If your book club is looking for its next read — or you simply love stories about friendship, motherhood and the complicated realities behind seemingly perfect lives — this local author event is worth adding to your calendar.
On Wednesday 23 September, Margaret Martin Library in Randwick will welcome local author Katie Hoskins for a conversation about her debut novel, When the Party’s Over.
Katie will be joined by Sydney author Sophie Stern for an evening discussing the novel, its characters and the themes of friendship, family and motherhood that run through the story.
Even better, Katie is a genuinely local author. She lives in Little Bay with her partner and two young bookworms, while her debut novel takes readers into the world of an Eastern Suburbs family.
One night that changes everything
When the Party’s Over begins with a scenario many mums will recognise: wanting, just for one night, to step away from the endless responsibilities of family life.
Natalie appears to have everything — three young children, a loving husband and a beautifully renovated Eastern Suburbs cottage. But beneath the surface, she feels increasingly suffocated.
For her 36th birthday, Natalie wants just one thing: a night out with her two best friends where they can forget about their responsibilities and have fun.
But when she returns home, she discovers her 18-month-old son Toby holding a colourful tablet — and part of it is missing.
What follows is not only the fear surrounding what has happened to Toby, but the fallout between three women who each have their own version of what happened that night.
As their individual truths begin to emerge, their friendships are pushed to breaking point.
The novel explores motherhood, guilt, judgement, friendship and the pressure women can feel to maintain the appearance that everything is under control.
Meet local author Katie Hoskins
Originally from the south coast of England, Katie Hoskins began her career in communications in London before travelling to Sydney in 2007 to study journalism.
Sydney’s sunshine and coffee helped convince her to stay, and she now calls the Eastern Suburbs home.
One of six siblings — with an impressive 30 first cousins — Katie has plenty of experience observing family relationships and dynamics. Her writing explores the friendships and family connections that shape women’s lives.
When the Party’s Over is her debut novel.
In conversation with Sophie Stern
Joining Katie for the evening is Sydney author Sophie Stern.
Sophie’s short fiction has appeared in literary publications including Yen Magazine and Ellipsis Zine, and her work has been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. The manuscript for her first novel was also shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize in 2024.
Her debut novel, What Is Left For Us, was published in March 2026 and follows two inseparable sisters whose relationship is transformed after a betrayal sends their lives in very different directions.
With both authors writing about complex relationships between women, there should be plenty to talk about.
Event Details
What: Author Talk: Katie Hoskins in Conversation with Sophie Stern
When: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm
Light catering: From 6pm
Where: Margaret Martin Library
Address: Level 1, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, Belmore Road, Randwick
Cost: Free
Bookings: Essential
Light catering will be available from 6pm, giving guests a chance to arrive early before the conversation begins at 6.30pm.
Copies of When the Party’s Over will also be available to purchase and have signed by Katie on the night.
Make it a mums’ night out
This could be a lovely midweek outing with a friend — particularly if you’re both readers or part of a local book club.
Grab an early dinner or drink in Randwick, head to the library for the author conversation and perhaps leave with a signed copy for your next read.
Places are free, but bookings are essential.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET VIA EVENTBRITE
Bookings are made through Eventbrite, an external website.
