Review of 'Save Haven of Wagtail Ridge' by Janet Rover
Release date: December 30th, 2025
Publisher: HQ Fiction
REVIEW
I continue to marvel at Janet Gover’s ability to deliver incredibly emotional Australian stories that make me feel deeply and connect me with the characters, landscape and concerns on this vast island continent. Devastating bush fires are a brutal reality in this country. The fear and hopelessness many experience after one comes blazing through their pasture, town or house, can be crippling. Preparation is an important step to surviving these temperamental blazes. Hot dry winds and soaring temperatures, lightning storms and other sources can set them in motion. Humans, animals, grasslands and trees are all at risk. Our home shelters, too. We try our best to protect and prepare. But even our wisest precautions and approaches sometimes fail.
After reading Safe Haven at Wagtail Ridge I felt as if I had been in a real bushfire. The skill with which Janet Gover delivers this reality is commendable. She gives us such detailed reports of the people, environment, actions and reactions—it makes you feel as though you are in the midst of the fire storm. But this is not just excellent reporting as there are also strong elements of fiction applied. We truly get to know the characters, their hearts, weaknesses and dreams. When they are in trouble, we worry for them. And feel compassion for those injured and threatened by nature’s fury.
This novel focuses on the lives of two women in the Wagtail community. Two compassionate souls: one who rescues animals from fires and the other who is a vet restoring their health. But they each have an emotional journey they must take to find healing and release from their own social and psychological wounds.
The novel opens with a powerful scene. Small town vet, Anna, has recently had surgery. She was badly hurt in an accident. One that causes her a great deal of pain: more emotional than physical. She wants to stay hidden behind the bandages because her courage has waned. Yet she must face the outcome. It is easy to see why her confidence is crushed. She wears a heavy mantel of self-blame. She says she made a ‘foolish’ decision. Took the wrong action fuelled by pride and it led to her dire situation. As a result, we know her road to recovery is going to be a rough one. Severe anxiety will keep her from many normal social situations. Her visible scars will cause terrible responses from the public. She will believe that nobody will want her now. This sad revelation says a lot about self-perception after disfigurement injuries. But what Anna does not count on is there will be someone to care for her and see the beauty beneath her scars.
Carol is a woman who has had a tough existence. Her early days as a single mother of twin boys, holding two jobs to feed and clothe her children, is admirable. But her actions are sometimes misunderstood. She has a compassionate heart. Particularly with animals who have been caught in bush fires. She tries to rescue as many as possible, and takes them to the vet to heal their wounds. She gives them another chance. They call her the Koala Lady as she often rescues koalas. It was moving to read the stories about these animals and to know some survived with her care. But her relationship with her sons is another matter. Something happened that caused the twins to leave her when they were seventeen. For the last fifteen years she has no contact with them. But one day, these two, now RFS firefighters (living in Tamworth, NSW), are sent to Wagtail Ridge (in the Hunter Valley, NSW ) to recruit and train volunteers. And to educate residents on how to minimise fire hazard on their property (such as cleaning debris from yards and gutters) and preparing for the worst (having an action plan and a packed bag for quick exit). We get a clear picture of the two men, their differences and their struggles. Justin is the firstborn, the responsible and caring one. Ben carries a lot of anger, has drinking issues and holds a grudge. His emotional wounds affect his relationships. He relies on his older brother to be his caregiver, parent and protector. Justin often apologises for Ben’s bad behaviour until Anna makes him see, he is not doing his little brother any favours.
I loved the relationship between Justin and Anna: how he helps her feel wanted and beautiful. To see Anna grow and become more comfortable with her appearance was wonderful. Once she believes that beauty is not just on the outside, her confidence begins to return. And she finally realises she is worthy of love, still.
Safe Haven at Wagtail Ridge delivers a huge bushfire experience where homes, lives and happiness of the community members are threatened. But when the community pulls together, great things happen. Support is seen in so many areas, including the knitting club they created. Yet even with the trauma and unfortunate loss, relationships rise out the ashes.
I highly recommend this heart-warming beautifully delivered story, brimming with hope, forgiveness and second chances. Despite the tough subject matter (of fires, scars and damaged relationships), I felt uplifted and enriched. Safe Haven at Wagtail Ridge offers real life situations and viable solutions. It teaches that love still exists for those who have been injured and once lost. And so this novel becomes a safe haven for those who need a shelter from the storms of life. An absolute must read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for a review copy.
