Review: The Lost Love Song

Title: The Lost Love Song

Author: Minnie Darke

Publisher: 6th August 2020 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: womens fiction, romance, contemporary 

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

 

This is the story of a love song . . . And like any good love song, it has two parts.

In Australia, Arie Johnson waits impatiently for classical pianist Diana Clare to return from a world tour, hopeful that after seven years together she’ll finally agree to marry him.

On her travels, Diana composes a song for Arie. It’s the perfect way to express her love, knowing they’ll spend their lives together . . . Won’t they?

Then late one night, her love song is overheard, and begins its own journey across the world.

In Scotland, Evie Greenlees is drifting. It’s been years since she left Australia with a backpack, a one-way ticket and a dream of becoming a poet. Now she spends her days making coffee and her nights serving beer. And she’s not even sure whether the guy she lives with is really her boyfriend or just a flatmate.

Then one day she hears an exquisite love song. One that will connect her to a man with a broken heart . . .

My Thoughts

‘What was that thing you were playing?’ he asked. She looked up at him and shrugged. ‘Just a . . . song.’ ‘It was beautiful.’ He was right. It was beautiful..’

Love music? Then this tale is sure to take you on an enchanting journey as the musical notes reach far and wide, touching lives in a story centred around love and loss. A bittersweet story surrounding the inception of a love song, a song that was lost then found and ultimately travels across continents impacting upon those that hear the notes - notes that say so much more than words ever could. Yet, mind you, Minnie’s writing here is absolutely exquisite at times:

‘Emotionally, he felt her pulling away from him, like a tethered boat in a storm. The ropes were creaking, and there were days when the idea of letting go of her was so tempting, to the point that it sometimes even seemed like the right thing to do. But then he would look more closely at the horizon of that particular storm and know that he had to hold on, no matter what–even if she slammed against him with all her power, even if she broke him apart.’

The journey of this song is told through an array of serendipitous interactions between those who come within earshot of this musical composition. The reader witnesses the journey and the impact the music has on them in their current situation. There are a number of characters (too many?) who each contribute unknowingly to not only the passage of the song but also both the song and the listeners overall evolution. At times you will question the introduction of yet another new character/link until it becomes clear what their purpose is on this seemingly predestined journey. Some of the interludes are more relevant and engaging than others. The ending, of course, is to be expected yet this is a story about a love song so that can hardly be surprising. 

‘She wondered, as she read, if the process of growing up was the process of learning not to want, or to squash the wanting deep down inside you where it couldn’t be seen and could only be felt dimly, until something happened to sharpen its edges. Like hearing a love song in a train station.’

A love story it is, yet with such a unique twist, not only through the song itself, but also the chain of events that witnesses ‘love’ celebrated in all its many forms - lovers, friends, family etc. This is clever storytelling about the power of music and the role of hope in our lives and the possibility of second chances. It is beautifully written and the overall theme concerning the universal language of music is heart soothing. Recommended for some sweet escapism. 

‘I don’t think you’re meant to believe that it really does end there,’ she’d told him. ‘I think you’re meant to believe that it goes on and on, forever and ever.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Tuscan Contessa

Title: The Tuscan Contessa

Author: Dinah Jefferies

Publisher: 23rd July 2020 by Penguin Books (UK)

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, womens fiction, WWII

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

 

Contessa Sofia de' Corsi's peaceful Tuscan home has been upturned by the arrival of German soldiers. Desperate to fight back, she provides shelter, medical aid and any help she can, keeping her efforts secret from husband Lorenzo – who is also passing information to the Allies.

When Maxine, an Italian-American working for the resistance, arrives on Sofia’s doorstep, the pair forge an uneasy alliance. Practical, no-nonsense Maxine promised herself never to fall in love. But when she meets a young partisan named Marco, she realizes it’s a promise she can’t keep.

Before long, the two women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game with the Nazis.

Will they be discovered? And will they both be able to save the ones they love?

My Thoughts

I love Dinah Jefferies books as you are guaranteed to not only be transported back in time but to locations that literally jump off the page, allowing you to lose yourself in often faraway lands. On this occasion Dinah takes you to Tuscany, sadly not the warm and romantic version, but a Tuscany filled with sadness and desolation. This is the Tuscany of Nazi invasion in World War II and the women left behind who must be strong and courageous in their attempts to defy these invaders. 

‘Could it really be about to end? She’d always tried to be a kind person, someone happy to fit in, and ready to help wherever she could. Despite living under the yoke of Mussolini, she’d had an easy life, privileged, and able to do pretty much whatever she wanted. Of course, it hadn’t been entirely painless.’

Set in 1943 The ‘Contessa’ is Sofia de’ Corsi, who lives in Costello de’ Corsi with her husband Lorenzo -  a beautiful property contained within a medieval walled village that has been in the family for generations (you need to Google this - it looks incredible!) They are living in fear of a retreating German army, with Allies advancing and partisans trying to cause havoc. It is clearly evident the amount of research Dinah has undertaken for this tale with dates and events during this sad period in Italian history. Dinah does not shy away from writing about the ruthless cruelty of those dark days with scenes of death and destruction. However, she is sure to counterbalance this with courageous and heroic acts in the fight for good. The message here is one of hope and being there for loved ones in their time of need. 

This leads onto what is perhaps the strongest aspect of this tale and that is the role of women. Dinah does a fabulous job in highlighting not only how they dealt with the day to day issues during the occupation but also the important roles and risks they took for their loved ones and their homes.  

‘Sofia closed her eyes for a second and, when she opened them again, knew she was forever changed; she had instantly become a completely different person in a completely different world. This act of utter provocation incited such a feeling of rage and revulsion that it flooded her whole body.’

Personally, I found this was not as gripping as Dinah’s other novels as I did not find myself swept away by it. I agree with other reviewers that perhaps the focus may have been too strongly focused on the research. Where, in other reads, the narratives are the driving force, in this tale they seemed to play second fiddle to key dates and events. The characters were not as engaging as they had to fulfill certain functions in what was driving the story - the events of the Nazi occupation of Italy. Still, for history buffs, this is a good story. 

Dinah writes beautifully with vivid descriptions and realistic portrayals of life at that time. She has the talent to transport her readers to another time and place, and on this occasion, to be a part of the friendship and bravery of the women of Tuscany. 

‘No. I want to be myself.’ When asked to explain exactly what that self was, she’d floundered. What she really wanted, what she longed for, was an open life, one in which she could find out about herself and thrive, not simply survive as her mother had done.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Where the Lost Wander

Title: Where the Lost Wander

Author: Amy Harmon

Publisher: 28th April  2020 by Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 328 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, womens fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

In this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss.

The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both.

But life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death. Even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. John’s heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory only to come between them as they seek to build a life together.

When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Ripped apart, they can’t turn back, they can’t go on, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make terrible sacrifices to find each other, save each other, and eventually…make peace with who they are.

My Thoughts

Amy Harmon has a new book out! Sign me up! Amy is one of those buy without knowing authors, as her writing is so lyrical and you are always guaranteed to be swept away. ‘Where the Lost Wander’ is a wonderful tale set in 1853 on the Oregon Trail, a moving story of hardship and love.

‘Feeling . . . not so much. Feeling is instant. It’s reaction. But thinking? Thinking is hard work. Feeling doesn’t take any work at all. I’m not saying it’s wrong. Not saying it’s right either. It just is.’

Amy is an incredible author - she can literally turn her hand to any genre. She could write something on a napkin and I would sign up to read it. I have read her fantasy, contemporary, historical - and each time she nails it. Her storytelling in any field, the characters she produces and research undertaken is always impressive. 

Now, the prologue!  WOW! Do you remember all those Westerns you would watch as kids, cowboys, Indians, settlers in wagons? Made me think of all that. She hits you with it in the beginning and then you wait the whole story to see when and where it will come to pass. This is not an easy read for anyone squeamish. It is brutal and confronting at times. Yet that was the reality for both pioneering families and Native Americans alike. 

“I know my own mind, Mr. Lowry. I always have. My own heart too.” “But you don’t know the terrain.” “I’m counting on you to guide me through it, John, all the way to California.” “I’ve never been,” he murmurs. “I don’t know how to do this . . . any of it.” “So we go steady and slow,” I say.

Then there are the characters. The story is then told in dual viewpoints by both Naomi May and John Lowry. This is a love story but counterbalanced against this is the suffering, hardships and incredible loss experiences by many. There are such interesting secondary characters also - Naomi’s mother and Jack’s father for starters - and the story behind Chief Washakie is worth reading for its own sake. The authors note at the end helped provide perspective to real events and characters. 

If you have never read an Amy Harmon book, I suggest you do (HERE) ... and soon. She has an incredible way with words and I will gladly read anything and everything she writes. This book is not one of my more favoured ones of hers, however that being said, I still loved it and would recommend it to those who have a particular interest in American pioneering history. 

“The hardest thing about life is knowing what matters and what doesn’t,” Winifred muses. “If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose. The trick is to find firm ground between the two ways of being.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Just an Ordinary Family

Title: Just an Ordinary Family

Author: Fiona Lowe

Publisher: 24th February 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 507 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: womens fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Every family has its secrets...

Alice Hunter is smarting from the raw deal life has thrown her way: suddenly single, jobless and forced to move home to her parents' tiny seaside town. And now she faces an uncomfortable truth. She wants her twin sister Libby's enviable life.

Libby's closest friend Jess Dekic has been around the Hunter family for so long she might as well be blood. She's always considered herself a sister closer to Libby than Alice ever could be...

Libby Hunter has all of life's boxes ticked: prominent small-town doctor, gorgeous husband and two young daughters. But when she is betrayed by those she loves most, it reveals how tenuous her world is...

For Karen Hunter, her children are a double-edged sword of pain and pride. She's always tried to guide her girls through life's pitfalls, but how do you protect your children when they're adults?

As the family implodes, the fallout for these four women will be inescapable...

My Thoughts

I have read a few Fiona Lowe books, Home Fires, from last year totally flawed me (review HERE). This book, whilst similarly dealing with small town life, is a different story but still one of great character analysis. Just An Ordinary Family investigates themes such as love, trust, betrayal and regret. Fiona herself stated that she wished to highlight ..”how often we delude ourselves that our actions will only result in one specific outcome and that when we explain ourselves, others will understand and forgive.” But do they?

The characters here are both real and relatable, they make mistakes as we all often do and this tale investigates the regrets that often come from not facing those errors. Relationships that go to the brink because of misunderstandings and words expressed in anger. The question is, can these issues be overcome? Will secrets, once revealed, leave wounds that cannot heal? Fiona will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions with each of her  main characters as they face the consequences of their actions. They are flawed and thus don’t make the best decisions but they are human, that being, their intentions are often pure or well meant. Readers will have to decide for themselves who they support and why, with opinions more than likely to differ - but isn’t that true to life? 

The only drawback is the length of this book - it is a long one. At times the dialogue goes round and round in circles and could in some parts have been condensed. There are multiple storylines with a lot going on. Yet once I passed halfway I became fully engaged in each of the women's quests. 

Overall this is an epic family saga focusing on love and forgiveness. It’s intense and real with a walkaway message to treasure each and every day. 

‘We owe it to the children to honour our mistakes, learn from them and live the best version of ourselves.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Just One Wish

Title: Just One Wish

Author: Rachael Johns

Publisher: 21st October 2019 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 496 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: drama, womens fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Three women, three secrets, one life-changing journey. Alice has always been a trailblazer as a scientist, activist and mother. She knew her choices would involve sacrifices, but now, on the eve of her eightieth birthday, she's beginning to wonder if she's sacrificed too much.

Alice's daughter, Sappho, rebelled against her unconventional upbringing, choosing to marry young and embrace life as a homemaker, but her status as a domestic goddess has recently taken a surprising turn.

Ged has always been the peacemaker between her grandmother and mother. A tenacious journalist, she knows what she wants in life and love, yet when everything in her world starts falling apart, she begins to question whether she really knows anyone at all.

At a crossroads in each of their lives, Alice, Sappho and Ged embark on a celebratory trip together, but instead of bringing them closer, the holiday sparks life-changing consequences and lifts the lid on a fifty-year-old secret.

Can Ged rescue her family if their story is built on a betrayal?

My Thoughts

‘All my life I’d felt torn between Mum and Gralice on some level, but this … this was worse than ever because this wasn’t about differences of opinion, this was about matters of the heart. I loved them both and this rift between them was tearing me to pieces.’

Rachael Johns once again provides her readers with a fabulous contemporary family drama through the life experiences and choices of three generations of women. Set in my home state of Victoria and told from the perspective of the youngest family member, Ged (Geraldine), this story follows along as family secrets come to light for all - grandmother, mother and daughter - and the impending implications of the decisions each of them have to make. 

This book is reflective of a number of present day multigenerational issues which makes for contemporary reading. Some of the topics raised include: feminism, single parenting, LGBT, impact of social media and aged care being the main ones. There is quite a lot going on here. Whilst I applaud Rachael, I did find that at times the pacing became a little bogged down as so many conversations pertaining to these issues were engaged upon. 

Overall, however, reading Rachael’s books is always sure to make you smile, make you think and ponder the deeper, more engaging issues raised. Just One Wish is most certainly a realistic portrayal of the complexity of modern day families that is sure to resonate with many readers. 

