A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty: A Novel

I enjoyed this story, having taken a chance on an author I didn't know. I was put off at first when I saw that the author was reading her own book, as that often doesn't work, but in this case she did a wonderful job and it added to the experience. It was a "southern, chick lit" book if that is a real genre - if not, that is my description. Being a northerner, I find it really interesting to read about the southern perspective and I always enjoy the accent. I will definately be listening to more of this author in the future!

Have only listened, but Jackson is one of very few authors that I look forward to hearing read her own work.

If I had the time, yes.

The best of Jackson's books that I've read so far, and I've enjoyed all I've read immensely. The author breathes real life into her quirky, loving characters, and gives us a mystery to solve as a bonus. The strength and southern sass of Mosey and especially Big make them immediately accessible, and through obvious stroke research and instinct for human nature, even Liza becomes a fully developed member of the cast. Supporting characters are all spot-on. The ending made me want to cheer out loud. I recommend Jackson's books to all of my reading friends, and try hard to get them to listen to them as audio books for the wonderful reading by the author.

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." Truvy from Steel Magnolias

Kept seeing this title scroll down the "what's trending in fiction" column with 5 stars and felt like I was missing a fun parade! I'd never read Joshilyn Jackson, (embarrassed to admit I'd never heard the name) but, I love a parade; gardening and iced tea was on the day's agenda--perfect pick.

If you are a fan of Southern women fiction (or is this a Southern comedy/drama?) this one will surely butter your biscuit. It reminded me just a little of the gals from Steel Magnolias(Truvy, M'Lynn, Ouiser [Weeza], Shelby). The characters are quirky and fun, the family bond is touching, the humor is self-deprecating fun and not belittling, and there are some catchy phrases that will keep you smiling and laughing to yourself. Not my usual type of read, but I found Grown-Up Kind of Pretty a sweet, fun, easy listen that was pure enjoyment. The overall consensus I get is that this is also a Jackson fan favorite, one of her best, so a good introduction to J. Jackson; good suggestion from fellow listeners! While not all authors should read their own work, I enjoyed Jackson's performance and thought it was a treat to have her do the narration. Great fun, appreciate the recommendation, and I enjoyed a perfect day!

I feel like I need to read Joshilyn Jackson's books with a highlighter in hand. Her turns of phrase are so perfect that I want to remember them. I would (and will!) listen to this again because it's a wonderful story, beautifully read.

The characters draw you in from the first chapter.

She has a real southern accent that adds to the telling of the tale.

The title is pretty perfect.

I recently listened to Hunger Games and 11-22-63 and loved both. However, I really needed something in the here and now - something real I could relate to. I found it in this lovely book. My family didn't see much of me this weekend because I was tucked away in the heart and soul of this book. This is my first book by Joshilyn Jackson but it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book!

These three southern beauties deliver in this story, but after a bit of a start and stop beginning. Others reviewers have set the stage describing the plot, so I'll just say that this is a good book, an enjoyable read. I did feel it got off to a slow start and maybe it is because the narrator/author sounds very much the same in each character so make sure you pay attention in the beginning of each paragraph where the author/reader indicates who is speaking in the first person.
And I did glow in the loveliness and the fun of the characters', especially Mosey's southern (we called them) diddy's...cute as a pixie sayings.

J. Jackson has done it again. Creating a clan of characters that cling together and journey to find the truth.

Joshilyn gives a wonderful performance of all the characters. Well written, wonderful story, well developed characters.

Every time I had to stop listening I spent my time waiting to be able to dive back into the lives of these 3 amazing ladies. A journey worth the trip. This novel left me willing to fight for what is good and right and just in this world.

Joshilyn Jackson continues to impress me! I've listened to "The Girl Who Stopped Swmming" "Gods in Alabama" and "Between, Georgia" and while those were all fantastic, "A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty" is my favorite.

Jackson, who has the rare ability to narrarate as well as she writes, crafts a tale of three women (grandmother, daughter, granddaughter) and an unearthed (literally) secret that changes their lives. It's part chick-lit, part mystery, part southern gothic, part contemporary fiction.

Great story, well developed characters, wonderfully written, pretty prose, fantastic narration -- what more could you ask for??

A Grown-up Kind of Pretty was wonderful. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this one is first rate.

I generally hate it when authors read their own books, they often ruin what would be an otherwise wonderful book, not so this one. Joshilyn Jackson makes this book sing!

My first thought when I listened to the sample of this book was

I had never heard of this author, but the reviews on Audible were so great that I had to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. It was a really good story, engaging plot and excellent character development. Occasionally, there was a little too much time spent on describing details from the past, but this didn't detract from the quality of the novel. It is also unusual to have an author who can also narrate, but Joshilyn Jackson did a fabulous job with the audio. I will definitely seek out other books by this writer.