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The Lightning Ridge Ladies
Still heartbroken after the death of her twin brother, Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge for a fresh start managing the outback town’s general practice. It’s a far cry from her city roots, but she quickly bonds with the charming locals and the Lightning Ridge Ladies. At one of their weekly gatherings, Bella meets the vivacious opal jeweller Meesha, who might just be the fast friend she has been hoping to find.
Bella is also hiding a she’s desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to her twin, William, and moving to the town where he took his life – where his body was never found – seemed like the best place to start. When she learns that TJ, Meesha’s opal supplier, knew William before he died, she’s convinced he can help. But the irresistibly handsome miner has wrapped himself in so many secrets, it seems impossible to unravel them.
Set in the heart of Australia’s opal-mining district and imbued with the harsh beauty of that unique setting, The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a gorgeous tale of outback community and female friendship.
Bella is also hiding a she’s desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to her twin, William, and moving to the town where he took his life – where his body was never found – seemed like the best place to start. When she learns that TJ, Meesha’s opal supplier, knew William before he died, she’s convinced he can help. But the irresistibly handsome miner has wrapped himself in so many secrets, it seems impossible to unravel them.
Set in the heart of Australia’s opal-mining district and imbued with the harsh beauty of that unique setting, The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a gorgeous tale of outback community and female friendship.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
44 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McArthur
278 books199 followersFiona McArthur has worked as a midwife for thirty years. She is the clinical midwifery educator inner rural maternity unit and teaches emergency obstetric strategies while working with midwives and doctors from remote and isolated areas.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 5, 2025
Dr Bella Grey moved to Lightning Ridge to take over the practice that her brother Konrad and sister-in-law Riley had been running, as they headed off on a long awaited honeymoon. Bella had decided that her twin William had died in Lightning Ridge, so it would be the best place to search for answers. The grief of Bella, Konrad and their parents had been constant in the almost three years he'd been gone, but Bella couldn't get her head around William having committed suicide. As Bella settled into the Ridge, she found the residents friendly and charming. Her patients were all supportive of their new doctor, and when Bella met Meesha, the opal expert in town, the immediate connection surprised them both. Meesha and her vision impaired sister Luci, were a breath of fresh air, and Bella could see herself staying in the Ridge, so much was the welcome she felt.
TJ was a tough, hard skinned miner, a man of few words, living just outside of town; he had also been a friend of William's. So Bella decided to visit him to find out what he knew. He wanted nothing to do with her, and it was only her persistence and determination that opened him up. It seemed though, that he knew nothing more than she did. Would Bella ever find the answers? Or would the last days of William's life, along with his body, remain hidden forever?
The Lightning Ridge Ladies is another exceptional story from prolific Aussie author Fiona McArthur and I loved it. Suspense and mystery, blended perfectly with the outback dust, heat and stark beauty, along with a gentle romance, made this romantic suspense novel one of the author's best IMHO. Bella's character was one of strength, determination, empathy and love, and those in the small mining township of Lightning Ridge well and truly added to the enjoyment of the novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
TJ was a tough, hard skinned miner, a man of few words, living just outside of town; he had also been a friend of William's. So Bella decided to visit him to find out what he knew. He wanted nothing to do with her, and it was only her persistence and determination that opened him up. It seemed though, that he knew nothing more than she did. Would Bella ever find the answers? Or would the last days of William's life, along with his body, remain hidden forever?
The Lightning Ridge Ladies is another exceptional story from prolific Aussie author Fiona McArthur and I loved it. Suspense and mystery, blended perfectly with the outback dust, heat and stark beauty, along with a gentle romance, made this romantic suspense novel one of the author's best IMHO. Bella's character was one of strength, determination, empathy and love, and those in the small mining township of Lightning Ridge well and truly added to the enjoyment of the novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
September 13, 2025
Fiona McArthur has taken me on another fabulous trip to Lightning Ridge for a story that is moving, heartfelt and awesome, such awesome characters a story line that has everything, romance, suspense and mystery and is a must read.
Dr. Bella Grey is heart-broken after the death of her twin William and when her older brother Dr. Konrad Grey asks her to takeover the OPAL medical entre so as he and his wife Riley can take their overdue honeymoon, Bella is more than happy to do so she needs a change and just maybe this might help her investigate what happened to William in the months leading up to his death because he was in Lightning Ridge when he went missing, can she get some answers?
Lightning Ridge is very different from her home town of Port Macquarie and her city roots but she feels welcomed as soon as she arrives, meeting The Lightning Ridge Ladies and Meesha opal jeweller who she becomes friends with very easily and then there is TJ the man in black he is gruff and big but Bella finds out that he was a friend of William’s and she is more than determined to ensure that she gets under his skin until he answers her questions.
Bella does what no one else has and that is get close to TJ and together they are soon searching for answers about William and the more time they spend together the more TJ is opening up to Bella about his tragic past, could this be a turning point in both of their lives, could they find a HEA that is what they both deserve?
I loved this one so much, it truly has everything in it friendship, there is nothing like a friend to help you through tough times and Meesha and Bella have each other’s backs and the other Lightning Ridge Ladies are there as well and then the romance of what a gorgeous romance TJ is the best and Bella she shows such strength and courage throughout this story and never gives up, it is witty and had me laughing and smiling all the way through as well as tears, I highly recommend this one, a fabulous story a fabulous setting and such awesome characters, don’t miss this one.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin AU for my digital copy to read and review.
Dr. Bella Grey is heart-broken after the death of her twin William and when her older brother Dr. Konrad Grey asks her to takeover the OPAL medical entre so as he and his wife Riley can take their overdue honeymoon, Bella is more than happy to do so she needs a change and just maybe this might help her investigate what happened to William in the months leading up to his death because he was in Lightning Ridge when he went missing, can she get some answers?
Lightning Ridge is very different from her home town of Port Macquarie and her city roots but she feels welcomed as soon as she arrives, meeting The Lightning Ridge Ladies and Meesha opal jeweller who she becomes friends with very easily and then there is TJ the man in black he is gruff and big but Bella finds out that he was a friend of William’s and she is more than determined to ensure that she gets under his skin until he answers her questions.
Bella does what no one else has and that is get close to TJ and together they are soon searching for answers about William and the more time they spend together the more TJ is opening up to Bella about his tragic past, could this be a turning point in both of their lives, could they find a HEA that is what they both deserve?
I loved this one so much, it truly has everything in it friendship, there is nothing like a friend to help you through tough times and Meesha and Bella have each other’s backs and the other Lightning Ridge Ladies are there as well and then the romance of what a gorgeous romance TJ is the best and Bella she shows such strength and courage throughout this story and never gives up, it is witty and had me laughing and smiling all the way through as well as tears, I highly recommend this one, a fabulous story a fabulous setting and such awesome characters, don’t miss this one.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin AU for my digital copy to read and review.
October 13, 2025
New South Wales. Dr Bella Grey moves from Port Macquarie to Lightning Ridge to help her brother and sister-in-law out and manage the outback town’s general practice while they finally have a honeymoon. Bella joins the Lightning Ridge Ladies club and here she meets Meesha, the owner of The Iridescent Opal, she cuts gems and makes jewellery.
While Bella is trying to put the death of her twin brother behind her, it's hard living in the place where happened and she can’t believe he took his own life and while she’s here Bella’s going to do some investigating.
Bella discovers Meesha’s opal supplier, TJ knew William, he might have been the last person to see him alive and she wants to speak to him. TJ the man in black is a loner and a recluse, he lives in a fortress and she has to work out how to break down his walls and get him to speak to her?
I received a copy of The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur from Penguin Book Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. I really enjoyed this book, full of wonderful female characters and friendships, I liked Bella and Riley, Meesha and her sister Luci, Desiree from the servo and Mel the receptionist at the doctors and her mum Greta.
I learnt a lot about the area, set in Australia's black opal country, the desolate landscape and abandoned shafts, mining and silica deposits, and artesian water baths.
A narrative full of mystery and secrets, it shows the dark side to the opal industry, anywhere money is made attracts a sinister element and no wonder miners are strong and silent like TJ.
The sparks flew between him and Bella, an unputdownable story and I adored it, I want to visit Lightning Ridge and see all the landmarks, and five big stars from me.
While Bella is trying to put the death of her twin brother behind her, it's hard living in the place where happened and she can’t believe he took his own life and while she’s here Bella’s going to do some investigating.
Bella discovers Meesha’s opal supplier, TJ knew William, he might have been the last person to see him alive and she wants to speak to him. TJ the man in black is a loner and a recluse, he lives in a fortress and she has to work out how to break down his walls and get him to speak to her?
I received a copy of The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur from Penguin Book Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. I really enjoyed this book, full of wonderful female characters and friendships, I liked Bella and Riley, Meesha and her sister Luci, Desiree from the servo and Mel the receptionist at the doctors and her mum Greta.
I learnt a lot about the area, set in Australia's black opal country, the desolate landscape and abandoned shafts, mining and silica deposits, and artesian water baths.
A narrative full of mystery and secrets, it shows the dark side to the opal industry, anywhere money is made attracts a sinister element and no wonder miners are strong and silent like TJ.
The sparks flew between him and Bella, an unputdownable story and I adored it, I want to visit Lightning Ridge and see all the landmarks, and five big stars from me.
November 10, 2025
This is a book about a Doctor Bella Grey. She moves to lightning ridge for a new start. Her brother Konrad already lives there running his surgery. They both have been struggling with the disappearance of their brother William.
Bella makes friends with the Lightning Ridge Ladies. Especially Meesha. She is the local opal jeweler.
Her instincts tell her something is off with her brothers' disappearance. So, she decides to do her own investigation.
Along the way she meets TJ who just happens to be a friend of Meesha and her brother William who has disappeared. Could TJ hold the key to all the answers she needs?
This is one of my favorite books of Fionas as I work my way through her backlist.
This is a mixed bag as there is a criminal element, family ties, female sisterhood and a slow burn romance. I loved the romance. It was a grumpy sunshine trope, and I loved every minute of it. For me it's important to have a connection with the characters and I certainly did with this one.
Bella makes friends with the Lightning Ridge Ladies. Especially Meesha. She is the local opal jeweler.
Her instincts tell her something is off with her brothers' disappearance. So, she decides to do her own investigation.
Along the way she meets TJ who just happens to be a friend of Meesha and her brother William who has disappeared. Could TJ hold the key to all the answers she needs?
This is one of my favorite books of Fionas as I work my way through her backlist.
This is a mixed bag as there is a criminal element, family ties, female sisterhood and a slow burn romance. I loved the romance. It was a grumpy sunshine trope, and I loved every minute of it. For me it's important to have a connection with the characters and I certainly did with this one.
December 21, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
💎Fiona McArthur is best known for her heart filled and authentic Australian tales that combine elements of romance with community ties and medical themes. Published in 2025, The Lightning Ridge ladies is an outback yarn filled with warmth and character that focuses on family love, connection, resilience and the power commitment. This is definitely the style of book that beckons you to sit and spend valuable time with the people who live in the opal mining district of Lightning Ridge.
💎Still bereft after the death of her twin brother, Doctor Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge to manage the local medical practice and escape her old life. As Bella builds connections and settles into the outback community, she is consumed by discovering the truth behind her brother’s mysterious death. However, some locals may be concealing the truth from her. Will Bella finally gain closure for her brother?
💎One of the perks as an Australian book reviewer is the opportunity I am afforded to read books by long time favourite authors. Fiona McArthur has been a firm and regular fixture on my reading lists for some years now. I love how I am presented with a new story, introduced to unknown people and transported to a vivid outback destination, far removed from my own suburban existence thanks to Fiona McArthur’s books. This is yet another prime example of her reading prowess.
💎The Lightning Ridge Ladies takes us right to the heart of opal country in a township called Lightning Ridge. Thanks to McArthur's landscape descriptions and generous prose, we are soon made to feel like a familiar face in this small community base. I really enjoyed getting to know the backdrop, living conditions, services and residents of this tiny locale.
💎In this latest Fiona McArthur read, the focus is on a female doctor, who steps in to run the local medical practice to ensure that her brother can take his long-awaited honeymoon.
Bella is a woman that is selfless in her approach to helping others, but she carries a lot of grief following the shock and unexplained loss of her twin brother. William’s death left so many unanswered questions, which seems to consume Bella. Adding to her inability to move on is that William’s body is never located so this hardworking doctor can’t give her brother a final sendoff and she believes there is much more to his death than she knows. This is where the mystery in the tale has a strong place in the unfolding narrative.
Bella's relentless quest for the truth leads her to make connections in the local community to seek some answers. She learns of a local women’s group and she befriends Meesha, the opal resident jeweller of the region. Then Bella encounters a mysterious man named TJ, who is undeniably handsome but also aloof. But TJ is concealing something from Bella and she begins to suspect that he may have been acquainted with her late brother. Intrigue, resistance and romance all come into play when these two grace the pages of The Lightning Ridge Ladies.
It was honestly a great trip to Lightning Ridge thanks to this book. I was reminded just how warm, open and genuinely interesting Fiona McArthur’s stories are, this one included. With the right measurement of romance, community life, outback mystery, health themes and feeling, I suggest that you add this to you summer reading plans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars. Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for the copy
💎Fiona McArthur is best known for her heart filled and authentic Australian tales that combine elements of romance with community ties and medical themes. Published in 2025, The Lightning Ridge ladies is an outback yarn filled with warmth and character that focuses on family love, connection, resilience and the power commitment. This is definitely the style of book that beckons you to sit and spend valuable time with the people who live in the opal mining district of Lightning Ridge.
💎Still bereft after the death of her twin brother, Doctor Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge to manage the local medical practice and escape her old life. As Bella builds connections and settles into the outback community, she is consumed by discovering the truth behind her brother’s mysterious death. However, some locals may be concealing the truth from her. Will Bella finally gain closure for her brother?
💎One of the perks as an Australian book reviewer is the opportunity I am afforded to read books by long time favourite authors. Fiona McArthur has been a firm and regular fixture on my reading lists for some years now. I love how I am presented with a new story, introduced to unknown people and transported to a vivid outback destination, far removed from my own suburban existence thanks to Fiona McArthur’s books. This is yet another prime example of her reading prowess.
💎The Lightning Ridge Ladies takes us right to the heart of opal country in a township called Lightning Ridge. Thanks to McArthur's landscape descriptions and generous prose, we are soon made to feel like a familiar face in this small community base. I really enjoyed getting to know the backdrop, living conditions, services and residents of this tiny locale.
💎In this latest Fiona McArthur read, the focus is on a female doctor, who steps in to run the local medical practice to ensure that her brother can take his long-awaited honeymoon.
Bella is a woman that is selfless in her approach to helping others, but she carries a lot of grief following the shock and unexplained loss of her twin brother. William’s death left so many unanswered questions, which seems to consume Bella. Adding to her inability to move on is that William’s body is never located so this hardworking doctor can’t give her brother a final sendoff and she believes there is much more to his death than she knows. This is where the mystery in the tale has a strong place in the unfolding narrative.
Bella's relentless quest for the truth leads her to make connections in the local community to seek some answers. She learns of a local women’s group and she befriends Meesha, the opal resident jeweller of the region. Then Bella encounters a mysterious man named TJ, who is undeniably handsome but also aloof. But TJ is concealing something from Bella and she begins to suspect that he may have been acquainted with her late brother. Intrigue, resistance and romance all come into play when these two grace the pages of The Lightning Ridge Ladies.
It was honestly a great trip to Lightning Ridge thanks to this book. I was reminded just how warm, open and genuinely interesting Fiona McArthur’s stories are, this one included. With the right measurement of romance, community life, outback mystery, health themes and feeling, I suggest that you add this to you summer reading plans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars. Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for the copy
September 26, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Do you enjoy outback romances and medical infused tales…
Then Fiona McArthur should be right up your alley.
The latest, The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a small town romantic drama with a hint of crime.
Let’s return to the opal town of Lightning Ridge where the newest appearance is about to arrive.
Dr Bella Grey, who we met near the end of The Opal Miner’s Daughter, is grief stricken over the loss of her twin brother, William.
Her older brother Dr Konrad is taking his long overdue honeymoon and Bella is stepping in to run the medical practice.
But she also has her own plan of looking into her brother’s suspicious death especially since a body was never discovered.
Then Bella meets the mysterious TJ at one of the ladies group’s after befriending Meesha, the opal jeweller.
There’s sparks and Bella learns TJ knows more than he says……
What a delight to comeback to the community township and see familiar faces and meet many new ones.
Fiona is always a joy and pleasure to read.
A charming, invigorating and stimulating read.
There’s room to expand on Meesha and William’s flirtation into a full story, fingers crossed…..
Do you enjoy outback romances and medical infused tales…
Then Fiona McArthur should be right up your alley.
The latest, The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a small town romantic drama with a hint of crime.
Let’s return to the opal town of Lightning Ridge where the newest appearance is about to arrive.
Dr Bella Grey, who we met near the end of The Opal Miner’s Daughter, is grief stricken over the loss of her twin brother, William.
Her older brother Dr Konrad is taking his long overdue honeymoon and Bella is stepping in to run the medical practice.
But she also has her own plan of looking into her brother’s suspicious death especially since a body was never discovered.
Then Bella meets the mysterious TJ at one of the ladies group’s after befriending Meesha, the opal jeweller.
There’s sparks and Bella learns TJ knows more than he says……
What a delight to comeback to the community township and see familiar faces and meet many new ones.
Fiona is always a joy and pleasure to read.
A charming, invigorating and stimulating read.
There’s room to expand on Meesha and William’s flirtation into a full story, fingers crossed…..
September 1, 2025
Romance, mystery, suspense, friendship, and a stunning outback setting, The Lightning Ridge Ladies has it all.
Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge seeking a fresh start after the loss of her twin brother. She finds herself welcomed into the warm embrace of the Lightning Ridge Ladies, while also carrying a deep need to uncover the truth about her brother’s final days. The bonds she forms with Meesha, an opal jeweller, and TJ, a miner cloaked in secrets, change her life in ways she could never have expected.
Fiona McArthur has painted the opal mining district so beautifully that I couldn’t help but research more on opals. I never truly appreciated them until reading this book. The writing is heartfelt, exceptionally well researched, and utterly captivating.
Fiona McArthur is one of my very favourite authors, and this story gave me all the feels. Highly recommended.
Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge seeking a fresh start after the loss of her twin brother. She finds herself welcomed into the warm embrace of the Lightning Ridge Ladies, while also carrying a deep need to uncover the truth about her brother’s final days. The bonds she forms with Meesha, an opal jeweller, and TJ, a miner cloaked in secrets, change her life in ways she could never have expected.
Fiona McArthur has painted the opal mining district so beautifully that I couldn’t help but research more on opals. I never truly appreciated them until reading this book. The writing is heartfelt, exceptionally well researched, and utterly captivating.
Fiona McArthur is one of my very favourite authors, and this story gave me all the feels. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2026
I loved the community of Lightning Ridge, GP Dr Bella Grey, gruff TJ, the bright and bubbly jewellery designer Meesha, and determined Luci. As well as the wonderful ladies who are the pillar of any rural community.
I love how Fiona McArthur incorporates health professionals, midwifery practice and realistic rural Australian communities into her stories. I really enjoyed the mystery woven into this beautiful story.
4.5 stars
I love how Fiona McArthur incorporates health professionals, midwifery practice and realistic rural Australian communities into her stories. I really enjoyed the mystery woven into this beautiful story.
4.5 stars
November 28, 2025
Didn’t realise that this was a sequel to The Opal Miners Daughter’ which I got Fiona to sign to my daughters as their Dad was an Opal miner but I haven’t read it yet. It didn’t make a difference to the story and I enjoyed her portrayal of Lightning Ridge and recognised the town where I live and the portrayal of the people and their friendliness and acceptance of all.
January 21, 2026
This story follows on from 'The Opal Miner's Daughter'. I was excited to listen to more of that story, and I'm drawn into anything opal.
Same setting, type of characters and themes but areas of uniqueness were: dealing with blindness; more detail on opal; and more mystery.
It didn't wow me over though. Possibly because the MMC had no right to be liked and trusted yet that didn't seem to matter because he was tall.
I also might be getting tired of the narrator. And I wonder if she was a bit flat having to read a story which could have been edited more.
If you like the mystery of this book then I recommend 'The Prospect' by Fleur McDonald.
Same setting, type of characters and themes but areas of uniqueness were: dealing with blindness; more detail on opal; and more mystery.
It didn't wow me over though. Possibly because the MMC had no right to be liked and trusted yet that didn't seem to matter because he was tall.
I also might be getting tired of the narrator. And I wonder if she was a bit flat having to read a story which could have been edited more.
If you like the mystery of this book then I recommend 'The Prospect' by Fleur McDonald.
February 11, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and the author for the chance to read this book.
This was an easy to read book, with likeable characters and a little drama. It was easy enough to figure out some of the twists, but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of reading.
I like when stories are based in the same area and feature characters from previous books as it feels like you are continuing on a journey. That's an element of Fiona McArthur's books that i always enjoy.
This was an easy to read book, with likeable characters and a little drama. It was easy enough to figure out some of the twists, but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of reading.
I like when stories are based in the same area and feature characters from previous books as it feels like you are continuing on a journey. That's an element of Fiona McArthur's books that i always enjoy.
November 16, 2025
You will never look at Lightning Ridge the same again…..
I picked up this book because I’d heard so many great things about Fiona McArthur’s writing and figured that it was time the see what everyone was talking about, and I wasn’t disappointed.
This story is so much more than you think it is. It’s an outback romance full of second chances and the romance includes the area and lifestyle as well. It is also a crime mystery including plenty of drama and lots of hilarious moments.
The book, told from the point of view of three characters, centres around Bella, a doctor that has come to The Ridge to help out one brother and try to find answers about her other brother. Along the way she finds out that there is more to her brother’s disappearance and so much more to the town and its community. Then in steps TJ and then the real fun begins.
I loved the characters, the banter and connection between Bella and TJ as well as the friendship that blossoms between Bella and Meesha, the setting and how it was all created so fabulously that I felt like I was in the thick of it all, experiencing it all for myself. The heat, dust, danger, friendships and drama make for an incredible combination.
When you go looking for your next read, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Lightning Ridge Ladies, delving into the world of The Ridge and checking out for yourself just how entertaining this book really is.
#thelightningridgeladies
#fionamcarthur
#ridgedoctorextraordinaire
#penguinbooksaustralia
I picked up this book because I’d heard so many great things about Fiona McArthur’s writing and figured that it was time the see what everyone was talking about, and I wasn’t disappointed.
This story is so much more than you think it is. It’s an outback romance full of second chances and the romance includes the area and lifestyle as well. It is also a crime mystery including plenty of drama and lots of hilarious moments.
The book, told from the point of view of three characters, centres around Bella, a doctor that has come to The Ridge to help out one brother and try to find answers about her other brother. Along the way she finds out that there is more to her brother’s disappearance and so much more to the town and its community. Then in steps TJ and then the real fun begins.
I loved the characters, the banter and connection between Bella and TJ as well as the friendship that blossoms between Bella and Meesha, the setting and how it was all created so fabulously that I felt like I was in the thick of it all, experiencing it all for myself. The heat, dust, danger, friendships and drama make for an incredible combination.
When you go looking for your next read, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Lightning Ridge Ladies, delving into the world of The Ridge and checking out for yourself just how entertaining this book really is.
#thelightningridgeladies
#fionamcarthur
#ridgedoctorextraordinaire
#penguinbooksaustralia
November 10, 2025
It's a warm welcome back to the Ridge in Fiona MacArthur's latest. Whilst we've met Docs Konrad and Riley before, it's Konrad's younger sister Bella's turn to make the opal mining town her new home.
Bella's decision to move from Port Macquarie and the partnership in her parents surgery doesn't come lightly. Three years ago, the Gray family was rocked to the core when Bella's twin, William, committed suicide. Long term grief and a range of unanswered questions have led Bella to the Ridge- the last place her twin was seen alive.
Bella's need for answers eventually lead her to local miner TJ. The ex-police officer is big, broody and intimidating- so it comes as a shock when Cyclone Bella blows in! Relentless with her presence, TJ eventually agrees to assist Bella- but are they ready with the truth?
In the midst of this plight comes a wonderful tale of community, friendship, love and new beginnings. As Konrad and Riley take a delayed and extended honeymoon overseas, Bella is in charge of OPAL (Outback Practice at Lightning) where she builds rapport with colleagues and patients alike.
But it's the friendship that Bella forms with Meesha and sister Luci that she treasures most. Meesha owns the Iridescent Opal, designing jewellery and has big plans for her passion. She's a bit lost amongst the older women of Lightning Ridge- until her pregnant sister Luci and Bella move to town.
Bella's relationship with TJ however, needs some serious work. Bella's not used to someone so stoic and closed off so she makes it her mission to befriend him slowly and surely. There's mutual attraction but TJ is unsure- after losing his partner and William, he doesn't want to become close to someone else again.
On Friday nights, the Lightning Ridge Ladies like to party. So join in the fun!
4.75 🌟
Bella's decision to move from Port Macquarie and the partnership in her parents surgery doesn't come lightly. Three years ago, the Gray family was rocked to the core when Bella's twin, William, committed suicide. Long term grief and a range of unanswered questions have led Bella to the Ridge- the last place her twin was seen alive.
Bella's need for answers eventually lead her to local miner TJ. The ex-police officer is big, broody and intimidating- so it comes as a shock when Cyclone Bella blows in! Relentless with her presence, TJ eventually agrees to assist Bella- but are they ready with the truth?
In the midst of this plight comes a wonderful tale of community, friendship, love and new beginnings. As Konrad and Riley take a delayed and extended honeymoon overseas, Bella is in charge of OPAL (Outback Practice at Lightning) where she builds rapport with colleagues and patients alike.
But it's the friendship that Bella forms with Meesha and sister Luci that she treasures most. Meesha owns the Iridescent Opal, designing jewellery and has big plans for her passion. She's a bit lost amongst the older women of Lightning Ridge- until her pregnant sister Luci and Bella move to town.
Bella's relationship with TJ however, needs some serious work. Bella's not used to someone so stoic and closed off so she makes it her mission to befriend him slowly and surely. There's mutual attraction but TJ is unsure- after losing his partner and William, he doesn't want to become close to someone else again.
On Friday nights, the Lightning Ridge Ladies like to party. So join in the fun!
4.75 🌟
October 9, 2025
What a great read The Lightning Ridge Ladies was. This is another case where I should read the synopsis first 🤣 I was all set to get lost in a rural romance and got a little crime and mystery on the side as a nice surprise. It had me completely engrossed.
📖 Dr Bella Grey has moved to Lightning Ridge to manage the town’s general practice while her older brother is on his honeymoon.
Bella keeps herself busy and quickly bonds with the local’s, especially opal jeweller Meesha at the Lightning Ridge Ladies weekly catch ups.
But Bella is really in town to uncover the truth about her twin brother William’s death. When she learns that TJ, Meesha’s opal supplier, knew William before he died, she’s convinced he can help. But the irresistibly handsome miner has secrets of his own...
✨There was a lot to love in this book. The isolated and vivid rural setting. The mystery and secrets that unravel as Bella pushes for answers and then there is the brokenness of TJ. I loved watching Bella slowly chip away at TJ’s defenses and get him to open up and, the resulting romance that blossomed between them.
This was a heartwarming story of friendships and the bonds that bind people in a small outback community. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a gifted copy to read and honestly review.
📖 Dr Bella Grey has moved to Lightning Ridge to manage the town’s general practice while her older brother is on his honeymoon.
Bella keeps herself busy and quickly bonds with the local’s, especially opal jeweller Meesha at the Lightning Ridge Ladies weekly catch ups.
But Bella is really in town to uncover the truth about her twin brother William’s death. When she learns that TJ, Meesha’s opal supplier, knew William before he died, she’s convinced he can help. But the irresistibly handsome miner has secrets of his own...
✨There was a lot to love in this book. The isolated and vivid rural setting. The mystery and secrets that unravel as Bella pushes for answers and then there is the brokenness of TJ. I loved watching Bella slowly chip away at TJ’s defenses and get him to open up and, the resulting romance that blossomed between them.
This was a heartwarming story of friendships and the bonds that bind people in a small outback community. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a gifted copy to read and honestly review.
September 20, 2025
The Lightning Ridge Ladies
by Fiona McArthur
It's been too long since I last read a book by Fiona McArthur, but I'm thrilled that this one was my return to her work.
Dr Bella Grey, still reeling from the loss of her twin brother, confidently moves to Lightning Ridge for a fresh start. She's taking charge of the outback town's general practice, OPAL Medical, for her older brother Konrad and sister-in-law Riley. While her family believes she’s there merely to lend a hand, Bella has a determined purpose: she is on a quest for the truth.
As Bella settles into her new life, she quickly makes friends in the community, but her focus remains on uncovering the mystery surrounding her brother's last days. When she discovers that TJ, Meesha's opal supplier, knew William before his death, she sets her sights on him for answers. However, the reclusive TJ is reluctant to revisit the events of those fateful days and does his best to keep Bella at arm's length. But Bella won’t back down; she’s determined to find out what really happened.
There were so many captivating characters within this book that I found myself wishing the story would never come to a close. Each character brought their own unique charm and depth, making the journey utterly enchanting.
by Fiona McArthur
It's been too long since I last read a book by Fiona McArthur, but I'm thrilled that this one was my return to her work.
Dr Bella Grey, still reeling from the loss of her twin brother, confidently moves to Lightning Ridge for a fresh start. She's taking charge of the outback town's general practice, OPAL Medical, for her older brother Konrad and sister-in-law Riley. While her family believes she’s there merely to lend a hand, Bella has a determined purpose: she is on a quest for the truth.
As Bella settles into her new life, she quickly makes friends in the community, but her focus remains on uncovering the mystery surrounding her brother's last days. When she discovers that TJ, Meesha's opal supplier, knew William before his death, she sets her sights on him for answers. However, the reclusive TJ is reluctant to revisit the events of those fateful days and does his best to keep Bella at arm's length. But Bella won’t back down; she’s determined to find out what really happened.
There were so many captivating characters within this book that I found myself wishing the story would never come to a close. Each character brought their own unique charm and depth, making the journey utterly enchanting.
November 22, 2025
You have done it again 👏, such an enjoyable read.
In the small town of Lightning Ridge, you will
be exposed to the love of opal mining.
The bonds are strong in this small town, secrets are being held, and there is a mystery to solve.
This book is full of newfound friendships, new romance, family support, and a family loss with their son/brother to suicide. It also has medical complications to overcome in outback communities.
I highly recommend reading 📚 👌
In the small town of Lightning Ridge, you will
be exposed to the love of opal mining.
The bonds are strong in this small town, secrets are being held, and there is a mystery to solve.
This book is full of newfound friendships, new romance, family support, and a family loss with their son/brother to suicide. It also has medical complications to overcome in outback communities.
I highly recommend reading 📚 👌
January 26, 2026
Loved it. What a great light read.
September 25, 2025
Amazing. So much drama, suspense and love! Couldn’t put it down until i finished it.
September 19, 2025
I loved the twists to this story and the description of the ridge is so on par. I didn’t want to put it down just wanted to keep reading it. As a follow up to the opal miners daughter it was perfect. Feel that there is a third story lurking in the background hopefully that will happen.
October 19, 2025
Fiona McArthur is a queen of the outback story, where relationships of all types take centre stage. This was a perfect accompaniment to a weekend in the sun, with a good cup of tea and tasty morsels, just like the ones the fabulous people at #penguinbooksaus #gifted me with. This book really focuses on the power of female friendships, the strength and rallying of an outback community, solving a mystery, and of course a little bit of love.
Dr. Bella Grey’s move to Lightning Ridge is more than just a change of scenery. She needs to move on from the death of her twin brother, William. And she does this by moving to the very town where her other brother runs a successful medical practice (that she was running while he was away), and where William was last living. Thus, a bittersweet return to Lightning Ridge. This move is one where Bella tested her own moral fibre, her courage, and the grief she was carrying. She was also testing the waters to find out what really happened to her twin, not satisfied that his body was never found, nor the way in which his life ended.
Bella connects with Meesha, an opal jeweller, and is embraced by a remarkable circle of women known as the Lightning Ridge Ladies. These women become her anchor, highlighting the value of female friendship and resilience within a tight-knit outback community, where everyone’s past shapes their present, and healing is often a collective effort. It is also the backdrop for her connection to TJ, the last friend of William, who bristled with hostility when asked for information from Bella, and secretly melted by her determination to get to the bottom of her brother’s death.
All of this happens under a harsh and hot outback sun. The landscape is unforgiving and intense, and its colours are so vibrant, from the seams of colour in each opal to the red earth surrounding the endless roads to nowhere. There is so much detail in setting the scenes of Lightning Ridge, as well as neighbouring Coober Pedy and other local towns, where the red dust also hides several secrets waiting to be revealed at the right time. This is a perfect escape to the Australian outback among a group of women bound by love, loyalty, and buried truths. Fiona McArthur has delivered another rich and immersive story paying respect to the strength of resilience, connection, and community.
Dr. Bella Grey’s move to Lightning Ridge is more than just a change of scenery. She needs to move on from the death of her twin brother, William. And she does this by moving to the very town where her other brother runs a successful medical practice (that she was running while he was away), and where William was last living. Thus, a bittersweet return to Lightning Ridge. This move is one where Bella tested her own moral fibre, her courage, and the grief she was carrying. She was also testing the waters to find out what really happened to her twin, not satisfied that his body was never found, nor the way in which his life ended.
Bella connects with Meesha, an opal jeweller, and is embraced by a remarkable circle of women known as the Lightning Ridge Ladies. These women become her anchor, highlighting the value of female friendship and resilience within a tight-knit outback community, where everyone’s past shapes their present, and healing is often a collective effort. It is also the backdrop for her connection to TJ, the last friend of William, who bristled with hostility when asked for information from Bella, and secretly melted by her determination to get to the bottom of her brother’s death.
All of this happens under a harsh and hot outback sun. The landscape is unforgiving and intense, and its colours are so vibrant, from the seams of colour in each opal to the red earth surrounding the endless roads to nowhere. There is so much detail in setting the scenes of Lightning Ridge, as well as neighbouring Coober Pedy and other local towns, where the red dust also hides several secrets waiting to be revealed at the right time. This is a perfect escape to the Australian outback among a group of women bound by love, loyalty, and buried truths. Fiona McArthur has delivered another rich and immersive story paying respect to the strength of resilience, connection, and community.
October 28, 2025
Wow to another fantastic rural romance with some mystery added in the storyline. From the first page to the last in this very big book, you will be captivated with the memorable characters.
We see a family of Doctors and a Dr. Bella Grey move out to Lightning Ridge to take over the medical practice of her brother and his wife. They are getting over losing their brother who is in the twin of Bella who takes the loss more. She just cannot fathom that he has taken his own life, things just didn’t add up so taking the job of being the local doctor would help her try and work out what really happened to her brother as his body was never recovered.
Majority of the characters know about William’s unusual death, and they all have ideas, but some have no knowledge of who he is. Bella becomes friends with most of the community.
Bella’s brother death rocked the whole community as well as her parents who lived in Port Macquarie.
Romance is found with an unusual character called TJ. A man with a past and he is someone that comes to care for Bella in her search for answers re her brother’s death.
I really enjoyed reading this romance, mystery story involving a place called Lightning Ridge as I had a friend whose uncle lived out there plus, we always watch The Opal Hunters on TV. From reading this novel, it does make you want to go and visit the town and see for yourself.
The book cover is gorgeous, kind of reminds me of Opal colours.
I did look up the opal shop at Lightning Ridge and hopefully one day an opal ring will be on my finger. A girl can dream?
I have read a few of Fiona McArthur's novels and never been disappointed. Highly recommend.
I was lucky to receive this book to read and review first via @beautyandlacemag and a thank you to @Penguinrandamhouseaustralia for sending the book out to me.
We see a family of Doctors and a Dr. Bella Grey move out to Lightning Ridge to take over the medical practice of her brother and his wife. They are getting over losing their brother who is in the twin of Bella who takes the loss more. She just cannot fathom that he has taken his own life, things just didn’t add up so taking the job of being the local doctor would help her try and work out what really happened to her brother as his body was never recovered.
Majority of the characters know about William’s unusual death, and they all have ideas, but some have no knowledge of who he is. Bella becomes friends with most of the community.
Bella’s brother death rocked the whole community as well as her parents who lived in Port Macquarie.
Romance is found with an unusual character called TJ. A man with a past and he is someone that comes to care for Bella in her search for answers re her brother’s death.
I really enjoyed reading this romance, mystery story involving a place called Lightning Ridge as I had a friend whose uncle lived out there plus, we always watch The Opal Hunters on TV. From reading this novel, it does make you want to go and visit the town and see for yourself.
The book cover is gorgeous, kind of reminds me of Opal colours.
I did look up the opal shop at Lightning Ridge and hopefully one day an opal ring will be on my finger. A girl can dream?
I have read a few of Fiona McArthur's novels and never been disappointed. Highly recommend.
I was lucky to receive this book to read and review first via @beautyandlacemag and a thank you to @Penguinrandamhouseaustralia for sending the book out to me.
October 26, 2025
I adored this book so much!
Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge to take over the medical centre, so her brother Konrad, and SIL, Riley, can go on a belated honeymoon. However, moving to Lightning Ridge is extremely tough as it was the last place her twin, William, was seen alive. His death ruled a su1cide.
Ultimately Bella wants to uncover answers from people who last saw William alive.
There, Bella meets TJ. He is so broody, lots of trauma but he’s hilarious. Chomp. Chomp. Bella is fierce, she does not back down in the face of adversity and is kind to everyone. I adore that we have a loving family but also a beautiful found family. All the characters are done so well. We have multiple POVs. Bella, TJ & Meesha.
I really love this is set in a well known Australian town and love the research that’s gone into getting all the right information about the town and the opal industry. Watching Outback Opal Hunters really gave me good imagery in my head for this book.
I enjoyed that this was a medical contemporary romance. I love that there is also a mystery/crime element to it which I wasn’t expecting. I guessed the plot twist from early on. I think it was more a gut feeling but it definitely didn’t detract from the story.
All in all, this was a really good book and I’ll be reading more from Fiona in the future, that’s for sure 🥰
Thank you to Tanaya & Penguin Aus for the gifted copy 🖤
Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightning Ridge to take over the medical centre, so her brother Konrad, and SIL, Riley, can go on a belated honeymoon. However, moving to Lightning Ridge is extremely tough as it was the last place her twin, William, was seen alive. His death ruled a su1cide.
Ultimately Bella wants to uncover answers from people who last saw William alive.
There, Bella meets TJ. He is so broody, lots of trauma but he’s hilarious. Chomp. Chomp. Bella is fierce, she does not back down in the face of adversity and is kind to everyone. I adore that we have a loving family but also a beautiful found family. All the characters are done so well. We have multiple POVs. Bella, TJ & Meesha.
I really love this is set in a well known Australian town and love the research that’s gone into getting all the right information about the town and the opal industry. Watching Outback Opal Hunters really gave me good imagery in my head for this book.
I enjoyed that this was a medical contemporary romance. I love that there is also a mystery/crime element to it which I wasn’t expecting. I guessed the plot twist from early on. I think it was more a gut feeling but it definitely didn’t detract from the story.
All in all, this was a really good book and I’ll be reading more from Fiona in the future, that’s for sure 🥰
Thank you to Tanaya & Penguin Aus for the gifted copy 🖤
October 14, 2025
The Lightning Ridge Ladies is another heartfelt and uplifting read from Fiona McArthur that swept me straight into the outback charm of Lightning Ridge. Dr. Bella Grey’s story is filled with emotion, strength and courage as she takes over the local medical centre while quietly searching for answers about her twin brother’s death. From the moment she arrives, Bella finds herself surrounded by warmth, friendship and a close knit community — and then there’s TJ, the gruff, mysterious man who might just hold the key to both her brother’s past and her own healing heart.
This story truly has it all — friendship, family, mystery and a slow-burn romance that will melt your heart. Bella’s bond with Meesha and the other Ridge ladies brings laughter and comfort, while her connection with TJ unfolds with tenderness and depth. Fiona McArthur captures small town life beautifully, balancing humour and heartache in a way that feels both real and deeply satisfying. A wonderful, feel good read that’s as touching as it is romantic.
This story truly has it all — friendship, family, mystery and a slow-burn romance that will melt your heart. Bella’s bond with Meesha and the other Ridge ladies brings laughter and comfort, while her connection with TJ unfolds with tenderness and depth. Fiona McArthur captures small town life beautifully, balancing humour and heartache in a way that feels both real and deeply satisfying. A wonderful, feel good read that’s as touching as it is romantic.
October 23, 2025
I love a Fiona McArthur book, The Lightening Ridge ladies does not disappoint!
Heartbroken Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightening Ridge to take over her brothers medical practice and on the surface is making a fresh start, but she's desperate to uncover the truth behind her twin brothers death.
In her search for the truth she forms true friendships with the locals, particularly Meesha a talented opal jeweller.
When she meets the dark and mysterious TJ sparks fly and when Bella finds out he was friends with her twin, she can't keep away.
The story is beautifully woven, you can just picture the Ridge and characters from the descriptions in the book. There are a number of characters interwoven and given minor starring roles in the book, which Fiona does so well without taking away from the main character and story line.
The crime sideline added some extra interest and meat to the story.
A brilliantly written and engaging story that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Penguin for the copy to read and review.
Heartbroken Dr Bella Grey moves to Lightening Ridge to take over her brothers medical practice and on the surface is making a fresh start, but she's desperate to uncover the truth behind her twin brothers death.
In her search for the truth she forms true friendships with the locals, particularly Meesha a talented opal jeweller.
When she meets the dark and mysterious TJ sparks fly and when Bella finds out he was friends with her twin, she can't keep away.
The story is beautifully woven, you can just picture the Ridge and characters from the descriptions in the book. There are a number of characters interwoven and given minor starring roles in the book, which Fiona does so well without taking away from the main character and story line.
The crime sideline added some extra interest and meat to the story.
A brilliantly written and engaging story that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Penguin for the copy to read and review.
November 17, 2025
once again, Fiona McArthur you have written a beautiful story based in an outback town called Lightening Ridge.
I loved the story about Bella, her family and friends. I was very lucky to have morning tea with an elderly lady who had lived in Lightening Ridge for a big part of her life and The Lightening Ridge Ladies was so relatable to the stories she told us.
The Lightening Ridge Ladies covers the opals being dug out, the amazing jewellery created by artistic hands and the characters that make the town a home.
It covered mystery, mining, the way a family can be torn through the misadventures of life and the healing of hurt created by a person's action even if it was detrimental to the safety of others.
I loved Luci who was blind as I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in an area like Lightening Ridge being blind.
I can highly recommend this book and would like to thank Fiona McArthur for bringing back some great memories of our visit to the town. Keep the great stories coming.... xx
I loved the story about Bella, her family and friends. I was very lucky to have morning tea with an elderly lady who had lived in Lightening Ridge for a big part of her life and The Lightening Ridge Ladies was so relatable to the stories she told us.
The Lightening Ridge Ladies covers the opals being dug out, the amazing jewellery created by artistic hands and the characters that make the town a home.
It covered mystery, mining, the way a family can be torn through the misadventures of life and the healing of hurt created by a person's action even if it was detrimental to the safety of others.
I loved Luci who was blind as I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in an area like Lightening Ridge being blind.
I can highly recommend this book and would like to thank Fiona McArthur for bringing back some great memories of our visit to the town. Keep the great stories coming.... xx
September 30, 2025
Fiona McArthur does such a good job of setting the scene for her books that you feel as though you are there. The Lightning Ridge Ladies is no exception and I could almost imagine stepping around an abandoned mine shaft or smelling the dust in the air. By the same token, she’s painted Lightning Ridge as a truly charming outback town with plenty of intriguing shops to visit and quirky characters to meet. Against this backdrop, she’s given us readers a story of loss and renewal, romance against the odds and a mystery to solve. Dr Bella Grey has moved to Lightning Ridge both to relieve her older brother Konrad from running the town’s medical practice so he can go on his honeymoon and to continue the hunt for her twin brother William, who purportedly committed suicide three yeara earlier. She’s a feisty and determined woman but also a caring and compassionate doctor. It was very easy to cheer for her. Opal miner TJ is an enigma. He projects the image of a tough and unapproachable man who likes to keep to himself, but as Bella breaks down his barriers, we see that while he’s mentally scarred from his past life, he’s also fiercely protective and has a soft spot for Bella. The romance between these two is intertwined with their investigation into William’s disappearance. Meanwhile, jewellery creator and designer Meesha helps to advance the story with her observations and in the background, Meesha’s blind sister Luci’s pregnancy offers a side story that helps to build the tension. This story is a definite page-turner and one I will ennoy rereading. It has me wanting to visit Lightning Ridge and check out this quirky community for myself.
September 14, 2025
Dr Bella Grey arrives in the remote NSW outback opal mining town of Lightning Ridge to take over her older brother’s medical practice. Konrad and his new wife are heading off for a delayed honeymoon then joining a new practice in Sydney.
Bella has an ulterior motive for helping Konrad out - she needs closure after the suicide death of her twin brother, William, a few years previously, and Lightning Ridge was where he died. His body has never been found but he left a letter saying he was sorry. Bella feels guilty for not recognising her twin was suicidal and wants to try and work out what drove him to it. She feels that if she can understand why he did the deed then it will help her move on.
Bella quickly falls in love with the mining town and makes lots of new friends, all connected through the Lightning Ridge Ladies only night held each Friday. Turns out that Lightning Ridge is chock a block full of passionate, vulnerable and gutsy women who support each other, know everything that is going on. She makes a new best friend, Meesha, who is an opal jeweller and through her she meets an opal miner, TJ.
TJ is a haunted man - a recluse who considered himself to be a jinx because people he loves seem to die. He was also William’s best friend. Bella is not going to let his self-imposed isolation get in her way of talking with him. She succeeds in gaining access to his gated claim and gradually the two broken people bond and start to work together to find out about what happened to William. Their path to their ‘Happy Ever After’ is tortuous, and they do get there, but not before a big adventure through Australia’s remote outback that takes the reader from Lightning Ridge to SA’s opal mining town of Coober Pedy and back again.
The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a 5-star read from a 5-star writer. I loved this romantic suspense,, it may be her best book that I’ve read so far. I loved the story, the settings, her descriptions and character portrayals (yes even the nasty one is portrayed as perfectly bad).
I’ve never been to Lightening Ridge, but as it is only a six hour drive away from my home, it is on the list now for a long weekend trip.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Bella has an ulterior motive for helping Konrad out - she needs closure after the suicide death of her twin brother, William, a few years previously, and Lightning Ridge was where he died. His body has never been found but he left a letter saying he was sorry. Bella feels guilty for not recognising her twin was suicidal and wants to try and work out what drove him to it. She feels that if she can understand why he did the deed then it will help her move on.
Bella quickly falls in love with the mining town and makes lots of new friends, all connected through the Lightning Ridge Ladies only night held each Friday. Turns out that Lightning Ridge is chock a block full of passionate, vulnerable and gutsy women who support each other, know everything that is going on. She makes a new best friend, Meesha, who is an opal jeweller and through her she meets an opal miner, TJ.
TJ is a haunted man - a recluse who considered himself to be a jinx because people he loves seem to die. He was also William’s best friend. Bella is not going to let his self-imposed isolation get in her way of talking with him. She succeeds in gaining access to his gated claim and gradually the two broken people bond and start to work together to find out about what happened to William. Their path to their ‘Happy Ever After’ is tortuous, and they do get there, but not before a big adventure through Australia’s remote outback that takes the reader from Lightning Ridge to SA’s opal mining town of Coober Pedy and back again.
The Lightning Ridge Ladies is a 5-star read from a 5-star writer. I loved this romantic suspense,, it may be her best book that I’ve read so far. I loved the story, the settings, her descriptions and character portrayals (yes even the nasty one is portrayed as perfectly bad).
I’ve never been to Lightening Ridge, but as it is only a six hour drive away from my home, it is on the list now for a long weekend trip.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
October 16, 2025
What a story! I loved every word of it.
Bella takes up a locum position in Lightning Ridge for her brother Konrad. She does this so that she can investigate the suicide of her twin, William. She is helped, unwillingly by TJ. In fact she pesters him to help her, he does it to get rid of her. Along the way Bella makes several girlfriends, delivers a baby and discovers what happened to William.
Bella takes up a locum position in Lightning Ridge for her brother Konrad. She does this so that she can investigate the suicide of her twin, William. She is helped, unwillingly by TJ. In fact she pesters him to help her, he does it to get rid of her. Along the way Bella makes several girlfriends, delivers a baby and discovers what happened to William.
October 17, 2025
I found this to be a quick easy read. It had drama, romance, female friendships, family relationships and a bit of crime in there too. I now know more about opals & opal mining than I ever thought I would.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
January 19, 2026
Delightful. A super way to start my new year reading. The story was engaging from the start and believable. The subtle way the opals are made into glorious pieces of jewellery was very much enjoyed with the descriptive passages allowing the reader to visualise the finished masterpiece.
I'd love a follow up as this was so enjoyable.
I'd love a follow up as this was so enjoyable.
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