Book Review: A Shadow at the Door by Jo Dixon

 A Shadow at the Door

by

Jo Dixon

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 3rd January 2024

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 373

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Shadow at the Door

Remi has built a new life for herself since her marriage breakdown and thrown herself into renovating her dilapidated sandstone house. When her savings mysteriously disappear from her bank account and her ex-husband starts pushing her to sell the house Remi decides to take in tenants to cover her mortgage repayments. 

Josephine and Emerson, both women having moved to Tasmania to start a new life, move in.

 

A Shadow at the Door is a compelling domestic thriller. Jo Dixon once again immerses her readers in the beauty and seclusion of Tasmania, highlighting the bitter cold of a Tasmanian winter. The story held my interest as the multi-generational friendship evolved and inner secrets emerged.

 

Jo Dixon realistically depicts how online trolls can destroy a reputation and how years of emotional abuse can undermine a person's confidence and self-worth. I love how Jo Dixon built  empathy for her characters in A Shadow at the Door. I couldn't help but want them to succeed.

 

Told through multiple points of view Jo Dixon delivers a gripping thriller with an enticingly twisty plot and an underlying message of friendship.

 

A Shadow at the Door is a worthy second novel to Jo Dixon's block-buster debut The House of Now and Then.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Read my review of The House of Now and Then

Book Review: The Willow Tree Wharf by Léonie Kelsall

 The Willow Tree Wharf

by

Léonie Kelsall

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th July 2023

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 420

RRP: $29.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Willow Tree Wharf

With The Willow Tree Wharf Léonie Kelsall has written a slow-burn romance with depth and compassion. 

All Léonie's books read well on their own however if you read them in order you get that extra level of character connection.

I absolutely loved being back in Settlers Bridge with old friends from Léonie's previous books; Roni, Jack, Lucie, Gabrielle, Tracey and Christine. This is one fabulous community and I love feeling a part of it whilst I read.

Samantha is in an abusive relationship and her husband has gaslighted her so much she is afraid to open her mouth. She had no self worth and was very insecure.

"After so many years she should have known better than to provoke him."

These are the thoughts of someone who has been spoken down to all their married life. 

Kelsall brings the whole community together as they close ranks around Samantha. Small towns are known for their gossipers but they also know how to protect their own. 

 

Pierce is a city boy, he has spent his life appeasing his parents and working in their restaurant with their rules. He would love to branch out and live his own dream but feels trapped by obligation.

 

I enjoyed the parallels between Sam's and Pierce's lives. Even though their circumstances were poles apart they were both forfeiting their dreams and happiness for someone else.

Lots of road bumps and misunderstandings made for an immersive read that had me eagerly reading knowing that all will come good in the end. That's what I love about romance!

Léonie's novels are extra special because they have layers of depth as well as the happy endings I expect.

 

 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Raised initially in a tiny, no-horse town on South Australia's Fleurieu coast, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana, Léonie Kelsall is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school, swiftly followed by a desire to write.

Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well, Adelaide), but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. Now she splits her time between the stark, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana and her home and counselling practice in the lush Adelaide Hills.  

 

Reviews of Léonie's other books:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/10/book-club-book-review-farm-at.html 

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/06/book-review-wattle-seed-inn-by-leonie.html 

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/09/book-review-river-gum-cottage-by-leonie.html 

Book Review & Giveaway: The Accident by Katie McMahon

 The Accident 

by

Katie McMahon

 

Can we really let go of the past?

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th August 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

 

Pages: 360

 

RRP: $32.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via DMCPRMedia

 

My review of The Accident

 

I loved Katie McMahon's debut novel The Mistake so I was eager to read her next offering and I wasn't disappointed. Katie's second book is even better than her first.

 

The book opens with an unidentified accident not far from the local high school. This mystery immediately hooked me in as the story then goes back to the nine months leading up to the accident and the question of what happened was always in the back of my mind.

 

Grace is the mother of teenaged Emma who is struggling with an eating disorder and is also being bullied by the girls in her class at school.

Zoe is a teacher at the local high school.

Imogen is an intern in the local hospital's A & E department. 

The three women are linked by friends, family and lovers. I found the connection to Zoe and Imogen stronger with their first person narration rather than the third person narrative of Grace.

 

There is a very strong theme of rejection as each of the women feel they have lost their soulmate to someone else and deal with this lose in different ways.

There are a few emotive themes running through the novel, such as; overworked emergency doctors, eating disorders, stalking, infidelity, mental illness, bullying, infertility and moral dilemmas. McMahon explores how life experiences shape us and have far reaching affects on those around us.

 

I enjoyed the mixed media style with coronial inquest notes and emails adding to the story and building the suspense.

 

Katie McMahon's writing is rich in suspense, mystery and humour. Her characters are funny, flawed and real. I loved them all!

 

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Katie McMahon is a medical doctor and writer. Her first novel, The Mistake, was written after attending a masterclass run by the internationally bestselling author Fiona McIntosh and was published internationally in 2021. Katie has also written articles for The Age and The Quarry. She has lived in London and Melbourne and is now based with her family in Hobart, Tasmania. She works as a doctor and teaches communication skills to medical students. The Accident is her second novel. 

 

 

GIVEAWAY

 

 

With thanks to Echo Publishing and DMCPRMedia I have one paperback copy of The Accident to give away.

 Enter via the form below. (Open to Australian addresses only). Entries close at 6pm (AEST) on Tuesday 13th September 2022.

 

 This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Spotlight on other books I've read this month - June

 

Title: Helpless

Author: Marianne Marsh & Toni Maguire 

Genre: Non Fiction

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pub Date: 5th March 2009

Pages: 297

Source: Own purchase 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

My review of Helpless

Absolutely heartbreaking!
I read this book in a day. Tony Maguire writes Marianne's story with candour.
A young, lonely little girl manipulated and abused by a trusted neighbour. It's impossible to imagine that nobody stopped him, nobody cared for this child.

Narrated in two time-lines; Marianne as a young child and then in middle-age, married with her own grown children.
One thing I noticed in this book is Marianne doesn't delve on her mental state, which I would presume was bad, just a few mentions of self harm. This story is not about garnering sympathy, it's a cleansing, a coming to terms with her past.

My deepest regret is the perpetrator doesn't appear to have been punished. It's hard not to wonder if other victims followed.
A highly recommended read.

 

Title: The Secret World of Connie Starr

Author: Robbi Neal

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Harlequin - HQ

Pub date: 1st June 2022

Pages: 436

Source: Better Reading Preview

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

My review of The Secret World of Connie Starr

  

The Secret World of Connie Starr is a powerful story set in the country town of Ballarat during and after WWII.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.

The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.

A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.

 

Title: One of Us

Author: Kylie Kaden

Genre: Domestic Fiction / Thriller

Publisher: Pantera Press

Pub date: 3rd May 2022 

Pages: 364

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My review of One of Us

 

In One of Us we get to climb security fences and peek through the hedges at the residents of an exclusive gated community.

The story follows the lives of two families on the Apple Tree Creek estate. Gertie and Ed have three children and have lived on the estate for five years when he tells her he needs a break and is moving out. Rachael new to the estate, pregnant with her third child, finds her sports star husband has cheated on her again. These two very different women soon become firm friends supporting each other.

One of Us is a gripping domestic noir filled with simmering secrets. I was intrigued with this story right from the prologue; a husband attacked and a wife in tears. The question of who was attacked is in the back of your mind as you read. Then there is the mystery of the attacker with many of the characters having a motive. 

 

Around these mysteries Kaden has written a story about marriage and motherhood, what goes on behind closed doors and women trying to do their best whilst fighting their own feelings of failure and struggling under the burden. There are multiple themes throughout the novel that I am sure will resonate with readers. 

This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Book Club

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review & Giveaway: The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer 

by

Ilsa Evans

 

Two grandmothers. They both love Avery. Shame they can't stand each other.

 

Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Australia

Imprint: HQ Fiction AU

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021

 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

 

Pages: 480

 

RRP: $ 29.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback (Uncorrected proof)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in gaol for supposedly contravening a family violence order, and Daniel has full-time care of their four-year-old daughter, Avery.

When Shirley suspects that Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth to abduct their own granddaughter, even though the two women can't stand each other. They are joined on the run across country Victoria by Winnie, Shirley's own 89-year-old tech-savvy mother, and Harthacnut, Beth's miniature schnauzer.

The abduction gives rise to crises both personal and social, as Shirley's large and interfering family - including her toxic son - struggle to come to terms with her actions, amid a whirl of police investigation and media excitement. This heartfelt, wise, witty and wholly original novel explores of the lengths we may go to for those we love, and the unintended damage folded into daily life. 

 

My review

 

In The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer Ilsa Evans explores the conundrum faced by grandparents to intervene or not when they fear their grandchild may be being neglected or abused.

 

Shirley Conifer has been noticing bruises on four year old Avery. She confronts her son, Daniel, and he retaliates by not allowing her to see Avery. When the next time Avery is dropped off she sees more bruising she can't not interfere, deciding she must hide Avery until she can talk Daniel into getting help. With her eighty-nine year old mother and four year old Avery she goes to see Beth, Avery's other grandmother, and they hatch a plan to keep Avery safe.

 

Child abuse is a difficult subject however it is handled sensitively and offset with humour as the two grandmother and great-grandmother try to get along for Avery's sake.

This is a story about family; mother's and their children. Daniel is a narcissist, charismatic and a good manipulator and the idea of nature or nurture is explored as Shirley feels all the guilt over his behaviour. Beth's daughter Cleo is serving a four month prison term for breaching an IVO,  Beth wonders where she went wrong.

As the women hide out they slowly start to understand each other. Beth is self-righteous and hilariously judgemental whilst Shirley is meek, always apologising. I felt 89 year old Winnie was the star of the story. Sharp as a tack and totally tech savvy. Winnie was happy to be ignored. She could do all sorts of things, being ignored was her super power. Winnie's antics had me laughing again and again. Whereas this feeling of invisibility was upsetting to Shirley.

"In some ways it was to her benefit if people underestimated her. Or even thought that she was senile" - Winnie

Ilsa Evans smashes the ageist stereotypes in this book.

Told from multiple points of view, thirteen in all. However each character is gradually introduced so it doesn't overwhelm. I did notice though that they were all women. The males in the book were generally backseat observers.

I really enjoyed this family drama filled with laugh out loud moments and characters I could truly connect with. Ilsa draws on her experiences on the board of a women and children's refuge to create real characters in compelling situations.

I also enjoyed the exploration of the relationship between the two grandmothers and the different mother / daughter relationships taking place throughout the novel. Even the subtle look at DS Elsa Kaltenbrunner's relationship with her mother.

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Photo:Studio3 Photography

Ilsa Evans has published fourteen books across a range of genres, from light fiction and short stories to memoir, murder mystery and YA fantasy. Two of her books have been shortlisted for the prestigious Davitt (Sisters in Crime) Awards, while her novel about domestic violence, Broken, was an Australian best-seller and selected as Women's Weekly Book of the Month. Ilsa also teaches creative writing students, writes social commentary, and has been published in several newspapers and online journals. In 2011, she received the Eliminating Violence Against Women (EVA) Award for online journalism. 

            

 

GIVEAWAY:

 

 

 

 

 Thanks to The Reading Nook online bookstore you can win 1 of 2 paperback copies of The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer 

 

Enter via the form below (open to Australian addresses only) Entries close at midnight on  27th September 2021.

 

This giveaway is now closed and the winners were announced here.

Book Review: Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

 Apples Never Fall

by

Liane Moriarty

The no. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies & Nine Perfect Strangers

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

 

Publication date: 14th September 2021 

 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

 

Pages: 496

 

RRP: $32.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

From the outside, the Delaneys appear to be an enviably contented family. Even after all these years, former tennis coaches Joy and Stan are still winning tournaments, and now they've sold the family business they have all the time in the world to learn how to 'relax'. Their four adult children are busy living their own lives, and while it could be argued they never quite achieved their destinies, no-one ever says that out loud.

But now Joy Delaney has disappeared and her children are re-examining their parents' marriage and their family history with fresh, frightened eyes. Is her disappearance related to their mysterious house guest from last year? Or were things never as rosy as they seemed in the Delaney household?

 

My review

 

After I thought Nine Perfect Strangers was a tad over-dramatic and unbelievable I was interested to see what road Moriarty would take next. I'm happy to say Apples Never Fall is fabulous! A superbly written family drama that has all the elements of a true page turner. 

The prologue pulls the reader straight into a mystery.

 

The story is told in present day where Joy Delaney is missing and then back over the previous five months that led up to Joy's disappearance.

In the present day: the four grown Delaney children are trying to sort out their own feelings and the rising fear that maybe their father has harmed their mother. As police interview each family member it's  clear everyone is holding something back and the circumstantial evidence against their father builds.

 

Previously: recently retired Joy and Stan Delaney find that time on their hands leads to resentments, unspoken grievances and regrets.

When a young woman arrives on their doorstep clearly distressed Joy invites her to stay. Suddenly Joy has meaning to life as she cares for Savannah.

Savannah also gives Joy the attention that has been lacking from her children. But cracks start to form and everyone starts to wonder what Savannah's true agenda is. 

 

Moriarty engineers a complex breaking down of each characters thoughts and dreams and we see everyone is holding something back. The mysteries are layered and compelling.

 

Apples Never Fall is a keenly observed family drama with finely nuanced characters. Underlying themes of domestic violence, anger and child abuse give a chilling look at parents in competitive sports.  

 

In Apples Never Fall Moriarty depicts marriage and family in all its love, rage, passion, grievances, regrets, dreams, resentments and splendid dysfunctionality.  Above all this is a story of the complexity of family and all things that are left unsaid.

 

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

 About the author

 

Photo credit: Goodreads

Liane Moriarty is the Australian author of eight internationally bestselling novels, Three Wishes, The Last Anniversary, What Alice Forgot, The Hypnotist's Love Story and the number one New York Times bestsellers The Husband's Secret, Big Little Lies and Truly Madly Guilty and most recently Nine Perfect Strangers. Her books have sold over twenty million copies worldwide, including three million in Australia and New Zealand.

Liane lives in Sydney with her husband, son and daughter.

 

 

 

Challenges Entered: Australian Women Writers Challenge AWW2021

 

                                   Aussie Author Challenge #Aussieauthor21

 

 

 

Book Review: The Hope Flower by Joy Dettman

 The Hope Flower

by

Joy Dettman

 

From the bestselling author of Mallawindy and the Woody Creek series comes a story of love and survival.

 

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 30th March 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 432

RRP: $32.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 About the book

Lori Smyth-Owen isn't your average teenager - as you'd expect from the only girl in a family of twelve. Or they were a family, until their father took his own life to escape his bed-bound wife, too obese to leave her room.

But for Lori and the remaining brothers, there is no escape from their volatile, mentally unstable mother. They raise themselves away from the gaze of the authorities, realising that though abandoned, they are now in charge. They can control everything, including their mother's food intake.

In time, their mother emerges, after losing two-thirds of her body weight. But does she bring with her the seed of hope for a better future, or will all hell break loose?

 

My review

 

The Hope Flower is a heart-wrenching story with a dysfunctional family at its centre.  Told from the perspective of fifteen year old Lori who is the glue that holds the family together. The only girl in the 12 siblings she is mature beyond her years and organises the family timetable and finances. The older boys protect their sister whilst the younger boys look to her as a mother figure. Their mentally unstable mother is the only thing that keeps them from being taken by the authorities.

 

The story is poignant and unsettling however there are moments of humour, all be it a bit dark they still  gave me a laugh.

Unlike Bridge of Clay, a story of five male siblings left to raise themselves, the Smyth-Owen siblings rarely fought and I think only once did a disagreement turn to fisticuffs. I found this a bit unrealistic.

 

Mavis Smyth-Owen is well portrayed as the slovenly, mentally unstable adult who throws violent temper tantrums if she doesn't get her own way.

The citizens of the small town of Willama band together in an inconspicuous way by doing small acts of kindness; giving the older boys jobs and providing a safe house for the younger boys when needed. They are there but not interfering. 

  

Through a couple of chapters from Mavis' viewpoint the reader learns that the dysfunctionality goes beyond this family to Mavis' own upbringing and brings a new perspective on why she is the way she is. 

 

There is an underlying theme of hope. A wavering hope that their situation will change and their mother will return to the person only the older children can remember.

 

The Hope Flower is a difficult read although the power of courage and the driving force of hope that emanated from the pages had me completely engrossed. 

 

5 / 5   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

About the author

 

Joy Dettman was born in Echuca, Victoria. She spent her early years in small towns on either side of the Murray River. In the late sixties, she and her husband moved to the outer suburbs of Melbourne, where they have chosen to remain. Joy is an award-winning writer of short stories set in country Australia, which were published in Australia and New Zealand between 1993 and 1997. The complete collection Diamond in the Mud, was published in 2007. Joy went on to write the highly acclaimed novels Mallawindy, Jacarranda Blue, Goose Girl, Yesterday's Dust, The Seventh Day, Henry's Daughter, One Sunday, The Silent Inheritance and the Woody Creek novels. 

 

Challenges entered: Australian Women Writers Challenge

                                 Aussie Author Challenge 

 

 

Book Review: Darkness & Grace by Kathryn Schleich

Darkness & Grace

by

Kathryn Schleich 

 

A domestic thriller inspired by real events

 

Publisher: Chris Olsen Communications

Publication date: 12th March 2021

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 231

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of Book Publicity Services 

 

About the book

 

Even the strongest of families aren’t immune to malice, betrayal, and deceit. Supportive, loving, and affluent, the Pierson family is delighted to celebrate the marriage of sensitive middle son Paul Pierson and his wife, Pamela. Everyone rejoices that Paul has finally recovered from the tragic loss of his beloved first wife and looks forward to Paul and Pamela’s new life together. But just as family members are celebrating his happiness, they start noticing that his beautiful bride may not be what she seems.

As the strain between siblings and spouses worsens, the Piersons discover that neither their money nor their considerable influence can keep the family safe from one woman’s malicious intent. When the true nature of this family member is revealed, each of the Piersons is confronted with the quandary of human conduct and moral responsibility.

 

My review

 

Darkness & Grace is a domestic thriller inspired by real events.

 

Paul has been suffering immensely since his wife's death and when he starts dating Pamela his family were overjoyed to accept her into their fold. However once they were married things started going down hill.

 

The story follows Pamela's malicious actions and Paul's family's attempts to shelter Paul and the couple's baby daughter.

 

Paul's sister Kate narrates this tale of deception and as much as I think family should stick together and help each other out I found Paul's whole family were so annoying and way too involved. That aside, I found Kathryn Schleich's writing engaging and the story held my attention and the ending was totally unexpected.

A good story recommended for readers who like a bit of family drama. 

3.5 / 5     ⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Kathryn Schleich has been a writer for thirty years. Her crime novel, Salvation Station, was published through She Write Press in 2020. Schleich has also published the short story “Reckless Acts,” featured in After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology, and “Grand Slam,” published in The Acentos Review in May 2017. She is also the author of the academic book Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images, which evolved from her master’s thesis. Her guest posts have been featured on the Women On Writing blog, The Muffin, and she writes for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s volunteer newsletter. When she’s not writing, Schleich is likely volunteering in the education and arts communities in the Twin Cities, where she lives. Friends, family, good food, wine, and traveling are important aspects of her life. 

 

Challenges entered: Cloak and Dagger Challenge  

 

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: Rosie Leads the Way by Renee Irving Lee

 

Rosie Leads the Way

by

Renee Irving Lee 

Illustrated by Lisa Coutts

 

 

Publisher: Empowering Resources 

Publication date: 24th February 2020

Pages: 38

RRP: $17.00AUD

Format read: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

 After talking with her Mum, Rosie believed she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world - but the day she met Penelope Pennington she wasn't so sure. Penelope Pennington had the perfect hair, perfect clothes, the perfect shoes and even the perfect cat! So, when Rosie and Penelope unexpectedly walk home together, they both make some meaningful 

discoveries along the way.

 

My review

 

Rosie's mum tells her she is smart, strong and has a beautiful heart. I love the concept of building self esteem without concentrating on outward beauty and skin deep perfection.

