Beth doesn’t feel like she belongs in her rambunctious, bohemian family. Apart from the special relationship she shares with her grandma, Elise. When Beth wins the lottery (on a ticket she bought to prove she could be spontaneous), she decides to spend it on treating Elise.
But instead of anything material, Elise wants Beth to help her track down her first love, Gerry. It’s a fun and uncomplicated little adventure, Beth thinks, until she discovers that her grandma’s great love is actually a woman, and their romance was thwarted by the conservatism of the day. Grappling with her grandma’s past spurs Beth to reconsider herself in the present.
Birds of a Feather is a funny, poignant and utterly charming debut novel about questioning who you are and what you might become.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I’d like to thank Better Reading for an advance reading copy to read and review. A very enjoyable read. Beth was born into a family of very artsy characters (think alternative perhaps) when in reality she’d prefer to be more sedate and plan her life. This book explores Beths relationship with her grandmother Elise who shared a strong bond with each other. A lotto purchase changes everything where her grandmother supports and goes along for the ride exploring life with her granddaughter. Heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable, I loved this book with the theme of love, family, acceptance and understanding. Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
I loved everything about Birds of a Feather! The characters, setting and storyline were all perfect. There were little unexpected twists thrown in along the way, and some very funny moments as well. Beth and her relationships with her family were very relatable. Switching the point of view to Elise’s occasionally added depth to the storyline that I enjoyed and appreciated. It’s also been a while since a novel has moved me to tears. I look forward to Rhianna’s next book, and hope it might be a sequel to this one. Chrissie, WA, 5 Stars
Am I adopted? Why has nobody ever told me? Why don’t I fit into my family? Beth is conservative. She never does anything spontaneous. She just doesn’t fit into her wildly bohemian family. Why can’t her sister ever settle to a job and why do her family keep bailing her out when she needs money? Things are about to change. To prove she can be spontaneous she buys a lottery ticket and wins. How much? I’m not telling. Will she share with her family? Always close to her beloved grandmother, Beth discovers she has a long lost love, so decides to help her track her down. What Beth didn’t know, was that the love was another woman! I loved this book. The characters were so believable I felt I was part of the family. I can’t wait for her next book. Cheryl, TAS, 5 Stars
A story of first love, new love and learning that sometimes it’s OK to step outside your comfort zone especially if it will help those that you love. Do you believe in fate? Beth didn’t. She liked her life organised and double checked and in order, unlike the rest of her family who loved music and turning their regular family meals into theme nights. The one family member she was close to was her Grandmother Elise who she loved spending time with. While Beth felt like the black sheep of the family she knew she could always relate to Elise. After yet another alternative family gathering where her sister once again took centre stage with her crazy ideas, Beth decided on a whim to buy a lotto ticket to prove to herself that she could be sporadic too, she never expected to receive a phone call saying she’d won. The next challenge, how to spend her winnings? She knew she wanted to treat Elise and before she knew it, a spontaneous plan was underway. Thanks to Better Reading and Affirm Press for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of Birds of a Feather by Rhianna King. Jody, SA, 5 Stars
A heart-warming read, showcasing the beautiful relationship between a grandmother (Elise) and grand daughter (Beth) when Beth feels like she doesn’t fit with the rest of her family. When her circumstances change and brings new information to light, it makes her re evaluate the relationships she has and her own views on people around her. Sarah, QLD, 5, Stars
a really engaging read,lovely storyline of different ages, page turning romance, family,love. London and gardening really made it easy to read,loved the locations and gardening references, nice and light to read,a current and up to date read elise and gerry getting together after so long, well written, loved it. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a thoroughly enjoyable warm-hearted novel with a touch of humour. A misfit in her eccentric family, Beth is super cautious and organised. The only relative she has a true connection with, is her grandmother Elise, sharing a love of nature and environmental causes. So when Beth gets the surprise of her life, winning a lotto prize the one time she ventures to buy a ticket, she wants to do something special for her grandmother. The challenge she sets herself is to find out what happened to Elise’s first love, Gerry Burnsby, the person she connected with so strongly, and who then disappeared from her life, before her marriage to Beth’s grandfather. There is a twist to the story, Elise’s romance was ‘complicated’, set in a different era of societal expectations. But Beth is determined to reunite the two lovers, and in the process, learns to relax into a more tolerant acceptance of others, opening the way for her own possible romance. The result is a story of love, understanding and acceptance, and with many funny descriptions makes for a very positive read. Helen, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this storyline, 2 in one really, enjoy the reminiscing the times and eras,the travel around london. I felt warm and connected to the characters reading this,shows that love can be reclaimed after years of time apart. Engaging family storylines too,makes you think about your own life and what would you do if you won alot of money. Heartfelt, page-turning, really good. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
What a wonderful read. I wasn’t really sure how I’d relate to this book. What a surprise, I found it absolutely captivating, the characters were rich and well rounded, from Beth, who hoped to discover she’d been adopted, because she doesn’t fit in with the family to Elise the grandmother a person who we’d love to have known. In parts it’s emotional, and you may need a tissue you’ll also probably find yourself asking what would you do if you had a lotto win? Jacqueline, WA, 5 Stars
A charming heartwarming funny novel about multi-generational love, relationships of family, partners, partners in crime and a journey of self-discovery. Beth after winning the lottery gifts her grandma a reunion with her first love Gerry. Unbeknownst to Beth, Gerry is a woman. The story is so beautifully written that I didn’t want it to end. I want to meet Beth and Elise, I want to go to the nature reserve with them and count alongside them all of the new orchid plants. Even though the author wrote detailed descriptions, I actually googled a number of items in the story, just to see if they were real, the words making them seem too good to be true…. They are real. I struggle to know who I like best Beth or Elise. I think it is Beth as I feel akin to her in my own self, and I wish I could have even a small part of the journey that she goes on. Thumbs up to the author for including a gender-neutral character, the first I have encountered in a novel. P.S. I cried more than once. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 Stars
Birds of a Feather is an excellent summer read. It provides a welcome distraction from all the sad and bad things that are going on in the world today. Beth is a young woman who is a bit of a cuckoo in the family nest. Her parents are the sort of parents that would make an introvert want to crawl into a corner and hide, and she and her sister are complete opposites. Thankfully, she has Elise, her grandmother, to provide care and support and there is a strong bond between them. There is a bit of a Cinderella effect when Beth strikes it lucky with a lottery ticket and she and her grandmother can head off on a journey into Elise’s past. I enjoyed the exploration of several different types of love and relationships. It’s refreshing to read about good things happening to good people, and also to see characters growing and maturing. I also liked that Beth had a most interesting career working as an environmental officer for a local council, and Elise volunteers in a project that is working to save the warty swamp orchid. The book frequently references the work of Elizabeth Gould and made me want to re-read The Birdman’s Wife by Melissa Ashley. Colleen, SA, 5 Stars
A beautiful love story about lovers torn apart who find each other decades later. I loved reading about the bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter as they both navigate their one true loves. Tayla, VIC, 5 Stars
A funny, easy, light hearted and excellent debut novel by Rhianna King! I loved the journey the reader was taken on, with a few twists and turns and enjoyed the different characters and their development. I like the element of ‘forbidden love’ as the premise of the story, which was unique and different to normal ‘finding love’ tropes! Rosalind, VIC, 4 Stars
Birds of a Feather is a debut novel for Rhianna King. The novel explores family relationships and romantic relationships, old, new and never-ending. The story centres around Beth and her Grandmother Elise who set off on a trip to London to reacquaint with a past love of Elise’s. What they find is a strengthening of their special bond and much more. Such an enjoyable read, with just sufficient backstory to set the scene. I liked the way Rhianna King wrote, it was fresh and bright. I’d recommend this book and hope to read more of her future novels. The book club questions at the end add an extra interest. Sue, WA, 4 Stars
It was like no other I was not expecting. I could not put the book down and needed to finish it as soon as I was able to. Loved it! Kathy, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a lovely easy read with a strong emphasis on female relationships. Beth is the serious responsible member of an eccentric arty family but she has a wonderful relationship with her Grandmother. Proving to her family she can be impulsive she buys a lotto ticket and wins. The only family member she tells is Elise (her Grandma) who Beth wants to help her find her first love. With that, the two of them depart to the UK on a journey to find Elise’s first love, who Beth discovers is a woman. The story has laughter, sadness but most of all love. I would recommend this book for readers seeking a positive, feel-good story. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. Julie, QLD, 4 Stars
Great debut book by Rhianna King. I really enjoyed the humour of Beth’s alternative family and the relationship she shares with her Gran. Beth’s quirky personality adds another dimension to this story. A pacy read that had a few twists and turns. I will be sure to keep an eye out for Rhianna’s next book. Susanne, WA, 4 Stars
Firstly thanks Better Reading for the ARC, I really loved it. A story with wonderful characters, I think I loved all of them, Beth the serious one who didn’t quite fit in with her arty crazy family, they were the life of the party, ready to take whatever life threw at them, she took time to plan and decide every little part of her life, worked and saved hard, rarely splurging on anything as wasting money was not in her Psyche. This is the story of Beth and her grandmother Elise, the bond was beautiful to witness, we would all wish for a bond like this with a family member, especially a grandparent, Elise just got Beth. Beth doesn’t believe in fate but after another dinner party endured with her family and being made to feel boring and unadventurous, she buys a lotto ticket to prove her wild side, this will be the turning point of Beths life, sending her out into the wide world to discover all it has to offer, her grandmother Elise by her side. I don’t want to give anything away, but this is a beautiful story, there is laughter, sadness, love and some surprises, it is mostly a happy story that will warm your heart. No real gritty or heavy storylines that will have you on the edge of your seat, just a nice heartwarming read with some good love stories (note plural) involved. A nice in-between book if you have been reading something heavy duty and need a rest. Linda, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a true reminder of just how dysfunctional every family is but that live remains in their core. As each child has their own experiences and remembers from their own perspective a light is shone on the cracks and the threads that hold it all together. The story has romance, forbidden history, travel, nature and humour – really something for everyone. Tina, QLD, 4 Stars
Birds of a Feather by Rhianna King presents a thoroughly modern and delightful love story emerging after a relationship that was restricted by societal attitudes of past times is revisited. Beth, a pragmatist, who has always felt alienated from her bohemian family is goaded into taking more chances and being less rigid with her life choices. Uncharacteristically she buys a lotto ticket which wins a life changing (for her) amount of money. This sets in motion a delightful story of adventure, travel, true love, acceptance, second chances, opening your heart to new opportunities and discovering that it’s never too late to embrace love with both heartwarming and heartbreaking outcomes. Full of quirky characters and different family dynamics to navigate I found this a quick easy read with a dual narration from Beth and her endearing grandmother Elise. Enriching the story are references to the works of naturalists John and Elizabeth Gould with their inspirational love for each other and Australian bird life which forms an underlying theme throughout the story. Belinda, NSW, 4 Stars
When I first started reading Birds of a Feather by Rhianna King I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. But as I got into it I found it a great read. It was a very easy book to read as it flowed smoothly. The story was mainly told by Beth with occasional chapters from her grandmother Elise. I resonated with Beth who feels isolated from her family because she is different than them – I feel the same. Although the subject matter was a little unique it wasn’t over the top. I love stories about family relationships and this covered that very well showing in the end that there was love for everyone even those of us who are a little different. The one small thing that I found irksome was that the character Allan’s was always referred to as they/them. I know that this is more common in our society but it was confusing as a reader and there was really no context to it. Overall a very good book. Thanks to Better Reading and Affirm Press. Denise, SA, 4 Stars
