Reading Lists

Port Fairy murders by Robert Gott 

Read by Adam Fitzgerald

1943: The newly formed Homicide division of the Victoria Police has been struggling to counter little-known fascist groups particularly an organisation called Australia First that has been festering since before the war. And now there’s an extra problem: the bitter divide between Catholics and Protestants which is especially raw in small rural communities. Detective Joe Sable and Constable Helen Lord are working to track down the ruthless George Starling who in turn is planning to wreak vengeance on them for the downfall of his nationalist group and mentor. At the same time the duo is called to investigate a double murder in the fishing village of Port Fairy. The solution seems straightforward but it soon becomes apparent that nothing about the incident is as it seems - and that investigations which appeared unrelated are tied by a disturbing thread.

Beyond the distant hills by Annemarie Brear 

Read by Caroline Lennon

Australia 1853. Settled in the colony Ellen is determined to make a happy new life for her family and forget the horrors of famine-struck Ireland. Married for security she works hard developing their estate in order to give her children the privileged life they could have only imagined back home.However danger lurks when a man from her past threatens her beloved sons; and when her marriage begins to crumble all that she thought was safe is suddenly in jeopardy. Rafe Hamilton loves Ellen but she is married to another; yet when he is faced with helping her once more he doesn't hesitate to act. Only he makes a mistake which could cost him everything he always wanted . . .

Forever home by Graham Norton

Read by Graham Norton

Carol is a divorced teacher living in a small town in Ireland. A second chance at love brings her unexpected connection and belonging. The new relationship sparks local speculation: what does a woman like her see in a man like that? What happened to the wife who abandoned him all those years ago? But the gossip only serves to bring the couple closer. When Declan becomes ill things start to fall apart. His children are untrusting and cruel and Carol is forced to leave their beloved home and move back in with her parents. Carol's mother is determined to get to the bottom of things refusing to see her daughter suffer in this way. It seems there are secrets in Declan's past - strange rumours that were never confronted - and suddenly the house the couple shared has taken on a more sinister significance . . .

 Thursdays at Orange Blossom House by Sophie Green

Read by Edwina Wren

At seventy-four cane farmer Grace Maud is feeling her age and her isolation and thinks the best of life may be behind her. Elsewhere in town high school teacher Patricia has given up on her dreams of travel and adventure and has moved back home to look after her ageing parents. Meanwhile cafe owner Dorothy is struggling to accept that she may never have the baby she and her husband so desperately want.Each woman has an unspoken need: reconnection. And that's how they find themselves at Orange Blossom House surrounded by perfumed rainforest being encouraged by their lively yoga teacher Sandrine. Together they will find courage and strength - and discover that life has much more to offer than they ever expected . . .

Find more most borrowed uLIBRARY titles here.

The willow tree wharf

Available in print

Samantha, owner of Settlers Bridge Cafe Ploughs and Pies, is short on confidence and big on regrets. Married young to fill the void left by an unhappy childhood, she still works in the same small town where she grew up, too filled with self-doubt and insecurity to ever risk spreading her wings. Yet will the end of her abusive marriage force her to start anew? 

City restaurateur Pierce di Angelis knows what it is to have his career and family ripped away. However, a chance encounter with the intriguing Samantha ignites his passion, and together they concoct a plan for a destination restaurant. But, with their personalities like oil and water, will old hurts and hidden truths destroy the new business before it's afloat?

The river gum cottage

Available in print, large print, eBook and eAudiobook

Lucie Tamberlani had it all: a business manager with a passion for naturopathy, she was set to take over the bookwork at the family strawberry farm in South Australia. But the unexpected fallout from a relationship sees her flee to Melbourne, raising her daughter alone. Summoned back to the farm after her father's death, Lucie must find a way to deal with not only grief, guilt, and the betrayal that forced her away - but the fear of losing her daughter.

Jack Schenscher is doing it tough: caring for his aged grandparents and managing their wheat farm while simultaneously pursuing his passion of sustainable eco-farming on his own acreage leaves him with little time and even less money. With the death of his business partner, he could lose all he has worked toward. Yet when he meets Lucie, can he set aside one passion for another?

Both Lucie and Jack must discover that home is wherever the heart is.

The farm at Peppertree Crossing

Available in print, large print and eAudiobook

Veronica (Roni), has led a difficult youthful life with no family support; she looks after herself and trusts only herself. Shockingly, she's also just discovered that she's pregnant to her 'boyfriend' who is not interested in being a father. With an uncertain future ahead of her, Roni receives a completely surprising bequest from an unknown aunt, Marian Nelson.

Roni and her rescue cat, Scritches, leave Sydney behind, bound for the 800-acre property on the edge of the wheat fields of South Australia. This was her aunt's home and is now, unbelievably, hers. Just as long as Roni meets a number of conditions set by Marian. One by one, the following conditions of Roni's inheritance are revealed to her in letters from her aunt. And as Roni finds her feet in the local community, this property she originally thought she'd sell in an instant becomes her home.

