Review: The Imperfects

Title: The Imperfects

Author: Amy Meyerson

Publisher: 20th April 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: family, mystery, contemporary

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays comes a captivating new novel about a priceless inheritance that leads one family on a life-altering pursuit of the truth.

The Millers are far from perfect. Estranged siblings Beck, Ashley and Jake find themselves under one roof for the first time in years, forced to confront old resentments and betrayals, when their mysterious, eccentric matriarch, Helen, passes away. But their lives are about to change when they find a secret inheritance hidden among her possessions—the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat yellow gemstone that went missing from the Austrian Empire a century ago.

Desperate to learn how one of the world’s most elusive diamonds ended up in Helen’s bedroom, they begin investigating her past only to realize how little they know about their brave, resilient grandmother. As the Millers race to determine whether they are the rightful heirs to the diamond and the fortune it promises, they uncover a past more tragic and powerful than they ever could have imagined, forever changing their connection to their heritage and each other.

Inspired by the true story of the real, still-missing Florentine Diamond, The Imperfects illuminates the sacrifices we make for family and how sometimes discovering the truth of the past is the only way to better the future.

My Thoughts

“I’ve been so busy thinking she betrayed me I didn’t stop to consider that she may have been protecting me.”

The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a contemporary tale with an interesting historical backstory. Travel along with the family as they investigate the mystery behind the Florentine Diamond and how it came to be in their family’s possession. Much like the stone itself, this tale is as much about the individual members of the family as they face their own ‘imperfections’. 

The most interesting aspect of this novel for me was the history (fiction based on some truth and myth) behind the diamond. Amy lets her creativity flow as she imagines how it might have ended up with this family. This is so engaging that you are left wishing more time were devoted to this aspect of the story. The history of the diamond is fascinating and Amy’s twist on where it might have gone to after its disappearance in 1918 is worthwhile. I particularly enjoyed these historical aspects to the novel. Sadly, the majority of the novel is not dedicated to this but rather the family members and their backstories. 

Each member of the Miller family is given the opportunity to tell their story with its many obstacles, challenges and many, many setbacks. With the discovery of the diamond it sets in motion their journey to prove its authenticity and their legitimacy eager to anticipate how it could change their lives. Whereas I would have preferred the story behind the diamond's journey, we are left with a squabbling family that do nothing to endear themselves to the reader, despite their obvious ‘imperfections’. They are hard to like and the ending ... well, a bit of a letdown despite the author's obvious wish to indicate otherwise.  The bickering between siblings gets too much at times, despite labelling them dysfunctional. 

The premise of the book had much potential and overall the historical mystery kept it afloat. If only there had been more of the grandmother and less of the squabbling siblings.  The story of the grandmother Helen and her mother Flora would have made a very compelling tale. I understand the modern characters were flawed and that this was a journey to maybe allow them to work together and heal their rifts?

“You can’t make characters like these up.” “Don’t worry,” Jake assures him. “I won’t write about your friends.” Mr. Frankel stops, still holding Jake’s arm. “Oh, you must. If we don’t tell stories, they disappear. You must write everything. You must keep us alive.”

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: Code Name Hélène

Title: Code Name Hélène

Author: Ariel Lawhon

Publisher: 31st March 2020 by Simon & Schuster (Australia)

Pages: 464 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

February 29, 1944: I am about to jump out of an aeroplane for the first time … I don’t care that every man is looking at me as though I don’t belong. Besides, I’m hungover. And I think I might throw up …

In 1936 intrepid young New Zealand journalist Nancy Wake is living in Paris after witnessing firsthand the terror of Hitler’s rise in Europe, firing her resolve to fight against the Nazis. When Nancy falls in love with handsome French industrialist Henri Fiocca, no sooner has she become Mrs Fiocca than the Germans invade France and Nancy takes yet another name, a codename – the first of many.

As the elusive Lucienne Carlier she smuggles people across borders and earns a new name ‘The White Mouse’ along with a five million franc bounty on her head, courtesy of the Gestapo. Forced to flee France, Nancy is trained by an elite espionage group under the codename Hélène. Finally, with mission in hand, she is airdropped back into France as the deadly Madame Andrée. But the closer to liberation France gets, the more exposed Nancy – and the people she loves – will become.

Based on the true story of an extraordinary woman who saved countless lives, Code Name Hélène is a thrilling tale of danger, intrigue, unfaltering courage, remarkable sacrifice – and love.

My Thoughts

Being Australian, I am familiar with Nancy Wake and the heroic events she was involved in during WWII in France. I find it interesting that this is the second book to have been released at the same time regarding Nancy. I read and thoroughly enjoyed ‘Liberation’ (review HERE) and although both focus on Nancy with similar events, they are quite different in their approach. Liberation is shorter and I found it to be more action packed. This book is longer and therefore has the time to delve deeper especially involving Nancy’s marriage. I appreciated both. I am a fan of Ariel’s having read and thoroughly enjoyed her book, ‘Flight of Dreams’ (review HERE) and knew she would do a fine job of capturing the essence of the enigma that was Nancy Wake. 

“You’re not the only English rat crawling these hills. I’ll get my weapons from someone else.” He pauses here, then leans in for the kill. “Non, you’re no rat like Victor and Patrice. You are la Souris Blanche, aren’t you?” The White Mouse.’ “But why would you even want to help? War isn’t for women.” I lean very close to him and lower my voice to a dangerous pitch. “And yet we suffer most in them.”

This is a fictional retelling based on real life events of Nancy Wake - the Australian woman who was a spy operating in France during WWII. Nancy was a formidable foe and Ariel takes you on a journey from pre war to its conclusion allowing the reader time to form a real understanding of who and what motivated this courageous woman. Such independence and strength of character, a woman who refused to take the feminine  backseat in this war, instead forging forward, taking a stand for those persecuted by the Nazis. 

“What just happened? I wouldn’t treat an animal that way, much less a human.” “That’s because you are human, Nancy. They are not. Or at least not anymore.”

Ariel has taken the time to build up a cast of strong characters who have interweaving relationships that allow the reader to really get invested at all levels. The strong factor I found in this version was the development of the relationship from beginning to end of Nancy with Henri - it was real and it was heart wrenching - I was invested .... I cared.  The dual timeline approach Ariel adopted allowed the reader to see the Nancy that fell in love and it opened a window to many personal encounters. 

Speaking of the dual timeline - you will either love it or hate it. Many reviewers found the jumping back and forth difficult to follow. I did not. There is something to be said for sequential delivery, however on this occasion, I believe Ariel did the right thing and those windows to the past helped to solidify your understanding of present day events. At times the story does slog through drawn out descriptions of wartime details but I was a fan of the socialite Nancy that I was not so familiar with as she trapsed around the continent. 

Ariel has certainly done her homework through loads of reading and investigation with the  ‘Author’s Note’ at the conclusion making it abundantly clear the lines of nonfiction and storytelling. All up this is a most worthy interpretation into the life of an amazing woman and must read historical fiction

‘The thing about lipstick, the reason it’s so powerful, is that it is distracting. Men don’t see the flashes of anger in your eyes or your clenched fists when you wear it. They see a woman, not a warrior, and that gives me the advantage. I cannot throw a decent punch or carry a grown man across a battlefield, but I can wear red lipstick as though my life depends on it. And the truth is, these days, it often does.’

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 Court of Miracles

Title: The Court of Miracles

Author: Kester Grant

Publisher: 16th June 2020 by HarperCollins AU

Pages: 402 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fantasy, young adult, retellings, historical fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

A diverse fantasy reimagining of Les Misérables and The Jungle Book.

In the dark days following a failed French Revolution, in the violent jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, young cat-burglar Eponine (Nina) Thenardier goes head to head with merciless royalty, and the lords of the city's criminal underworld to save the life of her adopted sister Cosette (Ettie).

Her vow will take her from the city’s dark underbelly, through a dawning revolution, to the very heart of the glittering court of Louis XVII, where she must make an impossible choice between guild, blood, betrayal and war.

My Thoughts

‘I like to think of this book as vengeance for years of wanting to strangle Marius ... and because Eponine deserved so much more!’

~Kester Grant

I love a good reimagining and what could be more inviting than Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables? This tale is set in Paris early 1800s where the Revolution has failed and the aristocracy is paranoid of future uprisings especially with a shortage of food and the lower classes numbers rising. Kester does well to capture the desperation of this burgeoning and desperate class. Enter the Court of Miracles.

‘There are no friends in the Miracle Court, only allies. You may think you have purchased her freedom tonight, but others will come for her eventually, including those you think are your friends, those you believe you can trust.’

The Court is composed of nine Guilds made up of the various poor and outcasts, ranging from beggars and thieves to smugglers and assassins. Each has its own leader and all must adhere to the strict rules governing the Court. I give credit to the originality and world building Kester has provided here. Yes, it was a little slow to start but it definitely picks up by the end. There are some jumps in time that are somewhat abrupt but overall it is well worth the journey. For the Young Adult fantasy genre, I think it hits the mark. 

‘Sometimes we must pay a terrible price to protect the things we love’.

Knowing Hugo’s original tale is not necessary but definitely enhances the appreciation of the twists provided here. I truly loved the way certain things were flipped from Javert being female, to Eponine (Nina) being as far removed from the heartbroken original as one could get. Nina is the heart and soul of this tale with the love of her sister Azelma and the care she later provides for Ettie (Cosette) being fierce and sincere. Kester provides a strong cast of characters, richly described and magically delivered.  

‘I hear the voice of the city around me: a beast, half mad with pain, clawing at my ears, demanding that I listen. Its pulse beats through the cobblestones, anchoring my steps as I climb up unscalable slippery walls that fall away beneath my fingers. But I’m the Black Cat of the Thieves Guild, and this is my hunting ground.’

The reimagining of an absolute classic is a big ask and I applaud Kester believing many will sign up for her future instalments. If you are into retellings and appreciate a good Young Adult tale then this one's for you. With a strong foundation of the Les Mis themes of poverty and injustice, law and order this is a tale to lose yourself in. 

"I see my whole life laid out before me drawn in threads of crimson, gray, and black. I see

how it started, with a sister weeping in her bed; a child so terrified she gave herself to a thief; a girl who was so lovely, the world would go to war to possess her .... it ends where it begins ... it ends with him.”

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: Elsa Goody, Bushranger

Title: Elsa Goody, Bushranger

Author: Darry Fraser

Publisher: 18th May 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Elsa Goody is a woman on a quest for buried treasure - and her own freedom. A thrilling historical romance adventure from a bestselling Australian author.

1896 Robe, South Australia

When Elsa Goody's father and brother George die in quick succession she and her sister Rosie are in trouble. Pursued by an unpleasant suitor with dubious motivation, Elsa leaves for Victoria on the hunt for a fortune in gold coins that her brother has hidden. If Elsa can find it she will be able to save Rosie and herself from married slavery.

Their quest leads them on a cross-country journey to find the last man who saw her brother alive, Ezekiel Jones. But Elsa is not the only one looking for buried treasure. She and Rosie are beset by bushrangers and in the confusion Elsa is accused of being an accomplice. Luckily not everyone believes that Elsa is a criminal. When she finally catches up with Ezekiel, it's clear that for him she can do no wrong.

But with everyone chasing her and bloody violence on the horizon, life is becoming increasingly complicated. Will she and Rosie ever manage to solve the mystery, find the gold and free themselves from a dark future?

My Thoughts

Darry Fraser has written some fabulous Aussie historical fiction and her latest offering is no different - great adventures in the outback. Once more there are colourful characters with an engaging dynamic and storyline. Darry will take you from tough farming life and country communities, to wagons on the road where bushrangers rove. It’s fun and exciting with danger and some unpredicted consequences.

‘You’re a scheming witch, Elsa,’ she said, a light in her eyes. ‘I never knew you to be so ...’ ‘Practical, inventive,’ Elsa finished for her, and stepped around the fallen man. ‘All this talk of bushrangers has made me quite daring.’ ‘Elsa, the bushranger,’ Rosie said in wonder ...’

The leading lady on this occasion, Elsa Goody, is strong and feisty but also caring and honest - the absolute star of this story. I particularly enjoyed Darry shining the spotlight on votes for women and Elsa’s earnest desire to be one of the first women to vote in South Australia. Supporting Elsa is a strong cast of characters from her sister and leading man, to a range of secondary characters who all in their way add to the story. I particularly enjoyed Ezekiel’s character as Darry made him multidimensional with his interactions not only with Elsa and his brothers but his softer side in the care of his children. 

‘But having a vote means we can change the way things are, change the way the world sees us because we now have a voice.’

The storyline of this book has many layers which is what lifts it to another level. From the votes for women (and indeed treatment of women as property) to the harsh day to day life on the land. Covering themes of domestic abuse, grief, female independence, family love - all tied together with a buried treasure - there is much to enjoy here. Love is the underlying motivation whether it be familial or romantic and it was good to see that this also was presented in more than one form. 

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

‘Elsa squared her shoulders. ‘None of that. We are strong women, and we will find our way out of this.’ She raised her chin higher. ‘We are the Goody sisters.’

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 Sight of You

Title: The Sight of You

Author: Holly Miller

Publisher: 9th June 2020 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 344 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary fiction, romance

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Joel is afraid of the future.

Since he was a child he's been haunted by dreams about the people he loves. Visions of what's going to happen - the good and the bad. And the only way to prevent them is to never let anyone close to him again.

Callie can't let go of the past.

Since her best friend died, Callie's been lost. She knows she needs to be more spontaneous and live a bigger life. She just doesn't know how to find a way back to the person who used to have those dreams.

Joel and Callie both need a reason to start living for today.

And though they're not looking for each other, from the moment they meet it feels like the start of something life-changing.

Until Joel has a vision of how it's going to end . . .

My Thoughts

The Sight of You is a fabulous book, a slow burner yet leaving you almost breathless by the conclusion.  This is not your usual romance novel - yes, there is Joel and Callie meeting and falling in love - but the twist is really quite unique. His future visions bring this love story to a whole new level and one must really read it to fully appreciate it. With alternative viewpoints from both Callie and Joel, the story flows well and will keep you engaged right through to the climactic ending. 

‘There’s more than one way to be happy in this life.’

This is not only unique but a really clever premise for a book that is told astoundingly well for a debut author. Haunted by his visions, what does that leave Joel with? Isolation and distancing whilst simultaneously trying to remotely protect those you love or conversely, let them rest easy that all will be well. The connection he has with Callie, however, is something he can’t step away from once their paths cross. She is everything he needs in his life ... until that day comes where he has a vision of her future. 

‘All the reasons I shouldn’t are still there: falling for her, fearing what I might see if I do, and everything that brings with it. But all the reasons I should are slowly beginning to outweigh them.     She knows about my dreams. I bared my soul to the first person I’ve truly cared about ... Something’s drawing us together, powerful as gravity. And now, after all these weeks, perhaps I’m finally ready to let gravity win.’

Over the course of the book, the reader initially sees each intimate phase in detail - from romance, relationship status until confronted with the reality of Joel’s foresight. It’s at this stage the chapters get shorter, as pages devoted to each of them slowly whittle away as the inevitable looms large. Would you tell someone their future? Would they want to even know? This part of the book will see you racing to the end and it’s clever - really clever - as if the shortness of the chapters coincides with the readers increasing anticipation to see how it will unfold. 

For a debut author, Holly has created a near perfect love story. It slowly soothes you until the very end, turning the final page, you are left with all the air gone from your lungs. Speechless. Incredibly moving. It’s this last section that will forcibly draw you in and won’t let you go. A massive fiction debut that deserves high praise indeed. 

‘If I truly loved him, maybe I’d be encouraging him to say what’s in his heart, agreeing to share the load. Because love isn’t only about the easy choices, the simple solutions - it’s about the hard graft and the tough calls, the sacrifices you don’t actually want to make. Nothing worth having ever comes easy, my dad always says.’

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: Something to Talk About

Title: Something to Talk About (Rose Hill, #2)

Author: Rachael Johns

Publisher: 20th April 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fiction, contemporary, women’s fiction, romance

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Dairy farmer Tabitha Cooper-Jones has a heart of gold, yet she's the eternal bridesmaid. Everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges over the years, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe, she's adored by her family and is an integral part of her hometown - there's just one thing missing from her life. But the last thing Tab wants is a man - or worse, love - to stop her achieving her dream.

In town for a temporary teaching contract, Fergus McWilliams thinks the small community of Walsh will be the perfect place to stay under the radar but he couldn't be more wrong. Suddenly, the kids' cricket team coached by Ferg is inundated with female supporters - single female supporters - and that's only the beginning.

The only woman who doesn't seem to have her sights set on Ferg is Tabitha. Despite a disastrous first meeting and a visit from a past love, circumstances keep throwing them together. Neither can deny the sparks between them, but can friendship even be possible for these two strong-willed people?

My Thoughts

Something to Talk About is the second book in the Rose Hill Series by Aussie author Rachael Johns. I read and enjoyed Talk of the Town so I was eager to return to familiar places and faces. That being said, while this book is listed as a sequel it can very easily be read as a standalone should you not have read the first book. Whilst my reading was enhanced through previous knowledge, Rachael does a good job of providing just the right amount of background details for new readers to feel comfortable with their knowledge of relationships.

This is the story of Tabitha and it was wonderful to see her claim her own space and time in the spotlight. Her entry is fun, emotional and heartwarming as she is quite the character - literally. She has much going on inclusive of her past, the present and exciting upcoming future events. Her love interest here of Fergus certainly sizzles (literally with lots of physical interactions) with the usual ups and downs, misunderstandings and confrontations. You know where the story is going and how it will end up, so it’s all about the journey and this is an emotionally charged one, much like Tabitha herself. 

A definite plus of these books is how well Rachael captures life in a rural community - events and residents together - providing a snippet of the everyday. With everything from the weekly ‘Stitch and Bitch’ sessions to the committee for the upcoming Show, the reader gets a real feel for life in a small farming community. Rachael also touches upon some heartfelt themes - cancer, living with a disability and care for the elderly. The incident with Mrs Lord particularly resonated with me and I thought Rachael did a good job on all these sensitive issues. 

All up, it was enjoyable to return to the local town and with a solid story about love and overcoming its many obstacles. 

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.