Talking Aussie Books

Originally from Ireland, Bernadette Jiwa migrated to Melbourne and started her writing career as a blogger and non-fiction writer - later becoming a storytelling adviser and the author of ten Amazon bestselling non-fiction titles. 

In 2019, Bernadette began writing what would become her debut novel. 

Called 'The Making of Her' (published by Penguin), Bernadette has written a mesmerising human story. A page-turning, can't-look-away mother-daughter story about the devastating consequences of a single decision and whether the past can ever truly be forgotten. 

A stunning story. 

I had the privilege of chatting with Bernadette for the podcast a little while ago. 

Nicole Alexander is the bestselling author of 11 historical fiction novels.  Titles that include 'The Bar Cutter', 'Sunset Ridge' and 'The Cedar Tree'. 

As a freelance writer, Nicole's articles have appeared widely in publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Online, The Sunday Telegraph and Elle Magazine Australia. 

'The Last Station' is Nicole's new novel. Released by Penguin earlier this year, it's a sweeping saga depicting the harshness of life on the land in 19th century New South Wales.  A story set in the dying days of the riverboat trade along the Darling River. 

Captivating, heartbreaking but not without humour, I was enthralled by this glimpse into a by-gone era. 

Loved my chat with Nicole recorded a little while back. 

Karly Lane is the author of 19 rural fiction novels.  Titles like 'Once Burnt, Twice Shy' and 'Return to Stringybark Creek' are just a couple of the books that have made Karly a bestselling author and household name.  

Her newest novel, 'A Stone's Throw Away' was released by Allen & Unwin earlier this year and listeners...I absolutely loved it!

Small-town secrets, a writer with writer's block and a handsome detective make for a gripping and pulse-racing read.

I had so much fun chatting with Karly on the podcast a little while ago. 

Lyn McFarlane is a Canadian-Australian writer and lawyer whose debut novel. 'The Scarlet Cross' was recently released by Pantera Press.  

A complex and intriguing crime thriller that takes a thought-provoking look at the healthcare system along with the justice system in North America.  So very topical in light of recent events in the United States.  

Clever and twisty, this book held me in its clutches as I raced to the last page, desperate to know how it would all end. 

I was delighted to speak with Lyn on the podcast a little while back. 

Listeners will know that I have eclectic reading tastes - with a particular interest in domestic thrillers. 

So when I picked up Kylie Kaden's new book, "One of Us" (Pantera), I knew I was in for a treat. 

A book that takes us well beyond the picket fence. "One of Us" exposes the imperfect lives of two seemingly perfect families. 

Covering some big issues, this book was pacey and complex, with an intricately woven plot that had me guessing til the very end. 

Highly recommended reading for lovers of crime and domestic thrillers.

I was thrilled to welcome Kylie to the podcast recently. 

Meg Bignell is a Tasmanian-based author of three novels: 'The Sparkle Pages', 'Welcome to Nowhere River' and now 'The Angry Women's Choir' (Penguin). 

Released earlier this year, 'The Angry Women's Choir' is a triumphant novel; a tribute to female anger and the power we can harness when we band together and raise our voices. 

Hysterically funny and at times heartbreaking, I both laughed and cried my way through this gorgeous work. 

I had the best time chatting with the very talented Meg on the podcast recently. 

As an avid (somewhat amateurish skier), I am captivated by alpine landscapes. So when I learnt about a series of crime books set in the Australian Snowy Mountains, I was intrigued.  

Lee Christine has made her mark on the Australian literary scene with six romantic suspense novels along with her series of snow-bound crime thrillers.  The latest of these is 'Dead Horse Gap' published by Allen & Unwin earlier this year. 

Atmospheric, evocative and page-turning, I loved every minute of my time with Lee's characters.  And so it was with much delight that I welcomed Lee to the podcast a little while back. 

Kylie Orr is a Melbourne-based writer whose debut novel “Someone Else’s Child” was released by HQ Fiction at the end of May.

A gripping and at times confronting novel that explores the ethics of giving, toxic friendships and motherhood, this story of drew me in immediately and didn’t let go until the very last page.

Kylie is a wonderful new voice on the Australian literary scene and I was absolutely delighted to welcome her to the podcast a little while ago.

I love a good rom-com. And I've read my fair share of them.

So finding a new voice and refreshing take on the romcom genre is always a happy occurrence. 

Enter Kimberley Allsopp and her debut novel 'Love and Other Puzzles' (HarperCollins Australia).

A fantastically original story that had me fizzing with laughter. Warm, witty and clever, it had me hooked from start to finish.

I had a wonderful chat with Kimberley on the podcast a little while back. 

Toni Jordan is a bestselling, award-winning Melbourne-based author of six novels. 

Her debut, 'Addition', was an international bestselling novel which was also shortlisted for the highly prestigious Miles Franklin Award. 

Toni's new novel, 'Dinner with the Schnabels', was recently released by Hachette. And whilst it is the first of Toni's novels I've read - it won't be the last. 

This book takes a look at marriage, love and family and the pressures of modern life in a delightfully humorous manner that will keep you flipping pages in a race to the end. 

I was thrilled to welcome Toni to the podcast a little while ago.