Helen Walsh was nervous and maybe just a little scared. She'd been searching for her daughter for years after she'd run away from home at fifteen. NowHelen Walsh was nervous and maybe just a little scared. She'd been searching for her daughter for years after she'd run away from home at fifteen. Now she was approaching Coorah Creek where Tia had contacted her from - all these years later, was Helen being given a second chance with her daughter? Was the bitterness of their estrangement finally over? Would Helen find forgiveness?
Ed Collins was a lonely man. His wife had left Coorah Creek sixteen years previously, leaving Ed and their son Scott. Now Scott was in England with his girlfriend, and Ed still ran the local garage in the Creek. When he helped unload the train, and helped a woman who disembarked, he wondered about her. Was she Tia's mother? The whole town knew what was happening...
Wedding Bells by the Creek is the 5th in the Coorah Creek series by Aussie author Janet Gover and I enjoyed it very much. I really liked Max, the town's local cop, and the other integral characters worked perfectly. The Coorah Creek series is a delight to read, and I'm looking forward to #6. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Taylor and her mum, Michelle, were travelling from Sydney to Settlers Bridge near Adelaide in South Australia - a long drive - to stay with Taylor's gTaylor and her mum, Michelle, were travelling from Sydney to Settlers Bridge near Adelaide in South Australia - a long drive - to stay with Taylor's grandparents for awhile. Taylor was studying to be a doctor, had her best friend Cassie close by, and Zac, her exciting boyfriend. Although on the uni break, Taylor didn't want to be away from all she knew in Sydney for too long. Her grandparents were old, but fit and healthy, running their farm with the occasional help from nearby neighbours. But shattering news that her parents were divorcing saw Taylor's world shift significantly.
Taylor accompanied Michelle back to Settlers Bridge after sorting her life in Sydney. She would transfer her studies to the Adelaide University and work out the rest later. While staying in the homestead with her grandparents, Taylor's dreams saw her watching Anna in 1877, her family and siblings as they worked their farm in Settlers Bridge, went to church on Sundays, lived a simple but joyful life; she wasn't sure what was going on. The dreams were so real, she knew Anna and Luke, the man who rescued her from the bushfire. Anna's brother Deiter was so clear - Taylor was frightened for her own mind. What was happening to her?
The Homestead in the Eucalypts is another exceptional book by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall. Different in many ways from her usual work - dual time frames, both set in Settlers Bridge - the time in 1877 with Anna, Emilie (Anna's younger sister), older brother Deiter, the five year old twins and their parents; plus 2008 with Taylor, Michelle and the homestead where Michelle's parents lived. The timeframe with Anna in 1877 was my favourite part of the book, and the way it was done was unusual, but worked well. The author's note at the end explained how the story came about, with a dedication to Taylor, the author's daughter. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Lauren Bickford loved her job working on radio, always aiming higher. But she battled Patrice who loved to put Lauren down, as well as her own demons.Lauren Bickford loved her job working on radio, always aiming higher. But she battled Patrice who loved to put Lauren down, as well as her own demons. She was determined though, to always do her best and with the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Penwarra Show, the interviews Lauren was doing with the locals, the stories she was uncovering, and the cookbook which was being made - one hundred recipes from one hundred contributors for the 100th anniversary - was gaining momentum and was hugely popular; Lauren was on a high.
Jack Crossley was back in Penwarra as the local cop and loving his return to the home town he'd grown up in. He'd returned when his sister Clem, with daughter Harriet, had come home to their family house; Jack and Clem's pop having gone into a nursing home. Jack had first encountered Lauren in the laundromat and when she went to Victoria for a three month stint with a different radio station, Jack housesat for her as his police residence wasn't finished. Lauren's galah, Gary, was loud, potty-mouthed and loveable - and it wasn't long before Jack had him wrapped around his little finger. As Jack and Lauren's relationship slowly evolved, Jack wondered if the past he refused to talk about would get in their way...
Wallaby Lane is another exceptional read by Aussie author Maya Linnell. Set in fictional Penwarra, South Australia - a mix of the famous Coonawarra and nearby Penola - and not far from Mount Gambier (where I lived through my school years and into adulthood - and met my husband) so much was familiar. Excellent characters, both human and animal, an enticing plot line and the excitement of the rural show kept me reading into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest from Maya Linnell and look forward to next year's book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Living in Sydney, sharing with her best friend Ebony, Millie still couldn't overcome the grief she still felt at losing her parents and little brotherLiving in Sydney, sharing with her best friend Ebony, Millie still couldn't overcome the grief she still felt at losing her parents and little brother in a house fire when she was young. Someone saved her, but she didn't know who it was. Her life felt in limbo, especially after the nasty breakup from her previous partner. When an anonymous letter arrived, telling her to go to a place called Riverside in Far North Queensland, where she was promised answers, she decided to take the bull by the horns and headed up there. Two solid days of driving and the beautiful countryside she arrived in had her in awe.
Jarrah King was the owner of Riverside Acres and the roadhouse plus motel rooms were a nice money maker. He needed a new cook as he'd had to let the last one go, and when a young woman named Millie turned up, and she could cook, he was happy to hire her. But there were rumbles of trouble around the property, and Jarrah's nephew was mostly the cause of it. What was his problem? Would Millie get her answers or would she leave once more, and head home to Sydney?
Secrets of Riverside is another standalone romance by Aussie author Mandy Magro and unfortunately it was too sickly sweet for me, and fairly predictable as well. The country around Riverside sounds delightful, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets; horses; a faithful dog and a cool swimming hole. That's part of Australia I've never been to, and would love to see it.
With thanks to HQ Fiction for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Alex Kelly had spent the last ten years in London in a job she loved, and with her mother and new husband nearby. She wasn't looking forward to 4.5★s
Alex Kelly had spent the last ten years in London in a job she loved, and with her mother and new husband nearby. She wasn't looking forward to returning to Australia, to the beachside town of Rockne Heads on the east coast, where she'd grown up, but where her life had been shattered. When she'd sorted their old house for sale, Alex would return to London. She hadn't been back since her father's funeral seven years prior; she knew there'd been changes, but also knew it was no longer home.
Sully McCoy, now a businessman and owner of a charter fishing company, was satisfied with his life, with his daughter Gabby, who was almost eighteen and leaving home soon for university. He had plenty of regrets from the past but they were almost twenty years old. And when Sully saw Alex had returned to town, he was shocked. He didn't expect to see his old girlfriend again. When Alex told him she was only going to be in town for a few days while she organised the house for sale, he thought that was it. But would it be? It didn't take Alex long to realise people had long memories...
The One That Got Away is another outstanding rural romance by Aussie author Karly Lane which I thoroughly enjoyed. With dark secrets, plenty of mystery, bitterness and revenge filling the pages, it was great to see the goodness of some people. Ms Lane writes a good story, with plenty of well-written characters, and this was one. Recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Gavin Huxtable - Hux to his friends - had a pseudonym. Known for his crime writing prowess, Gavin Gunn had a following. But he kept his writing name cGavin Huxtable - Hux to his friends - had a pseudonym. Known for his crime writing prowess, Gavin Gunn had a following. But he kept his writing name close to his chest and no one, other than his family, was aware who the writer actually was. When Hux, holed up in his writing cave, was contacted by his sister back at Yindi Creek in Queensland, he packed up and along with three legged Possum, headed for home. There was trouble afoot and Hux was determined to discover what, and stand by his family.
Dr Joanne Tan was a palaeontologist, was also divorced and in joint custody with her husband for Luke, their ten year old son. Her self confidence was at an all time low after being accused of being a terrible mother, while Luke wanted to spend more time with his father. Her job situation at the Natural History Museum was dire and unless she discovered something special in her trip to Yindi Creek, she'd be out of work and completely broke. With Luke's excitement high when he learned his favourite author of graphic novels, Gavin Gunn, was doing a library talk in Yindi Creek, Jo persuaded Luke to join her for the couple of weeks during school holidays. What would be the outcome of the meeting between Hux and Jo? And would Jo be able to sort out her future, and that of her son's?
