Living My Best Life

'The perfect escapist read and antidote to our somewhat grim times' STYLIST

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Pub Date 6 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 22 Jul 2019
Simon and Schuster UK | Simon & Schuster UK

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Description

This heart-warming and funny novel is the perfect balm for the insta-weary mind – get ready to shatter the illusion that is #LivingMyBestLife

Bell never thought she’d be facing her 40th birthday single. Recently dumped by her boyfriend of ten years, Bell is struggling to move on with her life – and surrender the fleecy pyjamas she’s been living in since January. Sick of being bombarded by #blessed on social media and feeling like her life doesn’t live up to everyone else’s, she decides it’s time for a change; time to find out who she really is, not who she thinks she should be.

Enter Millie, a successful online influencer posting under the handle @mi_bestlife. But as a single mum trying to make ends meet and stay ahead of the younger generation snapping at her heels, her Instagram feed is far more #BestLiethan #BestLife. With the internet trolls continuing to bring her down and an ex who cares more about playing football than seeing their son, Millie begins to wish her life was more like her filters.

It isn’t until Millie and Bell’s paths cross that the two women begin to realise what they’re missing. Will Bell finally learn to live life for herself? And will Millie see that she needs to start living for the moment and not for the likes?

This heart-warming and funny novel is the perfect balm for the insta-weary mind – get ready to shatter the illusion that is #LivingMyBestLife

Bell never thought she’d be facing her 40th birthday...


Advance Praise

'Fun, heart-warming and real. I loved it!' SARAH MORGAN Sunday Times Bestselling author of One Summer in Paris

'Fun, heart-warming and real. I loved it!' SARAH MORGAN Sunday Times Bestselling author of One Summer in Paris


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781471181511
PRICE CA$32.00 (CAD)

Average rating from 32 members


Featured Reviews

This is a fantastic debut novel! I adored the way Claire grew the characters and the world she created with them. As someone who has experience in the 'influencer' world, she got that aspect spot on! I felt as if I at a blogger party when she described it. I can't wait for more from Claire as she has a fresh writing style and I love her blending social media with the real world.

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I absolutely loved this book! I thought the two main characters where absolutely fantastic, they both have completely different lives, but when they meet they really help each other and you can tell how much stronger they have both become from their friendship. I really just wanted everything to work out for these ladies as they both seem like the kindest people.
I also liked how modern and fresh this book was, the Instagram posts etc really just made this book as most people will be able to relate.
Looking forward to reading more from this author!

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This book was an absolute joy to read from start to finish! I'm actually sad that I've finished it as it just uplifted me so much. Based around two main characters, Bell and Millie, this book is a fresh and current voice that looks at life for women in the 21st century. The perils of online dating, single parenthood, trying to juggle work and families/relationships. But it doesn't shy away from more complex subjects such as bullying, mum guilt, and post natal depression, all of which are handled sensitively and responsibly. But what I loved the most about this book was the strength of the friendships we saw between the characters. Suze who is Bell's best friend always builds her up and has her back, "You're a smart, funny and super strong woman...I am always here for you". Bell embarks on a voyage of self-discovery following a break up and circumstances lead to her meeting Millie, an Instagram influencer who is posting 'her best life' which as we all know, is less glossy behind the photos posted on Insta. Together Bell and Millie find that by living an authentic life, they do actually begin to lead their best life. As Bell pursues her dream of learning more about photography by taking an evening class at her local community centre, she also learns the value of community, and when all the characters come together in the final chapters, I adored how they all supported one another. There is usually some rivalry or suspicion when old friends meet new friends, but in this lovely book, it was refreshingly absent. The message I took from this book, is that women supporting women can change lives. Please read this book if you want to feel uplifted. It is pure joy to read.

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I loved this book. I'm just sorry I've finished it. Liked having the two perspectives, Bell and Millie being different ages. I also liked the thought-provoking commentary on social media, and in particular, Instagram.

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I loved this book! The 2 main characters were really engaging, very well developed, very well written.
It's a lovely story of friendship, very positive. It was also very up to date with social media aspect, very relatable.
I loved the engaging writing, very vivid language. I will definitely watch out for Claire Frost's new books.

Thanks a lot Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Living My Best Li(f)e tells the story of Millie and Bell. Bell is nearly 40 and has just split up her with husband. She is such a warm friendly character and is totally someone I'd want to be friends with. Her new found love of photography allows her to meet Ben, who I was rooting for the moment we met him. Millie, who is a Mum to 5 year old Wolf, shares her life on instagram, posting perfect pictures of her wonderful life, but the use of filters and inspirational quotes show a picture slightly different to reality.

I loved this book instantly. I warmed to Mille and Bell immediately and loved the underlying themes of friendship, community and love. I would never have known this was Claire's debut novel! I can't wait to read whatever she writes next!

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