My Books

 
 

Fiction

Avoiding the Friend Zone

Single in Sydney Book 1

Two ambitious graduates, Jon and Kate, navigate their careers and an emerging romance in the bustling city of Sydney in a story that will have you cheering them until the very end.

Avoiding The Friend Zone is a sweet workplace love story with a HEA (happily ever after). It’s the first book in the interconnected Single in Sydney series and can be read as a stand alone story.

Prefer to read offline? Avoiding the Friend Zone is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

The Criteria List

A Single in Sydney Short Story

Kate Pieterson sees her university friend Melati after two years, and they catch up over dinner. After her breakup with Jacques, Melati insists that Kate needs a Criteria List to move forward.

The Criteria List is a short story from the interconnected Single in Sydney series featuring Kate, the main character from Avoiding the Friend Zone.

Prefer to read offline? You can download a PDF version of The Criteria List for FREE here.

 

Reviews of Avoiding the Friend Zone 

Book Reviews
A lovely love story at a familiar time in Australian history ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a lovely story about Jon and Kate and their winding road to love. Definitely brought back some memories for me, as I was also working in corporate, in share houses and finding love around the year 2000. I enjoyed the family values woven through the story, and look forward to more novels from Rowena.

-Mummalove, Amazon Review

Fun read that brought back memories

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rowena has magically captured a tale of love, missed opportunities and life in Sydney. Set at the turn of the century (boy, that makes me feel old!), Rowena’s intertwined story of the lives of Jon and Kate takes you on a journey of intrigue that will also have you laughing at their antics. Super easy and fun read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

-M Daniels, Amazon Review

Sweet and nostalgic romance set as Sydney comes into the 21st Century

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Well-developed and intriguing characters form the heart of this feel-good romance.
The setting of graduates in the Sydney workplace at the turn of the 21st Century will be nostalgic for those readers who also experienced this wonderful part of Sydney's history and fondly remember their own experiences of this time. I eagerly await further tales of the characters presented in this first book in what seems destined to be a long and rich series.

-T, Amazon Review

A Delightful Read 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Avoiding the Friend Zone, Rowena Mabbott captures the joys and challenges of making the move from single to couple, and brings a smile to the reader's face as she does so. While all is not smooth sailing for the lead characters, Kate and Jon, their net positivity is irresistible as we follow their journey. A thoroughly delightful read.

-Trev654321, Apple Books Review

An enjoyable read

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I liked the insight into a young adult’s perspective in the year 2000. And who knew courting was so complex? An interesting look at the way young corporates discover life with work and associated relationship responsibilities. Looking forward to reading Rowena Mabbott’s next book.

- Julie, Amazon Review

A lovely story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great story, relatable characters and a fun and easy read. Loved being taken back in time to Sydney at the turn of the century.

-ThursdaysChild, Amazon Review

 

Murder In Our Midst

A Short Story

After a mysterious death in Sydney's Callan Park, Jessika Young is determined to uncover the truth. Despite authorities calling it an accident, Jessika's instincts tell her it's more. With her loyal labradoodle Ance by her side, Jessika dives into her own investigation. As she delves deeper, she unearths hidden secrets and suspicions, making her quest for the truth a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists. Was it an accident or murder?

Join Jessika and Ance as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the dead body.

Coming early December 2024 - No More Simon Says

Single in Sydney Book 2

Penny believes her boyfriend, Simon is the one until he breaks up with her after learning of his father's infidelity. Heartbroken, Penny leans on her friends and starts moving on, even developing feelings for a colleague. Meanwhile, Simon's reckless choices lead to a near-death experience, causing him to want Penny back.

He must prove he's worth a second chance, but Penny must decide if rekindling their romance is what she truly wants.

 

Non-Fiction

The A to Z of Career and Life Confidence

The A to Z of Career and Life Confidence covers a complete alphabet’s worth of confidence-boosting ideas, including practical steps to support you to boost your confidence in your career and life.