1983 in Moscow saw Ella deep in her dreams of stardom; to be acting in War & Peace at the Moscow Theatre Academy. But when she became mixed up in a pr1983 in Moscow saw Ella deep in her dreams of stardom; to be acting in War & Peace at the Moscow Theatre Academy. But when she became mixed up in a protest - wrong place, wrong time - with her good friend Vlad, the KGB were instantly made aware. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Roman, whom she'd just discovered she was pregnant to, was creating problems and pushing boundaries. Ella had to quit the Academy, much to her distress, which made her rival smile with glee. But would she keep the baby? Confused, Ella sought advice; marrying Roman was the answer. But did she love him? Suddenly Roman was arrested and sentenced to two years in a labour camp. How could Ella escape the oppression of the Soviet regime? She needed to flee the country she'd learned to hate.
The Girl From Moscow is Aussie author Julia Levitina's debut novel and it wasn't what I expected. It seemed to tread water for quite some time, with the focus on Ella's pregnancy, Roman and other friends, drawn out. Olga's days during the war were few and far between and didn't really feel relevant, which was a shame. There could have been more depth to that part of the story. That said, I'll be interested to see what the author has for us next.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was six years since she'd fled her marital home with her two children, fled Jake and his cruelty, his abuse and his delight in hurting her. They weIt was six years since she'd fled her marital home with her two children, fled Jake and his cruelty, his abuse and his delight in hurting her. They were happy in the small Victorian town they'd found; Maddie, Ashleigh and Sam. And the fete the children were at was giving her quiet joy, watching their fun and laughter. But wait. Was that Jake in the distance? Maddie thought she was imagining things so put it out of her mind. It was the following day when she arrived home from work and heard his voice right behind her, that she knew the days of peace for her and the children were over.
Jake had found them, and Maddie was going to pay. For now, he took the children away from her, and when she spoke to them, they said he'd changed. But Maddie knew differently. The upcoming court case; the papers served; Maddie's support from her sister, the support group and lawyers - none of that would make a slight bit of difference - would it?
Sticks and Stones is the 2nd in the Broken series by Aussie author Ilsa Evans and it was heartbreaking, raw and gut-wrenching! Knowing that domestic violence like what is portrayed in these two books, happens daily here in Australia (and overseas) is shocking. The lack of legal support is horrifying and it obviously gives the perpetrator more time to inflict his "punishment" on the people he supposedly loves, while waiting for a court case that won't help. Parts of the book are hard to read, and if you have experienced domestic violence, I wouldn't read this or the first in the series, Broken. But I do highly recommend them to the right audience....more
Everyone thought Mattie and Jake's marriage, with their two children, eight year old Max and six year old Courtney, was a match made in heaven. They oEveryone thought Mattie and Jake's marriage, with their two children, eight year old Max and six year old Courtney, was a match made in heaven. They owned a beautiful home in Victoria, one Mattie adored. But Mattie was desperately unhappy; she walked on eggshells when Jake was around. Finally she'd had enough and moved out with the children to a small two bedroom flat not far from the children's school.
Jake proclaimed he didn't understand why Mattie had left him and vowed he would do anything in his power to have her return. And he did. As Mattie continued hiding away from her family - sister Hannah and her mum - it was a neighbour, Hilda, who discovered her secret. What would be the outcome for Mattie and her two confused children?
Broken was one of the hardest books I've read in a long time. Originally published in 2007, Aussie author Ilsa Evans tackles a subject which is brutal, and in the media more and more lately, as we continue to lose (mostly) women to domestic violence. Well written, the harsh realities of some people's lives succeeded in shaking me - I needed to put the book down several times, often wondering if I should read on. But I did. I don't often add trigger warnings to my reviews, but for anyone closely related to domestic violence, this book tells that story, albeit fictionalised. ...more
Suzanne and Mark wanted to adopt and when they met twenty-year-old Mia, pregnant, frightened and uncertain, they decided this was right. Suzanne4.5★s
Suzanne and Mark wanted to adopt and when they met twenty-year-old Mia, pregnant, frightened and uncertain, they decided this was right. Suzanne was there with Mia when she gave birth to the little girl they called Daisy. Mia suggested an open adoption to Suzanne and Mark, which meant Mia would always be in Daisy’s life, even though her parents were Suzanne and Mark, and while Daisy was young, it worked well. But when Mia met, then married Tom and moved to North Carolina from New York, the visits were less, and Daisy started to withdraw from her mother.
When Daisy was seventeen and her parents’ excuses for her behaviour were – “she’s a teenager” – Suzanne could feel her heart breaking more each day. She and Mark had divorced two years prior, so it was just Suzanne and Daisy living in the apartment. But Daisy kept to herself, rarely talking and snapping at her mother when talking was necessary. But it was when Daisy told Suzanne that she was going to live with Mia and their family for her final year of school that events took a turn – maybe for the worst; maybe for the best…
The Child I Never Had is another exceptional read by Kate Hewitt, although it’s different to all I’ve read in the past, which were historical. This one is contemporary family drama and is emotional, poignant, heartbreaking, full of secrets and surprises. I was sympathetic with Mia and Suzanne, and also Daisy. Daisy was confused and hurt, hiding it under the aggression and anger she displayed regularly. An excellent read, The Child I Never Had is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Jan Goldstein was a bestselling Australian author and the four people who attended her latest writing retreat didn’t know one another, but all had manJan Goldstein was a bestselling Australian author and the four people who attended her latest writing retreat didn’t know one another, but all had many things in common, although they didn’t know it at the time. When Jamie, the only male in the group, spotted Alice he was floored. She’d broken his heart six years prior, and they hadn’t spoken since – he wanted to know what her story was. Simone had been bullied because of her weight as a teenager and was now an Instagram star who wasn’t particularly happy while Beth was there under false pretenses.
As they gradually came to know one another over wine and nibbles, and with Jan leading the discussions, they each realized there was more to one another than was being shown. It was when they were directed to write with their emotions telling the story that the flawless public facades began to crack. What would be the outcome for the four attending the workshop, and the woman running it?
The Long Weekend by Aussie author Fiona Palmer is a wonderfully written contemporary drama set mostly over the three day weekend. It occasionally stepped back in time, showing various pasts, but as the women and one man travelled on their journeys, I was drawn to them and felt for them all the way. Set in Western Australia, The Long Weekend is a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It was 1974, and twelve-year-old Eeva, fourteen-year-old Anja and their Mamma and Pappa left Finland – and Eeva’s beloved grandmother Saara - for SwedIt was 1974, and twelve-year-old Eeva, fourteen-year-old Anja and their Mamma and Pappa left Finland – and Eeva’s beloved grandmother Saara - for Sweden. Stockholm was very different and while the girls didn’t take long to settle in, their parents were different, especially Pappa. The fights between Mamma and Pappa came often, with Pappa’s elevated drinking much of the problem. When Eeva’s world shattered, everyone’s lives changed…
When, in 2004, Eeva received a tentative phone call from her father, her first in thirty years, she was shocked to hear her grandmother was ill in hospital and asking for Eeva. They had been corresponding by letter ever since the family left Finland, but Eeva had been becoming worried as she hadn’t heard from her for three weeks. On her arrival in their old hometown, her Pappa looked old, tired and sad. But Anja was also there. What was going on? As far as Eeva was aware, Anja hadn’t seen their father either. In the days that followed, Eeva decided she needed to discover all that had happened thirty years prior.
Coffee and Vodka by Helene Halme is set in two timelines and concentrates on Eeva’s life throughout that period. I must admit I was disappointed in the amount of editing errors in this book which could easily be fixed by a good editor. My favourite character was Saara, followed by Mamma. It’s a difficult book to review as I liked it, but sometimes I didn’t! ...more
Like Mother by Australian author Cassandra Austin is set in 1969 over the period of one day where we see a young Louise Ashland exhausted after the coLike Mother by Australian author Cassandra Austin is set in 1969 over the period of one day where we see a young Louise Ashland exhausted after the continual screaming of her new baby, Dolores, with her husband Steven away – he’s a long haul truckie – and Louise’s mother Gladys constantly ringing to check on and criticize her. Louise has finally managed to quieten Dolores and have a few minutes rest herself, so when she woke and the baby was still quiet, she was delighted. But on checking the cot where the baby had been sleeping, Louise found no sign of her…
So began the hours of searching the house from top to bottom, over and over again; of Louise slowly unravelling, her mind betraying her. As the story is told, in turn by Louise, Steven and Gladys, I as a reader wasn’t sure who or what to believe. Secrets and past misbehaviours are revealed, mistakes and dishonourable deeds shown – but all the time we wonder – where is Dolores?
I struggled to get into Like Mother, attempting over a number of days until finally finishing it a little disappointed. I quite enjoyed the author’s previous book, All Fall Down, but found this one didn’t hold my interest. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters which for me, makes it hard to like the story. But in saying that, I would still look at more of Ms Austin’s work in the future.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Eleven-year-old Jackson Curtis loved his parents, Julia and Alan, and sisters, nine-year-old Ruby and fourteen-year-old Milla. But Jackson was differeEleven-year-old Jackson Curtis loved his parents, Julia and Alan, and sisters, nine-year-old Ruby and fourteen-year-old Milla. But Jackson was different – neurodiverse was as much as the doctors could say – with a phenomenal memory, a stress level higher than most and a penchant for finding himself in trouble, even though it was always an accident. His headstands helped him when the beans in his head came and some coping measures his doctor had worked on, also helped.
With his new friend Digby from soccer and school, Jackson went on his first play date at Digby’s house. But things happened and Digby told Jackson to keep it a secret, then the following day at school found trouble, with the principal and police involved. Alan was in New York with his job at the time – always away when Julia needed him – which made Julie’s decision making harder. Nanna Pam, Alan’s mother, was there to help with the girls and suddenly life changed in a way no one had imagined. Julia would do anything for her children and fighting for Jackson was just a part of it.
An Unusual Boy by Aussie author Fiona Higgins is an excellent read which shows the love and devotion of a mother for her children, the struggles when things go wrong and how things escalate out of control when the full picture isn’t gathered. Jackson was an amazing child with an amazing family behind him. Especially his sisters. An Unusual Boy is a unique and heartwarming, occasionally traumatic novel which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Valerie Alston-Holt was a widow, having raised her teenage son Xavier for the past eighteen years. Valerie was African American; her husband Tom was wValerie Alston-Holt was a widow, having raised her teenage son Xavier for the past eighteen years. Valerie was African American; her husband Tom was white. Xavier was a talented young man who loved his guitar and the classical genre. He also had great love and respect for his mother who was a Forestry and Ecology professor and thought of the trees and surrounding gardens as part of her life. Oak Knoll had many of the historic old oaks, one of which was growing on Valerie’s land, but her concern for its life after the desecration of the property next door was growing.
When Brad and Julia Whitman and their two daughters moved into the new mansion with its pool and landscaping, Valerie hoped they would be good neighbours. But her first meeting with Brad had her skeptical of them ever becoming friends. Juniper, their seventeen-year-old daughter was having problems of her own, while Lily, seven years old was a delight. It was when Xavier and Juniper met that the sparks flew. Xavier was going to college in a few months and didn’t want to get involved with a girl; Juniper was to head to college the following year.
A Good Neighbourhood by Therese Anne Fowler had my emotions and thoughts all over the place. The racism was extreme (Brad assumed Xavier was the garden boy and wanted to hire him after he’d finished “the old lady’s” yard) while Brad was as chauvinistic as they come. His views and thoughts of his stepdaughter were just wrong, while Juniper’s thoughts of Xavier were sweet – if they’d only been let alone. I admired Valerie very much; she and Xavier were my favourite characters. I found the anonymous narration a little strange, interspersed now and then into the story. It was a quick read, but not an easy one, but I still find it easy to recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Every summer the Gordon family spent their vacation at their family home in Cape Cod, but the year Ann was seventeen was a disastrous one for the famiEvery summer the Gordon family spent their vacation at their family home in Cape Cod, but the year Ann was seventeen was a disastrous one for the family. Ann had spent the whole summer babysitting for the Shaws. It was Michael’s first trip to Cape Cod as the family had recently adopted him and Poppy was learning to surf. When they left Cape Cod, the secret that Ann harboured caused a split in the family – a rift that might never heal.
Fifteen years later Ann was back at the house, preparing it for sale. The parents had been killed in a car accident and while Poppy organized their town house for sale, Ann carried on with their Cape Cod home. But when Michael arrived on the scene after being absent for those many years, and refused to let Ann sell the house, he also said he wanted the long-held secrets from that terrible summer to be laid bare. He wanted the truth to be out in the open.
