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Lord of the High Valley
He neither liked nor trusted her.
After her fiance, Robin, was killed in an accident, Rosanne just wanted some time alone before resuming her career as a ballerina.
But Ross McAdam, Robin's disturbing half brother, absolutely insisted that she visit his family homestead in Queensland.
Once there, she realized that Ross had nothing but contempt for her. Rosanne wished she knew why he thought so badly of her — and why it should suddenly matter what he thought!
After her fiance, Robin, was killed in an accident, Rosanne just wanted some time alone before resuming her career as a ballerina.
But Ross McAdam, Robin's disturbing half brother, absolutely insisted that she visit his family homestead in Queensland.
Once there, she realized that Ross had nothing but contempt for her. Rosanne wished she knew why he thought so badly of her — and why it should suddenly matter what he thought!
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
47 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Way
613 books162 followersMargaret Way was born and educated in the river city of Brisbane, Australia. Before her marriage she was a well-known pianist, teacher, vocal coach and accompanist, but her hectic musical career came to a halt when her son was born and the demands of motherhood dictated a change of pace.
On a fortuitous impulse she decided to try her hand at romance writing and was thrilled when Mills & Boon accepted her first effort, Time of the Jacaranda, which they published less than a year later in 1970; a feat that brought tears to her father's eyes. Some seventy odd books have followed resulting in a loyal readership whose letters provide a source of support and encouragement. A driving force in all her writing has been the promotion of her much loved country, Australia. She delights in bringing it alive for her readers; its people, way of life, environment, flora and fauna. Her efforts so far have not excited official recognition, but she expects one day she will be awarded the "Order of Australia."
Her interests remain with the arts. She still plays the piano seriously, but her "top Cs" have gone. She is still addicted to collecting antiques and paintings and browsing through galleries. She now lives within sight and sound of beautiful Moreton Bay and its islands, inspiration for some of her books. Her house is full of books, spectacular plants, Chinese screens and pots. She is devoted to her garden and spends much time "directing the design and digging and providing cold drinks and chocolates."
On a fortuitous impulse she decided to try her hand at romance writing and was thrilled when Mills & Boon accepted her first effort, Time of the Jacaranda, which they published less than a year later in 1970; a feat that brought tears to her father's eyes. Some seventy odd books have followed resulting in a loyal readership whose letters provide a source of support and encouragement. A driving force in all her writing has been the promotion of her much loved country, Australia. She delights in bringing it alive for her readers; its people, way of life, environment, flora and fauna. Her efforts so far have not excited official recognition, but she expects one day she will be awarded the "Order of Australia."
Her interests remain with the arts. She still plays the piano seriously, but her "top Cs" have gone. She is still addicted to collecting antiques and paintings and browsing through galleries. She now lives within sight and sound of beautiful Moreton Bay and its islands, inspiration for some of her books. Her house is full of books, spectacular plants, Chinese screens and pots. She is devoted to her garden and spends much time "directing the design and digging and providing cold drinks and chocolates."
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 15, 2019
Heroine is a 19 year-old ballerina who was engaged to the H’s half-brother until he ran a stop sign and died in a car accident.
Hero bullies her from her hospital bed into recovering at his Outback station so she can comfort his stepmother. He also makes clear that he thinks she is a man-eating slut – based on a letter his half-brother wrote and the lies a fellow ballerina told him.
Heroine is an orphaned virgin and can’t believe her fiancé was so jealous and paranoid. She was only marrying him for security and didn’t realize he was nuts.
Hero takes heroine to his home in his private jet, but stops off at the neighboring OW’s house first. Heroine promptly faints from fatigue and they spend the night in the pit of vipers with the jealous OW and her eye-to-the-main-chance mother.
Then we’re on to the hero’s station where she meets his two hostile sisters and his neurotic stepmother. Stepmom was hero’s nanny after his mother died and hero indulges her. She’s actually very sweet and treats the heroine well. Hero’s sister also comes around after heroine helps her lose weight with ballerina exercises.
Meanwhile, hero glowers and is convinced heroine has bewitched him. Hero rescues heroine from several adventures. The OW gets a slap or two in. The typical Margaret Way drama.
After stepmother drops dead (I know!) the heroine goes back to her ballet life and becomes the top soloist. (The lying ballerina was fired.) Hero travels to see her and grovels and declares his love. He feels guilty from taking her away from her career, but heroine is happy to have babies for the next dysfunctional generation in the Outback.
This story was actually tightly written and H/h spent a lot of time together. There are some lovely descriptions of the “high valley” (on the edge of the rain forest). Hero does not indulge the OW and boots her off the station as soon as a poisonous snake (shudder) is found in heroine’s bedroom.
One of her better/coherent stories if you like MW.
Hero bullies her from her hospital bed into recovering at his Outback station so she can comfort his stepmother. He also makes clear that he thinks she is a man-eating slut – based on a letter his half-brother wrote and the lies a fellow ballerina told him.
Heroine is an orphaned virgin and can’t believe her fiancé was so jealous and paranoid. She was only marrying him for security and didn’t realize he was nuts.
Hero takes heroine to his home in his private jet, but stops off at the neighboring OW’s house first. Heroine promptly faints from fatigue and they spend the night
Then we’re on to the hero’s station where she meets his two hostile sisters and his neurotic stepmother. Stepmom was hero’s nanny after his mother died and hero indulges her. She’s actually very sweet and treats the heroine well. Hero’s sister also comes around after heroine helps her lose weight with ballerina exercises.
Meanwhile, hero glowers and is convinced heroine has bewitched him. Hero rescues heroine from several adventures. The OW gets a slap or two in. The typical Margaret Way drama.
After stepmother drops dead (I know!) the heroine goes back to her ballet life and becomes the top soloist. (The lying ballerina was fired.) Hero travels to see her and grovels and declares his love. He feels guilty from taking her away from her career, but heroine is happy to have babies for the next dysfunctional generation in the Outback.
This story was actually tightly written and H/h spent a lot of time together. There are some lovely descriptions of the “high valley” (on the edge of the rain forest). Hero does not indulge the OW and boots her off the station as soon as a poisonous snake (shudder) is found in heroine’s bedroom.
One of her better/coherent stories if you like MW.
March 9, 2014
Lots of angst, but the heroine had some major emotional issues and the family was extremely dysfunctional. Lots of loose ends made for barely two stars. I am not sure this author is for me.
March 7, 2014
3 1/2 Stars ~ Orphaned at a young age, Roseanne was taken in by an aunt who had little time for children but had agreed to let her learn ballet. Through dance Roseanne found her love and it soon became obvious that she was truly gifted. At the tender age of 19, she was newly appointed prima ballerina of her Company, and from the audience she met Robin. Robin charmed her and gave her the affection she so sorely craved, and they became engaged. But something wasn't quite right with Robin and when he misinterpreted an embrace from her male partner, Roseanne realized he had a volatile temper. Driving recklessly, Robin crashed their car, killing himself and sending Roseanne to hospital. When she awoke, it was to find a strange man in her room, who introduced himself as Robin's stepbrother Ross. He didn't hide his contempt of her, claiming days before the accident he'd received a letter from Robin that told him of his fiancee and how she had betrayed him with other men. Robin's mother knew nothing of the letter, and in her inconsolable grief, she was insisting that Roseanne come to their Outback ranch to recover before rejoining her dance company. From her first views, High Valley enchants Roseanne and she finds herself drawn to the beauty of this magical oasis in the Outback. Marta instantly likes Roseanne and they form a solid friendship; and slowly Roseanne gains approval from Robin's sister as well. Life would be wonderful, if only she didn't react so instantly when Ross was near; responding to his advances, which only proved he was right in thinking she enjoyed playing games with men.
Ms. Way has a talent with dialogue that brings to life the spark between Ross and Roseanne. Their's is a love at first sight, which thoroughly confuses Roseanne. While she can portray passion through her dance, she's never experienced real passion until Ross. He's a strong man who takes his role as head of his family seriously. Roseanne is a puzzle, for all appearances she is innocent and unawakened, yet she has an allure that attracts men. I loved that while Ross could cut her with his barbed remarks, Roseanne was quick to come back, even if only to point out to him how deliberately cruel he could be. I loved their sparring matches and how completely Ross becomes enchanted with her. I enjoyed this charming love story very much.
Ms. Way has a talent with dialogue that brings to life the spark between Ross and Roseanne. Their's is a love at first sight, which thoroughly confuses Roseanne. While she can portray passion through her dance, she's never experienced real passion until Ross. He's a strong man who takes his role as head of his family seriously. Roseanne is a puzzle, for all appearances she is innocent and unawakened, yet she has an allure that attracts men. I loved that while Ross could cut her with his barbed remarks, Roseanne was quick to come back, even if only to point out to him how deliberately cruel he could be. I loved their sparring matches and how completely Ross becomes enchanted with her. I enjoyed this charming love story very much.
August 4, 2025
The heroine (19) has a really hard time until the HEA from the moment her parents died. Raised by a cold aunt, she becomes fixated by ballet and at the beginning of the story, her fiancé has died after crashing his car (whilst trying to scare her). He has patently always been a nasty loser, but the hero believed all the foul lies he told in a letter home. The hero (30s) is the half-brother of the dead fiancé and has come to the city to take her home to recuperate to help his stepmother in her grief.
They encounter a neighbour OW, then a week later she comes to stay at the hero’s station - she is typically (for this author) rather unhinged.
What was impressive is the depicted chemistry between the main characters - it was obvious from the beginning that the hero was crazy about her. Just as it looks like he will declare himself, another tragedy happens to split them apart. A few months later, after nailing a starring role in a ballet performance, the hero comes to the city to declare himself.
I really liked this one as it was so emotional and had good dialogue.
A solid 4 stars.
They encounter a neighbour OW, then a week later she comes to stay at the hero’s station - she is typically (for this author) rather unhinged.
What was impressive is the depicted chemistry between the main characters - it was obvious from the beginning that the hero was crazy about her. Just as it looks like he will declare himself, another tragedy happens to split them apart. A few months later, after nailing a starring role in a ballet performance, the hero comes to the city to declare himself.
I really liked this one as it was so emotional and had good dialogue.
A solid 4 stars.
May 28, 2023
A fey, misjudged ballerina wakes from a car crash in which her fiancee is killed and she is forced to go live on an 'out in the nowhere' cattle station with the dead fiancee's all-powerful brother.
OK so here it is, I fricking LOVE Aussie/NZ romances set on cattle or sheep sheep stations. The rugged men, the isolation, the beautiful surroundings and the inevitable danger. Up you come on my horse girle, and since it's so dangerous out here I better hold you extra tight. *sigh*. I also love the high handed station masters and how they are quite metaphorically the lords of all they own. Lots of opportunity for high handed, feudal shenanigans.
What I'm not such a massive fan of is the 'I loved you from first sight, but heard a rumor you're a slut, so I'm going to run with the rumor and make your life hell' trope. We are TOLD he loved her from first sight, but he spent the entire book telling her she's a slapper and it's her fault her fiancee is dead. This is a super popular trope, the 'I'm falling in love with you and hate it and you so much' and if that is your bag you'll love this. Me personally, I just find it all very odd and confusing and makes the love declaration at the end feel very sudden, contrived and unreal.
OK so here it is, I fricking LOVE Aussie/NZ romances set on cattle or sheep sheep stations. The rugged men, the isolation, the beautiful surroundings and the inevitable danger. Up you come on my horse girle, and since it's so dangerous out here I better hold you extra tight. *sigh*. I also love the high handed station masters and how they are quite metaphorically the lords of all they own. Lots of opportunity for high handed, feudal shenanigans.
What I'm not such a massive fan of is the 'I loved you from first sight, but heard a rumor you're a slut, so I'm going to run with the rumor and make your life hell' trope. We are TOLD he loved her from first sight, but he spent the entire book telling her she's a slapper and it's her fault her fiancee is dead. This is a super popular trope, the 'I'm falling in love with you and hate it and you so much' and if that is your bag you'll love this. Me personally, I just find it all very odd and confusing and makes the love declaration at the end feel very sudden, contrived and unreal.
February 25, 2020
He neither liked nor trusted her
After her fiance, Robin, was killed in an accident, Rosanne just wanted some time alone before resuming her career as a ballerina.
But Ross McAdam, Robin's disturbing half brother, absolutely insisted that she visit his family homestead in Queensland.
Once there, she realized that Ross had nothing but contempt for her. Rosanne wished she knew why he thought so badly of her - and why it should suddenly matter what he thought!
After her fiance, Robin, was killed in an accident, Rosanne just wanted some time alone before resuming her career as a ballerina.
But Ross McAdam, Robin's disturbing half brother, absolutely insisted that she visit his family homestead in Queensland.
Once there, she realized that Ross had nothing but contempt for her. Rosanne wished she knew why he thought so badly of her - and why it should suddenly matter what he thought!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews