Reviews

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Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran

Ashleigh

Title: Safe Haven Author: Shankari Chandran Genre: Fiction Publisher: Ultimo Press Published: 1st May 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 Price: $34.99 Synopsis: It was a beautiful evening. The wind gathered speed, lifting the frangipanis from the grove behind him, pink and yellow petals defying gravity. Beyond the trees, hidden by the foliage and rows of towering palm trees,… Continue reading Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran

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Flip by Rebecca Fraser

Ashleigh

Title: Flip Author: Rebecca Fraser Genre: Contemporary Publisher: Wombat Books Published: 3rd September 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 128 Price: $14.99 Synopsis: Denim Davies wishes he could flip his life, just like the vintage items he sells online. He and his dad have spent a year moving from town to town and Denim feels like he’s… Continue reading Flip by Rebecca Fraser

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Adult books read in 2025

Ashleigh

 In 2025, I read 70 adult books, covering a wide range of genres, but with a focus on women and Australian women. Much of my reading in adult books this year came from some judging work, but there were some very good ones in everything I read. One that stood out to me was Slashed… Continue reading Adult books read in 2025

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Non-Fiction Books Read in 2025

Ashleigh

In 2025, I read 29 non-fiction books across a variety of genres, covering history, culture, nature, politics, language and autism. A lot of these books introduced me to new topics or ave me a better understanding of topics I already knew a bit about. It was interesting to read any of these, and Annabel Crabb… Continue reading Non-Fiction Books Read in 2025

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Australian Men Read

Ashleigh

Every year, I split up my roundups into categories. Because I read so much, it makes sense and goes alongside the longer, complete one. This is the only reason the authors who are men get their own post, because I know lengthy posts are not something that everyone enjoys. That said, I focus on authors… Continue reading Australian Men Read

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Picture Books Read in 2025

Ashleigh

I read 57 picture books in 2025 for review purposes on my own blog, and for Good Reading Magazine. I covered lots of different stories, non-fiction books and many different themes that showcased emotions, different aspects of Australian history and culture, and celebrations of life in general. Every book had its own charms, which is… Continue reading Picture Books Read in 2025

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AussieYAChallenge 2026

Ashleigh

Amy at Lost in a Good Book is hosting the #AussieYAChallenge again in 2026 to read more Australian Young Adult books throughout the year. You can find the challenge page at Storygraph again here and here, with prompts to encourage you to read diversely. This year’s prompts are: I always enjoy this challenge, because I… Continue reading AussieYAChallenge 2026

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Every Word by Ellie Marney

Ashleigh

Title: Every Word Author: Ellie Marney Genre: Mystery/Crime Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 28th May 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 352 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: Sparks fly when Watts follows Mycroft to London in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen crime-fighting pair. Rachel is still getting used to the idea of Mycroft being her boyfriend when… Continue reading Every Word by Ellie Marney

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Disabled Authors and Books Read

Ashleigh

Each year, I also try to read books that feature disability and by disabled authors. Much like my LGBTQIA count, this is limited by what I can find, what I am sent and by what is published. The latter is important, I think, because there aren’t as many books written by disabled authors that come… Continue reading Disabled Authors and Books Read

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A Dash of Adventure by Julie Williams & Mitch Oates, illustrated by Caroline Keys

Ashleigh

Title: A Dash of Adventure Author: Julie Williams & Mitch Oates, illustrated by Caroline Keys Genre: Fiction Publisher: Little Steps Publishing Published: December 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 32 Price: $16.95 – $29.95 AUD Synopsis: A Dash of Adventure is a fun and exciting new children’s book that celebrates imagination, family, inclusion and adventure.Ideal for kids,… Continue reading A Dash of Adventure by Julie Williams & Mitch Oates, illustrated by Caroline Keys