WELL HELLO WINTER (for those in the Southern Hemisphere!),

I have to say, it kind of feels like everyone is either 1) complaining about the cold, or 2) escaping winter in the tropics right now. As for me, because I like to be contrary, I am 3) loving winter sick. I’ve just returned from an idyllic writing retreat for one in Daylesford. Gosh it was heavenly. The pace was slow, the fire was warm, and much reading and writing got done. It was a nice reminder that while it’s fun to escape, there is also something wonderful about embracing what is - don’t you think?

Speaking of embracing what is … one of the things I love about this time of year is the routine… the kids are in their stride at school, I am in my stride with a new book (and, for once, not launching a new book at the same time), the good TV series are dropping and I feel like I can catch my breath. It is also the time of year that a bunch of my favourite authors are releasing new books so my bedside table is piled high with advanced copies. I’ve also got a few events and writer’s festivals coming up (details below), that I am super excited about and I hope to see a lot of you there.  

So - without future ado, put on your trackies, sit back and grab a cuppa, because I’ve got some reccos to warm up your winter.

Sally

The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin

My friend Emily has another fantastic novel coming out soon! In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends make a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon on a life-changing adventure together… we start in their college years and follow them a decade later and I loved the portrayal of grief and hope and love and friendship! Pre-order here.

Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor

Hayley Scrivenor’s first book Dirt Town, released in 2022, blew me away (and many of us!) Now the talented young Hayley is back with another, Girl Falling, which is set in the Blue Mountains and follows two best friends. When one of them falls in love with a newcomer, their friendship changes… then the newcomer falls from a cliff. Was it suicide, an accident, or something more sinister? Pre-order here.

Fella Hamilton Chalet Textured Sweater

You guys might remember that my friend Danielle used to have a fashion label called Ella Sanders? Every time I wear one of my old Ella Sanders jumpers you guys STILL ask about it. Well, lucky us, Danielle is now designing for Fella Hamilton! I’ve been wearing one of her pieces, the Chalet Textured Sweater, on repeat for the past week - with trackies, jeans, uggs, my trench - it goes with everything. And it’s 100% merino wool so it’s keeping me toasty warm this Melbourne winter. Mine is a size small. Shop here.

Brillo Body Butter

You guys, I am absolutely obsessed with this Brillo Body Butter and Balm… my hands and shins are BUTTERY SOFT this winter. Did you also know that Brillo Beauty is the brand from beauty expert and all-round excellent human Leigh Campbell?! That’s why this is so excellent. I will trust anything she throws my way (but I will stress that I bought this with my own money… this is not a sponsored post!). Shop here.

I’ve got a bunch of fun events coming up in the next few months!

Kimberley Writers Festival 2-4 August

Really excited to head to Kununurra in WA for this lovely little writers festival! Will anyone be there? Reach out to me on Instagram if so. Info here.

In conversation with JP Pomare at Bayside Libraries 14 August

I wrote about JP’s new book, 17 Years Later, in last month’s newsletter and I’m super excited to chat to him about it. Hope to see you there! Book here.

Whitsundays Writers Festival 6-8 September

One of the tough things about being a writer is going to places like the Whitsundays to talk about your work… HA HA! Cannot wait to visit this glorious place. Book tickets here.

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (Netflix)

I never thought I’d be so invested in the lives of a bunch of 20-something cheerleaders in Texas… but it turns out I’m not alone because sooo many people are loving this documentary series on Netflix right now! Over 7 episodes, we see the gruelling auditions, bootcamp and training program for these young cheerleaders as they try to make it into the most prestigious cheerleading team in America. You’ll gasp and cry and find yourself practicing high kicks in front of the mirror at 1am, trust me.

I’m funny on Instagram.