Showing posts with label Contemporary Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary Fiction. Show all posts

Friday 8 March 2024

Book Review: Would You Ask My Husband That? by Kathleen Whyman

 Would You Ask My Husband That?

by

Kathleen Whyman

She's Wearing the pants in the family ...... and washing everyone else's too.
 
Publisher: Echo Publishing
Publication date: 27th February 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 400
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Would You Ask My Husband That?

Would You Ask My Husband That? is a humorous and sharp look at the load a working mother and wife carries. 
 
Sarah works full-time and does all the childcare arrangements, cooking, cleaning and household chores. When her husband, Will is let go sacked, Sarah gets his Directors job. This means longer hours and more travel, just like Will used to do. How hard can it be with Will home full time on 'gardening leave' to look after  the children and do the housework.
 
Would You Ask My Husband That? is hilarious!  Whyman has created a 2000's woman and married her to a 70's male. Surely men aren't still like Will!
 
A host of unlikable and selfish characters had me cringing at times. However the story was highly engaging and loads of fun. I couldn't put it down! I raced to the end to find out when Sarah would finally see she was being undermined at every turn. 
 
Even though the plot is very predictable, the insanely funny situations the characters find themselves in (usually of their own making) make the book an easy read. Don't take any of it too seriously and you will enjoy this tale of corporate climbing and people that want it all whilst others clean up around them.
 
I loved the Friday Fizz Club, so funny! Where was that when I was a SAHM!
 
4 stars from me. Would be 5 stars if it wasn't so predictable.
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐

 


Book Review: The Accident by Fiona Lowe

The Accident

by

Fiona Lowe

She thought their life was perfect.  She was wrong.
 
Publication date: 6th March 2024
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Pages: 480
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: The Accident

Trying my best at a spoiler free review here as it's best to go into this story with a limited idea of what unfolds. 
 
I was pulled into the story right from the prologue. The Accident opens with a tragic car accident but the reader is left in the dark as to who is in the accident and the details.
What ensues is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story rich in female-centric and emotive issues such as; posthumous IVF, women's choice to have, or not to have children, the many ways childless women are judged and child neglect.
 
Freya & Ryan and Hannah & Jamie are the best of friends however when one of them dies those left behind start questioning their own lives and each other. Lies and secrets surface and all their lives are irrevocably changed.
 
The Accident is a page-turning and thought-provoking story. Fiona Lowe thrusts her characters into moral dilemmas. The plot had me on a roller-coaster of emotions, tears, anger, a what would I do moment and delight. 
 
The Accident is a taut and absorbing mystery that is sure to be a huge hit with Fiona Lowe's fans and also with readers who enjoy Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth. 
 
My rating 4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Saturday 17 February 2024

Book Review: Snowy Mountains Dawn by Alissa Callen

 Snowy Mountains Dawn

by

Alissa Callen

Publication date: 31st January 2024
Series: Bundilla #4
Genre: Contemporary / Rural Romance
Pages: 368  
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: Gift from author
 

Review: Snowy Mountains Dawn

Firstly I would like to thank Alissa Callen for sending me a copy of Snowy Mountains Dawn. She is not only a fabulous author, she is also a kind and generous person.
 
I loved being back in Bundilla and was so excited for Brenna's story! Brenna and Taite are twins and we know from previous books that they both held old hurts from their past but each kept them closed not wanting to upset the other.
 
Now that Taite is with Hettie it's Brenna's turn to open up and find love but it's not an easy road. City boy Wyatt is definitely not her type, he doesn't tick any of her boxes, and Wyatt has demons of his own to work through.
 
There is lots of angst between our main characters in this story but lucky they have Bundy, the matchmaking kelpie, the town's own quilting society, who know exactly who should be with who, and even Taite giving them both the push to sort through their problems and realise they are perfect for each other.
 
It's not all angsty romance, Snowy Mountains Dawn has captivating rural scenes via treks through the mountains, communities working together to re-home injured horses plus the discovery of hidden letters opens up a centuries old mystery. Alissa has also included some deeper themes but to mention them would be a spoiler. There is also lots of fun with the quilting ladies delivering baked goods, heart shaped cookies and even baby booties to Wyatt.
 
I loved the mentions of characters from previous Bundilla novels. Characters I have grown to love over the whole series and I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to say goodbye to Bundilla.
 
Snowy Mountains Dawn is a heartwarming story of facing your fears and opening your heart to love.
 
My rating 5/ 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
 
Previous books in the series:
 

 
 
 


Wednesday 14 February 2024

Book Review: Someone Else's Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews

 Someone Else's Bucket List

by

Amy T. Matthews

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: 31st January 2024
Genre: Contemporary / Romance
Pages: 390
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Someone Else's Bucket List

It's no secret I love a heart-wrenching read and Someone Else's Bucket List ticks all the boxes.
However, Amy T. Matthews doesn't simply break her reader's heart she has added lots of humour, adventure, arm-chair travel and even a touch of romance.
 
Jodie Boyd is shy and anxious, she has never been one to follow her dreams. Her sister Bree is an adventurous, globe-trotting, hugely successful Instagram influencer.  Jodie loves and admires her sister but she could never put herself out there like Bree does. Bree's untimely death leaves the family not only devastated but facing financial ruin with huge medical bills to pay.
Then a prescheduled post pops up on Bree's Instagram challenging Jodie to finish the last six items on Bree's bucket list. If she finishes them a sponsor will pay off the family's debts, with one condition, it all needs to posted to Instagram.
 
I loved how Matthews conveyed Jodie's terror at not only having to preform these very public acts but also having it all broadcast across Bree's Instagram, watched by over a million followers.
Every character in this story was so well portrayed, each playing an important role in Jodie's growth.
 
It was so much fun to follow Jodie as she checked items off the list, mostly freaking out about everything but pushing through and discovering a more assertive side of herself. Her character growth was slow to evolve which made it all the more believable.
I loved following all the # teams for who Jodie may have as a love interest - so much fun! 
 
Someone Else's Bucket List is a beautiful, heart-wrenching and fun read about grief, hope, love and courage. It's about believing in yourself and going after your dreams. 
 
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
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Sunday 21 January 2024

Book Review: Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum

 Her Time to Shine

by

Fiona McCallum

It's never too late to find your true self.

Publication date: 30th March 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/ *Up Lit 
Pages: 432
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
*Up Lit: stories filled with kindness, optimism and heart
 

Review: Her Time to Shine

Her Time to Shine follows straight on from Trick of the Light. The story opens with Erica now living in the small country town of Melrose. She is about to start a new job in a funeral home. Erica is still somewhat amazed at the turn of events in her life as she approaches fifty.
 
Trick of the Light was my favourite Fiona McCallum book to date and Her Time to Shine is a fabulous follow up novel.
McCallum includes enough backstory to bring new readers up to date. I was already endeared to Erica from the previous book and within a few pages I felt the same about Walter, owner of the funeral home.
 
With the main setting being a funeral home there is a theme of death and loss, and McCallum delivers this with compassion.
 
I raced through this book! All the characters were likeable, interesting people. There is also a bit of a mystery running through the story with Erica having flashbacks of repressed memories.
 
Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming story about new friendships, facing your fears, taking new opportunities in life and never giving up on your dreams.
 
I highly recommend this uplifting read for anyone who likes characters that will make you smile and a story that is all wrapped up nicely at the end. Although not entirely necessary, I would suggest reading Trick of the Light first. You will love it too!
 
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
my review of Trick of the Light

Saturday 6 January 2024

Book Review: Christmas by Candlelight by Karen Swan

 Christmas by Candlelight

by

Karen Swan

Snowed in for the holidays ....

Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication date: 17th October 2023
Genre:Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 416
Source: Own purchase
 

Review: Christmas by Candlelight  

I'm a great fan of Karen Swan and I especially look forward to her Christmas themed book each year.
Christmas by Candlelight is a dual timeline narration, alternating between 2014 and 2023.
 
2014 - features a group of six, 21 year-old, house-share uni students. There is lots of drinking, partying and hooking up. There is unrequited love within the group and a tragic event for one of the girls. The main character Libby is not so much a party girl. She is more into studying and takes her degree seriously.
 
2023 - Libby finally agrees to a Christmas dinner party with the group after avoiding them for the previous nine years and old frictions within the group resurface.
 
I found it very hard to connect with the characters for the first half of the book. They all felt a bit bland and the story was very slow going. By the second half I had more of a feel for the dynamics and the tension ramped up as the group were snowed in, cut off from the outside world, with no power.
 
There were a couple of twists toward the end that I didn't see coming but overall this was just an okay read for me. I found the story was geared toward a younger 'than me' age group with influencers, drunken parties and hook-ups. Even though I was a little disappointed I am still eagerly looking forward to Karen Swan's next Christmas novel.
 
my rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐ 
 
Other Karen Swan Christmas novels I've reviewed:
 
 

Tuesday 12 December 2023

Book Review: For Once in My Life by Karly Lane

 For Once in My Life

by

Karly Lane

Sometimes love can show up in the most unexpected places
 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 28th November 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 363
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

 Review: For Once in My Life

For Once in My Life is another huge success from author Karly Lane.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this story!

The main character, Jenny, is easy to warm to. Jenny is turning fifty and after a very hectic two years, post divorce, getting her life back on track she is ready to relax a little. However her three grown daughters, who have all returned home after differing life events, decide mum needs to have some fun, maybe even find love again. The girls secretly set up a dating profile for their mum and start chatting and setting up dates with potential love interests.
We follow Jenny on her dates, all at the local pub, most are a disaster and she is a little embarrassed and a little annoyed that the cute barman seems to be taking it all in.

Jenny is such a lovely person and wonderful mum and grandmother. She was so patient with her daughters' antics. There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the story and most are at Jenny's expense but she comes across as the sort of person who would be mortified one minute and laughing along the next.

As with all Karly's books, between the humour and flirting, there are many pertinent themes explored, such as; reviving small country towns, restaurants sourcing local food, small-town gossip, age gap relationships and life after divorce.

For Once in My Life (honestly, I can't get that Stevie Wonder song out of my head) is engaging and fun, a feel good story not to be missed.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I have giveaways coming soon - stay tuned!
 

Thursday 30 November 2023

Book Review: Deep in the Forest by Erina Reddan

Deep in the Forest

by

Erina Reddan

What lies behind the walls of the Sanctuary? 
 
Publisher: Pantera Press
Publication date: 28th November 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 296
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via DMCPRMedia
 

Review: Deep in the Forest

Deep in the Forest by Erina Reddan is a fascinating story rich in secrets, lies and betrayal. Filled  with simmering menace it has me hooked from start to finish.

Town pariah Charli Trethan is fed up with being blamed for a crime she didn't commit and plans to leave Stone Lake for a new life overseas.
A gruesome discovery just a few weeks before she is due to leave sees her under police scrutiny again. Then Charli finds a hidden message, a cry for help, from someone within the nearby closed community called The Sanctuary. 

Narrated in first person by Charli who has bouts of depression, I found myself questioning her actions and reasoning. Erina Reddan had me reeling back and forward with who could be trusted and what the truth was.

Reddan digs deep into communal living and exactly how voluntary joining a cult is when they prey on the vulnerable.

Deep in the Forest starts out at a slow pace as the scene is set but as the story twists and turns and the suspense ramps up it had me questioning what I thought was true right up to the adrenaline fuelled ending.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Friday 20 October 2023

Book Review: Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy

 Loving Lizzie March

by

Susannah Hardy

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Publication date: 29th June 2021
Genre: Rom-Com
Pages: 368
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Loving Lizzie March

I absolutely loved Lizzie March! She was such a ditz and a lot crazy.
Lizzie is desperate to find 'the one' but she always focuses on the wrong guys and rushes in to one night stands then goes all stalkerish calling them and following them.
 
Lizzie is all brazen and out-going on the outside but underneath she lacks self-confidence.
Her life goes from bad to worse before she gets a wake-up call from best friend Clem. Lizzie did make a terrible best friend, everything was always about her, and I was so glad when Clem finally stood up to her.

It was easy to feel empathy for Lizzie. She followed the old adage - know your dream and go for it - instead of just letting life happen she kept pushing for that perfect relationship.

Loving Lizzie March is a lighthearted rom-com that had me laughing quite often throughout the novel. I was glued to the pages wanting to know how Lizzie would turn her life around.
I enjoyed the character development of Lizzie and Clem's dedication to their friendship. It was clearly hard work for her but she was a true friend.

If you are after a story with a great balance of laughs, heartache and romance grab a copy of Loving Lizzie March and settle in for an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
Trigger warning (spoiler ahead)
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Miscarriage

About the author

Originally an actor, Susannah Hardy completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of NSW before running away to study acting in Paris. Back in Australia, her work has involved anything from film and television roles to being one of two singing/rollerblading Carmen Mirandas, Tutti & Frutti, and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel. During this time, Susannah discovered a passion for writing, and fourteen years ago, started working freelance, creating feature articles and copy for print and online publications. However, in between writing on parenting and home interiors, Susannah pursued her love of women's contemporary fiction, and now enjoys creating stories about the more comic side of life and love.

Susannah lives in Sydney's inner west with her husband, two young daughters and recently acquired puppy.

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:
 
 

 

Friday 15 September 2023

Book Review: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay by Susan Duncan

 Sleepless in Stringybark Bay

by

Susan Duncan

Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 29th August 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Cosy Mystery
Pages: 389
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay

Sleepless in Stringybark Bay was such a pleasure to read! The characters' colloquial Australian language did take a little getting used to but once I settled into the style I could appreciate it being perfect for the narrative.
 
In Sleepless in Stringybark Bay we revisit the offshore community of Cook's basin and the eclectic group of characters that were first featured in The Briny Cafe.
 
Interest is aroused when a group  of retirees move into the bay calling their newly renovated residence GeriEcstasy. When one of the group is found dead a few days after moving in the police pass it off as an accident. However, former journalist Kate feels it's much more and is certain there is a story behind the group moving to The Bay, isolated from society.

At the heart of this endearing story is a close-knit community that is genuine, wholehearted and takes pride in taking care of its own.
I haven't read The Briny Cafe but I immediately loved every character in this engaging story full of heart and humour.
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay features a captivating mystery, a life threatening storm, a bush birth, a picturesque setting and a quirky community of lovable characters. 
 
My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Susan Duncan took up a cadetship on the Melbourne Sun which led to a 25-year career spanning radio, newspapers and magazines. She quit journalism after her husband and brother died within three days of each other and eventually wrote the best-selling memoir Salvation Creek. Later branching into fiction, she wrote about good communities creating a sense of belonging and leading to contentment.
Susan now alternates between boats on Pittwater and raising cattle at Wherrol Flat with her second husband Bob, writing occasionally for The Australian Women's Weekly.


Tuesday 5 September 2023

Book Review: Jillaroo from Jacaranda by Mandy Magro

 Jillaroo from Jacaranda

by

Mandy Magro

Falling in love was never part of her plan....

Publisher: Harlequin Australia 
Imprint: HQ
Publication date: 5th October 2022
Genre: Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 320
RRP: $29.99AU (paperback) 
Source: courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Jillaroo from Jacaranda 

Jillaroo from Jacaranda is a delightful slow-burn romance read.

Whilst trying to come to terms with her beloved great-grandmother's death Rose's fiance breaks up with her. Rose is heartbroken but could see they had different ideas of what their future would be.

Moving back home to Jacaranda Farm Rose decides to concentrate on her writing and her riding school business to give herself time to heal. A chance meeting with bull-rider Ty Parker gives her the opportunity to stay on his cattle station to write and reflect.

I loved Ty and Rose's banter, it was fun and flirty. Their slow-burn romance came across as natural. Ty had demons of his own and an ex-wife to deal with so neither of them were after a relationship.

I did feel like I had missed something whilst I was reading as there was no backstory and I had a lot of unanswered questions as I hadn't read Jacaranda, which was the first story about the Jones family.

I did find Rose flighty, saying one thing and doing another. This story was a bit too mushy for me and I would have preferred the prologue to be left off because it contradicted everything Rose believed in.

Overall I enjoyed the story and Magro's descriptions of bull-riding and life in rural Australia. I am planning to read the first book, Jacaranda, and have some of my questions answered. I think then I will find Jillaroo from Jacaranda will be a lot more enjoyable.

my rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Mandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose, and their adorable toy poodle, Sophie. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman and a romantic at heart, Mandy loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and the wonderful characters who call the country home.

Thursday 31 August 2023

Book Review: The Summer Place by Janette Paul

 The Summer Place

by

Janette Paul

Three women, lives adrift, and a life-changing beach

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Publication date: 26th April 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 384
RRP: $34.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: The Summer Place

The Summer Place is a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story about love, healing and friendship.
 
Told through the perspective of three women, each broken in different ways. I like that Janette Paul portrayed each woman's obstacle with equal importance because for each of them their hurt was equally debilitating.
 
Erin is recovering from a near-fatal accident, holding tight to all her grief and anger. She is constrained by her PTSD and the scars that riddle her body.
Cassie, recently widowed, cannot seem to move on from her grief and regrets. 
Jenna has been secretly in love with Blake for years, and now she has been invited to his wedding.
 
All three women have been invited to a wedding at Hope Head, a place that holds memories, in much happier times, for each of them.
I loved every character in this uplifting story. The three main characters' problems all came across as real and the supporting characters were just that; supportive and honest, edging Erin, Jenna and Cassie to make decisions towards happiness and healing. 
 
