Jeff Popple reviews three new Australian novels about friendship, family and romance. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Birds of a Feather by Tricia Stringer

HQ $32.99

Popular Australian author Tricia Stringer returns with another engaging tale of friendship and changing times with Birds of a Feather. Eve has been a dominating influence in Wallaby Bay for decades, but now with her health and finances declining, she finds that her power is waning. The return to town of her troubled goddaughter, Julia, offers some respite, but it is short lived as Julia has her own demons. Together with the abrasive Lucy, they have to stick together in order to overcome their losses and carve out a new way forward. A good, warm-hearted read with relatable and empathetic characters.

The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital by Joanna Nell

Hachette, $32.99

With her first three books, Joanna Nell demonstrated a flair for long-titled novels with sympathetic senior characters. It is a pattern that she continues with her latest outing, The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital. Set in a volunteer cafeteria in the eponymous St Jude’s Hospital, it follows the efforts of two mismatched older women, and a young schoolgirl, as they battle against the threatened closure of the cafeteria. Despite their differences, they form strong bonds of friendship as they take the battle up. Brightly written with smart snappy dialogue and some nice servings of humour, this is an enjoyable ‘feel good’ read.

Deception Creek by Fleur McDonald

Allen & Unwin, $29.99

Detective Dave Burrows is worried by the return of recently released offender Joel Hammond to the small rural town of Barker. Hammond has a long and sorry history with some of the town’s residents, but he also has his supporters, some of whom harbour doubts about his conviction. As tensions rise in the town, recently divorced local farmer Emma Cameron has her own problems to deal with. This is another entertaining tale of rural romance and crime by the ‘Voice of the Outback’, Fleur McDonald. Featuring credible, well-sketched characters and authentic rural settings, it is sure to appeal to McDonald’s many fans.

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.