Ladies Like Us: A modern girl’s guide to self-discovery, self-confidence and love (Darling Academy) Paperback – September 21, 2016

This book was fascinating. It not only was biographical giving me insight into Alena's life and history as well as her current interests and purpose, but also, she thoughtfully and respectfully shared knowledge and insight that she has learned along her journey. Never did she intimidate nor expect anyone else to do as she did or does, but she merely shares her experiences and the conclusions it has brought her to. And, it appears it has brought her to a very happy life for herself and I couldn't be happier for her. May we all find our personal joy in life through our own journeys without criticizing others, but merely teaching through experience and example. Well done, Alena. Very well done.

I simply adore Mrs Pettitt's book! It is full of good advice for women of all ages wanting to better mold their characters into kinder, softer, more loving version of themselves--who they are at their core before society pushes and pulls them into who they "must" be. I love her personal testimony of coming to the realization that her life style wasn't what she truly wanted, and that her soul was longing to be something she'd long ago buried in hopes of fitting into the version of "success" society had tried to demand of her. This is an invitation to sweetness and femininity--a kindly "it is okay to want to be a feminine woman and lady." Usually, I'm not one for nonfiction/self help books, but this is a true treasure--some sunshine amongst the shadows.

This is a well written book, and I think it is most helpful to younger girls and younger women. I was hoping it was more along the lines of a Finishing School Primer, but it is more varied than that. The author is like a sophisticated, cool aunt or cool college girl, who really hits on some topics that could be helpful to preteens, teens and those going to college regarding various topics. While it covers behavior, manners, dress, poise, and confidence, she addresses issues that one might experience or be exposed to -like for example- a substantive piece on alcohol - particularly for those caught up in its grip and how to deal with it. I think this book offers important information to people just getting ready to head out into the world -it offers a sophisticated view for the less worldly.

Found this book to be a healing, relaxing read. It helped me be more comfortable with myself, more comfortable with being kind and polite in a world that doesn’t have a lot of kindness at times. It is exactly what I needed right now. It’s on my nightstand. I enjoy re-reading excerpts. It’s on my short list of favorites. Thank you for writing it and publishing it.

Absolutely wonderful book for women of all ages! The author speaks the truth about her past and how she made the choice to move forward and live her life with style, dignity and class. Many chapters and parts of this book give women of all ages food for thought...how HAVE you lived and how do you WANT to live. It's not just about pearl necklaces and white gloves. It's about being true to yourself, respecting yourself and others, and having faith. A wonderful read and also would make a wonderful gift!

I think some people might enjoy this but I was quickly bored.

A FANTASTIC book for today's woman who wishes to reinvent herself as a LADY. Teaches class, sophistication and elegance and not just on the outside but on the inside as well. Teaches what true grace is without being preachy or judgemental to those who do not share the same views. Wonderful book and fantastic author, both as a writer and a person (she has a great Instagram account and blog and never forgets to acknowledge comments from fans). I adore her!

The world needs more books like this to make it a more beautiful place. A "bible" for anyone woman who wants to become a lady, it is a concise step by step programme to follow covering poise, posture, manners, and how to truly feel good about yourself, and what you were put on this earth to accomplish. A wonderful guide to soul searching and examination to self improvement. The author writes from the heart about her journey and how to help you find your way as well. The author found her way to becoming a lady through finding Christianity, so the book has a strong spiritual, and often Christian, focus which may not be to everyones taste but is written with genuine love. I would have enjoyed more tips on living a ladylike life, but think that very well might be best saved to another volume. Highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in such subjects. I hope to see more from Darling Academy!

I brought this book because I was going somewhere special & needed some help with a few things it worked retreat,

I'm totally in love with that book, highly recommend it! Johanne from Canada

Même si ce livre plairait plus à une jeune femme, on apprend toujours où l'on se rappelle des simples formes de politesse et de classe. J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce livre. Peut être que l'auteur traduira ceci en français un jour aussi. Je lui demanderai en tout cas. Super cadeau à faire à une jeune fille aussi - vers l'âge de 12 ans, je pense où pourquoi pas, à lui lire?Seul bémol - la "tradition" qu'elle propose n'est plus de notre époque. Il est difficile de nos jours d'avoir un seul revenu, vu que le travail n'est pas garanti jusqu'au fin de nos jours (ni pour les hommes non plus, d'ailleurs) et la santé peut faire basculer l'un ou l'autre partenaire dans un revenu très limité.Egalement, nous avons beaucoup de personnes veuves, âgés, divorcés et mère célibataires.Dans l'ensemble, et pour une jeune femme, pas une mauvaise idée pour l'éducation tout de même.

As a mother of a teenage daughter I bought this as a gift for her. I wanted to give her an aid to to help navigate her future in this very different world to the one I grew up in. Naturally, I read it first, and I am so thankful I did. Unexpectedly it has helped me too and has given me so much more confidence in my job as a mother and guide. The author writes with a lovely manner, reminding us what really is important in this world, essentially to be kind to one another, and does so in reference to todays media centred world using scenarios lots of young woman face today. It is a great guide to help centre girls on what's important when growing up (which really we never stop doing) and reminds us of the value of being true to ourselves. It provides useful techniques to help focus girls on what they want from life and how to manifest this. There are also many useful tips on how to conduct your daily affairs in a lady like fashion, embracing old fashioned values but placing them firmly in the now. I loved it and don't think you can go wrong having this book in your collection.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It gives a wonderfully refreshing view on womanhood, in a society which I fear has taken women down a path of a depravity and brashness. There is a lot of Christian and Biblical references in this book, which I did not mind as I am of another Faith, and thus recognise the importance of God when discussing family values.If you have felt that calling to become a wife and mother, yet felt society tells you to do the total opposite (and they say feminism is progressive, ha!) I wholeheartedly recommend this. I would also recommend this if perhaps you wish to dip your toe in the waters of traditional family values. I yearn to return to a society of traditionalism, morals, and focus of the family unit. I can’t wait to read Alena’s second book. Give it a try!