BOOK CLUB: The Wrong Callahan

Author: Karly Lane
ISBN: 978-1-76063-265-6
RRP: $29.99
Publication Date: 28 November 2018
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Copy: Courtesy of the Publisher

Karly Lane has long been a favourite of mine so I made sure that she was the first off the December pile because I had so been looking forward to reading The Wrong Callahan. Unfortunately my life has gotten a little hectic of late and reading and reviewing have come off second best on the priority list. What should have been a cozy weekend read took ages and then even longer to sit and review, and I really need to strike while the words are fresh. 

The Wrong Callahan is set in a small farming community where the Callahans have a large property, and respected standing in the town. Stringybark Creek is the essence of home for Lincoln Callahan, even though farming isn’t what he wanted from his life. He left to join the army, face danger and fight for his country. 

Griffin Callahan is Linc’s little brother, the one who stayed to take over the running of the farm. The one who did the right things. The one who is starting to feel a little stagnated and decides things need to change. He develops a crush on a rebellious new beauty technician in town for a while to take over the neighbour’s salon. 

The Wrong Callahan is a little … I actually don’t know where I want to start or what I want to say because I loved this book, I connected with most of the characters and I enjoyed the journey. I loved the insight into the struggles Linc faced after his time in the forces, the nightmares and the flashbacks. But also the pressure he felt to hide his struggles as a sign of weakness.

Character driven stories are a strength for Lane, she always makes sure that we get inside the heads of her characters and work out what really makes them tick. The Wrong Callahan is another story that builds on solid character foundations, for the most part, and allows the narrative to grow around it’s characters. 

The basic premise on the other hand isn’t highly original, which I have no issue with because a completely original storyline would be near impossible to write and the way the story is approached gives it it’s originality. I think my biggest issue, and it’s one that gets me ALL the time, is that a lot of the tension and drama in the story could have been avoided by a simple conversation.

Cash Sullivan has never been one to put down roots, she’s always moved around a lot and when things get tricky it’s just easier to move on – and it makes it harder for you to be found. She is an absolute breath of fresh air in the region, a little different to everyone else and also on the road to a new lifestyle. She know she needs to make some changes in her life but the heart wants what the heart wants. 

The Wrong Callahan is a well paced tale of love, betrayal, family, PTSD and small town communities. Another **** read from me. 

The Wrong Callahan is book #48 for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge 2018.

Karly Lane loves to hear from her readers, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and her Website.

The Wrong Callahan is published by Allen & Unwin and available now from Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Booktopia and where all good books are sold.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin a selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading The Wrong Callahan so please be aware there may be spoilers in the comments below.