Book Review: The Mistake by Katie McMahon

 The Mistake

by

Katie McMahon

 

Can one decision change everything?

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 2nd March 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: $29.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

Kate and Bec are sisters, but they could not be less alike.

Bec lives the perfect life: perfect house, perfect husband, perfect children. That is, until she meets Ryan - ten years her junior, wild and exciting, his arrival makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

Her sister Kate's life is anything but perfect. Her career as a model ended dramatically over a decade ago; now she lives alone miles from her family, and has been lonely for a long time. That is, until she meets kind, funny Adam. But something doesn't quite add up, and as he avoids Kate's questions, she begins to wonder if he is too good to be true.

Bec thinks Adam is only after her sister's money, and Kate can't see why Bec would throw her life away for Ryan.

But as tensions mount and secrets are revealed, which sister is about to make a mistake?

 

My review

 

The Mistake is an outstanding and impressive debut by Australian author Katie McMahon.

 

Kate was a successful model working around the world when her career ended suddenly. She now pursues an academic career. Her younger sister Bec, a doctor's wife, lives the perfect life; a handsome husband, a beautiful house and three gorgeous children. Everything Kate aspires to.

 

There is something between the sisters, simmering menacingly, something that's never been discussed but changed the course of both their lives irrevocably.

The dual narrative gives the reader a greater sense of the sisters' relationship and how each of them feels. With Kate's in first person I found her character more open and vulnerable, than the third person narrative of Bec. 

 

As Katie's life finally starts to be looking up in the romance department Bec's life and marriage are falling apart. When Bec starts to get attention from the much younger Ryan she can't resist the urge to break free. Kate and Bec will always be there for each other and tell each other everything. Or do they? Katie McMahon explores the bond between sisters, beauty, sexuality and fidelity.

 

I had a small idea of what was going on but I had no idea where McMahon was taking this and found this shrewdly plotted novel both believable and well executed. 

McMahon gives the reader a deep insight into the sisters innermost thoughts, fears and the events that bind them together and tear them apart. Delivered in two intertwining plot lines The Mistake held my interest from start to finish.

 

In this genre defying novel McMahon mixes family drama with romance, suspense, humour and satire. Her writing is sharp, succinct and delivered with a wry wit.

 

The Mistake is honest, heartfelt and engaging. I'm looking forward to more from Katie McMahon. 

 

4.5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

 

About the author

 

Katie McMahon wrote The Mistake while attending a masterclass run by the internationally bestselling author Fiona McIntosh. Previous writers discovered at the masterclasses include Tania Blanchard, author of the runaway bestseller The Girl from Munich (50k+ copies sold in ANZ). Katie has lived in London and Melbourne and is now based with her family in Hobart, Tasmania. She is a trained doctor, works as a GP and teaches communication skills to medical students. The Mistake is her first novel.

 

 

Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

 

 

 

Book Review: The Jam Queens by Josephine Moon

 The Jam Queens

by

Josephine Moon

 

Publisher: Penguin Books Australia

Imprint: Michael Joseph

Publication date: 13th April 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AUD

Format read: Uncorrected proof copy

Source: courtesy of the publisher 

 

About the book

 

Award-winning jam maker Aggie is determined to take her Barossa Valley cafe to new heights. She has put the pain of unsuccessful IVF treatments and a broken relationship behind her, and is focused on the many wonderful possibilities life still holds in store.

When an invitation to travel across Australia on the Ghan for her mother’s seventieth birthday comes her way, she is at first apprehensive. But the trip offers a precious opportunity to spend some quality time with both her disgruntled mother, Valeria, and her distant daughter, Holly, as well as her meddling great-aunt, Myrtle. The four generations of the family, all single women, will be reunited at last.

As the iconic train chugs its way beneath majestic desert skies, Aggie’s difficult past resurfaces, her business comes under threat, and long-held family rifts reignite. To complicate things further, she’s distracted by the attentions of a handsome younger man on his own search for meaning in some of the country’s most remote and magical places.

 

My review

 

Five women spanning four generations take a trip together on the Ghan hoping to smooth over old hurts and reconnect.

I really enjoyed the armchair travel on the Ghan and all the touristy day outings the characters embarked on.

Josephine Moon has included many topical issues spread between the women and many of these start out as little mysteries. I won't go into the themes as it will spoil the suspense for readers.

Aggie has the most on her plate; A rift to try and repair with her mother, a business that has an untimely problem, a daughter that has become closed off and a moral dilemma that can’t be put off any longer. However all Aggie’s good intentions are waylaid when she meets the handsome, and much younger, Harry, and spends the trip sightseeing with him.The story is told through three narratives giving the reader a good insight into these characters’ inner thoughts and feelings about themselves and each other. Through backstory we get to know more about the formation of the characters’ current relationships.

The train journey ends up being more of a soul searching trip than a bonding session.

I personally felt there were too many topical themes introduced and most of them weren’t fully explored which made their inclusion come across as somewhat contrived. For me, the exploration of the family’s disconnect and the IVF theme would have been enough to hold my interest.

The Jam Queens is sure to be popular amongst contemporary fiction readers with messages of resilience, family and love, plus an assured happy ending.

 3.5 /5    ⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Photo credit Goodreads

Josephine Moon was born and raised in Brisbane, had a false start in environmental science before completing a Bachelor of Arts in communication and then a postgraduate degree in education. Twelve years and ten manuscripts later, her first novel, The Tea Chest, was picked up for publication and then shortlisted for an ABIA award. Her bestselling contemporary fiction is published internationally.

In 2018, Josephine organised the 'Authors for Farmers' appeal, raising money to assist drought-affected farming communities. She is passionate about literacy, and is a proud sponsor of Story Dogs and The Smith Family. She now lives in the beautiful Noosa hinterland.

Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

 
 

Winners in my Mega Friday Freebie Giveaway Announced

 A big thank you to everyone who entered my Mega Friday Freebie Giveaway. I had an amazing number of entries.  The giveaway closed on 15th April and the winners were randomly selected (using Random org) from all entries. 

 

 Congratulations to.....

 

Janelle, Liz H, Gloria A, Pam S, Kylie H, Suzanne, Donna Rae & Jodie K

 

 

 The winners have been notified and have seven days to provide a mailing address. 

 There will be more giveaways coming soon!

 

 

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

 

 

Book Review: As Swallows Fly by L. P. McMahon

 As Swallows Fly

by

L. P. McMahon

 

 

Publisher: Ventura Press

Publication date: 3rd March 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 384

RRP: $29.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

When Malika, a young orphan in rural Pakistan, is savagely attacked, her face is left disfigured and her self-esteem destroyed. Haunted by the assault, she hides from the world, finding solace in her mathematical theories. A few years later, her intellectual brilliance is discovered and she leaves conflict-stricken Pakistan for a better education in Melbourne, where she finds herself placed with Kate—a successful plastic surgeon facing emotional insecurities of her own.
 
Malika and Kate’s lives slowly intertwine as they find within each other what each has lacked alone. At first, Kate’s skills appear to offer a simple solution to Malika’s anguish, but when tragedy strikes, the price of beauty is found to be much higher than either of them could have known.
 
As Swallows Fly is a poignant portrayal of survival, identity and empowerment in a culture dominated by the pursuit of perfection. In a captivating and unforgettable debut, McMahon asks what might be possible if we have the courage to be flawed.

 

My review

 

L. P. McMahon's debut novel As Swallows Fly is poignant and moving. McMahon uses perfection as the driving force behind this story of two women thrown together by circumstance, each finding their new friendship offering the emotional support they lacked.

Kate is a successful plastic surgeon spending her days saving limbs and saving lives. She is overworked and over stressed, always striving for perfection.

The medical procedures and hospital scenes are well described, believable and not overly technical. I wasn't surprised when I later read that the author has an extensive medical background.

Malika, orphaned at the age of 12, is taken to another village and raised as one of their own but when jealousy raises its head and Malika is savagely attacked it is decided she will be safer in Australia to continue her education.

I really enjoyed Malika's part  of the story. Her life in Pakistan was realistically described and I can imagine a village accepting a young orphan into their mix and bringing her up as their own. When Malika started teaching lessons to the other girls she was told to stop by the village elders but they also showed how proud they were of her academic achievements. 

McMahon has included themes of belonging, jealousy, secrets, moving on from the past, the pursuit of perfection and the importance of friendship.

From the life of a young girl in Pakistan to the rooms of the University of Melbourne deciphering theories and equations Malika's story is heart-breaking and awe inspiring.

Together Kate and Malika learn that an unlikely friendship can lead to healing and self acceptance.

5/5     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

L. P. McMahon was born in Melbourne. His writing career began as a medical student, and he has since won or been shortlisted for multiple national and regional short story competitions. He has travelled, lectured and published widely in his medical career, living and working in Oxford, Berlin, Pakistan, Newfoundland and New Zealand. He currently directs a busy medical department as Professor of Nephrology at Monash University. As Swallows Fly is his debut novel. 

 

Challenges entered:  Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

Mailbox Monday & Life This Week - April 12th

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Life This Week is a meme created by Denyse Whelan Blogs where bloggers share snaps of what is currently happening in their lives.

Happy Monday!

It's been a while since I've posted a book haul update and a little of what I've been doing. Well over a month! 

Since my last post we have had a deluge of rain causing floods state wide,  celebrated Dot's birthday, my birthday, my sister visited from Queensland, celebrated Easter, visited the Royal Easter Show and we are currently in the second week of the school holidays.

Dot's birthday

My birthday

 

Our local creek usually only has a dribble of water

 

Dot's favourite part of the Easter show

 

You can't get more Australian than Kookaburra's on a Hills Hoist!

 

Books I've received and purchased over the last 6 weeks. 

 

  I would love to hear what books you've received in the mail recently! 

Book Review: The Codebreakers by Alli Sinclair

The Codebreakers

by

Alli Sinclair 

 

  They will dedicate their lives to their country, but no one will ever know...

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia 

Imprint: Mira

Publication date: 3rd March 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 496

RRP: $29.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

1943, Brisbane: The war continues to devastate and the battle for the Pacific threatens Australian shores. For Ellie O'Sullivan, helping the war effort means utilising her engineering skills for Qantas as they evacuate civilians and deliver supplies to armed forces overseas. Her exceptional logic and integrity attract the attention of the Central Bureau-an intelligence organisation working with England's Bletchley Park codebreakers. But joining the Central Bureau means signing a lifetime secrecy contract. Breaking it is treason.

With her country's freedom at risk, Ellie works with a group of elite women who enter a world of volatile secrets; deciphering enemy communications to change the course of the war. Working under immense pressure, they form a close bond-yet there could be a traitor in their midst. Can the women uncover the culprit before it's too late?

As Ellie struggles with the magnitude of the promise she's made to her country, a wedge grows between her and those she holds dear. When the man she loves asks questions she's forbidden to answer, how will she prevent the double life she's leading from unravelling?

 

My review

 

The Codebreakers is a fictional story inspired by the real code breaking women of Australia’s Central Bureau operational during WWII and situated in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot.

I was mesmerised by this story from start to finish. Ellie O’Sullivan is a captivating character. Nothing phases her and she has an intelligent come-back to every put-down whether it comes from a male or a fellow female.

Alli Sinclair highlights how, during the war, women stepped into jobs usually occupied by men however there was still much prejudice and differing conditions and, I’m sure, wages between the two. The men working on intercepting Japanese radio communications were in a house whilst the women deciphered coded messages in the garage out the back thus the origin of the name ‘The Garage Girls.”

“All this happened under the roof of a regular-looking garage in suburban Brisbane and no one outside Central Bureau would ever be the wiser.”

I love any books featuring WWII whether it be on the troops fighting or the affect on civilians, set in any country around the world, I have read many yet I am always learning something new and finding each author has their own unique way of telling a story. The Codebreakers was another unique story where I was continually learning new aspects of how the war impacted life in Australia.

The Codebreakers features the war’s affect on all Australian citizens and how the women of the Central Bureau contributed to ending the war in the pacific. Alli Sinclair goes beyond the work that the women were involved in to include some off duty activities as they attend dances, go to the movies and fall in love. I found the story a wonderful, believable depiction of Australia during the war.

The demand for total secrecy put a huge burden on the women who felt they had to continually lie to their loved ones. It took many, many years before the women were officially honoured and recognised. With many of them passing away before this happened, which was heartbreaking.

5/5     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 About the author

 

Photo: Goodreads

 Alli Sinclair, an adventurer at heart has won multiple awards for her writing. She's lived in Argentina, Peru and Canada, climbed some of the world's highest mountains and worked as a tour guide in South and Central America. She enjoys Immersing herself in exotic destinations, cultures and languages but Australia has always been close to Alli's heart. Alli presents writing workshops around Australia and volunteers as a role model for Books in Homes. She also works on international film and TV projects as a screenwriter and producer. Alli's books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers. She captures the romance and thrill of discovering old and new worlds. and loves taking readers ona journey of discovery.

 

 

 
Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

                                 Historical Fiction Challenge #HistFic2021 

Other books I've read by Alli Sinclair