Review: The Milliner of Bendigo

Title: The Milliner of Bendigo

Author: Darry Fraser

Publisher: 29th November 2023 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 400 pages

Genre: historical fiction 

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Trouble with the law, a missing sister, and a growing attachment to the wrong man - Evie Emerson has a dangerous path ahead of her... an exciting and twisty historical mystery and adventure from a bestselling Australian author.

1898: Bendigo, Victoria:  Evie Emerson has worked hard to build a fashionable clientele for her hats. But when an ex-paramour employs underhanded tactics after his attempt to coerce an engagement fails, Evie's reputation is in tatters. On the heels of having to put a case together to defend herself in court, Evie's life is thrown into further turmoil when the disappearance of her sister takes her to Cobram. Roving reporter Fitzmorgan O'Shea has troubles of his his involvement in uncovering police corruption has placed a target on his back. And while Fitz is hunting a new story in Cobram his problems collide with Evie's when his research exposes malicious intimidation and threats designed to make local landholders give up their properties. For Raffety Dolan, he accepted long ago it's Fitz Evie loves - and his feelings will remain unrequited. But when a disgraced ex-policeman comes searching for revenge, Raff is ready to go save his friends. There, on the banks of the mighty Murray, with so much misunderstood history and secrets between the three friends - plus the legitimate threat of being shot at - will they survive long enough to discover the truth?

My Thoughts

‘Evie had told her that it was one of her creations and reached into her purse to give the lady her card: “Miss Evie Emerson, Milliner of Bendigo.’

Darry Fraser is at the top of her game with her latest Australian historical fiction writing, in fact, I think this may be her best yet! The Milliner of Bendigo is another wonderful tale to immerse yourself in with a strong female lead in male dominated colonial Australia. I love the fact that in each of her novels, Darry takes her female lead and explores with them at a time when women were on the cusp of acquiring some form of independence. Into this Darry can always be relied upon to weave an intriguing mystery with just the right amount of romance.

‘For goodness’ sake, I’m a milliner from Bendigo. A hat maker. A ladies’ fashion stylist, not a gun-toting circus performer.’

The leading lady on this occasion is Evie Emerson and gosh … does she have a lot to contend with. This is no one dimensional tale … there are multiple threads that Darry so expertly brings together with cliffhanger chapter endings until you reach a fitting conclusion. Not only is Evie a passionate artiste, a milliner with exquisite skill but she demonstrates throughout this tale she has the strength and tenacity to support family and friends in her fight with more than one foe. I applaud Darry for seamlessly weaving together topics ranging from women’s rights, to menopause (let me just reach for my fan), to corrupt local officials and cops, from siege’s and murder and the sadly hidden life of being gay at the turn of the century. 

‘…we’re not staying in here like simpering ninnies. We’re going to front them. We’re going out that window.’ Of course we are.’

Darry takes her readers back to 1898 with adventures through some of Victoria’s wonderful country towns - Bendigo, Ballarat, Echuca and Cobram - all featured in this tale that has many twists and turns. It was an absolute delight for readers of historical fiction and anyone who loves a tale so rich in its tapestry. Darry is certainly the master at capturing and putting to paper the Australian landscape and the Mighty Murray River. Adventures include hardships of living off the land, water usage and control of the river, transportation on paddlesteamers, to horseback and even a train ride to Cobram. Darry grants us a wonderful travel pass back into colonial times. 

‘..the river itself was a living, breathing entity—calm and meandering, vibrant and dangerous, moody and mysterious. A whole different world.’

I cannot let it pass without noting that readers of Darry’s other books will be more than pleased to learn that the wonderful character of Bendigo Barrett is back providing invaluable assistance into the investigations to refute liable claims against Evie. If you like to escape to a time long gone, a time when women attempted to exert some form of independence against a background of murder and corruption balanced with heartache and romance, then this will be the book for you. Life wasn’t easy for women who were often regarded as male property and I admired the few who banded together to fight justice. 

‘I always find it exhilarating when women band together to fight a common enemy.’

If you enjoy good Australian historical drama/romance then you will appreciate a few hours in this story Darry offers. I found it to be her best yet - it’s lots of fun. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Emergency Exit Only

Title: Emergency Exit Only

Author: Michelle Upton

Publisher: 29th November 2023 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 352 pages

Genre: contemporary, romance

Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

No evacuation plan, no safety net.

Amelia's quitting the daily grind to find her fantasy job.

But a shocking secret from the past shows her that where there's smoke, there's fire ... And sometimes you just have to save yourself.

Amelia Harris has played it safe all her life - but when a minor accident lands her in hospital, she dramatically quits the tedious office job she's had for a decade.

​

At a loss at what she wants to do next - and fast running out of cash - Amelia tries her hand at the dream jobs she's always fantasised about. Soon she's shadowing a thrilling cast of characters and professions - as a journalist, a florist, a wedding planner, a zookeeper, and more. Life couldn't be more exciting, especially when she meets the man of her dreams.

​

But when her mother, Toni, drops a truth bomb about their family, Amelia's whole world tilts on its axis. Meanwhile, each new job starts taking on a life of its own. Has she created a monster?

​

As she's about to find out, where there's smoke, there's fire, and sometimes you just have to save yourself.

​

A hilarious, big-hearted story about second chances from the author of Terms of Inheritance.

My Thoughts

‘Gary gasped. 'She's not!'

Craig bounced on his toes. "She is!' he squealed. 'She's doing it!'

Amelia evil-eyed her work colleagues as she marched past her desk and then did the thing she'd fantasised about doing for months. She pushed the bar on the emergency exit only door and opened it. Bright sunshine filled the office, and a piercing alarm rang out. Craig jumped up and down and pumped his fist in the air.

"You tell 'em, honey. You show 'em what you're made of!'

…

There was no going back.

WOW! WOW! WOW! I thought Michelle had hit the ball out of the park with her debut novel, Terms of Inheritance. I loved it. So I thought, could she do it again? You betcha! Emergency Exit Only came as such a fantastic surprise - I found it to be the perfect blend of reality and life lessons with a splash of humour and romance.

‘… talking about burnout and the importance of taking time to check in with yourself and ask if the life you've created is still working for you.’

At first I thought, ‘oh here we go … whiny, pedantic Amelia might really get on my nerves’. But gosh - her journey was sublime! Michelle has this incredible skill at combining lessons and laughter, morals and mayhem! The more I got into this book, the more I could not put it down. My highlighter was working overtime and my smile broadened as I turned each page to its fitting conclusion. 

When I interviewed Michelle (see the blog) on writing Terms of Inheritance, she explained how the story allowed her to reflect on the many lessons she had learnt and the growth that ensued. I can see how once again she has put these life lessons to work through the challenges Amelia gives herself in trying to discover how to live her best life. 

'I told myself it was normal. For twenty years, I convinced myself that was how everyone felt. I thought, everyone is anxious, everyone is tired, so why would I be any different? I thought if I could just make it to the weekend, I could carve out some time for me, and then I'd feel better, but of course, that was never enough.'

There is just so much to takeaway from this book but for me, Michelle’s tale spoke loudly about stepping out of your comfort zone in order to experience real growth. That you have to let go of what you know in order for life to happen to you - challenge you, exhaust you, reward you. This is a truly wonderful story - so real and relatable. A story of how a person is never too old to start afresh and learn to be true to yourself, especially when overcoming both internal and external forces. That letting go, forgiving and moving on are crucial and that your life’s attitude can determine so much. Emergency Exit Only …. read it. You won’t regret it. 

‘She suddenly realised she had only one life to live, one chance to experience what it was like to be human. She had one opportunity to bear witness to it all. It was like she'd been asleep her whole life, and now, at thirty-five, she'd finally been jolted awake. Her mum had been right. This was an awakening.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

 

Review: The House That Joy Built

Title: The House That Joy Built

Author: Holly Ringland

Publisher: 29th November 2023 by 4th Estate AU

Pages: 288 pages

Genre: nonfiction, self help, creativity

Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

An uplifting, powerful and inspiring book about breaking through fear and finding joy through creativity, from bestselling author, Holly Ringland.

The House that Joy Built is about how to give ourselves permission to be creative. It explores two big the fear that can block our creativity, and the permission we can meet that fear with - to not just create, but to revel in the life-changing wonder and joy of doing so. It offers a jump-start for the nervous heart of anyone whose desire to create is overruled by fear.It is a book for those people who yearn to write, as well as people who find their creativity gardeners, carpenters, sculptors, jewellery-makers, florists, songwriters, dancers, cooks, painters ... anyone who wants to make something but doesn't because they're afraid. Afraid of feeling vulnerable, of criticism and judgement from others, of not being good enough, of not having enough, of having 'bad' ideas, of being too much.It is for everyone who has ever felt stuck creatively, for those who don't know how to begin, for those who feel they have so much welling up inside and are just trying to find a way into themselves. This book is an openhearted clarion call to experience the joy and freedom of creating.

My Thoughts

Holly Ringland, author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding has penned her first nonfiction book, The House That Joy Built. Here Holly details a very personal recount of both the power and pleasure that comes from giving ourselves permission to create.  

This is a personal account in some respects, as Holly details her own steps through trauma, grief and even the seemingly simple self doubts surrounding daily living. She balances this with detailed ways of our innate need to create in whatever form that may take for each person. Holly speaks of the inner country of creativity and returning to the things you often loved to do as a child.

At times raw but also inspiring, Holly encourages readers to take back control of one’s creativity and carve both the time and space for it in this busy world. It is essential to a truly fulfilling life. 

Truth: at any age, at any time we can decide anew to return to the home of creativity inside ourselves.

Truth: it can be frightening to return.

Truth: the choice to create because we love to do it is ours.

Truth: it’s always fearful. Always joyful.

Welcome. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

 

Review: Love Me Do

Title: Love Me Do

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Publisher: 23rd November 2023 by HarperCollins Publishers Australia

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: Entertainment | General Fiction (Adult) | Romance

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

She may have given up on love – but she can still play Cupid for somebody else . . .

Lovelorn Brit Phoebe Chapman has barely set foot in her sister’s house in the Hollywood Hills when she’s swept up by lovable Bel, her sister’s personal trainer, and handsome Ren, the sweet and sensitive carpenter next door.

Bel has a head-over-heels crush on Ren but Ren has no idea Bel even exists. Certain that the two of them are meant to be together, Phoebe offers to play matchmaker.

Caught up with writing love letters and an unexpected friendship with a reclusive 82-year-old film star, Phoebe finds herself falling for the real Los Angeles – but is that all she’s falling for?

A feelgood, sunshine-filled, friends-to-lovers romcom, Love Me Do is a dreamy summer love story, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry.

My Thoughts

Lindsey Kelk strikes again! This is just plain ol’ romcom at its best! I loved her ‘On a Night Like This’ and hoped this book would bring the same feelings. Well, I am happy to report I think it does and perhaps even surpasses the ‘LOL’ and life journey moments. I am here for it. I am happy to say that Lindsey is quickly moving to my instant read author list. 

‘Last time I checked, there wasn’t a regulatory committee that agrees on one single, official definition.’ ‘I think you’ll find there is,’ I scoffed. ‘It’s called the internet and it convenes daily.’

Phoebe visits her sister in LA for a couple of weeks, trying to keep her mind off her ex and his upcoming wedding. Phoebe is such a relatable character with concerns and anxieties that I am sure many of us can relate to. These may be serious concerns or simply riotous in nature but gosh! It makes for enjoyable reading. 

