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Bridie's Choice
Bridie Farrell and Shaun Broderick come from opposite sides of the tracks. But unlike Bridie's family, who are perennial strugglers, the Brodericks are the wealthy owners of Jinjulu - one of the most prestigious properties in their local district. All her life Bridie has longed to leave the small town she grew up in. But time afer time family responsibilites have kept her anchored there. Meanwhile, Shaun's dream of taking over the management of Jinjulu is dashed by his dictatorial father who tries to rule Shaun's life both on and off the farm. The Brodericks are dismayed when Shaun falls in love with 'that Farrell girl', whom they deem unsuitable. And they don't just make their feelings clear to Shaun but to Bridie as well. Faced with a choice, Bridie must decide whether to turn her back on her heart or her dreams in order to make the biggest decision of her life... From the author of the bestselling rural saga North Star and Morgan's Law, this absorbing novel is about alternative destinies and the power of love.
314 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Karly Lane
34 books379 followersKarly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia. She has romantic suspense titles published under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle and her latest release, Third Time Lucky is available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 23, 2015
Since Bridie Farrell's mother passed away Bridie has been doing her best in looking after and taking care of her seventeen year old brother, Luke. But lately Bridie feels as if Luke is starting to land himself in trouble and that's the last thing she wants for him. With their father in jail Luke has no male influence in his life and seeing as Birdie isn't getting through to him lately she feels as if some days she is fighting a losing battle with her brother.
Bridie enjoys working at the local pub. Chatting with the locals on a daily basis keeps Bridie involved with what's going on around town. The day Shaun Broderick walks in the pub Bridie instantly knows she must keep her distance. Years ago Bridie and Shaun once had feelings for one another which she imagined were in the past, but seeing him again she didn't feel so sure.
Shaun has always wanted to one day take over the running of the family property of Jinjulu, but his father has other ideas. Shaun's father has been hard on him over the years and even though Shaun has been away from the family property for the past seven years it appears nothing has changed now that he has returned.
Can Bridie keep her brother out of trouble so that he will be able to sign up and join the army? Will Brodie and Shaun act on those feelings they once had for one another or are some things better left in the past?
I loved this book, absolutely loved it. Once again Aussie author Karly Lane has written another fantastic story. I particularly loved the setting as well as the characters. A very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
Bridie enjoys working at the local pub. Chatting with the locals on a daily basis keeps Bridie involved with what's going on around town. The day Shaun Broderick walks in the pub Bridie instantly knows she must keep her distance. Years ago Bridie and Shaun once had feelings for one another which she imagined were in the past, but seeing him again she didn't feel so sure.
Shaun has always wanted to one day take over the running of the family property of Jinjulu, but his father has other ideas. Shaun's father has been hard on him over the years and even though Shaun has been away from the family property for the past seven years it appears nothing has changed now that he has returned.
Can Bridie keep her brother out of trouble so that he will be able to sign up and join the army? Will Brodie and Shaun act on those feelings they once had for one another or are some things better left in the past?
I loved this book, absolutely loved it. Once again Aussie author Karly Lane has written another fantastic story. I particularly loved the setting as well as the characters. A very enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
April 28, 2014
Bridie Farrell had been caring for her younger brother Luke for quite a few years since their mother had passed away from cancer and father had ended up in jail. Luke had been a good kid, but now at seventeen he was rebellious and angry all the time – trying to get him to finish school was an uphill battle. He was mixed up with a bad crowd of kids, and she was terrified he would end up in trouble with the police, which would put paid to his (and her) hopes of him joining the army when he turned eighteen.
Working at the local pub was a job Bridie enjoyed – she chatted to the locals and kept up with the gossip. But when Shaun Broderick walked into the bar, she knew she wasn’t ready to see him. Years before she had had a “thing” for Shaun and the swift tension she felt made her realize those feelings were still there, even though it was the last thing she wanted or needed. And with Bridie knowing the reputation she had fought all her life at being a struggling “Farrell girl”, she knew she was no good for the wealthy son of property owners. Bridie also knew she desperately wanted to get away from her home town of Tooncanny one day, a place where she would never get ahead, a place which had dragged her mother down as well.
As events rapidly came to a head with Luke, her tentative relationship with Shaun caused her to come up against his domineering father and overbearing mother, plus a sister who looked and was desperately unhappy. There were dark secrets in Shaun’s family’s past; and a stubborn part of Bridie wouldn’t let her think about her father – what would happen to them all? Was there a way to make everyone happy, or was that just a fairytale?
Once again Aussie author Karly Lane does not disappoint. I really enjoyed Bridie’s Choice which was blended through the Australian countryside in a realistic and picturesque way. A satisfying and entertaining read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this and all of Karly’s novels.
