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Head for the Hills
Bestselling author Tricia Stringer asks whether age necessarily bring wisdom when the sale of a deceased estate pits sister against sister, divides a community and wreaks havoc in a small country town.
Margot and her sister Roslyn have lived side by side in a little town in the Adelaide Hills most of their lives, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Then their neighbour Gunter dies. Surprisingly, his will asks that his house and vineyard be sold and that Roslyn donate the money to a charity of her choice. When a developer wants to buy the land and create a hotel just over Margot's fence, Margot is outraged and decides to stand for Mayor and fight the development. But Roslyn feels differently. Her awareness of family violence and homelessness is sparked by the arrival in town of a young pregnant woman, who is escaping abuse and sleeping in her car. Determined to do some good, Roslyn supports the sale - she has found her charitable cause and the money will go to the homeless.
Suddenly the sisters are on opposite sides of the fence, literally and figuratively. As the row heats up, their local community is divided between those pro-development and those against, and battle lines are drawn, neighbours eyeing each other angrily either side. As vandalism erupts, bitter words are hurled, and pots are stirred. Will the town - and the sisters - ever recover their community spirit? Will anything ever be the same again?
Gentle humour, practical wisdom and trademark warmth underpin this clever novel from a bestselling Australian author.
Margot and her sister Roslyn have lived side by side in a little town in the Adelaide Hills most of their lives, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Then their neighbour Gunter dies. Surprisingly, his will asks that his house and vineyard be sold and that Roslyn donate the money to a charity of her choice. When a developer wants to buy the land and create a hotel just over Margot's fence, Margot is outraged and decides to stand for Mayor and fight the development. But Roslyn feels differently. Her awareness of family violence and homelessness is sparked by the arrival in town of a young pregnant woman, who is escaping abuse and sleeping in her car. Determined to do some good, Roslyn supports the sale - she has found her charitable cause and the money will go to the homeless.
Suddenly the sisters are on opposite sides of the fence, literally and figuratively. As the row heats up, their local community is divided between those pro-development and those against, and battle lines are drawn, neighbours eyeing each other angrily either side. As vandalism erupts, bitter words are hurled, and pots are stirred. Will the town - and the sisters - ever recover their community spirit? Will anything ever be the same again?
Gentle humour, practical wisdom and trademark warmth underpin this clever novel from a bestselling Australian author.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2024
57 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
27 books414 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 15, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Margot?'
'In the office,' she called. 'You're late.'
'Few problems at work.' He waved a hand dismissively, looked at the stacks of paper all over the desk then back to Margot. 'What are you doing?'
'Working on the plan.'
'What plan?'
'The stop Meyer and Brightman building a hotel on our doorstep plan.'
Dennis scratched his head. 'I heard a rumor today about the price they paid. Even if it's half true, it was way out of our league. They wouldn't be paying that much money if they were going to change their minds.'
Margot sagged into her chair. 'Oh.' She'd been so carried away with her research she'd imagined it would be easy to stop them.
'What's this?' He crossed the room and picked up one of the stapled piles of paper.
'Part of my plan,' she sighed.
Dennis lifted the paper closer. "We, the undersigned, petition the council to stop the building of a multistorey hotel in Jesserton." He frowned and peered at her over the page. 'You've drawn up a petition?'
'It was the logical next step, but . . .' Perhaps she'd been wasting her time.
'I thought Cameron said it's out of the council's hands.'
'They can fight it though.' Margot sat up. 'On things like noise and waste water and probably more - I just haven't found it yet.'
Dennis scratched his ear. 'You could be right. It might not be as easy as Meyer and Brightman seem to think. We can have a say on what happens on that land.' He waved the petition at her. 'I'll put some of these at work.'
Margot brightened. 'And I can put some at the Prov. Greg will put one in the plant shop. I'm sure all the local businesses will take them.'
'Of course they will. None of them will want a lumbering great hotel towering over the town, ruining our peaceful lifestyle.'
ABOUT 'HEAD FOR THE HILLS': Margot and her sister Roslyn have lived side by side in a little town in the Adelaide Hills most of their lives, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Then their neighbour Gunter dies. Surprisingly, his will asks that his house and vineyard be sold and that Roslyn donate the money to a charity of her choice. When a developer wants to buy the land and create a hotel just over Margot's fence, Margot is outraged and decides to stand for Mayor and fight the development. But Roslyn feels differently. Her awareness of family violence and homelessness is sparked by the arrival in town of a young pregnant woman, who is escaping abuse and sleeping in her car. Determined to do some good, Roslyn supports the sale - she has found her charitable cause and the money will go to the homeless.
Suddenly the sisters are on opposite sides of the fence, literally and figuratively. As the row heats up, their local community is divided between those pro-development and those against, and battle lines are drawn, neighbours eyeing each other angrily either side. As vandalism erupts, bitter words are hurled, and pots are stirred. Will the town - and the sisters - ever recover their community spirit? Will anything ever be the same again?
MY THOUGHTS: People fall out over politics, over religion, over a myriad of different things. In this case it's a new tourist hotel being built in the Adelaide Hills. Passions run high as the townspeople divide themselves into two camps - those who support the hotel development and those who are against it. Families are divided, friendships torn apart. And in the middle of all this is Amber, a young pregnant woman living out of her car, who just wants a home for herself and her baby.
This is a multi-layered book set in a small rural town where businesses and young families struggle to make ends meet. The characters are well depicted and realistic. Margot, while her intentions are good, doesn't like to be challenged. She sees things her way and, in her opinion, her way is the only way. Her sister Roslyn, while quieter and more retiring, is more thoughtful and kinder, which is how she ends up providing a temporary home for Amber, much to Margot's disgust and her assertions that it will all end badly for Roslyn.
Roslyn's kindness is the quiet kind. She's very much a behind-the-scenes person, while Margot likes to be front and centre of the picture. Margot even tries to organise her adult children's lives, telling them where and how they should live. I loved that although the sisters are polar opposites in many ways and are frequently at loggerheads, when it comes to the crunch, they do their best to put their differences aside and support one another.
I enjoyed this well-rounded story which brings home the point that while we might have differences of opinion, those differences are not as important as our friendships and family.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#HeadfortheHills #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Tricia Stringer grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities. She is the mother of three talented children and their partners and is lucky enough to be a nanna.
Tricia has spent many years in education as a teacher, a librarian and an IT coordinator, owned a post office and bookshop and worked part-time in another bookshop – stories have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
It was a yearning to write stories to bring local history alive for children that started Tricia on the journey to develop her writing skills and begin to write for younger readers, a path that led to writing adult stories. Delving into life experiences, our relationships with family and friends, and what makes us the people we are, is a topic she finds delicious.
Tricia and her husband, Daryl, live on the traditional lands of the Narungga people in the beautiful Copper Coast region. She loves to walk on the beach and travel to and across Australia’s vast array of communities and landscapes as well as to overseas destinations. A sense of place in her stories is very important. There’s always another tale to be written…she’s working on her next manuscript as you read this.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ ad MIRA via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Head for the Hills was published October 2, 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'In the office,' she called. 'You're late.'
'Few problems at work.' He waved a hand dismissively, looked at the stacks of paper all over the desk then back to Margot. 'What are you doing?'
'Working on the plan.'
'What plan?'
'The stop Meyer and Brightman building a hotel on our doorstep plan.'
Dennis scratched his head. 'I heard a rumor today about the price they paid. Even if it's half true, it was way out of our league. They wouldn't be paying that much money if they were going to change their minds.'
Margot sagged into her chair. 'Oh.' She'd been so carried away with her research she'd imagined it would be easy to stop them.
'What's this?' He crossed the room and picked up one of the stapled piles of paper.
'Part of my plan,' she sighed.
Dennis lifted the paper closer. "We, the undersigned, petition the council to stop the building of a multistorey hotel in Jesserton." He frowned and peered at her over the page. 'You've drawn up a petition?'
'It was the logical next step, but . . .' Perhaps she'd been wasting her time.
'I thought Cameron said it's out of the council's hands.'
'They can fight it though.' Margot sat up. 'On things like noise and waste water and probably more - I just haven't found it yet.'
Dennis scratched his ear. 'You could be right. It might not be as easy as Meyer and Brightman seem to think. We can have a say on what happens on that land.' He waved the petition at her. 'I'll put some of these at work.'
Margot brightened. 'And I can put some at the Prov. Greg will put one in the plant shop. I'm sure all the local businesses will take them.'
'Of course they will. None of them will want a lumbering great hotel towering over the town, ruining our peaceful lifestyle.'
ABOUT 'HEAD FOR THE HILLS': Margot and her sister Roslyn have lived side by side in a little town in the Adelaide Hills most of their lives, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Then their neighbour Gunter dies. Surprisingly, his will asks that his house and vineyard be sold and that Roslyn donate the money to a charity of her choice. When a developer wants to buy the land and create a hotel just over Margot's fence, Margot is outraged and decides to stand for Mayor and fight the development. But Roslyn feels differently. Her awareness of family violence and homelessness is sparked by the arrival in town of a young pregnant woman, who is escaping abuse and sleeping in her car. Determined to do some good, Roslyn supports the sale - she has found her charitable cause and the money will go to the homeless.
Suddenly the sisters are on opposite sides of the fence, literally and figuratively. As the row heats up, their local community is divided between those pro-development and those against, and battle lines are drawn, neighbours eyeing each other angrily either side. As vandalism erupts, bitter words are hurled, and pots are stirred. Will the town - and the sisters - ever recover their community spirit? Will anything ever be the same again?
MY THOUGHTS: People fall out over politics, over religion, over a myriad of different things. In this case it's a new tourist hotel being built in the Adelaide Hills. Passions run high as the townspeople divide themselves into two camps - those who support the hotel development and those who are against it. Families are divided, friendships torn apart. And in the middle of all this is Amber, a young pregnant woman living out of her car, who just wants a home for herself and her baby.
This is a multi-layered book set in a small rural town where businesses and young families struggle to make ends meet. The characters are well depicted and realistic. Margot, while her intentions are good, doesn't like to be challenged. She sees things her way and, in her opinion, her way is the only way. Her sister Roslyn, while quieter and more retiring, is more thoughtful and kinder, which is how she ends up providing a temporary home for Amber, much to Margot's disgust and her assertions that it will all end badly for Roslyn.
Roslyn's kindness is the quiet kind. She's very much a behind-the-scenes person, while Margot likes to be front and centre of the picture. Margot even tries to organise her adult children's lives, telling them where and how they should live. I loved that although the sisters are polar opposites in many ways and are frequently at loggerheads, when it comes to the crunch, they do their best to put their differences aside and support one another.
I enjoyed this well-rounded story which brings home the point that while we might have differences of opinion, those differences are not as important as our friendships and family.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#HeadfortheHills #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Tricia Stringer grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities. She is the mother of three talented children and their partners and is lucky enough to be a nanna.
Tricia has spent many years in education as a teacher, a librarian and an IT coordinator, owned a post office and bookshop and worked part-time in another bookshop – stories have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
It was a yearning to write stories to bring local history alive for children that started Tricia on the journey to develop her writing skills and begin to write for younger readers, a path that led to writing adult stories. Delving into life experiences, our relationships with family and friends, and what makes us the people we are, is a topic she finds delicious.
Tricia and her husband, Daryl, live on the traditional lands of the Narungga people in the beautiful Copper Coast region. She loves to walk on the beach and travel to and across Australia’s vast array of communities and landscapes as well as to overseas destinations. A sense of place in her stories is very important. There’s always another tale to be written…she’s working on her next manuscript as you read this.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ ad MIRA via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Head for the Hills was published October 2, 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 23, 2024
The little town of Jesserton in the Adelaide Hills had been the home of sisters Roslyn and Margot, their whole lives. They lived close, and while Roslyn's husband Richard had passed away, Margot and Dennis lived contentedly, with Dennis' car yard - and golf - his passion. But when good friend and neighbour Gunter died, he left a legacy which would divide the sisters as well as many in Jesserton. When a developer bought Gunter's land, with plans to erect a boutique hotel on it, right next door to Margot's home, she was incensed. How dare they! Jesserton was a small village - a hotel would disrupt the town and its residents. But not everyone thought as Margot did.
Margot decided to stand for Mayor in their small town when the elections came up after Christmas. She was sure she would have a say on the hotel plans if she was elected. The cafe she and her friend Kath ran was changing, with Kath's new ideas for the future something Margot didn't want to know about. And Roslyn had taken a young, pregnant, homeless woman in. Amber was living in Roslyn's granny flat, for as long as it took her to find somewhere else. As Margot and Roslyn exchange bitter words, they both wondered what things had come to...
