TAKE A BREAK & BINGE ON THESE …

Set in the 1890’s, this beautiful novel tells Charlotte Ross’ story as she attempts to forge a place for herself in a society determined to dictate her path. hen lora alton first steps foot in her father’s stationery shop, Charlotte knows she is done for. However, this is not the time for a love like theirs. After tragedy befalls her family and she is separated from the woman she loves, Charlotte’s all-consuming melancholy lands her in Kew Lunatic Asylum. Though initially cautious of the ‘lunatics’ within the centre’s walls, the realities many of these women face and their reasoning for remaining in the asylum prove to be more complicated than harlotte first realises. These women s lives open Charlotte’s eyes to the consequences of rejecting society’s expectations of women, she must decide which will emerge victorious in the battle: her head, or her heart?

Though Calaby’s engaging writing makes understanding the protagonist’s anguish an easy task, it is the courage carried by her fellow patients that is undeniable throughout her story and reminds us of the difficulties faced by real women at this point in history. This novel proves that while one woman’s voice can cause a stir, the rallied strength of women’s voices, united under one cause, will inspire a revolution.

BOOK: House of Longing by Tara Calaby RRP $32.99.

Available at Bookface, Pacific Fair. T: 07 5592 1700

Book recommendation by Bookface’s Madison Baker.

Always dreaming or longing from the memories from your last trip to Italy? Here is a beautiful Chianti from the rolling hills of Tuscany. This is a terrific value hianti Classico – Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020 from Greve in Chianti. Offering beautiful black cherry, blackberry, iron and earth aromas and flavors. Succulent and balanced, medium-bodied mouthfeel with sweet fruit, spice, leather and plum, with the structure emerging on the long lingering aftertaste.

Take me back per favore! Salute.

WINE: Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020 RRP $39.

Available at Somm Wine Store, 2245 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach. T: 07 5647 6057

Chocolate has a reputation for being one of those foods that people crave. However, whether that intense desire is driven by physical or psychological cues can be hard to tease out.

It’s interesting that women appear to crave chocolate more than men. It suggests something biological might be going on.

Luxury chocolate is portrayed as a welldeserved treat and often given as a gift so any longing for the sweetness and complex flavours of fine chocolate could indeed be wrapped up in our psyche. Of course we want to be indulged, celebrated and showered with gifts!

One of the chocolates most often requested at Little Cocoa is our chocolate praline with a salted caramel filling. There is definitely something tempting and ultimately satisfying about the delicious, rich and oozy caramel enrobed in a fine crisp shell of dark chocolate.

Whether there are chemical neurotransmitters in our brain telling us our bodies desperately need the antioxidants in a good dark chocolate or whether we just succumb to a more emotional need for a ‘feel good’ moment, chocolate is there for us. .

CHOCOLATE: 12-piece box salted caramel chocolate pralines RRP $33.

Available at Little Cocoa, Southport. www.littlecocoa.com.au

Chocolate recommendation by Little Cocoa’s Alicia Chapman.

(Total value $104.99!) gcvip.com.au gcVIP Society has hand-picked some of the best local events to feature in our social pages. Spot anyone you know?

EVENT: Fuelled by Fashion – Runway Show and Lunch LOCATION: The Langham Gold Coast Porsche Centre Gold Coast in conjunction with gcVIP hosted a lavish event at The Langham Gold Coast. Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch as a fashion panel shone a spotlight on sustainability, female empowerment, fashion inclusivity and Porsche’s 75th Anniversary.

LOVE YOUR ‘BURB Gold Coast brand mixes art, culture and fashion with local designs.

EVENT: BLEACH* Festival 2023 Program Launch LOCATION: Broadbeach Cultural Precinct

The BLEACH* 2023 program incorporated more than 300 artists, featuring 218 performances, at more than 38 events across the Gold Coast, during the signature arts festival in August.

FIND YOUR FAVE

FIND YOUR FAVE

Rock your local suburb and add some Undercurrent to your wardrobe!

Rock your local suburb and add some Undercurrent to your wardrobe!

Use code: ilovegc for 25% OFF theundercurrent.com.au

Use code: ilovegc for 25% OFF theundercurrent.com.au

WE ARE FARMERS AND DISTILLERS.

We make hand-crafted rum in small batches from the finest quality, freshly crushed cane juice grown, harvested, aged and bottled at Husk Farm Distillery.

Open daily. Book online.

1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum NSW 2490