From a bestselling Australian author comes a delightful novel full of practical wisdom and dry humour that examines female friendship, buried secrets and why honesty is (usually) the best policy.
Privacy is hard to maintain in Badara, the kind of small Australian country town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. So discovers single mum Paige when she and her three children arrive from the city seeking refuge. Paige’s only respite from child care and loneliness is the Tuesday gym club, where she had feared the judgement of the town matriarchs, but she is met only with generosity and a plethora of baked goods. Besides, both the brusque Marion and her polished sister-in-law Briony are too busy dealing with their own dramas to examine hers.
Well-to-do farmer’s wife and proud mother Briony is in full denial of her family’s troubles. Even with her eldest daughter’s marriage in ruins and her son Blake’s recent bombshell. Suddenly Briony and husband Vince have a full house again – and the piles of laundry aren’t the only dirty linen that’s about to be aired.
For Marion, the unearthing of a time capsule – its contents to be read at the Celebrate Badara weekend – is a disaster. She was only a teenager when she wrote down those poisonous words, but that doesn’t mean she won’t lose friends and family if they hear what she really thinks of them – especially as the letter reveals their darkest secrets to the world.
When the truth comes out for Badara, keeping up appearances may no longer be an option for anyone …
Read some great 5-Star reviews from our Preview readers here:
A small rural town, several mature headstrong women, a much younger newcomer, and secrets galore. This is what the reader will be offered in Tricia Stringers latest novel ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ Paige a young woman who moves to Badara to escape interfering in laws. She has 3 children all with different fathers. What is her secret? Marion, who has lived in the area all her life has a stern exterior but a heart of gold, however she also harbors not one but two secrets, one of which when exposed is both dramatic and hurtful to several people. Briony the ultimate in ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ grapples with her family especially when they do not meet her expectations of being perfect. This small town is struggling, so to try and breathe some interest for the local women Marion organizes a keep fit class. It does not go smoothly especially when the contents of a 50-year time capsule are unearthed and read out after one of the classes. This book explores all the strengths and weaknesses of female, male and family relationships. If you have ever lived in a small town you know these people, you have come across them and can relate to all the trials and tribulations. Meredith, SA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down!! Paige was my favorite character and i loved the friendship her and Sarah formed. I also found myself wanting to stop and give each of the characters a cuddle at one time or another. it was brilliantly written. There were also a few times when i could imagine my nan and her friends laughing around a table full of a freshly baked batch of sausage rolls!!!! Would highly recommend and am interested in reading some of Tricia’s other novels. Emma, WA, 5 Stars
I have been a fan of Tricia Stringer’s novels for many years now and have thoroughly enjoyed each of her novels. Her characters are down to earth and her novels are well written and well researched. Her latest novel Keeping Up Appearances is a great read. I would even say it is Stringer’s best novel yet. The novel centres around the fictional country town of Badara and the people who live in the town. It is a novel about what it means to be human, to be able to let go and forgive and to live in current times as opposed to past times. Above all, it is a novel about families. There is no perfect family as members struggle with identity, belonging and what it means to be part of a family. I loved this book. Yes, it did have a happy ending but the journey to get to the final page of the book was a great journey. Well done Tricia on writing yet another fantastic novel! Renate, VIC, 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book very much. A lovely novel explores Family relationships and friendships in a small town. The stories beautifully navigate different topics while describing life in a small town and the different people and their lives who live there, bringing them all together in a warm and enjoyable read. Loved this book! Lisa, NSW, 5 Stars
I am no stranger to Tricia Stringer’s previous books, but with every book she writes she gets better and better! I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to review Keeping Up Appearances from one of my favourite Australian authors. I was hooked by the end of Chapter 3 when I had been introduced to the main characters of Paige (a single mother of three children newly arrived in the fictional rural township of Badara), and sisters-in-law Briony and Marion (both long time residents of Badara). Throughout the book I felt connected to the story and to these three women and I found each of their personal stories and the relationships they had within each of their families quite intriguing. This book is both a story of family, female friendships and multiple buried secrets and examines why honesty is (usually) the best policy within friendships and families! Both the major and supporting characters are all so believable you feel an instant connection with them and I could appreciate the feelings of everyone in this small community. Whilst I liked all of the main characters Marion was the character that particularly stood out to me. Whilst she first appeared to be quite brusque with the other women in the community, throughout the story we found out what a beautiful woman she was and that our younger selves do not ultimately define us! Toni, SA, 5 Stars
Keeping Up Appearances is a warm and compelling read. It follows the stories of families that live in Badara, a small Australian farming town. Everyone has their secrets, their own drama and stresses, but outwardly they are all trying to maintain their facades. There is a large cast and you will definitely find a character that you can connect with. It is an easy read that is well written and light hearted. The story still manages to cover modern issues of inclusion, homosexuality, violence and the general need for all of us to be loved. This was my first read by Tricia Stringer and I am now keen to explore her other novels. Tracey, TAS, 5 Stars
Wow! This is the first Tricia Stringer book that I have read and I absolutely loved it. At first, I thought that the title, Keeping up appearances only referred to the character, Briony. However, it soon becomes apparent that the title is applicable to all of the characters. The themes of small towns, community, family and hope are strongly represented in the book. Being open minded and kind are explored in this gem of a book because after all being kind is only a word unless you put it into action. I thoroughly recommend this book. Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
I adored this book! Stringer has portrayed life in a small town to perfection, especially the long held traditional values of older generations and how they have been bought up to see the world. The characters, the setting, the buildings, the committees, the family dynamics, everything in this book could be straight out of a number of small town that I have lived in over the years. The small town mind set where everyone knows everyone or is related to someone has been depicted beautifully. The family dynamics and how we deal with our opinions of ourselves, others and what others think of us could not have been hit on the head better and summed up beautifully in the title. If I had to pick an underlying theme of this book, it would be kindness. Kindness to others but also kindness to yourself. Honestly, this book just needs to be read by everyone. Mel, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this! It’s not a book I usually would have selected but I’m so glad I had the privilege of previewing it. I loved the friendship Sarah and Paige formed, they were so caring towards each other! I loved reading the transformation of each character and found myself wanting to give them all a hug! Such a great read, highly recommend! Emma, WA, 5 Stars
A heartwarming and powerful story about how “keeping up appearances” and trying to please others, can often hurt those you love the most, as well as yourself. Finishing this book was like saying goodbye to some very dear friends. Sarah, TAS, 5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thankyou Better Reading for the preview copy of Keeping Up Appearances. Tricia Stringer has again delivered a heartfelt and believable story involving family, community spirit, past secrets, love, acceptance, drama and intrigue. I was engaged and entertained right from the first page. I loved all the characters who were all relatable despite their idiosyncrasies. My favourite character was Paige because she was determined and strong striving to make a better life for her and her child. Tricia has such a way of enveloping the reader into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book for new readers of Tricia Stringer and those who have loved her previous work. Tricia never disappoints. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
Tricia Stinger is a quality storyteller, love her work! Captivating from start to finish, a well-crafted read! In the small Adelaide rural town of Badara everyone seems to be related and know everyone’s business but is keeping up appearances and denying the truth the right thing to do? We follow a number of women characters including Paige a vulnerable single mother of three, each to a different father, a newcomer to the town and seeking refuge. There’s plenty of gossip and buried secrets in this town and there are friendships to be formed at the Tuesday exercise classes. Paige finds overwhelming kindness from the women there and a supply of baked goods!! When an old school time-capsule is revealed the content creates pressure and plenty of heartache for many of the women mentioned in a letter and for the woman that wrote it. Keeping up Appearances is an immersive story filled with heartache and hope, parenting, denial, community, acceptance and finding a support network, as well as courage and determination. Overall a story of people coming together, an excellent read and highly recommended. Gloria, SA, 5 Stars
Fab read! Drew me in and held me til the end. Great, relatable characters and plot. Tears, laughter, secrets, drama and warmth! One not to miss from Tricia! Rebecca, TAS, 5 Stars
Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer is an enjoyable novel based in the fictional small Australian town of Badara. Badara is home to Marion, Briony, Jean, Gloria and now newcomer Paige and her three children. Moving to Badara, with hopes of living a quiet life, takes a turn when Paige joins the local Tuesday gym club. This is where she first meets the other women. Over time, Paige meets the extended families of her gym club companions. Tricia Stringer has written a wonderfully relatable story, with the lives of the five main characters beautifully interwoven. Piece by piece we learn about each woman, their lives, insecurities, struggles and joys. Each character has their own struggles, which have been hidden, forgotten, or ignored for some time. Keeping Up Appearances is a novel about family, friendship, love, and the effects all of these have on us. We all know a Gloria, Marion, Briony, Jean or Paige. We may even have a little of them in us, as I am sure in our own ways, we all strive to keep up appearances in one way or another. Karen, WA, 5 Stars
Keeping Up Appearances was a wonderful read. Great characters, each with their own story and secrets. Loved it and found that this novel is one to read again and again. Martina, SA, 5 Stars
This is a delightful book about the complex relationships women develop along themselves. We can be our own worst enemies! A lovely country setting and new beginnings gradually reveal how perceptions aren’t always correct. Lina, VIC, 5 Stars
I have read and enjoyed all of Tricia’s books but this one would have to be a favourite. I found the storyline realistic with the story based in a small town where everyone is related and knows each other’s business. I found the characters relatable and enjoying getting to know each of them and the way their lives intertwined. I highly recommend this book. Kirstie, QLD, 5 Stars
A heart-warming story of the small country town lives of three very different women. As the story unfolds, we learn more about the characters and to spice things up, their family secrets are revealed. The book was hard to put down – I wanted to find out more at the end of each chapter. This story made me laugh and cry. Tricia Stringer has penned another outstanding book with a beautiful cover. I thoroughly recommend it to readers. Bev, SA, 5 Stars
Keeping Up Appearances is the latest novel from best-selling author Tricia Stringer. It is based in the small Australian town of Badara where there is a lot of gossip and its hard to keep a secret. Tricia’s novels often feature strong women, and this novel certainly does that. There is single Mum Paige who has moved to the town to keep a low profile, Marion and her sister in law Briony both with their own problems and secrets. These women, along with others, all get together weekly for an exercise class in the Badara Hall. Its here they start planning the Celebrate Badara weekend and the unearthing of the time capsule from 50 years ago. This novel addresses what happens when we keep secrets, how poisonous they can become it also deals with prejudice and why its crazy to spend your life worrying what other people think when we should just love those dear to us and get on with our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found it hard to put down. Thank you to Harper Collins and Better Reading for the opportunity to read yet another pleasing novel from Tricia Stringer. Jacky, QLD, 5 Stars
Keeping Up Appearances-another great read – loved it – the story of a group of country family and friends- with lots of secrets – contemporary fiction at its best. It kept me guessing till the last few pages! I love Tricia Stringer’s books – they are all wonderful and unable to pick the best, as they are all fabulous! Thanks Better Reading for my preview copy x Stacey, NSW, 5 Stars
I received a copy of Keeping Up Appearances from the Better Reading team. I enjoyed reading this book about family and friendship affairs. Paige and her three kids are a newcomer to Badara, a small Australian town. She tries to mingle and stays low down with locals. It seems that privacy is hard to maintain in this town and many are related by blood or marriage. But, the 1970s buried time capsule secrets have a way of revealing themselves when they least expect it. Finally, the Back to Badara celebration keeps them busy and gets them all together for a happy ending. Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
I found this book totally wonderful. The lives of the characters were believable and at times there were surprises which made it all the more interesting. It had the ability to make you want to keep reading to see what happened but then when you got to the end it was over and I wanted more!! Set in Australia always makes it good for me even more enjoyable. Love my Aussie authors. Tricia Stringer definitely has a way with words. Now it’s a long while to wait for the next. Chrissy, NSW, 5 Stars
Tricia captures the nuances of the small town community where everyone knows everyone’s business and keeping up appearances is challenging. This book explores rural living and the strong female characters provide the conduit for the unfolding drama impacting on the lives of everyone involved. Having grown up in a small community I recognise so many of the characters and the challenge of keeping private lives private. There is a lot happening in the story with Badara providing the backdrop for so many current day issues to be explored. It makes you question your own values and how much importance you place on your own act of keeping up appearances. Do we really know who anyone really is or are we truthful in our own public persona? Tricia hits the nail on the head by making us question what is real. Food for thought. Tracey, VIC, 5 Stars
Comfortable is the first feeling I will use to descibe this fabulous story. I melted into Badara as if I lived there too. Tricia describes each character with warmth and love, endearing them to the reader who becomes one with this town. The mystery of Paige’s arrival and her need to not be noticed whilst struggling with her childrens’ care, was close to my heart. The reader is intrigued as to why she is running and eventually, once the reason is exposed, it was beautifully handled. Len’s hidden life was an interesting twist no one saw coming but just fitted into this story showing acceptance is a powerful tool. Shelley, NSW, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Keeping Up Appearances with its twists and turns. Badara felt like a small dusty Australian outback town filled with characters who were flawed and oh so relatable. The ending was the icing on the cake for me. I have already recommended this book to others. KJ, QLD, 5 Stars
I absolutely adored the novel Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer and its lovely country feel front cover design. Without even starting the novel, I knew it was going to be a community filled and feel good book. I am hooked on Tricia Stringer’s writing now and know I will have a list of books to read through. Paige, Briony and Marion are the three leading characters. We are introduced into their lives from the small fictional Australian country town of Badara where this novel is set in. As readers, we are shown how a rural community comes together to support, be generous and have fun with each other. The fitness group that these three characters are a part of forms the base of the novel and it is at the community hall where a time capsule is unearthed that holds contents that will disrupt the friendship gained from this group. The novel explores the challenges that keeping secrets may hold, being honest with yourself and letting down the barrier of ‘keeping up appearances’ so you can live your true life. This is a perfect novel if you love rural Australia and the friendships that are gained in these communities. Two thumbs up! Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
This could easily have been someone’s memoirs of a period of time in any Australian regional town. Women tied together by family connections and old memories, with a few secrets thrown in! The locals so welcoming to a new girl with young family who brings her own past with her. Loved how social norms and long held traditional beliefs were challenged for the sake of preserving loving close relationships above all else. Lisa, NSW, 5 Stars
I enjoyed reading Keeping up Appearances to the last page. Then I was sorry that I finished it. The characters and the town felt so real to me! Loved the family tree at the front of the book helped a lot when I first started reading. So please people read this book, I loved it you will too! Merril, QLD, 5 Stars
This book was an easy read filled with heartwarming characters. Having lived in small country towns as a child I can relate to the themes in the book about the importance of community involvement and overcoming narrow minded gossip, as well as acceptance of unconventional relationships. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to friends and family. Pam, QLD, 5 Stars
Once again Tricia Stringer has proven why she’s the queen of family drama. Character’s are always relatable which makes reading her books so much more enjoyable. Topics are on point with today’s society and leaves you asking the question “what would I do?” The only issue I have with Tricias books is that I finish them too quickly and have to wait for the next one. Donna, NSW, 5 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading for giving me a Preview Copy of Keeping up Appearances. This book had me hooked from the first page. The characters are brilliant and I felt like I knew some of them personally. Set in a country town called Badara, a great amount of research has given it the classic Aussie feel. We watch the multi generational characters deal with modern day dilemmas and their ensuing secrets. By adding a touch of old fashioned country wisdom and kindness, they all pull together in the end to help one another. A lesson for us all among those pages. A joy to read from begging to end. Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
When secrets are buried many years ago in the hope they will never be unearthed what happened in the small town of Badara is about to be open for all to hear. Single mum Paige along with her 3 children seeks protection from the small town but perhaps she’s in for more then she planned for. The main woman of Badara may find their “Keeping Up Appearances” is about to come to an end. Sharnee, QLD, 5 Stars
We all do it to some degree… Keeping up Appearances, don’t we? But we have to consider to which level. Is it just a healthy dose of privacy or more? At which point does this starts to hurt ourselves and the people around us when we deny the truth and pretend all is well? Keeping up Appearances follows several characters of which Paige was easiest to like from the very beginning. Her vulnerability is hidden beneath the strong front she puts up as single mom of three and as a newcomer in a small country town of South Australia. Another one wasn’t as easy to like and made me angry. But despite and maybe also because of it the pages kept being turned late into the night to find out what happens next. A town filled with gossips and secrets but also generosity, friendship and a seemingly endless supply of homemade sausage rolls. This was my first novel by Tricia Stringer and it won’t be my last one. Thank you @BetterReadingAU and @HarperCollinsAustralia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. #BRPreview published also on Bookstagram @Sabines.Literary.World Sabine, NSW, 5 Stars
The revelations that Briony Hensley’s three adult children share will make a mockery of the perfectly-constructed family image she has always tried to project in their small rural town of Badara. The prospect of a public opening of the town’s fifty-two-year-old time capsule fills Marion Addicot with dread: the contribution made by her angry sixteen-year-old self will upset so many. New in Badara and seeking refuge for her small family, Paige Radcliffe is wary of the seemingly friendly approaches in a town where everybody knows each other’s business. Three intriguing narrative threads and a cast of characters that surprise and delight: Keeping Up Appearances is another winner from Tricia Stringer. Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
Tricia Stringer’s Keeping Up Appearances was truly a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. It perfectly captures the essence of living in a small town and the impact of not being honest about who you are. I think I might read it again! Alice, NSW, 5 Stars
Living in the city and feeling disgruntled with family, Paige Radcliffe, single mother of three children decided it was time to relocate to an older rental house that she had found online in a small country town with the hope of finding a better life for herself and her children. Perhaps she wasn’t quite prepared for the closeness of a small community but she took it in her stride and vowed to fit in and make friends. After many trivialities it didn’t take long for her perseverance to become reality and both she and the children started to feel welcome amongst their new friends. There are always secrets behind closed doors and this town was no exception. It would appear most people in this town were ‘keeping up appearances’ to the outside world until a town festival was planned, a time capsule unearthed and grief and embarrassment followed when the contents were disclosed. There were a lot of apologies and a lot of ‘humble pie’ eaten but these longtime family and friends were too entrenched in each others lives to let these misdemeanors deter them. Both Paige and the children had assimilated into this community and finally they felt content – they were home. Laurel, NSW, 5 Stars
Keeping up Appearances by Tricia Stringer was a thoroughly enjoyable story set in a small fictional South Australian town. We are introduced to the best and the worst features of living in a very small town as there is a very fine line between interfering and helping. This book shows that being open to accepting help can lead to meaningful relationships. I was a bit put off with the family tree at the beginning as that usually means complicated families and I did need to keep consulting it as there were a lot of inter-related characters. It was lovely to see the developing relationships between women of different ages and backgrounds. This was a very entertaining book with great characters and setting. Thanks to Better Reading and Harlequin for my copy for review. Janine, SA, 5 Stars
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