Home Truths

Tumble Creek #1

by Louise Forster

London–based chef Jennifer Dove loves her exciting, fast–paced life and she has every intention of returning to it ASAP. This trip to Tumble Creek – middle–of–nowhere Australia – is just a blip, a trip out of time, to visit her sister and niece and farewell her beloved Uncle. But barely hours into her stay, she disturbs an intruder in her uncle's house, is questioned by police, and finds a pair of fluffy pink stilettos in the bedroom. Things are not all they seem in Tumble Creek, and much as she tries not to, Jennifer is sucked in to the mystery surrounding her uncle. Who is his girlfriend Veronica, and why is she not here? What are the locals hiding? And why can she not get sexy local Calum McGregor out of her mind? All is not what it seems in this sleepy, small town, and as Jennifer unravels its mysteries, she might just be tying herself to Tumble Creek forever.

Genres: Romance

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2011

About the author

Hi lovely readers. Home Truths in Tumble Creek is on sale for $1.99 on Amazon this week.
I’m also part of a BookFunnel promo featuring sweet/clean small‑town romance if you’re looking for more cosy reads.

Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, and shelving the series 👍🙂

Louise Forster writes small towns, big hearts, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you’re minding your own business.

In a rapidly changing world, she decided the Tumble Creek series deserved a gentle refresh—plus a chance for the younger characters to stop loitering in the background and show their worth, their growth.

Louise grew up in country Victoria, racing barefoot down dirt roads and daydreaming under tall eucalypts. City life later insisted on trains, deadlines and the occasional pair of stilettos—though only because running for public transport barefoot tends to raise eyebrows.

After wandering through Europe, Africa and the Pacific, she settled on the far north coast of New South Wales, where she now lives with her extended family, three dogs, three cats and more wildlife than any writer truly needs.

She writes warm, cheeky Australian romance about community, connection and the unexpected ways people fall in love.

More at www.louiseforster.com
Happy reading ~ Louise

There’s more on Louise's website. www.louiseforster.com

Happy reading ~~~ Louise.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jennifer Dove arrived in Tumble Creek from London, she first met with her sister Sofie and niece Claudia. They then headed to Uncle Bob’s pharmacy and home. The shock they received to see the pharmacy completely empty, then the dilapidated state of the house, was soon assuaged by the knowledge that Uncle Bob was sick for the last months of his life, and they had been unaware. Now they were in Tumble Creek for his funeral. When Sofie and Claudia left for the motel, Jennifer just wanted to sleep the jetlag away. But the noises of an intruder saw the police arrive, but the intruder had fled. She wasn’t sure what was going on but was too tired to think about it.

After Uncle Bob’s funeral and over the next few days strange things occurred. Sofie and Jennifer’s brother Bret seemed to be in trouble, but they didn’t know where he was; their parents kept hounding them and local farmer Calum was being helpful. But all Jennifer wanted to do was get back to London and her job…

Home Truths in Tumble Creek by Aussie author Louise Forster is the 1st in the Tumble Creek series and set in the fictitious rural Australian setting of Tumble Creek, where everyone knew the others’ business, but kept a caring eye on each other. A place that was filled with beauty and peace, a place for city girls to find their way. Recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home Truths in Tumble Creek is light and fun, an easy read.

Jennifer flies from London to the small town of Tumble Creek in country Australia. Jen may be a top London chef but she is no stranger to this country town. It was the home town of her Uncle Bob who Jen and her sister Sofie visited often when they were growing up. They are there to attend his funeral and organise his affairs. The last thing Jen expects to do is fall for a sexy farmer.

Louise Forster has delivered a romance read that is filled with mystery, humour and secrets. There are a couple of steamy scenes for fans of sexy romance reads but the majority of the story is sweet.
Tumble Creek is portrayed as a welcoming, small country town and I enjoyed getting to know the residents there.

City girl Jen got into plenty of scrapes where hot farmer Callum came to the rescue and in one instance the local fire brigade was summoned and a rescue through an upstairs window was quite comical.

A sexy farmer, Russian spies watching their every move and loan sharks determined to get their money by any means give for moments of light-hearted fun and moments of suspense.

My only quibble with this novel is there was too much dialogue for my liking and it slowed the story.
*I received an ecopy from the author

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

3.5 stars

Australian contemporary romance author Louise Forster has produced a tale of small-town secrets, love and family issues in Home Truths in Tumble Creek. With hidden truths, surprising revelations, a touch of mystery and intrigue, Home Truths in Tumble Creek is an entertaining country living tale.

Louise Forster’s series opener introduces Jennifer, a chef based in the UK, who joins her sister in Australia for the funeral of their uncle. As soon as Jennifer sets foot on Australian soil, she falls into trouble when an intruder breaks in to her uncle’s residence. In response, Jennifer is questioned by police. Jennifer crosses paths with a charming local man, who is concerned about Jennifer’s safety. This proves to be quite an eventful trip for Jennifer who is confronted with a number of secrets, a mystery and strange message from her uncle. What further shocks and surprises await Jennifer?

Home Truths in Tumble Creek marks my introduction to the work of Louise Forster, an Australian fiction author who specialises in small town romances. Home Truths in Tumble Creek was a pleasant and enjoyable story that I recommend to fans of contemporary rural romance.

Forster presents a very entertaining set up in Home Truths in Tumble Creek. In this small-town tale, we have a career orientated London chef and local cattleman paired together. What ensues in Louise Forster’s series opener is a surprising tale of mixed feelings, difficult decisions, tricky movements, matters of the heart and a small slice of mystery. Home Truths in Tumble Creek is a busy tale and the narrative encompasses plenty of tension for the characters of this story to work through. Part of the fun as a reader is to sit back and enjoy the ride to this quaint Aussie community.

Forster has cast a very compassionate and resilient heroine with a strong and charming leading man. There are some challenges for both these characters to overcome and the reader is given an opportunity to be directly involved in their respective individual pathways. With a number of complications and issues coming from the periphery characters in this tale, Forster has created a solid story arc in Home Truths in Tumble Creek.

Louise Forster is a passionate and well-versed contemporary romance author. In fact, this novel placed 3rd in a romance fiction excellence award. The romance in Home Truths in Tumble Creek was quite hot and steamy, which unfortunately was not to my personal tastes. I have to own up to the fact that I skimmed over the sexy scenes! However, if you are fan of more heavy than sweet style romances this novel will be exactly what you are looking for.

Forster’s series opener is a busy one, full of drama, conflicts, secrets, withheld truths, revelations, twists and turns. It features a number of scenes with some humour, as well as some elements of mystery thrown into the mix. This was quite a combination and I felt as though Forster handled all these different aspects well. The overall focus themes on personal baggage, change and acceptance forms the crux of this tale. I think simply accepting the little and simple things in life really is the message this book is trying to impart via the storyline, dialogue and the experiences of the characters.

Any easy read to consume over a weekend, Home Truths in Tumble Creek represents a great ode to small town Australia. Romance fans will be sure to connect to the love story between the hero and heroine of this tale, especially if you like a bit of heat to your romance fiction. Home Truths in Tumble Creek is an involving contemporary novel that I enjoyed

*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Home Truths in Tumble Creek is book #96 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written contemporary Australian rural romance. This book has it all; a splash of London, an independent career-oriented Aussie woman with an almost obsessive sense of familial responsibility, believable small town characters, a smidge of mystery and a few hunky men in kilts - what's not to love! I'm downloading book 2 now ...

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets and lies by omission haunt Jennifer Dove's search for the truth behind her beloved deceased uncle's life. Add in the hometown charm of Tumble Creek, a sexy and irresistible electrician/cowboy, a Russian desperately searching for a mysterious something, break-ins, pink fuzzy stilettos, a fireman ready for rescue even when none is needed, and loan sharks looking for payment, and you've got this pack filled plot.

Home Truths provides an interesting mystery with a charming cast of unique and likable characters. I found this plot engaging and multifaceted, with many situations all coalescing into our character's lives. Top that off with a delectable romance, and you've got this delightful read.

I received this ARC copy of Home Truths from Harlequin Enterprises Australia - Escape Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on June 1, 2014.

[Elle aka Leftie aka Shoebelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this did not quite work for me, despite the premise sounding interesting. It was light on romance, suspense, mystery... well, everything. Even the humor was just so-so. Light romance, I understand. But something else has to engage me, if that's the case. I started skimming by the last 3rd of the story, sorry.

But for what it's worth, I really enjoyed the regional-speak; all those Australian slangs, it's cute.


*Courtesy of publisher via Netgalley*

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Australian fiction

This contemporary Australian romance has a bit of everything - fantastic rural setting, mystery and intrigue, secrets, well- drawn characters and of course romance. A fantastic start to what I’m sure is a great series.

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Dove returns to Tumble Creek to settle her late Uncle's Estate with her sister and niece, but get more than they bargained for with the allure of a small town,the mystery surrounding their Uncle and the elusive Veronica. With intruders, policeman, firemen and one smoking hot cowboy and a mystery that baffles the characters, Home Truths by Louise Forster makes for an unmissable, entertaining read!

Jen and Calum sizzle the pages and amuse and delight readers with their mischief and antics and laugh-out-loud, unorthodox interchanges. Characters that will delight and a storyline that will have you captivated. A book that you can not put down and one that you will remember long after the story finishes. An absolute delight of a read from the first page to the last that will enchant readers throughout.
*ARC Received from the Author for an honest review

[Linda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. Two sisters each trying to heal from their own miseries a niece using her Goth makeup to hide from the world and a Brother who’s looking for a fast track to wealth. None of them would’ve ever suspected that coming to a little town named “Tumble Creek” for their beloved Uncle Bob’s funeral would change all of their lives. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ZwsRcAb...

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home Truths by Louise Forster was a good read that I enjoyed. I have never read this author before but I would certainly pick another one of her books up to read. Home Truths is Calum and Jennifer’s story. It is full of loss, family drama, and new love. Home Truths was hard to put down and it’s story I will remember.

Jennifer has a busy life that she loves. She is a chef and she is in demand. What more could she want? She finds out her beloved uncle dies and flies to Tumble Creek, Australia where she is surrounded by a town full of people who loved her uncle. She also gets to catch up with her sister and her niece. Everything starts to go wrong when she arrives. There is a stranger in her uncle’s house and she gets interrogated by the police. When things calm down her mother starts calling to harass her because she wants to be at her uncle’s funeral for appearances sake. On top of that she can’t seem to get one of the locals off her mind. Calum has haunted her thoughts since she met him. She doesn’t need any entanglements in Australia because she plans to go back to London. Will she follow through with her plans? Or will she take a detour and find true love?

Calum knows the moment he sees Jennifer that she is the one for him. He must admit that she is even prettier in person her uncle has shown him pictures of her and talk about her over the years. It feels like he already knows her but he wants to know everything about her. He will help do anything just to be around her. When she wants to figure out the truth about her family secrets he will be there with her. The more they are together the more he knows he doesn’t want her to return to London. Can he show her in the time that she is there that they are meant to be together? Or will he end up with a broken heart? Her uncle’s secret isn’t the only one in their family that will come to surface. When he helps her brother out and refuses to let her pay him back she is livid with him and he hopes that it won’t be the end of their burgeoning relationship. How can he make her see that he did the right thing? Will they recover from this? Or will he end up losing her?

I really enjoyed Home Truths it had the right balance between romance and mystery. I liked that it wasn’t just about romance and that there was to the story. I liked the story and I really liked the characters. My favorite character was the uncle even though you only get to know him through the memories and through the secrets discovered. I thought he was a really good guy and it showed in the devotion of all the towns’ people. I would recommend Home Truths to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.

[Lauren Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Home Truths from the author in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was entertainment and romance all bundled up together. This story begins with a woman named Jennifer who is on her way to her uncle’s funeral. Currently residing in London, she travels all the way to Australia—a place called Tumble Creek. She meets up with her sister and niece upon arrival and scope they all scope out her uncle’s pharmacy which looks like it has been vacant for months. Upon further investigation, she is welcomed to the town by the police and an Australian cowboy named Calum. Little does she know that Uncle Bob has some secrets that he has kept from her, her family and the town. Jennifer, being a chef from London, isn’t too interested in uncovering anything at first. Knowing that her uncle was a good man, she finds herself being drawn to the secrets as the stay in Tumble Creek becomes more and more of a home. Can she see herself giving up a life in the nice, big city of London for a small town in Australia?

My favorite characters are Claudia and Calum. Calum is not very mysterious at all and instantly falls for Jennifer upon arrival in the small town. He keeps close, but knows that she may leave as soon as the funeral has commenced. He is witty, honest, compassionate and very helpful around the house—the best electrician in the town. Claudia dresses all in black, but I really love her enthusiasm and spirit. Even though she looks “gothic”, she has a lot of spirit and say in both Jennifer and Sofie’s life. I absolutely love her speech at the funeral, but I don’t want to say too much!

In my opinion, this book deserves four stars. I thought that the overall story had a wonderful vibe full of romance and mystery. The pace flowed easy and quick, which always makes the read better. I think that the author did a wonderful job with character development and the content was highly original. The only thing that I really did not find too much interest in was Bret. He came into the story quickly, as the brother of Jennifer and Sofie; however, his story didn’t quite seem to fit in anywhere. Sure, he had his troubles that he needed his sister to get him out of, but it still didn’t seem to make too much headway in the whole story plot. It seemed to have just been dropped in as an unnecessary problem that was quite exaggerated. I look forward to reading more by this lovely author and I thank her for allowing me to read Home Truths.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Home Truths by Louise Forster, Jennifer has come to Tumble Creek, Australia from London for her beloved Uncle's funeral. From the moment she meets up with her sister and niece in Tumble Creek, things seem a bit off. There is mystery surrounding their Uncle's life, and more mysterious events happening in Tumble Creek. If something is going to happen, it will happen to Jennifer!!

There is a lot happening besides Uncle Bob's funeral, and Jennifer meets Calum, a handsome Australian who has her insides quivering. At first Calum is just helping her out, then he's keeping her safe and things quickly become hot and heavy between them. Despite the promise and beauty of Tumble Creek, especially compared to grey, dull London, Jennifer has no plans to stay. She has plans in London, and every intention of going back. When Tumble Creek starts to feel more like home, and her feelings towards Calum just keep growing, there is still trouble brewing and unsolved mysteries. Soon it all feels like too much and Jennifer starts to panic.

Will Jennifer ever uncover Uncle Bob's mysteries? Will Jennifer leave behind all she's found and the promise of Tumble Creek?

Home Truths is a fast paced, easy to read and follow book. It is entertaining with fun dialogue and some hilarious scenes that will have you laughing out loud, and wondering about those pink stilettos! Jennifer and Calum's romance may be quick, but at the same time Louise gives us a sense of realism with her character descriptions, their strengths and their weaknesses. Louise manages to keep you guessing just when you think you've figured out the mystery of Uncle Bob, with her multi-layered plot. The sub-plots in Home Truths added an extra bit of intrigue, even if for some of them I would have liked a little less unknown and more background.

There are a lot of family dynamics in Home Truths, and Louise writes these in well so that they give us the information we need but don't overwhelm and take away from the plot.

The people in Tumble Creek and the characteristics of the small town really give a lot of strength to Home Truths. It is the perfect setting for this story and Louise's descriptions of Tumble Creek will have you right there with everyone else.

Any romance reader that loves a small town setting, a bit of mystery and a hero/heroine that can really steam up your pages will enjoy Home Truths.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3.5 stars! ***

Review Posted on Harlequin Junkies.com

Home Truths by Louise Forster is a tale about family, secrets, and love, set in a small town in Australia, where everyone knows not only your name and but also the names of the skeletons in your closet. Jennifer Dove works and lives in London, England, having fled Australia to get away from her controlling parents. She has returned, briefly, she hopes, in order to attend the funeral of her beloved Uncle Bob who cared for her, her sister Sofie and her brother Bret far better than their parents ever did. Jennifer, Sofie, and Sofie’s daughter Claudia arrive in Tumble Creek, a five hour drive from Sydney, where Uncle Bob had his home and pharmacy, after a 40-hour plane flight from London. In an exhausted sleep-worn daze she meets a handsome cowboy checking to make sure everything is well. When Jennifer, Sofie, and Claudia enter Uncle Bob’s pharmacy, they are surprised that it’s totally empty, which leaves them to wonder if their uncle was ill and just never told them. Bob lived above the shop, and they go up to his home, where Jennifer decides to stay while Sofie and Claudia sleep at a nearby motel. In the bathroom, they find a nightgown with the name “Veronica” on it and a pair of fluffy pink stilettos. Veronica is the name of Uncle Bob’s girlfriend who they never met, but heard a lot about from their uncle.
Read More

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a book for review from Net Galley

Jennifer and her sister come back to Tumble Creek for their uncle's funeral. There is a mystery surrounding him- they didn't know he'd been ill before he died in his sleep. They meet the locals and Jennifer is instantly attracted to Callum. Their brother is also in trouble and there are strands of mystery and suspense running through the book. What are the Russains desperate to find in the chemist property and is everyone in danger.

Jennifer eventually decides to make a life back in Australia and the romance side of the book takes over.

I think this would be a 3.5 star read for me-

[Robyn Koshel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tumble Creek Australia has changed a lot since Jennifer returned from London. Treated as an almost outsiders, aspects of her Uncle's life is hidden from her by her own family. Secrets slowly come to the surface just in time for the funeral.
Home Truths is a fast paced book full of mystery and intrigue. Callum offers some steamy romance and make this book the perfect read. The author provided a well crafted novel with vibrant locations and loveable characters in Jennifer and Callum, and blended it with the right amount of mystery. I highly recommend this very entertaining book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One crazy wonderful book

I BOUGHT THI


I bought and read this book ages ago and when I was browsing my list I couldn't rember readin it!
So I read it again and the memory kicked in that it did seem familiar

I have to say it was even more enjoyable. The characters are written with such credibility you feel for them in all their ups and downs.
The story is great and several ingeresting twists and turns make this an excellent read and I do highly recommend you indulge in a great story.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As part of A Country Escape that combines three Australian Harlequin publications in one. Some intrigue and fun, I felt like I was in an adults version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at times. Certainly not hard to imagine the dearly departed uncle dressing up as Veronica. The tale of Jennifer and Calum, Sofie and Brock added to the mix.

[Kendall Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the rural romance setting of this book. The characters were believable as was the plot and romance. I loved interaction between Jennifer and her family. The hero was a genuine down to earth bloke who was downright sexy too.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts coming shortly