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Her Time to Shine
Sometimes serendipity comes knocking, and life leads us to the most surprising places ...
It's never too late to find your true self.
While very pretty, the tiny town of Melrose isn't where Erica thought she'd be at almost fifty. And working in a funeral home and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while navigating her grief as a recent widow, is not how she thought her life would look either. But she's committed to her lovely new boss, Walter, who gave her a chance when she so desperately needed it.
Erica's friends and daughters back in Adelaide cheer her on as she discovers a genuine love for her new job, forms friendships and immerses herself in the local community. But why is she being plagued with fresh bouts of anxiety and flashes of partial memories of her brother Mark who died when she was eleven? Why is there so much about him she doesn't know and can't remember? And why does it feel like it's more about her than him?
But she has to put it all aside when, despite being happy and settled, Erica is suddenly called upon to step up and face her deepest fear. If she can, what will she discover about herself and her past? And what will it mean for her future?
From Australia's master storyteller, a tender story about finding strength and fulfilment after major upheaval, and discovering you can only outrun your true calling for so long ...
It's never too late to find your true self.
While very pretty, the tiny town of Melrose isn't where Erica thought she'd be at almost fifty. And working in a funeral home and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while navigating her grief as a recent widow, is not how she thought her life would look either. But she's committed to her lovely new boss, Walter, who gave her a chance when she so desperately needed it.
Erica's friends and daughters back in Adelaide cheer her on as she discovers a genuine love for her new job, forms friendships and immerses herself in the local community. But why is she being plagued with fresh bouts of anxiety and flashes of partial memories of her brother Mark who died when she was eleven? Why is there so much about him she doesn't know and can't remember? And why does it feel like it's more about her than him?
But she has to put it all aside when, despite being happy and settled, Erica is suddenly called upon to step up and face her deepest fear. If she can, what will she discover about herself and her past? And what will it mean for her future?
From Australia's master storyteller, a tender story about finding strength and fulfilment after major upheaval, and discovering you can only outrun your true calling for so long ...
- GenresAudiobook
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
25 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McCallum
22 books275 followers** Please be aware Fiona is not active on this site. She can be best found on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu... **
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 22, 2022
The small South Australian country town of Melrose, 300 kilometres from Adelaide, welcomed Erica with opened arms. Living in the flat above the funeral home where she was due to start her new job, and overlooking the bakery, Erica felt content. But her stress and worries were always close by, her nerves continually waking her in the early hours. The last few months had been shattering, with her husband Stuart dying from cancer, and leaving their finances in a pickle. Not to mention the stalker who was now behind bars, thankfully.
Erica’s new boss, Walter, was a delight. Kind, caring and gentle, he made a perfect funeral director. And when Walter and Erica acquired a new dog, five-year-old Bruce, when her owner had died (yes, Bruce was a girl), Erica began to feel calmer. She was loving her job, worked well with her boss, and was making new friends, plus Bruce was perfect. Erica’s daughters Issy and Mackenzie lived in their family home in Adelaide and visited occasionally, thrilled at how happy their mother seemed. But when her new friends put a new venture into play, Erica wondered, would be able to participate? Could she overcome the fears of her long ago past?
Her Time to Shine is the latest contemporary novel by Aussie author Fiona McCallum and this is absolutely one of her best! I thoroughly enjoyed it, flying through the pages, loving Bruce’s empathy and instinctive ‘knowing’. Erica, Walter, Jimmy, Jennifer, Erica’s daughters – there were more, but they are great characters, well written and deeply involved. Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming look at finding your way again, at whatever age works for you. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Erica’s new boss, Walter, was a delight. Kind, caring and gentle, he made a perfect funeral director. And when Walter and Erica acquired a new dog, five-year-old Bruce, when her owner had died (yes, Bruce was a girl), Erica began to feel calmer. She was loving her job, worked well with her boss, and was making new friends, plus Bruce was perfect. Erica’s daughters Issy and Mackenzie lived in their family home in Adelaide and visited occasionally, thrilled at how happy their mother seemed. But when her new friends put a new venture into play, Erica wondered, would be able to participate? Could she overcome the fears of her long ago past?
Her Time to Shine is the latest contemporary novel by Aussie author Fiona McCallum and this is absolutely one of her best! I thoroughly enjoyed it, flying through the pages, loving Bruce’s empathy and instinctive ‘knowing’. Erica, Walter, Jimmy, Jennifer, Erica’s daughters – there were more, but they are great characters, well written and deeply involved. Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming look at finding your way again, at whatever age works for you. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum
Synopsis /
While very pretty, the tiny town of Melrose isn't where Erica thought she'd be at almost fifty. And working in a funeral home and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while navigating her grief as a recent widow, is not how she thought her life would look either. But she's committed to her lovely new boss, Walter, who gave her a chance when she so desperately needed it.
Erica's friends and daughters back in Adelaide cheer her on as she discovers a genuine love for her new job, forms friendships and immerses herself in the local community. But why is she being plagued with fresh bouts of anxiety and flashes of partial memories of her brother Mark who died when she was eleven? Why is there so much about him she doesn't know and can't remember? And why does it feel like it's more about her than him?
But she has to put it all aside when, despite being happy and settled, Erica is suddenly called upon to step up and face her deepest fear. If she can, what will she discover about herself and her past? And what will it mean for her future?
My Thoughts /
Sometimes serendipity comes knocking, and life leads us to the most surprising places.
Her Time to Shine is the latest release by Australian author, Fiona McCallum.
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. An avid reader and writer, she decided at the age of nine that she wanted to be the next Enid Blyton. In 2000, McCallum graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing & Editing and History) from Deakin University, and in 2002, completed her first manuscript.
**Caution** 'Nice' review ahead.
In the beginning of this novel, we find (almost) 50-year-old Erica adjusting to her new life as a widow in the small country town of Melrose, some 300 kilometres away from her hometown in Adelaide. It's a big adjustment: forming new friendships, new connections, and a new job; as well as being in a much smaller township. For Erica, this is really the first time in her adult life that she is truly living a life for her; on her own terms. But this new life is not without its complications. Plagued by bouts of anxiety, Erica will have to throw aside her concerns, step up and meet any new challenges head on. OK, so that's the plot in a (very brief) nutshell.
This is my first Fiona McCallum read and, what really stands out for me after finishing this book, is that everything is nice. Erica, our main protagonist - as a character - is nice. Leaving Adelaide for the small country town of Melrose, where, all of the town's characters which McCallum introduces us to, are,….nice. Erica is offered a job at the local funeral home and works as an assistant to the funeral director (and owner), Walter. It's a nice job and Erica very much enjoys working alongside Walter, who, is kind, caring and gentle. The perfect funeral director who, as you might guess, is, nice. Erica also has two adult daughters, Mackenzie and Issy, who are both delightfully fun and energetic and add a touch of zing to the story and, as you can most probably guess, are nice. See where I'm going with this? It's kind of like when it's raining for days, you find yourself wishing it was sunny. When it's winter and cold, you find yourself wishing for those warm slightly breezy summer days. And, when you're reading a story as nice as this; you find yourself (or at least I did!) wishing there was some unsavoury or objectionable element somewhere in all this gushing goodness. Gawd, what is wrong with me!!!!
McCallum certainly has a way with writing. Her characters come to life within the pages of this book and it feels like you are reading about a close friend rather than a totally fictional character. The introduction of Bruce (the dog) fit perfectly with the theme of the story and as you can guess, Bruce is the 'perfect' canine companion.
Themes of finding your way again (no matter your age); friendships; looking out for others; gaining confidence in yourself to try new things; and, being present and listening to others around you are prevalent throughout. The writing is descriptive, and words flow beautifully off the page when detailing scene settings and describing characters and how they are feeling.
If you are after a change of pace and are looking for something that will make you feel good from the first page to the last, then give this one a go, it is bound to leave you with a smile on your face.
Synopsis /
While very pretty, the tiny town of Melrose isn't where Erica thought she'd be at almost fifty. And working in a funeral home and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while navigating her grief as a recent widow, is not how she thought her life would look either. But she's committed to her lovely new boss, Walter, who gave her a chance when she so desperately needed it.
Erica's friends and daughters back in Adelaide cheer her on as she discovers a genuine love for her new job, forms friendships and immerses herself in the local community. But why is she being plagued with fresh bouts of anxiety and flashes of partial memories of her brother Mark who died when she was eleven? Why is there so much about him she doesn't know and can't remember? And why does it feel like it's more about her than him?
But she has to put it all aside when, despite being happy and settled, Erica is suddenly called upon to step up and face her deepest fear. If she can, what will she discover about herself and her past? And what will it mean for her future?
My Thoughts /
Sometimes serendipity comes knocking, and life leads us to the most surprising places.
Her Time to Shine is the latest release by Australian author, Fiona McCallum.
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. An avid reader and writer, she decided at the age of nine that she wanted to be the next Enid Blyton. In 2000, McCallum graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing & Editing and History) from Deakin University, and in 2002, completed her first manuscript.
**Caution** 'Nice' review ahead.
In the beginning of this novel, we find (almost) 50-year-old Erica adjusting to her new life as a widow in the small country town of Melrose, some 300 kilometres away from her hometown in Adelaide. It's a big adjustment: forming new friendships, new connections, and a new job; as well as being in a much smaller township. For Erica, this is really the first time in her adult life that she is truly living a life for her; on her own terms. But this new life is not without its complications. Plagued by bouts of anxiety, Erica will have to throw aside her concerns, step up and meet any new challenges head on. OK, so that's the plot in a (very brief) nutshell.
This is my first Fiona McCallum read and, what really stands out for me after finishing this book, is that everything is nice. Erica, our main protagonist - as a character - is nice. Leaving Adelaide for the small country town of Melrose, where, all of the town's characters which McCallum introduces us to, are,….nice. Erica is offered a job at the local funeral home and works as an assistant to the funeral director (and owner), Walter. It's a nice job and Erica very much enjoys working alongside Walter, who, is kind, caring and gentle. The perfect funeral director who, as you might guess, is, nice. Erica also has two adult daughters, Mackenzie and Issy, who are both delightfully fun and energetic and add a touch of zing to the story and, as you can most probably guess, are nice. See where I'm going with this? It's kind of like when it's raining for days, you find yourself wishing it was sunny. When it's winter and cold, you find yourself wishing for those warm slightly breezy summer days. And, when you're reading a story as nice as this; you find yourself (or at least I did!) wishing there was some unsavoury or objectionable element somewhere in all this gushing goodness. Gawd, what is wrong with me!!!!
McCallum certainly has a way with writing. Her characters come to life within the pages of this book and it feels like you are reading about a close friend rather than a totally fictional character. The introduction of Bruce (the dog) fit perfectly with the theme of the story and as you can guess, Bruce is the 'perfect' canine companion.
Themes of finding your way again (no matter your age); friendships; looking out for others; gaining confidence in yourself to try new things; and, being present and listening to others around you are prevalent throughout. The writing is descriptive, and words flow beautifully off the page when detailing scene settings and describing characters and how they are feeling.
If you are after a change of pace and are looking for something that will make you feel good from the first page to the last, then give this one a go, it is bound to leave you with a smile on your face.
May 10, 2022
Fiona McCallum is an extremely talented Australian Author. This is my first read of hers, and reading this book was an absolute pleasure. She is extremely descriptive, her use of words flows beautifully and the detail in setting the scene and description of her characters and even their feelings is incredible. Some author's do not take the time to set the scene properly and tell the story. Fiona, however is a natural at this. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and will most definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR pile.
Erica is recently widowed, been threatened by a stalker, lost her job, and has uprooted herself in order to try and save thier home from being taken from by the banks. She is trying to adjust to life on her own in a small country town of Melrose, and has managed to secure a new job at the local funeral home. Where most people would feel uneasy about this type of career, Erica is at ease, she feels she is able to relate to the clients and is quite comfortable with them whilst they are upset and grieving.
Erica has a lovely boss (Walter), he also is recently widowed having lost his wife, whom used to work with him in the funeral home business.
Erica and her boss, Walter, are called out to a job that involves a young man and an accidental drowning. Erica is usually quite good with these aspects of their job, but for some reason this particular scene renders Erica motionless and she appears to suffer from PTSD and goes into severe shock.
This incident triggers a lot gaps in her memory for Erica, and her lack of memories from a similar incident, has encouraged Erica to do some digging into her past, with the assistance of her two daughters.
In this novel Erica goes through a journey of self discovery, she re-invents herself in the wake of a past traumatic experience, and through the help of her new friends she gains confidence in herself and her future.
This is a lovely book, that is very easy to read.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Harlequin Australia and Fiona McCallum for my advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I rate this book 4 stars - It was compelling, entertaining and easy to read. I would definitely like to read more books by this author.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
Erica is recently widowed, been threatened by a stalker, lost her job, and has uprooted herself in order to try and save thier home from being taken from by the banks. She is trying to adjust to life on her own in a small country town of Melrose, and has managed to secure a new job at the local funeral home. Where most people would feel uneasy about this type of career, Erica is at ease, she feels she is able to relate to the clients and is quite comfortable with them whilst they are upset and grieving.
Erica has a lovely boss (Walter), he also is recently widowed having lost his wife, whom used to work with him in the funeral home business.
Erica and her boss, Walter, are called out to a job that involves a young man and an accidental drowning. Erica is usually quite good with these aspects of their job, but for some reason this particular scene renders Erica motionless and she appears to suffer from PTSD and goes into severe shock.
This incident triggers a lot gaps in her memory for Erica, and her lack of memories from a similar incident, has encouraged Erica to do some digging into her past, with the assistance of her two daughters.
In this novel Erica goes through a journey of self discovery, she re-invents herself in the wake of a past traumatic experience, and through the help of her new friends she gains confidence in herself and her future.
This is a lovely book, that is very easy to read.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Harlequin Australia and Fiona McCallum for my advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I rate this book 4 stars - It was compelling, entertaining and easy to read. I would definitely like to read more books by this author.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
October 25, 2022
After her husband Stuart passed away, Erica found things were getting on top of her and she was suffering from post-traumatic stress, but she had money worries too.
