Book Launch -The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson @ Wanneroo Library

Join for a riveting discussion of Anthea’s heroic new novel set in the WA goldrush era inspired by real characters and a shocking true crime. Anthea has penned a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness , and freedom. The discussion will be led by best-selling author and engaging raconteur Rachael Johns.
About Anthea
Anthea Hodgson is an Australian author of rural and historical fiction whose work explores courage, community and the Australian landscape. She grew up in the Western Australian Wheatbelt and worked as a radio producer in WA, New South Wales and Queensland before returning to WA, where she now lives in Perth with her family.
Anthea’s debut novel, The Drifter (2016), was followed by The Cowgirl (2018), both published by Penguin Random House. Set in rural Western Australia, these novels examine generational farming life, belonging and the pull between tradition and change, and established her as a distinctive voice in Australian rural fiction.
Her most recent novel, The War Nurses (2023/2024), is a bestselling historical novel inspired by her own family history. It honours the 65 Australian nurses aboard the Vyner Brooke and commemorates the victims of the Bangka Island Massacre during World War II, including Anthea’s great‑aunt, Minnie Hodgson. The book has been widely praised for bringing this important and tragic chapter of Australian history to a broad contemporary audience.
Anthea is also the co‑host of the Rachael Johns Book Club and the podcast Reading Between Deadlines.
About Rachael
Rachael Johns is a best‑selling Australian author of women’s fiction and romance, and a two‑time winner of the Romance Writers of Australia RUBY Award. Her novel The Patterson Girls won the Australian Book Industry Award for General Fiction. With more than 30 books published, Rachael continues to connect with readers through new writing projects, including her Substack Pink Ink, where she shares behind‑the‑scenes insights and publishes her ongoing romance serial Meanwhile in Mount Merry Glen.
She also co‑hosts the podcasts Reading Between Deadlines and Dear Rach & Soph, and runs the popular Rachael Johns’ Book Club.
Dymocks Booksellers are attending for book sales.
Target audience: Adults
FREE: Bookings Essential
Light Refreshments Provided
Please cancel your tickets or advise one of our team if your plans change and you are unable to attend this event.
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