Home » Entertainment » Arts and Entertainment » Humour, romance, and small-town charm

Humour, romance, and small-town charm

THE Robinvale Romance Book Club is inviting the community to a special event centered around Mystic Ridge, the enchanting debut novel by Australian author Lucy Lever.

Held at the Robinvale Library next Wednesday from 5pm, the free event is set to be a relaxed night of storytelling, shared laughs, and small-town spirit; all sparked by Lever’s rural romantic comedy with a twist.

“This is more than just a book chat,” Swan Hill Rural City Council libraries manager Camille Cullinan said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, explore a captivating Australian novel, and bond over shared stories.

“This book has something for everyone; love, laughter, and a touch of magic, all set in a vibrant regional setting that many of us will find familiar.”

Set in the fictional town of Lillypilly, tucked away in northern New South Wales, Mystic Ridge follows Claire, a tarot reader with a complicated love life and a hometown worth fighting for.

When her beloved home is threatened, she must face the past and rally her neighbours, whilst navigating complicated feelings for both an old flame and a charming new arrival.

Fans of Rachael Johns and Alissa Callen will feel right at home in this world of quirky characters, country charm, and slow-burn romance.

Lever’s inspiration comes straight from the lush hinterlands of the NSW north coast.

The event also contributes to the broader mission of the Reading in the Mallee initiative, which aims to strengthen community connections through reading and storytelling across the region.

The Mallee has long inspired countless writers and storytellers, yet its literature remains somewhat unknown.

Hosted by The Robinvale Learning Hub, in partnership with the Reading in the Mallee project, the event seeks to spark a dialogue between writers, readers, and the landscape itself, introducing the material to a wider audience.

“It’s also part of a broader collaboration with the Reading in the Mallee initiative,” Ms Cullinan said.

“Which aims to strengthen community connections through the joy of reading across the region.”

The evening includes light refreshments, good company, and plenty to talk about; whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or are just curious to hear more.

Free copies of Mystic Ridge are available now at the Robinvale Library, and you can secure your spot on the Eventbrite website by searching “Robinvale Romance Book Club”.

More information on the Reading in the Mallee project visit malleereads.com.

Digital Editions


  • Bowls Notes

    Bowls Notes

    RACECOURSE In perfect weather conditions, 30 bowlers played jackpot bowls this week. The winners, with two good wins and a score of +25 shots, were…

More News

  • Students do it for Dolly

    Students do it for Dolly

    KINDNESS was front and centre at Tooleybuc Central School on Friday as students dressed in blue and formed a giant Be Kind coin line for Do It For Dolly Day.…

  • Planning for the future

    Planning for the future

    St Mary MacKillop College students will soon begin selecting their 2027 subjects after exploring their options at this month’s annual Subject Expo. Acting principal Nathan Lane said the event was…

  • Raiders out to make statement

    Raiders out to make statement

    Koondrook-Barham will begin a searching month of football with their first big for the season when they host reigning premiers Woorinen tomorrow afternoon. While the River Raiders have impressed against…

  • Fields of fun

    Fields of fun

    MILDURA Field Days is off to a flying start, showcasing the agricultural and horticulture industry’s future. Last year’s festival welcomed around 600 school students and almost 7500 regular attendees through…

  • Clash of the undefeated

    Clash of the undefeated

    An early-season heavyweight clash will headline this weekend’s Central Murray split round, with reigning premiers Koondrook-Barham hosting Woorinen in a match that is shaping as a statement game for both…

  • Central Murray Round 5 Netball Preview

    Central Murray Round 5 Netball Preview

    LAKE BOGA v NNW UNITED Nyah-Nyah West United will be without key midcourter Laura Anderson for the Demons all-important clash against Lake Boga tomorrow afternoon. NNW United tumbled out of…

  • Unlocking small-scale developments

    Unlocking small-scale developments

    SWAN Hill Rural City Council is stepping up efforts to tackle the region’s housing shortage, with a new workshop aimed at helping locals unlock small-scale development opportunities. The council will…

  • Preserving town’s history

    Preserving town’s history

    THE Swan Hill Genealogical Society received an unexpected boost last week when the Swan Hill Freemasons arrived at the library with a $2000 cheque in hand. Freemasons treasurer James Thompson…

  • Challenge ahead for ladder leaders

    Challenge ahead for ladder leaders

    The Swan Hill men’s soccer team will face another big test this weekend, with the side travelling to take on rivals Golden City SC without captain Cooper Fox. Fox is…

  • Last call for artists

    Last call for artists

    AUSTRALIA’S top paper artists are being called to Swan Hill, with entries now open for a major national prize returning in style. The Swan Hill Print and Drawing Acquisitive Awards…