The Lost Letters of Rose Carey

by Julie Bennett

A captivating tale of love, glamour and betrayal, inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon Annette Kellerman, for readers of Kate Morton and Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Blue Mountains, 2023: Working on a documentary at the historic Carrington Hotel, videographer Emma Quinn rescues a box of vintage film reels destined for landfill. Trawling through the box, Emma finds a series of handwritten letters hidden beneath the reels – letters that seem to belong to Rose Carey, golden girl of the silent film era.

Intrigued, Emma begins to read the letters and is fascinated by what she uncovers. And as her relationship with her wife fractures under the stress of IVF, she becomes increasingly obsessed with Rose’s story, at the heart of which lies a deadly secret.

Sydney, 1923: Rose Carey knows her glittering Hollywood days are numbered after a near-death experience following the filming of her latest epic. On top of that, she faces bankruptcy. Rose is no quitter, though – she has reinvented herself many times before, overcoming several obstacles to transform into one of Hollywood’s glamour girls. She can’t stop now, and so she throws herself into planning a spectacular production that will take the world by storm.

But when she suffers another life-threatening accident, Rose realises that someone close to her wants her out of the way. Who in her close-knit circle has the most to gain? Can she trust anyone, other than herself?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Contemporary

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

Julie Bennett fell in love with words at a very young age and soon after leaving school began a career in libraries. In her late twenties she decided to follow her dream to write for a living and, after graduating university, became a journalist. In 2004 she launched a public relations company, which she still manages today. Julie lives with her wonderful husband, Bruce and their gorgeous kelpie cross cattle dog, Riley, within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House where she performed as a child extra back in 1973, the year it opened. 'The Lost Letters of Rose Carey' is Julie’s second novel. Her debut 'The Understudy' was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022.

Praise for The Understudy

'This piece of Australian historical fiction rings many bells for those who call this city home.' Glenn A Baker

‘A delicious read! A fascinating glimpse into the glamorous world of opera where innocence and betrayal is set against the seedy underbelly and glorious splendour of Sydney and the opening of our very own opera house.’ Tania Blanchard, author of The Girl from Munich

‘Julie Bennett's The Understudy is the best kind of historical fiction: a powerful love story blended with a mystery that keeps the reader guessing!’ Anita Abriel, author of The Light After War

‘A heady, genre-bending drama about ambition, performance, love, betrayal and passion … An enjoyable and page-turning read.’ Cass Moriarty, author of The Promise Seed

‘So evocative you can smell the scent of Sydney Harbour.' Pamela Hart, author of The Charleston Scandal

‘Julie Bennett has woven a spell that will entice the reader in and won’t let them go. Brava!’ Mary-Lou Stephens, author of The Last of the Apple Blossom

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Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Present time, 2023. Emma Quinn is videographer, she’s working on a documentary at the historic Carrington Hotel, and just as she’s leaving she saves a box of vintage items from being thrown in a skip bin. Later going through the box, Emma finds old letters, photographs and canisters of film and she thinks they belonged to Australian silent film star Rose Carey. Emma wants to solve the mystery of why they were hidden away in a box in the Blue Mountains, and she starts by googling her name and asking her friend Simon. Emma and her wife Lauren have been trying to have a baby, the unsuccessful IVF attempts have really taken a physical and emotional toll on them both and she’s not sure if they can keep trying, financially if they can afford it and she’s dreading sharing her thoughts with Lauren!

The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from the two main characters points of view, Emma and Rose and is easy to follow and it really grabs your attention.

Sydney, 1923. Rose Carey knows at her age her Hollywood days are over, after an accident filming her latest movie in New Zealand and she and her manager Walter Ryan are in a pickle. Rose is working on a show stopping water act that could save her career and she’s committed to helping with the Olympic Ball. When another disaster strikes, Rose can’t ignore how many odd things have happened and someone's trying to kill her, she starts looking at her close-knit circle of acquaintances, everyone from her manager, costume designer, rivals from another Australian film company or in Hollywood, a Arial stunt pilot and her camera man?

