Book Review: A Man of Honour by Simon Smith

 A Man of Honour

by

Simon Smith

Publisher: Echo Publishing

 

Publication date: 7th February 2023

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Pages: 307

 

RRP: $32.99AU (Paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 My review of A Man of Honour

Simon Smith says in his prologue the seed of this story was planted in his mind as a young boy when his mother sat him down and told him the story of his ancestor; a young man who tried to assassinate  a prince.

A Man of Honour is a powerful story, beautifully told through polished prose. Smith's writing is old worldly and lyrical. The realness of the time, the setting, the language and characters make this an immersive read. O'Farrell was a master of subterfuge and I could feel his charisma working its charm throughout the novel. O'Farrell believed he was exacting revenge for all Irish by killing the one person that was so loved by Queen Victoria. But was he a terrorist, a patriot or a madman?

Simon Smith uses both fact and fiction in this retelling of the life and ultimate execution of Henry James O'Farrell the Irish born Australian who shot and injured Prince Alfred during his visit to Australia in 1868.

Every character in this story is a real person and Smith uses artistic license to add the thoughts and emotions of his characters. Many of the conversations are copied from real transcripts kept in archives and some of the letters of correspondence are copies of the actual letters sent. Smith's acknowledgement of sources shows the research was extensive.

 

The plot does jump all over the place with the point of view often changing, however well detailed chapter headings let the reader know precisely where you are in the story.

 

A Man of Honour is a mesmerizing story of a man who may or may not have been completely sound of mind, but he was misled by his friends and paid the ultimate price for his crime. 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Simon Smith has travelled the world for most of his life as a freelance cinematographer. From a small village on the island of Pentecost in Vanuatu, to the rehearsal room of an Ibsen play in Brooklyn, to a Foreign Legion barracks in France, to refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border, to camping out with First Nations artists in the Great Sandy Desert, he has relished hearing remarkable people's stories and sharing them with the wider world. Now he has swapped his camera for pen and paper, and become a storyteller himself. A Man of Honour is his debut novel.

Simon lives with his partner and their congenial cat Danny Boy in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Book Review: The Money Club by Fiona Lowe

 The Money Club

by

Fiona Lowe

Wealth. Trust. Betrayal. 

Publisher: Harlequin Australian

 

Publication date: 3rd May 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 528

RRP: $32.99AU (Paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review of The Money Club

With The Money Club Fiona Lowe brings her readers right into a small country town devastated when a well respected member of their community goes missing, along with the money they invested with him.

Brad Quinn is charismatic and affable. He and his fiancée, Izzy, live a life of luxury and Brad is happy to share the secret to his success with his close friends and family. As the money rolls in everyone in Brad's Elite Club is able to buy luxury cars and overseas holidays, until Brad and their money disappear.

Fiona explores how easy it is for people to be caught up in these schemes when they are advised by a close friend, preying on the bonds between them.

I found it very hard to like any of the characters or find any sympathy for them. Many of the characters blamed everyone but themselves for their loss. I did however like the growth of the three main characters. Izzy, Lucy and Birdie showed great strength and fortitude by the closing of the book.

I enjoyed the mystery part of the plot and this had me hooked as the tension hung in the air and there was an unexpected turn of events that truly shocked me.

Fiona Lowe explores themes of community, family, home ownership, trust, friendship, financial stress and starting over.

Does the small town of Glingilly survive this devastating financial blow? You will have to read the book to find out!

My rating 3.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Fiona Lowe has been a midwife, a sexual health counsellor and a family support worker; an ideal career for an author who writes novels about family and relationships. She spent her early years in Papua New Guinea where, without television, reading was the entertainment and it set up a lifelong love of books. Although she often re-wrote the endings of books in her head, it was the birth of her  first child that prompted her to write her first novel. A recipient of the prestigious USA RITA award and the Australian RuBY award. Fiona writes books that are set in small country towns. They feature real people facing difficult choices and explore how family ties and relationships impact on their decisions.

When she is not writing stories, she's a distracted wife, mother of two 'ginger' sons, a volunteer in her community, guardian of eighty rose bushes, a slave to a cat, and is often found collapsed on the couch with wine.

 

Book Review: Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory

 Dawnlands

by

Philippa Gregory

A King in trouble. A country divided. A woman determined.

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 

Publication date: 15th November 2022

 

Series: The Fairmile #3

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Pages: 544

 

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback) 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Dawnlands

Dawnlands, set in 17th century England, is the third book in The Fairmile series.

Dark Tides ended with Alys and Alinor settled in their merchant business on the wharves in London and Alinor's brother, Ned Ferryman, living in America.

As with the previous two books there is a large gap of time between this book and the previous book. Having the books set in different time frames allows them to be read well as standalone.

Ned is leaving America to join the rise against King James II. The native American Pokanoket people have been enslaved and are being sent to the sugar farms in Barbados.

I love how Gregory mixes history and fiction and as you read it on the page it feels like her characters are real and were part of the downfall of James II.

Livia is back and scheming her way into the young Queen's favour to garner position for herself and her son. The character of Livia will not disappoint! She is beautiful, charismatic and evil. No act was too low for her if it meant bettering her position in life.

Dawnlands is a story of tyranny, greed, slavery and the fight for equality and freedom. The slavery and conditions on the sugar farms was an eye-opening addition to the story, showing the greed and cruelty of plantation owners. Apart from the cruelty we also get the thoughts of 'good white folk' who thought slavery was fine as long as you treated them well, thinking they were actually doing these people a favour.

Gregory states that Dawnlands took three years to write and I think it was well worth the wait. Her writing is captivating and it flows effortlessly from one scene to the next with each point of view being just as interesting as the last.

An extensive bibliography shows that the novel was thoroughly researched.

Bringing a new generation into the story with Alys's granddaughters and Rob's daughter makes me feel like this series won't be ending here!

Trades done, deals made, slaves entrenched, intrigue abounded, loves lost and a King overthrown; Dawnlands is a must read!

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognised authority on women's history.

Many of her works have been adapted for the screen.

Reviews of other books in this series:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-review-tidelands-historical-fiction.html

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/12/book-review-dark-tides-by-philippa.html

 

 

Book Review: The Signatory by Stuart Black

 The Signatory

by

Stuart Black

Loyalty can be a deadly virtue

 

Publisher: Glass House Books

 

Publication date: 20th April 2023

 

Genre: Crime / Thriller

 

Pages: 230

 

RRP: $33.00AU (Paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of DMCPRMedia

 

My review of The Signatory

The Signatory is a gripping crime novel centred around, what you would think to be, the very safe world of marketing. 

Successful start-up company The Bold Agency has been bought out by the large global company, YRG. The takeover is going well and owner Sam Pride is enjoying the money. When his chief finance officer, Chaz Bailey, starts digging around into some of YRG's dealings and questions arise about the takeover, Chaz is kidnapped and his life is threatened unless an incriminating document is handed over.

Sam now finds himself in a fight for survival whilst he tries to uncover the person behind the fraud and also save his friend.

The Signatory is a great story set around the corporate world of advertising. It's very clear that Stuart Black knows his subject.

The only downside for me was the constant changing point of view which hindered the flow of the story. It felt like it was jumping all over the place.

The Signatory is a compelling story with corporate crime, greed and murder taking centre stage. A story filled with twists and turns until the final chapter.

My rating 3.5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Stuart Black worked for Saatchi & Saatchi in Sydney and London, before becoming the founding partner and CEO of South-East Asia's leading healthcare communications group, Ward6.

Alongside his career in advertising, Stuart is the author of two novels. In 2003, he had a manuscript shortlisted for the NSW Writers' Centre Popular Fiction Competition and in 2009, published the psychological thriller Shallow Water.

Stuart's second novel, The Signatory, is based on his intimate knowledge of the international corporate world. Stuart is married and has two children.

Book Review: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer

 In a New York Minute

by

Kate Spencer

Their love story has gone viral. But it hasn't even begun.... 

 

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th March 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance / RomCom

 

Pages: 309

 

RRP: $26.99AU (paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of In a New York Minute

I really enjoyed this lighthearted romcom. A meet-cute with a backdrop of New York City.

Just when she thinks she is on the way up and due for a promotion Franny is put off her job. Her life goes from bad to worse when her dress is caught in the subway door and tears wide open. Hayes is on the same train and seeing Franny is now a blubbering mess gives her his jacket to cover up. Franny is mortified when she finds out their encounter was videoed and is now trending on Instagram as #subwayQTs.

"The world's worst meet-cute had been turned into an adorable romantic comedy that everyone was talking about'

Franny hopes to never see the Hot Suit guy again but the universe has a different idea when they keep bumping into each other.

 

In a New York Minute was such a fun read. A slow burn romance with just the right amount of angst. 

Franny is vivacious and outgoing although she harbours insecurity and self-doubt . Hayes is awkward, methodical and a workaholic. This was a perfect opposites attract story!

 

I loved Franny's friends and it's so nice to read about females supporting each other and genuinely happy about each other's successes. Everyone needs friends like Cleo and Lola.

 

New York shines bright in this novel and Kate Spencer's love for the city radiates throughout the book. 

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Kate Spencer is the co-host of the award-winning podcast Forever35 and author of the memoir The Dead Mom's Club. In a New York Minute is her first novel. She writes a bi-monthly column for In Style, and her written work has been published by the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, and numerous other places. Previously she worked as a senior editor and producer at VH1.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.

 

 

Book Review: Into the Night by Fleur McDonald

 Into the Night

by

Fleur McDonald

Arson, suicide or worse? Detective Dave Burrows investigates his most mystifying case.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th April 2023 

 

Genre: Crime / Rural

 

Pages:  352

 

RRP: $29.99AU (paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Into the Night

Fleur McDonald has delivered another compelling crime novel with Into the Night.

 

Det. Dave Burrows is called in to assist with investigations into the disappearance of a farmer after his farm goes up in flames.

 

I'm always excited when I hear another Dave Burrows novel is coming out. It's not by chance that Dave is loved by readers all over Australia. Fleur McDonald writes authentic characters with relatable problems and Dave may be tough but he wears his heart on his sleeve.

 

I was quickly pulled into the mystery of Leo's disappearance and with chapters ending on little cliffhangers I was urged to read that 'one more chapter', as the mystery deepens and the story becomes all the more engrossing.

 

Running through the police investigation Fleur includes many themes relating to farming and small rural communities. Such as; small towns dying off when there is no work, the risk of fires, marriage problems due to the relentless work hours of farmers, sibling rivalry and cash flow problems.

 

I loved the way Dave and his mentor, Bob Holden, bounce off each other and the clear affection that they have for each other.

Dave Burrows is the quintessential Aussie hero. Into the Night is a must read for rural crime fans!

 

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Fleur McDonald has lived and worked on farms for much of her life. After growing up in the  small town of Orroroo in South Australia, she went jillarooing, eventually co-owning an 8000-acre property in regional Western Australia.

Fleur likes to write about strong women over-coming adversity, drawing on inspiration from her own experiences in rural Australia. She has two children and an energetic kelpie.

 

www.fleurmcdonald.com 

Book Review: A Woman's Work by Victoria Purman

 A Woman's Work

by

Victoria Purman

Publisher: Harper Collins Australia

 

Imprint: HQ Fiction

 

Publication date: 5th April 2023

 

Genre: Women's Fiction / Historical

 

Pages:  358 

 

RRP: $32.99AU (Paperback) 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of A Woman's Work

A Woman's Work is a poignant look at the expected role of married women post WWII Australia.

 

Set in 1950's Australia when the chance of winning a cash prize in a cooking competition could open up a wealth of opportunity.

Told through the dual narrative of two Australian mothers; Ivy Quinn, war widow and single mum to 12yo Raymond, and wife and mother of five, Kathleen O'Grady.

Victoria Purman knows how to immerse her readers into the lives of others. We get a very personal view of both Ivy and Kathleen's lives; their dreams, internal conflicts and despair.

Ivy is a single working mum, she constantly worries if she is doing enough for Raymond, he has no father figure and she is concerned this may have a negative effect on him.

Kathleen, a SAHM of five, finds her days overwhelmed with washing, cleaning and cooking. Her and her husband have grown apart and she feels lost.

 

Both women find a new purpose and confidence when they decide to enter the Australian Women's Weekly recipe competition with a  cash prize of £600.

I immediately connected with Ivy and her son Raymond. Kathleen took me longer to work out. I didn't like her at all until the penny dropped and I realised she had severe depression (sometimes I need these things spelled out to me).

I loved all the cooking and recipes and whilst reading I had so many things I would have liked to ask my grandmother about. I also enjoyed all the nostalgia Purman invokes with the inclusion of rationing, movies of the time, fantales, the Melbourne Olympics and Bex powders.

A Woman's Work is a truly engaging read, and even though set in the past is perfect for contemporary fiction readers.

My rating 4 / 5    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Victoria Purman is an Australian top ten and USA Today bestselling fiction author. Her most recent book, The Nurses' War, was an Australian bestseller, as were her novels The Land Girls and The Last of the Bonegilla Girls. Her earlier novel The Three Miss Allens was a USA Today bestseller. She is a regular guest at writers festivals, a mentor and workshop presenter and was a judge in the fiction category for the 2018 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature and the 2022 ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize for an unpublished manuscript.

I'm off to make some cheese and gherkin scones! 😀