What do you think?
Rate this book
Lawson's Bend
In the hot summer of 2008, a tragic accident at the lake on the outskirts of Lawson's Bend forever scars the townsfolk. At an end-of-year celebratory campout, several students from the local high school drown and Henrietta Bolton loses her best friend, Georgie, to the murky waters. Unable to accept this as an accident, Henny runs from the small country town vowing never to come back.
Stephen Drake has never left. Instead, he's tried to settle down, working with his dad on their small farm. Stephen had dreams of a different life but after the night at the lake, nothing seemed important anymore.
Years later, Henny is forced to return to Lawson's Bend when her beloved mother dies. Henny's plan is to finalise her mother's estate, sell the house and get the hell out of town as quickly as possible. But there is Stephen...
Ever since they were kids Stephen has had a soft spot for Henny and it was he who saved her life that night amid the panic. Yet he never had the courage to tell her just how he felt. But now she's back in town, Stephen wonders if he has a second chance.
Stephen Drake has never left. Instead, he's tried to settle down, working with his dad on their small farm. Stephen had dreams of a different life but after the night at the lake, nothing seemed important anymore.
Years later, Henny is forced to return to Lawson's Bend when her beloved mother dies. Henny's plan is to finalise her mother's estate, sell the house and get the hell out of town as quickly as possible. But there is Stephen...
Ever since they were kids Stephen has had a soft spot for Henny and it was he who saved her life that night amid the panic. Yet he never had the courage to tell her just how he felt. But now she's back in town, Stephen wonders if he has a second chance.
321 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2019
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 27, 2019
Henny Bolton hadn’t been back to Lawson’s Bend since the terrible accident ten years prior, but now that her mother had died, she needed to return to sort everything out with the house. She wasn’t going to stay, but gradually the town and its people found their way into her heart once again. The memorial for the ten-year anniversary, which was held not long after Henny’s mother’s funeral was hard; seeing her friends there – and knowing of the ones who were missing – was even harder.
Stephen Drake had remained in Lawson’s Bend to help his father on their property. He had always liked Henny and was happy to see her again, fully realising she would probably leave town once her mother’s estate was settled. But when Henny started asking questions about the long-ago accident, plus recent events, Stephen was concerned she was hurting some families by bring the past back. But it was when strange things began happening to Henny that she wondered if perhaps someone was worried…
Lawson’s Bend by Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore is a poignant novel set near Bendigo in Victoria, which ripples with suspense. I love the way the author set the scene, with that day in February 2008 told sparingly in various voices throughout the novel. Henny’s narration was excellently done; she was a strong character who stood up for herself and gradually allowed her aunt and friends back into her heart after the tragedy. A thoroughly enjoyable romantic suspense novel, Lawson’s Bend is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Stephen Drake had remained in Lawson’s Bend to help his father on their property. He had always liked Henny and was happy to see her again, fully realising she would probably leave town once her mother’s estate was settled. But when Henny started asking questions about the long-ago accident, plus recent events, Stephen was concerned she was hurting some families by bring the past back. But it was when strange things began happening to Henny that she wondered if perhaps someone was worried…
Lawson’s Bend by Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore is a poignant novel set near Bendigo in Victoria, which ripples with suspense. I love the way the author set the scene, with that day in February 2008 told sparingly in various voices throughout the novel. Henny’s narration was excellently done; she was a strong character who stood up for herself and gradually allowed her aunt and friends back into her heart after the tragedy. A thoroughly enjoyable romantic suspense novel, Lawson’s Bend is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Lawson's Bend by Nicole Hurley-Moore. (2019).
In 2008, Henny lost her best friend on what should have been a celebration night and she still struggles with the grief despite never returning to her hometown. Stephen never left, he once had ambitions but after that tragic night stayed close to his family.
Henny is forced to return when her mother dies suddenly in an accident. But was it really an accident? Her plan was to leave town as quickly as possible, but then there is Stephen...
I love discovering talented Australian authors that I've never read before! This is what I would describe as a suspense romance novel, being heavier on the suspense. While I really enjoyed the current timeline, the story of what happened in 2008 was truly tragic and honestly moved me imagining it happening. The night in 2008 is fed to the readers in small parts over the course of the book from different character's point of views; this was a great technique that really worked in this novel. In the current timeline the story moves between Henny and Stephen's point of views; both being extremely likeable people. Henny is a strong intelligent woman who has had more than her fair share of grief. Stephen is a genuinely nice guy who has held a torch for Henny despite not seeing her for 10 years. The narrative is well written and very absorbing. Highly recommend this book!
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Lawson's Bend by Nicole Hurley-Moore. (2019).
In 2008, Henny lost her best friend on what should have been a celebration night and she still struggles with the grief despite never returning to her hometown. Stephen never left, he once had ambitions but after that tragic night stayed close to his family.
Henny is forced to return when her mother dies suddenly in an accident. But was it really an accident? Her plan was to leave town as quickly as possible, but then there is Stephen...
I love discovering talented Australian authors that I've never read before! This is what I would describe as a suspense romance novel, being heavier on the suspense. While I really enjoyed the current timeline, the story of what happened in 2008 was truly tragic and honestly moved me imagining it happening. The night in 2008 is fed to the readers in small parts over the course of the book from different character's point of views; this was a great technique that really worked in this novel. In the current timeline the story moves between Henny and Stephen's point of views; both being extremely likeable people. Henny is a strong intelligent woman who has had more than her fair share of grief. Stephen is a genuinely nice guy who has held a torch for Henny despite not seeing her for 10 years. The narrative is well written and very absorbing. Highly recommend this book!
March 1, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
‘It was a pretty place, nestled between rolling hills, long paddocks and vineyards, but to Henny, once you looked past the aesthetics there was a feeling of perpetual loss hanging over it like a great dark cloud.’
Nicole Hurley-Moore has well and truly settled herself into my list of go-to Australian rural fiction authors. With each new release, Nicole Hurley-Moore seems to be going from strength to strength, honing in on her excellent penmanship and producing a novel the tops her previous one. Lawson’s Bend is her latest and greatest creation. It is a novel that ricochets with suspense, mystery and intrigue. I loved it!
Meet Henny Bolton, the narrator of Nicole Hurley-Moore’s fifth rural fiction release. Back in 2008, Henny received a devastating blow. Henny lost her best friend unexpectedly and in a tragic set of circumstances. We learn that Henny has been unable to shift her grief since she lost her friend. Lawson’s Bend, Henny’s home and the place that defines her grief, is also where Stephen Drake resides. Stephen has remained loyal to Lawson’s Bend, choosing to stay put and support his family in light of the tragic loss that has defined this region. However, things come to head for Henny when she loses her mother. Her death is explained as a sudden accident, which took place near an old quarry, but Henny has her doubts. It also forces Henny to return to the place that has delivered so much emotional anguish over the years. Henny cannot ignore her suspicions and she returns to Lawson’s Bend on a mission to uncover what really happened to both her mother and her best friend, roping Stephen Drake in for the duration. Lawson’s Bend is a book about reconnecting with your roots, overcoming pain, seeking retribution and making plans for the future.
I always feel excited going into a brand new rural fiction novel, it is a little like making the move from the city to the country – but without the actual hassle! In reading Lawson’s Bend, I made the move from coastal city based Perth, to rural Victoria and the fictional town depicted in Nicole Hurley-Moore’s absorbing new novel.
Just like entering a new town after a move, it was great to be acquainted with two highly appealing leads. Henny is a character that I was immediately able to relate, sympathise and connect to. Henny’s predicament, both in the past and the present day, is incredibly sad. She has suffered a great deal of emotional anguish and we learn she has not dealt with the grief over losing her best friend, which occurred some years ago now. This emotional pain has wrenched her from her home town and she has been unable to reconnect with Lawson’s Bend since this shock loss. Another blow, in the form of her mother’s death, in accidental circumstances, sends Henny spiralling into both grief and anger. Henny wants answers, which is perfectly understandable. I felt the moments where Nicole Hurley-Moore had to embody Henny’s thoughts and feelings were the places where she shows her strength as a writer.
Grief is a major theme of this novel, it underpins much of the central direction of the story. This theme is handled expertly and in a perceptive tone by Nicole Hurley-Moore. I felt like Nicole Hurley-Moore was able to encapsulate the immense feelings experienced by Henny, in the wake of the loss of her mother, whilst she was still trying to find a way to move on from her best friend’s death.
‘Turning off the ignition, she sat back in her seat and tried to work up the courage to get out. She half expected to see her mother walk out of the blue door, lean on the verandah rail and wave to her, just like she’d done every afternoon of Henny’s childhood. But that wasn’t going to happen – it was never going to happen again. That damn lump in her throat started to form and Henny made herself swallow hard in an attempt to keep it at bay.’
Stephen, the male lead of Lawson’s Bend, is such a genuine man and a true Mr Nice Guy, who seems just right for Henny – if only she would let him in. He is loyal, perceptive and supportive. I enjoyed uncovering his own back story and I appreciated his interactions with Henny. I lapped up the dialogue and interactions in Lawson’s Bend, they were superbly presented by Nicole Hurley-Moore. The supporting cast also compliment the storyline and a result, we get lots of interesting interludes. Nicole Hurley-Moore also does an excellent job of portraying the small town connected living and consciousness exuded by the population of Lawson’s Bend. This was another favoured aspect of my response to this novel.
I was actually very fortunate to have met the author of Lawson’s Bend, Nicole Hurley Moore, at the West Coast Fiction Festival late last year. One of the things we chatted about was Lawson’s Bend and the level of suspense that underlines this new novel, it is much more concentrated than previous novels from Moore. I do hope this is just the start of more books to feature romantic suspense from Nicole Hurley-Moore. I felt she got the tone and intrigue level just right. I was enthralled and puzzled from the first, to the last page, which is always a good sign. I think readers will respond to the suspense moments in the Lawson’s Bend with open arms. I loved how the storyline in this area was almost gritty and meaty, while at the same time highlighting some serious issues at stake in small rural locales. I had my suspicions, but the big showdown at the end is a real treat for readers!
I am yet to mention the romance factor, but I found this part of the novel to be just to my taste. The romance the follows Henny and Stephen is more of a second chance, old friends to lovers style love story. The relationship is more about taking steps to embrace love and trust. This is my favourite style of romance and it worked within the context of the main events of Lawson’s Bend. It did leave me with a lovely warm feeling of hope by the time I finished the last sentence.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has once again proved to me that she is a trusted figure in the world of Australian rural fiction. Lawson’s Bend delivers on all fronts, providing readers with the ideal mix of small town intricacies, mystery and a hearty romance. I am hoping we can expect plenty more to come from one of my favourite Australian rural fiction novelists, Nicole Hurley-Moore.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Lawson’s Bend is book #24 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
‘It was a pretty place, nestled between rolling hills, long paddocks and vineyards, but to Henny, once you looked past the aesthetics there was a feeling of perpetual loss hanging over it like a great dark cloud.’
Nicole Hurley-Moore has well and truly settled herself into my list of go-to Australian rural fiction authors. With each new release, Nicole Hurley-Moore seems to be going from strength to strength, honing in on her excellent penmanship and producing a novel the tops her previous one. Lawson’s Bend is her latest and greatest creation. It is a novel that ricochets with suspense, mystery and intrigue. I loved it!
Meet Henny Bolton, the narrator of Nicole Hurley-Moore’s fifth rural fiction release. Back in 2008, Henny received a devastating blow. Henny lost her best friend unexpectedly and in a tragic set of circumstances. We learn that Henny has been unable to shift her grief since she lost her friend. Lawson’s Bend, Henny’s home and the place that defines her grief, is also where Stephen Drake resides. Stephen has remained loyal to Lawson’s Bend, choosing to stay put and support his family in light of the tragic loss that has defined this region. However, things come to head for Henny when she loses her mother. Her death is explained as a sudden accident, which took place near an old quarry, but Henny has her doubts. It also forces Henny to return to the place that has delivered so much emotional anguish over the years. Henny cannot ignore her suspicions and she returns to Lawson’s Bend on a mission to uncover what really happened to both her mother and her best friend, roping Stephen Drake in for the duration. Lawson’s Bend is a book about reconnecting with your roots, overcoming pain, seeking retribution and making plans for the future.
I always feel excited going into a brand new rural fiction novel, it is a little like making the move from the city to the country – but without the actual hassle! In reading Lawson’s Bend, I made the move from coastal city based Perth, to rural Victoria and the fictional town depicted in Nicole Hurley-Moore’s absorbing new novel.
Just like entering a new town after a move, it was great to be acquainted with two highly appealing leads. Henny is a character that I was immediately able to relate, sympathise and connect to. Henny’s predicament, both in the past and the present day, is incredibly sad. She has suffered a great deal of emotional anguish and we learn she has not dealt with the grief over losing her best friend, which occurred some years ago now. This emotional pain has wrenched her from her home town and she has been unable to reconnect with Lawson’s Bend since this shock loss. Another blow, in the form of her mother’s death, in accidental circumstances, sends Henny spiralling into both grief and anger. Henny wants answers, which is perfectly understandable. I felt the moments where Nicole Hurley-Moore had to embody Henny’s thoughts and feelings were the places where she shows her strength as a writer.
Grief is a major theme of this novel, it underpins much of the central direction of the story. This theme is handled expertly and in a perceptive tone by Nicole Hurley-Moore. I felt like Nicole Hurley-Moore was able to encapsulate the immense feelings experienced by Henny, in the wake of the loss of her mother, whilst she was still trying to find a way to move on from her best friend’s death.
‘Turning off the ignition, she sat back in her seat and tried to work up the courage to get out. She half expected to see her mother walk out of the blue door, lean on the verandah rail and wave to her, just like she’d done every afternoon of Henny’s childhood. But that wasn’t going to happen – it was never going to happen again. That damn lump in her throat started to form and Henny made herself swallow hard in an attempt to keep it at bay.’
Stephen, the male lead of Lawson’s Bend, is such a genuine man and a true Mr Nice Guy, who seems just right for Henny – if only she would let him in. He is loyal, perceptive and supportive. I enjoyed uncovering his own back story and I appreciated his interactions with Henny. I lapped up the dialogue and interactions in Lawson’s Bend, they were superbly presented by Nicole Hurley-Moore. The supporting cast also compliment the storyline and a result, we get lots of interesting interludes. Nicole Hurley-Moore also does an excellent job of portraying the small town connected living and consciousness exuded by the population of Lawson’s Bend. This was another favoured aspect of my response to this novel.
I was actually very fortunate to have met the author of Lawson’s Bend, Nicole Hurley Moore, at the West Coast Fiction Festival late last year. One of the things we chatted about was Lawson’s Bend and the level of suspense that underlines this new novel, it is much more concentrated than previous novels from Moore. I do hope this is just the start of more books to feature romantic suspense from Nicole Hurley-Moore. I felt she got the tone and intrigue level just right. I was enthralled and puzzled from the first, to the last page, which is always a good sign. I think readers will respond to the suspense moments in the Lawson’s Bend with open arms. I loved how the storyline in this area was almost gritty and meaty, while at the same time highlighting some serious issues at stake in small rural locales. I had my suspicions, but the big showdown at the end is a real treat for readers!
I am yet to mention the romance factor, but I found this part of the novel to be just to my taste. The romance the follows Henny and Stephen is more of a second chance, old friends to lovers style love story. The relationship is more about taking steps to embrace love and trust. This is my favourite style of romance and it worked within the context of the main events of Lawson’s Bend. It did leave me with a lovely warm feeling of hope by the time I finished the last sentence.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has once again proved to me that she is a trusted figure in the world of Australian rural fiction. Lawson’s Bend delivers on all fronts, providing readers with the ideal mix of small town intricacies, mystery and a hearty romance. I am hoping we can expect plenty more to come from one of my favourite Australian rural fiction novelists, Nicole Hurley-Moore.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Lawson’s Bend is book #24 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 28, 2020
I do enjoy a small town romance with a bit of suspense thrown in and when there is a terrible accident in a the hot summer of 2008 Lawson’s Bend changes forever, some move away like Henrietta Bolton who lost her best friend in the accident and some stay like Stephen Drake, but there is a lot to uncover about this accident and years later it is time to find out the truth.
Henny Bolton had moved away from Lawson’ Bend but her Mum stayed and they were really close but Henny never visited but when her mother dies in an accident she is forced to return to the place that had left her broken hearted. She is planning on tidying up her mother’s estate and then move on but an old school friend Stephen Drake steps in and offers to help with a lot of things and Henny is starting to feel at home again.
Stephen is saddened by the death of Henny’s mother and when she returns home he is there to offer help in any way he can, he has always had feelings for Henny since they were in school and maybe now is the time for him to step up set things straight.
MS Hurley-Moore has written a story with fabulous characters, they are easy to make friends with and she has entwined a beautiful love story with suspense and shown how a small town can pull together after a tragedy and be there for each other, there is danger around corners but the spark of new love in the air as well. I loved this one and can highly recommend it, thank you MS Hurley-Moore.
Henny Bolton had moved away from Lawson’ Bend but her Mum stayed and they were really close but Henny never visited but when her mother dies in an accident she is forced to return to the place that had left her broken hearted. She is planning on tidying up her mother’s estate and then move on but an old school friend Stephen Drake steps in and offers to help with a lot of things and Henny is starting to feel at home again.
Stephen is saddened by the death of Henny’s mother and when she returns home he is there to offer help in any way he can, he has always had feelings for Henny since they were in school and maybe now is the time for him to step up set things straight.
MS Hurley-Moore has written a story with fabulous characters, they are easy to make friends with and she has entwined a beautiful love story with suspense and shown how a small town can pull together after a tragedy and be there for each other, there is danger around corners but the spark of new love in the air as well. I loved this one and can highly recommend it, thank you MS Hurley-Moore.
April 14, 2020
Lawson's Bend is about grieve and facing memories. Henny Bolton promises she will not return to Lawson's Bend after she left ten years ago. However, for Henny, she needs to break this promise when her mother died unexpectedly. Henny did not believe that her mother Henny slip and fell into the Quarry. Henny decided to investigate with the help of Stephen Drake childhood friend of Henny. The readers of Lawson's Bend will continue to follow Henny and Stephen to find out what happens.
Lawson's Bend is an enjoyable book to read. I like that Nicole Hurley-Moore incorporated issues that can affect everyone and in different ways. I love Nicole Hurley-Moore portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The settings of Lawson's Bend was done excellently by Nicole Hurley-Moore that ensured that I engage with this book. Lawson's Bend is well written and researched by Nicole Hurley-Moore.
The readers of Lawson's Bend will learn about the importance of water safety. Also, the readers of Lawson's Bend will learn about starting a small business in a rural community.
I recommend this book.
Lawson's Bend is an enjoyable book to read. I like that Nicole Hurley-Moore incorporated issues that can affect everyone and in different ways. I love Nicole Hurley-Moore portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The settings of Lawson's Bend was done excellently by Nicole Hurley-Moore that ensured that I engage with this book. Lawson's Bend is well written and researched by Nicole Hurley-Moore.
The readers of Lawson's Bend will learn about the importance of water safety. Also, the readers of Lawson's Bend will learn about starting a small business in a rural community.
I recommend this book.
March 1, 2019
Henny got the heck out of her country town a decade ago after a terrible tragedy. She’s spent her time since that drifting from job to job, travelling, not really doing much. When her mother dies suddenly, Henny is forced back to Lawson’s Bend for the funeral and also to pack up the house and make some decisions. There are some people still in town that never left – people she went to school with who have made their lives in the small central Victorian town and Henny is pleasantly surprised to be reconnecting with some of them. However when there’s another tragedy at the reservoir Henny realises that she still has unanswered questions about what happened all those years ago. She wants to find out the truth – about what is happening now and also what really happened back then and why some people’s accounts don’t seem to add up.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book – Lawson’s Bend is somewhere not too far from Bendigo (which is a couple hours from where I live) and even though I’ve not really been up to that way it’s familiar enough to me to remind me of plenty of places I have visited and spent time in. It’s quite clear that the town was deeply scarred by what happened to the kids at the reservoir almost a decade ago – three teens drowned, including Henny’s best friend. When her visit back to Lawson’s Bend coincides with a 10 year memorial ceremony and sculpture being unveiled, Henny suddenly begins reexamining that time and asking a lot of questions, especially after another incident. She even begins wondering about her own mother’s death and how it suddenly occurred in an area that she was intimately familiar with and visited every day. Henny starts asking questions of the locals, stirring up memories – and there’s definitely someone who isn’t happy with her inquisitiveness.
Which, to be honest, I could kind of understand on a smaller scale. A lot of the people are still very upset by what happened and have tried to move on. Henny isn’t particularly subtle with her amateur investigation and even when variously people tell her that she’s upsetting people, Henny doesn’t really care. I think I’d have liked to see a little more sensitivity in her attitude to be honest. I mean I know she was badly affected too and she’s the only person that at the moment, seems to see a few issues but you kind of have to show a bit of compassion and understanding to people who maybe just have been trying to move on with their lives and do the best they can. Having her come along and stir things up would no doubt be quite upsetting but Henny doesn’t seem to really care about that at all. Or she cares a bit but ultimately it doesn’t change anything, she just keeps bulldozing her way along.
Henny connects again with Stephen Drake, who had a crush on her all those years ago in high school. Stephen stayed in town working on his family’s farm due to several circumstances and he sees Henny’s arrival as a second chance. If she will give him a go. Henny keeps telling him that she’s not sure Stephen is her type. He’s a nice guy and she tends to go more for the bad boy type. But as Henny begins reevaluating her life and what she actually wants, suddenly a life in Lawson’s Bend – and with Stephen – doesn’t seem so unlikely. I really liked Stephen as a character, he’s a genuinely nice guy who has always really cared for and about Henny and even though he doesn’t really believe that things are suspicious the same way Henny does, he tries to be supportive. He’s also the voice of reason in their fledgling relationship when it seems like Henny doesn’t really understand how to interact after an argument. His relationship with his father is really nice too. I enjoyed the scenes with the two of them a lot.
This was an enjoyable read with a bit of intrigue.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
I really enjoyed the setting of this book – Lawson’s Bend is somewhere not too far from Bendigo (which is a couple hours from where I live) and even though I’ve not really been up to that way it’s familiar enough to me to remind me of plenty of places I have visited and spent time in. It’s quite clear that the town was deeply scarred by what happened to the kids at the reservoir almost a decade ago – three teens drowned, including Henny’s best friend. When her visit back to Lawson’s Bend coincides with a 10 year memorial ceremony and sculpture being unveiled, Henny suddenly begins reexamining that time and asking a lot of questions, especially after another incident. She even begins wondering about her own mother’s death and how it suddenly occurred in an area that she was intimately familiar with and visited every day. Henny starts asking questions of the locals, stirring up memories – and there’s definitely someone who isn’t happy with her inquisitiveness.
Which, to be honest, I could kind of understand on a smaller scale. A lot of the people are still very upset by what happened and have tried to move on. Henny isn’t particularly subtle with her amateur investigation and even when variously people tell her that she’s upsetting people, Henny doesn’t really care. I think I’d have liked to see a little more sensitivity in her attitude to be honest. I mean I know she was badly affected too and she’s the only person that at the moment, seems to see a few issues but you kind of have to show a bit of compassion and understanding to people who maybe just have been trying to move on with their lives and do the best they can. Having her come along and stir things up would no doubt be quite upsetting but Henny doesn’t seem to really care about that at all. Or she cares a bit but ultimately it doesn’t change anything, she just keeps bulldozing her way along.
Henny connects again with Stephen Drake, who had a crush on her all those years ago in high school. Stephen stayed in town working on his family’s farm due to several circumstances and he sees Henny’s arrival as a second chance. If she will give him a go. Henny keeps telling him that she’s not sure Stephen is her type. He’s a nice guy and she tends to go more for the bad boy type. But as Henny begins reevaluating her life and what she actually wants, suddenly a life in Lawson’s Bend – and with Stephen – doesn’t seem so unlikely. I really liked Stephen as a character, he’s a genuinely nice guy who has always really cared for and about Henny and even though he doesn’t really believe that things are suspicious the same way Henny does, he tries to be supportive. He’s also the voice of reason in their fledgling relationship when it seems like Henny doesn’t really understand how to interact after an argument. His relationship with his father is really nice too. I enjoyed the scenes with the two of them a lot.
This was an enjoyable read with a bit of intrigue.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
March 5, 2020
An enjoyable though undemanding story of uncovering decade-old secrets and lies. Hurley-Moore’s writing was engaging and it was nice to read a book featuring the Australian landscape and idiom.
I must admit I picked the culprit at their very first appearance on the page and I felt sorry that the main character was nicknamed Henny (short for Henrietta); a dreadful name, particularly for someone born in 1990 rather than 1890.
At one stage someone jokes to Henny that Lawson’s Bend is not an episode of Midsomer Murders.... but actually, it turns out it is (and there’s nothing wrong with that).
An easy read while lying sick in bed (or relaxing by the pool on holiday).
Thank you Allen & Unwin, as I won this book in a competition.
I must admit I picked the culprit at their very first appearance on the page and I felt sorry that the main character was nicknamed Henny (short for Henrietta); a dreadful name, particularly for someone born in 1990 rather than 1890.
At one stage someone jokes to Henny that Lawson’s Bend is not an episode of Midsomer Murders.... but actually, it turns out it is (and there’s nothing wrong with that).
An easy read while lying sick in bed (or relaxing by the pool on holiday).
Thank you Allen & Unwin, as I won this book in a competition.
March 14, 2019
Where to start? I could not put this book down! Every page had me wanting more.
Henny Bolton left Lawson’s Bend 10 years ago when a terrible accident happened. But when her mother unfortunately dies, she has to return back home for the funeral and to pack up her mothers house. She wasn’t planning on staying in town for long, as it brought back horrible memories. However when there’s another tragedy at the reservoir Henny realises that she still has unanswered questions about what happened all those years ago. She wants to find out the truth – about what is happening now and also what really happened back then and why some people’s accounts don’t seem to add up.
‘Turning off the ignition, she sat back in her seat and tried to work up the courage to get out. She half expected to see her mother walk out of the blue door, lean on the verandah rail and wave to her, just like she’d done every afternoon of Henny’s childhood. But that wasn’t going to happen – it was never going to happen again. That damn lump in her throat started to form and Henny made herself swallow hard in an attempt to keep it at bay.'
Stephen Drake has never left. Instead, he’s tried to settle down, working with his dad on their small farm. Stephen had dreams of a different life but after the night at the lake, nothing seemed important anymore. Ever since they were kids Stephen has had a soft spot for Henny and it was he who saved her life that night amid the panic. Yet he never had the courage to tell her just how he felt. But now she’s back in town, Stephen wonders if he has a second chance.
The romance the follows Henny and Stephen is more of a second chance, old friends to lovers style love story. The relationship is more about taking steps to embrace love and trust.
Henny Bolton left Lawson’s Bend 10 years ago when a terrible accident happened. But when her mother unfortunately dies, she has to return back home for the funeral and to pack up her mothers house. She wasn’t planning on staying in town for long, as it brought back horrible memories. However when there’s another tragedy at the reservoir Henny realises that she still has unanswered questions about what happened all those years ago. She wants to find out the truth – about what is happening now and also what really happened back then and why some people’s accounts don’t seem to add up.
‘Turning off the ignition, she sat back in her seat and tried to work up the courage to get out. She half expected to see her mother walk out of the blue door, lean on the verandah rail and wave to her, just like she’d done every afternoon of Henny’s childhood. But that wasn’t going to happen – it was never going to happen again. That damn lump in her throat started to form and Henny made herself swallow hard in an attempt to keep it at bay.'
Stephen Drake has never left. Instead, he’s tried to settle down, working with his dad on their small farm. Stephen had dreams of a different life but after the night at the lake, nothing seemed important anymore. Ever since they were kids Stephen has had a soft spot for Henny and it was he who saved her life that night amid the panic. Yet he never had the courage to tell her just how he felt. But now she’s back in town, Stephen wonders if he has a second chance.
The romance the follows Henny and Stephen is more of a second chance, old friends to lovers style love story. The relationship is more about taking steps to embrace love and trust.
December 16, 2022
From time to time, I enjoy a light chick lit read. Lawson's Bend by Nicole Hurley-Moore is one of those books.
Throw in a little love, a little mystery, some angst and a bit of waffle and you have your story.
Hurley-Moore's writing technique was sound enough but lacked a little depth. The outcome was predictable fairly early on in the story.
This book is well above a Mills Boon but the lightness of the content stops it being 'a great read'.
again if I could give it 3 1/2 stars I would, it rates a bit higher than a 3 but not quite a 4.
Throw in a little love, a little mystery, some angst and a bit of waffle and you have your story.
Hurley-Moore's writing technique was sound enough but lacked a little depth. The outcome was predictable fairly early on in the story.
This book is well above a Mills Boon but the lightness of the content stops it being 'a great read'.
again if I could give it 3 1/2 stars I would, it rates a bit higher than a 3 but not quite a 4.
May 29, 2019
I could not put this book down. It was a real page-turner!
Henny Bolton returned to her home town for her Mother's funeral and decided to stay. Ten years earlier a tragic accident was when Henny left and now she is trying to piece together what actually happened on that fateful night. She starts digging into the past and also hooks up with Stephen Drake who saved her on the night of the accident.
As she uncovers more and more about that night things become very interesting and dangerous!!!
Henny Bolton returned to her home town for her Mother's funeral and decided to stay. Ten years earlier a tragic accident was when Henny left and now she is trying to piece together what actually happened on that fateful night. She starts digging into the past and also hooks up with Stephen Drake who saved her on the night of the accident.
As she uncovers more and more about that night things become very interesting and dangerous!!!
June 3, 2019
Hard to put down and full of suspense, drama, deaths and drownings.
Henny has returned to Lawson's Bend to mourn the sudden death of her mother. She gets unwittingly caught up in memorial celebrations of an awful night that changed the lives of many.
Warnings are issued, old acquaintances are reignited and the truth - that was hard to see coming is discovered.
Will Henny survive long enough to stay?
Henny has returned to Lawson's Bend to mourn the sudden death of her mother. She gets unwittingly caught up in memorial celebrations of an awful night that changed the lives of many.
Warnings are issued, old acquaintances are reignited and the truth - that was hard to see coming is discovered.
Will Henny survive long enough to stay?
April 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this story but the simple spelling mistakes and errors made it a bit tiresome to read at times. A proofreader should have picked up on the basic errors. Nonetheless, the story of Henny and Stephen was interesting, complex and wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery side of the story as well, it makes for a book that is hard to put down.
July 21, 2020
Lawsons bend is a wonderfully written romantic suspense novel. I immensely enjoyed reading it, the characters are wonderful, the setting is described beautifully and the mystery keeps you guessing to the very end. Well worth a read
February 25, 2019
I absolutely loved it!! I couldn't put it down.
March 11, 2019
Could not put this down!
Every page had me wanting me and left me guessing what was going to happen next
Every page had me wanting me and left me guessing what was going to happen next
July 17, 2019
It's brillant this book and a must read for anyone who loves a romance and a book that has a mystery as well.
April 1, 2020
Not really romance, not really mystery, only slightly chick lit. Quite easy to read, leave and pick up again later.
July 2, 2022
I nice easy read with just the right amount of romance, mystery and suspense.
February 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Read
March 5, 2019*review to come
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews