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The Seachangers
At 57, Ruth made a successful sea change: she relocated from the city to the country and opened Rosie's Cafe in the seaside town of Cutlers Bay. Business boomed, but five years on the shine has worn off. Where has that other Ruth gone, the independent, feisty woman who'd had the courage to sell up in the city and move to the country? Even the bathroom mirror is reflecting back someone she doesn't quite recognise: greying hair, wrinkles, the sparkle all but gone from her blue eyes. Ruth is convinced she has to make a change - if only she could decide what.
After a lifetime of hard work out bush, Hamish has retired to the city for a life of comfort and ease. It's what he always dreamed of, so why doesn't he feel satisfied? When his 89-year-old father dies, Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay to settle his affairs. At first, packing up the house and renovating it to sell is both a filial duty and a welcome project to fill his days. As the work energises him, Hamish wonders: was retiring a mistake? The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to feel like home. And a certain cafe owner makes the idea of staying there all the more appealing...
After a lifetime of hard work out bush, Hamish has retired to the city for a life of comfort and ease. It's what he always dreamed of, so why doesn't he feel satisfied? When his 89-year-old father dies, Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay to settle his affairs. At first, packing up the house and renovating it to sell is both a filial duty and a welcome project to fill his days. As the work energises him, Hamish wonders: was retiring a mistake? The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to feel like home. And a certain cafe owner makes the idea of staying there all the more appealing...
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2024
26 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Appleyard
10 books122 followersMeredith Appleyard lives in the Clare Valley wine-growing region of South Australia, two hours north of Adelaide. As a registered nurse and midwife, she has worked in a wide range of country health practice settings, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service. She has done agency nursing in London and volunteer work in Vietnam. After her first manuscript was rejected, she joined a writers' group, attended workshops and successfully completed an Advanced Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing with the Adelaide College of the Arts. And she kept working. When she isn't writing, Meredith is reading, helping organise the annual Clare Writers' Festival, or at home with her husband and her border collie, Daisy. The Country Practice is her first novel.
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September 7, 2024
EXCERPT: Just after three there was a ruckus out front, punctuated by a burst of raucous laughter. Allie had left for the day so I hurried out of the kitchen to find Ella Sinclair wrangling Claire Cross and her walking frame across the threshold. They were both giggling.
'It's you two,' I said, feigning exasperation. 'I should have known.'
'Damn thing,' Claire said and gave the offending walker a hefty shove. 'Gets hooked up on just about every damn thing.'
'Never mind, we're in now. Will you have tea, Claire? Ella said. The pair made their way to table two, their usual.
'Please, and a piece of the richest, most unhealthy cake you have.'
Ella settled Claire at the table and came up to the counter. 'Claire's been unwell. Nothing serious, but she's almost ninety and really shouldn't be living on her own in that old house. But of course she won't agree to the old folks home. Not that I blame her.'
That explained why I hadn't seen them for the last few weeks.
'If you're going to talk about me rather than to me, keep your voices down,' Claire called and cackled with laughter.
'How is she now?' I said and loaded a generous slice of hazelnut gateau onto a plate. I added a squirt of whipped cream.
'Frail but feisty, as you can hear. Between me, Angie, and the community nurse, we're managing to keep her at home, which is what she wants.'
'Is there anything I can do to help? I have Mondays and Tuesdays off over summer,' I found myself offering without thought.
'Ruth,' Ella said in a kind but firm voice, 'pardon me for saying this, but you look as if you need a month at a tropical resort, not more things to do.'
ABOUT ' THE SEACHANGERS': It's never too late for a new beginning.
At 57, Ruth made a successful sea she relocated from the city to the country and opened Rosie's Cafe in the seaside town of Cutlers Bay. Business boomed, but five years on the shine has worn off. Where has that other Ruth gone, the independent, feisty woman who'd had the courage to sell up in the city and move to the country? Even the bathroom mirror is reflecting back someone she doesn't quite greying hair, wrinkles, the sparkle all but gone from her blue eyes. Ruth is convinced she has to make a change - if only she could decide what.
After a lifetime of hard work out bush, Hamish has retired to the city for a life of comfort and ease. It's what he always dreamed of, so why doesn't he feel satisfied? When his 89-year-old father dies, Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay to settle his affairs. At first, packing up the house and renovating it to sell is both a filial duty and a welcome project to fill his days. As the work energises him, Hamish was retiring a mistake? The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to feel like home. And a certain cafe owner makes the idea of staying there all the more appealing ...
MY THOUGHTS: I always enjoy Meredith Appleyard's beautifully written books set in South Australia, and I have met many of these characters previously in All About Ella also set in the small community of Cutler's Bay. But it is not necessary to have read All About Ella to enjoy The Seachangers.
Meredith Appleyard always provides an interesting blend of characters; from the teenaged, hardworking student Mia to her single mother Allie who works part-time at Rosie's Café to Ruth the sixty-something café owner to the elderly Theo and his two slices of raisin toast. Each character is fully rounded, and Appleyard provides all those tiny details that make them oh so real.
Hamish is a new addition to the community. In town to clean out his deceased father's house he unexpectedly finds a whole new way of life offered in Cutler's Bay. Will he take up what is on offer, or will he move on? I enjoyed Hamish's character, and the trials of his relationship with his sister Natalie provide some excellent dialogue and entertainment.
Equally unexpectedly, I actually found Ruth quite hard to relate to which was a bit of a surprise as I have been in her situation of building up a business from nothing, then staying in it too long and becoming a slave to it. Maybe it was the deja vu effect, or maybe I didn't like things in Ruth that I recognised in myself - I don't know. I definitely recognise her fierce independence and aversion to accepting help!
Appleyard addresses the issues surrounding retirement in The Seachangers. Hamish has retired comfortably but is finding that perhaps he wasn't quite ready for it while Ruth longs to be retired but can't see how she can afford to be. It's a common conundrum!
There is a lot of angst in The Seachangers as each of the main characters, and some of the minor ones, battle their demons. It was lovely to be back in Cutler's Bay but there was a little too much angst/bleakness with death, fractured family relationships, suicide, PTSD, depression and alcoholism featuring prominently- and probably not enough of the light, joy and humor that is usually evident in Appleyard's books. This affected my reading enjoyment resulting in a rating of
⭐⭐⭐.6
#TheSeachangers #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I was born and raised in a farming community in the Murray Mallee region of rural South Australia, and my heart will always be in the country, and when I’m not physically there, I yearn to return. These days home is the Clare Valley wine-growing region in South Australia.
Before following my dream to become a writer, a career as a registered nurse gave me the opportunity to experience many country health practice settings – lots of ideas and inspiration!
My ongoing fascination with the complexities of small country communities, the characters I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, are all reflected in the novels I’ve written, and the ones I’m planning.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ and MIRA via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'It's you two,' I said, feigning exasperation. 'I should have known.'
'Damn thing,' Claire said and gave the offending walker a hefty shove. 'Gets hooked up on just about every damn thing.'
'Never mind, we're in now. Will you have tea, Claire? Ella said. The pair made their way to table two, their usual.
'Please, and a piece of the richest, most unhealthy cake you have.'
Ella settled Claire at the table and came up to the counter. 'Claire's been unwell. Nothing serious, but she's almost ninety and really shouldn't be living on her own in that old house. But of course she won't agree to the old folks home. Not that I blame her.'
That explained why I hadn't seen them for the last few weeks.
'If you're going to talk about me rather than to me, keep your voices down,' Claire called and cackled with laughter.
'How is she now?' I said and loaded a generous slice of hazelnut gateau onto a plate. I added a squirt of whipped cream.
'Frail but feisty, as you can hear. Between me, Angie, and the community nurse, we're managing to keep her at home, which is what she wants.'
'Is there anything I can do to help? I have Mondays and Tuesdays off over summer,' I found myself offering without thought.
'Ruth,' Ella said in a kind but firm voice, 'pardon me for saying this, but you look as if you need a month at a tropical resort, not more things to do.'
ABOUT ' THE SEACHANGERS': It's never too late for a new beginning.
At 57, Ruth made a successful sea she relocated from the city to the country and opened Rosie's Cafe in the seaside town of Cutlers Bay. Business boomed, but five years on the shine has worn off. Where has that other Ruth gone, the independent, feisty woman who'd had the courage to sell up in the city and move to the country? Even the bathroom mirror is reflecting back someone she doesn't quite greying hair, wrinkles, the sparkle all but gone from her blue eyes. Ruth is convinced she has to make a change - if only she could decide what.
After a lifetime of hard work out bush, Hamish has retired to the city for a life of comfort and ease. It's what he always dreamed of, so why doesn't he feel satisfied? When his 89-year-old father dies, Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay to settle his affairs. At first, packing up the house and renovating it to sell is both a filial duty and a welcome project to fill his days. As the work energises him, Hamish was retiring a mistake? The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to feel like home. And a certain cafe owner makes the idea of staying there all the more appealing ...
MY THOUGHTS: I always enjoy Meredith Appleyard's beautifully written books set in South Australia, and I have met many of these characters previously in All About Ella also set in the small community of Cutler's Bay. But it is not necessary to have read All About Ella to enjoy The Seachangers.
Meredith Appleyard always provides an interesting blend of characters; from the teenaged, hardworking student Mia to her single mother Allie who works part-time at Rosie's Café to Ruth the sixty-something café owner to the elderly Theo and his two slices of raisin toast. Each character is fully rounded, and Appleyard provides all those tiny details that make them oh so real.
Hamish is a new addition to the community. In town to clean out his deceased father's house he unexpectedly finds a whole new way of life offered in Cutler's Bay. Will he take up what is on offer, or will he move on? I enjoyed Hamish's character, and the trials of his relationship with his sister Natalie provide some excellent dialogue and entertainment.
