Clare Fletcher’s first book Five Bush Weddings was one of my top reads of 2022, so I was very excited to peek a bit more into the lives of the residents of South Star. Reading about Sarah’s journey on the not always straight road to love was a delight, especially when paired with delving into the Bush Telegraph creator Mabel’s past and gorgeous dresses that represented each chapter of her life.

Love Match follows a year in the life of Sarah Childs in her town of South Star. After her parents refuse to make her manager of the family farm until she spends time getting involved in the local community, she jumps at the chance to move in with Mabel to help her catalogue her collection of vintage fashion. And so a year of new experiences ensues …

This rural romance book tackles the issue of being LBGTQIA+ in a small town, and it does so elegantly.

I adored the way Fletcher drew in the aspect of the Showgirl competition, as the women who compete in this event are leading community members and deserve a highlight. Alongside this, for me, rugby was a shining star throughout the novel. As a Victorian, rugby is not something I know much about but after reading about the Pink Cockatoos, I am now very keen to go to a match at the next chance I get!

The girls coming together from around the town to play rugby is lovely, the team building and character growth really rounds out Love Match as a feel-good rom-com to be celebrated this year.

Reviewed by Sophie Bowe

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Clare Fletcher was born and raised in St George, in regional Queensland, and studied journalism and business at QUT in Brisbane. After graduating she moved to Sydney for an internship at the Walkley Foundation for Journalism, and has been there ever since, with the exception of a couple of years spent freelancing and falling in love in New York.

Visit Clare Fletcher’s website