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Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss
A warm, witty and uplifting coming of middle-age novel set in 1930s Australia about shaking off the dust and making a new start. Perfect for fans of Joanna Nell, Rachel Joyce and Sophie Green.
When her husband departs, her adventure begins...
1933. In the tiny outback town of Bittamilla, Winifred Peters is burying her husband after decades of silent submission, surrounded by her ungrateful collection of children and their grasping partners.
On discovering a surprise inheritance, Winifred makes a sudden decision to flee the town, and when she encounters a young wife taking refuge from her abusive husband, the two women head for bustling Sydney. There will be bumps on the road, but the city brings unexpected adventures, new friends and the chance to finally find their voices.
But when the past catches up with them, will they be able to hold on to their hard-won freedom?
When her husband departs, her adventure begins...
1933. In the tiny outback town of Bittamilla, Winifred Peters is burying her husband after decades of silent submission, surrounded by her ungrateful collection of children and their grasping partners.
On discovering a surprise inheritance, Winifred makes a sudden decision to flee the town, and when she encounters a young wife taking refuge from her abusive husband, the two women head for bustling Sydney. There will be bumps on the road, but the city brings unexpected adventures, new friends and the chance to finally find their voices.
But when the past catches up with them, will they be able to hold on to their hard-won freedom?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
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First published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 19, 2026
EXCERPT: I trailed the fistful of dried dirt onto my husband's coffin, opened my hand, released the last powdery red dust of it and thought, take that you bastard.
ABOUT 'WINIFRED PETERS IS NOT SORRY FOR HER LOSS': 1933. In the tiny outback town of Bittamilla, Winifred Peters buries her husband after decades of dutiful silence, surrounded by her thankless grown-up children.
On discovering a surprise inheritance, Winifred makes a sudden decision to leave town, and when she encounters a young wife taking refuge from her husband, the two women board a train to bustling Sydney.
The city brings unexpected adventures, new friends and the chance to finally find their voices. But when the past catches up with them, will they be able to hold on to their fiercely won freedom?
MY THOUGHTS: A slow read that has its entertaining moments.
The opening paragraph hooked me straight away. I had to know what was behind Winifred Peters reaction to her husband's death.
Emotionally abused, and with greedy, self-serving children to boot, Winifred decides to strike out on her own rather than be passed around like a parcel and used as unpaid labour between her children after having been left with nothing but a parcel of almost worthless shares in her husband's will.
This is the story of her journey as she finds not only herself but another battered wife, her own two feet, and a real friend or two. But not all runs smoothly. I was definitely rooting for Winifred in the beginning, but after a little she began to irritate me. There is a little dark humour, but even more slapstick style humour which doesn't sit well with me.
I wanted to like Winifred Peters is Not Sorry For Her Loss more than I did. The premise is delightful, but I found the writing a little choppy and, at times, long-winded. However, as this is the author's debut novel, I'm prepared to cut her a little slack.
⭐⭐⭐
#WinifredPetersIsNotSorryforHerLoss #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LOUISE JENSEN DUFFY was born in Newcastle and has lived in and around Canberra and Queanbeyan for thirty years, including on a rural property between Bungendore and Braidwood. She has spent the last twenty years writing for government, which she says has given her a solid foundation in creative writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia & NZ for providing a DRC of Winifred Peters is Not Sorry For Her Loss by Louise Jensen Duffy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
ABOUT 'WINIFRED PETERS IS NOT SORRY FOR HER LOSS': 1933. In the tiny outback town of Bittamilla, Winifred Peters buries her husband after decades of dutiful silence, surrounded by her thankless grown-up children.
On discovering a surprise inheritance, Winifred makes a sudden decision to leave town, and when she encounters a young wife taking refuge from her husband, the two women board a train to bustling Sydney.
The city brings unexpected adventures, new friends and the chance to finally find their voices. But when the past catches up with them, will they be able to hold on to their fiercely won freedom?
MY THOUGHTS: A slow read that has its entertaining moments.
The opening paragraph hooked me straight away. I had to know what was behind Winifred Peters reaction to her husband's death.
Emotionally abused, and with greedy, self-serving children to boot, Winifred decides to strike out on her own rather than be passed around like a parcel and used as unpaid labour between her children after having been left with nothing but a parcel of almost worthless shares in her husband's will.
This is the story of her journey as she finds not only herself but another battered wife, her own two feet, and a real friend or two. But not all runs smoothly. I was definitely rooting for Winifred in the beginning, but after a little she began to irritate me. There is a little dark humour, but even more slapstick style humour which doesn't sit well with me.
I wanted to like Winifred Peters is Not Sorry For Her Loss more than I did. The premise is delightful, but I found the writing a little choppy and, at times, long-winded. However, as this is the author's debut novel, I'm prepared to cut her a little slack.
⭐⭐⭐
#WinifredPetersIsNotSorryforHerLoss #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LOUISE JENSEN DUFFY was born in Newcastle and has lived in and around Canberra and Queanbeyan for thirty years, including on a rural property between Bungendore and Braidwood. She has spent the last twenty years writing for government, which she says has given her a solid foundation in creative writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia & NZ for providing a DRC of Winifred Peters is Not Sorry For Her Loss by Louise Jensen Duffy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
April 7, 2026
Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry For Her Loss is the first novel by prize-winning Australian author, Louise Jensen Duffy. When retired sheep farmer Les Peters is felled by a stroke, his downtrodden wife, Winifred looks forward to the wake ending, a bit of peace and quiet. Their Bittamilla cottage is barely more than a shack: no electricity or gas, pump water, an outdoor toilet, but without Les ordering her around, it will be bliss.
Then her eldest son, Cecil, now in charge of Binalee, their sheep property, ushers in the local solicitor to read the will. It comes as no surprise that Les has left Binalee to his favourite son, Cec, while her three daughters are left only his watch, cufflinks and signet ring, to be kept in trust until their eldest sons come of age.
But Winnie is shocked to learn that their two younger sons get the shack, to sell and share the proceeds, leaving her effectively homeless. Cec informs her she’ll be living at Binalee, helping his wife with the house and kids (read: unpaid labour), until she moves on to her other sons’ homes for their turn. Their reluctance is poorly hidden. Winnie supposes she shouldn’t be surprised, given the miserly upbringing at which Les excelled.
And to Winnie? His mother’s (very ugly) porcelain epergne. Oh, and the residuary estate, including the (likely worthless) stock certificates he pinched every penny to acquire. Desperate for a skerrick of independence, Winnie instructs the solicitor to sell the stock certificates.
When Cec turns up with the lawyer wanting her to sign them over to him, because she couldn’t possibly know how to manage them, the truth emerges: a windfall Les could never have expected. To his great annoyance, she resists. To her great irritation, each of her children, neighbours, friends and acquaintances of Les, come presenting valid reasons that they are worthy recipients of a share of the cash.
When Winnie spots bruised and battered Ruby Mayfield heading to the train station, it’s very much a spur-of-the-moment decision that takes the pair, not just to nearby Macleay, but to Sydney in the first-class carriage. Winnie intends to return to Bittamilla, she does, but first, she needs to make sure Ruby is OK.
Jensen Duffy gives the reader a marvellous cast of characters: Winnie’s children are jaw-droppingly greedy and selfish; her solicitor, Herb is refreshingly spontaneous; Merle’s foot-in-mouth utterances are hilarious; the magistrate is gratifyingly perceptive; and as Winnie emerges from her downtrodden existence, finds her own strength, and discovers true friendship, it’s impossible not to cheer her on at every challenge.
Set in 1933, this is a tale that demonstrates how coercive control was even easier when all the authority and money lay with the men, and women were virtually powerless. Attitudes to domestic violence, to working wives, to any sort of female independence, are disturbingly accurate, but the tension is relieved with entertaining dialogue and sitcom moments that border on slapstick. A movie adaptation of this fine novel could not fail to succeed. This wonderfully-told historical fiction is a brilliant debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Headline/ Hachette ANZ
Then her eldest son, Cecil, now in charge of Binalee, their sheep property, ushers in the local solicitor to read the will. It comes as no surprise that Les has left Binalee to his favourite son, Cec, while her three daughters are left only his watch, cufflinks and signet ring, to be kept in trust until their eldest sons come of age.
But Winnie is shocked to learn that their two younger sons get the shack, to sell and share the proceeds, leaving her effectively homeless. Cec informs her she’ll be living at Binalee, helping his wife with the house and kids (read: unpaid labour), until she moves on to her other sons’ homes for their turn. Their reluctance is poorly hidden. Winnie supposes she shouldn’t be surprised, given the miserly upbringing at which Les excelled.
And to Winnie? His mother’s (very ugly) porcelain epergne. Oh, and the residuary estate, including the (likely worthless) stock certificates he pinched every penny to acquire. Desperate for a skerrick of independence, Winnie instructs the solicitor to sell the stock certificates.
When Cec turns up with the lawyer wanting her to sign them over to him, because she couldn’t possibly know how to manage them, the truth emerges: a windfall Les could never have expected. To his great annoyance, she resists. To her great irritation, each of her children, neighbours, friends and acquaintances of Les, come presenting valid reasons that they are worthy recipients of a share of the cash.
When Winnie spots bruised and battered Ruby Mayfield heading to the train station, it’s very much a spur-of-the-moment decision that takes the pair, not just to nearby Macleay, but to Sydney in the first-class carriage. Winnie intends to return to Bittamilla, she does, but first, she needs to make sure Ruby is OK.
Jensen Duffy gives the reader a marvellous cast of characters: Winnie’s children are jaw-droppingly greedy and selfish; her solicitor, Herb is refreshingly spontaneous; Merle’s foot-in-mouth utterances are hilarious; the magistrate is gratifyingly perceptive; and as Winnie emerges from her downtrodden existence, finds her own strength, and discovers true friendship, it’s impossible not to cheer her on at every challenge.
Set in 1933, this is a tale that demonstrates how coercive control was even easier when all the authority and money lay with the men, and women were virtually powerless. Attitudes to domestic violence, to working wives, to any sort of female independence, are disturbingly accurate, but the tension is relieved with entertaining dialogue and sitcom moments that border on slapstick. A movie adaptation of this fine novel could not fail to succeed. This wonderfully-told historical fiction is a brilliant debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Headline/ Hachette ANZ
April 10, 2026
Review to come
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
For me at least, I had to be in a good headspace to read this book, though that certainly may not be case for all readers. It deals with some difficult themes, and it has a kind of dry humour to it, which is also a bit morbid towards the beginning. When I first picked it up, I wasn't in the best of moods, and this atmosphere felt oppressive and depressing to me, and worsened my mood. But when I picked it up again 2 weeks later and in a much better mood, suddenly I was able to see the lighthearted humour in the veritable circus of events, and I found I enjoyed it much more.
Winifred Peters is a woman fed up. Through a series of events after the passing of her husband, Winnie finds herself in Sydney, very much bumbling her way through experiences that are very new to her, as a previously hard up woman from the country. Despite all her fumbling, Winnie somehow always manages to make it through, all while leaving a smile on the faces of the people she meets (well, most of them). It's heartening and delightful to watch Winnie develop her sense of self and increasingly gain confidence through these escapades, particularly considering the situation in which the book began.
This book is awfully Australian in atmosphere. From the buzz of flies over a table of food and the incredibly loud drone of cicadas, to the manner of people Winnie meets on the city streets, it is artfully Australian and highly familiar (despite the historical time period).
Throughout her adventures, Winnie gathers a gaggle of new friends. She learns who her true friends are, and the book ends with genuine supportive sisterhood. Each of the characters is imperfect and has their own established personality, and the clash of all their personalities can be quite a hoot at times.
This isn't my usual kind of reading material, but I can see myself potentially reading more from Louise Jensen Duffy in future - provided I am in a good headspace first, of course.
My sincere thanks to Hachette ANZ and Netgalley for this digital review copy. This review is my genuine opinion.