‘If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late—it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes

Title: The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes

Author: Ruth Hogan

Publisher: 11th June 2019 by Crooked Lane Books

Pages: 352 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: womens fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Masha is drowning.

Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, her life has been forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago.

Unable to let go of her grief, she finds solace in the silent company of the souls of her local Victorian cemetery and at the town's lido, where she seeks refuge underwater - safe from the noise and the pain.

But a chance encounter with two extraordinary women - the fabulous and wise Kitty Muriel, a convent girl-turned-magician's wife-turned-seventy-something-roller-disco-fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice - opens up a new world of possibilities, and the chance to start living again.

Until the fateful day when the past comes roaring back...

My Thoughts

‘Some people leave an indelible imprint on your life, like the indentation of a fossil in rock.’

I have thoroughly enjoyed all Ruth Hogan’s novels, so I had high expectations coming into, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes. Once again she presents you with such an original tale, inclusive of all the quirkiness we have come to know and love. There is a beautiful balance within this novel that contains such overwhelming sadness yet also includes light and a hopeful outlook.

“I want to change my life. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it just yet. I don’t have a plan, just a feeling. A feeling that this, the way I’m living now, is not enough. Not any more. And only I can change it.”

Firstly, the despair and grief that consumes Masha is absolutely palpable. You can begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child. I also love the relationship she has with her dog especially with her walks through an old Victorian cemetery, where she eventually encounters ‘Sally, Red Shoes’.  The stories Masha creates and love she provides to those dearly departed is heartwarming. The range of supporting characters are magnificent - once again, providing that balance of light and shade. They are vibrant and each have a part to play, especially Sally:

‘As I look up, I realise that Sally is studying my face intently. ‘You have lost your joy.’

What ties everything together in a Ruth Hogan novel is her writing style. There are some pretty hefty themes tackled here but through her quirky prose, you might find yourself welling up on one page and then having a huge smile come the next. Her writing, whilst for Masha is extremely introspective, is also insightful as she confronts the loss of loved ones. Filled to the brim with charm and wit, Ruth brings you through dark despair to rediscover life’s moments of pure joy. Bravo! There is a profound wisdom regaled in such a fashion that it is bound to touch your heart. 

‘... grief is not a linear thing. It reboots unexpectedly at a certain smell or sight or sound, and some days I still feel as though my world is like a patchwork quilt that’s coming unstitched.’

So fear not, Ruth will take you on a journey from the pits of despair to rays of light and hope. Such a talent to write like so and produce yet another beautiful story for her readers. To work through grief and find the will to keep living despite such tragedy and pain. This is an overall uplifting novel filled to the brim with reflective passages.

‘When the music ends for someone you love you don’t stop dancing. You dance for them as well.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Jenna - The Outback Brides of Wirralong

Title: Jenna - The Outback Brides of Wirralong

Author: Barbara Hannay

Publisher: 8th May 2019 by Tule Publishing

Pages: 141 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: womens fiction, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Jenna Matthews is a city girl, no question. Despite a childhood spent in the Outback, she's committed to her fast-paced life and the competitive world of corporate law. When her best friend asks her to be bridesmaid, Jenna finds herself in Wirralong and wildly attracted to the best man. A fling? Why not?

Dangerously sexy Sam Twist runs his vast family sheep property and is as keen as Jenna to keep their relationship at fling status. Then the authorities turn up on his door step and Jenna jumps in to help despite Sam’s protests.

She soon learns that after years of drought, there are others in the district who need her skills. Her dilemma? Spending too much time around Sam is perilous. He could rob a girl of her heart.

My Thoughts

The Outback Brides of Wirralong is a series of romance books by a selection of Australian authors.  Together they bring to life a fictional Victorian town through selected stories filled with drama and romance. Each book can be read as a standalone and, on this occasion,  I could not pass up the opportunity to read Barbara’s contribution as she is a firm favourite of mine.

Barbara Hannay is a talented writer, I mean who could write so much in so few words, providing such an engaging getaway. A classic scenario of workaholic city girl meets sexy outback farmer. Cliched? Of course - but that’s the point - it guarantees light and entertaining escapism. For a breath of fresh air, take a journey with Barbara as she transports you to the country where Jenna and Sam try to distance themselves from their certain attraction. Add in a few sweet lambs, a big international corporation fighting over land rights and this little novella packs a real punch.

 Superbly written, I highly recommend this light and romantic novella that has more to it than first meets the eye. A great weekend read.

‘How did people get over the biggest mistakes of their lives?’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.