An engaging and compelling story of love, mystery, family, friendship and forgiveness.

 The Wattle Seed Inn

Available in print, large print and eAudiobook

Three aching hearts, a ramshackle country pub and a tangled web of secrets.

PR executive Gabrielle Moreau knows she has an easy life, but when her business partner claims she lacks career passion she takes ownership of a dilapidated pub in a tiny riverside settlement to prove she can be a success without falling back on her privilege.

Eighteen months ago, Settlers Bridge stonemason Hayden Paech had it all: a job he loved, good mates and a close family. All he needed was the right woman to come along and he was ready to settle down. But one poor choice stole that chance and he'll never risk caring for anyone again.

Living at Wurruldi Hotel for ... goodness, so many years, Ilse has seen more changes of ownership than she can recall. Clinging to her failing memories, she's tired of trying to protect the property her grandparents built. With the arrival of the elegant Gabrielle Moreau, however, it seems that finally an owner may recognise the importance of recapturing the grace and dignity of Ilse's past.

For Ilse to find peace, Hayden forgiveness and Gabrielle her true passion, three aching hearts must reveal their secrets.

The Blue Gum Camp

Available in print, large print, dyslexic friendly and eAudiobook

When the very sensible Charity meets the 'sworn-off-women-forever' Lachlan on a wild weekend at a bachelor and spinsters' ball, what could possibly go wrong - or is there a chance it could all go impossibly, incredibly right?

Charity Farrugia is too sensible to believe she'll find love in a paddock. After all, at thirty-four, she's the one with the secure career and the mortgage. The one who took on the job of raising her two sisters when Mum got sick. Everyone knows she's the practical one. The responsible one. Yeah, the boring one. But it would be neither safe nor prudent to let Faith and Hope spend a weekend in the country without her, would it?

Lachlan MacKenzie doesn't believe in all that once-burned stuff. He might be divorced, but his cheating ex is no grounds for him to swear off women. No, he has a far better motive. A secret that his brother, Hamish, and their increasingly distant father share. A reason that could cost him his livelihood. But Mum would have wanted him to keep an eye out for Hamish, so he reluctantly allows himself to be dragged to the local B&S.

Charity has no intention of allowing her chaperone duties to be side-tracked by any local yokel. But meeting the intriguing farmer - who seems as reluctant as her to be at the B&S - might be an opportunity to prove to her sisters that she does have a wild side after all. But will she discover that what happens in the country sometimes refuses to stay in the country?

Find more Leonie Kelsall books here.

The Little Veggie Patch Co: an A-Z guide to growing food in small places by Mat Pember and Fabian Capomolla

Available in print

Fundamentals such as Soil, Climate, Watering, Composting, Worm Farms, Saving and Sowing Seeds, and Raised Garden Beds and Crates are all covered comprehensively - each with fully illustrated step-by-step plans that show how to create your own little veggie patch in any space.

A complete A-Z of Edible Plants gives you vital information on more than 40 vegetables (and fruit trees), including detailed planting information, ongoing maintenance advice, tips on best companions and when to harvest. And the Weekend Activities scattered throughout the book will get the kids involved too, whether they're Making a Scarecrow, Building a Spud Tower or Growing Beans in a Bean Can.

Lots of fun, and packed full of all the knowledge you'll need - plus recipes and some hilarious stories - this colourful guide is for anyone interested in growing their own food.

The art of growing food by Juliet Jacobs

Available in print

The Art of Growing Food is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in growing their own food at home. This book offers a unique approach to food gardening by incorporating edible trees, vines, shrubs, herbs, and flowers into your yard, creating a beautiful and bountiful landscape.

The book starts by discussing the benefits of growing your own food. The authors explain how gardening can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby that also provides many health and environmental benefits. They also delve into the environmental benefits of growing your own food, including reduced carbon emissions and less waste.

Next, the book provides a step-by-step plan for creating a garden that incorporates edible trees, vines, shrubs, herbs, and flowers. The authors offer practical advice on everything from choosing the right plants and preparing the soil to watering, fertilizing, and pest control. They also provide tips on how to design a garden that works for your space and your needs.

The book then moves on to specific plants that are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. The authors provide detailed information on each plant, including planting instructions, growing tips, and harvesting advice. They also discuss the nutritional and culinary benefits of each plant, making it easy to choose the good plants for your diet and health.

Finally, the book provides guidance on how to use your homegrown produce. The authors offer delicious recipes for using fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in salads, soups, stews, and more. They also provide tips on how to preserve your produce for later use, ensuring that your harvest lasts all year round.

