I absolutely adored this book and will be recommending to all of my friends and my grandmother. I was feeling nervous before reading this book as it deals with family drama and the child abuse, however, I felt the humour throughout the novel was fantastic and dealt with everything in a sensitive manner.

Thank you for sending this novel, i'm looking forward to reading more from Ilsa Evans in the future.

I will be reviewing this book on my bookstagram brealovesbooks also.

This was such a wonderful novel to read. I was hooked after only having read the blurb – bad-ass grandmothers who aren’t on good terms working together for the safety of their granddaughter? This is exactly the sort of plot I can get behind. This novel had a perfect balance of complex family drama, well-tailored humour, and deep, complicated emotions, making it a trundling rollercoaster of a read. Within the drama and humour though is a story exploring some heavier topics, which, through this platform, are explored in a way which shows the more emotionally taxing side of family drama like this.

It was really interesting following the story of these grandmothers on the run as they do everything in their power to protect their granddaughter. Especially as they are the most unlikely pair to take on anything of this nature. Their age aside, Beth and Shirley can’t stand each other, which makes their dynamic fascinating to read within the circumstances of the novel. Each woman has her own approach to their situation, and so creating clashes as well as moments where their styles compliment each other to great results. The groups journey is a wild ride from start to finish, all under the close watching eye of the Australian public who both cheer for the run away grannies and in some cases sympathise with the ‘betrayed father’ image which Avery’s father shows the public.

Every character was so vibrant, and full of life which made this so much more interesting to read. I loved how nearly every character had a chapter written from their point of view. At first, when I realised that this was how the novel was going to be set out I had concerns that the novel may feel choppy and disconnected. Having finished the novel I realise that the story couldn’t really have been written any other way. Each perspective is vital in telling a unique perspective on the situation and how it is being played out. Each character’s voice was executed very well, and shone it their own way. This story telling style worked especially well as it allowed the reader to see the story from the onlookers in the form of the media and the Australian public.

My one small issue with this novel is that it felt like there was a lot of content in the middle which could have been covered in much less time. Yes, some of these parts were important to the development of the budding friendship of Beth and Shirley, but I felt as if they could have been shortened slightly so the novel didn’t feel quite as drawn out. In saying that though, every moment of character development I did love to read, I just felt like there was so much of it that it took away from the flow of the drama of the whole situation.

This was such a beautifully written and fun read which I will very happily read again in the future. I recommend this to anyone who wants a read with great, well fleshed out characters set in a complex family drama which is elevated by the humour and relationships throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Harlequin Australia for sending me this free eARC in exchange for an honest review. This title was published 1st September 2021.

What would you do to protect your child/grandchild/ great-grand child?

In this witty novel, Shirley and Beth, who usually can not stand each other, take their granddaughter, Avery, when they suspect her dad, Daniel, of being abusive and negligent. The pair, along with Shirley's mum, Winnie, and Beth's dog, Hartha, go from the quiet eastern suburbs and criss cross Victoria to stay away from authorities until Beth's daughter/ Avery's mum is released from the corrections centre.

Although there are some serious topics that arise, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, is actually a book that can start conversations.

I enjoyed reading this novel very much…..relatable woman living ordinary lives who are catapulted into doing extraordinary things by difficult family circumstances. We are shown how issues like child neglect and abuse, difficult relationships, intergenerational misunderstandings, media circuses and the justice system can impact on situations and twist personal and public opinions.
Shirley, Beth and Winsome, the grandmothers and great grandmother of young Avery go into hiding for the most important reason of all….to protect the child from suspected neglect and abuse. They are not hardened criminals “on the run”. At 59, 60 and 89….they survive on their wits and humour, along with the odd glass of wine and episodes of “Vikings “. Can they manipulate an outcome that will buffer the effect on their families and help heal the pain and confusion?
Ilsa Evans writes with warmth and a realism that struck a chord with me. Empathy shines from every page and hope that even the most challenged characters can be redeemed and find their way back to family. After all, at the end of the day isn’t that what life is all about?
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.

This books started off slow for me, then it grabbed my interest. However, it failed to keep me, the overall story had likable characters, local setting and funny moments was not enough for me. There was too many POVs and became predictable and was way to long.

