Heather Garside
Australian rural novels
For historical and contemporary novels with authentic outback settings, compelling romance and a touch of adventure

My latest novel which I am now submitting...

Betrayed by her long-term boyfriend, Holly Blake has returned to her home town to build a new life. Her interest in a photograph of her great-great-grandparents is further provoked by her family's reticence about the mystery couple. Her search for answers takes her to the cattle station Breakaway Creek. Here she meets Luke Sherman, recently estranged from his unfaithful wife and unwillingly separated from his two small boys.

Holly and Luke are strongly attracted to each other, but neither are ready for a new relationship. Luke's twenty-first century struggle to reclaim his children unravels as Holly uncovers the truth about her ancestors, Alex and Emma. Their story of racial bigotry and a love that transcends all obstacles is told in a flashback to the 1890s.
I am a writer of historical and contemporary fiction, set in rural Australia.

In 2007 a US publisher, Wings ePress, published two of my books.

In my attempt to place my current novel with an Australian publisher, I entered the Queensland Writers Centre / Hachette Manuscript Development Award. To my delight, I was one of eight selected to attend a five-day course in Brisbane. This was a wonderful experience, during which I received a consultation with an editor from Hachette and met with an agent, published writers and other industry professionals. The editor liked my novel and wants me to make some minor changes before resubmitting. Hopefully in the long term this will lead to a publishing contract, perhaps with another publisher if not with Hachette.


My August 2007 release, The Cornstalk, was a finalist in the Long Historical category of the 2008 Booksellers' Best Award, conducted by the Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America. It is set in Australia and England in the 1870s.


My second historical novel, A Hidden Legacy is set in the 1890s, and is the sequel to The Cornstalk.

Both books are available from the publisher, Wings ePress, and from Amazon.


If you live in Australia and would prefer to purchase the books here, contact me.


Following the release of The Cornstalk, I was the Featured Author with Aussie Authors.
Read an interview with me at Aussie Authors.