after Ginny suffers a competition-ending allergic reaction, Charlotte reluctantly steps in for her during the preliminary rounds. As Charlotte gets her footing (literally, in the case of the platform heels she has to wear), she strikes up a romance with one of the judges, creating a web of secrets that she fears might result in her sister being disqualified. Within the fun premise, Wilson embeds a touching story about women supporting women as Ginny begins to understand her own former uncaring behavior by seeing Charlotte take her place in the pageant. As the competition progresses through the bikini and talent sections, Ginny helps Charlotte behind the scenes, coaching her successfully through the stages. While Charlotte’s outsider perspective begins as a critical look at the world of pageantry, she finds a lot of goodness and talent within the insular community. Wilson’s engaging novel weaves a forbidden romance around Charlotte and Ginny’s authentic camaraderie, making for an affecting tale of sisterly love.

October 1, 2018
A happily nerdy elementary school librarian ends up competing in a beauty pageant in this fun and frothy read.Charlotte Gorman loves her twin sister, Ginny, but the two couldn't be more different. After their mother died when they were small children, Charlotte retreated into books like their professor father, while Ginny stepped into their beauty queen mother's high heels. Now that they're adults, Charlotte is tagging along as Ginny competes for the title of Miss American Treasure in Orlando, Florida. For Ginny, it's the very last chance to win the title before she turns 30 and ages out of the competition, but Charlotte's mostly excited to get her nerd on at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter while Ginny competes. That is, until Ginny has a major allergic reaction. With a swollen face, she can't possibly take part in the pageant...but luckily, Charlotte looks just like Ginny. Well, with a lot of makeup and hairspray, that is. Even though the dishonesty makes her nervous, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to compete in Ginny's place and soon finds herself learning to walk in heels, wearing a bikini on stage, and befriending the other contestants. But as Ginny hides in their hotel room, Charlotte is doing a lot more than just competing for the crown. She's also developing a relationship with one of the judges, a Mr. Darcy-esque man who picks up on all her literary references. The only problem is that he thinks she's Ginny. How long can Charlotte keep up this charade before she's found out? Wilson (The Art of Us, 2016, etc.) takes what seems like a preposterous premise and turns it into delightfully escapist fun. Charlotte is an engaging narrator, and even though she goes into the pageant with some negative assumptions about her competitors, the story is refreshingly free of cynicism--the contestants are smart, accomplished professionals who support each other and also happen to look great in fancy dresses.A charming and unexpectedly touching behind-the-scenes look at the pageant world.

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December 1, 2018

Low-key elementary school librarian Charlotte Gorman is more than happy to cheer her identical twin sister Ginny on as she pursues her lifelong beauty pageant goal of becoming Miss American Treasure. Then Ginny has a disfiguring allergic reaction that temporarily nixes her chances the night before the competition. She convinces a reluctant Charlotte to take her place until she recovers, something that has completely unintended results. An intelligent rescue dog, a bevy of likable beauty contestants, a bit of family tension, and a remarkable amount of insider beauty pageant info--not to mention a gorgeous contest judge hero--add spice to the mix and keep the plot on track. VERDICT Upbeat, lighthearted, and flush with Harry Potter and Jane Austen references, this enjoyable romance draws readers in and leaves them smiling; just plain fun! Wilson (A Daddy by Christmas) lives in San Antonio. [Previewed in Kathryn Howe's "Love Changes Everything," LJ 10/15/18.]

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
Charlotte Gorman and her sister, Ginny, are identical twins in name only. Ginny is a social-media influencer on her way to filling their late mother's shoes as the winner of the Miss American Treasure pageant. Charlotte is a bookish school librarian who only agreed to accompany Ginny to Orlando so she could visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and read by the pool. Then Ginny has a severe allergic reaction, mostly in her face, and Charlotte reluctantly agrees to take her place in the preliminary rounds of competition. As Charlotte learns to shed her invisibility with the help of hair extensions and spray tans, she starts to connect with her fellow contestants?not a villain among them, to her shock?and with Ginny's rescue dog, Buttercup, and with a mysterious, very handsome stranger who can quote both J. K. Rowling and Jane Austen: swoon. Wilson's (Unleashing Mr. Darcy, 2014) latest will delight fans of that sweet blend of chick lit and romantic comedy with this story of sisterhood, self-acceptance, beauty queens, and book nerds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)