‘If you’re in need of frank and funny novel that is also a take-down of the rubbish social media can fill our heads (and our hearts) with, then Claire Frost’s debut is for you. Written with verve and a real sense of generosity for her characters, this is the perfect escapist read and antidote to our somewhat grim times' STYLIST
This life-affirming and hilarious novel is the perfect balm for the Insta-weary mind – get ready to shatter the illusion that is #LivingMyBestLife
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. Haunted by #blessed on social media, she can’t help but compare her life to those she follows online, wondering where she is going wrong . . .
In the world of social media, Millie is the successful online influencer @mi_bestlife. But in real life she’s just a regular single mum trying to make ends meet, while fending off the younger competition and tenacious internet trolls. Her Instagram feed is far more #BestLie than #BestLife, and soon Millie begins to wish her life was more like her filters.
It isn’t until Bell and Millie’s paths cross that they begin to realise what they’re both missing. Can Millie prove to Bell that life online isn’t always what it appears to be? And in return, can Millie learn that she needs to start living for the moment and not for the likes?
'Frank, funny and fearless in her observations on friendship and the lies we tell ourselves and each other, Claire Frost is a new voice to watch' STACEY HALLS
'Fun, heart-warming and real. I loved it!' SARAH MORGAN
'Living My Best Life is fun, fresh and full of heart, with a lead character you’ll cheer for' MIRANDA DICKINSON
'In this funny, heartfelt portrait of friendship and community, Claire Frost has some sharp things to say about the dangers of perfectionism in our Instagram age. A hugely enjoyable debut – I raced through it' LOUISE CANDLISH
‘Funny, charming and heart-warming’ ROSIE WALSH
'A fun, fresh debut that manages to be both quirky and deep as it portrays today's obsession with social media' MILLY JOHNSON
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copy of this book via netgalley. I have seen Claire host a Fabulous event a few years ago so the name was already familiar to me. I also heard an extract at the Spring Blogger Event hosted by Books and the City earlier this year. Sadly my schedule has been full to the brim so I have only just managed to fit in some time to read it.
The premise of this story is very interesting. We all know that we shouldn't believe everything we see or read online but we can also easily get sucked into the glossy photos that we see on social media.
The story follows two women Bell and Millie. Bell is a 39-year-old woman who recently got dumped by her boyfriend of 10 years and Millie is mum to little 5-year-old Wolfie. Millie is a social influencer, while she has a lot of followers she doesn't really have any friends. When these two bump into each other they soon become fast friends.
This is a heartwarming story. It has so many important themes running through it. This story deals with postnatal depression, loneliness, bullying and heartbreak. The story had a shaky start and I wasn't sure about it but the story quickly progressed and I soon fell in love with all the characters. I'm not ashamed to admit I had a tear or two running down my face on more than one occasion.
This was a great debut and I can't wait to see what Claire brings us in the future. I can see so much potential from Claire, I am really looking forward to seeing her grow and blossom into an excellent author.
