What a story!! I was completely absorbed in this story from the beginning. Right until the very last word. It is complicated but easy to follow story What a story!! I was completely absorbed in this story from the beginning. Right until the very last word. It is complicated but easy to follow story of love, art, money, family and murder. So much going on you are never bored.
Triple timelines!! Yep, 3. First of all we have the point of view of Juliette, through her journal entries for, 1937/38. Juliette and her older lover, Oscar, perish in a fire in Paris’s along with their art work. Then we have 1991 in Cambridge. We met Caroline and Patrick, art students who fall in love whilst studying the life and art of Juliette Willoughby amongst others. Fast forward to the present day Dubai, and Patrick runs his own gallery and Caroline is the world expert on Juliette.
This is hard book to talk about the story as there is so many overlapping storylines and events and to do so would spoil things. There are so,e jaw dropping twists and ai did applaud these authors when they happened. They got me good!! a although the story is fictional, it was interesting to spend some time in the art world
Part historical mystery, part love story, there is something For everyone here.
Thanks so much to Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy of this clever book. ...more
I loved this book! I must read more historical fiction, especially ones set in Australia. I always love them when I do. This is my second book by thisI loved this book! I must read more historical fiction, especially ones set in Australia. I always love them when I do. This is my second book by this author and both have been such fantastic and interesting books.
We are taken back to 1950s Sydney, Australia. Television is about to come to Australia for the first time, women cannot work after they get married must keep house. Martha Berry has just turned 50 and has been working at the ABC since it started, 24 years earlier. She has worked in almost all departments, always as a secretary and has never had a raise. Now she is assigned to work with young man, straight out of university who is going to write and produce the new radio serial, As The Sun Sets. It soon becomes obvious that he really doesn’t know what he is doing and Martha must step in to save the show.
I just loved the women in this book. I am so happy that things have changed for women in this country, I cannot imagine growing up in these times. I really enjoyed the menopause storyline, as somebody of a similar age to Martha. It was wonderful the way she forced conversation.
This book made me laugh, it made me angry, it made me smile. So so good. The audio was superb, the narrator did a great job with all the voices. ...more
Travel back to Sydney in the 1920s with The Sugar Palace. The Harbour Bridge is being built and there is a sense of change in the air. Grace has big dTravel back to Sydney in the 1920s with The Sugar Palace. The Harbour Bridge is being built and there is a sense of change in the air. Grace has big dreams, she wants to open her own sweet shop in Sydney. But her family want her to marry the local police officer, settle down and start a family. Enter Alfie, the Englishman who doesn’t always stay on the right side of the law. Grace Is smitten ...more
This book is incredible. Ever since I studied the assassination of JFK in year 10 history I have been fascinated by the Kennedy family. I love readingThis book is incredible. Ever since I studied the assassination of JFK in year 10 history I have been fascinated by the Kennedy family. I love reading and watching anything about them, always a chance to learn something that I didn’t know. While this book is fiction, it is very well researched and I feel very close to the truth.
How could you not be intrigued by Jackie Kennedy. There was something so special about that woman, her style, her grace, her love of books and history. She was beautiful and loved her husband unconditionally. She was strong at a time when women were meant to just be a mother and wife. I loved that about her.
Now Jack Kennedy was not a saint, we all know that. But again, there is something that draws you into him. People loved him, women in particular. As a president he made mistakes, he wanted to great things when his life was cut short.
I cried so much reading the chapters leading into and after the assassination. It was heartbreaking. It is hard to put it into words. That family went through so much trauma and loss, with Bobby not so long afterwards.
All I can say is read this book. It didn’t feel like nearly 500 pages, in fact, I did not want it to end. The sign a of great book.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for feeling my Kennedy obsession. Published on June 27th....more
An action packed novel set in 1940, England. Germany in the brink of invading the UK and everybody is on edge. War veteran John Cook wants to sign up An action packed novel set in 1940, England. Germany in the brink of invading the UK and everybody is on edge. War veteran John Cook wants to sign up again and go to war. The powers that be have other ideas for him at home.
This book has everything.. there is murder, smuggling, spies, conspiracies and many many bodies. John was a character with a big heart and a lot of strength. You don’t want to be in his bad side. He will fight for what he feels is right, no matter what he is told. I love the way he worked with the others to make things right.
I don’t often read war stories but I really enjoyed this. Short chapters and realistic characters made this a fast read. So much research has gone into writing this book, I learnt so much.
