The Last of the Apple Blossom

by Mary-Lou Stephens

The fire took everything - except two women's fighting spirits. A sweeping, big-hearted Australian family saga for readers of Judy Nunn and Victoria Purman. 7 February, 1967. Walls of flame reduce much of Tasmania to ash.

Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner rushes to the Huon Valley to find her family's apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins and her brother dead. Despite her father's declaration that a woman will never run the orchard, Catherine resolves to rebuild the family business.

After five sons, Catherine's friend and neighbour, Annie Pearson, is overjoyed by the birth of a much longed for daughter. As Annie and her husband Dave work to repair the damage to their orchard, Dave's friend Mark pitches in, despite the fact that Annie wants him gone. Mark has moved his family to the valley to escape his life in Melbourne, but his wife has disappeared leaving chaos in her wake and their young son Charlie in Mark's care.

Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, whose strange upbringing has left him shy and withdrawn. However, the growing friendship between Mark and Catherine not only scandalises the small community but threatens a secret Annie is desperate to keep hidden. Through natural disasters, personal calamities and the devastating collapse of the apple industry, Catherine, Annie and those they love battle to save their livelihoods, their families and their secrets.

PRAISE FOR THE LAST OF THE APPLE

'An outstanding historical novel about women and the secrets and burdens they carry' - The Australian

'What a cracker of a debut! A beautiful story of family and orchards, of secrets and love and forgiveness' - Victoria Purman, author of The Nurses' War

'The crisp prose sparkles and the characters stay with you long after the story ends' - Lauren Chater, author of Gulliver's Wife

'Australian historical fiction at its finest ... It will linger in your mind and heart long after the last page.' - Karen Brooks, author of The Good Wife of Bath

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Australia, Historical, Book Club, Family, Contemporary

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2021

About the author

Mary-Lou Stephens was born in Tasmania, studied acting at The Victorian College of the Arts and played in bands in Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney. Eventually she got a proper job - in radio, where she was a presenter and music director, first with commercial radio and then with the ABC.

She received rave reviews for her memoir Sex, Drugs and Meditation (2013), the true story of how meditation changed her life, saved her job and helped her find a husband.

Mary-Lou has worked and played all over Australia and now travels the world slowly and writes, mostly.

Her debut novel The Last of the Apple Blossom was published by HarperCollins (HQ) in 2021.

The Chocolate Factory (HarperCollins HQ) 2024.

The Jam Maker (HarperCollins HQ) 2025

Praise for The Chocolate Factory

"I devoured it in one sitting. It's an absolute treat - totally enthralling and completely and utterly satisfying. It's another triumph for Mary-Lou Stephens. " – Karen Brooks, best selling author of The Good Wife of Bath

"Sweet and bitter, and a story that’s brightly compelling and thought-provoking at once. With Stephen’s fine eye for historical detail and ear for dialogue that’s just right, this novel is a lovely leap into the past." – Kim Kelly winner of the Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Prize

Praise for The Last of the Apple Blossom

‘What a cracker of a debut! A beautiful story of family and orchards, of secrets and love and forgiveness.' – Victoria Purman, author of The Women’s Pages

‘The crisp prose sparkles and the characters stay with you long after the story ends.' – Lauren Chater, author of Gulliver’s Wife

‘Timeless yet also telling an achingly familiar story to us here and now, this is an unforgettable tale of love and loss, triumph and tragedy.
– Karen Brooks, author of The Good Wife of Bath

'Mary-Lou Stephens writes evocatively about family secrets, love, sacrifice, and finding the courage to rise again after devastating loss. An engrossing and poignant story, beautifully told.'
— Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance


'I have long been a fan of Mary-Lou's writing, which is always evocative and compelling. What a wonderful story this is, set at such a poignant moment in Tasmania's history. I loved it.'
— Josephine Moon, author of The Tea Chest and The Jam Queens

Praise for Sex, Drugs and Meditation

"Bracingly honest, funny and rewarding, this is a book you can't put down." Sydney Morning Herald.

"Perfection. Sex, Drugs and Meditation is one of the best memoirs I have read in years. Humble, witty and so very, very true. All I wanted was for this book never to end." --Walter Mason, The Universal Heart Book Club.

"A bad girl antidote to Eat, Pray, Love." Courier Mail.

Reviews

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens is going straight to my ‘FAVOURITES’ bookshelf, it was a 5 Star read for me. I was captivated by this engaging and beautifully written family saga.

The story opens in 1967 - Hobart, Tasmania during the tragic bushfires of that era and it’s an absolutely atmospheric and heart wrenching scene.

Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner travels to her parents home as soon as she can reach there to find their beautiful apple orchard and home destroyed by the fires and her brother dead. Catherine wants to take over and run the orchard but her father is stubborn and will not allow a woman to run it.

Meanwhile their neighbour and Catherine’s best friend Annie Pearson has recently given birth to a tiny baby girl of whom she is extremely protective of after having five sons. A family friend, Mark has been living with them along with his wife but she’s just disappeared leaving their young son Charlie behind with his father.

Catherine is drawn to the little boy Charlie and she becomes very close to him and then through Charlie becomes friends with his father Mark but Annie is desperate to keep them apart and for Mark to leave.

