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Five Bush Weddings
As a photographer, Stevie’s been to enough bush weddings to last a lifetime. When’s it going to be all about her?
With her ex soon to be married, her mum back on the dating scene, and her best friend threatening to settle down with the Most Boring Man Alive, Stevie is feeling left behind.
To top it off, her old uni mate Johnno West, whom she hasn’t seen for years, keeps turning up as best man at Stevie’s jobs. And he is looking so good.
Perhaps their youthful pact – that if they were both still single in their early thirties they’d get together – is not so crazy after all?
Then the enigmatic Charlie Jones walks into the frame …
Capturing the heartbeat of rural Australia, Five Bush Weddings is an uplifting romantic comedy about looking for love, second chances, and what really matters when the bouquet has been thrown, the swag’s been rolled up and the party’s over.
With her ex soon to be married, her mum back on the dating scene, and her best friend threatening to settle down with the Most Boring Man Alive, Stevie is feeling left behind.
To top it off, her old uni mate Johnno West, whom she hasn’t seen for years, keeps turning up as best man at Stevie’s jobs. And he is looking so good.
Perhaps their youthful pact – that if they were both still single in their early thirties they’d get together – is not so crazy after all?
Then the enigmatic Charlie Jones walks into the frame …
Capturing the heartbeat of rural Australia, Five Bush Weddings is an uplifting romantic comedy about looking for love, second chances, and what really matters when the bouquet has been thrown, the swag’s been rolled up and the party’s over.
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First published August 2, 2022
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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 199 reviews
February 6, 2023
I really enjoy a story set in rural Australia and Clare Fletcher’s debut takes us too many country towns in outback Queensland and New South Wales as we travel with Stevie-Jean Harrison as she photographs the beautiful bush weddings and can I say they are beautiful fun weddings, country folk know how to put on a party, but will Stevie every find her HEA?
The clock is ticking for Stevie as all of her friends and family seem to be finding their number one and settling down, the wedding photography business has never been busier, but when she is asked to be the photographer at her ex’s wedding and her best mate form University days Johhno West as arrived home after being away for six years and he seem to be best man for a lot of these weddings, Stevie is starting to really think about her future, add in Mabel the bush telegraph who is doing her bit with the gossip and Stevie really is feeling the pain, when the handsome and romantic Charlie Jones arrives in her life.
Stevie’s life really turns upside down when she is asked to photograph the wedding of the Bush Bachelor winner and Charlie comes as her assistant, the gossip starts and Stevie finds it hard to cope, will she finally understand what her heart has wanted all along, will she be reminded of the promise she made one night with friend Johhno?
I did thoroughly enjoy this story there are lots of laughs but lots of emotions as well, as Stevie navigates to trials of life in the country, the travel, the happiness she sees and the how the drought is affecting the people she loves. There are lots of parties, drinking and hangovers in this story but also many wonderful characters, I loved Stevie and Johnno, and they both deserve happiness.
This is one that I would highly recommend, if you love a good rural romance, the settings and descriptions of the photos are amazing.
My thanks to Penguin AU for my copy to read and review.
The clock is ticking for Stevie as all of her friends and family seem to be finding their number one and settling down, the wedding photography business has never been busier, but when she is asked to be the photographer at her ex’s wedding and her best mate form University days Johhno West as arrived home after being away for six years and he seem to be best man for a lot of these weddings, Stevie is starting to really think about her future, add in Mabel the bush telegraph who is doing her bit with the gossip and Stevie really is feeling the pain, when the handsome and romantic Charlie Jones arrives in her life.
Stevie’s life really turns upside down when she is asked to photograph the wedding of the Bush Bachelor winner and Charlie comes as her assistant, the gossip starts and Stevie finds it hard to cope, will she finally understand what her heart has wanted all along, will she be reminded of the promise she made one night with friend Johhno?
I did thoroughly enjoy this story there are lots of laughs but lots of emotions as well, as Stevie navigates to trials of life in the country, the travel, the happiness she sees and the how the drought is affecting the people she loves. There are lots of parties, drinking and hangovers in this story but also many wonderful characters, I loved Stevie and Johnno, and they both deserve happiness.
This is one that I would highly recommend, if you love a good rural romance, the settings and descriptions of the photos are amazing.
