Cirrus@Austlit

'A new year begins with the community of Thompson’s Ridge united in grief at the sudden death of much-loved local Fran Hobart. Her passing was not unexpected - everyone knew she was fighting a grim battle with cancer. However, her death at the height of a raging dust storm seems to underscore the woes that have befallen the small Australian town during a savage summer.

'The once-thriving community has slowly withered since the closure of the local saw mill. As families left, the high school was closed and businesses struggled. In more recent years, drought has seared the countryside, threatening the precarious survival of farm stock. And now a spate of dust storms torment the town with their cruel winds and rainless thunder and lightning.

'The townsfolk rally round Fran’s husband, Father George, the local priest, and her funeral is one of the biggest the town has ever seen. Ironically, it brings with it the end of the drought - a drenching rain storm that suggests hope for the future.

'Former primary school principal Maggie Hardcastle and recent Thompson’s Creek arrival Louise Smith discover that Fran had been trying to persuade troubled and reclusive widow Patricia Carmody to seek professional help. What’s more, she was simultaneously supporting Patricia’s daughter Becky who should be starting high school this year in the town of Coorbong 70km away.

'Maggie is able to secure a generous scholarship offer for Becky, but she and Louise meet with bitter resistance from the child’s mother.

'Bob Wilson’s dinner date with Kirsty McJames following the Christmas Orphans’ Club lunch went well, but, rather than the romance he hoped it might spark, he finds himself stuck in the friend zone and playing uncle to her twin boys.

'Then current primary school principal Jamie Zammit learns his and possibly the town’s greatest fear is about to come true - the authorities plan to close the school at the end of the year due to falling enrolments.

'And as the rain keeps falling too, it’s realized that the Diggers Lane hobby farm development promoted by a shonky real estate company a decade ago has never been tested by real downpours.

'Young Becky Carmody reflects on how Fran encouraged her to pray for rain, but she and everyone else in Thompson’s Ridge are about to learn it never rains, but it pours.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'The festive season is coming, and so is the social event of the year for a group of residents in the country town of Thompson’s Ridge - a Christmas Day lunch for those without family. But while some members of The Christmas Orphans’ Club regard it with excitement and joy, others feel trepidation and uncertainty.

'For reluctant bachelor Bob Wilson, owner of the local school bus, the end of the academic year sees him reflect on the slow demise of the timber town he grew up in - now a shadow of its thriving past.

'Former primary school principal Maggie Hardcastle, regarded highly by the locals, rues the contraction of her old domain to a single teacher, one classroom school, while current teacher-principal Jamie Zammit worries the school will close completely if enrolments continue to fall. Jamie is also concerned for his star student, Becky Carmody, whose mother has become disturbingly reclusive since her husband’s death.

'Joely Davidson, who hosts the Orphans’ lunch at her cafe, invites Kirsty McJames and Ruby Weston, to the event. Christmas to divorced Kirsty means separation from her beloved twin boys as their father, unconcerned the rest of the year, claims holiday custody rights to take the boys away.

'Louise Smith is a newcomer to Thompson’s Ridge recovering from the shattering loss of her high-flying career in the city. Seen as standoffish by the locals, she is taken aback when Christmas Orphans’ Club founder Fran Hobart enlists her to take over running the event. It’s an opportunity for Louise to use her old skills, but can she take the baton and run with it?

'Another resident seeking to revive old talents is retired stage actor Charles Davenport. His drunken behaviour at last years Orphans’ Club lunch appalled no one more than him. He’s cleaned up his act in the intervening year, but can he play the most difficult role of his career - his real self - and will Maggie Hardcastle forgive him for what he did?

'Come Christmas Day, will the hopes and fears of The Christmas Orphans’ Club come to pass or fade away?'

Source : publisher's blurb

'Charlie Moore and Dave Buckley are about to receive the best Christmas gift ever! Meanwhile, Dave's long-lost Dad is destined to live with the young couple, and they employ a blow-in to help in the CCC Gem Cave. What could go wrong?'

Source : publisher's blurb

'An epic tale of love and loss, extravagant expatriate lifestyles, intense danger, heroic acts, and the hideous effects of a cruel and barbaric civil war. Based on the author’s true family history, this work of fiction spans the years 1914 to 1929. A complex and volatile political scene during and after World War 1 forms the backdrop to the intimate story of two intrepid couples, foreigners who embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and made their home in China.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'Australian stockman, Dylan Thompson, has had enough of farming. He seeks greener pastures and stumbles upon Robinhill Farm in beautiful Ireland. It’s there that he meets the beautiful young nanny, Ellen O’Malley. He’s intrigued by her but it’s clear she wants nothing to do with him.

'Despite her vulnerable-looking exterior, Ellen O’Malley is tough. She’s had to be. All her life she’s had to struggle against not fitting in. The cruel and lonely hand she’s been dealt has made her mistrustful of many, and extremely loyal to a few.

'Is it just coincidence that Ellen and Dylan meet? Or could it be part of the magic of Honor’s legacy?

In this tale of redemption, forgiveness, love, and letting go, Dylan and Ellen come to terms with their past. Under the watchful eye of loved ones they slowly learn how to put their demons to bed and embrace a future full of promise. ' (Publication summary)

'Honor Quirk arrives in Ireland excited—and a bit anxious—about meeting up with the estranged family of her late great-grandmother. The welcome from the residents of Robinhill Farm, Dermot and Bryan, is confusing and far from comforting. One is warm, the other aggressive. The outwardly antagonistic Bryan makes it very clear he doesn't want her there, branding her a gold digger.

Dermot, on the other hand, is delighted to meet her.

'But Honor is no pushover and stands up to Bryan, letting him know that his bad attitude and trail of baggage have nothing to do with her. Despite their confrontational and hostile relationship, an undeniable attraction to each other creeps insidiously into the house on Robinhill Farm. They both desperately try to stifle the sparks, but living under the same roof makes it impossible. Unable to cope with the turmoil of living with Bryan, Honor runs away, straight into the arms of a charming newfound friend, Sean, who offers her a home—and love.

'Shattered, Bryan finally takes control of his irrational belief that all women are evil, and fights to bring back the woman he loves. But is it too late?' (Publication summary)

'Loyalty is high on Liam Cullen’s agenda, but lately he’s been feeling restless. He wants to run away from the endless routines of life on the family farm. He contemplates busting free of the sometimes suffocating confines of the close-knit family. He’d like to see the world. Maybe meet a few girls.

'Riddled with guilt that he could even consider such a thing, the final blow comes when Liam’s abilities as a first rate farmer are questioned. He sees red and his quick temper is sorely stretched. He struggles inner demons and attempts to fight the inevitable – until he meets the girl with the blue-green eyes and the copper-colored hair.

'Without knowing it, Aislin O’Neill sweeps Liam off his feet, and transports him to a place he’s only ever dreamed of. It’s soon apparent that Aislin has her own inner battles. Will she break her self-imposed vow to never get involved with anyone again?' (Publication summary)

'The roar of applause fills New York actress Louisa Frank's ears. Louisa has never forgotten a line, so why is she doomed to a life of waiting off-stage in the shadows?'

Source : publisher's blurb

'In Sands of Time by Noelle Clark, Kitty faces her first Christmas without the love of her life. She looks back with fondness on the memories of Christmases past and, with the love and support of her grandson Joe, finds inner strength to face the future with anticipation. Kitty realizes that, as she gets older, time passes so quickly. Although sad and happy memories flood through her on this special Christmas day, she chooses to embrace every moment of life. ' (Publication summary)

'Step into the past, minus the thou’s and shalt’s, and explore the story of Noah and the Ark from a new perspective: his wife’s.

'Noelle Clarke cracks open a story nearly as old as time and offers a fresh fictional, yet relevant, view into it. She doesn’t aim to change the Bible; she seeks to change your view of the characters within it.' (Publication summary)

'Life’s full of surprises the second time around.

'Arriving in Cambodia to volunteer at an orphanage, Abbie finds a warm welcome with the owner of her hotel, the handsome Craig Nelson. Craig is everything her ex-husband wasn’t—warm, compassionate, and a generous humanitarian dedicated to helping the local people. But after raising a family and being devastated by the end of her bad marriage, the last thing Abbie needs is complications. She’s on her own for the first time in many years, and it’s time for her to spread her wings and fly free amid the people and culture that have always fascinated her.

'But while exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Abbie overhears odd noises and sinister conversation that raise her hackles. Turning to the only person she thinks may be able to help—Craig—she realizes she’s witnessed tomb raiders—art thieves stealing frescoes to sell on the black market. Unable to let the pillaging of the beloved temple continue, Abbie goes back to investigate and finds evidence that proves her theory. And in the mean time, she finds herself falling for Craig.

'Yet change isn’t easy for either of them. Both carry scars, and neither is ready to let go of the past. When Abbie is attacked in the market place, it’s clear her presence in the temple wasn’t overlooked. When Abbie agrees to help the police stage a sting operation to catch the thieves, things go from bad to worse. And Craig might be powerless to help…'

Source : publisher's blurb