In a world (and career) brimming with technological distractions and fast-paced lifestyles, I’ve always found solace in the world of words. From the hidden treasures found on op-shop shelves and in cozy corners of quaint coffee shops, to devouring the new ‘lightening loans’ at the local library – and being a frequent contributor to our community street libraries (still hoping to persuade DDG to let us have one on our driveway)… reading has always been my refuge.
The Birth of Shelf Care + A Growing Bookish Community
I’ve always loved the world of words. For me, reading provides a temporary escape when this world of ours gets a little… full on. In seconds, you can wander into a whole new world, entirely constructed through a few cheeky chapters, connection to characters and a little imagination… There’s something truly magical about getting lost in the pages of a good book, the boundless expanse of creativity which writers gift their readers – and the power of imagination.
Yep, I’m that shameless girl who actively maintains complex #TBR (To Be Read, FYI) lists in her phone notes and delights in sharing the joy of reading with friends and family, keeping them stocked up with bookish recommendations and copies of novels that they ‘Simply. Must. Read!’
A Year of Page-Turning Discoveries
I recently started sharing my reading adventures and recommendations to Instagram – curated into a ‘Shelf Care’ story highlight. Over the past year, this content has opened up a heap of positive discussions with friends old and new, followers from around the world and fellow book lovers alike, about the wonderful written word.
Looking Ahead to 2023: More Books, More Reviews, More Shelf Care
I’ve taken so much pleasure from maintaining this highlight, that I decided to start documenting my 2023 reads and recommendations so far through this cozy little slice of cyberspace (where I’m forever lacking either content or the time to curate) – with the hope to ignite the same passion for reading in others that has always brought me so much joy and fulfilment.
I hope you enjoy – and if you have a #TBR recommendation, please let me know!
Happy reading! 🐛
Image credit: Better Homes + Gardens
Must Read Books – 2023 Reviews…
Psst… You can check out my 2024 reads here!

Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2013)
The last TJR on my bookshelf… and it didn’t disappoint! Of course it didn’t. Because, it’s TJR. Forever, Interrupted weaves a beautiful narrative between past and present which follows the life of Elsie and Ben – whose whirlwind romance takes an unforeseen turn. As the touching tale unfolds, readers are taken on an emotional journey which balances absolute heartbreak with moments of genuine joy. The author’s ability to capture the intricacies of human connection is magical, masterfully portraying the complexity of grief and the transformative power of love. Absolutely adored it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Guest by Emma Cline 🇺🇸 (2023)
I was absolutely sucked in to this one – the carefully crafted storytelling, our self-sabotaging, yet manipulative anti-heroine, using the wealthy, well… as they use her. I ended up really liking Alex, despite her being messed up on so many levels. I was fully invested. But then it all just ended. So. Damn. ABRUPTLY!!! If the ending has been conclusive, this would have been a higher rating. It’s different, fun and engaging… right up until the last chapter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones 🇬🇧 (2016)
Now this was a good read. The motive was a little far-fetched, but otherwise a great concept, fulfilling narrative and gripping exploration of the dynamics between women, love and trust. Jones creates a web of intrigue, leaving you questioning the motives of each character – and rethinking the assumptions you make about those closest to you… It made me want to give my mother-in-law a huge hug! 😂
Love, deception and mystery… YES. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller 🇺🇸 (2021)
I very nearly gave up with this one… and I’m SO glad I didn’t. What a beautiful, candid and raw emotional read, about an intensely complex love triangle. The Paper Palace is an emotionally invested love story, which follows a day in the life of Elle as she navigates said love triangle over decades and decades (and narratives within narratives) of secrets, lies and resilience – with beautifully intricate prose. There’s lots of jumping around… time is a wonderful thing. On a side note, I’ve never read a book where the heroine pees in so many unusual places. Haunting, candid and beautifully challenging. Loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Holiday by T.M. Logan 🇬🇧 (2019)
I was pumped for this because I enjoyed The Catch, but TBH it was just a bit… average. Heaps of characterisations to keep track of, pretty good thrills, but probably could have been written in half the pages. Fairly satisfying ending. Meh. ⭐️⭐️

