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.