This past week I shared this beautiful illustration by @alevneto on my Instagram and the response was lovely 💖
Somehow this image incorporated warmth, care and gentleness. To me, it represented exactly how I was feeling the previous fortnight. I felt like I could finally rest my brain and allow those close to me to hold me up.
REAL TALK: Moods change and that’s okay. Something I’ve learnt through time, experience, professionals and wonderful friends & family, is that it’s okay to feel down, but it is absolutely necessary to allow those same people to hold you and lift you back up again 💫
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
CR:A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (#2) is fuelling my ongoing desire to read fantasy that will consume all of my thoughts while I’m in it! Honestly, re-reading this bad arse series has been such a fantastic experience. With me reading them as an OG when they progressively came out from 2015 onwards, I was starting to feel as if I’d forgotten the plot lines, delicately woven connections between characters and that ultimate feeling of being captivated in a good romance/fantasy novel. If you don’t know what this series is about, we follow a human called Feyre who hunts in the woods near her house to provide for her starving family. There is a whole other world across ‘the wall’, the land of fae but since the last war there hasn’t been any real interactions with the other world. Until Feyre kills a wolf which is a fae in shapeshift. This plot loosely follow Beauty and the Beast, so I will leave the rest up to your imagination or eyes if you choose to read this fabulous series 👀
RF:A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (#1) – see previous as this is where the story of Feyre begins.
Comment below if you’d like a Book Review on the first novel 🎙
RN:Iris by Fiona Kelly McGregor recently made the Stella Prize longlist of 2023 and to be honest, previous to hearing this announcement, I hadn’t paid the book much attention but GOSH am I glad I know about it now because I am so intrigued!! Iris follows the life and tribulations of Iris Webber, notoriously Sydney’s most murderous woman of the 1930’s underbelly era. Heck, that alone, how interesting to hear a fictionalised story from the perspective of a woman so well known for her sleuthing behaviours, dangerous reputation and run in’s with police. I hope this novel delivers in grittiness. That’s what I’m seeking from my next read – something to blow me out of the park! I’m on the reading hunt for my favourite books of 2023 … I wonder if this will make it …
Here is something new and shiny for all you book lovers to read. I wanted to sporadically (and make it ongoing) share a little bit about my experiences of working in a bookstore and what it’s like to be behind the scenes of the bookselling trade.
There is so much to know about bookselling, the profession and as a career. I hope that by sharing a little about my world in the book industry, it may fulfil some part of you (as an avid book lover) and make you love bookstores just a little more deeply! A lot of work goes into bookselling and if you’re anything like me, a lot of thinking time about books, book ideas and business outside of work hours, because the love and care for bookselling runs deep.
So – let me bring you up to speed on one of my most recent book industry experiences.
Last week, I travelled to Canberra with my boss/mentor/book industry encourager. We had been invited to Affirm Press’ Roadshow, in which they wanted to share some of their exciting upcoming titles, authors and explain their recent expansions.
To put it in straightforward terms, in Australia there are probably about 5 big guys (Publishing Houses). I would *personally* view those guys as (in no particular order):
Penguin Randomhouse Australia
Allen & Unwin Australia
Hachette Australia
Scholastic Australia
Pan Macmillan Australia
Now, these big guys publish hundreds of titles a year from a variety of different genres. Affirm Press is one that continues to make slow and steady process to move their way up the chain. They have gone from publishing around 9 titles a handful of years ago, to now publishing 99. Their books are quality and they have one extremely successful author under their belt – that being Pip Williams.
Pip is the author of ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’, which won the Australian Book Industry Award in the category of General Fiction Prize in 2021. This is one of the best and most reputable prizes for a novel to win in Australia – especially during the pandemic!!
At the Roadshow, Affirm Press essentially shared their plans for 2023, their staffing team for our region of Australia and also some shiny new prerelease titles with us. It was also a great opportunity to meet other booksellers, some bookstore owners and event planners from the area. Oh and not to mention, Pip Williams was actually PRESENT at the event. It was wonderful to meet her and her professionalism + book expertise is divine. We were also introduced to Pip’s second novel, published in March this year, “The Bookbinder of Jericho”. Luckily, we each received an uncorrected proof copy of this new novel, as well as had it signed by Pip. This was a special moment for us and Pip as it was her first time signing ANY of the Bookbinder … it was a moment to remember.
I left the event and overnight stay feeling more connected to the book industry and fresh with creative ideas for the future of our local bookstore/author events.
We also took the opportunity in Canberra to visit 3 bookstores. I regularly love to do this (much to my families teasing, they say “You work in one! Why do you need to see more?!”) because every bookstore is SO unique. From the furnishings, the books, giftware and bookmarks stocked, to the staff and the recommendations. I always come back home with new ideas and inspiration. We visited BookFace in Gungahlin, Paperchain in Manuka & Dymocks in Belconnen.
So book lovers, what do you think? Do you like this little update on the life of a bookseller? Comment below if you’d like to see more blog posts here 🎤📚🎙
Imagine a rainforest that overshadows your local town. The sounds of the leaves rustling, the swoosh of the trees moving and the crackle of branches being trodden on the damp and mossy floor which create a sort of compelling whispering.
A whispering that many young people have heard before.
A whispering that is believed to take people away, into the rainforest and never come out again.
‘The Whispering’ by Veronica Lando had an eerie, compelling and unique spin on crime fiction. I have only read one other novel similar in this spiritual/naturalist/mystical sub genre of crime fiction, and that book was ‘The Bluffs’ by Kyle Perry. It was one of my favourite books of 2021. It was a given as soon as I read the blurb of this novel, I was hooked. ‘The Whispering’ was also the winner of the Banjo Prize for Fiction in 2020, therefore I was also more inclined to start reading. This prize is awarded by Harper Collins Australia to an unpublished Australian manuscript and author with the hope of launching their writing career.
Now about the book … Callum Haffenden never believed he would return to Granite Creek. It’s a place of heartbreak, sickening memories and feelings of physical and emotional loss. In the past and as a teenager, Callum was involved in an accident that caused the loss of his leg from the kneecap down. At the same time, he also lost the girl who was his first love and she lost her elder sister. The tragic series of accidents have always been swirled with mystery and secrets. But a feeling, or a whispering of events unresolved, are calling him back now.
In the present, a local, well-known and well-loved community man has gone missing in the rainforest, around the same dangerous boulders of Callum’s accident. When his body is soon discovered, Callum’s previous journalism traits jump to action. In search of answers, Callum’s past and present collide. This isn’t the only secret that Callum begins to uncover the more questions he asks around town. You quickly discover as the reader that nobody is trustworthy and everybody has a motive to be part of this towns historical eeriness.
This was a quick but slow read. Quick because the storyline mostly flowed and the amount of dialogue included helped to move things along well. Slow because, I personally felt some aspects were disjointed. One moment I was in one place and then the next the story had moved on without a clear explanation or connection. HOWEVER, I will hand on heart admit I read a lot of this novel before bed and mostly falling asleep. This is also one the first crime book I’ve read in a while (like, 6 months a while), so my judgement could be swayed. Overall an enjoyable read for a debut fiction ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5 stars)
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
CR:‘Words in Deep Blue’ by Cath Crowley is my current read. I’ve picked this book up as inspiration and current writing research. This dual perspective follows two teens on the brink of just finishing high school and the lead up to where their decisions will take them. Swirl in some romance, a setting in a secondhand bookstore, plus some beautifully raw writing, and you have the masterpiece that is this Aussie YA novel.
RN:‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover is my first ColHo novel and I think it may be the only one suited to me … I’m yet to decide as I’ve only started the first few chapters. This psychological and disturbingly twisted thriller is said to keep you on the edge of your seat and gaping until the final chapter. This year I’m searching for fast paced and intriguing – I think I’ll get those things from this novel. Have you read this? Comment below and tell me your star ratings ⭐️👀
Chumpy, Ellidy and Minnie’s story is one for the ages. Their perspective on love, life and strength is unbelievable. In particular I strongly admire Ellidy’s ability to keep living through her grief and bring Minnie into a world swirled by strong belief that she is loved, she is a miracle creation and first and foremost, that she is the daughter of Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin.
Let’s start by chatting about the big and colourful being that was Chumpy.
Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin was an Australian snowboarder who competed at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. He held the honour of carrying the Australian Flag in the opening of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. He won the snowboard cross World Championship – twice. He was an athlete. He was the musical creator and singer behind Chumpy and the Sunsetaroonies. He was a bright soul and he was Ellidy’s person for this wonderful thing called life.
On the 8th of July 2020, the life that Ellidy knew took a devastating turn. Chumpy tragically passed away in a shallow water diving blackout at the age of 33. This unfathomable accident shook those who knew Chumpy personally, had followed his athletic life and achievements, those who competed with him, those in his home town, celebrities across the globe and just ordinary people like myself who heard this on the news one morning. A fit, healthy and active man who was incredibly experienced in the water, passing away. Surely this doesn’t happen right?
A little about Ellidy – she and Chumpy met at the age of 21 and fell immediately in love. She had studied nursing, commerce and worked in a variety of jobs. Chumpy used to describe her as someone who was ‘always happy’ and ‘woke up happy’. For Ellidy to still find that light within herself and for Minnie, even now after the tragedy she’s experience, I’m just in awe and admiration. A really large part of what Ellidy’s purpose, advocacy and awareness is around shallow water diving blackouts. She also aims to shine a light on post mortem sperm retrieval, as this is how little Minnie was created.
Ellidy and Chumpy always knew they’d start a family and they’d been trying for the past 12 months before Chumpy’s accident. Luck was never on their side. They felt as if they came close a few times, but sadly never fell pregnant. IVF appointments were discussed, plans were made and then suddenly, Chumpy wasn’t there. In the hours after Chumpy’s passing, a close friend that actually brought Ellidy and Chumpy together in the first place, relayed to Ellidy’s brother this amazing procedure called post mortem sperm retrieval. Ellidy only had to hear the words, “There is still a chance you and Chumpy can have a baby” and that was enough for her to say “Yes, go, do what you need to do”, for close friends and family to jump to action. There are a number of loop holes in making a procedure like this happen, including time sensitivity after a persons passing, legal requirements and state legislations. The stars aligned and Ellidy likes to believe that Chumpy was along the journey pushing for those green lights from above.
Even through her grief, Ellidy knew that having Chumpy’s baby was something she had to do. She had her parent’s support, her brother, Chumpy’s parents and sister, as well as her multitude of close friends encouraging her to make this happen when she was ready. 15 months after Chumpy’s passing, que the creation of Minnie Alex Pullin. And let me tell you folks, she’s bloody gorgeous!
I’m so glad this heartbreakingly beautiful story was one of my first reads this year. I love watching my daily Instagram stories of Minnie, as found on Ellidy’s profile, and watching her grow surrounded by love. I encourage you to read this book, educate yourself on the power of true love and absorb the wonderful miracles that are created through modern medicine. Below, you’ll find one of the most heartwarming videos of Minnie and her dad 💫💖
It’s here folks! Here you have it in all its glory – ‘My Year in Books (2022 edition)’ 🥳
2021 was a slow reading year for me. Many life events, challenges and fantastic times came far above and beyond my reading habits which I’m both happy and bummed about. Sometime life happens and that folk, is quite alright 🤗 Yet, in all the messiness …
This year I have:
⭐️ Conducted 5 interviews on my blog with Australia authors whom I admire
⭐️ Interviewed Sulari Gentill in person and organised the book launch for ‘The Woman in the Library’
⭐️ Connected Australian Authors to my book club meetings
⭐️ Started writing my own novel
In 2022 I read a total of 38 books! If you’d like to see my individual ratings for each book, you can jump onto my GoodReads (click here)
The 🔦 TORCH emoji will indicate if these books were part of my Crime Fiction Fanatic Book Club
The 🎨 ART PALETE emoji will indicate if these books were part of my Literature Lovers Book Club
The 🎤 MICROPHONE emoji will indicate if these books have a review on my blog – have a read
‘Devotion’ by Hannah Kent 🎤 (read 2x)
‘The Spanish Love Deception’ by Elena Armes 🎤
‘The Love Hypothesis’ by Ali Hazelwood
‘The Natural Way of Things’ by Charlotte Wood
‘Infinite Country’ by Patricia Engel 🔦
‘The Unhoneymooners’ by Christina Lauren 🎤
‘The Paper Palace’ by Miranda Crowley-Heller 🎤
‘The Woman in the Library’ by Sulari Gentill (read 2x) 🔦
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
CR:‘Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out’ by Ryan Love is such a touching read. I am really only just at the beginning of this story where Arthur is preparing a dinner with his children to explain his sexuality. He and his wife have just celebrated a significant milestone in their marriage and she is supporting him with this decision to openly be himself now. Arthur’s grandson, Teddy, is about to come into the picture and I gather the idea that he is struggling with career decisions and also accepting himself. I look forward to seeing where this lightly written and fun story goes. Released in March 2023. (I am also semi reading this as research for my own writing as I feel the writing style is quite similar to my own)
RF:‘The Whispering’ by Veronica Lando was the perfect mixture of ‘The Bluffs’ by Kyle Perry & ‘The Dry’ by Jane Harper – of which I absolutely loved each for their rollercoaster rhythm, past and present perspectives and whimsical/cultural/mysterious nature calling elements. This story follows a recent accident in the local rainforest where a fit, healthy and well-liked community man was found dead in mysterious circumstances. Callum Haffenden, a journalist and previous local, returns to town as his connections lure him back. This is a place that caused him pain, heartbreak and the loss of his leg. Accidents from past and present collide for a very interesting Aussie crime fiction novel. Full review coming soon!
