BEST OF 2014 ~ Favourite Reads

In 2014 I:

witnessed the birth of my beautiful granddaughter and became a nonna for the first time ... highlight of the year, little Mia is such a joy

pursued my love of photography and moved a little closer to turning it into a career

bought a Macbook Pro and I love it! 

read 79 books (76 fiction & 3 non-fiction)

completed 3/5 reading challenges (but only updated 1)

cooked quite a few recipes from my Pinterest folders 

turned 46

saw Robbie Williams in concert again

stuck with my fitbit and walking with BookBlogWalkers for a full 12 months ... pats self on back :)

didn't have a hospital stay for my kidney or heart ... YAY

holidayed in England, Scotland and Paris for 4 weeks, saw historical places I've been reading about for years and took photos I'm deliriously happy with.  

read even more Australian fiction (4 Australian authors** on my favourite reads list)

Loved participating in:

• It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Thanks to Sheila @ Book Journey
• Weekend Cooking Thanks to Beth @ Beth Fish Reads
• BookBlogWalkers  Thanks to Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog

I love that so many of my bloggy friends did this challenge, it was really motivating. Along with my fitbit, it's the longest I've stuck with a challenge, 12 whole months and I've signed up for FitReaders 2015 - the new version of Book Blog Walkers co-hosted by Geeky Book Blogger and That's What I'm Talking About.

FAVOURITE READS IN 2014

These aren't all 5 star reads but they are reads that have left a lasting impression on me for one reason or another. Wow did I read some amazing contemporary and historical fiction last year. Click on the title if you want to see my full review.

Contemporary Fiction:

THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee - an emotional read with a touch of whimsy and magic, if you believe in the healing power of food and following your heart, you'll adore The Glass Kitchen. It really was love on a plate!

LITTLE MERCIES by Heather Gudenkauf - unputdownable. Heather Gudenkauf has a gift for taking readers to an often uncomfortable place, immersing you in issues of sensitivity and judgement but with such compassion you're enlightened and enriched.

THE ONE PLUS ONE by Jojo Moyes - The One Plus One encompasses the meaning of family and belonging, it's a story of love, resilience, determination and second chances. Poetic and uplifting, this one had me alternatively laughing and sobbing. 

GOODNIGHT JUNE by Sarah Jio - what a joy to read, sincere and heartwarming. It earned a special place in my heart.

THE PROMISE OF STARDUST by Priscille Sibley - A stunning, emotionally wrenching, beautifully written debut. It's a story of unconditional love and heartbreaking decisions. 

Historical Fiction:

BITTER GREENS by Kate Forsyth**  -  Haunting & bittersweet, Bitter Greens holds a world you slip into effortlessly. Binding and mesmerising, Kate Forsyth weaves magic. 

SELDOM COME BY by Sherryl Caulfield** (Iceberg Trilogy #1) - exquisite tale of love and loss, forgiveness and healing. To be so completely transported and immersed in characters' lives is testament to an author's care and skill, and despite the heartache I loved every minute. 

LYREBIRD HILL by Anna Romer** - lush, haunting and addictive. I was immersed, my senses evoked ... eucalypts, camp fires, the scent of bush flowers, birdsong, connection with the land and the aboriginal people tangible. 

ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline - (audiobook) A story that simultaneously broke and warmed my heart. Narrated beautifully with such authenticity I felt like a participant rather than an observer. 

THE SUMMER QUEEN by Elizabeth Chadwick (Eleanor of Aquitaine #1) - (audiobook) Evocative, expressive, exquisite detail rather than tedious minutiae, The Summer Queen encompasses all that I love in historical fiction, I can't recommend it highly enough.

THE INVENTION OF WINGS by Sue Monk Kidd - (audiobook) It's about strength, courage and the wings of change. Vivid, appalling, haunting and compelling; a must-read! 

Suspense/Thriller:

THE WITNESS by Nora Roberts - (audiobook) heart-in-mouth unputdownable. Exceptional narration by Julia Whelan. Smart, strong, fascinating heroine and best dog ever! 

DESERVING DEATH by Katherine Howell** (Ella Marconi #7) - paramedic voyeurism and investigative punch. This one warrants sleep deprivation!

Young Adult: 

ME SINCE YOU by Laura Wiess - understated beauty.  Laura Wiess is an author whose writing transcends age and Me Since You is a story that should be read. 

ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell - a sweet, funny, sincere, complicated, bittersweet, unexpected ride.

And it wouldn't be right to not mention these wonderful reads: more Aussie love :)

BILLABONG CREEK by Jennifer Scoullar**

OUTBACK GHOST by Rachael Johns** (Bunyip Bay #3)

NO RIVER TOO WIDE by Emilie Richards (Goddess Anonymous #3)

ACCIDENT OF MARRIAGE by Randy Susan Meyers

WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY by Wendy Wax (audiobook)

SOMEONE LIKE YOU by Victoria Purman** (Boys of Summer #2)

This year I'm keenly awaiting: 

• Sarah Addison Allen ~ First Frost

• Kristin Hannah ~ The Nightingale
• Michelle Moran ~ Rebel Queen
• Sherryl Caulfield ~ Come Full Circle (Iceberg Trilogy #3)
• Susanna Kearsley ~ A Desperate Fortune
• CW Gortner ~ Mademoiselle Chanel
• Susan Mallery ~ The Girls of Mischief Bay
• Emilie Richards ~ The Color of Light (Goddess Anonymous #4)
• Jill Shalvis ~ Still The One (Animal Magnetism #6)
• Wendy Wax ~ A Week at the Lake

Have you done a favourites post? Leave me link ... I love to add to my groaning TBR pile ;)

Review: Outback Ghost by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Ghost
Author: Rachael Johns
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Bunyip Bay #3
Publication Date: 1st October 2014
Pages: 343
Book Source: Harlequin Mira & NetGalley

Synopsis: Third-generation farmer Adam Burton has always tried to keep his family together, but twenty years after his little sister went missing from the family farm he’s losing hope. His dad has walked out, his mum is as reclusive as ever and he still blames himself for his sister’s disappearance.

When Stella Reynolds and her young daughter arrive from the big smoke to stay at the holiday cottage on their farm for the summer, Adam is immediately attracted to the beautiful single mum. Although he’s always steered clear of children and doesn’t believe he deserves love or a family of his own, he finds himself spending time with Stella and her young daughter, Heidi, and enjoying it.

As the twenty-year old mystery begins to unravel, Stella wonders if she should take her daughter and run. But doing so is easier said than done, because Stella just might be falling in love with Bunyip Bay and a gorgeous, but hurting, farmer.

My Thoughts:

Wow Rachael Johns saves the best 'til last, Outback Ghost is my favourite of the Bunyip Bay series. I love a good romance but there's so much more to love in Outback Ghost ... depth, layers, grief, loss, community; it's a really touching read. 

I've felt for the Burton family since the disappearance of Adam Burton's young sister was first mentioned in Outback Dreams. When single mum Stella books the holiday cottage on Adam's farm to enjoy a much needed break and special time with her 7 year old daughter Heidi, the mystery slowly unravels. 

Adam and Stella, *sigh* I loved their interactions, their chemistry and I really loved that there were no miscommunication issues providing conflict and drama. I loved that Adam saw Stella as a package, the way he related to Heidi was just adorable. And last but not least, I loved the joy that Heidi brought to Adam's mother's life, what a special relationship between Heidi and Esther. 

'I've had sex' she told the cat proudly. 'Hot, messy, crazy, fabulous sex. With a man.' Not just any man but undoubtedly the hottest, sexiest man on the planet. Whiskers merely looked up and then turned her head and walked off in disgust.

'Might not be such a big thing for you,' Stella called out as the cat wandered back into the hallway, 'but this is monumental for me.'

The community really came together with love, support and acceptance in this final installment, a healing time ... and not just for the Burton family.  

Outback Ghost will have you teary, sighing and smiling ... I loved it and I'm sad to say goodbye to Bunyip Bay.

Connect with Rachael Johns

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Review: Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers

Title: Accidents of Marriage
Author: Randy Susan Meyers
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 2nd September 2014
Pages: 368
Book Source: Atria Books & NetGalley

Synopsis: Accidents of Marriage explores a topic rarely shown in fiction: the destruction left in the wake of spouse’s verbal fury. Ben never meant to hurt Maddy. He never imagined his recklessness would lead to tragedy. 

Maddy is a social worker trying to balance her career and three children. Years ago, she fell in love with Ben, a public defender, drawn to his fiery passion, but now he’s lashing out at her during his periodic verbal furies. She vacillates between tiptoeing around him and asserting herself for the sake of their kids – which works to keep a fragile peace – until the rainy day when they’re together in the car and Ben’s volatile temper gets the best of him, leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life.

Randy Susan Meyers takes us inside the hearts and minds of her characters, alternating among the perspectives of Maddy, Ben, and their fourteen-year-old daughter. Accidents of Marriage is a provocative and stunning novel that will resonate deeply with women from all walks of life, ultimately revealing the challenges of family, faith, and forgiveness.

ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE explores a topic rarely shown in fiction: the damaging effects of a spouse’s emotional abuse.

My Thoughts:

Accidents of Marriage is tense and raw and real. It's a beautifully rendered, insightful look at a family in crisis. 

Told from the multiple perspectives of parents Maddy and Ben and the eldest of their three children, 14 year old Emma, Accidents of Marriage covers the harsh realities and ripple effect of a family living with verbal and emotional abuse. Ben's anger and volatility are scary, his temper flares unpredictably, he throws things, he rages, his family tiptoe around on eggshells. When a car accident leaves Maddy with a devastating traumatic brain injury, this family's world shatters.  

The aftermath of the accident is powerful and so real it's emotionally harrowing being in Maddy's head. 

My heart broke for Emma ... thrust into the role of caring for her younger siblings, the lack of emotional and physical support was heart wrenching. I felt like the 'adults' in the story failed her. No child should have to cope with that kind of pressure. 

Randy Susan Meyers writes with such sensitivity. My take ... clarity can come from the most unexpected sources. Love is not enough. It takes acceptance of responsibility and hard work to rebuild trust, to heal ... on both sides.  

I thought Accidents of Marriage had a very realistic and satisfying ending. 

My first Randy Susan Meyers read and I can't recommend it highly enough. Now to hunt down her other novels. 

Connect with Randy Susan Meyers

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Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: Bitter Greens
Author: Kate Forsyth
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Fairy-tale Retelling
Publication Date: 23rd September 2014 (1st published March 2012)
Pages: 496
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

Synopsis: The amazing power and truth of the Rapunzel fairy tale comes alive for the first time in this breathtaking tale of desire, black magic and the redemptive power of love.

French novelist Charlotte-Rose de la Force has been banished from the court of Versailles by the Sun King, Louis XIV, after a series of scandalous love affairs. At the convent, she is comforted by an old nun, Sœur Seraphina, who tells her the tale of a young girl who, a hundred years earlier, is sold by her parents for a handful of bitter greens…

After Margherita’s father steals parsley from the walled garden of the courtesan Selena Leonelli, he is threatened with having both hands cut off, unless he and his wife relinquish their precious little girl. Selena is the famous red-haired muse of the artist Tiziano, first painted by him in 1512 and still inspiring him at the time of his death. She is at the center of Renaissance life in Venice, a world of beauty and danger, seduction and betrayal, love and superstition.

Locked away in a tower, Margherita sings in the hope that someone will hear her. One day, a young man does.

Award-winning author Kate Forsyth braids together the stories of Margherita, Selena, and Charlotte-Rose, the woman who penned Rapunzel as we now know it, to create what is a sumptuous historical novel, an enchanting fairy tale retelling, and a loving tribute to the imagination of one remarkable woman.

My Thoughts:

Absolutely mesmerising, Kate Forsyth takes the magic of storytelling to a realm above and beyond. 

From the frivolity and excesses of the 17th century Court of Versailles to austere French cloisters and 16th century Renaissance Venice. I'm fascinated by this period in history, Kate's research and superb imagery give a perceptible sense of time and place and her breathtaking imagination brings the Rapunzel fairytale to life. I loved the vivid descriptions of affairs, betrayals, politics, fashion, entertainments, the horror of the plague, persecution of Heugenots, (Protestants) recantings and executions, the Affair of the Poisons where many were sentenced by the Chambre Ardente under charges of witchcraft and poisonings. I probably sound like a bit of a freak but I love it all, the history both fascinates and terrifies me. 

Bitter Greens unfolds from the perspective of three extraordinary characters; the wonderful Charlotte-Rose de La Force, confined to the Abbey of Gercy-en-Brie after displeasing the Sun King, Louis XIV, the young girl Margherita, nicknamed Persinette (little Parsley) imprisoned in a tower (her story told by nun, Soeur Seraphina on befriending Charlotte-Rose) and the beautiful courtesan Selena Leonelli, 'La Strega Bella' ... her story both heartbreaking and horrifying. 

Bitter Greens is a dark tale; love, desire, power and vengeance pulling at each other. So much sorrow, heartache and cruelty but hope and love the constants that eventually offer redemption. 

Bitter Greens holds a world you slip into effortlessly, disappearing for hours, binding you, haunting and bittersweet ... I was alternately desperate to know and longing to savour. It's a must-read. 

Kate Forsyth truly does weave magic!

Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force was a French noblewoman, novelist and poet. Her fairytale collection written during her banishment included 'Persinette' eventually renamed Rapunzel. 

I also loved Kate's The Wild Girl ... (a 5 star favourite) but oh my Bitter Greens is my favourite of favourites!  

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Connect with Kate Forsyth:

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Giveaway:

I'm thrilled to offer readers the chance to win a paperback copy of BITTER GREENS. Just leave a relevant comment or question along with your email address. US only sorry

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Giveaway ends 2nd October and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

Review: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer

Title: Lyrebird Hill

Author: Anna Romer

Genre: Historical-Contemporary Fiction/Mystery

Publication Date: 1st September 2014

Pages: 416

Book Source: Simon & Schuster Au & NetGalley 

Synopsis: Ruby Cardel has the semblance of a normal life – a loving boyfriend, a fulfilling career – but in one terrible moment, her life unravels. The discovery that the death of her sister, Jamie, was not an accident makes her question all she’s known about herself and her past.

Travelling back home to Lyrebird Hill, Ruby begins to remember the year that has been forever blocked in her memory . . . Snatches of her childhood with beautiful Jamie, and Ruby’s only friendship with the boy from the next property, a troubled foster kid.

Then Ruby uncovers a cache of ancient letters from a long-lost relative, Brenna Magavin, written from her cell in a Tasmanian gaol where she is imprisoned for murder. As she reads, Ruby discovers that her family line is littered with tragedy and violence.

Slowly, the gaps in Ruby’s memory come to her. And as she pieces together the shards of truth, what she finally discovers will shock her to the core – about what happened to Jamie that fateful day, and how she died.

A thrilling tale about family secrets and trusting yourself...

My Thoughts:

Anna Romer earned herself a fan with her debut Thornwood House and with Lyrebird Hill she cements her position as a voice to be reckoned with in Australian fiction ... an exceptionally talented writer.

I adored every minute of Lyrebird Hill. For me Anna Romer is synonymous with lyrical, atmospheric writing; of such haunting and addictive quality you savour every word. Once again it's a seamless blending of contemporary and historical narrative, Ruby 2013 and Brenna 1898 ... past and present intertwine with dark secrets and pain. 

Ruby Cardel returns to her childhood home Lyrebird Hill to unlock memories and the mystery of her sister's death. With the discovery of Brenna's diary and letters, Romer weaves the mesmerising story of two women seeking truth, generations and 115 years apart.

Lyrebird Hill never feels like a story being told. Some of our shameful history and treatment of aborigines made me cry with sorrow and outrage. The Australian landscape is so lushly described, I was immersed, my senses evoked ... eucalypts, camp fires, the scent of bush flowers, birdsong, Brenna's connection with the land and the aboriginal people tangible. 

I rarely read books again. For its exquisite beauty Lyrebird Hill is one I will.

Connect with Anna Romer

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