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Restless Dolly Maunder
Restless Dolly Maunder
Kate Grenville | 2023 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another fabulous read that I wouldn’t have picked up if it hadn’t have been for the Women’s Prize.

Dolly Maunder is most definitely restless. She wants more than the hand that life has dealt her - and as a female whose parents work on a farm, she is expected to get married and have children who will work on a farm.

Dolly is determined, and that’s what shows throughout this book. When her parents take away the chance for her to become a teacher, she finds other ways to change her life. She’s a force of nature! I loved Dolly’s spirit. She did come across as obstinate and single minded, neither of which is a terrible thing for someone with ambition. But it’s not easy for those who have to live with her!

This is a pretty wide-sweeping novel, from Dolly’s childhood until her old age, and it still seemed to be over too soon. It was so interesting to learn about the Australian way of life from just before WWI to after WWII, and Dolly moves around enough for the reader to see different areas of Australia.

There’s a lot of emotion in this book, and when you read the authors note at the end, you’ll see why. Recommended.
  
BO
Barefoot on the Beach
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
122 of 220
Book
Barefoot on the Beach
By Katlyn Duncan
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Renee may be thrilled to be planning her sister’s wedding, but after witnessing her mother’s two failed marriages, she has always vowed that she is better off on her own.
 
But when Renee discovers that Luc Hardy has moved next door, her world is knocked off kilter. Luc was her whirlwind summer romance as a teen and, more importantly, her first love. Now he’s back in West Cove, looking more handsome than ever.
 
There is no escaping the romance in the air this summer. With the wedding planning in full swing, Renee begins to believe that she might be able to put her childhood reservations about marriage aside.

Yet when her mother arrives, she stirs a torrent of emotions in Renee’s heart. She’s up to her old tricks again – boasting about her latest conquests – reaffirming Renee’s lack of faith in love.

As Renee’s happily-ever-after hangs in the balance, will Luc be able to convince her that true love can last forever?

This was a nice quick read and really sweet story. I’m not a romance fan normally but this was well written and enjoyable.
  
Prince of Hollow Desires (The Demon Reflected #2)
Prince of Hollow Desires (The Demon Reflected #2)
Jordan Ko | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
PRINCE OF HOLLOW DESIRES is the second book in The Demon Reflected series, and this time we focus on Eric and Ixthan. Although this is the second book, you don't have to have read the first. I would recommend it, simply because it's a great story and introduction to the world.

This was a fantastic read with plenty of wit and humour along the way. You wouldn't think a book that begins with a traitor and an execution would have that, but you'd be wrong. Ixthan and Eric were absolutely made for each other in every way, although they had their own concerns and questions, as you do. They are literally childhood friends-to-lovers, and it definitely worked. I loved how Ixthan was concerned Eric wouldn't love him in all his demonic glory. I also loved how Eric proved him otherwise.

Once I started this story, I couldn't put it down. I was totally engrossed and loved every moment. I can't wait to continue with the series. Highly recommended by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 19, 2026
  
My Good Bright Wolf
My Good Bright Wolf
Sarah Moss | 2024 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I knew that My Good Bright Wolf was a memoir, it says it is in the title after all, but when I started reading it, I thought I’d downloaded the wrong book. I’m a lover of fairytales, and this memoir reads as such in places, especially as it’s written in the 3rd person. This also seems to create a distance between the author and their story.

At its heart is Moss’ battle with anorexia. After reading about her childhood and her parents, it would be unrealistic to think that both of these factors had nothing to do with her eating disorder. In fact, some of her most intrusive thoughts have her parents voices.

Throughout is Moss’ love of literature, and how the books she read - the girls and women that they portrayed - influenced her self-worth.

This is a story of how women are policed, constrained and ultimately how they are treated in illness. It’s also a story of never feeling that you’re good enough and a lack of control over everything - except the control over what you put in your body.

This really is a stunning, shocking, very emotional memoir, and it reinforces to me what an exceptional author Sarah Moss is.