AustLit

'A stunning new rural romance from the bestselling author of The McCalister Legacy and Summer at Kangaroo Ridge.

'Love is the last thing on Jasmine Clarke's mind when she arrives in Kangaroo Ridge with a broken heart. But then she meets Felix Carrington.

'Felix helps run his family's wedding venue business at Carrington Farm. His real passion, though, is taking glorious shots of the local region.

'And it's through an unlikely friendship with 84-year-old Winnifred Knightly that Felix is able to take frequent photos at his favourite place, Peppercorn House, with all its faded grandeur and mysterious history.

'Winnifred still grieves over the losses of her childhood but in her long life she's learned to be grateful for the present. She believes herself to be an excellent matchmaker and plots to bring her 'adopted grandson' Felix and Jasmine, her favourite aged-care worker, together as her final project.

'But buried secrets and unhealed family scars threaten Winnifred's plans – as Felix and Jasmine must soon come to understand.'(Publication summary) 

'The Carrington family own the only pub in the small country town of Kangaroo Ridge. It's been eight years since the five siblings became orphans and since twins Sebastian and Tamara stepped up to look after their younger brothers and sister with the help of their aunt Maddie.

Seb and Tam gave up their teenage years to make sure the family stayed together, but that's been hard and they've grown apart. Seb is silent and stoic; Tam, on the other hand, wants to kick over the traces and catch up on the life she missed out on.

'To complicate matters, Tam is in a secret relationship - one she is sure Seb will disapprove of. But can Tam ever allow herself a happy future while she still, deep down, blames herself for the accident that killed her parents?' (Publication summary)

'Someone is hiding a secret-one that could change Berry's life, and alter her tragic past.

'As a child, Berry McCalister's family was torn apart by shocking violence. Eleven years on, she returns to the small town of Harlington, determined to confront the past and, finally, to cut all ties and sell the family farm.

'Complicating her desire to get out of Harlington, Berry is drawn to her childhood crush, Nate Tarant. He never knew she existed back then, but things change, and this time Nate seems to be very much aware of her presence.

'Berry begins to question the long-believed story of what happened to her family. Will she ever find out the truth? And can one old rumour shed light on the real events of that night?' (Publication summary)

'In the hot summer of 2008, a tragic accident at the lake on the outskirts of Lawson's Bend forever scars the townsfolk. At an end-of-year celebratory campout, several students from the local high school drown and Henrietta Bolton loses her best friend, Georgie, to the murky waters. Unable to accept this as an accident, Henny runs from the small country town vowing never to come back. Stephen Drake never leaves. Instead, he's tries to settle down, working with his dad on their small farm. He had dreams of a different life but, after the night at the lake, nothing seems important anymore.

'Years later, Henny is forced to return to Lawson's Bend when her beloved mother dies. Henny's plan is to finalise her mother's estate, sell the house and get the hell out of town as quickly as possible. But there is Stephen . . . Ever since they were kids, Stephen has had a soft spot for Henny. It was he who saved her life that night amid the panic. Yet he never had the courage to tell her just how he felt. But now she's back in town, Stephen wonders if he has a second chance.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Nick Langtree has lived reclusively on his farm, Winters Hill, ever since the tragic death of his wife. On the occasional trip into nearby White Gum Creek he keeps to himself and that's the way he likes it. And though over the years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he's pushed them all away. Whenever Nick comes into Gumnut Bakery, Natasha Duroz tries to engage him in conversation when she serves him. There's something about him that intrigues Tash, but she's not sure if it's because she feels sorry for him or there's something more.

'Encouraged by Tash, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world. Then, suddenly some minor vandalism on his farm escalates. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind? This classic rural romance novel is about overcoming heartache through the power of friendship and love.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A classic rural romance about betrayal, loss and the power of love Since her father was in a terrible accident, Rebecca Duprey has been holding the family sheep station, Bluestone Ridge, together. And not only is her cheating ex hanging around, but her new neighbour keeps getting in her way. Former advertising exec and now novelist, Matt Harvey, has bought a small farm nearby hoping for time to come to terms with the death of his fiancé and work on his next book.

'Bec isn't sure when she started feeling attracted to Matt, but she's determined not to succumb to his charms. And Matt isn't sure when Bec began invading his thoughts, but he can't get her out of his mind. Can Bec and Matt overcome their fear of loss and betrayal to find love and happiness with each other . . .?' (Publication summary)

'The inspirational story of a woman pursuing her dreams and taking charge of her future in the face of huge adversity and heartbreak.

'In one short day Lily Beckett's life falls apart when she loses her dream job in fashion and finds out her boyfriend is having an affair. Totally devastated, she ends the relationship and flees the city.

'Lily heads to the country town she grew up in to seek sanctuary with her big sister, Violet, and niece, Holly. But bad luck hits her yet again when she crashes her car on the way. Fortunately a local grazier, Flynn Hartley, arrives on the scene to find her dazed but uninjured.

'Gradually Lily's life picks up and she decides to stay put for a while, helping out her sister and renovating the beautiful old shop she inherited but has never had time to focus on. Meanwhile, Flynn showers her with attention, but Lily is aware of his bad-boy ways and isn't willing to risk heartbreak by becoming his next conquest. And yet, he won't give up and insists he's turned over a new leaf.

'From bestselling author Nicole Hurley-Moore, Hartley's Grange is an inspirational story about a woman putting her life back together, pursuing her dreams and taking charge of her future.' (Publication summary)

'Years ago, Violet Beckett made the mistake of falling for the wrong McKellan brother and both she and her younger sister, Lily, paid the price. Now eight years later, fate has brought Violet and her daughter, Holly, back to the house Violet grew up in.

'As soon as Violet runs into James 'Mac' McKellan, she wonders if she should run all the way back to the city. But something about the look in his eyes makes her want to linger. Can she trust him, can she trust herself or will she be burned again?

'James McKellan has had a soft spot for Violet Beckett for longer than he can remember. It almost killed him to watch his brother woo her, use her and finally lose her. From their very first encounter he's hooked. But how can he convince her that not all McKellans are the same?

'McKellan's Run is an entertaining love story that takes us into the hearts of two very special people who deserve a second chance.' (Publication summary)

'To the outside world she’s referred to as Lord Tressely’s child bride – but nothing could be further from the truth. Sophia’s entire life is a lie. For her protection she has hidden within a sham of a marriage for years. In a desperate gamble to save all that she loves and repay a debt of kindness to her dying husband, Sophia must produce an heir. A night of passion is all she wants and the masquerade ball may be the opportunity she’s been looking for. An illicit tryst with the wickedly handsome Lord Mathias Eldridge appears to be the answer to her prayers. What she didn’t expect was for Mathias to spin her senses and make her wish for a different life. But Sophia discovers that the repercussions of her actions could threaten to destroy not only her entire world but also her heart.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A Medieval fairytale Ciana has loved Oran all her life and nothing, not even her father will prevent them from being together. But the Mayor of Stonemark has higher aspirations for his daughter than the village blacksmith. He engages the help of a witch and dark magic to bend Ciana to his will. Oran knows that he doesn’t deserve Ciana. But their love is stronger than the metal he forges and welds. She has his heart and he will never turn from her no matter the cost. They plan to run away and start a new life far beyond her father’s reach. But their escape comes too late. Separated, Ciana will need all her strength to journey through the deep forest and save Oran from the witch’s curse. Alone and with only a trail of black feathers to follow, Ciana will fight against the odds and attempt to bring her lover home.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'On the mountain, high above the village of Farran; Nuri is caught between heaven and hell.

'Two men fight for her love and her soul.

'The first is Maras, an elemental being

who follows the storms. Nuri knows that he is not human, he's something more.

She believes he is her beautiful fallen angel. But he is transient and is bound

to the elements and their love may be as fleeting as the storm itself.

'The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted

by his desire for her.

But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Cinderella meets Swan Lake in this Victorian-era set story about a ballet dancer, an aristocrat, and their class-crossing romance...

'Lisette yearns for freedom, security and love, but none are offered on the run-down stage of The Imperial Theatre. Instead she has hard work, a tyrannical aunt, and the hope of one day becoming a prima ballerina. Dancing on the stage she catches the attention of two powerful men: Lord Gainsworth and Lord De Vale.

'Lord Evander Gainswith never expected to fall in love, let alone with a woman so wholly unacceptable to his family and his peers. The sinister Lord De Vale covets Lisette's youth and strength, and is willing to pay well for it. Lisette may dance roles in fairy tales and fantasies, but the real world is about to intrude, bringing with it the harsh realities of life for a young girl with dreams of rising above the demimonde.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Forbidden love. In ancient Persia, in the town of Adwan, Jinn is ripped from his beloved Shuri’s side. Jinn is cursed into a ring as punishment for daring to love the wrong woman. Empires crumble, centuries pass and Jinn is still captive. That is until present day antiques dealer, Mia Templeton accidentally releases him.'

'Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'In 12th-century England, love isn’t part of the marriage equation. But Lady Blissot de Woodville adores her younger sister too much to see her suffer such a fate. Instead, Bliss recklessly switches places with her sister—and marries a total stranger under false pretenses! Fortunately, she soon discovers she shares a rare passion and genuine love with her new husband, the ardent Lord William Reynard. Yet the happier Bliss becomes, the more her secret weighs heavily on her heart…because one desperate lie could destroy everything she’s come to cherish.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Lost in the forest, Emelin runs for her life after her traveling party is massacred by outlaws. Sir Allard de Gerril is in pursuit of the ruthless Archer and his band when he finds Emelin. Bound by vengeance the pair seek out Archer, but as they journey through the dark woods revenge gives way to passion. With each passing day, Emelin dares to dream that there is a place for a lowly trinket seller’s daughter by the knight’s side. Yet as Archer begins to hunt the couple, Emelin fears that she and Allard will not have a future together as they may never escape the tangled wood alive.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.