Fiona Palmer

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

I am SOOO excited!

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 03:33:43 +0000

I am SOOO excited!

Margareta-Admin Wed, 05/10/2016 - 2:33 pm

Can you guess why?

‘School holidays are over …?’

Nope. (Although the silence is rather sweet …)

‘Your book edits are finished …?’

Nope. (I’m getting there though …)

‘You’ve lost 5 kg in the last week …?’

Nope. (I wish…)

Want me to tell you?

Of course you do …

Taa DAAA … I started a new diary/planner this week! Yes! All those crispy, smooth, beautiful, clean pages waiting for me to fill in with all manner of things. Excitement overload, I tell you!

Tragic, isn’t it. Being a self confessed bookaphile I am also a ‘stationary-holic’ and thus, simply ADORE anything that looks like a journal, diary, calendar, notebook, blingy pen …

I remember before Bella’s Run hit the shelves, my wonderful father, (also a bookaphile and I suspect a closet stationary-holic) took himself an hour down the highway to the nearest Officeworks store and spent at least that time again trying every pen he could get his hands on, so he could find me the ‘perfect signing pen’. He did it and to this day I buy the “Uniball Gel Impact” pen by the truckload. My Dad is a legend. It’s a shame they don’t make the Uniball Gel Impact in a glittering bling-like model or bright pink. Otherwise I’d be buying a road-train full of them.

Anyway, back to my love affair with diaries and planners. I’ve tried all of them. Big ones, little ones, financial ones, bound leather all-in-one packages. And I usually forget to fill the darn things in, always returning time and time again around March (when the novelty has worn off) to my trusty ELDERS calendar. You know the one from your local Elder’s Store in the big white envelope; gorgeous rural pictures to each month, lovely BIG squares for each day to fill in the family’s whereabouts/happenings. Once the year finishes there a tiny space up the back to scribble down those pesky appointments in the New Year because you don’t want to hang up that new calendar too early or it’s bad luck. (Although maybe that’s just the Irish in me...)

Two years ago I was given one of those fancy ‘family planner’ calendars, which were all the rage. Each kid gets a single line and you fill it in and are supposed to feel organised. My problem with this particular outfit was the spaces were too small for all that was going on, there was no place for events that affected the whole family and where were the general reminders like worming the dogs supposed to go? In with the kids if they had nothing on that day/night? (They do say, if you worm one lot you should worm the other ...)

Soooo … of course, back I went to my Elder’s calendar and my very vacant looking diary, which I still had forgotten to fill in after March despite my best intentions. I think that particular poor, forgotten diary was a Moleskine one in a very pretty red – which really was such a shame.

ENTER Facebook. Yes, I know. I too vacillate between thinking it’s the scourge of the earth to it being the best thing since the creation of those apple peeling twirly gadgets. (Yes, I’m sure that really is its name … ;))

My Master Planner

Facebook told me one day, thanks to one of my commenting rural friends, there was this family planner cum diary created by Milestone Press in QLD. Now, I will be the first to admit it was my love of fuchsia pink that made me buy it in the first place. BUT I AM SO GLAD I DID. This planner is the bee’s knee’s (do bee’s have knees? I’m glad I didn’t say the duck’s nuts ;)). I cannot tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this planner. The Elder’s calendar has been relegated to the loo and now, pride of place on the bench is my MASTER PLANNER. There is a week to each double page, HEAPS of space at the top of each day for general stuff (like worming the dogs), a birthday’s/anniversary’s line, and then more space FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER’s activities. There is even a spot to put in dinner, which is getting ultra organised, I know, but by goodness, do you feel good when that’s filled in. No umminng and arrring at 5pm over what the hell you are having for tea. You can get stuff out of the freezer a day or so ahead because your planner tells you to do it!

Kicking goals people, kicking massive goals up here on the hill.

Whatsmore, YOU START YOUR NEW PLANNER IN OCTOBER! Yes! And for some reason my brain can get over the ‘bad luck’ thing because ‘hey, it’s just a diary’, not a calendar. And in goes all the end of year activities PLUS the new year’s uniform days, school stationary pick-up days, back-to-school haircuts/dentist etc. etc.

Oh my goodness, you have no idea how organised I feel.

Ready to be filled in!

This year my new MASTER PLANNER is a beautiful shade of purple/violet and it also has a double page for each month, so, at a glance I can see the stuff I need to plan ahead. Like holidays and girl’s nights out. Really important stuff …

Find out more at …

http://milestonepress.com.au/

If the Master Plan diary doesn’t float your boat, when I was in Melbourne last week I saw these BEW-DIFUL ‘Sweet’ diaries at Kikki K. Oh my goodness, as you can imagine, I just wanted to INHALE the whole range. I have restricted myself to one in particular which I will use as a work ‘To do’ style diary on my writing desk. (I am a HUGE fan of the ‘tick off the to-do list’, having been known to put something I've ALREADY done on it so I can feel good about a tick - told you I was tragic.) Here it is …

http://www.kikki-k.com/2017-a5-weekly-diary-sweet

And then yesterday, I was catching up on a few blogs and over at Dolly Henry Design, Megan was getting organised with this amazing, beautiful planner from NoteMaker. Yes, I know it’s a little on the expensive side, but readers of Dolly Henry Design can get an exclusive 10% off Rifle Paper Co. products from NoteMaker, if you get in before December 31, 2016. Just imagine that stylish compendium sitting there your desk/counterpane; so pretty with it's botanical accents, stylish, crisp and smelling like new.

I can see I might need a third diary for some reason or other … Maybe the farm? Can you just see this one bouncing around in the ute?

If you want to find out more go to …

http://www.dollyhenry.com.au/

BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS …

The Good People, Hannah Kent

We’re getting to that time of the year when all the fabulous pre-Christmas books hit the shelves. I have been waiting very impatiently for Hannah Kent’s (a la Burial Rites) newbie, THE GOOD PEOPLE. I now have it in my hot little hands so I’m chuffed.

A Distant Journey, Di Morrissey

Another fav author of both H and mine, Lee Child has a new Jakc Reacher book coming in November (how can Tom Cruise even THINK he measures up?). Aussie mega-author, Matthew Reilly has a new blockbuster out mid October and Di Morrissy fan’s will be ecstatic to see A DISTANT JOURNEY arrive in stores after October 25.

This month there are also some new releases coming to those who adore reading rural fiction. My great mate, and all round gorgeous girl, Fiona Palmer has just released THE FAMILY SECRET, which I am sure will not disappoint. I love Fiona’s books and can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

The Family Secret, Fiona Palmer

If you missed the news last week, my stable mate at Random House, the lovely Nicole Alexander, has also just released her newest epic, RIVER RUN. I simply love that cover and the storyline sounds intriguing. I haven’t been able to wrest it off my husband yet, but I’m holding out hope he’ll hand the book over sooner rather than later.

River Run, Nicole Alexander

My other beautiful friend and writing group buddy, Jennifer Scoullar also recently released her latest environmental fiction novel, JOURNEY'S END. Jennifer is an incredibly talented author, who has taken rural fiction into another realm.

Journey's End, Jennifer Scoullar

So, tell me, what’s your favourite planner/diary/calendar?

Who/ what are you reading this week?

P.S. I should note here that I am not paid to promote these products. They are simply ones I use and like.

Until next time,

Margareta x

Tags

2015 Christmas Book Suggestions & Ice Cream Cake Recipe!

Margareta-Admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:39:29 +0000

2015 Christmas Book Suggestions & Ice Cream Cake Recipe!

Margareta-Admin Tue, 22/12/2015 - 11:39 am

Amid 40 degree heat (with NO air conditioning I might add) we partied our way through the first family Christmas celebration yesterday. It was so much fun, with lots of laughter and jokes being shared around the Christmas tree and dinner tables.

That was AFTER they’d all managed to slog their way down the drive and negotiate the electrified bungy cord gateway keeping the cattle from entering the house yard. My brother-in-law from Brisbane (all 6’2” of him) was the only one who rang me from 100 metres away. ‘Ummm … this gateway? How do I open it?’

‘There’s a plastic handle. Grab hold of it and then drop the cord.’

‘Handle? Ummm … I don’t want it to bite me.’

‘You need me to come and save you?’

‘Yep.’

City slickers, I don’t know …

Christmas Book List

Last week I mentioned I’d give you a few book ideas to consider for your Christmas present list. I’ve let the side down this year a bit. Being away doing the mustering season in north western Australia from June to October, cut into my reading time in a large way.

BUT, I can give you a few recommendations based on the reading diet of both myself and a few others close to me whose reading tastes I admire.

Wild Lands, Nicole Alexander

My husband loves Nicole’s books and Wild Lands, her 2015 release, was no exception. For the lover of sweeping Australian saga novels with historical overtones.

The Secret Years, Barbara Hannay

My Great-Aunt adored The Secret Years. This contemporary and historical dual narrative moves from outback Australia to Cornwall, London to war torn Papua New Guinea in a story based on family, heroism and love.

