Rowena’s Fiction Books

 
 

No More Simon Says - Single in Sydney Book 2

Penny believes Simon is the one until he breaks up with her after his father’s infidelity is revealed. Heartbroken, she leans on her friends and begins moving on, even developing feelings for a colleague. Meanwhile, after a near-death experience, Simon wants her back, but Penny must decide if rekindling their romance is what she truly wants.

No More Simon Says is a sweet ‘second chance at love’ story with a HEA (happily ever after). It’s the second book in the interconnected Single in Sydney series and can be read as a stand-alone story.

 

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 but can also be read as a stand-alone story.

 

The Criteria List - A Single in Sydney Short Story (Book 1.5)

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.

 

Murder In Our Midst - A Short Story

After a mysterious death in Sydney’s Callan Park, local Jessika Young is determined to uncover the truth. With her labradoodle, Ance, she investigates, revealing secrets in the park’s community that put her in danger.

A short story available only on Amazon.

 

Bad Timing - A Short Story.

Publishing on December 15, 2024.

In Bad Timing, secrets are revealed, and relationships are tested. When Emmy asks a simple question, it sparks a journey of reflection, discovery, and revelations of long-hidden truths. This poignant story explores the complexities of love and longing and their impact on our lives.

A short story.

 

Rowena’s Non-Fiction Books

 

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 in boosting your confidence in your career and life.

 
 

Reviews of Avoiding The Friend Zone

Book Reviews
Sweet and nostalgic turn-of-the-century romance

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Avoiding The Friend Zone. I especially liked being taken back through Jon and Kate's romance to life in Sydney as a young adult, working and falling in love in the Year 2000. I also met my husband in Sydney that year, so I found this story unexpectedly yet delightfully brought back some great memories. I highly recommend it if you're looking for an easy, sweet and engaging romance story. 

- Laurelle, Amazon Review

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

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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

 

Author Bio

Rowena Mabbott is a Certified Life Coach, writer, and co-host of the Two Booked Up podcast. She writes contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and monthly articles for her coaching business. When she is not wrangling her teen boys or walking the dog, Rowena enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with her husband.