'Heat and dust, love and hope - Fiona McArthur captures the resilience of rural communities.' FIONA LOWE

They'd bought a stock and feed store called, of all things, The Farmer's Friend.
Gracie could tell Jed thought it a great name. 'Farmers stick together. I like it.'

NEW BEGINNINGS
Jed and Gracie's move to Featherwood brings big dreams and open hearts, despite the drought around them. The ready-made rural store even comes with an ancient homestead overlooking the river, albeit one requiring some TLC. Gracie is expecting, and they're eager to put down family roots in the tiny community.

UNEXPECTED CONNECTIONS
Midwife Nell has fled her life in Sydney, hoping to start afresh on a small farm away from prying eyes and gossip. She strives to go unnoticed, but that proves near impossible when she meets charismatic Gracie and Jed, and the unpredictable, attractive Liam, who has as much emotional baggage as Nell does herself.

TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS
Jed's store becomes the meeting place for the town's colourful characters, people who'd do anything for their neighbours and friends. As Gracie's due date draws close, tensions rise between her and Jed when his impulsiveness strains their precarious financial situation. As a bushfire ravages the region, the whole town comes under threat, putting relationships and lives on the line.

Can quiet achievers, unexpected heroes, and a valley of part-time fire-fighters and farmers help Featherwood rise again?

PRAISE FOR FIONA MCARTHUR

'Reading Fiona McArthur is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket and sitting under the stars.' RACHAEL JOHNS
'McArthur...has great skill in storytelling.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
'I never miss one of Fiona McArthur's books.' SAM STILL READING