Review of 'Twist of Fate' by Karly Lane

Review of 'Twist of Fate' by Karly Lane

Release date: Dec 3rd, 2024

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

REVIEW

Twist of Fate is a fun, magical transformation fairy-tale like story that sails along at a perfect pace. I was completely caught up in this divinely written tale. Captivated from start to finish while getting lost in the enchanting Cinderella adventures of Bel Buckley. It is such an exciting scenario. Many of us have been bridesmaids or maids of honour. We have also had moments when we did not feel so lovely or popular and wanted something or someone special to enter our lives. And have been prompted by friends or family to take brave steps to launch into new areas or embark on self-improvement. Haven’t we all wanted a make-over at one time or another to lift our spirits and make us feel like princesses for a day? That is why this story is so relatable. As all these wonderful elements are here unfolding before our eyes. And maybe for that reason, it is now my favourite Karly Lane book as it is just a little extra special with its heaping dessert spoonfuls of heart-felt charm. Karly Lane shows us how to find and experience the extraordinary in the ordinary. She teaches us to step into the storyline. Be brave and allow ourselves to be the best version of ourselves without limitations and without reservations. As Emma says, ‘Get out there and own it.’ Go get your dream or dream guy!

Karly Lane is without question the queen of rural romances. Her stories allow readers to escape their everyday lives to meet fascinating people, enjoy remote Australian locations or travel to faraway places. And best of all, as a reader, we get to live out our dreams, experiment with relationships and take fun adventures through the various characters on the page without leaving our seats! But can’t the real world be just as special as the fictional world?

Twist of Fate is about Bel who sees herself as an ordinary, unattractive, uncharismatic girl with muddy hair and big glasses; who could never get the attention of a good looking guy like Tate. He’s the hero, it seems, that has just walked off the pages of her favourite romance novels into real life. She loves books and enjoys getting lost in them. Here she can be whoever she wants. But is living her life through fictional characters setting her up for some unrealistic viewpoints? Pure escapism is a wonderful way to unwind and release the pressures of everyday but is it the best guide to real life?

Bel has made a soul mate list and when Tate walks in asking for directions to the place where her cousin’s wedding will be, she is stunned at his similarities to her romance hero Jax. Then her good friend Emma encourages her to get acquainted with ‘her soul mate’ but Bel doesn’t have the confidence. Until… she has a pre-wedding makeover set up by Larkin, her soon-to-be-married cousin. Bel discovers Larkin’s fiancé has a drop dead gorgeous best-man and he is Tate. Larkin becomes almost like her fairy-godmother as what transpires is definitely a major transformation in Bel’s appearance. Her cousin wants her to stop hiding behind glasses and frumpy clothes and let everyone see the real her. And as Bel tries to embrace the new version of herself, she realises ‘New me. New Beginning.’ And knows she cannot let a chance slip by ‘to have her real life version of Jax Lexington (her romance book hero)…’

But is the fairy-tale romance with Tate all it seems to be? And what about Dean, the rustic man from her past who is back in town? Is he worth the consideration that her best friend keeps pointing her towards? What follows is a year full of surprises. And Bel’s journey is both breath-taking and scary. Then Bel revisits her soulmate list and gets a few unexpected revelations. Her time of growth has been tough with jarring mistakes that uncover her insecurities. Her jaded perceptions once formed from bad experiences fill her with fear when a new romance comes along. And leads her to say: ‘It’s the situation and not the guy that feels the same.’

Though this novel covers serious topics, there is some wonderful humour—especially surrounding the wedding and her cousin’s entourage. The dialogue at times kept me chuckling and Bel’s internal monologue (sometimes hilarious) reflects perfectly, the ongoing drama.

Karly never misses the big things of life in her novels but she also notices and describes the little details and how to appreciate them. And her passion for country life is evident. In Twist of Fate we get to see what it is like to live in a rural community. The highs and lows, the setbacks and progresses. And thanks to people like Emma who are a driving force in getting things done, advancements happen. Tourism is a big a tool in helping communities grow. Fundraisers like markets and movie nights are successful in helping to pay for necessities that make life in the country a little more convenient, fun and comfortable. The novel also covers seniors’ issues, living alone and the hazards of farm life. Other topics are regeneration farming and the power of community spirit.

This modern day fairy-tale like story is about so many things—including friendship! But at its heart is change, conflict and a happy ending. For Bel, she needed the changes that came about. To overcome her fears, gain her confidence and to learn some valuable lessons. She sees that conflicts not only expose our weaknesses but they also provide positive outcomes. For like rough diamonds once exposed to the heat and tumble of life, we are able to shine in true clarity, too. Bel learns what’s important and how to recognise real love. To find her home and happiness. And that sometimes you have to experience bad stuff to get to the good things. For those events may be the push needed to go in the right direction. And as her best friend says, to find “Excitement and adventure in the everyday things.”

It is fun to escape to our fictional imaginative worlds but there is still a lot of exciting stuff in the ‘real’ physical world to enjoy. We just have to open our eyes and see what is often in front of us, whether it be love, a new career path or other heart’s desires. Twist of Fate has it all. It is an absolute winner packed full of endless charm and age-old wisdom! 5 Blazing Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.