My review of Summer at Kangaroo Ridge
Sunday, 3 July 2022
Book Review: Summer at Kangaroo Ridge by Nicole Hurley-Moore
My review of Summer at Kangaroo Ridge
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, 27 June 2022
Mailbox Monday - June 27th
Happy Monday!
Review:
Saturday, 18 June 2022
Winner of a copy of The Reunion announced!!
A huge thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for a paperback copy of The Reunion. The giveaway closed on the 17th June and the winner was randomly selected (using Random org) from all correct entries.
The winner has been notified and has seven days to provide a mailing address.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and DMCPRMedia for sponsoring this giveaway.
Please look under the giveaway tab for more chances to win great books.
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 |
Friday, 10 June 2022
Book Giveaway - Friday Freebie: The Reunion by Polly Phillips
But events like that can’t just be forgotten. Not without someone answering for what they’ve done.
When an invitation arrives to a University reunion, everything clicks into place. Emily has a plan.
Because if you can’t forget – why not get revenge?
I have one paperback copy of The Reunion to give away.
Tuesday, 7 June 2022
Winner of a copy of Esther's Children announced!!
A huge thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for a paperback copy of Esther's Children. The giveaway closed on the 5th June and the winner was randomly selected (using Random org) from all correct entries.
The winner has been notified and has seven days to provide a mailing address.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for sponsoring this giveaway.
Please look under the giveaway tab for more chances to win great books.
Giveaway coming soon.....