My thanks to Penguin AU for my copy to read and review.
December 19, 2022
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Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher. (2022).
As a photographer, Stevie's been to enough bush weddings to last a lifetime. With her ex soon to be married, her mum on the dating scene, and her best friend settling down with a boring man, Stevie is feeling left behind. To top it off, her old uni mate Johnno who she hasn't seen in years, keeps turning up at her jobs... and he is looking good. Perhaps their youthful pact, that if they were single in their early thirties they'd get together, is not so crazy after all? Then the enigmatic Charlie walks into the frame...
This is a great debut for the author and a lovely addition to the rural romance Australian scene. The perspectives alternate between lead lady Stevie and her blast from the past Johnno. They were never in a relationship as Stevie used to date Johnno's best friend but there was always a spark that may turn into more. Except Stevie meets the hot stranger Charlie and life gets a bit complicated. Both Stevie and Johnno are very likeable and readers will be hoping they can just get together. The storyline is a lot of fun and the descriptions of the different bush weddings were great; quite heart-warming really. This is a lovely light rom-com that was a super easy read.
Overall: happily recommend for any fans of romance mixed with some life drama that doesn't get too heavy at all.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher. (2022).
As a photographer, Stevie's been to enough bush weddings to last a lifetime. With her ex soon to be married, her mum on the dating scene, and her best friend settling down with a boring man, Stevie is feeling left behind. To top it off, her old uni mate Johnno who she hasn't seen in years, keeps turning up at her jobs... and he is looking good. Perhaps their youthful pact, that if they were single in their early thirties they'd get together, is not so crazy after all? Then the enigmatic Charlie walks into the frame...
This is a great debut for the author and a lovely addition to the rural romance Australian scene. The perspectives alternate between lead lady Stevie and her blast from the past Johnno. They were never in a relationship as Stevie used to date Johnno's best friend but there was always a spark that may turn into more. Except Stevie meets the hot stranger Charlie and life gets a bit complicated. Both Stevie and Johnno are very likeable and readers will be hoping they can just get together. The storyline is a lot of fun and the descriptions of the different bush weddings were great; quite heart-warming really. This is a lovely light rom-com that was a super easy read.
Overall: happily recommend for any fans of romance mixed with some life drama that doesn't get too heavy at all.
September 1, 2022
Five Bush Weddings is a charming Australian romantic comedy debut from Clare Fletcher.
Wedding photographer Stevie-Jean Harrison loves being part of a couple’s special day, but, single at 31, she’s starting to think she may never have her own. Everyone she knows seems to found ‘the one’ - her ex has just announced his engagement, and his gorgeous, young bride-to-be wants Stevie as their photographer; Jen, her best friend and roommate, seems committed to the Most Boring Man Alive; even Stevie’s sexagenarian mother has started dating, - why can’t she?
Johnno West has been in love with Stevie-Jean since he was nineteen. Recently returned to rural Queensland to fulfil his parents expectations and take over the family farm, he is hopeful his best friend’s ex might finally be ready to give him a chance. After all, she once made him promise that if they were both single at 32, they would get married, and he intends to hold her to it.
The friends-to-lovers romance trope has always been my favourite, and it underpins the story of Five Bush Weddings. Stevie and Johnno have known each other for over a decade, but her relationship with Tom (Johnno’s best mate), and his later move to London, stunted their mutual attraction. Fletcher cleverly utilises the wedding ceremonies that Stevie is hired for to create a framework that ensures the two characters are reunited. I enjoyed the chemistry between the pair, and their teasing banter. There are several obstacles to their relationship as the story progresses including a reluctance to risk their friendship, Stevie’s poor self-awareness, and the introduction of romantic rivals, and while you know it’s going to work out, the author does generate some tension. The heat level in this novel is quite chaste, though remarkably Fletcher is able to communicate passion with a dropped meat pie.
I did grow impatient with Stevie at times as she leant into her self-pity a little too often, and behaved badly as a result, particularly with Jen. I liked her relationship with her mum though, and no one deserves to have an affair implode so publicly. Funny, thoughtful and easy-going, Johnno is a less complicated character. I liked the dynamic with his family, and his support of his sister.
I really enjoyed the distinctive Australian details in this novel. Though Stevie is based in Brisbane, the book is set largely in rural Queensland where the various weddings she photographs take place. Fletcher ably evokes the vastness of the outback and its landscape, but more importantly she captures the sense of community and tradition that unites small towns, and the characters that populate them. The ‘Bush Telegraph’ posts are a fun touch, and I appreciated that Fletcher also touches on some important issues that impact rural life.
Told with heart and humour, Five Bush Weddings is an entertaining read with a satisfying happily ever after.
Wedding photographer Stevie-Jean Harrison loves being part of a couple’s special day, but, single at 31, she’s starting to think she may never have her own. Everyone she knows seems to found ‘the one’ - her ex has just announced his engagement, and his gorgeous, young bride-to-be wants Stevie as their photographer; Jen, her best friend and roommate, seems committed to the Most Boring Man Alive; even Stevie’s sexagenarian mother has started dating, - why can’t she?
Johnno West has been in love with Stevie-Jean since he was nineteen. Recently returned to rural Queensland to fulfil his parents expectations and take over the family farm, he is hopeful his best friend’s ex might finally be ready to give him a chance. After all, she once made him promise that if they were both single at 32, they would get married, and he intends to hold her to it.
The friends-to-lovers romance trope has always been my favourite, and it underpins the story of Five Bush Weddings. Stevie and Johnno have known each other for over a decade, but her relationship with Tom (Johnno’s best mate), and his later move to London, stunted their mutual attraction. Fletcher cleverly utilises the wedding ceremonies that Stevie is hired for to create a framework that ensures the two characters are reunited. I enjoyed the chemistry between the pair, and their teasing banter. There are several obstacles to their relationship as the story progresses including a reluctance to risk their friendship, Stevie’s poor self-awareness, and the introduction of romantic rivals, and while you know it’s going to work out, the author does generate some tension. The heat level in this novel is quite chaste, though remarkably Fletcher is able to communicate passion with a dropped meat pie.
I did grow impatient with Stevie at times as she leant into her self-pity a little too often, and behaved badly as a result, particularly with Jen. I liked her relationship with her mum though, and no one deserves to have an affair implode so publicly. Funny, thoughtful and easy-going, Johnno is a less complicated character. I liked the dynamic with his family, and his support of his sister.
I really enjoyed the distinctive Australian details in this novel. Though Stevie is based in Brisbane, the book is set largely in rural Queensland where the various weddings she photographs take place. Fletcher ably evokes the vastness of the outback and its landscape, but more importantly she captures the sense of community and tradition that unites small towns, and the characters that populate them. The ‘Bush Telegraph’ posts are a fun touch, and I appreciated that Fletcher also touches on some important issues that impact rural life.
Told with heart and humour, Five Bush Weddings is an entertaining read with a satisfying happily ever after.
October 16, 2022
Really cute & full of charm. I appreciated that we got Johnno's POV too along with Stevie's.
September 5, 2022
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Clare Fletcher is a debut author who has drawn on her personal experiences of growing up in regional Queensland to pen her first novel Five Bush Weddings. A story of love, life, challenges, second chances, celebrations and community, Five Bush Weddings is an enjoyable Aussie yarn.
Five Bush Weddings follows Stevie, a photographer who specialises in country weddings. We meet Stevie at a point in her life when she is grappling with the impending marriage of her ex, her mother’s new dating adventures and her best friend’s mundane love life. Stevie feels as though the whole world is getting on with things, while she is stuck in a love rut. Stevie is taken aback when she is reacquainted with Johnno, a man from her past. Johnno soon catches Stevie’s eye, but a vow they made many years ago comes back to haunt this potential couple. But another possible suitor enters Stevie’s life at the same time that Johnno reappears. Who will Stevie choose, or will she continue her solo journey?
It’s great to see another new writer on the rural romance block pop up this year. Clare Fletcher is an author who has made an impact on the rural fiction, contemporary romance and women’s fiction scene thanks to her fresh new release, Five Bush Weddings. This rich Australian read is one that will make your heart beat just a touch faster.
Fletcher has situated her book in a place that she knows extremely well, as the action in Five Bush Weddings moves between the city and regional Queensland. Clare Fletcher’s own life experiences have been carefully filtered into this novel. I immediately felt a sense of ease, understanding, credibility and authenticity thanks to Fletcher’s setting base descriptions. What I loved about Five Bush Weddings was the focus on community and real-life pressing strains experienced by our country towns, such as the lengthy drought periods. Books such as Five Bush Weddings act as great platforms to make readers aware of how our bush communities are struggling. This was an important and well covered aspect of Five Bush Weddings.
I’m a big fan of weddings in general, which has been with me since I was a young girl as all I wanted to be was a flower girl! Consequently, my interest in weddings seems to have flowed into adulthood, so I still have a weakness for stories that feature weddings. Clare Fletcher’s book does showcase more than a few weddings and celebrations. The opening pages were particularly memorable and funny. I enjoyed following wedding photographer and lead character Stevie on her wedding adventures. Fletcher integrates the wedding aspects of her novel extremely well into this second chance/love angst style novel. I was keen to see if Stevie would remain single, or choose one of the possible suitors in this tale.
Stevie is quite prickly, so I do have to be honest and say I was a little at odds with her at times. However, the rest of the cast are a great bunch to get to know. The sense of unity and comradery is strong in this novel and Fletcher really does turn on the country charm. A well fashioned happily ever after rounds off Five Bush Weddings, which ensures this novel is completely satisfying. Clare Fletcher has composed a great debut novel and it is genuinely nice to see another new face appear in the thriving category of Australian rural fiction.
*Thanks extended to Penguin Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Clare Fletcher is a debut author who has drawn on her personal experiences of growing up in regional Queensland to pen her first novel Five Bush Weddings. A story of love, life, challenges, second chances, celebrations and community, Five Bush Weddings is an enjoyable Aussie yarn.
Five Bush Weddings follows Stevie, a photographer who specialises in country weddings. We meet Stevie at a point in her life when she is grappling with the impending marriage of her ex, her mother’s new dating adventures and her best friend’s mundane love life. Stevie feels as though the whole world is getting on with things, while she is stuck in a love rut. Stevie is taken aback when she is reacquainted with Johnno, a man from her past. Johnno soon catches Stevie’s eye, but a vow they made many years ago comes back to haunt this potential couple. But another possible suitor enters Stevie’s life at the same time that Johnno reappears. Who will Stevie choose, or will she continue her solo journey?
It’s great to see another new writer on the rural romance block pop up this year. Clare Fletcher is an author who has made an impact on the rural fiction, contemporary romance and women’s fiction scene thanks to her fresh new release, Five Bush Weddings. This rich Australian read is one that will make your heart beat just a touch faster.
Fletcher has situated her book in a place that she knows extremely well, as the action in Five Bush Weddings moves between the city and regional Queensland. Clare Fletcher’s own life experiences have been carefully filtered into this novel. I immediately felt a sense of ease, understanding, credibility and authenticity thanks to Fletcher’s setting base descriptions. What I loved about Five Bush Weddings was the focus on community and real-life pressing strains experienced by our country towns, such as the lengthy drought periods. Books such as Five Bush Weddings act as great platforms to make readers aware of how our bush communities are struggling. This was an important and well covered aspect of Five Bush Weddings.
I’m a big fan of weddings in general, which has been with me since I was a young girl as all I wanted to be was a flower girl! Consequently, my interest in weddings seems to have flowed into adulthood, so I still have a weakness for stories that feature weddings. Clare Fletcher’s book does showcase more than a few weddings and celebrations. The opening pages were particularly memorable and funny. I enjoyed following wedding photographer and lead character Stevie on her wedding adventures. Fletcher integrates the wedding aspects of her novel extremely well into this second chance/love angst style novel. I was keen to see if Stevie would remain single, or choose one of the possible suitors in this tale.
Stevie is quite prickly, so I do have to be honest and say I was a little at odds with her at times. However, the rest of the cast are a great bunch to get to know. The sense of unity and comradery is strong in this novel and Fletcher really does turn on the country charm. A well fashioned happily ever after rounds off Five Bush Weddings, which ensures this novel is completely satisfying. Clare Fletcher has composed a great debut novel and it is genuinely nice to see another new face appear in the thriving category of Australian rural fiction.
*Thanks extended to Penguin Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
January 15, 2023
I’ve been reading a lot of excellent Australian novels lately, and this one fell short of all of them. It felt Australian-themed rather than authentically Australian. It may be because all the characters were rich country snobs and I found them very hard to relate to, but the characters and setting all felt very flat and superficial.
Having all the characters being old uni friends also made it feel like being at a party where everyone knows everyone - except you. There are few things less interesting than being stuck around people talking relentlessly about the old days.
There were some really slow parts that I didn’t feel added much, kind of overly detailed, so much so that I almost gave up reading half way through - it did improve as it went on, but perhaps the ending was a little rushed? If the Bush Bachelor stuff happened sooner in the story that might have balanced things a little.
I’m also very over a heroine who is a mess and can’t get her life together. It’s not charming, it’s not relatable, it’s not funny, it’s not interesting. Wow, you can’t remember to pay your bills, so quirky. Please.
That said, I didn’t hate it. The romance was cute and I liked that the reason Stevie and Johnno weren’t together wasn’t manufactured conflict, but because they were both exploring legitimate life choices, and that once they did get together, they were looking forward to creating new things together. Nobody had to give anything up to make the relationship happen. It would have benefited from some space between Charlie and Johnno, which is probably related to the pacing stuff I mentioned above, but overall the relationship aspect was one of the better parts of the book, which I suppose is good in a romance novel.
Overall I just couldn’t really get in to it enough to enjoy it.
Having all the characters being old uni friends also made it feel like being at a party where everyone knows everyone - except you. There are few things less interesting than being stuck around people talking relentlessly about the old days.
There were some really slow parts that I didn’t feel added much, kind of overly detailed, so much so that I almost gave up reading half way through - it did improve as it went on, but perhaps the ending was a little rushed? If the Bush Bachelor stuff happened sooner in the story that might have balanced things a little.
I’m also very over a heroine who is a mess and can’t get her life together. It’s not charming, it’s not relatable, it’s not funny, it’s not interesting. Wow, you can’t remember to pay your bills, so quirky. Please.
That said, I didn’t hate it. The romance was cute and I liked that the reason Stevie and Johnno weren’t together wasn’t manufactured conflict, but because they were both exploring legitimate life choices, and that once they did get together, they were looking forward to creating new things together. Nobody had to give anything up to make the relationship happen. It would have benefited from some space between Charlie and Johnno, which is probably related to the pacing stuff I mentioned above, but overall the relationship aspect was one of the better parts of the book, which I suppose is good in a romance novel.
Overall I just couldn’t really get in to it enough to enjoy it.
September 16, 2023
Such a lovely book. Love how Aussie and true blue it is.
October 10, 2022
Five Bush Weddings was an enjoyable, easy read with a friends to lovers trope with a dual narration by Stevie and Johnno.
Stevie is a wedding photographer she is great at her job and always surrounded by romance. However true-love seems to have passed her by.
I found it hard to really like Stevie, she was a bit of a mess and quite judgemental towards her best friend and room mate, Jen.
Johhno has returned from overseas to take over the family farm but his heart isn’t really into farming. Johnno is the quintessential larrikin always ready for a laugh and a good time.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the bush weddings but found the humour fell a bit flat for me.
I liked all the reality TV show mentions and the inclusion of Instagram posts which made the story one for our times.
Fletcher also touches on online dating, dating after a divorce and the changing face of farming.
Filled with colourful characters and plenty of drama Five Bush Weddings is sure to be a hit with many readers.
Stevie is a wedding photographer she is great at her job and always surrounded by romance. However true-love seems to have passed her by.
I found it hard to really like Stevie, she was a bit of a mess and quite judgemental towards her best friend and room mate, Jen.
Johhno has returned from overseas to take over the family farm but his heart isn’t really into farming. Johnno is the quintessential larrikin always ready for a laugh and a good time.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the bush weddings but found the humour fell a bit flat for me.
I liked all the reality TV show mentions and the inclusion of Instagram posts which made the story one for our times.
Fletcher also touches on online dating, dating after a divorce and the changing face of farming.
Filled with colourful characters and plenty of drama Five Bush Weddings is sure to be a hit with many readers.
July 21, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A welcoming tale from a new voice in rural romance fiction.
Always the bride photographer, never the centre of attention.
Stevie is out of sorts, there’s excitement all going on around her and she is feeling slightly left out.
Her best friend from uni, Johnno is back on the scene and he’s looking good.
Is this because Stevie is lost or because he is quite attractive.
Or is it because of the pact they made.
But soon the dashing Charlie walks in the door and everything changes.
A fine example of the quality this country continues to find and introduce to the book world in this growing genre.
The reader is presented with much to think over, consume and digest and an insight into country living.
Fans of this expanding category will be in for a treat when they pick up this book with its relatable, realistic and underlining message.
Clare’s first contribution offers a behind the scenes look at a amateur photographer, with a selection of everyday country mishaps and a girl who doesn’t see love right in front of her.
Stevie, is at times not all that likeable, so I think sometimes it effected my feelings for the plot and my judgment of the book as a whole.
While the story does end happily, I found the lead character still had a long way to go in finding happiness that she wants.
Overall it’s an enjoyable book.
A welcoming tale from a new voice in rural romance fiction.
Always the bride photographer, never the centre of attention.
Stevie is out of sorts, there’s excitement all going on around her and she is feeling slightly left out.
Her best friend from uni, Johnno is back on the scene and he’s looking good.
Is this because Stevie is lost or because he is quite attractive.
Or is it because of the pact they made.
But soon the dashing Charlie walks in the door and everything changes.
A fine example of the quality this country continues to find and introduce to the book world in this growing genre.
The reader is presented with much to think over, consume and digest and an insight into country living.
Fans of this expanding category will be in for a treat when they pick up this book with its relatable, realistic and underlining message.
Clare’s first contribution offers a behind the scenes look at a amateur photographer, with a selection of everyday country mishaps and a girl who doesn’t see love right in front of her.
Stevie, is at times not all that likeable, so I think sometimes it effected my feelings for the plot and my judgment of the book as a whole.
While the story does end happily, I found the lead character still had a long way to go in finding happiness that she wants.
Overall it’s an enjoyable book.
September 4, 2022
This was a really easy quick read although I did skim lots of it because there was way too much detail given. At times the story was really slow moving due to the depth of detail. I found it quite boring in parts with the unnecessary detail.
I heard the author talk about her book and she was delightful and quite passionate about her writing. Maybe her second book will move quicker.
The other thing that bothered me was the amount of drinking and people passing out from excessive consumption. Coming from the country I understand the drinking culture that exists, but it would have been nice if Stevie didn’t pass out drunk at every event she attended.
For a first book this was ok, but I hope the editors do a better job on her second.
I heard the author talk about her book and she was delightful and quite passionate about her writing. Maybe her second book will move quicker.
The other thing that bothered me was the amount of drinking and people passing out from excessive consumption. Coming from the country I understand the drinking culture that exists, but it would have been nice if Stevie didn’t pass out drunk at every event she attended.
For a first book this was ok, but I hope the editors do a better job on her second.
August 19, 2023
Ah I think I just fell in love!
Five Bush Weddings gave me all the ooh and ahh feelings! It was like a warm blanket and a pot of tea, it just gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Dual POV between the two protagonists, bush romances and a gorgeously written backdrop making me imagine every little part of this book in incredible detail!
Clare Fletcher has written such a special and beautiful book that will play at my heartstrings for such a long time. I'm so glad I picked this up after a reading slump, it was exactly what I needed!
Five Bush Weddings gave me all the ooh and ahh feelings! It was like a warm blanket and a pot of tea, it just gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Dual POV between the two protagonists, bush romances and a gorgeously written backdrop making me imagine every little part of this book in incredible detail!
Clare Fletcher has written such a special and beautiful book that will play at my heartstrings for such a long time. I'm so glad I picked this up after a reading slump, it was exactly what I needed!
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January 18, 2023I was surprised how much I enjoyed this Very Ocker Romcom, which despite a ton of language and substance abuse was a lot more thoughtful and heart-warming than I would have expected. It's a book about being single in your thirties, life in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small rural town where the weather and the next generation are both a constant source of anxiety, and the beauty of many different kinds of love, from friendship to romantic to the lasting love of marriage. I have tried reading quite a number of contemporary romcoms over the past twelve months and this one is definitely the most fun I've had since THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS. I mean, the heroine realises her larrikin friend may have feelings for her after he drops his steak-n-onion pie to kiss her, and I can't think of a more Australian love epiphany than THAT.
Content warning for a fair bit of language. Sensuality is fade to black, and it's absolutely the most drunken novel I've ever read (I know Australians are hardened imbibers but are the Queenslanders alright?).
Content warning for a fair bit of language. Sensuality is fade to black, and it's absolutely the most drunken novel I've ever read (I know Australians are hardened imbibers but are the Queenslanders alright?).
December 26, 2022
I reckon there’s great bang for buck to be had with this rustic rom-com. It’s pretty meaty so you can’t just knock it off in one pool session. Its kept me going for days over this hectic Christmas period.
Stevie is the endearing protagonist of ‘Five Bush Weddings’. A wedding photographer extraordinaire who frequents country nuptials immortalising swoon-worthy rural love stories.
But whom doesn’t have her own love story.
Or any of her ducks in a row.
And she’s quite dependent on her best friend.
And not so good at her accounts.
Etc and so forth.
And then there is love for her! Maybe? Possibly? You’ll see.
It’s quite slow and meandering, could have done with some tightening but I didn’t mind the gentle pace.
I didn’t feel Mabel’s septuagenarian Gossip Girl columns added much but that’s the only thing that stood out to me as clunky.
Overall quite enjoyable 😝
Similar vibes (so would recommend to readers of) Sunni Overend or Sophie Green.
Stevie is the endearing protagonist of ‘Five Bush Weddings’. A wedding photographer extraordinaire who frequents country nuptials immortalising swoon-worthy rural love stories.
But whom doesn’t have her own love story.
Or any of her ducks in a row.
And she’s quite dependent on her best friend.
And not so good at her accounts.
Etc and so forth.
And then there is love for her! Maybe? Possibly? You’ll see.
It’s quite slow and meandering, could have done with some tightening but I didn’t mind the gentle pace.
I didn’t feel Mabel’s septuagenarian Gossip Girl columns added much but that’s the only thing that stood out to me as clunky.
Overall quite enjoyable 😝
Similar vibes (so would recommend to readers of) Sunni Overend or Sophie Green.
January 25, 2024
So cute, I loved it - that is all 😍
October 2, 2023
An easy 5 stars. More in depth review to come.
November 18, 2023
Australian settings never get old for me. At one point they mention "the girl next door" is 30 minutes away simply showcasing how rural so much of the country is. Simply a wonderful book.
October 6, 2024
A wholesome story.
Made this cynical heart believe in love. What a big task that is.
Johnno West… the man you are
Made this cynical heart believe in love. What a big task that is.
Johnno West… the man you are
August 2, 2022
I got completely swept up in this book! Part rural romance with a dash of the sad girl trope, FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS is a dual POV story with an unrequited love, potential friends-to-lovers romance featuring a cast of brilliant characters, colourful weddings and a whole lot of classic Aussie humour & fun.
Clare Fletcher really understood the assignment for this, her debut novel. FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS is engaging, relatable and full of heart. This was such an enjoyable read!
Set across Brisbane and rural Queensland, FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS feels like it really captures the spirit of that part of the world. I loved the humour throughout this book and pairing it with some of the sweet moments really made this story shine (Who’d have thought a dropped pie could be so romantic?!?).
I especially enjoyed the quick-fire banter between Stevie and her bestie Jen, the community around Stevie and Johnno, and the insights into wedding photography. The will-they-won’t-they of the romance really pulled me in too!
FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS gave me feel-good vibes throughout and I adored it! What a debut. This is one of my favourite books of the year!
Readers of Sasha Wasley, Rachael Johns or Minnie Darke, and fans of Aussie rom-coms, I recommend you check out FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS!
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher.
Clare Fletcher really understood the assignment for this, her debut novel. FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS is engaging, relatable and full of heart. This was such an enjoyable read!
Set across Brisbane and rural Queensland, FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS feels like it really captures the spirit of that part of the world. I loved the humour throughout this book and pairing it with some of the sweet moments really made this story shine (Who’d have thought a dropped pie could be so romantic?!?).
I especially enjoyed the quick-fire banter between Stevie and her bestie Jen, the community around Stevie and Johnno, and the insights into wedding photography. The will-they-won’t-they of the romance really pulled me in too!
FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS gave me feel-good vibes throughout and I adored it! What a debut. This is one of my favourite books of the year!
Readers of Sasha Wasley, Rachael Johns or Minnie Darke, and fans of Aussie rom-coms, I recommend you check out FIVE BUSH WEDDINGS!
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher.
August 29, 2023
I LOVED this book, I cried, I laughed and occasionally wanted to yell at the characters.
A complex love story, a little heartbreak and some unrequited love, it was a story that filled my heart and made it very hard to put this book down.
A complex love story, a little heartbreak and some unrequited love, it was a story that filled my heart and made it very hard to put this book down.
August 8, 2022
Holiday read, just ok. More humour required!
October 15, 2022
I loved this book! I felt like I knew many of the characters & I certainly knew many of the places. From Women’s College to Toowoomba, Blackall & everywhere in between. Such a lovely story.
October 17, 2023
This was a fun, easy read but I did feel a little too old for it.
February 3, 2023
My cousins first published book. Loved it.
December 8, 2022
I had been seeing Five Bush Weddings in many bookstores here in Australia and I thought I'd just get it because it seemed interesting. And for the most part, it was; as someone who likes photography as well, it was really nice to see a character who does photography. But beyond that, Stevie was someone who I couldn't really stand. At the start of the book, she was fine. But as the story progressed, she was a being a tad bit judgemental, which didn't sit right with me. Her romance with Johno was cute though. The writing style also wasn't for me. The pacing was also a bit slow so this turned out to be a drag to get through.
All in all though, I'd recommend this, just for its romance aspect. That was really nice to read.
All in all though, I'd recommend this, just for its romance aspect. That was really nice to read.
November 12, 2024
I had a chuckle as I started the first page of this novel 😂. My son just got married a month ago, and what happened halfway through the night, the "Eagle Rock" pants dropped and undies on display.
What a great first novel. I'm looking forward to your next book.
Country weddings, a photographer who knows how to capture the best shots, and finding love.
Stevie is in her thirties, watching everyone around her falling in love and getting married. She has two best friends, Jen and Johnno.
Stevie is love bombed, but looking in all the wrong places for love. She is also helping her Mum move on in the dating scene.
She made a youthful pact that if she is still single in her early thirties to look each other up.
Loved 😍
What a great first novel. I'm looking forward to your next book.
Country weddings, a photographer who knows how to capture the best shots, and finding love.
Stevie is in her thirties, watching everyone around her falling in love and getting married. She has two best friends, Jen and Johnno.
Stevie is love bombed, but looking in all the wrong places for love. She is also helping her Mum move on in the dating scene.
She made a youthful pact that if she is still single in her early thirties to look each other up.
Loved 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
Likeable light friends to lovers with a nice rural Aussie vibe. Our heroine is that romance staple, a wedding photographer. Coincidentally, I happen to know an actual Australian wedding photographer, and while *he* would never read something like this, I suspect that if he did he’d find our heroine, Stevie, and he, had… absolutely nothing in common. But I digress.
Stevie is a bit of a mixed bag, she’s nice, but has some sharp parts too. The boy, Johnno, is very boy-like. He steps out of the romantic cliche style guide and… smoulders, I guess? Lots of nice wedding detail, which I appreciated.
3.5 stars rounded up because of the setting.
Stevie is a bit of a mixed bag, she’s nice, but has some sharp parts too. The boy, Johnno, is very boy-like. He steps out of the romantic cliche style guide and… smoulders, I guess? Lots of nice wedding detail, which I appreciated.
3.5 stars rounded up because of the setting.
February 28, 2023
It was a pretty enjoyable read. I loved the setting of rural and remote Queensland and the imagery of the outback. I liked the descriptions of the photographs the main character, Stevie, takes and the story and characters were quite well written. The pacing at the end felt a bit off - perhaps a bit rushed given the build up through the majority of the book.
October 4, 2022
A nice easy to read rural romance. It brought up a couple of interesting issues - farm succession, dating for old -er girls with lots of lovely wedding day details mixed in.
March 15, 2023
A little slow to get into but a great read, with a feel good ending!! Very relatable 😉
October 25, 2023
This was such a funny romance and very relatable to outback QLDers. I knew every location and references to Brisbane uni life and beyond. Great story.
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