BOOKCLUB

Hot reads for cool nights

Fabulous Fiction

Ghost Girl, Banana is the astonishingly vivid debut novel from Chinese-European writer Wiz Wharton. Set in Hong Kong and London, it follows the stories of Sook-Yin – sent from Kowloon to London in 1966 to restore honour to her family – and Sook-Yin’s daughter Lily, who makes a secret trip from London to Hong Kong some 30 years later when she is unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger. Sook-Yin died when Lily was a small child and as Lily discovers more about her Chinese heritage, her mother’s history is gradually revealed – and Lily realises that good fortune comes at a price. Hachette, RRP $32.99

When successful TV scriptwriter Sally Milz’s friend and colleague Danny starts dating a glamorous actress, he joins the growing club of interesting but average-looking men who get romantically involved with accomplished, beautiful women. Sally writes a comedy sketch poking fun at this ‘social rule’ – the reverse never happens for a woman. Then she meets Noah, an ageing but still hot pop idol. Would someone like him ever date someone like her? Curtis Sittenfeld’s Romantic Comedy is a sharp, humorous take on modern love and dating. Penguin Random House, RRP $32.99

Fans of Dominic Smith’s acclaimed novel

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos will be just as captivated by his latest work, Return to Valetto. The almost abandoned Umbrian village of Valetto – a hub for the resistance in World War II – is the setting for the revelation of long-buried secrets held by the last remaining residents. They include the widows Serafino —three eccentric sisters and their ancient mother — whose lives are upended when their relation Hugh and Elisa, a woman with links to the family, arrive in the village. Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99

The Therapist, the ninth novel from renowned social psychologist and author Hugh Mackay, explores some powerful themes: deception, ambiguity, lust and love – and the challenge of living with the consequences of our actions. The cast of characters includes Martha, a maverick psychotherapist; her colleague Rob, who is trapped in a tempestuous relationship; Samantha, Martha’s daughter, who is desperate to get pregnant but is having problems finding an appropriate sperm donor; and a mysterious couple who seem to know secrets from Martha’s past. A thoroughly engaging depiction of the complexities of contemporary life. Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99

Words Sally Macmillan

THRILLS & CHILLS

Jo Nesbo is a crime-writing superstar who has sold more than 55 million books worldwide. Killing Moon is the 13th novel in the popular Harry Hole series – fans say it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the previous books, and you can catch film adaptations of several of them. In this page-turning tale, rogue detective Harry Hole returns to Oslo to assemble a team of misfit operatives to pursue a seemingly unstoppable serial killer. The case turns frighteningly personal when the woman who saved Harry’s life is in danger of being another victim. Penguin Random House, RRP $32.99

A group of ‘guerrilla gardeners’ in New Zealand becomes involved with a mysterious American billionaire in Birnam Wood, Eleanor Catton’s first novel since her Booker Prize-winning The Luminaries. Led by Mira Bunting, the activists –collectively known as Birnam Wood, a reference to Shakespeare’s Macbeth – plant crops on unused ground, often illegally. Just before the impoverished group is about to disband, Mira discovers an abandoned farm that could solve all their financial problems. Instead, things unravel in spectacular fashion in this gripping psychological thriller. Allen & Unwin, RRP $45

Revenge, redemption and friendship are explored in Broken Light, the latest offering from Chocolat author Joanne Harris. Bernie Moon is feeling invisible. She’s given her life to other people – her husband, her son, her mother and her friends and now, facing 50, she’s a fading light. But when a young woman is killed in a local park, it sparks memories of a talent she used to have, one long since hidden. She said she’d never use it again. Bernie is no longer invisible, but is everyone else ready for what she’s about to become? A patchy read but one that keeps you turning the pages. Hachette Australia, RRP $32.99

Bestselling author Dennis Lehane returns with Small Mercies, a compelling story about family, love, hate and power, set during Boston’s notorious desegregated busing crisis in 1974. Mary Pat Fennessey is struggling to survive poverty when her teenage daughter Jules goes missing, at the same time that a young black man is killed by a subway train under mysterious circumstances. The two events seem unconnected but Mary Pat, propelled by her desperate search, begins turning over stones best left untouched. This superb thriller paints an unflinching portrait of the dark heart of American racism. Hachette Australia, RRP $32.99

With spring around the corner and the property market seeing high demand, low supply or lack of stock, it’s time to start thinking about how your home is going to make an impact. Here are our top tips for making that all-important first impression.

1. Declutter and clean – as you pack or recycle excess stuff, dust surfaces as you go.

2. Fix what’s broken – even if it's just a door handle or light globe, ensure everything is in working order.

3. Paint with neutrals – a fresh coat of paint is always a good idea.

4. Don’t overdo the renovations – think of replacing hardware instead of entire cabinetry.

5. Staging – use our expert interior design service to stage your home and ensure it looks its best!

Whether you’re looking for a new family home, planning to downsize or are interested in property investment on the Central Coast, our team of trusted advisers are here to help. It’s at times like these, when the economic climate is uncertain, that you need expert, professional advice so you can rest assured that your next property move is the very best one for you.

Text the word ‘Property ’ to 0488 883 840 to receive your complimentary guide to putting your property on the market.

Contact Belle Property Central Coast

Terrigal 02 4385 2141

Killcare 02 4360 1717 belleproperty.com/central-coast