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse 🇬🇧 (2021)
A creepy mystery / thriller set in an isolated hotel in the blizzardy Swiss alps, formerly an old sanatorium and packed full of suspenseful promise..? I know right – that’s what hooked me too. But it just didn’t *do it* for me. Too many characters, narratives and far-fetched scenarios. As for Elin? A challenging protagonist to vie for. The epilogue suggests she’ll continue solving more crimes in the future, but I’m happy to leave them unsolved and unread. ⭐️

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major 🇬🇧 (2023)
What would you do, if you were gifted more time? If you were given a ‘next time’..? But at a price. Imagine being trapped in an endless time loop of bittersweet Mondays… always ending in tragedy – no matter what you did to intervene. Maybe Next Time is a beautiful novel about love, loss and life’s little instructions. Appreciating the privilege of this universe… and accepting what is written in the stars. This read bestows an immense sense of, and appreciation for, what’s truly important in this incredible life we’re all living. Warning – you’ll need a box of tissues to finish the last few chapters of this little banger. Total tearjerker. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover 🇺🇸 (2020)
I’d been saving this emotionally charged poolside read for this week’s staycay… and it did not disappoint – diving right into deep themes of love, loss and self-discovery from the first chapter. Co-Ho captivates with well-developed, relatable characters that readers can’t help but root for, with an engaging (albeit at times predictable), storyline. Heart Bones basks in raw, authentic emotion – and turns up the heat as much as Perth has this week with a cheeky bit of spice too! 🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes 🇺🇸 (2023)
It took me months to finish this atmospheric thriller… I just really struggled to get into it and kept getting distracted with other books – however when I did finally find a flow, it was satisfying. Particularly enjoyed the Guatemalan heritage and folklore chronology. The dual narratives, seven years apart, were a little disjointed and difficult to follow, leaving a loose threads hanging… But all in all, Reyes penned an original novel with an intriguing premise and unique twist – that I didn’t see coming! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Woman In Me by Britney Spears 🇺🇸 (2023)
“At what point did I promise to stay 17 forever?” – literally the premise for Britney’s highly anticipated memoir, The Woman in Me. From the early days of being packaged as a pop virgin, to the relentless scrutiny and vilification during her personal struggles, Britney finally takes control of her narrative with an astute and powerful indictment of the system that exploited her. I’ve always been pro-Britney; a year older than me, I grew up with her – which made this memoir emotionally resonant… From the gendered double standards of the entertainment industry to the legal constraints that governed her life for 13 years, Britney reclaims her history with an unapologetic voice as she recounts the resilience that fuelled her journey from sudden stardom. From her iconic head-shaving moment, to her battles against the conservatorship – and her emotional path to freedom… For anyone who grew up with Britney, this is a must-read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry 🇺🇸 (2022)
I was pumped to pick this up from an op shop a few months ago. When I woke to the devastating news of Perry’s passing on 29 October, I regretted not reading it sooner. His memoir provides a dark glimpse into the life of the man who brought laughter and comfort to so many through his portrayal of iconic character, Chandler Bing. He’s been an integral part of our lives since the mid-nineties. Reading Perry’s memoir knowing he’s no longer with us made it a poignant experience. However, as Perry himself mused in his memoir, “I can’t decide if I actually like people or not” – I, too, was left uncertain about my feelings towards him. Nevertheless, this memoir serves as a bittersweet reminder that even our favourite stars aren’t exempt from life’s complexities. Although we’ve all lost a Friend, Perry will forever hold a place in our hearts and remain a significant part of pop culture. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Confess by Colleen Hoover 🇺🇸 (2015)
Look, it was okay. An easy read. The plot was unique and the concept artsy – fitting given one of the main characters is an artist, and the writing, as always, was compelling. The characters, however were one-dimensional – and it all felt a little… cliché. It was no Verity, that’s for sure.
Sorry, CoHo – I’ve a confession to make: I didn’t love it. ⭐️⭐️

Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon 🇺🇸 (2023)
I listened to this murder mystery as an audiobook and was hooked at first… but it quickly became tangled with so many narratives, I found myself zoning out. I loved the dynamics of the strong female characters (especially cancer-patient, Lana!); and how a grandma, single mum and teenage girl unite to solve a murder… however, I didn’t find the *mystery* aspect of the book to be all that riveting. I found it hard to stay focussed and engaged with the story. What I did love, (and probably what made me persevere with MDMN), was the author’s personal note on why she wrote this novel when her own mother was sick. Worth a relaxed read/listen! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney 🇮🇪 (2022)
A really f*cking slow + painstakingly tedious read about… well, nothing in particular. Have since struck Normal People off my #TBR list and dropped it off at the local op shop for someone else to endure. Sorry, not a fan! ⭐️

The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont 🇺🇸 (2022)
Mystery + history… A bit of a curveball from my usual reading repertoire. What happened when Agatha Christine went missing for 11 days in 1926? De Gramont’s fictional tale of love, heartbreak, revenge and the ‘other woman’ had me emotionally invested right until the very end of her imagined tale. A little waffly at times, but a cracking read – and yes, there was a murder to solve too! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth 🇦🇺 (2022)
I’m nervous to write this, especially after all the amazing reviews I’ve heard from fellow bookworms and online forums. So I’m sorry, but… I just didn’t like it. I REALLY wanted to, but I didn’t. Two women; one alive, one dead – both blinded by love. One with a partner *so handsome*, people question why he ‘chose’ her… wait, what?! No suspense, no character development and a poor representation of mental illness in the plot line – surprising as Hepworth usually nails this space. This book was anything but my Soulmate… I’m not on the same page 😉 as everyone else! ⭐️

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover 🇺🇸 (2012)
Over-dramatic, over-analytical and slooow AF… I had to *really* persevere with this book, because I bought the whole damn series *face-palm*. Love, survival and identity… Hopeless deals with some pretty heavy topics, including suicide and child abuse (I probably wouldn’t have reached for it had I known). Sorry, CoHo – I wasn’t crazy about this, but I’ll give the sequels a shot and see how we fair. ⭐️⭐️

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin 🇦🇺 (2020)
A slow burner, but gripping in all the right places. Mystery-thriller, with a heavy rape culture focus which I struggled with at times. I listened to this as an audiobook, making it a little more graphic and harrowing than I’d have liked – but helped digest the three interlinked narratives/timelines. Really shone a light on how sexual assault trials are conducted and the trauma victims have to relive in the pursuit of justice. A good, albeit challenging read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson 🇺🇸 (2023)
So, I don’t really *get* what I just read. Half way though the book, DDG asked me how it was going. I said it was a little slow… lots of background / character development, but that I was persevering and confident it was about to get *good*. Spoiler: It didn’t. The one-dimensional characters had zero endearing or redeeming qualities, the societal narrative was more fitting to the 1950’s and the plot… Well, there wasn’t one. It seemed to be 305 pages dedicated to three entitled siblings, a tragic affair (which I really couldn’t empathise with) and… umm… oh, the house that the siblings grew up in? It was on Pineapple Street in Brooklyn Heights. There you go – saved you a read. Sorry, it didn’t push my pineapple or shake my tree! ⭐️

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth 🇦🇺 (2020)
YES!! Here’s the Hepworth I’ve heard about… what a bloody glorious read. An engaging story, packed with suspense, drama + empathy. Well-developed characters, yet both unreliable narrators in their own way. Hepworth’s evident research into Aspergers is commendable. Predictable twists forgiven simply because of Fern – what a gorgeous character. Do yourself a favour and READ IT! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Catch by T.M. Logan 🇬🇧 (2020)
Set in Nottingham, England it was nostalgic + heartwarming to discover this thriller and the mass of references he makes to the city I lived in for 20yrs. The plot was gripping, suspenseful and hard to put down… The ending wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped for, and there were a *few too* many holes in the plot for my liking… but overall, a great read! Excited to discover what else this author has to offer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Cat Lady by Dawn O’Porter 🇬🇧 (2022)
Speaking as a bird + chihuahua lady… I absolutely adored this emotional, random and fantastically explicit read. O’Porter challenges the stereotypes of the typical ‘cat lady’ with layer upon LAYER of emotions; love, loss, friendship, betrayal, abuse… and more LOLs than you can shake a box of kitty biscuits at. The audiobook is narrated by the velvety voice of Daisy Haggard (an incredible choice to portray protagonist Mia) – she had me laughing out LOUD in the shower, in the car, on my (dog) walks… even at my desk. I couldn’t get enough. Cat Lady is the best reminder to live your life, your way. Purrrrfection! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dreaming in French by Vanessa McCausland 🇦🇺 (2023)
Last month, I attended the WA book launch of McCausland’s fourth novel. What a treat it was to meet and enjoy a Q+A with her, before scurrying off home with my signed copy of DIF to devour. McCausland is a natural storyteller, tackling hard-hitting issues with a charming prose and her beautifully decadent, yet dark way with words. The dual narratives span across two decades and characters, transporting readers to the salty, sun-baked plages of Île de Re… with an enchanting tale of love, friendship and betrayal. Her best yet. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Happy Place by Emily Henry 🇺🇸 (2023)
I mean… it was okay, I guess? A pretty long story about very little, if I’m honest. A tale about relationships gone wrong, held together for the sake of friendships… also held together for the sake of time gone by. The whole thing could probably have been wrapped up in a few chapters TBH. My first Emily Henry read, but I’ve more on the shelves to devour, so hopefully they’ll capture me more. ⭐️⭐️

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen 🇸🇬 (2022)
What would you risk for a luxury thrill? Two college mates who reconnect and start a counterfeit luxury handbag empire? I’m in. Counterfeit is a light-hearted, luxurious and provocative tale of friendship, stereotypes and chasing the American dream… nothing in this tale is what it seems – which is why I shamelessly devoured it in three days! Primo. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2014)
What happens when love fades… Initially I thought this was going to be a cheesy romance novel, so I *almost* bailed… I’m so glad I didn’t. After I Do is a raw, unfiltered exploration of the realities of long-term love/marriage, the unconditional strength of family and never taking each other for granted. “Sometimes you need to go get coffee more than you actually need coffee.” IYKYK. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter 🇺🇸 (2022)
Recommended by fellow book buddy, Anna – Girl, Forgotten was my first Karin Slaughter adventure. And I wasn’t disappointed! A chunky little bad boi to get into, with both 1980s and present-day timelines to navigate, it had A LOT of narratives to follow, digest and deconstruct. This, coupled with the confronting content of the story meant it wasn’t for light reading, it demanded full attention! Twisty, addictive and climatic – would recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Woman In Cabin Ten by Ruth Ware 🇬🇧 (2016)
My mum gifted me this one – a fresh little psychological whodunnit to get stuck into. I’ll be honest, I struggled to empathise with the ever-anxious/obsessive protagonist, Lo… but in some way, that kept me wholly engaged. With well-paced thrills, Ware keeps you guessing until the very end. Safe to say, I won’t be going on a cruise anytime soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang 🇺🇸 (2023)
I absolutely tore through the first 150 pages – what a unique concept and dynamic approach! …but then, GAH. It lost me. I became utterly frustrated with the protagonist, the execution of the narrative and the relentless focus on cultural appropriation. It gave some interesting insight to the inner-workings of the publishing industry… but that’s about it. Yellowface is certainly thrilling, but it’s also loooooong, contrived and underwhelming. It just wasn’t a book for me. ⭐️⭐️

Red, White + Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 🇺🇸 (2019)
Firstly, this book was not what I was expecting, AT ALL. So without giving *too* much away… It was, without doubt, one of the most outrageously fun reads I’ve ever enjoyed! Cute debut from McQuinston… sassy, sexy, romantic, controversial and royally thrilling. It got pretty damn steamy between the pages at times, too. McQuinston proves that true love doesn’t always have to be diplomatic… and I’m so down with that! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger 🇺🇸 (2018)
Well, I needed something easy to read after the last couple of traumatic reads (Verity). As always, Weisberger delivered the goods in a way only a New Yorker can… effortlessly, with a healthy dose of racy humour and designer chic. Fun read – especially with some Devil Wears Prada character cameos. Cute ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager 🇺🇸 (2022)
⚠️ Spoiler ⚠️ I listened to this as an audiobook. First mistake. I couldn’t get used to the woman’s awful, gravelly voice. Second mistake was believing it would be an epic thriller… it was a BS adaptation of ‘The Woman in the Window’, which evolved into a supernatural shitshow – which I regretfully endured to the end. ⭐️

