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The Happiest Little Town
The uplifting new novel by the bestselling author of The Garden of Hopes and Dreams
Happiness has a way of catching up with you, even when you've given up trying to find it.
Tilly doesn't believe she can ever be happy again
Fourteen-year-old Tilly's world is torn apart when her single mother dies suddenly and she is sent a million miles from everything she has ever known to a small country town and a guardian who's a total stranger.
Kate is sure she will be happy just as soon as she achieves her dream.
In the picturesque mountains of Far North Queensland, Kate is trying to move on from a failed marriage by renovating a van and making plans for an exciting travel escape. The fresh start she so desperately craves is within reach when an unexpected responsibility lands on her doorstep.
Olivia thinks she's found 'happy enough' until an accident changes everything.
Ageing former celebrity actress Olivia is used to winning all the best roles in her local theatre group, but when she's injured while making a grand stage exit, she is relegated to the wings. Now she's determined that she won't bow out quietly and be left alone with the demons of her past.
When these lost souls come together under the roof of the Burralea Amateur Theatre group, the countdown to opening night has already begun. Engaging with a diverse cast of colourful characters, the three generations of women find unlikely friendship - and more than one welcome surprise.
From the bestselling author of The Garden of Hopes and Dreams comes a heartwarming and uplifting story about the joys of new beginnings.
Happiness has a way of catching up with you, even when you've given up trying to find it.
Tilly doesn't believe she can ever be happy again
Fourteen-year-old Tilly's world is torn apart when her single mother dies suddenly and she is sent a million miles from everything she has ever known to a small country town and a guardian who's a total stranger.
Kate is sure she will be happy just as soon as she achieves her dream.
In the picturesque mountains of Far North Queensland, Kate is trying to move on from a failed marriage by renovating a van and making plans for an exciting travel escape. The fresh start she so desperately craves is within reach when an unexpected responsibility lands on her doorstep.
Olivia thinks she's found 'happy enough' until an accident changes everything.
Ageing former celebrity actress Olivia is used to winning all the best roles in her local theatre group, but when she's injured while making a grand stage exit, she is relegated to the wings. Now she's determined that she won't bow out quietly and be left alone with the demons of her past.
When these lost souls come together under the roof of the Burralea Amateur Theatre group, the countdown to opening night has already begun. Engaging with a diverse cast of colourful characters, the three generations of women find unlikely friendship - and more than one welcome surprise.
From the bestselling author of The Garden of Hopes and Dreams comes a heartwarming and uplifting story about the joys of new beginnings.
352 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
12 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hannay
411 books295 followersMulti award winning author, Barbara Hannay, is a city bred girl with a yen for country life. Most of her 50 plus books are set in rural and outback Australia and they've been enjoyed by readers around the world.
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 3, 2022
Kate's dream of finishing the van she was renovating and heading off solo around Australia were put abruptly on hold when a stranger knocked on her door in the small town of Burralea. Inside his car was a thirteen year old girl, Tilly, whose mother had recently died and Kate had been named as guardian in the mother's will. Tilly had arrived from Cairns, leaving everything she'd known, all her friends and school mates behind, to live with a complete stranger who she knew didn't want her.
The Burralea Amateur Theatre group was in preparation for a play they'd be putting on for the community. A local author had penned the plot and things were looking good until the main character, Lady X, fell from the steps of the stage, badly damaging her ankle. Unable to continue in the play devastated Olivia, but Margot, a new face to theatre, stepped up, overcoming her nerves.
When circumstances brought Kate, Tilly and Olivia together, who knew what would happen. Kate was in her early fifties, Olivia was seventy, and Tilly only thirteen - was it a match made in heaven or a disaster waiting to happen?
The Happiest Little Town by Aussie author Barbara Hannay was an absolute delight to read! The colourful characters, vast age differences, friendships, secrets and grief all came together to create a wonderful, heartwarming story of hope and new beginnings. I always love this author's work, and this one is up there with her very best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author and Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Burralea Amateur Theatre group was in preparation for a play they'd be putting on for the community. A local author had penned the plot and things were looking good until the main character, Lady X, fell from the steps of the stage, badly damaging her ankle. Unable to continue in the play devastated Olivia, but Margot, a new face to theatre, stepped up, overcoming her nerves.
When circumstances brought Kate, Tilly and Olivia together, who knew what would happen. Kate was in her early fifties, Olivia was seventy, and Tilly only thirteen - was it a match made in heaven or a disaster waiting to happen?
The Happiest Little Town by Aussie author Barbara Hannay was an absolute delight to read! The colourful characters, vast age differences, friendships, secrets and grief all came together to create a wonderful, heartwarming story of hope and new beginnings. I always love this author's work, and this one is up there with her very best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author and Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2022
When I pick up a Barbara Hannay story I know I am going to be welcomed into a story that brings characters to life and that I will be friends with them, that I will be cheering them on and feeling every emotion there is to feel and this one does just that, I loved meeting Olivia, Kate and Tilly and the wonderful characters who live in Burralea on the Atherton Tablelands in far North Queensland, come along and meet them as well.
Thirteen year old Tilly has just lost her Mum and she now finds herself being pulled away from her friends in Cairns to live with someone she has never met, this stranger is now going to be her guardian, can life get any worse for Tilly?
Kate has moved away from the place she has known forever to Burralea where no one knows her because her ex-husband has caused so much pain for her but Kate is determined to make a better life for herself she has bought a van and is doing it up so as she can take off and go where she fancies.
Olivia is an actress but the years are passing and she has lived in Burralea for a long time now and has had many roles with the local theatre group, these days she lives a quiet life having left the lights behind her, but when she has to give up her role in the new play she is not happy at all.
Tilly arrives on Kate’s doorstep and both are uncertain about the future and Tilly has just left everything she knows behind and Kate’s plans are going to have to change. When Tilly is encouraged to join the Burralea amateur theatre group this brings the three of them together and a wonderful friendship grows with each of them opening up about their pasts and looking towards the future. Add in some wonderful local characters a drama just before opening night and people from the past arriving and this makes this a story not to be missed.
I loved this one from start to finish I felt all the emotions that were there, there were happy tears and sad ones but above all else there were lots of smiles and cheers, I do highly recommend this story, many thanks Barbara Hannay for another fabulous story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
My thanks to Penguin Books AU for my copy to read and review.
Thirteen year old Tilly has just lost her Mum and she now finds herself being pulled away from her friends in Cairns to live with someone she has never met, this stranger is now going to be her guardian, can life get any worse for Tilly?
Kate has moved away from the place she has known forever to Burralea where no one knows her because her ex-husband has caused so much pain for her but Kate is determined to make a better life for herself she has bought a van and is doing it up so as she can take off and go where she fancies.
Olivia is an actress but the years are passing and she has lived in Burralea for a long time now and has had many roles with the local theatre group, these days she lives a quiet life having left the lights behind her, but when she has to give up her role in the new play she is not happy at all.
Tilly arrives on Kate’s doorstep and both are uncertain about the future and Tilly has just left everything she knows behind and Kate’s plans are going to have to change. When Tilly is encouraged to join the Burralea amateur theatre group this brings the three of them together and a wonderful friendship grows with each of them opening up about their pasts and looking towards the future. Add in some wonderful local characters a drama just before opening night and people from the past arriving and this makes this a story not to be missed.
I loved this one from start to finish I felt all the emotions that were there, there were happy tears and sad ones but above all else there were lots of smiles and cheers, I do highly recommend this story, many thanks Barbara Hannay for another fabulous story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
My thanks to Penguin Books AU for my copy to read and review.
July 18, 2022
You can pre-order now, release date - 2 August
ARC Review
Here we have Tilly, a 13 year old, her Mum deceased and her so called Dad has shirked off all responsibilities, hoofing it to some other place overseas. Kate now becomes her guardian. Why? Well just let's say, that it took Kate a while to come to terms with it all, considering her plan was to be a free spirit and roam the country in her DIY van.
The community welcomed Tilly with such open arms that she ended up in a little theatrical group. Olivia who is the all important star and one of the acting lead roles, has damaged her foot and finds herself out of the show. Olivia finds herself finding a new role of coaching young Tillly, however Olivia at the beginning is uncertain and then she realises she's carrying emotional baggage of years ago. You will find out what that is in the story and it's a humdinger readers, a total plot twist.
Plot twist galore adds to a gripping book and to top it all off there is romance in the air when sparky electrician van man ignites more than one piece of Kate.
I want to thank in appreciation, with gratitude, Barbara Hannay and Penquin Random House Australia for giving me the ARC of, The Happiest Little Town.
Setting - Burralea, Australia.
Genre - Australia Fiction - Romance - Contemporary Fiction - Contemporary Romance - Womens Fiction
This was an absolute gem of a story, I just couldn't get enough of it. Infact, it was really sad putting it down because I wanted to be in that neighbourhood. Maybe a series please? (said with urgency of a dedicated reader). Written in a witty style, you could tell Barbara was in her element and a sense of fun and enjoyment leaked through the pages, as well as pouring her heart out, and speaking of which, my eyes turned into a leaky mess with parts that were heart rendering, but fear not, with the balance of wit and other shenanigans that were planted for entertaining purposes, I felt like I had been on a holiday to Australia. Definitely this story will stay with me for ages, and I want to congratulate Barbara on her beautiful writing skills, I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Pauline Reid
BookReviewer
NZ
ARC Review
Here we have Tilly, a 13 year old, her Mum deceased and her so called Dad has shirked off all responsibilities, hoofing it to some other place overseas. Kate now becomes her guardian. Why? Well just let's say, that it took Kate a while to come to terms with it all, considering her plan was to be a free spirit and roam the country in her DIY van.
The community welcomed Tilly with such open arms that she ended up in a little theatrical group. Olivia who is the all important star and one of the acting lead roles, has damaged her foot and finds herself out of the show. Olivia finds herself finding a new role of coaching young Tillly, however Olivia at the beginning is uncertain and then she realises she's carrying emotional baggage of years ago. You will find out what that is in the story and it's a humdinger readers, a total plot twist.
Plot twist galore adds to a gripping book and to top it all off there is romance in the air when sparky electrician van man ignites more than one piece of Kate.
I want to thank in appreciation, with gratitude, Barbara Hannay and Penquin Random House Australia for giving me the ARC of, The Happiest Little Town.
Setting - Burralea, Australia.
Genre - Australia Fiction - Romance - Contemporary Fiction - Contemporary Romance - Womens Fiction
This was an absolute gem of a story, I just couldn't get enough of it. Infact, it was really sad putting it down because I wanted to be in that neighbourhood. Maybe a series please? (said with urgency of a dedicated reader). Written in a witty style, you could tell Barbara was in her element and a sense of fun and enjoyment leaked through the pages, as well as pouring her heart out, and speaking of which, my eyes turned into a leaky mess with parts that were heart rendering, but fear not, with the balance of wit and other shenanigans that were planted for entertaining purposes, I felt like I had been on a holiday to Australia. Definitely this story will stay with me for ages, and I want to congratulate Barbara on her beautiful writing skills, I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Pauline Reid
BookReviewer
NZ
October 1, 2022
Kate Sheridan has big plans.These include renovating her van and taking off from the Far North Queensland town of Burralea to travel. But thanks to a strange set of circumstances Kate finds herself suddenly confronted by a thirteen year old girl, whose mother has just died. The teen, Tilly, is the result of an affair Kate's husband had with another woman, Ange. Tilly resents being shipped off from her home area of Cairnes, and leaving her friends to be sent to a woman she has never met.
The town of Burralea is producing a play written by a local and well known novelist. The lead role is being played by Olivia, an elderly celebrity actress who lives in the town. That is until a break occurs meaning plans have to suddenly be changed. How will the local amateur theatrical group deal with this change of plans? And how will Kate, Tilly and Olivia’s lives change as a result of events?
This is a joyous, engaging book to read. It shows a spirited community who band together when things get tough and at least two women who have to make drastic changes to their lives to accommodate others.
It’s a book that leaves you feeling good. I loved it. A couple of incidents of the f word felt out of place and unnecessary to me. Other than that it was just about perfect. I adored it. It drew me into the lives of Kate, Tilly, Olivia and others. A book of friendship, hope, choices, loss, family and community. And there is a romance as well. When I wasn’t reading this book all I wanted was to be back reading it, immersed in the community of Burralea. A delight to read. Definitely a five star read and highly recommended. Barbara Hannay is a go to author for me.
I just wish more publishers would publish books like this with characters you care about. Books that are hopeful, feel good reads and entertaining instead of some of the dark, and gritty books that are out there with unlikable characters.
The town of Burralea is producing a play written by a local and well known novelist. The lead role is being played by Olivia, an elderly celebrity actress who lives in the town. That is until a break occurs meaning plans have to suddenly be changed. How will the local amateur theatrical group deal with this change of plans? And how will Kate, Tilly and Olivia’s lives change as a result of events?
This is a joyous, engaging book to read. It shows a spirited community who band together when things get tough and at least two women who have to make drastic changes to their lives to accommodate others.
It’s a book that leaves you feeling good. I loved it. A couple of incidents of the f word felt out of place and unnecessary to me. Other than that it was just about perfect. I adored it. It drew me into the lives of Kate, Tilly, Olivia and others. A book of friendship, hope, choices, loss, family and community. And there is a romance as well. When I wasn’t reading this book all I wanted was to be back reading it, immersed in the community of Burralea. A delight to read. Definitely a five star read and highly recommended. Barbara Hannay is a go to author for me.
I just wish more publishers would publish books like this with characters you care about. Books that are hopeful, feel good reads and entertaining instead of some of the dark, and gritty books that are out there with unlikable characters.
December 31, 2022
Kate Sheridan had lived in North Queensland for most of her life. Now a divorcee in her early fifties she was pleased to be doing something that would take her on her next journey in life.
Kate had purchased a second hand nearly sixty-year-old former tradie van. After watching numerous YouTube videos and reading books and blogs, Kate believed she could renovate her van's interior just how she wanted. Nails, timber, glue, screws, hammer and rubber mallet, Kate had all the things she needed, but she soon found out that once things didn’t fit the way they should she was going to need a lot more patience. Kate was a determined woman and she wasn’t going to let this beat her, she was going to create the cutest outfit on four wheels and then she would set off on the adventure of a lifetime or would she? Kates's plans all of a sudden come to an abrupt halt and her life is turned upside down, but what will this mean for her adventure of a lifetime?
I loved this book as well as the title and the adorable cover. Aussie author Barbara Hannay has written such a wonderful story one which I didn’t want to end. Highly recommended.
Kate had purchased a second hand nearly sixty-year-old former tradie van. After watching numerous YouTube videos and reading books and blogs, Kate believed she could renovate her van's interior just how she wanted. Nails, timber, glue, screws, hammer and rubber mallet, Kate had all the things she needed, but she soon found out that once things didn’t fit the way they should she was going to need a lot more patience. Kate was a determined woman and she wasn’t going to let this beat her, she was going to create the cutest outfit on four wheels and then she would set off on the adventure of a lifetime or would she? Kates's plans all of a sudden come to an abrupt halt and her life is turned upside down, but what will this mean for her adventure of a lifetime?
I loved this book as well as the title and the adorable cover. Aussie author Barbara Hannay has written such a wonderful story one which I didn’t want to end. Highly recommended.
October 9, 2022
The Happiest Little Town is a contemporary Australian domestic drama set in the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland. Kate is a 52 year old divorcée who has moved there to escape the scandals and notoriety surrounding her ex-husband. She plans a new life for herself renovating an old van, then an adventurous roadtrip. Her new plans come rapidly crashing down when a stranger drops a teenager on her doorstep. The 13 year old Tilly is a hitherto unknown daughter of her ex, and half sister to her two adult daughters, still grieving the death of her own mother.
The story then expands to include the cast of the local drama group, the aging actress Olivia, and the hot town sparky Liam. There is country town solidarity, a found family and a budding romance. This was a pleasant light read. My main criticism would be that Tilly, after a tiny bit of acting up in her distress, rapidly settled into a paragon of teenage virtue, which seemed rather inconsistent with reality. I am happy to accept an improbable premise, such as being forced to take in an unrelated child, because it is fiction and therefore I suspend my disbelief. However I still like my fictional characters to feel plausible. Nevertheless it was a feel-good easy-read story.
The story then expands to include the cast of the local drama group, the aging actress Olivia, and the hot town sparky Liam. There is country town solidarity, a found family and a budding romance. This was a pleasant light read. My main criticism would be that Tilly, after a tiny bit of acting up in her distress, rapidly settled into a paragon of teenage virtue, which seemed rather inconsistent with reality. I am happy to accept an improbable premise, such as being forced to take in an unrelated child, because it is fiction and therefore I suspend my disbelief. However I still like my fictional characters to feel plausible. Nevertheless it was a feel-good easy-read story.
August 13, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Barbara Hannay is a faithful author that you can absolutely have confidence in giving you an entertaining read.
Two women and a thirteen year old.
A community theatre group.
A friendship when it’s needed the most.
Welcome to Burralea.
Kate is planning her fresh start.
Moving on from marriage and renovating her van, until there’s a knock at the door.
Tilly has suffered too much grief for a young age and now ends up at a total stranger’s house who’s about to become her guardian.
Former celebrity Olivia is used to the spotlight but is about to be reacquainted with her past.
Three misplaced personalities come together and welcome life and surprises.
An enticing narrative with a glorious cast, an enchanting plot and one that I can positively say I thoroughly enjoyed.
When Barbara introduces you to a new selection of characters, they instantly become your friends and part of the family.
Tackling the drama and everyday issues of a small community theatre that brings together three female generations is told beautifully in this touching book.
A tender hearted and strong storyteller that never seems to fail with her tales of hope, an honest portrayal of current issues and a great balance of characters.
Barbara continues to light up my readIng life with her stories and consistently produces wonderful novels.
Barbara Hannay is a faithful author that you can absolutely have confidence in giving you an entertaining read.
Two women and a thirteen year old.
A community theatre group.
A friendship when it’s needed the most.
Welcome to Burralea.
Kate is planning her fresh start.
Moving on from marriage and renovating her van, until there’s a knock at the door.
Tilly has suffered too much grief for a young age and now ends up at a total stranger’s house who’s about to become her guardian.
Former celebrity Olivia is used to the spotlight but is about to be reacquainted with her past.
Three misplaced personalities come together and welcome life and surprises.
An enticing narrative with a glorious cast, an enchanting plot and one that I can positively say I thoroughly enjoyed.
When Barbara introduces you to a new selection of characters, they instantly become your friends and part of the family.
Tackling the drama and everyday issues of a small community theatre that brings together three female generations is told beautifully in this touching book.
A tender hearted and strong storyteller that never seems to fail with her tales of hope, an honest portrayal of current issues and a great balance of characters.
Barbara continues to light up my readIng life with her stories and consistently produces wonderful novels.
September 28, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Home grown talent Barbara Hannay makes a very welcome return with her latest heartwarming release, aptly titled The Happiest Little Town. A tale of community, friendship, connections, surprises and taking a leap of faith, The Happiest Little Town is a gratifying read for contemporary fiction fans.
The Happiest Little Town introduces Tilly, a grieving teenager who has lost everything she holds dear. When Tilly is sent to live in an unfamiliar place, with a carer who she doesn’t know, her world is turned upside down. Can Tilly ever be happy again? The second character in The Happiest Little Town is Kate, a woman who leaves behind a broken marriage to make plans for the future, which involves a big travel expedition in her renovated van. But Kate’s plans are offset by the arrival of a visitor who brings a new set of responsibilities for this dreamer. Finally, the third protagonist that is featured in The Happiest Little Town is Olivia. This former celebrity star and local theatre extraordinaire is offset by an injury that has taken her away from the centre of the action on stage. Hurting emotionally, Olivia knows that the theatre is her only lifeline. As these three very different figures come together at the Burralea Theatre, there are glimmers of friendship, connection and surprises in store for this trio. Will they each get their own happy ever after?
Barbara Hannay is such a giving author and she has been entertaining us year after year with her light hearted, witty and emotional releases. The Happiest Little Town is Hannay’s latest release which accurately showcases this generous author’s talent in the field of heartwarming Australian contemporary fiction.
Set in the Atherton Tablelands, a rural locality in sunny Queensland, The Happiest Little Town is such an attractive community that I wanted to pack my bags and move in! A welcoming, friendly and active little community base, the Burralea Theatre Group was the perfect focal point for an Australian contemporary fiction narrative to be based. I loved the sense of community spirit that follows this aspect of the story. It was fun, energising and entertaining. Underneath the good times are some sensitive topics which Hannay explores with respect and understanding.
The Happiest Little Town is relayed from the standpoint of three very different female voices. Hannay inhabits each separate voice well within the context of her storyline. I appreciated and valued each of the main characters, thanks to Hannay’s accurate representation. It was a pleasure to oversee their changes, developments, challenges and achievements. The periphery cast are outlined well by Hannay, ensuring that we receive a maximum insight into the world this talented author has created. The writing is touching and tender. Hannay works hard to convey an array of issues affecting a wide generation base. I appreciated the overall message the story seemed to project about ultimate happiness. It was an excellent concept for a novel.
I was reminded how much I love to read Barbara Hannay’s prose while I made my way through The Happiest Little Town. Thank you once again Barbara Hannay, your stories always play with our hearts.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Home grown talent Barbara Hannay makes a very welcome return with her latest heartwarming release, aptly titled The Happiest Little Town. A tale of community, friendship, connections, surprises and taking a leap of faith, The Happiest Little Town is a gratifying read for contemporary fiction fans.
The Happiest Little Town introduces Tilly, a grieving teenager who has lost everything she holds dear. When Tilly is sent to live in an unfamiliar place, with a carer who she doesn’t know, her world is turned upside down. Can Tilly ever be happy again? The second character in The Happiest Little Town is Kate, a woman who leaves behind a broken marriage to make plans for the future, which involves a big travel expedition in her renovated van. But Kate’s plans are offset by the arrival of a visitor who brings a new set of responsibilities for this dreamer. Finally, the third protagonist that is featured in The Happiest Little Town is Olivia. This former celebrity star and local theatre extraordinaire is offset by an injury that has taken her away from the centre of the action on stage. Hurting emotionally, Olivia knows that the theatre is her only lifeline. As these three very different figures come together at the Burralea Theatre, there are glimmers of friendship, connection and surprises in store for this trio. Will they each get their own happy ever after?
Barbara Hannay is such a giving author and she has been entertaining us year after year with her light hearted, witty and emotional releases. The Happiest Little Town is Hannay’s latest release which accurately showcases this generous author’s talent in the field of heartwarming Australian contemporary fiction.
Set in the Atherton Tablelands, a rural locality in sunny Queensland, The Happiest Little Town is such an attractive community that I wanted to pack my bags and move in! A welcoming, friendly and active little community base, the Burralea Theatre Group was the perfect focal point for an Australian contemporary fiction narrative to be based. I loved the sense of community spirit that follows this aspect of the story. It was fun, energising and entertaining. Underneath the good times are some sensitive topics which Hannay explores with respect and understanding.
The Happiest Little Town is relayed from the standpoint of three very different female voices. Hannay inhabits each separate voice well within the context of her storyline. I appreciated and valued each of the main characters, thanks to Hannay’s accurate representation. It was a pleasure to oversee their changes, developments, challenges and achievements. The periphery cast are outlined well by Hannay, ensuring that we receive a maximum insight into the world this talented author has created. The writing is touching and tender. Hannay works hard to convey an array of issues affecting a wide generation base. I appreciated the overall message the story seemed to project about ultimate happiness. It was an excellent concept for a novel.
I was reminded how much I love to read Barbara Hannay’s prose while I made my way through The Happiest Little Town. Thank you once again Barbara Hannay, your stories always play with our hearts.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 24, 2022
The Happiest Little Town by Barbara Hannay is a new, warm, uplifting novel set in the picture-postcard country town of Burralea in the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland.
It's an old-fashioned sort of town tourists love with quaint, little cafes and a rather grand old two-storey pub with the backdrop of green mountains.
There's an interesting array of characters in this novel which make up the story.
Starting with Tilly who's only fourteen and Kate Sheridan who unwittingly becomes her guardian.
It's mainly about theatre-life and all the goings on of what is involved in making a good theatrical play.
Originally, the community hall becomes the location for The Burralea Little Theatre but after a fire a new location is found in a farmer's shed filled with hay.
The Happiest Little Town is all about finding your inner strength to achieve your goals and dreams.
I really enjoyed The Happiest Little Town by Barbara Hannay and would like to thank Penguin Random House Australia for my Advance Review Copy.
Due for Release August 2nd, 2022
It's an old-fashioned sort of town tourists love with quaint, little cafes and a rather grand old two-storey pub with the backdrop of green mountains.
There's an interesting array of characters in this novel which make up the story.
Starting with Tilly who's only fourteen and Kate Sheridan who unwittingly becomes her guardian.
It's mainly about theatre-life and all the goings on of what is involved in making a good theatrical play.
Originally, the community hall becomes the location for The Burralea Little Theatre but after a fire a new location is found in a farmer's shed filled with hay.
The Happiest Little Town is all about finding your inner strength to achieve your goals and dreams.
I really enjoyed The Happiest Little Town by Barbara Hannay and would like to thank Penguin Random House Australia for my Advance Review Copy.
Due for Release August 2nd, 2022
August 8, 2022
Kate was surprised by the sudden guardianship of her ex-husband's secret love child, orphaned thirteen year old Tilly, and I was hooked. This was another fantastic book from Barbara Hannay. The Happiest Little Town is full of fantastic characters in the small town of Burralea on the Atherton Tablelands who join together to launch a new play at the local theatre. As always, there are deep emotional elements and connections in this story that help you connect with characters. I loved Kate, Olivia, Margot, and especially Tilly. A beautiful read.
August 5, 2022
Another exciting book from Barbara Hannay. I look forward to each new story from her. This one is set in one of my favourite places the Atherton Tableland. Barbara’s storyline held my interest from beginning to end. The three main characters were intent on doing their own thing at first but ended up having to rely on each other. A great story Barbara.
July 22, 2022
This is a story about three protagonists that don't think they can be happy again. Kate Sheridan has finally managed to get her life in order, she's raised her kids and it's her time. The next moment a teenager, the produce of Kate's ex husband and another woman, is dumped on her.
Tilly, the teenager who is dumped on Kate, never thinks she'll be happy again. She doesn't know her father, her mother has just died and Tilly misses Cairns and her best friend, desperately. Worse, she's comes to live in a town on the Atherton Tablelands, which is in the middle of nowhere.
Olivia Matthews, an actress, who is performing in the Burralea Community acting group, accidentally injures herself and has to suffer the ignominy of watching someone else take her place. She has a secret which haunts her every day of her life.
Hannay weaves these stories together forming a strong community that cares. It's a lovely heartfelt book which is a pleasure to read.
Tilly, the teenager who is dumped on Kate, never thinks she'll be happy again. She doesn't know her father, her mother has just died and Tilly misses Cairns and her best friend, desperately. Worse, she's comes to live in a town on the Atherton Tablelands, which is in the middle of nowhere.
Olivia Matthews, an actress, who is performing in the Burralea Community acting group, accidentally injures herself and has to suffer the ignominy of watching someone else take her place. She has a secret which haunts her every day of her life.
Hannay weaves these stories together forming a strong community that cares. It's a lovely heartfelt book which is a pleasure to read.
August 26, 2022
Yes Barbara Hannay you have done it again. Loved this book sooo much.
September 12, 2022
This was the 1st book by Barabara Hannay that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm all for books that are uplifting, thought provoking, have me itching to escape back into asap and brimming with good characters that you become friends with for a short time.
This book ticked all of those boxes for me. I'll be looking out for more of Barbara's books in future and if anyone has any of hers you can recommend, let me know.
This book ticked all of those boxes for me. I'll be looking out for more of Barbara's books in future and if anyone has any of hers you can recommend, let me know.
August 24, 2022
Another great story from Barbara Hannay with all the characters I'd want to be friends with.
September 2, 2022
What a beautiful story of lives thrown into chaos, forgiveness, a much hoped for reunion & lifelong friendships formed in the stunning, small & friendly misty mountain township. Congratulation Barbara Hannay
September 3, 2022
An eclectic group of characters are unravelled and melded by the skilled pen of Barbara Hannay. It was a quick read for me and I confess the reading of it got in the way of writing one of my own, for a couple of days. Beautiful small town vibe, I could picture the community hall and the misty road and lush hillsides. Lovely character development, with sensitive topics handled well. In fact, I would have liked more ....
August 21, 2022
I love Barbara Hannay’s books & have for years. This is one of her best. All the characters are likeable. An absolute page turner.m
August 30, 2022
Isn't it just the cutest book cover!? And that title, I feel that I'm guaranteed an easy, light-hearted, and uplifting read which my mood tells me I need these days. It did not disappoint; The Happiest Little Town certainly made me happy.
I find it always touching when 3 generations of women are brought together. I love to see the effect they have on each other. In this novel, the mix of Olivia's wisdom, Kate's generosity, and Tilly's grief made a lovely cocktail of lasting friendship. I am in Kate's age group so while I was rather frustrated with some of Tilly's decisions and actions, they are rather understandable considering her loss. I am in awe of Kate's heart and her generosity... it's not Tilly's fault that she is who she is but golly, Kate was just so very kind.
While the story revolves our 3 main protagonists above. There were bits and pieces about other residents of this town that made it The Happiest Little Town. They may not be that relevant to the plot as such but they do make the town more 3-dimensional. And what's a town without its people?
The Happiest Little Town's residents may not be happy aaallll the time as each of them have either had difficult pasts or are still struggling to come to terms with those pasts. However, they do know to pick themselves back up and let's just say it's a happy ending all around. Such a comfort read and truly, I just want to give this book a cuddle - that's how much I enjoyed it.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
I find it always touching when 3 generations of women are brought together. I love to see the effect they have on each other. In this novel, the mix of Olivia's wisdom, Kate's generosity, and Tilly's grief made a lovely cocktail of lasting friendship. I am in Kate's age group so while I was rather frustrated with some of Tilly's decisions and actions, they are rather understandable considering her loss. I am in awe of Kate's heart and her generosity... it's not Tilly's fault that she is who she is but golly, Kate was just so very kind.
While the story revolves our 3 main protagonists above. There were bits and pieces about other residents of this town that made it The Happiest Little Town. They may not be that relevant to the plot as such but they do make the town more 3-dimensional. And what's a town without its people?
The Happiest Little Town's residents may not be happy aaallll the time as each of them have either had difficult pasts or are still struggling to come to terms with those pasts. However, they do know to pick themselves back up and let's just say it's a happy ending all around. Such a comfort read and truly, I just want to give this book a cuddle - that's how much I enjoyed it.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
February 13, 2023
Review to come
December 22, 2023
My first ever Barbara Hannay was delightful! The little town of Burralea, situated in the Atherton Tablelands, was truly the happiest little town. Such a strong sense of warm and fuzzy community spirit! Admittingly, the thought of spending a fair chunk of time with an amuetaer theatrical group seemed a bit daunting at first. I was certain that I wasn't going to enjoy that element as much, but, the more time I spent with these characters, the more excited I became about opening night of their unique play. It's just a shame that we'll probably never see Next Stop Mars performed.
[ ᴇxᴄᴇʀᴘᴛ] 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐚. 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚. 𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐀𝐧 𝐨𝐝𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐢𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐭. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭?
Let's focus on these three strong females for a bit. Tilly is thirteen, has just lost her mother, and is forced to move from everything she knows to live with a total stranger. As someone who has actually been a grieving teenager, I immediately felt a special bond with young Tilly. Loved LOVED her transition from a moody teen who feels that the entire world is against her to a confident superstar that is completely cherished by everyone around her.
Then, there's Kate. A divorcee from a snake of a man, she's bit of a nomad at heart. With her two adult daughters settled elsewhere, Kate has settled temporary in Burralea and plans of travelling around Australia in her renovated van. That's until she's suddenly been given the responsibility of taking care of her ex husband's child ( Tilly ). With her plans indefinitely placed on hold, Kate has to learn to not only accept Tilly into her life ( and vice versa ) but also how to best support a grieving teen. Oh, selfless Kate, you deserve nothing but endless happiness ( with sparkie Liam of course ).
Finally, retired actress Olivia. For me, fiesty Olivia turned out to be my favourite character. At first, I wasn't too sure about her- she's bit of a drama queen! Underneath that sharp exterior lays an aging woman who has a lot of regrets- mainly adopting out a baby boy at a young age. I feel that Olivia is the sole MC that got the most out of being a resident of Burralea. By books end, she's a pillar of the community, gotten off her high horse and somehow, ended up being a surrogate grandma to Tilly. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
My heart is leaping with joy! Here's to more Barbara Hannay books!
4.75 🌟
[ ᴇxᴄᴇʀᴘᴛ] 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐚. 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚. 𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐀𝐧 𝐨𝐝𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐢𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐭. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭?
Let's focus on these three strong females for a bit. Tilly is thirteen, has just lost her mother, and is forced to move from everything she knows to live with a total stranger. As someone who has actually been a grieving teenager, I immediately felt a special bond with young Tilly. Loved LOVED her transition from a moody teen who feels that the entire world is against her to a confident superstar that is completely cherished by everyone around her.
Then, there's Kate. A divorcee from a snake of a man, she's bit of a nomad at heart. With her two adult daughters settled elsewhere, Kate has settled temporary in Burralea and plans of travelling around Australia in her renovated van. That's until she's suddenly been given the responsibility of taking care of her ex husband's child ( Tilly ). With her plans indefinitely placed on hold, Kate has to learn to not only accept Tilly into her life ( and vice versa ) but also how to best support a grieving teen. Oh, selfless Kate, you deserve nothing but endless happiness ( with sparkie Liam of course ).
Finally, retired actress Olivia. For me, fiesty Olivia turned out to be my favourite character. At first, I wasn't too sure about her- she's bit of a drama queen! Underneath that sharp exterior lays an aging woman who has a lot of regrets- mainly adopting out a baby boy at a young age. I feel that Olivia is the sole MC that got the most out of being a resident of Burralea. By books end, she's a pillar of the community, gotten off her high horse and somehow, ended up being a surrogate grandma to Tilly. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
My heart is leaping with joy! Here's to more Barbara Hannay books!
4.75 🌟
September 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I found this author by accident in my local library
December 15, 2022
Very easy, wholesome book. There’s not a whole heap to say except that it was a really lovely read.
December 7, 2022
A lovely way to spend a few hours. I liked this book a lot.
December 7, 2022
What a gorgeous book, loved it
September 22, 2022
A new Barbara Hannay book is always cause to celebrate. They’re such comfort reads for me, feel good stories with wonderful characters and set in places that I wished I lived. This one is really no exception.
Primarily the story centres around three people: 14yo Tilly who was orphaned after her mother died recently. She’s never met her father and her mother’s boyfriend, while he cares for her, feels that he is not an appropriate guardian and would never be seen as such by authority figures anyway. Then there’s Kate, who is divorced, in her 50s with her own children grown and living their own lives. She’s renting a place in a town in the Northern Tablelands of Queensland as a base while she fits out a former tradie van so that she can go travelling around the country. And then there’s Olivia, a 70-something actress who is forced to confront her own mortality and future after injuring herself in rehearsals for a local play. The arrival of Tilly into the area turns everything Kate had planned for her future on its head and at first Olivia isn’t sure why it’s been suggested she help Tilly in terms of acting. What could she and a young teenage girl hope to get out of a friendship? But all of the women are going to be surprised.
I have to admit, I had a few feelings of trepidation after starting this because I do not feel what happened to Kate was at all fair – nor should it be legal. However I couldn’t find anything concrete that suggested it wasn’t! So it appears that while not ideal….it’s something that could actually happen. Whilst I see why Tilly’s mother made the choice she did, probably believing that it wouldn’t ever need to come to fruition, I do still feel that it wasn’t a fair choice, for anyone concerned, even if it probably did end up being the best choice she could’ve made at the time.
The circumstances in which Kate and Tilly come into each other’s lives definitely made me sympathetic to the both of them. Tilly is at such an impressionable age (she’s the same age as my eldest son who turns 14 next week) and she’s had her entire life as she knew it, completely turned upside down. It’s mostly been her and her mother her whole life and it seems like they had an incredibly wonderful and close relationship. Now her mother is gone and she’s had to go and live somewhere else with someone she didn’t know existed beforehand in a completely different town where she has no friends. And for Kate? She’s done with raising her children in a hands-on fashion. She has her own plans for the future and definitely didn’t count on becoming a guardian.
Tilly’s fear and uncertainty, her grief all shone through the pages. I felt like this really nailed a teen who has been through so much and was feeling lost and like she had nowhere she fit in. She just desperately needs a bit of stability and some inclusion and although she and Kate get off to a rough start, eventually the two of them muddle through it and the introduction of Tilly to the local theatre group also helps enormously as it gives Tilly a feeling of belonging and something that she is passionate about. Her friendship with Olivia becomes something precious too, like a surrogate grandmother-granddaughter relationship which benefits them both as neither of them have those relations.
I loved this whole town and the other residents that we got to meet. I’d love if we got to revisit this town in a future book, maybe revisit Tilly too, as she gets older. I think there’s a lot of potential to explore more about it, if the author ever wanted to do that. I loved the budding romance for Kate and the ways in which we got to know Olivia and understand the things that had happened in her past. And why the three of them ended up becoming quite close, something that you know will continue to develop after the end of the story that forms this book. I loved Kate’s ‘van life’ component (makes me wonder if Barbara Hannay watched some of the same people on YouTube that I do, as I started watching a lot of this sort of thing in lockdown!)
