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The Crossroads
Rosie O’Shea dreams of seeing the world. But right now, the outback hotel she owns is falling down around her ears, her bank account is empty and family duty means she’s staying put.
Drought is impacting hard on Stephanie Bailey and her husband. They’ve already been forced to sell almost all their cattle. The rains aren’t coming and her husband is growing more and more distant.
Sydney girl Faith Montgomery, at the age of 31, has just discovered she is adopted. Furious at being lied to for her entire life, she lands a job at the Crossroads Hotel so she can track down her biological mother without revealing who she is.
One family. Three women. Will the lies they tell and the secrets they hide lead to more heartache, or will fate bring them together before it’s too late?
A story of deceit, betrayal and love that proves that in the end you can choose your family.
Drought is impacting hard on Stephanie Bailey and her husband. They’ve already been forced to sell almost all their cattle. The rains aren’t coming and her husband is growing more and more distant.
Sydney girl Faith Montgomery, at the age of 31, has just discovered she is adopted. Furious at being lied to for her entire life, she lands a job at the Crossroads Hotel so she can track down her biological mother without revealing who she is.
One family. Three women. Will the lies they tell and the secrets they hide lead to more heartache, or will fate bring them together before it’s too late?
A story of deceit, betrayal and love that proves that in the end you can choose your family.
- GenresAustralia
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2016
About the author
Pamela Cook
13 books122 followersPamela Cook is the author of five page-turning women’s fiction novels. Her stories feature flawed but strong women, tangled family relationships and deal with the complications of life. Her most recent novel, Cross My Heart (September 2019) is a haunting story of friendship, guilt and redemption set in the beautiful central west of New South Wales. Pamela's previous novels are Blackwattle Lake (2012) Essie’s Way (2013), Close To Home (2015) and The Crossroads (2016). Pamela is the co-host of the exciting new podcasts Writes4Women and Writes4Festivals, and is proud to be a Writer Ambassador for Room To Read, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes literacy and gender equality in developing countries. When she’s not writing, reading or podcasting she wastes as much time as possible riding her handsome quarter horses, Morocco and Rio.
She loves to connect with readers both in person and online:
www.pamelacook.com.au
www.facebook.com/PamelaCookAuthor
www.writes4women.com
Twitter @PamelaCookAU
Instagram @pamelacookwrites and @w4wpodcast
She loves to connect with readers both in person and online:
www.pamelacook.com.au
www.facebook.com/PamelaCookAuthor
www.writes4women.com
Twitter @PamelaCookAU
Instagram @pamelacookwrites and @w4wpodcast
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 17, 2016
Rose O’Shea had lost her husband suddenly five years earlier – The Crossroads, the pub she and Mick had owned for the past twenty five years was now in Rosie’s care and she wouldn’t let Mick down. But the drought in far north Queensland had been a long one; the money for the necessary repairs to the heritage listed hotel just wasn’t there. And the council wouldn’t put money in to help her either – she had no idea how to make ends meet; how to get rid of the termites that wanted to ruin her dreams…
Rosie’s daughter Stephanie, her husband Bryce and five year old son Jake lived on a nearby farm which had been in Bryce’s family for generations. They too were feeling the effects of the drought. Bryce was becoming more and more withdrawn; Stephanie and he seemed to do nothing but argue. The rains were needed so badly; the majority of their stock had been sold but even the ones that were left were thin and listless in the unrelenting heat.
In Sydney, Faith Montgomery had unexpectedly discovered she was adopted. Her decision to find her birth mother was a wild and spur-of-the-moment one and before she had even thought it through, she was on a plane for Queensland. But what if her birth mother wanted nothing to do with her? What would happen in the small outback town when an angry and bitter Faith arrived without any plans or ideas on what to do next?
The Crossroads by Aussie author Pamela Cook is set in far north Queensland in the middle of a long and hard drought. The constant heat day and night was something I could feel – the red dirt, the dust which settles on everything no matter how often you clean; all so well written that I felt I was there. (Thank goodness I wasn’t – that heat isn’t for me!) The Crossroads is an emotional read filled with intrigue and the love of family; of secrets kept and of forgiveness – it’s another brilliant read by this talented author. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Rosie’s daughter Stephanie, her husband Bryce and five year old son Jake lived on a nearby farm which had been in Bryce’s family for generations. They too were feeling the effects of the drought. Bryce was becoming more and more withdrawn; Stephanie and he seemed to do nothing but argue. The rains were needed so badly; the majority of their stock had been sold but even the ones that were left were thin and listless in the unrelenting heat.
In Sydney, Faith Montgomery had unexpectedly discovered she was adopted. Her decision to find her birth mother was a wild and spur-of-the-moment one and before she had even thought it through, she was on a plane for Queensland. But what if her birth mother wanted nothing to do with her? What would happen in the small outback town when an angry and bitter Faith arrived without any plans or ideas on what to do next?
The Crossroads by Aussie author Pamela Cook is set in far north Queensland in the middle of a long and hard drought. The constant heat day and night was something I could feel – the red dirt, the dust which settles on everything no matter how often you clean; all so well written that I felt I was there. (Thank goodness I wasn’t – that heat isn’t for me!) The Crossroads is an emotional read filled with intrigue and the love of family; of secrets kept and of forgiveness – it’s another brilliant read by this talented author. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2019
After the death of her husband Mick, Rosie O Shea is struggling with trying to keep her promise to Mick to keep the Crossroads Hotel. But the bills, expenses and repairs needed for this heritage listed building just keep piling up. Although she would like to travel Rose knows there is no hope of that. Drought is the other issue impacting on Rose’s family. Her daughter Stephanie and son in law Bryce have been forced to sell off most of their cattle. Rain is an almost forgotten experience. And so is the close relationship Stephanie used to have with her husband. Now he is like a stranger. The third main woman in this story is Faith Montgomery who finds a piece of paper that sets her world tumbling. Determined to find out the truth she arrives at the Crossroads Hotel. But the more she comes to know Rosie, Stephanie and others in the town of Birralong, the harder it is to know what is best to do about all the deceit and secrets.
Told from each of the three women’s points of view, it is very easy to empathise with these women and their issues and get sucked right into the story. The description is so vivid I could just about taste the dust in the drought stricken land. The small town of Birralong is indicative of small towns throughout Australia - a place where everybody knows everyone else’s business but where people are there to help when a crisis arises. Characters are well drawn and true to life. The story has the ring of authenticity as problems of, drought, depression and struggling to survive, sadly, impact many people living on the land.
As well as the secret that is at the heart of this story there is also a romance, friendship and conflict with family. I’ve read several of Pamela Cook’s books and enjoyed them all. This was no exception. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who likes rural Aussie stories. The depth of characterisation, setting and the issues covered makes this a highly engaging and emotionally involving read.
Told from each of the three women’s points of view, it is very easy to empathise with these women and their issues and get sucked right into the story. The description is so vivid I could just about taste the dust in the drought stricken land. The small town of Birralong is indicative of small towns throughout Australia - a place where everybody knows everyone else’s business but where people are there to help when a crisis arises. Characters are well drawn and true to life. The story has the ring of authenticity as problems of, drought, depression and struggling to survive, sadly, impact many people living on the land.
As well as the secret that is at the heart of this story there is also a romance, friendship and conflict with family. I’ve read several of Pamela Cook’s books and enjoyed them all. This was no exception. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who likes rural Aussie stories. The depth of characterisation, setting and the issues covered makes this a highly engaging and emotionally involving read.
January 28, 2017
When city girl Faith Montgomery heads to the outback Queensland town of Birralong after a life-altering discovery, she finds herself way in over her head. Mother and daughter locals, Rosie O'Shea and Stephanie Bailey, each have their own issues that they are secretly dealing with in the drought stricken town. Now, with Faith thrown into the mix, the three women are about to watch their lives unravel in the most unexpected way.
This is my first Pamela Cook rural fiction, and I loved it! Rural fiction is another new genre to me, and one that is fast becoming a favourite.
What I'm loving about rural fiction is not only that it is relatable in many ways for me living in a region area, but that the characters are beautifully developed. They are real, flawed, and experiencing the challenges and dramas of life just as anyone else. They are characters that could be your next door neighbour, school teacher, or local shop keeper. And I imagine for those city dwellers who love rural fiction, it's the draw of a different lifestyle - but again with characters that are real and relatable.
Pamela Cook has created three characters that couldn't be more different if they tried, each with their own quirks, flaws, and distinct voices. But they are all likable! As a writer, I know how difficult it is to create such characters, so am totally envious that Pamela does it with ease. And it's not only the three main characters, Pamela has gone to great lengths to have her secondary characters be as believable and fully formed as Faith, Rosie and Stephanie. Each character adds a different and enjoyable element to the story, in turn adding to the fibre of the overall plot.
Without going into the specifics of the story, the plot is well thought out. Pamela expertly weaves each characters journey into the storyline. Tension, humour, drama, and emotion fill every page, all which creates a puzzle and you'll find yourself wondering how it will all fit back together. Of course as with life, it doesn't fit back together perfectly, but the ending is more than satisfying.
Pamela's research is evident throughout the book. The fictional town of Birralong is loosely based on the township of Hughenden in Queensland which Pamela visited to help her flesh out the story. She vivaciously captures the outback town and it's outlying areas in striking visuals. She also respectfully does justice to the issues such as drought and depression that often go hand in hand in these areas of Australia.
The Crossroads is my first Pamela Cook novel, but if it's anything to go by, I know it won't be my last.
This is my first Pamela Cook rural fiction, and I loved it! Rural fiction is another new genre to me, and one that is fast becoming a favourite.
What I'm loving about rural fiction is not only that it is relatable in many ways for me living in a region area, but that the characters are beautifully developed. They are real, flawed, and experiencing the challenges and dramas of life just as anyone else. They are characters that could be your next door neighbour, school teacher, or local shop keeper. And I imagine for those city dwellers who love rural fiction, it's the draw of a different lifestyle - but again with characters that are real and relatable.
Pamela Cook has created three characters that couldn't be more different if they tried, each with their own quirks, flaws, and distinct voices. But they are all likable! As a writer, I know how difficult it is to create such characters, so am totally envious that Pamela does it with ease. And it's not only the three main characters, Pamela has gone to great lengths to have her secondary characters be as believable and fully formed as Faith, Rosie and Stephanie. Each character adds a different and enjoyable element to the story, in turn adding to the fibre of the overall plot.
Without going into the specifics of the story, the plot is well thought out. Pamela expertly weaves each characters journey into the storyline. Tension, humour, drama, and emotion fill every page, all which creates a puzzle and you'll find yourself wondering how it will all fit back together. Of course as with life, it doesn't fit back together perfectly, but the ending is more than satisfying.
Pamela's research is evident throughout the book. The fictional town of Birralong is loosely based on the township of Hughenden in Queensland which Pamela visited to help her flesh out the story. She vivaciously captures the outback town and it's outlying areas in striking visuals. She also respectfully does justice to the issues such as drought and depression that often go hand in hand in these areas of Australia.
The Crossroads is my first Pamela Cook novel, but if it's anything to go by, I know it won't be my last.
December 26, 2016
Crossroads is a beautiful story about three women coping with life and how it brought them to gather in the fantastic conclusion to this book. Also, entwine in Crossroads is the hardship of drought in outback Queensland and how it affects the family especially the men. The way Pamela Cook portrayal of the problems of depression in farmers make the reader think about this issue. Crossroads also provides the reader with laughs by bringing in the grumpy mother-in-law as side issue to the story. I recommend this book.
January 14, 2018
First book of Pamela's that I have read and I was absolutely riveted by the story. I would class this book as a Women's Fiction title as even though it is set in rural Australia, the story-line would apply to any setting.
It tells the story of Rose who is the proprietor of a heritage listed hotel that is struggling to survive. She runs the hotel with little help and it needs major repairs that she just hasn't got the money for. Her daughter and husband and grandson live nearby on a farm that is reeling from the effect of drought. Rose also has a secret that she has kept for years that threatens to reveal itself with the return of a long lost flame from years ago.
Faith Montgomery is a city girl who has just been retrenched. With her parents overseas, she comes across an envelope which contains information about herself that will change her life forever. She sees an advertisement for a barmaid at The Crossroads Hotel and decides to apply and what transpires changes her life going forward.
A wonderful example of Women's Fiction, this book had me turning the pages and is told from the point of view of the three women in the story. The writing is great and the stories are heart-felt and genuine with descriptions of life in the Australian outback with the problems of drought and small town survival made realistic. I will definitely be reading more from Pamela in the future.
It tells the story of Rose who is the proprietor of a heritage listed hotel that is struggling to survive. She runs the hotel with little help and it needs major repairs that she just hasn't got the money for. Her daughter and husband and grandson live nearby on a farm that is reeling from the effect of drought. Rose also has a secret that she has kept for years that threatens to reveal itself with the return of a long lost flame from years ago.
Faith Montgomery is a city girl who has just been retrenched. With her parents overseas, she comes across an envelope which contains information about herself that will change her life forever. She sees an advertisement for a barmaid at The Crossroads Hotel and decides to apply and what transpires changes her life going forward.
A wonderful example of Women's Fiction, this book had me turning the pages and is told from the point of view of the three women in the story. The writing is great and the stories are heart-felt and genuine with descriptions of life in the Australian outback with the problems of drought and small town survival made realistic. I will definitely be reading more from Pamela in the future.
May 31, 2017
An enjoyable read about three different women and how their lives intersect. Entertaining and easy to read.
March 21, 2017
Not normally a fan of what I thought would be romance, but couldn't put this down. It contained really relevant issues that touch all of us such as death, survival, familial relationships to name a few plus realistic characterisation. I easily liked the characters but could see how they appeared to others. Thoroughly enjoyed it and was compelled to finish once I started. Thanks, Pamela Cooke.
November 22, 2016
This is the first Pamela Cook story I have read and it won't be the last beautifully written with characters that are so engaging and alive this one had me riveted from the start till the end and had me feeling like friends with the people of Birralong.
This follows the lives of three woman linked but without knowing, when Sydney girl Faith Montgomery is riffling through her parents papers she comes across an envelope addressed to her and this envelope is going to change her life and open up a whole new family for her. When Faith starts on her journey to the small Queensland farming town of Birralong she has no idea what is going to happen or how she is going to cope.
Stephanie Bailey has lived in Birralong all of her life first growing up at the pub with her parents and now on the farm with her husband and son she loves her life but the drought is hard on them all and things are getting tough now, worries are causing rifts and with a new barmaid at the pub life is about to change again when secrets are revealed.
Rose Bailey who is Stephanie's mother and runs the heritage listed town pub The Crossroads has lived here all of her life as well married a visiting Irishman who loved the place and never left bought the pub settled down they had one child and Rose gave up her dreams of travel, but Rose is now widowed and has had a secret that has been kept for 31 years but all is about to uncovered what will it mean for these three woman and the town.
Truly this is a fabulous story that you will not want to put down once you start reading so many ups and downs emotions flying of the pages this is moving and so very beautiful I cried and smiled and cheered them all on so many stubborn characters who are lovable and just so nice. So fate has bought them all together and the love shines through. I highly recommend this one it will stay with me for a long time.
This follows the lives of three woman linked but without knowing, when Sydney girl Faith Montgomery is riffling through her parents papers she comes across an envelope addressed to her and this envelope is going to change her life and open up a whole new family for her. When Faith starts on her journey to the small Queensland farming town of Birralong she has no idea what is going to happen or how she is going to cope.
Stephanie Bailey has lived in Birralong all of her life first growing up at the pub with her parents and now on the farm with her husband and son she loves her life but the drought is hard on them all and things are getting tough now, worries are causing rifts and with a new barmaid at the pub life is about to change again when secrets are revealed.
Rose Bailey who is Stephanie's mother and runs the heritage listed town pub The Crossroads has lived here all of her life as well married a visiting Irishman who loved the place and never left bought the pub settled down they had one child and Rose gave up her dreams of travel, but Rose is now widowed and has had a secret that has been kept for 31 years but all is about to uncovered what will it mean for these three woman and the town.
Truly this is a fabulous story that you will not want to put down once you start reading so many ups and downs emotions flying of the pages this is moving and so very beautiful I cried and smiled and cheered them all on so many stubborn characters who are lovable and just so nice. So fate has bought them all together and the love shines through. I highly recommend this one it will stay with me for a long time.
November 29, 2016
I started out liking this book, but ended up loving it so much. The characters are so well defined and so likable that you find yourself wanting to be friends with them. The townsfolk are in a class all of their own but you find that you would like to be a part of that town, a part of their lives. The story is well written and even with each chapter being told my a different character, it all surrounds three women, all linked to one another but only one knows what that link is. The story may be about a dry town, but the story is anything but dry. It is filled with the turmoils that brew inside each one of these women, each with their own problems that neither want to divulge to anyone, including those who are closest to them. But when the cover is removed from this pot, the revelations come to light, the pieces come together and become a beautifully completed puzzle. Not that there isn't a bit of a struggle to put them together, but with all puzzles, the end result is just the same....perfection.
November 27, 2016
I think I’ve said this many times on the blog, but I have a strange aversion to book covers with horses. Over the last few years, I’ve found that these books are quite often gems and the horse not a major part of the story. This is true of The Crossroads – only one of the main characters has a horse, and she doesn’t spend all her time talking about it. (I like horsepower, over the real thing). Whether you’re a fan of horses or not, I recommend The Crossroads as a lovely Aussie rural fiction read. It has everything you want – battles against external factors, a race against time, love, loss and ultimately a happy ending. It would make for a great summer or holiday read.
Times are tough in the small Queensland town of Birralong. Drought has affected the area badly and the whole town is feeling the pinch. Rose O’Shea runs the local pub, The Crossroads, which is suffering too – business is weak and she can’t afford to pay for the repairs to the heritage listed building. Her daughter Stephanie lives on a property outside of town and the drought has turned her once happy husband into an uncommunicative recluse. Meanwhile in Sydney, Faith Montgomery gets the surprise of her life when she looks for some documentation for her parents – her birth certificate with another name on it. As she’s at a loose end, what better time to track down her birth mother than in a tiny northern town?
As the women try to work through their own problems, there are other, more pleasant issues thrown in their path. Rose is treated to the return of an old flame, while Faith enjoys the company of the brother of Stephanie’s husband. However, it’s when things get desperate and the three women pull together that the book really begins to shine. I was impressed how Rose, Faith and Stephanie worked together in a crisis, all drawing on their own strengths to orchestrate a response in an emergency. At this point, I felt like I knew each of these characters really well – kudos to Pamela Cook for making them sound like real people, who I could be friends with. The crisis was for me the most gripping part of the book. The writing was wonderfully atmospheric with the tension and strain on each character palpable.
Another thing which I really liked about The Crossroads was how it didn’t make a big mystery out of who Faith’s mum was. It was revealed early on and the journey was about Faith working up the courage to reveal herself to her mother (or BM as she calls her). It was a really unique thing to read as she watched her mum, trying to find similarities between them while she tried to act as a stranger/employee. Pamela Cook really translated across the page the awkwardness that Faith was feeling. A little thing that worked well for me were the weather descriptions – reading this in a range of weathers, I really felt the heat and dryness of a long Aussie summer.
The whole story of The Crossroads just worked for me. I loved the combination of grit and love that helped these women make it through tough times.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Times are tough in the small Queensland town of Birralong. Drought has affected the area badly and the whole town is feeling the pinch. Rose O’Shea runs the local pub, The Crossroads, which is suffering too – business is weak and she can’t afford to pay for the repairs to the heritage listed building. Her daughter Stephanie lives on a property outside of town and the drought has turned her once happy husband into an uncommunicative recluse. Meanwhile in Sydney, Faith Montgomery gets the surprise of her life when she looks for some documentation for her parents – her birth certificate with another name on it. As she’s at a loose end, what better time to track down her birth mother than in a tiny northern town?
As the women try to work through their own problems, there are other, more pleasant issues thrown in their path. Rose is treated to the return of an old flame, while Faith enjoys the company of the brother of Stephanie’s husband. However, it’s when things get desperate and the three women pull together that the book really begins to shine. I was impressed how Rose, Faith and Stephanie worked together in a crisis, all drawing on their own strengths to orchestrate a response in an emergency. At this point, I felt like I knew each of these characters really well – kudos to Pamela Cook for making them sound like real people, who I could be friends with. The crisis was for me the most gripping part of the book. The writing was wonderfully atmospheric with the tension and strain on each character palpable.
Another thing which I really liked about The Crossroads was how it didn’t make a big mystery out of who Faith’s mum was. It was revealed early on and the journey was about Faith working up the courage to reveal herself to her mother (or BM as she calls her). It was a really unique thing to read as she watched her mum, trying to find similarities between them while she tried to act as a stranger/employee. Pamela Cook really translated across the page the awkwardness that Faith was feeling. A little thing that worked well for me were the weather descriptions – reading this in a range of weathers, I really felt the heat and dryness of a long Aussie summer.
The whole story of The Crossroads just worked for me. I loved the combination of grit and love that helped these women make it through tough times.
Thank you to Hachette for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
February 19, 2017
Outline:
This story is about three women with life troubles; Rosie, owner of the Crossroads, a decrepit heritage listed outback hotel, is guarding a secret which she has never revealed to a single soul. A widow, she is bearing the stress of her financial worries alone. Rosie also has a dream, to travel overseas to build on her culinary skills.
Stephanie is Rosies' daughter, married to Bryce, they live on their station where they ought to be growing beef but the prolonged drought is bringing them to their knees. Bryce is depressed and withdrawn, Stephanie strives to shield their little son from the effects of his fathers depression.
Faith is a Sydney girl, she has recently lost both a job and a boyfriend. Her parents are on a cruise, they ask Faith to find some documents they need. She finds far more than she bargained for.
This discovery leads her to Birralong and the Crossroads Hotel ….
Review:
Rural romance/rural fiction is certainly not my usual genre but, despite that, I did enjoy this book. There is a reason why it is so very popular, for me there is a comfort in the formula - things go bad, things improve and then there is usually a pleasant ending to look forward to. Having said that, this story is not quite as predictable as I expected, there’s a bit of a surprise in there for us readers!
I like that this is a heartwarming story, well written and easy to read. The author did her research well, basing Birralong on the township of Hughendon in Far North Queensland, a town but three hours or so from the gorgeous Julia Creek where I lived and worked for a few months.
To those like me who do not normally read this genre I would recommend this book as a refreshing change from the sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction.
Review copy provided by Hachette Australia
This story is about three women with life troubles; Rosie, owner of the Crossroads, a decrepit heritage listed outback hotel, is guarding a secret which she has never revealed to a single soul. A widow, she is bearing the stress of her financial worries alone. Rosie also has a dream, to travel overseas to build on her culinary skills.
Stephanie is Rosies' daughter, married to Bryce, they live on their station where they ought to be growing beef but the prolonged drought is bringing them to their knees. Bryce is depressed and withdrawn, Stephanie strives to shield their little son from the effects of his fathers depression.
Faith is a Sydney girl, she has recently lost both a job and a boyfriend. Her parents are on a cruise, they ask Faith to find some documents they need. She finds far more than she bargained for.
This discovery leads her to Birralong and the Crossroads Hotel ….
Review:
Rural romance/rural fiction is certainly not my usual genre but, despite that, I did enjoy this book. There is a reason why it is so very popular, for me there is a comfort in the formula - things go bad, things improve and then there is usually a pleasant ending to look forward to. Having said that, this story is not quite as predictable as I expected, there’s a bit of a surprise in there for us readers!
I like that this is a heartwarming story, well written and easy to read. The author did her research well, basing Birralong on the township of Hughendon in Far North Queensland, a town but three hours or so from the gorgeous Julia Creek where I lived and worked for a few months.
To those like me who do not normally read this genre I would recommend this book as a refreshing change from the sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction.
Review copy provided by Hachette Australia
February 7, 2017
Another gem from Pamela Cook which I think may be her best yet.
This is a story of three women that engages you from the start. Cleverly and tightly written, the story is presented from the perspective of each woman which ensures that the story is engaging and never dull or slow. These are strong women, each with personalities that you can easily relate to, but as in real life, each have their own flaws. And it is the blending of all of this that keeps you wanting more.
Pamela creatively constructs a story around these women and the people in their lives that draws you in... you feel you are a part of the town, know and empathise with the people and can smell, "see" and touch the environment around them. Beautiful in its description, the story presents the feelings and emotions of the characters in a realistic and compassionate way. I found myself willing them along. I felt part of the story, laughing with them, felt their despair, their sadness and joy.
I'd absolutely recommend this.
This is a story of three women that engages you from the start. Cleverly and tightly written, the story is presented from the perspective of each woman which ensures that the story is engaging and never dull or slow. These are strong women, each with personalities that you can easily relate to, but as in real life, each have their own flaws. And it is the blending of all of this that keeps you wanting more.
Pamela creatively constructs a story around these women and the people in their lives that draws you in... you feel you are a part of the town, know and empathise with the people and can smell, "see" and touch the environment around them. Beautiful in its description, the story presents the feelings and emotions of the characters in a realistic and compassionate way. I found myself willing them along. I felt part of the story, laughing with them, felt their despair, their sadness and joy.
I'd absolutely recommend this.
January 5, 2022
First book of Pamela's that I have read and I loved it.
The story is about three women -----
Rosie the owner of the Crossroads a heritage listed Outback hotel. She has been keeping a secret which no one knows . In order to keep the hotel she has to fix and deal with all the fixing that has to be done or will have to sell the hotel. Rose is an excellent chef also.
Stephanie is Rose's daughter and is married to Bryce. The drought brings with it problems on the land as well as their relationship.
Faith Montgomery is a city girl. She lost her boyfriend as well as her job. her parents are on a European cruise , they loose their passports and when faith is asked to look for a copy of their passports . She finds something that leads her to Birralong and the Crossroads hotel.
The Author has described the life in the Outback with the problems of drought and how it effects the people and the strength of rural communities. A very heart warming story and I would recommend to read this book, as it was a very interesting and enjoyable Rural romance.
The story is about three women -----
Rosie the owner of the Crossroads a heritage listed Outback hotel. She has been keeping a secret which no one knows . In order to keep the hotel she has to fix and deal with all the fixing that has to be done or will have to sell the hotel. Rose is an excellent chef also.
Stephanie is Rose's daughter and is married to Bryce. The drought brings with it problems on the land as well as their relationship.
Faith Montgomery is a city girl. She lost her boyfriend as well as her job. her parents are on a European cruise , they loose their passports and when faith is asked to look for a copy of their passports . She finds something that leads her to Birralong and the Crossroads hotel.
The Author has described the life in the Outback with the problems of drought and how it effects the people and the strength of rural communities. A very heart warming story and I would recommend to read this book, as it was a very interesting and enjoyable Rural romance.
April 25, 2019
‘Rosie O’Shea dreams of seeing the world. But right now, the outback hotel she inherited from her husband is falling down around her ears, her bank account is empty and family duty means she’s staying put.
The only thing keeping Stephanie Bailey sane are the rides she takes on their sprawling property, even if the earth is red and barren as far as her eye can see. Drought has forced the sale of almost all their cattle and her husband is getting more and more distant. The last thing she needs is the complications her brother-in-law brings.
Sydney girl Faith Montgomery is single, out of work and at the age of 31 has just discovered she is adopted. Furious at being lied to for her entire life, she lands a job at the Crossroads Hotel so she can track down her biological mother without revealing who she is. When Cameron Bailey walks into the bar his curious blend of country charm and city savvy has her falling hard.
One family. Three women. Will the lies they tell and the secrets they hide lead to more heartache or will fate bring them together before it’s too late?’
I loved this book.
This book had a fantastic feel about it. The characters and storyline were real and relatable and it gave this book an authentic and warm feeling.
I am not usually a fan of having a story told from multiple point of view but it really worked for this story.
I loved the characters in this book. Three strong women with different outlooks and experiences made for some really interesting character developments. I loved getting to see how each of these women handled the various situations that were thrown at them.
Pamela Cook writing in this book is absolutely stunning. Her sweeping descriptions have a cinematic quality to them, and her characters emotions radiate off the page. I found myself so absorbed in this wonderful story that I forgot I wasnt actually living these experiences with the characters.
I am so glad I read this book and I will be re reading it many times in the future.
The Crossroads by Pamela Cook will take you on a sweeping, emotional journey and leave you completely and utterly satisfied.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
The only thing keeping Stephanie Bailey sane are the rides she takes on their sprawling property, even if the earth is red and barren as far as her eye can see. Drought has forced the sale of almost all their cattle and her husband is getting more and more distant. The last thing she needs is the complications her brother-in-law brings.
Sydney girl Faith Montgomery is single, out of work and at the age of 31 has just discovered she is adopted. Furious at being lied to for her entire life, she lands a job at the Crossroads Hotel so she can track down her biological mother without revealing who she is. When Cameron Bailey walks into the bar his curious blend of country charm and city savvy has her falling hard.
One family. Three women. Will the lies they tell and the secrets they hide lead to more heartache or will fate bring them together before it’s too late?’
I loved this book.
This book had a fantastic feel about it. The characters and storyline were real and relatable and it gave this book an authentic and warm feeling.
I am not usually a fan of having a story told from multiple point of view but it really worked for this story.
I loved the characters in this book. Three strong women with different outlooks and experiences made for some really interesting character developments. I loved getting to see how each of these women handled the various situations that were thrown at them.
Pamela Cook writing in this book is absolutely stunning. Her sweeping descriptions have a cinematic quality to them, and her characters emotions radiate off the page. I found myself so absorbed in this wonderful story that I forgot I wasnt actually living these experiences with the characters.
I am so glad I read this book and I will be re reading it many times in the future.
The Crossroads by Pamela Cook will take you on a sweeping, emotional journey and leave you completely and utterly satisfied.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
February 15, 2020
What can I say? This book is so full of new secrets... Its interesting how its written.
Each chapter focusing on three ladies: Rose, Stephanie and Faith.. Your journey will take you on a whirlwind adventure..
I recommend as it is brilliantly writted and has such a great flow from the beginning to the end.. It gets you hooked from the beginning..
Waiting for another book similar to this by Pamela Cook! Please if yoi see this Pamela can we have another book which is as brilliant as this.. Love your books! 10/10
Each chapter focusing on three ladies: Rose, Stephanie and Faith.. Your journey will take you on a whirlwind adventure..
I recommend as it is brilliantly writted and has such a great flow from the beginning to the end.. It gets you hooked from the beginning..
Waiting for another book similar to this by Pamela Cook! Please if yoi see this Pamela can we have another book which is as brilliant as this.. Love your books! 10/10
December 5, 2016
A charming read full of likeable characters depicted against a backdrop of sweeping, arid landscape that is both beautiful and harsh. The story held a couple of surprises with a finish that wrapt up each of the character's challenges in the story.
Review copy received from Hachette Australia via Netgalley
Review copy received from Hachette Australia via Netgalley
July 31, 2017
Initially I found this story a bit hard to get into, but once I worked out the relationship between the three main characters it was much easier to read. The story was predictable, but still enjoyable.
November 11, 2019
Another interesting book by Pamela.
July 14, 2022
A great read for all ages. I Thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crossroads and was taken away to my happy place, in the country. Pamela really has a talent for creating vivid likeable characters.
March 13, 2017
The story of three women whose lives cross paths in outback Australia. An evocatively written tale, focused on the female perspective.
I really enjoyed this story, particularly the way it dealt with adoption and the issues around that. The key relationship felt a little odd at the start - the heroine went from 'you are an annoying, self-important person' to 'oh my god, you are so amazing' too fast. And one of the HEA for two of the secondary characters was a bit forced. It seemed like the author decided that the HEA that it should have been was too obvious, so at the last minute, went elsewhere. However, this is a minor point in a good book.
I really enjoyed this story, particularly the way it dealt with adoption and the issues around that. The key relationship felt a little odd at the start - the heroine went from 'you are an annoying, self-important person' to 'oh my god, you are so amazing' too fast. And one of the HEA for two of the secondary characters was a bit forced. It seemed like the author decided that the HEA that it should have been was too obvious, so at the last minute, went elsewhere. However, this is a minor point in a good book.
December 28, 2016
Fabulous! Another great read by Pamela. Interesting characters, intriguing plot, laughs and tears, all set against the fabulous backdrop of rural Northern Queensland.
November 29, 2016
4/5 Stars!!
A heartfelt, emotional story of three women whose lives are intertwined in ways they didn't even know. This is a three hanky read that will have you feeling every emotion as you turn the pages of the fantastic story!
A heartfelt, emotional story of three women whose lives are intertwined in ways they didn't even know. This is a three hanky read that will have you feeling every emotion as you turn the pages of the fantastic story!
December 1, 2016
The Crossroads has a ton of heart. Its centered around 1 family. Each member has their own set of individual struggles, as well as struggles as couples and as members of a family. It was emotional.
****I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book *****
****I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book *****
January 4, 2017
Having lived a part of my childhood in Hughenden, I was convinced this story was based on this town. Glad to see the author confirm this at the end!
Very easy read with a good story. Enjoyed it a lot.
Very easy read with a good story. Enjoyed it a lot.
April 15, 2017
Absolutely lovely story! Great read! Loved it 😍
April 16, 2017
This is my favourite of Pamela Cook's books. A character driven study of a family keeping secrets, set against the backdrop of an outback town suffering through drought. The three point-of-view characters are well written and distinctive in voice. And Pamela Cook's descriptions had me totally immersed in the setting of the town.
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