An Aussie Affair: - where the sun beats down on Red's red land

by Elise Williams

Lori Malone is at a crossroads in her should she continue her degree which she carelessly abandoned, or should she follow her dreams and travel to the other side of the world? Although tempted by her friend Toni’s incessant persuasion to join her in Australia, Lori knows that her funds just won’t stretch 16,000 kilometres – that is until she receives the wedding invite. Accompanying her widowed father to a family wedding in Brisbane, Lori is intrigued to delve further into her new Aussie family’s intriguing history and subsequent secrets. A recurring dream resurfaces, throwing light on an elusive and unspoken member of her Australian family. Love triangles, perilous outback adventures and a few dodgy jobs along the way - will Lori find her answers on the other side or the world? Should she stay or should she go?

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2014

Reviews

[J. Frances]

Wonderful adventure set against the beautiful backdrop of Australia!

What a lovely light hearted story this is. I felt like I toured Australia in my head as the author really pulled me in to the story with her vivid descriptions of the various locations the characters visited throughout the book. The story was light and thoroughly enjoyable with a hidden family secret buried in along the way that kept me guessing right until the very end. Great relationships between the characters with lots of fun, banter and comical moments along the way made for a perfect Australian adventure. Would highly recommend!

[Jessica Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read!

Going Upside Down is the story of Lori and her travels around Australia as she meets her long lost family, falls in love, and delves deep into a family mystery. It combines all my favourite things – family, romance, adventure, mystery. And as a person with family living in Australia myself, this story definitely touched something close to home in me.

Elise Williams does an amazing job describing everything. You really get a feel for Australia – what it looks like, the atmosphere, the weather, the people. It's easy to imagine and I felt like I was right there along with Lori.

Lori herself is a great character – adventurous and sweet – and there are plenty of other brilliant side characters. Her family all have different personalities, and they made me laugh because it was just like regular families. I loved her cousin, Luke, and his best friend, Red. I was just as confused as Lori about Red, but was definitely rooting for him. His obvious affection towards her was super sweet. And of course, her friend, Toni, who was bubbling with fun.

I'd definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially those looking to escape and be taken on an adventure. I'll be looking out for more from this author for sure.

Five stars!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is where ‘rom com’ meets a travel guide. It’s a whirlwind tour of Australia as Lori Malone visits Australia with her Yorkshire family for a wedding down under. I loved the descriptions of Australia as they vividly brought alive a country I would love to visit one day. Elise Williams also treats the subject of the native Aborigines with great sensitivity without being at all preachy. Running throughout the book are Lori’s romantic encounters as she can’t decide between her cousin’s friend and a Doncaster lad she meets on her travels. Will she stay in Oz or return to the UK? You’ll have to read it to find out. I did get a trifle confused at all Lori’s family’s distant relations but thankfully there is a guide in a nutshell at the end to clear up any misunderstandings. A very enjoyable holiday read.

[Elise Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel as it followed the travels of a young girl around Australia and subsequent romantic encounters. There was a lot of information regarding the aboriginal settlements and their problems with alcohol . All in all a good read which if you have or have not been to Australia can relate to .