Hottest Book Reviews

It’s 1570 in the Italian city of Ferrara, and the convent of Saint Caterina is enjoying spiritual peace and earthly success, as many of the nobles’ daughters are married to Christ within its walls, bringing with them their substantial dowries. However, that peace is about to be shattered by the arrival of Serafina, an unwilling bride whose attempts to by turns escape or assimilate form the main story of the novel. ‘Sacred Hearts’ has a rich cast of characters, from dispensary nun Zuana, who attempts to comfort Serafina, to the politically-minded abbess Madonna Chiara and the crusading novice mistress Umiliana, who all try to guide Serafina in her struggle.

 

Beautifully written, with immaculate historical detail, ‘Sacred Hearts’ is a pleasure to read. Serafina’s struggle to accept her fate, which has been chosen for her, is in direct comparison to my own life, but Dunant’s writing is such that I was totally enthralled. Virago, RRP $38.99

 

The latest and greatest instalment of the latest Stephanie Plum thriller crackles with pace, sexual tension, and a good helping of barbeque sauce. Along with her hugely entertaining friends and family, including the hilarious Lola, a plus-sized woman with petite aspirations and clothes to match, Stephanie attempts to track down the latest set of bail-jumpers while retaining her dignity, her waistline, and her cars.

 

For those who haven’t read one of Evanovich’s Plum novels before, they feature a ton of hilarity, a hugely varied cast of characters, and fantastic writing that will keep you glued to the book till the end. I always look forward to the newest in these series as Evanovich never fails to deliver a witty read. Headline, RRP $38.99

 

Buy here at Fishpond
 

My non-fiction pick this month, ‘Wildflower’ is the compelling story of world-renowned naturalist Joan Root. A film-maker and conservationist, Joan discovered her true passions after divorce, and became well-known for her environmental crusades. Journalist and Vanity Fair contributing editor, Mark Seal, covers Joan’s life from her early childhood in Kenya, her story-book romance with Alan Root, which eventually showered, and finishes with the intrigues and mystery of her brutal murder.

 

Although not an nzgirl by birth, Joan’s story shows many of our favourite traits of passion, self-belief, and women with strength. I found this book fascinating, and it’s no surprise to find Julia Roberts has already snapped up the lead role in the film to be based on the book, as Joan’s story is truly extraordinary. Hachette, RRP $38.99

 

If you looked up passive in the dictionary, you might well find Grace. At 23 she’s a put-upon fashion assistant whose monster boss never fails to criticise and overload. She dropped out of fashion school and now owes thousands to credit card companies. If that wasn’t bad enough, her loser boyfriend has just dumped her, claiming he didn’t like her change from blonde to raven-haired. 

When she cannons into the severe and mysterious Vaughn, little does she realise that her life is about to change, but when he offers her a position as his six-month mistress, Grace seizes what she sees as her only chance to turn her life around. But as she walks the fine line between retaining her morals and restoring her bank balance, Grace risks losing her family, her friends, and her self. This is a fantastic read, and having finished the book, I already want to know more about Grace, the ‘Pretty Woman’ for the 21^st century. Headline, $RRP 34.99

 

When Detective DD Jackson is called in to investigate the disappearance of Sandra Jones, she suspects it will be an open-and-shut case, with, as usual, the husband, Jason, being found to be Sandra’s killer. However, despite her dislike of the man, as her investigations continue, the detective begins to wonder whether Jason is trying to hide his guilt, or merely hide himself.

 

A fast-paced and addictive thriller, I was on the edge of my seat with this one. Lisa Gardner’s writing produces twists and turns, leaping from the aftermath of abuse to the tight-knit bonds of family. Exciting and uncomfortable, ‘The Neighbour’ will keep you guessing until the very end. Orion, RRP $37.99