AustLit

'When his father was jailed for a cold case murder, stockman Cy Prescott fled his life on the land. The victim was the birth mother of Dee Porter-Carey, his cousin’s wife and joint owner of Wilderness Station. Now that the Porter and Hardy families are connected by marriage, past events made it too difficult for Cy to hang around.

'Moving to a managerial job in livestock export at the port of Darwin, Cy cut ties with his family until circumstances put him in a position where he needs another job. Kane and Ellie McLaren's mango farm has expanded, and when Ryan approaches Kane seeking a job for his cousin, Kane is happy to employ Cy as assistant manager.

'When horticulturist, Tarni Morgan, takes on a part-time position at the McClaren Mango Farm, it’s a chance for a new beginning in the Northern Territory. Hiding a tragic past, Tarni treasures her privacy. She is surprised when the property owner, Kane and his wife, Ellie leave on a three-month trip not long after she accepts the position, but is happy to house-sit in their absence.

'The only downside is Cy Prescott, the relieving manager. As they work together, Tarni begins to realise that Cy holds secrets as she does, and fights her growing attraction to this taciturn man.

'Can Cy and Tarni both overcome the past that has defined their lives? Is a new beginning in reach or will Cy move on again as he refuses to give in to his feelings for this enigmatic woman?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Reclusive botanist, Mark Altmann, visits Bindarra Creek to look for the rare native mistletoe, not seen in Australia for many years. According to local lore, the red flowers have been sighted in the Akuna National Park.

'Leah Maclean moved home to Bindarra Creek when she left her job at the Botanical Museum in Sydney. The last person she expected to see in her hometown was workaholic, Mark Altmann, the man she had fallen in love with.

'Can the Christmas spirit and the elusive red flower weave magic around them?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'At a crossroads in her life, Sandra Porter knows she must find the courage to find her true self. She has lost her husband in tragic circumstances, and seen each of her adult children overcome adversity. Deciding it's time to push her boundaries, she makes a booking to trek the Larapinta Walk across the centre of the remote Northern Territory.

'World renowned nature photographer, Graysen Hughes has come to the outback seeking solace after the death of his wife. Always a loner, Graysen isn't happy when the tour guide insists on the participants walking in pairs. At least Sandra Porter is quiet and keeps to herself.

'After a suspicious accident and the sudden disappearance of their guide, the group struggles on, but then another accident occurs. It soon becomes obvious that someone doesn't want them to complete the trek. Without any means to call for help, Graysen and Sandra flee into the bush in an attempt to stay safe.

'Can they survive the wilderness in the heat and the rugged conditions, and can they both keep their hearts intact as they learn to rely on each other?' (Publication summary)