Oh, my! What a tangled web....

This is a quirky and interesting story about a mixed bag of characters.

4 year old Avery is currently in the custody of her father while her mother serves a jail sentence for breaching an IVO. On a visit to her grandmother's one afternoon, Shirley makes a discovery that means she can no longer ignore the nagging fears and suspicions that have plagued her about the welfare of her granddaughter.

Finding no support from any of the men in her life, she heads to the woman she would least expect to ever have to ask for any help - Avery's other grandmother - Beth. Shirley and Beth come from different worlds and tolerated each other only because their children got married - they are not what anyone would consider friends. They firmly believe they have nothing in common but their love for Avery.

Along with the unexpected addition of Shirley's mother, Winnie, the women contrive to hatch an unusual plan to keep Avery safe until her mother, Cleo, is released from jail. Along the way, they manage to learn a lot about each other and themselves. Winnie, in particular, brings a lot of entertainment to the book as she unveils a raft of unexpected skills and shows just why we should never underestimate someone just because of their age.

Written from multiple points of view, all by different female characters in the book (plus Daniel), we get to see the many conflicting faces of Daniel and try to put them together to form a complete picture of this man. Is he the loving and caring man his new girlfriend sees or is he the manipulative and emotionally abusive man his ex claims he is? Is he the misunderstood victim his mother thinks he is, or the spoilt and over-indulged man-child his sister believes him to be? Is he the good father he claims to be, utterly distressed at the removal of his child? Or is he incompetent in-over-his head Dad other families believe him to be? Is Daniel the victim or the villain? All these questions and more will be answered.

Note; I received a free ARC of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review of this book.

Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - potentially
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I'm interested to see what else she has to offer

Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson didn’t much like one another, but they had four-year-old granddaughter, Avery in common. Beth’s daughter Cleo, who was married to Daniel, Shirley’s son, was currently in jail over breeching an AVO, leaving the care of Avery to Daniel. As Shirley slowly became more suspicious, the day arrived that she took Avery to Beth’s place and between them they planned Avery’s abduction. Shirley’s tech-savvy eighty-nine-year-old mother, Winnie, declared she was joining them.

With photographic evidence of Avery’s injuries, the three women set off, embarking on a journey not for the faint hearted. Deciding to remain on the run until Cleo was released from prison was their best option, as it meant Daniel wouldn’t have control over Avery. But when the police became involved, the three women, along with Avery and Beth’s miniature schnauzer, knew things were serious and they needed a place to hunker down for the remaining weeks. But would it be possible to stay out of sight for that long? To not use their phones or credit cards to give themselves away?

Sam (Shirley’s daughter) and Hamish, plus Alex (Shirley’s son) and Hannah, also Brendan, Shirley’s aggrieved husband, along with Daniel, were all interviewed by the police, with the media picking the story up. It was a free-for-all, a media scrum – and Winnie kept a close eye on it. Would the police be able to catch up with the wayward grannies, a little girl and a dog?

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a laugh out loud, extremely well written, look at child abuse and what grandmothers and mothers would do for their children. The harm is mild in this case, but obviously still not tolerated, and the actions of the three women brilliant. Aussie author Ilsa Evans has written a heartwarming, heartfelt novel filled with wisdom, humour, and much debating between everyone involved. I loved Winnie! She’s dry, smart, switched on, and of course Avery is all kinds of cute. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is just plain fabulous! Told from multiple points of view this story is witty, funny at times and incredibly confronting at others. It deals with some really tough subjects including domestic violence, child abuse, and dysfunctional families in a sensitive and engaging manner and I honestly could not put it down. I loved Shirley, who drinks a tad too much and does whacky things, always with the best intentions. Beth is almost her complete opposite, and once the abduction is under way she manages things with military precision. Finally there’s Shirley’s 89 year-old mother Winnie, who is an absolute hoot as well as being exceptionally technologically switched on. Four year-old Avery, while central to the story, is almost a bystander. The dialogue between the three women is one of my favourite things about this book but the plot comes a close second. The story is so well told that I was completely immersed from the beginning. I absolutely loved it!

This is a fun book about a couple of grandmothers abducting their own granddaughter after suspecting she has been harmed. It sounds heavy but it is actually a light hearted, fun read.

I found this title to be engaging and the characters interesting. There is a lot of light hearted humour.

skimmed through this book at times. I found the humour and some of the storyline were a little predictable. Overall though, it was a fun read.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the advanced review copy.

*5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a really interesting read and had great characters. It highlights the coming together of families and the power of working together. The ending was good. I enjoyed this one and would recommend.

Shirley is contented with her life, even if a little too much wine helps. Of her three adult children, her favourite son, Daniel, is the least likeable and she makes excuses for his inconsiderate behaviour. That is, until he dumps his daughter, Avery, on her so he can date his new girlfriend. During bath time she notices bruising and a cigarette burn on the little four-year old. She decides to act.

Beth is the other grandmother. Her daughter, Cleo, is Avery’s mother. She is separated from Daniel and serving a four month prison sentence after several AVO violations. Beth visits her daughter regularly but is surprised when she learns Daniel has not taken Avery to visit Cleo for several weeks.

Shirley is often a bit of a ditherer but must choose between getting Daniel even more offside or putting Avery first.

The unusual action Shirley takes, with Avery and her 89 year old mother, Winnie, in tow, is to consult with Beth. Unusual because the two quite different grandmothers can’t tolerate each other. Yet, both grandmothers share a love for their granddaughter and are concerned for her wellbeing.

They agree the only solution is to take Avery away and stay in hiding until Cleo is released from prison. Beth’s dog, Harthacnut, joins the odd trio on their adventure.

This is where Beth’s organisational skills come in and before long they are disguised and on the run until Cleo is released from prison in six weeks.

Yes, the basis behind the story is child abuse but it is dealt with sensitivity and without graphic descriptions. It is the trigger for the main storyline.

Not only do they need to successfully stay hidden from the police, but they need to somehow get along for Avery’s sake who always remains the focus of their love.

During the initial stages of their confinement there is tension and discord between the two women, often added to by Winnie’s sharp retorts. Over time, as they open up more to each other, they begin to appreciate each other’s positive attributes and tolerate the negative ones. There are many humorous moments in the banter of all three.

89 year old Winnie is a lesson in not underestimating the elderly. Although the young members of her family consider her senile. She is wise and witty, sassy, and sneaky. She speaks her mind and is tech savvy.

The story is told through the point of view of the characters giving us more insight into their personalities and life experiences. It helps us to understand them better. Those we meet in this way includes the police, media, and other family members.

Every character is real, they may have faults, but they are true to characters we meet every day.

Two grannies, a great grandmother, a miniature schnauzer and 4 year old Avery on the run from police and the media. Shouldn’t be hard to find them – or is it?

The police issue an Amber Alert on Facebook and believe it will be resolved quickly but as time goes on they get frustrated at being outsmarted by two grannies.

Meanwhile the media, in particular a morning chat show, are having fun with the situation.

The underlining, and important, issues discussed within the story include women’s perspectives of life on a variety of topics.

However, these serious topics are skilfully intertwined with many humorous moments.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the adventure of the grannies.

As a 72 year old grandmother of a 4 year girl I could relate to the main characters, their faults and their attributes and can honestly say they are true characterisations. Would I do the same ting under the circumstances? If I had the resources these ladies had – probably.

This is the first book I have read an Ilsa Evans book and will certainly be keeping a lookout for more.

Thank you to the publishes for pre-approving me for this book.

My rating My rating *

This is a contemporary fiction novel about two grandmothers who, despite hating each other, decide to run away with their 4 year old granddaughter, whom they fear is being abused. With a great-grandmother and periodically mentioned dog in tow.

I actually enjoyed this book quite a lot more than I expected to. The premise had a bit of "and then they bonded and everyone hugged and Emily's eyes rolled all the way down her spine" about it, but there was actually a surprising amount of depth here. The story depicts such a wide range of characters, with a heavy focus on female characters in all stages of life, and many of them are drawn with a lot of heart and complexity.

I enjoyed the way the older women were SEEN in this novel - drawn as full, rounded human beings. I think when you're younger, a part of you doesn't quite believe that YOU'LL ever really be that old woman - or that when you are, you'll somehow feel totally comfortable with that role. The older I get myself, the more I realise that we just stay ourselves, and watch the reflection in the mirror get more and more foreign. I loved the way the older women were shown as complex human beings with wants and needs, wishes and regrets, self awareness and self delusion, just like we all have. The tech savvy 89 year old great grandma was definitely a highlight. The 4 year old was also written fairly well and age appropriately.

This is a thick book and admittedly I wonder whether this story needed to be told in quite so many pages. I think I could have done without Zanna and crew. But the writing was fluid and easy to read, the characters distinct, the tone entertaining without making too light of thorny topics.

I have to admit to being a little let down by the resolution where Daniel is concerned, and the fact that he suffered no consequences for being an abusive POS. Sadly though, I think this frustrating outcome probably only adds to the realism and insight of the novel.

Overall these characters really got into my head and I found it a surprisingly enjoyable read.

Avery Conifer is a much loved four year old, only her mother is in jail and her father is a bit of a dickhead. Fortunately, Shirley Conifer her grandmother, uncharacteristically decides to take action and 'kidnap' her grand-daughter to keep her safe. She goes straight to Beth, Avery's maternal grandmother to seek guidance. Although Shirley and Beth cannot stand each other, but their love for Avery prevails and the two, along with Shirley's 89 year old mother, Winnie decide to protect Avery at any cost.
The book deals with subject of child abuse and neglect in a very human way. The abuse and neglect are not sever, and although the book is quite humourous in places it does not at all excuse nor glamourise the issue of child protection.
I loved the character's and how their stories all unfolded. From Shirley, Beth and Winnie, to Cleo (Avery's mother in prison), Samanatha (Shirley's daughter) and Elsa (the policewoman trying to find them). There are some true laugh out load moments as well a few tears to be shed while reading this.
I can highly recommend this book and this very talented Australian author.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.

I don't always like multiple (POV) Points of View chapter books, but I think this was a great way of giving insight and motivations behind many different female characters in this book. The type of love between daughters, granddaughters and all types of families.

I am also Melbourne based so I loved imagining the abduction and travel all over Victoria without having the scenery described.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, is unusual in having older characters as the main characters but it's an adventure of love I would recommend picking it up.

I loved this book about 2 very different women who go to great lengths to protect their 4 year old granddaughter Avery whom they both love (and a great grandmother who is along for the ride).

Ilsa Evans captures Winnie, Beth and Shirley in such a way that you can't help but love them all. Winnie is cunning, clever and gave me laugh out loud moments as she has no filter. She is also extremely underestimated which is often the case with our older generation. She is by no means obsolete.

Beth is at first very stiff with her interactions with the other women, however, as her back story unfolds we find out why she is the way she is.

Shirley is a woman who never rocks the boat until she suspects her son is hurting her granddaughter, then she does what nobody would ever suspect -she takes Avery and runs.

Ilsa also manages to give life to the minor characters throughout the book and her ability to write with insight and compassion is very refreshing.

I really loved this and was engaged until the very last page. I can't read more from this author as this is the first novel of hers I've read.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4176639945?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

What a delight is The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.

When I looked at the cover I thought it was going to be quite a light and humourous tale of grannies on the run.

And whilst yes, we did get that, we got so much more.

This story deals with abusive relationships, strained family dynamics, and those who come together to save those they love.

Shirley and Beth are so completely different, and even with the years of dislike and discontent with each other, they really were the perfect partners for this Thelma and Louise-esque adventure.

Add in a beautiful 4 year old girl and a great grandmother that reminded me of Yetta from The Nanny, this is one road trip that you won't quickly forget.

I did feel that there were a couple of POVs that we really didn't need, though this could just be a me thing.

Ms Evans has given a beautifully written story, with wonderfully nuanced relationships, and a different take on what we would call motherly love.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is my first Ilsa Evans read, however I will definitely read more in the future.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans

What a delightful story! Full of wit and humour that left me laughing out loud on many occasions

Two grandmas, who don’t really like each other very much and would rather not meet under any circumstances, team up to get their four-year-old granddaughter Avery away from her father, who they believe is abusing her, add in a great grandmother with a wicked sense of humour and a miniature schnauzer and you have the funniest book I have read all year.

I loved this book and the characters and I could easily relate to someone who would do anything to help a child in need, especially if this child is your own blood.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

‘It might take a village to raise a child but perhaps it only took a couple of older women to protect one.’

This is a unique story which tells of two grandmothers (+ one great-grandmother) who abduct their granddaughter due to fears she is being harmed. These grandmothers are the polar opposite of each other which adds tension and at times humour to the story. Winnie, the great grandmother is the stand out character to me. I really hope I’m half as switched on at 90!
This was an easy to read story; about half way through I did question the number of secondary characters being drawn in but overall it didn’t take away from the story all that much.

3.5⭐️

Thanks to @netgalley and @harlequinaus for allowing me to read this one ✨ The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is available now!

This book was a lot of fun to read, there were some truly funny parts to the book. This book does cover some heavier topics however it is done in a way that is approachable for the readers. I loved that is was set in my home state of Victoria, I could really imagine the grandmother's hanging out in some of these locations. This book is a great reminder that Grannies are wise people who can still contribute to society.

Thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a review copy of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, there is a lot of family drama and emotion when two grandmothers, Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson unite to abduct their four year old granddaughter, Avery for her protection, and here starts a journey that will have you turning the pages there are laughs along the way as well as serious discussions and lots of nurturing and support.

Avery is the daughter of Daniel and Cleo Conifer they are estranged and Cleo is in prison for contravening an AVO and Daniel has the full time care of Avery but when Daniel takes her to Shirley’s for a visit and she has bruises Shirley is worried. Shirley decides it is time to take action and conscripts Avery’s other grandmother Beth to help and also brings along her own mother eighty nine year old Winnie and Beth brings along her dog Harthacnut a miniature Schnauzer and the journey to protect Avery begins.

The Abduction is reported to the police and the media get involved the need to keep a low profile and out of the limelight doesn’t always go as planned but their journey across Victoria is helped along by Winnie who knows a lot more than anyone ever gave her credit for, disguises and planning play a big part in their hope to stay under the radar for the next seven weeks, time spent together also brings these women a lot closer together than they were at the start.

I loved this story it opens up a lot about families, it makes them all see truths that they may not have before, as they came together for the love of Avery and found themselves as well. There was a lot of nurturing and caring along the way and they would became firm friends. There were lots of laughs, frustrations and wine along the way as well, I loved Winnie so much and the way she helped them all she is so witty, Avery is a delightful little girl and as for Shirley and Beth they both I think became better in themselves especially Shirley.

This is a story that I would highly recommend, it is written beautifully with lots of caring and love as MS Evans brings these characters to life, there were lots of cheers coming from me for them all, I thought the ending was so good and there are so many fabulous characters that added so much to the story, I did love this one.

My thanks to Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

The Unusual Abduction Of Avery Conifer
By Ilsa Evans

I do love a book set in Australia, and even more so, country Victoria.

This story centres around the Conifer family. Young Avery is taken by her 2 grandmothers after Shirley Conifer discovers suspicious bruises on Avery's body whilst babysitting.

So off they go, with great grandmother Winnie in tow, on a trip to evade police whilst the family deals with the repercussions of Avery's disappearance.

Though very serious subject matter, this book stayed on the lighter path. It more so explored the family dynamics in the 3 generations.

Winnie's character was the real highlight throughout this book. It was by no means a quick read, as it did seem to drag a little at times, and I got confused by characters are there were too many POVs in my opinion. But overall, it was enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarlequinAus for a chance to read and review this book.

Thanks NetGalley for the unusual abduction of Avery conifer. A great idea and excellent characters. However I feel the book went on for too long and I struggled to finish it.

A step by step instruction on what to do and how to do it if you ever get in a pickle with your grown up son, in laws, grandkids and kids... anyone that is.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is just that - an unusual abduction of 4 year old girl by her grandmothers. Her dad's mum runs away with Avery... to her nemesis, girl's other grandma. Shirley (that's the culprit grandma), Beth (Avery's mum's mum) together with Winnie (Shirley's mum) and Beth's dog embark on a series of adventures and misadventures, all in the name of love for their granddaughter and their kids.

This story takes the term 'dysfunctional family' to another level. There will be police and media onslaught, blame thrown left right and center, guilt taken on or ignored. But here will be a happy end.

I found this book interesting, heart-warming and engaging. My most favourite character was Winnie, almost 90 year old lady, witty, smart, sarcastic and or so shrewd. She was the grounding force behind the passion and timidness of Shirley and anal retentiveness and aloofness of Beth.

All in all, I would have loved in my grandmothers would have ganged up on my dad, honestly.

Ilsa Evans has done a great job with the characters. The narrative, too detailed in places, was interesting and engaging as well. It became sort of 'coaching' book closer to the end, but still. Enjoy the read.

Shirley and Beth abduct their 4 year old granddaughter Avery, they suspect she is being harmed by Shirley’s son Daniel. The plan is to hide out for the next 7 weeks until Avery’s Mum Cleo is released from prison.

The concept of this book was great, two Gran’s on the run AKA Thelma and Louise style but unfortunately for me this book just did not hit the mark.

There was too many POV’s for me and I struggled at times to remember how everyone was related. The one person I would have loved a POV was Daniel but his voice was not really heard.
I did not like Shirley or Beth and the continued bickering between the two women became annoying and repetitive. I also did not think the book was witty.
I also did not like the ending it was wrapped up to neatly and quickly with the man responsible for harming Avery seemed to get away with it.

However much I did not enjoy this story I did love the Author’s writing style so I would definitely read her writing again.

This is a story about mothers and their relationships with their children. Family members from four generations chat and argue, get along with each other or fall out, some of them in big ways! Most significant are four year old Avery, her two grandmothers, Shirley and Beth, and her wonderful great grandma, Winsome or, as she prefers, Winnie.

When it appears that Avery is being abused by her father, Shirley steals her away and, with Beth and Winnie's aid, hides her while they wait for her mother to be released from prison. It is not as complicated as it sounds once you read all the details! The author deals with the possible abuse fairly and presents Avery very realistically. There is a lot of drama and also a lot of humour as they attempt their disappearances, pursued by both the media and the police.

It was all very readable and very entertaining. This is the first book I have read by this Australian author and I will look out for more now.