Feature book: Secrets at Wongan Creek

Secrets at Wongan Creek by Juanita Kees

The Wongan Creek farming community is doing it tough. And their anger is focused in one direction.

Tameka Chalmers will do whatever it takes to keep her secrets. She saw something when she was younger but can’t believe it is real and actually happened. The latest incident has her convinced that perhaps what she saw was real. After Tameka was caught with the boy next door by her father, he locked Tameka in her room, forced her mother to leave and then gave Tameka an ultimatum. Tameka has stayed in case her mother returns. She has endured the bullying and harassment of her father for many years, and fear has also kept her on the farm.

Harley Baker is the boy next door. He is still hot for Tameka and believes she is his forever girl. He has not had face to face contact with Tameka since they were caught together by her father when they were both nineteen. Eight long years. When Tameka nearly dies in a fire it creates a connection he is desperate not to break again and wants her to admit that she wants to be with him.

Louis, Tameka’s father, goes missing and with the homestead being partially burned, she stays with Harley. One day she makes a gruesome discovery and the secrets are finally exposed. Tameka has some decisions to make.

I really liked the understanding that Harley brings to the story. He is committed to Tameka, after eight years, even though he struggles with how she deals with situations. And shuts him out. But when her secrets are finally exposed, he is still there insisting they can have the new beginning. It will take some time for Tameka to get through her issues but we, as readers, know that Harley has the love for them to get through.

I really loved this story. I like that the couples are from a small farming community and it deals with issues facing many communities. There are the additional aspects that each couple has to face so they can be together, and I really hope that there will be more about the Wongan Creek community. I am really looking forward to seeing how Harley and Tameka’s plans develop into the future.

Reviewed by Heather

A review copy of this book was provided by the author.