The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village
The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village

Author: Joanna Nell

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2018-09-25

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 0733640362

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Joanna Nell's life-affirming debut is a moving, funny, heartwarming tale of love and community in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Grace and Frankie The life of 79-year-old pensioner PEGGY SMART is as beige as the décor in her retirement village. Her week revolves around aqua aerobics and appointments with her doctor. Following a very minor traffic accident, things have turned frosty with her grown-up children and she is afraid they are trying to take away her independence. The highlight of Peggy's day is watching her neighbour Brian head out for his morning swim. She dreams of inviting the handsome widower - treasurer of the Residents' Committee and one of the few eligible men in the village - to an intimate dinner. But why would an educated man like Brian, a chartered accountant no less, look twice at Peggy? As a woman of a certain age, she fears she has become invisible, even to men in their eighties. But a chance encounter with an old school friend she hasn't seen in five decades - the glamorous fashionista ANGIE VALENTINE - sets Peggy on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. 'Lively and whimsical ... with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship' Sydney Morning Herald 'This heartwarming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully ... is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages' Daily Telegraph 'I haven't been this entranced by a character since Eleanor (Oliphant, of course). This book is a joy - it's a celebration of age instead of an apology for it, and a reminder that life is always an adventure if you let it be. I loved this uniquely endearing book' KELLY RIMMER 'I loved it! I want to be Peggy when I'm older. With many laugh-out-loud moments, this book is sure to make you see "getting old" in a different light. A refreshing, funny, realistic and warm read' FIONA PALMER 'The perfect blend of funny and moving: had me laughing and crying in this ultimately uplifting story' NATASHA LESTER **Contains bonus extract from new novel THE GREAT ESCAPE FROM WOODLANDS NURSING HOME**

The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village
The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village

Author: Joanna Nell

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2018-09-25

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1473685850

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It's never too late to grow old disgracefully... The life of 79-year-old pensioner Peggy Smart is as beige as the décor in her retirement village. Her week revolves around aqua aerobics and appointments with her doctor. The highlight of Peggy's day is watching her neighbour Brian head out for his morning swim. Peggy dreams of inviting the handsome widower - treasurer of the Residents' Committee and one of the few eligible men in the village - to an intimate dinner. But why would an educated man like Brian, a chartered accountant no less, look twice at Peggy? As a woman of a certain age, she fears she has become invisible, even to men in their eighties. But a chance encounter with an old school friend she hasn't seen in five decades - the glamorous fashionista Angie Valentine - sets Peggy on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Can she channel her 'inner Helen Mirren' and find love and friendship in her twilight years? A brilliantly witty and heartfelt story that proves it is never to late to write a brand-new chapter. Fans of Judy Leigh, Jill Mansell and Sally Page will fall in love with this beautifully uplifting tale. Readers love The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village: 'Such a great read... Had me laughing out loud with tears running down my face... with all of the emotional feels that will keep you turning the pages... This is a must read' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'LOVE LOVE LOVE this little gem of a book and it's 353 pages of pure joy!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What an utterly delightful read! I loved this book from the beginning... I can't imagine any woman over a certain age not enjoying this book! I also challenge anyone to write a better, funnier description of a seniors Aqua aerobics class than the one the author Joanna Nell wrote!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I laughed out loud and loved this story, where growing older doesn't mean getting old. I think we would all benefit from having a Peggy and Angie in our lives no matter our age' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I could have kept on reading about 79-year-old Peggy Smart and her refusal to grow old gracefully forever and if I ever find myself in a retirement home, it's these characters from the story that I'd love to be living alongside. I loved every adorable minute, such rip-roaring fun' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great story, it is funny, moving, emotional and so very heartwarming, make yourself comfortable for this one while you enjoy meeting the lovey seventy nine year old Peggy Smart and the highs and lows of living in a retirement village and aging with decorum and aplomb as best she can' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Praise for Joanna Nell: 'Hugely entertaining . . . funny and heart-warming' Woman & Home 'Warm-hearted book that had me rooting for all the characters and laughing out loud' Libby Page, author of The Lido 'Poignant and warm-hearted . . . a tonic for our times' Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You 'A warm and touching story with a cast of characters who became my friends' Katie Marsh, author of How Not to Murder Your Ex 'A funny and poignant exploration of growing old disgracefully' Culturefly

The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital

Author: Joanna Nell

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 2021-09-29

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 0733642918

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The heartwarming and hilarious bestseller by the author of treasured novels, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns. Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV. Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it. 'Takes readers on a sweet journey. A warm-hearted read from Nell, who tells engaging stories with older protagonists' The Australian 'The Tea Ladies is a delight. Warm characters and observations and great pace' AMANDA HAMPSON 'Another funny, warm-hearted read' Herald Sun **Contains BONUS EXTRACT from Joanna Nell's novel Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year** Praise for the novels of Joanna Nell: 'Tender and funny' Woman's Weekly 'Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm ... highly addictive' Sun Herald 'Lively and whimsical' Sydney Morning Herald

The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker
The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker

Author: Joanna Nell

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 2019-09-24

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 0733640389

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As the wife of retired ship's doctor Dr Henry Parker, Evelyn is living out her twilight years aboard the Golden Sunset. Every night she dresses for dinner - gown, tiara, runners - and regales her fellow passengers with stories of a glamorous life travelling the world in luxury. But now Henry is missing, and it is up to Evelyn to find him. The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker is a love letter to the memories we make over the course of a lifetime, and how the heart remembers what matters, even when the mind has long forgotten. 'Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm add a whole new dimension to Mrs Henry Parker and her last voyage. A heart-warming story, extremely well written and highly addictive' Sun Herald **Contains BONUS chapters from Joanna's latest heartwarming and hilarious novel, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital**

The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

Author: Joanna Nell

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2020-10-27

Total Pages: 383

ISBN-13: 0733642888

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The joyous, charming and utterly irresistible new novel from the author of mega-bestseller The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village At nearly ninety, retired nature writer Hattie Bloom prefers the company of birds to people, but when a fall lands her in a nursing home she struggles to cope with the loss of independence and privacy. From the confines of her 'room with a view' of the carpark, she dreams of escape. Fellow 'inmate', the gregarious, would-be comedian Walter Clements also plans on returning home as soon as he is fit and able to take charge of his mobility scooter. When Hattie and Walter officially meet at The Night Owls, a clandestine club run by Sister Bronwyn and her dog, Queenie, they seem at odds. But when Sister Bronwyn is dismissed over her unconventional approach to aged care, they must join forces -- and very slowly an unlikely, unexpected friendship begins to grow. Full of wisdom and warmth, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story showing that it is never too late to laugh -- or to love. 'Tender and funny' Woman's Weekly 'Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm. A heart-warming story, extremely well written and highly addictive' Sun Herald 'Lively and whimsical ... with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship' Sydney Morning Herald 'This heartwarming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully ... is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages' Daily Telegraph

The Orchardist's Daughter
The Orchardist's Daughter

Author: Karen Viggers

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Published: 2019-02-04

Total Pages: 413

ISBN-13: 176087051X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A story of freedom, forgiveness and finding the strength to break free. International bestselling writer Karen Viggers returns to remote Tasmania, the setting of her most popular novel The Lightkeeper's Wife. Sixteen-year-old Mikaela has grown up isolated and homeschooled on an apple orchard in southeastern Tasmania, until an unexpected event shatters her family. Eighteen months later, she and her older brother Kurt are running a small business in a timber town. Miki longs to make connections and spend more time in her beloved forest, but she is kept a virtual prisoner by Kurt, who leads a secret life of his own. When Miki meets Leon, another outsider, things slowly begin to change. But the power to stand up for yourself must come from within. And Miki has to fight to uncover the truth of her past and discover her strength and spirit. Set in the old-growth eucalypt forests and vast rugged mountains of southern Tasmania, The Orchardist's Daughter is an uplifting story about friendship, resilience and finding the courage to break free.

The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle
The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle

Author: Sophie Green

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 2019-07-23

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 0733641172

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It's 1982 in Australia. THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER is a box office hit and Paul Hogan is on the TV. In a seaside suburb, housewife Theresa takes up swimming. She wants to get fit; she also wants a few precious minutes to herself. So at sunrise each day she strikes out past the waves. From the same beach, the widowed Marie swims. With her husband gone, bathing is the one constant in her new life. After finding herself in a desperate situation, 25-year-old Leanne only has herself to rely on. She became a nurse to help others, even as she resists help herself. Elaine has recently moved from England. Far from home and without her adult sons, her closest friend is a gin bottle. In the waters of Shelly Bay, these four women find each other. They will survive bluebottle stings and heartbreak; they will laugh so hard they swallow water, and they will plunge their tears into the ocean's salt. They will find solace and companionship, and learn that love takes many forms. Most of all, they will cherish their friendship, each and every day. 'A tender, heartwarming read' New Idea 'An upbeat story about suburban life and female solidarity' Spectrum 'A delightful novel about the power of female friendship' Sunday Age 'Reading this book was like snuggling beneath a warm beach towel after a bracing dip in the ocean.' - JOANNA NELL Praise for Sophie Green's THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE FAIRVALE LADIES BOOK CLUB 'Tender, intimate, heartwarming, fulfilling and Australian as a lamb roast and full-bodied shiraz' The Australian Women's Weekly **Includes BONUS extract from Sophie Green's new novel, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House**

Finding Henry Applebee
Finding Henry Applebee

Author: Celia Reynolds

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Published: 2019-10-04

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 0008336318

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

‘An absolute delight. It’s beautiful and elegiac and written with such a good heart’ BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies OBE ‘A simply heart-string tugging book that offers a ready escape route from these testing time’ Jon Gower, Nation Cymru

The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton
The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton

Author: Eleanor Ray

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2021-06-08

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1982163526

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A collector of objects, Amy Ashton, who believes it is easier to love things than people, finds her solitary existence interrupted when a new family moves in next door with two young boys--one of whom has a collection of his own.

When Things Are Alive They Hum
When Things Are Alive They Hum

Author: Hannah Bent

Publisher: Hardie Grant Publishing

Published: 2021-07-28

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 1761150278

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Australian Women’s Weekly Great Read Shortlisted Indie Book Awards for Debut Fiction Woman & Home Books of the Year Shortlisted MUD Literary Prize​ Shortlisted ABIA Award for General Fiction Shortlisted ABIA Matt Richell Award New Writer of the Year ‘Hannah Bent’s outstanding debut is a wise, wondrous celebration of life.’ – The Australian ‘Hannah Bent has created a literary heroine of such pure beauty she takes your breath away.’ – Australian Women’s Weekly ‘Read it if you like: Your sister, anything by Trent Dalton, having a good cry, and My Sister’s Keeper.’ – Mamamia Marlowe and Harper share a bond deeper than most sisters, shaped by the loss of their mother in childhood. For Harper, living with what she calls the Up syndrome and gifted with an endless capacity for wonder, Marlowe and she are connected by an invisible thread, like the hum that connects all things. For Marlowe, they are bound by her fierce determination to keep Harper, born with a congenital heart disorder, alive. Now twenty-five, Marlowe is living abroad when she receives the devastating call that Harper’s heart is failing and she is being denied a transplant by the medical establishment. Marlowe rushes to her childhood home in Hong Kong to be by Harper’s side and soon has to answer the question – what lengths would you go to save your sister? When Things are Alive They Hum poses profound questions about the nature of love and existence, the ways grief changes us, and how we confront the hand fate has dealt us. Intensely moving, exquisitely written and literally humming with wonder, it is a novel that celebrates life in all its guises, and what comes after. PRAISE FOR WHEN THINGS ARE ALIVE THEY HUM ‘When literature is alive it hums, and rattles and warms and hurts and heals. Hannah Bent and her wondrous Harper and Marlowe have changed the way I’ve been going about my days. What a gift.’ – Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe and All Our Shimmering Skies ‘A simply beautiful novel.’ – Good Reading ‘...what stayed with me was the achingly beautiful portrayal of the love between the two sisters. If I had a sister, that is how I would like to feel.’ – Nicole Abadee, Sydney Morning Herald ‘heartbreakingly beautiful’ – Family Circle