The Saddler Boys, Fiona Palmer

My go-to girl of rural fiction, Fiona Palmer, has once again delivered the goods with this well-rounded lovely rural love story which packs a punch.

Close Your Eyes, Michael Robotham

It’s no secret that thanks to my amazing webmistress/assistant, Karen, I am a HUGE Michael Robotham fan. A man who beat Stephen King to the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger Award in 2015 for his standalone novel Life or Death. Close Your Eyes is another masterpiece. If you love, or have someone in your family who loves crime fiction, this incredibly talented Australian author is your man and this is your book.

(Karen - If you've not read Shatter (from earlier in this series) you might want to start there - which will be no trial!)

The Cuckoo's Calling, Robert Gailbraith

Aka J K Rowling, Robert Galbraith is my new literary love. I couldn’t put these books down. Cormoran Strike is my new Jack Reacher. Sigh. (Lee Child novels) These two books are from previous years but I suggest you start with The Cuckoo’s Calling so you can enjoy the series to the max.

The Silkworm, Robert Galbraith

What I want to read over Christmas …

I really want to read this book. The reviews have been fabulous and I have enjoyed Tricia’s other rural novels.

Between the Vines, Tricia Stringer

Set in and around the world famous Ghan train, deep in the Australian outback, Judy Nunn always delivers well researched, captivating Australian sagas.

Spirits of the Ghan, Judy Nunn

A master at work – the blurb of Kate Morton’s new release has me intrigued and I ADORE the cover.

The Lake House, Kate Morton

As you can probably tell from my comments as well, my webmistress is quite a fan of Crime Fiction. She's added a couple of recommendations that might work for fans of my books as well.

Historical Crime fiction set in England around the Suffragette Movement, Dody McCleland is a qualified doctor working as an autopsy specialist in a time of massive change for women. Beautifully researched and elegantly written, this is a great series from WA based Felicity Young.

A Dissection of Murder, Felicity Young

A Few Right Thinking Men, Sulari Gentill

Another Australian historical crime series, written by ex-lawyer and Truffle Farmer Sulari Gentill who lives in the stunning Snowy Mountains, these books are written with great historical authenticity and a beautifully pitched touch given that they sometimes cover very tricky subject matter.

And it wouldn't be a newsletter from me without a recipe!

Margareta's Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients:

4 litres of vanilla ice-cream

400 g of chocolate honey-comb pieces, chopped into chunks

or 200gms chocolate honey-comb pieces (chopped) and a bag of maltesers

220g bottle of chocolate Ice-Magic

Fresh berries & icing sugar

Put 4 litres of ice-cream into 2 big bowls (Half ice-cream between the two). Leave to soften for 10 minutes (don’t let it melt).

Gently fold in the chopped honeycomb (&/or maltesers). Grease a 26cm spring-form tin. Line base and sides with 2 layers of baking paper. I suggest you go 2-3cm above the edge of the pan with the paper, creating ‘hungry-boards’, so you can get all that yummy ice-cream into the tin.

Spoon ice-cream mixture into the tin and level with a knife or spatula. Freeze overnight.

Just before serving tip ice-cream cake from tin (I removed sides of tin along with the paper, laid a plate on the ‘top’ and tipped the cake upside down so the bottom became the top.) Drizzle immediately with Ice Magic, allow a minute or so to harden then top with fresh fruit. Sift icing sugar over the fruit to finish.

This cake goes ultra well with plum pudding but it would be terrific with any other desert or just by itself.

Note: You can replace the honey-comb/maltesers with other lollies or chocolate bar treats. Let your imagination run wild!

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 - Fiona Palmer

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:12:33 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Fiona Palmer

Margareta-Admin Wed, 13/11/2013 - 12:12 pm

Hailing from the tiny rural town of Pingaring, three and half hours south-east of Perth, Fiona Palmer was one of the first modern rural authors to hit the shelves. With no less than five best selling fiction novels to her name, two of which have been released this year, she writes her own brand of rural romance.

She has attended romance writers' groups and received an Australian Society of Authors mentorship for her first novel, The Family Farm. She has extensive farming experience, does the local mail run on occasion, and was a speedway-racing driver for seven years. She currently writes fulltime while helping out in her community and looking after her two children.

She joins me now in the Christmas is Coming Series to answer some questions.

Fiona Palmer

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 Fiona, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - The Outback Heart, Fiona Palmer

My Latest Release

The Outback Heart is a tender story with a big message. It’s about a small community and how Indi tries to rally the towns spirit by improving the local footy team. She has the help of Troy, a great footy coach who also gets her heart racing. Except he is hiding a big secret.

