Out of the Ashes

Blackwattle Lake

by Pamela Cook

Can Eve escape the shadow of her past and emerge from the ashes stronger than ever? Find out in this gripping story of resilience, friendship, hope and new beginnings from bestselling author Pamela Cook.

In the aftermath of devastating bushfires that destroyed the property where she grew up, Eve Nicholls finds herself grappling with the smouldering ruins of her life. It might be possible to rebuild a house, but what about her dream of renewing friendships and becoming part of her home-town community of Yarrabee?

Haunted by loss, Eve discovers a glimmer of hope when she learns that new life is growing within her – a fragile and unexpected beacon of renewal, and an added complication in her blossoming relationship with the local vet, Hugh. Determined to start afresh, she resolves to rebuild both her house and her shattered spirit.

When accusations of arson emerge, old hurts and resentments resurface, and whispers of suspicion surround Eve. In a desperate bid to clear her name, she enlists the help of a visiting journalist, whose keen eye and relentless pursuit of the truth become her lifeline. Together, they unravel a web of deceit and betrayal that threaten to engulf Eve once more.

Genres: Audiobook

Audiobook

First published May 1, 2024

About the author

Pamela Cook is an author, podcaster and teacher who writes stories of longing and belonging, delving deep into the psychology of her characters and the complexity of relationships in all their forms.

She has had four novels and four novellas published traditionally, along with two independent titles.

Pamela is the host of the Writes4Women podcast and teaches writing workshops through her business, Wildwords, and at various writers’ centres.

Her latest full-length release is Because You’re Mine published by Vinci Books, and her most recent novella Love on the Menu is out in October as part of A Country Pub Christmas, an anthology published by HQ Harper Collins.


She loves to connect with readers both in person and online:

www.pamelacook.com.au
www.facebook.com/PamelaCookAuthor

Instagram @pamelacookwrites and @w4wpodcast

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exceeded my expectations. This is the first time I have read a book by this author. Her writing is brilliant, rich, and evocative, with vivid settings. The narrative contains a wealth of sensory details, and the author employs metaphors and similes with great skill. I loved the cast of complex characters. Based on actual bushfires, the author has taken care to ground the place and time accurately. The fictional plot is full of twists and turns. I was so fully engaged that I did not want the story to end. Now, I intend to read my way through this author's books.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

Fantastic. I can’t wait for book three.



Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Rebecca Bower
Duration: 8 hrs, 38 min. 1.25x Speed

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series and I am motivated to keep listening to the next book so I am finding the story and characters and engaging! I like the portrayal of the gossip grapevine in country communities and it is heartening to see resolutions of conflict but there is a romantic overture that everything is working out for our heroine that is starting to be annoying - hence the three stars!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite well written. I thought it was going to be much darker than it was. Not sure the past traumas were explained well enough but we got the gist of the story. Most of the book was imploding relationships and then suddenly everything had promise.
Might have given it another star though but for too much swearing.

[Annie Longmuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this from BorrowBox. I finally got answers to some of the questions I had after reading the first book of the series. I have to admit the first book really left you frustrated that it didn’t finish properly. (I didn’t realise that there were more books !)

This middle book of the series was excellent! I couldn’t stop listening!!!
The ending was very very satisfying!

[Victoria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Pamela. I read Blackwattle Lake a few years ago and was pleased to have Eve come back and try to pick up the pieces, not only of her home from long ago, but also of her past. It is a compelling, heartfelt story that dives deeply into the emotional struggles of a woman who doesn't believe in second chances or herself.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great follow on from Blackwattle Lake. This time it’s about what happens after the bushfire that claimed Eves family home.
Well plotted, great pace and I look forward to book 3 when it has been written.
I have listened to both these novels on audiobook which were expertly narrated.

[Mandy Lord · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a random pick it was surprisingly good. Interesting twists.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobooked this.
Another epic read!! Some parts didn't make sense but otherwise was a story that I couldn't give up!!!

[Pauline Skilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series now onto the 3rd book great storyline

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up - picks up straight after book 2 (I’m glad I could read these three together) loved the mystery that gets solved about to start book 3 I need to know what happens with Eve and Hugh

[Wendy Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bb really good read. Loved it