I liked this book, not my usual type of fiction but it was still a good enjoyable read. I found all the different characters interesting and the mix of generations set it apart from other books. There was humour throughout the book but this did not take away from the subject of suspected child abuse that was also a theme in this story.
This was a good look at families and the dynamics within them.

This was a very good book to read, excellently written.
I could find no fault.
Interesting storyline about what a grandmother will do for her grandchild, even if that is engaging the help of the other grandmother, whom she despises and going against her own son. This must be one of the hardest things Shirley has done.
I laughed a lot throughout the book and smiled many times.
Highly recommended for a fun and relaxing read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for this eARC in exchange for a voluntary review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Aus for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Child Abuse and Domestic Violence (Emotional)

A witty story about motherhood, female friendships and ultimately doing what’s right.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of the author’s work.

Likes:
It truly was a perfect balance between serious (and very important) social commentary/discussion and moments of comedic relief. The cast of characters, particularly the two generations of grandmothers, was a fantastic touch and really contributed to the in-depth exploration into motherhood and womanhood throughout.

Additionally, the portrayal of domestic volence and child abuse was approached with both care and respect.

Dislikes:
One aspect I struggled with was the overuse of multiple perspectives – at times there were too many side characters that added very little to the plot. Although this was not a big deal, it did add an element of confusion at some points.

All in all, I would recommend this to anyone interested in women’s fiction!

A side note – I can only hope to be as hilarious as Winnie!

Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinaus for sending through the eARC of #theunusualabductionofaveryconifer.
Shirley and Beth abduct their 4 year old granddaughter Avery, after Shirley suspects her son Daniel (Avery’s father) is physically abusing Avery. They are on the run together with Beth’s miniature schnauzer and Shirley’s 89 year old mother across country Victoria while a police investigation is underway to find them. Shirley and Beth don’t really like each other which in itself makes for a humorous read as they get to know each other better.
Each chapter is written from a characters point of view over a specific time frame which I thoroughly enjoyed. I must say Shirley’s mum Winnie was my favourite character, I love when I literally laugh out loud while reading a book and her character did this for me.
I really enjoyed this read.
My favourite quote from this book📚
‘It might take a village to raise a child but perhaps it only took a couple of older women to protect one’
Due out 1st September 2021.

I judged this book very much by the cover and title, and started in without even reading the blurb. Avery’s grandmothers love her very much, but they can’t stand each other. When they believe she might be at risk, they will try to work together despite their differences.

This is a heartwarming story about family and friendship. There are some difficult themes relating to child neglect or abuse, but the focus is more on the Grandmothers and their attempt to help, rather than the issue itself, and therefore it is not too uncomfortable a read. Thoroughly recommended.

A magic novel for all Contemporary readers. Well crafted with an exiting storyline. Caring grandmothers who take charge of their granddaughters life when they suspect she is being harmed at home. There are plenty of mixed emotions as you read this wisely written novel - laughter, tears and surprise . And you especially enjoy the incorporation of the wise and funny Great Grandmother. Well done Avery Conifer on a compassionate read.

This is a delightful mixture of a serious family drama with a humorous account of two grannies going on the run with their four year old granddaughter, Avery.

Avery’s parents Daniel and Cleo are separated but normally share custody of Avery. However, Cleo is currently in jail for breaching a family violence order, so Daniel has been looking after Avery on his own. When his mother Shirley sees bruises on Avery’s body, she becomes concerned that the child is being abused and when her husband refuses to take any action, decides to take Avery away somewhere she can keep her safe. Cleo’s mother Beth insists on coming as well, along with her dog and Shirley’s mother Winnie.

When Avery is reported missing, the media have a field day with the story of two grannies and a great-grandmother on the run with a child and the police’s inability to find them. The three women are great characters. Beth is super organised and judgmental while Shirley is more laissez faire and often a bit overwhelmed with life, using liberal glasses of wine to help her cope. The two have never got on well, so spending time cooped up together in suboptimal accommodation was never going to be easy. Winnie is the delightful, surprise pick of the bunch. At 89, she often feels overlooked, but is wise and witty, somewhat snarky and surprisingly tech savvy, with more than a few tricks up her sleeve to help keep them ahead of the police.

Despite the humorous nature of the grannies’ escapade, the issue of child abuse is handled seriously and with sensitivity by the author. Although Beth and Shirley both side with their own child when it comes to discussing what went wrong with their marriage, they now have time to recognise and reflect on their children’s flaws and that neither are blameless. They also come to accept, and even like, each other better and to some extent recognise their own flaws. Overall, Ilsa Evans has written an entertaining plot with original and interesting, if flawed, characters in a humorous situation, while somehow not playing down the seriousness of the issue at the heart of the novel.

Two polar-opposite grandmothers dislike each other intensely. But when they discover their granddaughter is being abused, what else can they do but join forces to abduct her and go on the run? They're joined on their journey by the girl's great-grandmother who's easily the best character in this thoroughly enjoyable novel. The story is largely about the three seniors discovering who they really are, and who they want to be.

I was quickly drawn into this book and swept along in the story, which switches between several points of view - all the different women (and girls) in this story seem to get their turn to speak. And experiencing all the different viewpoints was a highlight for me. I'm so tired of watching movies with only male characters, and this was a welcome reversal!

The men in this story are mostly flawed, with the women making allowances for them (as women do). I was disappointed that the truly despicable villains of this story (the girl's father and his friend) didn't get the comeuppance they so richly deserved. And that Shirley's husband didn't see the error of his ways. But in a way it felt more realistic that they didn't, even if it was less satisfying.

Don't be put off by the child abuse aspect of this story - it's handled lightly enough as to not be a trigger (for me at least). And the way the three women muddled along together generated plenty of smiles. I recommend this quirky, fun story about the highs and lows of female relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing an Advance Review Copy of this book.

An enjoyable read about some difficult subjects. Although Beth and Shirley had some extremely annoying characteristics, I thought they were true to life. Many similar people in the world! Winsome, the 89 yo great grandmother is wonderful. No nonsense, sharp speaker, and not scared to say what she means.

The story kept me engaged throughout, and though fairly predictable all the way through, it was an engaging read. I recommend this book, and thanks for the opportunity.

What a fabulous book! I have read previous offerings from ilse Evans and enjoyed them as well.

The Unusual abduction of Avery Conifer is a book about family, choices, and wanting the best for our children and their futures. It's the story of two grandmothers concerned for the welfare of their granddaughter, so they whisk her away to keep her safe.

It explores the relationships between the two grandmothers, all of their assorted children and grandchildren and people they meet along the way.
It inspired me, made me laugh and made me cry. I would highly recommend this wonderful book and hope you enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. A tragic family comedy and a comic family tragedy are only separated by the ending. This book flirts with that line constantly. The description of the characters, their foibles, and dialogue is razor sharp, cutting into an awful situation.

Child abuse is not something I can usually read about. Especially when bound up in the strictures of family relationships and power dynamics. However, Ilsa Evans has a light touch that never skips over the impact or the horror, just refines it into something bearable before she slaps you in the face with it again.

The three women at the centre of the story and the other women at the periphery of it are keenly observed. I expect many women over 50 will find much to identify with, both painful and elucidating.

My first quibble was the lack of heft and backbone in all of the male characters. This author seems to be able to sketch women with depth but her men are all cardboard, and soggy cardboard at that. This leaves the overwhelmingly straight cast with nowhere to go. Thus brings me to my other hesitation - there is little diversity in this novel, bar a Sikh police officer who appears for less than a page. Maybe it's a function of reading a lot of YA, but I missed the perspective of non-white, non-hetero, non-cis characters. I don't want to blame it on being an Australian book...

I did, however, very much appreciate the plotting, especially the ending. I would recommend this who wants something fluffy with some depth. It was a perfect read on a stormy weekend when I didn't want to leave the house and had the inkling of a cold.

I loved reading this book and the adventures of Shirley, Beth & Winnie. I wish Winnie was part of my family. I couldn't put it down as I needed to find out what happened next. If you love adventure & family drama this one is for you...

This book was a glorious peak into the lives of two families belonging to Avery Conifer.
When Shirley suspects her granddaughter Avery is being mistreated by her favourite son she whisks the child off to an unlikely choice ... her other grandmother, for whom there is no love lost.
The book is fabulous .. despite it being written from multiple view points the author writes each character so well you never have a “who now?” moment.
Very clever plot and I was cheering the ladies on from the get go.
Highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc
#TheUnusualAbductionofAveryConifer #NetGalley

Shirley Conifer’s life has played out almost exactly as she’d planned. She has three children and one beautiful grandchild, a loving husband and a job at the community centre. Besides the aches and pains that come with growing older (along with plenty of other things Shirley could complain about), her life is pretty normal. That is, until she begins to suspect her 4-year-old grand-daughter, Avery, is being abused by her father, Shirley’s son. Soon enough, it becomes obvious that the situation will not be resolved without taking extreme measures.
Enlisting the help of her two partners in crime, two grandmas and one great-grandma decide to take matters into their own hands – they decide to kidnap little Avery Conifer until her mother gets out of prison in two months time.

Suddenly, they’re on the run from the law. Police officers are looking into the case, but it’s a bit of a laugh at the station. Grandmas on the run? Surely they wouldn’t be gone for long. Nobody seems to take the case very seriously until an unfortunately timed spectacle turns into a viral video and gets picked up by a local news station. Soon enough, the newscasters along with thousands of viewers are following along with the latest news about the escapade. Some happily cheer on the grannies while others take the side of Avery’s father, clearly playing a convincing victim.

One by one, the events unfold. Will this unexpected gang of interlopers be successful?

My Thoughts:
This book was very easy to read. It felt a little slow at the start, but once the pace picked up I wanted to keep reading the book to see what would happen next. Of the three main characters, I found Shirley and Beth (Grandma 1 and Grandma 2) to be quite annoying. They had a lot of character flaws that were clearly demonstrated throughout. On one hand, I appreciated the perspectives as they represented normal people with issues that are very common in their particular age range. However, I didn’t feel like there were enough lovable qualities to make them more entertaining as book characters.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed 89-year-old Winsome. Her character was sassy and brilliantly written! She brought humour and wit to every situation that was thrown at them and was the perfect addition to round out the other two women. I looked forward to her running commentary on things and found it interesting to read about her perspective on life. As an elderly woman who is regularly mistaken as a senile old lady, she was surprisingly spry and tech-savvy!

Although the plot was interesting, I thought this book was very character-driven. I liked the character arc for Beth – I thought there was a clear area where the character had grown as an individual. However, Shirley’s behaviour towards the end was a little disappointing. Her perspective didn’t appear to change significantly and she seemed quite unhappy even after everything they’d been through. I understand that happy endings aren’t always realistic, but it would have been nice if she’d at least become a little more optimistic.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that was easy to fly through in a few sittings. The characters are not your typical cookie-cutter personalities, providing fresh perspectives to follow. They each had real problems that were commented on throughout the book like what it’s like getting older and how your life changes. I appreciated the viewpoints and can see how it could be a very relatable book for people who have older children or grandchildren. As someone who probably isn’t the target audience in terms of age category, I think this book would resonate much more with people who have one or two things in common with the characters. I recommend this book if you want an easy read that’s heavily invested in family drama but with a comedic twist!

Ilsa Evans, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, HQ Fiction, 2021

There is so much to recommend this novel. The social comment around domestic violence is treated with sensitivity, drawing out the complexities, but acknowledging that whatever they may appear to be, action to prevent such violence is non-negotiable. Characters are flawed, but most have likeable qualities, or at least those that can be understood. Avery, the subject of the title, is appealing, carefully and realistically depicted, with none of the annoying qualities that so often hamper the characterisation of fictional children. The plot is a combination of fun and gravity. Overall, I found this a stimulating, and enjoyable read, laughing aloud at times, but always appreciating the seriousness of the motivation for two grandmothers, and a great grandmother to take their grandchild away on what could have been, in less able hands, a high-speed car chase or a similarly dramatic and unrealistic endeavour. Instead, Isla Evans opts for inadequate accommodation near an Australian country town.

Avery’s parents are Daniel, son of Shirley and Brendan, and Cleo, daughter of Elizabeth. Winsome, Avery’s great grandmother, and Shirley’s mother lives in a flat in the garden of her and Brendan’s house. Cleo has been jailed for defying an AVO taken out against her by Daniel after their divorce. While Elizabeth visits Cleo, Daniel leaves Avery with Shirley for an overnight stay. This follows a period of estrangement, and Shirley’s day of perceived misfortune, suddenly becomes hopeful with Daniel and Avery’s arrival. Shirley depends on alcohol, although it is depicted as a help rather than serious dependence. Elizabeth depends on tartness, honesty of a rather brutal nature, and controlling her environment and other people. Brendan can be kindly described as a ‘hand wringer’. Winsome, despite her family’s prejudice about her facilities because of her age, is technologically savvy, thoughtful, and inspired. Avery is a delight. She does not deserve parents who combine a toxic relationship with Cleo’s shortcomings and Daniel’s transgressions. The latter result in the abduction of Avery, despite the hostility between Shirley and Elizabeth.

Evans has devised a clever plot, bound by the period of Cleo’s incarceration. Other characters are seamlessly given parts that support the theme of the novel, while illustrating aspects that impact upon outcomes, often to the detriment of the victim rather than perpetrator. This is demonstrated through reactions of people in the administrative network dealing with domestic violence. Although paramount is the way in which domestic violence can be hidden by enablers and the perpetrator, the system of care and policing that is overworked, and community understandings of relationships all too ready to forgive, make excuses for and believe the perpetrator are given a focus. The complexities are shown though the main characters in stark contrast to the hints apparent in new relationships. However, both weave a story that highlights the major concern that results in the abduction.

The ending is realistic, with some rapprochement between the families, the lack of resolution for the main characters who deal as well as they can with the solution to the abduction, and justifiable resentment on the part of Elizabeth. Each of these outcomes resonate with research and non-fiction writing about domestic violence. At the same time as the seriousness of the topic is acknowledged, there are delightful moments of humour that are an important part of the plot and characterisation. It would be a mistake to think that the novel is without its lighter moments and glimpses of hope.

My only criticism is that perhaps dedication to weaving social commentary and a strong narrative that allowed for some lighter moments, led to writing that could have benefitted from a more tailored selection of the events and descriptions that at times seemed too much.

Thank you, NetGalley for the EARC.

The story follows Beth and Shirley who can't stand each, but are both Grandmother's to four-year-old Avery through Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel.. Cleo is in jail and Daniel currently has full custody of Avery. When Shirley sees signs of abuse and neglect, something she shares with her other children takes Avery without any notice to Beth's.

Both the grandmothers believe that he may be harming Avery so they abduct her to keep her safe (until Cleo's release) and are on the run around Victoria.

This book was very heartwarming and full of wit and had me hooked on the first page.

Beth and Shirley are grandmothers and both unlikable as people in different ways. After their shared granddaughter, Avery, shows signs of physical abuse, they decide to kidnap her and go into hiding, along with Shirley's mother, Winnie, who happens to be there are plot-hatching time.

The beginning of this book struck a serious tone, which I thoroughly appreciated. What does someone do when they discover a small child has been abused, and that your own child is responsible? Unfortunately, it all became a bit ridiculous, and the women, save for Winnie, became unbelievably annoying and irritating.

This book revolves around mother-child relationships, but it's just a superficial examination (which is fine! This isn't a psychology book!). That being said, I felt there were too many POV characters; taking away from time spent with the main group: the bumbling police (and emphasis on Winnie's Twitter personas without any resolution), the chat show presenters, how the timeline jumped from 30+ days left in Cleo's sentence to the police finding Shirley and Beth and Cleo being released. The book ends with Beth and Shirley being friends, but with such a big gap in the story's timeline, it wasn't believable. I was also hoping Daniel's behavior and Shirley's drinking would be better addressed, but both are nearly forgotten at the end of the book (he's off traveling with a new girlfriend, and everyone seems fine that Shirley is a functioning alcoholic).

Overall, it was a quick breezy read that began with women taking charge of themselves and an abused child, but ended with an indifferent shrug.

The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer was a delightful journey of self discovery, family, and friendship.
Peppered with vivid imagery and irony such as short tempered meditation enthusiasts and post apocalyptic sunrise, and Australian colloquialisms, I was entertained from the opening chapter. The heart warming adventure demonstrated the conflicting emotions surrounding players in a difficult situation.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Aus for this EARC.

From the first page, this book had me hooked! I love the true Aussie characters and the conversations that easily or not so easily flowed between them.

My favourite character is the wholesome Winsome, oops I might get into trouble for calling her that instead of ‘Winnie’. To her family, she is just an old soul living the last few years of her life away but nobody knew that she is a tech savvy person of many other talents.

Author Ilsa has a knack for writing about complex families by adding humour to the mix.
I love Australian writers because I resonate with their writing and Ilsa has very easily done this by defining each character in an authentic way. Bonus point is I was able to recognise the places in the book as we travel with the characters from Queenscliff to Healesville to Bendigo which made me feel like I was part of the cool kids.

They say it takes a village to raise a child but sometimes you only need two grandmas, a great grandmother, and a doggo to protect one.

There are certain aspects of the book that might be triggering to some and based on this, I am adding trigger warnings especially emotional abuse and child abuse.

If you want a laugh out comedy and a book that can be read in a short amount of time, this is your book.

The description of this book is what drew me to it, and I was interested to read it.
The story centres around 4 year-old Avery Conifer and her family, including her parents, mother Cleo and father Daniel, who were married but now separated, her grandparents - Cleo's mother Beth, and Daniel's parents Shirley and Brendan, as well as her 89 year-old great-grandmother Winsome, or Winnie as she is known.
Cleo is currently in jail for supposedly breaching a family violence order, so Daniel has been left in charge of Avery until Cleo's release.
However, when Shirley suspects that Avery is being neglected and hurt by Daniel, she decides to take action.
She heads to Beth' with Avery in tow, along with Winnie, and devises a plan to 'abduct' Avery until Cleo's release.
Shirley and Beth don't get along but their love of their grand daughter is what helps them join forces and set off on a journey across Victoria as they aim to keep Avery safe.
The story is told in alternating chapters from many different character's perspectives - some I felt were a little unnecessary and could've been cut back a little. I would've liked to see those replaced by more from Avery's side. seeing as though the story centres around her, it would've been nice to see how she felt at more points throughout.
The story started off really well, and for the first couple of hundred pages I was really drawn to it, but it slowed a little in the middle. I guess I was expecting a little more adventure on the way, but didn't get that as the women hide out and lay low for a good portion of the story.
Whilst the women do deal with their own personal battles and begin to form a friendship whilst they are hiding out, I felt that a little more action could've just taken the story from a pretty good read to an excellent one.
I did enjoy this book and if it was a little shorter I think it would've been better ( it is about 400 pages) as it felt a little dragged out in parts, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.