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New Year's Eve
Being born on the last day of the year has never done Eve Anderson any favours, but this year her birthday set off a series of rolling explosions rather than fireworks.
An affair with a married man just crashed and burned, her career is in tatters and now there’s a phone call from her mother she can’t ignore.
Eve is forced to slink back to the outback town she ditched at 18 and face the family she’s been actively ignoring, the teenage love she never forgot, and the pub (or is that ‘family home’?—you say potato, I say ‘po-taa-to’!) that holds too many of her secrets.
An affair with a married man just crashed and burned, her career is in tatters and now there’s a phone call from her mother she can’t ignore.
Eve is forced to slink back to the outback town she ditched at 18 and face the family she’s been actively ignoring, the teenage love she never forgot, and the pub (or is that ‘family home’?—you say potato, I say ‘po-taa-to’!) that holds too many of her secrets.
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2024
6 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Todman
4 books19 followersSarah grew up in an outback Queensland pub surrounded by siblings (she has seven), and an ever-changing cast of colourful pub characters. It was an extraordinary childhood that gave her a love of people and their stories, as well as the ability to pour a perfect beer.
She studied journalism at university, and in a writing career that now spans more than two decades she has been a tabloid journalist, magazine editor, communications consultant, content writer, and creative entrepreneur.
Sarah has published two children's picture books (the Bab The Rabbit series) and a collection of poetry (Notebook Heart). New Year’s Eve is her first novel.
She loves earl grey tea, books that make her cry, and music that makes her sing (even though she can’t). She lives in Brisbane with her husband and four children (because eight seemed like too much hard work).
She studied journalism at university, and in a writing career that now spans more than two decades she has been a tabloid journalist, magazine editor, communications consultant, content writer, and creative entrepreneur.
Sarah has published two children's picture books (the Bab The Rabbit series) and a collection of poetry (Notebook Heart). New Year’s Eve is her first novel.
She loves earl grey tea, books that make her cry, and music that makes her sing (even though she can’t). She lives in Brisbane with her husband and four children (because eight seemed like too much hard work).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 8, 2024
I laughed, I cried ... I LOVED this one.
I could relate to small town western Queensland because I too grew up in a small town in western Queensland ... hours from anywhere, everyone knowing everyone and their dog. I didn't live at a pub, but I did live directly across the road from one 😆.
This story of Eve is so relatable. The family ties, the sibling dynamics, the sense of self and who we are as defined by our past choices. It felt real. I could tell that the author did indeed live in a small Queensland town, with one restaurant ... a Chinese (again, the same as the town I grew up in! Their deep fried icecream was to die for 🤤 ... I can still taste it today).
All in all, this is a fantastic debut novel, I love the way it is written .. I was invested in Eve and her life so quickly. I will be sure to look out for more from this author.
Thank you to the lovely Sarah Todman for sending me an ARC to review ... I am honoured to read your book. 💖
I could relate to small town western Queensland because I too grew up in a small town in western Queensland ... hours from anywhere, everyone knowing everyone and their dog. I didn't live at a pub, but I did live directly across the road from one 😆.
This story of Eve is so relatable. The family ties, the sibling dynamics, the sense of self and who we are as defined by our past choices. It felt real. I could tell that the author did indeed live in a small Queensland town, with one restaurant ... a Chinese (again, the same as the town I grew up in! Their deep fried icecream was to die for 🤤 ... I can still taste it today).
All in all, this is a fantastic debut novel, I love the way it is written .. I was invested in Eve and her life so quickly. I will be sure to look out for more from this author.
Thank you to the lovely Sarah Todman for sending me an ARC to review ... I am honoured to read your book. 💖
May 11, 2024
Highly highly recommend this gorgeous book. It has a bit of everything - romance, complex family relationships, a cast of well developed characters and great writing making it a quick and very satisfying read with both laughter and tears. Especially loved the western qld setting and the amazing tertiary characters around the pub.
February 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of New Year’s Eve in a giveaway by Sarah Todman, and it did not disappoint! This debut novel is a beautifully written emotional journey that follows Eve Anderson, who returns to her small hometown after her life unravels. There, she faces her family, the pub that once was her family’s home, and a love she never quite left behind.
What I loved most about this book was Eve herself. She’s real, flawed, and full of heart, and I found myself rooting for her through every twist and turn. The characters, especially the unforgettable pub regulars, brought so much charm and humour to the story.
The small-town setting really resonated with me, and the romance with Andy? Swoon-worthy! But beyond the romance, it’s about family, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Sarah Todman’s debut is a must-read, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an emotional, feel-good read!
What I loved most about this book was Eve herself. She’s real, flawed, and full of heart, and I found myself rooting for her through every twist and turn. The characters, especially the unforgettable pub regulars, brought so much charm and humour to the story.
The small-town setting really resonated with me, and the romance with Andy? Swoon-worthy! But beyond the romance, it’s about family, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Sarah Todman’s debut is a must-read, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an emotional, feel-good read!
April 27, 2024
3.5 stars rated up. RTC
April 4, 2024
Now, as you may well be aware,(or not 😅 I don't actually read a lot of romance books, but (and heres the thing) when they are written like this, then I am all in!
What I loved about this was the character of Eve, her being a little on the untrusting side, not easy to get to know, and with her share of trauma all rounded this character out so well for me.
And then all the pub characters, they were just as I expect them to be.
Taking in all the action whilst nestling a beer or two, always helpful (not) with their 10 cents worth yet a part of that big pub family.
And lastly, Andy. Tick, tick, tick!
Gosh, listen to me, all lovey dovey 🤣
But this book isn't all beer and roses.
There is sadness, heartbreak, and the everyday trials of family.
It's just a bloody good read and one that I believe will become a bookstagram favourite.
What I loved about this was the character of Eve, her being a little on the untrusting side, not easy to get to know, and with her share of trauma all rounded this character out so well for me.
And then all the pub characters, they were just as I expect them to be.
Taking in all the action whilst nestling a beer or two, always helpful (not) with their 10 cents worth yet a part of that big pub family.
And lastly, Andy. Tick, tick, tick!
Gosh, listen to me, all lovey dovey 🤣
But this book isn't all beer and roses.
There is sadness, heartbreak, and the everyday trials of family.
It's just a bloody good read and one that I believe will become a bookstagram favourite.
April 4, 2024
My friend lent me her ARC of this Aussie debut novel and I read it in two days. I love that it is set in Queensland and the little town Eve returns to, which she refers to as Nowhereville, drew me in. I want to go and live there! I loved the pub and its staff, and the two barflies Harry and Boris were larrikins I think I've met in real life. Eve is the star of this story though and her identity journey is a compelling one. Andy, the love interest is def swoon-worthy and the final chapter was so cute. A very readable debut!
September 21, 2024
Way to give me all the feels, Sarah! Thanks for sharing Eve with me. I'm sure you'll have continued success with this and anything else you may come up with in the future.
Despite being born on New Year's Eve, Eve Anderson's life has been far from celebratory. The beginning of her 30th year is no different: an affair with her married boss has left her jobless, there's little to no contact with her family and the highlight of the day is talking to the neighbours cat. Yep, Eve's kind of in a funk, and those nightmares just won't stop...
Then she's called home, back to the Western Queensland outback town that she thought that she'd never step foot in again. Back to her family home, that so happens to also be The Imperial Hotel. Back to take on responsibility whilst her Dad undergoes medical treatment. Back to face those who didn't quite accept her quirks in high school... Except for one. Why oh why is Andy Lawson so damn sweet?
My first impression of Eve was how unhinged she was. There was no way that she had her life together. That unexpected, extended stay in Nowheresville really did her the world of good. Focusing on keeping the Imperial afloat and reconnecting with her crush kept the worries at bay and forged a path towards forgiveness, acceptance and family reunions. Wow. Talk about a complete 180!
I laughed and cried. I became frustrated and cheered with victory. Again, what's with the feels that this impressive debut evokes?
4.75 🌟
Despite being born on New Year's Eve, Eve Anderson's life has been far from celebratory. The beginning of her 30th year is no different: an affair with her married boss has left her jobless, there's little to no contact with her family and the highlight of the day is talking to the neighbours cat. Yep, Eve's kind of in a funk, and those nightmares just won't stop...
Then she's called home, back to the Western Queensland outback town that she thought that she'd never step foot in again. Back to her family home, that so happens to also be The Imperial Hotel. Back to take on responsibility whilst her Dad undergoes medical treatment. Back to face those who didn't quite accept her quirks in high school... Except for one. Why oh why is Andy Lawson so damn sweet?
My first impression of Eve was how unhinged she was. There was no way that she had her life together. That unexpected, extended stay in Nowheresville really did her the world of good. Focusing on keeping the Imperial afloat and reconnecting with her crush kept the worries at bay and forged a path towards forgiveness, acceptance and family reunions. Wow. Talk about a complete 180!
I laughed and cried. I became frustrated and cheered with victory. Again, what's with the feels that this impressive debut evokes?
4.75 🌟
October 17, 2024
This was a very quick, easy and enjoyable read. Brought back memories of staying in old pubs over the years, and thinking of the stories the walls could tell! Well done Sarah Todman on a great debut novel.
January 1, 2025
“To being content, in the knowledge that you got everything you ever wanted in life.”
I wasn’t expecting to end up in a blubbering mess with this one, but here I am.
Eve returns to the small town she grew up in to help out in the family pub, while the family she’s been avoiding are dealing with some difficult news.
While back home, Eve becomes vulnerable and opens up to the least likely person you’d expect. Secrets are revealed, there’s trips down memory lane, love blossoms and hearts break.
I laughed and I cried. The characters were fun and lovable, the story, wholesome and heartfelt.
I wasn’t expecting to end up in a blubbering mess with this one, but here I am.
Eve returns to the small town she grew up in to help out in the family pub, while the family she’s been avoiding are dealing with some difficult news.
While back home, Eve becomes vulnerable and opens up to the least likely person you’d expect. Secrets are revealed, there’s trips down memory lane, love blossoms and hearts break.
I laughed and I cried. The characters were fun and lovable, the story, wholesome and heartfelt.
April 25, 2024
New Year’s Eve is a playful novel with all the ingredients you expect from a great rom-com. The protagonist, Eve believes herself doomed from birth. She arrives in the world on NYE after a twenty-three-hour labour and a botched epidural, her name a constant reminder of her birthday. Her trademark is, ‘difficult.’ This makes Eve determined to live a big life in the city and she leaves Nowhereville - her name for the town where she grew up - as soon as she finishes high school. In a final dramatic gesture, she channels her hero Holden Caulfield and sprays literary graffiti across multiple shop fronts ending the job with an exclamation mark.
Twelve years later, her glitzy city life screams to a halt when the affair with her married boss ends, leaving her unemployed. A call from home forces Eve back to the community and country hotel where she grew up. In this small rural town, full of secrets and scandals, we learn about the complex family dynamics and friendships that shaped Eve. It is only after she agrees to step up and help during a family crisis that she learns what is really important and that sometimes the things that matter most are right under our noses.
This novel is a funny and poignant read with a feisty and at times prickly protagonist at its heart. Curl up with Eve’s story and a Do Not Disturb sign on your door.
April 30, 2024
So much is going on in Eve's life. She has just quit her job, she is trying to make a clean break from the married man who keeps trying to pursue her and her mother has summoned her back home saying there's something wrong with her father. When Eve heads home, life gets even messier.
Wow, this book was such an emotional journey! I found myself cheering, laughing and tearing up as I read. Eve seemed like such a normal character, an everyday someone who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, only to have all that more piled on. I loved the way she tackled everything though and came through with her head held high. Congratulations Sarah Todman on your super special debut! I can't wait to see what you write next.
Wow, this book was such an emotional journey! I found myself cheering, laughing and tearing up as I read. Eve seemed like such a normal character, an everyday someone who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, only to have all that more piled on. I loved the way she tackled everything though and came through with her head held high. Congratulations Sarah Todman on your super special debut! I can't wait to see what you write next.
