One perfect life. One disastrous week. The brand-new novel from bestselling, acclaimed and beloved author Toni Jordan.
As the eldest child in a single-parent family, Kylie’s always had more important things on her mind than smiling for random strangers. Controlling her job, her home, her romantic life and – most importantly – her family takes all her concentration. She’s always succeeded, though, because that’s just who Kylie is.
When her fiercely independent mother breaks an ankle and needs help, it’s up to Kylie, as usual, to fix things. She reluctantly packs her bags and moves in, but back in her childhood home, things start to unravel. Could it be that Kylie’s carefully curated life is not so perfect after all?
Prettier if She Smiled More will make you laugh and make you cry. Is it too late to start over?
Buy a copy of Prettier if She Smiled More here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
If I was only allowed to read one book this year, this would be it. To say I adored Prettier if She Smiled More would be an understatement. Kylie is a forty-something control freak who, over the course of a few days, faces disasters (or mere inconveniences, according to some members of her family) that cause her to change her usual routine and, subsequently, re-evaluate her life. This book is hilarious, I could not stop laughing. In fact, the only time I stopped laughing was when Jordan managed to catch me off guard and sucker punch me with a scene. The whole tone of the book is perfect; as I said, it’s funny and sad and poignant and subtly romantic and, obviously given the title, empowering. The supporting characters are all sublime, especially Kylie’s mother. I so want this to be made into a TV show so I can see her come to life on the screen. This is a sequel to Dinner with the Schnabels but, as I haven’t read that one, it clearly can be read as a standalone. Of course, after enjoying this one so much, I’ll be catching up. Highly recommend. Lee-ann, QLD, 5 Stars
Toni Jordan’s new offering, Prettier If She Smiled More, is a wonderful read full of humour, deep emotions, and family bonds. An eclectic cast of colourful characters and unexpected events leads to an endlessly entertaining, at times devastating, but ultimately heartwarming read, perfect for curling up with on the couch. The previous Schnabel adventure, Dinner with the Schnabels, has been on my TBR read for ages; it has now gone straight to the top! I would highly recommend Toni Jordan’s Prettier If She Smiled More to anyone who enjoys a fabulous and well-written book. Im, VIC, 5 Stars
Delivered in short sharp quips and dry humour, Toni Jordan cleverly writes a very contemporary read with deep personal thoughts about home and work challenges. Surfacing over one week, her characters’ strong sense of self and bloody-mindedness are questioned and challenged by chaos and disbelief. Do they remain true to themselves? Maureen, QLD, 5 Stars
This develops a complex, moving portrait of a woman at a turning point. It’s funny and engaging, but also thoughtful and thought-provoking. Jordan allows us to understand how others see Kylie, even as we’re experiencing her point of view, and she’s oblivious to their reactions. This very effectively provides a rounded picture of Kylie, and still had me totally on her side even when I sympathised with others. All the characters are strong and vivid, but the novel rotates around Kylie. Others’ reactions to some of Kylie’s behaviours are the source of some of the understated humour. This is in many ways a very funny novel. I enjoyed the humor a great deal – Jordan never strains to achieve it, and the fact that it’s often understated only makes it more effective. This novel ends with optimism. I also felt a lot of heartbreak, a real sense of loss for Kylie. The mixture of emotions is very realistic and certainly evokes a sense of appropriate resolution. This provokes thought about family dynamics, the influence of childhood events, and life choices in general. I found it highly entertaining and easy to read, but also a story that lingers in the memory. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars
This book would be perfect to read over one week because it is divided up into the 7 days of one week in the life of Kylie Schnabel. I loved this story idea and found it fascinating that such an intriguing storyline could fit into just one week. Melanie, SA, 5 Stars
Toni Jordan kept your attention throughout the whole book. Intriguing, heartwarming and relatable. The story was a joy to read. I’m going to buy more of her books. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
There were plenty of laughs to be had while reading Prettier if She Smiled More. It has a great mix of characters and their interactions were entertaining. My first Toni Jordan read and I highly recommend it. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
At the very beginning of this wonderful story, there was a hook that grabbed me and held me tight to the last page. Kylie, the main character has to be in charge of everything at all times and she’s good at what she does. At age 44, she’s been working diligently in a chemist, secretly saving up to eventually buy the place, until one day she gets the rug ripped out from under her in every area of her life. Things get a bit more complex when she’s forced back into her childhood home. Things are revealed that even her close family members had no clue about. It has tender moments sprinkled with subtle humour and awesome writing throughout. I loved it. Gaye, NSW, 5 Stars
