It’s never too late for a new beginning.
At 57, Ruth made a successful sea change: she relocated from the city to the country and opened Rosie’s Cafe in the seaside town of Cutlers Bay. Business boomed, but five years on the shine has worn off. Where has that other Ruth gone, the independent, feisty woman who’d had the courage to sell up in the city and move to the country? Even the bathroom mirror is reflecting back someone she doesn’t quite recognise: greying hair, wrinkles, the sparkle all but gone from her blue eyes. Ruth is convinced she has to make a change – if only she could decide what.
After a lifetime of hard work out bush, Hamish has retired to the city for a life of comfort and ease. It’s what he always dreamed of, so why doesn’t he feel satisfied? When his 89-year-old father dies, Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay to settle his affairs. At first, packing up the house and renovating it to sell is both a filial duty and a welcome project to fill his days. As the work energises him, Hamish wonders: was retiring a mistake? The longer he’s in town, the more Cutlers Bay starts to feel like home. And a certain cafe owner makes the idea of staying there all the more appealing …
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What a lovely story by Meredith Appleyard. I could relate to her main character, Ruth. She is a 62 year old single lady struggling physically and mentally to keep her very successful cafe running. She starts a new friendship with a very eligible man. Add in small country town relationships and family loss. Ruth is strongly independent but even she struggles when the stress gets too much. A beautiful story about family relationships and learning to accept help from those around you. Dianne, WA, 5 stars
Beautifully written book about two engaging characters at a turning point in their lives. I enjoyed Ruth’s character immensely as I am of a similar age and facing the questions of retirement in the near future. So pleased to see a well written book for this age group. Page turning read in a lovely gentle way. A very enjoyable read. Graciela, NSW, 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and becoming engaged with the characters in the book & how life changes as you get older. Well written & took me into their worlds. Mel, VIC, 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. Getting to know the characters was lovely and it was such an engaging storyline, keeping me interested the whole way through. Highly recommend. Amanda, SA, 5 stars
I was interested in the two main characters from the beginning and enjoyed the fact the story is set in South Australia. Ruth is a 63 year old who is running a popular beach side café, but totally worn out mentally and physically with all the work that involves. Hamish is of similar age, retired, bored, living in Adelaide city and continuing to deny childhood trauma. The couple eventually meet and naturally don’t get on at first. Although there is romance brewing this book is so much more than that. It covers small country towns, the culture there and the typical gossip that arises. I really liked the way the author, Meredith Appleyard discussed the issue of aging, depression, family expectations and responsibilities, accepted or not, all as part of the story line and done in a gentle way. These issues will encourage the reader to think about their own circumstances with aging family members and future planning. It inspired me to reach out to elderly family and friends and I plan to do so on a more regular basis. Saying that, the issues are not heavy and depressing, there are many very funny incidents within the story, and many comments and characters you are likely to recognize in your own family members. A perfect lighter read for me, five stars. Toni, QLD, 5 stars
The Seachangers is a great read which many women will relate to. The characters of Ruth and Hamish are likeable and I found myself wanting things to work out for them. The issues of ill health, dysfunctional family relationships and the challenges of moving to a new place for a fresh start are just of the hurdles facing the characters. I would recommend The Seachangers to friends and will look for more of the author’s other books. Julie, NSW, 5 stars
This book was the ultimate Sunday, kick back and relax book. I really enjoyed the easy way the author Meredith Appleyard, integrated and wove the story of a time, I am sure in everyone’s life, when maybe it’s time to slowdown, and priorities where your life is going and choose to change and maybe look for new beginnings. In walks Hamish, at a time when all this is happening, making Ruth’s desire for change and to forge a different path and let people see her for whom she really is. I now just need the next book to come along, so I can find out what happens next. I really enjoyed the dynamics of this book which had me hooked from start to finish, wanting more. Deidre, VIC, 5 stars
Meredith Appleyard is one of the best storytellers, her books are always well written, and the words just flow and the story easily flows. I absolutely loved this book, it mirrored what I had gone through with my life, the death of parents, the cleaning out of the family home, even an older brother having a health episode and working out what to do in my retirement! And having the story set in my home State was something that made the tale somehow comforting. It’s not a murder mystery, nor does it have a suspenseful storyline, but it’s a story that hugs you and you just want to keep reading to see where it leads. It’s a book that you can curl up with and relax, let your mind go and enjoy the story. As I said, Meredith Appleyard is a great storyteller and she didn’t disappoint with this book either. Davina, SA, 5 stars
Meredith Appleyard’s The Seachangers is a little gem of a novel, like a warm cuppa in front of a cosy fire. A cast full of relatable or recognisable characters each with their own baggage and problems just trying to get through life, and dealing with change both unexpected and traumatic. Themes of love and loss are explored against a background of a small coastal village which provides plenty of scope for armchair travel, and there are also several trip to Adelaide for contrast. Really, however, it is the strong, kind and likeable central characters which make this book such a joy. I would definitely recommend Meredith Appleyard’s The Seachangers. I, VIC, 5 stars
Another enjoyable read from Meredith Appleyard. A novel that’s storyline is easy to follow and not over complicated . I didn’t want to put it down! Delving into the characters’ different stages of lives and the decisions that are made when they come together is interesting. A story of woven city and country characters finding their place in an ever- changing world of loss and gain. Amanda, TAS, 5 stars
What a delightful, yet thought-provoking read!! I had not previously read Meredith Appleyard but now feel the pull to explore further the other books from this author. I found the seaside small town setting to be wonderfully described and almost a character of the story, as the towns people are woven into the exploration of what it is to form relationships, friendships, community and eventually what happens to those as inevitable aging occurs. There are many fraught topics covered in the storylines but written so masterfully that while being brought to the reader’s attention, it is done in a gentle manner that allows for personal reflection but is not stress inducing at all. It is a book about beginnings and endings and all the wonderful living we can do in between if we decide to put some thought into it and enjoy appreciating the journey along the way. Definitely a good read!! Lisa, QLD, 5 stars
The Seachangers was a great easy read. It is sure to appeal to mature age readers and also some younger readers. The characters Ruth and Hamish were both going through a certain amount of discontent in their lives due to events earlier in their lives and contemplating making decisions that would ultimately affect the rest of the lives. Meredith Appleyard is a wonderful author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have her other books. Karen, VIC, 5 stars
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard welcomes us back to Cutlers Bay on the South Australian Yorke Peninsula. We are introduced to Ruth and Hamish, both of who are middle aged, and at a crossroads in their lives. Both have to deal with tragedies and difficult decisions, but they find comfort and strength in their new-found friendship which develops throughout the story. I absolutely adored this novel and the characters. Ruth is strong, independent and hardworking, but also suffers from the same emotions and self doubt we all do at times. Hamish is calm, friendly and patient while also discovering his weaknesses and emotions. This book was like a warm blanket on a cold day – comforting and heartfelt. Highly recommended! Sally, SA, 5 stars
Five years ago Ruth left the city to make a sea change. She started Rosie’s Café and has made it into a raging success in the small town of Cutler’s Bay. Ruth has found she is having trouble getting staff to cover shifts when needed and is being stretched to her limits. She feels it is time to move onto something else. Meanwhile, Hamish comes to town after his father dies to clean out the house to ready it for sale. The more time Hamish spends in Cutler’s Bay, the more he enjoys being there, especially when in the company of a certain café owner. Being in the city has lost its shine for Hamish, so he decides to sell his apartment and is trying to work out what he will do next. He starts working on the house repairs and garden in Cutlers Bay to keep himself busy. Is his future in this small town, and is Ruth staying or leaving? A well written story relating to aging and the need to make changes in direction. It seems following your heart might be the right call. Vicki, VIC, 5 stars
