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Always With You
A secret kept for more than twenty years. A daughter intent on finding the truth...
In 1994, twenty-one-year-old Evelyn Taylor left England to backpack around Australia. When she stopped off in the dusty outback town of Kununurra, she never expected to fall in love with the place—and the people. But Joe Sullivan captured her heart, and when her fun-filled year in Australia came to an end, saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
In 2017, Evelyn’s daughter, Libby, embarks on her own Australian adventure. Grief-stricken following her mother’s death, she’s determined to find the father she never met.
Little does she know that digging up the past will be more complicated than she ever imagined.
In 1994, twenty-one-year-old Evelyn Taylor left England to backpack around Australia. When she stopped off in the dusty outback town of Kununurra, she never expected to fall in love with the place—and the people. But Joe Sullivan captured her heart, and when her fun-filled year in Australia came to an end, saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
In 2017, Evelyn’s daughter, Libby, embarks on her own Australian adventure. Grief-stricken following her mother’s death, she’s determined to find the father she never met.
Little does she know that digging up the past will be more complicated than she ever imagined.
376 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2017
448 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Ellis
118 books434 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 18, 2017
***Actual rating: 5/5 Adventurous Stars***
Always With You is a beautifully-written, heart-warming story between a beloved mother, Evelyn, and her daughter, Libby. The story was written in both Evelyn and Libby’s POVs and intertwined it with past and present times. As the synopsis indicated, Evelyn stayed and explored the awesomeness of Australia in her early 20s, which was back in 1994, while Libby went on her own journey in the present days in 2017. It all started with Libby determined to look out for her long-lost dad but since Evelyn never really talked about him, she had no choice but to follow her mother’s path to pick up clues by herself. All Evelyn left Libby before she died was a name: Joe Sullivan, whom Libby believed was her dear father. Despite the fact that Libby had never seen her biological father, she made up her mind to fly all the way from England to Australia with an eye to searching this Joe guy and hopefully, get to reunite with her distant relatives.
Among all the characters in the story, I personally liked Libby most because she was basically the role model of whom I’ve wanted to be like. I mean, she was always so willing to try new things, make new friends and cheered others (*cough* Andrew *cough*) up but at the same time, never once forgot what she was there for while being carried away by the exotic paradise in Australia. Besides, I also loved that this story was set in the seemingly glorious Australian territory! I haven’t read enough Australia-related books to get better pictures of that foreign place so I was extremely fascinated by the background setting here. I loved how the author vividly described everything about that country from Evelyn and Libby’s viewpoints because I could easily see the beauty through their eyes.
What’s more, Libby met a cute English guy named Andrew and well, as a huge romance craver, I think their love story made this book even better! Of course they didn’t fall in love at first sight because he was there to mend his broken heart initially. To my astonishment, Libby somehow changed his mind about the whole not-looking-for-romance principle. *Aww, I still can’t stop smiling when I think of their adorable conversation!*
As subtle as the romance was, I, for the first time, didn’t mind the slow development between the two lovebirds because I knew the point was about Libby finding Joe rather than falling in love. I admitted that the romantic element in this story was a cherry on top since I was pretty sure the plot itself could go nice and smooth in its own flow. I was just glad that after Libby burst out her deepest fear (of not being able to find her father or this Joe guy not recognizing/refusing to acknowledge her) in frustration to Andrew, he no longer deemed her as someone looking for a summer fling in a place far away from home.
What’s more, I was touched when Andrew actually took Libby’s advice to have some fun in the party while letting go of his ex-girlfriend in exchange for her to take his “brilliant suggestion,” which made him such a gentleman. That was why I was a bit sad when Libby had to leave Andrew and everyone she befriended with in order to keep exploring what Evelyn once did.
By the time Libby finally met Joe and Evelyn’s Australian friends, well, the outcome shocked me. Not that I wasn’t expecting any of that, but I was still dumbfounded when my conjecture was confirmed. The truth left me speechless for several reasons because for one, I couldn’t believe Evelyn ended up doing somethingvery slightly horrible like that when she left Australia all of a sudden without saying goodbye to the man she deeply loved properly and for two, as mad as I was about Evelyn’s choice, I totally understood her purpose of hiding all this from Libby and those Australian friends. It was indeed a complicated history of Evelyn for Libby to take in all at once but I couldn’t be more satisfied with how this story ended!