Backyard big: growing food in your backyard by Jeffrey S. McLain

Available in print

Gardening is one of the most fulfilling endeavors anyone can undertake. You go out in nature, help new life emerge through the earth, and watch your hard work blossom from mere seedlings into fully-fledged plants. You get to enjoy both the journey and the end. But not as many people practice gardening with concerns such as:

I don't have enough space.

I would love to, but I just don't have the time.

It seems like a lot of work.

How and where do I even start?

If these are some of the factors holding you back, this book about gardening aims to show you that growing food in your backyard is more sustainable and efficient than you think. Author Jeffrey S. McLain covers all the bases of growing organic vegetables and fruits and creating a thriving garden that gives you bounty harvests seasons on end!

Vegetable gardening made easy by Resh Gala

Available in print

Supercharge your food garden while reducing your workload with over 80 detailed solutions, techniques, and methods that resolve some of gardening's most common challenges.

Vegetable Gardening Made Easy is filled with valuable advice every food gardener can use. No matter the size of your garden or your experience level, backyard veggie gardeners like you can use the practical information found inside to grow a more productive (and beautiful!) edible garden. Discover an abundance of useful tid-bits on everything from designing the garden and starting from seed to maximizing production, managing pests naturally, and preserving the harvest. 

Each page explains and illustrates an essential piece of core advice, offering plenty of eco-friendly information to lead you to success without making you feel like you need a science degree to make it happen.  Among the abundance of growing tips and solutions, you'll find advice on: Adding healthy biodiversity to your soil and boosting it with micronutrients, growing straighter carrots, spicier peppers, and plumper radishes, pruning tomatoes to enhance yields, hand-pollinating cucumbers and squash for higher production, choosing which crops to grow based on your space and needs, creative ways to sow tiny seeds, simple how-tos for preparing your harvest, storing onions, garlic, and potatoes long-term, what to do when your plants turn yellow, have holes, or look sickly.

Vegetable Gardening Made Easy is smart garden know-how presented by a professional kitchen gardener who has been there, done that and wants nothing more than to see you succeed. Make it easy and make it fun!

The backyard homestead guide to growing organic food byTanya Denckla Cobb

Available in print

This essential guide to growing a bountiful food garden includes detailed seed-starting, growing, and harvesting information for 62 vegetables, fruits, and herbs, a complete companion-planting guide, and organic pest-control handbook.

The Backyard Homestead Guide to Growing Organic Food is a one-stop reference for all the key information food gardeners need to grow a healthy, bountiful garden. Author Tanya Denckla Cobb presents key information based on extensive research and years of experience, including when to start seeds for each type of crop (and at what temperature), how far apart to space seedlings, how to tell when a crop is ready to harvest, and notes on preservation. The book features a comprehensive companion planting guide and an in-depth review of the most effective organic pest control practices, including recipes for how to make your own pest deterrent sprays.

  Find more books about vegetable gardening here.

Simplify vegetable gardening by Tony O'Neill

eBook

Growing vegetables by Alex Smith

eBook

If you have a taste for fresh, home-grown produce, then this is the book for you. A delightful manual on keeping a vegetable garden, it is packed with tips on how to get the most from your plot.

Clear step-by-step illustrations show how to design and plant a vegetable patch, irrigate, stake and support plants and compost waste. The calendar section provides a week-by-week guide to cultivation, with advice on maintaining healthy, pest-free, organic crops so you can benefit from an abundance of fresh produce all year round.

Whether you are an experienced or a novice gardener, the seasonal advice and planting guides in this book will prove invaluable.

Grow a pizza garden by John Benzee

eBook

Zero waste gardening by Ben Raskin

eBook

Find more books to help grow your own vegetables on Borrowbox here.

The loud librarian by Jenna Beatrice

When loud-voiced Penelope becomes student-librarian, she is determined to prove she is perfect for the job while staying true to herself.

The shape of home by Rashin Kheiriyeh

It's Rashin's first day of school in America! Everything is a different shape than what she's used to: from the foods on her breakfast plate to the letters in the books! And the kids' families are from all over!

The new teacher asks each child to imagine the shape of home on a map. Rashin knows right away what she'll say: Iran looks like a cat! What will the other kids say?

Open this book to join Rashin in discovering the true things that shape a place called home.

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear by Nadine Brun-Cosme

A picture book about three best friends who do everything together, until they each realize that sometimes having time alone can be nice too.

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear are best friends. They do everything together and go everywhere together except for one place. They never go down the long and winding path together. But this winter, when Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear go skating on the frozen pond, Rabbit loses control and barrels straight down the path.

What she finds there is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen, but to her surprise, Big Bear and Duck both admit they sometimes go there when they want to be alone. And while she sits in the quiet calm, Rabbit begins to understand why.

In this story rich with social emotional learning, young readers will see the importance of balancing time with friends and time spent on their own.

 Luminous by Julia Kuo

When it's dark out, we need light to see. But what if your body could make its own light?

From fungi to glow worms to deep-sea fish, Julia Kuo shines a light on the wondrous natural phenomenon that is bioluminescence.

Twenty questions by Mac Barnett

Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world.

In this spare yet expansive narrative, Mac Barnett poses twenty questions both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead to stories.

Find more books with audio here.

The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle

Follows the progress of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep and wakes up a butterfly.

There's a bear in the window by June Pitman-Hayes

There's a bear in the window of the house across the street. It's tall and round, with great big feet! I wonder what I would see if I were that bear, and that bear were me? From singer-songwriter June Pitman-Hayes comes a story told in both English and Māori that celebrates the great teddy bear hunt, that entertained thousands of children during lockdown in 2020.

Ninni Yabini by Cheryl Kickett-Tucker

In this delightful bi-lingual picture book, Mother and Father swan are busy rebuilding their nest after a storm when their baby, Ninni Yabini, wanders off. Luckily, the evening star, his namesake, comes out to guide him home.

Written in Noongar and English by Noongar author and academic Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, and illustrated with striking contemporary artwork by Noongar and Ait Koedhal multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer Tyrown Waigana, this is a memorable celebration of family and belonging.

 Dear zoo by Rod Campbell

A letter to the zoo asking for a pet results in a succession being dispatched - all of the deliveries containing highly unsuitable pets! All, of course, except the last one . . .

Find more bilingual picture books here.

The longest memory by Fred D'Aguiar

Available in print and eBook

Written in taut, poetic language, THE LONGEST MEMORY is set on a Virginian plantation in the 19th century, and tells the tragic story of a rebellious, fiercely intelligent young slave who breaks all the rules: in learning to read and write, in falling in love with a white girl, the daughter of his owner, and, finally, in trying to escape and join her in the free North. For his attempt to flee, he is whipped to death in front of his family, and this brutal event is the pivot around which the story evolves.

The boy behind the curtain by Tim Winton

Available in print, MP3 and eAudiobook

In this remarkable work of nonfiction, Australia's greatest novelist takes us behind the scenes, sharing the extraordinarily powerful true stories that have influenced his view of the world and fuelled his fiction. Like those of his characters, Tim Winton's life has been shaped by havoc.

The Boy behind the Curtain shows the unexpected links between car crashes and religious faith, between surfing and writing, and how going to the wrong movie at the age of eight opened him up to a life of the imagination. Behind it, all, from risk-taking youth to surprise-averse middle age, has been the crazy punt of staking everything on becoming a writer.

By turns impassioned, funny, joyous, astonishing, Winton's most intimate book to date is an insight into the man who's held us enthralled for three decades.

1984 by George Orwell

Available in print, graphic novel and eBook

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

The year is 1984. War and revolution have left the world unrecognisable. Great Britain, now known as Airstrip One, is ruled by the Party, led by Big Brother. Mass surveillance is everything and The Thought Police ensure no individual thinking is allowed.

Winston Smith works at The Ministry of Truth, carefully rewriting history. But Winston dreams of freedom, and of rebellion. It is here that he falls in love with Julia, and starts a secret, forbidden affair with her - but in this world nothing can be kept secret, and they are forced to face consequences more terrifying than either of them could have ever imagined.

A dystopian masterpiece, this is the powerful and prophetic novel that defined the twentieth century.

The catcher in the rye by J. D. Salinger

Available in print and eBook

Disgusted with the phoniness of adults and expelled from school, sixteen year old Holden Caulfield decides to spend three days alone in New York City instead of going home. He gives a sensitive and frank account of the mental turmoil and disillusionment he undergoes.

Carpentaria by Alexis Wright

Available in print, CD, MP3, eBook and eAudiobook

Centred on the precariously settled coastal town of Desperance, a township shaped by cyclones, monsoonal floods and a river that spurns human endeavour with its incomprehensible tides, it tells the story of the powerful Phantom family. Led by Norm Phantom, the great fish-embalming king of time, legendary storyteller, suspected murderer and leader of the Pricklebush people, the Phantoms battle to retain sovereignty over a country where "legends and ghosts live side by side". Sovereignty depends on stories.

The official version of the region's history makes no mention of the Phantoms or the Great War of the Dump that burst the Pricklebush people apart and set Eastsider against Westsider. Nor does it mention the old tribal tensions that resurfaced and the search for lost ancestral stories that lay claim to traditional ownership.

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

Available in print, CD, eBook and eAudiobook

In 1900, a class of young women from an exclusive private school go on an excursion to the isolated Hanging Rock, deep in the Australian bush. The excursion ends in tragedy when three girls and a teacher mysteriously vanish after climbing the rock. Only one girl returns, with no memory of what has become of the others . . .