Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: September, 2003
ISBN: 0060535423
Awards:
Format Reviewed: Trade Paperback
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Genre: General Fiction / African American related
Reviewed: 2003
Reviewer: Sharon Hudson
Reviewer Notes:

Rules for a Pretty Woman
By Suzette Francis 

     Issues. This woman has issues. I kept thinking, how a doctor, an Obstetrician/ Gynecologist could have so many hindrances in her life, but it goes to show that the way things appear on the outside isn't always the case. Meet Dr. Lenita Mae Faulkner, (Lenny). She grew up in rural Madoosa County, no stranger to struggle, hard work and determination. She was one of four children, the only one to do her mama proud. She pulled herself out of her surroundings and went to college, medical school and made a successful life for herself. She purposed at a young age that she must make her own rules and follow them.

     Rules for a Pretty Woman chronicled Lenny's life as she made her way to Atlanta. We find that she is involved in a nine-year relationship with Ralph. As this relationship deteriorates quite suddenly, the reader finds that Lenny is again sitting at her journal making a new set of rules for her life, this time concerning matters of the heart. Her family is very needy of her money, her career isn't as fulfilling as she had hoped, her relationships after Ralph aren't progressing and her mother, who doesn't show her affection well, comes to spend her last days with her. Even the relationship between Lenny and her best friend stands on shaky ground. From all appearances this "have it all together, doctor" has it going on, but she's miserable inside. She has issues.

     I found Rules for a Pretty Woman a compelling read in that I desperately wanted Lenny to find herself. This is not your typical story where the reader is sure that the main character will find happiness and have a storybook ending. You have to read to find out. It pulled at my heartstrings. I wanted to remind her of her own rules when she started to go astray and even help her write rules that would help her in new situations. Rules for a Pretty Woman is a quick witty read for first time novelist, Suzette Francis. It's a girly girl book, one that I'm sure we can all relate to in some way.

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