Country Life has your spring reading sorted with two modern fiction novels to give readers. One a heartwarming romance and the other an adventure set in the women’s liberation movement. And both are by Australian authors.
The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur
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The heartwarming new rural romance from the bestselling author of Back to Birdsville.
Still heartbroken after the death of her twin brother, Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge for a fresh start managing the outback town’s general practice. It’s a far cry from her city roots, but she quickly bonds with the charming locals and the Lightning Ridge Ladies. At one of their weekly gatherings, Bella meets the vivacious opal jeweller Meesha, who might just be the fast friend she has been hoping to find.
Bella is also hiding a secret: she’s desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to her twin, William, and moving to the town where he took his life — where his body was never found — seemed like the best place to start. When she learns that TJ, Meesha’s opal supplier, knew William before he died, she’s convinced he can help. But the irresistibly handsome miner has wrapped himself in so many secrets, it seems impossible to unravel them.
Set in the heart of Australia’s opal-mining district and imbued with the harsh beauty of that unique setting, The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a gorgeous tale of outback community and female friendship.
The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur is published by Penguin, RRP $34.99.
A Woman’s Voice by Alli Sinclair
A sweeping historical drama inspired by the generations of women who have fought for the right to their own freedoms, by the bestselling author of The Codebreakers.
When violin virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless instrument is stolen, more than just her celebrated European career disintegrates. Her rare gift of seeing music in colour fades to grey, crushing the sense of self she’s always expressed through her performances.
Fleeing to her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, Laura discovers an extraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music — a powerful symphony born from the revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced, their defiant voices rising above the doomed decks of the Titanic.
But as Laura traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece, she uncovers more than just music. She finds a story of women who dared to smash society’s chains, claim their own destiny and fight for a world where every voice can be heard.
When scandal rocks the tight-knit community of Gungderring, Laura must confront the question that has haunted generations of women before her: will she remain safely in the wings, or step forward and fight?
In this soaring tale of inheritance, courage and the fierce bonds between women across time, we’re reminded that the most powerful revolutions often begin with a single voice — and that true freedom lies in finding the courage to become who we were always meant to be.
A Woman’s Voice by Alli Sinclair published by Penguin, RRP $34.99.
GIVEAWAY
We have one copy of The Lightning Ridge Ladies and three copies of A Woman’s Voice to give away to three lucky winners. First prize will receive one copy of both books while second and third will each get a copy of A Woman’s Voice.For a chance to win,send your name, address, daytime phone number and the answer to this question: SPC released a drink with heritage from what European country? (Hint: see page 4.) Entries close on Friday, September 27, via post to: Country Life ‘Spring Novels’ Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632; or email to: competition@countrynews.com.au — please include the words ‘Spring Novels’ in the subject line.
WINNERS
The winners of our August Aussie book giveaway are: Dawn Tonkin from Kyabram and Linda Gray from Benalla.Congratulations! Collect your prize from the Shepparton News office at 7940 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Shepparton.
