Book Review: Twist of Fate by Karly Lane

 Before I add my review of Twist of Fate I will just add the giveaway link again as third time lucky I'm sure it's all okay now. If you didn't get to enter for all the packs you were interested in just fill out the form and enter again. https://forms.gle/SdVozaKVmv2tPNRS8

 

Twist of Fate is yet another brilliant read from Australian author Karly Lane. It is funny, engaging and heartwarming.

 

Bel Buckley is all about positive affirmation and believes all she needs to do to manifest her soul mate is write a list of exactly what she wants in a soulmate and sit back and wait.

 

I sped through Twist of Fate. It is the perfect holiday read. A closed door rural romance with all the feels. 

Karly Lane adeptly writes about rural life and the ups and downs of living in the same small town all your 

life. 

Bel had always dreamed of leaving the small town of Wessex as soon as she could but when her grandmother became ill she decided to stay and care for her. Now she is content to escape through her romance novels where there is always the perfect hero to sweep a girl off her feet. That is until the embodiment of her latest book crush turns up in town to be best man at her cousin's wedding.

Twist of Fate is the un-put-downable story about small-town communities, people banding together in times of need, farming accidents, regenerative farming and taking a chance on love.

Twist of Fate is beautifully written with an authentic rural flavour, natural banter and unforgettable characters making it an absolute delight to read.

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd December 2024

Genre: Rural romance

Pages: 352

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books I've read by Karly Lane.

TAKE ME HOME

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

MR RIGHT NOW 

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

FOOL ME ONCE

ONCE BURNT, TWICE SHY 

TIME AFTER TIME 

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

 

 

Book Review: All I Want for Christmas by Karen Swan

Every year I look forward to Karen Swan's Christmas book and All I Want for Christmas was another 5 star read for me! 

 

Set in the beautiful city of Copenhagen All I Want for Christmas is destination fiction at its finest.

Once I had finished I felt the urge to read it all over again and instead of frantically turning pages invested in the mystery I could lose myself in the stunning location.

 

Darcy is an art history student currently working on her PhD when she is asked by the University to help find the identity of a woman in a portrait recently discovered hidden behind a famous painting.

Darcy is  sworn off dating and is happy to spend Christmas alone, however her best friend, Freja, has other ideas and convinces Darcy to sign up to a dating app.

As Darcy goes on one disastrous date after another she can't help being attracted to lawyer Max Lorensen. He is handsome and arrogant and everything Darcy needs to stay away from.  

The story is set during the lead up to Christmas but All I Want for Christmas is no sweet Christmasy romance. This is a story with a compelling mystery at its core and immersed in the high stakes world of collectible art.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 8th October 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Mystery

Pages: 464

RRP: AU$34.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books I've read by Karen Swan

THE GREEK ESCAPE

THE LAST SUMMER

THE HIDDEN BEACH

THE SPANISH PROMISE 

MIDNIGHT IN THE SNOW 

THE CHRISTMAS POSTCARDS

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

THE SECRET PATH 

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

TOGETHER BY CHRISTMAS 

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

THE STOLEN HOURS 

THE LOST LOVER

 

 

Book Review: Beam of Light by John Kinsella

John Kinsella's Beam of Light is a collection of 29 short stories emphasising his unique voice and writing style. Little vignettes of life, a snapshot in time.

Beam of Light has a subtle theme of fitting in and belonging. Most of the stories are set in country areas where poverty, isolation and drugs are at the forefront. Kinsella highlights pivotal moments in his characters' lives, a turning point or awakening.

 

I feel it can be very hard to achieve any character development in such few pages, however Kinsella has managed to accomplish a reader to character connection in many of his stories. I felt a real empathy for them as most were unsettled, nuanced characters facing dysfunctional relationships, environmental issues and feeling of disconnect.

 

Some stories went over my head, others made me laugh and some were heart-wrenching. I found there to be a great mix for any reader and if I didn't connect with one story it was only a few pages until the next one. That's the joy of short stories!

 

John Kinsella has written stories that will move, fascinate and delight you. Beam of Light is a great introduction to newcomers to his work.

 

My rating 4.2 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (averaged over 29 stories)

 

Publisher: Transit Lounge

Publication date: 1st September 2024

Genre: Short Stories / Literary Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

Book Review: Look at Me by Mareike Krügel

 I read Look at Me by Mareike Krügel for the Dymocks Reading Challenge prompt: a translated book. Originally published in German and impeccably translated into English by Imogen Taylor, I felt it still lost some of the humour in the translation.

