3.5*. 
 There is not much that is new about the story. A not so rich girl with huge hang-ups about her looks falls for the rich, goodlooking, popular guy in school. Her friends include the mandatory rich sweet girlfriend and the snarky, attitude throwing, gay guyfriend. Throw in a crazy italian family, karaoke, wedding preparations and you have a sweet little story which may seem familiar at times. Inspite of all of this, I was drawn in to read further. 
 What is different? Edward. Her "conversations" with the long dead artist take the story forward and there are subtle analogies sprninkled throughout the book. Ella and Alex are nice, the ex-girlfriend is bitchy, the friends are supportive, the grandmother loving.... everything is exactly as it should be. Possibly that is why I said the story was placid - good but no major highs or lows. I wanted it to be so much more.