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Love Match
In a town like South Star, everyone knows Sarah Childs’ name, face, entire history … and the fact she’s just been dumped by Johnno West.
Sarah would happily keep to herself on their property, Dunromin, for the rest of her days. But now her parents are refusing to put her in charge until she spends a year getting more involved in the local community and, yes, dating. Well. She’ll show them community spirit. She’ll be Miss bloody South Star if that’s what it takes. How hard can it be?
Under small-town surveillance Sarah rekindles neglected friendships and throws herself in the dating deep end (recruiting the Bush Telegraph, Mabel Peters, to matchmake for her). She joins a new women’s rugby team, the Pink Cockatoos, and even the bristly new cop in town, Sergeant Smith, can't slow Sarah's race to keep up appearances as the perfect daughter, citizen and girlfriend.
As Sarah moves in with Mabel to help catalogue her vast wardrobe – bringing up memories of Mabel’s beauty pageant past and long-lost friend Rose – vintage fashion might not be all that comes out of the closet.
Wonderfully funny and very Australian, Love Match is a story about learning a new game, figuring out who you are, and maybe even finding real love.
Sarah would happily keep to herself on their property, Dunromin, for the rest of her days. But now her parents are refusing to put her in charge until she spends a year getting more involved in the local community and, yes, dating. Well. She’ll show them community spirit. She’ll be Miss bloody South Star if that’s what it takes. How hard can it be?
Under small-town surveillance Sarah rekindles neglected friendships and throws herself in the dating deep end (recruiting the Bush Telegraph, Mabel Peters, to matchmake for her). She joins a new women’s rugby team, the Pink Cockatoos, and even the bristly new cop in town, Sergeant Smith, can't slow Sarah's race to keep up appearances as the perfect daughter, citizen and girlfriend.
As Sarah moves in with Mabel to help catalogue her vast wardrobe – bringing up memories of Mabel’s beauty pageant past and long-lost friend Rose – vintage fashion might not be all that comes out of the closet.
Wonderfully funny and very Australian, Love Match is a story about learning a new game, figuring out who you are, and maybe even finding real love.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
13 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Clare Fletcher
2 books53 followersClare Fletcher was born and raised in regional Queensland, Australia. Her debut novel, romantic comedy FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS, was published in 2022 by Penguin Random House, with a follow up due in 2023. Clare also works part-time in communications for the Walkley Foundation for Journalism, and lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter.
Follow Clare on Instagram for updates (@clarefletcherwriter) or visit her website to sign up for her monthly newsletter.
Follow Clare on Instagram for updates (@clarefletcherwriter) or visit her website to sign up for her monthly newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 18, 2023
I loved my second trip to South Star, catching up with lots of familiar characters and getting to know Mabel better and also Sarah who needed some love to come her way.
After her break-up with Johnno West, all Sarah wanted was to spend her time on the family farm Dunromin, she loves it here but her parents have other plans they want Sarah to take a gap year and get more involved with the community and spend some time enjoying life and dating of course, so Sarah takes the bull by the horns and enlists match maker Mabel Peters to help her along the way, little does she realise that her and Mabel will form a strong friendship and see that they are very similar.
Sarah spends time with old friends and helps Mabel catalogue her dress collection along the way finding out about Mabel’s life and learns about her friend Rose and how she ended up being the bush telegraph, town gossip and connoisseur of fabulous clothing. She also starts dating her old friend and the best she joins the new rugby sevens team and meets the police officer Georgia Smith, who happens to captain and coach the Pink Cockatoos.
This is a beautifully written story, it takes in a lot of issues, including mental health and the problems of small town living, it is emotional, moving, witty and some very funny parts. Fabulous characters add to the story, it is a story about finding out who you are and how to go forward and find the love and happiness that everyone deserves. I would recommend this one it is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
After her break-up with Johnno West, all Sarah wanted was to spend her time on the family farm Dunromin, she loves it here but her parents have other plans they want Sarah to take a gap year and get more involved with the community and spend some time enjoying life and dating of course, so Sarah takes the bull by the horns and enlists match maker Mabel Peters to help her along the way, little does she realise that her and Mabel will form a strong friendship and see that they are very similar.
Sarah spends time with old friends and helps Mabel catalogue her dress collection along the way finding out about Mabel’s life and learns about her friend Rose and how she ended up being the bush telegraph, town gossip and connoisseur of fabulous clothing. She also starts dating her old friend and the best she joins the new rugby sevens team and meets the police officer Georgia Smith, who happens to captain and coach the Pink Cockatoos.
