Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Desiree and Stella are twins, but after they leave home at 16 everything separates. Desiree returns home with her black daughter; Stella marries a white man and passes for white. But when their daughters meet, the truth becomes complicated. The good: Brilliantly written with memorable characters. The not-so-good: This book has given me... Continue Reading →
In brief: Told across two time periods, this story of secrets, war and a mysterious blue dress explores the hidden parts of World War II. The good: Fantastic story with fascinating characters. The not-so-good: Liberty needed some sense shaken into her several times. Why I chose it: Natasha Lester's novels are wonderful to read anywhere,... Continue Reading →
In brief: Vivian is a switchboard operator in Wooster, Ohio in the 50s. She enjoys listening in on conversations until she hears something incredibly shocking about herself. How can she fix this and hold her head up high? The good: The 1950s are brilliantly portrayed. The not-so-good: Bit uneven and I had to concentrate to... Continue Reading →
In brief: Elizabeth Quinn and her brother Michael are pillars of the town of Maitland. When Elizabeth becomes unwell at an exhibition, their ward Jane knows something isn't right. What was it that caused Elizabeth to fall back into the past? The good: Lovely historical story with added mystery. The not-so-good: Some of the characters... Continue Reading →
In brief: Vera and best friend Edith find themselves in Naples after World War II, trying to build a new life after losing their families. It won't be easy and it will take them across the world to find their happiness. The good: Based on a real story with never a dull moment. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: After the war, Evie couldn't go back to the confines of her normal life. Joining the entertainment ship Victory, is fun but one night changes the lives of the entire cast. The good: Unique setting to tell an interesting story. The not-so-good: Lucy's section of the story occasionally lost momentum. Why I chose... Continue Reading →
In brief: The life of Charlotte Lucas after her marriage to Mr Collins is respectable, but lonely. On meeting Mr Travis, a farmer, her life and heart become disrupted. The good: A great book for a Pride and Prejudice fan. The not-so-good: A quiet read (and I still find Mr Collins annoying). Why I chose... Continue Reading →
In brief: In 1899 Sydney, the residents of the Dunlevy house find things out that will change their lives. They each react in their own way with disastrous consequences. The good: A great insight into colonial Sydney, pre-Federation. The not-so-good: The ending is a little fast and neat. Why I chose it: Enjoy Maggie Joel's... Continue Reading →
In brief: When a family move to the country to help on the family farm, it's difficult for all the women but particularly so for Marjorie… The good: Quirky, yet moving. The not-so-good: The first one hundred pages are very slow. Why I chose it: Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy. Year: 2019... Continue Reading →
