Author: michelle_beesley

Michelle Beesley is a wife and mum of three living in sunny Queensland, Australia. A columnist for ten years Michelle has branched out into writing short stories and novels. Her debut novel ‘It Happened In Paris’ was published by Serenade Publishing in 2023. Michelle loves writing about travel, fashion, theatre, film and events. Her romances are set in France and other exotic locales. You can find Michelle at a coffee shop with friends, doing yoga or walking, cheering on her favourite rugby union teams or attending a fashion show. She will most likely have a book in her hand wherever she is.

New Releases to Read in June and July

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.

PRECIOUS: An exhibition of Collectibles

Are you a collector? I remember my Dad collecting coins and my uncle collected glass bottles. He would go diving into wrecks to find them. Many of my friends growing up collected stamps. I guess this is a hobby that is going out of fashion. Not many people post letters anymore.

When my boys were young they collected many things from rocks to matchbox cars, Pokemon cards to shiny marbles. I guess there is a bit of magpie in all of us. My husband still has a record collection that he would never part with. It’s the nostalgia and sentimentality that holds them dear.

For me any collecting has come about organically. What started as one fancy Oroton handbag has grown into a fierce love of handbags and my collection has grown over time. The same with our Indigenous art. We bought one painting and fell in love with the style so much that our collection grew.

The Museum of Brisbane currently has a wonderful exhibition sharing collections and curiosities from local Brisbane residents. This exhibition brings together thousands of objects from various public and private collections.

From textiles to tin toys, marine treasures, evening purses, tea caddies, dolls and even some axes. Yes, someone had more than one axe to grind! You can learn about the keepsakes and treasures that many consider – Precious.

The Precious exhibition is free and suitable for all ages. Located on Level 3 in Brisbane City Hall this installation has something for everyone. You will marvel at the quirky and beautiful displays. We certainly felt a touch of nostalgia. PRECIOUS runs until 8 February 2026.

There’s an incredible interactive installation for the kids and fashionistas will be surprised to learn that the MOB team have collected over 3300 pieces from iconic Brisbane fashion label Easton Pearson which reside in their archives. Some are on display showing off the incredible workmanship which went into making these garments.

So tell me are you a collector and what do you collect? I’d love to hear about your precious collection.

Irish Author, Marian Keyes Visits Brisbane

As a young Mum the library was my haven. I looked forward to the kids borrowing books, playing in the park and having morning tea in the sunshine. It was always a favourite part of my week.

It was also special because I was able to borrow the latest novels and escape from Mum life through my book friends. I think Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series saved my sanity. Another new book friend found at the library was young Irish writer, Marian Keyes. I first read her debut novel – Watermelon over thirty years ago.

Watermelon told the story of Claire, a woman who finds out her husband is having an affair shortly after she gives birth. Devastated, she returns to Dublin to live with her family, including her parents and sisters, and begins the process of healing her life. It was this honest, humorous and heartwarming story which made me fall in love with Marian Keyes and the whole Walsh family of characters.

Since then Marian has become a once -in – a – lifetime talent who has been writing for over 30 years. Marian’s books are always an automatic buy for me as they give you the feeling of having a cuppa with a good friend.

When I heard that Marian was coming to Brisbane it was a bucket list moment for me and I had to buy a ticket. So on a rainy Brisbane night I headed into South Bank to hear Marian speak at the Concert Hall. She was just as funny, engaging, honest and wise as I had expected.

It is no secret that Marian has had her own battles and she talked of these openly. She explained that there was the Marian before she’d gone to rehab and the Marian after. She shared that this was her favourite mistake but one that ultimately changed her life.

In her new book- My Favourite Mistake she shares the story of another Walsh sister, Anna. Anna has the dream job. She works in cosmetics for a multinational company, has the perfect partner and lives a wonderful life in New York but… she is not happy.

So Anna implodes her life and moves back home to Dublin, much to the horror of her family who can see their access to the latest make up samples drying up. She also reconnects with her teenage crush, Narky Joey and helps out a dear friend promoting her new hotel.

The book shares the ups and downs, problems and solutions and the course of Anna’s family life and romance. Along the way we catch up with all our favourite family members and old family friends while enjoying the beautiful Irish scenery.

Marian writes from the heart and advised us as writers to write as if no one else was going to read it. Very good advice! With sex scenes she says she doesn’t love writing them (nor do I) but agrees that women have come so far that it needs to be included to show that it is a normal part of life. My feelings exactly!

Marian shared her wisdom. She is my age (61 ) and said she would tell her 30 year old self to find the joy in life. Travel and see the world, enjoy being young and learn about the world. We are here for such a short time it is important to find those glimmers of happiness.

Marian has delighted her readers worldwide with her heartwarming and genuine novels set in her home of Ireland. Later in the year Stan has filmed the story of the Walsh Sisters for us all to enjoy.

It was an absolutely delightful evening and the full house walked out with smiles on their faces and an even greater love for this warm and talented author. So go and dig out a Marian Keyes novel for real stories about real life with a sense of fun and warmth.

The Dictionary of Lost Words – A Play

Words can be powerful. As a lover of words and a feminist I was very keen to see – The Dictionary of Lost Words based on the bestselling book by Pip Williams. It’s on now at The Playhouse, QPAC and adapted by Verity Laughton. I wondered. Would it retain all the magic and originality of the story?

It does. This production shared the story of Esme Nicholls, a sheltered girl whose life revolves around her father’s work at the Scriptorium. It is here in the ‘ Scrippy’ where a group of dedicated men are compiling words and quotes for the very first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. For many this is their life’s work.

Esme sits under the table and collects the scraps of words that no – one wants or the double ups and begins her own collection of words which she secretes upstairs to hide in a travelling chest. This chest becomes her ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’. In time Esme begins collecting her own words- women’s words, some words which are not deemed suitable for the regular dictionary. Later they become a book of their own.

Esme’s life is not straightforward. She is an innocent and sheltered girl who experiences her own trials and hardships as she makes her way in the world. This sweeping historical tale tells of the suffragette movement, the role of women in pre – war time and the beginnings of the First World War, but it’s also a story about love, learning and life.

Esme does find romantic love along the way but she also experiences loss and grief. Words are always her comfort. The gift of words enables her to always find her way back into the world. This play is funny, emotional and heartwarming and had this writer wiping away tears by the end.

The set and projections were a bonus giving life to the story. An added shout out to the wonderful Lucy Hayes who stepped into the role of Esme after the illness of the lead actor.

‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ – A Play is only on here in Brisbane until May 10 and I believe it is almost sold out. Nab a ticket if you can. It’s a beautiful story written by a lovely Australian author who also knows the power of words.

It’s a beautiful reflection on the love between a father and a daughter, a time in history (1880’s), the rights of women and the evolution of words. A wonderful matinee performance to attend which was enjoyed by the full house audience. Bravo to the cast and crew!

Book launch for A Snowy River Summer

Rural romance is my favourite romance genre to read and one of the best ruro authors in Australia right now is Brisbane’s own – Stella Quinn. Stella has launched her sixth novel – A Snowy River Summer and was headed to my local library in Ashgrove to speak about her latest work. Of course I had to head along on a beautiful Autumn evening and listen to what she had to say.

Stella’s new novel shares the unlikely romance between a female mechanic called Kylie and an uptight city barrister named Damon. They should not work as they seemingly have nothing in common. But while Kylie’s heart is saying ‘No’ her body is saying an emphatic, ‘Yes’.

Damon hasn’t lost a case in months so is perplexed when his colleagues ban him from work after a run in with a traffic cop and…a judge. Kylie has a tough exterior after working in a male dominated world and would love it if her workshop could only turn a profit. She loves her home in the Snowies even if there is a dearth of eligible blokes.

A chance request to organise the sale of a country property is a distraction for Damon. He won’t be there long. Or will he? Distracted by a special needs Labrador and a girl-next-door mechanic give this city slicker some crazy ideas about sticking around.

Stella shared her writing process, motivation, research and author journey with a very receptive audience which included writers group members, readers and authors like myself and my lovely friend, Sara Hartland, who had driven down from the Sunshine Coast.

This feel good romance is about dreams, determination, tenacity, tractors, wine, paddle boats and … finding love. A Snowy River Summer is out now.

Visit to Millbrook Resort

I am a beginner golfer so there was no way I was going to miss my weekly golf fix while I was in New Zealand and one of the most beautiful golf resorts in the world is Millbrook, situated close to the quaint Arrowtown.

