'Take Two is that rare and special thing, a novel that is effortless to read - I sped through it in a day - but is also emotionally genuine and original. Danielle Hawkins is a natural storyteller with a light touch and she doesn't shy away from the gritty and the real. She is New Zealand's very own version of Marian Keyes.' - Nicky Pellegrino

'My favourite funny author. I love her work. Take Two is totally on form ... She writes family dynamics brilliantly and I would say with equal parts dry wit and compassion ... She's seriously good. Smart as a whip, really funny, but also very moving.' - Catherine Robertson, RNZ


Sometimes you have to revisit your past to find your future.

Laura and Doug were together for ages. Their breakup was just one of those things - she wanted children, he didn't, no hard feelings - at least not until, with their relationship barely cold in its grave, he got his new girlfriend pregnant.

Now, seven years later, a polite social call to his parents lands Laura back in the family, helping Doug and his playboy younger brother to cope with a whole raft of crises. And what better time to re-evaluate your major life decisions than when you're wrangling a farm, a bookshop, two small children, your ex's wife in labour and his two sick parents?

This is Danielle Hawkins' best novel yet. Funny, tender and not afraid to tackle the big issues, it will have you laughing and shedding tears in equal measure.


'Hawkins is reliably kind, drily funny, and observant ... like Jane Austen in Red Band gumboots.' - The New Zealand Herald

'Take Two is light and sweet, but never cloying or sickly. Like getting the tea from your school bestie after you've been out of touch for a few years, accompanied by a slice of your favourite cake.' - Kete Books

'Take Two had us belly laughing with glee. It is just brilliant, funny, and quintessentially Kiwi.' - Good magazine

'It's a cosy read, though the author isn't afraid to tackle bigger issues, such as how families manage illness, how women deal with infertility and the sometimes tricky relationships between mothers and daughters.' - New Zealand Listener

'Danielle has a real talent for writing humorously; this book was laugh-out-loud in places. Her writing is consistently warm and engaging, and even when dealing with some heavy issues, she has a lovely light touch.' - NZ Booklovers