Allen & Unwin Books

An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of 'The Blue Gum Camp', this is 'The Homestead in the Eucalypts' by Leonie Kelsall, Author.

When Taylor Lawrence's life turns upside down, she finds solace on her grandparents' farm. She dreams of Anna, a settler in a bushfire, and Luke, her rescuer. As Taylor's reality blurs with Anna's world, she must uncover if her dreams are fantasy or reality, facing the possibility of a broken mind or heart.

Read a free passage from the book here 👉 https://bit.ly/3zhj9YG

A wildly inventive follow up to the acclaimed bestseller 'A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing', this is 'The Honeyeater' by Jessie Tu.

Young literary translator Fay is offered the opportunity of a lifetime from her powerful mentor. But is it too good to be true?

Get a sneak peak first chapter for free right here 👉 https://bit.ly/3zc8n5M

Releasing tomorrow, this is 'The Last Trace', an unputdownable thriller from Petronella McGovern - Author, bestselling author of 'Six Minutes' and 'The Liars'.

What if you're scared you committed a crime but can't remember? The Last Trace is a gripping thriller about siblings and secrets, and the traces we can never erase.

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3VH6hmb

We're practically halfway through 2024 already, and the amazing books just keep on coming! Which one are you cosying up with this chilly July? ☕ 📖

Em's Book Club - June Pick! 🛩️ 📖

Mystery reader extraordinaire Em selects a new book every month, along with providing an exclusive extract, reading notes for your own book clubs, AND even a lil something extra on the side thrown in (book inspired cocktails anyone?).

If you want to check out the fun, head on over to the Em's Book Club site to read all about Em's June pick, 'The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcyle and Flying Club' by Helen Simonson 👉 https://bit.ly/45rSq7P

(Pssstt: 🤫 We also run cheeky giveaways each month JUST for book clubs! Check the very bottom of the page for details!)

Looking for some school holiday reading inspiration? 🤔

With the chilly winter school holidays on the horizon, we thought we'd help you keep the kids entertained inside with some great book recommendations!

Check out our list here 👉 https://bit.ly/3XrPeqK

Have you had a chance to meet the 2024 winner of The Australian/Vogel award?

Author of 'First Year' Kristina Ross chats with us about the journey of writing her debut novel, which delves into the world of creativity and performance, and is available in all good bookstores right now!

Check out the Q&A here 👉 https://bit.ly/4cbCbhB

Published by the incredible team over at Allen & Unwin NZ, 'The Last Secret Agent' is the extraordinary untold story of Pippa Latour, who parachuted into occupied France in 1944 as an undercover agent.

For decades, Pippa told no one - not even her family - of her incredible feats during WWII. Now, for the first time, her story can be told in full.

Read an excerpt of this remarkable story here 👉 https://bit.ly/4bRku6O

Looking for a murder mystery bursting with wit, glamour and smarts? Well, check out 'Death in the Air' by Ram Murali.

Ro Krishna has just checked in to Samsara, a world-class spa nestled in the Indian Himalayas. But when one of the others guests is found dead, everyone scrambles to figure out what happened. Before he knows it, Ro is pulled into an investigation that endangers them all, and threatens to spiral out beyond the hotel walls...

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3VnNTi4

If you're after a bit of a witchy read this pride month, you can't go past, 'A Hunger of Thorns' by Lili Wilkinson.

The book follows Maude who – while the daughter of witches – has no magic powers herself. When her best friend Odette goes missing, everyone believes her to be dead. Well, everyone except Maude, who is determined to find her.

Read an extract of the book here 👉 https://bit.ly/3KGPFWq

(Ages 13+)

If you haven't picked up the 'Dark Rise' series by C.S. Pacat, this is your official reminder to do so! 📢

The first two books in this brilliant YA fantasy trilogy from internationally acclaimed Australian author C.S. Pacat, are available right now.

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4egtLqI

The memoir from Australia's much-loved comedian, Hannah Gadsby, this is 'Ten Steps to Nanette'.

Equal parts harrowing and hilarious, this memoir continues Gadsby's tradition of confounding expectations and norms, properly introducing us to one of the most explosive, formative voices of our time.

Learn more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4eeBBBd

A funny and heartwarming q***r Indigenous YA novel, this is 'The Boy From the Mish' by Gary Lonesborough.

Set in a rural Australian community, seventeen-year-old Jackson must face his darkest secret - a secret he thought he'd locked away for good - after a mysterious boy with a troubled past comes into his life. Jackson must find the courage to explore who he is, even if it scares him.

Read an extract here 👉 https://bit.ly/3RkWDnM

(For ages 14+)

'Nothing to Hide' is Australia's first mainstream anthology of trans and gender-diverse writing, a powerful contribution to Australian letters.

This collection features the work of thirty trans and gender-diverse people across the spectrum of age, race, geography and circumstance. The writers give voice to their communities and tell their own stories, on their own terms.

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3VlAoiU

A gripping novel of suspense, a poignant love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take. Our next Pride month rec is, 'Mad Honey' by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

After moving back to her sleepy hometown, recently divorced Olivia’s world is shaken when her son becomes a suspect in the death of the new girl at school. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent, but as the case unfolds she realises Ash has hidden more than he's shared with her...

Read an extract here 👉 https://bit.ly/3xi4yuQ

Yves Ree's biography, 'All About Yves' tells their moving journey of re-becoming, at the same time laying bare the messiness of bodies, gender and identity.

It shares the challenges and joys of being transgender in Australia today, and reveals how trans experiences like Yves' can teach all of us about what it means to be human.

Learn more 👉 https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Yves-Rees-All-About-Yves-9781760879310

Our next pride month recommendation comes from the brilliant Christos Tsiolkas, author of 'The Slap,' this is 'The In-Between'.

Two middle-aged men meet on an internet date. Each has been scarred by a previous relationship; each has his own compelling reasons for giving up on the idea of finding love. How can they take the risk of falling in love again. How can they not?

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3TDBLJY

Our next pride month recommendation is, 'The Greatest Thing' by Sarah Winifred Searle, a gorgeous coming-of-age graphic novel.

It's the first day of Grade 10, and Winifred is going to reinvent herself. But even though Winifred is breaking out of her shell, there's one secret she can't bear to admit, even to herself - and this lie threatens everything.

Learn more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4bI24Fn

(For ages 13+)

Who's ready for ABC Radio National's Big Weekend of Books? 📚📻

Starting from 10am today you can hear a variety of amazing authors over the entire weekend, like Rachel Cusk, Charlotte Wood, Ailsa Piper, and more!

Learn more here 👉 https://ab.co/3RpwmEQ

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE AUSTRALIAN / VOGEL’S AWARD FOR YOUNG WRITERS 2024 🎉

Kristina Ross’ 'First Year', recipient of the 2024 The Australian/Vogel’s Award for Young Writers, delves into the world of creativity and performance, offering an intelligent and insightful narrative.

At seventeen, Maeve pursues a life in the theatre, securing a spot at a competitive drama school in Melbourne, where she must navigate intense expectations and explore her darker side, blurring the lines between her roles and reality.

What the judges say:

‘Captures the high stakes, the intense competition, the vulnerability of the characters very well.’ CAROLINE OVERINGTON, The Australian

‘An assured and elegant debut.’ KATE ADAMS, bookseller

First Year is available in all good bookstores 18 June 2024.

If you love a good retelling, you can't go past, 'Emmett' by L.C Rosen, inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma'.

Emmett Woodhouse decides to assist his occasional friend-with-benefits Harrison to find the perfect man. But he soon learns that gifted as he may be, maybe he has no idea what he's doing when it comes to love.

Read an extract here 👉 https://bit.ly/4edyFVj

(Ages 14+)

Featuring petty thefts, extortion plots, botched bank robberies, daring dog rescues and one spectacular drag show, this is 'Honeybee' by Craig Silvey.

Meet Sam: a solitary, resilient young person battling to navigate the world as their true self; ensnared by loyalty to a troubled mother, scarred by the volatility of a domineering stepfather, and confounded by the kindness of new alliances. 'Honeybee' is about two lives forever changed by a chance encounter - one offering hope, the other redemption.

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4el3lnV

We're so thrilled to share that 'Hope is the Thing' by Johanna Bell and Erica Wagner has been shortlisted in the Picture Fiction category for the Karajia & Environment Awards for Children's Literature! 🎉 Congratulations Johanna and Erica!

Learn more about the book here 👉 https://bit.ly/3KxAuip

The Wilderness Society

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 We'll be sharing some LGBTQIA+ stories over the month for you to check out if you haven't already!

First up, is the amazing, 'We Could Be Something' by Will Kostakis

Harvey's dads are splitting up. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's still sudden and now he's restarting his life in a new city. Meanwhile, Sotiris is a rising star but when his career falters, a cute, wise-cracking bookseller upends his world. Harvey and Sotiris's stories converge in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.

Read an extract 👉 https://bit.ly/4aQS2Rg

(For ages 14+)

Thank you to everyone for joining us for the takeover today!

Can't wait to get stuck into 'Wallaby Lane' by Maya.Linnell.Writes? We totally get it! So, here's a cheeky free extract to start reading right now! 😍 👇

https://www.fictionwithheart.com.au/blog/sneak-peek-wallaby-lane-by-maya-linnell

Learn more about the author behind 'Wallaby Lane', Maya.Linnell.Writes!

Maya was kind enough to share some fun facts with us that you may not know about her. Check it out here 👇

https://www.fictionwithheart.com.au/blog/five-things-you-dont-know-about-maya-linnell

Learn more about the characters in Maya.Linnell.Writes's 'Wallaby Lane'!

Meet ambitious radio presenter Lauren Bickford, and handsome family man/ new police officer Jack Crossley 😍

Today, 'Wallaby Lane' by Maya.Linnell.Writes is taking over our Facebook feed! 🥰

Get ready to learn about this delightful new rural romance, and we even have some exclusive content from Maya herself to share. So, to start us off, here is a note from Maya to introduce 'Wallaby Lane'...

"I hope you love spending time with Lauren and Jack, and their assorted friends, families, animals and the Penwarra community. This novel was a joy to write, and shines a light on country shows, the mammoth task involved to keep them running, the hurdles and highlights and the vitality they bring. Perhaps it might tempt you to seek out your local show, either to admire the entries or try your luck in one of the categories?

I also hope the novel sparks a few conversations about mental health, the many ways it can impact individuals, families and relationships, and help reduce the stigma for those who have come out the other side.

And if you’re reading this note before starting the book, happy reading! I hope the characters and story touch your heart and make you smile.

Love, Maya."