Gemma's Bluff in Aussie Readers

Jun 15, 2014 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own-read, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, rural, romance, 2014-release, contemporary-fiction

4.5★s

An unpaid working holiday as a jillaroo on a large rural property was not Gemma Northcote’s idea of fun, but when best friend Jazz got an idea into her head, nothing was going to shift it. One of Jazz’s friends, Brittany, had been moaning about having to cancel a holiday to the Gold Coast to stay and work on her brother’s farm, so Jazz had volunteered both her and Gemma’s (highly inexperienced) hands. The long drive from Sydney to the little town of Bingorra in the Australian bush where the 4.5★s

An unpaid working holiday as a jillaroo on a large rural property was not Gemma Northcote’s idea of fun, but when best friend Jazz got an idea into her head, nothing was going to shift it. One of Jazz’s friends, Brittany, had been moaning about having to cancel a holiday to the Gold Coast to stay and work on her brother’s farm, so Jazz had volunteered both her and Gemma’s (highly inexperienced) hands. The long drive from Sydney to the little town of Bingorra in the Australian bush where they would spend their next few weeks gave Gemma a lot of time to think – the gut-churning certainty that she didn’t want to work in her father’s business for the rest of her life the one constant in her mind.

When they finally arrived at Dunoon, the property they would be working on, Gemma’s heart sank – a quaint little farmhouse and dry, desolate and flat land everywhere her eye could see. What on earth was she doing? And when they were confronted by a young man who indeed did turn out to be Nash Whittaker, owner of the property and brother to Brittany, they certainly didn’t expect him to be furious when he saw them. The fact that he hadn’t known they were coming – expected his sister, not a couple of city girls; nothing was getting off to a good start.

As the days passed, Jazz became bored and needed a night life away from the farm. But Gemma was determined to help Nash around the property – as she saw him struggling with the drought, the decreasing stock prices and high prices of feed, she felt her eyes being opened for the first time. She started to enjoy herself – the freedom she felt being away from her mother and father was amazing – she could actually feel her confidence building; she knew she didn’t want to return to Sydney and work in the family business, she wanted a life of her own, doing something she wanted to do, not something she was expected to do. But going against her father was something she had never done before – every time she thought of THAT outcome, she was overtaken by nerves. What could Gemma do? Would her newly found confidence fail her?

Another exceptional read from the talented storyteller, Aussie author Karly Lane. I thoroughly enjoyed this one; the author’s description of the harshness of the Australian bush is so authentic she takes you there. I loved Gemma’s character but wanted to smack Jazz on occasion! I did find the storyline a little predictable at times but it certainly didn’t reduce my enjoyment of the book. I have no hesitation in recommending Gemma’s Bluff highly, and can’t wait for Karly’s next one!

With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
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Nov 09, 2014 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-are, aussie-author, provided-by-publisher

Gemma's Bluff, Karly Lane's sixth novel, is a contemporary story of friendship, love and self discovery set against the backdrop of rural Australia.

Having just graduated from university and in need of a break before being press ganged into the family business, Gemma Northcote reluctantly agrees to join her best friend, Jasmine, on a six week working holiday on a farming property in rural New South Wales. While carefree Jazz isn't the least bit concerned about their lack of experience - 'google'
Gemma's Bluff, Karly Lane's sixth novel, is a contemporary story of friendship, love and self discovery set against the backdrop of rural Australia.

Having just graduated from university and in need of a break before being press ganged into the family business, Gemma Northcote reluctantly agrees to join her best friend, Jasmine, on a six week working holiday on a farming property in rural New South Wales. While carefree Jazz isn't the least bit concerned about their lack of experience - 'google' will have whatever answers they need - sensible Gemma is worried they are making a huge mistake, especially when it becomes clear that their host had no idea they were coming. Nash Whittaker doesn't have the time nor energy to indulge the 'McLeod's Daughters' fantasies of two city girls, yet he is desperate for some help and reluctantly agrees Gemma and Jasmine can stay, as long as they make themselves useful. Surprising herself, Gemma finds the challenges of the farm invigorating, and the gruff charm of its owner increasingly irresistible. She begins to imagine making a life for herself at Dunoon with Nash, but can Gemma find the courage to defy her parent's expectations and forge her own path to happiness?

Gemma's Bluff has a strong and fairly traditional romantic plot. Gemma and Nash are instantly attracted to one another but their romance develops only as they get to know one another. I enjoyed the build up to the consummation of the relationship but they have only a few short days together before it all goes wrong, and it is more than a year until they are reunited.

I liked Gemma for the most part, she is sensible, capable and kind, and I enjoyed the way she grew in confidence and self awareness during her time at Dunoon. However Gemma does make a decision three quarters of the way through the story that I have to admit soured me on her character somewhat. Though reasons are given which work for the plot and characterisation, the justification doesn't work for me personally.

A secondary plot involves Nash and local boy Ben whose long standing enmity boils over when Ben interferes in Nash and Gemma's relationship. The tragic reason for their hostility plays into the separation of the couple, and adds drama to the novel.

As always, Lane evokes Australia's farming district with vivid description and recognition of its realities, with Nash struggling with drought and the effects of recent government bans on live export. The dialogue is natural and the writing is solid.

Though not my favourite story from Karly Lane, Gemma's Bluff is still an engaging contemporary rural romance that should satisfy fans, and new readers, alike. ...more

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