Review: The Ironbark Promise by Léonie Kelsall

 It's been a slow beginning to the year as I've been catching up on reviews.

The Ironbark Promise was my last read of 2025

The Ironbark Promise is best selling Australian author Léonie Kelsall's ninth novel.

The Ironbark Promise has readers back in the lovely rural town of Settlers Bridge where love is in the air once again and one of my favourite characters, Hamish, meets his match.

Léonie Kelsall depicts farming life with ease and her descriptive language makes the town and its residents easy to visualise.

Hamish has a reputation as a bit of a playboy and even though he would secretly like to settle down he still plays up to the image everyone has of him.

Jemma is a high-flying city lawyer. The pressure at work is high and she also seems to have a stalker which is causing her some grief. Jemma decides to get away from the city and spend a few days in the country with her father, Pierce. (You can read Pierce and Sam's story in The Willow Tree Warf).

Kelsall builds tension with a mystery surrounding Jemma's life and the slow burn romance between Jemma and Hamish is filled with a multitude of problems for them both to work through.

I love coming back to Settlers bridge and catching up with all my favourite characters with each new book that Leonie Kelsall brings out. The town of Setters Bridge is a central part of each novel and just as much a character as the people who live there. 

The Ironbark Promise includes many themes relevant to rural living and the subject of criminal law including subtle moral messages making this an interesting and thought provoking read.

I can hardly wait for Léonie's next novel, The Windmill in the Silver Gums. I got goosebumps just reading the blurb!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 6th January 2026

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE HOMESTEAD IN THE EUCALYPTS

THE WINGS ABOVE THE MALEE

THE PATH THROUGH THE COOJONG TREES

Review: Rumour Has It by Karly Lane

Make sure to check back tomorrow as I will be posting a giveaway for a paperback copy of Rumour Has It by Karly Lane.

Karly Lane is a must-read author for me. I've never read a mediocre Karly Lane book and Rumour Has It, Karly's twenty-sixth novel, is no exception.

This truly engaging second chance romance mystery read had me invested right from the opening pages.

I loved that Rumour Has It featured characters that were a little older than most romance novels. It was nice to move away from the all consuming, heady and often angsty romances of characters in their 20's and early 30's. Aubree and Beau's relationship was based on communication and each had something to teach the other about compromise and balance.

As with previous books, Rumour Has It combines small-town romance with a compelling mystery, a cold case murder investigation and a missing person puzzle. The twists honestly shocked me and Karly Lane shows she is a truly versatile writer to combine these two genres and pull it off, once again.

There is also lots of fun and humour with best friend Ronnie cheering Aubree on and the small-town rumour mill running in overtime.

If you haven't read a Karly Lane book before this is a great book to start with. Like me, you'll be hooked.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐Plus an extra star for a character named Ronnie 💖

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 2nd December 2025

Genre: Rural Romance / Mystery

Pages: 341

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

Other books I've read by Karly Lane.

TAKE ME HOME

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

MR RIGHT NOW 

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

FOOL ME ONCE

ONCE BURNT, TWICE SHY 

TIME AFTER TIME 

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK

#rumourhasit #karlylane #australianauthor #ruralromance  #blogtour  #newrelease #ausbookbloggers #mystery

Review: The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Leonie Kelsall

 The Path Through the Coojong Trees follows single mother Natasha as she arrives in Settlers Bridge to hopefully live a quiet life. Just her and her nine-year-old daughter Zehra.

When she meets Hamish she wonders if it just might be the chance she needs for a fresh start. That is until her past comes back into her life. Now Natasha must decide if she can forgive and be open to a second chance at love.

The Path Through the Coojong Trees is narrated through a dual timeline. The "now" had the reader returning to the familiar backdrop of Settlers Bridge with all the characters I have grown to love. Here we see Natasha settling into the area, meeting all the locals who are welcoming and friendly.

The "then" timeline is ten years previous in another small town with a young Natasha living in a dysfunctional family and working through her last year of high school.

There was much more "then" than "now" and Natasha's story was quite sad which I think spoilt the romance theme I was expecting.