Melrose is a little country town in South Australia and it was quite a pretty town. Erica never imagined at the age of nearly fifty that she would be living in a flat above a funeral home where she was about to start her new job.
Erica couldn’t have asked for a nicer boss than Walter. Walter was kind, easygoing, polite and a caring kind of person. Erica found Walter a pleasure to work for which made going to work every day enjoyable, but as time passed Erica could feel her stress from the past starting to return.
Her Time to Shine by Aussie author Fiona McCallum is a brilliantly written book. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review. Highly recommended.
Melrose is a little country town in South Australia and it was quite a pretty town. Erica never imagined at the age of nearly fifty that she would be living in a flat above a funeral home where she was about to start her new job.
Erica couldn’t have asked for a nicer boss than Walter. Walter was kind, easygoing, polite and a caring kind of person. Erica found Walter a pleasure to work for which made going to work every day enjoyable, but as time passed Erica could feel her stress from the past starting to return.
Her Time to Shine by Aussie author Fiona McCallum is a brilliantly written book. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
One of our country’s most giving storytellers returns with the follow-on novel to last year’s well-regarded release, A Trick of Light. Her Time to Shine continues lead character Erica’s journey of self-discovery, acceptance and awakening. Filled with vital life sentiments, Her Time to Shine is a tender novel.
A story of happenstance opportunities in life and embracing your true talents, Her Time to Shine is the heart-warming new novel from Fiona McCallum. The action is situated in a small South Australian country town called Melrose. We are reacquainted with Erica, a widow who is trying to gain the upper hand over her life after a huge upheaval in her circumstances. Now dealing with menopause and a new career in a funeral home, Erica continues to grapple with her mental health following a traumatic experience back in the city. Despite this residual trauma and the grief that surrounds Erica following the loss of her husband, life is finally improving for this gentle woman. With the support of her new boss Walter and the local community fold of Melrose, Erica is ready to move on with her life. However, when Erica is plagued by a series of flashbacks involving her deceased brother Mark, she is sent on a journey to find out what really happened to him all those years ago. It is a tough journey travelled and Erica is forced to confront aspects of her past that will have a direct impact on her future. Can Erica embrace this new version of herself?
It’s hard to believe that Her Time to Shine is bestselling Australian author Fiona McCallum’s fourteenth novel. Over the last ten years I have embraced this intuitive author’s releases and I don’t think there is a Fiona McCallum book that I haven’t read. This latest novel is a sequel of sorts to last year’s release A Trick of Light. It was a warm and welcoming feeling to return to familiar ground with this appealing lead.
Drawing on some pertinent themes such as mental health, PTSD, anxiety, women’s health, grief, loss and life changes, Fiona McCallum takes a serious glance at these important issues. Taking both a respectful and informative approach to highlighting the core conflicts at the heart of these common life matters, Her Time to Shine is an affirming piece of contemporary fiction. Lead character Erica never makes any excuses for her feelings, emotions and responses to the problems she faces. I think the audience will embrace Erica with a sense of ease. For those who have already met Erica in the previous book, this new story grounds the reader yet again in Erica’s very personal journey. Many of the details, events and dialogue included in Her Time to Shine is very intimate. Erica leaves her life fairly open for us to follow as she learns to embrace her changed life situation, move on from her past trauma and discover more about her family history. The resulting story is filled with surprises, declarations, truths and affirmations that the audience will find gratifying.
Alongside the main protagonist of this tale are a bevy of realistic and likeable side characters. Friendship, connection and a rich sense of community pervades this tale. We witness the firsthand support system of the tiny town of Melrose via the characters of Walter, Jimmy and Bruce the dog. The animal character of Bruce plays an essential role in Erica’s healing journey, which was a touching aspect of the narrative. Family support systems also come into play in Her Time to Shine as Erica’s daughters continue to display concern and care for their mother as she embarks on new chapter in her life. The family relations component of this tale is covered well by Fiona McCallum. The mystery involving Erica’s deceased brother Mark also makes for an interesting read. I did have a few more questions about this area of the story. However, the metamorphosis process of Erica is handled well and I liked the direction this section of the novel seemed to take, I didn’t expect it at all.
Her Time to Shine is wrapped up nicely, with an opportunity to possibly continue lead character Erica’s personal growth story into another book. We’ll see what Fiona McCallum presents us with next, I’ll be waiting!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
One of our country’s most giving storytellers returns with the follow-on novel to last year’s well-regarded release, A Trick of Light. Her Time to Shine continues lead character Erica’s journey of self-discovery, acceptance and awakening. Filled with vital life sentiments, Her Time to Shine is a tender novel.
A story of happenstance opportunities in life and embracing your true talents, Her Time to Shine is the heart-warming new novel from Fiona McCallum. The action is situated in a small South Australian country town called Melrose. We are reacquainted with Erica, a widow who is trying to gain the upper hand over her life after a huge upheaval in her circumstances. Now dealing with menopause and a new career in a funeral home, Erica continues to grapple with her mental health following a traumatic experience back in the city. Despite this residual trauma and the grief that surrounds Erica following the loss of her husband, life is finally improving for this gentle woman. With the support of her new boss Walter and the local community fold of Melrose, Erica is ready to move on with her life. However, when Erica is plagued by a series of flashbacks involving her deceased brother Mark, she is sent on a journey to find out what really happened to him all those years ago. It is a tough journey travelled and Erica is forced to confront aspects of her past that will have a direct impact on her future. Can Erica embrace this new version of herself?
It’s hard to believe that Her Time to Shine is bestselling Australian author Fiona McCallum’s fourteenth novel. Over the last ten years I have embraced this intuitive author’s releases and I don’t think there is a Fiona McCallum book that I haven’t read. This latest novel is a sequel of sorts to last year’s release A Trick of Light. It was a warm and welcoming feeling to return to familiar ground with this appealing lead.
Drawing on some pertinent themes such as mental health, PTSD, anxiety, women’s health, grief, loss and life changes, Fiona McCallum takes a serious glance at these important issues. Taking both a respectful and informative approach to highlighting the core conflicts at the heart of these common life matters, Her Time to Shine is an affirming piece of contemporary fiction. Lead character Erica never makes any excuses for her feelings, emotions and responses to the problems she faces. I think the audience will embrace Erica with a sense of ease. For those who have already met Erica in the previous book, this new story grounds the reader yet again in Erica’s very personal journey. Many of the details, events and dialogue included in Her Time to Shine is very intimate. Erica leaves her life fairly open for us to follow as she learns to embrace her changed life situation, move on from her past trauma and discover more about her family history. The resulting story is filled with surprises, declarations, truths and affirmations that the audience will find gratifying.
Alongside the main protagonist of this tale are a bevy of realistic and likeable side characters. Friendship, connection and a rich sense of community pervades this tale. We witness the firsthand support system of the tiny town of Melrose via the characters of Walter, Jimmy and Bruce the dog. The animal character of Bruce plays an essential role in Erica’s healing journey, which was a touching aspect of the narrative. Family support systems also come into play in Her Time to Shine as Erica’s daughters continue to display concern and care for their mother as she embarks on new chapter in her life. The family relations component of this tale is covered well by Fiona McCallum. The mystery involving Erica’s deceased brother Mark also makes for an interesting read. I did have a few more questions about this area of the story. However, the metamorphosis process of Erica is handled well and I liked the direction this section of the novel seemed to take, I didn’t expect it at all.
Her Time to Shine is wrapped up nicely, with an opportunity to possibly continue lead character Erica’s personal growth story into another book. We’ll see what Fiona McCallum presents us with next, I’ll be waiting!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 10, 2022
Thank you to Harlequin for sending me this book to read.
This book is actually the sequel to the trick of light. I havent read that one but I will be definately doing so.
This is a story about Erica. The book is told by her and its about her life. Her husband dies and leaves her in financial distress as well has having to deal with a stalker. She decides to move to the country South Australia to start afresh. She gets a new job and makes new friends along the way. Things are looking up.
She has a new job in a funeral home and meets another major character Walter. He also has just lost his wife of many years. They make a friendship where each other understands the other through their grief. In walks another major character Bruce - the female cattle dog. This dog comes into their lives for a reason. She changes their lives. She enables them to move forward and realise its never too late to find your true self.
This book touches on anxiety. Both Walter and Erica suffer from it due to the major upheavels in their life. They became firm friends as a result . I loved how the author discusses this topic in such an honest and open way.
So many feelings and emotions were raised and I was connected to all the characters.
Im a huge believer in things happen for a reason.
This book is actually the sequel to the trick of light. I havent read that one but I will be definately doing so.
This is a story about Erica. The book is told by her and its about her life. Her husband dies and leaves her in financial distress as well has having to deal with a stalker. She decides to move to the country South Australia to start afresh. She gets a new job and makes new friends along the way. Things are looking up.
She has a new job in a funeral home and meets another major character Walter. He also has just lost his wife of many years. They make a friendship where each other understands the other through their grief. In walks another major character Bruce - the female cattle dog. This dog comes into their lives for a reason. She changes their lives. She enables them to move forward and realise its never too late to find your true self.
This book touches on anxiety. Both Walter and Erica suffer from it due to the major upheavels in their life. They became firm friends as a result . I loved how the author discusses this topic in such an honest and open way.
So many feelings and emotions were raised and I was connected to all the characters.
Im a huge believer in things happen for a reason.
January 21, 2024
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Her Time to Shine follows straight on from Trick of the Light. The story opens with Erica now living in the small country town of Melrose. She is about to start a new job in a funeral home. Erica is still somewhat amazed at the turn of events in her life as she approaches fifty.
Trick of the Light was my favourite Fiona McCallum book to date and Her Time to Shine is a fabulous follow up novel.
McCallum includes enough backstory to bring new readers up to date. I was already endeared to Erica from the previous book and within a few pages I felt the same about Walter, owner of the funeral home.
With the main setting being a funeral home there is a theme of death and loss, and McCallum delivers this with compassion.
I raced through this book! All the characters were likeable, interesting people. There is also a bit of a mystery running through the story with Erica having flashbacks of repressed memories.
Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming story about new friendships, facing your fears, taking new opportunities in life and never giving up on your dreams.
I highly recommend this uplifting read for anyone who likes characters that will make you smile and a story that is all wrapped up nicely at the end. Although not entirely necessary, I would suggest reading Trick of the Light first. You will love it too!
Her Time to Shine follows straight on from Trick of the Light. The story opens with Erica now living in the small country town of Melrose. She is about to start a new job in a funeral home. Erica is still somewhat amazed at the turn of events in her life as she approaches fifty.
Trick of the Light was my favourite Fiona McCallum book to date and Her Time to Shine is a fabulous follow up novel.
McCallum includes enough backstory to bring new readers up to date. I was already endeared to Erica from the previous book and within a few pages I felt the same about Walter, owner of the funeral home.
With the main setting being a funeral home there is a theme of death and loss, and McCallum delivers this with compassion.
I raced through this book! All the characters were likeable, interesting people. There is also a bit of a mystery running through the story with Erica having flashbacks of repressed memories.
Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming story about new friendships, facing your fears, taking new opportunities in life and never giving up on your dreams.
I highly recommend this uplifting read for anyone who likes characters that will make you smile and a story that is all wrapped up nicely at the end. Although not entirely necessary, I would suggest reading Trick of the Light first. You will love it too!
May 20, 2022
Love this quote:
"It feels like I'm exactly where I am meant to be in life. And the future isn't even scary because I've had so much proof that things somehow do turn out okay. It's unsettling and comforting and exciting all at once."
"It feels like I'm exactly where I am meant to be in life. And the future isn't even scary because I've had so much proof that things somehow do turn out okay. It's unsettling and comforting and exciting all at once."
May 29, 2022
Seriously average book. Why did I listen to this?
June 13, 2025
This was a good book to read. Sit and relax and just turn the pages. Loved the characters and the plot. It was a great easy read
July 16, 2022
I was delighted to have started 'Her Time to Shine' when I realised that it was actually a sequel to Fiona's earlier book 'Trick of the Light' which I read and absolutely loved last year. You could definitely read 'Her Time to Shine' as a standalone, however I do recommend reading 'Trick of the Light' also as I flew through it in 3 days.
It was so much fun to revisit the main character Erica again as she navigates her new life as a recent widow, dealing with PTSD, & working in a funeral home. I love the sense of community this book gives whilst Erica gets used to her new job and surroundings while making some really important friendships with some lovable and quirky characters. This book also contained some mystery & unsolved family history which kept me intrigued as everything unfolded.
I loved this book a lot and really recommend it.
Thank you to Harlequin for my gifted copy.
It was so much fun to revisit the main character Erica again as she navigates her new life as a recent widow, dealing with PTSD, & working in a funeral home. I love the sense of community this book gives whilst Erica gets used to her new job and surroundings while making some really important friendships with some lovable and quirky characters. This book also contained some mystery & unsolved family history which kept me intrigued as everything unfolded.
I loved this book a lot and really recommend it.
Thank you to Harlequin for my gifted copy.
May 3, 2022
Loved this. Can't wait for the next one.
November 19, 2025
Finding your way around as a widow, Erica leaves her family and friends behind to work in a funeral home which is different to what she knows.
She is welcomed in the new place by her boss and soon to be friends and discovers after a couple of months that she is ready for anything
She is welcomed in the new place by her boss and soon to be friends and discovers after a couple of months that she is ready for anything
March 31, 2022
Trigger Warnings: PTSD, stalker, grief, death,
Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum is a contemporary fiction story about life in your late 40s, starting over and solving the mysteries of the past. The story follows Erica, a late 40s widow and mother of two, as she embarks on a new life in the country. Her Time to Shine showed how hard it is to settle into a new place and start a new job. The side characters were great; I especially liked Walter and Erica’s working relationship. Also, Bruce is the most adorable dog, and I loved how much her character brought to the story. I felt like the writing captured the setting of a small country town in South Australia and the comings and goings of country life. I liked the discussions of mental health in this book. However, I felt the story was slow-paced and dialogue-heavy, which sometimes made the book hard to get through.
Overall, if you are looking for a story about moving to a small town and finding yourself, I recommend picking up a copy of Her Time to Shine.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum is a contemporary fiction story about life in your late 40s, starting over and solving the mysteries of the past. The story follows Erica, a late 40s widow and mother of two, as she embarks on a new life in the country. Her Time to Shine showed how hard it is to settle into a new place and start a new job. The side characters were great; I especially liked Walter and Erica’s working relationship. Also, Bruce is the most adorable dog, and I loved how much her character brought to the story. I felt like the writing captured the setting of a small country town in South Australia and the comings and goings of country life. I liked the discussions of mental health in this book. However, I felt the story was slow-paced and dialogue-heavy, which sometimes made the book hard to get through.
Overall, if you are looking for a story about moving to a small town and finding yourself, I recommend picking up a copy of Her Time to Shine.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2022
Any book written by Fiona McCallum will take you on an emotional journey and leave you feeling better for the experience!
The main character Erica is a complex individual, life has been a struggle, but she evolves throughout the story and finds where she belongs. This is a fabulous story to immerse yourself in and uncover some of the layers of life!
Definitely a must read!
Congratulations and thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the wonderful Fiona McCallum for the opportunity to read this book and give an honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The main character Erica is a complex individual, life has been a struggle, but she evolves throughout the story and finds where she belongs. This is a fabulous story to immerse yourself in and uncover some of the layers of life!
Definitely a must read!
Congratulations and thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the wonderful Fiona McCallum for the opportunity to read this book and give an honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum
This book is about everyday life, following Erica, a 49 yr old recent widow, who moves from Adelaide to rural Melrose and begins working in the funeral home there. It's about the people she meets and the direction her life takes after making this big change.
I found the first half of the book frustrating, as I kept expecting it to go somewhere, for every conversation to go somewhere or reveal something, but it doesn't. I'm just used to crime and detective stories I guess.
There's a lot of self-help tips woven throughout, eg dealing with grief, trauma and menopause... I probably am not the target audience for this book, but I did enjoy the inclusion of Bruce.
This book is about everyday life, following Erica, a 49 yr old recent widow, who moves from Adelaide to rural Melrose and begins working in the funeral home there. It's about the people she meets and the direction her life takes after making this big change.
I found the first half of the book frustrating, as I kept expecting it to go somewhere, for every conversation to go somewhere or reveal something, but it doesn't. I'm just used to crime and detective stories I guess.
There's a lot of self-help tips woven throughout, eg dealing with grief, trauma and menopause... I probably am not the target audience for this book, but I did enjoy the inclusion of Bruce.
August 13, 2023
I quite enjoyed the first book Trick of the Light, but this just seemed like the author was just trying to cover too many topics, trying to be relevant maybe? I felt like I was being lectured to. She covered stalking, PTSD, elder abuse, homophobia, gaslighting, online scams, menopause, grief, depression, financial hardships and probably a lot more. Maybe it was because I listened on audio but I found myself skipping a lot, especially dialogue with the daughters, it was very grating and all of the "... said" after every sentence drove me crazy. I do normally like this author, but this book ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Disappointing. I have enjoyed books by this author before, but this was so dull the only thing that kept me reading was the hope that something might happen. Eventually it did, but not until after too many boring conversations full of small talk
March 22, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Her Time To Shine is the magical sequel to Trick Of The Light.
We pick up where the first book left off as Erica continues her self journey and healing when she arrives in a new town with a new beginning.
Welcome to Melrose, a small town where community spirit is at the forefront.
Erica has accepted a new job working in a funeral home.
A recent widow, she never thought she would be at this place in her life.
New boss, Walter is a kind man with a kind heart who is also a widower who takes a chance on Erica.
With a new love for her job, making new friends and getting involved in the local activities, Erica has finally found a place to relax, enjoy and be happy.
But soon her anxiety starts up and she begins to have memories of her brother Mark, who died.
Erica must dig deep to remember the truth and what she discovers may affect her future.
Fiona is a classy, charming and intimate writer who gives the reader all the feels, emotions and laughs throughout her storytelling.
A leader in contemporary fiction, one that is reflective, poignant and entertaining.
I continue to connect to and enjoy Fiona’s beautifully written, sympathetic and engaging tales that are once again movingly paced.
You are always safe in efficient hands when reading a book by this very special author who knows how to give readers an emotional, insightful narrative.
I’m hoping there’s another chapter in Erica’s life that we will see told.
Her Time To Shine is the magical sequel to Trick Of The Light.
We pick up where the first book left off as Erica continues her self journey and healing when she arrives in a new town with a new beginning.
Welcome to Melrose, a small town where community spirit is at the forefront.
Erica has accepted a new job working in a funeral home.
A recent widow, she never thought she would be at this place in her life.
New boss, Walter is a kind man with a kind heart who is also a widower who takes a chance on Erica.
With a new love for her job, making new friends and getting involved in the local activities, Erica has finally found a place to relax, enjoy and be happy.
But soon her anxiety starts up and she begins to have memories of her brother Mark, who died.
Erica must dig deep to remember the truth and what she discovers may affect her future.
Fiona is a classy, charming and intimate writer who gives the reader all the feels, emotions and laughs throughout her storytelling.
A leader in contemporary fiction, one that is reflective, poignant and entertaining.
I continue to connect to and enjoy Fiona’s beautifully written, sympathetic and engaging tales that are once again movingly paced.
You are always safe in efficient hands when reading a book by this very special author who knows how to give readers an emotional, insightful narrative.
I’m hoping there’s another chapter in Erica’s life that we will see told.
July 6, 2022
I finished this book and felt let down by the lack of storyline detail around Ericas stalker and financial stress/job loss. It felt as though a lot was left out. I’ve now learnt that this is actually a sequel to another book - A trick of light- and that those elements are covered in that book.
The storyline did seem to drag out and then rush to a slightly unbelievable perfect ending for Erica. There was potential there for the storyline involving her brother to have more impact on Ericas growth but instead after it was first mentioned and the intrigue built it seemed forgotten until the final chapters and was barley given much focus.
The storyline did seem to drag out and then rush to a slightly unbelievable perfect ending for Erica. There was potential there for the storyline involving her brother to have more impact on Ericas growth but instead after it was first mentioned and the intrigue built it seemed forgotten until the final chapters and was barley given much focus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
Erica has moved to the small town of Melrose for a fresh start after a loss and some trauma. Unsure of herself, she quickly setlles into her job working with Walter who runs the local funeral home and is working through her own issues. As she starts to find her feet, Erica becomes a part of the community by making new friends and falling in love with the delightful Bruce. But will flashbacks from her past bring her undone? This was an amazing story with some beautiful characters. A fantastic read.
February 19, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book but it didn’t hold me breathless and unable to put it down. Erica is widowed and her husband has left things rather hard financially. She obtains a job in Melrose, about 300km from Adelaide. Her daughters remain in the family home in Adelaide. Erica goes through various crisis and helps people like Jimmy through his. It’s ironical that the person who was stalking Erica also used to be Jimmy’s girlfriend.
The story ends ‘happily ever after’ and I couldn’t help but think that this doesn’t always happen.
The story ends ‘happily ever after’ and I couldn’t help but think that this doesn’t always happen.
June 2, 2022
I enjoy Fiona McCallum books. This story was a little different, aimed at an older audience and focusing on stress, trauma and menopause initially while setting the scene, all things that I could identify with. It became a journey of discovery for the main character, once she found her feet again and resolved beautifully. A highlight of the story was Walter and Erica rescuing Bruce, the blue heeler, and her intuitive empathy for those who needed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 24, 2022
I always enjoy a Fiona McCallum book, and this was no exception. Lovely characters, exploration of issues like grief, loss and aging, and finding yourself. I enjoyed the setting in the funeral home and the care and love given by Walter and Erica. I didn’t realise it was a continuation of a previous book, although it stands on its own well. But it was lovely to revisit the characters.
May 15, 2022
Good Morning Everyone , just finished reading Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum its a fabulous book ,that takes you on a deeply moving story about Erica and the things she must endure to grow and find her true calling , its the second book in the series the first book was called Trick of The Light ,,,,,,,,what a journey both books are ............enjoy your day 😀
July 21, 2024
This book was amazing, I thought Erica was going to shine with her job in Melrose, but a lot more happens than I realised. It's an amazing ending for everyone in her life and herself for her dream job.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first book of this series "Trick of the Light" or enjoys Fiona McCallum books in general.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first book of this series "Trick of the Light" or enjoys Fiona McCallum books in general.
May 8, 2022
Love reading Australian romance and family dramas but enjoy it even more when the central character is a more “mature” woman. Brilliant follow-on novel from Trick of the Light - not as suspenseful but a more heartwarming journey.
July 12, 2022
I appreciated the way Fiona always sets the scene in her stories. I had to keep reading to see what happened. Bruce was a great addition providing comfort where needed. Look forward to reading more stories from Fiona.
July 16, 2022
Fiona McCallum has written an amazing story once again. I have to admit that Bruce was my favourite character in this story, a true littlechampion. A story of challenges faced and conquered and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have the support of those around you.
August 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this book better than the prequel Touch of Light but I think because I listened your and didn’t feel comfortable with the narrator. To learn what happens to Eric’s after her ordeal made Her Turn to Shine a heart warming read.
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