Book Review: Sarah Evans by Bernice Barry

 Sarah Evans is the powerful debut novel by Australian author Bernice Barry and I was totally immersed from the first to the very last page. After I'd read the last page and closed the book I actually said Wow! It was that impactful.

Set in early 1800's London, the story follows the life of Sarah Evans. Wrongly accused of theft she is sentenced to transportation to Australia (a fate considered worse than death). However when she catches the eye of the imperious Governor Aris he spirits her away to be his housemaid. What follows is a life of physical and sexual abuse in a time when women had no rights, none more so than those in poverty.

 

Sarah Evans is a totally captivating and heart-wrenching story. Closely based on the real life circumstances of Sarah Evans with events and dialogue drawn from original documents and prison records.

 

Bernice Barry brings her readers into a world filled with violence, corruption and ingrained poverty. It was a time of political upheaval and men championing social justice and equality were imprisoned. 

 

Through Sarah Evans we are given a protagonist who is down trodden, beaten and raped but still finds her voice for women's rights and never gives up the hope of freedom.

Sarah Evans is a powerful story where women don't judge each other's actions but do whatever they can to help each other whether it be a morsel of food or a bed for the night.

If you read historical fiction, Sarah Evans is one book not to be missed.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: AU$32.99 ( trade 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: The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin

 Lovers of Greek Mythology will probably get a lot more from this humorously witty story than I did. However, even though I'm not totally clued up on Greek Mythology I still know enough to see how funny The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin was. Google helped me out with some of the gods' back stories.

 

In The Medusa Situation Gabiann Marin places the gods of old in today's world, living out their immortality in Western Sydney whilst watching reality TV. They still have their differences and petty battles but life isn't as luxurious as when they were revered by mortals.

Medusa's head has been stolen and her sisters ask Hera for help to find who stole it. What follows is a hilarious romp through different realms uncovering the regrets, animosity and squabbles of the top echelons of Greek gods.

 

Gabiann Marin uses an omniscient narrative style which is so well executed the story flows effortlessly.

The Medusa Situation is Greek Mythology with a feminist twist. This very witty, humorous and ungodlike satirical take on Greek Mythology will appeal not only to mythology enthusiasts but anyone with a sense of humour.

My rating 4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

Publication date: 1st July 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 260

RRP:AU$36.95 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

 

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: Among the Grey Gums by Paula J. Beavan

 Among the Grey Gums

by

Paula J. Beavan

Secrets, corruption and bushrangers.

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th June 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Among the Grey Gums

Among the Grey Gums is my first read by Paula J. Beavan and I absolutely loved it! I do have Paula's debut novel on my shelf and I can't wait to read it.

 

I loved Lucy's character! She was forthright, courageous and strong.

 

1842 Hunter Valley, Lucy is a woman in a man's world, fighting to survive and make a living in a harsh environment. Everyone that knew her respected her but it was still a dangerous place for a woman, she had to not only be tough but smart too.

 

Constable Samuel Donovan was the perfect hero, respectful and compassionate. He had been sent to the Hunter Valley to investigate the local magistrate and why there had been no progress on capturing a gang of bushrangers. The Constable ends up helping Lucy try to clear her brother-in-law's name when he is accused of murder.

Among the Grey Gums is a riveting historical fiction. I love that Paula J. Beavan writes strong, feisty female characters. Lucy is doing what is considered to be a man's job, and doing it well. I liked the descriptions of the bullock teams, how they all had names and the whole process of yoking the team up, travelling through the harsh countryside and sleeping under the stars.

There is a perfect division of good and bad characters which balanced the story out nicely.

A very subtle romance thread added a heartwarming touch to this story of murder, corruption and manipulation.

I'm excited to read Daughter of the Hunter Valley, where we are introduced to another strong and resilient female character.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Free by Meg Keneally

 Free

by

Meg Keneally

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th April 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Free

I have a great love for Australian colonial stories that include determination, everyday struggles and the love that develops for this new country and Meg Keneally showcases all of these elements to perfection in Free. 

Keneally uses Mary Reibey as her inspiration for the character of Molly Darrow later to become Molly Thistle who had a key role in her previous book The Wreck. 

I remember when I read The Wreck I wanted to know more about Molly Thistle and here it is.

We learn how Molly came to be in Australia. From stealing a horse and escaping the gallows to being transported to Australia. Molly shows a tenacity to not let others determine her fate. If there is something she can do to turn the tables in her favour she is not scared to take the reins and head into the unknown.

Meg Keneally gives an adequate portrayal of life in Australia however doesn't over emphasise the cruelty, murder and beatings of convicts preferring to concentrate on the achievements made by Molly and her husband despite the many setbacks they encountered.

I was totally captivated by this story of courage, determination and sheer hard work that sees a young convict girl rise above the discrimination and setbacks to forge a life for herself and her family.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My review of THE WRECK by Meg Keneally

 

 

Book Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey by Julie Bennett

 The Lost Letters of Rose Carey

by

Julie Bennett

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 1st May 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: uncorrected proof from publisher

 

Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey was inspired by the life of vaudeville star, swimmer and actress Annette Kellerman.

 

Narrated through the dual timeline of Rose in 1923 and Emma in 2024. 

 

In 1923 Rose is going through a hard time financially and she needs to reinvent herself. She has an amazing new act that will put her in the spotlight again. However tragedy strikes and she starts to question everyone close to her not knowing who she can trust.

I absolutely loved Rose's story! She was such a strong inspirational woman. Many of Annette Kellerman's achievements are mentioned throughout the story which had me looking for more information on the internet. Her life was fascinating and beautifully portrayed through the character of Rose.

In 2024, Emma and her wife Lauren are struggling with failed IVF attempts and the pressure it is putting on their marriage. Emma finds some old film canisters and letters and is soon pulled into researching the life of Rose Carey. I wasn't so captivated with Emma's story and couldn't see the parallels between her and Rose's lives.

I would have been quite happy to read a whole book on Rose Carey alone.

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is a fascinating story of love and betrayal. The book moves along at a fast pace through passion, heartache, mystery and unexpected twists.

I loved the final connection to women and fitness, to love, celebrate and look  after their bodies.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Julie Bennett's debut novel:

THE UNDERSTUDY

 

Book Review: The One That Got Away by Karly Lane

 The One That Got Away

by

Karly Lane

Twenty years ago, Alex ran. As far and as fast as she could.

But to return is her only escape.....

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Contemporary fiction / rural romance

Pages: 339

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The One That Got Away

Karly Lane's stories just keep getting better and better!

 

With The One That Got Away Karly Lane has delivered another heartfelt, small town, romance story that is sure to garner rave reviews. 

Alex leaves the small coastal town of Rockne Heads. a fictional town on the NSW North Coast, vowing never to return. However when she decides to buy and settle in the English countryside she must return to Australia, and Rocky, to go through her father's belongings and sell the family home.

Sullivan (Sully) has lived in Rockne Heads all his life. He has taken over the family fishing business and built it up to the successful company it is today.

He never expected to see Alex Kelly again after she left Rocky without even a goodbye. When he bumps into her on the street all the emotions are back and he is not going to let her go again without a fight.

I loved everything about this second chance romance story. There is a deep mystery running through the story about something that happened when the characters were teens. An event that tore the whole town apart and turned them against one of their own.

Lots of flashbacks slowly fill the reader in, keeping me totally glued to the pages.

This is a slow burn romance with just enough angst to keep me wondering if our main characters will end up together. 

Karly has included some heavy topics around teenagers and the mistakes they make. 

In The One That Got Away Karly Lane astutely explores the complexity of small town living.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other books I've reviewed by Karly Lane:

FOOL ME ONCE

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

MR RIGHT NOW

ONCE BURNT,TWICE SHY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

TAKE ME HOME

TIME AFTER TIME 

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

 

 

Book Review: The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny

The Mistress of Dara Island

by

Averil Kenny

A tropical paradise is her birthright ... but will its dark secrets destroy her dreams?

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Genre: Historical / Mystery

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Mistress of Dara Island

The Mistress of Dara Island is an enchanting story of power, money and long held secrets, set on a fictitious island off the coast of far north Queensland.

 

Tahlia (Tally) is the only child of Nerissa the owner of Dara Island and one day the land that she loves will pass to her. However the exclusive resort is currently run by her rich and powerful father, and he wants Tally to have nothing to do with it.

 

The willful and determined Tally was not scared to stand-up to her cruel and militant father. He banishes her from the island but she vows to return and claim her birthright.

 

Set in the 1960's Averil Kenny richly evokes the beauty and seclusion of the island with a luxury resort on one side and the other filled with treacherous peaks covered in jungle. 

I loved the wonderfully portrayed characters in this story and many of the chapters ended on little cliff-hangers that kept me eagerly reading.

What starts as a story about a willful girl and her love of the island soon morphs into a suspenseful mystery with plenty of jaw-dropping twists.

The Mistress of Dara Island is the perfect holiday read!

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another fabulous book I have read by Averil Kenny:

THOSE HAMILTON SISTERS

 

 

 

Book Review: Those Girls by Pamela Rushby

Those Girls

by

Pamela Rushby

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Genre: Young Adult / Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of publisher

 

Review: Those Girls

In Those Girls, Pamela Rushby writes about a little known area of women's involvement in the second world war.

As men leave the country to join the fighting a void is left in the area of food production. This is where the Australian Women's Land Army (AWLA) was formed and many young women left their homes to make their contribution to the war effort, working on farms picking and packing fruit, digging potatoes and milking cows. The back breaking and relentless work was vividly described as the girls work hard and support each other making firm friendships along the way.

Those Girls is an easy, engaging read. Descriptions of the farms and working conditions are well portrayed as the girls endure harsh summers and bitterly cold winters. Rushby gives a wonderful insight into the lives of these girls (mainly aged 14 -18 years). Even with working long hours the girls find some time to socialise and have some fun, go dancing, meet American soldiers and even fall in love.

Snippets into the girls' lives before the Land Army work and the lives of their families at home waiting on news of their missing sons is well researched and written to target the young adult audience of 14+ years.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher recommended age 14+ years

Alludes to consensual sex

unplanned pregnancy

unwanted advances

 

Book Review: The Accident by Fiona Lowe

The Accident

by

Fiona Lowe

She thought their life was perfect.  She was wrong.

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 6th March 2024

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 480

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Accident

Trying my best at a spoiler free review here as it's best to go into this story with a limited idea of what unfolds. 

 

I was pulled into the story right from the prologue. The Accident opens with a tragic car accident but the reader is left in the dark as to who is in the accident and the details.

What ensues is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story rich in female-centric and emotive issues such as; posthumous IVF, women's choice to have, or not to have children, the many ways childless women are judged and child neglect.

 

Freya & Ryan and Hannah & Jamie are the best of friends however when one of them dies those left behind start questioning their own lives and each other. Lies and secrets surface and all their lives are irrevocably changed.

 

The Accident is a page-turning and thought-provoking story. Fiona Lowe thrusts her characters into moral dilemmas. The plot had me on a roller-coaster of emotions, tears, anger, a what would I do moment and delight. 

 

The Accident is a taut and absorbing mystery that is sure to be a huge hit with Fiona Lowe's fans and also with readers who enjoy Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth. 

 

My rating 4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Milliner of Bendigo by Darry Fraser

 The Milliner of Bendigo

by

Darry Fraser

Trouble with the law. A missing sister. Evie Emerson has a dangerous adventure ahead of her ...

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 29th November 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 432

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Milliner of Bendigo

Right from the start I was invested in the characters in this story and having characters from a previous book pop into the story gave an added level of connection.

 

Evie is a fabulous character, headstrong and intelligent. She finds herself unduly coerced by her current date who is pushing her to marry him. When Evie says no he sues her for breach of contract and proceeds to sully her reputation.

 

The Milliner of Bendigo is chock full of wonderful characters and one or two not so wonderful. My favourites were; the strong and determined Evie who works for Lucille Downing in her milliner shop, The affable David Kingsley who has his eye on the widow Downing, Fitz the roving reporter who is always after the next big story, and the shy and gallant Raff. 

 

The Milliner of Bendigo is fast paced and rich in mystery and drama. Told through multiple points of view I was totally invested in all the characters' stories and raced through the book.

 

Darry Fraser keenly evokes the atmosphere of the old gold mining towns of country Victoria and her vivid descriptions of the drought conditions left me well imagining the heat and dust. 

 

Set on the verge of federation, themes of water rights, corruption, cover ups and murder make The Milliner of Bendigo a must-read for historical fiction fans.

 

This is my second book by Darry Fraser and I am now keen to read her backlist.

 

my rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Book Review: The Goldminer's Sister by Alison Stuart

The Goldminer's Sister

by

Alison Stuart

Gold is a fever. Will it lead her to love ..... or death? 

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 8th July 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 381

RRP: $29.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review: The Goldminer's Sister

In The Goldminer's Sister, Alison Stuart deftly evokes the attitudes and nuances of 1800's Australia.

Set in the goldfields of country Victoria, Stuart depicts the small towns of the late 1800's with startling clarity.

 

Eliza sails from the UK to Australia, after her mother's death, to be with her brother, Will. It isn't until she arrives in Maiden's Creek that she learns of her brother's accidental death and her Uncle offers her lodgings.

Eliza's curiosity over her brother's death starts to mount as she gets to know more people in the town and she begins to wonder why her uncle is so keen to be rid of her.

Mysteries start to appear right from the start of the book and as the story progresses the mysteries deepen and an element of suspense is added. The Goldmines are a dangerous place for women however Eliza will not back down, she is outspoken and feisty. Stuart's characterisation is perfect, Eliza is well formed and believable.

The introduction of Alec, a man of honour, Will's friend and mine manager, gives a good balance to the other lecherous men and introduces an element of romance.

 

The Goldminer's Sister is a fabulous read, rich in mystery and danger, theft and deception, showing how profit quite often came before people's lives.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Challenges: Mount TBR challenge

 

 

Book Review: The Sunday Story Club by Doris Brett & Kerry Cue

 The Sunday Story Club

by

Doris Brett & Kerry Cue

An anthology of stories from the heart

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 25th June 2019

Genre: Non-Fiction / Anthology

Pages: 272

RRP: $32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Sunday Story Club

The Sunday Story Club is a collection of stories that have evolved from a real life face-to-face gathering of women where through contemplative questions the group have deep and structured conversations about things that really matter.

 

Doris, a psychologist, author, poet and psychotherapist and Kerry, an author, journalist and mathematician came together to organise a salon at which people could engage in meaningful, in-depth conversations but instead of discussing weighty topics of the day they would discuss their own inner worlds.

The Sunday Story Club is a collection of fifteen questions and ensuing short stories that have been explored at some of their meetings.

I didn't expect to be quite so moved by the stories shared in this book. Each story was unique showing vastly different circumstances but all highlighting resilience, bravery and hard-won wisdom. There are stories included with themes of bullying, dysfunctional families, anorexia, cancer, infertility, depression and self-image; each woman speaks from the heart about her life experiences.

In this busy technical age of emails and texts The Story Book Club is a book to remind us of the power behind real face-to-face conversations to enlighten and heal.

Brett and Cue have also included notes on starting your own story salon and sample questions to steer the conversations.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

Doris Brett is a clinical psychologist as well as multi-award winning author. She his published books in a variety of genres ranging from novels to poetry to memoir, to narrative therapy for children and even a book on bread-baking. She lives in Melbourne with her husband.

 

Kerry Cue is a humourist, mathematician and journalist who has written for every major newspaper in Australia. Kerry is also the maths blogger, Mathspig. She studied Science/Engineering at Melbourne University and taught maths and science for ten years before becoming a bestselling author of twenty humorous and education books.

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.

Book Review: The Magpie's Sister by Kerri Turner

 The Magpie's Sister

by

Kerri Turner

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 2nd May 2023 

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Pages: 336

RRP: $32.99 (Trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Magpie's Sister 

Who doesn't love a circus! The Magpie's Sister is an evocative and moving story about an Australian circus and the performers' lives.

The Magpie's Sister focuses on two main characters, both given to the circus, under different circumstances, at a young age. The story is told in the dual narration of Maggie, who suffers from a facial deformity, and Charlotte, the beautiful tightrope walker. The pair start to become friends but lies and deceit will test the delicate line of trust they have developed.

Set in Australia in 1911 I found it heartbreaking at how cruel people could be. This was a time when the circus was the only place people with a deformity could live some semblance of a normal life. Not all circuses were as kind and benevolent as the one Kerri Turner depicts in The Magpie's Sister.

I loved all the descriptions of circus life, the moving from town to town, and the fact that not everyone was happy to have the circus in town. It was a hard life.

The story brought back many happy memories of attending circuses when I was young and also attending with my own children.

 

Kerri Turner has written a fascinating and heartfelt story of friendship and letting people in. Family is not always the one you are born into!

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Kerri Turner is an Australian author of historical fiction. Her books and short stories focus on female roles throughout history that have been largely overlooked or forgotten, and often include elements of the performing arts. Her short stories have appeared in several national and international publications. With a Diploma of Publishing and an Associate Degree (Dance), she splits her time between writing, and teaching ballet and tap dancing to seniors.

Also by Kerri Turner: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-daughter-of-victory-lights-by-kerri.html

Book Review: The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

 The Doll Factory

by

Elizabeth Macneal

Freedom is a precious thing

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Picador

Publication date: 30th April 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction / Gothic / Thriller

Pages: 336

RRP: $29.99 (Trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Doll Factory

The Doll Factory is a gripping and bone-chilling gothic thriller. A tale of love and obsession set mid 19th Century London.

 

Macneal thrusts her readers into the streets of 1850's London detailing the filth, poverty, pick pockets and prostitution. The story is very confronting however Macneal delivers it all without judgement.

Women were expected to marry and have children but for those without marriage options life was an endless slog of backbreaking work. When Iris is asked to model for an artist her family disowns her however she is now open to a whole new world of art and freedom. A world where one man's obsession and delusion will put her in grave danger.

 

Macneal's characters are beautifully rendered and come to life slowly on the pages as their descriptions are layered throughout the narrative.

 

The Doll Factory would have to be one of the creepiest books I have read. An ominous feeling hangs in the air and even though I knew what was coming, when the scenes unfolded they were disturbingly unsettling. 

About the author

Elizabeth Macneal was born in Scotland and now lives in East London. She is a writer and potter and works from a small studio at the bottom of her garden. She read English Literature at Oxford University, before working in the City for several years. In 2017, she completed the Creative Writing MA at UEA where she was awarded the Malcolm Bradbury scholarship. The Doll Factory, Elizabeth's debut novel, won the Caledonia Novel Award 2018.

Challenges: Mount TBR challenge.

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.

Book Review: Don't Make a Fuss: It's only the Claremont serial killer by Wendy Davis

 Don't Make a Fuss

It's only the Claremont serial Killer

by

Wendy Davis

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st June 2022

Genre: Non-Fiction (memoir)

Pages: 216

Source: own copy

 

Review: Don't Make a Fuss: It's only the Claremont Serial Killer

Don't Make a Fuss is a brave and courageous memoir highlighting the ongoing culture of women's unimportance and  suppression.

 

Wendy was attacked at her workplace by Bradley Edwards. Wendy's attack was minimised and her account ignored by both police and authorities. Edwards went on to murder two, possibly three, women in the Claremont area which sparked a police investigation spanning decades.

Wendy Davis tells her story in this important novel broken up between present-day and the current investigation, and at the time of the attack 30 years ago and how it affected her.

I was appalled how the initial attack on Wendy had little consequence for the perpetrator, brushed under the carpet. However, it affected Wendy's life for years to come.

The story made me angry how crimes against women are being downplayed and because Wendy had a strong personality her trauma was devalued. She was expected to just get on with it.

I can't even fathom the monumental stress she has had to live with during the dragged out court case with years passing from arrest to sentence of this evil man.

I do hope that writing this book has been cathartic for Wendy. However, I am sure that the events of 1990 will be with her forever.

Thank you Wendy for this insightful memoir. We need to make a fuss and not only be heard but also actioned upon appropriately 

4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street by Marlish Glorie

 The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street

by

Marlish Glorie

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd May 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Beauty and Lace Book Club

 

My review of The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street

The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street was originally published in 2009 and has been re-released by Fremantle Press with a new, modern updated cover.

The book opens on quite a dramatic scene as Helen has  had enough of her husband's hoarding and living with dead people's belongings, she drags her bed outside and attacks it with an axe.

Helen, hoping to start a new life, eventually leaves her husband and with the help of her long-time neighbour, Astrid, she buys an old rundown bookshop. 

I quite enjoyed this quirky and poignant story about the messiness that is family. Glorie shows how serious hoarding can destroy relationships. Helen and Arnold's two sons had left home to get away from the mess and they very rarely saw them but when they heard their mother had actually left their father, both boys found their way home.

Marlish Glorie's writing is witty and candid. I felt this story was a bit of a tragi-comedy. It's a story of love, loss and grief, of second chances and doing the best you can. I loved the finely nuanced characters, all inexplicably tied to each other. The story is funny at times and at other times quite profound.

I'm a bit of a hoarder myself, not to the extent that Arnold hoards, but I love teacups and teapots. And of course books!

This quote in the book had me in stitches, because this is exactly what I tell my children. 🤣🤣

"One day, all this will be yours. And Vivian's. It's your inheritance. I've been thinking about your future."

 The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street may not be to everyone's liking, but I loved it!

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Marlish Glorie is a novelist, short story writer, mentor and teacher of creative writing. Her short stories have been published in national anthologies. Marlish lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband. She is currently working on another novel, and also volunteers at Trillion Trees.