Review: Simply Beside Herself by Judith Katherine

 Simply Beside Herself is the fabulous contemporary debut by Australian author Judith Katherine.

Elizabeth Daley lives in a care home. Everything is done for her. She doesn't need to think about a single thing.

Adrift since her husband died almost two years ago Elizabeth reaches a turning point when she sees her own lifeless body sitting on a park bench. With the help of a friend she leaves the home with one small bag.

For me, this story started off a bit depressing however with great character development by Judith Katherine we see Elizabeth blossom as she comes to see she has always been an extension of her husband. She strives to reclaim her independence.

Simply Beside Herself is a mature-age coming of age as Elizabeth, with the help of a life-long friend, rediscovers herself and a love for life itself.

We are introduced to Elizabeth's daughter Ellen after she is informed that her mother is missing. Ellen is drowning in self doubt, socially awkward and she is desperately trying to fit in with the other parents at her children's school. Ellen is trying to balance working, homelife and her two children. While her life is in total disarray she must now find her missing mother.

I loved that this story is about all the characters. We get the thoughts and dreams of many of the side characters as well as Elizabeth and Ellen.

Judith Katherine's prose has a beautiful depth and sensory richness however the story was a bit over described for my liking.

Heartwarming and encouraging Simply Beside Herself is a story of friendships old and new, setting your own limits and responsibility, and reclaiming your independence.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 384

RRP: AU$34.99 (Trade paperback)

Source: ARC from the publisher

#simplybesideherself #judithkatherineauthor #contemporaryfiction #australianauthor

#debutnovel #2026release 

Review: When the Party's Over by Katie Hoskins

Their lives will never be the same .... 

When the Party's Over by Katie Hoskins had me glued to the pages right from the compelling prologue to the very last page.

When the Party's Over definitely has Liane Moriarty vibes and if you are already a fan of Liane Moriarty or Sally Hepworth, you will love this book.

Mother of three Natalie, is feeling suffocated by her hectic life. What happened to the fun party girl of her 20's!? All she wants for her 36th birthday is to let her hair down and have some fun with her two best friends by her side.

But what happens at the party doesn't stay at the party when the next day 18 month old Toby is found with part of a familiar looking blue tablet in his mouth.

When the Party's Over was one hell of a ride; Hospital emergency wards, police interviews, child protection visits, guilt, blame and a whole lot of secrets being kept about THAT night.

Everyone had some guilty secret about themselves or someone else concerning the night of the party. Friendships start to falter and accusations are thrown around.

Katie Hoskins characters are real; flawed people who make bad decisions and then must face the consequences.

I am very much against recreational drugs and alcohol, both destroying lives and families. So I was very invested in what the characters would learn from this whole experience and how they would come out of it.

There are a few mysteries at play throughout the novel and some well-placed red-herrings which had me guessing back and forward what the final outcome would be.

Many female centric themes are explored throughout the story - mother guilt, burnout, infertility, infidelity, unexpected pregnancy and the value of friendship and forgiveness.

When the Party's Over is an outstanding debut! This is one book you will not want to miss this year. I'm excited to see what Katie Hoskins comes up with next. She has set the bar high! 👏👏

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 31st March 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#whenthepartysover #katiehoskins #contemporaryfiction #aussieauthor #readaustralian #friendship #debut

Review: Lost and Found by Liz Byrski

Lost and Found is a story about letting go of the past and finding unexpected friendships.

Rose ventured to England to find and perhaps rekindle a lost love but she found something much more; friendship and closure.

This story was hard going for me because I could never understand why Rose, now 51, would want to travel overseas to find her first love thirty years after she was dumped. Her continual asking herself and everyone who knew Tom if he loved her was annoying. Let it go!

That aside, Lost and Found isn't so much about lost love as it is about found friendship.

I enjoyed reading about Rose and Dora's friendship as it slowly grew with Rose wanting to redefine her youth and Dora in her 80's eager for companionship.

Rose and Dora were both headstrong intelligent women who had spent time in parliament.

Lost and Found is told through multiple narrators, journal entries and letters.

Liz Byrski touches on some thought provoking topics such as men making important decisions in women's lives, doing what 'they think' would be best for the woman.

As Rose and Dora connect via friendship, secrets are revealed and past regrets let go.

"Shame is so significant in women's lives.....  We are cast as angels or whores, good mothers or tramps. When we are shamed it stays with us always. Some women are destroyed by it, others are driven."

 While I did find the book slow going I was invested in Dora's life story, present and past. She was a strong woman and was a classic case of strength coming from adversity.

Lost and Found is a heartfelt story that champions the restorative power of female friendships.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Content: death of a baby

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 28th October 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum

Harriet Hates Lemonade is an entertaining story that expresses the importance of friendship. In the same vein as A Man Called Ove the curmudgeon Harriet learns that life is better when you loosen up and share it with friends.

Harriet has been widowed for over a year now. It had always been just her and Les. They only ever needed each other and Harriet has spent the last 12 months upholding Les' ideals of keeping the neighbourhood in check and reporting anyone who steps out of line.

Through Harriet's memories we see how her life was with Les and slowly Harriet comes to realise all was not as rosy as she thought.

I really liked Harriet's character. She was all bluster and lacking in tact, saying exactly what she thought. Many readers may not like Harriet's abrupt manner but I knew she didn't mean to offend, she was just stating facts and I found it all very amusing.

Harriet Hates Lemonade is an easy read even with the heavy themes of domestic violence, gaslighting, manipulation and control. These themes are offset by lighter themes of friendship, community and personal growth.

The story starts off with humour and I was taken unaware as it slowly escalates to scenes of domestic violence and then turns to a heartwarming story of new friendships.

Harriet Hates Lemonade is at times funny, foreboding and always heartfelt. I picked up the book every spare minute I had.

My rating 4 / 5 

Content: domestic violence

               murder

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Publication date: 12th February 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 330

Source: eCopy courtesy of the publisher

Follow the blog tour below:

#harriethateslemonade #wowwomenonwriting #kimmccollum #contemporaryfiction #blogtour #ausbookbloggers 

Review: Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo

The inspiration for Life, and Death, and Giants came from the remarkable life of Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived. Ron Rindo wondered how the twenty-first century would react to such a giant of a man.

Gabriel Fisher is born weighing a remarkable eighteen pounds and an accelerated growth rate sees him at almost eight feet tall by age seventeen.

Life, and Death, and Giants follows the life of Gabriel, a gentle giant loved by everyone who met him. As Gabriel grows it is clear he has a special connection to animals and often works beside local vet and friend Thomas Kennedy. 

Raised by his Amish grandparents Gabriel is somewhat protected from society until he is discovered by a local football coach and he is soon acclaimed across the nation.

Life, and Death, and Giants is a sombre read, an unforgettable story about family, fame and community. I was immediately invested in Gabriel's life and the ups and downs of his family.

Gabriel's story is told through multiple narrators and the love each of these people had for Gabriel is very clear. Gabriel changed lives for the better.

I liked the inclusion of the Amish community and their strong belief in following the rules of the Amish and how anyone straying outside the rules is excommunicated.

I wasn't so invested in all the football talk however I'm sure many readers will enjoy this.

I found Life, and Death, and Giants to be a profoundly moving story about life, love and the strength to keep going against all odds.

The reveal at the end literally broke me.

Life, and Death, and Giants is a story that will stay with you long after you turn that last page.

Content: Suicide

My rating: 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Picador

Publication date: 26th August 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 325

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Book Review: The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe by Catherine Greer

The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe is an easy read. Engaging and fun! This is a story of resilience and starting over and I love that with romance books you are always guaranteed a happy ending. 

 

Just when Audrey thinks she's in line for that big promotion at work she is blindsided and replaced by a younger woman. Devastated and angry, she goes home to find that her husband has been having an affair and asks her to move out of the marital home.

 

After losing her job, her husband and her home, Audrey flees to Whitehaven Bay, a place that holds happy memories of holidays with her mother.

 

The whole life imploding and fleeing to a quiet, small town is a well worn trope but I always love these stories of women being resilient and courageous in the face of adversity.

If you read enough contemporary romance you will come across this popular trope. I've read similar books before and always loved them. The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe is no exception - different people - different towns - and it's the differences that add a level of uniqueness to each story - same but different - and totally enjoyable. 

 

The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe is a bittersweet story of starting over (see what I did there). 😉 What starts as a short holiday for Audrey soon becomes the catalyst of a long held dream. Audrey loves to bake and has always dreamed of running her own bakery.

 

The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe has a wonderful cast of eclectic characters that make up the small coastal town of Whitehaven Bay. I loved them all, especially Buddy, the octogenarian who liked to swim naked, Billie the rebellious, non-binary teen, Chez, entrepreneur, party planner and Zen master and I can't forget the Coffin Cheaters bikie gang. There is a heartfelt age-gap friendship between Buddy, Audrey and Billie.

 

The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe is chock-full of laugh-out-loud moments with plenty of drama and setbacks through themes of ageism, alcohol abuse and domestic abuse, as Audrey rebuilds her life with sugar, flour, butter and love. Fabulous feel-good fiction and a must read for contemporary romance readers. 

 

And if Audrey's recipes make your mouth water they are all there in the back of the book just waiting for you to try them. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th March 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 384

RRP: AU$32.99 

Source: Uncorrected proof won 

 

 

 

Book Review: An Invisible Tattoo by Suellen Dainty

 An Invisible Tattoo is a powerful story of female friendship, long held secrets and the ongoing battle for equality for women.

 

Narrated by both Ruth and Kate in Contemporary Sydney and a second timeline of Somerset 1972 is narrated through Ruth's reminiscence. 

Ruth is housebound suffering from severe arthritis and the after affects of a stroke and battles with cancer.

Kate, a young journalist, is hoping, through Ruth, to get the scoop of a lifetime.

 

There is a lot to unpack in An Invisible Tattoo. The title refers to the imprint friendships leave on us, an impression, although invisible, that is carried within us forever.

 

1972 - Ruth's friendship with Adela takes her to Somerset, where Adela is married to famous singer songwriter James Bennett. Here we delve into the hedonistic, bohemian days of the early 70's. Drugs, alcohol and sexual freedom. It was a huge time for feminists however, Dainty points out that the freedoms of the time still seemed to be ruled by men. 

 

Present day - Kate is wily and uses her charms to get Ruth to open up and spill the beans about Adela and James' relationship and more importantly about the night he died. Everyone else living in the house at the time have died and the discovery of new songs, hidden in an attic, has the world eager to find out what happened on that fateful night. 

 

I loved that we got both Ruth and Kate's point of view. They are very similar in personality. Ruth shows that old and frail doesn't necessarily mean senile. She's stringing Kate along and knows exactly what she's doing. She enjoys the company and she wants to prolong Kate's visits.

 

An Invisible Tattoo has an underlying mystery surrounding Bennett's death. It is also a story about working out what you want in life and Dainty throws in a moral dilemma for Kate to ponder. I enjoyed Kate's character growth.

 

The twist at the end was unexpected and certainly added weight to the themes included. 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 309

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Book Review: The Buried Life by Andrea Goldsmith

I'm finding The Buried Life hard to review. I'm trying to do this outstanding novel justice. But where to start? I haven't stopped thinking about the characters since I finished the book a few days ago.

 

Three people of vastly different age groups form an unlikely friendship.

Kezi 28, rejected by her parents is living a life of regret, caught between her strict religious upbringing and living a life as her true self. 

 "..knowing that between God and the church and your family everything was taken care of, she would never experience any of that again. And the comfort, the belonging, the protection, the certainty, the love, the sanctuary: she missed it and she resented missing it, and she fought its enduring claims." - page 23

 

Adrian 43, is a scholar, an expert on death. His studies have stalled and his long-term relationship has ended. Adrian feels adrift, it's only his friendship with the vibrant and energetic Kezi that keeps him afloat. 

 

"Weary of Irene, weary of the journey, and most especially weary of himself...... The surrounding countryside wore that tousled appearance of autumn, an in-between fatigue that lacked the energy to tidy itself up, and entirely in keeping with his own mood." - page 39

 

Laura 57, a successful town planner meets Adrian by chance in a cheese shop. Their easy banter and long conversations have Laura questioning where she stands in her marriage but can't imagine a life without her husband.

 

"..she had absorbed his beliefs, she had willingly embraced all that comprised Tony Sheldrick's world, and she was wanting, still, to excuse him, wanting the man and the only life she knew not to collapse. What was wrong with her? What flaws in her could allow this to happen?" - page 232

I loved how Goldsmith gives each character their own distinct voice. Adrian and Kezi, neighbours, have a lighthearted and supportive friendship. Kezi was Adrian's closest friend despite their age gap. He loved her authenticity.

Laura and Adrian's friendship starts when they are both at a low point. Laura is realising her perfect marriage is riddled with cracks.

 

Goldsmith's prose are lyrical and mesmerizing, rich in poetry and music. The Buried Life is a story of life and death, how life's circumstances affect us deeply and true friendships help to awaken and heal buried hurts. 

 

Viscerally described scenes, polished prose and the power of music to both heighten and soothe emotions play an important role in this powerful novel of awakening.  

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Transit Lounge Publishing

Publication date: 1st March 2025

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 328

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The View from the Balcony by Janette Paul

I loved Janette Paul's The Summer Place so I was really looking forward to another story with relatable themes, burgeoning friendships and character growth and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. The View from the Balcony had all this and more.

 

The story is narrated by three women, Coral, Andie and Mara, who are visitors to patients of Hepburn House Rehabilitation Hospital. The turning point in the story is the balcony that connects the three rooms and overlooks a beautiful beach and is used by visitors and patients as a place to have a coffee and air their frustrations.

Coral is at the pinnacle of her career, looking forward to a conference in New York which will also allow her some much needed me time. Whilst working full time Coral also cooks meals for her elderly mum, drops in and cleans her house, helps out her pregnant daughter with a toddler and organises inspections for her son's apartment. I was exhausted just reading Coral's schedule. 

She is now visiting her mother in rehab after a fall.

 

Andie is visiting a stranger in rehab. Ben had pushed her out of the way of an out of control car, and possibly saved her life. She feels the least she can do is give him some company.

 

Mara is assigned to work closely with her boss Estelle, who is in rehab after a fall down some stairs. Estelle is bitter and critical of Mara but Mara is determined this hostile woman won't get the better of her.

 

The View from the Balcony is a wonderful story of friendship and family, of strangers becoming friends in unlikely circumstances. It's about looking after yourself, burnout, PTSD, grief and standing up for yourself. Janette Paul includes these themes and many more without the story ever feeling contrived. This shows a plot that is expertly executed.

 

Although the three visitors, Coral, Andie and Mara, are the main characters and we see the most growth in their lives the three patients, Ben, Estelle and Val also feature heavily as they are thrown together with strangers and with time to talk and get to know each other they find themselves opening up and having their lives changed as well.

 

A lovely intergenerational friendship evolves from the three women supporting each other inside the hospital and later outside that enclosed world.

 

If you are after a story that is heartwarming and touching The View from the Balcony will not disappoint.   

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 25th March 2025

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 391

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 My review of The Summer Place by Janette Paul

Book Review: The Girls from Fitzroy by Jennie Jones

The Girls from Fitzroy is a remarkable story of the power of friendship.

 

Set in 1945 post war Melbourne the story follows Maggie who comes from a well to do family and Lil who lives in the slums on the other side of town. Two unlikely friends meet during the end of war celebrations and secretly become the best of friends.

 

The Girls from Fitzroy is a beautiful story about friendship and women supporting each other. Jennie Jones highlights the differences between the haves and have-nots and how during this period of history there was definitely a class divide, neither venturing into the other's territory.

 

I loved how Maggie could see beyond the poverty, to the people of the slums and how they helped each other. Jennie Jones highlights how hard times could befall anyone.

 

I enjoyed both Maggie's and Lil's stories, their ups and downs, and how they worked together for a better life for the whole community.

Through The Girls from Fitzroy Jennie Jones shows the judgemental side of high society but also highlights the best of humankind with women like Maggie and Lil who pushed for better conditions for women and workplace childcare. There were also many businesses behind the scenes that gave to the poor.

The story was slow to start but once I was immersed in Maggie's world the pages flew by and I was eager to see where Maggie and Lil's stories would take them.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

Book Review: Daughter of the Home Front by Jennie Jones

Daughter of the Home Front is set in Queensland during WWII and follows the hopes and dreams of Emma as she battles against societal expectations of women.

Living in a small country town not far from Townsville 15-year-old Emma has dreams of one day travelling the world. The American soldiers have come to town, splashing their money around and showing local girls a whole new way of life. Emma quickly gets caught up in the excitement and glamour.

 

I quickly became totally invested in Emma's world. As the men go off to fight, many women are left to bring up the children and work to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. However the war also opened up new opportunities for single women and Emma soon finds herself working in Townsville and free of the constraints of her mother and younger siblings. Emma is young and naive and soon finds herself pregnant and alone. Society has a dim view of unmarried mothers and Emma is sent to a prison-like home to await the forcible adoption of her baby.

 

Daughter of the Home Front is a heartrending story of enduring friendship and resilience of spirit that encompasses many societal issues of the time.

 

Daughter of the Home Front is a story about true friendships, war brides, bad choices, unmarried mothers, stolen babies and second chances.

I always enjoy stories set during WWII and more so if they are from the perspective of Australians during the war, whether it be soldiers or civilians and Daughter of the Home Front didn't disappoint. The story is beautifully drawn with believable characters and a powerful and emotional plot.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 419 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Funny Story by Emily Henry

I purchased Funny Story for this year's Dymocks Reading Challenge. The prompt was: a book from the Dymocks Book of the Year shortlist. 

 

Daphne and Miles are thrown together when Daphne's fiance dumps her for Miles' girlfriend and with nowhere to live Daphne moves in with Miles.

Drowning their sorrows with tequilas they hatch a plan to post photos of a happy 'fake' relationship together.

I did enjoy Daphne's growth from having low self esteem and no real friends of her own to opening up, speaking up and making friends. Daphne worked in a library and I loved all the library events and mentions of staff and customers.

 

The story is filled with lots of humour and flirtatious banter between Daphne and Miles.

What I didn't enjoy was all the outpouring of emotions Daphne and Miles heaped on each other. I suppose they were a good match here. I had no empathy for either of them, and rolled my eyes a lot, which made me feel like a bad person and really, I don't want to be the baddie in the books I read! 

 

For the most part I found Funny Story to be a humorous, slow burn, fake relationship RomCom. A good choice for  a relaxing holiday read.

 

My rating 3.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐½

Spice rating 2 / 5 🌶🌶 

 

Publisher: Penguin Viking

Publication date: 25th April 2024 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 384

Source: Own purchase

Book Review: Murder by Milkshake by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

 Murder by Milkshake

by

Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 15th July 2024

Series: Sweet Dreams Mysteries #1

Genre: Cosy Crime / Mystery

Pages: 220

RRP: AU$4.44 (kindle)

Source: Courtesy of the author via WOW! Women on Writing

 

Review: Murder by Milkshake

Murder by Milkshake is the first in a cosy murder mystery series set around an ice-cream parlour.

Genevieve Winterland is our 17 year-old amateur sleuth who decides to investigate the disappearance of her favourite teacher.

I really like the relationship between Genevieve and her best friend Brandon. It shows teens that girls and boys can be friends without any romantic attachment.

Murder by Milkshake is a very sweet read and Genevieve is a likeable protagonist. I didn't know before I read it that it is a young adult read and it is perfectly suited to this age group of 12 - 18 years. Perfect for readers who like a sweet mystery with a spoonful of suspense and an extra scoop of ice-cream.

There are lots of mentions of ice-cream flavours focusing on Genevieve's work at the ice-cream parlour and how she mixes her own flavours. I would have liked some of Genevieve's secret recipes, they sounded delicious.

Light themes of following your dreams and teens as carers. A few red-herrings are included to throw the reader off the trail.

If you are after something not too taxing Murder by Milkshake is the perfect read; light and cosy it can be read in one sitting.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ages 12 - 18 years

 

Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

 Bookshops & Bonedust

by

Travis Baldree

High fantasy. First loves. Second-hand books.

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Tor

Publication date: 7th November 2023

Series: Legends & Lattes #0

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Bookshops & Bonedust

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel to Legends & Lattes.

I totally enjoyed this cosy fantasy set in a small seaside village.

 

Viv finds herself recuperating from a battle injury in the small seaside town of Murk. All Viv wants to do is get back with her unit and capture the elusive necromancer Varine.

 

Aside from two fight scenes Bookshops & Bonedust is as cosy as they come. Every character is endearing from the potty-mouthed bookshop owner to her pet gryphet named Potroast. Bookshops & Bonedust is filled with plenty of good clean humour and heart.

 

Many reviewers have stated the first book was better but not having read Legends & Lattes I can't compare. I loved Bookshops & Bonedust for what it was, light-hearted and fun. It's a story about friendship and a bit of a journey for Viv to think through what she truly wants from life.

 

I loved the characters' passion for books and a good scone.

You know you've read a great book when you close it wanting to read more from this author.

 

If you've never read fantasy before, Bookshops & Bonedust would be a great place to start.

 

My rating 5 / 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: Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum

 Her Time to Shine

by

Fiona McCallum

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

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

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

Book Review: Dreaming by Starlight by Siobhan Curham

Dreaming by Starlight

by

Siobhan Curham

Friends make dreams come true.

 

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 3rd August 2022

Series: The Moonlight Dreamers #3

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 272

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback)

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Dreaming by Starlight

Dreaming by Starlight is book #3 in The Moonlight Dreamers series. However reads well as a standalone as it centres on a different group of girls.

 

When Jazz's father gets a new job the family pack up and move across the globe to the UK, leaving behind everything that Jazz loves. Jazz soon starts at a snooty private school where no-one will talk to her. She doesn't fit in. She's not a rich girl. She's just a girl from the Gold Coast of Australia and she's missing her friends.

 

Jazz is miserable, but before her cousin Amber (from book 1 & 2) moves to Paris she shares with Jazz her unique way of connecting with people and making new friends.

Dreaming by Starlight is the most endearing story about the might of friendship and the power of dreams

Siobhan Curham has written a beautiful, uplifting and positive story about four teenage girls who felt trapped and unsettled with their current lives and needed each other to help bring out their true selves. A friend to listen to their dreams and fears.

As the chapters alternate between the four girls, Jazz, Allegra, Portia and Hope, we get to know more about their lives. There is also a little mystery and adventure thrown in.

Dreaming by Starlight is a story that will resonate with its intended audience.

Publisher recommended age 12+

my rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: A Shadow at the Door by Jo Dixon

 A Shadow at the Door

by

Jo Dixon

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 3rd January 2024

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 373

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Shadow at the Door

Remi has built a new life for herself since her marriage breakdown and thrown herself into renovating her dilapidated sandstone house. When her savings mysteriously disappear from her bank account and her ex-husband starts pushing her to sell the house Remi decides to take in tenants to cover her mortgage repayments. 

Josephine and Emerson, both women having moved to Tasmania to start a new life, move in.

 

A Shadow at the Door is a compelling domestic thriller. Jo Dixon once again immerses her readers in the beauty and seclusion of Tasmania, highlighting the bitter cold of a Tasmanian winter. The story held my interest as the multi-generational friendship evolved and inner secrets emerged.

 

Jo Dixon realistically depicts how online trolls can destroy a reputation and how years of emotional abuse can undermine a person's confidence and self-worth. I love how Jo Dixon built  empathy for her characters in A Shadow at the Door. I couldn't help but want them to succeed.

 

Told through multiple points of view Jo Dixon delivers a gripping thriller with an enticingly twisty plot and an underlying message of friendship.

 

A Shadow at the Door is a worthy second novel to Jo Dixon's block-buster debut The House of Now and Then.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Read my review of The House of Now and Then

Book Review: A Jewish Girl in Paris by Melanie Levensohn

 A Jewish Girl in Paris

by

Melanie Levensohn

Adapted from a translation by Jamie Lee Searle

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 9th August 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 448

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Jewish Girl in Paris

A Jewish Girl in Paris is a must read for all historical fiction fans. Moving from war torn Paris in the 1940's to Washington DC in the early 2000's.

 

On his death bed in 1982 Jacobina's father confesses to having another daughter, Judith, who he left  behind in Paris after divorcing her mother. Over two decades later Jacobina confides in volunteer care-worker Beatrice that she promised her father she would find out what happened to her half-sister. Beatrice offers to help her and a friendship sparks between the two women.

 

1940's Paris, and Judith is attending University, working in the library and falling in love with the handsome Christian. Life is perfect! But the German occupation is increasing and the Jews are being vilified more and more.

 

A Jewish Girl in Paris is a beautiful story that I didn't want to end. A fictional tale of courage and resilience, inspired by real events and circumstances.

I loved Judith's naivety and her thoughts that everything will be fine. It came across as very realistic.

The story follows Judith's life leading up to her being sent to Auschwitz. Showcasing her bravery, and Christian's determination to save the woman he loved. 

Beatrice works for the World Bank but her character really evolves when she volunteers as a care-worker and meets Jacobina and the search for information on Judith starts.

There are a few "sliding door" moments, when key characters miss each other by mere moments, which I thought were an ingenious addition to the story.

A Jewish Girl in Paris has a tantalising blend of danger, romance, mystery and historical events.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ + an extra ⭐ for a character named Veronica 💖

About the author

Melanie Levensohn studied international relations and literature in France and Chile. She earned her master’s degree from Sciences Po in Paris. She later became a spokesperson for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting from countries in crisis round the world. From 2006 to 2013 Melanie worked as a communications at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., managing corporate external relations for the Caribbean region. She now lives in Geneva.