AustLit

'Growing up in the small Australian country town of Granite Springs, Jo and Col have been lifelong friends.

'Following Jo's divorce and the death of Col's wife, the pair find comfort in their common grief. But as they tentatively explore their new relationship, they have little idea of the challenges that lie ahead.

'What they haven't bargained for is Jo's interfering ex, along with their three children, all of whom have their own agendas.

'Can Jo ride out the storm? Will she be granted the life she deserves?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Two families. Two troubled pasts. Can they find a future together?

'Following the loss of her husband and the devastating accusations surrounding his death, Kay Jackson has experienced the icy chill of alienation from the close-knit town of Granite Springs. Thrust into the position of personal assistant to a professor at the local university, Kay, who prefers to stay in the background away from the town gossips, is unsure how she will cope.

'When Nick Kerr's wife leaves him for a younger man, the professor is left nursing a broken heart while struggling to adapt to life as a single parent of two teens. Reeling from the indignity of his wife's actions, Nick has no intention of putting himself in such a vulnerable position again.

'However, as Kay and Nick's professional relationship develops, they find themselves drawn to each other. As their friendship begins to morph into something more, Kay's daughter arrives in town intent on controlling her mother's life. The combined actions of Kay's daughter and Nick's children reinforces the many doubts the couple have on embarking on a new relationship.

'Is there a future for Kay and Nick or will their families destroy any chance of happiness?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Fran Reilly has hidden a secret sorrow for the past thirty years. But turning fifty and losing her mother forces her to re-evaluate her future. Returning to her home in Granite Springs, she's determined to make changes to her well-ordered life. However there are more changes in store than she could ever have imagined.

'When Owen Larsen applies for the position as Head of the new School of Music and Drama at the university in Granite Springs, his only concern is to leave the rat race of Sydney and find a more peaceful existence in the country.

'Owen is the exact opposite of everything in Fran's well-ordered world and reminds her of a past she has been at pains to forget. And Owen's country idyll isn't proving to be as peaceful as he imagined.

'Can these two opposites find common ground and is there a future for them in Granite Springs?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When Lyn Hudson takes early retirement, her plan is to fulfil a lifelong dream to travel the world. But news of her father's death forces her back to Granite Springs; the town she fled when she was eighteen. While she has fond memories of roaming the paddocks with her childhood friend, Ken, life on the land was definitely not for her.

'Ken Thompson, cheated out of his inheritance in the family property after an argument with his father, has built up a successful business in Granite Springs as a realter and stock and station agent. When the son he intended to inherit his business returns to work on the family property, his plans for the future are shattered and family relations further strained.

'Thrown together by circumstances, the pair discover the spark which they denied forty-five years earlier is still smouldering. But time has passed. They are different people.

'Is it possible they'll find common ground and start afresh, or will Lyn once again follow her dreams and abandon Granite Springs and their chance at happiness?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Marie Cunningham's life falls into disarray when she is suddenly thrust into caring for her teenage niece. After operating The Bean Sprout Café with her former partner, becoming a single parent is not a life she ever imagined.

'Drew Hamilton has arrived in Granite Springs to take up the position of principal at the local high school. Recently divorced, he is struggling with the unfamiliar role of single father to his unsettled teenage daughter.

'When an unexpected incident brings the two together, the chemistry between them is not immediately apparent. Forced to associate as their teenage charges become best friends, they gradually lower their defences to discover they have a lot in common.

'But when a ghost from the past threatens to derail her new life, who should Marie turn to for support - the new man in her life, or the ex-partner who's always been there for her?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A year after a devastating bushfire destroyed Magda Duncan'shome, she returns to Granite Springs determined to resume her life and organise a wonderful family Christmas. But the elation of her homecoming quickly turns to disappointment as she discovers not everyone is in tune with her plans.

'George Turnbull was Magda's late husband's best friend. A bachelor, he has always carried a torch for Magda and remained close to her and her sons. When he finally musters the courage to reveal his true feelings, a life changing surprise from his past threatens to ruin any chance at happiness.

'Emotions are high as Christmas Day approaches. Will this be the most wonderful Christmas ever? Or will the hopes and fears of the past come home to haunt them?

'A poignant story of a Christmas friends of Granite Springs will never forget.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Peta Forrest has arrived in the country town of Granite Springs determined to help her granddaughter cope with her mother's brutal murder and create a new life for them both.

'Frank Beattie, owner of The Bean Sprout Cafe, has finally accepted that his ex has moved on, and so should he. He finds himself drawn to the town's new arrival - a woman whose vulnerability calls out to him.

'While Frank piques Peta's interest, her courage and energy are channelled into a dilemma she hadn't anticipated - fighting for the right to care for her granddaughter.

'Tempted to lean on Frank for support, she's not convinced he's over his ex and is wary of becoming involved. Can Peta create the new life she's seeking, and will Frank find the happiness he deserves?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Sometimes life provides a second chance.

'Ann Baird has never forgotten her first love and the decision she made that brought her a lifetime of guilt and regret. She knows that some refer to her as a bitter old maid, yet underneath the stoic face she shows to the world, beats a kind and vulnerable heart.

'Chris Thomas left Granite Springs in his early twenties. Despite building a successful life and business in Canada, the memory of the girl he left behind has always stayed with him. When an accident forces Chris to return to his native town, despite initial misgivings, the couple acknowledge the spark of their love remains.

'As unexpected challenges threaten to keep them apart, will Ann find a way to overcome her guilt and grasp what fate has sent her way, or is it too late for a second chance?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Can the past ever really be left behind?

'Liz Pender has lived alone since her dreams for the future were shattered by the death of her husband. She retreated to Granite Springs where her life now revolves around her bookshop, The Reading Corner, and her cat, Marmaduke.

'Newly appointed editor of The Granite Springs Advertiser, Sam Walker, recently moved to the small country town to seek a quieter life.

'When Liz's bookshop comes under threat, Sam and Liz are brought together causing sparks to fly. But a summons for help from overseas threatens to ruin Sam's country idyll and reignites the past for Liz.

'Can Liz put the past behind her and face a future with Sam, or are her dreams destined to remain just that?' (Publication summary)