- Stella Makes Good by Lisa Heidke - Lisa Heidke
Bestselling author Lisa Heidke has released her fourth novel, Stella Makes Good (Arena, 2012). Set in the northern suburbs of Sydney, the story focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of female friendship and the truths we hide from others and ourselves. Stella Makes Good is a thought-provoking snapshot of modern life shared with a humorous twist.
Plot Summary – Stella Makes Good
Stella, Carly and Jesse are all hoping that the coming year will bring changes to their lives. Stella is recently separated, Carly suspects that her husband is having an affair and Jesse is struggling with the anxiety caused by her demanding and unpredictable husband.
While each woman is hoping for change, none of them could have predicted the upheaval that would follow Carly’s alcohol-fuelled decision to accept an invitation from a random stranger. As Stella and Carly find themselves opening the door of a quiet suburban home to discover a swinger’s party in progress, even the drunk Carly is shocked into silence. They are further shocked to see a familiar face in the crowd.
While Stella and Carly struggle with their unwanted secret, Jesse finds herself becoming more and more anxious as her attempts to please her husband meet with criticism and complaint. Jesse longs to share her concerns with her sister Louisa, but Louisa moved to the US years ago and despite their love for each other, the friendship between the two sisters has become strained.
Trying to balance the demands of their children, jobs and own insecurities, Stella, Carly, Jesse and Louisa discover that some secrets can’t be kept forever. As cracks appear in their friendships, they are forced to make some tough decisions and face the consequences of revealing the truth.
Author Lisa Heidke
Lisa Heidke is the best-selling author of four novels: Lucy Springer Gets Even, What Kate Did Next, Claudia’s Big Break and Stella Makes Good. Heidke lives in Sydney, the setting for her latest novel, and worked as an publishing acquisitions editor and magazine feature writer before embarking on her career as a novelist.
Details about books as well as information about interviews, author appearances and other events can be found at Lisa Heidke’s website. She is also active on Twitter (@LisaHeidke) and Facebook (Lisa Heidke – author).
Enjoyable Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Funny, entertaining and thoughtful, Stella Makes Good is sure to appeal to Heidke’s existing fans and anyone interested in the emotional challenges that face modern wives and mothers. While the setting might not be familiar, the tangle of emotions and the constant struggle for women to maintain balance between their own needs and the needs of family, friends and work will no doubt strike a chord with many readers.
As with Heidke’s previous novels, Stella Makes Good is enjoyable contemporary women's fiction, ideal for those looking for an easy read with substance.
Review copy details:
Stella Makes Good (Arena, 2012). ISBN 978-1-74237-867-1, 312 pages