Equally unexpectedly, I actually found Ruth quite hard to relate to which was a bit of a surprise as I have been in her situation of building up a business from nothing, then staying in it too long and becoming a slave to it. Maybe it was the deja vu effect, or maybe I didn't like things in Ruth that I recognised in myself - I don't know. I definitely recognise her fierce independence and aversion to accepting help!
Appleyard addresses the issues surrounding retirement in The Seachangers. Hamish has retired comfortably but is finding that perhaps he wasn't quite ready for it while Ruth longs to be retired but can't see how she can afford to be. It's a common conundrum!
There is a lot of angst in The Seachangers as each of the main characters, and some of the minor ones, battle their demons. It was lovely to be back in Cutler's Bay but there was a little too much angst/bleakness with death, fractured family relationships, suicide, PTSD, depression and alcoholism featuring prominently- and probably not enough of the light, joy and humor that is usually evident in Appleyard's books. This affected my reading enjoyment resulting in a rating of
⭐⭐⭐.6
#TheSeachangers #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I was born and raised in a farming community in the Murray Mallee region of rural South Australia, and my heart will always be in the country, and when I’m not physically there, I yearn to return. These days home is the Clare Valley wine-growing region in South Australia.
Before following my dream to become a writer, a career as a registered nurse gave me the opportunity to experience many country health practice settings – lots of ideas and inspiration!
My ongoing fascination with the complexities of small country communities, the characters I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, are all reflected in the novels I’ve written, and the ones I’m planning.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ and MIRA via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 3, 2024
A beautifully written book set in coastal South Australia about two people entering a late in life romance. Both of the main characters have reached a point where they urgently need a change of some kind but when events bring them together they are both slow to grab their opportunities.
For the first section of this book I thought I was on a five star winner. The characters of Ruth and Hamish were both so appealing and I really enjoyed their alternate voices as we discovered them as individuals and then as they met. However at 401 pages this book was too long. Not enough happened to support all those pages and the continuing angst of each main character was not really enough to keep the momentum going.
Nevertheless it was still a four star book. The writing was excellent, the characters were lovely even Natalie,the one you had to hate. It was hard to put the book down, slow as it was in parts, because there was always a need to see if the two of them would grab what they had between them. Thank goodness there was an epilogue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
For the first section of this book I thought I was on a five star winner. The characters of Ruth and Hamish were both so appealing and I really enjoyed their alternate voices as we discovered them as individuals and then as they met. However at 401 pages this book was too long. Not enough happened to support all those pages and the continuing angst of each main character was not really enough to keep the momentum going.
Nevertheless it was still a four star book. The writing was excellent, the characters were lovely even Natalie,the one you had to hate. It was hard to put the book down, slow as it was in parts, because there was always a need to see if the two of them would grab what they had between them. Thank goodness there was an epilogue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 18, 2024
Ruth Clancy moved to Cutlers Bay, on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula from Adelaide to open her own coffee shop and she’s put a lot of effort into building up her business. Ruth loves Rosie’s Café, but after five years she starting to feel tired and she’s wondering when to retire. Ruth knows she has to make some changes, it’s not easy running the café on her own with only part time help and otherwise she will burnout.
Hamish Adams worked as a diesel mechanic in the bush, he’s retired and built his dream apartment in North Adelaide and now that it’s finished he doesn’t feel content and fulfilled. When his elderly father dies, Hamish travels to Cutlers Bay to settle his estate and go through the contents of the house and shed. Hamish isn’t much of a cook, and he enjoys a coffee and breakfast at Rosie’s Café and where he meets Ruth. Hamish decides to not only clean out the house, but give the old place a lick of paint and tidy up the yard. The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to grow on him and feel like home and the flash apartment in the city doesn’t.
The narrative highlights important issues and topics, like the loss of a parent or family member, how hard and time consuming it is to run a small business and the sacrifices owners make, the advantages being part of a community and friendship, rediscovering yourself and what you want out of life, what the future holds and considering the possibility of dating and being in a relationship after a long drought and is it easier to stay single.
Meredith Appleyard’s books are packed full of little details and it made me feel a real connection to the characters and story-line. The topics are relevant, and thoroughly researched and executed and I have owned and run a small café and everything mentioned in the narrative was spot on. I really liked the characters of, Ruth and Hamish, Allie and Mia, Laurie and Pete and catching up with Angie and Zach from the author’s previous novel, All about Ella.
I received a copy of The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Appleyard has written another winner, about new beginnings in your 60’s and five stars from me.
Hamish Adams worked as a diesel mechanic in the bush, he’s retired and built his dream apartment in North Adelaide and now that it’s finished he doesn’t feel content and fulfilled. When his elderly father dies, Hamish travels to Cutlers Bay to settle his estate and go through the contents of the house and shed. Hamish isn’t much of a cook, and he enjoys a coffee and breakfast at Rosie’s Café and where he meets Ruth. Hamish decides to not only clean out the house, but give the old place a lick of paint and tidy up the yard. The longer he's in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to grow on him and feel like home and the flash apartment in the city doesn’t.
The narrative highlights important issues and topics, like the loss of a parent or family member, how hard and time consuming it is to run a small business and the sacrifices owners make, the advantages being part of a community and friendship, rediscovering yourself and what you want out of life, what the future holds and considering the possibility of dating and being in a relationship after a long drought and is it easier to stay single.
Meredith Appleyard’s books are packed full of little details and it made me feel a real connection to the characters and story-line. The topics are relevant, and thoroughly researched and executed and I have owned and run a small café and everything mentioned in the narrative was spot on. I really liked the characters of, Ruth and Hamish, Allie and Mia, Laurie and Pete and catching up with Angie and Zach from the author’s previous novel, All about Ella.
I received a copy of The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Appleyard has written another winner, about new beginnings in your 60’s and five stars from me.
August 27, 2024
Ruth Clancy had owned and run Rosie's Cafe in Cutlers Bay for the past five years, to great success, but she was finally wondering what was next. Now in her early sixties, she was tired, run down and stressed, and after a recent death in the family, Ruth found she wanted more from the last years of her life. Travelling the two and a half hours between Cutlers Bay and Adelaide, using the two days off she had each week, left her feeling the need of a proper break. But it wasn't possible with the busyness of her life; the constant 'on the go' with the cafe so she fell into bed each night in exhaustion. Something had to give...
Hamish Adams had finally sold his apartment in Adelaide, moving to his parents' home in Cutlers Bay to prepare it for sale. Hamish's dad had recently died and his mother a few years previously, so the need was there. Rundown and tired, the house needed some TLC, and the more time Hamish spent there, the more he liked Cutlers Bay. In his sixties, Hamish had wondered if he'd retired too early, but as he found different jobs to fill his time, helping neighbours around their houses when they were unable, enjoying the coffee and meals at Rosie's Cafe as well as a few games of golf, Hamish's life began to settle. It didn't hurt that he'd befriended Ruth...
The Seachangers is an exceptional read by Aussie author Meredith Appleyard which I loved. I was so into the story that I wasn't aware of how late it was getting last night, then continuing this morning, suddenly I was at the Epilogue. Such a riveting, enthralling, great book! Ruth and Hamish are captivating characters, written extremely well. The setting in rural, coastal South Australia, not far from its capital Adelaide, is an area I know well, so visualising it was easy. I've thoroughly enjoyed all Ms Appleyard's books, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Enterprises AU for my digital ARC to read.
Hamish Adams had finally sold his apartment in Adelaide, moving to his parents' home in Cutlers Bay to prepare it for sale. Hamish's dad had recently died and his mother a few years previously, so the need was there. Rundown and tired, the house needed some TLC, and the more time Hamish spent there, the more he liked Cutlers Bay. In his sixties, Hamish had wondered if he'd retired too early, but as he found different jobs to fill his time, helping neighbours around their houses when they were unable, enjoying the coffee and meals at Rosie's Cafe as well as a few games of golf, Hamish's life began to settle. It didn't hurt that he'd befriended Ruth...
The Seachangers is an exceptional read by Aussie author Meredith Appleyard which I loved. I was so into the story that I wasn't aware of how late it was getting last night, then continuing this morning, suddenly I was at the Epilogue. Such a riveting, enthralling, great book! Ruth and Hamish are captivating characters, written extremely well. The setting in rural, coastal South Australia, not far from its capital Adelaide, is an area I know well, so visualising it was easy. I've thoroughly enjoyed all Ms Appleyard's books, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Enterprises AU for my digital ARC to read.
January 26, 2025
"Life had panned out far differently than I'd envisaged. But then, whose life doesn't..."
Cutlers Bay is a sleepy coastal town in South Australia. Rosie's Café is the bustling, welcoming hub. Not only is the coffee good and the muffins baked fresh daily, everybody loves Ruth Clancy who runs it.
But the long hours are are starting to wear her out. As the sole operator of her dream café she's beginning to wonder how much longer she can continue to work at this pace. When she hears from a regular customer that the town's accountant - who is five years younger than her - is retiring, Ruth starts to question her life choices. The only problem being, she doesn't have a backup plan.
Hamish Adams has his retirement beautifully planned. After years of being a diesel mechanic in the Aussie outback, he's decided it's time to put his feet up. He worked hard and did well for himself. A large modern apartment with all mod cons and a view over Adelaide was a great idea until it wasn't. Hamish soon grows bored with nothing to do and his most relevant conversation being with his local barista.
The passing of his father leads him to Cutlers Bay to sort out the estate and sift through the family home. Bringing up all sorts of memories of their estranged relationship due to a family tragedy. The need for a meal and decent coffee leads him to Rosie's Café, where he sits at table three, the favourite one that his Dad used to sit at on his twice weekly visits there.
This such a beautiful, gentle book about growing older and questioning life choices. That you don't necessarily have life figured out just because you've reached a certain age. Goalposts change, as as do needs and feelings.
I loved reading this book and couldn’t wait to get back to it. I felt so invested in the characters of Ruth and Hamish, as both are so likeable, and deserved to be happy. It's never too late to want more. To make new friends or find new love. To change your plans. And for a seachanger to have a seachange.
"I was delighted to be embarking on a future filled with countless possibilities. What else could any woman ask for?"
A wonderful book hug from Aussie author Meredith Appleyard. What a nice surprise to have finally discovered her books. Apparently this is book nine! I've already downloaded a few of her others and look forward to hopefully reading them soon.
Cutlers Bay is a sleepy coastal town in South Australia. Rosie's Café is the bustling, welcoming hub. Not only is the coffee good and the muffins baked fresh daily, everybody loves Ruth Clancy who runs it.
But the long hours are are starting to wear her out. As the sole operator of her dream café she's beginning to wonder how much longer she can continue to work at this pace. When she hears from a regular customer that the town's accountant - who is five years younger than her - is retiring, Ruth starts to question her life choices. The only problem being, she doesn't have a backup plan.
Hamish Adams has his retirement beautifully planned. After years of being a diesel mechanic in the Aussie outback, he's decided it's time to put his feet up. He worked hard and did well for himself. A large modern apartment with all mod cons and a view over Adelaide was a great idea until it wasn't. Hamish soon grows bored with nothing to do and his most relevant conversation being with his local barista.
The passing of his father leads him to Cutlers Bay to sort out the estate and sift through the family home. Bringing up all sorts of memories of their estranged relationship due to a family tragedy. The need for a meal and decent coffee leads him to Rosie's Café, where he sits at table three, the favourite one that his Dad used to sit at on his twice weekly visits there.
This such a beautiful, gentle book about growing older and questioning life choices. That you don't necessarily have life figured out just because you've reached a certain age. Goalposts change, as as do needs and feelings.
I loved reading this book and couldn’t wait to get back to it. I felt so invested in the characters of Ruth and Hamish, as both are so likeable, and deserved to be happy. It's never too late to want more. To make new friends or find new love. To change your plans. And for a seachanger to have a seachange.
"I was delighted to be embarking on a future filled with countless possibilities. What else could any woman ask for?"
A wonderful book hug from Aussie author Meredith Appleyard. What a nice surprise to have finally discovered her books. Apparently this is book nine! I've already downloaded a few of her others and look forward to hopefully reading them soon.
September 5, 2024
This is a beautifully told story about life and the changes we go through, I loved the setting and the characters, Ruth Clancy owner of Rosie’s Café in Cutlers Bay and Hamish Adams who arrives in town after the death of his father, is it time for a change for them both?
Ruth is sixty two and works hard in the café she started from scratch five years ago after the death of her mother she decided on a seachange and a totally different life but when one of the locals decides to retire at fifty seven Ruth starts to think about her own life she has not prepared for retirement and she is getting very tired these days, running a café is not easy she has older twin brothers who live in Adelaide, is it time to sell up and make a change in her life.
Hamish Adams has retired and bought what he thought he wanted an apartment in the city, he has worked hard in the bush now it is time for him but he isn’t feeling the way he thought her would, then his father dies, Hamish arrives in the small town of Cutlers Bay to clean the house and sort out his father’s affairs with pressure from his sister along the way, but while there he starts to think that retirement was not for him, he is feeling a lot of memories from the past and he is making friends as well especially Ruth who runs the café, could there be a new start for him and maybe Ruth.
This story is filled with lots of emotions from both Ruth and Hamish, there is a lot going on in both of their lives and soon spending time together is what they both want but will they be able to put their pasts behind them and find that idyllic future and happiness that they both deserve?
A fabulous story that I highly recommend real and truthful and with such wonderful characters and beautifully told.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin HQ for my copy to read and review.
Ruth is sixty two and works hard in the café she started from scratch five years ago after the death of her mother she decided on a seachange and a totally different life but when one of the locals decides to retire at fifty seven Ruth starts to think about her own life she has not prepared for retirement and she is getting very tired these days, running a café is not easy she has older twin brothers who live in Adelaide, is it time to sell up and make a change in her life.
Hamish Adams has retired and bought what he thought he wanted an apartment in the city, he has worked hard in the bush now it is time for him but he isn’t feeling the way he thought her would, then his father dies, Hamish arrives in the small town of Cutlers Bay to clean the house and sort out his father’s affairs with pressure from his sister along the way, but while there he starts to think that retirement was not for him, he is feeling a lot of memories from the past and he is making friends as well especially Ruth who runs the café, could there be a new start for him and maybe Ruth.
This story is filled with lots of emotions from both Ruth and Hamish, there is a lot going on in both of their lives and soon spending time together is what they both want but will they be able to put their pasts behind them and find that idyllic future and happiness that they both deserve?
A fabulous story that I highly recommend real and truthful and with such wonderful characters and beautifully told.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin HQ for my copy to read and review.
September 15, 2024
The Seachangers is the ninth novel by Australian author, Meredith Appleyard. It’s the unexpected death of an elderly parent that brings a recently retired diesel mechanic into the orbit of a café owner whose sea change, a life-changing decision made when she’d been unhappy, dissatisfied and grieving her mother, seems to be wearing her out.
Ruth Clancy came to the clifftop town of Cutlers Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula five years ago to open Rosie’s Café, but lately, the early mornings, hectic days, and necessary after-hours preparation are leaving her tired, headachy and in poor spirits. When Theo Adams, one of her regulars, and several years a widower, dies, she’s not surprised to see his son and daughter in town to sort out his home.
With his younger sister Natalie’s time taken up with children and grandchildren, Hamish Adams finds himself the default person to clear out their parents’ home and get it ready for sale. Sorting through their possessions brings home to him how often and how deeply he’d failed his parents, especially his mother, a product of a tragic incident in his teens. But coffee and lunch at Rosie’s Café, and occasional chats with Ruth, are a welcome respite from that.
Of a similar age, they find they can relate on concerns and challenges that present, even if what they are dealing with, such as sibling issues, are different. Thus topics like retirement plans, business exit strategies, isolation, loneliness and the downward spiral into dependency, avoiding ending up in a care facility, staving off boredom, and reinventing oneself, all get an airing.
Ruth bemoans the loss of the person she was before she became Ruth from Rosie’s Café: “She used to have fun, she didn’t have to censor every word she said and she lived a life that wasn’t always about work.” Meanwhile, Hamish has come to wonder if the coveted city apartment he bought for his retirement might have been a mistake.
They come to appreciate a different perspective and their insights on certain themes are worth sharing: “We’re not ourselves when we grieve. If the loss is great enough, we’re never that same person ever again” and “Regret takes you nowhere good, unless you use it as motivation not to make the same mistakes in the future” are examples.
This is a novel that will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage, but will also strike a chord with family and friends of that cohort. While some aspects of the plot might be predictable, there are enough turns to keep the reader completely enthralled in the fates of this appealing cast. Thought-provoking, but also heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Meredith Appleyard winner.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction.
Ruth Clancy came to the clifftop town of Cutlers Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula five years ago to open Rosie’s Café, but lately, the early mornings, hectic days, and necessary after-hours preparation are leaving her tired, headachy and in poor spirits. When Theo Adams, one of her regulars, and several years a widower, dies, she’s not surprised to see his son and daughter in town to sort out his home.
With his younger sister Natalie’s time taken up with children and grandchildren, Hamish Adams finds himself the default person to clear out their parents’ home and get it ready for sale. Sorting through their possessions brings home to him how often and how deeply he’d failed his parents, especially his mother, a product of a tragic incident in his teens. But coffee and lunch at Rosie’s Café, and occasional chats with Ruth, are a welcome respite from that.
Of a similar age, they find they can relate on concerns and challenges that present, even if what they are dealing with, such as sibling issues, are different. Thus topics like retirement plans, business exit strategies, isolation, loneliness and the downward spiral into dependency, avoiding ending up in a care facility, staving off boredom, and reinventing oneself, all get an airing.
Ruth bemoans the loss of the person she was before she became Ruth from Rosie’s Café: “She used to have fun, she didn’t have to censor every word she said and she lived a life that wasn’t always about work.” Meanwhile, Hamish has come to wonder if the coveted city apartment he bought for his retirement might have been a mistake.
They come to appreciate a different perspective and their insights on certain themes are worth sharing: “We’re not ourselves when we grieve. If the loss is great enough, we’re never that same person ever again” and “Regret takes you nowhere good, unless you use it as motivation not to make the same mistakes in the future” are examples.
This is a novel that will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage, but will also strike a chord with family and friends of that cohort. While some aspects of the plot might be predictable, there are enough turns to keep the reader completely enthralled in the fates of this appealing cast. Thought-provoking, but also heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Meredith Appleyard winner.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction.
October 24, 2024
The Seachangers is the ninth novel by Australian author, Meredith Appleyard. The audio version is narrated by Tanya Schneider and Kenneth Radley. It’s the unexpected death of an elderly parent that brings a recently retired diesel mechanic into the orbit of a café owner whose sea change, a life-changing decision made when she’d been unhappy, dissatisfied and grieving her mother, seems to be wearing her out.
Ruth Clancy came to the clifftop town of Cutlers Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula five years ago to open Rosie’s Café, but lately, the early mornings, hectic days, and necessary after-hours preparation are leaving her tired, headachy and in poor spirits. When Theo Adams, one of her regulars, and several years a widower, dies, she’s not surprised to see his son and daughter in town to sort out his home.
With his younger sister Natalie’s time taken up with children and grandchildren, Hamish Adams finds himself the default person to clear out their parents’ home and get it ready for sale. Sorting through their possessions brings home to him how often and how deeply he’d failed his parents, especially his mother, a product of a tragic incident in his teens. But coffee and lunch at Rosie’s Café, and occasional chats with Ruth, are a welcome respite from that.
Of a similar age, they find they can relate on concerns and challenges that present, even if what they are dealing with, such as sibling issues, are different. Thus topics like retirement plans, business exit strategies, isolation, loneliness and the downward spiral into dependency, avoiding ending up in a care facility, staving off boredom, and reinventing oneself, all get an airing.
Ruth bemoans the loss of the person she was before she became Ruth from Rosie’s Café: “She used to have fun, she didn’t have to censor every word she said and she lived a life that wasn’t always about work.” Meanwhile, Hamish has come to wonder if the coveted city apartment he bought for his retirement might have been a mistake.
They come to appreciate a different perspective and their insights on certain themes are worth sharing: “We’re not ourselves when we grieve. If the loss is great enough, we’re never that same person ever again” and “Regret takes you nowhere good, unless you use it as motivation not to make the same mistakes in the future” are examples.
This is a novel that will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage, but will also strike a chord with family and friends of that cohort. While some aspects of the plot might be predictable, there are enough turns to keep the reader completely enthralled in the fates of this appealing cast. Thought-provoking, but also heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Meredith Appleyard winner.
Ruth Clancy came to the clifftop town of Cutlers Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula five years ago to open Rosie’s Café, but lately, the early mornings, hectic days, and necessary after-hours preparation are leaving her tired, headachy and in poor spirits. When Theo Adams, one of her regulars, and several years a widower, dies, she’s not surprised to see his son and daughter in town to sort out his home.
With his younger sister Natalie’s time taken up with children and grandchildren, Hamish Adams finds himself the default person to clear out their parents’ home and get it ready for sale. Sorting through their possessions brings home to him how often and how deeply he’d failed his parents, especially his mother, a product of a tragic incident in his teens. But coffee and lunch at Rosie’s Café, and occasional chats with Ruth, are a welcome respite from that.
Of a similar age, they find they can relate on concerns and challenges that present, even if what they are dealing with, such as sibling issues, are different. Thus topics like retirement plans, business exit strategies, isolation, loneliness and the downward spiral into dependency, avoiding ending up in a care facility, staving off boredom, and reinventing oneself, all get an airing.
Ruth bemoans the loss of the person she was before she became Ruth from Rosie’s Café: “She used to have fun, she didn’t have to censor every word she said and she lived a life that wasn’t always about work.” Meanwhile, Hamish has come to wonder if the coveted city apartment he bought for his retirement might have been a mistake.
They come to appreciate a different perspective and their insights on certain themes are worth sharing: “We’re not ourselves when we grieve. If the loss is great enough, we’re never that same person ever again” and “Regret takes you nowhere good, unless you use it as motivation not to make the same mistakes in the future” are examples.
This is a novel that will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage, but will also strike a chord with family and friends of that cohort. While some aspects of the plot might be predictable, there are enough turns to keep the reader completely enthralled in the fates of this appealing cast. Thought-provoking, but also heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Meredith Appleyard winner.
May 31, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🌊The Seachangers is Meredith Appleyard’s latest novel, which was published in September 2024. I’ve now read all but two of her growing collection and I can testify that Appleyard continues to write with sensitivity, understanding and insight. It was also the perfect buddy read choice as @bmichie31 and I both found ourselves sucked into the characters, emotion, setting, events and real-life issues this story explores.
🌊Set in the picturesque ocean locale town of Cutlers Bay, Appleyard brings the setting to life with her signature warm, authentic tone and situational detail. From the charm of Rosie’s café to the gentle rhythm of coastal living, Cutlers Bay morphed into a very comforting backdrop, allowing the underlining narrative to tackle some pertinent and underrepresented themes around ageing.
🌊Brooke and I were taken in by the novel’s honest exploration of ageing. We discussed issues related to the quiet invisibility of those who are growing older, along with the tendency for those from our older generations to be taken advantage of, mixed with the strong sense of duty to others many in the older age bracket carry. In the Seachangers, the characters grapple with an inability to put themselves first, they wrestle with the weight of expectations and they make the painful realisation that independence can look very different as you age.
🌊The Seachangers also touches on many general and relational aspects of life, such as running a small business solo, the tug-of-war between career and lifestyle, the reality of retirement plans and the emotional work and guilt involved in caring for elderly parents. The book also carefully explores death, grief, love, new beginnings, say goodbye to the old, connections and the ongoing journey of finding a place to truly call home.
Appleyard avoids raising issues on life’s complexities and she handles them with sensitivity, warmth and hope. This is a novel about second (and third) chances, about embracing change, and about the quiet power of community and belonging.
Brooke and I closed the final pages feeling deeply satisfied and full of things to talk about, which is exactly what we hope for in a great buddy read. I would like to extend my wonderful and regular buddy read pal @bmichie31 a very big thank you for reading this one with me. I enjoyed our hearty discussions on this one! 4 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 thank you to @harlequinaus for the review copy
🌊The Seachangers is Meredith Appleyard’s latest novel, which was published in September 2024. I’ve now read all but two of her growing collection and I can testify that Appleyard continues to write with sensitivity, understanding and insight. It was also the perfect buddy read choice as @bmichie31 and I both found ourselves sucked into the characters, emotion, setting, events and real-life issues this story explores.
🌊Set in the picturesque ocean locale town of Cutlers Bay, Appleyard brings the setting to life with her signature warm, authentic tone and situational detail. From the charm of Rosie’s café to the gentle rhythm of coastal living, Cutlers Bay morphed into a very comforting backdrop, allowing the underlining narrative to tackle some pertinent and underrepresented themes around ageing.
🌊Brooke and I were taken in by the novel’s honest exploration of ageing. We discussed issues related to the quiet invisibility of those who are growing older, along with the tendency for those from our older generations to be taken advantage of, mixed with the strong sense of duty to others many in the older age bracket carry. In the Seachangers, the characters grapple with an inability to put themselves first, they wrestle with the weight of expectations and they make the painful realisation that independence can look very different as you age.
🌊The Seachangers also touches on many general and relational aspects of life, such as running a small business solo, the tug-of-war between career and lifestyle, the reality of retirement plans and the emotional work and guilt involved in caring for elderly parents. The book also carefully explores death, grief, love, new beginnings, say goodbye to the old, connections and the ongoing journey of finding a place to truly call home.
Appleyard avoids raising issues on life’s complexities and she handles them with sensitivity, warmth and hope. This is a novel about second (and third) chances, about embracing change, and about the quiet power of community and belonging.
Brooke and I closed the final pages feeling deeply satisfied and full of things to talk about, which is exactly what we hope for in a great buddy read. I would like to extend my wonderful and regular buddy read pal @bmichie31 a very big thank you for reading this one with me. I enjoyed our hearty discussions on this one! 4 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 thank you to @harlequinaus for the review copy
October 25, 2024
4.5★
The Seachangers by Aussie author Meredith Appleyard is a beautifully written story with a great cast of characters. The storyline and setting had me so engrossed that I didn’t want this story to end. I loved this story and I love the cover, it is very eye-catching. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
The Seachangers by Aussie author Meredith Appleyard is a beautifully written story with a great cast of characters. The storyline and setting had me so engrossed that I didn’t want this story to end. I loved this story and I love the cover, it is very eye-catching. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
September 27, 2024
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard is a beautiful story about ageing, retirement and new beginnings.
Ruth is in her early 60's and after 5 years running Rosie's Cafe in Cutlers Bay she has become tired and worn down. She is reluctant to retire, as all her money is tied up in the cafe, but can't see herself continuing at this pace without her health being compromised.
Hamish, now retired, has a big flash city apartment and plenty of time to play golf but finds himself bored and lonely. When his father dies he travels to Cutlers Bay to clear out the house and sell it. Being back in the house brings back memories and regrets but he also finds a friendly atmosphere in the town he's never felt in the city.
The Seachangers is a clever and engaging story about life's problems and how we cope with change as we age.
Meredith Appleyard highlights the difficulties faced with self-employment, especially in the hospitality industry when patrons expect you to be open everyday, and the difficulty of finding reliable staff in a small town.
I loved that there was a romance element with an older couple. The romance evolved slowly and natural with no gushing or angst, making it very believable.
The Seachangers is a wonderful contemporary fiction story that delves into the everyday questions of when to stop working, do I have enough money and what to do after retirement.
Ruth is in her early 60's and after 5 years running Rosie's Cafe in Cutlers Bay she has become tired and worn down. She is reluctant to retire, as all her money is tied up in the cafe, but can't see herself continuing at this pace without her health being compromised.
Hamish, now retired, has a big flash city apartment and plenty of time to play golf but finds himself bored and lonely. When his father dies he travels to Cutlers Bay to clear out the house and sell it. Being back in the house brings back memories and regrets but he also finds a friendly atmosphere in the town he's never felt in the city.
The Seachangers is a clever and engaging story about life's problems and how we cope with change as we age.
Meredith Appleyard highlights the difficulties faced with self-employment, especially in the hospitality industry when patrons expect you to be open everyday, and the difficulty of finding reliable staff in a small town.
I loved that there was a romance element with an older couple. The romance evolved slowly and natural with no gushing or angst, making it very believable.
The Seachangers is a wonderful contemporary fiction story that delves into the everyday questions of when to stop working, do I have enough money and what to do after retirement.
September 29, 2024
I picked this up as it features an older leading couple but, unfortunately, it wasn't for me.
I thought a gentle sweet read would be just what I needed at the moment but The Seachangers didn't capture my attention. I found myself getting distracted and skimming.
There just wasn't enough plot. Most of the conflict was far to humdrum and mentioned repetitively.
There isn't anything offensive about the book and I'm sure some people will enjoy it, but it's a 1 1/2 out of 5 for me.
I thought a gentle sweet read would be just what I needed at the moment but The Seachangers didn't capture my attention. I found myself getting distracted and skimming.
There just wasn't enough plot. Most of the conflict was far to humdrum and mentioned repetitively.
There isn't anything offensive about the book and I'm sure some people will enjoy it, but it's a 1 1/2 out of 5 for me.
February 12, 2025
* " No-one gets this far in life without accumulating baggage, but time is running out and we shouldn’t waste another moment of it."
Всеизвестен факт е , че когато човек е млад, рядко мисли за после. Кипящ от енергия, ентусиазъм и мечти, той иска да прави нещата по свой начин, да види света и да изпробва границите на възможностите и фантазията си. Семейната среда и детството често, ако не винаги, играят роля за действията на всеки от нас. Дали да останем близо до родителите си и до дома или да се изселим, ако може, на другия край на земята. Но времето минава и младия ентусиазиран човек натрупва години живот, години срещи и раздели, разочарования и падения и стига до момента, когато старостта чука на врата��а. Дори ако за нея напомнят болките в ставите, високото кръвно налягане и всепоглъщащото желание да си даде почивка от ежедневните задължения и да остави умът и тялото да следват моментните му желания. В някакъв момент човек губи един или и двамата си родители и котвата, която го е заземявала към родното място, изчезва. Идват спомените, съжаленията за пропиляно време, неизказани / или прибързано казани думи и в сърцето зейва дупка. Освен възрастта и задължителното ходене на работа, за да осигурим доходи ( понякога до последно) се добавя и мисълта, че вече сме сам - сами в този свят. Ако имаме семейство, половинката и децата ни ще ни наблюдават и ще ни разсейват от болката вътре в нас. Но какво, ако сме били ангажирани със собствената си независимост през целия си живот? Ако сме отбягвали да разчитаме на другите, защото е било неприемливо за нас? Ако сме си били самодостатъчни? А годините, в които това вече ще бъде невъзможно, са близо?
* " And all the while you’re getting older, less able and coming to realise you’ve let some of the most important things just slip through your fingers. "
Имам си свои любими жанрове и теми, които следвам, за да извлека максимално удоволствие от четенето на една книга. Но не е немислимо да посегна към нова тема, ако резюмето ме грабне. Както се случи с The Seachangers на австралийската писателка Meredith Appleyard . Темата на книгата й засяга всеки човек. И четейки я, е невъзможно да не съпоставяме със собствения си житейски избор, с опита си и с мястото, до което ни е довел. Дали сме сами или с голямо семейство, дали сме егоистично обърнати към себе си или сме общителни и отворени към хората в общността си, ние изпитваме предложеното от социалната политика на мястото и страната си с цялата му сложност и степен на достъпност.
Както казва самата Meredith Appleyard :
" Първите ми четири романа изследват предизвикателствата при предоставянето на здравни услуги в селски и отдалечени селски общности. Всичко струва повече, колкото повече се отдалечавате от градовете. Колкото по-отдалечено е местоположението, толкова по-трудно е да се наемат лекари, медицински сестри и други здравни специалисти, но наградите са богати, ако желаете да излезете извън зоната си на комфорт. "
Който все още не е усетил тези проблеми и ги счита за екзотични, с напредване на възрастта ще види истинността им. Особено лукса да се живее в провинцията. Книгите на Appleyard са един от начините да погледнем в бъдещето си.
Тежки теми, но истински до болка. Не съжалявам, че прочетох The Seachangers. Напротив, тя ми отвори очите за това, че колкото и напреднала социално, икономически или политически да е една страна в света, то остаряването е самотно занимание. И всеки преминава през него по свой си начин.
* " Maybe what we need to do when we retire, is reinvent ourselves. Whether we realise it’s what needs doing and actively do it, or just let it happen over time. Try something and discover it’s not for you, so try something different until you find what fits. "
* " So much of who we are is tied up in the work we do. You take the job out of the equation and what’s left? "
* " Maybe some people just weren’t meant to partner up, were better off on their own. "
Всеизвестен факт е , че когато човек е млад, рядко мисли за после. Кипящ от енергия, ентусиазъм и мечти, той иска да прави нещата по свой начин, да види света и да изпробва границите на възможностите и фантазията си. Семейната среда и детството често, ако не винаги, играят роля за действията на всеки от нас. Дали да останем близо до родителите си и до дома или да се изселим, ако може, на другия край на земята. Но времето минава и младия ентусиазиран човек натрупва години живот, години срещи и раздели, разочарования и падения и стига до момента, когато старостта чука на врата��а. Дори ако за нея напомнят болките в ставите, високото кръвно налягане и всепоглъщащото желание да си даде почивка от ежедневните задължения и да остави умът и тялото да следват моментните му желания. В някакъв момент човек губи един или и двамата си родители и котвата, която го е заземявала към родното място, изчезва. Идват спомените, съжаленията за пропиляно време, неизказани / или прибързано казани думи и в сърцето зейва дупка. Освен възрастта и задължителното ходене на работа, за да осигурим доходи ( понякога до последно) се добавя и мисълта, че вече сме сам - сами в този свят. Ако имаме семейство, половинката и децата ни ще ни наблюдават и ще ни разсейват от болката вътре в нас. Но какво, ако сме били ангажирани със собствената си независимост през целия си живот? Ако сме отбягвали да разчитаме на другите, защото е било неприемливо за нас? Ако сме си били самодостатъчни? А годините, в които това вече ще бъде невъзможно, са близо?
* " And all the while you’re getting older, less able and coming to realise you’ve let some of the most important things just slip through your fingers. "
Имам си свои любими жанрове и теми, които следвам, за да извлека максимално удоволствие от четенето на една книга. Но не е немислимо да посегна към нова тема, ако резюмето ме грабне. Както се случи с The Seachangers на австралийската писателка Meredith Appleyard . Темата на книгата й засяга всеки човек. И четейки я, е невъзможно да не съпоставяме със собствения си житейски избор, с опита си и с мястото, до което ни е довел. Дали сме сами или с голямо семейство, дали сме егоистично обърнати към себе си или сме общителни и отворени към хората в общността си, ние изпитваме предложеното от социалната политика на мястото и страната си с цялата му сложност и степен на достъпност.
Както казва самата Meredith Appleyard :
" Първите ми четири романа изследват предизвикателствата при предоставянето на здравни услуги в селски и отдалечени селски общности. Всичко струва повече, колкото повече се отдалечавате от градовете. Колкото по-отдалечено е местоположението, толкова по-трудно е да се наемат лекари, медицински сестри и други здравни специалисти, но наградите са богати, ако желаете да излезете извън зоната си на комфорт. "
Който все още не е усетил тези проблеми и ги счита за екзотични, с напредване на възрастта ще види истинността им. Особено лукса да се живее в провинцията. Книгите на Appleyard са един от начините да погледнем в бъдещето си.
Тежки теми, но истински до болка. Не съжалявам, че прочетох The Seachangers. Напротив, тя ми отвори очите за това, че колкото и напреднала социално, икономически или политически да е една страна в света, то остаряването е самотно занимание. И всеки преминава през него по свой си начин.
* " Maybe what we need to do when we retire, is reinvent ourselves. Whether we realise it’s what needs doing and actively do it, or just let it happen over time. Try something and discover it’s not for you, so try something different until you find what fits. "
* " So much of who we are is tied up in the work we do. You take the job out of the equation and what’s left? "
* " Maybe some people just weren’t meant to partner up, were better off on their own. "
September 1, 2024
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Seachangers is a heartfelt chronicle of two people at crossroads in their lives.
Let’s return to Cutlers Bay and meet…..
Ruth, owner of Rosie’s Cafe.
Working in the successful business she finds it’s not what she wants anymore.
Making a change seems like the answer but what will she do next?
Hamish has come to town after his father dies.
He is restless in the city, so dealing with the aftermath of death keeps him busy.
Is the quiet country just what he needs or did he retire too early?
When Hamish meets Ruth, a friendship blossoms.
Is love in the future…….
I’ve been a fan of Meredith’s books from the very beginning.
Her mature contemporary fiction explores the life changes, society and challenges in older people.
Set in a community minded town, family drama, romantic elements, choices, acceptance, kinship, happiness and solidarity are just some of the issues included.
An engaging plot with a cast of characters you can call friends.
The Seachangers is a heartfelt chronicle of two people at crossroads in their lives.
Let’s return to Cutlers Bay and meet…..
Ruth, owner of Rosie’s Cafe.
Working in the successful business she finds it’s not what she wants anymore.
Making a change seems like the answer but what will she do next?
Hamish has come to town after his father dies.
He is restless in the city, so dealing with the aftermath of death keeps him busy.
Is the quiet country just what he needs or did he retire too early?
When Hamish meets Ruth, a friendship blossoms.
Is love in the future…….
I’ve been a fan of Meredith’s books from the very beginning.
Her mature contemporary fiction explores the life changes, society and challenges in older people.
Set in a community minded town, family drama, romantic elements, choices, acceptance, kinship, happiness and solidarity are just some of the issues included.
An engaging plot with a cast of characters you can call friends.
October 10, 2024
Gosh I love Meredith’s books! Meredith is part of a group of authors writing tales that involve our aging population and I salute her for shining the spotlight on this undervalued age group. It’s not overly dramatic but packs a punch where it counts for the over 50s age bracket and the challenges and decisions they often face.
‘I'd noticed that about getting older: I couldn't keep as many balls in the air at one time, not anymore, no matter how many lists I made and how hard I tried.’
The Seachangers is a sensitive story about ageing, retirement and new beginnings. Meredith assembles a great cast of characters from the over 50s, to teenagers, to single mothers. Every one of them has something to contribute and it’s the tiny details that make the story so relatable. It’s about the problems of life and how we cope with them no matter what our age is. With themes including family, suicide, retirement, running a small business, death, depression and alcoholism.
‘The idea I might end my days in an aged-care facility was beyond the pale. I needed to get my act together, make the most of the years I had left before it was too late.‘
The Seachangers is a wonderful story that I could not put down. There is something for every reader but especially those getting older and some of the big questions about not only what direction your life is going but how you are going to get there.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I'd noticed that about getting older: I couldn't keep as many balls in the air at one time, not anymore, no matter how many lists I made and how hard I tried.’
The Seachangers is a sensitive story about ageing, retirement and new beginnings. Meredith assembles a great cast of characters from the over 50s, to teenagers, to single mothers. Every one of them has something to contribute and it’s the tiny details that make the story so relatable. It’s about the problems of life and how we cope with them no matter what our age is. With themes including family, suicide, retirement, running a small business, death, depression and alcoholism.
‘The idea I might end my days in an aged-care facility was beyond the pale. I needed to get my act together, make the most of the years I had left before it was too late.‘
The Seachangers is a wonderful story that I could not put down. There is something for every reader but especially those getting older and some of the big questions about not only what direction your life is going but how you are going to get there.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 29, 2024
The Seachangers is a wonderful story that gives reflection on life as you get older and wondering what to do with the rest of your life after working all the time.
Ruth is a cafe owner of Rosie's Cafe after building it from the ground up from when she moved from Adelaide to Cutler's Bay at 57, now that she's 62. She feels run down and feels like there is more to life than just running/operating a cafe.
Hamish Adam has retired and living the dream retired life he dreamed of but when his dad Theo Adams passes away he feels like the retired life for him isn't his thing atm and decides to sell his apartment in Adelaide and move to Cutler's Bay into his parents place.
The way this was written pulled at my heart strings as it gives a lot of depth of what life is like sometimes as there is topics on things like: dysfunctional families, suicide, talking about death, losing a sibling, depression, being lonely.
I enjoyed reading about Ruth and Hamish and would like to give thanks to HQ and Netgalley for letting me read this delightful book.
Ruth is a cafe owner of Rosie's Cafe after building it from the ground up from when she moved from Adelaide to Cutler's Bay at 57, now that she's 62. She feels run down and feels like there is more to life than just running/operating a cafe.
Hamish Adam has retired and living the dream retired life he dreamed of but when his dad Theo Adams passes away he feels like the retired life for him isn't his thing atm and decides to sell his apartment in Adelaide and move to Cutler's Bay into his parents place.
The way this was written pulled at my heart strings as it gives a lot of depth of what life is like sometimes as there is topics on things like: dysfunctional families, suicide, talking about death, losing a sibling, depression, being lonely.
I enjoyed reading about Ruth and Hamish and would like to give thanks to HQ and Netgalley for letting me read this delightful book.
October 3, 2025
THE SEACHANGERS is a story of new beginnings and finding love later in life, a theme that is often absent in novels. It’s a feel-good, slow exploration of life in your 60’s with the problems faced by this generation in Australia today. I enjoyed it despite its slow pace, finding the characters relatable and the general vibe positive.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 26, 2024
3.8 ⭐️'s
August 26, 2024
Another excellent story by Meredith who is one of my go to authors! This time, The Seachangers is about two people - Ruth who owns and operates Rosie’s Cafe in a seaside town and Hamish who visits the town to sort out his late father’s house after his death. Both Ruth and Hamish are in their mature years. Hamish is a retired divorcee and is at a loose end living in Adelaide in an apartment where he knows no one. Ruth started the cafe from nothing and it is a thriving business but she is starting to tire of the hours involved and the staffing issues.
This book was a great story with a good cast of other characters as well and was an excellent depiction of life when you reach a certain age and stage in your life, and the challenges that present themselves. Meredith never fails to provide a thought provoking book every time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from page one. Highly recommended for readers of Women’s fiction. Loved the cover design as well!
My sincere thanks go to Harlequin Australia for the copy of this book for review purposes.
This book was a great story with a good cast of other characters as well and was an excellent depiction of life when you reach a certain age and stage in your life, and the challenges that present themselves. Meredith never fails to provide a thought provoking book every time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from page one. Highly recommended for readers of Women’s fiction. Loved the cover design as well!
My sincere thanks go to Harlequin Australia for the copy of this book for review purposes.
August 14, 2024
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard has such a refreshing cover matched by a finely written story that is quite realistic and appealing. Many of us know the Australian show SeaChange with Sigrid Thornton. I loved that show and my daughter was born at home twenty five years ago a Sunday night during the airing of one of its episodes. Unfortunately, I missed that one! (Though I now own the boxset). There is a lot of interest these days in finding a better lifestyle. The Australian definition of the word seachange is: a significant change in lifestyle, especially a move from the city to a rural or seaside location. Why do people do it? They are looking for “a better work-life balance."
This is a story about all that and more. Relationships are the heart of this plot, though. More with a focus on character development or realisation than action. Of course, there are some life major events that drive the plot like death of parents, siblings and health scares: all the things that go with getting older and needing to make life decisions that can be quite scary but necessary to keep moving forward. Time, mobility and even money are luxuries, too, we often don’t have plenty of when we get older so we must do all we can, when opportunities arise that make sense and can create a better senior life for ourselves. Whether it be to sell up a business, move house, downsize, head for better shores or take a well-earned holiday.
The Seachangers unfolds in chapters that are divided mostly between Ruth and Hamish’s viewpoints. They are the main focus characters with others swirling around them. They are not a couple to start with but in the end they find their way to each other, both older and enjoying companionship that appears natural between them. They are definitely friends able to share their burdens and provide support through some trying circumstances. This friendship though could become a bit more. But each of them is out of practice as far as romantic relationships are concerned. It doesn’t matter though as there is no pretence and plenty of honesty flows between them. I loved how Hamish is gentle with Ruth and steps in to be whatever she needs at the time and she is the same with Hamish.
When Ruth courageously made the sea change at age 57 from the city to the seaside town of Cutler’s Bay, she opened a Rosie’s Café and ran a successful business. But now that she is five years older (62) she is feeling worn down from all the work and worry. The person she sees in the mirror has aged and she has lost her energy and sparkle. She needs a change. And once she makes that decision to move forward again, she realises a new direction—in fact a new business that draws upon her past travels and resident time in Paris. She is able to utilise her love of clothes and desire to help others who need them. A great new goal that will appeal to her skills and interests and be less hectic and less demanding at this stage in her life.
Hamish was a diesel mechanic and worked in the bush, then retired and moved to the city but became ill at ease with his new surroundings. When his 89 year old father dies, he comes to Cutlers Bay to tend to the house left to him and his only sister. They are not close and her behaviour towards him is quite grating at times but we learn more about their past and understand how they got to this point in their sibling relationship. Hamish witnessed a loss in his family at a young age and it overshadowed his life. It has caused some psychological wounds that must be treated and he eventually gets the courage to do so. While sorting out his father’s home, he becomes energised by renovation ideas and once visiting Rosie’s Café strikes up a friendship with Ruth. It seems Cutler’s Bay works its magic on him. And life begins looking up.
This is a solid story with firm bones that left me nodding my head often, understanding the characters and their dilemmas. It displays the struggles of most people today getting older and being faced with different options and needs. Ruth and Hamish are very likeable characters and I enjoyed following their journeys as they navigated the maze of ageism. I heartily recommend The Seachangers for anyone who likes a well written modern day Australian story laced with wit and wisdom but older readers may appreciate its topics even more. 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Negalley for a review copy.
This is a story about all that and more. Relationships are the heart of this plot, though. More with a focus on character development or realisation than action. Of course, there are some life major events that drive the plot like death of parents, siblings and health scares: all the things that go with getting older and needing to make life decisions that can be quite scary but necessary to keep moving forward. Time, mobility and even money are luxuries, too, we often don’t have plenty of when we get older so we must do all we can, when opportunities arise that make sense and can create a better senior life for ourselves. Whether it be to sell up a business, move house, downsize, head for better shores or take a well-earned holiday.
The Seachangers unfolds in chapters that are divided mostly between Ruth and Hamish’s viewpoints. They are the main focus characters with others swirling around them. They are not a couple to start with but in the end they find their way to each other, both older and enjoying companionship that appears natural between them. They are definitely friends able to share their burdens and provide support through some trying circumstances. This friendship though could become a bit more. But each of them is out of practice as far as romantic relationships are concerned. It doesn’t matter though as there is no pretence and plenty of honesty flows between them. I loved how Hamish is gentle with Ruth and steps in to be whatever she needs at the time and she is the same with Hamish.
When Ruth courageously made the sea change at age 57 from the city to the seaside town of Cutler’s Bay, she opened a Rosie’s Café and ran a successful business. But now that she is five years older (62) she is feeling worn down from all the work and worry. The person she sees in the mirror has aged and she has lost her energy and sparkle. She needs a change. And once she makes that decision to move forward again, she realises a new direction—in fact a new business that draws upon her past travels and resident time in Paris. She is able to utilise her love of clothes and desire to help others who need them. A great new goal that will appeal to her skills and interests and be less hectic and less demanding at this stage in her life.
Hamish was a diesel mechanic and worked in the bush, then retired and moved to the city but became ill at ease with his new surroundings. When his 89 year old father dies, he comes to Cutlers Bay to tend to the house left to him and his only sister. They are not close and her behaviour towards him is quite grating at times but we learn more about their past and understand how they got to this point in their sibling relationship. Hamish witnessed a loss in his family at a young age and it overshadowed his life. It has caused some psychological wounds that must be treated and he eventually gets the courage to do so. While sorting out his father’s home, he becomes energised by renovation ideas and once visiting Rosie’s Café strikes up a friendship with Ruth. It seems Cutler’s Bay works its magic on him. And life begins looking up.
This is a solid story with firm bones that left me nodding my head often, understanding the characters and their dilemmas. It displays the struggles of most people today getting older and being faced with different options and needs. Ruth and Hamish are very likeable characters and I enjoyed following their journeys as they navigated the maze of ageism. I heartily recommend The Seachangers for anyone who likes a well written modern day Australian story laced with wit and wisdom but older readers may appreciate its topics even more. 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Negalley for a review copy.
September 15, 2024
Five years prior to the start of the book Ruth had a sea change after the death of her mother. She purchased a cafe in a small seaside town called Cutler’s Bay located a few hours north of Adelaide in South Australia. The cafe was run down but she has built it up and it’s now a flourishing business with regular customers and a small casual staff base. Recently though, it has started to be all too hard, and she has started to lose the joy. With staff issues resulting in Ruth working longer hours, severe migraines hitting her, and generally feeling tired, run down and trapped. When an acquaintance of hers retires at 57, she realises she is in her 60s with no retirement plan in place and wondering if running the cafe until she drops dead is really what she wants to do.
Hamish has already retired and living what he thought was his dream in a trendy apartment in Adelaide. However his dream is slowly turning into a nightmare and he doesn’t know what to do to change things around. When his father’s body is found, he travels to Cutler’s Bay and decides to stay and do up his fathers house so it can be sold. But as he slowly fixes the place up, meets the neighbours and gradually joins in community activities he wonders if life here might be what he needs.
When Hamish comes into the cafe and meets Ruth, friendship blossoms as they help each other to work through their dissatisfactions. It is not smooth sailing, there are misunderstandings as they resist the growing feelings for each other and cling to their independence.
There are quite a few issues covered as back stories - family drama, sibling rivalry, suicide, death, alcoholism, depression, health scares, teenage children, money issues. A thoroughly thought provoking book that has many light moments so doesn’t drag you down at all. There is a great support cast of all ages from teens upwards, there are some characters you would like to give a good virtual smack to, others I rolled my eyes at and yet more who I would ask over to my place for a BBQ. I love it when I relate to characters and I certainly related to both Hamish and Ruth - and not just because I’m in their age group.
The Seachange is an excellent story, I could not put it down. There is something for everyone in the story and I loved every moment I spent with Ruth and Hamish. This is not my first Meredith Appleyard book and it won’t be my last - I love her work.
Thank you Harlequin Australia for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Hamish has already retired and living what he thought was his dream in a trendy apartment in Adelaide. However his dream is slowly turning into a nightmare and he doesn’t know what to do to change things around. When his father’s body is found, he travels to Cutler’s Bay and decides to stay and do up his fathers house so it can be sold. But as he slowly fixes the place up, meets the neighbours and gradually joins in community activities he wonders if life here might be what he needs.
When Hamish comes into the cafe and meets Ruth, friendship blossoms as they help each other to work through their dissatisfactions. It is not smooth sailing, there are misunderstandings as they resist the growing feelings for each other and cling to their independence.
There are quite a few issues covered as back stories - family drama, sibling rivalry, suicide, death, alcoholism, depression, health scares, teenage children, money issues. A thoroughly thought provoking book that has many light moments so doesn’t drag you down at all. There is a great support cast of all ages from teens upwards, there are some characters you would like to give a good virtual smack to, others I rolled my eyes at and yet more who I would ask over to my place for a BBQ. I love it when I relate to characters and I certainly related to both Hamish and Ruth - and not just because I’m in their age group.
The Seachange is an excellent story, I could not put it down. There is something for everyone in the story and I loved every moment I spent with Ruth and Hamish. This is not my first Meredith Appleyard book and it won’t be my last - I love her work.
Thank you Harlequin Australia for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
October 16, 2024
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard delves into the lives of Ruth Clancy and Hamish Adams. Both are in their sixties and are navigating the uncertainties of ageing, retirement and self discovery. Set against the scenic coastal town of Cutlers Bay on the South Australian Yorke Peninsula, Ruth is feeling exhausted after five years of running Rosie’s Café and starts to question her future, Hamish, on the other hand, in newly retired and financially stable but when his elderly father dies from suicide, Hamish returns to the small coastal town and starts to question whether the coastal life would suit him more than retired life in the city.
Meredith Appleyard has created a beautifully written and thoughtful exploration into two lives at a crossroad. She has excelled at creating a deeply immersive small-town atmosphere and has created a richly detailed description surrounding the challenges of owning/operating a small business. Appleyard explores the themes of aging, loneliness, the quest for purpose and other challenges faced in later life with sensitivity which makes the story relatable and genuine.
While I did enjoy the story, some of the plot felt prolonged. As the main characters wrestle with their internal conflicts the novel’s paced slowed and felt repetitive. The romance between Ruth and Hamish develops slowly and while I could see that this was so that the romance focused on the quiet moments of connection and mutual support, it was too slow for my personal liking.
Fans of contemporary fiction, especially those interested in stories about aging and second chances, will find much to love in The Seachangers. I especially loved the vivid setting of the South Australian coastal town and found myself searching google maps to find where this fictional town may have been based. Fans of Meridith Appleyard should add this book to their to be read pile as it is a story worth reading.
Meredith Appleyard has created a beautifully written and thoughtful exploration into two lives at a crossroad. She has excelled at creating a deeply immersive small-town atmosphere and has created a richly detailed description surrounding the challenges of owning/operating a small business. Appleyard explores the themes of aging, loneliness, the quest for purpose and other challenges faced in later life with sensitivity which makes the story relatable and genuine.
While I did enjoy the story, some of the plot felt prolonged. As the main characters wrestle with their internal conflicts the novel’s paced slowed and felt repetitive. The romance between Ruth and Hamish develops slowly and while I could see that this was so that the romance focused on the quiet moments of connection and mutual support, it was too slow for my personal liking.
Fans of contemporary fiction, especially those interested in stories about aging and second chances, will find much to love in The Seachangers. I especially loved the vivid setting of the South Australian coastal town and found myself searching google maps to find where this fictional town may have been based. Fans of Meridith Appleyard should add this book to their to be read pile as it is a story worth reading.
September 12, 2025
A midlife crisis, complex family dynamics, romance, everyone wants to own a bookshop /cafe / florist read. A great beach or country getaway book. It made me want to retire in the country and reno a farmhouse. Three and a half stars.
October 1, 2024
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard
Thanks to Better Reading and publishers Harper Collins for an Advance Readers Copy of the lovely novel. I was interested in the two main characters from the beginning and enjoyed the fact the story is set in South Australia. Ruth is a 63 year old who is running a popular beach side café, but totally worn out mentally and physically with all the work that involves. Hamish is of similar age, retired, bored, living in Adelaide city and continuing to deny childhood trauma. The couple eventually meet and naturally don’t get on at first. Although there is romance brewing this book is so much more than that. It covers small country towns, the culture there and the typical gossip that arises. I really liked the way the author, Meridith Appleyard discussed the issue of aging, depression, family expectations and responsibilities, accepted or not, all as part of the story line and done in a gentle way. These issues will encourage the reader to think about their own circumstances with aging family members and future planning. It inspired me to reach out to elderly family and friends and I plan to do so on a more regular basis. Saying that, the issues are not heavy and depressing, there are many very funny incidents within the story, and many comments and characters you are likely to recognize in your own family members. A perfect lighter read for me, five stars.
Thanks to Better Reading and publishers Harper Collins for an Advance Readers Copy of the lovely novel. I was interested in the two main characters from the beginning and enjoyed the fact the story is set in South Australia. Ruth is a 63 year old who is running a popular beach side café, but totally worn out mentally and physically with all the work that involves. Hamish is of similar age, retired, bored, living in Adelaide city and continuing to deny childhood trauma. The couple eventually meet and naturally don’t get on at first. Although there is romance brewing this book is so much more than that. It covers small country towns, the culture there and the typical gossip that arises. I really liked the way the author, Meridith Appleyard discussed the issue of aging, depression, family expectations and responsibilities, accepted or not, all as part of the story line and done in a gentle way. These issues will encourage the reader to think about their own circumstances with aging family members and future planning. It inspired me to reach out to elderly family and friends and I plan to do so on a more regular basis. Saying that, the issues are not heavy and depressing, there are many very funny incidents within the story, and many comments and characters you are likely to recognize in your own family members. A perfect lighter read for me, five stars.
October 7, 2024
The Seachangers is a beautiful story by Meredith Appleyard about two people in their late fifties deciding what to do about retirement and finding love again. When she turned 57, Ruth moved from the city to a country town called Cutlers Bay to run a small cafe. However, after five years, Ruth started thinking about what to do about her business and retirement. When one of her customers died, his son Harmish came to Cutlers Bay to organise his father's house for sale and work out what he wanted to do with his life. Will Ruth and Harmish work out what they want to do in retirement? The readers of The Seachangers will continue to follow Hamish and Ruth to discover what happens.
The Seachangers is a beautiful book that allows me to imagine being lucky like the main characters in this book. I engaged with this book from the first page but had trouble putting it down. I love Meredith Appleyard's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. The Seachangers was well-written and researched. I like Meredith Appleyard's description of the settings of The Seachangers, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Seachangers will understand the problems of working in a small business. Also, The readers of The Seachangers will know that sometimes what you dream for you does not necessarily get what you want when you retire.
I recommend this book.
The Seachangers is a beautiful book that allows me to imagine being lucky like the main characters in this book. I engaged with this book from the first page but had trouble putting it down. I love Meredith Appleyard's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. The Seachangers was well-written and researched. I like Meredith Appleyard's description of the settings of The Seachangers, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Seachangers will understand the problems of working in a small business. Also, The readers of The Seachangers will know that sometimes what you dream for you does not necessarily get what you want when you retire.
I recommend this book.
July 1, 2024
Really lucky to have read an ARC, absolutely beautiful. Meredith captures small town communities so well and returning to Cutlers Bay was a delight. Having older characters is wonderful and so relatable. Meredith's attention to detail is such a standout and just brings better definition to an already beautiful read. We do meet a few characters that we already know, so it's like returning to Cutlers Bay for a summer holiday. Enjoy.
September 21, 2024
This is a sensitive and kind portrait of two people facing the fact that they are getting older, and making decisions about how they want to spend their later years. I found it quietly emotional, and a lovely novel to read.
When Rosie relocated from the city to Cutler’s Bay to open a café, more than a few people predicted disaster. But Rosie’s not just survived, she’s built a thriving business. A bit too thriving perhaps; it’s starting to get on top of her. Rosie is feeling she’s lost herself, but she’s not too sure how to go about fixing that.
Meanwhile Hamish has retired to the city, and is finding it not at all what he’d expected. When his father’s death brings him to Cutler’s Bay, he finds himself re-evaluating what he wants to spend his last decades doing – and where, and with whom.
This is a gentle story about people who’ve reached a stage in their lives where certain choices have been closed off. However, this new stage brings new choices, although there’s a kind of finality to some of them, too. Appleyard does not shy away from the fact that some of the characters are literally thinking about where they want to die. Sure, it’s not exactly on the horizon. But it’s close enough to be a factor in their decisions.
This is not a sad story, although it certainly explores loss, actual and anticipated. I guess I’d say that the theme of this is that it’s never too late to make changes and improve your happiness with life, even if the kinds of choices you can make do change throughout your life. There’s a different kind of urgency to the choices you make in your twenties and in your fifties.
I found the characters believable and empathetic. It was easy to become engaged with their stories and with the problems they faced. Appleyard’s gentle writing style is very engaging and draws the reader in. This is not a novel for cliffhangers or truly dramatic twists. It’s a genuine and caring exploration of people moving from one life stage to another.
I really enjoyed this novel. It’s thoughtful and caring, and the kind of novel you want to take your time over. You want to spend as much time as possible with the characters. It may also encourage you to consider some of your own choices, past and future. Highly recommended.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Meredith Appleyard:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
When Rosie relocated from the city to Cutler’s Bay to open a café, more than a few people predicted disaster. But Rosie’s not just survived, she’s built a thriving business. A bit too thriving perhaps; it’s starting to get on top of her. Rosie is feeling she’s lost herself, but she’s not too sure how to go about fixing that.
Meanwhile Hamish has retired to the city, and is finding it not at all what he’d expected. When his father’s death brings him to Cutler’s Bay, he finds himself re-evaluating what he wants to spend his last decades doing – and where, and with whom.
This is a gentle story about people who’ve reached a stage in their lives where certain choices have been closed off. However, this new stage brings new choices, although there’s a kind of finality to some of them, too. Appleyard does not shy away from the fact that some of the characters are literally thinking about where they want to die. Sure, it’s not exactly on the horizon. But it’s close enough to be a factor in their decisions.
This is not a sad story, although it certainly explores loss, actual and anticipated. I guess I’d say that the theme of this is that it’s never too late to make changes and improve your happiness with life, even if the kinds of choices you can make do change throughout your life. There’s a different kind of urgency to the choices you make in your twenties and in your fifties.
I found the characters believable and empathetic. It was easy to become engaged with their stories and with the problems they faced. Appleyard’s gentle writing style is very engaging and draws the reader in. This is not a novel for cliffhangers or truly dramatic twists. It’s a genuine and caring exploration of people moving from one life stage to another.
I really enjoyed this novel. It’s thoughtful and caring, and the kind of novel you want to take your time over. You want to spend as much time as possible with the characters. It may also encourage you to consider some of your own choices, past and future. Highly recommended.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Meredith Appleyard:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
September 16, 2024
Ruth is edging closer to retirement age where all those aged like her are retiring, and continues to work at Ruth’s café at Cutler’s Bay. She knows every customer down to the coffee and type of toast, as well as when they come on any given day. Ruth needs to make a decision about the rest of her life, however she is always more focused on bringing happiness to everybody else making enough time to focus on her own life. At the cafe, she meets Hamish who has come to clean out his deceased father's house, one of Ruth’s regular raisin toast customers. Hamish and Ruth find an unexpected connection, and Hamish also discovers that a small coastal town offers a lifestyle that he would be very comfortable with.
Meredith Appleyard creates real-life and authentic characters; they live experiences not too different from our own. She also concentrates scenarios around older people who are sitting within their own crossroads of life, and this is still quite rare in the literary world. Appleyard balanced a blend of characters from all walks of life: from teenagers finding their feet with separated parents, single parents, those with retirement age calling, and others who are at the end of their lives. We meet Allie and her two young children dealing with the return of her ex-husband and the angst of working full-time to support her two kids. Conversely we also are introduced to Hamish’s sister who is more focused on money rather than having a relationship with her brother, or discussing what happened to their other brother who died all those years ago. We meet Ruth’s brothers, and the local older women who seem to know everything and everyone in town.
It is a cavalcade of characters adding to the myriad of issues being addressed in this story, from sibling rivalry (at both ends of the age spectrum), retirement, small business ownership, carer responsibilities, being alone and feeling independent enough to start again at any age.
Thank you #harpercollinsaustralia and #harlequinaus for the #gifted copy 🍋
Meredith Appleyard creates real-life and authentic characters; they live experiences not too different from our own. She also concentrates scenarios around older people who are sitting within their own crossroads of life, and this is still quite rare in the literary world. Appleyard balanced a blend of characters from all walks of life: from teenagers finding their feet with separated parents, single parents, those with retirement age calling, and others who are at the end of their lives. We meet Allie and her two young children dealing with the return of her ex-husband and the angst of working full-time to support her two kids. Conversely we also are introduced to Hamish’s sister who is more focused on money rather than having a relationship with her brother, or discussing what happened to their other brother who died all those years ago. We meet Ruth’s brothers, and the local older women who seem to know everything and everyone in town.
It is a cavalcade of characters adding to the myriad of issues being addressed in this story, from sibling rivalry (at both ends of the age spectrum), retirement, small business ownership, carer responsibilities, being alone and feeling independent enough to start again at any age.
Thank you #harpercollinsaustralia and #harlequinaus for the #gifted copy 🍋
August 26, 2024
Ruth Clancy has lived in the small coastal town of Cutlers Bay in South Australia for five years, ever since she bought a vacant shop and turned it into “Rosie’s Café.” Now at sixty two with the café being a runaway success due to Ruth’s great coffee and baking, she is wondering how she can ease back on the constant work and stress of keeping it running and think about retiring. Although she has family in Adelaide, she could never afford to live there so she’s not sure what’s next for her.
Hamish Adams grew up in Cutlers Bay and has now retired after a life as a mechanic working in the bush. He has a great bachelor apartment in Adelaide, enjoys playing golf and has restaurants and cafés on his doorstep. It’s the lifestyle he’s always thought he wanted but somehow, he’s not enjoying it as much as he should. When his father Theo, one of Ruth’s regular customers dies he returns to Cutler’s Bay to organise his father’s house for sale. He soon discovers Ruth’s café with its great coffee and food and after a number of visits decides that maybe small town life might be what he needs.
This is a delightful, gentle tale of very real, finely drawn characters, at an important turning point in their lives. Retirement is something many people don’t plan for and the author explores the uncertainties of what it will look like for Ruth and Hamish. Despite being surrounded by people, they are both lonely and there is also uncertainty for them as to whether it’s too late for their growing friendship to move into a deeper relationship after being accustomed to single life for so long.
With it’s beautiful, fresh cover this is a very enjoyable read. The lives of the characters are fully fleshed out, with all the challenges and joys of their every day lives and relationships with family and other people. It’s refreshing to read a novel about people in their sixties looking forward to the next phase of their of their lives.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
Hamish Adams grew up in Cutlers Bay and has now retired after a life as a mechanic working in the bush. He has a great bachelor apartment in Adelaide, enjoys playing golf and has restaurants and cafés on his doorstep. It’s the lifestyle he’s always thought he wanted but somehow, he’s not enjoying it as much as he should. When his father Theo, one of Ruth’s regular customers dies he returns to Cutler’s Bay to organise his father’s house for sale. He soon discovers Ruth’s café with its great coffee and food and after a number of visits decides that maybe small town life might be what he needs.
This is a delightful, gentle tale of very real, finely drawn characters, at an important turning point in their lives. Retirement is something many people don’t plan for and the author explores the uncertainties of what it will look like for Ruth and Hamish. Despite being surrounded by people, they are both lonely and there is also uncertainty for them as to whether it’s too late for their growing friendship to move into a deeper relationship after being accustomed to single life for so long.
With it’s beautiful, fresh cover this is a very enjoyable read. The lives of the characters are fully fleshed out, with all the challenges and joys of their every day lives and relationships with family and other people. It’s refreshing to read a novel about people in their sixties looking forward to the next phase of their of their lives.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
September 6, 2024
I loved, loved, loved this book for so many reasons. Firstly, it is wonderful to read an insightful and thoughtfully constructed story about people my own age that doesn’t have them standing with one foot in the grave. It’s clear that author Meredith Appleyard knows people in their sixties are still vibrant humn beings with active lives and loves even if they are sometimes quicker to tire than their twenty-something selves. Secondly, the characters in this story are just brilliant! Ruth, who’s owned Rosie’s Café for the past five years is a rock star in the kitchen, whipping up delectable muffins and other tasty treats for her customers, though her flagging energy levels and growing desire to be someone other than the person who owns the local café with all its associated stressors are clearly drivers of the plot. Hamish enters the page as a grumpy customer but it soon becomes evident that he’s simply had a bad day. His retirement hasn’t turned out quite the way he wanted it to but his boredom begins to lift as he returns to his parents’ home after his father’s suicide and starts to prepare the house for sale. It’s clear that he’s a hard-working and talented man though he too has his crosses to bear. These two are truly fascinating characters and I really loved watching their friendship and support for each other blossom as the story progressed. Needless to say the plot is fabulous. There were glimmers of a possible ending to the story, but it really didn’t tie itself up neatly until the last few pages. I also loved the setting, the small South Australian coastal town of Cutler’s Bay, where everybody knows everybody else’s business, where most people are caring of each other but also where things look to be slowing down a little in terms of viable businesses. The Seachangers is both uplifting and engaging and I absolutely adored it.
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