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Keeping Up Appearances
As tensions simmer in a small country town, three women are going to need more than CWA sausage rolls and can-do community spirit to put things right. From a bestselling Australian author comes a delightful novel full of practical wisdom and dry humour that examines female friendship, buried secrets and why honesty is (usually) the best policy.
Privacy is hard to maintain in Badara, the kind of small Australian country town where everyone knows everyone else's business. So discovers single mum Paige when she and her three children arrive from the city seeking refuge. Paige's only respite from child care and loneliness is the Tuesday gym club, where she had feared the judgement of the town matriarchs, but she is met only with generosity and a plethora of baked goods. Besides, both the brusque Marion and her polished sister-in-law Briony are too busy dealing with their own dramas to examine hers.
Well-to-do farmer's wife and proud mother Briony is in full denial of her family's troubles. Even with her eldest daughter's marriage in ruins and her son Blake's recent bombshell. Suddenly Briony and husband Vince have a full house again - and the piles of laundry aren't the only dirty linen that's about to be aired.
For Marion, the unearthing of a time capsule - its contents to be read at the Celebrate Badara weekend - is a disaster. She was only a teenager when she wrote down those poisonous words, but that doesn't mean she won't lose friends and family if they hear what she really thinks of them - especially as the letter reveals their darkest secrets to the world.
When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone ...
Privacy is hard to maintain in Badara, the kind of small Australian country town where everyone knows everyone else's business. So discovers single mum Paige when she and her three children arrive from the city seeking refuge. Paige's only respite from child care and loneliness is the Tuesday gym club, where she had feared the judgement of the town matriarchs, but she is met only with generosity and a plethora of baked goods. Besides, both the brusque Marion and her polished sister-in-law Briony are too busy dealing with their own dramas to examine hers.
Well-to-do farmer's wife and proud mother Briony is in full denial of her family's troubles. Even with her eldest daughter's marriage in ruins and her son Blake's recent bombshell. Suddenly Briony and husband Vince have a full house again - and the piles of laundry aren't the only dirty linen that's about to be aired.
For Marion, the unearthing of a time capsule - its contents to be read at the Celebrate Badara weekend - is a disaster. She was only a teenager when she wrote down those poisonous words, but that doesn't mean she won't lose friends and family if they hear what she really thinks of them - especially as the letter reveals their darkest secrets to the world.
When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone ...
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2022
105 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
27 books420 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
October 22, 2022
EXCERPT: 'It seems to me that keeping things quiet only causes angst later.'
'What are you referring to?'
'Everything and nothing.' Vince shrugged.
Briony glared at him, but he met her look with one of quiet resignation.
'Buried secrets, love ... they have a way of working their way to the top.'
ABOUT 'KEEPING UP APPEARANCES': Privacy is hard to maintain in Badara, the kind of small Australian country town where everyone knows everyone else's business. So discovers single mum Paige when she and her three children arrive from the city seeking refuge. Paige's only respite from child care and loneliness is the Tuesday gym club, where she had feared the judgement of the town matriarchs, but she is met only with generosity and a plethora of baked goods. Besides, both the brusque Marion and her polished sister-in-law Briony are too busy dealing with their own dramas to examine hers.
Well-to-do farmer's wife and proud mother Briony is in full denial of her family's troubles. Even with her eldest daughter's marriage in ruins and her son Blake's recent bombshell. Suddenly Briony and husband Vince have a full house again - and the piles of laundry aren't the only dirty linen that's about to be aired.
For Marion, the unearthing of a time capsule - its contents to be read at the Celebrate Badara weekend - is a disaster. She was only a teenager when she wrote down those poisonous words, but that doesn't mean she won't lose friends and family if they hear what she really thinks of them - especially as the letter reveals their darkest secrets to the world.
When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone ...
MY THOUGHTS: Keeping Up Appearances is a great title for this novel. Most of us are influenced to some extent by the thought of what other people will think of us. And that is fine to a certain extent, but Briony takes it to a whole other level. Her life and actions are ruled by worrying about what other people think, and her inability to put this aside and accept the reality of situations may just be the thing that tears her family apart. After all, truth will always out.
Tricia Stringer writes captivating family dramas. Her characters, by the end of the book, feel like old friends; although I have to admit that it took me some time to settle into this read. But once I did, I was frantically flipping pages to see how the problems that the various characters faced would be resolved - if they were to be resolved at all.
Issues include a single mum on the run from her family with her three children; a woman who can't accept that her children aren't living the perfect lives she envisaged for them; a woman afraid to face her friends again after a family scandal not of her making; and a woman whose teenage actions come back to bite her on the you-know-where.
Unusually for Stringer's characters, initially they mostly irritated me. I really didn't warm to any of them. But as their pasts were revealed I began to understand and empathise with them. Briony was the most irritating. I really just wanted to pull that poker right out of her ass. I loved Sarah. She just exudes love, warmth and generosity; and I loved how she took Paige under her wing.
Despite a bit of a shaky start, I ended up enjoying this read. It's not my favourite of her books - that honour goes to The Family Inheritance, closely followed by Birds of a Feather - but it's ultimately a rewarding read.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#KeepingUpAppearances #NetGalley
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'What are you referring to?'
'Everything and nothing.' Vince shrugged.
Briony glared at him, but he met her look with one of quiet resignation.
'Buried secrets, love ... they have a way of working their way to the top.'
ABOUT 'KEEPING UP APPEARANCES': Privacy is hard to maintain in Badara, the kind of small Australian country town where everyone knows everyone else's business. So discovers single mum Paige when she and her three children arrive from the city seeking refuge. Paige's only respite from child care and loneliness is the Tuesday gym club, where she had feared the judgement of the town matriarchs, but she is met only with generosity and a plethora of baked goods. Besides, both the brusque Marion and her polished sister-in-law Briony are too busy dealing with their own dramas to examine hers.
Well-to-do farmer's wife and proud mother Briony is in full denial of her family's troubles. Even with her eldest daughter's marriage in ruins and her son Blake's recent bombshell. Suddenly Briony and husband Vince have a full house again - and the piles of laundry aren't the only dirty linen that's about to be aired.
For Marion, the unearthing of a time capsule - its contents to be read at the Celebrate Badara weekend - is a disaster. She was only a teenager when she wrote down those poisonous words, but that doesn't mean she won't lose friends and family if they hear what she really thinks of them - especially as the letter reveals their darkest secrets to the world.
When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone ...
MY THOUGHTS: Keeping Up Appearances is a great title for this novel. Most of us are influenced to some extent by the thought of what other people will think of us. And that is fine to a certain extent, but Briony takes it to a whole other level. Her life and actions are ruled by worrying about what other people think, and her inability to put this aside and accept the reality of situations may just be the thing that tears her family apart. After all, truth will always out.
Tricia Stringer writes captivating family dramas. Her characters, by the end of the book, feel like old friends; although I have to admit that it took me some time to settle into this read. But once I did, I was frantically flipping pages to see how the problems that the various characters faced would be resolved - if they were to be resolved at all.
Issues include a single mum on the run from her family with her three children; a woman who can't accept that her children aren't living the perfect lives she envisaged for them; a woman afraid to face her friends again after a family scandal not of her making; and a woman whose teenage actions come back to bite her on the you-know-where.
Unusually for Stringer's characters, initially they mostly irritated me. I really didn't warm to any of them. But as their pasts were revealed I began to understand and empathise with them. Briony was the most irritating. I really just wanted to pull that poker right out of her ass. I loved Sarah. She just exudes love, warmth and generosity; and I loved how she took Paige under her wing.
Despite a bit of a shaky start, I ended up enjoying this read. It's not my favourite of her books - that honour goes to The Family Inheritance, closely followed by Birds of a Feather - but it's ultimately a rewarding read.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#KeepingUpAppearances #NetGalley
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 26, 2022
3.5★
“Marion had to go it alone, but one thing was for sure: revealing what they’d put into the capsule would cause so much hurt to the small community she now thought so fondly of. She couldn’t let it happen.”
