Apr
29
Instagram Live Q&A Christine Bell and Lauren Chater

Instagram Live Q&A Christine Bell and Lauren Chater

  Join Lauren Chater (author of The Lace Weaver and Gulliver’s Wife) and Christine Bell (author of No Small Shame) for an Instagram Live Q and A, where we will answer questions on our new novels. Love to see you there! (Access to the event is via either Ventura Press_ or … Read More

Apr
07
First Tuesday Book Group: Dymocks Camberwell CANCELLED

First Tuesday Book Group: Dymocks Camberwell CANCELLED

Dymocks Camberwell presents First Tuesday Book Club each month with  Special Guest Authors! Christine will be one of the April featured authors, along with acclaimed childrens’ authors Caz Goodwin, Corinne Fenton and crime/children’s author Sherryl Clark. Bookings essential. Some finger foods and beverages/tea/coffee will be provided on the night, as well as … Read More

Apr
02
No Small Shame – Book Launch CHANGED TO ONLINE

No Small Shame – Book Launch CHANGED TO ONLINE

Update: Due to Covid 19, the Readings book launch of No Small Shame on 2 April has been cancelled. Stay tuned for news of a virtual launch! Hopefully, we’ll try again to meet in the real when the world resumes normal broadcasting. Stay well, all. Christine’s debut novel No Small … Read More

Mar
14
Women Writing History: Writing the Mother

Women Writing History: Writing the Mother

Women writers share their thoughts and ideas on ‘writing the Mother’, both good and bad. The day includes: writing workshops, talks on pathways to publication, networking, and refreshments. You will have the opportunity to meet 7 published authors including: Wendy Dunn, Alex Stark, Anne Connor, Eugen Bacon, Kathryn Janet, Rebecca … Read More

Feb
22
HNSA Colleen McCullough Residency

HNSA Colleen McCullough Residency

I am thrilled and honoured to be the recipient of the inaugural Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA) Colleen McCullough Residency for an Established Writer and so excited to be spending one week in late February as a guest of the Colleen McCullough Estate and sponsors Baunti Escapes and Burnt Pine … Read More

Praise for No Small Shame

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

- Better Reading

Bell’s evocation of setting is an outstanding feature of the novel. Her social and physical landscapes of the years 1909 to 1919 are vivid with sensory and historical colour. Full Review.

- Westerly Magazine

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

- Kate Mildenhall, Author (The Mother Fault, Skylarking)

This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

- Robyn Cadwallader, Author (The Anchoress, The Book of Colours)

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full review.

- Karen Brooks - Author (The Chocolate Maker's Daughter, The Darkest Shore ...)

An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage. I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears.

- Jane Sullivan, Literary Critic and Author (Storytime, Little People)

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

- Lauren Chater, Author (The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress)

Mary’s compelling journey and her indomitable spirit are heartbreaking, moving and inspirational. This novel is a well-researched examination of the roles and rights of women at that time, the struggles and discrimination they faced, the hardships they were expected to endure and the small victories they celebrated, often silently.  Full review.

- Cass Moriaty, Author (The Promise Seed, Parting Words)

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full review.

- Courtney Dyer, TheBookSlut.com

Compelling and addictive. … a rich and absorbing experience. Full Review.

- Angela Wauchop: Backstory History Journal

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

- Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Book Editor

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

- Christine Balint, Author (Salt Letters, Ophelia's Fan)

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full review.

- BJs Reviews

No Small Shame is an important reminder of how far we have come in Australia … and how much we need to protect. It is a story crafted with great empathy – and immense believability. Full Review.

- Dr Wendy Dunn, author/poet (Dear Heart, How Like You This? Falling Pomegranate Seeds: The Duty of Daughters)

No Small Shame is an exquisitely written, absorbing and intelligent story of love, betrayal and the painful journey to self-awareness.

- Alison Goodman, author (Eon/Eona, Lady Helen and the Dark Days series, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies)

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