Working at the local pub was a job Bridie enjoyed – she chatted to the locals and kept up with the gossip. But when Shaun Broderick walked into the bar, she knew she wasn’t ready to see him. Years before she had had a “thing” for Shaun and the swift tension she felt made her realize those feelings were still there, even though it was the last thing she wanted or needed. And with Bridie knowing the reputation she had fought all her life at being a struggling “Farrell girl”, she knew she was no good for the wealthy son of property owners. Bridie also knew she desperately wanted to get away from her home town of Tooncanny one day, a place where she would never get ahead, a place which had dragged her mother down as well.
As events rapidly came to a head with Luke, her tentative relationship with Shaun caused her to come up against his domineering father and overbearing mother, plus a sister who looked and was desperately unhappy. There were dark secrets in Shaun’s family’s past; and a stubborn part of Bridie wouldn’t let her think about her father – what would happen to them all? Was there a way to make everyone happy, or was that just a fairytale?
Once again Aussie author Karly Lane does not disappoint. I really enjoyed Bridie’s Choice which was blended through the Australian countryside in a realistic and picturesque way. A satisfying and entertaining read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this and all of Karly’s novels.
November 30, 2012
Bridie's Choice is Karly Lane's third novel set in regional Australia, following on from her success with North Star and Morgan's Law. While North Star included an element of suspense, and Morgan's Law explored regional issues, Bridie's Choice is focused on the romance between Lane's protagonists, Bridie Farrell and Shaun Broderick.
One of 'those Farrell girls', Bridie has been dreaming of escaping Tooncanny for as long as she can remember. Having lived her whole life in the shadow of her extended family's wild reputation, now, as the younger brother she has raised is on the cusp of independence, she can finally leave her painful past behind. And she can't let falling in love with the district's most eligible bachelor derail her plans.
Having finished his university degree, Shaun has come home to Tooncanny district's most successful station, Jinjilu, determined to prove to his father that he is a worthy heir. It seems to be an impossible task but he can't imagine giving up his childhood dream, until he falls in love.
Though it's not immediately obvious, Bridie and Shaun have a lot in common including rebellious younger siblings, the tragic loss of a family member and the burdens of their respective family legacies. Both are mature, responsible and determined adults but they are also each achingly vulnerable to the judgement of others. Bridie struggles with discrimination from the community while Shaun bears the harsh opinions of his father. I found both characters very appealing, Bridie for her fierce love of her her brother and determined spirit and Shaun for his patience and willingness to defend Bridie.
I enjoyed the way in which the romance between Bridie and Shaun is developed. The challenges they face are dealt with realistically, and each has to make compromises for their relationship to work. Their connection feels authentic and their passion for each other generates just the right amount of heat.
One of the great strength's of Lane's writing is the natural rhythm of the dialogue. Her character's speak with the familiar vernacular of regional Australia which makes them all the more real and relatable. It is also very much a part of what defines Bridie's Choice as Australian rural fiction, along, of course, with the country town setting.
Karly Lane is proving to be a talented and versatile author whose stories share her love of rural Australia and it's people. Bridie's Choice is a heartwarming, well crafted contemporary romance with appealing characters and engaging story and I am already looking forward to her next novel.
December 6, 2012
Karly Lane is a very talented Australian author drawing on her love of the land she creates complex, engaging characters against a backdrop of intrigue, conflict and rural communities.
Bridie Farrell has one goal in life- to get out of Tooncanny. For years she has set her hopes on leaving, getting far away from the small town that holds too many bad memories and a reputation she feels suffocated by. In her mid 20’s, Bridie works as a bartender at the local pub and is the primary caregiver of her teenage brother Luke whose behaviour is spiralling out of control. She hopes to keep him on the right track so he doesn’t wind up in gaol, like their father.
Shaun Broderick comes from a wealthy rural family and has dreamed of running his family’s farm, Jinjulu since he was a kid. Unfortunately, his father had other plans and never had faith in Shaun’s ability to take on such a huge responsibility. They have a relationship characterised by tension and Shaun is constantly critisized by his father. Even after escaping the clutches of his dysfunctional family for seven years, working and studying, he realises nothing has changed since his return twelve months prior. The only thing that remains the same is his attraction to Bridie, the girl he fell for 7 years ago before his family fell apart.
Shaun is such a likeable hero, he’s gentle-natured and open to experiences and he has had a hell of a time growing up with his overbearing father. When he sets his sights on Bridie again he attempts to ask her out. Bridie, who after many years of being seen as a no-good Farrell, is suspicious of his advances. Slowly, as they connect through their family difficulties, their hopes and their dreams, they become closer and take the tentative steps into a relationship. Only, Bridie still makes it clear she has no intention of sticking around Tooncanny once her brother heads off to the army. She hopes to finally put herself first and find out what she wants to do with her life. Her relationship with Shaun challenges her plans and she struggles to make a decision.
What I love about Bridie’s Choice is the slow unravelling of the characters, how they develop and grow and interact with one another. There’s such genuinity to Lane’s characters and everything about them is believable. She’s also not quick to wrap up the romance with a HEA (which is sometimes frustrating!) and this also adds to the authenticity of the character and relationship growth.
Something that I find I experience with each of Karly Lane’s rural novels is her ability to draw on the emotions of the reader and to create natural tension via the characters and dialogue. That very first bar fight scene at the beginning of the book had me diving my nose deeper into the book and noting my tense stomach with anticipation of what would happen next. I also did get a little teary at the end and I really think the emotional depth she creates in her characters, which I experienced as a reader is a real credit to Lane’s writing talent.
Karly Lane is certainly setting her mark in the rural lit/ romance genre and I can see myself collecting her stories and wanting to read them again. Having discovered Karly also writes romantic suspense under the pseudonym Karlene Blakemore-Mowle with various titles self-published and independently published, I intend to check these out!
Bridie Farrell has one goal in life- to get out of Tooncanny. For years she has set her hopes on leaving, getting far away from the small town that holds too many bad memories and a reputation she feels suffocated by. In her mid 20’s, Bridie works as a bartender at the local pub and is the primary caregiver of her teenage brother Luke whose behaviour is spiralling out of control. She hopes to keep him on the right track so he doesn’t wind up in gaol, like their father.
Shaun Broderick comes from a wealthy rural family and has dreamed of running his family’s farm, Jinjulu since he was a kid. Unfortunately, his father had other plans and never had faith in Shaun’s ability to take on such a huge responsibility. They have a relationship characterised by tension and Shaun is constantly critisized by his father. Even after escaping the clutches of his dysfunctional family for seven years, working and studying, he realises nothing has changed since his return twelve months prior. The only thing that remains the same is his attraction to Bridie, the girl he fell for 7 years ago before his family fell apart.
Shaun is such a likeable hero, he’s gentle-natured and open to experiences and he has had a hell of a time growing up with his overbearing father. When he sets his sights on Bridie again he attempts to ask her out. Bridie, who after many years of being seen as a no-good Farrell, is suspicious of his advances. Slowly, as they connect through their family difficulties, their hopes and their dreams, they become closer and take the tentative steps into a relationship. Only, Bridie still makes it clear she has no intention of sticking around Tooncanny once her brother heads off to the army. She hopes to finally put herself first and find out what she wants to do with her life. Her relationship with Shaun challenges her plans and she struggles to make a decision.
What I love about Bridie’s Choice is the slow unravelling of the characters, how they develop and grow and interact with one another. There’s such genuinity to Lane’s characters and everything about them is believable. She’s also not quick to wrap up the romance with a HEA (which is sometimes frustrating!) and this also adds to the authenticity of the character and relationship growth.
Something that I find I experience with each of Karly Lane’s rural novels is her ability to draw on the emotions of the reader and to create natural tension via the characters and dialogue. That very first bar fight scene at the beginning of the book had me diving my nose deeper into the book and noting my tense stomach with anticipation of what would happen next. I also did get a little teary at the end and I really think the emotional depth she creates in her characters, which I experienced as a reader is a real credit to Lane’s writing talent.
Karly Lane is certainly setting her mark in the rural lit/ romance genre and I can see myself collecting her stories and wanting to read them again. Having discovered Karly also writes romantic suspense under the pseudonym Karlene Blakemore-Mowle with various titles self-published and independently published, I intend to check these out!
September 22, 2013
Bridie’s Choice was the first novel by Australian author Karly Lane that I had the chance to read. I picked it up on a whim from work from one day and loved it so much, that I now own her entire backlist! Including her new e-book Burnt, which I can’t wait to read.
In small town Tooncanny, Bridie Farrell is easily identified as one of those Farrell girls. Her father’s in jail, and despite Bridie’s best efforts, it looks like her younger brother is heading down the same path – a point that irks Bridie to no end. Both a dreamer and realist, Bridie longs for a better future for herself and her brother; a future where her very name is not tainted and looked down upon.
Shaun Broderick is the prodigal son in many respects, who returns home to his much beloved family farm Jinjilu. Headstrong Shaun first appears much like a product of the genre, with his wayward absence and the way in which he constantly butts head with his father over the way Jinjilu is and should be run. This impression is quickly turned on its head however as the story develops and Shaun becomes so much more than another trope of the genre.
Both Bridie and Shaun are fiery characters set against a harsh setting and an even more unforgiving township. Far from perfect, both characters both amplify universal truths about the bush, while also bringing something new and exciting and real to a very popular genre. Much like themselves, their relationship progresses naturally and forms the basis of the book, situating this rural narrative firmly as an outback romance. What’s more the characters are not only engaging but presented well, and the town and its people vibrant and true to life. Furthermore, Lane, a gifted storyteller, is adept at being able to keep her characters true to themselves throughout the entire span of the narrative, without losing any of their inherent quirks and ambitions along the way simply to help/carry along the plot line. Nowhere in this novel will you find the characters changing tactics to get ‘their man/girl’ or unresolved tensions and ambitions filtering through the floorboards and forgotten for sake of ease of the narrative. In fact, Lane is a master at doing the exact opposite and constantly positions her characters on the outside of the genres expectations. I was worried at one stage when Bridie and Shaun had finally sorted some things out that Bridie was going to loose sight of her plans and ambitions in life, ambitions that have ruled her life and her place in the book. I was relieved that Lane masterly created a narrative where not only did this not happen and Bridie refused to sell out to the ideals of a relationship, and yet she explored these aspects in all its forms.
What really sets this novel apart for me is the way in which Lane has used the recognisable conventions of the genre, and then turned them on their head. The genre’s strong, independent and feisty characters are evident through the characterisation of Bridie and Shaun, but they are also undermined by their own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Similarly, the romantic notions are distorted and pushed to their limits when ambitions and character determination push the relationship aside to stay true to themselves and diverge from the mainstream path of what constitutes a rural romance and thus chook lit.
Straying once more from some of the more serious narrative traditions in the genre, Lane mostly leaves the issues of depression, drought and alcoholism out of her novel, and chooses instead to focus on the aspects of family relations in all its various forms. While at first glance this makes the narrative appear less serious in its approach then say Rachael Treasure’s Jillaroo, which deals with aspects such as severe depression, suicide and alcoholism, it still stands as a credit to Lane for the way in which she chooses her battles wisely and tackles the issues of family and one’s place in society from another angle all together.
No matter where you live, or where you come from, you will be familiar with the notion and stereotypes of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Lane takes these notions one-step further in this book by not only posing the difference between the town and country, but also the divide between those within each of these respective states Vs those who are not, and thus questions the issue of what it takes to belong and how far people are willing and able to fight to overcome their differences. By highlighting and focusing on this, Lane makes this novel so much more than a romance between two people from different side of the tracks – although that does feature within the narrative as well – as it in turn explores what it means to feel this way and how we come to define ourselves based on our definitions, not those given to us by society.
At its heart Bridie’s Choice is a novel about family and the choices one makes in life. Lane is an experienced and talented storyteller who will not only take you on a journey of discovery, but will leave you questioning what it is exactly that makes up your own position within society. Although fast paced, and well crafted, Bridie’s Choice is a novel that fans of contemporary romances and rural fiction/Chook Lit are bound to love, for at the end of the day its an entertaining, feel good read that leaves you wanting more.
Read as part of my AWW2013 challenge. This review was originally posted on my blog The Never Ending Bookshelf on April 19 and can be found here: http://nevendbookshelf.wordpress.com/...
In small town Tooncanny, Bridie Farrell is easily identified as one of those Farrell girls. Her father’s in jail, and despite Bridie’s best efforts, it looks like her younger brother is heading down the same path – a point that irks Bridie to no end. Both a dreamer and realist, Bridie longs for a better future for herself and her brother; a future where her very name is not tainted and looked down upon.
Shaun Broderick is the prodigal son in many respects, who returns home to his much beloved family farm Jinjilu. Headstrong Shaun first appears much like a product of the genre, with his wayward absence and the way in which he constantly butts head with his father over the way Jinjilu is and should be run. This impression is quickly turned on its head however as the story develops and Shaun becomes so much more than another trope of the genre.
Both Bridie and Shaun are fiery characters set against a harsh setting and an even more unforgiving township. Far from perfect, both characters both amplify universal truths about the bush, while also bringing something new and exciting and real to a very popular genre. Much like themselves, their relationship progresses naturally and forms the basis of the book, situating this rural narrative firmly as an outback romance. What’s more the characters are not only engaging but presented well, and the town and its people vibrant and true to life. Furthermore, Lane, a gifted storyteller, is adept at being able to keep her characters true to themselves throughout the entire span of the narrative, without losing any of their inherent quirks and ambitions along the way simply to help/carry along the plot line. Nowhere in this novel will you find the characters changing tactics to get ‘their man/girl’ or unresolved tensions and ambitions filtering through the floorboards and forgotten for sake of ease of the narrative. In fact, Lane is a master at doing the exact opposite and constantly positions her characters on the outside of the genres expectations. I was worried at one stage when Bridie and Shaun had finally sorted some things out that Bridie was going to loose sight of her plans and ambitions in life, ambitions that have ruled her life and her place in the book. I was relieved that Lane masterly created a narrative where not only did this not happen and Bridie refused to sell out to the ideals of a relationship, and yet she explored these aspects in all its forms.