Down the Track by Aussie author Stella Quinn is set in the vast rural outback of Queensland with the heat and dust, flies and other pests a constant. Small town Yindi Creek is the same as all rural towns in Australia, where everyone knows the other's business, most are kind to their neighbours and the isolated bush is somewhere to be wary of - especially on your own. Recommended to fans of rural romance.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Cara and her six year old son Joey arrived in Sydney from Manhattan, she was a bundle of nerves. It was five years since she'd seen Luke, her nowWhen Cara and her six year old son Joey arrived in Sydney from Manhattan, she was a bundle of nerves. It was five years since she'd seen Luke, her now ex-husband, and the decision to bring Joey to meet and get to know his father was not an easy one. But Cara knew it had to be done. The plan was Luke meeting them at the airport and spending a couple of days in Sydney with Cara, before he and Joey flew to the vast outback property of Warrapinya in Queensland, where Joey would stay for two months while Cara did some business and had a holiday herself.
But as they say; the best laid plans... Cara was missing Joey, and he was having a wonderful time. Loved his dad, loved Warrapinya, loved his cousins who were around the same age as him. When Cara received a phone call from Warrapinya, her heart dropped. What had happened? Was Joey alright?
Return to Warrapinya is the 2nd in Aussie author Barbara Hannay's Heads or Hearts series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't read #1 yet, and will rectify that soon, but was told they can be read as standalone stories. All three main characters are well written, though I wouldn't expect anything less from Ms Hannay. Warrapinya sounds like a really prosperous working station, and I could see why Joey was having so much fun! A delightful read, Return to Warrapinya is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Veterinarian Jana Malinski and her sister Sash ran Odessa, the wombat sanctuary on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Working from4.5★s
Veterinarian Jana Malinski and her sister Sash ran Odessa, the wombat sanctuary on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Working from dawn to dusk, the sanctuary ran on a shoestring, drawing only enough in wages for themselves to survive. When Jana was approached to run Wildfell Park, a zoo which had run into disrepair since the elderly owner had died, with his wife Hazel in her eighties, unable to care for the animals and their enclosures like she used to, Jana was excited. Here was their opportunity to extend Odessa, and build Wildfell Park into a place which could save native species which were in danger of becoming extinct. They could have Tasmanian Devils there, among others, and would become affiliated with Aussie Ark, a well-known saviour of native animals.
But Jana had a secret from her past that she'd told no one. One that affected her life; damaged her parents; and ruined her trust in people. And when a person she'd gone to school with turned up - a person important to Wildfell Park - Jana knew she had to bury that animosity for the future of her dreams. Renovations of Wildlife Park stirred up the protesters, and suddenly dangerous things began happening in the Park. What was going on? Who was doing it? It seemed like someone was putting everything in jeopardy...
The Rivertown Vet by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is another excellent rural romance which I enjoyed very much. Jana and Sash were great characters, twelve year old Karly was adorable while her dad Mark was a bit "eye-rolly" at times! And Hazel was a strong, determined and well-loved character, not taking any rubbish from anyone! I always enjoy this author's work, and The Rivertown Vet was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Chris and his two mates dropped in at the local Bindarra Creek pub after work for a few beers and a meal. When they saw the get together for upcoming Chris and his two mates dropped in at the local Bindarra Creek pub after work for a few beers and a meal. When they saw the get together for upcoming bride, Charlotte, and the fun the women were having - admittedly with a few too many drinks under their belts - Chris and Pete joined in the dancing, just for a little while. All three headed home after their meal, with an early start to look forward to the next day. And that was how Chris met Vonnie.
Vonnie was Charlotte's cousin, staying at her and Alex's place to help prepare for the wedding. Alex's two kids, Isla and Eli, loved Charlotte, and they were one happy family, to be confirmed by the wedding. Chris was a carpenter by trade and was working on a pergola, among other things, for Alex. Gradually Chris and Vonnie became friends - until Chris threatened Vonnie's sedate life on her parent's farm...