We arrived at our accomodation, a spacious house, a great option if there are several people or a family group. Millbrook is huge and sits on 650 acres of rolling hills. It is a 5 – star lifestyle and golf resort which boasts several restaurants, gym, pool and spa plus that amazing world class golf course. You can hike the inviting grounds saying hello to ducks and bunnies along the way.

I appreciated the accessible shuttles which would take you to Queenstown and Arrowtown. On our first full evening we shuttled back to Queenstown for a dinner beside the roaring fire at Jervois Steakhouse. I enjoyed a delicious confit duck dish before the shuttle ferried us back to Millbrook at the reasonable hour of 9:30.

During the day we brunched at the nearby Mora Winery and Artisan Kitchen. Mora is a delightful garden space with the freshest of produce and great coffee. We spent the rest of the day shopping and exploring the historic Arrowtown. Must do’s are The Remarkables Sweet Shop, Angel Divine and Golden Fleece. There are art galleries, gift shops and bakeries to visit. When the rain forced us inside we headed to Dorothy Browns- cinema, bookstore and Gin Bar. I had a Hendricks gin with yuzu tonic and lime.

The next day was our coldest of the trip so I donned my sweats to walk the magnificent grounds of Millbrook in the crisp, clean air. The colours of Autumn were quickly changing around me and I could see why the Autumn Festival in Arrowtown was coming up on the weekend. Nature’s beauty is a balm for the soul and I sailed home refreshed and ready for a delicious brunch at the Hole in One Cafe.

In the afternoon we headed to the driving range where I enjoyed hitting a bucket of balls towards the spectacular mountain views. This was such a treat! As was the wonderful wine tasting in the Barrel Room at Ayrburn. We sampled five different wines with my favourite being the Chablis like Chardonnay.

Dinner was at the very popular new venue – The Woolshed where I savoured the flavours of Autumn. I enjoyed the lamb dish of lamb cutlet, lamb saddle, baby carrot , chickpea, dukkah, lamb jus and torched feta. Dessert was a Pinot noir poached pear. A lively atmosphere with a casual yet sophisticated menu was offered here in this restored and reimagined venue.

Our last day was spectacular and warm with a visit to The Bakehouse, Ayrburn for breakfast before a visit with our Queenstown friends. We had a light lunch at The Dishery in Arrowtown before a last stop at the Royalburn Farm Shop which blew me away with its array of fresh goodies, including New Zealand’s favourite fruit- feijoa’s.

Soon it was time to head to the airport where a short three and a half hour flight had us heading home to Brisbane and a magnificent Easter weekend ahead.

There are so many reasons for Australians to head to Queenstown in the Autumn -the cool temperatures and changing colours, the great food and wine, a cafe culture similar to Australia, adventure, hiking, walking, golfing and biking. It was the perfect place to spend a week exploring.

Haere rã New Zealand! Hopefully we’ll be back soon. Stay sparkly!

A Visit to Queenstown in New Zealand

Recently my husband was travelling to Queenstown for work and kindly asked me to accompany him. It was ten years since our last visit to this beautiful part of the world and Autumn seemed like a perfect time to visit again.

We stayed in Queenstown for the weekend before heading out to the beautiful Millbrook Golf Resort for several days. We enjoyed lovely cool temperatures, great food and wine and breathtaking scenery.

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and enjoyed a fabulous romantic dinner by the fire at Bunker, a lovely hidden restaurant in an alleyway. Of course we both chose New Zealand lamb – a rack for him and a rump for me, followed by a dessert of blueberry tart paired with black sesame ice cream. A crisp New Zealand Chardonnay was our wine of choice. This was our very favourite meal of the trip.

Saturday we explored the Queenstown harbour with its artisan markets, top notch shopping and fabulous gardens. The Autumn leaves were changing throughout our visit. After meeting friends we dined at the delightful Millhouse at Millbrook, another standout meal.

On Sunday I mustered the courage to ride the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. Views were breathtaking! We headed out to the Burr Bar at Ayrburn winery to enjoy some New Zealand Pinot Gris and a tasty platter.

Dinner was a casual Italian meal in Arrowtown.

Until next time… our stay in marvellous Millbrook.

Calamity Jane at Queensland Theatre

Calamity Jane starring Doris Day was one of my favourite movies growing up so I was thrilled to see that Queensland Theatre were performing the play. I bought tickets for the matinee straight away.

Starring the talented Naomi Price as Calamity, this musical boasted a fabulous ensemble cast who played a variety of roles. All our favourites tunes, including The Deadwood Stage and Secret Love, gave this writer goosebumps as I listened to these beautiful renditions.

This musical is funny, nostalgic and a rollicking ride which will have you laughing, crying, singing and clapping along. Those who dared to buy saloon style stage seats found themselves immersed in the show and part of the action.

It was obvious the whole cast were having a ball as were the whole audience. The show is only on at the Bille Brown Theatre until April 17, so be quick. It’s a whip-cracking good time and was a definite 10/10 for me.

Natasha Lester launches The Mademoiselle Alliance at Avid Reader, Brisbane

On a rainy Brisbane night diehard Natasha Lester fans trekked to West End for the launch of her latest historical fiction novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance. Natasha was in conversation with our favourite journalist and author, Frances Whiting.

This book tells the story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard – hero and only female leader of the French Resistance. She was a remarkable woman who was one of the most wanted by the Gestapo during World War Two. Hers is a story of courage, love and friendship during times of uncertainty and fear.

Marie – Madeleine was a mother, rally car driver, pilot, journalist and leader. She was known as ‘ the beautiful spy’ and her epic escapades seem almost superhuman now. She was so strong, resilient and loyal to those she led and she just kept fighting because she knew it was the right thing to do.

We meet a cast of characters whose bravery also shines through but at the heart of the story is a romance. The love story between Marie – Madeleine and her second in command, Leon Faye. Leon is also a hero and a man not afraid to be led by a strong woman.

This meticulously researched novel moves from Morocco, 1928 to Paris, 1938 taking the reader on a perilous journey which surely helped to shorten the duration of the war. The story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard shares how a young Parisian mother feted for her beauty and glamour, comes to lead one of the largest spy networks in France.

Natasha Lester is an automatic buy for me and has many titles available including my favourite, The Riviera House and her last novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, which was longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The Mademoiselle Alliance is out now. Natasha Lester is now touring Australia. Watch out for her in a bookstore or library near you. She is a wonderful storyteller.

Australian Romance Readers Association Signings 2025

This week romance readers are in for a treat as the ARRA signings take place around Australia. First stop was Brisbane where there were panel discussions, lunch with the authors and book signings. I went along to the signings in the afternoon to catch up with writing friends and add to my romance library.

I first chatted with my friend Jordan Clayden – Lewis who has published two queer romance books -When Things Happen Together and Such a Small World. He’s busy working on his third. Looking forward to reading that one.

T. M. Clark writes African suspense with a touch of romance. Her action/ adventures include Cry of the Firebird and Tears of a Cheetah. She weaves her fascination with diverse cultures, wildlife and superb storytelling through her books. I had some books signed and purchased Tina’s latest children’s picture book – Quickly, Quickly for my granddaughter.

It was good to meet author, Elaelah Harley. I couldn’t resist buying a copy of her book, Wish You Were French to add to my French themed fiction shelf. I spied Kat from Shelf Lovers and grabbed gifts for friends, before chatting to Rachel Sweasey whose historical dual time line novel – The Last Boat Home caught my eye.

Louisa Duval writes rural romance and witchy fiction under the pen name of Sabrina. I was taken by her title, Worth the Risk. Clarissa Morgan was nearby with her anthologies and next door was prolific romantasy writer, H.M. Hodgson.

My Sunshine Coast writing friends, Catherine Bilson and emerging author, E. C. Helliwell were doing a roaring trade with readers lapping up Catherine’s Pride and Prejudice based series and historical romances. A copy of The Meddling Matlocks found its way onto my shelf.

Rural romance writing friend, Fiona Marsden was there and heading on to the Sydney signings the next day. Her book – Hard Road Home was my last purchase of the day and we had a great chat. Other authors I spied were Sapphic novelist Sam L. Val, Tanya Bird and special overseas guests, Nalini Singh and Julie Ann Walker.

It’s so great for readers to get up close and personal with their favourite authors and there was a happy buzz in the air. Some readers even had trolleys to take their book hauls home. Australian Romance Readers Association provides great opportunities for readers and writers to connect via events, newsletters and a vibrant social media community. There are still events in Melbourne and Perth next weekend so look out for where these writers will be popping up next.