‘All words had power; the ones we read, the ones we spoke and the ones we listened to. I understood that now. We had to be careful which ones we let in.’

I love that it is not all about the romance - there is a lot more to Lindsey’s books I am discovering. This is just as much a journey of self discovery with the romantic element not the main focus. Delightfully this is more about being true to yourself, not changing to please others in an effort to live your best life. 

‘No one knew what went on behind closed doors. How many other women spent their evenings uploading smiling photos while tears streamed down their faces? How many other women thought putting pictures of the good times out in the world would bring them back around again? Was it manifestation or self-delusion?’

I loved all the characters in this book whether it be in isolation, as pairs or in a group - quite an accomplishment when you think about it. Shout out to Myrna especially for bringing all the iconic status. Also, this book is a nod to Los Angeles and I loved the inviting descriptions of attractions that were not the natural go-to’s.

‘A smile carved faint lines around his mouth. ‘LA is whatever you want it to be,’ he replied. ‘You get out what you put in. Most people don’t see what you saw, they stick to the shiny surface, but if you dig a little deeper that’s where the good stuff is.’

Love Me Do is pure escapist fun - light and bright. A delightful story that will make you laugh, it will make you cry (in laughter more than likely) and it will take you on an amazing journey with fun characters to visit parts of LA that were really enjoyable. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Code Name Butterfly

Title: Code Name Butterfly

Author: Embassie Susberry

Publisher: 9th November 2023 by Avon Books UK

Pages: 432 pages

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction

Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Inspired by the incredible true story of Josephine Baker in the French Resistance, this is a heart-wrenching, unforgettable tale of the strength of the human spirit in the darkest days of World War II.

Paris, 1941. Journalist Elodie Mitchell has found bohemian Paris a huge culture a shock compared to her hometown of Chicago – but she loves the new-found freedom she's felt walking its streets. That is until the threat of Nazi occupation starts to loom larger by the day.

After a mysterious man invites her to a Josephine Baker show, Elodie is perplexed but dazzled by the decadence of the performance. But when Elodie is mistaken for Josephine and whisked backstage, she realises that the star's glamorous shows have been hiding a darker, far more important movement than anyone could have possibly imagined.

As Elodie gets embroiled in a whisper network of spies working to resist the occupation of France, she is given an assignment to go undercover as Josephine's cousin. Her mission? To gather crucial information that will protect not only the country she now calls home, but all the people within it who she has grown to love so dearly – and getting caught is not an option.

A heart-breaking wartime epic of love, bravery, survival and one woman’s stand against prejudice in all its forms.

My Thoughts

Code Name Butterfly is a historical fiction set in France at the beginning of World War II. Although the story begins and ends in present time with Elodie’s descendants, it is for the most part concerned with the WWII period. 

“… if you do the things you were placed on this earth to do, you will die, knowing that you lived.”

Elodie Mitchell is an American student and journalist living in Paris who is invited to see fellow American entertainer, Josephine Baker. Elodie, unwittingly, has been sought after to join a secret intelligence group that revolves around the social events Josephine gains access to. I was unfamiliar with Josephine Baker and enjoyed learning both the fictional and actual fame that surrounded her. Both Josephine and the fictional Elodie were strong female characters staying true to their ethos and philosophy. 

“I’m still trying to figure that out but it came down to doing something I can be proud of when I look back on my life.”

The story is rich in research and I appreciated this fresh lens of African Americans with the author seemingly accurately capturing what life would have been like at this time. The story does move somewhat slowly with drama not really unfolding until the latter pages and then things happen rather quickly. However, there are so many interesting layers to this book from the resistance movement, to life at this time seen through different cultures, to a little bit of romance. I also appreciated both the realism and overarching life themes presented throughout. 

“I believe what you put into the world is what you get out of it. I put a lot of goodness and light into those around me. I want to make this world a better place.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.