Former Miss Universe, Margaret Gardiner’s book rakes in 5-star reviews around the globe

MARGARET Gardiner’s new book, the first of a series, Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar, has launched in the USA and UK and has already been commended around the globe, receiving 5-star reviews.

While commemorating her successful release abroad, she recently attended the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, where she was celebrated for her contributions to the fashion industry and her unique perspective as a former pageant queen turned style authority.

The Golden Globes was held just a few days before the city was in turmoil with the unexpected wildfires.

Gardiner was on alert to evacuate multiple times. The fires in Los Angeles posed a significant challenge for her as she balanced her professional duties with personal safety, trying to stay strong and focused throughout the ordeal.

She will also be covering the Oscars on March 2.

Gardiner, reflecting on the experience, said: “It was a terrifying time, being surrounded by chaos and uncertainty. It made me more determined than ever to stay true to my work and my values. Nature’s unpredictability reminded me of the importance of grounding oneself in the face of adversity.”

Alongside her work in fashion, Gardiner has become a passionate advocate for mental health and body positivity. Recently, she has been vocal about the impact of cyberbullying, especially as she herself has faced harassment on social media. She calls for more awareness and action to tackle online cruelty, a cause that has become especially close to her heart.

"I’ve always believed that beauty is more than skin deep, but social media often forces us into impossible standards," said Gardiner. "No one should face cruelty or hate simply for expressing themselves or stepping into the spotlight. We must work together to create a more positive online community.”

After much anticipation, Gardiner is also preparing for the release of her book in South Africa. The book - in both Afrikaans and English - is set to release in South Africa on March 10 and Gardiner will be visiting Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town for a series of promotional events, book signings and a media tour.

“I am excited to connect with my fans and share my story in South Africa, a country I hold dear to my heart,” said Gardiner. “This book is about overcoming the challenges that shape us into who we are and finding strength in the face of our deepest struggles.”

Margaret Gardiner skilfully balances moments of heartbreak with glimmers of hope, making Joey's journey of self-discovery both relatable and profound.

This is the first book in the series, and I eagerly anticipate future instalments that will focus on other characters mentioned in this story. While this is an easy-to-read book, it highlights many truths behind the scenes and the battle to transform from victim to survivor. Margaret Gardiner brings both her personal experiences of the fashion and beauty world together with her knowledge of psychology in her writing. This book is inspirational, reminding us that beauty is not how you look but is in each of us. Even beautiful people can feel ugly inside and need to learn to love themselves for who they are both inside and outside. An excellent book, especially for those older teens who are besotted with influencers - Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favourite.

Although Joey is in her twenties her story has almost a coming of age feel to it. While taking place in the glitz and glam of LA, with references to premiers and parties, this is mainly a character driven story. In all this is a character focused story of a life outside of the blinding light of the spotlight with a vulnerable main character that you can’t help but feel for even as she’s being self-destructive – Charlotte Walker: Love Reading – UK.

Gardiner captures the glamour of high fashion while revealing the dark reality behind the flashing cameras—betrayal, deceit, and a desperate search for connection. The novel’s strength lies in its compelling characters and emotional depth. Due to Joey's extreme relatability and profound flaws, her story appeals to anyone who has been rejected or struggled to define their value. Margaret Gardiner’s writing is cinematic, capturing the highs and lows. The authenticity of Joey's struggles makes this book an unforgettable read. Damaged Beauty is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories and moving examinations of human resiliency – Zahid Sheikh for Readers’ Favourite.