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When the Curlews Call: A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery
Some say all Sophia Randall thinks of are romance novels and dance frocks� That may have been true once, but when war broke out, reaching even to our isolated corner of the bush, my priorities changed. I now read news from afar and dance but rarely. Only my love for the Almighty God, for family and friends, for the man who captured my heart, for the bush, and for the call of the curlew haven’t changed. Especially the call of the curlew. Some say it’s mournful—even sinister—but I’ve always delighted in that lonely cry heralding the end of another day. And when Kenny went off to war, it became a promise—a reminder of his love and determination to return. When the unthinkable happens, my prayers become listless. New challenges surface. Ghostly footsteps join the coal trucks rumbling through town. Dingoes lurk in the shadows. Valuables vanish. A� presence chases me through the bush. Burdens weigh me down, and I forget to remember. But is all lost? Would the pain in my heart be easier to bear if I stopped to listen for the curlews� call? Loosely based on “The Boy Who Disappeared�, When the Curlews Call is a story of ghostly doings, missing airmen, and a young girl desperate to keep the home fires burning when all hope seems lost. Told through a series of letters, readers will follow Sophia’s journey, sharing her triumphs and trials all through the long, dark days of World War II.
194 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
4 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Markey
17Ìýbooks430ÌýfollowersHi! If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance you’re curious to know a little more about me. My mind always goes blank the moment someone says the word bio, but I’ll give it a try.
We’ll start at the very beginning. I was born. Yeah, you’re probably thinking “so what, that happened to all of us.� It did, but the number of people who were born in Bendigo, Australia on the same day I was is probably pretty small and it’s probably safe to say that the number of people who were born on that day who are now reading this is even smaller. So, in that respect, it’s worthy of note.
Then I grew up. And before you say it, yeah I know, you did too. But did you grow up in the Aussie outback, moving from one cattle station to the next as your Dad followed the work, doing your school in the back of the car, learning how to operate a camp shower, or cook bread in a camp oven buried in the coals? Nope, didn’t think so.
Thanks to that lifestyle, we kids spent a LOT of time outside. I mean, for part of that time we camped out year round, so we didn’t just play outside, we ate and cooked and did everything outside. Collecting wood for the campfire meant we learned which trees produced the best wood, how many sticks we could carry at one time, how to avoid ants and other creepy crawlies, and the list could go on forever. We also learned it wasn’t safe to stick your foot in a freshly boiled billy.
That didn’t happen to me. It happened to my sister who backed out of the car without looking right after someone set the billy for Dad’s tea behind the car. She stuck her foot in it (ruined a good billy of tea too!) and necessitated a rushed trip to town where she spent (I think) a week in hospital with second or third degree burns to her foot. Pretty nasty, but memorable because that was when my love of reading, which led to my love of writing, started. Because, to keep my sister occupied for days on end in hospital, Mum went to the newsagent and bought her a pile of books. One of those books was this really cool story about a red-headed, eleven-year-old girl called Anne Shirley. I was eleven and I got to read that really cool book after my sister came home and that set off a love for reading that I never outgrew. I devoured all the Anne books and anything else I could get my hands on.
Fast-forward a bunch of years because now that you’ve read the really cool stuff like me being born and where I grew up you’re probably not interested in the more boring things like how I met my hubby when I was living in Australia and he was from the USA and how we had a long-distance relationship and didn’t see each other at all during the period between the day we got engaged to a week before the wedding.
Yeah, like I said, we’ll skip the boring stuff and refocus on the day I ran out of books and decided to start writing my own. That lasted for a while, then life got busy and I had to put the writing aside to focus on our seven kids. During those ten years I didn’t stop thinking about writing, I just didn’t put words on paper. But then one day it occurred to me that my Mum was in the same boat I’d been in ten years before with nothing to read and no way to get anything to read because she lived in the further-outback part of the outback—like, way out where it took a three hour drive to get to the nearest town. So I started writing and this time I didn’t stop.
I am a Christian and my faith permeates everything I do, so while I won’t be preaching fire and brimstone, my stories will reflect what I believe. I write for those looking for the entertainment of a good, clean story and my hope is that my stories will provide a break from the struggles of everyday life.
I hope you stick around and try my books and maybe one day I’ll tell that ‘boring� story of how I met my hubby.
We’ll start at the very beginning. I was born. Yeah, you’re probably thinking “so what, that happened to all of us.� It did, but the number of people who were born in Bendigo, Australia on the same day I was is probably pretty small and it’s probably safe to say that the number of people who were born on that day who are now reading this is even smaller. So, in that respect, it’s worthy of note.
Then I grew up. And before you say it, yeah I know, you did too. But did you grow up in the Aussie outback, moving from one cattle station to the next as your Dad followed the work, doing your school in the back of the car, learning how to operate a camp shower, or cook bread in a camp oven buried in the coals? Nope, didn’t think so.
Thanks to that lifestyle, we kids spent a LOT of time outside. I mean, for part of that time we camped out year round, so we didn’t just play outside, we ate and cooked and did everything outside. Collecting wood for the campfire meant we learned which trees produced the best wood, how many sticks we could carry at one time, how to avoid ants and other creepy crawlies, and the list could go on forever. We also learned it wasn’t safe to stick your foot in a freshly boiled billy.
That didn’t happen to me. It happened to my sister who backed out of the car without looking right after someone set the billy for Dad’s tea behind the car. She stuck her foot in it (ruined a good billy of tea too!) and necessitated a rushed trip to town where she spent (I think) a week in hospital with second or third degree burns to her foot. Pretty nasty, but memorable because that was when my love of reading, which led to my love of writing, started. Because, to keep my sister occupied for days on end in hospital, Mum went to the newsagent and bought her a pile of books. One of those books was this really cool story about a red-headed, eleven-year-old girl called Anne Shirley. I was eleven and I got to read that really cool book after my sister came home and that set off a love for reading that I never outgrew. I devoured all the Anne books and anything else I could get my hands on.
Fast-forward a bunch of years because now that you’ve read the really cool stuff like me being born and where I grew up you’re probably not interested in the more boring things like how I met my hubby when I was living in Australia and he was from the USA and how we had a long-distance relationship and didn’t see each other at all during the period between the day we got engaged to a week before the wedding.
Yeah, like I said, we’ll skip the boring stuff and refocus on the day I ran out of books and decided to start writing my own. That lasted for a while, then life got busy and I had to put the writing aside to focus on our seven kids. During those ten years I didn’t stop thinking about writing, I just didn’t put words on paper. But then one day it occurred to me that my Mum was in the same boat I’d been in ten years before with nothing to read and no way to get anything to read because she lived in the further-outback part of the outback—like, way out where it took a three hour drive to get to the nearest town. So I started writing and this time I didn’t stop.
I am a Christian and my faith permeates everything I do, so while I won’t be preaching fire and brimstone, my stories will reflect what I believe. I write for those looking for the entertainment of a good, clean story and my hope is that my stories will provide a break from the struggles of everyday life.
I hope you stick around and try my books and maybe one day I’ll tell that ‘boring� story of how I met my hubby.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 11, 2023
I thought that this was a great story giving us a glimpse into what the world was like in Australia during WWII. I also thought that it was interesting that it was told through letters. I felt a connection with the characters because of reading these letters. I thought the story gave us a good look into how people dealt with the horror of war in a place that we don't often read about. I thought the story was engaging and I learned things that I didn't know before.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.Ìý A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.Ìý A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
dnf
December 3, 2023As you know by now, if you've been reading my book reviews for a while, that I enjoy reading books set in the World War II era. When the Curlews Call gives me a whole new perspective, since it is set on the homefront in Australia. Also, since I enjoy letter writing, I was especially drawn in.
If the WWII era interests you; if you like a bit of romance, and a bit of mystery, I recommend you check out When the Curlews Call. It's well written, and an enjoyable read.
If the WWII era interests you; if you like a bit of romance, and a bit of mystery, I recommend you check out When the Curlews Call. It's well written, and an enjoyable read.
December 9, 2023
Christian Historical Fiction and a Mystery story all in one book makes this book a must read for me. I have been enjoying this series, The Ever After Mysteries, and have been anxiously anticipating this book. When the Curlews Call by Joanne Markey is Book 13 in this series. The series is written by various authors and each book is a retelling of a Classic Fairytale, but told in as a Murder Mystery novel. When the Curlews Call is a retelling of “The Boy Who Disappeared�.
The setting of World War ll is one of the main draws for me to this book. I really like books set in this time period. Sophia Randall is the main character in this book and her letters of encouragement to those fighting in the war are such a beautiful part of the book. She was also very truthful about happenings at home where she feels mysterious things are happening. The stories of men who were fighting the war are so heartbreaking but so real. The relatioship between Sophia and Kenny through letters was AMAZING. Their love through letters and Faith God are seen throughout the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy Mystery with a Fairytale slant and those who enjoy Historical Fiction! WONDERFUL BOOK!
The setting of World War ll is one of the main draws for me to this book. I really like books set in this time period. Sophia Randall is the main character in this book and her letters of encouragement to those fighting in the war are such a beautiful part of the book. She was also very truthful about happenings at home where she feels mysterious things are happening. The stories of men who were fighting the war are so heartbreaking but so real. The relatioship between Sophia and Kenny through letters was AMAZING. Their love through letters and Faith God are seen throughout the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy Mystery with a Fairytale slant and those who enjoy Historical Fiction! WONDERFUL BOOK!
December 18, 2023
When the Curlews Call is a wonderful fairy tale story retelling. This is based on a lesser-known tale but definitely one worth reading. I’m not sure that I’ve ever read the original though I have heard of the title.
The story is told through letters which is unique and yet wonderful at the same time. I really enjoyed this difference from the normal way of writing.
In this story, we travel to Australia during WWII. I can’t say that I’ve ever read another book about Australia during the war. We raise sheep so I enjoyed the sheep content as well. Definitely humorous moments!
There is also a mystery! Can Sophia figure out what’s going on at home? And will her love make it home from the war?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The story is told through letters which is unique and yet wonderful at the same time. I really enjoyed this difference from the normal way of writing.
In this story, we travel to Australia during WWII. I can’t say that I’ve ever read another book about Australia during the war. We raise sheep so I enjoyed the sheep content as well. Definitely humorous moments!
There is also a mystery! Can Sophia figure out what’s going on at home? And will her love make it home from the war?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
December 6, 2023
I like the way this book was set up. We get a peek at letters between two people who share their hopes, struggles and dreams. Sophia’s letters are filled with stories from home and encouragement to those far away at war. You can feel her desire to give others strength to never give up. There is a mystery going on that I found very entertaining. Mention of ghosts set off speculation that something funny was going on.
War is hard but when you have unexplained things happening around you, who can you turn to for help? The story is filled with fighting going on with men far away from home in a battle that is hard to grasp as times. Sophia tries to keep her letters cheerful but at times she has to express that there were some unusual things she was facing. I enjoyed the book and how clever the author is at using letters to tell the story with emotion and hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
War is hard but when you have unexplained things happening around you, who can you turn to for help? The story is filled with fighting going on with men far away from home in a battle that is hard to grasp as times. Sophia tries to keep her letters cheerful but at times she has to express that there were some unusual things she was facing. I enjoyed the book and how clever the author is at using letters to tell the story with emotion and hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
December 11, 2023
When the Curlews Call by Joanne Markey is a Christian Historical Mystery and Fairytale retelling. It is the thirteenth book in the Ever After Mysteries series. This book is loosely based on “The Boy Who Disappeared.�
Written as a series of letters between Sophia Randall, and other characters that include her grandparents, I found some of the letters more interesting than others.
Containing dances, war, disappearances and more, this book will keep you interested. Ken and Sophia’s relationship and his disappearance during the war build suspense in the novel. But, you need to read the book for yourself to find out the relevance of the curlews calling.
So, if you are looking for a Christian Historical Mystery that is also loosely a Fairytale retelling, check out When the Curlews Call by Joanne Markey and the rest of the Ever After Mysteries for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Written as a series of letters between Sophia Randall, and other characters that include her grandparents, I found some of the letters more interesting than others.
Containing dances, war, disappearances and more, this book will keep you interested. Ken and Sophia’s relationship and his disappearance during the war build suspense in the novel. But, you need to read the book for yourself to find out the relevance of the curlews calling.
So, if you are looking for a Christian Historical Mystery that is also loosely a Fairytale retelling, check out When the Curlews Call by Joanne Markey and the rest of the Ever After Mysteries for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2023
When the Curlews Call is the thirteen installment from the multi author series, Ever After Mysteries, as well as, Joanne Markey’s contribution to it. I enjoyed this addition to the series. Sophia’s story is full of intrigue, adventure, and mystery. I like how it offers hope and faith. I easily had it read in one sitting.
When the Curlews Call will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for fans of historical mysteries and fairy tale retellings. I believe it is definitely worth a read and not to be missed. I am looking for the next installment from the Ever After Mysteries, Nancy C Williams� To Love a Falcon.
I received a digital copy of Joanne Markey’s When the Curlews Call from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
When the Curlews Call will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for fans of historical mysteries and fairy tale retellings. I believe it is definitely worth a read and not to be missed. I am looking for the next installment from the Ever After Mysteries, Nancy C Williams� To Love a Falcon.
I received a digital copy of Joanne Markey’s When the Curlews Call from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
December 12, 2023
When the Curlews Call is book 13 in the Ever After Mystery series. The series is written by multiple authors, but is tied together by the fairytale retelling. This book is written by Joanne Markey. This book is set in WWII Australia.
I really liked how this story was told through letters. Sophia's letters are filled with what's going at home, and she tries to offer encouragement. However, sometimes she writes of not so great news. I really enjoyed the letters between her and Kenny. The mystery part of this story is his disappearance during the war.
This book is loosely based off of "The Boy Who Disappeared". This is a story that I was not familiar with. The book is well written and will draw you in within the first few pages. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
I really liked how this story was told through letters. Sophia's letters are filled with what's going at home, and she tries to offer encouragement. However, sometimes she writes of not so great news. I really enjoyed the letters between her and Kenny. The mystery part of this story is his disappearance during the war.
This book is loosely based off of "The Boy Who Disappeared". This is a story that I was not familiar with. The book is well written and will draw you in within the first few pages. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
December 15, 2023
This book chapter’s are all written as letters. It was an interesting read. It was heartbreaking at one point. But the ending was great. It has a little mystery but not nothing frightening. If a reader wants to read a story about war and love, then I say look no farther and get a copy of “When the Curlews Call� by Joanne Markey.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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