Smart vs. Pretty

By Valerie Frankel

Book Overview

In Valerie Frankel's clever, charming novel, a single woman in her early thirties discovers the insecurities of sibling rivalry are as strong as ever when she gets stuck living and working with her sister again. Let the sibling rivalry begin... Meet Francesca Greenfield, a smart, urban professional tossed out of her so-so career and into the business of selling coffee alongside her pretty, perky sister Amanda. Francesca has always known that she was the smart sister." Amanda was soft and lovely from the beginning and had always garnered most of the attention--and all of the dates. Now they've been thrown together in a last-ditch effort to save the family business before it goes permanently down the drain. As for the coffeehouse itself, well, there's rarely a dull moment. And who can forget about love? Or at least sex. Thanks to a promotional contest, it's not long before Amanda is looking to explore the aura of a buff mountain climber while Francesca considers shedding more than her inhibitions with a J. Crew model. The stakes are rising. It's time to find out if smart or pretty knows best, whether the distinction really suits either one of them, and if the Greenfield sisters can actually live happily ever after.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062431560
• ISBN13: 9780062431561
• Release Date: October 2015
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A very satisfying read

Most people including the siblings would agree that thirty-three year old Francesca "Frank" Greenfield was the smart one and twenty-nine year old Amanda was the pretty one. The two sisters went their separate ways until last year when they inherited the family café, Barney Greenfield's, in Brooklyn Heights. However, instead of the success they expected, the business is in deep trouble from the opening of Moonburst, a franchised coffee shop, just up the block form the sisters' establishment. Twenty-three year old marketing major Clarissa O'MacFlanahagan enters the café She talks with the sister about them needing a pull, a marketing strategy that would bring repeat customers to Barney Greenfield's. Desperate for any help, Frank and Amanda agree to allow Clarissa to develop and implement a marketing plan. If they knew when they started how many things were going to spin out of control, both the smart one and the pretty one probably would have chosen to shut the doors to Barney Greenfield's coffeehouse permanently. Though an extremely humorous romantic romp, SMART AND PRETTY also contains a serious undertone as the Pygmalion Affect caused by their family over the years not only stereotypes Frank and Amanda, but has them living up to those expectations. The story line is entertaining and the craziness adds to the overall fun. The three lead female charcaters are all different yet feel genuine, especially together. The support cast adds romance, competition, and a feel for Brooklyn Heights. Valerie Frankel shows a deft touch that provides much pleasure to sub-genre fans.Harriet Klausner

Hilarious!

this is one funny, funny book. The two sisters have to battle the evil coffee bar next door, deal with their old sibling issues, and still manage to find time to solve a murder and get dates. Great read, couldn't put it down.

fun beginning to end

i loved this book from the first page to the last. I couldn't stop reading, even when I wanted to. i stayed up all night, was a zombie all day at work, but it was worth it. i can see this as a movie, easily. a must buy

it kept me up all night!

This is a high octane, caffiene-overdose exciting page turner! It really speaks to our generation. I loved the developing relationship between the sisters. They were very 'alive' and reminded me of my family.

Good To The Last Drop!

Pick it up, and you won't put it down (unless you get a craving for a cup o' coffee) until you've seen these 2 sisters through their business, love life-- and even wardrobe issues. A great read, with Frankel providing witty dialog and creating 2 sisters that although different in many ways, end up grabbing your interest and attention equally in their own way--she even throws a mystery in there to boot! It all comes together better than any Breakfast Blend Starbucks can serve up!