February Roundup

Books, a new novel, and things I'm enjoying

What a year February was.

You can read here about how my month began, and how I’ve been taking some time out to reset my nervous system. That pause has been a gift. In a world that feels as though it’s falling apart, I’m slowly piecing mine back together.

I’m also well into a new novel — and loving it.

Without giving too much away, it’s about a woman searching for healing who returns to Japan, a place she’s had a long and meaningful relationship with. I love Japan. I lived there for five years in the early nineties, married into a rather unusual Japanese family, and have returned so many times I’ve lost count. My two sons are my greatest gifts from Japan, and in many ways so is my ex-husband, Chicky. He’s a wonderful human, and I’m deeply grateful for the parenting journey we’ve shared.

This novel feels like a love letter to a country that gave me so much. I can’t wait to share more with you.

Tilda News

Late February marked two years since Tilda Is Visible was published in Australia, and one year since her US release. She’s also now out in Italy, and over the coming months will be published in Germany, France, and Spanish-speaking territories.

This month, Tilda was included in Oprah Daily’s 10 Books That Will Change How You Feel About Getting Older list — which was a genuine thrill.

Books I’ve Read This Month

I’ve been deep in novel research mode, rereading old favourites on Japan, including Alex Kerr’s Lost Japan. A recipient of Japan’s 1994 Shincho Gakugei Literature Prize, Kerr is widely regarded as one of the most informed and perceptive foreign voices writing about the country.

I read The Funeral Crashers by Joanna Nell for Book Queens – a delightfully heartwarming story involving four (or more) funerals and at least one wedding. Joanna is at her witty, wise, and generous best.

I’m often asked to endorse books for other authors. This month I said yes to three, which is far too many, but I couldn’t resist. I adore these writers, and genuinely loved all three books.

Emma Grey’s new novel Start at the End should come with a hanky and a tub of ice cream. It’s devastating, hopeful, and deeply human. She’s done it again – written a book that feels like it was made just for me. I suppose I’ll let her share it with the rest of the world.

Kate Solly’s latest Fleck Parker mystery, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up, is as clever as it is charming – a winning mix of kids, crafts, crime, and quirky community antics. This series just keeps getting stronger.

And then there’s Bring Us Home From Sorrow by Joanne Fedler – a memoir about the loss of her mother. I sobbed. Raw, wise, and exquisitely written, it’s a book of rare emotional depth and grace. Joanne is a profoundly gifted writer, and this work is luminous and life-affirming. I’m hoping to get to this event at Gertrude & Alice: Joanne articulates grief so beautifully, and I always enjoy hearing her speak.

Book Queens

For those who love a good online book club, I co-host Book Queens with bestselling author Belinda Alexandra. We have a warm, engaged community on Facebook and host a monthly live book club.

Our next live session is Lessons in Love at the Seaside Salon by Sophie Green, on Monday 9 March at 8.30pm AEST. Come and join us – it’s always a joy.

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Events

I spoke at Central Coast Reads in association with Words on the Waves Writers Festival. The event was held at Brentwood on the Central Coast – a place I have a personal connection to, which you can read about below.

I also celebrated the release of Pip Drysdale’s new book, Aubrey Wants to Die, written under her pseudonym Pip Knight – I’ve started reading it and its fab. I can’t wait to get into it further.

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A Few Things I’ve Enjoyed

In his conversation with Raj Shamani, Dr Joe Dispenza speaks beautifully about how unhealed emotions can keep us locked in familiar patterns — and how real transformation begins by changing our internal state.

I’ve been exploring 9D breathwork with some truly remarkable results. I’ve been using breath for a few years, in both my meditations and when I’m doing cold plunges. 9D takes it up a notch.

And creatine. Please don’t roll your eyes, but my fitness-obsessed son started handing me a daily shot of green juice and creatine, and I quickly felt the benefits. After a deep dive, I’m officially converted — like so many others.

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That’s my February roundup. I’ve just preordered Belinda’s new novel, The Italian Correspondent, which I can’t wait to read. And I’m steering clear of the news for a few days. In a world that’s gone mad, remember: love and kindness still matter.

Love,
Jane xxx