We encounter the heartbreaking and drawn-out demise of the apple industry in the Huon Valley and the struggles of the orchardists as they try to keep their orchards afloat amongst hardships and despair. I was absolutely fascinated at the workings of the Apple Industry.

The story also highlights the era when hippies came to Tasmania wanting to live off the land.

A dramatic tale with natural disasters, hippies, a rock star, explosive secrets and scandals! A must read that’s been meticulously researched. I can’t believe this is a debut novel, highly recommended.

Publication date 28 July 2021

Thank you to Better Reading for sending me an advanced copy of the book

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Turner was teaching her grade two students in Hobart, Tasmania on Tuesday February 7th, 1967 – a day which was later dubbed ‘Black Tuesday’ – when the bushfire raged, threatening everything in its path. Once the children were safe, she and Tim, a colleague, headed for the Huon Valley where Catherine’s home was, where her parents and brother Peter owned their apple orchard. Battling their way through road closures and roaring fire, they finally made it, but it was too late. The homestead was gone and Peter with it…

Catherine’s best friend and nearby neighbour, Annie Pearson, had just given birth to a baby daughter – Angela – after five sons. The bushfire missed their home but did surrounding damage, and they worked hard to bring things to rights. Dave, Annie’s husband, had his best mate, Mark helping out, while Mark’s small son, Charlie played with the boys. Mark and Charlie had moved from Melbourne when Mark’s wife disappeared, and Charlie loved it in the country with his new friends.

As all the apple orchards in the Huon Valley struggled after the bushfires, doing everything they could to bring the orchards back to being viable again, many of them couldn’t continue. But Catherine and her father worked hard and although it took more years than they’d hoped, the orchard came back. But what about Catherine’s future? She was in her mid-twenties and the orchard was her only life. She wasn’t aware of the many secrets surrounding her, but they would shatter her when she found out…

The Last of the Apple Blossom is the debut novel by Aussie author Mary-Lou Stephens and I loved it. The research by the author has obviously been meticulous and is confirmed by her notes at the end. I was deeply involved with the characters and their lives, intrigued by what had gone on before and how things would evolve. The horror of the bushfires is something that never fades, and in Australia it happens often. My husband was in Tasmania when Black Tuesday occurred and he was able to tell me a little about it. I have no hesitation is recommending The Last of the Apple Blossom and look forward to Ms Stephens next novel.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A link for those interested - https://www.google.com/search?q=black...

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1967 Black Tuesday bushfires in southern Tasmania was one of the worst disasters in Australia, claiming 62 lives, destroying nearly 3000 homes and buildings and burning 2640 square kilometres of land and came within kilometres of Hobart’s city centre.

Catherine Turner is a young primary school teacher who rushes home to her family’s apple orchard in the Huon Valley only to find that her brother has died in the fires, their house has burnt down and their orchards have burnt down. Their good friends, the Pearsons next door with a family with six young children, have fared better with most of their trees untouched.

Mary-Lou Stephen’s engaging debut novel tells the story of how the two families struggle to make their orchards profitable, not just after the fires but with all the changes to world markets that are coming their way. It’s not only a fascinating history of Tasmania’s famous apple industry, for which the island was named, but a touching love story and a saga of two strong, resilient families.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hobart, 7 February 1967.

Sandy Bay Infant School was very close to Nutgrove Beach. It was the first day of Grade One with excited and nervous pupils armed with their new exercise books, but sadly it was a frightening day for all as a severe fire was threatening the town.

Schoolteacher Catherine Turner heard that the fire had surrounded Hobart and was widespread down the Channel and in the Huon Valley. Catherine had thought her home, as well as her parents and her brother's homes, were safe, but once she heard the fire was moving fast and had jumped the river at Huon she wasn’t so sure anymore. Sadly the bushfire ripped through and destroyed the homestead and had taken the life of her beloved brother, Peter. These were devastating times for not only Catherine and her family but many families. Catherine was determined to rebuild the family business even though her father believed it was impossible to rebuild when so much had been lost.

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Australian author Mary-Lou Stephens is an unforgettable story of love, loss and about how communities pull together to help one another when a disaster like a bushfire destroys everything in its path. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel, but it is and it’s OUTSTANDING and beautifully written. If I could’ve given this book a ten-star rating I would’ve as it honestly was that good in my opinion. The amount of research that has gone into this book is phenomenal and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Yes you guessed it I LOVED this book and it’s going on my favourite list for 2022. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

**4.5 stars**

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens. (2021).

7 February, 1967. Walls of flame reduce much of Tasmania to ash. Young schoolteacher Catherine rushes to the Huon Valley to find her family's apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins and her brother dead. She wants to rebuild the family business and run the orchard, but her father isn't keen. Catherine's friend and neighbour Annie finally has a daughter after 5 sons. She and her husband Dave work to repair their orchard, with the help of Dave's friend Mark. Mark is currently living with them, as his son Charlie, after his wife Lara has disappeared; Annie wants him gone. Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, but her growing friendship with Mark scandalises the small community...

This book is the author's debut fiction novel and to put it simply, it's excellent. The story begins with tense descriptions of a massive fire burning, which sounded terrifying and is even more scarier knowing it was a true event. The narrative follows the after effects of said fire and explores natural disasters, personal domestic dramas, and the collapse of the apple industry in Tasmania. The book is set from two female perspectives: neighbours Catherine and Annie. Both women experience loss in different ways and are courageous in trying to protect their loved ones. It made for very compelling and at times emotional reading.
Overall: I highly recommend this novel and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future books from the author.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Turner’s a year one teacher in Hobart in 1967, it’s an extremely hot February day and with strong northerly winds. The perfect conditions for a bushfire to start, it makes a fire very unpredictable and hard to stop. When Catherine leaves her class room, it’s gloomy outside and she can see smoke in the distance. Catherine’s really worried about her father Jack, mother Judith and younger brother Peter. They live and own an apple orchard in the Huon Valley and the fire is headed straight for them. She desperately wants to get home, her car trip along back roads is dangerous and rather foolish. When she arrives, the apple orchards are destroyed, the family home is a smouldering ruin and her brother is dead. Her parents are in shock, her mother's a sobbing mess and her father’s dream of passing his orchard onto his son has ended.

Dave Pearson’s married to Annie, their apple orchard is next door to the Turner’s and they have five boys and she’s just had a baby girl. Annie's home alone with the children on the day of the fire, she's scared, all she can do is keep the children cool and try not to panic. The day after the fire everyone is stunned, the Turner’s have lost everything and the Pearson’s still have their house, some of their apple trees have been burnt and land. Mark Davis is Dave’s best friend, he’s staying with the Pearson’s with his son Charlie and he helps with the clean-up. Annie’s not happy about Mark staying, he’s having a break from his life if Melbourne and his wife Lara has left him.

Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, she’s really great with young children and brings him out of his shell. Mark and Catherine also become friends, in a small town, this causes talk, her parents and Annie are not happy. Mary-Lou Stephens has done really well in describing how people felt, acted and reacted during a bushfire in her narrative. The Last Of The Apple Blossom is a story about a devastating tragedy, secrets, lies, the collapse of the Tasmanian apple industry, the consequences of all of these things happening in the Huon Valley and the families involved.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting in Hobart on a February 7, 1967 with first day of the school year and the fires that threatened lives and livelihoods. Many in the Huon Valley lost loved ones, houses and their apple crops. Catherine is a teacher at Sandy Bay school and she is told by Miss Downie to take the children to the last safe house. Catherine saves those children but loses someone precious to her in that fire that also destroys her parent's home. But she has plans to rebuild the orchard, if she can convince her father she is able to do it since in his eyes this is man's work and not for a woman. Will she convince him?
Annie, married to Dave, has five boys and another on the way. This one she hopes will be a girl. Eleven years earlier her parents cut her dead after she fell pregnant with Dave’s child and they rushed to marry. Life is hard but Dave and Annie love each other deeply. And she has a good friend in Catherine. But why does Annie dislike Dave’s best friend Mark who with his son,Charlie, has taken up residence in the valley? Will Mark's presence destroy the secret Annie has kept hidden? The friendship between Mark, who is married to Lara who has disappeared, and Catherine causes raised eyebrows in the town. Even Annie warns her against Mark.
Told from the points of view of Catherine, Annie and some from Mark, this book portrays the struggles the community goes through to rebuild their lives after the fire and for many the collapse of the apple industry. This book captured me from the start. The reader gets to experience all the highs and lows of this community, the generosity and also at times the small mindedness. While at times I could not understand or agree with the choices made by some characters, the author succeeded in making their motivations believable. I always wanted to keep reading this well researched captivating read with characters that captured and maintained my attention. If you like Australian historical stories, well told and with largely likable, even if at times misguided, characters, I would heartily recommend this book. A great entertaining read. This is a debut novel and an absolute gem. I can't wait to read what this author writes next.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning in 1967 during a massive bushfire in Tamania, this novel had ups and downs for me. The opening is quite intense and while what follows does deal with the aftermath (deaths, loss of crops, homes, equipment etc) the story fell flat for me, the characters never really got under my skin. It’s set in apple orchards and there’s a lot of unnecessary detail about the work (for me anyway). Then a major secret is revealed more than halfway through the novel (not what I expected) and this part of the story is just unbelievable, it feels like another book, and then it settles back into the day to day story again. It’s not a bad read but it did feel way too long to me.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

The trials and tribulations of the hardworking families of Tasmania’s apple industry are the focal point of the debut novel from Australian author Mary-Lou Stephens. A story that immediately immerses the reader in the tragedy following the destruction caused by a deadly fire, The Last of the Apple Blossom is a heartrending saga from an exciting new literary voice.

The Last of the Apple Blossom begins its journey in the year 1967, as a summer fire rages across the state of Tasmania, inflicting a great deal of carnage on the landscape of the Apple Isle. One figure caught up in the fires is a schoolteacher named Catherine Turner. Catherine makes a quick dash home from Hobart to her family’s orchard in the picturesque Huon Valley. But Catherine arrives too late and all she finds is utter destruction to her family’s livelihood. With their apple orchards destroyed and her brother dead, Catherine vows to help resurrect her family’s once thriving business. Catherine’s neighbour, a mother of six named Annie also faces an uphill battle in her efforts to restore her family’s orchard. When helps comes Annie way in the form of a friend of Annie’s husband Dave, things look up a little for this struggling family. But Mark’s presence causes unnecessary gossip and scandal, threatening to expose a secret that Annie has tried hard to keep under wraps. Will Annie and Catherine be able to conquer their setbacks and help the save the apple industry in Tasmania from total collapse?

