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Escape to the Country #3
Life Support
A piece of you will always be left at home.
When emergency nurse Emma Chirnside's husband dies unexpectedly, she finds herself tangled in lies and secrets. The last thing she expected to receive from him was a heritage listed mansion in her home town of Birrangulla, but with her in-laws causing chaos, she flees to the country, hoping to rebuild her life. Fleeing, it turns out, creates new complications. The estate manager is none other than her teenage crush Tom Henderson.
Tom hasn't thought about Emma since high school. They'd always been friendly – like Emma, Tom knows how it feels to care for a sick mother from a young age – but as far as Tom was aware, they were nothing more than friends. He had no idea of Emma's feelings for him, or the way he'd once broken her heart.
When their worlds collide again, Emma realizes the depth of her feelings for Tom, and wonders if she's been given another chance to find true love. But Tom has demons of his own.
Will Tom's secrets drive them apart and break her heart again? Or will they both get their happy ever after?
A sweet medical romance set in the outback of Australia, perfect for fans of Fiona McArthur and Melanie Milburne.
When emergency nurse Emma Chirnside's husband dies unexpectedly, she finds herself tangled in lies and secrets. The last thing she expected to receive from him was a heritage listed mansion in her home town of Birrangulla, but with her in-laws causing chaos, she flees to the country, hoping to rebuild her life. Fleeing, it turns out, creates new complications. The estate manager is none other than her teenage crush Tom Henderson.
Tom hasn't thought about Emma since high school. They'd always been friendly – like Emma, Tom knows how it feels to care for a sick mother from a young age – but as far as Tom was aware, they were nothing more than friends. He had no idea of Emma's feelings for him, or the way he'd once broken her heart.
When their worlds collide again, Emma realizes the depth of her feelings for Tom, and wonders if she's been given another chance to find true love. But Tom has demons of his own.
Will Tom's secrets drive them apart and break her heart again? Or will they both get their happy ever after?
A sweet medical romance set in the outback of Australia, perfect for fans of Fiona McArthur and Melanie Milburne.
- GenresRomance
ebook
Published February 25, 2016
14 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Edwards
19 books111 followersNicki Edwards is a city girl with a country heart. Growing up on a small family acreage on the outskirts of Geelong, she spent her formative years riding horses and pretending the neighbour’s farm was her own.
After spending three years in a regional city in New South Wales, her love of small country towns was further developed. One day she plans to escape to the country with her husband Tim and live on land, surrounded by horses, dogs, cows and sheep. Until then she lives vicariously through the lives of the characters in the rural romance novels she loves to read.
In 2006, when Nicki’s youngest child started school, she returned to university, juggling full time study, part time work and raising four small children, to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Always a voracious reader, Nicki’s other dream was to be an author.
Nicki writes medical rural romance for Momentum and when she isn’t reading, writing or dreaming about rural life and medical emergencies, she can be found working as a Critical Care Nurse in a busy Intensive Care Unit, where many of her stories and characters are imagined.
Nicki and Tim reside in Geelong, Victoria with their four teenage/young adult children. Life is busy, fun and at times exhausting, but Nicki wouldn’t change it for anything.
Her debut novel, “Intensive Care” was released in January 2015 with Momentum, the digital imprint of Pan Macmillan Australia. Her second novel, “Emergency Response” comes out in October 2015. The third and fourth books in the ‘Escape to the Country’ series, “Life Support” and “Critical Condition” will be released in 2016.
After spending three years in a regional city in New South Wales, her love of small country towns was further developed. One day she plans to escape to the country with her husband Tim and live on land, surrounded by horses, dogs, cows and sheep. Until then she lives vicariously through the lives of the characters in the rural romance novels she loves to read.
In 2006, when Nicki’s youngest child started school, she returned to university, juggling full time study, part time work and raising four small children, to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Always a voracious reader, Nicki’s other dream was to be an author.
Nicki writes medical rural romance for Momentum and when she isn’t reading, writing or dreaming about rural life and medical emergencies, she can be found working as a Critical Care Nurse in a busy Intensive Care Unit, where many of her stories and characters are imagined.
Nicki and Tim reside in Geelong, Victoria with their four teenage/young adult children. Life is busy, fun and at times exhausting, but Nicki wouldn’t change it for anything.
Her debut novel, “Intensive Care” was released in January 2015 with Momentum, the digital imprint of Pan Macmillan Australia. Her second novel, “Emergency Response” comes out in October 2015. The third and fourth books in the ‘Escape to the Country’ series, “Life Support” and “Critical Condition” will be released in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 18, 2016
4.5 stars
Back at work in the emergency department of a big Melbourne hospital, Nurse Emma Chirnside had settled back into the madcap routine as if she’d never been on holidays. But when a motor vehicle accident victim was brought in and not expected to live, the horror and grief that hit her when she saw it was her husband Lleyton brought her to her knees. His death was a terrible shock to Emma; the ensuing funeral was a solemn and sad affair. But when Emma met up with their lawyer and discovered Lleyton had left her a heritage listed mansion back in her home town of Birrangulla – one she’d had no idea about – she wasn’t sure what to do. Until her husband’s parents began to cause trouble for her and she decided to return to Birrangulla to check out her inheritance.
