Book Review - Wattle Creek by Fiona McCullum

In the Australian bush town of Wattle Creek, Damien, a depressed young farmer is trying to manage the family farm after the death of his father from cancer. New to town is Jacinta, a young and attractive psychologist. She helps Damien see what his life could be if he stops trying to be what he thinks other people want him to be. And she copes with the good and bad regarding everyone knowing your business in a small town. A recognisable cast of supporting characters add texture to a pleasant romance with serious undertones.

Wendy

Book Review - Scared Yet by Jaye Ford

Jaye Ford's second novel continues her strong entry into Australian crime/romance fiction. A woman is attacked and then stalked. The tension escalates as the stalker also targets friends and co-workers. Luckily there's handsome, strong Daniel to help her but what does she really know about him? Could he be the stalker? Why is the police detective so wary of him? A satisfying read.

Wendy

Discovering Chicklit!!

What I did on my holidays by Chrissie Manby

Narellan Chicklit F MAN

 

Although I have always loved great fiction, I had never been really sure what 'Chicklit' actually referred to.  Way back when Narellan Fiction was organised via genre, I decided that reading a title from this section needed to be on my 'to do' list.

Needless to say, years have gone by, but now I'd like to share one of my recent finds.

I had the rare occasion of a weekend away while the juniors of my family attended a triathlon and I took along a good read for the Saturday night.

The cover page of this title called to me from the display shelves - yes I did judge this book by its cover and the thought of a casual stroll along the shore, thongs in hand really appealed.

In Manby's title, a great holiday, planned for months, was on the agenda for Sophie and partner, Callum, who also happens to be her work colleague. Imagine the despair when Sophie finds out, the night before the trip to the airport, that Callum is actually not that into her and will not be going on the trip!!! What unfolds includes many hilarious moments as Sophie attempts to hide in her bedroom for the duration of the trip - the embarrassment of being left to go alone on the trip was just too much.

What I discovered is that chicklit is literature written mainly by women for women. Many titles include storylines based on work, children, motherhood, friendship, dating, dieting and all sorts of life challenges. The role of humour in chicklit was evident in "What I did on my holidays". Many titles are written from a first person viewpoint, making them very realistic. Although a fun read, Manby's title touched on thought provoking, emotional issues making it a fun but also touching read.

Recommended for a quiet moment when you just want to relax and enjoy a light read.

Kim

Cold Days coming to the library soon

Cold Days by Jim Butcher

The fans of Jim Butcher's, New York Times bestselling series "The Dresden Files" have waited a long time for the latest instalment.  Butcher has made excellent use of the time and "Cold Days" is well worth the wait.  It is a cracking 515 page adventure that never falters, and you are left wishing the story would never end.  That sense of longing that you feel at the end of a great read grabs you by the throat on the final page.  We can only hope that Butcher magically brings forth the next instalment in less time.

In this urban fantasy, Chicago's only professional wizard, harry Dresden as risen from the dead.  Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness is instrumental in Harry's escape from death.  There is however a price to be paid and Harry finds himself the latest Winter Knight.  Mab wants Harry to assassinate an immortal and all this has to be done at the same time as preventing the mystical forces from bringing about total world annihilation.

Harry must explain his resurrection and his absence of many months before he can gain the invaluable help of his friends.  All of our favourites such as Butters, Karrin and Molly return to again attempt to save the world.  A particularly memorable scene sees Harry on the back of Karrin's Harley Davidson as he wrests control of the hunt from the Erlking.  To see if Harry and his friends successfully save the world borrow "Cold Days" which is coming very soon to the library.  If you haven't read the other 14 books in this series I would highly recommend starting with the first book of the series, "Storm Front".

Sheila

Book Review - The House on Willow Street by Cathy Kelly

Cathy Kelly returns with 4 intertwined female characters, who go through a pivotal year which takes their lives in a new directions. Set in a small Irish village, the family home for some, a refuge for others, the women find love, comfort and understanding from each other and their community. Spend an engaging hour or two escaping the everyday.

Wendy