Punch and Judy is an expressive, hard hitting and intense form of contemporary poetry from Kelly Van Nelson. Pun*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Punch and Judy is an expressive, hard hitting and intense form of contemporary poetry from Kelly Van Nelson. Punch and Judy represents the second poetry collection release from Australian writer Kelly Van Nelson. Although deeply serious in tone, this is a creative and theatrical collection that will draw in both fans of the poetry field and new readers to this emotive form of writing.
Within the form of a progressive poetry collection, Punch and Judy dissects the rise and fall of a hurtful relationship. A barrage of emotions follows as Kelly Van Nelson traces the origins of a toxic relationship from the early days of attraction, to the progression of the relationship, to its eventual demise. Along the way we the see the puppet master gain full control of this relationship, with devastating consequences. With themes of domestic violence, suppression, cohesion and control, Punch and Judy treads difficult ground. By releasing a collection of this subject line, Kelly Van Nelson hopes to open up essential conversations and thought patterns in regards to domestic violence.
Punch and Judy, published by Making Magic Happen Press, represents Kelly Van Nelson’s second foray in the poetry field. Now that I have finished this collection, it is clear that Kelly Van Nelson is quite the figurehead in terms of contemporary Australian poetry. I found Punch and Judy to be not only very lyrical and expressive, but also realistic and in touch. I was really forced to slow my reading down with this one and take in every word, line and poem. It was a refreshing change to adjust my reading style for this collection.
I profess to knowing very little by the way of poetry and the different techniques, as well as styles adopted by accomplished poets. With little background experience to go on, as I think my last encounter with a poetry collection would have been my high school English literature examination text, I am not sure I am completely qualified to oversee a review of this very raw collection. However, what I will reiterate is that Kelly Van Nelson’s writing is powerful, moody, targeted and emotive. Every word has been carefully selected and each separate poem has been thoughtfully produced. I was amazed at the sheer variety in terms of the different formats Kelly Van Nelson experimented with throughout her collection. There are lengthy and highly emotional poems. Then there are short, sharp and cutting poems that strike at the heart. Kelly Van Nelson also plays around with different formatting styles which really made me stand to attention. I valued every poem in this collection, each seemed to have a strong place to bear in the overall message of this book.
There is an overarching and penetrating gaze offered into the stages of relationship within Punch and Judy. The collection begins with the infatuation stage, until it eventually becomes toxic and oppressive. Although this is a dark and bleak look at a very negative relationship, we witness moments of courage, hope and ultimately resilience. Overall, I admired the way in which this very turbulent take on a modern day relationship was presented in the device of various different poems, across three key areas – Tangled Strings, Puppet Master and Cut Loose. All the while the imagery cuts deep, for the reader to see, appreciate and take on board.
In this world of increasing domestic violence, continual images of toxic relationship breakdowns, unacceptable attitudes in relation to sexism and negative behaviours, it is high time that a progressive collection such as Punch and Judy is released in public sphere. Keynote literature such as Punch and Judy can help to lead the way in terms of breaking down barriers and it can work to change public perceptions in regards to relationship challenges.
*Thanks extended to Kelly Van Nelson for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Punch and Judy: A Poetry Collection is book #104 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Punch and Judy is an expressive, hard hitting and intense form of contemporary poetry from Kelly Van Nelson. Punch and Judy represents the second poetry collection release from Australian writer Kelly Van Nelson. Although deeply serious in tone, this is a creative and theatrical collection that will draw in both fans of the poetry field and new readers to this emotive form of writing.
Within the form of a progressive poetry collection, Punch and Judy dissects the rise and fall of a hurtful relationship. A barrage of emotions follows as Kelly Van Nelson traces the origins of a toxic relationship from the early days of attraction, to the progression of the relationship, to its eventual demise. Along the way we the see the puppet master gain full control of this relationship, with devastating consequences. With themes of domestic violence, suppression, cohesion and control, Punch and Judy treads difficult ground. By releasing a collection of this subject line, Kelly Van Nelson hopes to open up essential conversations and thought patterns in regards to domestic violence.
Punch and Judy, published by Making Magic Happen Press, represents Kelly Van Nelson’s second foray in the poetry field. Now that I have finished this collection, it is clear that Kelly Van Nelson is quite the figurehead in terms of contemporary Australian poetry. I found Punch and Judy to be not only very lyrical and expressive, but also realistic and in touch. I was really forced to slow my reading down with this one and take in every word, line and poem. It was a refreshing change to adjust my reading style for this collection.
I profess to knowing very little by the way of poetry and the different techniques, as well as styles adopted by accomplished poets. With little background experience to go on, as I think my last encounter with a poetry collection would have been my high school English literature examination text, I am not sure I am completely qualified to oversee a review of this very raw collection. However, what I will reiterate is that Kelly Van Nelson’s writing is powerful, moody, targeted and emotive. Every word has been carefully selected and each separate poem has been thoughtfully produced. I was amazed at the sheer variety in terms of the different formats Kelly Van Nelson experimented with throughout her collection. There are lengthy and highly emotional poems. Then there are short, sharp and cutting poems that strike at the heart. Kelly Van Nelson also plays around with different formatting styles which really made me stand to attention. I valued every poem in this collection, each seemed to have a strong place to bear in the overall message of this book.
There is an overarching and penetrating gaze offered into the stages of relationship within Punch and Judy. The collection begins with the infatuation stage, until it eventually becomes toxic and oppressive. Although this is a dark and bleak look at a very negative relationship, we witness moments of courage, hope and ultimately resilience. Overall, I admired the way in which this very turbulent take on a modern day relationship was presented in the device of various different poems, across three key areas – Tangled Strings, Puppet Master and Cut Loose. All the while the imagery cuts deep, for the reader to see, appreciate and take on board.
In this world of increasing domestic violence, continual images of toxic relationship breakdowns, unacceptable attitudes in relation to sexism and negative behaviours, it is high time that a progressive collection such as Punch and Judy is released in public sphere. Keynote literature such as Punch and Judy can help to lead the way in terms of breaking down barriers and it can work to change public perceptions in regards to relationship challenges.
*Thanks extended to Kelly Van Nelson for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Punch and Judy: A Poetry Collection is book #104 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge...more
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com Annie Seaton’s second instalment, Her Outback Surprise in the charming Australian rural romance series, Prickle *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com Annie Seaton’s second instalment, Her Outback Surprise in the charming Australian rural romance series, Prickle Creek, is a charming second chance love story. It takes the reader from the heart of London, through to the outback, with two attractive lead characters, vet Angie Edmonds and journalist come farm manager, Liam Smythe.
The hooking prologue of Her Outback Surprise begins with the sad demise of a two year relationship between an Australian couple that met in London. When Angie’s work visa in the UK runs out, it leaves her with no option but to return to Australia, leaving behind her boyfriend, Liam. Career driven journalist Liam is an Aussie expat and decides to stay put in London. Liam wishes to continue building his career as a budding journalist, rather than follow girlfriend Angie back to Australia. It is a decision that comes back to haunt the couple a year later, in the most unexpected way. Back in Australia, Angie has recently purchased a local veterinary practice of her own, in a small country town. Meanwhile, Liam has had to return back home to Australia at his beloved gran’s request. Liam’s grandparents manage the family farm, Spring Downs and Liam’s grandfather’s ailing health cannot keep up with the demands of running a property full time. Liam decides to take his time at Spring Downs as a working holiday, vowing to return to his career in journalism once the family farm is back on track. A chance but very coincidental encounter at the local vets, when Liam rescues an abandoned puppy, results in a reunion between the former lovers. There is no denying there is still a spark between this former couple but a series of misunderstandings threatens to derail Angie and Liam’s chances of a renewed relationship.
Although I am yet to read the first book in the Prickle Creek series, which revolves around four cousins who are recalled to their grandparent’s outback property, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Her Outback Surprise. I am a big fan of Annie Seaton’s work after reading The Porter Sisters series recently. I was more than keen to be introduced to a new outback series from an author I have come to appreciate. Her Outback Surprise was a delight from start to finish, offering the reader a great combination of a vivid outback setting, a well written storyline, a complicated pathway to a happy ever after romance and two completely agreeable lead characters.
The prologue, set in London, where we witness the upsetting disintegration of a two year relationship between two Aussie expats, quickly worked to draw me into Her Outback Surprise. The action soon moves forward a year later and to a very different location, the outback of Australia. We learn Liam, the male lead of Her Outback Surprise, has had to put his career as a journalist in London on hold to attend to some pressing family matters. It was a great opener, setting the scene perfectly.
What I immediately appreciated about the narrative of Her Outback Surprise was Seaton’s commitment to airing the viewpoints of both leads, Angie and Liam. It gives the reader a well rounded sense of the inner thoughts and feelings of each protagonist. I also liked how Seaton chose to include flashbacks within the current day storyline, offering an explanation to happened to this couple in the UK. This aspect of the narrative provides the reader with a solid background as to how the past has shaped the current state of this couple’s relationship.
Seaton’s leads, Angie and Liam, are both likeable and have some interesting personality traits. They are also guarded about delving into a relationship again, for different reasons. I liked the individual journey Seaton sets both Liam and Angie on. Through the progression of the novel, Liam makes the transition from a high flying career man in London, to an everyday hardworking farmer. Angie’s journey on the other hand is just as interesting. Firstly, Angie takes the plunge and purchases her own vet practice. Then Angie must make the adjustment from city to country living. Finally, for a young woman who sadly hasn’t has a place to call home, or a sense of family to embrace her, Angie finds what she needs both professionally and personally in her move to the outback. The character growth these two leads go through makes for an endearing and interesting read. Angie and Liam are also supported along the way by a handful of memorable and integral secondary characters, These include Liam’s cousin Lucy, who extends the hand of friendship to Angie, through to Liam’s adopted puppy Willow, who helps bring this couple together again.
The romance element in Her Outback Surprise obviously takes centre stage. Readers will find this romance leans more on the sweet side, rather than a hot and heavy style relationship. Angie and Liam’s pathway to love again is filled with a past history, misunderstandings, lack of communication and individual fears of rejection. A few times I did feel myself wishing these two to just talk face to face in an honest manner to resolve their issues and find future happiness! However, the pathway we tread with these two leads is well worth the journey and the promise of a possible second chance happy ever after is what encouraged me to stay with this novel until the end.
For international readers of our great Aussie rural fiction novels, such as Her Outback Surprise, will be pleased to find an added extra to this novel. Located at the back of this novel is a glossary of terms, which explains some of the words and expressions that are distinctly Australian and therefore will be unfamiliar to non Australian readers. What a great idea!
Her Outback Surprise is the perfect rural escape novel, for fans of both rural fiction and romance novels. I enjoyed my time at Prickle Creek, so I will be making the effort to catch up on the first book in this fine series, Her Outback Cowboy, which follows Liam cousin’s Lucy’s story. I will also be on the lookout for future additions to Annie Seaton’s appealing series.
*I wish to thank Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com Annie Seaton’s second instalment, Her Outback Surprise in the charming Australian rural romance series, Prickle Creek, is a charming second chance love story. It takes the reader from the heart of London, through to the outback, with two attractive lead characters, vet Angie Edmonds and journalist come farm manager, Liam Smythe.
The hooking prologue of Her Outback Surprise begins with the sad demise of a two year relationship between an Australian couple that met in London. When Angie’s work visa in the UK runs out, it leaves her with no option but to return to Australia, leaving behind her boyfriend, Liam. Career driven journalist Liam is an Aussie expat and decides to stay put in London. Liam wishes to continue building his career as a budding journalist, rather than follow girlfriend Angie back to Australia. It is a decision that comes back to haunt the couple a year later, in the most unexpected way. Back in Australia, Angie has recently purchased a local veterinary practice of her own, in a small country town. Meanwhile, Liam has had to return back home to Australia at his beloved gran’s request. Liam’s grandparents manage the family farm, Spring Downs and Liam’s grandfather’s ailing health cannot keep up with the demands of running a property full time. Liam decides to take his time at Spring Downs as a working holiday, vowing to return to his career in journalism once the family farm is back on track. A chance but very coincidental encounter at the local vets, when Liam rescues an abandoned puppy, results in a reunion between the former lovers. There is no denying there is still a spark between this former couple but a series of misunderstandings threatens to derail Angie and Liam’s chances of a renewed relationship.
Although I am yet to read the first book in the Prickle Creek series, which revolves around four cousins who are recalled to their grandparent’s outback property, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Her Outback Surprise. I am a big fan of Annie Seaton’s work after reading The Porter Sisters series recently. I was more than keen to be introduced to a new outback series from an author I have come to appreciate. Her Outback Surprise was a delight from start to finish, offering the reader a great combination of a vivid outback setting, a well written storyline, a complicated pathway to a happy ever after romance and two completely agreeable lead characters.
