Monday, 9 October 2023

Book Review: Back on Track by Tricia Stringer

Back on Track 

by

Tricia Stringer

Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: 4th October 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 454
RRP:$32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Back on Track

I always get excited when there is a new Tricia Stringer novel in the offing and Back on Track is every bit as enticing as Tricia's previous contemporary fiction novels.
 
Ketty Clift, owner of Ketty Clift Couture, an upmarket clothing shop in Sydney, is back. If you have read Table for Eight you will know Ketty and her penchant for cruises and helping people.
 
Ketty has decided to try a different style of holiday this year and is treating her whole team to a trip on The Ghan. Things are falling apart at work and she wants her employees to bond both in and out of work.
 
I loved the trip on The Ghan, armchair travel at its finest. And if you've already taken the trip it will bring back many memories.
 
Each of the co-workers have minor life problems to sort through and I enjoyed the way Stringer brought such diverse personalities into the mix and gave them differences to work through. We get to know a few other passengers on the train and a multitude of mysteries run through the plot making it engaging and page-turning worthy.
 
There is, for me, a standout theme of ageism and Ketty addresses this in her usual straightforward style with advice about not taking derogatory remarks from others that diminish your self esteem and also not bringing this on yourself with comments like; 'I'm too old for that' and 'I'm having a seniors moment.'
There are also themes of judging people, trust, friendship and how the seeds of doubt can grow quickly once planted.
 
Hop aboard The Ghan and join Ketty and her crew for a trip through Australia, beautiful scenery and a bit of side drama. There is never a dull moment when Ketty is in charge!
 
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
About the author
 
Tricia Stringer is a bestselling and multiple award-winning author. Her books include Keeping Up Appearances, Birds of a Feather, The Family Inheritance, The Model Wife, Table for Eight, seven rural romances and a historical saga. Tricia grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities, as owner of a post office and bookshop, as a teacher and librarian, and now as a full-time writer. 

Other reviews:
 
 

 

2 comments:

  1. I looked up the Ghan on the web and saw that it's a "legendary train in Australia." Sounds like a grand trip for the group. Not too much walking or sitting.

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    1. I haven’t done the trip but whenever the train stops there are tours and lots of walking. One character actually ends up with feet covered in blisters.

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