The Second Home is the debut novel by Christina Clancy and the best part of the novel was the descriptions of Cape Cod. The pictures painted of that area gave me a wish to see it in its glory as the many summer residents loved it so much. The book covers dark elements, with rape, manipulation, blackmail, naïve teenagers, and abuse among the many traumas. I’m afraid I struggled with a lot of the aspects of this novel, skimming through the “hard to read” parts. I also didn’t connect with any of the characters. I’m afraid this was a disappointing read for me…
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Geraldine (Ged)’s grandmother was turning eighty and during the family celebrations Gralice (grandma Alice) produced tickets for Ged, her daughter SapGeraldine (Ged)’s grandmother was turning eighty and during the family celebrations Gralice (grandma Alice) produced tickets for Ged, her daughter Sappho (Marie) and herself for a girls’ cruise for them to reconnect, have a good time before it was too late. It was only three nights, but it was the coming weekend, so Ged knew she needed to sweet-talk her boss into giving her the time off. Ged was a journalist and loved her work plus she was up for a promotion as the boss was retiring.
Gralice and Sappho didn’t always see eye to eye with Sappho being resentful of her upbringing. But her new fame on the internet with her vlog as the “Happy happy housewife” and her many followers made Sappho realize how much she enjoyed the fame. Ged found herself on many occasions stuck in the middle of her mother and beloved grandmother.
The relaxing cruise which was designed to bring the three women closer together had much more to offer, and suddenly Ged’s life was falling apart. After they arrived home things became markedly worse. Ged felt pulled one way and then the other – could she possibly cope with what was happening? The secret which had remained hidden for fifty years was shattering. Her life was in tatters…
Just One Wish by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of family, secrets, betrayal and love. There was much going on in this novel, many issues were covered with the ending emotional and wonderful. A read I thoroughly enjoyed, Just One Wish is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Midwife Ava May was seated beside a good-looking young man on the flight who turned out to be a doctor, heading to Alice Springs for a month as a locuMidwife Ava May was seated beside a good-looking young man on the flight who turned out to be a doctor, heading to Alice Springs for a month as a locum in the hospital. Ava was also about to be working in the maternity ward at the same hospital, so she and Zac Logan would no doubt come across one another. The instant connection they both felt astounded them, but they went with it, knowing there was also no future in the affair as Zac would be returning to Sydney.
The terrible car accident which occurred after they had known each other a week had a shocking outcome; one which Ava wasn’t sure she could reconcile herself with. Her withdrawal to the family cattle property – Setabilly Station - where her mother and grandmother were the backbone and strength Ava needed plus with her brother and his pregnant wife nearby, meant Ava could try to find peace. But the drought had intensified, and the repercussions were putting pressure on the family.
What would be the outcome to a situation which had become untenable?
The Desert Midwife by Aussie author Fiona McArthur (herself a midwife) is another wonderful read which explores the life of an outback midwife; the miracle of birth; the shattering of dreams; and strong women. It also includes Indigenous cultures; the majesty and magic of Uluru and deep friendships. A well-written drama which I thoroughly enjoyed, The Desert Midwife is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Caroline Corbett’s Aunt Lanie was dying and when she begged Caroline to find her brother, Caroline’s father Hoff, Caroline was determined to do it. ItCaroline Corbett’s Aunt Lanie was dying and when she begged Caroline to find her brother, Caroline’s father Hoff, Caroline was determined to do it. It had been thirty years since she’d seen her father. He’d left her mother and her, married another woman who had a young son and Caroline’s bitterness and jealousy had kept her from trying to find him. As well as her heartache over her aunt, Caroline’s marriage was in tatters.
Harris Fenton was head coach of the baseball team as well as athletic director at Wyatt High School. He had a beautiful wife and two sons he adored. But he was a mess. His life was spiraling out of control and he wasn’t strong enough to do anything about it. He couldn’t let go of the past; couldn’t deal with his ongoing problems.
As Caroline searched, she uncovered events from the long ago past which horrified her. She couldn’t believe it had really happened – but she soon found there were people who didn’t want her to continue. Her life could well be in danger…
Tell No One by Barbara Taylor Sissel is a contemporary drama novel with emphasis on “drama”. The two key players, Caroline and Harris, both had messy lives, although I liked them both. There was a lot of American sport – football and baseball – and I ended up skimming over those sections. I’ve previously read two by this author – Faultlines and Evidence of Life – I gave both 5 stars but Tell No One had too much going on – but the ending was excellent and I can now happily recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Young Lindsay Townsend, not quite sixteen, was attractive and well liked at school. But her homelife wasn’t good – her cowering and subservient motherYoung Lindsay Townsend, not quite sixteen, was attractive and well liked at school. But her homelife wasn’t good – her cowering and subservient mother and her brutal and controlling father – she was lonely and confused about her feelings. When she and her best friend were sunbathing at the nearby beach over the holidays, they spied the delicious Jon Halliwell, PE teacher at their school, surfing. Lindsay decided she would get his attention through a Rolling Stones T-shirt, which just happened to be Jon’s favourite band. And it worked…
Wollongong, Australia in the 1970s and life wasn’t easy for young, impressionable teenage girls. Lindsay was suddenly forced to grow up when things spiraled out of control and she was forced into a situation she had no say over. The heartbreak, fear, loneliness and desperation that dogged Lindsay’s life would last for decades. Could she ever know true happiness once again?
The Swooping Magpie by Aussie author Liza Perrat is exceptional. So true and reminiscent of the 70s, when we young ones had dreams of a wonderful future where nothing would stand in the way. The friends Lindsay made – especially Bizzie – showed her a kindness which came from the shared understanding of their experiences. The Swooping Magpie is an emotional read which is hard to review without giving away spoilers – but believe me when I say it’s a brilliant book from an author who is definitely at the top of her game. And if you were a teenager in the 70s, you'll feel the familiarity of the words! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Stepping aboard the Diamond Duchess at the dock in Sydney, Ketty Clift felt the familiar excitement of embarking on a cruise. Ketty had been on quite Stepping aboard the Diamond Duchess at the dock in Sydney, Ketty Clift felt the familiar excitement of embarking on a cruise. Ketty had been on quite a few over the years, and although leaving her business, Ketty Clift Couture, in the hands of her staff for the next ten days, Ketty knew she needed to consider her business’ future. This cruise was the final for the Diamond Duchess, and probably Ketty’s as well.
Ketty was greeted at the dining room that evening by maitre d' Carlos, now a dear friend, as she had met him on previous cruises. She was delighted Carlos was also onboard the Diamond Duchess. After settling her at a table for eight, Ketty wondered who she would meet this time; who would benefit from her special brand of care in the next ten days as they cruised the South Pacific. Celia, Christine, Bernard, Frank and Jim were at the table on the first night, to be joined by Josie and Leo the following night. Josie was familiar, as Ketty had met her on previous cruises, but it was seeing Leo that shocked her to the core…
As the days passed both at sea and docked at South Pacific islands, the grief of some and bitterness of others came to the fore; friendships were made, fun and new experiences were enjoyed. But Ketty felt out of sorts. Some things weren’t going as she had expected. Could Ketty sort out what was troubling her – as well as help the other members of her table for eight?
Table for Eight by Aussie author Tricia Stringer is a moving story of strangers coming together on a cruise ship and the trials and tribulations that affect each and every one. The characters are of the older generation, so have the experience of life behind them. But still, there is grief, strength, second chances and the hope of the future which ripples through them all. An absolutely delightful, feel good story which I thoroughly enjoyed (and having also cruised the same area, it felt wonderfully familiar), Table for Eight is another winner for this author in my opinion, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review....more
When Richard, acclaimed concert pianist was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – of the motor neuron family) he was in denial. He refusWhen Richard, acclaimed concert pianist was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – of the motor neuron family) he was in denial. He refused to accept he would no longer be able to play the piano; to wow audiences across the world; to receive standing ovations for his meticulous and resonating playing – but the disease was his and continued to debilitate, with first his right hand and arm, then his left; paralyzed, unable to function…
Karina, Richard’s now ex-wife was a bitter and resentful woman, unable to move forward, blaming Richard for the career she had left behind. His infidelities, his constant travelling around the countryside for his concerts – in effect she was a single mother bringing up their daughter Grace. Now Grace was an adult in college – but now also, her ex-husband needed care…
As Richard’s health and abilities deteriorated, the guilt and regret over the past surfaced; for them both. But would they find peace? Was there to be forgiveness between them before it was too late?
Wow! What a monster of a disease! Once again Lisa Genova has given us a heart-breaking look into a shocking death sentence for the sufferers of ALS with Every Note Played. I did find it was a little too technical, with more telling than doing, but the ending was spectacular – and so sad! I’ve read all this author’s work, and Still Alice is still my favourite, with Left Neglected a close second. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU and NetGalley for my ARC to read and review. ...more
The move from Hobart to Murwillumbah in Queensland was a joint decision, though Finn felt he had no choice. Leaving the Brennan family there and knowiThe move from Hobart to Murwillumbah in Queensland was a joint decision, though Finn felt he had no choice. Leaving the Brennan family there and knowing no one in Queensland was probably the best for them all. Bridget’s interview was successful – Jarrah and Toby drove around with their father while it was on, to fill in time. The startling purple home which was for sale as they drove past took both Jarrah and Finn’s eye – that was their new home; Bridget agreed.
