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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.

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