White Gum Creek…
About the Book:
A romantic and uplifting tale about two people haunted by their pasts, played out against an authentically vivid rural backdrop.
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 last six years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he’s pushed them all away.
Whenever Nick comes into the 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.
At last encouraged by the warmth of a few old and new friends, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world. Then, suddenly some minor vandalism on his farm escalates and odd things begin to happen on Winters Hill. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind?
This entrancing novel is about overcoming heartache and loss through the power of friendship and love.
My Thoughts:
White Gum Creek, the latest rural fiction offering from Nicole Hurley-Moore, is such a delightful novel to read. The miniature of life in a small town provides a lively background for this story about moving on from pain and beginning afresh.
The two main characters, Nick and Tash, both appealed to me greatly. Nick is on the cusp of re-entering society after a long period of mourning for his wife, who tragically died in a fire six years previously. Tash is co-running a successful family bakery with her brother, building on the solid success of her grandmother to turn the Gumnut Bakery into a truly thriving regional business. Nick and Tash are both really nice people who deserve to have really nice things happen for them – and yes, right from the start, I was hoping for some really nice things to happen between them too! With a great mix of supporting characters, there are plenty of great conversations and engaging interactions taking place in White Gum Creek, making this a novel where the pages just effortlessly slip by. Plus, there’s the added bonus of drooling over all of Tash’s gorgeous bakery treats that are mentioned throughout the story. Just divine!
Nicole Hurley-Moore has a talent for delivering a perfectly balanced rural fiction novel: drama, intrigue, a bit of heartache, plenty of good times, great relationships; and then there’s that mystery, quietly unfolding until it explodes into a tense couple of scenes before arriving at a satisfying resolution. The perfect novel for a relaxing weekend read.
Thanks is extended to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of White Gum Creek for review.
About the Author:
Nicole Hurley-Moore grew up in Melbourne and has travelled extensively, whilst living her life through the romance of books. Her first passion in life has always been her family, but since doing her BA Honours in Medieval Literature, she has devoted her time to writing historical romance. Nicole is a full time writer who lives in the Central Highlands of Victoria with her family, where they live in the peaceful surrounds of a semi-rural town. She is the author of the immensely popular novels McKellan’s Run, Hartley’s Grange and Country Roads.
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