Posing as Ashley- Kimberley Joy Peters

Posing as Ashley is the second novel by the author of Painting Caitlyn. Although fairly edgy, they are definitely novels that will appeal strongly to our female readers and deal with subject matters of interest to them. Posing as Ashley is a companion novel with the focus on Ashley as the protagonist. Ashley has been the sidekick and best friend to Caitlyn during her struggles. Ashely is in a serious relationship with a great guy and is totally shocked when he suggests taking a break for the summer while he is away. She is devastated and finds herself vulnerable to a suggestion of her dad’s girlfriend to consider becoming a model. Her very protective mom and caring dad are very supportive of this; a little bit of a jarring note as I would expect them to show more concern over the possible pitfalls of that type of lifestyle. Nevertheless, Ashley finds that it help to take her mind off of ex-boyfriend Brandon, and, indeed, she meets Justin who awakens her to possibilities she might have been missing out on. Ashley has to come to understand the jealousy and downright spitefulness that is a part of the modelling world. She has to decide how much pressure she will take from Gabriella, her dad’s girlfriend, to achieve. And she comes to realize that her mom, who is also battling cancer, has more worries than just the well-being of Ashley. The back of the book states that Ashely must decide if she will stand up for what she believes in. I was pretty sure that she would come to decide that modeling was not for her, and be willing to disappoint her family. I was wrong- that wasn’t her big choice at all. Read it for yourself and tell me what you think of the ending. I believe of the two novels, Painting Caitlyn is the most powerful but both of these novels have a place on your YA and high school library shelves. These are not for younger readers.