Review: Daughter of Australia

Title: Daughter of Australia

Author: Harmony Verna

Publisher: 21 March 2016 by Harlequin (Australia) MIRA

Pages: 464 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, womens fiction, romance

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

In a stunning debut novel that evokes the epic scope of Colleen McCullough's classic The Thorn Birds, Harmony Verna creates a poignant, beautifully told story of love and courage, set in Australia and America in the early decades of the twentieth century.

The desert of Western Australia is vast and unforgiving. It's a miracle that the little girl dressed in rags and abandoned in the sand is still breathing when an old miner discovers her. Even more so that he is able to keep her alive long enough to bring her to the town from which she'll take her name: Leonora. Sent to an orphanage, mute with grief and fear, Leonora slowly bonds with another orphan, James, who fights to protect her until both are sent away - Leonora to a wealthy American family, James to relatives who have emigrated from Ireland to claim him. 

Years later, Leonora is given a chance to return to her beloved Australia. There, in Wanjarri Downs, she will again come face to face with James, who's grown from a reticent boy into a strong, resourceful man. Only James knows the truth about Leonora - that her roots and her heart are here, among the gum trees and red earth. And they will fight to find a way back to each other, even as war, turmoil, and jealousy test their courage again and again. 

Sweeping in scale yet filled with intricately drawn characters and vivid details that conjure the fascinating setting, Daughter of Australia is storytelling at its best.

My Thoughts

One is always a little wary of 'debut' novels, and to be compared to the Australian classic, 'The Thorn Birds', brings with it high expectations. Let me tell you now, this book did not fail to deliver. It was epic: it tore at your heartstrings and was truly unforgettable. I do believe a new Australian classic has been born.

Lucky for me it was a long weekend and I indulged, allowing myself to be swept away by this stirring tale. I could not put this book down. It truly is beautifully written, with evocative and heartfelt words:

"The stitches that held his hard parts together, sutured over a lifetime, disintegrated with the touch. He fumbled for each strand, trying to quickly sew them back into place, but the look was too soft. The simple purity hurt."

Equally commendable is the well researched detail of life in the outback at the time of the First World War. The hardships involved with the life of being a miner; the life and loneliness of outback station living and the sad tale of the Stolen Generation:

"We help the children - the natives and especially the half-breeds - find permanent homes where they can be raised properly."

I was immersed from the very first page. From the moment that little girl is abandoned in the desert and rescued by 'Ghan' (what a poignant and sincere character he turned out to be) until the end when Leonora draws the strength from her Australian roots to face her demons and carve out the life she deserves. This book is absolutely littered with characters that will draw you in, make you laugh and make you cry. 

Verna conveys the very essence of the Australian bush, the harshness and the rewards. I really did not highlight that many passages as I was just lost in the very being of the who and what this story was about. It was quintessentially Australian. 

"Twilight ... the insects took over in a worldly purr; a kookaburra cackled between the ghost gums."

At the conclusion, I am happy to concur that Harmony Verna has done Colleen McCullough’s novels proud. Indeed, this book can take its place amongst the Australian classics. It's pages overflow with tales of love and courage, hardship and endurance, friendships and family. This is one of those books that will sit with you long after the last page has been turned. 

"She hadn't changed, only emerged from hibernation. Australia was her spring and she would never retreat again."

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 Syndicate

Title: The Syndicate (Timewaves #1)

Author: Sophie Davis

Publisher: 1 March 2016 by Sophie Davis Books

Pages: 586 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: science fiction, teens/young adult, time travel, fantasy

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

In a future where time travel has been outlawed, a black market exists for anyone with the money, connections, and nerve to request items from days past. As a Runner for one of the underground syndicates that now controls the timewaves, Stassi 2446-89 has seen it all: the fall of Rome, the rise of Hitler, the end of democracy, the establishment of time tourism, and the devastating consequences of it. Her job is to seamlessly slip through the past, in search of items of value to the syndicate's clientele.

Stassi's next assignment takes her to Paris in the 1920’s, in search of a lost manuscript by one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers. She and her partner, Gaige, are swept up in the City of Light during the height of fashion and culture—as alluring a locale as they’ve ever visited. But a seedier side of life lurks beneath the glamorous façade, and the pair quickly learns this run is more dangerous than any of their previous missions.

Because history isn’t playing out as it should be—a first for the syndicate. When the stakes are raised and it becomes a matter of life or death, Stassi and Gaige must ultimately decide how far they’re willing to go to ensure the future as they know it.

My Thoughts

I was excited to read this book. It comes with a great premise - time travel to secure historical items:

"Runners studied people, events and cultures, learning to blend within past societies without becoming a part of recorded history. And without causing ripples in the timewaves."

Unfortunately for me, it did not live up to expectations. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book by any means, in fact it was an easy read. It just was not for me for a few particular reasons. Firstly, it was really wordy. Really. The almost 600 pages could easily have been culled to make a more dramatic and engaging read. Some sections really dragged and others failed to contribute to the plot in my opinion. Pages and pages of nothing solid in contribution, going nowhere fast and so very repetitive. 

I also found that there were too many current day references for a book set in 2446 and travelling back to the 1920s. For example:

"Even that wasn't enough to combat the neon signs flashing 'Danger Will Robinson?' in my head".

Really 'Lost in Space' reference from the 1960s! Would teenagers of today actually get that?

I also understand that the main idea was to find a manuscript for a book which had been lost, and that the lead character was trying to work out where the locket that she had been given originated from, in the hope of discovering her birth parents. However, the story just seemed to take forever to get anywhere, and I would lose interest and begin to skim through sections. 

The biggest factor is that this book is definitely more for teenagers than young adults and about half way through this became really apparent. Adults, like myself, who like to engage in YA reading will struggle with what I consider the immaturity on occasions:

"Being the mature professional I was, I stuck my tongue out at him."

Therefore if you know any young teenagers who are into science fiction time travel tales, this is the book for them.

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 Madwoman Upstairs

Title: The Madwoman Upstairs

Author: Catherine Lowell

Publisher: 8 March 2016 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 407 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fiction (adult), contemporary, mystery, about books, romance

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Think you know all about Charlotte, Emily and Anne? Think again.

Samantha Whipple - a young American woman - is the last remaining descendant of the famous Brontë family, of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre fame. After losing her father, a brilliant author in his own right, Samantha travels to Oxford in search of a mysterious family inheritance, described to her only as 'The Warnings of Experience'.

While at Oxford, Samantha studies under Dr J. Timothy Orville III, a disarmingly handsome tutor who seems nothing but annoyed by her family heritage. With Orville as her tempestuous sidekick, Samantha sets out on a mission to piece together her family's history - which, it turns out, could also be literature's greatest buried secret.

A witty modern love story that draws from the enduringly popular classics.

My Thoughts

"Do you think that Charlotte Bronte invented the madwoman in Rochester's tower? ... I had an inkling that the madwoman in the attic was not quite as fictional as the world might have hoped."

WOW! What a complete surprise and amazing read. I shall try my best to convey how I was absolutely enraptured with this novel, however suffice to say, if you are a Bronte fan this is a MUST.READ! I did not expect to be so taken with it, but I was, and availed myself of every available opportunity to read. Such fascinating literary discussions - this book nerd was in heaven! I felt like I was back at university highlighting passage after passage, or at the very least, my Year 12 English class having rich literary discussions. Oh joy! 

"... the ones who believed in the sanctity of a text and judged a novel based only on the words on the page ... Dad, to him, books were living breathing things. Once a book left the brain of the author, it took on a life of its own, and served as the only liaison between the reader and the author."

All things said, this really is such an entertaining and witty novel that takes the works of the three Bronte sisters, has an academia backdrop and pursues a literary treasure hunt. The main lead, Samantha has grown up living in the shadows of her Bronte ancestry and now, with her beloved father dead she is off to Oxford to study literature. 

"I once again tipped my hat to my three dead female ancestors. Even in the grave they managed to exert a power I could not."

I really enjoyed Samantha’s character: she was funny yet charming, awkward and a loner. You will love her sarcasm and humour - she is a fabulous lead and this must all be attributed to Lowell and her amazing style. What a debut. Her romance with Orville was very ‘Bronte-ish’.

"I did not ask whether you are literate. I asked why you are studying English literature. What do you imagine it will provide you?"

"Unemployment."

It's been many years since I delved into a Bronte novel and this had me running back to my collection as memories came flooding back. To fully appreciate the inferencing and homage paid to the Brontes' in this book, it would be beneficial to be in some way familiar with Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. It will enhance your appreciation of the depth of research and commentary that Lowell has undertaken. However, it is not essential - the book is that good. 

The history of these particular writers was a history of censorship. Their work was defined not by what they wrote, but by what they had been forced to cut out."

Samantha attempts to make sense of what these books mean via the clues left behind by her father. She wants to make sense of these literary works, her legacy, and in doing so reconcile her past in an effort to become her own person. Gosh, I love books about books and I love the Bronte’s novels. 

If you love literature and the Bronte sisters, with a touch of mystery and romance, then this is the novel for you. It is quirky and wonderful, totally compelling as I lost myself in the well written prose. It will give you pause to ponder the reasons why and how we read. 

"We force ourselves to acknowledge what did exist in the Brontes' world: generations of women, who, silent and confined, reined in their passions and lived a life of seclusion."

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 Sisters of Versaille by Sally Christie

Title: The Sisters of Versailles
Author: Sally Christie
Publisher:  Atria Books (September 1, 2015)
ISBN: 9781501102967

Pages: 432 pages

How I Read It: eARC

Genre: historical fiction
My Rating: 3 cups 

Synopsis:
A sumptuous and sensual tale of power, romance, family, and betrayal centered around four sisters and one King. Carefully researched and ornately detailed, The Sisters of Versailles is the first book in an exciting new historical fiction trilogy about King Louis XV, France’s most “well-beloved” monarch, and the women who shared his heart and his bed.

Goodness, but sisters are a thing to fear.

Set against the lavish backdrop of the French Court in the early years of the 18th century, The Sisters of Versailles is the extraordinary tale of the five Nesle sisters—Louise, Pauline, Diane, Hortense, and Marie-Anne—four of whom became mistresses to King Louis XV. Their scandalous story is stranger than fiction but true in every shocking, amusing, and heartbreaking detail.

Court intriguers are beginning to sense that young King Louis XV, after seven years of marriage, is tiring of his Polish wife. The race is on to find a mistress for the royal bed as various factions put their best foot—and women—forward. The King’s scheming ministers push Louise, the eldest of the aristocratic Nesle sisters, into the arms of the King. Over the following decade, the four sisters—sweet, naïve Louise; ambitious Pauline; complacent Diane, and cunning Marie Anne—will conspire, betray, suffer, and triumph in a desperate fight for both love and power.

In the tradition of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Sisters of Versailles is a clever, intelligent, and absorbing novel that historical fiction fans will devour. Based on meticulous research on a group of women never before written about in English, Sally Christie’s stunning debut is a complex exploration of power and sisterhood—of the admiration, competition, and even hatred that can coexist within a family when the stakes are high enough.

My Thoughts:

"To the charming Nesle sisters," he says. "Each with their own charms, each unique. I would that I had known your mother well, ladies, that I could have thanked that most honorable woman for her efforts in producing such angels."

Five sisters, one king, four of the five 'ladies' become his mistresses -- The historical basis for this book is surely proof, once again, that truth can be stranger than fiction. Previously unfamiliar with the Nesle sisters and their association with Louis XV, I was certainly intrigued by the description of this book and curious to find out more.

The prose is easy-reading, and Sally Christie effectively conveys the atmosphere of the French Court with vivid descriptions of the luxurious surroundings and fashions, as well as the cutthroat maneuvering of the many courtiers. 

"In this vast palace it is hard to find one’s way; traps and trickery are everywhere and life is rich in rules that everyone seems to know but myself. The palace is like a treacherous flower I once heard about, beautiful and lush, that eats the flies that dare to land on its lips."

The story is told in alternating sections from the perspectives of the five sisters, and the author does a good job of giving each sister a unique voice. However, none are particularly likable and all feel one-dimensional -- almost 'cookie-cutter' representations of their personalities -- with virtually no character growth throughout the book.

It takes some time for the plot to get going, and once it does it tends to be somewhat repetitive and much like a soap opera. This is not altogether surprising considering that four of these women became the king's mistresses in turn, but I do feel there were missed opportunities by the author to create greater interest and tension through various political events or further interactions with influential figures such as the queen. Instead we are given primarily 'bedroom drama' and endless petty sniping amongst the sisters, which quickly becomes annoying.

Given the overall lack of reliable source materials regarding the Nesle sisters, Christie has made an admirable attempt at imagining their story. Unfortunately, though, it fell a bit flat for me, and I found it too shallow to be completely satisfying.

