Hi readers,

Do you hear that? It’s all the Christmas music I’m listening to.

Do you smell that? It’s all candles I’ve been burning.

That’s right, tis the season. And boy, am I ready.

It has been such a fun couple of months. I’ve been on a short Aussie tour for The Soulmate, I’ve released a line of clothing, and I’ve nearly finished next year’s novel. Luckily I only operate on one-speed - fast.

But, once I’ve finished the new book, I plan on slowing down. Taking a break. Reading books for pleasure. And, with that in mind, I’ve created a Best Books of 2022 list below (maybe to help you with Christmas shopping), and a Most Excited for in 2023 list.

Yes, I know it’s only November but I have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to celebrating. The flip side of this is that I’ve been known to take down my decorations ON Christmas Day. What can I say? When the party’s over, it’s over.

Sally x

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has bought, read, promoted and reviewed The Soulmate. And who came to my events! I get to do my dream job because of you. I’ll never not be grateful for that.

For Christmas shopping… Because nothing makes better stocking stuffers than books. Just saying.

THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS BY HOLLY WAINWRIGHT

This book has everything - a breathless plot, intriguing characters and a dilemma that keeps you thinking long after the final page. Buy here.

THE WAY FROM HERE BY JANE COCKRAM

Addictive and atmospheric, three generations of women with three generations of secrets. Buy here.

THE PARIS MYSTERY BY KIRSTY MANNING

A new murder mystery series set in the Golden Age of 1930's Paris and I am obsessed! Buy here.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY BY BONNIE GARMUS

A tale of female disempowerment in the 50s and 60s with a culinary and chemistry tweak in this revenge comedy. Buy here.

BODIES OF LIGHT BY JENNIFER DOWN

A gorgeous, dark, epic book of tragedy, heartbreak and vulnerability. It also won the 2022 Miles Franklin, so you know it’s good! Buy here.

THE WRONG WOMAN JP POMARE

It was just a tragic accident ... Wasn't it? A completely addictive murder mystery novel by one of my faves. Buy here.

DIRT TOWN BY HAYLEY SCRIVENOR

On a hot Friday afternoon in a small town, two 12-year-old best friends leave school together, but only one of them makes it home. Buy here.

EXILES BY JANE HARPER

Exiles follows the story of a mother who disappears in a festival crowd, leaving behind a baby in a pram and it’s my favourite Jane Harper yet! Buy here.

THE GERMAN WIFE BY KELLY RIMMER

A gripping novel inspired by the true story of Operation Paperclip: a controversial secret US intelligence program that employed former Nazis after WWII. Buy here.

Still not sure what to gift for Christmas? Why not The Soulmate?! Buy here.

LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER BY KERRYN MAYNE

So, my amazing friend Kerryn is the police officer who I harass with questions when writing my books, and now she’s written one of her own! It’s funny and great and irresistible (and out in February 2023). Pre-order here.

I’LL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS BY KYLIE LADD

I’ve teased the release of this book before, and it’s coming up soon! (Late Jan 2023). It’s a beautiful, heartwarming story about a group of siblings who decide to track down the recipients of the organ donors from their brother’s tragic death. Loved it and you will too. Pre-order here.

THE ONE AND ONLY DOLLY JAMIESON BY LISA IRELAND

My buddy Lisa’s new book is coming out in January 2023 and you better believe I’m excited for you to read it! It’s a compelling feel-good novel that had me in love from the first page. Pre-order here.

If you’re not too busy reading all those books, here are some podcasts you can listen to!

Mamamia Outloud episode here

I replaced Mia Freedman for this episode of Mamamia Outloud while I was in Sydney on tour, and it was so much fun chatting with Jessie and Holly about free speech in the US, romantic comedies (spoiler: I’m not a fan), and whether following beautiful people on Instagram counts as cheating.

Forty episode here

I spoke with my mates Lise and Sarah from the FORTY podcast about hair loss and wigs. AKA one of my favourite topics. We had many laughs, as per usual.

TONTS episode here

The hilarious Claire Tonti and I spoke on her podcast TONTS about ADHD, marriage and murder. My second-best favourite topics after wigs and hair toppers, obviously.

Name better listening at this time of year than Mariah Carey and Michael Buble… I’ll wait.

Want something to wear while you read those excellent books or dance around the house to Christmas music?

Check out my capsule collaboration with Emmeline The Label! Personally, I’ll be wearing The Rosie Dress (pictured) on Christmas Day. You should too, then we can all send each other matching selfies while drinking wine.

On Monday night 21 November at 7.30pm (Sydney time) I’ll be chatting with Amy and Laura from Secret Book Stuff in their virtual book club event.

Grab your tickets here for $11! (Free for Secret Book Club subscribers.)

I’m funny on Instagram.