Friday, August 28, 2015

Book: Leap of Faith


Summary: Jessica Harrington is a promising horse-rider who dreams of representing her country. But the recent death of her father – her coach and mentor – has left her doubting her ability to continue in the sport. When she fails at the Adelaide International Horse Trials her fears are confirmed – and her world begins to fall apart.
Unable to bear seeing her well-bred, highly trained horses languishing in the paddock, she makes the snap decision to sell. She’s broken her own heart, but can’t see any other way – now she will just have to focus on a life without them. Her husband Steve and best friend Tiffany, however, can see through her bravado.
Jessica is dismayed when Steve brings home a horse from a clearing sale, a horse so skinny and forlorn he just couldn’t leave it behind. Unwilling to be drawn back into the world of horses, she's reluctant to get involved. But when a summer thunderstorm brings on a life-or-death emergency, she finds she underestimated the heart of one little horse. Can Jessica put her trust in Faith?


What I thought: Not her best book. Character was way too stilted. I didn't feel anything for her at all. Didn't even warm to her that much at the end either.

Book: Outback Women's Stories



Summary: The word "amazon" generally conjures up images of wild and powerful warrior women, fighting off foes in some primitive matriarchal society where they rule over men. Outback Women's Stories is a compilation of significant Australian women of simple but important character traits - strength, fortitude and courage. Australia has grown from penal colony to modern nation and important player on the global stage. During this time there have been many women who have courageously taken on the multifarious and sometimes death-defying challenges the Aussie outback has thrown at them, often alongside the man they loved with a gaggle of children in tow. These women have faced their trials admirably, with rarely a word of complaint, and continue to do so to this day - they are our "Aussie Amazons".

What I thought: OK. The stories were way to short though to really learn much. 

Book: The Painted Sky


Summary: Nina never knew what happened to her father, the celebrated artist Jim Larkin. One minute he was her devoted dad, the next he'd disappeared without trace. Seventeen years later, she's still haunted by the mystery. Until a call from outback Wandalla changes everything. At first, Nina's inheritance of a waterless property and a farmhouse stuffed with junk seems more like a burden than a gift. But this was her father's childhood home – and possibly her last chance to discover the truth. So what is the local solicitor, Harrison Grey, not telling her as he hands over the keys? Why does the area's wealthiest resident, Hilary Flint, seem to hate her so much? What is the significance of the gold locket with cryptic engravings that Nina always wears? And why, on top of everything, is she inexplicably drawn to her soon-to-be-married neighbour, Heath Blackett?


What I thought: Loved this one. Can't believe it was written by 5 different women from a bookclub. Great concept and great end result. Bring on more.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Card Swap 2 2015

another lovely bunch



















Card Swap 1 2015

Our first swap of the year. Lots of lovely cards :)






















Thursday, August 06, 2015

Book: Intensive Care






Summary: On the surface it looks like busy intensive care nurse Kate Kennedy has it all: a long-term relationship, a great career and a sleek inner city apartment. But appearances are deceiving, and in one fell swoop everything comes crashing down around her. In a moment of spontaneity, Kate leaves her city life and takes a new role as Nurse Unit Manager at Birrangulla Base Hospital, but her dream move proves harder than expected.

Local café owner Joel O'Connor finds himself increasingly drawn to the gorgeous new nurse, but like Kate, he's been scarred by love and isn't looking to jump into anything. Yet their chemistry is hard to deny and after a near fatal incident, Joel and Kate find themselves opening up to one another.
Just when Kate thinks she's found love again, their fragile relationship is thwarted by their pasts. Can they both let go of their guilt and grief to move on to a bright new future?



What I Thought: Loved this one :)