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Hello @sharonhill6184, Ohhh, I am so pleased that you enjoy the book recommendations. Thank you. All the books are great, in their own genre (and we do need to go outside our comfort zone occasionally, to broaden the mind and stop getting in to a rut). I enjoyed them all. The heat and dry is driving me batty. Trying to keep animals comfortable, hydrated and cool is a huge concern for us and this overnight heat is unbearable to be honest. Anyway, the good thing is, that seasons change and we can look forward to wonderful Autumn days and evenings, with leaves turning and colouring the country up! (and more reading!) Take care, you stay cool and hydrated too please, happy reading and safe travels (although in this heat it is advisable not to travel if you do not have to). Cheryl (ABT)

Hello Sue! Lovely to catch up again. I enjoy these weekly or more, check-ins. We are melting here. How are you, where you are? We had a lightning and wind show last night, sadly no rain. Trees are dying, ground in cracking and we are melting. So frustrating and , sad for wildlife too. Kangaroos are actually sitting in what is left of our dam. Wish we could fill it for them! The Whales Last Song is, quite seriously, a tale for all. It is beautiful and deserves to sit on everyone's bookshelf. Just breathtaking! Tessa's cook books are lovely. A treasure, not only for the beautiful recipes but there is a certain aura about them, perhaps it is the presentation of the books or perhaps her words, possibly both. I tend to 'collect' them as I believe them to be worthy of having more than one (or is that just my excuse?). We are desperate for rain Sue....Desperate. Let's not dwell on that, rain will come when it is ready. In the meantime my 'diet' from the ENT specialist is causing another distraction. Three months is required for me to be on this 'diet'. No doubt, I will fade away to a shadow (no harm in that at the moment. I need a bit less to carry). Enough of the self-absorption, I will toodle off to work on editing and yoga! 'See' you next episode. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@ Hi Cheryl, yes very dry here too. We did have a couple of big storms over the last couple of weeks which put some water in the billabong but the dam is still bone dry. It is so sad for the wildlife…we put as much water out as we can for them. The kangaroos have started coming into our home paddock. I hope your health improves with the diet. I should see an ENT specialist too as I have always had a phlegm issue which is worsening with age and certain environmental and diet factors flare it up…I should cut out dairy and try alternatives. Take care and sending you some positive rain vibes 😊 🌧️ Sue x

@@vintagesue Thank you so much Sue. Yes, yes, yes. Please see an ENT specialist. No use being unwell or in discomfort/pain. Life is too short and we need to live it to the full. I am on this diet to rule out food issues. I have had an ultra-sound which revealed no nasties (thankfully), and so this is trying to rule out agitation from foods/drinks. To be honest, I feel better overall. My throat is still nagging, but overall, my health is definitely improving, so there is something to be said for not eating the things we do (processed, too much of one thing, fried, etc etc). We will take those positive rain vibes, thank you Sue! I am rain dancing at the moment (no joke, I am trying everything) Luckily the neighbours are too far away to notice, but they will thank me later when the rain hits! Take care, Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Jo! Yes! Rosamunde Pilcher is a really good cosy read. I recommended her in an episode quite some time back. Will revisit Rosamunde in Winter I think. Winter Solstice is a wonderful read. There are similar authors I have recommended and yet to recommend, so perhaps we can do a Cosy episode in Autumn or Winter along with Rosamunde. Isn't Tea Leaves and Reads just marvellous? Honestly, they make me want to buy from them as their customer service and their newsletter goes way, way above and beyond. Love them to bits! A bookshop of comparison, would have to be Abbey's bookshop in Sydney. Their range or ability to order is brilliant. (Let them know ABT sent you) and you receive the books (if in stock) within days. If you order one that is not in stock, they never forget to send it to you with free post. So although not quite TL and R, who are far more personal and add little treats, but, they are good. Oh and there is Stoneman's Bookshop in Castlemaine. Independent, lovely old shop, but still not quite TL and R, I have to say. The English do have a certain way about them in creativity and customer service (I say that being English!! well, raised English anyway!). We may have to film a whole episode on cooking and cookbooks again Jo. Perhaps again, a Winter version? Would that interest you? I am pleased that you are interested in the book recommendations enough to add them to your TBR pile. I have achieved something for today then! Oh and are you entering the book competition? Please give our regards to your Mum. Happy reading and safe travels, Cheryl (ABT)

@ perhaps you are the reason I’m reading Rosamunde 😝 Yes to both of these ideas, a cosy Autumn episode to prepare for Winter and a cooking/cookbook episode, I don’t want to play favourites but I am partial to your book videos 😊 The Whale’s Last Song sounds particularly interesting Yes I’ve entered the competition and sent you an email ✅ I will thank you and give your four legged friends a scratch behind the ears for me

@@jopetal Ohhh, so I may have achieved another goal? To have everyone reading Rosamunde, to spread joy and peace as she tends to do in her novels. Ok, will get the diary out to plan the Autumn/Winter suggestions and cooking! The Whale's Last Song is simply beautiful. That is all I will say. It needs to be discovered by each, to find their own direction or resonance with this novel. I love it. Super, have not checked my emails since very early this morning so will check later and add you to the 'hat'. Considering the scratching attended to and a kiss on the nose too, is appropriate, I think (and I can never resist). Always lovely chatting to you Jo. You are a positive vibe for me and for the channel. Thank you. Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @helendeacon7637, You are more than welcome! We love presenting the unusual or least known or explored sides of a town. We also enjoy detail, when building or redecorating our home, creating and also when we visit places and buildings. Rather than the obvious tourist attractions, we enjoy walking the streets and observing the gardens or the bluestone drains, the insects in the trees and so on. We only hope that those watching these episodes, enjoy that too. I think you all do. So, thank you for appreciating what we appreciate in life. Until next episode, Happy reading and safe travels, Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @merjane5242, Thank you for joining the channel and thank you for your interesting comment. How wonderful that you lived in Moss Vale. It really is a lovely area, although no doubt has changed since you lived there. It still is quite the village atmosphere, with more traffic I am guessing. The retail shops are lovely, quite upmarket and the shop keepers certainly make the windows enticing. Thank you once again for watching, happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Kevin! You are more than welcome. I cannot resist stopping to listen to, and film any bird call at all. There is something peaceful and spiritual about any wildlife calls or sounds, I think. Have a wonderful weekend. Keep warm where you are, and dry. Happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning James! Thank you and yes, the Southern Highlands area is beautiful. Lush green, undulating and unique. We will certainly return for a much closer look. This area reminds me more of the North East region of Victoria, don't you think? Wishing you the very best James, and do take care in this heat. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Of course Cheryl, I didn’t think of the N.E. And it’s only down the road from me! Visitors from Melbourne here at the moment. That’s my excuse! Lol.

Hello @nadenegordon7629, Thank you for joining the channel and watching. We are so pleased that you enjoyed this episode. The accommodation does not have a direct link (as far as we know). We organised our stay through 'airbnb', look up Clydesdale and the accommodation will be there. You then simply book through that site via your credit card. We also enjoy staying in heritage properties and it is wonderful that we can take our dogs and cat (they enjoy the change as much as we do). We also, as you may have discovered, film and promote the pet friendly historic properties on the channel, wherever we stay. Do let us know how you get on with it all. Thank you once again, for watching. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Mt Macedon. With Forrest glade gardens Daylesford spa region Pretty towns in Victoria especially in autumn 🍂

Hi Jill! Moss Vale is lovely, energetic in a quiet way, more of a village really, with some good city attributes and surrounded by country with greenery in the village too. I stayed in Moss Vale, when I attended the book launch in Sydney last year and whilst I filmed the NSW towns (well, a couple of them). It felt a very safe, happy and accessible area. Have a super week (or will we 'see' you on Monday?) Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @vegemitegirl1971, Ohhh how lovely that you have kept in contact with your penpals for such a long time. Well done! what wonderful friendships you have formed. That is amazing. Do you snail mail? or use email? text? All forms of communication? Take care Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @askfadzean, Thank you for joining the channel and watching. You are more than welcome. Happy to have been of good service! Linton is a lovely hamlet. I am sure you will enjoy living there. Not far from Ballarat and yet, 'in the country'. We hope you find the property you are looking for and we hope you continue to enjoy the channel. Happy reading and safe travels ABT

Good Morning @Mrc172, Thank you for joining the channel and watching. It is interesting that you lived behind the old Eucalyptus factory and what a bargain! Was that very long ago? Are you still living in Victoria? Inglewood, like most country towns, seems to ebb and flow in its 'popularity' and the businesses tend to move on and move in. There are a few staple businesses that have been in the town for quite some time but overall, there is much 'movement' within the business sector, due to many factors, of course, with poor council support being one of them. Inglewood is an interesting town with some lovely architecture and industry, not to mention, history. Thank you once again for watching and we hope you continue to enjoy the channel. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello and Good Morning @rustysmith6419, Thank you for joining the channel and thank you for your supportive comment. Just a little envious that you live in the Highlands!! What a beautiful area of Australia. How fortunate you are to be able to visit Berrima as regularly as you do. We will definitely be back for a longer visit, more likely a 'stay' in one of the local accommodations on offer. I could not think of too many places that would offer such a relaxing time away from the 'rat race'. It truly is lovely. Thank you again for watching and commenting. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel and do stay in touch. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello Leeanne!! So lovely to hear from you. Happy New Year to you also. Let's make this year a really good one! Love Fiona McIntosh. The Perfumers Secret is magical. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Fallen Woman is a delight. I could not put it down. Although it had a few sad bits and a few maddening characters (as they are meant to be for the novel), I embraced it all and felt an overall 'warmth' and 'happiness' throughout the novel. Loved it! Tea Cooper, as you know, is one of my favourite authors. Never have any of her novels disappointed. I have enjoyed them all and cannot wait for her next. I am so pleased that you have enjoyed her also. I feel the same way as you - you feel as though you are 'in' her novels, watching what is taking place from a little distance. She sets a brilliant atmosphere. Must dash, much to do for the channel today, but take care, lovely to hear from you, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @sharonhill6184, As always, lovely to hear from you. Last of the Apple Blossoms is a beautiful read. The Chocolate Factory and The Jam Maker do not disappoint. There are wonderful reads. It is our good fortune that Mary-Lou Stephens is Australian and produces these well-written, and beautifully crafted stories. Just another great Australian author to follow, whilst waiting for their next release. Brilliant! Have you read Tea Cooper? Kyra Geddes? Tania Blanchard? Sandie Docker? If not, I recommend these authors also. They have original and wonderful stories to tell. We hope you are keeping well. Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@ I have read quite a few books from Tea Cooper and Sandie Docker. I’ve not read anything from Tania Blanchard and I’ve not heard of Kyra Geddes. Thank you so much for the recommendations as I love discovering new authors 😊

You are more than welcome @sharonhill6184, Kyra Geddes' debut novel, The Story Thief is well worth a read. It is a brilliant story and Tania Blanchard's latest, 'An Undeniable Voice' is also a 'must read'. Enjoy Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @merjane5242, Thank you for joining the channel, watching and commenting. How extraordinary! Thank you for letting us know. You were clearly very lucky to be living in such a beautiful village. It appears to be quite a tourist attraction these days. Was it a tourist destination when you owned the Old Postmaster's residence? Things have changed so much in Australia. So many more people. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel, Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@@AustralianBookTravels-ii8iy Yes it was and has been probably for about 50 years! It's the only intact National Trust listed village in Australia! It looks lovely and lush at the moment! We are in South Australia now and desperately need rain!😞

Hello Anne! You are more than welcome and yes, we are surviving the heat.....just! Darry Fraser is a wonderful author. I enjoy her novels immensely as you clearly are! The Chronicles of Barsetshire are a wonderful read. Anthony Trollope had a brilliant sense of humour. I am so chuffed that you now have two shelves of Australian fiction and non-fiction. Well Done! Thank you so much for your kind words and your support of the channel. It has been and is appreciated. Taking a break from social media is never a bad thing. It helps with our own wellbeing and mental health. I am hoping to have a sneaky mid-weeker on the Platypus expedition soon. Take care, happy reading and safe travels, Talk soon Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @christineewing4905, Thank you for joining and watching the channel. Although we do not profess to know all about Central Victoria, we do live in the area and know a little, which we share with everyone who watches the channel. This channel is for those not as fortunate to be able to travel around, as we are and so we give an insight into our beautiful country towns looking for bookshop, libraries and street free libraries (as noted in our bio on the channel). More in-depth information on country towns shown on the channel, can be obtained by one's own research through books, locals, Council and information centres. The 'travel' episodes on the channel are secondary to our book recommendations and are free for viewers to watch. Many viewers and subscribers enjoy our channel and content. May I suggest, if you do not like the content, then do not watch. Happy reading and safe travels ABT

Hello again @christineewing4905, It appears you may not be a resident of Victoria and so I will let you know that Melbourne is our capital city. Reference on distance in any format (social etc) is usually given from a capital city's GPO, in this case Melbourne. Bendigo is given as a reference also as most people know o,f or have heard of Bendigo as it is a large regional city here in Victoria. Furthermore, we hail from the Bendigo region, as most of our long term subscribers/viewers are aware, and so distance reference is given from Bendigo's GPO also. Thank you again for watching and enjoying the channel Happy reading and safe travels ABT

Hello Sue! Lovely to hear from you. We hope you are well and coping with the heat. Thank you for your compliment. The whole kitchen (walls only) is this colour with white accents. In such a dry region, it makes our home feel cool and fresh. The walls are washable so it makes for easy living. Fiona McIntosh's writing is superb. Her stories are relatable, cosy with a bit of real life issues in the mix. The Fallen Woman is a truly lovely read. It is ABT approved! Until next video, take care, happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Afternoon @helendeacon7637, Welcome to the channel. Thank you for joining us. So pleased you like the recommendations. Brilliant! We advocate not only for literacy but for Australian authors, publishing houses and Independent bookshops. Of course, we travel around to country towns each week, as you now know, discovering history, architecture and all things of beauty, but really on the look-out for bookshops, libraries and street free libraries. We have many towns on the channel and many book recommendation episodes too. So, please, enjoy. Oh, you are a writer too? Wonderful. I look forward to reviewing your novels on the channel. Do let me know the titles of your novels so I can order, read and review. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel. Happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Andrina. Berrima is beautiful. It was green, the architecture was divine and the river just adds a little something else to the village. This is a definite for a return visit, but next time I think an actual overnight or long weekend visit should be done to properly inspect and discover! We hope you are well. Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Janine, You are more than welcome. All of these are 'must reads'- interesting, thought provoking, emotional and a whole lot more. I understand your TBR pile though. Mine is disgraceful! I need an intervention, I think. Anyway, have a lovely day and a wonderful week. I shall 'see' you next video Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @vegemitegirl1971, Darry is a wonderful author, isn't she? Quite the talent for a good story, sense of place and time. I cannot wait to see what she writes in the future. I am waiting for her next story!! Have a wonderful day. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@AustralianBookTravels-ii8iy I do love Darry's writing. You are certainly having a day highlighting South Australian authors. I also have a collection of Fiona's books, with my favourites being The Chocolate Tin and The Lavender Keeper. I also have many more on my waiting to be read shelf.

Thank you Cheryl ...you continue to inspire, these titles sound like a must to add to my ever increasing pile😅 Wishing you and co a fabulous week🙂

A great show today with lots to interest. I enjoyed your stylistic analysis of Stephen McGrath's debut novel. I can remember as a very young child seeking troops of boxers at various agricultural shows that toured the Hunter Valley in "sideshow alley." They would stand outside the tents and banter with the spruikers. Memories of a misspent youth.

Hello Peter! So pleased that you enjoyed this week's episode of book recommendations. Stephen McGrath's novel is one worth dipping in to. It is not my usual genre or style but I did enjoy it. Very informative without being dry or boring. Fancy you remembering the boxers at agricultural shows!! Those days are sadly gone, as have a lot of joyful, fun (sometimes weird and dangerous) quaint and wonderful adventurous activities and events. Never mind, we have the memories. Give Jasper an extra treat this evening on our behalf. Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @timothybrowne6421, Thank you for joining the channel and commenting. Braidwood is a wonderful town. Interesting, full of history and amazing architecture. If you have not already, it is definitely worth a visit for more than one day. Happy reading and safe travels ABT

Good Evening @helendeacon7637, Thank you for watching and commenting. Yes, Berrima is a delight and I can only presume it would be so at any time of the year considering it is so lovely in the Summer as in this episode. Like you, I certainly wish to return, but next time for a longer period, slow down and explore so much more. Thank you for your kind words, Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @sharyngrantsaunders7322, Thank you for joining the channel and for your comment. Aren't they wonderful? Such fun and bring back memories! Gundagai is full of little hidden treasures and things to see around corners and in nooks and crannies. Our time here was well spent and we intend to return, for the channel also. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel, Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Thank you Sue. Berrima is a delight. It has a beautiful atmosphere and the river area is so peaceful. We do not blame you wanting to live there. I am guessing homes for sale would not come up often?We intend to return for a getaway and spend more time walking the streets and sitting in Berkelouw Book Barn, most likely in Winter. Happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Thank you and Hello @Wheels_Paws. You are more than welcome. It is a pleasure to work on the channel when there are viewers such as yourself, who appreciate the work. Yes, the stone step definitely was worn due to constant use, meaning, effectively that it was once the main entry/exit door. I enjoy seeing these details and imagining what went on years ago through doors, in homes, around streets. I enjoy history and sometimes the romance of it. As always, thank you for watching and appreciating what we do. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Thank you so much Peter. Your appreciation of the channel and kind words are certainly appreciated by us. Berkelouw Book Barn is marvellous. Next time, it is my intention to have a meal, a glass of wine, sit by the fire and read a newly purchased book. Unfortunately, when I visited they had a wedding about to begin and so everything was closing for the afternoon/evening. But, as I say, there is next time. Berrima is a lovely place. It deserves a jolly good stay for a weekend or more and those shops deserve a good walk through and items purchased! Our love to Jasper, Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Afternoon @dawn8843. We certainly do live in a wonderful and beautiful country. So much to see and discover. Thank you for watching, Take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @rosemaryhoydocumentaries, It was in the editing room for weeks. We visited last year! It is a beautiful town and the river is so peaceful. Thank you for watching and commenting Happy reading and safe travels ABT

It is in the episode @rosemaryhoydocumentaries.

Hello @dxnerd86. The average yearly rainfall is always taken from the appropriate weather sites and are a general indication only. I know our weather bureau claims we have around 550mm and yet we are lucky, on average to get around 400mm or so these past years. But we give an indication only and from the same 'official' site just to be consistent. The region was definitely drier than Kangaroo Valley, which the channel also visited at the same time. It was noticeable driving from the valley into Braidwood, from lush green to dry and brown. So I understand you saying that it could feel like a 'desert at times'. We, in Central Victoria, are the same. Dry, hot Summers, cold very cold dry Winters. Thank you for writing such an interesting comment. We appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Until next video, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@@AustralianBookTravels-ii8iy Thanks Cheryl. Yes you can only extrapolate from Canberra and Goulburn. The old weather station (closed for several years) had an annual average of about 620 mm going back to the 19th Century, but the more recent averages for Goulburn Airport (1991-2020) are much lower than that. In Central VIC terms Bungendore is a very close analog of Malmsbury/Taradale south of Castlemaine, at least in the warmer months. We do get a bit more tropical influence than you though, and that seems to be increasing due to climate change.

Hello @dxnerd86, Yes Bungendore did remind me a little of Central Victoria, as does Braidwood. Even the terrain was not too dissimilar. Everywhere is changing @dxnerd86. Even here in Central Victoria, we have noticed great change over the last 14 years. Very worrying. So pleased to have this chat and thank you for all your interesting information. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello and welcome to the channel, @dxnerd86. Thank you for joining the channel and watching. We have many episodes/videos of country towns and book recommendations if you are interested and have not already discovered them. Both Braidwood and Bungendore impressed me greatly. Bungendore did appear to have the most 'street free libraries' of all the towns we have visited, so that put Bungendore in my heart even more. It is wonderful that you live/adopt in Braidwood. How long have you lived there? The whole area is beautiful. Cooler/wetter/Winter is definitely the best time for reading. I agree whole-heartedly with you. We hope you continue to enjoy the channel and please feel free to comment/contact at any time. Thank you again for watching, take care, happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

@ I see you've done Braidwood- will have to watch that one!

Yes @dxnerd86!! We have Braidwood on the channel as well as quite a few other towns in NSW, with many, many more yet to be visited and filmed. We have many Victorian towns on the channel also and of course, we have our book recommendation episodes too. We hope you enjoy them, Take care Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @vegemitegirl1971, With the recipes of Women's Weekly, you can add other herbs and spices to your taste. We are vegetarian and so we add more herbs and spices to taste and for our vitamin etc intake. Perhaps this would help you to like the recipes more. Pleased to know that you have a few of the cookbooks though and your husband enjoys the recipes. Thank you for your comment. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@AustralianBookTravels-ii8iy Seeing as you like trains, have you ever been on the Cockle Train in Victor Harbor, SA. It's in my home town and I regularly hear the whistle from the steam train

@vegemitegirl1971, No, I have not been on the Cockle Train, not to my recollection anyway, although I vaguely remember a train ride in SA when I was much, much younger. This will be a 'must do' when we visit SA for the channel. Thank you for the 'heads up'. Happy reading and safe travels, ABT

Good Morning Anne! Wonderful to hear from you. The Australian author is : Shankari Chandran and the novel is 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens'. It is a wonderful read. Very relevant, has historical content and is well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this one when I read it, around about two years ago. Honestly Anne, we are all melting here. The garden is suffering and the animals hardly move from the shade. It can be a little 'depressing' or rather 'oppressive' being in this heat for any length of time. We are hoping to be able to film Platypus for you all, but they are rather shy and their numbers are dwindling, so it may be a struggle. We will do our best for you all. A tan??? I should not have a tan. I stay indoors during this heat and I always wear sunscreen, even in Winter. Having said that, it is easy to colour up in Australia. Our sun is very intense and you merely walk out in to the garden, or hang out washing and you can either burn or tan (depending on how your skin reacts). I am not sure I could handle too much of the cold either. Just a little warmth, occasional cold, a bit of rain, more sun and then I would be happy! Not asking too much. 'See' you next video. I am off to edit this week's travel video. Take care my friend, happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Sue! It is so disappointing when the gold rubs off!! I look after my books and when they damage like that, it makes them look rather shabby and as though I do not look after them. Hopefully, the cover will stop that from happening. I just need time to make one or two. Platypus Matters is a book worth buying and I am sure your husband will appreciate it - it will get you in the 'good books' too.......a few brownie points never hurt. Tea Cooper's novel are wonderful, aren't they? I always enjoy her stories and her style of writing. The Naturalist's Daughter is definitely a brilliant read. I agree with you. No rain here Sue. Garden is wilting, ground is cracking, dam is low and we are over this heat!! No use complaining. We just need to 'get on with it' and so we shall. I am off to have a cool drink. Looking forward to 'seeing' you next video. Happy reading and safe travels Sue. Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning Jill! Platypus Matters is a super reference/information guide to our Australian animals/mammals, so grabbing a copy is not a bad idea at all. Oh Jill, I am over this heat too. Everything in the garden is wilting, some plants are dying. Our dam is for the wildlife too and to see it so drained is just heart-wrenching. The Kangaroos sit right in the middle/on the edge of the dam to drink and it breaks my heart seeing how far in to the middle of it they need to sit. We are hoping like crazy that we do not go in to full drought, but it is not looking good at this stage. It must be at least six months or more since we had a good, solid and substantial rain. You are correct, it is a battle to garden in Central Victoria and heart-breaking too. I dream of a lush, cool garden. Enjoy the book (did you buy it?) and we shall 'see' you next video. (we hope we can video the Platypus too, but they are a bit shy, so it could all be wishful thinking) Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

@@AustralianBookTravels-ii8iy Morning, yes I have ordered the book, I found it at a good price at State Library NSW. It is on it's way and hopefully will receive in next couple of days 🙂

Ordered book Monday and arrived here this morning, pretty efficient delivery 🙂Less than 3 days

@@milecreekrise Brilliant Jill, Where did you order it from?

@ Oh I remember now, the State Library NSW.

Good Afternoon @Cars_Dogs_Cats, Thank you so much for your support and kind words. Bungendore is another hidden gem and no doubt, there are plenty more to discover, but this one was unexpected and a delight. It is a good idea to make this area a 'must tour' at some point in everyone's life! Thank you again for your comment and for watching the channel. Take care, happy reading and safe travels. Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @rustysmith6419, Thank you for watching and for your comment. Bungendore is a nice town and a definite one for the itinerary! Happy reading and safe travels ABT

Hello James, Thank you, as always, for watching. You are a great support to the channel. Yes! Bungendore surprised me at how delightful it is, how well visited too and so close to the coast. This certainly is an all round lovely area of NSW. Hope you are well. Take care, happy reading and safe travels, no matter where you roam. Cheryl (ABT)

@ As always, thank you Cheryl for your kind wishes. I hope you both had a lovely time.

Hello Peter and Jasper! I was pleasantly surprised with Bungendore. I great little town with much to see and do. In fact, the whole area is a delight to visit with interesting topography and climate AND, so close to the coast really! Take care and pleased to know that you visit Bungendore! (must remember to visit the Merino yarn next time) Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello @sharonhill6184, Bungendore is an absolute delight and a 'must visit'. It has a good deal to see and do and is in close proximity to other interesting towns (as per other episodes on the channel recently and yet to come). It is also pleasantly close to the coast which makes for a super day out. The street free libraries are fantastic. Bungendore has THREE!! What an effort for a small town. What a town! Until next video, take care, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Good Morning @rustysmith6419, Thank you for joining the channel and watching and thank you for your kind remark. 40 years? Good Grief! You do need to visit again, soon, I should think!! Gundagai, as you will already know, is a wonderful town and deserves a visit, preferably a long one! We hope you are able to visit soon. We also hope you continue to enjoy the channel. Take care, happy reading and safe travels, ABT

They are great novels, Sue. Absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed them. Both comfort reads in their own way. Definitely ABT approved. No rain here at all. Everything dry as a crispy chip! It is awful to be honest, a real struggle for the garden. We just had a delivery of two tanker loads of water and another two to be delivered next week. Mark and I spent this evening watering one part of our hedge. It was looking so terribly sad. We too are filling the horse troughs, pig water, chicken water and of course, all three boys are inside with cool water filled twice a day and they are under the fans non-stop. Not my favourite time of year here in Central Victoria Sue. My friend and I had the most wonderful catch up and we have promised to make this year a year of being together much more. I have known my friend for 35 years. I worked with her, once upon a time and we have so many memories of hysterical laughter. It was magical seeing her again. Thank you Sue, for your support on the channel and for keeping in touch. Until next episode, Happy reading, safe travels and keep cool Cheryl (ABT)

It is lovely, isn't it @sharonhill6184? I was really taken with the cover but then when I began reading, it truly is a wonderful story with subplots and beautiful moments. I enjoyed this novel, no end. Thank you once again for watching and for your comment. Until next video, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Hello Peter and Jasper. Gosh, I hope you two are keeping cool and hydrated in this weather. Unfortunately we are still melting! I think you are right. The heat slows reading down. It slows everything down. I genuinely enjoyed both of these reads. I recommend them. They are ABT approved! A hug for Jasper and until next video, happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)

Oh @rosemaryhoydocumentaries! Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so pleased that you enjoy the videos/channel. That is what this channel is about, - the enjoyment of reading, bookshops and discovering Australian authors and our wonderful country towns. Our aim is to visit every country town that we can, in the hope of finding all things book related and in the process, finding out each towns history. Exciting adventures to be had over the coming years! Thank you once again for watching and making such positive comments. Happy reading and safe travels Cheryl (ABT)