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Charlotte's Creek
After a couple of years working in a privileged private school, Lucy Francis yearns for adventure. So when she hears about a job teaching four children on a massive cattle property in North Queensland, she decides to throw caution - and her teaching job - to the winds.
When Lucy arrives at Charlotte's Creek Station she finds a family in crisis. To make matters worse, the four children she's been charged with educating are very spirited, not always cooperative, and dismally behind in their schooling.
To Lucy, the only person who seems to be keeping Charlotte's Creek afloat is the family's gruff stockman, Ted. With his support and encouragement Lucy throws herself into the day-to-day activities of the station and makes excellent progress with the children.
Though Lucy and Ted's feelings for each other grow, Ted can't see any future for them because of his lack of prospects. As the family divisions at Charlotte's Creek prove insurmountable and the property looks set to be put on the market, Lucy faces returning to the city and leaving Ted behind. . .
By the betselling author of Redstone Station, this is the story of a strong young woman stepping into the unknown, trying to make things work, and finding love.
When Lucy arrives at Charlotte's Creek Station she finds a family in crisis. To make matters worse, the four children she's been charged with educating are very spirited, not always cooperative, and dismally behind in their schooling.
To Lucy, the only person who seems to be keeping Charlotte's Creek afloat is the family's gruff stockman, Ted. With his support and encouragement Lucy throws herself into the day-to-day activities of the station and makes excellent progress with the children.
Though Lucy and Ted's feelings for each other grow, Ted can't see any future for them because of his lack of prospects. As the family divisions at Charlotte's Creek prove insurmountable and the property looks set to be put on the market, Lucy faces returning to the city and leaving Ted behind. . .
By the betselling author of Redstone Station, this is the story of a strong young woman stepping into the unknown, trying to make things work, and finding love.
446 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Therese Creed
2 books28 followersTherese Creed grew up in Sydney, one of nine children. From an early age she loved horses and a dream of one day living in the bush. After leaving school she became a primary school teacher for four years before deciding to take a break and spend some time riding a trail from Victoria to Queensland. During a 5-month pit-stop she met a local farmer, Cedric Creed, who joined her riding further north to Cooktown. After marrying Cedric Therese became involved in the running of the family cattle station. She now knows a fair bit about fighting fires, pulling windmills, driving trucks and tractors, shoeing horses and fencing. She now divides her time between helping out on the station and bringing up her four young children. Her first novel, Redstone Station, was a bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 28, 2015
Three and a half stars.
After an altercation at the snobbish school where she has been teaching, Lucy Francis takes a job as a governess at Charlotte’s Creek Station in Queensland. Her job is to teach the four West children on the huge cattle property, but over time she takes on other jobs as well. The family is in disarray, the wife Mel and husband Den seem to be always at each other’s throats and the children behind in their schooling. I thought Mel was portrayed very well as a woman who has been battered down by life and things not working out as she would like. Lucy, I found almost too sweet and accommodating to be believable. Of course there is a romance and although Ted seemed to be the glue holding the property together, Lucy has trouble understanding him. He is rather taciturn. One of the best scenes I thought was when he visits Sydney and has dinner with the social set. I was definitely cheering him on then.
The countryside is the big star in this novel, and portrayed so well. Too well at times. There were certain aspects of country living, this city born and raised girl just had to quickly skip over. At times I felt the novel got bogged down in the details and it seemed not much happened. But maybe that is the reality on a large property. I was really enjoying this novel initially. Then it began to drag in the middle but it certainly picked up again towards the end. Recommended for anyone who likes reading about life in outback Australia.I read it despite the cover. Sick to death of girls in hats. The outback scene would have been enough.
After an altercation at the snobbish school where she has been teaching, Lucy Francis takes a job as a governess at Charlotte’s Creek Station in Queensland. Her job is to teach the four West children on the huge cattle property, but over time she takes on other jobs as well. The family is in disarray, the wife Mel and husband Den seem to be always at each other’s throats and the children behind in their schooling. I thought Mel was portrayed very well as a woman who has been battered down by life and things not working out as she would like. Lucy, I found almost too sweet and accommodating to be believable. Of course there is a romance and although Ted seemed to be the glue holding the property together, Lucy has trouble understanding him. He is rather taciturn. One of the best scenes I thought was when he visits Sydney and has dinner with the social set. I was definitely cheering him on then.
The countryside is the big star in this novel, and portrayed so well. Too well at times. There were certain aspects of country living, this city born and raised girl just had to quickly skip over. At times I felt the novel got bogged down in the details and it seemed not much happened. But maybe that is the reality on a large property. I was really enjoying this novel initially. Then it began to drag in the middle but it certainly picked up again towards the end. Recommended for anyone who likes reading about life in outback Australia.I read it despite the cover. Sick to death of girls in hats. The outback scene would have been enough.
May 13, 2014
While marketed as a rural romance, and there certainly is a lovely romance, CHARLOTTE’S CREEK is much more than that, it is about life on the land in the 21st century, and the hardships faced today, which are not that much different to our early farmers; isolation, droughts, floods, money flow and family dramas. There is also a new threat on the horizon which looms highly as a sub plot and that is the threat of the increasing foreign ownership of our farms and potential implications for food security. If there are food shortages in the future due to climate change, are the Arab States, Indonesian, Brazilian and Chinese owners going to sell the produce from ‘their’ land to Australians – or their own people? How about the water – will they restrict water to Australians? This issue very much struck a chord with me as I have been studying the effects of climate change to Australia, and while in CHARLOTTE’S CREEK the topic verges dangerously close to preaching at times as the story unfolds, there is no doubt that the sentiment is straight from author Therese Creed’s heart and is woven into the story very well.
As a reader I bonded with Lucy from the very first page – she might be a city girl and ignorant of bushie ways – but she is no weak and insipid walk over either. She happily takes on tasks above and beyond what a governess is supposed to do – not only does she teach and organise the children, she finds herself getting more and more involved in the day to day activities of the station. First task is dealing with the frogs that inhabit her veranda (and her toilet) before advancing to egg collecting (avoiding an aggressive rooster) and then eventually moving on to fencing, cattle mustering and assisting with delivering a baby. Lucy makes mistakes as she learns the harsh realities of working on the land, but she doesn’t give up. She copes with the hard work, earns the respect of the other station workers, and makes friends with other people in the surrounding properties. In short she fits right in. There is a ghostly mystery to solve, a romance to develop and an extremely stressed mum to assist. I fell in love with all the characters, and understood (even if I didn’t always agree with) their motivations. Life on a cattle station is brutally hard work – but at the end of the day you can kick back and enjoy the beauty and recharge your batteries for another round the next day. Therese Creed brought Charlotte Creek alive for me and kept my attention to the very last page. I will certainly look out for her next book.
As a reader I bonded with Lucy from the very first page – she might be a city girl and ignorant of bushie ways – but she is no weak and insipid walk over either. She happily takes on tasks above and beyond what a governess is supposed to do – not only does she teach and organise the children, she finds herself getting more and more involved in the day to day activities of the station. First task is dealing with the frogs that inhabit her veranda (and her toilet) before advancing to egg collecting (avoiding an aggressive rooster) and then eventually moving on to fencing, cattle mustering and assisting with delivering a baby. Lucy makes mistakes as she learns the harsh realities of working on the land, but she doesn’t give up. She copes with the hard work, earns the respect of the other station workers, and makes friends with other people in the surrounding properties. In short she fits right in. There is a ghostly mystery to solve, a romance to develop and an extremely stressed mum to assist. I fell in love with all the characters, and understood (even if I didn’t always agree with) their motivations. Life on a cattle station is brutally hard work – but at the end of the day you can kick back and enjoy the beauty and recharge your batteries for another round the next day. Therese Creed brought Charlotte Creek alive for me and kept my attention to the very last page. I will certainly look out for her next book.
February 20, 2022
The best read, it had a bit of everything! Adventure, love, heart break, family and farming! Would highly recommend 😍
May 17, 2014
Feeling stifled and restless in her teaching position at a privileged private school, Lucia Francis quits and impulsively accepts a position as a governess on a remote property in North Queensland. Arriving at Charlotte's Creek, Lucy is met by the brusque Dennis, sharp tongued Melissa and four rambunctious children more interested in being seated on a horse than in a classroom. Though feeling overwhelmed, Lucy is nevertheless determined to rise to the challenge and slowly earns the respect of the West Family and their enigmatic ringer, Ted, as she wrangles the kids and pitches in around the house and farm. Despite the hard work and isolation, Lucy begins to fall in love with Charlotte's Creek, and its residents, but when tragedy strikes and Lucy is forced to return to the city, she wonders is she will ever be able to call it home again.
Therese Creed writes from experience. She married a farmer and lives and works on the family's 17,000 acre cattle station in central Queensland. I appreciate that the author doesn't romanticise the hard work it takes to run a property, Dennis and Ted spend long days mustering, mending fences, caring for livestock and performing general maintenance. Mel, despite being pregnant for much of the novel, has not only the household chores, cooking and the children to attend to, but is also responsible for managing the finances and farm resources, and is required to pitch as and where needed on the property. The children, even four year old twins Molly and Wade, are also expected to help out with tasks city kids couldn't imagine.
I really admired Lucy's have-a-go attitude, despite her lack of experience and knowledge she is eager to learn and help where needed even if it means facing down White Trash to collect the eggs, learning to drive a manual car from 11 year old Connor and taking riding instruction on a Clydesdale. Lucy also proves to be a patient teacher and loyal friend. I did feel she was perhaps a touch too naive at times, even given her coddled city background, not only in relation to the realities of farm life but also in her interactions with Adam and Ted.
Creed briefly explores some relevant and topical concerns related to farming in Charlotte's Creek including coal seam mining, foreign investment, and natural hazards like fire and drought. Succession though is the major issue in Charlotte's Creek, despite the hard work Dennis and Mel have put into the property, it belongs to Dennis's parents and they are reluctant to relinquish control. I thought this subject was explored very well.
I do think the book is a little over long, though the daily activity on the station is interesting, it does become somewhat repetitive. One major story arc which I was interested in ends without much fanfare midway through the book, and the chaste relationship between Lucy and Ted doesn't seem to be going anywhere until the last few chapters.
Charlotte's Creek is the second novel by Therese Creed, and as in Redstone Station, I thought it well written with natural dialogue. The characters are particularly appealing and well developed, the setting is vividly drawn, and despite weaknesses in the plot, overall it is an enjoyable read.
August 4, 2021
It's a brilliant book.
September 14, 2023
I came here to try to find a way to thank Ms Therese Creed for not only an excellent book, but a brilliant baby delivery scene. I’m a doc in Queensland and found the birthing scene both faithful to the truth and compelling. I’ve worked up around Townsville and Cairns and done some RFDS stuff as well. I’ve also done a ton of neonatal helicopter / fixed wing / road ambulance retrieval work, so I was pleased with the reality of the situation whilst still being suspenseful and engaging.
Thank you so much Ms Creed for your work. It is truly excellent.
Matt.
Thank you so much Ms Creed for your work. It is truly excellent.
Matt.
January 5, 2020
I really loved this story, great descriptions of the outback and the things that go on out there. The Author has a very good understanding of station people and in particular 'bush kids' and it reminded me of all the ones I taught years ago. It also touches on an issue that is very prevalent among, not only station people but farmers as well. While there was some romance it was very refreshing to find a book with so much more substance to it.
August 1, 2020
Enjoyable but if I’m honest a bit of a slog to get through. Storyline never quite hits highs or lows just meanders it’s way through to an inevitable conclusion. I didn’t really get into the personality of the heroine or hero characters which left me a bit detached from it all.
June 7, 2017
Really enjoyed the storyline. Was a bit slow to start with but I liked how the story concentrates on Lucy's and her adventure into a new way of life leaving the romance aspect rather subtle.
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September 24, 2017An enjoyable Aussie outback romance. A light read but one you kept wanted to keep reading. However, I found the ending a little rushed.
May 26, 2015
Lucy is a teacher at an exclusive private school in the bright lights of Sydney. She longs for a sea change, so impulsively decides to leave her teaching position and life in Sydney to become a governess to a family with four young children. The family are located in the North of Queensland on a remote and expansive cattle property. Lucy finds immediate challenge in the location of her new workplace. This is due to the sheer remoteness of the location and the children too, who clearly detest being schooled in a classroom environment. Gradually, Lucy finds her inner confidence to tackle her new environment and the challenges it presents, head on. In doing so, Lucy wins the admiration of her new family, including the children’s tough as nails Mother, Mel. Just as Lucy begins to feel like Charlotte’s Creek could be her new home, a family emergency requires her to return home to Sydney. Lucy is faced with the dilemma of considering whether to abandon her new life in the rural Charlotte’s Creek, or return permanently to her comfortable life in the city.
Charlotte’s Creek was a real winner for me. There is a lot to love about this book. Much more than a simple rural romance, Charlotte’s Creek explored a range of issues facing those who live on the land. Family is the overarching theme of this book. Author Therese Creed, looks at the complexities of a young family trying to manage life on a busy rural property. The day to day events are depicted in a realistic manner from the mundane domestic duties, to the business requirements of a busy station and the issue of inheritance/succession. The nitty gritty of life on a cattle property is also described in vivid detail for the reader from mustering, branding, tending to sick animals, repairing fencing and overcoming natural threats, such as flash flooding and fire. All these aspects of the book combine to make Charlotte’s Creek a fascinating piece of writing.
The characters in Charlotte’s Creek, both major and minor, are well drawn and multi layered. I felt a natural connection to Lucy, the central character in the book. Being a Teacher like Lucy, I felt moved by her story, I loved how she rose to the challenges presented to her. I felt inspired to want to follow in her footsteps and trade my city teaching position for a governess role! Supporting Lucy are a great cast of secondary characters who bring so much growth the story, from cranky Mel the Mother, Ted the silent Ringer and the highly entertaining children. The dialogue shared between the characters in this novel is authentic, typically Australian and injected with the right amount of humour. The romance in the book is set at a gentle pace, there are plenty of complications thrown in the mix. I did find myself getting frustrated more than once with the two lovebirds in the end, willing them to take the plunge and take a chance on a life spent together. There is also a really interesting thread involving the history of the place and people of the Charlotte’s Creek property, complete with a ghost. I did feel it was not completely explored to its full potential, ending a little too early in the book for me.
Charlotte’s Creek is a wonderful second offering from a gifted Australian storyteller who is unafraid to reveal the hardships of rural life to the reader. I was completely transfixed by this book from beginning to end. I cannot wait to see what Therese Creed has in store for her readers next.
Charlotte’s Creek was a real winner for me. There is a lot to love about this book. Much more than a simple rural romance, Charlotte’s Creek explored a range of issues facing those who live on the land. Family is the overarching theme of this book. Author Therese Creed, looks at the complexities of a young family trying to manage life on a busy rural property. The day to day events are depicted in a realistic manner from the mundane domestic duties, to the business requirements of a busy station and the issue of inheritance/succession. The nitty gritty of life on a cattle property is also described in vivid detail for the reader from mustering, branding, tending to sick animals, repairing fencing and overcoming natural threats, such as flash flooding and fire. All these aspects of the book combine to make Charlotte’s Creek a fascinating piece of writing.
The characters in Charlotte’s Creek, both major and minor, are well drawn and multi layered. I felt a natural connection to Lucy, the central character in the book. Being a Teacher like Lucy, I felt moved by her story, I loved how she rose to the challenges presented to her. I felt inspired to want to follow in her footsteps and trade my city teaching position for a governess role! Supporting Lucy are a great cast of secondary characters who bring so much growth the story, from cranky Mel the Mother, Ted the silent Ringer and the highly entertaining children. The dialogue shared between the characters in this novel is authentic, typically Australian and injected with the right amount of humour. The romance in the book is set at a gentle pace, there are plenty of complications thrown in the mix. I did find myself getting frustrated more than once with the two lovebirds in the end, willing them to take the plunge and take a chance on a life spent together. There is also a really interesting thread involving the history of the place and people of the Charlotte’s Creek property, complete with a ghost. I did feel it was not completely explored to its full potential, ending a little too early in the book for me.
Charlotte’s Creek is a wonderful second offering from a gifted Australian storyteller who is unafraid to reveal the hardships of rural life to the reader. I was completely transfixed by this book from beginning to end. I cannot wait to see what Therese Creed has in store for her readers next.
June 2, 2014
The second novel by Aussie author Therese Creed, Charlotte's Creek is another rural story about a strong young woman in rural Australia. While I wasn't blown away by Creed's first novel Redstone Station, I was completely absorbed in the story of Charlotte's Creek. A combination of interesting characters, genuine outback community ties and a love of the land that made it difficult for me to put this book down.
Lucy Francis (presumably in her mid 20's) throws in her teaching position at a posh Sydney private school to take up a governess job in North Queensland. She leaves behind the life (her parents) expected of her and takes the plunge to be out of her comfort zone- and that she is. She arrives at the dusty homestead and meets her four wild students, quickly discovering why the family had so many failed governesses before her. Admirably, Lucy takes it all in her stride. She's young, determined and hopeful and she has a vision of how she wants to run her small school. Of course there's a lot of reluctance from her academically- behind students who would much rather be out on the cattle farm with their dad.
Lucy's initial isolation and loneliness is paramount and I admired how she embraced this aspect of her new life. in this acceptance she makes unlikely friends with the children's foul-mouthed mother Mel and the broody stockman Ted. I particularly enjoyed the quiet companionship between Ted and Lucy. Typically a near-mute hero would irritate me beyond tears, but in Charlotte's Creek it was his presence, his actions and what he didn't say that showed me the kind of bloke Ted was. His backstory, though revealed quite late in the story, was realistic in the context of his past experiences and the solitary lifestyle he lived.
What I particularly enjoyed about this story wasn't actually the love story. It was Lucy's exploration of the property, her eagerness to learn the runnings of the cattle farm and her curiosity about the history of the land. Perhaps that's what I connected with the most. My recent move to a semi-rural location has unearthed a much-needed serenity and a sense of accomplishment at even the simplest tasks undergone around our property. In that sense I could really relate to the way she handled the situation.
In my opinion Lucy was a more well-rounded character than Creed's protagonist in Redstone Station. Perhaps it's the author's own personal experience that shines through in this story- a former school teacher who now runs a cattle station with her husband and four (soon to be five) children.
I'm looking forward to seeing where Creed's writing muse takes her next.
Lucy Francis (presumably in her mid 20's) throws in her teaching position at a posh Sydney private school to take up a governess job in North Queensland. She leaves behind the life (her parents) expected of her and takes the plunge to be out of her comfort zone- and that she is. She arrives at the dusty homestead and meets her four wild students, quickly discovering why the family had so many failed governesses before her. Admirably, Lucy takes it all in her stride. She's young, determined and hopeful and she has a vision of how she wants to run her small school. Of course there's a lot of reluctance from her academically- behind students who would much rather be out on the cattle farm with their dad.
Lucy's initial isolation and loneliness is paramount and I admired how she embraced this aspect of her new life. in this acceptance she makes unlikely friends with the children's foul-mouthed mother Mel and the broody stockman Ted. I particularly enjoyed the quiet companionship between Ted and Lucy. Typically a near-mute hero would irritate me beyond tears, but in Charlotte's Creek it was his presence, his actions and what he didn't say that showed me the kind of bloke Ted was. His backstory, though revealed quite late in the story, was realistic in the context of his past experiences and the solitary lifestyle he lived.
What I particularly enjoyed about this story wasn't actually the love story. It was Lucy's exploration of the property, her eagerness to learn the runnings of the cattle farm and her curiosity about the history of the land. Perhaps that's what I connected with the most. My recent move to a semi-rural location has unearthed a much-needed serenity and a sense of accomplishment at even the simplest tasks undergone around our property. In that sense I could really relate to the way she handled the situation.
In my opinion Lucy was a more well-rounded character than Creed's protagonist in Redstone Station. Perhaps it's the author's own personal experience that shines through in this story- a former school teacher who now runs a cattle station with her husband and four (soon to be five) children.
I'm looking forward to seeing where Creed's writing muse takes her next.
November 24, 2015
Actual Rating - 4.5 stars
Another great Therese Creed book! Her first story, Redstone Station, is one of my favourite books, and this one did not disappoint. I loved it so much I don't know how well I can write about it...
Everything about the story, from the first page to the last, was amazing. The characters, the setting, the events. They are just just so well described you can create a vivid picture, the characters are all well developed and relatable, and most importantly, they were loveable. The four children that Lucy worked with were my favourite characters, they just so well embodied the typical, tough, mature, station child, and were really funny. Lucy was a really good protagonist, and you found yourself rooting for her as she adapted to her new lifestyle. I found the beginning of the book to be really exciting, and even though it slowed down a little over the rest of the story, I still loved it. The ending of the story was perfect, it left the story feeling complete.
It is really nice to have a book that gives you a taste of the remote farming lifestyle, with a romance that is a major part of the story but doesn't take complete centre stage like many other the other books in this genre. Again, like Redstone Station, the complete absence of any vulgarity is really refreshing, although I would not recommend it for too young an audience because it does deal with some strong themes. The only reason I didn't give the book the full 5 stars was because Ted seemed older than 25 to me, .
This book is a must read for any fan of Australian fiction, and any fan of just plain great stories. It is still not as good as Redstone Station, but still amazing. Therese Creed's second novel cemented her place among my favourite authors, and I am eagerly awaiting any future books.
Another great Therese Creed book! Her first story, Redstone Station, is one of my favourite books, and this one did not disappoint. I loved it so much I don't know how well I can write about it...
Everything about the story, from the first page to the last, was amazing. The characters, the setting, the events. They are just just so well described you can create a vivid picture, the characters are all well developed and relatable, and most importantly, they were loveable. The four children that Lucy worked with were my favourite characters, they just so well embodied the typical, tough, mature, station child, and were really funny. Lucy was a really good protagonist, and you found yourself rooting for her as she adapted to her new lifestyle. I found the beginning of the book to be really exciting, and even though it slowed down a little over the rest of the story, I still loved it. The ending of the story was perfect, it left the story feeling complete.
It is really nice to have a book that gives you a taste of the remote farming lifestyle, with a romance that is a major part of the story but doesn't take complete centre stage like many other the other books in this genre. Again, like Redstone Station, the complete absence of any vulgarity is really refreshing, although I would not recommend it for too young an audience because it does deal with some strong themes. The only reason I didn't give the book the full 5 stars was because Ted seemed older than 25 to me, .
This book is a must read for any fan of Australian fiction, and any fan of just plain great stories. It is still not as good as Redstone Station, but still amazing. Therese Creed's second novel cemented her place among my favourite authors, and I am eagerly awaiting any future books.
October 11, 2016
'Charlotte's Creek' by Therese Creed is city-girl-goes-to-country tale. Lucy is hired as a governess to four unruly children, falls in love with the life and learns to be a country girl. There was a lot going on in this novel including a ghost story that never really went anywhere, family division over succession, the reality of living in an isolated community, and very detailed descriptions of learning to ride a horse, making a fence, feeding the chooks, mending a windmill, mustering, weaning the cattle etc. And in an effort to be proudly Australian she overuses the language. I have never been to north Queensland so I am may be wrong, but it seems that every farmer or worker is called Stumpy, Bluey, Jacko, Flipper, Hoodlum, Itchy or Grasshopper, and they keep saying 'strewth', 'righto' and 'bloody oath'. The rest of the dialogue never rings true for me: Four-year-old Wade, after listening to Lucy read 'Clancy of the Overflow' says: 'That's bloody nice, queer-sounding talk Lucy'. The farmer's wife Melissa is downtrodden and depressed and is portrayed in such vile and horrid terms she elicits no sympathy from the reader; with a defter touch she could have been a truly memorable character. Sadly, the romantic interest is the most wooden and uninteresting character I've read in a long time, being alternatively taciturn, grumpy, snarling or absent from the page. He romantically calls Lucy 'mate' all the time and asks her to go to the races because ' I thought you might wanna tag along'. No sparks for me at all.
February 13, 2017
A great insight into life on a cattle property and the issues surrounding succession planning. I did feel the twins were a little too wise and knowledgeable being only four years old, however that was minor in the overall story line.
September 26, 2015
real Australian story of man on the land and inheritance and those who wonder where our food is going to come from. The storyline is very true to life for many who are on the land. Townie's/ city people verses land/bushies is a wide gap and along with who stays on the land if you sell up who will buy. Some of the conversations in the story brought back memories of language I haven't heard for a while. Being in a school the difficulties of getting kids to come to school regularly even though I'm a townie must be difficult to have routine in home schooling. Ted's character was interesting and Lucy had to find away to converse with him so they were on the same page.
April 22, 2015
Oh my gawd ... Loved this story .. Loved Lucy loved ted and even loved Mel ... I think the write wrote this book in a fab way a lot to cover but you got to know the characters .. You learn things about rural Australia but it's not written in a way that over explains .., And not just the plain they lived happily ever ending ... Thank you .. A new fave genre... And a deffo new fave author .. Next one will be a paperback so I can share .. Would even gift this book ... It's that good !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2016
Another fantastic book from one of my favourite authors.
I fell in love with Lucy on the very first page, and although Ted didn't say much, he was one of my favourite characters, too. And my heart broke for Mel.
Such vivid descriptions of life in the Australian outback, I could almost picture myself being there, riding along on horseback with Ted and the ringers.
This is definitely a book I'll be reading again!
I fell in love with Lucy on the very first page, and although Ted didn't say much, he was one of my favourite characters, too. And my heart broke for Mel.
Such vivid descriptions of life in the Australian outback, I could almost picture myself being there, riding along on horseback with Ted and the ringers.
This is definitely a book I'll be reading again!
June 8, 2014
Anyone that has lived and worked in country Australia will enjoy this book.
Lucy works at a prestigious school in Sydney but decides to have a life change and takes a job on a cattle station in rural Queensland teaching 4 children. Lucy moves into a volatile situation where the family she works for are still 'under the thumb' of the parents.
Excellent book. Hard to put down
Lucy works at a prestigious school in Sydney but decides to have a life change and takes a job on a cattle station in rural Queensland teaching 4 children. Lucy moves into a volatile situation where the family she works for are still 'under the thumb' of the parents.
Excellent book. Hard to put down
May 23, 2014
Enjoyable read and interesting learning about life in rural Australia on a working farm but would have liked to romance it up more with her relationship with Ted. Would have been interesting hearing about his thoughts too.
January 2, 2015
This was one of the first Australian rural romances I read. Loved the book and couldnt put it down. Enjoyed the characters and the setting. The only downside for me was there wasnt enough romance when they finally admitted their love for each other. A bit more romance would have been nice!
January 7, 2016
Excellent read, Therese has captured & conveyed, in a thoroughly entertaining way, the reality of life on an outback property. The story is told with the authenticity of someone who has experienced it.
August 28, 2014
loved this book, got to a point where I didnt think there would be happy ending. there were tears
April 9, 2015
Ok, this is now my favourite book I have read!! Was just perfect, sad, funny, romance, it had it all.
August 12, 2015
Fantastic read with some real great charter's in the story. can't wait to read another one of Therese book's
August 9, 2015
I LOVED this book. Being from Sydney myself and loving everything about the country, it was so easy to picture myself in Lucy's shoes.
May 11, 2016
An easy read. An interesting account of succession planning on farming properties . I also enjoyed the description of farm work on a large property. Both main characters were gentle and believable.
October 24, 2016
Loved this beautiful story! Tears & laughter (lots of laugh out loud moments!) Just a really beautiful read! A must read this one!!!
January 2, 2015
Lovely rural romance. Explored some serious issues currently faced by farmers. Well written.
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