November's Hottest Reads

Kate’s Mr. Right only became Mr. Wrong when they moved in together, and his courteous gestures and witty stories turned into infidelity, manipulation and anger. When she left him, he vowed to destroy her, and began a vicious cycle of stalking that threatened her freedom, her sanity and her life. The scariest bit about this story? It’s all true.

In His Sights has been described as a must-read for all women, as it details Kate and Paul’s courtship, the warning signs, and the many ways in which Paul has been able to reach into Kate’s life. Writing under a false name, the author paints a harrowing portrait of what can happen when love becomes twisted into hate. While reading this was horrifying, at the same time “Kate” possesses continuing positivity and a talent for gripping writing that will keep you hooked to the end. Fig Tree, RRP $37.00

The latest best-seller from Maeve Binchy follows many of the characters from her hugely successful Whitethorn Woods, in her newest novel about love in the charming surrounds of Ireland. Clara Casey sees her new job as the perfect way to escape the stresses of her two quarrelling daughters and her ex-husband, but little does she realise the fight she’ll have on her hands to work the way she wants to. Heart and Soul also examines the Polish immigrant experience in Ireland, and follows lovers young and old as they break up, make up and marry.

Fans of Maeve Binchy and new readers alike will not be disappointed by this delightful novel, and it would make a perfect beach read or Christmas present. Orion, $38.99

Darcy is a young Australian artist, who travels to Moscow in the depths of winter to visit his half-sister Fin. The secrets of their childhood both bind and corrupt them, but before they can be fully explored Darcy is dragged into the Moscow underworld, and forced to choose between his morals and his hopes of reaching Australia again.

A challenging and intriguing novel, Stray Dog Winter explores love, sexuality and politics against the background of the Cold War. A gripping portrayal of the challenges of homosexuality in a world just coming to grips with AIDS, I found myself thinking about this book long after I’d finished it.

 

This is a heart-warming and hilarious true story of one woman’s return to her homeland in search of a husband. Anita Jain is a highly successful journalist who’s lived in many cities but hasn’t managed to find herself a man. Being Indian, she finds this a major burden at family gatherings in America. So she decides to return to India to see if she can find a traditional love match in Delhi.

Anita’s description of the New Delhi, which is swiftly adapting to technological change whilst retaining its cultural heart, is fascinating. Her search for a husband takes her from night clubs to mountain retreats, from arranged marriages to speed-dating, and her wry humour will keep you totally engrossed. Bloomsbury, RRP $37.99  

 

Sonia Cameron visits Granada looking for an escape into dance, and knows little of its haunting past. However a chance meeting changes all this, as she is told the story of the Spanish Civil War, which ends up affecting her more than she had dreamed possible. Seventy years ago, a family had been torn apart by the Civil War, with the worst possible outcomes of division and death. One survivor, the talented flamenco danger Mercedes, becomes the flag-bearer for a new generation of Spaniards.

This beautifully written novel will transport you to another time, while having you tapping your feet to the irresistible descriptions of dance which continue even through the horror of the War. Headline Review, RRP $38.99