Swimming Home


ABC Radio Books and Writing discussion with Kate Evans on Swimming Home.

Winner, People’s Choice Award, Queensland Literary Awards 2016.

**** Goodreads
**** Amazon

Swimming Home is the beautiful story of two fiercely strong and determined women in their own right… Five Stars from Mrs B’s Book Reviews

Beautifully told, this is one of the most satisfying endings I’ve read for a while.” LOVE that BOOK

“a mostly heartwarming tale of personal development set against the burgeoning world of women’s swimming. An interesting read for lovers of history that will also appeal to anyone that loves a good story.” Beauty and Lace.

“This is an excellent book… the story is captivating, and the social history of athletic women and how they were viewed at the times was very interesting.” Sydney Morning Herald.

“Mary-Rose MacColl’s novel In Falling Snow was one of my favourite books of 2012: … a bittersweet, touching novel that ends with an uplifting element of hope. The same words aptly summarise her latest novel, Swimming Home” Monique Mulligan.

“MacColl succeeds in bringing all the various places to life, whether it is humid Australia, murky London or exuberant New York. A highly engaging read.” Historical Novel Society.


In Falling Snow


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**** Amazon

“At once chilling yet strangely beautiful... MacColl’s narrative is fortified by impeccable research and her innate ability to create a powerful bond between readers and characters. Well done.”
Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

 

‘Beautifully told, mesmerising characters... The author carries off brilliantly a story set in two time periods...’ - Books Monthly.

‘The setting of WWI France is beautifully rendered... this is a gorgeous book." - Belle on GoodReads.

‘For those who love stories surrounding family secrets that span generations, this book is a must-read.’ - Rebecca on GoodReads.

‘Fascinating novel.’ Five stars from Curious Book Fans.

‘An epic tale of love, heartache, and a sisterhood created by nursing in a time of war, In Falling Snow is one of those novels you will want to read again.’  Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Cleopatra’s Daughter

‘From past to present, Australia to France, MacColl guides readers through unknown lands abroad and territories of the heart. For readers, like me, who love to see history’s forgotten heroes given powerful voice, you will delight in this novel.’  - Sarah McCoy, author of the international bestseller The Baker’s Daughter

‘... a story of love, ultimately, and a woman whose life has sought to atone for a mistake she hardly knew she made. Caught between the past and her impending mortality, Iris relives her life as a nurse in WWI, when she was too young to understand what her choices would mean not only for her, but for the family she cobbled together out of the rubble. At once perceptive and sympathetic, In Falling Snow beguiles, a tale of selflessness and youthful indiscretion as singular and seductive as one could hope for.’ - Robin Oliveira, New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter

‘...beautifully nostalgic... incredibly absorbing – it had me up until 4am one night, not able put it down.’ That Book You Like

‘Beautifully told, mesmerising characters... The author carries off brilliantly a story set in two time periods...’ Books Monthly.

‘A beautifully written, intelligent book, which pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of an exceptional band of women.’ - Lynn Brunskill, Holmans Bookshop.

‘...a riveting read.’ Good Reading Magazine.

 

‘... a moving story about women’s roles and the challenging decisions they face as mothers, nurses, doctors and leaders. MacColl brings to light the forgotten histories of the women of Royaumont hospital with engaging prose. The lives of Iris and Grace are divided by several decades, but their career ambitions and the sacrifices they face are universal.’ - Suzanne Desrochers, author of Bride of New France

‘What a treat it has been to read such a powerful and beautifully written book, based on the fascinating true story of the Scottish Women Doctors who ran hospitals in France and Serbia during WW1.’ - Culture Street

‘...moves between the past and the present, from Australia to war torn France to create a compelling story of love, loss, friendship, family and dreams... wonderfully engaging... I regretted putting it down...’ - Book’d Out

‘I was moved and educated by In Falling Snow, but also, in the current environment of persistent electronic noise and dubious blockbusters, I found pleasure in the romantic image of a writer muddling her way through library resources, following the scent of a story all the way to France and having the time and space to tackle her craft in an encouraging work space.” - This Charming Mum

”Iris’s character develops beautifully as her voice shifts from the past to present – here is a frail woman approaching her last days, drifting in and out of a state of forgetfulness and heightened recall...  I’ll be reading this one again – I think second time round I’ll love it even more.” - WriteNotes

”As Iris recalls her wartime experience, she draws the reader deep into her past, eventually revealing the tragic secret that has shaped the rest of her life... ... an evocative and intriguing tale that encapsulates the horrors of war and the powerful legacy of love...” - Australian Bookseller and Publisher.  

"Fascinating novel." Five stars from Curious Book Fans.

"An epic tale of love, heartache, and a sisterhood created by nursing in a time of war, In Falling Snow is one of those novels you will want to read again."  - Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Cleopatra’s Daughter

Stories about The Birth Wars


The Birth Wars, Life Matters, ABC (August 2009) : ABC Radio National Feature and Article

Birth Wars Rage in Your Delivery Room, Opinion (August 2009), The Daily Telegraph : Article By Claire Harvey