In brief: Lucy’s life is hedonistic to say the least. She blows it all up to retreat to a small seaside town, but a lot of ways follow her. Can quiet Robin be the change she needs? The good: Lots of great music referenced. The not-so-good: A bit repetitive – party, music, sex, drugs, repeat.... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Seeing Other People by Diana Reid
In brief: Eleanor and Charlie are sisters, and very different from each other. Over the summer, their relationships are going to become very messy. But will they get what they want? The good: Fascinating story. The not-so-good: None of the characters are particularly likeable, but that doesn’t seem to matter. Why I chose it: Really... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Tiny Uncertain Miracles by Michelle Johnston
In brief: Marick is in an awkward place with respect to faith and the loss of his family when he is sent to be the sole chaplain at a large tertiary hospital. Things get even stranger in this labyrinth when he makes a friend who is growing bacteria with gold in the basement that generates... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Love and Virtue by Diana Reid
In brief: Michaela and Eve are two young women starting university while living in a residential college. One drunken night will mean something very different to each of them… The good: Fantastic writing and story. The not-so-good: Would have loved to know more about Michaela’s life post-university. Why I chose it: Read many great reviews.... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester
In brief: Alix has landed her dream job working for new designer Dior in Paris after World War II. But she is haunted by her experiences during the war and is determined to bring her informant to justice. The good: I loved the descriptions of Dior’s designs! The not-so-good: I was a little confused at... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
In brief: In World War II Paris, Eliane is working with the Nazis by day and the Resistance by night to save Paris’s priceless artworks. In the present day, Remy finds that the painting she’s known since childhood was stolen by the Germans during the war. How did she end up with it? The good:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Everything Feels Like the End of the World by Else Fitzgerald
In brief: A collection of short stories exploring the effects of climate change in the future. The good: Intense feelings combined with a wake up call. The not-so-good: It’s scarily real and so sad at times. Why I chose it: I loved the cover. Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy. Year: 2022... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Her Fidelity by Katharine Pollock
In brief: Kathy works in a record store and has done for years. But when things start changing around her, she’s not comfortable. Is it time to change too? The good: Enjoyed the music parts. The not-so-good: Kathy could be a frustrating character at times. Why I chose it: Sounded fun – music and an... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Nurses’ War by Victoria Purman
In brief: The story of Cora, a nurse at Harefield Hospital in England during World War I and Jessie, a woman in the village of Harefield. The good: Very meticulously researched. The not-so-good: Some chapters seemed a little bit out of place. Why I chose it: Enjoy Victoria Purman’s novels. Thanks to Harlequin for the... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Garden of Hopes and Dreams by Barbara Hannay
In brief: In a small city apartment block, the occupants all have their own secrets and issues. Can a rooftop garden bring them together? The good: A fun, light read with lovely characters. The not-so-good: I would have liked Ned and Jock’s backstories to have a bit more detail. Why I chose it: Sounded like... Continue Reading →