I am lucky enough to receive Advanced Reader copies or ARCS of many books for review. This means I have the privilege of reading books before their release date. This also enables me to read in a wide variety of genres. This June I am happy to report that I have three new excellent books to recommend, all in different genres – romance, crime and historical fiction.
The first is in one of my favourite genres – rural romance. My author friend, Maya Linnell and her wonderful publishers at Allen and Unwin gifted me her latest novel – Cockatoo Cove. This is Maya’s seventh book and possibly one of my favourites yet. It tells the story of Maggie West, a hardworking cattle stud owner and mother of a teenage girl. Maggie has been unlucky in love and with so much going on there is no time for romance.
Enter acclaimed winemaker, Fergus Abernathy from Beesley Brothers Winery who is envious of Maggie’s close knit family as he misses his own family in Scotland. You might remember these characters from last year’s novel, Wallaby Lane.
Maggie and Fergus keep crossing paths and their attraction grows but are they ever in the same place at the right time? When Fergus receives a shocking phone call everything changes. Misunderstandings and long held secrets create roadblocks for the pair and with a community fundraiser hanging in the balance it seems they are not destined to be.
Set in South Australia’s Limestone Coast and sharing the beauty of its rugged coastline, this book showcases the area’s wine, agriculture, crayfishing industry and country spirit while exploring themes of resilience, connection and life on the land. Packed with some new and old friends you will love this heartwarming tale of grown up love and understanding. I know I did! This is storytelling that will make your heart sing. Out June 3.
Joan Sauers is a new to me author who has written many screenplays and is a producer and author. Her latest crime novel, Whisky Valley, made for cosy and compulsive reading.
We meet historian – turned – amateur sleuth Rose Mc Hugh. Rose lives in the moody Southern Highlands. Another setting I am not familiar with but which captivated my interest as a character in its own right. Rose has been battling anxiety after nearly being murdered last year but when her son’s lifelong friend disappears she uses her investigative skills to try and find him. The young, famous violinist is missing along with his priceless violin.
As floodwaters begin to rise, Rose uncovers secrets and lies among the man’s fellow musicians, his patron and her enigmatic psychologist husband. I loved the inclusion of classical music and history. It added another layer to the story.
When a body is finally found Rose must find answers fast as her own son comes under suspicion. Will she put herself and her family in even further danger?
This novel is full of family dynamics, friendship, community events, rivalry, whisky making, mouthwatering food and an ending that will surprise in this murder mystery. Such a great read for lovers of Australian crime.
From the acclaimed author of The Good Wife of Bath, Karen Brooks, comes the new historical fiction – The Whisky Widow. With a publication date in early July this well researched novel celebrates the art of whisky distilling and the defiant spirit of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a rollicking story of bravery, adventure, love and murder which brings the Scottish Highlands of long ago to life. I’m halfway through and can’t stop reading. Not since Outlander have I enjoyed a book set in Scotland so much. Brooks is a masterful storyteller who weaves her magic on every page. Look out for this one in stores next month.
michellebeesley.com 