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Just One Wish
Three women, three secrets, one life-changing journey.
Alice has always been a trailblazer as a scientist, activist and mother. She knew her choices would involve sacrifices, but now, on the eve of her 18th birthday, she's beginning to wonder if she's sacrificed too much.
Alice's daughter Sappho rebelled against her unconventional upbringing, choosing to marry young and embrace life as a homemaker, but her status as a domestic goddess has recently taken a surprising turn.
Ged, has always been the peacemaker between her grandmother and mother. A tenacious journalist she knows what she wants in life and love, yet when everything in her world starts falling apart, she begins to question whether she really knows anyone at all.
At a crossroads in each of their lives, Alice, Sappho and Ged embark on a celebratory trip together, but instead of bringing them closer, the holiday sparks life-changing consequences and lifts the lid on a 50-year secret.
Can Ged rescue her family if their story is built on a betrayal?
Alice has always been a trailblazer as a scientist, activist and mother. She knew her choices would involve sacrifices, but now, on the eve of her 18th birthday, she's beginning to wonder if she's sacrificed too much.
Alice's daughter Sappho rebelled against her unconventional upbringing, choosing to marry young and embrace life as a homemaker, but her status as a domestic goddess has recently taken a surprising turn.
Ged, has always been the peacemaker between her grandmother and mother. A tenacious journalist she knows what she wants in life and love, yet when everything in her world starts falling apart, she begins to question whether she really knows anyone at all.
At a crossroads in each of their lives, Alice, Sappho and Ged embark on a celebratory trip together, but instead of bringing them closer, the holiday sparks life-changing consequences and lifts the lid on a 50-year secret.
Can Ged rescue her family if their story is built on a betrayal?
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First published October 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
October 15, 2019
Geraldine (Ged)’s grandmother was turning eighty and during the family celebrations Gralice (grandma Alice) produced tickets for Ged, her daughter Sappho (Marie) and herself for a girls’ cruise for them to reconnect, have a good time before it was too late. It was only three nights, but it was the coming weekend, so Ged knew she needed to sweet-talk her boss into giving her the time off. Ged was a journalist and loved her work plus she was up for a promotion as the boss was retiring.
Gralice and Sappho didn’t always see eye to eye with Sappho being resentful of her upbringing. But her new fame on the internet with her vlog as the “Happy happy housewife” and her many followers made Sappho realize how much she enjoyed the fame. Ged found herself on many occasions stuck in the middle of her mother and beloved grandmother.
The relaxing cruise which was designed to bring the three women closer together had much more to offer, and suddenly Ged’s life was falling apart. After they arrived home things became markedly worse. Ged felt pulled one way and then the other – could she possibly cope with what was happening? The secret which had remained hidden for fifty years was shattering. Her life was in tatters…
Just One Wish by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of family, secrets, betrayal and love. There was much going on in this novel, many issues were covered with the ending emotional and wonderful. A read I thoroughly enjoyed, Just One Wish is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Gralice and Sappho didn’t always see eye to eye with Sappho being resentful of her upbringing. But her new fame on the internet with her vlog as the “Happy happy housewife” and her many followers made Sappho realize how much she enjoyed the fame. Ged found herself on many occasions stuck in the middle of her mother and beloved grandmother.
The relaxing cruise which was designed to bring the three women closer together had much more to offer, and suddenly Ged’s life was falling apart. After they arrived home things became markedly worse. Ged felt pulled one way and then the other – could she possibly cope with what was happening? The secret which had remained hidden for fifty years was shattering. Her life was in tatters…
Just One Wish by Aussie author Rachael Johns is a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of family, secrets, betrayal and love. There was much going on in this novel, many issues were covered with the ending emotional and wonderful. A read I thoroughly enjoyed, Just One Wish is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Just One Wish by Rachael Johns. (2019).
It's the eve of Alice's 80th birthday and she wonders if she has sacrificed too much in her life as a scientist, activist and mother. Alice's daughter Sappho is the opposite of Alice, having married young and embraced life as a homemaker. But now her life has taken a surprising turn. Ged is the peacemaker between her mother and grandmother. She is a journalist who knew exactly what she wanted in life but it has all started falling apart. The 3 women are all at a crossroads when they go on a spontaneous cruise trip together. Instead of bringing them together, the holiday sparks life-changing consequences and lifts the lid on a fifty-year-old secret...
I can't express how much I loved this book and the women it's about. All I need now is for a big media company to adapt this into a film or miniseries cause I think it would be fabulous on the screen. I'm sure all of us at some point wonder what could have been, no matter how happy you are in your life. Alice has hit that point at 80 after keeping a big secret for many years. Sappho has also hit a point where she wants that bit more from her life. And Ged is forced into a point of realising things are not going exactly as planned...The book is set entirely from Ged's perspective which I really enjoyed. While I felt closest to Ged, I still felt quite connected to Alice and Sappho. This author has a talent of making her characters feel like your family so while you may not always agree with something they've said or done, you still love them and you want everything to work out for them. I 100% recommend this heartwarming book that I absolutely loved.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Just One Wish by Rachael Johns. (2019).
It's the eve of Alice's 80th birthday and she wonders if she has sacrificed too much in her life as a scientist, activist and mother. Alice's daughter Sappho is the opposite of Alice, having married young and embraced life as a homemaker. But now her life has taken a surprising turn. Ged is the peacemaker between her mother and grandmother. She is a journalist who knew exactly what she wanted in life but it has all started falling apart. The 3 women are all at a crossroads when they go on a spontaneous cruise trip together. Instead of bringing them together, the holiday sparks life-changing consequences and lifts the lid on a fifty-year-old secret...
I can't express how much I loved this book and the women it's about. All I need now is for a big media company to adapt this into a film or miniseries cause I think it would be fabulous on the screen. I'm sure all of us at some point wonder what could have been, no matter how happy you are in your life. Alice has hit that point at 80 after keeping a big secret for many years. Sappho has also hit a point where she wants that bit more from her life. And Ged is forced into a point of realising things are not going exactly as planned...The book is set entirely from Ged's perspective which I really enjoyed. While I felt closest to Ged, I still felt quite connected to Alice and Sappho. This author has a talent of making her characters feel like your family so while you may not always agree with something they've said or done, you still love them and you want everything to work out for them. I 100% recommend this heartwarming book that I absolutely loved.
October 27, 2019
“I want my final message to be that women should reach for the stars and embrace their independence, but that they should also follow their hearts. If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late— it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.”
Just One Wish is a novel by award-winning Australian author, Rachael Johns. A break-up with her lover, Christos, a sprained ankle and a crushed mobile phone: Geraldine Johnston’s already horrendous day isn’t going to improve at her mother’s house for a birthday party. Grandma Alice (Gralice) is turning eighty and, gifts received, is insisting that Ged and her mother, Sappho (call me Marie) go with her on a four-day Elvis cruise.
After they pick up their jaws off the floor (how will Ged manage to keep this died-in-the-wool feminist icon and her queen-of-the-new-domesticity daughter from coming to blows?), they eventually agree. Perhaps Ged can nose out some interesting cruise-related articles for her editor at the weekend supplement. The real drawcard, though, is Gralice’s promise to help Ged with the Alice Abbott biography she’s long wanted to write. And any distraction from missing Christos will be welcome.
But Ged wasn’t expecting to meet a handsome, ginger-haired hunk, nor what somehow follows while Marie is busy vlogging and Alice is mysteriously absent. And life from then on gets quite a lot more complicated: latent lesbian tendencies, pregnancy and paternity tests, vlogs and You-tube channels and Instagram followers, secret lovers, adultery and estrangement, publishers and public scandal, illness and regret all feature. Where will it all end?
Johns gives the reader a bunch of fun characters: apart from our protagonist, an Uber driver, a pioneer feminist, a domesticity advocate, a Mars-mission candidate and a pair of gay grandfathers make up the main cast. By the climax, a few of them are walking around with rather large secrets that are not always their own, and she throws them some very realistic life dilemmas.
While aspects of the plot may be fairly predictable, there are also laugh-out-loud surprises and shocks; ultimately, the journey to the bittersweet conclusion is entertaining and enjoyable. Johns touches on several topical themes like social media presence, Mars mission, me-too, and voluntary euthanasia, as well as age-old ones like gender equality. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a delightfully engaging read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia.
Just One Wish is a novel by award-winning Australian author, Rachael Johns. A break-up with her lover, Christos, a sprained ankle and a crushed mobile phone: Geraldine Johnston’s already horrendous day isn’t going to improve at her mother’s house for a birthday party. Grandma Alice (Gralice) is turning eighty and, gifts received, is insisting that Ged and her mother, Sappho (call me Marie) go with her on a four-day Elvis cruise.
After they pick up their jaws off the floor (how will Ged manage to keep this died-in-the-wool feminist icon and her queen-of-the-new-domesticity daughter from coming to blows?), they eventually agree. Perhaps Ged can nose out some interesting cruise-related articles for her editor at the weekend supplement. The real drawcard, though, is Gralice’s promise to help Ged with the Alice Abbott biography she’s long wanted to write. And any distraction from missing Christos will be welcome.
But Ged wasn’t expecting to meet a handsome, ginger-haired hunk, nor what somehow follows while Marie is busy vlogging and Alice is mysteriously absent. And life from then on gets quite a lot more complicated: latent lesbian tendencies, pregnancy and paternity tests, vlogs and You-tube channels and Instagram followers, secret lovers, adultery and estrangement, publishers and public scandal, illness and regret all feature. Where will it all end?
Johns gives the reader a bunch of fun characters: apart from our protagonist, an Uber driver, a pioneer feminist, a domesticity advocate, a Mars-mission candidate and a pair of gay grandfathers make up the main cast. By the climax, a few of them are walking around with rather large secrets that are not always their own, and she throws them some very realistic life dilemmas.
While aspects of the plot may be fairly predictable, there are also laugh-out-loud surprises and shocks; ultimately, the journey to the bittersweet conclusion is entertaining and enjoyable. Johns touches on several topical themes like social media presence, Mars mission, me-too, and voluntary euthanasia, as well as age-old ones like gender equality. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a delightfully engaging read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia.
September 29, 2019
Title - Just One Wish
Author - Rachael John
Book Details - ebook - ARC
Genre - Women's Fiction/ HQ Fiction
.
Publishing Date - 21 October 2019.
.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
.
.
My view on what this book is about....
This book is about three woman.
.
We have Geraldine (Ged for short), the main character. Ged is a journalist. Works in the same office as Christos, a divorced father of 3, that complicates their relationship by saying he is moving back with his ex, for the childrens sake ... "pretending to be married".
.
We have Gralice, Geds Grandmother. Gralice is a diehard feminist, who shouts the immediate family on a themed cruise ship, trip.
.
We have Geds Mum, who is known on social media as the happy happy housewife, who is so wrapped up with Instagram and her you tube channel.
.
All 3 have secrets of their own that seem to jump ashore to bite them when they come back onto land and we aren't talking about blue bottles here.
.
Unfortunately these 3 secrets grow very large it's hard to ignore and one by one, all 3 ladies have to come to terms of revealing all.
.
BookQuote .....
I believe one is happier if they look to the future rather than dwell on the past. That's always been my life motto.
.
.
My thoughts ...
I have to admit here, and I don't normally do this, but nearer the end of this book I did binge-read ....well, honestly this was one hell of a trip. I'm so thankful I don't get seasick with all the turbulence that happens on this cruise ship. This book had me so encapsulated with all the complicated issues of relationships. I loved it. This was the first time reading one of Rachael John's books and I found her writing, clear, precise, didn't mess around with descriptions. The character building on all characters were phenomenal, which is saying something, considering I dont know this authors repertoire. I don't really want to reveal too much, as the story plot twists in this book is so fun to watch unravel.... watch out for when Ged gets really sick at Gralice place as she discovers a very deep secret hidden within a photograph.... watch out for the complicated love triangle, which will have you, actually in tears, so a word of warning, you may want to have some tissues handy.
.
.
Rating System.....
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
.
.
Recommendation
This book comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley, who loves cruise ships, who loves following Australian authors, who loves womens fiction who loves reading about feminism, and who loves complicated love triangles and who loves sad, but bittersweet endings.
.
.
A personal thank to the author for such an entertaining read, it is much appreciated.
Author - Rachael John
Book Details - ebook - ARC
Genre - Women's Fiction/ HQ Fiction
.
Publishing Date - 21 October 2019.
.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
.
.
My view on what this book is about....
This book is about three woman.
.
We have Geraldine (Ged for short), the main character. Ged is a journalist. Works in the same office as Christos, a divorced father of 3, that complicates their relationship by saying he is moving back with his ex, for the childrens sake ... "pretending to be married".
.
We have Gralice, Geds Grandmother. Gralice is a diehard feminist, who shouts the immediate family on a themed cruise ship, trip.
.
We have Geds Mum, who is known on social media as the happy happy housewife, who is so wrapped up with Instagram and her you tube channel.
.
All 3 have secrets of their own that seem to jump ashore to bite them when they come back onto land and we aren't talking about blue bottles here.
.
Unfortunately these 3 secrets grow very large it's hard to ignore and one by one, all 3 ladies have to come to terms of revealing all.
.
BookQuote .....
I believe one is happier if they look to the future rather than dwell on the past. That's always been my life motto.
.
.
My thoughts ...
I have to admit here, and I don't normally do this, but nearer the end of this book I did binge-read ....well, honestly this was one hell of a trip. I'm so thankful I don't get seasick with all the turbulence that happens on this cruise ship. This book had me so encapsulated with all the complicated issues of relationships. I loved it. This was the first time reading one of Rachael John's books and I found her writing, clear, precise, didn't mess around with descriptions. The character building on all characters were phenomenal, which is saying something, considering I dont know this authors repertoire. I don't really want to reveal too much, as the story plot twists in this book is so fun to watch unravel.... watch out for when Ged gets really sick at Gralice place as she discovers a very deep secret hidden within a photograph.... watch out for the complicated love triangle, which will have you, actually in tears, so a word of warning, you may want to have some tissues handy.
.
.
Rating System.....
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
.
.
Recommendation
This book comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley, who loves cruise ships, who loves following Australian authors, who loves womens fiction who loves reading about feminism, and who loves complicated love triangles and who loves sad, but bittersweet endings.
.
.
A personal thank to the author for such an entertaining read, it is much appreciated.
June 4, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
With a feminist pioneer for a grandmother and a domestic goddess and instagram sensation for a mother Ged is stuck in the middle trying to appease them both.
Each woman has a secret, some more potent than others. Ged has a secret that will unite them as a family but Alice’s secret could tear them apart.
Ged, Alice and Sappho’s stories will have you wondering what you would do if you were in their shoes as each of them face dilemmas relevant to women everywhere.
Just One Wish was an easy, quick read but an easy or light read doesn’t mean it can’t deal with some pertinent issues, especially relevant to women today. The story touches on issues such as single parents, gay parenting, feminism, abortion, DNA testing, co-parenting, women’s rights, euthanasia and adultery. For me personally I think there were too many issues explored in this story.
Just One Wish was an enjoyable read. My main disappointment being the number of errors in the book. Things that should have been picked up during editing.
I have read Rachael John’s rural romance offerings and absolutely loved them so I was a bit disappointed that this book didn’t wow me.
With a feminist pioneer for a grandmother and a domestic goddess and instagram sensation for a mother Ged is stuck in the middle trying to appease them both.
Each woman has a secret, some more potent than others. Ged has a secret that will unite them as a family but Alice’s secret could tear them apart.
Ged, Alice and Sappho’s stories will have you wondering what you would do if you were in their shoes as each of them face dilemmas relevant to women everywhere.
Just One Wish was an easy, quick read but an easy or light read doesn’t mean it can’t deal with some pertinent issues, especially relevant to women today. The story touches on issues such as single parents, gay parenting, feminism, abortion, DNA testing, co-parenting, women’s rights, euthanasia and adultery. For me personally I think there were too many issues explored in this story.
Just One Wish was an enjoyable read. My main disappointment being the number of errors in the book. Things that should have been picked up during editing.
I have read Rachael John’s rural romance offerings and absolutely loved them so I was a bit disappointed that this book didn’t wow me.
August 10, 2019
This story centres on Ged whose lover has just ended their relationship to return to his wife and children and give it another go. Her grandmother Alice, who everyone refers to as 'Gralice' (for some reason this name really irritated me) is a University lecturer, scientist and renowned feminist. Ged's mother, Marie, is a stay at home mother who is an internet sensation as the 'Happy, happy housewife'. Ged struggles with the animosity between her two female role models and is often the peacemaker between them.
On the night of Gralice's 80th birthday an announcement is made that will change the course of Ged, Alice and Marie's lives profoundly.
This book is a realistic look at the complexity of families, feelings and life. It has a lot of humour, a lot of sadness and I am sure it will resonate with a lot of readers.
Thank you Harlequin Australia, HQ, Mira and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
On the night of Gralice's 80th birthday an announcement is made that will change the course of Ged, Alice and Marie's lives profoundly.
This book is a realistic look at the complexity of families, feelings and life. It has a lot of humour, a lot of sadness and I am sure it will resonate with a lot of readers.
Thank you Harlequin Australia, HQ, Mira and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
October 16, 2019
Just One Wish by Rachael Johns is a wonderful contemporary family drama contrasting the life experiences and choices of three generations of women.
“If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late—it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.”
Journalist Geraldine ‘Ged’ Johnston is heartbroken when her lover, and colleague, Christos, announces his intention to move back in with his ex-wife for the sake of their children. Fortuitously, her grandmother, Alice Abbott who Ged calls Gralice, surprises her, and Ged’s mother, Sappho known as Marie, with a timely distraction, a three day Elvis themed cruise to celebrate Alice’s 80th birthday. Ged plans to use the opportunity to interview Gralice for a biography she hopes to publish detailing her grandmother’s many achievements as a feminist trailblazer, while her mother views the trip as fodder for her popular ‘Happy, happy Housewife’ online media persona, but Gralice has a hidden motive for the trip, a secret that will prove to have unexpected consequences for all of them.
“In a matter of a month my life had become a soap opera—one in which I’d been forced to take a starring role when I didn’t even want to watch the show.”
Set in Victoria, Just One Wish unfolds from the first person perspective of Geraldine as her life, and the life of her family, is upended by a series of surprises. I enjoyed the complications and drama cantering around three very different, interesting women and the choices they make.
“‘I reckon no matter what choices we make in our lives, we’ll never know for sure if they are the right ones....”
The author touches on a wide spectrum of themes including family, marriage, relationships, feminism, euthanasia, homosexuality, and social media, but it’s Johns’ exploration of the differing ambitions of Alice, Marie, and Ged that I found the most relatable. My mother, whose traditional father felt that teaching or nursing were the only acceptable professions for a woman until she married, has always been ambitious, and worked full time in a number of careers until retirement. I greatly admire her drive, but I know she was disappointed when I chose to go into teaching, married young, and then later became a stay at home mother to four children (and wanted more). My eldest daughter is now in her early twenties, and though she is not ambitious exactly, neither marriage nor children are on her radar. So, I identify with the tension between the three women, borne of generational and personal ideals.
Written with heart and humour, Just One Wish is an entertaining and thought provoking read that will appeal to women of all ages.
P.S. Rachael, hope you don’t mind but I was thinking Jay = Ditch Davey circa Sea Patrol ;)
“If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late—it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.”
Journalist Geraldine ‘Ged’ Johnston is heartbroken when her lover, and colleague, Christos, announces his intention to move back in with his ex-wife for the sake of their children. Fortuitously, her grandmother, Alice Abbott who Ged calls Gralice, surprises her, and Ged’s mother, Sappho known as Marie, with a timely distraction, a three day Elvis themed cruise to celebrate Alice’s 80th birthday. Ged plans to use the opportunity to interview Gralice for a biography she hopes to publish detailing her grandmother’s many achievements as a feminist trailblazer, while her mother views the trip as fodder for her popular ‘Happy, happy Housewife’ online media persona, but Gralice has a hidden motive for the trip, a secret that will prove to have unexpected consequences for all of them.
“In a matter of a month my life had become a soap opera—one in which I’d been forced to take a starring role when I didn’t even want to watch the show.”
Set in Victoria, Just One Wish unfolds from the first person perspective of Geraldine as her life, and the life of her family, is upended by a series of surprises. I enjoyed the complications and drama cantering around three very different, interesting women and the choices they make.
“‘I reckon no matter what choices we make in our lives, we’ll never know for sure if they are the right ones....”
The author touches on a wide spectrum of themes including family, marriage, relationships, feminism, euthanasia, homosexuality, and social media, but it’s Johns’ exploration of the differing ambitions of Alice, Marie, and Ged that I found the most relatable. My mother, whose traditional father felt that teaching or nursing were the only acceptable professions for a woman until she married, has always been ambitious, and worked full time in a number of careers until retirement. I greatly admire her drive, but I know she was disappointed when I chose to go into teaching, married young, and then later became a stay at home mother to four children (and wanted more). My eldest daughter is now in her early twenties, and though she is not ambitious exactly, neither marriage nor children are on her radar. So, I identify with the tension between the three women, borne of generational and personal ideals.
Written with heart and humour, Just One Wish is an entertaining and thought provoking read that will appeal to women of all ages.
P.S. Rachael, hope you don’t mind but I was thinking Jay = Ditch Davey circa Sea Patrol ;)
November 5, 2022
Just One Wish by Aussie author Rachael Johns is one of those stories in that the reader is taken on a journey that you don’t want to end.
A heartwarming story of family, secrets and love, all of which, when combined together make for a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more books from this author. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A heartwarming story of family, secrets and love, all of which, when combined together make for a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more books from this author. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 6, 2020
Title - Just One Wish
Author - Rachael John
Book Details - ebook - ARC
Genre - Women's Fiction/ HQ Fiction
.
Publishing Date - 21 October 2019.
.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
.
.
My view on what this book is about....
This book is about three woman.
.
We have Geraldine (Ged for short), the main character. Ged is a journalist. Works in the same office as Christos, a divorced father of 3, that complicates their relationship by saying he is moving back with his ex, for the childrens sake ... "pretending to be married".
.
We have Gralice, Geds Grandmother. Gralice is a diehard feminist, who shouts the immediate family on a themed cruise ship, trip.
.
We have Geds Mum, who is known on social media as the happy happy housewife, who is so wrapped up with Instagram and her you tube channel.
.
All 3 have secrets of their own that seem to jump ashore to bite them when they come back onto land and we aren't talking about blue bottles here.
.
Unfortunately these 3 secrets grow very large it's hard to ignore and one by one, all 3 ladies have to come to terms of revealing all.
.
BookQuote .....
I believe one is happier if they look to the future rather than dwell on the past. That's always been my life motto.
.
.
My thoughts ...
I have to admit here, and I don't normally do this, but nearer the end of this book I did binge-read ....well, honestly this was one hell of a trip. I'm so thankful I don't get seasick with all the turbulence that happens on this cruise ship. This book had me so encapsulated with all the complicated issues of relationships. I loved it. This was the first time reading one of Rachael John's books and I found her writing, clear, precise, didn't mess around with descriptions. The character building on all characters were phenomenal, which is saying something, considering I dont know this authors repertoire. I don't really want to reveal too much, as the story plot twists in this book is so fun to watch unravel.... watch out for when Ged gets really sick at Gralice place as she discovers a very deep secret hidden within a photograph.... watch out for the complicated love triangle, which will have you, actually in tears, so a word of warning, you may want to have some tissues handy.
.
.
Rating System.....
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
.
.
Recommendation
This book comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley, who loves cruise ships, who loves following Australian authors, who loves womens fiction who loves reading about feminism, and who loves complicated love triangles and who loves sad, but bittersweet endings.
.
.
A personal thank to the author for such an entertaining read, it is much appreciated.
.
Links included.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/100005358964...
Twitter https://twitter.com/paulinereidboo1/s...
Blog Page Book Review - Just One Wish - Rachael Johns https://paulinereidbookreviewer.blogs...
Author - Rachael John
Book Details - ebook - ARC
Genre - Women's Fiction/ HQ Fiction
.
Publishing Date - 21 October 2019.
.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
.
.
My view on what this book is about....
This book is about three woman.
.
We have Geraldine (Ged for short), the main character. Ged is a journalist. Works in the same office as Christos, a divorced father of 3, that complicates their relationship by saying he is moving back with his ex, for the childrens sake ... "pretending to be married".
.
We have Gralice, Geds Grandmother. Gralice is a diehard feminist, who shouts the immediate family on a themed cruise ship, trip.
.
We have Geds Mum, who is known on social media as the happy happy housewife, who is so wrapped up with Instagram and her you tube channel.
.
All 3 have secrets of their own that seem to jump ashore to bite them when they come back onto land and we aren't talking about blue bottles here.
.
Unfortunately these 3 secrets grow very large it's hard to ignore and one by one, all 3 ladies have to come to terms of revealing all.
.
BookQuote .....
I believe one is happier if they look to the future rather than dwell on the past. That's always been my life motto.
.
.
My thoughts ...
I have to admit here, and I don't normally do this, but nearer the end of this book I did binge-read ....well, honestly this was one hell of a trip. I'm so thankful I don't get seasick with all the turbulence that happens on this cruise ship. This book had me so encapsulated with all the complicated issues of relationships. I loved it. This was the first time reading one of Rachael John's books and I found her writing, clear, precise, didn't mess around with descriptions. The character building on all characters were phenomenal, which is saying something, considering I dont know this authors repertoire. I don't really want to reveal too much, as the story plot twists in this book is so fun to watch unravel.... watch out for when Ged gets really sick at Gralice place as she discovers a very deep secret hidden within a photograph.... watch out for the complicated love triangle, which will have you, actually in tears, so a word of warning, you may want to have some tissues handy.
.
.
Rating System.....
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
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Recommendation
This book comes highly recommended by me, and would suit anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley, who loves cruise ships, who loves following Australian authors, who loves womens fiction who loves reading about feminism, and who loves complicated love triangles and who loves sad, but bittersweet endings.
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A personal thank to the author for such an entertaining read, it is much appreciated.
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Links included.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/100005358964...
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Blog Page Book Review - Just One Wish - Rachael Johns https://paulinereidbookreviewer.blogs...
October 12, 2019
Rachael Johns I am in awe of how you bring to life characters and take on issues and subjects that are all important and happening now and turn them into stories that pull me in, have me turning the pages and forgetting what else is going on in life and when I have to put the book down the characters are still running through my mind no matter what I am doing, you have done it magnificently, I loved Alice, Sappho, Ged and the characters in this story, thank you.
Alice Abbott is turning eighty, she has been a strong woman, a single mum, worked as a professor at a university, worked tirelessly for woman’s rights has had honours bestowed upon her, but she decides that it might be time to open up about a few things and spending time with her daughter Sappho and beloved granddaughter Ged on a cruise might be a start.
Sappho is now fifty five happily married, the mother of two children and a grandmother, Sappho or Marie as she is known to most people has discovered social media and is making a name for herself with her love of domesticity totally opposite to her mother’s career and who has not always been close to her mother for lots of reasons, but happily looks forward to the cruise she brings along her assistant to help with work on the cruise.
Geraldine or Ged as she is known to her family and friends is a journalist she is extremely close to her grandmother Alice or Gralice and she is known to her family, but Ged has just broken up with her boyfriend of one year and is feeling a little stressed but when Alice agrees to allow Ged to start writing the biography that she has always wanted to she is more than happy to go.
This is a compelling page turner, MS Johns had me guessing a lot about how things would work out for these three beautiful woman, and she did it wonderfully. This cruise together started the ball rolling on some secrets that had been kept for many years, the emotions flow between them with Ged keeping the peace at times, there were lots of revelations about each one of them, that had them all thinking about themselves and thinking to the future.
This story is about being yourself, doing what is right for you, the love and feelings that flowed were wonderful and I did shed tears, (I am still crying) but there are lots of happy smiles as well in this heart-warming must read story, a little bit of everything in this story and it is one that I highly recommend, thank you MS Johns I loved it.
Alice Abbott is turning eighty, she has been a strong woman, a single mum, worked as a professor at a university, worked tirelessly for woman’s rights has had honours bestowed upon her, but she decides that it might be time to open up about a few things and spending time with her daughter Sappho and beloved granddaughter Ged on a cruise might be a start.
Sappho is now fifty five happily married, the mother of two children and a grandmother, Sappho or Marie as she is known to most people has discovered social media and is making a name for herself with her love of domesticity totally opposite to her mother’s career and who has not always been close to her mother for lots of reasons, but happily looks forward to the cruise she brings along her assistant to help with work on the cruise.
Geraldine or Ged as she is known to her family and friends is a journalist she is extremely close to her grandmother Alice or Gralice and she is known to her family, but Ged has just broken up with her boyfriend of one year and is feeling a little stressed but when Alice agrees to allow Ged to start writing the biography that she has always wanted to she is more than happy to go.
This is a compelling page turner, MS Johns had me guessing a lot about how things would work out for these three beautiful woman, and she did it wonderfully. This cruise together started the ball rolling on some secrets that had been kept for many years, the emotions flow between them with Ged keeping the peace at times, there were lots of revelations about each one of them, that had them all thinking about themselves and thinking to the future.
This story is about being yourself, doing what is right for you, the love and feelings that flowed were wonderful and I did shed tears, (I am still crying) but there are lots of happy smiles as well in this heart-warming must read story, a little bit of everything in this story and it is one that I highly recommend, thank you MS Johns I loved it.
October 18, 2019
Rachael Johns is pretty much a guaranteed good read for me now. It seems that with each book released, she gets better and better, and yet they’re all fantastic. In her latest though, Just One Wish, I feel that Rachael has nudged next level. I’m not sure if it was down to the story being narrated in first person, but there seemed to be an element of humour injected into this one that was both refreshing and highly entertaining. I picked this up as a lunch time read to see me through the week at work and was unable to leave it at that. I was reading it everywhere and all the time, entirely engrossed in this family drama. Rachael unpacks several contemporary issues within this novel and she does so with impartiality and intelligence. I really enjoyed the vibrant conversations between characters and the way she demonstrated a myriad of ideas and alternative lifestyles via her characterisation. This is a novel that hit the right note for me and maintained it throughout.
Just One Wish is a highly engaging and entertaining read with wide appeal to a contemporary audience. Expect the unexpected with this one and clear your schedule – this one is not to be missed!
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a copy (via NetGalley) of Just One Wish for review.
Just One Wish is a highly engaging and entertaining read with wide appeal to a contemporary audience. Expect the unexpected with this one and clear your schedule – this one is not to be missed!
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a copy (via NetGalley) of Just One Wish for review.
November 24, 2019
Told from the POV of 30 year old journalist, Geraldine (Ged), this story starts off with her boyfriend declaring he has decided to reunite with his ex-wife and three kids. From there we follow Ged and her relationship with her mother and grandmother, and find out a whole bunch of crazy things happening in their lives.
On the plus side, this book is easy to read and the characters are great. I also feel like the author has improved over the years and her dialogue is now quite natural and free flowing. I particularly liked the theme of feminism and how the author was able to believably write about a trail-blazing feminist grandmother with a daughter (Ged's mother) who has become the poster child for "new domesticity" and being a housewife.
On the down side, it was a bit of a soap opera. I think Johns could have dialled down some of the "secrets" just a tiny bit and not taken away from the story. In fact I think it would have added to it, because it all became a bit farcical at one point.
In saying all of that, I would still recommend this to readers of character driven novels, and especially those who enjoy an Australian setting.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
On the plus side, this book is easy to read and the characters are great. I also feel like the author has improved over the years and her dialogue is now quite natural and free flowing. I particularly liked the theme of feminism and how the author was able to believably write about a trail-blazing feminist grandmother with a daughter (Ged's mother) who has become the poster child for "new domesticity" and being a housewife.
On the down side, it was a bit of a soap opera. I think Johns could have dialled down some of the "secrets" just a tiny bit and not taken away from the story. In fact I think it would have added to it, because it all became a bit farcical at one point.
In saying all of that, I would still recommend this to readers of character driven novels, and especially those who enjoy an Australian setting.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
December 28, 2019
Some very sensitive subjects handled very well.
The MC is Ged - her mum, Marie, is a Martha Stewart on steroids and her grandmother, Alice, is a Germaine Greer with a heart - Ged is in the middle of the two warring parties.
The story opens with Ged being dumped by her boyfriend because he wants to return to his ex-wife and children, Alice insisting on herself, Marie and Ged going on an Elvis themed cruise.
From here the stories and secrets of each of the women drive the story - love versus duty - social norms versus following your heart, mistakes and solutions.
There were tears, eye rolling, and a lot of laughter before I reached the end.
The MC is Ged - her mum, Marie, is a Martha Stewart on steroids and her grandmother, Alice, is a Germaine Greer with a heart - Ged is in the middle of the two warring parties.
The story opens with Ged being dumped by her boyfriend because he wants to return to his ex-wife and children, Alice insisting on herself, Marie and Ged going on an Elvis themed cruise.
From here the stories and secrets of each of the women drive the story - love versus duty - social norms versus following your heart, mistakes and solutions.
There were tears, eye rolling, and a lot of laughter before I reached the end.
October 7, 2019
I have discovered so many great Aussie Authors this year and I am adding Ms Johns to this list! This is my first book by this author and I really liked her writing style and enjoyed the story.
As the synopsis states this is a story of 3 generations of woman all from the one family where a secret kept for over 50 years changes the whole dynamic of this close loving and non stereotypical family.
Set in Melbourne Victoria, it is told solely through the eyes of the granddaughter Geraldine, or Ged as she liked to be called. Ged is a journalist and was more in sync and closer to her Grandmother Alice, whom she affectionately called Gralice (which personally made me cringe) than her own mother Marie.
I could guess where this story line was going very early on in the book but there were a couple of twists that I didn't see coming which was great.
At times I found the pacing a little bit slow with conversations and details that I felt could have been left out without affecting the flow or delivery of the story.
The book is reflective of what are the hot issues and topics of conversation in Australia in 2019, thus making it feel very current, Topics such as the environment, feminism, aged care and euthanasia included. Overall a great read and looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia and Author Rachael Johns for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
As the synopsis states this is a story of 3 generations of woman all from the one family where a secret kept for over 50 years changes the whole dynamic of this close loving and non stereotypical family.
Set in Melbourne Victoria, it is told solely through the eyes of the granddaughter Geraldine, or Ged as she liked to be called. Ged is a journalist and was more in sync and closer to her Grandmother Alice, whom she affectionately called Gralice (which personally made me cringe) than her own mother Marie.
I could guess where this story line was going very early on in the book but there were a couple of twists that I didn't see coming which was great.
At times I found the pacing a little bit slow with conversations and details that I felt could have been left out without affecting the flow or delivery of the story.
The book is reflective of what are the hot issues and topics of conversation in Australia in 2019, thus making it feel very current, Topics such as the environment, feminism, aged care and euthanasia included. Overall a great read and looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia and Author Rachael Johns for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
October 8, 2019
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
A cross generational "road trip" featuring 3 generations of lovely ladies from the same family.
Ged, Gralice and Sappho have embarked on this journey together, however secrets and betrayal tear them apart rather than bring them together.
Ms Johns writes these flawed characters with such realism that there could always be at least one character per book that is in our family or our circle of friends. They are warm and loving, however nobody is perfect and it makes them more enjoyable and relatable.
The story flows and is completely engaging. I needed to know what was going to happen with these ladies, so I had to keep turning each page.
I look forward to more of Ms Johns work in the future.
A cross generational "road trip" featuring 3 generations of lovely ladies from the same family.
Ged, Gralice and Sappho have embarked on this journey together, however secrets and betrayal tear them apart rather than bring them together.
Ms Johns writes these flawed characters with such realism that there could always be at least one character per book that is in our family or our circle of friends. They are warm and loving, however nobody is perfect and it makes them more enjoyable and relatable.
The story flows and is completely engaging. I needed to know what was going to happen with these ladies, so I had to keep turning each page.
I look forward to more of Ms Johns work in the future.
October 29, 2019
All of the feels, a few pretty nice twists and another beautifully told story.
My full review can be found here:
https://miclovesbooks.home.blog/2019/...
My full review can be found here:
https://miclovesbooks.home.blog/2019/...
November 3, 2019
I loved everything about this book. The characters, the story, the tone, everything. Rachael's writing has a way of immediately drawing you into the character's world and allowing you to feel as if you are stepping into their shoes. I loved how the narrative touched on so many current and important topics such as feminism, modern parenting, and climate change. Not in an intrusive way, but enough to bring issues to light and see how they are indeed issues relevant to us all on one level or another. But most of all I love how Rachael creates such real, relatable and touching relationships within her stories. This is officially my favourite Rachael Johns novel, and I think, possibly her best yet. Already, I can't wait for the next one.
November 5, 2019
‘All my life I’d felt torn between Mum and Gralice on some level, but this … this was worse than ever because this wasn’t about differences of opinion, this was about matters of the heart. I loved them both and this rift between them was tearing me to pieces.’
Rachael Johns once again provides her readers with a fabulous contemporary family drama through the life experiences and choices of three generations of women. Set in my home state of Victoria and told from the perspective of the youngest family member, Ged (Geraldine), this story follows along as family secrets come to light for all - grandmother, mother and daughter - and the impending implications of the decisions each of them have to make.
This book is reflective of a number of present day multigenerational issues which makes for contemporary reading. Some of the topics raised include: feminism, single parenting, LGBT, impact of social media and aged care being the main ones. There is quite a lot going on here. Whilst I applaud Rachael, I did find that at times the pacing became a little bogged down as so many conversations pertaining to these issues were engaged upon.
Overall, however, reading Rachael’s books is always sure to make you smile, make you think and ponder the deeper, more engaging issues raised. Just One Wish is most certainly a realistic portrayal of the complexity of modern day families that is sure to resonate with many readers.
‘If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late—it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.’
Rachael Johns once again provides her readers with a fabulous contemporary family drama through the life experiences and choices of three generations of women. Set in my home state of Victoria and told from the perspective of the youngest family member, Ged (Geraldine), this story follows along as family secrets come to light for all - grandmother, mother and daughter - and the impending implications of the decisions each of them have to make.
This book is reflective of a number of present day multigenerational issues which makes for contemporary reading. Some of the topics raised include: feminism, single parenting, LGBT, impact of social media and aged care being the main ones. There is quite a lot going on here. Whilst I applaud Rachael, I did find that at times the pacing became a little bogged down as so many conversations pertaining to these issues were engaged upon.
Overall, however, reading Rachael’s books is always sure to make you smile, make you think and ponder the deeper, more engaging issues raised. Just One Wish is most certainly a realistic portrayal of the complexity of modern day families that is sure to resonate with many readers.
‘If I’ve realised one thing—perhaps too late—it’s that life isn’t black and white. It’s a million shades of grey and there isn’t one truth that fits everyone.’
September 8, 2019
Just One Wish
A modern family drama, relationships, womens issues and shocking secrets harboured away for a lifetime
From the start Just One Wish is a super bubbly pace read and is totally engaging. It’s a story of three generations of strong women, their secrets, ambitions and life choices.
Grandmother - Alice, is an university lecturer, scientist and renowned women's activist
Mother - Sappho, is a stay at home house wife, domestic goddess and Instagram/You Tube social media sensation
Daughter - Ged, is a brilliant journalist with her sights on a promotion
Alice has turned 80 and decides to buy cruise tickets for her daughter and granddaughter so they can all go on a lovely four day ‘Elvis’ themed cruise together. Each of the women are diversely different and their characters are likeable, relatable and at times quirky. This is a look into the complexities of a family saga, with witty moments and also times of extreme sadness.
I didn’t know what to expect but found it an entertaining and easy read, it didn't disappoint. I’m interested to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC
A modern family drama, relationships, womens issues and shocking secrets harboured away for a lifetime
From the start Just One Wish is a super bubbly pace read and is totally engaging. It’s a story of three generations of strong women, their secrets, ambitions and life choices.
Grandmother - Alice, is an university lecturer, scientist and renowned women's activist
Mother - Sappho, is a stay at home house wife, domestic goddess and Instagram/You Tube social media sensation
Daughter - Ged, is a brilliant journalist with her sights on a promotion
Alice has turned 80 and decides to buy cruise tickets for her daughter and granddaughter so they can all go on a lovely four day ‘Elvis’ themed cruise together. Each of the women are diversely different and their characters are likeable, relatable and at times quirky. This is a look into the complexities of a family saga, with witty moments and also times of extreme sadness.
I didn’t know what to expect but found it an entertaining and easy read, it didn't disappoint. I’m interested to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC
September 3, 2019
This is another fantastic story by Rachael Johns. She creates these warm, touching stories filled with interesting, relatable yet flawed characters (with secrets!) and covers themes of interest – this time the role of women in society, feminism and modern domesticity. Loved it, such a great read.
December 21, 2019
Loved it! Felt like such a fun read but covered so many serious themes. Loved the feminism, loved the single parent discussion, the gay rights and the environmental concerns raised. Loved that this was a generational story. Loved that every character became a friend. Loved it
October 29, 2019
I have long been a fan of Rachael Johns and eagerly await all of her releases. I could not wait for the release so raced off to NetGalley and downloaded it. I read the book almost straightaway but then allowed life to get in the way, and now it’s release day so I really best get onto writing the review.
Rachael Johns writes fascinating, strong female characters and Just One Wish brings together three such women in the same family. Three generations of very different women that you can’t help but fall in love with, even when you can’t understand them.
Alice Abbott is a celebrated and well known feminist and scientist, she trailblazed many important changes for women and single mothers as she raised her daughter but she is also Gralice, beloved grandmother of Ged. These two are strong career driven women who know you can’t always have it all so sacrifices will have to be made. Ged is competing for a promotion when we meet her.
Sappho is the woman between these two generations and completely different; her unconventional upbringing set her on a path to find what she felt she missed. She married young and embraced the arts of ‘new domesticity’. Her discovery of social media led her to become @thehappyhappyhousewife on Instagram and become quite the influencer, with so big a following she needs to hire an assistant.
A lot of the contrast between Alice and Sappho is that Alice broke out of conventional female roles and Sappho embraced them. The pair are often questioned about this because they are both quite well known and I loved Alice’s answer (para-phrased) – It’s all about a woman having a choice, and if that’s her choice then that’s what matters.
It was a bit of a bone of contention between them because Sappho always felt that Alice wanted more for her, as well as feeling that she was missing out by not having the standard nuclear family.
We come in as Alice turns 80, and at her birthday dinner she unveils the plan for some quality time with her daughter and granddaughter…. on an Elvis cruise. If I remember correctly, I believe that Rachael Johns actually took an Elvis cruise in the name of research so I’m sure her details are pretty accurate; it would be a little much for me I think.
Alice was certainly thorough and she know how to make sure her guests accompanied her. Ged was lured with the promise of interviews to begin work on the biography of Alice she had always wanted to write, and Sappho was a huge Elvis fan.
Just One Wish takes us on a journey through some major crossroads for these strong, and strong willed, women. there is love, lust, heartbreak, secrets, betrayals and some rather juicy twists.
I engaged with these characters early on and they were all quite sympathetic. There were questionable behaviours and questionable decisions but I found them all to be relatable and understandable so there was never a case of hating on characters because of the decisions that they made. I did find that I could predict a lot of what was going on, but there were some major twists at the end that I did not see coming.
Johns has explored major life issues that affect many of us at some point with her characteristic insight and empathy. Ged, Alice and Sappho face life-altering situations with, where possible and for the most part, the support of a strong, loving, a little unconventional family.
Everything comes at a cost and Just One Wish explores the sacrifices that we have to make to get where we want to be. Johns also explores what happens if we are left wondering if perhaps we sacrificed too much.
I loved this book and I loved the characters. Some of the situations were very new to me and that added a layer of interest to an already engaging read.
Nest Parenting, along with new domesticity, was a new concept to me and neither of these concepts are ones that I could see me ever embracing. Domesticity, of any description, is something that I can’t seem to find the time for but Nest Parenting was a fascinating idea, though not one I think I could ever live. I must say that I can see the merits for children but it would be a special type of parents that could make this work. Thank you for exploring this, it was certainly food for thought.
Just One Wish is an engaging and emotional read that will make you think, and it will make you feel. There were laughs along with the tears and maybe even a couple of terribly Elvis renditions (in my head anyhow).
Rachael Johns can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her Website.
Just One Wish was read as part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2019, but I’m still not sure what number… I will check it one day.
I would definitely recommend Just One Wish.
Rachael Johns writes fascinating, strong female characters and Just One Wish brings together three such women in the same family. Three generations of very different women that you can’t help but fall in love with, even when you can’t understand them.
Alice Abbott is a celebrated and well known feminist and scientist, she trailblazed many important changes for women and single mothers as she raised her daughter but she is also Gralice, beloved grandmother of Ged. These two are strong career driven women who know you can’t always have it all so sacrifices will have to be made. Ged is competing for a promotion when we meet her.
Sappho is the woman between these two generations and completely different; her unconventional upbringing set her on a path to find what she felt she missed. She married young and embraced the arts of ‘new domesticity’. Her discovery of social media led her to become @thehappyhappyhousewife on Instagram and become quite the influencer, with so big a following she needs to hire an assistant.
A lot of the contrast between Alice and Sappho is that Alice broke out of conventional female roles and Sappho embraced them. The pair are often questioned about this because they are both quite well known and I loved Alice’s answer (para-phrased) – It’s all about a woman having a choice, and if that’s her choice then that’s what matters.
It was a bit of a bone of contention between them because Sappho always felt that Alice wanted more for her, as well as feeling that she was missing out by not having the standard nuclear family.
We come in as Alice turns 80, and at her birthday dinner she unveils the plan for some quality time with her daughter and granddaughter…. on an Elvis cruise. If I remember correctly, I believe that Rachael Johns actually took an Elvis cruise in the name of research so I’m sure her details are pretty accurate; it would be a little much for me I think.
Alice was certainly thorough and she know how to make sure her guests accompanied her. Ged was lured with the promise of interviews to begin work on the biography of Alice she had always wanted to write, and Sappho was a huge Elvis fan.
Just One Wish takes us on a journey through some major crossroads for these strong, and strong willed, women. there is love, lust, heartbreak, secrets, betrayals and some rather juicy twists.
I engaged with these characters early on and they were all quite sympathetic. There were questionable behaviours and questionable decisions but I found them all to be relatable and understandable so there was never a case of hating on characters because of the decisions that they made. I did find that I could predict a lot of what was going on, but there were some major twists at the end that I did not see coming.
Johns has explored major life issues that affect many of us at some point with her characteristic insight and empathy. Ged, Alice and Sappho face life-altering situations with, where possible and for the most part, the support of a strong, loving, a little unconventional family.
Everything comes at a cost and Just One Wish explores the sacrifices that we have to make to get where we want to be. Johns also explores what happens if we are left wondering if perhaps we sacrificed too much.
I loved this book and I loved the characters. Some of the situations were very new to me and that added a layer of interest to an already engaging read.
Nest Parenting, along with new domesticity, was a new concept to me and neither of these concepts are ones that I could see me ever embracing. Domesticity, of any description, is something that I can’t seem to find the time for but Nest Parenting was a fascinating idea, though not one I think I could ever live. I must say that I can see the merits for children but it would be a special type of parents that could make this work. Thank you for exploring this, it was certainly food for thought.
Just One Wish is an engaging and emotional read that will make you think, and it will make you feel. There were laughs along with the tears and maybe even a couple of terribly Elvis renditions (in my head anyhow).
Rachael Johns can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her Website.
Just One Wish was read as part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2019, but I’m still not sure what number… I will check it one day.
I would definitely recommend Just One Wish.
November 17, 2024
Just One Wish is the latest piece of fiction from the hand of author Rachael Johns. It's set in Melbourne, Australia and presents to us the lives of three generations of women: Grandmother, Mother and Daughter.
As I read the first few chapters I thought meh, not sure I am going to get into this, and then wham the story sprang to life and all hell let loose. It has so much drama - family drama, going on. As well it explores all kinds of relationships, plus the role of a woman in today's world, what really matters in life, lost love and found love, and mostly being true to yourself.
Alice is the grandmother, she is a woman of science, and believed that it was really important to not have your life dictated by marriage and the need to have a man in your life. How does that pan out? Well in a very interesting way.
Her daughter Sappho is married to Tony and has two grown up children and a couple of grandchildren. She is a stay at home mother with a difference. She is the Happy Happy Housewife with a big following on You Tube and Instagram. However life is about to throw her a curve ball that really puts some spice into the family's life.
Ged is Sappho's daughter. The story is told from her point of view and this really worked well. Ged is a journalist, she adores her grandmother and wants to write the biography of Alice, such an inspiring woman. We meet Ged as she is dealing with a broken romance that she thought was going somewhere. Surprise! Well there are a few surprises for Ged, they come thick and fast.
I loved this family, the falling outs, the helping outs, all the things they have to deal with. The book is well written, once I was into it, I was reading along wondering what was going to happen next. Well worth the read.
As I read the first few chapters I thought meh, not sure I am going to get into this, and then wham the story sprang to life and all hell let loose. It has so much drama - family drama, going on. As well it explores all kinds of relationships, plus the role of a woman in today's world, what really matters in life, lost love and found love, and mostly being true to yourself.
Alice is the grandmother, she is a woman of science, and believed that it was really important to not have your life dictated by marriage and the need to have a man in your life. How does that pan out? Well in a very interesting way.
Her daughter Sappho is married to Tony and has two grown up children and a couple of grandchildren. She is a stay at home mother with a difference. She is the Happy Happy Housewife with a big following on You Tube and Instagram. However life is about to throw her a curve ball that really puts some spice into the family's life.
Ged is Sappho's daughter. The story is told from her point of view and this really worked well. Ged is a journalist, she adores her grandmother and wants to write the biography of Alice, such an inspiring woman. We meet Ged as she is dealing with a broken romance that she thought was going somewhere. Surprise! Well there are a few surprises for Ged, they come thick and fast.
I loved this family, the falling outs, the helping outs, all the things they have to deal with. The book is well written, once I was into it, I was reading along wondering what was going to happen next. Well worth the read.
July 18, 2021
2 stars rating here on Goodreads means ‘it was ok’ and that’s what this book was for me, just ok. I didn’t care very much for the characters except perhaps for Jay, he was quite likeable and I liked his intelligence - his views on feminism when talking to Ged were awesome, Ged’s were ridiculous.
The characters annoyed me no end with their extreme feminists views.
The narration for most parts were excellent however, the voice change for the Sappho character was irritating, a bit like fingernails running down a chalkboard which made me dislike Sappho with a passion.
I prefer listening to Rebecca Macauley, Caroline Lee and Abbe Holmes as they are my favourite female narrators but I am willing to give Casey Withoos one more go. Yay to Rebecca Macauley narrating some of Rachael Johns other books, I’ll be listening to those for sure.
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2021: #37 - A book featuring three generations (grandparent, parent, child)
The characters annoyed me no end with their extreme feminists views.
The narration for most parts were excellent however, the voice change for the Sappho character was irritating, a bit like fingernails running down a chalkboard which made me dislike Sappho with a passion.
I prefer listening to Rebecca Macauley, Caroline Lee and Abbe Holmes as they are my favourite female narrators but I am willing to give Casey Withoos one more go. Yay to Rebecca Macauley narrating some of Rachael Johns other books, I’ll be listening to those for sure.
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2021: #37 - A book featuring three generations (grandparent, parent, child)
October 19, 2019
Rachael Johns' most recent novels tackle a range of contemporary and complex issues. Her latest release is no different. My expectations around her books have probably grown over recent years and thankfully she's giving readers consistently strong characters, interesting plots and challenging us to ponder our own attitudes and beliefs a little as well.
Just One Wish offers up three generations of women. All relatable and very very different.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Just One Wish offers up three generations of women. All relatable and very very different.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
October 27, 2019
Just one wish by @rachaeljohnsauthor !!! :) # I was counting down the days for the release of this book :) On the day I spent the morning constantly ringing around all my local book shops asking if their stock was in yet because I couldn't wait to get my hands on it ! :) Rachael has a knack for writing about controversial topics that not only are happening now but also in past decades , issues such as abortion , feminism , infidelity /adultery , divorce and human euthanasia are written into this story brought to life by 3 generations - characters that I fell in love with ! 5/5 stars
October 27, 2019
Another great story by Rachael Johns. I love this story. It is always so interesting to read about main characters from more than one generation in a book, how they are family and yet are so different. Thank you for this book Rachael Johns, I think it is very different from your other books and my bet is that this one is close to your heart. I recommend this book, I'm sure you will love it.
November 4, 2019
Brilliant
Brilliant. Rachael Johns, never lets her Readers down. You read one of her books and you think, “ it can’t get any better than this”, and the she releases her next one and completely blows you away. 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
Brilliant. Rachael Johns, never lets her Readers down. You read one of her books and you think, “ it can’t get any better than this”, and the she releases her next one and completely blows you away. 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
December 22, 2019
A lovely heartwarming story about complex family relationships.
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