[rating: 4] How glorious it is to travel. To wander the planet and delight in the cultural and geographical wonder stretching to all corners of the globe. To delve into, experience, treasure ... and perhaps even amass the odd memento, souvenir, precious object that found its way to us, whether by chance or deliberately-plotted hunt. Bringing home this beautiful bounty is almost as much fun as the time spent collecting it. Stylist, author, … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] This is quite an astonishing book. And no, I'm not star-struck ... I've always liked Hollywood icon Goldie Hawn, yes, but I'm not a die-hard fan or anything. Except ... I am now. This gorgeous book, penned in cahoots with author Wendy Holden, is an absorbing read. After almost three solid years of writing and 'achieving' with my career, I was instantly drawn to the title of this book - especially being that 10 Mindful Minutes … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] Nora Roberts is the undisputed master of the romance but she might have just come up with a really clever concept this time. She outdid herself with the excellent Bride Quartet series and in The Next Always combines her stand-alone romance with a series of three giving us both love and danger. So here’s the rub. You can be a cynic and wonder if The Next Always simply acts as a total promotion for the inn which Roberts did … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] Historical fiction often gets a bad rap, as lazy, ill researched, misleading and quite frankly trashy. Some of it is all these things — but some is not. When I first came across Philippa Gregory via her best-known novel, The Other Boleyn Girl, I thought it was in the first category. Rubbish (sexy and readable rubbish, but rubbish nonetheless). Reading The Women of the Cousins’ War, my opinion changed. In an … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] Katie’s just lost her job and after a year of shocks and sadness as she recovers from the sudden death of her mother, she believes that she’s impervious to shock. So, when a solicitor contacts her and reveals that, not only is the man who raised her not her biological father, but that she also has a trust fund of over $700 000 waiting for her from the man who is. There’s no pressure on her to contact him, but all Katie can … [Read more...]

[rating: 4.5] It’s worth saying straight up. Ian Hamilton’s character Ava Lee is one of the freshest takes in a saturated crime writing market. The petite Chinese-Canadian is part PI, part MacGyver, ingenious forensic accountant and when necessary, an unorthodox debt collector. Working for an elderly “uncle” based in Hong Kong, it’s her job to find the money and return it. She’s very good at this job which affords her a … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] When Ross Campbell introduces Andie as his “current wife”, it's the beginning of the end. After all, Andie was the “other woman” long before she became Ross's wife, and if the old adage about leopards and spots is anything to go by, Ross is unlikely to reform his ways. Andie, though, has kept as low a profile as possible throughout her decade of marriage, having done enough rocking of the marital boat to last a lifetime. … [Read more...]

The novel by Australian author Liz Byrski is set against a diverse backdrop. There is the legacy of The Push movement in Sydney contrasted with a pilgrimage walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Throughout, there is the theme of the damaging, unhealthy expectations placed upon women by a culture of shallow, superficial advertising glorifying unrealistic ideals of beauty and body image. Unfolding within the presence of the pervasive … [Read more...]

[rating: 3.5] The Death Relic is pure adventure. The central characters Jonathan Payne and David Jones are called to Mexico to help out a past acquaintance who believes that she’s in trouble. There’s a lot going on in this book. Concurrent storylines run together and it’s only towards the end that the reader discovers the link between the abduction of a professional kidnapper’s children and the search for the missing, possibly … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] Created by the original cast of children from one of the most famous musicals of all time, this beautifully-produced book is not only like taking a behind-the-scenes tour of this extraordinary film, it’s like taking a peek into an intensely private, closely-guarded world – the kind of peek that makes you want to peep with movie-goer glee. You don’t even need to be a major Sound of Music fan (although, who isn’t?) to enjoy … [Read more...]

[rating: 3.5] I was devastated, the way only a selfish reader can be, to learn that Stieg Larsson died soon after delivering the first three manuscripts for the Millenium series to his publisher. Yes, it was a tragedy that the Swedish author never knew the global success of his books. But my sorrow was more at the loss of future instalments of this confronting series, of learning what happens next to Mikael Blomkvist and, more importantly, to … [Read more...]

[rating: 3.5] As a sucker for corset-ripping historical drama but unfamiliar with the works of best-selling author Posie Graeme-Evans, I was quite excited by the prospect of tackling her most recent novel, The Dressmaker. Encouraged by the promise of ‘a story that will resonate long after the last page is read', I ventured merrily forth on a journey into the 'opulent, sinister world of teeming Victorian England'. Unfortunately, I faltered … [Read more...]

[rating: 3] I was pretty keen to read this book, billed as “the sensational lives and exploits of some of Australia’s most audacious women”. The author of this collection, Kay Saunders, is a highly respected historian, who was one of the pioneers of gender studies in Australian history, and I’ve used her work often. She has an Australia Medal and was Professor of History and Senator of the University of Queensland and has received the … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] Whether you have visited one of her many wax museums or not, you will have no doubt heard of Madame Tussaud. And even if her life is something that has never crossed your mind before, you will finish this book with a thirst to find out more. The year is 1788, the King and Queen of France are Louis the XVI and Marie Antoinette. Food shortages are widespread throughout the Kingdom and many people are starving … there is something … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] No one likes it when terrible things happen to children. As a reader it just makes you squirm. You’ll squirm even more when you find out that Sienna Walker is accused of killing her own young child in a most gruesome way. In this courtroom and cop thriller, Australian writer Sydney Bauer once again brings together her strong and vivid cast of regulars in Boston criminal attorneys David Cavanaugh and his wife Sarah and their good … [Read more...]

[rating: 3.5] To peruse the story of Mary Groves’ life is to step onto a rollicking rollercoaster which moves so fast you can barely catch your breath. The ripping yarns come thick and fast throughout An Outback Life as Groves, with almost casual ease, relays the kinds of hardships, disasters, and extraordinary experiences which city folk can only wonder at. There are run-ins with snakes and crocs, buffalo stampedes, billionaires, light … [Read more...]

[rating: 3] Sylvia Johnson’s 2011 novel Watch Out For Me, is a dramatic story beginning in Australia in 1967 and continuing through to the present. It follows the story of two sisters, their older brother and their young cousin, switching from each of their points of view, between their days of playing together as children, and as adults in difficult and frightening situations. These four children tell a seemingly harmless lie that has a … [Read more...]

[rating: 4.5] We’re not stupid, readers know there is a structure to most romances. Specifically Historical Romance. They usually involve a few raunchy scenes, a splash of mystery, a dilemma which usually has to do with a bad boy who is really ‘oh’ so good. It’s the writers’ quirks and entertaining qualities that make it worth the read – which Christina Brook has an abundance of. ‘Heiress in Love’ is a great read fusing … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] International bestselling author and food expert – a man who is not afraid to seek the food truth yet remain relatively impartial – shines in this tidy little book on maximising both a love of food and its benefits to total nutrition-based well being. What a book. Intelligent, simple, clear and frankly – utterly perceptive – Food Rules is, in a nutshell, a concise yet eye-opening pocket book bursting with nutrition. I … [Read more...]

[rating: 3.5] For logistics expert Lily Turner life is about getting from A to B, and the less meddling within the supply chain the better. After all, her only effort to do so has been an abject failure: Lily remains childless after years of trying to conceive. Even adoption has proven a hopeless avenue. Defeated by her body, Lily throws herself into an area of her life that can be readily managed, putting in long hours at the office to … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] What’s your gift? No, I’m not talking about the trinket you recently received for a birthday or festive celebration. I’m talking about your gift to the world. The one you can use to help others, and thereby help yourself. Yes. That one. The reason you are Here. Brother and sister team Aziz and Lichtenstein came through an unnaturally adverse and tragic upbringing and an intense love/hate sibling relationship before coming … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] There’s something to be said about ‘creating your own life’ – about reality stemming from that which you believe. Such is the hidden and relatively untapped power of the mind. Soothsayers and oracles throughout the ages have used various means of predicting the future or offering auspicious advice… yet it’s perhaps the acceptance and belief of the masses that lends real power to the eventual actual outcome. You may … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] This lovely book crept up on me. I was initially worried it would be what US publishers call a ‘cosy’ — a warm and fuzzy story without much real tension. And, in fact, it has many ‘cosy’ elements: a feel-good cast of characters, a romance or two, a variety of happy outcomes. But it is also whip-smart, very funny, and unpredictable — altogether a blend of elements that kept me up late, reading just one more … [Read more...]

[rating: 4.5] Loving the title of this book - firstly because it, well - makes me smile. But also because it infers holistic health. The clutch of vibrant fruit and veg on the cover also helps – but so does the subtitle … your complete guide to health, diet, nutrition and natural foods. In other words – here is a book that takes health and vibrancy and packs it in a nutshell. No fad diets, no kooky claims, no fast-fix nor wobbly promise … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] I was captivated by Miranda Kennedy’s account of her time in India, her experiences as a “feringhee”- a foreigner, and more significantly, as a woman on her own, living the life of a local in Delhi. The window into the lives of the women who are an important part of her life there, reveal the limitations facing women in Indian society and how this limitation of mind, birth and opportunity ultimately determines their fate, if … [Read more...]

[rating: 4.5] I loved this book. I just wanted to be able to say that first. Belle is a fifteen year old girl, living in her mother’s brothel in Seven Dials with dreams of being a milliner. Until she witnesses the murder of one of the women working there, she is completely innocent to what happens upstairs in the bedrooms. Pearse completely immerses you into the world of 1910 England, France and New Orleans. I felt like I was travelling … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] All businesses start out small - even if it's just the seed of an idea. But the secret to turning small businesses 'big' is absolutely entrenched in practicality, no matter how soaring and idealistic the dream. Andrew Griffiths has been writing about the topic of good business for over ten years and is one of Australian's best known small business professionals, speakers and trainers. His latest book - The Big Book of Small … [Read more...]

[rating: 5] Okay, let's just get this out of the way, shall we? because I simply can't wait another moment. I LOVE this book. There, I said it. And why do I love this book? Well, there are many reasons but perhaps the biggie is that I've been waiting for this book. A loooong time. That’s right. I’ve been pining for something exactly like this… something that not only sends you gushing to the nursery and rushing to the dirt patch, but … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] Twenty-five projects for a crafty afternoon? Yes, please! A rainy afternoon, a bored afternoon, a school holiday afternoon would also suffice, but what kid doesn't love a crafty half-day, no matter the season nor reason. Canberran Kathreen Ricketson has collated and edited an adorable and beautifully-presented series in her Kids' Crafternoon books. In Papercraft, she offers the projects of twenty-five dedicated crafters, who … [Read more...]

[rating: 4] Every so often, we experience a moment that changes everything, a point at which we're forced to re-evaluate and take stock of what's important. Often such a life-altering moment stems from a realisation of our own mortality and once we emerge from mourning we see life with amazing clarity, like spring after a dark, sombre winter. Eight friends and one wife are forced into the cold darkness of grief when Rory dies. This … [Read more...]

[rating:4.5] With the subtitle: Exciting Voyages Through History and Literature, how could anyone even remotely interested in books or travel pass it by? 100 Great Journeys is the armchair book traveller's dream, wending its way through continents of literature to bring to life a bookshelf of adventure. Opening with notes on the joys of travel, we are taken through a brief bio of the history of our great planet and its astounding … [Read more...]

Everything retro is in again - probably more than ever before... and most especially when it comes to fashion. It's no secret knitting has gained a well-deserved resurgence this past decade - its calming effects are well-known, and the satisfaction of creating a beautiful garment with our own hands is something women are learning to treasure once again. This beautiful hard cover book by Lise-Lotte Lystrup could have easily fallen off a library … [Read more...]

[rating:5] Anything Japanese is assuredly beautiful, especially when it comes to handmade. In Zakka Sewing, authors Laskey and Mori have come together to produce a truly gorgeous book that will inspire handmade aficionados, no matter where they live in the world. Zakka is a Japanese word meaning ‘household goods’ – everything from tea towels to baskets and totes. They are functional objects, sure, but they also don’t need to be immune … [Read more...]

[rating:4] Londoner Kaushal has made it her personal mission to seek out the best places, products and ideas to make homelife with children stylish, practical and beautiful. Part lifestyle, part interiors, part ideas and reflection book, Home is a hard cover tome that can be flicked through for inspiration, meandered through for entertainment, or used as an authentic guide to creating an ideal space for families. Beautifully photographed with … [Read more...]

[rating:5] Opening Greetings from Knit Café is like receiving a big, warm, woolly hug. Author Suzan Mischer first learned to knit when she was seven. Her grandmother gave her a long pair of needles and some bright pink scratchy wool and very soon, Mischer’s first knitted creation lay before her – a holey pink headband. It wasn’t until she had children of her own, and after leaving her role at CBS Television to stay home fulltime … [Read more...]

‘Self-help’ books are a dime a dozen on the shelves and probably always will be – not because us humans are a collective and consistently blathering mess, but because the human condition is one that inherently questions, perennially voyages inward, ceaselessly strives to understand the self. Of course, self-knowledge helps build confidence, direction and understanding that can vastly improve our lives and those of the people around us. … [Read more...]

[rating:4.5] One of the biggest steps a child takes is donning that backpack and heading off to school. It's not just academics each child needs to face - it's social skills and awareness, the ability to focus and delineate, accomplished physical and spatial skills, self-confidence and readiness to 'leave the nest', among many other factors. School-readiness is uniquely different as each child poised to embark on this life-changing … [Read more...]