The Beautiful People

By: Michelle Gable

Narrated by: Eleanor Caudill

Set against the glamorous 1960s Jet Set—a failed debutante's new job as assistant to society photographer Slim Aarons takes her into Palm Beach’s inner circle, and into a beguiling friendship with the star at its center, fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer

“This glittering novel shines as brightly as its heroine. A true delight.”—Nicola Harrison, author of Hotel Laguna

Washington Post Best Book of April * PureWow Best Book of Summer * Woman's World Best Book of the Week

It’s 1961, and for Margo Hightower, everything is about to change. True, her engagement is off, her family has fallen in scandal, and she's completely broke. But she’s just been hired as assistant to photographer Slim Aarons—famous for his vibrant pictures of high society, royalty, and Hollywood stars—and she knows this opportunity is her ticket to something better.

From the bright beaches of Acapulco to glitzy parties in New York, Margo is thrown headfirst into the glamorous jet-set world she so covets, observing its ways from behind the camera as Slim’s sidekick. There’s Jackie Kennedy, Truman Capote's Swans, a host of Vanderbilts. Beautiful people in beautiful places.

But when they land in Palm Beach, a scene with few rules and many riches, the lines between work and play begin to blur. As Margo becomes swept up in the city’s social circle—and into a friendship with heiress and rising fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer—the golden life seems increasingly in reach. Until she finds herself entangled in a complicated web of loyalties and secrets that could bring it all crashing down…

Don't miss Michelle Gable's other riveting novels:

• The Bookseller's Secret
• The Lipstick Bureau

©2024 Michelle Gable (P)2024 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Wonderful book

This book follows the beautiful people very accurately while adding an element of fiction. The book is entertaining and cinematic.
I truly loved the story telling about these bigger than life real people.

Very good!

Interesting characters, great storyline! Fascinating backstory to many of the lovely photos of the “good life” we’ve all seen and the Lilly Pulitzer dresses we’ve all admired. Narration was good. Enjoyed author’s introduction at the beginning of the story and her notes at the end.

Love this book!

I love the way the author has spent a lot of time going into detail about the characters and their motivations and lives. She has definitely done her homework for this book. So awesome. It kept me entertained and engaged. Thank you Michelle for another amazing book!

This was pure escapism in the glitzy world of Palm Beach Society in the 1960’s

The Beautiful People was a finely crafted historical fiction that took place in Palm Beach from the viewpoint of the photographer’s assistant to famous photographer Slim Aarons. You will meet Lily and Pete Pulitzer, the Vanderbilts,the Kennedys and more. You will have a front row seat to the glitzy parties with tanned, lean aristocracy of Palm Beach in the 1960’s,You will feel as if you are sitting in a deck chair watching all the fun and yes,drama .

You will learn how “The Lily” was created by Lily Pulitzer. It was a straight,knee length shift available in splashy,tropical colors. She had her customers promise they would not wear underwear with this dress by having them sign a statement! “Lily” dresses are even being sold today by two gentlemen who bought the rights to the style and the resurgence.I highly recommend this book!

Not bad

I enjoyed being taken back in time. However, I would have loved to hear more about Susie Zuzek, rather than Lilly Pulitzer. The latter was credited with Ms. Zuzek's fabric designs. Ironically, Zuzek's story is more compelling than Pulitzer's.

For the most part, this book is an entertaining listen. It's not something that will stay with you but there is half-decent character development (lots of transactional relationships). In addition, it was great to learn about Slim Aarons, look into his art, and after further research, Zuzek.