I was drawn to this one given my love of all things New York. It was impressive to listen to the descriptions of beautiful flowers, varied characters I was drawn to this one given my love of all things New York. It was impressive to listen to the descriptions of beautiful flowers, varied characters and the vibrant city. I loved the accents (the narrator acted out men with NY accents superbly, making it a little fun) and the chatter about pastrami sandwiches and the complaints of the die hard New Yorkers - which I did not really know about until now. The author specifically mentioned the kind of whiny nature and that things were a drag for folk in their busy busy day to day lives.
I suppose I'm not an expert on romance books and the HEA idea, but I knew straight away who the heroine would end up with, but it was a tad too slow for me. Rosie the florist, an eternal optimist, was a Londoner who landed in New York, running from something and changing her corporate job for her ultra successful florist shop. Unsure what she's hiding, she is unable to share her past with her nearest and dearest, and consistently is unable to allow happiness into her life. We do catch on that she is quite strong in her own way, and has found her forever home in the bustle of New York.
Her pals in the shop love her, but a will they won't they frisson between Nate proceeds and I did not feel the spark. Yucky women (namely a fiance and her mother) were getting in the way of Rosie who seemed to have a way of letting others trample on her little heart. It was almost impossible to treat this connection with anything as he was engaged, or perhaps the characters spark didn't pop.
What is she hiding from her mates she loves so dearly, and will she let it ruin her again?
I was amazed at the money clients spent on flowers and the extravagance, but this was a light hearted story which was easy to listen to on a rainy summers day. I just wanted to be swept away a little more fully. I wanted Rosie to spark brighter.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library....more
I am older than the author, and her protagonists. I fit into the zone of Adella’s mother’s age group, who also has a part of this narrative. Which in I am older than the author, and her protagonists. I fit into the zone of Adella’s mother’s age group, who also has a part of this narrative. Which in itself is thought provoking because my children are in this perilous cohort. Adella, bright and clever, is another product of genetically predisposed to mental ill health. When I say another product, I refer to the constant books I have been reading on this topic. I don’t seem to seek these out, it just keeps happening as I listen to so many audiobooks, and this is a robust topic of conversation these days. Spoken about and not hidden like it was in my earlier days, and the generation before that, and that.
The author works for a popular Mamamia, she is on the pulse of everything social media, young and topical. She is a podcaster and author and states freely that her family has struggled with ‘happiness’ for a long time. Essentially this book is about the younger generations in families, and their state of mind, their mental health and their experience with lust, loss, love, rejection, and self-perception. Their make up is formed by their parents which will influence their offspring. If you are a parent of adolescents, young people, or new adults, this will give you a lot to think about. It will also make you freak out a little if you have not had to face these types of issues.
What the author writes about is real. This narrative gets inside the head of young people, both female and male, and shows to us the pressure they place on themselves to thrive in a world that often is inauthentic, while these bright young people are trying to be the opposite.
A scary part of the story which gave me pause was Adelle’s flatmate, casually commenting after a suicide that she ‘was surprised this was your first.’
A beautifully written contemplative story on the state of kids today, what they have to deal with and the legacy of the health of their forebears. I liked hearing about the different parts of Sydney, and that my workplace received a mention, which really suited.
Adelle’s therapy at one stage discussed the trait of perfectionists not actually keeping everything perfect, but regularly not finishing tasks and incompletion, which was the essence of her. Her friend Jake would say the only time he wanted to do exercise was when he just finished exercise. So relatable.
Adella would talk with her Pa, a kindred spirit. This book had so much worth thinking about, in a non-confrontational way. It was not cheery, but it was current and important....more
We are in 1951, evocatively transported to what should be a simpler time. Blackburn is a remarkable young man, living with the remnants of polio whichWe are in 1951, evocatively transported to what should be a simpler time. Blackburn is a remarkable young man, living with the remnants of polio which so effects his body those who come across him treat him like a leper. He is shunned, disrespected; treated like a piece of rubbish. The only real connection he has is with his work as the caretaker of the church, its grounds, and their dead. Blackburn treats this with such a special respect, having learned his job from the predecessor, equally as respectful. He has received labouring help in the past, but people are too hard to deal with, lazy and always lacking respect for him and the graves they work with. Blackburn works tremendously hard with almost no appreciation for all that he does, such a caring and wonderful man.
Blackburn's childhood friend is his one true companion, Jacob and his new wife, the pregnant Naomi. All of these wonderfully formed characters share a bond during war time. This is where the goodness ends. Blackburn is not wealthy, Jacob comes from wealth, an entitled and insipid family. They rule the town. They rule Jacob. Naomi is not a suitable match for this snobbish and arrogant pair, they despise her, this poor and uneducated girl. The family have already lost two daughters and have no intention of losing their son to this young girl, life will stop before they allow this to happen.
Naomi is a beautiful character, unspoiled by life who does not allow the ignorant people to invade her mind completely. Wearing a lovely dress into town unadorned by her husband is enough to set tongues wagging. God forbid she is in the company of the wonderful Blackburn, tasked in keeping an eye on her while Jacob is away in Korea.
Evocative descriptions of Jacob's time away on the front, propelling him on to make it back home to his new bride, with the love he feels for her despite his fractured family. The controlling and manipulative parents cutting him out of their will, removing his inheritance and refusal to have them in their lives at all.
A tragic betrayal carried out without a care in the world leaves the reader reeling, I was grateful this was a short book, I don't think my heart could have kept up.
Blackburn stole my heart, his nature and willingness was beautiful and conversely, Jacob's family so deplorable I was unable to contain myself. I was completely enthralled. Descriptions of struggling farmers, and the lengths they will go to turn around their misfortune, the hardworking doctor struggling to hold together a town intent on judging those less fortunate all form a compelling and fulfilling read.
I loved this book and will recommend it to anyone who will listen! I am not a fan of historical fiction, therefore I'm always grateful for the Goodreads community which is the method I come across many of my titles.
I listened to this audiobook via the BorrowBox app and my public library, so grateful to have such wonderful access to many wonderful resources. ...more
This was a good one, with Reacher joining the fray on the next drama by literally being picked up as a hitch hiker. There’s a reason for this, and hisThis was a good one, with Reacher joining the fray on the next drama by literally being picked up as a hitch hiker. There’s a reason for this, and his addition to the car makes this group of individuals makes for an excellent and well needed decoy. While taking his turn of driving and communicating skilfully with one of the passengers via a complicated set of blinking, he realises this is a hostage situation, and as always has entered a situation needing his unique set of skills. This one flew by, I love Jeff Harding, he is the best narrator a reader can get.
Teaming up with a ballsy female FBI agent who quickly realises Reacher is not a part of the crime, after finally himself in one way or another to not being involved. Reacher doesn’t form a sexy interest/entanglement in this one, still making his way to Virginia to meet a ‘girl I’ve spoken to on the phone’. I love these little glimpses of the man we often forget exists underneath the drifting vigilante we love so much.
He complied, and ended up as ready for instant action as his granddad's granddad waking up from an afternoon nap.
Nor do we see many trips to diners and chat about his food intake, and references to his unique lifestyle. A Wanted Man is a tad less full on but loved it all the same. The ending was quite anticlimactical, but this also suited the style of this book. I liked the reference the author made to there being an army kind of small talk vibe at the end of the book when the baddies were conquered, but these were different to those of the FBI, so it was left unsaid. I enjoy the finales in the Reacher series when the reader knows how much the characters have needed to bond and form a cohesive unit to get the job done, but the reader knows it will go no further than this. Apart from the girl on the line, all the way in Virginia.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. I’ve just finished number 17; this year’s release is 28. I’m catching up, this is worrying. I’d be bereft without Reacher. I was watching series 2 on Prime during this audio read, it was funny, I had to keep reminding myself which I was up to....more
So THAT'S what happened. I love Reacher, and now I got to learn more about the reasons he is no longer a Military cop. I am not surprised he took thisSo THAT'S what happened. I love Reacher, and now I got to learn more about the reasons he is no longer a Military cop. I am not surprised he took this situation without drama, fanfare and of course, took it all in his massive stride. There loss. Not that he gives a toss about that, nor would articulate it in any way.
Starting off with some cryptic clues from his boss, Colonel Leon Garber, and some chit chat with a colleague about lay offs, downsizing and looking for a job, Reacher finds himself in Mississippi, deep in the south and deep all sorts of chaos, cover up and crime. What he deals with best.
Dealing with locals, crims, the good and the bad. Always on the search for truth and justice (not necessarily the normal kind of by the book justice) he is working out who is responisble for the death of a beautiful woman, many beautiful women to be precise. Along the way he connects with a beauty all of his own, the local sheriff.
Noticeably on this rodeo he had LOTS of sex. And he was very good at it. Insert blush.
We went at it like a junkie heats a spoon.
I don't think I've read such detail of Reacher's absolute prowess in bed. Wow. So so so detailed!
This instalment provides the excellent back story on why this cool guy no longer serves in the United States Army, and why this choice is the best for him. It is not surprising he has bid such a definite adios, as this man's integrity and ideas of right and wrong are always so transparent. Bring on number 17.
I listened to this audio via the BorrowBox platform, and as always narrated by the outstanding Jeff Harding. I have such a choice of reading material; and this series will always come up as first choice. ...more
I do not know much at about Bundy and his escapades. Although this was fiction, I couldn't help but wonder what really went on. I did not watch the EfI do not know much at about Bundy and his escapades. Although this was fiction, I couldn't help but wonder what really went on. I did not watch the Efron movie (I think the character Pamela in this book would be happy to hear that) nor watch any Netflix documentaries.
So, I suppose, I took this book at face value, and really did enjoy it. I listened to the audio, and was SO excited to realise Sutton Foster was narrating one of the leads. I loved her in the tv show Younger which I will watch again. Straight away I warmed to her voice. The only squabble I had with this was when she pronounced the world 'a' I would normally pronounce 'u' where her pronouncement was a very strong 'A', and I noticed it every time. No matter, her voice is lovely.
Pamela is the sorority president, a good girl who will choose to stay home and not stray far from home. She finds her friends murdered, in the most deplorable way. So much on her shoulders given her presidency. She is a strong woman, takes everything in, respectful and capable; everything ends up on her. The police were quite incapable, she seemed to be leading the way when clearly it should have been the other way. One of the girls slain was her best friend. She will not rest a moment to bring the murderer down.
Tina hales from Seattle and falls in love with Ruth. Each of these women encountering hard lives, in very different ways. The similarity is the worst of human nature and the way both girls have suffered, each of their back grounds full of things no women should have to suffer. These characters were both written well (as was Pamela), and their pathway to connection a lovely story. Finally both finding kinship and a sense of home. When Ruth is found murdered, Tina eventually makes her way to Pamela.
Pamela is pre law and Tina a counselor, specialising in a special kind of grief, one where the source of grief differs from the norm, most importantly where society does not recognise the sufferer as being worthy of grief, this was very interesting. There are so many issues in this book. These two women cross paths after the attack at the sorority house, their path to bringing a serial murder to justice through a dogged determination with their tenacity made for a rewarding story.
I loved the background of these three women, their relationships with men, the trouble women had in this time of the world (late 1970's), and the deep friendships formed to enable their investigations to go on. Each woman was fully fleshed out, their personalities, their loves and their troubles - which so often was exacerbated by troubling families of origin. Pamela's mother distant; my heart broke when Pamela was unable to reach her parents on the morning of the tragedy, simply because they couldn't be bothered answering the phone. Tina's marriage and early life also very hard to read about.
Ruth's mother and entire family were the epitomy of revulsion - this family was written remarkably well, so much intolerance, ignorance on display. A disintegration of a family clawing desperately to falsely display normalcy.
I felt I knew each woman quite intimately as each spoke, and Pamela and Tina's friendship very special.
This story was compelling, thought provoking and simply just a gripping read. I could not stop listening. I don't consider my lack of knowledge of the case to be an issue - it certainly piqued my curiosity but as a fictional story, I loved every minute. So much to love in relation to plot, imagery and most of all, amazing characters whom I got to know.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library at 1.5 speed....more
I loved this book, a short one, and historical fiction too. This genre I often shy away from, but for some reason I stumbled across this and thoroughlI loved this book, a short one, and historical fiction too. This genre I often shy away from, but for some reason I stumbled across this and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Having no knowledge at all of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, I was saddened to learn of the things that transpired. Added to this that the supposed Godly people, charged with helping, caring and being there for the disadvantaged are the ones to carry out the evil. No one was willing to act. No one seemed to care enough.
The nuns had the community under their thumbs, the girls of the well to do in their school next door lest their families speak up, and the audacity to treat young girls with cruelty.
Bill, in 1985, knows a thing or two about single mothers. Now a successful businessman (though still times are tough for everyone), he will have some spare change for those in need, a kind word and a honest and selfless business practice.
He is the man to stand up, and this was the best part. His wife wasn't as nice, she didn't understand his desire to help. Together they've raised their girls well, so when Bill sees the blatant treatment of a young unwed mother being locked up, unfed and overworked, this is his time.
My first experience with this author, I will now look for more of her work.
I listened to this audiobook via the BorrowBox platform and my local library. I highly recommend this short book. ...more
I loved this! What a great outback crime novel. I had completely missed this on my radar, so this is why GR is so good. And of course, we get to contiI loved this! What a great outback crime novel. I had completely missed this on my radar, so this is why GR is so good. And of course, we get to continue the story as this is only number one.
