Bec and Hailey are best friends that grew up together in the teensy town of Farewell Creek. After Bec returned to the town after trying to make it in the big city, she was hoping that high school sweetheart and childhood friend Nick would still have feelings for her, but it seems those feelings are no longer. What Bec doesn’t know is that Nick is struggling financially after his farm was taken over, and even though he still loves Bec, he doesn’t feel he can adequately provide for her. Hailey is dealing with the death of her parents, and is trying to keep up the store they ran before the car accident a year prior. Hailey has given up her dreams of being a singer and finding love to continue the memory of her parents.
The three friends are brought closer together when a bush fire destroys part of the town, prompting Bec to spur the locals into putting together a fire brigade. In order to raise the proper amount of money, the town holds a Bachelor and Spinster Ball, bringing in people from surrounding cities to enjoy the weekend festivities. When an accident nearly takes Bec’s life, a dark secret her mother has been hiding finally comes to light, and Nick also reveals his feelings to Bec. Meanwhile, Hailey is struggling to put down her guard when it comes to love, finding the man who just could be Mr. Right. But being with him would mean leaving Farewell Creek- and the memories of her parents.
The Bachelor and Spinster Ball by Janet Gover is set in the Australian outback, and each of the three main characters are immediately likeable. Each journey that is being played out is different, yet the three tie together so well. With the sub-plots also at work: the mother’s secret, a budding town romance, and a teacher’s inability to fit in with the rest of Farewell Creek, the entire novel will keep readers wondering what will happen next. A romantic story that also focuses on the meaning of friendship and the importance of family will delight chick lit fans.
Rating: 4/5
