Looking for a YA read with humour, heart and an Aussie public-school setting? Here ya go.
‘With all due respect, sir… No one knows anything about anyone’s life.’
Rain Douglass has spent years struggling to fit into the surf-obsessed town of Mooney River. Angsty and secretive, Rain doesn’t go to parties, hook up, or share every detail of her life on social media like other kids at school.
Erik Everson, Mooney River’s ‘Golden Boy’, is the privileged son of a surfing legend – but no one knows his life is falling apart. His twin sister Eleanor, a determined perfectionist, is fighting for control in a world she barely understands. Michael Thatcher, the twins’ messy and loud-mouthed best friend, is just trying to pass year eleven.
When Rain is forced to work with this tight-knit trio to protect her town from a megacorporation threatening their local environment, she is drawn into chaos, unexpected friendship, and sudden, intoxicating love. But will she be brave enough to hold on to it?
‘We’ll never be able to return to how things are now. Which is perfectly fine of course. Everything is going exactly as planned.’
Nelly Everson is powerful, capable and in control. Her summer schedule is brimming with organised fun. She will soon be studying Law at her dream university and has just secured a rental in the city with her best friend, Rain Douglass. Rain is still head-over-heels for Nelly’s brother and local surf prodigy, Erik, while their friend Michael Thatcher might actually be able to afford his own hot chips soon.
A criminal gang is not in Nelly’s summer plan. Neither is a rescue mission. But when the safety of her loved ones is threatened by the dark underbelly of her town, she’ll do what comes naturally: her absolute best.
Will it be enough?
Reviews!
‘Not a book I’ll forget in a hurry… the lead characters are endearing and funny. If you or your teen is looking for an entertaining small-town story filled with enthusiasm, angst, and young sweet love, Mooney River would be a great choice for you.’
– Independent Book Review
‘Beautifully-written, moving and authentic.’
– Miranda Luby, Author
‘A sweet and funny love story which highlights the need for empathy and community in our wounded, late-capitalist world.’
– Amazon Review
‘Mooney River wrapped me in its salt and surf embrace and wouldn’t let me go!’
– Amazon Review
‘The perfect balance of funny and poignant. ‘
– Amazon Review
‘I picked this book up one day and then it did not leave my hand until I finished it.’
– Goodreads Review
‘The multiple POVs were masterfully executed.’
– Goodreads Review
ABOUT ALICE WOODLAND
Alice Woodland grew up in South West WA and now lives with her family in NSW. Alice is the author of Mooney River – an authentic and funny coming of age story about four teenagers falling in love, falling apart, and fighting corporate greed in a small Australian town.
Alice Woodland 