This was an excellent mix of missing persons in the very harsh northern Australia, police procedural with a well fleshed out link to home and family. The conditions of this part of Australia well described, with a mix of helpful community members and the troubled ones with secrets to hide. The scourge of drugs and the toll this takes on small communities was convincing.
DS Walker is on personal leave and revisiting his birthplace. While there he is tasked with stepping in to assist the local constabulary to find tow young European travelers who failed to turn up to their next working destination.
Lucas Walker is a capable protagonist, level headed and very likable. He teams up with the missing woman's sister Barbara, also a detective from Berlin. This woman has a good sense of what is going on. She was an excellent character, inserting herself into this arid countryside well. Unsurprisingly her idea of Australia was much different to what she found in the north of Queensland, sweltering and almost unbearable.
Well paced and compelling, I loved the audio version of this. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series where I will be happy to pick up on this young man's journey, and how Barbara may feature as well.
4.5☆ rounded up.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my local library. Well recommended. ...more
This Reacher instalment set me alight. I love an easy read, and this delivered. He found himself where he was needed, he communicated with the good guThis Reacher instalment set me alight. I love an easy read, and this delivered. He found himself where he was needed, he communicated with the good guys to ascertain what needed to be done and inserted himself into the situation. All for the greater good. I love his selflessness, willingness to help at the risk of his life, and the fact he almost lost his nose it broke so bad.
Now, usually I’m the last to guess what is going on, and in this one I wasn’t sure why it took him so long to entirely grasp the machinations of the baddies. But no matter, I still loved watching him alongside the locals to slowly regain the control of the town which had so easily been taken over by an insipid and evil family.
The locals seemed to have a quick switch of not wanting to help themselves, to springing into action, but again, Reacher played his deft hand and subtly showed this town of downtrodden folk what a better life they deserved. He lays out info without personal involvement, but still showing care. I like that about him.
From the opening scene we see Reacher pushes the local (drunk) town doctor who is shirking his duties, and fobbing off what appears to be a battered woman. Reacher refuses to see this man ignore his duties and lightning fast inserts himself into the melee, driving the very drunk doctor to the home of this beaten woman. Quickly he learns a lot of what he needs to know and sets off on the path to righteousness.
The usual goody bag of one liners and quick wit abounding, his quick thinking and ability to lay down on hard earth, cross his arms over his body and sleep – then wake and know it’s 2:00am. It’s cool, and I love the arsenal of goodies Lee Child came up with to make this character what he is and continues to be.
Another part of this one I loved; he helped a grieving mother make the right decision about an awful situation. It was a quick couple of paragraphs in which he had to gently but forcefully guide her into making the correct decisions for her own wellbeing which would affect the rest of her life. The concise succession of sentences showed his compassion and sensibility in an easy manner to help this woman he had known for a couple of days. As all these books go, we realise he does not know the folk he crosses paths with, but I loved this particular scene.
We learn from Reacher, and we learn from the wronged, and I loved it. I won’t wait so long this time between books.
As always, I listened to the imitable Jeff Harding narrate this via BorrowBox and my public library, at 1.5 X speed. Loved it. Ooops, as always when it comes to Jack NMI Reacher, I repeat myself. I think I may love him more than Myron Bolitar! ...more
What a unique concept. Two Australian women crossed paths, met at a cafe and decided their easy way of communicating could go one step further. CreatiWhat a unique concept. Two Australian women crossed paths, met at a cafe and decided their easy way of communicating could go one step further. Creating a 'Salon', a structured group for women to talk; share stories.
The whole group benefits. The sharer can unburden, and feel a weight lift, and the rest of the group, the listeners, can gain insights and possibly even learn that they too have experienced similar, or know that they are not alone in adversity.
This book is written for us to hear the individual stories, and to provide ideas, guidance and structure for those wishing to start their own group. A list of questions are posed at the end for ice breakers and ideas how to deal with those tricky things like rambling stories, those treading the political waters and so on.
Like all books with short stories, I liked some more than others. I loved some of them so much. I could relate (who knew you could have oral medication for thinning hair. Seems I'm not the only one to feel guilty about worrying about this vanity!). Like all audio books, some narrators are more pallatable than others. Some were quite formal and rushy, which to me made me feel hyper. Yes, that's probably very much a Suz thing.
The idea of a group getting together, communicating, sharing and learning is a great idea. I wonder if many formal gatherings did take place. It was also designed to highlight the old style norms such as marital status and age and anything else unnecessary is left at the door.
