Book Review: Free by Meg Keneally

 Free

by

Meg Keneally

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th April 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Free

I have a great love for Australian colonial stories that include determination, everyday struggles and the love that develops for this new country and Meg Keneally showcases all of these elements to perfection in Free. 

Keneally uses Mary Reibey as her inspiration for the character of Molly Darrow later to become Molly Thistle who had a key role in her previous book The Wreck. 

I remember when I read The Wreck I wanted to know more about Molly Thistle and here it is.

We learn how Molly came to be in Australia. From stealing a horse and escaping the gallows to being transported to Australia. Molly shows a tenacity to not let others determine her fate. If there is something she can do to turn the tables in her favour she is not scared to take the reins and head into the unknown.

Meg Keneally gives an adequate portrayal of life in Australia however doesn't over emphasise the cruelty, murder and beatings of convicts preferring to concentrate on the achievements made by Molly and her husband despite the many setbacks they encountered.

I was totally captivated by this story of courage, determination and sheer hard work that sees a young convict girl rise above the discrimination and setbacks to forge a life for herself and her family.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My review of THE WRECK by Meg Keneally

 

 

Book Review: Downstream by Annika Johansson

 Downstream

by

Annika Johansson

What do you do when your great Australian dream gets washed away?

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Downstream

Inspired by the Lismore floods of 2022 Annika Johansson has written a compassionate and heartfelt story about losing everything, getting out of your comfort zone and finding new meanings to life.

 

Rob and Sal have lost their home, car and every possession in the Lismore floods. People everywhere are looking for accommodation and after sleeping on couches of family for weeks they finally land a unit in Ballina, only to find out it's been double leased. The two couples decide to share the two bedroom one bathroom unit.

 

The story is narrated in the first person by Rob and we could really see how far out of his comfort zone he was living with the other couple who, although around the same age, were much more outgoing and relaxed about life.

At the beginning of the book we are led to think Sal is anxious and somewhat of an introvert however it is soon obvious that Rob is projecting his anxiety on to Sal and in the presence of the other couple she shows her true self; warm and spontaneous. 

 

Annika Johansson includes fact in amongst this fictional tale and it is this, that makes the story come alive on the page. We know hundreds of people did lose everything in the floods and had to fight for compensation.

 

I quite often wondered if Rob and Sal's marriage would survive under the pressure as there were many dark moments as losing everything threatens Rob's sense of self. However, Johansson adds humour through two vastly different couples thrust together and forced to live, get along and struggle through insurance delays and government red tape whilst also living in extremely close proximity. 

 

Downstream is a heartfelt story and an ode to the strength and resilience of humankind. I found this a pleasant, light read with likeable characters, perfect imagery and plenty of humour.

 

Congratulations Annika on a fabulous debut. I'm excited to see what you come up with next!

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Book Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey by Julie Bennett

 The Lost Letters of Rose Carey

by

Julie Bennett

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: uncorrected proof from publisher

 

Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey was inspired by the life of vaudeville star, swimmer and actress Annette Kellerman.

 

Narrated through the dual timeline of Rose in 1923 and Emma in 2024. 

 

In 1923 Rose is going through a hard time financially and she needs to reinvent herself. She has an amazing new act that will put her in the spotlight again. However tragedy strikes and she starts to question everyone close to her not knowing who she can trust.

I absolutely loved Rose's story! She was such a strong inspirational woman. Many of Annette Kellerman's achievements are mentioned throughout the story which had me looking for more information on the internet. Her life was fascinating and beautifully portrayed through the character of Rose.

In 2024, Emma and her wife Lauren are struggling with failed IVF attempts and the pressure it is putting on their marriage. Emma finds some old film canisters and letters and is soon pulled into researching the life of Rose Carey. I wasn't so captivated with Emma's story and couldn't see the parallels between her and Rose's lives.

I would have been quite happy to read a whole book on Rose Carey alone.

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is a fascinating story of love and betrayal. The book moves along at a fast pace through passion, heartache, mystery and unexpected twists.

I loved the final connection to women and fitness, to love, celebrate and look  after their bodies.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Julie Bennett's debut novel:

THE UNDERSTUDY

 

Book Review: Family Trust by Peter Wilson

 Family Trust

by

Peter Wilson

A trust fund to die for...

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 26th April 2024

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 222

RRP: $4.58AU (Kindle Ebook) 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Family Trust

Family Trust by Peter Wilson is a highly entertaining and engaging crime thriller with themes of wealth and corruption. Wilson takes his readers into the murky world of money, privilege and power.

 

The story is told through multiple timelines covering three generations.

In the 1960's financial lawyer Henry Taylor was employed to set up a trust fund owned by good friends William Harris and Edward Griffon, two of the wealthiest men in Australia.

 

Present time is Harris & Griffon's grandchildren, Mel, David & Rachel. They have all had tumultuous childhoods and Mel believes someone is trying to kill her.

Family Trust is a story about greed, wealth and betrayal. I didn't know who or what to believe as twist after twist is revealed. I found the majority of characters to be very unlikeable as greed takes over from good manners and honesty.

 

Det Senior Constable Kirsty Campbell is introduced to the story as she investigates the murder of a male sex worker with strong links to the Harris family. I would love to see Kirsty Campbell as the main character in a series of her own.

Wilson adds moments of  humour amongst the tension and mayhem.

 

Fans of crime fiction will love this story of money, murder and manipulation. It will have you second guessing all the way through.

 

my rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Available now in eBook on Amazon.

Book Review: The One That Got Away by Karly Lane

 The One That Got Away

by

Karly Lane

Twenty years ago, Alex ran. As far and as fast as she could.

But to return is her only escape.....

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Contemporary fiction / rural romance

Pages: 339

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The One That Got Away

Karly Lane's stories just keep getting better and better!

 

With The One That Got Away Karly Lane has delivered another heartfelt, small town, romance story that is sure to garner rave reviews. 

Alex leaves the small coastal town of Rockne Heads. a fictional town on the NSW North Coast, vowing never to return. However when she decides to buy and settle in the English countryside she must return to Australia, and Rocky, to go through her father's belongings and sell the family home.

Sullivan (Sully) has lived in Rockne Heads all his life. He has taken over the family fishing business and built it up to the successful company it is today.

He never expected to see Alex Kelly again after she left Rocky without even a goodbye. When he bumps into her on the street all the emotions are back and he is not going to let her go again without a fight.

I loved everything about this second chance romance story. There is a deep mystery running through the story about something that happened when the characters were teens. An event that tore the whole town apart and turned them against one of their own.

Lots of flashbacks slowly fill the reader in, keeping me totally glued to the pages.

This is a slow burn romance with just enough angst to keep me wondering if our main characters will end up together. 

Karly has included some heavy topics around teenagers and the mistakes they make. 

In The One That Got Away Karly Lane astutely explores the complexity of small town living.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other books I've reviewed by Karly Lane:

FOOL ME ONCE

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

MR RIGHT NOW

ONCE BURNT,TWICE SHY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

TAKE ME HOME

TIME AFTER TIME 

THE WRONG CALLAHAN