Book: A Tullagulla Christmas

Summary: As another year of drought draws to a close in outback Queensland, Australia, Grace Lansdowne attempts to put her worries aside to host a festive country event for her family and friends. But isn’t Christmas often full of surprises? While memories are relived, a new love blooms and others say farewell. The season for giving certainly rings true this year as those on Tullagulla get more than they wished for. What I Thought: Really enjoyed the final book in this series. Loving this writer and looking forward to her next series.

Book: Goldminer's Sister

Summary: 1873. Eliza Penrose arrives in the gold mining town of Maiden's Creek in search of her brother, planning to make a new life for herself. Instead she finds a tragic mystery - and hints of betrayals by those closest to her. Mining engineer Alec McLeod left Scotland to escape the memory of his dead wife and child. Despite the best efforts of the eligible ladies of Maiden's Creek, Alec is determined never to give his heart again. As lies and deceit threaten Eliza's life, Alec steps in - although he has problems of his own, as he risks his livelihood and those he holds dear to oppose the dangerous work practices at the Maiden's Creek Mine. When disaster draws the pieces of the puzzle together, Eliza and Alec must save each other - but is it too late? What I Thought: New author for me – enjoyable read.

Book: Tiny White Lies

Summary:

Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online. Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately? Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . . The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed. What I Thought: Enjoyed this book – raised some great issues too.

Book: The Deception

Summary: Jaz's last mission for the Agency had unforeseen consequences, and she is only now beginning to understand that the hardest part isn't the physical training. Her ongoing mission involves an undercover operation - pretending to be the girlfriend of the son of one of the Agency's most wanted. What starts out as a chance to prove herself soon becomes a lesson in emotional detachment, as her pretend boyfriend starts to feel too real. Factor in Ryan, still sexy, still dangerous, and still irresistible, and Jaz is discovering that her love life is more treacherous than anything the Agency can throw at her. What I Thought: Really enjoying this series (although totally far fetched). One to go!

Book: By Royal Command

Summary: Following a treacherous rescue mission high in the freezing Alps, James Bond is preparing for life back at Eton. But James is under surveillance; his every move is being watched. He alone holds the clue to a sinister plot that will bring bloodshed and carnage to his school - and his country. Life for James Bond will never be the same again. What I Thought: Totally sucked in – loving this series. Interestingly the next author is different so will see how it pans out!

Book: September (Conspiracy 365)

Summary: Convinced Oriana was behind his little sister's kidnapping, Cal teams up with Boges to pull off a plan to extract vital information out of her. Together they plant a listening bug in Oriana's house by firing it through her window with an air rifle! But will spying on his would-be killer reveal the location of the precious Jewel and Riddle, or will it put Cal in the line of fire? What I Thought: Totally sucked in – loving this series.

Book: August (Conspiracy 365)

Summary: Buried alive in a coffin, Cal's chances of survival are running out as fast as the air around him. Thanks to his unknown attackers, he's lost the Jewel and the Riddle, and now his life hangs in the balance. Six feet under. Boges and Winter are frantically trying to find him before it's too late. Meanwhile, Gabbi-Cal's comatose little sister-has been kidnapped, and he is the prime suspect! Some seriously daring and dangerous tactics are needed to save her this time... What I Thought: Totally sucked in – loving this series.

Book: Tess (Outback Brides of Wirralong)

Summary: Up and coming American winemaker Tess Harrison is temporarily working at an Australian vineyard where her family now has a financial stake. She’s excited to make her mark away from her dominant family and the outback’s premier organic winery seems like the perfect training ground. One problem: No one told her the small town Wirralong was a premier wedding destination, and every time tomboy Tess turns around she’s confronted with white dresses, trails of petals, gleaming gold rings and starry-eyed kissing couples promising forever. When a new hire upends Tess’ careful plans for her life and her career, she find herself reluctantly re-thinking her dislike for the M word. Tall, dark and rugged-looking Australian Connor Hawker has just been hired as the new Irrigation Manager at an organic vineyard. This new job was meant to be a fresh start, far away from South Australia and the small church where he was dumped at the altar by his French fiancée. He wants nothing more than to be laser-focused on his new job, except he finds himself distracted by the talented, cheerful, and ambitious blonde winemaker from California. Soon their no-strings fling becomes far more complicated, and Connor wonders if another woman–with life plans across an ocean will again leave him alone. What I Thought: I really enjoyed this. Easy rural romance.

Book: Naked Farmer

Summary:

Ben Brooksby is a fifth-generation farmer from St Helens Plains in western Victoria. When he was younger, he struggled with anxiety and other mental health issues, as do so many others in rural communities. A simple social media post helped him to turn things around. After he shared a photo on Instagram showing himself naked in a truck full of lentils, he received a huge response, with other farmers wanting to share their own photos - and their stories. As the Naked Farmer movement grew, Ben met people from all around the country who wanted to get naked for mental health. As they got their kits off, they also opened up about their struggles. What I Thought: I really enjoyed this. A simple read and some good take home messages.