When you’re all that stands between the murderous past and the fate of those you love, how far would you go to save them?
When Audrey Kepler inherits an abandoned homestead in rural Queensland she jumps at the chance to escape her loveless existence in the city and make a fresh start. In a dim back room of the old house she discovers the crumbling photo of a handsome World War II soldier – Samuel Riordan, the homestead’s former occupant – and soon finds herself becoming obsessed with him. But as Samuel’s story unravels, Audrey discovers that he was accused of killing a young Aboriginal woman upon his return from the war in 1944. When she learns that other unexplained deaths have occurred in recent years – one of them a young woman with injuries echoing those of the 1944 victim – she begins to suspect that the killer is still very much alive. And now Audrey – thanks to her obsessive need to uncover the past – has provided him with good reason to want to kill again.
Thornwood House, written by Anna Romer, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99. Also available as an ebook for $13.99.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from first to last page..Love the great detail and explanation of places and people . Easy to read . Great author. Not so long that you get uninterested like some book. I would definitely recommend for young and old. My friend is currently reading it now and is also enjoying it.. thanks for the opportunity ..
I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't selected for the review, but the book really appealed to me so I went and bought the ebook. It took me only just over a day read the book (and that is with a 12 month old running around).... I just couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the story, thought it was well written, I loved the main character. I rarely find books that I can't put down and this was one of them.
Anna Romer captured me with this book from the very first page. Written in detail always explaning, like for example; blinking, I tried to move, but my arms and legs refused to obey; they were skewed under me useless. The chracters are interesting. Setting the story in australia is also what captured my attention, the description of magpie creek, the house made you feel really like you were Audrey in the book. Thankyou Mouth Of Mums for choosing me for this review, good to read a great aussie set novel. Cannot wait to read more from Anna Romer
I just received the book today and am up to page 15 so far and really enjoying it. Its hard to put down but I am promising myself I can read more later once all the house chores are done :) One of the things I love about Australian Books are the familiar place names and when describing bushland it is easy to get the picture. The Author is excellent with words and it is an easy read
I have just started reading this and recommended it too to my book club this month and I am really enjoying the book so far. I have not read any books by Anna Romer before and so far I really like her use of descriptive writing conjuring up vivid pictures for the reader. I think it will be an enjoyable book.
OMG!! I could not put this book down. Thornwood House had me hooked from the first chapter. Anna Romer is so descriptive when she writes and she is able to paint a picture in your mind that makes you feel like your the one running through the bush. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who wanted a great book to read. I can't wait to read more from Anna Romer :)
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. The climax was excellent as she didn't give too much away and had me guessing. She goes into a lot of detail mentioning things for each of the senses. Sometimes this can be a little too much. I have already recommended this book and handed my copy on for a friend to read. I look forward to reading more of Anna's books in the future. Thank you MOM for the chance the review this book
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to get into at the start and she can be quite over-descriptive, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to more books from her. Thank you Mouths of Mums for my first review product, a wonderful Australian novel that I enjoyed very much.
I have just started reading this and recommended it too to my book club this month and I am really enjoying the book so far. I have not read any books by Anna Romer before and so far I really like her use of descriptive writing conjuring up vivid pictures for the reader. I think it will be an enjoyable book.
I always enjoy a well composed novel that has an effortless ability to conjure the sounds, scents and textures of an atmosphere. Anna Romer engages her readers with eloquent language and a rich visual imagery. Australian novels will always hold a special place in my hear (and bookshelf) and this is no expectation, I have no hesitation recommending this passionate tale.
Great story to read especially in rainy nights when all you really want to do is to snuggle with a blanket in a couch drinking nice hot chocolate. Its a good read and definitely hard to put down. The story line is different from other story lines used in other books. It makes it interesting. The characters have great personality that just draws the readers to the story and to the lives of the characters. Will re-read again and will tell friends to buy this book because I am not sharing. hahah
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 love that this book is set in Queensland and has Aboriginal heritage with it as well. It incorporates a little of everything and being 1944 there is war as well as struggles to be had. it is the type of story that you don't want to put down until the end
Thornwood House keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through - there is a little bit of everything in this novel - love, mystery, murder, war and history. The characters are not your usual run of the mill ones - a real mix which made the story all the more interesting.
This books cover makes you want to see whats inside.
There is nothing hard about these recipes which is always a bonus but the recipes are exciting. They don’t require a lot of special ingredients which once again is a bonus but the end results are amazing. I unfortunately haven’t had time to make any, however I do have a list of which ones I will be making. They include, Korean braised chicken with rice noodles, Lahmacun ( Turkish Pizza) and Strawberry Layer Cakes. Yum Yum Yum . thanks
I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't selected for the review, but the book really appealed to me so I went and bought the ebook. It took me only just over a day read the book (and that is with a 12 month old running around).... I just couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the story, thought it was well written, I loved the main character. I rarely find books that I can't put down and this was one of them.
I loved this book. It drew you in and made you apart of the story, so much so that I felt almost lost once I finished the book. Time just flew past, and before I knew it I was deep into the story, lies, deception and danger. I love how unexpected the ending was! I envisioned it completely different, but it was pleasantly surprising.
OMG!! I could not put this book down. Thornwood House had me hooked from the first chapter. Anna Romer is so descriptive when she writes and she is able to paint a picture in your mind that makes you feel like your the one running through the bush. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who wanted a great book to read. I can't wait to read more from Anna Romer :)
Anna Romer captured me with this book from the very first page. Written in detail always explaning, like for example; blinking, I tried to move, but my arms and legs refused to obey; they were skewed under me useless. The chracters are interesting. Setting the story in australia is also what captured my attention, the description of magpie creek, the house made you feel really like you were Audrey in the book. Thankyou Mouth Of Mums for choosing me for this review, good to read a great aussie set novel. Cannot wait to read more from Anna Romer
Wow, loved this book. It just kept twisting and turning and evolving. I enjoyed as the descriptions of places and the different time frames that Anna jumped back and forth through. I just wanted to keep reading to learn more about each of the characters and their intertwined lives and how they all linked in to each others, with lots of little surprises on the way. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. The climax was excellent as she didn't give too much away and had me guessing. She goes into a lot of detail mentioning things for each of the senses. Sometimes this can be a little too much. I have already recommended this book and handed my copy on for a friend to read. I look forward to reading more of Anna's books in the future. Thank you MOM for the chance the review this book
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to get into at the start and she can be quite over-descriptive, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to more books from her. Thank you Mouths of Mums for my first review product, a wonderful Australian novel that I enjoyed very much.
i have read more into the book now, it is fantastically written Anna Romer really writes in detail so you can imagine in your head what is really happening. The way she describes Australia makes it sound like such a nice country. The storyline is interesting a bit of a mystery and the characters are good too. Will post more when i finish
Now I'm further into this book I am not disappointed. I'm enjoying the fast paste storyline that keeps you enthralled with lots of mystery and drama. The characters and setting are described colourfully and descriptively. I find it hard to put the book down as I want to find out what the family mystery is. I like how the author writes from different characters perspectives.
Even though it was initially slow to set the scene this book managed to grab my attention with it's well built characters and sense of intrigue. I managed to finish this book in a day,after a slow start the momentum of the text held my interest. I guessed the ending and was easily encourage to care for the characters by the writer's skill. The main characters were not initially lovable but developed at the book did.I would recommend this text to my older patients as most of the younger ones prefer to read scifi and romance for some reason and would probably sneer at steering towards this Australian setting thriller.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from first to last page..Love the great detail and explanation of places and people . Easy to read . Great author. Not so long that you get uninterested like some book. I would definitely recommend for young and old. My friend is currently reading it now and is also enjoying it.. thanks for the opportunity ..
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
8:57 am
loved it..
9:34 pm
Thornwood House
10:37 pm
Aweaome reading
3:09 pm
Hire a babysitter
1:hired a babysitter for the duration
2:cooked and frozen enough meals for everyone
3:taken the phone off the hook.
I can assure you any interruption will be very frustrating. You will not want to put it down!
3:50 pm
Thornwood House
7:30 pm
gave to mum for xmas
10:41 am
Just started
12:07 am
OMG!!!! Read this book!!
6:45 pm
Thornwood House
3:08 pm
Thornwood House
7:30 pm
gave to mum for xmas
10:41 am
Just started
2:50 pm
Rich Australian imagery
5:57 pm
hard to put down
5:46 pm
so good
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
11:13 am
Wonderful read
9:14 am
Novel with a little bit of everything.
3:09 pm
Hire a babysitter
1:hired a babysitter for the duration
2:cooked and frozen enough meals for everyone
3:taken the phone off the hook.
I can assure you any interruption will be very frustrating. You will not want to put it down!
3:09 pm
This books cover makes you want to see whats inside.
9:34 pm
Thornwood House
10:15 am
Couldn't put it down!
12:07 am
OMG!!!! Read this book!!
10:37 pm
Aweaome reading
9:52 pm
Great read, couldn't put it down.
6:45 pm
Thornwood House
3:08 pm
Thornwood House
3:08 pm
8:07 am
Great read
4:17 pm
thornwood house
8:57 am
loved it..
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