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A Woody Creek Novel #5
Ripples on a Pond
Woody Creek is gearing up for its centenary celebrations – but for many of its townspeople, it's just another reminder of the old days, when life was more simple, before so-called progress, technology and a growing population roared through the town, altering everything in its wake.
Not for Georgie though. Long encumbered by responsibility for her half-sister Margot, she's looking towards the future and more changes. Not having managed to move on from running Charlie's grocery store yet, as the clock ticks over to 1970, she's determined that the time has come.
She's not the only one of Jenny's children who's grown up and is moving on. As a six year old, little Jimmy Morrison was stolen from Woody Creek by his grandfather, and is now further away than ever from his estranged birth mother and sisters. Having inherited an estate in the United Kingdom, he's determined to make a new life for himself. If only he could shake off his one terrible attachment to Australia...
For Cara, Woody Creek has been the source of the most devastating news of her life, and a terrible mistake that cannot be undone. She's vowed never to step foot into the place again. But the old timber town has a way of getting under people's skins. And as it draws the much loved cast of Woody Creek characters back into its grip, confessions, discoveries and truths seem set to explode in the most dramatic of showdowns...
Not for Georgie though. Long encumbered by responsibility for her half-sister Margot, she's looking towards the future and more changes. Not having managed to move on from running Charlie's grocery store yet, as the clock ticks over to 1970, she's determined that the time has come.
She's not the only one of Jenny's children who's grown up and is moving on. As a six year old, little Jimmy Morrison was stolen from Woody Creek by his grandfather, and is now further away than ever from his estranged birth mother and sisters. Having inherited an estate in the United Kingdom, he's determined to make a new life for himself. If only he could shake off his one terrible attachment to Australia...
For Cara, Woody Creek has been the source of the most devastating news of her life, and a terrible mistake that cannot be undone. She's vowed never to step foot into the place again. But the old timber town has a way of getting under people's skins. And as it draws the much loved cast of Woody Creek characters back into its grip, confessions, discoveries and truths seem set to explode in the most dramatic of showdowns...
512 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Joy Dettman
22 books163 followersJoy Dettman was born in country Victoria and spent her early years in towns on either side of the Murray River. She is an award-winning writer of short stories, the complete collection of which, Diamonds in the Mud, was published in 2007, as well as the highly acclaimed novels Mallawindy, Jacaranda Blue, Goose Girl, Yesterday's Dust, The Seventh Day, Henry's Daughter, One Sunday, Pearl in a Cage, Thorn on the Rose, Moth to the Flame and Wind in the Wires. Ripples on a Pond is Joy's fifth novel in her Woody Creek series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 25, 2013
I just love Joy Dettman novels....... Woody Creek series is an amazing saga over multiple generations. It is so easy to pick up the story from where it finished off last book with the summary at the beginning which outlines the main characters and their relationships with each other.
Looking forward to seeing if there will be book 6.... surely if there is...it will follow Georgie on her way.
Looking forward to seeing if there will be book 6.... surely if there is...it will follow Georgie on her way.
September 27, 2020
After the cliffhanger in Book 4 I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Cara and Morrie - and if I had ever thought that by Book 5 in the series I would have surely lost interest in Woody Creek, I was so very wrong! I devoured this book as eagerly as all the others and can't wait to read the next one. Dettman is a master story teller indeed, and she has stolen my heart and soul with this series. I am way too emotionally involved with all of these characters, which made me read until late into the night, breath held as one disaster after another befell the family.
Not usually one for family sagas, it's a sign of Dettman's skill that I am totally hooked on this series and will forever remember 2020 as the year that may have sucked in every other way, but it gave me Woody Creek to escape to. A fantastic series, full of history and characters that will get under your skin. Definitely not a stand alone read, though, so do yourself a favour and start with Book 1, you won't regret it.
Brilliant!
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
Not usually one for family sagas, it's a sign of Dettman's skill that I am totally hooked on this series and will forever remember 2020 as the year that may have sucked in every other way, but it gave me Woody Creek to escape to. A fantastic series, full of history and characters that will get under your skin. Definitely not a stand alone read, though, so do yourself a favour and start with Book 1, you won't regret it.
Brilliant!
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
March 22, 2013
This was a great read. I have waited a long time for this one to hit the shelves. As always Joy Dettman captured my attention and imagination early in the book. I love the way she sprinkles crumbs through the book that take you straight back to storylines in the previous installments of the Woody Creek series. Yes I agree that sometimes the coincedents are a little stretched but they always catch you by surprise.
As one other reviewer said I read this book in a matter of a day and a half and now have a long wait till the last book is published.
As one other reviewer said I read this book in a matter of a day and a half and now have a long wait till the last book is published.
March 12, 2013
A great read as always from Joy Dettman. She has a great gift of telling a story that is never predictable. She is an amazing storyteller. I mean, this is book 5 in the series and I kind of expected her to be just rounding off everyone's stories but no, she kept me enthralled with the events and it kept going at a really good pace. I am pretty sure this is the last one in the series though. Time for another series Joy! I will miss Woody Creek.
January 14, 2020
I have to say that I'm a bit of a Joy Dettman fan. She does the Oz small town life and family goes and woes so well that none have every failed to please. This one fits the bill as well with the loves and splits of a couple of families connected by birth/marriage. A bewdy!
August 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book as much as the rest in this series. When I started reading it I wondered how I could have missed Jenny getting back with Jim and them being married, then I found out that somehow I had missed a book. I will have to read it out of sequence now.
I have to admit that I think Cara is a bit over the top, but then I have not lived her life and it would have been devestating finding out that the man you loved was your half brother, I can't believe they had not had that discussion earlier, but maybe Jim (Morrie) would have told a tale there anyway.
They all want to repeat their lies agains for the next generation. I think that Jenny and Jim should tell Trudi the truth about her beginning, though it may be already too late.
This story was mostly about Cara with a little Jim (Morrie) thrown in along with a little Georgie.
I look forward to filling in a large gap with the reading of the 4th book in this series.
I have to admit that I think Cara is a bit over the top, but then I have not lived her life and it would have been devestating finding out that the man you loved was your half brother, I can't believe they had not had that discussion earlier, but maybe Jim (Morrie) would have told a tale there anyway.
They all want to repeat their lies agains for the next generation. I think that Jenny and Jim should tell Trudi the truth about her beginning, though it may be already too late.
This story was mostly about Cara with a little Jim (Morrie) thrown in along with a little Georgie.
I look forward to filling in a large gap with the reading of the 4th book in this series.
October 2, 2013
I absolutely loved it. Took me back to my Wood Creek family yet again. You become part of the story. I wanted to get it read because I enjoy the story so much, but at the same time did not want it to end. Joy takes us into the life of Cara this time, so many twists and turns, a wonderful read from a wonderful author. I hope she does a 6th, there is a possibility for it even though she tied so many ends this time. Otherwise I hope she creates a new series for us to read with a new family to enjoy.
March 12, 2013
Love the Woody Creek series. I am not a fan of 'serial' novels, but since I read all Joy Dettman's novels, I got hooked on the Woody Creek series. The characters are at the same time so real, sympathetic, down to earth and un-real. Sometimes the 'coincidences' are a bit far fetched. But I cannot help but being sucked in.
The only problem is, that after waiting so long for this edition (number 5 in the series) - I could not help but read it in 1,5 days. Now it's gonna be a hell of a wait for the final one to be published.
The only problem is, that after waiting so long for this edition (number 5 in the series) - I could not help but read it in 1,5 days. Now it's gonna be a hell of a wait for the final one to be published.
June 20, 2013
I think I did woody creek a disservice by starting with ripples on a pond rather than at the beginning. There was way too much history to catch up on. That aside, I found the narrative dull, repetitive and implausible. The characters also annoyed me with their relentless talk of 'feral bitches', clutching at fags and dole bludger sledges. Georgie was perhaps one exception. Was also offended by the association drawn between drug users, hippies, bikies, welfare scammers and crime dens. Sadly, I don't think I'm going back to woody creek
March 31, 2013
I love the Woody Creek series and have enjoyed all five books in the series and can't wait for book 6 which unfortunately is the last in the series
It will be interesting to find out how the story ends
Joy Dettman is a wonderful storyteller and will be reading many more of her books
It will be interesting to find out how the story ends
Joy Dettman is a wonderful storyteller and will be reading many more of her books
March 20, 2013
Love love love this book! It made me lose a lot of sleep but well worth it. The plot of the series thickens and the ending leaves you hanging for the new book
April 30, 2013
5th book in this series. As always Joy Dettman very hard to put down. One of my favourite Australian authors. 'Henry's daughter' is still my favourite!
