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Detective Dave Burrows
The Missing Pieces of Us
Lauren Ramsey is a teacher whose mantra is to never let a child fall through the cracks. But Lauren is so concerned about the welfare of a little boy in her kindy class she doesn't realise her own daughter, Skye, needs help.
At fourteen, Skye Ramsey is dealing with the usual pressures faced by teenage girls, from the pitfalls of social media to coping with fickle friends and the attention of boys. The only person who seems to listen to Skye is Tamara Thompson, the manager of her favourite clothes shop.
Tamara knows what it's like to be a troubled teen because as an adolescent she felt unloved and overlooked. She now has a successful career and a partner who adores her, but her sense of worthlessness and fear of rejection are threatening to overwhelm her.
All three women are searching for a happier future, but finding it may lie in resolving secrets from their pasts . . .
From the bestselling author of Red Dust and Crimson Dawn comes a moving and intriguing novel about love, friendship and how the truth can sometimes set us free.
At fourteen, Skye Ramsey is dealing with the usual pressures faced by teenage girls, from the pitfalls of social media to coping with fickle friends and the attention of boys. The only person who seems to listen to Skye is Tamara Thompson, the manager of her favourite clothes shop.
Tamara knows what it's like to be a troubled teen because as an adolescent she felt unloved and overlooked. She now has a successful career and a partner who adores her, but her sense of worthlessness and fear of rejection are threatening to overwhelm her.
All three women are searching for a happier future, but finding it may lie in resolving secrets from their pasts . . .
From the bestselling author of Red Dust and Crimson Dawn comes a moving and intriguing novel about love, friendship and how the truth can sometimes set us free.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2017
107 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books549 followersAfter growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
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December 7, 2025
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I am passionate about Fleur McDonald’s rural novels, I think she has a real knack for creating great Australian stories that combine suspense, crime and romance, all within an authentic country setting. I was excited for Fleur when I saw the first promos for her latest book. The Missing Pieces of Us marks Fleur McDonald first venture in women’s life lit.
The story essentially revolves around three women, who vary in age and are faced with differing issues impacting on their lives. Firstly, teacher Lauren Ramsey faces the battle of her life when she discovers she has melanoma. While trying to cope with her health prognosis, Lauren is simultaneously dealing with a troubled fourteen year old daughter, a search for her biological mother as she is adopted and she is deeply concerned about the welfare of a child in her class. Lauren’s teenage daughter Skye is the second main player in this novel. Skye is a typical teenage girl, trying to break the mould of being the teacher’s daughter. All she wants is for her Mum to notice her but she does it completely the wrong way. In one bad move, Skye succumbs to peer pressure and is caught shoplifting. Shop owner Tamara Thompson takes pity on Skye and offers her a job, as well as a shoulder to cry on. Tamara is our third voice in The Missing Pieces of Us. Tamara has turned her life around since leaving home as a teenager. Once forced to live on the streets, Tamara is now the proud manager of a popular clothes shop. Tamara’s life has not been easy, an unsupportive mother and a critical father forced her to leave home. After years of being estranged from her parents, Tamara’s mother re-enters her life with a shocking revelation. This revelation is the link that draws these three women together.
I was extremely interested to see how Fleur McDonald’s first foray into women’s fiction would pan out. Overall, I found The Missing Pieces of Us a highly readable book, with a great premise. I found the opening intriguing, an unknown narrator tells of events in the past that eventually comes to shape the lives of the characters in the present day. This character and their connection to the three main protagonists in the novel was a bit of an enigma. I thought this section of the book worked well, as it sustained my interest in the unfolding story. The Missing of Us is easy to read but on reflection, the novel is not light in content. This book covers a whole host of fairly heavy issues, from family pressures, a health crisis, forced adoption, childhood illness, peer pressure and the pitfalls of the influence of social media. McDonald handles this generous handful of very real issues affecting Australian woman and their families today with strong insight. Any reader who selects this book, will find the issues contained in this novel have touched them in some way or another.
All three of the characters covered in The Missing Pieces of Us are well formed, McDonald ensures we get a full understanding of their background, as well as what is currently defining their lives. Lauren was the standout character for me, I immediately connected to her, as I share the same profession as her. I sympathised with her quandary of balancing the concern and care of the students in her care, over her own children. Lauren’s own health crisis also pulled at the heartstrings, the discovery of her melanoma is an all too real situation. Her daughter Skye also appealed to me. Skye appeared to be a very authentic construction of the average teenage girl. I could also empathise with her particular issues of peer pressure, her relationship problems with Billy and the frustration she experienced with her Mother. It was hard not feel sorry for Skye and I could easily understand why she behaved in the manner in which she did. The story thread involving the dominance of social media was a very good reflection of what our current generation is facing on a day to day basis – and it’s scary. Tamara, the third character in The Missing Pieces of Us was not as clear cut character wise. Tamara’s past was sad to read and I did feel awful for her. I admired the traits of Tamara’s character, particularly the pull she felt to take Skye under her wing.
In terms of the narrative itself, I believe it holds wide appeal, perhaps due to issues covered. Some parts of the narrative were not easy to read, often drawing an emotional response. Overall, The Missing Pieces of Us was predictable in most areas but McDonald did offer up a couple of turns to the plot, which enhanced my reading of the novel. The final outcome was tied together succinctly, so the reader felt satisfied, as well as happy. My only issue with the book was the coincidence factor. I was not entirely convinced of the likelihood of the bind that eventually brings all three of these characters together. Nevertheless, I appreciated the feel-good factor this storyline evoked.
The familiar West Australian setting, the everyday characters who I was able to see shades of myself in and the real issues the reader is presented with, enabled me to enjoy The Missing Pieces of Us. I look forward to further contributions to the Australian women’s life fiction genre by Fleur McDonald.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes via Bookstr/Allen & Unwin.
I am passionate about Fleur McDonald’s rural novels, I think she has a real knack for creating great Australian stories that combine suspense, crime and romance, all within an authentic country setting. I was excited for Fleur when I saw the first promos for her latest book. The Missing Pieces of Us marks Fleur McDonald first venture in women’s life lit.
The story essentially revolves around three women, who vary in age and are faced with differing issues impacting on their lives. Firstly, teacher Lauren Ramsey faces the battle of her life when she discovers she has melanoma. While trying to cope with her health prognosis, Lauren is simultaneously dealing with a troubled fourteen year old daughter, a search for her biological mother as she is adopted and she is deeply concerned about the welfare of a child in her class. Lauren’s teenage daughter Skye is the second main player in this novel. Skye is a typical teenage girl, trying to break the mould of being the teacher’s daughter. All she wants is for her Mum to notice her but she does it completely the wrong way. In one bad move, Skye succumbs to peer pressure and is caught shoplifting. Shop owner Tamara Thompson takes pity on Skye and offers her a job, as well as a shoulder to cry on. Tamara is our third voice in The Missing Pieces of Us. Tamara has turned her life around since leaving home as a teenager. Once forced to live on the streets, Tamara is now the proud manager of a popular clothes shop. Tamara’s life has not been easy, an unsupportive mother and a critical father forced her to leave home. After years of being estranged from her parents, Tamara’s mother re-enters her life with a shocking revelation. This revelation is the link that draws these three women together.
I was extremely interested to see how Fleur McDonald’s first foray into women’s fiction would pan out. Overall, I found The Missing Pieces of Us a highly readable book, with a great premise. I found the opening intriguing, an unknown narrator tells of events in the past that eventually comes to shape the lives of the characters in the present day. This character and their connection to the three main protagonists in the novel was a bit of an enigma. I thought this section of the book worked well, as it sustained my interest in the unfolding story. The Missing of Us is easy to read but on reflection, the novel is not light in content. This book covers a whole host of fairly heavy issues, from family pressures, a health crisis, forced adoption, childhood illness, peer pressure and the pitfalls of the influence of social media. McDonald handles this generous handful of very real issues affecting Australian woman and their families today with strong insight. Any reader who selects this book, will find the issues contained in this novel have touched them in some way or another.
All three of the characters covered in The Missing Pieces of Us are well formed, McDonald ensures we get a full understanding of their background, as well as what is currently defining their lives. Lauren was the standout character for me, I immediately connected to her, as I share the same profession as her. I sympathised with her quandary of balancing the concern and care of the students in her care, over her own children. Lauren’s own health crisis also pulled at the heartstrings, the discovery of her melanoma is an all too real situation. Her daughter Skye also appealed to me. Skye appeared to be a very authentic construction of the average teenage girl. I could also empathise with her particular issues of peer pressure, her relationship problems with Billy and the frustration she experienced with her Mother. It was hard not feel sorry for Skye and I could easily understand why she behaved in the manner in which she did. The story thread involving the dominance of social media was a very good reflection of what our current generation is facing on a day to day basis – and it’s scary. Tamara, the third character in The Missing Pieces of Us was not as clear cut character wise. Tamara’s past was sad to read and I did feel awful for her. I admired the traits of Tamara’s character, particularly the pull she felt to take Skye under her wing.
In terms of the narrative itself, I believe it holds wide appeal, perhaps due to issues covered. Some parts of the narrative were not easy to read, often drawing an emotional response. Overall, The Missing Pieces of Us was predictable in most areas but McDonald did offer up a couple of turns to the plot, which enhanced my reading of the novel. The final outcome was tied together succinctly, so the reader felt satisfied, as well as happy. My only issue with the book was the coincidence factor. I was not entirely convinced of the likelihood of the bind that eventually brings all three of these characters together. Nevertheless, I appreciated the feel-good factor this storyline evoked.
The familiar West Australian setting, the everyday characters who I was able to see shades of myself in and the real issues the reader is presented with, enabled me to enjoy The Missing Pieces of Us. I look forward to further contributions to the Australian women’s life fiction genre by Fleur McDonald.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes via Bookstr/Allen & Unwin.
August 28, 2019
3.5★s
Lauren, Skye and Tamara – three different women whose lives intersect. Lauren and Skye were mother and daughter, and while Lauren’s life was a busy one as teacher at her daughter’s school, Skye was a fourteen-year-old teen, sure her mother hadn’t wanted her; finding teenage angst in her friends and first boyfriend Billy. Skye’s older brother Stu seemed to get all the attention, with her dad, Dean on the sidelines. Tamara was the manager of a successful clothing shop, but was also an insecure woman with a traumatic past. Her partner Craig adored her, but she was sure he was just pretending.
Lauren had been adopted as a baby and had often thought about finding her birth mother, but she didn’t want to hurt her adoptive parents. When Tamara’s past suddenly hit her head on, she was confused, traumatized and didn’t know what to do. But when Skye came into contact with Tamara, Tamara knew she needed to help the young woman.
Three troubled women – what would be the outcome for them?
The Missing Pieces of Us is the first foray into women’s fiction or chic lit for Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Normally a writer of romantic suspense in a rural Australian setting, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Lauren’s character grew on me and I sympathized when she became ill. Skye I felt sorry for but Tamara was hard to like. Set in Western Australia, I enjoyed the outlook and felt the second half of the book was more polished. Not the author’s best in my opinion, but still worth recommending.
Lauren, Skye and Tamara – three different women whose lives intersect. Lauren and Skye were mother and daughter, and while Lauren’s life was a busy one as teacher at her daughter’s school, Skye was a fourteen-year-old teen, sure her mother hadn’t wanted her; finding teenage angst in her friends and first boyfriend Billy. Skye’s older brother Stu seemed to get all the attention, with her dad, Dean on the sidelines. Tamara was the manager of a successful clothing shop, but was also an insecure woman with a traumatic past. Her partner Craig adored her, but she was sure he was just pretending.
Lauren had been adopted as a baby and had often thought about finding her birth mother, but she didn’t want to hurt her adoptive parents. When Tamara’s past suddenly hit her head on, she was confused, traumatized and didn’t know what to do. But when Skye came into contact with Tamara, Tamara knew she needed to help the young woman.
Three troubled women – what would be the outcome for them?
The Missing Pieces of Us is the first foray into women’s fiction or chic lit for Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Normally a writer of romantic suspense in a rural Australian setting, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Lauren’s character grew on me and I sympathized when she became ill. Skye I felt sorry for but Tamara was hard to like. Set in Western Australia, I enjoyed the outlook and felt the second half of the book was more polished. Not the author’s best in my opinion, but still worth recommending.
August 16, 2019
Lauren was adopted at a baby and even though she had great adoptive parents in Connie and George she still wonders about her birth mother. Should she try and find her? But then she doesn’t want to hurt Connie and George. Lauren Ramsay is a dedicated teacher of her kindergarten class. She is so committed to the young ones in her class that at times it takes precedence over her own family. At least that is the way her fourteen year old daughter Skye sees it. Skye also resents the way her parents seem to dote on her brother Stuart, who she calls Golden Boy. Skye, like many young people today, is trying to navigate her way through issues with friends, boys and social media. As a result she makes unwise decisions that have consequences. Tamara Thompson who manages a local clothes shop has sympathy and some understanding of the issues Skye is facing. A troubled teen herself years ago she knows what it feels like to feel unloved. Even though she now has Craig, an understanding man who loves her, she still suffers from feelings of unworthiness and fears of rejection. Will each of these three be able to work their way through the issues life has thrown and is continuing to throw at them?
The setting is in Perth. The characters are interesting. Lauren and Tamara are easy to sympathise with. Skye is a bratty teenager, selfish at times but really feeling lost and confused herself. Some of the story is a little predictable and the ending perhaps a little too hurried and neatly tied up. But that aside, I enjoyed this book. It is an interesting, easy read about family relationships and how events from the past shape feelings and future actions and responses. It also highlights just how dreadful the situation was for young unmarried mothers back in the 1960s and 70s. A good read full of emotion and sure to engage interest.
The setting is in Perth. The characters are interesting. Lauren and Tamara are easy to sympathise with. Skye is a bratty teenager, selfish at times but really feeling lost and confused herself. Some of the story is a little predictable and the ending perhaps a little too hurried and neatly tied up. But that aside, I enjoyed this book. It is an interesting, easy read about family relationships and how events from the past shape feelings and future actions and responses. It also highlights just how dreadful the situation was for young unmarried mothers back in the 1960s and 70s. A good read full of emotion and sure to engage interest.
March 22, 2017
4.5 stars
The Missing Pieces of Us is the ninth novel by Australian author, Fleur McDonald. Sometimes fourteen-year-old Skye Ramsey wonders if she is adopted: her mother is always on her case, and from the way her parents favour her older brother Stu (their Golden Boy) over her, it’s obvious they never really wanted her. Thank goodness for Billy Gaston! Billy is seventeen and, though some of the photos he sends on Snapchat are a bit daring, she knows he loves her.
Skye’s mother, Lauren knows she is adopted, has always known. She had a wonderful childhood and couldn’t have wished for better adoptive parents than George and Connie Jenkins. Which is why she’s hesitant about seeking out her birth mother: she won’t risk upsetting the only parents she’s ever known. She wishes Skye would snap out of this recent moodiness, but is lately distracted by one of her kindergarten pupils whose health and behavioural changes have her worried.
Tamara Thompson hasn’t seen her parents for twenty-seven years, and is still recovering from the effects of her childhood with a critical, demanding father and a weak mother. She battles insecurity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder daily, and wonders why Craig sticks around when her flaws are so plain to see. When her mother turns up out of the blue, she knows it can’t be good.
Three main narrators to tell the bulk of this tale, while a minor narrator gives another perspective later in the story, and a diary written by an anonymous girl adds intrigue. As the bones of the story are fleshed out and the who and why become clear, McDonald’s characters face realistic challenges, grow and develop. If the final outcome is perhaps somewhat predictable, it does not make the realisation of it any less satisfying.
McDonald easily conveys Perth and surrounds, and the residents of the lovely Gooseberry Hill will be pleased that their suburb stars in this novel. McDonald touches on issues both topical and timeless, including bullying, the pitfalls of social media and peer pressure, grief, fear of diagnosis, forced adoptions and the dilemma of seeking out birth parents, the importance of sun protection and the dangers of melanoma. An enjoyable read.
With thanks to GoodReads and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read and review.
The Missing Pieces of Us is the ninth novel by Australian author, Fleur McDonald. Sometimes fourteen-year-old Skye Ramsey wonders if she is adopted: her mother is always on her case, and from the way her parents favour her older brother Stu (their Golden Boy) over her, it’s obvious they never really wanted her. Thank goodness for Billy Gaston! Billy is seventeen and, though some of the photos he sends on Snapchat are a bit daring, she knows he loves her.
Skye’s mother, Lauren knows she is adopted, has always known. She had a wonderful childhood and couldn’t have wished for better adoptive parents than George and Connie Jenkins. Which is why she’s hesitant about seeking out her birth mother: she won’t risk upsetting the only parents she’s ever known. She wishes Skye would snap out of this recent moodiness, but is lately distracted by one of her kindergarten pupils whose health and behavioural changes have her worried.
Tamara Thompson hasn’t seen her parents for twenty-seven years, and is still recovering from the effects of her childhood with a critical, demanding father and a weak mother. She battles insecurity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder daily, and wonders why Craig sticks around when her flaws are so plain to see. When her mother turns up out of the blue, she knows it can’t be good.
Three main narrators to tell the bulk of this tale, while a minor narrator gives another perspective later in the story, and a diary written by an anonymous girl adds intrigue. As the bones of the story are fleshed out and the who and why become clear, McDonald’s characters face realistic challenges, grow and develop. If the final outcome is perhaps somewhat predictable, it does not make the realisation of it any less satisfying.
McDonald easily conveys Perth and surrounds, and the residents of the lovely Gooseberry Hill will be pleased that their suburb stars in this novel. McDonald touches on issues both topical and timeless, including bullying, the pitfalls of social media and peer pressure, grief, fear of diagnosis, forced adoptions and the dilemma of seeking out birth parents, the importance of sun protection and the dangers of melanoma. An enjoyable read.
With thanks to GoodReads and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read and review.
February 28, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of The Missing Pieces of Us in a GoodReads give-away and because of my personal experiences with adoption in Australia I was keen to read it.
At it's core it is a story about love, family and learning to either accept or let go of the past in order to embrace the future.
The book itself was a quick read, written in a comfortable and easy manner, though the content touched on heavier subjects, such as bullying, the darker side of social media, feelings of rejection and one's own mortality. Don't let the "easy read" fool you into thinking this is a "light read". If you are prone to be emotional... grab the Kleenex first.
The three man characters are all likable and you do get drawn into each of their stories.
Here, however is my sticking point - and why it's a 4 star review rather than 5.
The Missing Pieces of Us will probably appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty although you will find it a quicker read and perhaps missing the unexpected twists that Moriarty is known for throwing in at the end.
Overall though, I did love the book and will definitely recommend to others.
At it's core it is a story about love, family and learning to either accept or let go of the past in order to embrace the future.
The book itself was a quick read, written in a comfortable and easy manner, though the content touched on heavier subjects, such as bullying, the darker side of social media, feelings of rejection and one's own mortality. Don't let the "easy read" fool you into thinking this is a "light read". If you are prone to be emotional... grab the Kleenex first.
The three man characters are all likable and you do get drawn into each of their stories.
Here, however is my sticking point - and why it's a 4 star review rather than 5.
The Missing Pieces of Us will probably appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty although you will find it a quicker read and perhaps missing the unexpected twists that Moriarty is known for throwing in at the end.
Overall though, I did love the book and will definitely recommend to others.
March 11, 2017
Thank you Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy sent to me via a goodreads giveaway. It will be available on shelves this April.
I feel a little guilty when I don't enjoy a giveaway read, but I must be honest and say that The Missing Pieces of Us was just okay. It has a predictable plot with hurried, cheesy storytelling. I love my characters to have depth, but these women are shallowly written considering the circumstances they're in. I was not a fan.
This would be a good story for those who don't pick up a book often and just want a novel of easy nature. You would be able to finish it in an afternoon or over a weekend. It isn't anything special, but I'm sure fans of her books would still welcome it.
This was my first Fleur McDonald read and while I haven't been impressed this time, I'm willing to give her rural books a go.
I feel a little guilty when I don't enjoy a giveaway read, but I must be honest and say that The Missing Pieces of Us was just okay. It has a predictable plot with hurried, cheesy storytelling. I love my characters to have depth, but these women are shallowly written considering the circumstances they're in. I was not a fan.
This would be a good story for those who don't pick up a book often and just want a novel of easy nature. You would be able to finish it in an afternoon or over a weekend. It isn't anything special, but I'm sure fans of her books would still welcome it.
This was my first Fleur McDonald read and while I haven't been impressed this time, I'm willing to give her rural books a go.
April 6, 2017
This is Fleur McDonald’s first foray away from rural romance/fiction and into the broader genre of women’s fiction or ‘life lit’. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few of her other books and so I was quite looking forward to this one and seeing where it went.
It introduces the reader to three women: mother and daughter Lauren and Skye Ramsey as well as Tamara Thompson, the manager of a local clothing store that Skye often likes to shop in. Each of the three are struggling with something. Lauren is a teacher and concerned about a young child in her class at school as well as an itchy spot on her arm. Skye is 14 and facing the pressures and stresses that friends and boys bring and Tamara is given news that she’s not quite sure how to cope with. It could also offer the chance of a new beginning with her mother, if she can let go of the past.
The core ideas are all quite good – as a pale redhead, I can relate to Lauren’s concerns about her skin, especially when she discovers a new spot that itches. She’s also a full time teacher of a busy kindergarten class and has two children of her own, the youngest of whom, Skye, is going through a bit of a ‘difficult’ stage. Connecting with Skye has become harder and harder for Lauren and at times she seems to often compare Skye to her oldest child, who is more easygoing.
Tamara is a really interesting character and at first it’s not really entirely obvious why she’s included in the story. But she has clearly had quite a hard life – many years ago she was given an opportunity to turn things around. She took that opportunity and now likes to pay it forward and so when she sees a chance to help someone else she takes it. It brings Tamara into Skye’s life in a more intimate way and because of that, into Lauren’s life as well.
And here is where I started to have a bit of a struggle with this book. I found that it was honestly, the sort of book where I ended up saying to myself “What are the odds?” several times because it’s linked together by either connections or events that are somewhat well, a bit of a stretch. I was able to guess where it was going quite a long way before it got there as well and I think that made it lose some impact and just seem a bit too orchestrated and unbelievable.
There are some serious issues tackled in this book so it’s unfortunate that it didn’t really feel as though they were explored with the depth that they could’ve been. Lauren’s diagnosis offered a lot of chances but most of what occurs, occurs off the page. That was probably deliberate but at the same time it made me feel like I wasn’t really a part of what was happening, it was all vague and left me feeling disconnected from it. I get that it brought up Lauren’s desire to connect with her biological heritage and that was quite a focus of the story but she was going through something quite alarming and a lot of it felt a bit glossed over.
But ultimately it was the way that things seemed to come together so neatly and effortlessly that I had the most problem with. So much seemed so coincidental and easy and not just the things about Lauren’s heritage. There was also a lot with Skye, her teenage daughter, that seemed quite easily fixed. Skye ends up becoming involved in a bit of a scandal and quite a lot of the fallout is glossed over as well and her relationship with Lauren seems to be magically improved.
This was just an okay read for me – some good bones but the execution felt weak and contrived at times and there wasn’t enough focus on some of the meatier issues.
It introduces the reader to three women: mother and daughter Lauren and Skye Ramsey as well as Tamara Thompson, the manager of a local clothing store that Skye often likes to shop in. Each of the three are struggling with something. Lauren is a teacher and concerned about a young child in her class at school as well as an itchy spot on her arm. Skye is 14 and facing the pressures and stresses that friends and boys bring and Tamara is given news that she’s not quite sure how to cope with. It could also offer the chance of a new beginning with her mother, if she can let go of the past.
The core ideas are all quite good – as a pale redhead, I can relate to Lauren’s concerns about her skin, especially when she discovers a new spot that itches. She’s also a full time teacher of a busy kindergarten class and has two children of her own, the youngest of whom, Skye, is going through a bit of a ‘difficult’ stage. Connecting with Skye has become harder and harder for Lauren and at times she seems to often compare Skye to her oldest child, who is more easygoing.
Tamara is a really interesting character and at first it’s not really entirely obvious why she’s included in the story. But she has clearly had quite a hard life – many years ago she was given an opportunity to turn things around. She took that opportunity and now likes to pay it forward and so when she sees a chance to help someone else she takes it. It brings Tamara into Skye’s life in a more intimate way and because of that, into Lauren’s life as well.
And here is where I started to have a bit of a struggle with this book. I found that it was honestly, the sort of book where I ended up saying to myself “What are the odds?” several times because it’s linked together by either connections or events that are somewhat well, a bit of a stretch. I was able to guess where it was going quite a long way before it got there as well and I think that made it lose some impact and just seem a bit too orchestrated and unbelievable.
There are some serious issues tackled in this book so it’s unfortunate that it didn’t really feel as though they were explored with the depth that they could’ve been. Lauren’s diagnosis offered a lot of chances but most of what occurs, occurs off the page. That was probably deliberate but at the same time it made me feel like I wasn’t really a part of what was happening, it was all vague and left me feeling disconnected from it. I get that it brought up Lauren’s desire to connect with her biological heritage and that was quite a focus of the story but she was going through something quite alarming and a lot of it felt a bit glossed over.
But ultimately it was the way that things seemed to come together so neatly and effortlessly that I had the most problem with. So much seemed so coincidental and easy and not just the things about Lauren’s heritage. There was also a lot with Skye, her teenage daughter, that seemed quite easily fixed. Skye ends up becoming involved in a bit of a scandal and quite a lot of the fallout is glossed over as well and her relationship with Lauren seems to be magically improved.
This was just an okay read for me – some good bones but the execution felt weak and contrived at times and there wasn’t enough focus on some of the meatier issues.
August 28, 2021
A good read but not her best.
June 14, 2017
The Missing Pieces of Us, by Fleur McDonald, was not a novel that I warmed to instantly. The opening diary scene certainly drew me in, but from the moment I entered the novel properly, I struggled to really get into it. This was largely due to the main characters, none of which I actually liked. Tamara and Lauren, our two main female leads, both seemed to instinctively act in a way that made them hard to relate to.
Tamara receives a shock early on in the story, and her reaction is to simply not go home. She leaves her boyfriend hanging, sleeps in her car and visits a homeless shelter so she can get ready for work. This struck me as bizarre, and while Tamara's story unfolds pretty rapidly and certainly provides eventual clarity on her moodiness and inconsistency, I still found these initial actions difficult to reconcile. Over the course of the novel though, I came to like her and looked forward to seeing her character grow and find happiness.
Lauren is a character I never warmed to, even by the end. Her obsession, and I label it as such because it stretched far beyond professional interest, with a little boy in her class was hard to get past. At one stage, she'd been in hospital having surgery, and in the car on the way home, she thinks of this boy. Not of her own children, but of a student. Rather than making her appear compassionate to the reader, it had an effect of presenting her as unbalanced, focused solely on her job and her own associated feelings. She was full of endless excuses right the way through the novel, but her parenting was frustrating to read. Countless examples of simple things: allowing Skye to lock her bedroom door; a password on Skye's phone that her parents didn't know so they could never check up on her; the way Lauren tiptoed around Skye, trying not to upset her and wanting always to be her friend; and the excuses, once Lauren was sick, that Skye's bad behavior was a result of her worry over her mother. Skye was badly behaved before that, but this fact seemed to go amiss somewhere throughout the story. Lauren's reactions to Tamara and her resistance to liking her just further fuelled my dislike.
Skye was perhaps the most authentic character within the novel. Alarmingly naive and painfully egotistical, she was your fairly typical privileged teenager, getting everything she wanted while still maintaining she was hard done by. I liked her character progression throughout the novel, despite how irritating she was at times, and how much I wished she would just wake up to herself.
The narration within this novel was hard to follow at times. Fleur has a habit of rarely writing in the moment, instead, we'll get a character reflecting back constantly, sometimes to the past, other times to earlier that afternoon, and it becomes confusing when these recollections go for pages and pages before finally returning to where you were initially with the character, standing in the shower or looking out a window. There were a couple of times when I feel the way back to the present scene was actually lost, specifically when Skye takes that regretful photo of herself in the school bathroom. This was a bathroom scene within a bathroom scene and I completely lost track of which scene we were in when she took the photo. It shouldn't be that hard to read a novel. Just write in the moment, reflect on the past only occasionally. Unfortunately, this style of narration persisted for the entire novel.
I enjoyed the second half of the book far more than the first. The historical information about adoptions within Australia was fascinating, somewhat heartbreaking to dwell on. The diary entries scattered throughout did a great job at giving the reader a sense of individual history. While there were no great surprises, and the resolution was entirely predictable, I felt that Fleur did a great job of bringing those 'missing pieces' all together for a satisfactory finish.
While not the best book I've ever read, it's a still a fairly decent read, perhaps a good bookclub pick as there is much offered up for discussion.
The Missing Pieces of Us is book 21 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge. #aww2017
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for providing a copy of this novel for review.
Tamara receives a shock early on in the story, and her reaction is to simply not go home. She leaves her boyfriend hanging, sleeps in her car and visits a homeless shelter so she can get ready for work. This struck me as bizarre, and while Tamara's story unfolds pretty rapidly and certainly provides eventual clarity on her moodiness and inconsistency, I still found these initial actions difficult to reconcile. Over the course of the novel though, I came to like her and looked forward to seeing her character grow and find happiness.
Lauren is a character I never warmed to, even by the end. Her obsession, and I label it as such because it stretched far beyond professional interest, with a little boy in her class was hard to get past. At one stage, she'd been in hospital having surgery, and in the car on the way home, she thinks of this boy. Not of her own children, but of a student. Rather than making her appear compassionate to the reader, it had an effect of presenting her as unbalanced, focused solely on her job and her own associated feelings. She was full of endless excuses right the way through the novel, but her parenting was frustrating to read. Countless examples of simple things: allowing Skye to lock her bedroom door; a password on Skye's phone that her parents didn't know so they could never check up on her; the way Lauren tiptoed around Skye, trying not to upset her and wanting always to be her friend; and the excuses, once Lauren was sick, that Skye's bad behavior was a result of her worry over her mother. Skye was badly behaved before that, but this fact seemed to go amiss somewhere throughout the story. Lauren's reactions to Tamara and her resistance to liking her just further fuelled my dislike.
Skye was perhaps the most authentic character within the novel. Alarmingly naive and painfully egotistical, she was your fairly typical privileged teenager, getting everything she wanted while still maintaining she was hard done by. I liked her character progression throughout the novel, despite how irritating she was at times, and how much I wished she would just wake up to herself.
The narration within this novel was hard to follow at times. Fleur has a habit of rarely writing in the moment, instead, we'll get a character reflecting back constantly, sometimes to the past, other times to earlier that afternoon, and it becomes confusing when these recollections go for pages and pages before finally returning to where you were initially with the character, standing in the shower or looking out a window. There were a couple of times when I feel the way back to the present scene was actually lost, specifically when Skye takes that regretful photo of herself in the school bathroom. This was a bathroom scene within a bathroom scene and I completely lost track of which scene we were in when she took the photo. It shouldn't be that hard to read a novel. Just write in the moment, reflect on the past only occasionally. Unfortunately, this style of narration persisted for the entire novel.
I enjoyed the second half of the book far more than the first. The historical information about adoptions within Australia was fascinating, somewhat heartbreaking to dwell on. The diary entries scattered throughout did a great job at giving the reader a sense of individual history. While there were no great surprises, and the resolution was entirely predictable, I felt that Fleur did a great job of bringing those 'missing pieces' all together for a satisfactory finish.
While not the best book I've ever read, it's a still a fairly decent read, perhaps a good bookclub pick as there is much offered up for discussion.
The Missing Pieces of Us is book 21 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge. #aww2017
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for providing a copy of this novel for review.
March 27, 2017
Was very lucky to win a copy on Goodreads for free. Love all books written by Author Fleur McDonald. This is her first women's fiction story .Thanks Allen and Unwin for posting the book to me.
We come across three strong female characters . Lauren Ramsey, Skye Lauren's fourteen year old daughter and Tamara Thompson . Lauren is a Kindergarten class teacher and is happily settled in life. she loves all her students and is concerned for every single students welfare. She has concerns for on child in her class and rather misses the point that her daughter needs help as well.
Skye is Lauren's teenage daughter. A day today teenager who is troubled by the influence of friends, social media, attention seeking from boys etc. Lauren her mother also fails to accept whatever she does. The only person who understands Skye is Tamara , the manager of the local clothes shop. She reaches out to help Skye when she gets into trouble. Tamara was also a troubled teen due to her very unhappy childhood and she wouldn't be here if it was not for someone who lended a helping hand years ago.
A very heart warming story about family, love, friendship, adoption, acceptance and striving for a sense of belonging. In some cases unravelling the past secrets bring happiness . Wishing the Author all the best with her coming books and I'm sure to read every single one of them.
We come across three strong female characters . Lauren Ramsey, Skye Lauren's fourteen year old daughter and Tamara Thompson . Lauren is a Kindergarten class teacher and is happily settled in life. she loves all her students and is concerned for every single students welfare. She has concerns for on child in her class and rather misses the point that her daughter needs help as well.
Skye is Lauren's teenage daughter. A day today teenager who is troubled by the influence of friends, social media, attention seeking from boys etc. Lauren her mother also fails to accept whatever she does. The only person who understands Skye is Tamara , the manager of the local clothes shop. She reaches out to help Skye when she gets into trouble. Tamara was also a troubled teen due to her very unhappy childhood and she wouldn't be here if it was not for someone who lended a helping hand years ago.
A very heart warming story about family, love, friendship, adoption, acceptance and striving for a sense of belonging. In some cases unravelling the past secrets bring happiness . Wishing the Author all the best with her coming books and I'm sure to read every single one of them.
May 28, 2022
This book was a recommendation from my mum. It's not typically something I would normally go for. It did take me around 100 pages to get invested into the story. Skye by far, was my favorite POV, but I also loved Tamara's. I didn't really like Lauren and I have no idea why. The ending felt like everything was just crammed together, because I swear more things happened in the last 50 pages than the entire book. I felt like some bits dragged.
March 24, 2017
Thank you Allen & Unwin for this Advanced Copy of The Missing Pieces of Us by Fleur McDonald sent to me in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy, feel good read with some very relatable characters. Very true-to-the-times story about the strains that families can go through but still come out the other side stronger.
I definitely would recommend this book and give it 4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy, feel good read with some very relatable characters. Very true-to-the-times story about the strains that families can go through but still come out the other side stronger.
I definitely would recommend this book and give it 4.5 stars.
April 1, 2017
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the ARC.
The story started out quite slow for me and seemed to be quite the typical domestic drama, which is not usually my type. But as I read further, I enjoyed the book more and more. Although some parts at the end (avoiding spoilers) seemed to be too convenient, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
The story started out quite slow for me and seemed to be quite the typical domestic drama, which is not usually my type. But as I read further, I enjoyed the book more and more. Although some parts at the end (avoiding spoilers) seemed to be too convenient, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
March 20, 2020
Set in the city of Perth, unlike the rural setting of other Fleur McDonald books I have read, this a heartwarming story. What stories we find by our intuitions and our DNA!
May 22, 2020
Didn't think I would like it a first. Easy read. Nice ending
April 11, 2017
I feel like there could have been so much more to this book. It seemed to skim over everything with easy solutions or outcomes. I also knew what the ending would be really early on.
I really enjoy Fleur's books and this won't stop me from reading anymore she releases. It was a nice easy read.
I really enjoy Fleur's books and this won't stop me from reading anymore she releases. It was a nice easy read.
March 31, 2017
I was thrilled to received a copy of Fleur McDonald's The Missing Pieces of Us as a Goodreads First Read.
This is a book which quite deftly explores themes of family, adoption, trust, relationships and sex against a background of both modern day and historic British immigration, where events of the past impact on people's lives for generations to come. I enjoyed the strong female characters in this novel, although Skye's experiences do worry me as a mum to young girls. My main disappointment in reading this book is the ending felt a little too neat and a bit simplistic.
Overall though, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read with some quite heavy themes dealt with in a thoughtful way. I'd recommend this book to my friends.
This is a book which quite deftly explores themes of family, adoption, trust, relationships and sex against a background of both modern day and historic British immigration, where events of the past impact on people's lives for generations to come. I enjoyed the strong female characters in this novel, although Skye's experiences do worry me as a mum to young girls. My main disappointment in reading this book is the ending felt a little too neat and a bit simplistic.
Overall though, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read with some quite heavy themes dealt with in a thoughtful way. I'd recommend this book to my friends.
March 18, 2017
I won this lovely story in giveaways. It is a heart warming journey through family past and present. The character grapple with life wondering how their past has impacted on their present. They move through trials, falling out and finally finding each other again. A lovely story that deals with modern issues like bullying and the traps of social media.
March 17, 2017
Easy to read, loved the characters. Recommended for a holiday read.
February 21, 2017
so so lucky to win a advanced copy of this book...
and what a great read.
it was simple to follow and basic making it light and easy to read. i finished it in 4 hours.
Skye, Tamara and Lauren are all going through their own trials. Skye 14 and dealing with high school, sex, boys and a mum with a melanoma.
Tamara trying to keep a relatioship going despite bad up bringings and feeling that love couldnt happen to her... and Lauren suffering a melanoma, troubled teenage daughter, adopting parents searching and a troubled student in her class.
These 3 ladies are loveable characters and easy to relate too.
really enjoyed this book
4 stars
and what a great read.
it was simple to follow and basic making it light and easy to read. i finished it in 4 hours.
Skye, Tamara and Lauren are all going through their own trials. Skye 14 and dealing with high school, sex, boys and a mum with a melanoma.
Tamara trying to keep a relatioship going despite bad up bringings and feeling that love couldnt happen to her... and Lauren suffering a melanoma, troubled teenage daughter, adopting parents searching and a troubled student in her class.
These 3 ladies are loveable characters and easy to relate too.
really enjoyed this book
4 stars
April 5, 2017
Fleur McDonald is well known for her rural romance stories, this book is a departure from that genre into Womens Fiction and its the first of her books that I have read!
It tells the story of three women Lauren - a mother and school teacher, Skye - her teenage daughter and Tamara who is estranged from her family and going through a lot in life. The book mostly centres around Lauren and Skye. Lauren is a dedicated teacher who is so dedicated to her job that she fails to see how her daughter Skye is screaming for attention. Skye has her own rebellious ways of coping with being a teenager and the peer pressure that goes along with that. She meets Tamara who manages the local clothing shop - Tamara sees a lot of herself in Skye and helps her through some tough times especially after her mother is diagnosed with melanoma.
I enjoyed this book very much, but I felt the ending was a little rushed and that Tamara's character could have been explored a lot more. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
It tells the story of three women Lauren - a mother and school teacher, Skye - her teenage daughter and Tamara who is estranged from her family and going through a lot in life. The book mostly centres around Lauren and Skye. Lauren is a dedicated teacher who is so dedicated to her job that she fails to see how her daughter Skye is screaming for attention. Skye has her own rebellious ways of coping with being a teenager and the peer pressure that goes along with that. She meets Tamara who manages the local clothing shop - Tamara sees a lot of herself in Skye and helps her through some tough times especially after her mother is diagnosed with melanoma.
