In fiction authors often try to capture the essence of life.
They work on constructing the quirks and trials that make up the messy fabric of reality. Painting flawed portraits of multi-faceted characters, they create people who walk the line between being likeable and relatable.
If done well, this balancing act results in a book that is dear to the heart - an old friend whose story speaks to you on a deeper, realer level.
Anna Daniels' Girl in Between is a book that will light up your life.
From the very first page I couldn't stop smiling at Girl in Between's imaginative plot and its main character Lucy. Every second of this book was a delight and I'm so excited to be sharing my love of it with you guys today as a part of Allen and Unwin's blog tour.
Be sure to drop by the rest of the tour stops for more Girl in Between fun!
Title: Girl In Between
Author: Anna Daniels
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: April 26th 2017
Price: $29.99
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Life can be tricky when you're a girl in between relationships, careers and cities… and sometimes you have to face some uncomfortable truths. The sparkling debut from comic TV and radio presenter, Anna Daniels.
Lucy Crighton has just moved in with some gregarious housemates called Brian and Denise… who are her parents. She's also the proud mother of Glenda, her beloved 10-year-old… kelpie. And she has absolutely no interest in the dashing son of her parents' new next-door neighbour… well, maybe just a little.
When you're the girl in between relationships, careers and cities, you sometimes have to face some uncomfortable truths… like your Mum's obsession with Cher, your father's unsolicited advice, and the fact there's probably more cash on the floor of your parents' car than in your own bank account.
Thank goodness Lucy's crazy but wonderful best friend, Rosie, is around to cushion reality, with wild nights at the local Whipcrack hotel, escapades in Japanese mud baths, and double dating under the Christmas lights in London.
But will Lucy work out what she really wants to do in life and who she wants to share it with?
Girl in Between is a warm, upbeat and often hilarious story about life at the crossroads. Featuring an endearing and irrepressible cast of characters, it will have you chuckling from start to finish.
Author: Anna Daniels
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: April 26th 2017
Price: $29.99
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Life can be tricky when you're a girl in between relationships, careers and cities… and sometimes you have to face some uncomfortable truths. The sparkling debut from comic TV and radio presenter, Anna Daniels.
Lucy Crighton has just moved in with some gregarious housemates called Brian and Denise… who are her parents. She's also the proud mother of Glenda, her beloved 10-year-old… kelpie. And she has absolutely no interest in the dashing son of her parents' new next-door neighbour… well, maybe just a little.
When you're the girl in between relationships, careers and cities, you sometimes have to face some uncomfortable truths… like your Mum's obsession with Cher, your father's unsolicited advice, and the fact there's probably more cash on the floor of your parents' car than in your own bank account.
Thank goodness Lucy's crazy but wonderful best friend, Rosie, is around to cushion reality, with wild nights at the local Whipcrack hotel, escapades in Japanese mud baths, and double dating under the Christmas lights in London.
But will Lucy work out what she really wants to do in life and who she wants to share it with?
Girl in Between is a warm, upbeat and often hilarious story about life at the crossroads. Featuring an endearing and irrepressible cast of characters, it will have you chuckling from start to finish.
Grab your copy of Girl In Between today via:
Amazon | iBooks | Booktopia
Or add it to your Goodreads bookshelf today.
Check out the book trailer!
Rating:
Everybody loves Lucy.
Well at the very least I do! I instantly connected with Lucy Crighton's busy mind, even busier life, and her love of all things Anne of Green Gables (I mean, how can you not adore a character who is obsessed with Prince Edward Island, Gilbert, and sunbursts and marble halls?!).
But Lucy's best quality is the one she has no control over - her nature. Her ability to string together a chain of thought, connecting seemingly random themes and topics. The comedic streak that brings levity to a situation. The raw and realistic elements that make up Lucy are what draw the reader to her, time and time again.
The romance element in this book gets an A+.
Anyone who knows me well knows this basic truth: I hate scripted, stilted, and cliche romances. I dislike when couples ignore the multitude of problems in their lives, sweeping important questions and dark pasts under the rug.
Romance in fiction seems to be just that - fictional! And as much as I understand that romance in literature doesn't need to be realistic, I do prefer when it is. It elevates the book to a whole new level, in my opinion.
Girl in Between made me the happiest of bookworms (shout out to pages 250 and 251!). The conversation between Oscar and Lucy is one that I think 90% of fictional couples needed to have at some point.
It was so real. That's the only word for it! It struck a chord with me and made me look at these characters as complex individuals. No spoilers, but sometimes...sometimes it isn't always the right time for love to grow. Sometimes there isn't always an answer for life's questions and it's ok for one person to not know what it is they want.
When characters communicate openly with one another (no matter how inebriated they may be!) it creates a moment for the reader to dive deeper into the story.
Rosie and Lucy are friendship goals!
I think everyone wants a friend like Rosie. Someone who isn't afraid to throw brutal honesty your way, or confront you with your own behaviour. The kind of person who'll not only be there to go on adventures with you, but will offer a shoulder to cry on.
Rosie's interactions with Lucy were another standout element of this book. I found myself eagerly awaiting their times together and laughing at the banter and antics that popped up. Their unique brands of crazy come together to create a whole new kind that you can't help but love.
Girl in Between teaches us that life at the crossroads is ours for the taking.
That it's not the bland waiting game we've seen it as for most of our lives. Being at a crossroad means opportunity, a time for making decisions and embracing the possibilities. Whether you're exploring a romance, spending time with family, or away in some exotic location...life isn't on pause. There is life in the 'in between' and it can the wildest, most magical time of your life.
"I seem to have developed this bad habit of second-guessing myself, and when it comes to making big decisions, I'm almost paralysed by indecision. I find that hard."
"What do you think you're scared of?"
"Making the wrong choice."
"Regret," he says.
"Yeah. I know it's silly, but what if you choose to herd camels in the Sahara because it's adventurous and pays the bills, and then on your deathbed realise all along you should have been a diesel fitter?"
"What do you think you're scared of?"
"Making the wrong choice."
"Regret," he says.
"Yeah. I know it's silly, but what if you choose to herd camels in the Sahara because it's adventurous and pays the bills, and then on your deathbed realise all along you should have been a diesel fitter?"
Anna Daniels has enjoyed great success as a comedic storyteller since kicking off her career by winning the ABC's 'Comedy Segment of the Year Award' for an interview with Russell Crowe.
She then went on to co-create the ABC's first online sketch comedy series 'Tough at the Top' with Melbourne comedian, Anne Edmonds. For several years Anna wrote and presented funny upbeat stories for The Project, winning over viewers with her warm, silly, endearing style.
Having grown up in Rockhampton, she particularly championed the stories and characters of rural and regional Australia with affection and humour. As well as The Project, Anna has written, presented and/or produced radio, TV and online content for Queensland Weekender, Red Symons' Breakfast Show, and the BBC One series, 'John Bishop's Australia'. Anna continues to report for The Project and often presents on ABC Radio Brisbane.
She then went on to co-create the ABC's first online sketch comedy series 'Tough at the Top' with Melbourne comedian, Anne Edmonds. For several years Anna wrote and presented funny upbeat stories for The Project, winning over viewers with her warm, silly, endearing style.
Having grown up in Rockhampton, she particularly championed the stories and characters of rural and regional Australia with affection and humour. As well as The Project, Anna has written, presented and/or produced radio, TV and online content for Queensland Weekender, Red Symons' Breakfast Show, and the BBC One series, 'John Bishop's Australia'. Anna continues to report for The Project and often presents on ABC Radio Brisbane.
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Although I was provided with a review copy by the author and/or publisher, all opinions expressed in the this post are purely my own. To find out more, please visit my disclaimer page.
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