The prologue, set in London, where we witness the upsetting disintegration of a two year relationship between two Aussie expats, quickly worked to draw me into Her Outback Surprise. The action soon moves forward a year later and to a very different location, the outback of Australia. We learn Liam, the male lead of Her Outback Surprise, has had to put his career as a journalist in London on hold to attend to some pressing family matters. It was a great opener, setting the scene perfectly.
What I immediately appreciated about the narrative of Her Outback Surprise was Seaton’s commitment to airing the viewpoints of both leads, Angie and Liam. It gives the reader a well rounded sense of the inner thoughts and feelings of each protagonist. I also liked how Seaton chose to include flashbacks within the current day storyline, offering an explanation to happened to this couple in the UK. This aspect of the narrative provides the reader with a solid background as to how the past has shaped the current state of this couple’s relationship.
Seaton’s leads, Angie and Liam, are both likeable and have some interesting personality traits. They are also guarded about delving into a relationship again, for different reasons. I liked the individual journey Seaton sets both Liam and Angie on. Through the progression of the novel, Liam makes the transition from a high flying career man in London, to an everyday hardworking farmer. Angie’s journey on the other hand is just as interesting. Firstly, Angie takes the plunge and purchases her own vet practice. Then Angie must make the adjustment from city to country living. Finally, for a young woman who sadly hasn’t has a place to call home, or a sense of family to embrace her, Angie finds what she needs both professionally and personally in her move to the outback. The character growth these two leads go through makes for an endearing and interesting read. Angie and Liam are also supported along the way by a handful of memorable and integral secondary characters, These include Liam’s cousin Lucy, who extends the hand of friendship to Angie, through to Liam’s adopted puppy Willow, who helps bring this couple together again.
The romance element in Her Outback Surprise obviously takes centre stage. Readers will find this romance leans more on the sweet side, rather than a hot and heavy style relationship. Angie and Liam’s pathway to love again is filled with a past history, misunderstandings, lack of communication and individual fears of rejection. A few times I did feel myself wishing these two to just talk face to face in an honest manner to resolve their issues and find future happiness! However, the pathway we tread with these two leads is well worth the journey and the promise of a possible second chance happy ever after is what encouraged me to stay with this novel until the end.
For international readers of our great Aussie rural fiction novels, such as Her Outback Surprise, will be pleased to find an added extra to this novel. Located at the back of this novel is a glossary of terms, which explains some of the words and expressions that are distinctly Australian and therefore will be unfamiliar to non Australian readers. What a great idea!
Her Outback Surprise is the perfect rural escape novel, for fans of both rural fiction and romance novels. I enjoyed my time at Prickle Creek, so I will be making the effort to catch up on the first book in this fine series, Her Outback Cowboy, which follows Liam cousin’s Lucy’s story. I will also be on the lookout for future additions to Annie Seaton’s appealing series.
*I wish to thank Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Independent author Rania Battany has delved into the world of dual timeline fiction with her historical crossed *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Independent author Rania Battany has delved into the world of dual timeline fiction with her historical crossed with contemporary fiction release 12 Weeks of June. A story of timeless love, secrets, the past and fulfilment, 12 Weeks of June is an enjoyable novel that I highly recommend.
Featuring two timelines, 2018 and 1959, 12 Weeks of June follows Chloe in the modern-day frame as she nurses a broken heart. As Chloe learns to embrace single life in an increasingly disconnected and digital world, a sense of purpose and distraction comes in the form of a café renovation project. While helping refurbish her family’s café to its former glory, Chloe stumbles across a life altering secret that strikes at the very heart of her family lineage. Chloe knows no matter how hard this half truth is to accept she must confront her grandparents. Travelling back in time to the year 1959, we meet Arthur a young man from the wrong side of the tracks who falls head over heels in love with June, a woman from a very affluent family. As Arthur works hard to build June’s dream tearoom, he grows closer to her. But many problems stand in the way of this burgeoning relationship. Arthur will need to keep a big secret if he is to find long standing happiness with June. Will Chloe, Arthur and June listen to their hearts?
I first came across Australian author Rania Battany almost three years ago when I was extended an opportunity to read Battany’s release at the time, Fleeting Moments. Now a few years on, I welcomed the chance to read Battany’s first foray in the dual timeline style of fiction. I’m a big fan of this genre and I was really looking forward to delving into 12 Weeks of June. I wasn’t disappointed, Battany’s latest release was a fantastic set piece.
