The Fine Color of Rust by P.A. O'Reilly

Loretta Boskovic lives in the small outback town of Gunapan with her two children, Melissa and Jake. Her husband, Tony, left years ago. Loretta spends her time working at Neighbourhood House, chatting with her close friend, Norm, trying to save the local school, and thinking about the town's new mechanic, Merv Bull. But when it looks like a luxury resort will be built outside of town, taking recently-discovered local water from the drought-stricken area, Loretta finds herself with a new cause. Filled with Australian slang and touches of humor, The Fine Color of Rust is a real treat. For readers who enjoyed The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club and books by Katie Fforde.