A FORMER Jersey Evening Post journalist has secured her second publishing deal and is gearing up to release what she hopes will be “the must-read book of the summer”.
Kelly Frost’s second novel The Racing Line, will be published in hardback by Atlantic Books on 4 June.
The feminist historical novel charts the rise of a young woman determined to break into the male-dominated world of mid-20th century motor racing.
The 26-year-old author, who left Jersey last year to pursue writing full-time in London, explained that she had been driven to write the story long before her debut novel, The Kings Head, even reached readers.
“I wrote The Racing Line before The Kings Head was even published, because it was a book that I was impatient to read,” said Miss Frost.
“Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about motorsports and Formula One – and in particular, tackling the lack of female representation in these disciplines.”
Set in 1945, the novel follows Winifred ‘Freddy’ Vaux, who refuses to accept that the end of the Second World War should also mean the end of her time behind the wheel.
From country lanes to Europe’s most glamorous tracks, Freddy’s ambition propels her into a conservative racing world where many anticipate her fall.
Miss Frost explained that the novel’s heroine was inspired by real-life female racing pioneers – including Lella Lombardi, Rosemary Smith and Maria Teresa de Filippis.
The Racing Line follows the success of Miss Frost’s debut novel, which was named historical fiction book of the month by The Sunday Times.
“I’m so excited that The Racing Line has found a home with Atlantic, who ensured that my debut had such a successful release,” she said.
“This second novel feels like a huge step forwards in my career as an author. We’re hoping to build on the fantastic review coverage for The Kings Head and make this the must-read book of the summer.”
