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Diamond Firetail Farm #1
Back in the Saddle
Taylor Murphy has spent her life fighting for the farm that’s been in her family for generations. As a horse breeder in Australia’s Hunter Valley, she knows that survival depends on sacrifice. But in saving the farm, she never realised she was losing her marriage.
Ciaron spent years working beside her while holding their family together, waiting for Taylor to see that love isn’t something that can be put on hold. But when waiting turned into loneliness, he made the hardest decision of his life—he walked away.
Now, thanks to their scheming children, Ciaron is back under the same roof, sleeping beside the only woman he’s ever loved. The tension is thick, the unspoken words heavier than the drought threatening the farm they built together.
They both want a second chance. They both still burn for each other.
But love wasn’t enough before.
What if it still isn’t?
Ciaron spent years working beside her while holding their family together, waiting for Taylor to see that love isn’t something that can be put on hold. But when waiting turned into loneliness, he made the hardest decision of his life—he walked away.
Now, thanks to their scheming children, Ciaron is back under the same roof, sleeping beside the only woman he’s ever loved. The tension is thick, the unspoken words heavier than the drought threatening the farm they built together.
They both want a second chance. They both still burn for each other.
But love wasn’t enough before.
What if it still isn’t?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Terelst
24 books764 followersCynthia Terelst is an emerging Australian author based in regional Queensland, where the sun shines 283 days a year. She is a Document Controls Manager by day and a writer by night. Cynthia’s mother introduced her to a lifelong love of reading, for which she will be forever grateful. With love for the written word instilled in her, she wrote her first picture book at the age of 8, about her lost cat, Fluffy.
Cynthia writes contemporary romance and has four books published in her Love Down Under series. She refers to her writing style as ‘heat with heart'. In her novels, she likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Her novels do not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
Cynthia writes contemporary romance and has four books published in her Love Down Under series. She refers to her writing style as ‘heat with heart'. In her novels, she likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Her novels do not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 25, 2025
Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Taylor Murphy runs Diamond Firetail Farm with her husband Ciaron and they have two teenagers. Taylor is a workaholic, she’s obsessed with saving the property that’s been in her family for generations and the area is experiencing a bad drought.
Communication between the couple is non-existent, when Ciaron tries to share his point of view with Taylor she doesn’t listen and shuts him down, and he takes drastic action and leaves.
The kids are not happy, they contact their grandmother in Ireland, when Mary announces she’s visiting, Ciaron moves back in and doesn’t want her knowing about his marital problems and they put on a good front and fingers crossed no one mentions they have been living apart.
I know horses are expensive, so combine this with working together and worrying about paying bills, staff wages and a drought you can see why Taylor and Ciaron are stressed and struggling. I had no idea how involved it was having a horse farm and providing agistment and a breeding program.
The narrative in Back in the Saddle by Cynthia Terelst highlights topics that are very relevant, such as lack of communication between partners, raising children and what’s involved, toxic relationships and when you don’t live in the same country as your parents and feeling guilty.
The main characters have to share a bedroom and they start to talk, reconnect and remember why they fell in love over two decades ago, sparks and chemistry sizzle, and the story gets rather hot and spicy.
Cynthia didn’t shock me too much and hasn’t put me off reading the next instalment in the Diamond Firetail Farm Series, called Hitched for a Dream and due to be released on the 1st of October 2025.
Three and a half stars from me, I recommend for readers who enjoy adult’s only Australian rural and second chance romantic fiction.
Communication between the couple is non-existent, when Ciaron tries to share his point of view with Taylor she doesn’t listen and shuts him down, and he takes drastic action and leaves.
The kids are not happy, they contact their grandmother in Ireland, when Mary announces she’s visiting, Ciaron moves back in and doesn’t want her knowing about his marital problems and they put on a good front and fingers crossed no one mentions they have been living apart.
I know horses are expensive, so combine this with working together and worrying about paying bills, staff wages and a drought you can see why Taylor and Ciaron are stressed and struggling. I had no idea how involved it was having a horse farm and providing agistment and a breeding program.
The narrative in Back in the Saddle by Cynthia Terelst highlights topics that are very relevant, such as lack of communication between partners, raising children and what’s involved, toxic relationships and when you don’t live in the same country as your parents and feeling guilty.
The main characters have to share a bedroom and they start to talk, reconnect and remember why they fell in love over two decades ago, sparks and chemistry sizzle, and the story gets rather hot and spicy.
Cynthia didn’t shock me too much and hasn’t put me off reading the next instalment in the Diamond Firetail Farm Series, called Hitched for a Dream and due to be released on the 1st of October 2025.
Three and a half stars from me, I recommend for readers who enjoy adult’s only Australian rural and second chance romantic fiction.
February 19, 2025
more realistic marriage in trouble romance, H/h have been married 22 years with 2 kids when he asks for divorce one day because they've been growing apart and i liked that there was no ow/om, just them working to fix their marriage.
February 11, 2025
This book gave me all the feels! Back In The Saddle is a second chance contemporary romance, I loved Cynthia’s writing style. I absolutely hated Ciaron’s mother with a passion. She made me so mad every time I had to read about her! The ending was so beautiful. Cynthia Terelst is on my radar now I’m excited to read more from her
February 13, 2025
Roller coaster of emotions!!
I PASSIONATELY disliked Taylor to start with in the end I really enjoyed her.
His mum totally sucks!
I enjoyed learning a little about horses, that was cute.
Overall cute ASF read, very wholesome, very sweet. A couple of good giggle moments and good crying moments
I PASSIONATELY disliked Taylor to start with in the end I really enjoyed her.
His mum totally sucks!
I enjoyed learning a little about horses, that was cute.
Overall cute ASF read, very wholesome, very sweet. A couple of good giggle moments and good crying moments
October 13, 2025
It took a little to get into the story but I’m glad I kept going. Thid slow starter turned into a wee emotional rollercoaster that left me cheering for the home team.
February 7, 2025
This book was so sweet and heartwarming. I really enjoyed it. The MMCs mom was a total sleezebag and made me mad through the whole book. But the ending was absolutely perfect
February 20, 2025
be prepared with a box of Kleenex
This book was not like the prequel at all and I was not prepared for this. The prequel will butter you up with some dinner and drinks, telling you how pretty you are and then you get to this book and it then F’s you hard and put you away wet looking like you went through a tornado to then cuddle up for some pillow talk asking how youd like your eggs in the morning… it will destroy your heart. I sobbed the entire book to the point that tears just continued to freely fall down my face and there was no off switch. I believe that the trauma of having an abusive parent is what made me relate so hard to this book and why I felt so deeply for the characters. This is not an easy romance book by any means but it’s a beautiful story and it’s well written. The characters acknowledge their traumas and their trauma responses are very much sculpted by how they dealt with the trauma as they were children which doesn’t happen a lot in books and it’s very big part in the book that I appreciate because it’s very true. Growing up and learning about ones traumas and what we do to deal with and how it shapes our adult life’s is real and to have that in a book where the prequel was so soft and sweet. Constructing this heavy emotional book. I really enjoyed it! I think it has so much emotional depth and it truly shows how trauma can affect a relationship.
Spice: 🔥🔥/5
Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖/5
Overall recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5
This book deals with very mature but triggering topics. I always tell everyone to check the trigger warnings. Every book should have a page in the beginning of the book to warn others about the topics within the book. The spice was low in this but it was so well placed and the fact that he was verbal. There were definitely a few scenes that made me give this a 2/5 score rating instead of a one. It’s not very detailed but the vocalizations were enough to boost the rating from a 1 in my eyes for sure.
If you can handle the mature/triggering topics in this book then I 1000 percent recommend this. The contrast between the prequel to this will have you falling inlove with the characters and feeling their emotions as you read along with their story!
This book was not like the prequel at all and I was not prepared for this. The prequel will butter you up with some dinner and drinks, telling you how pretty you are and then you get to this book and it then F’s you hard and put you away wet looking like you went through a tornado to then cuddle up for some pillow talk asking how youd like your eggs in the morning… it will destroy your heart. I sobbed the entire book to the point that tears just continued to freely fall down my face and there was no off switch. I believe that the trauma of having an abusive parent is what made me relate so hard to this book and why I felt so deeply for the characters. This is not an easy romance book by any means but it’s a beautiful story and it’s well written. The characters acknowledge their traumas and their trauma responses are very much sculpted by how they dealt with the trauma as they were children which doesn’t happen a lot in books and it’s very big part in the book that I appreciate because it’s very true. Growing up and learning about ones traumas and what we do to deal with and how it shapes our adult life’s is real and to have that in a book where the prequel was so soft and sweet. Constructing this heavy emotional book. I really enjoyed it! I think it has so much emotional depth and it truly shows how trauma can affect a relationship.
Spice: 🔥🔥/5
Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖/5
Overall recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5
This book deals with very mature but triggering topics. I always tell everyone to check the trigger warnings. Every book should have a page in the beginning of the book to warn others about the topics within the book. The spice was low in this but it was so well placed and the fact that he was verbal. There were definitely a few scenes that made me give this a 2/5 score rating instead of a one. It’s not very detailed but the vocalizations were enough to boost the rating from a 1 in my eyes for sure.
If you can handle the mature/triggering topics in this book then I 1000 percent recommend this. The contrast between the prequel to this will have you falling inlove with the characters and feeling their emotions as you read along with their story!
March 30, 2025
Cynthia is one of my favorite authors! If you’re looking for super sweet but spicy books then you need to read all of hers.
This is Taylor and Cairon’s story (I love this name). They are so sweet but with their own issues. I love how their story developed and the ending was ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹 I absolutely loved this book and it made my heart so freaking happy.
This is Taylor and Cairon’s story (I love this name). They are so sweet but with their own issues. I love how their story developed and the ending was ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹 I absolutely loved this book and it made my heart so freaking happy.
March 5, 2025
I loved reading this book. It gives you some insight as to the struggles of farmers and how it can impact relationships. Taylor and Ciaron have had a wonderful marriage and life but lately they have been drifting apart and the burdens from the farm only add to that but when push comes to shove they both realise that they still do love each other and deserve to give their marriage another chance. The emotions were raw and real and I just generally loved the story line. A great read by Cynthia Terelst.
June 25, 2025
⭐ 3.5
🌶️ 2.5
🥵 Spicy chapters: 13, 18-19, 21, 24, 28
📚 Tropes/Themes: second chance, it's always been you, divorced MCs, workplace romance
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: mentions of child neglect, toxic parent
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 Back in the Saddle is sweet and emotional, and I'll be honest I was surprised at the amount of spice given that it's a story about a couple who is divorced finding their way back to each other.
I think the biggest takeaway from this book is that communication is super important in a relationship, come and I was really happy to see Taylor and Ciaron find their way back to each other.
I also really enjoyed the flashbacks of the beginning of their relationship recounting how they met and the early days of being together as a couple. It really did a good job of highlighting just how in love they were and explained why they wanted to fight so hard to get back so where they have been.
My only complaint is I think I'm just not a fan of this writing style. It seemed very choppy, and I had a hard time staying focused on it. I started skimming the book around 75% because it just felt like it was dragging.
🌶️ 2.5
🥵 Spicy chapters: 13, 18-19, 21, 24, 28
📚 Tropes/Themes: second chance, it's always been you, divorced MCs, workplace romance
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: mentions of child neglect, toxic parent
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 Back in the Saddle is sweet and emotional, and I'll be honest I was surprised at the amount of spice given that it's a story about a couple who is divorced finding their way back to each other.
I think the biggest takeaway from this book is that communication is super important in a relationship, come and I was really happy to see Taylor and Ciaron find their way back to each other.
I also really enjoyed the flashbacks of the beginning of their relationship recounting how they met and the early days of being together as a couple. It really did a good job of highlighting just how in love they were and explained why they wanted to fight so hard to get back so where they have been.
My only complaint is I think I'm just not a fan of this writing style. It seemed very choppy, and I had a hard time staying focused on it. I started skimming the book around 75% because it just felt like it was dragging.
July 4, 2025
A BROKEN MARRIAGE. A SECOND CHANCE. A LOVE THAT NEVER TRULY LEFT THE SADDLE.
Fans of second-chance romance, small-town dynamics, and Aussie charm will find themselves deeply invested in this emotionally grounded love story about commitment, communication, and healing what was once lost.
Taylor and Ciaron’s marriage didn’t just hit a rough patch—it fractured under the weight of miscommunication, shifting priorities, and the strain of running a horse breeding business through drought and uncertainty. But when family returns to visit and outside eyes start watching, the cracks begin to show again. Only this time, they’re determined not to let things crumble.
As the two navigate parenting, lingering resentment, and new tenderness, they rediscover the partnership—and passion—that once made them inseparable.
🌟 WHAT WORKED WELL
• Genuine second-chance arc: The story doesn’t offer easy forgiveness. It’s honest, messy, and real.
• Rural Australian setting: The horse stud life is authentic and vividly written, anchoring the emotional beats in a clear sense of place.
• Multigenerational tension: Taylor and Ciaron’s struggles are mirrored and pressured by family, making the emotional stakes feel lived-in and layered.
⚠️ WHAT COULD BE BETTER
• The pacing leans gentle—readers looking for big external drama may find the tension too internal.
• Some emotional reflections repeat toward the end, but they underscore the slow process of change.
🙋♀️ RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers who crave emotional realism in their romance, especially those who appreciate stories about rebuilding trust, parenting as partners, and rediscovering intimacy. Ideal for fans of Rachael Johns and Fiona Palmer.
🎯 FINAL TAKEAWAY
Back in the Saddle is more than a love story—it’s a story about recommitment, maturity, and making space for each other again when life and love get complicated. Quiet, heartfelt, and beautifully rooted in place.
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 (Emotional and sensual; open-door but grounded in reconnection)
This review appears on my website on 07.11.2025t
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.
Fans of second-chance romance, small-town dynamics, and Aussie charm will find themselves deeply invested in this emotionally grounded love story about commitment, communication, and healing what was once lost.
Taylor and Ciaron’s marriage didn’t just hit a rough patch—it fractured under the weight of miscommunication, shifting priorities, and the strain of running a horse breeding business through drought and uncertainty. But when family returns to visit and outside eyes start watching, the cracks begin to show again. Only this time, they’re determined not to let things crumble.
As the two navigate parenting, lingering resentment, and new tenderness, they rediscover the partnership—and passion—that once made them inseparable.
🌟 WHAT WORKED WELL
• Genuine second-chance arc: The story doesn’t offer easy forgiveness. It’s honest, messy, and real.
• Rural Australian setting: The horse stud life is authentic and vividly written, anchoring the emotional beats in a clear sense of place.
• Multigenerational tension: Taylor and Ciaron’s struggles are mirrored and pressured by family, making the emotional stakes feel lived-in and layered.
⚠️ WHAT COULD BE BETTER
• The pacing leans gentle—readers looking for big external drama may find the tension too internal.
• Some emotional reflections repeat toward the end, but they underscore the slow process of change.
🙋♀️ RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers who crave emotional realism in their romance, especially those who appreciate stories about rebuilding trust, parenting as partners, and rediscovering intimacy. Ideal for fans of Rachael Johns and Fiona Palmer.
🎯 FINAL TAKEAWAY
Back in the Saddle is more than a love story—it’s a story about recommitment, maturity, and making space for each other again when life and love get complicated. Quiet, heartfelt, and beautifully rooted in place.
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 (Emotional and sensual; open-door but grounded in reconnection)
This review appears on my website on 07.11.2025t
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.
September 8, 2025
Firstly thank you to the author and The Berry Agency for my advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.
I instantly liked the character of Ciaron, he seems like a lovable dad, easy to work with and a patient man. I genuinely was mad at Taylor for being so selfish at the start of the book and Did not like her as a character.
I liked the jump between their first meet and how they fell in love, to then flitting back to modern day where things a rocky to say the least.
I felt like the plot was a bit blasé and I was itching to finish the book by about halfway through.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️/5, well written and not too in your face.
I don’t know if I’d continue the series, but overall I enjoyed this read 😊
I instantly liked the character of Ciaron, he seems like a lovable dad, easy to work with and a patient man. I genuinely was mad at Taylor for being so selfish at the start of the book and Did not like her as a character.
I liked the jump between their first meet and how they fell in love, to then flitting back to modern day where things a rocky to say the least.
I felt like the plot was a bit blasé and I was itching to finish the book by about halfway through.
The spice was 🌶️🌶️/5, well written and not too in your face.
I don’t know if I’d continue the series, but overall I enjoyed this read 😊
September 20, 2025
I made it halfway through the book & was completely frustrated with the couple. Their lack of communication was exhausting. The parental grandmother is a real piece of work & her son was just completely blind to all the things she was doing and saying. A saying I always stick by is “A zebra doesn’t change its stripes.”
September 26, 2025
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions! Taylor and Ciaron have been married for 22 years and have 2 kids. One day, out of no where to Taylor, Ciaron asks for a divorce. We learn about how they have grown apart over the years, miscommunications and undermining that eventually led to their downfall. You watch the main characters fight to get their marriage back, with a little help from their kids and Taylor’s mom, despite Ciaron’s terrible mother.
Overall, a great and easy read. Wholesome and sweet, with some moments of anger, happiness, frustration, and sadness.
Overall, a great and easy read. Wholesome and sweet, with some moments of anger, happiness, frustration, and sadness.
May 9, 2025
This book is an entertaining story of misunderstandings and second chances, meddling in-laws, and forgiveness. While the story is engaging, it gets just a bit repetitive in the middle. It could have been just a tad shorter. The main characters are described with depth and lovely prose. This book would appeal to fans of small town romances with a little bit of spice.
February 9, 2025
Second Chance at love
After reading Cynthia’s prequel - Saddle Up and loving it I was excited to read this story and learn more of Ciaron and Taylor’s life together.
I loved the story from the very start, enjoying reconnecting with the couple and finding how their years together have affected their lives.
As some couples do, in this story they have hit a rocky patch in their relationship and after two decades of being together they separate.
Both utterly miserable they’re unsure how to fix the situation and how to find their way back to each other.
Unbeknownst to them help comes from their loved ones, plans are made and set in motion changing their circumstances and bringing them closer.
But there is evil lurking close to home getting ready to strike.
This is a second chance, forced proximity story that delves into the troubles of a marriage when all communication is lost.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, loved the storyline and the life they led on their horse breeding farm.
Plus I’m looking forward to reading the next story on Diamond Firetail Farm.
After reading Cynthia’s prequel - Saddle Up and loving it I was excited to read this story and learn more of Ciaron and Taylor’s life together.
I loved the story from the very start, enjoying reconnecting with the couple and finding how their years together have affected their lives.
As some couples do, in this story they have hit a rocky patch in their relationship and after two decades of being together they separate.
Both utterly miserable they’re unsure how to fix the situation and how to find their way back to each other.
Unbeknownst to them help comes from their loved ones, plans are made and set in motion changing their circumstances and bringing them closer.
But there is evil lurking close to home getting ready to strike.
This is a second chance, forced proximity story that delves into the troubles of a marriage when all communication is lost.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, loved the storyline and the life they led on their horse breeding farm.
Plus I’m looking forward to reading the next story on Diamond Firetail Farm.
February 15, 2025
This was a wonderful story. It was emotional and raw, full of hurt and bitterness and then such hope and joy. And a bit of spice! I'd say overall the feeling I got was hope for the future through the entire thing. The very last scene had me smiling so hard imaging them.
I loved the length of the story, and the combination of little flashbacks for building the context of how Ciaron and Taylor first met mixed with present day issues and reconciliations. I loved the support of Taylor's mom and how she was such a solid parent/grandparent. Isabelle and Callum made me laugh throughout with their shenanigans. Mary joins the list of book antagonists I'd like to throw into the sun. I always feel like the more I can't stand a character, the better the author did! And this author did a fabulous job at creating those little moments that built my dislike for Mary throughout the book.
I enjoyed this seeming like a more realistic story of a couple slowly overtime falling apart, stopping prioritizing each other, no longer treating the other as well as they could and should. This is a good reminder to not take your family for granted. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I loved the length of the story, and the combination of little flashbacks for building the context of how Ciaron and Taylor first met mixed with present day issues and reconciliations. I loved the support of Taylor's mom and how she was such a solid parent/grandparent. Isabelle and Callum made me laugh throughout with their shenanigans. Mary joins the list of book antagonists I'd like to throw into the sun. I always feel like the more I can't stand a character, the better the author did! And this author did a fabulous job at creating those little moments that built my dislike for Mary throughout the book.
I enjoyed this seeming like a more realistic story of a couple slowly overtime falling apart, stopping prioritizing each other, no longer treating the other as well as they could and should. This is a good reminder to not take your family for granted. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 11, 2025
I absolutely adored this! The heartfelt message behind this really set in stone that it’s so important to listen to your spouse but also to be selfless and see the others perspective in life.
The writing style was enjoyable, so much so that I read this in one sitting basically. Definitely recommend if you’re into contemporary romance in a small town with an Irish mmc 😏
The writing style was enjoyable, so much so that I read this in one sitting basically. Definitely recommend if you’re into contemporary romance in a small town with an Irish mmc 😏
May 3, 2025
Cynthia Terelst delivers “Back in the Saddle,” a poignant tale about Taylor and Ciaron’s twenty-two-year marriage, which suddenly broke apart. Set in Australia in the second year of a drought at Diamond Firetail Farm, the family business they had built. There was no easy return from angry words thrown like daggers to the heart as the tense moment’s frustration erupted. Taylor yelled without thinking. Ciaron roared a response. Neither of them listened nor heard. Their two children and employees witnessed the argument that ended in separation.
The descriptions of the farm provide vivid imagery of the countryside, horses, and various rooms within the structures. Cynthia Terelst excels at character development, depicting the unique personalities of Taylor and Ciaron through their interactions with others, emotional signals, inner thoughts, and realistic dialogue. Secondary characters, including their two children and their respective moms, help expose the family dynamics.
The story unfolds through the points of view of the two primary characters, allowing readers to delve into their emotions and introspective journeys. Romance fans will accompany Taylor and Ciaron as they navigate their struggles, experiencing their reactions, sensations, and regrets. Will Taylor and Ciaron find a way to reconcile, or will they relinquish everything without a fight? The story prompts readers to reflect on their relationships to discover how external forces can negatively and positively impact outcomes.
Fans of Western and contemporary romances will enjoy “Back in the Saddle” for its heartfelt exploration of misunderstanding, honesty, and self-realization. It’s a story worth picking up today for an engaging read. I received a copy of this book, at no charge, from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.
The descriptions of the farm provide vivid imagery of the countryside, horses, and various rooms within the structures. Cynthia Terelst excels at character development, depicting the unique personalities of Taylor and Ciaron through their interactions with others, emotional signals, inner thoughts, and realistic dialogue. Secondary characters, including their two children and their respective moms, help expose the family dynamics.
The story unfolds through the points of view of the two primary characters, allowing readers to delve into their emotions and introspective journeys. Romance fans will accompany Taylor and Ciaron as they navigate their struggles, experiencing their reactions, sensations, and regrets. Will Taylor and Ciaron find a way to reconcile, or will they relinquish everything without a fight? The story prompts readers to reflect on their relationships to discover how external forces can negatively and positively impact outcomes.
Fans of Western and contemporary romances will enjoy “Back in the Saddle” for its heartfelt exploration of misunderstanding, honesty, and self-realization. It’s a story worth picking up today for an engaging read. I received a copy of this book, at no charge, from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.
February 23, 2025
An incredibly genuine, indescribably touching marriage in trouble romance that hits your heart like a freight train! This is just raw, real, and heartbreakingly honest, dissecting how two people once so in love could have just let each other go and what went in to deciding whether to fight or walk away. It doesn't shy away from the anger, resentment, and frustration or the hope, fear, and sadness and does a really beautiful job of not only seeing both sides, but seeing how easily outside events can impact a marriage and how sometimes coping mechanisms do just as much damage as the problems themselves. It gets you thinking, examining your own relationships, it reaches right in and squeezes your heart tight, and it fills you with an immeasurable amount of relief, joy, and peace as Taylor and Ciaron, courtesy of some scheming kids and a truly terrible mother-in-law, fight for, put the work in, and choose each other, and it's just so perfect.
Gah, the hardest trope for me to read, but this truly is a wonderful romance, a wonderful story, and it is just so gorgeously written. All of the things plaguing Taylor and Ciaron and their relationship are relatable, all pitfalls that as your reading you pray you're not falling into, but equally it's relatable how easy it can and does happen all the time. Kids, jobs, weather, other relatives, they just all contribute in their own way and this is a really great reminder to always put the work in to maintain your love, to be willing to admit it always takes two no matter what your part in it is, and to be present. I love the fight and the fear these two share, I love their meet cute and reliving when they met was just adorable, and I love that they stood in front of each other, admitted their part in where it all went wrong and chose each other all over again.
Gah, the hardest trope for me to read, but this truly is a wonderful romance, a wonderful story, and it is just so gorgeously written. All of the things plaguing Taylor and Ciaron and their relationship are relatable, all pitfalls that as your reading you pray you're not falling into, but equally it's relatable how easy it can and does happen all the time. Kids, jobs, weather, other relatives, they just all contribute in their own way and this is a really great reminder to always put the work in to maintain your love, to be willing to admit it always takes two no matter what your part in it is, and to be present. I love the fight and the fear these two share, I love their meet cute and reliving when they met was just adorable, and I love that they stood in front of each other, admitted their part in where it all went wrong and chose each other all over again.
September 26, 2025
BACK IN THE SADDLE by Cynthia Terelst ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Back In The Saddle is the first (#1) book in the DIAMOND FIRETAIL FARM series.
Taylor and Ciaron run a horse farm in Australia’s Hunter Valley, they have two children and have been married for over two decades. Theirs was seemingly a love story written in the stars. But a two year drought and increasing pressures of running the farm put pressure on on their relationship and when Taylor starts putting her all into the farm and neglecting her family, Ciaron has had enough and walks away. Do they have any chance of repairing their relationship or is this the end?
———————————————
This a beautiful, at times heart wrenching story of love, loss and miscommunication. The chemistry between Taylor and Ciaron is off the charts and there is plenty of steam but it’s tastefully done and complements their reconnection.
The couple’s children actively try to reconnect the pair leading them to invite Ciaron’s mother over from Ireland. She is the devil incarnate!! A wicked, wicked meddlesome witch with absolutely no redeeming features. That’s all I’ll say about her!
The story is told from the dual aspect of Taylor and Ciaron and includes flashbacks to their origin story and is beautifully done. The flashbacks help us understand both Taylor and Ciaron’s behaviour somewhat as they both have issues from their childhood.
I would have loved to see Lorraine put Ciaron’s mum in her place but I loved her interactions with the pair, not interfering but gently making them think about their actions.
At around 230 pages, I read the paperback version. With it’s beautiful cover and great editing it made for a delightful read.
I highly recommend this author!!
🐴 Close Proximity
🐴 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🐴 He Falls First
🐴 Contemporary Romance
🐴 Irish MMC
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Marital Problems
Back In The Saddle is the first (#1) book in the DIAMOND FIRETAIL FARM series.
Taylor and Ciaron run a horse farm in Australia’s Hunter Valley, they have two children and have been married for over two decades. Theirs was seemingly a love story written in the stars. But a two year drought and increasing pressures of running the farm put pressure on on their relationship and when Taylor starts putting her all into the farm and neglecting her family, Ciaron has had enough and walks away. Do they have any chance of repairing their relationship or is this the end?
