A New Release
Celebrations In Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen is a most delightful contemporary novel. It is the eighth book in the charming Bellbird Bay series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first in order to get to know the residents of Bellbird Bay.
I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit. I loved catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones. Bellbird Bay is very much community minded. “We care about each other here.”
Bellbird Bay is the place where people look out for each other. There is an eclectic mix of characters and always those who are happy to match-make! People pull together, helping each other and supporting local businesses where they can.
Relocating from Sydney after a disaster, a character re-connects with her old roots. With a fifteen year old daughter in tow, she returns to the Bellbird Bay of her youth. As she re-connects life becomes much fuller, compared with the anonymity of suburban Sydney.
There are community activities for all ages. As well as events to raise money for local charities such as victims of domestic abuse.
Characters bond over sea, sun, surf – and cake! All the characters are wonderfully drawn. Most are not in their first flush of youth. The lead characters are in their forties and also an octogenarian.
People escape to Bellbird Bay for all sorts of reasons. We meet an Afghan veteran who is suffering from PTSD. He feels guilty for being alive – not only due to losing colleagues in Afghan but also due to a childhood tragedy which saw the death of his twin brother. He is drowning in loss and guilt. He feels no use to anyone. However, the truth is that he has so much more life to live and to love.
I always enjoy my visits to Bellbird Bay in my head. Everyone needs a Bellbird Bay to escape to. It is a place I never want to leave as I feel loved and included in the fictional lives of characters who become friends. Maggie Christensen writes with such warmth, care and love.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
