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Coorah Creek #1
Flight to Coorah Creek
They're saving lives in the outback, can love save them ...?
Pilot Jess Pearson is running away from a broken heart and a terrible burden of guilt. A new job flying an air ambulance in outback Australia is a lifeline, after the headlines claimed she betrayed her lover to escape a prison sentence. That was all lies, and in Coorah Creek she has a chance to start over. She's not hoping for forgiveness or love, just to escape from the past. But no matter how many people she helps save, can she ever atone for a lost life?
Dr Adam Gilmore is a brilliant doctor who wants only two things-to work and to be left alone. Unwilling to let any woman past his well-built barriers, he gives everything of himself to his patients. But when the new pilot comes to his small town, with a dedication to the job that matches his own, he starts to wonder if maybe he doesn't have to shoulder the burden alone ...
Can these battered souls learn to take strength from each other? Or will their desire to deal with their demons alone keep them apart forever?
Pilot Jess Pearson is running away from a broken heart and a terrible burden of guilt. A new job flying an air ambulance in outback Australia is a lifeline, after the headlines claimed she betrayed her lover to escape a prison sentence. That was all lies, and in Coorah Creek she has a chance to start over. She's not hoping for forgiveness or love, just to escape from the past. But no matter how many people she helps save, can she ever atone for a lost life?
Dr Adam Gilmore is a brilliant doctor who wants only two things-to work and to be left alone. Unwilling to let any woman past his well-built barriers, he gives everything of himself to his patients. But when the new pilot comes to his small town, with a dedication to the job that matches his own, he starts to wonder if maybe he doesn't have to shoulder the burden alone ...
Can these battered souls learn to take strength from each other? Or will their desire to deal with their demons alone keep them apart forever?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2014
32 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Janet Gover
24 books112 followersJanet Gover was born in Melbourne, Australia. When she was very small, her family moved to a small country town in Queensland. She studied Journalism and Politics at Queensland University. She went on to forge a path in television journalism, she worked as a reporter and producer of news and other factual TV programmes in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK. Today matched with a Englishman, she lives in West London and works as a consultant, implementing high end digital systems in TV stations and production facilities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Janet Gover published her first short story, called The Last Dragon, in 2002, and since then she published some short stories. In 2007 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Trophy, and now she is part of the RNA's Committee.. She published her first romance novel in 2009.
Janet Gover published her first short story, called The Last Dragon, in 2002, and since then she published some short stories. In 2007 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Trophy, and now she is part of the RNA's Committee.. She published her first romance novel in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 3, 2022
As air ambulance pilot, Jess Pearson, approached the runway of Coorah Creek, she wondered if her new life and new job would gain her peace. Her past was one she wanted to forget, but knew she wouldn't. She only hoped she was far enough away that no one would know who she was. As she touched down, she was shocked to see someone running toward the aircraft - Doctor Adam Gilmore was yelling that she needed to take off immediately...
Adam was an excellent doctor and with the elderly Sister Luke by his side, they made a formidable team. Adam also had a past that wouldn't leave him, and Sister Luke had known him since he was a boy. With Jess, Adam and Sister Luke heading to grievous injuries on nearby properties, to fly the injured to Mt Isa hospital or Coorah Creek's, Jess formed a close friendship with the Sister. But Adam was a little more reticent. When they went to the Birdsville races as the medical support team, Jess was worried. Would she stay safe, unrecognised and unattainable?
Flight to Coorah Creek is the 1st in the Coorah Creek series by Aussie author Janet Gover and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in vast outback Australia, with the red dirt a constant companion, the people of the town were close and looked after their own. This is only my second by this author but it won't be my last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Adam was an excellent doctor and with the elderly Sister Luke by his side, they made a formidable team. Adam also had a past that wouldn't leave him, and Sister Luke had known him since he was a boy. With Jess, Adam and Sister Luke heading to grievous injuries on nearby properties, to fly the injured to Mt Isa hospital or Coorah Creek's, Jess formed a close friendship with the Sister. But Adam was a little more reticent. When they went to the Birdsville races as the medical support team, Jess was worried. Would she stay safe, unrecognised and unattainable?
Flight to Coorah Creek is the 1st in the Coorah Creek series by Aussie author Janet Gover and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in vast outback Australia, with the red dirt a constant companion, the people of the town were close and looked after their own. This is only my second by this author but it won't be my last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
Four and a half stars.
I loved this book. It was just the sort of thing I wanted to read at the moment. A book that involved me and that made me care about the characters. I liked Jessica, a pilot trying to escape the guilt that haunts her and Doctor Adam Gilmore who has his own share of tragedy that affects his past. It keeps him from drawing too close to anyone but Sister Luke, who knows most but not all of his history. Some things you just can’t tell anyone, he feels. Will anything change his mind? Then there is Ellen fleeing with her two children from an abusive marriage. Will she ever meet a man who can change her mind about what men are like? If it is anyone it could be Jack North. But does she have too much holding her back from believing that is even possible?
The descriptions of the Australian Outback, the Birdsville races and various other details like that of the Royal Flying Doctor Service as well as the other inhabitants of this little town are all well done. It’s not only the cover of the book that is beautiful but the story as well. Even though it touches on with topics like drugs, domestic violence and abuse, this novel also shows the other side of people, those who care and spend their lives trying to help others. Some people might think it a little sentimental but I thoroughly enjoyed it and shed a few tears along the way. Definitely this is a feel good read and romance that is reflective of real love between characters that come across as real people. I pretty much devoured this book in one gulp.
I loved this book. It was just the sort of thing I wanted to read at the moment. A book that involved me and that made me care about the characters. I liked Jessica, a pilot trying to escape the guilt that haunts her and Doctor Adam Gilmore who has his own share of tragedy that affects his past. It keeps him from drawing too close to anyone but Sister Luke, who knows most but not all of his history. Some things you just can’t tell anyone, he feels. Will anything change his mind? Then there is Ellen fleeing with her two children from an abusive marriage. Will she ever meet a man who can change her mind about what men are like? If it is anyone it could be Jack North. But does she have too much holding her back from believing that is even possible?
The descriptions of the Australian Outback, the Birdsville races and various other details like that of the Royal Flying Doctor Service as well as the other inhabitants of this little town are all well done. It’s not only the cover of the book that is beautiful but the story as well. Even though it touches on with topics like drugs, domestic violence and abuse, this novel also shows the other side of people, those who care and spend their lives trying to help others. Some people might think it a little sentimental but I thoroughly enjoyed it and shed a few tears along the way. Definitely this is a feel good read and romance that is reflective of real love between characters that come across as real people. I pretty much devoured this book in one gulp.
October 1, 2014
Coorah Creek, a mining town, in the Australian outback is not a place where most people would choose to live.
As I read Janet Gover’s novel I became engrossed in the past, present and future of three people who came to the sweltering town to escape their past. From beginning to end I wanted them to find peace and a new beginning.
Jessica Pearson, a notorious airline pilot, believes she will never forgive herself for what happened.
Adam Gilmore a compassionate doctor in charge of a small hospital, is always on call to be flown by Jessica to treat a casualty, but he conceals his own horrifying casualty.
Ellen Parkes is obviously fleeting from an unhappy situation with her young children, Harry and Bethany.
Jessica and Ellen are slowly drawn into their new lives and get to know and trust a number of friendly people.
I enjoyed reading about life in a far off small town, the landscape and the conflicts and tensions that arose.
Janet Gover brought the characters and the arid area to life. I am looking forward to reading her next novel about Corah Creek and the people who live there.
As I read Janet Gover’s novel I became engrossed in the past, present and future of three people who came to the sweltering town to escape their past. From beginning to end I wanted them to find peace and a new beginning.
Jessica Pearson, a notorious airline pilot, believes she will never forgive herself for what happened.
Adam Gilmore a compassionate doctor in charge of a small hospital, is always on call to be flown by Jessica to treat a casualty, but he conceals his own horrifying casualty.
Ellen Parkes is obviously fleeting from an unhappy situation with her young children, Harry and Bethany.
Jessica and Ellen are slowly drawn into their new lives and get to know and trust a number of friendly people.
I enjoyed reading about life in a far off small town, the landscape and the conflicts and tensions that arose.
Janet Gover brought the characters and the arid area to life. I am looking forward to reading her next novel about Corah Creek and the people who live there.
June 9, 2014
This story was like revisiting my favourite Aussie medical soap. I used to love Flying Doctors and enjoyed this book just as much. Ms Gover's descriptions of the outback landscape and the realities of carving out a living in the harsh surroundings, draw you in to the story straight away. Add a mixture of interesting and engaging characters and you have an enjoyable read that will keep you turning the pages.
I warmed to Jess, the heroine, straight away. The story opens with her at Sydney airport, terrified of anyone noticing her - which makes you have to read on to find out why. She is running as far away from her past as she can get and ends up in Coorah Creek working alongside the equally troubled Dr Adam Gilmore.
It made a refreshing change to have a heroine who is self-sufficient and exceptionally good at her job.
In this story, you get not one romance but two. As well as Jess and Adam's growing relationship, there is the 'will they, won't they' question about whether Ellen and Jack, two of the secondary characters, will get together.
All in all, an excellent holiday read.
I warmed to Jess, the heroine, straight away. The story opens with her at Sydney airport, terrified of anyone noticing her - which makes you have to read on to find out why. She is running as far away from her past as she can get and ends up in Coorah Creek working alongside the equally troubled Dr Adam Gilmore.
It made a refreshing change to have a heroine who is self-sufficient and exceptionally good at her job.
In this story, you get not one romance but two. As well as Jess and Adam's growing relationship, there is the 'will they, won't they' question about whether Ellen and Jack, two of the secondary characters, will get together.
All in all, an excellent holiday read.
March 16, 2014
Three very different people, all with very different things to hide. Jessica, Adam and Ellen each find themselves hiding out in the Australian outback town of Coorah Creek. The Creek is as far away as they can possibly get, just one main street, a few businesses, the mine and miles and miles of deserted outback. The problem is that running away doesn't always mean that your troubles are left behind, sometimes you carry them with you, where ever you go.
Jessica has left her exciting job behind, the glamour of flying a private jet for a wealthy businessman wasn't all it turned out to be and since the high-profile court case involving her ex-boss and lover, she's trying her best to stay unnoticed. Adam has been at Coorah Creek for five years; the town doctor who dedicates himself to his patients. Much admired by the community, his scars go more than skin deep and he is unable to let himself love or be loved. Ellen and her two children are running from the man who was supposed to love and protect them, Ellen can't help but blame herself - what woman allows a man to treat her like that?
Three wonderfully drawn and very realistic characters, thrown together in a desolate location and amongst townfolk who like nothing better to know everything about everyone. Will any of them find happiness here, will the friendship and welcome offered to them by the locals heal them?
I enjoyed this story very much. The little town of Corah Creek has been created with knowledge of the area and appears very authentic, from the rough and ready mining pub to the caring medical community who run the Flying Doctor service and the small medical centre. The characters are larger than life, and I grew to like each one of them very much, desperately hoping that things would turn out for them.
Flight to Coorah Creek is a story of survival and determination but it is also a love story, in fact it is two love stories. Written with passion and with an air of authority in terms of the location, this is a story to be savoured - another success from Choc Lit.
Jessica has left her exciting job behind, the glamour of flying a private jet for a wealthy businessman wasn't all it turned out to be and since the high-profile court case involving her ex-boss and lover, she's trying her best to stay unnoticed. Adam has been at Coorah Creek for five years; the town doctor who dedicates himself to his patients. Much admired by the community, his scars go more than skin deep and he is unable to let himself love or be loved. Ellen and her two children are running from the man who was supposed to love and protect them, Ellen can't help but blame herself - what woman allows a man to treat her like that?
Three wonderfully drawn and very realistic characters, thrown together in a desolate location and amongst townfolk who like nothing better to know everything about everyone. Will any of them find happiness here, will the friendship and welcome offered to them by the locals heal them?
I enjoyed this story very much. The little town of Corah Creek has been created with knowledge of the area and appears very authentic, from the rough and ready mining pub to the caring medical community who run the Flying Doctor service and the small medical centre. The characters are larger than life, and I grew to like each one of them very much, desperately hoping that things would turn out for them.
Flight to Coorah Creek is a story of survival and determination but it is also a love story, in fact it is two love stories. Written with passion and with an air of authority in terms of the location, this is a story to be savoured - another success from Choc Lit.
February 21, 2014
The first thing I said when I finished Chapter One was Wow!. From the first line you were transported right into the middle of the action. Within a few pages, you felt like you knew these characters and were revisiting old friends.
Queensland is described in such vivid details that you can almost feel the heat of the sun and the outback dust in your throat. The Outback is like a character in its own right because it is depicted with it is own personality and vibrancy.
I felt immersed into Coorah Creek's world. It is a world where life has a slower pace, neighbours care about each other and good old fashion country charm- that never goes out of style.
The main characters are all impossible to believe that they are fictional. I identified and bonded with Jess immediately, because we all know what it is like to be in love and blind. Dr. Adam, all I'm going to say is I wish he was my doctor. Watching Jack and Ellen's romance unfold was breath taking. I don't believe in spoilers, but there were a few times I cried.
Janet Gover's writing is phenomenal, she can make something as complicated as flying a plane easy to understand and visualize.I didn't even feel like I was reading a book because a film played in my head. It was a perfect book from the start to the last line “...broken only by the distant laugh of the kookaburra.”
I fell in love with Coorah Creek and it's in habitants and so will you. This book has the Wow factor.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves reading.
Queensland is described in such vivid details that you can almost feel the heat of the sun and the outback dust in your throat. The Outback is like a character in its own right because it is depicted with it is own personality and vibrancy.
I felt immersed into Coorah Creek's world. It is a world where life has a slower pace, neighbours care about each other and good old fashion country charm- that never goes out of style.
The main characters are all impossible to believe that they are fictional. I identified and bonded with Jess immediately, because we all know what it is like to be in love and blind. Dr. Adam, all I'm going to say is I wish he was my doctor. Watching Jack and Ellen's romance unfold was breath taking. I don't believe in spoilers, but there were a few times I cried.
Janet Gover's writing is phenomenal, she can make something as complicated as flying a plane easy to understand and visualize.I didn't even feel like I was reading a book because a film played in my head. It was a perfect book from the start to the last line “...broken only by the distant laugh of the kookaburra.”
I fell in love with Coorah Creek and it's in habitants and so will you. This book has the Wow factor.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves reading.
January 29, 2017
I found this very readable and rich in local color. Fine literature, no, but it was a great story which left me teary in spots. Flight to Coorah Creek was set in the Australian Outback, where the author grew up. She no longer lives there, but clearly Janet Gover has a fondness for region. The characters were believable and the plot kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed the author's notes in the beginning, where she explained her inspiration for one of the central characters. She also shared that she'd recently found herself in the care of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and hence the RFDS emerged as an integral aspect of this story! Closer to four stars than three.
February 26, 2014
This is a very nice, pleasant read. I wish this town was real, 'cause I want to go live there. Imagine a town in which people come to escape, but instead they heal, in which people help others out, and everybody knows your name.
Just like real life, this book contains some sad moments, some bad things, some happy bits, and some love.
Ellen is escaping an abusive marriage and trying to protect her kids, but you can't just run away without consequences. Jess is the pilot and she's trying to escape from the press and a crime that just follows her everywhere. Adam was hurt as a boy and in a way, he escaped to the Creek too. He's the town doctor. Jack is the only main player who isn't trying to escape something. He's the aircraft mechanic.
Anyway, all these people bring their problems, their pity parties, their fears to Coorah Creek and fate throws them together and they can all make choices: keep up their pity parties or share their secrets and fall in love.
Two romances happen, both clean. I love it when there's a romance novel without the sex. We don't need it. I love that these people fall in love and truly get to know each other before they even kiss. That's how it should be. That's real love.
The town is full of amazing people, from the lady who runs a pub to the sheriff who while he abides by the law, he knows to look the other way for a time, to help a woman in need. Really liked this town. I actually Googled it to see if it existed so I could add it to my "to visit" list.
The book is very well written. I can tell the author did her research or just plain knows what she's writing about, from the flying to the medical issues the crew faced. Perfect blend of description/telling/showing/emotion. My only quibble would have to be that I grew tired of Adam at times. His pity party seemed to go on too long. Though the ending revealed to me why this was so.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
Just like real life, this book contains some sad moments, some bad things, some happy bits, and some love.
Ellen is escaping an abusive marriage and trying to protect her kids, but you can't just run away without consequences. Jess is the pilot and she's trying to escape from the press and a crime that just follows her everywhere. Adam was hurt as a boy and in a way, he escaped to the Creek too. He's the town doctor. Jack is the only main player who isn't trying to escape something. He's the aircraft mechanic.
Anyway, all these people bring their problems, their pity parties, their fears to Coorah Creek and fate throws them together and they can all make choices: keep up their pity parties or share their secrets and fall in love.
Two romances happen, both clean. I love it when there's a romance novel without the sex. We don't need it. I love that these people fall in love and truly get to know each other before they even kiss. That's how it should be. That's real love.
The town is full of amazing people, from the lady who runs a pub to the sheriff who while he abides by the law, he knows to look the other way for a time, to help a woman in need. Really liked this town. I actually Googled it to see if it existed so I could add it to my "to visit" list.
The book is very well written. I can tell the author did her research or just plain knows what she's writing about, from the flying to the medical issues the crew faced. Perfect blend of description/telling/showing/emotion. My only quibble would have to be that I grew tired of Adam at times. His pity party seemed to go on too long. Though the ending revealed to me why this was so.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
February 16, 2014
Right from the start, this novel had me captivated. The author has a way of bringing the story to life by the description of the environment. For example, “gentle ticking of the tin roof cooling”, “faint breeze blowing-carrying the metallic clank of the windmill,” and my favourite “in the distance the restless light of an open fire-mesmerizing in its slow dance”. This is a beautiful narrative.
The novel contains strong characters, with secrets of their pasts, big hearts for the present and hopes for the future. Adam, the local doctor, struggles with his past of being burned by his father and the difficulties of physical contact with anyone. He immerses himself in his work, rescuing and caring for his patients in the small mining town of Coorah Creek. Sister Luke is his right hand, assisting in caring for the many people of the town and the aborigines of the outback. She has been with Adam since he was abandoned by his mother after his horrific burning and is the closest thing to family that he knows.
Jess is running from a past that fills her with guilt and endless nightmares. Having been in love with her former boss, she discovers he has loaded her plane with drugs and she had been helping him, unaware, to smuggle them into the country. Contacting the authorities and testifying against him, she runs to northern Australia, taking on a job piloting a plane for Adam with the Goongalla Mine Air Ambulance. Flying is what she loves and she is determined to make it all work out. The friendships she makes with Ellen, who has left her abusive husband with her two small children and Jack the “engineer” grounds Jess and helps her to feel safe in her new environment.
Of course there is a love interest between Adam and Jess and then also with Ellen and Jack. The maturing of their relationships is unhurried as they all have their demons to deal with. Sister Luke is the constant in this story and has touched everyone in one way or another.
The novel contains strong characters, with secrets of their pasts, big hearts for the present and hopes for the future. Adam, the local doctor, struggles with his past of being burned by his father and the difficulties of physical contact with anyone. He immerses himself in his work, rescuing and caring for his patients in the small mining town of Coorah Creek. Sister Luke is his right hand, assisting in caring for the many people of the town and the aborigines of the outback. She has been with Adam since he was abandoned by his mother after his horrific burning and is the closest thing to family that he knows.
Jess is running from a past that fills her with guilt and endless nightmares. Having been in love with her former boss, she discovers he has loaded her plane with drugs and she had been helping him, unaware, to smuggle them into the country. Contacting the authorities and testifying against him, she runs to northern Australia, taking on a job piloting a plane for Adam with the Goongalla Mine Air Ambulance. Flying is what she loves and she is determined to make it all work out. The friendships she makes with Ellen, who has left her abusive husband with her two small children and Jack the “engineer” grounds Jess and helps her to feel safe in her new environment.
Of course there is a love interest between Adam and Jess and then also with Ellen and Jack. The maturing of their relationships is unhurried as they all have their demons to deal with. Sister Luke is the constant in this story and has touched everyone in one way or another.
June 8, 2014
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year! Well-written, immaculately researched and with all the right ingredients for an emotional roller-coaster of a ride. It kept me up until the early hours of the morning and I didn’t want to put it down. The background details of the Australian outback, the small isolated towns and the hardships of living there were superb. And you can’t help but hugely respect the flying medics who tend to them under such difficult conditions. All the characters felt very real, and with a hero and heroine who are both damaged in different ways there’s plenty of scope for conflict. And you get not just one, but potentially two romantic strands as some of the secondary characters also get to take centre stage. For anyone who wants a contemporary romantic read with an unusual setting, this is the book for you – it’s wonderful!
