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
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.
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.
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.