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

I read the eulogy of a local young man and it touched me deeply. Instantly a story grew from it. I contacted his parents and they helped me with information so I could weave it through this story. I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the book but it is one filled with a lot of heart, spirit and for me it has such an important message. And I also wanted to write a book about our Aussie Rules Football and show how important sport is in rural communities.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

I don’t remember anything really funny happening at Christmas but we did have awesome ones growing up. We would have the typical Aussie Christmas bbq by the pool. All my aunties, uncles and cousins together so the pile of presents by the real pine tree would be huge. The smell of the pine, the trays of lollies on the table, lots of laughs, fun and games. It’s how it should be.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Hmm, now that’s stripping my memory cogs trying to remember. No doubt it was something my husband gave me. One year he got me a ride in a Tiger Moth with acrobatics over the city of Perth. Fantastic!!

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Haha I can probably guarantee it came from my brother. There was also a bread maker I got one year. I put anything to do with cooking in the chore basket so it wasn’t a ‘fantastic’ gift haha.

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

A huge Star Wars Lego set.

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

Going off current readership it would be Mums, Dads, Daughters, Grandparents. Just about anyone over the age of 14!

Christmas Presents and Tree

When readers ask me, 'What other author writes like you do?' I invariably respond with Fiona Palmer. And as I can't read rural fiction while I'm writing, it's always a book by Fiona (or Karly Lane) which is sitting on my bedside table waiting for the minute I press send on my own manuscript. She is not afraid to mix country life, farming, issues facing rural communities and their people, along with a hefty slug of romance into the one non-put-downable read.

Fee and I attend writers conferences together and as you can imagine, we have an absolute ball. She is one lovely and beautiful (I so want her gorgeous long, curly hair ) country girl with so much talent and I can highly recommend her books to one and all.

We have a signed copy of The Outback Heart to giveaway (thanks to Fiona) along with a personally inscribed Christmas card, so make a comment below and go in the draw to win.

Tags

Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Fiona Palmer

The Billy's Boiling with Fiona Palmer

Margareta — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 03:17:56 +0000

The Billy's Boiling with Fiona Palmer

Margareta Mon, 09/07/2012 - 1:17 pm

What better excuse for a smoko break than a visit from one of your mates. And what is better during smoko than sharing a few of our favourite things (and I'm not just talking about the cakes here!).

Imagine, if you will, we're on our farm at Tinamba in Gippsland, Victoria. It's pretty comfortable and welcoming here in my kitchen (even if I say so myself {smiley}). There's an old and battered Baltic pine table (previously the floor of an old woolshed in NSW), hardwood ladderback chairs, and some gorgeous, old fashioned china mugs sitting ready for our cuppa.

And, of course, ‘the billy’s boiling’…

Away we go ...

At the table with me is Fiona Palmer, whose latest book is THE ROAD HOME, so why not grab yourselves a cuppa and let's get the chat underway.

The Road Home by Fiona Palmer

When your life is at a crossroads, how do you find the road home?

Lara Turner has a boyfriend, a nice house in the city and a chance at a big promotion. So when her brother calls asking her to come home, she hesitates. Can she face the memoires that inhabit the beloved place of her childhood? And how does she feel with the news it's to be sold? Could she be the answer to saving the family farm?

Jack Morgan has memoires of his own to contend with. A falling out with his family and a bitter end to a past relationship have left a big chip on his shoulder. When his best mate's beautiful sister arrives on the scene, he finds himself deeply conflicted.

Lara and Jack have a powerful attraction but are constantly at odds. Will their love of the same land keep them apart, or grow into a love of a different kind?

Tell us a Little about the Book

My latest book came about because living in the country there are no high schools around, so we had to go to boarding school from year 8. It was a hard time, leaving your home and family but for me I enjoyed the boarding lifestyle, having my friends around me was like a massive continuous sleepover. My thought was ‘what if you had a girl who loved the country, had an attachment to it but ended up becoming a city girl through boarding school and Uni?’ So I put Lara on that journey of self-discovery, for her to find out where she truly felt at home.

I lived in Perth while I was at College, and it’s easy to merge with city life and it wasn’t until I actually went back home that I realised how much I had missed the country and its space. It was as if a brick had been lifted off my chest. I wanted Lara to have that same feeling, of coming home and finding a release.

What's your favourite cake/slice/bickies/dip for morning smoko?

Who can go past Tim Tams?? (And on a cold day, you have to suck your hot cuppa through them so they go all gooey).

For me it’s easy out of the packet. But the local ladies here make awesome smoko. Their jam and cream scones are to die for!!

Latte or Billy Tea?

