No Small Shame tells the story of Mary O’Donnell, a Scottish immigrant to Australia around the time of the Great War. Mary has always been infatuated with Liam, a man she has known since childhood. As they grow older, Liam suffers the loss of his mother and becomes disaffected and irresponsible. Neither wish to follow … More Review: No Small Shame
Gulliver’s Wife takes place in early 18th century London, telling the story of a mother and daughter, Mary Burton Gulliver and Bess Gulliver. The hard-wrought balance that Mary has achieved on her own as a successful midwife is thrown into disarray by the return of her husband, Lemuel, who has far-fetched claims about his time … More Review: Gulliver’s Wife
The Stars in the Night, by Clare Rhoden, is an accomplished novel, telling the story of two brothers, Harry and Eddie. Their destinies are changed forever when they decide to sign up for battle, first in Gallipoli then France. The brothers’ bond is fierce and Harry does everything in his power to keep Eddie safe—their … More Review: The Stars in the Night
In this debut novel by Judy Crozier, set in Victorian London, a woman finds her life opening up with possibilities after her husband falls seriously ill and drifts towards death. Adelaide has always done what was expected of her. After a brief time as a debutante she is abruptly married off to George, a friend … More Review: What Empty Things Are These
The Lace Weaver tells the story of two young women, Lydia and Kati, whose lives are swept up by forces of war and displacement. It is a sweeping tale full of love and tenderness, loss and upheaval. Kati is a master weaver, the creation of intricate lace shawls is part of her Estonian heritage, the … More Review: The Lace Weaver
I was delighted to discover that Stone Circle is on the shortlist, along with 11 other authors, for the Chaucer Awards 2018 for pre-1750’s historical fiction. It’s my first shortlisting, and firsts are always very exciting.
The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge is set in 1930’s coastal Dongarra, but the themes of public versus private identity, what it takes to hold a family together, and the heavy burden of secrets resonate just as much in present day. Lily and her family are forced to start again in Dongarra after their wheat farm … More Review: The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge
I enjoyed The Tides Between, by Elizabeth Jane Corbett, for many reasons. Warm, layered characters that you care about, lyrical and beautiful prose, and a wonderful depth of humanity. This coming of age story whose protagonist, Bridie Stewart, spends her journey to Port Phillip trying to understand her place in her family and the wider world. In … More Review: The Tides Between