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Wattle Creek #1
Wattle Creek
Damien McAllister is a man on the brink. Spending long, hard days on a farm he has no affection for, and nights ignoring the criticisms of his mother, Damien can no longer remember what he's living for. But in a small town like Wattle Creek, there are few people to turn to - and Damien learned long ago to keep his problems to himself.
Until Jacqueline Havelock, a young psychologist escaping her own issues, arrives fresh from the city and makes Damien question everything he has known about himself…also igniting a spark in his lonely heart.
Soon Damien is daring to ask for more than an ordinary life, and can glimpse the possibility of happiness. Will this accidental farmer dare to fulfil the long-forgotten legacy of his father and find peace in the arms of the doctor?
Or will the ghosts of their pasts threaten the fragile new lives they've just begun to build?
Until Jacqueline Havelock, a young psychologist escaping her own issues, arrives fresh from the city and makes Damien question everything he has known about himself…also igniting a spark in his lonely heart.
Soon Damien is daring to ask for more than an ordinary life, and can glimpse the possibility of happiness. Will this accidental farmer dare to fulfil the long-forgotten legacy of his father and find peace in the arms of the doctor?
Or will the ghosts of their pasts threaten the fragile new lives they've just begun to build?
335 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
42 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McCallum
22 books276 followers** Please be aware Fiona is not active on this site. She can be best found on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu... **
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 27, 2014
Damien McAllister knew people were staring at him as he entered the doctor's surgery. The only time he went to see the doctor was when he injured himself on the farm, but this visit wouldn't require any bandages or stitches. Damien hadn't been himself for awhile, but men never spoke about their problems. Damien knew it was time to push all that aside and get some help. Damien thought the doctor would just give him a prescription for some tablets and he would be on his way. He never thought he would be told to make an appointment to see a psychologist.
After spending over five hours on the road, Jacqueline Havelock was looking forward to settling into her cottage in Wattle Creek. Having arrived a little later than she expected there was instructions for her to collect her keys from the lady across the road, Mrs Ethel Bennett. Jacqueline knew as soon as she met the lovely Ethel, she was going to enjoy working and living in Wattle Creek. Jacqueline would be working in Dr Squire's surgery as the the new psychologist.
Damien was very hesitant about seeing a psychologist and had second thoughts about attending his appointment. He could just imagine what people would say when they found out. Things like this spread quickly in a small country town and that was the last thing he wanted or needed. But Damien had no one else to talk to, so he knew he had to swallow his pride and get the help he needed. With his first appointment over, Damien was left wondering if he'd return for a second one. He'd been asked to keep a a journal where, Jacqueline wanted him to write down how he was feeling each day and what had caused theses feelings. He thought she was expecting a lot and wasn't sure if he would do it. Not long after rescuing a puppy which, Damien named Squish it seemed life was starting to look brighter or was it?
A very enjoyable read which touches on some rather sensitive issues. Recommended.
After spending over five hours on the road, Jacqueline Havelock was looking forward to settling into her cottage in Wattle Creek. Having arrived a little later than she expected there was instructions for her to collect her keys from the lady across the road, Mrs Ethel Bennett. Jacqueline knew as soon as she met the lovely Ethel, she was going to enjoy working and living in Wattle Creek. Jacqueline would be working in Dr Squire's surgery as the the new psychologist.
Damien was very hesitant about seeing a psychologist and had second thoughts about attending his appointment. He could just imagine what people would say when they found out. Things like this spread quickly in a small country town and that was the last thing he wanted or needed. But Damien had no one else to talk to, so he knew he had to swallow his pride and get the help he needed. With his first appointment over, Damien was left wondering if he'd return for a second one. He'd been asked to keep a a journal where, Jacqueline wanted him to write down how he was feeling each day and what had caused theses feelings. He thought she was expecting a lot and wasn't sure if he would do it. Not long after rescuing a puppy which, Damien named Squish it seemed life was starting to look brighter or was it?
A very enjoyable read which touches on some rather sensitive issues. Recommended.
June 30, 2014
3.5★s
Jacqueline Havelock arrived in the little town of Wattle Creek tired but pleased to be there. Having driven five hours from Adelaide in South Australia to her new position as psychologist within the local doctor’s surgery, she felt her future looked much better than it had been. As she settled into the little cottage which would be hers, at least until she proved herself a capable addition to Dr Squire’s practice, she was a little disconcerted by the friendliness of the locals, especially Ethel Bennett from across the road. But she guessed Wattle Creek would be a whole lot different to the thriving city of Adelaide.
Damien McAllister was a sheep farmer with no love for the land he had grown up on. His father and grandfather had both been farmers and now they were gone, he was alone and lonely, carrying on the family tradition but wondering why. His mother did nothing but criticise – it was only the dogs that showed him any affection. He had no-one to talk to – but then men didn’t talk about their problems; Damien had learned a long time ago to keep everything to himself.
But when Dr Squire told Damien to make an appointment with the new psychologist, he questioned himself. Why would he need a shrink? When he went to the appointment anyway and Jacqueline explained the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, he was still confused. The appointment though caused Damien to start searching for answers within himself. Then when he saved the life of a small, excited and energetic puppy he named Squish, slowly but surely his life began to improve.
With a tentative friendship between Jacqueline and Damien forming, and the support of the local townsfolk, the suddenness of disaster was as unexpected as it was shocking. Would Damien push through this latest setback? Could he?
I enjoyed Wattle Creek though I found Damien to be an unlikeable character until around the middle of the book. My favourite character was Ethel, she was an absolute delight! A light rural romance with a little bit of intrigue, this was a quick read. Recommended.
Jacqueline Havelock arrived in the little town of Wattle Creek tired but pleased to be there. Having driven five hours from Adelaide in South Australia to her new position as psychologist within the local doctor’s surgery, she felt her future looked much better than it had been. As she settled into the little cottage which would be hers, at least until she proved herself a capable addition to Dr Squire’s practice, she was a little disconcerted by the friendliness of the locals, especially Ethel Bennett from across the road. But she guessed Wattle Creek would be a whole lot different to the thriving city of Adelaide.
Damien McAllister was a sheep farmer with no love for the land he had grown up on. His father and grandfather had both been farmers and now they were gone, he was alone and lonely, carrying on the family tradition but wondering why. His mother did nothing but criticise – it was only the dogs that showed him any affection. He had no-one to talk to – but then men didn’t talk about their problems; Damien had learned a long time ago to keep everything to himself.
But when Dr Squire told Damien to make an appointment with the new psychologist, he questioned himself. Why would he need a shrink? When he went to the appointment anyway and Jacqueline explained the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, he was still confused. The appointment though caused Damien to start searching for answers within himself. Then when he saved the life of a small, excited and energetic puppy he named Squish, slowly but surely his life began to improve.
With a tentative friendship between Jacqueline and Damien forming, and the support of the local townsfolk, the suddenness of disaster was as unexpected as it was shocking. Would Damien push through this latest setback? Could he?
I enjoyed Wattle Creek though I found Damien to be an unlikeable character until around the middle of the book. My favourite character was Ethel, she was an absolute delight! A light rural romance with a little bit of intrigue, this was a quick read. Recommended.
January 1, 2015
Opening Line:‘…Damien had suicide in his sights …’
As you can see from the opening line, WATTLE CREEK starts off with a very emotionally confronting scene of a man staring down the barrel of gun wanting to end it all. This is not how you would normally expect a romance to open. From this heart in your mouth opening though, author Fiona McCallum takes us into the lives of the small farming community of Wattle Creek in outback Australia. He is a ‘typical’ Aussie bloke in that he doesn’t talk much and is not inclined to share his feelings. But Damien finds the courage to seek help and he is lucky because the local medical centre has just taken on a short term psychologist and he is her first patient. Jacqueline is a city girl who has her own reasons for wanting to be away in the country. She is determined to help the community however she quickly comes to the realisation that practicing in a small rural town with a bush telegraph that travels faster than a walk across the road to the grocery store poses challenges she had never considered. Nothing is private. How on earth can she convince patients like Damien to visit her without the whole town knowing? Can she change the attitude of the townspeople? Depression and suicide are confronting issues, sadly all too common in the rural areas. It is common in the cities too, but unlike the city dwellers, in the outback access to professional help is not always available. WATTLE CREEK demonstrates what could happen if a psychologist was easily accessible. Damien is the ‘everyman’ of the farming community and his struggles are handled extremely sensitively and are spot in in showing the thought process, or rather the lack of thought process, people on the edge possibly go through.
Don’t be put off though, this is not a self-help book, and the story is not a depressing read; if you will pardon the pun. There is a lot of joy and laughter and, of course, the romance. Watching the city girl getting drunk on her first Friday night in town with the girls, dealing with a boss who thinks women should stay at home and nurture the men, and learning how to fit in a community are all portrayed well. Like any community Wattle Creek has a variety of characters that might fight like cat and dog during the day – but when danger threatens they all pull together. And anyone who has been to a CWA afternoon tea will understand the vast array of food that is available there. Special mention needs to go to the smallest character – Squish. Anyone who has a Jack Russell in their life will relate to this little dog, and anyone who needs a friend who is always willing to listen needs one of these in their life – or any dog!!
WATTLE CREEK deals very well with how depression affects those who work and live in the land. And Fiona McCallum has dedicated it “…to all those who have suffered depression and will suffer depression in the future: a problem shared is a problem halved…” and given a list of web addresses and organisations for those who think they need help to contact, including: www.beyondblue.org.au/
As you can see from the opening line, WATTLE CREEK starts off with a very emotionally confronting scene of a man staring down the barrel of gun wanting to end it all. This is not how you would normally expect a romance to open. From this heart in your mouth opening though, author Fiona McCallum takes us into the lives of the small farming community of Wattle Creek in outback Australia. He is a ‘typical’ Aussie bloke in that he doesn’t talk much and is not inclined to share his feelings. But Damien finds the courage to seek help and he is lucky because the local medical centre has just taken on a short term psychologist and he is her first patient. Jacqueline is a city girl who has her own reasons for wanting to be away in the country. She is determined to help the community however she quickly comes to the realisation that practicing in a small rural town with a bush telegraph that travels faster than a walk across the road to the grocery store poses challenges she had never considered. Nothing is private. How on earth can she convince patients like Damien to visit her without the whole town knowing? Can she change the attitude of the townspeople? Depression and suicide are confronting issues, sadly all too common in the rural areas. It is common in the cities too, but unlike the city dwellers, in the outback access to professional help is not always available. WATTLE CREEK demonstrates what could happen if a psychologist was easily accessible. Damien is the ‘everyman’ of the farming community and his struggles are handled extremely sensitively and are spot in in showing the thought process, or rather the lack of thought process, people on the edge possibly go through.
Don’t be put off though, this is not a self-help book, and the story is not a depressing read; if you will pardon the pun. There is a lot of joy and laughter and, of course, the romance. Watching the city girl getting drunk on her first Friday night in town with the girls, dealing with a boss who thinks women should stay at home and nurture the men, and learning how to fit in a community are all portrayed well. Like any community Wattle Creek has a variety of characters that might fight like cat and dog during the day – but when danger threatens they all pull together. And anyone who has been to a CWA afternoon tea will understand the vast array of food that is available there. Special mention needs to go to the smallest character – Squish. Anyone who has a Jack Russell in their life will relate to this little dog, and anyone who needs a friend who is always willing to listen needs one of these in their life – or any dog!!
WATTLE CREEK deals very well with how depression affects those who work and live in the land. And Fiona McCallum has dedicated it “…to all those who have suffered depression and will suffer depression in the future: a problem shared is a problem halved…” and given a list of web addresses and organisations for those who think they need help to contact, including: www.beyondblue.org.au/
September 30, 2014
3.5 stars. While the first half of this book grabbed me and made it very easy to get into, and incredibly hard to put down, it seemed to lose its way about half way through. Some of the plot twists were rather out of left field, but the most jarring thing for me was the abrupt changes characters would go through for the sake of the story, which rather disappointed me. I think I may have to keep my eye out for more work by this author.
October 21, 2012
As I think I have mentioned before, I do tend to avoid the rural lit’s a bit only because I also live on the land and sometimes find I just cannot read more about the land and prefer to venture elsewhere on my reads! But I must say that I have come to really like Fiona MacCallum - she is a very talented writer that I enjoy and if you like the rural reads and haven’t tried any of Fiona’s books before, I do recommend. I did enjoy her previous novel Nowhere Else a little better though – this one was a bit slower paced. This one delves into the emotional issue of rural men and the high rate of suicide between 25 & 45 as we follow Damien through his journey – there is also the pretty young psychologist with her own drama’s that has moved from the city to the country also - will say no more…… If you like the rural Australian reads that seem to be becoming extremely popular, this is a good one!
January 7, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for honest review.
Initial thoughts - this one might take a while to get into.
50% - Still not the best writing style, or maybe I should say not the writing style I like the most. Is anything remotely interesting going to happen in this book?
60-65% - All of a sudden they're in love? Wait, what?!? The storyline is too jumpy in this one.
90% - Some good things happening but there's still no proper structure or exploration for some of the things happening in the story.
100% - Abrupt ending but good gestures from the townspeople showing the true country spirit in Aus.
Overall this one wasn't my kind of novel. The story jumped too much and I felt that Damien and Jacqueline didn't have enough interaction to all of a sudden be in love in the way they were. The idea of the story is a great, its just not my kind of writing style.
Initial thoughts - this one might take a while to get into.
50% - Still not the best writing style, or maybe I should say not the writing style I like the most. Is anything remotely interesting going to happen in this book?
60-65% - All of a sudden they're in love? Wait, what?!? The storyline is too jumpy in this one.
90% - Some good things happening but there's still no proper structure or exploration for some of the things happening in the story.
100% - Abrupt ending but good gestures from the townspeople showing the true country spirit in Aus.
Overall this one wasn't my kind of novel. The story jumped too much and I felt that Damien and Jacqueline didn't have enough interaction to all of a sudden be in love in the way they were. The idea of the story is a great, its just not my kind of writing style.
October 25, 2023
Followed by Standing Strong
April 9, 2012
Although this book turned up unexpectedly for review, i was excited to review it as i’ve become a big fan of rural lit. I also share the same profession as the protagonist, Jacqueline Havelock, a young psychologist.
Jacqueline moves to Wattle Creek for a twelve month contract as a private psychologist in the local medical practice. She is immediately intrigued by one of her first patients, Damien a shy farmer with depression. Jacqueline works hard to fight the barriers of people seeking professional help in this rural town and develops a close friendship with the elderly widow Ethel who lives across the road and takes on Jacqueline as a project to infiltrate her in the town.
Unfortunately I did have some issues with the plot in this story. It was a little slow, I know it was character-driven, but I didn’t really feel like I ever knew Jacqueline very well, though Damien seemed well developed.
But the biggest issue for me (and maybe I’m a little biased here on this area!) was Jacqueline’s role as a psychologist. She had some serious boundary issues and some of her behaviour was quite unethical. One major no, no, that is drummed into psych students throughout their 6 years or so of training is to NEVER have a sexual relationship with a client. Although Jacqueline and Damien’s relationship didn’t become physically intimate until therapy was finished, she certainly crossed the boundaries when she was his psychologist. Firstly, she turned up at his home with his Aunt when he missed his second or third appointment= breach of confidentiality and not within her role as a private psych. Then telling him that she is not just his psychologist, but also his friend=also a no no. She also asked locals about his personal life= need I say no, no? They began to develop a friendship where it was obvious that they were both attracted to each other, yet she still encouraged him to come and see her professionally. This made it difficult for me as a reader to be vested in the romantic relationship between these two characters. The reason there shouldn’t be a personal relationship between client and therapist is because the therapist is in a position of authority and the client is vulnerable. There is a clear power imbalance. The therapeutic relationship is emotionally intimate and the therapist’s role is to provide an environment of trust and safety. In some ways I felt Damien was manipulated because of Jacqueline’s feelings for him and I don’t think it was really clear how he felt about her separate to how she helped him professionally. Maybe I’m harping on a bit but I just found it quite unrealistic and silly that Jacqueline thought once he was ‘fixed’ she could just start dating him a week later. If memory serves me correctly, a psychologist can’t have a personal relationship with a client (preferably ever) until at least 2 years have passed.
Anyway, despite all these issues I think if the ethical conflicts were captured in the story and actually used within the plot or if they had quit therapy after one session and then developed a friendship then the storyline would have been more believable.
Despite my reservations about the protagonist, I did feel the author captured Damien’s emotional state early in the book quite well and also his hesitation in seeking professional help. I felt that he did grow and develop some skills to cope with the circumstances and got a better grasp on his ambitions in life.
Aside from my issue with how the protagonist’s profession was managed, I did enjoy the story when I ignored these aspects and thought Wattle Creek was a sweet story about two different people relying on each other in a small country town and trying to find their place in the world. I do also have Paycheque by Fiona McCallum sitting on my TBR shelf and I intend to read this for the AWW2012 challenge- so I haven’t ruled this author out just yet.
Jacqueline moves to Wattle Creek for a twelve month contract as a private psychologist in the local medical practice. She is immediately intrigued by one of her first patients, Damien a shy farmer with depression. Jacqueline works hard to fight the barriers of people seeking professional help in this rural town and develops a close friendship with the elderly widow Ethel who lives across the road and takes on Jacqueline as a project to infiltrate her in the town.
Unfortunately I did have some issues with the plot in this story. It was a little slow, I know it was character-driven, but I didn’t really feel like I ever knew Jacqueline very well, though Damien seemed well developed.
But the biggest issue for me (and maybe I’m a little biased here on this area!) was Jacqueline’s role as a psychologist. She had some serious boundary issues and some of her behaviour was quite unethical. One major no, no, that is drummed into psych students throughout their 6 years or so of training is to NEVER have a sexual relationship with a client. Although Jacqueline and Damien’s relationship didn’t become physically intimate until therapy was finished, she certainly crossed the boundaries when she was his psychologist. Firstly, she turned up at his home with his Aunt when he missed his second or third appointment= breach of confidentiality and not within her role as a private psych. Then telling him that she is not just his psychologist, but also his friend=also a no no. She also asked locals about his personal life= need I say no, no? They began to develop a friendship where it was obvious that they were both attracted to each other, yet she still encouraged him to come and see her professionally. This made it difficult for me as a reader to be vested in the romantic relationship between these two characters. The reason there shouldn’t be a personal relationship between client and therapist is because the therapist is in a position of authority and the client is vulnerable. There is a clear power imbalance. The therapeutic relationship is emotionally intimate and the therapist’s role is to provide an environment of trust and safety. In some ways I felt Damien was manipulated because of Jacqueline’s feelings for him and I don’t think it was really clear how he felt about her separate to how she helped him professionally. Maybe I’m harping on a bit but I just found it quite unrealistic and silly that Jacqueline thought once he was ‘fixed’ she could just start dating him a week later. If memory serves me correctly, a psychologist can’t have a personal relationship with a client (preferably ever) until at least 2 years have passed.
Anyway, despite all these issues I think if the ethical conflicts were captured in the story and actually used within the plot or if they had quit therapy after one session and then developed a friendship then the storyline would have been more believable.
Despite my reservations about the protagonist, I did feel the author captured Damien’s emotional state early in the book quite well and also his hesitation in seeking professional help. I felt that he did grow and develop some skills to cope with the circumstances and got a better grasp on his ambitions in life.
Aside from my issue with how the protagonist’s profession was managed, I did enjoy the story when I ignored these aspects and thought Wattle Creek was a sweet story about two different people relying on each other in a small country town and trying to find their place in the world. I do also have Paycheque by Fiona McCallum sitting on my TBR shelf and I intend to read this for the AWW2012 challenge- so I haven’t ruled this author out just yet.
September 13, 2014
I would give this book 3.5 stars but the fact that I think this writer needs a thesaurus stops me. She uses the same descriptive of "steaming" far far too much for me and made me want to scream. Other than that the story was very good. Covering people in a country town was interesting and a good and enjoyable read. I can only hope that the books this writer published after this one developed in style.
February 8, 2018
3.5 * A good Aussie tale, which is an easy read, despite touching on some very deep and serious issues. It's good to see those issues addressed in a respectful manner, although the solution for the male main character was too quick and easy to be fully plausible. A more realistic portrayal would have dampened the lighter moments and lengthened the book considerably, however.
If you enjoy rural tales, you will like this book.
If you enjoy rural tales, you will like this book.
November 30, 2014
Liked how the author discussed depression in rural areas in depth and also gave us an insight into the psychologists view point too. Depression is a common illness that a lot of people are not aware of.
January 3, 2017
Story about life in a country town, relationships & nature of small towns where everyone knows each others business but where underlying issues depression etc go unnoticed and unattended.
Predictable ending but enjoyed the characters and issues raised of loneliness and isolation
Predictable ending but enjoyed the characters and issues raised of loneliness and isolation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2012
Just kept reading, ignored the family!
April 19, 2013
A Qantas freebee, handbag size, perfect for travelling :)
September 28, 2016
*3.5 stars
Read in preparation for the sequel and McCallum's latest book, Standing Strong.
Read in preparation for the sequel and McCallum's latest book, Standing Strong.
June 22, 2024
This was my first Fiona McCallum book and while I was jarred momentarily when a woman’s breasts were described as ‘two firm mounds’, early on in the book, I decided to keep reading and give the book the benefit of the doubt. I’m actually glad I did because I happen to think this was a super, sweet romantic novel.
For once, I really liked the male protagonist Damien, he was the kind of Aussie bloke I’m used to- softly spoken, sensitive, but can get the job done without bravado. I like this kind of character because he feels so real to me. And was he sexy? - yes! Bloody, super sexy in my opinion.
Another aspect that was strong in this novel was that Damien is suicidal without emotional support in a rural setting. In Australia, suicide is the largest killer of our young and middle aged men- especially in rural areas. The old fashioned idea that these silent, hard working men can take any amount of stress and trauma without emotional support, therapy and access to these things needs to be challenged, not by the professionals - but by our own common beliefs. I like when books challenge these ideas around masculinity, toxic identities and roles men play in our evolving social landscape.
I live in a small, rural town in Australia myself and could totally sympathise with small town life including the ever present gossip train, strong social ties and responsibilities- but also the way people do step and take care of each other when ‘shit gets real’ - such as bush fires, an event in the book- which I’ve experienced first hand too.
Fiona McCallum writes a solid book with solid characters and big heart-warming feelings. She obviously writes from experience- you can feel this.
For once, I really liked the male protagonist Damien, he was the kind of Aussie bloke I’m used to- softly spoken, sensitive, but can get the job done without bravado. I like this kind of character because he feels so real to me. And was he sexy? - yes! Bloody, super sexy in my opinion.
Another aspect that was strong in this novel was that Damien is suicidal without emotional support in a rural setting. In Australia, suicide is the largest killer of our young and middle aged men- especially in rural areas. The old fashioned idea that these silent, hard working men can take any amount of stress and trauma without emotional support, therapy and access to these things needs to be challenged, not by the professionals - but by our own common beliefs. I like when books challenge these ideas around masculinity, toxic identities and roles men play in our evolving social landscape.
I live in a small, rural town in Australia myself and could totally sympathise with small town life including the ever present gossip train, strong social ties and responsibilities- but also the way people do step and take care of each other when ‘shit gets real’ - such as bush fires, an event in the book- which I’ve experienced first hand too.
Fiona McCallum writes a solid book with solid characters and big heart-warming feelings. She obviously writes from experience- you can feel this.
May 2, 2025
I listened to the audio of this book. The narrator, Jennifer Vuletic, took it to a 4 for me. Most of the book is a very good story of connected sub plots that doesn't slow down, until near the end when everything is tied up in nice neat packages in a syrupy sweet way. The author is derogatory about domestic duties in the home, through the character of Eileen. Whether or not the author recognises it, one could guess, by the end of the book, that Eileen is going to be the saviour of her and her husband's planned retirement project in Wattle Creek. Eileen has probably been the steady rock throughout her husband's veterinary practice of long, unsociable hours. Behind every successful man...
March 8, 2023
This book was written really well. The pacing and storyline were perfect. I love a good slow burn romance and the one here between Damien and Jacquline was *chef’s kiss* SO GOOD! The setting of outback Australia is very intimate seeming and homey. I enjoy reading fiction by Australian authors.
The supporting characters were great and I loved the emotional journey some of them took with therapy assistance. Truely an important message in there about seeking help if you need it.
Loved this book. Will be looking into this author’s other stories.
The supporting characters were great and I loved the emotional journey some of them took with therapy assistance. Truely an important message in there about seeking help if you need it.
Loved this book. Will be looking into this author’s other stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
I loved this - easy, enjoyable reading with sensitive writing and characters well defined and believable. The characters really grow on you. The sensible, sensitive approach of Jacqueline, the new psychologist who has moved from the city to a country town is lovely. The new understanding of the difficulties farmers face is underlined. The relationships are engaging and believable. A really easy to read book that flows well will satisfy Country readers, especially those who love well written, interesting Australian literature.
September 5, 2022
Fiona McCallum highlighted the benefit of psychologists through the young psychologist Jacqueline moving to a country town that had never had a psychologist there before. Her early patient Damien benefitted greatly by sharing some of his personal problems and as they got to know each other in the community they actually fell in love and made each other’s life so meaningful and happy. Their parents also benefitted from their relationship.
November 3, 2025
Fiona McCallum's Wattle Creek was a bit of a struggle.
Way too many words not really saying anything, way too descriptive and not enough action.
I am a bit frustrated with this read, as I also bought the follow on book, which continues Jacqueline and Damien's story, which I'm trying to wade through now.
I do love that McCallum tackles social issues and brings them to the attention of readers, but story content needs to move forward constantly to keep readers engaged.
Way too many words not really saying anything, way too descriptive and not enough action.
I am a bit frustrated with this read, as I also bought the follow on book, which continues Jacqueline and Damien's story, which I'm trying to wade through now.
I do love that McCallum tackles social issues and brings them to the attention of readers, but story content needs to move forward constantly to keep readers engaged.
August 26, 2020
*trigger warning - suicidal imagery
This book, while being just another Australian country romance, explores mental illness, treatment and recovery. The town and townsfolk themselves are wonderful, and I could happily move to Wattle Creek. Its a great place where the people really care about each other.
This book, while being just another Australian country romance, explores mental illness, treatment and recovery. The town and townsfolk themselves are wonderful, and I could happily move to Wattle Creek. Its a great place where the people really care about each other.
April 16, 2024
An enjoyable read. It looks at the very real topics of depression & suicide in the rural setting. A young Psychologist joins the local medical Centre and realises the need for this service but also the roadblocks in those requiring the service, being able to take it up. As with most rural settings, there are a lot of stresses below the surface.
I score this book 4.0 🌟
I score this book 4.0 🌟
September 3, 2021
I plodded along through the first few chapters wondering when it would get exciting. Finally it did! I ended up crying at one point, (onions of course......) and found it endearing. Looking forward to reading the next book after this one.
December 29, 2021
This is a holiday read, a little corny and predictable. I almost gave up on this novel in the first half. The plot was slowly going nowhere. But the second half was a big improvement and I look forward to sourcing the sequel to it, 'Standing Strong'.
February 4, 2018
all wraped up in a nice little bow.
March 26, 2018
Another great story. Thanks Fiona x
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I really have enjoyed reading these outback romance books since discovering several writers in the last year.
July 31, 2018
I'd say this was more a 3.5 star book. I enjoyed it and liked the characters way more than the last of her books Kos that I read - Leap of Faith.
August 13, 2019
Read like a teenagers fAiry tale with the prince and princess, the horrible step other and the fairy godmother.
Very low level plot and characterisation
Very low level plot and characterisation
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