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You are here: Home / BOOK CLUB / BOOK CLUB: The Best Kind of Beautiful

BOOK CLUB: The Best Kind of Beautiful

November 14, 2019 by Amanda 2 Comments

Author: Frances Whiting
ISBN: 9781743535134
Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australia

For years I have enjoyed reading Frances Whiting’s columns in the Sunday Mail, so when the opportunity to read and review her latest novel came up I was delighted to be chosen. Frances has made a seamless transition from newsprint to novels and manages to write characters that are quirky and entertaining, yet believable and endearing, all while displaying her trademark witty style. 


Whiting’s second novel, The Best Kind of Beautiful is the story of Florence Saint Claire, a child star turned land care activist who spends her days either in the local library educating children or in the field revegetating the wilderness. Florence wants nothing more than to leave the fame her family garnered (thanks to their hit Christmas song, Santa was a Jazz Cat), behind her, but that’s easier said than done. Described by her family as a prickly pear, she enjoys her quiet days and equally uneventful weekends. 

Quiet and sometimes a bit lonely,  Florence finds herself drawn to her coworker, Albert Flowers. Albert has a glittering social life and a traditional family with weekly Sunday roasts at his parents house. Florence and Albert share a love for the environment and she looks forward each week to hearing him recount the events of his weekend outings. Neither of them seem to know how to progress their friendship beyond the superficial, but a chance discovery might change everything between them. 

The Best Kind of Beautiful is a charming story of relationships; romantic, platonic and familial. You find yourself laughing and commiserating with the characters that could be members of your own family or friendship group (fame and fortune aside!). A lovely book and one I’d definitely recommend.

Many thanks to Pan MacMillan and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to review this book. 

A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading The Best Kind of Beautiful. You can read their comments below, or contribute to the discussion by leaving your own feedback.

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[Total: 1 Average: 5]

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Filed Under: BOOK CLUB, Books, Featured Books Tagged With: beauty and lace book club, beauty and lace club, frances whiting, pan macmillan, pan macmillan australia, relationships, the sunday mail

About Amanda

Ever since I was a little girl my family and friends have known not to bother talking to me if I’m reading, so immersed I become in my book that I am completely oblivious to everything happening around me. I love to read a variety of books, though now with a busy life with kids and work I tend to find myself gravitating more towards easy reads that can be picked up and put down at a moments notice. One of the things I love about Beauty and Lace is that I’m exposed to books I otherwise might not have had an opportunity to read.

Reading is my first and and oldest means of escape and down time, as an introvert it gives me time to relax and reset. I also enjoy sewing and recently started a vegetable garden, which also gives me that sense of calm and accomplishment. With 7 and 9 year olds I am so happy that they are now of an age to sit quietly and enjoy reading a novel, I love that the next generation of readers is well and truly being established!

Comments

  1. Stacee says

    December 6, 2019 at 1:48 am

    I found this book a very slow starter. Just keep with it and it turns Into a lovely story of family first and friendship. I really enjoyed how well the ending wrapped everything up leaving you wanting more!!! Fantastic book.

    Reply
  2. Natalie Salvo says

    December 7, 2019 at 11:26 am

    Frances Whiting’s second novel once again puts the magnified glass on relationships.

    We have the introverted Florence Saint Claire, a former child star-turned-educator whose family once had a hit Christmas single. She feels a spark towards her colleague, Albert Flowers. He is a man who appears to be Florence’s complete opposite insofar as he has a rich and full social life. What ensues is nothing short of glittering joy.

    While this novel was a bit of a slow-burn at times, it is ultimately a satisfying look at different kinds of love: romantic, filial, familial and platonic. In all, a sweet, summer read.

    Reply

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