It was a rainy day when the story concept for The Last of the Apple Blossom came to author Mary-Lou Stephens. Initially, Stephens found the central idea for her first novel to be quite terrifying. Despite the subject matter of this novel being quite daunting and sad, Stephens decided that she must overcome her fear and write The Last of the Apple Blossom. I’m glad Stephens found the strength to pen this very important and absorbing novel. I’m very appreciative of this heartfelt story, it moved me very much.

Mary-Lou Stephens now resides on the Sunshine Coast, but she lived in the suburbs of Hobart and visited many fire devastated regions in Tasmania as a young girl. These first-hand experiences have clearly impacted Stephens. These memories also served as a form of inspiration for The Last of the Apple Blossom. I was taken aback by the very personal and informed approach of this debut novel. There is an implicit first-hand understanding to this novel and genuine feel to the experiences relayed by the author. I appreciated this aspect of the tale very much.

A glimpse over the acknowledgements section of The Last of the Apple Blossom reveals that a great deal of research has gone into the making of this novel. With a range of primary sources, documentaries, photographs and interviews utilised by the author, The Last of the Apple Blossom consolidates clear facts within a highly engaging narrative fold. I was fascinated by the experiences of the Black Tuesday bushfires and the resulting aftermath. I was immediately hooked by the devastating opening to this novel, as we are immediately plunged into the hopeless situation of a raging fire damaging the beautiful state of Tasmania.

I really relished the opportunity to learn a great deal about the apple industry thanks to The Last of the Apple Blossom. The focus on the techniques, roles and responsibilities on these demanding orchard farms captured my full attention. Stephens has done this aspect of her book proud, injecting plenty of authenticity and interest to the tale at hand. Likewise, the setting base is fleshed out just beautifully. I loved the descriptions of the Tasmanian landscape, it took my breath away, despite the devastation.

The Last of the Apple Blossom goes beyond the fire element, as we are also offered a vital glimpse into gender relations at this time of our county’s recent past. Stephens expertly captures a range of key figures, cultural and historical moments that defined the 1967 to present day time span covered in the novel. I really loved this element of the book. With plenty of engaging themes around family, secrets, relationships, expectations, morals, rules, society, community, betrayal, loss, recovery, secrets, revelations, faith and survival, Mary-Lou Stephens has produced a grand scale saga. I recommend The Last of the Apple Blossom with no hesitation at all, it is a fundamental read for those who love Australian fiction.

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens was published on 27th July 2020 by HQ Fiction – AU. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.

To learn more about the author of The Last of the Apple Blossom, Mary-Lou Stephens, visit here.

The Last of the Apple Blossom is book #74 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Apple Blossom opens with the devastating fires of 1967 in Tasmania's Houn Valley.
Mary-Lou Stephens immediately plunges her reader into the fear, heat and danger that surrounds a bush fire.

Catherine returns home to find the family apple orchard burnt to the ground and her brother dead. Catherine is a girl before her time. She has no interest in marriage and children, her big dream has always been to run the family orchard. But the sixties were still a time of subjugation for women and there was no way her father was going to let her run the orchard. Women worked in the packing shed.
I loved Catherine's passion for the orchard and I could see that it caused a great rift between her and her father and bitter words were flung around. Catherine showed a real maturity and mostly let the hurtful comments bounce off her.

Catherine's neighbours Annie and Dave are busy with their six young children and their orchard. Dave has good friend Mark helping out on the orchard. Mark is enjoying the quite country atmosphere in contrast to his usual busy life.

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the apple orchards and the day to day lives of the owners. The hustle and bustle of the children and the hectic picking and packing season was well portrayed. It came across as gruelling work but you could also see how satisfying it was to finish a good crop. A successful apple season is totally reliant on so many outside influences such as fire, drought, farmyard accidents, transportation and waterside strikes. The story spans a large time period and over time we see the need to diversify and evolve to keep up with changing markets

There are a couple of love interests introduced for Catherine. The fun loving Tim and the dark and broody Mark add a light romance element to the story.

The Last of the Apple Blossom is a story of passion for the land, heartbreak, perseverance, secrets, lies, family, love and longing. The characters travel a rocky road to forgiveness and healing.
*I received a copy from the publisher

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, evocative and richly drawn saga set in the Apple orchards of Tasmania. Meticulously researched, it is a story of two strong courageous women, it’s about love, betrayal and friendship. A fantastic read

[Maya Linnell]

It's hard to tell this beautiful book is Stephens' debut fiction novel. The author carefully weaves her own memories of a childhood in Tasmania, complete with raging bushfires, into this well-researched historical novel. I loved the apple orchard setting, found the multiple viewpoints equally absorbing and had a hankering for baked goodies throughout. Many thanks to Harlequin for sending me an early copy.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about Tasmania, and as I live in Tasmania I thought I would completely love it. Don’t get me wrong, I did like it and was really enamoured at first. It started well, the characters had depth and the subject was something I could tune into. But as I went on it did go a bit downhill for me.

The main characters Catherine, Tim, Annie and then Mark were complex but not over the top, the story was exciting and was believable and I could picture the places, the scenery and the realness of what was happening in the Huon Valley and this made it more interesting for me.

Later in the story though it got lost on me, the story went off track and became a bit unreal, unbelievable and it dragged on. The story became long-winded, more characters became involved and the characters started to annoy me.

The story was told from 1967 to present day which I didn’t think was required and made it lengthy. But the book all in all was good, I enjoyed reading most of it and think that for a debut novel it is a great effort.

The Last of the Apple Blossom
Mary-Lou Stephens
Harlequin Australia

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Catherine though the beach would be safe, with its slim arc of sand and the cool water just beyond.’

Hobart, 7 February 1967. Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner is teaching her young Grade One students in Hobart’s Sandy Bay Infant School on a day when much of southern Tasmania is reduced to ash. After the children are sent home, Catherine rushes to the family orchard in the Huon Valley. Disaster has struck the Turner family: the apple orchard has been destroyed, and Catherine’s brother Peter lost his life as the family home burned.

In shock. Catherine visits her friend and neighbour Annie Pearson. Annie has recently had her sixth child: a daughter, after five sons. While the Pearson orchard has sustained damage, it has not been destroyed. Dave Pearson’s friend Mark and his young son Charlie were staying at the Pearson orchard when the fire hit. Mark’s wife has left, and he is waiting for her to return. Even though Mark is helping repair the damage to the orchard, Annie wants him gone.

Catherine wants to help her father rebuild the orchard, but he does not see this as a role for a woman. Her mother is devastated by her brother’s death, and both parents seem angry with Catherine. Meanwhile, Catherine becomes fond of Charlie and becomes friendly with Mark.

The story unfolds between 1967 and the present. Into the 1970s, there are small-town prejudices to overcome, and several secrets involving the key characters. Ms Stephens captures the small-town atmosphere and attitudes as well as the struggles of the Tasmanian apple industry.

I really enjoyed reading this novel: it took me ‘home’ to Tasmania. I remember the 1967 Black Tuesday bushfires: I was ten at the time and living in Launceston. I also remember the restructuring of the apple industry during the early 1970s: members of my extended family had orchards in the Spreyton district. But I digress. This is a beautifully written novel, peopled with finely realised characters in a well-described historical setting.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of friendship, secrets, heartbreak and hope, beautifully written, we get to meet two women Catherine and Annie and journey with them and their families through years of change, I do hope that you will pick this one up and come along for the journey I am sure you will love it as I have.

Catherine Turner grew up on an apple orchard in the Huon Valley in Tasmania, these days she is teaching at a small school in Hobart it is February 1967 and a lot of the state is burning in the worst ever bushfires. Catherine after making sure her pupils are safe makes a dash for home only to find that the orchard and house are destroyed and her young brother lost to the fires. Catherine vows to get the orchard back up and running even if her father says it will never be run by a female.

Annie Pearson, neighbour and best friend to Catherine is married to Dave and they run a successful apple orchard that has been in the family for generations they are parents to five boys and now the parents of a beautiful wanted and loved daughter. There is a lot of work to be done to repair the damage done by the fires and Dave’s best friend and his young son Charlie are helping with it all. Mark has moved his family to get a break from life but his wife vanishes and Mark and Charlie stay on.

It is not long before Catherine and Charlie are making friends, after spending time in the packing sheds at apple season this means that Mark and Catherine are spending a lot of time together as well and they are becoming friends but that will bring only scandal as Mark is married even if his wife cannot be found. Annie is not happy that Mark and Charlie are still living at the orchard either, she is keeping a secret that she wants no one to know.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from page one, I loved getting to know Catherine and Annie both such strong women who fought for what they wanted, this really is an emotional story that had me cheering for their strength and courage. This story looks at the collapse of the apple industry in Tasmania and the changes in the area around these times with the hippies moving in. But is a story that takes in tragedy, heartbreak, loss, secrets and the hope that life will go on, that changes need to be made and that love will be there. There were tears from me happy and sad as I was pulled into their journey, I highly recommend this debut story it is a must read that I loved from start to finish.

My thanks to the publisher Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

The Last of the Apple Blossom is the debut novel by Australian author Mary-Lou Stephens and it regales a wonderful family saga. Here is a sweeping tale that begins dramatically with the 1967 southern Tasmanian bushfires and concludes many years later with a tearful, tissue worthy ending.

There are many interesting components to this tale - it really does cleverly encapsulate so much. At its heart is lead character Catherine and the struggles she experiences as a woman trying to cement her place in the world of the 1960s and 1970s. The way Mary-Lou weaves historical fact and fiction throughout all the threads of her engaging tale is seamless.

What makes this feminine journey unique is how it all takes place within the Tasmanian apple industry. I grew up knowing that ‘Tassie’ was the Apple Isle and it was fascinating to learn more about the history of this humble fruit. Mary-Lou has certainly done her homework with everything from the vivid descriptions - whether they be of the fruit orchard, Huon Valley or the terror that was the 1967 fire - it all comes to life through impeccable writing. She not only accurately captured the operations of the apple industry and politics of the day but also seemingly simple social things from attitudes to drinks such as ‘Tang’. The reader will have to take care and refer to chapter heading dates to recognise the time periods and the intervals between chapters.

Ending in the present but mainly focused on recent history, Mary-Lou cleverly details small town life of the late 1960s early 70s. There are many poignant and heart-wrenching events that, in time, would come to be viewed as social/economic watershed moments outlined in this intricately woven tale. This is such an engaging story set against a well researched factual background that will sit with you long after you have turned the last tearful page.

‘At the end of the driveway she turned towards the ever-flowing river, beyond to the purple peaks of the Hartz Mountains and the arcing vault of cold blue sky. So much space. So much emptiness. And her, so small in the midst of it. So small and so utterly alone.’



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mary Lou for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sometimes a story crosses your path that’s so captivating, mesmerising and totally stunning, you even shed a tear at the end and The Last Of The Apple Blossom is that story.
A epic family saga that will linger long after you close the book.
February 1967 and a blazing fire rages through Tasmania and destroys everything in its path.
Catherine Turner, a schoolteacher returns to her childhood home, the family apple orchard to find it all in ashes.
Neighbours and her best friend Annie Pearson’s home also in wreckage but with a slight glimmer of hope she gives birth to a longed for daughter after her beloved five boys.
Husband Dave and his best friend Mark build to restore the property.
Mark looks after his young son Charlie after his wife flees.
Catherine befriends Mark and Charlie only for the town to gossip.
Annie is worried about Catherine and the one secret she wants to stay buried.
A story spanning decades, opening chapters that will put you on the edge of your seat, a plot that will pull you in and take you away and a location that will dazzle and hypnotise.
At the heart of the tale is the strength of female friendship and how in the end nothing can come between it.
The two very strong lead characters and the drama, family dynamics, romance and tragedy that surrounds them.
A gifted storyteller, Mary Lou sheds some light on the history of Apple orchards and the running of these, real history facts throughout with meticulous research shining through the pages.
There’s an abundance of themes that will please and resonate with readers with lots to gobble, appreciate, love and adore.
Heartfelt, moving, tender, outstanding and destined to be one of the biggest books of the year.
If this is what a debut fiction novel from Mary Lou looks like, then look out book world because greatness has arrived.
Get ready for me to take out front page news and tell you “read this magnificent story, you won’t be disappointed”.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens is a sweeping Australian tale that begins in 1967 as bushfires ravage southern Tasmania. Braving smoke and flames, school teacher Catherine Turner rushes from Hobart to her family’s apple orchard in the Huon Valley, devastated to find her younger brother has been killed and their crop razed. Despite her father’s objections to women working the land, Catherine is determined to contribute to reestablishing the orchard.

The dramatic start to The Last of the Apple Blossom immediately captured my attention, and it held as Catherine fought for the future she wanted in an era where women were allowed few options. All Catherine has ever wanted is to work alongside her father in the orchard, and eventually take over the running of it. That her dad denies her the opportunity is a continual source of frustration and sadness for Catherine which Stephens portrays well. I admired Catherine’s determination and resilience.

Stephens also gives voice to two other characters. Annie, Catherine’s neighbour and closest friend, is a loving wife and busy mother. After five boys, she finally has the daughter she’s always longed for but she harbours a secret she is terrified will tear her family apart. I guessed what Annie was hiding easily, but there was suspense involved in waiting for it to be discovered. Mark, and his young son Charlie, are guests of Annie’s husband. Mark has an interesting background, which throws up challenges when he and Catherine develop a romantic relationship.

I found the history, and operation, of the apple growing industry in Tasmania to be surprisingly interesting. Stephens deftly integrates fact gleaned from her meticulous research into the story, and honours the contribution of the industry to Australia.

Well-written, I felt the author captured the setting beautifully, vivid description led me through a landscape scarred by fire, and under shady trees laden with apples. Much of the story takes place during the 1960’s and 1970’s and the attitudes of the era are accurately represented.

A story of family, love, tragedy, and resilience, The Last of the Apple Blossom is an engaging, accomplished debut novel.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens is a beautiful light uplifting read set in Tasmania's apple orchard region.

You'll learn all about Tasmania's apple industry and the devastation bushfires can sometimes cause in Australia.

With birdsong and apple blossom scent filling the air it brings hope for Spring and decadent crops.

You'll visit Salamanca Markets in Hobart for some apple delights and delicacies.

I really enjoyed this brand new book The Last of The Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens especially as I've visited The Huon Valley in Tasmania and hand-picked apples there myself!

This was an amazing experience.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review

I am trying to read more Australian authors since it is my homeland, and there are so many wonderful stories out there that I need to give them more of my time.

The Last of The Apple Blossom was my first Mary-Lou Stephens read, and for the most part it was an enjoyable and intriguing read.

I liked the way it started, the situation of where the story began is still relatable today (we still get terrible bushfires and devastation every year or so). The main 5 main characters are well rounded and there is depth to their stories that kept me interested.

But then when we get about 7% of the way in (where I felt would have been a great place to finish the tale) but then things started to get a bit beyond belief. Things began to drag (to me anyway, as I was no longer interested in what was going on). To me, about 100 of the last 150 pages could have been completely cut out of the story - I did like the last part though. However, this is just my thoughts on it.

Overall a lovely story, and one that is going to be devoured by many.

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[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, all encompassing novel. I cannot believe it is a debut, it was wonderful x I loved everything about it; the trials and tribulations of running an apple orchard, the incredible amount of things that can go wrong for a crop…just how much blood, sweat and tears go into running the orchard. It was beautiful to read x I found the blatant sexism really confronting, of course, there were so many times I wanted to step in and slap Catherine’s father, and the male teacher expecting cups of tea…for me it really reinforced how far we have come in equality. There was just so much connection here, between Catherine and Peter and later on Charlie, Annie and Catherine’s friendship was so intricately explored. I loved Catherine and Mark…ahhh so satisfying x I loved every single page of this novel and CANNOT WAIT to read whatever Mary-Lou Stephens writes next 💕

[Karen Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no doubt that books set in Tasmania are popular at the moment and if this marvellous debut novel by former Taswegian, Mary-Lou Stephens, is anything to go by, it’s no wonder. This beautiful, heart-wrenching and atmospheric story about the apple orchardists of the scenic Huon Valley, is Australian historical fiction at its finest.
The tale opens in a dramatic and utterly riveting fashion – with the traumatic and deadly bushfires that ripped through not just Hobart, but great swathes of the East Coast, destroying everything in their path. Readers follow schoolteacher, Catherine Turner, as she desperately sets about keeping her pupils and colleagues safe from the flames’ path, before undertaking a dangerous journey south to check on her family and their apple orchard.
Tragedy awaits Catherine yet, being stalwart and loyal, she seeks to help her grieving father and mother rebuild their business and stake a claim in the industry and area she loves. Only, long-standing prejudice, changing political and industrial conditions and heart-ache will stand in her way.
In the meantime, her neighbour and childhood friend, Annie, has just given birth to a longed-for daughter. After five sons, this child is precious. Even so, Catherine cannot fathom Annie’s set against her husband’s old friend, Mark, and his young son, Charlie, who have come to stay with them as respite from a stalled career and broken marriage. Unable to help herself, Catherine is drawn to both Charlie and Mark, alienating Annie because of her interest, but without understanding why.
Against this alternating familial and friendship backdrop, the greater story of the apple orchardists, their heart-ache, back-breaking work and disappointment plays out over the years. We bear witness to massive social and political changes and challenges, the influx of migrants into the community, union movements, decisions made in far away in an indifferent parliament (and another country) and the impact they had on the ground, and learn how the Huon particularly became a haven for hippies and other artistic folk who wished to live differently and defy stultifying social norms.
I confess, I didn’t know much about the history of apples or the orchards or how Tasmania earned the moniker the Apple Isle. Mary-Lou has done impeccable research and given the story of what was endured and survived or the adaptions made such heart and depth. I ached for these folk; laughed, cried, became so indignant and angry. It’s testimony to fabulous writing that you can be pulled into a story that, at one level, is so vast and terrible and yet, at another, is experienced very personally through the main characters we grow to know and love.
This is a beautiful tale of loss, love, tragedy and triumph but, above all, incredible resilience that is both lilting and testimony to the people to whom its dedicated. It will linger in your mind and heart long after the last page. Better still, it will make you long to not only see Tasmania and all her natural beauty, but fight to maintain it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens

Synopsis /

Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner rushes to the Huon Valley to find her family's apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins and her brother dead. Despite her father's declaration that a woman will never run the orchard, Catherine resolves to rebuild the family business.

After five sons, Catherine's friend and neighbour, Annie Pearson, is overjoyed by the birth of a much longed for daughter. As Annie and her husband Dave work to repair the damage to their orchard, Dave's friend Mark pitches in, despite the fact that Annie wants him gone. Mark has moved his family to the valley to escape his life in Melbourne, but his wife has disappeared leaving chaos in her wake and their young son Charlie in Mark's care.

Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, whose strange upbringing has left him shy and withdrawn. However, the growing friendship between Mark and Catherine not only scandalises the small community but threatens a secret Annie is desperate to keep hidden.

Through natural disasters, personal calamities and the devastating collapse of the apple industry, Catherine, Annie and those they love battle to save their livelihoods, their families and their secrets.

My Thoughts /

The fire took everything - except two women's fighting spirits.

The Last of the Apple Blossom is written by Australian author, Mary-Lou Stephens and I have to say, is a very impressive debut novel.

It begins with harrowing scenes from the 7th of February 1967, the day that became known in Tasmania as Black Tuesday. A summer fire rages across the state of Tasmania, inflicting havoc on the landscape of the ‘Apple Isle’. You are immediately immersed in the destruction caused by this deadly fire - walls of flame surrounded Hobart and the Huon Valley, reducing much of Tasmania to ash. What follows is the story of Catherine Turner and her friend and neighbour, Annie Pearson.

Tuesday, 7 February. School teacher, Catherine Turner ensures her students get to safety as thick black smoke and ash surround them. Once the children’s safety has been assured, Catherine’s thoughts turn to her parents and younger brother, Peter. Braving the smoke and flames, Catherine and her work colleague, Tim, make their way to her family’s apple orchard in the Huon Valley. It’s a harrowing journey, through many road closures and, a close call with a wall of flames, but they finally get through. Only to be greeted with the realisation that the fire had taken everything - her family’s apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins, and, the fire has taken the life of her younger brother, Peter.

Annie Pearson is Catherine’s neighbour and closest friend she also faces an uphill battle in her efforts to restore her family’s orchard. Mother to six - five boys, and finally, the daughter she’s always longed for - she harbours a secret she is terrified will tear her family apart.

Throughout this natural disaster, their own personal hardships and the devastating collapse of the apple industry, Catherine and Annie together with those they love battle to save their livelihoods, their families and their secrets.

These characters are truly engaging and the real-life setting and circumstances certainly have an impact on the story.

The author grew up in Tasmania and remembers Black Tuesday. This experience adds authenticity to her vivid descriptions of children sheltering from the fire in their school, as well as the devastating impact that the bushfires wrought upon the environment, and people. Stephens brings the beautiful Huon Valley to life as the community rallies to recover from the fire. Her insight into the apple industry is fascinating, taking you to the heart of the Apple Isle of which Tasmania is famed. Mary-Lou Stephens is a gifted storyteller and I was transported into the story by her descriptive prose. This is a beautiful story of friendship, secrets, heartbreak and most importantly - hope. A story about the strength of female friendship and how in the end nothing can come between it.

[Christine Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last of the Apple Blossom is a love letter to Tasmania’s Huon Valley and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Mary-Lou Stephens writes evocatively about family secrets, love, sacrifice, and finding the courage to rise again after devastating loss. An engrossing and poignant story, beautifully told. With many thanks to HQ Fiction for my review copy.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mary-Lou Stephens said she hoped readers would love this book as it is very close to her heart. It is a book very close to my heart also Mary-Lou. Set in Tasmania and beginning with the Black Tuesday bushfire on 7 February 1967. Those first chapters of the book are heartbreaking and frightening as bushfires are well known to be. And those first stunning chapters lead us through the lives of Catherine and Mark, Annie and Dave through the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The setting of a story in Tasmania always has a kind of magic for me and the picture Mary-Lou has painted through her words, continues that magic for this reader. At the time this story began, I was 18 years old. So, following the story, I could very much identify with the character of Catherine.

Beautifully told, this is a story I will remember always. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

The dedication in the front of the book says it all: For the orchardists, it wasn't for nothing.

Thank you Mary-Lou Stephens for the gift of your story.

[Tien]

DNF at halfway...

Beautiful book but right now (end of 2nd month of lockdown), I needed a read that's snappy or funny or just plain happy which this book ain't. Too much heartaches for which I'm sure I would normally be fine with as I believe there is a beautiful warm & hopeful ending but at the moment, I just can't put myself through the hard times :/

My apologies & thanks to The Book Stack* for this paperback copy of the book

*https://www.facebook.com/BookStackAus/

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the devastating Black Tuesday fires in 1967 to the present day, we're taken on a magnificent journey of friendship, love, betrayal, secrets and scandal. Set in Tasmania's Huon Valley, we meet Catherine and Annie, two best friends whose familes owned apple orchids side by side for many years.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔸𝕡𝕡𝕝𝕖 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕠𝕞 is simply a wonderful, engaging and beautiful debut historical fiction. I absolutely adored learning about Tasmania's apple industry and the hardships the orchardists had to face in the past. The included historical events such as Black Tuesday, the moon landing, Woodstock and royal visits were definite highlights for me- I loved learning more about them.

However, the interwoven plot lines were the ones that kept me reading. Annie, Catherine and Mark all have captivating stories to share with you all.

Honestly, I didn't think I'd love this book as much as I did. It's a well deserved 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 from me.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging and interesting family story this book was. Catherine Turner is a young schoolteacher in Hobart and comes from an apple growing family in the Huon Valley. Her dream is to take over the orchard that her family runs when her father retires. He does not agree and wants her younger brother to take over. Her younger brother has no desire to take over the property and wants to study to be a Vet.
Tragedy strikes when bushfires rip through the area leaving devastation in their wake, taking the life of her brother. She immediately resigns her position and returns home to help her family.
Its also the story of Catherine’s best friend Annie and her husband and family who live on the next property. Annie is originally from a well to do Tasmanian family but has been shunned by her parents as she was pregnant and married out of her class. She is now the mother of 6 children (5 boys and 1 girl) finally getting the much-wanted daughter after 5 boys. She is extremely protective of the little girl and will not let her out of her sight. Dave’s best friend Mark also is living on the property with his young son to help them out after the devastating bushfires. They are all harboring secrets which threaten to change their lives forever.
This book is based on real life events that occurred in the 1960’s in Tasmania when the orchards were burnt, and the author did a great job of describing what farmers went through at that time and the lack of support from the government which forced many to have to cut their losses and sell up. It also highlighted the 1970’s when hippies came to Tasmania wanting a new life and happy to live off the land.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and it is always great when you learn something while reading a book, I had no idea that Tasmania went through these terrible times and even now their export market has been cut and people have had to diversify their crops to make ends meet.
Mary-Lou is a graduate of Fiona McIntosh’s masterclass and for a debut novel I was so impressed that I can’t wait to see what else comes from this new Australian author. 5* from me.
Thanks go to Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Aussie story set in Tasmania. One of my favourite places on earth

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.