The first book and my very first read of 2024 was the urban fairytale, LOLA IN THE MIRROR, by my talented mate, Trent Dalton. Set in my hometown of Brisbane it is a homage to our beautiful city which shines a light on our most vulnerable in the most poignant and magical way. Lola is a girl who does not know her own name. She and her Mum are house – less. We learn about their struggles, lives, heartbreak, friendships, hope and so much love. Part drama, part love story and part magic realism to me this is Trent’s best story yet. A must read which will make you cry, laugh and everything in between.
Paula Hawkins has excelled in the gothic thriller, THE BLUE HOUR. This richly painted novel is set on the small island of Eris which is cut off from the mainland for hours every day. It is here that famous artist, Vanessa made her home. She was vain, difficult, and revered and had a complicated past. It is now home to Grace, a solitary creature of the tides, content in her isolation. But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery in far away London, a visitor comes calling. And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge… every atmospheric with wonderful characters.
Your chance to read The Blue Hour:
Sally Rooney is the queen of interpersonal relationships and with INTERMEZZO she shows her mastery of the craft. Telling the story of two brothers this book shares the way they navigate the world after the death of their father. It’s a complex study of some fabulous characters, Ivan and Peter Koubek and their relationships, interspersed with scenes on chess and the law. These brothers are separated by ten years and a world of life experiences. It is an exquisitely moving story about grief, love and family.
Your chance to read Intermezzo:
Jodi Picoult is an automatic buy for me and in BY ANY OTHER NAME she poses the question – What if Shakespeare was not the writer, we all think he was? What if he were really a she? This meticulously researched novel tells the story of poet, Emilia Bassano. In 1581 she has no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress she finds a way to bring her work to the stage under the name of … William Shakespeare. Present Day – Mel Green brings her play about Emilia to life, but will she still face the same sorts of prejudice? It will have you thinking long after you turn the last page.
Your chance to read By Any Other Name:
In California, on a beautiful night a businessman tragically falls to his death. But was it an accident? Estranged siblings Sam and Nora band together to find answers about their dad’s last moments. Their search takes them back to a past they knew nothing about. Laura Dave’s THE NIGHT, WE LOST HIM is a twisting and turning tale full of relationships, secrets, passion and betrayal. A cracker of a thriller from one of the best in the genre.
Your chance to read The Night We Lost Him:
So that’s my round up of reading favourites for 2024. What are your top picks? She Society are looking forward to another exciting year of books and reading in 2025.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
