Saturday 13 May 2023
Book Review: A Woman's Work by Victoria Purman
Saturday 8 April 2023
Book Review: The Death of John Lacey by Ben Hobson
The Death of John Lacey
by
Ben Hobson
My review of The Death of John Lacey
Sunday 2 April 2023
Book Review: Billings Better Bookstore & Brasserie by Fin J Ross
Billings Better Bookstore & Brasserie
by
Fin J Ross
My review of Billings Better Bookstore & Brasserie
Tuesday 21 March 2023
Book Review: The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane
The Sun Walks Down
by
Fiona McFarlane
My review of The Sun Walks Down
Friday 17 March 2023
Book Review: Becoming Mrs Mulberry by Jackie French
Becoming Mrs Mulberry
by
Jackie French
My review of Becoming Mrs Mulberry
Monday 28 November 2022
Book Review: The Butterfly Collector by Tea Cooper
The Butterfly Collector is a dual timeline Historical Fiction set in1868 Morpeth in country NSW and 1922 Sydney, NSW. I enjoyed all the mentions of Sydney landmarks that still stand to this day. As the story evolves connections are made between the characters from each timeline.
Tea keeps the pages turning with a layering of mysteries. The mysteries hold you for a few chapters then once they are revealed a new mystery is created causing a continuous aura of mystery throughout the book. There is also an underlying sense of foreboding and I always had this feeling that something terrible was going to happen.
Tea Cooper’s trademark strong female characters take centre stage in this multi-layered tale of friendship and tenacity.
Friday 28 October 2022
Book Review: The Proxy Bride by Zoë Boccabella
Tuesday 13 September 2022
Book Review: The Last Summer by Karen Swan
Sunday 11 September 2022
Book Review: The Brightest Star by Emma Harcourt
RRP: $32.99AUD
Friday 1 July 2022
Spotlight on other books I've read this month - June
I read this book in a day. Tony Maguire writes Marianne's story with candour.
A young, lonely little girl manipulated and abused by a trusted neighbour. It's impossible to imagine that nobody stopped him, nobody cared for this child.
Narrated in two time-lines; Marianne as a young child and then in middle-age, married with her own grown children.
One thing I noticed in this book is Marianne doesn't delve on her mental state, which I would presume was bad, just a few mentions of self harm. This story is not about garnering sympathy, it's a cleansing, a coming to terms with her past.
My deepest regret is the perpetrator doesn't appear to have been punished. It's hard not to wonder if other victims followed.
A highly recommended read.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.
The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.
A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.
In One of Us we get to climb security fences and peek through the hedges at the residents of an exclusive gated community.
One of Us is a gripping domestic noir filled with simmering secrets. I was intrigued with this story right from the prologue; a husband attacked and a wife in tears. The question of who was attacked is in the back of your mind as you read. Then there is the mystery of the attacker with many of the characters having a motive.
Monday 13 June 2022
Book Review: The Sawdust House by David Whish-Wilson
Crane asks Sullivan questions and Sullivan's replies form the story of his life. At times Sullivan turns the tables on Crane and asks him about his life. Crane tells of growing up as a Mormon, the harsh times in Missouri and move to Salt Lake Valley.
photo credit:Goodreads |
Sunday 29 May 2022
Book Review & Giveaway: Esther's Children by Caroline Beecham
Pages: 376
"On our shoulders rests the future of many of Europe's finest minds...."
Caroline Beecham's writing is exquisite and I found it easy to picture Esther and her colleagues. However, I didn't quite connect with the story the way I did with her previous novels. I found myself wanting more of Harry's story, Esther's love interest and a refugee himself. I was interested in his life in Vienna, the changing face of the city, then in the internment camp where aliens who were classed as a risk to British security were held.
Esther Simpson was an amazing woman, risking her own life and foregoing a family of her own to help many men and women who went on to achieve greatness in their field and I feel Caroline Beecham has done her story proud in Esther's Children.
My rating 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐½
About the author
Caroline is a novelist, writer and producer. She is the author of four books: the bestselling novel, Maggie's Kitchen, Eleanor's Secret, Finding Eadie and Esther's Children, and has been published in the UK and the US. Her debut novel, Maggie's Kitchen, was shortlisted for Booktopia's Best Historical Fiction in 2016 and nominated as book of the year and Caroline as Best New Author by AusRom Today. She has worked in documentary, film and drama, and discovered that she loves to write fiction and to share lesser-known histories; particularly those of pioneering women whose lives speak to us now. Caroline studied the craft of novel writing at the Faber Academy in Sydney, with Curtis Brown Creative in London, and has a MA in Film & Television and a MA in Creative Writing. She currently lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and two teenage sons.GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to the generosity of Allen & Unwin I have one paperback copy of Esther's Children to give away. (Australian postal addresses only). Entry is via the form below. Giveaway closes at midnight on 5th June 2022.
This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE
Monday 23 May 2022
Book Review: The Nurses' War by Victoria Purman
Publisher: Harlequin Australia