The Peppercorn Project
Nicki Edwards
Pan Macmillan Australia
Momentum
ISBN: 9781760302306
Description:
One heartbroken woman. One bitter cop. One community to save them.
After the tragic death of her husband, single mum Isabelle Cassidy is bereft and broke. When she hears about The Peppercorn Project – a scheme that offers affordable rent in the tiny but vibrant town of Stony Creek – Issie sees it as her family’s best chance at a fresh start.
Newly single police officer Matt Robertson moved to Stony Creek to lick his wounds after a bitter divorce. Wanting only peace and quiet, Matt is against the Project, seeing it as a threat to the peace he’s found in the country town – until he meets Issie. Despite himself, Matt is drawn to the widow and feels inexplicably protective of her fragile family.
Just when Issie begins to imagine a future with Matt, an accident proves how far she has to go before she can move beyond her grief. But the citizens of Stony Creek won’t rest until they see these two broken souls find a new beginning, together.
Can Issie move beyond the pain of her past and entrust Matt with her family, and her heart?
A gorgeous rural romance for fans of Fiona McArthur, Rachael Johns and Fiona McCallum.
My View:
Sited in a rural Australian town, I loved the attitude of “paying it forward” with an opportunity for four families to get a second chance to improve their current lifestyle and circumstances and at the same time instil some lifesaving “new blood” into a rural community, there is plenty of scope for action and personal drama here. This the perfect “pick me up” read; when you need something optimistic, positive, charming and with an obligatory happy ending (and one of the most delicious male love interests around), you will not be disappointed in this read.
Take note- this is not a book of purely froth and bubble. Nicki Edwards tackles many contemporary social issues within these pages: diminishing populations of small towns and the repercussions for the community – in particular the depletion of services, the process of grief and healing, drug dealing (and in particular the infiltration of “Ice” into communities big and small)…and the importance of “second chances.”
An enjoyable contemporary Australian rural read!
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
It’s funny, Carol. I don’t usually go at all for the ‘froth and bubbles.’ But I must admit I’m drawn to the setting. And the characters sound interesting, too. Glad you liked this one.
Margot some escapism is good now and then.
There are times froth and bubble is called for (usually in a glass!) But as you know, I often think there is so much crap going on in the world, sometimes escapism is exactly what you need and a happy ending. Glad you enjoyed Nicki’s book, Carol.
Exactly Lily (cheers to you🙂🍾). Sometimes some positivity and lightness is just what the soul needs.
Thank you for your beautiful review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story. X