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Due Date

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What would you do if you discovered your unborn child held the fate of the future ownership of your family property?

Recently married Paula Woodcroft has no idea that such a question exists, but her husband Dan realises that his father's last will and testament could see the family estate bequeathed to a distant cousin. After a rocky start to their marriage, Dan promised Paula they would have no more secrets, but wanting to protect her from this unexpected burden, he once again hides the truth.

Tackling the highs and lows of harvest season, a love-sick working man and a city girl learning everything from truck driving to unblocking drains, Due Date explores the often taboo subject of succession planning.

Those who enjoyed Changing Channels will find the same warmth and humour in this much-anticipated sequel. [Note: Changing Channels was subsequently re-published as A Chance of Stormy Weather.]

266 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

43 people are currently reading
253 people want to read

About the author

Tricia Stringer

27 books387 followers
Tricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
For behind the scenes info and special giveaways, sign up to Tricia's newsletter at http://www.triciastringer.com
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Tricia loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at her website

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5 stars
179 (30%)
4 stars
218 (37%)
3 stars
153 (26%)
2 stars
31 (5%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,978 reviews2,977 followers
October 17, 2017
Paula’s excitement about her pregnancy was laced with trepidation. But her happiness since her marriage to Dan Woodcroft, and her move to the country to make a life with Dan on his sheep farm was complete. The old farmhouse they called home needed a lot of work, but slowly Paula put touches to it and it all felt real. Dan’s aunt Rowena lived in the bigger, more modern house a little further away, but though Rowena wanted Dan and Paula to move into her house when she moved to Adelaide, Paula knew she wouldn’t move from their little home.

Dan was constantly busy with work on the farm – gone from dawn to dusk some days, so Paula sometimes didn’t see a lot of him. But when he became distant and was often closeted with Rowena, Paula couldn’t get the idea out of her head that something was wrong. What was it that Dan wasn’t telling her? Little did Paula know there was trouble on the horizon – and a real possibility of the type of changes that wouldn’t be good for Paula or her loved ones.

Come Rain or Shine by Aussie author Tricia Stringer is a follow-on story to A Chance Of Stormy Weather which I thoroughly enjoyed. In Come Rain or Shine Paula and Dan’s life continues to evolve after their marriage – the drought and its effect on the farmers; the many worries in a farmer’s life which bleed into the family members continually. Another excellent rural romance novel set in country South Australia which I enjoyed very much and highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Suz.
1,537 reviews823 followers
December 18, 2018
Paula and Dan are newly married and are expecting their first baby. Farming life is different to Paula’s pre marriage days, but she is enjoying her new existence and helping out on the farm. She is still able to use her accountancy expertise running the books for the farm and for other locals.

Dan is a hard worker, but financial worries are clouding his usual good nature, he doesn’t want to keep secrets from his wife but he finds this is becoming necessary given the pregnancy, and not wanting to worry his wife.

This was a simple feel good country story that I listened to, the audio was a little robotic and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have hoped to. I found it to be quite dialogue heavy. Perhaps if I had held the book in my hands this would have been a different experience. I also did not read the first installment that would have provided more background.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,244 reviews72 followers
January 14, 2018
Come Rain Or Shine continues the story of Paula and Dan Woodcroft who we were first introduced to us by Tricia Stringer in A Chance Of Stormy Weather. Paula Woodcroft came back to Wood Dell and through all the problems between Dan and herself that caused Paula to leave Wood Dell was over. However, this was not the case. Dan Woodcroft received some unsettling news from his Aunty Rowena about his father's will wish has devastating consequences for Dan and the farm. Dan Woodcroft decided to fix the problem himself without telling Paula due to her health issues with her pregnancy. The readers of Come Rain Or Shine will follow to see if Dan Woodcroft did the right thing in not tell Paula. Also, the readers of Come Rain Or Shine will see if Dan Woodcroft was able to rectify the problem with his farm and his fathers will.

I enjoy reading Come Rain Or Shine it allow me to have closure over what happened with Paula and Dan Woodcroft. I like Tricia Stinger portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines them with each other. Tricia Stinger does a great job in describing living on rural properties and the problems that weather and financial difficulties have on the farmers. I also like that Tricia Stringer discusses depression that affects men in rural communities.

Come Rain Or Shine highlights the importance to have a fair and up to date Will that includes the best way for the session of property with everyone involved. Also, readers of Come Rain Or Shine will learn the importance of communications between each other.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews.
2,196 reviews327 followers
July 23, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
South Australian rural romance novelist Tricia Stringer delivers another top notch read with, Come Rain or Shine. Following on from her previous novel, A Chance of Stormy Weather, Come Rain or Shine offers readers a chance to reconnect with the Woodcrofts. The tale that unfolds is not only a realistic day-to-day account of life on the land, but it also includes a wedding, a baby, an unexpected land claim and a nature’s force – a bushfire. Life certainly isn’t mundane at Wood Dell! I always look forward to a new Tricia Stringer novel, she is by far one of my favourite rural romance novelists. I was also keen to read this one even more as I have read and enjoyed its predecessor, A Chance of Stormy Weather. Come Rain or Shine was another delightful read from Tricia Stringer. For a novel first released as a self published edition back in 2008, I’m glad to see Come Rain or Shine re-released in a commercial fiction format. Come Rain or Shine is a rural romance that offers the audience a plentiful reading experience, especially in increasing our understanding of the challenges and persistence that goes into making a living from our outback. Full of love, drama and intrigue, this one shouldn’t be missed.

Come Rain or Shine, is book #82 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Profile Image for Carolyn.
354 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2022
Come Rain or Shine is a great Rural Romance by Tricia Stringer.

All aspects of farming life covered. Bushires and drought which affect the fields and livestock let alone housing.

Make hay while the sun shines!

I easily read this book in one weekend.

I loved the Christmas present Paula receives of a Hat made of woven straw instead of wearing an Akubra!

Especially, as I used to do and still can make handmade-woven raffia straw hats.

Thank you so much, Dzintra for 'gifting' me this book!

I loved it.
Profile Image for Janine.
2,544 reviews75 followers
March 17, 2019
I really struggled with this as not a lot happened and there was a lot of dialogue. I have really enjoyed some of her other books but this not so much. Really annoying when people keep secrets from those closest to them.
Profile Image for Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves .
1,052 reviews
December 30, 2017
My Thoughts

‘Come Rain or Shine’ by Aussie author Tricia Stringer, is a follow-on story to ‘A Chance of Stormy Weather’. I had not read the first, however, this was not an issue - it can be read as a standalone. This book continues on the life of Paula and Dan after their marriage and it would appear the same type of themes exist from book 1 to book 2 - life on the land and loads of secrets!

Having read Tricia Stringer before, I knew that her portrayal of life on the land would realistically capture the essence of what it would be like - everything from battling the elements, to the benefits of being part of a close knit community. A strong theme of the many worries farmers face and the effect on those around them, was true and on point as Stringer accurately captures drought, fire and all else that them at the mercy of the weather.

Apart from that, I just found this book to be incredibly slow - nothing really happens (until the last fifty pages and by then it’s too late). It is very repetitive because little occurs. The same lines are repeated time and again and the characters are too one dimensional for me. I was increasingly frustrated with them, especially Dan and his tiresome mood swings - I get he’s a worried farmer and father-to-be, but really!

If you read the first book then you will enjoy this sequel. It’s not a bad book by Tricia, just an everyday account of life on the land that doesn’t really go anywhere.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release


Profile Image for Claire Louisa.
2,058 reviews119 followers
October 22, 2017
An enjoyable story of life on the land and its many hardships and of secrets that can destroy relationships even when kept for the best reasons. Throughout the story I kept hoping Dan would decide to tell Paula what was going on both in his head and with the secret he is keeping. At times I was frustrated with the way the characters were behaving and wanted to grab hold of them and shake them lol, if only. This book definitely kept me engaged until the end.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me a copy for an honest review
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,514 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2018
New to me Author. This was an Australian MF contemporary story. I listened to the audio book. Great story ruined by lies. I'll read this author again
Profile Image for Emma Moon.
66 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2017
'Come Rain or Shine' is another ripper book by Tricia Stringer!
Come Rain or Shine is a sequel to A Chance of Stormy Weather following on Paula and Dan's story. If you enjoyed A Chance of Stormy Weather you'll love Come Rain or Shine.
Paula having been born and raised in Sydney is proud of how well she has adjusted to her new life living on the land during the first year of her marriage.
I found this aspect of the book interesting as someone who has grown up on a farm and now runs a farm with my husband it's interesting to read a different view point of how the 'norm' for farmers can seem like such a foreign concept to someone new to the farming life.
Paula is pregnant with her and Dan's first child and entering into her first harvest and summer on the farm, all new challenging things she must take into her stride.
There farming district has suffered from a poor year and declaring there area a drought is being bandied about.
Dan starts to become tired and distant, worrying Paula, they had made a promise to always tell each other everything. Is it the poor year on the farm troubling Dan or is there something else?
As the story progresses we find there is an issue with Dan's late fathers will, not wanting to worry Paula, Dan decides to keep the information about the will from her. As the problems mount up Dan becomes more worried and distant.
Dan's Aunt Rowena is also troubled by the will and trying to work out how they can get out of there dilemma, why is the due date and sex of Paula and Dan's baby suddenly so important to Rowena?
As a bushfire grips there district putting all there hard work at risk, Paula finds out Dan and Rowena's secret, a secret that poses a threat to everything she has grown to love. Can Paula help them find a solution or is it too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, you felt like you were there on the journey with Paula and Dan, there were twists and turns to keep up with making the book hard to put down. Being pregnant myself with my first child i could relate to the little extra tibits about being pregnant for the first time. All these extra little bits of information added to the meat of the story.
Stringer has done a great job of describing life on the land and captures perfectly the long days put in at harvest time, with wives effectively becoming 'harvest widows' , of everything revolving around the weather and events including birthdays that are just at the wrong time of the year!
Thanks to Harlequin and Beauty & Lace for the chance to review this great book. Original review can be found here http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Profile Image for Vicki Robe.
389 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2017
A great finish to the Dan and Paula saga. Plenty of drama in the storyline that keeps those pages turning.
Profile Image for Susan.
271 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2018
Lovely story TS! I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline with lots of turns in the tale. Recommend!
Profile Image for marlin1.
720 reviews23 followers
October 22, 2017
Paula and Dan have been married for five months. They had a rocky start and being a city girl, it was a big transition but she’s got there. Now Paula is 12 weeks pregnant and they are looking forward to the next stage of life.

