Alex Carter moved from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast after a relationship went badly wrong and soon settled into her position at the nearby universitAlex Carter moved from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast after a relationship went badly wrong and soon settled into her position at the nearby university. While Jack Russo moved from Sydney to the Sunshine coast after a wake up call made him take stock of his life. Working as a handyman while spending his early mornings surfing and running with his dog Steed, Jack was content.
Alex and Jack were destined to meet in that small coastal town – but what would be the outcome for them both?
A Brahminy Sunrise is a short but sweet novella by Aussie author Maggie Christensen, and it was great to catch up with Alex again from Champagne for Breakfast. I loved the character of Flo; a dear, sweet elderly lady who lived next door to Alex. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing and can’t wait for her next a little later this year (2019) Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Alex Carter moved from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast after a relationship went badly wrong and soon settled into her position at the nearby university. While Jack Russo moved from Sydney to the Sunshine coast after a wake up call made him take stock of his life. Working as a handyman while spending his early mornings surfing and running with his dog Steed, Jack was content.
Alex and Jack were destined to meet in that small coastal town – but what would be the outcome for them both?
A Brahminy Sunrise is a short but sweet novella by Aussie author Maggie Christensen, and it was great to catch up with Alex again from Champagne for Breakfast. I loved the character of Flo; a dear, sweet elderly lady who lived next door to Alex. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing and can’t wait for her next a little later this year (2019) Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Liz Phillips had a secret that only she and her parents had known. Now with her father gone, it was just Liz and her mum's secret. Having lived in PelLiz Phillips had a secret that only she and her parents had known. Now with her father gone, it was just Liz and her mum's secret. Having lived in Pelican Crossing since she was a teenager, she loved the town, the beach so close, the friends she'd made over the years, and her two daughters close by, with her mum in the retirement home. Liz was happy, and when she turned fifty - apart from wondering where the time had gone - she knew that although she was occasionally lonely, she was happy.
Finn Hunter had moved to Pelican Crossing twelve months prior to care for his daughter and five year old grandson after tragedy struck their lives. Finn was the editor of the local paper, The Crossing Courier and loved the work. He was a busy man between his job, his daughter and grandson. And then he met Liz. When sparks flew between them, both wondered if a quiet fling would be the way to go - neither of them had time for a relationship...
Secrets in Pelican Crossing is the 2nd in the Pelican Crossing series by Aussie author Maggie Christensen and I enjoyed it. Liz and Finn's story follows on from book 1, which was Poppy and Cam's story, and I'm curious to see who will be the main focus in book 3. Maggie writes the older generation very well, and incorporated the youngsters as well. With children and grandchildren, plus Bluey the puppy, Secrets in Pelican Crossing is a real family affair. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Seventeen year old Kim Stone had just been sacked from her latest job when she was confronted by something that made her angry. Furious in fact. And iSeventeen year old Kim Stone had just been sacked from her latest job when she was confronted by something that made her angry. Furious in fact. And in that situation, Kim decided on her future...
A short story by Angela Marsons, One Hour shows us Kim's life as a teenager and the reason she joined the police force. I love this series, and I'm looking forward to the latest, Guilty Mothers, very soon....more
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted fro4.5★s
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted from place to place, always hiding, changing her name as she saw fit, never staying in the same place too long. As she neared eighteen years of age, she knew she could claim what was rightfully hers, and to do so she needed to cross Scardia and make her way east and to her mother's family. The journey would be filled with danger as the murderer of her parents, the Usurper, and his trackers, were still searching for her.
Keely accompanied her and then Erik joined them. Dolce, Nina's beloved horse, did all she was asked, faithfully and without fear. But things went wrong and Nina knew she had to stay one step ahead. Would she find her mother's family, safely and without loss? Or would the Usurper win another round?
Heir to the Ice Flame by Aussie author Rose Harvey is a fascinating tale of mystery, magic and intrigue. It doesn't say it's the first in a series, but it feels like there will be another to follow, so I hope that's the case. Nina was a strong, independent character - as she'd had to be - and barely relied on anyone else. Lisette is a sweet little budgerigar, keeping Nina company on her journey, and Erik became an endearing but tough kid. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
1846 in County Kerry, Ireland and Caitriona and her family were in dire straits. Caitriona worked at the big house, while their small cottage was rent1846 in County Kerry, Ireland and Caitriona and her family were in dire straits. Caitriona worked at the big house, while their small cottage was rented from the owner. The famine was on them all and change was coming. When Caitriona's parents and siblings had to sail for America, leaving Caitriona and her two oldest brothers behind, she was devastated. But soon she was travelling herself - to Australia and a future she hadn't dreamed of.
It was current day, and Caitriona (Cat to all who knew her) arrived at her family's station on the Darling River in the New South Wales outback - Ceann Mara - shattered, and in the following three weeks she isolated herself in the bedroom, worrying her parents terribly. But when they flew to Broken Hill, Cat was able to venture out, getting the fresh air and sunshine she needed. She rode her pushbike down to the mailbox, with the dogs frolicking around her, and gradually she began to feel better. But when her parents finally knew what had happened in Cat's Sydney home, they wanted to call the police, but she wasn't ready. Would she ever return to Sydney to complete her Honours degree? Her dad would welcome her help on Ceann Mara, and she would love being there, but her future was uncertain. The catalyst came when her university friends arrived for a short visit...
From Across the Sea is the 1st in the Daughters of the Darling series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and once again she has hit the nail on the head with this one! Cat is an excellent character as she works through her problems, helping her father with their research into their family history and the five generations of the O'Byrne family on Ceann Mara. There is mystery and intrigue, murder and mayhem in From Across the Sea and I'm looking forward to #2 which will be Cat's sister, Roison's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Rooney Budd had joined the catering team at the luxurious mansion owned by the Tilden's, and when Kate Tilden, wife of Griffin, begged Rooney to help Rooney Budd had joined the catering team at the luxurious mansion owned by the Tilden's, and when Kate Tilden, wife of Griffin, begged Rooney to help her up to her room, she did, albeit slightly reluctantly. Kate was drunk and wanted nothing more to do with the event run by her husband. The household was in turmoil with the married couple continually at odds. Griff controlled Kate, pretending he was encouraging her to stop drinking, but slyly offering just one. Rooney felt sorry for Kate and when she was asked to be her companion for the next week, Rooney agreed - after, all the money was good.
The housekeeper, Betts, and her daughter worked for Griff, Betts having been with the family when Griff's parents were alive. So Betts disliked Rooney on sight. The feeling was mutual - Kate didn't get on with Betts either - so the women discussed things out of Betts' hearing. Rooney knew Kate and Griff had secrets as she'd been researching Griff for awhile. But Rooney had secrets too, and an ulterior motive for being in the house. As Kate deteriorated, and Griff showed his true colours, the words of Rooney's friend Rob, to get out of the house while she still could, rang in her head. But she couldn't leave yet - could she?
The Girl Thief is the latest standalone psychological thriller by US author J.A. Schneider and I was hooked from the beginning! Gritty and intense, the twists kept coming. But the one at the end floored me - I didn't see THAT coming!! My heart was in my throat a few times, and I had to stop reading to take a breath at one stage! The author writes a brilliant thriller and I have no trouble recommending The Girl Thief highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Poppy Taylor was proud of her restaurant - Crossings - which her parents had owned, then she and her husband Jack. And when Jack died five years previPoppy Taylor was proud of her restaurant - Crossings - which her parents had owned, then she and her husband Jack. And when Jack died five years previously, the restaurant was her saving grace. Pelican Crossing was a small Queensland town where Poppy had grown up, and her three daughters had been born. Now with her youngest daughter set to marry, she would be on her own in the big house she and Jack built, with her little dog. Jack's best friend, Cam Mitchell, ran the marina and he and Poppy had remained close friends.
When Poppy, along with other businesses, began receiving offers on their businesses, Cam made it his duty to check what was happening. And the shock of what someone was prepared to do to Pelican Crossing had both Cam and Poppy working with the townsfolk to put a stop to it all. But were they in danger? And as Cam and Poppy's feelings for one another deepened, they wondered what the future would bring.
The Restaurant in Pelican Crossing is the 1st in the Pelican Crossing series by Aussie author Maggie Christensen and I loved it. Loosely connected to the author's previous series, with Bellbird Bay not far along the coast from Pelican Crossing, I found the characters up to the usual standard for Maggie; her writing is sublime, everything works! An excellent start to the new series which I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Cara and her six year old son Joey arrived in Sydney from Manhattan, she was a bundle of nerves. It was five years since she'd seen Luke, her nowWhen Cara and her six year old son Joey arrived in Sydney from Manhattan, she was a bundle of nerves. It was five years since she'd seen Luke, her now ex-husband, and the decision to bring Joey to meet and get to know his father was not an easy one. But Cara knew it had to be done. The plan was Luke meeting them at the airport and spending a couple of days in Sydney with Cara, before he and Joey flew to the vast outback property of Warrapinya in Queensland, where Joey would stay for two months while Cara did some business and had a holiday herself.
But as they say; the best laid plans... Cara was missing Joey, and he was having a wonderful time. Loved his dad, loved Warrapinya, loved his cousins who were around the same age as him. When Cara received a phone call from Warrapinya, her heart dropped. What had happened? Was Joey alright?
Return to Warrapinya is the 2nd in Aussie author Barbara Hannay's Heads or Hearts series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't read #1 yet, and will rectify that soon, but was told they can be read as standalone stories. All three main characters are well written, though I wouldn't expect anything less from Ms Hannay. Warrapinya sounds like a really prosperous working station, and I could see why Joey was having so much fun! A delightful read, Return to Warrapinya is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Chris and his two mates dropped in at the local Bindarra Creek pub after work for a few beers and a meal. When they saw the get together for upcoming Chris and his two mates dropped in at the local Bindarra Creek pub after work for a few beers and a meal. When they saw the get together for upcoming bride, Charlotte, and the fun the women were having - admittedly with a few too many drinks under their belts - Chris and Pete joined in the dancing, just for a little while. All three headed home after their meal, with an early start to look forward to the next day. And that was how Chris met Vonnie.
Vonnie was Charlotte's cousin, staying at her and Alex's place to help prepare for the wedding. Alex's two kids, Isla and Eli, loved Charlotte, and they were one happy family, to be confirmed by the wedding. Chris was a carpenter by trade and was working on a pergola, among other things, for Alex. Gradually Chris and Vonnie became friends - until Chris threatened Vonnie's sedate life on her parent's farm...
A Magical Summer is part of the Bindarra Creek Small Town Christmas series, and this episode is written by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest. A light, entertaining romance, set in the beautiful (fictional) country town of Bindarra Creek in NSW - which I've visited before - and with enjoyable characters, especially the new puppies. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Tiggy Jones, crime author and amateur sleuth, had the donated duffle bag, filled with mysterious items, which she took home from the event, intending Tiggy Jones, crime author and amateur sleuth, had the donated duffle bag, filled with mysterious items, which she took home from the event, intending to investigate all inside. But the stained stiletto went to the police, who confirmed it was blood. Now Tiggy had more to research, and while neuro-diverse friend Baxter, walked Tiggy's dog, Raider, her plans spread.
With Larrington Hall in Dartmoor on the agenda, Tiggy met up with various locals who all had things to say. The liqueur that the distillery had been built on was popular and had a long history. Was it connected? And the deaths that had happened in the past two years - were they accidents? Or murder? Tiggy was becoming deeply involved, but she couldn't see the danger she was heading toward...
A Deadly Concoction is the 3rd in the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King and was another spine-tingler! Tiggy is pretty intuitive and when clues are in front of her, if she can't work it out, Baxter can piece it together! They make a great team; I really enjoy Baxter's character - he's written well - and his love of Raider is heartwarming. Another excellent episode, and I'm looking forward to #4 already! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Mei was Thorn's prisoner, but he wanted her help to defeat the Moon Father. He also needed Iggy's power and while Mei was excited to know she would seMei was Thorn's prisoner, but he wanted her help to defeat the Moon Father. He also needed Iggy's power and while Mei was excited to know she would see her brother again soon, she was wary of a trap by Thorn. Meanwhile Anyo and his friends were fleeing across the mountains, while his thoughts were in turmoil, doubting himself. He was determined to reach his goal, but with the dangers surrounding them all, would that happen?
