Andrew is young, fit, single, and a junior prosecutor with a bright future. But that future looks grim after he sleeps with a stranger, Lily, and she is found murdered in her apartment the next day. Andrew is the prime suspect. He is convinced the killer is respected barrister and Lil's brother-in-law, Sam. Nobody is impressed or believes him. After an unequivocal warning in a deserted carpark, Andrew finds himself on the run and in a bad way. Can he trap the killer before the killer destroys him?
This is a debut novel set in my hometown of Perth, which I always find super cool to read about locations I actually know haha. Andrew was an intriguing lead to follow in that he was very clever and determined to get justice for a woman he only knew for one night; however he also had quite a cocky personality which made him a bit annoying at times I thought. Life very quickly deteriorates for Andrew when he keeps trying to find proof for his theory that Lily was murdered by her brother-in-law Sam, who happens to be a well-respected defense barrister. There are a lot of dark elements to this story with murder, violence, drug abuse and sexual assault all playing main roles. Overall I'd say I liked the book well enough, it was a quick and easy read however the style of it didn't really gel with me; reviews so far are primarily positive so worth a read if you are into legal crime thrillers....more
Life is not going to plan for failed fashion designer Lizzie, and then she finds herself pregnant to her super-hot bad boy colleague Jake. Convinced that he's The One, now all she needs to do is make him realise that she is The One for him! But is it possible she's been looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe everything she has ever wanted is right under her very own stilettos...
I was genuinely surprised (in a good way) about how much I enjoyed this book! When I read the synopsis I thought it would be like a rom-com, something light for in between darker novels. And in a way it is, but it went a bit deeper than I expected whilst being hugely entertaining. I'm not sure how to describe Lizzie: she was a bit of a trainwreck with her love life and initially was a pretty self-absorbed intense person, and yet she was quite likeable so I ended up hoping that everything would work out for her. I found this to be a really easy and absorbing read. Overall: I think this was a fantastic debut novel for the author, and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary chick-lit....more
Daughter of the Hunter Valley by Paula J. Beavan. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 September 2021**
1831, New South Wales. Reeling from her mother's death, Maddy arrives in the newly colonised Hunter River to find her father's promises were just dreams. A day later, after a dubious accident, she becomes the sole owner of 1000 acres of bushland with only three convicts and handsome overseer Daniel for company. Determined to fulfil her family's aspirations, Maddy decides to brave everything the beautiful but wild Australian country can throw at her - violence, danger, forces of nature and loneliness. But when a scandalous secret and a new arrival threaten to destroy all she's worked for, her future looks bleak... can she persevere?
This is a great debut for the author who has well and truly burst onto the Australian historical scene with this novel. The author's note at the end explains her inspiration and it's clear she has put a lot of research in, which is demonstrated by the realism of the story. There is a romance element to the narrative but I would consider that a secondary storyline, with the primary storyline being about a young woman who ends up with a lot on on her shoulders to deal with, all at the tender age of 18. I thoroughly enjoyed following along with Maddy as she found her feet and took on huge responsibilities. Overall: I would highly recommend this novel for any reader who is a fan of Australian historical fiction as they'll find it a real treat....more
Single mum Alex has fled her abusive relationship and moved with her teenage son, Ollie, and baby daughter, Kara, to a rural ecovillage - Pine Ridge. It's idyllic: off-grid lifestyle, remote location, a welcoming (mostly) community and a magnetic founder (Kit). But Alex's arrival disturbs secrets, and she's shaken by a series of eerily familiar events that seem to be connected to the abandoned farmhouse on the hill. Alex realises that in escaping her own shadowy past, she's stumbled into someone else's. And this time there may be nowhere to run...
I had my eye on this one after enjoying the author's previous novel (The Safe Place); this one fully lived up to my expectations and I really enjoyed it. This book alternates chapters between two female perspectives: Alex, who has just moved to the ecovillage and Renee, who used to live in the farmhouse that is now abandoned. Both women have teenage sons who seem to be being targeted by someone or something strange and ominous. It's a tension filled race to the end, and pretty creepy to boot! I couldn't have predicted the ending at all with twists and turns all throughout the book. Overall: I highly recommend this novel for any reader that enjoys an absorbing psychological thriller/suspense story....more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 5 January 2022**
Calida is having a very bad week. She's long past deadlines for her still-unwritten second novel, her husband has just left her, and her Blue Mountains community is being threatened by bushfire. As she hits rock bottom, a fire incinerates everything she owns. Devastated and emotional, Cali delivers a blistering, unfiltered rebuke to the nation's rich to "do something". She goes viral and she becomes the latest celebrity face of the climate movement. Suddenly she's in a harbourside refuge offered by a handsome tech billionaire, her second novel on the way, and she's the darling of high society. But it's all built on lies and Cali's sure that it's all about to come out...
I think this one is a great debut for the author! While it deals with the very serious issue of climate change and environmental destruction, it is quite witty and will no doubt leave a smirk on reader's faces at times. Cali was an interesting lead - even though I definitely didn't agree with her on some choices she made, I also found her quite likeable and I thought she really ended up growing as a person (that sounds so cliche to me as I write it but it really is an accurate description haha). It's almost like Cali was stuck in a rut with her career, her relationship and so on, and over the course of the book she realises who she really wants to be as a person, with some drama and mistakes made along the way of course. Overall, I would happily recommend this modern novel and I think it makes a great holiday read....more
Thomas and Viv have a picture perfect family: affluent and attractive, two well-mannered thriving kids (Eli and Tarryn), a beautiful home and fulfilling jobs. Until one morning their house and car are pelted with eggs. At first they assume it's a prank, but they start to worry after a smoke bomb and stabbed car tyres. Unable to identify the perpetrators, they are helpless as the assaults escalate. And it turns out everyone in the Adler family have secrets, both from the outside world and each other. As they all grapple with their guilt, fear and shame, the assaults become deadly. Their 'perfect' facade is crumbling and it might be too late to do anything about it...
I absolutely flew through the pages of this one. It was super easy to read, even though the content at times was more confronting than what I was expecting. It was almost like a morbid curiosity that kept me enthralled: how low could this family go and who exactly was out to get them when there seemed like so many possibilities?! Full of red herrings and twists, readers will spend the book wondering who is targeting this family. As mentioned before, some of the Adler family have some pretty dark secrets; in particular, I found Eli's to be quite challenging to read. My small criticism would be the very end, which seems to be the opinion of quite a few readers, I'm not sure I understand what it was implying. Overall: happily recommend for those that enjoy a contemporary suspense thriller with a domestic drama touch....more
The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 September 2021**
When Tartelin accepts a job with the reclusive Marianne, she finds herself on a wild island with a mysterious history. She is tasked with hunting butterflies for Marianne's research. But she quickly uncovers something far more intriguing than the curious creatures on the island. Because the island and Marianne share a remarkable history, and what happened all those years ago has left scars and terrible secrets. As Tartelin pieces together Marianne's connection to the island, she must confront her own reasons for being there. Can the two women finally face up to the painful memories that bind them to the past?
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this novel and I'm not going to lie, I was also very much drawn to the stunning cover. This story included dual timelines, with Marianne being a feature in both. In the more recent timeline we have Tartelin as the main focus. I think to begin with Marianne appears a bit unlikable with her behaviour being a bit blunt and off-putting, but as the reader learns more about her history she becomes more approachable. I must admit I was surprised when I realised Tartelin was only roughly 20 years old; I thought she was older as she seemed so world weary at times. The book ended up in a direction I wasn't expecting at all, and I did think the descriptions of the island and its inhabitants were quite beautiful. However I also thought the pacing was a bit slow moving and I had quite a few unanswered questions at the end. Overall: I would recommend this book for those readers that enjoy dual timeline fiction and appreciate an unusual mystery in a story....more
Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She's seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner, and some call her dangerous. Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn't mean she's a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people can do bad things. But how far will she go for peace? Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.
This author is perhaps best known at the monent for the ever popular "The Girl on the Train" which got itself a movie adaption. This is her latest novel which for me unfortunately is not as good as her previous. I thought this one had an intriguing concept, that just wasn't executed well. I want to point out that it was a bit odd that within the book, mention is made of how jumping around in storylines can be annoying.... which is exactly what this story did? It just didn't flow well. The other big negative in my opinion was that I found basically every character quite unlikable and unsympathetic, which was odd because most of them had some kind of horrible incident in their lives which would normally lead to some kind of sympathy or empathy; the only character I liked was an elderly woman named Irene who was clever and kind. Overall, the reviews are fairly mixed on this one and it wasn't really for me but I'm sure many readers would enjoy it....more
Tully and Rachel are angry when they discover their father has a new half his age girlfriend, Heather; especially because Stephen is still married to their mother Pam who is in a care facility with Alzheimer's disease. Heather knows she has an uphill battle to win the women over, while carrying the burden of the secrets from her past. But, as it turns out, they are all hiding something. The announcement of Stephen and Heather's engagement threatens to set off a family implosion with old wounds and dark secrets being forced to the surface. A garage full of stolen goods. An old hot-water bottle stuffed with cash. A blood-soaked wedding. And that's only the beginning...
Yet another engrossing and captivating read from this author. Every time I read one of her books I swear I've just sat down and then all of a sudden it's been a couple of hours haha. This book is told primarily from three viewpoints: adult sisters Rachel and Tully, and their future stepmother Heather who is slightly younger than them. There's a lot going on with these women that you can just see is going to lead to a big meltdown. I don't want to include any spoilers because I'm not that kind of girl, so you'll have to trust me when I say the secrets they are all keeping are all quite explosive. I thought Rachel's was fairly obvious and I'm not sure why her family didn't work it out; Tully's was unusual and interesting which made her more personable I thought; and Heather's came out of nowhere! Overall: 100% recommend to those that enjoy a great domestic drama with a psychological thriller/suspense feel to it....more
Small Acts of Defiance by Michelle Wright. (2021).
January, 1940. After a tragedy, young Australian woman Lucie and her French mother Yvonne are forced to move to Paris to live with Lucie's authoritarian uncle Gérard. They find themselves trapped as the Second World War engulfs Europe. Using her artistic talents, Lucie engages in small acts of defiance against the occupying forces and the collaborationist French regime, which includes French citizens denouncing so-called "traitors" in their community. Faced with the escalating brutality of anti-Jewish measures, and the indifference of many Parisians, Lucie must decide how far she will go to defend the lives of others.
This is the debut novel of an award-winning writer, set in Paris and featuring 16 year old Australian young woman Lucie. What I really appreciated about this book was the exploration of how little actions can make a difference; how the smallest act by one person can produce a follow on effect in society. I liked the character of Lucie, although I kept forgetting she was only 16 at the beginning of the novel - I think it was a good demonstration of how many children and teenagers are forced to grow up in times of war and conflict. It's clear the author has put a lot of research into this book and it feels like the reader is there with Lucie which is a result of how well-written the story is. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel for readers that enjoy historical fiction, particularly WWII based novels....more
Nora has been feeling that 'having it all' - a family, a soon-to-be new house, a successful career - comes with a price, one that her husband Hayden doesn't seem to be paying as heavily. Then her house-hunting takes them to an affluent neighbourhood and her eyes are opened to a new world: one where men actually pull their weight. But as a wrongful death case involving one of the local residents draws Nora further into this perfect world, she begins to realise that the secret of 'having it all' is far more complicated than she could ever have imagined. In fact, it may be worth killing for...
I absolutely powered through this one, it made for very addictive reading! I think most working mothers will find something relatable in this book, as would a lot of parents in general. I've seen this genre described as feminist thriller and I guess that would be a pretty accurate description. As a working mum myself, I had all the feels for Nora who is struggling to balance work, mum, wife and hopefully friend duties. She finds this amazing sounding community and immediately notices that all the menfolk do the primary caregiving and housework, although it's pretty extreme - think Stepford Wives but with men instead. When Nora is asked to look into a wrongful death case in the community, she begins to learn more about the families in it and it's clear that while the community is super appealing to her, some things just aren't sitting right... Overall: I would highly recommend this novel; it would make fabulous holiday reading and definitely binge read it if you can....more
New York, 1897. Beautiful, young and privileged, Rose is expected to abide by social etiquette and marry. But she has a rebellious streak and dreams of being an architect. When a precious family heirloom is stolen, Rose becomes her family's most tradable asset. She finds herself fighting for independence and equality for women. Ethan's circus days are behind him, now he lives a quiet life with his beloved elephant Daisy and other animals saved from cruel treatment. He worries he cannot build a sanctuary until a chance encounter with a promising young architect. Just as things go well for Rose, ghosts from her past threaten everything she holds dear...
After seeing this book feature on book related social media over and over again, all with rave reviews, I definitely had to add it to my list. I finally got to it and can confirm that it is a fabulous read. It's genuinely hard to believe this is the author's debut novel because it is extremely well-written and engaging. Rose is a modern girl stuck in a backwards society: it is just assumed she will give up any career aspirations and marry into high society. Luckily, our girl is a bit stubborn and rebellious and has her own plans. Ethan is a young man who has a genuine love for animals and wants to rescue them from the horrible treatment they have received - his attitude was touching while the thought of how the animals were treated is confronting. When Rose and Ethan meet as adults, fireworks occur and drama follows... Overall: an excellent read that I would highly recommend for any reader that enjoys historical fiction and I look forward to future novels by the author....more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 27 October 2021**
Nottingham, 1906. Marietta longs to be a ballerina but as Christmas draws near, her dancing days are numbered because she is expected to marry. But magic enters her life with the arrival of a new neighbour, mysterious toymaker Dr Drosselmeier. He constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance, and she discovers it contains a dark magic. As the clock chimes midnight, Marietta is transported to a frozen sugar palace, silent with secrets, in a snow-tippef forest. She must find a way to return home before she's trapped in the enchanting Everwood forever.
Wow, I really, really enjoyed this story. I have seen it described as a more adult and darker retelling of 'The Nutcracker'; that may be so but it felt unique to me. The descriptions throughout this book are truly stunning; it is so beautifully written that it easy to imagine the scenes in one's mind. The character and scenery descriptions are wonderful, and I loved the relationship growth between Marietta, Dellara and Pirlipata. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to any reader that enjoys a bit of fantasy, or who love ballet, or if you are just looking for something a bit different to read. P.S. I have to say that even though we are not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, this is one of the most gorgeous covers I've seen!...more
Fresnes Prison, 1940: Margot, a former maid from the Riveria is in prison with writer/French Resistance fighter Josephine. They are transferred to a work camp in Germany where the secrets they share will bind them forever. Present-day Paris: Evie lives above her botanical bookshop with her teenage son Hugo. When the grieving Evie receives an unexpected letter, she jumps at the opportunity to spend a summer on the Côte d'Azur. The past envelops them and Evie attempts to unravel the official story of a famous novelist, find a missing manuscript and if she succeeds then a murder from the past may be solved.
I have been really excited to read this after loving the author's previous novel (The Lost Jewels). I can happily confirm that this one is also a great read. Combining contemporary and historical fiction timelines, both make for emotional and gripping reading. Evie is a widow with a teenage son, both still grieving the loss of husband/father. By the end there is hope on the horizon for the two and they are able to see a future with happiness which was lovely. Margot and Josephine's stories are powerful and fascinating. It is clear to the reader that Margot is innocent but she cannot prove it which is incredibly frustrating. The two suffer greatly in the prison they are in and the work they are forced to do is horrible, as is their living conditions - it was confronting to read. Overall: this is a well-written novel that I'd happily recommend to those that enjoy dual timelines with a mystery to solve....more
You just boarded a flight to New York. There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard. What you don't know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot's family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way his family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane...
Wow, I would not be surprised at all if this one was made into a movie because what a ride! At just under 300 pages you'll fly through the tension-filled pages, biting your nails and wondering what the outcome will be. I have to say that the story gave me a whole new appreciation for the flight attendant industry; often just seen as the snack providers (I'm generalising here but I'm sure you all know what I mean), but in an emergency they are the ones that will hold everything together. To even consider being in pilot Bill's position was horrifying: save your family by killing yourself and many other people in a plane crash, or save the plane and your family die - a lose-lose scenario for sure. Overall: I think this was a great debut for the author and would recommend for anyone who enjoys action thrillers....more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 September 2021.
Upstanding principal Jy dreads the next 4 weeks: as punishment for challenging his bosses, he's been assigned to assess Acacia Haven's tiny school and because of its low test scores, shutting it down seems obvious. But then he crosses paths with the fiery Summer. She loves her small town and the intentional living community of Serenity is thriving. No way will she allow Jy to close the school. For Rayne, Summer's mum, while the town is serene, she has been hiding a dark secret. But after reviving old friendships and reconnecting with the past, will she have the courage to reveal all?
After really enjoying another title (Second Chance Lane) by the same author, I was looking forward to this. For me it didn't quite live up to that one but I did still like this novel. I found the concept of the '"intentional living community" interesting and I admired the closeness of the small town. In relation to the romance between Jy and Summer, I have to say that I felt at times this story was a bit of a tease: much flirting and innuendo, but no actual sex scenes - some readers may enjoy that, some readers may not. I also appreciated that the story included some seriousness and looked at hidden domestic violence and the long term effects of this on a family. Overall: I would recommend this one for those looking for a Mills and Boon type romance in an Australian small community setting....more
When paramedic Megan is called to the scene of an attempted murder, all she can do is try to save the victim. But she recognises him - she despises him, he destroyed her life. Jess is on her way home when she receives a text from Megan. Once best friends, they haven't been close for years, not since the night when they were the teenage girls nobody believed. All Jess can think is: you had it coming. Now Megan and Jess are at the centre of a murder investigation. But what secrets are they hiding? Can they trust one another? And who really is the victim?
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping read. Trigger warning, this one covers some serious issues including rape and sexual assault, murder and suicide. Even though it's a tough topic, I appreciated the author shining a light on the unfortunately all too common experience of young girls being accused of lying after being sexually harmed. It also delves into the concept of are the lawyers who defend the bad guys, also the bad guys? Certainly food for thought there. It was a clever storyline with a few red herrings meaning readers will struggle to guess what exactly as going on as there's more than one plausible suspect. Overall: I highly recommend this novel for those that enjoy suspense thrillers....more
Summer, 1969. From the moment Jane steps barefoot onto the main stage at Island Folk Festival, her golden hair glinting, her voice soaring into the summer dusk, a star is born- and so is a passionate love story. Jane's band hits the road with Jesse, the musician whose bright blue eyes are setting hearts alight everywhere. And as the summer streaks by in a haze of crowds, wild nights and magenta sunsets, Jane is pulled into the orbit of Jesse's star. But Jesse's rise could mean Jane's fall. And when she discovers a dark secret beneath his music, she writes her heartache into the album that could make or break her: Songs in Ursa Major.
I seriously enjoyed this entertaining novel. Mixing music and love, it was so engaging. Jane is a fabulous lead - intelligent, gorgeous, musically talented, brave. She is a young woman with an enormous amount of musical talent when she is suddenly 'discovered' by the music industry and ends up on tour with the similarly young and talented Jesse. Of course, the two have a connection and an attraction... but it isn't going to be smooth sailing for them. Jane's weariness towards the music industry due to her mother's experiences added some drama to the story. I can't believe this is the debut novel of the author because it is so well-written; I felt like I was there and I wanted to hear the music in reality. Overall: I'd highly recommend this fabulous novel that would make a perfect holiday binge read....more
3 housemates: 1 dead, 1 missing and 1 accused of murder. Dubbed the Housemate Homicide, it's a baffling mystery. Melbourne-based journalist Oli worked on the story originally and 9 years later when the missing housemate turns up dead she is again assigned to it, this time with millennial podcaster Cooper. New facts show a dark web of secrets being uncovered and the revelations catapult Oli back in time and force her to confront past traumas and insecurities. What really happened with the housemates? Is Oli putting her new family in danger? Could her suspicion that the truth lies close to home threaten her happiness and sanity?
This book is by an author who has already cemented her place in the Australian crime scene, but this is her first that I've picked up. I'll have to aim to to read her backlist as I quite enjoyed this book. Alternating between 2005 and 2015, we follow Olive AKA Oli, a journalist who is assigned to the 'Housemate Homicide' case. The details of the case are complex and with many unknowns, which of course makes for a riveting tale full of big twists and huge secrets being revealed. Oli herself has some personal drama in adjusting to life with her partner and his two children and juggling her partner's expectations with what she really wants. Even though the book is over 450 pages long, I flew through it. Overall: I'd happily recommend this novel to any reader that enjoys an engaging crime story....more
PR executive Gabrielle knows she has an easy life, but after being told she lacks passion she takes ownership of a dilapidated pub in a tiny settlement to prove she can be a success without her privilege. 18 months ago Hayden had a job he loved, good mates, a close family. All he needed was the right woman. But one poor choice stole that chance and he'll never risk caring for anyone again. Ilse has lived at Wurruldi Hotel for a long time and seen ownership change a lot. With Gabrielle, it seems an owner may finally recognise the importance of recapturing grace and dignity. For Ilse to find peace, Hayden forgiveness and Gabrielle her true passion, all three must reveal their secrets.
I really enjoyed this author's debut novel last year (The Farm at Peppertree Crossing) so was keen to read this novel. I can confirm that this book is a delightful and engaging story. I think the story is best described as a contemporary fiction with some domestic drama and light romance; for those that like to know these kind of things, it does not have sex scenes (a positive or negative depending on your preferences haha). It took me a little bit to warm to Gabrielle as at the beginning she seemed like someone who was so used to wealth and privilege that she kind of looked down on some people and things. But as the book went on, I felt Gabrielle's real personality came out and she had a kind heart. There was a similar occurrence with Hayden who at the beginning seemed a bit broken and to put it blunt, a bit of a dick. However as we learn more about Hayden's history, his behaviour is explained and he slowly lowers his defences with Gabrielle. I particularly enjoyed the character of Hayden's friend Sharna and I'm hopeful she'll get her own book one day... The descriptions of the pub as its being restored were wonderful and really set the scene; I wanted to stay there in reality! Overall, I would happily recommend this novel....more
Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews
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