Tag: book-review

Brisbane Writers Festival has a New Home

Jumping on the City Cat on a balmy Brisbane day I received a free blow dry as we breezed along the brown snake. Soon the majestic Powerhouse Museum was in my sights – the new home of the Brisbane Writers Festival. Would it live up to previous events I’d attended at the State Library of Queensland? The answer was a resounding “YES”.

There could be no prettier place than New Farm park with the jacarandas in bloom and no cooler and hip home than the Powerhouse by the river to greet our visiting authors, guests and locals alike. Food trucks were dotted around outside and as I walked up the hill an appreciative crowd were listening to an author talk in an open marquee.

I was heading straight for the bookstore manned by the friendly staff at Avid Reader and I spent a leisurely half hour browsing the titles, many from attending authors. I bought the new Fiona McIntosh – The Soldier’s Daughter, which I hoped to have signed after her talk. I spied Michael Robotham’s latest book to gift to my husband and I simply couldn’t resist a copy of Clare Stephen’s debut – The Worst Year of My Life.

I laughed as I spied my bookworm friend, Chris also strolling through the book display, marvelling at the musical instrument sculpture above us. It was a beautiful setting and very conducive to buying more books than one could carry. I’m sure we’d both developed new arm muscles by the end of our day out.

Our first stop was Mary Mae’s for a spot of lunch to sustain us through the talks to come. I really enjoyed my Asian chicken skewers paired with a cold glass of Pinot Gris. As we chatted authors walked by chatting with their publishers, PR and peers.

Our first stop was a panel discussion ‘So Funny It Hurts’. Moderated by Siang Lu we heard about a bodice – busting romance homage, a wickedly funny modern rom – com, a riotous big – hearted memoir and a dazzling short fiction collection. The main event for us was a talk by one of our favourite authors, Fiona McIntosh. Fiona shared stories of her research trips around the world, her popular masterclass and the many books she’d written in different genres.

Fiona is always such an engaging speaker whose own love for writing shines through. Her mentor was the icon Bryce Courtenay who encouraged her to write in different genres before attempting her now wildly popular historical fiction stories and crime novels. In exciting news, Fiona told us her book – The Pearl Thief was being made into a movie. Can’t wait for that one!

In the evening we ventured over to Brisbane Square Library to hear from Clare Stephens whose debut ‘The Worst Year of My Life’ has just come out. An appreciative crowd listened on as she was interviewed by her twin sister, Jessie. I’m sure many in the audience were Mamamia fans. The line for the book signing was so long we decided to head over to the W instead for a roadie. Sinking into the sumptuous lounges in the bar we reflected on a fabulous day of books, authors and our beautiful Brisbane. Till next year!

A French-Themed Book Launch with Friends

This week saw me gather together a few book loving friends from my local area. I didn’t want to make too much of a fuss about my new book so kept things close to home.

All embraced the French dress theme of berets, scarves, stripes and polka dots. We were celebrating the release of my new romance novel – Chateau of Love.

We sipped French bubbles, supped on French food and chatted about the book and what to expect from its pages. There’s history, fashion, food, wine, family, misunderstandings and a sprinkle of spice. I signed a few books and enjoyed a lively afternoon filled with fun conversations.

It’s an anxious time when you release a book out into the world. It was wonderful to be in the company of close, supportive friends. These are the friends who have cheered me on every step of the way. Most have known me for more than twenty years.

Chateau of Love shares the lives of traveller writer Saffron Graham, her photographer, Jett and French guide, Claude. This love triangle story is set in beautiful Provence, one of the most romantic places in the world. It’s a part of the world I have visited often since our first family trip in 2007 and there are still so many areas I’d love to explore. I hope this story gives readers a little taste of what this region has to offer from lavender fields to historical sites.

Writing can be hard and editing really takes it out of you so it’s great to finally share the good times. I’ll be concentrating on writing children’s books for a while and have begun a women’s fiction book which focuses on friendship. I also have ideas for a third French Kiss book with the working title – Chocolate Kisses but for now it’s time to celebrate Chateau of Love and reset and rest…

Until next time … stay sparkly!

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.

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!