‘You’ll fall in love with every single character’ — Hayley Mills
What happens when a quirky Australian town faces the imminent arrival of a huge fiery comet? Do the residents embrace all possibilities or run like hell?
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING
Cactus Bob, a grizzled pensioner in a red beanie, thought surviving a death-roll by a monster saltwater crocodile was tough. But now he faces an even more devastating challenge: strange messages are arriving via his clapped-out black-and-white TV, warning of a fiery comet hurtling toward his tiny cottage on the outskirts of Wellsprings.
Café Puccini, the social hub of the colourful community, is abuzz. Is the comet real or just another zany publicity stunt dreamt up by Ah Sow, the town’s crafty trader? Will Angelo, the café owner, reunite with the wife he had somehow ‘misplaced’ thirteen years earlier? How did a lucky Zulu millionaire and his mysteriously ‘top-secret’ Norwegian wife become tied to all the comet chaos, and why is a crusty old Scottish boat-builder crafting a unique monument to the stars?
As the comet draws closer, secrets unravel, alliances form, and tensions rise. Join Wellsprings’ oddball residents as they navigate love, cosmic calamities, and outrageous adventures.
Prepare for a wild ride filled with colourful characters, unexpected twists, and a mystery that will keep you guessing in this outlandish tale of resilience, eccentricity, and the sheer magic of the bush.
@CanadoughPosh –
In Cafe Puccini, Tony Matthews manages to be charmingly quirky and captures the essence of resilience in the face of adversity. Angelo’s dream of reuniting with his wife is deeply moving and is a testament to perseverance and love. This novel will have readers walking away feeling inspired and finding joy in life’s chaos. A TRUE GEM!
Review on Amazon by Tinaooscar –
So Enjoyable – Didn’t Want it to End!
I purchased this book after reading about author Tony Matthews in our local paper. I really didn’t know what to expect but I’d have to say that this was the most entertaining book I had read in a long time! All of the characters are amazing. The storylines weave together seamlessly and it is a truly fun ride (along with drama and sadness too). I really didn’t want it to end as I became too attached to the town and all its residents. Five stars for sure! Everyone (and particularly all Australians) please buy this book!!!! And Mr Matthews, if you write a sequel I will be there for it!
Caroline B @vegancb.bsky.social –
I would like to recommend a book a dear friend wrote. Its called Café Puccini and you will love it. Each character is unique and endearing. The book means so much to me because it includes my beloved Canada goose family ~ Mama, Honker & Zipperhead. Available on Amazon. (love heart)
Donna Macdonald – Amazon –
I have just finished reading this fabulous, quirky, funny book. I couldn’t put it down and had to read it all at once. Loved the intertwining stories and characters. If you are reading this review to decide whether to purchase… don’t wait, you won’t be disappointed.
Written note to Tony –
I’ve finally finished reading Cafe Puccini. What an amazing book – I thoroughly enjoyed.
You have a blessed use of words Tony. Thank you both very much.
Open PR onlne –
The world-renowned and much-loved British actress, Hayley Mills, has touched her magic-wand to a hilarious new book, stating: ‘You’ll fall in love with every single character.’
It is highly unusual for the work of a comparatively obscure and highly reclusive author to be lauded by a major Hollywood star, but that is precisely what has happened to Australian writer Tony Matthews and his captivating new novel, ‘Café Puccini’.
Reviewed on Amazon as ‘The most entertaining book I have read in a long time’, ‘Café Puccini’ is a rich, diverse and colourful novel of life in a small Australian country town during the late 1950s, but it is vastly different from most other books of this genre because it utilises many true and almost unbelievable stories which the author has researched during his years as a writer, radio broadcaster and historian. The book has been described in the press as, ‘… a hugely funny, feel-good story of exceptional strength and power.’
Café Puccini is a captivating journey into the heart of country Australia and creates a kind of time-capsule of a period when life was fun, simple and full of charm. The only thing to expect from this pulsating novel is the unexpected.
As Hollywood legend Hayley Mills has generously indicated, there is basically no end to the colourful characters in this book. They are wild, funny, irritating, committed, warm-hearted, bemused, devoted, bizarre and just plain stubborn, but drawing them all together in one town, during this particular period, breathes life into a time and place many of us would probably like to visit. ‘If time-travel were possible,’ Tony speculates, ‘Café Puccini is almost certainly where everyone would go for lunch and a laugh.’
And as one five-star reviewer has added: ‘I didn’t really want it to end as I became so attached to the town and all its residents.’
Dorothy Kraft –
I just want to say a big Thank You for writing Cafe Puccini. I have just finished reading it.
What a beautiful, whimsical book. I loved all of the characters and the setting.
I think that is how all communities should operate. Lots of eccentric people who accept each other and look after one another.
Congratulations on one of the best books that I have read for a long time.
Alan K –
Finished reading Tony’s book last night. What a journey! I became part of the Wellsprings community and enjoyed the characters who shared their emotional and happy times. Cafe’ Puccini was the best medicine for my recovery. Thank you
Hervey Bay Advertiser –
The world-renowned and much loved British actress, Hayley Mills has touched her magic-wand to a hilarious new book, stating: ‘You’ll fall in love with every single character.’
It is highly unusual for the work of a comparatively obscure and reclusive author to be lauded by a major Hollywood star, but that is precisely what has happened to Hervey Bay writer Tony Matthews and his captivating new novel, Cafe Puccini.
Reviewed on Amazon as ‘The most entertaining book I have read in a long time’. Cafe Puccini is a rich, diverse and colourful novel of life in a small Australian Country town during the late 1950’s, but it is vastly different from most other books of this genre becuase it utilises many ture and almost unbelievable stories which the author has researched during his years as a writer, radio broadcaster and historian.
The book has been described in the press as, ‘… a hugely funny, feel-good story of exceptional strength and power.’