Ortenzia Borre: Book Review + Interview + WIN copy of 'What Women Need'

Meeting Ortenzia Borre in person could make you feel inadequate - the Australian born woman, of Italian and Russian heritage, is tall, slender, dresses, impeccably, and is strikingly beautiful.

But Ortenzia, 31, puts anyone in her orbit completely at ease immediately.

It's not simply what she does - it's inherently who she is.

Ortenzia is the author of brand new book 'What Women Need', and she's well qualified to be an authority on the topic. She's a model, TV journalist and long-time model mentor for Australian etiquette queen June Dally-Watkins.

Ortenzia says she has inadvertently spent years helping women look and feel their best. She explains in the interview below conducted with Josie's Juice how women - friends and those she met in her travels - would ask her for tips on what to wear, how to act in particular scenarios, and little rules on what today we would call 'life hacks' - the pearls of wisdom to getting it right in social situations, in an age where we are seemingly more social (thank you, Instagram) but instead losing the art of socialising, and yes, etiquette.

Josie's Juice first saw Ortenzia in person at the My Face My Body awards in November 2017, and from across the room it was obvious the woman had class in spades. Does it sound like we have a woman crush on Ortenzia? Why yes, we confess... we do!

When we next met Ortenzia the launch of her book at The Langham in Sydney (where she is also ambassador for the five star hotel), she continued to be class personified, from her beautiful aura to her welcoming nature, putting all at ease instantly. And good manners and grace run in her family - we spent hours chatting with Ortenzia's family and it's clear style and poise are genetic, with Ortenzia's mother and sister exuding this kind of confidence and warmth, with good looks to boot. Even Ortenzia's fiancé is incredibly welcoming.

When we speak ahead of the launch for our interview, Ortenzia speaks to Josie's Juice from her car, having come straight from a meeting which had gone over time, and her first instinct is to make sure all was okay with the slight delay. She has an infectious laugh and such a sunny nature, but this woman is clear about who she is and where she is going, proving driven, intelligent, clever women can indeed come wrapped in a pretty bow with impeccable grooming and matching accessories - of course she can! We know this of course, but Ortenzia is a woman after our own heart, and someone we'd proudly offer as an example of a role model for young girls. As a matter of fact, we have a copy stashed just for her, and she is 10. The kind of example I'd like this young girl to follow.

Josie's Juice: Congratulations on firstly, writing a book, and secondly on the fantastic and relevant content. How did it all get contextualised in your head that this is the book you wanted to write?

Ortenzia: It's all to do with my background in media and modelling. I've been modelling for about 15 years and while modelling I went into journalism. 

I'm at a journalist and model by trade. I did a communications degree at university and over the years I was lucky enough to combine the two, and June Daly Watkins was looking for a model mentor and a personal development mentor to replace her when she was travelling and I was recommended through personal contacts

She doesn’t do CVs, she only hires through recommendations. So I became one of her leading mentors for a fews years while still presenting and modelling.

And over the years I have always taken notes on everything, from observations, questions women would ask me, to my own personal lightbulb moments. I knew one day something had to come from it, I felt there was a need for it.

In my mentoring of women, they all had the same questions, so I realised there must be a gap in the market for a guide which is all the simplicity of my message, and also about confidence. And that's how the book came about. I have so many notes, and when the opportunity came to give it the time it needed I thought, I'm going to push through and keep writing, and voila, we have a book!

JJ: June Daly Watkins would have provided an amazing opportunity and experience. You say you have been taking notes for the past five years - how much has the need for basic etiquette changed in the last five years? My guess is very much so...

Ortenzia: Absolutely, I've been really careful to not pigeon hole the book as an etiquette book - it's not. It's not an etiquette book because I feel now etiquette is being confident and comfortable. You're confident in your own skin and you're comfortable in yourself and in you making everyone around you comfortable and confident, then your etiquette is on par.

JJ: I love that! I love that this is the crux of the book. I have a daughter so the first thing I said to Emma (the book's PR) is that this is excellent and I want to give it to my daughter because there are scary times ahead and I am responsible for her understanding of the social media landscape, and her navigation of life in general at this tender age. Actually the cheeky little thing started an Instagram account without my permission, so I monitor all of her posts which is on her private account, and tell her when it's inappropriate, when she posts song lyrics with videos, and a pensive look on her face. I say, this is way too serious and too deep for your age. You are ten! I do agree that making her, even at this young age, and others, feel comfortable in themselves, as you said, is understanding etiquette.

Ortenzia: That's it, that's my main message and it always has been. 'Manners' is how you make other people feel. I always tell people, if in doubt, and you don’t know what to do, make the people around you feel comfortable. That's why I really didn’t want it to be an etiquette book; I want to target every woman, a young woman like your daughter to be able to receive it and not roll her eyes but go, you know what mum, this is really good thank you. It's all based on confidence. If a women is comfortable in her skin she will have good manners, she will be in the right mind frame, and make the right decisions, and she wont be making decisions out of fear. That's the message from the book. We also cover topics such as how to dress for your body shape.

JJ: Another topic you talk about in the book is first impressions. Have you ever had a situation when you have met someone and your first impression of them changes once you got to know them better

Ortenzia: Living in Australia and the 21st century where everything is more relaxed and casual, it does happen, however being a mentor I’m not in the position to judge. Instead I see it as a situation where they don’t know how to act, or they're lacking the skill or that knowledge. I have a filter of "I can't judge as it would be wrong of me" because I know something that someone doesn’t, and secondly everyone is an individual and everyone chooses to represent themselves in their own way. My book is about encouraging who you are and supporting the person and individual you are.

Ortenzia conducted a masterclass at The Langham in February 2018 (stay tuned for more dates!). In the 'What Women Need' masterclass, she answered some of the most common questions asked by women of all ages (and some men!) about how to showcase your finest qualities and present yourself in the best possible light.

AND! Josie's Juice is giving away a copy of Ortenzia's book!

Here is all you need to do to enter:

- follow Josie's Juice on Facebook and Instagram

- follow Ortenzia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ortenziaborre/

- share this blog post

- comment below (or send me an email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au) and tell us why you'd like to win this fab book!

Want to own your own copy right now? Head to Ortenzia's page to order today.

Here are some excerpts from Ortenzia's book, as captured via her Instagram page:

Happy International Women’s Day ❤️ My note from What Women Need to all the wonderful women around the world www.whatwomenneed.com #women #womensempowerment #internationalwomensday #love #strength #fashion #style #empowerment #quotes #instagood #instadaily #instaquote #fashionblogger #health #fitness #book #books #bestseller #author #fashionable #makeup @dymocksbooks @womenshealthaus @huffpostwomen @oprahmagazine @owntv

A post shared by Ortenzia Borre (@ortenziaborre) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:12pm PST

A little mid week inspiration from #whatwomenneed 💕 #whatwomenneed #inspiration #empowerment #book #books #author #goals #inspo #instadaily #instagood #fashion #fashionblogger #beauty #beautyblogger #style #photooftheday #makeup #hair #model #inspirationalquotes #quotes #inspire #fitness #health @womenshealthaus @huffpostwomen @womensfitnessmag @oprahmagazine @womensweeklymag @owntv @cosmoaustralia @mariashriver @bookofthemonth @colgateanz @businesschicks @9honey @ariannahuff @bazaaraustralia #womensempowerment

A post shared by Ortenzia Borre (@ortenziaborre) on Dec 19, 2017 at 3:39pm PST

And some vids of Ortenzia in the press:

And here is Ortenzia in action:

Antonio Carluccio Dies Age 80: Josie's Juice Tribute

Antonio Carluccio has died, age 80.

Touted the 'Godfather of Italian Cooking' he once said: “I consider vegetables the Cinderella of the food world,” the cook, author, restaurateur and television presenter once said. “That’s why I wanted to give them a bit of love'" he added when he released 25th cookbook called 'Vegetables.'

Josie's Juice was fortunate to share some quality time with the lovely Carluccio at his media event at a beautiful house in Bondi in October 2015, when he was in Australia as the face of Italian passata and peeled tomato brand Ciro.

Antonio Carlucco. Source: Twitter

His death was announced on his website, by the restaurant business, Carluccio's, on Twitter and by his agent.

Here is the news on his own Twitter page @cookcarluccio

It is with great sadness that we announce that Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE sadly passed away this morning. https://t.co/LWJtijvtf6 pic.twitter.com/WJsqSks7ud

— Antonio Carluccio (@CookCarluccio) November 8, 2017

 

ed account

His Twitter profile says:

Godfather of Italian gastronomy. OBE, OMRI. Italian cookery writer, chef, restaurateur and food expert.

His cause of death was not immediately revealed.

Carluccio, who was born and raised in Italy, had restaurants in Britain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates bearing his name.

He also appeared in several television shows and wrote more than 22 cookbooks.

"Antonio built Carluccio's from one restaurant to the fantastic brand it is today," the restaurant company said in a statement. 

"It isn't just Antonio's name above our doors, but his heart and soul lives and breathes throughout our restaurants."

RIP big fella! We were thrilled to have some quality time with you and will be forever grateful for that time on the balcony overlooking Bondi beach.

Here is just one clip from the day:

And here is our much cherished photo together:

Here is the full statement:

Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE 19th April 1937 to 8th November 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE sadly passed away this morning.

Commendatore Antonio Carluccio was an OBE, OMRI and a much loved and respected Italian cookery writer, cook, restaurateur, food expert and loved TV personality, he was regarded as the Godfather of Italian cooking. Raised in the rural North West of Italy, Antonio had a rare and privileged breadth of culinary knowledge.

Antonio was appointed Commendatore by the Italian Government in 1998 for services rendered to Italy, the equivalent of a British knighthood. He also received an OBE from The Queen in 2007 for services to the catering industry.

In 1981 Antonio opened the Neal Street Restaurant in Covent Garden, London, which traded for 26 years. In the same year he also was runner up in the Sunday Times Cook of the Year.

In 1999 Antonio co-founded Carluccio’s and it is his dedication and legacy which has made the restaurant group one of the UK’s most successful and well-known brands.

Antonio was awarded the AA Hospitality Lifetime Achievement award in 2012. Winners of this award are congratulated for making significant contributions to their industry, which have had a notable impact, and have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress in their field.

Source: http://antonio-carluccio.co.uk/commendatore-antonio-carluccio-died/

'Fifty Shades Darker' Trailer: VIDEO

Here it is: the first glimpse of the 'Fifty Shades Darker' trailer, and it asks us to “slip into something a shade darker.” It's just a teaser, though... Watch:

The poster is also out, for the next instalment in the series.

Release date? Why, it's Valentine’s Day next year... of course!

'Love, Lies and Spies': Book Review

A new book by Cindy Antsy is just out titled 'Love, Lies, and Spies', and it's reviewed here by Gabriella Dessanti.

Here is the book cover:

And here is Gabriella's review:

Set in the British Regency period, this is a novel for lovers of historical romantic comedy. It is entertaining with witty dialogue between the main characters with plenty of playful banter. Spencer and Juliana are both committed to their work and profess not to be interested in love and marriage, bound by their mutual desire to remain in control of their futures. Unlike Emma from 'Jane Austen', who doesn’t realise she loves Mr Knightley, Juliana feels something from the start for Spencer, however she tries to play it down and avoids acknowledging to herself the strength and source of her feelings. Similarly, Spencer unsuccessfully tries to hide his own bourgeoning feelings and remain steadfast to his spy assignment.

Juliana is likeable; she doesn’t flaunt society rules just to test the boundaries nor to purposely annoy her overbearing Aunt Phyllis, only to the extent to create some personal space and pursue her publishing aspirations. Setting herself apart from other women in this genre, Juliana doesn’t try to control or manipulate people nor fall prey to miscommunications and misunderstandings; she is the perpetual damsel in distress requiring rescue from a knight, here the gallant and obliging Spencer Northam. As damsels go, she is not weak and helpless; in her most perilous occasion when entangled with a villain, she proves herself strong and daring and not unwilling to use force to protect herself and her reputation.

The dynamic pair keep secrets from one another; as a spy it is inherent in Spencer’s occupation. However, the people that they also engage with, unbeknown to them, are also hiding secrets, playing roles to further their personal objectives. Layers of lies and spying form the crux of this novel; the key, just like the multiple keys on the book cover, suggest an unlocking of the layers of each character - their passions, motivations and vulnerabilities. 

A delightful and charming novel, each chapter starts with an amusing summary of the events to unfold, such as “in which a reprehensible betrayal is brought to fruition and a delicious awareness is born…”

A beguiling new author is born; Cindy Anstey has laid down the gauntlet with her debut novel an instant classic for book clubs and English Literature students.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

'Love, Lies, and Spies', by Cindy Antsy is out now through Pan Macmillan.

About the Author

Cindy Anstey spends her time writing ad adventuring around the world. She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her backyard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French. Cindy lives history, mystery and a chocolate Labrador called Chester. Love, Lies and Spies is her debut novel. She currently resides in Novia Scotia, Canada. Contact her on Twitter at @CindyAnstey.

See the rest of Gabriella's book reviews here, here, here, here and here. And one more: here!

'The Beekeeper's Secret': Book Review

Gabriella Dessanti, our Josie's Juice resident book reviewer, is back with another superb book review.

This time, 'The Beekeepers Secret', by Josephine Moon.

Writes Gabriella:

A charming book which is very easy to read, which delves into the complexities of families, the secrets we hide, the assumptions that divide, and the love that binds…

For Maria, a former nun, her family is the most treasured part of her heart yet she has isolated herself from them, nursing a terrible guilt from her time as a nun. Living in a picturesque mountain top, the Honeybee Haven, where she indulges in her passion of beekeeping. Like her beloved bees - 'her girls' -  her life has been dedicated to hard work and the service of others.

To her horror, the past has now tracked her down - someone who is privy to her past and her adorable niece Tansy, who is very keen to reunite her disjointed family. Maria has already been living out her own self-imposed penance. The question is: has this been enough, or does she need to be held publicly accountable? 

Tansy tangles herself into a web of deceit and lies as she gets to know her aunt and tries to understand the rift between Maria and her sisters, all the while planning for the perfect time to introduce her back into the family fold. Tansy has her own challenges to face; she made a deal with her older husband never to have kids but now as she approaches her thirtieth, she has mixed feelings. Love, the nectar of life, guides her as she competently navigates her own heart and those of her family.

With insightful knowledge about bees and the lost art of beekeeping, the bees amusingly played a significant role in the plot and added lightheartedness to a provocative social issue which, at its heart, exposes a complex web of secondary and tertiary victims that have been threatened into silence.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

More about the author:

Josephine Moon's first novel, The Tea Chest (2014), delighted readers with its strong heroine and enchanting story and was a bestseller both in Australia and overseas. Her second novel, The Chocolate Promise (2015), was a love-story with a difference set in luscious Provence and rural Tasmania and was also a bestseller.

The Beekeeper's Secret, a novel of family and the happiness, guilt and grief that can lie within them, is her third novel.

Josephine lives with her husband, son and her horses, dogs, chickens, goats and cats on acreage in Queensland.

See the rest of Gabriella's book reviews here and here and here and here - and her last book review on 'A French Wedding' here.

'A French Wedding': Book Review

For our next book review, we again have Gabriella Dessanti reviewing.

This time, 'A French Wedding', by Hannah Tunncliffe.

Here is the beautiful cover:

And here is Gabriella's excellent book review:

This is a celebration of friendship throughout the decades, with six college friends brought together to celebrate Max’s fortieth birthday at his villa in Brittany, France.

During the course of the weekend the friends indulge in a feast of the senses, with local produce cooked with elegance and flair by Juliette (Max’s personal chef) and matched with an abundance of wine. The friends enjoy having fun, getting drunk and generally acting like teenagers as they reminisce about their past to the exclusion of those who don’t form part of their exclusive group, causing tensions and feuds.

Through the weekend secrets are revealed that will forever change them all. Seeing each other again after so many years forces each of them to look into the mirror of their own souls; to assess whether they have made the right choices in life. We see the friends predominately through Juliette’s keen observation skills and analysis of people’s behaviour, learnt from her experience as a chef of a Parisian restaurant. There is also a scattering of rich flashbacks providing context to the relationships and depth to the story.

A significant part of the book is told through Max’s perspective. Max is a one dimensional character - a musician with Peter Pan Syndrome, a drunk, a womaniser and selfish. Max appears to have it together, according to his friends; a successful musician living out his passion, yet he is lonely and yearns for love, in the form of Helen. Outwardly she personifies the beautiful Helen of Troy but with a modern twist; both dangerously alluring with a wealthy upbringing, yet this Helen is broken, growing up without unconditional love and support has left her with negative self worth. Like Max, she is financially successful and has had numerous transient relationships, however she has heart and soul and is not afraid to display the occasional glimpse of sadness. Max plans to put his 'grand plan' into action and finally declares his love to Helen.

In contrast to Max and Helen’s wildness and spontaneity, Rosie, who is the third main voice in the novel had a grand plan from the start: married, with kids and with the financial security and social status she desired. Yet she, like everyone else, has regrets and frustrations, and the events over the course of the weekend provide an impetus for change. Even Juliette isn’t immune; she has been hiding from herself in layers of secrets, guilt and regrets - her only solace is her cooking, and as an aftermath to the weekend she takes ownership of her life to reclaim peace and happiness.

Overall I found the women to be the strongest and most intriguing characters in the novel and I particularly enjoyed the character of Juliette who I thought cleverly brought the story together. She is intimately entwined with food and with the French surroundings, and she has an aura of mystique, which commands your attention.

This is a heart-warming read, transporting you to the Douarnenez seaside via rich imagery and culinary delights ending with a love-affirming wedding.

Rating: 3.5 stars, to be enjoyed with your favourite wine as the perfect accompaniment... Bon appetite!

Postscript: I attended Hannah’s book launch and had the opportunity to taste the kouign-amman pastry that is referenced throughout the book. Max, we now have something in common… we share a favourite pastry!

'A French Wedding', by Hannah Tunncliffe is out now through Pan Macmillan.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Hannah Tunnicliffe is the author of two previous novels, The Colour of Tea and Season of Salt and Honey. She is founder and co-author of the blog Fork and Fiction, which, unsurprisingly, explores her twin loves - books and food. Although a self-confessed nomad, she currently lives in New Zealand with her husband and daughters.

See the rest of Gabriella's book reviews here and here and here and here.

'I’ll See You In Paris': REVIEW

The latest book review by Gabriella Dessanti is here, and it's so beautifully written.

See more of her reviews here, here, and even on the Josie's Juice sister site TwinnieWorld here.

I’ll see you in Paris, by Michelle Gable - REVIEW:

The title of this novel is what grabbed my attention. I love Paris; it resonates romance, art, culture enchantment, happily this novel delivers on most counts. 

I had expected Paris to play a prominent role in this novel; however it shrewdly plays a more subtle one. It is the magnet of love and passion, where the heart and soul of a person resides, leaving Paris means shedding a key aspect of oneself, and it is only when the characters reunite in Paris in the end that they finally reconnect with their own hearts. 

Annie is engaged to a Marine about to leave for Afghanistan, just after events of 9/11. On the precipice of marriage, she challenges her mother to give her answers about her unknown father which she has never questioned previously. Annie’s’ mother has seemingly appeared to her daughter to have a led a “life that went in a straight line” a career woman and single mother, yet the experiences that defined Laurel prior to motherhood, particularly her love life have been fiercely guarded with her silence.

It is with Annie’s discovery of an ancient book amongst Laurel’s possessions titled “the missing duchess”, that ignites a quest of self-discovery, as she unlocks the truth of her mother’s past, the mystery of her dad and solidifies Annie’s own direction in life. When Annie follows her mother on a trip to Banbury, Oxfordshire, there for a family business transaction, it is intriguingly the setting where the Duchess spent her later years in life. Laurel is too absorbed in her mysterious business which conveniently allows her to remain evasive of her Annie, leaving Annie to her own devices. Annie spends her time reading the book and makes her own private investigations into the riddle of the Duchess, seeking out her former home, The Grange. Annie visits the local pub and meets Gus, a man who knew the Duchess and her biographer; he gives Annie valuable insights and stories behind the making of the biography. 

The book moves through the present 2001 and 1970’s then later in the 1980’s where the past comes to life through Gus’s recounting and also interview transcripts and recordings that Annie finds through her investigations. I found the transitions a little clumsy at times, having a story within a story didn’t really allow for a strong connection with the main characters. What kept my interest was the enchanting and mesmerizing historical figure which Gable deftly weaves into this fictional novel. Gladys Deacon, the Duchess of Marlborough is an intriguing woman. Whilst living in her dilapidated Grange home the duchess called herself “Mrs Spencer” and was known for shooting at and shouting obscenities to locals. She claimed that Tom lived there with her, a man whom locals had never seen in years, adding further mystery and intrigue- is Mrs Spencer insane or does the man actually exist? In her earlier years having led the Parisian way of life in eminent social circles, the duchess whose beauty was legendary and who was painted by Giovanni Bodini, had incalculable lovers. She has been quoted as saying “of course I’m well informed! I’ve slept with eleven Prime Ministers and most Kings!”. Using her extensive knowledge of love she spearheads her personal assistant’s romance with the biographer.

It was an enjoyable read with an unexpected beautiful twist at the end. I am looking forward to reading Gable’s first novel.

Rating: 3½ stars out of 5.

'I’ll See You In Paris', by Michelle Gable is out now through Pan Macmillan Australia.

More on the author:

Michelle Gable graduated from the College of William & Mary. She currently resides in Cardiff by the Sea, California, with her husband, two daughters, and one lazy cat. A Paris Apartment is her first novel.

'The Silent Inheritance', by Joy Dettman: REVIEW

Josie's Juice is lucky to have a guest blogger, Gabriella Dessanti, as our book reviewer. She will be reading and reviewing books for this site, as well as for sister site TwinnieWorld. In fact, you can read her review on that site right here. And read her first review for Josie's Juice here.

Here, Gabriella reviews 'The Silent Inheritance', by Joy Dettman.

Says Gabriella:

Joy Dettman’s latest novel, a crime thriller that will keep you guessing…

From the beginning we are introduced to the psyche of “The Freeway Killer” who dubs himself “the Wolf”. He knows and accepts his “wolf heart” and female babies should somewhere in their future fear him.

There are two strong and likeable 12 year old girls in this story, Marni, the mature and charming daughter of the struggling single mother Sara, and the 5^th victim of the “Freeway Killer”, a strong and resourceful girl who challenges her abductor exposing his vulnerabilities.

The book is in third person, written from several points of view, the main ones being Sara, the Freeway killer, the victim, Ross the detective and Freddy Adam-Jones the lawyer. 

Sara, lives in a granny flat with her daughter Marni, assisting her landlady as part of her cheap rent. An unexpected windfall opens new doors of opportunities and also threatens to expose the secrets of her past that she has worked hard to keep hidden.  Marni’s classmate is the latest victim of the Freeway Killer and for Sara, who lives and breathes for Marni, her fears for her daughter’s safety are magnified and she clings more fiercely to their privacy.

Freddy Adam-Jones, a successful lawyer at the peak of his career, he is engaged in high profile cases, in contrast his personal life is in crisis with an increasingly absent wife, a delinquent son and guards a ruinous secret that weighs on his mind.

Ross pulls the threads of the story together, his investigations lead him to Freddy and on a trip to Perth he meets Sara and Marni. What is Sara’s connection to Freddy? What secrets from Sara’s past might help locating Marni’s classmate?  Can Ross unravel the clues in time to save her life before she is found dumped in double bagged green garbage bags on the side of the Freeway?

This is my first Joy Dettman book, and I didn’t know what to expect. It was well-written, the characters are vivid as she delves into their thoughts which oscillate from past to present, leaving the astute reader cryptic clues to try to solve the mystery.  It is an enjoyable read with a cast of memorable characters each with their secrets and their flaws.   On the negative side the characters are developed to the extent and for the purpose of furthering the abduction storyline, leaving sub-plots unfinished and somewhat unfulfilling. I also found it hard at times to empathize with Sara, some secrets didn’t need to be so secretive, however her daughter is delightful, Freddy is interesting and adds complexity to the story and the insights of the killer and his victim keep the storyline moving as it climaxes to a gripping end.

'The Silent Inheritance', by Joy Dettman is out now through Pan Macmillan.

Author's note: info on the author:

Joy Dettman was born in country Victoria and spent her early years in towns on either side of the Murray River. She is an award-winning writer of short stories, the complete collection of which, Diamonds in the Mud, was published in 2007, as well as the highly acclaimed novels Mallawindy, Jacaranda Blue, Goose Girl, Yesterday's Dust, The Seventh Day, Henry'sDaughter, One Sunday and the bestselling Woody Creek series.

'Missing Presumed' by Susie Steiner: REVIEW

Josie's Juice has a new guest blogger, folks! Her name is Gabriella Dessanti, and she will be reading the latest books, and writing book reviews. Here is one of hers. Plus another, on sister site TwinnieWorld.

Here is her take on the new book 'Missing Presumed', by Susie Steiner.

Says Gabriella:

Detective Sergeant Manon Bradshaw is a hungry and successful detective whose love life is uninspiring.  She describes herself as “a misanthrope, staring down the barrel of childlessness”.  To help her fall asleep she listens to the murmuring of her police radio. When over the airwaves come reports of a missing girl she wants it. When she sees a graduation picture of Edith, smiling, gorgeous, yes she thinks “this will be big”.

This is the story about Edith Hind, the missing beautiful young girl, the detectives that are keen to find her, her mother’s anguish through the process and the powerful effect of the media on Edith’s close family and friends. 

The police suggest that Edith’s complex love life is at the heart of the disappearance to drum up media interest. Sir Ian Hind, an eminent surgeon to the Royals is mortified by how his Cambridge post grad daughter has been depicted in the media.  Ian is friends with the home secretary and puts pressure on the police investigation. As time creeps by he becomes more frustrated with the confusion in the investigation, looking for connections in seemingly unrelated leads of a known criminal and the death of a boy found in the river.

We are introduced to Miriam Hind contemplating that “every marriage is a negotiation of proximity” and wonders whether Edith has embarked this journey with her partner Will as “when you are in your twenties the problem of dependence and independence can be quickly resolved by ditching your boyfriend” and she considered Edith on this brink. 

Has Edith made an elaborate attempt to ditch her stunning but boring boyfriend or has something more sinister happened…

The momentum of the book keeps going with the richness of the characters that permeate the novel giving depth to the crime investigation. Manon is likeable, she has integrity and committed to protecting the good. She has been through the heartbreak of losing her mother as a child, estranged from her sister and father, when she finally starts a relationship you want her to be happy, yet she becomes overly dependent and it comprises her police work.

Other main detectives include Davy, he is a loyal police partner an optimist who counterbalances Manon. Even when Manon is in a happy phase paradoxically he becomes pessimistic due to the pressures of the ongoing investigations and the strains in his once “perfect” love life. 

Miriam is a devoted mother and wife. She struggles as the investigation continues, the critical 72 hours pass and it is presumed that her beloved daughter is dead. She makes her own private investigations, working through Edith’s childhood friends and childhood sweetheart. We get a great insight into Edith through Miriam. 

This book has the required urgency and suspense of a crime thriller with layers of good characterization and an exploration into love and the family life.

'Missing Presumed', by Susie Steiner is out now through Harper Collins.

Editor's note: info on the author:

Susie Steiner began her writing career as a news reporter first on local papers, then on the Evening Standard, the Daily Telegraph and The Times. In 2001 she joined the Guardian, where she worked as a commissioning editor for 11 years. Her first novel, Homecoming – described as 'truly exceptional' by the Observer – was published by Faber & Faber in 2013. She lives in London with her husband and two children.