 

Kat has an old friend coming to visit but first she needs to get through the day alone, again, as her husband is away with  work.

Look at Me plays out over one extremely hectic day in Kat's life as one thing after another goes wrong and she tries to be everything to everyone, whilst at the back of her mind is the lump she found in her breast and the thought of her own mortality.

 

Look at Me is filled with a quirky cast of characters including 11 year-old Helli, recently diagnosed with ADHD, and Heinz and Theo, Kat's transgender neighbours.

Kat calmly deals with one drama after another as she contemplates her life so far.

 

There is humour, most of it dark, mixed with sadness and the chaos of life with children's needs, work phone calls, appliance malfunctions, husband's texts and neighbours' dilemmas.

 

Look at Me is a story about the messiness of life. Mothers will empathise with Kat as she feels unappreciated but also indispensable. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Text Publishing

Publication date: 26th February 2018

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 288 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

This also qualifies for my MountTBR challenge. 

 

 

Book Review: Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer

 I'm finding Head for the Hills very hard to review. Whilst I enjoyed the storyline, and it kept me reading and engaged, I didn't enjoy the characters. For me, the story needed at least one character that was fun and cheerful.

 

When a local of Jesserton, a small town in the Adelaide Hills, dies unexpectedly the sale of his land to a large hotel chain divides the community and causes animosity between sisters Margot and Roslyn.

 

Margot is very much against the idea of the hotel and decides to gather the community together to voice their concerns. However as the hotel's sales team start to sweet talk the local business owners' allegiances move, causing conflict in the community. 

The story of the development revolves around a side story of relationships within Margot's own family. Which includes her children, their partners, her sister and sister-in-law.

There were lots of secrets being kept and I felt Roslyn seemed to undermine Margot by not being open with her about the things she was doing. The sisters were close; they lived next door to each other and there was plenty of opportunity to be honest and upfront.

I found all the characters to be very judgy of each other. The adult children came across as entitled and Margot's husband really got my ire up.

There is also a theme of homelessness when Roslyn is coerced into taking in a homeless teen who is escaping an abusive relationship. Amber is angry with the whole world but Roslyn starts to warm to her as she sees that Amber is really trying to make a go at life. This leads to Roslyn looking into what more she can do for the homeless and disadvantaged.

 

I did love the menu chapter headings for the family dinner nights.

Head for the Hills is a story about small towns, progress, homelessness and family. It would make for a great holiday read.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 2nd October 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 464

RRP: AU$34.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Books I've read and rated 5 stars by Tricia Stringer

TABLE FOR EIGHT

BIRDS OF A FEATHER
BACK ON TRACK

Also worth a read

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

 

Book Review: The Leaves by Jacqueline Rule

The Leaves

by

Jacqueline Rule

Publisher: Spinifex Press

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 176

RRP: AU$26.95 (paperback0

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Leaves

Thank you to Spinifex Press for sending me this unforgettable debut novel; The Leaves by Jacqueline Rule.

 

Faith and Evelyn are close friends, neighbours, and single mothers of Luke and Mitch - and both bear the scars of trauma of the stolen generations. When Faith dies unexpectedly, a chain of events unfolds that will forever alter the lives of those left behind.

 

The Leaves follows the life of Luke and the events that pull this, much loved, little boy away from his heritage and into a spiral of cruelty in the broken social welfare system as he goes from foster care to being homeless then to a youth detention centre. By the age of 15 Luke has been in 18 different foster homes whilst all this time his mother's best friend Evelyn has been denied care. Evelyn never gives up the fight until Luke is completely lost to her in the system.

 

Jacqueline Rule's writing is evocative and poetic. Beautiful in its execution, devastating in its content. Much of the novel is written in poetry.

 

Luke is not just one boy but an embodiment of hundreds of boys and girls being failed by the system. 

Even though The Leaves is small at 176 pages it had a massive impact on me. Luke's story is one that will stay with me forever.

My rating 5 / 5  💔💔💔💔💔

Whilst working at a legal organisation Jacqueline Rule became aware of the frequent interrelation between the foster system, homelessness and imprisonment. She hopes The Leaves might play a small role in advocating for a more empathetic and humane approach to how our society reforms young offenders.

The Leaves can be purchased from Spinifex Press: https://www.spinifexpress.com.au/shop/p/9781922964021

 

Book Review: The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard

 The Seachangers

by

Meredith Appleyard

It's never too late for a new beginning.

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 4th September 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: The Seachangers

The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard is a beautiful story about ageing, retirement and new beginnings.

 

Ruth is in her early 60's and after 5 years running Rosie's Cafe in Cutlers Bay she has become tired and worn down. She is reluctant to retire, as all her money is tied up in the cafe, but can't see herself continuing at this pace without her health being compromised.

 

Hamish, now retired, has a big flash city apartment and plenty of time to play golf but finds himself bored and lonely. When his father dies he travels to Cutlers Bay to clear out the house and sell it. Being back in the house brings back memories and regrets but he also finds a friendly atmosphere in the town he's never felt in the city.

 

The Seachangers is a clever and engaging story about life's problems and how we cope with change as we age.

 

Meredith Appleyard highlights the difficulties faced with self-employment, especially in the hospitality industry when patrons expect you to be open everyday, and the difficulty of finding reliable staff in a small town.

 

I loved that there was a romance element with an older couple. The romance evolved slowly and natural with no gushing or angst, making it very believable. 

 

The Seachangers is a wonderful contemporary fiction story that delves into the everyday questions of when to stop working, do I have enough money and what to do after retirement.

I know some of my friends are grappling with this right now.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods

 The Venice Hotel

by

Tess Woods

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 380

RRP: AU$34.99

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: The Venice Hotel

I loved the setting of The Venice Hotel! Tess Woods takes her readers on an evocative tour of Venice whilst also including the environmental concerns of the citizens with rising water levels and pollution from cruise ships.

 

The Venice Hotel is told through multiple narrations.

Sophie, a writer for a food magazine, is in Venice to interview Loretta Bianchi, owner and celebrity chef of the Hotel Il Cuore.

Loretta at 66 dedicates her whole life to the hotel and its guests and she has no plans of retiring.

Elena has returned to Venice with her Australian husband to attend her father's funeral.

Gayle and her husband have travelled from America to spend Christmas in Venice.

 

There was way too much drama in this story for me. Every character had some sort of drama going on in their life. There was lots of Christian bashing. The Christians in the story were either fire and brimstone, hypocrites or homophobic. The protagonist was even named Christian!

Maybe I'm being too sensitive but it got my ire up.

 

I did love that the women banded together to help each other and there was a little side romance story.

 

There are lots of 5 star reviews for this one but it was just an okay read for me.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Hidden Girl by Lucinda Riley

 The Hidden Girl

by

Lucinda Riley

with Foreword by Harry Whittaker

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication date: 10th September 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction / Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 576

RRP: AU$34.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Hidden Girl

I wasn't quite prepared for how dark The Hidden Girl was. I have read a few books by Lucinda Riley and I don't remember them having so much heavy content.

 

The Hidden Girl is narrated through multiple timelines and multiple characters spanning generations.

 

Present Day: Rose and David are estranged siblings however reconnect when David asks Rose to take his 16yo son for the semester break. Brett has a brief holiday romance with village girl Leah who years later will take the modelling world by storm.

The Hidden Girl is a generational saga going back to David and Rose's parents, the concentration camps of WWII and to the present day.

From Yorkshire to London to the catwalks of Milan then on to New York, the hectic and not so glamorous life of a top model is riddled with competition, obsession and sabotage.

The Hidden Girl is a big book, over 500 pages, refreshed and updated by Lucinda's son Harry Whittaker. There is also an informative foreword by Harry.

With themes of the concentration camps of WWII, murder, allusions to child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, obsession, suicide,  male dominance, servitude, gaslighting and rape. The Hidden Girl is not for the faint hearted.

 

I have to say though, the story had me glued to the pages even though I was continually shocked by the content, the twists were many and just when I thought I couldn't be shocked anymore I was hit by another twist.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Book Review: The Fists of the Father by Daniel Tamone

 The Fists of the Father

by

Daniel Tamone

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 320

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Fists of the Father

I want to start this review by saying, you don't need to be a fan of boxing to enjoy and be moved by The Fists of the Father.

 

The Fists of the Father is a heartfelt story of generational trauma. A story of men using their fists to vent their anger and one young man trying to find the courage to walk away.

 

Ted's father was a world champion boxer, as was his father before him. It was only natural that Ted would go into this field.

 

The Fists of the Father is a story of men bringing up men. Doing their best but mostly failing. 

Tamone delves into father/son relationships. Rocky relationships that rely on tough talk and actions to display emotions.

The boxing scenes are well written. I could feel that surge of anticipation before each fight.

I felt real empathy for Ted. He was manipulated and used by management to conform to their wishes.

 

Additional narration through newspaper articles and boxing commentary give an insight into the harassment boxers receive from the media.

 

There is a lot to unpack in this book; mental health issues, anger, breaking the mold, forgiveness, PTSD, generational trauma and head trauma through sport.

 

The Fists of the Father is a passionate debut. I'm looking forward to seeing what Daniel Tamone delivers next.

 

My rating 5/ 5  🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊

Book Review: A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin

A Love Letter to Paris

by

Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication date: 8th July 2024

Genre: Romance / RomCom

Pages: 266

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources.

 

Review: A Love Letter to Paris

Lilou Babineaux is a lover of letters and the written word. She collects old love letters and diaries that are unearthed in estate sales and sells them at her market stall.

 

Worried that the art of hand written letters of love are becoming obsolete now that we use email Lilou starts a dating site, Paris Cupid, that states that the matched couples must first get to know each other by exchanging letters.

 

A Love Letter to Paris is such a fun read. I'm new to Rebecca Raisin's writing and after just one book she is firmly on my must read list.

 

I loved this light, funny and sweet slow burn romance. A sweet female lead who has had a few bad dating experiences and a moody male lead. A Love Letter to Paris has grumpy meets sunshine vibes. A couple of other love interests are thrown into the mix which makes for some fun exchanges.

 

Lilou's friend Genevieve stole the show. How can you not love an older female character who is sexy, fun and confident in her own skin.

A Love Letter to Paris is perfect if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read. The perfect armchair travel story. I loved travelling around Paris with Lilou.

 

I enjoyed the the inclusion of excerpts from old letters and diaries.  

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Spring Clean for the Peach Queen by Sasha Wasley

 Spring Clean for the Peach Queen

by

Sasha Wasley

Publisher: Pantera Press

Publication date: 30th March 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

Pages: 471

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Spring Clean for the Peach Queen

I read this as part of the Dymocks Reading Challenge 2024 and I'm so pleased the challenge made me pick this book up and read it.

 

It's been twelve years since Lottie Bentz, the last reigning Peach Queen, has been to her home town of Bonnievale. Bonnievale is known for its wonderful peach orchards.

 

After a major scandal, a tanked career and a dead boyfriend, Lottie returns home. She is ready to give it all away; the thousands of followers, the acting dream, the make-up and the lies. She is spring cleaning her life, Marie Kondo style.

 

I loved this moving story! Lottie is easy to like as we never see the old selfish, superficial Charlize (Lottie's professional name). She is trying her best to turn over a new leaf.

It's very surprising to see who in the town supports her, happy to leave her past in the past, and those who don't.

 

Love interest Angus is gruff and distant. He had been through some hard times of his own and was currently working the orchard and caring for his mum who was slipping into dementia.

It was fun watching the bright and sunny Lottie get under his skin.

 

If you like heartfelt contemporary fiction about love, redemption and community with a sweet touch of romance Spring Clean for the Peach Queen will not disappoint. 

 

Spring Clean for the Peach Queen is a story about community, country towns, working together and finding your true self. A wonderful read filled with heart and humour.

 

My rating 4.5 / 5 🍑🍑🍑🍑½ 

 

STAY TUNED I HAVE A GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!!!!!

 

Book Review: Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

 Yes, Chef

by

Waitlyn Andrews

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 3rd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance 

Pages: 340

Price: $7.76AU (kindle)

Source: eCopy from the author

 

Review: Yes, Chef

Claire moves to Paris to heal from past traumas and to find her own way in the culinary world.

She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef. 

 

I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.  

A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if  she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.

 

I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.

 

Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Love & Rome by Jenna Lo Bianco

Love & Rome

by

Jenna Lo Bianco

Fate has plans for Stella Chiaro. She just doesn't know it yet.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 28th May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 361

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Love & Rome

Stella Chiaro has moved from Australia to her beloved Rome to start over and fix her life. She's on a deadline to find a stable job or return home, and time is running out.

 

I loved The Italian Marriage, Jenna Lo Bianco's debut novel, and Love & Rome is every bit as enchanting. 

 

Love & Rome is a fabulous read! I loved every character. Best friend Marcella stole the show, she is loud, outspoken, hilariously funny and so dedicated to Stella. Everything a best friend should be. Love interest Vincent, the new American flatmate, was handsome, confident and oh so smooth. The sweet and compassionate Marco, the owner of the new local bar, who Stella found she could open up to and relax. Each character is so perfectly drawn.

 

Love & Rome is the ultimate armchair travel story, destination fiction at its finest. Jenna Lo Bianco's vivid descriptions of the sights and food of Rome are a delight.

There are lots of Italian words throughout and while most were easy to understand in context to the conversations it was handy to have google translate close by.

 

I loved being immersed in Stella's dramatic life-changing journey from her traumatic past to a new life and love in Rome.

 

With The Italian Marriage and now Love & Rome Jenna Lo Bianco has proven herself to be a master storyteller.

 

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

My review of THE ITALIAN MARRIAGE 

 

Book Review: The Changing Room by Belinda Cranston

 The Changing Room

by

Belinda Cranston

Publisher: Transit Lounge

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 240

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media

 

Review: The Changing Room

The Changing Room is set during the 1990's and follows Rachel, a young Australian girl, on her journey from London to Egypt and Israel as a backpacker.

 

The story reads a lot like a travel journal narrated by Rachel as she spends time in London then traveling to Egypt and on to Israel spending time living on a kibbutz in the Negev Desert. Rachel has a kind heart but she suffers from anxiety so it stops her from seeing the wonder in the world rather noticing the grime noise and people trying to rip her off.

 

Lots of mentions of events and news from the 90's sets the plot firmly in the era and gives the book a nostalgic element.

 

The story was a bit choppy as it jumps from present day to Rachel's childhood. The blurb mentions a cartoon about a man in a changing room that had a big impact on Rachel however this only gets a couple of brief mentions in the story. I would have liked this explained more.

 

I enjoyed this story with themes of suppressed memory and mental illness and I learnt that Jerusalem Syndrome is a real thing (who would have thought!).

 

The Changing Room is a story that is not black and white but lets the reader draw their own conclusions about 'the story past the story'.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

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 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

 

 

Book Review: Sunrise Over Mercy Court by Fiona McCallum

 Sunrise Over Mercy Court

by

Fiona McCallum

Just when they thought they were done....

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th April 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 496

RRP: $32.99AU now in B format $22.99AU

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sunrise Over Mercy Court

I have read a few of Fiona McCallum's novels and I have really enjoyed them. However, Sunrise Over Mercy Court was a miss for me.

 

Elsie and Howard have been together for almost 60 years and at 78 they are tired of the aches and pains, bored with life and low on finances. They plan on getting all their affairs in order then end their life, peacefully together, before their 79th birthday.

 

Sunrise Over Mercy Court was quite depressing and I couldn't at all connect with Elsie and Howard. Their talk of methods of suicide were so ludicrous it was funny. Then I felt bad for thinking it was funny because it is a serious topic.

I really don't like the use of drugs to add humour in a story, even if they are light recreational drugs. 

8 year old neighbour Milly was a breath of fresh air, wise beyond her years, and also the magic elixir that made all Elsie & Howard's aches and pains magically disappear.

 

My rating 2 / 5 ⭐⭐

I don't know who I could possibly recommend this book to. However here are some of Fiona's books I do recommend!

TRICK OF THE LIGHT

THE LONG ROAD HOME

HER TIME TO SHINE 

A LIFE OF HER OWN

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Last Chance in Paris by Lynda Marron

 Last Chance in Paris

by

Lynda Marron

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 280

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: Last Chance in Paris

Last Chance in Paris is a poignant and heartfelt story of past regrets and new beginnings.

Told through multiple points of view, Marron’s lyrical prose and unique writing style build empathy for her large cast of characters. The reader is introduced to people who are broken and looking to time in Paris, the city of love, to find purpose again and a desire to move forward and find meaning again.

Last Chance in Paris is a story of love; new love, fragile love, old love and unrequited-love. A chance for reconciliations and new beginnings.
A young couple hoping to save their marriage, a widow mourning a lost love and ready to uncover a long-held secret, an old man filled with regret looking for forgiveness and two young refugees just scraping by on the streets of Paris. Each of the characters' lives intertwined and touched each other in deep and often unnoticed ways, over one weekend in Paris.

Last Chance in Paris is a beautiful showcasing of the city of Paris as the characters visit landmarks and restaurants.

Heartfelt but not heartbreaking, Lynda Marron always gives the impression that her characters are slowly moving forward. I became totally invested in the lives of the characters. This is a book you will think about long after you’ve turned the last page.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