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The Path Through the Coojong Trees
A page-turning new rural romance from the bestselling author of Wings Above the Mallee.
Once upon a time, Natasha believed in love. At nineteen, her heart was captivated by a man who promised her the world, only to vanish, leaving her to carry the weight of shattered dreams - and the child she never expected.
A decade later, Natasha is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that has haunted her for so long and vows to give her daughter the love and stability she never had. As they settle into the peaceful rhythms of Settlers Bridge, Natasha is drawn to the local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings she thought she could never have again. Yet, despite the connection they share, Natasha can't shake the belief that she will never move on from her first love.
When her past and future abruptly collide, dividing the town that seems to offer sanctuary, Natasha must decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will shatter everything she has built.
Once upon a time, Natasha believed in love. At nineteen, her heart was captivated by a man who promised her the world, only to vanish, leaving her to carry the weight of shattered dreams - and the child she never expected.
A decade later, Natasha is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that has haunted her for so long and vows to give her daughter the love and stability she never had. As they settle into the peaceful rhythms of Settlers Bridge, Natasha is drawn to the local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings she thought she could never have again. Yet, despite the connection they share, Natasha can't shake the belief that she will never move on from her first love.
When her past and future abruptly collide, dividing the town that seems to offer sanctuary, Natasha must decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will shatter everything she has built.
373 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Kelsall
9 books130 followersThough fortunate to grow up in the South Australian country – initially on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in a tiny town where the school had a total enrolment of only eleven students, and later on a sheep and wheat farm in the Murraylands - in typical teen fashion, Léonie couldn't wait to hit the bright lights of the big city when she graduated.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2025
Nineteen year old Natasha was over caring for her father, and wondering if her deadbeat mother would ever help with the rent. She was sick and tired of being the only responsible person, the one working two jobs as well as studying to go to uni as soon as she could. Natasha needed to get out of the small town she hated - falling in love was not in her plans. But when Tarik moved into her orbit, they gravitated to one another. After months of wonder, Tarik disappeared from her life, leaving her shattered; wondering how she could go forward.
It was ten years later and Settlers Bridge was a welcoming town, not far from Murray Bridge in South Australia, when Natasha and Zehra moved there for Tash to start the new teaching year at the local primary school. They both felt the friendliness of the locals like a big warm hug. It wasn't long before Zehra had made lots of friends, and Tash was settled into her new job. Their small cottage was nestled on the banks of the Murray River, and Tash swam as often as she could. But change was coming, something that Tash hadn't foreseen in any way possible...
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is another spectacular rural romance by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall which I devoured. Filled with mystery, drama, angst and family - both good and bad - the depth of the story was both intriguing and breathtaking. I've read every book Ms Kelsall has written, and this one is up there with her best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
It was ten years later and Settlers Bridge was a welcoming town, not far from Murray Bridge in South Australia, when Natasha and Zehra moved there for Tash to start the new teaching year at the local primary school. They both felt the friendliness of the locals like a big warm hug. It wasn't long before Zehra had made lots of friends, and Tash was settled into her new job. Their small cottage was nestled on the banks of the Murray River, and Tash swam as often as she could. But change was coming, something that Tash hadn't foreseen in any way possible...
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is another spectacular rural romance by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall which I devoured. Filled with mystery, drama, angst and family - both good and bad - the depth of the story was both intriguing and breathtaking. I've read every book Ms Kelsall has written, and this one is up there with her best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
June 22, 2025
Natasha Wilson is nineteen, she’s in her last year of high school and due to her family’s circumstances it's not easy for her to attend and she knows education is her key to escaping her parents and poverty. Nat meets a guy, she’s instantly smitten and counts down the days until they can be alone and at their secret place.
A decade later Natasha and her daughter Zehra move to Settlers Bridge, situated in the Adelaide Hills and she’s the new teacher at the primary school and the job comes with a house and she plans on to making it into a safe haven. Her bungalow is close to the Murray River and Natasha finds it peaceful looking at water and the old Coojong trees lining its banks.
Natasha has been unlucky in love, Hamish McKenzie is the local mechanic, and he’s interested in her and she has to decide if she’s ready to move on from having her heart shattered?
I received a paperback copy of The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall from Allen & Unwin and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative focuses on how it’s possible to overcome deafness, adversity and a tough childhood. It highlights and calls out racism and prejudice in Australian, we have a long way to go to stopping the stereotypical attitude towards our First Nations People and those from different cultures and especially Muslims and women who wear a hijab.
A story about family’s exceptions and traditions, living in a country town and fresh starts, forming connections and friendships, the link between the land, past and the present, and is Natasha willing to give a bloke chance, to be vulnerable again and have the courage.
I’ve read both Wings Above the Mallee and The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall and she's one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors and her novels are full of vivid descriptions and Ms Kelsall makes it very easy for me to create an image in my mind of Settlers Bridge, and the characters feel like real people and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
A decade later Natasha and her daughter Zehra move to Settlers Bridge, situated in the Adelaide Hills and she’s the new teacher at the primary school and the job comes with a house and she plans on to making it into a safe haven. Her bungalow is close to the Murray River and Natasha finds it peaceful looking at water and the old Coojong trees lining its banks.
Natasha has been unlucky in love, Hamish McKenzie is the local mechanic, and he’s interested in her and she has to decide if she’s ready to move on from having her heart shattered?
I received a paperback copy of The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall from Allen & Unwin and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative focuses on how it’s possible to overcome deafness, adversity and a tough childhood. It highlights and calls out racism and prejudice in Australian, we have a long way to go to stopping the stereotypical attitude towards our First Nations People and those from different cultures and especially Muslims and women who wear a hijab.
A story about family’s exceptions and traditions, living in a country town and fresh starts, forming connections and friendships, the link between the land, past and the present, and is Natasha willing to give a bloke chance, to be vulnerable again and have the courage.
I’ve read both Wings Above the Mallee and The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall and she's one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors and her novels are full of vivid descriptions and Ms Kelsall makes it very easy for me to create an image in my mind of Settlers Bridge, and the characters feel like real people and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
June 29, 2025
I always get excited when a new Leonie Kelsall story coming out and that is because her stories bring me so much emotion, wonderful characters and of course the setting is fabulous as well and with this new one we are back in one of my favourite places, Settlers Bridge a small country town in South Australia, come along and meet Natasha.
At the young age of nineteen Natasha had her heart broken that just topped of the terrible life she has had, growing up in poverty, an alcoholic mother and a father who loved his beer, she showed such strength by working two jobs making sure the bills were paid and there was some food for her father, but life threw more her way when she found herself pregnant, but she never gave up, she moved to the city, worked hard to become a teacher and now ten years later she has moved back to a small country town with her daughter Zehra looking for a new life.
She is settling in well and making lots of friends even Hamish the local mechanic could there be a chance that she could find that love she had all those years ago? But it was way too hard to forget the man who stole her heart all those years ago, then the town is torn with a new restaurant opening up and the name of the restaurant stirs feelings in Natasha and the past is all of a sudden on her new doorstep, surely her heart could not be broken again is there a chance that it will finally heal?
This is a beautiful story, I loved it, my heart broke for Natasha so many times, MS Kelsall dug deep into family life, love and poverty and growing up and bought all of it to life on the pages, it is filled with so many emotions I cried and I cheered at the strength that Natasha showed through all that she had been through. This is one that I highly recommend, a truly wonderful story.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
At the young age of nineteen Natasha had her heart broken that just topped of the terrible life she has had, growing up in poverty, an alcoholic mother and a father who loved his beer, she showed such strength by working two jobs making sure the bills were paid and there was some food for her father, but life threw more her way when she found herself pregnant, but she never gave up, she moved to the city, worked hard to become a teacher and now ten years later she has moved back to a small country town with her daughter Zehra looking for a new life.
She is settling in well and making lots of friends even Hamish the local mechanic could there be a chance that she could find that love she had all those years ago? But it was way too hard to forget the man who stole her heart all those years ago, then the town is torn with a new restaurant opening up and the name of the restaurant stirs feelings in Natasha and the past is all of a sudden on her new doorstep, surely her heart could not be broken again is there a chance that it will finally heal?
This is a beautiful story, I loved it, my heart broke for Natasha so many times, MS Kelsall dug deep into family life, love and poverty and growing up and bought all of it to life on the pages, it is filled with so many emotions I cried and I cheered at the strength that Natasha showed through all that she had been through. This is one that I highly recommend, a truly wonderful story.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
August 24, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🌳The Path Through the Coojong Trees is the latest release by celebrated Australian author and one of my own personal favourite writers in the contemporary fiction field, Leonie Kelsall. A story of breaking free from the confines of your past, education, moving away from poverty, first love, prejudice, misunderstanding, love across divides, second chances and healing, this is powerful tale of female resilience.
🌳I was kindly gifted the opportunity to listen to this new release thanks to the author. Although I’m a big audio book user at present, I actually hadn’t listened to a rural fiction novel yet on this format (I tend to listen to crime or thrillers). I have to say, or rather shout that the narrator attached to The Path Through the Coojong Trees was just phenomenal. She suited the tone of the book just perfectly, capturing every facet of the main character Natasha (who I have a great deal of time for). I lapped up the performance of new to me narrator Casey Withoos so much that I immediately went on a hunt for more of her work. The emotive and authentic narration, combined with the engrossing narrative made this by far my most favourite Leonie Kelsall novel.
🌳Kelsall takes a dual timeline structure to her latest tale and this works well as a device to create an emotional portrait of her lead’s journey. The narrative offers the reader a strong level of both depth, insight and big feeling that I valued very much. Natasha is a character who comes with a lot of judgement, she is rejected by her peers and struggles with wider society understanding her impairment. But Natasha’s life is irrevocably changed when one person shows her understanding and acceptance. This figure, a young man named Tarik gives Natasha’s life a glimmer of hope and possibility. However, roadblocks stand in the way of this couple’s future involvement and the situation forces Natasha to weigh up her future.
Moving forward into the present, we are placed in the community of Settlers Bridge, where Natasha has built a new home with her young daughter. The town has embraced them, giving her a sense of belonging, a renewed hope for love, and a refuge from the past. This was a good contrast from the past timeline.
I’m still a little lost for words when it comes to this one. I felt everything while listening. I was completely transported into Natasha’s world (complete with its setbacks) and I was fully immersed in both timelines. This one definitely took hold of my heart but it also opened my eyes to prejudice, small town attitudes, racism, family expectation, cultural divides, hearing impairment, trauma, social stigma, tradition, suspicion and isolation. Most of all it made me believe that love that transcends difference is possible in our world. This book shows that Kelsall’s storytelling continues to grow stronger and her cast are extremely memorable figures that stay with you and teach you so much about life. This is rural romance at its absolute finest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars
🌳The Path Through the Coojong Trees is the latest release by celebrated Australian author and one of my own personal favourite writers in the contemporary fiction field, Leonie Kelsall. A story of breaking free from the confines of your past, education, moving away from poverty, first love, prejudice, misunderstanding, love across divides, second chances and healing, this is powerful tale of female resilience.
🌳I was kindly gifted the opportunity to listen to this new release thanks to the author. Although I’m a big audio book user at present, I actually hadn’t listened to a rural fiction novel yet on this format (I tend to listen to crime or thrillers). I have to say, or rather shout that the narrator attached to The Path Through the Coojong Trees was just phenomenal. She suited the tone of the book just perfectly, capturing every facet of the main character Natasha (who I have a great deal of time for). I lapped up the performance of new to me narrator Casey Withoos so much that I immediately went on a hunt for more of her work. The emotive and authentic narration, combined with the engrossing narrative made this by far my most favourite Leonie Kelsall novel.
🌳Kelsall takes a dual timeline structure to her latest tale and this works well as a device to create an emotional portrait of her lead’s journey. The narrative offers the reader a strong level of both depth, insight and big feeling that I valued very much. Natasha is a character who comes with a lot of judgement, she is rejected by her peers and struggles with wider society understanding her impairment. But Natasha’s life is irrevocably changed when one person shows her understanding and acceptance. This figure, a young man named Tarik gives Natasha’s life a glimmer of hope and possibility. However, roadblocks stand in the way of this couple’s future involvement and the situation forces Natasha to weigh up her future.
Moving forward into the present, we are placed in the community of Settlers Bridge, where Natasha has built a new home with her young daughter. The town has embraced them, giving her a sense of belonging, a renewed hope for love, and a refuge from the past. This was a good contrast from the past timeline.
I’m still a little lost for words when it comes to this one. I felt everything while listening. I was completely transported into Natasha’s world (complete with its setbacks) and I was fully immersed in both timelines. This one definitely took hold of my heart but it also opened my eyes to prejudice, small town attitudes, racism, family expectation, cultural divides, hearing impairment, trauma, social stigma, tradition, suspicion and isolation. Most of all it made me believe that love that transcends difference is possible in our world. This book shows that Kelsall’s storytelling continues to grow stronger and her cast are extremely memorable figures that stay with you and teach you so much about life. This is rural romance at its absolute finest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars
August 18, 2025
This book is all about moving on and the choices we make in life. It has topics and themes such as multiculturism, poverty, vulnerability and dysfunctional families. I loved how this book included diverse characters, Natasha is deaf, and Tarik and his family are from Turkey. I love the trope of forbidden romance, and I couldn't stop reading this.
The story is told by Natasha's POV in a timeline of then (as a teenager) and now (when she returns to her hometown). Loved the inclusion of a hearing-impaired character as my daughter is hearing impaired too.
The ending in this book left it open ended in the fact we might get another book to see what happens in the future. I hope so !
The story is told by Natasha's POV in a timeline of then (as a teenager) and now (when she returns to her hometown). Loved the inclusion of a hearing-impaired character as my daughter is hearing impaired too.
The ending in this book left it open ended in the fact we might get another book to see what happens in the future. I hope so !
July 10, 2025
Another Fabulous Tale!!!
Can’t go wrong with Leonie’s books!!!
This one had a Great Then and Now aspect that really brought it all together!
Can’t go wrong with Leonie’s books!!!
This one had a Great Then and Now aspect that really brought it all together!
August 11, 2025
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Education is the only key to escape the cycle of poverty for Natasha.
A feat she has to do without the support of her absent family.
Working two jobs and running the house add pressure to the struggles, however escape is on a count down.
Will love thwart the plan?
A dual timeline enhances and paints the emotional picture of the journey.
A valuable insight into how the future may shape up.
Ostracised largely by her peers she finds comfort and solace when she meets Tarik.
Acceptance and validation allows hope.
Obstacles trouble most when the heart flutters and Natasha has to act in her best interests.
Fast forward she is living in Settlers Bridge with her young daughter.
A town that has welcomed them, inspired the hope she may love again and a safe place from the past.
A winning combination of dark and light elements of life are entwined with hope and truth.
Broken but not out is a motif that produces an abundance of inspiration and will have the readers rooting for Natasha and ultimately some happiness.
Education is the only key to escape the cycle of poverty for Natasha.
A feat she has to do without the support of her absent family.
Working two jobs and running the house add pressure to the struggles, however escape is on a count down.
Will love thwart the plan?
A dual timeline enhances and paints the emotional picture of the journey.
A valuable insight into how the future may shape up.
Ostracised largely by her peers she finds comfort and solace when she meets Tarik.
Acceptance and validation allows hope.
Obstacles trouble most when the heart flutters and Natasha has to act in her best interests.
Fast forward she is living in Settlers Bridge with her young daughter.
A town that has welcomed them, inspired the hope she may love again and a safe place from the past.
A winning combination of dark and light elements of life are entwined with hope and truth.
Broken but not out is a motif that produces an abundance of inspiration and will have the readers rooting for Natasha and ultimately some happiness.
July 13, 2025
Reviewed by Trish Palmer for Bluewolf Reviews and Allen and Unwin Publishers.
Author of seven books Leonie Kelsall has once again focussed her settings in the Australian bush. As a child raised in outback towns and has a knowledge of small-town characters and mentalities. This keeps her tales and characters based in reality. The Path Through The Coojong Trees looks at many aspects of small town living and some of the perks and draw backs.
Natasha is a young 16-year-old who is desperate to escape her home and town. She has a plan, and it involves studying hard and moving to Sydney to university. Her home life is horrendous. Her parents, one Aboriginal, one Australian, are happy for her to work two part time jobs and pay the bills.
They do not believe she will ever leave and are not that interested anyway. Natasha is different. At school as she is deaf and comes from the wrong side of the railway line, she has very few friends. Then a family moves into town. They are from Turkey and viewed with reservation by most. The young man, Tarik, and Natasha become close.
We skip about nine years and Natasha has moved to a small town as a classroom teacher. She has her daughter with her. The town mimics others in its suspicion of newcomers, however, being a teacher affords Natasha acceptance. She gradually meets and befriends different people. Then one day a new shop announces its opening. It is a Turkish bakery. The story unfolds as chance and fate play a hand in the resolution.
Definitely one for the romantics.
Author of seven books Leonie Kelsall has once again focussed her settings in the Australian bush. As a child raised in outback towns and has a knowledge of small-town characters and mentalities. This keeps her tales and characters based in reality. The Path Through The Coojong Trees looks at many aspects of small town living and some of the perks and draw backs.
Natasha is a young 16-year-old who is desperate to escape her home and town. She has a plan, and it involves studying hard and moving to Sydney to university. Her home life is horrendous. Her parents, one Aboriginal, one Australian, are happy for her to work two part time jobs and pay the bills.
They do not believe she will ever leave and are not that interested anyway. Natasha is different. At school as she is deaf and comes from the wrong side of the railway line, she has very few friends. Then a family moves into town. They are from Turkey and viewed with reservation by most. The young man, Tarik, and Natasha become close.
We skip about nine years and Natasha has moved to a small town as a classroom teacher. She has her daughter with her. The town mimics others in its suspicion of newcomers, however, being a teacher affords Natasha acceptance. She gradually meets and befriends different people. Then one day a new shop announces its opening. It is a Turkish bakery. The story unfolds as chance and fate play a hand in the resolution.
Definitely one for the romantics.
July 31, 2025
100 +100 stars ⭐️ omg just finished loved it. Was so nice to be back at Settlers. Loved Pge 327 so many surnames from mb prim school and mb highschool. and my mums last name is Bormann. Heading back to Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing to start all over again since I have to wait so long for the next one 💔😂📕 til we meet again Settlers Bridge
2nd time around for me. I loved it so much when I finished it the first time I went right back to the first book Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing and re read them all in sequence. So glad I did I picked up so many things about them all. Can’t wait for the next book.
2nd time around for me. I loved it so much when I finished it the first time I went right back to the first book Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing and re read them all in sequence. So glad I did I picked up so many things about them all. Can’t wait for the next book.
August 27, 2025
Wow! I’ve loved every book written by Kelsall, but The Path Through the Coojong Trees takes her writing to another level.
A dual timeline, based in the familiar environment of Settlers Bridge where we first meet Natasha and her nine-year old daughter, Zehra, when she arrives to take up a teaching appointment.
From the very beginning we pick up on Natasha’s innate distrust of people and their intentions, ‘hidden secrets’, ‘a darker edge’, ‘houses on the wrong side of the tracks’ despite the ‘welcome to town speech’ from the cashier in the grocery store.
Guarded references to Tarik, negative connotations of a small town named Borgainville, and yet a desire to reconnect with a small country town after ten years living in Wollongong immediately pull us in, as we wonder what caused the sorrow and hurt that had only been allowed ‘to surface in the small hours of the morning, when darkness walled the tiny space she allowed for her own feelings.’
Meeting the younger Natasha in her hometown of Borgainville we begin to understand the reasons for the walls she has placed around herself. Nineteen, profoundly deaf, raised on the wrong side of the tracks with totally dysfunctional parents who squander the little money they bring in on drink and drugs, working two jobs to earn the money to pay the rent and buy food (which means putting up with ‘Handsy’ at the grocery store) and still attending school full time as she tries to achieve her dream of going to university.
And then Tarik arrives at the school, and the teacher decides to pair him with Natasha as his guide, because clearly (in her head at least) it made sense to pair the non-English speaking immigrant from Turkey, with the girl who was hard of hearing!
As we watch the friendship between Tarik and Natasha grow, Kelsall weaves in the anti-Muslim sentiment and marches that occurred in 2015, and the impact this had, not only in the big cities, but also the small towns where Muslim immigrants lived peacefully.
Fleeing the cultural divide that threatens to tear them apart brings Natasha eventually to Settlers Bridge. Here she slowly learns to trust again, developing relationships with the townspeople, and perhaps something special with the gorgeous Hamish. Until the imminent opening of a new restaurant in the town threatens to tear her world apart.
Kelsall has the amazing ability to not only write a fabulous story, but also make you see the world from the perspective of those who don’t fit in, whether because of perceived disability, where they live, or their religious and cultural background.
Highly recommended, five stars from me.
A dual timeline, based in the familiar environment of Settlers Bridge where we first meet Natasha and her nine-year old daughter, Zehra, when she arrives to take up a teaching appointment.
From the very beginning we pick up on Natasha’s innate distrust of people and their intentions, ‘hidden secrets’, ‘a darker edge’, ‘houses on the wrong side of the tracks’ despite the ‘welcome to town speech’ from the cashier in the grocery store.
Guarded references to Tarik, negative connotations of a small town named Borgainville, and yet a desire to reconnect with a small country town after ten years living in Wollongong immediately pull us in, as we wonder what caused the sorrow and hurt that had only been allowed ‘to surface in the small hours of the morning, when darkness walled the tiny space she allowed for her own feelings.’
Meeting the younger Natasha in her hometown of Borgainville we begin to understand the reasons for the walls she has placed around herself. Nineteen, profoundly deaf, raised on the wrong side of the tracks with totally dysfunctional parents who squander the little money they bring in on drink and drugs, working two jobs to earn the money to pay the rent and buy food (which means putting up with ‘Handsy’ at the grocery store) and still attending school full time as she tries to achieve her dream of going to university.
And then Tarik arrives at the school, and the teacher decides to pair him with Natasha as his guide, because clearly (in her head at least) it made sense to pair the non-English speaking immigrant from Turkey, with the girl who was hard of hearing!
As we watch the friendship between Tarik and Natasha grow, Kelsall weaves in the anti-Muslim sentiment and marches that occurred in 2015, and the impact this had, not only in the big cities, but also the small towns where Muslim immigrants lived peacefully.
Fleeing the cultural divide that threatens to tear them apart brings Natasha eventually to Settlers Bridge. Here she slowly learns to trust again, developing relationships with the townspeople, and perhaps something special with the gorgeous Hamish. Until the imminent opening of a new restaurant in the town threatens to tear her world apart.
Kelsall has the amazing ability to not only write a fabulous story, but also make you see the world from the perspective of those who don’t fit in, whether because of perceived disability, where they live, or their religious and cultural background.
Highly recommended, five stars from me.
August 20, 2025
I listened this story through audible. Casey Withoos did such a great narration and Leonie wrote such a heartfelt story bringing two cultures together that I did not want the story to end
September 17, 2025
Narrated through a dual timeline of "now" in Settlers Bridge and "then" being 10 years earlier in another small town with the main character working through her last year of high school.
There was much more "then" than "now" and Natasha's story was quite sad which I think spoilt the romance theme I was expecting.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a story about an all consuming first love and heartbreak. With themes of racism, dysfunctional families, xenophobia and family duty. I did find the story a bit heavy going.
Overall I liked the story but it's not my favourite by this author. I liked that Leonie Kelsall featured a main character with a hearing impairment and showed how this was perceived by those around her.
There was much more "then" than "now" and Natasha's story was quite sad which I think spoilt the romance theme I was expecting.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a story about an all consuming first love and heartbreak. With themes of racism, dysfunctional families, xenophobia and family duty. I did find the story a bit heavy going.
Overall I liked the story but it's not my favourite by this author. I liked that Leonie Kelsall featured a main character with a hearing impairment and showed how this was perceived by those around her.
July 13, 2025
It was a very easy read with familiar characters and town but i really didnt like natasha from the start. I felt like there was something missing in this story and was not as good as all her other books
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a beautiful rural romance that explores poverty, multiculturalism, racism and young love. It was a heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
📖 Told through dual timelines, the story centres around Natasha. She is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood, and hopes that the peaceful rhythms of the Settlers Bridge community be good for her and her daughter Zehra.
Local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings long buried, makes Natasha reflect back to when she was nineteen, where a man who promised her the world, vanished, leaving her with shattered dreams - and pregnant.
But her history and future are about to collide and it divides the town she now calls home. Forcing Natasha to decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy her sanctuary.
✨ It was great to be back in the community of Settlers Bridge. A community that welcomes Natasha and Zehra with open arms. I admired the resilience of Natasha…her path could have taken many different directions, but her tenacity in the face of adversity had me devouring this one.
Kelsall tackled some heavier subjects as the story unfolded, but these topics were beautifully balanced by lightness too. It made for a deep and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to the author and Allen & Unwin for a copy to honestly review.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a beautiful rural romance that explores poverty, multiculturalism, racism and young love. It was a heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
📖 Told through dual timelines, the story centres around Natasha. She is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood, and hopes that the peaceful rhythms of the Settlers Bridge community be good for her and her daughter Zehra.
Local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings long buried, makes Natasha reflect back to when she was nineteen, where a man who promised her the world, vanished, leaving her with shattered dreams - and pregnant.
But her history and future are about to collide and it divides the town she now calls home. Forcing Natasha to decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy her sanctuary.
✨ It was great to be back in the community of Settlers Bridge. A community that welcomes Natasha and Zehra with open arms. I admired the resilience of Natasha…her path could have taken many different directions, but her tenacity in the face of adversity had me devouring this one.
Kelsall tackled some heavier subjects as the story unfolded, but these topics were beautifully balanced by lightness too. It made for a deep and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to the author and Allen & Unwin for a copy to honestly review.
July 19, 2025
This is my second book by Leonie Kelsall and I really enjoyed it. Telling a story in both past and present timelines about Natasha who grew up in a small town with an absent mother and struggling father who meets Tarik and instantly falls in love with him. But as schoolkids they face enormous hurdles, prejudice, hearing impediments, social issues amongst them. I really liked Natasha, she was such a strong woman and very determined to succeed in life despite the obstacles ahead of her. Of course, things don't go to plan and we see what life has in store for the both of them.
Captivating and page turning, I loved the realistic setting and circumstances that happens to ordinary people. I am a fan of this author and pleased that there is a back list to catch up on.
Captivating and page turning, I loved the realistic setting and circumstances that happens to ordinary people. I am a fan of this author and pleased that there is a back list to catch up on.
July 8, 2025
Picking up one of Leonie's books is like coming home to Settlers Bridge and The Path Through the Coojong Trees is no exception. With every word read I became more invested in the story of Natasha and her highs and lows of life.
July 23, 2025
Not my favourite of her books. The back story was necessary but I found it to be a bit slow.
August 16, 2025
My attention strayed often but there was just enough interest to keep me reading to the end
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