Author Talk: Katie Hoskins in Conversation with Sophie Stern

When the Party’s Over is a compelling novel about friendship, motherhood and the ripple effects of a night that doesn't go to plan.

This event will start at 6.30pm, light catering will be provided for guests to enjoy from 6.00pm.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

About the Author:

Katie Hoskins is a communications professional with a lifelong love of books. Originally from the south coast of England, she started her career in London, then travelled to Sydney in 2007 to study journalism. Easily seduced by sunshine and great coffee, she's still here. Katie loves exploring and writing about friendship and family dynamics in women's lives. As one of six siblings, and 30 first cousins, she's never short of inspiration. She lives with her partner and two young bookworms in beautiful Little Bay.

About When the Party's Over:

One party. One pill. Mothers don't get second chances.

Natalie knows her life looks perfect from the outside: Three young children, a loving husband, the tastefully renovated Eastern Suburbs cottage. So why does she feel so suffocated?

On her 36th birthday, all Natalie wants is to gather her two best friends and leave their responsibilities behind just for one night. But when the party's over, she finds eighteen-month-old Toby clutching an unmistakable colourful tablet - with a quarter missing.

What kind of mother could let this happen?

As Toby recovers and returns home, the fallout really begins. Because each of these women has their own truth about that night - and when it all comes to light, will any of their friendships survive?

About the Facilitator:

S​ophie Stern is from Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband and son. Her short fiction has been published in magazines and literary zines including Yen Magazine and Ellipsis Zine, and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. The manuscript of her first novel was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize in 2024.

Her debut novel, What Is Left For Us, was published in March 2026 and follows the lives of two inseparable sisters, until a betrayal tears their relationship apart and spins their lives in different directions.

Accessibility

Randwick City Library is committed to making our events accessible and inclusive. If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can support your participation. You can:

• Email libraryevents@randwick.nsw.gov.au, or
• call us on 02 9093 6400.

We’ll be in touch to confirm arrangements.

Terms and Conditions:

The health & safety of our community and staff is our top priority. By registering, you agree to comply with the terms and conditions listed below including the Covid-safe measures. Note: these terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

• Bookings are essential and spaces are limited.
• If you are unable to attend, please cancel your tickets as soon as possible. This will enable others to participate in the event.
• Due to the safety and enjoyment of participants, we are unable to admit latecomers to the room after the start time.
• Please arrive from 6pm to enjoy some light catering and allow the event to run on time from 6.30pm.
• Your attendance at events supported by Randwick City Council may be digitally recorded through photographs and/or video recordings. Images may be used for promotional purposes on council's websites, publications, social media or by newspapers. By attending this session you agree to these terms. If you do not wish your image (or the image of your child) to be published, please notify staff before the event.
• Views expressed by speakers and presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Randwick City Council. Inclusion in a Council event does not constitute endorsement.
• Covid-19 Safety Terms and Conditions apply. Follow this link to find out more. Please review them prior to attending this event as these may change with short notice.