The fictitious Australian town of Hope Head on the mid north coast of New South Wales was beautifully described and a fitting location to have an epiphany on life and moving forward.
 
The Summer Place is sentimental and sweet, with HEAs all round, it filled my heart with joy.
 
The Summer Place is the perfect beach read.
 
My rating 5 happy stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
 
About the author
 
Janette Paul is an internationally published author of contemporary women's fiction and romantic comedy, and is the alter ego of award-winning suspense author Jaye Ford. Her first novel won two Davitt Awards for Australian women crime writers and her books have been translated into nine languages. She is a former news and sports journalist, and ran her own public relations consultancy before turning to fiction. She now writes from her home in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Friday 25 August 2023

Book Review: Time After Time by Karly Lane

 Time After Time

by

Karly Lane

Two dreams. One impossible choice.
 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 2nd May 2023
Genre: Rural Romance
Pages: 408
RRP: $29.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Time After Time

It's always such a pleasure to sit down with the latest book from a well loved author and Karly Lane didn't disappoint with Time After Time.
 
Alice Croydon has a knack for fashion design, but to follow this dream she must give up her dream of becoming Finn's wife. Finn doesn't believe there is any chance in a long distance romance. 
Alice has the heartbreaking decision of following her dreams or her heart.

I loved Alice's large, noisy family. Her four siblings, parents and grandparents are all full of love and advice. However I didn't manage to get a solid connection with Alice and would have liked more detail and emotion.
The story jumps over a vast amount of time where there are a few major events in her life however we get no details, only passing mentions.

Even though part of the book is set in the London fashion industry, Karly still manages to impart her passion for the land and the struggles of farmers and small communities. It is this passion that has endeared many readers to her books.

Time After Time moves from a small country town in Australia to the red carpet of London and Karly Lane has woven a story of dreams, fashion, fame and second chances.

Rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Karly Lane lives on the beautiful mid-North Coast of New South Wales, and she is the proud mum of four children and an assortment of four-legged animals.
Before becoming an author, Karly worked as a pathology collector. Now, after surviving three teenage children and with one more to go, she's confident she can add referee, hostage negotiator, law enforcer, peacekeeper, ruiner-of-social-lives, driving instructor and expert-at-silently-counting-to-ten to her resume.
She has published over twenty books with Allen & Unwin.


Sunday 20 August 2023

Book Review: One Good Thing by Alexandra Potter

One Good Thing

by

Alexandra Potter

Publisher: Macmillan Australia
Publication date: 28th April 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 464
Source: Own copy
 

Review: One Good Thing

After finding out her husband of ten years was having an affair Olivia runs away to the quiet country town of her childhood to start afresh. 

One Good Thing is a highly engaging and heartwarming story of starting over, finding that 'one good thing' in your life that keeps you going everyday. That reason to get out of bed and face each new day.

Told through numerous points of view there is bound to be a character everyone will find relatable. I was eager to see how each of the characters would connect with the main character Olivia.
 
 Olivia's world changes when she adopts an old abandoned dog and through him she connects with other people in the community and learns, through Harry, to leave the hurt of the past behind and live for the moment.

Alexandra Potter is a new author to me and after reading One Good Thing I am eager to explore her backlist.

One Good Thing is a story of grief, moving on, getting out of your comfort zone,navigating different relationships, family dynamics and accepting help from others.
I loved the small community of Nettlewick in the Yorkshire Dales and how everyone came together when needed.
Potter effortlessly adds diversity through her characters without any of it coming across as contrived.

Rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
About the author
 
Alexandra Potter is the bestselling author of numerous romantic comedy fiction novels in the UK. Her books have sold in twenty-two territories and achieved worldwide sales of more than one million copies.
Yorkshire born and raised, Alexandra lived for several years in LA before settling in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog.


 
 

Monday 7 August 2023

Book Review: The Connection Game by S. S. Turner

 The Connection Game

by

S. S. Turner

Publisher: The Story Plant
Publication date: 21st March 2023
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 336
Source: Courtesy of the author
 

Review: The Connection Game

I'm not sure what to say about this book. It was one crazy ride and most of it went way over my head.
 
Benny Basilworth was a genius, a trivia whiz and could easily pick connections between random items. He uses this gift to win a large amount of money on a quiz show and then loses it all through online theft (you will have to suspend your disbelief here a little. The guy was a computer genius!)
He and his family move to a basement flat and he spirals into depression, watching the feet of passersby.  
 
This is where the story got weird for me. For months Benny watches shoes passing by his window and names people by the shoes they wear. He starts to concoct a conspiracy theory involving these people. I was completely baffled but I pushed on. It isn't until the end of the story that the reader is told what the whole thing is about. Then, it all made sense.
 
If you love conspiracy theories and madcap characters The Connection Game is the perfect read. I'm afraid it was a little too offbeat for me. 

3 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

SS Turner is the author of Secrets of a River Swimmer, an inspirational and humorous novel about finding the right pathway forward amidst the challenges of modern life. The novel was inspired by his experiences of swimming in the River Tweed when he lived in Scotland.
SS Turner worked in the global fund management sector for many years. But it wasn't for him. In recent years he's been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing. He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, son, one playful dog, two bossy cats, and ten fluffy chickens.
 
 

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Book Review: The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street by Marlish Glorie

 The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street

by

Marlish Glorie

Publisher: Fremantle Press
Publication date: 2nd May 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 304
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Beauty and Lace Book Club
 

My review of The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street

The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street was originally published in 2009 and has been re-released by Fremantle Press with a new, modern updated cover.

The book opens on quite a dramatic scene as Helen has  had enough of her husband's hoarding and living with dead people's belongings, she drags her bed outside and attacks it with an axe.

Helen, hoping to start a new life, eventually leaves her husband and with the help of her long-time neighbour, Astrid, she buys an old rundown bookshop. 

I quite enjoyed this quirky and poignant story about the messiness that is family. Glorie shows how serious hoarding can destroy relationships. Helen and Arnold's two sons had left home to get away from the mess and they very rarely saw them but when they heard their mother had actually left their father, both boys found their way home.

Marlish Glorie's writing is witty and candid. I felt this story was a bit of a tragi-comedy. It's a story of love, loss and grief, of second chances and doing the best you can. I loved the finely nuanced characters, all inexplicably tied to each other. The story is funny at times and at other times quite profound.

I'm a bit of a hoarder myself, not to the extent that Arnold hoards, but I love teacups and teapots. And of course books!

This quote in the book had me in stitches, because this is exactly what I tell my children. 🤣🤣

"One day, all this will be yours. And Vivian's. It's your inheritance. I've been thinking about your future."

 The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street may not be to everyone's liking, but I loved it!

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
About the author
 
Marlish Glorie is a novelist, short story writer, mentor and teacher of creative writing. Her short stories have been published in national anthologies. Marlish lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband. She is currently working on another novel, and also volunteers at Trillion Trees.
 

Thursday 20 July 2023

Book Review: The Unbreakables by Lisa Barr

The Unbreakables

by

Lisa Barr

When your life falls apart.......  create a new one 
 
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing Group
Publication date: 2nd May 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 352
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Unbreakables 

Who could ever forget the big Ashley Madison blow-up! Author Lisa Barr has used this as the inspiration behind her latest novel, The Unbreakables.
Three couples, best friends, all happily married until one couple finds the husband's infidelity splashed  all over the internet.
Sophie is shattered, her perfect life and perfect friendships all collapse in one devastating night. Sophie flees to Paris to be with her teenage daughter and to ponder what she really wants from life.

The Unbreakables is a wonderful story about finding yourself and rebuilding your life. Sophie had spent the last twenty years looking after her husband and daughter, neglecting herself and her own needs. She thought she was happy but when it all fell apart she could see that they were willing to take all of her and give nothing in return.

I loved the backdrop of Paris! If you are going to nurse a broken heart, Paris is the place to do it.
The "finding yourself threesome" may be a bit cliched but there are lots of gems of wisdom dispensed throughout the novel.

Barr highlights how easy it is for women to get lost in wifedom and motherhood, leaving their career, and often their true self is squashed, hidden under their duty to others.

The Unbreakables has all the ingredients of an on screen drama; conflict, setting, pace, drama, gas-lighting and eclectic characters.
I liked that the book was set in parts and each part focused on a portion of Sophie's journey from the betrayal, running away, the release, the awakening to acceptance and closure. 

4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Lisa Barr is the New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire, The Unbreakables and the award-winning historical thriller Fugitive Colours, which won the IPPY gold medal for Best Literary Fiction 2014 and first prize at The Hollywood Film Festival (Opus Magnum Discovery Award).
Lisa served as an editor for The Jerusalem Post, managing editor of Today's Chicago Woman, managing editor of Moment magazine, and as an editor/reporter for Chicago Sun-Times.
In breaking book news: Actress Sharon Stone is set to produce and star in the film adaptation of Woman on Fire.