ROMANCE and a tribute to the wonderful work of the Rural Fire Service combine in Karly Lane's latest rural novel, Once Burnt, Twice Shy.
Recently divorced Samantha Murphy agrees to house-sit for her parents for a few weeks - but when the house involves several hundred acres of farming and livestock, it's a little more involved than the usual job.
Sam left the family farm years ago, but now her kids have grown up and moved out, she's at a crossroads.
Jack Cameron was in love with Sam when they were teenagers, and she broke his heart when she left town at 18. Both married, had families and divorced.
Now Sam is back, they begin to realise there are unresolved feelings between them.
As catastrophic fires roar through the farming community, Sam has no choice but to evacuate the farm. But worse is still to come: Jack is reported missing.
Once Burnt, Twice Shy, by Karly Lane ($29.99) at all good book stores.
