Queensland, 1994. Claire Montgomery arrives in Starlight Creek, sugarcane country in Queensland, she’s desperately looking for a new location to shootQueensland, 1994. Claire Montgomery arrives in Starlight Creek, sugarcane country in Queensland, she’s desperately looking for a new location to shoot a TV mini-series and she’s found the perfect building. A gorgeous art deco movie cinema, she needs to find the owner and surely it shouldn’t be too hard in a small country town? Hattie Fitzpatrick’s the owner, her great nephew Luke Jackson’s extremely protective of his great aunt and he can’t believe it when she gives Claire permission to use the cinema. Under very strict conditions the film crew can use the cinema, it has to be left in perfect condition and exactly how they found it. Claire's responsibility, she works in a male dominated field, she’s contently under pressure, works long days and doesn’t get a lot of sleep.
Hollywood, 1950. Lena Lee’s a struggling actress, she knows in the cut throat industry time is not on her side, she’s desperate to keep her movie contract and to be cast as a leading lady. She falls madly in love with Reeves Garrity, they have to keep their relationship a secret and he needs to be seen with a popular starlet on his arm. The film industry is ruled by powerful men, women work long days, in skimpy costumes, and are paid less. Should Lena fight for fair pay, it will end her dreams of stardom, or settle down with Reeves and unfortunately she can’t have it all.
The Cinema at Starlight Creek is a story about two strong women, they have a lot in common, both wanted to be successful in their chosen careers, to be treated as equals and fairly. They find the small community of Starlight Creek to be supportive, when time get tough they all help each other and make Claire feel right at home. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, I found the story a little slow at times and four stars from me.
Merged review:
Queensland, 1994. Claire Montgomery arrives in Starlight Creek, sugarcane country in Queensland, she’s desperately looking for a new location to shoot a TV mini-series and she’s found the perfect building. A gorgeous art deco movie cinema, she needs to find the owner and surely it shouldn’t be too hard in a small country town? Hattie Fitzpatrick’s the owner, her great nephew Luke Jackson’s extremely protective of his great aunt and he can’t believe it when she gives Claire permission to use the cinema. Under very strict conditions the film crew can use the cinema, it has to be left in perfect condition and exactly how they found it. Claire's responsibility, she works in a male dominated field, she’s contently under pressure, works long days and doesn’t get a lot of sleep.
Hollywood, 1950. Lena Lee’s a struggling actress, she knows in the cut throat industry time is not on her side, she’s desperate to keep her movie contract and to be cast as a leading lady. She falls madly in love with Reeves Garrity, they have to keep their relationship a secret and he needs to be seen with a popular starlet on his arm. The film industry is ruled by powerful men, women work long days, in skimpy costumes, and are paid less. Should Lena fight for fair pay, it will end her dreams of stardom, or settle down with Reeves and unfortunately she can’t have it all.
The Cinema at Starlight Creek is a story about two strong women, they have a lot in common, both wanted to be successful in their chosen careers, to be treated as equals and fairly. They find the small community of Starlight Creek to be supportive, when time get tough they all help each other and make Claire feel right at home. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, I found the story a little slow at times and four stars from me....more
Reg Black and his wife Edna live in Woombye, Queensland and their daughter Joanie has been working and living in Brisbane. When Reg is given a two yeaReg Black and his wife Edna live in Woombye, Queensland and their daughter Joanie has been working and living in Brisbane. When Reg is given a two year contract to manage the local trading store in Rabaul, New Guinea, which is part of the Islands that make up New Britain and he and Joanie embark on an adventure together and Edna encourages them to go.
Michael McTavish grew up on a property in the remote Channel Country, three hundred miles north of Birdsville, and he’s a drover and when Michael made one life changing decision and took a wrong turn and he ends up living in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
When, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announces Australia needs more troops, Michael joins the 2/22 AIF and after basic training he’s sent to Rabaul, New Guinea in March 1941, when he arrives in the small town, he notices two things, the smell of sulphur from the active volcanoes and the happy faces of the locals. They live surrounded by jungle and mountains, beautiful beaches and hidden coves.
Reg is nervous about the situation in Rabaul heading towards the end of the year, the Japanese forces are a concern, and he books his and Joanie’s trip back to Australia. The Lark Forces will stay, Michael and Joanie have developed feelings for each other and she's aware of his young daughter Gracie waiting for him in Melbourne and they hope to get married and be a family.
Author Rhonda Forrest uses her grandfather’s story as a basis for her well written and engrossing novel, I did know about Australian troops being sent to fight in New Guinea during the Second World War and I had never heard of the town of Rabaul and only the Kokoda Track.
For me the highlights were how both Joanie and Michael embraced all New Guinea had to offer, from the people and culture, the stunning and lush scenery, the colourful and vibrant Chinese area and the friendships they made, with MI-Lee and Birri and I feel the knowledge he shared with Michael might prove to be invaluable.
I really enjoyed reading Elizabeth’s Star by Ms. Forrest and I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to read the second book in the We'll Meet Again Trilogy and five stars from me and I hope love does prevail....more
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