**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
On the run from a controlling husband and his underworld associates, Charlotte has adopted a new identity as an off-season caretaker in a tiny, deserted alpine resort. She knows dangerous people are after her and she's trying to convince herself she's okay. She's happy to be alone but she jumps every time the floor creaks or the wind whistles. But then strange things start happening and she starts to realise that every escape route is being sealed off one by one...
Having read previous novels from this author, I was expecting an action-packed heart-racer. I was half right: it's more of a slow-burner full of tension and anxiety, but certainly still sets the heart racing with the anticipation of something bad to happen. Charlotte has isolated herself in an empty ski resort to escape the clutches of others - she's frightened to the point of paranoia. Although, is it paranoia if there actually is a bunch of bad guys after you? The storyline is a cat and mouse game that cleverly alternates Charlotte's history and her current situation. Nothing is quite as it seems in this atmospheric read... Overall: if you are into tension-filled slow-moving thrillers, you'll find this one a treat....more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a lovely story about three friends who meet and live together in Paris before life circumstances pull them apart, and then they end up all back together in Paris again. The character perspectives alternate between Margot (Australian), Claire (French) and Gina (American). The titular gown references a Dior dress that the three end up sharing, with each wearing it once in an important moment of their lives. The storyline follows the women as they each work out what they really want from life and how to achieve this - particularly in relation to careers and then also relationships. At the core ofthis story is friendship, career ambition and some elements of romance. I found this to be a pleasant and satisfying story. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an A**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an Australian crime novel that I very much enjoyed. It will surprise readers to learn it is a debut novel for the author given just how well-written and engaging it is. After the murder of a local woman in a small town, the consensus is 11-year-old Matty's dad did it. Matty is a budding journalist and links up with the local journalist Stuart to try and uncover what exactly happened to Wendy; the book alternates between Matty and Stuart's point-of-views. The character development of Stuart, the lazy journalist with a drinking problem, was great. Matty was one of the best child perspectives I've read for awhile, and I have no doubt that every reader will be cheering him along. Overall: an impressive and absorbing Australian crime fiction debut. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 July 2024****4.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 July 2024**
Having enjoyed previous novels by this author I went into this one with my hopes up and it didn't disappoint. If I had to put the storyline in a box it would be best described as a quirky love story. The only thing is that I'm pretty sure it wouldn't happen in real life - that's the magical realism element coming to play when Eileen somehow gets pulled into the setting of her favourite romance fiction series. At first it seems like a dream come true as she meets characters who had their happily ever afters, but it seems Elsy's presence is causing a ripple effect and things aren't quite right. As she tries to 'fix' things, Elsy ends up on her own journey of self-reflection and maybe on her way to her own happily ever after... Overall: a sweet escapism story that will touch the hearts of romance readers - happily recommend. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024***4.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I loved this high tension quick read. It started its life as an audiobook but has thankfully made it to print. This intense cat-and-mouse type thriller will keep you on the edge of your seats, biting your nails at the same time. It's well-written, has clever twists and is completely engrossing. Readers who have read previous novels from the author will spot a familiar face; I personally didn't know that was coming and was thrilled. Overall: I devoured this one, absolutely loved it - definitively one of my favourite thriller reads of 2024. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects of this book quite interesting with the focus on the divisions in society and the different responsibilities, relationships and general living which occurs in both sides. Of course I knew that there were different classes in society, but I hadn't appreciated that in that time period people from a higher class were not supposed to interact at all with those from a lower class. I was quite surprised and honestly shocked to read that if a man did a wrong thing, his entire family were shunned for it and paid the price for it, even if he had left them. In terms of the friendship between Maggie and Lil, it was quite sweet and Maggie certainly had quite a big personal journey throughout the storyline. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get a character point-of-view from Lil as I think the storyline would have benefited from her perspective. Overall: an enjoyable Australian historical fiction....more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 June 2024**
What an inte**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 June 2024**
What an interesting premise - imagine being able to suddenly read every single email and instant message your colleagues were sending. I'm not going to lie, I would 100% scroll as fast as I could and I reckon many of us would haha. In Jolene's case unfortunately she is not very popular and has a unique personality and so she discovers a combination of hurtful things as well as her colleague's private secrets. The book has a lot of dry humour which complements the heavier issues in the novel quite well because the heavy stuff can be... heavy. It seems clear that Jolene has some anxiety and insecurity stemming from a childhood trauma, the office politics are quite toxic and Jolene is quite isolated in her life. Overall: this was an interesting contemporary read and I'd happily recommend it. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 May 2024**
I re**4.5 stars**
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 May 2024**
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction novel. Set in the world of radio just prior to television being released in Australia, it was an interesting look into how radio serials were produced. It also highlighted some issues at the time such as the law which dictated that women had to quit work when married. I particularly appreciated the relationship main character Martha, who is an intelligent, kind and hard-working 50-year-old woman, had with a few younger women at her workplace; she was both a friend and an older woman for them to look up to and be guided by. The storyline was engaging and there were a few moments that made me chuckle alongside some poignant reminders of the way women were treated at the time in the workplace. Overall: highly recommend this book, it'll remain one of my top reads of the year. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 April 2024**
I quite enj**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 April 2024**
I quite enjoyed this novel which is going to be the start of a new series. A very interesting setting in the world of undertakers in the mid 1860s Sydney, the storyline is about young Tatty who has been accused of poisoning her husband Titus. The book explores the role of women in this time period and their rights in society as well as funeral customs of the time. The story is clearly very well-researched with it going into full details of undertaker's jobs, and while this can be morbid at times it is complemented by a cast of quirky characters. Tatty herself is a young woman trying to make the best of her life and is determined to put herself into a position of owning a business which is no mean feat itself at the time. I thought the story was quite fascinating and I am very intrigued to see what comes next for Tatty in future novels. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 March 2024*
The Australian ru**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 March 2024*
The Australian rural romance scene has gained a new author and I have no doubt she will have a strong following with stories like this one. This book follows Paige and Jackson who are both dealing with some personal issues and while they do know already know each other, they are now growing close as they try to get through these rough times in their lives. My criticism would be that for me the storyline felt a touch dramatic at times, the best way I can describe it is like a soap opera drama feel. I've noticed a similar thing with a few books in this genre where sometimes when there are darker elements it just feels slightly melodramatic at parts. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not what I'm particularly looking for when I pick up a rural romance. Overall: if rural romance with a drama feel is your thing, this one will please you as it has for many readers - the reviews so far are extremely positive. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 March 2024*
**2.5 stars**
I **Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 March 2024*
**2.5 stars**
I want to be very clear that I have LOVED books from this author before, hence my disappointment that I couldn't get into this one much. The topics in the storyline were interesting but it just wasn't reading right for me; it felt overly dramatic and exaggerated at times, like a soap opera feel. The book goes heavily into society's view of women who choose not to have children, which apparently in this town not one person can understand or cope with such a decision. It also delves into the consequences on everyone involved when a person's secrets are revealed after their death, which obviously can very quite messy. Overall I found this an okay read, I would recommend the author's earlier novels over this one. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 January 2024*
**3.5 stars****Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 January 2024*
**3.5 stars**
I have read and enjoyed all of the books in this series (you can equally enjoy them as standalones but if you've read the others you'll see some familiar faces featured). I didn't mind this one but for some reason I didn't like it as much as the others. There were a few repetitive things in the book (yes Brenna, you don't like to wear dresses and heels, I get it). It's a super easy read though and it was a light story in between some darker reads for me. The matchmakers in this town never give up, and between Bundy the dog and the quilting group who are super persistent with no subtlety, readers know that eventually Brenna and Wyatt will get together. Fans of light hearted rural romance will likely enjoy this story. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, published 31 January 2024**
This is t**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, published 31 January 2024**
This is the third in a series; you could read it as a standalone but I'd recommend reading the series in order or you'll miss important character background information. This storyline heavily impacts main character Kate's family as her brother is implicated as a person of interest in his high school friend's death. Obviously as Kate is in the local police, it puts her in a seriously awkward position which results in her being removed from the case. The storyline alternates between the current timeline with some flashbacks to a "then" timeline which plainly relates to current events but it is only near the end that all becomes clear. This is a well-written crime mystery that I enjoyed. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 January 2024**
I really enj**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 January 2024**
I really enjoyed this historical fiction story centred around the opening of a Cadbury's chocolate factory in Tasmania. The two lead characters of Dorothy and Maisie were very likeable which made for pleasant reading where you are hoping life works out for the both of them. The storyline includes not only a bit of real history but also some mystery, drama and light romance. I genuinely did not know chocolate spies were a thing, but makes perfect sense to me haha. As a sidenote, it was very hard to read this when I'm trying to eat healthier because the author has very excellently described the chocolates throughout the story to the point where I could almost smell and taste it. Overall: I found this a very enjoyable and well-written historical fiction. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 January 2024**
H**4.5 stars**
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 January 2024**
Having previously read a couple books from this author, I was expecting this to be a good read and I was not disappointed. The event of the 1956 Murray River flooding was not one I'd heard of before and I thought the author did a wonderful job of depicting the average person's fear about it and the terrible property losses some people suffered. On the romance side of the storyline, I thought Isabel and Matteo were a sweet well-suited match with both being genuinely kind and likeable characters. The storyline delves a bit into the Australian WWII prisoner of war camps where residents were forced into; I find this a topic that not many people are aware of so it was good to see it included. Overall: happily recommend for those that enjoy well-written Australian historical fiction....more
Sunshine Through The Rain by Penelope Janu. (2023).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 November 2023**
Country vet Primrose knows about heartache but she's found a place to call home in Ballimore. She has work and sisters, she doesn't need more. The new vet in town, Blake, is a bit of a 'player'. He is curiously protective of Prim but his privileged upbringing and jet-set life is nothing like hers. Even if there's a burning attraction between them, Prim can't trust any man. Blake finds Prim fiercely independent, vulnerable and unique. But she won't tell him her secrets until he shares his. Will Prim's determination to unravel a mystery affecting her career bring them together or tear them apart? Can they create a future together?