Living in Birrangulla were Emma’s parents as well as her twin brothers – she knew they would be pleased to see her home once again. But she certainly didn’t expect the manager of her estate to be Tom Henderson, the boy she had loved as a teenager. And she wasn’t sure she was over that feeling all these years later…
Emma started working at the local hospital and quickly settled into country life. She actually wondered why it had taken her so long to return. Her feelings for Tom were causing problems though, and it seemed Tom had secrets which he wasn’t willing to divulge. What would happen to Tom and Emma? Would the past dictate the future or would these two damaged people find happiness together?
I thoroughly enjoyed Life Support by Aussie author Nicki Edwards; third in the Escape to the Country series, Emma and Tom’s story is a good one. I particularly loved five year old Ruby – ‘How was the trip in the ambulance Ruby?’ – ‘Borwing!’ (You’ll have to read Life Support to get to know this delightful, precocious child!) I found it an emotional read in places too, needing the tissues a couple of times! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Back at work in the emergency department of a big Melbourne hospital, Nurse Emma Chirnside had settled back into the madcap routine as if she’d never been on holidays. But when a motor vehicle accident victim was brought in and not expected to live, the horror and grief that hit her when she saw it was her husband Lleyton brought her to her knees. His death was a terrible shock to Emma; the ensuing funeral was a solemn and sad affair. But when Emma met up with their lawyer and discovered Lleyton had left her a heritage listed mansion back in her home town of Birrangulla – one she’d had no idea about – she wasn’t sure what to do. Until her husband’s parents began to cause trouble for her and she decided to return to Birrangulla to check out her inheritance.
Living in Birrangulla were Emma’s parents as well as her twin brothers – she knew they would be pleased to see her home once again. But she certainly didn’t expect the manager of her estate to be Tom Henderson, the boy she had loved as a teenager. And she wasn’t sure she was over that feeling all these years later…
Emma started working at the local hospital and quickly settled into country life. She actually wondered why it had taken her so long to return. Her feelings for Tom were causing problems though, and it seemed Tom had secrets which he wasn’t willing to divulge. What would happen to Tom and Emma? Would the past dictate the future or would these two damaged people find happiness together?
I thoroughly enjoyed Life Support by Aussie author Nicki Edwards; third in the Escape to the Country series, Emma and Tom’s story is a good one. I particularly loved five year old Ruby – ‘How was the trip in the ambulance Ruby?’ – ‘Borwing!’ (You’ll have to read Life Support to get to know this delightful, precocious child!) I found it an emotional read in places too, needing the tissues a couple of times! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2022
Life Support by Aussie author Nikki Edwards is the third book in the Escape to the Country series and what a great series it has been. A rural romance, but one that will have you reaching out for the tissue box. I loved this book and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who is looking for their next book to read. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
November 22, 2017
Life Support is book three in the Escape to the Country series by Nicki Edwards. After the death of her husband Lleyton Emma Chirnside's world collapse around her. When Emma found out by Lleyton's lawyer that he left her a beautiful property near her hometown Emma decides to go home. The Readers of Life Support will continue to follow Emma to see what happens to her.
I enjoy reading Life Support. I love Nicki Edwards portrayal of her characters especially Emma and Tom. Nicki Edwards did a great job in describing for her readers what happens to everyone involved when a loved one is on life support in a hospital. I enjoy Nicki Edwards writing style and the way she engages with her readers. Reading Life Support, I started to understand the importance of educating drivers in rural communities about safety on the roads.
The readers of Life Support will learn the consequences of what happens when parents do not accept their children sexual preferences for everyone involved. Also, readers will understand the importance of ensuring we protect and restore our historical rural heritage.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading Life Support. I love Nicki Edwards portrayal of her characters especially Emma and Tom. Nicki Edwards did a great job in describing for her readers what happens to everyone involved when a loved one is on life support in a hospital. I enjoy Nicki Edwards writing style and the way she engages with her readers. Reading Life Support, I started to understand the importance of educating drivers in rural communities about safety on the roads.
The readers of Life Support will learn the consequences of what happens when parents do not accept their children sexual preferences for everyone involved. Also, readers will understand the importance of ensuring we protect and restore our historical rural heritage.
I recommend this book.
February 8, 2016
(ஐﻬ. .•ஐﻬ.•ஐﻬ)
NEW! Book Review!
Emma's not fond of secrets. When her hubby dies unexpectedly, she finds herself tangled in lies and secrets....
Preorder Life Support By: Nicki Edwards - Author
Release Date: February 25th
Read My Full Book Review: http://wp.me/p6XNXo-rh
I received an advanced copy via Netgalley. This is an honest review.
March 16, 2016
Life Support is the third in the Escape to the Country series which centres around the small NSW town of Birrangulla.
Emma Chirnside is an Emergency department nurse in Melbourne whose life has already been turned upside down, but things are about to get a whole lot more shaken up.
I have a lot of respect for nurses and the job they choose to do, it isn't necessarily sociable hours and all of the great nurses I know are invested heart and soul in their jobs, and their patients. All nurses are amazing but I think it takes a very special kind of person to work in the Emergency Department where you never know what or who you are going to see next, and I imagine this would be the department where your workday is the most unpredictable as you would never know who would come through those doors next.
Through a series of heartbreaking and unexpected events Emma finds herself the heir of a heritage listed mansion very close to her hometown of Birrangulla. It takes a bit of convincing by the lawyer but she takes the keys and decides not to make any decisions until she has seen the place. If nothing else it's a reason for her to pack up her life and move back home to Birrangulla, where she can be with her parents, her siblings and the new generation being born.
Emma discovers that she has a connection to the manager her late husband hired to take care of the property and that could make life a little interesting.
Much of the tension here comes down to lack of proper communication and the issues could have been avoided with decent conversation, which is often the way, but the more I think about it the more I realise that probably makes it even more true to life. Many issues we face in our everyday lives could be rectified with a little more communication.
Tom Henderson is Emma's first real teenage crush, and property manager of Lexton Downs. On their first meeting it is clear that Emma has information Tom has not, and she is determined to put it all behind her and move on. Yet still Tom ends up moody and angered because he is worried for his future now that there is a new owner on the scene.
The remainder of the review will be found on Beauty and Lace online.
Emma Chirnside is an Emergency department nurse in Melbourne whose life has already been turned upside down, but things are about to get a whole lot more shaken up.
I have a lot of respect for nurses and the job they choose to do, it isn't necessarily sociable hours and all of the great nurses I know are invested heart and soul in their jobs, and their patients. All nurses are amazing but I think it takes a very special kind of person to work in the Emergency Department where you never know what or who you are going to see next, and I imagine this would be the department where your workday is the most unpredictable as you would never know who would come through those doors next.
Through a series of heartbreaking and unexpected events Emma finds herself the heir of a heritage listed mansion very close to her hometown of Birrangulla. It takes a bit of convincing by the lawyer but she takes the keys and decides not to make any decisions until she has seen the place. If nothing else it's a reason for her to pack up her life and move back home to Birrangulla, where she can be with her parents, her siblings and the new generation being born.
Emma discovers that she has a connection to the manager her late husband hired to take care of the property and that could make life a little interesting.
Much of the tension here comes down to lack of proper communication and the issues could have been avoided with decent conversation, which is often the way, but the more I think about it the more I realise that probably makes it even more true to life. Many issues we face in our everyday lives could be rectified with a little more communication.
Tom Henderson is Emma's first real teenage crush, and property manager of Lexton Downs. On their first meeting it is clear that Emma has information Tom has not, and she is determined to put it all behind her and move on. Yet still Tom ends up moody and angered because he is worried for his future now that there is a new owner on the scene.
The remainder of the review will be found on Beauty and Lace online.
March 7, 2016
Nurse Emma Chirnside’s marriage is over, but her husband dies before they can get a divorce. She finds he’s left her a house in her rural home town of Birranagulla . . . only it turns out to be more mansion than house. And it’s managed by her high school crush, Tom Henderson. Meanwhile, Tom seems to have picked up some baggage of his own, including a sick mother, and a daughter.
First up, Life Support isn’t Christian fiction, although there are references to prayer and heaven. It is a clean read (there is an extremely vague sex scene, I don’t recall any bad language, and the only violence and gore is related to the fact Emma works in an Emergency Department. It seems even small-town Australia gets more than their share of car accidents and other medical emergencies. (No, not a book for those who don’t like medical drama.)
I liked both Emma and Tom as characters. Emma, because she works in the Emergency Department even though she’s financially independent. Tom, because he’s a man of true character, in that his decision to pursue a relationship with Emma is about Emma—her inheritance doesn’t come into it. The minor characters are also good, especially the loveable Ruby. And Liam.
Life Support is a sweet, well-written romance with plenty of conflict in all the right places, and a fabulous setting (which is based on the real life Mt Mitchell Homestead, in case you're looking for a wedding venue in Victoria, Australia). It’s the fourth book in the series, but easily read as a standalone novel. Now I’m hoping this isn't the last in the series, because I'm really looking forward to Liam's story . . .
Thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
First up, Life Support isn’t Christian fiction, although there are references to prayer and heaven. It is a clean read (there is an extremely vague sex scene, I don’t recall any bad language, and the only violence and gore is related to the fact Emma works in an Emergency Department. It seems even small-town Australia gets more than their share of car accidents and other medical emergencies. (No, not a book for those who don’t like medical drama.)
I liked both Emma and Tom as characters. Emma, because she works in the Emergency Department even though she’s financially independent. Tom, because he’s a man of true character, in that his decision to pursue a relationship with Emma is about Emma—her inheritance doesn’t come into it. The minor characters are also good, especially the loveable Ruby. And Liam.
Life Support is a sweet, well-written romance with plenty of conflict in all the right places, and a fabulous setting (which is based on the real life Mt Mitchell Homestead, in case you're looking for a wedding venue in Victoria, Australia). It’s the fourth book in the series, but easily read as a standalone novel. Now I’m hoping this isn't the last in the series, because I'm really looking forward to Liam's story . . .
Thanks to Momentum Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
February 23, 2016
Emma Chirnside has recently found out her two year marriage to Lleyton has been a sham. Not telling any one of their marriage breakdown and still living in the same house, they are just ships passing in the night. It's while working as a nurse in a Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department that she is shocked when Lleyton is brought in after a serious car accident. After his death she finds out he has more secrets and one of them is a multi million dollar property called 'Lexton Downs' he has brought in her name. 'Lexton Downs' is located near the country town of Birrangulla in NSW, the town she grew up in. Relocating back home to Birrangulla to escape her husband's wealthy, unfriendly and overbearing parents and their wish contest the will, she is surprised to find 'Lexton Downs' is being managed by Tom Henderson who happens to be her long time, secret school girl crush.
But Tom has secrets of his own and as their friendship develops, Emma is often confused by his hot and cold feelings towards her.
I'm enjoying the medical/rural romances that are currently being published and this one is no exception. I thought the medical scenes were well done, although I was surprised regarding the organ donor scenario but I guess Lleyton's parents were totally over bearing and Emma was scared of them, I just thought she would have more say as next of kin.
I really liked Tom and his relationship with his Mum was lovely, as was his young daughter 'Ruby'. Once again it's the secondary characters that I enjoy re meeting from the authors previous novels.
A thoroughly enjoyable 'escape' for a few hours, I believe Nicki Edwards books are getting better with each one and look forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
But Tom has secrets of his own and as their friendship develops, Emma is often confused by his hot and cold feelings towards her.
I'm enjoying the medical/rural romances that are currently being published and this one is no exception. I thought the medical scenes were well done, although I was surprised regarding the organ donor scenario but I guess Lleyton's parents were totally over bearing and Emma was scared of them, I just thought she would have more say as next of kin.
I really liked Tom and his relationship with his Mum was lovely, as was his young daughter 'Ruby'. Once again it's the secondary characters that I enjoy re meeting from the authors previous novels.
A thoroughly enjoyable 'escape' for a few hours, I believe Nicki Edwards books are getting better with each one and look forward to reading more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
February 4, 2016
Emma O'Connor's return to the countryside in the wake of an unexpected tragedy brings her back an aimless but wealthy one - and straight into contact with her teenage crush Tom Henderson, who's the acting estate manager of a homestead she's inherited. The close proximity to Tom is dangerous for an infatuation that had never died and even as she and Tom seem to grow closer, a great number of secrets and a basic lack of trust ensure that they can't connect fully.
'Life Support' is very much the story centred around Emma; written solely in her perspective, the book gives detailed insights into medical emergencies that, while interesting, detracted from the family drama that didn't seem to have head or tail for me. Tom/Emma however, seemed like a forced pairing, thrust together because of circumstances beyond their control but not connecting on a romantic level at all. I found their (lack of) chemistry to be in question, but the behaviour of Tom was distasteful, shallow and unpredictable to the point where I wondered if his tightly-kept secrets were making him bipolar in nature, kept only unchecked by Emma's passive-aggressive stance towards him.
The author's love of the country is nonetheless evident, demonstrated clearly in her descriptions of the rural landscape and even if I found it hard to buy into the romance, 'Life Support' would most likely appeal to those seeking a mix of these elements.
*ARC by netgalley
(countrified and grateful, mind)
'Life Support' is very much the story centred around Emma; written solely in her perspective, the book gives detailed insights into medical emergencies that, while interesting, detracted from the family drama that didn't seem to have head or tail for me. Tom/Emma however, seemed like a forced pairing, thrust together because of circumstances beyond their control but not connecting on a romantic level at all. I found their (lack of) chemistry to be in question, but the behaviour of Tom was distasteful, shallow and unpredictable to the point where I wondered if his tightly-kept secrets were making him bipolar in nature, kept only unchecked by Emma's passive-aggressive stance towards him.
The author's love of the country is nonetheless evident, demonstrated clearly in her descriptions of the rural landscape and even if I found it hard to buy into the romance, 'Life Support' would most likely appeal to those seeking a mix of these elements.
*ARC by netgalley
(countrified and grateful, mind)
July 12, 2016
what a sweet romance - I really enjoyed this story.
February 26, 2016
On the whole this is another enjoyable change-of-life adventure from the Escape to the Country series, mixing medical drama with romantic hopes and life changing decisions. I liked Emma and I found the idea of Lexton Downs really intriguing, but I have to admit that I wasn’t entirely convinced by the romance – mostly because I found Tom’s behaviour off-putting and occasionally infuriating.
This book is completely Emma’s tale, with her difficulties in dealing with the break down of her marriage, followed by her husband’s death and the move back home to Birrangulla. She’s understandably a bit lost at the beginning, uncertain of where life is taking her and what she actually wants from it. For the most part I admired the way she dealt with the cards life deals her and enjoyed seeing her change and grow throughout the book.
However, when it comes to the romance with Tom, things didn’t quite work for me. He’s an old teenage crush of hers, who conveniently works at Lexton Downs, running the entire business. For me there wasn’t any chemistry between them, and Tom is hauling so many secrets around that his hot and cold behaviour towards Emma made everything between them feel off. It doesn’t help that there are plenty of time jumps in the story where a couple of weeks pass between scenes, in which the pair of them haven’t spoken or seen each other once. There just didn’t seem to be any connection between them. Emma also has her own secret about when they were younger, and I think I expected more of it to come of the big reveal than really did.
Actually, that’s my overall feeling towards this book – I kept expecting more to come of everything than actually did. I would have loved to have seen some of the business of Lexton Downs in action – the horses, the B&B, Tom’s idea for riding therapy. Emma shows zero interest in any of it, which is kind of worrying since she owns the place. You’d never know it from her behaviour. There’s also no mention of all the money her husband left her. There are a couple of medical cases too that I expected follow-ups for, but nothing came of any of them – except a general impression of the incompetence of doctors across the hospital where Emma works. Then there are her deceased husband’s secrets and Emma’s relationship with his parents. That all fell completely flat for me.
Which is a shame, because this book sets everything up so well. I liked all the characters (apart from Tom) and it was nice to visit Birrangulla again. At times the story is deeply emotional and I did enjoy it for the most part. It’s just that it never quite finishes what it starts and sort of tails off towards the end, leaving loose ends to fray and be forgotten. In all this is a solid addition to the series, but I do hope a certain brother’s story will be turning up soon. I’m so curious about him.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This book is completely Emma’s tale, with her difficulties in dealing with the break down of her marriage, followed by her husband’s death and the move back home to Birrangulla. She’s understandably a bit lost at the beginning, uncertain of where life is taking her and what she actually wants from it. For the most part I admired the way she dealt with the cards life deals her and enjoyed seeing her change and grow throughout the book.
However, when it comes to the romance with Tom, things didn’t quite work for me. He’s an old teenage crush of hers, who conveniently works at Lexton Downs, running the entire business. For me there wasn’t any chemistry between them, and Tom is hauling so many secrets around that his hot and cold behaviour towards Emma made everything between them feel off. It doesn’t help that there are plenty of time jumps in the story where a couple of weeks pass between scenes, in which the pair of them haven’t spoken or seen each other once. There just didn’t seem to be any connection between them. Emma also has her own secret about when they were younger, and I think I expected more of it to come of the big reveal than really did.
Actually, that’s my overall feeling towards this book – I kept expecting more to come of everything than actually did. I would have loved to have seen some of the business of Lexton Downs in action – the horses, the B&B, Tom’s idea for riding therapy. Emma shows zero interest in any of it, which is kind of worrying since she owns the place. You’d never know it from her behaviour. There’s also no mention of all the money her husband left her. There are a couple of medical cases too that I expected follow-ups for, but nothing came of any of them – except a general impression of the incompetence of doctors across the hospital where Emma works. Then there are her deceased husband’s secrets and Emma’s relationship with his parents. That all fell completely flat for me.
Which is a shame, because this book sets everything up so well. I liked all the characters (apart from Tom) and it was nice to visit Birrangulla again. At times the story is deeply emotional and I did enjoy it for the most part. It’s just that it never quite finishes what it starts and sort of tails off towards the end, leaving loose ends to fray and be forgotten. In all this is a solid addition to the series, but I do hope a certain brother’s story will be turning up soon. I’m so curious about him.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
February 11, 2016
Emma is heart broken she find her husband had and affair and uncovers more secrets and she is feeling sick of secrets. When her husbands pass away suddenly she needs to decided to stay in the city or move home in the country with family and get away from her over bearing in-laws who seem to want to stir up trouble at every chance they get. When she decides to move home trouble followers her and she still honors her husbands secrets, when she runs into a crush from high school she knows she needs to find out if the feels are still there. She starting to realize that Tom has his own set of secrets and he is only to happy to hide and push her away to keep those secrets close to his heart. However she knows that secrets destroy people and she is wondering if its now to late to protect her heart. Tom has secrets and feels like its no one else business and he doesn't care for anyone to find out but will he finally come clean before its too late and he destroys relationships and everything he holds dear to him or will he walk away knowing that was the only choose.
I really enjoyed this series of books so far and this one does not disappoint. This book draws you in from the first page to the last and has you so captivated only to soon realize the book is almost over. The story line is well written and the plots and twist that are add just make the book that much more enjoyable. I loved Ruby and her sweet little personality in the book it just seems to tie everything together. I also enjoyed Emma's crazy relationships with her parents and her brothers. I think the only thing that could have made the book I guess all that better was if the story was told from both sides meaning from Tom perspective as well, the author did a good job telling his story through Emma but I think on some thing it would have been nice to see his perspective in the situation. Over all this book is a 4.5. You can catch up with the characters from the first 2 books and that was really fun the part they seem to play in this story line. I hope that this is not the end of these fun characters and there is more to come with Lucas story. This book is well worth the read and well worth adding it along with the others to your personal library.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
I really enjoyed this series of books so far and this one does not disappoint. This book draws you in from the first page to the last and has you so captivated only to soon realize the book is almost over. The story line is well written and the plots and twist that are add just make the book that much more enjoyable. I loved Ruby and her sweet little personality in the book it just seems to tie everything together. I also enjoyed Emma's crazy relationships with her parents and her brothers. I think the only thing that could have made the book I guess all that better was if the story was told from both sides meaning from Tom perspective as well, the author did a good job telling his story through Emma but I think on some thing it would have been nice to see his perspective in the situation. Over all this book is a 4.5. You can catch up with the characters from the first 2 books and that was really fun the part they seem to play in this story line. I hope that this is not the end of these fun characters and there is more to come with Lucas story. This book is well worth the read and well worth adding it along with the others to your personal library.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
February 26, 2016
I am not sure how I have never come across any books by Nicki Edwards prior to reading this one, but I know I have missed out on some great reading.
The book is about Emma Chirnside, an ER nurse at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. She has been separated from her husband Lleyton for six months...she left him the night she found out about his affair. Her two-year marriage will end as soon as she signs and returns the divorce papers. Emma is at work one night when an accident victim is brought in, and it ends up being Lleyton. Despite every effort, Lleyton was pronounced brain dead. After the funeral, Emma is told that her husband has left her a mansion back in her hometown of Birrangulla. Emma has so much to deal with, and her in-laws are only making matters worse, so she decides to go back home and see what her husband actually left her. Emma decides this is the best opportunity to start over. Unfortunately, Emma arrives only to find out the estate manager is a man named Tom Henderson, her high school crush. Tom has his own share of problems and secrets. He never knew the feelings Emma had for him years ago, but Emma has not forgotten.
I could continue with more details, but I refuse to give out too many spoilers. Life Support is a well written love story with great character development. There are some unexpected twists and turns, which add to the overall story. I laughed at parts of the story, and teared up at others. Overall, this is a wonderful story of life...the good and the bad...and what is needed to be done to move forward. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a digital edition of this book from Momentum Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about Emma Chirnside, an ER nurse at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. She has been separated from her husband Lleyton for six months...she left him the night she found out about his affair. Her two-year marriage will end as soon as she signs and returns the divorce papers. Emma is at work one night when an accident victim is brought in, and it ends up being Lleyton. Despite every effort, Lleyton was pronounced brain dead. After the funeral, Emma is told that her husband has left her a mansion back in her hometown of Birrangulla. Emma has so much to deal with, and her in-laws are only making matters worse, so she decides to go back home and see what her husband actually left her. Emma decides this is the best opportunity to start over. Unfortunately, Emma arrives only to find out the estate manager is a man named Tom Henderson, her high school crush. Tom has his own share of problems and secrets. He never knew the feelings Emma had for him years ago, but Emma has not forgotten.
I could continue with more details, but I refuse to give out too many spoilers. Life Support is a well written love story with great character development. There are some unexpected twists and turns, which add to the overall story. I laughed at parts of the story, and teared up at others. Overall, this is a wonderful story of life...the good and the bad...and what is needed to be done to move forward. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a digital edition of this book from Momentum Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
If you have never read a book by Nicki Edwards then you are definitely missing out on some great reading. Her writing makes you become part of the book. I have read all of her books that she has written and I can't say which ones I like the best because I love them all.
This one is about a nurse who goes through some major life situations. I don't want to give the story away by telling them all but one of those has her moving back to her hometown. She has the meddling in-laws, the cheating husband and a love from the past. She has stresses from her job as an emergency room nurse and the way the story is written you feel what the characters feel.
I laughed, I cried and my son asked me what was wrong. One of the situations that Emma found herself in, I was there in Sept. The feelings it brought back, the raw emotions that I felt. I grieved for Emma and Tom. I know how they felt. Nicki Edwards described them just like I had felt them months ago. What an awesome writer.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review and would buy any of her books if I needed to just to have the opportunity to read them.
This one is about a nurse who goes through some major life situations. I don't want to give the story away by telling them all but one of those has her moving back to her hometown. She has the meddling in-laws, the cheating husband and a love from the past. She has stresses from her job as an emergency room nurse and the way the story is written you feel what the characters feel.
I laughed, I cried and my son asked me what was wrong. One of the situations that Emma found herself in, I was there in Sept. The feelings it brought back, the raw emotions that I felt. I grieved for Emma and Tom. I know how they felt. Nicki Edwards described them just like I had felt them months ago. What an awesome writer.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review and would buy any of her books if I needed to just to have the opportunity to read them.
February 27, 2016
This is the third book in the Escape to the Country series. You don't need to have read the first two books to enjoy this one. I have, and I think this is the best one yet.
I loved the familiar Australian setting. The fictional rural town of Birrangulla is not far from where my Mum lives and each time I read references to Bathurst, it made me smile. I enjoyed all the medical scenes and even in such short scenes, I came to care about the patients. I was curious to find out what heppened to them next, but true to the life of a nurse, once a patient has been transferred out of your care, you don't often find out. There were medically related scenes that had me all choked up.
The heritage listed mansion was about as close as we can get to a fairytale castle in Australia, and all I wanted was for Tom to ride in on a white stallion, sweep Emma off her feet and live happily ever after. You'll have to read it yourself to find out if they do. (It's a romance novel - of course they live happily ever after)
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the familiar Australian setting. The fictional rural town of Birrangulla is not far from where my Mum lives and each time I read references to Bathurst, it made me smile. I enjoyed all the medical scenes and even in such short scenes, I came to care about the patients. I was curious to find out what heppened to them next, but true to the life of a nurse, once a patient has been transferred out of your care, you don't often find out. There were medically related scenes that had me all choked up.
The heritage listed mansion was about as close as we can get to a fairytale castle in Australia, and all I wanted was for Tom to ride in on a white stallion, sweep Emma off her feet and live happily ever after. You'll have to read it yourself to find out if they do. (It's a romance novel - of course they live happily ever after)
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
Firstly, I have to admit, this isn’t the first book I have read of Nicki Edwards. Once again, she has left me with wanting more of the Escape to the Country series. I hope she continues to write another book following this one (Liam needs one). You will feel each book is better than the last.
Life Support is the story of Emma and Tom’s story. Emma is a nurse in Melbourne hospital, when certain events happen and she moves back to her hometown. This is where she meets up with for high school crush/first love Tom. Tom has his own set of secrets and he is only too happy to hide and push her away to keep those secrets close to his heart. However she knows that secrets destroy people and she is wondering if it’s now too late to protect her heart.
The story will have you smiling, laughing, crying and angry through the journey. Please read this book, as I know you will love it as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Life Support is the story of Emma and Tom’s story. Emma is a nurse in Melbourne hospital, when certain events happen and she moves back to her hometown. This is where she meets up with for high school crush/first love Tom. Tom has his own set of secrets and he is only too happy to hide and push her away to keep those secrets close to his heart. However she knows that secrets destroy people and she is wondering if it’s now too late to protect her heart.
The story will have you smiling, laughing, crying and angry through the journey. Please read this book, as I know you will love it as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
February 12, 2016
Life Support by Nicki Edwards was a sweet story about second chances. I didn't realize this was part of a series, but it stands alone. This book was set in Australia, so some of the vernacular was foreign (Ha!) to this American reader, but fun to read through. I felt like some of the descriptions were superfluous, but it was obvious that the author loves the Australian countryside. Emma was upset because her marriage wasn't passionate, but then I didn't feel the chemistry was that explosive between her and Tom either. A sweet story. I might take a chance on a another one.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 12, 2016
I like romances and medical dramas, so this series has interested me from the beginning. However, this particular book was a bit of a disappointment. I felt the plot was rather disjointed and had several loose ends that distracted from the story. For instance, early on an elderly woman's liver was knicked in a procedure by a seemingly incompetent young doctor. I figured this event would somehow tie into the story, but it ended up being just a medical event detail. I also thought the ex in-laws and the possibility of them contesting Emma's late husband's will would play a bigger part in the story.
Now I will eagerly wait for the next book by Ms. Edwards!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Now I will eagerly wait for the next book by Ms. Edwards!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 22, 2016
The story of Emma and Tom is like coming full circle on life's events as they spend time together. He's her high school crush and now the manager of the estate she inherited after her husband's death. They knew each other as teens when both their mother's fought breast cancer. Emma and Tom both had marriages that ended too soon and the resulting issues to overcome.
As I came to know and love these two people and their families, the emotions I felt were strong and empathetic for them. I cried and laughed with them as I turned the pages. Although I am sad this book had to end and I couldn't spend more time with Emma and Tom, this is an emotional and satisfying romance that I highly recommend to my reader friends!
As I came to know and love these two people and their families, the emotions I felt were strong and empathetic for them. I cried and laughed with them as I turned the pages. Although I am sad this book had to end and I couldn't spend more time with Emma and Tom, this is an emotional and satisfying romance that I highly recommend to my reader friends!
March 21, 2016
I really loved this book. The series just keeps getting better and better.
Since growing up on a farm, I've always enjoyed reading rural books. But being a nurse as well, I really love the medical aspect to these books.
