Girl In Between by Anna Daniels

Aug 11, 2017 Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-books

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I was drawn to the Girl in Between for the distinct Aussie flavour that is filtered throughout this debut novel. I was also in the mood for a spot of contemporary romance and a sharp comedy when I chose to read this book. Girl in Between delivered on all these aspects and I am very glad to have introduced to this debut author, who received a glowing endorsement from a fellow reviewer.

Wrapped up in this true blue Aussie tale is a coming of age novel that focu *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I was drawn to the Girl in Between for the distinct Aussie flavour that is filtered throughout this debut novel. I was also in the mood for a spot of contemporary romance and a sharp comedy when I chose to read this book. Girl in Between delivered on all these aspects and I am very glad to have introduced to this debut author, who received a glowing endorsement from a fellow reviewer.

Wrapped up in this true blue Aussie tale is a coming of age novel that focuses on an early mid-life crisis of a thirty year old woman. Lucy Crighton is an aspiring writer, who has recently suffered from devastating breakup with her boyfriend. Retreating to her parent’s place in Rockhampton seems like the most logical thing to do at time of crisis. With the love of her eccentric parents to hold her up at this time of need, Lucy begins to look to the future. With the help of her best friend Rosie, the two embark on a number of adventures to rid Lucy’s mind of her ex. Despite some fantastic travel adventures to Japan and London, Lucy begins to think back to life as home. Was it so bad? And what about that hunky next door neighbour Lucy parents want to pair her with, could he be the love of her life? Questions of love, career, travel, family, friendship and life in general form this inviting tale from a delightful new voice in Australian fiction.

With an impressive resume of radio and television work, including presenting on a daily staple television program I love, The Project, has put debut author Anna Daniels in good stead for writing her first novel. I was completely enamoured by this titillating Australian contemporary fiction offering. In Girl in Between, Anna Daniels manages to achieve an ideal balance between comedy, romance and realism within her engaging novel.

Lucy is the prime protagonist in Girl in Between, in fact, she is the ultimate girl in between! Through the character of Lucy, Daniels portrays a young woman floating between life choices, romance, career aspirations and cities. It is a very real situation that many young women and men have faced at some point in their lives, or at more than one point in their lives. Although I am not in the same life situation as Daniels lead Lucy, I could relate to many aspects that she agonised over. Lucy is definitely likeable, but she can also be frustrating and indecisive. Lucy’s strong tendency to be indecisive is a quality I could see in myself! Despite any reservations you feel towards Lucy and her actions, it is hard not to root for her cause and overall happiness.

Daniels is adept in creating a wonderful array of side characters. Lucy’s parents, Denise and Brian, are quite the oddball couple, with some great quirks that I definitely won’t forget in a hurry! Much of the humour in Girl in Between is drawn from Lucy’s loveable parents. I really enjoyed the scenes in the novel involving this pair, especially Denise’s fixation on the Cher! Lucy is also supported by a great gal pal, Rosie. It is Rosie that takes Lucy from the depths of despair after her devastating breakup and whisks her away to places to help her forget her dropkick ex. Rosie was able to entertain me completely ands she left me with a warm fuzzy feeling in all the scenes she was a part of. Rosie also sent me longing for some time with my bestie, who sadly lives on the other side of the world.

Romance is also on the cards in Girl in Between. This is the type of romance where there is a real push/pull, will they/won’t they style romance. It was just what my heart and mind needed this past week. Lucy’s romantic journey is an authentic reflection on the complexities of modern relationships. Lucy’s bungles and hesitations in the romance department managed to put a smile on my face and warm the chambers of my heart.

If you love you novels injected with plenty of classic Australian colloquialisms, then Girl in Between is right up your alley. I loved that Anna was able to deliver a great play on words within her first novel. She managed to express the true nature of the Australian way of life and achieve a strong sense of comedic realism in her phrasing. It is hard for me to comment on the localised aspect of this novel, as I have never had the pleasure of visiting the small coastal locale of this novel, Rockhampton (I live in the other coastal town of Rocky, in Western Australia). It did however make me want to pay a visit one day to this part of Australia, which was depicted so clearly by Anna Daniels.

An entertaining Australian gem of a novel, Girl in Between enthralled me from the start to the finish. The plot rolled along happily, entertaining me for two days straight with this witty story of friendship, family, love, travel and above all, finding the things in life that truly matter. I really do hope that this is only the beginning of a bright career ahead in Australian fiction writing for new talent, Anna Daniels. ...more

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May 06, 2017 Veronica ⭐️ rated it liked it

Shelves: australian-author, 2017, aww-2017

Lucy is a 32 year old in betweener, in between jobs, in between boyfriends and in between cities. She’s moved back home until she can sort herself out.
Whilst always trying to choose the path that is right for her, Lucy ends up choosing no path at all. Lucy will travel half way round the world before she works out her commitment problems with both her relationships and career.

I found it hard to visualise the humour in the story unlike a movie, and I’ll quote the authors own example of Muriel’s We ...more

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Jan 29, 2018 Charlotte Annelise rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2018-read, dnf, romance

DNF at page 80. I don't like the writing style. It's too choppy and full of pop culture. I also thought it was a bit too Australian, if that's even a criticism. Super Aussie words were included in every sentence - 'Triple J', 'tradie' and 'esky', it was too much. ...more

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Apr 23, 2017 Sharni rated it really liked it

I love reading debut novels and this one was perfect Sunday afternoon reading. I wasn't completely sold in the beginning but the characters won me over and before long I was laughing with and at events as they unfolded. I kind of want to move to London, work in a bookstore and read up on Cher (the quotes included in the book are hilarious) now or maybe even take a trip to Queensland...

(I won this via a social media giveaway on instagram run by Allen & Unwin)

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Mar 18, 2017 Sue Shepherd rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

What a delightful little book. So enjoyed the Aussie flavour with all our slang and humour tossed in. You'll laugh out loud often whilst churning through the pages. You'll relate to so much that happens to these two best friends. All the characters have a depth that brings you into their world and you are cheering for them by the end. ...more

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Mar 20, 2017 Sasha rated it it was ok

Shelves: drama, romance, humour, australian, travel

I didn't hate this book. I don't finish books I hate. But I definitely had a few moments of thinking "why the fuck am I bothering with this air-head, her definitely-has-a-drinking-problem best friend, and her decidedly odd family?"
I get she is at a crossroad but seriously GET A FUCKING JOB ALREADY!!! You're in your 30s! Stop sponging of your mum and dad!
I guess I just don't have much sympathy for chicks who throw their life away over a guy.
This book was billed as "Hilarious" & "Laugh out loud". ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 Jenn J McLeod rated it it was amazing

I love a book that: has relatable conflict and makes me feel for the character; is quintessentially Australian (and yet it's been sold in Germany. Way to go, Anna!); and contains some classic comedic moments (some that are truly laugh-out-loud).

I first fell in love with Anna Daniel's kirky news reports when she was a guest on The Project TV. IN fact, she has such a unique style that I found myself reading Girl In Between with Anna's 'Rockhampton brogue' - and that made the experience all the mo ...more

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Apr 30, 2017 Julia Durie rated it it was amazing

You know you're reading a great book when you ignore all social contact because you are so engrossed in the story.
That's what happened with Girl in Between.

The story is about Aussie girl Lucy Crighton from tropical Queensland who is figuring out what she wants from her career, love and life in general.

The story is sweet and clever, the setting is unique with great descriptions of north Queensland and London and you will laugh out loud more than once.

Few authors can truly express Australian cultu ...more

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May 17, 2017 Jan rated it it was amazing

Absolutely loved Girl in Between by Anna Daniels.In an over serious world this book is like a breath of fresh air.It is exaggerated in its humour but still relatable.The characters are plausible and I particularly liked the transition to overseas destinations as well...London and Japan.
Well done to Debut Novelist,Anna Daniels,in providing us with a light hearted read set in regional Australia.Despite the humour,the characters still have depth.
I often read Crime/Fiction and Autobiographies so thi ...more

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Feb 22, 2017 Louise rated it it was amazing

This book is utterly delightful and made me belly laugh in places. I loved it!

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Apr 22, 2017 Elle rated it it was amazing

#couldnotputitdown
I cannot recommend this book enough. I have never laughed out loud so much in my entire life. The characters are well rounded and very lovable, perfect book for a night in with a glass of wine! Just looking for other books by Anna Daniels, can’t wait for the next one?

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Apr 09, 2017 Colette78 rated it it was amazing

Just finished reading 'Girl in Between' by debut author Anna Daniels and I'm counting myself lucky as I usually never win anything for free that I actually enjoy, but today I can firmly say I did! This book is bursting at the seams with Aussie humour and relatable characters. It's well written, introspective in places it should be yet uplifting with fun filled stories and witty dialogue. I think the Australian Rom-Com scene is calling out for this book. It's refreshing, light-hearted and not afr ...more

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Apr 22, 2017 Sam rated it it was amazing

In today's global instability, Girl In Between is a timely reminder that we can safely 'laugh out loud' and appreciate our own insecurities. I was initially a bit sceptical about this book, but was proven wrong in everyway. Strong recommend, I have never read a book like this one and can only hope that Anna Daniels can continue such witty use of Australian colloquialism in future books to come. ...more

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May 06, 2017 Sam Still Reading rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: people looking for a book celebrating Australia in a light hearted way

Recommended to Sam Still Reading by: from the publisher

Girl in Between by Anna Daniels is a love letter to many – to Australia, with its love of the Queensland landscape; to Aussie English and all its colloquialisms and to those who find themselves wondering where everything is all going. With its easily likeable heroine Lucy, this is a super fun read that crosses several countries but knows that home is where the heart is.

Lucy is in her early thirties and not quite sure how she got there. She was doing pretty well in her career until she decided to Girl in Between by Anna Daniels is a love letter to many – to Australia, with its love of the Queensland landscape; to Aussie English and all its colloquialisms and to those who find themselves wondering where everything is all going. With its easily likeable heroine Lucy, this is a super fun read that crosses several countries but knows that home is where the heart is.

Lucy is in her early thirties and not quite sure how she got there. She was doing pretty well in her career until she decided to follow her ex to Queensland. Now she’s back home in Rockhampton, living with two older flatmates (i.e. her parents), totally broke and writing a novel accompanied by her fur baby Glenda. Lucy isn’t sure where to go or what to do next. Is she a writer or better suited to being, say, a vet? Is there life after her ex and could it come in the form of the son of the lady next door? There are too many questions for Lucy to event ponder at the moment. Lucky for her that best friend Rosie is there to inject some fun into her life, with random nights out in Rocky and encouraging her to spread her wings again. Can Lucy transition into some semblance of an adult and make up her mind on love and work?

Girl in Between is a fun, occasionally madcap read. I haven’t been to Rockhampton (although I really want to go now), so I can’t say if all the quirky shop names are true and if there really is a matchstick production line in town. (The importance of this will make sense when you read the book). Lucy’s parents are fun, nailing the Aussie slang along with Rosie. Lucy’s mum is into everything, plus she is never short of a Cher quote when things get tough. Lucy’s dad is a slightly quieter character (the typical Aussie bloke) but never short of wise (and Cher-less) advice. Rosie was my favourite character though. She’s a dentist, but take everything you think of related to dentists and Rosie is the opposite. Rosie hates working full time, is an avid devourer of home gadgets catalogues and really likes to cut loose. She’s really quirky and I think even in the dentist’s chair, the conversation wouldn’t be boring.

Lucy tells her story in the first person, so we get to know her from the inside out, privy to her thoughts, feelings and indecision. She is indecisive, but it was never in an irritating way. Plus, it was really pleasing to see her grow as the story went on. I think Anna Daniels has constructed her in a very realistic way – we can all relate to Lucy, even though we secretly want to be fancy free like Rosie!

The ending was a little out there, but it wasn’t outside the realms of possibility. (Anyway, it’s fiction. Where else can you take a few liberties?) It was fitting to the story and it was sweet.

If you enjoyed The Castle, you’ll love the Aussie-ness of Girl in Between. It’s a light, amusing read that will remind you of all the great Aussie things in life.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.

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May 31, 2017 Kate rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, womans-fiction, set-in-australia, chick-lit, romance, humor, set-in-japan, fun, set-in-london

Lucy Crighton was a successful TV producer in Melbourne with a lot of potential. She never expected to be living in her childhood bedroom again in her thirties with a robot vacuum as her alarm clock. Using the excuse of moving back in with her parents to finish writing a book and assess her next move, Lucy is stuck. As she tries to find some direction and a job which pays, Lucy navigates advice from her slightly eccentric parents, distractions in the form of her handsome new neighbour and the cr Lucy Crighton was a successful TV producer in Melbourne with a lot of potential. She never expected to be living in her childhood bedroom again in her thirties with a robot vacuum as her alarm clock. Using the excuse of moving back in with her parents to finish writing a book and assess her next move, Lucy is stuck. As she tries to find some direction and a job which pays, Lucy navigates advice from her slightly eccentric parents, distractions in the form of her handsome new neighbour and the crazy antics of her best friend Rosie. Lucy may be the girl in between but with the help of her loved ones she might just find just where she belongs.

Girl in Between is the Bridget Jones Diary for the millennial set. Lucy is a woman entering her thirties with her life in pieces. She got her heart broken and as a result of poor decisions following the relationship breakdown she's now without a job and feeling a little lost. Living with her parents was only meant to be temporary as she found her footing but now months later (and her finances still in tatters) Lucy shows no signs of moving out. Her best friend is only interested in working part-time but living life to the full - a concept Lucy's father doesn't understand in the slightest.

After meeting Oscar, the son of her parents new neighbour, Lucy's life gets more complicated. Not wanting to make a move on an unavailable man, Lucy tries to move on from any idea of Oscar as well as getting over the ex who sent her moving back to Rockhampton, Lucy has to work out what she wants from life. A story which crosses continents and includes many life lessons from Cher, Girl in Between is a heartwarming and clever take on one woman's coming of age (early mid-life crisis?) in the modern world.

I loved the character of Lucy. She's not a loser but rather she's just a little lost in life. She went out on a limb for love and ended up falling into pieces. And whilst she may have no money, no house and no romantic relationship to speak of she does have three things which help her get to where she needs to go: The love of a lovely puppy, parents who (whilst they don't understand her) love and support her through everything and a best friend who sometimes knows just what Lucy needs even when she doesn't know herself. I think one of the great things about Lucy is even when she is at her lowest, she never gives up on life. She takes jobs she's not passionate about because sometimes that's what being an adult is all about. And throughout everything she keeps her sense of humour.

The supporting characters are so much fun. They deliver the hard line when necessary but for the most part they add some hilarious comic relief to Lucy's story. The romantic storyline was deliciously complicated in the way all the best love stories are and I enjoyed not quite knowing how things were going to end for Lucy in that respect.

This book captures reality in a wonderfully funny way. There are parts of Lucy's story which will resonate with all readers. Her parents represent Aussie Baby Boomers in a fresh yet relatable way. Her mother's belief in Cher holding all the answers and her father's adjustment to life as a retiree was entertaining and real. Lucy's journey as she finds what makes her happy was a enjoyable one to follow with there being plenty of humour and heartfelt moments.

Girl in Between is a wonderful addition to the Aussie contemporary scene. A novel about modern life with all the complexities love and families bring, Lucy's story is sure to entertain and bring a smile to your face.

Many thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy. ...more

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May 27, 2017 Cass Moriarty rated it liked it

Girl in Between (Allen & Unwin Books 2017) is the light-hearted and entertaining debut novel by Anna Daniels - Author. You may recognise Anna’s name from her appearances on The Project, or perhaps from the hilarious train-wreck of an interview she conducted many years ago with Russell Crowe (a derivative of which appears in the book, with names changed to protect the innocent). ‘Funny’ is very hard to get right, but Anna manages to take us on a comedy romp through a rom-com narrative that is bot Girl in Between (Allen & Unwin Books 2017) is the light-hearted and entertaining debut novel by Anna Daniels - Author. You may recognise Anna’s name from her appearances on The Project, or perhaps from the hilarious train-wreck of an interview she conducted many years ago with Russell Crowe (a derivative of which appears in the book, with names changed to protect the innocent). ‘Funny’ is very hard to get right, but Anna manages to take us on a comedy romp through a rom-com narrative that is both touching and romantic, as well as being peppered with Australian colloquialisms and familiar cultural references. Lucy Crighton is the girl in between: in between relationships, in between jobs and in between countries. Most of the book is set in her home town of Rockhampton, and Queenslanders will revel in the easily recognisable landmarks, language, habits and cultural norms of the state’s north. What Anna does best is the dialogue and the easy mannerisms of her characters, bringing them to life as quintessential Aussie larrikins of the modern age. The heart of the story is a romance – albeit Anna herself is none too sure of the focus of her attentions. The several attractive contenders keep pace with her witty best friend, Rosie, and her endearing parents, Brian and Denise, and of course her faithful kelpie, Glenda. As Lucy attempts to work out what she wants from life, and how she is going to get it, the cast of colourful characters keeps us entertained with laugh-out-loud exploits and crazy scenarios. Lucy relishes in wild nights at the local Whipcrack Hotel as she tries to revive her career as a TV presenter in the nation’s beef capital while simultaneously attempting to finish her first novel. While reading, I wondered how much of the narrative was autobiographical; many of the scenes certainly rang with the truth of lived experience. Lucy’s self-doubt, her ambition, her romantic desires and the loyalty of her relationships make you wish for a madcap friend like her. On a personal note, I found Lucy’s travels appealing (and I presume these stem from Anna’s own experiences), as I have travelled to or lived in many of the same areas: the remote and beautiful countryside of Koyasan in rural Japan, and the tropical heat and eccentricities of Darwin. Lucy also lives and works in London, a working holiday setting to which many young Aussies will relate. I was fortunate to hear Anna read from her novel at a Queensland Writers Centre event earlier in the year, and her television experience shone through in her animated and very funny reading. If you are heading to the beach in the upcoming holidays, this might be a good accompanying read. ...more

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Jun 08, 2017 Josie rated it it was amazing

Oh this was a brilliant read and I loved it for all of it's bogan glory! (I actually read this over the course of 1 evening.)
I've been somewhat "off" chick lit for a number of years now, but this was a refreshing sidestep from my usual go to reads these days.
Largely set in Rockhampton in northern Queensland of the east coats of Australia - which in itself is a great thing - this is a coming of age tale, in your 30s!
The locations this book weaved between were all familiar to me, so this really di ...more

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May 01, 2017 Sally Anne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a read! If I recapture the essence of this book in a brief summary, I would liken it to a warmhearted, Muriel's Wedding/Castle style drop back with witty dialogue and a cast of characters which amuse and challenge you in equal measures. When I try to think of a similar Australian novel I am hard pressed to deliver. I found myself invested in the outcomes for the main character/s and related to their struggles. Simple yet poignant themes are woven throughout, and overall I can't help but loo ...more

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May 02, 2017 Amelia McCallum rated it it was amazing

Wow, what a fabulous read. I couldn't put it down! In fact I don't think I have ever read a book so quickly in my life! I'm 27, and I've told all my friends to grab a copy. I can't wait for the sequel Anna Daniels. Congratulations! ...more

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Apr 22, 2017 Bookacino And rated it it was amazing

This book is hilarious! The sense of place and the characters are so unique, yet so relatable! If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted yet at times poignant and well-written rom-com, then this is the one for you! Brilliant debut novel! ...more

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May 10, 2017 Shanayah rated it liked it

Shelves: read-novels, review-copy, read-contemporaries

Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Full Review Here

Prior to receiving this book, I hadn’t heard anything about it. I read the blurb and was really excited, it sounds like a promising read. I hadn’t heard of the author before, since Girl in Between is her debut novel. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot more adult fiction than YA fiction, and this one followed similar lines to adult fiction romances, and reminded me of Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, but somewhat fell a bit short for me.

The writing Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Full Review Here

Prior to receiving this book, I hadn’t heard anything about it. I read the blurb and was really excited, it sounds like a promising read. I hadn’t heard of the author before, since Girl in Between is her debut novel. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot more adult fiction than YA fiction, and this one followed similar lines to adult fiction romances, and reminded me of Sophie Kinsella’s My Not So Perfect Life, but somewhat fell a bit short for me.

The writing style was alright, it seemed more like a verbal story than a novel at some points, and the flow was a little odd to me. The whole book seemed like it was going pretty quickly, going from different places, to being with different people, and it was just a tumbly turny adventure. It was definitely interesting though, and I was quite amused at the whole Cher theme.

The characters were a bit too wishy washy for my liking, I don’t like how indecisive Lucy and Oscar were, and I really, really don’t like anything to do with love triangles, especially if one part is already in a relationship????? Not cool. The characters were a bit meh to me, like I did like them, but I wasn’t attached to any of them, I also thought the age was a bit odd, since Lucy and Rosie did not act 32 at all. Lucy’s parents were a bit odd, but I liked them. I also really liked the relationship between Rosie and Lucy’s parents, I thought it was cool how close she was to them.

To be honest, I didn’t really laugh out loud at any parts (even though the cover promised a ‘laugh-out-loud novel’!), and I’m a bit sad about that, because I really wanted to love this book, the synopsis held so much potential. I feel like there’s potential in the story, but it could be developed a bit further.

I probably wouldn’t recommend this to readers outside of Australia, just because there was a very strong Aussie vibe to the book. I feel like the reader would have to be from Australia to be able to enjoy it properly, and even though I got most of the references, I wasn’t as into it.

I received a review copy from the publisher

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Mar 29, 2017 Tianne Shaw rated it it was amazing

Very easy to read and quite a light hearted book of a 30plus Lucy and her dramas between jobs and finding herself again. The characters certainly have some great almost Kath and Kim type elements but an enjoyable book overall.

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Mar 21, 2017 BookWorm rated it it was amazing

What a charming book! The carefree style and simple Aussie honesty will make you warm inside. I loved it! A book which reminds you to not take yourself too seriously.
Look forward to reading more from this author.

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May 20, 2017 Victoria Kennedy rated it really liked it

Shelves: bookshelf-fiction, read-in-2017

A laugh-out-loud read that you won't be able to put down!

Having moved back in with her parents at age thirty-two, Lucy has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She doesn't know where she wants to live, what job she wants to have, and she isn't quiet ready to move on from her last relationship. All she wants to do is write her novel, go for walks with her dog Glenda, and hang out with her bestie Rosie. But with barely any money in her bank account, her parents constantly worried about her A laugh-out-loud read that you won't be able to put down!

Having moved back in with her parents at age thirty-two, Lucy has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She doesn't know where she wants to live, what job she wants to have, and she isn't quiet ready to move on from her last relationship. All she wants to do is write her novel, go for walks with her dog Glenda, and hang out with her bestie Rosie. But with barely any money in her bank account, her parents constantly worried about her life decisions, and her own worries that she's never going to know what do to, get married or have children, Lucy takes the leap to follow her friend Rosie to London. As she embarks on new adventures, makes new friends and finds love, Lucy finally finds her new path in life after reaching the crossroads.

Never have I laughed out loud so much while reading a book - and when you're reading this at 1am with people asleep in the house, it's really hard to keep quiet! I swear every page had some hilarious comment or cultural reference that I couldn't help but laugh at. I felt right a home with this book and these characters, and I'd totally want to be friends with Lucy and Rosie, even though they are ten years older than I am.

One thing I loved about this book is that most of it is set in Australia, and while I've never stepped foot in Queensland, let alone Rockhampton, it still felt so familiar to me. And with heaps of references to Aussie culture, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the book. Even with the overseas locations, I could totally picture myself there with the characters, despite never having been to those places.

All of the characters were fantastically lovable and I would probably enjoy reading about them watching paint dry. Again, they were so familiar because I'm sure I know someone in real life who is exactly like them. I could totally see myself hanging out with Lucy and Rosie, or having tea with Denise, and stopping for a pie with Brian - they all felt so real.

I really enjoyed Anna's writing style and Lucy's narration of her story, especially the random details and observations that Lucy makes about the world around her - they aren't essential to the story, but make the character feel so much more real and relatable, because of course I want to hear about how the new fish & chip shop owners were busted for selling drugs. It's these details that made me laugh and love this story.

Its fun and funny, but there's also a really great message about pursing what you are passionate about, taking that leap of faith you've been too scared to take, and knowing that it's okay to go back to square one if things don't go as planned. Everyone, at some point in their lives, will reach a crossroads, you've just got to pick a direction and see where it takes you.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, hilarious and fun story with awesome characters that you'll fall in love with. No matter where you are in the world or whether you've reached a crossroad yet or not, you'll be laughing from page one and unable to put this fantastic book down. ...more

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Jun 22, 2017 Jo-Ann Duff (Duffy The Writer) rated it really liked it

If you are a follower of Duffythewriter, you will probably guess (quite correctly) that my favourite book genre is thriller. I seek out pages full of darkness, suspense, twisted characters, and twisted plotlines. So, you might be wondering what I was doing reading The Girl In Between. Well, I also fancy myself as a bit of a joker, love nothing more than pub banter with my mates, and find myself lurching from one ridiculous social situation to another in life, so it’s this side of my life that le If you are a follower of Duffythewriter, you will probably guess (quite correctly) that my favourite book genre is thriller. I seek out pages full of darkness, suspense, twisted characters, and twisted plotlines. So, you might be wondering what I was doing reading The Girl In Between. Well, I also fancy myself as a bit of a joker, love nothing more than pub banter with my mates, and find myself lurching from one ridiculous social situation to another in life, so it’s this side of my life that lead me to read Anna Daniels new fiction, The Girl In Between.

“Lucy Crighton has just moved in with some gregarious housemates called Brian and Denise…who are her parents. She’s also the proud mother of Glenda, her beloved 10-year old…kelpie. And she has absolutely no interest in the dashing son of her parents new next-door neighbour… well, maybe just a little…”

I immediately took to the character Lucy. She’s 32, and far from having it all, in fact, she’s almost on her last $50. I could completely relate to having a relationship end in my 30’s and the sheer cliff-face of doom and failure that smacks you in the face, spending your days just trying to scramble back from the brink. That feeling of not wanting fall apart, yet having no idea what to do to make it alright. What also resonated with me was the support of family and friends that rally around to get you out of your funk through love, bloody tough love, adventures, opportunities, and lots and lots of vino. That’s what this book is all about.

The mad, yet adorable Rockhampton Crighton family will have your heart. So much so, you’ll feel like you’ve sat on the couch and had a cup of tea with Denise yourself. Lucy’s headstrong, no filter, gregarious, best mate Rosie is laugh out loud funny, and you really do feel a part of this fiction book as you hang out with the Crighton’s and Lucy tries to get her life together. There are plenty of so-called chick-lit books out there, but The Girl In-Between has the edge if you want relatable madness. There are some genuinely funny moments, with on-point observations of the locals in Rocky, the nuanced details of London that ring oh-so-true, and of course Sydney. A really fun read.

Being an ex-pat from the UK, who went through a similar situation and ended up living in Sydney, I didn’t have any other choice but to be drawn to this book. I would tell you it’s a great holiday read, but it’s more than that. It’s a bloody good read, wherever you choose to turn the pages, so get out and buy it. You won’t regret it, and it will be sure to do the rounds with your mates!

The Girl In Between was given to me in exchange for an honest review via the wonderful Allen & Unwin and Beauty & Lace Book Club ...more

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Sep 08, 2017 Amy Smolcic rated it really liked it

Lucy Crighton is having a bit of a crossroads moment. She’s left her media career in Melbourne, had her heart put through the shredder, and she is now back in Rockhampton living with her parents. It’s not all bad news for Lucy, though she doesn’t realise it, there’s a lot of great things happening in her life — she has a wonderful family, a supportive best friend, her 10 year Kelpie Glenda, a novel that’s coming together, and you can’t forget about the neighbour's gorgeous son.

We can all relate ...more

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May 14, 2017 Stef (Noveltea Corner) rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copies, read-2017

Girl in Between is a light, fun look at the life of a thirty-something woman at a crossroads in her life. Set against a backdrop in Rockhampton, then Japan and England, it’s the story of a woman trying to find herself and her purpose, making mistakes and learning about life along the way.

The debut novel by Australian author, Anna Daniels, has a very distinct Aussie voice - the slang and mannerisms of the people are instantly recognisable and it is both memorable and funny. As a thirty-something Girl in Between is a light, fun look at the life of a thirty-something woman at a crossroads in her life. Set against a backdrop in Rockhampton, then Japan and England, it’s the story of a woman trying to find herself and her purpose, making mistakes and learning about life along the way.

The debut novel by Australian author, Anna Daniels, has a very distinct Aussie voice - the slang and mannerisms of the people are instantly recognisable and it is both memorable and funny. As a thirty-something year old myself, there are aspects of Lucy Crichton’s life that I fully sympathise with, and that personal connection made the story seem all the more real and life-like. Lucy, as a character is warm and funny and totally out of her depth as she searches for her true purpose in life, beyond finishing her book. Does she need a job? A boyfriend? A place to call her own? What does it cost to have any of those things?

She’s clearly wrestling with a lot of big changes.

Daniels has included a great range of side-characters. From Lucy’s hilarious parents, Brian and Denise, to her long-time best friend and all the characters in between, we’re never short of an interesting time. All of them are trying to help Lucy become more decisive, to help her pick up the pieces of her life and find what it is she’s looking for - whether it be through sage advice, Cher-isms, or getting out of the country.

The story itself is very much a journey - the complications, as they come along, fit neatly into the story without over-powering it. We, as readers, are taken along for the ride as Lucy tries first to remake her life in Rockhampton, then again in London, with all the trials that come along the way.

Overall, this was a fun, light-hearted read that is perfect for curling up on the couch with a good cup of tea. (Or coffee, whatever your preference!)

3.5 out of 5 stars.

(Thank you to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Girl in Between in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) ...more

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May 31, 2017 Ann-Marie rated it it was amazing

Bl**dy brilliant.
Sorry but I had to start like that.

The thing I loved most about this book was that our Aussieness is not taken out of the book. From the way we shorten names or add a ‘y’, to the special way we say things. These things make us unique and to read it all in a book without one ‘mate’ was fantastic.

Anna Daniels has written a heartwarming story about Lucy a 30 something woman who is living back home with mum and dad and her dog Glenda. Oh how I loved that dog’s name. A non traditio ...more

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Jun 02, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it

I've just spent the entire day reading this and I'm happy to say it really DOES make you giggle out loud!!!

Putting it simply, it's a story about a girl named Lucy who is in her early thirties nursing heartache from a previous relationship and is questioning her next move.

It sums up and honestly reveals how a break up can be so destabilising.

Lucy seeks refuge back to her home town of Rockhampton in central queensland.
Enter now the wild and glorious best friend (Rosie) and Lucy's parents (Denis ...more

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May 19, 2017 Talking Books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Five out of five star reading for Girl In Between by author Anna Daniels! I have not laughed out loud so much as I did reading this book! A joy to read the characters and their comical yet heartfelt moments in each of the chapters. Up there with the best book reads of the year without a doubt!
Review copy received from Allen & Unwin Australia

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