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard was absolutely fantastic! A lot of passion and time has gone into each and every character, almost impossible to pick a favourite as each character was relatable. I LOVED that it was set in Adelaide, being an Adelaide girl made this book more special. I can’t speak more highly of this read! You will love it! Kellie, NSW, 5 stars
What a refreshing read! It was lovely to read a book where the main characters were more senior with different life experiences behind them and futures after retirement to be pondered. All the characters were so easy to relate to and it was easy to connect with some of the dilemmas faced and great to watch the approach to resolve them. Meredith Appleyard knows how to write with feeling and sensitivity. She showed understanding and care for her characters and their dilemmas. There is so much to enjoy in this book. I highly recommend it. Annette, SA, 5 stars
The Seachangers is a most believable and enjoyable read, a book that is hard to put down. Both main characters, Hamish and Ruth are relatable and likeable. As problems arise in their lives, Ruth and Hamish end up repeatedly crossing paths, leading to Hamish to stay in Cutlers Bay until he decides what he wants to do with his retired life, as his original plans proved to be not what he thought he wanted. There are underlying stories running through the main plot which give more complications to the story. The characters, once again are excellent, especially Elliott, Allie and Nat. The Seachangers is a well rounded, touching read that is full of warmth and resilience. Deb, WA, 5 stars
What a great story – telling us lives of two separate people and giving us insight into their lives, family and dramas. Such a fascinating ride right to the end highlighting the two main characters getting together to live happily ever after in a nice country town. Dale, VIC, 5 stars
The Seachangers is a most believable and enjoyable read, a book that is hard to put down. Both main characters, Ruth and Hamish are relatable and likeable. As problems arise in their lives, Ruth and Hamish end up repeatedly crossing paths, leading to Hamish to stay in Cutlers Bay until he decides what he wants to do with his retired life, as his original plans proved to be not what he thought he wanted. There are underlying stories running through the main plot which gives more complications to the story. The characters, once again are excellent, especially Elliot, Allie and Nat. The Seachangers is a well rounded, touching read that is full of warmth and resilience. Deb, WA, 5 stars
The unexpected death of an elderly parent bringing a recently retired diesel mechanic into the orbit of a café owner whose sea change to a Yorke Peninsula clifftop town seems to be wearing her out: some aspects of Meredith Appleyard’s plot might be predictable, but there are enough turns to keep the reader completely enthralled in the fates of her appealing cast. And as a bonus, there’s lots of wisdom and insight about ageing singles, retirement, grieving, guilt, and regret. Thought-provoking, but also heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Meredith Appleyard winner. Marianne, NSW, 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book due to 1. clear chapter headings so you knew whose story was being continued. 2 a story about older people and issues relating to an older generation. Issues include elderly isolation and suicide and family ramifications. Older women and working all their lives but little savings for retirement. Family communication or lack of it and the consequences of not being able to talk to one another. Love and trust in older people and life in small communities where gossip is rife but support can exist. An easy read from beginning to end and easily able to keep track of who was who and what was happening. I read this in an afternoon and had to finish it. Tonie, NSW, 5 stars
Read this in one sitting… a long one! Each chapter bought a new challenge for Ruth but so very relatable and readable! A great book that will resonate will a lot of women ‘of a certain age’ !!Loved it. Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
The Seachangers is book that many may relate too. As we get older a decision to continue on a familiar path or make a change can catch you by surprise. This is where the two main characters Ruth and Hamish find themselves and take you along on their journey as they think about what is next. In each chapter you find out a little more about their lives, their history, their thoughts and questions and see how they unexpectedly come to rely on each along the way. You can picture the country town not far from the beach and how it is a hive of activity in the Summer months but quieter in cooler seasons. But for those that live there they all know each other and have their own quirky ways and routines. I love the cover of the book it makes me think of blue skies, beach waves with a lemon tree in the houses front yard and the saying “when life gives you lemons make lemonade”. I can see this saying could relate to both Ruth and Hamish. I really enjoyed reading this book! Meighan, NSW, 4 stars
