Rachael Johns

My Summer/Christmas Book Suggestions ...

Margareta-Admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 05:11:43 +0000

My Summer/Christmas Book Suggestions ...

Margareta-Admin Thu, 17/12/2020 - 4:11 pm

A few weeks ago we had a painter arrive to 'freshen up' some of our homestead's tired and cranky paintwork. Doors, trims, walls, some ceilings; they were all given a new lease on life by our very efficient and excellent painter, Ben. To say I'm delighted with the outcome would be a massive understatement. I now walk into the rooms lucky enough to get a revamp and literally 'inhale the newness' of them all.

Having the painter arrive also gave us the opportunity to clean out and declutter 'stuff' not needed anymore. I'm a hoarder, my kids are hoarders, so this was a particularly onerous part of the job. A good friend gave me simple, yet wonderful and effective advice. Pull EVERYTHING out of the room, and only put back what you love or need. My word, there were massive decisions to be made. Kids in meltdown over their rooms, mum in meltdown over her books. It was a wonder H didn't go live in the shed for a spell. But, we got there and all agree what a difference it makes to keep only what you love or need. It's actually quite liberating!

And by only keeping the books I love, makes room for more books because, seriously is there ever enough books? The correct answer to that would be 'No!'

Of course, for very apparent reasons, 2020 hasn't been a 'normal' year by a long shot. Since we're now approaching 2021 - thank heavens - I'm not going back there except to say, I picked up a lot of books this year, started reading and then put them down. It took something really special to engage my attention and allow my mind and body to sink into a story. I have no idea what I was looking for ... Comfort? Answers to some unformed question? A safe place to inhabit for a wee while that was nothing like the 'real world' of 2020? Who knows, but I'm going to start my 2020 Christmas book list with a couple of these enrapturing novels; books that held my attention and I love, love, loved.

2020's LOVE, LOVE, LOVED BOOKS ...

A ROOM MADE OF LEAVES - Kate Grenville

If you follow my page on Facebook and even Instagram, you will know this is my book of the year. Heck, it might even be my book of the decade. I adored this novel. The writing is stunning, the story fascinating. This recreation of the life of Elizabeth Macarthur - wife of the notorious John Macarthur, wool baron in the earliest days of Sydney - borders on almost magical simply because how any author could write something so easy to read, and yet with incredible depth, leaves me in awe. A Room Made of Leaves is a beautifully wrought piece of historical writing. It's a book which will sit on my "special" bookshelf forever.

A Room Made of Leaves, Kate Grenville

THE BURNING ISLAND - Jock Serong

This was a book that came from left field. A dear friend was telling me how, upon browsing the shelves in the local bookstore, this novel spoke to her - did I know how that felt? she asked. Being a bibliophile I knew exactly what she meant; the compulsion and pull to buy a completely unexpected novel. It's an intangible, instinctive, intrinsic thing. On her recommendation I read Jock's book and whilst the cover didn't entice me, oh my Lord, the story, another historical, set, in the majority, among the Furneaux Islands of Bass Strait, sent me to a place and era of history I knew very little about. I enjoyed the learning and for my preconceived ideas to be challenged. Jock Serong's writing also reminded me very much of the best of Tim Winton. The author in me would repeatedly pull out incredibly beautiful sentences and literally spin them around in the air, wondering at the beauty of their construction.

You can read more about the actual story of the novel here :

https://www.betterreading.com.au/review/the-burning-island-author-jock-…

The Burning Island, Jock Serong

The HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH - Eddie Jaku

This book comes with a disclaimer. I haven't read the WHOLE book. I've bought it three times and given it away as a present. Each time I've gone to wrap Eddie's story, I've fallen down a reading rabbit hole, dropped into a nearby chair and emerged a half hour later blinking with a few more chapters under my belt. This book is good. Again, it's written simply, draws you in and keeps you in this incredible man's story - a holocaust survivor sharing how he found "gratitude, kindness and hope in the darkest of places". I'm giving it to a family member for Christmas and I intend on borrowing it back to finish the final chapters. This is a terrific novel for the person who either doesn't read much, or the one who only likes 'real life stories'. I also feel it's a book for all ages and one we must read. As Eddie says, "Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.'

The Happiest Man on Earth, Eddie Jaku

OTHER NOVELS I HAVE ENJOYED THIS YEAR:

LOVE YOUR LIFE - Sophie Kinsella

Those who have followed my Summer/Christmas reading list blog each year will know my guilty secret. I am a 'welded on' Sophie Kinsella fan. These books are lighthearted, flirty, funny and engaging, and I look forward to reading them Every. Single. Year. 2020's offering is no exception. I finished LOVE YOUR LIFE last night and if you're looking for the perfect, light, chic-lit summer read, I can highly recommend this book. I mean, what isn't there to love about a Sophie book in your life at Christmas time ...?

Love Your Life, Sophie Kinsella

THE GREAT ESCAPE FROM WOODLANDS NURSING HOME - Joanna Nell

Joanna Nell, author of one of my other 'special shelf' books, 'The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker', leads us on a new adventure in aged care with her latest release. In parts funny, heart wrenching, and strikingly all too close to home, once again in the guise of fictional story, I learnt more on how to care for and understand the worlds of the elderly people in my life. The escapades of Hattie, Walter, Murray and Sister Bronwyn are a delight.

The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home, Joanna Nell

THE GODMOTHERS - Monica McInerney

I also adore Monica McInerney's novels, and THE GODMOTHERS is no exception. Monica's ability to draw characters and encompass love, compassion and goodness into every word always leaves you walking away satisfied the story met all your reading needs. Whilst I found myself picking up and putting down this delightful story a couple of times, this was my fault rather than Monica's. At the time I was wanting something more edgy, and just wasn't ready for a 'big book hug'. When I was though, 'The Godmothers', was the perfect antidote. Monica, herself, is a compassionate and beautiful person, so the 'feels' her novels invoke are a definite reflection of the author. A wonderful read for the women's fiction lover.

The Godmothers, Monica McInerney

NORTHERN LIGHTS - Nora Roberts

Nora and I have a love-hate relationship. I am often drawn to her books, but in some, the constant head-hopping - often mid sentence - tosses me out of the story and gives me a headache. It also breaks the cardinal 'authorland' rule - no indiscriminate head hopping! Characters have to earn their right for an opinion in a novel. But, that said, if I was Nora Roberts and had sold 500 million copies of my books, I think I'd be entitled to break every rule in the writer's bible and then some ....

So, I picked this book up, put it down, walked away, walked back and picked it up again ... The decider was, it was set in Alaska, and I LOVE Alaska, especially after visiting there two years ago. So I bought it and started reading, all in a miff of bad grace. It took until page 437 of a 562 page book for her to do it. 'John' had no right to a point of view that late in the story, but he got it and I forgave him (and Nora) because I really enjoyed this book. It's a reprint of any earlier novel (2004), but if you're after a pleasing romance with a crime twist set in one of the most spectacular places in the world, give Northern Lights a whirl.

Northern Lights, Nora Roberts

THE HUNTED - Gabriel Bergmoser

If thrillers and/or horror stories are your thing, this often violent, intense novel set in rural and outback Australia, is hard to step away from. Your stomach might be churning and heart racing, and you might even have to put it down to catch your breath, but you still need to know what happens next. I can definitely see this one as a movie. It's written in a cinematic way within a tight time frame and details very gruesome scenes in places. Don't say I didn't warn you. It's not for the light-hearted, but it's certainly an adrenaline fueled read.

The Hunted, Gabriel Bergmoser

SOME MATES AND THEIR RURAL NOVELS:

Where are the rural books you might be thinking? I'm saving the best until last, of course ;)

TINY WHITE LIES - Fiona Palmer

Technically not a rural novel, but as Fiona is one of Australia's best loved rural authors and the story is set in a more remote part of W.A., we're going to put it here. In Fee's latest release two families 'escape the rat-race to holiday at a remote coastal retreat but what lies are they telling themselves and each other?' I've just started this one and I'm enjoying it very much.

Tiny White Lies, Fiona Palmer

SOMETHING LIKE THIS - Karly Lane

The ability of this lovely friend of mine to produce book after book at such a rapid pace, each with a new story line and radiating depth and heart, truly has me in awe. I KNOW this one is under our Christmas tree and I'm looking forward to reading it after the intended recipient. (Are you getting the feeling I love buying family members books I want to read? ;))

Something Like This, Karly Lane

THE SHEARER'S WIFE - Fleur McDonald

A long time wool producer herself, Fleur McDonald, is well qualified to write about all things wool. The Shearer's Wife is the fourth book in Australian rural mystery series featuring Dave Burrows, and I wonder if Fleur and her character Dave knew just what a collaborative journey they'd travel together when Dave first appeared in Fleur's stories seven books ago. Reviews are coming in hard and fast on this one with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Goodreads. I wonder if Santa might have this book stored somewhere in his sack to land under our tree too? Mmmm ... guess we'll find out on Christmas Day ;)

The Shearer's Wife, Fleur McDonald

HOME SWEET HOME - Mandy Magro

Mandy is another prolific, rural author who is catering for rural romance fiction lovers this Christmas.

Fate is a contrary thing, and never so much as in this romantic, gentle story which will have you turning the pages well into the night. (I've bought this book for Christmas for a special woman who loves Mandy's novels.) And I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself but Mandy also has you covered for Mother's Day 2021, with, 'Savannah's Secret', due to hit the shelves on May 5. If you love Mandy's books, pop that date on your calendar and chuck a few brazen post-it note reminders in front of your kids... :)

Home Sweet Home, Mandy Magro

FLYING THE NEST - Rachael Johns

In a flip back to women's 'life' fiction, Rachael Johns, has released 'Flying the Nest'. Touting a brilliant and bright yellow cover, and set seaside, this one might be just the ticket to take on your beach holiday ... that's if you were able to book accommodation?! They tell me every bed on the east coast of Australia is booked out this summer, so if you didn't get in early maybe ask Santa for this book, a wading pool, a beach umbrella and make yourself a cocktail in your own back yard. Sometimes it's handy not to get sand in every nook and cranny!

Flying the Nest, Rachael Johns

THE FAMILY INHERITANCE - Tricia Stringer

Tricia Stringer has also flipped to women's fiction for her latest novel, THE FAMILY INHERITANCE. Trisha says, 'Sometimes an ending is really a beginning ... I hope you'll love this story of family relationships and loyalties.' Having immensely enjoyed some of Tricia's other more historical offerings, I'm sure this one will delight as well.

The Family Inheritance, Tricia Stringer

One to watch ... DARRY FRASER.

The Last Truehart, Darry Fraser

I haven't read any of Darry's books yet but I do have one on my TBR pile - ELSA GOODY - Bushranger. Set in colonial Australia, Darry's latest release, THE LAST TRUEHART, is an historical adventure romance, which is getting excellent reviews. Historical accuracy is incredibly important in making a story believable. I'm told Darry's research is impeccable. As the fifth European generation to settle our property, I'm delving into my own families history more and more. I'm really looking forward to reading these books.

So there you go. I hope you have a few books waiting for you under the Christmas tree, or at least a few waiting for others that you can beg, borrow or steal, to read when the intended recipient isn't looking ;)

If I don't catch up with you before Santa visits us - with lots of books! - my family and I would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year. I hope there is much love, laughter and happiness for you in 2021. As Eddie says, 'Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.'

Happy Reading!

Love Margareta xo

Tags

A Room Made of Leaves

Kate Grenville

The Burning Island

Jock Serong

The Happiest Man on Earth

Eddie Jaku

Love Your Life

Sophie Kinsella

The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

The Family Inheritance

Tricia Stringer

The Last Truehart

Darry Fraser

Loving a book for Mother's Day ...

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 07:28:28 +0000

Loving a book for Mother's Day ...

Margareta-Admin Wed, 29/04/2020 - 5:28 pm

Hi there!

How are we all going with this new crazy, weird world we've found ourselves inhabiting for the last little while? Up here on the hill, the teenagers are home doing their remote learning with all of us biting our nails as to whether the monthly satellite internet allocation is going to last. Our once a week Netflix movie Friday "Takeaway-at-home" night has had to come to a pause, while we figure out how much schooling via the internet is going to eat up the 60GB + 10GB of peak-time data we have for the month. Of course, the swimming has also stopped along with the hill climbs and cattle camps and a myriad of other extracurricular activities. The children are very sad, and I am too, because I love being involved in all their activities and we do have a lot of fun. That said, it's lovely not to be on the road in the wee hours of morning and we are getting so much done here at home. Katie and I have been busy breaking in our BEAUTIFUL Speckle Park heifer calves. I know, to be taken seriously as a cattle breeder, I shouldn't say they're 'cute'. So don't tell anyone, but THEY ARE SO FREAKIN' CUTE, IT'S RIDICULOUS!

"Ruger" - He's like a panda bear!

I love the Speckle Parks. They perform so well, stand up to the tough seasons, and produce fabulous calves with great carcase characteristics. And yep, THEY'RE SO FLAMIN' CUTE! (Shhhhhh ... )They're also very quiet which is a big plus for us. I hold temperament as one of my five top cattle selection attributes. We now have another seven cows left to calve to a top PB Canadian Speckle Park bull, with our one stud Hereford (Katie's Bella) due as well. This calf will be the fifth Hereford for Katie's Karinya Hereford Stud and she is seriously hoping for another heifer. I just want to see all the new arrivals safely on the ground with happy healthy mums!

We've also had a wonderful 36mm of rain up to Thursday morning, which is making me ever so happy as it was starting to get very dry again.

Anyway, enough farming talk! I've also managed to read a couple of books! Which leads me to my topic of choice today. Mother's Day. Did you see the meme doing the round on on social media that Dad's can't rely on schools to come up with a Mother's Day creation this year? So, I'm here to save them. Perhaps they'd like to get really excited and buy you at least three, maybe four books for delivery into your hands on Mother's Day morn. I mean, we mums have all been juggling a lot of hats lately. I don't know about you, but with three older kids at home, and the supermarket shopping restrictions in place, trying to keep the pantry stocked has been a challenge! My oven seems to have been going for at least four hours a day ... or maybe it just seems like that?

Mother's Day! Focus woman!

Okay. So I've done a little research and come up with quite a few options for all you rural fiction lovers, women's fiction readers, plus a few more I have to mention because I'm putting them on my own list to fling around in front of the fam-bam and hope they take notice!

For the rural fiction lovers;

Quite a few of your fav rural authors (also lovely friends of mine), have books out now or in the next few months ...

Karly Lane, known as "Rural Fiction's Favourite Daughter", has another new book out this week called 'Fool Me Once'. Karly's story output has me completely in awe.

Fool Me Once, Karly Lane

Fleur McDonald, our rural crime/mystery author, has released the third book in her Dave Burrows series, 'Red Dirt Country'. Fleur assures me you can still read this one even if you haven't read the previous two.

Red Dirt Country, Fleur McDonald

Rachael Johns, also a prolific writer, has just released 'Something to Talk About', in a return to the rural romance genre which should cause great excitement amongst her fans.

Something to Talk About, Rachael Johns

Nicole Alexander released 'The Cedar Tree' in March. H absolutely loves Nicole's books! They're always merticulously researched and very well written.

The Cedar Tree, Nicole Alexander

Alissa Callen's, 'The Boundary Fence' came out in January. Alissa lives on a farm in Central NSW and is a lovely person and writer, if you haven't come across her books before.

The Boundary Fence, Alissa Callen

Other books that have caught my eye;

'The Beautiful Mother' by Katherine Scholes. If you love books set in Africa, this one's for you. Words like 'powerful', 'beautiful' and 'fulfilling,' are being used to describe this novel set in Tanzania.

The Beautiful Mother, Katherine Scholes

'The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan' by Lisa Ireland, is getting some very good reviews. It's also a book brought to your bookshelf by my own publisher, the wonderful, Beverly Cousins, so I'm a little biased. I've definitely put this one on my Mother's Day list!

'The Giver of Stars' by JoJo Moyes. I'm LOVING my current read and dragging it out bites at a time like a delicious box of chocolates, savouring this story based on the horse-back librarians of the mountains of Kentucky. LATE NOTE: I finished it this morning and I ADORED IT!!! A FIVE STAR READ.

The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes

'Gulliver's Wife' by Lauren Chater. The cover of this one is divine. "One woman's journey to the edge of love and loyalty" (Booktopia), this book is getting rave reviews.

Gulliver's Wife, Lauren Chater

Isn't this cover beautiful?!

'The Dictionary of Lost Words' by Pip Williams. Touted by 'Better Reading' as "... one of the most remarkable debuts you'll ever read", I've jumped the gun and already bought this one as I loved the sample on iBooks.

The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams

'Who We Were' by B.M. Carroll, is also in all good bookstores. Liane Moriaty, author of the international bestseller, 'Little White Lies', says Ber's books are "addictive". I'm really looking forward to reading this mystery/thriller.

Who We Were, B.M. Carroll

'Maggie's Going Nowhere' by Rose Hartley, was also a good read. Different and quirky, the caravan clad cover really caught my eye and I'm glad I gave into the impluse to buy.

'The Paris Secret' by Natasha Lester. A stunning cover on this one as well. They do say around 90% of choices are made on the cover appeal! An excellent author, Natasha's books would appeal to the historical fiction lovers too.

For the Dervla McTiernan book lovers, 'The Good Turn' has been released and I'm told it's a better reading experience if you've read 'The Ruin' and 'The Scholar' first.

Fiona Lowe, a former Mills & Boon author, has jumped into women's fiction with another release, 'Just An Ordinary Family', earlier this year. I haven't read it yet, but a visitor to Gippsland, Fiona has set this book around the Gippsland Lakes.

Some Favourite Authors with releases coming soon;

Mandy Magro's, 'The Stockman's Secret' is out on May 18.

Maya Linnell, (a new voice in rural romance) has released the smaller version of her debut novel 'Wildflower Ridge', in preparation for the release of her second book 'Bottlebrush Creek'; out on June 2

And Fiona Palmer has a new novel, 'Tiny White Lies' arriving on the shelf on August 25. Can't wait for this one!

Tiny White Lies, Fiona Palmer

Fiona's new book out on August 25

... and the delightful MONICA McINERNEY!!! has a newbie coming. I love Monica's books and will be waiting for 'The Godmothers' due out on September 29, 2020, with great anticipation. It's published just in time for my birthday. WINNING!

For those who love biographies;

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama, I'm told, is a wonderful read

Self Help, anyone?

'You've Got This' - The life changing power of trusting yourself by Margie Warrell, is acutally, ... life changing. I love Margie's books, and the fact she grew up on a dairy farm at Nungurner and then went onto conquer the world, is testament to her wonderful and encouraging words.

Any Regenerative Farmers out there?

Nicole Masters' book 'For Love of Soil'. After doing a Zoom Webinar with Nicole recently, I've ordered this book. It sounds like a fabulous, informative read and resource for the agriculturalist. A book reviewer and farming friend, Phillip Boote, who is a great lover of rural fiction, also recommended Nicole's book to me. Seeing I need to know more about our soil, to grow the grass to feed our cattle, I was in!

SO, that's a few ideas for the family of a book lover, like you and me, to ponder over ...

As to actually getting your books, seeing not many of us are leaving home, I'm positive if you ring your local bookstore they will post the book/s out. If you're in Gippsland, give the likes of Collins Booksellers Sale (51446262), Just Books in Bairnsdale (51525181) and Lakes Entrance (51552618) or the Reader's Emporium in Traralgon (51764620) a call. I'll bet they can help deliver to your door, or post box, or even your re-purposed roadside 20 litre drench drum.

Happy 'flinging your list around'!

Love

Margareta xo

Tags

The Dictionary of Lost Words

The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan

Something to Talk About

Maggie's Going Nowhere

Just An Ordinary Family

The Stockman's Secret

Need Help With Your Christmas Shopping List?

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:16:17 +0000

Need Help With Your Christmas Shopping List?

Margareta-Admin Wed, 03/12/2014 - 9:16 pm

The first week of December - my official crank up week for Christmas. Unfortunately, as I have edits due at two publishing houses for both ROSE RIVER and my new US novella, I haven't gotten into festive mode yet. Although I'd better hurry, the kids are currently counting down the days until end of school and I haven't even STARTED Christmas shopping yet!

(Breathe Margareta, breathe.)

This led me to thinking about my Christmas list. What should I buy those nearest and dearest to me this year? Which then led me to thinking about YOUR Christmas list. What are YOU going to buy your nearest and dearest with regards to reading material this year?

Need a hand? (You also might like to join me in those breathing exercises?)

There have been many, many books on my TBR (To Be Read) pile this year and whilst I'd LOVE to mention a whole swag of them, that's only going to confuse both of us, and my brain is addled enough. Instead I focused on the books I simply could not put down. The ones that came with me to the bus stop, to the kids swimming and running training, netball and even to the shed when I thought H wasn't looking. These were the novels I had to have with me just in case I got the slightest excuse to stop and read.

AND I only gave myself five choices. Gulp. Do you know how hard that was?!

After much debate, here they are, in no particular order accompanied by a suggestion as to who they might be a good present for. Although (disclaimer following), I might get it wrong, so don't blame me if your mother-in-law/father-in-law won't speak to you for weeks, okay?!

Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty

A no brainer choice. I simply could NOT put this book down even going so far as to read it while having cups of tea, eating breakfast & lunch. Dinner was out of bounds but I can tell you I was wishing the family would eat up fast and then do the dishes for me so I could get back to reading!

Here's the blurb:

I guess it started with the mothers.' 'It was all just a terrible misunderstanding.' 'I'll tell you exactly why it happened.' Pirriwee Public's annual school Trivia Night has ended in a shocking riot. A parent is dead. Liane Moriarty's new novel is funny and heartbreaking, challenging and compassionate. The No. 1 New York Times bestselling author turns her unique gaze on parenting and playground politics, showing us what really goes on behind closed suburban doors. 'Let me be clear. This is not a circus. This is a murder investigation.'

BIG LITTLE LIES is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, school-yard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.

For the mother/grandmother/aunt/daughter who has attended play groups, parents and friend groups, in fact been involved with committees of any sort - and made it out the other side in one piece. Or not.

Hello From the Gillespies - Monica McInerney

I'll admit it. I'm a HUGE fan of Monica's work and she'd have to do many things wrong for me to hate one of her books, but I honestly did love this one. At the time I needed 'a chocolate' (sweet and engaging) read and Monica delivered ... and then some.

Here's the blurb:

For more than thirty years, Angela Gillespie has sent friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled ‘Hello from the Gillespies’. It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself – she tells the truth . . .

The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping poorly with retirement. Her 32-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.

Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when Angela is taken from them in a most unexpected manner, the Gillespies pull together – and pull themselves together – in wonderfully surprising ways . . .

For the mother/grandmother/aunt/danughter/friend who loves an easy, warm and engaging story. There will be laughter, there will be tears, but once you turn the final page you will be more than satisfied. (Hint: Wrap it up with a box of tissues.)

Evergreen Falls - Kimberley Freeman

Inspired by elements of her own grandmother's life, this gem by Kimberley Freeman has a dual narrative. A master of the historical, I loved the way Kim brought the 1926 Evergreen Spa Hotel alive in my mind, with all it's grace and rich extravagance. She then effortlessly flips to modern day and a romantic love affair that will change one young woman's life.

Passion, romance and intrigue thread this novel together using both historical and modern day storylines.

The blurb:

1926: Violet Armstrong is one of the few remaining members of staff working at the grand Evergreen Spa Hotel as it closes down over winter. Only a handful of guests are left, including the heir to a rich grazing family, his sister and her suave suitor. When a snowstorm moves in, the hotel is cut off and they are all trapped. No one could have predicted what would unfold.

2014: After years of putting her sick brother's needs before her own, Lauren Beck leaves her home and takes a job at a Blue Mountains cafe, the first stage of the Evergreen Spa Hotel's renovations. There she meets Tomas, the Danish architect who is overseeing the project, and an attraction begins to grow. In a wing of the old hotel, Lauren finds a series of passionate love letters dated back to 1926, alluding to an affair - and a shocking secret. If she can unravel this long-ago mystery, will it make Lauren brave enough to take a risk and change everything in her own life?

Inspired by elements of her grandmother's life, a rich and satisfying tale of intrigue, heartbreak and love from the author of the bestselling Lighthouse Bay and Wildflower Hill.

For the great-aunt, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother in your life who loves a rich tale of bygone days spliced with modern-day life and love.

Life or Death - Michael Robotham

Simply incredible. I don't normally read thrillers but my lovely website manager (told you so ... told you so ... told you so!) talked me into reading this one and I was gobsmacked. The writing is superb, the storyline intense and intricate, the situation entirely plausible. I gave it to my husband after I'd finished and he read it in a matter of days as well. One hell of a read.

Why would a man escape from prison the day before he's due to be released?

Audie Palmer has spent a decade in prison for an armed robbery in which four people died, including two of his gang. Five million dollars has never been recovered and everybody believes that Audie knows where the money is.

For ten years he has been beaten, stabbed, throttled and threatened almost daily by fellow inmates and prison guards, who all want to answer this same question, but suddenly Audie vanishes, the day before he's due to be released.

Everybody wants to find Audie, but he's not running. Instead he's trying to save a life . . . and not just his own.

