The fire took everything – except two women’s fighting spirits. A sweeping, big-hearted Australian family saga for readers of Judy Nunn and Victoria Purman.
7 February, 1967. Walls of flame reduce much of Tasmania to ash. Young schoolteacher Catherine Turner rushes to the Huon Valley to find her family’s apple orchard destroyed, her childhood home in ruins and her brother dead. Despite her father’s declaration that a woman will never run the orchard, Catherine resolves to rebuild the family business.
After five sons, Catherine’s friend and neighbour, Annie Pearson, is overjoyed by the birth of a much longed for daughter. As Annie and her husband Dave work to repair the damage to their orchard, Dave’s friend Mark pitches in, despite the fact that Annie wants him gone. Mark has moved his family to the valley to escape his life in Melbourne, but his wife has disappeared leaving chaos in her wake and their young son Charlie in Mark’s care.
Catherine becomes fond of Charlie, whose strange upbringing has left him shy and withdrawn. However, the growing friendship between Mark and Catherine not only scandalises the small community but threatens a secret Annie is desperate to keep hidden.
Through natural disasters, personal calamities and the devastating collapse of the apple industry, Catherine, Annie and those they love battle to save their livelihoods, their families and their secrets.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I was pleasantly surprised with the debut novel of Mary-Lou. She is definitely one to watch. Such a beautifully written novel, that made it difficult for me to put down. Such a fantastic read about family secrets, love and sacrifices. Can not wait to see what she writes next. Many thanks to Better Reading for my advanced copy. #BRPreview Renee, VIC, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom (by Mary-Lou Stephens) follows the lives of two women, Catherine and Annie, who live in Tasmanian apple country. The story begins in the 1960s when Catherine and Annie are young women, and details their complex relationship with each other as well as their struggles with running a farm. The novel has a bit of everything – romance and heartache, parenthood with its joys and struggles, family bonds, with a bit of farming technique and Tasmanian history as well. Mary-Lou Stephens adeptly conveys the story with simple language and nothing fancy, and lets the well-thought out storyline shine through. The Last of the Apple Blossom is a typical love story, with a few twists and turns thrown in to keep the reader guessing and turning the pages. Highly recommend, 5 out of 5. Catherine, QLD, 5 Stars
A captivating read from the very first chapter, building from the vivid description of the devastating fires and continuing with the meticulously detailed characters. This beautifully written saga takes in a journey of two women, Catherine and Annie, who both have secrets to keep. Catherine is hiding a forbidden romance, whilst trying to fight the expectations of her family, and Annie is hiding a heartbreaking event that could change all their lives forever. Tragedy and heartbreak shape their friendship yet their determination and strength despite it all, makes a riveting read. Highly recommend this wonderful book. It’s hard to believe it’s the author’s debut novel. I will look forward to reading more from Mary-Lou Stephens in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. Lee, VIC, 5 Stars
At the end of the first chapter I realised I had forgotten to breath as is the intensity of the writing, not many books I have read have been able to achieve this right at the start of the book. A beautiful family saga set in the Tasmanian apple orchards focusing on friends Catherine and Annie. A beautiful story of friendship and how secrets can break people but also bring them closer in the end. I enjoyed the history and information about the apple orchards and the production side, very interesting and something not many people would know about. Tara, ACT, 5 Stars
I absolutely love The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens. The start of the story put you right into the middle of the devastation that occurred. I could feel the emotion of all involved. I had heard about what had happened in Tasmania but didn’t know about what changes had eventuated. This is a heartfelt novel and I commend the author in her ability to put together such a historical piece. To me it is a must read story. Gay, QLD, 5 Stars
I was captivated from the start. A beautiful, heart wrenching at times story about a family’s journey through hardship, heartbreak, friendship and love. I was fascinated with the ins and outs of running an apple orchard, the hardships and despair but also the beauty that came with it. A wonderful dramatic story of natural disasters, scandals, secrets, friendships, heartbreak but also hope. A great historical novel that was well researched by the author. I was swept up into the story and loved how it spans over several decades. Andreea, ACT, 5 Stars
I loved this story, it had everything, an entertaining family saga, it was fun, sad complex – I was there on every page – Amazing story that is obviously well researched – lovely setting, loveable characters. A debut novel, hard to believe, this book really spoke to me – READ IT, do not miss this enjoyable ride in our own backyard. Catherine and Annie will become your friends. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars
The Last of Apple Blossom is a wonderful saga focussing on best friends Catherine and Annie, their families and how they are affected by the 1967 Tasmania bushfires. I’ve never been to Tasmania yet I felt that I was there alongside Catherine, feeling the heat from the fire, choking on the acrid smoke. You can tell that Mary-Lou has been thorough with her research into both the bushfire and how the orchards were affected. I loved all the characters, laughing and crying along with them, feeling their loss, despair and relief; that’s how well developed they are. I saw a quote at a second-hand bookshop the other day that read “books are TV for clever people” and that certainly rings true for me. I thoroughly enjoyed “viewing” this in my mind. Maree, QLD, 5 Stars
This book is a brilliant debut novel, very well written Mary-Lou Stephens! Tragedy following unbelievable losses, how do we find the strength to rebuild our lives? Set in the amazing Huon Valley, the orchards and close knit family and friendship groups are stretched and torn apart as unbelievable heartache takes over. The main characters Catherine and Annie bring such joy to the pages, their friendship is heartwarming and honest, never mind the secrets! Devastating fires rip their world and farmland apart, I highly recommend you join into this journey of rebuilding lives and livelihoods. The loss, love, heartbreak and devastation jumps from the pages, I wanted to give these beautiful strong women a hug! The storyline and characters flow along nicely, the reality of this story, the emotions and sensitivities are relatable as you share Catherine and Annie’s journey! Thanks so much Better Reading and Mary-Lou Stephens for the opportunity to read this fabulous book set in the best place in the world! Vicki, TAS, 5 Stars
This is a delightful book one would take away for a relaxing read while on holiday. A light romance set in the orchards in Tasmania. On 7th February 1967 a horrendous fire tore through the orchards and land in much of Tasmania. The story follows the lives of Catherine Turner and her friend Annie Pearson as they battle with their families to rebuild and re-establish their orchards and lives. I found the book slow in some parts but it ended in a very satisfactory way. Janet, QLD, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom was an absolute delight to read. Beautifully written, this novel was hard to put down. More than a story, it was a saga about the lives of orchardists in Tasmania and about one in particular, Catherine, who went to great lengths to save her family’s apple orchard from bush fires and other natural disasters to economic downturns. It would make a great TV series. Mary-Lou has painted her engaging characters into the beautiful background of Tasmania’s Huon Valley. She was able to make me feel the cold, smell the bushfire smoke and also the apples. She made it very easy to become wrapped up in the lives of these people. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this book. It has been an absolute treat from start to finish. Sharon, ACT, 5 Stars
What an enjoyable read. It was historically factual and a lesson in what was endured in Tasmania during those years. I found the story heartwarming but the twists and turns kept me totally engaged, I burned the midnight oil a couple of times just to read one more chapter. The female characters were strong, given the times they were living in, and totally believable. Deb, SA, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom is an engrossing novel by Mary-Lou Stephens. Despite being fiction, the real-life events which form the backdrop to the story will surely resonate with everyone who remembers life in Australia, and in particular living in Tasmania in the 1960s and onwards. The author’s extensive research into the devastating events that took place in the Huon Valley are accurate, the characters and their relationships come to life from the start, and the expectations placed on young women take the reader back to a time so vastly different to the world as we now know it. The plot is well developed, and the pace never lags, making it a book that is hard to put down. Definitely worth reading. Helen, VIC, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens is going straight to my ‘FAVOURITES’ bookshelf, it was a 5 Star read for me. I was captivated by this engaging and beautifully written family saga. The story opens in 1967 – Hobart, Tasmania during the tragic bushfires of that era and it’s an absolutely atmospheric and heart wrenching scene. Catherine wants to take over and run the orchard but her father is stubborn and will not allow a woman to run it. We encounter the heartbreaking and drawn-out demise of the apple industry in the Huon Valley and the struggles of the orchardists as they try to keep their orchards afloat amongst hardships and despair. I was absolutely fascinated at the workings of the Apple Industry. The story also highlights the era when hippies came to Tasmania wanting to live off the land. A dramatic tale with natural disasters, hippies, a rock star, explosive secrets and scandals! A must read that’s been meticulously researched. I can’t believe this is a debut novel, highly recommended. Gloria, SA, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom is a story which takes you on a journey with unexpected twists and turns throughout this beautiful love story! Rhonda, QLD, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom – what an engrossing read. From the very start, I was engrossed and continued to be the whole way through!!! Mary-Lou has a great way of writing – very descriptive, great use of adjectives. I felt as though I was watching on from the sidelines as the book progressed. An excellent use of adjectives, and very thorough descriptions makes you feel as though you are there in the environment of this book. The only thing missing from this story is crime. An ultimate love story with lots of sideline themes keeps you engrossed the whole way. Mary-Lou has based a lot of the book on actual history and she has done it in the most wonderful way. Everything in the book has been interestingly woven together to make this a truly wonderful feel-good story. Well done, Mary-Lou. You won’t be disappointed to read this book. A really great feel-good read. Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
Hobart, 7th February 1967, the place is ablaze and the Huon Valley where most of the apples are grown, are lost. Catherine is a school teacher and is rushing to get to her home, with the help of Tim, the school help, where her parents and brother are. Next door are her best friend Annie and Dave and their 6 children, along with Dave’s best friend Mark and his son. What is the big secret and will love finally blossom. This was a really lovely book and at places you will need tissues. It also is a very quick read and a book you definitely don’t want to put down. @betterreadingau #BRPreview. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
The Last of the Apple Blossom was a joy to read. I love that feeling when you stumble across a book that is so well written that it transports you to a different time and place, this is one of those magical books. The story itself is both heart wrenching and heart warming. With focus on the two main characters, Catherine and Annie, the reader is taken on a journey through the trials of life in rural Tasmania and the trials of relationships. My favourite thing about this book is that you are given snapshots of their lives over a period of seven decades. I don’t like books that just end and you are left wondering what happened to the characters after that, this story is not like that, it gives you closure. You get to find out the end of their story, and it leaves you reminiscing about the book and the characters with fondness. Stevie, NSW, 5 Stars
Absolutely loved The Last of the Apple Blossom. It was amazing to read about the history of Tasmania after such an event . The opening chapter puts you right into the thick of the drama. I loved the main female character and how she endured so much change but stayed strong and her passion and determination kept her going. Definitely a must read. Praise to the author for the research involved to make sure her novel was full of real facts about the area and processes of the apple isle, its communities and events. Gay, QLD, 5 Stars
Devoured this in a day. Was captivated from the first moment I opened the book to the very last page. The stories interwoven together and the little surprises throughout made for a story you just couldn’t walk away from until you reached the very end. There were laughs, tears and a feel good aura that just enveloped you throughout. I loved it and look forward to more from Mary-Lou Stephens. One I will be recommending to others. Tracy, WA, 5 Stars
When I looked at the cover of this book I thought it might be just another sweet love story. But it was so much more than that. I soon fell into the stories of Catherine and Annie. Turning the pages, I could smell the apples in the packing sheds, the ash from the fire. I could picture the Huon Valley in all its glory and I felt Catherine’s emotions and frustrations – with her parents and with Annie. Some love stories are predictable but this beautiful book had a few tricks and turns that kept me hanging. Each time I put the book down, I was pondering the characters and couldn’t wait to catch up with them again! A delicious read! Nicole, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a compelling read set mostly in the Huon Valley, centring around the main character, Catherine, and her quest to rebuild the family apple orchard. Catherine heads back to the family farm after the 1967 bushfires has ravaged the landscape and devastated her family. The book spans the adult life of Catherine and shares many characteristics of other Australian rural fiction stories. Catherine struggles against a gender-biased Dad regarding her role on the farm, and must rise against small town gossip regarding the status of her relationship with Mark. There are some great juicy twists as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the story -it was authentic and captivating. Penny, QLD, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. As well as the story, I loved the obvious in depth research and learned a lot about the apple industry in Tasmania and felt as if I had a real insight into the bushfires, farming and the impact of Britain joining the EU (I’m British by birth). The historical backdrop was fascinating and made the book all the more real. The characters were believable, the friendships strong and credible and the support the families gave each other (or not) made the story flow. Th social attitudes of the time also felt very real, showing women have made progress too. Loved the heroine and felt as if she could be my friend too! Well done on a lovely novel. Would definitely read more by this author. Dorothy, NSW, 4 Stars
Awesome book. Hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Christine, QLD, 4 Stars
Catherine works as a teacher in Hobart but deep down she always wants to work and manage her family’s orchard. Her best friend and neighbour, Annie, just had a baby girl, Angela, in addition of five boys. During Catherine’s visit to Annie’s home, that’s when she meets Mark Davis, who is occupying the hut at Annie’s land with his boy, Charlie, while waiting for his wife to return. Catherine bonds closely with Mark as she adores his little boy, though she knows that Annie shows her disapproval of her closeness to Mark. The story is set in Tasmania, starting in 1967, and progresses to the present day. It’s a bit dragging but it’s an interesting story of love and friendship which brings lots of insight about Tasmanian apple farmers in Huon Valley during that era. Vivi, NSW, 4 Stars
Fantastic novel. Set in Tasmania we follow the main character Catherine and her friend/neighbour Annie through some really tough times, starting with the devastating fire of 1967 and continuing through to the present day. It’s easy to like these very human characters and you really want to follow their stories through the highs and lows of their lives. A story of strength and resilience, love and loss and so much more. Louise, NSW, 4 Stars
Lovely story of feminism, and love. Interesting step back in time for the reader. Great read over a lazy weekend. Heidi, NSW, 4 Stars
A family saga with a dramatic beginning, The Last of the Apple Blossom is one for those who enjoy the minutiae of everyday life, with all its ups and downs, recognising that even in the everyday there is passion and intrigue, laughter and grief, secrets, pain, and gentle joy. And that in some situations there really are no right choices. The characters held my interest, and I found myself caught up in their stories. The central character, Catherine, is a strong-willed woman with one dream that seems to be thwarted at every turn. However, she pursues it in the face of every obstacle. There were a handful of scenes where I might have held my breath while I read until those scenes were resolved (good thing I read quickly), and others that were like a gentle spring breeze, pleasant to linger in and savour. The ending was particularly poignant (you’ll have to read it to find out) and I’d be lying if I said my eyes were dry as I read the last chapter. The Last of the Apple Blossom ends as strongly as it begins, leaving a satisfying aftertaste on the reading tastebuds. Bethany, NSW, 4 Stars
A beautiful family saga set in the Tasmanian apple orchards, The Last of the Apple Blossom begins with the 1967 fires or the Black Tuesday. The plot mainly works around two young women, Catherine and Annie who have secrets to hide and a struggling life to live. Catherine is a school teacher who comes back to the valley to support her parents and mourn the death of her younger brother who was a victim of the fire. Annie is her neighbour, mother to five boys and a girl whom she dotes upon. Author has used the plot to bring light on the lives, on orchards and the challenges the families face. Changes in the weather is penned so perfectly that it feels like living in the moment. The best part of the book is how the two women work against the odd and standards of the society and bring out their feminist values to work against the hurdles of love and life amidst the gossip of the valley. The book is a beautiful saga of love, life, loss and living. Fasmina, NSW, 4 Stars
A cosy saga, essentially of two families, although how can it feel cosy when so many awful things happened in these people’s lives? Spanning the time from 1967 to the present day in an apple-growing region of Tasmania, The Last of the Apple Blossom gives us much to ponder about Australia’s recent history. The story begins explosively with the Hobart Fires of 1967 and their aftermath. It also touches on the Vietnam War, export costs and international politics, the Whitlam government, and the contrasting approach to living on the land espoused by farmers and hippies. It is almost as if the weather is a character, with its changing moods profoundly affecting the livelihoods of everyone in this beautiful part of the world. The Australian music scene of the late 60s and 70s makes a cameo appearance, but the strength of this story is in its portrayal of love and friendship and how this can assist in overcoming a string of adversities. The two main female characters are strong in their own ways and unafraid of hard work. Heidi, VIC, 4 Stars
Paradoxically I suppose, reading the first chapters of this wonderful book sent chills down my spine. The experiences of two women – Catherine and Annie- caught up in the 1967 Tasmanian bushfires, are vividly portrayed. We feel with them the power of nature when it’s not on our side – the fire’s heat, the darkness, the wind, the fear, and the need to not panic while they have children in their care. I remember that day of 7th February 1967 so well. How shocked we were in Melbourne at the extent of the carnage and how close it came to destroying all of Hobart. Afterwards, the ‘Apple Isle’ was never the same. This book is the fictional story of how two apple orchardist families dealt with their losses while also coping with the ups and downs of intergenerational and romantic relationships. There is chaos, drama and eventually, adjustment to new realities. The context in which the story is set has been meticulously researched, the characters are relatable and the story moves along at a good pace. It’s a worthy and engaging contribution to the marvellous new crop of Australian stories emerging from today’s young novelists. Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
An enjoyable read that takes you into the lives of Tasmanian families trying to rebuild their orchards after the devastating bushfires of 1967. With love, loss and secrets in-between. The scary opening scenes of bushfire through the eyes of Catherine and Annie and the scenes that follow had me hooked from the start. I was swept up into the epic story that spans over several decades, loving Catherine’s fight to save and run her family’s orchard in a time when women did no such thing. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout as secrets are revealed along the way and loves come and go. Though I became a little disinterested towards the end when new characters were introduced and it felt to be dragging a little, it all came together nicely in the end. Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
Loved the setting and the way the story was written but felt like it was a similar story line to others I’d read. Kim, NSW, 3 Stars
I loved the journey into the into the Apple orchards in the Huon Valley in Tasmania. An insight into the impact of Bushfires on families. Set in 1967, a time when the role of women is questionable. It is a story of love, triumph & sacrifice. Thoroughly engaging. Annie, NSW, 3 Stars
I was keen to read this book but felt it was a bit of a slow burn. It took me a little while to feel any affinity with the main characters and whilst I generally like chapters that alternate between the characters it seemed a bit disjointed, the time periods between chapters also seemed odd and not always connected to the storyline. It definitely fits the bill of a family saga but I also think that there was maybe a couple too many twists in the tale. Julie, VIC, 3 Stars
This is a book about Tasmania, and as I live in Tasmania I thought I would completely love it. Don’t get me wrong, I did like it and was really enamoured at first. It started well, the characters had depth and the subject was something I could tune into. But as I went on it did go a bit downhill for me. The main characters Catherine, Tim, Annie and then Mark were complex but not over the top, the story was exciting and was believable and I could picture the places, the scenery and the realness of what was happening in the Huon Valley and this made it more interesting for me. Later in the story though it got lost on me, the story went off track and became a bit unreal, unbelievable and it dragged on. The story became long-winded, more characters became involved and the characters started to annoy me. The story was told from 1967 to present day which I didn’t think was required and made it lengthy. But the book all in all was good, I enjoyed reading most of it and think that for a debut novel it is a great effort. Donna, TAS, 3 Stars
THE LAST OF THE APPLE BLOSSOM was an enjoyable read. I found the information about the apple orchards and the production side very interesting. I quickly figured out the secret and was surprised that those in the know actually went along with it. I liked the progression of time and the change in people’s views. Mary, QLD, 3 Stars
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