For me at least, I had to be in a good headspace to read this book, though that certainly may not be case for all readers. It deals with some difficult themes, and it has a kind of dry humour to it, which is also a bit morbid towards the beginning. When I first picked it up, I wasn't in the best of moods, and this atmosphere felt oppressive and depressing to me, and worsened my mood. But when I picked it up again 2 weeks later and in a much better mood, suddenly I was able to see the lighthearted humour in the veritable circus of events, and I found I enjoyed it much more.
Winifred Peters is a woman fed up. Through a series of events after the passing of her husband, Winnie finds herself in Sydney, very much bumbling her way through experiences that are very new to her, as a previously hard up woman from the country. Despite all her fumbling, Winnie somehow always manages to make it through, all while leaving a smile on the faces of the people she meets (well, most of them). It's heartening and delightful to watch Winnie develop her sense of self and increasingly gain confidence through these escapades, particularly considering the situation in which the book began.
This book is awfully Australian in atmosphere. From the buzz of flies over a table of food and the incredibly loud drone of cicadas, to the manner of people Winnie meets on the city streets, it is artfully Australian and highly familiar (despite the historical time period).
Throughout her adventures, Winnie gathers a gaggle of new friends. She learns who her true friends are, and the book ends with genuine supportive sisterhood. Each of the characters is imperfect and has their own established personality, and the clash of all their personalities can be quite a hoot at times.
This isn't my usual kind of reading material, but I can see myself potentially reading more from Louise Jensen Duffy in future - provided I am in a good headspace first, of course.
My sincere thanks to Hachette ANZ and Netgalley for this digital review copy. This review is my genuine opinion.
April 27, 2026
I bought Louise Jensen Duffy’s “Winifred Peters is not sorry for her loss” purely because of the quirky title and nothing else. How could I go wrong?
The answer is I didn’t. The opening line “I trailed the fistful of dried dirt onto my husband’s coffin, opened my hand, released the last powdery red dust of it and thought, take that, you bastard” grabbed me tightly and then the adventure of Winifred Peters didn’t let me go.
On the face, this is an expose of the misogynistic world facing women in Australia in the 1930s. It had it all, abuse and domestic violence, complete lack of respect and ignorance with respect to a woman’s ability to think intelligently and independently. Below the surface though came one of the most loveable heroes ever. Winnie became her own person and took on the world. And won. Even better, she dragged some very worthwhile passengers with her on her journey.
Every so often, a book comes along that lifts your spirits on a way that you forgive any small missteps in the story or construction. This was one of those books.
I left this story feeling a lot happier for having read it. You can’t really ask for more than that.
The answer is I didn’t. The opening line “I trailed the fistful of dried dirt onto my husband’s coffin, opened my hand, released the last powdery red dust of it and thought, take that, you bastard” grabbed me tightly and then the adventure of Winifred Peters didn’t let me go.
On the face, this is an expose of the misogynistic world facing women in Australia in the 1930s. It had it all, abuse and domestic violence, complete lack of respect and ignorance with respect to a woman’s ability to think intelligently and independently. Below the surface though came one of the most loveable heroes ever. Winnie became her own person and took on the world. And won. Even better, she dragged some very worthwhile passengers with her on her journey.
Every so often, a book comes along that lifts your spirits on a way that you forgive any small missteps in the story or construction. This was one of those books.
I left this story feeling a lot happier for having read it. You can’t really ask for more than that.
May 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️⭐️ A uniquely Australian historical fiction story, set in Western New South Wales and Sydney, in 1933. Winifred Peters, a downtrodden and abused woman, has just buried her husband. Her children think her incompetent to manage her own affairs and want her to come and stay with them in turns and work like an unpaid skivvy. Then an unexpected event occurs and she is a free woman with ample means. Although there are dark and unsettling themes the whole story is filled with humour and lighthearted moments and the opportunities for women to make their own decisions. The only aspect I found off putting was the use of dead animals as interior decor; unnecessary I thought. Altogether charming and warm.
April 23, 2026
Louise Jensen Duffy masterfully explores the "life-force drain" of mid-century marriage. Winifred’s decades in Bittamilla reflect a suffocating status quo: she is the silent architect of her family’s life, bearing the crushing weight of domestic labour, emotional kinkeeping, and the "mental load" that goes entirely unacknowledged. Her adult children perpetuate this by romanticising her "sacrificial" nature, viewing her servitude as an inherent trait rather than a lost potential. They applaud her silence, never realising that stability was bought at the cost of her own soul.
When Winifred is widowed, the shift is visceral. Liberation isn’t just about absence; it’s about the reclamation of agency. Duffy depicts this as a "glowing" reawakening—a reclamation of the self that had been subsumed by duty. As she travels to Sydney and manages her newfound finances, Winifred trades the role of "mother and wife" for that of an individual with desires, proving that her capacity for adventure was always there, merely dormant.
The heart of the novel lies in the transformative power of female solidarity. Winifred’s alliance with a young wife fleeing her own controlling spouse acts as a mirror; they help each other unlearn the gaslighting and self-diminishment inherent in their respective toxic dynamics. They challenge the societal scripts that demand their obedience, replacing them with a pact of mutual protection. Their friendship becomes a radical act—a space where they decode their pasts, silence their inner critics, and refuse to let the shadows of their former lives dictate their future freedom. Duffy perfectly captures how women, once isolated by their domestic burdens, find their voices when they finally hold space for one another.
When Winifred is widowed, the shift is visceral. Liberation isn’t just about absence; it’s about the reclamation of agency. Duffy depicts this as a "glowing" reawakening—a reclamation of the self that had been subsumed by duty. As she travels to Sydney and manages her newfound finances, Winifred trades the role of "mother and wife" for that of an individual with desires, proving that her capacity for adventure was always there, merely dormant.
The heart of the novel lies in the transformative power of female solidarity. Winifred’s alliance with a young wife fleeing her own controlling spouse acts as a mirror; they help each other unlearn the gaslighting and self-diminishment inherent in their respective toxic dynamics. They challenge the societal scripts that demand their obedience, replacing them with a pact of mutual protection. Their friendship becomes a radical act—a space where they decode their pasts, silence their inner critics, and refuse to let the shadows of their former lives dictate their future freedom. Duffy perfectly captures how women, once isolated by their domestic burdens, find their voices when they finally hold space for one another.
November 20, 2025
Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for her loss, by Louise Jensen Duffy is a very fun read!
With the death of her controlling, abusive husband and children who make her feel more like a burden than a cherished mother, Winifred is free to do whatever she desires.
However, her husband thinks he will control her even from his grave, leaving her with nothing but some old bonds that are believed to be useless.
He even leaves her home to their equally awful son.
While the children are arguing about where she will live, she discovers that those old bonds weren't useless at all; she receives quite a financial windfall.
Winifred informs her now groveling children that she will NOT be staying with any of them.
She is, in fact, going to take some time to escape this oppressive life she has been living all of these years with her abusive husband and horrible adult children.
Along the way, she befriends a young woman who is also running from an abusive relationship.
They strike up a friendship and the adventure begins.
This writing was great, with fun, well developed characters.
The adventures described in a way that made me feel as if I were right there with them.
There were laugh out loud moments.
I kept cheering for Winifred to stay the course when her children all tried to get the money.
This book is one to snuggle into on a chilly evening.
My thanks to Netgalley, Headline and Louise Jensen Duffy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this one!
With the death of her controlling, abusive husband and children who make her feel more like a burden than a cherished mother, Winifred is free to do whatever she desires.
However, her husband thinks he will control her even from his grave, leaving her with nothing but some old bonds that are believed to be useless.
He even leaves her home to their equally awful son.
While the children are arguing about where she will live, she discovers that those old bonds weren't useless at all; she receives quite a financial windfall.
Winifred informs her now groveling children that she will NOT be staying with any of them.
She is, in fact, going to take some time to escape this oppressive life she has been living all of these years with her abusive husband and horrible adult children.
Along the way, she befriends a young woman who is also running from an abusive relationship.
They strike up a friendship and the adventure begins.
This writing was great, with fun, well developed characters.
The adventures described in a way that made me feel as if I were right there with them.
There were laugh out loud moments.
I kept cheering for Winifred to stay the course when her children all tried to get the money.
This book is one to snuggle into on a chilly evening.
My thanks to Netgalley, Headline and Louise Jensen Duffy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this one!
April 25, 2026
Let's hear it for the girls!!
Meet Winifred Peters, a formidable woman and someone I'd love to have in my circle!
Winifred Peters is not Sorry for her Loss...not at all!
Set in New South Wales in the 1930s, this is Winifred's story and what a journey she has! Starting with the funeral of her husband Les, what develops as a result is a revelation of family dynamics and jaw dropping moments that you can't believe...
There are selfish children, a snake of a solicitor and one who may actually wear a superhero cape! Add a road trip and some new friends and this is one huge rollercoaster of a read, with highs and lows, tears and laughter - lots of laughter - and it's thoroughly enjoyable!
There are some very loveable characters, who provide many laughs and some very disappointing characters who you want to shout at and make them see sense.
I really liked the way this was written, with many colloquialisms that added to the understanding and enjoyment of the characters, making them come alive.
There is also a more serious element to the story, leading to why things happen in the way they do, outlining the experiences of some of the characters. This is handled sensitively, helping to build more of an understanding of them and their connections with eachother.
I definitely recommend this, if you're looking for an enjoyable, heartwarming and entertaining read, especially if you like strong female characters and developing friendships that seem unlikely at first.
AD/PR
Read as an e-ARC.
Meet Winifred Peters, a formidable woman and someone I'd love to have in my circle!
Winifred Peters is not Sorry for her Loss...not at all!
Set in New South Wales in the 1930s, this is Winifred's story and what a journey she has! Starting with the funeral of her husband Les, what develops as a result is a revelation of family dynamics and jaw dropping moments that you can't believe...
There are selfish children, a snake of a solicitor and one who may actually wear a superhero cape! Add a road trip and some new friends and this is one huge rollercoaster of a read, with highs and lows, tears and laughter - lots of laughter - and it's thoroughly enjoyable!
There are some very loveable characters, who provide many laughs and some very disappointing characters who you want to shout at and make them see sense.
I really liked the way this was written, with many colloquialisms that added to the understanding and enjoyment of the characters, making them come alive.
There is also a more serious element to the story, leading to why things happen in the way they do, outlining the experiences of some of the characters. This is handled sensitively, helping to build more of an understanding of them and their connections with eachother.
I definitely recommend this, if you're looking for an enjoyable, heartwarming and entertaining read, especially if you like strong female characters and developing friendships that seem unlikely at first.
AD/PR
Read as an e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a delightful, inspiring and poignant book about an emerging woman conquering the stereotypical misogynistic view of women in 1930s Outback Australia (though I think the story could fit in any country). I laughed, loved and got teary reading this wonderful book.
Winifred Peters, wife of the late Lesley Peters, is looking forward to a life without him. However, her children, especially her oldest, Cecil, intend to whisk her off to one of their homes so they can take care of her. Winifred wants none of that and when she learns one of the stocks her husband bought years ago is worth a considerable amount of money, the children come out of the woodwork demanding their share. Instead Winifred takes a spur of the moment adventure to Sydney to help a woman, Ruby, she doesn’t really know, escape an abusive husband. In Sydney Winifred meets a group of women around whom a great friendship grows so that when Cecil rears his ugly hard, they rally around her and help her save the day.
Winifred is a great character and as she emerges from beaten down to take charge - all done with nice pacing - we find the resilience that’s been there all along. Winifred belongs in the camp of those memorial characters like Elenor Oliphant, Sally Diamond, and others who enchant us.
I really loved this book and highly recommend.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Headline Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
Winifred Peters, wife of the late Lesley Peters, is looking forward to a life without him. However, her children, especially her oldest, Cecil, intend to whisk her off to one of their homes so they can take care of her. Winifred wants none of that and when she learns one of the stocks her husband bought years ago is worth a considerable amount of money, the children come out of the woodwork demanding their share. Instead Winifred takes a spur of the moment adventure to Sydney to help a woman, Ruby, she doesn’t really know, escape an abusive husband. In Sydney Winifred meets a group of women around whom a great friendship grows so that when Cecil rears his ugly hard, they rally around her and help her save the day.
Winifred is a great character and as she emerges from beaten down to take charge - all done with nice pacing - we find the resilience that’s been there all along. Winifred belongs in the camp of those memorial characters like Elenor Oliphant, Sally Diamond, and others who enchant us.
I really loved this book and highly recommend.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Headline Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks for Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
A new voice is on the block…..
Louise Jensen Duffy is about to present her debut novel to readers.
I can definitely and honestly say this book is wonderful.
A historical fiction read with a splash of women’s fiction and a big dose of humour.
It’s 1933 and in a small town, Bittamilla in outback Australia there’s a funeral happening.
Winifred Peters is attending her husband Les’s burial.
After many decades she is finally free of the brut and her self centred adult children are distraught and arguing over the lack of inheritance.
While they are mourning his loss, Winifred is celebrating freedom.
Then she gets a surprise.
The shares he left her, are worth a lot more than anyone expected.
Winifred makes a quick decision, boards the train and makes a life in Sydney.
Living luxury and a glamorous lifestyle, making new friends and having new adventures but the past is not far behind and ready to cause pandemonium….
I loved this book, there’s so much to enjoy in the story.
The lead protagonist is delightful, witty, funny and so lovely.
I couldn’t help but cheer her on.
There’s some dark issues woven in but I found these were handled with compassion and sensitivity, being only mentioned briefly.
A goodie that’s destined to be a huge hit.
Run don’t walk when this book hits the stores, it will brighten your day.
A new voice is on the block…..
Louise Jensen Duffy is about to present her debut novel to readers.
I can definitely and honestly say this book is wonderful.
A historical fiction read with a splash of women’s fiction and a big dose of humour.
It’s 1933 and in a small town, Bittamilla in outback Australia there’s a funeral happening.
Winifred Peters is attending her husband Les’s burial.
After many decades she is finally free of the brut and her self centred adult children are distraught and arguing over the lack of inheritance.
While they are mourning his loss, Winifred is celebrating freedom.
Then she gets a surprise.
The shares he left her, are worth a lot more than anyone expected.
Winifred makes a quick decision, boards the train and makes a life in Sydney.
Living luxury and a glamorous lifestyle, making new friends and having new adventures but the past is not far behind and ready to cause pandemonium….
I loved this book, there’s so much to enjoy in the story.
The lead protagonist is delightful, witty, funny and so lovely.
I couldn’t help but cheer her on.
There’s some dark issues woven in but I found these were handled with compassion and sensitivity, being only mentioned briefly.
A goodie that’s destined to be a huge hit.
Run don’t walk when this book hits the stores, it will brighten your day.
April 17, 2026
Winifred Peters has lived her whole life in her small town, having married a local and raised three children. When her controlling husband dies, she is not exactly unhappy. Perhaps relief if more the thing. Suddenly she is swept up in what her children expect from her with the idea she will live with them in turn instead of staying where she is. Except her husband invested some money and it all comes to her rather than her children. Soon, she is on the adventure of a lifetime, taking the train to Sydney with a battered wife she meets near the train station. There are quite a few mishaps along the way, leaving lots of amusing anecdotes of her first trip to the city. And then there is the city and her adventures there.
This was a really great read, full of humour but also full of pathos. Winifred has a pretty simple way of looking at the world, having had such a limited view from before. This takes place in 1930s New South Wales, and the perspective of life is a lot different than what we'd see today. Winifred does take a few wrong turns along the way, but she stays true to herself and her values. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for historical fiction in Australia from the early part of the 20th century.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for giving me an advanced reader copy. The feedback provided is entirely voluntary. I give this 4.5 stars.
This was a really great read, full of humour but also full of pathos. Winifred has a pretty simple way of looking at the world, having had such a limited view from before. This takes place in 1930s New South Wales, and the perspective of life is a lot different than what we'd see today. Winifred does take a few wrong turns along the way, but she stays true to herself and her values. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for historical fiction in Australia from the early part of the 20th century.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for giving me an advanced reader copy. The feedback provided is entirely voluntary. I give this 4.5 stars.
April 20, 2026
My final rating for this book is 3.5*.
I did feel like the author was a bit wordy and slow at times, but then the other times in the book I was thoroughly impressed.
I love the idea of this story. The thought that a woman, who was abused by her husband, made to stay in an old home with all the old-fashioned hardships, no nice clothes, shoes with holes in them.....after her husbands passing, she can rise above all of that and live a fabulous life! The story goes on to tell the adventures of Winnie, who after her husband passes, falls into quite a sum of money. She decides to get out of the small town and have some adventure. Her son Cecil tries to stop her at every single step of her getting out on her own. In the very beginning of the story, due to the abuse, she is very relieved when her husband passes away. However she quickly loses all hope when she is informed of the will which is not in her favor at all. UNTIL they discover they old 'nothings' that husband had previously invested in were way more than nothings.
Very enjoyable and readable debut novel Louise Duffy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Publishing for allowing me this e-arc for pre pub reading. The opinion mine and mine only.
I did feel like the author was a bit wordy and slow at times, but then the other times in the book I was thoroughly impressed.
I love the idea of this story. The thought that a woman, who was abused by her husband, made to stay in an old home with all the old-fashioned hardships, no nice clothes, shoes with holes in them.....after her husbands passing, she can rise above all of that and live a fabulous life! The story goes on to tell the adventures of Winnie, who after her husband passes, falls into quite a sum of money. She decides to get out of the small town and have some adventure. Her son Cecil tries to stop her at every single step of her getting out on her own. In the very beginning of the story, due to the abuse, she is very relieved when her husband passes away. However she quickly loses all hope when she is informed of the will which is not in her favor at all. UNTIL they discover they old 'nothings' that husband had previously invested in were way more than nothings.