Again, Always With You was a superbly written story about Evelyn and Libby’s shared memories and exciting adventures to Australia. If you’d like to go on a road trip with these characters and meet all the wonderful people along the way, I highly recommend this book! The author’s writing style will keep you wanting more and believe me, reading this book will be one of the best reading/traveling experiences for you!
***Thanks to the author and Lola’s Blog Tours for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.***
Always With You is a beautifully-written, heart-warming story between a beloved mother, Evelyn, and her daughter, Libby. The story was written in both Evelyn and Libby’s POVs and intertwined it with past and present times. As the synopsis indicated, Evelyn stayed and explored the awesomeness of Australia in her early 20s, which was back in 1994, while Libby went on her own journey in the present days in 2017. It all started with Libby determined to look out for her long-lost dad but since Evelyn never really talked about him, she had no choice but to follow her mother’s path to pick up clues by herself. All Evelyn left Libby before she died was a name: Joe Sullivan, whom Libby believed was her dear father. Despite the fact that Libby had never seen her biological father, she made up her mind to fly all the way from England to Australia with an eye to searching this Joe guy and hopefully, get to reunite with her distant relatives.
Among all the characters in the story, I personally liked Libby most because she was basically the role model of whom I’ve wanted to be like. I mean, she was always so willing to try new things, make new friends and cheered others (*cough* Andrew *cough*) up but at the same time, never once forgot what she was there for while being carried away by the exotic paradise in Australia. Besides, I also loved that this story was set in the seemingly glorious Australian territory! I haven’t read enough Australia-related books to get better pictures of that foreign place so I was extremely fascinated by the background setting here. I loved how the author vividly described everything about that country from Evelyn and Libby’s viewpoints because I could easily see the beauty through their eyes.
What’s more, Libby met a cute English guy named Andrew and well, as a huge romance craver, I think their love story made this book even better! Of course they didn’t fall in love at first sight because he was there to mend his broken heart initially. To my astonishment, Libby somehow changed his mind about the whole not-looking-for-romance principle. *Aww, I still can’t stop smiling when I think of their adorable conversation!*
I breathed in the salty air and braced for the weight of my backpack as I hauled it onto my shoulder. It was surprisingly light.
“I can take that for you,” Andrew offered, a hand already lifting my bag.
The feminist in me broiled. I’m quite capable of carrying my own bag. “It’s okay. I can—“ I stopped and slipped my arm out of the strap. “Thanks.” Apparently my poor aching muscles had overridden that little feminist voice in my head. Well, he can carry it if he really wants to.
As subtle as the romance was, I, for the first time, didn’t mind the slow development between the two lovebirds because I knew the point was about Libby finding Joe rather than falling in love. I admitted that the romantic element in this story was a cherry on top since I was pretty sure the plot itself could go nice and smooth in its own flow. I was just glad that after Libby burst out her deepest fear (of not being able to find her father or this Joe guy not recognizing/refusing to acknowledge her) in frustration to Andrew, he no longer deemed her as someone looking for a summer fling in a place far away from home.
What’s more, I was touched when Andrew actually took Libby’s advice to have some fun in the party while letting go of his ex-girlfriend in exchange for her to take his “brilliant suggestion,” which made him such a gentleman. That was why I was a bit sad when Libby had to leave Andrew and everyone she befriended with in order to keep exploring what Evelyn once did.
Thoughts of Andrew lingered. After pouring my heart out to him, I felt connected to him, and I was annoyed with myself for leaving in such a hurry.
By the time Libby finally met Joe and Evelyn’s Australian friends, well, the outcome shocked me. Not that I wasn’t expecting any of that, but I was still dumbfounded when my conjecture was confirmed. The truth left me speechless for several reasons because for one, I couldn’t believe Evelyn ended up doing something
Again, Always With You was a superbly written story about Evelyn and Libby’s shared memories and exciting adventures to Australia. If you’d like to go on a road trip with these characters and meet all the wonderful people along the way, I highly recommend this book! The author’s writing style will keep you wanting more and believe me, reading this book will be one of the best reading/traveling experiences for you!
***Thanks to the author and Lola’s Blog Tours for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.***
November 17, 2017
The book tells the story of the mother and the daughter in two timelines of 1994 and 2017. The initial part of book is about the mother Evelyn who backpacks around Australia till she reaches Konunurra in northern Australia. She soon meets a group of fun people and becomes fast friends with them Cam, Leslie, Joe, Kai till something forces her to leave Konunurra in the middle of the night. Libby follows her mother's footsteps to find Joe as per her mother's deathbed instruction. And the secrets unfold....
The book is written beautifully by the author, Hannah Ellis. Initially, it started as a one big party in both the time lines, then the author slowly and gradually pulled me in till I found myself fully hooked and invested into the story.
The last 20 percent of the book was well written. I read each line slowly as I didn't want the book to finish, I knew I was going to miss this book. It was not the characters which hooked me but the author's style of writing. She started with the frivolous and the writing got emotional as the book progressed, with hints of a deeper story till I reached the secret of that night when Evelyn left. And I couldn't move, I had to finish the book.
Hannah has written both the main characters as strong women but with hints of vulnerability. They are fun, bold, lovable who like a good time and when they fall in love, they fall deeply. They are both cautious in their approach but strong in their action
There are a few niggles there is a lot of drinking in the book and I didn't particularly like the pages and pages of party, drinks, and dancing. Nobody seemed very focused in their lives probably because they were all in their early 20s, still in the process of discovering life. Also I would liked the book more, if the author had developed the mother-daughter relationship a bit more. I knew there was love between them but I couldn't feel the emotion at all times.
On the whole, Ms. Hannah Ellis has done a wonderful job with this story where she has captured intrigue and mystery layered within the free lifestyle and party atmosphere.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Karan & Co. Author Solution and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The book is written beautifully by the author, Hannah Ellis. Initially, it started as a one big party in both the time lines, then the author slowly and gradually pulled me in till I found myself fully hooked and invested into the story.
The last 20 percent of the book was well written. I read each line slowly as I didn't want the book to finish, I knew I was going to miss this book. It was not the characters which hooked me but the author's style of writing. She started with the frivolous and the writing got emotional as the book progressed, with hints of a deeper story till I reached the secret of that night when Evelyn left. And I couldn't move, I had to finish the book.
Hannah has written both the main characters as strong women but with hints of vulnerability. They are fun, bold, lovable who like a good time and when they fall in love, they fall deeply. They are both cautious in their approach but strong in their action
There are a few niggles there is a lot of drinking in the book and I didn't particularly like the pages and pages of party, drinks, and dancing. Nobody seemed very focused in their lives probably because they were all in their early 20s, still in the process of discovering life. Also I would liked the book more, if the author had developed the mother-daughter relationship a bit more. I knew there was love between them but I couldn't feel the emotion at all times.
On the whole, Ms. Hannah Ellis has done a wonderful job with this story where she has captured intrigue and mystery layered within the free lifestyle and party atmosphere.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Karan & Co. Author Solution and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 9, 2017
ARC provided for honest review by publisher VIA NetGalley.
Always with You is my first read by this author.
was pleasantly surprised to discover this wellwritten book.
It is hard to put this plot into words. Prepare yourself for a wonderul journey of self discovery, love and family.
Amazing writing kept me intrigued to the very end.
I look forrward to read more from Hannah Ellis.
Always with You is my first read by this author.
was pleasantly surprised to discover this wellwritten book.
It is hard to put this plot into words. Prepare yourself for a wonderul journey of self discovery, love and family.
Amazing writing kept me intrigued to the very end.
I look forrward to read more from Hannah Ellis.
Want to read
December 15, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/15/2017)! 💝
November 29, 2017
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
Libby Taylor goes to Australia in search of the father she never knew in Always With You by Hannah Ellis. A journey of love, questions, answers, and the unexpected, Hannah Ellis writes a complicated painful novel of a quest to find explanations of the past.
Kununurra – 1994.
Evelyn Taylor goes away to Australia for the summer and falls in love with the small town of Kununurra. She stays here and find a home, a job, friends, and love. It is an amazing summer, that comes to an end too fast. 21 years later, she is dying of cancer, and is reminiscent of the past. She wishes that life would have permitted her to go back to a place that was like home. But life and situations kept her from going back.
Kununurra – 2017
Libby Taylor is on the path to follow her mother’s footsteps. She begins her journey to Australia. She is looking for the father that she never knew. However, the journey to get there is pushed back a bit due to her love of the country overall and the connections she has along the way.
Libby is not quite ready to face the past. However, as he journeys to Kununurra and meets the friends that her mother left behind, she is left with more questions than answers. Is Libby ready for the truth of her past? Are any of the friends from the past ready to face the truth of what happened?
While reading the book, I enjoyed seeing Australia through the eyes of Evelyn and Libby. To be able to experience their journeys separately but together was really nice. Finding out the truth in the end was amazing.
Absolutely loved that Libby took her mother's last wish to heart and went to the place that her mother considered home. She got to meet people that knew her before and learn of a different woman than the one that raised her.
5 stars
Libby Taylor goes to Australia in search of the father she never knew in Always With You by Hannah Ellis. A journey of love, questions, answers, and the unexpected, Hannah Ellis writes a complicated painful novel of a quest to find explanations of the past.
Kununurra – 1994.
Evelyn Taylor goes away to Australia for the summer and falls in love with the small town of Kununurra. She stays here and find a home, a job, friends, and love. It is an amazing summer, that comes to an end too fast. 21 years later, she is dying of cancer, and is reminiscent of the past. She wishes that life would have permitted her to go back to a place that was like home. But life and situations kept her from going back.
Kununurra – 2017
Libby Taylor is on the path to follow her mother’s footsteps. She begins her journey to Australia. She is looking for the father that she never knew. However, the journey to get there is pushed back a bit due to her love of the country overall and the connections she has along the way.
Libby is not quite ready to face the past. However, as he journeys to Kununurra and meets the friends that her mother left behind, she is left with more questions than answers. Is Libby ready for the truth of her past? Are any of the friends from the past ready to face the truth of what happened?
While reading the book, I enjoyed seeing Australia through the eyes of Evelyn and Libby. To be able to experience their journeys separately but together was really nice. Finding out the truth in the end was amazing.
Absolutely loved that Libby took her mother's last wish to heart and went to the place that her mother considered home. She got to meet people that knew her before and learn of a different woman than the one that raised her.
5 stars
November 18, 2017
My full review can be found on my blog https://reaviewallaboutit.blogspot.co...
I loved this book. If I could possibly give 6 stars out of 5 I would. Wonderful build up of characters with each having their own part of the story. Was interesting from the beginning and had me wanting to know how it ended each time I read a bit more. I found it hard to put down. I higly recommend this book.
I loved this book. If I could possibly give 6 stars out of 5 I would. Wonderful build up of characters with each having their own part of the story. Was interesting from the beginning and had me wanting to know how it ended each time I read a bit more. I found it hard to put down. I higly recommend this book.
June 2, 2018
Great
A really good story. I enjoyed it very much. A story about mother and daughter, but after mom has died. Two stories years apart about backpacking in Australia. Libby is searching for her mom’s past, but she doesn’t exactly find what she thought she was looking for.
A really good story. I enjoyed it very much. A story about mother and daughter, but after mom has died. Two stories years apart about backpacking in Australia. Libby is searching for her mom’s past, but she doesn’t exactly find what she thought she was looking for.
October 12, 2017
Review originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2017/10/0...
Always With You by Hannah Ellis unravels a lifelong secret which Evelyn has kept from her daughter Libby. When Evelyn dies, grief-stricken Libby decides to travel to the Australian outback her mother spent a year in and find the father she never knew.
The book is essentially broken into two parts: Evelyn’s trip in 1994 and Libby’s trip in 2017. I’ve never even been to Australia but Kununurra is as vivid in my head as if I lived in the town myself. Ellis has a great way of describing things, of painting a picture. The hotel, the lake, the Croc – I feel like I have been to them all, or at least watched the film adaptation of this book; that is how good Ellis is at writing a narrative.
She equally excels at evoking emotion. Travelling Australia is something which many people can relate to, therefore the basis of this story will immediately hook certain readers. But it was the emotional attachment to the characters which got me. My heart broke for Libby when Evelyn died, as it did when I learned the burden Evelyn was carrying more than years, Likewise, my heart was full as Libby was able to piece her mother’s past together. The scenes in which Evelyn spent time with friends Joe, Beth, Leslie, Cal and Kai were my unanimous favourite, though. They were simple but so beautifully written and unleashed a whole load of similar memories for me.
Finally, I liked Always With You as it was the perfect balance between chick-lit and mystery. Not all mysteries need to have a dark element and this one certainly didn’t, but it did keep me guessing throughout, just like a mystery should.
I mean, what else can I say other than you have to pick up a copy of this book. The cold weather is creeping in and Always With You is certainly one for a cosy evening in front of the fire.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Always With You by Hannah Ellis unravels a lifelong secret which Evelyn has kept from her daughter Libby. When Evelyn dies, grief-stricken Libby decides to travel to the Australian outback her mother spent a year in and find the father she never knew.
The book is essentially broken into two parts: Evelyn’s trip in 1994 and Libby’s trip in 2017. I’ve never even been to Australia but Kununurra is as vivid in my head as if I lived in the town myself. Ellis has a great way of describing things, of painting a picture. The hotel, the lake, the Croc – I feel like I have been to them all, or at least watched the film adaptation of this book; that is how good Ellis is at writing a narrative.
She equally excels at evoking emotion. Travelling Australia is something which many people can relate to, therefore the basis of this story will immediately hook certain readers. But it was the emotional attachment to the characters which got me. My heart broke for Libby when Evelyn died, as it did when I learned the burden Evelyn was carrying more than years, Likewise, my heart was full as Libby was able to piece her mother’s past together. The scenes in which Evelyn spent time with friends Joe, Beth, Leslie, Cal and Kai were my unanimous favourite, though. They were simple but so beautifully written and unleashed a whole load of similar memories for me.
Finally, I liked Always With You as it was the perfect balance between chick-lit and mystery. Not all mysteries need to have a dark element and this one certainly didn’t, but it did keep me guessing throughout, just like a mystery should.
I mean, what else can I say other than you have to pick up a copy of this book. The cold weather is creeping in and Always With You is certainly one for a cosy evening in front of the fire.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the alternating POVs between Libby (the daughter) and Evelyn, her mother. Evelyn was a sassy, out-going girl, while Libby (at least in the beginning) was more reserved, but I liked that as her journey continues, you could see her becoming more like Evelyn, or at least gaining a new insight and appreciation for her mother. The mystery behind Libby's father was nicely done (and I'll admit, the final reveal definitely got me; DID NOT see that coming!). Both woman find love during their respective outback adventures, but I loved that the focus stayed on the women and how their time in Australia changed them, and in Libby's case, her understanding of her mother. I also liked how Evelyn's story was one of heartbreak, while Libby's was one of healing, and how in the end, she managed to help her mother make amends as best she could.
November 2, 2017
A lovely written story. A good easy read with a gentle mystery. I loved the evocative descriptions of Kununarra and even googled to see if this place is real and it is and it looks beautiful and remote as described so wonderfully. You can sense the heat, humidity and dust as you read. A story of grief, friendships, secrets and wonderful travels. Set in the same location told in two timelines by Evelyn the mother and Libby the daughter both entice you into their story.
May 26, 2018
After the death of her mother, a young English girl decides to find the father she has never known. She sets out for Australia to visit the places her mother did when she was young. She surprisingly meets people who still remember her mother. The story is twofold, one tells of the mother's adventures, while the other, the daughter's.
An interesting read.
An interesting read.
March 16, 2020
Amazing book from start to finish... Read it within a day. Honestly didn't want it to end. Beautifully written. Will definitely read Hannah's other novels. 5 stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 6, 2018
I read all of Hannah's books and this is absolutely my favorite. It's indeed one of my Dave's period. The story held my attention from the very first page, one that was beautifully written.
It starts with Evelyn's adventure in Australia, back in 1994 alternating with Libby's on adventure in Australia in 2017. This book brought tears to my eyes but also made me laugh. I can't explain why I felt so connected to both girls, I felt their pain as if I was there. Do yourself a favor and read this one, you won't regret!
I was just hopping that Hannah would actually come with a sequel telling us what happens to Libby once she goes back to England. Does she keep her relatio ship with Andrew? Does she keep contact with her father and her half siblings and Joe, what is there not to love?
At the end I felt soooo deeply sad for Evelyn, because she is the one who paid the price for that one night, the price to of being kept away from her friends she came to love in that one year. How I wished she had come back at least once, and how thankful I am for the internet and cell pbones.
It starts with Evelyn's adventure in Australia, back in 1994 alternating with Libby's on adventure in Australia in 2017. This book brought tears to my eyes but also made me laugh. I can't explain why I felt so connected to both girls, I felt their pain as if I was there. Do yourself a favor and read this one, you won't regret!
I was just hopping that Hannah would actually come with a sequel telling us what happens to Libby once she goes back to England. Does she keep her relatio ship with Andrew? Does she keep contact with her father and her half siblings and Joe, what is there not to love?
At the end I felt soooo deeply sad for Evelyn, because she is the one who paid the price for that one night, the price to of being kept away from her friends she came to love in that one year. How I wished she had come back at least once, and how thankful I am for the internet and cell pbones.
October 12, 2017
Happy and just a little sad.
I wish the author could have let us know more with Libby and her Dad.
I was surprised when the mystery was revealed.
Libby and Evelyn reacted to life in much the same way, but I am not sure I agree with her going it alone. Still the story told in flashbacks was unique and really showed the similarities and differences that 20 some years and several thousands of miles make in the short journey of life.
I wish the author could have let us know more with Libby and her Dad.
I was surprised when the mystery was revealed.
Libby and Evelyn reacted to life in much the same way, but I am not sure I agree with her going it alone. Still the story told in flashbacks was unique and really showed the similarities and differences that 20 some years and several thousands of miles make in the short journey of life.
January 3, 2018
Really good book, just check your number facts. Evelyn had Libby in 1995, but you're saying when her mother died in 2016 she was 20 instead of 21 & when she did her own trip through Australia that she was 21 instead of 22. If she was born in 1995, in 2017 when she did her trip through Australia she would have been 22. Especially since she did the trip after her birthday. At least that's what was written.
April 12, 2021
Simply a warming and feel good read!
Just loved this book. One of my favourites this year! (Lockdown 2020). Reminded me of my travels around Australia when I was 21...too many years ago. Loved the characters, and binge read it in little more than a day! Thank you Hannah Ellis. Loving everything that I have read by you so far..... Lochs and Coves included! Such lovely, feel good reading
Just loved this book. One of my favourites this year! (Lockdown 2020). Reminded me of my travels around Australia when I was 21...too many years ago. Loved the characters, and binge read it in little more than a day! Thank you Hannah Ellis. Loving everything that I have read by you so far..... Lochs and Coves included! Such lovely, feel good reading
January 3, 2023
I read this book a little while ago (4-5 months) and it was a good read.
I personally don't think I've read enough books to determine what a good ending is but I didn't really like it. It was unexpected but I think I just really wanted Evelyn and Joe to end up together. Personally love love lovedd when the narrative would switch the perspective to Evelyn, I just loved her liveliness with her friends.
I personally don't think I've read enough books to determine what a good ending is but I didn't really like it. It was unexpected but I think I just really wanted Evelyn and Joe to end up together. Personally love love lovedd when the narrative would switch the perspective to Evelyn, I just loved her liveliness with her friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
What a lovely story.
This was such an amazing story of 2 halves. One about mother & the other from the daughter carrying out her mothers wishes that she made b4 she died. There are a lot of happy bits some sad ones & lot of mystery too. The ending was not what I was expecting it was mu h better than I had guessed it was going to be. Its a must read book I'm sure everyone would enjoy it.
This was such an amazing story of 2 halves. One about mother & the other from the daughter carrying out her mothers wishes that she made b4 she died. There are a lot of happy bits some sad ones & lot of mystery too. The ending was not what I was expecting it was mu h better than I had guessed it was going to be. Its a must read book I'm sure everyone would enjoy it.
May 17, 2025
So touching! And I loved the braided narrative.
What a lovely story! I read this while on a trip to Iceland but was so immersed in this book that I halfway felt like I was in Australia instead of Iceland!
I love how the story unfold between the two points of view of the mother and daughter. Hannah has such a wonderful way with the slow build and reveal of these two vivacious main characters.
Such a great read!
What a lovely story! I read this while on a trip to Iceland but was so immersed in this book that I halfway felt like I was in Australia instead of Iceland!
I love how the story unfold between the two points of view of the mother and daughter. Hannah has such a wonderful way with the slow build and reveal of these two vivacious main characters.
Such a great read!
November 10, 2017
I was hooked from the first sentence. I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of The Australian Outback was so beautiful.
A story of a girl on a quest for her father. It fliis from present day with the daughter to the past with the mother. While they both experience adventure, friendship and love. A beautiful coming of age story.
A story of a girl on a quest for her father. It fliis from present day with the daughter to the past with the mother. While they both experience adventure, friendship and love. A beautiful coming of age story.
December 28, 2017
Loved the story for several reasons, the visual of Australia, I have visited there and been to the outback and other parts also. The story line was good, could see this happening with young people traveling as they have been in the near past and present times. The people of Australia are friendly as the book shows, good place and good story.
January 10, 2019
It was nice.
It was an ok read. Not my favorite of her books. This is the 4th one that I've read. And to be perfectly honest if it had been the 1st I probably would have stopped there. It never climaxed for me. It was the same throughout. Not really flat just steady without any umph. It didn't make me smile or laugh or tear up, which is what I had come to expect in her books.
It was an ok read. Not my favorite of her books. This is the 4th one that I've read. And to be perfectly honest if it had been the 1st I probably would have stopped there. It never climaxed for me. It was the same throughout. Not really flat just steady without any umph. It didn't make me smile or laugh or tear up, which is what I had come to expect in her books.
June 30, 2020
Took me by surprise
I was in a bit of a rut novel wise when I borrowed this book on a whim from kindle unlimited, one of the best decisions I have made in a while.
The book grabbed hold of me and I read it in two days, the characters are fantastic and the setting beautiful.
Highly recommended. I will be reading more from this author.
I was in a bit of a rut novel wise when I borrowed this book on a whim from kindle unlimited, one of the best decisions I have made in a while.
The book grabbed hold of me and I read it in two days, the characters are fantastic and the setting beautiful.
Highly recommended. I will be reading more from this author.
July 18, 2020
What a lovely feel good read! The story is about a Mum and daughter's experience at separate times in Australia. Hannah Ellis has a knack of writing about characters you really like and you want to find out what happens next. I've read a few of Hannah's books and I've enjoyed every single one and have no problem recommending this lovely read. Looking forward to my next one!
February 5, 2022
Brilliant
This story is so lovely I fell in love with the characters, especially Joe such a warm hearted devoted friend.
It makes me wish I had gone back packing but it wasn't something you did if you had to work for a living, perhaps now I am 66 it is time lol .
I love all Hannah Ellis books such a lovely emotional writer.
This story is so lovely I fell in love with the characters, especially Joe such a warm hearted devoted friend.
It makes me wish I had gone back packing but it wasn't something you did if you had to work for a living, perhaps now I am 66 it is time lol .
I love all Hannah Ellis books such a lovely emotional writer.
August 15, 2025
This book wasn't what I expected. It actually exceeded my expectations. I don't always like books that go back and forth between past and present events, but for this book it worked. I really liked the well developed characters, the descriptions of the scenery in Australia, and Libby's hunt for her father. I liked the ending the author chose!
February 10, 2018
Totally different ending
Wow I completely expected a different ending in this book. It was a bit slow. I had a hard time getting into it but at the end I couldn’t wait to find out who was Libby’s Dad. Kept me guessing until right at the end
Wow I completely expected a different ending in this book. It was a bit slow. I had a hard time getting into it but at the end I couldn’t wait to find out who was Libby’s Dad. Kept me guessing until right at the end
September 8, 2018
Great Story
Hannah Ellis has blown me away with this story, it sucked me right in. Being an Aussie, I'm a tad biased towards my place of origin. The characters stole my heart and I didn't see it coming when it was revealed who her father was.
Hannah Ellis has blown me away with this story, it sucked me right in. Being an Aussie, I'm a tad biased towards my place of origin. The characters stole my heart and I didn't see it coming when it was revealed who her father was.
May 7, 2019
Lovely
This is the first book I've read by this author and loved it. As described its a heartwarming story of love, loss and friendships. No spoilers but make sure you have a big box of tissues ready! Brilliant. A definite must read.
This is the first book I've read by this author and loved it. As described its a heartwarming story of love, loss and friendships. No spoilers but make sure you have a big box of tissues ready! Brilliant. A definite must read.
October 2, 2019
Definitely heartwarming
This book broke me. I laughed. I cried. I fell for Joe right along side Evelyn. My heart was on a roller coaster, right along with Libby, on her journey. The end had me bawling like a baby as I read the last chapter.
This book broke me. I laughed. I cried. I fell for Joe right along side Evelyn. My heart was on a roller coaster, right along with Libby, on her journey. The end had me bawling like a baby as I read the last chapter.
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