RN:‘Heartstrong’ by Ellidy Pullin has been on my radar since its release. This woman’s story is empowering, heart-tearing and unlike anybody’s I’ve heard before, which makes it all the more entrancing. Ellidy lost her significant partner in a tragic accident, his name was Alex “Chumpy” Pullin. He was an Olympic Snowboard Cross Medalist, a singer, a father to their dog Rummy and Ellidy’s person. Then one day he didn’t come home and their plans of starting a family and a life together seemed to stop in its tracks. Until Ellidy’s quick thinking family stepped in hours after Chumpy’s passing with a method of allowing Ellidy and Chumpy to still have a baby. I’ve leave you hooked with this as I really believe you should pick up this Aussie biography to learn more about Ellidy, Minnie & Chumpy too. For more of a snippet, check out Ellidy’s instagram, I love Minnie updates on the regular!
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney was a quick, captivating and unexpected spooky crime read! I absolutely adored it 👻
Listening in on audio made this book a whole lot quicker for me to consume. With a cast of characters and repetitive events to help you recap and continue on through the story seamlessly, I was in a tight grip of waiting for events to unfold.
Who was killing everyone? How is the family riddle changing as family members die? Will Daisy Darker survive the night?
Daisy Darker is a novel about well, Daisy Darker. Daisy was born with a heart defect and due to this, her health had always been a battle as a child. With lots of scares and ongoing hospital admissions, Daisy’s bond with her reliable grandmother grew immensely. Daisy’s grandmother even went as fair as to write an award winning, and quite profitable, children’s book with a little girl called Daisy as the main character. Daisy siblings resented her immensely for this and for being grandma’s favourite.
In the present, Daisy’s grandmother is bringing all the family back together on her quirky, isolated island estate because she’d been told by a psychic many years ago that she would die at 80. Tomorrow happens to be her 80th birthday and she’d like to spend her last waking hours with her dear family … which also happens to be on Halloween.
Each family member has complex and strained relationships with one another. Daisy’s mother and father are divorced. Daisy never fit in with her two older sisters. Throw a boy in the mix, a niece and a secret accident that happened years ago and we have a recipe for messy murders.
I enjoyed going into this novel not knowing much about it and I would encourage you to do the same. I’ve tried not to give too much away in this mini review! Happy *late* Halloween reading 👻
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
CR:‘The Shearer’s Wife’ by Fleur McDonald jumped to the beginning of my reading pile because I had the pleasure of actually MEETING Fleur this past weekend at my local library. To say Fleur is one of the most down to earth, humble and kind authors is an understatement. I’m looking forward to finishing this book tonight.
RF:‘Daisy Darker’ by Alice Feeney was the perfect spooky Halloween crime fiction read. I actually listened to this book on audio, making it all the more erry and addictive. Review coming this week 🎙👀👻
RN:‘Tilt’ by Chris Hammer is next on the list … still. He’s getting closer to being read … I swear 🤣
What’s everyone reading at the moment? Are you enjoying it? Comment below 🎙
Mel Reviews Her Books 