Reviewed by Ian Lipke
When Karly Lane’s name appears on the cover of a newly published book, serious readers of light fiction can buckle into their chairs and prepare to be entertained. Where There’s Smoke is just another example of ‘good’ fiction. This is a tale about second chances. It examines what might happen if a young lady, having broken with her partner after a torrid love affair, meets him in different circumstances and finds that the old flame is still afire. The story is engaging, making it difficult to set aside. It is a heartwarming read that teases its reader into absorbing what is evident is going to happen. At the same time, it raises the reader’s interest in determining how the couple will cope.
Mackenzie Knight had planned her career with great care. A successful wedding planner who had slaved to look after her clients and ensure that only the very best light ever played on her business affairs. However, a young Mackenzie had let passion rule one night when surrendering to Ewan Campbell.
Now running a successful business, life is good…that is until Ewan Campbell and Mackenzie Knight meet at a business function.
Ewan had been manipulated into coming to the wedding function. His fiancée realises that her husband-to-be needs to show more interest in their own wedding. Hence Ewan has his own regrets with meeting the wedding planner. These are increased when he realises that he and the planner share a history.
Mackenzie’s life is further complicated. Ewan is the father of her four-year-old daughter. Thus Mackenzie now faces a dilemma that will have a lasting impact on all of their lives. Does she reveal the secret to Ewan that could ruin his relationship and her business reputation? Or does she choose silence and continue to go about her nice, uncomplicated life?
Unlike other authors who have created similar problems, Karly Lane accepts the situation. She provides a slow burn and introduces a heartwarming undercurrent in her prose as Mackenzie reaches the adult decision that her life must change. To accept that Ewan must remain in ignorance of his daughter’s existence cannot be, and Mackenzie never determines that as a viable solution. One reviewer describes reading a Karly Lane book as like being wrapped in a hug…it’s warm, familiar and the characters feel like friends. That is a gloriously accurate description.
True to life also is the reaction of Ewan to the news that for four years he has been a father. His first reaction was to question that the child was really his. Anger soon followed. He had never been given a say in whether he wanted to be a father. Then guilt began to nibble at his sense of fair play. His mind hovered between acceptance and disbelief. This pattern is the one a decent man is likely to follow.
Lane’s writing style is engaging and effortless; she is at ease with her audience, whoever they might be. When the author is relaxed in her delivery, her readers can welcome a book they can devour. What is more, there is no doubt of her love for and connection to rural landscapes. Readers can easily identify with her pictures and chosen activities.
This is a book that lies close to pure magic.
Where There’s Smoke
(2026)
by Karly Lane
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:978-1-76147-205-3
$34.99;352pp