Oleanders are Poisonous — A.J. Collins

In a town where gossip spreads like dust blowing in from the Mallee's canola fields, something unspeakable is about to happen to sixteen-year-old Lauren. It's bad enough she's losing her mum to a horrible disease and that her best friend is leaving town, but now the only person she thought she could trust, is about to betray her. She can't stay here. No one is going to believe the town cop could do such a horrific thing to his own daughter. There's nothing left to do but run. Especially after the fire.This mature YA coming-of-age novella is filled with heartbreak, laughter and poignancy, unafraid to address the sometimes gut-wrenching complexities of growing up.From the first pages, Collins breathes life into her characters, fuels your need to know more. With empathy and insight, she sheds light on the dark experiences of life, shows the power of connection and the courage it takes to move on. A big-hearted coming of age novel about love and trust and everything that comes between. Melissa Manning, author of Smokehouse Collection*Suitable for a mature YA audience. Contains swearing and themes of sexual abuse, mental health, suicide, self-harm, homophobia.*This book uses Australian spelling and grammar conventions.*Book 1 of 2 in Oleanders series*Novella