This is a beautifully written story, it takes in a lot of issues, including mental health and the problems of small town living, it is emotional, moving, witty and some very funny parts. Fabulous characters add to the story, it is a story about finding out who you are and how to go forward and find the love and happiness that everyone deserves. I would recommend this one it is a thoroughly enjoyable story.
September 18, 2023
4.5 stars!
A fantastic slow-burn of a novel.
I loved returning to the town of South Star and it's lively occupants. Like Fletcher's debut novel, Five Bush Weddings, Love Match is quintessentially Australian. I really enjoyed the dynamic and budding friendship between the protagonist Sarah and Mabel - the town's loveable matriarch. Sarah’s growth and development as a person was brilliantly written and her speech at the end may or may not have made me tear up just a little.
Love Match is a touching story about finding yourself amidst the pressures of small-town life, understanding love and, of course, the power of women in sport.
Could this technically fall into the Sports Romance category? I'd say yes.
** I was lucky enough to receive an ARC through work **
A fantastic slow-burn of a novel.
I loved returning to the town of South Star and it's lively occupants. Like Fletcher's debut novel, Five Bush Weddings, Love Match is quintessentially Australian. I really enjoyed the dynamic and budding friendship between the protagonist Sarah and Mabel - the town's loveable matriarch. Sarah’s growth and development as a person was brilliantly written and her speech at the end may or may not have made me tear up just a little.
Love Match is a touching story about finding yourself amidst the pressures of small-town life, understanding love and, of course, the power of women in sport.
Could this technically fall into the Sports Romance category? I'd say yes.
** I was lucky enough to receive an ARC through work **
January 16, 2024
I love me a book based in a small town, and this is just that!
Love Match follows FMC Sarah as she embarks on a journey of self discovery! Sarah needs to prove to her parents that she's involved in the local community so she can inherit her families farm.
Sarah learns how to play rugby and forms a local team. Making new friendships and rekindling old ones along the way.
Sarah dips her toes in the dating pool and let me tell you, there were some disasters!! 😂😂
She moves in with well-known local Mabel and helps catalogue her incredible dress collection. During this we discover pieces of Mabel's past too that are beautiful and emotional.
Clare Fletcher has done it again! This book was brilliant! It had me laughing out loud and pulling my heart strings.
A great book that I thoroughly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend!
Love Match follows FMC Sarah as she embarks on a journey of self discovery! Sarah needs to prove to her parents that she's involved in the local community so she can inherit her families farm.
Sarah learns how to play rugby and forms a local team. Making new friendships and rekindling old ones along the way.
Sarah dips her toes in the dating pool and let me tell you, there were some disasters!! 😂😂
She moves in with well-known local Mabel and helps catalogue her incredible dress collection. During this we discover pieces of Mabel's past too that are beautiful and emotional.
Clare Fletcher has done it again! This book was brilliant! It had me laughing out loud and pulling my heart strings.
A great book that I thoroughly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend!
April 26, 2024
Rating a romance novel 5 stars is honestly wild from me but I deeply, deeply loved this book.
It's definitely an easy read, but I felt the pace and the pared back writing matched the setting of a sleepy country town and instantly transported me back to my own childhood growing up in regional QLD. For once the country references felt accurate and not wildly insulting (eat your heart out tim winton) and it was layered with a depth that so clearly came from the heart.
This one hit so so close to home it had me healing things I didn't know needed to be healed. Very grateful to have experienced this book.
It's definitely an easy read, but I felt the pace and the pared back writing matched the setting of a sleepy country town and instantly transported me back to my own childhood growing up in regional QLD. For once the country references felt accurate and not wildly insulting (eat your heart out tim winton) and it was layered with a depth that so clearly came from the heart.
This one hit so so close to home it had me healing things I didn't know needed to be healed. Very grateful to have experienced this book.
December 10, 2023
This is my first read from Clare Fletcher and it definitely won't be my last. I adored this book.
A few pages in and I was laughing out loud and telling my wife that this was a great sign for the novel. Love Match is quirky and funny, but packs in some serious topics with care.
Love Match intricately weaves the tale of Sarah, who is deeply engrossed in the family farm's succession plans, inadvertently sheltering herself from the outside world and her own inner turmoil. A twist of fate, prompted by her parents, catapults her into a new life in town, where she finds herself rooming with Mabel Peters, the local gossip and a former beauty queen with a closet full of secrets and stylish dresses.
Mabel's past, marked by the loss of her sister and the responsibility of raising her niece and nephew, mirrors a life of missed opportunities and concealed truths. Meanwhile, Sarah's foray into town life is full of surprises - joining a women's rugby team, cataloging Mabel's extraordinary wardrobe, and a charged encounter with the new cop in town. Her involvement in the local pageant and a budding romance serve as distractions from confronting her own reality.
This engaging read masterfully intertwines two distinct timelines, highlighting the nuances and limitations of small-town living. The parallel lives of Sarah and Mabel, from different generations, reveal the universal truth that everyone has their own secrets and difficulties. I adored the exploration of sexuality and identity, as we have a front row view of Sarah coming to terms for her feelings of the new Sarge and her rugby coach, Georgia. This is a ridiculously slow burn but it felt so organic and realistic. It was a joy to follow.
Love Match is a compelling narrative that beautifully explores the dynamics of human relationships and self-discovery within the confines of a close-knit community. If you love a bit of Australiana thrown in to your romance, or if that sounds intriguing, I highly recommend you pick this up. It's a beaut!
A few pages in and I was laughing out loud and telling my wife that this was a great sign for the novel. Love Match is quirky and funny, but packs in some serious topics with care.
Love Match intricately weaves the tale of Sarah, who is deeply engrossed in the family farm's succession plans, inadvertently sheltering herself from the outside world and her own inner turmoil. A twist of fate, prompted by her parents, catapults her into a new life in town, where she finds herself rooming with Mabel Peters, the local gossip and a former beauty queen with a closet full of secrets and stylish dresses.
Mabel's past, marked by the loss of her sister and the responsibility of raising her niece and nephew, mirrors a life of missed opportunities and concealed truths. Meanwhile, Sarah's foray into town life is full of surprises - joining a women's rugby team, cataloging Mabel's extraordinary wardrobe, and a charged encounter with the new cop in town. Her involvement in the local pageant and a budding romance serve as distractions from confronting her own reality.
This engaging read masterfully intertwines two distinct timelines, highlighting the nuances and limitations of small-town living. The parallel lives of Sarah and Mabel, from different generations, reveal the universal truth that everyone has their own secrets and difficulties. I adored the exploration of sexuality and identity, as we have a front row view of Sarah coming to terms for her feelings of the new Sarge and her rugby coach, Georgia. This is a ridiculously slow burn but it felt so organic and realistic. It was a joy to follow.
Love Match is a compelling narrative that beautifully explores the dynamics of human relationships and self-discovery within the confines of a close-knit community. If you love a bit of Australiana thrown in to your romance, or if that sounds intriguing, I highly recommend you pick this up. It's a beaut!
July 31, 2025
This was a really fun sapphic sport romance. I really loved that instead of following professional athletes it followed a bunch of women, very different women picking up a sport recreationally. It was a really fun twist on a sports romance that I haven't read before.
I also enjoyed the parallel stories of Sarah and Mabel but I do really wish we'd seen a happier ending for Mabel and Rose.
My one gripe is probably that we saw so little of our main couple, it was a very very very slow burn for her to even acknowledge she liked girls and then they fought, didn't interact for some chapters and then made up in the last chapter. I think it could have been paced slightly better so that we actually got to enjoy Sarah and Georgia together. Like at the very least the epilogue should have been at the following years rugby final and then lots of cuteness and celebrating.
But all in all a fun read!
I also enjoyed the parallel stories of Sarah and Mabel but I do really wish we'd seen a happier ending for Mabel and Rose.
My one gripe is probably that we saw so little of our main couple, it was a very very very slow burn for her to even acknowledge she liked girls and then they fought, didn't interact for some chapters and then made up in the last chapter. I think it could have been paced slightly better so that we actually got to enjoy Sarah and Georgia together. Like at the very least the epilogue should have been at the following years rugby final and then lots of cuteness and celebrating.
But all in all a fun read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A strong focus on the family farm succession keeps Sarah busy and distracted from living any form of social life.
Perhaps the perfect hideaway so inner demons can stay safely out of the way.
A decision by her parents forces change and life unleashes a dose of reality.
Moving into town, getting a job and actively date was the objective.
Moving in with the town gossip not only provided a room but an opportunity to utilise her match making skills.
Mabel Peters has a beauty pageant background, an impressive collection of stylish dresses and an interesting backstory.
Her own opportunity for true love thwarted by her sisters premature death and her dedicated duty to raise her sisters children.
The couture and her truth hidden away.
Joining the newly formed female rugby team, cataloging Mabel’s dresses and a tense run in with the towns new cop see Sarah living town life beyond all expectations. Entering the show girl pageant and dating a local guy distract her from her own truth. Emotions bubble and burst.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that had two fascinating timelines and reflected perfectly the constraints of living in a small town.
Everyone has a story and often this is dismissed.
The dynamic and similarities between two women of different eras was brilliant.
A strong focus on the family farm succession keeps Sarah busy and distracted from living any form of social life.
Perhaps the perfect hideaway so inner demons can stay safely out of the way.
A decision by her parents forces change and life unleashes a dose of reality.
Moving into town, getting a job and actively date was the objective.
Moving in with the town gossip not only provided a room but an opportunity to utilise her match making skills.
Mabel Peters has a beauty pageant background, an impressive collection of stylish dresses and an interesting backstory.
Her own opportunity for true love thwarted by her sisters premature death and her dedicated duty to raise her sisters children.
The couture and her truth hidden away.
Joining the newly formed female rugby team, cataloging Mabel’s dresses and a tense run in with the towns new cop see Sarah living town life beyond all expectations. Entering the show girl pageant and dating a local guy distract her from her own truth. Emotions bubble and burst.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that had two fascinating timelines and reflected perfectly the constraints of living in a small town.
Everyone has a story and often this is dismissed.
The dynamic and similarities between two women of different eras was brilliant.
December 15, 2023
Clare Fletcher is one of my favourite Aussie writers (If you haven’t read FIVE BUSH WEDFINGS yet, you must!!) and I love that LOVE MATCH delivered some surprises!
I won’t give too much away about the plot, but this book has so much below the surface & touches on so many issues, it made the novel very real, very Australian & and joy to read! This is so much more than the rom com you expect!
Clare has a knack for writing flawed main characters with heart & LOVE MATCH’s protagonist, Sarah is certainly that! I loved the flashes to the past which gave this almost an historical fic sub-plot (what a lovely surprise) and of course, getting to know the Bush Telegraph, Mabel more.
The town & characters come to life under Clare Fletcher’s pen (or typing fingers?) & LOVE MATCH will leave you wanting to escape into more Australian small town life.
Side note - I just love the cover design! So eye-catching 😍
I won’t give too much away about the plot, but this book has so much below the surface & touches on so many issues, it made the novel very real, very Australian & and joy to read! This is so much more than the rom com you expect!
Clare has a knack for writing flawed main characters with heart & LOVE MATCH’s protagonist, Sarah is certainly that! I loved the flashes to the past which gave this almost an historical fic sub-plot (what a lovely surprise) and of course, getting to know the Bush Telegraph, Mabel more.
The town & characters come to life under Clare Fletcher’s pen (or typing fingers?) & LOVE MATCH will leave you wanting to escape into more Australian small town life.
Side note - I just love the cover design! So eye-catching 😍
April 8, 2025
Never thought I’d read, and enjoy, a book with so much football in it 😋
April 6, 2025
The perfect palate cleanser after grinding my way through a book I didn’t enjoy. Easy to read and somehow not chock full of romance tropes. Predictable but not cheesy.
February 19, 2024
So this was interesting, and definitely a slow burn. I'll split this up into what I did like and didn't like, to make it easier to digest my thoughts.
What did I like? It was sort of an easy read, or at least I found myself unable to tear myself away from it because I did want to see how it all sort of ended for Sarah. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the small-town in Queensland, Australia. As an Australian, I feel like I don't get to really read many books like this set in this country, so I was glad to finally get the chance. With that, it also helped me understand some of the references and slang that was used throughout. Throughout the story, I found myself more intrigued in Mabel's story than Sarah's, and the tragic ending between her and Rose did leave me somewhat sad.
What I didn't like? Well for starters, Sarah got me annoyed at times because of how she was handling the situation around her (personal annoyance more than anything). Also, I know that by the end of the book she ends up with Smith and it's played off all happy, but to be honest I didn't really find myself rooting for them all that much. If anything, I was more drawn to the relationship between Mabel and Rose and their intimate friendship! With Sarah and Smith though, it just felt... well not forced but lacklustre.
Anyways, I think realistically I would say this book is a 3.7/5. Wished it was more gay (half-kidding...)
What did I like? It was sort of an easy read, or at least I found myself unable to tear myself away from it because I did want to see how it all sort of ended for Sarah. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the small-town in Queensland, Australia. As an Australian, I feel like I don't get to really read many books like this set in this country, so I was glad to finally get the chance. With that, it also helped me understand some of the references and slang that was used throughout. Throughout the story, I found myself more intrigued in Mabel's story than Sarah's, and the tragic ending between her and Rose did leave me somewhat sad.
What I didn't like? Well for starters, Sarah got me annoyed at times because of how she was handling the situation around her (personal annoyance more than anything). Also, I know that by the end of the book she ends up with Smith and it's played off all happy, but to be honest I didn't really find myself rooting for them all that much. If anything, I was more drawn to the relationship between Mabel and Rose and their intimate friendship! With Sarah and Smith though, it just felt... well not forced but lacklustre.
Anyways, I think realistically I would say this book is a 3.7/5. Wished it was more gay (half-kidding...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
I stayed up all night reading this and then found myself with tears at the end of it. So many lesbian coming of age books are set in the teenage years, to have one where the main character is in their mid 20's and living in rural Australia spoke to me more than other books have. The intertwining stories of Mabel and Sarah were beautifully done, and I was so happy that my suspicions about Mabel were proven right. The sense of community and friendship shined in this book and the characters feel like people I come across everyday in regional Australia. I was also very pleased with the mental health representation that I wasn't expecting.
August 31, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending me a copy of this book. I loved Five Bush Weddings so I was so incredibly eager to read Clare Fletcher’s latest effort. As a child of suburbia these country towns are so far out of my world but the stories and the characters Clare has woven from her experience as someone who hails from a town just like South Star move me so deeply. I was crying by the end! This is a story full of so much hope and joy and is a celebration of women getting to be who they want to be, do what they want to do, and experience life to the fullest which was so life-affirming. Loved it.
September 2, 2023
All the stars!!!! I LOVE Love Match! I loved Sarah and Mabel; I’d read a tension-less sequel just to hang out with them again and watch them choosing to live big. I LOVED the adults taking up a team sport storyline; all that enrichment and friendship was wonderful to see. I loved both storylines and appreciated his seamlessly they wove. I LOVED the love stories. I LOVED the reminder that yes; of course there are small town problems, but that ‘we all deserve love and acceptance, not just from our communities, but also from ourselves’
October 1, 2023
I adored reading Sarah and Mabel’s story, i found this to be a slow burn initially! But the last half I absolutely flew through!
Southern Star I picture to be a cute country town, and I definitely want to read Five Bush Weddings now!
I found the character of Sarah definitely frustrating at times, and very self involved… but the evolution of her character is so great to read 💜
I feel like the issues raised in this book could still be quite Taboo in some country towns but I absolutely loved how Fletcher wrote the town’s reactions at the end!
Southern Star I picture to be a cute country town, and I definitely want to read Five Bush Weddings now!
I found the character of Sarah definitely frustrating at times, and very self involved… but the evolution of her character is so great to read 💜
I feel like the issues raised in this book could still be quite Taboo in some country towns but I absolutely loved how Fletcher wrote the town’s reactions at the end!
September 18, 2023
This book is so Australian and so real! A fabulous small town, rural romance story which was also about finding oneself.
I loved the small town feels, the community and the team bonding and that it showed that it’s ok to seek help when needed. So many important messages throughout the book.
The characters were great too, I loved Sarah and Mabel the most ❤️ Sarah’s parents were so awesome too, their support made me cry!!
But the ending was the best! Ahhh my heart 💘
I loved the small town feels, the community and the team bonding and that it showed that it’s ok to seek help when needed. So many important messages throughout the book.
The characters were great too, I loved Sarah and Mabel the most ❤️ Sarah’s parents were so awesome too, their support made me cry!!
But the ending was the best! Ahhh my heart 💘
September 20, 2023
I'm glad that I didn't follow my rule of pretty cover to read this, because the book is great (the cover isn't). I read it in a day, is so lighthearted, funny and a different way to write about love. If seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, was written in Australia and the town is Small Hollow from Gilmore Girls but make it super Aussie and in Queensland you get this novel, a refreshing read to calm your heart.
April 25, 2025
A dual timeline with a distinct Aussie flavour.
It mentions a few things that took me back... Miss Showgirl competitions, for starters.
Fun fact: I was an entrant myself, back in the day. Never made it to the finals at the EKKA though.
I loved the fashion aspect, and had a special delight at the mention of my former hometown, Rockhampton, where I was the Miss Showgirl entrant.
It mentions a few things that took me back... Miss Showgirl competitions, for starters.
Fun fact: I was an entrant myself, back in the day. Never made it to the finals at the EKKA though.
I loved the fashion aspect, and had a special delight at the mention of my former hometown, Rockhampton, where I was the Miss Showgirl entrant.
November 14, 2023
This was a little bit of a tear jerker for me. I had no idea where it was going to go and felt at times it took too long to get to the point. I’m glad I stuck it out though it was a message I needed to hear.
September 23, 2023
So much heart and fun and brilliant storytelling. I cried a few times and am a new romcom novel convert thanks to the incredibly talented Clare Fletcher.
December 12, 2023
By all accords this was a lovely read, though I saw the twist coming from the start. It covers some important issues in a good way.
It was just a very slow book. There were a lot of “there’s nothing happening” moments for me. Which is probably largely to do with the small town setting, but Five Bush Weddings didn’t have the same drag I felt this one did.
It was just a very slow book. There were a lot of “there’s nothing happening” moments for me. Which is probably largely to do with the small town setting, but Five Bush Weddings didn’t have the same drag I felt this one did.
August 10, 2024
Very cute and a good time. Definitely predictable but also I love the regional Australia setting so much.
Read
May 12, 2025DNF at 32%
This is sloooow going and did not hold my attention.
This is sloooow going and did not hold my attention.
September 29, 2024
“Grand gesture!” Bill cried “You’ve got to make a scene, take a risk, show you’re vulnerable.”
The problem with living in a small town is that everyone not only knows your name and your history, but when you get dumped. Sarah finds solace in her parent’s property Dunromin, and cannot wait to make it her own one day.
Her parents decide before she takes over she needs to spend a year getting more unloved with the community, and put herself back out there. As gesture to show her commitment she runs for Miss South Star, knowing she’ll never win. Being thrust back into town has her mending neglected friendships and creating new ones.
She joins the rugby team, lead by the new cop in town Sargent Smith, while recruiting none other than the town gossip the assist with match making. She moves into with Mabel to help catalog her wardrobe, spending time down memory lane she learns of Rose, Mabel’s long lost friend. Sarah is committed to pleasing her parents, being an upstanding citizen and getting what she always wanted, even if it isn’t what she expected it to be!
I loved every element of this book, the characters, their struggles and achievements, the parallel story woven into the magic of clothing and the love that is in each and every relationship. Set in rural Queensland the pink cockatoos were a highlight along with pros and cons that come with living in a small town.
The book is one you finish and give a big hug because it was just chefs kiss. For all romance lovers who adore a good finding yourself and love along the way story. I cannot wait to read more Clare's work, if this isn’t on your radar get it on your TBR!
The problem with living in a small town is that everyone not only knows your name and your history, but when you get dumped. Sarah finds solace in her parent’s property Dunromin, and cannot wait to make it her own one day.
Her parents decide before she takes over she needs to spend a year getting more unloved with the community, and put herself back out there. As gesture to show her commitment she runs for Miss South Star, knowing she’ll never win. Being thrust back into town has her mending neglected friendships and creating new ones.
She joins the rugby team, lead by the new cop in town Sargent Smith, while recruiting none other than the town gossip the assist with match making. She moves into with Mabel to help catalog her wardrobe, spending time down memory lane she learns of Rose, Mabel’s long lost friend. Sarah is committed to pleasing her parents, being an upstanding citizen and getting what she always wanted, even if it isn’t what she expected it to be!
I loved every element of this book, the characters, their struggles and achievements, the parallel story woven into the magic of clothing and the love that is in each and every relationship. Set in rural Queensland the pink cockatoos were a highlight along with pros and cons that come with living in a small town.
The book is one you finish and give a big hug because it was just chefs kiss. For all romance lovers who adore a good finding yourself and love along the way story. I cannot wait to read more Clare's work, if this isn’t on your radar get it on your TBR!
December 16, 2023
Such an easy 5 ⭐️
Fletcher's writing is engaging, her characters so lovable, and the story absolutely oozes Australian vibes (many uses of the word "bloody," lots of talk of the footy and many a drink up at the local pub). The audiobook is particularly fantastic, so I'd highly recommend that.
I loved the dual timeline in this book, and I love that we got so much Mabel in this book. Every small country town (and a lot of bigger towns) have someone who runs the rumour mill, and in South Star, that's Mabel. You want to know who's dating, who's broken up, why the police were at so-and-so's place = Mabel and her sources. This book gave her so much more depth than Five Bush Weddings, though, and showed her as a person with big dreams, big hardships, and a big old heart.
I loved Sarah as a character - a lot of growth throughout her time in this book and a realisation of who she is and what she wants (as well as who she wants). It's not an easy journey with a few hiccups along the way, but a heartfelt one for sure.
There was also a lovely parallel between Mabel and Sarah's stories that definitely left you with encouragement to not waste precious time and to be true to who you are.
If you're looking for a cracker of a rural Australian story with a splash of footy, some self-discovery, a whole lot of love (platonic and romantic), and a whole lot of warm fuzzies, then this is the book you should pick up. A smile on my face (almost*) the whole way through and many a laugh.
*Clare, you know what you did.
Fletcher's writing is engaging, her characters so lovable, and the story absolutely oozes Australian vibes (many uses of the word "bloody," lots of talk of the footy and many a drink up at the local pub). The audiobook is particularly fantastic, so I'd highly recommend that.
I loved the dual timeline in this book, and I love that we got so much Mabel in this book. Every small country town (and a lot of bigger towns) have someone who runs the rumour mill, and in South Star, that's Mabel. You want to know who's dating, who's broken up, why the police were at so-and-so's place = Mabel and her sources. This book gave her so much more depth than Five Bush Weddings, though, and showed her as a person with big dreams, big hardships, and a big old heart.
I loved Sarah as a character - a lot of growth throughout her time in this book and a realisation of who she is and what she wants (as well as who she wants). It's not an easy journey with a few hiccups along the way, but a heartfelt one for sure.
There was also a lovely parallel between Mabel and Sarah's stories that definitely left you with encouragement to not waste precious time and to be true to who you are.
If you're looking for a cracker of a rural Australian story with a splash of footy, some self-discovery, a whole lot of love (platonic and romantic), and a whole lot of warm fuzzies, then this is the book you should pick up. A smile on my face (almost*) the whole way through and many a laugh.
*Clare, you know what you did.
October 19, 2023
Ted Lasso meets City of Girls in this swoony, sapphic sports romcom!
I loved this book and not only because I adore its author, Clare Fletcher. It's not even because LOVE MATCH revisits the FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS world we all enjoyed so much.
LOVE MATCH is a split timeline between present day — in which Sarah Childs is navigating the "meh-inducing" aftermath of being the fish John(no) West rejected — and the swinging sixties of Bush Telegraph, Mabel Peters', youth.
Through the chronicling of Mabel's iconic vintage fashion collection, Sarah learns about the dreams and disappointments concealed beneath the older woman's staunch facade. Concurrently, Sarah embarks upon a rumspringa-esque adventure at her parents' behest that sees her reluctantly shucking her introversion to enmesh herself with her local community. Most notable is her involvement in, and championing of, South Star's inaugural women's rugby team, The Pink Cockatoos alongside the town's new police officer, Georgia Smith.
Clare's writing is flawless and original, and the humour and heart woven into every paragraph gives the reader a perpetual glow. The delayed love epiphany and romantic tension had me gnawing at my bottom lip and muttering "dang"! All the characters are richly drawn and authentic. Snaps for my absolute fave, Trish, a feisty and caring woman who's carving out time for herself, away from wife- and mother-dom, one rugby try (and after-match piss-up!) at a time.
I loved this book and not only because I adore its author, Clare Fletcher. It's not even because LOVE MATCH revisits the FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS world we all enjoyed so much.
LOVE MATCH is a split timeline between present day — in which Sarah Childs is navigating the "meh-inducing" aftermath of being the fish John(no) West rejected — and the swinging sixties of Bush Telegraph, Mabel Peters', youth.
Through the chronicling of Mabel's iconic vintage fashion collection, Sarah learns about the dreams and disappointments concealed beneath the older woman's staunch facade. Concurrently, Sarah embarks upon a rumspringa-esque adventure at her parents' behest that sees her reluctantly shucking her introversion to enmesh herself with her local community. Most notable is her involvement in, and championing of, South Star's inaugural women's rugby team, The Pink Cockatoos alongside the town's new police officer, Georgia Smith.
Clare's writing is flawless and original, and the humour and heart woven into every paragraph gives the reader a perpetual glow. The delayed love epiphany and romantic tension had me gnawing at my bottom lip and muttering "dang"! All the characters are richly drawn and authentic. Snaps for my absolute fave, Trish, a feisty and caring woman who's carving out time for herself, away from wife- and mother-dom, one rugby try (and after-match piss-up!) at a time.
December 8, 2023
What a beautiful book, I was super excited for this one, especially after reading Clare Fletcher’s debut novel Five Bush Weddings.
And I can say Love Match didn’t disappoint, in fact it exceeded expectations, it is definitely going to be in my top reads for 2023.
There was much excitement when I realised that this book was also set in the same area as Five Bush Weddings with that books characters also making an appearance.
I loved how in this book we got to know more about Mabel, as I’d loved the her with the bush telegraph in Five Bush Weddings.
Love Match had all the feels.
The events at the end of chapter 20 made tears roll down my cheeks.
Then other parts made me grin from ear to ear.
Just the vision of that Barina on mad Monday, for example, had me laughing.
And then a beautiful tear jerker of an ending.
There was just so much to love about this book, the small town community vibe was spot on, having grown up in a small town and now living in an even smaller isolate community, friendships and connection is definitely a big thing. And I am thankful for the friendships I have made in the last 18 months.
Clare Fletcher has tackle small town biases in this book regarding relations with great sensitivity and unfortunately maybe with some accuracy.
All in all this is a fabulous read, and I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy as I know you are just going to love it.
And I can say Love Match didn’t disappoint, in fact it exceeded expectations, it is definitely going to be in my top reads for 2023.
There was much excitement when I realised that this book was also set in the same area as Five Bush Weddings with that books characters also making an appearance.
I loved how in this book we got to know more about Mabel, as I’d loved the her with the bush telegraph in Five Bush Weddings.
Love Match had all the feels.
The events at the end of chapter 20 made tears roll down my cheeks.
Then other parts made me grin from ear to ear.
Just the vision of that Barina on mad Monday, for example, had me laughing.
And then a beautiful tear jerker of an ending.
There was just so much to love about this book, the small town community vibe was spot on, having grown up in a small town and now living in an even smaller isolate community, friendships and connection is definitely a big thing. And I am thankful for the friendships I have made in the last 18 months.
Clare Fletcher has tackle small town biases in this book regarding relations with great sensitivity and unfortunately maybe with some accuracy.
All in all this is a fabulous read, and I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy as I know you are just going to love it.
September 28, 2023
She looked like a Movie Star and she swore like a sailor and she sewed like an Angel”
South Star is a wonderful small QLD Country town, and is filled with decades of family history & traditions and some amazing people you will meet in Love Match
Sarah feels stuck in a rut, living & working on her family’s farm which is on the outskirts of town. She is an only child and is ready to take over the farm when her father steps down, however when the time comes to start to pass the baton, her parents issue her with a condition. Go spend more time in town, live there for a year, get involved in the community and meet someone to share the farm with
This was a disaster, having spent most of her life avoiding town and people, and with her recent break up this was the last thing she needed
Everything about this book is wonderful, the back stories, the references to Five Bush Weddings, the characters, the settings, the sport and the “Small Town Problems” references were on point!!
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. It has some of the most wonderful characters you will meet, there is heart, warmth, joy, heartbreak, humour & love.
South Star is a wonderful small QLD Country town, and is filled with decades of family history & traditions and some amazing people you will meet in Love Match
Sarah feels stuck in a rut, living & working on her family’s farm which is on the outskirts of town. She is an only child and is ready to take over the farm when her father steps down, however when the time comes to start to pass the baton, her parents issue her with a condition. Go spend more time in town, live there for a year, get involved in the community and meet someone to share the farm with
This was a disaster, having spent most of her life avoiding town and people, and with her recent break up this was the last thing she needed
Everything about this book is wonderful, the back stories, the references to Five Bush Weddings, the characters, the settings, the sport and the “Small Town Problems” references were on point!!
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. It has some of the most wonderful characters you will meet, there is heart, warmth, joy, heartbreak, humour & love.
October 3, 2023
I have never had a Goodreads account but I wanted to sign up to write a review for this book I had seriously high hopes for. At first glance, this should be exactly my kind of book. Sapphic. Sports romance. Fake dating. Did I mention sapphic?
Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its potential for me. I'd even go so far as to say it has some problematic elements in its portrayal of queerness on multiple fronts. Won't go into detail because spoilers but there are some questionable stereotypes and tired tropes playing out in this very long book (why is it so long?).
After finishing it, I realised it was queer romance written for straight people, not for queer people like me. Which is a shame because I reckon it could've been amazing.
Obviously some people won't agree with me and that's fine. I got really frustrated with this book and wish I'd had someone mention that it doesn't really seem to be for the queer community (wouldn't be the first time a queer story had been told for straight people).
If you're looking for something fun, sassy, sapphic, and strong, unfortunately this is not the book for you.
Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its potential for me. I'd even go so far as to say it has some problematic elements in its portrayal of queerness on multiple fronts. Won't go into detail because spoilers but there are some questionable stereotypes and tired tropes playing out in this very long book (why is it so long?).
After finishing it, I realised it was queer romance written for straight people, not for queer people like me. Which is a shame because I reckon it could've been amazing.
Obviously some people won't agree with me and that's fine. I got really frustrated with this book and wish I'd had someone mention that it doesn't really seem to be for the queer community (wouldn't be the first time a queer story had been told for straight people).
If you're looking for something fun, sassy, sapphic, and strong, unfortunately this is not the book for you.
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