I received a copy of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey by Julie Bennett, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. Wow, what an amazing book, inspired by a real 1920’s Australian film icon Annette Kellerman, the first woman to swim in a one-piece bathing costume and it’s not predictable and the plots full of lots of twist and turns.

A story about being a female trail blazer, silent films, Hollywood, jealousy, betrayal, mystery, and long kept secrets and the two main characters are linked in a much unexpected way. The narrative highlights how hard infertility is, especially for same sex couples, ways they can become pregnant and how much stress it puts on their relationship. Five stars from me, the first novel I have read by Ms. Bennett, it won't be my last. I liked how she included the impact of throwing things away has on the environment, they end up in landfill and ways we can all reduce our carbon footprint.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this duel timeline story set here in Sydney, one hundred years apart we get to know Emma and Rose as Emma uncovers Rose’s story through letters that she discovers in a trunk at The Carrington Hotel in The Blue Mountains, an interesting tale of love, secrets and mystery.

Emma Quinn is a videographer, her wife Lauren and her are going through IVF to start a family and the stress is growing within their marriage and while filming a documentary she uncovers a trunk in the historic Carrington Hotel, when she discovers it is being sent to landfill Emma takes it home and her she discovers the past of Australian silent movie star Rose Carey and she is pulled into discovering everything she can about her.

1923 and Rose and her partner Walter Ryan have just finished filming in New Zealand and have arrived back in Australia, Rose has big plans for an extravaganza when Walter tells her their money has gone but Rose is not going to give up and starts planning a the extravaganza she orders the water tank for her diving and swimming but when her best friend is killed in a terrible accident, Rose and Walter are now very worried about the accidents that have been happening, is Rose safe?

Emma becomes more obsessed with uncovering all that happened to Rose, she feels somehow that there is a link between her and Rose and the pressure is building on her marriage, will she uncover the truth, will her and Lauren get through their problems and Rose, will she be safe, who can she trust after everything that has happened, I loved the twist at the end.

This is a story that will pull you in with twists and turns and it is so well written, the characters are wonderful and very easy to like and the settings are so good, I loved the 1923 setting in Sydney. I do highly recommend this one it is sure to keep you turning the pages.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one features alternating narratives set 100 years apart, being 1923 and 2023. The two timelines worked really well together with both being engaging with their respective dramas. The 2023 storyline is in relation to videographer Emma who has found a box of film reels, vintage photos and handwritten letters that seem to belong to silent film star Rose Carey. This leads to the 1923 storyline where Rose is trying to reinvent herself after a near-death accident... except more dramas seem to indicate that perhaps it wasn't actually an accident. Usually in dual storylines I'll have a preference on one but both in this were equally as interesting. I very much enjoyed this book and would happily recommend.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Julie and Simon & Schuster for gifting us a copy to read and review.
A sweeping historical fiction saga inspired by a little known but vibrant 1920s Australian movie-star who achieved remarkable triumphs.
In the blue mountains in 2024, Emma Quinn is working on a doco at a famous hotel.
There she finds a mysterious box, once belonging to the silent film actress Rose Carey.
As she rummages through, fascinated with the contents of a film reel, photographs and letters.
With troubles in her relationship, Emma becomes obsessed with Rose and her life, not knowing the secrets it contains.
In Sydney in 1923, Rose Carey is worried her career is in tatters but being a survivor she decides to plan an extravagant new production to make her a star again.
When tragedy strikes, Rose believes someone is out to get her.
But who……
Now the past and present will collide together and reveal the truth.
I was lucky to receive an early reading copy of this book and I devoured it with gusto.
I inhaled this captivating read with all its finery and finesse, glamour and beauty, history and uniqueness.
A dual timeline treasure with much to delight in, worship, embrace and after I finish the final page I craved more.
The coupled plot knits together with precision, the cast of many is marvellous and the various backdrops are cleverly designed for the eyes.
Get ready to be enchanted by a proficient storyteller.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey was inspired by the life of vaudeville star, swimmer and actress Annette Kellerman.

Narrated through the dual timeline of Rose in 1923 and Emma in 2024.

In 1923 Rose is going through a hard time financially and she needs to reinvent herself. She has an amazing new act that will put her in the spotlight again. However tragedy strikes and she starts to question everyone close to her not knowing who she can trust.
I absolutely loved Rose's story! She was such a strong inspirational woman. Many of Annette Kellerman's achievements are mentioned throughout the story which had me looking for more information on the internet. Her life was fascinating and beautifully portrayed through the character of Rose.

In 2024, Emma and her wife Lauren are struggling with failed IVF attempts and the pressure it is putting on their marriage. Emma finds some old film canisters and letters and is soon pulled into researching the life of Rose Carey. I wasn't so captivated with Emma's story and couldn't see the parallels between her and Rose's lives.
I would have been quite happy to read a whole book on Rose Carey alone.

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is a fascinating story of love and betrayal. The book moves along at a fast pace through passion, heartache, mystery and unexpected twists.

I loved the final connection to women and fitness, to love, celebrate and look after their bodies.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of historical fiction inspired by real people from history will devour this latest release by Julie Bennett. There is so much within this novel to enjoy - film history, intrigue, suspense, romance, family drama. Told with a dual narrative, we move back and forth between 2024 and 1923. This story is atmospheric in both setting and style. The surprise six degrees of separation twist at the end was a very clever way to bring the two timelines together and knit the story as one. I particularly enjoyed the 2024 storyline, so often in a dual timeline, the contemporary story is a pale shadow of the historical one, but not so in this case. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and Good Reading for the review copy.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous read and it had me in its grip until the very last page. Usually there is one timeline in a dual timeline novel that is more interesting than the other but in this case I was just as impatient to get back to each story and see what was going on. I love the way everything tied together and that while I had a few ideas about who and what, that I was left guessing until the end. The author did a great job of building these characters and their stories and I'm looking forward to reading her previous novel now I've read this one.

Thanks to the publisher and Good Reading for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly captivating tale told between dual timelines in the 1920s and current day, Sydney. It follows the lives of two very strong women and how eventually in the most unexpected of ways their pasts merge with the present. Loved the glitz and glamour and a little bit of mystery of the 1920s film and tv world. I loved just as equally the contemporary storyline. Unpredictable twists and surprises make for a really entertaining read

[Joanne McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat, with so many OMG moments.
I loved the characters and the story being told through both Emma and Rose’s points of view and the letters (just loved reading them). The way that certain bits of information were withheld in the story, allowing you to speculate, then having them answered in the letters just kept me reading, to find out more.
There were some plot twists throughout the novel that I didn’t see coming, I really liked how it swapped between the stories of Emma in 2024 and Rose in 1923.
Having stayed in the Blue Mountains (not at The Carrington Hotel) where some of the story is set gave me additional context for the setting which I enjoyed.

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is a fascinating story of love and betrayal. Highly recommend

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A triumph! I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy and read it slowly, savouring the story and the divine writing style. The dual timeline worked brilliantly and there was more than one twist. I sped through the last few chapters, wanting, (no, needing) to discover all.
Set in 1920's Sydney and Katoomba, the story was inspired by a 1920's actress and feminist. Authentic characters and story-telling brought the period and the settings to life.

[Megan Botting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book 💜

[Susan Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Women: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey
Today I finished an advanced reader copy of The Lost Letters of Rose Carey, kindly sent to me by Simon & Schuster and the talented historical fiction writer, Julie Bennett.
In 2022, I read Julie’s debut novel The Understudy, and she impressed me then, with her ability to bring to life the Sydney Opera House scene of the 1970s. Equally, the way she created exciting, romantic characters facing challenging situations, whom the reader found fascinating.
For me, the satisfaction to be found in her second book is the way she writes her women heroes. Depicted in a clever dual narrative, the two protagonists exude loyalty, determination, passion and that old-fashioned trait hardly ever heard of anymore — called ‘pluck.’ The likeability of both Emma (2024) and Rose (1923), in part is due to the way Bennett’s juxtaposed such differing personalities. But it’s also in the way she’s remained true to how the values and perspectives of two entirely different centuries shaped the individual.
The character Rose is based on Australian woman Annette Kellerman, Hollywood actress, swimmer, performing artist and entrepreneur (think of an early Esther Williams). Naturally, I had to google Kellerman, and I was genuinely surprised. Who knew? Annette was gorgeous and daring and I can see why Bennett wanted to write a novel centred around her escapades.
In contrast to Rose’s glamour, Emma is ‘a bit of a greenie’ with a strong sense of insecurity. She’s a videographer, whose wife is trying to fall pregnant through IVF. On the morning that she waits to hear if Lauren’s IVF procedure was successful, Emma is filming in The Carrington Hotel, in Katoomba. She stumbles across lost letters, film reels and photographs of Rose, from nearly 100 years ago. In the letters she discovers clues to a secret.
Emma’s inner dialogue is written convincingly, and elicits sympathy, ‘I spend my lunch time aimlessly wandering the corridors. I haven’t found the courage yet to ring Lauren… I should have texted right away but I don’t know what to say anymore. I don’t know how to comfort her.’
For Rose, too, we feel some empathy. Surrounded by people she doesn’t necessarily trust, anxious to get her show back on the road, haunted by a mystery accident, she is all colour and movement with a hidden kernel of vulnerability masked by beauty and courage, ‘It hadn’t been a rumour, it had been a very public outing. A scandal I suppose. All I can say in my defence is that I’d had no idea Tom Jackson, my refreshingly ordinary lover, was married…’
To me, no expert on 1920s Sydney life, it certainly feels like Bennett’s research is thorough. Absolutely, the settings feel believable. I also love, that part of the book is based in the Blue Mountains where I once lived. The Carrington, in all its stained-glass grandeur, and curving staircases, is absolutely worth a visit. Worth mentioning too is the structure and the way ‘Lost Letters’ comes full circle. The mystery that spins at the centre of the plot kept me guessing right up to the final pages.
This was an entertaining, and delightful read, that shifted me away from the everyday. Brava Julie Bennett! Thank you for a book that taught me interesting aspects about my own country, absolutely enthralling me along the way. Your women are a triumph!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you spend the whole book wondering what the connection between Rose and Emma is, as I did, don’t worry, it will all fall into place perfectly at the end. A delightful story set in 2 different timelines - the 1920’s when silent films were around and now. Emma finds some old film and has an instant connection to it and the letters and photos that were in the same box. I really enjoyed this book and will look out for more books by the same author. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Christine Weald]

Good story woven around the historic events of Australian woman Annette Kellerman. The story linked the life of the 1920’s celebrity and two women of the 21st century. Julie Bennett managed to describe the theatrical events and costumes as if you were watching a video.
Once started i couldn’t put the book down. The style switching between the two eras and the separate stories held my attention and was creative. The mystery of her letters were intriguing and captivating.

[Chrissie Bellbrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delighted was I after reading this terrific novel that I gushed to author Julie Bennett straight away.

“Julie Julie Julie! Bravo!
I’ve just finished Rose and pushed through my Covid infused haze to smash it out in two sittings. It was just as fabulous as expected and I loved it to bits! Great characters and a sensationally twisty ending– just the way I like them. You’ve done Annette proud! Congratulations! I feel a reprint coming soon!”

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is inspired by one of my favourite women in history– the Australian swimmer, dancer, actor and health entrepreneur, Annette Kellermann. In the creation of main character, Rose, author Julie Bennett pays tribute to one amazing woman.

The dual timeline historical begins in current day Sydney, with protagonist and digital videographer, Emma, awaiting confirmation of her wife’s IVF results. Set between 1923 and current day, when Emma finds a crate of film reels and a parcel of letters in a hotel in the Blue Mountains, she is curious to learn of a mysterious set of incidents that surrounded the life of a silent movie star, and infamous golden girl, Rose Carey.

Rose is feisty, sensual, dramatic and ambitious. She has the ‘never say die’ attitude that every strong female protagonist needs, yet it is her vulnerability that brought her to life for me. The language is spot-on, I suspect Julie’s performing background played a part here, but it seamlessly and clearly places you in the 1920s, and vividly captures Rose’s essence.

