by Mary Hawkins
About the Author:
Mary was a Queensland farmer’s daughter, became a registered nurse and has a graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
www.mary-hawkins.com
Book Description:
Over the years Emily Parker’s actions as a teenager have impacted not only her own life, but the lives of many different people.
Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community’s respected doctor.
While Emily’s faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew’s life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart towards the Lord.
Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily’s faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
Return to Baragula had me hooked from the opening paragraph, and until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning, I could not put it down. Not only did this novel contain romance, which I love, it was Australian through and through and held enough mystery and suspense to keep me turning the pages.
Mary Hawkins’ book never cease to engross me and this one was no different. She brings Australian country culture to life, so much so that I am right there through every moment of the novel. I recommend Return to Baragula as a great read without hesitation.
Romancing The Rock 
Great review Amanda!
xx
Wow, Amanda! Thank you so much for your kind words. Writing on my current manuscript has been difficult and I treasure this encouragement from a fellow writer whose books I really enjoy reading!
Well, you know Mary, I really love your work. Encouragement comes easy! 🙂