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.