The Somers Press (Australia)

At the end of June 2021 The Somers Press ceased trading. Many thanks from me and my family in Australia to all our customers, readers, authors, booksellers, printers and the like for all your kind support in recent years. Our website is now closing down also.
With best wishes, Adrian Wardle, publisher.

Many thanks to all my family and customers in Australia. The Somers Press has ceased trading and our website will close down for good on 6th October. Best wishes from publisher, Adrian Wardle.

NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS -- SAVE (nearly) $5. In her new book, Raye McLennan mysteriously takes her grandchildren back in time to meet her brothers and sisters, friends and family. In these delightful tales of long ago, they experience life on an outback farm of the 1930s and join in the escapades and adventures of Raye's friendly and loving family.
Go to our website at www. somers-press.com.au for more info or to order the illustrated book, The Peppercorn Tree. Orders placed before 15th December will be sent CARRIAGE FREE saving at least $4.80. We can send it for you to someone as a gift. Just let us have their name and address and we'll add your Christmas message as well. PICTURE: Saving the chooks from a goanna...

MESSAGES from readers of THE PEPPERCORN TREE - - - "Thank-you for your prompt and wonderful service. My Auntie Jean received her book and has read it. She was thoroughly enjoying it when she rang to let us know that it had arrived. Auntie Jean didn’t know Raye (the author) but does know Raye’s sister, so she was really able to relate to the story personally." (Kaye Underwood, Mildura)- - - "Can't wait to read all the stories in the book now! I'm originally from Murrayville and do/did know some of the Lackmann family. I love stories from the 'old' days!" (Maureen Milde) - - - "I wanted to wait until I had read part of The Peppercorn Tree before contacting you to thank you for so kindly sending me a copy. I was drawn into the story the moment that I met Ma and her brood! It is enchanting and I am getting so many insights into the life of farming families over in the State of Victoria back in those days. I love social history. It is also a beautifully produced book." (Clare Giarchi, writer and reviewer) PHOTO (1939) Raye aged 14 -- off to school in Murrayville.

OUT NOW -- New children's book THE PEPPERCORN TREE. Author, Raye McLennan (94) takes her four grandchildren mysteriously back in time to visit her family, friends and neighbours at the time of her own childhood in the 1930s. Raye grew up in a large family on a 640-acre wheat and sheep farm in the parched scrubland near Murrayville in the NW corner of Victoria. In this delightful book, today's children join in their work, play, adventures and escapades in the beautiful, hot and dry 'Sunset Country' just 22 Km from the border with South Australia. These charming, illustrated tales of long ago are ideal for children aged about 6 to 13 and are recounted not only with great affection for our heritage but also with abundant love for her family, both old and new. Paperback -- 132 pages -- Illustrated plus maps -- ISBN 978-0-6481913 -- $18.95 Order from any bookstore or online from our website at

THE SOMERS PRESS The home for new Australian authors.

Welcome to our new page. COMING SOON -- The Peppercorn Tree by Raye McLennan. On sale from Monday, 17th August. Raye (94) wrote these delightful short stories for her four grandchildren in which they are taken back mysteriously to the time of Raye's own childhood. Raye grew up in the 1930s on a 640-acre farm just outside Murrayville in the dry but beautiful Sunset Country in the NW corner of Victoria. For more info go to http://www.somers-press.com.au/