Read whatever, whenever, however.
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 →
In brief: At the height of the Cold War, America decides the best way to get through to the Russian people is through illicit copies of Doctor Zhivago. The good: Very interesting view from inside The Agency. The not-so-good: Story tapered off somewhat after 'the drop'. Why I chose it: Sounded like a novel plot... Continue Reading →
In brief: Violet is a spinster in the 1930s and eager to get away from her mother. So she moves towns, meets some new friends and joins a group of broderers. But it all becomes more complex… The good: The story really grows on you and stays with you. The not-so-good: The story is rather... Continue Reading →
In brief: The second in The Waverly Place series sees Dr Sophie Savard returning to Manhattan after the death of her husband. Although she plans to start a new life, she becomes entangled in a police case. The good: Richly detailed and fascinating. The not-so-good: It's a big book! Why I chose it: Sounded like... Continue Reading →
In brief: Claire has found the perfect location for a miniseries, but will the people of Starlight Creek feel the same way? Meanwhile in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Lee fights for equal rights for women. The good: Really enjoyed Lena's story and I wish I could see the cinema with my own eyes! The not-so-good: Claire's... Continue Reading →
In brief: Henry and Effie, just out of high school, are on their honeymoon in Cape May. But it's not the holiday place Effie remembers in September and things are a bit boring until the couple meet Clara, Max and Alma. The good: This comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Richard Yates are definitely deserved.... Continue Reading →
In brief: Jenny Trelawney was forced into becoming a thief by circumstances. These circumstances have her transported across the world to try and survive again in the fledgling Australian colony. The good: Fascinating story based on true events. The not-so-good: This book deserves to be read in huge chunks and sometimes I just couldn't manage... Continue Reading →
