Review: The Library at Wagtail Ridge

Title: The Library at Wagtail Ridge

Author: Janet Gover

Publisher: 30th November 2022 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 400 pages

Genre: romance, contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

An unexpected and unusual inheritance sets a young woman on the road to discover her mother's deepest secret. A charming and heartfelt rural romance perfect for readers of Rachael Johns and Karly Lane.

When Lou Taylor inherits a quaint country cottage and a mobile library full of books from her birth mother, she heads to the small town of Wagtail Ridge to learn more about the woman she never knew. Curiously, the last piece of the bequest is a handwritten letter, the first of many Luca left scattered along the library's route in hopes of finally sharing her secrets with the daughter she had to give up.

The townspeople of Wagtail Ridge flock around Lou, wanting to share the stories of Luca's life, but she knows she must learn about her birth mother in the way Luca intended. Jake Barnes, her new neighbour, offers to help her follow the trail, but weighing on his conscience is a promise he made to Luca - a secret that now stands between him and the woman who's slowly capturing his heart...

As the kilometres fly by, Lou gradually untangles who her mother was and what lay behind the choices she made. At the same time, she finds herself drawing ever closer to kind, handsome Jake. But will it all be enough to keep her in Wagtail Ridge when she has another happy life waiting for her in the city?

A captivating story of love, family and belonging from award-winning romance author Janet Gover.

My Thoughts

The Library at Wagtail Ridge is a heartwarming story of Lou as she seeks to discover more about her birth mother and ultimately, herself. She travels to Wagtail Ridge where she has been bequeathed a cottage and mobile library. Throughout her journey, Lou is often angry and frustrated until, through a series of letters, she begins to understand the actions her birth mother made. Along the way Lou develops relationships (romantic and otherwise) with the local community who wish to welcome and embrace her. 

‘This was about who she was - and she really didn’t know the answer to that any more.’

All up this is a book with a number of themes, primarily one concerning the story of adoption. Through the anger Lou feels at the disruption to her life, she will learn to get all the facts about situations before jumping to any conclusions. The two main features in this read for me were twofold. Firstly, the mobile library. It was wonderful of Janet to shine the spotlight on these very remote communities and just how special and crucial such visits were. 

‘Library day was obviously something of a social occasion for the people who didn’t get many chances to just chat … The library was more than just a place to find a book.’

Secondly, the nod given - through the various letters Lou received from her birth mother - of wonderful Australian classics - The Shiralee, Seven Little Australians, Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Career - just to name a few. I love these books and they are a part of Australian literary culture.

‘Knowing I could spend my life in that room surrounded by literally thousands of books was a gift … Then I was given the mobile library to run. What a perfect combination: books and the open road.’

The Library at Wagtail Ridge is an easy read with a focus on the importance of community and finding a home where you belong. In essence it is a dedication to these small rural towns and the binding love of all things literary. 

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: Inside Bridgerton

Title: Inside Bridgerton

Author: Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers

Publisher: 29th November 2022 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 285 pages

Genre: non fiction, Bridgerton

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Inside Bridgerton is the intimate behind-the-scenes story of the hit Shondaland series on Netflix, from Shondaland executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.

Full-colour and beautifully designed, Inside Bridgerton is the official book about the show, and includes never before seen photographs, first-hand accounts on casting, insight into the decisions behind the costumes and sets, directors' accounts on shooting your favourite scenes, and more from the creative minds that launched a cultural phenomenon.

Shondaland executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers offer exclusive insights, and introduce you to the series writers, producers, directors, cast, crew and talented creatives who brought Julia Quinn's beloved novels to the screen.

My Thoughts

Being the huge fan of Bridgerton I am, I was beyond excited to receive a copy of this sensational book. It’s always enlightening to get behind the scenes and become immersed in something you love. Not only is this a stunning book visually but it is filled to the brim with such interesting facts and details. This book now has pride of place on my bookshelves. 

‘We wrote this book to share with you the craftsmanship, effort, and beauty of what went into building the world of Bridgerton. We also wrote this book to sneak you a few behind-the-scenes secrets. After all, we could not enter the world of Lady Whistledown without a few whispers of hot gossip, could we? Settle in. Loosen your corset. Gentle Reader, this is for you.’

As Julia Quinn herself states in the book, ‘It was utterly brilliant. Different, yes, but beautifully done in a way that I never would have considered. It was perfect.’  This tome is filled with gorgeous glossy photos from behind the scenes. It was fabulous to learn of the various locations used for filming and how a production of this magnitude is undertaken. For example, the chapter on the complexities of production was such an eye opener with details of how characters would go through 10-15 people before arriving on set!

The book is divided into sections: 1.Writing the World  2.Hiring the World  3.Defining the Ton  4.Building the World  5.Beyond the Page  6.Visualising the World. Within these chapters there is such a range of information on topics from the costuming including jewelry and undergarments (‘The factory ultimately held eighteen hundred dresses, all cataloged. Phoebe alone had eighty-six dresses.’);  and of a particular personal interest, a historian who commented on matters of authenticity with everything from Regency slang to making readers aware of what it would have been like in reality:

‘In the period, the trees were lit up by lamps filled with whale oil- - which smelled dreadful, so the Pleasure Gardens would have absolutely stank.’

If you are a fan of Bridgerton (or even the logistics of a production of this magnitude) getting your hands on a copy of Inside Bridgerton is a no-brainer. It’s big, it’s brash and it is absolutely beautiful. 

‘And so, Dearest Reader, here is hoping that you have delighted in this peek behind the scenes of Bridgerton. … Our hope is that this book makes you more interested, invested, and curious about Bridgerton, of course, but also about world-building in general, and the exquisite care that goes into every moment of production, whether it happens onscreen or off.’

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 Next Girl

Title: The Next Girl

Author: Pip Drysdale

Publisher: 30th November 2022 by Simon & Schuster Australia

Pages: 368 pages

Genre: thriller, crime

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Promising Young Woman meets High Fidelity in the dark and twisty new thriller from the bestselling author of The Sunday Girl, The Strangers We Know and The Paris Affair.

A bad day at work. A drunken night. A rogue Instagram follow. That’s all it takes to ruin a life … 

The question is, whose life will be ruined? When Billie wakes up in a strange guy’s bed, her first thought is: what happened last night? She can't even remember meeting him. And how the hell did she get to Coney Island?

Then reality bites and the memories flood in – the reason she was in that bar, drinking to start with: today she's going to get fired. Because yesterday her law firm lost a big case: Samuel Grange v Jane Delaney. And it looked like it was her fault.

It wasn't. Yet now Samuel Grange is free to drive off into the sunset in his stupid Porsche and do it all again to another woman. And all Billie can think is: What about the next girl? And the one after that? But there is nothing she can do to stop him.

Unless ... She could expose the truth about him on her own. Then everyone would see what he was really like. And he wouldn't be able to do it again.

The problem is, the only way to protect the next girl is to become the next girl. And, well, that could be a little risky ... even deadly.

My Thoughts

‘Because the only way for me to protect the next girl is if I am the next girl.’

The Next Girl is a standalone psychological thriller by bestselling Australian author, Pip Drysdale and I was so excited to finally sample her writing. All up I found an intelligent and interesting plot, with strong characters written in a most conducive way - this book kept me on the edge of my reading seat!

I liked Billie - complex and flawed - characteristics that make her totally believable. The story unfolds with her speaking to the reader which, to me, really hits the mark - it felt like reading her personal diary. Interspersed throughout is the crucial backstory where the reader learns about a past that helps make total sense of current unfolding events. I was hooked from the very beginning and eagerly turned the pages to find answers. 

‘I'm not sure how many more lies I have in me.’

This is a book that is fast paced and completely engaging as it is overflowing with suspense. The details are spot on, especially concerning the technology references which I loved. A domestic thriller that will hook you in and keep you guessing until you have all the puzzle pieces to complete the picture. 