Birds of a Feather was an absolute delight to read. I snapped this up in a day and feel in love with quirky traits of Beth and Gran’s irresistible charm and lovableness. A relatable story of families, forbidden love and personal idiosyncrasies. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and loved taking the journey with Beth and Gran as they found lost loves and new love within themselves. Rachel, VIC, 4 Stars
Mother of four Rhianna King penned her debut novel to help her through the difficult Melbourne lockdown period. What emerges from her time spent locked away from the world is a story of relationships, family bonds, lost love, found love, new beginnings, connections and adventure. Birds of a Feather revolves around Beth, a woman who feels largely disconnected to her alternative and boisterous family circle. However, there is just one relative Beth has all the time in the world for, her grandma. When Beth takes a chance and receives a lottery windfall, she uses the money to help her dear grandmother track down her lost love from decades earlier. What Beth learns about her grandmother secret past life is revealing and sad. But this is offset by moments of laughter and acceptance. King’s debut is an overly lively and heartwarming journey of travel, past lives, societal norms, forbidden love and present-day awakenings is meaningful as well as jocular. This sentimental, pleasant and engaging story will have you thinking to your own family roots, grandparent relationships and identity thanks to the voyage the cast embark on. Touching and heartwarming, this is a perfect read for those who enjoy kinship style stories. Amanda, WA, 3 Stars
This is the story of Beth(ie) who is very unlike the others in her unconventional family. She is close to her grandmother and when she spontaneously buys a winning lottery ticket, Beth takes her grandmother to London to reunite her gran with her first love. This is a sweet story in many ways and sometimes overly ambitious for a debut author. There are many themes incorporated in the story and it may have read better with less. Part of the book detailed a voluminous catalogue of places of interest in London – great for recalling memories of previous trips and helpful to those planning to visit. As a fan of (botanical artist) Elizabeth Gould, the inclusion of, and links to, her story was lovely. That the women had studied and had continuing interests in science was wonderful. Recommended as an easier read – for those times when you don’t seek to be crime solving and need less life drama. Ask yourself – what if you open yourself up to possibilities or maybe even fate? Thanks to Better Reading and Affirm Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy. Katie, NSW, 3 Stars
A heartwarming story about enduring love & the many adventures life can take you on when you open yourself to every opportunity! Jody, QLD, 3 Stars
I’d probably find the boho family more relatable than Beth to be honest (ha) & I can relate to not being able to connect with most of my family… But she definitely isn’t boring & it might take time to find your people (or person) but the bond (she’s always had) with her grandma is really beautiful & I’m glad they got to have an adventure together (which she otherwise wouldn’t have had!). Ayesha, NSW, 3 Stars
Birds of a Feather. What a beautifully written story! Although I found it a bit lacking and a little slow in parts I loved the strong bond between Beth and her grandma. The story had a high female presence exploring relationships, science and family dynamics. Evelyn, NSW, 3 Stars
A very gentle and lovely story, with multiple strong, beautiful female relationships. I loved the bond between Beth and Elise, and Elise and Gerry – and even the tumultuous bond between Beth and her sister Jarrah. It did sometimes feel a bit bland – there was almost zero tension for a huge proportion of the book, including the budding romance. The entire trip overseas was just too lovely and happy for my taste. I loved the passion for science that the main characters shared, and the story of Elizabeth Gould scattered throughout. Overall it was an easy read, but a bit too slow and nice at times! Kestrel, NSW, 3 Stars
Birds of a Feather is a great, light-entertainment style read. The story moves along at a fast, easy-to-follow pace, and the characters are all relatable and likable. I enjoyed the main character Beth’s persona of the non-perfect perfectionist, and her family dynamics were interesting and entertaining. Overall a good, light-hearted read. Penelope, QLD, 3 Stars
Beth wins the lottery and wants to treat her grandmother Elise to find Gerry, her past love. Such a funny and inspiring debut novel. Brilliant read and well recommended. Noeleen, WA, 3 Stars
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