The railwayman's wife by Ashley Hay

Oh wow, have just placed a hold on Hay's first book if that is any indication of how much I loved this novel.  Beautifully written, didn't want to finish it without going back over it and reading my favourite bits over and over.  Has been a while since a book did that too me.  I loved the way she was able to create the sense of place and the many sad poignant moments.  Really felt drawn to it from the first page although I would say the momentum did slow a little towards the ending.  The young girl intrigued me, she made her so knowing and beyond her years.  Loved the way Mackenzie Lachlan was portrayed, full of love and pride with a sense of mischief and surprise.  I guess I loved it to as part of it was set in a library, a railway library.  This totally intrigued me and led me to research the notion of a railway library and where is was set.
It has much to offer, loved the poetry and the beautiful phrases that were immersed within the chapters.
Will remember this book fondly, thank you for bringing Annika, MacKenzie and Belle to life on the pages.  Especially the delightful description by MacKenzie of Annika in the shop when they bought Belle the most fitting present for her birthday.  Sigh.
As well as the main characters, Frank and the very sad poet are all part of the kaleidoscope highlighting how people find their own corner of the world and try to make sense of it all in their own way.
The sense of colour and wonder features throughout the book with delightful descriptions of light, the colours of the sea, the colours and smells of the library, the colour and force of the trains and the colour and despair of war.
A wonderful novel, look forward to reading her other novel.

Seeing George by Cassandra Austin

Was intrigued by the style and size of this book, that is what attracted me in the first instance.  The fact that I was also standing in a book shop that I had been visiting for nearly 30 years and it was it's last day of opening meant that I had to buy something.   I pondered and took a while with my selection, I ended up with two books so the other will be reviewed at another time.  I did um and ah for a while about my purchases and I actually ended up with something that I usually avoid - a mystical, whimsical piece, an odd little offering.  Many times I thought no this isn't for me but there was something about it that kept me with it and ended up reading it over a weekend.  It was a dip into a love story with a very strange contrasting support act.   All hail to Frank, what a stellar, understanding and patient character he was!  And good on you Violet for your conviction and courage in the face of adversity.
Odd, weird but an enduring relationship made it worth persevering with.
Not sure about you but I can't see Dragons either.

The household guide to dying by Debra Adelaide

I can across this one in our library's new BorrowBox eBook list of offerings.  The title and blurb intrigued me so I thought why not download it.  After finishing the novel I felt pleased that I had read it although the timing of reading it was strange as I lost one of my colleagues during the time I was reading it, sadly her passing was sudden and unexpected.
The main character in this book, however, was planning for the day that she would die, she knew it was going to happen as cancer had taken over her body and treatment was no longer working.  The cancer was going to win.  She faced this bravely and head on, making lists, connecting with people she needed to and giving her family hints about life when she leaves.  Yes, she was angry at times but although the novel dealt with the process of dying she seemed to be able to approach it calmly.  I was totally intrigued by her husband's character, would have loved to hear the story from his point of view - he was soooo understanding.
The book certainly beckons you to think about your own mortality, and perhaps more about the celebration of your life - what is it really about?
Interesting, confronting and quite hilarious as the author blends her characters witty responses to a 'dear Delia' column throughout the book.
And I certainly didn't know that Mrs Beeton was only 28 when she died!

The memory tree by Tess Evans

Like many other fellow reviewers this 2nd novel by Tess Evans I felt that it had a lot to live up to.  And also like other reviewers I was a bit disappointed as I absolutely loved The Book of Lost Threads as per my previous post.  The storytelling was unusually done and won't give this away if you intend to read it.  I couldn't really relate to the characters, however there was an interesting array of people dealing with either mental illness, loss or anger.  There is also the religious fervour of one of its characters which leads to the story's most tragic event.
An interesting read, look forward to the next Tess Evans novel!

Don't fence me in : Grassroots wisdom from a country gal by Rachael Treasure

How delightful to read through this collection of short stories, words of wisdom and the occasional recipe.  Loved reading, many things resonated with me and having the pleasure of meeting Rachael last year it was nice to read more about her life and what makes her tick.  She shoots straight, she is positive and full of energetic and enthusiastic tips on improving your day.  I love the way she sees the  affirmative things in every day tasks, and when strife comes along it may just mean an opportunity to delve deep and face what ever it is - it might not just be as bad as you think.  Thanks Rachael for this book, it will be one I refer to and felt like it needed a share button (I read it as an ebook) when I particularly liked a quote of positive saying.  Worth having a look through again, and will be trying out that sticky date pudding recipe.