I always enjoy picking up a rural romance in between darker themed books and this one was a charming story. I have read the novel about Prim's sister Phoebe ('Clouds On The Horizon') but somehow missed their other sister Patience's book ('Shelter From The Storm') so I'll have to make time to read that one as I have quite enjoyed several books now by this author. The storyline features a potential budding romance between Prim and newcomer vet Blake. However Prim has some drama in her life after going after a local cattle baron, who happens to also be her landlord, for some questionable animal practises; I appreciate how this author includes contemporary environmental issues in her novels. Both Prim and Blake also have trauma from their childhoods which results in some stumbling blocks in their potential relationship. With both lead characters being extremely likeable, readers will be crossing their fingers all of the dramas will work out... Overall: fans of Australian rural romance with contemporary drama will enjoy this lovely novel....more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 3 January 2024**
After a brutal attack and the breakdown of her marriage, Remi knows it's safer to rely on anyone. She's living in Hobart and renovating her old house makes her happy and proud. But when she runs out of money, her ex-husband tries to force the sale of the property and Remi needs to take in tenants to pay the bills. At first her biggest problem is getting used to housemates but when a series of 'accidents' turns ugly, it becomes clear that someone is out to destroy Remi...
This was quite an entertaining mystery read with lots of little twists and red herrings. While I had a feeling about someone being responsible for Remi's misfortune, I turned out to be only partly right. The storyline certainly showcases the depths some people are willing to sink to in order to get what they want. Sometimes I found Remi a bit wilfully ignorant and as such irritating, but this was offset by the chapters that switched perspectives to her new housemates, Josephine and Emerson. I could respect Remi's reluctance to open up her home and only doing so because she was forced financially, and I thought the author did a great job depicting the awkwardness etc of getting to know a stranger now living in your home. Thriller fans will enjoy the escalation of events that result in a suspense-filled read. Overall: an enjoyable twisty mystery novel....more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 November 2023**
1898: Bendigo, Victoria. Evie has worked hard to build a clientele for her hats. But her reputation is being threatened by an ex-paramour when she rejects his proposal. Going to court, Evie also need to investigate the disappearance of her sister in Cobram. Roving reporter Fitz is also in Cobram, hunting a new story and it seems like there's some malicious intimidation going on. Rafferty has long accepted that Evie loves Fitz and so his feelings are unrequited. But when an ex-policeman is looking for revenge on Fitz, Raff is ready to save his friends. With so much misunderstood history and secrets between the three friends, and the legitimate chance of being shot, will they survive long enough to discover the truth?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of the things I truly appreciate when reading historical fiction is when I learn about things I didn't know previously. I had no idea that if one broke an engagement, one could be taken to court for breach of contract, as what happens to main character Evie - how extraordinary, and unnecessarily stressful for all involved. I also liked how the storyline of this book pointed out that women were genuinely concerned about being sent to asylums for things like being reasonably emotional and entering menopause - a confronting fact. The perspectives alternate between Evie, Fitz and Raff primarily although there were others featured as well. With a bit of romance, mystery, action and drama, the storyline will no doubt have something to please all readers. Overall: another compelling and enjoyable Australian historical fiction from this author....more
A Country Vet Christmas by Alissa Callen, Penelope Janu, Stella Quinn, Lily Malone and Pamela Cook. (2023).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 October 2023**
A heartwarming collection of five new festive stories from favourite Australian authors about country vets, love and small-town Christmas charm. Stories include: Snowy Mountains Mistletoe by Alissa Callen; The Countdown to Christmas by Penelope Janu; A Cattle Dog for Christmas by Stella Quinn; A Country Music Christmas by Lily Malone; A Christmas to Remember by Pamela Cook.
I will openly disclose that I am not a reader who generally enjoys novellas - this book was a surprise in the mail and not something I would have picked up myself purely because it is an anthology. However I am a fan of all of these authors and have really enjoyed books by all of them so I decided to be open minded and settled in for a Christmas vet romance bonanza. I did like it, and it was nice to revisit the towns that other books I've liked have been set in. I stand by my opinion on novellas - I think these stories would have been made really great full-length books where the characters can be fleshed out more and the stories can have a lot more details; 120 pages just isn't enough for me! Overall: Cute little Australian Christmas romance stories that are easy, quick and feel-good reads....more
Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews
>
Books:
advance-readers-copy
(155)
Loading...