Emma is more introverted; her love and care for her gregarious wife is an honest portrayal and touchingly beautiful. Drawn to discover more about Rose Carey’s life, she delves into the past, savouring the letters she finds to read in sequence. As events unfold, she uncovers a forgotten story of subterfuge, danger and mystery that made headlines in its day.

The pace of the story kept me turning the pages; the switch from one protagonist to another adds an element of drama and tension. What I loved most was how the epistolary style was used in the novel. The letters are a brilliant device and maintain the high-level intrigue. And the way Emma secretes the letters away, reading them while procrastinating from facing change in the dynamics of her marriage and career is totally believable. At the final stages, the plot thickens and twists — this is a mystery you will want to solve. And did I mention the (I need some air) steamy sex scenes?

I loved Rose Carey and I’m sure you will too.

https://www.chrissiebellbrae.com/post...

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Julie’s debut novel The Understudy and was keen to try her second offering. Lost Letters moves away from the theatre to film and is based on Annette Kellerman, an Olympic swimmer who went from Australian Vaudeville to London theatre actress to Hollywood star. As with all good historical fiction it had me googling more, I’m so glad I got to learn about such an amazing woman.

Set between Sydney and Katoomba, the story unfolds over a dual timeline in 2024 and 1923, and through letters and newspaper articles. Emma is a videographer who is filming at the Carrington Hotel and stumbles across some letters, photos and film canisters belonging to Rose. I enjoyed both timelines and getting to know each of the women and see their connections. Emma is in a same-sex relationship, her partner undergoing IVF treatment and their relationship is under strain. Rose is trying to make a big movie which is plagued with issues. There was an intriguing mystery element that binds the two timelines together and made it hard to put down.

I did find I was more connected to Emma’s character as we get a lot more of her inner dialogue but then Rose was such an interesting woman, ahead of her time. Beautifully researched, I’m keen to visit the Blue Mountains now! Another fabulous historical mystery from Bennett.

[Kate Kubus · Rating 4 out of 5]

If The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (TJR) and Force of Nature (Jane Harper) had a baby, this book would be it!

Although I am a bit biased because historical fiction is my favourite genre, it is a solid 4 stars.
This dual timeline and point of view story will keep you turning the page.

When the story started and until about half way through, I thought it was only a historical fiction dual timeline novel. At about the halfway point, it becomes part thriller and mystery which was an enjoyable surprise! There were some parts I felt could have been connected a bit more smoothly with more connection to the characters but overall, a great read.

Rose Carey was inspired by an Australian woman called Annette Kellerman, who is one of Australia's most fascinating women. After finishing The Lost Letters of Rose Carey, I went down the rabbit's hole trying to learn about Annette.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for allowing me the pleasure of reading about Rose Carey! #thelostlettersofrosecarey

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love reading historical fiction, love a good mystery, and love a book that has a splash of real life, then pop this onto your tbr wishlist.

I do love reading historical fiction books, and when this arrived last week, I just had to dive in.

What I really enjoyed about this book was Rose Carey and her fight to stay relevant within the silent movie era.
As time is moving quickly towards movies with sound, Rose is excitedly pursuing her idea of a theatrical live show. Showcasing her talents as a swimmer and as an actress.
But not all dreams transpire without a cost, and the cost that Rose has to pay is beyond anything she could have foreseen.

The imagery of yesteryear and the mysteries within this book are written in such a way as to transport the reader back to a time without non-stop entertainment.

The chapter's move between now and 1923/24 and highlights the moments of tragedy, love, loss, and emotion.

The now focuses on Emma and her desire to learn all she can about the connection between her and the mysterious owner of a camera found with reels, pictures, and letters showcasing Rose Carey.
As Emma's happy life with her wife Lauren seems to be slipping away, she is drawn to the letters, letters that she believes are from Rose.
Everything is drawing to an ending that surprised me as I went one way, and the book went another.
It's a wonderfully written story of mystery, love, and our fascination with all things yesteryear.

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed Julie Bennett’s debut so was happy to get a digital arc of this one. It took me a while to read though - and I must admit it wasn’t a page turner for me - but I kept coming back to it. And once it found its rhythm I quite enjoyed it. I’m not sure the current day story added that much to it but quite liked where everything ended up! I feel like Julie Bennett is going to be one of those authors like Kate Morton and Natasha Lester where I read everything they write! I do love historical fiction and this one was a good read…

[Robyn Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Letters of Rose Carey is a cleverly constructed and beautifully written historical fiction novel that keeps you guessing to the very last page. The dual narrative folds seamlessly into an entertaining and unforgettable story of love, enlightenment, secrets and intrigue. Julie's characters charm and deceive in equal measure making the roller coaster ride one to savour. This is a highly recommended and thoroughly entertaining read.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was truly captivating and inspiring!
An excellent read for a historical fiction inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon Annette Kellerman.
I did enjoyed reading the book and I highly recommend it to readers who love history.

Thank you Good Reading Team and Simon & Schuster Australia for the Early Bird copy.

[Tamara Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of discovery between current times and the 1920’s coming together for one sweet ending. Lovely eggs of romance and the trials of a modern marriage and past love. The book was a fun world to dive into!

[Bill Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK a bit of a drag but interesting all the same.

[Kerry Cashman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recall watching movies in black and white back tv in the 60's and 70's of Esther Williams and all her costumes and swimming. Based loosely on Annette Kellerman but in 2 points of view. Fabulous read which I adored.

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hotel, a box of items some old dim canisters and a link to a movie star. Emma takes this in gets deep into the life of Rose Carey but discovers plenty more than that.

Love, loss, murder and reunions all come together in this wonderful story set in Australia. Very well worth the read.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has loosely based this book on Australian Annette Kellerman, (Rose). Annette Kellerman was a woman born before her time, her design and wearing of a one piece costume just for swimming created a lot of publicity amongst the very conservative of the times. She was a movie star, swimmer, aquatic performer and an entrepreneur, to name just a few of her accomplishments.

The read follows two timelines, 1923 and 2024 which are easy to follow being extremely different to each other, two different stories which appear to have no bearing on each other and with characters the opposite to each other, particularly to their sexual orientation.  

Rose and her manager/partner, Walter have returned to Australia after being away for sometime in the United States. A movie that had been shot is ready for release but there are problems and for which Rose is pressured to return, however, she has other plans. In Australia it's soon discovered that someone has drained their bank accounts for which Walter is adamant they return to the US. Rose doesn't budge and goes ahead with her master plan with her two close friends of Bell and Eddie. Bell is her costume designer and confidant and Eddie, photographer extraordinaire makes things happen. However, the huge event planned is a disaster for which there is a death. After the inquest Rose still goes ahead with her plans even with her being publicly blamed for the accident. Eventually the truth of the stolen funds comes to light, Rose's car accident and the recent disaster. Bell and Eddie are implicated. This discovery finds Rose in danger. Eddie reveals information about Bell who had never opened up about her past and for which her real identity had remained unknown to Rose.  

How does this all fit with the protagonists of 2024? Initially, nothing. This part of the read is poles apart from the 1923 woman extraordinaire and takes the reader into the home of two same sex married females, Emma and Lauren. The domestic affairs of these two females bored me to tears, the whining from Lauren about not being able to get pregnant and the IVF failing and Emma determined not to try again, their lack of finances the problem. So much detail on this pregnancy problem killed this part of the story for me.

However, the real story of Rose Carey begins to take hold when Emma in clearing out a shed discovers a treasure of letters, photos and old 1920's film reels. As a video camera person for a small production company she is very attracted to the idea of investigating these old films. Equipment is not readily available in order to view them but she is reluctant to hand them over to the National Film and Sound Archives until she can get a glimpse at least at the beginnings of each reel. The letters she manages to pry apart and in reading forms an opinion of the letter writer but this is an assumption only, no real reference to whom the addressee is and no signature. Still, this does help keep her mind off her dissolving relationship. The read starts to gather momentum after there is an emergency regarding the old film reels, Lauren had returned from seeing a modern day movie when reference was made to the combustibility of old film, alarmed Emma calls the fire department.

Finally, the letters, photos and the very valuable old camera are returned, the National Film and Sound Archives are thrilled with the old film which adds to their collection and for Lauren and her family and amazing link to their family history.

 

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictional book was inspired by Sydney-born Annette Kellerman who would be one of the first women in the world to attempt to cross the English Channel, popularise synchronised swimming, pioneer the modern swimming costume, appear as the first nude woman in a Hollywood movie and so much more.

The story follows Rose Carey in 1920s Sydney who is struggling to keep her once-successful Hollywood career alive following a tragic accident that involved her. Aware that someone close to her is trying to sabotage her career and possibly end her life, Rose strives to discover who she can trust.

Cut to the modern day and videographer Emma Quinn finds a cache of old letters at the historic Hotel Carrington in the Blue Mountains that ties her to Rose. If only she could work out who the letters are written to.

This is one of my favourite kinds of books, bringing Sydney's past to life in such a believable way. Bennett has combined history with a fantastic fictional plot to bring us a truly immersive read.

[Robert Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romance, mystery, thriller, suspense, historical novel set in Sydney 2024 and 1923. Inspired by the amazing life of Annette Kellerman, Australia's million dollar mermaid. Told through three perspectives, that of Rose in 1924, Emma 2024, and letters from 1924 found by Emma when visiting historic Carrington hotel in the Blue mountains. Emma becomes fascinated, almost obsessed about Rose. What happened to Rose, who was making attempts on her life, ruining her reputation? Life for a forthright independent woman could be very difficult in the twenties, even for a famous movie star. But Emma's determination to keep her investigation of Rose to herself is leading her into danger. Julie Bennett's second novel is about triumph with plenty of twists and surprises. Tears were shed at the end.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Marry me,’ I blurt, which was not at all how I had rehearsed it.’

This novel, inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon Annette Kellerman, held my attention from beginning to end. The dual storyline shifts between Emma Quinn in 2024 and Rose Carey in 1923.

In 2024, Emma is working on a documentary at the Carrington Hotel in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Emm and her partner Lauren are trying to conceive through IVF, and Emma is preoccupied awaiting the outcome of their latest (and last) attempt. Emma discovers a box of vintage film reels, some handwritten letters that seem to belong to Rose Carey, a silent era film star from the 1920s, and an old camera which she takes with her when she leaves as she learns they are destined for landfill.
In 1923, Rose Carey is in Sydney. Rose is facing both bankruptcy and the end of her Hollywood career. She plans a spectacular production … which sends in tragedy. Who is trying to destroy Rose, and why? Who can Rose trust?

Both stories held my attention. Emma has issues of her own in 2024, and her marriage to Lauren is under strain. Emma is interested in learning more about the film reels she has rescued, and reading the handwritten letters provides her with an opportunity to escape (albeit momentarily) from present day concerns.

And Rose, trying to make sense of what is happening around her, becomes caught up in intrigue and suspense.

There’s a twist at the end which, while not essential to the story, provides a very satisfying conclusion. And now I am off to learn more about Annette Kellerman.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Paul Olkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid 4 star read. Many times I have picked up this book intending to read just a chapter or two but, I found myself unable to put it down until 50 or so pages were read. There is a duel timeline in this book making it two short novels held together by some old letters from 1923 read by the woman who found them in a box destined for the landfill in 2024.
I was very entertained with both storylines in this book. Initially captured just by it's title, I quickly decided to read it upon a 20 second read of the premise of the story on the back cover. I will not go into detail here about specifics other than the title character Rose Carey (fictionally done up from the life of Annette Kellerman Of Australia, in the second decade of the 20Th century)was a big time silent movie star who's star was fading fast from a series of affairs and accidents that garnered her some bad press, and that the bloom of her flower had seen better days, as she was now 35.
There is nothing overly thrilling here in the story , other than a gnawing want to find out what happens trail that is picked up by the reader. I guessed wrong 2 times on who was behind Rose's loss of funds and movie props that she owned for future show business opportunities. The final 3 chapters in the book sort it all out for you. Keep reading.
4 stars out of 5 for The lost letter's of Rose Carey.