What a delightful read! My first by Ilsa Evans but won’t be my last.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is the tale of two grannies and a great-grandmother on the run with their 4 year old granddaughter. Although it’s not a light subject, the writing is so cosy and comforting that you’ll pick it up at every opportunity you get. The fact that it’s based in Victoria with local references is even better. The characters are all relatable, the writing is interspersed with humour and is just so real. Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book, from the beginning with each of the characters being given a voice through a chapter of the book. As the story developed, more details became apparent, for example Cleo and her life. The twist of the abduction of Avery increased the speed of the book, and the highlight for me was Winsome and her clever use of technology - especially as she was old. Very entertaining.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read, each character was clearly defined and all are very different Laugh out loud funny at times although based on a serious matter. Family drama at its best.

4 year old Avery Conifer is abducted by her two grandmothers and her great grandmother. The grandmothers form an unlikely alliance to protect their granddaughter from her father who they think is physically abusing her and leaving her home alone. Avery’s mother is in jail for breaking an order not to go near her manipulative husband Daniel who is Avery’s father. They need to keep Avery safe for 6 weeks can they do it ? with the police and a tv program trying to find them every step of the way . Read the book a and find out. 4 stars

This was an enjoyable read, each character clearly defined and all very different .

‘It was not shaping up to be a good day.’

Four-year-old Avery Conifer is abducted by her grandmothers Shirley and Beth when they suspect she is being harmed by her father, Shirley’s son Daniel. Avery’s mother, Beth’s daughter Cleo, is in gaol for contravening an intervention order, and Daniel has full-time care of Avery. Shirley and Beth might not agree on much, but they are united in their desire to keep Avery safe. They pack their bags and, together with Shirley’s eighty-nine-year-old mother Winnie, and Beth’s miniature schnauzer Harthacnut (Harth), they set off. Naturally, Daniel involves the police.

Imagine: three women, a child and a dog trying to maintain a low profile while on the run across Victoria. Beth has planned well; Winnie surprises them all with her technical expertise and Shirley just goes along (mostly) with what Beth suggests. And what follows is a journey through the best and worst of family. Beth and Shirley want to keep Avery safe with them until Cleo is released from gaol.

This is such a clever novel: each of the women comes to life, and Avery is delightful. There are some laugh out loud moments in the journey, as well as an appreciation of the different ways in which women mother and nurture. Beth, Shirley, and Winnie are united in wanting to keep Avery safe, and spending time together, outside their usual routines enables each of them to reflect on what they want out of their own lives. Daniel doesn’t make it easy for them and the involvement of the media and the police makes life on the run challenging.

I enjoyed this novel, both the serious aspects of caring for family as well as the more humorous escapades. A terrific and heart-warming read.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is about Avery Conifer, 4 years old, who is abducted by her grandmothers, Shirley 59 years old and Beth 60 years old, along with her great grandmother Winnie, 89 years old, to take her away from a situation where she appears to be abused by her father, Shirley’s son, Daniel. Avery’s mother, Chloe who is Beth’s daughter, is in prison for contravening an IVO so Daniel has sole custody of Avery. The 2 grandmothers decide to take Avery away while they wait for Chloe to released so Avery wouldn’t be with just Daniel. As the story evolves we learn more about the people involved but they too learn more about themselves and each other. While there are disturbing issues in the story, it is a heartwarming and amusing story that was a delight to read. My absolute favourite character was Winnie - what a gem she is; so switched on and techno savvy!!
The Unusual abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans was a great read which I highly recommend. I have read most of Ilsa Evans’ novels and have enjoyed all of them; both the very amusing ones and very serious ones. This is more a combination with serious issues and themes but told with a great sense of humour. Very entertaining!
Highly recommended read.

This book is hilarious!!! A couple of grandmothers abduct their grandchild. And then the fun begins. Winnie steals the show. A lot of fighting! A really good read.

When I first read the blurb for this book I thought it sounded like a serious but somewhat fun book to read. And to a point it was.

To start with the characters in the book are great as they annoy you, make you laugh and they really do each have their own personality and quirks. I think we all know people with some of these same characteristics which makes it more believable.

The story follows the taking of Avery, away from her father, by the grandmothers, as there were questions about how he cared for this little girl. It makes you think, 'What would I do in this situation?'.

And so the journey begins and we follow the families, the journey and all the ways in which each person involved deals with what is happening and in the end the fallout of the decisions that were made.

This is a great read, great subject matter, great characters but its one downfall for me was that in parts it was a bit slow and overall it was a long and somewhat drawn out book. But overall a great read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming story.

I have always enjoyed Australian writer Ilsa Evans's books for their perception and wit and Ilsa's ability to write about 'average' families and their daily lives in such an absorbing way. At almost 500 pages this is a good book to get into, especially for those of us in lock down to while away the hours.

Beth and Shirley are grandmothers to little Avery and the opposite of each other in every way. Beth is slim, controlled emotionally, highly organised, and knows how things 'should' be done. While Shirley is a little scatty, round but happy in her tracksuit with a glass of wine, impulsive, and in Beth's eyes, way too open with her emotions.
So what happens when Shirley brings Avery to Beth and they go on the run together after Shirley suspects her narcissistic son is mistreating their grandchild and she hasn't been able to get child protective services to take her seriously?
Written from many characters' perspectives, this is an engrossing look at family dynamics, dysfunctional relationships and a serious underlying issue but done with Ilsa's characteristic warmth and humour.

There are not many 500 page books (457) that can hold my interest but this is one of them. I'm not talking edge of your seat thriller/action but endearing characters who get under your skin and make you smile. With the familiar backdrop of Aussie towns, a theme of girl-power played out by women of sixty years and over and the bonding of a couple of grandmothers, a great grandmother and a grandchild, I found this tale very entertaining and heartwarming.

I don't usually like the inclusion of secondary characters, which I find superfluous and even annoying, but the extras in this story added depth and interest as well as enabling the events to be seen as part of a whole with flow on effects to many other people. (I especially liked the policewoman's mother.)

Shirley suspects her son is not coping as a sole parent, worrying that her granddaughter, Avery, has unexplainable bruises and burns.
As a last resort she decides to abduct her until her mother returns. Her accomplices are Avery’s other grandmother ( who hates Shirley), her 89 year old mother, Winnie, and Winnie’s dog.
Sure there are many unbelievable happenings and the book was a bit longer than I thought necessary, but it is a quirky story with likeable characters. I found myself laughing out loud sometimes and that is definitely a plus in these times.
Being a Granny myself made it even better that the heroine (and most endearing character) is ,of course, Winnie.

Didn't really hold my attention.

Grannies Shirley, Winnie and Beth step in to take Avery Conifer from Shirley's son who they believe is neglecting her since her mother was incarcerated.

An ill-thought out abduction ensues. It is supposed to be in an amusing hi-jinks adventure manner, but it missed the mark with me. It wasn't suspenseful or thrilling either. It sits solidly in the chick-lit, "exploring the characters feelings and motivations" category via very little actual plot and the constant skipping of large chunks of time in the timeline to focus on deep and meaningful conversations.

Pleasant enough but uninteresting. I preferred Veronica and her Penguins

This is not a book nor genre I would normally have read, but I was pleasantly surprised with what ended up being a funny, extremely witty and well-written book. The mild outlandishness of the plot, coupled with a cast of terrifically developed characters (my favourite was Winnie, of course!) culminated in a book well worth reading.

The life of Avery Conifer, a four-year-old girl, is a bit complex; her parents are separated, her mother is in jail for flouting separation orders, and her father is a distracted single parent. When her grandmother, Shirley, discovers bruising and cigarette burns while bathing Avery one night, she immediately assumes the worst. Could her son, Daniel, Avery’s father, be abusing – or at very least – neglecting – his daughter? Not able to get a clear answer from Daniel (who dismisses the injuries as the work of an overactive four year old), Shirley takes matters into her own hands – she abducts Avery under the proviso of keeping her safe until Daniel can clean up his act. She doesn’t do this alone however – she enlists Avery’s other grandmother Beth (whom she despises) along with her own mother, the 89-year-old Winnie. Together with Beth’s miniature schnauzer Harth, the unlikely group go on the run in rural Victoria, evading pursing police and media attention.

The idea of nurture, or rather, everyone’s interpretation of it, is brought to the fore in this novel. Avery’s grandmothers (and great-grandmother) all have different ways in which they approach this, and with time these differences bring the protagonists together. The reader will walk away from this book with respect for the plight of the protagonists – driven by their urge to protect their granddaughter, they do what is necessary, even if it threatens to tear their family apart. The consequences of our actions in the context of an all-to-relatable family situation set in Melbourne, Australia is explored in this story.

Whilst the crescendo of the book was satisfactory, I feel it could have been fleshed out more – it seemed a bit rushed particularly given there were parts in the middle of the book where the plot stalls somewhat. In all however, an enjoyable read, and one that I would recommend to others. 4/5 stars.

My thanks to Harlequin/HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley for their provision of an ARC. For more information, please check out the HarperCollins page for this book: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781867214021/the-unusual-abduction-of-avery-conifer/, due out on 1 September 2021.

I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and I found the plot to be well paced and engaging.
It really made me ask myself what I wouldn’t do for those I love - and the answer is, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect my loved ones (and especially my children). I felt I could understand Shirley, Beth and Winnie’s choices and it made the experience of reading this story that much richer.
I will admit that the multiple point of views of the story was a little taxing to read at times but it was enlightening to read all the different characters thought processes and justifications.
All in all this was a good read!

This book is about an unlikely gang of two well-intentioned grannies (Shirley and Beth) going on the run with their four year old granddaughter, Avery, plus dog (Harth) plus great grandmother (Winnie - Shirley’s mother).

Avery’s mum, Cleo, is in prison and meanwhile, is under her father’s (Daniel) care. Shirley suspects that Avery is being neglected, and after seeking various help from third parties and achieving no outcome, she takes matters into her own hands and seeks help from another invested party - Beth (maternal grandma). The problem is that Shirley and Beth have clashing personalities (or is it complementary?) and do not get along.

Winnie is a typical octogenarian - candid as hell (funny/sassy) and totally underestimated.

There were a lot of laugh out loud moments for me; but also some flashes of frustration at Shirley’s spinelessness and Daniel’s gaslighting behaviour. In spite of this, all the characters were well written and believable with all their flaws, strengths, and point of view.

Written in a third person narrative with the character’s point of view, thankfully all the characters have a distinct voice.

A great insight to motherhood and families - which I personally believe there is always some level of dysfunction no matter how perfect it appears (and gaslighting psychos).

I am in my twenties and not a mother but still find this book and its characters enjoyable. Point is, it can be enjoyed by anyone!

“Winnie frowned to herself. Sometimes it was a little annoying being ignored. That wouldn’t happen as much if she had one of those scooters. She could quietly motor up behind people and then press on the horn, or just accidentally mow them down. Huh! Try ignoring a head injury!”

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer will be published on 1 September 2021.

I had the pleasure of reading this before it’s release date due to a gifted copy from @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.. thank you! This was a fabulous read, it was full of fierce love, family dynamics and yet still manage to be packed full of witty one liners for contrast that made you smile. As the title states, this one is based around the abduction of Avery. Poor Avery is from a broken home, her dad is neglecting/abusing her and her mum is in jail. She is often alone. Her grandmothers, despite not being each other’s biggest fans, take things into their own hands and go off grid. My fav character had to be Winsome. She is not your average grandma. She is trendy and ahead of the game and outsmarts them all. From fitbits to Twitter and blackmail to PayPal.. she won me over!! I did feel the ending fell short.. it needed one final chapter for me to tie up loose ends.. I wanted to hear Dans view post his heart to heart with Winny.. Cleo’s view post jail release and finally Winny’s view post moving out of her daughters shadow. Maybe there is a sequel? This is a huge insight to child life post separation. How our choices can impact the younger generation. And also how abuse is downplayed even when reported. You will feel it all.. from smiling one minute to utter frustration the next. Biggest take away.. people will go to the end of the earth out of the sheer power of love. Eye opening!