Kat Elliot enjoys her job as a music journalist writing about alternative music and occasional diatribes about the awful behavior of rock stars towards young women. One of those stories goes just a little too far and she finds herself out of a job and blacklisted from just about every magazine around. At her lowest she agrees to meet her boarding school friend Lauren who betrayed her in the worst way but who is now offering her a new life.

Is it possible to forgive?

While this might sound like a simplistic chick lit book it really goes much deeper and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Neither Kat nor her friend Lauren are cardboard cutout characters and as they explore the personas they have exhibited after high school they learn what is important in life. Once I started the book I had a hard time putting it down as I found myself wrapped up in Kat's transformation and Lauren's efforts to help her.

This is a great book for vacation or a rainy day. The story is compelling and the characters are interesting and well developed. The plot moves along with some unexpected turns along the way. ( )

Kat looses her music journalist job just as her former BFF from high school returns to her life. What Kat doesn't know is that Lauren had dumped her as a friend when she discovered a book called The Popularity Rules much like those *RULES* books on how to get a guy. Now, Lauren is back to make amends and help Kat discover her inner popularity. Each chapter starts with a bit of wisdom from the book. Kat goes through an extreme makeover of personality, career and appearance which help propel her into a whole new lifestyle. The chapters headings are actually pieces of advice which might really work, but I imagine that they are a bit sarcastic at the same time. There are some real gems mixed in the snark like: Chapter 33 "Like it or not, nothing stays the same, and neither should you."

After a bit of research, I found that this is the author's second book and first adult story. Kat and Lauren both seem stuck in their teen years when they ultimately discover that you must remain true to yourself to be happy. Overall, the story will leave you feeling good and you might even try a few of the rules yourself. I really wonder if the chapter headings are part of some actual book on popularity. I really enjoyed this one and it is a super pick me up story that should appeal to those who love Rachel Johnson and Jane Green. ( )

When Kat Elliott was in school she had a best friend, Lauren Anderville. They were inseparable. They stood against cliques, bullies, equally hated, and equally alone. But as long as they had each other they didn't care. Until one summer when Lauren's parents sent her to camp and Lauren was introduced to "The Popularity Rules" and came back to school a changed girl. Now years later she is back in Kats life to explain to her what happened and also to teack Kat the lessons she learned that summer. But will Kat accept her help.

I instantly fell in love with this book. The characters are well written and likable. At times I wanted to scream at Kat to just shut up and listen which I think I did a time or two. If you want a book to snuggle up with then this is the book to read. I give it 5 stars I enjoyed it that much. ( )