The June Bug Catcher is a novel about a young woman in search of herself. Emma Drei thought she had a sparkling future awaiting her. Her adoring fiancé seems keen to build with her a life of fulfilled dreams. That is, until an unexpected development throws a painful wrench into these plans, leaving Emma shattered.
Yet, life can turn on a dime, as Emma learns when she makes an impulsive decision to leave her native Victoria, BC, home and seek a fresh start in Australia. Her bold move Down Under delivers all manner of unexpected pleasures to her reinvented life, including friendships, romance, and a new appreciation for God.
Here is a story about second chances, and the way a new life can rise out of the ashes of lost opportunities. Journey with Emma into enormous adventures in a spectacular physical environment, exploring the fresh bliss found as much in her relationships as in her faith.
Heather Ball was born and raised in Victoria, BC, and currently resides in Nanaimo, BC. Ball, who works as a hospital-based sterile supply technician, is a Christian who came to faith at the age of fourteen. When she’s not working on her book, she enjoys kayaking, travelling, photography, hiking, and napping. She also likes hanging out with her husband, Warren, who works as a long-haul trucker. It’s when he’s away working that she finds the space and time to write.
The June Bug Catcher is out of my usual reading genre, but I read it on the recommendation of a friend. I quickly grew to like the main character Emma, and very much enjoyed following her on her journey.
The main character, Emma, is really lovable, and I enjoyed following along in her adventure to Australia! It’s a very positive story about her turning her life around, and there’s many fun moments that happen to her on her quest to better her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The June Bug Catcher. It captured my attention from the very beginning and felt incredibly relatable to many aspects of real life. The emotions, struggles, and personal growth woven throughout the story made it easy to connect with the characters. I especially loved the meaning behind the title—it was both touching and symbolic, leaving a lasting impression.
The relationships between the characters were beautifully written, especially the way their lives overlapped and supported one another through change and healing. I was particularly drawn to Emma’s journey—her courage to start over, face her past, and rediscover her identity was inspiring. Her transformation reminded me of the importance of resilience and self-acceptance.
Heather Ball’s writing was heartfelt and genuine, and she captured the complexities of memory, family, and starting anew in a way that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. This book is not only memorable but also comforting and hopeful—a wonderful read that I would gladly recommend to others.
Some exciting news! My novel, The June Bug Catcher, is the winner of the Illumination Book Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award, and the Eric Hoffer Finalist Book Award this year.
If you like a fast-paced, contemporary romance laced with humour, this book is for you. I loved researching about Australia and writing about the adventures my characters go on.
This is an +18 book dealing with adult content but not graphic. It's no sexier than the Bible's Song of Songs.
On another note, when it comes to book giveaways, only take the book if you appreciate the genre. Read the synopsis. Only take the book if you think you'll actually enjoy it not just because it's free.