Beth has forgotten the core truth of her own life. In a cruel move, her dead mother is about to remind her. A wise and ultimately warm-hearted story about self-discovery, family and community for readers of Tricia Stringer and Liz Byrski.
Since adolescence, 58-year-old Beth has lived her life with blinkers on, repressing the memory of a teenage trauma. Her mother, Marian, took control of that situation, and of all else in their family life – and as much as she could in the small town of Miner’s Ridge as well.
Now Marian is dead, and Beth, unemployed and in the middle of a humiliating divorce, is living with her gentle-hearted father in the family home. Beth feels obliged to take over her mother’s involvement in the local town hall committee, which becomes a source of new friendships, old friendships renewed, and a considerable amount of aggravation.
Researching town hall history, Beth finds photographs that show Marian in a surprising light; sorting through Marian’s belongings, she realises that her mother has left a trail of landmines, cruel revelations that knock the feet out from under her supposed nearest and dearest. Beth struggles to emerge from the ensuing emotional chaos … in middle age, can she really start anew?
A deeply felt, acutely observed novel about mothers and children, about what people hide from themselves and each other, about the richness and difficulties of community, and about becoming your own person.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Thank you to Better Reading for an ARC of this novel by Australian author, Meredith Appleyard. I am always looking out for Australian authors to read, and not having read any of Meredith Appleyard’s previous books was glad to receive an ARC of “Becoming Beth” to read and review. I really enjoyed the book. Beth was a very likeable character and I enjoyed getting to know her as the book progressed. As a sixteen-year-old, Beth had been traumatised and then repressed the memory of those events, never fully dealing with the grief and loss that she felt. Now at 58 years of age, she has returned to the small community of Miner’s Ridge where she grew up. In a sense this is a coming-of-age book but in middle age rather than adolescence. I felt all the emotions that Beth felt as her story started to unfold and I really wanted things to work out, and for her to be comfortable in her own skin. I also thought the author did a good job of letting us see the sense of community that exists in small rural communities, as well as the isolation and almost claustrophobic feeling of everyone knowing your business. Beth felt conflicted as memories of the past started to emerge and make her question just who she was and who she now wants to be – but at 58 can she really start over again? Or is it too hard and too late? You will need to read the book to find out. This was a 5* read for me, and one that I am very happy to recommend to other readers. Ruth, WA, 5 Stars
In the aftermath of losing her husband, her job and her mother, at the age of 59 Beth Harkness is struggling to see what lies ahead as she uncovers secrets from the past that affect all the family. Beth returns to her parents’ home in the small town of Miner’s Ridge devasted after her husband leaves her and, as they worked together, she’s lost her job too. The next day her mother, Marion, has a stroke and Beth becomes her carer. After Marion’s death, Beth and her father try to move forward together. Beth fills Marion’s place on the local town hall committee and forms new friendships, renews old acquaintances while dealing with aggravation from others. As she sorts through Marion’s things at home and researches the town’s history, long buried secrets are revealed. Beth is faced with new challenges but needs to acknowledge, deal with and let go of the past in order to move forward. Everyone but especially those of a similar age with elderly parents will recognise the challenges life throws at us when we least expect it. Beth’s story gives hope for new beginnings and happy endings even in middle age. Sarah, NSW, 5 Stars
Becoming Beth is a charming Australian read delving into life’s ups and downs of Beth, her family and friends with a realistic view of life in a small country town. Meredith Appleyard brought these characters to life and made me feel the emotions that they were going through with the various dramas happening in Miners Ridge. The book reminded me of a coming of age story but for an older generation and that’s it’s ok to feel a little lost and self conscious sometimes. Overall it was a great read and I’m keen to read more of her books. Veronica, QLD, 5 Stars
Another wonderful entertaining read – I have loved all of her books and was not disappointed with this one. Loveable characters that you easily become invested with as friends. A wonderful journey that is slowly revealed. Read this book and enjoy as I did. There were times I could not put this down. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars
What a beautifully written book that had relatable characters & settings & references to our time (eg outbreaks & lockdowns). What a complete mind blow that you read at the end of chapter 20!!! The theme of loss on many levels – marriage, jobs & life – but also the hope of a better day no matter what age you may be! Thoroughly enjoyed reading Becoming Beth. Mel, VIC, 5 Stars
I did not think this would be my type of book. It looks too slow I thought. But to my surprise I absolutely loved it. Full of warmth, highly relatable characters and oh so real situations this was a winner for me. Yes it is a slow paced book- but that is part of its charm. I immersed myself in Miner’s Ridge with Beth and was very sorry when I had to leave. My only disappointment was the ending leaving some issues unresolved. A sequel maybe? Steph, NSW, 5 Stars
What an amazing book about life, loss and finding love again. I resonated with Beth’s relationship with her mother and how much closer to her Dad she was. Beth’s journey through solving past mistakes she made and dealing with them, to meeting new friends, to finding love. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend. Nicole, QLD, 5 Stars
A well written story set in a small Aussie country town with love and loss, centred around the lovely Beth learning about herself & some family secrets along the way. Well worth a read!!! Angie, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a delightful story of a small town, its personalities and of friendship and family connections. Beth the main character returns home to help her father care for her sick mother. When her mother dies Beth continues to stay with her kind and wise father, because her marriage is over and her life is a mess. She decides to take on her mother’s role on the Community Hall Commitee. The characters on the commitee are cleverly represented and I am sure every small town has similar characters. Beth also starts to clear her mother’s effects and it is now she finds secrets and revelations that shock and surprise her. A beautiful portrayal of the different relationships within a family and community. Merry, TAS, 5 Stars
Becoming Beth follows Beth’s journey as a woman in her 50s having to readjust her life following some trauma. She moves back to the town she grew up after a nasty break up and to look after her elderly father following her Mother’s death. This story really helped me through my own grief journey and the ups and downs that life throws at us. Beth was such a loveable character, that proves no matter what mistakes we make in life there is always a chance to turn things around. I would recommend Becoming Beth, and i really hope that there is a next instalment “Being Beth” so that we can follow her journey. Maria, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow, what a beautiful book. I found this story to be filled with such wonderful characters. Beth is a beautiful lady who has been through difficult times but it was so overpowering to see her grow and over come these and to truely find herself and her place in her family and community. The depth of characters portrayed by the author had me feeling that I really knew and could relate to them all. This book was such an easy ready one I throughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Definitely on the look out now for more books by this Author. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
The latest offering from Meredith Appleyard is “just my sort of book”! It is a seemingly very ordinary story about an ordinary woman, but it certainly is much more than that, as the reader discovers! The main character, Beth, finds herself at a crossroads in her life, having recently discovered her marriage was not what she thought it was, and so she heads home to her parents. Shortly after arriving home, her mother suffers a debilitating stroke and she ends up nursing her mum for the final months of her life. She then has every excuse to remain at home, caring for her dad, who, though independent, is nevertheless elderly. In the aftermath of her mother’s death, she is forced to confront an event which occurred in her teen years that she had done her best to ignore. Meredith Appleyard draws her characters very clearly and sympathetically. I think most readers would be able to identify with many of the personalities in a small rural community. I would certainly recommend this book and I am keen to read more books by this author! Marilyn, NSW, 5 Stars
After her marriage breakdown Beth returns to her family home when her mother has a stroke she helps her Dad care for her Mum until her passing. Beth gets reacquainted with the community and discovers the challenges of relationships and the mistakes we all make as humans. Becoming Beth is a lovely story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
Finding Beth is a beautifully written contemporary women’s fiction book. At 58 Beth finds herself back in the family home in the small town of Miner’s Ridge, blindsided by her marriage breakdown, unemployed and afraid she caused the stroke that killed her mother, Marian. Sorting through her mother’s things she is forced to face a teenage trauma she has repressed for forty plus years, not helped by the arrival of her mother’s sister Heather who seems to be usurping Beth’s position in her father’s affections. Grudgingly she takes over Marian’s position on the local town hall committee, and in doing so discovers new friendships, rekindles old friendships, discovers what people really thought of Marian, and encounters some animosity of her own. A poignant tale of the skeletons that hide in family closets, and the emotional chaos that ensues when those closet doors are opened, of life, family, love, and small-town communities and that you are never too old to become your own person. With characters that come to life on the page, this book is highly recommended for lovers of authors such as Tricia Stringer. Marcia, SA, 5 Stars
‘Becoming Beth’ is a moving account of a woman’s attempts to reset her life & her goals, following divorce & returning to her hometown to care for her mother prior to her passing. Beth has lived her life in denial of how a few minutes of her teenage years giving in to a need to be loved turned into years of trying to forget. Without meaningful employment, Beth focuses on temporarily filling her mother’s role within the Community Hall Committee, unprepared for what what to ensue. The committee members come together to try to raise funds for reaping the Hall’s leaking roof & during this process Beth discovers there is far more to these locals and what they have to offer than she first thought. Strengthening her relationship with her father, Beth becomes torn between revealing a family secret she has unwittingly uncovered. I absolutely loved this book, it’s normality, reality and my ability to empathise with its characters. You won’t take long to read this book as you will be impatient to read what happens at every page turn. Wendy, SA, 5 Stars
I haven’t read a Meredith Appleyard book for awhile, I’d forgotten home much I love her writing! Becoming Beth delves into small town politics, how you may not like everyone but you still pull together to get things done, finding yourself when your life implodes at 58, questioning everything you’ve ever known. Such an enjoyable read that had me sucke in right from the start. Emma, VIC, 5 Stars
The cover says “Set aside some time, grab a tea or coffee and settle in for a glorious read” (Better Reading about a previous Appleyard book). That says it all for this one too. Beth returns from the city to stay with her parents as her marriage ends, she resigns her job and her mother suffers a stroke. Early in the story her mother dies following another stroke. The story is about small town life, its residents, secrets – not a heavy/involved plot and the kind of easier reading one needs sometimes – the story just moves along at ease. It is also journey of self discovery, the kind of journey one often makes following a life changing event (or events), where one learns more about their background (family/self/community) as they approach middle age and reflect on their life. Set in rural South Australia, within driving distance of Adelaide, it evokes Australian rural images and life. Thank you so much to BetterReading and Harlequin Press for an advanced copy to read. Indigo, NSW, 4 Stars
Becoming Beth follows Beth Harkness navigating the small community of Miner’s Ridge following the death of her mother. It is a story which shows that a journey of self-discovery can be taken at any age. There is a warmth to the supporting cast of characters, in both the members of the local town hall committee and Beth’s family, which adds to the enjoyment of the story. All of these characters assist Beth in her journey in some way and it reinforces the importance of relationships we build and maintain at various point of our lives. This book cleverly balances a cosy heartwarming read while remaining relatable with the challenges faced by Beth and her community. Holly, WA, 4 Stars
Reading Becoming Beth makes you want to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and a coffee. It feels so comfortable, especially for the mature reader. Beth is 58 and her life has undergone a dramatic change. She is unemployed, her husband has left her, and she now finds herself living back in her hometown, Miner’s Ridge, with her beloved father. After her mother’s recent death, Beth explores their relationship as she sorts through her mother’s belongings. Events of the past arise forcing Beth to confront deeply buried demons at the same time as she is forging new friendships and interests in Miner’s Ridge. She joins a local community group committee that her mother was involved in, rekindles past friendships and wonders whether she wants to establish herself as a local. A very enjoyable story as Beth finds a way to move forward with her life. Jodi, QLD, 4 Stars
Becoming Beth was an enjoyable and easy read. Set in small town Australia it highlights the challenges facing rural communities, the complexities of ageing and relationships and family dynamics. Faced with a number of life changing events Beth has to revisit long buried issues from her past. I liked the pace of this book and that the author touched on the impact of the pandemic in a way that felt relevant and relatable. Charlotte, WA, 4 Stars
Beth, who is in her late fifties is the central character in this most enjoyable read. Life has dealt her some very harsh blows along the way and, as with most people of her era, decisions were made without her consent and problems were brushed aside and life carried on. Her mother was a strong controlling woman who ran the household and the town when Beth was growing up. After many years living in a big city Beth is now back in the small town caring for her seriously ill mother before her death, dealing with a bereaved father, a broken heart due to a failed marriage and the memories, good and bad, and people of her past who still live in town many of whom didn’t particularly like her mother. The characters are very relatable as are the events and situations that are part of life in a country town. It was a quick and easy read and a book I didn’t want to put down. If you enjoy a story with interesting characters and issues that we all have to deal with, you’ll love this book. Robyn, VIC, 4 Stars
Becoming Beth is a story about a mature woman who is unexpectedly alone after being married for more than a decade to a man she didn’t really know who had his secrets. Beth returns to her family home in the country to help her father care for her ill mother. After her mother dies she is a bit lost but she also has secrets in her past that were never dealt with. She gradually fits into country life, makes friends and is attracted to a man who was a friend of her brother. Beth faces several personal dilemmas as she comes to terms with her past. She is also appreciated by people around her as she does her best to help where needed. It is a relatively quiet story about families and small towns. I liked it but some grammatical errors grated a bit. Gloria, SA, 4 Stars
58 year old Beth has repressed her memories of what happened when she was sixteen. Back then, her mother Marian took control of the situation, just the same way she organised her life, and that of her family. Marian also sat on and organised many committees in the South Australian town of Miner’s Ridge. Though Beth moved back to Miner’s Ridge to help her father care for her mother, Beth and her mother never got along. Nothing Beth did was ever good enough, it seemed. After Marian’s death and the break up of her fifteen year marriage, Beth is left to reflect on her life and what she wants to do next. She takes over some roles on committees and learn several people did not like her mother. While looking for some documents for the local town hall committee, Beth finds some photographs that raise interesting questions. What does the future hold for Beth? This is a story of community, family, secrets and friendship. Although it took me a while to read this is nothing detrimental about the book. The story is a great read. It was sadly the circumstances of life took up too much time and attention when I would have liked to keep reading.Thanks to Better Reading and HQ fiction for my ARC I won to read and review. I really liked Beth, her father Alan, Heather, Beth’s aunt and Marian’s sister, plus Shirley, Lucy, Sarah and a couple of other community members, especially Ash. And yes, there is some romantic interest emerges over the course of the story. But will it go anywhere? Beth is faced with some big decisions that affect her future. Setting as well as characters are fleshed out and believable. This book maintained my interest throughout. A really enjoyable Aussie read that covers some issues all of us will face at some stage in life. A pleasure to read and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if some of these characters appear in another book. It also included book club questions for those so inclined. Dale, NSW, 4 Stars
Becoming Beth was a highly relatable story about Beth who loses her way following the devastating end of her marriage, and her mothers’ ailing health. Beth moves home to live with her parents in her childhood country town. Shortly afterwards, her mother dies. The characters are believable with their messy, complicated lives and Beth learns that things were not as they seem, especially surrounding her mother, Marian’s life. Mother and daughter had a tense relationship whilst living, it was always Marian’s way or the highway. Her mother’s ways come back to haunt Beth after her death. The theme of caring for aging parents is one that is not talked about much in Australia and becoming Beth does this beautifully. Beth finds friends in unlikely places, across a wide age range, and the Community hall of all places is where she finds new meaning. Everyone wants a Dad just like her Dad; kind, unassuming and non-judgemental. As Beth finds clues to her past, uncovers family secrets and begins to understand what she must do to get on with her own life. There is finally hope, including a dog. Larissa, NSW, 4 Stars
Meredith Appleyard’s “Becoming Beth” is a delightful story. It is a warm, easy read and centres around Beth, who returns to her home town, in the South Australian countryside, following major events that force change in her personal life. As she settles back into her childhood home with her Dad, secrets and old acquaintances from the past emerge. Beth grapples with the uneasy relationship she had with her deceased mother and wonders who she can speak to, who she can trust and how to move on as a woman in her late fifties. Enjoyable book. Cheryl, NSW, 4 Stars
This book hums along nicely. There is nothing earth shattering, but it’s an absorbing tale of life in a small town, and of Beth, who has recently returned from the big smoke, in particular. As a woman in late middle age, Beth is navigating a number of unexpected life changes, and looking to find her future direction and purpose. She encounters the usual mix of small town characters, and as the book advances, comes to understand the current and past actions of those around her. If you’re a fan of tales about small town people in general, or Meredith Appleyard books in particular, you will enjoy this offering. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
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