SCHOOLING CARMEN

Author: Kathleen Cross ISBN: 0060936452 08/2004 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: Avon Trade

Learning the Hard Way Carmen DuPrè knows she's one fine-looking woman -- and any man who insists on making a fool of himself over her deserves the heartless treatment she's so good at dishing out. As far as Carmen's concerned, being gorgeous entitles her to anything she wants: an undeserved promotion, expensive gifts, courtside Lakers tickets, and more. But the results of a routine medical exam threaten to knock this beauty off her pedestal -- she might have to trade her looks for her life. Is a life without beauty worth living? Carmen's not so sure -- which is why she's risking hers by ignoring her doctor's advice. Then one day a very sexy stranger walks into her world, insisting there's a whole lot more to Carmen Duprè than what's on the surface -- and he's dishing out some serious schooling in a few subjects Carmen knows little about -- like faith and hope ... and love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Inspiring. Kathleen Cross is an exceptional author who really brings her characters and novels to life.

SCHOOLING CARMEN is full of so many life lessons. Carmen is stunningly beautiful and she knows it. I loved her, hated her, laughed with her and cried with her. I was so mad at Carmen for some of the things she said and did. I was also so scared for her because of what she was facing in her life.

Carmen was blessed with many people who cared about her and would do whatever they could to help her. With the help of her friends and family, Carmen was able to turn a very difficult situation into something wonderful. I felt so much closer to Carmen at the end of this novel because she was real. She made mistakes, she had hopes and dreams, she loved and she hated, but most of all, she inspired me to overcome whatever obstacles may be placed in my way.

Carrye Syma