Lily Malone – Page 2 – Small Town Fiction

Water Under the Bridge by Lily Malone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lily Malone has a truly unique voice to all her books. Every story is a journey into a world of true blue Australian characters, written with humour to make you smile, emotion that wraps your heart in a warm hug, and skill that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Jake (*sigh*) and Ella’s story is full of everything mentioned above and more. I fell in love with the town and the people, even the bad guys. Throw in a German ex-husband and swimming coach who has a heart as big as he is, and you have an award-worthy novel in your hands.

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Water Under the Bridge

Ella Davenport hasn’t been in a swimming pool since a bad decision ruined her chance of Olympic gold. So when Ella decides on a new career selling property, she chooses Chalk Hill. The country town is a long way from the water, with no pool in sight. Perfect!

Jake Honeychurch doesn’t want to sell his Nanna’s house, but circumstances force his hand. Listing the property with the rookie real estate agent in town, and asking a hefty price means it shouldn’t find a buyer. Perfect!

But determination and persistence are traits Jake admires, and Ella has them in spades. After all, no one ever made an Olympic team by being a quitter.

When news breaks of a proposed waterski park, a local developer starts sniffing around Honeychurch House. Ella’s first sale is so close she can taste it, until a sharp-eyed local recognises her.

Between sale negotiations with Jake that keep getting sidetracked, and a swimming pool committee hellbent on making a splash, Ella has more to contend with than kisses and chlorine.

Can she throw off the failures of the past and take the chance of a new start? Or will her dreams of a new life be washed away again?

There’s something sweet about holding a paperback in your hands, even more so when it’s your own hard work. As much as I love my Kindle, there is no competition for the feel and smell of the real deal. Today, so many happy memories were made (except for the air conditioning saga – that’s a story for another day).

First, I woke up to fabulous news from fellow Bindarra Creek Romance author, Kerrie Paterson that Home to Bindarra Creek had hit the number 1 spot in Westerns! At one stage we were side by side, but welcomed in new contender at number 2.

Then came more great news. Our Dirty Drafters critique group comprised of myself, Jennie Jones and Lily Malone, lined up in a row and paid tribute to good old-fashioned teamwork! We played tag, swapping positions a few times during the day. I couldn’t possibly think of a better sandwich to be in (unless it’s all 13 Bindarra Creek Romances in a row!)

Last but not least, my proof copies arrived early and I could feel and smell my book in print. Mums will recognise the expression of pure bliss on their baby’s face when they clutch their favourite blanket or suck that flavoured dummy. Yep, that was me today, sniffing away with a look of bliss on my face at the exotic perfume of fresh ink and newly trimmed paper.

Could life get any better? (Well, with the exception of a working air conditioner in the expected 38 degree celsius heat?) Oh hell no! Fly, Dan and Alice, fly.

Oh and yeah, I almost forgot! If you like, you can read my latest newsletter here.