Fiona McIntosh, one of Australia’s most popular novelists with over 20 books in her catalogue, and a regular special guest at Annie’s Books’ literary functions, returns to Noosa this month for a Boathouse lunch promoting her latest novel, The Sugar Palace.
The heart-stopping new historical romantic adventure from the bestselling author of The Orphans, The Sugar Palace is a gripping read “with skilful storytelling and compelling characters that leap from the page”, according to Books+Publishing.
Under the clamour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge being built nearby, Grace Fairweather is working in her father’s grocery shop in The Rocks when she begins making her own confectionery. Her colourful creations of toffees, lollies and chocolates soon become crowd favourites, and Grace begins to dream of one day opening her own sweetshop. When the roguish but irresistible Londoner Alfie Sweeting comes to work for the Fairweathers, he encourages her to open not just a sweetshop, but a delightful destination for young and old – a sugar palace!
With Grace’s natural business acumen and Alfie’s creative sales skills, it seems like they could be the perfect pairing – in work and in love – but when Alfie’s criminal past catches up with him, both their lives come under threat and Grace is forced to make the most difficult decision of all.
Before becoming a best-selling novelist, Fiona co-founded an award-winning travel magazine with her husband, which they ran for 15 years while raising their twin sons. Now Fiona roams the world researching and drawing inspiration for her novels, and runs a series of highly respected fiction masterclasses.
She says: “I was fortunate that my first attempt at a creative tale won the notice of a global publisher and I’ve been writing fiction ever since across various genres, although I am best known these days for my historical drama. I’m still globetrotting regularly but only for book research now, and while our family collectively calls Adelaide home, I’m happiest at our farm in the state’s mid north with our dogs, cats, chooks and a lot of wide open space… and silence.”
Literary Lunch with Fiona McIntosh, Friday 20 October 12pm Noosa Boathouse.
Two course lunch and welcoming glass of wine $90 per person. Bookings essential – 5448 2053.
