Sylvie Dearlove was shattered when her fashion business failed, so she fled the US for her childhood home in England, leaving her boyfriend Ben behindSylvie Dearlove was shattered when her fashion business failed, so she fled the US for her childhood home in England, leaving her boyfriend Ben behind. Heading back to Bledesford with her best friend from London, they were both shocked at the state of the beautiful old country house. Sylvie hadn’t seen her parents in years, so had no idea the home was in such a state of disrepair. With her great-grandmother, Lizzie – in her nineties and frail – plus her mother and father, living in Bledesford, and grandmother Gigi in a cottage on the property, Sylvie had been trying to convince them for a decade to sell. Now that it was going to happen, she was a little disconcerted – especially after the discovery in the attic.
Uncovering secrets from her family’s long ago past, along with the dusty and faded clothing of an era when women’s dress was elaborate and the height of fashion, Sylvie felt bemused by it all. But she was also excited. Could it change the family’s future – the future of Bledesford? The more she learned about the past, the more she knew she needed the answers before her future was assured.
I struggled at the beginning of Dressing the Dearloves by Aussie author Kelly Doust, putting it aside and reading another book before getting back to it today. I’m glad I kept going as it improved greatly from about half way through. I didn’t like Sylvie that much at the beginning either, but she came into her own as the novel moved forward. And Lizzie wasn’t a nice character at all. But the rest of the characters, both current day and in the long ago past were well drawn – Victoria was exceptional. Dressing the Dearloves is a slow burning historical fiction novel which I can confidently recommend.
Merged review:
Sylvie Dearlove was shattered when her fashion business failed, so she fled the US for her childhood home in England, leaving her boyfriend Ben behind. Heading back to Bledesford with her best friend from London, they were both shocked at the state of the beautiful old country house. Sylvie hadn’t seen her parents in years, so had no idea the home was in such a state of disrepair. With her great-grandmother, Lizzie – in her nineties and frail – plus her mother and father, living in Bledesford, and grandmother Gigi in a cottage on the property, Sylvie had been trying to convince them for a decade to sell. Now that it was going to happen, she was a little disconcerted – especially after the discovery in the attic.
Uncovering secrets from her family’s long ago past, along with the dusty and faded clothing of an era when women’s dress was elaborate and the height of fashion, Sylvie felt bemused by it all. But she was also excited. Could it change the family’s future – the future of Bledesford? The more she learned about the past, the more she knew she needed the answers before her future was assured.
I struggled at the beginning of Dressing the Dearloves by Aussie author Kelly Doust, putting it aside and reading another book before getting back to it today. I’m glad I kept going as it improved greatly from about half way through. I didn’t like Sylvie that much at the beginning either, but she came into her own as the novel moved forward. And Lizzie wasn’t a nice character at all. But the rest of the characters, both current day and in the long ago past were well drawn – Victoria was exceptional. Dressing the Dearloves is a slow burning historical fiction novel which I can confidently recommend....more
Suzanne and Mark wanted to adopt and when they met twenty-year-old Mia, pregnant, frightened and uncertain, they decided this was right. Suzanne4.5★s
Suzanne and Mark wanted to adopt and when they met twenty-year-old Mia, pregnant, frightened and uncertain, they decided this was right. Suzanne was there with Mia when she gave birth to the little girl they called Daisy. Mia suggested an open adoption to Suzanne and Mark, which meant Mia would always be in Daisy’s life, even though her parents were Suzanne and Mark, and while Daisy was young, it worked well. But when Mia met, then married Tom and moved to North Carolina from New York, the visits were less, and Daisy started to withdraw from her mother.
When Daisy was seventeen and her parents’ excuses for her behaviour were – “she’s a teenager” – Suzanne could feel her heart breaking more each day. She and Mark had divorced two years prior, so it was just Suzanne and Daisy living in the apartment. But Daisy kept to herself, rarely talking and snapping at her mother when talking was necessary. But it was when Daisy told Suzanne that she was going to live with Mia and their family for her final year of school that events took a turn – maybe for the worst; maybe for the best…
The Child I Never Had is another exceptional read by Kate Hewitt, although it’s different to all I’ve read in the past, which were historical. This one is contemporary family drama and is emotional, poignant, heartbreaking, full of secrets and surprises. I was sympathetic with Mia and Suzanne, and also Daisy. Daisy was confused and hurt, hiding it under the aggression and anger she displayed regularly. An excellent read, The Child I Never Had is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
4.5★s
Suzanne and Mark wanted to adopt and when they met twenty-year-old Mia, pregnant, frightened and uncertain, they decided this was right. Suzanne was there with Mia when she gave birth to the little girl they called Daisy. Mia suggested an open adoption to Suzanne and Mark, which meant Mia would always be in Daisy’s life, even though her parents were Suzanne and Mark, and while Daisy was young, it worked well. But when Mia met, then married Tom and moved to North Carolina from New York, the visits were less, and Daisy started to withdraw from her mother.
When Daisy was seventeen and her parents’ excuses for her behaviour were – “she’s a teenager” – Suzanne could feel her heart breaking more each day. She and Mark had divorced two years prior, so it was just Suzanne and Daisy living in the apartment. But Daisy kept to herself, rarely talking and snapping at her mother when talking was necessary. But it was when Daisy told Suzanne that she was going to live with Mia and their family for her final year of school that events took a turn – maybe for the worst; maybe for the best…
The Child I Never Had is another exceptional read by Kate Hewitt, although it’s different to all I’ve read in the past, which were historical. This one is contemporary family drama and is emotional, poignant, heartbreaking, full of secrets and surprises. I was sympathetic with Mia and Suzanne, and also Daisy. Daisy was confused and hurt, hiding it under the aggression and anger she displayed regularly. An excellent read, The Child I Never Had is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Dan and Lucy’s wedding was lovely; Sophie – Dan’s sister – was trying hard not to show her loss, but with her boyfriend dumping her the night before tDan and Lucy’s wedding was lovely; Sophie – Dan’s sister – was trying hard not to show her loss, but with her boyfriend dumping her the night before the wedding, it was hard. She’d had just a little too much to drink when Dan’s best friend Nick took over keeping her in line. But Sophie never expected a one night stand with Nick..
Beth and Hannah were twins with Hannah the older of the two – by ten minutes – and she was naturally the one in charge. Hannah was a vet and loved animals – probably more than humans if the truth be told. Beth was a single mother after losing her partner Joe while she was pregnant with Siena. Beth was a paramedic, constantly busy and trying to juggle motherhood and work, but ten-year-old Siena made it all worthwhile.
When Irishman Declan brought an orphaned joey into Hannah’s veterinary practice for care, sparks flew. But Hannah was determined not to be swayed by his good looks and incredible charm. Nothing would come of it anyway..
The Faraday sisters all had secrets. Would they keep them and remain alone? Or would circumstances change as the days and weeks went by?
The Trouble with Choices by Aussie author Trish Moray is a romance set in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, in among the vineyards and beauty of the hills. The setting is gorgeous, the characters grew on me. Initially some of the choices made had me rolling my eyes, but as the story moved along things settled down. Six-year-old Min was a favourite, and Nan was adorable, with Pop being a bit of an old scoundrel. An enjoyable novel, The Trouble with Choices is easy to recommend to fans of the genre.
Merged review:
Dan and Lucy’s wedding was lovely; Sophie – Dan’s sister – was trying hard not to show her loss, but with her boyfriend dumping her the night before the wedding, it was hard. She’d had just a little too much to drink when Dan’s best friend Nick took over keeping her in line. But Sophie never expected a one night stand with Nick..
Beth and Hannah were twins with Hannah the older of the two – by ten minutes – and she was naturally the one in charge. Hannah was a vet and loved animals – probably more than humans if the truth be told. Beth was a single mother after losing her partner Joe while she was pregnant with Siena. Beth was a paramedic, constantly busy and trying to juggle motherhood and work, but ten-year-old Siena made it all worthwhile.
When Irishman Declan brought an orphaned joey into Hannah’s veterinary practice for care, sparks flew. But Hannah was determined not to be swayed by his good looks and incredible charm. Nothing would come of it anyway..
The Faraday sisters all had secrets. Would they keep them and remain alone? Or would circumstances change as the days and weeks went by?
The Trouble with Choices by Aussie author Trish Moray is a romance set in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, in among the vineyards and beauty of the hills. The setting is gorgeous, the characters grew on me. Initially some of the choices made had me rolling my eyes, but as the story moved along things settled down. Six-year-old Min was a favourite, and Nan was adorable, with Pop being a bit of an old scoundrel. An enjoyable novel, The Trouble with Choices is easy to recommend to fans of the genre....more
Six year old Lynette Sweeney (Nettie) loved her sisters and dad, her doll, Fancy Nancy, cat Mittens; she wasn't too fond of Aunty Edith though, as sheSix year old Lynette Sweeney (Nettie) loved her sisters and dad, her doll, Fancy Nancy, cat Mittens; she wasn't too fond of Aunty Edith though, as she made her eat her peas. Her longing for a mother was fulfilled when their dad married Alice and love, hugs and cuddles filled the house. Going to school each day, Nettie would either catch the bus or ride Beauty, their horse. She'd meet her friend Robyn and they'd have lots of fun at school. When baby Billy arrived to join the Sweeney family, their lives couldn't be better.
When tragedy struck the Sweeney family, sadness was the constant. Gone were the hugs and cuddles and Nettie spent her days trying to think of ways to make things better. When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Lismore, all the school children were there - excitement prevailed and singing was a constant. When the flooding hit from the Cyclone up in Queensland, Nettie wondered why everything kept getting worse...
Silver Linings by Aussie author Katrina Nannestad is a lovely story set in 1950s Australia. Historically significant, heartbreaking and fun, Silver Linings is filled with family, friends and love. And Nettie - although only six - was kindness herself, always trying to help others. Recommended....more
Everyone thought Mattie and Jake's marriage, with their two children, eight year old Max and six year old Courtney, was a match made in heaven. They oEveryone thought Mattie and Jake's marriage, with their two children, eight year old Max and six year old Courtney, was a match made in heaven. They owned a beautiful home in Victoria, one Mattie adored. But Mattie was desperately unhappy; she walked on eggshells when Jake was around. Finally she'd had enough and moved out with the children to a small two bedroom flat not far from the children's school.
Jake proclaimed he didn't understand why Mattie had left him and vowed he would do anything in his power to have her return. And he did. As Mattie continued hiding away from her family - sister Hannah and her mum - it was a neighbour, Hilda, who discovered her secret. What would be the outcome for Mattie and her two confused children?
Broken was one of the hardest books I've read in a long time. Originally published in 2007, Aussie author Ilsa Evans tackles a subject which is brutal, and in the media more and more lately, as we continue to lose (mostly) women to domestic violence. Well written, the harsh realities of some people's lives succeeded in shaking me - I needed to put the book down several times, often wondering if I should read on. But I did. I don't often add trigger warnings to my reviews, but for anyone closely related to domestic violence, this book tells that story, albeit fictionalised. ...more
Hamish and Georgie were best friends and both doctors. They'd met at medical school seventeen years prior and their friendship was close. So when GeorHamish and Georgie were best friends and both doctors. They'd met at medical school seventeen years prior and their friendship was close. So when Georgie reached her mid thirties and still wasn't married with children, she decided to take the bull by the horns and use donor sperm. The shock Hamish received when she asked him to be the donor shook the walls of their friendship, as Hamish had never wanted kids and his life followed that rule. But once the guidelines had been set in place, Georgie was happy to raise the baby on her own...
Newborn Baby for Christmas is a sweet story by Aussie author Fiona Lowe, which had medical dramas, family reunions, and lots of familial love. I enjoyed it, and recommend it to fans of the genre....more
Wilhelmina Mann had lost her mother when she was only a toddler and didn't remember her much at all. But the day her father's solicitor handed Wil somWilhelmina Mann had lost her mother when she was only a toddler and didn't remember her much at all. But the day her father's solicitor handed Wil some letters, which were from her mother and should have been given to her every birthday from age six - Wil's life altered its trajectory. She was angry with her father for withholding the letters, and she wondered if all her mistakes and troubles throughout her life wouldn't have happened had she received them when her mother had wanted her to.
As Wil read each year's birthday letter, her heart felt like it was broken. The beautiful letters from her mother told of her mother's life when she was young in a small village in England, and as she reached the end of her letters, Wil knew she had to go to England, to the little village of South Bandinby, to discover her mother's past and find more letters that were in keeping for her. What would happen when Wil discovered the secrets that were from the past? Could she face them, face her mother's past and find herself at last?
Twenty-Six Letters by Aussie author Charlotte Nash is another wonderfully written family novel which captivated me from the start. Wil was a fragile character who gradually found her true self, and the side characters - Kate, her older sister, Colin, her half brother, and the people in England - were well-crafted. I've always enjoyed this author's novels, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
After her husband Russ’ death two years prior, Grace Winter knew it was time to sell Brigadoon and move from Granite Springs. She’d decided on BellbirAfter her husband Russ’ death two years prior, Grace Winter knew it was time to sell Brigadoon and move from Granite Springs. She’d decided on Bellbird Bay as her sister and brother-in-law lived there, and as a family, they’d enjoyed visiting when the children were younger. Now, with her three adult children off her hands, and Brigadoon too much for her, the decision was made. But her daughters, Lou and Mel, weren’t impressed with her decision, although Ben, her youngest, was in her corner. Settling into Bellbird Bay, Grace knew her decision had been the right one, if only the girls would come round.
Ted Crawford had recently returned to Bellbird Bay, his old stomping ground. In his younger days, he’d been a successful surfer, now he dabbled in painting landscapes, some surfing and relishing the peace and quiet after the fast pace of the city. When Grace and Ted crossed paths a few times, they enjoyed coffee and conversation. Though neither of them was looking for a relationship, a close friendship formed. With rumblings of troubles in both Grace and Ted’s families, the future looked uncertain. What would be the outcome for these sixty-something friends?
Coming Home to Bellbird Bay is the 2nd in the Bellbird Bay series by Aussie author Maggie Christensen and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know whenever I pick up one of Maggie’s books, I’ll have a satisfying read – she’s an author I can go to when I need a good book. Bellbird Bay is a fictional town in Queensland, up the coast from Brisbane, and I would love to visit. Peaceful, quiet (apart from tourist season) and breathtakingly beautiful, there are plenty of seaside towns in Queensland which would suffice. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It was 1979 and ten-year-old Jane Kelly, bullied at school and lonely, was glad when the summer holidays arrived, as well as the fact there were new pIt was 1979 and ten-year-old Jane Kelly, bullied at school and lonely, was glad when the summer holidays arrived, as well as the fact there were new people moving in next door. She really hoped there would be a girl her own age so they could be friends. Jane lived with her mum, dad, brother Jim and sister Sal, and Jane was the youngest. Their dad had dark moods occasionally – their mum said it was from the war. Sal had a boyfriend, Robbie, and although she was only sixteen, she snuck out at night to meet him. Jim was getting tangled in a ‘bad group’ and at thirteen, was a grumpy teen most of the time.
The arrival next door of Acacia Miller (named for the wattle) and her mum Rose, thrilled Jane, as Acacia was the same age, and it wasn’t long before they were best friends. But while Jane talked to Acacia about her family life, Acacia was reticent about hers. Rose had a boyfriend – Daryl – and they would fight, loudly. Acacia often didn’t want to go home and would stay at Jane’s until late. But even though Jane didn’t know much about what was happening next door, she knew something was wrong.
It was 1999 when the abused woman arrived at the refuge. She was scared, nervous, fearful of loud noises, all the while wondering if she should go back. Pat cared for her and the other abused women in the refuge, until it was time to move to her own place. But could she do it? Her past life haunted her; the secrets long kept gave her nightmares. Could she make a new life for herself after all this time?
Wildflower by Aussie author Monique Mulligan is a heartbreaking, poignant and stirring story of domestic violence and the ramifications on the person/s lives. The past is hard to shake when it has such a strong hold on you. Told in the voice of 10-year-old Jane in 1979/80, she was an exceptional character with her confusion evident. The second voice was the abused woman – I had in my own mind who it was and the twist at the end was well done! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The meeting with their father’s new love interest, Heather Wisher, saw siblings Tully and Rachel varying between suspicion and anger. Heather was the The meeting with their father’s new love interest, Heather Wisher, saw siblings Tully and Rachel varying between suspicion and anger. Heather was the sisters’ ages, their father in his sixties. What was her goal? Plus, their father, Stephen, was still married to their mother, Pam. Admittedly she had dementia and was in a nursing home, but their disgust at the father and more, at Heather, was palpable.
Secrets, omissions, lies – all rippled through Stephen’s family. Rachel’s secret was one she had never told anyone – not a soul. Tully was the same, but her secret, her shame, was becoming uncontrollable. And Heather’s childhood had been a traumatic one. But what about Pam? What had her marriage to Stephen been like? Both Tully and Rachel had thought their parents had been happy, but the words being uttered by Pam suggested otherwise, even though the girls put it down to her scattered thoughts. The day of Heather and Stephen’s wedding was the catalyst. What would happen in that beautiful little chapel?
The Younger Wife by Aussie author Sally Hepworth was enjoyable for the most part. (view spoiler)[I did feel the women in the narrative weren’t given the credit they deserved, with the doubt of their own ability and sense of what was happening heightened by a supposedly manipulative man. (hide spoiler)] Set in Melbourne, Australia, The Younger Wife is a domestic psychological suspense, which I recommend to the right readers ...more
Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson didn’t much like one another, but they had four-year-old granddaughter, Avery in common. Beth’s daughter Cleo, who Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson didn’t much like one another, but they had four-year-old granddaughter, Avery in common. Beth’s daughter Cleo, who was married to Daniel, Shirley’s son, was currently in jail over breeching an AVO, leaving the care of Avery to Daniel. As Shirley slowly became more suspicious, the day arrived that she took Avery to Beth’s place and between them they planned Avery’s abduction. Shirley’s tech-savvy eighty-nine-year-old mother, Winnie, declared she was joining them.
With photographic evidence of Avery’s injuries, the three women set off, embarking on a journey not for the faint hearted. Deciding to remain on the run until Cleo was released from prison was their best option, as it meant Daniel wouldn’t have control over Avery. But when the police became involved, the three women, along with Avery and Beth’s miniature schnauzer, knew things were serious and they needed a place to hunker down for the remaining weeks. But would it be possible to stay out of sight for that long? To not use their phones or credit cards to give themselves away?
Sam (Shirley’s daughter) and Hamish, plus Alex (Shirley’s son) and Hannah, also Brendan, Shirley’s aggrieved husband, along with Daniel, were all interviewed by the police, with the media picking the story up. It was a free-for-all, a media scrum – and Winnie kept a close eye on it. Would the police be able to catch up with the wayward grannies, a little girl and a dog?
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a laugh out loud, extremely well written, look at child abuse and what grandmothers and mothers would do for their children. The harm is mild in this case, but obviously still not tolerated, and the actions of the three women brilliant. Aussie author Ilsa Evans has written a heartwarming, heartfelt novel filled with wisdom, humour, and much debating between everyone involved. I loved Winnie! She’s dry, smart, switched on, and of course Avery is all kinds of cute. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It was 1974, and twelve-year-old Eeva, fourteen-year-old Anja and their Mamma and Pappa left Finland – and Eeva’s beloved grandmother Saara - for SwedIt was 1974, and twelve-year-old Eeva, fourteen-year-old Anja and their Mamma and Pappa left Finland – and Eeva’s beloved grandmother Saara - for Sweden. Stockholm was very different and while the girls didn’t take long to settle in, their parents were different, especially Pappa. The fights between Mamma and Pappa came often, with Pappa’s elevated drinking much of the problem. When Eeva’s world shattered, everyone’s lives changed…
When, in 2004, Eeva received a tentative phone call from her father, her first in thirty years, she was shocked to hear her grandmother was ill in hospital and asking for Eeva. They had been corresponding by letter ever since the family left Finland, but Eeva had been becoming worried as she hadn’t heard from her for three weeks. On her arrival in their old hometown, her Pappa looked old, tired and sad. But Anja was also there. What was going on? As far as Eeva was aware, Anja hadn’t seen their father either. In the days that followed, Eeva decided she needed to discover all that had happened thirty years prior.
Coffee and Vodka by Helene Halme is set in two timelines and concentrates on Eeva’s life throughout that period. I must admit I was disappointed in the amount of editing errors in this book which could easily be fixed by a good editor. My favourite character was Saara, followed by Mamma. It’s a difficult book to review as I liked it, but sometimes I didn’t! ...more
It was 1968 and Margaret Rose McCutcheon had recently farewelled her husband of fifty years, Albert. While she was grieving, she was also being hassleIt was 1968 and Margaret Rose McCutcheon had recently farewelled her husband of fifty years, Albert. While she was grieving, she was also being hassled by a member of Albert’s law firm about what she was going to do with her shares in the business. Whilst going through the desk in Albert’s office, she found something she had been unaware of, and in trying to discover what it was all about, she came in touch with retired investigator Tom Bateman. When Margaret told Tom about the siblings she had lost touch with over fifty years ago, between the two of them they began their search for the long lost relatives.
Back in Coal Creek, West Virginia in 1901, Eliza Hobbs was giving birth to her sixth child. Martin, Eliza’s husband, was not by her side; he rarely was. He would occasionally come to see her from Charleston and give her a small amount of money for the children, demand his rights as her husband and leave again. The farm Eliza and the children lived on had belonged to her parents and they were happy there. But it was small and run down and with little money, it continued to deteriorate. But the crunch came when Eliza informed Martin she was pregnant again with their eighth child, and he demanded she get rid of it. Eliza loved each and every one of her children and there was no way she would do that.
What would happen to Eliza and the children? And would Margaret, sixty years later, find her siblings, the ones who were still alive?
When I Last Saw You is the latest offering by bestselling author Bette Lee Crosby and I loved it. Ms Crosby never takes a wrong step in her novels and this one is no exception. Based on fact, the characters are so real, have so much depth, it’s easy to know and feel for them. Eliza was a strong, determined woman and only wanted the best for her children. Margaret was lonely through having no children of her own, and family was what she’d always wanted. When I Last Saw You is a poignant, heartfelt and memorable book which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
What a wonderful, heartwarming novel! Australian author Josephine Moon has hit another winner with The Jam Queens!
Set in the Barossa Valley in South AWhat a wonderful, heartwarming novel! Australian author Josephine Moon has hit another winner with The Jam Queens!
Set in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, just north of Adelaide, Aggie ran the Strawberry Sonnet, a sweet café which was popular with locals and tourists alike. Aggie, her mother Valeria, Myrtle and Dolce were all good cooks, while Aggie and Valeria entered their jams in the Royal Adelaide Show each year. Aggie’s daughter Holly lived and worked in the US but was home on holidays when Aggie received the phone call which told her Valeria had had a stroke. With her recovery, and her 70th birthday approaching, a plan was formed – five single women on the Ghan, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide and celebrating the 70th along the way…
Will these women all get along though? Cramped as they would be in the compact cabins, dining together for meals, touring to various places – Valeria and Aggie hadn’t seen eye to eye for some time. Myrtle was a kindhearted soul who loved to ‘fix’ things. And Dolce and Holly obviously had things on their minds; things they weren’t willing to share. With Aggie’s past grief again in the spotlight and Valeria doing her best to coerce her daughter into doing what 'Mum thought was best', the secrets were threatening to bring the special, once in a lifetime trip undone. What would happen as the Ghan rattled its way across the red dusty plains to Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and beyond?
The Jam Queens by Josephine Moon was an outstanding, unique and captivating story of five strong women who would do anything for those they loved. A sweet story – oh the jams!! (and the recipe at the end – yum!!) – which had moments of grief and moments of sheer joy. The journey on the Ghan is one I've wanted to do myself - maybe I will! I’ve loved this author’s previous works and this one didn’t disappoint. Very highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my Uncorrected Proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Jed Delaney had played for ten thrilling years as ruckman for the Geelong Cats and couldn’t think of any place he’d rather be. But when Jed went down Jed Delaney had played for ten thrilling years as ruckman for the Geelong Cats and couldn’t think of any place he’d rather be. But when Jed went down in a tackle, hitting his head, he knew he was in trouble. His decision to retire from the game was shattering, but he had no choice. What would his future hold? Could he possibly stay in the AFL as a coach? He really wasn’t sure…
Georgie Purcell had taken over the family café, The Silver Spoon, after her father died and her mother’s depression left her in a dark place. Her dreams of nursing were put to one side; her thoughts of Jed always tucked away in the back of her mind. But when he arrived back in Glengarrick for the local grand final’s coin toss, she was surprised to see him, a little nervous as well. But Jed acted like he’d been away for a weekend, not ten years, so casual was he. Georgie knew she still had feelings for him – but how did he feel? Would Jed head back to Melbourne after the grand final weekend, forgetting all his friends, forgetting Georgie?
The Final Siren is the 1st in the Off The Field series by Aussie author Nicki Edwards and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It didn’t hurt that I’m a Geelong Cats supporter either ...more
After her birth, Eliza Miller and her mother Jeannie lived in and around Melbourne, moving often. Jeannie was living in the country when Eliza was borAfter her birth, Eliza Miller and her mother Jeannie lived in and around Melbourne, moving often. Jeannie was living in the country when Eliza was born and that was when her mother’s best friends, Olivia and Maxie, were tasked with being Eliza’s godmothers. Jeannie loved her daughter and Eliza knew she was loved. She knew her mother was occasionally a troubled soul with vast mood swings and would often drink too much wine. But their love surmounted everything. From the age of thirteen, Eliza would have two holidays a year – one each with her godmothers. She always had a wonderful time and came home filled with excited news for her mother. But, at seventeen, her arrival home from one such holiday saw her meet with tragedy – Eliza’s life changed in an instant.
Thirty-year-old Eliza received the phone call from Olivia, who was in Scotland, at an opportune time. She had nothing holding her to Australia and within a couple of weeks, she was flying to join her godmothers in Scotland. She was both terrified and excited. Eliza also knew that this was now the time to ask Olivia and Maxie about the father she didn’t know – she didn’t even know who he was. Her mother had always told Eliza she would tell her everything on her eighteenth birthday…
Would Eliza enjoy her time in Edinburgh? Would she get the answers she sought? Eliza had never travelled – now her time overseas would be filled as a tourist, a family guest, and a searcher of the truth. Would she find fulfillment?
The Godmothers celebrates twenty years of writing for Aussie author Monica McInerney and it was wonderful! As a reader, I visited Scotland, England and Ireland, beginning the journey in Australia. I googled Trim, in County Meath, Ireland with Trim Castle as a feature – it all sounded so fascinating and I wondered if it was real. It is! McInerney’s writing is sublime; I felt like I was there with Eliza in the various places she went. The story was heartwarming, poignant and oh, so special. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Eleven-year-old Jackson Curtis loved his parents, Julia and Alan, and sisters, nine-year-old Ruby and fourteen-year-old Milla. But Jackson was differeEleven-year-old Jackson Curtis loved his parents, Julia and Alan, and sisters, nine-year-old Ruby and fourteen-year-old Milla. But Jackson was different – neurodiverse was as much as the doctors could say – with a phenomenal memory, a stress level higher than most and a penchant for finding himself in trouble, even though it was always an accident. His headstands helped him when the beans in his head came and some coping measures his doctor had worked on, also helped.
With his new friend Digby from soccer and school, Jackson went on his first play date at Digby’s house. But things happened and Digby told Jackson to keep it a secret, then the following day at school found trouble, with the principal and police involved. Alan was in New York with his job at the time – always away when Julia needed him – which made Julie’s decision making harder. Nanna Pam, Alan’s mother, was there to help with the girls and suddenly life changed in a way no one had imagined. Julia would do anything for her children and fighting for Jackson was just a part of it.
An Unusual Boy by Aussie author Fiona Higgins is an excellent read which shows the love and devotion of a mother for her children, the struggles when things go wrong and how things escalate out of control when the full picture isn’t gathered. Jackson was an amazing child with an amazing family behind him. Especially his sisters. An Unusual Boy is a unique and heartwarming, occasionally traumatic novel which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Three friends, Cara, Alex and Beth all lived at the end of Cuthbert Close. They had been friends for years and their camaraderie was relaxed and casuaThree friends, Cara, Alex and Beth all lived at the end of Cuthbert Close. They had been friends for years and their camaraderie was relaxed and casual. Their annual end of summer street party was in full swing when a removalist truck appeared at the end of the street, determined to drive through them all to the vacant house at the end. That was how they met the glamorous Charlie Devine and her teenage daughter Talia. Their dislike of Charlie was instant but they were going to be neighbours, so Beth took a home cooked quiche to welcome them…
As things began to go wrong within the Close and with Beth, Cara and Alex, their lives entered previously uncharted areas. Alex was doing her best to make a decision in her position as a corporate lawyer, while her five-year-old twins had her hair going gray; Cara and her daughter Poppy were feeling very insecure and Beth wondered what was going on with Max. The new business the three women had started suddenly came under fire – was it sabotage? What was going on? Was the peace and tranquility of Cuthbert Close coming to an end?
The End of Cuthbert Close is my first read of Aussie author Cassie Hamer’s writing, and I enjoyed the closeness between the three neighbours and friends who are the main characters. Typical suburbia with humour, family, friendships, motherhood and money struggles combined with a seriously tricky mystery made The End of Cuthbert Close a highly readable story which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The elderly woman who came to his rescue in 1983 was a stranger to Joe Arneson but she declared she was his grandmother. Joe had always been told by hThe elderly woman who came to his rescue in 1983 was a stranger to Joe Arneson but she declared she was his grandmother. Joe had always been told by his father that his grandmother had died, but as he came to know Pearl, he knew that she was in fact his grandmother, and there was a past of secrets that both his father and grandmother were unwilling to tell him. With Pearl in a nursing home, and dying from cancer, she asked Joe to clear the family home ready for sale. The secondhand store in Pullman, Wisconsin was willing to take the old furniture that was too good to dump – and so Joe met Kathleen, owner of the store.
Joe told Kathleen about the recurring dreams he’d been having; dreams that he felt were too vivid to be anything but real. But they also frightened him. As Joe and Kathleen investigated findings among the old furniture, some parts of the puzzle came clear. Back in 1916 Pearl’s older sister, Alice had died under tragic circumstances, her death having a profound effect on those left behind. Would they find the answers that Joe needed to find peace of mind? And what was the danger that was coming closer to Kathleen, a danger that she was completely unaware of?
Dovetail is my first by Karen McQuestion but definitely won’t be my last. An outstanding read, I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines – 1916 with Alice, Pearl and her family; and 1983 with Joe, Kathleen and Pearl – with the connection between the past and present profound. A captivating read, the blend of romance with family secrets is perfectly done. Dovetail is a book I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to the NetGalley, the publisher and author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more