Hi all,

A few months ago, on one of my favourite podcasts Mamamia Outloud, Holly Wainwright recommended a book called Wintering by Katherine May. It must have been the way Holly described it, because while it isn’t the sort of book I normally read, I immediately bought the book.

For those who haven’t read it, ‘Wintering’ describes the necessary periods of downtime in our lives, and encourages us to look at these periods as an opportunity to fill our tank. From the blurb: "A moving personal narrative, May’s story offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat.” Buy the book here.

The recommendation came at the best possible time for me. I was just … spent. The idea of ‘Wintering' seemed so wonderful, so restorative. And yet, I couldn’t see how it could be possible for me, with a family, with a career, with a life!

I lamented this to my psychologist.

Me: “I want to ‘Winter'! I want to take three months when I’m not doing anything except writing and hanging out with my family and friends.”

Psych: “Why don’t you?”

Me: ….

And this is why I pay her the big bucks, people.

And so, as we enter winter in Australia, I’m entering a quiet period. A period with no events (okay maybe one or two, to interview VERY special people). A period of taking school holidays off work to hang out with my kids. A period of reading only for pleasure. A period of long walks with the dog. A period of saying no to anything that doesn’t interest me so I can say yes to me.

A period to write my next novel.

That’s right, I have a book idea burning inside me, and I am getting ready to write it. And you know the best time to write a novel?

Winter.

But first ... here are some things I’ve been loving lately.

Sally x

Homecoming by Kate Morton

There is a reason Kate Morton is KATE MORTON. I adore everything she writes, but Homecoming is among her best. Jess is a journalist in search of a story, and she travels home to Adelaide from London to care for her sick grandmother, when she comes across a true crime book buried in the family home. And it contains some pretty epic similarities and connections to her own family — a mystery that was never solved. Buy here.

The Show Girl by Nicola Harrison

I met Nicola Harrison when I was on my US book tour and was so excited to get a copy of The Show Girl. It’s 1927 and singer/dancer Olive is very modern in her ways. The only one who seems to accept her is the handsome and wealthy Archie. But once she accepts his proposal of marriage he starts to change his tune, and Olive must decide if she is willing to reveal a devastating secret and sacrifice the life she loves for the man she loves. Buy here.

Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

This came across my desk a few months ago and I’ve seen it everywhere on social media! Dark Mode was the #1 fiction bestseller in Australia for a few weeks, which is incredible. It’s a terrifying psychological thriller based loosely on true events, and explores the dark web, stalking, killer plants and other such juicy things. A page-turner for sure! Buy here.

The Other Side of Her by B.M. Carroll

I had the best time launching my friend Ber’s book in Melbourne last week, and realised I haven’t actually told you about it in a newsletter yet! The Other Side of Her follows busy parents Mia and Ryan, whose former nanny, Irish backpacker Tara, tragically disappeared a couple of years ago. And now they’re being questioned about it. Then we have Beth, a single mum who has bad things continuing to happen and is blaming her abusive ex-partner. But is it really him? Dark secrets tie these families together. You’ll love it. Buy here.

I have been loving two shows lately that are incredibly ‘on brand’ for me… both about marriage and murder!

Love & Death on Binge

Starring Elizabeth Olsen, this is a miniseries based on the true story of Texan housewife (and devout Christian) Candy Montgomery, who was accused of the brutal axe murder of her friend Betty Gore in 1980. I mean, do I need to say more? A fascinating story.

Fatal Attraction (2023) on Paramount

We’ve all heard of the ‘bunny boiler’, right? The ‘psycho ex-lover’ character made famous by Glenn Close in the 1987 film of the same name, starring Michael Douglas? It caused waves when it came out and I remember the original movie soooo clearly. And now, a remake! With an apparently more feminist twist (I haven’t finished the series yet…) starring two actors I love: Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan. Are you watching it too?? Let me know your thoughts on social media.

You might have already seen these recommendations in my new ‘3 Things I’m Loving’ series on Instagram (here), but they deserve an extra shout-out in the newsletter too.

Bondi Sands GLO Shimmer One Day Tan

On your way out the door and realised your legs need a bit of colour? This is your best friend. I have tried lots of instant tanners, but this one is the best, as it doesn’t have shimmer. Also, the tan doesn’t stick to your clothes and it doesn't budge all day. I swear by it. You can buy here.

Fidget rings from Subtly Anxious

As a hair puller, nail biter, skin picker (the works), I am loving these fidget rings from Subtly Anxious, which I can play with and spin while watching TV. And they look great! Game changer. Check them out.

Have you been keeping updated on the Writers Cabin we’re building in the backyard? I’ve been saving Christian’s tradie antics to Instagram here.

I’m funny on Instagram.