Nick Price, Bec O’Connell and Hailey Braxton have lived in the tiny Australian town of Farwell Creek all of their lives. But things for the three of them have changed drastically since their childhood. Nick’s gone from being a landowner to being no better than an itinerant farmer, Hailey’s parents have tragically died in a horrible accident and after a brief spell in the City, Bec is back at Farwell Creek, her relationship with her mother teetering on the brink of collapse – and Bec soon realizes that that is not the only relationship which seems to have gone to pot during her absence!
Having fallen head over heels in love when they were teenagers, Bec and Nick had thought that they would spend the rest of their lives together. But when his family had lost their land, Nick had changed drastically. The once fun-loving farmer had become moody, brooding and withdrawn. He had refused to open up and confide in Bec, thus succeeding in pushing her further and further away, until their relationship had disintegrated.
Their friend, Hailey, is also going through a difficult patch. The death of her much-loved parents has hit her hard. Having grown up secure, cosseted and spoilt by their love, Hailey is now finding it difficult to adjust to a new life without her beloved parents to support her.
The three friends all find themselves at a crossroads in their lives, but when a devastating fire sweeps through the town, Bec, Hailey and Nick realize that the time has come for them to put whatever differences they might have aside and try and work together for the good of their community. The small town of Farwell Creek does not have any equipment with which too fight the all too frequent fires which are prevalent in their community, so the three friends decide to try and find ways via which they can buy the necessary gear with which to serve their town. And when someone suggests that Farwell Creek hosts a Bachelor and Spinster Ball, the three friends and the entire town all jump on board and begin to prepare for the social event of the season with earnest. But little do they realize that this Ball will change their lives forever…
Bec meets bad boy rebel Gordo and soon begins to fall in love with him – much to Nick’s dismay! And musician Steve comes to Farwell Creek and brings some sunshine and romance into grief-stricken Hailey’s life.
Will Bec choose Gordo over Nick? Will Nick let his pride get in the way again? And will Hailey’s fears of letting go of the past prevent her from embracing the future?
Janet Gover’s latest novel for Little Black Dress, The Bachelor and Spinster Ball is a wonderful treat for fans of romantic fiction everywhere! Funny, poignant, tender and gripping, Janet Gover expertly balances the light-hearted with the serious and the dramatic and will have you laughing out loud and reaching for the tissues in equal measures. Well-written, wonderfully rendered and simply terrific, The Bachelor and Spinster Ball boasts realistic characters who come instantly to life, touching romances, tear-jerking scenes, hilarious banter and exquisitely vivid descriptions of small-town Australian life which are guaranteed to enchant, delight and entertain readers looking for smart, believable and captivating contemporary romantic fiction!