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Amber and Alice
Take a hilarious road trip into the Australian outback in this witty romantic comedy, with an enticing family mystery thrown in!
When Amber Jones wakes up in her sister Sage's speeding car, with no idea how she got there (though the hangover is a clue), all she wants to do is go home. But Sage is convinced a road trip to Alice Springs will finally answer the burning question: who is Amber’s father? Because nine months before Amber’s birth, her late mother Goldie made the same trip . . .
Armed with just a name and Goldie’s diaries, Amber agrees to search for a man she’s never met in one of the world’s biggest deserts.
And that means spending two weeks in a convoy of four-wheel-driving tourists and camping in freezing desert nights. To make matters worse, her fellow travellers hate her and the handsome tour leader Tom thinks she’s an alcoholic.
But slowly the desert starts to reveal its secrets - and Amber must decide which horizon to follow . . .
When Amber Jones wakes up in her sister Sage's speeding car, with no idea how she got there (though the hangover is a clue), all she wants to do is go home. But Sage is convinced a road trip to Alice Springs will finally answer the burning question: who is Amber’s father? Because nine months before Amber’s birth, her late mother Goldie made the same trip . . .
Armed with just a name and Goldie’s diaries, Amber agrees to search for a man she’s never met in one of the world’s biggest deserts.
And that means spending two weeks in a convoy of four-wheel-driving tourists and camping in freezing desert nights. To make matters worse, her fellow travellers hate her and the handsome tour leader Tom thinks she’s an alcoholic.
But slowly the desert starts to reveal its secrets - and Amber must decide which horizon to follow . . .
389 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2017
About the author
Janette Paul
5 books17 followersJanette Paul is a pen-name of bestselling crime writer Jaye Ford, author of Beyond Fear and Scared Yet?, among others. She is also the author of Just Breathe, another sparkling rom-com, which is available as a Random Romance ebook. She lives at Lake Macquarie in the NSW Hunter Valley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 10, 2018
An interesting change of pace for this author who also writes really good crime novels under the name of Jaye Ford.
Amber and Alice takes us on a road trip through outback Australia, visiting some beautiful spots including Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. I think the author does justice to the amazing scenery, the incredible distances and the hazards such as overtaking road trains on long stretches of highway.
The story was fun although predictable! But the character of Sage. Really. I will just say that she was possibly the most annoying book character I have ever come across. The book actually improved vastly when she was not on the page!
Anyway, apart from her, the story was good, the characters entertaining and the ending was very satisfactory. A very pleasant reading experience:)
Amber and Alice takes us on a road trip through outback Australia, visiting some beautiful spots including Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. I think the author does justice to the amazing scenery, the incredible distances and the hazards such as overtaking road trains on long stretches of highway.
The story was fun although predictable! But the character of Sage. Really. I will just say that she was possibly the most annoying book character I have ever come across. The book actually improved vastly when she was not on the page!
Anyway, apart from her, the story was good, the characters entertaining and the ending was very satisfactory. A very pleasant reading experience:)
August 28, 2022
I loved this story, it is a roller coaster ride through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia I loved my visit to the outback and meeting Amber, oh dear did Amber have a few moments during this trip there were many laugh out loud moments and also times were the emotion bubbled over in so many different ways, but did she find what her sister wanted her too?
Amber Jones has what she is sure she has always wanted a good job in human resources a nice place to live, stability and she is happy that is until everything explodes at huge company dinner, too much to drink and the next day Amber wakes up in a speeding car driven by her sister Sage and she has no idea why she is here, slowly things start to come back to her but still why is she with her sister in a car, didn’t they do this enough as children growing up with their mother Goldie?
Amber desperately wants to go home and get her normal life back on track but Sage is sure that a road trip across the Nullabor Plain recounting trips done as kids will help Amber find herself, add to that Sage has found diaries that her mother had written and Amber’s Father’s name is in it and their mother did this trip nine months before Amber was born, she agrees to stay till she can get back home.
So Amber settles into a trip with a convoy of four wheel drives set to travel the outback, with her mother’s Diary, only trouble is with her fabulous entrance to the tour, the leader Tom thinks that she has a serious drinking problem and the rest of the tag along team are truly unhappy with her because of their late start, this is going to be a long two weeks.
What a trip this was, so many emotions play out during the trip, frustration, anger, dummy spits and so much laughter and yes tears as Amber finds herself in situations that you would not believe but along the way she thinks about her future and what she wants, even though it takes her a while to see it and of course there is the growing feelings she has for Tom. This is a great story one that I highly recommend get ready for a fabulous trip with many emotions and lots of laughs.
Amber Jones has what she is sure she has always wanted a good job in human resources a nice place to live, stability and she is happy that is until everything explodes at huge company dinner, too much to drink and the next day Amber wakes up in a speeding car driven by her sister Sage and she has no idea why she is here, slowly things start to come back to her but still why is she with her sister in a car, didn’t they do this enough as children growing up with their mother Goldie?
Amber desperately wants to go home and get her normal life back on track but Sage is sure that a road trip across the Nullabor Plain recounting trips done as kids will help Amber find herself, add to that Sage has found diaries that her mother had written and Amber’s Father’s name is in it and their mother did this trip nine months before Amber was born, she agrees to stay till she can get back home.
So Amber settles into a trip with a convoy of four wheel drives set to travel the outback, with her mother’s Diary, only trouble is with her fabulous entrance to the tour, the leader Tom thinks that she has a serious drinking problem and the rest of the tag along team are truly unhappy with her because of their late start, this is going to be a long two weeks.
What a trip this was, so many emotions play out during the trip, frustration, anger, dummy spits and so much laughter and yes tears as Amber finds herself in situations that you would not believe but along the way she thinks about her future and what she wants, even though it takes her a while to see it and of course there is the growing feelings she has for Tom. This is a great story one that I highly recommend get ready for a fabulous trip with many emotions and lots of laughs.
December 5, 2017
What a wonderful surprise this book was. I can't recall the last time I laughed so much whilst reading a book. This book truly was a fun loving and enjoyable read.
Amber wakes up in her sister's car with no idea how she got there or where she was going. According to Sage, they are going on a road trip to Alice Springs. Amber has a difficult enough time trying to work out how she got into her sister's car in the first place, but when she learns where they are heading to she is beside herself and just wants to get out of the car as fast as she can and return home.
Eventually Amber finds out the actual reason for this trip and still she doesn't want to go. Sage believes they will find the answers they are looking for concerning Ambers father, but Amber is not so convinced. This road trip would test their relationship in many ways, but will they become closer and will they get the answers they are looking for?
This was a very entertaining, delightful and fun book to read that had me laughing many times. Aussie author Janette Paul has done a superb job in writing this book and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
Amber wakes up in her sister's car with no idea how she got there or where she was going. According to Sage, they are going on a road trip to Alice Springs. Amber has a difficult enough time trying to work out how she got into her sister's car in the first place, but when she learns where they are heading to she is beside herself and just wants to get out of the car as fast as she can and return home.
Eventually Amber finds out the actual reason for this trip and still she doesn't want to go. Sage believes they will find the answers they are looking for concerning Ambers father, but Amber is not so convinced. This road trip would test their relationship in many ways, but will they become closer and will they get the answers they are looking for?
This was a very entertaining, delightful and fun book to read that had me laughing many times. Aussie author Janette Paul has done a superb job in writing this book and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2017
This book was so much fun! A road trip with two very different sisters. Amber who likes to think she's practical and organised but agrees to the trip while very drunk and immediately after making a major exhibition of herself and being fired at the work end of financial year dinner, and Sage who is a free spirited vegan, not in the least bit practical, who thinks more or less kidnapping her drunk sister and taking her on a two week road trip through the middle of Australia will be a bonding experience.
There is a lot of humour as Amber tries to cope with finding herself on a road trip with no clothes or supplies, ill-equipped for camping and without coffee or real food. Initially she does little to recommend herself to the rest of the tour group, the "tag-alongs" in their four wheel drives, or the good looking tour leader Tom. But Sage has a reason for taking Amber hostage. She wants to help her find her father, a man their mother Goldie met in Coober Pedy and moved with to Alice Springs before leaving him not long after Amber's birth. Eventually the beautiful scenery does start to work it's magic on Amber but the pull of the city and a sensible job are still strong and Amber finds she has some decisions to make about her life and future.
Jeanette Paul's characters are all delightful. Amber and Sage are poles apart as sisters, but do have a strong bond forged by an early childhood spent on road trips with their mother. Tom the handsome, enigmatic tour leader has his own secrets he is running away from. The tour group contains many recognisable tourist types - the older couple, the family of four with energetic young son and sulky teenage daughter, the snap happy photographer who has to document everything. Anyone who has done any driving in outback Australia will also recognise the many colourful Aussie characters who run the pubs, hotels and service stations in these remote areas. All in all, Ms Paul has taken us on a well written and very enjoyable journey.
There is a lot of humour as Amber tries to cope with finding herself on a road trip with no clothes or supplies, ill-equipped for camping and without coffee or real food. Initially she does little to recommend herself to the rest of the tour group, the "tag-alongs" in their four wheel drives, or the good looking tour leader Tom. But Sage has a reason for taking Amber hostage. She wants to help her find her father, a man their mother Goldie met in Coober Pedy and moved with to Alice Springs before leaving him not long after Amber's birth. Eventually the beautiful scenery does start to work it's magic on Amber but the pull of the city and a sensible job are still strong and Amber finds she has some decisions to make about her life and future.
Jeanette Paul's characters are all delightful. Amber and Sage are poles apart as sisters, but do have a strong bond forged by an early childhood spent on road trips with their mother. Tom the handsome, enigmatic tour leader has his own secrets he is running away from. The tour group contains many recognisable tourist types - the older couple, the family of four with energetic young son and sulky teenage daughter, the snap happy photographer who has to document everything. Anyone who has done any driving in outback Australia will also recognise the many colourful Aussie characters who run the pubs, hotels and service stations in these remote areas. All in all, Ms Paul has taken us on a well written and very enjoyable journey.
March 16, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Book #6 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
The vibrant Australian outback comes to life via a road trip with a difference for Amber, Janette Paul’s lead protagonist in her 2017 Penguin Random House publication, Amber and Alice. Funny, light, life affirming and full of eclectic characters, Amber and Alice is a family drama, with just a touch of romance.
Taking a step back from her crime and thriller titles, which are penned under the name of Jaye Ford, Janette Paul presents a different style of novel in Amber and Alice. A romantic comedy, a life lit title, a family drama, along with a road trip adventure defines Amber and Alice. The story revolves around Amber Jones, a woman who wakes up in a strange set of circumstances when her sister Sage hijacks her and takes her on a road trip to Alice Springs. On this fateful road trip, Sage hopes to help her sister finally uncover the identity of her father. In undertaking this journey, the sisters travel in the same footsteps their mother took before Amber’s birth. With only a few trace clues to help guide her, Amber’s quest to find her father proves to be quite a challenge. In making her way to destination Alice Springs, Amber follows a colourful crew of fellow travellers, tourists, and campers. Along the way Amber makes friends, foes and a possible love interest in her quest to find her father.
I really admire authors such as Janette Paul, who are able to switch genres. In Amber and Alice we see Janette Paul successfully move from suspenseful crime thrillers to a romantic comedy title. It is a bold act, but it works in this instance. Amber and Alice is audience pleaser. It has a summer read vibe, making it the perfect choice perfect for some relaxing poolside, or beach time reading.
Amber and Alice introduces two sisters, who are poles apart. Sage is the crazy, spontaneous and annoying sister of the two. Unfortunately I didn’t warm to Sage at all. Amber is much more grounded, but she has some mysteries about her life, as well as some uncertainties that she unlocks as the book progresses. There are a few side characters that appear in this novel and Paul ensures that they all are interesting, along with well presented. We get also get a very good glimpse into the travelling world, with the book featuring a good bunch of seasoned campers, tourists and backpackers. We also meet a charming tour leader, who provides a serve of romance for our heroine.
Not only is Amber and Alice a fun filled road trip it is also a family drama. Paul explores sibling relationships, parental tensions, family politics, secrets and birthright within her novel. Paul’s novel leans towards light touch rather than emotionally heart wrenching and after quite an eventful journey, a satisfying conclusion is reached.
Extra points go to Paul for her landscape descriptions. Amber and Alice truly is a beautiful ode to NSW, SA and the NT. There is a strong outback feel to this novel that I enjoyed. I loved the references to the towns I would just love to visit one day, if only I had the time and money I would be compiling my travel itinerary to these stunning parts of Australia, ASAP!
Take an eventful trip with Amber Jones and company as she negotiates a cross country adventure filled with friendship, love, spectacular scenery, positivity, disclosures, semblance and understanding. Amber and Alice is feel good Australian infused contemporary fiction.
Amber and Alice is book #27 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
3.5 stars
Book #6 in the #20BACKLISTIN2020 challenge
The vibrant Australian outback comes to life via a road trip with a difference for Amber, Janette Paul’s lead protagonist in her 2017 Penguin Random House publication, Amber and Alice. Funny, light, life affirming and full of eclectic characters, Amber and Alice is a family drama, with just a touch of romance.
Taking a step back from her crime and thriller titles, which are penned under the name of Jaye Ford, Janette Paul presents a different style of novel in Amber and Alice. A romantic comedy, a life lit title, a family drama, along with a road trip adventure defines Amber and Alice. The story revolves around Amber Jones, a woman who wakes up in a strange set of circumstances when her sister Sage hijacks her and takes her on a road trip to Alice Springs. On this fateful road trip, Sage hopes to help her sister finally uncover the identity of her father. In undertaking this journey, the sisters travel in the same footsteps their mother took before Amber’s birth. With only a few trace clues to help guide her, Amber’s quest to find her father proves to be quite a challenge. In making her way to destination Alice Springs, Amber follows a colourful crew of fellow travellers, tourists, and campers. Along the way Amber makes friends, foes and a possible love interest in her quest to find her father.
I really admire authors such as Janette Paul, who are able to switch genres. In Amber and Alice we see Janette Paul successfully move from suspenseful crime thrillers to a romantic comedy title. It is a bold act, but it works in this instance. Amber and Alice is audience pleaser. It has a summer read vibe, making it the perfect choice perfect for some relaxing poolside, or beach time reading.
Amber and Alice introduces two sisters, who are poles apart. Sage is the crazy, spontaneous and annoying sister of the two. Unfortunately I didn’t warm to Sage at all. Amber is much more grounded, but she has some mysteries about her life, as well as some uncertainties that she unlocks as the book progresses. There are a few side characters that appear in this novel and Paul ensures that they all are interesting, along with well presented. We get also get a very good glimpse into the travelling world, with the book featuring a good bunch of seasoned campers, tourists and backpackers. We also meet a charming tour leader, who provides a serve of romance for our heroine.
Not only is Amber and Alice a fun filled road trip it is also a family drama. Paul explores sibling relationships, parental tensions, family politics, secrets and birthright within her novel. Paul’s novel leans towards light touch rather than emotionally heart wrenching and after quite an eventful journey, a satisfying conclusion is reached.
Extra points go to Paul for her landscape descriptions. Amber and Alice truly is a beautiful ode to NSW, SA and the NT. There is a strong outback feel to this novel that I enjoyed. I loved the references to the towns I would just love to visit one day, if only I had the time and money I would be compiling my travel itinerary to these stunning parts of Australia, ASAP!
Take an eventful trip with Amber Jones and company as she negotiates a cross country adventure filled with friendship, love, spectacular scenery, positivity, disclosures, semblance and understanding. Amber and Alice is feel good Australian infused contemporary fiction.
Amber and Alice is book #27 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
February 22, 2021
4.5 Red Center Stars
A tale of two sisters on a tag-along tour to the center of Australia.. although Amber didn't quite consent to going on the tour. In truth, she knew nothing of it until she awoke with a massive hangover in the front seat next to her sister.
Her sister. Sage.
Sage basically kidnapped her drunk sister, literally threw a couple of pairs of knickers, a bra or two, a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top into a bag, (a bag the original tour buddy was using, thus filled with her own outrageous clothing) and put her in the front seat of the car. Rhonda's car... I still have no idea who Rhonda is.
Anywho..
Amber wants nothing more than to return home, sort out her life. But her phone is not in her bag. She then snaps a stiletto heel and flashes her bum in her short black dress while she attempts to find more suitable clothing in the back of a car that I think a three year old would pack better for a 4x4 camping tour.
In need of some hot greasy foods, Amber doesn't make a good impression on the other tag-alongs, the sisters have made them all late, repeatedly.
Amber really wants to leave. Sage is full of sisterly experiences, retracing their mother's path some thirty years ago, and the ultimate draw card.. finding Amber's biological father.
I honestly don't know how Amber stayed with Sage.. and once in Coober Pedy, wow!
Things were looking up as Tom (the tour guide who looks NOTHING like Thor!) stopped grunting at her so much, agreeing she can continue on the tour until she can get to an airport and catch a flight home.
I really liked Amber. And the relationships she forms with the group, Tom, and finding out about herself. There's plenty of humor, great characters, beautiful scenery (I really want to take my kids out to the center) making this another winner from one of my favourite Aussie authors.
A tale of two sisters on a tag-along tour to the center of Australia.. although Amber didn't quite consent to going on the tour. In truth, she knew nothing of it until she awoke with a massive hangover in the front seat next to her sister.
Her sister. Sage.
Sage basically kidnapped her drunk sister, literally threw a couple of pairs of knickers, a bra or two, a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top into a bag, (a bag the original tour buddy was using, thus filled with her own outrageous clothing) and put her in the front seat of the car. Rhonda's car... I still have no idea who Rhonda is.
Anywho..
Amber wants nothing more than to return home, sort out her life. But her phone is not in her bag. She then snaps a stiletto heel and flashes her bum in her short black dress while she attempts to find more suitable clothing in the back of a car that I think a three year old would pack better for a 4x4 camping tour.
In need of some hot greasy foods, Amber doesn't make a good impression on the other tag-alongs, the sisters have made them all late, repeatedly.
Amber really wants to leave. Sage is full of sisterly experiences, retracing their mother's path some thirty years ago, and the ultimate draw card.. finding Amber's biological father.
I honestly don't know how Amber stayed with Sage.. and once in Coober Pedy, wow!
Things were looking up as Tom (the tour guide who looks NOTHING like Thor!) stopped grunting at her so much, agreeing she can continue on the tour until she can get to an airport and catch a flight home.
I really liked Amber. And the relationships she forms with the group, Tom, and finding out about herself. There's plenty of humor, great characters, beautiful scenery (I really want to take my kids out to the center) making this another winner from one of my favourite Aussie authors.
May 16, 2017
The speeding car, the disorientation, the torn stockings and the bird’s-cage in her mouth had Amber completely confused – where was she, why was she here, and most importantly; why was she with her sister?! Sage wasn’t someone Amber spent a lot of time with; she was the complete opposite to Amber’s meticulous, sensible and organised self – but as the memories gradually returned, she was struck with a horrid slide-show of the previous night…
Sage had “kidnapped” Amber, determining she needed a change in her life and the road trip with a tag-along tour group to Alice Springs was just the thing. But Amber was used to hot showers, her morning coffee from a nearby café and shopping. How would she do camping – in a tent; AND with her sister? But when Sage mentioned Amber’s father – the man she had never met – and the fact that their mother had made the same trip where she’d met him twenty eight years previously, Amber finally and grudgingly agreed…
Nothing seemed to go right for Amber right from when they met up with the tag-along group in the little town of Denman in NSW. Each and every member of the group thought Amber was either crazy, or an alcoholic. And the more Amber tried to get it together, the more it all fell apart. Would their long road trip make things better or worse? Would Amber find her father? And was it possible that she and Sage could be close again?
Amber and Alice is a laugh out loud journey through Central Australia from Sydney to Alice Springs, with towns like Dunedoo, Coober Pedy and Uluru along the way. Aussie author Janette Paul has written a wonderful novel about finding your inner self, and the trouble you can get into along the way. I loved it! I found myself having to smother my laughter quite a number of times – it was such fun! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read and review.
Sage had “kidnapped” Amber, determining she needed a change in her life and the road trip with a tag-along tour group to Alice Springs was just the thing. But Amber was used to hot showers, her morning coffee from a nearby café and shopping. How would she do camping – in a tent; AND with her sister? But when Sage mentioned Amber’s father – the man she had never met – and the fact that their mother had made the same trip where she’d met him twenty eight years previously, Amber finally and grudgingly agreed…
Nothing seemed to go right for Amber right from when they met up with the tag-along group in the little town of Denman in NSW. Each and every member of the group thought Amber was either crazy, or an alcoholic. And the more Amber tried to get it together, the more it all fell apart. Would their long road trip make things better or worse? Would Amber find her father? And was it possible that she and Sage could be close again?
Amber and Alice is a laugh out loud journey through Central Australia from Sydney to Alice Springs, with towns like Dunedoo, Coober Pedy and Uluru along the way. Aussie author Janette Paul has written a wonderful novel about finding your inner self, and the trouble you can get into along the way. I loved it! I found myself having to smother my laughter quite a number of times – it was such fun! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read and review.
January 18, 2018
A well written story that I would've enjoyed more had it not suffered from what I felt was an overdose of bad language. Not a fan of potty-mouthed heroines, but that's just me.
August 19, 2017
I love road trip books – they’re an autobuy for me so when I read the blurb of this one I knew I had to get it. The thought of doing this sort of trip really intrigues me and it’s definitely something I wouldn’t mind doing in the future. But Amber, our main character, wakes up with a thumping hangover in a car with her sister, heading to a meeting point for a tour to Alice Springs. Despite declaring last night (under the influence) that she was up for it Amber is horrified and wants to leave immediately and make her way back to Sydney. Her sister Sage won’t hear of it though, begging Amber to stay on the tour, dangling a choice piece of information in front of her that this trip might lead to answers about her father, a man Amber has never met and has no information on other than his name.
Amber rather spectacularly lost her job after a drunken rant at an event the previous night so really she has no commitments. A childhood spent mostly on the road with her nomadic mother though has made Amber somewhat of a driven workaholic where she had goals and worked towards them. Her career is important to her and until her meltdown, which has gone “viral”, she’d been very successful in her chosen field. She wants to be looking for another job, not gallivanting around the country with her hippy sister….but the carrot of finding out more about her father is too hard to ignore.
Amber gets off on the wrong foot with pretty much everyone on the tour – she makes a less than ideal first impression and is bad tempered, her reluctance to be involved obvious. Even when she tries to do the right thing it doesn’t really work out, whereas Sage seems to slip in effortlessly. The good looking tour leader Tom also seems to think she’s an alcoholic, based off what he’s seen so far and the two are always struggling to keep up, often making the rest of the group late setting off.
I really enjoyed a lot of the aspects of this novel – I loved Amber, flaws and all. I sympathised with her, because although some people would thrive on that sort of upbringing, it wouldn’t be for me and I understood how she’d become because of it. Her mother was a frustrating figure and Sage was definitely more like her than Amber. Amber had always felt the odd one out in her family, Sage was a copy physically of their mother as well whereas Amber didn’t look anything like anyone in her mother’s side of the family and her mother always refused any information on her father which led to her feeling isolated. It’s why the thought of being able to find anything on him at all from this trip to Alice Springs, is so attractive, so much so that she agrees to stay with the tour (after several false starts).
I do have the say that the character of Sage drove me nuts….from pretty much the first page but what she does at a point on the tour to Amber infuriated me. So much so that I had to put the book down for a while because it made me want to throw it. It felt quite contrived unfortunately, I could see it coming from the time they arrived in Coober Pedy. It just felt like the flakiest, most stereotypical thing a character like Sage could do in order to frustrate Amber and also throw her together with Tom in a more intimate manner. And yet there’s very little payoff because the romance in this book is very low key and doesn’t really kick off until the book is almost over – I’d have liked a bit more to be honest. There are some nice interactions between Tom and Amber but it does feel like it takes a bit of time to get where it’s going.
Overall though I did really enjoy this – loved the setting, travelling west through New South Wales to South Australia and then up into the Northern Territory. I enjoyed the different characters taking part on the tour and the little quirks and quibbles that came up from spending so much time together in such a way. As I mentioned I really liked Amber as well and hoped that she got the information that she was after. Only Sage annoyed me and I would’ve liked a bit more in the romance stakes but those are quite small quibbles really. This book had humour and charm – Janette Paul is better known as Jaye Ford, writer of crime suspense/thrillers but she could definitely carve out a nice rural niche for herself too, if she chose to.
Amber rather spectacularly lost her job after a drunken rant at an event the previous night so really she has no commitments. A childhood spent mostly on the road with her nomadic mother though has made Amber somewhat of a driven workaholic where she had goals and worked towards them. Her career is important to her and until her meltdown, which has gone “viral”, she’d been very successful in her chosen field. She wants to be looking for another job, not gallivanting around the country with her hippy sister….but the carrot of finding out more about her father is too hard to ignore.
Amber gets off on the wrong foot with pretty much everyone on the tour – she makes a less than ideal first impression and is bad tempered, her reluctance to be involved obvious. Even when she tries to do the right thing it doesn’t really work out, whereas Sage seems to slip in effortlessly. The good looking tour leader Tom also seems to think she’s an alcoholic, based off what he’s seen so far and the two are always struggling to keep up, often making the rest of the group late setting off.
I really enjoyed a lot of the aspects of this novel – I loved Amber, flaws and all. I sympathised with her, because although some people would thrive on that sort of upbringing, it wouldn’t be for me and I understood how she’d become because of it. Her mother was a frustrating figure and Sage was definitely more like her than Amber. Amber had always felt the odd one out in her family, Sage was a copy physically of their mother as well whereas Amber didn’t look anything like anyone in her mother’s side of the family and her mother always refused any information on her father which led to her feeling isolated. It’s why the thought of being able to find anything on him at all from this trip to Alice Springs, is so attractive, so much so that she agrees to stay with the tour (after several false starts).
I do have the say that the character of Sage drove me nuts….from pretty much the first page but what she does at a point on the tour to Amber infuriated me. So much so that I had to put the book down for a while because it made me want to throw it. It felt quite contrived unfortunately, I could see it coming from the time they arrived in Coober Pedy. It just felt like the flakiest, most stereotypical thing a character like Sage could do in order to frustrate Amber and also throw her together with Tom in a more intimate manner. And yet there’s very little payoff because the romance in this book is very low key and doesn’t really kick off until the book is almost over – I’d have liked a bit more to be honest. There are some nice interactions between Tom and Amber but it does feel like it takes a bit of time to get where it’s going.
Overall though I did really enjoy this – loved the setting, travelling west through New South Wales to South Australia and then up into the Northern Territory. I enjoyed the different characters taking part on the tour and the little quirks and quibbles that came up from spending so much time together in such a way. As I mentioned I really liked Amber as well and hoped that she got the information that she was after. Only Sage annoyed me and I would’ve liked a bit more in the romance stakes but those are quite small quibbles really. This book had humour and charm – Janette Paul is better known as Jaye Ford, writer of crime suspense/thrillers but she could definitely carve out a nice rural niche for herself too, if she chose to.
May 22, 2018
Loved the premise of this book, and its a great glimpse into the outback of Australia wrapped with warm and colorful characters....now if only I had the skills to drive a 4-wheel drive. Note to self: learn to drive and find hidden oasis in the desert before you die.
June 17, 2018
http://www.voluptueusementvotre.fr/20...
Un petit tour en Australie en compagnie d’un groupe totalement déjanté, ça vous tente ? Alors suivez le guide et plongez dès à présent votre tête et vos yeux dans ce roman aux multiples facettes et aux personnages hauts en couleur.
Janette Paul est une auteure inconnue à mes yeux, mais c’est exactement ce que j’aime dans cette nouvelle collection LJ des éditions J’ai lu. Pas de grand nom déjà croisé mille et une fois, mais de multiples écrivains qui ne demandent qu’à nous séduire avec des histoires déroutantes, pleines de peps et de bonne humeur. J’aurais mieux fait de me taire ne déroge pas à la règle et promet non seulement des heures de moment agréable, mais surtout la certitude de partir à l’aventure et de finir le sourire aux lèvres.
C’est donc dans l’immensité de l’outback que l’on pose ses valises et le moins que l’on puisse dire c’est que c’est impressionnant. Moi qui ne suis pas une habituée des voyages grandes distances (merci phobie de l’avion), je me suis sentie complètement dépaysée en entamant ce livre. Accompagné d’Amber et Sage deux sœurs aux caractères totalement opposés, j’ai pris la route direction le désert, ses kilomètres de sables et ses arrêts pittoresques. Un périple fort sympathique qui m’a sortie de mon quotidien et m’a permis de m’en évader.
D’énormes surprises vous attendent durant cette lecture, mais croyez-moi tout à un sens et un but : vous satisfaire. Et pour cela, rien de mieux que de vous mettre en condition d’entrée de jeu et de prendre l’ampleur des dégâts dès le réveil délirant d’Amber. J’avoue avoir été décontenancée dans un premier temps par Sage et son grain de folie, j’ai eu du mal à envisager les choses de son point de vue, mais j’ai très rapidement appris qu’elle n’était guidée que par le bien-être de sa sœur. De ce fait, je me suis entièrement laissée porter par le texte sans chercher à anticiper les événements et je pense que c’est la meilleure façon d’aborder les choses tant la situation est atypique.
De plus, au milieu de ce méli-mélo de péripéties, une touche de romance s’invite pour notre plus grand plaisir. Des sentiments s’installent, prennent le temps de se développer pour mener ses protagonistes directement dans les bras l’un de l’autre. Pas d’explosion de passion, pas de coup de foudre en vue, mais une relation solide, authentique, d’une beauté réaliste.
J’aurais mieux fait de me taire est un roman drôle et captivant. On suit ces compagnons de route en prenant part au voyage, avide de connaître la suite, curieux de voir où tout cela nous mènera. Une véritable immersion de laquelle on ressort tout simplement heureux.
Un petit tour en Australie en compagnie d’un groupe totalement déjanté, ça vous tente ? Alors suivez le guide et plongez dès à présent votre tête et vos yeux dans ce roman aux multiples facettes et aux personnages hauts en couleur.
Janette Paul est une auteure inconnue à mes yeux, mais c’est exactement ce que j’aime dans cette nouvelle collection LJ des éditions J’ai lu. Pas de grand nom déjà croisé mille et une fois, mais de multiples écrivains qui ne demandent qu’à nous séduire avec des histoires déroutantes, pleines de peps et de bonne humeur. J’aurais mieux fait de me taire ne déroge pas à la règle et promet non seulement des heures de moment agréable, mais surtout la certitude de partir à l’aventure et de finir le sourire aux lèvres.
C’est donc dans l’immensité de l’outback que l’on pose ses valises et le moins que l’on puisse dire c’est que c’est impressionnant. Moi qui ne suis pas une habituée des voyages grandes distances (merci phobie de l’avion), je me suis sentie complètement dépaysée en entamant ce livre. Accompagné d’Amber et Sage deux sœurs aux caractères totalement opposés, j’ai pris la route direction le désert, ses kilomètres de sables et ses arrêts pittoresques. Un périple fort sympathique qui m’a sortie de mon quotidien et m’a permis de m’en évader.
D’énormes surprises vous attendent durant cette lecture, mais croyez-moi tout à un sens et un but : vous satisfaire. Et pour cela, rien de mieux que de vous mettre en condition d’entrée de jeu et de prendre l’ampleur des dégâts dès le réveil délirant d’Amber. J’avoue avoir été décontenancée dans un premier temps par Sage et son grain de folie, j’ai eu du mal à envisager les choses de son point de vue, mais j’ai très rapidement appris qu’elle n’était guidée que par le bien-être de sa sœur. De ce fait, je me suis entièrement laissée porter par le texte sans chercher à anticiper les événements et je pense que c’est la meilleure façon d’aborder les choses tant la situation est atypique.
De plus, au milieu de ce méli-mélo de péripéties, une touche de romance s’invite pour notre plus grand plaisir. Des sentiments s’installent, prennent le temps de se développer pour mener ses protagonistes directement dans les bras l’un de l’autre. Pas d’explosion de passion, pas de coup de foudre en vue, mais une relation solide, authentique, d’une beauté réaliste.
J’aurais mieux fait de me taire est un roman drôle et captivant. On suit ces compagnons de route en prenant part au voyage, avide de connaître la suite, curieux de voir où tout cela nous mènera. Une véritable immersion de laquelle on ressort tout simplement heureux.
July 15, 2017
I think if I’d known rom-com author Janette Paul was also Jaye Ford – Australian suspense / crime fiction author I might have tucked into this book earlier. And not wavered quite so much in the early stages.
I have to admit I spent most of the first fifty or so pages confused. I wasn’t sure who Rhonda was and why Sage kept talking about her. I knew she’d broken her arm but had missed the bit about the fact she and Sage had planned to do the outback tag-along tour and Amber was her last-minute replacement. Obviously Paul’s written the book in a way (that) we’re supposed to identify with the kinda kidnapped (though really just drunk-at-the-time and amenable-to-anything) Amber, but I kept reading and re-reading bits trying to find bits of conversations I’d missed. And then there was the fact Sage drove me bonkers and I felt angry on behalf of Amber that she was being coerced into the trip and none of her fellow tourists seemed to be concerned or vaguely sympathetic.
I persevered however and I’d recommend doing so, because I settled into this book (and this trip) by the midway point.
Amber’s romance with Tom seems predictable. We know it’s coming from the early stages and we kinda know how the story is going to pan out, but fortunately Paul does a good job with the characters and after a few early glitches, Amber and Tom become complex and interesting people I enjoyed meeting – as did most of the tag-alongs.
There’s also a slightly deeper thread passing through this romantic comedy – about the way many of us feel obliged to do what’s expected or right, rather than following our passions or dreams.
I probably might have liked a little more closure when it came to Amber and her father. Learning more about him sets her off towards the end and though there’s a change a heart (and mind and stuff), I kinda wish Paul had more-clearly resolved that issue in Amber’s mind.
I’ve very much enjoyed Jaye Ford’s work and read three of her six novels: Blood Secret, Already Dead and Darkest Place. I’m not as smitten by this book which is probably more about my reading taste, but gather this novel is something she’s had on the back-burner (and in her heart) for many years. I certainly enjoyed the journey (and I’m talking about the literal one not the wanky metaphorical one favoured by reality show contestants) to Uluru and Alice Springs and even I was interested – and slightly tempted – by the notion of such a trip!
Read the full review of this book on my site: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I have to admit I spent most of the first fifty or so pages confused. I wasn’t sure who Rhonda was and why Sage kept talking about her. I knew she’d broken her arm but had missed the bit about the fact she and Sage had planned to do the outback tag-along tour and Amber was her last-minute replacement. Obviously Paul’s written the book in a way (that) we’re supposed to identify with the kinda kidnapped (though really just drunk-at-the-time and amenable-to-anything) Amber, but I kept reading and re-reading bits trying to find bits of conversations I’d missed. And then there was the fact Sage drove me bonkers and I felt angry on behalf of Amber that she was being coerced into the trip and none of her fellow tourists seemed to be concerned or vaguely sympathetic.
I persevered however and I’d recommend doing so, because I settled into this book (and this trip) by the midway point.
Amber’s romance with Tom seems predictable. We know it’s coming from the early stages and we kinda know how the story is going to pan out, but fortunately Paul does a good job with the characters and after a few early glitches, Amber and Tom become complex and interesting people I enjoyed meeting – as did most of the tag-alongs.
There’s also a slightly deeper thread passing through this romantic comedy – about the way many of us feel obliged to do what’s expected or right, rather than following our passions or dreams.
I probably might have liked a little more closure when it came to Amber and her father. Learning more about him sets her off towards the end and though there’s a change a heart (and mind and stuff), I kinda wish Paul had more-clearly resolved that issue in Amber’s mind.
I’ve very much enjoyed Jaye Ford’s work and read three of her six novels: Blood Secret, Already Dead and Darkest Place. I’m not as smitten by this book which is probably more about my reading taste, but gather this novel is something she’s had on the back-burner (and in her heart) for many years. I certainly enjoyed the journey (and I’m talking about the literal one not the wanky metaphorical one favoured by reality show contestants) to Uluru and Alice Springs and even I was interested – and slightly tempted – by the notion of such a trip!
Read the full review of this book on my site: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
July 20, 2018
Commençons par ce qui fâche ! Pour moi, il y a quelques longueurs qui auraient pu être évitées, certains passages auraient pu être raccourcis sans pour autant porter préjudice à l’histoire. Ces deux points font que j’ai eu envie de ne pas terminer ma lecture lorsque je suis arrivée à environ la moitié, cependant j’ai persévéré parce que je n’aime pas abandonner une lecture. Un autre point qui a fait que je n’ai pas adhéré totalement, c’est le fait que j’ai plus apprécié et accroché à certains personnages secondaires que les principaux, ce qui n’est pas logique et qui a desservi le roman, en tout cas pour moi. Tout est un peu trop prévisible à mon goût et du coup je me suis moins impliquée dans ma lecture.
Par contre, là où j’ai pris mon pied, c’est dans le road-trip, eh oui j’ai visité l’Australie grâce à la plume de Janette Paul, en compagnie d’Amber et les autres. Et là c’est grandiose parce que j’avais l’impression d’y être et non que j’étais en train d’imaginer le décor. C’est le point qui m’a fait mettre une note plus haute que celle que je voulais mettre en me basant uniquement sur l’histoire. L’humour également relève le niveau de ma note.
Alors, c’est vrai que je n’ai pas totalement adhéré, cependant je ne peux nier que si je retire les points négatifs de l’équation, l’histoire en elle-même a vraiment un bon potentiel, au final ce n’est que mon avis et j’ai vu de belles notes pour ce livre sur le net, ce qui me rassure sur le fait qu’il plaît et que mes points négatifs ne le sont pas pour tout le monde. Malheureusement avec moi cela n’a pas trop collé et j’en suis la première désolée. Peut-être que s’il y avait eu moins de longueur, le reste ne m’aurait pas posé autant de problème, je ne fais ici qu’une supposition.
Quoi qu’il en soit, ne vous arrêtez pas à mon avis, regardez sur le net les avis beaucoup plus positif que le mien, peut-être vous convaincront-ils mieux de vous lancer dans cette lecture. En tout cas j’ai fait un beau voyage en Australie et c’est ce point que je garderai en mémoire principalement.
Par contre, là où j’ai pris mon pied, c’est dans le road-trip, eh oui j’ai visité l’Australie grâce à la plume de Janette Paul, en compagnie d’Amber et les autres. Et là c’est grandiose parce que j’avais l’impression d’y être et non que j’étais en train d’imaginer le décor. C’est le point qui m’a fait mettre une note plus haute que celle que je voulais mettre en me basant uniquement sur l’histoire. L’humour également relève le niveau de ma note.
Alors, c’est vrai que je n’ai pas totalement adhéré, cependant je ne peux nier que si je retire les points négatifs de l’équation, l’histoire en elle-même a vraiment un bon potentiel, au final ce n’est que mon avis et j’ai vu de belles notes pour ce livre sur le net, ce qui me rassure sur le fait qu’il plaît et que mes points négatifs ne le sont pas pour tout le monde. Malheureusement avec moi cela n’a pas trop collé et j’en suis la première désolée. Peut-être que s’il y avait eu moins de longueur, le reste ne m’aurait pas posé autant de problème, je ne fais ici qu’une supposition.
Quoi qu’il en soit, ne vous arrêtez pas à mon avis, regardez sur le net les avis beaucoup plus positif que le mien, peut-être vous convaincront-ils mieux de vous lancer dans cette lecture. En tout cas j’ai fait un beau voyage en Australie et c’est ce point que je garderai en mémoire principalement.
June 26, 2018
This was an ok read. I can't say it blew me away. I found bits funny, bits slow, bits good and bits weird.
The setting with the sister and the road trip was way too long for me in the set up. It took ages to work out what was really going on and it felt like a lot of irrelevant characters were introduced and discarded or skimmed over.
I found the main heroine basically a bit spoilt and self absorbed. She spent a lot of time "all about me" which is funny to start with but wears over time. I did persevere and she did improve but mainly I would have liked the story from someone else's point of view. I will admit the descriptions of the Australian outback kept me more hooked than anything else
The setting with the sister and the road trip was way too long for me in the set up. It took ages to work out what was really going on and it felt like a lot of irrelevant characters were introduced and discarded or skimmed over.
I found the main heroine basically a bit spoilt and self absorbed. She spent a lot of time "all about me" which is funny to start with but wears over time. I did persevere and she did improve but mainly I would have liked the story from someone else's point of view. I will admit the descriptions of the Australian outback kept me more hooked than anything else
October 4, 2017
Finally another book by Janette Paul. 5 starts all round. As with all of her books it was extremely well written, as her second rom com it was funny, it was romantic but not soppy unbelievable ridiculousness. It wasn't'insta-love' which I hate but a slow buildup from dislike to liking to falling for. I loved the Australian outback setting and it literally made me want to book a tour for my family to Uluru. Can't wait for her next one.
August 18, 2022
Amber and Alice, by Jeanette Paul, falls short on most marks. I appreciated the factual detail about the outback and touring travels. However, Paul’s writing style is bland and un-engaging. The last third of the book was the best I read, focusing on Amber’s romantic relationship with Tom (which was extremely predictable), her quest to find her father and return to Sydney. But, I wasn’t a fan of this book and don’t think I’d recommend it to anyone ever.
February 23, 2021
My thoughts:
An entertaining story. I loved the road trip aspect. All the different personalities, traveling together through the outback. The lightheartedness of this book was refreshing. Amber’s sister, Sage, was a pain and hard to like, however she was essential to the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
An entertaining story. I loved the road trip aspect. All the different personalities, traveling together through the outback. The lightheartedness of this book was refreshing. Amber’s sister, Sage, was a pain and hard to like, however she was essential to the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
June 12, 2017
I really enjoyed taking this journey with Amber. I've been to the centre of Australia and it was good to travel there again. It was a fun book to read and it was good to see Amber grow as she travelled and realise what is important isn't always what we think it is.
June 29, 2017
I loved the book. We have just travelled up the middle of Oz. Stayed in Coober Pedy, Yulara, Kings Canyon and we we did Palm Valley and stayed in Alice So it was very refreshing to read. But I would never have been able to 4 wheel drive Palm Valley so Amber is very brave.
July 25, 2017
When I had my husband laughing as I read something hilarious from this book I knew it was a winner. Funny, feel good, and filled with Australian warmth and humour. It even made me think that a trip to the Outback might be in the future.
January 26, 2018
It is chick lit rom com, however I really enjoyed it. Amber and Sage are half sisters and end up travelling in a 4x4 across the Australian Outback. They are different personalities and it is quite the challenging expedition for reliable Amber.
July 14, 2018
...L'histoire était amusante bien que prévisible. J’ai apprécié les nombreux rebondissements qui jalonnent le récit et les escales d’Amber ; et la petite romance, discrète et simple, qui se construit au fil des pages.
http://www.sariahlit.com/2018/07/jaur...
http://www.sariahlit.com/2018/07/jaur...
February 4, 2021
I read this because the settings were familiar and it was interesting to read someone else's perception of the places even if the story is fictional. If real place names are used though I think they should be in the correct position and the Nullabor Plain is not north of Port Augusta.
July 5, 2017
Lite entertainment
April 8, 2018
DNF... stopped at page 84. Just couldn’t continue.
October 14, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 20, 2019
I loved this book. It was funny, relatable, emotional, cute, and just lovely overall. Loved revisiting the outback through Alice's eyes.
March 26, 2020
Amber and Alice is one of my favourite books! It was an absolute breeze to read this. I related so much to Amber and how she struggled with how she finds her place not only in unknown territory but also in her workplace.
It was so refreshing to read an Australian novel. One that ventures into our beautiful land, Janette really gave it justice. As being drawn to the centre of Australia myself, it got me wanting to pack up my things, take extended leave and head out to the outback again to be reunited with the red dirt. I loved how the characters each had their role to play in steering Amber to rediscover herself, even when she wasn’t ready for it. This will definitely be one of those novels where in the future I’ll pick it up again and it’ll be like reading it for the first time. 5/5!
It was so refreshing to read an Australian novel. One that ventures into our beautiful land, Janette really gave it justice. As being drawn to the centre of Australia myself, it got me wanting to pack up my things, take extended leave and head out to the outback again to be reunited with the red dirt. I loved how the characters each had their role to play in steering Amber to rediscover herself, even when she wasn’t ready for it. This will definitely be one of those novels where in the future I’ll pick it up again and it’ll be like reading it for the first time. 5/5!
February 3, 2021
July 2020
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