Review: Meet Me in Bendigo

 

Title: Meet Me in Bendigo

Author: Eva Scott

Publisher: 28th July 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Small-town Australia meets You've Got Mail in this rural romantic comedy about online dating, second chances, and following your heart.

Small-town sweetheart Annalisa Cappelli has returned to Wongilly to take over her family's hardware store while she heals from a tragic loss. The business was hit hard by the pandemic, and now a Carpenter's Warehouse hardware superstore is opening in the district. There's no way Annalisa is going to let two hundred years of history go down the drain, but she's going to need to fight to keep her family's legacy alive.

The one simple thing in her life is her no names, no complications, easy-breezy online relationship with GardenerGuy94. For now, their online flirtation is the only kind of romance Annalisa needs. Until she meets Ed Carpenter. Sexy as hell, he'd be the perfect man ... if he wasn't trying to destroy her business.

Ed Carpenter is in Wongilly to offer the owner of a small hardware store a payout to pave the way for his family's next superstore. What he doesn't expect is for the owner to be the woman he's been talking to online. Annalisa is beautiful and passionate, and he's sure she's the one for him. But how can he reveal the truth without losing her?

My Thoughts

Looking for a feel good read? Think an Aussie version of You’ve Got Mail might fit the bill? Then look no further than, Meet Me In Bendigo by Eva Scott. This is such a fun, light rom-com that will have you grinning from ear to ear as you follow along with Annalisa and Ed’s journey. Yes, you know how it ends but it is that journey that matters as you wait with baited breath to see how the truth will be revealed. 

‘Ed didn’t know how he was going to walk the tightrope between what he believed in and what he had to do, but he was willing to try. He had to get back to the man he used to be. Even if that meant bending a few rules.’

Another factor I really loved about this book was the secondary characters and small town vibe. I simply adored old Joe and his mates (they almost steal the show) with their witty barbs and comments. Her best friend Mel is also another winner. There are events throughout (apart from the obvious will they, won’t they) that made me smile - cleaning up after the kids party, the trip to protest in the minibus and the picnics in the field of flowers. 

For over a hundred years Cappellis had kept this store going in one form or another. They’d faced all sorts of hardships, from rebellion on the goldfields to war and recession. What advice would they give her? What would they make of the coronavirus and online shopping? Surely they’d have some useful wisdom to impart?’

The above events brought light to the story that was in fact filled with history past and present in the making. The inclusion of the newspaper articles spread throughout were an added bonus and really gave depth to both the story of the family and the history of the store. In the present, the impact of the current pandemic is delicately woven throughout and without being a focus, assists in providing the light and shade of the tale. 

‘I guess I miss me,’ he said so softly that Annalisa wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. ‘You miss you?’ ‘I feel a very long way from who I was before the pandemic started.’

I was totally in the mood for this Australian twist on the classic tale/movie of enemies to lovers. So if a light, fun filled romcom set in a rural Aussie town telling the tale of following your heart, being brave and moving on is what you are after, look no further.

‘I spent far too many years in the service of other people’s dreams. I don’t want you to end up the same way. Live for yourself for a change.’

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 Lost Girl of Berlin

Title: The Lost Girl of Berlin

Author: Ella Carey

Publisher: 12th July 2021 by Bookouture

Pages: 294 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

The truck stopped for a moment in the freezing, bombed-out street and Kate caught sight of a little girl in a ragged dress on the steps of a once-beautiful mansion. The child’s eyes were startling blue, a pair of endless pools, drawing Kate towards her…

1946, Berlin. War correspondent Kate Mancini is in Germany, reporting on the aftermath of the devastating war. For her readers back home in New York, she tells the stories of innocent families, trying to rebuild the wreckage of their lives now the soldiers have left at last. But in the Russian-held sector of Berlin on an icy winter’s day, Kate breaks all the rules, rescuing Mia Stein, a silent orphan who she fears will otherwise perish.

Together with her fellow journalist, handsome Rick Shearer, Kate manages to find a safe house for Mia before she returns to America and vows to keep in touch. Back home, the reality of post-war life for women is stark. Whilst Rick walks into his dream job, no newspaper will hire a woman. The editors laugh her out of their offices, telling her to get married and raise a family. Rick does all he can to support her, as she takes her first steps towards the new medium of television news, and their friendship deepens into something more.

Then tragedy strikes: Rick is falsely named as a communist sympathizer. He is arrested, blacklisted and faces prison.

Kate knows she must do all she can to free the man she loves. But that means returning to Germany, to seek out the little orphan girl who is her only chance at salvation. Kate and Rick saved Mia—will she help them both now? And even if Kate succeeds, freedom might never be hers when she returns home…

My Thoughts

I find myself drawn to yet another post WWII story as I find them so intriguing. Mind you, this story really is rich in detail especially given its shorter length. Ella Carey is yet again packing a punch and writing another fabulous tale. 