Prettier if She Smiled More by Australian author Toni Jordan is the second novel to highlight the Schnabel family. I really enjoyed reading this book and found Toni Jordan to be an author that knows how to create real characters, with real problems and real-life situations to solve them. The relationship between Kylie and Gloria made this a very special story and readers will love the original and compelling returning characters. From the get-go, you experience some intense moments with Kylie and things just pile up as you go. The beauty of it all is that you get to see her overcome each of these unexpected circumstances and events that come her way. Kylie is truly the perfect example of a strong female lead. This is an entertaining and funny story that invites you to walk the path of love, compassion, patience and finding yourself. I think this book is well worth a read for any fan of the genre and I encourage other readers to pick this up; you won’t be disappointed. Melissa, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this novel by Toni Jordan, a follow-up to Dinner with the Schnabels that can be read as a standalone. Kylie Schnabel, the eldest daughter of a family torn apart by divorce during her teenage years, is seemingly content. Her life at forty-three seems under control and ordered… She has a plan, but is it the right plan? When three disasters strike all at once, Kylie is forced over the next week to reevaluate relationships, career, and previous life choices. Can significant change be contemplated at her stage of life, can she loosen the reins and jump in the deep end? I think this dilemma will speak to many as it did to me. The story evolves at a steady pace and in meeting Kylie’s family and friends and hearing about her ex, we come to understand why she has settled and lost sight of old dreams and desires. Lesley, QLD, 5 Stars
This book was a joy to read. An engaging, entertaining, and relatable story that had me laughing one minute and moved to tears the next. A window into complicated family relationships and how stories and experiences can be remembered so differently which in turn can dramatically shape the lives of those involved. What a powerhouse mother/daughter dynamic between Gloria and Kylie – painfully real, combative and sometimes uncomfortable, but with an underlying sense of kindness and love. One resisting change and the other resisting aging. More alike than they could ever acknowledge. A story of trying to control the uncontrollable and how in certain circumstances we can all revert to our childhood selves where sibling rivalries are still fresh and real emotions slap us in the face. What a charming, clever, funny and chaotic journey this was, where remarkable things happened when least expected. A masterclass in learning you cannot out-plan your life. Jill, VIC, 5 Stars
Loved the title, loved the characters, loved the plot line. I felt like I was reading my own journal. I could so relate. You feel for the characters. You understand the characters. Definitely a book you could re-read. Laura, NSW, 5 Stars
Toni Jordan has written a lovely story which, while humorous and light-hearted, is also giving an important message about life priorities and family. Kylie, the main character, is a kind but “driven” person who had to grow up quickly when her life circumstances changed and she could only depend on herself. Even when family is around, each member can be caught up in their own problems, not realising what others are going through. Numerous events conspire to disrupt Kylie’s rigid life plan. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the way in which she came to learn more about herself and her family. It was entertaining at the same time as insightful. I will certainly read other books by this author, having now sampled her work. Marilyn, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this! It came a little close to home at points, but I can thoroughly recommend this book. Belinda, NSW, 4 Stars
This story had a lovely bouncy start. It immediately gave you a sense of how the book was written and painted a vivid picture of Kylie’s life. The story is spread over several days in Kylie’s usually well-ordered and routine life as it takes twists and turns that she is definitely not comfortable with. One of these turns requires her to temporarily move back to her childhood home to oversee the care of her lively and plucky mother. Her mother is a joy and there is never a dull moment in this household as Kylie interacts with her adult siblings while dealing with her other crises. It is an easy and enjoyable read. Perfect for a cosy day by the fire on a wintery day, or a few chapters before bedtime. Janette, TAS, 4 Stars
Kylie is a sensible person with no time for superstition, folk wisdom or frivolities. She is a woman of science who has her life mapped out to the very last inch. Kylie has taken great pride that she can control every aspect of her life. BUT THEN the week of The Three Disasters happens, leaving our Kylie to deal with some unexpected events, that upset her rigid lifestyle. A cheating boyfriend, broken ankles, unhelpful family members and much more plague Kylie’s usual perfectly mapped-out timetable. And on top of that, Kylie is in jeopardy of losing her job and is told to ‘smile more’ and ‘develop a more welcoming demeanour’ to save her employment. Prettier if She Smiled More was an enjoyable read full of funny one-liners. It also featured a heart-warming side story of a Pomeranian named Ceaser. I look forward to reading more from the author Toni Jordan. Belinda, QLD, 4 Stars