———————————————
This a beautiful, at times heart wrenching story of love, loss and miscommunication. The chemistry between Taylor and Ciaron is off the charts and there is plenty of steam but it’s tastefully done and complements their reconnection.
The couple’s children actively try to reconnect the pair leading them to invite Ciaron’s mother over from Ireland. She is the devil incarnate!! A wicked, wicked meddlesome witch with absolutely no redeeming features. That’s all I’ll say about her!
The story is told from the dual aspect of Taylor and Ciaron and includes flashbacks to their origin story and is beautifully done. The flashbacks help us understand both Taylor and Ciaron’s behaviour somewhat as they both have issues from their childhood.
I would have loved to see Lorraine put Ciaron’s mum in her place but I loved her interactions with the pair, not interfering but gently making them think about their actions.
At around 230 pages, I read the paperback version. With it’s beautiful cover and great editing it made for a delightful read.
I highly recommend this author!!
🐴 Close Proximity
🐴 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🐴 He Falls First
🐴 Contemporary Romance
🐴 Irish MMC
🐴 Forced Proximity
🐴 Marital Problems
February 14, 2025
Right from the beginning Ciaron and Taylor’s story tugs on your heartstrings and leaves you hoping that they can find their way back to each other. They have been married for over two decades, but a drought as well as other stressors have caused not only a failure in communication, but a lack of faith and trust in each other. The love is still there, but they are no longer approaching or handling life as a team, each seeming to have a different priority and no longer connecting or checking in with each other. Separation and eventually a divorce seem to be the only way forward.
Their children, however, are set on bringing their parents back together and instigate a plan that includes having his mother come from Ireland to visit. Ciaron hasn’t mentioned the troubles in their marriage to his mother. Their relationship has often been strained in the past and she was never pleased with his choice of a wife or to leave Ireland. Having her visit means he is returning to the house and the room he shared with his wife. Talk about awkward and uncomfortable. Having her disapproving mother in law in their home is hardly helping Taylor’s tumultuous emotions or helping to bridge the divide between her and the husband she still loves.
Being near each other again after an extended time a part is difficult, but it also sparks the need to at least try to reconnect, to find common ground and sort out this division between them, just as their children had hoped.
Their story is emotional, poignant and so very relatable. It was easy to empathize with both Ciaron and Taylor, and to dislike his manipulative and self-centred mother. I found this book to be insightful, engaging and enjoyable. I am happy to recommend it.
Their children, however, are set on bringing their parents back together and instigate a plan that includes having his mother come from Ireland to visit. Ciaron hasn’t mentioned the troubles in their marriage to his mother. Their relationship has often been strained in the past and she was never pleased with his choice of a wife or to leave Ireland. Having her visit means he is returning to the house and the room he shared with his wife. Talk about awkward and uncomfortable. Having her disapproving mother in law in their home is hardly helping Taylor’s tumultuous emotions or helping to bridge the divide between her and the husband she still loves.
Being near each other again after an extended time a part is difficult, but it also sparks the need to at least try to reconnect, to find common ground and sort out this division between them, just as their children had hoped.
Their story is emotional, poignant and so very relatable. It was easy to empathize with both Ciaron and Taylor, and to dislike his manipulative and self-centred mother. I found this book to be insightful, engaging and enjoyable. I am happy to recommend it.
August 29, 2025
This was a super refreshing read from what I usually tend to gravitate towards and I loved it.
In this book we have a couple who have been married for 22 years, have two kids together, run a breeding stud together and experience their fair share of marital problems. This shows readers the raw emotion and struggles couples can face after many years together and how the stress of work can bleed into all aspects of your life.
Taylor and Ciaron start off this story in a rocky place, have a massive fall out and go their separate ways. Throughout the story we watch them try to repair the damage both of them contributed to their marriage, whilst also working on expressing their thoughts and feelings through positive communication as opposed to flying off the handle and blaming each other.
I did love how their kids are a little bit cheeky and decide to intervene without their parents knowledge to force them back towards each other again.
I did also love that this is set in Australia and is an authenticic representation of how farming, drought and long days can take a toll on not only a person in charge of running the show but also their family unit.
This book was super easy to immerse myself in, I had a few laughs and was genuinly rooting for them to get their second chance in the end.
I will also add that I hated Ciaron's mother and her emotional manipulation in this book but it does also represent how a person's childhood can affect them later in life.
In this book we have a couple who have been married for 22 years, have two kids together, run a breeding stud together and experience their fair share of marital problems. This shows readers the raw emotion and struggles couples can face after many years together and how the stress of work can bleed into all aspects of your life.
Taylor and Ciaron start off this story in a rocky place, have a massive fall out and go their separate ways. Throughout the story we watch them try to repair the damage both of them contributed to their marriage, whilst also working on expressing their thoughts and feelings through positive communication as opposed to flying off the handle and blaming each other.
I did love how their kids are a little bit cheeky and decide to intervene without their parents knowledge to force them back towards each other again.
I did also love that this is set in Australia and is an authenticic representation of how farming, drought and long days can take a toll on not only a person in charge of running the show but also their family unit.
This book was super easy to immerse myself in, I had a few laughs and was genuinly rooting for them to get their second chance in the end.
I will also add that I hated Ciaron's mother and her emotional manipulation in this book but it does also represent how a person's childhood can affect them later in life.
February 2, 2025
The first ever book I read by Cynthia I feel in love with her writing, the worlds she creates are beautiful, sweet, magical and truly amazing. Lachlan and Peyton's story always stayed with me and got a special spot in my heart. And this book wasn't any different, they too earned that spot aswell. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read ciaron and Taylor's story it was an emotional journey that's for sure, with some twists. A whirlwind of craziness.
Once I started I couldn't stop I ate it up from start to finish, every little delicious moment of it. It's one that pulled on my heartstrings, I felt so bad for Taylor having to put up with that bitch of a mother in law. After so many years together they fell apart. But there meddling kids weren't having any of it and came up with a plan. But the evil mother in law was at it again. But this time ciaron opened his eyes and seen his mother for what she really was an evil c*nt.
Throughout I was rooting for them, they are souls mates and shouldn't be apart. It's action packed and there's never a dull moment. It's a must read. I highly recommended it!
"I reached up and cupped his cheek. “You are loved by us, your brothers, Mum, everyone on the farm.”
"I couldn’t imagine celebrating this with anyone but my best friend, the man I loved with all of my heart. The man who loved me with all of his."
Once I started I couldn't stop I ate it up from start to finish, every little delicious moment of it. It's one that pulled on my heartstrings, I felt so bad for Taylor having to put up with that bitch of a mother in law. After so many years together they fell apart. But there meddling kids weren't having any of it and came up with a plan. But the evil mother in law was at it again. But this time ciaron opened his eyes and seen his mother for what she really was an evil c*nt.
Throughout I was rooting for them, they are souls mates and shouldn't be apart. It's action packed and there's never a dull moment. It's a must read. I highly recommended it!
"I reached up and cupped his cheek. “You are loved by us, your brothers, Mum, everyone on the farm.”
"I couldn’t imagine celebrating this with anyone but my best friend, the man I loved with all of my heart. The man who loved me with all of his."
February 16, 2025
This was the story of Taylor and Ciaron. They met when she was visiting Ireland from Australia. She was there visiting her father. He left her and her mum a long time ago. Her remarried and had more children. They were not very kind to her. Ciaron was driving along and this is when he saw Taylor
Floating down the river on a tour with a group of people. She didn’t know any of them. He went down to the end of the stop where they were getting out of the water. They talked for a bit and they hit it off. He went with her to her father’s house and they were even worse to her that night so he told her to pack her stuff and she went back to his house with him. Ciaron had a tough life growing up. His mum often left him alone and the first time he was 7. She told him she would be gone for 5 days. She was gone a lot longer than that. She never changed except for having 3 more kids each had different fathers. The day he met her he told Taylor that they would be married one day and they were. This was a great love story. Taylor and Ciaron went through a rough patch. They had 2 children together. The kids called in reinforcements in both of their mothers. Ciaron was never close with his mum. She wasn’t happy that Ciaron left her and
Now she had to take care of her responsibilities with her other boys. Great book. Must read to see how it all plays out.
Floating down the river on a tour with a group of people. She didn’t know any of them. He went down to the end of the stop where they were getting out of the water. They talked for a bit and they hit it off. He went with her to her father’s house and they were even worse to her that night so he told her to pack her stuff and she went back to his house with him. Ciaron had a tough life growing up. His mum often left him alone and the first time he was 7. She told him she would be gone for 5 days. She was gone a lot longer than that. She never changed except for having 3 more kids each had different fathers. The day he met her he told Taylor that they would be married one day and they were. This was a great love story. Taylor and Ciaron went through a rough patch. They had 2 children together. The kids called in reinforcements in both of their mothers. Ciaron was never close with his mum. She wasn’t happy that Ciaron left her and
Now she had to take care of her responsibilities with her other boys. Great book. Must read to see how it all plays out.
September 8, 2025
This book was such a refreshing read - like a palate cleanser between heavier stories. Think small town warmth colliding with a touch of The Parent Trap, and you’ve got a romance that feels like one big love letter from start to finish.
I’ll admit, I usually groan when a romance throws in a first act breakup. More often than not, it makes the rest of the journey feel predictable. But here? It actually worked. That early heartbreak set the emotional stakes high and gave the rest of the story a really authentic, lived in feel. You could sense the weight of Ciaron and Taylor’s history in every page that followed.
The flashbacks were another highlight. Rather than slowing things down, they fleshed out their love story, showing the sweet, the messy, and everything in between. It made me root even harder for them to overcome the obstacles in their present.
If I had one small gripe, it would be the amount of internal monologue sometimes I wanted the characters to do more rather than think more. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the heart of the story.
What I loved most is how relatable it felt. Who hasn’t thought about what it would mean to get a second chance with “the one that got away”? This book captures that longing beautifully, wrapping it up with small town charm, heartfelt emotion, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning.
I’ll admit, I usually groan when a romance throws in a first act breakup. More often than not, it makes the rest of the journey feel predictable. But here? It actually worked. That early heartbreak set the emotional stakes high and gave the rest of the story a really authentic, lived in feel. You could sense the weight of Ciaron and Taylor’s history in every page that followed.
The flashbacks were another highlight. Rather than slowing things down, they fleshed out their love story, showing the sweet, the messy, and everything in between. It made me root even harder for them to overcome the obstacles in their present.
If I had one small gripe, it would be the amount of internal monologue sometimes I wanted the characters to do more rather than think more. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the heart of the story.
What I loved most is how relatable it felt. Who hasn’t thought about what it would mean to get a second chance with “the one that got away”? This book captures that longing beautifully, wrapping it up with small town charm, heartfelt emotion, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning.
August 21, 2025
It has been a long time since I’ve read a novel set on a farm, but as someone that literally only read books about horses as a young kid, I can confirm that this book is absolutely for the grown-up horse girlies.
The story follows the characters Taylor and Ciaron as they navigate lives as recently separated co-parents who own a horse farm together. They navigate the struggles of drought in rural Australia, work through co-parenting their two teenagers, and try to face their unresolved feelings for each other.
I read this book as an E-Book (thank you to the berry agency for sending me a copy) and demolished the whole book in 2 days, it was really easy to read and I was so invested in the characters, I couldn’t put it down. I think the romance built really well, it wasn’t too rushed despite the book being on the shorter side.
The only real qualm I had with this book was the classic 'miscommunication' trope, I think that sometimes it wasn’t portrayed well and it reminded me a bit of Xaden and Violet in Iron Flame (which I am yet to finish), it was just frustrating to read at times.
Overall, I think it was a really fun book, perfect for adult romance readers who are fans of horses and the 'parent trap' style romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
The story follows the characters Taylor and Ciaron as they navigate lives as recently separated co-parents who own a horse farm together. They navigate the struggles of drought in rural Australia, work through co-parenting their two teenagers, and try to face their unresolved feelings for each other.
I read this book as an E-Book (thank you to the berry agency for sending me a copy) and demolished the whole book in 2 days, it was really easy to read and I was so invested in the characters, I couldn’t put it down. I think the romance built really well, it wasn’t too rushed despite the book being on the shorter side.
The only real qualm I had with this book was the classic 'miscommunication' trope, I think that sometimes it wasn’t portrayed well and it reminded me a bit of Xaden and Violet in Iron Flame (which I am yet to finish), it was just frustrating to read at times.
Overall, I think it was a really fun book, perfect for adult romance readers who are fans of horses and the 'parent trap' style romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
February 14, 2025
A successful relationship relies on choosing each other every day
What started with a kiss on the street in Dublin in Saddle Up! has grown into a solid marriage and partnership, until two years of drought puts immense strain on a marriage that has lasted more than two decades. A successful relationship relies on choosing each other every day, and Ciaron and Taylor's is no different, until they start taking each other for granted. Ciaron shows his love by working the farm and focussing on his home and children, while Taylor removes herself when her fears for the future of the family farm and her marriage keep her glued to her office. As Ciaron and Taylor work through their problems, we see how love is a deciding factor in whether a relationship will endure or collapse under the weight of external forces. The role reversal shown in Back in the Saddle is not as uncommon as some would think, with a husband being dedicated to his family while his wife focusses on work. With a lot of soul-searching and putting in the hard yards, Taylor and Ciaron slowly work their way back to each other and their epic love story and HEA.
I received an advanced copy from the author
What started with a kiss on the street in Dublin in Saddle Up! has grown into a solid marriage and partnership, until two years of drought puts immense strain on a marriage that has lasted more than two decades. A successful relationship relies on choosing each other every day, and Ciaron and Taylor's is no different, until they start taking each other for granted. Ciaron shows his love by working the farm and focussing on his home and children, while Taylor removes herself when her fears for the future of the family farm and her marriage keep her glued to her office. As Ciaron and Taylor work through their problems, we see how love is a deciding factor in whether a relationship will endure or collapse under the weight of external forces. The role reversal shown in Back in the Saddle is not as uncommon as some would think, with a husband being dedicated to his family while his wife focusses on work. With a lot of soul-searching and putting in the hard yards, Taylor and Ciaron slowly work their way back to each other and their epic love story and HEA.
I received an advanced copy from the author
February 28, 2025
After twenty-two years of marriage, Taylor and Ciaron have separated. Their marriage was in trouble because the grew apart. Along with the horse breeding farm, working long hours, and a couple of years of drought in Australia was just too much. Will they divorce? After all, they are soulmates. What will happen? Can they work together and live apart? What can go wrong? Two sweet, sneaky matchmaking children, who invited both of the grandmothers to the farm, so that Ciaron and Taylor had decided to move back in the family home, to pretend they’re still married until Ciaron’s mother leaves. She doesn’t care for Taylor and would do anything to have Ciaron return to back to his family in Ireland. It’s a story of fighting for the person you love, bringing back the spark, fighting for your own little family, keeping the ranch successful, and accepting your faults with what was wrong in the marriage. I was so rooting for this couple. The characters are wonderful. They just lost their way but can find their way back to each other. Worth the read. The first book I’ve read from Cynthia Terelst, and it won’t be the last. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
January 24, 2025
This one is a journey of sorts … lots of things like: realizing what you have right in front of you, self-accountability, personal growth, boundary-setting and so much more. Throw in the struggling business due to natural disaster and I learned so much as the reader, while watching these leads learn things about life, love and themselves.
Written in alternating first-person POV, the reader is treated to both leads’ inner narrative and therefore knows where the problems lie before the characters themselves do. Watching them figure it out and grow is truly a treat—(and inspirational as I’m on my own healing journey). Thought-provoking at times.
Divorced couple / second chance at love.
Later-in-life romance.
Ranch life.
Miscommunication (done well, IMO).
Fake relationship.
Forced proximity.
Scheming teenagers.
Banter!
Flashbacks to the sweetest meetcute & whirlwind romance i’ve ever seen.
Overall:
This was incredibly well done, continuity was always on-point and it flows beautifully throughout.
4.5 stars.
Written in alternating first-person POV, the reader is treated to both leads’ inner narrative and therefore knows where the problems lie before the characters themselves do. Watching them figure it out and grow is truly a treat—(and inspirational as I’m on my own healing journey). Thought-provoking at times.
Divorced couple / second chance at love.
Later-in-life romance.
Ranch life.
Miscommunication (done well, IMO).
Fake relationship.
Forced proximity.
Scheming teenagers.
Banter!
Flashbacks to the sweetest meetcute & whirlwind romance i’ve ever seen.
Overall:
This was incredibly well done, continuity was always on-point and it flows beautifully throughout.
4.5 stars.
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