{"title":"Jessica Dettmann","description":"\u003cp\u003eJessica Dettmann crafts stories that blend heartfelt emotion with witty charm, perfect for readers who appreciate well-drawn characters and engaging plots. Her novels often explore the nuances of relationships and the complexities of human connection, offering both laughter and thoughtful moments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom contemporary general fiction to light romance and charming children’s tales, Dettmann’s writing invites readers into worlds that are at once relatable and refreshingly original. Expect warmth, humour, and a touch of unpredictability throughout her work.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"this-has-been-absolutely-lovely-by-jessica-dettmann-9781460764015","title":"This Has Been Absolutely Lovely","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily is forever, and there's nothing you can do about it.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe charming, hilarious, and all-too-relatable new novel from the author of \u003cem\u003eHow to be Second Best\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDettmann nails the funny, sad, and bizarre nuances of family life in this gripping novel that will appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty, Jojo Moyes, and Marian Keyes\u003c\/em\u003e - Sally Hepworth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMolly's a millennial home organiser about to have her first baby. Obviously, her mum, Annie, will help with the childcare. Everyone else's parents are doing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut Annie's dreams of music stardom have been on hold for thirty-five years, paused by childbirth then buried under her responsibilities as a mother, wage earner, wife, and only child of ailing parents. Finally, she can taste freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Molly and her siblings gather in the close quarters of the family home over one fraught summer, shocking revelations come to light. Everyone is forced to confront the question of what it means to be a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis Has Been Absolutely Lovely\u003c\/em\u003e is a story about growing up and giving in, of parents and children, of hope and failure, of bravery and defied expectation, and whether it is ever too late to try again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cstrong\u003eA pure joy to read\u003c\/strong\u003e from the first page to the last - lots of heart and emotion, but with a perfect amount of humour. My only complaint is that I didn't write it myself!' - Rachael Johns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cstrong\u003eHilarious, poignant, and a genuine page-turner\u003c\/strong\u003e. Dettmann's tone is addictively dry and often laugh-out-loud funny, but the family drama that unfolds is a proper yarn, with lovely dramatic twists and gorgeous revelations and resolutions.' - Tim Minchin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Witty, warm, sharp and sincere. An absolutely lovely read.' - Book'd Out\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Compelling and utterly charming ... A \u003cstrong\u003ejoyful, laugh-drenched, tear-soaked\u003c\/strong\u003e page-turner' - Ben Elton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Brilliantly observed, Jessica Dettmann's portrayal of messy, modern family life is packed with delicious humour and balanced with moments of real poignancy. Her knack for writing sharp, witty dialogue makes for a \u003cstrong\u003ehugely entertaining\u003c\/strong\u003e read. I adored it.' - Joanna Nell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46534134792428,"sku":"9781460764015","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2120833482708.jpg?v=1749412888"},{"product_id":"this-has-been-absolutely-lovely-by-jessica-dettmann-9781460755983","title":"This Has Been Absolutely Lovely","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily is forever, and there's nothing you can do about it.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe charming, hilarious, and all-too-relatable new novel from the author of \u003cem\u003eHow to be Second Best\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Dettmann nails the funny, sad, and bizarre nuances of family life in this gripping novel that will appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty, Jojo Moyes, and Marian Keyes.' - Sally Hepworth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMolly's a millennial home organiser about to have her first baby. Obviously, her mum, Annie, will help with the childcare. Everyone else's parents are doing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut Annie's dreams of music stardom have been on hold for thirty-five years, paused by childbirth then buried under her responsibilities as a mother, wage earner, wife, and only child of ailing parents. Finally, she can taste freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Molly and her siblings gather in the close quarters of the family home over one fraught summer, shocking revelations come to light. Everyone is forced to confront the question of what it means to be a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis Has Been Absolutely Lovely\u003c\/em\u003e is a story about growing up and giving in, of parents and children, of hope and failure, of bravery and defied expectation, and whether it is ever too late to try again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A \u003cstrong\u003epure joy to read\u003c\/strong\u003e from the first page to the last - lots of heart and emotion, but with a perfect amount of humour. My only complaint is that I didn't write it myself!' - Rachael Johns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cstrong\u003eHilarious, poignant, and a genuine page-turner\u003c\/strong\u003e. Dettmann's tone is addictively dry and often laugh-out-loud funny, but the family drama that unfolds is a proper yarn, with lovely dramatic twists and gorgeous revelations and resolutions.' - Tim Minchin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Witty, warm, sharp, and sincere. An absolutely lovely read.' - Book'd Out\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Compelling and utterly charming ... A \u003cstrong\u003ejoyful, laugh-drenched, tear-soaked\u003c\/strong\u003e page-turner.' - Ben Elton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Brilliantly observed, Jessica Dettmann's portrayal of messy, modern family life is packed with delicious humour and balanced with moments of real poignancy. Her knack for writing sharp, witty dialogue makes for a \u003cstrong\u003ehugely entertaining\u003c\/strong\u003e read. I adored it.' - Joanna Nell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46534134989036,"sku":"9781460755983","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2040513482708.jpg?v=1749412980"},{"product_id":"without-further-ado-by-jessica-dettmann-9781460760963","title":"Without Further Ado","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan a modern woman take lessons in love from Shakespeare? \u003cem\u003eBook Lovers\u003c\/em\u003e meets \u003cem\u003e10 Things I Hate About You\u003c\/em\u003e in this sparkling romantic comedy from beloved Aussie author Jessica Dettmann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more. Men were deceivers ever ...'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSince she was sixteen, Willa's curious touchstone in life and work has been the 1993 film \u003cem\u003eMuch Ado About Nothing\u003c\/em\u003e. She's always looking for The Feeling, the stirring in her heart—and loins—that she gets when watching the opening scenes. Now she's navigating her mid-thirties, her career as a romance publisher in an unusual family business, and her determination to remain child-free, while quietly holding out for a love as big as Beatrice and Benedick's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut when relationships start to get complicated between Willa, her cousin Imogen and the four sons of the family she works for, and the events of her own life begin to mirror the plot of her beloved comedy, Willa must consider whether there is such a thing as too much ado.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA delightfully Shakespearean romantic comedy about modern love, women's roles and how the films and stories we grow up with shape us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'An absolute delight! With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, this book is the perfect escape. Jessica Dettmann has outdone herself with this \u003cstrong\u003echarming and hilarious\u003c\/strong\u003e story. \u003cstrong\u003eNot to be missed!\u003c\/strong\u003e' - Sally Hepworth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWithout Further Ado\u003c\/em\u003e has \u003cstrong\u003egenuine heart, proper out-loud laughs, and a perfect not-too-Hollywood ending\u003c\/strong\u003e. Dettmann has created a one-off in her protagonist, Willa. Smart as a whip, fiercely independent, hilarious, loyal, fearful and self-sabotaging, she's \u003cstrong\u003ea romantic heroine for our times\u003c\/strong\u003e (whilst having one foot planted in the late 1500s!).' - Tim Minchin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Glorious, \u003cstrong\u003efull of laughs, love and realness\u003c\/strong\u003e. I loved it so much I want to live between the covers.' - Sacha Horler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraise for Jessica Dettmann:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Sharp and crisp and funny. I was dazzled' - Mia Freedman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Heartwarming yet biting' - \u003cem\u003eSunday Telegraph\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A totally engaging and disarmingly charming writer' - Kathy Lette\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Sparkling and heartwarming reading' - Ben Elton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Dettmann is such a clever writer—her imagery is fresh and hilarious and her take on life is so dry and funny' - Cassie Hamer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46557150675180,"sku":"9781460760963","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2090313482708.jpg?v=1750182056"},{"product_id":"how-to-be-second-best-by-jessica-dettmann-9781460755976","title":"How To Be Second Best","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hilarious and heartwarming novel about the complicated, messy, delightful struggles of modern life, for all fans of Marian Keyes, Holly Wainwright and Zoe Foster Blake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGoing from one child to two is never all that easy for a family, but when Emma's husband simultaneously fathers a third child three doors up the street, things get very tricky, very fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo longer is it enough for Emma to be the best wife and mother - now she's trying to be the best ex-wife, and the best part-time parent to her ex's love child, and that's before she even thinks about adding a new bloke to the mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet in an upwardly mobile, ultra-competitive suburb, this is a funny, biting, heartwarming modern comedy that looks at the roles we play, how we compete, and what happens when we dare to strive for second-best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHerald Sun\u003c\/em\u003e describes it as 'Hilarious, heartwarming [and] all too relatable ... Ultimate summer read.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMia Freedman praises the novel, saying 'Sharp and crisp and funny. I was dazzled.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetter Reading\u003c\/em\u003e calls it 'A refreshing and honest depiction of the delirium of modern family life ... while it is undeniably laugh-out-loud funny, it is also incredibly heartwarming and real.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eSunday Telegraph\u003c\/em\u003e describes it as 'Heartwarming yet biting.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWho Weekly\u003c\/em\u003e gives it four stars, saying 'Full of funny moments, this debut takes a wry look at parenthood, divorce and the messy reality of blended families.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBen Elton praises Jessica Dettmann, stating 'Jessica Dettmann is a fine comic writer. She has an eye for the small details, irritations and inspirations of life which coupled with a truly original turn of phrase and great way with a gag makes for sparkling and heartwarming reading.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711883235564,"sku":"9781460755976","price":26.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2040443482708.jpg?v=1754254243"},{"product_id":"your-friend-and-mine-by-jessica-dettmann-9781922928061","title":"Your Friend and Mine","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDettmann at her hilarious and heartwarming best. — Tim Minchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Margot receives an email from her best friend, it comes as a shock... seeing as Tess died twenty years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMargot is catapulted back to 2000, meeting the confident English backpacker visiting Sydney, where their intense friendship led to plans to travel back to Europe together. But then Margot fell in love with Johnny, and she never made it to London. Margot still feels guilty for letting Tess down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow Tess is providing Margot with the means to fly to London and have the trip they never got to do together. But there are stipulations to Tess's beyond-the-grave generosity—Margot must scatter her ashes and carry out 'tasks' in the company of Leo, Tess's stepbrother.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMargot can't help but compare the dreams and aspirations of the girl who partied with Tess to the bored, exhausted woman she has become. How could Tess have predicted that Margot would need a second chance to get on that plane?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you're looking to break a reading drought, this book is for you. — \u003cem\u003eAustralian Women's Weekly\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is Dettmann's breakout book. No question. \u003cem\u003eYour Friend and Mine\u003c\/em\u003e is witty, insightful, and full of heart—a layered exploration of love, friendship, grief, and second chances. With her keen, often obscure and downright perfect observations on life, Dettmann delivers a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is joyous. — Sally Hepworth, author of \u003cem\u003eDarling Girls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunny, tender, and adventurous, this story had me alternating between laughter and tears throughout. \u003cem\u003eYour Friend and Mine\u003c\/em\u003e is a touching homage to love—between lovers and friends—and a beautiful exploration of the nuances of grief, all wrapped up in Jess' signature humour. I'm such a huge fan of Jess' books and this was my favourite of them all. I absolutely adored it. — Ali Lowe, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Private Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThoughtful, funny, touching, smart. \u003cem\u003eYour Friend And Mine\u003c\/em\u003e sparkles with Jess Dettmann's trademark wit, and charms with its sharp insights into friendship, long-term love, and detoured dreams. An absolute pleasure. — Holly Wainwright, author of \u003cem\u003eHe Would Never\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA joyful, wise, and deeply moving story about friendship, desire, and unmet needs that delivers delight on every page. Funny, authentic, and profound, I absolutely loved it. — Anna Downes, author of \u003cem\u003eRed River Road\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA witty, relatable, and huge-hearted novel about friendship, long-term love, and the surprisingly difficult mid-life challenge of seeing your own life clearly. I absolutely loved it. — Emily Maguire, author of \u003cem\u003eRapture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA compelling and astutely observed tale of past regrets, complex love, and friendships lost and found. Movingly and wittily told, it draws you in from its first sentence and keeps you guessing till the last. Dettmann is a storyteller at the top of her game which is a high bar indeed. — Ben Elton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDettmann confidently covers vast emotional ground while maintaining a light, accessible style. \u003cem\u003eYour Friend and Mine\u003c\/em\u003e is for readers of Marian Keyes. — \u003cem\u003eAustralian Bookseller \u0026amp; Publisher\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA novel that manages to keep a laugh-per-page quotient hovering somewhere between that of Toni Jordan and P.G. Wodehouse, while embedding that humour in stories that speak to the lived reality of women's experience... a call to adventure Dettmann renders with trademark charm, black humour, and a neat grasp of human foible. The voice of Margot is one of the novel's chief pleasures. She's a narrator after Helen Garner's own heart: sardonic yet self-effacing, observant to a fault. 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