Fleur McDonald is one of Australia’s leading female rural lit authors, with her books becoming best sellers almost as quickly as they hit the shelves. She shares the books she’s been reading, in the lead up to April release of her new novel Emerald Springs.

The Dangerous Bride by Lee Kofman

I heard Lee Kofman interviewed on Richard Fidler’s Conversations and was immediately intrigued.

Lee, to put it mildly was a rebel. She rejected any type of conformist traditions when it came to love and sex. To be frank, she didn’t believe in monogamy. After her first open marriage broke down, overseas, she decided she wanted a move and try again. Over the months and years in Australia, she talked to swingers, polamorists, cross dressers, suburban families and everyone who had basically been in an unconventional relationship. This led her on a journey of self discovery and an exploration of our own desire for security and need to be loved. The Dangerous Bride also touches on Lee’s experiences as a migrant.

The outcome of this book, surprised me more than a little!

Grab a copy of A Dangerous Bride here

Milat by Clive Small, Tom Gilling

Once again, I heard of this book through Richard Fidler and his ABC Radio program, Conversations.

I can remember following the Backpack Murders as a late teenager through to my early twenties. As much as they were frightening, I had a morbid fascination with the case, watching all TV reports and reading everything I could on it.

And that’s still the case today.

Milat is written by the lead detective, Clive Small. He takes us through the case, step by step, through the evidence and how they put Milat into jail.

It’s a tough read, in parts, but one that is confronting and interesting at the same time.

Grab a copy of Milat here

The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill

I have always loved Loretta Hill’s writing. She’s funny, quirky and I know that I’m going to love her books from the minute I open the pages.

The Maxwell Sisters is a departure from her previous three novels, which were all based on mining sites. This one is set in the Margaret River area (in WA and one of my favourite places in the whole world. Especially with the wineries that are there!)

I would liken The Maxwell Sisters to a novel by Monica McInerney. There are complex relationships, family dramas and at the heart, three sisters who love each, even though they are at war.

Grab a copy of The Maxwell Sisters here

Evergreen Falls by Kimberly Freeman

Kimberly Freeman is one of my all time favourite writers and Evergreen Falls is no exception.

With it’s parallel story lines – one set in 1926 and the other in 2014, it is a rich and beautiful tale of two different women and secrets. Kimberley weaves an intricate storyline linking the two time frames, all through one place… Evergreen Spa Hotel. Interestingly enough this story is inspired by elements of Kimberley’s grandmother’s life. I haven’t finished it yet, but am chafing at the bit to get back to it!

Grab a copy of Evergreen Falls here

About Fleur McDonald

Fleur McDonald has also been touted as one of Australia’s favourite storytellers. Her stories are set in rural Australia and feature strong female characters and solid, no nonsense, countrymen. Fleur’s characters are inspired by the tough, complex and genuine people she’s met during a lifetime living in remote Australia.

With sales well over 130,000 copies she is one of the highest-selling authors in Australia’s ever-popular rural romance genre.

Fleur is the author of the bestselling novels Red Dust, Crimson Dawn, Silver Clouds, Blue Skies and Purple Roads.

Emerald Springs

by Fleur McDonald

When suspicions are wrongly aimed at Amelia following the theft of proceeds from the local rodeo after a crash and grab, she must work with a skeptical rural detective to clear her name – and that of the man she loves. Mystery and romance abound in the new novel from the bestselling author of Crimson Dawn.

After finishing university, Amelia Bennett returns to Jervois and promptly falls in love with the wonderful – if broke and slightly stubborn – Paul Barnes. Now she’s determined to lose her old reputation for being scatty and unreliable by proving herself as the treasurer of the local rodeo committee and making the forthcoming rodeo a huge success.

Flushed with triumph on the evening of the best rodeo in the town’s history, Amelia is driving the record proceeds into town when she becomes the victim of a terrifying crash and grab. Injured and distraught after her ordeal, she’s even more devastated when she later finds out that she and Paul are the objects of gossip and suspicion in town.

To prove her innocence and that of the man she loves, Amelia must convince a sceptical rural detective that her account of what happened does add up and that he must help her track down the real culprits…

With its cracker plot, feisty heroine and engaging love story, Emerald Springs will have you reading well into the night.

Grab a copy of Emerald Springs here

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