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The Wild Australia Stories #2
Currawong Creek
Brisbane lawyer Clare Mitchell has a structured, orderly life. That is, until she finds herself the unlikely guardian of a small, troubled boy. In desperation, Clare takes Jack to stay at Currawong Creek, her grandfather's horse stud in the foothills of the beautiful Bunya Mountains.Currawong feels like home and Clare relaxes for the first time in years. Her grandad adores having them there. Jack loves the animals. And Clare finds herself falling hard for the handsome local vet.But trouble is coming. The Pyramid Mining Company threatens to destroy the land Clare loves – and with it, her newfound happiness ...
320 pages, Paperback
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About the author
Jennifer Scoullar
24 books133 followersJennifer Scoullar Bio
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 22, 2013
Clare Mitchell was an ambitious lawyer, working her way up the ladder; the day she saw young four-year-old Jack and his mother Taylor was a day which would see Clare’s life change forever. With the courts deciding Jack’s future, Clare volunteered to care for Jack for a short time – how hard could it be? Jack was violent, didn’t talk, and for all intents and purposes a disabled child. So the hurricane which hit her apartment should have been expected. Samson, her dog, was a saviour – Jack idolised him instantly and the feeling was mutual.
For the past sixteen years, Clare hadn’t returned to her grandparents’ farm, Currawong Creek. Her grandma had passed away, and still she hadn’t visited. But just recently her Dad had died, so there were no barriers to Clare calling her Grandad. When she took time off work, and headed to Currawong Creek with Jack and Samson, she couldn’t have imagined the feeling of coming home which soaked her emotions. But coming home she was, and Jack along with Samson seemed to fit right in. Her grandad was thrilled to see them.
Along with local vet Tom, Clare, Jack and her Grandad settled into an easy routine. Jack improved out of site; everyone was happy. But there was discontent on the horizon – trouble was heading to the Bunya Mountains in more ways than one. Would their peaceful existence be shattered?
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were wonderful, though I did want to smack Clare a couple of times! The story was incredibly realistic with me feeling like I had read about some of it just recently in the local papers… Jack was a beautifully created child and the love between him and Samson was very real. I have no hesitation in recommending this book highly, along with all of Jennifer Scoullar’s work.
For the past sixteen years, Clare hadn’t returned to her grandparents’ farm, Currawong Creek. Her grandma had passed away, and still she hadn’t visited. But just recently her Dad had died, so there were no barriers to Clare calling her Grandad. When she took time off work, and headed to Currawong Creek with Jack and Samson, she couldn’t have imagined the feeling of coming home which soaked her emotions. But coming home she was, and Jack along with Samson seemed to fit right in. Her grandad was thrilled to see them.
Along with local vet Tom, Clare, Jack and her Grandad settled into an easy routine. Jack improved out of site; everyone was happy. But there was discontent on the horizon – trouble was heading to the Bunya Mountains in more ways than one. Would their peaceful existence be shattered?
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were wonderful, though I did want to smack Clare a couple of times! The story was incredibly realistic with me feeling like I had read about some of it just recently in the local papers… Jack was a beautifully created child and the love between him and Samson was very real. I have no hesitation in recommending this book highly, along with all of Jennifer Scoullar’s work.
November 14, 2024
4 ⭐️s
The Wild Australia Stories #2
A heart-wrenching and moving read.
Little Jack stole my heart.
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Briana McGeary
Duration: 10 hrs. 1.25x Speed
The Wild Australia Stories #2
A heart-wrenching and moving read.
Little Jack stole my heart.
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Briana McGeary
Duration: 10 hrs. 1.25x Speed
July 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this book - very likeable characters (especially grandad). The storyline revolved around Clare and her struggles finding her way raising a 4yo autistic boy who she became temporary carer for on the spur of the moment.
The reader was given an insight into the inadequacies of the foster care system and especially the lack of care available for children with special needs. The reader was also given an insight into coal seam gas exploration, along with the threat and disastrous consequences that rural landholders face in the wake of this exploration and subsequent installation of wells on their properties.
I learnt a lot reading this book and it has given me a better understanding of the frustrations and limitations faced in these areas. I like that this book has educated me as well as giving me a good read :)
The reader was given an insight into the inadequacies of the foster care system and especially the lack of care available for children with special needs. The reader was also given an insight into coal seam gas exploration, along with the threat and disastrous consequences that rural landholders face in the wake of this exploration and subsequent installation of wells on their properties.
I learnt a lot reading this book and it has given me a better understanding of the frustrations and limitations faced in these areas. I like that this book has educated me as well as giving me a good read :)
Want to read
October 4, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/4/18)!💝
Blurb:
Call it intuition, call it magic – call it love. Something is calling Clare home.
Brisbane lawyer Clare Mitchell leads a structured, orderly life. That is, until she finds herself the unlikely guardian of a small, troubled boy. In desperation, Clare takes Jack to stay at Currawong Creek, her grandfather’s horse stud in the foothills of the beautiful Bunya Mountains.
Here life moves at a different pace, and for Clare it feels like coming home. Her granddad adores having them there, Jack loves the animals, and Clare finds herself falling hard for the handsome local vet.
But trouble is coming. The Pyramid Mining Company threatens to destroy the land Clare loves – and with it, her newfound happiness.
Blurb:
Call it intuition, call it magic – call it love. Something is calling Clare home.
Brisbane lawyer Clare Mitchell leads a structured, orderly life. That is, until she finds herself the unlikely guardian of a small, troubled boy. In desperation, Clare takes Jack to stay at Currawong Creek, her grandfather’s horse stud in the foothills of the beautiful Bunya Mountains.
Here life moves at a different pace, and for Clare it feels like coming home. Her granddad adores having them there, Jack loves the animals, and Clare finds herself falling hard for the handsome local vet.
But trouble is coming. The Pyramid Mining Company threatens to destroy the land Clare loves – and with it, her newfound happiness.
August 19, 2013
Clare Mitchell is a Brisbane lawyer working for legal aid.
She finds herself being a temporary carer of a four year old boy named Jack.
Jack's mother and boyfriend who are clients of Clare's nick out for a cigarette one day and never return.
Jack is autistic and quite high on the spectrum and there is no disability placement available.
So Clare decides to care for Jack until his mother returns.
Life becomes hectic as Clare not only has Jack to looks after but she also has Samson. Samson is a German Shepard
puppy who was left to her after her father passed away.
Then her relationship with her boyfriend takes a turn for the worst.
Seeing the pressure Clare is under her boss suggests she takes some time off.
She agrees and gives her grandfather a ring who lives in Currawong Creek.
Being in Currawong does her and Jack the world of good. Jack starts to settle down and loves spending time with all
animals. And everywhere Jack goes Samson is not far behind and they become inseparable.
Whilst in Currawong Clare meets the local vet Tom. Tom's practice is very unorganised and chaotic
so Clare helps out each morning.
Then there is The Pyramid Mining Company which aims to destroy the land Clare loves and cares so
much about.
After being at Currawong for some time Clare hears from Jack's mother who wants to see Jack.
Clare has been dreading this day as she has become attached to Jack.
I loved this book and thought it was a very enjoyable read by an Australian author. I have no
hesitation in recommending this book.
She finds herself being a temporary carer of a four year old boy named Jack.
Jack's mother and boyfriend who are clients of Clare's nick out for a cigarette one day and never return.
Jack is autistic and quite high on the spectrum and there is no disability placement available.
So Clare decides to care for Jack until his mother returns.
Life becomes hectic as Clare not only has Jack to looks after but she also has Samson. Samson is a German Shepard
puppy who was left to her after her father passed away.
Then her relationship with her boyfriend takes a turn for the worst.
Seeing the pressure Clare is under her boss suggests she takes some time off.
She agrees and gives her grandfather a ring who lives in Currawong Creek.
Being in Currawong does her and Jack the world of good. Jack starts to settle down and loves spending time with all
animals. And everywhere Jack goes Samson is not far behind and they become inseparable.
Whilst in Currawong Clare meets the local vet Tom. Tom's practice is very unorganised and chaotic
so Clare helps out each morning.
Then there is The Pyramid Mining Company which aims to destroy the land Clare loves and cares so
much about.
After being at Currawong for some time Clare hears from Jack's mother who wants to see Jack.
Clare has been dreading this day as she has become attached to Jack.
I loved this book and thought it was a very enjoyable read by an Australian author. I have no
hesitation in recommending this book.
