JUNE2018 Pub Cat Updated

FI CT I ON J UNE 2018

In the Valley of Blue Gums J . H . F L E T C H E R

Has a life of adventure lost her the man she loves? The new compelling novel from master storyteller J.H. Fletcher. Journalist Thea Anderson’s adventurous life has been one of endless danger. Even her childhood, where she and her mother were forced to flee Malaya in the fish-stinking hold of a junk in the dying days of colonialism, was fraught with peril. For a time, it seemed she would find safe harbour in Tasmania – in the arms of wine maker, Peter Torrance. But, her restless spirit will not be contained. Thea’s greatest ambition is to travel the world as a foreign correspondent, yet Peter’s dedication to his family vineyard in the blue gum valley overshadows not only this dream, but eventually, their love. Thea journeys into the unknown, earning international accolades for her coverage of the Kennedy assassination and her role as one of the only women in her field during the escalation of the Vietnam War. Her job leads her closer to death with each step, until a return to Tasmania opens the door to a new and exciting career. Will this opportunity allow her to reunite with the man she once loved? Or has that dream vanished, like mist in the valley of the blue gums? Romeo and Juliet set in Queensland’s sugar cane fields in 1952, as the daughter of an Anglo-Australian family falls for an Italian immigrant against the wishes of her family. 1948. The world is struggling to regain a sense of balance after the devastation of World War II, and the sugarcane–growing community of Piri River in northern Queensland is no exception. Rosie Stanton finds it difficult to return to the family farm after years working for the Australian Women’s Army Service. Reminders are everywhere of the brothers she lost in the war and she is unable to understand her father’s contempt for Italians, especially the Conti family next door. When her father takes ill, Rosie challenges tradition by managing the farm, but outside influences are determined to see her fail. Desperate to leave his turbulent history behind, Tomas Conti has left Italy to join his family in Piri River. Tomas struggles to adapt in Australia – until he meets Rosie. Her easy-going nature and positive outlook help him forget the life he’s escaped. But as their relationship grows, so do tensions between the two families until the situation becomes explosive. When a deeply hidden family secret is finally discovered, and Tomas’ mysterious past is revealed, everything Rosie believes in is shattered. Will she risk it all to rebuild her family or will she lose the only man she’s ever loved? Publicity Contact: Sarana Behan, sbehan@eharlequin.com.au Burning Fields A L L I S I N C L A I R

9781489257314 e 9781489257307 AU $29.99 NZ $29.99 Trade paperback | 400pp Released: 21/05/18

Northern Tasmania

9781489256591 e 9781489256607 AU $29.99 NZ $29.99 Trade paperback | 352pp Released: 21/05/18

Geelong, Vic

Publicity Contact: Sarana Behan, sbehan@eharlequin.com.au

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