If you love contemporary fiction with a touch of magic realism thrown in, the latest novel by a Noosa author is right for you.
Sometimes to move on, you have to cleanse the past.
Julie Holland, a local contemporary fiction author, has addressed this premise in her new book, ‘HERE-After’.
“HERE-After is a story about love and betrayal, about belief and possibility,” Julie said.
“It is concerned with the notion of ‘after-life’ – life after heartbreak, after loss and abandonment and grieving, after great change – and the possibilities not just of an ‘after-world’ but a happy after-life.
“Yes, there is a ghost in HERE-After, but it isn’t a paranormal story. I wanted to include a ghost in my plot because, after all, who didn’t love the movies Ghost and Sixth Sense.
“We were driving through South Melbourne a couple of years back and I saw the perfect building to locate HERE-After. It has since been renovated but I still have the original building’s facade image. Of course, in HERE-After, there is the possibility of love and new friendships as well.”
Primarily, Julie’s contemporary fiction novels focus on mature women who are faced with life changing choices, with emotions, family and location all playing important roles.
Her stories are warm, humorous and inclusive.
Her first novel, ‘That Summer In Nautilus Cove’, loosely set in her hometown of Noosa, welcomed great global reviews for its coastal fiction vibe and ‘later life’ premise.
Julie has worked in many industries: from advertising to travel, education to public relations. She dabbles in painting and photography, writes inspirational verse and is a prolific reader.
She grew up in Melbourne before making a change to the beautiful Sunshine Coast where she writes and, with her partner, owns an art and homewares store (Hearts and Minds Art).
She has a chapter book and several children’s books, plus a book of inspirational verse ‘A Nest Twice Built’ published, but contemporary women’s fiction is her love.
Julie is currently working on her third novel.
‘HERE-After’ is available as an eBook and paperback on Amazon, with print copies at Hearts and Minds Art and Village Bookshop, Hastings Street, Noosa Heads (heartsandmindsart.com.au).