5 Book Recommendations for Mother’s Day

AUTHOR: Nicola Fraietta - local writer and book enthusiast

1. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross - Romantic Fantasy

   Goddess, Matilda is both Underling and Skyward, possessing hidden powers that the other gods would ruthlessly kill to acquire. When Matilda forms a bond with Vincent, a mortal man, their fated romance forces them to face warring gods. Matilda must decide how much she will sacrifice for the man that she loves and to protect her secrets. This highly anticipated read is exquisitely written and guaranteed to be a hit with women who enjoy romantic stories set amidst magical settings with lush world-building.
   

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - Historical Fiction

   ‘In love we find out who we want to be. In war we find out who we are.’ The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. With over 2 million reviews on Goodreads, this book is not to be missed. Perfect for fans of heartfelt wartime historical fiction. There’s also a film coming in 2027.
   

3. The Love Contract by Steph Vizard (Australian Author) - Contemporary Romantic Comedy

   Desperate single mother Zoe can't secure childcare to return to work. When her frustratingly handsome neighbour, Will, is seen with Zoe, his boss mistakenly assumes he’s the baby’s father and mandates parental leave in order to make their law firm appear progressive. Agreeing to be Zoe’s fake boyfriend and the baby's ‘manny’, their irresistible attraction soon eclipses the bullet points of their contract. As the truth and fiction blur, Zoe’s secret threatens to destroy any trust they’ve built. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry.

4. Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods (Australian Author) - Historical Fantasy

   The Little Mermaid meets Cinderella in 1700s Saint-Malo, France. This dark, enchanting historical fantasy combines elements of well-known fairytales into an original tale of love, power, and betrayal. This exquisitely written book is perfect for readers who enjoy lush prose, historical settings, and fairytales woven with local folklore.

5. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry -  Historical Literary Fiction

   Recently widowed Cora Seaborne leaves London in 1893, hoping to discover the truth of the mythical Essex Serpent, rumoured to have resurfaced. There, she befriends the local vicar, Will Ransome and his family. Although they agree on absolutely nothing, Will and Cora develop an inexorable, life-altering bond that challenges their beliefs and their worlds. Aside from the two protagonists, this beautifully tells the stories of the other peripheral characters and the struggles they encounter. This book is also a series on Apple TV+.

Nicola Fraietta (Downward) is a military wife, mother, writer and teacher living in Tindal, NT.

For more information on joining the Tindal Bookclub, or more book recommendations, feel free to contact her on Instagram @nicola.fraietta. You can also read the first chapter of her upcoming adult historical fantasy novel for free at www.nicolafraietta.com