 

Penelope is the perfect princess and she won't let Rosie play because she doesn't look like a princess. Rosie turns away and starts to walk home but then Penelope needs Rosie as she doesn't want to walk home alone. The road is blocked but Rosie knows another way home. Penelope acknowledges that Rosie is smart. They encounter a few more misadventures on the way home and Penelope always falls apart. Rosie is calm and finds a solution to each problem. Penelope acknowledges with each problem that Rosie is smart, strong and kind.

Rosie tells Penelope she can be smart, strong and kind if she just tries.

 

We can see that Penelope isn't all that bad because she does acknowledge that Rosie helps her and is willing to try and be better.

The story teaches children to be kind and helpful to someone even if they are mean to you and that true beauty is on the inside in the way you act.

I think the ending was a bit abrupt. Penelope offers to teach Rosie to be a princess in return for her help. Rosie rejects this offer saying she is off to make mud-pies in the sandpit. I think they could have incorporated the two games by playing princess and serving royal mud pies or something that wasn't quite as dismissive. 

4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Renee is passionate about writing children’s books that promote life-long learning, social inclusion and improve self-esteem.   She has always loved working with children, so writing for children has been a natural progression from her work as a teacher and educational freelance writer.

 Her diverse background in education extends to teaching primary school aged children, young adults, and children with special needs.   Renee was awarded the Young Achiever of the Year Award by TAFE Queensland for her work as a dynamic, student focused teacher who is highly respected for her skills, intellect and dedication.  Renee was also inducted into the International Golden Key Honour Society while studying for her Bachelor of Education (Special Education) where she graduated with a Distinction. 

Renee lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland with her husband and three children.   When she is not writing, you can find Renee spending time with her family, running around on the Oztag field, climbing Emu Mountain, swimming, or sipping on a green tea!

Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

 

  

Book Review: False Hope by Lynne Lee

False Hope 

by

Lynne Lee

 

She made a big promise. Did she also make a big mistake?

 

 

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication date: 21st January 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Mystery

Pages: 300

Format read: Kindle edition

Source: Netgalley

 

About the book

 

Ten years ago, Grace made her dying sister a promise—that she would look after Hope’s baby son as her own. Now, the man whose son she is raising has turned up on Grace’s operating table, fighting for his life.

When an accusation of negligence follows, Grace is forced to confront not just the man who abandoned her sister, but also his mother, Norma—who blames Grace for taking everything she loves.

Based on what her sister told her, Grace is sure she did the right thing to keep that promise. But what if Hope didn’t tell her everything? Norma’s vicious attacks push Grace to investigate further and what she finds makes her question everything she thinks she knows, pointing to a very different past—and a devastating betrayal.

As Grace uncovers the truth, can she protect her family from the consequences of what her sister did?

 

My review

 

False Hope could have been a gripping read however for me there were too many themes that  could have been better explored.

Grace has the juggling act of a young family, a demanding career as a trauma surgeon and the responsibility of being the only living child of a parent with dementia. She has adopted her late sister Hope's son and completely cut off his father and paternal grandmother. An action she believes is the only way forward for them all.  

 

When Hope's ex-husband turns up on the operating table after a serious accident leaves his life in the balance Grace has to act fast and preforms the operation that she knows will save his life. There is much bad blood between the families and a malpractice claim ensues. This on its own could have created a great story but it never fully evolved.

 

There were lots of little plot lines running through the story and just when I thought I knew where the story was heading it would change direction.

Grace was selfish, self centred and over possessive and as the story was narrated in first person it seemed that it was all about Grace; how hard she worked, how her mother was a burden, how she never understood her sister. Grace's thoughts and actions certainly didn't endear me to her. I continually questioned her actions and even after the big reveal I still felt her actions were self motivated.

False Hope was an okay read. None of the characters really gelled with me but it certainly held my interest and I was eager to get to the end to see how it would all wrap up.

3/5  ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Lynne Lee was born in London and began her writing career as a teenager. She has been a full-time author since the mid-1990's, writing romance novels, short stories and ghostwriting bestselling books. False Hope is her second psychological thriller and is written under a pseudonym.