Thanks to the author and Hodder and Stoughton via NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on November 16th...more
Veil of Doubt is an historical, legal/medical fiction novel set in the late 1800s. Based on a true story, an insane amount of research has gone i3.5⭐️
Veil of Doubt is an historical, legal/medical fiction novel set in the late 1800s. Based on a true story, an insane amount of research has gone into this book. It is very detailed with medical information which was interesting. A totally different time in history, reading about the legal system and how things have changed for the better. Things that happened back then would not even be considered in todays world.
There is a huge emphasis on mental health in this book, and thankfully, much has change here too. I am thankful to be living now and not back then.
This is based on the story of Emily Lloyd, who was accused of murdering her family… her husband and 4 children. They say it was poison, they say she was insane, but was she? you will need ro read it to find out.
Thanks to Girl Friday Books for this advanced copy to read. I learnt a lot about this time period....more
Natasha Lester has once again sucked me into her fictional world and ai loved it. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but every time that I do INatasha Lester has once again sucked me into her fictional world and ai loved it. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but every time that I do I wonder why I don’t read more. I loved being transported back to the early 1970s in New York City for Astrid and Hawks story. An eye opening account of what life was like for women at this time.
3 generations of one family, with so much in common. We have Blythe in 2012, newly divorced, raising 2 kids and wanting a career in fashion. In 1973 we have Astrid, Blythe mother, who was an insanely talented fashion designer but only seen as Hawk Jones muse. And in 1917, grandmother, Mizza, is testing the rules of society, wanting more out of her life than marriage.
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in 2 sittings. I loved each timeline and the powerful women in each. Being set in the fashion world, there are lots of familiar names. These women had to work harder than any man in the same position had to, and still it was never enough. Why did Astrid disappear in 1973, just after having a baby? Was she still alive? It kept me turning the pages that is for sure.
Another fabulous book with a stunning cover from Natasha Lester. 5 stars. Thanks to Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes September 27th....more
Downton Abbey meets Oceans 11… that certainly had my attention. I have never read anything like this, an historical heist novel and it3.5 rounded up.
Downton Abbey meets Oceans 11… that certainly had my attention. I have never read anything like this, an historical heist novel and it was a lot of fun. The audio narration was excellent, with such a large cast of characters, they made it easy to distinguish between them all. Aside from feeling a little long at times, I really enjoyed my time in 1905 London.
When housekeeper Mrs King is dismissed from Manor House, revenge is in her mind. She gets together a team of friends and plan the robbery of the century, during the lady of the houses party of the century. There were many laughs, but some more serious subjects also came up.
If you enjoy historical fiction then give this one a go.
Thanks to Headline and a NetGalley for the advanced listening copy to read. Out in July 6th....more
Kerri Turners’s book, The Daughters of Victory Lights, was the book that made me look at historical fiction differently. I received and early copy andKerri Turners’s book, The Daughters of Victory Lights, was the book that made me look at historical fiction differently. I received and early copy and decided to give it a go. And I loved it. I was so excited to see that she had a new book coming out, and was thrilled when I received a copy from the publisher. The Magpie’s Daughter was a beautiful story, dark at times but full of hope and wonderful moments. And it is set in Australia as an added bonus.
1911, Sydney. Maggie Bright is an outcast. She was abandoned by her parents she the tumours started to show on her face. She found a home and a life with the circus.she performs as the Lagoon Creature and is a general circus hand. People are afraid of her because of how she looks, so she has no real friends, but she wants nothing more than to fit in. Charlotte is the circus’s beautiful tightrope walker and a bit of a rebel. The 2 women couldn’t be any different in the outside, but they start to form a connection as the troupe travel from Sydney to Adelaide.
It is a beautiful story of friendship, of family and of hope. Maggie is an inspiration. She just wants to be happy, to fit in. And she is loyal, will do anything for you. She is pushed to her limits as they travel and yet she stays strong and supports others.
This was a lovely change from my usual dark, murderous reads. Thanks so much to Echo Publishing for my copy of this book to read. It is out now and if you love historical fiction, you need to read this....more
A true crime, historical murder mystery set in New York City in the 1920’s…. Sign me up!
I do love a New aYork setting, and the 1920’s is such a fasciA true crime, historical murder mystery set in New York City in the 1920’s…. Sign me up!
I do love a New aYork setting, and the 1920’s is such a fascinating time in history. Sara DiVello has done so much research into this case and it shows. There is so much detail and you will be transported back in time with the writing. It is a long book, with many characters, but at no time was I confused. The characters were so real and ai was fully invested in this story all the way.
When flapper and model, Dot King is found dead in her New York apartment, there is no shortage of possible suspects. A large bottle of chloroform is next to the body, and the room has been ransacked. Ella Bradford is Dots maid, and she finds the body.
We hear the story and investigation through the eyes of Ella, the police detective John Coughlin and Daily News crime reporter Julia Harpman. As you would expect from this period of time, there is no shortage of corruption, politics, sugar daddies, race issues, gender inequality, class and city underbelly characters.
I loved Julia, the crime reporter. She is a woman in a man’s world, fighting to be taken seriously She will not let go of this case, even when everyone else does. Dot deserves justice, and she puts herself in danger asking tough questions. She is a woman ahead of her time.
Thanks so much to Sara for sending me an advanced copy of her book, and Thriller Book Promotions for putting this on my radar to begin with. Publishes on August 1st....more
Oh Kelly Rimmer, my heart! I don’t think that there has been a book by this wonderful Australian author that has not made me cry. Her stories are justOh Kelly Rimmer, my heart! I don’t think that there has been a book by this wonderful Australian author that has not made me cry. Her stories are just so full of emotion and characters that you fall in love with. War is brutal, and Kelly finds these unsung heroes and shines a light on the work that they carried out under such harsh conditions. I always come away from her books feeling that I have learnt something, and a broken heart.
The Paris Agent is a compelling, dual timeline historical fiction, full of mystery. In 1970, Charlotte learns that her father, Noah, was a British SOE spy during WWII in France. He wants to find the man that saved his life but knows very little about him. Charlotte agrees to help him, and finds out so much more than she ever imagined. 1944, France. We hear the story of the war through the eyes of SOE agents Chloe and Fleur. These women see things that nobody should see, endure things that nobody could even imagine. Bit by bit, we see the treads of this story come together in an extremely emotional conclusion.
This book will make you think about how lucky we are to live in the world that we do today. It might not be perfect, but it is nothing like these women lived through.
Thanks so much to Hachette Australia for sending me this wonderful book to read. Publishes in Australia June 28th....more
The Death of John Lacey is an incredible book for so many reasons. The story is dark and brutal, much like it's setting in 1800's Ballarat and the golThe Death of John Lacey is an incredible book for so many reasons. The story is dark and brutal, much like it's setting in 1800's Ballarat and the goldfields. I am finding it hard to put my feelings into words. Books don't often make me cry but I found myself emotionally involved reading this book.
Much research and care has gone into the writing of this book. The harsh reality of the time is so well depicted, and you feel as if you are there alongside the characters. It is a story of the time. It made me so angry at time, the way that people were treated, how they treated each other, all based in the colour of their skin. It is emotional and I really felt for Ersnt and Joe, brothers with different mothers. They would do anything for each other and have really tough lives. People are cruel, and the line between what is right and wrong is blurred. Power and greed play a big part in this story, you just need to read it to understand.
The Death of John Lacey is out now in Australia and is a must read. Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy to read and review....more
I really enjoy a good dual timeline mystery and The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey absolutely fit that bill. What's not to love - there are books, missiI really enjoy a good dual timeline mystery and The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey absolutely fit that bill. What's not to love - there are books, missing, presumed murdered people and the mystery of who Abby's father was. I was enthralled, really enjoyed a step back to the 1890's.
1898 England - we meet inspiring writer Evelyn, who marries writer William Aubrey. Life is good, she is happy. Until William gets writers block and becomes abusive and nasty. To top things off, he steals her book and passes it off as his own. Now Evelyn wants revenge....
2006 California - Abby lives with her grandparents after the death of her mother. She never knew who her father was. But one day she comes across a clue hidden at her grandmother's home, that starts her off on a quest to find her father. She finds a lot more than she bargains for.
Learning how few rights women had back in Evelyn's time was frustrating to say the least. So thankful to be alive in a time where we are treated equally - mostly anyway!
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my copy of this book to read. An interesting read, broadening my reading journey....more
What an absolutely stunning cover ❤️ The Paris Mystery is the first book in a new historical fiction series by Australian author Kirsty Manning. It waWhat an absolutely stunning cover ❤️ The Paris Mystery is the first book in a new historical fiction series by Australian author Kirsty Manning. It was a different kind of story for her, and one that I really enjoyed. Full of glamour, high society, unlikeable characters and of course a murder, what’s not to love. And most of all, a Paris setting. Settle in for a fun and wild caper as Charlie sets out to not only prove she is as good as if not better than a male reporter, but also solve the crime.
Charlotte James is a young, ambitious Australian journalist She is given the opportunity of a lifetime to be a foreign correspondent for The Times, in Paris. It comes at the prefect time, as she needs a fresh start, away from her crumbling marriage in Sydney. She needs a big story to prove herself, and she finds just that when a man is murdered at the Ashworth’s Circus Ball. The victim, a man who had many enemies, which means there is a long list of likely suspects. Charlie will stop at nothing to solve the crime, and get the story.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. I look forward o Charlie’s next adventure. The Paris Mystery is published in Australia on August 30th....more
Natasha Lester's historical fiction novels are always a wonderful reading experience. Her dual timelines, amazing characters and setting, always have Natasha Lester's historical fiction novels are always a wonderful reading experience. Her dual timelines, amazing characters and setting, always have me captured. The added bonus in this book was the wonderful fashion of Christian Dior.
Alix St Pierre is a complex character, and you are going to love her. A spy in Switzerland during the war, Alix is now in Paris to work in public relations for a new designer, Christian Dior. He is about to launch his first collection and her job is get the word out. The amazing dresses are so beautifully described that you can picture them as you read. Just when she feels that her life is going to great in Paris, a figure from the war re-appears. She wants revenge, they are the reason that she still has nightmares from the war.
There is a bit of everything in this book - there is romance, danger, spies, fashion, and the post war life full of hope and change. Natashas Lester always researches her novels so well and the details are brought to life in her writing. You don't want to miss this one.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this wonderful book. Published in Australia September 28th....more
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book to read,
A look at 1920s New York, through the eyes of 4 very different women who form life lThanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book to read,
A look at 1920s New York, through the eyes of 4 very different women who form life long friendships after the war. The world is changing and they are starting to have more rights than ever. Things are not easy though, being a woman they still need to try to juggle a marriage, a career and babies
These women bond through their experiences, and are there for each other no matter what. Dorothy, Peggy, Winnie and Jane make their way through a new world, they are strong and powerful.
It was a fascinating look at a different kind of life to the one that we live these days. If it hadn’t been for women like these then we may not have some of the freedoms that we are lucky to have now. Thankfully, things have changed a lot....more
Sister Stardust was a book I just had to read. As an avid crime and thriller reader, this was a nice change of pace and genre for me, I love books setSister Stardust was a book I just had to read. As an avid crime and thriller reader, this was a nice change of pace and genre for me, I love books set in the 50's and 60's - era's of big changes in the world. Women finally had more freedom and music was life. This book had me captivated from the very being until the end, the lifestyles of the rich and famous an escape from the real world for a few hours.
This is the story of a young girl from a small town in Dorest, England in the 1960's Claire longs for a more exciting life, the big lights and rockstars in London calling her. When she finally gets there she find herself mixing with the celebrities and finally becoming the girl she dreamed of being. On a very drugged induced night, Claire (now known as Cece) ends up on a plane to Marrakesh to the home of fashion icon, Talitha Getty. Something about Talitha mesmerizes Cece and she finds herself spending nights taking drugs, eating incredible food and learning alot about life.
Her dream life isn't always she imagined though, these people have tough lives, despite how it appears in the papers and magazines. Years later when she tells her adult daughter the story, all those feelings and emotions come back to her.
A wonderful coming of ages story that just has to be read.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me this advanced copy to read. Published in Australia March 30th...more
PI Aloysius Archer returns for the 3rd book in this historical crime series and It might be my favourite so far. Set in the early 1950's in Hollywood,PI Aloysius Archer returns for the 3rd book in this historical crime series and It might be my favourite so far. Set in the early 1950's in Hollywood, it has all the glitz and glamour of the era that I just loved. Archer is a character that I love to read about, a real gentleman and tough guy. He charms everyone he meets and he uses that to his advantage. If you haven't met Archer yet, you really need to change that.
NYE 1952. Archer travels to Hollywood to see in the new year with Liberty Callahan who is trying to hit the big time in the movies. Whilst having dinner with the big names in the business, they are approached by Elanor Lamb, a woman who believes she is being stalked and her life is in danger. Archer agrees to work for her. The next thing he knows, there is a dead man in Lambs house in Malibu and Lamb has disappeared.
This case will take Archer on a wild ride through the rich and famous, people who have the money and means to think they can et away with anything. But they do not know how determined this PI can be. It is dangerous work but he has been to war and prison so if anyone can handle it he can.
Thanks to MacMillan Australia for sending me this advanced copy to read. Dream Town by David Baldacci is out in Australia March 29th....more
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