Emma and Tom are so cute together, but Lleyton's parents were so vile. I just wanted someone to punch them to knock some sense into them.
I can't wait to read Liam's story next!
Since growing up on a farm, I've always enjoyed reading rural books. But being a nurse as well, I really love the medical aspect to these books.
Emma and Tom are so cute together, but Lleyton's parents were so vile. I just wanted someone to punch them to knock some sense into them.
I can't wait to read Liam's story next!
March 13, 2016
Thank you Nicki for another wonderful book. I yet again could not put this down. I'm in awe of your writing skills and being able to draw the readers into the story as if they are living the lives of the characters. I look forward to reading many more of your books in the future.
March 15, 2016
I'm really loving this series. Can't wait for the new book!
March 12, 2016
Another entertaining read from author Nicki Edwards that had its share of entertaining elements within the story.
Review copy received from the Publisher
Review copy received from the Publisher
December 4, 2018
'Life Support' by Nicki Edwards was a medical rural romance, the third in her 'Escape to the Country' series. I enjoyed the Australian setting, but didn't go much for the plot. Tom, the romantic interest was a complete jerk who I could not warm to. This was another case of a character refusing to communicate maturely, a device which authors love to use because it stretches out the romance but which, to me, just makes the plot more annoying. And I know the author uses her extensive experience as a critical care nurse, but there was just too much medical terminology sprinkled throughout the book; sometimes there was an explanation but not often, such as 'Kate had spent much of her previous pregnancy in and out of hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum'; 'Simple fractured NOF I reckon'; 'I've done another set of ABGS'; 'What's her CVP?'. I know this is how nurses talk and how conversation at an accident might sound, but it didn't make me feel very involved.
January 19, 2025
This book had ups and downs and so many secrets to keep track of. I will admit there was half a chapter i skipped as it was a bit too emotional and close to home but the rest i really enjoyed. Very easy read
November 12, 2018
This was an ok read but I struggled to relate to the characters.
July 5, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed.
February 22, 2020
Lovely story & great read!!!
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April 22, 2016
Life Support is the latest book in Nicki Edwards Escape to the Country series. I've read all the books, so I had an idea of what to expect - a light, enjoyable read that mixed romance with life in the hospital.
I really enjoyed this book, though Tom pushing Emma away so much got a bit irritating after a while. I'm glad the secrets finally came out. It would also have been good to know a bit more about life in Lexton Downs, however because the book was from Emma's point of view, it seemed she was more interested in her work at the hospital and was trusting Tom and the team he'd put together to run the place for her. This didn't take me away from enjoying the story.
This book had me in tears twice with some incredibly moving scenes. I won't tell you which ones, you'll have to read the book to find out.
I also enjoyed meeting Ruby, Tom's 5 year old daughter. She's a character and I enjoyed watching the relationship between her and Emma (maybe there's another book 15 or so years later!).
I am really enjoying the Escape to the Country series and find them the perfect light read when life is crazy. It's nice to read the books and have your own little escape to the country,
I really enjoyed this book, though Tom pushing Emma away so much got a bit irritating after a while. I'm glad the secrets finally came out. It would also have been good to know a bit more about life in Lexton Downs, however because the book was from Emma's point of view, it seemed she was more interested in her work at the hospital and was trusting Tom and the team he'd put together to run the place for her. This didn't take me away from enjoying the story.
This book had me in tears twice with some incredibly moving scenes. I won't tell you which ones, you'll have to read the book to find out.
I also enjoyed meeting Ruby, Tom's 5 year old daughter. She's a character and I enjoyed watching the relationship between her and Emma (maybe there's another book 15 or so years later!).
I am really enjoying the Escape to the Country series and find them the perfect light read when life is crazy. It's nice to read the books and have your own little escape to the country,
May 26, 2016
I"ve thought about this one overnight and upped my rating from 2 to 3. This is a perfectly competently written rural medical romance with a reasonable level of tension.
The problem I had with the book is that the medical parts are far, far better written than the action outside the hospital. What happens inside the hospital is so gritty, urgent and real that it overshadows the rest and makes it seem shadowy and insubstantial. It's as if there are two stories happening, real life in the hospital and everything else in the background. So the medical bits deserve a four star rating, the remainder two stars.
Also a bit frustrating, things that happen in emergency grab your attention but you never find out the outcomes—perhaps this is intended? Probably what it is really like for the people that work there.
I'd like to see this author write an entire story in a medical setting, I think that would be very powerful.
The problem I had with the book is that the medical parts are far, far better written than the action outside the hospital. What happens inside the hospital is so gritty, urgent and real that it overshadows the rest and makes it seem shadowy and insubstantial. It's as if there are two stories happening, real life in the hospital and everything else in the background. So the medical bits deserve a four star rating, the remainder two stars.
Also a bit frustrating, things that happen in emergency grab your attention but you never find out the outcomes—perhaps this is intended? Probably what it is really like for the people that work there.
I'd like to see this author write an entire story in a medical setting, I think that would be very powerful.
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