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!
Thank you for the opportunity to read The Wrong Callahan by Karly Lane.
The book is set in an Australian country town and focusses on the Callahan family, specifically farming brother Griffin and his brother Lincoln who went to fight for his country and is now back for a family wedding.
Cash is a beauty therapist who is filling in for a friend at the nearby spa and becomes friends with the Callahan family.
I love the secondary characters as well as they have their own stories to tell, which I hope we get even more of in the next book.
The brothers are quite different, both having their own issues, but neither willing to talk about them. Add Cash to the mix and hearts and minds will be hurt. This is an easy to read book about family, love, PTSD and how communication is the best thing. It was so easy to read and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Another wonderful read by Karly Lane who has become one of my favourite authors thanks to Beauty and Lace.
I found The Wrong Callahan to be one of the easiest of her stories to read as it flowed easily but still with well developed characters that we understand where they are coming from. This is the first of a series of books set in Stringy Bark and the story follows the story of Lincoln Callahan whose family live on a large property and feature prominently in the local community. He left the farm and served his country in the army for many years and now has his own corporate risk and safety company that he runs. On a trip home to prepare for his sisters wedding he meets the beautician next door Cash Sullivan. Cash is just in Stringy Bark temporarily to run her best friends day spa and is brought in to the crazy day to day life of the Callahans when Lincs younger brother Griff takes a shine to her. Then Lincoln arrives back in town and there is an instant connection. This story touches on many themes but the main theme is really how PTSD can really affect people which was an important message. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a good easy romance. Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read this book.
I discovered Karly Lane through Beauty and Lace and absolutely love her books. Her latest book ‘The Wrong Callahan’ did not disappoint. An easy to read, and very enjoyable book to start the holidays with. Love the characters in this book and am a definite fan of rural romances. I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
The Wrong Callahan by Karly Lane is the first novel of a 3 part series. Second book in the series will be released in March 2019.
I am a fan of Karly’s and I have read all of her previous books so I was excited to receive The Wrong Callahan from Beauty and Lace club and Allen and Unwin. (Thank you! )
I really enjoyed The Wrong Callahan, it is set in a rural town in NSW and involved the country family Callahan’s who were preparing for the daughters wedding.
The heroine of the novel was Cash Sullivan and for the longest time I couldn’t understand why her name was Cash. It’s a different name for sure and I am glad that finally, about half way it is revealed why her name is Cash but it distracted me from the storyline for awhile.
I thought it was great that the book was released just before Christmas as it does cover the festive period but it is not a overly Christmassy book so it can be read at any time.
So Cash faces some dilemma’s romance and otherwise and the Callahan brothers in their own ways help her and there is also a little romance triangle that occurs. One of the brothers, Lincoln has just returned from overseas and being in the armed services. He has his own issues he needs to deal with while trying to be the ‘hero’ to the town.
Overall it is a great feel good read and I am looking forward to what the next instalment brings.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I liked the family atmosphere and sibling rivalry and it was nice with the Christmas incorporated being that time of year now.. I look forward to the next book by Karly.
Thank you again.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book The Wrong Callahan by Karly Lane. The story is based on the lives of two brothers on a farm called Stringbark Creek. Lincoln Callahan has just returned home after a long stint away. As soon as he meets Cash Sullivan who lives next door he finds himself intensely attracted to her. However his brother Griffin also has feelings. The story centres on the live triangle between the them. It also focuses on one of the charaters struggle with PTSD. This story was a wonderful read and I loved how it brings up the issues with PTSD. I highly recommend this book.
I was lucky enough to be able to review this book-the first, but certainly not the last, that I have read by Karly Lane. It is the first of a series of books, 2nd one to be published middle of this year.
It was a most enjoyable story about how an outsider is welcomed into a country Australian home, and the romantic interests that evolve.
It also described the realistic struggles of a farming family -a most enjoyable read-would encourage everyone to read-you will love it !!
I was so happy to be chosen to read The Wrong Callahan. I am a huge fan of Karly’s and have read every book numerous times!
Once again the only thing I am disappointed in is the fact the story had to end… combined with reading the first 2 chapters of Mr Right Now leaving me wanting more.
The Wrong Callahan was more than just a story to me. It touched on the struggles of farmers and how many of our armed forces are left once returning from combat. These are both really important to me because it shows that it is okay to not be okay.
I felt like I was part of the Callahan family and honestly cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Congratulations Karly, you have done it again!
I surprised myself by really enjoying The Wrong Callahan – the first in a trilogy about ‘The Callahans of Stringybark Creek’ by Karly Lane. I’m not sure what I was expecting to be honest but the book was terrific! It was so easy to read and the characters were well described and lovable.
The book revolves around Cash – the new girl in town, who has a wild streak in her, is a little rebellious but has a good heart, Linc – the eldest Callahan brother who left the farm as soon as he could to join the army and Griff – the youngest Callahan brother who is seen as the quiet, dependable brother who remained behind to work on the farm.
Griff sets his eyes on Cash thinking he needs a new type of woman in his life and Cash thinks maybe Griff might be good for her but Linc comes home and turns everything and everyone on their heads.
I loved the tensions in this love triangle, the family secrets that are hinted at throughout the story but also the love that holds the family together. I also really enjoyed the storyline about the effects PTSD can have and I feel Karly touched on this issue in such a way that felt real.
Having a snippet of book 2 at the end had me hooked and I can’t wait for it to be released so I can read more about this intriguing family!
I also loved the fact Beauty & Lace had a mention on the back cover of the book – how fantastic!
Thanks so much to Allen & Unwin and Beauty & Lace for another fabulous book. Bring on Book 2!