March 27, 2024
I was completely swept away by the ambience of the time and place in Sarah Todman’s addictive debut novel. Secrets and memories intertwine to reveal surprises that kept me guessing until the very end. I laughed, cried and fell in love all at the same time. A clever reminder that we all have stories to tell and pain as well as happiness can coexist.
Sarah expertly wields words to create a protagonist, Eve, who turns self – loathing into an inspiring, healthy ‘sense of self ‘. Forging dreams into reality even while navigating life’s challenges in a unique and beguiling setting.
Sarah expertly wields words to create a protagonist, Eve, who turns self – loathing into an inspiring, healthy ‘sense of self ‘. Forging dreams into reality even while navigating life’s challenges in a unique and beguiling setting.
May 30, 2024
NEW YEAR'S EVE is a binge-worthy masterclass in characterisation and place!
My goodness does Sarah Todman know how to write nuanced and viscerally real characters who, despite their extensive flaws, are easy to empathise with.
I adored this book! Though it's touted as a romance I would call this contemporary fiction with romantic elements. The main narrative centres squarely on the protagonist, Eve, with her burgeoning and swoon-worthy relationship with teenage crush, Andy, adjacent. And that's what I loved about it. There is more meat to this story, to this character, than a typical romance novel-structure might allow for.
Every character, every scene and storyline is essential, elemental and raw. There is never any filler, making the whole thing totally killer!
I'm so impressed with what Sarah has created here. It's deep and important and addictive storytelling and the backdrop of the pub that barely sleeps added a frenetic energy and tidal rhythm that smacked with an authenticity only a former pub-dweller like Sarah could evoke!
You must read this. That is all.
My goodness does Sarah Todman know how to write nuanced and viscerally real characters who, despite their extensive flaws, are easy to empathise with.
I adored this book! Though it's touted as a romance I would call this contemporary fiction with romantic elements. The main narrative centres squarely on the protagonist, Eve, with her burgeoning and swoon-worthy relationship with teenage crush, Andy, adjacent. And that's what I loved about it. There is more meat to this story, to this character, than a typical romance novel-structure might allow for.
Every character, every scene and storyline is essential, elemental and raw. There is never any filler, making the whole thing totally killer!
I'm so impressed with what Sarah has created here. It's deep and important and addictive storytelling and the backdrop of the pub that barely sleeps added a frenetic energy and tidal rhythm that smacked with an authenticity only a former pub-dweller like Sarah could evoke!
You must read this. That is all.
October 17, 2024
This book was incredible!!!! The writing is so beautifully written, the story is heartfelt and wholesome. A story filled with love, loss and family. I really enjoyed reading this one, Sarah has a way of writing words that are so moving.
The story follows eve who returns home to her outback remote town due to a family emergency. We then follow Eve on a journey of self discovery and growth. Filled with love, loss, memories this one is so moving and touched my heart in so many ways.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for that book to just give you all the feels.
The story follows eve who returns home to her outback remote town due to a family emergency. We then follow Eve on a journey of self discovery and growth. Filled with love, loss, memories this one is so moving and touched my heart in so many ways.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for that book to just give you all the feels.
May 15, 2024
This story follows Eve, whose life is turned upside down when she’s forced to leave her comfortable city life and head back to her hometown. A small, middle of nowhere country town that she thought she’d left behind. Forced into a version of her old life, to help her sick father, she’s forced to re-examine her life choices, some of them questionable, and some totally out of her control.
Eve is a compelling yet complex character that ultimately has to pave her own road to self acceptance, whilst she battles family drama, manages a colourful cast of people inhabiting her family’s pub, and an old flame she thought had long burnt out.
This story explores the complexity of family dynamics and what it takes to cross the bridge from girlhood to womanhood, especially when people refuse to take you seriously.
I loved Eve’s dark humour and refusal to contort to social pressure. She was a breath of fresh air and I’ll miss her now that I’ve reached the final page.
Eve is a compelling yet complex character that ultimately has to pave her own road to self acceptance, whilst she battles family drama, manages a colourful cast of people inhabiting her family’s pub, and an old flame she thought had long burnt out.
This story explores the complexity of family dynamics and what it takes to cross the bridge from girlhood to womanhood, especially when people refuse to take you seriously.
I loved Eve’s dark humour and refusal to contort to social pressure. She was a breath of fresh air and I’ll miss her now that I’ve reached the final page.
July 10, 2024
I hadn’t read a book in a while and this was a perfect book to get me restarted. It was a welcoming engaging read, covering a surprising number of heavy topics with respect, while keeping it hopeful fun and grounded. Glad I picked it up!
August 13, 2024
What a lovely read! This gorgeous book has it all and gave me all the feels 🥰
Eve Anderson’s life feels like a giant mess. Having now had to quit her job because of an affair with her boss, she’s not sure what is next.
When her mother rings, demanding she return home to the small country town she grew up in, Eve’s first instinct is to refuse. However her mother pleads with her, convinced something is wrong with her dad and knowing Eve will be the only one who can convince him to see a doctor
Her parents run the iconic local pub The Imperial and soon Eve is thrown into running it while her parents travel to Brisbane for doctors appointments for her dad. This is Eve’s worst nightmare, having avoided everything about her hometown since she left for the “big smoke” at 18
I really enjoyed this story. Eve is such an interesting character, I laughed, cried and cheered for her along the way
I love a small town Aussie setting too, and so many times felt like I was in Nowheresville with Eve.
A wonderful debut, looking forward to what is next for Sarah
Eve Anderson’s life feels like a giant mess. Having now had to quit her job because of an affair with her boss, she’s not sure what is next.
When her mother rings, demanding she return home to the small country town she grew up in, Eve’s first instinct is to refuse. However her mother pleads with her, convinced something is wrong with her dad and knowing Eve will be the only one who can convince him to see a doctor
Her parents run the iconic local pub The Imperial and soon Eve is thrown into running it while her parents travel to Brisbane for doctors appointments for her dad. This is Eve’s worst nightmare, having avoided everything about her hometown since she left for the “big smoke” at 18
I really enjoyed this story. Eve is such an interesting character, I laughed, cried and cheered for her along the way
I love a small town Aussie setting too, and so many times felt like I was in Nowheresville with Eve.
A wonderful debut, looking forward to what is next for Sarah
January 14, 2025
What an incredible debut novel from a QLD author!
This book followed Eve, who appeared quite unhinged, exploring a challenging time in her life that includes grief and loss, complex love and family dynamics.
It was a romance novel set in a small town in Western QLD, which I loved and related to at times. I loved the themes of past choices/memories that are still present for Eve going back to her home town.
Eve’s transformation and learning what is important, and I think learning that her authentic self is loveable, was heartwarming and wholesome to be a part of.
This book followed Eve, who appeared quite unhinged, exploring a challenging time in her life that includes grief and loss, complex love and family dynamics.
It was a romance novel set in a small town in Western QLD, which I loved and related to at times. I loved the themes of past choices/memories that are still present for Eve going back to her home town.
Eve’s transformation and learning what is important, and I think learning that her authentic self is loveable, was heartwarming and wholesome to be a part of.
April 22, 2024
New Years Eve is a must read. I loved it!!!!! It’s heartwarming, funny and downright entertaining . Rarely do I find I book I can’t put down but I was captivated till the very last page. I laughed out loud and cried as I resonated with Eve and her own personal journey to love and acceptance. New Years Eve however, is not just a romance novel but a touching and powerful family saga. Sarah explores the stories of interconnected families and relationships and the complexities that come with families living with secrets and lies.She has captured the true heart of an outback pub and the colourful characters who inhabit it. I just want to sit in the Imperial and have a drink with the locals and be grateful for the simple pleasures in life.
What an amazing debut novel I can’t wait to read her next one.
What an amazing debut novel I can’t wait to read her next one.
August 7, 2024
A wonderful read. You'll find smiles, laughs, tears and food for serious thought throughout this great debut novel. After finishing, I needed to sleep on it and read the last few pages again the next day. For me the characterisations fairly blazed off the page, particularly the fraught mother-daughter relationship. Built on both misunderstandings and deliberate entanglements - including a parent who wantonly plays off her children, unable to resist pitting them in some unofficial contest. As well as being a ballad to familial fatigue, NYE puts the microscope on country towns in Australia (saluting while also revealing the not so pretty). For Queenslanders, there are heaps of familiar references to places and habits. For Australians, there's everything from Scotch Finger biscuits to long, lonely roads. For those from other countries, you will see the harsh reality of life in the bush and the charm of the gems, the rock-hard people, honed from those tribulations. While I have seen this categorised as a Romance, and it does have some lovely love stories, it really in the end came down to a journey of Eve finding and liking herself.
August 20, 2024
Tears were definitely shed at the end of this book! I found Eve’s character to be a little harsh at the start but I adored how her character evolved to become more vulnerable and let people in. I also loved how her relationships with her Dad, Sylvia and Andy developed before it was too late! I enjoyed the book being set in Western Queensland as I found the book relatable and could imagine myself sitting in an outback pub like I have many times before.
May 5, 2024
So I finished Sarah’s book in one night. I seriously couldn’t put it down, I missed my dinner because I was so hooked on Eve and her wanting to find out more more more . I’m obsessed and want to read it all over again!!!
May 28, 2024
"New Year's Eve " is a poignant tale that explores the intricate layers of returning to one's roots. Set against the backdrop of a pub in regional Australia, the protagonist, a 30-year-old woman, reluctantly embarks on a journey back to her hometown after walking (nay, running) away from a thriving corporate career. Through vivid storytelling, the author intricately weaves together themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the importance of familial bonds. As she reconnects with her roots, the protagonist undergoes a profound transformation, finding solace and purpose in the familiar embrace of home. A heartfelt narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.
September 6, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars rounded to 5 ⭐️
This book caught me by surprise. In the most wonderful way.
Set in an Australian outback town, and a pub no less, New Year’s Eve was tender and heartfelt. Full of life’s experiences, questionable choices along the way, and family bonds, there were also some lighthearted moments and a romance. But reader beware, I was overcome with tears toward the end 🥺
A brilliant debut novel by Sarah.
This book caught me by surprise. In the most wonderful way.
Set in an Australian outback town, and a pub no less, New Year’s Eve was tender and heartfelt. Full of life’s experiences, questionable choices along the way, and family bonds, there were also some lighthearted moments and a romance. But reader beware, I was overcome with tears toward the end 🥺
A brilliant debut novel by Sarah.
July 24, 2024
Such a binge worthy book! I loved every bit of it - the small country town setting and the colourful characters that came with. Laughed out loud and shed a few tears. Such a fantastic read. Absolutely recommend this!
March 27, 2024
Sarah Todman spins her compelling story with clean incisive prose, humour and heart. A debut not to be missed.
May 13, 2024
A long weekend and this book were the perfect match. A realistic main character with the charms of outback qld which were so perfectly described. The journey and complexities to the characters unfolding. Families, relationships and romance all in one book. Would recommend.
April 22, 2024
This story had me hooked from the prologue! Such a refreshingly real main character. I felt like I already knew Eve and also wanted to get to know her better with each page turned. It was incredibly easy to read, in the way great writers weave words to bring you in to the story, leaving me chuckling out loud and getting teary-eyed in equal measure. Sarah Todman managed a character depth, without the overwhelming heaviness and angst that sometimes accompanies tough issues - demonstrating outstanding emotional insight. Can’t wait to read more from this author!!
July 6, 2024
I loved this very Australian story and became so immersed I didn't want it to end. I just wanted more. Take a trip to small town Queensland with New Year's Eve, you'll enjoy your stay. I can't wait for Sarah Todman's next book.
August 16, 2024
A great romance read with that touch of outback country community feel which is the real character of the book. Oddly familiar in terms of places and people one grows up with in a small country town. Especially enjoyed the humour and the characterisation of Eve as she deals with so many changes in her life, and trying to live down a reputation upon her return to her childhood home. Lots of drama happening to others behind the scene but, as always, these are resolved and all ends as it should.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews