Tag: book blog

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

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Someone needs to hold me back because I’m about to YELL all over this review about how FANTASTIC this read was!

Imagine Throne of Glass + The Hunger Games + a Sarah Adam’s romance novel angst and pining = Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Here are a good few reasons as to why you should pick up this book RIGHT NOW or slide it up to the top of your TBR pile:

✅ Actual enemies to lovers: Payden (love this name) and Malakai aka Prince Kai, are from different sides of the track and have very different loyalties.

Payden is an Ordinary hidden in plain sight. This means she was not born with any magical, mind bending or magnificent power such as morphing into animals, mind reading or mind silencing, invisibility or time warping. Those that do have these powers certainly show it and they are called the Elites.

The current King, who is an Elite, has poisoned society into believing that Ordinary’s actually make Elite’s sick and it is crucial that Ordinary’s are removed from society – ie. Payden. However, she is much more clever than most, as was her Father when training her, because she is posing as an Elite who has Psychic abilities.

Every year the annual Trials come around, which involve the most powerful Elites showing off their powers in a range of life-threatening and vengeful situations. Some people are naturally selected due to their status (ie. Prince Kai) and some are selected by society (ie. Payden). All are voted on and viewed by Ilya – determining the winner and ‘most powerful’ of the year.

✅ The fighting scenes are FANTASTIC and I was personally so pleased with the balance of angst and weaponry.

For Payden to survive in Loot (the poorest part of Ilya) she thieves coins and belongings. Prince Kai comes along, unbeknown to her of who he is. To Payden, he just looked like a well off guy holding a fat stack of coins. Drama and death tends to follow Prince Kai as he is the ‘Enforcer’ for the King, while also being his second son. Payden robs Prince Kai and walks away feeling chuffed, until a Mind Silencer starts attacking him.

Payden is triggered by a past event in her life when watching Prince Kai being attacked and she cannot stop herself from stepping in to save him. This action tumble-rolls Payden’s future. She is selected by Ilya to participate in the Trials as she is seen as strong, but in actual fact, she is physically strong and trained in conflict yet actual magical power? Zlitch.

✅ Angst was at an all time high!

The back and forward banter, love to hate relationship between Pae and Kai was incredibly entertaining. Him pulling down his walls around her because of his either genuine concern or curiosity + her desire to be around him yet knowing that he is in fact the worst person for her to befriend … or more.

Admittedly, there was a time there when I was starting to get a little over the back and forward without any consequence happening. They became so close at one stage that you would think the end of the scene was inevitable – but then it simmered again. I do believe that if their relationship had developed a little more, then the ending, Payden’s choices and Kai perspective would be heavier and more emotional.

In saying that, I think the reveal of Payden’s political actions and her powerless power in the final chapters was great. I wouldn’t say the final chapters were unpredictable (one element of the final challenge was), or that the outcome – couldn’t be guessed – but you know what, I still read and loved each and every page anyways!

Sometimes it’s not about the guessing game of a novel, it’s about connecting with the characters and just letting the story be told the way the author wants us to see it. And this novel certainly ticked all those boxes for me!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

One Book One Temora w/ Fleur McDonald

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Last night I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing bestselling Australian rural fiction author, Fleur McDonald, at One Book One Temora.

This annual book event is held at the Temora Shire Library and the beautiful community of Temora comes out to spend an evening listening to an Aussie author, of whom they’ve all read one of the authors’ books for their book clubs.

Fleur is incredibly warm, kind, open and willing to share her knowledge about the book industry and writing fiction for over 15 years. She publishes two novels a year while still running a farm over in Western Australia. She is very involved in her small town community and gives back when she has time off everything books. This truly shows in her passionate discussions about the importance of community and connection.

And in talking about community and connection, one rural town that does it so well is Temora. The Temora Shire Library is a hub of chatter, regular borrowers and weekly program goers. The team there are not only approachable, full of life and generous, but they also represent a pivotal consistent hub in the small country town.

The wonderful Wendy handmade this super special Peachy 🐱 bookmark for me in thanks and I’m OBSESSED! How special and what a talent! Thank you Wendy, in more ways than one!

Writing this bookish experience and enjoying a delicious Eggs Benedict, I can’t help but smile and feel gratitude for meeting such wonderful people again this year. Being invited back to 2024’s One Book One Temora is an absolute privilege 💖

Book Review: ‘When in Rome’ by Sarah Adams

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You know that feeling when you find a new book that will continue to be the book you re-read to get you out of a book slump?

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is that new book for me 💖

It’s been a hot minute since I last had a book that I just simply NEEDED to spend my whole Sunday reading. When in Rome had me hooked from the moment we open the first pages and Amelia is in her beat up car driving off into the middle of nowhere, in an effort to just escape the overwhelm that is her current celebrity life.

Amelia, or better known as Rose Ray, is a pop superstar with T-Swift levels of fame. Her singing career is at its peak but her wellbeing is not. Her relationship with her Manager is overbearing. Her mum only wants her to pay for extravagant trips around the world. Her dating and true friendships are basically non-existent because of the grinding life she leads.

Deciding that the only way to clear her head and get a little perspective, Amelia drives to Rome, Kentucky in an effort to loosely recreate her favourite Audrey Hepburn film, When in Rome (that’s Rome, Italy, but sadly her scheduling cannot allow for that plane flight).

15kms out of Rome, Kentucky, Amelia’s car decides that it’s had a good life and it’s ready to call it a day … right on Noah’s front lawn. That’s right, we have a good old grumpy X sunshine trope goin’ on and I was stocked about it!

Noah has returned back to his home town of Rome after a heartbreaking relationship that upended his life. He’s just starting to resettle into country life again. He’s opened and is running his family pie shop with the help of his sisters and is certainly NOT in the mood for romance. Noah immediately recognises Amelia and assumes she a spoilt, rich and stuck up superstar who expects to be treated like royalty. But that is certainly not the case. Amelia is reserved, shy and uncertain of the fame and stardom that is her current stressor. And this experience in Rome, and with Noah, could be just what she needs.

Their bickering, joking and heat is so well paced and I adored Noah for all his grumpiness! He’s the protector in his family, has emotional intelligence (at times) and ends up opening his world to Amelia + we have the addition of his sisters! Gosh I loved them! And it you want more of their stories, read Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams.

I do hope we see these small town characters again in future Sarah Adams’ novels because this was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) star for me!

Fun times and Neon signs 💡

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February has been a month of fun times, event busy-ness and new experiences.

This past month, Riverina Readers Festival had a whopping success of an event and I was so proud to see the love, care and time that all those involved put towards the event being a smash hit. I think for me, when we deliver a successful event it’s important to celebrate. So this past week, I’ve not gone so hard on the emails, festival strategy work and planning. I took a breath and relished in our teamwork and passion towards a common goal.

I’ve also had some fun times in my new working gal role. This month I started a new job where I get to combine my passions for local community, service/program opportunity and event planning + delivery. I recognise that I am so privileged to say that I attend a workplace where work does not feel like work. I’m currently getting paid to train, work on and deliver something I’m super passionate about and I just smile every time I think about that! I truly hope each and every one of you get to experience this feeling one day because if I could bottle it up, I’d give it to every single person I meet.

When I’m feeling good and in a healthy headspace, I’m also more open to creative projects, experimenting with ideas and dreaming towards my own long term goals. I’ve let myself lean into that this week and sometimes the result is fantastic, sometimes it’s just a “I’ll tuck this away for later” (and proceed to create another folder on my laptop with images, dot points and unfinished documents) 🤣

But all in all, I think breathing in new experiences, celebrating the wins and letting your mind dream is so important. Especially when we can lead busy lives majority of the time. I’d recommend you try it and see what creative ideas or plans spring to mind 💖🧠

Comment below a win you’ve had this month 💭

A Zingy Gluten-Free Sunday Cake

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Sometimes a Sunday Cake fills that little niggling feeling inside of you that desires something easy, yummy and super satisfying while you’re lazing around the house, in your pj’s … avoiding housework.

I’ve found the perfect cake to fill that void and let me tell you, I just KNOW you’ll be making this for yourself, your neighbours, for special occasions and just a simple but wholesome afternoon tea with loved ones.

I introduce to you, the gluten free cake of your dreams ☁️ A Lemon & Thyme cake with healthish cream cheese icing!

I sought this recipe from the Gluten Free Shop & added my own little spin by removing, replacing and adding some ingredients. Also, this Sunday Cake doesn’t include traditional cooking sugar, which I love!

CAKE INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups of Almond Meal (homebrand is fine)
  • 1/4 cup of Honey (my preferred is any Beechworth Honey with an earthy undertone)
  • 1/2 cup of Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tsp of Baking powder (I didn’t have GF on me but is preferred)
  • 2 tsp of Thyme leaves, washed
  • 1 tsp of Vanilla extract
  • zest of 3 lemons
  • 5 eggs, lightly beaten

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

  • 500g of Cream Cheese, room temperature (homebrand again is fine)
  • 3-4 Tbs of Honey, dependent on your sweet tooth cravings
  • 2 tsp of Vanilla extract
  • Juice of 2 lemons

METHOD:

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius (fan forced).
  2. Mix together all cake ingredients in a large bowl, adding your lemon zest and thyme last.
  3. Pour mixture into a lined baking tin. I used a loaf tin this time, but a regular 20cm cake tin would do the trick as well.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and firm to touch. (*hint* As this is almond meal, it will not have the regular spring of a flour cake. Be guided by smell and colour on this one)
  5. Remove from oven and allow too cool for 15 – 20 minutes. While the cake is cooling, you can make a start on the frosting.
  6. Whip together cream cheese frosting ingredients, either by hand or with beaters. (*hint* if you like a marshmellowly consistency, whip with electric beaters. If you’re open for a relaxed, hand whipped vibe, go with that)
  7. Generously dollop frosting onto cooled cake and spread loosely with either a spatula or pallet knife. You don’t need to use all of this frosting on top of the cake, if your eaters prefer, provide a dollop on the side of their serving. Because who doesn’t love cream cheese frosting!
  8. To celebrate this cake, garnish with lemon zest, thyme and/or caramelised lemon rind.
  9. Serve up with a delicious cup of coffee & a good book ☕️📖

Author Talks with Abra Pressler

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Australian Author, Abra Pressler 📸 Ravi from LiberaArts

Abra Pressler is a Riverina gal, who now lives in Canberra and writes her romantic heart out ❤️

Abra studied Creative Writing at RMIT University in Melbourne, where she lived for three years. But when the pandemic hit, in May 2020, she decided to self-publish an old manuscript, titled More. By December, she’d sold 3,000 copies.

After winning the 2021 Penguin Random House WriteIt Fellowship for Love Other Scores, Abra signed with Pan Macmillan to have the full novel published in 2023! And can I just say, I’m so pleased about this ⭐️🎾

Abra, welcome to Mel Reviews Her Books 💖

Abra, can you please share with us your writing life before Love and Other Scores came into the physical book world? … Because this isn’t your first rodeo.

Like most writers, I devoured books when I was younger and then tried writing my own (very, very bad) books. But writing quickly became my passion. I decided to study writing at university with the dream of being a published author.

After I finished my degree, I got a job in the private sector and kept writing on the side. I wrote several manuscripts in a variety of genres but kept coming back to contemporary romance. Around 2018-2019, I wrote a manuscript called More about an Uber-like delivery driver who dreams of being a chef and a taciturn foreign diplomat who can’t cook (thus orders a lot of takeaway). I pitched it to a few agents and publishers but didn’t get much of a bite. Then COVID-19 hit and I had nothing do to, so I thought I’d just polish it up, edit it, and self-publish. It was also pretty strategic because I knew I wanted to get a traditional publishing contract, and thought ‘Well, if I can show I can write a sellable book, that’ll help!’

I learnt so much about self-publishing (aka I made a lot of mistakes), and More did moderately well (it sold around 6,000 or so copies), so I started writing my next idea, which was Love and Other Scores with the intention that I really wanted to get a traditional deal, but if I didn’t, I could always self-publish it. I ended up signing with Pan Macmillan around 8 or 9 months after I started pitching it to agents and publishers. 

That goes to say that the first book you ever write may not be the one that will land you a traditional deal (if that’s your goal!). Sometimes it can take 3, 5, or 10 manuscripts and that’s okay. Every draft and book I’ve written has allowed me to grow as a writer and I’m of the firm belief no book idea is ever ‘dead’ even when it’s shelved. It’s just not in its right form yet!

The Australian Open is CLEARLY a huge inspiration for Noah and Gabriel’s love story. What personal experiences brought this idea to life for you?

I’ve been obsessed with tennis from a young age—my friend Bec and I would stay up late watching the Australian Open back when Nadal, Federer and Djokovic were the big three, fighting it out each year for the major titles.

But my actual ‘research’ comes from when I worked at the Australian Open as a barista. Around 2014 or 2015 (I forget which!), I was there making coffee and milkshakes and I had a ground pass for my job, but I could use it whenever I wanted. I’d go hang out and watch matches or see players’ practice. It was great fun! 

I studied in Melbourne, lived in Footscray and commuted to my job on Chapel Street. Yes. Chapel Street. (For those unfamiliar, an hour and fifteen minutes on public transport; two hours on Sundays). So a lot of Noah’s experience is based on my life working in South Yarra, being a rat bag and public nuisance, staying out too late, paying way too much to get into Revs—basically, being a young adult with no real sense of direction. 

Who came to you first- Noah or Gabriel, and what did you see/feel?

Noah came first, because as I mentioned, a lot of his experiences are based on my life, but his personality was developed over several drafts and his voice shone when I switched from third-person to first-person early in the drafting process. Still, I remember from the first draft I wanted him to have this floppy Leonardo Di Capro-esque blow-cut 90s hairstyle—something that (at the time!) was so out of fashion, but I just felt if anyone could rock that look, Noah could.

Gabriel is a more nuanced character who required much more research to bring to life, both because a) he’s a professional tennis player and b) he’s culturally completely outside of my own experience. But, in the same vein as Noah, I also knew he had to have incredible hair—there’s something about a tennis player with amazing hair that just gets the people going!

I instantly fell head over heels for both Noah and Gabriel. I just didn’t want that excited buzzing feeling in the bottom of my stomach to end! Are there more exciting buzzy books coming our way soon?  

Thank you—I am always so thrilled to hear when people love my characters. On the topic of more books, I certainly hope so!

Last year, I was lucky enough to win the Voices from the Intersection + Allen & Unwin Fellowship for a sapphic young adult sports romance. It’s a fun, sporty romance that explores those really hard ages between 18 and 20 when everything is changing (school, family, living situation, friendship groups), but it’s also about footy and female empowerment and standing up for what you believe in!

Argh, I’ve probably said too much but I’m in the middle of another draft and it’s all coming together, so I hope there’s a chance I can share it with you soon. And then, who knows! I would never say no to returning to the world of tennis…

Abra – thank you so much for sharing your time, experiences and book journey with us here & on Instagram Live 🎥 Admittedly, reading through your answers I was laughing and smiling – I think that just shows how much your writing in Love and Other Scores was a hit for me 👏🏼

Grab your copy of Love and Other Scores from Booktopia here 💚

Reading Journals & why they’re a bookish hobby you should try 🎨

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I’ve recently discovered the joy and creative expression of a Reading Journal and I have to say … I think I’m a changed reader. I’m already onto my 5th book for 2024! Who even am I?!

A reading journal is either a blank, lined or dot grid journal that you use to log a variety of bookish things. For example, you could log:

– your reading goals for the year

– track the genre of books you read each month

– log your favourite anticipated releases

– collected stats on your star ratings

Basically, reading journals are a great way to motivate you into reading more, reflect back on your month & year of reading and patting yourself on the back as you move through the months by ticking different pages or reading challenges off.

Now, I’m all new to this and it’s something that I felt motivated to do as I wanted a creative ‘down-time’ hobby that I could also turn into a workshop next year.

I promise you, I’m no artist and I guarantee you don’t have to be either.

I’ve started with some very basic felt tip pens from Ekersley’s, a dot journal and alphabet stencil from Big W.

I think the main take away from reading journals is that you feel fulfilled by your own creative abilities and take the time to look back on small (or big) successes throughout the year.

I will be using my reading journal to also write personal journal entries. I’ll dedicate pages to write about experiences I’ve had throughout the year or if a book I’ve read reminds me of a memory or experience I’ve had. I think the double whammy of reading reflection and personal reflection will be a nice token for future Mel 💝

+ a beautiful friend of mine encouraged me to be dynamic with my reading journal and really make it my own!

Here are a few YouTube videos that helped kick off my reading journal journey (say that 3 times fast 😉)

Rachel Catherine is an Aussie BookTuber that a dear friend of mine introduced me too 💖
Destiny is a BookTuber that Rachel Catherine refers too often

4 Books to Begin my 2024

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It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a good ol’ fashioned bookish blog post! So here you are my friends – I’m going to fill you in on the 4 books I’ve already whipped through in 2024 📖

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren was the first book I completed in 2024. I zipped through this in about 3 days because it’s addictive plot line and characters were just divine. The True Love Experiment is about a US best selling romance author going on a reality dating tv show, much like ‘The Bachelorette’ or ‘Love at First Sight’ here in Australia. However, the set up for this reality show is that each guy introduced to our eligible bachelorette needs to be inspired by a romance novel trope, such as ‘the bad boy’, ‘the one that got away’, ‘the nerd’ etc. And of course, our beautiful, kind hearted producer (😉) can see this is a fabulous idea and will help make the tv network the money it needs for him to go back to producing animal documentaries. That is, until he also becomes incredibly invested in the show … and our main character. This book was laugh out loud funny, had great angst and hot moments, but also sweet and down to earth moments. I find Christina Lauren’s books a great palate cleanser ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth was my next completed novel. Admittedly, I started this in December of 2023 but just didn’t get around to finishing it until the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year was over. This story follows 3 women as they’re thrown into an investigation of the foster home they all lived in as children. A child’s body has been found under the house in present day and all 3 woman are suspects as the police try to put the timeline together. The flashbacks of each woman’s perspective shed light on what actually took place in the house/at this time/who this child could be. Due to the manipulative, abusive and influential experiences all 3 girls had at that house, they consider themselves sisters and are determined to see the woman behind their abusive childhood found guilty. I enjoyed this book. I would say that I saw some of the ending coming but there were other parts that I didn’t! Overall, enjoyable and I would like to try more of Sally Hepworth’s books this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

Weyward by Emilia Hart was picked up at the perfect time for me! I wanted the feel of magic/fantasy but didn’t want drudge through the whole world-building chapters, not understanding peoples roles and having no clue what peoples names are – you know? 🤣 So Weyward was more magical realism and I found it the perfect slice for my craving. Following 3 quite extended generations of Weyward women, all 3 are guided by their connection to nature, ability to intuitively speak with animals, and also grow their gifts. A strong plot line that I was not expecting in this book is domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. Each woman has either been exposed to and/or experienced domestic abuse, with the male figure being the perpetrator, first hand. This abuse is actually the start of their spark in magic as it is used as both a coping mechanism and also a form of protection or revenge. One woman is in the 1600’s and she is on trial for witchcraft. Another woman is in the 1950’s and she has lost her mother, has a poor relationship with her father and her cousin unexpectedly comes to stay following his time serving in the War. Another woman is in present day, and she is on the run from her husband after just finding out she’s pregnant. This novel certainly hits some cautionary points and has quite descriptive scenes at times. I didn’t find this a bad thing, if anything it made me more passionate about seeing these women through to then end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/stars)

Love, Just in by Natalie Murray has been my fourth completed book and I just NEEDED to pick this up because, girl – is she getting some hype (totally worth it I might add)! Love, Just In is a friends to lovers but there is also some high school chasing and then present day heartache. Josie and Zac have been best friends since the moment they bonded over music in high school, but as the years went by, poor timing, dating other people and after Zac experiences a tragic accident, resulting in the loss of someone significant in his life, they’ve drifted. Zac fled Sydney 2 years ago following the tragic accident and since then, him and Josie have barely been in touch. Josie has been offered an opportunity to help progress her news reading/tv presenter career, and it just happens to be in the city Zac fled to – Newcastle. Instantly, their friendship is starting to mend but Josie is seeing Zac in a different light; an attractive light; a more than friends light; a HOT light. Zac & Josie’s story had perfectly timed reveals, angst, funny moments and tender heart moments. The perfect Sunday morning/afternoon read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

How are you guys starting your 2024? New books? New hobbies underway? 🙈📖 Comment below 💭

Thursday Real Talk: That 4am Brain

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How is it that my 4am brain conjures up thoughts that have not taken up space in my thinking for anywhere between 4 – 6 months. It’s like all of a sudden, everything is quiet and the gust of meddling thoughts circulating is so strong that anything will come to the forefront.

Such as;

Why did I respond that way in that conversation?

What if they felt a certain way because of the way you responded in that conversation, that you had 3 months ago, with that person who is practically a stranger AND whom you’ll probably never see again?!

Why didn’t I cook something else for dinner tonight?

I need to call that person back. I hope something isn’t wrong.

I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow.

The amount of tabs I have open in my brain at 4am is ridiculous. They ebb and flow between pretty harmless thoughts, to worries, to genuine concern that then results in me staying up longer to try and resolve the hypothetic issue my own brain created.

Am I alone in this or is this a common occurrence for those whose body clock decides it’s time to start up your day at 4am?!

Thankfully over time I’ve come to realise the triggers for these 4am wake-ups (stress & wine) and what I need to do to ensure I’m not a total zombie the following day (set my alarm a bit later, give myself a good half an hour+ to drink my morning coffee and wakeup, wash my hair = the ultimate ‘starting fresh’ method).

I’ve come to respect that these 4am wake ups may not be something I can control all the time. So instead, it’s an opportunity to; practice wrangling those open tabs that are sitting there being unhelpful & not loading properly; take a moment to do some deep breathing; tell myself ‘everything will be okay in less than 3 hours’.

Comment below some of your methods during and after your 4am wake up 💬

What did Mel Reviews Her Books get up to in 2023?

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What a year 2023 was! It feels somewhat surreal to be looking back on a year that held so much for me, not only in terms of book related content and book joy, but also in personal growth, being open to change and starting new projects.

Looking back through my yearly calendar diary is a bit of a nostalgic routine for me each new year. I stop and ponder over what’s been written, what I may have been stressing myself over that week and what little notes, stickers and ‘artefacts’ if you will, I’ve left in there, eg. photos, cinema tickets, receipts.

Here’s what my 2023 involved:

  • I brought in the 2023 New Year surrounded by some of my closest friends. It was a 10+ hr drive to get there and 100% worth the trip 💫
  • Collins Booksellers Wagga was my place of work and my position there was as the Store Manager. I had the privilege of meeting, networking and talking books with so many new book friends, authors and illustrators.
  • I dedicated a lot of time to playing tennis (my favourite sport) and become better and more consistent over time 🎾
  • One of my best friends organised a wonderful birthday party for me! In which I was spoilt, full of food and joy 🎂
  • I adopted a little cat and called her ‘Peach’ 🍑
  • Hollie Startup who is based in London, designed and created my wonderful new logo for Mel Reviews Her Books 🖼
  • I started and finished a relationship, and grew in leaps and bounds 💖
  • Sulari Gentill and I had a wonderful chat at One Book One Temora 🎤
  • The Riverina Readers Festival came to fruition 💙
  • I begin studying Library and Information Studies at TAFE and then decided, it wasn’t for me 🤓 Book blogging suits me far better!
  • I worked really hard on my mental health and committed to dedicating time to me. This lead to my personal growth and acknowledging my self worth 🧠
  • Jugiong Writers Festival invited me to be their bookseller at their bi-annual Book Festival! What a wonderful experience this was – one I will truely cherish 🙏🏼
  • I organised, communicated and brought together the most beautiful authors who were all about LOVE! I organised my last Collins Booksellers Wagga in store event and our first Riverina Readers Festival micro event – all in the same weekend 😅 (I like to push my limits but BY GOSH was it worth it!)
  • I started a new job in the Disability sector and have learnt so much 🤩
  • Social Worker Mel has made a full appearance and I really like her – she’s going to stick around 😊
  • Our local ABC Radio had me on to talk about our Riverina Readers Festival event and it was so much fun 📻
  • The Riverina Readers Festival committee had meeting, after meeting, after meeting. I may be bias in saying, but our team is really the best in the biz 👌🏼 … we’re only at July book friends
  • Wagga Civic Theatre put on a number of amazing shows in which I attended! I love that place! 🎟🎭
  • The Riverina Readers Festival officially became incorporated with me as President 💙
  • I began planning, organising and starting Instagram Lives on Mel Reviews Her Books 🎤
  • Weekly blog posts became an ongoing goal 💻
  • I made new friends 💖
  • I hugged my friends tight as they went overseas and explored the world while I stayed in Wagga and explored what I can build in the world of books 🌍
  • My Literary Lovers Book Club has an inconsistent attendee in me, but luckily, they still accepted me coming along here and there 😉
  • With our Festival Committee, we wrote plans, proposals and grant applications – of which we have had some success ⭐️
  • I experienced many migraines and the process of handling them is now something I’m exploring 🏥
  • I attended Write Around the Murray (WAM) Book Festival and had a stunning time 📖
  • NaNoWriMo got me good and Instagram Live really become my intimate friend 🎥 20,000 words are now sitting in my word doc waiting for a time when the creativity sparks again.
  • My family moved away and I felt incredibly lonely. I’ve learnt to appreciate those around me and what the community of Wagga can bring me 👥
  • Cooking continued to be my downtime and I explored many new recipes, of which I shared a few with you all on here! 👩🏽‍🍳
  • I renovated a bookcase and absolutely LOVE it 💚
  • THE ROMANTICS Book Club became an online book club created by a friend and myself 📖
  • I set myself the 2024 goal of conducting 12 Author Interviews on Instagram Live & developing a paid newsletter full of juicy content 💻
  • Christmas and New Year was celebrated with my nearest and dearest 🎄🎆 and I’m rounding out 2023 feeling as if I’m bringing the right people into my orbit who are going to continue to support me and want the best for me ❤️

WOW! Now looking back after writing this all down, I cannot fathom how much I’ve actually done in 2023 🙈 What a year – here’s to another beautiful bookish year with all you book friends 🥂📖🎤💫

I hope 2023 has been tremendous for you xx