Eddie and the Show Queen (#5) by Cathryn Hein

04 Aug 2026 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, Audiobook, Australian Women Writers, Novella, Romance Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Published: 10 September 2019 (print)/1 March 2025 (audio) Goodreads badge
Publisher: Self Published/Bolinda Audio
Pages: 268/5 hrs and 56 mins
Narrator: Madeleine Chaplain
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Romance
★   ★   ★   ★ – 4.5 Stars

When horticulturalist Alice Lindner goads her ex-boyfriend Eddie Argyle into a fundraising contest, she doesn’t expect him to take it seriously. Winning small-town Levenham’s inaugural Wine Show crown will take dedication and hard work, and all Eddie cares about is chasing skirt. Besides, a win will be Alice’s tribute to her late mum. No way is Eddie getting his hands on the crown.

Big-hearted farmer Eddie never understood why love-of-his-life Alice dumped him. Yeah, it’d been a difficult time with her mum’s illness, but he’d loved her the best he could and losing her left him adrift. Now he has the opportunity to prove himself by winning not only the crown but maybe Alice’s heart in the process.

Will Eddie’s enthusiasm ruin Alice’s tribute and with it all hope of a second chance? Or will Alice realise that the real prize isn’t in the past but with the man who wants to be her future?

This is a delightful book full of interesting plot and wonderful characters. I loved Eddie, he’s such a sweetie and I loved the arc and journey between himself and Alice. Hein balances the history, the present, and the emotional bundle involved really well. The conflict that drives their interactions was decent, full of misunderstandings and young emotions, neither willing to look beyond the initial reactions, both in need of growth.

The competition battle between the pair is a fun way to keep up Alice’s dislike for Eddie but also a creative way for him to show his good intent and how he’s not the man she thinks he is. I loved reading Eddie’s perspective. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and is up for a bit of fun for a good cause which brings a lot of humour to the story. But at the same time he has a good heart and tries his best to do the right thing. It was a great contrast to see Eddie’s perspective of his behaviour versus Alice and the broader community.

All the characters we’ve met in previous books are there – a nice bonus of a series set in a small town. You don’t need to have read anything in order but if you have, then seeing these past characters pop up is a little joy and hark back to previous adventures. I like the progress of time in this type of series. While some things happen concurrently others take place months or years after other evets and it’s good to see the town going on with their lives.

There is a lot of character depth which is always tricky with something so short and with so many players involved. On one hand, knowing the history of everyone else did a lot of heavy lifting but they are also good, solid secondary characters. Even if you aren’t aware of their histories from other books you get a real sense of who they are.

This is a fun, light-hearted read even with the seriousness of Alice’s motivation and her emotional hurt. Being so young is a benefit and it’s easy to see their foolishness but also their stubbornness playing out in a way that you know they only need to see what is right in front of them to know everything is going to be ok.

You can purchase Eddie and the Show Queen via the following

Dymocks | Wordery |  Blackwell’s | Angus & Robertson

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible | Author

Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence by Doris (Nugi Garimara) Pilkington

16 Jul 2026 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, Australian Women Writers, Classic, Fiction Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Published: 30 May 2023Goodreads badge
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Pages: 192
Format: Paperback
Genre: Novella
★   ★   ★   ★ – 4 Stars

A Stolen Generations story of astounding courage: three Aboriginal girls, taken from their mothers, escape barefoot back to their beloved homeland in East Pilbara.

This is the true account of Nugi Garimara’s mother, Molly, made legendary by the film Rabbit-Proof Fence.

In 1931 Molly led her two sisters on an extraordinary 1600-kilometre walk across remote Western Australia. Aged eight, eleven, and fourteen, they escaped the confinement of a government institution for Aboriginal children removed from their families. Barefoot, without provisions or maps, tracked by Native Police and search planes, the girls followed the rabbit-proof fence, knowing it would lead them home.

Their journey – longer than many of the celebrated treks of recognised explorers – reveals a past more cruel than we could ever imagine.

Based on a true story this is a personal account of the journey Doris’ mother and relatives took to return home after escaping confinement as part of Australia’s Stolen Generations practices.

I was surprised to find this book was only published in the 90s. For some reason I thought it was a long classic from the 60s that had been turned into a film later on. But the movie on which it was based came out not long after this was published.

The Wikipedia page has interesting history on how Doris found out about the story and it documents the stages this story went through – from original draft in the 80s until a reworking to what we know today. It is also surprisingly different from the movie which was my first introduction.

It still contains the harsh realities of what the children and families in these Aboriginal communities endured, but there are also differences from the movie – less abduction more informed intent and little chance to fight back against government regulations.

The included letters and telegrams show that no one followed orders or the rules and had their own interests – surprise surprise. That hurt to read because of how avoidable it all could have been, at least for this family.

