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.