Very enjoyable and readable debut novel Louise Duffy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Publishing for allowing me this e-arc for pre pub reading. The opinion mine and mine only.
October 24, 2025
Set against the sunbaked backdrop of 1930s Australia, this charming and quietly rebellious novel follows Winifred Peters as she steps out of the shadows of her past and into the light of unexpected freedom. After decades of dutiful silence, Winifred buries her husband—and with him, the life she never chose.
What begins as a funeral becomes a flight. Armed with a surprise inheritance and a fierce new resolve, Winifred escapes Bittamilla with a young woman in tow, both seeking refuge and reinvention. Their journey to Sydney is peppered with mishaps, laughter, and the kind of friendships that feel like lifelines.
The prose is witty and warm, with just enough bite to keep things honest. Winifred is a heroine for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or quietly furious. Her transformation is tender, funny, and deeply satisfying—a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Perfect for fans of Joanna Nell and Rachel Joyce, this is a celebration of second chances, chosen family, and the joy of finally saying “no” so you can say “yes” to yourself.
My thanks to Louise Jensen Duffy, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
What begins as a funeral becomes a flight. Armed with a surprise inheritance and a fierce new resolve, Winifred escapes Bittamilla with a young woman in tow, both seeking refuge and reinvention. Their journey to Sydney is peppered with mishaps, laughter, and the kind of friendships that feel like lifelines.
The prose is witty and warm, with just enough bite to keep things honest. Winifred is a heroine for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or quietly furious. Her transformation is tender, funny, and deeply satisfying—a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Perfect for fans of Joanna Nell and Rachel Joyce, this is a celebration of second chances, chosen family, and the joy of finally saying “no” so you can say “yes” to yourself.
My thanks to Louise Jensen Duffy, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a beautifully written story with so much heart.
Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss is, at its core, a story about second chances, courage, and finding your voice later in life. The writing is thoughtful and engaging, and there are some truly uplifting and moving moments that stayed with me.
That said, I did find the beginning quite heavy and a little difficult to read. Some of the themes felt confronting, and it took me a while to settle into the story. However, I’m really glad I kept going, because as the story unfolded, it shifted into something far more hopeful and uplifting.
Winifred’s journey, along with the friendships she forms along the way, is ultimately what makes this book shine. There’s a quiet strength in the storytelling that really comes through by the end.
While parts of it were a little triggering for me personally, that’s very much my own experience and not a reflection on the quality of the writing. The author has done a wonderful job crafting a meaningful and layered story, and I can absolutely see why many readers will love it.
I’ll definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss is, at its core, a story about second chances, courage, and finding your voice later in life. The writing is thoughtful and engaging, and there are some truly uplifting and moving moments that stayed with me.
That said, I did find the beginning quite heavy and a little difficult to read. Some of the themes felt confronting, and it took me a while to settle into the story. However, I’m really glad I kept going, because as the story unfolded, it shifted into something far more hopeful and uplifting.
Winifred’s journey, along with the friendships she forms along the way, is ultimately what makes this book shine. There’s a quiet strength in the storytelling that really comes through by the end.
While parts of it were a little triggering for me personally, that’s very much my own experience and not a reflection on the quality of the writing. The author has done a wonderful job crafting a meaningful and layered story, and I can absolutely see why many readers will love it.
I’ll definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
April 14, 2026
I was drawn to Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss, mainly because of the quirky title and the synopsis made it sound like a fun read. Then a couple of early critical reviews put me off reading it, so it lingered on my shelf until I attempted (and failed) to read it before publication day. Both my instincts were proved correct; it was a fun read and I mostly enjoyed it. However, it certainly could have done with a tighter edit. There was a really strong, tender heart to the novel and, whilst you were aware of the plotline, it was quite subtle until the last pages—the author's postscript reinforced the message of the book slightly more than the book did. There was also a farcical element to the book that sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. Did a book dedicated to women empowering themselves after decades of drudgery and abuse have to have quite so many paragraphs about a bad female driver? I am being critical and I do feel that it is deserved—however, Duffy is a charming writer and most of the flaws could have been ironed out in the edit. So my critique is aimed more at the editor than the author. 3/5 stars and I would read another of the author's books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I spent the first 80 pages of this book, disgusted and angry with Winifred Peter's horrible children. Her husband is barely buried, her entire life has been shaken up, and her kids all come at her, with their hands out. Not once asking about their mother and her well being.
I quite enjoyed this story, seeing Winnie find herself and discover the things she likes. New friendships and understanding the way of the world, after living in outback Australia, her whole life. Not to mention her ungrateful offspring getting their comeuppance.
Louise Jensen Duffy, has a talent for writing characters that feel like people. This novel is a master-class in characterisation, in the complexities of being human. And the cheering on, of a woman who finally, can simply, be happy.
This novel is slow paced, but incredibly easy to read. Winnie's wonder, oozes out of the page as she finally starts to live her own life. A wonderful jaunt through 1930s Sydney.
Thank you to Hachette ANZ for providing a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I quite enjoyed this story, seeing Winnie find herself and discover the things she likes. New friendships and understanding the way of the world, after living in outback Australia, her whole life. Not to mention her ungrateful offspring getting their comeuppance.
Louise Jensen Duffy, has a talent for writing characters that feel like people. This novel is a master-class in characterisation, in the complexities of being human. And the cheering on, of a woman who finally, can simply, be happy.
This novel is slow paced, but incredibly easy to read. Winnie's wonder, oozes out of the page as she finally starts to live her own life. A wonderful jaunt through 1930s Sydney.
Thank you to Hachette ANZ for providing a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2025
After burying her abusive husband and being left penniless and destitute, titular character Winifred Peters is already being treated like a burden by her ungrateful children. Upon discovering a financial windfall, the trajectory of her life changes instantly as she and a newfound friend embark on an adventure that will forever change their lives.
The novel was written with a lot of heart and humor. It was uplifting and illustrated that one is never too old to transform their life for the better. However, I felt that the book could have benefitted from a bit of editing. It was a little too long and repetitive.
Overall, this was a charming story. Recommended for anyone who likes stories centered on historical fiction, strong female friendships, and the evolution of a main character throughout a redemptive arc. Three and a half stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The novel was written with a lot of heart and humor. It was uplifting and illustrated that one is never too old to transform their life for the better. However, I felt that the book could have benefitted from a bit of editing. It was a little too long and repetitive.
Overall, this was a charming story. Recommended for anyone who likes stories centered on historical fiction, strong female friendships, and the evolution of a main character throughout a redemptive arc. Three and a half stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2025
When Winnifred Peters' domineering husband unexpectedly dies, her life undergoes a sea change. Because after living in hardship for most of her married life, and raising numerous children - none of whom see their mother as a person in her own right - Winnie discovers that some of the apparently worthless stocks her husband left her have turned out to be very valuable indeed.
What follows is a madcap historical adventure which takes Winnie from the farthest ends of the Australian Outback to the highlife in Sydney, as she makes friends, spends money, and begins to discover who she really is and what she wants from life - none of which goes down very well with her outraged children...
Funny, touching, and memorable, Louise Jensen Duffy introduces us to a lively group of women and an appealing protagonist in Winnie herself. Don't miss this one, especially if you are in need of a pick me up!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
What follows is a madcap historical adventure which takes Winnie from the farthest ends of the Australian Outback to the highlife in Sydney, as she makes friends, spends money, and begins to discover who she really is and what she wants from life - none of which goes down very well with her outraged children...
Funny, touching, and memorable, Louise Jensen Duffy introduces us to a lively group of women and an appealing protagonist in Winnie herself. Don't miss this one, especially if you are in need of a pick me up!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fun, feel-good, and at times laugh-out-loud read.
Set in outback Australia in 1931, Winifred Peters is relieved to finally be free of her oppressive husband when he dies — only to discover he’s left her penniless, with nothing but a stack of worthless shares and a house full of knick-knacks to be sold off and divided between two of their sons.
Things soon take an unexpected turn, though. Alongside Ruby, another woman from Battamilla, Winifred finds herself on an unplanned trip to Sydney, where a chance encounter changes the course of her life.
The characters have real depth and personality, with plenty of often unintentional humour born from sheer obliviousness. Jensen paints a vivid picture of 1930s Australia, capturing both the prejudice and the struggles faced by women at the time, while also celebrating the strength and power of female friendship.
Many thanks to Hachette Australia & New Zealand for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley
This was a fun, feel-good, and at times laugh-out-loud read.
Set in outback Australia in 1931, Winifred Peters is relieved to finally be free of her oppressive husband when he dies — only to discover he’s left her penniless, with nothing but a stack of worthless shares and a house full of knick-knacks to be sold off and divided between two of their sons.
Things soon take an unexpected turn, though. Alongside Ruby, another woman from Battamilla, Winifred finds herself on an unplanned trip to Sydney, where a chance encounter changes the course of her life.
The characters have real depth and personality, with plenty of often unintentional humour born from sheer obliviousness. Jensen paints a vivid picture of 1930s Australia, capturing both the prejudice and the struggles faced by women at the time, while also celebrating the strength and power of female friendship.
Many thanks to Hachette Australia & New Zealand for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
"Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss" drew me in from page 1 and kept me eagerly reading on till the end. Winifred serves as narrator, and her voice is cozy and charming as she floats between savvy and naivety. The setting—Depression-era Australia—appealed as well.
The reason I'm not rating this higher is that the humor and the more serious topics of wife abuse and lack of options for women didn't mesh well for me. I love black humor, but this was more a matter of tonal whiplash: chapters of folksy humor, the shoehorning of weighty philosophical dilemmas, then gentle humor again. What's more, one particular reveal about 80% of the way through was not addressed as deeply as I think it should have been. Some topics warrant more than a breezy nod and wave, imo.
Thank you, Headline and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss" drew me in from page 1 and kept me eagerly reading on till the end. Winifred serves as narrator, and her voice is cozy and charming as she floats between savvy and naivety. The setting—Depression-era Australia—appealed as well.
The reason I'm not rating this higher is that the humor and the more serious topics of wife abuse and lack of options for women didn't mesh well for me. I love black humor, but this was more a matter of tonal whiplash: chapters of folksy humor, the shoehorning of weighty philosophical dilemmas, then gentle humor again. What's more, one particular reveal about 80% of the way through was not addressed as deeply as I think it should have been. Some topics warrant more than a breezy nod and wave, imo.
Thank you, Headline and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
Mrs Peters is Not Sorry for Her Loss by Louise Jenson Duffy is a truly enjoyable read. I was completely invested in Winifred’s story, and all of the characters felt so well developed. The writing was excellent, and I went through such a range of emotions while reading.
After an abusive marriage, Winnie's finally given the chance to live exactly as she pleases, and watching her transformation was deeply satisfying. I found myself cheering for her as she discovered her freedom and began to experience kindness, friendship, as well as a new sense of courage and identity.
I even woke up thinking about this book the next morning; this is always a sign of a great read for me! The pacing was spot on, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
After an abusive marriage, Winnie's finally given the chance to live exactly as she pleases, and watching her transformation was deeply satisfying. I found myself cheering for her as she discovered her freedom and began to experience kindness, friendship, as well as a new sense of courage and identity.
I even woke up thinking about this book the next morning; this is always a sign of a great read for me! The pacing was spot on, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winifred Peters Is Not Sorry for Her Loss had a mix of genuinely funny moments and more serious, thoughtful ones, and I appreciated the attempt to balance humor with grief. When it worked, it really worked.
That said, my copy felt like it still needed a fair amount of editing. Some sections dragged on longer than necessary, while other moments that could have benefited from more depth were rushed past too quickly. The uneven pacing made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
Overall, there’s a good story here and I liked the concept, but the execution didn’t quite come together for me. A solid, okay read, but not one that fully lived up to its potential.
Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish on April 9, 2026.
That said, my copy felt like it still needed a fair amount of editing. Some sections dragged on longer than necessary, while other moments that could have benefited from more depth were rushed past too quickly. The uneven pacing made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
Overall, there’s a good story here and I liked the concept, but the execution didn’t quite come together for me. A solid, okay read, but not one that fully lived up to its potential.
Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish on April 9, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an absolutely wonderful story.
Winifred Peter's lives in a small rural, Australian town in 1933 and has just lost her husband. But is she actually sad about it? Not surprising for the time, she isn't left with much in the will, except for some shares.
Sick of her children and the town, she befriends Ruby at the train station and they head towards Sydney but what becomes of them in the big smoke?
Dry humour and formidable female friendships are a pure delight. What will the women do to support each other? Is there a line they won't cross?
This novel is full of Australian charm, wit, humour and wonderful characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Au for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Winifred Peter's lives in a small rural, Australian town in 1933 and has just lost her husband. But is she actually sad about it? Not surprising for the time, she isn't left with much in the will, except for some shares.
Sick of her children and the town, she befriends Ruby at the train station and they head towards Sydney but what becomes of them in the big smoke?
Dry humour and formidable female friendships are a pure delight. What will the women do to support each other? Is there a line they won't cross?
This novel is full of Australian charm, wit, humour and wonderful characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Au for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 22, 2026
Winifred Peters is Not Sorry for Her Loss is a fun, light and witty read that I really enjoyed. Written by Aussie author Louise Jensen Duffy and set in Australia in the 1930s, this historical fiction read is all about starting over and making some mistakes along the way.
I really loved Winifred (aka Winnie aka Mrs P). Finding herself and enjoying life after decades of serving her husband made for such a fun read. She was a little naive, a lot awkward and always underestimated, but also brave and kind. You can’t help but be drawn to her character.
As always, inheritance brings out the worst in family and the way Winifred’s children, especially Cecil, treated her had me so mad! But the friendships and fun she made along the way were lifelines to her and I loved how she flourished as a result.
Overall a wonderful, fun and adventurous read that is written with humour and warmth. While there are some darker themes I found they were addressed with sensitivity and compassion.
Thank you to Hachette Aus for a copy to read💕
I really loved Winifred (aka Winnie aka Mrs P). Finding herself and enjoying life after decades of serving her husband made for such a fun read. She was a little naive, a lot awkward and always underestimated, but also brave and kind. You can’t help but be drawn to her character.
As always, inheritance brings out the worst in family and the way Winifred’s children, especially Cecil, treated her had me so mad! But the friendships and fun she made along the way were lifelines to her and I loved how she flourished as a result.
Overall a wonderful, fun and adventurous read that is written with humour and warmth. While there are some darker themes I found they were addressed with sensitivity and compassion.
Thank you to Hachette Aus for a copy to read💕
May 5, 2026
What an utter delight of a book! This is a new author for me and if every book of hers is as good as this one, I'll devour every one! Yes, there were several sensitive themes and one little plot twist I did not expect, but quite a lot of the book was funny. This is definitely on my Top 10 Reads of 2026.
Winifred Peters is a new widow who is happy to be that way. Her children don't want her and her horrible husband has written her out of his will, apart from some really crappy stocks, but Winifred gets the last laugh. All of a sudden, the children who are fighting to not take her in, want her, and Winifred wants her freedom. The book is set in early 1930's Australia, and misogyny abounds.
This book is for fans of books like Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachael Joyce.
Winifred Peters is a new widow who is happy to be that way. Her children don't want her and her horrible husband has written her out of his will, apart from some really crappy stocks, but Winifred gets the last laugh. All of a sudden, the children who are fighting to not take her in, want her, and Winifred wants her freedom. The book is set in early 1930's Australia, and misogyny abounds.
This book is for fans of books like Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachael Joyce.
November 21, 2025
Winifred Peters is Not Sorry For Her Loss was a very enjoyable story, an easy read with characters I really cared about. As the novel opens Winifred's domineering husband dies and she is finally able to escape her sad, small town life and figure out how to live. Happily she discovers that her cheap, stingy husband actually left her quite a bit of money and we follow along as she heads for Sydney and all life has to offer when she is no longer under her husband's thumb. In many ways the book reminded me of Mrs. Benson's Beetle so if you liked that book you will enjoy traveling along with Winnie.
April 17, 2026
When Winifred's controlling husband passes away, she unexpectedly comes into money. A LOT of money. With her children pestering her for handouts and control of the finances, she decides to head to Sydney on an adventure, finding Ruby, a victim of domestic abuse, along the way. What follows is a story of rediscovery and friendship.
I didn't always get a sese of the time period the book was set in (1930s Australia), it often felt quite modern in outlook. I liked a number of the friendships formed, but I didn't really connect with the characters, and felt it was a lot longer than necessary. An interesting premise, but not really for me.
I didn't always get a sese of the time period the book was set in (1930s Australia), it often felt quite modern in outlook. I liked a number of the friendships formed, but I didn't really connect with the characters, and felt it was a lot longer than necessary. An interesting premise, but not really for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Slow but solid read. This had a mix of genuinely funny moments and heavier themes around grief and starting over, which mostly worked.
The beginning is pretty bleak (and wow, her kids are awful), but it sets up Winifred’s escape well. From there it turns into more of a slow-burn, “rags to riches” story.
Honestly, the real standout is the setting. The rural town and 1930s Sydney did a lot of the heavy lifting for me.
Not a standout, but an easy, steady read.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC. Publishes April 7, 2026.
The beginning is pretty bleak (and wow, her kids are awful), but it sets up Winifred’s escape well. From there it turns into more of a slow-burn, “rags to riches” story.
Honestly, the real standout is the setting. The rural town and 1930s Sydney did a lot of the heavy lifting for me.
Not a standout, but an easy, steady read.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC. Publishes April 7, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Warm, witty, well-written, and uplifting book about Winifred, whose terrible husband just died. He leaves her nothing but some "worthless bonds", but when taking a look at them, turns out there's a lot more there. So she runs off to Sydney. It's charmingly written. 5 stars. thanks so much to Headline and Netgalley for the E-ARC.
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