Book: Devil's Corner

Summary: When prosecutor Vicki Allegretti arrives at a rowhouse to meet a confidential informant, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time -- and is almost shot to death. She barely escapes with her life, but cannot save the two others gunned down before her disbelieving eyes. Stunned and heartbroken, Vicki tries to figure out how a routine meeting on a minor case became a double homicide. Vicki's suspicions take her to Devil's Corner, a city neighborhood teetering on the brink of ruin -- thick with broken souls, innocent youth, and a scourge that preys on both. But the deeper Vicki probes, the more she becomes convinced that the murders weren't random and the killers were more ruthless than she thought. When another murder thrusts Vicki together with an unlikely ally, she buckles up for a wild ride down a dangerous street -- and into the cross-hairs of a conspiracy as powerful as it is relentless.

What I thought: I enjoyed this. Not one of her best but a nice easy read with good characters. Simple crime where you don't have to think too hard!

Book: The Valley

Summary: The valley is nestled between rugged peaks, divided by a magnificent river. Within its peaceful green contours are held the secrets of generations of tribes, families and loners who have come under its spell. But some secrets are never shared, never told. Until one woman returns and begins asking questions... and discovers the story of a forgotten valley pioneer whose life becomes entwined with hers. But in looking into her own family's history she uncovers more than she ever expected – and what her mother hoped would always remain a secret...

What I thought: Great book. Although I may need a break from Di Morrissey as am having a bit of author overload. But I still really enjoyed. She captures country towns and landscapes so well.

Book: Bella's Run

Summary: Bella Vermaelon and her best friend Patty are two fun-loving country girls bonded in a sisterhood no blood tie could ever beat. Now they are coming to the end of a road trip which has taken them from their family farms in the rugged Victorian high country to the red dust of the Queensland outback. For almost a year they have mustered on cattle stations, cooked for weary stockmen, played hard at rodeos and outback parties, and danced through life like a pair of wild tumbleweeds. And with the arrival of Patty's brother Will and Bella's cousin Macca, it seems love is on the horizon too ...

Then a devastating tragedy strikes, and Bella's world is changed for ever. So she runs - from the only life she has ever known. But can she really turn her back on the man she loves? Or on the land that runs deep in her blood?

What I thought: I LOVED this book. Two wickedly bad country girls having a ball then the serious side of life taking over. A fantastic rural read!

Book: The Road Home

Summary: Lara Turner has a boyfriend, a nice house in the city and a chance at a big promotion. So when her brother calls asking her to come home, she hesitates. Can she face the memoires that inhabit the beloved place of her childhood? And how does she feel with the news it's to be sold? Could she be the answer to saving the family farm? Jack Morgan has memories of his own to contend with. A falling out with his family and a bitter end to a past relationship have left a big chip on his shoulder. When his best mate's beautiful sister arrives on the scene, he finds himself deeply conflicted. Lara and Jack have a powerful attraction but are constantly at odds. Will their love of the same land keep them apart, or grow into a love of a different kind?

What I thought: I LOVED this book. So fabulous. The girl, the boy, the farm. Le sigh! Heaven! Can't get enough of these!

Book: Purple Roads

Summary: Anna and Matt Butler were childhood sweethearts with a dream of owning their own land, a dream they achieved through hard work and determination. But as the seasons conspire against them and Matt is involved in a terrible accident, the couple face financial ruin and the loss of their farm. As they fight for everything they hold dear, they suddenly find themselves caught up in events much bigger and more dangerous than they could ever have imagined. Purple Roads is a story about maintaining faith in yourself, staying true to your ideals and, most of all, the belief that some things are worth fighting for.

What I thought: I really enjoyed this though not so much as her others. I think it might have been for a few reasons. Firstly I read it in bits (over about 10 days so that didn't help). Also it wasn't what I was expecting. I wanted more of the farm and female heroine that this genre is now famous for. Anyway, still enjoyed it but not one of my all time favourites.