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Queenslander
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Farms collect broken things. Things awaiting resurrection.
Since getting out of juvie, Ronnie Madonna has built a tentative life in Lionheart working as a farmhand for Nev at Upsend Downs, but one thing is still missing: her daughter Rainbow.
When she realizes she has a chance to get Rainbow back, she must prove she is a responsible adult and a good mother. Her quest will take a village, and will force her to confront demons from her past. Will she follow her football dreams to Brisbane or put down roots on the land that holds a mysterious power over her and her boss?
Ten years ago, jaded former war photographer Nev Bickerman woke to a pregnant teenager smashing the family room with a cricket bat. Now, Nev is far too professional to admit she’s falling in love.
Welcome to Lionheart, aka “Line Hat,” a small town between the Outback and the rainforest healing from colonial scars, where climate change threatens both agriculture and eco-tourism. Gritty and hilarious, with emotional momentum, Queenslander is the first book in this Australian family drama series about a close-knit village of misfits and monsters.
"This extraordinary debut from Laura Garden is so many things: a lyrical ode to Queensland and its people, an exploration of love in all its many forms, a double portrait of two women who only appear to be perfect opposites to one another, but in fact share a bond deeper than blood. Queenslander, like its protagonists Ronnie and Nev, never gives up its secrets easily, but the rewards along the way are well worth the journey. Lush and transportive, tender and fierce, this is a novel that lives on well after the last page."
—Hesse Phillips, author of Lightborne
"A moving story about queer family, identity, and belonging set on a sheep farm in Australia, Queenslander shows how people can atone for their past mistakes and discover who they're meant to be.”
—Milo Todd, nationally bestselling author of The Lilac People
Since getting out of juvie, Ronnie Madonna has built a tentative life in Lionheart working as a farmhand for Nev at Upsend Downs, but one thing is still missing: her daughter Rainbow.
When she realizes she has a chance to get Rainbow back, she must prove she is a responsible adult and a good mother. Her quest will take a village, and will force her to confront demons from her past. Will she follow her football dreams to Brisbane or put down roots on the land that holds a mysterious power over her and her boss?
Ten years ago, jaded former war photographer Nev Bickerman woke to a pregnant teenager smashing the family room with a cricket bat. Now, Nev is far too professional to admit she’s falling in love.
Welcome to Lionheart, aka “Line Hat,” a small town between the Outback and the rainforest healing from colonial scars, where climate change threatens both agriculture and eco-tourism. Gritty and hilarious, with emotional momentum, Queenslander is the first book in this Australian family drama series about a close-knit village of misfits and monsters.
"This extraordinary debut from Laura Garden is so many things: a lyrical ode to Queensland and its people, an exploration of love in all its many forms, a double portrait of two women who only appear to be perfect opposites to one another, but in fact share a bond deeper than blood. Queenslander, like its protagonists Ronnie and Nev, never gives up its secrets easily, but the rewards along the way are well worth the journey. Lush and transportive, tender and fierce, this is a novel that lives on well after the last page."
—Hesse Phillips, author of Lightborne
"A moving story about queer family, identity, and belonging set on a sheep farm in Australia, Queenslander shows how people can atone for their past mistakes and discover who they're meant to be.”
—Milo Todd, nationally bestselling author of The Lilac People
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Laura Garden
1 book6 followersLaura Garden is the author of Queenslander, a novel coming out in April, 2026.
Laura Garden raises sheep and is a flower grower. She studied conservation biology in Yungaburra, Queensland with the School for Field Studies, where she fell in love with Australia. Garden is passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and conservation. She has won several writing competitions, including an award from Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition, as well as fellowships from Wesleyan University and Harvard University. She was longlisted for the Minds Shine Bright Prize in Melbourne. She runs the substack “Writing in Work Gloves.” She has a Masters from Harvard University and lives on a farm in Massachusetts.
Laura Garden raises sheep and is a flower grower. She studied conservation biology in Yungaburra, Queensland with the School for Field Studies, where she fell in love with Australia. Garden is passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and conservation. She has won several writing competitions, including an award from Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition, as well as fellowships from Wesleyan University and Harvard University. She was longlisted for the Minds Shine Bright Prize in Melbourne. She runs the substack “Writing in Work Gloves.” She has a Masters from Harvard University and lives on a farm in Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a seriously refreshing read. The characters are so well brought to life that I couldn’t put the book down because I was sharing their anxieties and joy so intensely. The description of the setting was stunning, I couldn’t put feel the fresh air of the country and picture all the plants and wildlife. I loved how integral the landscape and flora/fauna are to the characters’ lives.
The amount of yearning in this book is equalled only by the amount of understanding. The characters are clearly soulmates, but they are realistic and make difficult decisions, not based on tropes, but based on the situation they are in and the realities of their respective lives and personalities.
While there is plenty sexual tension, the story isn’t based around the amount of sex the author can squeeze into the book. The story flows beautifully, and encapsulated the delights and despairs the characters face as their lives weave together more and more.
Ronnie is a giant, muscular bisexual “disaster”… who is so much more than she appears.
Nev is a ln introverted lesbian who loves hard and sensibly.
Rainbow is an absolute delight of a child throughout the book. Her innocence and maturity mixing so well to produce a child character who feels real and adorable.
Reg is the dad we all wish we had. There are so many more characters who are important to the story and richly described.
The author writes with a flow that carries you through the story, the Australian slang and manner of speech clear through the book and adding to the atmosphere. It’s almost patriotic.
I cannot wait for the next book. I need more! But my poor heart won’t thank me.
The amount of yearning in this book is equalled only by the amount of understanding. The characters are clearly soulmates, but they are realistic and make difficult decisions, not based on tropes, but based on the situation they are in and the realities of their respective lives and personalities.
While there is plenty sexual tension, the story isn’t based around the amount of sex the author can squeeze into the book. The story flows beautifully, and encapsulated the delights and despairs the characters face as their lives weave together more and more.
Ronnie is a giant, muscular bisexual “disaster”… who is so much more than she appears.
Nev is a ln introverted lesbian who loves hard and sensibly.
Rainbow is an absolute delight of a child throughout the book. Her innocence and maturity mixing so well to produce a child character who feels real and adorable.
Reg is the dad we all wish we had. There are so many more characters who are important to the story and richly described.
The author writes with a flow that carries you through the story, the Australian slang and manner of speech clear through the book and adding to the atmosphere. It’s almost patriotic.
I cannot wait for the next book. I need more! But my poor heart won’t thank me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Queenslander feels like a tribute to Queensland. From the moment I began, I felt the love and reverence the author felt towards this Australian state that I am lucky to call home. It’s all true. The beauty is unmatched and if you don’t want to visit the far north by the end, you may have missed the point.
There is a lot going on in Queenslander, and the characters, main and side have all got a story to tell. Focusing on Ronnie and Ned, Gardner follows these two women, both fiercely independent and loyal, yet in completely distinct stages of their lives. Ronnie doesn’t care and Nev cares too much. And then there is Rainbow, Ronnie’s daughter who is her reason for being.
With a group of friends, work colleagues and a family who doesn’t know when to mind their own business, Ronnie will move past mistakes she made as a kid, and fight for her child. Nev is staunch by her side, committed and there until the very end.
Queenslander is about a stereotypical Aussie small town country family. Garder succeeds in setting the scenes, and hits the mark with slang, and colloquialisms. Her strengths lie in her ability to transport the reader to the tip of Australia. To the beauty that is the landscapes, and anomalies that are some of the animals found up there. Queenslander feels real, raw and is unmistakenly Australian. Make sure you check it out.
I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
There is a lot going on in Queenslander, and the characters, main and side have all got a story to tell. Focusing on Ronnie and Ned, Gardner follows these two women, both fiercely independent and loyal, yet in completely distinct stages of their lives. Ronnie doesn’t care and Nev cares too much. And then there is Rainbow, Ronnie’s daughter who is her reason for being.
With a group of friends, work colleagues and a family who doesn’t know when to mind their own business, Ronnie will move past mistakes she made as a kid, and fight for her child. Nev is staunch by her side, committed and there until the very end.
Queenslander is about a stereotypical Aussie small town country family. Garder succeeds in setting the scenes, and hits the mark with slang, and colloquialisms. Her strengths lie in her ability to transport the reader to the tip of Australia. To the beauty that is the landscapes, and anomalies that are some of the animals found up there. Queenslander feels real, raw and is unmistakenly Australian. Make sure you check it out.
I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is set in rural Australia and the setting is one of its strongest parts. The descriptions of farm life, the Outback, and the surrounding nature are vivid and make the place feel very real. It was easy to imagine the landscape while reading.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, two characters who both carry emotional scars and are trying to figure out their lives. They are not perfect, which makes them feel very human and relatable. Watching them slowly grow and support each other was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The side characters and the small community also add a lot of warmth to the story. The people around them create a feeling of support and belonging, which makes the journey of the main characters even more meaningful.
Overall, this is an emotional and character-focused story about healing, community, and finding happiness where you might not expect it. It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy slower, thoughtful stories with strong characters and a vivid setting.
✨ Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. I’m sharing my honest thoughts voluntarily and with appreciation for the opportunity to read it early.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, two characters who both carry emotional scars and are trying to figure out their lives. They are not perfect, which makes them feel very human and relatable. Watching them slowly grow and support each other was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The side characters and the small community also add a lot of warmth to the story. The people around them create a feeling of support and belonging, which makes the journey of the main characters even more meaningful.
Overall, this is an emotional and character-focused story about healing, community, and finding happiness where you might not expect it. It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy slower, thoughtful stories with strong characters and a vivid setting.
✨ Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. I’m sharing my honest thoughts voluntarily and with appreciation for the opportunity to read it early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Queenslander is a slow-burn, slice-of-life novel revolving around broken characters striving to do better in their own ways. Ronnie is fighting for a chance to win her parental rights back after being played by the justice system. Nev is a retired war photojournalist struggling to keep her family farm afloat, among other issues.
Time skips in the beginning took me a while to get into this, but I was hooked once I’d gotten to know the characters. Queenslander’s pace feels rather slow, but the prose constantly plays with the feeling of time; intentionally crafted scenes hone in on the main character’s moods while creating a satisfying rhythm.
Growing up is a pain, but Ronnie dials up the notch; kudos to her messy upbringing. Watching her pick up the pieces of her past (and ongoing) decisions while growing into a more confident version of herself was satisfying.
And Nev, oh Nev. It was a heartache watching her struggle between her need to stay professional and letting Ron in. I couldn’t help rooting for her.
If you like a slow-burn, character-driven read set on a farm with sheep, dogs, campfires, and a new way of viewing strangler figs, give this a go. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Time skips in the beginning took me a while to get into this, but I was hooked once I’d gotten to know the characters. Queenslander’s pace feels rather slow, but the prose constantly plays with the feeling of time; intentionally crafted scenes hone in on the main character’s moods while creating a satisfying rhythm.
Growing up is a pain, but Ronnie dials up the notch; kudos to her messy upbringing. Watching her pick up the pieces of her past (and ongoing) decisions while growing into a more confident version of herself was satisfying.
And Nev, oh Nev. It was a heartache watching her struggle between her need to stay professional and letting Ron in. I couldn’t help rooting for her.
If you like a slow-burn, character-driven read set on a farm with sheep, dogs, campfires, and a new way of viewing strangler figs, give this a go. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I started reading this book I thought I would get a lot of details about living in the Australian outback, the special struggles deal with there to survive and that was very interesting to read about. To follow the two MCs, Ronnie and Nev, their backstories and still on-going struggles were very difficult to read for me, abuse, addiction and so dark at times. I just sat and hoped for some happiness and romance but so little of that. Ronnie and Nev are both very troubled persons, and I struggled to see how they ever can get some sort of realistic HEA.
There were some sweet moments as well. To read about Ronnie fighting to get custody of her daughter Rainbow was the highlight of the book besides the very detailed nature descriptions. To be able to read this book key you are mentally prepared though since not for people also struggling in real life. I don’t think I will be able to read the planned sequel.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and voluntarily leave an honest review.
There were some sweet moments as well. To read about Ronnie fighting to get custody of her daughter Rainbow was the highlight of the book besides the very detailed nature descriptions. To be able to read this book key you are mentally prepared though since not for people also struggling in real life. I don’t think I will be able to read the planned sequel.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a seriously honest representation of life in rural Queensland and for two damaged and struggling MC's Ronnie and Nev. it's so refreshing in its honesty. They are not perfect people. They have many battle scars and wear them proudly. And in their honesty and authenticity they have built a community of support around themselves, even though, in Nev's case, she doesn't quite realise it initially.
This book is raw and honest. It takes you on a refreshing journey as each character strives to find a happiness that they didn't know existed and couldn't have imagined for themselves. It gives you an insight to the loneliness and restriction of country town life. But also gives you the hope in the knowledge that with a little belief in yourself and in each other, you can create happiness.
Highly recommended
This book is raw and honest. It takes you on a refreshing journey as each character strives to find a happiness that they didn't know existed and couldn't have imagined for themselves. It gives you an insight to the loneliness and restriction of country town life. But also gives you the hope in the knowledge that with a little belief in yourself and in each other, you can create happiness.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from Author
Queenslander by Laura Garden is a beautifully grounded story set against the vivid backdrop of rural Australia. The descriptions of the land and the farm life feel immersive and authentic, making the setting almost a character in its own right. This book will have you dreaming of life in the Outback and Rainforest. What makes this book so compelling is how deeply you will find yourself rooting for the MCs as they navigate their own personal journeys. The bond that forms between them is richly told and stays with you long after you have turned the last page. The village that steps in to support them is full of people you can’t help but love, adding warmth and heart to an already moving story. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Queenslander is a sweeping epic set in a farm in the Australian outback, vividly described, a story about family lost, found and fought hard for. At the center is the relationship between Nev, a farmer and former war photographer, and Ronnie, a younger woman with a violent past. The star of this book is the land and the landscape and includes delightful details like a house whose inhabitants adore watching sport in a living room where they also run an animal shelter for adorable Australian baby critters. This book, its characters and story, will stick with you after you've finished reading. HUGE congrats to Laura Garden on writing such a beautiful debut novel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Literary fiction always activates another part of my brain, so much so that I don’t know what to write in this review to do justice to Queenslander.
What an immersive story! I got into the atmosphere immediately. I was curious to get into Ronnie’s and Nev’s stories.
There is something special about a book in which you can feel the care, love, and attention the author put into it. The way Laura Garden describes Queensland, the land and its landscapes, its population, and its folklore, is just stunning.
There are so many topics explored in Queenslander. It’s a story of a second chance, of rebuilding your life. It’s a story of fighting for your family, for your community, and for yourself. There are so many layers to peel, so many discoveries to make, and one thing is for sure: Queenslander is quite the amazing read.
What an immersive story! I got into the atmosphere immediately. I was curious to get into Ronnie’s and Nev’s stories.
There is something special about a book in which you can feel the care, love, and attention the author put into it. The way Laura Garden describes Queensland, the land and its landscapes, its population, and its folklore, is just stunning.
There are so many topics explored in Queenslander. It’s a story of a second chance, of rebuilding your life. It’s a story of fighting for your family, for your community, and for yourself. There are so many layers to peel, so many discoveries to make, and one thing is for sure: Queenslander is quite the amazing read.
Read
March 17, 2026I was drawn to the book by the title and the blurb. While I found both to be very appealing I struggled through this book.
After letting it rest and sit in my brain for a couple of days I still don’t know what I read. I couldn’t really tell you what this story is about, if the main characters are likeable. What I do know is that I kept reading for some reason, currently I am thinking because I was desperately hoping for it to get better, for it to start making sense.
For it never really did.
There will be sequel for this book. I think I will pass on it. The story, the writing style, just not for me.
After letting it rest and sit in my brain for a couple of days I still don’t know what I read. I couldn’t really tell you what this story is about, if the main characters are likeable. What I do know is that I kept reading for some reason, currently I am thinking because I was desperately hoping for it to get better, for it to start making sense.
For it never really did.
There will be sequel for this book. I think I will pass on it. The story, the writing style, just not for me.
Did not finish
March 11, 2026DNF at 33%
There wasn't really anything wrong with the book itself; I think the writing style and language just didn't quite work for me. I often found myself confused, which made the story feel slower and harder to stay engaged with. Because of that, it became increasingly difficult to pick up, so I ultimately decided to put it down. It simply wasn't the right fit for me. Thank you, NetGalley & the author for the ARC!
There wasn't really anything wrong with the book itself; I think the writing style and language just didn't quite work for me. I often found myself confused, which made the story feel slower and harder to stay engaged with. Because of that, it became increasingly difficult to pick up, so I ultimately decided to put it down. It simply wasn't the right fit for me. Thank you, NetGalley & the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Queenslander is an exciting read with lots of twists and turns. The book is full of drama but simultaneously feels very relatable. I grew to love the characters that are all rough around the edges- no one is polished here just like real life. It is full of action, family drama, and the writing style keeps you engaged until the end. I really enjoyed reading this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is so good. Set in Far North Queensland a wonderful story of a woman who has a child not living with her and how life can get messy. Fantastic character building and living in QLD it feels very real. F/F storyline. Loved it and so glad there is a sequel. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and thr publisher for an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews