Showing posts with label PTSD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PTSD. Show all posts

Friday 23 February 2024

Book Review: Kaikoura Rendezvous by Stephen Johnson

 Kaikoura Rendezvous

by

Stephen Johnson

Publication date: 1st October 2023
Series: A Melbourne Spotlight Mystery
Genre: Crime / Mystery
Pages: 240
RRP: $36.95AU (paperback) $11.95AU (ebook) 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: Kaikoura Rendezvous

In Kaikoura Rendezvous Stephen Johnson takes his reader on a roller coaster ride through New Zealand.
He has included a plethora of interesting characters who all play an important role in the development of the story.
 
Surveillance professional Heath Michel is under orders to watch fisherman and ex-con Gordie Tulloch and report on his movements.
Gordie, recently released from prison, has been offered the deal of a lifetime. Simply pick up a package dropped off-shore and exchange it for a generous sum of money.
Kim Prescott, TV reporter for Melbourne's Spotlight current affairs show, is suffering severe PTSD after being attacked on the job. She is given an ultimatum, go on a holiday with co-worker Jo Trescowthick or go into therapy.
Cyclone Gita is also brewing and intensifying, her course is not destined for New Zealand, so no-one is taking her too seriously.
 
The story starts with three separate story lines and multiple points of view. I found each of the story lines interesting and each were given equal voice throughout the book.
 
Kim and Jo's tour through New Zealand in a motorhome was well portrayed and brought back memories of a trip I had done many years ago.
Ex-Con Gordie was an interesting character, greedy and unscrupulous, but I kinda liked him.
 
I was intrigued to see how the different plots would come together; the reporters on holiday, Gordie's contraband pick-up, Heath's surveillance operation plus cyclone Gita twisting, turning and changing course. And when they did it was a fast-paced crescendo of heart-racing action on all fronts.
 
My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tuesday 5 September 2023

Book Review: Jillaroo from Jacaranda by Mandy Magro

 Jillaroo from Jacaranda

by

Mandy Magro

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

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

Review: Jillaroo from Jacaranda 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

my rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

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

Thursday 31 August 2023

Book Review: The Summer Place by Janette Paul

 The Summer Place

by

Janette Paul

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

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

Review: The Summer Place

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

Wednesday 5 July 2023

Book Review: One More Time by Mandy Magro

One More Time

by

Mandy Magro

Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: 7th June 2023
Genre: Romance
Pages: 352
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: courtesy of the publisher
 

Review: One More Time

Mandy Magro has written a heart-wrenching and meaningful story about life, love and second chances.

Charlie Wilson is attending his ex-wife's 70th birthday party. His life has not been easy, he has many regrets and the 'what ifs' play heavily on his mind. fate steps in and magically gives Charlie a second chance at life.

One More Time is not your normal love story. There are lots of I love yous and sweet endearments however Mandy Magro has thrown everything at her characters to test the bounds of their love and sometimes they break.
I love that one of the main characters is a Vietnam veteran, there aren't enough stories about these brave and underrated soldiers.
With themes of PTSD, survivors guilt and alcoholism and the effect this has on relationships. PTSD and survivors guilt not only destroys the sufferer's life but also the lives of those who love them and Magro shows this with candour and compassion. There are also strong themes of love, forgiveness and not giving up on each other.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

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

Friday 17 March 2023

Book Review: Becoming Mrs Mulberry by Jackie French

 Becoming Mrs Mulberry

by

Jackie French

Publisher: Harlequin Australia
 
Publication date: 8th March 2023
 
Genre: Historical Fiction
 
Pages: 512
 
RRP: $32.99AU (Paperback)
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 

My review of Becoming Mrs Mulberry

Becoming Mrs Mulberry, set in the picturesque Blue Mountains region of NSW post WWI, is a story of compassion and the healing power of nature.

Jackie French, through Agnes, highlights the fight women endured to become doctors. Agnes had to study and qualify in Edinburgh before she could return to Australia and join her father in general practice.

At the plea of her best friend Hortense (Puddin' to her friends), Agnes forgoes her career and marries Puddin's shell shocked brother to save the family fortune from their greedy uncle. Douglas was to be declared insane and committed to an asylum.

Agnes and Douglas move to his property in the secluded Blue Mountains region of Australia. The quiet surroundings and the natural environment, along with Agnes' care, see Douglas slowly heal. Agnes uses her new found wealth to supply a calm and accepting escape for the men and women disfigured by war.

I was totally shocked by the way returned soldiers, greatly disfigured while fighting for their country, were locked away and treated badly, called freaks and misfits, completely disregarding their physical and mental suffering.

Becoming Mrs Mulberry is both heart-wrenching and up-lifting. Agnes' humility and compassion brought tears to my eyes, more than once.
Agnes was taught to look for people who were suffering and try to help them. Money brings power - it's how you use that power that counts.

It's not all heart-wrenching scenes; there are plenty of humorous moments with characters like Private Private, the naturist who discarded society and his clothes, also the appearance of a wombat who has a knicker fetish.

Becoming Mrs Mulberry also has an interweaving story about a young child who Agnes saves from a circus freak exhibition. The child is grossly deformed however Agnes feels she can cure her. The circus owners call the child Dingo, saying she was brought up by dingoes.
 
If you have ever attended a talk by Jackie French you will know she is a passionate person and that passion shines through in her writing.  
I truly think Becoming Mrs Mulberry will be one of my top reads for the year. If you only read one book this year - make it this one!

My rating 5 / 5    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Jackie French AM is an award-winning author, historian and ecologist. She was the 2014-2015 Australian Children's Laureate and the 2015 Senior Australian of the year. In 2016 Jackie became a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to literature and youth literacy. She is regarded as one of Australia's most popular authors with her vast body of work crossing from fiction, non-fiction, picture books, ecology, fantasy and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction.
 
 


Wednesday 11 January 2023

Book Review: Shelter From the Storm by Penelope Janu

 Shelter From the Storm

by

Penelope Janu

When Patience Cartwright is stranded in her home town, the last thing she expects is a second chance at love.... 
 
Publisher:
Harlequin Australia
 
Publication date: 4th January 2023
 
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance
 
Pages: 448
 
RRP: $29.99AUD paperback
 
Source: Better Reading Preview
 

My review of Shelter From the Storm 

Patience Cartwright’s life is the Navy, all she wants is to be at sea. A clash with her superiors sees her with the choice of either leaving the Navy forever or accepting a secondment to work with a group of environmentalists on a national project.

There is only one problem, Hugo Halstead, the man who broke her heart years ago is head biologist on the team.
 
I love how Penelope Janu has delivered a story about the environment and biodiversity that is wonderfully informative and blended it with a heartfelt romance. In Shelter From the Storm Janu effortlessly weaves vivid descriptions of the countryside and local bird-life into the narrative.
 
Patience is a delightful character, smart and stubborn but also vulnerable. She is a character you will warm to right from the beginning. Patience excels at all things mathematical and she uses maths as a coping mechanism to calm herself by counting and doing equations and calculations in her head. I enjoyed this side of Patience because calculus has always fascinated me and I love anything numbers.
 
In Shelter From the Storm Penelope Janu touches on subjects such as occupational sexism, child abuse, PTSD, environmental issues and biodiversity. I loved all the information on frogs and it’s easy to see this is a topic dear to the author.
 
I totally enjoyed Shelter From the Storm brimming with secrets, twists and a heartwarming romance. It is a captivating story about breaking down walls, overcoming past hurts and moving on with your life.
 
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Penelope Janu lives on the coast in Northern Sydney with a distracting husband, a very large dog and, now they are fully grown, six delightful children who come and go. Penelope has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming of challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous heroines and heroes.

 
Other books I've read by Penelope Janu.

 

Thursday 22 September 2022

Book Review: Buried Deception by Amanda McKinney

Buried Deception
by
Amanda McKinney
 
Publisher: Montlake
 
Publication date: 20th September 2022
 
Series: On the Edge #1
 
Genre: Romantic Suspense
 
Pages: 344
 
Format read: eBook
 
Source: Courtesy of Smith Publicity
 
My review of Buried Deception
 
I found the content matter of this story quite disturbing. Cue, graphic sexual assault scenes.
 
Narrated through the first person dual narrative of Mia, a psychologist, and Easton, owner of LYNX a tactical response company that trains soldiers in combat tracking and search & rescue.
 
Easton and his team are called in when a teenage girl goes missing on the infamous Black Cat Trail, a trail where women have previously been attacked by a person labelled as the Black Cat Stalker. He crosses paths with Mia Frost when she is called in to help police with criminal profiling.
 
There is a lot to unpack in this story. I was intrigued with the process of criminal profiling and also the search and rescue headed by Easton was interesting and seemed to be well researched.
What I couldn't come to grips with was the graphic sexual assault scenes and Easton's creepy stalking of Mia. (That's not love, that's just disturbing).
 
McKinney's themes of mental illness, PTSD and disassociate amnesia were interesting and well delivered.  
I loved that I couldn't figure out who the Black Cat Stalker was. I changed my suspect three times during the book but never guessing right.
 
I didn't get into the story until abut the 60% mark but I feel it was wrapped up well with a satisfying ending.
 
My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 
About the author
 
Photo credit: Goodreads
Amanda McKinney is the author of more than twenty romantic-suspense, mystery, and action-and-adventure novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations. She lives in Arkansas with her handsome husband, two beautiful boys, and three obnoxious dogs and enjoys hiking, daydreaming, and very dirty martinis ( on occasion, all three at the same time).

 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday 14 July 2022

Book Review: The Bone Ranger by Louisa Bennett

The Bone Ranger
by
Louisa Bennett
 

Publication date: 18th November 2021
 
Series: Monty Dog Detective #2
 
Genre: Crime / Mystery
 
Pages: 314
 
RRP: $32.95AUD
 
Format read: Paperback 
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher 
 
My review of The Bone Ranger
 
The Bone Ranger is such a fun read; amusing, enjoyable and a little bit quirky.
 
Detective Rose Sidebottom is suffering from PTSD after a near death experience and is on sick leave. When a woman begs Rose to find her missing friend. Then when a girl is found murdered, Rose can't help but become involved even though her boss has warned her off the case.
 
Rose has a strong connection with her dog Monty, a golden retriever, who even seems to understand her when she talks to him. I loved the connection between Monty and Rose and how Monty could understand Rose and he found unique ways of trying to get her to understand him, even though she didn't get it some of the time.
 
The story is a dual narrative with Monty in 1st person which I found appropriate and Rose in 3rd person. I felt the change between perspectives flowed smoothly. I loved how Louisa Bennett got right into the mind and thoughts of a dog which were quite often amusing and gave me a few chuckles.
As Rose and Monty endeavour to uncover the identity of the murdered girl they come across a mysterious case of missing dogs. This detective duo are joined by a rat named Betty, Dante the magpie and a hyperactive squirrel. The animal community band together to help solve the mystery.
 
Even though the story is light and fun it is still a compelling crime read with captivating mysteries, tension, danger and suspense thrown in to give a read that is engrossing.
 
The Bone Ranger is the second book in the Monty Dog Detective series however reads well as a stand alone. 
 
My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
 About the author
 
Photo credit Goodreads
Louisa studied Literature at the University of London and went on to learn Canine Linguistics from her Golden Retriever, Pickles, which is how she discovered what dogs really get up to when we're not around.
Truth be told, Pickles came up with the story for the Monty Dog Detective Mysteries, and Louisa just transcribed it. She's faster on the keyboard and less easily distracted by food and passing squirrels.
Louisa worked in magazine publishing before her eyes were opened to the world of woofers. She divides her time between London and Sydney, Australia, and runs courses on crime fiction and creative writing

 
Louisa Bennett also writes thrillers a L.A. Larkin 
 
Devour

 * I am saddened to add that Louisa's beloved dog Pickles passed away last week aged 12 years - RIP Pickles 💗

Sunday 5 June 2022

Book Review: The Wattle Seed Inn by Léonie Kelsall

The Wattle Seed Inn
by
Léonie Kelsall 
 
Bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing
 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
 
Publication date: 5th July 2021
 
Genre: Rural Romance
 
Pages: 416
 
RRP: $29.99AUD
 
Format read: paperback
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
My review
 
I absolutely loved this story and can't believe I let it sit on my shelf for this long!! 
Rich city girl meets and falls in love with country boy.

Told through the eyes of Gabrielle, a city girl with something to prove, Hayden, the country boy that has underlying demons and Ilse, family matriarch and original owner of The Wattle Seed Inn (formerly Wurruldi Hotel).
 
Gabrielle, having bought out her ex-fiance, is now the owner of the dilapidated Wurruldi Hotel. She has grand plans to turn it into a B & B and prove to her ex that she can do this on her own.
 
Hayden just wants to be left alone, he feels he can't be relied upon as he let the one person that means the most to him down. But the new girl in town as caught his eye.
 
Ilse loves the Wurruldi Hotel, it has been in her family for generations. She is hoping the new owner will take her advice with renovations. 
 
I thoroughly loved being back in the small country town of Wurruldi on the Murray River and I loved the casual banter between the friends and how they eagerly included Gabrielle into their lives.
Both Gabrielle and Hayden had hidden demons that they held close preventing them from opening up and starting a relationship. Strong themes of forgiving yourself and accepting yourself are explored through these two characters.
The mysteries that surround each character weave themselves throughout the story urging the reader on, looking for answers.
 
Léonie Kelsall explains, through Hayden, that PTSD is not only about nightmares and panic attacks. There is also the self loathing, paranoia and catastrophising. The inclusion of the aptly named companion dog, Trigger highlighted the work of companion dogs in situations I would not have normally thought of.
 
I found the encounters between Ilse and Gabrielle both endearing and heart-wrenching. Kelsall writes with real emotion.
 
I enjoyed revisiting characters from The Farm at Peppertree Crossing as they popped in and out of the story as Kelsall included many themes around country living.
 
Léonie Kelsall has written another winner; heart-wrenching, endearing and full of country charm. A story of forgiveness and moving on...
 
My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
 About the author
 
Raised initially in a tiny, no-horse town on South Australia's Fleurieu coast, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land in the Murraylands,
Léonie Kelsall is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page!
Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well, Adelaide), but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. Now she splits her time between the stark, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana and her home and counselling practice in the lush Adelaide Hills.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday 12 May 2022

Book Review & Giveaway: A Stone's Throw Away by Karly Lane

 A Stone's Throw Away
by
Karly Lane


Poignant, heart-warming and suspenseful....

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd May 2022
 
Genre: Rural Crime 
 
Pages: 368
 
RRP: $29.99AUD
 
Format read: Paperback
 
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
 
My review
 
Investigative Journalist Pip Davenport moves to her uncle's quiet, country property to overcome a case of writers block. She is writing a book on her last assignment which ended in a prominent politician going to prison.
 
When a cold-case in the area is reopened Pip can't help but be pulled into the mystery. The town is tight-lipped and Pip feels there is more to this case than first appears.
 
The introduction of two potential love interests for Pip adds a touch of romance to this tension filled crime novel. I must admit to having a sneaky look forward to see who Pip would connect with. 
Pip is a strong, determined character. She is suffering a severe case of PTSD but when her journalistic instincts kick in she is fearless and doesn't balk at ruffling a few feathers.
 
Karly Lane has delivered a wonderfully immersive novel with visually pleasing descriptions, a highly engaging plot, gripping suspense and compelling twists.
 
A Stone's Throw Away is a story of courage, resilience and a passion for the truth. 
 
My rating  5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
 
 
Click the cover image to read my reviews of Karly's book. 

   
GIVEAWAY:
 

Thanks to the generosity of Allen & Unwin I have one paperback copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. (Australian addresses only)
Entry is via the form below. Entries close at Midnight on Friday 21st may 2022.
 
This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Wednesday 16 February 2022

Book Review: Butterflies In Me by Denisha Seals

Butterflies in Me
by
Denisha Seals
Illustrated by Gabhor Utomo
 

An anthology bringing awareness to mental health 
 
Publisher: Boys Town Press

Publication date: 14th May 2018 - rereleased 2022
 
Genre: Children's / Middle Grade 

Pages: 92

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Smith Publicity

My review
 
Butterflies in Me is a collection of short stories that focus on some common, yet challenging, mental health conditions in children.
 
The book covers an array of circumstances children may find themselves in; such as domestic abuse, PTSD, bullying, anxiety, ADHD and depression. Seals uses simple language and short stories making them child friendly.
 
Denisha Seals includes coping skills in her stories and avenues children can go through if they need help.
I liked that the happy endings came eventually but not immediately, as mental health issues take time to work through.
 
Each story is written in 1st person, narrated by the children, which gives a stronger connection to the child, making it more relatable to children reading the book.
 
Javier and his mother are abused by his stepfather. he is offered help from a trusted source (in this case a teacher) and he and his mother are directed to people trained to help in these situations.
Kenya is disfigured and bullied. Her anxiety becomes all consuming. When she opens up to her father he takes her to see a doctor who helps her.
Abbas has ADHD. He can't concentrate at school and his self worth is destroyed. He is helped with a simple explanation of his condition and tactics to employ to help him stay focused.
Lulu falls into a deep depression after her beloved grandmother dies. When she see a therapist she is given coping strategies to see her through this time of grief.
 
Each story ends with the catchphrase "I am special, strong, and I did nothing wrong." 
 
The stories are enhanced by Gabhor Utomo's vivid watercolour illustrations from each child's life and images from their imagination.
 
Butterflies in Me would be an ideal book to be used in schools and for child therapists. 
 
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

DENISHA SEALS is an artist, filmmaker and author who uses the power of her pen to lift the voices of the marginalized and victimized. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, she advocates for more awareness and understanding of the emotional toll abuse victims experience, particularly children of color. Her uplifting stories inspire readers to be strong, fearless and full of hope.

 
About the illustrator
 
GABHOR UTOMO was born in Indonesia. He moved to California in 1997 to become an artist. He received his degree from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and now works as a freelance artist. Gabhor, his wife, Dina, and his twin daughters live in Portland, Oregon.




 
 

Wednesday 14 April 2021

Book Review: Bring Him Home by Nicole Trope

 Bring Him Home
by
Nicole Trope
 
 A totally gripping and emotional page turner
 
 
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication date: 30th March 2021
Genre: Crime / Mystery
Pages: 250
Format read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
 
About the book
 
‘Your son is missing,’ they say, and life as I know it is over. ‘Where would he go?’ the police ask. ‘Where would he be?’ my daughter begs.

My heart races as images flash in my mind. The cabin we rent every autumn, surrounded by fiery red maple trees. Voices raised. Tears falling. A marriage falling apart. And worst of all my husband telling our child, Theo, to run.

The rest is a blank in my memory. If I close my eyes I can almost see it. A betrayal that has left me alone, in tatters, grieving for what we had.

It wasn’t meant to be like that. It should have been precious time as a family, with boardgames, walks in the mountain and pancakes for breakfast.

Instead my little one has vanished. ‘They are looking for him,’ the nurse told me, ‘but the storm is slowing down the search.’

The police think Theo has the answers, that he knows what tore our family apart. But I have no idea where he is. No clue if he is safe. And that’s the most terrifying thing of all…

My review
 
Nicole Trope has depicted, with stark reality, a family on the edge of collapse in this intriguing and moving story.
 
Told through the eyes of multiple characters with a compelling mystery running through the heart of the story Trope explores the complexity of PTSD when Cecilia is found leaning over her injured husband with a knife in her hand. She is unable to speak and can't remember what happened.
 
Set in the holiday cabins in the heart of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. The area is deluged by rain and communications have been cut which adds to the tense atmosphere.
The couples autistic son, Theo, is missing. Through Theo Trope explores the mind of an autistic child. Although I know nothing about autism it came across as believable. 
Eighty-four year old Rose who has lived in one of the cabins all her life gives us a view of autism in the 50's & 60's as she looks back at the prejudices and problems she faced with her autistic brother and the lack of support and understanding then.

I have to admit Theo and Rose really stole the show in this story. Rose's story is heartbreaking. She is a strong determined woman and she had wonderful support from her nephew.
Teenaged Kaycee highlights the affect having a sibling with a disability has on siblings.

The story is filled with villains and heroes and a few twists and turns that will have you reeling. However ultimately it is a story of family, of supporting each other in times of crisis and an undying connection that goes beyond the grave.

This is an easy read I was totally immersed and stayed up late to finish the story.
 
4.5 / 5    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Photo credit: Goodreads 

Nicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because-as her professor pointed out- ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’ She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree in Children’s Literature. After the birth of her first child she stayed home full time to write and raise children, renovate houses and build a business with her husband.
The idea for her first published novel, The Boy under the Table, was so scary that it took a year for her to find the courage to write the emotional story.
She is now published by Bookouture and is an Amazon top 100 bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS and CAN.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
 

 
Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021
                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21
 
 


Tuesday 6 April 2021

Book Review: An Ordinary Life by Amanda Prowse

An Ordinary Life
by
Amanda Prowse
 
 
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication date: 9th February 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction / WWII
Pages: 396
Format read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
 
About the book
 
Christmas Eve, 2019. Ninety-four-year-old Molly lies in her hospital bed. A stroke and a fall may have broken her body—but her mind is alive with memories.

London, 1940s. Molly is a bright young woman, determined to help the war effort and keep her head up despite it all. Life becomes brighter when she meets and falls in love with a man who makes her forget everything with one dance. But then war forces her to make an unforgettable sacrifice, and when she’s brought to her knees by a daring undercover mission with the French Resistance, only her sister knows the secret weighing heavily on Molly’s heart.

Now, lying in her hospital bed, Molly can’t escape the memories of what she lost all those years ago. But she is not as alone as she thinks.

Will she be able to find peace—and finally understand that what seemed to be an ordinary life was anything but?
 
My review
 
I love reading anything that is set during WWII and Amanda Prowse hasn't disappointed in this family drama centred around a young woman who made great sacrifices and risked her life to help end the war.
 
The story opens with Molly aged 94 suffering from a stroke and a fall that lands her in hospital unable to communicate, although her mind is perfectly clear. Molly is desperate to tell her story.
 
From here we go back to 1943, London and an 18 year old Molly. She is an amazing, strong woman and very intelligent. She is fluent in German and works for The Ministry of Information as a senior translator translating propaganda posters and transcripts intercepted from the enemy. We follow Molly's extraordinary life through the ups and downs of love, friendships and family in a time of war.
 
Amanda Prowse portrays how the war had changed the trajectory of many lives and how women slotted into jobs usually allocated to men. The story also shows the societal restrictions of the time concerning reputation and appearances. Molly falls in love fast and hard, as many did during this time of uncertainty. When he is sent off to fight she spends many hours thinking of her love and praying for his safe return whilst she continues with her life and doing what she can to end this war and bring her loved one home.
 
With themes of PTSD, spies, societal expectations and family, Amanda Prowse has written a beautifully described story that is filled with love, danger, tension, sacrifice and heartbreak.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling Historical Fiction.
 
4/5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
 
About the author
 
Photo: Goodreads
 

Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Challenges entered: Historical Fiction Challenge #HistFic2021 
 
 
I have a giveaway currently running and you can enter HERE