You are Beautiful by Ashley Reitz with Lorilee Craker

This is a good book for teens and young women who are caught up in the drive to be physically beautiful. Retiz had unreasonable expectations for her body, even at a young age. She desperately wanted to be noticed, to be appreciated, to feel important. She thought modeling would fulfill all those needs. But after a successful international modeling career, she still fought insecurities. She realized that she could find her worth in Jesus alone.

Reitz grew up in a Christian home (her dad was a pastor) but she shares here what she has learned through her life experiences. While she writes about lipstick and mascara, she has come to the conclusion that what is really important is who you are in God's eyes, not man's. She knows the reality of God always being present and knows that true confidence is found in Christ. She knows that God notices her and that her worth is found in Him and not in her appearance.

Reitz is very honest in sharing her experiences. There was a sexual assault and a subsequent time of not pursuing God and being somewhat distant from her family. There was her appearance on a dating show after shockingly informing those interviewing her that she was a virgin. Out of those kinds of experiences come some good advice about life and looking for men to fulfill needs only God can.

I recommend this book to teens and young women. You'll find out the true meaning of beauty from one who has been in the industry. You will be challenged to know God as your true source of confidence. You'll have opportunity to journal your own thoughts with the questions Reitz provides at the end of each chapter.

Food for thought: “We are only as beautiful as the way we treat others, only as pretty as our behavior and actions.” (47) “Physical beauty will fade over time, but spiritual beauty is timeless.” (87)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Ashley Reitz works with top agencies as a “curve model,” offering her a platform to promote a healthy body image to young women. She has appeared in major magazines and national ad campaigns. You can find out more at http://ashleyreitz.com/. (Photo credit: Alex Perez)

Lorilee Craker is the author of thirteen books, including CBA and ECPA bestsellers. You can find out more at http://lorileecraker.com/.

FaithWords, 224 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.