Best Australian Fiction Books December 2024

Three Wishes

Lyn, Cat, and Gemma – three sisters, three birthdays, three wishes. As they blow out their candles on their 33rd birthday, each sister makes a secret wish that will change their lives forever. Lyn yearns for balance, Cat craves a baby, and Gemma longs for true love. But be careful what you wish for… With Moriarty’s signature wit and warmth, this tale of sisterhood, secrets, and unexpected twists will leave you laughing, crying, and utterly captivated. A delightful romp through the messy, magical world of family.

The Best of Adam Sharp

Adam Sharp’s life is a comfortable routine until an email from his long-lost love, Angelina, resurfaces memories of their passionate affair in Australia decades ago. As he reminisces about their shared love of music and the path not taken, Adam grapples with the possibility of rekindling their romance. Simsion’s witty prose and keen insights into relationships make this a poignant exploration of second chances, the power of nostalgia, and the complexities of love in midlife. A bittersweet melody of what-ifs and might-have-beens.

The Last Anniversary

Sophie Honeywell inherits a house on Scribbly Gum Island, home of the famous Munro Baby mystery. Intrigued by the island’s quirky inhabitants and their secrets, she leaves her city life behind. As she unravels the truth about the decades-old disappearance, Sophie discovers unexpected connections to her own life. With Moriarty’s signature wit and insight, this captivating tale explores family, love, and the power of long-held secrets to shape our destinies.

The Rosie Result

Don Tillman’s unconventional approach to life has always been a source of both amusement and frustration for those around him. Now, with his son Hudson struggling to fit in at school, Don faces his greatest challenge yet: fatherhood. Armed with his unique problem-solving skills and a determination to help Hudson navigate the complexities of social interactions, Don embarks on a journey of self-discovery and parental growth. Along the way, he learns that sometimes the best solutions come from embracing our differences and celebrating what makes us unique.

What Alice Forgot

Alice wakes up on the gym floor, thinking she’s 29 and madly in love. In reality, she’s 39, with three kids and a crumbling marriage. As she pieces together the lost decade, Alice grapples with how she became this stranger to herself. Funny and poignant, this novel explores identity, relationships, and second chances. It’s a thought-provoking journey that’ll make you ponder your own life choices and the power of perspective.

Truly Madly Guilty

Liane Moriarty’s “Truly Madly Guilty” is a gripping exploration of friendship, marriage, and the ripple effects of one fateful day. Set in suburban Sydney, the story revolves around three couples whose lives are forever changed by a seemingly ordinary barbecue. Moriarty’s keen insight into human nature shines as she unravels the complex web of secrets and regrets that bind these characters together. I found myself completely absorbed, turning pages late into the night, desperate to uncover the truth behind the mysterious incident. With her trademark wit and compassion, Moriarty delivers a thought-provoking tale that will linger long after the final page.

The Husband’s Secret

Cecilia Fitzpatrick’s life is picture-perfect: successful businesswoman, devoted wife, and loving mother. But when she stumbles upon a letter from her husband meant to be opened only after his death, her world shatters. As she grapples with the shocking contents, Cecilia finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that connects her to two other women in unexpected ways. Moriarty’s gripping tale explores the ripple effects of our choices and the power of truth to upend even the most carefully constructed lives.

The Rosie Effect

Don Tillman’s orderly world is about to be turned upside down. His wife Rosie is pregnant, and suddenly, the genetics professor finds himself grappling with impending fatherhood. With his usual scientific approach, Don embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey of preparation. From researching childbirth to navigating the complexities of relationships, he stumbles through each challenge with endearing determination. Simsion’s witty prose and lovable characters make this sequel a delightful exploration of love, family, and the beautiful chaos of life.

The Rosie Project

Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially awkward genetics professor, decides it’s time to find a wife. He creates a detailed questionnaire to find the perfect partner, dubbing it “The Wife Project.” Enter Rosie, a free-spirited barmaid who’s everything Don isn’t looking for. As he helps Rosie search for her biological father, Don finds himself breaking his own rules and questioning everything he thought he knew about love. A heartwarming tale of opposites attracting, filled with quirky humor and unexpected revelations.

The Light Between Oceans

Tom Sherbourne, a lighthouse keeper haunted by his wartime past, finds solace in the isolated beauty of Janus Rock. His wife Isabel’s longing for a child seems answered when a boat washes ashore with a dead man and a living baby. Their decision to keep her sets off a chain of heart-wrenching events, testing the limits of love and morality. Stedman’s prose shimmers like the ocean, drawing you into a world where right and wrong blur like the horizon at dusk. A deeply moving tale that will linger in your thoughts long after the last page.