This was everything I expected and now I eagerly await the next release.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Primarily the story centres around three people: 14yo Tilly who was orphaned after her mother died recently. She’s never met her father and her mother’s boyfriend, while he cares for her, feels that he is not an appropriate guardian and would never be seen as such by authority figures anyway. Then there’s Kate, who is divorced, in her 50s with her own children grown and living their own lives. She’s renting a place in a town in the Northern Tablelands of Queensland as a base while she fits out a former tradie van so that she can go travelling around the country. And then there’s Olivia, a 70-something actress who is forced to confront her own mortality and future after injuring herself in rehearsals for a local play. The arrival of Tilly into the area turns everything Kate had planned for her future on its head and at first Olivia isn’t sure why it’s been suggested she help Tilly in terms of acting. What could she and a young teenage girl hope to get out of a friendship? But all of the women are going to be surprised.
I have to admit, I had a few feelings of trepidation after starting this because I do not feel what happened to Kate was at all fair – nor should it be legal. However I couldn’t find anything concrete that suggested it wasn’t! So it appears that while not ideal….it’s something that could actually happen. Whilst I see why Tilly’s mother made the choice she did, probably believing that it wouldn’t ever need to come to fruition, I do still feel that it wasn’t a fair choice, for anyone concerned, even if it probably did end up being the best choice she could’ve made at the time.
The circumstances in which Kate and Tilly come into each other’s lives definitely made me sympathetic to the both of them. Tilly is at such an impressionable age (she’s the same age as my eldest son who turns 14 next week) and she’s had her entire life as she knew it, completely turned upside down. It’s mostly been her and her mother her whole life and it seems like they had an incredibly wonderful and close relationship. Now her mother is gone and she’s had to go and live somewhere else with someone she didn’t know existed beforehand in a completely different town where she has no friends. And for Kate? She’s done with raising her children in a hands-on fashion. She has her own plans for the future and definitely didn’t count on becoming a guardian.
Tilly’s fear and uncertainty, her grief all shone through the pages. I felt like this really nailed a teen who has been through so much and was feeling lost and like she had nowhere she fit in. She just desperately needs a bit of stability and some inclusion and although she and Kate get off to a rough start, eventually the two of them muddle through it and the introduction of Tilly to the local theatre group also helps enormously as it gives Tilly a feeling of belonging and something that she is passionate about. Her friendship with Olivia becomes something precious too, like a surrogate grandmother-granddaughter relationship which benefits them both as neither of them have those relations.
I loved this whole town and the other residents that we got to meet. I’d love if we got to revisit this town in a future book, maybe revisit Tilly too, as she gets older. I think there’s a lot of potential to explore more about it, if the author ever wanted to do that. I loved the budding romance for Kate and the ways in which we got to know Olivia and understand the things that had happened in her past. And why the three of them ended up becoming quite close, something that you know will continue to develop after the end of the story that forms this book. I loved Kate’s ‘van life’ component (makes me wonder if Barbara Hannay watched some of the same people on YouTube that I do, as I started watching a lot of this sort of thing in lockdown!)
This was everything I expected and now I eagerly await the next release.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
December 13, 2022
'The Happiest Little Town' by Barbara Hannay was one of the most heartwarming and wholesome books that I've read in a long time! I listened to it via an audiobook and the narrator was an absolute delight. There was so much to love with this book - the intertwining of the many loveable characters, hearing from multiple characters POV, as well as the picturesque setting of the Atherton Tablelands in Farth North Queensland, Aus. I can't recommend this book enough if you're wanting a beautiful book that you want to look forward to reading at the end of each day. I can't wait to read some more of Barbara's work!
November 7, 2023
Hodnocení: 4,5/5 ✩
Knihy Barbary Hannay, jsou pro mě takovým milým, poetickým čtením. Jsou to příběhy s duší, které při čtení působí jako pohlazení a povzbuzení zároveň. Příběh přitom vyznívá tak, že by se mohl stát, vlastně komukoliv z nás. To je i důvod, proč není těžké, se do jednotlivých postav vcítit a pochopit je. Zároveň však svým dobrým koncem, ve čtenáři zanechávají naději v to, že ne každá, na první pohled bezvýchodná situace, musí dopadnout špatně. A stejně tak je tomu i v případě této knihy.
Skvělé čtení na léto, když nehledáte nic náročného, ale zároveň nechcete číst nic vyložené romantického, nebo hloupého.
Knihy Barbary Hannay, jsou pro mě takovým milým, poetickým čtením. Jsou to příběhy s duší, které při čtení působí jako pohlazení a povzbuzení zároveň. Příběh přitom vyznívá tak, že by se mohl stát, vlastně komukoliv z nás. To je i důvod, proč není těžké, se do jednotlivých postav vcítit a pochopit je. Zároveň však svým dobrým koncem, ve čtenáři zanechávají naději v to, že ne každá, na první pohled bezvýchodná situace, musí dopadnout špatně. A stejně tak je tomu i v případě této knihy.
Skvělé čtení na léto, když nehledáte nic náročného, ale zároveň nechcete číst nic vyložené romantického, nebo hloupého.
October 30, 2022
Aww! The Happiest Little Town makes the happiest little story! Wonderful!
October 4, 2022
I loved this book by Barbara Hannay. It showed how town can support it's community. The main characters form friendships that can last a life time. Kate is dream of renovating a van and traveling around Australia is put on hold when she becomes a guardian to Tilly 13 year old teenager who is her ex husbands daughter. She also a mother to two grown up daughters Cheelsea and Pippa who has a boyfriend David. Then there is Olivia an aging actress who is breaks her foot and wants to be in the play but as we read we discover her past of giving her baby up for adoption, her acting carreer and how she teaches Tilly to become an actor as she is given a small role in the play. But there is the extended community of the Town of Burralea. This Book is set in the table lands of Queensland. Tilly has to adjust with the loss of her mother and finding her place in a new family meeting the two sisters she never new she had. I loved this book of the Happiest little Town. I hope there is a second book to this.
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