Ripples on a Pond

By: Joy Dettman

Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein

Woody Creek is gearing up for its centenary celebrations - but for many of its townspeople, it's just another reminder of the old days, when life was more simple, before so-called progress, technology and a growing population roared through the town, altering everything in its wake.

Not for Georgie, though. Long encumbered by responsibility for her half-sister, Margot, she's looking towards the future and more changes. Not having managed to move on from running Charlie's grocery store yet, as the clock ticks over to 1970, she's determined that the time has come.

She's not the only one of Jenny's children who's grown up and is moving on. As a six-year-old, little Jimmy Morrison was stolen from Woody Creek by his grandfather, and is now farther away than ever from his estranged birth mother and sisters. Having inherited an estate in the United Kingdom, he's determined to make a new life for himself. If only he could shake off his one terrible attachment to Australia....

For Cara, Woody Creek has been the source of the most devastating news of her life, and a terrible mistake that cannot be undone. She's vowed never to step foot into the place again. But the old timber town has a way of getting under people's skins. And as it draws the much-loved cast of Woody Creek characters back into its grip, confessions, discoveries and truths seem set to explode in the most dramatic of showdowns....

©2013 Joy Dettman (P)2013 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Dettman trips the fine wire of pleasure and pain that makes her such a compulsive read." ( The Sun Herald)

Never a Happy Ending

Would you try another book from Joy Dettman and/or Deidre Rubenstein?

I will read the last book, however only because I'm hoping something positive will happen.

What could Joy Dettman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Once the characters grow up they can never make a decision and everyone howls. A little humour would go a long way, and perhaps a couple of likeable characters who have some bit of good luck.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator tone was depressing a little lighter in some of the sections would have made a difference especially when the characters try and try and try to make a decision.

What character would you cut from Ripples on a Pond?

Amber

Any additional comments?

The first book in the series hooked me and I kept wanting the same for each new book, however none of the spark was recaptured. The characters were either really really horrible and how many children can turn out to be so awful, or the main characters just whined on and on page after page.