A great one for the male (or female) reader in your family (and then you can pinch it back from him to read first ... or second depending on who wins the stoush :)

The Sunnyvale Girls - Fiona Palmer

Fiona Palmer has become the author of my first personal choice when it comes to rural fiction. I can see, feel and breathe her stories, which seem to roll effortlessly from a very able pen. With the added Italian POW aspect embedded into this particular story, The Sunnyvale Girls, is a polished and well rounded tale that gives you plenty to think about.

Three generations of Stewart women share a deep connection to their family farm, but a secret from the past threatens to tear them apart.

Widowed matriarch Maggie remembers a time when the Italian prisoners of war came to work on their land, changing her heart and her home forever. Single mum Toni has been tied to the place for as long as she can recall, although farming was never her dream. And Flick is as passionate about the farm as a young girl could be, despite the limited opportunities for love.

When a letter from 1946 is unearthed in an old cottage on the property, the Sunnyvale girls find themselves on a journey deep into their own hearts and all the way across the world to Italy. Their quest to solve a mystery leads to incredible discoveries about each other, and about themselves.

For anyone who loves a rich, well-told yarn.

There you have it. My personal picks for 2014. Of course, there are a plethora of fabulous books to pick from this year so, whatever you choose, happy reading ... oh, I mean shopping! {blush}

RURAL BOOKS CURRENTLY HITTING THE SHELF

If you love your rural books, there are a few rural authors who have novels out in time for Christmas. (Just in case you want to put them on your own Santa list! ) These include THE GREAT PLAINS by Nicole Alexander, GEMMA'S BLUFF by Karly Lane, OUTBACK GHOST by Rachael Johns, RIVERBOAT POINT by Tricia Stringer and the list goes on. Check out http://www.australianruralromance.com for more rural books available in the festive season.

CHRISTMAS BARGAINS

If you're into romance eBooks along the lines of Nora Roberts, Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer, over at Tule there's a great lineup of Christmas eBook novellas, with some going really cheap at the moment. Our own Alissa Callen has one called HER MISTLETOE COWBOY available for approx. $3.39. There's also a few on sale for a limited time at 0.99c (titled Christmas at Waratah Bay; Just in time for Christmas; No Rest for the Wicked).

Oh and if that's not enough for you - some special offers on Amazon for Rural Romance (both Aussie & US based) The House at the Bottom of the Hill by Jennie Jones, Promise Me, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael and Marry Me, Cowboy by Lilian Darcy.

Should be something there to keep us all occupied in that post Christmas lull!

Tags

Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty

Christmas

Hello From the Gillespies

The House at the Bottom of the Hill

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Margareta — Tue, 06 May 2014 02:32:45 +0000

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Margareta Tue, 06/05/2014 - 12:32 pm

Mother's Day is fast coming upon us and I have been watching a couple of interesting conversations taking place on social media, concerning presents. Some mothers appear to want to be asked, 'What would you like for Mother's Day?' Others think the family should be able to come up with the answer to that question all on their own. Then you have the camp that have specific needs and wants and in all likelihood will secretly take back whatever they're given if it's the wrong item. And then there are those who count themselves lucky and shower blessings on children/husband's who may/or may not remember and acknowledge the event at al!

Which are you?Which is your mum/ mother-in-law/step-mother/grandmother (because sometimes they're sole mothers to their grandkids too)?Personally speaking I vary between numbers, 1, 2 and 4.

I have to say, regardless of what occasion it is, I MARGARETA OSBORN un-ashamably LOVE presents. I don't mind if I'm giving them or if I'm receiving them, but I just LOVE the whole present exchange thing and the pleasure that comes with giving/receiving a gift. I don't care whether it's handmade (in fact that makes it all the more special), bought or even borrowed (the 'big-arse tractor' for a days heavy-duty gardening comes to mind here), it's all in the fun of the gift.

This Mother's Day, I know I'm getting some chooks because I've organised that myself. Three actually. Plymouth Rock's. I'll post a photo when they arrive because I am SOOOO excited. I'm also rather desperately hoping the school my children attend has done their usual yearly creative present making exercise, because I adore anything made with love by my kids. (Yes, even those droopy clay creations that sometimes look like a mug.) I've also dropped a hint (or two or three ... ahem ...) to H that I'm hoping for a book, time curled up at my massive picture window overlooking the hills to read it, and if I'm really, reallly lucky, maybe a few secondhand parts (read windows/walls/doors/anything will do) for the building collection that's going to turn my writers shack into a reality. I'm 'fairly' confident of the book, but not so sure about the bibs and bobs though. He's a tad focused on building his 'big-arse machinery shed' at the moment. #writersshackunlikelyinnexttenyears

Anyway, at your house, if a present is the order of the day AND you're like me and would love a book. Do you want/need a suggestion of which one?

As I did at Easter, I thought I'd give you the heads up on a few friends of mine who have a rural book out on the shelves at the moment.

But ...

First, (she blushes here ...) you could consider giving my book MOUNTAIN ASH to someone you love? Here's the blurb in case you've forgotten ...

In matters of the heart she's playing with fire …

After years of struggling as a single mother, Jodie Ashton has given up on love and passion. What she craves now is security for herself and her beloved daughter Milly. And marriage to widower Alex McGregor, the owner of the prosperous Glenevelyn cattle station in the East Gippsland mountains, will certainly offer that. If only he wasn’t so much older and so controlling.

Needing space to decide her future, Jodie reluctantly agrees to a girls-only weekend at the Riverton rodeo . . .

Meanwhile, stockman Nate McGregor vows off women, after his latest one-night stand costs him his job in the Northern Territory. Perhaps it’s time to head back to his family home, Glenevelyn, to check out for himself the ‘gold-digger’ his father seems determined to marry.

But first, on his way through Riverton, he plans to stop off at a rodeo.

Two lives are about to collide in one passionate moment – with devastating results . . .

Alternatively we have Cathryn Hein with ROCKING HORSE HILL

Who do you trust when a stranger threatens to tear your family apart?

Ever since she was a little girl, Emily Wallace-Jones has loved Rocking Horse Hill. The beautiful family property is steeped in history. Everything important in Em's life has happened there. And even though Em's brother Digby has inherited the property, he has promised Em it will be her home for as long as she wishes.

When Digby falls in love with sweet Felicity Townsend, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Em worries about the future. But she is determined not to treat Felicity with the same teenage snobbery that tore apart her relationship with her first love, Josh Sinclair. A man who has now sauntered sexily back into Em's life and given her a chance for redemption.

But as Felicity settles in, the once tightly knitted Wallace-Jones family begins to fray. Suspicions are raised, Josh voices his distrust, and even Em's closest friends question where Felicity's motives lie. Conflicted but determined to make up for the damage caused by her past prejudices, Em sides with her brother and his fiancée until a near tragedy sets in motion a chain of events that will change the family forever.

Or Rachael Johns' OUTBACK BLAZE

Ruby wasn't looking for love, Drew wasn't looking to stay...until they found each other. Can their fling survive the darkness of Ruby's past and Drew's desire to move on?

Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary. So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life. The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever believe in love again.

Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay - he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.

When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.

Soon these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts - not only to the town but to each other.

And Alissa Callen with BENEATH OUTBACK SKIES

A captivating rural romance featuring an indomitable young woman determined to save her family farm, and the city-boy who is not all he seems...

Paige Quinn will let nothing and no one distract her from caring for her wheelchair-bound father, Connor, and fighting for her remote, drought-stricken property, Banora Downs. Least of all a surprise farm-stay guest named Tait Cavanaugh, whose smooth words are as lethal as his movie-star smile.

Except Paige can't help noticing that, for a city-boy, Tait seems unexpectedly at home on the land. And he does ask a lot of questions…

It doesn't matter how much he helps out or how much laughter he brings into her life, she soon suspects he is harbouring a big secret – the real reason he has come to Banora Downs…

All these rural books, receiving fabulous reviews, are hitting the shelves in time for Mother's Day.

Fiona Palmer also has a new release, a young adult novel called THE RECRUIT (available as an eBook only). You could gift a voucher?

From one of Australia’s Queens of Romance comes the debut in a brand new YA series about secrets, strengths, and what lies beneath the surface.

Jasmine Thomas may not be completely normal, but she’s a pretty typical seventeen-year-old girl. She hates the rich mean kids, loves her best friends, and can’t wait to get out of school each day. Her spare time is spent at The Ring — a boxing gym where she practically grew up — learning karate, boxing and street fighting. So, yeah, Jaz can kick some major butt.

Life seems pretty normal until the day Ryan Fletcher enters her gym…mysterious and hot with heaps of bad boy charm. Sure, she checks him out. Who wouldn’t? But what doesn’t show on his gorgeous abs are secrets and lies that dominate his very grown-up world. Now Jaz has to figure out just how far she is willing to go to know more. Could Ryan really be offering the life-fulfilling life path she’s always dreamed of?

The first in the MTG Agencies series.

I asked these lovely girls what they'd like, or like to give, for Mother's Day.

Cathryn Hein responded with, 'My mum has Alzheimer's and lives interstate, which makes Mother's Day hard. The phone is difficult because it is so easy for her to forget who she's talking to. The trick I've learned is to say 'Mum' as much as I can. So that will be my Mother's Day gift to mum. The reminder that she has a daughter she loves and who loves her.'

How beautiful is that?

Rachael Johns, a mother to three 'hero's in training' had this to say, ' I'd like to spend Mother's Day with my boys but I'm going to be in America this Mother's Day and we're all a bit sad about this. What I might give my mother (I hope she doesn't read this Rach!) is one of those electric blanket throw rugs as I adore my electric blanket and her house is VERY cold in Winter.'

Nice.

Fiona Palmer would 'like a good book and time to read it!'

A girl after my own heart.

While Alissa Callen told me, 'I'd love my older kids to be home from boarding school and to have a special family dinner that I didn't have to cook. I'd also love plenty of chocolate, my weekend washing to do itself and a quiet hour to curl up with a book.'

Ahhh... it all sounds divine, doesn't it.

Flipping sideways for a minute now ... (if you know me well enough, you'll know my brain is not geared for straight line thinking ...)

Another heart warming read to consider for Mother's Day is a delightful new release from Deborah O'Brien (who brought us, MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM). Although not specifically 'chook lit' (good Lord, did I just use that term?), this one could easily jostle for space on your rural shelf. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you guys all have a rural shelf that's as jam packed as mine {smiley}).