"Petty struggles, silly feuds, all of it, in the end, what does it matter? We were sisters; we should have loved each other."

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: Dastardly Deeds

Title: Dastardly Deeds - A Nell Forrest Mystery

Author: Ilsa Evans

Publisher: 10 March 2016 by Momentum (Pan Macmillan)

Pages: 302 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: general fiction (adult), contemporary, mystery

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

It was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime ...

When Nell Forrest's life hits a speed bump (which is most definitely not a midlife crisis) a cruise around the Mediterranean seems like just the ticket.

Unfortunately, that's an idea shared by her mother, her ex-husband, his new partner, and a police detective with whom Nell has a stormy history. Fortunately, meditation is just one of the many activities offered aboard the luxury liner, but Nell will need more than that to face what lies ahead.

A tragic death in Rome is quickly followed by another in Turkey. Then an unexpected discovery provides a link between the two, and Nell must stow her plans for relaxation once and for all.

One of her shipmates is a cold-blooded murderer, and it seems that Nell is the only one with the wherewithal to figure it out. But figure it out she must, because the murderer, like the cruise, has only just begun ...

Dastardly Deeds is the fourth book in Ilsa Evans' Nell Forrest Mystery series. The other three are Nefarious Doings, Ill-Gotten Gains and Forbidden Fruit.

This cosy mystery is perfect for fans of Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton, Kerry Greenwood and Joanna Fluke.

My Thoughts

This mystery is set on a cruise ship travelling on the Mediterranean. It is a very Australian tale, meaning, it's light-hearted and down-to-earth: a non-taxing, easy on the brain mystery that you can wander through over a weekend.

"In for a penny in for a bloody pound."

I have not read any previous Nell Forrest mysteries, and whilst it is definitely is a stand-a-lone read, one may in fact benefit from previous instalments in understanding characters. There were many characters onboard the ship and I really had to concentrate to remember the various connections.

This read reminds me of a favourite author of ours here at Great Reads and Tea Leaves, Deanna Raybourn and the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. It very much plays on finding the humour in a situation and how things can easily go awry and humorously so. For you see it incorporates some fabulously eccentric characters and crazy situations that make for a very entertaining read. You will have a few chuckles, both of a serious and non serious nature, as Evans brings her style of humour to the people and places. 

That said, there were some serious items addressed. I particularly admired her Gallipoli tribute:

"Ultimate sacrifice was the phrase that sprang to mind, but non of these men would have intended to die."

I believe Ilsa Evans cannot only find a funny side to some dire situations, but subtly reveals some profound insights:

"My problems were inconsequential, a whisper in the fabric of time. It was a heady realisation, providing a perspective."

What I particularly enjoyed was how Evans captures cruising beautifully. Having been on a couple of cruises myself, I can see how she was spot on with her observations both on and off the ship:

"Another island came into view....I wondered about the people who lived there, entire families I would never meet, living complete lives."  

Or,

"The tranquility was as intoxicating as the wine. I hadn't felt this content for a long time."

Dastardly Deeds is a good fun read, not of the calibre of Raybourn for banter and quirkiness, but still a most noteworthy tale. 

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: All That Is Lost Between Us

Title: All That Is Lost Between Us

Author: Sara Foster

Publisher: 1 February 2016 by Simon & Schuster (Australia)

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: general fiction (adult), contemporary, suspense, family, drama

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

A mother’s worst fears. A daughter in distress. A family falling apart.

Seventeen-year-old Georgia has a secret – one that is isolating her from everyone she loves. She is desperate to tell her best friend, but Sophia is ignoring her, and she doesn’t know why. Before she can find out, Sophia is left fighting for her life after a hit and run, with Georgia a traumatised witness.

As a school psychologist, Georgia’s mother, Anya, should be used to dealing with scared adolescents. However, it’s very different when the girl who needs help is your own child. Meanwhile, Georgia’s father, Callum, is wracked with a guilt he can’t share – and when her younger brother, Zac, stumbles on an unlikely truth, the family relationships begin to implode.

Georgia’s secret is about to go viral, leaving her in terrible danger. Can the family rise above the lies they have told and fight for what matters most of all?

The lies we tell for love are the most dangerous of all.

Set against the stark, rugged beauty of England’s Lake District,All That is Lost Between Us is a timeless thriller with a modern twist.

My Thoughts

What a great read and totally unexpected. I was involved from the start and Foster kept my attention all the way through. I really did not want to be interrupted with this read and got through it in a few days. It is probably a good thing to mix up the genres you read, and this drama/suspense is not my usual go to. However, there is no denying, when you are onto something good - and this was good.

This book I would classify into a few genres in fact - fiction, drama, even young adult at times. And this was just the beginning of the many aspects of this read that I found to be appealing. This was a mystery at heart I guess, yet I would challenge it being termed a psychological thriller - suspenseful undoubtedly. What Foster does, is present a riveting family drama that conveys how easily one can lose track of things in the craziness of this life and drift away from what is really important. 

"Then life took over, constricting us into one narrow pathway that was slowly overlaid with a movie reel of memories, the film eroding in places, our choices blurred with our forgotten dreams, our triumphs and our regrets."

Each chapter switches point of view - quite often a challenge in itself for many authors - but it was done really well. Foster gave you the opportunity to spend time with each family member and gain an understanding from their viewpoint. This leads to another plus, the complete realism of the issues covered - I challenge anyone reading this not to at some point, identify with a particular aspect. Yes, we are a family, yet at times, all living such separate lives. 

"To all intents and purposes we experience life alone, so what right do we have to assume that genetics, a communal living space and an array of shared memories give us unfettered access to one another?"

The writing is at times, perfection. I literally paused, reflected, then read again before moving on. The setting of the novel in England's Lake District is vivid and beautifully descriptive. I loved learning all about the 'fells' - a perfect backdrop for this family drama to play against.

"I would walk the fells on rainy afternoons and feel as though I was lost inside a Turner painting - stumbling through history, being offered a small glimpse of eternity within this enduring piece of earth."

Finally one last appealing aspect is how well Foster captured the mindset of a tween, teen, mother/wife, father/husband after years of marriage, so well. You remembered well the life of being a teenager and then here I am now as a mother, identifying with her angst as her children grow up. 

"I didn't realise how regularly your heart was wrenched by giving them their freedom ... each time this has happened I have said goodbye to some part of my children and to my ability to control their world and keep them safe."

All That is Lost Between Us is a MUST read family drama.

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: A Summer at Sea

Title: A Summer at Sea

Author: Katie Fford

Publisher: 11 February 2016 by Random House UK, Cornerstone Digital

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: womens fiction, romance, chick lit

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Emily is happy with her life just as it is. 

She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she’s also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air. 

So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance.

But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate. 

Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily. 

And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice. 

Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?

My Thoughts

Katie Fford does wonderful chick lit, you are guaranteed refreshing escapism. This story is particularly engaging and a good introduction to those who may be new to her style of writing. Fford's stories are heart-warming, tackle real life issues and often set against interesting back drops. On this occasion, the spotlight is on Scotland and the scenic descriptions make it a place you would long to visit.

I found Emily, the main character, to be strong and directed, something many women could relate to. She knows what makes her happy and fulfilled, whilst being caring and considerate at the same time. She makes this story real and relatable.

"I just want to stay single, living on my own, pleasing myself".

Then there are the many secondary characters who add much to this Scottish tale. Fford does a wonderful job in creating a real sense of community that makes this a relatable book for many, or at the very least, a community of people you would love to become a part of. 

The puffer boat added a unique component, not to mention the many mouth watering culinary dishes included throughout. And for all you knitters out there, you will love all the references and bonding over needles and wool:

"Fair Isle wool would be too scratchy for a baby anyway".

This is chick lit so there is nothing too taxing for the brain, just a lovely tale with great characters, set in a wonderful location. You know where it's going but you are happy to take that journey. My only complaint concerns a couple of things. One, Emily's BFF continually repeating her need for Emily to stay became a bit tiresome. Then towards the end there is an argument that I was disappointed by, as I found it a bit ridiculous in my humble opinion. However I did not want it to detract from what I felt, overall, was a good bit of escapism. Besides, there was reference to lots of tea drinking, something this tea lover did whilst reading another Fford winner.

"I'd never get back to sleep after what you told me so I thought: tea!"

I like Katie Fford's books: they are engaging, easy to read and flow well. I think A Summer At Sea is an entertaining and romantic read that I recommend to those in need of a light hearted weekend escape.

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.