Books
In the spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS comes a fresh new voice in young adult fiction. Click here to learn more about BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT and to read an excerpt!
Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205764-0
ISBN-10: 0-15-205764-1
~~~REVIEWS~~~
*Starred Review* Publisher’s Weekly
“… Teens will find Abbey’s emotional turmoil rings true, as does the reason behind her final act of forgiveness. But it’s the multigenerational friendships-the feisty, sniping conversations with Granny Po and her close circle of friends, “The Widows,” brim with humor-that make Bowers’s first novel a delight.”–starred review, Publisher’s Weekly
From School Library Journal:
“… This deceptively simple book reveals Abbey as a wonderful character who will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. Her quiet, almost folksy lifestyle demonstrates the powerful impact of a loving family and good mentors.”—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY
“Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers is fully equipped with quirky, memorable characters. Inquire within and you’ll find a heartwarming story about a lovable teenage girl, her feisty great-grandmother, and the many people who love them.
The beauty is in the writing. The beauty is in the plotting. The beauty is in all of the characters, especially the protagonist. Readers will root for sweet, savvy Abbey, who is trying desperately not to follow in the tragic footsteps of the three generations of women before her. … Step into this BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT for a good, clean read that will tickle your funny bone, massage your mind, and warm your heart. Highly recommended for teens and adults. …” Bildungsroman
Teen Fiction at Suite 101 review by Mechele R. Dillard
“There is nothing like Polly’s Parlor, where a free dose of gossip comes with a manicure. … BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT is the story of a girl growing up and trying to find a place in the world. Realistic, yet
humorous, this is a satisfying novel that I’m sure many readers will be able relate to.”–Teens Read Too
“The teenaged years can be fraught with insecurity as adolescents try to find a place for themselves in the world. Laura Bowers creates an uncannily realistic depiction of the ups and downs of this turbulent time in her debut novel . . .”–Book Loons Reviews
“… Each character emerges as a distinct personality, but it is Abbey, with her fierce and sassy voice, whom readers will take to their hearts and cheer when she finally confronts her mother. The book has a strong sense of place, which local readers will recognize immediately as the state of Maryland. Well-drawn details include Ocean City during Senior Week, the Frederick Keys minor-league baseball team and a University of Maryland Terrapins sweatshirt.”–Mary Quattlebaum, Washington Parent
~~~AUTHOR BLURBS~~~
“Beauty Shop for Rent is a down-home, whole-heart story. It’s about a strong girl bolstered by love, shaking off lies, and finding the courage to take chances. It’s about the wrong dream, the right guy, righteous gossip, and the power of a good spa treatment. Funny, aching, and authentic, Laura Bowers’ debut is one of the finest, most entertaining I’ve ever read.” –Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Tantalize and Rain Is Not My Indian Name.
“Bowers gets all the emotional details right in this warm-hearted story. These are the kinds of characters you hate to leave behind when you finish the last page.” –Ellen Wittlinger, author of Hard Love and Heart on My Sleeve.
“As homey, gossipy and charming as a small-town beauty shop, Laura Bowers’ first novel will soothe your mind, cleanse your pores, and make your hair curl with laughter.”– E. Lockhart, author of The Boyfriend List and Fly on the Wall.
“BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT represents what’s missing in a lot of current YA fiction - good old-fashioned storytelling that doesn’t need some sort of gimmick to make it stand out. The quirky cast of characters feel like real people, and not devices created to perform the plot. Abbey’s voice sparkles right from the get-go, and her relationship with Granny Po and the rest of the gray widows is both hilarious and moving. This is more than just STEEL MAGNOLIAS for the younger set - this is a lovely coming of age story that stands on its own two feet, just like its heartwarming and headstrong protagonist.”–Lara M. Zeises, author of Anyone but You and Bringing up the Bones.