What really sets this novel apart for me is the way in which Lane has used the recognisable conventions of the genre, and then turned them on their head. The genre’s strong, independent and feisty characters are evident through the characterisation of Bridie and Shaun, but they are also undermined by their own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Similarly, the romantic notions are distorted and pushed to their limits when ambitions and character determination push the relationship aside to stay true to themselves and diverge from the mainstream path of what constitutes a rural romance and thus chook lit.
Straying once more from some of the more serious narrative traditions in the genre, Lane mostly leaves the issues of depression, drought and alcoholism out of her novel, and chooses instead to focus on the aspects of family relations in all its various forms. While at first glance this makes the narrative appear less serious in its approach then say Rachael Treasure’s Jillaroo, which deals with aspects such as severe depression, suicide and alcoholism, it still stands as a credit to Lane for the way in which she chooses her battles wisely and tackles the issues of family and one’s place in society from another angle all together.
No matter where you live, or where you come from, you will be familiar with the notion and stereotypes of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Lane takes these notions one-step further in this book by not only posing the difference between the town and country, but also the divide between those within each of these respective states Vs those who are not, and thus questions the issue of what it takes to belong and how far people are willing and able to fight to overcome their differences. By highlighting and focusing on this, Lane makes this novel so much more than a romance between two people from different side of the tracks – although that does feature within the narrative as well – as it in turn explores what it means to feel this way and how we come to define ourselves based on our definitions, not those given to us by society.
At its heart Bridie’s Choice is a novel about family and the choices one makes in life. Lane is an experienced and talented storyteller who will not only take you on a journey of discovery, but will leave you questioning what it is exactly that makes up your own position within society. Although fast paced, and well crafted, Bridie’s Choice is a novel that fans of contemporary romances and rural fiction/Chook Lit are bound to love, for at the end of the day its an entertaining, feel good read that leaves you wanting more.
Read as part of my AWW2013 challenge. This review was originally posted on my blog The Never Ending Bookshelf on April 19 and can be found here: http://nevendbookshelf.wordpress.com/...
November 29, 2012
Karly Lane, you’ve done it again and this time you’ve aced it! Ms Lane is a brilliant example of an author who not only writes from the heart, but pours her soul into her stories.
When I received my review copy of BRIDIE’S CHOICE from Allen & Unwin, I was over the moon. It’s one I’ve had on my high priority reading list since NORTH STAR and MORGAN’S LAW. With every new release, Karly’s writing just keeps on getting better and this was her best by far.
To read the full review go to http://www.kees2create.com.au/the-oth...
When I received my review copy of BRIDIE’S CHOICE from Allen & Unwin, I was over the moon. It’s one I’ve had on my high priority reading list since NORTH STAR and MORGAN’S LAW. With every new release, Karly’s writing just keeps on getting better and this was her best by far.
To read the full review go to http://www.kees2create.com.au/the-oth...
November 8, 2016
This was a nice easy rural romance.
August 11, 2020
Bridie has spent most of her young life looking after her sick mother, then bringing up her younger brother after her mother's death and her father's imprisonment. She falls in love with the son of one of the wealthiest property owners in town, but she has always promised herself that as soon as her baby brother has grown up she will leave this small town and do something for herself. What will she do when Luke joins the army and starts his own life?
January 16, 2021
Addictive - connected characters - best country romance
January 24, 2015
Karly Lane is one of my favourite go to author’s in the Australian rural romance genre. Her third book, Bridie’s Choice, does not disappoint. Showcasing her love and understanding of the land, combined with compelling characters and an enthralling romance, Bridie’s Choice is a perfect read. The story is about two young lovers who are from completely opposite sides of the tracks. Bridie Farrell works as a barmaid in the local pub, while also playing guardian to her younger brother Luke. Luke is struggling to stay on the right side of the law after his Dad was put in prison and their Mother tragically died of cancer. Bridie has ambitions of finally breaking free from her dusty outback town in favour of the exciting Gold Coast. One night she serves Shaun Broderick at the pub and the two bond after an altercation occurs. Shaun comes from wealthy stock, he is due to inherit Jinjulu, one of the wealthiest properties in the area. As Bridie and Shaun’s relationship grows, so too does the roadblocks that stand in their way. Bridie’s ambitions to leave town combined to the Broderick family’s deep displeasure of their relationship threatens the couple’s future together.
Bridie’s Choice is the perfect light holiday read I was looking for. Lane’s depiction of the Australian outback and farm life, which introduced me to issues as a city dweller I was unaware of, made this book an entertaining read. The forbidden romance element, combined with tough life choices faced by the characters was emotionally engaging. Another fine example of rural romance by one of Australia’s leading writers in this genre.
Bridie’s Choice is the perfect light holiday read I was looking for. Lane’s depiction of the Australian outback and farm life, which introduced me to issues as a city dweller I was unaware of, made this book an entertaining read. The forbidden romance element, combined with tough life choices faced by the characters was emotionally engaging. Another fine example of rural romance by one of Australia’s leading writers in this genre.
December 13, 2012
Another great novel by Karly Lane - she just keeps getting better and better :) As the saying goes "the grass is always greener on the other side". You spend your life dreaming and planning of how your life is going to be, only to discover what you really want/need is what you've left behind.
January 29, 2019
I was kind of disappointed with this book. I expected better. I found it predictable, and it also had some plot holes that detracted from the story. Also, I just couldn't warm to Bridie....
June 5, 2016
Loved it! I have read Karly's recent books, now going through her earlier ones.
January 21, 2013
The Blurb
“Bridie Farrell and Shaun Broderick come from opposite sides of the tracks. But unlike Bridie’s family, who are perennial strugglers, the Brodericks are the wealthy owners of Jinjilu – one of the most prestigious properties in their local district.
All her life Bridie has longed to leave the small town she grew up in. But time after time family responsibilities have kept her anchored there. Meanwhile, Shaun’s dream of taking over the management of Jinjulu is dashed by his dictatorial father who tries to rule Shaun’s life both on and off the farm.
The Brodericks are dismayed when Shaun falls in love with ‘that Farrell girl’, whom they deem unsuitable. And they don’t just make their feelings clear to Shaun but to Bridie as well.
Faced with a choice, Bridie must decide whether to turn her back on her heart or her dreams in order to make the biggest decision of her life…”
Overview
Bridie Farrell is on the brink of finally being able to say goodbye to Tooncanny to follow her own dreams – well, that is, if she can get her sixteen-year-old brother Luke to finish his schooling and make it into the army before his so-called “friends” get him into trouble!
Beneath the tough veneer is a strong determination to shrug off the cloak of small town syndrome and, thanks to her questionable family history, Bridie feels that if she remains in Tooncanny she will never be taken at more than face value. Whilst the responsibility of raising her little brother has fallen on her young shoulders due to unforeseen family circumstances, and she takes those responsibilities seriously, Bridie yearns to live her own life and make her own choices and therefore doesn’t need any distractions to keep her from obtaining her ultimate goal – and this includes getting involved with Shaun Broderick.
After placing himself in self-imposed exile following a family tragedy of his own, Shaun Broderick is back in town and although it’s been seven years, he’s forgotten neither Bridie nor their past disastrous encounter. Son of the wealthy owners of Jinjulu, he’s back to claim his inheritance and prove a point to his father. With his brooding good looks hidden under the brim of an Akubra and an amazing body that would be a positive endorsement for RM Williams jeans, he attempts to make amends for past transgressions and befriends Bridie who, admittedly, is not quite sure of his intentions but hesitantly accepts his advances.
Shaun’s family, like Bridie’s, is rather dysfunctional, albeit on a different level. Whilst Bridie’s family shame is constantly bandied around town, the Broderick family have capably managed to hide behind a façade of normality. With a stuck-up mother who is unable to get past the death of a child and an arrogant father living with the guilt of past actions, they have other ideas for Shaun’s future.
Having made Shaun aware from the start about her intentions of pursuing her dreams, the responsibility of Luke now having come to an end and bridges slowly being mended with her own father, we see Bridie’s inner turmoil begin when Shaun’s parents’ actions and words quite capably force her to realise that she is not good enough for their son, making her all the more determined to leave Tooncanny behind and become the master of her own destiny.
Shaun quite frankly doesn’t care too much for his parents’ opinions on the company he keeps but with a secret weaving a dark thread through his family and a confrontation on the horizon, we see him attempting to persuade Bridie to change her mind - only trouble is, will he be able to stand up to his domineering family, thereby proving to her that she means more than a family inheritance?
My Thoughts
This book has been on my “to be read” list for some time now and I’m so glad that I finally got there. Having never previously read one of Karly Lane’s novels before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, so let me just start out by saying that in my opinion, any author who is able to elicit emotions ranging from laughter and anger to tears and joy from their readers, has the great gift of writing with emotional depth, and Karly quite capably proves this in the way she has drawn her characters.
Two sub-characters who stuck out are Luke and Phoebe and I thought they deserved a special, although minor, mention.
Luke, I could have throttled and whilst I now await the teenage years of my two children with angst and trepidation, thanks to Karly, I was so excited that things took a turn for the better.
Phoebe paints a tragic picture and with her fast becoming the black sheep of the family she’s not gaining any supporters with the way in which she treats other people.
May I also just take a moment to say that I felt there was more to the stories of Luke and Phoebe and, if the author doesn’t mind me saying so, I think there could be another two novels in the making!
A heart-warming story of love in the midst of adversity, hope in times of despair and the discovery that the choices we think we should make don’t always work out to be what is best for us!
With a fast-pace, great tension, well-developed characters and a thread of intrigue weaving its way through, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book and I look forward to reading Ms Lane’s other novels, North Star (which I already have on my shelf) and Morgan's Law, as well as the romantic suspense novels she writes under the pseudonym Karly Blakemore-Mowle.
My thanks goes to the publisher, Allen & Unwin as well as The Reading Room, for providing me with a hard copy of Bridie’s Choice for review.
A Bit About the Author
Karly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia.
A wife and mother of four children, working part time as a pathology collector by day, she manages to squeeze in her writing whenever and however she can. She is a proud member of the RWA Australia.
“Bridie Farrell and Shaun Broderick come from opposite sides of the tracks. But unlike Bridie’s family, who are perennial strugglers, the Brodericks are the wealthy owners of Jinjilu – one of the most prestigious properties in their local district.
All her life Bridie has longed to leave the small town she grew up in. But time after time family responsibilities have kept her anchored there. Meanwhile, Shaun’s dream of taking over the management of Jinjulu is dashed by his dictatorial father who tries to rule Shaun’s life both on and off the farm.
The Brodericks are dismayed when Shaun falls in love with ‘that Farrell girl’, whom they deem unsuitable. And they don’t just make their feelings clear to Shaun but to Bridie as well.
Faced with a choice, Bridie must decide whether to turn her back on her heart or her dreams in order to make the biggest decision of her life…”
Overview
Bridie Farrell is on the brink of finally being able to say goodbye to Tooncanny to follow her own dreams – well, that is, if she can get her sixteen-year-old brother Luke to finish his schooling and make it into the army before his so-called “friends” get him into trouble!
Beneath the tough veneer is a strong determination to shrug off the cloak of small town syndrome and, thanks to her questionable family history, Bridie feels that if she remains in Tooncanny she will never be taken at more than face value. Whilst the responsibility of raising her little brother has fallen on her young shoulders due to unforeseen family circumstances, and she takes those responsibilities seriously, Bridie yearns to live her own life and make her own choices and therefore doesn’t need any distractions to keep her from obtaining her ultimate goal – and this includes getting involved with Shaun Broderick.
After placing himself in self-imposed exile following a family tragedy of his own, Shaun Broderick is back in town and although it’s been seven years, he’s forgotten neither Bridie nor their past disastrous encounter. Son of the wealthy owners of Jinjulu, he’s back to claim his inheritance and prove a point to his father. With his brooding good looks hidden under the brim of an Akubra and an amazing body that would be a positive endorsement for RM Williams jeans, he attempts to make amends for past transgressions and befriends Bridie who, admittedly, is not quite sure of his intentions but hesitantly accepts his advances.
Shaun’s family, like Bridie’s, is rather dysfunctional, albeit on a different level. Whilst Bridie’s family shame is constantly bandied around town, the Broderick family have capably managed to hide behind a façade of normality. With a stuck-up mother who is unable to get past the death of a child and an arrogant father living with the guilt of past actions, they have other ideas for Shaun’s future.
Having made Shaun aware from the start about her intentions of pursuing her dreams, the responsibility of Luke now having come to an end and bridges slowly being mended with her own father, we see Bridie’s inner turmoil begin when Shaun’s parents’ actions and words quite capably force her to realise that she is not good enough for their son, making her all the more determined to leave Tooncanny behind and become the master of her own destiny.
Shaun quite frankly doesn’t care too much for his parents’ opinions on the company he keeps but with a secret weaving a dark thread through his family and a confrontation on the horizon, we see him attempting to persuade Bridie to change her mind - only trouble is, will he be able to stand up to his domineering family, thereby proving to her that she means more than a family inheritance?
My Thoughts
This book has been on my “to be read” list for some time now and I’m so glad that I finally got there. Having never previously read one of Karly Lane’s novels before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, so let me just start out by saying that in my opinion, any author who is able to elicit emotions ranging from laughter and anger to tears and joy from their readers, has the great gift of writing with emotional depth, and Karly quite capably proves this in the way she has drawn her characters.
Two sub-characters who stuck out are Luke and Phoebe and I thought they deserved a special, although minor, mention.
Luke, I could have throttled and whilst I now await the teenage years of my two children with angst and trepidation, thanks to Karly, I was so excited that things took a turn for the better.
Phoebe paints a tragic picture and with her fast becoming the black sheep of the family she’s not gaining any supporters with the way in which she treats other people.
May I also just take a moment to say that I felt there was more to the stories of Luke and Phoebe and, if the author doesn’t mind me saying so, I think there could be another two novels in the making!
A heart-warming story of love in the midst of adversity, hope in times of despair and the discovery that the choices we think we should make don’t always work out to be what is best for us!
With a fast-pace, great tension, well-developed characters and a thread of intrigue weaving its way through, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book and I look forward to reading Ms Lane’s other novels, North Star (which I already have on my shelf) and Morgan's Law, as well as the romantic suspense novels she writes under the pseudonym Karly Blakemore-Mowle.
My thanks goes to the publisher, Allen & Unwin as well as The Reading Room, for providing me with a hard copy of Bridie’s Choice for review.
A Bit About the Author
Karly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia.
A wife and mother of four children, working part time as a pathology collector by day, she manages to squeeze in her writing whenever and however she can. She is a proud member of the RWA Australia.
October 12, 2021
Ever since her mother died, Bridie Farrell has been the legal guardian of her brother, Luke. With a father in jail, and also having to deal with a family that has a bad name in town, she's dealing with a lot.
Bridie has a five year plan. As soon as her brother is old enough to fend for himself, she plans to leave her small hometown. All Bridie desires is to start living her 'own' life, without any responsibilities.
However, a spanner is about to the thrown into the works. Bridie didn't anticipate to fall in love. With the heir of the most prestigious property in town no less... And his family isn't too happy about choice of girl at all.
𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘦'𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 really is a tale about self discovery. On one hand we have Bridie, who wants to break free from responsibilities and her family reputation. On the other, we have her beau, Shaun Broderick who's trying to gain his parents respect and is struggling to do so.
All of the locations mentioned were instantly recognisable to me! I felt deeply immersed in this wonderful read. One of your best Karly! I now need a follow up story!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Bridie has a five year plan. As soon as her brother is old enough to fend for himself, she plans to leave her small hometown. All Bridie desires is to start living her 'own' life, without any responsibilities.
However, a spanner is about to the thrown into the works. Bridie didn't anticipate to fall in love. With the heir of the most prestigious property in town no less... And his family isn't too happy about choice of girl at all.
𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘦'𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 really is a tale about self discovery. On one hand we have Bridie, who wants to break free from responsibilities and her family reputation. On the other, we have her beau, Shaun Broderick who's trying to gain his parents respect and is struggling to do so.
All of the locations mentioned were instantly recognisable to me! I felt deeply immersed in this wonderful read. One of your best Karly! I now need a follow up story!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
June 11, 2025
Bridie Farrell and Shaun Broderick come from opposite sides of the tracks. But unlike Bridie's family, who are perennial strugglers, the Brodericks are the wealthy owners of Jinjulu - one of the most prestigious properties in their local district. All her life Bridie has longed to leave the small town she grew up in. But time afer time family responsibilites have kept her anchored there. Meanwhile, Shaun's dream of taking over the management of Jinjulu is dashed by his dictatorial father who tries to rule Shaun's life both on and off the farm. The Brodericks are dismayed when Shaun falls in love with 'that Farrell girl', whom they deem unsuitable. And they don't just make their feelings clear to Shaun but to Bridie as well. Faced with a choice, Bridie must decide whether to turn her back on her heart or her dreams in order to make the biggest decision of her life... From the author of the bestselling rural saga North Star and Morgan's Law, this absorbing novel is about alternative destinies and the power of love.
December 29, 2025
#257 in 2025
Bridies mother died when she was young, her father went to prison and she was awarded custody of her younger brother
All she wants to do is leave her small town
Shaun has his eye on Bridie and finally asks her out
He also has daddy issues and a dead brother
They try to make it work
Bridie takes off in search of her dream
But it was always with Shaun
Bridies mother died when she was young, her father went to prison and she was awarded custody of her younger brother
All she wants to do is leave her small town
Shaun has his eye on Bridie and finally asks her out
He also has daddy issues and a dead brother
They try to make it work
Bridie takes off in search of her dream
But it was always with Shaun
May 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this rural romance, it was an enjoyable read while at the same time covering some pretty full on issues. The characters were real as were the situations they found themselves in and it showed how family relationships aren't always as they seem.
January 3, 2020
I loved this book by Karly. I started it New Year's Eve and finished it today. I found it very hard to put down every time I picked it up. Thank You for another great story. Highly Recommend anything written by Karly
May 21, 2017
Loved this book
September 10, 2017
Loved it! Probably one of my favourite karly lane books! Definitely worth a read
August 22, 2018
II am looking forward to reading more of Karla Lane,s books.
January 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It was like reading non~fiction. I found it difficult to put down.
March 9, 2019
Easy read!
July 24, 2019
Good read
September 8, 2020
Wasn't too sure at first that this book was as good as others I'd read of Karly Lanes. But my mind was soon changed and I loved the storyline.
November 16, 2020
Loved it!
January 22, 2021
I did enjoy the writing of this book. Definitely brought out some personalities that have got lost in their own lives. Points out that not all people can change. Get on and live your life.
July 26, 2021
Great read
January 15, 2022
Enjoyed this book.
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