The Empty Nest (4 page)

Lara Turner has a boyfriend, a nice house in the city and a chance at a big promotion. So when her brother calls asking her to come home, she hesitates. Can she face the memories that inhabit the beloved place of her childhood? And how does she feel with the news it's to be sold? Could she be the answer to saving the family farm?

Jack Morgan has memories of his own to contend with. A falling-out with his family and a bitter end to a past relationship have left a big chip on his shoulder. When his best mate's beautiful sister arrives on the scene, he finds himself deeply conflicted.

Lara and Jack have a powerful attraction but are constantly at odds. Will their love of the same land keep them apart, or grow into a love of a different kind?

'Distinctly Australian, from the description of the land to the genuine dialogue that doesn't shy away from the everyday colloquialisms . . .
The Road Home
is a heartwarming and enjoyable story . . . a well-written and engaging read.'
BOOK'D OUT

'
The Road Home
is a great addition to your shelf if you love strong characters and beautiful Aussie landscapes.'
THE AUSTALIAN BOOKSHELF

'Fiona Palmer has again delivered a wonderful romance set in Australia's outback.'
TOOWOOMBA CHRONICLE

CJ Wishart is a hardworking country girl with a heart of gold but a life that can be tough. Her job as a wool classer is backbreaking, her family life is a disaster and she's thrown romance in the too-hard basket.

When strong, handsome Lindsay arrives on the scene as their new shearer, CJ can't help but take notice. They have an undeniable spark, but can she handle the complications and potential heartbreak of falling in love?

Set in the colourful world of the shearing sheds, this is a lively and uniquely Australian story of love overcoming adversity.

'A rollicking romance that will have readers cheering on the heroine . . . Evokes the light, people, atmosphere and attitudes of a small country town.'
WEEKLY TIMES

Isabelle Simpson longs to take over the family farm, but her ailing father won't give her a chance. Their stand-off threatens to tear the family apart. Handsome neighbour Will Timmins holds the secret to building bridges between them, if Izzy can forgive him his past.

Izzy is forced to make a tough decision – sacrifice an exciting new romance or relinquish her lifelong dream? But then unexpected tragedy falls on the farm, and Izzy is thrown the greatest challenge of all.

As she gathers with family and friends by the shade of the gum-tree tavern, confessions are made, long-held secrets are revealed and hearts are set free.

‘A good old-fashioned love story.'
SUNDAY MAIL BRISBANE

‘A heartwarming romance about finding true love and following your dreams.'
FEMAIL.COM.AU

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First published by Penguin Group (Australia), 2014

Text copyright © Fiona Palmer 2014

The moral right of the author has been asserted

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Cover design by Alex Ross © Penguin Group (Australia)

Cover photographs: Woman and field: Ollyy/shutterstock.com, Girl: Kichigin/shutterstock.com, Sky: Pakhnyushcha/shutterstock.com

penguin.com.au

ISBN: 978-1-74348-549-1