I’m happy with either. Love a good tea but also love the smell of coffee.

Country or City?

Country through and through, but love visiting the City. Big emphasis on VISIT!

Sea or Trees?

I love both. We go to the coast often and I love the beach but trees are magical also.

Morning or Evenings?

I’m an early riser but love evening sunsets.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn?

Spring. New growth, new flowers, new lambs, a new sunny start to life.

Swags or Room Service?

Swags are good, but who doesn’t like a bit of room service from time to time!!

Horse or Motor Bike?

Motor bike. I would spend hours riding around the farm. Also did a donut on one when I was young and burnt my leg badly on the exhaust. Mum attacked me with Tea Tree oil, stung like a bitch but now you can’t see the scar.

Books or Shoes?

Books. Books all the way. I have boots, thongs and runners…and not much else.

Jim Craig, Hugh Jackman or Simon Baker (?All of them)?

Jim Craig

Hugh Jackman

Simon Baker

Hugh Jackman. I’ve loved him since the Paperback Hero movie. His character was yum.

(Me too, Fee. Bring back the ‘Paperback Hero’ Hugh please. He was to die for!)

Rodeo or Dinner Party?

Rodeo. Dinner Parties scare me…I have to try and remember etiquette!!

Dairy / Cropping / Beef / Sheep?

Cropping. I love driving tractors and smelling the fresh turned earth. And harvest with all those golden crops simmering in the heat. Magnificent.

Which Tractor - Green, Blue or Red?

My uncle had a big green Stiger, so I’ll stick with that.

Holden or Ford?

Holden. Both our cars are Holden. My brother is Ford so we have family disputes often lol.

(A girl after my own heart.)

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs. Love that dogs would do anything for you. Plus I’m allergic to cats.

Why Writing?

Because I have stories to tell.

(And what stories that are too!)

Writer's Cave or Kitchen Table?

Blah! I hate cooking so not fond of kitchens, although we tend to always be in it.

Book(s) That Changed Your Life?

Rachael Treasure’s Jillaroo. It gave me the courage to send my first book to Penguin.

Event That Changed Your Life?

Penguin signing me up for my first book. All of a sudden I became an author. Not even I saw that coming.

Now that THE ROAD HOME is out, are you working on anything now? (What's next?)

I have finished my fourth book, based on a little town of Bundara. We are still working on a title for it. It follows a group of people and how a drought and tough times have affected them all. We will be starting the edits soon, meanwhile I’m working on book 5 and my YA story I wrote.

(EDITS?! ARGH!!! You poor thing. Such a busy girl … )

Book Cover - Heart of Gold, Fiona Palmer

Words to Live By?

Always look on the bright side of life. – It’s been my motto since I was young.

Never let life get you down.

Fiona Palmer

So head on over to Fiona’s website http://www.fionapalmer.com and checkout her books. She has also just become a movie star with Penguin Presents TV. Go to http://www.penguin.com.au to view this wonderful film clip that give you a look of Fiona’s life at Pingaring, in outback W.A.

Thanks for having smoko with me, Fiona. Until we meet again, I wish you all the very best of luck with your endeavors. See you next time as she waves goodbye.

PS. I just can’t wait until I REALLY have my gorgeous friend and fellow ‘Rural Writers Rock’ partner, Fiona, at my kitchen table!

Tags

Fiona Palmer

My Summer/Christmas Book Suggestions ...

Leave a Reply

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 ...

Leave a Reply

I am SOOO excited!

BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS …

Leave a Reply

2015 Christmas Book Suggestions & Ice Cream Cake Recipe!

Christmas Book List

What I want to read over Christmas …

Margareta's Ice Cream Cake

Leave a Reply

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

Leave a Reply

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Leave a Reply

Christmas is Coming - Fiona Palmer

Leave a Reply

The Billy's Boiling with Fiona Palmer

Tell us a Little about the Book

What's your favourite cake/slice/bickies/dip for morning smoko?

Latte or Billy Tea?

Country or City?

Sea or Trees?

Morning or Evenings?

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn?

Swags or Room Service?

Horse or Motor Bike?

Books or Shoes?

Jim Craig, Hugh Jackman or Simon Baker (?All of them)?

Rodeo or Dinner Party?

Dairy / Cropping / Beef / Sheep?

Which Tractor - Green, Blue or Red?

Holden or Ford?

Cats or Dogs?

Why Writing?

Writer's Cave or Kitchen Table?

Book(s) That Changed Your Life?

Event That Changed Your Life?

Now that THE ROAD HOME is out, are you working on anything now? (What's next?)

Words to Live By?

Leave a Reply