Best-selling rural fiction author Karly Lane’s 18th novel, Once Burnt, Twice Shy, is set to release on November 30.
Karly writes two books a year for publisher Allen & Unwin, always linking her books to events that impact Australia’s rural communities. Karly writes Once Burnt, Twice Shy as a tribute to the Rural Fire Service and reminds readers of the extraordinary work they have done – particularly during the 2019 bushfires – and the work they continue to do. All of Karly’s stories take place in the beautiful Aussie outback, coloured by people and landscapes that are rich in life and complexities.
Once Burnt, Twice Shy follows recently divorced Sunshine Coast mother-of-two Samantha Murphy, who agrees to house-sit for her parents for a few weeks. Jack Cameron was in love with Sam when they were teenagers, and she broke his heart when she left town at 18. Their lives moved along similar paths – both marrying, having families, and getting divorced – but in very different locations. Now that Sam is back, they begin to realise that there are unresolved feelings between them.
As catastrophic fires roar destructively through the local farming community, Sam has no choice but to evacuate her parents’ farm. But worse is still to come: Jack is reported missing, last seen fighting the fires with the Rural Fire Service, trying to save his and Sam’s parents’ properties. Sam is forced to prepare for the worst news. Delve into a story of second chances; of navigating new relationships; of loss and rebuilding; and of finally coming home.
Karly Lane lives on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Proud mum to four children and wife of one very patient mechanic, she is lucky enough to spend her day doing the two things she loves most – being a mum and writing stories set in beautiful rural Australia.
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