Barrington

Before Rose Gordon came home to Barrington in Book One—Charlie’s Will—there was Debbie Webb and Jamie Tait. Despite being high school sweethearts, Debbie left Barrington for university in Sydney, then further study and work in London.

Rose Gordon knew the farm would be hers when Charlie died. Strong and sassy, Rose is the sole heir to five generations of cattle country and the magnificent Barrington Homestead. But Charlie’s will is not as she expects, and the appearance of Angus Hamilton on the day of the funeral unsettles her. Handsome and single, she's attracted to him. But can she trust him?

While recuperating from her biggest mistake, Harriet’s had time to plan a fresh start, away from the city. With a business plan on her laptop and determination in her heart, she leaves Sydney, heading north. It’s a long drive and she’s only just beginning to heal, so she’s booked a stopover at Barrington Homestead on the way. Harriet meets Drummond Murray on the road to Barrington. He’s a cattle farmer and fifth generation local. Impeccable manners but not much warmth. She has no choice but to accept his assistance, but she’s not keen to see him again.

Buying the old courthouse near the Barrington Tops ragged mountain ranges was a fresh start for Nicole and daughter Lucy. Renovating the run-down building into a home and B & B accommodation would help them recover from the trauma they had endured. Nik promised Lucy it would be just the two of them. Always. But the removal truck getting stuck in the driveway on the first day threw them into neighbor Robbie’s path.

School term begins with a massive bee swarm. Principal Alex Macintosh needs help and Ayla Forrest arrives at just the right time. But what she does next blows him away. Ayla is seeking a sign. An indication the community will accept her, and daughter Skye. Alex is fascinated by the newcomer and keen to know more, but he has his own daughter to consider. Young builder Harry Stewart has his sights set on Ayla too and makes sure she knows it. Will she be drawn to either of them?

Meggie’s in Barrington for her brother’s wedding, local Vet Angus Hamilton. After working overseas for years, she hasn’t told her family she’s not going back. And she hasn’t told them why. Max is the Locum Vet hired to help out in the lead-up to the wedding and during the honeymoon. But he doesn’t arrive alone. They each need to move on from their past. When their secrets are revealed, will it empower them, or tear them apart?

Meggie Hamilton is loving small town life in Barrington, but sometimes it's a juggling act. Her relationship with veterinarian Max Masters is developing and she's keen to spend more time with him. A lot more time. But she has an exciting new business, and needs to get it off the ground to leverage a niche opportunity. Max and young son Tommy are building relationships within the community, not least of these with Meggie. Max admires her creativity and work ethic, but wonders if she can make room in her life for him and his son.

The Barrington girl-posse is back. With friendship ties stronger than ever and often hilarious girl-banter, the women we know and love spontaneously begin a book club. Yes, it’s about reading books, but it’s also a way to ensure they catch up, altogether, one night per month. Leaving little ones with their menfolk, book club becomes the place to share fun and laughter along with hopes, dreams, secrets and fears. And lots of coffee, wine and food.

The Barrington girl-posse continue their monthly book club meetings, and somehow it becomes an incubator for new business ideas. And relationships. Rachael struggles daily with her grief, and attends to share memories of her daughter. But book club gives her so much more. Judith arrives, believing she’s ready for retirement. Or is she? Harry Stewart is home from up north, and on the first night, he bumps into little Freddie Campbell at the local pub. But she’s not little any more.

Samantha arrives in town with her small daughter, the clothes on their backs and a scrap of paper with a Barrington address. Jamie finds them by the side of the road that first night. When he discovers she’s looking for Nicole Stewart, he realises she’s fleeing a bad situation. They’ll be safe with Nicole, he knows that. But her pale, frightened face haunts him and feelings he thought long-dead, resurface.

Little Evie Scott (almost six) wants proof that Santa is real. Her Mum, Samantha and partner Jamie are determined Evie should have her very first truly magical Christmas. But Evie isn’t the only one wishing for better things. Young Veterinarian Frederica Campbell is keen to come home, but she left under a cloud almost two years before, after breaking Lucas Anderson’s heart. Following a harrowing time with a new man, she finally understands the mistakes she’s made. She knows Lucas won’t forgive her, but hopes they can be civil, at least.