Author: Karly Lane
ISBN: 978-1-76063-265-6
RRP: $29.99
Publication Date: 28 November 2018
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Copy: Courtesy of the Publisher
Karly Lane has long been a favourite of mine so I made sure that she was the first off the December pile because I had so been looking forward to reading The Wrong Callahan. Unfortunately my life has gotten a little hectic of late and reading and reviewing have come off second best on the priority list. What should have been a cozy weekend read took ages and then even longer to sit and review, and I really need to strike while the words are fresh.
The Wrong Callahan is set in a small farming community where the Callahans have a large property, and respected standing in the town. Stringybark Creek is the essence of home for Lincoln Callahan, even though farming isn’t what he wanted from his life. He left to join the army, face danger and fight for his country.
Griffin Callahan is Linc’s little brother, the one who stayed to take over the running of the farm. The one who did the right things. The one who is starting to feel a little stagnated and decides things need to change. He develops a crush on a rebellious new beauty technician in town for a while to take over the neighbour’s salon.
The Wrong Callahan is a little … I actually don’t know where I want to start or what I want to say because I loved this book, I connected with most of the characters and I enjoyed the journey. I loved the insight into the struggles Linc faced after his time in the forces, the nightmares and the flashbacks. But also the pressure he felt to hide his struggles as a sign of weakness.
Character driven stories are a strength for Lane, she always makes sure that we get inside the heads of her characters and work out what really makes them tick. The Wrong Callahan is another story that builds on solid character foundations, for the most part, and allows the narrative to grow around it’s characters.
The basic premise on the other hand isn’t highly original, which I have no issue with because a completely original storyline would be near impossible to write and the way the story is approached gives it it’s originality. I think my biggest issue, and it’s one that gets me ALL the time, is that a lot of the tension and drama in the story could have been avoided by a simple conversation.
Cash Sullivan has never been one to put down roots, she’s always moved around a lot and when things get tricky it’s just easier to move on – and it makes it harder for you to be found. She is an absolute breath of fresh air in the region, a little different to everyone else and also on the road to a new lifestyle. She know she needs to make some changes in her life but the heart wants what the heart wants.
The Wrong Callahan is a well paced tale of love, betrayal, family, PTSD and small town communities. Another **** read from me.
The Wrong Callahan is book #48 for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge 2018.
Karly Lane loves to hear from her readers, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and her Website.
The Wrong Callahan is published by Allen & Unwin and available now from Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Booktopia and where all good books are sold.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin a selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading The Wrong Callahan so please be aware there may be spoilers in the comments below.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!
The Callahan’s are a farming family, tight nit within the community. However, brothers Lincoln (Linc) and Griffin (Griff) are chalk and cheese and have a lot of unresolved resentment between them. While Griff continues to work the family farm, the golden child Linc has his mind set on bigger and better things and joins the army.
Tension intensifies when Linc comes home one Christmas for their sister’s NYE wedding. Coming home Linc aims to lay low to sort though some stuff and help on the farm. This isn’t exactly welcomed by his younger brother. Add a girl in the mix and things really get messy.
I really enjoyed the easy flow of this book, A romance yet it touches on some bigger themes. The sneaky peak of book two of the series looks equally entertaining. Perfect book to read over Christmas.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace Book Club and Allen & Unwin, for the reading and reviewing opportunity, much appreciated and more than happy to recommend.
This was a great book. I can’t wait for the next book. Karly is a talented author.
I really enjoyed ‘The Wrong Callahan’ by Karly Lane and read it in one sitting. Interesting characters, great setting and hints of what will be coming in the next book in the series. Thanks to Beauty and Lace and the Publisher Allen & Unwin for my copy which will be devoured by many family members. ****
The Callahan’s are a farming family, tight nit within the community. However, brothers Lincoln (Linc) and Griffin (Griff) are chalk and cheese and have a lot of unresolved resentment between them. While Griff continues to work the family farm, the golden child Linc has his mind set on bigger and better things and joins the army.
Tension intensifies when Linc comes home one Christmas for their sister’s NYE wedding. Coming home Linc aims to lay low to sort though some stuff and help on the farm. This isn’t exactly welcomed by his younger brother. Add a girl in the mix and things really get messy.
I really enjoyed the easy flow of this book. The sneaky peak of book two of the series looks equally entertaining. Perfect book to read over Christmas.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace Book Club and Allen & Unwin, for the reading and reviewing opportunity, much appreciated and more than happy to recommend.
A lovely review. I am looking forward to book 2 in the series as well.
somehow I posted twice whoops! gald you liked the book too!
Set in the beautiful New South Wales Riverina, the Callahan family have worked this land for generations.
Griff’s life is on the land, he’s always loved being home but feels he is in a rut, is there more to life than the relentless pressures of work? He longs for a life more adventurous and fun.
Linc is the older brother who joined the Army and worked overseas witnessing much conflict but has developed post traumatic stress disorder. Linc has returned home for Christmas and his sisters’ wedding on New Years Eve; he is well aware that his appearance reignites simmering animosity between the brothers.
Then the brothers are introduced to Cash, the beautiful young woman living next door. The brothers vie for her affection yet she has her own issues to work through and is scared of being hurt again. The three main characters create the perfect trifecta for drama filled romance.
Karly Lane has a great talent for writing Australian rural romance novels. The cover art is stunning, a beautiful young lady, a rural outlook and setting sun; an enticing start to a novel. I am very grateful to Beauty & Lace Book Club and Allen & Unwin Publishers for the opportunity to read this beautiful novel, thank you.
I read this over the course of a lazy summer’s afternoon. Karly Lane has created some wonderful characters and a fine romance that you can really get lost in.
Cash Sullivan is a newcomer to town and a rebellious city girl who is helping out at her friend’s day spa. The men in town are intrigued by this mysterious new girl. Initially it seems as though Griffin Callahan, the dependable son and farmer is going to make his move. But what happens when Griffin’s elder brother Lincoln returns to Stringybark Creek fresh from a tour of duty overseas? Lincoln is a man battling PTSD and is rather rough around the edges.
Will Cash pick the nice guy or the bad boy? It doesn’t matter which man you yourself would chose, this text is a fun and immersive one.
The Callahan’s are a close family in a rural farming community where knowing your neighbours is essential.
I love the family dynamic, I really related to this book on a few levels, I read this is one sitting it was so easy to read.. It really captures the way families really are they love they fight and make up.
There is a triangle of lies and half truths between brothers sisters and neighbours. Can’t wait to read the next book for the clues that were left you wondering!
Thanks to beauty and lace another fantastic book to read!
Oh my, such a sexy romantic novel to read…. the characters led a very sexy plot that sucked you right in.
I wanted so much more of this book, and can’t wait to read the second book just so I know how the two characters follow on.
I couldn’t put this book down and read this novel in a day.
Karly lane your novels always leave me more than satisfied and I love all your story line. This is just another fantastic book you have written.
Thank you beauty and lace for giving me the wrong Callahan to review.
I hadnt read an Aussie Romance book for some time and this was the book to get back into at the beginning of these holidays.
I think Karly got the right amount of descriptions for each character personality without overdoing it. I did feel sorry for poor Griff (unfortunate name when a town with a similar name is nearby) but good on him for going out of his comfort zone to try and make it work for him.
I would have been interested in reading more about Lincs issue and exposing the effects it has on his life, those around him, work etc more and then what Cash has to deal with. Maybe thats coming as I believe this is a trilogy and a sneak peek surprise at the back of The Wrong Callahan.
Over all a lovely, sometimes intimate book on a few realaxing days.
what a great read! definitely leaves this reader hanging out for the next instalment!
Cash and Linc are both avoiding settling down and are running from their own troubles when their paths cross. with chemistry, familial obligations and guilt and their past issues coming into play their journey isn’t a smooth one.
The Wrong Callahan tells their tale and introduces us to the family – a family who is frustrating and loving in equal measures. This introduction to them is enticing and intriguing.
Another great story by Karly Lane. Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen & Unwin Publishers for the chance to review.
The wrong Callahan is another brilliant easy read by Karly Lane.
Set in a rural farming community, Stringybark Creek is home to the large family, The Callahan’s.
Although most have grown up and left home, son Griff has stayed on and followed in his father’s footsteps, running the family farm. Son Linc is home for Christmas and their sister Hadley’s wedding, but with him he brings his own problems, PTSD from serving in the military.
While home, Linc meets Cash, a gorgeous girl running the day spa on the adjoining property. Unfortunately his brother Griff has also met Cash and has feelings for her too..
What happens next is some decision making and secrets before it all comes to a head at Hadley’s wedding.
I loved this book, as I have loved all Karlys books, and loved the sneak peek at the end. I only hope there is some more of Linc and Cash’s story in there too, as I loved the dynamic couple and would love to hear more about what they are doing next!
Highly recommend for any rural Romance lovers, this book is an easy entertaining read that is great to add to any rural collection.
Thanks Beauty and lace and Allen and Unwin for the chance to read it.