The Seachangers is a wonderful tale with relatable characters. Ruth is a hard working lady who followed her dream without thinking too far into the future. She changed her life on a whim without considering her exit strategy. Will it all work out for her in the end? Veneranda, QLD, 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book the characters were likeable and the book was easy to read Nicky, NSW, 4 stars
An interesting slow burn read which kept me wanting more. I was drawn to Hamish. I wanted to know more about Jonathan and his father. I felt for him during his childhood when he felt blamed. I did get a bit confused with all the names of his sister’s children and the extended family tree. Ruth was a nice character to follow. At times I got confused with the casual worker names at her cafe especially when they had to change hours. It was nice to watch her grow and find her feet to become her own person. It was hard to read her feelings sometimes. The book kept me wanting more and made me read more than expected each night. Tara, WA, 4 stars
The Seachangers is a wonderfully heartwarming story of colliding lifestyles and different stages of life. Ruth and Hamish, the main characters, realise how fleeting life is when others lives are taken away. Meredith Appleyard does a brilliant job of transitioning between the lives of the characters with how the chapters are broken down, yet still have the stories intertwine. Second guessing if you they could’ve done more, been more present or where their lives are headed makes for a joyous tale Sharnee, QLD, 4 stars
Overall this book was a “feel good” story, although it did tackle some deeper themes. I was reading it during a stressful time (family member in hospital) and it was a good escape read for me that left me smiling. My biggest complaint was that the book ended a bit too quickly without enough closure on many issues. Perhaps it is more true to life this way, but I really would have liked to see more of a resolution of the issues with Hamish and his sister. And while there was definitely hope for the future, the epilogue was only set a little past the end of the book. I’d rather it had been set another 6 or 12 months later and I could see Ruth and Hamish fully settled into their new lives. Helen, VIC, 4 stars
I loved reading about Ruth who is in her late 50’s. It was refreshing to read about older people instead of constantly being focused on young romance. Ruth has a very sucessful cafe in a small town but things are so sucessful that Ruth is working herself into the ground and finding thatshe can no longer cope. Hamish is also very sucessful but starts to reassess his life after the tragic passing of his father. Old traumas are brought to the surface and he starts to see that he needs more from his life also. Just because you are older doesn’t mean you have all the answers so its refreshing to see an older couple who are still trying to make their way in life and work out that perhaps living life on your own is not all its cracked up to be and sometimes life is much better with someone to share all the ups and downs with. This is a wonderfully heart warming book to read on a cold and rainy day. Annamaree, QLD, 4 stars
This gave me such a charming vibe. Ruth leaves Adelaide to move to Cutlers Bay and open her own coffee shop. The day to day grind takes its toil after five years, despite her absolute love for it and she contemplates retiring. I enjoyed the gentle pace of this book and the merging of Hamish visiting, staying, in Cutlers Bay and visiting Ruth. The characters felt genuine and the topics were realistic and relevant. I throughly enjoyed this book. Nadine, NSW, 4 stars
Welcome to Cutlers Bay! We meet Ruth (62) who is at a crossroads in her life. Her parents are gone, she is not married and has no children, and finds herself disenchanted and tired after running her cafe for the last 5 years. The cafe was her late mother’s dream, and Ruth is contemplating the future and retirement. We also meet Hamish, drawn to Cutlers Bay and the local cafe. He is in town to clean up his father’s estate after he suddenly passes. Hamish is also somewhat at his own crossroads after retiring early and living in an inner city apartment that he hates, and is wondering if there is more. The two strike up a friendship and we start to wonder where it will lead and if there is potential romance on the horizon, as they both seem to enjoy each others company. Meredith seamlessly tackles issues of ageing, family relationship dynamics, including dysfunctional ones, and friendships in a small, close nit rural community. Her characters are likeable as we follow them on their journeys through this stage of their lives. Overall, highly enjoyable read, 4 stars. Melissa, VIC, 4 stars
Great read, characters you can relate to and have empathy towards as they navigate their approaching twilight years. Deanne, VIC, 4 stars
This was another delightful read from Meredith Appleyard, with its gentle pace and sensitive spotlight on mid-life issues such as financial insecurity, accommodation challenges, health concerns, death of family/friends, family obligations, and loneliness. While that may sound depressing, the author weaves these concerns into a story with heart, romance and humour that offsets the more serious elements. The plot is slow but steady, with lots of time spent on Ruth’s financial and management challenges in running her cafe. Anyone who has experienced small business burnout will feel seen! Meanwhile, Hamish faces all the stresses that arise when a parent passes away, from complex grief to family arguments. This too will sound familiar to many. As with the author’s last book, Daisy and Kate, there are resolutions to Ruth’s problems that are a little more convenient than real life, but (like most fiction) that happy ending is part of the appeal. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s a pleasure to read a story that focuses on a mature independent woman managing her life, rather than a woman finding herself after a relationship or breakup. Lisa, QLD, 4 stars
A sweet story about ageing, facing retirement and mid-life relationships: Ruth is the hard-working café owner in the small coastal town of Cutlers Bay who is suddenly faced with her lack of future planning for her retirement. Hamish, a retired diesel mechanic, is also at a crossroads in his life as his own retirement has not lived up to expectations. When he arrives in town to deal with his recently deceased father’s house, he becomes a regular at Ruth’s café and a delightful friendship develops. A variety of minor characters added vibrancy to the story. Ruth and Hamish have siblings with whom their relationships are quite complex and the loss of family members highlights these issues. The Cutler Bay locals, friends and colleagues of the pair have their issues and dilemmas to contend with which adds depth and interest to the plot. While the book was an enjoyable read I found myself a little frustrated with Ruth’s indecision regarding her future and I thought the ending a bit abrupt, leaving questions unanswered regarding some minor characters. On the whole, I enjoyed The Seachangers and would like to read more by Meredith Appleyard. Tracy, WA, 4 stars
The Seachangers is about loss and love, grief and change and how resilient we are when we need to be. Ruth and Hamish have suffered tragic losses and end up crossing paths in the picturesque Cutter’s Bay. Ruth of Rosie’s café is 5 years into her blooming business but after some local news of a fellow resident, is at a cross roads of her life. Hamish has ended up in Cutlers Bay due to a family tragedy and is questioning whether his retirement is as fulfilling as he thought it would be. I really enjoyed my first Meredith Appleyard book. The characters and the plot kept me on the hook from the first chapter and I had to keep reading to see the paths that both Ruth and Hamish walked. The writing made me feel as if I was right in Cutlers Bay, at a table in Rosie’s café watching the events unfold. Highly recommend this book, and particularly for readers of Sophie Green and Rachael Johns. Amber, QLD, 4 stars
The Seachangers provides an engaging insight into the lives of two older characters; Ruth and Hamish, who both find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Their stories shine a light on the challenges of being older and facing the reality that they and their family and friends aren’t as energetic and healthy as they once were. Both Ruth and Hamish are confronted by their fears and vulnerabilities as they navigate feelings of loneliness and a loss of identity. Despite this, The Seachangers proves that age is no barrier, it’s never too late to take a leap and find a new purpose in life and it’s never too late to take risks and overcome fears. This book explores themes that I have pondered about from time to time. Ultimately, it has provided me with a sense of freedom and comfort that I hope will carry me through the next few decades of my life. Christine, VIC, 4 stars
Meet Ruth, a woman in her early 60s who’s successfully navigated a life-changing relocation from the city to the quaint, coastal township of Cutlers Bay. For five years she’s been running Rosie’s Cafe but finds herself falling into burnout mode. She’s desperate for change but unsure what direction she wants to take at this stage of life. Enter Hamish, a fellow mature man navigating his own newfound path into retirement. When sparks fly, both are caught off guard. I love Appleyard’s ability to create authentic, relatable characters. Her choice to explore the lives of mature people and the challenges this stage of life brings will resonate strongly with many readers. The Seachangers is a character driven novel imbued with a wonderfully vivid sense of place and community spirit which adds considerable depth. It’s clear the author is familiar with the area and her love shines through in the descriptive prose. With thought-provoking themes about aging, loneliness and the resilience to start over regardless of age, The Seachangers is a tenderly written, heartwarming reminder that there’s often something unexpected and beautiful just around the corner — sometimes you just need to reach out, grab it with both hands and an open heart. Linda, QLD, 4 stars
Ruth and Hamish have both reached the stage in their lives where they need to make decisions on what their futures look like. Both have ended up in the town of Cutlers Bay where the pace of life is slower, and everyone knows your business. Ruth has been busy running a café for five years and the gloss has worn off and Hamish has retired and come to the town to settle his deceased father’s estate. This story resonated with me because I am in the same age bracket as Ruth and Hamish and, like them, I am considering what my life might look like in the future. I loved this book for this reason, and I could really relate to the dilemmas and issues being faced by Ruth and Hamish. The book is probably not one that would appeal to a younger demographic but for me, the pace of the story and character development was totally engaging and beautifully written. The minor characters were also interesting as also grappled with a range of life issues and this added another layer to the book. Overall, the book was engaging and captivating and I recommend it highly. Janine, VIC, 4 stars
This was a lovely book. The two main characters had other already retired or was looking at retiring. Ruth relocated from Adelaide city to the country town of Cutlers Bay 5 years earlier after the death of her mother. She opened a successful cafe called Rosie’s Cafe. After hearing of the retirement of a man younger than her she started re-evaluating her life and knew she needed to make a change but wasn’t sure what to do. Hamish retired to the city from the country. This was his dream but once he settled in the city the novelty wore off and he wasn’t happy. Hamish’s 89 year old father who lived in Cutler’s Bay dies so Hamish goes to pack up the house and renovate it to sell. After doing the renovation himself he realises that retiring in the city was not for him. He meets Ruth at the Cafe and the form a strong friendship which makes Hamish decide to stay at Cutler’s Bay and not sell the house. This book takes you through the emotion of family death and wondering what to do at the next stage of your life and how aging does not mean the end but also a time for new beginnings. Really enjoyed the well written novel. Renae, QLD, 4 stars
The Seachangers was the first book by Meredith Appleyard I have read and what a delight it proved to be. A gentle, sensitive story about how our perspective changes as we age and what we consider important takes on a new hue. In the 5 years since Ruth bought the cafe and poured her heart and soul into it, Her priorities are shifting and she no longer needs to prove a point but she doesn’t have an exit plan for the cafe nor any idea what she might go onto next, until Hamish comes to Cutlers Bay after his father’s unexpected death. He is retired but the life he had mapped out for himself is not really giving him the satisfaction he thought it would. They are both lonely and it’s not long before they find they are finding comfort and something they both thought they had missed out on, in each other’s company. It’s a heartwarming story about companionship, the ties of community and the need to belong when working no longer fills all the gaps. I will be seeking out more books by Meredith Appleyard and I want to live in Cutlers Bay! It sounds like my sort of place and has a decent coffee shop! Robyn, QLD, 4 stars
All the characters and events felt like this could be anyone’s or your own life story, with aging parents with health problems, annoying siblings and aging yourself. Do you take up opportunities as they come your way to make a better way of life or stay as you are? Here are two different viewpoints from the two main characters focus on their differences slowly finding each other through friendship. And finding new beginnings in their sixties. Ruth has made her seachange at 57 years of age from the city to open Rosie’s Café in Cutler’s Bay and now five years later is feeling jealous after hearing someone retired who was younger than her. She has no back up plan or money to retire anytime soon. Hamish comes to Cutler’s Bay when his father dies only to sort out his father’s house and affairs but thinks about renovating and then visits Rosie’s Café and strikes up a friendship with Ruth. All the struggles of getting older, all the dilemmas of life, change and journey through this thoughtful and sensitive story of how people are vulnerable but able to bounce back and go forward. Bette, VIC, 4 stars
The Seachangers was a pleasant and interesting read, as we follow Ruth and Hamish and their challenges as they approach the end of their working life. Both independent, hard working people, they’re at the stage of life where they have to take stock and work out who and where they want to be in retirement. I liked both the main characters and enjoyed hearing the story from both perspectives. The events and decisions they faced were interesting and thought provoking – we’ll all have to face similar challenges at some stage so it was interesting to see how they coped. And not just the two main characters – everyone in the book seemed to be facing a change of some sort, either through bereavement, ill-health, divorce, ageing. Life happens, and the author takes us on these journeys with warmth and humour and, most of all, understanding. Margaret, VIC, 4 stars
Ruth, who has been running her café business in a small country town for five years without a break, has an epiphany about her future when the local financial advisor announces his retirement. She needs a break, a change and a retirement plan. Hamish has retired but is not happy in the city after working his whole career in the bush. Was retirement a mistake? When Hamish comes to town after his father passes away, he and Ruth start to develop a friendship but both have family matters to deal with along the way. And a new friendship is sometimes hard to navigate. A heartwarming story delving into some real issues that confront us as we age. The characters were believable and I was empathetic to many of the doubts and insecurities they both faced when embarking on a new chapter in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this book Janice, NSW, 4 stars
It was nothing like I had expected , a twist in every page but still very heart warming Kathy, NSW, 4 stars
A true to life, engaging read that shows age is no barrier to doing the things you want to do. John, VIC, 4 stars
A lot of books featuring retirement-aged characters focus on the sudden freedom and open possibilities of no longer being stuck in a work schedule but everyone I’ve known do this in real life has found it a bit trickier. Loved the characters in this book, Ruth and Hamish were very real people to me and had the awkwardness and flaws that people do in real life and I particularly enjoyed the moments where I felt they acted out of character, only to later understand their true reasons and motivations later. Just like real people! I loved reading the slow development of the relationship between the two main characters, largely from Ruth’s perspective. This book definitely took its time and the journey was all the better for it. The characters struggle with family issues, PTSD, grief and loss as well as battling to let their guards down, make new friends and be open to change. There’s a lot to enjoy in this book and a lot to learn about continuing to live and grow after retirement. Richard, VIC, 4 stars
This book is a very relaxing read. I found it slow at times. Ruth has been running Rosie’s cafe for 5 years but has realised she is over it. Hamish who has worked in the bush all his life and his sister have come to Cutters Bay to bury their Dad and empty out the house, his sister is rather nasty and makes his life difficult.He is finding he is enjoying life in this town and buys his Dads house. So, chapter by chapter we follow these 2 people negotiating life and their relationship. Another book to pick up and read while in a holiday relaxed mood. Lyndsay, QLD, 4 stars
When I started reading this book I knew it was going to be an easy read. Light hearted mostly but touching on topics that can touch the hearts of many. Whilst basically a romance between two nearly/newly retired people, the underlying message that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in your life, kept me engaged and keen to follow the up’s and downs of day to day life and see where it lead me. A fun read Jacqui, QLD, 4 stars
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard is a story of reflection, friendship, aging and dealing with all of the challenges that brings, negotiating a better work-life balance and being brave enough to embrace new beginnings and embark on an unknown future. The story is narrated by Ruth, the owner and operator of Rosie’s Cafe. A second storyline follows Hamish who ends up in town, to clean out his parent’s home after his father’s passing. We are introduced to the other characters through interactions with them at the cafe and we journey with Ruth, navigating the challenges she faces running a business in a small country town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. It is an easy, thought provoking read for those wondering where life is taking them, how we might prepare for the future and how we become different versions of ourselves as we age. Belinda, NSW, 4 stars
The Seachangers was an easy weekend read. Ruth was an interesting character in the way she changed and developed, to reinvent herself with a new direction in her future. Hamish added an additional level of interest with his character impacted by loss and grief throughout his life. It was enjoyable to see both Ruth and Hamish looking hopefully into the future, rather than giving up and slowing down. Sure, they might be in their 60’s but that didn’t mean they couldn’t experience love, joy, friendship and future exciting adventures. Veronica, NSW, 4 stars
A delightful and easy to read story. The characters in this story really come to life and everyone is very engaging. This story captures the lives of 2 people on their own journeys to retirement and life who form a truly lovely friendship/relationship. I love the additional little side stories about the characters as it helps make you feel like you’re a part of this little country town. It is inspiring and heartwarming and really makes one think about their own mortality and what they want to achieve out of life. Jodi C, QLD, 4 stars
A delightful read embracing small town community nuances, great relatable characters and a fabulous setting! Seeing a relationship slowly develop between The Seachangers main characters Ruth and Hamish was beautifully written and resonates with many people over sixty ! Covering a number of important topics , loneliness, family conflicts , mental health, the elderly in the community and the complex emotions coming to the fore upon retirement was woven throughout the book. Overall a warm-hearted feel good book! Ilona, VIC, 4 stars
Admittedly I don’t usually read this genre and while I finished it and it was a nice book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The story details mental health, aging and mortality. I read to get away from my thoughts, but this was a bit too close to home, namely when it comes the passing of a close loved one. I enjoyed that it was set in my home state, South Australia, so I knew the locations the author was mentioning. Appleyard writes characters well, and in particular hateful characters! If you like gentle, slow burn stories with more mature characters, you will enjoy this. It also reminded me how much I hated working in front facing retail. Melissa, SA, 3 stars
A gentle and sweet romance featuring an older couple, dealing with later-in-life issues like the death of parents, retirement, etc. A lovely small town setting. Celia, QLD, 3 stars
Nothing to rush to read, but simple summer holiday reading. Didn’t grab me enough to make me want to not put it down. Main characters were slow moving & seemed to make it drag on a bit. Feels like it took ages to read at times, for not much story. The secondary characters seemed to have more going for them than the main 2 at times. Mandy, TAS, 3 stars
A lovely story about people trying to navigate life and work out what’s best for themselves whilst looking after others. The characters are so real and we are reminded that everyone has things going in their lives that others are not aware of unless we open up and share. Christina, NSW, 3 stars
Unlike other reviewers I had not read any of Meredith Appleyard’s previous novels. I was pleasantly surprised to find a book where the main characters are a little older. Ruth is a local business woman who is unsure of her future. She’s tired of running a small town cafe on her own, with the staffing issues and long hours. She has become somewhat disillusioned, but doesn’t know where to go from here. Enter Hamish, a man for whom retirement isn’t as rewarding as he’d hoped. When he comes to the coastal town of Cutlers Bay to sort out his late father’s affairs he finds the small town holds more appeal than he thought, in more ways than one. Could Cutlers Bay be the perfect blend of country and city he didn’t even know he needed? Can both of these lonely people find friendship and a sense of worth that has been missing in their lives? As someone who is in the same age bracket as protagonists Ruth and Hamish I could relate to the storyline of them navigating retirement, loss and aging. It was also great to see them both portrayed as vital , attractive people with lots still to offer. I have read too many books recently that I felt were written for an age group not my own and were difficult to relate to. I did feel that there was a lot of time spent on details that I could have done without and less time developing the characters. I would have enjoyed knowing more about why Ruth was so stubbornly independent and more about Hamish’s past. I was also waiting for a big reveal as to reasons behind some of Hamish’s sister Natalie’s behavior, however that sadly didn’t happen. Overall Seachangers was a good comfort read, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Kim, QLD, 3 stars
A delightful read that will resonate with women of all ages, particularly mature women. from retirement, jealousy, regret and love, Meredith Appleyard has written a book that makes you believe it is never too late to find happiness. Kathleen, ACT, 3 stars
A plodding story about an older woman and man searching for themselves in the midst of life transitions…and finding each other. The author uses a lot of Aussie bush talk, which at times sounds contrived. It took a lot to stick with it and see it through. Mopsy, VIC, 2 stars
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