Natasha Lester is the award winning author of A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, a 1920s New York love story, and two other novels, If I Should Lose You, and What is Left Over, After.
The Age newspaper has described her as "a remarkable Australian talent." She has been awarded grants by the Australia Council for her work, and writing residencies from Varuna, The Writers House and the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre.
She loves teaching writing courses and when she's not working on her novels or teaching others how to write, she can usually be found reading, going to yoga, or playing dress-ups with her three children. Natasha lives in Perth, Western Australia.
The House on Biscayne Bay (2024) Chanel Cleeton "A mysterious but very glamorous mansion, sensational secrets and a story spanning several decades are the ideal cocktail, and they're mixed to perfection here by a brilliant storyteller. I guarantee you'll race through the pages of this thrilling, gothic tale, while at the same time wanting to linger a little longer amongst the beautiful but haunted people gathered together at the house on Biscayne Bay."
After the Forest (2023) Kell Woods "After the Forest is as deliciously irresistible as the gingerbread Greta bakes in the book. A touch of magic, a dash of mystery, a sprinkle of love and lashings of elegant writing make for a gorgeous debut novel that you'll want to consume in one gulp. Kell Woods shows that she's a born storyteller with a wonderful imagination and I, for one, am now a huge fan."
The Royal Windsor Secret (2023) Christine Wells "Royalty, secrets, diamonds and courtesans all come together in this riveting tale. We follow heroine Cleo from the delightful eccentricity of Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo to the glitter of Paris's jewelry salons, to a luxurious royal wartime hideaway as Cleo grows from endearing ingenue to a force to be reckoned with. A sweeping novel about love, ambition and what family really means."
All You Have to Do Is Call (2023) Kerri Maher "All You Have to Do is Call is about the power of women working together, their friendships, their loves, their lives and how, when united, they really can change the world even in the face of seemingly insurmountable barriers. Inspiring, important but also page-turning, Kerri Maher pulls off a remarkable feat in this novel."
A Beautiful Rival (2023) Gill Paul "Gill Paul's fascinating novel shows us that behind the lipsticks and lotions were two compelling, ambitious and passionate women who were responsible for the birth of the global beauty industry. Few women leave such an extraordinary legacy as Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden and Paul's impeccable research brings to life their rivalry and their personal struggles, showing us that, for two women intent on outdoing one another, they actually had a lot in common, which makes for a poignant and timeless story."
Starring Adele Astaire (2023) Eliza Knight "Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can't believe I'd never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight - and please take a bow. You've written a showstopper of a story."
The Paris Deception (2023) Bryn Turnbull "A tense and thrilling tale of wartime art thefts, the bond of friendship and lost loves. 1940s Paris is as exquisitely rendered as the stunning paintings Sophie and Fabienne risk their lives to protect. The stakes are high and the plot crackling - and the two women at the centre of the story have the kind of heart, courage and compassion that makes you cheer for them and worry for them in equal measure as they try to outwit the Nazis and save dozens of priceless paintings. You won't be able to turn the pages fast enough."
Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl (2023) Renée Rosen "Like the perfect red lipstick, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is both utterly stylish and satisfying. Renee Rosen deftly shows us what a determined dreamer Estee Lauder was and, in so doing, creates a heroine as timeless and remarkable as the products she introduced to women all around the world. A truly inspiring rags to riches tale, told by a wonderful storyteller."
River Sing Me Home (2023) Eleanor Shearer "Every once in a while, a book comes along that is so assured and so powerful you can't believe it's a debut novel. RIVER SING ME HOME is just such a book . . . Eleanor Shearer is a remarkable writer and she brings this story of a mother's courage to the page with compassion, tenderness and pitch-perfect prose."
The Winter Orphans (2022) Kristin Beck "Kristin Beck is proving herself to be an author to watch. Following in the footsteps of the wonderful Courage, My Love, her latest, The Winter Orphans, shows what a powerhouse storyteller she is. It's an extraordinary tale of valor, sacrifice, and true heroism. Warning--tissues are required, but the book is ultimately one that warms the heart and touches the soul."
The Last Dress from Paris (2022) Jade Beer "A delightful fashion treasure hunt involving some of my favorite Dior gowns made this book a winner for me! The present day and 1950s narratives weave seamlessly together, the dresses dance from the pages, and Paris is resplendently depicted."
The Hush (2021) Sara Foster "Brilliantly imagined and superbly told, this story reaches out and grabs you right from the outset. It's impossible to put down, not just because of the gripping plot but because the three women at the center of the book wind themselves around your heart as they struggle to comprehend the increasingly frightening world they're living in. This is the novel everyone will be talking about this year."
When We Meet Again (2021) Caroline Beecham "Books about the power of stories to bring people together and nourish their spirits are my favorite kind. So it was with much joy that I read When We Meet Again, a wonderful tribute to all things bookish. But it is also a compelling exploration of a heartbreaking and little known aspect of wartime life. The research, compassion and sensitivity poured into novel are admirable and make for a deeply affecting reading experience."
The Kew Gardens Girls at War (2021) (Kew Garden, book 2) Posy Lovell "An absolutely charming story about the strength and beauty of female friendship. The Kew Gardens Girls blossom from the pages as WWI changes their lives and they face the challenges of being the first women to work in the famous Kew Gardens. I loved the way Ivy, Louisa and Win reveled in the many adventures they encountered and supported one another through the turmoil of wartime life. Settle into the story and be swept away!"
The Women of Chateau Lafayette (2021) Stephanie Dray "Just dazzling! Three women, three wars, one French chateau and a whole lot of heroism: The Women of Chateau Lafayette is quite simply breathtaking in its scope and accomplishment. Prepare to be swept away to France and beyond by a master storyteller."
While Paris Slept (2021) Ruth Druart "While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. It is at once a story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to question yourself and the characters in the novel, to wonder what you might have done in their place; in short, prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book in which four adults and one child grapple with the true meaning of love and family."
The Invisible Woman (2021) Erika Robuck "In The Invisible Woman, Erika Robuck shows us exactly how biographical fiction should be written: with respect for the historical record, a deep understanding of the subject, and the empathy to allow the character at the heart of the novel to shine through. Virginia Hall was a true hero and she comes to extraordinary life in this book. I loved everything about it, from Virginia's bravery to her frailties, to the enthralling evocation of life with the French Resistance during WWII, to the incredible courage of the ordinary people who fought for freedom and who are honoured here. If you only read one WWII book this year, make it this one."
Lost Autumn (2020) Mary-Rose MacColl "This book has it all: an unforgettable first chapter, fascinating insight into the Prince of Wales' visit to Australia in 1920... and a compelling mystery set in contemporary times... Truly wonderful storytelling."
The Whispers of War (2020) Julia Kelly "A story of exquisite tenderness, The Whispers of War beautifully captures just how precious female friendship can be, and shines a light onto an important but less well-known aspect of war. Add to that rich historical detail and a cast of engaging characters and you have a must-read for all historical fiction fans."
Cross My Heart (2019) Pamela Cook "A beautiful story...prepare to have your heart warmed and broken, to laugh and to cry."
The Joyce Girl (2016) Annabel Abbs "Brings to life 1920s Paris excitingly and beautifully...I loved Lucia's character."
