We are into our fourth year and meet monthly. We used to catch up over lunch at a café/restaurant anywhere from Moruya to Cobargo.

During the initial COVID lockdown, we traded reviews via our WhatsApp group, which incidentally was a godsend during the fires as we used it to share alerts and support each other.

As social distancing became the norm, we decided to move alfresco, setting up suitably spaced deckchairs by the water in one of our beautiful local parklands. Most members moved to Narooma and surrounds over the past six years.

We've also welcomed several new arrivals over the past 18 months. We're an eclectic group of professional women, hailing variously from country Victoria and NSW, Sydney, Canberra, Queensland and Perth.

Over the years, inspired by the 37 books we've read to date, we have traded intimate life stories and enjoyed some feisty discussions about books we've loved ... or not! Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton stands out as our most debated choice - there was no middle ground between those who gave it 9+ stars and those who loathed it. Our repertoire encompasses fiction and non-fiction, classics, new releases, local authors, challenging novels and escapist reads.

This has been a very affirming and accepting group. Along the way we've nurtured other mutual connections and interests through art, bushwalking, food and films.

Friendship plus books - what a blessing!