Christmas Actually
This is a delightful and insightful read about modern life and the complexities of juggling marriage, children and family members. Kate Cavendish worries that her husband has lost interest in her, her teenage daughter is challenging, her sister is pregnant and her mother drops a bombshell. So, when Kate is given the opportunity to step back into a work role, the juggle becomes even more difficult. In the lead up to Christmas, with an unexpected event to deal with, Kate learns to understand, accept and forgive both herself and others. An enjoyable read with relevance and wisdom surreptitiously woven into storyline.
Review by Diane Clarke
The Pact
Allow yourself to be transported to a ringside seat! The pro-tennis circuit is used by Lisa Darcy to explore the complex and fascinating lives of two sisters and doubles partners, Samantha and Annie Callahan. With different skills, attitudes and motivations we see them struggle with their careers and romantic relationships in the hot-house of elite sport. I was fully engaged by their attempts and frequent failures to understand each other which, ultimately, provide opportunities for growth and acceptance. This is an exciting, pacey read with great characters, plot and dialogue. Highly recommended.
Review by Diane Clarke
My Big Greek Holiday
This is a delightful read about three friends and a toddler, taking a trip to Santorini. The island is the spectacular backdrop to friendship, mystery and romance. All the main character, Claudia, has to do is to complete a simple business transaction for her boss back in Brisbane. Throw in a handsome, single man for the ‘unlucky in love’ Claudia; a toddler prone to tantrums as well as being the source of much humour and charm; and two women friends, Sophie and Tara, who along with Claudia are still working out what they want from life. Their long-standing friendship means they know each other well enough to share their hopes and fears and dole out support and tough love, in equal measure. Many of the issues that face women today are covered in their story arcs making the characters authentic, relatable and three dimensional. A fast-paced, fun read. Recommended.
Review by Diane Clarke
Lily’s Little Flower Shop
When Lily misses out on a well-deserved promotion the day her boyfriend is offered a job overseas, she faces a choice: should she embrace an expat life, or follow her childhood dream and become a florist?
Deciding to follow her heart, she moves to the coast to start over. But fitting into the tight-knit community proves harder than she expected.
As she navigates new friendships, financial worries, and the pull of returning to her city life, she learns how flowers can bring her the happiness she’s been looking for.
And when romance appears on the horizon, Lily realizes she can’t commit until she reconciles her mistakes.
Publisher’s blurb