June 25, 2013
Currawong Creek is Jennifer Scoullar's second successful foray into the rural fiction market. Set primarily in Queensland's Darling Downs, and its beautiful Bunya Mountains, this lovely novel sees Brisbane lawyer, Clare Mitchell, seeking refuge at her grandparent's property when she unexpectedly becomes a temporary foster parent to a troubled, young boy, Jack. While Jack thrives in the company of Clare's grandfather and the animals at Merriang, Clare begins to envision a new future - a life on the land, with Jack and the handsome local vet, Tom. But her dream is threatened when Jack's mother decides she wants her son back and The Pyramid Mining Company aims to destroy the land Clare loves.
In Currawong Creek, Scoullar highlights two important issues.
The first is the state of the foster care system. As a foster carer herself, Scoullar is familiar with the system and in Currawong Creek she draws attention to the lack of placement options for 'challenging' children in need. If Clare had not volunteered to care for Jake he would have been sent to an inappropriate facility and his issues would have been compounded by his stay.
The second relates to coal seam gas exploration and the threat it poses in rural areas to pastoral and farming land. Just recently there has been a huge campaign in my local area regarding the issue (my town is surrounded by dairy farms) though I admit I didn't pay a lot of attention. I was quite horrified to learn of the dangers of frakking and having read this novel I have a clearer understanding of my community's objections to the mining company.
I really liked the characters of Currawong Creek. I admired Clare's instinct to protect Jack and her willingness to persevere with him. It would not have been easy and yet Clare makes him a clear priority.
Jack, despite all his challenging behavioural issues, is sweet and engenders sympathy and it is a delight to watch him blossom at Merriong. I particularly liked the way in which the author explored the benefits of equine therapy for Jack, I have a friend who also found it a successful technique for her challenging foster child.
I was impressed at the way in which Scoullar portrayed Jack's mother's, Taylor, balancing her faults (which are many) with her love for her child. I strongly believe in the idea of meeting the needs of the child in issues of custody and I was satisfied with the way in which Jack and Taylor's relationship was resolved.
Tom is a vet, leasing Merriang as a site for his practice and becomes the love interest for Clare. I liked him, especially our introduction to him as he wrestles with a python, but I thought he was a little bland and could have been fleshed out a little more, especially with regards to his background and how it relates to Clare, Taylor's and Jack's relationship.
Harry, Clare's grandfather, will surprise you. I really didn't see his actions coming though they make a kind of sad sense.
Currawong Creek is a delightful, thoughtful and heartwarming story. I really enjoyed this well written novel and I am already looking forward to the next from Jennifer Scoullar.
July 30, 2019
Currawong Creek is book two in the Wild Australia Stories by Jennifer Scoullar. Lawyer Clare Mitchell was happy with her life in Brisbane until she became the guardian of a young boy Jack. Not knowing what to do for Jack Clara decided to take him back to her grandfather's horse stud in the foothills of Bunya Mountains. However, the quiet, peaceful life that Clara wanted for her and Jack going to be threatened by Pyramid Mining. The readers of Currawong Creek will continue to follow Clara to see what happens.
I always enjoy reading books by Jennifer Scoullar, and Currawong Creek was lovely attention to my list of enjoyable books. I love the portrayal of the characters by Jennifer Scoullar and the way they interact with each other throughout the book. Currawong Creek was well written and researched by Jennifer Scoullar. The description of the settings of this book done excellently by Jennifer Scoullar.
The readers of Currawong Creek will understand the problems in rural areas when large mining companies come into the district. Also, the readers of "Currawong Creek" will learn about the issues young children have when their parents neglect them.
I recommend this book.
I always enjoy reading books by Jennifer Scoullar, and Currawong Creek was lovely attention to my list of enjoyable books. I love the portrayal of the characters by Jennifer Scoullar and the way they interact with each other throughout the book. Currawong Creek was well written and researched by Jennifer Scoullar. The description of the settings of this book done excellently by Jennifer Scoullar.
The readers of Currawong Creek will understand the problems in rural areas when large mining companies come into the district. Also, the readers of "Currawong Creek" will learn about the issues young children have when their parents neglect them.
I recommend this book.
June 6, 2017
3.5★ The setting (Brisbane and the Bunya Mountains) was great. I enjoyed the story of Jack and Clare. It was very readable, the romance was fairly well done, although a bit overdone at times.
July 29, 2013
One of the aspects of rural fiction I love the most is the deep appreciation of the land that shines through much of the writing in this genre. Currawong Creek, the latest of Jennifer Scoullar's novels and the first I've read, is an excellent example of a book in which the beauty of Australia's landscape serves as a magnificent backdrop for a story about love, family, choices, self-discovery and 'coming home'.
It's funny how lives can change in the blink of an eye ... whether by chance, fate or grand design. Clare Mitchell, a Brisbane lawyer who lives in an upmarket, minimalist flat and prefers order over chaos, spends her days helping other people get their lives in order without getting involved on any more than a professional basis. But when a little boy is left in her office and looks set to be sent to short-term emergency housing pending a foster care placement, Clare can't ignore his plight. Against the advice of her colleagues, she offers to become Jack's temporary guardian until his mother is located; it doesn't take long for Clare to realise that the structured and orderly foundations of her life are also going to be temporarily misplaced.
Jack has a number of behavioural problems, ranging from impulsive behaviour to tantrums and banging his head on the wall. This, combined with the fact that Jack rarely speaks, has led to assessments of autism from a number of professionals. Clare is not convinced that Jack is autistic - for starters, she has heard him speak - but appreciates that he is troubled. She's not really sure where to start, but when it becomes clear that her place is no place for a young child needing extra attention (as well as a German Shepherd dog she has also inherited), she seeks refuge at her grandfather's property several hours away in the Bunya Mountains. Due to a family estrangement, it's been years since she's been there, but Clare remembers Currawong Creek as a place that always made her feel good. Perhaps it will do Jack some good too.
A lot has changed since Clare last visited Currawong Creek. Life still moves at a slower pace and the land has retained its magical hold on Clare, but Clare's grandmother has died and her grandfather has aged considerably. The biggest difference is the looming threat of the Pyramid Mining Company, which has the entire community up in arms, including her grandfather. As Jack thrives in the rural environment, Clare finds herself caught up in the fight to block the mining company's endeavours, with the help of an unexpected ally and a new romantic interest, the local vet. Distracted by her attraction to Tom and her desire to save Currawong Creek, Clare is caught by surprise when Jack's mother announces that she wants him back.
From the moment I started this book, I was captive to Scoullar's storytelling abilities. With Clare's story, she highlights her belief that, "I think every one of us, has something important, deep down inside, that we (were) always meant to do". As Clare discovers, what she is doing when the book opens may not be what she is meant to do. The 'coming home' theme is as much about Clare going back to her roots as it is 'coming home' to herself. Currawong Creek tackles a number of issues, ranging from foster care (her Scoullar draws on her own experiences as a foster carer) and child welfare, environmental pollution and abuse, corporate cover-ups and threats to rural communities, and more, resulting in a topical and thought-provoking read. There was a lot going on, but I think Scoullar covered everything well. Life can be complicated and the different sub-plots highlighted the tendency that life has to teach us just when we think we have it all worked out. However, while romance was an important aspect, it was not the primary driver of the book, so I would hesitate to call this a rural romance; the emotional development between Clare and Tom was minimal and even their conflict late in the piece was only part of the tale. Additionally, the love scenes were downplayed, but this did not affect my belief in the chemistry the two had (I didn't need the details to be convinced).
As I read Currawong Creek, I found myself identifying with Clare's actions, particularly when it came to Jack's wellbeing. In reality, Clare and I are very different people - at least we were at the outset. What we do have in common is a desire to help people (especially children) and a difficulty to remain detached even when it's best not to get involved other than professionally. I know I can't help everyone, and Clare knows this too, but I completely got her need to help Jack, and later, her lioness protectiveness when she felt his wellbeing was under threat. I got her reaction to the news that Taylor wanted her son back - the instinctual desire to close ranks. In my way, I've been there. As such, I found Clare an authentic and well-drawn character, who, learnt a lot about herself over the course of the novel. This really was Clare's story, her 'coming home', so some of the other characters were less developed, such as Tom - there was a glimpse of his backstory behind the patient, gentle, animal-loving facade, when he responded to the news that Taylor wanted Jack, but that's all it really was. Taylor, however, was a secondary character who developed well; initially, it was easy to dislike her, but despite her youth and immaturity, she made positive steps by the end of the novel.
Characterisation wasn't the only way I related strongly to Currawong Creek. It's an emotive read and my reading experience included sympathy (when Jack trashes a lounge and crashes a party ... as a parent, I've been there), laughter, frustration, tears (there was one heart-twisting moment surprised and saddened me), happiness and satisfaction ... in a mixed-up sort of order, just in case you think that's a timeline. I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking foward to more from Scoullar - she's certainly a writer to watch in the great pool of talent we have in Australia.
It's funny how lives can change in the blink of an eye ... whether by chance, fate or grand design. Clare Mitchell, a Brisbane lawyer who lives in an upmarket, minimalist flat and prefers order over chaos, spends her days helping other people get their lives in order without getting involved on any more than a professional basis. But when a little boy is left in her office and looks set to be sent to short-term emergency housing pending a foster care placement, Clare can't ignore his plight. Against the advice of her colleagues, she offers to become Jack's temporary guardian until his mother is located; it doesn't take long for Clare to realise that the structured and orderly foundations of her life are also going to be temporarily misplaced.
Jack has a number of behavioural problems, ranging from impulsive behaviour to tantrums and banging his head on the wall. This, combined with the fact that Jack rarely speaks, has led to assessments of autism from a number of professionals. Clare is not convinced that Jack is autistic - for starters, she has heard him speak - but appreciates that he is troubled. She's not really sure where to start, but when it becomes clear that her place is no place for a young child needing extra attention (as well as a German Shepherd dog she has also inherited), she seeks refuge at her grandfather's property several hours away in the Bunya Mountains. Due to a family estrangement, it's been years since she's been there, but Clare remembers Currawong Creek as a place that always made her feel good. Perhaps it will do Jack some good too.
A lot has changed since Clare last visited Currawong Creek. Life still moves at a slower pace and the land has retained its magical hold on Clare, but Clare's grandmother has died and her grandfather has aged considerably. The biggest difference is the looming threat of the Pyramid Mining Company, which has the entire community up in arms, including her grandfather. As Jack thrives in the rural environment, Clare finds herself caught up in the fight to block the mining company's endeavours, with the help of an unexpected ally and a new romantic interest, the local vet. Distracted by her attraction to Tom and her desire to save Currawong Creek, Clare is caught by surprise when Jack's mother announces that she wants him back.
From the moment I started this book, I was captive to Scoullar's storytelling abilities. With Clare's story, she highlights her belief that, "I think every one of us, has something important, deep down inside, that we (were) always meant to do". As Clare discovers, what she is doing when the book opens may not be what she is meant to do. The 'coming home' theme is as much about Clare going back to her roots as it is 'coming home' to herself. Currawong Creek tackles a number of issues, ranging from foster care (her Scoullar draws on her own experiences as a foster carer) and child welfare, environmental pollution and abuse, corporate cover-ups and threats to rural communities, and more, resulting in a topical and thought-provoking read. There was a lot going on, but I think Scoullar covered everything well. Life can be complicated and the different sub-plots highlighted the tendency that life has to teach us just when we think we have it all worked out. However, while romance was an important aspect, it was not the primary driver of the book, so I would hesitate to call this a rural romance; the emotional development between Clare and Tom was minimal and even their conflict late in the piece was only part of the tale. Additionally, the love scenes were downplayed, but this did not affect my belief in the chemistry the two had (I didn't need the details to be convinced).
As I read Currawong Creek, I found myself identifying with Clare's actions, particularly when it came to Jack's wellbeing. In reality, Clare and I are very different people - at least we were at the outset. What we do have in common is a desire to help people (especially children) and a difficulty to remain detached even when it's best not to get involved other than professionally. I know I can't help everyone, and Clare knows this too, but I completely got her need to help Jack, and later, her lioness protectiveness when she felt his wellbeing was under threat. I got her reaction to the news that Taylor wanted her son back - the instinctual desire to close ranks. In my way, I've been there. As such, I found Clare an authentic and well-drawn character, who, learnt a lot about herself over the course of the novel. This really was Clare's story, her 'coming home', so some of the other characters were less developed, such as Tom - there was a glimpse of his backstory behind the patient, gentle, animal-loving facade, when he responded to the news that Taylor wanted Jack, but that's all it really was. Taylor, however, was a secondary character who developed well; initially, it was easy to dislike her, but despite her youth and immaturity, she made positive steps by the end of the novel.
Characterisation wasn't the only way I related strongly to Currawong Creek. It's an emotive read and my reading experience included sympathy (when Jack trashes a lounge and crashes a party ... as a parent, I've been there), laughter, frustration, tears (there was one heart-twisting moment surprised and saddened me), happiness and satisfaction ... in a mixed-up sort of order, just in case you think that's a timeline. I really enjoyed this novel and I'm looking foward to more from Scoullar - she's certainly a writer to watch in the great pool of talent we have in Australia.
June 7, 2023
4.5 stars
A sweet, meaningful, engaging and present novel. I always tend to love books about the countryside.
A sweet, meaningful, engaging and present novel. I always tend to love books about the countryside.
October 21, 2018
Mills and Boon Very little substance to this book
July 28, 2013
I was first intrigued by the lovely cover of Currawong Creek (I know the old saying, but the winding road, low cloud and mysterious mountains got to me). This book is so much more than I expected – there’s broken families, environmental issues and a romance. The beautiful descriptions of the Queensland bush put my mind back there in an instant.
Despite the cover, Currawong Creek doesn’t start in the country. It starts in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Clare is a lawyer working for Legal Aid – it’s another step on a carefully planned career path. She’s all about her career, but her main emphasis is helping people. When one of her clients runs off leaving her son in Clare’s office, Clare unexpectedly decides to take Jack on. The social worker and her colleagues warn her that she’s not prepared for Jack’s problems. Clare’s boyfriend can’t believe what she’s done. With her father’s puppy and Jack, Clare tries to continue her life as it was before – and fails. After a rude shock at a work function, Clare decides to contact her grandfather, who her father refused contact with. With Jack and the dog Samson, she’s off to a Queensland outback farm. There, Jack flourishes and Clare becomes close to the local vet, Tom. However, a mining company is forcing landowners to allow fracking – but there appears to be dangerous consequences. Can Clare save Currawong Creek, Jack and be happy in the process?
I loved this book. It was gentle, thought provoking and funny. Tom, as the vet, has plenty of humourous episodes involving animals (there’s some good ones with dogs). Scoullar has also won a fan in me from including birds in the narrative – one very sad part involving a cockatoo and some budgies. The animals also bring out Tom’s sensitive side and the reader can clearly see the contrast between Tom and Clare’s previous boyfriend Adam. Clare’s grandfather, Harry, is somewhat of an old Australian farmer type – but don’t start thinking about clichés and stereotypes. Harry is a lot more than that and his actions at time, while surprising, fit in perfectly with his character.
Clare herself starts as a bit of an enigma – she seems truly devoted to her work, but then takes on Jack which is out of character. It’s not that Clare is uncaring (far from it), but it’s an extension of her tendencies to solve everything into her personal life. One interesting point raised is that Clare had recently lost her father, but her bereavement doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on her life. We get the idea that Clare wasn’t very close to her father, so is she seeking a replacement family in Jack and Samson the dog? Is that why she clings to Jack so tightly? Whatever the reason, Clare fostering Jack as a single woman is something to be applauded.
I liked how Scoullar didn’t let the future custody of Jack overtake the book; otherwise I think it would have had a different tone. Although the book details social worker visits, restrictions and visits (pretty accurately to my rather limited knowledge), Clare never lets the fact that Jack is a boy with his own rights to be clouded over. While I wasn’t sure what to make of his mum Taylor and what her intentions were (if any), I believed that she did want the best for her son. Perhaps it was her immaturity that made her run hot and cold with Clare.
Combining the family drama with the controversial issue of fracking and potential health hazards was really interesting. Again, the environmental issue didn’t overpower the warmth of the narrative, but it was educational without being boring (a tough task). It made me wonder what the legal situation is in my own state and to be cautious if the situation ever arose!
A beautiful balance of story combined with real-life issues, I enjoyed the warmth of Currawong Creek. The beautiful descriptions of the Queensland bush put my mind back there.
Thank you to Penguin Australia and Net Galley for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Despite the cover, Currawong Creek doesn’t start in the country. It starts in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Clare is a lawyer working for Legal Aid – it’s another step on a carefully planned career path. She’s all about her career, but her main emphasis is helping people. When one of her clients runs off leaving her son in Clare’s office, Clare unexpectedly decides to take Jack on. The social worker and her colleagues warn her that she’s not prepared for Jack’s problems. Clare’s boyfriend can’t believe what she’s done. With her father’s puppy and Jack, Clare tries to continue her life as it was before – and fails. After a rude shock at a work function, Clare decides to contact her grandfather, who her father refused contact with. With Jack and the dog Samson, she’s off to a Queensland outback farm. There, Jack flourishes and Clare becomes close to the local vet, Tom. However, a mining company is forcing landowners to allow fracking – but there appears to be dangerous consequences. Can Clare save Currawong Creek, Jack and be happy in the process?
I loved this book. It was gentle, thought provoking and funny. Tom, as the vet, has plenty of humourous episodes involving animals (there’s some good ones with dogs). Scoullar has also won a fan in me from including birds in the narrative – one very sad part involving a cockatoo and some budgies. The animals also bring out Tom’s sensitive side and the reader can clearly see the contrast between Tom and Clare’s previous boyfriend Adam. Clare’s grandfather, Harry, is somewhat of an old Australian farmer type – but don’t start thinking about clichés and stereotypes. Harry is a lot more than that and his actions at time, while surprising, fit in perfectly with his character.
Clare herself starts as a bit of an enigma – she seems truly devoted to her work, but then takes on Jack which is out of character. It’s not that Clare is uncaring (far from it), but it’s an extension of her tendencies to solve everything into her personal life. One interesting point raised is that Clare had recently lost her father, but her bereavement doesn’t seem to have much of an impact on her life. We get the idea that Clare wasn’t very close to her father, so is she seeking a replacement family in Jack and Samson the dog? Is that why she clings to Jack so tightly? Whatever the reason, Clare fostering Jack as a single woman is something to be applauded.
I liked how Scoullar didn’t let the future custody of Jack overtake the book; otherwise I think it would have had a different tone. Although the book details social worker visits, restrictions and visits (pretty accurately to my rather limited knowledge), Clare never lets the fact that Jack is a boy with his own rights to be clouded over. While I wasn’t sure what to make of his mum Taylor and what her intentions were (if any), I believed that she did want the best for her son. Perhaps it was her immaturity that made her run hot and cold with Clare.
Combining the family drama with the controversial issue of fracking and potential health hazards was really interesting. Again, the environmental issue didn’t overpower the warmth of the narrative, but it was educational without being boring (a tough task). It made me wonder what the legal situation is in my own state and to be cautious if the situation ever arose!
A beautiful balance of story combined with real-life issues, I enjoyed the warmth of Currawong Creek. The beautiful descriptions of the Queensland bush put my mind back there.
Thank you to Penguin Australia and Net Galley for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
July 1, 2013
When Brisbane-based legal aid lawyer Clare Mitchell is left “holding the baby” so to speak, in this case four year old Jack who has been deserted by his mother, Taylor, when she walks out of a consultation under the pretence of going for a cigarette, Clare’s life is thrown into turmoil.
After the Department of Human Services arranges for Jack to be placed in a Contingency Unit due to the lack of available foster carers and once Jack takes an instinctive dislike to everyone bar Clare, she makes an impulsive decision and offers her assistance, little knowing what’s ahead of her. Used to being single and living in a small apartment, both Clare and her apartment are ill-equipped for the shenanigans involved when it comes to the mischievous four-year-old Jack and Samson, the German Shepherd puppy she recently inherited from her deceased father.
As she tries to find an equal balance between work and life with Jack and his challenging behavioural issues which are a source of contention at the daycare he attends, she finds herself more often than not being reminded of Currawong Creek, her grandfather’s horse property in Merriang at the foot of the Bunya Mountains where her and her brother spent many happy hours as a children – until their mother walked out on them and their father decided to distance himself from that side of the family.
Things become a bit more complicated after her boss announces that her temporary care of Jack may need to be extended due to unforeseen circumstances and, at his suggestion that she take some leave, Clare takes a long hard look at her life. While she’s eager to rise up the ranks in a job that she is passionate about and, when an embarrassing event involving her barrister boyfriend Adam leaves her bristling, she makes the decision that the best thing for her, Jack and Samson is a tree change.
Making all the logistical arrangements with her grandfather, Clare finally finds herself at Currawong Creek and, for me, gets off to a hilarious start in her new life when she finds herself in a bit of a pickle after having climbed a tree as well as a tussle between the handsome Tom, the local vet, and a python.
Tom, although not fleshed out as much as Clare, is a very likeable character who clearly grows to love both Clare and Jack and, while there isn’t much in the way of personal conflict between them, I found this to be a somewhat refreshing change, with Jennifer Scoullar instead creating the two sources of conflict in the form of Taylor, Jack’s mother (along with the lack of placement options for children who have behavioural issues), and the fears facing our farmers in relation to the mining of coal seam gas.
Ms Scoullar’s love of the land, as well as her concern for the larger issues at hand, which are dealt with sensitively, truly shine through in her prose and having regard to the fact that I live in Toowoomba and have done a few trips to the Bunya Mountains myself, her sense of place is brought to life in her precise observations of the landscape, immediately allowing me to conjure up the majestic beauty of my part of the Darling Downs, as I envisaged Clare driving up the Range into Toowoomba and then on through the rural countryside which surrounds the Bunyas.
The incorporation of animal interaction, specifically equine therapy, also plays a role, but the landscape is central in all the characters’ lives, and I felt that I was in a living, breathing world sharing their experiences.
Told with warmth and humour, this is a story about family, the risks and rewards of selfless devotion and the powerful bonds we form with animals and the land.
I wish to thank Penguin Books for providing me with a paperback copy of this fine novel.
After the Department of Human Services arranges for Jack to be placed in a Contingency Unit due to the lack of available foster carers and once Jack takes an instinctive dislike to everyone bar Clare, she makes an impulsive decision and offers her assistance, little knowing what’s ahead of her. Used to being single and living in a small apartment, both Clare and her apartment are ill-equipped for the shenanigans involved when it comes to the mischievous four-year-old Jack and Samson, the German Shepherd puppy she recently inherited from her deceased father.
As she tries to find an equal balance between work and life with Jack and his challenging behavioural issues which are a source of contention at the daycare he attends, she finds herself more often than not being reminded of Currawong Creek, her grandfather’s horse property in Merriang at the foot of the Bunya Mountains where her and her brother spent many happy hours as a children – until their mother walked out on them and their father decided to distance himself from that side of the family.
Things become a bit more complicated after her boss announces that her temporary care of Jack may need to be extended due to unforeseen circumstances and, at his suggestion that she take some leave, Clare takes a long hard look at her life. While she’s eager to rise up the ranks in a job that she is passionate about and, when an embarrassing event involving her barrister boyfriend Adam leaves her bristling, she makes the decision that the best thing for her, Jack and Samson is a tree change.
Making all the logistical arrangements with her grandfather, Clare finally finds herself at Currawong Creek and, for me, gets off to a hilarious start in her new life when she finds herself in a bit of a pickle after having climbed a tree as well as a tussle between the handsome Tom, the local vet, and a python.
Tom, although not fleshed out as much as Clare, is a very likeable character who clearly grows to love both Clare and Jack and, while there isn’t much in the way of personal conflict between them, I found this to be a somewhat refreshing change, with Jennifer Scoullar instead creating the two sources of conflict in the form of Taylor, Jack’s mother (along with the lack of placement options for children who have behavioural issues), and the fears facing our farmers in relation to the mining of coal seam gas.
Ms Scoullar’s love of the land, as well as her concern for the larger issues at hand, which are dealt with sensitively, truly shine through in her prose and having regard to the fact that I live in Toowoomba and have done a few trips to the Bunya Mountains myself, her sense of place is brought to life in her precise observations of the landscape, immediately allowing me to conjure up the majestic beauty of my part of the Darling Downs, as I envisaged Clare driving up the Range into Toowoomba and then on through the rural countryside which surrounds the Bunyas.
The incorporation of animal interaction, specifically equine therapy, also plays a role, but the landscape is central in all the characters’ lives, and I felt that I was in a living, breathing world sharing their experiences.
Told with warmth and humour, this is a story about family, the risks and rewards of selfless devotion and the powerful bonds we form with animals and the land.
I wish to thank Penguin Books for providing me with a paperback copy of this fine novel.
November 12, 2013
I am trying to think of whether I’ve ever read any Aussie rural romance type of books prior to Currawong Creek and I can’t think of even one title! I think I’ve a number of them on my to-read list on GR but for one reason or another I’ve not read any of them. I have to thank Anna from The Reading Room for her generous offers to date , including this book. Sometimes, I decided to take the plunge (like this time) and enjoyed the read enormously.
The appeal was twofolds. The cover which depicts a woman in a slim black dress walking bare feet in a rural Australian setting –just gorgeous background and I love the contrast! The blurb about Clare finding “herself the unlikely guardian of a small, troubled boy”. This calls to my maternal instinct and I really wanted to find out whether that boy found the help he needed. I know, I didn’t really read it for the ‘romance’ still… I enjoy romance in all forms!
It was an easy book to get into; Clare, a Brisbane lawyer, was finding life to be lacking. Whatever it’s lacking, she’s not quite sure because she’s doing well career-wise and she’s even got a good looking and successful boyfriend. She’s just going with the flow… This side of Clare was so easily identifiable that she’s caught my interest very early in the story. When she found herself responsible for a little boy, she tried to keep living her life as before but (as all mothers will know) this was a disaster. Clare found herself thinking of her childhood and turned to Currawong Creek where she herself had some happy memories.
Currawong Creek was a heart-warming story that calls to your nurturing soul (I’m not just talking about the little boy here), of finding home where one’s soul and body belongs, and of course, no story is complete without loss, forgiveness, and love. I devoured this book in no time at all as I really didn’t want to put it down. It was such a comfort read and whilst, the ending was a little choppy and slightly rushed for my liking, I still found myself happy, relaxed, and content when I closed the book. The best bits of the book for me though was the light humours peppered throughout the story; one of which I will close with…
Clare climbed the tree. She didn’t quite know how she did it. One minute she was standing on the ground, rigid with fear. Next minute she was astride a broad branch, peering down like a possum, with the heeler leaping and snapping below. There was no risk of falling. She was wrapped around that trunk so tight it was like she was welded on. Getting down, on the other hand, might present some problems.
Thank you Penguin Australia via The Reading Room for providing copy of book
The appeal was twofolds. The cover which depicts a woman in a slim black dress walking bare feet in a rural Australian setting –just gorgeous background and I love the contrast! The blurb about Clare finding “herself the unlikely guardian of a small, troubled boy”. This calls to my maternal instinct and I really wanted to find out whether that boy found the help he needed. I know, I didn’t really read it for the ‘romance’ still… I enjoy romance in all forms!
It was an easy book to get into; Clare, a Brisbane lawyer, was finding life to be lacking. Whatever it’s lacking, she’s not quite sure because she’s doing well career-wise and she’s even got a good looking and successful boyfriend. She’s just going with the flow… This side of Clare was so easily identifiable that she’s caught my interest very early in the story. When she found herself responsible for a little boy, she tried to keep living her life as before but (as all mothers will know) this was a disaster. Clare found herself thinking of her childhood and turned to Currawong Creek where she herself had some happy memories.
Currawong Creek was a heart-warming story that calls to your nurturing soul (I’m not just talking about the little boy here), of finding home where one’s soul and body belongs, and of course, no story is complete without loss, forgiveness, and love. I devoured this book in no time at all as I really didn’t want to put it down. It was such a comfort read and whilst, the ending was a little choppy and slightly rushed for my liking, I still found myself happy, relaxed, and content when I closed the book. The best bits of the book for me though was the light humours peppered throughout the story; one of which I will close with…
Clare climbed the tree. She didn’t quite know how she did it. One minute she was standing on the ground, rigid with fear. Next minute she was astride a broad branch, peering down like a possum, with the heeler leaping and snapping below. There was no risk of falling. She was wrapped around that trunk so tight it was like she was welded on. Getting down, on the other hand, might present some problems.
Thank you Penguin Australia via The Reading Room for providing copy of book
January 31, 2018
Another book that I found very hard to put down
August 20, 2013
4.5 stars
There's just something about a beautifully written story set in a location you're intimately familiar with ... it's a vivid & nostalgic trip down memory lane. Currawong Creek tugs on the heartstrings not just for location but for characters that were as real to me as friends next door.
Currawong Creek opens in Brisbane (where I live) with legal aid lawyer Clare Mitchell feverishly balancing a career and heavy work load with a large dog and city apartment living. When Clare takes on guardianship of a client's troubled young son and her life descends into unqualified chaos she seeks the solace and magic of 'home' on her Grandfather's property. I spent much of my early adulthood on the Darling Downs, in a small town not far from the Bunya Mountains and I can promise you Jennifer Scoullar has nailed the rural landscape and community.
I fell in love with Clare and her dog Samson, four year old Jack, local vet Tom and Clare's darling grandad. Such an endearing bunch, Ms Scoullar had me caring about them all from the get go, warts and all.
Currawong Creek has that wonderful character/plot driven blend. There's a lot going on but for the most part it works ... funny moments, laughs and tears, a beautifully written scene with Buddy the cockatoo that had me bawling like a baby, a sweet romance, entwined with the bigger issues relevant today - children at risk, the foster care system, the environmental and health debate surrounding the controversial coal seam gas extraction.
All up, a thought provoking, emotive read with a delightful warmth.
Recommend: I'm now going to hunt down everything this talented Australian author has ever written, that should tell you :)
There's just something about a beautifully written story set in a location you're intimately familiar with ... it's a vivid & nostalgic trip down memory lane. Currawong Creek tugs on the heartstrings not just for location but for characters that were as real to me as friends next door.
Currawong Creek opens in Brisbane (where I live) with legal aid lawyer Clare Mitchell feverishly balancing a career and heavy work load with a large dog and city apartment living. When Clare takes on guardianship of a client's troubled young son and her life descends into unqualified chaos she seeks the solace and magic of 'home' on her Grandfather's property. I spent much of my early adulthood on the Darling Downs, in a small town not far from the Bunya Mountains and I can promise you Jennifer Scoullar has nailed the rural landscape and community.
I fell in love with Clare and her dog Samson, four year old Jack, local vet Tom and Clare's darling grandad. Such an endearing bunch, Ms Scoullar had me caring about them all from the get go, warts and all.
Currawong Creek has that wonderful character/plot driven blend. There's a lot going on but for the most part it works ... funny moments, laughs and tears, a beautifully written scene with Buddy the cockatoo that had me bawling like a baby, a sweet romance, entwined with the bigger issues relevant today - children at risk, the foster care system, the environmental and health debate surrounding the controversial coal seam gas extraction.
All up, a thought provoking, emotive read with a delightful warmth.
Recommend: I'm now going to hunt down everything this talented Australian author has ever written, that should tell you :)
July 25, 2013
An emotional and engaging rural fiction that delves into many important issues and packs a massive punch.
Clare Mitchell is a driven and passionate Brisbane lawyer working for legal aid, she has a sophisticated ambitious lawyer boyfriend and lives in a suburban apartment. She is focused on her goals and aims to be a trail lawyer. Working for legal aid sees her representing many cases involving drug abuse, theft, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and at times fighting for a second chance for parents to be reunited with their children.
To read the entire review: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Clare Mitchell is a driven and passionate Brisbane lawyer working for legal aid, she has a sophisticated ambitious lawyer boyfriend and lives in a suburban apartment. She is focused on her goals and aims to be a trail lawyer. Working for legal aid sees her representing many cases involving drug abuse, theft, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and at times fighting for a second chance for parents to be reunited with their children.
To read the entire review: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
September 9, 2013
Closer to a 4 1/2 from me - i really enjoyed Currawong Creek by Jennifer Scoullar. I sometimes avoid the Aussie/Country reads as i live in the country and often feel a bit 'put down' by some of the language and colloquialisms in them, but this book was recommended to me and i'm glad it was. Loved the characters, the storyline, and the environmental issues really touched home because we have been going through the same issues with coal seam gas companies here on the land where i live - i loved how the author could just take me to a special place in a different state of Australia and i could just envisage it.....i recommend this read for sure.....
March 22, 2014
***I WON CURRAWONG CREEK FROM JENNIFER SCOULLAR, VIA AN AUSTRALIA DAY BLOG HOP***
An amazing story of the varied battles faced by many in their lives.
This beautiful, heart wrenching story had the perfect combination of love, loss, laughter, frustration... and many other emotions.
The more I read Currawong Creek, the more I found myself longing for the peace and beauty of the Australian outback, and small town community spirit.
Beautifully written, Currawong Creek is a book I would thoroughly recommend.
An amazing story of the varied battles faced by many in their lives.
This beautiful, heart wrenching story had the perfect combination of love, loss, laughter, frustration... and many other emotions.
The more I read Currawong Creek, the more I found myself longing for the peace and beauty of the Australian outback, and small town community spirit.
Beautifully written, Currawong Creek is a book I would thoroughly recommend.
August 11, 2019
The Wild Australia Stories Series:
Brumby’s Run #1 – This is my first read by this author and I love it. I felt like I was there in those areas of AU. The vivid descriptions, the variety of everyday characters, the horses and all the background information just kept me glued to the pages. I could not put the book down and I had another book to review: this book came from my library. I took my time savoring every word and the storylines and was happy the author stayed home, instead of writing about the US or some other place, sharing the lifestyles and traditions in her neck of AU. The extra material not usually found in many books was extremely interesting and enjoyable to read about: the depth of the training; horse breeds; and even the proper handling of the environment. All the background information added substance to the tapestry of the story. I will read every book I can find from Ms. Scoullar. 5*
Currawong Creek #2 – This book is just as great to read as Brumby’s Run. Clare is a difficult person to like. She flip-flops between sensible and plain stupid too much and to extremes. She does running away well but not working out problems. Good storylines full with plenty of love, sacrifice and the power of healing with the use of therapy animals. The other main characters were good and interesting, along with most of the secondary characters. There are good expectations and a couple of surprises concerning friendship. Again, I felt as if I was there through Ms. S’s vivid descriptions. This is a feel good story complete with romance and shared loves. 4*
Turtle Reef #4 – This story is wonderful and heartbreaking. I found Ms. S’s vivid descriptions about the sea and her creatures, and the reefs, their functions and survival against man interesting and intriguing. The dugongs are very interesting and I learned quite a bit about them. Through Einstein the octopus, I gained a respect for the species, especially after learning about the sacrifices the females make for their young. This is y favorite of the three books that I’ve read so far. As interesting as the creatures were, the human characters held up their end – interesting, talented and varying from wonderful to damaged but always believable. Einstein and Aisha were my favorites with Zoe pulling in third. 5*
Journey’s End #5 – Wonderful and heartbreaking, this heartwarming story has a touch of romance making Journey’s End another top favorite of mine. All four stories were great, but Turtle and Journey grabbed my heart and made tears flow. I enjoyed Ms. S’s wild AU stories with her well-written characters and her vivid descriptions placing the reader deep into the tapestry of intriguing storylines and interesting background on AU and her wildlife. Dusty was my favorite character and Taj lent a mysterious element to a well-written story. 5*
The Wild Australia Stories Series end.
The Tasmanian Tales:
Fortune’s Son #1 – So sad and so heartbreaking, the heartwarming multiple storylines about Tasmania, her culture and her creatures was so interesting and intriguing; it was another hard to put down story. The well-written characters, the author’s vivid descriptions, and talented storytelling abilities place the reader deep into the weave of a beautiful tapestry of love, sacrifice and the culture and wildlife of Tasmania, with glimpses of AU. Bear is my favorite character next to Tasmania. 5*
The Lost Valley #2 – This story begins in 1929 with most of the family involved from Fortune’s Son. This book is so sad and so heartbreaking, as well as so heartwarming, intriguing, interesting and uplifting. The vivid descriptions woven with the old and new storylines make a substantial tapestry of love and sacrifice amongst the history of Tasmania, her people and her creatures and her culture. The 600 plus pages just flew by and I could not put this book down until I read the last page. I chain read all the books I had by this author and never once was bored or tired of reading about AU and Tasmania. the excitement over finding such a talented and creative storyteller/author never stopped. Rereading these books in the future, which is something I seldom do anymore, is a certain possibility. 5*
The Tasmanian Tales end.
Brumby’s Run #1 – This is my first read by this author and I love it. I felt like I was there in those areas of AU. The vivid descriptions, the variety of everyday characters, the horses and all the background information just kept me glued to the pages. I could not put the book down and I had another book to review: this book came from my library. I took my time savoring every word and the storylines and was happy the author stayed home, instead of writing about the US or some other place, sharing the lifestyles and traditions in her neck of AU. The extra material not usually found in many books was extremely interesting and enjoyable to read about: the depth of the training; horse breeds; and even the proper handling of the environment. All the background information added substance to the tapestry of the story. I will read every book I can find from Ms. Scoullar. 5*
Currawong Creek #2 – This book is just as great to read as Brumby’s Run. Clare is a difficult person to like. She flip-flops between sensible and plain stupid too much and to extremes. She does running away well but not working out problems. Good storylines full with plenty of love, sacrifice and the power of healing with the use of therapy animals. The other main characters were good and interesting, along with most of the secondary characters. There are good expectations and a couple of surprises concerning friendship. Again, I felt as if I was there through Ms. S’s vivid descriptions. This is a feel good story complete with romance and shared loves. 4*
Turtle Reef #4 – This story is wonderful and heartbreaking. I found Ms. S’s vivid descriptions about the sea and her creatures, and the reefs, their functions and survival against man interesting and intriguing. The dugongs are very interesting and I learned quite a bit about them. Through Einstein the octopus, I gained a respect for the species, especially after learning about the sacrifices the females make for their young. This is y favorite of the three books that I’ve read so far. As interesting as the creatures were, the human characters held up their end – interesting, talented and varying from wonderful to damaged but always believable. Einstein and Aisha were my favorites with Zoe pulling in third. 5*
Journey’s End #5 – Wonderful and heartbreaking, this heartwarming story has a touch of romance making Journey’s End another top favorite of mine. All four stories were great, but Turtle and Journey grabbed my heart and made tears flow. I enjoyed Ms. S’s wild AU stories with her well-written characters and her vivid descriptions placing the reader deep into the tapestry of intriguing storylines and interesting background on AU and her wildlife. Dusty was my favorite character and Taj lent a mysterious element to a well-written story. 5*
The Wild Australia Stories Series end.
The Tasmanian Tales:
Fortune’s Son #1 – So sad and so heartbreaking, the heartwarming multiple storylines about Tasmania, her culture and her creatures was so interesting and intriguing; it was another hard to put down story. The well-written characters, the author’s vivid descriptions, and talented storytelling abilities place the reader deep into the weave of a beautiful tapestry of love, sacrifice and the culture and wildlife of Tasmania, with glimpses of AU. Bear is my favorite character next to Tasmania. 5*
The Lost Valley #2 – This story begins in 1929 with most of the family involved from Fortune’s Son. This book is so sad and so heartbreaking, as well as so heartwarming, intriguing, interesting and uplifting. The vivid descriptions woven with the old and new storylines make a substantial tapestry of love and sacrifice amongst the history of Tasmania, her people and her creatures and her culture. The 600 plus pages just flew by and I could not put this book down until I read the last page. I chain read all the books I had by this author and never once was bored or tired of reading about AU and Tasmania. the excitement over finding such a talented and creative storyteller/author never stopped. Rereading these books in the future, which is something I seldom do anymore, is a certain possibility. 5*
The Tasmanian Tales end.
June 26, 2013
Brisbane lawyer Clare Mitchell is cutting her teeth in Legal Aid, knowing that the time she puts in here will be rewarded down the track. She does have a habit of getting a bit close to her clients, of getting a bit involved but Clare also gets results. When one of her clients Taylor disappears out the front for a cigarette, Clare is happy to watch Taylor’s 4yo son Jack for a few minutes. But then Taylor doesn’t come back. A suitable place cannot be found for Jack, who is believed to be severely autistic. Although she’s only spent a few minutes with him, Clare disagrees with that diagnosis because a lot of it hinges on the fact that Jack doesn’t speak or interact and Clare knows this isn’t true. He has spoken – to her.
Clare decides to temporarily take Jack herself and this ends up involving a whole lifestyle change. Jack doesn’t do well in childcare for long hours and Clare has inherited her deceased father’s German Shepherd pup who doesn’t do well in her tiny apartment. She makes a snap decision to accept the offered leave from work and take Jack to Currawong Creek, the property of her maternal grandparents where Clare spent many happy childhood holidays. Clare hasn’t seen her grandfather for a long time – since her mother left and her father stopped all visits out to her mother’s family. She’s missed a lot, including the death of her grandmother.
Out at Currawong Creek, Clare watches Jack blossom. There’s no doubt that he had some behavourial issues but out on the farm, spending time with her grandfather and the handsome local vet who runs a practice on the property, Jack begins to come into his own, especially when Tom, the vet begins some therapy using horses, something that he’s qualified in. Clare can’t believe how much effect it has on Jack’s temper and attitude. He’s happy, he’s healthy and his development is improving – Clare is more sure than ever that he is definitely not severely autistic. Tom helps her explore alternatives and also gives her the proof she needs to take to the department who have refused to believe the diagnosis could be a mistake.
Clare has never been happier. She finds herself worrying less about her career and reluctant to return to Brisbane to work. She’s finding love with Tom, the local vet after a heartbreak. She sees the way Jack is growing and developing and she’s loving the time she’s spending with her grandfather again. But there are threats to Clare’s new found happiness – Taylor, Jack’s mother has resurfaced and is looking to seek custody again. And a mining company are making inroads on her grandfather’s beloved farm and threatening to destroy it, despite all the protests from the local community. Now it looks like Clare’s happiness is about to be snatched from her.
Currawong Creek is the second novel from Jennifer Scoullar and we begin in the city with Brisbane lawyer Clare who ends up with temporary custody of a troubled young boy named Jack. Diagnosed as severely autistic with little chance of ever communicating, Clare knows that this is wrong – she’s heard Jack speak. Given he won’t speak for anyone else, she decides to look after him and this proves to be more difficult than she first assumed. Jack has issues with temper, toileting, anxiety and obviously, communication. He runs into trouble at daycare and Clare finds the best way to handle him is to keep him outside and moving. It’s obvious that taking him to her father’s country property has a huge positive impact on Jack. He still has his moments and his issues but he begins to really improve and take even more steps to disprove his diagnosis.
Time on the property is beneficial for more than just Jack – Clare relaxes, settles in to country life, helping out local vet Tom and spending time with her grandfather. She has more time to spend with Jack, working with him to build up his trust and security and she begins a romance with Tom. Her grandfather gains a new lease on life having them there and it seems as though life is perfect – but things can’t last forever and when Jack’s mother turns up, Clare is devastated. She doesn’t believe that Taylor could have turned her life around so quickly, nor does she believe that she’s best option as Jack’s carer.
I was a little torn on this issue at first. Taylor was an unreliable character – she swung from being thankful to abusive, conciliatory to negative. I believe that she loved Jack and wanted the best for him and that perhaps she had been swayed into things she didn’t exactly want. The character of the lawyer and the child protection worker were overly aggressive and frustrating at times – I don’t know how Clare held her tongue in relation to the way she was spoken to, like she was an errant child. Taking on a child like Jack was a huge ask for someone unprepared and untrained like Clare. She obviously had little idea what to do with a 4yo in the beginning (that was obvious by all the Coke she kept pouring into him) but she was willing to have a go, to put herself out for him when no one else would. They bonded, she came to love him, she came to see him as hers. He wasn’t, but she viewed him that way. When she and Tom, the vet disagree about who should care for Jack, I thought that Clare’s reaction was a little over the top. There was nothing wrong with what Tom said. But Clare too a “with me or against me” attitude which wasn’t exactly helpful.
This book taught me a lot of curious things – for instance, I learned that the average 4yo asks about 400 questions a day. I believe my 4yo asks many more than that but it definitely showed me I’m not alone in answering questions like “Mum, what’s a government? What are taxes? Who drives ambulances? What’s an election?” (why yes my child does listen to too much ABC radio in the car with his father). Also, if your private land contains minerals then all the minerals are the property of the Crown, although no mining can occur until compensation has been made, so at best mostly all you can do is delay. The value of the element be it coal, natural gas or other far outweighs the rights and wishes of the owner of the land. I very much felt for Clare’s grandfather and his passionate view of keeping the company off his land. He’d seen first hand what had happened to other properties and it was sad that were very few options open to him other than barring his gates and blocking the way and making it too difficult. He’d seen other people succumb to the offers of compensation and then have their land destroyed and no amount of money would be worth damaging Currwawong Creek.
Another enjoyable book celebrating the land and love from this author.
Clare decides to temporarily take Jack herself and this ends up involving a whole lifestyle change. Jack doesn’t do well in childcare for long hours and Clare has inherited her deceased father’s German Shepherd pup who doesn’t do well in her tiny apartment. She makes a snap decision to accept the offered leave from work and take Jack to Currawong Creek, the property of her maternal grandparents where Clare spent many happy childhood holidays. Clare hasn’t seen her grandfather for a long time – since her mother left and her father stopped all visits out to her mother’s family. She’s missed a lot, including the death of her grandmother.
Out at Currawong Creek, Clare watches Jack blossom. There’s no doubt that he had some behavourial issues but out on the farm, spending time with her grandfather and the handsome local vet who runs a practice on the property, Jack begins to come into his own, especially when Tom, the vet begins some therapy using horses, something that he’s qualified in. Clare can’t believe how much effect it has on Jack’s temper and attitude. He’s happy, he’s healthy and his development is improving – Clare is more sure than ever that he is definitely not severely autistic. Tom helps her explore alternatives and also gives her the proof she needs to take to the department who have refused to believe the diagnosis could be a mistake.
Clare has never been happier. She finds herself worrying less about her career and reluctant to return to Brisbane to work. She’s finding love with Tom, the local vet after a heartbreak. She sees the way Jack is growing and developing and she’s loving the time she’s spending with her grandfather again. But there are threats to Clare’s new found happiness – Taylor, Jack’s mother has resurfaced and is looking to seek custody again. And a mining company are making inroads on her grandfather’s beloved farm and threatening to destroy it, despite all the protests from the local community. Now it looks like Clare’s happiness is about to be snatched from her.
Currawong Creek is the second novel from Jennifer Scoullar and we begin in the city with Brisbane lawyer Clare who ends up with temporary custody of a troubled young boy named Jack. Diagnosed as severely autistic with little chance of ever communicating, Clare knows that this is wrong – she’s heard Jack speak. Given he won’t speak for anyone else, she decides to look after him and this proves to be more difficult than she first assumed. Jack has issues with temper, toileting, anxiety and obviously, communication. He runs into trouble at daycare and Clare finds the best way to handle him is to keep him outside and moving. It’s obvious that taking him to her father’s country property has a huge positive impact on Jack. He still has his moments and his issues but he begins to really improve and take even more steps to disprove his diagnosis.
Time on the property is beneficial for more than just Jack – Clare relaxes, settles in to country life, helping out local vet Tom and spending time with her grandfather. She has more time to spend with Jack, working with him to build up his trust and security and she begins a romance with Tom. Her grandfather gains a new lease on life having them there and it seems as though life is perfect – but things can’t last forever and when Jack’s mother turns up, Clare is devastated. She doesn’t believe that Taylor could have turned her life around so quickly, nor does she believe that she’s best option as Jack’s carer.
I was a little torn on this issue at first. Taylor was an unreliable character – she swung from being thankful to abusive, conciliatory to negative. I believe that she loved Jack and wanted the best for him and that perhaps she had been swayed into things she didn’t exactly want. The character of the lawyer and the child protection worker were overly aggressive and frustrating at times – I don’t know how Clare held her tongue in relation to the way she was spoken to, like she was an errant child. Taking on a child like Jack was a huge ask for someone unprepared and untrained like Clare. She obviously had little idea what to do with a 4yo in the beginning (that was obvious by all the Coke she kept pouring into him) but she was willing to have a go, to put herself out for him when no one else would. They bonded, she came to love him, she came to see him as hers. He wasn’t, but she viewed him that way. When she and Tom, the vet disagree about who should care for Jack, I thought that Clare’s reaction was a little over the top. There was nothing wrong with what Tom said. But Clare too a “with me or against me” attitude which wasn’t exactly helpful.
This book taught me a lot of curious things – for instance, I learned that the average 4yo asks about 400 questions a day. I believe my 4yo asks many more than that but it definitely showed me I’m not alone in answering questions like “Mum, what’s a government? What are taxes? Who drives ambulances? What’s an election?” (why yes my child does listen to too much ABC radio in the car with his father). Also, if your private land contains minerals then all the minerals are the property of the Crown, although no mining can occur until compensation has been made, so at best mostly all you can do is delay. The value of the element be it coal, natural gas or other far outweighs the rights and wishes of the owner of the land. I very much felt for Clare’s grandfather and his passionate view of keeping the company off his land. He’d seen first hand what had happened to other properties and it was sad that were very few options open to him other than barring his gates and blocking the way and making it too difficult. He’d seen other people succumb to the offers of compensation and then have their land destroyed and no amount of money would be worth damaging Currwawong Creek.
Another enjoyable book celebrating the land and love from this author.
July 30, 2020
A Lawyer, an Out of Control Little Boy, and an Unconcerned Mother
Claire is a lawyer on her way to becoming a District Attorney. Jack is a little boy who is out of control. Taylor is Jack's mother. She doesn't have time for Jack. His behaviors get on her nerves and are a danger for him. Taylor has already released custody of Jack several times because of his tantrums. He has been assessed for autism because he refuses to talk and is in danger of being put in a facility for children that cannot be placed in a home. Claire offers to take him to her home rather than having him placed there. A few days with Claire in her home and the child is a different child.
Claire takes Jack to her grandfather's horse training faculty and Jack is introduced to horses and people who help to nurture him. He blossoms in that environment. He talks, has few tantrums, and begins helping. When Taylor learns how well he is doing, she wants him back and since she is the mother, she regains custody. His behavior worsens and she returns him after a short while.
This book also discusses adverse environmental impacts caused by fracking, which is a method of getting natural gas from rock deposits underground.
I really enjoyed this book and hope you will too.
Claire is a lawyer on her way to becoming a District Attorney. Jack is a little boy who is out of control. Taylor is Jack's mother. She doesn't have time for Jack. His behaviors get on her nerves and are a danger for him. Taylor has already released custody of Jack several times because of his tantrums. He has been assessed for autism because he refuses to talk and is in danger of being put in a facility for children that cannot be placed in a home. Claire offers to take him to her home rather than having him placed there. A few days with Claire in her home and the child is a different child.
Claire takes Jack to her grandfather's horse training faculty and Jack is introduced to horses and people who help to nurture him. He blossoms in that environment. He talks, has few tantrums, and begins helping. When Taylor learns how well he is doing, she wants him back and since she is the mother, she regains custody. His behavior worsens and she returns him after a short while.
This book also discusses adverse environmental impacts caused by fracking, which is a method of getting natural gas from rock deposits underground.
I really enjoyed this book and hope you will too.
February 22, 2020
I have to say it. Although there was certainly a romantic element to the story, I would categorize this as more Women's Fiction or General Fiction. There was more emphasis on Clare's thoughts and decisions regarding Jack than Dan. There was more weight to the self-discovery side of things than the discovery of a romantic partner.
I do love the descriptive narrative though. Reading the book felt like going through a countryside adventure and getting to know a community of warmhearted people. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that there were three climaxes, but none of them had the high energy that I was expecting them to have. There seemed to be an abrupt fall and anticlimactic easy fix after the great build-up. was glossed over too despite him being a main player in the story, and it made the end seem a bit rushed.
Still, the story has its charm, especially because it allows readers to experience the beauty of Australia. Altogether I'm glad that I got to read this book.
I do love the descriptive narrative though. Reading the book felt like going through a countryside adventure and getting to know a community of warmhearted people. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that there were three climaxes, but none of them had the high energy that I was expecting them to have. There seemed to be an abrupt fall and anticlimactic easy fix after the great build-up. was glossed over too despite him being a main player in the story, and it made the end seem a bit rushed.
Still, the story has its charm, especially because it allows readers to experience the beauty of Australia. Altogether I'm glad that I got to read this book.
January 19, 2021
Clare Mitchell lives in Brisbane, where she works as a lawyer, and she has a boyfriend, Adam, who is also a lawyer.
Clare is at work when one of her clients goes out for a smoke and doesn't come back. Only catch is she has left her small boy who has some problems behind. When the firm contacts Child Services they are told the boy will have to go into a group home. Clare then takes the responsibility of taking him into her care as guardian.
Things get difficult when young Jack gets kicked out of daycare, so Clare takes holidays and takes Jack to Currawong Creek where her grandfather lives. They slot into the new lifestyle with ease and get along well with the local vet who has his clinic at Currawong Creek.
A mining company is threatening to ruin the farm by digging wells unless they can find a way to stop them from ruining their futures.
This is a really well-written story that you will have to read to find out the outcome!!
Clare is at work when one of her clients goes out for a smoke and doesn't come back. Only catch is she has left her small boy who has some problems behind. When the firm contacts Child Services they are told the boy will have to go into a group home. Clare then takes the responsibility of taking him into her care as guardian.
Things get difficult when young Jack gets kicked out of daycare, so Clare takes holidays and takes Jack to Currawong Creek where her grandfather lives. They slot into the new lifestyle with ease and get along well with the local vet who has his clinic at Currawong Creek.
A mining company is threatening to ruin the farm by digging wells unless they can find a way to stop them from ruining their futures.
This is a really well-written story that you will have to read to find out the outcome!!
July 17, 2019
Claire Mitchell returns to Currawong Creek and her grandfather's farm with a special foster child, a German Shepherd dog and looking for peace. She has taken on Jack to keep him out of a dangerous placement by child services.
Between the new vet, Dan at her granddad's farm, his training in using animals to help troubled children and the success with Jack she finds peace for a short period.
Trouble comes calling in an oil company wanting to drill on her Grandfather's land, Jack's mom wanting him back and a big misunderstanding with Dan. I loved how the men kept telling her not to worry and everything would be alright. It was such an easy going way to look at problems and accept what life sent to you and made the story so sweet with a surprise ending too.
Between the new vet, Dan at her granddad's farm, his training in using animals to help troubled children and the success with Jack she finds peace for a short period.
Trouble comes calling in an oil company wanting to drill on her Grandfather's land, Jack's mom wanting him back and a big misunderstanding with Dan. I loved how the men kept telling her not to worry and everything would be alright. It was such an easy going way to look at problems and accept what life sent to you and made the story so sweet with a surprise ending too.
May 12, 2024
The story was okay, but there were gaps after important events that made the novel less cohesive. For instance, the main character spent a notable period of time upset with the main male character. There was no apology, no make up scene, just a scene of the female main character reminiscing about the night she spent with the main male character after she discovered that he had done something in her favor.
I also found the main female character to be unforgiving. She definitely owed the main male character an apology but never said anything.
Also, Jack was a lot. He seemed as if he would be exhausting to take care of.
All in all, the story was interesting, but I was not sold on the main female character.
I also found the main female character to be unforgiving. She definitely owed the main male character an apology but never said anything.
Also, Jack was a lot. He seemed as if he would be exhausting to take care of.
All in all, the story was interesting, but I was not sold on the main female character.
August 5, 2024
Jennifer Scoullar has written an absorbing rural novel set around Brisbane , Australia. Clare is a lawyer working in the city and become involved in the care of young Jack , when his mother runs off and leaves him . Life become chaotic for her with the boy , so she relocates to her grandfathers farm to recharge.
The author introduces a number of interesting issues in the novel , mining on farm land , pollution, but a strong thread through the storyline is the love of the community around the farm and how they support each other in time of need . The challenging behaviour displayed by Jack also heals on the farm when he is surrounded by animals , birdlife and plenty of activities with supportive adults
I really enjoyed this book and Thank Jennifer for the e copy she sent me
The author introduces a number of interesting issues in the novel , mining on farm land , pollution, but a strong thread through the storyline is the love of the community around the farm and how they support each other in time of need . The challenging behaviour displayed by Jack also heals on the farm when he is surrounded by animals , birdlife and plenty of activities with supportive adults
I really enjoyed this book and Thank Jennifer for the e copy she sent me
October 23, 2020
I couldn't stop
This story is truly incredible from the characters, animals, and scenes. Clare is a lawyer who's life is turned upside down after her client leaves her child in Clare's office. After realizing that she's going to need help with the boy and getting signs to visit her grandfather Clare goes back to her own true home. Things begin to change for the better once she settles into the country life. She begins to develop feelings for the vet that her grandfather has helped. Clare begins to feel that she should stay, but what happens when things get tough? Will Clare be willing to listen and understand?
This story is truly incredible from the characters, animals, and scenes. Clare is a lawyer who's life is turned upside down after her client leaves her child in Clare's office. After realizing that she's going to need help with the boy and getting signs to visit her grandfather Clare goes back to her own true home. Things begin to change for the better once she settles into the country life. She begins to develop feelings for the vet that her grandfather has helped. Clare begins to feel that she should stay, but what happens when things get tough? Will Clare be willing to listen and understand?
July 25, 2021
My wife & I are big fans of Jennifer but we disagree on the rating for Currawong. We both loved Fortune's Son and Brumby's Run. I found this book quite slow & somewhat amateurish compared to several other of her books we have read. I'm sure fans of hers will enjoy it so do not pass it up based on my rating. I am more into history & historical fiction not much for love stories & relationships. There is an interesting slant to this book. Jennifer makes the story most interesting with a young child having a very tough time learning how to get along with others. The scenes go from hilarious to very sad. Enjoy.
July 9, 2025
I had already met Clare and Tom much later in their life with Wild Horses. I am reading these so backwards but it doesn't matter. Jennifer Scoullar writes a fantastic story. I loved Clare and her grandfather and their journey with Jack. There was tension with where would Jack end. up - with Clare or his mother Taylor. Would Tom and Clare get together finally - well I knew they did, but it was good to find out how. It was sad to see granddad go. So a story of family, friendship and love. I loved seeing Jack heal and the birth of a whole new venture for the farm. I highly recommend the audio version, although I am sure it would be good to read too.
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