Have you ever heard the saying, “If you can’t pick out the ugly friend in your group, then it’s you”? Well, Emma Frazier doesn’t even get that chance at naivety. While in the presence of her crush (and boss!), Emma is described by a frienemy as “the ugly friend”. With that in tow, Emma decides to focus on her writing… Which leads to turns she never expected.

While running away from her office life and toward her hometown, her past, her secrets, and positive transformations that span all areas of her life. For the first time in a long time, Emma feels desired, valued, and, well, beautiful. She reconnects with an old friend, and sparks fly… Leading to a delicious romance, right? Wrong!

The best message Maria Geraci provides in A Girl Like You is that beauty, money, and fame don’t bring happiness; only happiness with yourself can bring the confidence you need to navigate the transitions in your life. Through this process, Emma does find someone to love, and someone to love her… In the last place she thought to look.