Head for the Hills is another well written novel by Aussie author Tricia Stringer which I really enjoyed. Set in a fictional town surrounded by the real towns of Hahndorf, Mt Barker and Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, and not far from Adelaide, South Australia's capital, I felt like I was there as I know the area well. Margot was an unlikeable character who was outspoken and didn't much care about hurting others' feelings. Which she did on many occasions. While Roslyn was the opposite - I liked her character. Margot had a big family and was often surrounded by them, especially at Christmas. Once again Ms Stringer has nailed it with this novel, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Margot decided to stand for Mayor in their small town when the elections came up after Christmas. She was sure she would have a say on the hotel plans if she was elected. The cafe she and her friend Kath ran was changing, with Kath's new ideas for the future something Margot didn't want to know about. And Roslyn had taken a young, pregnant, homeless woman in. Amber was living in Roslyn's granny flat, for as long as it took her to find somewhere else. As Margot and Roslyn exchange bitter words, they both wondered what things had come to...
Head for the Hills is another well written novel by Aussie author Tricia Stringer which I really enjoyed. Set in a fictional town surrounded by the real towns of Hahndorf, Mt Barker and Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, and not far from Adelaide, South Australia's capital, I felt like I was there as I know the area well. Margot was an unlikeable character who was outspoken and didn't much care about hurting others' feelings. Which she did on many occasions. While Roslyn was the opposite - I liked her character. Margot had a big family and was often surrounded by them, especially at Christmas. Once again Ms Stringer has nailed it with this novel, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
August 16, 2024
Margot and her older sister Rosalyn have lived in the town of Jesserton in the Adelaide Hills most of their lives, their family was one of the first to settle in the area and the sisters are close and not just because they share a fence line.
When their neighbour Gunter dies, in his will he states that his house and vineyards will be sold and for Roslyn to donate the money to a charity and it’s to be a secret, between her, his sons and lawyer.
Margot and her husband Dennis had let Gunter know, if he ever wanted to sell they would be interested and his property borders theirs. Margot finds out a developer wants to buy the land and build a luxury hotel, she’s worried it will not only spoil her view and the peace and quiet and she’s concerned about the environmental impact. Margot decides to join the running to be the new Mayor, but she’s surprised when not everyone in Jesserton thinks building a new fancy hotel with accommodation is a bad idea and it divides the residents of the town.
Rosalyn has a different opinion to her sister, she can’t share with her what believes and her involvement with Gunter’s legacy. A young and pregnant women called Amber arrives in Jesserton, this gives Rosalyn an idea of what to do with Gunter’s money and it opens her eyes and mind to the plight of women less fortune, escaping abuse and what help is available to them locally.
In all small country towns, people take sides, it creates friction and tension, a petition against possible building of the hotel is created and distributed, things are said in the heat of the moment, and rumours spread like wildfire.
I received a copy of Head to the Hills from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. Tricia Stringer has given readers an idea of what’s it like to live in a small Australian country town in the Adelaide Hills, and believe me it’s extremely accurate. The well written and engrossing narrative highlights the division and differences between communities, people, families and those with wealth and others who are just barley scraping by and the preconceived judgement young and pregnant women still get and many are escaping domestic violence.
This is my tenth book I have read by Tricia Stringer and I understand why she's one of Australia's bestselling fiction authors, I certainly had warm and fuzzy feelings while reading it and made me think about people who are struggling and what I can do to help and I highly recommend.
When their neighbour Gunter dies, in his will he states that his house and vineyards will be sold and for Roslyn to donate the money to a charity and it’s to be a secret, between her, his sons and lawyer.
Margot and her husband Dennis had let Gunter know, if he ever wanted to sell they would be interested and his property borders theirs. Margot finds out a developer wants to buy the land and build a luxury hotel, she’s worried it will not only spoil her view and the peace and quiet and she’s concerned about the environmental impact. Margot decides to join the running to be the new Mayor, but she’s surprised when not everyone in Jesserton thinks building a new fancy hotel with accommodation is a bad idea and it divides the residents of the town.
Rosalyn has a different opinion to her sister, she can’t share with her what believes and her involvement with Gunter’s legacy. A young and pregnant women called Amber arrives in Jesserton, this gives Rosalyn an idea of what to do with Gunter’s money and it opens her eyes and mind to the plight of women less fortune, escaping abuse and what help is available to them locally.
In all small country towns, people take sides, it creates friction and tension, a petition against possible building of the hotel is created and distributed, things are said in the heat of the moment, and rumours spread like wildfire.
I received a copy of Head to the Hills from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. Tricia Stringer has given readers an idea of what’s it like to live in a small Australian country town in the Adelaide Hills, and believe me it’s extremely accurate. The well written and engrossing narrative highlights the division and differences between communities, people, families and those with wealth and others who are just barley scraping by and the preconceived judgement young and pregnant women still get and many are escaping domestic violence.
This is my tenth book I have read by Tricia Stringer and I understand why she's one of Australia's bestselling fiction authors, I certainly had warm and fuzzy feelings while reading it and made me think about people who are struggling and what I can do to help and I highly recommend.
October 13, 2024
I am a big fan of MS Stinger’s stories and this one was another fabulous one, book number seventeen and I do hope there are many more to come, this one is set in the Adelaide Hills a beautiful area of South Australia and we get to know Margot and her sister Roslyn and their families and their lives in the small town of Jesserton, a close knit community but when their neighbor and close friend Gunter dies the town is turned upside down.
Roslyn is stunned when Gunter names her in his will to help with planning a charity to help when his property is sold but she must keep it to herself to save problems, the big problem is that Margot wants to buy the property, expressions of interest are asked for and Margot’s husband Dennis puts in a bid, the winning bid is from a well know hotel developer and Margot and many of the town are outraged about this, Margot for one does not want a hotel on her fence line, for Roslyn the money that could be used to help with charity could be very important.
When Roslyn meets Amber a young single pregnant woman at the doctors Roslyn steps in to help and offers her a place to stay in her cottage on her property this is not looked favourably on by her sister Margot who has had a run in with Amber already in town a couple of days before but soon Roslyn has decided what charity she wants to spend the donated money from Gunter on but getting it all worked out while keeping it to herself just before Christmas is causing many upsets with the family.
The hotel causes a divide in the community and Margot decides to run for Mayor and do her best to stop the construction, but her relationship with the Roslyn is falling apart and also with her business partner in the small café they run in town, will the town ever get back to the closeness they had before all of this happened?
I very much enjoyed this story, fabulous characters and setting, I was not a fan of Margot’s although a loving mother and wife she was very outspoken but I did very much like Roslyn and Amber and I do highly recommend this one to any reader who wants a story that will keep you turning the pages, a fabulous read that I loved, thank you for another wonderful story.
My thanks to Harlequin HQ and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Roslyn is stunned when Gunter names her in his will to help with planning a charity to help when his property is sold but she must keep it to herself to save problems, the big problem is that Margot wants to buy the property, expressions of interest are asked for and Margot’s husband Dennis puts in a bid, the winning bid is from a well know hotel developer and Margot and many of the town are outraged about this, Margot for one does not want a hotel on her fence line, for Roslyn the money that could be used to help with charity could be very important.
When Roslyn meets Amber a young single pregnant woman at the doctors Roslyn steps in to help and offers her a place to stay in her cottage on her property this is not looked favourably on by her sister Margot who has had a run in with Amber already in town a couple of days before but soon Roslyn has decided what charity she wants to spend the donated money from Gunter on but getting it all worked out while keeping it to herself just before Christmas is causing many upsets with the family.
The hotel causes a divide in the community and Margot decides to run for Mayor and do her best to stop the construction, but her relationship with the Roslyn is falling apart and also with her business partner in the small café they run in town, will the town ever get back to the closeness they had before all of this happened?
I very much enjoyed this story, fabulous characters and setting, I was not a fan of Margot’s although a loving mother and wife she was very outspoken but I did very much like Roslyn and Amber and I do highly recommend this one to any reader who wants a story that will keep you turning the pages, a fabulous read that I loved, thank you for another wonderful story.
My thanks to Harlequin HQ and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
October 25, 2024
When a local of Jesserton, a small town in the Adelaide Hills, dies unexpectedly the sale of his land to a large hotel chain divides the community and causes animosity between sisters Margot and Roslyn.
Margot is very much against the idea of the hotel and decides to gather the community together to voice their concerns. However as the hotel's sales team start to sweet talk the local business owners' allegiances move, causing conflict in the community.
The story of the development revolves around a side story of relationships within Margot's own family. Which includes her children, their partners, her sister and sister-in-law.
There were lots of secrets being kept and I felt Roslyn seemed to undermine Margot by not being open with her about the things she was doing. The sisters were close; they lived next door to each other and there was plenty of opportunity to be honest and upfront.
I found all the characters to be very judgy of each other. The adult children came across as entitled and Margot's husband really got my ire up.
There is also a theme of homelessness when Roslyn is coerced into taking in a homeless teen who is escaping an abusive relationship. Amber is angry with the whole world but Roslyn starts to warm to her as she sees that Amber is really trying to make a go at life. This leads to Roslyn looking into what more she can do for the homeless and disadvantaged.
I did love the menu chapter headings for the family dinner nights.
Head for the Hills is a story about small towns, progress, homelessness and family. It would make for a great holiday read.
Margot is very much against the idea of the hotel and decides to gather the community together to voice their concerns. However as the hotel's sales team start to sweet talk the local business owners' allegiances move, causing conflict in the community.
The story of the development revolves around a side story of relationships within Margot's own family. Which includes her children, their partners, her sister and sister-in-law.
There were lots of secrets being kept and I felt Roslyn seemed to undermine Margot by not being open with her about the things she was doing. The sisters were close; they lived next door to each other and there was plenty of opportunity to be honest and upfront.
I found all the characters to be very judgy of each other. The adult children came across as entitled and Margot's husband really got my ire up.
There is also a theme of homelessness when Roslyn is coerced into taking in a homeless teen who is escaping an abusive relationship. Amber is angry with the whole world but Roslyn starts to warm to her as she sees that Amber is really trying to make a go at life. This leads to Roslyn looking into what more she can do for the homeless and disadvantaged.
I did love the menu chapter headings for the family dinner nights.
Head for the Hills is a story about small towns, progress, homelessness and family. It would make for a great holiday read.
August 11, 2024
So so so grateful for Harlequin for an ARC of Head for the Hills..of course it’s wonderful! It’s small town, it’s got so much great South Australian eating, a cast of interesting characters that I loved from the outset, it’s got a planned new hotel that may or may not be good for the town..it’s perfectly Tricia Stringer and I loved every page!
February 10, 2025
UPDATE:
I was lucky enough to win a beautiful, signed copy of Head for the Hills from Karren's Reading Nook, along with some wonderful bookish gifts (and chocolate!!). Thanks to Karren and Tricia for my book. I will treasure it!
Head for the Hills as another wonderful contemporary story by Australian author, Tricia Stringer. Set in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, this story centres around two sisters, Margo and Roslyn, and their extended families. The sisters live in a tight-knitted community where everybody knows each other’s business and change isn’t welcome. When old Gunter passes away, leaving a highly sought after property up for grabs, the sisters disagree on whether the house and vineyard should be developed by a wealthy motel chain or stay the way it is. Head for the Hills is an enjoyable story that focuses on family, community, homelessness and conflict. Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC.
I was lucky enough to win a beautiful, signed copy of Head for the Hills from Karren's Reading Nook, along with some wonderful bookish gifts (and chocolate!!). Thanks to Karren and Tricia for my book. I will treasure it!
Head for the Hills as another wonderful contemporary story by Australian author, Tricia Stringer. Set in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, this story centres around two sisters, Margo and Roslyn, and their extended families. The sisters live in a tight-knitted community where everybody knows each other’s business and change isn’t welcome. When old Gunter passes away, leaving a highly sought after property up for grabs, the sisters disagree on whether the house and vineyard should be developed by a wealthy motel chain or stay the way it is. Head for the Hills is an enjoyable story that focuses on family, community, homelessness and conflict. Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC.
September 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for giving me this book for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and fell deep into while reading it. Focusing on two sisters as the main characters, Margot and Roslyn, and the small town they live in the author, Tricia Stringer, makes you feel like you’re part of their lives and part of their extended family. It brings their small town in the Adelaide Hills along for the ride and is so relatable to living in a small country town. It was a delight to read!
November 2, 2024
Tricia Stringer has written a captivating and absorbing novel set in the fictional town of Jesserton, in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. The other towns she mentions, like Hahndorf, Stirling and Mount Barker, are actual places. Penola, from which Amber, a 19 old pregnant woman escapes, is also an actual town in South Australia. Roslyn Jesser and her younger sister, Margot Pedrick, have always lived in Jesserton, named after their forbears. Theirs has always been a somewhat prickly relationship but things become even more strained and heated when their neighbour’s property is sold. A sense of menace is created when Amber’s violent ex finds her, having found refuge in Roslyn’s cottage. Several themes are covered in this story, including town divisions when a hotel development is mooted, marital secrets, sibling jealousy and rivalry, business partner differences, generosity and charity, delicious meals served at family dinners, hard work and tenacity. Beautifully written by an accomplished and talented South Australian author.
September 15, 2024
Enjoyed this light read book of family in Adelaide hills and the drama
i found it funny and good really liked cover
thanks better reading for the book
i found it funny and good really liked cover
thanks better reading for the book
September 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's a bit like a soap opera, but really is just a snippet of what daily life can look like, especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The story is about Roslyn and Margot, two sisters, and their lives in their small Adelaide Hills town where things may be changing. It would be a lovely book to read on a holiday, relaxing by the beach. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 8, 2024
Big thanks to Tricia for gifting us a copy to read and review.
It’s always a delightful pleasure to catch up with Tricia.
And we did just that at the NBRFestival in Avalon at the end of September.
We went to her panel, caught up for food and drinks and got to gossip about her new book Head For The Hills.
Sisters Margot and Roslyn have lived in a country town in the Adelaide Hills for all of their lives.
Living next door to each other and raising families with their husbands has been comforting as well as challenging.
Then a big city developer buys a deceased estate on the other side of them, wanting to build a boutique hotel.
This sets off a chain of events that test their bond as they each take a seperate side of the dilemma.
To add to the drama, single and pregnant Amber arrives triggering hearsay and more tension between the two.
A small town community at risk, sisters divided, family drama, a feisty pregnant woman and lots of tempting food to whet the appetite.
You’re in capable hands when it comes to a book by Tricia, her natural flair to capture a number of issues that families and friends face in the contemporary world is on point and efficiently explored.
Tricia really gets into the minds of her characters, they rise from the pages and could easily be from reality.
She writes them with honesty, rawness and authenticity, so real when they were arguing I felt slightly uncomfortable like I was eavesdropping on the argument.
A very entertaining read.
It’s always a delightful pleasure to catch up with Tricia.
And we did just that at the NBRFestival in Avalon at the end of September.
We went to her panel, caught up for food and drinks and got to gossip about her new book Head For The Hills.
Sisters Margot and Roslyn have lived in a country town in the Adelaide Hills for all of their lives.
Living next door to each other and raising families with their husbands has been comforting as well as challenging.
Then a big city developer buys a deceased estate on the other side of them, wanting to build a boutique hotel.
This sets off a chain of events that test their bond as they each take a seperate side of the dilemma.
To add to the drama, single and pregnant Amber arrives triggering hearsay and more tension between the two.
A small town community at risk, sisters divided, family drama, a feisty pregnant woman and lots of tempting food to whet the appetite.
You’re in capable hands when it comes to a book by Tricia, her natural flair to capture a number of issues that families and friends face in the contemporary world is on point and efficiently explored.
Tricia really gets into the minds of her characters, they rise from the pages and could easily be from reality.
She writes them with honesty, rawness and authenticity, so real when they were arguing I felt slightly uncomfortable like I was eavesdropping on the argument.
A very entertaining read.
September 5, 2024
I loved the setting of this book, the Adelaide Hills. It sounds like a lovely place to visit.
I’m sad to say this wasn’t one of my favourite books by Tricia Stringer.
I didn’t find Margot to be a very likable character and her husband was even worse. Her sister Roslyn was ok.
I can definitely imagine a proposed major development causing big problems in small towns like in this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m sad to say this wasn’t one of my favourite books by Tricia Stringer.
I didn’t find Margot to be a very likable character and her husband was even worse. Her sister Roslyn was ok.
I can definitely imagine a proposed major development causing big problems in small towns like in this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2024
Predicable and a little boring
July 15, 2024
Absolutely wonderful. Tricia Stringer does it again, I have never been disappointed with anything that Tricia has written and I'm confident that this is one of her best.
January 12, 2025
What a great book. So much truth in the story. It shows the complexities of family - how we are each different but sometimes so much alike. It shows community and how it works together but also can be divided. It shows how we can make mistakes in our judgment of others. You can read this and enjoy the story. But you can also read and look deeper into subject matter that is relevant for today.
November 7, 2024
Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer is a great new story about two sisters living in a small town community in the Adelaide Hills.
It's about fighting for your rights and communities coming together after an uprising.
There are meals to entice you and delightful healthy meals on the agenda ~ along with some Christmas 🎄 poolside music 🎶 to get you in the mood.
For the decadent recipes e.g. Festive Dip with Corn Chips and other festive favourites follow or find Tricia Stringer on Pinterest.
* Note: Head over to The Christmas 🎄 Pool Party play list on Spotify under Tricia Stringer's name called "Head for the Hills" ~ for Richard's Poolside Party 🥳 mix.
You may even find the audio on Spotify.
This was a community fun read lifting the town spirit by Tricia Stringer.
It's about fighting for your rights and communities coming together after an uprising.
There are meals to entice you and delightful healthy meals on the agenda ~ along with some Christmas 🎄 poolside music 🎶 to get you in the mood.
For the decadent recipes e.g. Festive Dip with Corn Chips and other festive favourites follow or find Tricia Stringer on Pinterest.
* Note: Head over to The Christmas 🎄 Pool Party play list on Spotify under Tricia Stringer's name called "Head for the Hills" ~ for Richard's Poolside Party 🥳 mix.
You may even find the audio on Spotify.
This was a community fun read lifting the town spirit by Tricia Stringer.
October 22, 2024
Another winner from one of my favourite Australian authors. Tricia Stringer never disappoints and Head for the Hills is yet another reason why I recommend her books to anyone who will listen.
Stringer is an expert in creating family drama but keeping it wholesome and balanced. With engaging characters and usually an annoying one just to keep things interesting. Head for the Hills is a lovely books for fans of women's fiction with a bit of drama and typical Aussie spirit.
The book centres around sisters Margot and Roslyn who seem to have more differences than likes and are constantly butting heads about almost anything. Set in the lovely Adelaide Hills you can feel the small town country feels and understand the angst at the thought of a big hotel moving in to this tranquil piece of paradise.
A perfect book to curl up with a cuppa and lose yourself for a few hours. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the early reading copy, I loved it!
Stringer is an expert in creating family drama but keeping it wholesome and balanced. With engaging characters and usually an annoying one just to keep things interesting. Head for the Hills is a lovely books for fans of women's fiction with a bit of drama and typical Aussie spirit.
The book centres around sisters Margot and Roslyn who seem to have more differences than likes and are constantly butting heads about almost anything. Set in the lovely Adelaide Hills you can feel the small town country feels and understand the angst at the thought of a big hotel moving in to this tranquil piece of paradise.
A perfect book to curl up with a cuppa and lose yourself for a few hours. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the early reading copy, I loved it!
October 29, 2024
What a wonderful story set in a fictional town in Adelaide Hills.
I loved the sisters' bond between Margot and Roslyn. The support of each other through good and bad times was the best.
I'm glad Amber tapped you on the shoulder to put her in the book more than one scene, I think she really bought a lot to the story.
When one of the small town locals passed away, there was a division of town people when his property was sold to a company that is developing a 5 storey hotel.
Love your books 📚 ❤️
I loved the sisters' bond between Margot and Roslyn. The support of each other through good and bad times was the best.
I'm glad Amber tapped you on the shoulder to put her in the book more than one scene, I think she really bought a lot to the story.
When one of the small town locals passed away, there was a division of town people when his property was sold to a company that is developing a 5 storey hotel.
Love your books 📚 ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
A lovely true to life story of a small town and two sisters and their families with other town characters thrown in.
February 3, 2025
It's gluten-free!!!!
February 14, 2025
Another cosy read set in the Australian countryside. Some of the characters were infuriating but I loved the book overall
August 6, 2025
Jesserton is a small town in the Adelaide Hills and when a local resident and land-owner dies his land looks set to be snapped up by a large hotel chain.
This pits sister against sister, and townsfolk against each other. Many fear the development will ruin the small town charm of Jesserton, but others think the hotel and the tourism it will generate will be positive for the town.
This was promising, but to be honest I didn't really like any of the characters that much - an interesting story but it fell a bit flat for me - forgettable.
This pits sister against sister, and townsfolk against each other. Many fear the development will ruin the small town charm of Jesserton, but others think the hotel and the tourism it will generate will be positive for the town.
This was promising, but to be honest I didn't really like any of the characters that much - an interesting story but it fell a bit flat for me - forgettable.
February 6, 2025
This is another wonderfully human story from Tricia Stringer. She tells a story that seems on the surface to be quite everyday – almost low-key – but this is deceptive, as we become drawn into the characters’ lives and find them compelling. I loved this.
When an elderly resident of a small town near the Adelaide Hills dies, his attempts to do good with his estate lead to a great deal of conflict in the town. His neighbours, Margot and Dennis, have long wanted to purchase his property. Margot in particular sets her heart on it.
But her sister, Roslyn, has been tasked confidentially with helping the executors of the estate to sell the property and decide how best to use the proceeds to benefit the community.
When a developer wants to buy the land and build a hotel, the two sisters find themselves on either side of a conflict that increasingly divides the community. Those who want the hotel and those who don’t both feel strongly and don’t hesitate to voice their opinions.
Interestingly, I think this has been the first time a Tricia Stringer novel has featured a character I unreservedly dislike. Sure, some of her characters are abrasive, or sometimes annoying, but generally Stringer presents such strongly rounded and deeply written characters that I can appreciate other aspects of them.
But here, I just disliked pretty much everything about Margot. Her sister keeps saying that Margot is “not usually unkind”, but in fact she is, repeatedly, to almost everyone. She is, frankly, at times an unmitigated bitch. At others she’s simply a bully, rude, unkind, presumptuous, and overbearing. I found it almost impossible to find a redeeming feature for her.
Despite this, I found the story quite compelling. Even mightily disliking a character, I found the novel very hard to put down. Although the plot itself sounds a touch mundane, the very fact that it’s so grounded made it easy to get pulled in. I didn’t expect any dramatic revelation plot wise, but it’s the perfect vehicle to explore a small community and range of characters.
As is common with a Stringer novel, there’s quite a broad cast of characters. Stringer handles them with aplomb, bringing each to life as a fully rounded and real person. This is the greatest strength of an excellent novel: you’ll really want to find out how these people resolve the conflicts and problems they’re facing.
This is highly recommended for readers interested in character, or who want to read a novel that’s utterly absorbing. I loved it.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other books by Tricia Stringer:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
When an elderly resident of a small town near the Adelaide Hills dies, his attempts to do good with his estate lead to a great deal of conflict in the town. His neighbours, Margot and Dennis, have long wanted to purchase his property. Margot in particular sets her heart on it.
But her sister, Roslyn, has been tasked confidentially with helping the executors of the estate to sell the property and decide how best to use the proceeds to benefit the community.
When a developer wants to buy the land and build a hotel, the two sisters find themselves on either side of a conflict that increasingly divides the community. Those who want the hotel and those who don’t both feel strongly and don’t hesitate to voice their opinions.
Interestingly, I think this has been the first time a Tricia Stringer novel has featured a character I unreservedly dislike. Sure, some of her characters are abrasive, or sometimes annoying, but generally Stringer presents such strongly rounded and deeply written characters that I can appreciate other aspects of them.
But here, I just disliked pretty much everything about Margot. Her sister keeps saying that Margot is “not usually unkind”, but in fact she is, repeatedly, to almost everyone. She is, frankly, at times an unmitigated bitch. At others she’s simply a bully, rude, unkind, presumptuous, and overbearing. I found it almost impossible to find a redeeming feature for her.
Despite this, I found the story quite compelling. Even mightily disliking a character, I found the novel very hard to put down. Although the plot itself sounds a touch mundane, the very fact that it’s so grounded made it easy to get pulled in. I didn’t expect any dramatic revelation plot wise, but it’s the perfect vehicle to explore a small community and range of characters.
As is common with a Stringer novel, there’s quite a broad cast of characters. Stringer handles them with aplomb, bringing each to life as a fully rounded and real person. This is the greatest strength of an excellent novel: you’ll really want to find out how these people resolve the conflicts and problems they’re facing.
This is highly recommended for readers interested in character, or who want to read a novel that’s utterly absorbing. I loved it.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other books by Tricia Stringer:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
October 5, 2024
Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer
'Head for the Hills' is the perfect holiday read. Small town drama with a big heart. A community divided and a community challenged.
Set in a small town in Adelaide Hills, readers meet sisters, Roslyn and Margot, whose relationship will crumble due to opposing views on town developments. Roslyn and Margot lose close friend, Gunter. A man with a heart of gold. Roslyn is to make an important decision on how the money from the property sale will best benefit a local charity. Her involvement is not to be disclosed and she keeps it to herself.
When Rosyln meets Amber, who is homeless and pregnant, she is 'guilted' into providing accommodation for her. The relationship between Rosyln and Amber, who have both experienced significant loss and hurt in their lives is exactly why I love Tricia Stringer's writing. Her character development of this pair is brilliant. Two characters who are extraordinary people, yet quiet community members make a difference in other's lives. They are my favourite characters in the novel due to the changes they make within and their inspirational characteristics. Amber is a courageous young woman who works hard for her unborn child and when meeting Rosyln, she finally catches a break. Tricia shows the truth of humanity with characters' flaws juxtaposed by their kindness. Her writing is thought-provoking and the story is perfectly paced.
Head for the Hills will stay with me due to the important themes discussed and the questions raised. This book is like a glass of fine wine - polished and elegant. The writing is thoughtful and descriptive, making this a compelling read.
Tricia Stringer challenges, inspires, and moves her readers. A book about friendship, community and kindness. Another 5 star read from the queen of contemporary family dramas.
Thank you @harlequinaus
@triciastringerauthor . I love 'Head for the Hills.'
#familylife #familydrama #hqstories #bookreviewers #bookreview #contemporaryfiction #melaniehunterbooks #aussieauthor
'Head for the Hills' is the perfect holiday read. Small town drama with a big heart. A community divided and a community challenged.
Set in a small town in Adelaide Hills, readers meet sisters, Roslyn and Margot, whose relationship will crumble due to opposing views on town developments. Roslyn and Margot lose close friend, Gunter. A man with a heart of gold. Roslyn is to make an important decision on how the money from the property sale will best benefit a local charity. Her involvement is not to be disclosed and she keeps it to herself.
When Rosyln meets Amber, who is homeless and pregnant, she is 'guilted' into providing accommodation for her. The relationship between Rosyln and Amber, who have both experienced significant loss and hurt in their lives is exactly why I love Tricia Stringer's writing. Her character development of this pair is brilliant. Two characters who are extraordinary people, yet quiet community members make a difference in other's lives. They are my favourite characters in the novel due to the changes they make within and their inspirational characteristics. Amber is a courageous young woman who works hard for her unborn child and when meeting Rosyln, she finally catches a break. Tricia shows the truth of humanity with characters' flaws juxtaposed by their kindness. Her writing is thought-provoking and the story is perfectly paced.
Head for the Hills will stay with me due to the important themes discussed and the questions raised. This book is like a glass of fine wine - polished and elegant. The writing is thoughtful and descriptive, making this a compelling read.
Tricia Stringer challenges, inspires, and moves her readers. A book about friendship, community and kindness. Another 5 star read from the queen of contemporary family dramas.
Thank you @harlequinaus
@triciastringerauthor . I love 'Head for the Hills.'
#familylife #familydrama #hqstories #bookreviewers #bookreview #contemporaryfiction #melaniehunterbooks #aussieauthor
October 8, 2024
This novel is about a town in Adelaide Hills called Jesserton, where two sisters, Margot and her older sister Roslyn have lived most of their lives. The live next door to each other and are very close. They both married and brought up their families here. When their neighbour Gunther dies, he leaves his house and vineyard to Roslyn to sell and donate the money of the sale to a worthy charity. Roslyn has had to keep this a secret and not even been able to tell Margot, only Gunther’s sons and lawyer are aware of this agreement.
Margot’s husband Dennis owns a car dealership and has secrets of his own that he hasn’t shared with her. Margot wanted to buy the house and vineyard for her daughter to move into with her husband and children, but Dennis had other ideas, and the property was sold to a developer to build a luxury hotel. The property developers have said this will be a good thing for Jesserton and will help small businesses economically. Margot disagrees and goes on a crusade of organising a petition and then also decides to run for mayor. Not everyone agrees with Margot and the small town is divided as well as the sisters and Margot’s family.
Roslyn who’s husband died and her son and his family had move to Japan lives on her own and has a little cottage at the back of her property. Roslyn finds herself laden with a border for the cottage after finding an unwed, 19-year-old pregnant girl called Amber living in her car and not fairing too well. The Dr suggested to Roslyn that she take in Amber until she is in a better condition. Roslyn is not happy about this but finds she has no choice. Amber and Roslyn become very close and she takes her under her wing and includes her as family.
Taking Amber in has given Roslyn the idea of using Gunther’s money to help women less fortunate, escaping from abuse, helping with housing, setting up cooking classes and helping them learn new skills to be able to find work.
Thank you to #betterreading for the opportunity to review this novel, I really enjoyed it. Easy read and very well written.
Margot’s husband Dennis owns a car dealership and has secrets of his own that he hasn’t shared with her. Margot wanted to buy the house and vineyard for her daughter to move into with her husband and children, but Dennis had other ideas, and the property was sold to a developer to build a luxury hotel. The property developers have said this will be a good thing for Jesserton and will help small businesses economically. Margot disagrees and goes on a crusade of organising a petition and then also decides to run for mayor. Not everyone agrees with Margot and the small town is divided as well as the sisters and Margot’s family.
Roslyn who’s husband died and her son and his family had move to Japan lives on her own and has a little cottage at the back of her property. Roslyn finds herself laden with a border for the cottage after finding an unwed, 19-year-old pregnant girl called Amber living in her car and not fairing too well. The Dr suggested to Roslyn that she take in Amber until she is in a better condition. Roslyn is not happy about this but finds she has no choice. Amber and Roslyn become very close and she takes her under her wing and includes her as family.
Taking Amber in has given Roslyn the idea of using Gunther’s money to help women less fortunate, escaping from abuse, helping with housing, setting up cooking classes and helping them learn new skills to be able to find work.
Thank you to #betterreading for the opportunity to review this novel, I really enjoyed it. Easy read and very well written.
September 13, 2024
The weather ‘… hadn’t stopped the good people of Jesserton from gathering in the Lutheran church for the funeral of Gunter Brost.’
Set in the fictional town of Jesserton in the picturesque Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Ms Stringer’s latest novel opens with a funeral. And, at the gathering after the funeral, Margot Pedrick learns that a ’For Sale’ sign has already been erected on Gunter’s property. Margot and her husband Dennis lived next door to Gunter, as does Margot’s older sister Roslyn.
Margot wants to buy Gunter’s property and is outraged when it is sold to a developer who proposes to build an hotel. Margot wants to fight the development and falls out with those who oppose it. Roslyn is in a difficult situation: Gunter’s will asks that the proceeds from the sale be donated by Roslyn to a charity of her choice.
The community is polarised: some see opportunity where others see wanton destruction. Amber, a young pregnant woman, has newly arrived in town. Fleeing violence, she is sleeping in her car. A chance encounter at the doctor’s office sees Roslyn offering Amber a temporary home. Margot, who has already had a run in with Amber, is further outraged and the sisters’ relationship is strained.
Anyone who has lived in a small (or smallish) community will be aware of how quickly opinions can polarise over the prospect of new developments. Ms Stringer realistically portrays a community divided as they try to assess the benefit and impacts of what is proposed.
I enjoyed this novel. A couple of twists added elements of tension and Ms Stringer’s characters covered a range of concerns reflecting different life situations. All three of the major characters: Margot, Roslyn, and Amber develop as the story progresses and, yes, I liked the ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Set in the fictional town of Jesserton in the picturesque Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Ms Stringer’s latest novel opens with a funeral. And, at the gathering after the funeral, Margot Pedrick learns that a ’For Sale’ sign has already been erected on Gunter’s property. Margot and her husband Dennis lived next door to Gunter, as does Margot’s older sister Roslyn.
Margot wants to buy Gunter’s property and is outraged when it is sold to a developer who proposes to build an hotel. Margot wants to fight the development and falls out with those who oppose it. Roslyn is in a difficult situation: Gunter’s will asks that the proceeds from the sale be donated by Roslyn to a charity of her choice.
The community is polarised: some see opportunity where others see wanton destruction. Amber, a young pregnant woman, has newly arrived in town. Fleeing violence, she is sleeping in her car. A chance encounter at the doctor’s office sees Roslyn offering Amber a temporary home. Margot, who has already had a run in with Amber, is further outraged and the sisters’ relationship is strained.
Anyone who has lived in a small (or smallish) community will be aware of how quickly opinions can polarise over the prospect of new developments. Ms Stringer realistically portrays a community divided as they try to assess the benefit and impacts of what is proposed.
I enjoyed this novel. A couple of twists added elements of tension and Ms Stringer’s characters covered a range of concerns reflecting different life situations. All three of the major characters: Margot, Roslyn, and Amber develop as the story progresses and, yes, I liked the ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 17, 2024
Set in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, Tricia Stringer has portrayed a realistic picture of a small town divided over the proposed development of a boutique hotel. While some are in favour of the jobs and increased tourism it will bring, some are worried that it will have a negative impact on their quiet lifestyle. The main character, Margot is dead set against the development an organises petitions and town meetings to oppose the development. She and her husband Dennis live next door to the proposed site and had hoped to buy the land when their neighbour Gunter died. Margot’s sister Roslyn and her adult children have mixed feelings about the hotel but mostly keep their opinions to themselves since she is so fervent in wanting the development stopped.
This is an entertaining read and I enjoyed the way it played out as the developers did their best to work with the businesses in town. The main characters, Margot, Roslyn and a young pregnant, homeless woman called Amber are all well developed although I found Margot a very difficult character to like, as she is very self centred and not very considerate of other people’s feelings. Her family and her partner in their café, Kath always seem to be placating her when she becomes agitated or obsessive about something. She also develops a dislike on sight of poor Amber, even after her sister Roslyn takes her in and befriends her. I loved Roslyn’s approach to dealing with her and her wish to uphold Gunter’s wishes for his legacy to benefit the community. Overall, it’s a good depiction of a close knit small town at odds over whether development and change is good or bad for them and an engaging read.
With thanks to Harlequin Au via Netgalley for a copy to read
This is an entertaining read and I enjoyed the way it played out as the developers did their best to work with the businesses in town. The main characters, Margot, Roslyn and a young pregnant, homeless woman called Amber are all well developed although I found Margot a very difficult character to like, as she is very self centred and not very considerate of other people’s feelings. Her family and her partner in their café, Kath always seem to be placating her when she becomes agitated or obsessive about something. She also develops a dislike on sight of poor Amber, even after her sister Roslyn takes her in and befriends her. I loved Roslyn’s approach to dealing with her and her wish to uphold Gunter’s wishes for his legacy to benefit the community. Overall, it’s a good depiction of a close knit small town at odds over whether development and change is good or bad for them and an engaging read.
With thanks to Harlequin Au via Netgalley for a copy to read
November 24, 2024
Head for the Hills is the kind of book to grab when you’re looking for a leisurely story to sink into. It’s slow-paced and an engaging foray into the antics in a small town in regional Australia. The relationships have everything from sisters at way, friends fighting, shop owner against shop owner and neighbours caught in battles. There is some level and kind of conflict across this town, all brought on by the death of Gunter. His vineyard property is now in the hands of developers much to the chargrin of his neighbours and local community. One neighbour, Margot leads the community into a fight against the development. Her sister, Roslyn feels the opposite.
The fight against the development becomes a fight amongst family; Margot is a character who doesn’t really think of anyone but herself Margot and even the way she interacted with her own business partner was annoying and childish. I felt so much frustration with Margot and may of the townsfolk; it was almost as if they were stuck in a time warp, where any progress was unwelcomed. The other side story in this book was with Roslyn’s temporary tenant, Amber, who is pregnant and homeless and escaping a scary past. This is where Roslyn’s character shined through the melodrama; her connection to Amber was endearing, practical and I love reading how their relationship grew and grew by the day, just as Roslyn’s relationship with her sister, crumbled. Amber, although with her crankiness on her sleeve, was much more of what I expected from Margot’s adult children.
This book connected you to this small town even though they were at odds with what they wanted. An inserting foray into the lives of women seeking stability, change and embracing opportunity. Thanks #harpercollinsaus for the #gifted copy.
The fight against the development becomes a fight amongst family; Margot is a character who doesn’t really think of anyone but herself Margot and even the way she interacted with her own business partner was annoying and childish. I felt so much frustration with Margot and may of the townsfolk; it was almost as if they were stuck in a time warp, where any progress was unwelcomed. The other side story in this book was with Roslyn’s temporary tenant, Amber, who is pregnant and homeless and escaping a scary past. This is where Roslyn’s character shined through the melodrama; her connection to Amber was endearing, practical and I love reading how their relationship grew and grew by the day, just as Roslyn’s relationship with her sister, crumbled. Amber, although with her crankiness on her sleeve, was much more of what I expected from Margot’s adult children.
This book connected you to this small town even though they were at odds with what they wanted. An inserting foray into the lives of women seeking stability, change and embracing opportunity. Thanks #harpercollinsaus for the #gifted copy.
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