July 12, 2018
Flight to Coorah Creek is about Jessica Pearson was in love with her boss Brian Hayes. Her lover was a wealthy jet-setting buisnessman . The man she loved hid packets of white powder on her aeroplane.
Only Jessica knows the truth when the press portray her as the woman who betrayed her lover to escape prosecution.
Flight to Coorah Creek is full of drama with good action, secrets and relationships.
I Highly recommend this novel to women and men of all ages. I do hope that many readers will reading this novel as much I have.
Only Jessica knows the truth when the press portray her as the woman who betrayed her lover to escape prosecution.
Flight to Coorah Creek is full of drama with good action, secrets and relationships.
I Highly recommend this novel to women and men of all ages. I do hope that many readers will reading this novel as much I have.
June 4, 2019
Having DNF'd a bunch of books on very specific ideological grounds lately, I was kind of tempted to wash my hands of this one on discovering the MC and her love interest and indeed pretty much everyone else in the story are direct employees of a uranium mine. I didn't, though, and if nothing else this book does pretty convincingly demonstrate some of the reasons northern Australian communities are so very deeply attached to resource mining - namely, the mine pays for a hospital and air ambulance service.
However. The book utterly failed to convince me that the love interest is a good doctor, or an honourable man, or a reliable partner. Their initial bad start is exacerbated by his 'devotion to his work' meaning he hasn't realised he's getting a female pilot, or arranged accommodation, and so on, and he continues on like that throughout the book. Devotion to work at the expense of the admin that would make him a good employer does not suggest good things about his likelihood of having any time for relationship maintenance as a partner.
*Both* characters are carrying 'dark secrets', and they carry them with a deeply implausible level of shame. I guess I can grant the love interest credence, given it's to do with childhood trauma, but the MC? Her whole thing involves having been accidentally caught up in a crime, and turned prosecution witness. She somehow believes people in general and her love interest in particular can *never forgive her*. I could almost swallow that if the book hadn't doubled down on it and had him confirm that, when it's a _fundamentally ridiculous viewpoint for any medical professional to have_, let alone one working in rural and remote communities. Having no compassion for a. people caught in illegality because of their loved ones or b. substance abuse - honestly. What? That, combined with an offhand comment about hating being a doctor in the city and having to treat the 'worried well', really torpedoed my respect for him. Fuck you, too, sir.
Finally, it's a book set *in a Uranium mining town* in FNQ. There are indigenous characters popping up as bit-parts. A key character is a nun working 'with the aboriginal people'. But the town itself apparently contains entirely white people? No people of mixed descent? No indigenous mine workers? (Indigenous employment schemes are usually a condition of resource mining grants in Aus) No traditional owners with objections to the mine??? I think only one of the indigenous bit-part characters even got a name.
This has been a negative review! And yet. I did read it straight through in one go, so, uh, it's got a reasonably tight plot?
However. The book utterly failed to convince me that the love interest is a good doctor, or an honourable man, or a reliable partner. Their initial bad start is exacerbated by his 'devotion to his work' meaning he hasn't realised he's getting a female pilot, or arranged accommodation, and so on, and he continues on like that throughout the book. Devotion to work at the expense of the admin that would make him a good employer does not suggest good things about his likelihood of having any time for relationship maintenance as a partner.
*Both* characters are carrying 'dark secrets', and they carry them with a deeply implausible level of shame. I guess I can grant the love interest credence, given it's to do with childhood trauma, but the MC? Her whole thing involves having been accidentally caught up in a crime, and turned prosecution witness. She somehow believes people in general and her love interest in particular can *never forgive her*. I could almost swallow that if the book hadn't doubled down on it and had him confirm that, when it's a _fundamentally ridiculous viewpoint for any medical professional to have_, let alone one working in rural and remote communities. Having no compassion for a. people caught in illegality because of their loved ones or b. substance abuse - honestly. What? That, combined with an offhand comment about hating being a doctor in the city and having to treat the 'worried well', really torpedoed my respect for him. Fuck you, too, sir.
Finally, it's a book set *in a Uranium mining town* in FNQ. There are indigenous characters popping up as bit-parts. A key character is a nun working 'with the aboriginal people'. But the town itself apparently contains entirely white people? No people of mixed descent? No indigenous mine workers? (Indigenous employment schemes are usually a condition of resource mining grants in Aus) No traditional owners with objections to the mine??? I think only one of the indigenous bit-part characters even got a name.
This has been a negative review! And yet. I did read it straight through in one go, so, uh, it's got a reasonably tight plot?
June 28, 2022
When Jess Pearson, a pilot, learns her millionaire boss/boyfriend is using her aircraft to traffic heroin, she turns him in to the authorities, but the fallout lands squarely on her shoulders. Reporters make her family’s life miserable, forcing Jess to apply for a new job far, far away in the Australian outback. She’s impressed with the handsome Dr. Gilmore, but unwilling to let him get close after everything that’s happened. How could she tell the truth without losing his respect?
Dr. Adam Gilmore is curious about his beautiful new pilot. Why would someone who looks like Jess bury herself in the middle of nowhere? Adam is dedicated to his patients. He’s not interested in a relationship, though Jess tempts him. But he can’t risk letting her in, he’s withholding a horrifying secret that could change everything.
Every Australian story I’ve read has an ebb and flow to it that makes me think of the beautiful country and this one is no different. Flying doctors are needed in the outback as ranches are spread so far apart and often patients count on their services to survive.
This is a beautifully written love story, but more than that, it shows the dedication and compassion of hardworking physicians, the strength and loyalty of outback people and the stunning landscape they call home.
Dr. Adam Gilmore is curious about his beautiful new pilot. Why would someone who looks like Jess bury herself in the middle of nowhere? Adam is dedicated to his patients. He’s not interested in a relationship, though Jess tempts him. But he can’t risk letting her in, he’s withholding a horrifying secret that could change everything.
Every Australian story I’ve read has an ebb and flow to it that makes me think of the beautiful country and this one is no different. Flying doctors are needed in the outback as ranches are spread so far apart and often patients count on their services to survive.
This is a beautifully written love story, but more than that, it shows the dedication and compassion of hardworking physicians, the strength and loyalty of outback people and the stunning landscape they call home.
May 1, 2017
This is a lovely story about Jess and Adam, but also Jack and Ellen. Three of these characters bear the scars of their past, both physical and emotional, and have to overcome them to find a new kind of life in Coorah Creek. The characterisation was okay, and the plot line was solid, however I felt it was a little predictable.
February 15, 2014
Janet Gover isn't an author I had heard of, but she is certainly one I will be looking out for from now on. As I always say when I review a Choc Lit book, Choc Lit publish books which contain the best heroes and/or heroines. This book, however, is absolutely chock-a-block full of heroes and heroines.
The story itself was totally absorbing, it's packed full of adventure and as a bonus you get not just one, but two, romances. I was hooked right from the very first page, and found it very hard to put down.
Coorah Creek is a place where people go to escape. Ellen, Jessica and Adam all have their own secret to keep, and they are each their own harshest judge. However, secrets have a way of catching up with you, and as each of Ellen, Jessica and Adam's secrets begin to surface, we discover how the Coorah Creek town react. Are you really judged by what you do in Coorah Creek, and not by what people say about you?
Each of the characters are resilient and inspirational in their own way. I particularly loved Jack's relationship with Ellen's children. I also loved that they each had to go on a journey before they ended up "home".
There were parts of the book where I found it ever so slightly repetitive as the characters battled, at different stages, with their own inner demons, but I found myself thinking that, actually, that is how it is in real life. When you have the sort of secrets Jessica, Ellen and Adam have, and then you are plunged into a new world where you feel those secrets could ruin everything you've come to know and love, they become all-consuming and that was captured extremely well in this book.
For the last third of the book, the tears came steadily for me. By this stage, I felt so invested in each of the characters and every time I dried my eyes, a fresh set of tears appeared from the next chapter.
From Janet's website, it seems that Flight to Coorah Creek is the first in the series of books about Coorah Creek and the people who live there. I for one can't wait for more.
The story itself was totally absorbing, it's packed full of adventure and as a bonus you get not just one, but two, romances. I was hooked right from the very first page, and found it very hard to put down.
Coorah Creek is a place where people go to escape. Ellen, Jessica and Adam all have their own secret to keep, and they are each their own harshest judge. However, secrets have a way of catching up with you, and as each of Ellen, Jessica and Adam's secrets begin to surface, we discover how the Coorah Creek town react. Are you really judged by what you do in Coorah Creek, and not by what people say about you?
Each of the characters are resilient and inspirational in their own way. I particularly loved Jack's relationship with Ellen's children. I also loved that they each had to go on a journey before they ended up "home".
There were parts of the book where I found it ever so slightly repetitive as the characters battled, at different stages, with their own inner demons, but I found myself thinking that, actually, that is how it is in real life. When you have the sort of secrets Jessica, Ellen and Adam have, and then you are plunged into a new world where you feel those secrets could ruin everything you've come to know and love, they become all-consuming and that was captured extremely well in this book.
For the last third of the book, the tears came steadily for me. By this stage, I felt so invested in each of the characters and every time I dried my eyes, a fresh set of tears appeared from the next chapter.
From Janet's website, it seems that Flight to Coorah Creek is the first in the series of books about Coorah Creek and the people who live there. I for one can't wait for more.
July 13, 2022
Description
They're saving lives in the outback, can love save them ...?
Pilot Jess Pearson is running away from a broken heart and a terrible burden of guilt. A new job flying an air ambulance in outback Australia is a lifeline, after the headlines claimed she betrayed her lover to escape a prison sentence. That was all lies, and in Coorah Creek she has a chance to start over. She's not hoping for forgiveness or love, just to escape from the past. But no matter how many people she helps save, can she ever atone for a lost life?
Dr Adam Gilmore is a brilliant doctor who wants only two things-to work and to be left alone. Unwilling to let any woman past his well-built barriers, he gives everything of himself to his patients. But when the new pilot comes to his small town, with a dedication to the job that matches his own, he starts to wonder if maybe he doesn't have to shoulder the burden alone ...
Can these battered souls learn to take strength from each other? Or will their desire to deal with their demons alone keep them apart forever.
This is an outback romance highlighting the importance of outback doctors, pilots ect it describes the beautiful outback settings perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book if you like outback romance books then I highly recommend this. I loved it and I really hope the next book focuses on Jack and Ellen's story. Thank you escape publishers and netgalley for this ARC.
They're saving lives in the outback, can love save them ...?
Pilot Jess Pearson is running away from a broken heart and a terrible burden of guilt. A new job flying an air ambulance in outback Australia is a lifeline, after the headlines claimed she betrayed her lover to escape a prison sentence. That was all lies, and in Coorah Creek she has a chance to start over. She's not hoping for forgiveness or love, just to escape from the past. But no matter how many people she helps save, can she ever atone for a lost life?
Dr Adam Gilmore is a brilliant doctor who wants only two things-to work and to be left alone. Unwilling to let any woman past his well-built barriers, he gives everything of himself to his patients. But when the new pilot comes to his small town, with a dedication to the job that matches his own, he starts to wonder if maybe he doesn't have to shoulder the burden alone ...
Can these battered souls learn to take strength from each other? Or will their desire to deal with their demons alone keep them apart forever.
This is an outback romance highlighting the importance of outback doctors, pilots ect it describes the beautiful outback settings perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book if you like outback romance books then I highly recommend this. I loved it and I really hope the next book focuses on Jack and Ellen's story. Thank you escape publishers and netgalley for this ARC.
July 22, 2016
Super romance set in the remote outback of Australia. Sheer escapism, not one but two superb romances in the fabulous setting of the Australian outback which the author brings to life beautifully.
Coorah Creek is as far from city life as can be, a small, close knit, remote community that has sprung up around a mining area in the outback and is surrounded by thousands of miles of nothingness, tranquil beauty and scattered ranches, and that's just what Jess is looking for when she makes her own flight to Coorah Creek to escape persecution from the press after being a high profile character in a notorious crime she was tricked into by the man she loved.
She's a pilot and comes to the outback to work as pilot for the flying doctor who is Adam, who has his own secrets and tragic past.
Also escaping is Ellen with her 2 small kids she is getting away from a bad marriage to a cruel abusive husband and when she meets gentle giant Jack, the aircraft mechanic at Coorah Creek its hardly surprising she can't bring herself to trust him.
These 2 stories intertwine and what could be a pretty standard predictable romantic novel is elevated through beautifully descriptive writing and immaculately crafted very realistic characters you can't help but believe in.
If you want a bit of good clean romance you won't get much better than this, a perfect holiday read.
Coorah Creek is as far from city life as can be, a small, close knit, remote community that has sprung up around a mining area in the outback and is surrounded by thousands of miles of nothingness, tranquil beauty and scattered ranches, and that's just what Jess is looking for when she makes her own flight to Coorah Creek to escape persecution from the press after being a high profile character in a notorious crime she was tricked into by the man she loved.
She's a pilot and comes to the outback to work as pilot for the flying doctor who is Adam, who has his own secrets and tragic past.
Also escaping is Ellen with her 2 small kids she is getting away from a bad marriage to a cruel abusive husband and when she meets gentle giant Jack, the aircraft mechanic at Coorah Creek its hardly surprising she can't bring herself to trust him.
These 2 stories intertwine and what could be a pretty standard predictable romantic novel is elevated through beautifully descriptive writing and immaculately crafted very realistic characters you can't help but believe in.
If you want a bit of good clean romance you won't get much better than this, a perfect holiday read.
March 2, 2014
I loved the show Flying Doctors as a kid, and a teen, and well honestly I can watch that show anytime. So when I saw this book I wanted to read it, and it had the same heart. A small town, a close community and what matters is what you do there.
Jessica had a lot of issues. She was a pilot, fell in love with her boss, who then turned out to be a drug smuggler. She blames herself, she should have seen it sooner. Poor thing. I mean it was not her fault! And she had to run to the outback do get away from the papers and pointing fingers. I felt for her, people can be idiots.
Adam has issues too, I am not going to say what, but he does not want to get too close to anyone. But then Jessica shows up, and he likes her, oh he likes her.
The book has another couple too, Ellen who is also on the run with her two kids and Jack, the mechanic who falls for her.
I got to see all of these work through their issues and find love. And a new life and friends too. It was a lovely town.
We get a bit of, well medical action as that is what she is there for after all. A bit of very slow building romance and just life in general.
I would take a flight to Coorah Creek if it meant meeting all of these people.
Jessica had a lot of issues. She was a pilot, fell in love with her boss, who then turned out to be a drug smuggler. She blames herself, she should have seen it sooner. Poor thing. I mean it was not her fault! And she had to run to the outback do get away from the papers and pointing fingers. I felt for her, people can be idiots.
Adam has issues too, I am not going to say what, but he does not want to get too close to anyone. But then Jessica shows up, and he likes her, oh he likes her.
The book has another couple too, Ellen who is also on the run with her two kids and Jack, the mechanic who falls for her.
I got to see all of these work through their issues and find love. And a new life and friends too. It was a lovely town.
We get a bit of, well medical action as that is what she is there for after all. A bit of very slow building romance and just life in general.
I would take a flight to Coorah Creek if it meant meeting all of these people.
January 15, 2015
I read this book in a day. When I wasn't reading, I kept thinking about it. The characters were vivid and interesting.
Jess was hurting and carrying around a load of guilt. Adam was wonderful - everything a Flying Doctor should be! The only things I know about the outback, I've learned from watching Aussie soaps and films as a child. Janet Gover's descriptions evoke a real sense of place. I could almost smell the red dust.
The secondary characters - Ellen and her weirdly well behaved kids, big softie Jack, all were lovely. My favourite was sister Luke. Now there's a lady to be reckoned with.
The story moves along at a pace. I enjoyed every bit of it (including the bit that made me cry).
Above all, I loved the feeling of community in Coorah Creek. Personally, I'd like to see more of the place.
Jess was hurting and carrying around a load of guilt. Adam was wonderful - everything a Flying Doctor should be! The only things I know about the outback, I've learned from watching Aussie soaps and films as a child. Janet Gover's descriptions evoke a real sense of place. I could almost smell the red dust.
The secondary characters - Ellen and her weirdly well behaved kids, big softie Jack, all were lovely. My favourite was sister Luke. Now there's a lady to be reckoned with.
The story moves along at a pace. I enjoyed every bit of it (including the bit that made me cry).
Above all, I loved the feeling of community in Coorah Creek. Personally, I'd like to see more of the place.
September 13, 2015
When Jess becomes an air ambulance pilot for the community of Coorah Creek in the Outback, it is to escape the notoriety of her previous life. Doctor Adam has dedicated his life to the community but he also has a past that has literally left scars. Ellen is fleeing her abusive husband while good-egg Jack takes her and her two children in hand. Thus the lives of these four people become intertwined, together with Sister Luke, a force for good among the aboriginal people. Knowing little about Outback life, I found this absolutely compelling. I got a real sense of place through Janet Gover's writing and became absorbed in the lives of the characters. I shall be reading her follow up novel 'The Wild One.'
March 21, 2014
I've enjoyed everything I've read by Janet Gover. This is a great book, full of the Aussie flavour (unsurprisingly, as JG is an Aussie). I learned a lot about the realities of the Flying Doctor Service, too. The romance is threaded neatly throughout the book and I couldn't wait for THAT MOMENT when everything comes together.
October 2, 2019
This my first book writing by this that i have read. It had a great story of two young women coming to Coorah Creek for different reasons Jess Patterson who is plight had bettrayed her lover by handing him over to police officers for drug smuggling into Australia and is protrade by media like as they covered the trial. She reoccurring nightmares of trial. Ellen arrives with her two children after leavening her abusive husband. Adam Gilmore the doctor who hired Jess to fly the air ambulance plane. He is the who touches the lives of his patients but when it comes to him finding love he has own scars of been burnt as child by his father in messy divorce. He has burns over his body could Jess be the one for him and can find away to accept that she had no part in the drug smuggling. Sister Luke the nun who cared for Adam as child is like mother to him is the nurse and knows about his past and issues with connecting with women. Jack is the plane's mechanical engineer who meets Ellen and sees the bruises on her arms and realizes what she is running from he wants to keep her and two children safe. He begins to have feelings for her and sees the man that been the one to give her heart too but first she has to deal with her past. Coorah Creek becomes home for these two women who become friends and find love. Sister Luke helps them with a bit of match making.
I would like to read more of Janet Glover books.
I would like to read more of Janet Glover books.
August 2, 2023
This was essentially two stories told from 4 different perspectives. My only problem with it was that I loved one of the storylines (the Jess/Adam story) and did not enjoy the other (Ellen/Jack) as much. So I found myself rushing through the one I didn’t like, to get back to the one I did like. It kind of felt like one story was getting in the way of the other.
The Ellen/Jack story felt a bit rushed, feelings happening without any solid reason, and I didn’t like the “damsel in distress” aspect. I wanted to see Ellen fight and win her own battles. But the Jess/Adam story was beautiful enough to make this a definite 4-star read.
I’ve discovered that Janet Gover likes to give her lead characters some real struggles to deal with. And that was no different in this book. I loved reading about how Adam and Jess dealt with each of theirs and how it influenced the way they relates to others.
I also hadn’t read any books about pilots or flying doctors before, so this was fun.
The Ellen/Jack story felt a bit rushed, feelings happening without any solid reason, and I didn’t like the “damsel in distress” aspect. I wanted to see Ellen fight and win her own battles. But the Jess/Adam story was beautiful enough to make this a definite 4-star read.
I’ve discovered that Janet Gover likes to give her lead characters some real struggles to deal with. And that was no different in this book. I loved reading about how Adam and Jess dealt with each of theirs and how it influenced the way they relates to others.
I also hadn’t read any books about pilots or flying doctors before, so this was fun.
August 19, 2023
An easy to read book centred around the small fictional mining town of Coorah Creek in Outback Queensland. It centres around two couples - Doctor Adam and pilot Jess and engineer Jack and single mum Ellen.
The two relationship connections are quick to form, but they each have to open up their hearts and share some dark truths for the relationships to stand a chance.
Full of medical drama, friendship, and a lucky escape, the story is easy to get into and hard to put down! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Coorah Creek series.
The two relationship connections are quick to form, but they each have to open up their hearts and share some dark truths for the relationships to stand a chance.
Full of medical drama, friendship, and a lucky escape, the story is easy to get into and hard to put down! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Coorah Creek series.
June 26, 2017
Listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Federay Holmes.
July 23, 2017
excellent book, now can't wait to read the next 3
July 10, 2018
Enjoyable easy read.
March 11, 2021
An enjoyable book from start to finish. Had me smiling one minute then crying the next. Didn't want this book to end, a great story and characters too.
January 8, 2023
Loved the journey with the characters finishing themselves and love
January 27, 2023
A wonderful story.
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