What do you think?
Morgan Rawlinson #2
How I Found the Perfect Dress
Maryrose Wood follows up her hilarious hit Why I Let My Hair Grow Out with another irreverent, teen angst-filled, girl-power romp.
On a bike tour of Ireland last summer, Morgan Rawlinson fell for Colin, the hunky guide, and entered a portal that turned her into the goddess Morganne. Now she's back to her painfully normal life and her relationship with Colin has fizzled to the occasional e-mail, until he writes saying he's coming to Connecticut, just in time for the prom.
But when he arrives, he's exhausted. It seems that when Morgan crossed the portal as Morganne, a spell was cast on Colin. In his dreams he's being forced to dance 'til dawn with the faeries, who want to boogie with him for eternity. Somehow she has to break the spell on her date, help plan the prom, and find the perfect dress. Oh, what a night!
On a bike tour of Ireland last summer, Morgan Rawlinson fell for Colin, the hunky guide, and entered a portal that turned her into the goddess Morganne. Now she's back to her painfully normal life and her relationship with Colin has fizzled to the occasional e-mail, until he writes saying he's coming to Connecticut, just in time for the prom.
But when he arrives, he's exhausted. It seems that when Morgan crossed the portal as Morganne, a spell was cast on Colin. In his dreams he's being forced to dance 'til dawn with the faeries, who want to boogie with him for eternity. Somehow she has to break the spell on her date, help plan the prom, and find the perfect dress. Oh, what a night!
231 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2008
About the author
Maryrose Wood
22 books1,065 followersSending big hugs and loveawoo to all.
I'm so pleased to introduce you to my new book: Alice's Farm, A Rabbit’s Tale. In stores on September 1st; available for preorder now.
Alice is an eastern cottontail. Genus sylvagia, species floridanus. About three pounds full grown, if she makes it that far.
Life at the bottom of the food chain is no picnic! But that doesn’t worry Alice much. She's too busy doing all she can to save her beautiful farmland home—not just for herself, but for all the creatures of the valley between the hills.
Yup, all of ’em! Even that new family of farmers who just moved into the big red
house across the meadow. They don’t know much about farming, being from
the city. They mean well. But they’re easy pickins for the local apex predator (he's a real estate developer, in case you couldn't tell).
But Alice has a plan to help.
Rabbits helping farmers? That’s awfully unusual, isn’t it? Well, you're right
about that, young’un!
Let’s put it this way: Alice is no ordinary rabbit.
With loveawoo,
Maryrose
p.s. — If you could use a little extra pluck and optimism right now, please help yourself to THE SWANBURNE ACADEMY GUIDE TO SHELTERING IN PLACE.
You can download it right here:
www.swanburneacademy.com/freeguide
I'm so pleased to introduce you to my new book: Alice's Farm, A Rabbit’s Tale. In stores on September 1st; available for preorder now.
Alice is an eastern cottontail. Genus sylvagia, species floridanus. About three pounds full grown, if she makes it that far.
Life at the bottom of the food chain is no picnic! But that doesn’t worry Alice much. She's too busy doing all she can to save her beautiful farmland home—not just for herself, but for all the creatures of the valley between the hills.
Yup, all of ’em! Even that new family of farmers who just moved into the big red
house across the meadow. They don’t know much about farming, being from
the city. They mean well. But they’re easy pickins for the local apex predator (he's a real estate developer, in case you couldn't tell).
But Alice has a plan to help.
Rabbits helping farmers? That’s awfully unusual, isn’t it? Well, you're right
about that, young’un!
Let’s put it this way: Alice is no ordinary rabbit.
With loveawoo,
Maryrose
p.s. — If you could use a little extra pluck and optimism right now, please help yourself to THE SWANBURNE ACADEMY GUIDE TO SHELTERING IN PLACE.
You can download it right here:
www.swanburneacademy.com/freeguide
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 2, 2020
light hearted, imaginative, magical, a perfect pick-me-up / feel good read. I hope to dance with the fae people tonight. 😊
April 21, 2022
It is the second book to Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Super cute. I recommend for teens. Read it in high school. Reread back the books. Love the author's use of Celtic fairy tales in the books!
March 10, 2025
4.5/5
We pick up after Morgan’s summer bike trip in Ireland where she meets Colin and finds out she’s a half goddess named Morganne. But it looks like the faeries are up to some mischief and have been invading Colin’s dreams; making him dance with them all night. It’s up to Morgan to save Colin, while also figuring out how to navigate getting ready for junior prom.
Such a quick and light hearted read!
Some thoughts:
- Morgan’s family is painfully embarrassing.
- Still obsessed with Colin.
- Sarah’s annoying.
- I love Morgan’s relationship with Tammy now. You can see how much Morgan grew up from the first book.
- The side quest with the leprechauns and gnomes was fun.
- The only thing I didn’t like about this was the cover.
Can’t wait to finish off this series next March💚
We pick up after Morgan’s summer bike trip in Ireland where she meets Colin and finds out she’s a half goddess named Morganne. But it looks like the faeries are up to some mischief and have been invading Colin’s dreams; making him dance with them all night. It’s up to Morgan to save Colin, while also figuring out how to navigate getting ready for junior prom.
Such a quick and light hearted read!
Some thoughts:
- Morgan’s family is painfully embarrassing.
- Still obsessed with Colin.
- Sarah’s annoying.
- I love Morgan’s relationship with Tammy now. You can see how much Morgan grew up from the first book.
- The side quest with the leprechauns and gnomes was fun.
- The only thing I didn’t like about this was the cover.
Can’t wait to finish off this series next March💚
June 29, 2012
Wood, M. (2008). How I Found the Perfect Dress. New York: Berkley Jam.
9780425219393
231 pages.
Appetizer: It's winter and several months after Morgan's bike trip across Ireland (See Why I Let My Hair Grow Out for that particular adventure). She and Colin still email one another, but Colin's notes are arriving less and less often. That is of course, until an email reporting that he'll be visiting Morgan in a few weeks arrives. But his arrival is not exactly the ideal reunion, because Colin spends each night being whisked away to dance at fairy balls against his will. Morgan must find a way to save Colin from his perpetual exhaustion. But to do that, she'll have to figure out if leprechauns and gnomes really exist and find a date and a dress for the junior prom.
I found that I really liked Morgan's voice as she narrated. It is consistent with Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, but for some reason, I found her to be funnier in this novel. While I was amused with the first book, this one actually made me chuckle a few times.
While present in the first book, How I Found the Perfect Dress explores the way femininity is presented more extensively. Morgan is still dealing with the fact that she is part goddess. Her little sister is obsessed with Disney princesses. Her best friend is a witch--excuse me--a 'wich basketball player. Plus, a less than happy Morgan finds herself dressed as a princess with glass slippers and all.
This book also reflects the current economic climate. Morgan's father has been laid off from his job at a bank and isn't having any luck in finding a new job.
I enjoyed How I Found the Perfect Dress. I still find that I have an unanswered question or two. For starters, how exactly is Morgan the daughter of a Fairy Queen when her supposed father is dead centuries ago and she has two mortal parents? I don't get it. Perhaps the answer will be in the third book in Morgan's series, What I Wore to Save the World (to be reviewed in the not so distant future).
Dinner Conversation:
"Tinker bell pajamas!" My sister Tammy was the happiest girl in the world. "Look, Morgan! Look what Santa brung me!"
"That's 'brought,' Tammy. Look what Santa brought me."
Even on four hours' sleep, my mom could hear bad grammar coming a mile away. It was Christmas morning, six a.m. Mom was catatonic on the sofa in her bathrobe, dark circles under her eyes, mumbling about verbs. I was in a similarly groggy condition, except I was on the floor and couldn't care less about verbs. My dad was in the kitchen, making coffee with the desperation of a bomb-squad guy dismantling a detonator that was already ticking: five-four-three-two-
"Snow White!" Tammy shrieked" (p. 1).
"True. I loved Lamb Chop as a kid.
"Exactly!" Mom would not be stopped. "Lamb Chop was age-appropriate. It wasn't a show about a giggly princess whose goal in life is to twirl around in a flowy pink dress, waiting for some muscle-bound princes to show up."
No, I though, it was a show about a middle-aged woman who kept a sock on her hand for company" (p. 6).
"Was this a good time to tell the junior prom planning committee that I was part goddess? How might that news go over? I helped myself to a Cheez Doodle.
Cheez Doodle, Snack of the Goddess. That idea made me crack up. Sarah must've thought I was have a breakdown" (p. 12-13).
"The way Dad explained it to me, the whole original purpose of driver's ed was to make new drivers safer. Then someone figured out that the way to make new drivers safer is to make them older, since eighteen year olds have far fewer accidents than sixteen and seventeen year olds. So the school canceled the classes in the hopes that sixteen and seventeen year olds would continue to take the bus and nag their parents for rides until senior year, at least.
Follow the logic, if you dare: There's no driver's ed in my high school anymore, because the whole original purpose of driver's ed can best be achieved by not having it. Proof that logic does not always make sense" (p. 23).
To Go with the Meal:
This is a humorous and (more than a little) absurd novel can be a fun recommendation, especially for teens that can relate to having a long distance relationship, running into a dreaded ex, listening to their parents fighting or being described as a princess or half-goddess (happened to me aaaaaaaall the time! Truth.).
In terms of discussion of themes, a teacher could focus on the way logic, subversiveness and femininity are presented.
Tasty Rating: !!!!
9780425219393
231 pages.
Appetizer: It's winter and several months after Morgan's bike trip across Ireland (See Why I Let My Hair Grow Out for that particular adventure). She and Colin still email one another, but Colin's notes are arriving less and less often. That is of course, until an email reporting that he'll be visiting Morgan in a few weeks arrives. But his arrival is not exactly the ideal reunion, because Colin spends each night being whisked away to dance at fairy balls against his will. Morgan must find a way to save Colin from his perpetual exhaustion. But to do that, she'll have to figure out if leprechauns and gnomes really exist and find a date and a dress for the junior prom.
I found that I really liked Morgan's voice as she narrated. It is consistent with Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, but for some reason, I found her to be funnier in this novel. While I was amused with the first book, this one actually made me chuckle a few times.
While present in the first book, How I Found the Perfect Dress explores the way femininity is presented more extensively. Morgan is still dealing with the fact that she is part goddess. Her little sister is obsessed with Disney princesses. Her best friend is a witch--excuse me--a 'wich basketball player. Plus, a less than happy Morgan finds herself dressed as a princess with glass slippers and all.
This book also reflects the current economic climate. Morgan's father has been laid off from his job at a bank and isn't having any luck in finding a new job.
I enjoyed How I Found the Perfect Dress. I still find that I have an unanswered question or two. For starters, how exactly is Morgan the daughter of a Fairy Queen when her supposed father is dead centuries ago and she has two mortal parents? I don't get it. Perhaps the answer will be in the third book in Morgan's series, What I Wore to Save the World (to be reviewed in the not so distant future).
Dinner Conversation:
"Tinker bell pajamas!" My sister Tammy was the happiest girl in the world. "Look, Morgan! Look what Santa brung me!"
"That's 'brought,' Tammy. Look what Santa brought me."
Even on four hours' sleep, my mom could hear bad grammar coming a mile away. It was Christmas morning, six a.m. Mom was catatonic on the sofa in her bathrobe, dark circles under her eyes, mumbling about verbs. I was in a similarly groggy condition, except I was on the floor and couldn't care less about verbs. My dad was in the kitchen, making coffee with the desperation of a bomb-squad guy dismantling a detonator that was already ticking: five-four-three-two-
"Snow White!" Tammy shrieked" (p. 1).
"True. I loved Lamb Chop as a kid.
"Exactly!" Mom would not be stopped. "Lamb Chop was age-appropriate. It wasn't a show about a giggly princess whose goal in life is to twirl around in a flowy pink dress, waiting for some muscle-bound princes to show up."
No, I though, it was a show about a middle-aged woman who kept a sock on her hand for company" (p. 6).
"Was this a good time to tell the junior prom planning committee that I was part goddess? How might that news go over? I helped myself to a Cheez Doodle.
Cheez Doodle, Snack of the Goddess. That idea made me crack up. Sarah must've thought I was have a breakdown" (p. 12-13).
"The way Dad explained it to me, the whole original purpose of driver's ed was to make new drivers safer. Then someone figured out that the way to make new drivers safer is to make them older, since eighteen year olds have far fewer accidents than sixteen and seventeen year olds. So the school canceled the classes in the hopes that sixteen and seventeen year olds would continue to take the bus and nag their parents for rides until senior year, at least.
Follow the logic, if you dare: There's no driver's ed in my high school anymore, because the whole original purpose of driver's ed can best be achieved by not having it. Proof that logic does not always make sense" (p. 23).
To Go with the Meal:
This is a humorous and (more than a little) absurd novel can be a fun recommendation, especially for teens that can relate to having a long distance relationship, running into a dreaded ex, listening to their parents fighting or being described as a princess or half-goddess (happened to me aaaaaaaall the time! Truth.).
In terms of discussion of themes, a teacher could focus on the way logic, subversiveness and femininity are presented.
Tasty Rating: !!!!
June 8, 2008
Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com
Morgan is back and the only thing that's different is that her hair is longer!
While quite a bit of time has passed since her adventures in Ireland, and she is now an ocean's length away, Morgan still feels like it was just yesterday that she was frolicking with the fairies and biking across Ireland. The worst part is she's away from Colin, the guy she fell for while on the bike trip. Yes, they've exchanged the odd email here and there, but their relationship has pretty much fizzled out.
Now all Morgan has to worry about is the upcoming Junior Prom. While all she really wants is for Colin to be her date, she knows that it's not going to happen. That is until she gets an email from him telling her that he's coming to the States. Of course, Morgan is excited, but the moment he steps off the plane Morgan can tell that something is wrong. Colin seems to be exhausted. Morgan soon finds out that the fairy folk cast a spell on Colin, making him dance with fairies every night. Any hope Morgan had of taking Colin to prom vanishes when she discovers this, as she knows he won't want anything to do with dancing, let alone have the energy.
The fairies better look out though, because Morgan is determined to have Colin as her date -- and she will find a way to break the curse!
When I finished WHY I LET MY HAIR GROW OUT, I really didn't think it could get much better. Well, I stand corrected, because the sequel outdid the first book. I mean the first one was awesome, but this one was even better.
Morgan returns as funny as ever and definitely doesn't disappoint. This book is completely irresistible and unforgettable. Lately, I have found myself thinking about the events of this book over and over again; they seem to just be cemented in my mind and certainly have no intention of leaving! There was nothing that could've made me put it down. The fantastical mix of magic and romance is still great, but we also get a bigger picture of reality as Morgan returns to high school.
I highly recommend this book as it will take you into another world, but then snap you back into reality just like a good book should! For fans of fantasy, romance, and just plain good books, go and walk....no, run!, to your nearest library or bookstore and grab a copy. This book will certainly not disappoint and will take you on an adventure not even feasible in your wildest dreams!
Morgan is back and the only thing that's different is that her hair is longer!
While quite a bit of time has passed since her adventures in Ireland, and she is now an ocean's length away, Morgan still feels like it was just yesterday that she was frolicking with the fairies and biking across Ireland. The worst part is she's away from Colin, the guy she fell for while on the bike trip. Yes, they've exchanged the odd email here and there, but their relationship has pretty much fizzled out.
Now all Morgan has to worry about is the upcoming Junior Prom. While all she really wants is for Colin to be her date, she knows that it's not going to happen. That is until she gets an email from him telling her that he's coming to the States. Of course, Morgan is excited, but the moment he steps off the plane Morgan can tell that something is wrong. Colin seems to be exhausted. Morgan soon finds out that the fairy folk cast a spell on Colin, making him dance with fairies every night. Any hope Morgan had of taking Colin to prom vanishes when she discovers this, as she knows he won't want anything to do with dancing, let alone have the energy.
The fairies better look out though, because Morgan is determined to have Colin as her date -- and she will find a way to break the curse!
When I finished WHY I LET MY HAIR GROW OUT, I really didn't think it could get much better. Well, I stand corrected, because the sequel outdid the first book. I mean the first one was awesome, but this one was even better.
Morgan returns as funny as ever and definitely doesn't disappoint. This book is completely irresistible and unforgettable. Lately, I have found myself thinking about the events of this book over and over again; they seem to just be cemented in my mind and certainly have no intention of leaving! There was nothing that could've made me put it down. The fantastical mix of magic and romance is still great, but we also get a bigger picture of reality as Morgan returns to high school.
I highly recommend this book as it will take you into another world, but then snap you back into reality just like a good book should! For fans of fantasy, romance, and just plain good books, go and walk....no, run!, to your nearest library or bookstore and grab a copy. This book will certainly not disappoint and will take you on an adventure not even feasible in your wildest dreams!
April 9, 2008
Morgan is back and the only thing that’s different is that her hair is longer! While quite a bit of time has passed since her adventures in Ireland, and she is now an ocean’s length away, Morgan still feels like it was just yesterday that she was frolicking with the fairies and biking across Ireland. The worst part is she’s away from Colin, the guy she fell for while on the bike trip. Yes, they’ve exchanged the odd email here and there, but their relationship has pretty much fizzled out. Now all Morgan has to worry about is the upcoming Junior Prom. While all she really wants is for Colin to be her date, she knows that it’s not going to happen. That is until she gets an email from him telling her that he’s coming to the States. Of course Morgan is excited, but the moment he steps off the plane Morgan can tell that something is wrong. Colin seems to be exhausted. Morgan soon finds out that the fairy folk cast a spell on Colin making him dance his night away with fairies every night. Any hope Morgan had of taking Colin to prom vanishes when she discovers this as she knows he won’t want anything to do with dancing, let alone have the energy. The fairies better look out though because Morgan is determined to have Colin as her date and she will find a way to break the curse!
When I finished Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, I really didn’t think it could get much better. Well I stand corrected because the sequel outdid the first book. I mean the first one was awesome, but this one was even better. Morgan returns as funny as ever and definitely doesn’t disappoint. This book is completely irresistible and unforgettable. Lately I have found myself thinking about the events of this book over and over again, they seem to just be cemented in my mind and certainly have no intention of leaving! There was nothing that could’ve made me put it down. The fantastical mix of magic and romance is still great, but we get a little bit bigger picture of reality as Morgan returns to high school. I highly recommend this book as it will take you into another world, but then snap you back into reality just like a good book should! For fans of fantasy, romance, and just plain good books, go and walk….no run to your nearest library or bookstore and grab a copy. This book will certainly not disappoint and will take you on an adventure not even feasible in your wildest dreams!
When I finished Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, I really didn’t think it could get much better. Well I stand corrected because the sequel outdid the first book. I mean the first one was awesome, but this one was even better. Morgan returns as funny as ever and definitely doesn’t disappoint. This book is completely irresistible and unforgettable. Lately I have found myself thinking about the events of this book over and over again, they seem to just be cemented in my mind and certainly have no intention of leaving! There was nothing that could’ve made me put it down. The fantastical mix of magic and romance is still great, but we get a little bit bigger picture of reality as Morgan returns to high school. I highly recommend this book as it will take you into another world, but then snap you back into reality just like a good book should! For fans of fantasy, romance, and just plain good books, go and walk….no run to your nearest library or bookstore and grab a copy. This book will certainly not disappoint and will take you on an adventure not even feasible in your wildest dreams!
June 13, 2012
Morgan Rawlinson recently discovered she’s the goddess Morganne. It led to a number of interesting adventures in Ireland, but she has not had contact with any faeries since returning to Connecticut. She’s learning to drive, helping to plan the junior prom, and trying to explain to her little sister Tammy whether or not Santa is real. Then Colin, her guide and crush from Ireland, comes to UConn for a robotics competition. Unfortunately, Morgan’s favor made him a target to the faeries.
Morgan immediately sets to work, wanting to free Colin before the faeries exhaust him to death. It’s fun to watch her go for it because she’s inventive and puts the pieces together quickly – no missing obvious solutions. At the same time, the riddles she's faced with aren't overly easy to solve. (Rereading the novel, I even discovered meaning to a clue I missed the first time! I love it when there's more to find the second time around.)
The fantasy elements blend well with the other story threads. They even work with her parents fighting over lawn gnomes! (I'm on the mom's side. Yard ornaments are not my thing.) Nor is it my thing when authors use magic in their novel when it serves no purpose to the story, so it's nice to see how Maryrose Wood makes it mesh well with a high school girl's ordinary life in Connecticut.
I'm also partial to faerie stories, and I like Wood's faeries. They don't really care what happens to humans but they aren't randomly vicious, and they've got a wicked sense of humor. Try not to laugh when Morgan meets them at the grocer's. She also finishes the book with a few revelations that make me hope for another book.
For those who haven't read WHY I LET MY HAIR GROW OUT and fear they'll be lost, don't be. Wood introduces past story elements clearly so that HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS can easily stand on its own. Of course, you'll still want to pick up the first book to read more about Morgan and Colin.
HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS is a light-hearted and comedic novel that works well as a faerie tale and as a school story. Plus, it features a dress any girl would feel fabulous in! (As well as some clothing choices that aren't for the faint of heart . . . )
Morgan immediately sets to work, wanting to free Colin before the faeries exhaust him to death. It’s fun to watch her go for it because she’s inventive and puts the pieces together quickly – no missing obvious solutions. At the same time, the riddles she's faced with aren't overly easy to solve. (Rereading the novel, I even discovered meaning to a clue I missed the first time! I love it when there's more to find the second time around.)
The fantasy elements blend well with the other story threads. They even work with her parents fighting over lawn gnomes! (I'm on the mom's side. Yard ornaments are not my thing.) Nor is it my thing when authors use magic in their novel when it serves no purpose to the story, so it's nice to see how Maryrose Wood makes it mesh well with a high school girl's ordinary life in Connecticut.
I'm also partial to faerie stories, and I like Wood's faeries. They don't really care what happens to humans but they aren't randomly vicious, and they've got a wicked sense of humor. Try not to laugh when Morgan meets them at the grocer's. She also finishes the book with a few revelations that make me hope for another book.
For those who haven't read WHY I LET MY HAIR GROW OUT and fear they'll be lost, don't be. Wood introduces past story elements clearly so that HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS can easily stand on its own. Of course, you'll still want to pick up the first book to read more about Morgan and Colin.
HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT DRESS is a light-hearted and comedic novel that works well as a faerie tale and as a school story. Plus, it features a dress any girl would feel fabulous in! (As well as some clothing choices that aren't for the faint of heart . . . )
February 27, 2009
Things have been disappointing anticlimactic for Morgan Rawlinson after a pretty unbelievable summer—in more than one way. Last summer, she discovered that she was a half-goddess, not that she’s got any cool magical powers or anything like that. Last summer, she fell for Irish hunk Colin, but all that’s come of that is the occasional bland email—that is, until Colin announces he’s coming to none other than Morgan’s home, Connecticut. But things aren’t so bright and cherry with Colin; he’s mentally exhausted from being forced to dance all night long with faeries in his dreams. And when Morgan finds out that this fatigue may be her fault, this semi-goddess is willing to do whatever it takes to break this evil faerie spell. But with prom season approaching and faery mischief abounding, this is not going to be an easy task, not at all.
How I Found the Perfect Dress is a cute and thankfully just as original sequel to the fabulous Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Instead of revisiting an old Irish legend, Wood essentially creates her own, and the effect is unique and fun with an interesting combination of faery and human worlds. Morgan seems much more mature and in control of her life, at least eh parts not involving Colin, than in her previous adventure, which I liked because it shows her character growth. I enjoy reading from Morgan’s perspective because she’s just a funny and entertaining narrator, just as she was in Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. I was disappointed that Morgan and Colin’s relationship wasn’t completely cemented, but hopefully Morgan will star in another unique story and their romance can continue.
I thoroughly enjoyed How I Found the Perfect Dress, though if I had to pick a favorite of Morgan’s tales, it would be her first, Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Readers who enjoyed that novel as well as Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst and Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs will also want to read this fun one.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
How I Found the Perfect Dress is a cute and thankfully just as original sequel to the fabulous Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Instead of revisiting an old Irish legend, Wood essentially creates her own, and the effect is unique and fun with an interesting combination of faery and human worlds. Morgan seems much more mature and in control of her life, at least eh parts not involving Colin, than in her previous adventure, which I liked because it shows her character growth. I enjoy reading from Morgan’s perspective because she’s just a funny and entertaining narrator, just as she was in Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. I was disappointed that Morgan and Colin’s relationship wasn’t completely cemented, but hopefully Morgan will star in another unique story and their romance can continue.
I thoroughly enjoyed How I Found the Perfect Dress, though if I had to pick a favorite of Morgan’s tales, it would be her first, Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Readers who enjoyed that novel as well as Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst and Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs will also want to read this fun one.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
January 8, 2012
First off I want to say I didn't really love this book as much as I did the first one. But it was an okay book, I read it but for me it was a slow read cause I just had to kind of force myself to finish it cause I already had What I Wore to Save The World on hand so I really did want to love it but it was one of those books that I kept putting down and didn't want to get it again. But once I kept reading it I started to like it a bit more. I love Morgan's character and I just loved her little sister she was the cutest thing ever. And I fell in love with Collin I'm a sucker for hot guys with an accent haha. Him and Morgan just have this connection that to me their age difference didn't seem to matter. Girls fall in love with older guys sometimes. And I loved how the Author made them feel real everyone can connect with them relationship wise, when I finished it I wanted more even though it was a slow paced book in the beginning but it eventually made my heart melt. And I loved every single thing about it. I just love the Cover design that this series has and I just want to own this series and re-read it! If your looking for a Faerie series to read this is it.
So basically the story is the continuation to "Why I Let My Hair Grow Out" It's about a girl Morgan who fell in love with an Irish guy named Colin last summer when she went on a bicycling tournament and she finds out she has a secret life in another "world". And in this book she has to try to figure out what is happening to her Colin cause he is having weird dreams, and in the dreams he is dancing, he can't seem to get enough sleep from that so she starts worrying and find out that it has to do with her so she has to break the spell that's put on him. But she has to go on a journey to find out how to put a stop to it before its to late.
So basically the story is the continuation to "Why I Let My Hair Grow Out" It's about a girl Morgan who fell in love with an Irish guy named Colin last summer when she went on a bicycling tournament and she finds out she has a secret life in another "world". And in this book she has to try to figure out what is happening to her Colin cause he is having weird dreams, and in the dreams he is dancing, he can't seem to get enough sleep from that so she starts worrying and find out that it has to do with her so she has to break the spell that's put on him. But she has to go on a journey to find out how to put a stop to it before its to late.
July 26, 2009
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first book in the series, stop reading this review. It might contain some slight spoilers.
Maryrose Wood had done it again! How I Found The Perfect Dress was a wonderful blend of comedy, romance, frienship, and mythological creatures. Once again, I couldn't stop reading about Morgan's crazy life.
Morgan is back in the United States this time and Colin shows up too. He has somehow been affected by Morgan's half-goddess powers and it has made him sick. Now Morgan has to find a way to stop her faery family from tormenting him and find the perfect dress for her junior prom, all at the same time.
I didn't think this one could be better than the first book but it was so cute and funny that it just might have been. I would have loved to see more of Colin but then again, who wouldn't? I was just glad to know that he was still in the picture and that he hadn't changed much from the first book. Oh and that his feelings for Morgan hadn't changed much from the first book.
Also, Morgan has definitely done some growing up since the previous book. She seemed to be a lot wiser and much more mature. I loved all the changes in her personality and that it was all done realistically. Even though the book was a fictional story full of magical creatures, it was all done quite realistically. I just devoured this whole book from beginning to end in one sitting.
Overall, How I Found The Perfect Dress was a wonderful sequel but it can also be read as a standalone if you don't feel like reading the first book. I do highly recommend them both, though. This one was just as cute and it was another one that had me laughing-out-loud multiple times. I would add this to the list of books that isn't well-suited for reading in public! =]
Maryrose Wood had done it again! How I Found The Perfect Dress was a wonderful blend of comedy, romance, frienship, and mythological creatures. Once again, I couldn't stop reading about Morgan's crazy life.
Morgan is back in the United States this time and Colin shows up too. He has somehow been affected by Morgan's half-goddess powers and it has made him sick. Now Morgan has to find a way to stop her faery family from tormenting him and find the perfect dress for her junior prom, all at the same time.
I didn't think this one could be better than the first book but it was so cute and funny that it just might have been. I would have loved to see more of Colin but then again, who wouldn't? I was just glad to know that he was still in the picture and that he hadn't changed much from the first book. Oh and that his feelings for Morgan hadn't changed much from the first book.
Also, Morgan has definitely done some growing up since the previous book. She seemed to be a lot wiser and much more mature. I loved all the changes in her personality and that it was all done realistically. Even though the book was a fictional story full of magical creatures, it was all done quite realistically. I just devoured this whole book from beginning to end in one sitting.
Overall, How I Found The Perfect Dress was a wonderful sequel but it can also be read as a standalone if you don't feel like reading the first book. I do highly recommend them both, though. This one was just as cute and it was another one that had me laughing-out-loud multiple times. I would add this to the list of books that isn't well-suited for reading in public! =]
July 17, 2008
I’m a fan of the series, but I have to admit that I enjoyed the first novel a lot more then its predecessor. How I Found the Perfect Dress still had the signature style of Wood’s writing, but the storyline wasn’t as captivating as Why I Let My Hair Grow Out.
Perhaps it’s because Connecticut isn’t as magical a setting as Ireland. I mean you don’t hear much about faerie lore from Connecticut. I was also disappointed the way the faerie world was connected to the mortal world, it seemed flat and random. A grocery store doesn’t spell out fantasy to me.
I did however enjoy the growth of Morgan’s character! It was great to see her finally coming into her own and being her own person rather than figuring out who she was in the first novel. Colin’s character continues to be my favorite!
You’ll definitely want to read How I Found The Perfect Dress if you are a fan of the series, just don’t expect to be dazzled like you were in the first novel.
Perhaps it’s because Connecticut isn’t as magical a setting as Ireland. I mean you don’t hear much about faerie lore from Connecticut. I was also disappointed the way the faerie world was connected to the mortal world, it seemed flat and random. A grocery store doesn’t spell out fantasy to me.
I did however enjoy the growth of Morgan’s character! It was great to see her finally coming into her own and being her own person rather than figuring out who she was in the first novel. Colin’s character continues to be my favorite!
You’ll definitely want to read How I Found The Perfect Dress if you are a fan of the series, just don’t expect to be dazzled like you were in the first novel.
May 22, 2012
Although I didn't adore it in the same way that I adored the first, "Why I Let my Hair Grow Out," this series continues to be very fast-reading fun indeed. Morgan is back from Ireland & starting her junior year of high school by trying both to reconnect with her former best friend & get her mind off the incredibly awesome boy she met over the summer in Ireland, Colin. But that becomes distinctly more difficult when she learns that Colin is coming to Connecticut to participate in a robotics competition at UConn. Morgan is actually somewhat excited about her school's junior prom (which I had to say I found a little bit out of character), but of course she's got to worry about the faerie world first - turns out Queen Titania has decided Colin's as cute as Morgan thinks he is, & now he has to spend every night dancing, all night long. Can Morgan break the spell? Will Colin ever get a decent nights' sleep again? Will all hell break loose at Prom? Good fun with a fantasy twist.
May 19, 2013
This was a great sequel to Why I Let My Hair Grow Out! It was just as fun and hilarious as the first. It was fast-paced and action packed! I love Morgan so much! She is such a great main character she was feisty and fast on her feet and when she complained it was funny instead of annoying. Colin was just as awesome as the first book and Finnbar really grew on me. I loved getting to know Morgan's friend, Sarah, better. Their friendship was quite funny. The plot was twisted and unpredictably but oh so much fun. The combination of elves, gnomes, leprechauns and faeries with humour and suspense was really well done and ended in such a great story!
August 10, 2012
This book was very endearing. I liked Morgan, the protagonist, because although she was a little boy-crazy, it was in a relatable way; all the drama seems very real. I also loved the conversations she had with her best friend because they definitely reminded me of ones I've had! All in all, a nice quick read.
Plus, well, Colin is just adorable, what can I say.
Plus, well, Colin is just adorable, what can I say.
June 27, 2013
I have not read a young adult romance since I was a teen and I was surprisingly enchanted with this whimsical tale of magic and love. I would recommend this book and the rest of the series about Morgan for teen girls. I’m tempted to read the rest of them myself!
there's more on my blog http://stacybuckeye.wordpress.com/200...
there's more on my blog http://stacybuckeye.wordpress.com/200...
September 12, 2014
Real rating: 4.5. I really liked this book! It was a great sequel, but it wasn't quite as good as the first book. I wish there had been more of a faery presence like in the first book and the faeries that did show up were...uh...yeah. Don't even get me started on Queen Titania. I would have also liked to see more resolution between Colin and Morgan.
March 20, 2008
I liked this book a whole lot better than the first one (Why I Let My Hair Grow Out). First of all, there were a lot less cuss words. Also, it was fresh how Morgan/Morganne saw things the way they were and didn't have to high of expectations.
July 7, 2011
Perhaps if I had read the first book, I would have found the characters and plot charming but as I had picked this up by itself I did not. I am seriously bored by faeries. A pity, as I have enjoyed other books by this author.
July 26, 2017
"I’m always looking at you. When I gaze out at the world, you’re in the middle of everything I see."
Same hilarious writing style as book 1, but the plot isn't as captivating. Thought the turnabout of the-girl-saves-the-guy is a refreshing change.
Same hilarious writing style as book 1, but the plot isn't as captivating. Thought the turnabout of the-girl-saves-the-guy is a refreshing change.
Want to Read
March 27, 2008Released May 2008
July 30, 2008
A humor filled journey, great like the first one!
May 9, 2009
This one was WAY better than the first. The exact opposite of a sophomore slump! I hope there is a third...and fourth...and fifth...many more.
August 6, 2009
A satisfying sequel in a light, faerie series
August 18, 2010
Fun, funny, fabulous. I love Morgan and her crazy faery friends.
September 22, 2010
Very awesome sequel to Why I Let My Hair Grow Out. Morgan is back and this time Colin is coming to Connecticut. Very cool book with twist of mythology and overall a fun, light read.
November 26, 2010
A decent continuation of the story of Morgan and Colin... Now off to read the 3rd book!
December 10, 2010
loved it wont say anything else cz i dont want to spoil it for anyone i just know MUST READ!!!!
March 3, 2011
This book was hillarious! Morgan is so funny, and I love how she chooses to handle everthing that being a half-goddess entails.
August 7, 2011
I wish the library had the first book!!!!
May 9, 2013
Chuckle-inducing and sweet, this was enjoyable and a little bit magical.
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