The Lawson Sisters

By Janet Gover ISBN: 978-1-4892-9428-9 Mira (2020) “The Lawson Sisters” is an enjoyable but not particularly demanding novel. It doesn’t quite sit comfortably in any genre – it’s not exactly a rural romance, not exactly a family epic, not exactly chick lit, not exactly a drama – but is nevertheless a well written novel that … Continue reading The Lawson Sisters →

The Darkest Shore

By Karen Brooks ISBN: 9781489277459 HQ Fiction “The Darkest Shore” is a completely absorbing historical novel; based on real events, it’s easy to see parallels with contemporary events and behaviours. In 1703 in Scotland, witches are considered a real and present danger. Oddly, however, a very high proportion of accused witches are women who don’t … Continue reading The Darkest Shore →

Phosphorescence

By Julia Baird ISBN: not supplied on review copy Fourth Estate “Phosphorescence” is a non-fiction book by Australian journalist Julia Baird; not so much a collection of essays as a collection of musings about finding satisfaction, meaning, and joy in life. She offers no prescriptions, only suggestions; many readers will find this a thoughtful prompt … Continue reading Phosphorescence →

Just an Ordinary Family

By Fiona Lowe ISBN: 9781489257352 HQ Fiction (2020) This is the story of an ordinary family, including both blood relatives and family by choice (friends). It’s hard to put down once you start, and it’s going to prompt strong opinions in most readers. Alice Hunter is less than happy to have been forced to move … Continue reading Just an Ordinary Family →