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The Journey Home
Previously published as The Protea Boys.
Emotional entanglement is not on Georgie Martin's to do list. She has turned her back on her sophisticated Sydney lifestyle and the man that went with it, determined to renovate her parents’ old flower farm and her shattered ego.
The challenge proves more than she bargained for until a madcap scheme comes to fruition and she employs a team of efficient, well-tapered ‘boys’ to help solve her problems.
The threat of being co-opted as a wine waiter or worse, chef in his brother's restaurant in Blue Gum Flat encourages Tom Morgan to take up what he sees as the highly amusing challenge of managing Georgie’s boys. It is the perfect distraction while he waits for a new assignment - until he realizes he has found the one woman he can’t run away from.
Emotional entanglement is not on Georgie Martin's to do list. She has turned her back on her sophisticated Sydney lifestyle and the man that went with it, determined to renovate her parents’ old flower farm and her shattered ego.
The challenge proves more than she bargained for until a madcap scheme comes to fruition and she employs a team of efficient, well-tapered ‘boys’ to help solve her problems.
The threat of being co-opted as a wine waiter or worse, chef in his brother's restaurant in Blue Gum Flat encourages Tom Morgan to take up what he sees as the highly amusing challenge of managing Georgie’s boys. It is the perfect distraction while he waits for a new assignment - until he realizes he has found the one woman he can’t run away from.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2013
7 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Tea Cooper
29 books965 followersTea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 30, 2022
The Journey Home by Aussie author Tea Cooper is more than just a romance. This book has beautiful descriptions with an intriguing storyline that keeps the reader turning pages and wanting to know how it will end.
Recommended.
Recommended.
December 16, 2014
Georgie Martin left Sydney with a wounded ego and a promise to never be fooled by her heart again. She returns to her family's protea farm determined to renovate it and make it a successful business once again. She enters into a joint venture with her best friend to employ a group of hired hands to create a side business called the Protea Boys. Georgie's attraction to Tom Morgan is not part of her plan and he continually tests her resolve to keep the promises she made to herself.
The Protea Boys is a romantic contemporary novella set in Australia. I loved how vivid the setting was portrayed and how it was incorporated into the story. Georgie is a competent woman though somewhat accident prone determined to remain independent. Tom is troubled by the loss of his sister and wants to avoid any form of attachment or excessive responsibility.
There was immediate attraction between the main characters but mostly awkward tension in the beginning since they were both intent on remaining single. It was amusing to read their chance encounters that were often embarrassing for Georgie but allowed Tom's personality to be established.
I thought their back stories were interesting especially how it influenced their behaviors and beliefs. They were both stubbornly intent on not repeating past mistakes so their courtship was hesitant and gradually unfolded. A dangerous situation throws them together forcing them to question whether to allow themselves a chance to be together. Overall, I thought The Protea Boys was an enjoyable romantic read and I loved how prominent the setting was portrayed.
[Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.]
The Protea Boys is a romantic contemporary novella set in Australia. I loved how vivid the setting was portrayed and how it was incorporated into the story. Georgie is a competent woman though somewhat accident prone determined to remain independent. Tom is troubled by the loss of his sister and wants to avoid any form of attachment or excessive responsibility.
There was immediate attraction between the main characters but mostly awkward tension in the beginning since they were both intent on remaining single. It was amusing to read their chance encounters that were often embarrassing for Georgie but allowed Tom's personality to be established.
I thought their back stories were interesting especially how it influenced their behaviors and beliefs. They were both stubbornly intent on not repeating past mistakes so their courtship was hesitant and gradually unfolded. A dangerous situation throws them together forcing them to question whether to allow themselves a chance to be together. Overall, I thought The Protea Boys was an enjoyable romantic read and I loved how prominent the setting was portrayed.
[Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.]
June 1, 2013
Romance and Farming? An unlikely but successful mix!
Tea Cooper’s latest contemporary romance The Protea Boys, is a sizzling mix of romance and farming. An unusual combination you may think but Tea’s unique writing style managed to keep me enthralled from beginning to end. Writing on a topic which is obviously dear to her heart, the detail in this novel as well as her lovable characters gives this book an edge.
Running a primary production as a single female is no mean feat as I know from personal experience. Tea’s strong female protagonist Georgie is not only a capable farm manager but is at astute business woman. I suspect some of the best lines in The Protea Boys stem from personal experience. When Georgie first meets Tom she talks herself out of the immediate attraction she has for him, “Forget it kiddo. With your track record, it can only spell disaster.” Haven’t we all thought that at one time or another?
There is plenty of humour to balance the romance and excitement in this novel. I immediately warmed to Georgia’s business partner, Hillary. The easy banter between the two women reflects a long time friendship and understanding “… And we could drool over their rippling muscles and their tight abs while they work away in the blistering sun.” Readers will immediately identify with their own life long friendships.
The plot is exciting and once again Tea has included beautiful descriptions of the surrounding landscape as a pivotal part of her story.
Another exciting story from Tea!
Tea Cooper’s latest contemporary romance The Protea Boys, is a sizzling mix of romance and farming. An unusual combination you may think but Tea’s unique writing style managed to keep me enthralled from beginning to end. Writing on a topic which is obviously dear to her heart, the detail in this novel as well as her lovable characters gives this book an edge.
Running a primary production as a single female is no mean feat as I know from personal experience. Tea’s strong female protagonist Georgie is not only a capable farm manager but is at astute business woman. I suspect some of the best lines in The Protea Boys stem from personal experience. When Georgie first meets Tom she talks herself out of the immediate attraction she has for him, “Forget it kiddo. With your track record, it can only spell disaster.” Haven’t we all thought that at one time or another?
There is plenty of humour to balance the romance and excitement in this novel. I immediately warmed to Georgia’s business partner, Hillary. The easy banter between the two women reflects a long time friendship and understanding “… And we could drool over their rippling muscles and their tight abs while they work away in the blistering sun.” Readers will immediately identify with their own life long friendships.
The plot is exciting and once again Tea has included beautiful descriptions of the surrounding landscape as a pivotal part of her story.
Another exciting story from Tea!
May 29, 2013
What a lovely book!
Georgie is a strong, independent heroine, easy to relate to. After being burned on her last relationship, Georgie’s become wary and has decided to leave a high powered job behind and start anew. In comes Tom Morgan, the hot hero with emotional scars of his own. Their first interaction is tense, and I love how the author develops their relationship. The characterization and “showing and not telling” in this book made me visualize every scene quite well, and I see rather than read the scenes.
I love the idea of hiring strong, strappy men as the “Protea Boys”, to work in the flower delivery company. Even the secondary characters, like her business partner and friend Hillary, add richness to the story without overpowering the main characters.
Whether they are saving a baby wombat or bonding over their losses, Georgie and Tom are a match made in romance heaven!
This story is like a budding Protea flower: spectacular, beautiful and rare! :)
Georgie is a strong, independent heroine, easy to relate to. After being burned on her last relationship, Georgie’s become wary and has decided to leave a high powered job behind and start anew. In comes Tom Morgan, the hot hero with emotional scars of his own. Their first interaction is tense, and I love how the author develops their relationship. The characterization and “showing and not telling” in this book made me visualize every scene quite well, and I see rather than read the scenes.
I love the idea of hiring strong, strappy men as the “Protea Boys”, to work in the flower delivery company. Even the secondary characters, like her business partner and friend Hillary, add richness to the story without overpowering the main characters.
Whether they are saving a baby wombat or bonding over their losses, Georgie and Tom are a match made in romance heaven!
This story is like a budding Protea flower: spectacular, beautiful and rare! :)
August 4, 2013
Set in Australia...Tea Cooper's novel, The Protea Boys, delivers a healthy dose of love and adventure to the reader. The heroine Georgie is struggling to run her parents' flower farm and make ends meet. Sweet, shy, and a tad clumsy, she blushes her way endearingly into readers' hearts. At the same time, she's quite capable--even though she definitely needs some help. That help comes in the guise of the reluctant hero, Tom Morgan, who decides to work on her farm. Despite their mutual attraction, both of them have baggage from the past that makes them wary of becoming involved with each other. All that changes, however, after several serious incidents unite the two of them.
Although Georgie is ready to embrace a future with Tom, he remains a prisoner of his past. Can he overcome his guilt and forgive himself? Be the man Georgie truly needs and loves? Or will he run away again? You'll be eager to find out when you read this well written and engaging story!
Although Georgie is ready to embrace a future with Tom, he remains a prisoner of his past. Can he overcome his guilt and forgive himself? Be the man Georgie truly needs and loves? Or will he run away again? You'll be eager to find out when you read this well written and engaging story!
January 10, 2015
Georgie n Tom were running from there past. There past was a contributing factor that kept emotions at bay while the intellect tried to keep there lives from tangling in relationship. An Australian bush fire then drew them together n parted them. Georgie's business partner encouraged Georgie to fight for happiness n keeping Tom from moving on. I thought it interesting Tea had changed this book title and wondered if it had made any difference in sales or readers? I am just exploring Aussie author's at present n I did feel drawn into the story n wondered what we run from!
June 14, 2013
There is so much to intrigue in this fresh new romance from Tea Cooper. The action takes place on a protea farm (the author used to be a protea farmer!), throw in a sexy hero and you have a recipe for a different sort of rural romance. If you're looking for a fun read The Protea Boys wont disappoint.
January 23, 2015
Couldn't put the book down love it
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November 5, 2023Kindle
July 20, 2016
Really enjoyed this easy read. Loved the story line and the well developed characters.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews