Book Review: Wings Above the Mallee by Léonie Kelsall

Wings Above the Mallee is Léonie Kelsall's 7th novel and finds us back in Settlers Bridge, a small town that has entered my heart along with all of its residents. I love the community spirit, the gossip and the matchmaking seniors.

Amelia arrives in Settlers with her rescue pets, dusty the magpie and Biggles the possum. She is running from heartache and won't connect with anyone too deeply as the fear of caring again is too great. She has come to visit good friend Taylor and work a temp job for a few months before moving on again.

 

Heath is now living in Settlers Bridge with his father Sean who is battling an alcohol addiction. Heath is angry and despondent which is his way of coping with the guilt and grief over the death of his wife.

I loved the relationship between Sean and Heath. Sean kept an eye on Heath and always looked for some brightness in every day and made sure to point this out to Heath. He never gave up on Heath even though he had his own problems.

Wings Above the Mallee is the story of two broken people coming together but fearing that their combined grief may be too much to bear. There is always an underlying message of hope that they could help each other to heal.

You will find lots of heartache in Wings Above the Mallee, which overwhelmed me at times, however the lovely community balanced this out with their matchmaking and fun gossip. Throw in a dose of animal rescue, communities working together and some teenage rage all making Wings Above the Mallee a book not to be missed.

Wings Above the Mallee is an exploration of grief, loss, guilt and addiction and the long process to forgiveness and healing.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 7th January 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 338

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

THE HOMESTEAD IN THE EUCALYPTS

 

 

Book Review: Kookaburra Cottage by Maya Linnell

Kookaburra Cottage is set in the wine region of rural South Australia. I love that Maya Linnell showcases different types of agriculture in her books, such as wineries, horticulture and floriculture.

 

April Lacey is a horticulturist and her produce wins many awards at the local Penwarra Show each year. Her father owns and runs the Lacewing Estate winery.

April hopes to bring the tired looking winery up to date but is facing resistance from her father. She decides to start on the old cottage turning it into a B&B.

Connor Jamison has arrived from England to learn all he can from Australian wine makers and secures a job at Lacewing Estate.

 

Kookaburra Cottage is a gorgeous heart-warming story filled with the most fabulous characters. I loved the fun of the baking disasters and the cooking classes taken by April and Connor. The lead up to the Penwarra Show and all the events of the day were a delightful part of the story.

 

There are ups and downs for April and Connor to work through and a disastrous event that has everyone pitching in to help out.

Both April and Connor have old hurts to overcome. Can they let go of their past to start over again?

 

Kookaburra Cottage is a heart-warming story filled with sweet country charm, perfect to sit back, relax and immerse yourself in rural South Australia's wine country.

Kookaburra Cottage would have to be my favourite of all Maya Linnell's novels.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st January 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 376

Source: Own Copy

 

Other books by Maya Linnell

PAPERBARK HILL

MAGPIE'S BEND

BOTTLEBRUSH CREEK 

WALLABY LANE

 

 

Book Review: Paperbark Hill by Maya Linnell

Paperbark Hill is Maya Linnell's fourth novel featuring the McIntyre sisters Lara, Diana, Penny and Angie. 

 

Paperbark Hill is Diana's story. Two years on from her husband's tragic death from an accident Diana is realising her dream of growing dahlias on a commercial level whilst also caring for her four young sons.

 

Ned Gardiner and his two children are off to their next stop for Ned's locum work as a pharmacist when he gets a call that his father has died. Putting his job on hold he returns to the family farm to sort out his father's affairs.

 

Paperbark Hill is such a fun story. I loved Diana! She is bubbly and confident, speaks her mind and is not afraid to ask for help.

Ned and Diana both have tragedy in their past and whilst Ned needs to reconcile with his mother and forgive the past, Diana is wracked with feelings of betrayal when she thinks about spending time with Ned. She also must deal with her eldest son's antagonism toward Ned as he feels he will take his father's place.

Paperbark Hill is not only Diana's story but a story about the whole community and how they come together and help each other.

 

Maya Linnell's sweet, slow-burn romance reads are very realistic. Spend a country Christmas with the McIntyre clan. I enjoyed being back with Diana, Lara, Penny and Angie. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st May 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 384 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Magpie's Bend by Maya Linnell

 Magpie's Bend is Lara McIntyre's story and as with the previous books all McIntyre sisters pop in and out of the story showing what a close-knit family they are.

 

Lara is a single mother to teenager Evie, who is at boarding school. When the general store owner has a fall and ends up in hospital the whole town , led by Lara, pitches in to help run the store.

Journalist Toby Paxton is new to town and Lara has caught his eye. Their first meeting didn't go so well and now he is eager to make a good impression volunteering to help out at the store.

 

Magpie's Bend is a fabulous story that showcases country community spirit with everyone helping with the store and fundraising events including a singles ball.

I love that Maya's love for baking makes its way into all her books.

 

We get a little of Lara's backstory and find out why she values her privacy. The community is tight-lipped as they close around one of their own. Can Lara put her trust in someone again and find love? 

 

Magpie's Bend is a super sweet, clean romance story that is more about the community than the burgeoning romance between Lara and Toby. It's a slow burn romance but we still get that much anticipated HEA.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st June 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 360

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Previous books by Maya Linnell

BOTTLEBRUSH CREEK

 

Book Review: Bottlebrush Creek by Maya Linnell

I've had a pile of Maya Linnell books on my shelf, crying out to be read, for a while now. So, I decided to read the four books back-to-back.

There is nothing like immersing yourself in an author's characters knowing you will be back with them all again as soon as you open the next book. 

 

First off is Bottlebrush Creek where I was introduced to the McIntyre sisters, Lara, Diana, Penny and Angie.

Bottlebrush Creek is Angie's story. She has moved away from her family with her husband Rob Jones and their young daughter Claudia. Rob and Angie have purchased a cottage that needs extensive renovations. It is not until they move that Angie finds out it borders Rob's parents farm.

Bottlebrush Creek is a highly engaging family centric story about compromise, the stress of money worries and the involvement of well meaning grandparents.

Angie finds it hard to cope with Rosa's over zealous grandparenting and constant advice, always comparing her actions to what she thinks her deceased mother would do. All Rosa wants is her whole family together again and is overjoyed to spend time with her granddaughter.

 

Bottlebrush Creek is a heart-wrenching story of a family at breaking point that will have readers eager for a second chance for the whole Jones family.

 

Maya Linnell focuses her novels on country communities and the problems that can be faced in rural areas. However, her readers can always be assured of a happy ending.

 

Bottlebrush Creek is a delightfully sweet story about family, forgiveness and helping each other.

 

My rating 5 / 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 2nd June 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural romance

Pages: 352

Source: Own Copy

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 ⭐⭐⭐