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Blueberry
Blueberry is a heart-warming debut novel about starting over, as a little blueberry orchard in the hills offers one woman the chance to change her life forever . . .
Greer O'Reilly needs to start over. Her professional success belies private sadness and domestic overload. She's torn between her career and motherhood. Her partner of twelve years has left her. And up ahead is her new home - a beautiful though neglected blueberry orchard in the hills of north-east Victoria.
But when she and her six-year-old daughter Sophie arrive at the property to take possession, there's an unforeseen complication - the former owner, 81-year-old artist and jazz lover Charlie Chandler, refuses to move out. Charlie is dying and desperate to spend his last days in his old home.
With Greer at the beginning of her new life, and Charlie at the end of his, the unlikely pair soon form a close bond. One that will offer the strength and inspiration Greer needs - because the next twelve months will either make or break her . . .
Greer O'Reilly needs to start over. Her professional success belies private sadness and domestic overload. She's torn between her career and motherhood. Her partner of twelve years has left her. And up ahead is her new home - a beautiful though neglected blueberry orchard in the hills of north-east Victoria.
But when she and her six-year-old daughter Sophie arrive at the property to take possession, there's an unforeseen complication - the former owner, 81-year-old artist and jazz lover Charlie Chandler, refuses to move out. Charlie is dying and desperate to spend his last days in his old home.
With Greer at the beginning of her new life, and Charlie at the end of his, the unlikely pair soon form a close bond. One that will offer the strength and inspiration Greer needs - because the next twelve months will either make or break her . . .
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2017
6 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Glenna Thomson
4 books42 followersAfter a successful career in overseas aid, and as a senior executive with a global food company, Glenna and her husband spent almost twenty years living and working on their 500-acre cattle property in rural in north-east Victoria. During that time, they also owned and operated a commercial blueberry orchard. Glenna’s time in the country enables her to write authentically about life in the city as well as in remote locations. She and her husband now live in Melbourne. Glenna is also the author of Blueberry and Stella and Margie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 17, 2016
Greer O’Reilly was struggling after her partner Nick left her and their daughter, six year old Sophie. Her job in Melbourne was high stress; Sophie needed after school care more often than Greer was happy with. So when the opportunity to purchase a rundown blueberry orchard in the Victorian bush near Euroa presented itself, Greer decided to take the chance. The peace and quiet would be a balm after the hustle and bustle of the city and the laid back lifestyle could be just what both Greer and Sophie needed.
The day they arrived at their new home, Greer realised her rose coloured glasses had hidden the age and neglect of the old home. But she was a stubborn and independent woman – she would make a go of this venture; after all it couldn’t be too hard could it? Her shock at finding the previous owner, eighty one year old Charlie Chandler, housed in his studio at the back of the home was great. But her sympathy at his plight soon came to the fore. Charlie was dying – he’d lived in the home, working on his paintings and listening to the jazz music he loved with his beloved wife (who was the blueberry orchardist) for the whole length of their marriage. Charlie’s absent son Warren wanted to install Charlie in a nursing home, but crusty old Charlie didn’t want to go…
As Greer learned about the blueberry orchard which was now her livelihood, she did her best to help Charlie. The unusual bond the two formed had Greer comparing Charlie with her father. But what was to be the outcome to the standoff and tense situation? And would Greer manage everything that was required in the art of blueberry farming?
Blueberry is the debut novel by Aussie author Glenna Thomson and it’s an exceptional piece of writing in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyable, the depth of characters from six year old Sophie to eighty one year old Charlie is extremely well done. I could easily visualise the property where the orchard was located; the bush and winding roads; the small town of Euroa – Blueberry is a novel by a new voice which I highly recommend. (And I love the cover!)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
The day they arrived at their new home, Greer realised her rose coloured glasses had hidden the age and neglect of the old home. But she was a stubborn and independent woman – she would make a go of this venture; after all it couldn’t be too hard could it? Her shock at finding the previous owner, eighty one year old Charlie Chandler, housed in his studio at the back of the home was great. But her sympathy at his plight soon came to the fore. Charlie was dying – he’d lived in the home, working on his paintings and listening to the jazz music he loved with his beloved wife (who was the blueberry orchardist) for the whole length of their marriage. Charlie’s absent son Warren wanted to install Charlie in a nursing home, but crusty old Charlie didn’t want to go…
As Greer learned about the blueberry orchard which was now her livelihood, she did her best to help Charlie. The unusual bond the two formed had Greer comparing Charlie with her father. But what was to be the outcome to the standoff and tense situation? And would Greer manage everything that was required in the art of blueberry farming?
Blueberry is the debut novel by Aussie author Glenna Thomson and it’s an exceptional piece of writing in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyable, the depth of characters from six year old Sophie to eighty one year old Charlie is extremely well done. I could easily visualise the property where the orchard was located; the bush and winding roads; the small town of Euroa – Blueberry is a novel by a new voice which I highly recommend. (And I love the cover!)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Blueberry is a luscious contemporary story from a brand new voice in Australian fiction, Glenna Thomson. Blueberry chronicles the eventful journey of one woman’s determination to make a positive change in her life. This involves a big move from the hustle and bustle of life in the city, to the tranquil surrounds of the blueberry orchards. Blueberry is a delicate story with a sensitive touch.
Blueberry is the gentle story of Greer O’Reilly, a single mother to six year old Sophie, who is struggling to combine her role as a successful career woman and mum. When Greer comes across an opportunity to embark on a new venture through owning her own blueberry orchard that desperately needs revitalising, Greer decides to take the plunge and give it a go. Soon after moving to the rundown orchard, Greer befriends Charlie Chandler, the elderly previous owner of the orchard. Charlie presents Greer with a dilemma, he refuses to move on from his home due to illness. Although Greer is supportive of Charlie’s wishes to stay in his home until he passes away, it earns the ire of Charlie’s son Warren. Between battling for Charlie rights and caring for this increasingly ill old man, Greer must also contend with her very first blueberry season – can she make a success of it under Charlie’s watchful eye?
Blueberry is a simply sumptuous piece of Australian fiction that I rate a plump five stars. This book touched me in a way I didn’t expect. Underneath this tree change, city to country style novel, is an emotional tale of testing your limits and discovering a beautiful friendship that flourishes in unexpected circumstances.
In Blueberry, Glenna Thomson introduces the reader to a picturesque part of Australia and an area I am not familiar with, the hills region of north east Victoria. Despite not knowing the setting of the novel, I felt thoroughly immersed in the country setting of Blueberry. Thomson’s descriptions of her setting are perfectly pieced together and she is easily able to transport her reader to the locale of her story. I felt the cold along with Greer, smelt the aromas of the orchard, sensed the stillness of this isolated region and visualised the local wildlife. Thomson’s many years working on her own blueberry orchard have paid off immensely, her prose is assured and authentic, which is a pleasure to read. The highlight of Blueberry was the actual process of harvesting the blueberries. Thomson outlines the detailed process from the orchard to the table, which had me completely hooked.
The characters featured in Blueberry are what make this novel special. From main character Greer, to the gentle Charlie, love interest Shane and the minor characters such as backpacker come picker Enrico, all combine to make this novel a tapestry of interesting people I would love to meet. I immediately connected to Greer, perhaps understanding her predicament of trying to find the right balance between work and family. I admired Greer’s tenacity to throw it all in and start afresh in an unfamiliar territory. I also greatly admired her strength in supporting Charlie and his wishes, despite pressure from his son Warren. I relished Greer’s path to making the orchard a success and I found myself cheering her on the whole way! Charlie, the elderly previous owner of the orchard is such a well drawn character. I particularly loved Charlie’s artistic side and his preference for jazz music, it allowed us to see him as a character full of life, not just an ageing man nearing the end of his life. The tender relationship that sparks between Greer and Charlie is simply gorgeous and is one I won’t forget for some time.
Blueberry is also a book that looks at the difficulties of love. There is the problematic love life of Greer, as she develops feelings for a relative of Charlie’s, Shane. This country fling tests Greer’s emotions and when her ex re-enters her life at a crucial time, Greer must manage her feelings towards the two men. Thomson uses this storyline to show us the complexities faced by the modern Australian woman in love. Blueberry is a novel that has so much to give the reader by way of relationships, feelings and the beauty of the human spirit.
So, there are a few reasons why I chose to award Blueberry five stars. The intricate narrative, the stunning rolling hills setting, the fascinating blueberry orchardist storyline, the full bodied characters and the underlying themes of friendship and respect for the elderly. Blueberry is a book that has so much to offer the reader and do hope that I have convinced you to take a chance on it!
Blueberry is a luscious contemporary story from a brand new voice in Australian fiction, Glenna Thomson. Blueberry chronicles the eventful journey of one woman’s determination to make a positive change in her life. This involves a big move from the hustle and bustle of life in the city, to the tranquil surrounds of the blueberry orchards. Blueberry is a delicate story with a sensitive touch.
Blueberry is the gentle story of Greer O’Reilly, a single mother to six year old Sophie, who is struggling to combine her role as a successful career woman and mum. When Greer comes across an opportunity to embark on a new venture through owning her own blueberry orchard that desperately needs revitalising, Greer decides to take the plunge and give it a go. Soon after moving to the rundown orchard, Greer befriends Charlie Chandler, the elderly previous owner of the orchard. Charlie presents Greer with a dilemma, he refuses to move on from his home due to illness. Although Greer is supportive of Charlie’s wishes to stay in his home until he passes away, it earns the ire of Charlie’s son Warren. Between battling for Charlie rights and caring for this increasingly ill old man, Greer must also contend with her very first blueberry season – can she make a success of it under Charlie’s watchful eye?
Blueberry is a simply sumptuous piece of Australian fiction that I rate a plump five stars. This book touched me in a way I didn’t expect. Underneath this tree change, city to country style novel, is an emotional tale of testing your limits and discovering a beautiful friendship that flourishes in unexpected circumstances.
In Blueberry, Glenna Thomson introduces the reader to a picturesque part of Australia and an area I am not familiar with, the hills region of north east Victoria. Despite not knowing the setting of the novel, I felt thoroughly immersed in the country setting of Blueberry. Thomson’s descriptions of her setting are perfectly pieced together and she is easily able to transport her reader to the locale of her story. I felt the cold along with Greer, smelt the aromas of the orchard, sensed the stillness of this isolated region and visualised the local wildlife. Thomson’s many years working on her own blueberry orchard have paid off immensely, her prose is assured and authentic, which is a pleasure to read. The highlight of Blueberry was the actual process of harvesting the blueberries. Thomson outlines the detailed process from the orchard to the table, which had me completely hooked.
The characters featured in Blueberry are what make this novel special. From main character Greer, to the gentle Charlie, love interest Shane and the minor characters such as backpacker come picker Enrico, all combine to make this novel a tapestry of interesting people I would love to meet. I immediately connected to Greer, perhaps understanding her predicament of trying to find the right balance between work and family. I admired Greer’s tenacity to throw it all in and start afresh in an unfamiliar territory. I also greatly admired her strength in supporting Charlie and his wishes, despite pressure from his son Warren. I relished Greer’s path to making the orchard a success and I found myself cheering her on the whole way! Charlie, the elderly previous owner of the orchard is such a well drawn character. I particularly loved Charlie’s artistic side and his preference for jazz music, it allowed us to see him as a character full of life, not just an ageing man nearing the end of his life. The tender relationship that sparks between Greer and Charlie is simply gorgeous and is one I won’t forget for some time.
Blueberry is also a book that looks at the difficulties of love. There is the problematic love life of Greer, as she develops feelings for a relative of Charlie’s, Shane. This country fling tests Greer’s emotions and when her ex re-enters her life at a crucial time, Greer must manage her feelings towards the two men. Thomson uses this storyline to show us the complexities faced by the modern Australian woman in love. Blueberry is a novel that has so much to give the reader by way of relationships, feelings and the beauty of the human spirit.
So, there are a few reasons why I chose to award Blueberry five stars. The intricate narrative, the stunning rolling hills setting, the fascinating blueberry orchardist storyline, the full bodied characters and the underlying themes of friendship and respect for the elderly. Blueberry is a book that has so much to offer the reader and do hope that I have convinced you to take a chance on it!
August 31, 2018
Blueberry is about friendship, family and the second chance of love. Greer O'Reilly world was falling apart; her partner left her with six years old daughter, Sophie and she was not coping at work. One day was sitting having coffee Greer O'Reilly and reading the newspaper when she notices in the real estate section the sale of a Blueberry farm in north-east Victoria. However, Greer O'Reilly did not take into consideration Charlie Chandler 81-year-old artist and how it would affect her and Sophie. The readers of Blueberry will continue to follow Greer, Sophie and Charlie to see what happens.
By the title and the book description, I thought that I would not enjoy reading Blueberry. However, that was not the case. Blueberry is the debut novel of Glenna Thomson, and it is fantastic. Indeed I will read another book by Glenna Thomson. The characters of Blueberry was portrayed fantastically by Glenna Thomson, and I enjoy the way they interacted with each other. Blueberry was well written and researched by Glenna Thomson. I like Glenna Thomson description of her settings that I engaged with the story from the opening pages.
The readers of Blueberry will learn about being an orchardist and running a blueberry farm in Victoria. Also, Blueberry highlights the problems of sexual harassment and the problems it can cause the suffers in the workplace.
I recommend this book.
By the title and the book description, I thought that I would not enjoy reading Blueberry. However, that was not the case. Blueberry is the debut novel of Glenna Thomson, and it is fantastic. Indeed I will read another book by Glenna Thomson. The characters of Blueberry was portrayed fantastically by Glenna Thomson, and I enjoy the way they interacted with each other. Blueberry was well written and researched by Glenna Thomson. I like Glenna Thomson description of her settings that I engaged with the story from the opening pages.
The readers of Blueberry will learn about being an orchardist and running a blueberry farm in Victoria. Also, Blueberry highlights the problems of sexual harassment and the problems it can cause the suffers in the workplace.
I recommend this book.
February 5, 2017
Blueberry by Glenna Thomson.
A captivating and very interesting story about life on a blueberry orchard in the hills of north-east Victoria.
Sometimes an escape to the country may be just what you need.
From the frosty, juicieness of a fresh Australian blueberry picked straight from the bush we'll learn all about what happens to our beloved little, round blueberry as it comes to us from bush to table.
We'll learn all about it's packaging, pruning and how it survives in the bush and the Australian drought and how it effects it's progress.
Greer O'Rielly, the new blueberry orchard owner starts a new life in the countryside employing backpackers to help her on her quest to keep the blueberry orchard going.
But, are they all just passers-by?
Who is willing to stay and help long-term in the survival of the blueberry orchard?
Wait and see...
In Blueberry by Glenna Thomson who is actually an experienced blueberry orchardist.
I really loved this story about blueberries, it's a heart-warming and fairly light easy to read novel with fantastic descriptions of Australian cuisine and our wildlife in the bush filled with echidnas, kangaroos and our beautiful birdlife.
I also loved the element of jazz music entwined into this story by artist, Charlie who is a very important character in this novel.
Thank you to my goodreads friend, Dianne for recommending Blueberry to me.
Loved it.
A refreshing Summer Read.
A captivating and very interesting story about life on a blueberry orchard in the hills of north-east Victoria.
Sometimes an escape to the country may be just what you need.
From the frosty, juicieness of a fresh Australian blueberry picked straight from the bush we'll learn all about what happens to our beloved little, round blueberry as it comes to us from bush to table.
We'll learn all about it's packaging, pruning and how it survives in the bush and the Australian drought and how it effects it's progress.
Greer O'Rielly, the new blueberry orchard owner starts a new life in the countryside employing backpackers to help her on her quest to keep the blueberry orchard going.
But, are they all just passers-by?
Who is willing to stay and help long-term in the survival of the blueberry orchard?
Wait and see...
In Blueberry by Glenna Thomson who is actually an experienced blueberry orchardist.
I really loved this story about blueberries, it's a heart-warming and fairly light easy to read novel with fantastic descriptions of Australian cuisine and our wildlife in the bush filled with echidnas, kangaroos and our beautiful birdlife.
I also loved the element of jazz music entwined into this story by artist, Charlie who is a very important character in this novel.
Thank you to my goodreads friend, Dianne for recommending Blueberry to me.
Loved it.
A refreshing Summer Read.
February 20, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised and really drawn into this delightful debut novel by Glenna Thomson Early reviews coming through were positive and I was keen to find out for myself to discover why this was so. I can concur that the storyline is captivating and being set in northern Victoria the setting is very identifiable. Toni Jordan is quoted "I wish I could crawl inside the pages of the book and live there" on the gorgeous front cover and I think that's how the reader feels, it was easy to immerse yourself into the novel and discover more about the blueberry industry which is the focus of the storyline but in fact it is more than that. It is about resilience of each of the characters, particularly Greer who leaves the corporate world behind and grasps her new life with nervous enthusiasm. There is also the touching side story of artist and jazz lover Charlie which Thomson handles with great sensitivity. There is romance, there is sadness but overall a sense of optimism and great warmth that comes through each page. Look forward to reading more from this author.
November 20, 2017
This was a really easy book to read (I finished it in a few hours). It was an interesting story about Greer O'Reilly who is desperately trying to balance working in PR with overly demanding clients and being a single mum to six-year-old Sophie when things all seem to fall apart she decides to take a chance buying a run down blueberry farm in Victoria which unexpectedly comes with it's elderly previous owner - Charlie.
The story was very realistic of the challenges that Greer and Charlie face and came to a good ending. Looking forward to reading more of Glenna's books. I also liked that it talked about places i actually knew.
The story was very realistic of the challenges that Greer and Charlie face and came to a good ending. Looking forward to reading more of Glenna's books. I also liked that it talked about places i actually knew.
March 2, 2019
I absolutely loved this, Thomson manages to make a weave a beautiful tale of the connections made between two very different people and their expectations of life. The details of the neglected blueberry orchard are vivid and you really do feel you are there, experiencing it through all your senses...this is how good Thomson is at writing!
January 7, 2017
Once I started this debut novel by Glenna Thomson, I wanted to keep reading until I finished! So that is what I did...picked it off the shelf and just read. Thank you Glenna for giving an insight not only into the trials and tribulations of blueberries, but also into life with its ever changing view of family and what makes one. Loved this book and I recommend it.
February 5, 2017
This was a lovely story based on a blueberry orchard in NE Victoria.
March 19, 2017
A simple story with basic characters. Nothing too fantastic or brilliant but I wanted a simple read. It's a nice story.
April 30, 2018
I love the way Glenna Thomson captures the emotion of growing old and what it is to be elderly. In both her books I found the descriptions to be so apt. This book is set in and around Euroa, and having just travelled through this area on holiday, I could picture the setting distinctly.
May 25, 2018
A beautiful story by this gifted Aussie author. Really pulled at my heart strings.
August 20, 2019
Three and a half stars.
March 22, 2017
This is such an easy read but it's got so much feeling & you can picture everything as you read it. I'm a sucker for a happy ending :)
February 7, 2021
Strath-BildungsRoman ..
Greer O'Reilly is a female Eunuch in every way . Trapped in a life of sensory deprived corporate drudgery in a one sided marriage to an unfeeling absentee Narcissist ,events conspire to see her treading the well worn path of the Serpentine Hume Highway into the beautiful environs of north east victoria with her doll like daughter Sophie seeking escape and renewal in no particular order.
Here she encounters the reactionary rural artist Charlie , with his Marilyn portraits , faithful pet Blondie and death wish , and it is in the delicate retort of her gentle nursing of this fading Jazzophonic Paterfamilias that the alchemical process of transformation is begun .
Plagued by her struggle to recognise her ideal inner man , Greer simultaneously battles her own demons of troubled upbringing,financial difficulty drink and parental guilt as she painstakingly syncs her being unto the seasonal life of a dilapidated though curiously maternal blueberry orchard, lovingly tended creation of Charlies late wife Audrey.
Sinking ever lower into a painful abyss , Greer is forced to marshall her own considerable inner forces as she resists the temptation to repeat her old pattern with the Ice Cold Shane .
With the approach of the harvest and the death of Charlie there is a quickening of events both within and without that culminates in a most unexpected ending that leaves the reader grappling with the problem of whether this is a Fairytale or a Shakespearean tragedy .
With all the delicate touches and eye for detail of an artist , Thomson takes the reader into the intricate , fecund darkness of a hidden sun , and back out into the light of prodigious possibilities new roads and unexpected alternatives.
In the background hums the Panopticon of modern technology and the harsh globalised realities of modern day Agriculture in an age of Corporate decimated rust belt rural communities; Communities who struggle to integrate the increasing flow of unahppy Urban wanderers straying into their midst while steadfastly keeping all their own skeletons firmly wedged beneath ancient floorboards.
Anyone who has escaped from the forbidding and alien environment of the modern city or lived in the bush or farmed will see something of themselves in Dorian Greers Cobain like retreat into the last stand wilderness Gray Nirvana . Nothing is what it seems in this salt of the earth fable of one womans Wilde milieu internale, in which things quickly turn to stone and back to Gold (?) with every unexpected twist .
Greer O'Reilly is a female Eunuch in every way . Trapped in a life of sensory deprived corporate drudgery in a one sided marriage to an unfeeling absentee Narcissist ,events conspire to see her treading the well worn path of the Serpentine Hume Highway into the beautiful environs of north east victoria with her doll like daughter Sophie seeking escape and renewal in no particular order.
Here she encounters the reactionary rural artist Charlie , with his Marilyn portraits , faithful pet Blondie and death wish , and it is in the delicate retort of her gentle nursing of this fading Jazzophonic Paterfamilias that the alchemical process of transformation is begun .
Plagued by her struggle to recognise her ideal inner man , Greer simultaneously battles her own demons of troubled upbringing,financial difficulty drink and parental guilt as she painstakingly syncs her being unto the seasonal life of a dilapidated though curiously maternal blueberry orchard, lovingly tended creation of Charlies late wife Audrey.
Sinking ever lower into a painful abyss , Greer is forced to marshall her own considerable inner forces as she resists the temptation to repeat her old pattern with the Ice Cold Shane .
With the approach of the harvest and the death of Charlie there is a quickening of events both within and without that culminates in a most unexpected ending that leaves the reader grappling with the problem of whether this is a Fairytale or a Shakespearean tragedy .
With all the delicate touches and eye for detail of an artist , Thomson takes the reader into the intricate , fecund darkness of a hidden sun , and back out into the light of prodigious possibilities new roads and unexpected alternatives.
In the background hums the Panopticon of modern technology and the harsh globalised realities of modern day Agriculture in an age of Corporate decimated rust belt rural communities; Communities who struggle to integrate the increasing flow of unahppy Urban wanderers straying into their midst while steadfastly keeping all their own skeletons firmly wedged beneath ancient floorboards.
Anyone who has escaped from the forbidding and alien environment of the modern city or lived in the bush or farmed will see something of themselves in Dorian Greers Cobain like retreat into the last stand wilderness Gray Nirvana . Nothing is what it seems in this salt of the earth fable of one womans Wilde milieu internale, in which things quickly turn to stone and back to Gold (?) with every unexpected twist .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
“Der Blaubeergarten” ist das Debüt der Autorin und ich fand dieses absolut gelungen. Es ist die Geschichte von Greer, diese hat einen wirklich stressigen Job, ihr Mann ist weg und sie hat sehr wenig Zeit für ihre Tochter. Als sie eines Tages ein Inserat für ein Haus mit Blaubeerfeldern sieht, ist sie begeistert. Einziges Problem ist, dass der Vorbesitzer nicht weg will.
Die Geschichte konnte mich absolut begeistern, denn es war sehr reizend zu verfolgen, ob Greer ein Neustart gelingen wird und wie sich die Sache mit dem Vorbesitzer entwickeln wird. Der Autorin ist es hier wunderbar gelungen eine sehr vielseitige Handlung zu schreiben, die doch auch immer wieder Überraschungen aufweist. Der Neustart von Greer wird ihr nämlich nicht sehr leicht gemacht. Es war sehr interessant zu sehen, wie Greer, die eigentlich immer alles alleine gemacht hat, plötzlich doch auch Hilfe braucht, denn die Sache mit den Blaubeeren ist nicht so leicht, wie sie es zuerst gedacht hat. So kann ich sagen, dass das Buch im großen und ganzen wirklich sehr unterhaltsam ist.
Die Charaktere fand ich wirklich gelungen. Von Greer angefangen bis hin zu ihrer Tochter waren alle absolut authentisch und glaubwürdig beschrieben. Ich würde auch alle bis auf eine Ausnahme, als sympathisch bezeichnen. Ich fand jetzt Charlies Sohn nicht sehr nett und hatte auch für ihn kein Verständnis, denn er wollte den alten Mann ja unbedingt in einem Seniorenheim unterbringen, obwohl Greer angeboten hatte, dass sie ein Zusammenwohnen versuchen wollte.
Das Setting war aus meiner Sicht ein totaler Pluspunkt. Ich konnte mir alles sehr gut vorstellen und hatte während des Lesens immer den Wunsch verspürt Blaubeeren zu verspeisen. Ich konnte mir aber auch das Haus und die Landschaft sehr gut bildlich vorstellen.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig, sodass man das Buch sehr gut hat lesen können. Die Geschichte wird aus der Perspektive von Greer erzählt, was recht unterhaltsam war, denn man bekommt einen guten Einblick in ihr Gefühlsleben und wie es ihr mit den ganzen neuen Umständen geht. Der Handlung konnte man sehr gut folgen, denn alles war sehr gut verständlich.
Das Cover finde ich irgendwie niedlich und sehr stimmig zur Geschichte.
Zur Autorin:
Glenna Thompson hat fünfundzwanzig Jahre als Pressereferentin gearbeitet, bevor sie begann, in einem großen Wirtschaftskonzern zu arbeiten. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrem Mann auf einer Rinderfarm mit großem Blaubeergarten in Victoria, Australien.
Quelle: Amazon
Fazit:
5 von 5 Sterne. Unterhaltsame Geschichte über eine Art Neuanfang. Sehr unterhaltsam. Klare Kauf – und Leseempfehlung.
Die Geschichte konnte mich absolut begeistern, denn es war sehr reizend zu verfolgen, ob Greer ein Neustart gelingen wird und wie sich die Sache mit dem Vorbesitzer entwickeln wird. Der Autorin ist es hier wunderbar gelungen eine sehr vielseitige Handlung zu schreiben, die doch auch immer wieder Überraschungen aufweist. Der Neustart von Greer wird ihr nämlich nicht sehr leicht gemacht. Es war sehr interessant zu sehen, wie Greer, die eigentlich immer alles alleine gemacht hat, plötzlich doch auch Hilfe braucht, denn die Sache mit den Blaubeeren ist nicht so leicht, wie sie es zuerst gedacht hat. So kann ich sagen, dass das Buch im großen und ganzen wirklich sehr unterhaltsam ist.
Die Charaktere fand ich wirklich gelungen. Von Greer angefangen bis hin zu ihrer Tochter waren alle absolut authentisch und glaubwürdig beschrieben. Ich würde auch alle bis auf eine Ausnahme, als sympathisch bezeichnen. Ich fand jetzt Charlies Sohn nicht sehr nett und hatte auch für ihn kein Verständnis, denn er wollte den alten Mann ja unbedingt in einem Seniorenheim unterbringen, obwohl Greer angeboten hatte, dass sie ein Zusammenwohnen versuchen wollte.
Das Setting war aus meiner Sicht ein totaler Pluspunkt. Ich konnte mir alles sehr gut vorstellen und hatte während des Lesens immer den Wunsch verspürt Blaubeeren zu verspeisen. Ich konnte mir aber auch das Haus und die Landschaft sehr gut bildlich vorstellen.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig, sodass man das Buch sehr gut hat lesen können. Die Geschichte wird aus der Perspektive von Greer erzählt, was recht unterhaltsam war, denn man bekommt einen guten Einblick in ihr Gefühlsleben und wie es ihr mit den ganzen neuen Umständen geht. Der Handlung konnte man sehr gut folgen, denn alles war sehr gut verständlich.
Das Cover finde ich irgendwie niedlich und sehr stimmig zur Geschichte.
Zur Autorin:
Glenna Thompson hat fünfundzwanzig Jahre als Pressereferentin gearbeitet, bevor sie begann, in einem großen Wirtschaftskonzern zu arbeiten. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrem Mann auf einer Rinderfarm mit großem Blaubeergarten in Victoria, Australien.
Quelle: Amazon
Fazit:
5 von 5 Sterne. Unterhaltsame Geschichte über eine Art Neuanfang. Sehr unterhaltsam. Klare Kauf – und Leseempfehlung.
September 19, 2020
I can't believe I've had this magnificent book sitting in my TBR pile for years - boy have I missed out! This is a wonderful debut novel by Victorian author Glenna Thomson and had me captivated from start to the early hours of this morning to finish it.
Such a lovely story about Greer and her young daughter Sophie. Greer works in the fast paced PR industry and lives in inner city Melbourne where she is constantly on the run with work and looking after her daughter. Nick, Sophie's father is always overseas on exciting assignments and they parted ways several years ago. After refusing to work out of hours one day she is terminated by her employer and at the same time sees an advertisement for a house and blueberry orchard for sale in country Victoria. On impulse she decides to travel up to look at the property and consequently puts in an offer which is accepted.
She knows nothing about blueberry growing and also about Charlie, whose property it was and refuses to move out but together they learn to live with each other and Greer is on a mission to learn all she can about the process and look after Charlie who is elderly and ill at the same time
The characters portrayed in the book were so real and the circumstances believable. This is a wonderful example of contemporary womens fiction and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading stories about families. The fact that it is set in Melbourne and Victoria was a bonus as I could relate to the locations she wrote about. Looking forward to reading this author again!
Such a lovely story about Greer and her young daughter Sophie. Greer works in the fast paced PR industry and lives in inner city Melbourne where she is constantly on the run with work and looking after her daughter. Nick, Sophie's father is always overseas on exciting assignments and they parted ways several years ago. After refusing to work out of hours one day she is terminated by her employer and at the same time sees an advertisement for a house and blueberry orchard for sale in country Victoria. On impulse she decides to travel up to look at the property and consequently puts in an offer which is accepted.
She knows nothing about blueberry growing and also about Charlie, whose property it was and refuses to move out but together they learn to live with each other and Greer is on a mission to learn all she can about the process and look after Charlie who is elderly and ill at the same time
The characters portrayed in the book were so real and the circumstances believable. This is a wonderful example of contemporary womens fiction and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading stories about families. The fact that it is set in Melbourne and Victoria was a bonus as I could relate to the locations she wrote about. Looking forward to reading this author again!
February 3, 2017
I bought this book for the subject matter which parallels our own life with a blueberry farm in NE Victoria and a corporate life in Melbourne. My expectations were low based on an uninspiring cover and expectations of chick lit take by a first time author on the tree change theme.
I was astonished. This books is brilliant! The tempo and unfolding of the move to a rundown farmhouse and overgrown blueberry orchard is perfect. The landscape and plants are accurately described, and characters are depicted realistically. Above all the main character's emotional response to her various challenges and disappointments is believable.
My husband was also impressed ; definitely not chick lit. We both read it in three days, and could hardly put it down.
The rural part of the story takes place in "Huntley", a thinly disguised Strathbogie which is a tiny town NE of Euroa. If others respond as we did, it can expect a tourist boom of people who have read the book.
Congratulations to this first time author- more please! A screen play and movie would be nice too.
I was astonished. This books is brilliant! The tempo and unfolding of the move to a rundown farmhouse and overgrown blueberry orchard is perfect. The landscape and plants are accurately described, and characters are depicted realistically. Above all the main character's emotional response to her various challenges and disappointments is believable.
My husband was also impressed ; definitely not chick lit. We both read it in three days, and could hardly put it down.
The rural part of the story takes place in "Huntley", a thinly disguised Strathbogie which is a tiny town NE of Euroa. If others respond as we did, it can expect a tourist boom of people who have read the book.
Congratulations to this first time author- more please! A screen play and movie would be nice too.
September 18, 2017
I really enjoyed 'Blueberry' by Glenna Thomson because it had a bit more depth to it than many other Australian rural stories, even though the plot of single-girl-moves-to-country-to-start-a-new-life is certainly not original. The characters seemed realistic, I learned a lot about blueberry farming, and the romance simmered below the surface. More front and centre was the relationship between the main character Greer and the old man she buys the farmhouse from. This was described with compassion, sensitivity and genuine affection. The only drawback was the slow start to the story as the author set the scene for Greer's disillusionment with city life.
November 25, 2017
This was an interesting novel with very local content ( I live within 100ks of where the story is based). I deals with an array of issues from the difficulties of being a single mum, the importance of job satisfaction, the trials of farming in a slightly isolated area and the issues of sourcing services such as acquiring a seasonal labour force, tradesmen etc and the need to travel for health services as well...all very real issues when you live away from large service centres.
The story also dealt with some tricky relationship issue and the problems of ageing combined with illness. All in all a very satisfying and engaging story.
The story also dealt with some tricky relationship issue and the problems of ageing combined with illness. All in all a very satisfying and engaging story.
January 1, 2022
I really loved this book. The main character, Greer, is such a likeable, good person of high integrity. Someone I might aspire to be myself. Her experience of taking on an old blueberry orchard was interesting and very real - you can feel the author’s own lived experience with the roller coaster of stresses and joys coming through. Her relationship with Charlie and his fate is incredibly moving. And then there is the story of her troubled marriage and a new relationship that thankfully does have a happy ending! Overall a unique and beautifully written story.
August 17, 2019
I thought knowing the author might be a disadvantage. Could I read the characters without thinking "This is so-and-so" or "I'll bet I know where she got that from." But Glenna's turned out to be quite the writer and I was quickly immersed in her fictional world. OK, I don't read too many romances, nor stories about how to rescue a decaying Blueberry farm, but I sure enjoyed this one. Pretty impressive for a first novel.
January 6, 2018
Familiar and cozy, yet engaging and hopeful. This novel was recommended by my book club and once again I have been surprised by how much I have enjoyed a book I would not have necessarily chosen myself. The familiar locations and Victorian setting are a lovely gift to anyone who lives here and I applaud the author for such a strong debut. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 6, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it made me laugh, made me cry, frustrated me, pleased me but most of all, I just loved the book. The characters were so believable and the whole book had me enthralled, I just didn't want to put it down.
Thanks Glenna - a beautiful book
A definite book to read - looking forward to more Glenna Thomson books.
Thanks Glenna - a beautiful book
A definite book to read - looking forward to more Glenna Thomson books.
March 31, 2023
Ein schönes und trauriges Bich zu gleich. Auf der einen Seite sind die Charaktere gut gestaltet, man fühlt und leidet mit, denn passieren wieder Dinge und Entscheidungen der Personen kamen mir komisch vor... Auf der einen Seite gab es herzliche Momente, auf der andern Seite dachte ich dann, dass alles irgendwie lieblos wirkt.
February 21, 2024
I was excited about the idea of the main character becoming independent and strong. I was ready for her to stand up for herself and her daughter through buying a blueberry farm and starting new. The characters weren’t as fleshed out as I would have liked and the ending just sort of wrapped up in a neat bow which felt lazy.
September 30, 2025
This is the second book I've read from Glenna Thomson and again the way she gets into her characters is so unique. Even though the story itself has so many plot points that were unrealistic, it didn't matter. It is fiction after all and her brilliant story telling allowed me to ignore it and let myself be carried forward by the flow.
November 14, 2023
Beautiful story well written incredible backdrop you felt the beauty of the orchard and nature of the environment.
The ending was not what I would have wished for but did not spoil my enjoyment of the story.
The ending was not what I would have wished for but did not spoil my enjoyment of the story.
April 22, 2024
amazing read
This book touches the soul like no other I even cried I thoroughly enjoy Glenna’s work and reading her book she really grasps every little detail and draws you in to want to read until the end Well done Glenna another amazing book!!
This book touches the soul like no other I even cried I thoroughly enjoy Glenna’s work and reading her book she really grasps every little detail and draws you in to want to read until the end Well done Glenna another amazing book!!
February 25, 2017
Good read for a lazy summers day
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