Carmel Liddell’s latest novel, Abbie Brown: On the Cusp, explores the life and times of 34-year-old Abbie (single – 73kgs), who is looking for love.
Having been there, and done that, Carmel tells the tale with a great deal of humour, affection and understanding.
The Australian author’s other books include
Short Stories A-Z – 2023
Love and Kisses Pauline xxx – 2022
Reggie Carstairs: Behind Closed Eyes – 2021
The Beachmaster (Childrens’ Picture Book) - 2006
After ten years living with Charles Carstairs and Charles’ maid, Winifred, in the penthouse of Belvedere Mansions Knightsbridge, eleven-year-old dachshund, Reggie, is in a reflective mood. He’s endured a rocky relationship with Winifred, (who doesn’t like dogs), and successfully plots to replace her with Zsa Zsa, a luscious (dog-loving) Hungarian maid.
Finally freed from Winifred’s close supervision, Charles and Reggie climb aboard an emotional roller coaster and bond over shared experiences: the highs and lows of life.
Canine philosopher, Reggie, thinks back on his relationship with Winifred and is wracked with guilt. Did he behave badly?
Throughout the story, Reggie’s observations on the similarities and differences between man and dog are humorous and, at times, heartachingly poignant.
In a series of letters, Pauline tells how her plea for forgiveness and a frisky rabbit reunite her with Dorothy, Gwen and Freddie, her Australian schoolmates from the 1960s. They thought they knew one another inside out but what happens next, takes them by surprise. No longer bound by the constraints and conventions of middle age, uncomfortable truths are laid bare, and the four embrace their differences.
Climb aboard their white-knuckle ride and immerse yourself in the ups, downs, loops, and spirals of their lives. Laugh with them as their daily round is enriched by a new, warts and all, friendship!
This collection includes fiction, fantasy, and horror stories, all underpinned by humour. So, whilst eavesdropping on the hearts and minds of the protagonists within, feel free to chuckle as you cheer the goodies and boo the baddies. Or vice-versa…
None of the characters is drop-dead gorgeous, has perfect teeth, or is living the dream with their one true love. No. These characters are muddling through life like the rest of us which means some stories may seem familiar – perhaps a little too close to the bone. Some are irreverent and others, downright disturbing. Nevertheless, whatever your reaction, whatever you feel, the stories tell things the way they were and without judgement. Fair enough?
Abbie Brown kicks off her 34th year with an unexpected splash of fame: her Santorini vacation snap, featuring her in a vibrant yellow bikini atop a donkey, is plastered on billboards across London. (For clarity, the bikini is on Abbie, not the donkey!) Riding this wave of newfound celebrity, she lands a spot on Sir Giles Bromley’s BBC gardening show. Life seems perfect, until the universe serves her a slice of humble pie.
Navigating the chaos of single life (weighing in at 73kgs, if you must know), Abbie finds herself in the midst of an office medical drama, dealing with her nightmare flatmate Janice, and questioning if Rebecca truly is the refined acquaintance she seems. As for romance? Between George’s overbearing mother, Oliver’s youth, a married butcher, a BBC exec with a cringe-worthy habit, and the not-so-perfect ‘Peter Perfect,’ Abbie’s love life is a rollercoaster. Yet, she remains hopeful that her knight in shining armor is out there in the vast English countryside.
In the midst of it all, she gains a furry companion: Woofer, a lovable terrier with a quirky ear. Plus, there’s a promising spark with a dashing farmer from the Yorkshire Dales. The two are smitten. (We’re talking about Abbie and the farmer, not the dog, of course!)
But with Abbie’s track record, what could possibly go awry? Dive into a tale of unexpected fame, comedic misadventures, and the quest for true love.
Here’s a fun photo of my cat, Tabitha, reading about Reggie and her cousin Princess. She certainly doesn’t look amused.
I’m thrilled to announce that my book, Reggie Carstairs: Behind Closed Eyes, got featured in an article on Hills to Hawkesbury Community News. Check out the news here.
22.6.21 Complimentary advertising and copies of my book gratefully received.Thank you, Austin Macauley! Carmel Liddell.
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