Loved it! What a perfect way to wrap up a the Dungirri novels - with all the characters we've loved coming together one last time. A joyful story thatLoved it! What a perfect way to wrap up a the Dungirri novels - with all the characters we've loved coming together one last time. A joyful story that has the same page-turning qualities of a Bronwyn Parry novel.
Bronwyn's novels (the way she weaves her stories, the structure, and POV) have been an inspiration to me from the very first book and I was determined to, one day, be as good a writer and as prolific. Not sure I am there yet, but 4 books in, she is still influencing me.
Yes, it's short (119 pages) but the author packs a whole lot of plot in those pages. I cried! In a short story! That's how well Bronwyn develops her characters and makes us fall in love with them - warts and all. Maybe the Christmas theme contributed to the water works. (But don't wait until Christmas to read a Christmas novella.)
And just because it's a Dungirri novel does not mean you have to read the other books in the series first. While all set in the same town, the setting is the only links. The books are standalone romantic suspense novels that can be read in any order.
Merged review:
Loved it! What a perfect way to wrap up a the Dungirri novels - with all the characters we've loved coming together one last time. A joyful story that has the same page-turning qualities of a Bronwyn Parry novel.
Bronwyn's novels (the way she weaves her stories, the structure, and POV) have been an inspiration to me from the very first book and I was determined to, one day, be as good a writer and as prolific. Not sure I am there yet, but 4 books in, she is still influencing me.
Yes, it's short (119 pages) but the author packs a whole lot of plot in those pages. I cried! In a short story! That's how well Bronwyn develops her characters and makes us fall in love with them - warts and all. Maybe the Christmas theme contributed to the water works. (But don't wait until Christmas to read a Christmas novella.)
And just because it's a Dungirri novel does not mean you have to read the other books in the series first. While all set in the same town, the setting is the only links. The books are standalone romantic suspense novels that can be read in any order....more
I read…. No, I devoured this book. I even gasped out loud at that plot twist.
What a clever storyteller, with page after page of fabulously fresh and I read…. No, I devoured this book. I even gasped out loud at that plot twist.
What a clever storyteller, with page after page of fabulously fresh and captivating turn of phrase. I thank the author for taking me back to family life in 1980 Sydney Australia. This novel is quite the stroll down memory lane.
Barb is my hero! “We are what we hide.” She says. Loved her.
While exposing the ripple effect of domestic violence, Wildflower is not a typical ‘edge of your seat read’ but rather, an intimate and considered interrogation of life in Sydney, 1980, as seen through the eyes of a young girl trying to reconcile two different worlds .
The present day thread is powerful storytelling (those chapter headings are creative genius and so beautifully designed - well done, Pilyara Press) and the ‘show not tell’ is joyous and impactful: (‘The tunic puddles around my feet’. Oh, and… ‘Four gasps chase me out of the room but no one follows’.) If you are a creative writer struggling to grasp the ‘show not tell’ concept, read this book!
Every author has ‘a book of the heart’, the story they have to write. I believe this to be one such story.
Wildflower is both a stroll down memory lane and a lesson for us all. A story about keeping quiet and speaking up; about giving it, taking it, and making it.
Have your children read it. Have every woman read it. ...more
This 'Cook' has been carefully preparing her literary treats for years, and with All We Dream she has served up a very satisfying read that leaves reaThis 'Cook' has been carefully preparing her literary treats for years, and with All We Dream she has served up a very satisfying read that leaves readers wanting more stories. This book IS a revised edition of an earlier title (Essie's Way) and I did love it the first time around. I loved it even more this time. ...more
My first comment is, for a debut novelist, the plot line was a brave choice, expertly executed and so engaging. I’d been hoping to find a book I couldMy first comment is, for a debut novelist, the plot line was a brave choice, expertly executed and so engaging. I’d been hoping to find a book I could fall into and be carried along effortlessly; I wanted to journey somewhere beautiful.
Transit of Angels was perfect in every way.
In the opening pages we meet Angelica and quickly gain insight into her personal life and the enormity of her loss. There is a death—the sorrowful passing of a soul mate—but with Desney unflinching as a fiction writer, and with years of publishing industry experience, her sublime storytelling and passion for picturesque prose breathes so much life to Angelica’s journey.
Every book should be a journey—both for the character and the reader—and this is one I can highly recommend.
Angelica has so much resilience and resolve in the face of incomprehensible tragedy that her journey to recovery is both thought-provoking and uplifting. (These same adjectives best describe Desney King, whose life story as a multiple stroke survivor will make a powerful memoir (which I understand is underway. Can’t wait for that one).
If you have loved, if you have lost, if you are lost, Transit of Angels is a story for you. We can, in fact, all benefit from reading this one.
FYI - I have the pleasure of following Desney King on Facebook. Her ‘good morning’ photos are always uplifting and inspiring; simply a beautiful way to start the day.
Wherever You Go comes from a new voice in Australian small-town fiction. Monique Mulligan’s debut certainly serves up an epicurean fiction feast - servWherever You Go comes from a new voice in Australian small-town fiction. Monique Mulligan’s debut certainly serves up an epicurean fiction feast - served with restraint but loaded with drama (and kilojoules! I swear I put on weight just reading the descriptions in this book. Then Monique goes ahead and adds recipes in the back.)
A must-read for lovers of foodie fiction, I devoured this novel - my first read for 2021.
Apart from food (and the sound of a Siena Sunrise cocktail) I love a family drama and this one is a heartfelt tale of love, tragedy, grief and forgiveness. Tissues may be required!!
There was one section (about 80% into the story) that made me greedy for more of Matt and his experience as a father struggling to cope. A tender moment for sure and I do admire and author who manages an authentic male POV. Matt’s conflict really resonated with me.
From many lovely turns of phrase in this novel, one line really tugged harder than any other; about how we might miss people in our lives but… “They are tied to you with a knot that cannot be undone”.
Bravo, Monique Mulligan. Congratulations on your story and well done Pilyara Press Publishing. ...more
Two things: Firstly, I was provided with an advance copy of Her Last Words. When Kim emailed and asked if I’d like to read a story that was—in her word Two things: Firstly, I was provided with an advance copy of Her Last Words. When Kim emailed and asked if I’d like to read a story that was—in her words: “a little bit different, a lot cheeky and with publishing bits you’ll love”, I could not refuse. Plus, it is a Kim Kelly novel and Kim’s earlier works made me fall in love with historical fiction. Secondly, I am a novelist of contemporary fiction. So, what an absolute bonus when I learned Her Last Words was Kim’s foray into the genre I love writing and reading.
Did I have a chuckle or two over the references to the publishing biz? You bet! Even more joyful was discovering a cast of characters, magnificently constructed and not a cut-out or cliché in sight.
To bring us this story, Kim has sidestepped traditional publishing, and I’m so glad. A traditional publisher would likely have changed this story to make it fit the market. Editorial interference would, I fear, have destroyed the essence of this story. By not ‘following the rules’ Kim has created a true gem. There are so many layers to this book—from the way the story is structured, to the multifaceted storyline and cast of characters. As I read Her Last Words, I actually pictured this story on the big screen; one of those movies with wonderfully quirky ensembles of Hollywood A-Listers.
Kim is such a thoughtful storyteller. I can tell by the way she took several complex threads and multiple points of view and gave us an easy-to-read novel that is beautiful in both prose and appearance. I fell in love with Penny, adored Viv, and I may have found a little bit of Kim amongst the themes of love and hope, self-sacrifice, and never giving up. This was a true breakout book for Kim Kelly in so many ways.
I’ve been to Chalk Hill! True story! I took Myrtle the Turtle, my home on wheels, from east to west and I landed in the real-life town Lily Malone has I’ve been to Chalk Hill! True story! I took Myrtle the Turtle, my home on wheels, from east to west and I landed in the real-life town Lily Malone has said inspired her fictional Chalk Hill. That took reading the Chalk Hill trilogy to a new level! Although I’d only read two at that stage.
I have just finished the third and (sadly) final story of the Honeychurch (love that name) brothers and I loved it. (Important NB: These books can be read as standalone novels, so whichever takes your fancy, just read it and enjoy Lily Malone’s magical turn of phrase, the funny bits and, in this novel in particular, the sad and shocking bits.) Yes, this storyline was a little darker in subject-matter BUT…. the author mixes up the calamitous with the comedic bits she always does so well.
The issues covered are certainly topical and I found parts mildly confronting, but also I struggled to understand some of 27 y.o Jaydah’s decisions But that’s the thing. We can find certain social issues difficult to comprehend or discuss so we make assumptions. The author’s handling of this was responsibly and with care.
There are secrets, twists and tissue required. Nice job, Lily Malone....more
Pamela Cook’s much-anticipated new novel is right up my country alley!!! The small-town setting (which I love) is offset perfectly with a touch of mysPamela Cook’s much-anticipated new novel is right up my country alley!!! The small-town setting (which I love) is offset perfectly with a touch of mystery, that includes a slightly moodier/darker theme to make Cross My Heart an irresistible combination.
Contemporary fiction masterfully told and with authentic and relatable characters, Cross My Heart is a beautiful story about mothers, daughters and friendship.
As a writer, she’s consistently good, but this Pamela Cook read comes with a little twist....more
The Woman in the Green Dress is one hell of a history lesson, wrapped in fabulous fiction, as only Tea Cooper can do. She seems to tell her stories efThe Woman in the Green Dress is one hell of a history lesson, wrapped in fabulous fiction, as only Tea Cooper can do. She seems to tell her stories effortlessly, despite them being full of fascinating facts about significant moments in Australia’s history. The Woman in the Green Dress has elements of romance, but it’s restrained, making this one a suitable read for any age reader who enjoys stories about our pioneering past. The story is a dual timeline and has both a city (Sydney) and a rural setting (The Hawkesbury area - an area I am very familiar with which probably added to my enjoyment). The plot is complex, and all the threads perfectly tied together. There’s mystery, murder, the sadness of war, and I loved the way Tea featured the terrible treatment of the traditional land owners.
I read The Woman in the Green Dress straight after Caroline Overington’s The Last Woman Hanged - a factual account at Louise Collins - the last woman hanged in NSW. Was she really guilty? Everyone woman (from teen to whatever) should read this one. I listened via audio and the narration was brilliant.
The reason I mention this the common thread in both these stories and it's to do with the title 0the green dress'. In fact, Tea, something you mention in your book may answer the question in Caroline’s: Was Louisa Collins guilty? Or did her husband have a personal reason to take his own life — one that is never considered in any one of the four trials Louisa was forced to endure. Your research may be the key!!!
I’d like to see both these books on high school reading lists. There are lessons to be learned in both titles. As wonderful as Jamaica Inn might be, I wish I’d had these great Aussie stories to read in high school. :)...more
Complex potting, compelling and emotional, this is a story about life’s many small and big battles for three generations of women.
As usual, the authorComplex potting, compelling and emotional, this is a story about life’s many small and big battles for three generations of women.
As usual, the author is not shy about tackling topical themes. In this novel Tess deals with: self-harm, suicide, single-parent families, and euthanasia.
Written with strong female characters dealing with difficult, contemporary issues, this is ultimately a story of love and three generations from the one family who learn life is not black and white and happy endings can be grey....more
Once again Annie Seaton has dived into another story that highlights an environmental issue, this time going deep (literally) to tell a story involvinOnce again Annie Seaton has dived into another story that highlights an environmental issue, this time going deep (literally) to tell a story involving the fascinating lava tubes found in Undara, Qld.
The usual romance you find escalating throughout Annie's books is missing in Undara, replaced by a very contemporary relationship--two, actually—which I enjoyed more than the full-on fling thing. Expertly plotted and handled, the relationship part will still appease Annie’s fans who love a happy (almost happy, kind of happy, happy-for-now) ending.
The focus of this story is the female protagonist who has plenty of issues--realistic and well-handled. As a reader I felt for her situation and wanted that all-important resolution.
Largely told in present day, but with an insightful splash of the past, Annie’s story of Undara has added the lava caves to my bucket list....more
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