A unique and intersting topic written by two different women, both with backgrounds dealing in facilitation and group work. I love how different they are - writer/clinical psychologist and writer/mathematician/humourist. I think they'd probably both do a lot more than this. Perhaps these two women thought if they met serendipidously and connected, who knew what could transpire if larger groups formed and talked about things kept inside for a lifetime.
Thanks for the refreshing idea, ladies.
I listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox and my local library at 1.5 speed....more
I chose this book as a short read, and as it had touches of magical realism I wasn't fully engaged. Important topics of refugees, belonging, war, a plI chose this book as a short read, and as it had touches of magical realism I wasn't fully engaged. Important topics of refugees, belonging, war, a place of home and being lucky enough to have one. Or not.
A young couple meet and fall in love during a time of civil war. This place is not mentioned, though throughout the novel many parts of the world are mentioned, as is race and the differences between people.
The tiny book spans over half a century and tells of both these young couple’s love story, as well as the generation before. It also encapsulates the easy traps every day relationships fall into.
Mobile phones and broadband and contemporary issues are peppered throughout, but it is the plight of the refugee which is front and centre.
The young woman is forbidden to show her skin and forever wears her black robes, is partial to magic mushrooms and her motorbike. These robes were unable to stop unwelcome physical touch in a situation undesigned for women.
There are explosions and checkpoints and unscrupulous people smugglers, times shift between the war zone and the place, which was home, to a fantastical portal to enable a new beginning. It is clear this transportation is made easy in the book, but not so in our world today.
This is a very well written book, rated two stars for my enjoyment and attachment. I really should know better in choosing my audio reads, but as most of my friends have shown in their reviews, many will like this more than I considering this is not a preferred genre for me. I hope this makes sense as it is a quality and important book.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my local library, at 1.5 speed....more
This was Reacher at his best. A storyline not too convoluted, I got to drink in the characters and learn more about this excellent man who has enough This was Reacher at his best. A storyline not too convoluted, I got to drink in the characters and learn more about this excellent man who has enough heft to support all the instalments Lee Child (and son) so skilfully deliver.
This time Jack nmn Reacher lands in South Dakoda, a place on earth I couldn’t believe to be so cold. At one stage it was stated to be minus 14 degrees Celsius. Many times Jack struggled with the cold, and quickly had to loan a coat form one of the characters he stumbled across, funnily enough it was too big, which must have been a first! He is not always fallible, I liked seeing his ordinariness, he is not a machine all of the time. Also a glimpse of a vulnerability that is uncommon, placing his head in his hands, I saw a softness in a moment of grief that made me pause, I was so very sad for him. This book had everything.
Finding himself on a bus wreck, after hitching a ride with a group of senior citizens on tour, Reacher assists the injured and has no choice but to stay, given the appalling weather. I loved seeing him in command, directing others and knowing exactly what to do.
Whilst the oldies all receive billets within the community, Reacher finds himself paired with the Deputy of Police and his quiet reserved wife. Reacher’s trouble this time comes in the form of a pint-sized Mexican drug lord with a huge dose of grandeur and a small set of legs. At one stage of trouble Reacher’s size gets in the way as they are in a confined space, leading him to lament on the positives of his size regarding winning fights, ease of promotion and the like.
The heart of this story is Mrs Salter, the brave and sole witness to part of bringing this drug cartel down. She is under 24/7 watch, refusing witness protection and sticking to her guns. She witnessed a serious crime, the perpetrators need to be taken down, it is her civil duty. A lovely character to get to know, it felt like I was there with her and Reacher, who formed part of the guard in her home. An older lady, a retired librarian and Professor of Library studies at Harvard, her and Reacher formed a respectful bond learning about each other’s lives, the elder of the two making astute observations about Reacher’s make up and questioning him on these.
Jack’s dalliance is different this time, he forms a mutual alliance/attraction over the telephone when he reaches out to his old unit, speaking with one of the successors in the MP. This is full of heart as well, Lee Child has all the lines.
I loved a couple of quotes which captutred me instantly, it turns out I’m not so special, one of them forms part of the blurb. I don't want to put the world to rights... I just don't like people who put the world to wrongs.I think this is Jack through and through. Love him.
Again, what Jack represents is as equally endearing. To fill a small bag means selecting, and choosing, and evaluating. There's no logical end to that process. Pretty soon I would have a big bag, and then two or three. A month later I'd be like the rest of you. .
Adored this instalment, and I love the audio, again deftly narrated by Jeff Harding. I’d be bereft if they changed narrators for some reason. I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform via my public library at 1.25 speed. At the heart of an excellent character that is Reacher, delving further into what makes the man....more
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