Title: Back on Track
Author: Tricia Stringer
Published: October 4th 2023
Publisher: HQ Fiction – AU
Pages: 464
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Women
RRP: $32.99
Rating: 4 stars
Bestselling author and voice of Australian storytelling Tricia Stringer tackles troubled relationships, ageism, and love old and new in this warm, funny, uplifting story of colleagues and unlikely travel companions thrown together on an astonishing (and revealing) train trip across Australia.
Ketty Clift’s couture dressmaking business is thriving but the same can’t be said for her staff. Lately, cracks have appeared in the team’s harmony, testing relationships and causing issues with customers. Worse, the rumour that Ketty has lost her touch is circulating. So when Ketty’s old friend Carlos suggests a holiday by train – on the iconic Ghan, no less – Ketty decides to take her surprised staff with her in the hope of fixing what ails them.
But it’s not turning out to be the cure-all Ketty had hoped for. Her protective second-in-command, Judith, doubts Carlos’s intentions and sows suspicion in Ketty’s mind. Her younger staff members, Birgit and Lacey, are beset by relationship disasters and financial worries, whereas invaluable employee Ning is under pressure from her family to retire, and seamstress Tien is terrified of everything outside her comfort zone – especially the outback.
Each new stop on the way, and the surprising behaviour of some of the other passengers, affects the group and reveals something more about each of them. As the train pulls deeper into the mesmerising outback, matters seem set to come to a disturbing crescendo.
Ketty must sidestep the drama, reunite her troubled workers and save her business and relationships. But will her transformative magic work to bring them all back on track?
Review:
I’m so glad Tricia Stringer is back to dazzle us once again with a tale that covers issues such as ageing, travel, families, relationships, business pursuits, friendships and careers. A surprising and revealing story that will incite a laugh or two, Back on Track is a hopeful read.
It’s time to be reacquainted with Ketty Clift, a returning character from a previous Tricia Stringer title Table for Eight. This time around Ketty has some employee issues to contend with while celebrating the success of her dressmaking enterprise. Ketty’s loyal and productive team each have their own personal problems to deal with. Rumours have also started to crop up around Ketty, which is something this hardworking businesswoman doesn’t need. So Ketty seeks the help of and old pal named Carlos, who suggests that a teambuilding exercise is needed. Ketty decides to a group book ticket on the majestic Ghan, on a trip of a lifetime. Ketty has high hopes that this unforgettable journey will help heal her broken team. But issues soon arise between Ketty’s older staff and her younger employees. From family and relationship conflicts to money woes, a range of personal issues invade this fateful trip. With a bevy of unexpected antics from the other passengers on board the train, along with a number of memorable stops along the tour, this will be an awakening for Ketty’s team. Will Ketty be able to help her team heal and grow?
We are lucky to have a collection of over fifteen Tricia Stringer books to choose from. This much-loved Australian author has proudly produced everything from historical fiction, to rural romance and contemporary fiction. Back on Track is a modern fiction title, which offers plenty of semblance and connection.
It was so great to catch up with Ketty, a memorable character from Table for Eight. It kind of felt like a page reunion. Do not fear if you haven’t read Table for Eight, it is easy to pick up Back on Track. Meeting Ketty and her team was lively and comforting. Ketty’s dressmaking team were kind, relatable and genuine. Stringer ensures that her characters are presented with plenty of realism and understanding. Stringer also ensures that she provides her audience with a good cross section of key protagonists. Each key character in Back on Track is dealing with some kind of personal issue or struggle which is addressed as the trip unravels. These conflicts range from the ageing process, to work habits, career aspirations, personal life problems, trust issues, relationship breakdown, family stresses, homelessness and time. These are all important issues and they are presented in a sympathetic manner. I enjoyed getting to know more about Ketty and her valued staff.
The biggest drawcard for me and Back on Track was the Ghan experience. I have said this a couple of times in other books that have featured a trip on the Ghan, that I would book a ticket without hesitation on this iconic adventure trail. Money, work commitments and time are the only things stopping me! Back on Track allowed me to live the whole Ghan travel dream, even if it was just on paper. We are treated to plenty of generous descriptions of the whole travel journey of the Ghan, complete with the sleeping arrangements, the stops and the atmospheric landscape descriptions. I was impressed and I’m sure all readers who pick up Back on Track will be amazed by the Ghan elements.
With moments of reflection, realisation, acceptance and change, Back on Track is another satisfying read from Tricia Stringer.
Back on Track by Tricia Stringer was published on 4th October 2023 by HQ Fiction – AU. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
To learn more about the author of Back on Track, Tricia Stringer, visit here.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
