Tricia Stringer

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

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!

Making a fashion statement ...

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:19:31 +0000

Making a fashion statement ...

Margareta-Admin Wed, 03/06/2015 - 12:19 pm

Welcome to Winter!

Posh New Boots!

Brrrrrr ... oh my golly gosh, hasn't it been cold! I swear, on Monday, I couldn't feel my feet ALL DAY! This necessitated a rather radical move. A supremely radical move seeing this family is a 'Redback' workboot family. I went out and bought myself a new pair of work boots! I know ... I know ... such a sacrifice seeing, for me, boots are kinda like books and chocolate - you can never have enough. (Don't tell H I said that. He still doesn't know how many books I actually OWN thanks to a revolving mobile library system that ensures a lot of my novels are out on loan to friends :)). BUT, cold feet? Not an option. Wet feet? Not an option. Uncomfortable - "I surely hope I don't have to trudge up another hill in these bloody boots" - feet. Not an option. And soooooo ... I went and had intense discussions with the lovely Sue at The Stable Door in Sale. Found the pair of boots I have been coverting for the past FIFTEEN years have gotten better and better. SO I sucked it up, and bought a pair. And OH MY LORD, are these things like walking on clouds of soft, fluffy, waterproof bits of nothing. I am in HEAVEN I tell you. Absolute boot heaven. Thank you Ariat, once again. Your Terrain boots are like salted caramel Tim Tams and a Monica McInerney book all wrapped up in a heated, fluffy towel.

Chic!

So this morning's fashion statement is brought to you by a bag of second hand clothes from a friend (flannie shirt), Mountain Design Outlet store (puffer vest and bargin rack men's shell jacket), Murray Goulburn (Farmtech Milking vest), Ariat (jeans albeit rather worn and ripped), Fever (yummy scarf), my lovely Auntie Denise (hand knitted blue beanie) and Ariat again - my NEW BOOTS! Aren't they just the trick! Only thing is, the laces are going to drive me nuts but its a small price to pay for comfort.

So whilst many other of your favourite authors may look like they've walked off the cover of the Australian Women's Weekly, Australian Country Style or even Vogue, this author isn't one of them. Just ask the locals. Although, in saying that, I did just get some rather divine author photo's taken and thanks to my goregous stylist Ms Sandra who always makes me feel a million dollars, and a very talented and delightful photographer, Angela Landua, from Danae Images in Traralgon, they didn't turn out too bad. I'll show you next week!

New Book

I started writing a new book this week. Are you excited? I'm excited. After a while of nothing talking in my head (it was truly getting rather depressing just listening to my OWN thoughts) I've now got two books on the go which isn't good for my brain as I don't know which one's talking to me at any one time. When I get 'that book look" (as my family call it) my daughter has taken to asking me, 'Which one is it, mum?' Apparently 'the look' then turns blank. I just hope I don't get my Lake Grace's and Pilbara's mixed up.

The Packing Pile

Packing

Despite spending last week thinking I was dying of the flu which necessitated a few days in bed (I know! It was that bad!), we are getting organised to leave for the Pilbara. The LandCruiser could be forgiven for thinking it's having a birthday what with new tyres, mechanical repairs and things that were falling off all secured back on. The heavy duty trailer has also got in on the act with new bearings and such. A dog box is now made and ready for the kelpie complete with roll up blinds should he get a bit hot. All very flash and fancy.

My floor is starting to disappear as I make piles of stuff on the 'must go' list. I'm getting to that point where I'm looking at it all and starting to subtract items (the "it really doesn't HAVE to go pile") because I know from past experience, it just won't fit. And it's actually quite amazing just what little 'stuff' you really need in order to live. That said, H and I have bought new sleeping bags for our swags as the old ones really were on their last legs. Busted zippers, rips and tears - I'm afraid the last trip across the Simpson Desert on the roofrack, finally did them in. My new sleeping bag is pink, which has the Princess throwing it all sorts of looks and I'm guessing if it goes missing, I'll find it in HER swag!

In cooking this week ...

You have to go to http://lilluna.com/creamy-swiss-chicken-bake/ and make this! Oh my, what a simple and absolutely delicious recipe ( and superb for this long weekend). Preparation takes about 5-10 minutes and then whack it in the oven to let the heat do the rest. Perfect if you need to go back outside to feed the animals in the evening - it cooks while you're getting everything else fed and settled for the night. The best kind of recipe, I think.

What I'm reading ...

I have just finished Robert Schofield's MARBLE BAR, a very enjoyable read, with lots of action and all set in the Pilbara where we are heading. Very timely. I'm half-way through a new book by Milly Johnson called THE TEASHOP ON THE CORNER. It's a very light read so while I was sick, just the book I needed as I couldn't concentrate on what I was saying let alone what I was reading!

I also have a treat in store for myself that I've been keeping for our trip across Australia. Tony Parson's latest book, RETURN TO MOONDILLA, came out a little while ago and it's been sitting on my bedside table waiting for a 'holiday' where I can just sit and read (a week across Australia should account for that). Touted by Tony's publisher (Allen & Unwin) as the Father of Australian rural fiction, I would have to whole-heartedly agree. I have always revered Tony after a) reading his CALL OF THE HIGH COUNTRY fiction series which was my second introduction (after Di Morrissey's 'Heart of the Dreaming') to the then embryonic genre and because b) he is a renown working dog breeder and trainer who established one of the top kelpie studs in Australia, 'Karrawarra'. In fact, he was awarded an OAM for his contribution to the propagation of the Australian kelpie. Now in his 80's Tony is still writing, and this is another action packed novel set in rural Australia that will appeal to fans of crime and romance.

The blurb:

Return to Moondilla tells the story of a former journalist, Greg Baxter, who's recently returned to the area he grew up in (Moondilla, inspired by the NSW South Coast) to finish what he hopes will be a best selling novel. Far from being able to concentrate on his novel, however, the successful , handsome writer and martial arts expert is subjected to the attention of some attractive women, including the feisty doctor he once had a crush on. He also finds himself drawn into a police investigation of a lcoal drug-dealing syndicate; After an attempt on his life, and with his trusty German Shepherd, Chief, at his side, Baxter realises his days will be numbered unless he can help the police break the drug ring open...

I spoke with Tony after the release of his new book and here's what we chatted about ...

What was the inspiration for this book:

The pointlessness of drugs and of one man's stand against their use. I had some experience with martial arts a long time ago and used this as a kind of spearpoint for the story. After all their heroics and the development of a virgin country I hate to see Australians involved in drugs. I've said this fairly forcefully in the Prologue of Moondilla.

How it's the same/different to his CALL OF THE HIGH COUNTRY series (which I ADORED by the way)?

Moondilla is quite different to the High Country books. I left Penguin because they wanted to 'box' me in to rural type books and I didn't want to be boxed in. I'd written thousands of articles and transcribed complex material to simpler language when I was with the ag/vet companies (plus written radio/TV commercials) so I was confident I could extend the scope of my writing. 'Back to the Pilliga' was a breakaway novel to a certain extent and 'Return to Moondilla' is a further departure where the bush is replaced by a river and coastal town plus, of course, the drugs. The manuscript of the next novel is with A & U and it's quite different again.

Is the move towards a suspense story something you've always longed to do?

I wouldn't say the move ... is something I've always wanted to do. I regard myself as a storyteller and I think it's important to stretch oneself into new fields. Having said that I've got enormous admiration for Agatha Christie and her crime novels. I would very much like to be able to write something as good as hers. My children's book 'The Bird Smugglers of Mountain View' is another rural suspense story. It's in most of the schools up here and John Williamson likes it a lot and says it should be in every school. He's a bird lover too.

The Lad and his "Boy"

Purely personal, do you still have a keen interest in working dogs? And why the kelpie, not the border collie?

I don't breed Kelpies now. I had 70 years with Kelpies and I think I've done enough in that field. I wrote four books on the Kelpie , The last is a 700 page book which is regarded as the best book on the breed ever written. It's $150 in the shops but it has sold well around the world. Nearly every good working Kelpie has my Karrawarra blood in it.

Why the Kelpie?

It's (with the Cattle dog) Australia's national dog. It has had a greater influence generally than Border Collies even though BCs do better in trial work.

What's next for Tony Parsons?

I would have to be excessively optimistic to look too far ahead regards future books. I'm 84 and I'm assured not many people my age are still writing novels. There's the manuscript at A & U and it's set in the Glasshouse Mountains. It's quite different but I like it a lot. It refers to the demise of the Kabi people with the onset of white civilisation. I wrote some songs for this story one of which was in collaboration with one of my lovely granddaughters. Beyond that is the biggest novel I've written which I am in the process of rewriting. It's the story of the search for a Nazi war criminal. I did a tremendous amount of research for this book and I hope I live to see it published. There's others in first draft but whether I ever get to them or would want to by then, I couldn't say. I don't have my old energy and the body isn't what it was.

Thanks Tony, and good luck with your new book!

In other rural book news ...

Helene Young is touring the east coast with her new novel, NORTHERN HEAT which is on bookshelves now.

Jenn J. McLeod (SEASON OF SHADOW & LIGHT), Tricia Stringer (HEART OF THE COUNTRY) and Karen Davis crime writer - DEADLY OBSESSION) have also been wandering around NSW for 12 days in a bus with BETTER READING, promoting their new books and having one heck of a good time.

Arriving in June is also my friend, Pamela Cook's newest rural novel, CLOSE TO HOME.

These great books just keep on coming ...

Until next week, I'll keep packing and you guys keep reading and stay warm.

Margareta x

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!

Tricia Stringer

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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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