Toni Jordan’s Prettier if She Smiled More is a brilliantly written, entertaining read. I loved the interaction between Kylie and her mother, Gloria. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Toni’s other novel Dinner with the Schnabels. I feel it’s an introduction to the whole family, whereas Prettier if She Smiled More gives you a more detailed look into Kylie’s life. Trudy, SA, 4 Stars
Prettier if She Smiled More is the second book featuring the lovable but dysfunctional Schnabel family by best-selling Australian author Toni Jordan. I adored Dinner with the Schnabels so was very excited to delve back into their world and see how life was progressing. This book is based on pharmacist Kylie and how her life fell apart in mere minutes. But can that falling apart be just what she needs to re-evaluate life? Prettier if She Smiled More was a joy to read, with witty characters and many, many laugh-out-loud moments. Toni has knocked it out the park with this one; it was such a fun enjoyable read and one I will be recommending to everyone. A fabulous weekend read that you can totally lose yourself in for a day and come out with a smile on your face. I think the kicker for me was the Schnabel’s are very relatable and could be anyone’s family. Toni weaved her magic to make them so familiar to the reader, which I loved. Prettier if She Smiled More is out now and I thoroughly recommend picking up a copy immediately! Cassandra, VIC, 4 Stars
Prettier if She Smiled More is a light-hearted and often funny look at family life, and especially at the role of the eldest child. Toni Jordan has developed a family where love abounds alongside misapprehension. Kylie, the eldest, is a 43-year-old pharmacist content with her life and doesn’t like change. Until the ‘Week of the Three Disasters’ when Kylie’s life seems to fall apart. Jordan spins a tale filled with relatable family moments, understandable soul searching, and so many enjoyable scenes of almost chaos within this family. Her siblings are able to manipulate her, and her mother embarrasses her whenever possible, yet their love for each other is obvious throughout. Despite finding Kylie annoying at the beginning of the book, by the end I was so invested in her life that I couldn’t put it down. The author addresses several contemporary issues such as the takeover of a business and the changes that brings, attitudes towards women in professional roles, self-doubt, relationships in general, and how memories differ among family members. Catherine, QLD, 4 Stars
A delightful read. Kylie, her siblings, her mum, and other characters are flawed but endearing characters. The story had me laughing, particularly with Kylie’s inner thoughts and the antics of Caesar, a Pomeranian. Some parts resonated with me – the takeover of the independent, friendly pharmacy by a corporation with their eye on profit rather than true customer service and Kylie’s need to rescue people and control them. The reason for the family dynamics and behaviours becomes clearer towards the end of the book. I haven’t read Dinner with the Schnabels but I will be buying it now after my enjoyable time spent reading Prettier if She Smiled More. Sandra, ACT, 4 Stars
Kylie Schnabel works hard to keep her life perfect. She has plotted the course of her life, of her job, and of her boyfriend’s fitness. But the best-laid plans occasionally go astray, and sometimes, as in Kylie’s case, you become lost with no idea where to go. Toni Jordan’s latest book is told with both humour and empathy for Kylie, who is a product of a family-changing events 30 years before. When the Week of Three Disasters happens, we readers are drawn into dismay at Kylie’s work predicament and hilarity at the other messes that ensue. Will Kylie’s life ever get back on track? Kylie is a great companion to spend time with. Kim, VIC, 4 Stars
Those of you who have read Dinner with the Schnabels have already met Kylie Schnabel. The eldest child in a single-parent family, now aged in her early forties, Kylie has her future planned. Until the week when a trio of disasters struck. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Yes, there are some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments, but there are also several serious issues to consider. Kylie has planned and taken responsibility for almost everything related to her family, and this series of disasters undermine her perfectly planned life. I need another installment. Thank you, Ms Jordan. Jennifer, ACT, 4 Stars
Kylie was living her best life: good job, loving boyfriend, and family she cared for. Then disaster struck sending her into a spin. With her world out of kilter, she learns that the life she was living was not what she wanted; it was the world she created in an attempt to keep herself and her family safe. She is now free to create the life she deserves, and her family can now be her support rather than the other way around. The book is full of mixed emotions but is fun to read and the characters are easy to relate to. Louise, NSW, 4 Stars
Prettier if She Smiled More follows on from Dinner with the Schnabels (which was excellent), into the life of Kylie Schnabel. Toni Jordan writes family dynamics so well. Reading this is like stepping into the normal, everyday chaos of a family trying to figure life out. It felt familiar and real. The dialogue is sharp (particularly between Kylie and her mother) and the representation of sibling relationships is unflinching and whip-smart. The book is gentle and funny. The final scenes that narrow in on Kylie and her core motivations and life decisions are achingly tender. For her clever, clear writing and ability to tenderly excavate relationships, Toni Jordan will always be a go-to writer for me. Catherine, VIC, 4 Stars
Toni Jordan has again written a delightful and witty story, Prettier if She Smiled More. It follows a week in the life of Kylie Schnabel, which is anything but normal. Kylie is usually very in control of her life but finds everything falling apart: her romance, her job, and her place in her family. Preferring to have control over all aspects of her life, she is totally thrown when things go pear-shaped. Trying to function amid these crises presents a humorous view of Kylie and her inflexible outlook on life. Her rigid views on romance, work, and family are at odds with normal life but who is at fault? Her mother, sister, and brother appear to be quite selfish and manage to get Kylie to help out despite her determination not to be drawn into their dilemma. The results are very entertaining, especially the tennis open day. Definitely worth a read with guaranteed laughs. Michael, ACT, 4 Stars
Uptight, controlling Kylie is struggling with one disaster after another. As she deals with a breakup, her steady job in the balance, and her high-maintenance mum needing a live-in nurse after a fall, Kylie realises that her perfect life is not all she thought it was. Turning her life upside down might be what she needs for all the pieces to fall into place. Great likeable characters. Toni Jordan is on to a winner with this one! Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
Hilarious. The I-wish-I-could-say-that-but-I-don’t-want-to-lose-every-person-and-job-I-have sort of laugh. Kylie isn’t the typical, likable heroine. But I liked her because she didn’t try to fit in. She set very high standards for herself and this story was about her search for who she really wanted to be and what she wanted to do with her life. It was frustrating at times that she was easily influenced by others’ opinions of her but that was all part of the search. I related to the idea that people felt that Kylie should fit into a mould that pleased them rather than one that worked for her. A journey well worth going on – best for certain funny scenes like the job interview and the horrendous date, rather than the story as a whole. Rebecca, NSW, 4 Stars
A wonderful coming-of-age story, about a woman in her mid-forties. Kylie is quirky but she knows who she is, or does she? I really enjoyed this novel and the questions it makes you ask yourself about your life. Tayla, VIC, 4 Stars
Toni Jordan’s latest novel takes place over one week – the Week of the Three Disasters! Kylie, from whose point of view the novel focuses, suffers all three! Issues of sibling rivalry, parental favouritism, relationship and marriage breakdowns, attitudes to pregnancy and moving into one’s forties, work satisfaction and career aspirations – and more! – are tackled with humour and perception. The reader can sympathise with Kylie and her disastrous week, but at the same time find her too controlling of her life and relationships. Thus, there is a distance created between the reader and the main character. However, there are many humorous characters and incidents which help to keep the reader engaged. The scenes with Gail, the Pharmacy King manager, and with Leo, an old friend, show how Kylie is oblivious to so much around her; the part her Fitbit plays in her life and her detailed plans for all members of the family show her desire to over control; and finally the hilarious Tennis Day ensures a satisfactory, easy read. Frances, NSW, 3 Stars
This was my first read from Toni Jordan and she didn’t disappoint. I have not read Dinner with the Schnabels, to which this book is the sequel, but felt it could stand on its own. Kylie Schnabel’s life seems to be stock standard and sensible, but what she discovers randomly from her fitbit sets wheels in motion that change her normal and planned-out life into, well, somewhat of a mess. Prettier if She Smiled More was a really easy read, one for fans of Liane Moriarty – meaning you could picture the characters and the crazy that makes up their lives. Fun and humorous, but with a serious streak running through, this book was a nice lazy afternoon read. Suzie, WA, 3 Stars
I will be honest that this is a type of book I would never have read if I saw it in the store or on anyone’s bookcase. As a middle-aged male reader, anything with a donut on the cover would not be on my radar. But I will say firstly, I read this with satisfaction cover to cover. I will state that the cast of characters was very easy to place visually within my experiences and felt that the main character Kylie was not the star of the show for me. The supporting cast of Gloria (mother) and siblings Nick and Tansy were the characters I found myself enjoying more. As a brother to other siblings, I feel most families have a “Kylie”. I felt the length of the book never overstayed its welcome. Toni Jordan can encapsulate on the page some very unique Australian icons like incinerators in the backyard and the classic, why do we say “machine” at the end of ATM? I don’t know exactly what type of reader this is aimed at but it was a sneaky surprise that I found easy to keep coming back to. Dylan, QLD, 3 Stars
A lighthearted read about family pressures and large conglomerates taking over small businesses. The main character is always planning and wanting to please until she realises she has had it all wrong. An insight into our own lives and how we juggle everyday pressures from workplace and family. A good read. Claudia, SA, 3 Stars
This book is a lovely read. It’s funny, cozy and keeps you engaged from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more of Toni Jordan and the Schnabels. Daneka, QLD, 3 Stars
Leave a Reply