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 →
REVIEW: Power Play by Julia Banks
In brief: A memoir of politics and guide for women in leadership positions that doesn’t pull any punches. The good: Honest and unflinching. The not-so-good: The treatment of Julia by others. Why I chose it: Saw an interview with Julia on TV. Year: 2021 Pages: 231 Publisher: Hardie Grant Setting: Australia I recently saw an... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Love, in Theory by Elodie Cheesman
In brief: Romy is a big believer in data. So when she finds she’s at the best point in her life to settle down, she’s going to find someone suitable and dependable. Love can come later. The good: It’s fun and refreshing. The not-so-good: Romy leads a pretty privileged life. Why I chose it: Thanks... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Eighth Wonder by Tania Farrelly
In brief: Rose wants to be an architect, but it’s not what women do in 1897 New York City. Now that the family’s fortunes are lost, she must decide whether to follow her dreams or save the family… The good: The elephants add another layer to the story. The not-so-good: A little too detailed at... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: On Politics and Stuff by Mark Humphreys and Evan Williams
In brief: The definitive guide to Australian politics and what makes it a great platform for satire. The good: Absolutely hilarious. The not-so-good: Don’t read and eat/drink. You have been warned. Why I chose it: I enjoy their sketches on the ABC’s 7:30. Thank you to Hachette for the copy. Year: 2021 Pages: 97 Publisher:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: How to Mend a Broken Heart by Rachael Johns
In brief: Flick is feeling like everyone has moved on except her. So she takes up a job to work as a taxidermist in New Orleans. Little did she expect that her daughter would soon follow her… The good: The descriptions of New Orleans, such as the food and the houses. The not-so-good: Don’t read... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Defeating the Ministers of Death by David Isaacs
In brief: The history of immunisation and how it has eradicated some diseases and minimised the impact of others. The good: Explained very well. The not-so-good: Sometimes I got a bit tired of scientific definitions being explained – but then this book is designed for the non-scientist. Why I chose it: Continuing my reading of... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns
In brief: Ashling is shocked when her husband suggests they separate. Devastated, she just wants her family back together. But when she starts renovating a cottage in a small seaside town, her world expands. The good: Loved the small-town vibe of Ragged Point and its characters. The not-so-good: Ashling needed to do some growing up... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Shearer’s Wife by Fleur McDonald
In brief: In the small rural town of Barker, someone is sending drugs via the mail. How does this link with a story of a young couple in the 1980s? Detective Dave Burrows is on the case. The good: Just the right level of action, tension and mystery. The not-so-good: I read it in a... Continue Reading →