Cally Jackson Author
The Big Smoke (paperback)
The Big Smoke (paperback)
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Ceara’s desperate for love; Seb’s desperate to get laid. Ceara adores reading novels; Seb hasn’t finished a book in years. Two strangers, both moving from small country towns to Brisbane – the big smoke.
As they prepare to attend the same university, their paths seem set to collide, but they keep missing each other. Maybe fate is keeping them apart, or maybe it’s just chance.
When the semester starts, things get complicated. Ceara’s best friend withdraws from her, Seb’s closest mate turns into a sleazebag, and the relentless demands of university make their stress levels soar.
Before their first semester is over, both Seb and Ceara will be forced to question who they are and what they want from their lives. Will they have the courage to find the answers, or will they crumble under the pressure? And when they finally meet, will it be love at first sight or a collision of headstrong personalities?
Shipping information
Shipping information
Australia
Your books will be shipped from me personally or can be picked up from two collections points in Brisbane.
Rest of the world
Books are printed and shipped by Bookvault.
Signed copies—details
Signed copies—details
Inscription
If you would like a special message in your book, I would be happy to accommodate this. Please email the details to me at cally@callyjacksonauthor.com along with your order number.
Locations other than Australia
If you purchase a signed copy to be shipped to somewhere other than Australia, I will send you signed bookplates to adhere to the inside of your books. The books themselves will be shipped directly from the printer closest to your location.
Was great to read a novel set in Brisbane. The characters took me back to that time in life where possibilities are endless, some friendships stutter but others are forged for life, and love is a new discovery. But none of that comes easy, as Ceara and Seb discover.
Love the cover!
My names Ceara and isnt EVER mentioned as a character, let alone mc. This was amazing to read and actually related a lot to my life (Bec) I’d recommend even if you aren’t looking for my name in the pages. (that was really cool tho) Lovely story about near misses!!!
I purchased Cally's book following a book launch here in Brisbane. While I had read her sample chapters on the website, and new that this story was told from both Ceara and Seb's point of view and they were each embarking on a journey to find themselves while negotiating their first time away from their country towns, at University, in the 'big smoke', what I didn't know at the time of reading those sample chapters is how much I would love following them in their journey, and how much I'd be saddened when the book was closed and they had both 'grown' in their individual ways. At that point, I felt very much that the tribulations, the angst and the wins each had encountered along the way left them in good stead to continue their path into adulthood.
I loved how Ceara and Seb finally met, and at such a pivotal point. Their voices were distinct and unique, and with each chapter, I'd find Cally did a terrific job of orientating us into the right head and the right place, before diving into their next obstacle or revelation. Each scene plays a bigger part, and each steps us toward the overall outcome -- two young people, whose paths finally cross, and when they do their relationship will be so much more the better and stronger for what they have endured before this point in time.
I highly recommend this read. It was for my teenage daughters at the time I purchased it, but I read the book in a few days' straight, and have only just handed it over to them now! I'm sure they'll enjoy it as much as I did.
The author has written a beautiful story about friendship, growing up, and trying to overcome all of life's difficulties. What I liked most about this book was its honesty and wholesomeness. You care about the main characters and think about them long after you've finished the book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and the 'just life' story made me think about my time growing up, all the chances I missed and all the opportunities I'm glad I took. It's a beautiful story about decent people and a way of life I remembered and long for again - where friendships (in person) mattered most.
The Big Smoke by Callie Jackson is an honest and true representation of the kinds of issues today's new adults face. I loved the cover. Beautiful. Callie did a fantastic job creating vivid pictures of the characters and scenes. She build suspense, kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for that moment when finally the two would meet. Very happy I purchased it and got to support an indie author who is well worth praise.