Iggy was getting closer to Mei - he could feel it - and with the three sisters guiding him, admittedly with a plan of their own, he knew his goal of no longer being the "faceless boy" was coming closer. Rokura was close to rescuing Asaro, but treachery was nearby. Could he overcome those who cared nothing for him - a former Greyshield?
Stars Burning is the 3rd and final in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie author Ashley Capes and it was an excellent wind-up to an addictive series! Mei and Iggy, Anyo and Rokura - all great characters - had a lot of support, but many enemies as well. The tale is woven deeply, exceptionally well written and exciting, with plenty of magical powers along the way. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Mei was still in search of her brother Iggy, who was banished from their lands. Her journey had taken her far and now, joining with a merchant and a sMei was still in search of her brother Iggy, who was banished from their lands. Her journey had taken her far and now, joining with a merchant and a sorcerer as they continued their journey to an island everyone feared, to locate special sand which would help in Mei's search, she wondered if they would succeed. But danger was close.
Meanwhile Rokura was a considerable distance from Mei - neither of them knowing of the other. Rokura was looking after Iggy, accompanying him on his journey to the person who could give him a face. Iggy's power was undiminished - all who witnessed it were stunned. And Anyo was drawing closer to danger on his journey, the corpse-singer by his side, his promises to her sitting badly with him. The vision which caused people to freeze, their eyes vacant and filled with a faceless moon, was not just in one place. What was it? Would Mei ever find Iggy?
The Faceless Moon is the 2nd in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie Ashley Capes and it has my heart pumping with each different scenario. An excellent read, with well-crafted characters, I'm looking forward to the last in the Trilogy soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Iggy, the boy who was born without a face, was exiled from his village, he ran off, determined to make his own way. Water was his lifeblood, so tWhen Iggy, the boy who was born without a face, was exiled from his village, he ran off, determined to make his own way. Water was his lifeblood, so the boat he took downriver would keep him safe. In the meantime, Mei, Iggy's sister, left her village, the one that showed no care for her brother. Admittedly his power caused some problems, but it wasn't his fault. Mei was determined to find him and share his journey.
When Greyshield, Rokura, was following the trail of prisoners, intent on finding the rebels and rescuing those he could, he came across Iggy, saving his life. But it wasn't long before they separated, both heading off on their own journeys.
In her search for Iggy, Mei journeyed through the Moon Gate, aware of the dangers ahead. Her telekinesis was powerful, but would it be enough? She was sure Iggy was ahead - probably about two days - and was determined to find him. But she was captured by Anyo and his band of men. Instead of killing her, they needed her help. But would they set her free if she did as they asked?
A Drifting Sun is the 1st in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie author Ashley Capes and it was fascinating. The author has a great talent for the magical fantasy elements, and with MCs Mei, Iggy, Rakura and Anyo, set on tasks that get more dangerous by the minute, the intrigue has me looking forward to #2 soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Hangman's Gap was around three hours north of Brisbane in Queensland, and was a small town where everyone knew what the other person was doing. DetectHangman's Gap was around three hours north of Brisbane in Queensland, and was a small town where everyone knew what the other person was doing. Detective Sergeant Blake Harknell drove the two days from Melbourne, seconded to the local police station in Hangman's Gap for the short period he would be in town. The man he was due to meet just after he arrived was found dead in an area where the local RFS (Rural Fire Service) had done a controlled burn. And as he hadn't been there when the RFS did the final check before the burn, they had a small window of knowing when he got there. But not why or how...
Three months prior a person had lost their life in a single vehicle crash, but the case was still open. Was there any connection to the latest death? And when another local, a person of interest, was discovered brutally bashed to death, Harknell wondered what he'd got himself in to. Local constable, Angie Forbes, plus soon to be retired constable Terry Doxon were working with Harkness as well as the boss, Bragg, from Caboolture headquarters, and their frustration was high as they continued to come up against brick walls. Would they find the killer or killers before someone else lost their life?