July 4, 2013
part of the woody creek series - loved them all
July 11, 2013
The final book in the Woody Creek series which I thoroughly enjoyed. Life in an Australian small town... Interesting characters.
June 5, 2013
OMG I can't put it down!!!!
August 24, 2021
oof.
I love the Woody Creek series, but the protagonist of this one was SO ANNOYING.
Supposedly a bright, articulate woman, Cara was the silliest ninny I think I've ever come across.
If there was ever a wrong decision to make - she'd make it. If there was a time to open her mouth and share a secret, she'd shut it. If I have to hear about her "howling" one more time...
When the story moved away from her, the old Woody Creek magic was back. It's such a shame that so much time was taken up with such a thoroughly exasperating fool.
I love the Woody Creek series, but the protagonist of this one was SO ANNOYING.
Supposedly a bright, articulate woman, Cara was the silliest ninny I think I've ever come across.
If there was ever a wrong decision to make - she'd make it. If there was a time to open her mouth and share a secret, she'd shut it. If I have to hear about her "howling" one more time...
When the story moved away from her, the old Woody Creek magic was back. It's such a shame that so much time was taken up with such a thoroughly exasperating fool.
October 26, 2017
Number 5... I'm getting lost, the story has certainly become other people's and very much removed from the original characters, although their legacy's still shine on through the book. Finally towards the last quarter of the book things started happening and had a feeling of actual developments rather than everyone plodding along through life and putting up with their lot.
I will read Number 6 but only because I'm committed to it!
I will read Number 6 but only because I'm committed to it!
January 20, 2019
I have loved these Woody Creek novels, so Australian and Joy keeps us abreast of all thats happening in the world at the same time as her characters.
Poor Cara just can't seem to catch a break, misery seems to be her middle name. That said I can't get enough of these books. I'm trying not to finish the series too quickly, only one to go now (sad face), I wonder if Joy's other novels are as engaging. Perhaps I'll give them a go.
Poor Cara just can't seem to catch a break, misery seems to be her middle name. That said I can't get enough of these books. I'm trying not to finish the series too quickly, only one to go now (sad face), I wonder if Joy's other novels are as engaging. Perhaps I'll give them a go.
August 24, 2019
I enjoy the twists and turns this family saga is coming up with. we are now in the 70. The loose end have been nicely tied up, but I am delighted that there are still two more novels to explore in this saga
March 29, 2017
Lets go - well, well, well - I didn't see that coming! But something had to change for Georgie to move forward.
May 5, 2017
I didn't feel that this novel was up to the standard of the previous ones. Although I still enjoyed it, I found it repetitious in parts. Just not as enthralling as earlier books in series.
September 24, 2017
And so continues the Woody Creek saga. Enjoyed Cara and her adventures, misadventures.
July 9, 2019
Couldn't put this book down, feeling sad that the tale of Woody Creek is almost over, only one book left in the series and I can't wait to get into it.
April 29, 2020
I just couldn't put it down.
June 14, 2020
The Saga continues... more intriguing than before. Although I didn't care too much for Cara, Jenny's 3rd daughter, I'm addicted to this sensational series and can't wait to read the next book.
September 29, 2023
Woody Creek series. Book #5
October 6, 2025
Absolutely love this whole series. It is impossible to put this book down once you start reading. The reader gets so involved in the lives of the characters. Love, love, love it.
August 28, 2014
Really enjoyed this book and getting to know Cara's character better. This book is really frustrating too. Was so happy to see Cara and Morrie get married only to find out soon after that Morrie was actually Jimmy and they were brother and sister. Sometimes I think it would have been better if they hadn't found out. And then for them to have a kid together was pushing the storyline a little too far. But Robin is so cute though. Cara should have told Morrie about him a lot sooner than she did. I just think she should have been honest with her family about what had happened. Also I think it's about time that Morrie/Jimmy meets up with Jen and Jim again. That storyline just seems to be dragging out now. It would be good for Morrie to find out why they really gave him away. Also, Jenny should tell Jim about Cara as well before he hears about it from someone else. Margot, Raelene and Dino's characters are so annoying in this book. I just think it's too much of a coincidence for Cara and Dino's characters to keep meeting up like that and for Raelene to keep turning on her family. And for Raelene to kidnap her own daughter and then drug her up? She's a complete pshyco! And Margot is just so lazy and a complete cow. I was actually happy when both these characters were killed off at the end of the book. Can't wait to read the next sequel. Hopefully we'll learn more about Georgie. I would like her to see a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews