© 2000

Dear Reader,

Bushfires in Australia are terrifying and catastrophic, but they’re also unavoidable if our native forests are to regenerate. The blackened landscape means death and destruction-but it also promises new life.

The forest near my home was destroyed two years ago and afterward I drove across the charred landscape with despair. Now my dog, Harry, and I walk through the newly regenerated forest with joy.

Rachel, my heroine in Bushfire Bride, has also felt despair, but the Cowral Bay bushfire (as well as the Cowral Bay doctor!) brings her joy and laughter and a new beginning. As with our bushfire, the destruction signals a new beginning for a whole community.

This book is a celebration of life after catastrophe. I hope you love reading it as much as I loved writing it.

Warm regards,

Marion Lennox

THE thin blue line rose and fell. Rose and fell. Rose and fell.

How long does love last?

The young woman by the bed should surely know. She sat and watched now as she’d sat and watched for years.

‘I love you, Craig,’ she whispered, but there was no answer. There was never an answer.

Dappled sunlight fell over lifeless fingers. Beloved eyes, once so full of life and laughter, stayed closed.

The blue line rose and fell. Rose and fell.

‘I love you, Craig,’ she whispered again, and blessed his face with her fingers. ‘My love…’

How long does love last?

For ever?

‘SHE may be beautiful but I bet she’s stupid.’

Dr Rachel Harper’s hamburger paused midway to her mouth. Tomato sauce oozed onto her T-shirt, but her T-shirt was disgusting already. The sauce was the same colour as her pants. Hey-she was colour co-ordinated!