Firstly, I feel this book can definitely be read as a standalone. I say that because it took me a little while to remember the thread of the first novel and I didn’t feel that was a hindrance. I was disappointed that Dan hadn’t learnt from his mistakes! Once again he’s keeping secrets, ultimately to protect Paula from stress while she’s dealing with high blood pressure during her pregnancy.

I really enjoyed this novel. I did like Paula and Dan’s prickly Aunt Rowena but it took me a while to warm to Dan again. He seems so hot and cold, though I know what he was hiding from Paula.
Life is not easy on the land. Hard work and being at the mercy of the elements of nature are portrayed well, as well as being part of a close knit community. These are all aspects I enjoy of Australian Rural Romances and I would certainly recommend this novel for a bit of escapism.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Anne Peachey.
190 reviews18 followers
November 10, 2017
I received Come Rain or Shine by Tricia Stringer from Beauty and Lace Book Club to Read and Review.
Come Rain or Shine by Tricia Stringer is another well written Australian Rural Romance.
We follow City Girl Paula who marries Country Boy Dan.
Nearly one year into their marriage, Paula, now pregnant,
finds herself adapting to a different life to what she knew.
Dan's Aunt Rowena raised him and is moving on with her life,getting married and moving to the City.
She has handed the Farm's Books over to Paula who is running her Accountancy Business from the farm
while learning to cook Pasties,the local delicacy, feed Shearers and help Dan around the farm when needed.
Life is different but good.
Dan is getting very tired and becoming more distant and Paula cannot understand why.
Why is the baby's sex and due date so important?
Tricia Stringer has touched on the difficulties of farm life, Drought, Bushfires, Mental Health
and Depression.
Come Rain or Shine is a light hearted book but with substance.
It will touch you deep inside.
Profile Image for Patricia.
75 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2017
Come Rain or Shine came to me courtesy of Beauty and Lace and follows on from Chance of Stormy Weather. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it didn't live up to my expectations. I found it difficult to cope with the lack of understanding Dan seemed to have for his lovely young wife, Paula, who had very limited experience with country life and farming before she married Dan. Keeping secrets was uppermost in Chance of Stormy Weather and anyone of Dan's intelligence should have learned from his mistakes but he didn't. His father's will is bizarre but not uncommon for that era. I'm pleased I read Chance of Stormy Weather first although it isn't essential to the understanding but adds the additional details. The details regarding the way the seasons interact with farming and how important it is to receive the right rain at the right time were well presented and very interesting. All in all, a good book that didn't quite rise to the greatness I expected unfortunately.
Profile Image for Melanie Hunter.
210 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2021
I love the idea of owning a rural property. The quiet, being close to nature and spending time reading outdoors...

Come Rain or Shine is another great novel written by Tricia Stringer. The story follows newlyweds Paula and Dan as they live their lives on their farm. Paula does the work indoors whilst Dan does the farming. I loved the descriptions of farming and reading about the life of a farmer. I knew they lead busy lives... but I did not imagine this.

Dan struggles to tell Paula about his Dad's will that could take away their hopes and dreams of staying in the property.

I loved reading about Paula's pregnancy. It took me back to my own pregnancy, which was lovely. The small town doctors and friends in the town add to the charm of the place.

Dan can be quite a frustrating character as he hides a secret from Paula, yet together they are very much in love. This is another book that I would recommend from the talented Tricia Stringer.

#triciastringer #aussieauthor #rurallife #countrylifestyle #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #chapterichi #booksbooksbooks
Profile Image for Dale Pearce.
116 reviews
July 12, 2018
Paula knew when she moved to the country that the life would be tough. Nearly a year into her marriage with farmer Dan, and now pregnant, she is proud of her ability to feed shearers, bake a pastie and fix a fence while still running her accountancy business from home. With a wedding to plan, the farm to run and neighbours to help out, life is busy but good.
But there are clouds on the horizon. Dan is increasingly tired and distant. He promised he would always tell her the truth, so why is he being so mysterious about his late father's will? And why is his abrasive Aunt Rowena suddenly so interested in the sex and due date of Paula's baby? As bushfires rage, Paula makes a discovery that shocks her and threatens all she holds dear.
Profile Image for Kathy.
623 reviews27 followers
December 13, 2017
Tricia Stringer has become one of my definite reads by Australian authors – fantastic characters and settings. I am from the land and some of the happenings in the book are just right on the money – it was like being at home on the farm with the family! Come Rain or Shine is apparently a follow up to A Chance Of Stormy Weather which I didn’t know until after I had finished the book – so in saying that I do not feel you have to have read the first one to enjoy it, because I really enjoyed this book. If you like the rural romance stories with some drought and hardships and a few nasty people coming in to try and take it all away from the main characters, then this story is for you.

Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,424 reviews14 followers
February 8, 2019
It had been a while but the previous book came to mind as the first few chapters were read. Real aussie country life on the farm and dealing with the elements takes/makes a certain type of people. I know it's not for me. I could relate to the early birth and hospital stay bigtime by Paula and Max. I read recently one of Karly Lane's books and could see some similarities of country life. This could have been someone's diary of life. Well written and enjoyable with drama to keep you turning the page.
Profile Image for Kylie H.
1,172 reviews
May 15, 2023
This is another solid story by Tricia Stringer. In this book, Paula is a former city girl, now married to a farmer in South Australia and expecting their first child. Unbeknownst to Paula, her husband Dan has found out he has a cousin he was unaware of who may be able to stake a claim on the family farm. The book covers all the challenges of farming life, fires, drought and mental health issues. The strain it places on families.
A really good story, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Talking Books.
870 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2017
The characters last seen in A Chance Of Stormy Weather are the central focus in Author Tricia Stringer's newest novel Come Rain Or Shine. Dan, Paula and Rowena face more dramas, this time around, Paula also experiences challenges in her pregnancy while facing some of the stresses in her life. Somewhat similar story to A Chance Of Stormy Weather where the secrets, communication breakdowns, the ex-girlfriend and the grouchy Aunt are at the forefront..
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia
Profile Image for Tracy.
286 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I like the way this author writes and will read more of hers.
This was an enjoyable story but towards the end I took a bit of a disliking to Paula the main character.
She became quite obnoxious and unfair which put me off her a bit.
Narrated by a lady with a lovely tone who did enough voices to give each character some difference.
Good story about life on the land and the challenges that farmers face and the wives who stand behind their men supporting them all the way.
311 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2022
A follow on from A Chance of stormy Weather. A little slow initially, maybe, but then moves on in the dry, hot reality of country life in drought conditions. The pregnancy we learn of also adds to the story. Drought, money concerns, a will and the failure to share information come into play. Throw in wedding, another pregnancy and further twists from the will & bush fires. All these do come together in an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Alaine.
292 reviews109 followers
October 12, 2019
Didn’t read the first book in the series and I did feel a few times like I was missing something. The story was engaging and I decided to read it as a stand alone. So glad I did. A lovely story about rural life in Australia.
Profile Image for Mary Ladrick.
269 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2020
A great read following the prior book A Chance of Stormy Weather which I loved too. I love all the characters. Nice to read this one as a follow on from A Chance of Stormy Weather with Paula pregnant!
24 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2020
Really employable read

While the events and crises are not 'everyday', they are not WWII either. Tricia makes these family crises suspenseful and very human. You can understand why Dan doesn't reveal all to his wife, but his procrastination really feeds the drama.
Profile Image for Molly.
1 review
January 5, 2021
As a young girl from a farming background, this book accurately depicts the trails and tribulations living in a farm entails. Tricia Stringer is a truely beautiful writer and characters Dan and Paula are inspiring individuals due to their determination and flexibility respectively.
5 reviews
September 14, 2021
This was a bit heavy on dialogue and not a lot of action. Found the lead man really annoying for not trusting to share and be open with his wife which then turned into a complete anti climax. Disappointed as I have read another book by same author which was much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
218 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2022
Paula knew life would not be easy when she married Dan a year later expecting a baby she has learnt to do many jobs but as a bushfire she is having trouble woundering why Dan is been mysterious about his Father's eill
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