Badara is a little town that needs to attract visitors, and someone suggests recreating a past festival from more than 50 years ago.
“ ‘The Country Courier 24 November 1970’
There was a spectacular turnout for the Back to Badara celebrations last weekend when more than five hundred past and present residents attended a variety of events over three days.”
Into this small, rural town in South Australia comes young widow Paige with her three children (by different fathers – so, judge her already. It’s what she expects). She’s on the run from Melton, Victoria, hoping to dodge her in-laws who want custody of her late husband’s little one, Levi.
Paige has moved into what was once the old bakery, so she is pretty much assaulted by all of the town’s matrons who grew up with varying memories of the building. Welcome to other people’s pasts. She is sort of aggressively adopted, but at least she feels welcome.
These are the women trying to rev up the town’s reputation and organise a fund-raiser at the same time. Studying the photo in the old newspaper article, they reminisce about the day when they were teens. Some of their rivalries have changed, and not all of their group are still alive.
“ ‘The time capsule!’ she blurted.
‘We could dig it up and bury another one,’ Jean said. ‘People always love that kind of thing.’
‘No!’
Both Briony and jean were startled.
‘Not for a fundraiser anyway,’ Marion said quickly.
‘It’d be the perfect thing.’ Briony frowned at her. ‘People could pay to put something in the next one.’
Jean clapped her hands. ‘Another way to raise money.’
‘No.’ Marion shook her head quickly. ‘It’s not quite right for an event like this. We need something grand to get people putting their hands in their pockets. Time capsules have been done to death.’
She knew she was blathering but she had to put a stop to the time capsule reveal… Fifty years into the future had seemed beyond them.”
You get the idea. Meanwhile, the women are anxious to have Paige join their fitness group because their trainer says she won’t come to Badara for so few people. So Paige is drawn further and further into the group.
Badara’s secrets, jealousies, loyalties, and particularly prejudices are given a good airing, and I’m sure the author’s fans will eat this up. The phrase “keeping up appearances” occurs many times, referring to why particular subjects have never been discussed or even alluded to, and why people still refuse to talk about them. Eventually, the stress of pretending gets too much.
The topics are obvious, with few surprises, so I ended up skimming, but Stringer writes real people, and I'm sure her following won’t be disappointed. It’s just not my thing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy for review.
“Marion had to go it alone, but one thing was for sure: revealing what they’d put into the capsule would cause so much hurt to the small community she now thought so fondly of. She couldn’t let it happen.”
Badara is a little town that needs to attract visitors, and someone suggests recreating a past festival from more than 50 years ago.
“ ‘The Country Courier 24 November 1970’
There was a spectacular turnout for the Back to Badara celebrations last weekend when more than five hundred past and present residents attended a variety of events over three days.”
Into this small, rural town in South Australia comes young widow Paige with her three children (by different fathers – so, judge her already. It’s what she expects). She’s on the run from Melton, Victoria, hoping to dodge her in-laws who want custody of her late husband’s little one, Levi.
Paige has moved into what was once the old bakery, so she is pretty much assaulted by all of the town’s matrons who grew up with varying memories of the building. Welcome to other people’s pasts. She is sort of aggressively adopted, but at least she feels welcome.
These are the women trying to rev up the town’s reputation and organise a fund-raiser at the same time. Studying the photo in the old newspaper article, they reminisce about the day when they were teens. Some of their rivalries have changed, and not all of their group are still alive.
“ ‘The time capsule!’ she blurted.
‘We could dig it up and bury another one,’ Jean said. ‘People always love that kind of thing.’
‘No!’
Both Briony and jean were startled.
‘Not for a fundraiser anyway,’ Marion said quickly.
‘It’d be the perfect thing.’ Briony frowned at her. ‘People could pay to put something in the next one.’
Jean clapped her hands. ‘Another way to raise money.’
‘No.’ Marion shook her head quickly. ‘It’s not quite right for an event like this. We need something grand to get people putting their hands in their pockets. Time capsules have been done to death.’
She knew she was blathering but she had to put a stop to the time capsule reveal… Fifty years into the future had seemed beyond them.”
You get the idea. Meanwhile, the women are anxious to have Paige join their fitness group because their trainer says she won’t come to Badara for so few people. So Paige is drawn further and further into the group.
Badara’s secrets, jealousies, loyalties, and particularly prejudices are given a good airing, and I’m sure the author’s fans will eat this up. The phrase “keeping up appearances” occurs many times, referring to why particular subjects have never been discussed or even alluded to, and why people still refuse to talk about them. Eventually, the stress of pretending gets too much.
The topics are obvious, with few surprises, so I ended up skimming, but Stringer writes real people, and I'm sure her following won’t be disappointed. It’s just not my thing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy for review.
October 4, 2022
Keeping up Appearances is a domestic drama set in a small Australian town called Badara. There are lots of characters, but most of the action is around the families of three women, Paige, Briony and Marion.
The title says it all as most of the characters are concealing secrets which they feel make them appear less than they wish to be. Briony is possibly the worst case as she is not just disappointed in all three of her adult children but is embarrassed by them as well. Of course, secrets have a way of coming out especially in a small town.
I was frequently irritated by the foolish choices the characters made but by the end of the book I was completely involved and could not wait to see how each woman would deal with her issues. Recommended for fans of this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The title says it all as most of the characters are concealing secrets which they feel make them appear less than they wish to be. Briony is possibly the worst case as she is not just disappointed in all three of her adult children but is embarrassed by them as well. Of course, secrets have a way of coming out especially in a small town.
I was frequently irritated by the foolish choices the characters made but by the end of the book I was completely involved and could not wait to see how each woman would deal with her issues. Recommended for fans of this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 4, 2022
Paige had fled Melton in Victoria's south for the small town of Badara in South Australia, with its approximately three hundred people. She was sure she and her three children, Jayden, Kodie and Levi would be safe, and keeping her own counsel would further secure them. But as a single mum Paige had it tough, and it wasn't long before the kind, caring townsfolk took her under their wing. First it was the casual exercise class of a Tuesday morning, with Marion, ex school teacher and brusque manner offering her homemade sausage rolls, then it was the kindly Sarah who'd, up until recently, been a recluse. And Sarah's son Dane and his son, Zuri, a bit older than Jayden. There was family football, barbeques and more. Paige took a while to accept it for what it was, but she finally felt content.
Briony and her husband Vince had owned the farm which had been in the family for eons. Youngest daughter Madeleine lived with her parents, living for her love of horses. When first Chelsey arrived home, loaded with her luggage and in tears, then Blake, who'd lived in London for the past three years, arrived home, their home was full with family again. But it wasn't a happy vibe, and Briony was shattered at the revelations. But she was of the opinion they must keep up appearances - no one should know...
The fifty two year old time capsule, which had been buried at the last Badara Festival, was going to be unearthed and the contents read at the upcoming Badara Festival - and Marion was beside herself. She wanted to find and destroy the capsule before it was too late. But would that happen? The secrets that had been hidden for so long were rising to the surface and people were bound to be hurt.
Keeping up Appearances is another spectacular novel by Aussie author Tricia Stringer and I loved it. Heartfelt, shattering, filled with tension, the characters were down to earth, kind and caring, but each family held secrets tight against their chests. Whenever I read a Tricia Stringer book, I know I'll be entertained. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Briony and her husband Vince had owned the farm which had been in the family for eons. Youngest daughter Madeleine lived with her parents, living for her love of horses. When first Chelsey arrived home, loaded with her luggage and in tears, then Blake, who'd lived in London for the past three years, arrived home, their home was full with family again. But it wasn't a happy vibe, and Briony was shattered at the revelations. But she was of the opinion they must keep up appearances - no one should know...
The fifty two year old time capsule, which had been buried at the last Badara Festival, was going to be unearthed and the contents read at the upcoming Badara Festival - and Marion was beside herself. She wanted to find and destroy the capsule before it was too late. But would that happen? The secrets that had been hidden for so long were rising to the surface and people were bound to be hurt.
Keeping up Appearances is another spectacular novel by Aussie author Tricia Stringer and I loved it. Heartfelt, shattering, filled with tension, the characters were down to earth, kind and caring, but each family held secrets tight against their chests. Whenever I read a Tricia Stringer book, I know I'll be entertained. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me this book to review.
Loved this book so much. I am thrilled there is so many more books in her backlist to devour.
Tricia's writing style is like she is talking to you. I was immersed in the book and felt like I was part of the family. I had a huge connection with the characters especially Paige. A single mum who moves to a small town where everyone is related and everyone knows everyones business. The characters were realistic and it was a believable storyline.
Loved this book so much. I am thrilled there is so many more books in her backlist to devour.
Tricia's writing style is like she is talking to you. I was immersed in the book and felt like I was part of the family. I had a huge connection with the characters especially Paige. A single mum who moves to a small town where everyone is related and everyone knows everyones business. The characters were realistic and it was a believable storyline.
August 12, 2022
Badara is a small country town in South Australia, where everyone is distantly related and knows each other’s business. Single mother of three Paige Radcliffe moves to the tiny town, she looking to escape the city and hide.
Paige doesn’t know anyone in Badara, she’s lonely and she joins the local exercise class at the town hall. Paige is nervous about going, people tend to judge single mothers and it makes her feel uncomfortable. The ladies at the class are older, they have lived in Badara for years, and they bombard Paige with gifts. At first Paige assumes they feel sorry for her, but in a small town people often share excess fruit and baked goods and it’s one of the many benefits.
Marion Addicot and Briony Hensley are sister-in-law’s, their husbands are farmers and Marion has recently retired. Marion can come across as rather curt, and Briony is rather proper and likes to do things perfectly. Briony isn’t prepared when her married daughter Chelsea moves home and her son Blake returns from London and reveals a big secret. Briony and Vince have their three adult children back in Badara, Vince looks at the situation differently to his wife, he thinks the family are reconnecting and Briony feels everything has changed, not for the better and she doesn’t handle it well.
Marion is horrified when they start talking about holding a back to Badara weekend, in the 1970’s they had a similar celebration, a time capsule was buried and Marion wants it to stay in the ground. A sixteen year old Marion and her friend wrote down what they thought about people at the time and local gossip.
Marion’s letter is found, read out during exercise class and feelings are crushed. Marion is ashamed of what she wrote, how can she repair the damage she’s done and apologize. Marion hides at first, then she sets about making amends for her hateful letter, she bakes batches of her famous sausage rolls and starts delivering them. This causes a tidal wave of change, slowly her friends forgive her and they all experience a revelation? Women put a lot of pressure on themselves, they juggle too many things, keeping up the appearance they have everything under control and they don’t need any help.
I received a copy of Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. Small Australian rural towns usually have a hall, church, primary school, a football and netball club. Life revolves around these things, most of all it's about sharing community spirit, friendship, support, a feeling of belonging and camaraderie. Ms. Stringers descriptions and characters in her latest novel were simply perfect, I laughed and cried while reading the narrative. It was honest, raw, tender, funny, a sisterhood and a bond was formed between the five women and five stars from me.
Paige doesn’t know anyone in Badara, she’s lonely and she joins the local exercise class at the town hall. Paige is nervous about going, people tend to judge single mothers and it makes her feel uncomfortable. The ladies at the class are older, they have lived in Badara for years, and they bombard Paige with gifts. At first Paige assumes they feel sorry for her, but in a small town people often share excess fruit and baked goods and it’s one of the many benefits.
Marion Addicot and Briony Hensley are sister-in-law’s, their husbands are farmers and Marion has recently retired. Marion can come across as rather curt, and Briony is rather proper and likes to do things perfectly. Briony isn’t prepared when her married daughter Chelsea moves home and her son Blake returns from London and reveals a big secret. Briony and Vince have their three adult children back in Badara, Vince looks at the situation differently to his wife, he thinks the family are reconnecting and Briony feels everything has changed, not for the better and she doesn’t handle it well.
Marion is horrified when they start talking about holding a back to Badara weekend, in the 1970’s they had a similar celebration, a time capsule was buried and Marion wants it to stay in the ground. A sixteen year old Marion and her friend wrote down what they thought about people at the time and local gossip.
Marion’s letter is found, read out during exercise class and feelings are crushed. Marion is ashamed of what she wrote, how can she repair the damage she’s done and apologize. Marion hides at first, then she sets about making amends for her hateful letter, she bakes batches of her famous sausage rolls and starts delivering them. This causes a tidal wave of change, slowly her friends forgive her and they all experience a revelation? Women put a lot of pressure on themselves, they juggle too many things, keeping up the appearance they have everything under control and they don’t need any help.
I received a copy of Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. Small Australian rural towns usually have a hall, church, primary school, a football and netball club. Life revolves around these things, most of all it's about sharing community spirit, friendship, support, a feeling of belonging and camaraderie. Ms. Stringers descriptions and characters in her latest novel were simply perfect, I laughed and cried while reading the narrative. It was honest, raw, tender, funny, a sisterhood and a bond was formed between the five women and five stars from me.
Read
September 29, 2022DNF at 38%. I should have realised this was not my sort of book from the title but I always like to give new (to me) Aussie authors a go. But when I got to 38 % and Briony was not coping with learning her son Blake was gay, her daughter Chelsea had left her husband because he was an ice addict and her other daughter Madeline was in love with a 42 year old Philipino man who was divorced - and the best she could come up with was “why can’t you all be normal?” I knew I could not continue with this narrow-minded rubbish! I’m sure it all worked out in the end but since it was also very slow and dull I had to throw in the towel!
No stars as I read less than 50%.
No stars as I read less than 50%.
October 9, 2022
Another fabulous story told in the special way Tricia Stringers tells her stories, stories that pull me in and bring to life towns and characters that have me cheering and crying, her stories are filled with emotion and honesty and this is one that I loved come along to Badara in South Australia and meet Marion, Briony and Paige.
Badara is a small country town where a lot of the residents have lived all of their lives, many are related by blood or marriage, keeping secrets is not always easy, but is it always good to keep secrets or it is good to keep up appearances?
Paige moves to Badara with her three young children as a single mum she works hard to look after her kids and give them a life they deserve and when she feels the need to leave her life in Victoria, for a better one, a google search finds a house to rent cheaply in Badara, and a new life begins for her and her children hoping she has made the right decision.
Marion has lived here all of her life, she grew up on a farm and is also a teacher, now retired, she is married to Len and they have two married children now living in other states, life hasn’t always been easy but she has gotten through, but when an old time capsule that is uncovered from fifty years ago, she is distraught, Marion was a teenager when she wrote those words and now the repercussions will turn Marion’s world upside down with maybe her darkest secret being reveled.
Briony is Marion’s sister in law and she lives with her husband Vince and youngest of three children on the family farm, now Briony likes things the done the right way and everything to be perfect and when all of a sudden her eldest daughter is back home after leaving her husband and her son returning from London with news that will rock Briony so badly, add to that the message from time capsule and Briony is not coping very well, nothing is going the right way now.
This is such a wonderful story, my views on these three woman changed throughout the story, I felt the pain and heartache they went through at different times as we get to know them even if I didn’t always agree with their thinking, but I loved seeing them open up and care for each other in so many ways, I loved the setting and the many other characters who added so much to the story, there were happy tears when I reached the end and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a top notch read.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
Badara is a small country town where a lot of the residents have lived all of their lives, many are related by blood or marriage, keeping secrets is not always easy, but is it always good to keep secrets or it is good to keep up appearances?
Paige moves to Badara with her three young children as a single mum she works hard to look after her kids and give them a life they deserve and when she feels the need to leave her life in Victoria, for a better one, a google search finds a house to rent cheaply in Badara, and a new life begins for her and her children hoping she has made the right decision.
Marion has lived here all of her life, she grew up on a farm and is also a teacher, now retired, she is married to Len and they have two married children now living in other states, life hasn’t always been easy but she has gotten through, but when an old time capsule that is uncovered from fifty years ago, she is distraught, Marion was a teenager when she wrote those words and now the repercussions will turn Marion’s world upside down with maybe her darkest secret being reveled.
Briony is Marion’s sister in law and she lives with her husband Vince and youngest of three children on the family farm, now Briony likes things the done the right way and everything to be perfect and when all of a sudden her eldest daughter is back home after leaving her husband and her son returning from London with news that will rock Briony so badly, add to that the message from time capsule and Briony is not coping very well, nothing is going the right way now.
This is such a wonderful story, my views on these three woman changed throughout the story, I felt the pain and heartache they went through at different times as we get to know them even if I didn’t always agree with their thinking, but I loved seeing them open up and care for each other in so many ways, I loved the setting and the many other characters who added so much to the story, there were happy tears when I reached the end and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a top notch read.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
October 6, 2022
I am becoming a big fan of this author and once again she delivered. In this book, Paige is a newcomer in a small town in rural South Australia. She is not sure how it will work out with nosey and somewhat intimidating locals, but as a single mother of three children, she is going to give it a go as the rent is incredibly low.
Briony, Marion and Jean are all born and bred in Badara and soon try to take Paige under their wings through a local fitness group. However, when past secrets start to surface and tempers fray, relationships break down and the sense of community appears to be fracturing.
What exactly has Paige got herself into?
There is a lot of heart and humanity in this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
Briony, Marion and Jean are all born and bred in Badara and soon try to take Paige under their wings through a local fitness group. However, when past secrets start to surface and tempers fray, relationships break down and the sense of community appears to be fracturing.
What exactly has Paige got herself into?
There is a lot of heart and humanity in this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
July 26, 2025
Here we have a story about a small regional Australian town that has seen better days. Newcomer Paige has arrived in Badara with her three children in tow and does not feel comfortable at first. Through multiple narrators focused on a fitness class, we see the small town in the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia slowly transform from insular with secrets galore, to a far more welcoming and inclusive place. On display here is both the good and the bad of living in small towns, not just Australia.
With a realistic collection of characters with the children playing a significant role, Ms Stringer has created a believable scenario that transforms from icky to warm and friendly. 4 stars for me.
A couple of quotes that worked for me:
The screen door clicked shut behind her and the rest of them stood around like the cast of a play who’d forgotten their lines. (p. 373).
“Not falling apart…perhaps they’re not living the life you’d thought. It’s been a hard lesson but I’ve learned the only person I can control is me.” (p. 378).
With a realistic collection of characters with the children playing a significant role, Ms Stringer has created a believable scenario that transforms from icky to warm and friendly. 4 stars for me.
A couple of quotes that worked for me:
The screen door clicked shut behind her and the rest of them stood around like the cast of a play who’d forgotten their lines. (p. 373).
“Not falling apart…perhaps they’re not living the life you’d thought. It’s been a hard lesson but I’ve learned the only person I can control is me.” (p. 378).
September 23, 2022
An enjoyable domestic drama set in rural South Australia. Single mother Paige moves to Badara, a typical small town where everyone knows everyone else or at least thinks they do. What’s gossip and what are real secrets are gradually revealed. At first I thought there were way too many characters but they do become more distinct as the story progresses.
October 10, 2022
Keeping Up Appearances is the fifteenth novel by best-selling Australian author, Tricia Stringer. When Briony Hensley’s eldest two children come home to roost, the news each of them brings is not something she wants broadcast. And then her youngest shares an equally disturbing revelation. If the town finds out, the perfectly-constructed image her family has always tried to project will be ruined.
Since her retirement, Marion Addicot has kept herself busy with community involvement, but the idea of opening the fifty-two-year-old time capsule during a fund-raising function fills her with dread: the nastiness that her angry sixteen-year-old self included for posterity must remain unseen.
Marion is later glad that dementia hasn’t dulled her mother’s capacity for sensible advice: “All you can do is apologise with true remorse. And a thoughtful gift can show positive contrition. But don’t make excuses. It just sullies things. If people won’t accept your apology, that’s their problem, not yours.”
Paige Radcliffe has brought her three children to Badara, South Australia: pop. 300, seeking refuge, but in such a small town, everybody knowing each other’s business could be an advantage or a drawback. Might what initially seems like an assault on hard-won privacy actually turn out to be a generous and caring support network?
Badara feels like a wonderful place to live: there might be a few cranky souls, but most of its residents really care about their town and each other. Watching Paige slowly relax enough to allow people in, watching the minor dramas evolve and resolve, and watching people come to realise what is much more important than appearances, it’s a lovely journey when described by Trisha Stringer.
Her characters are easy to care about and hope for, they surprise and delight, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations: “It seems to me that keeping things quiet only causes angst later... Buried secrets, love… they have a way of working their way to the top.” This is another winner from Tricia Stringer.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction.
Since her retirement, Marion Addicot has kept herself busy with community involvement, but the idea of opening the fifty-two-year-old time capsule during a fund-raising function fills her with dread: the nastiness that her angry sixteen-year-old self included for posterity must remain unseen.
Marion is later glad that dementia hasn’t dulled her mother’s capacity for sensible advice: “All you can do is apologise with true remorse. And a thoughtful gift can show positive contrition. But don’t make excuses. It just sullies things. If people won’t accept your apology, that’s their problem, not yours.”
Paige Radcliffe has brought her three children to Badara, South Australia: pop. 300, seeking refuge, but in such a small town, everybody knowing each other’s business could be an advantage or a drawback. Might what initially seems like an assault on hard-won privacy actually turn out to be a generous and caring support network?
Badara feels like a wonderful place to live: there might be a few cranky souls, but most of its residents really care about their town and each other. Watching Paige slowly relax enough to allow people in, watching the minor dramas evolve and resolve, and watching people come to realise what is much more important than appearances, it’s a lovely journey when described by Trisha Stringer.
Her characters are easy to care about and hope for, they surprise and delight, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations: “It seems to me that keeping things quiet only causes angst later... Buried secrets, love… they have a way of working their way to the top.” This is another winner from Tricia Stringer.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction.
December 22, 2022
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Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 October 2022**
Privacy is hard to maintain in the small town of Badara, which single mum Paige discovers when she arrives with her three children. She joins a Tuesday gym club to have respite and meet people. Two members are Marion and her sister-in-law Briony who have their own dramas. Briony is in denial of her family's troubles, despite everything escalating. Marion is concerned about a time capsule that contains a horrible letter she wrote as a teenager that may have terrible consequences. When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone...
After really enjoying a previous book from this author, 'The Model Wife', I was looking forward to this one. While I didn't mind this one, it didn't hit the same highs for me and I have to admit that I found this book a struggle at times. I believe that was mainly because I couldn't stand Briony's attitude towards some things - it just made me super frustrated and I found myself disliking Briony to the point where I had an internal eye roll a lot when she was speaking. Putting that aside, I liked the depictions of real-life issues that people and their families face as well as the realistic portrayals of secrets we might keep to not hurt others.
Overall: this was an average read for me, but in no means was it bad. There are plenty of people really enjoying it so if the synopsis sounds interesting to you, go for it.
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Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 October 2022**
Privacy is hard to maintain in the small town of Badara, which single mum Paige discovers when she arrives with her three children. She joins a Tuesday gym club to have respite and meet people. Two members are Marion and her sister-in-law Briony who have their own dramas. Briony is in denial of her family's troubles, despite everything escalating. Marion is concerned about a time capsule that contains a horrible letter she wrote as a teenager that may have terrible consequences. When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone...
After really enjoying a previous book from this author, 'The Model Wife', I was looking forward to this one. While I didn't mind this one, it didn't hit the same highs for me and I have to admit that I found this book a struggle at times. I believe that was mainly because I couldn't stand Briony's attitude towards some things - it just made me super frustrated and I found myself disliking Briony to the point where I had an internal eye roll a lot when she was speaking. Putting that aside, I liked the depictions of real-life issues that people and their families face as well as the realistic portrayals of secrets we might keep to not hurt others.
Overall: this was an average read for me, but in no means was it bad. There are plenty of people really enjoying it so if the synopsis sounds interesting to you, go for it.
November 15, 2022
Keeping Up Appearances is the fifteenth novel by best-selling Australian author, Tricia Stringer. The audio version is narrated by Rebecca Macauley. When Briony Hensley’s eldest two children come home to roost, the news each of them brings is not something she wants broadcast. And then her youngest shares an equally disturbing revelation. If the town finds out, the perfectly-constructed image her family has always tried to project will be ruined.
Since her retirement, Marion Addicot has kept herself busy with community involvement, but the idea of opening the fifty-two-year-old time capsule during a fund-raising function fills her with dread: the nastiness that her angry sixteen-year-old self included for posterity must remain unseen.
Marion is later glad that dementia hasn’t dulled her mother’s capacity for sensible advice: “All you can do is apologise with true remorse. And a thoughtful gift can show positive contrition. But don’t make excuses. It just sullies things. If people won’t accept your apology, that’s their problem, not yours.”
Paige Radcliffe has brought her three children to Badara, South Australia: pop. 300, seeking refuge, but in such a small town, everybody knowing each other’s business could be an advantage or a drawback. Might what initially seems like an assault on hard-won privacy actually turn out to be a generous and caring support network?
Badara feels like a wonderful place to live: there might be a few cranky souls, but most of its residents really care about their town and each other. Watching Paige slowly relax enough to allow people in, watching the minor dramas evolve and resolve, and watching people come to realise what is much more important than appearances, it’s a lovely journey when described by Trisha Stringer.
Her characters are easy to care about and hope for, they surprise and delight, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations: “It seems to me that keeping things quiet only causes angst later... Buried secrets, love… they have a way of working their way to the top.” This is another winner from Tricia Stringer.
Since her retirement, Marion Addicot has kept herself busy with community involvement, but the idea of opening the fifty-two-year-old time capsule during a fund-raising function fills her with dread: the nastiness that her angry sixteen-year-old self included for posterity must remain unseen.
Marion is later glad that dementia hasn’t dulled her mother’s capacity for sensible advice: “All you can do is apologise with true remorse. And a thoughtful gift can show positive contrition. But don’t make excuses. It just sullies things. If people won’t accept your apology, that’s their problem, not yours.”
Paige Radcliffe has brought her three children to Badara, South Australia: pop. 300, seeking refuge, but in such a small town, everybody knowing each other’s business could be an advantage or a drawback. Might what initially seems like an assault on hard-won privacy actually turn out to be a generous and caring support network?
Badara feels like a wonderful place to live: there might be a few cranky souls, but most of its residents really care about their town and each other. Watching Paige slowly relax enough to allow people in, watching the minor dramas evolve and resolve, and watching people come to realise what is much more important than appearances, it’s a lovely journey when described by Trisha Stringer.
Her characters are easy to care about and hope for, they surprise and delight, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations: “It seems to me that keeping things quiet only causes angst later... Buried secrets, love… they have a way of working their way to the top.” This is another winner from Tricia Stringer.
October 2, 2022
A small country town called Badara in South Australia is the setting for this most absorbing read from Tricia Stringer, where we soon discover that lies and secrets always have a way of surfacing, and never is the time right.
This is a small country town where everyone knows everyone and many are even related in some way. So when secrets get out, they have a way of affecting many with long reaching consequences…sometimes one secret leads to another and the impacts can be felt far and wide.
Sometimes a secret kept turns out to be worse than the actual secret!
The ramifications of keeping secrets, big or small, are fully examined during the unfolding of this complex yet credible story about life and lifestyle choices.
Paige is a single mum of three and she has run away from the city in search of someplace far away from the prying and insistent interferences of her eldest son’s grandparents.
She has chosen a house for rent in the remote SA town of Badara from a random advertisement, the house is affordable and offers her and her children an opportunity to start over, away from the pressures of families.
Paige plans to keep a low profile and avoid any unnecessary scrutiny in order to keep her whereabouts unknown to family and extended families. Protecting her privacy and her kid’s privacy is paramount.
However, small country towns are notorious for finding out everyone’s business, as Paige soon discovers when well meaning locals start to make her feel welcome.
Another thing Paige didn’t realise was how lonely it can get in such a place.
As lovely as it is in the country, and as relaxed and settled as they are all feeling, it is so quiet during the day when the kids are at school and Paige is alone with her youngest pre schooler.
It isn’t long before she is convinced to join the Tuesday gym club where she meets a few of the other local ladies and, although somewhat intimidated by a couple of them, she is welcomed with open arms…and even though she tries to keep to herself as much as possible, she finds it increasingly difficult to avoid their natural curiosity about their newest neighbour.
As Paige becomes more settled in her new environment, she begins to relax and open up a bit more. She meets more of the local people and starts to get involved in local social activities as her kids also begin to integrate.
The pace picks up as Paige and her kids get more and more settled in their new environment and mingle with other people, getting involved in their lives.
Settle in for an addictive read as you learn more about the individual’s that Paige becomes involved with, and learn some of the very intimate secrets that some people share…or don’t share with others. And the consequences of keeping secrets…or not.
4⭐️s
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
September 4, 2022
‘It’s not easy to disappear.’
A small country town in South Australia provides the setting for Ms Stringer’s latest novel. Badara is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, and many families are linked by marriage. Will it be the perfect place for single mum Paige and her three children to find refuge? There’s an exercise class at the Badara Hall which Paige attends. But when the hall is closed for urgent repair work, Paige finds herself hosting the class at her rental home (which used to be the bakery). While she’s fearful of being judged by the women of the town, Paige finds kindness and generosity.
Two of the main characters, Marion and her sister-in-law Briony, have issues of their own to deal with. Briony’s eldest daughter has returned home because of marital problems, and her son Blake delivers a bombshell of his own. And while the town is looking to raise money to repair the Hall, Marion’s not too keen on one of the ideas being floated: the opening of a time capsule at the ‘Back to Badara’ celebrations. What will people think of Marion’s contribution to the time capsule fifty years earlier? And how can Briony hold her head high if her family’s dirty linen is aired in public?
Ms Stringer includes several different and important issues in this novel. I won’t list them, best to read the story and let the issues unfold as you come to know the characters.
I became caught up in this story, hoping that Paige could find security and happiness, that Briony would come to realise that there are more important things in life than what other people might think, and that Marion would find her own space. There are other characters as well, each with his or her own history and concerns. Ms Stringer took me into their world, and I was most reluctant to leave it when I finished reading.
Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
A small country town in South Australia provides the setting for Ms Stringer’s latest novel. Badara is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, and many families are linked by marriage. Will it be the perfect place for single mum Paige and her three children to find refuge? There’s an exercise class at the Badara Hall which Paige attends. But when the hall is closed for urgent repair work, Paige finds herself hosting the class at her rental home (which used to be the bakery). While she’s fearful of being judged by the women of the town, Paige finds kindness and generosity.
Two of the main characters, Marion and her sister-in-law Briony, have issues of their own to deal with. Briony’s eldest daughter has returned home because of marital problems, and her son Blake delivers a bombshell of his own. And while the town is looking to raise money to repair the Hall, Marion’s not too keen on one of the ideas being floated: the opening of a time capsule at the ‘Back to Badara’ celebrations. What will people think of Marion’s contribution to the time capsule fifty years earlier? And how can Briony hold her head high if her family’s dirty linen is aired in public?
Ms Stringer includes several different and important issues in this novel. I won’t list them, best to read the story and let the issues unfold as you come to know the characters.
I became caught up in this story, hoping that Paige could find security and happiness, that Briony would come to realise that there are more important things in life than what other people might think, and that Marion would find her own space. There are other characters as well, each with his or her own history and concerns. Ms Stringer took me into their world, and I was most reluctant to leave it when I finished reading.
Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
December 19, 2022
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‘They both watched the lonely figure on the sand, moving along the water’s edge. Marion of all people knew what a burden it was to keep up appearances. She was suddenly weary.’
2022 marks ten great years in publishing for bestselling author Tricia Stringer. Keeping Up Appearances is Stringer’s fifteenth release and it is a beauty. A story of community links, relationships, hard truths, honesty, public image, perception, family, friendships and secrets, Keeping up Appearances is a restorative read from a much-loved writer.
Badara is a tight knit country town where it is impossible to keep a secret. When Paige, a single mother from the big smoke begins to make a new life for herself and her family in this little community, she soon learns that nothing can be hidden from the townsfolk of Badara. Paige turns to the local fitness club for friendship, respite and connection. But Paige is worried about the stigma of being a single mum in a small town. However, Paige’s concerns are met with kindness, generosity and support from the local residents. With so many personal dramas simmering under the surface of Badara’s community base, Paige’s worries seem minor. One of Paige’s new acquaintances is Briony, a farmer’s wife. Briony’s life and opinions are about to be challenged by a series of issues directing impacting her family fold. Marion is another new friend of single mother Paige. Marion is a long-time resident of Badara, who finds her life and reputation in tatters following the recent unearthing of the town’s town capsule. With a letter from the past threatening to damage Marion’s good standing in the community, Badara’s community will learn a thing or two about appearances.
I was so pleased to read in the acknowledgements section of Keeping Up Appearances that Tricia Stringer has now published her fifteenth novel with Harlequin and HarperCollins. This is quite an achievement and it only feels like yesterday that I picked up Stringer’s first novel. After dabbling in a number of genres across her ten years of publishing, Stringer presents a brand-new modern fiction tale with a country twist. Keeping up Appearances was a delightful read that I highly recommend.
Badara, the fictional township depicted in Tricia Stringer’s latest, is such a familiar conglomeration that I felt immediately at ease in this community fold. I could understand and appreciate the feelings experienced by the insiders and outsiders of this community base. I loved following single other Paige’s story and my heart went out to her many times over. The two other female characters are well rendered and their personal stories proved to be very intriguing. Stringer is quite the master of cast lists and Keeping up Appearances features a fantastic set of characters. These protagonists felt like real life figures, drawn directly from our country communities. It was great to get to know these people and develop a connection to their stories. I especially loved the baking parts and the town hall clubs, what a great reminder to us city folk of the importance of these community building activities. With themes of friendship, marriage, connection, parenting, support, loneliness, gossip, innuendo, judgement, impressions, secrets, sexuality and personal opinion leading the way, Stringer’s latest is a topical novel. I was honestly hooked from start to finish and I didn’t want to say goodbye to Badara once I came to the end. On a final note, I loved all the extra little flourishes added to this novel – the family tree at the start, the newspaper extracts and personal notices at the end. Thanks Tricia, it really added to my reading experience!
A story told with immense poise and understanding, Keeping up Appearances is another wonderful country fable from Tricia Stringer.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
‘They both watched the lonely figure on the sand, moving along the water’s edge. Marion of all people knew what a burden it was to keep up appearances. She was suddenly weary.’
2022 marks ten great years in publishing for bestselling author Tricia Stringer. Keeping Up Appearances is Stringer’s fifteenth release and it is a beauty. A story of community links, relationships, hard truths, honesty, public image, perception, family, friendships and secrets, Keeping up Appearances is a restorative read from a much-loved writer.
Badara is a tight knit country town where it is impossible to keep a secret. When Paige, a single mother from the big smoke begins to make a new life for herself and her family in this little community, she soon learns that nothing can be hidden from the townsfolk of Badara. Paige turns to the local fitness club for friendship, respite and connection. But Paige is worried about the stigma of being a single mum in a small town. However, Paige’s concerns are met with kindness, generosity and support from the local residents. With so many personal dramas simmering under the surface of Badara’s community base, Paige’s worries seem minor. One of Paige’s new acquaintances is Briony, a farmer’s wife. Briony’s life and opinions are about to be challenged by a series of issues directing impacting her family fold. Marion is another new friend of single mother Paige. Marion is a long-time resident of Badara, who finds her life and reputation in tatters following the recent unearthing of the town’s town capsule. With a letter from the past threatening to damage Marion’s good standing in the community, Badara’s community will learn a thing or two about appearances.
I was so pleased to read in the acknowledgements section of Keeping Up Appearances that Tricia Stringer has now published her fifteenth novel with Harlequin and HarperCollins. This is quite an achievement and it only feels like yesterday that I picked up Stringer’s first novel. After dabbling in a number of genres across her ten years of publishing, Stringer presents a brand-new modern fiction tale with a country twist. Keeping up Appearances was a delightful read that I highly recommend.
Badara, the fictional township depicted in Tricia Stringer’s latest, is such a familiar conglomeration that I felt immediately at ease in this community fold. I could understand and appreciate the feelings experienced by the insiders and outsiders of this community base. I loved following single other Paige’s story and my heart went out to her many times over. The two other female characters are well rendered and their personal stories proved to be very intriguing. Stringer is quite the master of cast lists and Keeping up Appearances features a fantastic set of characters. These protagonists felt like real life figures, drawn directly from our country communities. It was great to get to know these people and develop a connection to their stories. I especially loved the baking parts and the town hall clubs, what a great reminder to us city folk of the importance of these community building activities. With themes of friendship, marriage, connection, parenting, support, loneliness, gossip, innuendo, judgement, impressions, secrets, sexuality and personal opinion leading the way, Stringer’s latest is a topical novel. I was honestly hooked from start to finish and I didn’t want to say goodbye to Badara once I came to the end. On a final note, I loved all the extra little flourishes added to this novel – the family tree at the start, the newspaper extracts and personal notices at the end. Thanks Tricia, it really added to my reading experience!
A story told with immense poise and understanding, Keeping up Appearances is another wonderful country fable from Tricia Stringer.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 3, 2022
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Tricia Stringer is a quality storyteller, love her work! Keeping Up Appearances is captivating from start to finish, a well-crafted read!
In the small Adelaide rural town of Badara everyone seems to be related and know everyone’s business but is keeping up appearances and denying the truth the right thing to do?
We follow a number of women characters including Paige a vulnerable single mother of three, each to a different father, a newcomer to the town and seeking refuge.
There’s plenty of gossip and buried secrets in this town and there are friendships to be formed at the Tuesday exercise classes. Paige finds overwhelming kindness from the women there and a supply of baked goods!!
When an old school time-capsule is revealed the content creates pressure and plenty of heartache for many of the women mentioned in a student news report and for the woman that wrote it.
Keeping up Appearances is an immersive story filled with heartache and hope, parenting, denial, community, acceptance and finding a support network, as well as courage and determination. Overall a story of people coming together, an excellent read and highly recommended.
Publication Date 05 October 2022
Publisher: Harlequin Australia (Imprint: HQ Fiction AU)
My sincere thanks 🙏🏼 to the amazing teams at Better Reading and Harper Collins Australia for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Tricia Stringer is a quality storyteller, love her work! Keeping Up Appearances is captivating from start to finish, a well-crafted read!
In the small Adelaide rural town of Badara everyone seems to be related and know everyone’s business but is keeping up appearances and denying the truth the right thing to do?
We follow a number of women characters including Paige a vulnerable single mother of three, each to a different father, a newcomer to the town and seeking refuge.
There’s plenty of gossip and buried secrets in this town and there are friendships to be formed at the Tuesday exercise classes. Paige finds overwhelming kindness from the women there and a supply of baked goods!!
When an old school time-capsule is revealed the content creates pressure and plenty of heartache for many of the women mentioned in a student news report and for the woman that wrote it.
Keeping up Appearances is an immersive story filled with heartache and hope, parenting, denial, community, acceptance and finding a support network, as well as courage and determination. Overall a story of people coming together, an excellent read and highly recommended.
Publication Date 05 October 2022
Publisher: Harlequin Australia (Imprint: HQ Fiction AU)
My sincere thanks 🙏🏼 to the amazing teams at Better Reading and Harper Collins Australia for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 26, 2022
Keeping Up Appearances is an engaging contemporary rural fiction drama from bestselling Australian author, Trish Stringer.
In the small South Australian town of Badara the suggestion to raise money to repair the community hall. Home to several local groups, including a new fitness class, the decision is made to stage a ‘Celebrate Badara’ event to include a fair, local tours, a formal dinner and the opening of a time capsule buried fifty years before.
Life-long resident and retired schoolteacher Marion Addicot is happy to take charge of the event, until the memory of the spiteful contribution she and her best friend made to the time capsule as sixteen year olds comes back to her.
Though she wouldn’t dream of refusing to help, Marion’s wealthy sister-in-law, Briony Hensley is exhausted at the thought of taking on yet another responsibility, but that concern is eclipsed when her adult children return home with revelations that threaten her well ordered world.
Town newcomer and single mother of three, Paige Radcliffe, isn’t at all interested in the celebration, or the women involved, whom she fears will judge her, but when the fitness class needs a space during the renovations to the hall, and the old store premises attached to her rented home are commandeered, Paige realises she may have misjudged them.
Each woman grapples with their own personal issues over the course of a few months, though there is a common thread, all are desperate to keep up appearances to protect themselves, and others, from real and imagined consequences. But the truth has a way of coming out. Stringer thoughtfully explores their worries and fears and the ways in which they handle the aftermath. Marion, Briony and Paige all exhibit personal growth
Stringer is excellent at creating authentic communities for her main characters to inhabit. I enjoyed the small town setting which is populated with ordinary people at different ages and stages of life, all of whom are well-drawn, and further enrich the story.
An engaging novel about secrets, charades and community, Keeping Up Appearances is a warm-hearted, satisfying read.
In the small South Australian town of Badara the suggestion to raise money to repair the community hall. Home to several local groups, including a new fitness class, the decision is made to stage a ‘Celebrate Badara’ event to include a fair, local tours, a formal dinner and the opening of a time capsule buried fifty years before.
Life-long resident and retired schoolteacher Marion Addicot is happy to take charge of the event, until the memory of the spiteful contribution she and her best friend made to the time capsule as sixteen year olds comes back to her.
Though she wouldn’t dream of refusing to help, Marion’s wealthy sister-in-law, Briony Hensley is exhausted at the thought of taking on yet another responsibility, but that concern is eclipsed when her adult children return home with revelations that threaten her well ordered world.
Town newcomer and single mother of three, Paige Radcliffe, isn’t at all interested in the celebration, or the women involved, whom she fears will judge her, but when the fitness class needs a space during the renovations to the hall, and the old store premises attached to her rented home are commandeered, Paige realises she may have misjudged them.
Each woman grapples with their own personal issues over the course of a few months, though there is a common thread, all are desperate to keep up appearances to protect themselves, and others, from real and imagined consequences. But the truth has a way of coming out. Stringer thoughtfully explores their worries and fears and the ways in which they handle the aftermath. Marion, Briony and Paige all exhibit personal growth
Stringer is excellent at creating authentic communities for her main characters to inhabit. I enjoyed the small town setting which is populated with ordinary people at different ages and stages of life, all of whom are well-drawn, and further enrich the story.
An engaging novel about secrets, charades and community, Keeping Up Appearances is a warm-hearted, satisfying read.
November 26, 2022
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Single mother of three, Paige, is hiding from extended family and is hoping to fly under the radar in the small town of Badara.
Marion has been busy trying to build community spirit with exercise classes and a Celebrate Badara festival but the planned opening of a time capsule could destroy everything when long buried secrets work their way to the top.
Briony Hensley's grown children all have their lives together and Briony is smug with her perfect family. There would be no gossip around town about the Hensleys! Small towns do tend to gossip and for many keeping up appearances is imperative.
I do love Tricia Stringer's writing style however I felt the subject explored in Keeping Up Appearances was a little outdated. I wondered if people really do think like that in this day and age!
I loved the town of Badara, wonderfully drawn and filled with caring people who looked out for each other. The little spats between the townsfolk came across as real. There are lots of fun moments in Keeping Up Appearances such as the exercise class Marion is trying to promote, the family picnic for the sports club, the Op shop ball organised for the Celebrate Badara Festival and I can't forget the opening of the time capsule which was really quite funny but devastating for poor Marion.
Keeping Up Appearances has strong themes of kindness, forgiveness and acceptance. It is a story that will leave you contented and is garnering a multitude of five star reviews.
Even though I thought all the problems were wrapped up a bit too quickly and nicely at the end it is a feel good story and Tricia Stringer did deliver the feels.
I received my copy from the publisher
Single mother of three, Paige, is hiding from extended family and is hoping to fly under the radar in the small town of Badara.
Marion has been busy trying to build community spirit with exercise classes and a Celebrate Badara festival but the planned opening of a time capsule could destroy everything when long buried secrets work their way to the top.
Briony Hensley's grown children all have their lives together and Briony is smug with her perfect family. There would be no gossip around town about the Hensleys! Small towns do tend to gossip and for many keeping up appearances is imperative.
I do love Tricia Stringer's writing style however I felt the subject explored in Keeping Up Appearances was a little outdated. I wondered if people really do think like that in this day and age!
I loved the town of Badara, wonderfully drawn and filled with caring people who looked out for each other. The little spats between the townsfolk came across as real. There are lots of fun moments in Keeping Up Appearances such as the exercise class Marion is trying to promote, the family picnic for the sports club, the Op shop ball organised for the Celebrate Badara Festival and I can't forget the opening of the time capsule which was really quite funny but devastating for poor Marion.
Keeping Up Appearances has strong themes of kindness, forgiveness and acceptance. It is a story that will leave you contented and is garnering a multitude of five star reviews.
Even though I thought all the problems were wrapped up a bit too quickly and nicely at the end it is a feel good story and Tricia Stringer did deliver the feels.
I received my copy from the publisher
December 12, 2022
Aussie author Tricia Stringer really knows how to entertain her readers. I loved this this book from the first page all the way to the last page. Highly recommended.
November 18, 2022
I love Tricia Stringer novels and this is all the reasons why; realistic characters that you love to get to know, a plot that completely keeps you turning the page, and lovely small town community that you immediately feel a part of. I loved Keeping up Appearances. I loved the cast of friends I’ve made and the sausage rolls I’ve eaten vicariously..I loved the message about the dangers of putting on ‘a smiling face and proceeding as if they were the perfect family’..loved absolutely everything about this novel.
December 10, 2022
Just as the title suggests!
Set in a regional small town in country Australia is Badara. Paige, the single mum, with an intriguing part, arrives from the outskirts of Melbourne and wants her anonymity.
Enter the towns matriarchs, the CWA, the school principal, town gossips, and so many secrets. You may not be running from something to still be hiding the facts.
Stringer creates these wonderful women and I found myself invested in their problems, dreams and appearances!
A lovely, ultimately heart-warming read.
Set in a regional small town in country Australia is Badara. Paige, the single mum, with an intriguing part, arrives from the outskirts of Melbourne and wants her anonymity.
Enter the towns matriarchs, the CWA, the school principal, town gossips, and so many secrets. You may not be running from something to still be hiding the facts.
Stringer creates these wonderful women and I found myself invested in their problems, dreams and appearances!
A lovely, ultimately heart-warming read.
November 13, 2022
This was a DNF for me, more domestic than drama. I got 20% into it but really found 99% of the characters so unlikeable, so 1950s in their mindset, that I just could not continue. I've enjoyed many other of Tricia Stringer's books, and was hoping this would keep me company on a holiday, but, nope.
October 30, 2022
In the small South Australian town of Badara, it's near impossible to keep any family business a secret- especially when nearly every resident is related either through blood or marriage. So the title Keeping Up Appearances says it all!
Out of the three central characters, I felt an immediate connection with newcomer Paige. Don't get me wrong- I ended up really liking Briony and Marion but it took awhile! For the majority of the book, Briony really irritated me with the bitchiness she aims towards her sister in law and the judgement towards her children's life choices. But in saying this, Briony is the one who had the best character development overall.
Marion on the other hand is a woman who has a hardened surface but with a heart of gold. As a teen she made a major mistake that eventually hurts some people's feelings but at the same time is a pillar of the community. Marion is also witholding the truth concerning her marriage to Len- something that they feel they will be judged about around town.
As mentioned, Paige was the one I instantly loved. She's a young single mother who's a newcomer to Badara. Not used to the country life and hospitality, it's a learning curve for Paige! With all three children fathered by different men, Paige not only has to maintain an acceptable front, but also keep her eldest safe as well. She starts out as a woman who has had a rough start to life to one who has such a happy and hopeful future with a man who adores her!
Admittedly, I've never read a Tricia Stringer novel until now. Can't believe I've been missing out on such a talented Australian author! Will certainly be devouring her back catalogue!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Out of the three central characters, I felt an immediate connection with newcomer Paige. Don't get me wrong- I ended up really liking Briony and Marion but it took awhile! For the majority of the book, Briony really irritated me with the bitchiness she aims towards her sister in law and the judgement towards her children's life choices. But in saying this, Briony is the one who had the best character development overall.
Marion on the other hand is a woman who has a hardened surface but with a heart of gold. As a teen she made a major mistake that eventually hurts some people's feelings but at the same time is a pillar of the community. Marion is also witholding the truth concerning her marriage to Len- something that they feel they will be judged about around town.
As mentioned, Paige was the one I instantly loved. She's a young single mother who's a newcomer to Badara. Not used to the country life and hospitality, it's a learning curve for Paige! With all three children fathered by different men, Paige not only has to maintain an acceptable front, but also keep her eldest safe as well. She starts out as a woman who has had a rough start to life to one who has such a happy and hopeful future with a man who adores her!
Admittedly, I've never read a Tricia Stringer novel until now. Can't believe I've been missing out on such a talented Australian author! Will certainly be devouring her back catalogue!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
October 3, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Leading Australian storyteller Tricia Stringer is like fine wine, we continue to get high quality reading entertainment and as time clicks always gets better and better with every new release.
Being a devoted fan of her work, I’m loving each tale as it gets published.
Welcome to Badara, where your secrets are hard to keep hidden and your business is part of the town’s gossip.
Single mother Paige has arrived with three kids to escape her city life.
Family matriarch Briony has to deal with a houseful of family troubles.
Sister in law Marion is afraid a letter, she wrote, inside a time capsule being opened for the community’s festival will mess with many.
These three women are together for the weekly gym club, bonds are formed, secrets are revealed, truth is told, putting on a brave facade is just done and baked pastries are consumed.
A magnificent story about family, female friendship, secrets, essences of community and many sausage rolls.
Highly entertaining, energetic, fun and you will be swept away by this small town drama.
Tricia is a master of making a character realistic, the authenticity each has, it’s like friends and family right in front of you.
The banter between the cast always flows naturally, you actually feel like you’re part of the scene.
Keeping Up Appearances had me from the first chapter and completely wrapped me around its little finger and took control of my reading mind.
It’s hard to believe it’s Tricia’s 15th book and writing across different genres, the bestselling author goes from strength to strength.
As a reader you will be gifted with big hearted extra servings of storyline’s, issues and real life melodrama.
Another captivating and solid addition to the Stringer catalogue.
Leading Australian storyteller Tricia Stringer is like fine wine, we continue to get high quality reading entertainment and as time clicks always gets better and better with every new release.
Being a devoted fan of her work, I’m loving each tale as it gets published.
Welcome to Badara, where your secrets are hard to keep hidden and your business is part of the town’s gossip.
Single mother Paige has arrived with three kids to escape her city life.
Family matriarch Briony has to deal with a houseful of family troubles.
Sister in law Marion is afraid a letter, she wrote, inside a time capsule being opened for the community’s festival will mess with many.
These three women are together for the weekly gym club, bonds are formed, secrets are revealed, truth is told, putting on a brave facade is just done and baked pastries are consumed.
A magnificent story about family, female friendship, secrets, essences of community and many sausage rolls.
Highly entertaining, energetic, fun and you will be swept away by this small town drama.
Tricia is a master of making a character realistic, the authenticity each has, it’s like friends and family right in front of you.
The banter between the cast always flows naturally, you actually feel like you’re part of the scene.
Keeping Up Appearances had me from the first chapter and completely wrapped me around its little finger and took control of my reading mind.
It’s hard to believe it’s Tricia’s 15th book and writing across different genres, the bestselling author goes from strength to strength.
As a reader you will be gifted with big hearted extra servings of storyline’s, issues and real life melodrama.
Another captivating and solid addition to the Stringer catalogue.
October 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this story, especially the authors writing style which was like she was talking directly to you. Set in rural Australia I liked watching the relationships and secrets of the three main women (Paige, Briony and Marion) get revealed. The characters were people you felt you could come across in your own life. I loved the dialogue in this one and will definitely be checking out more from this author.
I received an arc of this book
I received an arc of this book
September 21, 2022
Throughly enjoyed this new offering from author Tricia Stringer.
Set in a small fictitious town near the coast, it centres around a small group of women of various ages, including single Mum Paige, who has moved to the county hoping for a better life for her children.
Most of these women have grown up in the town Badara and we find there is not a lot of love lost between some of them. They come together for a weekly exercise class and with the town hall needing repairs, it is suggested that the time capsule that was buried 50 years ago should be dug up.
But some secrets were written in and buried in that capsule and to reveal them will create a lot of grief for some.
This is just a lovely story about community and inclusion. Interesting how some may never be friends but just rub along and old jealousies don’t disappear, they just get buried too.
One to get immersed in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
Set in a small fictitious town near the coast, it centres around a small group of women of various ages, including single Mum Paige, who has moved to the county hoping for a better life for her children.
Most of these women have grown up in the town Badara and we find there is not a lot of love lost between some of them. They come together for a weekly exercise class and with the town hall needing repairs, it is suggested that the time capsule that was buried 50 years ago should be dug up.
But some secrets were written in and buried in that capsule and to reveal them will create a lot of grief for some.
This is just a lovely story about community and inclusion. Interesting how some may never be friends but just rub along and old jealousies don’t disappear, they just get buried too.
One to get immersed in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
October 3, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable story set in a small fictional SA town. I could visualise the town having recently travelled the Eyre Peninsula and having grown up in a country town. There is not a lot of action but the relationships that develop between 5 very different women is heartwarming.
September 8, 2022
Review to come
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