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Aussie Outback Medical #2
The Opal Miner's Daughter
The heartwarming new medical rural romance from the bestselling author of The Bush Telegraph.
'A heart-warming story set in the rugged outback about finding out who you really want to be.' Annie Seaton
Obstetrician Riley Brand leaves the city behind to go in search of her mother, who's taken leave from her marriage to pursue a passion for opal mining in the dry backblocks of an old mining town. Accepting a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, Riley plans to assist women pursue their baby dreams in remote and regional areas, while at the same time helping to rekindle her parents' love for each other.
The small dusty community is a far cry from her polite medical practice on the North Shore of Sydney, but the down-to-earth locals soon welcome her into the fold with their Friday night social gatherings. But no one is more welcoming than enigmatic doctor Konrad Grey, the GP who's working alongside her.
When an employee of their medical practice confesses she's hiding an unexpected pregnancy, Konrad and Riley are thrown together in challenging and wonderful ways.
A moving and heartwarming story about new life and new loves, about the treasures to be found above and beneath the surface of a small country town, and about the important choices women must make in life.
'A heart-warming story set in the rugged outback about finding out who you really want to be.' Annie Seaton
Obstetrician Riley Brand leaves the city behind to go in search of her mother, who's taken leave from her marriage to pursue a passion for opal mining in the dry backblocks of an old mining town. Accepting a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, Riley plans to assist women pursue their baby dreams in remote and regional areas, while at the same time helping to rekindle her parents' love for each other.
The small dusty community is a far cry from her polite medical practice on the North Shore of Sydney, but the down-to-earth locals soon welcome her into the fold with their Friday night social gatherings. But no one is more welcoming than enigmatic doctor Konrad Grey, the GP who's working alongside her.
When an employee of their medical practice confesses she's hiding an unexpected pregnancy, Konrad and Riley are thrown together in challenging and wonderful ways.
A moving and heartwarming story about new life and new loves, about the treasures to be found above and beneath the surface of a small country town, and about the important choices women must make in life.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
210 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McArthur
359 books194 followersFiona McArthur has worked as a midwife for thirty years. She is the clinical midwifery educator inner rural maternity unit and teaches emergency obstetric strategies while working with midwives and doctors from remote and isolated areas.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
Fiona has written more than thirty romances, which have sold over two million copies in twelve languages. She has been a midwifery expert for Mother and Baby magazine and is the author of Aussie Midwives. She has also written the novels Red Sand Sunrise, The Homestead Girls and Heart of the Sky. She lives on a farm in northern New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 15, 2022
Adelaide Brand and her husband Tyler were both retired and had settled into a rut. Adelaide decided to head to Lightning Ridge to investigate opal mining, sure she would love it, the challenge of it, and the ruggedness of the outback. Tyler was happy at home in Sydney and they stayed in contact. Riley, Adelaide and Tyler's daughter, had just given boyfriend Josh the break-up news and while he wasn't happy, Riley was. She took four weeks leave from her position as obstetrician and pediatrician, accepting a locum job in Lightning Ridge, where she hoped to find her mother and convince her to return to her dad.
The nine hour drive was a long one and Riley was tired when she arrived. But it wasn't long before she met the resident doctor, Dr Konrad Grey, and his receptionist Melinda. She also met one of the town's best characters - Desiree - and found where her mother was living. What followed in the four weeks was wonder, excitement, hope for patients who'd long given it up, the birth of a baby, and new and possible choices. The people of Lightning Ridge loved Riley and she found friendships she didn't expect to find.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is the latest offering by Aussie author Fiona McArthur and I loved it! Lightning Ridge is somewhere I've never been, but would love to go and the descriptions of the area was vivid and easy to envision. The notes at the end told how the author had been there, and it shone through. The characters were special, gentle and unsure Toby, damaged Melinda and the courage she gained. And of course Riley, Konrad and Adelaide. Plus the townsfolk - Desiree, Greta and many others. The Opal Miner's Daughter was a great read and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The nine hour drive was a long one and Riley was tired when she arrived. But it wasn't long before she met the resident doctor, Dr Konrad Grey, and his receptionist Melinda. She also met one of the town's best characters - Desiree - and found where her mother was living. What followed in the four weeks was wonder, excitement, hope for patients who'd long given it up, the birth of a baby, and new and possible choices. The people of Lightning Ridge loved Riley and she found friendships she didn't expect to find.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is the latest offering by Aussie author Fiona McArthur and I loved it! Lightning Ridge is somewhere I've never been, but would love to go and the descriptions of the area was vivid and easy to envision. The notes at the end told how the author had been there, and it shone through. The characters were special, gentle and unsure Toby, damaged Melinda and the courage she gained. And of course Riley, Konrad and Adelaide. Plus the townsfolk - Desiree, Greta and many others. The Opal Miner's Daughter was a great read and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
I know when I pick up a Fiona McArthur book that I am going to swept away with a beautiful heartfelt and heartwarming story filled with characters that are caring and show so much love and to another beautiful setting and I was not disappointed in her new book, come along for a trip to Lightning Ridge and meet Obstetrician Riley Brand the handsome Doctor Konrad Grey.
Riley is a well know obstetrician from Sydney, her career is everything to her, but when her mother, Adelaide retires and decides that staying at home with her husband of forty years is not what she wants she takes off for an adventure, opal mining and is loving it, Riley decides it is time to go and talk to her Mum, so Riley takes on a post as locum at the Opal medical centre and does an out-reach post helping families with fertility problems, something that is badly needed in this region.
Riley is welcomed with open arms not only by the woman desperately trying to start families, but the men who mine for opals and live rough and tough lives, and then there are the woman who have a Friday night get together that Riley loves going to, and then there is her boss, Doctor Konrad Grey who is caring understanding and one of the most handsomest of men Riley has ever met.
Melinda is the receptionist at the medical centre, she is quiet and there are reasons for that but when she makes an appointment to see Riley and confesses that she is pregnant and nearly full term, Riley and Konrad are pulled together to work with Melinda this also sees the spark between them grow and grow in the most beautiful way, love is growing but how will it work Riley is only there for four weeks.
I loved this story so much, what can I say gorgeous characters, emotional, filled with love and caring a true Fiona McArthur story, where friendships grow as well as the characters and it is one that I would highly recommend, Riley and Konrad are made for each other, will they get over the obstacles that are in the way and find their well deserved happiness? This is a must read, it is sure to leave the reader very happy.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Random House for my copy to read and review.
Riley is a well know obstetrician from Sydney, her career is everything to her, but when her mother, Adelaide retires and decides that staying at home with her husband of forty years is not what she wants she takes off for an adventure, opal mining and is loving it, Riley decides it is time to go and talk to her Mum, so Riley takes on a post as locum at the Opal medical centre and does an out-reach post helping families with fertility problems, something that is badly needed in this region.
Riley is welcomed with open arms not only by the woman desperately trying to start families, but the men who mine for opals and live rough and tough lives, and then there are the woman who have a Friday night get together that Riley loves going to, and then there is her boss, Doctor Konrad Grey who is caring understanding and one of the most handsomest of men Riley has ever met.
Melinda is the receptionist at the medical centre, she is quiet and there are reasons for that but when she makes an appointment to see Riley and confesses that she is pregnant and nearly full term, Riley and Konrad are pulled together to work with Melinda this also sees the spark between them grow and grow in the most beautiful way, love is growing but how will it work Riley is only there for four weeks.
I loved this story so much, what can I say gorgeous characters, emotional, filled with love and caring a true Fiona McArthur story, where friendships grow as well as the characters and it is one that I would highly recommend, Riley and Konrad are made for each other, will they get over the obstacles that are in the way and find their well deserved happiness? This is a must read, it is sure to leave the reader very happy.
My thanks to the publisher, Penguin Random House for my copy to read and review.
December 21, 2022
The Opal Miner’s Daughter by Fiona McArthur
Synopsis /
Obstetrician Riley Brand leaves the city behind to go in search of her mother, who's taken leave from her marriage to pursue a passion for opal mining in the dry backblocks of an old mining town. Accepting a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, Riley plans to assist women pursue their baby dreams in remote and regional areas, while at the same time helping to rekindle her parents' love for each other.
The small dusty community is a far cry from her polite medical practice on the North Shore of Sydney, but the down-to-earth locals soon welcome her into the fold with their Friday night social gatherings. But no one is more welcoming than enigmatic doctor Konrad Grey, the GP who's working alongside her.
When an employee of their medical practice confesses she's hiding an unexpected pregnancy, Konrad and Riley are thrown together in challenging and wonderful ways.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐
After a couple of darker crime novels, it was time to change it up and this contemporary rural romance novel filled that bill nicely. The Opal Miner’s Daughter by Australian author, Fiona McArthur tells the heart-warming story of Sydney based obstetrician, Riley Brand. Well known and highly respected, Riley Brand is at the top of her field, running a very successful practice on the Northern Shore of Sydney. Her mother, Adelaide, a retired nurse, and father, Tyler, also retired, both live in Sydney and Riley, who is an only child shares a very close bond with both her parents. Tyler was happy being retired, with daily gym workouts and being a homebody, he loved watching his favourite things on the television. Adelaide on the other hand, craved adventure and being busy. So when Adelaide decides there’s more to life than just staying at home and caring for her husband of forty years, Riley’s life was about to change in ways she’d never imagined.
We leave the setting of Sydney’s Northern Beaches for a stint in the dusty mining town of Lightning Ridge. While the story may be fictional, Lightning Ridge - a small outback town in north-western New South Wales, Australia is very real. Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about 6 km east of the Castlereagh Highway. The Lightning Ridge area is a centre of the mining of black opal and other opal gemstones.
It’s here, amongst the heat, red dirt, underground caves and naturally-heated springs that fossicking for opals is an addiction for some and an obsession for others. The ground is surrounded by a moonscape of mullock heaps under which literally hundreds of obsessed miners search and dig for the black opals which have made the town famous.
When Adelaide Brand decided to head to Lightning Ridge to investigate opal mining, purely for the shear challenge of it and drawn to the complete ruggedness of the outback, Riley was worried. So she took four weeks leave of absence from her practice and accepted a locum job at the Opal Medical Centre in Lightning Ridge – where she was hoping to find her mother safe and well. Riley need not have worried, her mother was thriving. The whole township warmly welcomed her arrival, including her new ‘temporary’ boss, Dr Konrad Grey, who is the GP running the Opal Medical Centre.
The author does well to explore a number of themes throughout this story. Love (of course!) is always a focal point and there is a gentle rural romance developing between the two Doctors. With other threads around mental health, pregnancy issues and fertility struggles, along with a lack of top rate medical resources for those who choose to live in the more remote parts of the outback – the author covered them all, and admirably so.
Gerry-with-the-pacemaker ran the local arts-and-craft emporium with an extra jewellery section, mostly opal. In her late fifties and shimmering in bright floral fabric, Geraldine had what she called ‘a ticking determination to enjoy life’ and promote artistic expression in others. Her partner, Elsa, tall, thin and understatedly elegant, performed stand-up comedy with chameleon flair, Greta Harris was small, blonde and busty, a self-confessed clean freak and champion of the underdog. Adelaide had spotted Greta’s OCD a mile off, which Greta admitted to, as well as being the proud third-generation proprietor. The two first cousins, Silvia and Selena, had inherited the rivalry of their fathers. One ran the only pub and the other managed the local bowling club, just down the road from each other.
With well-developed characters, solid storyline – interspersed with humour, and the stunning Aussie backdrop of Lightning Ridge, what’s not to like?
Synopsis /
Obstetrician Riley Brand leaves the city behind to go in search of her mother, who's taken leave from her marriage to pursue a passion for opal mining in the dry backblocks of an old mining town. Accepting a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, Riley plans to assist women pursue their baby dreams in remote and regional areas, while at the same time helping to rekindle her parents' love for each other.
The small dusty community is a far cry from her polite medical practice on the North Shore of Sydney, but the down-to-earth locals soon welcome her into the fold with their Friday night social gatherings. But no one is more welcoming than enigmatic doctor Konrad Grey, the GP who's working alongside her.
When an employee of their medical practice confesses she's hiding an unexpected pregnancy, Konrad and Riley are thrown together in challenging and wonderful ways.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐
After a couple of darker crime novels, it was time to change it up and this contemporary rural romance novel filled that bill nicely. The Opal Miner’s Daughter by Australian author, Fiona McArthur tells the heart-warming story of Sydney based obstetrician, Riley Brand. Well known and highly respected, Riley Brand is at the top of her field, running a very successful practice on the Northern Shore of Sydney. Her mother, Adelaide, a retired nurse, and father, Tyler, also retired, both live in Sydney and Riley, who is an only child shares a very close bond with both her parents. Tyler was happy being retired, with daily gym workouts and being a homebody, he loved watching his favourite things on the television. Adelaide on the other hand, craved adventure and being busy. So when Adelaide decides there’s more to life than just staying at home and caring for her husband of forty years, Riley’s life was about to change in ways she’d never imagined.
We leave the setting of Sydney’s Northern Beaches for a stint in the dusty mining town of Lightning Ridge. While the story may be fictional, Lightning Ridge - a small outback town in north-western New South Wales, Australia is very real. Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about 6 km east of the Castlereagh Highway. The Lightning Ridge area is a centre of the mining of black opal and other opal gemstones.
It’s here, amongst the heat, red dirt, underground caves and naturally-heated springs that fossicking for opals is an addiction for some and an obsession for others. The ground is surrounded by a moonscape of mullock heaps under which literally hundreds of obsessed miners search and dig for the black opals which have made the town famous.
When Adelaide Brand decided to head to Lightning Ridge to investigate opal mining, purely for the shear challenge of it and drawn to the complete ruggedness of the outback, Riley was worried. So she took four weeks leave of absence from her practice and accepted a locum job at the Opal Medical Centre in Lightning Ridge – where she was hoping to find her mother safe and well. Riley need not have worried, her mother was thriving. The whole township warmly welcomed her arrival, including her new ‘temporary’ boss, Dr Konrad Grey, who is the GP running the Opal Medical Centre.
The author does well to explore a number of themes throughout this story. Love (of course!) is always a focal point and there is a gentle rural romance developing between the two Doctors. With other threads around mental health, pregnancy issues and fertility struggles, along with a lack of top rate medical resources for those who choose to live in the more remote parts of the outback – the author covered them all, and admirably so.
Gerry-with-the-pacemaker ran the local arts-and-craft emporium with an extra jewellery section, mostly opal. In her late fifties and shimmering in bright floral fabric, Geraldine had what she called ‘a ticking determination to enjoy life’ and promote artistic expression in others. Her partner, Elsa, tall, thin and understatedly elegant, performed stand-up comedy with chameleon flair, Greta Harris was small, blonde and busty, a self-confessed clean freak and champion of the underdog. Adelaide had spotted Greta’s OCD a mile off, which Greta admitted to, as well as being the proud third-generation proprietor. The two first cousins, Silvia and Selena, had inherited the rivalry of their fathers. One ran the only pub and the other managed the local bowling club, just down the road from each other.
With well-developed characters, solid storyline – interspersed with humour, and the stunning Aussie backdrop of Lightning Ridge, what’s not to like?
October 7, 2022
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Medical rural romance fiction guru Fiona McArthur is back with another tender and life-affirming story. A tale that encompasses instances of love, personal growth, change, life decisions, health and community ties, The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a deeply meaningful read from a much-loved Australian author.
Meet Riley Brand, a city-based obstetrician who must trade her life in the big smoke for a stint in a dusty mining town. Riley is drawn to Lightning Ridge when her mother decides to pack her bags and leave her marriage behind to take on a new venture in opal mining. While keeping her mother in check, Riley takes on a new temporary role in fertility support, offering assistance and healthcare expertise to the families of Lightning Ridge. Riley has her work cut out for her as she tries to get her parents to reconcile and help the local community with their fertility issues. Despite the dirt and dust, Riley forges a deep connection to the townsfolk of Lightning Ridge. This city obstetrician also develops a relationship with a charming local GP. This burgeoning relationship is tested when a pressing medical situation arises for Dr Konrad Grey. Riley must support the handsome and hardworking GP as best she can. Is Riley up for this new challenge?
Fiona McArthur’s books always leave a smile on my dial, thanks to this highly experienced Australian author’s ability to intertwine a heart-warming rural romance with pressing community healthcare issues. Directly drawing on her wealth of experience in the medical field, Fiona McArthur has crafted a novel filled with authentic and credible situations. The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a fine accompaniment to the expansive Fiona McArthur collection.
I have to admit that the title choice was the first thing that attracted me to Fiona McArthur’s new release. I’m very interested in opals and opal mining, so this latest book by the rural health fiction specialist immediately caught my eye. I was impressed and intrigued by the opal mining section of this tale, which is embedded in clear research detail. I was slightly in awe of Riley’s mother for taking such a big leap of faith and pursuing a long-held dream. McArthur explores this aspect of her novel well. Closely connected to this character arc are the emotions, feelings and issues associated with the marriage crisis faced by Riley’s parents. I could sympathise with this area of the story based on my own experiences. I think McArthur did an excellent job in drawing out the key emotions, expected reactions and valid responses to this family situation.
Love is always a focal point in Fiona McArthur’s stories. In The Opal Miner’s Daughter, we are blessed with a gentle and sweet rural romance tale. I really enjoyed the developing connection between the lead and the local GP. A relationship built on professional respect, colleague support and friendship, it was a joy to oversee this romantic storyline play out. Riley is a solid lead, with a great level of independence and care for others. I admired Riley’s resolve to protect her parents and their relationship. On the medical side of things, The Opal Miner’s Daughter respectfully incorporates some very pertinent topics. Ranging from mental health, illness, pregnancy, fertility struggles and a lack of resources in our remote corners of Australia, McArthur tackles many vital issues.
With a stunning but harsh Aussie backdrop shading the events of this tale, The Opal Miner’s Daughter reminds us of the value of community support, connections and the difficult decisions we are faced with in life. A purposeful story with a cast of indelible characters, The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a high priority read.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Medical rural romance fiction guru Fiona McArthur is back with another tender and life-affirming story. A tale that encompasses instances of love, personal growth, change, life decisions, health and community ties, The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a deeply meaningful read from a much-loved Australian author.
Meet Riley Brand, a city-based obstetrician who must trade her life in the big smoke for a stint in a dusty mining town. Riley is drawn to Lightning Ridge when her mother decides to pack her bags and leave her marriage behind to take on a new venture in opal mining. While keeping her mother in check, Riley takes on a new temporary role in fertility support, offering assistance and healthcare expertise to the families of Lightning Ridge. Riley has her work cut out for her as she tries to get her parents to reconcile and help the local community with their fertility issues. Despite the dirt and dust, Riley forges a deep connection to the townsfolk of Lightning Ridge. This city obstetrician also develops a relationship with a charming local GP. This burgeoning relationship is tested when a pressing medical situation arises for Dr Konrad Grey. Riley must support the handsome and hardworking GP as best she can. Is Riley up for this new challenge?
Fiona McArthur’s books always leave a smile on my dial, thanks to this highly experienced Australian author’s ability to intertwine a heart-warming rural romance with pressing community healthcare issues. Directly drawing on her wealth of experience in the medical field, Fiona McArthur has crafted a novel filled with authentic and credible situations. The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a fine accompaniment to the expansive Fiona McArthur collection.
I have to admit that the title choice was the first thing that attracted me to Fiona McArthur’s new release. I’m very interested in opals and opal mining, so this latest book by the rural health fiction specialist immediately caught my eye. I was impressed and intrigued by the opal mining section of this tale, which is embedded in clear research detail. I was slightly in awe of Riley’s mother for taking such a big leap of faith and pursuing a long-held dream. McArthur explores this aspect of her novel well. Closely connected to this character arc are the emotions, feelings and issues associated with the marriage crisis faced by Riley’s parents. I could sympathise with this area of the story based on my own experiences. I think McArthur did an excellent job in drawing out the key emotions, expected reactions and valid responses to this family situation.
Love is always a focal point in Fiona McArthur’s stories. In The Opal Miner’s Daughter, we are blessed with a gentle and sweet rural romance tale. I really enjoyed the developing connection between the lead and the local GP. A relationship built on professional respect, colleague support and friendship, it was a joy to oversee this romantic storyline play out. Riley is a solid lead, with a great level of independence and care for others. I admired Riley’s resolve to protect her parents and their relationship. On the medical side of things, The Opal Miner’s Daughter respectfully incorporates some very pertinent topics. Ranging from mental health, illness, pregnancy, fertility struggles and a lack of resources in our remote corners of Australia, McArthur tackles many vital issues.
With a stunning but harsh Aussie backdrop shading the events of this tale, The Opal Miner’s Daughter reminds us of the value of community support, connections and the difficult decisions we are faced with in life. A purposeful story with a cast of indelible characters, The Opal Miner’s Daughter is a high priority read.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
September 2, 2022
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
This story was very relatable for me as I have had a family member struggle with fertility and I live in a rural area where there is no Maternity Hospital. Thank you for highlighting this.
I loved how you raised the issue of mental health. Thank you once again for highlighting this.
Fionas writing style is believable and makes you feel like you are a part of the story.
I loved the mention of Rileys mum opal mining. Reminds me of my grandmother she always wore opals.
The chemistry between Riley and Konrad made the book for me.
If you love your rural romance be sure to check this one out.
This story was very relatable for me as I have had a family member struggle with fertility and I live in a rural area where there is no Maternity Hospital. Thank you for highlighting this.
I loved how you raised the issue of mental health. Thank you once again for highlighting this.
Fionas writing style is believable and makes you feel like you are a part of the story.
I loved the mention of Rileys mum opal mining. Reminds me of my grandmother she always wore opals.
The chemistry between Riley and Konrad made the book for me.
If you love your rural romance be sure to check this one out.
October 12, 2022
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
I love stories about opal mining and when I first saw this title I didn’t expect the opal miner to be the mother! The Opal Miner's Daughter by Fiona McArthur is an absolutely beautifully written medically inspired Aussie rural fiction story and I found it difficult to put down! Highly recommended.
Adelaide Brand is a woman in her sixties who unlike her husband doesn’t want a boring retirement sitting in front of the TV so she pursues her passion for opal mining and takes off to the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, NSW.
Adelaide’s daughter Riley is a fertility specialist and her work is well known in Sydney, she decides to take on a locum position in Lightning Ridge for four weeks so she can visit her mother and hopefully talk some sense into her to return home.
Like Adelaide, Riley is warmly welcomed to the rural town and is enjoying working alongside Dr Konrad Grey, who reminds her of a certain handsome Marvel superhero Aussie actor. Patients unable to conceive who had long given up the chance of having a baby are lining up to visit Riley as she also takes the opportunity to help couples with fertility problems in this remote region where these services unfortunately aren’t available.
I enjoyed the storytelling and the unique characters (including crusty old Cyrus) residing in Lightning Ridge. This was an engaging read where there are themes of community, friendship, pursuing your dreams, suicide, kindness, off-grid opal mining, romance, pregnancy, grief and PTSD.
I loved that the author highlighted the healthcare challenges in rural areas where specialist medical assistance is not readily available. Locals will just let it go as they can’t afford the hassle of travel and overnight accomodation and possibly miss out on their chance to conceive or get medical help for certain conditions.
Publication date 30 August 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Imprint Michael Joseph)
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book.
I love stories about opal mining and when I first saw this title I didn’t expect the opal miner to be the mother! The Opal Miner's Daughter by Fiona McArthur is an absolutely beautifully written medically inspired Aussie rural fiction story and I found it difficult to put down! Highly recommended.
Adelaide Brand is a woman in her sixties who unlike her husband doesn’t want a boring retirement sitting in front of the TV so she pursues her passion for opal mining and takes off to the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, NSW.
Adelaide’s daughter Riley is a fertility specialist and her work is well known in Sydney, she decides to take on a locum position in Lightning Ridge for four weeks so she can visit her mother and hopefully talk some sense into her to return home.
Like Adelaide, Riley is warmly welcomed to the rural town and is enjoying working alongside Dr Konrad Grey, who reminds her of a certain handsome Marvel superhero Aussie actor. Patients unable to conceive who had long given up the chance of having a baby are lining up to visit Riley as she also takes the opportunity to help couples with fertility problems in this remote region where these services unfortunately aren’t available.
I enjoyed the storytelling and the unique characters (including crusty old Cyrus) residing in Lightning Ridge. This was an engaging read where there are themes of community, friendship, pursuing your dreams, suicide, kindness, off-grid opal mining, romance, pregnancy, grief and PTSD.
I loved that the author highlighted the healthcare challenges in rural areas where specialist medical assistance is not readily available. Locals will just let it go as they can’t afford the hassle of travel and overnight accomodation and possibly miss out on their chance to conceive or get medical help for certain conditions.
Publication date 30 August 2022
Publisher Penguin Books Australia (Imprint Michael Joseph)
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book.
June 5, 2025
I don't know if what other people choose to read is influenced by what might be happening in their life at the time, but for me it does. And right now I need heartwarming, feel good stories with lovely characters, happy endings and a good reason to smile and this book definately didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read and know I can count on Fiona McArthur's books when I'm feeling like a good bit of escapism that lifts my mood.
August 10, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A tender, heartfelt story about affairs of the heart, hope, choices and community spirit.
Obstetrician Riley Brand treks to the dry country and to an old mining town, Lightening Ridge.
Her mother, Adelaide has a newfound dream of digging for opals and leaving her husband behind and to his boring life.
Arriving Riley accepts a short term post agreeing to help local women with fertility issues.
Soon the residents welcome her but the most welcoming is dashing Dr Konrad Grey whose heart flutters when Riley enters the practice.
Then they are thrown together unexpectedly when a medical circumstance arises and everyone is gushing over the hopeful couple but life is always about getting in the way.
Fiona returns with a rural medical inspired tale that captures the essence of close country inhabitants with a set of easy on the eye doctors, romance, emergency situations, the harshness of the remote outback and the closeness of the town.
A large collection of back catalogue titles, has proven that Fiona is up there with the best, creating a legion of fans across the nation and with this new book she will have many more knocking on her book door.
Having a strong background in midwifery and using that knowledge in many of her novels, it comes across as very credible, fascinating and authentic.
A great yarn that celebrates friendships, new love and important decisions.
And with an endorsement on the cover by another fantastic Aussie author, how can you go wrong with this book.
A tender, heartfelt story about affairs of the heart, hope, choices and community spirit.
Obstetrician Riley Brand treks to the dry country and to an old mining town, Lightening Ridge.
Her mother, Adelaide has a newfound dream of digging for opals and leaving her husband behind and to his boring life.
Arriving Riley accepts a short term post agreeing to help local women with fertility issues.
Soon the residents welcome her but the most welcoming is dashing Dr Konrad Grey whose heart flutters when Riley enters the practice.
Then they are thrown together unexpectedly when a medical circumstance arises and everyone is gushing over the hopeful couple but life is always about getting in the way.
Fiona returns with a rural medical inspired tale that captures the essence of close country inhabitants with a set of easy on the eye doctors, romance, emergency situations, the harshness of the remote outback and the closeness of the town.
A large collection of back catalogue titles, has proven that Fiona is up there with the best, creating a legion of fans across the nation and with this new book she will have many more knocking on her book door.
Having a strong background in midwifery and using that knowledge in many of her novels, it comes across as very credible, fascinating and authentic.
A great yarn that celebrates friendships, new love and important decisions.
And with an endorsement on the cover by another fantastic Aussie author, how can you go wrong with this book.
November 21, 2022
Set in the spectacular outback town of Lightning Ridge, we meet two generations of fearless women, one huge hunk of a doctor and a sweet young woman about to embark on the journey of motherhood.
Adelaide Brand has taken a much needed break from her husband to follow her passion for mining. Unconvinced that her mother is doing the right thing, daughter Riley has followed her to Lightning Ridge to fill in as locum to Doctor Konrad Grey, a man she's equally intrigued and attracted to pretty much from the get go! Lastly, medical receptionist Melinda Lowenthal is still suffering trauma from a recent incident and has just learnt she's about to have a baby- in just a few weeks or so!
Absolutely loved everything about this heartwarming medical rural romance. Like Riley, I became attached to the township and it's quirky, fun and generous residents (even tough as nuts Cyrus who's actually a big softie underneath!)
Kind of knew straight away that the romance aspect would focus on Riley and Konrad, which is mega cute and HAWWWTT but can we just stop for a sec and chat about Mel and Toby? I absolutely need a follow up about these two, because I can see them becoming much more than friends! Really can see Toby step up and be a father figure to Mel's baby, and his mother Greta being a surrogate grandma!
This is only the second novel of Fiona's I've read, but I'm so hooked on her splendid story telling and can't wait to read more of her works! The medical aspect really gives this genre a certain edge, especially when babies are involved!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Adelaide Brand has taken a much needed break from her husband to follow her passion for mining. Unconvinced that her mother is doing the right thing, daughter Riley has followed her to Lightning Ridge to fill in as locum to Doctor Konrad Grey, a man she's equally intrigued and attracted to pretty much from the get go! Lastly, medical receptionist Melinda Lowenthal is still suffering trauma from a recent incident and has just learnt she's about to have a baby- in just a few weeks or so!
Absolutely loved everything about this heartwarming medical rural romance. Like Riley, I became attached to the township and it's quirky, fun and generous residents (even tough as nuts Cyrus who's actually a big softie underneath!)
Kind of knew straight away that the romance aspect would focus on Riley and Konrad, which is mega cute and HAWWWTT but can we just stop for a sec and chat about Mel and Toby? I absolutely need a follow up about these two, because I can see them becoming much more than friends! Really can see Toby step up and be a father figure to Mel's baby, and his mother Greta being a surrogate grandma!
This is only the second novel of Fiona's I've read, but I'm so hooked on her splendid story telling and can't wait to read more of her works! The medical aspect really gives this genre a certain edge, especially when babies are involved!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
July 6, 2024
The Opal Miner's Daughter is book two in Fiona McArthur's Aussie Outback Medical Romance. When Obstetrician Riley Brand's relationship broke down, and she saw the opportunity for a locum position in the rural opal town of Lightning Ridge, she thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to try to pursue her mother's return to Sydney and to help women who are having trouble conceiving. However, on arrival in Lightning Ridge, Riley realizes that her mother is happy and becomes involved with Doctor Konrad when their reception has a medical emergency. The readers of The Opal Miner's Daughter will continue to follow Obstetrician Riley Brand and Konrad Grey to discover what happens.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is another fantastic book by Fiona McArthur. It is enjoyable to read. I like the way Fiona McArthur highlights the medical issues in rural areas. I also love her portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Opal Miner's Daughter is well-written and researched. I like Fiona McArthur's description of the settings of The Opal Miner's Daughter, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is not just an enjoyable read but also an educational one. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of infertility issues in rural areas and the life of an opal miner, making it a valuable addition to their reading list.
I recommend this book.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is another fantastic book by Fiona McArthur. It is enjoyable to read. I like the way Fiona McArthur highlights the medical issues in rural areas. I also love her portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Opal Miner's Daughter is well-written and researched. I like Fiona McArthur's description of the settings of The Opal Miner's Daughter, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is not just an enjoyable read but also an educational one. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of infertility issues in rural areas and the life of an opal miner, making it a valuable addition to their reading list.
I recommend this book.
September 7, 2022
I really do enjoy rural romance but yet I don't read that many and this is one of my reading goals this year, to read some more! The Opal Miner's Daughter is definitely an excellent rural romance read and I'm thrilled to have been sent one for review. I must say that the title somehow led me to have had a different expectation. It just sounds more like one of those historical fiction with family tragedy etc etc but it is very much NOT. Also, I know 2 boys named Riley and having a female protagonist named Riley kind of messed with my head a bit; I kept having to check myself.
Dr Riley Brand is an intelligent and independent woman. She is a strong sensible character and I just love this to bits! She was fun, sensitive, and easy going except when it comes to a certain gorgeous doctor in town. And even then, she was open to learn. All the other women in this novel were just as amazing and the men were funny but overall this small community in Lightning Ridge was wonderfully tight-knitted.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is a light-hearted romantic read; one that ended with my sigh of contentment. However, it also tackled tough issues such as stigma of illness, infertility, depression, and a few other things, and done in such beautifully sensitive way that didn't make the reader sad but hopeful. An utterly delightful and pleasing read.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for gifting me a copy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
Dr Riley Brand is an intelligent and independent woman. She is a strong sensible character and I just love this to bits! She was fun, sensitive, and easy going except when it comes to a certain gorgeous doctor in town. And even then, she was open to learn. All the other women in this novel were just as amazing and the men were funny but overall this small community in Lightning Ridge was wonderfully tight-knitted.
The Opal Miner's Daughter is a light-hearted romantic read; one that ended with my sigh of contentment. However, it also tackled tough issues such as stigma of illness, infertility, depression, and a few other things, and done in such beautifully sensitive way that didn't make the reader sad but hopeful. An utterly delightful and pleasing read.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for gifting me a copy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
October 2, 2022
ok bit to sweet and homely struggled to finish it
September 9, 2022
What a fantastic story. Set out in the small outback Opal mining town of Lightning Ridge where a Mum goes to pursue her love of Opal mining. Her daughter Riley goes out there to convince her Mum to come home. Riley accepts a job at the medical centre for 4 weeks & friendships are formed, an attraction to a doctor becomes complicated.
A book I found very difficult to put down. A must read for everyone
A book I found very difficult to put down. A must read for everyone
April 19, 2023
An enjoyable book that included several subjects/ issues that an isolated country town faces… having grown up in Lightning Ridge I also recognise many of the land marks as well as the challenges.
The continual shortage of doctors being just one. I love the uniqueness of this town and that shines in the pages as well as the wonderful unique personalities that live and breathe the Opal mining community
The continual shortage of doctors being just one. I love the uniqueness of this town and that shines in the pages as well as the wonderful unique personalities that live and breathe the Opal mining community
March 7, 2024
Listened via audio. Enjoyable light read by Fiona McArthur
November 30, 2025
Obstetrician Riley Brand leaves Sydney for a 1 month stint of being a GOin Lightning Ridge while hoping to get her mother to come back to Sydney.
She finds herself caught up in the friendliness of the Ridge
She finds herself caught up in the friendliness of the Ridge
January 7, 2024
Sweet Clean Romance with extras.
I’m Loving this series because of the Great Characters, but also because of the peripheral characters and always exciting medical dramas!
I’m Loving this series because of the Great Characters, but also because of the peripheral characters and always exciting medical dramas!
September 8, 2022
Loved this Hope there is a follow up book as great characters
September 11, 2022
This was my first book by Fiona McArthur and it was a good one!
Rural romance is a bit of a comfort read for me. I love the familiarity of the story arc, as well as the surprises offered by the setting, the community and the romance at the heart of the story.
THE OPAL MINER’S DAUGHTER is set in Lightning Ridge, a mining town in outback NSW, and it made for a really fascinating read - both about mining and life in regional Australia.
Working in healthcare, I especially enjoyed reading about the delivery of GP and specialist healthcare services and the challenges the local geography presents in keeping the community well.
For me, the romance in the story took a backseat to the community storyline. Dr Konrad Grey was a swoon-worthy lead & Dr Riley Brand a brilliant, strong leading lady, but I just adored the community that surrounded these two love birds.
THE OPAL MINER’S DAUGHTER was an engaging and satisfying read. One that rural romance readers are bound to enjoy!
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Rural romance is a bit of a comfort read for me. I love the familiarity of the story arc, as well as the surprises offered by the setting, the community and the romance at the heart of the story.
THE OPAL MINER’S DAUGHTER is set in Lightning Ridge, a mining town in outback NSW, and it made for a really fascinating read - both about mining and life in regional Australia.
Working in healthcare, I especially enjoyed reading about the delivery of GP and specialist healthcare services and the challenges the local geography presents in keeping the community well.
For me, the romance in the story took a backseat to the community storyline. Dr Konrad Grey was a swoon-worthy lead & Dr Riley Brand a brilliant, strong leading lady, but I just adored the community that surrounded these two love birds.
THE OPAL MINER’S DAUGHTER was an engaging and satisfying read. One that rural romance readers are bound to enjoy!
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book.
August 30, 2022
4.5 Stars
Fiona McArthur has written another wonderful outback romance which encompasses an outback opal mining town full of wonderful Aussie characters.
In this opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, some people live in the hope they will find the perfect opal, some, like Riley's mum Adelaide, have become hooked on the whole opal mining process and love the freedom digging their mine gives them. I loved that Adelaide after retiring found something that interested her and decided to follow her heart and do something completely out of character; buying a property in Lightning Ridge with a tin shack and an old opal mine. I liked that she didn't let her husband's lack of interest stop her, she knew what she needed and she did it, hoping her husband would join her, but unwilling to live a life of boredom to stay with him.
Riley, an obstetrician and fertility specialist decides she needs to talk sense into her mum on behalf of her dad (never a good idea) and takes up a locum position for a month in Lightning Ridge whilst also using it as an opportunity to run fertility clinics for the women in the community and surrounds. Just as there is a lack of medical care and mental health services in the outback, Riley and the local GP Konrad find out just how needed her clinics are and how many families there are who want to start a family, but can't and have no easy access to a fertility specialist.
Mel, a young local lady who is struggling with PTSD and has been given a safe space to heal and live by Konrad as his medical receptionist, pulled at my heartstrings with her story and her lack of belief in herself. Big changes are underway for her with a surprise pregnancy and unexpected support from the ladies. Riley and Konrad also both play important roles in helping Mel come into her own.
I really like the way Fiona McArthur brings attention to the needs and struggles of these remote communities, I always learn something new when I read her novels.
I really liked local GP Konrad Grey and liked the way Riley and Konrad connected and how they both changed in the short time they knew each other, each allowing the other to see and experience things they had been missing.
The cast of side characters in Lightning Ridge was wonderful, from crusty old Cyrus, a man who seems to have forgotten what personal hygiene is, to Desiree who knows everything that is going on and the ladies of the Friday night get-togethers who are there to support each other and the rest of the community and Toby, a young man who is going through a lot and barely keeping it together. All of these people make for a great read, one I couldn't put down until the early hours of the morning.
Fiona McArthur has written another wonderful outback romance which encompasses an outback opal mining town full of wonderful Aussie characters.
In this opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, some people live in the hope they will find the perfect opal, some, like Riley's mum Adelaide, have become hooked on the whole opal mining process and love the freedom digging their mine gives them. I loved that Adelaide after retiring found something that interested her and decided to follow her heart and do something completely out of character; buying a property in Lightning Ridge with a tin shack and an old opal mine. I liked that she didn't let her husband's lack of interest stop her, she knew what she needed and she did it, hoping her husband would join her, but unwilling to live a life of boredom to stay with him.
Riley, an obstetrician and fertility specialist decides she needs to talk sense into her mum on behalf of her dad (never a good idea) and takes up a locum position for a month in Lightning Ridge whilst also using it as an opportunity to run fertility clinics for the women in the community and surrounds. Just as there is a lack of medical care and mental health services in the outback, Riley and the local GP Konrad find out just how needed her clinics are and how many families there are who want to start a family, but can't and have no easy access to a fertility specialist.
Mel, a young local lady who is struggling with PTSD and has been given a safe space to heal and live by Konrad as his medical receptionist, pulled at my heartstrings with her story and her lack of belief in herself. Big changes are underway for her with a surprise pregnancy and unexpected support from the ladies. Riley and Konrad also both play important roles in helping Mel come into her own.
I really like the way Fiona McArthur brings attention to the needs and struggles of these remote communities, I always learn something new when I read her novels.
I really liked local GP Konrad Grey and liked the way Riley and Konrad connected and how they both changed in the short time they knew each other, each allowing the other to see and experience things they had been missing.
The cast of side characters in Lightning Ridge was wonderful, from crusty old Cyrus, a man who seems to have forgotten what personal hygiene is, to Desiree who knows everything that is going on and the ladies of the Friday night get-togethers who are there to support each other and the rest of the community and Toby, a young man who is going through a lot and barely keeping it together. All of these people make for a great read, one I couldn't put down until the early hours of the morning.
October 1, 2022
The Opal Miner's Daughter written by Fiona McArthur was a fabulous read that I also found to be very topical due to the storyline discussing remote towns and access to medical care.
Obstetrician Riley Brand has a plan to visit her Mother in Lightning Ridge with the view to getting her to return home to Sydney and her Dad Tyler. Adelaide, Riley's Mum has retired from nursing and has discovered the world of opal mining and has relocated to trial running her own opal mine and new hobby she has become very passionate about. Riley's Dad has no interest in heading to the remote community and Riley hopes to become a mediator between the two. Riley decides to apply for a locum GP position but will also offer fertility services to the area.
The township is very welcoming to the Doctor as she brings much needed medical expertise to the area where she teams up with the handsome Dr Konrad Grey who owns and runs the medical practice in Lightning Ridge. Adelaide is of course very surprised that her daughter has taken the locum position for the month but knows that she will have an ulterior motive for the visit.
I enjoyed that this book had a few different storylines to it - the remoteness of rural towns, opal mining, finding your way after retirement, new love/old love and the challenges that people face in rural towns especially seeking medical services. This was the first book I had read of Fiona's and you can tell it was very well researched, I enjoyed her writing style immensely and did not want to put it down. I liked her point found in the acknowledgements that "If one GP reads this book and considers remote medicine, I'd be thrilled, and I know the communities would be grateful." I hope that is does leave readers with a sense of the issues these remote towns face daily.
I am a huge fan of rural fiction and this book had it all for me and I am excited to now read Fiona's other books. Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Penguin Random House Australia for the opportunity to read this great book - 5 Stars from me.
Obstetrician Riley Brand has a plan to visit her Mother in Lightning Ridge with the view to getting her to return home to Sydney and her Dad Tyler. Adelaide, Riley's Mum has retired from nursing and has discovered the world of opal mining and has relocated to trial running her own opal mine and new hobby she has become very passionate about. Riley's Dad has no interest in heading to the remote community and Riley hopes to become a mediator between the two. Riley decides to apply for a locum GP position but will also offer fertility services to the area.
The township is very welcoming to the Doctor as she brings much needed medical expertise to the area where she teams up with the handsome Dr Konrad Grey who owns and runs the medical practice in Lightning Ridge. Adelaide is of course very surprised that her daughter has taken the locum position for the month but knows that she will have an ulterior motive for the visit.
I enjoyed that this book had a few different storylines to it - the remoteness of rural towns, opal mining, finding your way after retirement, new love/old love and the challenges that people face in rural towns especially seeking medical services. This was the first book I had read of Fiona's and you can tell it was very well researched, I enjoyed her writing style immensely and did not want to put it down. I liked her point found in the acknowledgements that "If one GP reads this book and considers remote medicine, I'd be thrilled, and I know the communities would be grateful." I hope that is does leave readers with a sense of the issues these remote towns face daily.
I am a huge fan of rural fiction and this book had it all for me and I am excited to now read Fiona's other books. Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Penguin Random House Australia for the opportunity to read this great book - 5 Stars from me.
October 17, 2022
Quite enjoyed this book wasnt sure where it was going but was quite happy with it, would like to see a follow story with some more characters stories
October 4, 2022
A 4.5 star rating for me! A delightful story with wonderful strong characters, particularly the women - hurray! All of the characters had one or two realistic traits that could be annoying, but because of the delightful was Fiona writes, the characters were also very endearing! The book also subtly educated the reader - especially for those like me who new nothing about Opal mining and Lightening Ridge. Completing the novel has definitely inspired me to visit. Often covering some very serious topics the book has a way of approaching the subjects in an open, gentle and exploring manner and the use of humour is used often and always very appropriately. My first book by Fiona and I definitely plan to read more.
August 29, 2023
First of all, shame on me for initially thinking that the Opal Miner in the title would be Riley’s dad. Nope, it was Adelaide; her mum and a badass woman.
Adelaide Brand spent her whole life being a good wife and mum. In her retirement, she caught the opal mining bug. So she bought a mine and moved to Lightning Ridge. Obstetrician Riley Brand decided to take a leave from her popular Sydney practice to entice her mum to come home. So she accepted a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, working alongside the local GP, Konrad Grey, who happened to look like Thor.
This book came at the right time for me. I was craving a heartwarming, maybe even sappy, rural love story. To my delight, this was all that plus a lot of realistic background knowledge.
This was my first Fi McArthur book, so I got to know her background as a former midwife and educator. The amount of obstetrics information included alone was enough for me to recommend this book to anyone planning or trying to get pregnant!
Riley was surprisingly very relatable to me. She was a go-getter, non apologetic, and top of her field. She was strong, empowering and caring at the same time. I wanted to be Riley when I grew up!
Now that I’ve found Fi McArthur, I have a huge catalogue of her backlist opened to me. Where do I start?!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Adelaide Brand spent her whole life being a good wife and mum. In her retirement, she caught the opal mining bug. So she bought a mine and moved to Lightning Ridge. Obstetrician Riley Brand decided to take a leave from her popular Sydney practice to entice her mum to come home. So she accepted a short-term posting as a fertility expert in Lightning Ridge, working alongside the local GP, Konrad Grey, who happened to look like Thor.
This book came at the right time for me. I was craving a heartwarming, maybe even sappy, rural love story. To my delight, this was all that plus a lot of realistic background knowledge.
This was my first Fi McArthur book, so I got to know her background as a former midwife and educator. The amount of obstetrics information included alone was enough for me to recommend this book to anyone planning or trying to get pregnant!
Riley was surprisingly very relatable to me. She was a go-getter, non apologetic, and top of her field. She was strong, empowering and caring at the same time. I wanted to be Riley when I grew up!
Now that I’ve found Fi McArthur, I have a huge catalogue of her backlist opened to me. Where do I start?!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
October 1, 2022
A realistic novel that contained many threads knitted together to provide warmth and comfort for the reader. It captured the heartbreak of infertility for many families in remote areas, stigma attached to medical conditions we don’t fully understand, the desire to pursue goals as you mature and hidden secrets.
Another great read by Fiona McArthur, I feel I’ve missed some arriving in NZ due to Covid. Can’t wait to hit the Australian bookshops after Christmas.
Another great read by Fiona McArthur, I feel I’ve missed some arriving in NZ due to Covid. Can’t wait to hit the Australian bookshops after Christmas.
September 13, 2022
✍️ This story follows Obstetrician Riley Brand who leaves her home and work in Sydney to go looking for her mother who has gone to a small outback town in New South Wales to pursue a career in opal mining. Riley attains a short position as a locum fertility expert and soon becomes immersed on the residents and the handsome Doctor Konrad Grey.
This was the first book I read by @fiona_mcarthur_author and it did not disappoint. I LOVED it!! A beautifully heartwarming love story about a small tight knit community.
The writing style was smooth and enthralling and I enjoyed reading about the ambiance of the jagged backdrop of the New South Wales outback. I delighted in the dialogue and connection between Riley and the suave Doctor Grey as well as the various character point of views. The plot was cleverly conceived with joyful and heartfelt characters and deep and meaningful issues.
This was the first book I read by @fiona_mcarthur_author and it did not disappoint. I LOVED it!! A beautifully heartwarming love story about a small tight knit community.
The writing style was smooth and enthralling and I enjoyed reading about the ambiance of the jagged backdrop of the New South Wales outback. I delighted in the dialogue and connection between Riley and the suave Doctor Grey as well as the various character point of views. The plot was cleverly conceived with joyful and heartfelt characters and deep and meaningful issues.
September 22, 2022
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Penguin for my copy to read and review.
This book ticks all the boxes for me as a rural romance, with dramas and good old community spirit.
I loved how this story unfolded with great characters that you felt like you knew them all.
Set in the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, everyone banded together no matter what happened and who was involved. It was a real feel good story.
I really appreciated Fiona McArthur's style of writing and will look for her books in the future.
This book ticks all the boxes for me as a rural romance, with dramas and good old community spirit.
I loved how this story unfolded with great characters that you felt like you knew them all.
Set in the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge, everyone banded together no matter what happened and who was involved. It was a real feel good story.
I really appreciated Fiona McArthur's style of writing and will look for her books in the future.
September 28, 2022
Such a good read
Loved this book from beginning to end - and the topics that it touched on throughout the experience of being in Lightning Ridge
Loved this book from beginning to end - and the topics that it touched on throughout the experience of being in Lightning Ridge
September 29, 2022
A wonderful book.
September 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, an easy read with romance, a bit of drama, and set in a town I first visited in 1967. Last visit was in 2015 so I recognised quite a few places mentioned.
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