The Mount Gambier Library will welcome back bestselling author Meredith Appleyard with the launch of her eighth book Daisy and Kate next week.
Ms Appleyard lives in the Clare Valley wine-growing region of South Australia.
As a registered nurse and midwife, she practiced in a wide range of country health settings including the Royal Flying Doctors, an agency nurse in London and a volunteer in Vietnam.
Team Leader Library Programs Kristi Brooks said her first three novels draw experiences with strong medical storylines, whilst her last five novels are based on strong women and complex yet relatable family situations.
“Daisy and Kate is a compelling exploration of friendship; how precious it is, and the heartbreak that happens when it all comes undone,” she said.
Daisy Miller and Kate Hannaford were once the best of friends, sharing the woes of shift work and nursing, the delights of days off together in their small country town, and the joys of blossoming romances.
They could not imagine not being the best of friends.
Until they were not.
Now bearing down on their 70s, life has not gone the way either woman expected.
Daisy is back in town, homeless and reduced to couch-surfing at her granddaughter’s place.
Meanwhile, a recently widowed Kate is facing the harsh reality the home and lifestyle she worked so hard for is hollow comfort when there’s no one to share it with.
More than three decades have passed since the demise of their friendship.
Although neither will admit it, they are lonely and in desperate need of a friend.
But they cannot agree on anything, most of all what it was that brought about the unravelling of their friendship all those years ago.
“This is another beautifully written family saga that not only highlights the importance of true friendship, but also delves into grief, complex family dynamics and the harsh reality of financial insecurity and homelessness,” Mrs Brooks said.
The free event will be held on September 27 at 7pm.
Please book your place by contacting the Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 or book online at www.mount
gambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.
