By Jessica Sanford
This holiday season give a loved one the gift of a good read. Or grab a book or two for yourself and retreat to the nearest sun lounger with a new page–turner.
My Husband’s Killer, by Laura Marshall.
Genre: Crime, mystery
A woman and her husband arrive on the Amalfi Coast for a long weekend of fun and relaxation. But by the end of the weekend, the husband is dead. A twisty thriller where all the suspects are friends.
The Circus Train, by Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical fiction
In the throes of WWII, Lena lives with her illusionist father in a traveling circus. When her father goes missing, Lena must discover her own magic and find her way in the world.
Our Happy Days, by Julia Holbe
Genre: General fiction, translated
Four friends spend their summers together on the Atlantic Coast in France, forming a strong bond amidst heady days by the beach and long nights of drinks and fun. Decades later, they meet up again and realise the bond they felt is still there, but perhaps not everything happened as they remember. A story about friendship, love, guilt, betrayal and the tricks our memory can play.
The Wrong Sister by Fiona Palmer
Genre: Contemporary fiction, family drama
Ellen Sutton appears to have her life sorted out. But why does she leave it all behind for life on a remote cattle station? When a family camping trip looms, Ellen will need to face what she is running from. Western Australia’s Karijini country is the backdrop for this story of secrets and hidden identities.
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls,
by Joanna Toye Genre: Historical fiction, family drama
Book six in the heart–warming Shop Girls series, Lily, Gladys and Beryl have worked in a family–owned department store through the war years. With boyfriends and brothers overseas, they battled the hardships of WWII together. The final book in the series sees the three friends moving on from the war and discovering what lies ahead for their future.
Willowman, by Inga Simpson
Genre: Literary fiction
Artisan cricket bat maker, Allan Reader crafts a special bat for upcoming cricketer Todd Harrow. Harrow makes it big and becomes renowned, along with his magical bat. But when injury and personal pain strikes, will success continue? A beautifully written novel for cricket fans and lovers of second chances alike.
The Boys from Biloxi, by John Grisham
Genre: Thriller, crime
Keith and Hugh grew up together in the 60s in Biloxi, Mississippi. As the decades go by their families move in different directions. Keith and his father are now successful lawyers and upstanding members of the community. Hugh’s dad is the boss of the criminal underworld. The two families will reunite – this time in a courtroom – and lives will be on the line.
The Only Child, by Kayte Nunn
Genre: Thriller
In 1949 in the Orcades Islands, Northern Scotland, a mother and her baby go missing. In 2013, Frankie, a sheriff about to start a new job tries to reconnect with her daughter Izzy. Frankie and Izzy visit the Islands to spend the summer with Frankie’s mother. When a small skeleton is found, truths are uncovered and secrets from the past begin to unravel.