I honestly never expected to love this book as much as I did. I read this book in a few sittings, yes it was that good. ILOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!!
I honestly never expected to love this book as much as I did. I read this book in a few sittings, yes it was that good. I have added this book to my favourites shelf and if I could’ve given it more than five stars I would’ve because it truly deserves it (in my opinion).
I’m going to keep this review short cause my review really won’t do this book the justice it deserves. This book was recommended to me by a friend who said very little about it only that she enjoyed it. When I read what it was about I thought this wasn’t my kind of book, but after reading just a couple of chapters I was hooked and fully immersed in the story. I took an immediate liking to seventy-year-old Tova Sullivan. And who couldn’t fall in love with Marcellus the giant Pacific octopus? Captivating and beautifully written. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....more
My review would not do this phenomenal book justice, so I’m going to keep it brief.
The War Nurses by Aussie author AnBRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT!!!
My review would not do this phenomenal book justice, so I’m going to keep it brief.
The War Nurses by Aussie author Anthea Hodgson is a book unlike any I’ve ever read before. An outstanding, emotional, heartbreaking and unforgettable story. This is one of my favourite books of 2023. You you enjoy historical fiction then you MUST read this book. You will not be disappointed, but do keep the tissues handy. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....more
Sandy Bay Infant School was very close to Nutgrove Beach. It was the first day of Grade One with excited and nervous pupils arHobart, 7 February 1967.
Sandy Bay Infant School was very close to Nutgrove Beach. It was the first day of Grade One with excited and nervous pupils armed with their new exercise books, but sadly it was a frightening day for all as a severe fire was threatening the town.
Schoolteacher Catherine Turner heard that the fire had surrounded Hobart and was widespread down the Channel and in the Huon Valley. Catherine had thought her home, as well as her parents and her brother's homes, were safe, but once she heard the fire was moving fast and had jumped the river at Huon she wasn’t so sure anymore. Sadly the bushfire ripped through and destroyed the homestead and had taken the life of her beloved brother, Peter. These were devastating times for not only Catherine and her family but many families. Catherine was determined to rebuild the family business even though her father believed it was impossible to rebuild when so much had been lost.
The Last of the Apple Blossom by Australian author Mary-Lou Stephens is an unforgettable story of love, loss and about how communities pull together to help one another when a disaster like a bushfire destroys everything in its path. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel, but it is and it’s OUTSTANDING and beautifully written. If I could’ve given this book a ten-star rating I would’ve as it honestly was that good in my opinion. The amount of research that has gone into this book is phenomenal and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Yes you guessed it I LOVED this book and it’s going on my favourite list for 2022. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ...more
The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan is not only a brilliantly written story, it’s also a beautiful, heartfelt story wLOVED IT ❤️LOVED IT ❤️LOVED IT ❤️
The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan is not only a brilliantly written story, it’s also a beautiful, heartfelt story with characters you will instantly fall in love with. Following Frank and Shirley’s road trip adventure had me laughing out loud, but then there were times I had tears in my eyes.
This book will take you on a journey unlike any other, but it’s a journey that will stay with you for a long time to come. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot highly recommend it enough to anyone who is looking for their next read. Aussie author Lisa Ireland has done an exceptional job in writing this story and I immediately want to read everything she has written. Highly recommended.
I really don’t know where to begin with this review only to say that this was a BRILLIANT read and I only wish I could give it a ten start rating. YesI really don’t know where to begin with this review only to say that this was a BRILLIANT read and I only wish I could give it a ten start rating. Yes I LOVED it that much.
The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout is a magnificent story of a woman named Kate who works as an veterinarian at an animal shelter and is a single parent raising her son, Jasper. Sadly Jasper is suffering from the horrible disease of Cystic Fibrosis.
Working at the animal shelter can be a rewarding job, but it can also be stressful and emotional especially when some dogs can’t find a home and the shelter starts to run out of room. On one of Kate’s shifts a black dog comes in named Whistler and straight away you can see he has been mistreated rather badly. After numerous blood test and scans, Whistlers health is worse than they first thought. When Jasper comes in contact with Whistler he immediately feels a connection and it doesn’t take long for the pair to bond. Jasper has always wanted a dog, but with his health condition and where they live it’s never been possible. But Jasper won’t let up this time and he does all he can trying convince his mother that they should adopt Whistler. Just when he thinks he might’ve won his mother over something happens and to change everything.
I can’t express how much I enjoyed and LOVED this book so much so that at times I had to put it down and stop reading as I couldn’t bare to find out what was going to happen. There were so many twists and turns in this book which I didn’t see coming. An emotional roller coaster that had me hooked from the start all the way to the very last page. This is truly an extraordinary story about a boys fight against a horrific disease and his love and special bond of a dog that needs a home. Highly, highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof ARC copy to read and review. ...more
Ninety three year old Ivy Dunmore lives on her own at Roseglen a cattle station in North Queensland. Her husband passed aLOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!
Ninety three year old Ivy Dunmore lives on her own at Roseglen a cattle station in North Queensland. Her husband passed away many years ago, but she has her son, Ken and her close friend Mitch, who pop in regularly to find out how she is going and lend a helping hand if she needs it. Her two daughters Georgina and Felicity live further away and live busy lives, but they keep in contact when they can.
Feeling every bit of her age, Ivy knows her life is coming to an end and now is the time she must get everything in order, but will that include revealing her hidden secrets that she's kept buried for years?
I absolutely LOVED this book from the start all the way to the very last page. I have enjoyed all of Helene Young's books, but this book would be my favourite one by far. A heartfelt story which will remain with me for a long time to come. An amazing story that touches on issues such as greed, ageing and family. It also gives us an insight of the impact that drought stricken times has on families. I loved everything about this book from the characters (except one), Ivy was my very favourite, the writing, the setting and I especially enjoyed the ending. Highly recommended....more
Ruby Rose and Bobby lived next door to one another and were best friends. They spent their days in the Treehouse, which was in Ruby's backyard. They sRuby Rose and Bobby lived next door to one another and were best friends. They spent their days in the Treehouse, which was in Ruby's backyard. They shared an interest in silkworms, together they would watch and document their life cycle. Of course Ruby took charge as she did with most things and made sure it was all done the right way. Bobby was happy enough to just go along and agree with whatever Ruby said that's simply how their friendship was.
Ruby came from a very loving and supportive family, but Bobby's family was very much the opposite. Ruby was unaware of how different Bobby's family life was to hers until he mentioned a few things. One day Bobby told Ruby something which worried her, but he made her promise not to tell a soul. Not long after this Ruby returned home one day to find Bobby had disappeared. Why would her childhood best friend just up and leave without saying goodbye?
As time passed Ruby Rose still missed her best friend Bobby and she often wondered where he was and if she would ever see him again.
I just absolutely LOVED this book! Aussie author Lea Davey has written a heartwarming story that touches on issues such as domestic violence, family and friendship. This would have to be one of my favorite books that I've read this year. A book that has you searching for the tissue box has got to be a fantastic book, so be warned and keep the tissues close by. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Every so often you will come across a book that truly touches your heart and for me it was this book, Hannah's Dream. A really beautiful, heartfelt stEvery so often you will come across a book that truly touches your heart and for me it was this book, Hannah's Dream. A really beautiful, heartfelt story about an elephant named Hannah and her keeper named Samson Brown (Sam).
Sam has been taking care of Hannah for forty one years in a rundown zoo. Sam's love for Hannah is heartwarming and there isn't anything Sam wouldn't do for his Hannah, but Sam isn't getting any younger and his health is beginning to deteriorate. It's time for Sam to find somebody to take care of Hannah, but that may not be that easy and can or will Sam be able to hand Hannah over to someone else?
I absolutely LOVED this book so much so that it's going into my favorites shelf. Yes, I'll admit I'm an animal lover, so I do enjoy reading animal stories, but Hannah's Dream was a cut above the rest in my opinion. If you enjoy reading animal stories or just love a really good story, then PLEASE do yourself a favor and read this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....more
Thirteen year old Jenna Metcalf is determined to find out what happened to her mother, Alice who disappeared from her life when she was just three yeaThirteen year old Jenna Metcalf is determined to find out what happened to her mother, Alice who disappeared from her life when she was just three years old. Alice was a scientist who studied elephants in Botswana, Africa from there she went to New England Elephant Sanctuary. Jenna was eleven when she started actively searching for her mother, but getting someone to help her search would come at a cost, so she started taking up babysitting jobs. Jenna had asked her grandmother for answers, but she wasn't giving anything away and as for Jenna's father he was catatonic in a psychiatric hospital, so Jenna knew she wouldn't get any answers from him.
Together with the help from Serenity Jones who was a psychic and Virgil Stanhope a former detective, Jenna does all that she can to find the answers that she has desperately been trying to find in relation to her mother's disappearance. But ten years is a long time and trying to piece together information from that long ago is proving to be a challenge for everyone. Will Jenna find out what really happened to her mother all those years ago or will she be left with unanswered questions?
What a brilliantly written novel by Jodi Picoult. I cannot begin to tell you just how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The research that Jodi Picoult has done for this book really shows throughout this story and I found all the facts and information on elephants extremely interesting. A compelling read that will keep you entertained right to the very last page. And oh my goodness the twist at the end had me speechless as I did not see it coming. If you're a fan of Jodi Picoult like I am then don't let this one pass you by. HIGHLY recommended.
With thanks to The Reading Room and Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review. ...more
Abby Hunter is a struggling student who is studying kangaroos. Although her training may not pay very well Abby still loves tracking these beautiful bAbby Hunter is a struggling student who is studying kangaroos. Although her training may not pay very well Abby still loves tracking these beautiful big creatures. Just being able to watch them graze, sleep and interact with one another is more than enough for Abby. Having grown up on a farm in Victoria, Abby also loves being outdoors. She couldn't imagine being stuck in some stuffy office all day.
Cameron Barlow is a journalist and has been sent out to visit Abby to do an interview about the kangaroos. He wanted to meet in a cafe, but Abby wouldn't hear of it. She wanted him to get a clear understanding of what she did and to see the kangaroos in their own environment. Abby first impressions of Cameron was that he was a city boy who had no idea about how to drive on country roads. She showed him around and answered his questions and once he left he said he would keep in contact. And Abby was hoping he would keep he's word although Abby has always been a loner she did enjoy having Cameron there.
One day whilst Abby is out checking her kangaroos in the Birndabella Ranges she meets an elderly lady by the name of Daphne Norriington. Abby soon discovers that that this lady is the original owner of the deserted homestead in the area. Abby and Daphne will soon become close friends and they will share with each other their life long secrets. This is something that Abby has never done before as she has spent a lot of time on her own. The only other person she has ever opened up to was her gran who passed away when she was a teenager. But should some secrets and memories stay in the past as reliving them could do harm to those who are still here.
I absolutely LOVED this story. I loved all the characters especially Daphne. What a beautiful, sweet old lady. And I really enjoyed the friendship that Abby and Daphne shared as it reminded me of someone I use to know who was very close to me and we to shared a very special friendship. I also enjoyed reading about the kangaroos and the description of the countryside made you feel like you were there amongst it all. For me this book was a very enjoyable read and I didn't want it to end. I HGHLY recommend this book. This is a beautifully written novel by an Aussie author and one in which I will remember for a long time....more
The Thorn Birds is a beautifully written Australian novel. This story spans over three generations of the Cleary family. It mainly centres around younThe Thorn Birds is a beautifully written Australian novel. This story spans over three generations of the Cleary family. It mainly centres around young, Meggie who is the only girl in the family. Meggie's mother only has eyes for her sons which leaves. Meggie feeling very unloved by her mother. Growing up there are many things, Meggie needs to know about life in general, but Meggie knows she can't ask her mother. So Meggie turns to the the local priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart for answers. Ralph is very fond of, Meggie and the more he see her the stronger his feelings become. He can also see that Meggie is also starting to have feelings for him and knows he must put a stop to this before it goes any further. As the story unfolds we see the Cleary family deal with love and loss and with loss comes heartache.
I absolutely LOVED this amazing story. This is the first book I've read by, Colleen McCullough and it definitely won't be my last. The descriptions of the places in this book are incredible and you can picture it all so clearly as you are reading. This was a compelling, enjoyable and emotional read. This book took me quite awhile to get through, but it's one of those books that should not be hurried. If you love reading Classic or Historical novels then make sure this one is at the top of your list. I read this book with, Kathy a friend of mine who also loves reading. Although, Kathy read this book quite a long time ago she enjoyed just as much if not more the second time round. A truly memorable book that will stay with me for a long time to come. So if you haven't read this book PLEASE do yourself a favour and read it as you won't be disappointed. HIGHLY recommended. ...more
Bruce and Trudy Harrison are on their way home after being away for a weekend when a sign for Ocean View Gallery catches their attention. Once inside Bruce and Trudy Harrison are on their way home after being away for a weekend when a sign for Ocean View Gallery catches their attention. Once inside the gallery they are greeted by the owner Rueben. Rueben gives the couple a short rundown of the history of the gallery and tells them to have a look through on their own. Whilst having a look around they are both amazed at the views overlooking the ocean and the many room that are there. Once they have finished exploring Rueben offers them some coffee, but something doesn't feel right so Bruce and Trudy feel the need to leave in a hurry.
Unfortunately for Bruce and Trudy they were not able to leave as they wanted. What happened next was so unexpected and terrifying to the couple as they had no idea why this was happening to them. Bruce and Trudy were drugged, abused and traumatised and not sure if they would be able to escape. Eventually they were able to get away, but they are both badly bruised and frightened.
Once they arrive home they collect their children from Trudy's mum who was looking after them. Of course at first they don't want to tell anyone about what happened as they still can't quite believe it themselves. But in time they will question themselves as they try and piece together what happened. Did it really happen they way they remember it? And why had they been targeted?
This was a fantastic psychological thriller which had me on the edge of my seat. A fast paced thriller which I really enjoyed and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of reading. This is the first book I've read by Honey Brown and I can't wait to read another one by this fabulous Aussie author....more
Alice Howland is a fifty years old and is a psychology professor at Harvard University. Her career keeps her busy with teaching, speaking, engagementsAlice Howland is a fifty years old and is a psychology professor at Harvard University. Her career keeps her busy with teaching, speaking, engagements and plenty of research. She is married to John and they have three adult children who also lead busy lives.
During Alice's busy schedules she starts to notice that she is having moments of forgetfulness. She puts this down to stress, lack of sleep or perhaps the start of menopause. As the weeks pass by things start to get worse so Alice makes an appointment with her doctor. After numerous questions and tests Alice is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Of course at first she can't believe it as she is only fifty years old. Once she tells her family they are just as shocked and think this must be a wrong diagnoses. But sadly it's not and they will all to face the fact that Alice is changing and becoming a different person which will be permanent.
Over the next few years Alice participates in a trial for new medication, but her condition rapidly deteriorates and she becomes more confused, absent minded and lost. This is not only hard for Alice, but also for her loved ones as they try to cope from one day to the next.
This is a very moving story which touched me very deeply. I have dealt with this debilitating disease quite a lot over the last few years and truly it is hard on everyone involved. This novel paints a portrait of how heartbreaking the disease of early onset Alzheimer's can be. It also gives us an understanding of what families go through and how it effects them.
This is a very moving and emotional story and one in which will touch the hearts of many readers. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did....more
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