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Paulette was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. At the age of nine her parents moved to the Kenepuru Sound, where she attended a small rural school. There she met a teacher who awoke in her a passion for writing, which continued into her teenage years. Often she would write vivid imaginings of shipwrecks on deserted islands involving her classmates, to stave off the boredom of their regimented boarding school life. Her writing waned when adulthood struck, leading her back to Christchurch to start work. She quickly became absorbed in the computer industry, having been given a golden opportunity for on the job training with a local firm. At the age of twenty her career met a fork in the road and she became a solo mother, a move which quickly saw her on a fast track to becoming the independent woman she is now. Her husband Tony, whom she met at the age of twenty-four would argue this was not always a good thing! Together they have four children, one grandchild, two dogs, one cat and a healthy mortgage. An opportunity to attend a university course on creative writing was waved under her nose several years after they were married and she went on to attend the extended course also, giving her desire to write a much needed thrust back on track. Her first novel, Riding The Hurricane, was released in July 2008. She is an active member of Writing.com, and an avid supporter of local short story competitions, although longer works have always been her passion.
Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite
Alex likes to keep her distance from people and Paulette Rae makes that clear at every turn in Alexandra the Great. She has a relationship of convenience with Simon and calls Daniel her only real friend, aside from her furry best pal Max. Then one foggy winter morning, she witnesses an auto accident and saves the life of an injured motorcyclist. Before she knows it, Alex is knee-deep in with the boisterous Davies clan. Mike, the rescued motorcyclist, feels a deep connection with his family but nothing else. Even though Mike and his entire family stir the yearnings for a loving family within her, Alex is keen to keep her much loved distance and the funny feeling she gets whenever Mike is around.
What is so great about Alexandra the Great is the slow simmer of the connection between Mike and Alex. Alex isn’t quick to trust and it is refreshing to find that she needs time and Mike gives her more than time; he gives her a shoulder to cry on and an ear to bend. So much happens in this story and it doesn’t feel crammed in for entertainment value; it just feels as though you’ve been dropped off in the life of Alexandra as she makes some truly important decisions. While I appreciate a happy ending, I do appreciate the fact that Alex didn’t have to be the one to do all of the forgiving in order to find some semblance of peace. Paulette Rae creates a wonderful story of getting past old demons, even if you can’t forget them, to forge a healthy and happy future.