‘Editors say the war is done. That folks don’t want anything negative. They have moved on.” She studied the floor. “But how can that possibly be? If people saw this…”

Starting from the war’s conclusion and stretching to 1951, the story takes place in both Berlin and New York. Kate is a wonderful female lead, so strong and determined. You first see her as a news correspondent in Berlin desiring to save a war orphan. I was then pleasantly surprised with the unexpected route the story took. This was not just about the catastrophic devastation from the war but rather the place of women in this newly emerging world order. Kate is determined to pursue her journalistic passions despite so many doors being closed to her, deftly refusing to be shunted to housewife duties of any form. 

‘… a dark reality unfurled deep down inside. The woman who married Rick … would be expected to be a full-time wife, a society host ... A journalist from the Village would never do, especially one, who had political leanings. Keeping her career and her relationship with Rick would be all nigh impossible..’

Ella Carey’s novels just hit the mark for me time and again. From the contrasts of the clean up of Berlin and the Russian demarcation, to the role of women in a man’s world, to the impending communism culture and fears that burgeoned in America at this time. It is all written so well and convincingly. To switch from the appalling conditions of Berlin to the vibrant wealth of New York is confronting. 

The two leads are excellent and the obstacles they face tie in well together with all the themes of wealth and status, family cultures, unequal pay and opportunities, new immigrant prejudice, to even the new role of the television in news reporting. There is just so much to learn and read about all woven flawlessly into the story of Kate and Rick. Add in Mia’s war orphan experience towards the end and wow … just amazing storytelling. 

‘Mia’s silence felt like the silence of so many German people. Too afraid to speak, too afraid to draw any attention to themselves.’

Ella Carey has certainly cemented herself as a firm favourite author of mine. This is a rich tale where I fully appreciated all that Kate went through and how she persevered in dedicating  her life to so many areas. A truly inspiring tale that is not to be missed. 

“I’ve worked honestly to get where I’ve got, and I think women deserve exactly the same opportunities as men. I don’t believe in anything different. And I only hope that things change, one day, in America.”

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: All My Mothers

Title: All My Mothers

Author: Joanna Glen

Publisher: 28th July 2021 by HarperCollins Publishers Australia

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction 

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

From the author of the Costa shortlisted debut, The Other Half of Augusta Hope, comes the story of one girl’s journey to find her birth mother, and her realisation that mothers – and family – can be discovered in the most unexpected of places…

London, 1980s. Though she has a comfortable, privileged life, Eva Martínez-Green is deeply unhappy. The only child of an emotionally absent mother and a physically absent father, Eva has grown up in a cold, unloving house. But Eva is convinced that all is not as it seems. Why are there no baby pictures of her? Why do her parents avoid all questions about her early years?

When her parents’ relationship crumbles, Eva begins looking for a different, better life: a proper family, a perfect mother, and, importantly, real love. Her desire to find where she belongs leads Eva on a journey spanning years and continents – and, along the way, she meets women who challenge her idea of what a mother should be, and who will change her life forever…

My Thoughts

I was eager to read Joanna’s latest book as her previous one, The Other Half of Augusta Hope, was met with such great acclaim and I really enjoyed it. This one is likewise inviting but for different reasons. 

‘Some days heaven touches Earth.

And do we notice it at the time?

Or do we know it later - when heaven is snatched away?’

The story centres around Eva from her early years through to adulthood. Eva always feels that something does not quite sit right and spends time trying to discover the truth, not only about herself but also about origins and meaning for a person. Joanna is always upfront with her character's emotions, and here you will see Eva be both strong yet also fall apart. At times she may self-destruct and come across as hard to like but that is what adds depth and realism to the story. 

‘If it’s meant to be, it will work,’ I said, thinking that, although people said this a lot, it really was a load of crap.’

Yes, this is a journey of self discovery, however the themes run much deeper than that. It really is about life and how often things can come full circle to find yourself right back where you figuratively started. It is a story for females - girls, women, friends, mothers - this story sets out to investigate it all. 

‘A joy not often talked about, the joy of expertise.

I recommend it.

Finding your thing.

Your place in the scheme of things.’

At times I struggled with this book - it can read slowly with nothing appearing to be happening. I am also unsure about the constant sharp, clinical writing style that, whilst providing the desired impact, lost something through its regular use providing a lack of fluidity. 

‘How do we make happiness?

Is it by loving other people?

Is that how it works?’

This book will make you think and carefully consider your own female relationships - many readers are deeply moved by Eva’s journey. It is not an easy read with the complicated emotions and hesitancy, however, the fierceness of her devotion is something one cannot help but admire in Eva. 

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 Vet from Snowy River

Title: The Vet from Snowy River

Author: Stella Quinn

Publisher: 2nd June 2021 by Harlequin/HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 408 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but well-meaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country ... A fresh and funny rural romance, perfect for readers of Alissa Callen and Rachael Johns.

Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...

And thanks to her ex-boyfriend- she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...

Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with his killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?

My Thoughts

There is always that feel good sensation of reading a satisfying romance. It fills a place in our hearts. This is a wonderful debut and fulfills that sensation. 

There is much I enjoyed about this tale. I like that both the lead characters had backstories that succeeded in adding more depth to the story. There was Josh returning to his hometown and the issues concerning the veterinary practice; and, Vera with the reasons why she was escaping city living. I enjoyed the story behind the building restoration and as for the baking … well be prepared to salivate for all the yummies on offer. 

I loved that the secondary characters had a real depth to them. Graeme was a real stand out for me … so much in fact, that he achieved almost a whole star rating just for his contribution alone! Coming a close second was Josh’s daughter Poppy - I really enjoyed her character arc and loved to see the journey she was on. Even the animals, especially dear Jane Doe, really added that extra something to this tale. 

The issue I had was concerned the ‘Insta-love’ - it all happened too quickly. The relationship needed time to develop and I just found Josh to be too committed too early. I also felt that there were some loose threads all tied together very quickly and needed a bit more fleshing out eg. the issues surrounding the veterinary business. I am also still at a loss as to why Hannah was so closed up on her own personal life. Perhaps that is a future story? 

Overall, this provided some good escapism with solid backstories for both the main leads. The sense of community was rich and inviting - the cafe is certainly a place I would love to visit - if for no other reason than the food alone! I am with Vera, I would love to escape to a quiet rural spot with the view of a mountain, something yummy to eat and drink, with a cat purring in my lap!

‘She didn’t want coffee in some grey, city bistro. She wanted mountain air. She wanted a quiet moment in the chair by her window with a fat grey cat on her lap. She wanted to go home.’ 

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 Good Wife of Bath

Title: The Good Wife of Bath

Author: Karen Brooks 

Publisher: 7th July 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 526 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

In the middle ages, a poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version? Who would you believe?

England, The Year of Our Lord, 1364

When married off aged 12 to an elderly farmer, Eleanor Cornfed, who's constantly told to seek redemption for her many sins, quickly realises it won't matter what she says or does, God is not on her side - or any poor woman's for that matter.

But Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars. Both a lover and a fighter, she will not bow meekly to fate. Even if five marriages, several pilgrimages, many lovers, violence, mayhem and wildly divergent fortunes (that swoop up and down as if spinning on Fortuna's Wheel itself) do not for a peaceful life make.

Aided and abetted by her trusty god-sibling Alyson, the counsel of one Geoffrey Chaucer, and a good head for business, Eleanor fights to protect those she loves from the vagaries of life, the character deficits of her many husbands, the brutalities of medieval England and her own fatal flaw... a lusty appreciation of mankind. All while continuing to pursue the one thing all women want - control of their own lives.

My Thoughts

‘I’m merely a wife.’ I lowered my eyes and tried to appear demure. Master Mervyn stood. 'Ha!' he said and drained his drink. You may be a wife, but there’s nothing mere about you.’

‘The Good Wife of Bath’ is the fictitious story of The Wife of Bath from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales - something I am not overly familiar with. This is not a quick or light-hearted read (page numbers aside). However, what I can tell you is that Karen provides her readers with an absolutely epic tale of love and loss, heartbreak and hope from the Middle Ages and it is not to be missed. 

‘You’ve said it before. Many times. Lest you’re forgetting, I'm also an ugly little bitch. It’s not slipped my memory.’ Did he flinch? ‘I’ll have you know’, I said softly, ‘I’ve been called worse.’ (Just for the record, I hadn’t - not then.) He glanced at me. ‘They’re just words.’ (I was yet to learn the power they had to inflict injury.)’

This is a one woman’s tale and it is filled with everything life can throw at a person. It will call on strength and understanding but gosh … there will be a few laughs along the way. Karen has surely provided the perfect balance in this all engaging story. Starting off as a cheeky, young twelve year old, Eleanor ends up having five husbands and each brings with them a story within itself. Towards the end, when it would seem life and circumstance has worn her down, Eleanor still retains her staunch ambition and fierce loyalty towards her ‘family’. 

‘Philippa is accustomed to being her own woman,’ he said stiffly. 'I’m sure you of all people understand.’ Did I? I was hardly my own woman, I belonged to Turbet, and     before him, Fulk, and before him, Papa. What woman could really be called ‘her own’? What did that even mean?’

Medieval daily living leaps off the page, testament to Karen’s impressive research. You will witness everything from plague to trade, physical abuse to unbreakable friendship bonds. Each of the books Karen has written (and I have read them all) are amazing in their attention to detail and the rich historical fact and fiction provided - right down to the swearing! This makes for incredible storytelling and an unputdownable story. The authenticity of everything from dialogue to social mores of the day, is richly detailed and leaves the reader needing to know more.

‘I’ll tell you what,’ I said, before she could answer. ‘It makes me a fool, enslaved to my heart --- and my c---’   ‘It makes you a good wife,’ she interjected. ‘Prepared to give your husband the benefit of the doubt.’ ‘Good wife?’ A dry, bitter laugh escaped. ‘I should be by now. I’ve had plenty of practice.’

Life is certainly not easy for Eleanor and she is the representative for all women, strong and most certainly forthright in her views and opinions. It is crushing at times to see what she endures but her determination to do right by those she loves is beyond admirable. It’s courageous. And I believe that is what Karen wants you to recognise and be inspired by. 

‘It’s time you trusted who you are and stand up to anyone else who would try to belittle you. And that includes me. Do you hear me? Use your voice, woman, use it for yourself and for those who don’t have one. And use it well.’

‘The Good Wife of Bath’ is an exploration of the treatment of women in a time so far removed from what we know today. At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking, this book is sure to speak to many with Eleanor’s efforts to overcome the many adversities that arise throughout her eventful life. I highly recommend this book to not only lovers of history and literary classics, but also readers who love stories involving strong and complex women. 

‘I’ve been with this woman since she was just a wee bit older than Lowdy. She’s been through more than you can imagine and, guess what? It’s never stopped her trying, nor giving folk a chance. She never says anything she doesn’t mean and she certainly wouldn’t be making offers if they weren’t genuine.’

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: Cecily

Title: Cecily

Author: Annie Garthwaite

Publisher: 29th July 2021 by Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business Viking

Pages: 393 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

"Rebellion?"

The word is a spark. They can start a fire with it, or smother it in their fingertips.

She chooses to start a fire.

You are born high, but marry a traitor's son. You bear him twelve children, carry his cause and bury his past.

You play the game, against enemies who wish you ashes. Slowly, you rise.

You are Cecily.

But when the King who governs you proves unfit, what then?

Loyalty or treason - death may follow both. The board is set. Time to make your first move.

Told through the eyes of its greatest unseen protagonist, this astonishing debut plunges you into the blood and exhilaration of the first days of the Wars of the Roses, a war as women fight it.

My Thoughts

‘Women have no swords, brother. We do our work by talking.’

There is historical fiction and then there is Cecily. WOW! This is purist historical fiction at its best. This is one of those rare and memorable tales that gives voice to someone I had barely heard of but will now forever remember. Set at the conclusion of the Hundred Years War between England and France, and moving to the beginning of the Wars of the Roses, this story focuses on the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, mother of King Edward IV and Richard III and a force within her own right. 

This is powerhouse female historical fiction of an incredible woman from English history. Cecily is captivating, brilliant and on a mission. Highly intelligent she uses her ruthless bravery to further the fortunes of her loved ones and the love of country. For all this, I believe, she is portrayed as somehow authentic with her reality jumping off the pages. This is not some light version of history, oh no, here we have strategic planning, courageous confrontations, deadly battles and heart wrenching losses. A feminine view on a very much manly world of kings and courtiers. Here we are given a heroine to follow and cheer for. 

‘In her private darkness she calculates the value of all she has learned since coming into France: that the will of God, which has called all things into being, might turn a child into a king, a girl into a warrior, or a body into ash. And that any man – or woman indeed – may, according to their courage, shape His will to their purpose.’

This story with its cast of characters is rich in detail, locales and plots - in every aspect of the word. Through Cecily’s eyes you see all the outward trials of living in a cunning court to the inward matrimonial love yet sorrow of so many pregnancies and so much loss. It is consuming and fascinating as fact after fact is beautifully narrated with flowing fiction. Through it all the strength of the matriarch shines through and it is glorious to read. 

‘We depend, all, from Fortune’s wheel, and the wheel turns faster when pushed.’

Annie (author) does an amazing job in so many respects. You cannot help but be impressed with the depth and breadth of her research. To craft a story that reads so well for today’s audience is impressive. It is as if you are standing beside Cecily as she wisely considers the best course of action, or mourns and moves on. Add to that the descriptions of residences and rooms, the bitter winds of an English winter and it really becomes a complete novel. 

I thank Penguin Publishers UK for reaching out and offering a book I may otherwise have missed. If epic historical fiction is your thing, be sure not to miss Annie Garthwaite's incredible debut. As the author states herself:

‘Cecily lived through eighty years of tumultuous history, never far from the beating heart of power. She mothered kings, created a dynasty, brought her family through civil war. She met victories and defeats in equal measure and, in face of them all, lived on. Last woman standing. There had to be a story there, surely?’

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.