Verity by Colleen Hoover 🇺🇸 (2018)
This was one of the most chilling, confronting and captivating books I’ve ever read. On more than one occasion, I didn’t think I could continue reading it for pleasure… Do yourself a favour and devour it like it did (then Google the bonus chapter.)
Mind. Officially. Bent. Holy hell!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth 🇦🇺 (2015)
A very sweet, engaging read about stepping into the reality of people living with dementia. A little lacklustre in terms of narrative, but beautifully poignant in places – with a nice helping of serendipitous sparkle and humour. Also, Aussie author, yay! ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks + Sarah Pekkanen 🇺🇸 (2018)
My debut Hendricks read with a sweet AF twist right in the middle, this suspenseful mystery is NOT what you think it is… or is it?! Do yourself a favour and devour it like I did! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

November 9 by Colleen Hoover 🇺🇸 (2015)
My debut Hoover novel… not usually a romance reader, but it was quite a treat, albeit a little far fetched at times. Big focus on loss, acceptance and redemption. I totally called the cheeky twist, but doing so made me feel super smart, which can’t be a bad thing. Excited to jump into her emotional back catalogue… I already have a few waiting on the shelves! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Maid by Nita Prose 🇨🇦 (2022)
A quirky, cosy and compelling debut novel from Prose. While whodunnits aren’t usually my thing, this kept me gripped, entertained and satisfied throughout. An immersive and adventurous change. Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

The Island of Lost Girls by Alex Marwood 🇬🇧 (2022)
Intriguing, captivating, sad, confronting, uncomfortable, happy, funny, gripping… This book has it all. Found myself coasting at the end, it somewhat lost its ’grip’ to satisfy which let it down a little – but still a great thriller to wrap your reality around. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul 🇺🇸 (2023)
I CANNOT recommend this enough! I struggled to read the book as there were so many generational shifts and interlinked narratives to follow, but found the audio much easier to digest. A very confronting and sad, but beautiful story. Get hold of a copy, pronto! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave Crystal Smith Paul 🇺🇸 (2021)
Really wanted to love it… but struggled with it. Persevered to the end, but found it frustrating more than thrilling. It just didn’t satisfy, sorry! Hopefully the TV adaptation is better?! ⭐️½

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld 🇺🇸 (2023)
An sassy little rom-com read. Difficult to get into at first, but sooo worth the perseverance! It’s cute, charming and thanks to the SNL and pandemic links, has a hearty dose of comedic relief on every page. Helps that the heroine is an absolute rockstar too. You can’t help but root for her! Slide it onto your #TBR list… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2015)
My fave TJR yet? Maybe In Another Life definitely ties with Evelyn Hugo. A clever, serendipitous concept about friendship, fate and the pursuit of happiness explored between each chapter’s alternating realities… An utterly immersive, fill-your-cup, beautifully contemplative read. Loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath 🇦🇺 (2023)
It all started out SO GOOD, but then I just don’t know what happened. It’s like whole chapters were missing..? Rode it out, as it has sooo much potential, but it wasn’t worth the effort. ⭐️

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2016)
An intensely heartbreaking, emotional and passionate novel for anyone who’s ever been in love. Rediscover your naïve, reckless and all-consuming high-school love, and throw it into a heart-wrenching triangle with the established, considered and grounded love of your thirties. One True Loves has you as torn as protagonist, Emma – and guessing until the very end… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle 🇺🇸 (2022)
This was an impulsive library loan – which had potential, but it just didn’t come to the party. The twists were a bit ‘meh’. It had potential, but too predictable, lacking depth and a little far-fetched. ⭐️

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2022)
Big tennis star makes an epic comeback. Aaand, that’s about it. A riveting and easy enough read… especially if you love tennis! (I don’t, particularly). Gripping and entertaining, but missing that sparkle we all know and love TJR for. ⭐️⭐️½

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2021)
Set over the course of 24hrs, travelling between present day and flashbacks to the 80’s (YES! My fave era) – Malibu Rising showcases plenty of heat, juice and drama… but for what exactly? I’m unsure. The actual ‘point’ of the novel has little substance. A disappointing anti-climax, from one of my fave authors. Definitely not my fave TJR, but still a great beachy read. ⭐️⭐️

The Nowhere Child by Christian White 🇦🇺 (2018)
Struggled to get into Christian White’s debut novel, which was a surprise, and his other two books were little crackers. I persevered, but found this slow, lacking and a little… beige. ⭐️⭐️

Evidence Of The Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2018)
One for the heartstrings, this short story is constructed through the letters of two illicit lovers – and their two partners, who seek one another out when they learn of their respective partners’ infidelity. An addictive story of heartbreak, irony and liberation. Totally my jam. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2017)
As an Elizabeth Taylor fan, I wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy book – which was only my second Taylor Jenkins Reid… read. But from the first few page, it had me – enthralling, risqué and oh so very Hollywood. It’s been a very long time since a novel made me cry – but this one had me sobbing in the final few chapters. Absolutely loved it. BRAVO, TJR! I’m OFFICIALLY A FAN. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell 🇬🇧 (2022)
…two days later, I devoured this one too! Clever, compelling and still creepy. Irresistible page turner! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell 🇬🇧 (2019)
Creepy, gripping and twisty AF. Devoured it in three days… Couldn’t put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wild Place by Christian White 🇦🇺 (2021)
Set in the late 80’s – you’ve got my attention. Twisty and clever and oh, my… I tore through the pages. Why do good people do good things? This one will drive you wild, right until the very end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Strangers We Know by Pip Drysdale 🇦🇺 (2019)
I’ll admit it, I paid a dollar for this little puppy from the Church Op-Shop. New author, wasn’t sure, liked the domestic thriller synopsis… three chapters in and BAM! Hooked. Clever, empathetic and intense AF. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth 🇦🇺 (2021)
My debut Sally Hepworth read – and she’s not half bad. A female-forward narrative, tentatively exploring relatable family dynamics through just the right amount of suspenseful tension until… the super disappointing ending, which felt a little rushed? I look forward to exploring more of this Aussie authors work, as she’s definitely got that je ne sais quoi… Just not in this read. ⭐️⭐️

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🇺🇸 (2019)
My debut Taylor Jenkins Reid, and… I struggled. I struggled with the oral history narrative format, I struggled to connect with the characters, and I struggled with the one-dimensional benevolence of protagonist, Daisy. I did finish, and enjoy the ending – but I couldn’t finish the TV adaptation. I just found it… lacking. ⭐️⭐️½

The Wife and The Widow by Christian White 🇦🇺 (2019)
Man, I love a book narrated from two perspectives! This book has it all – suspense, thrills, psychological WTF IS GOING ON. And YES, there’s a killer twist which will have you questioning… How well do we *really* know the people we love? Oooft. go read it, RIGHT NOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Beautiful Words by Vanessa McCausland 🇦🇺 (2021)
A tale of long-standing friendship, the betrayal of memories and the art of forgiveness… the healing power of words. Set in Australia, it’s easy to visualise the landscape and let McCausland take it from there with her Beautiful Words. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Valley of Lost Stories by Vanessa McCausland 🇦🇺 (2020)
Haunting, confronting, compelling and thrilling. A bewitching tale of friendship, secrets and the truth… ⭐️⭐️½

SPARE by Prince Harry 🇬🇧 (2023)
Hmph. For the record I loaned this from the local library so I didn’t have to buy a copy and put money in Harry and Megans pockets. Think that’s petty? Ha! You should read SPARE. ⭐️

The Lost Summers of Driftwood by Vanessa McCausland 🇦🇺 (2019)
New Aussie author discovery! McCausland is a natural storyteller. I found this on the shelves of my local Church’s op-shop where I volunteer each month, and I couldn’t put it down. Driftwood is a sweet, emotive read and the sweetest summer indulgence. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 Comments
Love this and can’t believe I didn’t discover it earlier! Thank you 🙏 xx
The most beautiful book worm I’ve ever met. 😘
Always look forward to your reviews Katie! You have great taste and a keen eye for a good read. Ive read a few novels that youve recommended and loved them. Thanks for sharing your reads with the world!