A Magical Summer is part of the Bindarra Creek Small Town Christmas series, and this episode is written by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest. A light, entertaining romance, set in the beautiful (fictional) country town of Bindarra Creek in NSW - which I've visited before - and with enjoyable characters, especially the new puppies. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Jasmine Clarke and her five year old son Liam moved to Kangaroo Ridge when her husband Declan declared it was over. Declan lived in Melbourne with hisJasmine Clarke and her five year old son Liam moved to Kangaroo Ridge when her husband Declan declared it was over. Declan lived in Melbourne with his floozy and she was happy to get away from him. Kangaroo Ridge was a small country town near Bendigo and Jasmine had a job caring for the elderly at Lakeside, where she met eighty four year old Winnifred Knightly, the wonderful, caring old woman who owned Peppercorn House. It had been in her family for generations and now she was the only family member left.
Felix Carrington helped run the family wedding business with his job mostly as the photographer. The camera was his last gift from his parents, and he used it well, creating images which were startling in their beauty. The wedding parties were always in awe of his talents, and as his work became known, he started holding exhibitions. Felix knew Winnifred well, as she wanted him to take photos of Peppercorn House and its gardens. One day while he was visiting Winnifred, Jasmine came in to her room. And Winnie came up with a plan...
Peppercorn House is a thoroughly enjoyable read by Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore and it was lovely to catch up with characters from Ms Hurley-Moore's previous books. Liam was adorable, Winnie was wonderful and the Carrington siblings and aunt an absolute delight! Highly recommended....more
When Paige Bennett left Whitetail Ridge where she'd been a station hand and loving her work, she was shattered. She didn't know where to head to next When Paige Bennett left Whitetail Ridge where she'd been a station hand and loving her work, she was shattered. She didn't know where to head to next - was Mount Isa in far north Queensland beckoning? Or should she head to her parents? It was while she was driving and pondering that she received a phone call. Enough to turn her around, she headed to Karilga Station where her best friend since forever, Ryan, was working. Paige didn't know how long she'd stay but for now she could continue the work she loved.
The son of Karilga Station, Jackson Brady, had recently arrived back at the station after spending the last few months in the city. His father had suffered a bad accident, and Jackson saw his chance to make a difference; to help at Karilga and prove to his father that he had what it took. Jackson had also had a "thing" for Paige for a long time. But she kept everyone at arm's length, not allowing anyone to come close. Would Paige be able to let go of her past? She needed to, to have any future...
Red Dirt Home is my first by Aussie author Renae Black and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rural romance with plenty of twists, tension and heartache as finding herself was essential to Paige. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Charity Farrugia and her two sisters, Faith and Hope, along with a couple of friends, gradually made their way to the B&S weekend, where they planned Charity Farrugia and her two sisters, Faith and Hope, along with a couple of friends, gradually made their way to the B&S weekend, where they planned to have a good time. Charity hadn't wanted to go, but was eventually persuaded by her sisters to give herself a break from her responsibilities. When their small car - Bee - had a flat tyre, the women were happy to see a farm ute arrive, with two young men inside.
Lachlan and Hamish were also heading to the B&S weekend, although neither party knew it. After fixing their tyre - and having some mild flirtations - they each headed their own way. Lachlan worked their family farm, with their dad a constant grump in their lives. Their mum had passed from cancer a short time before and Lachlan's heart broke every time he thought of her. So when Hamish persuaded him to attend the B&S weekend, Lachlan reluctantly agreed. What would happen to the huge gathering of people as storms hit the area and their tent city was buffeted relentlessly?
The Blue Gum Camp by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall tells the story of two different families who have had their share of heartache in recent times, and how hard it was to get past it all, and look to the future. We catch up with characters from the author's previous books which I enjoyed, and meet new ones. A book which will appeal to fans of rural romance, set in Australia - South Australia this time - and is one I recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Wyatt Killian, finance hot shot from Sydney, had accompanied some of his staff to a horse riding retreat in the small town of Bundilla. Immediat4.5★s
Wyatt Killian, finance hot shot from Sydney, had accompanied some of his staff to a horse riding retreat in the small town of Bundilla. Immediately Wyatt's past had risen up when he was in the saddle, and the nostalgia for the days he'd lived at his grandparents' farm was strong. Brenna Lancaster, owner of the property and leader of the retreat was a strong, independent woman who had no time for relationships. Her life was devoted to her rescue animals, and her farm showed that. And then Bundy arrived to be by her side...
Wyatt's truck tyre was damaged from the pot holes so he needed to remain in Bundilla for a few days while a replacement wheel was transported in from Sydney. Wyatt stayed at the local pub where he was welcomed with open arms by the owner Roy. It seemed that Roy remembered Wyatt from days in his childhood; days that Wyatt tried to forget. When Brenna discovered some old secrets which might have something to do with the long held feud between her family and the next door neighbours, and Roy talked about the bushrangers at his pub, Wyatt, Brenna and a couple of other sleuths dug deeply into the past. Would they discover the reason for the feud that had run for longer than she knew?
Snowy Mountains Dawn is the 4th in the Bundilla Novels series by Aussie author Alissa Callen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bundy was back again, and joined by other four legged friends, even a couple of geese. Catching up with past characters was great, and there was plenty of Brenna's twin brother Taite in this one. All in all, an excellent addition to this addictive series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Kayla Lawson's wedding business, Elite Weddings - in partnership with her friend Pascale Bonnet - was thriving. Its popularity was second to none, butKayla Lawson's wedding business, Elite Weddings - in partnership with her friend Pascale Bonnet - was thriving. Its popularity was second to none, but when Kayla realised she was pregnant, she took some time off, leaving Sydney for the family farm, Willowbrook Stud in the Hunter Valley in NSW. Kayla's life had been up and down, especially since her parents had died when she was eleven, but her estrangement with her sister Lizzie was over, and she knew she'd be welcome at Willowbrook, where she would be able to work out her future. Her surprise at seeing her old friend Jen with her two children, also at Willowbrook, was tempered by guilt at the way their friendship had drifted.
Connor Knight had bought the rundown pub in Scone, determined to make a good life for himself after going off the rails. His plans were to make the pub a place family could relax and enjoy a few hours with no worries. The few short weeks of renovation time passed quickly and soon the reopening of the Gateway was happening. When Kayla walked in with her family, sparks flew between her and Connor. But would his past come back to bite him?
The Lawson Legacy by Aussie author Janet Gover is a follow on from The Lawson Sisters but can be read as a standalone. It was great to catch up with characters from that book, and see how Willowtree Stud was flourishing after some lean years. Set in a beautiful part of the country, Scone is home to many horse studs; in fact it is known as "the horse capital of Australia". Another great read from an author fast becoming a favourite, I recommend The Lawson Legacy highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Sarah Travers arrived home in Coorah Creek after three years of college, she was shocked at how ill her father was. Saddened they hadn't told herWhen Sarah Travers arrived home in Coorah Creek after three years of college, she was shocked at how ill her father was. Saddened they hadn't told her, she understood why after her mother explained. But she was determined to remain in Coorah Creek for the foreseeable future, doing all she could for her parents, including run their family store. When the truck driver who delivered their stock arrived, she was thrilled to see her long time friend Pete. Pete was always driving through the Creek as his base was Mount Isa.
Tia Walsh had arrived in Coorah Creek, accepting a position at the uranium mine not far out of town. She'd qualified to drive one of those trucks that was bigger than a house, and was more than pleased with herself. The Harley she'd arrived on plus the few possessions she owned, stayed with her as she billeted at the accommodation donga on the mine site. Heading into Coorah Creek, Tia's reticent manner kept her on the outside looking in. And when local cop, Max Delaney, saw her, he thought he saw trouble. Until he came to know her.
When a little girl was lost in the nearby national park, Max was the one to organise the search party. The whole town came together for the search, including a small plane as well as an Aboriginal tracker. But would they find little Renee? And would Tia finally be safe from her past?
Little Girl Lost is the 4th in the Coorah Creek series by Aussie author Janet Gover and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Filled with emotion, fear, care, concern and friendship, the characters are well written and easy to like. Catching up with some of the characters from past books in the series was great - Trish at the pub is a returning, much loved character - as well as Dan Mitchell, National Park ranger. I'm really enjoying this series, set in the fictional town of Coorah Creek in far north Queensland's harsh but beautiful land, and look forward to more in the series (hopefully!) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Primrose Cartwright loved animals, loved to care for and nurture them and her job as a country vet was perfect for her. She'd rescued Eeyore the donkePrimrose Cartwright loved animals, loved to care for and nurture them and her job as a country vet was perfect for her. She'd rescued Eeyore the donkey, horses Bonnie and Juniper, and Merrylegs, a pony who'd been treated dreadfully. She also had two goats and was fortunate to be living in a rental which had land attached for her animals. Prim's two sisters - Phoebe and Patience - were the only people she trusted after the traumatic upbringing she and her sisters had had, and when she was anxious, tired or stressed, her stuttering, which had been part of her life since childhood, took over - she lost her words.
Blake was a large animal vet, newly arrived in Ballimore and his first meeting with Prim wasn't a good one. Working on Tom and Billy's farm, Prim was cauterising horn nubs on calves - a job which needed concentration and precision. Blake was working at the Dubbo zoo and when Prim was asked to work there on a casual basis, she agreed as she needed the money. But could Prim and Blake work together? She couldn't trust him - not when he was friends with Douglas Farquhar - and she fought the attraction she felt towards Blake. But the mystery - or was it a scandal - which Prim had unexpectedly become involved in threatened her livelihood...
What a breath of fresh air Sunshine through the Rain was! An inspiring, poignant and heartwarming story, Prim was a damaged soul with courage and tenacity, and her fight was real. There were many in the town who cared for Prim; had her back. But there were also those who didn't. I loved Sunshine through the Rain and Aussie author Penelope Janu is fast becoming a favourite. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Two years after Adrian had left her for a younger model, fifty year old Jenny was happy doing what she loved best - working as a nurse in the local hoTwo years after Adrian had left her for a younger model, fifty year old Jenny was happy doing what she loved best - working as a nurse in the local hospital, and being surrounded by her adult kids and granddaughter. But it was when her best friend Beth, and Jenny's three children, decided to set Jenny up on a dating site that things came crashing down. The first one they picked for her was a complete disaster, and the other two followed suit. She wasn't looking for a man; she was happy without. The only person who'd taken her eye over the past three disastrous days was the barman at the pub. And Nick was much younger than she was.
Nick decided to end the speculation from the gossipy townsfolk and asked Jenny out himself. But Jenny was fixated on the age gap. She couldn't see a way past it. Could Nick make her see reason? Could Beth and her daughters?
For Once In My Life is another very enjoyable rural romance by Aussie author Karly Lane that I read easily, keen to see where Jenny's life was going. Ms Lane always writes extremely readable books, and I've yet to read one I didn't enjoy. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Bundy is back!! Bundy - the dog who's not owned by anyone, but belongs to everyone!
Small town BuSnowy Mountains Mistletoe by Alissa Callen 5 stars
Bundy is back!! Bundy - the dog who's not owned by anyone, but belongs to everyone!
Small town Bundilla was ramping up for Christmas when Aubrey arrived in town from Sydney. Stricken by parvovirus - the human kind - her boss had told her to take two weeks off to recover, so driving to Bundilla, spending time with her good friend Grace and her other half, Rowan, seemed to fit the bill. But she hadn't counted on Trent - and Bundy.
Orthopaedic vet Trent had finally found peace in Bundilla, working the job he loved, after his fiance had died in horrifying circumstances. Although his father continued to want him to move back to the city, Trent refused. He'd bought a block of land on the outskirts of Bundilla and he had big plans for it. When the quilting ladies of the town started their usual matchmaking efforts, Trent fought against them...
An excellent short Christmas story, incorporated into the anthology with four other Aussie authors, Snowy Mountains Mistletoe by Alissa Callen took me back to Bundilla to catch up with old friends, to watch as Bundy wove his magic once again :)
Amber Churchill had been a ballerina from a young age; a professional from thirteen until injury stopped her career at nineteen. Now twenty nine, she was a vet in the small town of Wattle Creek in NSW, and didn't talk about her past. Well liked, Amber loved her work with animals and collected any number of strays. So when a young man, obviously injured and needing help, arrived at her door, she gave him assistance as they waited for the doctor to arrive.
While Jasper was recovering, he helped the town in their quest to save the medical centre. He was cynical and a hater of all things Christmas, but Jasper slowly softened as he viewed things through Amber's eyes...
A sweet Christmas romance novella, The Countdown to Christmas by Penelope Janu is the 2nd story in this anthology. Set in rural NSW, not far from Mudgee, it was easy to visualise the country side, and fall in love with the many animals in the story.
A Cattledog for Christmas by Stella Quinn - 4.5 stars
When Josh and Hannah - the local vets - left Hanrahan for their Christmas holidays, receptionist Sandy was left with locum Elliot George, who would fill in for the time they were away. Sandy was a struggling single mum, with three sons, Will twelve, Toby ten and Charlie six, and had no time for men. Her past choices had been abysmal anyway! But when Elliot parked his camper in the paddock behind Sandy's place, and spent time with the boys, plus introduced them to the pup Caddie, she was impressed.
As Charlie fell in love with Caddie, helping with his training, and Will struggled with the burden he held, which had seen him suspended on the last days of school, Sandy's frustration at Will not talking to her, at her financial woes with Christmas on top of them - everything almost became too much. But Elliot calmed them all; but would he stay, or would he move on to the next destination after this stint as locum?
A Cattledog for Christmas by Stella Quinn is a sweet story, although surprisingly, it's not Caddie who is centre of attention - the boys took a place in my heart. Graeme of the Billy Button Cafe was an excellent character, along with a slightly overwhelmed Elliot; and Sandy, who was trying to be strong all the time.
Jolene had spent her young years singing and playing guitar in her mother's band, but when a heartbreaking scandal hit, Jolene was grateful she'd continued her veterinary science studies. Moving from her home in Queensland to Western Australia and the small town of Chalk Hill as a locum would give her an opportunity to lick her wounds, and find some peace.
Reuben was the son of the postmistress and helped Jo out the first time they met. Gradually they became friends, and then more. But Jo was still wary; constantly on edge and frightened that someone might recognise her, even with the distance being so vast. Christmas was almost on them; Izzy (the vet she replaced for the month) was due to have her baby. Things were going well - until they weren't...
I thoroughly enjoy Lily Malone's writing and was thrilled to see her contribution in this anthology. A Country Music Christmas is a delightful read, and I've heard the same authors are going to be writing another of these for Christmas 2024. I'm looking forward to that! Great, well-relatable characters fill this story, and I enjoyed my trip back to Chalk Hill :)
Darcy returned home to Australia and the small town of Yarrabee in New South Wales, which had been home before she'd left for overseas. She knew her Da had suffered a stroke and that her Mum was now his carer, but she had no idea how bad he was. Her shock - which she tried to hide - was intense. Her wonderful, beloved Da - reduced to this! Darcy had only planned on staying over Christmas with her parents then heading back overseas. Her training as a vet saw her tending to the large animals - elephants, rhinos - and she hadn't had a lot to do with small domestic animals. But when bushfires threatened the surrounding district, the wildlife refuge a couple of hours out of town, was in danger. Darcy went with Chad, the owner and director, to help out. What followed was the stuff of nightmares...
A Christmas to Remember by Pamela Cook is a tale of hope, familial love and second chances. A delightful Christmas novella which was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Bushfires in Australia are fierce and can be, and often are, deadly. Set in the same area as the author's book, Blackwattle Lake, it was a wonderful return!
A Country Vet Christmas by the above Aussie authors, is an exceptional anthology of country Australian Christmas tales, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With each individual rating, the average is 4.6 which I'll round to 5 stars overall. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
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