As they settled into life in the topics, Finn wondered if he’d ever get used to the heat and humidity after the coldness of Tasmania. But the inground pool in the backyard was something the family used often – it was perfect after a long, hot and exhausting day. Finn was an artist and working from home while caring for two-and-a-half-year-old Toby was what he needed. Jarrah was in high school, and the bullying was just the same as it had been in Hobart. He tried to keep to himself; to keep his head down, but it didn’t always work…
When unexpected tragedy struck, the lives of each family member was shattered beyond repair. And when the police, with their investigating, came down hard on Finn, he found himself drifting in a sea of outward calm and inner turmoil. As the family fractured, each with their own guilt and terrible grief it seemed there was no way to rise above what had happened. What would be the outcome for the family who had their lives ahead of them; the lives that were shattered in sixty seconds?
Sixty Seconds by Aussie author Jesse Blackadder is a heartbreaking story of unimaginable grief, loss, love and the decisions to forgive or not to forgive. It’s also a story based on the author’s own experiences when she was a child; something she has never forgotten, her grief still raw. Most people don’t know the experience of deep, relentless grief – but Sixty Seconds lets the reader experience a part of that; and also to know that we never want it for ourselves or our loved ones. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review....more
Thirteen year old Charlie Johnson had a happy and contented life – her mum Rachael worked full-time in a job she loved; dad Matt was a fireman and herThirteen year old Charlie Johnson had a happy and contented life – her mum Rachael worked full-time in a job she loved; dad Matt was a fireman and her older brother Dan was in high school and loved music. Charlie loved her horse Tic Tac – though technically he wasn’t her horse, having been leased from the pony club where Charlie spent a lot of her time, but Ticcy was hers. The Saturday that Charlie and her friend Ivy went for their usual ride through the National Park after pony club was the day everything changed.
When Ivy returned to say Tic Tac was lame and Charlie was walking him back, Hannah immediately mounted her horse and set out to meet Charlie. But neither of them could be found – and when Tic Tac returned days later, limping and dishevelled but without Charlie, they knew something was dreadfully wrong.
Matt and Dan searched with the SES and police for days and weeks on end – everything that could be done was done. But it was like Charlie had vanished off the face of the earth. The National Park near Melbourne was dense and vast – the search covered a huge area, but Charlie had disappeared. Rachael was beside herself, imagining the worst…
The day Charlie staggered from the bush, filthy, injured and incoherent, everyone was ecstatic – her family was over the moon, the police thrilled with the outcome. But could Charlie be the same girl she was four months prior? Would anything ever be the same again? And what had happened to Charlie in the time she was missing?
What a brilliant, breathtaking psychological thriller Aussie author Kylie Ladd has produced with her latest, The Way Back! Emotional, heartbreaking, tear-jerking and above all, outstanding, this novel ticks all the boxes. I have no hesitation in recommending The Way Back extremely highly!
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review. ...more
When Elena Jameson was granted the opportunity to foster six year old Tyson, she was thrilled. Her recent divorce had left her fragile – caring for thWhen Elena Jameson was granted the opportunity to foster six year old Tyson, she was thrilled. Her recent divorce had left her fragile – caring for this little boy would be therapy for them both. Learning that the name Tyson made the boy shudder with apprehension, Elena started calling him Daniel – his second name – which suited them both. Daniel had lost his mother to death and his father was a cruel, vindictive and abusive man, currently locked away. Elena chose not to think about the future and what would happen when he was released…
Living a quiet and secluded life in the small bay not far from Melbourne in Victoria, just Daniel, Rafi (their little dog) and Elena, she knew this was the life she wanted. Daniel was a different child, and Elena loved him in the devoted manner of any mother anywhere. Daniel was doing well at school – they explored the beautiful surrounding bush in their leisure time; and soccer brought Daniel joy. But with a terrifying suddenness, everything changed. Violence erupted around Elena and Daniel – the danger was crippling. What would Elena do? She knew she needed to do everything in her power to keep her son safe; but what…?
The Bay of Shadows is the debut novel by Aussie author Samantha Wood and in my opinion it’s exceptional! A gripping and intense plot with a fast pace and riveting emotions – The Bay of Shadows has everything I love in a psychological thriller (even a touch of the Dreamtime). I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly, and will be eagerly watching for this author’s next book :) I also love the cover!
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review. ...more
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