There is also the blatant reminder about how abhorrent this actually was and for how many decades this went on. This is a book everyone should read, it’s a short book but important because while it is a little fractured, a mixture of story elements and explanations from transcriptions, it flows well and tells the story.

You can purchase Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence via the following

QBD |  Dymocks | Booktopia

Wordery |  Blackwell’s | Angus & Robertson

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Rebel Spirits by Paula J Beavan

26 May 2026 2 Comments

by Amy in 5 Stars, Australian Women Writers, Historical Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Published: 27th May 2026Goodreads badge
Publisher: Paula J Beavan
Pages: 350
Format: ebook
Genre: Historical Romance
★   ★   ★   ★   ★ – 5 Stars

In the harsh world of nineteenth-century Australia, honesty has a price—and some risks can’t be undone.

Irish immigrant Ellen Maguire is fighting to keep her family’s roadside inn, The Harp and Hound, from ruin. With the railway diverting travellers and her father lost to grief, desperation drives her to a dangerous distilling illegal poteen from her grandmother’s remedy book—a venture that could save them or destroy them.

When injured Englishman Jack Bell arrives searching for his missing niece, Ellen offers him shelter. Attraction flares—but her family’s future can’t be put at risk, not even for love.

As Ellen’s illicit trade draws the attention of sly-grog operators, ruffians, and the colonial authorities, pressure mounts on every side. Then Jack’s niece appears—with secrets of her own, and a threat that could ruin everything.

Torn between protecting her family and telling the truth to the man she loves, Ellen must decide how far she is willing to go.

Perfect for readers of Tea Cooper, Jackie French, and Darry Fraser, Rebel Spirits is a sweeping Australian historical romance filled with danger, mystery, and heart.

Note: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author for review.

What I loved about this story is it captures the strength, resilience, and despair of not only the family struggles and heartbreak, but also living in a colony town in the middle of the Australian bush and realising the bush isn’t always your friend. It is a compelling story of found family as well as real family and a desire to establish foundations for the future.

This book is aptly named because while Ellen is rebelling against the law, she herself is a rebellious spirit who doesn’t always line up to what a woman of her time is “supposed” to be doing. Colonial women doing most of the real work is reflected well, with Ellen’s brother and father scheming and keeping secrets from her, taking her stuff unasked, all while she fights to keep the family afloat without much thanks.

The writing is well suited for the historical setting but it is easy to understand and helps cement the bygone era without alienating modern readers. Through detailed and vivid descriptions Beavan captures the harshness of bush life, of colonial men and their approach to women – their wives or strangers – and how women must endure and adapt because of the men around them.

Beavan is good at building drama and tension without affecting the gentle pace. There is mystery around family secrets, tension around the local constable and the natural environment, and the uncertainty over whether Jack will find his niece.

The easy banter between Ellen and Jack is charming and it was delightful to watch as they go from strangers, to friends, to something more. With Ellen’s toughness and Jack’s easy curiosity they make a great pair.

As a character Ellen is a delight; she has the propriety of a woman and she tries very hard to maintain that while completely unaware she bucks expectations at every opportunity because things need to get done. For every time she tries to be proper there are three other instances of her sneaking out in men’s clothes and being socially improper some way or another.

I enjoyed reading about the history of the Hunter region that is woven through the story, and the author’s note goes into additional details as well about the real history it’s based upon. Seeing this little family in a town struggling to survive was powerful, it might end up being a losing battle – mother nature and the reality of progress being what it is – but the determination of people to make their roots and fight for what they want is admirable.

There’s excitement and tension, a sense of community and a clear admiration for the bush. The characters are full of life and their own pasts which comes across naturally and is woven wonderfully into the current storyline. The realities of early colonists is there from orphans to migrants, as well as the hardships of enduring those in control and those who want power. All of that alongside an incredibly sweet love story filled with stubbornness, admiration, and compassion.

Rebel Spirits is due to be published 27 May 2026

You can purchase Rebel Spirits via the following

 Dymocks | Booktopia | Wordery |  Blackwell’s

 Amazon | Amazon Aust | Author website

47 Degrees by Justin D’Ath

23 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, Junior Fiction Tags: , , , , ,

Published: 8th January 8th 2019Goodreads badge
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Genre: Junior Fiction
★   ★   ★   ★ – 4 Stars

Zeelie wonders if they’re in danger. 

When temperatures soar to 47 degrees one hot summer day, 12-year-old Zeelie hopes the neraby bushfires everyone’s talking about aren’t heading towards her family’s new home. What will they do if the wind changes direction? What about their belongings and their beloved pets? And why hasn’t her mum and brother returned from Melbourne? 
Nothing can prepare Zeelie for what’s to come.

I will be 100% honest and say I read the first quarter and then I was experiencing so much anxiety about this book I skimmed the rest of it, reading a few full pages here and there to get to the end. I could not handle this story. I’m trying to work out if now I know how it plays out I could go back and read it again but I’m not sure.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but it is so stressful to read. Whether it is because I’m Australian and have seen the damage fires have done I was imagining the worst anytime anyone got in a car, on a road, near a fire; it just set off Worst Case Scenarios in my head. But despite that, I thought it was such a wonderful way to discuss the events of what happened on Black Saturday and through the eyes of Zeelie who is at the cusp of childhood and being a teenager; she is growing up but still has trouble handling the scope of what is happening around her.

Having the experience through Zeelie’s eyes shows the rapid nature of fires, how quickly plans change and go awry. Black Saturday was Victoria’s worst fire and seeing the trouble Zeelie and her dad get into are important experiences to understand, even if this story is fictional, it rings true to so many real life situations that people have experienced. We get to see how other communities and families are affected and Zeelie’s own worries about her family that she can’t contact adds an extra level of suspense. These are all real situations though as phone lines and power limit communication, closed roads and no news can add to the already stressful situations. D’Ath never makes it too overly dramatic, but the realities are there – well, as much as they can be for a children’s book.

D’Ath captures Zeelie’s voice beautifully. I saw her naivety but her confusion, but also her bravery, and when she is asked to pack up things to take with them I understood the trouble she had in deciding what was important to take for people. Her character is the epitome of someone her age. She expresses her love for her family but also her frustration about her brother and their relationship. I understood her uncertainty when she has moments where she first starts to doubt her dad, doubt his decisions; that unwavering trust of childhood starting to falter as she witnesses the things around her. I think it gives great power in allowing a kid of Zeelie’s age show anger at her parents, and frustration at their decisions and her own lack of power in a lot of cases.

Let it be noted that all the dogs are ok by the end of it. I actually texted a friend who’d read it the second I thought it could go otherwise because I was not prepared to read that so you don’t have to worry about anything happening to them. There is other animal death but it is unseen or has limited detail.

One thing I found impressive was how D’Arth captures the experience of a bushfire in its entirety. From start to finish you see the early warnings, the evacuations, the road closures and the devastation. D’Arth makes sure not to leave it there as you also see the healing and the community support of this kind of disaster. Even if I didn’t already know, this story helps you understand how fast bushfires can start and spread, as well as the damage they can cause. I am glad I pushed through my anxiety to finish the story because it was good to see the full circle and Zeelie’s story is one that covers a lot of important situations and experiences.

You can purchase 47 Degrees via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Book Depository

Dymocks | Wordery | Angus and Robinson

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

19 Mar 2019 2 Comments

by Amy in 5 Stars, Australian Women Writers, Crime Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Published: 23rd October 2018Goodreads badge
Publisher: Macmillan Australia
Pages: 362
Format: Paperback
Genre: Crime
★   ★   ★   ★   ★ – 5 Stars

They are at the stockman’s grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last hope for their middle brother, Cameron. The Bright family’s quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish. Something had been troubling Cameron. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn’t, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects…

This is definitely my new favourite Jane Harper book. From the start I was immediately pulled in, the voice and tone drew me in and I wanted to stay in this story and keep reading.

Nathan doesn’t set out the solve the mystery of his brother’s death, but a few things don’t sit right with him and little by little he tries to fill in the gaps. This is not a police procedural story however, the focus is on trying to come to terms with his brother’s death and while the family wonder about what happened to him, it is also about getting through the grief together.

Harper hints at secrets and events, baits us into keep reading and honestly it works. Not quite so much to get answers, the anomalies are not followed up like a detective would, but the tone feels so comfortable that you want to keep following this narrative. She lays down clues and hints that you don’t even realise long before but at the same time once she has planted a seed the tone shifts and a whole other component is explored. It never felt out of place, or unconnected, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how she mixed everything together so seamlessly, never breaking from the flow of the story. She doesn’t focus constantly on speaking in riddles, she gets on with the story while making well placed and relevant hints about characters throughout which could easily mean nothing as they could everything.

Harper captures the outback environment brilliantly without resorting to long details and descriptions. She uses the characters and the story itself to reflect the harshness of the land and the dangers it holds. One great surprise was the blink and you miss it reference to some familiar faces from Harper’s debut novel, The Dry. I enjoyed the connection to the two stories but Harper also uses it to add an entire new layer to the characters as well.

I loved being in this story and I loved everything about this story. I loved these characters and their honesty and their secrets. I loved Nathan and his fractured, broken self but still with a strong family commitment buried deep inside. His character is one of honesty but also one of damaged resilience. Harper could have gone so many different ways with his personality but she dances on the edge of the line skilfully instead of making him cross it which I adored.

People are right when they say this is Harper’s best book to date because there is a comfortableness about this book, but it is one that still contains mystery and heartache, and complications that don’t overwhelm one another but coexist side by side remarkably, balanced back and forth as the story progresses.

You can purchase The Lost Man via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Book Depository

Dymocks | Wordery | Angus and Robinson

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

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