Hangman's Gap is a new standalone thriller set in Queensland, by Aussie/British author Rachel Amphlett and it was outstanding! The fictional town of Hangman's Gap is reminiscent of small towns all over Australia, with the heat and dust - especially in Queensland - sapping energy from everyone - man or beast. I'd love to see this one as the start to a new series as I'd really enjoy catching up with Harknell and Angie once again. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Billie Miller returned to her parents' home in Bindarra Creek, she'd had her life ripped apart, her business destroyed, and her bank balance reduWhen Billie Miller returned to her parents' home in Bindarra Creek, she'd had her life ripped apart, her business destroyed, and her bank balance reduced to zero. Working casually in the garage in town, Billie loved working with her hands, repairing cars, doing services. Anything with her hands, and Billie was happy. When a stranger arrived in town - Kirk Wellington - his US roots were obvious, his charm and charisma high up on the extreme level; Billie hardened her heart even more.
When Kirk decided to hold a Christmas play with the proceeds going to a charity for people in need, Billie and most of the townsfolk were on board. Kirk was a Hollywood star; he'd also begun writing scripts. This would be his first attempt at bringing it all together. Would it succeed? Would the folks of Bindarra Creek accept him as one of their own? But there was trouble on the horizon...
The Glitter or The Gold is part of the Bindarra Creek Small Town Christmas series with this novella written by Aussie author Suzanne Gilchrist. Each episode is a standalone, all written by different Aussie authors. Billie had strength of character - she had to with what she'd been through. I enjoyed catching up with old characters - especially Edwina :) Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Poppy McGowan, children's TV researcher in Sydney, was asked to fill in for a woman who had recently died in a terrible car accident, she did so,When Poppy McGowan, children's TV researcher in Sydney, was asked to fill in for a woman who had recently died in a terrible car accident, she did so, knowing it was only for a month. She was happy in her own job; the angst of current affairs and finding the nitty gritty, didn't sit well with her. But when Poppy's friend, Detective Chloe Prudhomme, asked Poppy to keep her nose to the ground and find out all she could about Jane Mancus, Poppy was horrified to learn it wasn't the accident they'd assumed.
Poppy, with her boyfriend Tol having her back, dug deeply and what she discovered about Jane's family was unsettling to say the least. The Mancus family was an old, well established and wealthy family in Sydney - could Poppy find the answers by interviewing the matriarch? Was she putting herself in danger with all her questions?
Fatal Crossing is #2.5 in the Poppy McGowan Mysteries by Aussie author Pamela Hart and the novella was intriguing, entertaining and fun. Poppy is an excellent character with strength and determination, while Tol, archaeologist soon to head to Jordan, is pretty much perfect! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When eleven year old Akina Wilson was kidnapped in Cape Town, she knew her wealthy father would hire soldiers to find her. She also knew the man holdiWhen eleven year old Akina Wilson was kidnapped in Cape Town, she knew her wealthy father would hire soldiers to find her. She also knew the man holding her was evil, and if it hadn't been that she wasn't to be marked, he would have beaten her by now. Akina was a bright, intelligent, multi-lingual girl, which would benefit her in the long days ahead.
Chrystal Booysen had been with her grandfather on the family game stud farm since she was three years old, and adored him. She was also an ex security contractor, so when she was approached by Rowen Zackery, a private investigator from America, she knew her peaceful days on the farm were over for awhile. Learning of the kidnapping of a young girl, and knowing child trafficking was rife throughout South Africa, Chrystal knew she would do all she could to help Rowan bring Akina home safely. As Rowan and Chrystal, plus their team, fought against the powerful criminals, the many illegal gangs, the vile individuals who had nothing to lose, they wondered if they would find Akina in time - or if they'd be too late...
Song of the Starlings is another outstanding adventure story by Aussie author T.M. Clark which I loved. Her knowledge of South Africa (she was born in Zimbabwe) shines out in all her novels, and the mix of suspense and danger, plus the horrors of child trafficking makes Song of the Starlings a powerful, compulsive novel. The striking cover showing the wildebeest in full flight drew me in as well! Chrystal's character is filled with strength and determination as she battles past demons, while Rowan's sense of purpose made him a perfect team member. It's been awhile since the author's last adult book, but it was well worth the wait! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
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