Books on Bywong with Kimberley Freeman

Celebrating books and reading, Books on Bywong is a regular event for book lovers hosted by Sally Wilson. 

Each month a guest author will take readers behind the scenes of their book, discussing their inspiration, writing process and publishing journey, as well as their top reading recommendations.

There is no obligation to have read the book, simply come along to enjoy the bookish conversation, pick up some new book recommendations and enjoy a relaxed evening at the West Toowong Bowls Club.

Books will be available for purchase thanks to our friends at Avid Reader and the bar will be open!

The guest author in July is Kimberley Freeman, author of The Secret Year of Zara Holt.

Kimberley Freeman was born in London, and grew up at the seaside north of Brisbane, Australia. Her first novel, The Infernal, was published in 1997. Since then, she has published across many genres and for many different age groups. Kim has won many awards and is published all over the world. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and two children.

About The Secret Year of Zara Holt

Melbourne, 1927. The summer flowers smell like Christmas the night Zara Dickins meets Harry Holt. Zara is wearing a dress she has designed and made herself: white organdie over a short black slip, with black embroidery and a crimson taffeta sash. It's party season and the university crowd are celebrating end-of-year exams. Zara loves dancing with the boys and flirting with them, but it's a game to her. Nothing serious. Until Harry.

He plans to be a politician once he finishes law. She, a fashion designer, if she can find a way to break out of the secretarial pool. When he takes her hand, she doesn't want to let him go.

The spark they ignite that night will last forty years.

Portsea, 1967. When Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappears while swimming, his wife Zara loses herself in the memories of their volatile relationship. She always believed Harry when he said no matter what happened, he'd never leave. Their bond has stretched to London, Europe, India, America. It has survived anger, loss and heartbreak, media scrutiny, secrets and lies. But now all Zara wants is for Harry to come home.

A vibrant and compelling story inspired by the fascinating life of fashion designer and businesswoman Dame Zara Bate.

About Sally Wilson

Sally Wilson has worked in books and magazine publishing for more than 20 years as a writer, editor, book publicist and marketer. She's passionate about storytelling in all forms and has worked with publishers and literary organisations such as the Brisbane Writers Festival, University of Queensland Press, Griffith Review, Magabala Books, Black Inc, Monash University Publishing and the Australian Book Industry Awards.

For more of Sally's book recommendations, sign up to her newsletter The Booklister: https://thebooklister.substack.com/