A PLACE OF HER OWN has the most gorgeous cover. (I am having a serious case of 'jealous cover love' over this one. I have no particular idea why, it just warms my soul.)

A compelling novel of starting over from the author of Mr Chen's Emporium. Eighteen months ago Angie Wallace thought her world had ended. Now she's fighting off suitors – and facing a crisis she never saw coming . . .

‘Unrequited love hurt like hell – whether you were fifteen or fifty-something.'

Following the death of her beloved husband Phil, Angie has made a new life for herself in the enchanting gold rush town of Millbrooke. The proud proprietor of the Old Manse B&B and a fierce protector of local history, her transition from ‘blow-in' to bona fide Millbrooker is complete.
She's even fallen for the erudite but scruffy Richard Scott, owner of Millerbrooke House.

But just as the relationship between Angie and Richard seems to be blossoming, a woman from his past arrives back in town – and turns their world upside down.

Because Diana Goodmann isn't all she seems, and when Angie vows to unearth the truth about her rival she finds herself a long way from home - and in very grave danger.

Regardless if you manage to get over the line presentwise or not, from me to you, I sincerely hope you have a beautiful and happy Mother's Day surrounded by all those you love.

With love

M xo

Tags

Beneath Outback Skies

Christmas is Coming - Rachael Johns

Margareta-Admin — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Rachael Johns

Margareta-Admin Tue, 05/11/2013 - 10:00 am

Rachael Johns' latest release is OUTBACK DREAMS, the first in a series of three. On the shelf at your local bookstore now, it's selling it's socks off. She joins me today in the Christmas is Coming Series to answer some questions.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Rachael, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

Rachael Johns

REMINDER:

Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts

Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts on Facebook and Twitter using the tag #bushchristmas and you'll go into the draw for a $75.00 Booktopia voucher.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Rachael, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - Outback Dreams, Rachael Johns

My Latest Release

OUTBACK DREAMS is a friends to lovers story about working out what you want in your life and grabbing hold of it with everything you’ve got. Set in small town Bunyip Bay, it’s the first in at least three books about this town and the people in it. Faith Forrester has been playing Cinderella to her dad and brother for far too long and decides to do something to change her life. Daniel (Monty) Montgomery has wanted to buy his own farm since his parents sold the family property when he was ten years old. A drunken night sets both of them off on an adventure they never imagined possible.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

This novel deals with Autism as the hero’s brother is autistic and this has greatly affected the hero and shaped the person he is at the beginning of the book. I chose to explore autism for a number of reasons, but the main one was that at the time I began writing the book, my son was being tested for Autism and I was doing lots of reading around the issue. I wanted to portray Autism in a realistic, empathetic but uplifting manner.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

When I was about ten years old we went to a family friend’s place for Christmas. We went swimming at Scarborough Beach and I got stung by a jellyfish. Later I got stung by a red back spider but didn’t find out until much later what it was. The Mum of where we were was helping put calamine lotion on my back/butt and her teenage son walked in by accident. I was HORRIFIED. Still can’t to look him in the eye all these years later!

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

A remote control car from my then fiancé! This is something I’d ALWAYS wanted as a child but never got. It was lots and lots of fun and survived till I had kids and they got a hold of it!

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I’m going to cheat here – as someone who HATES sport and doesn’t play any, a baseball mitt seemed like the worst Christmas present ever. But when my husband explained he’d bought it cos he’d always liked the idea of chucking them and a ball in the back of the car and pulling over on long journeys to throw the ball to each other, I saw the appeal. He made it sound much more romantic and promised this was something he’d always thought about but had never bought anyone until he met me!

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

Tickets to see Top Gear Live. Hubby is a mad keen fan of the TV show and when they did a live show in Perth, I HAD to buy them. I’m sure I’ve bought other meaningful things but my mind is blank today!

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Anyone who likes a feel-good story, romance and happily ever afters, especially if those elements take place in a small town. Funny, I always thought it would be mostly women reading my books, but the number of men who tell me they have constantly surprises me! So go on, buy OUTBACK DREAMS for just about anyone!

Rach, a former english teacher now turned talented author, comes from a small country town in WA where she and her husband run the local supermarket. Mum to three young 'hero's in training', her Christmas is bound to be super, dooper busy.

Rachael has kindly donated a signed copy of both her previous books, Jilted and Mandrought to give away. And then there's a personally inscribed Christmas card coming some lucky readers way. So leave a comment below to go in the draw to win one of these wonderful gifts.

Tags

Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Rachael Johns

Rachael Johns

My Summer/Christmas Book Suggestions ...

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Loving a book for Mother's Day ...

For the rural fiction lovers;

Other books that have caught my eye;

Some Favourite Authors with releases coming soon;

For those who love biographies;

Self Help, anyone?

Any Regenerative Farmers out there?

SO, that's a few ideas for the family of a book lover, like you and me, to ponder over ...

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Need Help With Your Christmas Shopping List?

Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty

Hello From the Gillespies - Monica McInerney

Evergreen Falls - Kimberley Freeman

Life or Death - Michael Robotham

The Sunnyvale Girls - Fiona Palmer

RURAL BOOKS CURRENTLY HITTING THE SHELF

CHRISTMAS BARGAINS

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Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

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Christmas is Coming - Rachael Johns

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