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10 Best Books I Read in 2024

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While 2024 didn’t deliver as many standout reads as past years, I still discovered some incredible books along the way. Many of them were by authors I hadn’t read before, which made the journey even more rewarding.

As I look back on the stories I’ve read, narrowing it down to my top 10 favourites wasn’t easy — but it’s always fun to reflect on the books that left a lasting impression.

So, here are the 10 books I enjoyed most in 2024 (in no particular order)…

Listen For The Lie – Amy Tintera

This gripping psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the final page. With its intricate plot and unreliable characters, the book pulls you into a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. The author does a fantastic job creating tension and suspense, making it hard to put down.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Frozen River – Ariel Lawthon

Historical fiction at its best, The Frozen River draws inspiration from the remarkable life of American midwife Martha Ballard and her diary entries from 1785-1812. It tells a gripping story of resilience, justice, and survival that stays with you long after the last page.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Last House on the Street – Diane Chamberlain

I have a bit of a thing for historical fiction and this book ranks among my top favourites. The novel intertwines the lives of two women from different eras, exploring love, loss, and the lasting effects of past wrongs. The dual timeline kept me captivated, gradually unveiling the connections between Kayla’s present and Ellie’s past. This is a powerful tale about how the past shapes the present, the importance of standing up for what’s right, and the unbreakable bonds of community and family.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Paris: The Memoir

Paris’ story was truly eye-opening. I had no idea about the extent of her struggles as I’d always imagined her as the spoiled little rich girl who had an amazing life. It left me with newfound respect for her resilience and strength.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The House of Now and Then – Jo Dixon

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Aussie author Jo Dixon. It’s packed with awesome characters, both good and evil, and I was hooked from the start. Seriously, this book is a must read – it’s just too good to put down.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston

A delightful and heartwarming story about love, time, and second chances. Although romance isn’t my usual genre, I thought this book was fabulous. Plus, anyone who can whip up a lemonade meringue pie is a winner in my eyes. 

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Diamond Eye – Kate Quinn

I absolutely loved this book which brings to life the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Soviet sniper during WWII. Mila’s journey from student to war hero is fascinating and the writing captures both the brutal realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit. The pacing is perfect, and the blend of action, heart, and history makes it hard to put down. A must-read for historical fiction fans!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Fire Keeper’s Daughter – Angeline Boulley

This fabulous debut novel from Angeline Boulley combines a coming-of-age story with a thrilling mystery, that delves deep into Native American culture, identity, and resilience. Boulley crafts a compelling tale of identity and self-discovery while navigating complex themes like addiction, justice, and family loyalty.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Flicker in the Dark – Stacy Willingham

This gripping psychological thriller hooked me from the start. The story follows a young woman unraveling dark secrets tied to her family’s past, as she begins to question her own memories. With unexpected twists and complex characters, the book keeps you guessing until the very end.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Girl Who Fell From The Sky – Emma Carey

This emotional and inspiring memoir about resilience, survival, and the power of the human spirit tells the story of recovering from a life-changing skydiving accident is both raw and uplifting, as Emma shares her journey of physical and emotional healing.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Let me know in the comments what books you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?

Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads or #MelbourneMammaBookLove

10 Tips for Taking Great iPhone Photos

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In an age where our smartphones serve many purposes, the iPhone continues to revolutionise the way we capture and share moments. Its powerful camera capabilities have turned everyday users into budding photographers, enabling anyone to create stunning visuals at their fingertips. Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned pro, here are 10 tips for taking great iPhone photos and capturing those picture-perfect moments.

1. Clean Your Lens

It might sound simple, but it’s often overlooked (I’m guilty of forgetting to do this ????). Smudges and fingerprints can significantly affect the clarity of your photos. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can make a world of difference in the sharpness and quality of your shots.

2. Master the Basics of Composition

Understanding composition can instantly enhance the visual appeal of your photographs. Experiment with the rule of thirds — imagine a grid on your screen and position your subject at the intersection points. It creates a more dynamic and balanced composition. Or better yet – turn on your grid in Settings > Camera.

3. Use Natural Lighting

Natural light is your best friend in photography. Whenever possible, opt for natural light sources like sunlight or soft ambient light. Avoid using the flash unless it’s absolutely necessary, as it can often create harsh shadows and unnatural colors.

4. Experiment with Perspectives

Don’t be afraid to explore different angles and perspectives. Try shooting from high above, down low, or even from unconventional angles to add depth and uniqueness to your photos. This experimentation can lead to unexpectedly beautiful shots.

5. Utilise Burst Mode

Burst mode can be a game-changer, especially for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. Hold down the shutter button to take a series of photos in quick succession, allowing you to select the best shot later.

6. Explore Third-Party Apps

While the native iPhone camera app is fantastic, consider exploring third-party apps for additional features and creative control. Apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed or VSCO offer advanced editing tools and manual settings that can take your photos to the next level.

7. Focus and Exposure Lock

Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure on a specific subject. This feature prevents the camera from readjusting the focus and exposure settings, ensuring that your subject remains sharp and well-exposed, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

8. Embrace Editing Tools

Post-processing can significantly enhance your photos. Experiment with the built-in editing tools on your iPhone or explore editing apps to fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of your images. But remember, less is often more!

9. Experiment with Portrait Mode

If your iPhone supports it, use Portrait Mode to create stunning depth-of-field effects. This feature blurs the background, highlighting the subject and adding a professional touch to your portraits or close-up shots.

10. Practice and Patience

Like any skill, improving your iPhone photography requires practice and patience. Take every opportunity to snap photos, experiment with different settings, and learn from both your successes and mistakes. Over time, you’ll develop your unique style and improve your photographic eye.

The iPhone’s camera is a powerful tool that empowers everyone to unleash their creativity and capture beautiful moments. By implementing these 10 tips for taking great iPhone photos and continuously exploring the capabilities of your iPhone’s camera, you’ll be amazed at the incredible photos you can produce.

So, grab your iPhone, and start capturing the world around you in a whole new light ????

Share any iPhone photo tips you have in the comments below!

Top 10 Summer Dresses

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Summer dresses are one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe as they can be easily dressed up or down for a trip to the beach, lunch with the girls, a day in the office or a night out. Add a blazer, a denim jacket or a cardigan on a cooler day and you’re good to go.

Summer dresses come in so many different colours, patterns and styles, making it easy to find the perfect dress for every occasion.

Pair your summer dress with sandals, sneakers, slides or heels.

Everyone needs at least one summer dress that makes them look and feel fabulous.

Check out my Top 10 Summer Dresses below.

Top 10 Summer Dresses

Cameron Yellow Linen Dress $239.95, White Broderie Arden Dress $99.95, Alina Khaki Midi Dress $89.95, Gingham Midi Wrap Linen Dress $149.99, Teal Linen Mini Dress $139.95, Poppy Lilac Cotton Mini Dress $69.95, Chrissy Tiered Maxi Dress $149.95, Lulu Smock Dress $229, Black Lux Belted Dress $119.95, Woven Maggie Slip Midi Dress $20

Which one of these dresses is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

10 Best Books I Read in 2021

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I’ve read some really amazing books recently, so when I sat down to choose the 10 best books I read in 2021, I knew it was going to be hard for me to choose only 10.

And there wasn’t even a stand-out favourite as I read several books this year that will now count as my all-time best books.

I try to read of variety of books in my 2021 Reading Challenge and I’ve found some amazing authors that I’ve never read before too.

In no particular order, here are the 10 best books I read in 2021.

Betty – Tiffany McDaniel

I already called this my favourite book of the year way back in February!⁣⁣
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Even though this book tore my heart to pieces, I could not put it down (is that weird 🤷🏻‍♀️) and I actually had no words when I finished it #notlikeme⁣⁣
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Based on the life of the author’s mother, Betty is a page-turning Appalachian coming-of-age story filled with resilience, tragedy, discrimination and loss….. but also a father’s unwavering love for his children, especially his “little Indian” Betty.⁣⁣

A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading this book – it had been on my #tbrpile for awhile – and I can see why so many people rave about it.

This wonderful and heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships, kindness, love and loss will be one that I remember for years to come.⁣
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I laughed. I cried. And I laughed some more.⁣

The Heart’s Invisible Furies – John Boyne

If you haven’t already read this book – add it to the top of your reading pile right NOW!!!

I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I got swept away in the brilliantly written story.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart – Holly Ringland

This was the first book I read this year by first-time Aussie author Holly Ringland and I absolutely loved it.⁣⁣
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The farm that I was staying at, at the time, was the perfect location to immerse myself in this captivating story of love, loss and redemption.⁣⁣

A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara

I read this book back in February and it still haunts me. ⁣⁣
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It’s definitely not a book for the faint-hearted and I found I could only read about 100 pages at a time (it’s 700+ pages) before I’d need a break.⁣
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I wasn’t sure if I was even going to make it to the end but I quickly became invested in the characters and was glad that I did because even though this is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking story, it’s also a story of extraordinary friendships and love.⁣⁣

Us Against You – Fredrik Backman

I always worry that when I read the second book in a series that I’m not going to enjoy it as much as the first but boy was I wrong with this one. ⁣
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This book is bloody fabulous and I actually think I loved it more than I loved “Beartown” (which was fantastic!).⁣
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This beautifully written story has it all; strength, love, family, grief, loyalty, courage and loss. ⁣

The Light Between Oceans – M.L. Stedman

I’ve read quite a bit of Australian based fiction this year and this would have to be one of my favourites.⁣
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It’s a heartbreaking tale of what happens when good people make bad choices. And makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation.⁣

The Good Sister – Sally Hepworth

This is the first book I’ve read by local Melbourne mamma Sally Hepworth and it was brilliant. ⁣
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It has the perfect mix of love, laughter, sibling rivalry and suspense, and was just what I needed after starting the year with some pretty intense books. ⁣

I cannot wait to read more of Sally’s books.

Anxious People – Fredrik Backman

I cannot get enough of Fredrik Backman’s books! Anxious People is the fourth book I’ve read of his and I’ve loved them all.⁣
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This is a story about many things – a bank robbery, a rabbit costume, a bridge, pizza and idiots – mostly it’s a story about idiots.

When She Was Good – Michael Robotham

What was the last book that you just couldn’t put down?⁣⁣
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The first night I started this book, I didn’t put it down until 2.18am and then I couldn’t put it down again until I finished it the next night 1:47am. ⁣⁣ It was so fast paced and suspenseful.
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This is the second book in this series, so make sure you read “Good Girl Bad Girl” first (it’s awesome as well).


⁣⁣What books have you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?

Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads.