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The Banksia Bay Beach Shack
A year is a long time in the memory of a small town. Stories get twisted, truths become warped, history is rewritten.
MYSTERIES
When Laura discovers an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, with an intriguing inscription on the back, she heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s past. But when she arrives, Laura finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding something.
SECRETS
Virginia, owner of the iconic Beach Shack café, has kept her past buried for sixty years. As Laura slowly uncovers the tragic fragments of that summer so long ago, Virginia must decide whether to hold on to her secrets or set the truth free.
LIES
Young Gigi and Lily come from different worlds but forge an unbreakable bond – the ‘Sisters of Summer’. But in 1961 a chain of events is set off that reaches far into the future. One lie told. One lie to set someone free. One lie that changes the course of so many lives.
Welcome to the Banksia Bay Beach Shack, where first love is found and last chances are taken.
MYSTERIES
When Laura discovers an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, with an intriguing inscription on the back, she heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s past. But when she arrives, Laura finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding something.
SECRETS
Virginia, owner of the iconic Beach Shack café, has kept her past buried for sixty years. As Laura slowly uncovers the tragic fragments of that summer so long ago, Virginia must decide whether to hold on to her secrets or set the truth free.
LIES
Young Gigi and Lily come from different worlds but forge an unbreakable bond – the ‘Sisters of Summer’. But in 1961 a chain of events is set off that reaches far into the future. One lie told. One lie to set someone free. One lie that changes the course of so many lives.
Welcome to the Banksia Bay Beach Shack, where first love is found and last chances are taken.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
42 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Sandie Docker
6 books248 followersAustralian author, Sandie Docker grew up in Coffs Harbour, and first fell in love with reading when her father introduced her to fantasy books as a teenager. Her love of Women’s Fiction began when she first read Jane Austen for the HSC, but it wasn’t until she was taking a translation course at university that her Mandarin lecturer suggested she might have a knack for writing – a seed of an idea that sat quietly in the back of her mind while she lived overseas and travelled the world.
Now back in Sydney, Sandie writes about love, loss, family and small country towns. Sandie is also the founder and director of The Northern Beaches Readers Festival.
(head shot photo credit @ainsliecophotography)
Now back in Sydney, Sandie writes about love, loss, family and small country towns. Sandie is also the founder and director of The Northern Beaches Readers Festival.
(head shot photo credit @ainsliecophotography)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
October 2, 2020
Aussie author Sandie Docker is fast becoming another one of my favorite authors. I have loved and enjoyed her previous books, including this one.
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is a heartwarming story of friendships, lies, secrets and so much more. This book will lead you on a journey where before you know it you’re nearing the end and you wish you weren’t, but you are desperate to know how it ends. Another fabulous book by this author and one in which I truly loved and let’s not forget the beautiful cover. If you’re looking for a new author or next read, then look no further because you’ve found both. Highly recommended.
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is a heartwarming story of friendships, lies, secrets and so much more. This book will lead you on a journey where before you know it you’re nearing the end and you wish you weren’t, but you are desperate to know how it ends. Another fabulous book by this author and one in which I truly loved and let’s not forget the beautiful cover. If you’re looking for a new author or next read, then look no further because you’ve found both. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2020
Wow! Another spectacular, heartwarming story of small-town Australia by Aussie author Sandie Docker!
After the death of her grandmother Lillian, Laura was at a loss. She was a reporter and her boss could see Laura didn’t have her mind on the job; time off was needed. Going through her grandmother’s belongings, Laura discovered an old black and white photo; two young girls – one Lillian - with an intriguing description. Laura knew she wanted to know more, and as she hadn’t heard of Banksia Bay where the photo was taken, she decided to head to the town to follow the story. Would Laura have stayed away if she’d known what was ahead of her?
When the “Bodhi Bus” arrived to pick Laura up from the deserted spot where she waited, she was intrigued by the other passengers. And wondered why the bus driver kept looking at her in the rear vision mirror. As she settled into the little cottage she’d rented, she was bemused by the ornaments, the photos. Laura began her investigation, wondering what she would unearth, and gradually getting the feeling there were many secrets hidden in Banksia Bay.
The Sisters of Summer were never happier than when they were together in Banksia Bay. The summer months would go so quickly, and when over, one headed back to the city while the other readied herself to head back to school. Once a year they saw each other, until one summer it all ended…
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Aussie author Sandie Docker is another amazing, well written novel which I adored. The characters are superbly crafted – even the “bad” ones. Told in two timelines with Laura’s story in the current day, and the story of what had happened in 1961 that changed lives forever. There were tears – be prepared – along with laughter and happiness. This is the author’s third novel and I’ve loved every one, including each fabulous cover! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
After the death of her grandmother Lillian, Laura was at a loss. She was a reporter and her boss could see Laura didn’t have her mind on the job; time off was needed. Going through her grandmother’s belongings, Laura discovered an old black and white photo; two young girls – one Lillian - with an intriguing description. Laura knew she wanted to know more, and as she hadn’t heard of Banksia Bay where the photo was taken, she decided to head to the town to follow the story. Would Laura have stayed away if she’d known what was ahead of her?
When the “Bodhi Bus” arrived to pick Laura up from the deserted spot where she waited, she was intrigued by the other passengers. And wondered why the bus driver kept looking at her in the rear vision mirror. As she settled into the little cottage she’d rented, she was bemused by the ornaments, the photos. Laura began her investigation, wondering what she would unearth, and gradually getting the feeling there were many secrets hidden in Banksia Bay.
The Sisters of Summer were never happier than when they were together in Banksia Bay. The summer months would go so quickly, and when over, one headed back to the city while the other readied herself to head back to school. Once a year they saw each other, until one summer it all ended…
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Aussie author Sandie Docker is another amazing, well written novel which I adored. The characters are superbly crafted – even the “bad” ones. Told in two timelines with Laura’s story in the current day, and the story of what had happened in 1961 that changed lives forever. There were tears – be prepared – along with laughter and happiness. This is the author’s third novel and I’ve loved every one, including each fabulous cover! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2023
This was a gentle yet compelling intergenerational read full of characters to love, and to abhor. Laura is a lovely woman; this is evident from the start where we see her care for her very aged former governess during a funeral wake, and visiting her after in her nursing home, and constant calls to check on her wellbeing.
The loss of her grandmother stirs up emotions in Laura, who just happens to be a journo, and she decides to set in motion the events that slowly unfurl a lifelong set of secrets, tragedies, prejudices and the discovery of many despicably bad attitudes that have the capacity to ruin lives.
Laura returns to beachside town Banksia Bay in a way we have seen many times before, the younger generation searching for family roots and answers.
The locals Laura encounters are friendly but clearly hiding something, and we hear snippets from Virginia and Yvonne about the murky past and life changing events. Laura knows the locals have hidden parts of history in the local rag, although just a gossipy piece, but she keeps digging while maintaining the lie of writing a travel article.
Relationships form, trusts are established but Laura must decide whether to be honest with her new friends. She even helps out at the Banksia Bay Beach Shack café where Yvonne can keep an eye out, and learns to surf with one of the handsome locals.
A young friendship between Virginia and Lilly was sweet, but hard to see the blatant prejudice and snobbery. Racism also played a part with a Greek family in the 1960’s, but young Virginia, a tomboy in overalls always was feisty and kept her head high. Lilly, from a rich family, preferred to be courted in style, play the part of a desired woman, much to the chagrin of her adoring and trusted friend Virginia. Virginia was happy working in the family caravan park where Lily and her well to do family holidayed for years, the foundation to a blossoming yet short lived friendship.
What happened all those years back, in the 1960’s when it should have been a time of surfing, fun and fishing. Will the locals let Laura in as she uses her skills to get closer to the truth, or will the truth hurt too many people.
This is a well written story, recommended for those who enjoy contemporary fiction told in a simple wholesome storytelling way. This covered family themes, tight community, tender friendships and willing friends who care for each other.
The loss of her grandmother stirs up emotions in Laura, who just happens to be a journo, and she decides to set in motion the events that slowly unfurl a lifelong set of secrets, tragedies, prejudices and the discovery of many despicably bad attitudes that have the capacity to ruin lives.
Laura returns to beachside town Banksia Bay in a way we have seen many times before, the younger generation searching for family roots and answers.
The locals Laura encounters are friendly but clearly hiding something, and we hear snippets from Virginia and Yvonne about the murky past and life changing events. Laura knows the locals have hidden parts of history in the local rag, although just a gossipy piece, but she keeps digging while maintaining the lie of writing a travel article.
Relationships form, trusts are established but Laura must decide whether to be honest with her new friends. She even helps out at the Banksia Bay Beach Shack café where Yvonne can keep an eye out, and learns to surf with one of the handsome locals.
A young friendship between Virginia and Lilly was sweet, but hard to see the blatant prejudice and snobbery. Racism also played a part with a Greek family in the 1960’s, but young Virginia, a tomboy in overalls always was feisty and kept her head high. Lilly, from a rich family, preferred to be courted in style, play the part of a desired woman, much to the chagrin of her adoring and trusted friend Virginia. Virginia was happy working in the family caravan park where Lily and her well to do family holidayed for years, the foundation to a blossoming yet short lived friendship.
What happened all those years back, in the 1960’s when it should have been a time of surfing, fun and fishing. Will the locals let Laura in as she uses her skills to get closer to the truth, or will the truth hurt too many people.
This is a well written story, recommended for those who enjoy contemporary fiction told in a simple wholesome storytelling way. This covered family themes, tight community, tender friendships and willing friends who care for each other.
April 20, 2020
When Laura, an investigative journalist, finds a photograph of her recently deceased grandmother with an intriguing inscription on the back, she is curious enough to want to know more. She takes off for Banksia Bay a small seaside town to learn about her grandmother, Lillian. When Laura arrives, Virginia, owner of the iconic Beach Shack is stunned. Who is this person? What is she doing here? The elderly Virginia is convinced this young woman means trouble. She fears that secrets buried for sixty years are going to somehow come to light as Laura learns about the events of that summer years ago.
Told in two time frames, this story gives the reader a picture of two young friends from different backgrounds who, over several summers, form an abiding friendship. Sisters of Summer Gigi and Lillian call themselves. But what happened to destroy that friendship? And in the present time, why does Charlotte seem to have taken a set against Laura? Especially when Heath, Virginia’s grandson, is attracted to Laura? Is that the reason Laura doesn’t understand the antagonism from Charlotte?
This is a story of friendship, loyalty, secrets, lies, love and loss. There are happy moments that will make you smile, moments that will make you angry and also times when, if you re anything like me, you will need tissues. The characters are so well drawn you cannot help but become involved in their lives.
After several so no to so great books from the library, I turned to this book I had bought on the strength of this author’s first book, which I loved, and reviews from friends here on Goodreads. Finally a book that grabbed hold of me from the first page to the last. Sandie Docker managers to get right inside the Banksia Bay community and to bring the characters to life. As I read I couldn’t help but be reminded of the attitudes displayed by many Australians against Greek and Italian migrants back in the 1960s. The subject is well handled.
This is this author’s third book and my second book by this author and I loved it just as much as her first. I have since gone and bought her second book. If you want an absorbing read that maintains a steady pace and a few surprises, as well as engaging characters that stir the emotions, and a great setting, then this is the book for you. I adored it and highly recommend it to all readers who love a good well told story.
Told in two time frames, this story gives the reader a picture of two young friends from different backgrounds who, over several summers, form an abiding friendship. Sisters of Summer Gigi and Lillian call themselves. But what happened to destroy that friendship? And in the present time, why does Charlotte seem to have taken a set against Laura? Especially when Heath, Virginia’s grandson, is attracted to Laura? Is that the reason Laura doesn’t understand the antagonism from Charlotte?
This is a story of friendship, loyalty, secrets, lies, love and loss. There are happy moments that will make you smile, moments that will make you angry and also times when, if you re anything like me, you will need tissues. The characters are so well drawn you cannot help but become involved in their lives.
After several so no to so great books from the library, I turned to this book I had bought on the strength of this author’s first book, which I loved, and reviews from friends here on Goodreads. Finally a book that grabbed hold of me from the first page to the last. Sandie Docker managers to get right inside the Banksia Bay community and to bring the characters to life. As I read I couldn’t help but be reminded of the attitudes displayed by many Australians against Greek and Italian migrants back in the 1960s. The subject is well handled.
This is this author’s third book and my second book by this author and I loved it just as much as her first. I have since gone and bought her second book. If you want an absorbing read that maintains a steady pace and a few surprises, as well as engaging characters that stir the emotions, and a great setting, then this is the book for you. I adored it and highly recommend it to all readers who love a good well told story.
June 15, 2020
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Sandie Docker. (2020).
When Laura discovers an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, with an intriguing inscription on the back, she heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s past. But when she arrives, Laura finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding something. Virginia, owner of the iconic Beach Shack café, has kept her past buried. As Laura slowly uncovers the tragic fragments of that summer so long ago, Virginia must decide whether to hold on to her secrets or set the truth free.
Young Gigi and Lily come from different worlds but forge an unbreakable bond – the ‘Sisters of Summer’. But in 1961 a chain of events is set off that reaches far into the future. One lie told. One lie to set someone free. One lie that changes the course of so many lives...
I loved this book. I was drawn in from the very beginning and I was racing through the pages to find out what happened in the 1960s, even though it was obvious it was going to be a sad secret. I really liked lead characters Laura, Heath and Gigi; though I never quite warmed to Lillian/Lily. The story is told alternating between Laura's current time period and the early 1960s. My heart actually broke a bit near the end, the events in both timelines were rather heart-wrenching! The setting sounded fabulous, the author really got the feel of a sleepy beach town across and made it sound really appealing.
A fantastic novel that I happily recommend, and also I definitely need to read this author's previous novels if they are anywhere near as good as this one.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Sandie Docker. (2020).
When Laura discovers an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, with an intriguing inscription on the back, she heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s past. But when she arrives, Laura finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding something. Virginia, owner of the iconic Beach Shack café, has kept her past buried. As Laura slowly uncovers the tragic fragments of that summer so long ago, Virginia must decide whether to hold on to her secrets or set the truth free.
Young Gigi and Lily come from different worlds but forge an unbreakable bond – the ‘Sisters of Summer’. But in 1961 a chain of events is set off that reaches far into the future. One lie told. One lie to set someone free. One lie that changes the course of so many lives...
I loved this book. I was drawn in from the very beginning and I was racing through the pages to find out what happened in the 1960s, even though it was obvious it was going to be a sad secret. I really liked lead characters Laura, Heath and Gigi; though I never quite warmed to Lillian/Lily. The story is told alternating between Laura's current time period and the early 1960s. My heart actually broke a bit near the end, the events in both timelines were rather heart-wrenching! The setting sounded fabulous, the author really got the feel of a sleepy beach town across and made it sound really appealing.
A fantastic novel that I happily recommend, and also I definitely need to read this author's previous novels if they are anywhere near as good as this one.
October 19, 2024
This is a story set in two timelines, the early 1960's and today. Laura's Grandmother, Lily, has recently died leaving behind her a mystery about her past. Laura goes to Banksia Bay to see what she can discover.
Dual timelines is not my favourite thing any more but Sandie Docker is an accomplished author and she makes it work. Lily's story is an intriguing one which builds up to an inevitable tragedy with a tale of two girl's summer friendship. Despite their different backgrounds Lily and Gigi are very close and the end when it comes is explosive.
I enjoyed the book very much but there was one major and unexpected event at the end which spoilt it a little for me. I can see that it parallelled Laura's life with Lily's but still wished it had not happened. Still a very enjoyable read. Four stars.
Dual timelines is not my favourite thing any more but Sandie Docker is an accomplished author and she makes it work. Lily's story is an intriguing one which builds up to an inevitable tragedy with a tale of two girl's summer friendship. Despite their different backgrounds Lily and Gigi are very close and the end when it comes is explosive.
I enjoyed the book very much but there was one major and unexpected event at the end which spoilt it a little for me. I can see that it parallelled Laura's life with Lily's but still wished it had not happened. Still a very enjoyable read. Four stars.
July 5, 2020
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Bittersweet and intriguing!
Wow what a little gem this moving and heartwarming book was! It has a brilliant cast of characters and a beautiful coastal setting. The tale is narrated in two timelines.
Investigative journalist Laura takes a road trip to the small town of Banksia Bay with her intention to find clues to her grandmother Lily’s past which is instigated by her grandmother's passing and an old photo she finds of Lily as a teenager.
Gigi the town’s beach shack cafe owner is an integral part of her grandmother’s past. There is a devastating secret buried in history that the community seems to be hiding.
The story involves personal sacrifice, deep friendships, love, mystery, immigrant struggles in the sixties and the love of surfing.
A pleasurable, soulful and most entertaining read. Beautifully written and highly recommended.
Bittersweet and intriguing!
Wow what a little gem this moving and heartwarming book was! It has a brilliant cast of characters and a beautiful coastal setting. The tale is narrated in two timelines.
Investigative journalist Laura takes a road trip to the small town of Banksia Bay with her intention to find clues to her grandmother Lily’s past which is instigated by her grandmother's passing and an old photo she finds of Lily as a teenager.
Gigi the town’s beach shack cafe owner is an integral part of her grandmother’s past. There is a devastating secret buried in history that the community seems to be hiding.
The story involves personal sacrifice, deep friendships, love, mystery, immigrant struggles in the sixties and the love of surfing.
A pleasurable, soulful and most entertaining read. Beautifully written and highly recommended.
March 18, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Sandie Docker issues her awaiting readers with another breathtaking tale of small town Australian life, decades old secrets, love, family, connections and hope. The Banksia Bay Beach Shack (another absolutely fabulous title choice from Docker) is a story that reminds us that sometimes we need to abandon all our fears and take a leap of faith. Docker’s third novel is a stirring read that truly tugs at all your heart strings.
In the present day, a young woman named Laura comes across a photograph of her grandmother. This intriguing photo, which features an equally mysterious inscription, leads this perturbed young woman to embark on a journey into the past. It will send Laura to the sleepy little seaside town of Banksia Bay, a place that holds the closely guarded secrets of her grandmother’s past. When Laura begins rooting around for answers to her grandmother’s back history, it is clear that the secrets surrounding her grandmother’s past are not so easily shared. Closely aligned to this tale of family secrets is a figure who may be able to answer Laura’s questions. Virginia, an elderly woman who is the owner of a local café at Banksia Bay, has held a devastating secret close to her chest for over six decades. Virginia is faced with a dilemma when Laura appears in Banksia Bay asking about her grandmother Lillian. Virginia is torn between finally giving up her secrets, or to keep them concealed. Tracing back to the early 1960s, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack looks at lies, truths, personal sacrifice, true love and the bonds of friendship.
It is so nice to see Sandie Docker back on our bookshelves, she really has become one of my favourite Australian authors. I always have a good word to say about Sandie’s stories, which are varnished with plenty of heart, emotion and intuition. When I read an early response to The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by the author’s sister, I had a strong feeling from reading this endorsement that I was going to have a similar response. I can tell you that now I have closed the final page of this touching novel, I was emotionally moved by Sandie Docker’s latest offering.
I do have a weakness for novels that are driven by a perplexing mystery from the past, to be unlocked by a figure in the present day. In The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, the discovery of an intriguing photograph opens up a full search into the past for the present day lead. This was a fabulous narrative device that definitely hooked me right in and kick started my full interest in the story at hand.
Banksia Bay truly is a wonderful stage. This small town community, nestled on the seaside, is brimming with lasting connections, secrets, politics, heartbreak, pain and memories. Docker presents her readers with a quaint little coastal town that is vibrant, relaxed and picturesque. Banksia Bay also has a real holiday haven feel to it that made me want to take a trip to this stunning fictional locale. Banksia Bay is the perfect setting for old truths to finally be set free. It certainly added extra appeal to Docker’s novel.
Docker excels in her characterisation, which shines from the pages of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack. I was fully invested in the trials and tribulations of the cast, both in the present day storyline and the past narrative. Docker has a real flair for multi time frame novels and her passion for this style of narrative shines. In The Banksia Bay Beach Shack we travel effortlessly from the present day, back into the past in the early 1960s, which is clearly signposted for the reader. Docker does an excellent job of bringing this particular moment in time alive for the reader. Her ability to draw out the social issues, community opinions, expectations, public scorn, policy, moral practices and prejudice evident at this time was deeply authentic. These areas of the book moved me significantly and I was ashamed that many Australians behaved this way towards our migrant citizens in our not too recent past.
In the present day storyline we are presented with a set of genuine and likeable characters, who are very easy to connect to. The contemporary storyline is responsive, engaging and essential to the overall story arc. I genuinely loved following Laura’s investigation into her grandmother’s past and I was with Laura every step of the way. I also found her character journey moving and emotionally compelling. Laura’s genuine connection to Heath and the folk of Banksia Bay made this book a pleasurable experience, that I would be more than happy to repeat. There is a touch of friendship, acceptance, love, loyalty and protection that goes with the present day proceedings. On reflection, these themes touched me much more than I realised.
Expect to be confronted with plenty of twists, turns, revelations, shocking lies, concealed truths, surprising confessions, life changing acts, unforgettable relationships, episodes of devastating loss and moving demonstrations of love. The past gravitates around the present in The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, culminating in an impassioned finale that speaks to your soul. I give The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Sandie Docker my full support!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is book #28 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Sandie Docker issues her awaiting readers with another breathtaking tale of small town Australian life, decades old secrets, love, family, connections and hope. The Banksia Bay Beach Shack (another absolutely fabulous title choice from Docker) is a story that reminds us that sometimes we need to abandon all our fears and take a leap of faith. Docker’s third novel is a stirring read that truly tugs at all your heart strings.
In the present day, a young woman named Laura comes across a photograph of her grandmother. This intriguing photo, which features an equally mysterious inscription, leads this perturbed young woman to embark on a journey into the past. It will send Laura to the sleepy little seaside town of Banksia Bay, a place that holds the closely guarded secrets of her grandmother’s past. When Laura begins rooting around for answers to her grandmother’s back history, it is clear that the secrets surrounding her grandmother’s past are not so easily shared. Closely aligned to this tale of family secrets is a figure who may be able to answer Laura’s questions. Virginia, an elderly woman who is the owner of a local café at Banksia Bay, has held a devastating secret close to her chest for over six decades. Virginia is faced with a dilemma when Laura appears in Banksia Bay asking about her grandmother Lillian. Virginia is torn between finally giving up her secrets, or to keep them concealed. Tracing back to the early 1960s, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack looks at lies, truths, personal sacrifice, true love and the bonds of friendship.
It is so nice to see Sandie Docker back on our bookshelves, she really has become one of my favourite Australian authors. I always have a good word to say about Sandie’s stories, which are varnished with plenty of heart, emotion and intuition. When I read an early response to The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by the author’s sister, I had a strong feeling from reading this endorsement that I was going to have a similar response. I can tell you that now I have closed the final page of this touching novel, I was emotionally moved by Sandie Docker’s latest offering.
I do have a weakness for novels that are driven by a perplexing mystery from the past, to be unlocked by a figure in the present day. In The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, the discovery of an intriguing photograph opens up a full search into the past for the present day lead. This was a fabulous narrative device that definitely hooked me right in and kick started my full interest in the story at hand.
Banksia Bay truly is a wonderful stage. This small town community, nestled on the seaside, is brimming with lasting connections, secrets, politics, heartbreak, pain and memories. Docker presents her readers with a quaint little coastal town that is vibrant, relaxed and picturesque. Banksia Bay also has a real holiday haven feel to it that made me want to take a trip to this stunning fictional locale. Banksia Bay is the perfect setting for old truths to finally be set free. It certainly added extra appeal to Docker’s novel.
Docker excels in her characterisation, which shines from the pages of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack. I was fully invested in the trials and tribulations of the cast, both in the present day storyline and the past narrative. Docker has a real flair for multi time frame novels and her passion for this style of narrative shines. In The Banksia Bay Beach Shack we travel effortlessly from the present day, back into the past in the early 1960s, which is clearly signposted for the reader. Docker does an excellent job of bringing this particular moment in time alive for the reader. Her ability to draw out the social issues, community opinions, expectations, public scorn, policy, moral practices and prejudice evident at this time was deeply authentic. These areas of the book moved me significantly and I was ashamed that many Australians behaved this way towards our migrant citizens in our not too recent past.
In the present day storyline we are presented with a set of genuine and likeable characters, who are very easy to connect to. The contemporary storyline is responsive, engaging and essential to the overall story arc. I genuinely loved following Laura’s investigation into her grandmother’s past and I was with Laura every step of the way. I also found her character journey moving and emotionally compelling. Laura’s genuine connection to Heath and the folk of Banksia Bay made this book a pleasurable experience, that I would be more than happy to repeat. There is a touch of friendship, acceptance, love, loyalty and protection that goes with the present day proceedings. On reflection, these themes touched me much more than I realised.
Expect to be confronted with plenty of twists, turns, revelations, shocking lies, concealed truths, surprising confessions, life changing acts, unforgettable relationships, episodes of devastating loss and moving demonstrations of love. The past gravitates around the present in The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, culminating in an impassioned finale that speaks to your soul. I give The Banksia Bay Beach Shack by Sandie Docker my full support!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is book #28 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
May 27, 2020
What a great read!
This book has everything you need for a good read while on holiday or travel, or even a weekend in...intrigue, mysteries, secrets, lies...and a whole lot more besides!
This is a thoroughly engrossing story, with it's beautiful Australian beachside settings in a small isolated country coastal town, and a deep insight into the lives of the small tightly knit community of people who live there.
Most of the residents have lived there all of their lives and carry on the family businesses from one generation to the next.
However, like many isolated small towns, there are a few long buried secrets shared among some of the long term residents.
When Laura, a photo journalist by day, arrives on the bus one day in the off peak season with a scant story about doing a piece on this quaint little community, the locals are instantly suspicious.
Obviously Laura does have ulterior motives but doesn't want to give too much away too soon, as her line of enquiry is of a rather sensitive nature.
She is keen to remain discreet until she learns more, giving some of the locals more cause for concern and further reason to treat her with suspicion.
The characters are loveable and complex, their histories also are complex and well guarded, and the story has you so intrigued that you are held captive to the end...where you are left wishing there was more.
I would have no hesitation in highly recommending this book for a good quiet read!
5⭐️'s
March 29, 2020
Sandie Docker has a unique ability to tap right into the very depths of human nature: the good, the bad, the hopeful, and the hopeless. Whilst creating authentically realised characters, she also breathes life into her small-town settings, giving readers a colourful and quaint backdrop for some seriously considered themes drawn directly from modern Australian society.
There are some terrific characters that make up the cast of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack. I really enjoyed the dynamics that played out, the friendships that stretched across time and the new ones that were developing. Laura, the main character, was particularly well crafted. Lost in her grief for her grandmother, she focuses on uncovering a secret from her grandmother’s past as a means of working through her loss. I could totally understand this way of coping. Along the way, she upsets quite a few apple carts, and so the story unwinds, drawing us in with alternate views on the present day and what actually happened long ago in the past. I did wonder if the mystery would actually live up to the substantial build up; it definitely does!
This novel has a lot going on but Sandie paces her plot well, building the momentum for some fairly incredible and highly meaningful scenes towards the end. There are some shocks, some heartbreak, and some disconcerting realisations about Australian society from our not that distant past that beg deeper contemplation within the context of our society today. I highly recommend this one far and wide. There really is something in it for everyone.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack for review.
There are some terrific characters that make up the cast of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack. I really enjoyed the dynamics that played out, the friendships that stretched across time and the new ones that were developing. Laura, the main character, was particularly well crafted. Lost in her grief for her grandmother, she focuses on uncovering a secret from her grandmother’s past as a means of working through her loss. I could totally understand this way of coping. Along the way, she upsets quite a few apple carts, and so the story unwinds, drawing us in with alternate views on the present day and what actually happened long ago in the past. I did wonder if the mystery would actually live up to the substantial build up; it definitely does!
This novel has a lot going on but Sandie paces her plot well, building the momentum for some fairly incredible and highly meaningful scenes towards the end. There are some shocks, some heartbreak, and some disconcerting realisations about Australian society from our not that distant past that beg deeper contemplation within the context of our society today. I highly recommend this one far and wide. There really is something in it for everyone.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Banksia Bay Beach Shack for review.
March 30, 2020
My View:
A tender, bittersweet dual time lined narrative that is a big chunk of mystery with a dash romance, that subtlety puts the spotlight on sexism, misogyny and racism in the 60’s whilst it considers if some secrets really are worth revealing.
It is interesting to step back in time to the small coastal town of Banksia Bay and examine the lifestyles and life choices of some of its inhabitants and the impact those choices made in their lives sixty years later from this distance. Have we progressed? Have we changed very much? I think some of the issues spotlighted have just been dressed in contemporary clothes.
Sandie Docker paints with a vibrant palette; her small-town settings are warm, inviting and picturesque, I could clearly envisage the beach, the surf, the scent of Australian summer. Her characters are finely drawn; you will recognise features and mannerisms of people you may know. The way this small community supports each other is times of adversity will warm your heart.
A delightful, bittersweet read.
A tender, bittersweet dual time lined narrative that is a big chunk of mystery with a dash romance, that subtlety puts the spotlight on sexism, misogyny and racism in the 60’s whilst it considers if some secrets really are worth revealing.
It is interesting to step back in time to the small coastal town of Banksia Bay and examine the lifestyles and life choices of some of its inhabitants and the impact those choices made in their lives sixty years later from this distance. Have we progressed? Have we changed very much? I think some of the issues spotlighted have just been dressed in contemporary clothes.
Sandie Docker paints with a vibrant palette; her small-town settings are warm, inviting and picturesque, I could clearly envisage the beach, the surf, the scent of Australian summer. Her characters are finely drawn; you will recognise features and mannerisms of people you may know. The way this small community supports each other is times of adversity will warm your heart.
A delightful, bittersweet read.
March 21, 2020
What can I say? Except you have to read this book, MS Docker has written a story that has everything to keep you turning the pages, it is beautifully written, it is moving and so very emotional, there are secrets and lies that maybe after sixty years it is time to let them out, open up, but what will these secrets do to people and their hearts and lives, truly pick this one up and clear the diary till it is finished and keep some tissues at the ready.
Laura is an investigative journalist and has just buried her grandmother Lillian, Laura was bought up by her grandmother and they have always been very close there is her governess Mrs. Duncan who is in a nursing home now and Laura has a mother by they are not close at all. Laura has been given a photo of her grandmother when she was a young teenager with another young girl the sisters of summer is written on the back with Lily and Gigi, this has Laura hunting through old photos and there seems to be a big gap during her teenage years and Laura decides to take a trip to this town of Banksia Beach and try and learn the truth.
Laura is picked up in a very colourful bus and taken to her holiday rental, she tells everyone that she is there researching travel stories, but when Yvonne the driver of the bus sees a resemblance to someone from her past and then Virginia who runs the café at The Beach Shack sees that resemblance as well, there are a few ripples running through a couple of locals, Laura is feeling that there are people who are keeping a lot of secrets as she starts her investigation into her grandmother’s past.
Laura soon becomes close to some of the people living here especially Virginia’s grandson Heath and while she keeps what she is looking for a secret the bond between her and Heath grows and Virginia and Yvonne are getting more worried about what Laura is really there looking for.
I loved this books so very much, truly the characters are wonderful and so easy to love (well most of them) I felt their pain and their hurts and their joy and happiness as this story journeys between 1961 and present times, and we discover what happened back in the summer of 1964-1965. I cannot highly recommend this book enough, truly so many feelings and emotions I loved it, thank you MS Docker for another keeper and what a fabulous title and cover, the best.
Thanks you Penguin Books AU for a review copy.
Laura is an investigative journalist and has just buried her grandmother Lillian, Laura was bought up by her grandmother and they have always been very close there is her governess Mrs. Duncan who is in a nursing home now and Laura has a mother by they are not close at all. Laura has been given a photo of her grandmother when she was a young teenager with another young girl the sisters of summer is written on the back with Lily and Gigi, this has Laura hunting through old photos and there seems to be a big gap during her teenage years and Laura decides to take a trip to this town of Banksia Beach and try and learn the truth.
Laura is picked up in a very colourful bus and taken to her holiday rental, she tells everyone that she is there researching travel stories, but when Yvonne the driver of the bus sees a resemblance to someone from her past and then Virginia who runs the café at The Beach Shack sees that resemblance as well, there are a few ripples running through a couple of locals, Laura is feeling that there are people who are keeping a lot of secrets as she starts her investigation into her grandmother’s past.
Laura soon becomes close to some of the people living here especially Virginia’s grandson Heath and while she keeps what she is looking for a secret the bond between her and Heath grows and Virginia and Yvonne are getting more worried about what Laura is really there looking for.
I loved this books so very much, truly the characters are wonderful and so easy to love (well most of them) I felt their pain and their hurts and their joy and happiness as this story journeys between 1961 and present times, and we discover what happened back in the summer of 1964-1965. I cannot highly recommend this book enough, truly so many feelings and emotions I loved it, thank you MS Docker for another keeper and what a fabulous title and cover, the best.
Thanks you Penguin Books AU for a review copy.
March 22, 2020
Sandie Docker’s third novel, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, is a heartwarming yet bittersweet tale offering a touch of romance and intrigue.
After the loss of her beloved grandmother, investigative journalist Laura Prescott finds a photograph that hints at a secret in Lillian’s past. Eager to learn more, Laura travels to the small coastal town of Banksia Bay where a story of friendship, love, regret, and heartbreak is waiting to be told.
The contemporary plot line introduces us to the residents of Banksia Bay, among them Virginia aka ‘Gigi’, the owner of the Banksia Bay Beach Cafe, locals Charlotte and Heath, and Gigi’s closest friend Yvonne. Laura opts to explain her presence in the town by claiming she is writing a travel piece, but Gigi, who immediately see’s the resemblance between Laura and her childhood best friend Lily, is wary of her motives. I liked Laura well enough, I empathised with her curiosity about her grandmother’s life, and I enjoyed the development of her character, but it was Gigi’s past that intrigued me.
Flashbacks reveal the devastating events of the past that severed the friendship between ‘summer sisters’ Lily and Gigi. Set during the 1960’s, the author captures both the innocence and darkness of the period, exposing issues such as anti-migrant sentiment, and social class prejudice. Docker builds the tension skilfully as history unfolds to climax in an unexpected and shocking double tragedy which explains Gigi’s present distress at Laura’s arrival in Banksia Bay.
I delighted in Docker’s depiction of Banksia Bay, I was reminded of the many summer holidays I spent in beachside caravan parks along both the west and east coast of Australia growing up, and the fleeting but intense friendships formed with fellow holiday-makers.
Sweet yet poignant, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is a lovely read.
After the loss of her beloved grandmother, investigative journalist Laura Prescott finds a photograph that hints at a secret in Lillian’s past. Eager to learn more, Laura travels to the small coastal town of Banksia Bay where a story of friendship, love, regret, and heartbreak is waiting to be told.
The contemporary plot line introduces us to the residents of Banksia Bay, among them Virginia aka ‘Gigi’, the owner of the Banksia Bay Beach Cafe, locals Charlotte and Heath, and Gigi’s closest friend Yvonne. Laura opts to explain her presence in the town by claiming she is writing a travel piece, but Gigi, who immediately see’s the resemblance between Laura and her childhood best friend Lily, is wary of her motives. I liked Laura well enough, I empathised with her curiosity about her grandmother’s life, and I enjoyed the development of her character, but it was Gigi’s past that intrigued me.
Flashbacks reveal the devastating events of the past that severed the friendship between ‘summer sisters’ Lily and Gigi. Set during the 1960’s, the author captures both the innocence and darkness of the period, exposing issues such as anti-migrant sentiment, and social class prejudice. Docker builds the tension skilfully as history unfolds to climax in an unexpected and shocking double tragedy which explains Gigi’s present distress at Laura’s arrival in Banksia Bay.
I delighted in Docker’s depiction of Banksia Bay, I was reminded of the many summer holidays I spent in beachside caravan parks along both the west and east coast of Australia growing up, and the fleeting but intense friendships formed with fellow holiday-makers.
Sweet yet poignant, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is a lovely read.
March 22, 2020
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack is the third book from beloved Australian author, Sandie Docker. I adored Docker’s previous two novels, The Kookaburra Creek Café and The Cottage At Rosella Cove, so I knew I was in for a treat. And what a treat it was! Warm and comforting, The Banskia Bay Beach Shack provided me with some much-needed escapism. It took me far away to the fictional seaside town of Banksia Bay, introducing me to a host of characters, the central two being Laura and Virginia. I enjoyed getting to know these different yet lovely women who were dealing with what life threw at them. By the end of their journeys, I felt I had made some life long friends.
Laura was a single, independent woman. With a curious mind and hardworking attitude, she was perfectly cast as a journalist. These skills came in handy when Laura found an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, who had recently passed away. Wanting to learn about Lillian’s past led Laura to Banksia Bay, where she became a part of the seaside community. Laura’s honest nature put her at odds with secretly investigating Lillian’s past and it is with a heavy heart that she did so. By pretending to be a travel writer, Laura slowly but surely dug up information about Lillian. When guilt overcomes Laura, she made a tough decision that would put her at odds with those she had come to consider friends or more. One such person was the gorgeous Heath. With instant chemistry between the two, it was only a matter of time before the introverted pair hooked up. With Heath carrying his own secret though, Laura’s life will change in ways that I could not foresee.
The elderly Virginia was a resident of Banksia Bay. Her story went back and forth between the present and the swinging 60s, when she first met Lillian as a teenager. Going back in time was a treat. I was born after the 60s and this storyline showed a different side to life, one of calm and community spirit. Lillian as a teenager was unexpectedly very different to that as an adult. Her experiences as a teenager certainly shaped the woman she became when Laura entered her life. Virginia was immediately suspicious of Laura. Believing the past was about to be revealed, Virginia did everything she could to protect not just herself, but her friends, Yvonne and Ian. I admired Virginia’s loyalty to those who had stood by her all those years, especially when I learned the truth about what had transpired all those decades ago.
What are Heath and Virginia hiding?
With themes of friendship, family, women’s roles in society, the past, racism, classism, forgiveness and much, much more, Docker has written a story that will stay in readers hearts for a long time.
Laura was a single, independent woman. With a curious mind and hardworking attitude, she was perfectly cast as a journalist. These skills came in handy when Laura found an old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, who had recently passed away. Wanting to learn about Lillian’s past led Laura to Banksia Bay, where she became a part of the seaside community. Laura’s honest nature put her at odds with secretly investigating Lillian’s past and it is with a heavy heart that she did so. By pretending to be a travel writer, Laura slowly but surely dug up information about Lillian. When guilt overcomes Laura, she made a tough decision that would put her at odds with those she had come to consider friends or more. One such person was the gorgeous Heath. With instant chemistry between the two, it was only a matter of time before the introverted pair hooked up. With Heath carrying his own secret though, Laura’s life will change in ways that I could not foresee.
The elderly Virginia was a resident of Banksia Bay. Her story went back and forth between the present and the swinging 60s, when she first met Lillian as a teenager. Going back in time was a treat. I was born after the 60s and this storyline showed a different side to life, one of calm and community spirit. Lillian as a teenager was unexpectedly very different to that as an adult. Her experiences as a teenager certainly shaped the woman she became when Laura entered her life. Virginia was immediately suspicious of Laura. Believing the past was about to be revealed, Virginia did everything she could to protect not just herself, but her friends, Yvonne and Ian. I admired Virginia’s loyalty to those who had stood by her all those years, especially when I learned the truth about what had transpired all those decades ago.
What are Heath and Virginia hiding?
With themes of friendship, family, women’s roles in society, the past, racism, classism, forgiveness and much, much more, Docker has written a story that will stay in readers hearts for a long time.
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March 21, 2020Sandie's books give you all the feels and this one is no exception - in Banksia Bay, there's romance, there's intrigue, there's the coziness of the seaside community, and a great big emotional gut punch. It might be a sleepy little seaside town, but you know what they say about still waters...
August 24, 2020
DNF! Why am I the one to not enjoy this book! I was so looking forward to settling down for a great read from all the wonderful reviews on here. But sadly I only got to page 83 and cannot go any further. I’m devastated! I found it very slow to get going and it flitted from one character to another without me really getting a feel for them. Maybe I can have another go at a later stage. Sorry peeps😟
July 2, 2020
I was looking forward to this read after seeing so many 5 stars reviews. It is a lovely read and I enjoyed the setting and storyline. This is a dual time lined narrative (and about half way through I was just like – tell us the secret already!) so I powered through to the end so I could find out what the big mystery was. I loved the part of the book set in the 60’s and the characters there but didn’t quite connect enough with Laura in current time for her story to grab me as much. Banksia Bay sounded like a wonderful small town, with wonderful supportive friendships. Overall, I enjoyed this generational story. 4 stars!
February 19, 2020
Gosh I stretched this book out!! I didn’t want it to end!! I absolutely LOVED it!! It’s set in a small beachside community with decades old secrets you can see the waves and smell the salt in the air. I just wanted to hug all of the characters she introduces, I have no idea how but I’d like a sequel please! It’s a really great read
March 20, 2020
How I loved this book! Just like Sandie's other novels, you'll need a box of tissues (or hanky in the COVID-19 era) handy for those sneaky plot twists you didn't see coming.
Love. Love. Love.
If you want to find out more about this book and about Sandie, check out my podcast interview with her, at:
https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?...
Love. Love. Love.
If you want to find out more about this book and about Sandie, check out my podcast interview with her, at:
https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?...
March 20, 2020
Sandie Docker’s third novel, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack hits the shelves this week with a rich cast of characters paying homage to endearing friendships, family loyalty, and multi-generational secrets. In her trademark writing style, Sandie puts you right in the middle of the drama so you can’t help but feel for each of the protagonists and the secrets they’re working to hide. The story starts with journalist Laura taking a road trip to the small country coastal town of Banksia Bay, eager for clues to her late grandmother’s past. Before long, she uncovers the life, friendships and a mystery, all of which her grandmother never mentioned. The modern plotline is overlaid with flashbacks to the 1960s, told from the perspective of Banksia Bay teenager Gigi – now the town’s adored beach shack café owner - who fights to keep a chain of lies buried. I loved the well-executed backstory, the depth of the characters, the many heart-warming themes and the spotlight on racism. Keep your tissues ready for the surprise ending. If you haven’t picked up a Sandie Docker novel yet, I can highly recommend this one! Thanks to Penguin Random House for the review copy, the fabulous Banksia Bay Beach Shack is available in paperback, eBook and on audiobook.
October 10, 2021
While I enjoyed this book overall (especially being Australian), I did find it difficult. I mean it was meant to be difficult. It is set between two eras, one where a woman is trying to find out more about her grandmother as she has recently passed away, and the grandmothers era. The woman finds a photo of her grandmother as a teenager with what seems like a best friend - but she has never been mentioned by the grandmother. She goes back to where the photo is taken and talks to the locals to find out the past.
Ok so the past was tragic and shocking, but what really annoyed me is how badly the "best friend" was treated back in the day. The grandmother was horrible as a youngster and the friend should have never put up with her!!
Also in the modern time, I get there were secrets because of the past, but ugh SO MANY! Just when you think things couldn't be more tragic - they bloody are!!
I'm sorry, I just don't need so much badness in one place - it's like I walked into Home and Away!
Ok so the past was tragic and shocking, but what really annoyed me is how badly the "best friend" was treated back in the day. The grandmother was horrible as a youngster and the friend should have never put up with her!!
Also in the modern time, I get there were secrets because of the past, but ugh SO MANY! Just when you think things couldn't be more tragic - they bloody are!!
I'm sorry, I just don't need so much badness in one place - it's like I walked into Home and Away!
October 7, 2020
What started out as a nice easy chick lit read quickly developed into a nice easy chick lit read with a bit of a mystery which swiftly turned into nice easy chick lit with a bit of mystery and a couple of twists that I didn't see coming and we had menulog for dinner because there was no way I was going to put it down till the end.
March 26, 2020
When Laura discovers and old photo of her grandmother, Lillian, with an intriguing inscription on the back, she head to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth of Lillian’s past.
But when she arrives, Laura finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding something.
Mysteries, secrets, lies. A year is a long time in the memory of a small town. Stories get twisted, truths become warped, history is rewritten.
I was completely compelled to this book.
I love stories set in rural Australian towns, with glimpses of the 50s and 60s and a secret threaded through the pages, it was the perfect read to get me out of my slump.
Sandie Docker is a storyteller.
The development of her characters are so thorough and rich that you feel the book come to life while reading.
Every character added to this story. The dual timelines were neat and easily structured to compliment the present chapters.
It was weaved together so wonderfully, it kept me glued to the pages.
The words didn’t drag, I wasn’t left hanging for details or confused by anything. It all fell into place perfectly
A beautifully written contemporary meets mystery that leaves you completely satisfied.
August 1, 2021
2.5
I didn’t hate this book. But I definitely didn’t love it. With all the books in the world to read, if I had it to do over again I probably wouldn’t read this one.
First, I generally found the story to be blah and nothing at all new. Grandma dies, granddaughter is going to uncover all her deep, dark secrets.
The format is very old news too, chapter from the past, chapter from modern day, past, current, past… etc.
While I didn’t find the book totally boring, I did find my mind wandering as I listened more than usual.
The relationships were just so implausible and there was a lot of (unnecessary) tragedy for my tastes.
Just not my favorite…
I didn’t hate this book. But I definitely didn’t love it. With all the books in the world to read, if I had it to do over again I probably wouldn’t read this one.
First, I generally found the story to be blah and nothing at all new. Grandma dies, granddaughter is going to uncover all her deep, dark secrets.
The format is very old news too, chapter from the past, chapter from modern day, past, current, past… etc.
While I didn’t find the book totally boring, I did find my mind wandering as I listened more than usual.
The relationships were just so implausible and there was a lot of (unnecessary) tragedy for my tastes.
Just not my favorite…
May 19, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. I thought it would be a nice light read after finishing The Girl With the Louding Voice, and it was... until the ending, which sucker-punched me right in the heart. I didn’t see it coming all!
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack tells the story of Laura, an investigative journalist, who heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth about her grandmother’s past after she discovers an old photo with an intriguing subscription on the back. When she arrives, she finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding secrets.
The story is told from multiple POVs and via a dial timeline. I particularly loved the past timeline, in part because that’s where the mystery unfolded, but also because of the social issues that were explored. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this book. It was my first Sandie Docker novel, but it definitely won’t be my last.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Banksia Bay Beach Shack tells the story of Laura, an investigative journalist, who heads to the sleepy seaside town of Banksia Bay to learn the truth about her grandmother’s past after she discovers an old photo with an intriguing subscription on the back. When she arrives, she finds a community where everyone seems to be hiding secrets.
The story is told from multiple POVs and via a dial timeline. I particularly loved the past timeline, in part because that’s where the mystery unfolded, but also because of the social issues that were explored. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this book. It was my first Sandie Docker novel, but it definitely won’t be my last.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 15, 2020
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of Sandie Docker's latest novel. Which is lucky because I was truly getting tired of crossing the days off on my calendar, waiting for its release.
I love stories that really focus on their characters, and Sandie creates such realistic ones that you feel that you know them. I also really love multi generational stories and she seamlessly delivers a story that jumps time, and takes the reader on a voyage to where the 'story' began, and the effects those events have on the current day.
The only thing I wish is that Sandie could write quicker as a year is a long time to wait for her next offering.xx
I love stories that really focus on their characters, and Sandie creates such realistic ones that you feel that you know them. I also really love multi generational stories and she seamlessly delivers a story that jumps time, and takes the reader on a voyage to where the 'story' began, and the effects those events have on the current day.
The only thing I wish is that Sandie could write quicker as a year is a long time to wait for her next offering.xx
October 24, 2020
Dual time line. Wonderful read, but oh, Heath!
October 8, 2023
So good I couldn't put it down.
February 27, 2021
This story was very intriguing with charming characters and a lovely setting. At times it was heartbreaking but always left me wanting to know what happened. A good holiday read. Enjoyed as an audiobook.
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