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Outback Fear
Suspense with a touch of romance.
Savannah Harris is determined to raise her three-month-old daughter in the best possible environment, and flees home to Grace Creek, an inheritance from her recently deceased mother.
But even this peaceful property cannot cocoon her from her abusive husband or a stranger who intends to rip her life apart.
In an atmosphere thick with fear, Savannah realises she cannot keep running, she must fight back or risk losing not only her life, but the only family she has left, her precious daughter.
Savannah Harris is determined to raise her three-month-old daughter in the best possible environment, and flees home to Grace Creek, an inheritance from her recently deceased mother.
But even this peaceful property cannot cocoon her from her abusive husband or a stranger who intends to rip her life apart.
In an atmosphere thick with fear, Savannah realises she cannot keep running, she must fight back or risk losing not only her life, but the only family she has left, her precious daughter.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2013
38 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brandyn
28 books51 followersWelcome to Suzanne's Goodreads page.
If there’s a job to be done in the country, Suzanne Brandyn has done it. From mustering stock in the heat of cattle-country, spotlighting for foxes, shooting a rifle, and navigating through the red dust of the outback, her love of our diverse land, feisty heroines, and the all-important meeting of Mr Right has been delighting readers for years.
You can find out more about Suzanne on her website Romancing The Outback. Romance and Suspense set in remote Australia.
https://suzanne-brandyn.blogspot.com/
If there’s a job to be done in the country, Suzanne Brandyn has done it. From mustering stock in the heat of cattle-country, spotlighting for foxes, shooting a rifle, and navigating through the red dust of the outback, her love of our diverse land, feisty heroines, and the all-important meeting of Mr Right has been delighting readers for years.
You can find out more about Suzanne on her website Romancing The Outback. Romance and Suspense set in remote Australia.
https://suzanne-brandyn.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 15, 2014
Savannah Harris couldn’t take any more beatings from her violent husband, Mark and she knew the only way to stop him was to leave him. Savannah also had her three month old daughter, Amy to think about and keeping her safe was her first priority. After being left bruised and in quite a lot of pain from her last beating, Savannah gathers as much of their belongings together and starts to pack the car knowing she doesn't have a lot of time before, Mark returns from the pub.
Having been on the road for a few days, Savannah and Amy arrive at Grace Creek. Savannah has been constantly keeping an eye out for, Mark as she knows he will be looking for her. She also knows his threat about killing her if she ever left him would be carried out if he found her. Savannah had inherited Grace Creek from her mother after she passed away and she was hoping that this would be the last place he would look for her. Feeling a little more at ease, but never letting her guard down completely, Savannah starts to make a home for her and, Amy. Getting to know some of the locals as well as her next door neighbor, Luke who seems friendly and helpful.
Just when, Savannah thought her life was changing for the better, Mark turns up demanding his daughter and instantly, Savannah fears for her and Amy's life. Mark is not a man who can be talked to or reasoned with and, Savannah is petrified. There is no way, Savannah is letting, Mark take Amy away from her, but just how will she stop him without getting herself killed?
This book certainly had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't wait to reach the end to find out how it was going to end. And what an ending it was with twist and turns that kept you guessing. A tense and gripping read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
Having been on the road for a few days, Savannah and Amy arrive at Grace Creek. Savannah has been constantly keeping an eye out for, Mark as she knows he will be looking for her. She also knows his threat about killing her if she ever left him would be carried out if he found her. Savannah had inherited Grace Creek from her mother after she passed away and she was hoping that this would be the last place he would look for her. Feeling a little more at ease, but never letting her guard down completely, Savannah starts to make a home for her and, Amy. Getting to know some of the locals as well as her next door neighbor, Luke who seems friendly and helpful.
Just when, Savannah thought her life was changing for the better, Mark turns up demanding his daughter and instantly, Savannah fears for her and Amy's life. Mark is not a man who can be talked to or reasoned with and, Savannah is petrified. There is no way, Savannah is letting, Mark take Amy away from her, but just how will she stop him without getting herself killed?
This book certainly had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't wait to reach the end to find out how it was going to end. And what an ending it was with twist and turns that kept you guessing. A tense and gripping read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2013
Savannah fled Sydney with her three month old daughter, Amy, after the final, brutal beating from her abusive husband Mark. She couldn’t take any more, and for her own and her daughters safety, she needed to get them away from Sydney and Mark.
They arrived at Grace Creek, after two long days of driving, staying overnight in a quiet motel, but Savannah was always glancing over her shoulder, sure Mark was following. Savannah had inherited Grace Creek from her mother who had died three months previously from a terrible car accident. As she tried to settle into the house and make some plans for the future, she remembered her brief encounter with one of her mother’s workers, Adrian. He had changed her tyre when it went flat not far from her new home. Now he was moving out of the small building on the property, as he’d purchased land at Moree. She wasn’t sure if she was happy to see him go or not.
Her neighbour, Luke, appeared friendly even though he said he didn’t know there was a daughter who would inherit the property. Luke had organised her mother’s funeral, but no-one had let her know, and she was devastated that she hadn’t been here for her mother. She missed her terribly, saddened that she hadn’t met Amy before she passed away.
But Savannah didn’t feel safe…the fear was in her all the time, even with the loaded rifle she kept at her side constantly. Suddenly she knew he had found them, and the brutality was about to start all over again. He was going to kill her this time, she was sure of it. What would happen to her sweet little Amy?
This novel is totally gripping, tension ripping through the pages, pace moving erratically, horror and fear jumping out at the reader all the way through. Savannah was a wonderful character who was strong, tough and determined to keep her daughter safe from harm.
One issue I had; I felt the editing process wasn’t thorough enough, with several mistakes dotted throughout the book.
But all in all, a great thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
They arrived at Grace Creek, after two long days of driving, staying overnight in a quiet motel, but Savannah was always glancing over her shoulder, sure Mark was following. Savannah had inherited Grace Creek from her mother who had died three months previously from a terrible car accident. As she tried to settle into the house and make some plans for the future, she remembered her brief encounter with one of her mother’s workers, Adrian. He had changed her tyre when it went flat not far from her new home. Now he was moving out of the small building on the property, as he’d purchased land at Moree. She wasn’t sure if she was happy to see him go or not.
Her neighbour, Luke, appeared friendly even though he said he didn’t know there was a daughter who would inherit the property. Luke had organised her mother’s funeral, but no-one had let her know, and she was devastated that she hadn’t been here for her mother. She missed her terribly, saddened that she hadn’t met Amy before she passed away.
But Savannah didn’t feel safe…the fear was in her all the time, even with the loaded rifle she kept at her side constantly. Suddenly she knew he had found them, and the brutality was about to start all over again. He was going to kill her this time, she was sure of it. What would happen to her sweet little Amy?
This novel is totally gripping, tension ripping through the pages, pace moving erratically, horror and fear jumping out at the reader all the way through. Savannah was a wonderful character who was strong, tough and determined to keep her daughter safe from harm.
One issue I had; I felt the editing process wasn’t thorough enough, with several mistakes dotted throughout the book.
But all in all, a great thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 27, 2014
I received a copy of this book free for my honest review. I was hooked from the first paragraph! This is a gripping book of a woman who has survived spousal abuse and attempted murder to raise her daughter in safety. You feel like you are with Savannah as she tries to survive at all odds. The story kept my heart in my throat as I was right there with Savannah! I read this book in 3 settings which would of been two, except I kept falling asleep and dropping it, but it was so intense I didn't want to quit even though it was quite late. I also learned a little about the beautiful Australian Outback from where the author is from and about Kangaroos! I would highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a chilling and gripping thriller!
July 12, 2013
I read Outback Fear, which was my first experience with your books. I am thrilled that I found you, because this story hit so close to home. Domestic abuse is so very real and some women do find the strength to fight back, carry on, and even experience real love. Savannah Harris is a survivor, and like many women, she refused to give up. This entire book screams determination, deceit, the love of a mother for her child, and finally, the elusive love that I am sure Savannah never saw coming. I am not a great advocate of violence, but I am glad that Mark got what he deserved. I loved Outback Fear and now I must read the rest of your books! Sybil
June 3, 2013
What a suspense filled book! The author had me hooked from the first page. There were lots of very intense moments that had me cringing! I loved all the twists that the author put into this story.
Savannah inherits property in the Outback from her mother. She feels as if this is the perfect opportunity for her to get herself and baby safely away from her abusive husband. In her new home, she finds herself still afraid and always alert for danger.
This book has made me want to read more from this author as it was a very well written book. The main character, Savannah, was well developed and likable. Although it was mostly a suspense novel, it also had some romance which made it even more enjoyable!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Savannah inherits property in the Outback from her mother. She feels as if this is the perfect opportunity for her to get herself and baby safely away from her abusive husband. In her new home, she finds herself still afraid and always alert for danger.
This book has made me want to read more from this author as it was a very well written book. The main character, Savannah, was well developed and likable. Although it was mostly a suspense novel, it also had some romance which made it even more enjoyable!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2013
When Savannah Harris inherits some property in the Outback, she figures its the perfect time to get out of an abusive relationship and raise her 3 month old daughter in peace. Little does she know, but trouble follows her in more ways than one. This is a very fast paced, action filled book that leaves the reader wanting to find out what will happen next. A great read!
June 18, 2013
In Outback Fear, Savannah Harris encounters multiple life endangering and life altering threats while trying to find her place in life.
While it is necessary to maintain the suspension of disbelief, this can be said of many books. Furthermore, the story is well written which helps to pull the reader in and to keep reading to find out what happens next.
There is a portion near the third quarter to end of book where the type face shifts, but this could be an early distribution error.
The characters are realistic and believable.
Definitely a thrilling read!
While it is necessary to maintain the suspension of disbelief, this can be said of many books. Furthermore, the story is well written which helps to pull the reader in and to keep reading to find out what happens next.
There is a portion near the third quarter to end of book where the type face shifts, but this could be an early distribution error.
The characters are realistic and believable.
Definitely a thrilling read!
March 28, 2014
I thought the start of this book was great. Not exactly what I would call a romance, but there were romantic elements.
I have to say I battled to read all the way through.
The violence was a bit much for me, and I've read some very violent books. Also, definitely not believable. Yes, domestic violence does exist, but to have the lead antagonist come back time and time after time.It got boring.
I did find her emotions and descriptions fascinating. Sorry to say, I won't be following this Author.
I have to say I battled to read all the way through.
The violence was a bit much for me, and I've read some very violent books. Also, definitely not believable. Yes, domestic violence does exist, but to have the lead antagonist come back time and time after time.It got boring.
I did find her emotions and descriptions fascinating. Sorry to say, I won't be following this Author.
March 24, 2017
Outback Fear is about Savannah Harris and her daughter Amy trying to escape from a violent relationship. Savannah runs away to her mother’s farm where she thought she would be safe and can start a new life with her daughter. However, this was not what happen, and the reader would not be able to put the book down because every time you turn the page something else happens. Outback Fear is fast moving suspense entwine with romance. However, who will Savannah fall in love with Luke or Adrian? I recommend this book.
March 11, 2014
Great idea for a story, and I really wanted to like it as so infrequently do authors paint a picture of life in Australia. However, the book is in dire need of an edit. Incomplete sentences, incorrect words ("right off" instead of "write off"), and missing commas and question marks completely distracted me from what could have been a good read.
August 16, 2014
3.5/5.0
Ms. Brandyn does a fine job of keeping the suspense in this story going page after page until the reader doesn’t know what is going to happen next!
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. Brandyn does a fine job of keeping the suspense in this story going page after page until the reader doesn’t know what is going to happen next!
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 11, 2013
Very intense. In real life one woman would not be able to take all what's happening to her though, have to have a blind eye to that while reading.
June 30, 2020
DNF
I kept hoping the story would get better but it never did. I forced myself to 78% before I had to stop. The story was very disjointed and nonsensical. Characters popped in and out at random and had personality changes out of the blue. I normally wouldn't be this harsh but its bad!
I kept hoping the story would get better but it never did. I forced myself to 78% before I had to stop. The story was very disjointed and nonsensical. Characters popped in and out at random and had personality changes out of the blue. I normally wouldn't be this harsh but its bad!
October 3, 2013
Outback Fear by Suzanne Brandyn
This is a fun fast read of a strong woman who makes tough choices to ensure her child's safety.
Set in the Australian outback she encounters a dashing neighbor. A Jackaroo with deep brown eyes who might be involved in a bank robbery and her husband is looking for her and Amy.
So starts a story of twists and turns. Of a mother trying to start anew and to make sure her child is safe.
The Outback itself has secrets of its own. When left to die in a deserted area with no water she has to will herself to fight the good fight of survival to see her little girl again. Her husband however has other ideas.
Can her neighbor save her?
Filled with twists and turns this is a very entertaining read. I have only one critique. The third instance where she faced a life or death situation, for me as a reader was one too many. After almost being hanged I felt sated with her as being an exceptional woman and the next scene was simply too much for me. This will probably not be true for other readers. It is only my opinion. I felt the story rushed from one breath of terror to a next once that scene started.
All in all. A really good read. One I am not sad I spend time on.
WaAr
This is a fun fast read of a strong woman who makes tough choices to ensure her child's safety.
Set in the Australian outback she encounters a dashing neighbor. A Jackaroo with deep brown eyes who might be involved in a bank robbery and her husband is looking for her and Amy.
So starts a story of twists and turns. Of a mother trying to start anew and to make sure her child is safe.
The Outback itself has secrets of its own. When left to die in a deserted area with no water she has to will herself to fight the good fight of survival to see her little girl again. Her husband however has other ideas.
Can her neighbor save her?
Filled with twists and turns this is a very entertaining read. I have only one critique. The third instance where she faced a life or death situation, for me as a reader was one too many. After almost being hanged I felt sated with her as being an exceptional woman and the next scene was simply too much for me. This will probably not be true for other readers. It is only my opinion. I felt the story rushed from one breath of terror to a next once that scene started.
All in all. A really good read. One I am not sad I spend time on.
WaAr
August 1, 2013
I was hooked from the first paragraph! The writing is excellent and the story flowed, in fact the suspense never stopped. I had my heart thumping in my throat as I barracked for Savannah all the way through It's a gripping, suspenseful book that I couldn't put down. I've read lots of suspense novels with a touch of romance, but this book tells a story of an everyday woman. It could be the girl at the supermarket, the girl working at the pharmacy, or any one of us.
Savannah the main character leaves her husband and takes their three month old daughter with her to a property she has inherited. The husband Mark is furious, and won't give up until he has his child.Savannah has the confidence to fight for what she believes in, to stand up for herself. It is awesome. Savannah runs into more trouble as well, but also into a handsome jackaroo who any girl would love to run into
It has a twist in the story that I didn't see coming. I was totally in awe. Loved it.
This is a must read if you love suspense where an everyday woman overcomes great obstacles. I will be looking out for this authors next novels.
Savannah the main character leaves her husband and takes their three month old daughter with her to a property she has inherited. The husband Mark is furious, and won't give up until he has his child.Savannah has the confidence to fight for what she believes in, to stand up for herself. It is awesome. Savannah runs into more trouble as well, but also into a handsome jackaroo who any girl would love to run into
It has a twist in the story that I didn't see coming. I was totally in awe. Loved it.
This is a must read if you love suspense where an everyday woman overcomes great obstacles. I will be looking out for this authors next novels.
July 26, 2013
Outback Fear is a suspenseful good summer read. There were some things about the story that I loved and some not so much. The main character, Savannah is a young mother who must survive an abusive husband while learning that you can go home again; even though she never planned too. I loved how she grew in her confidence and how in the end, she learn to rely on herself to save herself and baby daughter. I loved the Australian countryside and way of life descriptions, as well as the bit of difference in the dialect from here in the US.
I wish that the relationship between Adrian and Savannah had been more developed. I felt that it was a bit rushed. Also the extra villain was distracting to me since it seemed too unlikely that one person would encounter both in such a short period of time in her life. I feel the story could have been just as strong or stronger without him. However, I am not a writer in any shape or form; these are just my thoughts as a reader.
