In brief: Rose and Charlotte meet while working on a New York music magazine. Their friendship will continue as they take different paths, but will they agree on the other’s choices? The good: Bluntly honest, it doesn’t hide the bad. The not-so-good: I was less invested in Charlotte towards the end of the novel. Why... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 18/7/22
Another busy week with lots going on, and lots of rain. All my new books made it here safe and dry: Odd Hours by Ania Bas (available 2nd August) arrived thanks to Allen & Unwin. Gosia lives in her own head in between her supermarket shifts and poorly lit flatshare, but a chance encounter snaps... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Lucky by Marissa Stapley
In brief: Lucky has won the lottery. The problem is that she’s on her own, and she’s on the run. The good: Something a bit different with a likeable character in Lucky. The not-so-good: The ending was a little bit too fast for me. Why I chose it: I was drawn to the cover. Year:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Registrar by Neela Janakiramanan
In brief: Emma is starting her first year as a surgical trainee. It’s going to be tough to study and look after patients, but the toughest part will be keeping her head above water… The good: It’s honest, interesting and doesn’t sugarcoat the pressures of being a doctor in training. The not-so-good: Can be very... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 11/7/22
Another week of some good reads and some new books I’m looking forward to (especially as it’s raining heaps as I write this!) This is Gonna End in Tears by Liza Klaussmann (available tomorrow) arrived from Hachette. Set in 1984, it’s about three former childhood friends. Miller and Ash are married and living in Wonderland,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany
In brief: Malak, Kees and Jenna were all best friends until one argument divided them. Now, as they forge their own paths in life they need each other’s friendship and forgiveness more than ever. The good: Three strong female characters doing their best. The not-so-good: Sometimes, these women were being unfairly treated by themselves or... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Mutual Friend by Carter Bays
In brief: Alice just wants to spend the summer studying for her entry exam for medicine. She didn’t count on the most tumultuous summer ever involving family, friends and her phone. The good: A lot of great characters, all with something fascinating happening. The not-so-good: For the first hundred pages, I really just wanted to... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 4/7/22
Halfway through the year and of course it’s freezing! It seems like winter is finally here, which means that you really shouldn’t stray away from a blanket or heater…or when Parcel Post is kind enough to deliver on the weekend! Young Women by Jessica Moor arrived thanks to Allen & Unwin. When Emily meets Tasmin,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo
In brief: A collection of powerful, brutally honest short stories about women with no holds barred. The good: Lisa Taddeo dares to write what others don’t touch. The not-so-good: Would have loved a full-length story about any of these characters. Why I chose it: Always up for a great short story collection. Thank you to... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Making of Her by Bernadette Jiwa
In brief: Joan seems to have it all in 90s Dublin, but time spent in London in the 60s changed her forever. Now the daughter she gave up for adoption wants to make contact… The good: Not what I expected from the cover, but a more nuanced story. The not-so-good: Appearances are everything for many... Continue Reading →