I enjoyed this book very much, but I felt the ending was a little rushed and that Tamara's character could have been explored a lot more. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
March 17, 2017
Too predictable and cheesy while the angst between mother and daughter was resolved and so cheesy how they went from having problems to being all lovey dovey. I still read the whole book with no investment in any of the characters. Two stars is for an aussie author otherwise one star. Thank you Allen &Unwin for advanced copy.
May 11, 2024
4.5 stars
The Missing Pieces of Us is the ninth novel by Australian author, Fleur McDonald. The audio version is narrated by Anna Hruby. Sometimes fourteen-year-old Skye Ramsey wonders if she is adopted: her mother is always on her case, and from the way her parents favour her older brother Stu (their Golden Boy) over her, it’s obvious they never really wanted her. Thank goodness for Billy Gaston! Billy is seventeen and, though some of the photos he sends on Snapchat are a bit daring, she knows he loves her.
Skye’s mother, Lauren knows she is adopted, has always known. She had a wonderful childhood and couldn’t have wished for better adoptive parents than George and Connie Jenkins. Which is why she’s hesitant about seeking out her birth mother: she won’t risk upsetting the only parents she’s ever known. She wishes Skye would snap out of this recent moodiness, but is lately distracted by one of her kindergarten pupils whose health and behavioural changes have her worried.
Tamara Thompson hasn’t seen her parents for twenty-seven years, and is still recovering from the effects of her childhood with a critical, demanding father and a weak mother. She battles insecurity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder daily, and wonders why Craig sticks around when her flaws are so plain to see. When her mother turns up out of the blue, she knows it can’t be good.
Three main narrators to tell the bulk of this tale, while a minor narrator gives another perspective later in the story, and a diary written by an anonymous girl adds intrigue. As the bones of the story are fleshed out and the who and why become clear, McDonald’s characters face realistic challenges, grow and develop. If the final outcome is perhaps somewhat predictable, it does not make the realisation of it any less satisfying.
McDonald easily conveys Perth and surrounds, and the residents of the lovely Gooseberry Hill will be pleased that their suburb stars in this novel. McDonald touches on issues both topical and timeless, including bullying, the pitfalls of social media and peer pressure, grief, fear of diagnosis, forced adoptions and the dilemma of seeking out birth parents, the importance of sun protection and the dangers of melanoma. An enjoyable read.
The Missing Pieces of Us is the ninth novel by Australian author, Fleur McDonald. The audio version is narrated by Anna Hruby. Sometimes fourteen-year-old Skye Ramsey wonders if she is adopted: her mother is always on her case, and from the way her parents favour her older brother Stu (their Golden Boy) over her, it’s obvious they never really wanted her. Thank goodness for Billy Gaston! Billy is seventeen and, though some of the photos he sends on Snapchat are a bit daring, she knows he loves her.
Skye’s mother, Lauren knows she is adopted, has always known. She had a wonderful childhood and couldn’t have wished for better adoptive parents than George and Connie Jenkins. Which is why she’s hesitant about seeking out her birth mother: she won’t risk upsetting the only parents she’s ever known. She wishes Skye would snap out of this recent moodiness, but is lately distracted by one of her kindergarten pupils whose health and behavioural changes have her worried.
Tamara Thompson hasn’t seen her parents for twenty-seven years, and is still recovering from the effects of her childhood with a critical, demanding father and a weak mother. She battles insecurity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder daily, and wonders why Craig sticks around when her flaws are so plain to see. When her mother turns up out of the blue, she knows it can’t be good.
Three main narrators to tell the bulk of this tale, while a minor narrator gives another perspective later in the story, and a diary written by an anonymous girl adds intrigue. As the bones of the story are fleshed out and the who and why become clear, McDonald’s characters face realistic challenges, grow and develop. If the final outcome is perhaps somewhat predictable, it does not make the realisation of it any less satisfying.
McDonald easily conveys Perth and surrounds, and the residents of the lovely Gooseberry Hill will be pleased that their suburb stars in this novel. McDonald touches on issues both topical and timeless, including bullying, the pitfalls of social media and peer pressure, grief, fear of diagnosis, forced adoptions and the dilemma of seeking out birth parents, the importance of sun protection and the dangers of melanoma. An enjoyable read.
November 6, 2017
This Australian novel, kindly sent to me by Goodreads for review, essentially centres on three females and an initially unknown character’s diary. There is Lauren Ramsey, a rather self-absorbed “kindy” teacher facing a diagnosis of melanoma whose interest in one of the children in her class outweighs her apparent interest in one of her own children, Skye. Skye Ramsey is a self-absorbed 14-year-old who craves her mother’s attention and who is grappling with peer pressure, what she believes is her first love, the perils of social media, particularly the juvenile Snapchat, and other issues facing fickle teenagers today. As Skye begins to derail, Tamara Thompson, a woman with a very troubled past impacting on her current relationship with a man who adores her, recognises something of herself in Skye and endeavours to help. All hope that life will be brighter in the future but, in order to achieve this, they have to work through secrets, unknowns and issues from the past. Issues raised may prove to be triggers for some readers but they were dealt with in such a superficial, shallow and rushed manner that the book was very disappointing. Despite the heavy nature of these issues, the book is easily read, non-taxing, and quickly consumed like a bag of jelly babies that leaves nothing of substance behind except an artificial sugary tang. I found it very easy to predict the connection between the main characters and, unfortunately, it all became very trite, contrived and far too coincidental to be remotely believable towards the end. What was helpful was that the author thoughtfully listed a few useful websites that she had accessed as part of her research on some of the issues she raised in the book, but perhaps she could have added to this list to encompass other sources of help with regard to bullying, parenting and suchlike to benefit her readers.
May 8, 2019
The Missing Pieces Of Us by Fluer McDonald is an exceptional story about two women adopted at birth and are raised by different families one is raised by a loving couple and other raised by another couple who the husband is very unloving towards her even though his tries to change his views.
Lauren Ramsey is the one raise by the loving couple and is now mother of two teenager chilren Stu and Skye. She is teacher and believes that no child should fall through the cracks of the system as she worries about the welfare of a kindy boy in her class to see her daughter Skye needs her.
Skye is teenage girl is battling peer pressure from friends, social media, and rebelion.
Tammara Thompson is the other woman adopted she felt unloved by her parents, kicked out of home 16 years old by her father.
When Lauren is diagnosed with Melanoma she realizes she needs to find her birth parents before she dies if it turns out to be cancerous
Skye likes to talk to Tamara as manager the dress shop in the mall when she caught shop lifting it is Tamara who gives her a job. Skye finds herself opening up to her.
Skye uses Facebook to find her mother's birth parents.
I like the way Fluer McDonald wrote this book as shows us of loving, trusting each other in relationships and finding family connection between them.
Lauren Ramsey is the one raise by the loving couple and is now mother of two teenager chilren Stu and Skye. She is teacher and believes that no child should fall through the cracks of the system as she worries about the welfare of a kindy boy in her class to see her daughter Skye needs her.
Skye is teenage girl is battling peer pressure from friends, social media, and rebelion.
Tammara Thompson is the other woman adopted she felt unloved by her parents, kicked out of home 16 years old by her father.
When Lauren is diagnosed with Melanoma she realizes she needs to find her birth parents before she dies if it turns out to be cancerous
Skye likes to talk to Tamara as manager the dress shop in the mall when she caught shop lifting it is Tamara who gives her a job. Skye finds herself opening up to her.
Skye uses Facebook to find her mother's birth parents.
I like the way Fluer McDonald wrote this book as shows us of loving, trusting each other in relationships and finding family connection between them.
May 11, 2017
A break away from Fleur Mc Donald's usual style of rural romance, women-in-the-Australian-outback type fiction, which does not interest me, so I thought this new one might be worth trying.
This is the story of Lauren, a kindergarten teacher who, while focusing on a young student in her care who she is worried about, receives some bad news about her own health. Having been adopted at birth she turns her attention to her unknown birth mother, in the hope that she may learn something of her genetic makeup. Meanwhile, her 14 year old daughter Skye is caught up in the adolescent pressures of friends and boyfriends, and is desperate to gain some more of her parent's attention.
When Skye is caught shoplifting a local shop owner, Tamara, takes her under her wing in an attempt to prevent her from going completely off track.
It's not long before we begin to see that the issues and secrets that these three women all harbour are in some way connected, and as the story unfolds the threads of their lives are drawn together.
A good idea here, and some interesting issues explored, but to me it seemed just a little too neat and easy... the ending was quite predictable from quite early on. Nevertheless, enjoyable....but nothing earth-shattering.
This is the story of Lauren, a kindergarten teacher who, while focusing on a young student in her care who she is worried about, receives some bad news about her own health. Having been adopted at birth she turns her attention to her unknown birth mother, in the hope that she may learn something of her genetic makeup. Meanwhile, her 14 year old daughter Skye is caught up in the adolescent pressures of friends and boyfriends, and is desperate to gain some more of her parent's attention.
When Skye is caught shoplifting a local shop owner, Tamara, takes her under her wing in an attempt to prevent her from going completely off track.
It's not long before we begin to see that the issues and secrets that these three women all harbour are in some way connected, and as the story unfolds the threads of their lives are drawn together.
A good idea here, and some interesting issues explored, but to me it seemed just a little too neat and easy... the ending was quite predictable from quite early on. Nevertheless, enjoyable....but nothing earth-shattering.
February 22, 2025
Lauren Ramsey is a teacher whose mantra is to never let a child fall through the cracks. But Lauren is so concerned about the welfare of a little boy in her kindy class she doesn't realise her own daughter, Skye, needs help. The only person who seems to listen to fourteen-year-old Skye is Tamara Thompson, the manager of her favourite clothes shop. Tamara remembers all too vividly what it's like to be a troubled teen.
This book surprisingly attacked a lot of topics in one go! Not only it covered mother-daughter relationship and coming-of-age, it also brought up hard-hitting topics such as potential child abuse, looming cancer scare and adoption.
The portrayal of adoption challenges from all angles - the adoptive parents, the adopted child and the mother left behind - was so captivating. The way the story waved together was beautiful. I loved Tamara’s storyline the most as I admired her resilience in overcoming adversity to become the successful person she was.
This was a welcome ‘break’ from Fleur McDonald’s ‘Dave Burrows’ series, showing the less ‘bloody’ aspect of Fleur’s Aussie fiction work, and more family ties and drama.
See my bookstagram review.
This book surprisingly attacked a lot of topics in one go! Not only it covered mother-daughter relationship and coming-of-age, it also brought up hard-hitting topics such as potential child abuse, looming cancer scare and adoption.
The portrayal of adoption challenges from all angles - the adoptive parents, the adopted child and the mother left behind - was so captivating. The way the story waved together was beautiful. I loved Tamara’s storyline the most as I admired her resilience in overcoming adversity to become the successful person she was.
This was a welcome ‘break’ from Fleur McDonald’s ‘Dave Burrows’ series, showing the less ‘bloody’ aspect of Fleur’s Aussie fiction work, and more family ties and drama.
See my bookstagram review.
September 13, 2024
This was a much different to all the other books I have read by Fleur. I really enjoyed it. There are a number of issues/storyline’s running through the book. There is a teacher with teenage children. She gets very involved with her students. She was adopted as a child. Her daughter is pushing the boundary of rebelling and testing sexual experience. A third adult women has had a rough life which has involved considerable trauma and need for counselling. There is the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, a regression of mental stability with the other women & the teenager goes through rather a traumatic time. As these situations are worked through the story brings people together in quite interesting ways.
There is one coincidence in the book which is really rather far fetched however is treated quite successfully.
I score this 4.5 🌟
There is one coincidence in the book which is really rather far fetched however is treated quite successfully.
I score this 4.5 🌟
May 17, 2022
This is a family drama story. It follows the connection of 4 females. The first as diary entries in a journal, the 2nd and 3rd are mother and daughter, Lauren and Skye. The mother, Lauren, has developed melanoma and the daughter strikes out with rebellion to try to cope, ending with a bungled shoplift attempt. Enter connection #4, Tamara, the shopkeeper who recognises herself in the shoplifter and is determined to set her on the straight and narrow.
As the 3 women live their lives, they find them intertwined. Tamara helps Skye from where she can, whilst Lauren deals with cancer, as well as trying to work out the gap between her and Syke, which has become larger since her cancer diagnosis. Will they be able to close the gap and get along? Read on to find out.
As the 3 women live their lives, they find them intertwined. Tamara helps Skye from where she can, whilst Lauren deals with cancer, as well as trying to work out the gap between her and Syke, which has become larger since her cancer diagnosis. Will they be able to close the gap and get along? Read on to find out.
August 13, 2017
Ok...this was a pretty quick and easy read. Story was pretty predictable but sweet. As a mother it was easy to have empathy for the cancer archs in the novel and the connection between mother/daughter and the hunt for the adopted family connections. One of my biggest pet peeves is the over use of popular culture and technology in books. It's not needed directly to tell a story. This book is full of them. It's a cute little story, nice if you just want something simple to read over the weekend. I don't think I would be recommending it to all of my friends. This was the first book I've read by this author, I picked it up from our library hot reads section.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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