Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Amy is an editing genius but when her new boss asks her to force a commercial novel from a literary great, it challenges even her. The good: it's fun – loud, honest and brash. The not-so-good: The ending – so unexpected! Why I chose it: Thank you to Harper Collins for the ARC.... Continue Reading →
In brief: In Sydney in 1965, the harbour appears calm but there is a strong undercurrent. The Sydney Opera House is being built with daily controversy and anti-war sentiment is growing. The good: The words are exquisite. The not-so-good: I devoured this beautiful book. Why I chose it: Thank you to Simon & Schuster for... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of an ancient house and those who are bound to it in some way or another. The good: It's a Kate Morton book. The not-so-good: Quite a few characters across the ages which was occasionally hard to keep track of. Why I chose it: I love Kate Morton's books, many thanks... Continue Reading →
In brief: The story of five ordinary people in Melbourne – their heartache, worries and pain. The good: Very sensitively written. The not-so-good: The majority of the story is not happy. Why I chose it: Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy. Year: 2018 Pages: 407 Publisher: Pan Macmillan Setting: Melbourne, Australia Rating: 8... Continue Reading →
In brief: Just as Eustace falls in love, he's confronted with cancer. In isolation for radioactive iodine treatment, he reflects on his youth. The good: Patrick Gale is a beautiful writer. The not-so-good: I want to know all of your story Eustace! Why I chose it: Because I knew I would love it – thanks... Continue Reading →
In brief: Bill is lonely after his wife's death. His daughter Sarah is trying to fill the void in her life. But their family is about to become much bigger in unexpected ways… The good: Very interesting premise for the plot. The not-so-good: I felt both Sarah and Emma were stereotypes at times of the... Continue Reading →
In brief: Freya decides to leave her small Scottish town for life in a busy London hospital. It's lonely, and anaesthetist Richard Lewis makes it know he's only a temporary distraction. But then it gets complicated… The good: Lovely story, just what I needed at the time. The not-so-good: Blitzed through it in 24 hours... Continue Reading →
In brief: Elle Campbell is back, reborn as a wellness blogger/influencer. But how did she land on her feet? Will her promises of rejuvenation cure tired new mum Frances? And will former rival Abi get her wedding amongst the family chaos? The good: It was crazy good fun with never a dull moment. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: In the late 1960s, newlyweds Lenny and Evelyn move to Evergreen Valley so Lenny can do service as a conscientious objector. There, they meet Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple and their lives change beyond their dreams… The good: Absolutely mesmerising. I didn't want this to end. The not-so-good: The end because the... Continue Reading →