Chloe is the central protagonist of Battany’s more current day timeline, which is set in 2018. I found it easy to connect with Chloe and I really felt a sense of sympathy for this poor woman. With a broken heart to deal with and other issues to contend with, Battany has presented her audience with a highly connective character. I was keen to follow along with Chloe’s story and I had high hopes that she would find her feet again after a pretty hard knock. Battany teases out the present-day problems of her lead well and I found plenty of connection to Chloe’s plight.
The historical timeline based in 1959 was very well researched and appreciated Battany’s period detail in this section of the narrative. I also appreciated the Australian focus of this historical thread. The timeless and difficult love story in this section of the story is presented with a good serving of heart and soul. I found a strong sense of empathy and appreciation for Arthur’s predicament. I also loved meeting June and following her journey. Relationships are the key to this story both in the modern and past based time periods, uniting 12 Weeks of June. It was a nice build up to an emotional close to Rania Battany’s latest and I’m glad that I joined the agreeable cast for this heartfelt journey.
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Independent author Rania Battany has delved into the world of dual timeline fiction with her historical crossed with contemporary fiction release 12 Weeks of June. A story of timeless love, secrets, the past and fulfilment, 12 Weeks of June is an enjoyable novel that I highly recommend.
Featuring two timelines, 2018 and 1959, 12 Weeks of June follows Chloe in the modern-day frame as she nurses a broken heart. As Chloe learns to embrace single life in an increasingly disconnected and digital world, a sense of purpose and distraction comes in the form of a café renovation project. While helping refurbish her family’s café to its former glory, Chloe stumbles across a life altering secret that strikes at the very heart of her family lineage. Chloe knows no matter how hard this half truth is to accept she must confront her grandparents. Travelling back in time to the year 1959, we meet Arthur a young man from the wrong side of the tracks who falls head over heels in love with June, a woman from a very affluent family. As Arthur works hard to build June’s dream tearoom, he grows closer to her. But many problems stand in the way of this burgeoning relationship. Arthur will need to keep a big secret if he is to find long standing happiness with June. Will Chloe, Arthur and June listen to their hearts?
I first came across Australian author Rania Battany almost three years ago when I was extended an opportunity to read Battany’s release at the time, Fleeting Moments. Now a few years on, I welcomed the chance to read Battany’s first foray in the dual timeline style of fiction. I’m a big fan of this genre and I was really looking forward to delving into 12 Weeks of June. I wasn’t disappointed, Battany’s latest release was a fantastic set piece.
Chloe is the central protagonist of Battany’s more current day timeline, which is set in 2018. I found it easy to connect with Chloe and I really felt a sense of sympathy for this poor woman. With a broken heart to deal with and other issues to contend with, Battany has presented her audience with a highly connective character. I was keen to follow along with Chloe’s story and I had high hopes that she would find her feet again after a pretty hard knock. Battany teases out the present-day problems of her lead well and I found plenty of connection to Chloe’s plight.
The historical timeline based in 1959 was very well researched and appreciated Battany’s period detail in this section of the narrative. I also appreciated the Australian focus of this historical thread. The timeless and difficult love story in this section of the story is presented with a good serving of heart and soul. I found a strong sense of empathy and appreciation for Arthur’s predicament. I also loved meeting June and following her journey. Relationships are the key to this story both in the modern and past based time periods, uniting 12 Weeks of June. It was a nice build up to an emotional close to Rania Battany’s latest and I’m glad that I joined the agreeable cast for this heartfelt journey.
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes....more
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com A Brahminy Sunrise is a heartfelt and captivating novella, from Australian author Maggie Christensen. This emoti*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com A Brahminy Sunrise is a heartfelt and captivating novella, from Australian author Maggie Christensen. This emotional and relatable short story, will draw you in as leads Alex and Jack learn to love again.
A Brahminy Sunrise revisits Alex Carter, a University Professor, who first appeared in Champagne for Breakfast, another delightful Maggie Christensen novel that I have read and enjoyed. Alex suffers a huge blow to her confidence and love life when her long-term boyfriend calls it quits, declaring his love and impending marriage to another woman. The news naturally sends Alex in a spin and she decides to retreat to the Sunshine Coast, to take up a new position at the university. On the Sunshine Coast, Alex takes on the renovation of a beach cottage and works at connecting with her family based there. She finds the local area to be a natural form of therapy by exploring the nearby beach and surrounds. It is on one of these soul cleansing walks that she accidentally bumps into Jack Russo, a local handyman. By chance, it is Jack who Alex calls on to oversee her renovations at her beach cottage. The two eventually strike up a relationship after some resistance, but they are dealt with a few bumps along the way to happiness. A Brahminy Sunrise is a book that gently reminds the reader that love can strike again when you place your trust in someone, despite a trail of heartbreak.
Novellas and I don’t have a great relationship. But I make the exception for this one as I have all the time in the world for the writing of Maggie Christensen. Christensen is a figurehead in terms women’s fiction, with a distinct Australian and mature age protagonist flavour. As soon as I enter the world Maggie Christensen creates, I feel enveloped in emotions and sentiment. This was the case with Maggie Christensen’s latest piece of fiction, A Brahminy Sunrise.
Even though A Brahminy Sunrise is a bite sized novella it still packs a punch. Christensen works in a number of key and resounding themes in her story. Each thread managed to strike a chord with me. Not only is this a great second chance romance, with the focus being on mature age protagonists, it also considers themes of trust and past heartbreak. An area that I felt Maggie Christensen really excelled in this novella was the focus on elderly abuse. This is an area that needs more attention and I applaud Christensen for her treatment of this tenuous subject. The character of Flo really increased my appreciation for this narrative thread. Elderly abuse is not the only theme explored by Christensen, she also places the spotlight on suicide, sexual activity in teens and infidelity. Each issue is given special treatment by Maggie Christensen’s insightful storytelling.
Anything published by Maggie Christensen wouldn’t be complete without a stellar romance thread and this is the case with A Brahminy Sunrise.
‘Suddenly his arms were around her, his lips on hers, and she was lost in a sea of emotions, bursting with happiness. It was as if the sun had come up somewhere inside her and pierced her with its beams. Was this the love she’d been waiting for?’
Young or old, committed or unattached, expect your heart to skip a few beats while Alex and Jack find their way to love and happiness.
My final word on this moving and genuinely lovely novella is the setting. I would love to visit the Sunshine Coast, but in the meantime, I’m happy to settle for Maggie Christensen’s descriptions of this stunning locale (she has a knack for delivering knockout book locations). It truly is a magical place and no wonder Alex found contentment in this glorious locale!
‘How she loved this beach – the long stretch of pristine sand stretching in both directions, the grassy dunes behind it hiding the ocean from the road and all signs of habitation. Even at this time in the morning, the beach was almost deserted, allowing Alex and Tess to enjoy it undisturbed.’
As with all novellas I had a quench for more. I will be looking to the next Maggie Christensen story with eager eyes. Women’s fiction and romance readers will be sure to appreciate all A Brahminy Sunrise has to offer.
*I wish to thank the author, Maggie Christensen, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Brahminy Sunrise is book #6 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Merged review:
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com A Brahminy Sunrise is a heartfelt and captivating novella, from Australian author Maggie Christensen. This emotional and relatable short story, will draw you in as leads Alex and Jack learn to love again.
A Brahminy Sunrise revisits Alex Carter, a University Professor, who first appeared in Champagne for Breakfast, another delightful Maggie Christensen novel that I have read and enjoyed. Alex suffers a huge blow to her confidence and love life when her long-term boyfriend calls it quits, declaring his love and impending marriage to another woman. The news naturally sends Alex in a spin and she decides to retreat to the Sunshine Coast, to take up a new position at the university. On the Sunshine Coast, Alex takes on the renovation of a beach cottage and works at connecting with her family based there. She finds the local area to be a natural form of therapy by exploring the nearby beach and surrounds. It is on one of these soul cleansing walks that she accidentally bumps into Jack Russo, a local handyman. By chance, it is Jack who Alex calls on to oversee her renovations at her beach cottage. The two eventually strike up a relationship after some resistance, but they are dealt with a few bumps along the way to happiness. A Brahminy Sunrise is a book that gently reminds the reader that love can strike again when you place your trust in someone, despite a trail of heartbreak.
Novellas and I don’t have a great relationship. But I make the exception for this one as I have all the time in the world for the writing of Maggie Christensen. Christensen is a figurehead in terms women’s fiction, with a distinct Australian and mature age protagonist flavour. As soon as I enter the world Maggie Christensen creates, I feel enveloped in emotions and sentiment. This was the case with Maggie Christensen’s latest piece of fiction, A Brahminy Sunrise.
Even though A Brahminy Sunrise is a bite sized novella it still packs a punch. Christensen works in a number of key and resounding themes in her story. Each thread managed to strike a chord with me. Not only is this a great second chance romance, with the focus being on mature age protagonists, it also considers themes of trust and past heartbreak. An area that I felt Maggie Christensen really excelled in this novella was the focus on elderly abuse. This is an area that needs more attention and I applaud Christensen for her treatment of this tenuous subject. The character of Flo really increased my appreciation for this narrative thread. Elderly abuse is not the only theme explored by Christensen, she also places the spotlight on suicide, sexual activity in teens and infidelity. Each issue is given special treatment by Maggie Christensen’s insightful storytelling.
Anything published by Maggie Christensen wouldn’t be complete without a stellar romance thread and this is the case with A Brahminy Sunrise.
‘Suddenly his arms were around her, his lips on hers, and she was lost in a sea of emotions, bursting with happiness. It was as if the sun had come up somewhere inside her and pierced her with its beams. Was this the love she’d been waiting for?’
Young or old, committed or unattached, expect your heart to skip a few beats while Alex and Jack find their way to love and happiness.
My final word on this moving and genuinely lovely novella is the setting. I would love to visit the Sunshine Coast, but in the meantime, I’m happy to settle for Maggie Christensen’s descriptions of this stunning locale (she has a knack for delivering knockout book locations). It truly is a magical place and no wonder Alex found contentment in this glorious locale!
‘How she loved this beach – the long stretch of pristine sand stretching in both directions, the grassy dunes behind it hiding the ocean from the road and all signs of habitation. Even at this time in the morning, the beach was almost deserted, allowing Alex and Tess to enjoy it undisturbed.’
As with all novellas I had a quench for more. I will be looking to the next Maggie Christensen story with eager eyes. Women’s fiction and romance readers will be sure to appreciate all A Brahminy Sunrise has to offer.
*I wish to thank the author, Maggie Christensen, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Brahminy Sunrise is book #6 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge...more
2024 is an important year for British author Louise Candlish as it marks the twenty-year anniversary of being a published author. Candlish is known for her ability to deliver domestic suspense novels that focus on social dilemmas. In her latest book Our Holiday, Candlish looks at holiday home problems, which is a very contentious issue in the British press. I appreciated the satirical lens placed on a domestic thriller storyline in this new Louise Candlish tale.
Published on 3rd April 2024, Shock Waves is the latest page turning treat from rural suspense specialist Fleur McDonald. In this new early Detective Dave Burrows outfit, the enigmatic officer of the law must contend with the destruction of council offices in a country town via a bomb attack. In a township that is overrun by bikies and theft, Dave has a big case on his hands.
Shock Waves reintroduces Detective Dave Burrows, a regular character and big name in Fleur McDonald’s back catalogue. This particular story travels back to the past as Dave is in the earlier stages of his career. Dave’s solid partnership with his boss Bob is compromised by Bob’s health issues. With Dave concerned about the welfare of his right-hand man, the case at hand becomes even more challenging. In the background, Dave is grappling with yet another personal setback. His recent separation from his partner has resulted in less contact with his young daughters. This upsets hardworking and loyal Dave, making things rather complicated for him on the personal front. However, Dave is a man of business and he persists in cracking his latest case.
Shock Waves had a number of different plot points and I appreciated the focus on the lives of farmers as well as men estranged from their children in custody issues. McDonald shines a light on these important male-related mental health issues as well as the fight our farmers must endure at the hands of those who wish to steal from them or sabotage their assets. Whilst this story featured a rural intrigue-based plot, there was a greater focus on the relationships, choices and connections the characters are challenged with aa the main events unfurled.
Shock Waves represents another sound addition to the Fleur McDonald Detective Dave collection.
Thank you to @allenandunwin for the #gifted copy ...more
Writer and filmmaker Barbara Sumner presents The Gallows Bird, her magnificent debut novel. A story of resilience, hardship, desperation, comradery and dispossession, The Gallows Bird is a very moving tale rooted in historical fact.
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