Firestorm by Tamara McKinley

Wow, I just remembered why I love her books so much.  Could not put this one down as it is such a great yarn.  I have read many of her previous novels and have loved them but must admit I have missed the last few so have a bit of catching up to do.  I remember reading her earlier work Jacaranda Vines and Matilda's Last Waltz and feeling the same way - real page turners, easy to read with excellent characterisation.  Reading Firestorm confirms too that it is still my favourite type of novel- Australian contemporary fiction with a combination of history, romance and family relationships plus a bit of intrigue.  If I look back over what I have read in the past I am placing my bets that a number of my favourites have those same ingredients.  I would admit though I am amazed and slightly nervous at the many new romance 'chook lit' titles, although it is great to see so many female authors being published I am however very wary of the ones I choose to read in this new 'ag' genre.
Will go back and seek McKinley's ones that I have missed and add them to the 'to-read' pile.  I am really enjoying being connected back to my reading again and also happy I have reached my target in the AWW challenge already!  Will keep going, am on a roll!

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

This one does not fit into the AWW challenge but am including it as it the third title our newly formed book club has read.  We will be meeting very soon to discuss the novel.  Having not read Picoult before I will be extremely interested in everyone else's thoughts and opinions.  I would say I was a bit disappointed as often I read Sandra Brown, Joy Fielding and Jayne Ann Krentz when I move away from my favourite genre of Australian Contemporary fiction so I guess I was expecting something similar.  I do prefer psychological suspense and thrillers so this particular novel was a bit of a challenge.  Although it dealt with the concept of repressed memory, gritty jail and dramatic court scenes it still didn't keep me enthralled.  I also did not enjoy the side stories of Hopi, I skipped over this part quite often.  I will hold my complete judgement until I discuss with others but my reaction is that it was underwhelming but at the same time am willing to give other novels by Picoult a try.

The love for The Book of Lost Threads

Sometimes it is just so good to read a book and when you have finish you hold it and hold it wishing it wasn't finished but so grateful to have read it.  The Book of Lost Threads by Tess Evans is one of those books.  I very seldom read books twice but the 'opportunity' came up through Book Club to read it again.  I loved it the first time and then loved it some more 2nd time around.  I think I enjoyed more because I shared the joy of this book with others who equally embraced it and also loved it.   There are so many elements to it that I appreciated - the main characters all finding themselves by being brought together by their own individual tragic circumstances in a gorgeous small town similar to the one I live in.  I loved the way that Evans was able to bring in many side characters who had their own special story who in their own way contributed to each of the main characters travelling along their path and finding their own solace.  It was an absolute joy to read, so many times I wanted to cry through the many beautiful and poignant moments.  Superbly written, this book will always remain one of my favourites for all time.  I have just ordered The Memory Tree by Evans which I can't wait to read.  I think if I could produce 10 other copies of it for book club the members be keen to read it too.

The Longing by Candice Bruce

Something drew me to pick this one as our first book club title.  Probably the fact that is my favourite type of genre, Australian historical fiction.  Also perhaps my limited knowledge about Australian art which is the main theme of the novel inticed me to learn more.  I did enjoy the book,  loved the mix of two time frames and the writer worked these two together beautifully.  It gave the story balance and the intrigue that kept you going to the end.  Would love to have a sequel to find out what Cornelia does with all the information and how it impacts the Australian Art scene.  Sometimes difficult to read due to the nature of some of the issues within the book, confronting and sad.   Look forward to discussing it with book club members and hear their views.

Hopetoun wives by Fran Cusworth

Have thought a lot about this book, nearly gave up on it but there was this nagging feeling within the story that I was going to learn something.  I did, the tense way in which is was written represented the tensions of living in a 'gold rush era' like town.  Not gold this time, but the promise of new adventures and money to set you up for life from Nickel mining.  It seems to me that being enticed to the mining boom towns in the west in not all beer and skittles.  Tensions between old and new comers and the family unit is sorely tested due to a new kind if loneliness.  Husbands and wives working hard in the mines miss the day to day stuff of building a new home, making friends and community events. Just as hard for the parent at home trying to fit in, make a new start when another new start could be just around the corner for a big and better opportunity.  The towns seem to lose or lack their soul and identity.  Choices are hard, prices are high and affairs are common.  Fran created a picture of what it is like for people in the west where mining has boomed and how the towns are created or destroyed due to that fact.  Really interesting writing style but it seemed to match the theme of broken dreams, broken families and broken hearts that often accompany the lifestyle of the new type of gold fever.  Am sure many have made the most of the chance and they couldn't be happier so good luck to the ones who have found that mining has been the answer for them.   Thanks Fran, in the end I got a lot out of your novel.

Murder and Mendelssohn confessions

Firstly I must confess that this is actually the first Phryne Fisher mystery that I have ever read.  Having been totally addicted to the recent ABC series which bought the characters of Phryne, Jack, Dot and Mr Butler to life I looked forward to dipping into the real thing.  I found myself seeing the cast of players as portrayed in the series which if course happens if you read the book after the show.  But I would say I was slightly disappointed with the storyline and wasn't quite what I expected. I was waiting for the real twists and turns but it seemed to concentrate more on the side story lines but without that familiar Phryne/Jack chemistry. My second confession is that I will probably not go back and read the rest of the series, many will chastise me for not doing so, but I think the TV adaption will do more than adequately for me to be engaged with Kerry Greenwood's work and I am hoping that a third series will be made.

Now I can dance by Tina Arena

Enjoyed the afternoon finishing reading Tina Arena's memoir 'Now I can dance'. I was totally absorbed by Tina's own reflections of her stellar musical career.  I have followed her since the YTT days when she dazzled us as an 8 year old, and then followed her through the years as she challenged herself to find out 'where she wanted the music to take her'. I loved reading about all the people she has worked with, collaborated with, sung with as well as her strong family focus that has kept her so grounded.  Am pleased she has found such success and love and look forward to hearing about the next part of her life.
 Looking at my own music collection I realise how much she features in it, and whilst reading the book I took the opportunity to check out some old YouTube film clips of her earlier days.  That was fun and gave Tina's recollections great context.  Thank you Tina for sharing where you have been and what you have achieved, though does not dig deeply personal stuff it still gives us much insight into how hard she works and how nice it was not to have to read a 'train wreck story', just an honest person doing her best in what she loves the most.
Nice to hear again about all the musicians I grew up with and loved watching on Countdown, as well as all the major international stars she has had the opportunity to meet and sing with.

You set fire to my life

Am enjoying Tina Arena's new and extremely successful album Reset.  This is the first single off the album.  Have followed Tina's career since she was a young girl and all I can say is she has only got better and better, although I really love her earlier work a decade or so ago - some fantastic tracks like Chains and Now I Can Dance which happens also to be next book in the challenge, Tina's newly released memoir by that title. http://youtu.be/an5F97oSRdk

White Gardenia by Belinda Alexandra

Being on holidays certainly gives me the opportunity to sit uninterrupted and read to my hearts content.  Glad I chose this novel for my first holiday read and the first book for the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2014.  I found it to be one of those terrific stories that demand your attention, although it is quite long I knocked it off in a couple of days.  This is quite unusual for me but being in holiday mode where a chair in the sun by the river enticed me to stay put made it quite achievable.  I had not read any of Alexandra's books before, not sure why, but will definitely pick a few more.  I think what I got most out of the novel was what I learnt about the the atrocities of war, whether it be WW2 or the Cold War, it certainly brings the horror and the absolute stupidity of mankind and what we have done to our fellow human beings.  Also the impact of the many people that were displaced due to the war and were bought to Australia under the 'populate or perish' mandate; people worked hard to make Australia what it is today and we should be grateful for the many that made it their home and built up businesses and brought up their families here.  We have been enriched by their contribution and their influences in customs, traditions and food make us a wonderfully diverse and safe nation.  I will be thinking of the characters Anya, Dmitri, Ivan and the General in the days to come.

It's only just beginning, think I have gone and lost my mind...

Here goes, another commitment I am making to this virtual universe.  Throwing caution to the wind I have decided to create a blog that reflects (consolo) on favourite stories (fabula) and music (musica).  The main catalyst for writing this blog is my intention to sign up for the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2014, therefore having a blog to connect my reviews to.  As I did not complete any identifiable reviews in the 2013 Challenge, which I could blame on my love of music and perhaps the other parts of my life intervening, maybe having my two loves together will keep me going and hopefully encourage me to make more of a contribution.
It will however be a mixture of music and books that you will find here.
So my first task is to head over to http://australianwomenwriters.com/2014-challenge/2014-sign-up/