Praise for The Chocolate Factory
Like the chocolate at its centre, this adroitly crafted story is both deliciously bitter and heart-achingly sweet. Set in post-WWI England and Tasmania, it explores the lengths people will go to in order to try to achieve a dream. Their gritty resilience, desperate greed, soul-breaking grief and, above all, tenacious hope, are beautifully laid bare. The historical details are fascinating; the characters unforgettable. Intending to savour this book, I devoured it in one sitting. It’s an absolute treat – totally enthralling and completely and utterly satisfying. It’s another triumph for Mary-Lou Stephens.’
Karen Brooks, bestselling author of The Good Wife of Bath
Evocative and engrossing! Richly drawn with historical detail.
I was swept away from the first page, with the story of the beginnings of the Cadbury factory in Tasmania during the 1920s and the strong, pioneering women who made the trip from England to become an integral part of a new chapter in Australia’s chocolate story. But underlying the excitement of the ground breaking chocolate factory, the destructive consequences of the Great War ripple through the story with heartbreaking impact.
At the heart of the story is a dark mystery and the rising tension is palpable until the breathtaking conclusion is revealed.
Another beautifully written novel of historical fiction by Mary-Lou Stephens. Highly recommended
Tania Blanchard, bestselling author of The Girl From Munich
A delectable and alluring saga with a glimpse inside the making of our first home grown Cadbury factory.
Mixing fact with fiction and adding romance, deceit, family, secrets, betrayal and friendship set against the beautiful Tasmanian landscape.
Mary Lou has created a compelling story that’s meticulously researched and carefully crafted to entice the reader with words and chocolate.
I loved everything about this enchanting book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Craig, HappyValleyBooksRead
Praise for The Last of the Apple Blossom
An outstanding historical novel about women and the secrets and burdens they carry. Mary-Lou Stephens’ debut is an impressive feat of storytelling, making her a name to watch.
The Australian
One of the most beautifully written books I’ve read.
Tania Blanchard, bestselling author of The Girl From Munich
‘What a cracker of a debut! A beautiful story of family and orchards, of secrets and love and forgiveness.
Victoria Purman, author of The Women’s Pages
‘The crisp prose sparkles and the characters stay with you long after the story ends.
Lauren Chater, author of Gulliver’s Wife
‘Timeless yet also telling an achingly familiar story to us here and now, this is an unforgettable tale of love and loss, triumph and tragedy.
Karen Brooks, author of The Good Wife of Bath
“The Last of the Apple Blossom is a love letter to Tasmania’s Huon Valley and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Mary-Lou Stephens writes evocatively about family secrets, love, sacrifice, and finding the courage to rise again after devastating loss. An engrossing and poignant story, beautifully told.”
— Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance
“I have long been a fan of Mary-Lou’s writing, which is always evocative and compelling. What a wonderful story this is, set at such a poignant moment in Tasmania’s history. I loved it.”
— Josephine Moon, author of The Tea Chest and The Jam Queens
Praise for Sex, Drugs and Meditation
Bracingly honest, funny and rewarding, this is a book you can’t put down.
Sydney Morning Herald
Stephens knows how to write a story, and she does so with honesty and good humour.
MindFood Magazine
Funny, sage, insightful and just a little bit twisted.
Who Magazine
If she wrote a book a year Mary-Lou would be in my list every year. She is a brilliant writer and after just a few pages you are lost in her world and can’t put the book down
Walter Mason, author and speaker
Perfection. Sex, Drugs and Meditation is one of the best memoirs I have read in years. Humble, witty and so very, very true. All I wanted was for this book never to end.”
The Universal Heart Book Club