I’ve just returned from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference in Melbourne, catching up with fellow authors, publishers and agents, so I thought I’d mention three books from other Australian romance writers that I’ve loved in recent times. They are all from different genres but they can all be connected through similar threads – a touch of romance, suspense and action.

Beyond Fear by Jaye Ford is such an engaging read. It tells the story of Jodie, who survived a terrifying assault at seventeen. She goes to a cabin with friends to relax but is convinced they are being watched. Her friends think she is over-reacting and she starts to doubt herself.  This was such a page-turner, but you just had to keep reading, even at the scary parts.  Jaye writes terrific, easy-to-read thrillers filled with suspense. You won’t be disappointed. It was loved by all at our book club.

I do enjoy reading action-packed stories, as much as I like watching a James Bond movie or spy thriller. I find Tony Park’s novels just as engaging, with a great mix of romance, action, and the gorgeous landscapes of Africa. The Delta was one I really enjoyed about Sonja, an ex-soldier turned mercenary, who is out to save her beloved Delta. There is also a bit of romance to keep me happy. Tony writes about Africa so well, you feel as if you are there. Considering he spends half his year travelling Africa, it’s easy to see why.  He is a master at weaving all the details in and even though the book seems large, you’ll not want it to end.

This last book I want to mention was a great surprise. Elise K. Ackers’ Small Town Storm was a fabulous read. It had me guessing and I love it when I’m wrong. It’s about Erica, who returns home to the place where nineteen years ago a crime almost killed her. But not long after she’s back, a woman goes missing and fingers are pointed at Erica – and the cop in charge of the investigation, Jordan, is a man who she has history with. I guess I went into this story expecting a romance but ended up with so much more.

Check out Fiona Palmer’s author page here

The Saddler Boys

by Fiona Palmer

For a limited time only, pre-order The Saddler Boys and you will receive a signed copy. Please note: offer available while stocks last.

School teacher Natalie has always been a city girl. She has a handsome boyfriend and a family who give her only the best. But she craves her own space, and her own classroom, before settling down into the life she is expected to lead.

When Nat takes up a posting at a tiny school in remote Western Australia, it proves quite the culture shock, but she is soon welcomed by the swarm of inquisitive locals, particularly young student Billy and his intriguing single father, Drew.

As Nat’s school comes under threat of closure, and Billy’s estranged mother turns up out of the blue, Nat finds herself fighting for the township and battling with her heart. Torn between her life in Perth and the new community that needs her, Nat must risk losing it all to find out what she’s really made of – and where she truly belongs.

PRAISE FOR FIONA PALMER

‘Fiona Palmer just keeps getting better.’ Rachael Johns

‘Palmer’s passion for the land bleeds into the story, and her scenes are vivid and genuine, just as her characters are.’ Book’d Out

‘Fiona Palmer has well and truly earned her place as a leading writer of one of Australia’s much-loved genres.’ Countryman

Pre-order your copy of Fiona’s The Saddler Boys here

1 Comment Share:

About the Contributor

Hayley Shephard