‘I always thought that if I ever got caught for doing what I do, there would be some glory in it. That people would understand why. They might even applaud it.’

The suspenseful atmosphere Pip creates with twists and turns and both snappy sentences and short chapters were all impactful. This is a book that is sure to appeal to many. With the classic ‘whodunnit’ flavoured with many other serious and heavier themes including sexual violence, vengenance and revenge, coercion and control. This fast paced thriller with stalker vibes, several suspicious characters and a murder mystery is a read that completely drew me in. 

‘When I tell people I was drawn to working in the law because 'I wanted to help’, they always look at me like I'm a silly little girl with too much faith in the system. Like the world has some nasty surprises in store for me. But I’ve already had those nasty surprises; my way of helping isn't what they think it is.’

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: East of Alice

Title: East of Alice

Author: Annie Seaton

Publisher: 3rd November 2022 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 340 pages

Genre: romance, contemporary, mystery, suspense

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

A gem-fossicking discovery echoes through time and leads to a dangerous journey through the red dust outback. A gripping mystery from Australian author Annie Seaton.

Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs for a new job as a primary school teacher. It's been six years since her family broke apart following the disappearance of her twin brother. And the scars still run deep.

Hard on the heels of her homecoming, Saul Pearce, the man she once loved, is reposted from Parks and Wildlife in Darwin back to Alice. When an old car wreck is uncovered, washed down the river to Ruby Gap, Saul investigates only to find that the wreck belonged to Ethan, Gemma's twin - and there's a coded note for her in the glovebox.

Joining forces, they trek through the rugged outback, piecing together clues that not only bring them to the attention of a criminal organisation, but lead them to uncover an even older puzzle ... One now lost to the history books.

With targets on their backs, will they unearth the truth in time?

My Thoughts

Having read Annie’s previous books I came in with high expectations as she is renowned for writing a great mystery. East of Alice makes it ‘three for three’ for me and I am now a fully fledged Annie Seaton fan. Having a dual timeline - turn of the century (1900s) and contemporary - the story unfolds from two main perspectives of the same family. I enjoyed this book so much as both stories are well told with a list of engaging aspects - mystery, action, adventure, danger, romance - all set in one of the most isolated locations in Australia. 

‘It’s not all for nothing,’ he murmured quietly as she clung to him, his khaki shirt bunched in her fists. ‘We’ve come this far, Gem. And we won’t give up until we search every bit of this ground. If that tin’s here, we’ll find it.’

Annie has once again completed faultless research in her endeavor to transport her readers. Ruby Gap and its history had me running off to Google and tied in with a sensational thriller/mystery made this a highly compelling read. There was so much to learn from not only the history of settlement in the area but also, as in Annie’s previous books, the contemporary storyline. The story itself is a good one! It is a slow build up but once it gets going the escalating tension will easily see you flying through the pages to a satisfying end. The two main characters, Gemma and Saul, are on their own journeys and I was really glad of the way Annie laid out their romantic relationship. Romance is not the sole focus here and the way the storylines plays out is most realistic. I also appreciated the minor step back in time with another mystery from last century which unfolded alongside the present day one. It added a nice touch with a fitting conclusion for closure. 

‘Gemma closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Total and absolute quiet. The encompassing silence of the outback cocooned her; she was home in the place she loved.’

East of Alice is certainly a book worth looking into on a number of levels. Annie takes the reader in directions they certainly would not be expecting. This is an another great read with its gripping tale, detailed descriptions of the Australian outback and relatable characters. If you haven’t read a book by Annie I highly recommend you do so - you won’t be disappointed. 

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 Work Wives

Title: The Work Wives

Author: Rachael Johns

Publisher: 3rd November 2022 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 528 pages

Genre: contemporary

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

How well do you really know the people you work with?

For work wives Debra and Quinn, it's a case of opposites attract. They are each other's lifelines as they navigate office politics and jobs that pay the bills but don't inspire them.

