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White Gum Creek
A rural romance with plenty of heart
Nick Langtree has lived reclusively on his farm, Winters Hill, ever since the tragic death of his wife. On the occasional trip into nearby White Gum Creek he keeps to himself and that's the way he likes it. And though over the last six years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he's pushed them all away.
Whenever Nick comes into the Gumnut Bakery, Natasha Duroz tries to engage him in conversation when she serves him. There's something about him that intrigues Tash, but she's not sure if it's because she feels sorry for him or there's something more.
At last encouraged by the warmth of a few old and new friends, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world. Then, suddenly some minor vandalism on his farm escalates and odd things begin to happen on Winters Hill. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind?
This entrancing novel is about overcoming heartache and loss through the power of friendship and love.
Nick Langtree has lived reclusively on his farm, Winters Hill, ever since the tragic death of his wife. On the occasional trip into nearby White Gum Creek he keeps to himself and that's the way he likes it. And though over the last six years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he's pushed them all away.
Whenever Nick comes into the Gumnut Bakery, Natasha Duroz tries to engage him in conversation when she serves him. There's something about him that intrigues Tash, but she's not sure if it's because she feels sorry for him or there's something more.
At last encouraged by the warmth of a few old and new friends, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world. Then, suddenly some minor vandalism on his farm escalates and odd things begin to happen on Winters Hill. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind?
This entrancing novel is about overcoming heartache and loss through the power of friendship and love.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 27, 2024
Nick Langtree is a character I warmed to straight away. He had lost his wife Sophie years ago in a horrific event. Nick has been the same since he lost his wife. He keeps busy with work on his farm at Winters Hill. But apart from working on the farm, Nick keeps to himself and has very little to do with most people.
Tash and her brother Alex took over Gumnut Bakery in White Gum Creek. Tash was determined to keep the bakery alive and make it a profitable business again. In her grandmother's day, the bakery did a good trade, but over the years several of the local farmers had gone broke and many young had moved to bigger towns.
Tash couldn’t help but feel sorry for Nick after he’d lost his wife she certainly had seen a huge difference in him which was understandable. Tash hoped that Nick could start living his life again and she hoped in time a little of the old Nick would return. Can time help heal Nick or would he continue to live like a hermit?
White Gum Creek is a delightful heartwarming story with characters you can relate to. And I liked the names of some of the places in this book like Magpie Lane and Gumnut Baker. An enjoyable read and one that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Tash and her brother Alex took over Gumnut Bakery in White Gum Creek. Tash was determined to keep the bakery alive and make it a profitable business again. In her grandmother's day, the bakery did a good trade, but over the years several of the local farmers had gone broke and many young had moved to bigger towns.
Tash couldn’t help but feel sorry for Nick after he’d lost his wife she certainly had seen a huge difference in him which was understandable. Tash hoped that Nick could start living his life again and she hoped in time a little of the old Nick would return. Can time help heal Nick or would he continue to live like a hermit?
White Gum Creek is a delightful heartwarming story with characters you can relate to. And I liked the names of some of the places in this book like Magpie Lane and Gumnut Baker. An enjoyable read and one that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 2, 2020
White Gum Creek is about how Nick Longtree after suffering a significant loss was able to be healed by friendship and love. After the death of his wife, Sophie, Nick Longtree becomes a recluse on his farm called Winters Hill. Nick Longtree's friends Matt Harvey, his sister Jules and Natasha Duroz had other plans for him, and he started to adventure away from his farm. However, strange things were happening around the farm that could destroy all Matt, Jules and Natasha's hard work. The readers of White Gum Creek will see if the friendship between Natasha Duroz and Nick Longtree will blossom into love.
I enjoy reading Nicole Hurley-Moore books she brings out the problems and beauty of rural life for me through the way she describes her settings and plots. White Gum Creek did not disappoint me, in the way Nicole Hurley-Moore wrote her plot ensure that I engaged with the characters and I felt the sadness and the pain of that main character of this book. I love the way, Nicole Hurley-Moore incorporated the animals into the plot and the way they entwined with the characters.
The readers of White Gum Creek will learn about grief and how it can affect people in different ways. Also, the readers of White Gum Creek will see the work and dedications that owners of a small rural bakery.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading Nicole Hurley-Moore books she brings out the problems and beauty of rural life for me through the way she describes her settings and plots. White Gum Creek did not disappoint me, in the way Nicole Hurley-Moore wrote her plot ensure that I engaged with the characters and I felt the sadness and the pain of that main character of this book. I love the way, Nicole Hurley-Moore incorporated the animals into the plot and the way they entwined with the characters.
The readers of White Gum Creek will learn about grief and how it can affect people in different ways. Also, the readers of White Gum Creek will see the work and dedications that owners of a small rural bakery.
I recommend this book.
October 28, 2018
This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.
Australian rural fiction is fast becoming my new favourite genre. The mystery, the romance, the setting... ahhh. I particularly liked the mystery element to this novel and it made up for the fact I found the romance to be a bit off.
Nick is a beautiful character. He has been through the most awful event you could imagine and he deals with it (or doesn't deal with it) by hiding himself away from the world. It is enchanting to see how he come out of his shell and makes the decision to live again.
Now onto the romance. I just wasn't feeling it. Personally, it felt clunky and predictable, but at the same time rushed. Nick and Tash had hardly interact together in the first half of the book, and spend that time with other people, so it was hard to feel invested in them as a couple. I understand what the author was attempting to do but I feel that there needed to be more interaction between these central characters to make the love believable.
Australian rural fiction is fast becoming my new favourite genre. The mystery, the romance, the setting... ahhh. I particularly liked the mystery element to this novel and it made up for the fact I found the romance to be a bit off.
Nick is a beautiful character. He has been through the most awful event you could imagine and he deals with it (or doesn't deal with it) by hiding himself away from the world. It is enchanting to see how he come out of his shell and makes the decision to live again.
Now onto the romance. I just wasn't feeling it. Personally, it felt clunky and predictable, but at the same time rushed. Nick and Tash had hardly interact together in the first half of the book, and spend that time with other people, so it was hard to feel invested in them as a couple. I understand what the author was attempting to do but I feel that there needed to be more interaction between these central characters to make the love believable.
March 19, 2018
Nick Langtree is consumed by grief & has locked himself away from the world. Dealing with depression, loss, forgiveness, and love, White Gum Creek is a rich and rewarding rural romance read that traces his journey back to living. #280CharacterReview #AusRomToday
June 24, 2018
I loved this book. The characters in this series are all so heart warming and lovely, i hope in future there are more books created in this small rural town. As much as i loved both Bec and Matt from Country Roads, i had hoped reading it that we would get to hear Nick's story so i was stoked to see that come alive.
I felt Nick's heartache and isolation in each chapter, and felt it was written perfectly to capture how some people withdraw from family and friends when faced with unimaginable grief. The twists in this book kept it interesting to the very end and although i'd sussed out the culprit i was intrigued as to read how things would unfold. I really loved this book and will no doubt read it again. Please write some more books, i can't get enough of these characters and those from Hartley's Grange and McKellan's Run!
I felt Nick's heartache and isolation in each chapter, and felt it was written perfectly to capture how some people withdraw from family and friends when faced with unimaginable grief. The twists in this book kept it interesting to the very end and although i'd sussed out the culprit i was intrigued as to read how things would unfold. I really loved this book and will no doubt read it again. Please write some more books, i can't get enough of these characters and those from Hartley's Grange and McKellan's Run!
February 18, 2019
Well written with warm, believable country characters and kept me reading to the end. I liked the touch of suspense.
March 31, 2018
This was a beautiful written story by Nicole Hurley- Moore. It is about Nick Langtree who wife died six years earlier in fire that was set by arsonist who was caught and sent jail for the fire and murder of Nick's wife Sophie was pregnant with his baby when she died.
Nick had became a recluse over the last six years and was slowly again getting back out in to the public venture into town visiting the local bakery run by Tash Duroz, making friends with Matt who also went through a similar situation where his fiancee died in a car accident and also having to deal with the pain of loss of his wife.
Tash a has feelings for him but never acts on them she happy to see him out again and talking to her. Tash runs the bakery in town with her brother Alex and together they have built up to a profitable business. Tash was one of Sophie's friends aswell growing up. Her friends Bec and Sally are always there for her offering support to their friend.
Nick also has to deal with the Graffiti on the shed, Sophie friend Viviane blaming him for her death and things appearing of his dead wife he slowly realizes that someone is trying to make him think he is going crazy.
Nick begins to try move on by going out with Matt sister Jules but she soon realizes that she is not the one for him and tells him. Tash also goes out with Gilbert Sinclair who runs a restaurant in Bengio but there is feeling for him she still longs for Nick.
Eventually it is Tash who takes matter in her hands and tells him of her feelings for him so they take slow.
We discover who is threatening Nick's chances at moving on and finding love again and it's a person we least expect but I wont give it away you need to read it for yourself to understand the story line in the book.
I loved Nicole Hurley Moore's book and will be reading more of hers books.
Nick had became a recluse over the last six years and was slowly again getting back out in to the public venture into town visiting the local bakery run by Tash Duroz, making friends with Matt who also went through a similar situation where his fiancee died in a car accident and also having to deal with the pain of loss of his wife.
Tash a has feelings for him but never acts on them she happy to see him out again and talking to her. Tash runs the bakery in town with her brother Alex and together they have built up to a profitable business. Tash was one of Sophie's friends aswell growing up. Her friends Bec and Sally are always there for her offering support to their friend.
Nick also has to deal with the Graffiti on the shed, Sophie friend Viviane blaming him for her death and things appearing of his dead wife he slowly realizes that someone is trying to make him think he is going crazy.
Nick begins to try move on by going out with Matt sister Jules but she soon realizes that she is not the one for him and tells him. Tash also goes out with Gilbert Sinclair who runs a restaurant in Bengio but there is feeling for him she still longs for Nick.
Eventually it is Tash who takes matter in her hands and tells him of her feelings for him so they take slow.
We discover who is threatening Nick's chances at moving on and finding love again and it's a person we least expect but I wont give it away you need to read it for yourself to understand the story line in the book.
I loved Nicole Hurley Moore's book and will be reading more of hers books.
February 23, 2018
Won a copy of this book in a giveaway by Australian Rural Romance on its facebook page with Author Nicole Hurley - Moore.
Loved my visit to White Gum Creek.
Nick Langtree has shut himself from the outside world after a tragic accident on his farm , Winter's hill, six year's back. On his occasional visit to nearby Gumnut Creek, the only limited conversation that he has is with Natasha Duroz of Gumnut Bakery.
With the help of some new and old friends, Nick gradually gets back to engaging with the outside world. We get to see that he meets up with friends which makes him happier and his confidence is boosted. But Nick always has the feeling that he's being watched constantly. A couple of incidents at Winter's Hill makes Nick wonder who would want to cause him harm. Well I had to keep guessing as everyone wants to help Nick deal with his depression and will never suspect anything major was going to happen.
Was happy to read that Rebecca and Matt from Country Roads was ready to take the next step in their relationship. Love small town stories and romances.
An enrapturing story of how grief can change lives for a life of better hope, trust and a second chance at love with the bondage of friends , family and the ability to understand and forgive. Looking forward to reading my books by Author Nicole Hurley- Moore.
Loved my visit to White Gum Creek.
Nick Langtree has shut himself from the outside world after a tragic accident on his farm , Winter's hill, six year's back. On his occasional visit to nearby Gumnut Creek, the only limited conversation that he has is with Natasha Duroz of Gumnut Bakery.
With the help of some new and old friends, Nick gradually gets back to engaging with the outside world. We get to see that he meets up with friends which makes him happier and his confidence is boosted. But Nick always has the feeling that he's being watched constantly. A couple of incidents at Winter's Hill makes Nick wonder who would want to cause him harm. Well I had to keep guessing as everyone wants to help Nick deal with his depression and will never suspect anything major was going to happen.
Was happy to read that Rebecca and Matt from Country Roads was ready to take the next step in their relationship. Love small town stories and romances.
An enrapturing story of how grief can change lives for a life of better hope, trust and a second chance at love with the bondage of friends , family and the ability to understand and forgive. Looking forward to reading my books by Author Nicole Hurley- Moore.
March 4, 2019
Another great book set in this wonderful little Aussie town! I loved seeing the return of all these characters and I was so happy Tash finally got her man!
My main issue with this book is that it spent more time on Nick and Jules relationship than it did with Nick and Tash's relationship, despite them being the main couple. It wasn't even made clear what the problem was with Nick and Jules relationship it just kind of ended then like 30 seconds later he was with Tash.
I also liked the added drama of him being harassed and the reveal of who the harasser was.
All in all a good quick read, love the return of these characters and community.
My main issue with this book is that it spent more time on Nick and Jules relationship than it did with Nick and Tash's relationship, despite them being the main couple. It wasn't even made clear what the problem was with Nick and Jules relationship it just kind of ended then like 30 seconds later he was with Tash.
I also liked the added drama of him being harassed and the reveal of who the harasser was.
All in all a good quick read, love the return of these characters and community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
Look, in all honesty I'm finding Nicole Hurley-Moore a bit hit and miss. McKellan's Run was ok, but then I enjoyed Hartley's Grange, so I figured I'd give White Gum Creek a go.
Unfortunately, I have to accept this isn't the book (or perhaps) the author for me. I found the story a bit repetitive, and found the timeline jumped all over the place. There was nothing about Tash or Nick that endeared them to me and had me invested in their storyline.
I wanted to like this, but it just wasn't for me (which sucks).
Unfortunately, I have to accept this isn't the book (or perhaps) the author for me. I found the story a bit repetitive, and found the timeline jumped all over the place. There was nothing about Tash or Nick that endeared them to me and had me invested in their storyline.
I wanted to like this, but it just wasn't for me (which sucks).
May 16, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It's an interesting read with a rambling plot and a neat twist. The hero is a recluse for good reason, and his journey towards re-integrating to society are fascinating. The heroine is a strong business owner with lots of drive, and she's very likable.
The foreshadowing of the mystery is well done, and all up, would be a good gateway to romance book for someone who likes cozy mysteries.
The foreshadowing of the mystery is well done, and all up, would be a good gateway to romance book for someone who likes cozy mysteries.
July 1, 2018
Reclusive Nick lives on his farm that he worked hard to attain, even after the death of his wife in a fire that's left him scarred. As he starts to let in the light from the outside world, including beautiful Tash Duroz, weird events start to occur that could potentially cause Nick to retreat again. Heartache, loss and the bonds of friendship flourish at White Gum Creek.
April 27, 2019
An easy to read page turner which creates warmth and a positive feel. Extra star as the author lives in central Victoria and really enjoyed the local rural and regional location/s. A good read for someone needing a simply written, cheering read with a touch of mystery and sweet romance. Women in the book are pleasingly independent and create their own lives by making things happen.
March 19, 2018
This was another great read by Nicole Hurley-Moore. I really enjoyed this book and loved the storyline. This book has just reminded me that we are so lucky to have so many fabulous Australian authors!
June 22, 2018
A great rural romance with a lovely storyline based in the local town. I would love a sequel to the story to see where it leads with Nick & Tash, and to include Tash’s bakery more.
An enjoyable read in which I will be recommending to friends.
An enjoyable read in which I will be recommending to friends.
April 14, 2023
this book was really weird, i was not a fan of the authors writing style and i hated nick. i hated that after talking about and reminiscing on his wife that DIED he was then able to kiss another girl like what. wouldn't recommend i just wanted to give an australian author a go.
September 5, 2024
This was quite a story on how grief can cause you to react in a violent way. The characters were quite loveable.
The only reason this wasn't 5 🌟 was because I had an issue with hiw the main make character flipped between two women so quickly.
The only reason this wasn't 5 🌟 was because I had an issue with hiw the main make character flipped between two women so quickly.
January 7, 2026
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book! The characters and all how it played out. However, a few things kept being said over and over again. I’m like you just said that. But other than that it was great.
August 25, 2019
A very agreeable rural romance - but too much of it was focused on a relationship that obviously wasn't going to work since it didn't involve the two main characters.
September 9, 2019
Thoroughly readable.
January 15, 2020
The beginning had me hooked. It was heartbreakingly sad. Another lovely rural Australian romance.
April 27, 2021
First time reading this author and I absolutely loved it.
October 8, 2024
Easy read which i did in half a day, it was an interesting story with a few twists which was great. Small towns family, friends and community always makes for a good read
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February 18, 2018Review copy received from Allen & Unwin Australia
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews