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Dungirri #3.5
The North Wind
A Dungirri novella.
It's Christmas in the outback town of Dungirri, and Angie Butler has returned to her old home, perhaps for the last time. Her life is elsewhere, and the ties that have for decades bound her family to the struggling town and its old hotel may soon be broken.
But the arrival of two strangers in town – Owen Caldwell and his grandfather – along with the hot, dry north wind herald a time of challenge and unexpected change.
Owen has no idea why his grandfather has quietly insisted on this Christmas visit to Dungirri, a town he's never been to. But the old doctor has a final quest, and as long-held secrets come to light and Owen and Angie use their skills to assist those in need, they both must decide where they belong, and where their future is.
It's Christmas in the outback town of Dungirri, and Angie Butler has returned to her old home, perhaps for the last time. Her life is elsewhere, and the ties that have for decades bound her family to the struggling town and its old hotel may soon be broken.
But the arrival of two strangers in town – Owen Caldwell and his grandfather – along with the hot, dry north wind herald a time of challenge and unexpected change.
Owen has no idea why his grandfather has quietly insisted on this Christmas visit to Dungirri, a town he's never been to. But the old doctor has a final quest, and as long-held secrets come to light and Owen and Angie use their skills to assist those in need, they both must decide where they belong, and where their future is.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2016
11 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Parry
14 books188 followersInternational award-winning author Bronwyn Parry has previously written six romantic thrillers set in outback Australia, published by Hachette Australia. Her first novel won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award, and two of her books were finalists in RWA's RITA™ and Daphne du Maurier awards. She has also won the Australian Romance Readers award for Favourite Romantic Suspense three times.
With her latest book, The Clothier’s Daughter, Bronwyn turns her pen to another genre she loves, historical romance, and draws on her long interest in history and particularly textile and costume history to weave a story of intrigue, drama and passion.
When she’s not working at her keyboard, she enjoys researching and making historical clothing, and she's a skilled spinner, weaver, seamstress and knitter. The Clothier’s Daughter is in part inspired by her Honors thesis research on British worsted textiles.
Bronwyn lives in the New England tablelands of northern New South Wales, Australia, and loves to travel.
You can find out more about me and my books at my website, http://bronwynparry.com
With her latest book, The Clothier’s Daughter, Bronwyn turns her pen to another genre she loves, historical romance, and draws on her long interest in history and particularly textile and costume history to weave a story of intrigue, drama and passion.
When she’s not working at her keyboard, she enjoys researching and making historical clothing, and she's a skilled spinner, weaver, seamstress and knitter. The Clothier’s Daughter is in part inspired by her Honors thesis research on British worsted textiles.
Bronwyn lives in the New England tablelands of northern New South Wales, Australia, and loves to travel.
You can find out more about me and my books at my website, http://bronwynparry.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 17, 2016
As Owen Caldwell and his grandfather, ninety year old Bernard Chynoweth slowly drove into the small outback town of Dungirri in New South Wales, Owen was puzzled as to the reason for this trip right on Christmas. But he respected his grandfather’s wish for privacy and knew he would tell him in his own time, if he wanted to. The mystery deepened as they drove slowly past a lonely farmhouse on the outskirts of the town…
Angie Butler had left Dungirri ten years prior for work in the city – home for Christmas, she wondered if it would be the last time she’d be in Dungirri. Her father had passed away just months earlier and her mother was trying to sell the local pub. There would be nothing to hold them there soon. Dungirri had had a long run of bad luck – surely things would improve in the near future; a new year and new beginnings.
As Christmas descended on the town, so did the hot north wind – the townsfolk were nervous. And it seemed there were long held secrets as well. What would happen if and when they came to light?
The North Wind is a Dungirri series Christmas novella by Aussie author Bronwyn Parry and it was definitely up to her usual brilliant standard. A lighter mystery than her usual fare, all the same the suspense was there as well as her well-crafted characters. It was great to catch up with some of the characters from other books in the series, and I can’t wait for the next full length novel to arrive. Highly recommended.
Angie Butler had left Dungirri ten years prior for work in the city – home for Christmas, she wondered if it would be the last time she’d be in Dungirri. Her father had passed away just months earlier and her mother was trying to sell the local pub. There would be nothing to hold them there soon. Dungirri had had a long run of bad luck – surely things would improve in the near future; a new year and new beginnings.
As Christmas descended on the town, so did the hot north wind – the townsfolk were nervous. And it seemed there were long held secrets as well. What would happen if and when they came to light?
The North Wind is a Dungirri series Christmas novella by Aussie author Bronwyn Parry and it was definitely up to her usual brilliant standard. A lighter mystery than her usual fare, all the same the suspense was there as well as her well-crafted characters. It was great to catch up with some of the characters from other books in the series, and I can’t wait for the next full length novel to arrive. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2016
The North Wind allows the readers to bring all the Dungirri characters together for Christmas. North Wind discusses adoption and the consequences for the children. North Wind also explores the bubbling romance between roving Doctor Owen Caldwell and Angela Bulter. Also, North Wind shows the readers how small rural communities get together in a time of adversity. The readers will wonder why would old man Bernard Chynoweth want to come to Dungirri for Christmas and they will be surprised when the reasons are revealed. I recommend this book.
December 20, 2016
4.5 stars - loved it!
May 24, 2017
This was a great novella which had some great new characters as well as revisiting old ones.
December 28, 2016
Set in the small outback (fictional) Australian town of Dungirri, The North Wind is a heart-warming story of community, family, new beginnings and second chances.
Given I live in a similar place, this was a touching, easily relatable storyline, especially when it came to the medical issues / emergency services story thread woven throughout the book.
The North Wind is a quick, satisfying read for anyone who loves these elements.
Given I live in a similar place, this was a touching, easily relatable storyline, especially when it came to the medical issues / emergency services story thread woven throughout the book.
The North Wind is a quick, satisfying read for anyone who loves these elements.
September 25, 2017
You can find this review in English below.
Si hay algo que le puedo agradecer a la señora Parry es que me ha sacado de mi estupor. Ha conseguido que me hierva la sangre y que me ponga a escribir una reseña, cosas que no me pasaban desde hacía ya más tiempo del que quiero reconocer.
Va a ser muy corta, la reseña, pero creo que necesaria. Y el único fin de la misma es el de dar un nuevo punto de vista y/o aviso para los que se estén planteando la lectura de esta historia. Yo lo he echado de menos.
Estoy un poco cansada de que los autores tiren de "las costumbres de la época" para justificar los comportamientos inmorales de sus personajes. (Nótese, por favor, el uso de la palabra inmoral y no "legal" o "socialmente aceptado"). Porque, seamos serios, lo que era inmoral hace un siglo o dos sigue siéndolo hoy. Hace un siglo ciertos actos podrían ser "práctica común" y, lo que era peor, legales, pero no morales. Y menos aún si desafiaban algunos de los 10 Mandamientos (nada más ligado a la moralidad que la religión en esos días) así que, matar, robar, mentir y todos sus similares estaban mal antes y están mal ahora. Me puedes justificar que antes no se veía mal escupir en el autobús (o en el tren o carruaje, para ser más precisos), y ahora sí, o que antes no se veía mal fumar durante el embarazo (tampoco se sabía que era dañino) y ahora sí, o que antes no se veía mal casarse con un primo hermano (de hecho era práctica habitual, sobre todo en la monarquía)y ahora sí... yo todo esto lo asimilo, pero no me cuentes que, dadas las circunstancias, robar, matar, violar o maltratar era algo moral. No. Era algo aceptado y desafortunadamente habitual, pero todo el que no lo hacía era consciente de que hacerlo te convertía en un ser humano deplorable, mirase para donde mirasen los demás.
Bueno, pues después de esta parrafada, si puedes ver y entender mi punto de vista, esta historia no es para ti. Y te cuento porqué en el spoiler. Si no puedes ver ni entender el sermón que acabo de escribir, esta historia puede o no ser para ti, tendrás que comprobarlo por ti mismo, pero lo que sí te puedo decir es que esta reseña no te va a interesar ni te va a aportar nada positivo, así que olvídala y a otra cosa, mariposa.
Razón por la que no deberías leer esta historia:
En mi país, Sra. Parry, aún estamos lidiando con las desastrosas y dolorosas consecuencias de unos doctores y unas monjitas que decidieron hacer lo mismo que su personaje. Y es devastador.
Creo que no ha sido una idea muy acertada para una novela romántica. Hubiese sido mucho mejor dejar este tema tan espinoso para una tesis o ensayo abierto a discusión. Pero no para un romance y menos aún tratado con tanta ligereza.
***
If there is one thing I can thank Ms. Parry for is that she's got me out of my stupor. She made my blood boil and I started to write a review, both things that had not been doing lately, much to my dismay.
It's going to be a very short one, the review, but I think it's necessary. And the only purpose of it is to give a new point of view and/or some warning to those who are considering reading this story. I've missed it.
I'm a little tired of authors resorting to "the customs of the time" to justify the immoral behavior of their characters. (Please, note the use of the word immoral and not "legal" or "socially accepted"). Because, let's be serious, what was immoral a century or two ago is still today. A century ago certain acts could be "common practice" and, what was worse, legal, but not moral. And even less if they challenged some of the 10 Commandments (nothing more tied to morality than religion in those days) so kill, steal, lie and all their fellows were wrong before and are now. You can tell me that before it was not socially frowned upon to spit on the bus (or on the train or on carriage for that matter), and now it is, or that before it did not look bad smoking during pregnancy (it was also not known to be harmful) and now it is, or that before it did not look bad to marry a cousin (in fact it was usual practice, especially in the monarchy) and now it is... But do not tell me that, given the circumstances, stealing, killing, raping or mistreating somebody was something moral. No. It was something accepted and unfortunately common, but everyone who didn´t do it was aware that doing so would make you a deplorable human being, no matter what those who did it said.
Well, after this earful, if you can see and understand my point of view, this story is not for you. And I tell you why in the spoiler. If you can´t see or understand the sermon I just wrote, this story may or may not be for you, you'll have to check it for yourself, but what I can tell you is that this review will not interest you nor will bring you a positive thing, so forget about it.
Reason why you should not read this story:
In my country, Mrs. Parry, we are still dealing with the disastrous and painful consequences of some doctors and nuns who decided to do the same thing as your characters. And it is devastating.
I think this has not been a very good idea for a romantic novella. It would have been much better to leave this topic so delicate for a thesis or essay open to discussion. Or at least it could have been handled with more depth.
Si hay algo que le puedo agradecer a la señora Parry es que me ha sacado de mi estupor. Ha conseguido que me hierva la sangre y que me ponga a escribir una reseña, cosas que no me pasaban desde hacía ya más tiempo del que quiero reconocer.
Va a ser muy corta, la reseña, pero creo que necesaria. Y el único fin de la misma es el de dar un nuevo punto de vista y/o aviso para los que se estén planteando la lectura de esta historia. Yo lo he echado de menos.
Estoy un poco cansada de que los autores tiren de "las costumbres de la época" para justificar los comportamientos inmorales de sus personajes. (Nótese, por favor, el uso de la palabra inmoral y no "legal" o "socialmente aceptado"). Porque, seamos serios, lo que era inmoral hace un siglo o dos sigue siéndolo hoy. Hace un siglo ciertos actos podrían ser "práctica común" y, lo que era peor, legales, pero no morales. Y menos aún si desafiaban algunos de los 10 Mandamientos (nada más ligado a la moralidad que la religión en esos días) así que, matar, robar, mentir y todos sus similares estaban mal antes y están mal ahora. Me puedes justificar que antes no se veía mal escupir en el autobús (o en el tren o carruaje, para ser más precisos), y ahora sí, o que antes no se veía mal fumar durante el embarazo (tampoco se sabía que era dañino) y ahora sí, o que antes no se veía mal casarse con un primo hermano (de hecho era práctica habitual, sobre todo en la monarquía)y ahora sí... yo todo esto lo asimilo, pero no me cuentes que, dadas las circunstancias, robar, matar, violar o maltratar era algo moral. No. Era algo aceptado y desafortunadamente habitual, pero todo el que no lo hacía era consciente de que hacerlo te convertía en un ser humano deplorable, mirase para donde mirasen los demás.
Bueno, pues después de esta parrafada, si puedes ver y entender mi punto de vista, esta historia no es para ti. Y te cuento porqué en el spoiler. Si no puedes ver ni entender el sermón que acabo de escribir, esta historia puede o no ser para ti, tendrás que comprobarlo por ti mismo, pero lo que sí te puedo decir es que esta reseña no te va a interesar ni te va a aportar nada positivo, así que olvídala y a otra cosa, mariposa.
Razón por la que no deberías leer esta historia:
En mi país, Sra. Parry, aún estamos lidiando con las desastrosas y dolorosas consecuencias de unos doctores y unas monjitas que decidieron hacer lo mismo que su personaje. Y es devastador.
Creo que no ha sido una idea muy acertada para una novela romántica. Hubiese sido mucho mejor dejar este tema tan espinoso para una tesis o ensayo abierto a discusión. Pero no para un romance y menos aún tratado con tanta ligereza.
***
If there is one thing I can thank Ms. Parry for is that she's got me out of my stupor. She made my blood boil and I started to write a review, both things that had not been doing lately, much to my dismay.
It's going to be a very short one, the review, but I think it's necessary. And the only purpose of it is to give a new point of view and/or some warning to those who are considering reading this story. I've missed it.
I'm a little tired of authors resorting to "the customs of the time" to justify the immoral behavior of their characters. (Please, note the use of the word immoral and not "legal" or "socially accepted"). Because, let's be serious, what was immoral a century or two ago is still today. A century ago certain acts could be "common practice" and, what was worse, legal, but not moral. And even less if they challenged some of the 10 Commandments (nothing more tied to morality than religion in those days) so kill, steal, lie and all their fellows were wrong before and are now. You can tell me that before it was not socially frowned upon to spit on the bus (or on the train or on carriage for that matter), and now it is, or that before it did not look bad smoking during pregnancy (it was also not known to be harmful) and now it is, or that before it did not look bad to marry a cousin (in fact it was usual practice, especially in the monarchy) and now it is... But do not tell me that, given the circumstances, stealing, killing, raping or mistreating somebody was something moral. No. It was something accepted and unfortunately common, but everyone who didn´t do it was aware that doing so would make you a deplorable human being, no matter what those who did it said.
Well, after this earful, if you can see and understand my point of view, this story is not for you. And I tell you why in the spoiler. If you can´t see or understand the sermon I just wrote, this story may or may not be for you, you'll have to check it for yourself, but what I can tell you is that this review will not interest you nor will bring you a positive thing, so forget about it.
Reason why you should not read this story:
In my country, Mrs. Parry, we are still dealing with the disastrous and painful consequences of some doctors and nuns who decided to do the same thing as your characters. And it is devastating.
I think this has not been a very good idea for a romantic novella. It would have been much better to leave this topic so delicate for a thesis or essay open to discussion. Or at least it could have been handled with more depth.
December 28, 2016
MS Parry never fails to write a story that is fabulous in this Christmas novella we are back in the outback country town of Dungirri and the close knit people of the town are still getting over the problems they have had in the past but together these people stand and give what they can to help people always.
Dr Owen Caldwell is bringing his ninety year old grandfather Dr Bernard Chynoweth to a town neither have ever been to but Owen suspects that there is a definite mission on his grandfathers mind and it is going to take a bit to get it out of him. Bernard has a secret that must be told before the time comes for him to move on and that involves a long standing member of the Dungirri town.
Angie Butler is back home for Christmas staying with her Mum and happily hoping that her mother will finally sell the pub that has been in the family for many years but is now run by another local Gil. But when she meets a stranger in town who is very handsome the vibes and spark start Angie thinking and her world is about to change.
I loved being back in Dungirri back with "friends" and this time for Christmas although not an edge of your seat suspense this time there is a secret to uncover and emotions and feelings aplenty as we see a few changes and lots of smiles and tears as well. I read this one slowly so as I could savour every word so beautifully written it pulled me in from page one and had me smiling and sighing thank you MS Parry for another keeper and I do so hope there will be more stories from Dungirri. I highly recommend this one.
Dr Owen Caldwell is bringing his ninety year old grandfather Dr Bernard Chynoweth to a town neither have ever been to but Owen suspects that there is a definite mission on his grandfathers mind and it is going to take a bit to get it out of him. Bernard has a secret that must be told before the time comes for him to move on and that involves a long standing member of the Dungirri town.
Angie Butler is back home for Christmas staying with her Mum and happily hoping that her mother will finally sell the pub that has been in the family for many years but is now run by another local Gil. But when she meets a stranger in town who is very handsome the vibes and spark start Angie thinking and her world is about to change.
I loved being back in Dungirri back with "friends" and this time for Christmas although not an edge of your seat suspense this time there is a secret to uncover and emotions and feelings aplenty as we see a few changes and lots of smiles and tears as well. I read this one slowly so as I could savour every word so beautifully written it pulled me in from page one and had me smiling and sighing thank you MS Parry for another keeper and I do so hope there will be more stories from Dungirri. I highly recommend this one.
February 2, 2017
Loved it! What a perfect way to wrap up a the Dungirri novels - with all the characters we've loved coming together one last time. A joyful story that has the same page-turning qualities of a Bronwyn Parry novel.
Bronwyn's novels (the way she weaves her stories, the structure, and POV) have been an inspiration to me from the very first book and I was determined to, one day, be as good a writer and as prolific. Not sure I am there yet, but 4 books in, she is still influencing me.
Yes, it's short (119 pages) but the author packs a whole lot of plot in those pages. I cried! In a short story! That's how well Bronwyn develops her characters and makes us fall in love with them - warts and all. Maybe the Christmas theme contributed to the water works. (But don't wait until Christmas to read a Christmas novella.)
And just because it's a Dungirri novel does not mean you have to read the other books in the series first. While all set in the same town, the setting is the only links. The books are standalone romantic suspense novels that can be read in any order.
Bronwyn's novels (the way she weaves her stories, the structure, and POV) have been an inspiration to me from the very first book and I was determined to, one day, be as good a writer and as prolific. Not sure I am there yet, but 4 books in, she is still influencing me.
Yes, it's short (119 pages) but the author packs a whole lot of plot in those pages. I cried! In a short story! That's how well Bronwyn develops her characters and makes us fall in love with them - warts and all. Maybe the Christmas theme contributed to the water works. (But don't wait until Christmas to read a Christmas novella.)
And just because it's a Dungirri novel does not mean you have to read the other books in the series first. While all set in the same town, the setting is the only links. The books are standalone romantic suspense novels that can be read in any order.
September 23, 2018
A gorgeous Christmas novella set in the township of Dungirri with old familiar characters from Bronwyn's other books.
May 28, 2017
If you like your narratives with a bit more of oompf, then I highly encourage you to read Australian romantic Suspense author Bronwyn Parry.
The North Wind, Parry's second self published novella this year, is a Christmas novella full of heart, good cheer and a whole lot of community spirit and small town Christmas cheer. That said it is a Bronwyn Parry book, so readers can expect a good dash of mystery, intrigue and a hint of romance brewing within the hot wind wafting through it's pages/e-readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Dungirri, the fictional town of three of Parry's previous books - As Darkness Falls, Dark Country and Darkening Skies - are set. In fact reading The North Wind, felt like coming home, especially with the cameos from many of my favourite characters from previous books. I loved being able to witness how the town came together once more for those in need, and how they in turn celebrate Christmas in the Aussie bush way.
The characters and their predicaments were engaging, relatable and in all honesty, educating as well. Living in suburban areas, I don't have the limited access to medical facilities these guys face, nor have I truly comprehends the scale of their impact before. I clicked with our heroine, Angie Butler, straight away and could really identify with some of her problems (and her Mother's pushing for marriage and babies) and as for Owen, all I can say is where can I find my own Owen Caldwell? Owen's Grandfather was a touching addition to the story and I'm not ashamed to admit that his story and relationship with Owen had me tearing up at times.
The North Wind, is a quick and satisfying read that is sure to bring a smile to your face and wet your appetite for some more juicy romantic suspense books. I for one can not wait to read Bronwyn Parry's next book and truly hope there's another Dunigirri book on the horizon.
The North Wind, Parry's second self published novella this year, is a Christmas novella full of heart, good cheer and a whole lot of community spirit and small town Christmas cheer. That said it is a Bronwyn Parry book, so readers can expect a good dash of mystery, intrigue and a hint of romance brewing within the hot wind wafting through it's pages/e-readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Dungirri, the fictional town of three of Parry's previous books - As Darkness Falls, Dark Country and Darkening Skies - are set. In fact reading The North Wind, felt like coming home, especially with the cameos from many of my favourite characters from previous books. I loved being able to witness how the town came together once more for those in need, and how they in turn celebrate Christmas in the Aussie bush way.
The characters and their predicaments were engaging, relatable and in all honesty, educating as well. Living in suburban areas, I don't have the limited access to medical facilities these guys face, nor have I truly comprehends the scale of their impact before. I clicked with our heroine, Angie Butler, straight away and could really identify with some of her problems (and her Mother's pushing for marriage and babies) and as for Owen, all I can say is where can I find my own Owen Caldwell? Owen's Grandfather was a touching addition to the story and I'm not ashamed to admit that his story and relationship with Owen had me tearing up at times.
The North Wind, is a quick and satisfying read that is sure to bring a smile to your face and wet your appetite for some more juicy romantic suspense books. I for one can not wait to read Bronwyn Parry's next book and truly hope there's another Dunigirri book on the horizon.
April 26, 2020
A gorgeous Christmas novella set in the township of Dungirri with old familiar characters from Bronwyn's other books.
July 16, 2022
Love hers. Well done Bronwyn
November 22, 2022
Short and sweet feel good light read
January 9, 2017
What a great novella. I almost feel like I know these people after reading Bronwyns books. It's like visiting old friends. Nothing else to say other than another great story from one of Australia's best.
February 7, 2017
I like reading Bronwyn's books and this Christmas story was a delight to read even if it's a few days since Christmas now. Truly an Aussie Christmas in an outback town with characters we have met before making community fun and little dramas also.
December 24, 2016
A very interesting quick read. Vert enjoyable, I hope that there is more to come.
March 16, 2017
Review to follow but can't wait to read the rest
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews