The Orchard at Rosevale by Nicola Marsh is a heartwarming and immersive read and I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives.
Cruz was living his dream working as a chef at a top Melbourne restaurant until he is called back to the family avocado farm after his father’s death. Cruz hates the farm and simply wants to sell it but his father's will stipulates Cruz needs to work the farm for 12 months to inherit.
Ferne, Cruz’s mother, is eager to escape the farm, which holds only bad memories, and start a life of travel. Ferne employs Elora, a social media marketer, to update the farm’s socials and improve their website. Ferne wants to get as much money as possible when it's time to sell.
Elora and Cruz have instant friction and an
underlying sizzle of attraction.
After her husband's death Ferne discovers long held secrets and is crushed by this discovery. But a chance meeting and a new friendship reconnects her to an old flame, one she regrets letting go.
Nicola Marsh has delivered a grumpy/sunshine romance plus a second chance mature romance. It’s not often you get two get romance tropes in one story and both executed with finesse.
Even thought the majority of characters were getting over past hurts the story had a fun vibe brought about by Cruz and Elora's flirty banter.
I loved every character, all so real with real hurts. I even had a soft spot for the posthumous antagonist Mac.
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Harlequin Fiction
Publication date: 28th July 2026
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance
Pages: 337
RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
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