The Patterson Girls (Rachael Johns, Mira)

Bestselling rural romance author Rachael Johns sets her latest story in a family-owned motel three hours from Adelaide. As the first Christmas after their beloved mother’s death approaches, sisters Madeline, Abigail, Lucinda and Charlie arrive at the motel to find their grief-ridden father struggling to cope. Although they have gathered to support their father, each sister is hoping the break can help reset aspects of their own lives. Boston-based obstetrician Madeline is confused by a relationship at work, violinist Abigail is scared to reveal major changes in her career, teacher Lucinda is worried that her desperation to have children is affecting her marriage, and Charlie feels like the odd one out among her high-achieving sisters. As they sort out their mother’s possessions, they uncover evidence of an old family curse and this becomes the focus of the second half of the book. There is a lot to like in this feel-good romance and just enough sizzle to satisfy. The relationships between the sisters reminds me of Monica McInerney’s family-focused narratives. This is a great book to curl up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Rachel Wilson is a media academic and former bookseller