A dreamy teenage girl’s world is turned upside down …
by the arrival of substitute teacher Solomon Andrews. But when a harmless crush becomes something more, it reveals a dangerous yearning that should never be fulfilled.
The Yearning, written by Kate Belle, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $17.99. Also available as an ebook for $10.99.
The letters written throughout “The Yearning” by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn’t until the end that she really “finds herself” and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I’ve been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I’d keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
The use of bible verses throughout from “The Song of Solomon” is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn’t really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall “outside the norm” and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to “feel with the characters and empathize with them”. The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you’ll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find “The Yearning” to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in “The Yearning” is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question… It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
“The Yearning” is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.
I was drawn in and engaged from the first page. When I first read about the sexual encounter between the 16 year old and her teacher I initially felt uncomfortable and a little sickened at the thought. But I liked that the author; Kate chose a taboo subject as things like this do happen. I myself found myself relating to the subject content- not in the same way as a teenager/teacher romance but yes as a young woman/ older male romance I was able to relate.
The way in which language is used is achingly beautiful and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I particularly love the setting of the story- as I myself live in a quiet country town. Kates’ use of the english language does transport me back to the old Australian outback with all its rugged charm.
Even the cover of the book is poignantly beautiful and the title is simple, gives the potential reader some indication of what the novel will be about but still retains an elusive sense of mystery.
I have in fact read the whole story already as I simply could not put the book down for long but I intend to read the book through again to give a more substantial review.
This is a love story for me
At first when i just started reading it, i thought it was gonna be another book that id never finish. But after a few pages i could not even put it down.
It is a very captivating amazing story and i have passed ,y book on to my neighbor who is now also loving it
Whilst I wasn’t lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn’t put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I’m thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I’d give it 8/10.
I fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
I must say that I thouroughly enjoyed this book. After posting my initial impressions of the novel yesterday, I have not been able to put it down and finished reading it this afternoon. Kate Belle is a very unique writer having woven such an evocative and intimate tale in The Yearning. Both characters are really well written and heartfelt, with Solomon being very much at the fore in the beginning and the young girl (who’s name is later revealed) at the second half of the book.
I loved how Kate gave both characters a voice, the young girl with her notes to Solomon and his thoughts in turn. The ripple effect of their relationship reverberates even after a quarter of a century leaving them both wanting and lacking something in their lives; the young girl never finds a man who measures up to how Solomon made her feel intimately and Solomon can never find someone who adores him as the young girl did during their brief affair.
The Yearning is a beautifully written story about love,infatuation,obsession,discovery,loss of love and life. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea( the controversial relationship may make some people uncomfortable) but I think it is so touching and evocative a story.It is really worth the read!
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
In the beginning I found this book quite disturbing because of the obvious age gap between the teacher and student. However, as I delved further in, I realised the intense feelings of love that this girl feels for her teacher. And we do go through life learning that age doesn’t matter right? Anyway, I guess it is for the individual reader to decide for themselves.
Putting the age and other factors aside, the writing does arouse certain senses, if you know what I mean, and this can never be a bad thing!
I enjoyed the book so much, that there were times I didn’t want to put it down. My husband also enjoyed some paragraphs that I would read to him, when he wanted to know what I was reading about. He described it as mummy porn! Ha ha
I am a huge fan of reading different and new books on many topics and I enjoyed reading ‘The Yearning’ by Kate Belle. It is an interesting and good read and it is rather mature in its content; so I would suggest it as a read for someone with maturity.
Whilst I wasn’t lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn’t put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I’m thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I’d give it 8/10.
This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
I fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
I’ve finished the book and my opinion is that it was a good read. Interesting and thought provoking but not something I would read too often. Better for a women read but I didn’t mind it. Its a real life type scenario and I liked how the story ended. I wasn’t too into the whole underage thing though.
The letters written throughout “The Yearning” by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn’t until the end that she really “finds herself” and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I found The Yearning to be very well written,it is a novel that you will want to read in the one sitting.
It read fluently both in plot and the continuity of the characters, however I am not sure it is a book I would add to my book case to reread.
It bought back memories of the crushes and the volatility of the teen years.
Good read if you want something not to heavy
I’ve been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I’d keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
I’m not sure why I chose this book, I feel like I may have been too old for it. I found it hard to keep interested in the storyline and not sure what age group it should be for. I think it’s too old for teenagers although teenage sex is so prevalent in society/social media, that this wouldn’t raise an eyebrow.
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
I’m only a few chapters into this, but thoroughly intrigued already! From the synopsis and first few chapters you can tell that this story will not be without twists, turns and heartbreak. It’s great to be reading an Australian based story by an Australian author.
I enjoyed reading The Yearning, it was really nice to read something from an Aussie author. I was a bit surprised at the ending but thoroughly enjoyed the story, glad we found out the name of the girl/woman telling the story eventually at the end as I wondered what her name was the whole way through!! Kate Belle has done a great job with the story, I felt compassion for the girl at the start as someone that young writing such passionate words.
This was a book I couldn’t put down.It was a very well written and had me from the very first chapter. The characters were well portrayed and I found myself wanting to know more. The age of the girl made me a little uneasy but not enough to make me not want to continue reading. Worth a read on a rainy day 😉
I love books that catch you on a line and reel you in. This was one of them and I couldn’t put it down- I think I read it till just after 2am trying to finish it. My first thoughts on the book was a little confused about it going between the two characters but I soon followed and it was enjoyable hearing both characters points of view. I didn’t really enjoy the age gap thing- it’s just a book but its still inappropriate. I would have two thoughts about giving it to a teenager to read, you wouldn’t know how they would take it. Anyway I would recommend that it’s worth a read.
If you want a few hours to just lose yourself in someone else’s drama then this is a pretty good option. The story is a bit jumpy but easy enough to follow and the characters really draw you in, making you want to just keep reading.
When I first started reading I got the impression that it was a “romance” novel, but there weren’t many sex scenes and turned into quite an interesting tale about love, loss and self discovery.
The ending left a lot of questions for me that even a week later I am still pondering. ..
The use of bible verses throughout from “The Song of Solomon” is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn’t really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall “outside the norm” and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to “feel with the characters and empathize with them”. The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you’ll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find “The Yearning” to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in “The Yearning” is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question… It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
“The Yearning” is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.
a follow up on my first review of The Yearning, it was a good book to read but it still read like one of those teenage love stories, the characters were great and you could follow the plot, it was like living a whole life in the one book i think the letter at the end was great it gave you a quick refresh of the book it was a nice touch
I chose this book to review due to the description, and although I am only a little way into it, I am enjoying reading it. I am finding that the letters she are writing are rather passionate for such a young girl…but that might be just me. I grew up in the 70’s and am looking forward to reading more..
Kate Belle is a good Author. I enjoyed reading this book and it made my think of my younger years and the attractions that me and alot of friends had with other people in our teenage yrs. We all have had a yearning in our lives and this portrayed it very well
It was a very well written novel and had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down, it’s a read to the end novel. However, I am undecided as to whether it is a book I would reread.
The characters were portrayed and written really well and they clicked but the age gap in the beginning was abit unsettling for me.
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
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‘A Beautiful Adelaide Blend With A Lighter Alcohol Content!’
For lighter wines that still taste like the real deal, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened range is quickly becoming a go-to. These bottles bring all the flavour with noticeably less alcohol, which is why everyone’s falling in love with them.
Best SIPS’ Chapel Hill Enlightened Wines review team put the Rosé and Pinot Grigio through their paces, and the feedback was unanimous: both are fresh, light and perfect for summer sipping without the unwanted morning crogginess.
A rosé with summer written all over it
Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Rosé is bright, crisp and fruity, hitting all the right notes without tipping into the “too sweet” zone. It’s the kind of bottle you reach for at a casual barbecue or any get-together where you want something delicious but easygoing.
It’s exactly this balance of lightness and full flavour in an affordable bottle that has so many fans raving.
“Light, refreshing and honestly just feels like a little moment of peace in a glass. The flavour is this perfect mix of crisp + fruity without being too sweet — literally the kind of rosé you can sip while you finally sit down after a long day.”
A summer staple … on the lighter side
“Too many of these low alcohol wines just don’t taste enough like the real deal-but this is a sure fire exception. Beautifully refreshing, with a touch of sweetness that’s not overwhelming. A gorgeous colour too, which is a bonus- after all, we also drink either our eyes! Add into the mix a reasonable price point- this rose is a winner!”
“I love a nice glass of Rosé and the Chapel Hill Enlightened Rosé did not disappoint! It’s really light and refreshing and tastes like a really expensive wine. I love that this wine is really affordable, so I can enjoy a beautiful Rosé without breaking the bank more often. Definitely give this one a try!”
If your warm-weather wine rack needs an affordable new staple, this is it.
A Pinot Grigio you’ll be buying again (and again!)
For the white lovers, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Pinot Grigio is a solid everyday white that ticks all the boxes: crisp, clean, food-friendly and affordable.
Our taste-testers repeatedly praised how balanced and versatile it feels, whether chilled on its own or alongside simple meals and casual gatherings.
“We love a white to pair with our spring/summer lunches and especially our seafood. This option ticked all the boxes …”
A versatile sip you’ll keep reaching for
“I enjoyed the first sip to the last of this Pinot. Anything with pear and citrus is something I want to try and this lived up to that, but with a lighter alcohol content – which I appreciate! Enjoyed over dinner, it paired really nicely with the food I was eating. This wine is something I’d happily recommend to others.”
“The wine offered just the right balance of fruity flavours – fresh and vibrant, but never overpowering or too sharp. It paired beautifully with both our light lunches and dinner, making every meal feel a bit more special. I also appreciated how crisp and refreshing it tasted, perfect for unwinding and enjoying good company. Definitely a Pinot Grigio I’d reach for again.”
Your lower-alcohol go-to
The team rates Enlightened wines 4.34 out of 5 and recommends them for anyone on the hunt for flavour-forward wine with less alcohol. They’re bright, modern and made for the kind of moments where you’d love a glass, but still want to feel good afterwards.
The warmer weather tends to make alcohol go to my head faster – I’m not a big drinker, but just for that reason I’d seriously consider a low alcohol wine. The Pinot Grigio particularly sound as if I might enjoy it. I might well buy a bottle or two for Christmas.
Looks delicious, would be keen to try their wines based off the reviews. Love anything local and the light wine is just an extra win – low alcohol content would be fab for nights with friends where we all still have to drive home afterwards so would be buying for that type of event!
Chapel Hill Wines do have quite a good reputation. I like the fact that it is low alcohol content. Personally, I like a very sweet wine but many would like these as they are not so sweet. I wish them well with sales and think it’s good they are doing something about lowering alcohol level.
Thanks for sharing this review. It sounds that the taste is good, the price is good and the alcohol content is really low indeed. I do like the fact that they’re light. One of the things I don’t like when you’re drinking a couple of glasses that it fills you up and it affects your appetite
I just asked the forum for recommendations on zero alcohol, but this is an attractive option as well! I do enjoy a Rose, so will try this one after all the positive reviews. It’s a shame they don’t have a sparkling in their collection yet! Would have been prefect for all the celebrating at this time of year.
I dislike rose, but the pinot grigio sounds like it might suit me. To be honest, the alcohol content doesn’t bother me all that much – I rarely drink more than a glass or two anyway – but it would probably be nice from a general health point of view to know I’m consuming less alcohol.
This sounds like the perfect glass. I do love being able to have a few drinks and not be all over the place about me. And as a bubbly girlie from Adelaide myself, I’m sure I’ll find a lot to like about this drop. Crisp and not too sweet, I’m sold and will have to try it.
It was the first time for me hearing about the chapel hill brand. And i still recall when i picked up the Pinot Grigio from my local, the staff there actually stopped me and said i picked a winner! She said that it was probably the best Pinot they had available to sell.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chapel Hill wines and the reviews are always good. I like that they have low alcohol range as I like to have a few glasses when I finally get to have one. Not being too sweet is a bonus that suits me well.
The idea of having a lower alcohol content wine without compromising taste is really exciting. There’s nothing worse than feeling “under the weather” from the effects of alcohol. This lovely wine ticks all the boxes, lower alcohol and a refreshing flavour. I’m keen to get the Pinot Grigio in my cart and into my fridge!
This wine sounds delightful and really refreshing to enjoy on a summer afternoon. I love that it tastes fresh and crisp and still has the same punch as other wine. It sounds like an absolute delight. I will have to give it a try next time i am at the bottle shop looking for some wine.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
4:00 pm
Heartacheingly Beautiful...
9:41 am
Loved it
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
8:48 pm
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
10:11 am
Captivating read
1:00 pm
An intimate story of love lost
3:19 pm
The Yearning
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
5:21 pm
SO GOOD
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
3:27 pm
Good read.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
9:16 pm
The Yearning - A good read
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
1:25 pm
Not for me at all.
12:51 pm
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
7:38 pm
A great read
3:53 pm
Final verdict
8:48 pm
Hooks you in.
3:37 pm
Nice easy ready over a hot coffee...
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
9:41 pm
for a teenager its a great book
12:53 pm
Good read so far
11:47 am
Interesting
12:27 pm
'The Yearning' Undecided
10:11 am
Captivating read
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