I wish that the relationship between Adrian and Savannah had been more developed. I felt that it was a bit rushed. Also the extra villain was distracting to me since it seemed too unlikely that one person would encounter both in such a short period of time in her life. I feel the story could have been just as strong or stronger without him. However, I am not a writer in any shape or form; these are just my thoughts as a reader.
March 2, 2016
DNF
I’ll keep my thoughts on this book brief. I gave up at 64%. The story started out well and I had high hopes for it. However, very early on it spiraled into something repetitive and tedious with characters that are lifeless and flat. The same thing happens over and over with the ex-husband who keeps showing up at every turn and terrorizing his wife who abandoned him. It got tired really quickly (and so did I).
Nevertheless, I’m giving Outback Fear a two-star rating as I could see that this author has potential. The writing is good and with a REAL professional editor and a number of proofreaders, this story can be so much more. Apart from the grammar errors, the execution of the plot and the pacing as well as the transitioning between scenes needs a lot of work. The story is based on a good idea; one which attracted me to download it from Amazon many moons ago when it was a free read.
Overall, there is potential here, but it needs a lot of work.
I’ll keep my thoughts on this book brief. I gave up at 64%. The story started out well and I had high hopes for it. However, very early on it spiraled into something repetitive and tedious with characters that are lifeless and flat. The same thing happens over and over with the ex-husband who keeps showing up at every turn and terrorizing his wife who abandoned him. It got tired really quickly (and so did I).
Nevertheless, I’m giving Outback Fear a two-star rating as I could see that this author has potential. The writing is good and with a REAL professional editor and a number of proofreaders, this story can be so much more. Apart from the grammar errors, the execution of the plot and the pacing as well as the transitioning between scenes needs a lot of work. The story is based on a good idea; one which attracted me to download it from Amazon many moons ago when it was a free read.
Overall, there is potential here, but it needs a lot of work.
July 16, 2013
This story was not just about domestic violence. It was about relationships, accepting help, standing up for yourself and hope.
Suzanne handled the abuse scenes tactfully and without any gratuitous violent descriptions. Domestic abuse is extremely violent but she does not exploit this to sell a book.
I loved the suspense and guessed upcoming events incorrectly several times. I love when a book can take me by surprise!
The Australian outback was described vividly and I could visualize a pack of Kangaroos hanging out -like the deer we have here. I'm sure a pack of deer can dangerous as well - right?
Very well written, engrossing book. I recommend it.
Suzanne handled the abuse scenes tactfully and without any gratuitous violent descriptions. Domestic abuse is extremely violent but she does not exploit this to sell a book.
I loved the suspense and guessed upcoming events incorrectly several times. I love when a book can take me by surprise!
The Australian outback was described vividly and I could visualize a pack of Kangaroos hanging out -like the deer we have here. I'm sure a pack of deer can dangerous as well - right?
Very well written, engrossing book. I recommend it.
July 15, 2013
A friend recommended this novel, and I'm so glad she did. I loved the story. The suspense is full on all the way through the novel. The characters came to life for me, especially the heroine, Savannah. She fought for what she believed in, fought for herself and her little baby. I could say more but fear I'd give too much away. I recommend anyone who loves a suspense novel to read this, you won't be sorry.
Well written, full of superb description, and a story that every woman can relate to.
Well written, full of superb description, and a story that every woman can relate to.
June 20, 2013
This book put me on edge from the very beginning. I was filled with dread and terror throughout the book. The story is very realistic to the situations of violence. However, things may not be always as they seem.
July 12, 2013
Suzanne's book Outback Fear was suspenseful and with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing & surprised. At points I found some aspects of the story unplausable, but a good summer read non the less.
September 26, 2013
Just how much can you expect the poor woman to put up with, it never stopped the entire book, attempt after attempt to destroy her. As suspenseful as it was this book didn't really click with me I'm afraid.
October 21, 2013
full of suspense - would have given it 4 stars but there were times when the book seemed to jump around (timeframe/setting) and made it hard to get into the flow of the book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews