From the steps of the Sydney Opera House came international acclaim . . . but at a price.

All young Lizzy wants to do is sing, ride the boundaries of her family''s Queensland property and dream of one day performing on stage. But when a freak storm hits the area, wreaking havoc and bringing tragedy, she swears never to sing another note.

Lizzy, however, has a voice as uplifting as the pure beauty of the song of the bellbirds, and others are not quite so willing to let her remarkable talent go to waste. There is the loving but ambitious Sister Angelica, a natural teacher; the vibrant and dangerously attractive Maestro Leonard Rominski, whose charms Lizzy finds irresistible; and the irrepressible Gran, whose love sustains Lizzy through thrilling highs and crushing lows.

But it is Lizzy alone who will ultimately decide if the price she must pay to sing is too high.

Praise for Anne McCullagh Rennie''s books

''Pacy, spirited and moving.'' Australian Women''s Weekly

''The Australian Outback has provided inspiration for some of the most outstanding and memorable pieces of Australian literature - and to that list can be added Anne McCullagh Rennie''s story Reach for the Dream.'' New Idea