…Ann Herrick delivers a plot that is big on empowerment for the female teen, while exploring the conflicting emotions, uncertainty, and dreams that are prevalent in those "between" years.
  [She] tells a story about a young woman who has character, a sense of compassion, strong commitment, determination, and understanding beyond her years. We see the questions about ethics, compassion and morality arise and how they are handled.
  This is a very good portrayal of the teen years, addressing some of the issues that are faced, the challenges and opportunities that can arise, and the choices that are made. Best of all, we watch Mattie bloom before our very eyes and grow into what she calls, "the real me."

Kim Green-Spangler, Womenonwriting.com

…The Real Me by Ann Herrick is a charming young adult novel about love and identity. Mattie, the first-person narrator, is a spunky heroine who takes charge of her life, makes mistakes, dusts herself off, and tries again. Kevin, her heartthrob, is both believable and appealing. The plot moves quickly with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing about whether-and with whom-Mattie will find true love.
  I predict that young adults who enjoy the romance genre will be thrilled with The Real Me.           

Debra Stang, eBook Reviews Weekly

 THE REAL ME is a great insight into the insecurities, hopes, dreams, and confusion of being a teenager, and the self-acceptance and realization that not all is how it appears to be at first.  Mattie is self-conscious over her appearance, little realizing that her true beauty has been shining forth all the time – even without the weight loss and haircut.  The new look just gives her the self-confidence to hold her head high and let the “real” Mattie shine forth. She realizes that even guys, and the “popular” kids, have insecurities and fears of their own.  This is the first book of Ms. Herrick’s that I have read, and although this one is in the young adult category, I found it to be entertaining, and that it brought back many memories of my own teen years.  I plan on reading more of Ms. Herrick’s books in the future.

Teresa Henson, Romance Junkies