Set in country South Australia, Standing Strong is one I have no hesitation in recommending. This novel shows the depth of small country communities the loyalty of the country folk when people are in trouble, and the spirit of said communities especially the SES and firies when they’re needed. It was nice to catch up with Jacqueline, Damien, Aunt Ethel (who’s a real character!) and Jacqueline’s parents as well. Standing Strong by Aussie author Fiona McCallum is the sequel to Wattle Creek which I enjoyed. Would the support of the community help? Or was that impossible with bureaucracy the way it was? And what was up with Tina, Damien’s mother? They wouldn’t be able to see one another for the foreseeable future. A situation had arisen which had the slow and tentative relationship between the two having to be put to one side. His beloved dog Squish was always by his side and he felt happier than he had in a long time.īut the happiness wasn’t to last for either Jacqueline or Damien.

Jacqueline Havelock was enjoying her new life in Wattle Creek – her position of psychologist was slowly becoming recognised and used by the various country folk who needed a little help, and though the recent terrible bushfires had destroyed her car and Damien McAllister’s farmhouse, things were gradually settling down and being rebuilt.ĭamien had decided to devote his time to an animal rescue venture which was widely encouraged and supported – his borrowed caravan that was his current home was comfortable though tight fitting with the menagerie of animals he was acquiring.

Wattle creek by fiona mccallum