One True Thing

“The personal is political” has never been more sincerely brought to life, as Frankie struggles to keep her head above the fray in the powerful, wonderful One True Thing. As her mother battles for the premiership in an election year, the wry, determined Frankie draws us into her personal disasters, her rock-goddess dreams, and her family’s media rollercoaster. One True Thing is a compelling, heartfelt novel that confirms Nicole Hayes’ talent on every level. Go, Frankie, go!

Ellie Marney, author of EVERY BREATH

A truly unputdownable read. One True Thing is smart, original and compelling, and especially topical and relevant in the current climate. I loved Frankie – she’s such a deliciously flawed and complex protagonist, one that I found myself cheering on, wanting to hug, while at the same time wanting to give a good, stern talking to. Nicole does an amazing job at creating authentic, multifaceted female characters. A really wonderful second novel.

Melissa Keil, author of LIFE IN OUTER SPACE

Nicole Hayes is a magnificent rising force in Australian Publishing . . . Every word leaps off the page. If John Green has a contemporary then Nicole Hayes is it.

buythebookreviews.blogspot.com.au

This is a terrific coming of age story with an incredibly likable protagonist. Highly recommended for ages 13 and up.

Athina Clarke, readings.com.au

A great story with a relatable protagonist who draws the reader into current, relevant and topical issues.

alexfairhill.blogspot.com.au

Social media and sensational journalism all get a run, and the importance and fragility of family are among the issues raised in the book. And of course at the same time, Frankie is finding love of a different kind. It's terrific.

Fairfield Books

I really enjoyed this story on a number of levels. Frankie is a great character and she grows up a lot as the story progresses. Women in public life in Australia are treated very differently to men by the media, and One True Thing really highlights this . . . One True Thing also features convincing and multi-dimensional side characters who add to the depth of the story. I really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing more from Nicole Hayes.

nicolehasread.blogspot.com.au

Are you heavily into music? Do you hate everything to do with politics? You’ll feel right at home with Frankie . . . Once the drama heats up, you won’t be able to put One True Thing down — whether you’re into politics or not.

Susan Whelan, kids-bookreview.com

With this second novel, Nicole Hayes has absolutely confirmed her talent as a quality writer for young adults . . . Despite her life seemingly going completely pear-shaped, Frankie demonstrates strength of character which is both admirable and inspirational. Strong female characters abound in this novel which makes it a must-read for young women as they also navigate their way to sometimes fraught teenage years . . . An amazing book which demands to be consumed immediately.

Sue Warren, losangzopa.wordpress.com

Get ready for a tale of intrigue, powermongering, romance and music. But be warned. When One True Thing gets going, it's really hard to put down.

Jo Burnell, Good Reading

This is a powerful book. It’s a book that gave me hope for the next generation of powerful women. It’s also funny and romantic and sweet and beautiful and poignant and smart and has one of the coolest protagonists I’ve read in a YA in a long, long time.

Kate Gordon, kategordon.com.au/blog/

There is something wonderful about the way [Hayes] writes; her insight into the teen psyche is spot on . . . The one thing that has stood out for me with both Hayes’ novels is how relatable her characters are and how easy it is to compare your life to theirs . . . This is currently one of my favourite YA novels and I can’t wait for Hayes’ next book!

thebookkatblog.wordpress.com

I am a fan of good young adult fiction, and this is a great one.

Annie, thebigbookclub.com.au

Nicole Hayes has created a wonderfully human character in her smart, funny and flawed protagonist Frankie. A well paced, beautifully written young adult novel whose multifaceted and complex characters evolve and learn through their experiences. This is a book you may find hard to put down.

Mem Capp, Reading Time