The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a story about an all consuming first love and heartbreak. With themes of racism, dysfunctional families, xenophobia and family duty. I did find the story a bit heavy going.

What I did love was the atmosphere of living in nature and the slower pace of life in Settlers Bridge.

I was expecting The Path Through the Coojong Trees to be Natasha and Hamish's story and I feel a little misled by the blurb.

Overall I liked the story but it's not my favourite by this author. I liked that Leonie Kelsall featured a main character with a hearing impairment and showed how this was perceived by those around her. 

I am looking forward to Hamish's real love story, The Ironbark Promise, coming in January 2026.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st July 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 373

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books I've read by Leonie Kelsall:

The Farm at Peppertree Crossing

The Wattle Seed Inn

The Willow Tree Warf

The Blue Gum Camp

The River Gum Cottage

The Homestead in the Eucalypts

Wings Above the Mallee

Book Review: Needle in a Haystack by Karly Lane

I love Karly Lane's novels. They are filled with country heart and relatable, fun characters.

Every one of Karly's books has been an absolute pleasure to read and she has done it again with her latest rural fiction novel, Needle in a Haystack.

 

Lottie returns to her hometown of Banalla to take over the running of the family's antique shop. An amateur lover of history Lottie is writing a book on her family's history and the rumour that they may be related to the infamous bushranger Jack McNally.

Damian is an expert on colonial history and has been asked to be keynote speaker at Banalla's upcoming festival. He has decided this is the perfect opportunity to combine this trip with research on the mysterious disappearance of Catherine Compton in the 1800's.

 

I loved the different personalities of the residents of the town of Banalla. They were an eclectic mix of flamboyant and stalwart and each character added a layer of richness to the story. 

 

The mystery of Catherine's disappearance was well plotted as Lottie and Damian pieced together snippets of information from old letters and newspapers as they navigate both their relationship and the mystery they're trying to solve.

 

Karly Lane brings the two separate plots of the heirloom opal ring Lottie's mum believed to be cursed and the disappearance of Catherine together in a believable way with a few chapters in bushranger Jack's point of view to clear up the mystery.

 

Have you ever read a book that while you can't turn the pages fast enough you also don't want it to end? Needle in a Haystack is that kind of book!

 

Needle in a Haystack is an engaging rural fiction with a heartwarming romance woven within a compelling mystery read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 29th April 2025

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 372

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Wings Above the Mallee by Léonie Kelsall

Wings Above the Mallee is Léonie Kelsall's 7th novel and finds us back in Settlers Bridge, a small town that has entered my heart along with all of its residents. I love the community spirit, the gossip and the matchmaking seniors.

Amelia arrives in Settlers with her rescue pets, dusty the magpie and Biggles the possum. She is running from heartache and won't connect with anyone too deeply as the fear of caring again is too great. She has come to visit good friend Taylor and work a temp job for a few months before moving on again.

 

Heath is now living in Settlers Bridge with his father Sean who is battling an alcohol addiction. Heath is angry and despondent which is his way of coping with the guilt and grief over the death of his wife.

I loved the relationship between Sean and Heath. Sean kept an eye on Heath and always looked for some brightness in every day and made sure to point this out to Heath. He never gave up on Heath even though he had his own problems.

Wings Above the Mallee is the story of two broken people coming together but fearing that their combined grief may be too much to bear. There is always an underlying message of hope that they could help each other to heal.

You will find lots of heartache in Wings Above the Mallee, which overwhelmed me at times, however the lovely community balanced this out with their matchmaking and fun gossip. Throw in a dose of animal rescue, communities working together and some teenage rage all making Wings Above the Mallee a book not to be missed.

Wings Above the Mallee is an exploration of grief, loss, guilt and addiction and the long process to forgiveness and healing.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 7th January 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 338

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

THE HOMESTEAD IN THE EUCALYPTS

 

 

Book Review: The Homestead in the Eucalypts by Léonie Kelsall

Firstly I want to thank fellow blogger Helen Sibbritt for generously sending me a copy of The Homestead in the Eucalypts. I absolutely loved it!! I think it may be my favourite book of 2025. I'm calling it early. What a way to start the year! 

 

The Homestead in the Eucalypts is a dual time-line narration which is something different from Léonie's previous book and she really smashed it. The change between time-lines was smooth and the connection was well plotted.

The prose are beautiful and the historical love story between Anna & Luke was perfectly portrayed. But I've digressed because The Homestead in the Eucalypts is Taylor's story. Taylor is the compassionate and hardworking doctor we have all come to love from the previous books. Taylor initially comes across as self-centred as she is having a hard time with life not quite going her way. She is pulled between living her own life and also supporting her mother. But underneath this pouty exterior is the Taylor we love and we see it emerge throughout the book.

 

I loved how Léonie Kelsall connected the two time-lines with parallels between Taylor and Anna's lives. There is lots of character growth and even though it includes two love stories Anna & Luke's captured my heart.

 

The Homestead in the Eucalypts also brought together exactly how many of Setters Bridge residents  are related and it truly added another dimension to the previous books.

 

Bravo Léonie Kelsall, you went out on a limb and made it work!! More historical fiction please! 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance

Pages: 432

Source: Gifted from a friend

 

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

 

 

Book Review: Twist of Fate by Karly Lane

 Before I add my review of Twist of Fate I will just add the giveaway link again as third time lucky I'm sure it's all okay now. If you didn't get to enter for all the packs you were interested in just fill out the form and enter again. (This Giveaway is now closed)

 

Twist of Fate is yet another brilliant read from Australian author Karly Lane. It is funny, engaging and heartwarming.

 

Bel Buckley is all about positive affirmation and believes all she needs to do to manifest her soul mate is write a list of exactly what she wants in a soulmate and sit back and wait.

 

I sped through Twist of Fate. It is the perfect holiday read. A closed door rural romance with all the feels. 

Karly Lane adeptly writes about rural life and the ups and downs of living in the same small town all your 

life. 

Bel had always dreamed of leaving the small town of Wessex as soon as she could but when her grandmother became ill she decided to stay and care for her. Now she is content to escape through her romance novels where there is always the perfect hero to sweep a girl off her feet. That is until the embodiment of her latest book crush turns up in town to be best man at her cousin's wedding.

Twist of Fate is the un-put-downable story about small-town communities, people banding together in times of need, farming accidents, regenerative farming and taking a chance on love.

Twist of Fate is beautifully written with an authentic rural flavour, natural banter and unforgettable characters making it an absolute delight to read.

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd December 2024

Genre: Rural romance

Pages: 352

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books I've read by Karly Lane.

TAKE ME HOME

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

MR RIGHT NOW 

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

FOOL ME ONCE

ONCE BURNT, TWICE SHY 

TIME AFTER TIME 

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

 

 

Book Review: Spring Clean for the Peach Queen by Sasha Wasley

 Spring Clean for the Peach Queen

by

Sasha Wasley

Publisher: Pantera Press

Publication date: 30th March 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction 

Pages: 471

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Spring Clean for the Peach Queen

I read this as part of the Dymocks Reading Challenge 2024 and I'm so pleased the challenge made me pick this book up and read it.

 

It's been twelve years since Lottie Bentz, the last reigning Peach Queen, has been to her home town of Bonnievale. Bonnievale is known for its wonderful peach orchards.

 

After a major scandal, a tanked career and a dead boyfriend, Lottie returns home. She is ready to give it all away; the thousands of followers, the acting dream, the make-up and the lies. She is spring cleaning her life, Marie Kondo style.

 

I loved this moving story! Lottie is easy to like as we never see the old selfish, superficial Charlize (Lottie's professional name). She is trying her best to turn over a new leaf.

It's very surprising to see who in the town supports her, happy to leave her past in the past, and those who don't.

 

Love interest Angus is gruff and distant. He had been through some hard times of his own and was currently working the orchard and caring for his mum who was slipping into dementia.

It was fun watching the bright and sunny Lottie get under his skin.

 

If you like heartfelt contemporary fiction about love, redemption and community with a sweet touch of romance Spring Clean for the Peach Queen will not disappoint. 

 

Spring Clean for the Peach Queen is a story about community, country towns, working together and finding your true self. A wonderful read filled with heart and humour.

 

My rating 4.5 / 5 🍑🍑🍑🍑½ 

 

STAY TUNED I HAVE A GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!!!!!

 

Book Review: Wallaby Lane by Maya Linnell

 Wallaby Lane

by

Maya Linnell

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Australia

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Wallaby Lane

Wallaby Lane is Maya Linnell's sixth novel, however it is the first one I have read. And yes, the others are all sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.

 

Lauren Bickford is working at the local radio station, bullied at work and belittled by her mother, she is losing confidence in the work she loves.

 

Jack Crossley has returned to Penwarra to keep an eye on his sister and niece. He has taken a post at the local police station.

 

Maya Linnell calls on her knowledge and experience of local country communities and the spirit that keeps these communities alive to pen a story that is wholesome, heartwarming and engaging.

 

In Wallaby Lane, Maya includes her love of animals and the humour they can invoke with Gary the Galah and the local goats. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the animal rescue centre and the important work they do caring for and rehoming injured animals. Maya also includes many areas centric to small communities, such as bored youths acting up and the damage caused by local gossip. 

 

The fledgling romance between Jack and Lauren is wonderfully balanced with lots of baking, a community cookbook and the Penwarra 100th anniversary show.

 

Just one tiny complaint, for me, there were probably too many roadblocks to Lauren and Jack's relationship. They both had old demons to come to terms with and at times instead of supporting each other they opened a wider rift. I loved that I still got the HEA and the warm fuzzies that romance reads deliver.

 

My rating 4 / 5 🩷🩷🩷🩷

Book Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

Secrets in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 15th May 2024

Series: The Little Irish Village #4

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

Pages: 315

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle eBook) 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village

After reading New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village I was eager for more of the garrulous Kelly family. The main character in New Beginnings is Imogen Kelly and Secrets features the love life of Grace Kelly. I enjoyed being back with all the familiar and well loved characters.

 

I'm reading the books all out of order but it's easy to pick up on where each sister is in the family.

 

I loved that Michelle Vernal's Little Irish Village series is not only a romance story, although I do like a HEA ending. Secrets in the Little Irish Village has lots of substance that kept me immersed in the story.

 

An emergency trip to hospital has the family re-evaluating petty squabbles, secrets from the past raise their head and a disastrous storm has the community banding together to raise money.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Emerald Bay township, it was warm and inviting. Being Australian I loved the Irish setting and could hear the lilting Irish accent as I read.

Secrets in the Little Irish Village is light and heartwarming, funny, uplifting and entertaining. The perfect story to lose yourself in.

My rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

 

Book Review: The One That Got Away by Karly Lane

 The One That Got Away

by

Karly Lane

Twenty years ago, Alex ran. As far and as fast as she could.

But to return is her only escape.....

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th April 2024

Genre: Contemporary fiction / rural romance

Pages: 339

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The One That Got Away

Karly Lane's stories just keep getting better and better!

 

With The One That Got Away Karly Lane has delivered another heartfelt, small town, romance story that is sure to garner rave reviews. 

Alex leaves the small coastal town of Rockne Heads. a fictional town on the NSW North Coast, vowing never to return. However when she decides to buy and settle in the English countryside she must return to Australia, and Rocky, to go through her father's belongings and sell the family home.

Sullivan (Sully) has lived in Rockne Heads all his life. He has taken over the family fishing business and built it up to the successful company it is today.

He never expected to see Alex Kelly again after she left Rocky without even a goodbye. When he bumps into her on the street all the emotions are back and he is not going to let her go again without a fight.

I loved everything about this second chance romance story. There is a deep mystery running through the story about something that happened when the characters were teens. An event that tore the whole town apart and turned them against one of their own.

Lots of flashbacks slowly fill the reader in, keeping me totally glued to the pages.

This is a slow burn romance with just enough angst to keep me wondering if our main characters will end up together. 

Karly has included some heavy topics around teenagers and the mistakes they make. 

In The One That Got Away Karly Lane astutely explores the complexity of small town living.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other books I've reviewed by Karly Lane:

FOOL ME ONCE

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

MR RIGHT NOW

ONCE BURNT,TWICE SHY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

TAKE ME HOME

TIME AFTER TIME 

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

 

 

Book Review: The Blue Gum Camp by Leonie Kelsall

The Blue Gum Camp

by

Leonie Kelsall 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 419

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Blue Gum Camp

The Blue Gum Camp is Leonie Kelsall's fifth book featuring characters from Settler's Bridge and surrounds.

 

Charity Farrugia is persuaded to attend a B & S ball by her sisters, Faith and Hope. They feel the always serious and always responsible Charity needs to relax and have some fun.

 

Lachlan is only going to the B & S ball to keep an eye on his mischievous younger brother Hamish. Lachlan has been working the family farm whilst his father has become a curmudgeonly recluse since his mother's untimely death twelve months ago.

When Lachlan and Charity meet sparks fly but Charity isn't ready to let her guard down.

 

I enjoyed the different ways of thinking between Hope and her friends in their early twenties and that of mid thirties Charity. Having characters from different age groups adds diversity to the story. I loved all the sibling banter and light ribbing both with the Farrugia sisters and Lachlan and Hamish. It felt very natural and was filled with humour. The siblings' similarities and differences were perfectly portrayed.

If you have read the previous books you will see many well-known and much loved characters get a mention which adds a further level of connection with the whole community that surrounds the books.

 

Kelsall explores themes of running a farm, aging parents, early onset dementia, feeling responsible for siblings, cognitive disorders, loss and grieving.  

The Blue Gum Camp has slightly darker themes and more drama than most rural romance novels however the main theme is still one of rural life and the lack of potential partners in small country towns.

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 It's Probably You

by

Jayne Denker

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: It's Probably You 

It's Probably You is a funny, engaging and heartwarming enemies to lovers romance.

 

Gillian is comfortable with her life after 5 years divorced, but wouldn't say no to finding that someone special. After many disastrous dates via dating apps she's happy to work in her garden with her eye on winning the local gardening competition.

 

Noah has recently moved to town after a devastating break-up and decides the fixer-upper he has bought, sight unseen, is exactly what he needs to keep him busy. When he has an altercation with fiery neighbour Gillian, over a border hedge he removed, he knows she is trouble but he can't keep his mind off her.

 

I loved this sweet, slow-burn rom-com. It's probably You is filled with down-to-earth, relatable characters. Gillian is confident, smart, funny and sexy. We see Noah's confident side but not around Gillian. She undoes him and enjoys pushing his buttons.

I enjoyed the matchmaking trio of elderly women neighbours who weren't reticent in giving advice to Noah and eavesdropping whenever they got the chance. A vast array of supporting characters add plenty of humour and drama to the plot.

 

It's Probably You ticks all the boxes for the perfect beach read this summer. It is a sweet, slow-burn, closed-door, small town romance with a curvy female main character and an enemies to lovers trope. 

 

If you are after a book that will leave you smiling long after you have read the last page you can't go past It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Italian Marriage by Jenna Lo Bianco

 The Italian Marriage

by

Jenna Lo Bianco

An inheritance. A fake marriage. Must be amore.

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 27th December 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Italian Marriage 

I loved this book! The perfect beach read, even though I'm nowhere near a beach.

The Italian Marriage is so sweet I think I 'aawed' through the whole book.

The Italian Marriage is a fake marriage trope; he falls first, one bed, sweetly sexy, romance.

Matthew D'Adamo is set to inherit the family estate but first he needs a wife. The estate goes to the youngest 'married' D'Adamo male.

Sarah Browne, a free-spirited event manager, agrees to an air-tight pre-nup and is looking forward to a break from the emotional toll of her endometriosis. The first time the two meet is on the flight to Florence. When they arrive they find another claimant has surfaced and now they must spend a year together restoring a rundown hotel. Whichever couple is most successful after 12 months wins the family estate.

I loved both Sarah and Matthew! They were both so perfect; kind, accommodating and thoughtful. Sarah is fun, spontaneous and confident. The story introduces lovely friends that help them connect with the community and there are also those that are bent on thwarting them so there is loads of drama between all the sweet moments of Sarah and Matthew getting to know each other.

With chapter headings in Italian and lots of Italian interspersed throughout conversations it was very easy to connect with the location.

The Italian Marriage is steeped in the culture of Italy. The language, the food, the architecture is all vividly played out on the page.

If you are after a sweet romance with plenty of drama and a few little twists The Italian Marriage will not disappoint.

The Italian Marriage is destination romance at its best!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Willow Tree Wharf by Léonie Kelsall

 The Willow Tree Wharf

by

Léonie Kelsall

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th July 2023

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 420

RRP: $29.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Willow Tree Wharf

With The Willow Tree Wharf Léonie Kelsall has written a slow-burn romance with depth and compassion. 

All Léonie's books read well on their own however if you read them in order you get that extra level of character connection.

I absolutely loved being back in Settlers Bridge with old friends from Léonie's previous books; Roni, Jack, Lucie, Gabrielle, Tracey and Christine. This is one fabulous community and I love feeling a part of it whilst I read.

Samantha is in an abusive relationship and her husband has gaslighted her so much she is afraid to open her mouth. She had no self worth and was very insecure.

"After so many years she should have known better than to provoke him."

These are the thoughts of someone who has been spoken down to all their married life. 

Kelsall brings the whole community together as they close ranks around Samantha. Small towns are known for their gossipers but they also know how to protect their own. 

 

Pierce is a city boy, he has spent his life appeasing his parents and working in their restaurant with their rules. He would love to branch out and live his own dream but feels trapped by obligation.

 

I enjoyed the parallels between Sam's and Pierce's lives. Even though their circumstances were poles apart they were both forfeiting their dreams and happiness for someone else.

Lots of road bumps and misunderstandings made for an immersive read that had me eagerly reading knowing that all will come good in the end. That's what I love about romance!

Léonie's novels are extra special because they have layers of depth as well as the happy endings I expect.

 

 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Raised initially in a tiny, no-horse town on South Australia's Fleurieu coast, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana, Léonie Kelsall is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school, swiftly followed by a desire to write.

Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well, Adelaide), but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. Now she splits her time between the stark, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana and her home and counselling practice in the lush Adelaide Hills.  

 

Reviews of Léonie's other books:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/10/book-club-book-review-farm-at.html 

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/06/book-review-wattle-seed-inn-by-leonie.html 

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/09/book-review-river-gum-cottage-by-leonie.html 

Book Review: New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

 New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

 

Publication date: 4th may 2023

 

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

 

Pages: 305

 

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle)

 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is such a fun story! I loved it from start to finish! It is a warmhearted romcom set in the small village of Emerald Bay where everyone knows your business and nobody seems to mind that it's that way.

Michelle Vernal has delivered a whole town of quirky and lovable characters. The story is just as much about the whole town as it is about the main character, Imogen Kelly, one of the five Kelly sisters.

Imogen, a highly successful Dublin interior designer, has returned home to Emerald Bay to complete an interior design project at Benmore House, the home of her first love Lachlan Leslie. A high school romance she still hasn't found closure with. Whilst at home surrounded by her family Imogen reflects on her own lifestyle choices and her current romance with a man 27years her senior.

 

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is a light read, a feel good story with plenty of humour at Imogen's expense. Imogen takes all the mishaps with good grace and is even able to have a laugh at herself, making her a very endearing character.

I really enjoyed this story about families, celebrations, reconnecting with your true self and new beginnings. I loved getting to know all the townsfolk of Emerald Bay and Imogen's large and loving family. I am looking forward to reading Christmas in the Little Irish Village and being back with them all again.

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

 

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