Nobody's Perfect: 'Beautifully written' Katie Fforde

Description

'Beautifully written . . . this illustrates that you don't need to be perfect to be good enough' - Katie Fforde, author of A Wedding in the Country When her daughter was born with cystic fibrosis, Kate Micklethwaite vowed that Daisy would never be defined by her health issues. Kate is determined that her perfect little girl will be known for her love of butterflies, croissants and bouncing on trampolines, not for her condition. Kate does all she can to be the perfect mother - whatever that means - and yet, somehow, has started seeing herself the way others see her: single parent, source of small-town scandal, drop-out, former mistress. Half a family. When Daisy starts school, Kate meets her new teacher, the kind and charming Mr Spencer Swanson. Now, with more time on her hands Kate can finally start thinking about her own future. With her Open University dissertation deadline looming, Kate needs to decide what she wants next. But as she and Spencer get to know each other, Kate notices that people are whispering behind her back once more . . .

Stephanie Butland lives near the sea in the North East of England. She writes in a studio at the bottom of her garden. Researching her novels has turned her into an occasional performance poet and tango dancer.

'Beautifully written and thought-provoking, this illustrates that you don't need to be perfect to be good enough' - Katie Fforde 'This wonderful novel was a pleasure to read. I think many, many readers will find themselves in Kate, and identify with the sacrifices and compromises she has to make. And so many will identify with her urgent sense of the road not taken. There's a piercing authenticity here about what it means to have a child with a chronic illness - beautifully and sensitively handled.' - Shelley Harris 'A lovely story of inner strength, fierce love and knowing your worth. I learned so much and felt deeply for Kate every step of the way' - Jessica Ryn 'Nobody's Perfect showcases just why readers come back to Stephanie Butland's novels time and again. Her characters are so clearly drawn that you become really invested in their lives. The novel is packed with insightful detail, and balances a serious topic with moments of levity. Fans of Stephanie's, and those discovering her for the first time through this novel, are all in for such a treat' - Sarah Franklin 'Stephanie writes beautifully, with great warmth and sensitivity. Her novels are uplifting, thought-provoking, and always worth reading' - Carys Bray