Outside work, they are also friends, but where Quinn is addicted to dating apps and desperate to find love, Deb has sworn off men. Although Deb is not close to her own mother, her teenage daughter is her life and there's nothing she wouldn't do to protect her. But Ramona has other ideas and is beginning to push boundaries.

Life becomes even more complicated by the arrival of a new man at the office. One woman is attracted to him, while the other hoped she'd never meet him again.

But when Deb, Quinn and Ramona are forced to choose between friends, love and family, the ramifications run deeper than they could ever have expected.

The latest novel by bestselling, ABIA award winning author Rachael Johns will make you laugh, cry and wonder what secrets your friends are keeping!

My Thoughts

‘… why am I wasting my Friday night with this nice but boring, tennis obsessed man, when I could be with my work wife? So here I am.’

The Work Wives  is the latest offering by Aussie favourite Rachel Johns. A story of two friends, one with a daughter, and the impact of secrets. So, there are three first person narratives (one of them being a teen perspective) and this, along with the fact that I expected a story to be revolving around workplace situations, proved not to be quite the read I was expecting. 

I have read and enjoyed many of Rachel’s books but I came away a little disappointed with this one. Whilst I appreciated the overall storyline - two working women and how their friendship provides support through life’s ups and downs - I felt there were a few things that I could not reconcile. There were many themes in this story (bullying, abuse, domestic violence, aging, alzhimers, teen peer pressure, single parenting, online dating, emotional manipulation …. the list goes on) most of which were dependent upon seemingly contrived coincidences. This was a long read and I would have preferred fewer themes dealt with in greater depth. For example, themes of school bullying and domestic violence need to be sensitively and adequately presented. 

I am a long time supporter of Rachel, especially her rural romances, but I found this book did not quite hit the spot for me. Many of her fans are sure to love it, however, I felt too much was undertaken and, despite the book’s length, failed to be appropriately addressed. With a mixture of dark and light themes, The Work Wives is sure to speak to many readers. 

‘That’s what friends are for.’ Deb lifted her glass. ‘Amen. To friendship.’ They clinked and Quinn added, ‘And many, many, many years of it to come.’

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: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

Title: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

Author: Laura Taylor Namey

Publisher: 30th November 2022 by Simon & Schuster Australia

Pages: 320 pages

Genre: young adult, romance, contemporary 

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Love & Gelato meets Don’t Date Rosa Santos in this charming, heartfelt story following a Miami girl who unexpectedly finds love—and herself—in a small English town.

For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart.

Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell.

A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.

My Thoughts

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow was a Reese Witherspoon’s YA book club selection and I can see that it has a range of appealing aspects for its genre. There are many great themes in this book - family, grief, friendship, romance and especially a celebration of cultural diversity from both Cuba/Miami and England. 

‘Redeeming myself ? Is that what I was trying to do? Or was I just trying to fix the one crumbled, burned thing in my life I knew for certain I could make right?’

The main character, Lila is grieving from a lost friendship, a lost boyfriend, and the death of her Abuela. This is a story of family and friends, of the places and people that make a place a home and ways to find healing through these things. This is the story of a journey of self discovery. Apart from the obvious expectations, there were some great surprises in this book. I loved Lila’s passion for baking and how she incorporated her culture into her cooking. For a young person to be so proud of her heritage was refreshing. Then there was the contrast between the two cultures of Cuban and English (loved the tea shop) and I felt this was well done. Likewise, it was refreshing to be in Winchester, England.

“Thing is, when you put something back together it’s never exactly the same as it was before. What if she wants to fix things, but it means everything’s different from how you used to get on? Can you do that?”

 This proved a solid YA read with interesting characters and multiple layers to the story. I had a slight issue with the writing style, but otherwise it was a quick read and enjoyable story. A story of love, loss, and reinventing yourself told through good characters, settings and yummy food. 

‘I was brought up for this place, but I can change my life recipe too.’

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.