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Country Roads
The compelling story of a grief-stricken man reeling from tragedy and a hard-working female farmer dealing with betrayal who may just find love and healing with each other.
Rebecca Duprey is working day and night to keep the family sheep station, Bluestone Ridge, afloat. But Bec's father, who's been in a wheelchair since a farming mishap, keeps second-guessing her decisions. Now, to add Bec's woes, her unfaithful ex-boyfriend has started lurking around, and the adjoining farm she'd hoped to buy has been snapped up by a guy from the city called Matt Harvey.
After leaving his job in advertising, Matt became a bestselling novelist. But since the death of his fiancee in a car accident, he's had severe writer's block and is desperately hoping his move to the country will help him deal with his grief and allow him to focus on completing his next book. Problem is, he seems to have started off on the wrong foot with his new neighbour, Bec Duprey.
Bec isn't quite sure when she started feeling attracted to Matt, but she's determined not to succumb to his charms. And Matt isn't sure when his feelings changed about Bec; all he knows is he can't get her out of his mind. Can Bec and Matt overcome their fear of loss to find love and happiness with each other...?
This absolutely compelling novel deals with betrayal, tragedy, love - and how first impressions aren't always right.
Rebecca Duprey is working day and night to keep the family sheep station, Bluestone Ridge, afloat. But Bec's father, who's been in a wheelchair since a farming mishap, keeps second-guessing her decisions. Now, to add Bec's woes, her unfaithful ex-boyfriend has started lurking around, and the adjoining farm she'd hoped to buy has been snapped up by a guy from the city called Matt Harvey.
After leaving his job in advertising, Matt became a bestselling novelist. But since the death of his fiancee in a car accident, he's had severe writer's block and is desperately hoping his move to the country will help him deal with his grief and allow him to focus on completing his next book. Problem is, he seems to have started off on the wrong foot with his new neighbour, Bec Duprey.
Bec isn't quite sure when she started feeling attracted to Matt, but she's determined not to succumb to his charms. And Matt isn't sure when his feelings changed about Bec; all he knows is he can't get her out of his mind. Can Bec and Matt overcome their fear of loss to find love and happiness with each other...?
This absolutely compelling novel deals with betrayal, tragedy, love - and how first impressions aren't always right.
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2017
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April 15, 2017
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Nicole Hurley-Moore is quickly establishing herself as one to watch in the rural romance genre. If you have a penchant for rural stories with plenty of heart, then look no further than Country Roads or Nicole Hurley-Moore’s previous two books.
Two very different leads are at the helm of Nicole Hurley-Moore’s latest novel, from chalk and cheese style backgrounds. Our leading lady, Bec Duprey, single-handedly runs her family’s property in the tiny town of White Gum, situated in country Victoria. Following a tragic quad bike accident, Bec’s father has had to relinquish responsibility for the family farm to his daughter. Bec virtually runs everything on the farm, all except the business and big decisions, which her father shows no signs of letting go. Lately things have been tough for the Duprey’s and their neighbours, as drought has ripped through their properties. The townsfolk of White Gum are all prayed for rainfall to save their failing town and surrounding properties.
Our leading man of the story is Matt Harvey, an author from the big smoke – Melbourne. Matt has suffered from a horrific car accident that left him disabled and resulted in the loss of someone he held dear, consequently Matt moves to White Gum for a fresh start. Matt hopes his new purchase of a cottage nestled in Victoria’s rich countryside will unclog his writer’s block. When Matt arrives at White Gum he soon realises he is a complete alien to the rural way of life. This earns him the ire of next door neighbour Bec. Thankfully, the kindly townsfolk of White Gum welcome Matt with open arms and they band together to teach Matt a thing or two about small town country life. Eventually Bec’s barriers begin to break down and she finds herself attracted to her neighbour. But with neither ready for a committed relationship, things become a casual arrangement only. When Bec’s ex Zane makes his presence known, it adds further complications to this new romance. Bec and Matt must decide whether they are ready to take a chance on love.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has been on my rural romance radar since she released her first book, McKellan’s Run in 2015. I really enjoyed McKellan’s Run and more recently Hartley’s Grange. Country Roads is now the third novel I have read from Nicole Hurley-Moore. I am pleased to say each of Hurley-Moore’s books have managed to capture my attention, as well as my heart.
Country Roads is a book about characters, as much as it is a solid tribute to life and the people who work hard on our rural areas. Bec and Matt are from opposite ends of the spectrum but somehow they manage to come together, though this process is not straightforward. I liked the contrast in characters and their experiences, through pairing Bec and Matt together. I found Matt in particular and appealing lead, the idea that an author sets himself up in the countryside to overcome personal demons as well as writers block, completely engaged this reader. Bec is an interesting character too, from her ability to independently run her family’s property, to her former relationship with neighbour Zane and the conflict she has with her father made for an engaging read. Matt and Bec are also supported by a cast of secondary characters, who enhance the storyline. There was a fair share of good as well as bad characters, adding intrigue to the story.
Hurley-Moore certainly excels in depicting country based settings. The fictional town of White Gum Valley is your typical run of the mill small country town. Hurley-Moore allows us to see through the developing storyline that these people are suffering hardship, with drought affecting their day to day existence. Despite this, the townsfolk remain hopeful and are still able to support and have fun together, which is important. Hurley-Moore also shows us the downfalls of living in a tight knit community such as White Gum Valley. Everyone seems to be aware of everyone’s business and when relationships go sour, such as Bec and Zane’s, unfortunately you still have to see this person from time to time.
Overall, I found Country Roads a more than agreeable read from cover to cover. The romance was gentle and nice, there were some sensual moments but on the whole, what I enjoyed most was the contrast between these two very different leads. This is a book where nearly all the ends are tied up neatly for the reader. I say mostly, as I have a sneaky suspicion that one of the secondary characters in Country Roads may have their very own story in the future, courtesy of the very capable Ms Hurley–Moore. So all in all, I am happy to recommend this lovely rural romance, it is one that will sit well with fans of the genre, or newcomers to the field of Australian rural fiction.
Nicole Hurley-Moore is quickly establishing herself as one to watch in the rural romance genre. If you have a penchant for rural stories with plenty of heart, then look no further than Country Roads or Nicole Hurley-Moore’s previous two books.
Two very different leads are at the helm of Nicole Hurley-Moore’s latest novel, from chalk and cheese style backgrounds. Our leading lady, Bec Duprey, single-handedly runs her family’s property in the tiny town of White Gum, situated in country Victoria. Following a tragic quad bike accident, Bec’s father has had to relinquish responsibility for the family farm to his daughter. Bec virtually runs everything on the farm, all except the business and big decisions, which her father shows no signs of letting go. Lately things have been tough for the Duprey’s and their neighbours, as drought has ripped through their properties. The townsfolk of White Gum are all prayed for rainfall to save their failing town and surrounding properties.
Our leading man of the story is Matt Harvey, an author from the big smoke – Melbourne. Matt has suffered from a horrific car accident that left him disabled and resulted in the loss of someone he held dear, consequently Matt moves to White Gum for a fresh start. Matt hopes his new purchase of a cottage nestled in Victoria’s rich countryside will unclog his writer’s block. When Matt arrives at White Gum he soon realises he is a complete alien to the rural way of life. This earns him the ire of next door neighbour Bec. Thankfully, the kindly townsfolk of White Gum welcome Matt with open arms and they band together to teach Matt a thing or two about small town country life. Eventually Bec’s barriers begin to break down and she finds herself attracted to her neighbour. But with neither ready for a committed relationship, things become a casual arrangement only. When Bec’s ex Zane makes his presence known, it adds further complications to this new romance. Bec and Matt must decide whether they are ready to take a chance on love.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has been on my rural romance radar since she released her first book, McKellan’s Run in 2015. I really enjoyed McKellan’s Run and more recently Hartley’s Grange. Country Roads is now the third novel I have read from Nicole Hurley-Moore. I am pleased to say each of Hurley-Moore’s books have managed to capture my attention, as well as my heart.
Country Roads is a book about characters, as much as it is a solid tribute to life and the people who work hard on our rural areas. Bec and Matt are from opposite ends of the spectrum but somehow they manage to come together, though this process is not straightforward. I liked the contrast in characters and their experiences, through pairing Bec and Matt together. I found Matt in particular and appealing lead, the idea that an author sets himself up in the countryside to overcome personal demons as well as writers block, completely engaged this reader. Bec is an interesting character too, from her ability to independently run her family’s property, to her former relationship with neighbour Zane and the conflict she has with her father made for an engaging read. Matt and Bec are also supported by a cast of secondary characters, who enhance the storyline. There was a fair share of good as well as bad characters, adding intrigue to the story.
Hurley-Moore certainly excels in depicting country based settings. The fictional town of White Gum Valley is your typical run of the mill small country town. Hurley-Moore allows us to see through the developing storyline that these people are suffering hardship, with drought affecting their day to day existence. Despite this, the townsfolk remain hopeful and are still able to support and have fun together, which is important. Hurley-Moore also shows us the downfalls of living in a tight knit community such as White Gum Valley. Everyone seems to be aware of everyone’s business and when relationships go sour, such as Bec and Zane’s, unfortunately you still have to see this person from time to time.
Overall, I found Country Roads a more than agreeable read from cover to cover. The romance was gentle and nice, there were some sensual moments but on the whole, what I enjoyed most was the contrast between these two very different leads. This is a book where nearly all the ends are tied up neatly for the reader. I say mostly, as I have a sneaky suspicion that one of the secondary characters in Country Roads may have their very own story in the future, courtesy of the very capable Ms Hurley–Moore. So all in all, I am happy to recommend this lovely rural romance, it is one that will sit well with fans of the genre, or newcomers to the field of Australian rural fiction.
October 27, 2020
Bec Duprey is working hard to keep the family sheep station going since her father, Jack, had an accident and is in a wheelchair. But he still wants all the control and constantly dismisses her ideas. Why won’t he listen to her? Her mother Maggie is often caught between the two of them trying to keep the peace. When Bec meets the man who has just bought part of the adjoining farm, she is less than impressed, especially when she encounters him doing something that could endanger all the farms in the area. Matt Harvey, is quick to try ad rectify matters but Bec’s mind is made up about him. After all what is the city guy doing here? What she does not know is the trauma Matt Harvey has experienced in his life. He is hoping a move to the quiet of the country and new surroundings might re-ignite his writing spark so he can make progress on his newest novel. Meanwhile Bec’s ex fiancé is hanging around and generally making a nuisance of himself as he tries to convince her they should try again. Why would Bec ever trust him again given the way he behaved when they were engaged? What other motive could he have for wanting to get back together?
This was a good change of pace and genre after my previous novel. I enjoyed the main characters Bec and Matt. There are a couple of other characters that are easy to dislike given their attitudes and behaviour. The setting of rural Victoria is well portrayed as well as the attitudes, interactions and gossip of townsfolk.
A story of family, friendship, community and grief, with a touch or romance, this book kept my interest. even though it is a tad predictable at times. There is another story, I suspect, waiting to be told about one of the minor chracters. Hopefully that will appear in another book.
An engaging read that I enjoyed. Recommended for those who like Aussie rural fiction. Have to say though I picked this book up because I had heard some good reports about it and the author. It certainty was not for the cover which I didn’t like. Just not a fan of covers with guys or girls in hats.
This was a good change of pace and genre after my previous novel. I enjoyed the main characters Bec and Matt. There are a couple of other characters that are easy to dislike given their attitudes and behaviour. The setting of rural Victoria is well portrayed as well as the attitudes, interactions and gossip of townsfolk.
A story of family, friendship, community and grief, with a touch or romance, this book kept my interest. even though it is a tad predictable at times. There is another story, I suspect, waiting to be told about one of the minor chracters. Hopefully that will appear in another book.
An engaging read that I enjoyed. Recommended for those who like Aussie rural fiction. Have to say though I picked this book up because I had heard some good reports about it and the author. It certainty was not for the cover which I didn’t like. Just not a fan of covers with guys or girls in hats.
March 29, 2017
Country Roads is about how friendship and love can heal troubled souls. Rebecca Duprey working hard on her family's farm believe that love has passed her by until Matt Harvey brought the small property next door. Matt Harvey needed a place to find himself after his fiance killed in a car accident. When Matt and Rebecca first saw each other fireworks was leadup, however, over time Matt and Rebecca fell in love. Country Roads takes the readers on a journey to break away the barriers to allow Matt and Rebecca to fill full their dream of falling in love. Readers of Country Roads will enjoy Nicole Hurley-Moore portrayal of her characters.
Also, readers of Country Road will see the effects of drought on Australian Farms and things that farmers do to try and save them. Country Roads also highlights depression and the grieving process. Country Roads also emphasises the importance of agricultural safety and the consequence of accidents on a farm. Nicole Hurley-Moore shows the readers how they can help and support their family and friends who are suffering from grieve.
I recommend this book
Also, readers of Country Road will see the effects of drought on Australian Farms and things that farmers do to try and save them. Country Roads also highlights depression and the grieving process. Country Roads also emphasises the importance of agricultural safety and the consequence of accidents on a farm. Nicole Hurley-Moore shows the readers how they can help and support their family and friends who are suffering from grieve.
I recommend this book
March 3, 2017
Rebecca Duprey is doing all she can to keep her family's farm afloat. It's not easy single handedly running a sheep station especially with her father not trusting her advice and her former fiance nosing around. When author Matt Harvey moves in next door, Bec isn't interested. She doesn't have the time to spend on someone who may be back off to the city at any moment. Despite neither Matt nor Bec being interested in a new relationship, both of them are drawn to each other and they need to decide if being together is worth it.
I really enjoy rural romance stories and Country Roads is a great one. The characters are engaging and I wanted to find out more about each one of them. The town of White Gum Creek was the perfect spot to set this novel with the countryside being as important to the story as the characters who lived there.
The pacing of this book made the story all the more believable. Bec and Matt's relationship grew over the course of months and the timeline felt right for them as people. With both characters having their own demons to overcome, they needed time to come to terms with their pasts and I felt the author gave them plenty of space to deal with their issues.
One of the more interesting things about this novel is how character focused it is. Many contemporary novels I've read this in genre often have parallel storylines concerning mysteries or side romances. Whilst Country Roads does give us a little about Bec's parents - it's nearly all centred around Bec and Matt. We get to see their pasts, where they are now and what could be. I liked how focused it was on the lead characters but I also would have liked to have read a little more about the quirky townspeople who live in White Gum Creek.
Country Roads is a compelling story about love in unexpected places and finding your place in the world. The characters made this book a page turner and the setting is picturesque. A must read for fans of Rachael Johns and Fiona McCallum.
I really enjoy rural romance stories and Country Roads is a great one. The characters are engaging and I wanted to find out more about each one of them. The town of White Gum Creek was the perfect spot to set this novel with the countryside being as important to the story as the characters who lived there.
The pacing of this book made the story all the more believable. Bec and Matt's relationship grew over the course of months and the timeline felt right for them as people. With both characters having their own demons to overcome, they needed time to come to terms with their pasts and I felt the author gave them plenty of space to deal with their issues.
One of the more interesting things about this novel is how character focused it is. Many contemporary novels I've read this in genre often have parallel storylines concerning mysteries or side romances. Whilst Country Roads does give us a little about Bec's parents - it's nearly all centred around Bec and Matt. We get to see their pasts, where they are now and what could be. I liked how focused it was on the lead characters but I also would have liked to have read a little more about the quirky townspeople who live in White Gum Creek.
Country Roads is a compelling story about love in unexpected places and finding your place in the world. The characters made this book a page turner and the setting is picturesque. A must read for fans of Rachael Johns and Fiona McCallum.
November 10, 2025
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👎🏻🤠🥰My Book Review 🥰🤠👍🏻
My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Genres: rural romance, country, cowboy
Age Rating: 15+
For people who..: love rural romance books
My Opinion:
I loved this book, great storyline and plot over all. Love the author.
Will I read it again? Yea
Will I buy the book? Yea
❤️❤️Happy reading❤️❤️
👎🏻🤠🥰My Book Review 🥰🤠👍🏻
My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Genres: rural romance, country, cowboy
Age Rating: 15+
For people who..: love rural romance books
My Opinion:
I loved this book, great storyline and plot over all. Love the author.
Will I read it again? Yea
Will I buy the book? Yea
❤️❤️Happy reading❤️❤️
February 11, 2021
This is a rural romance fiction. Wasn’t sure whether I’ll like it or not. The first quarter of the book is boring, but binge read rest of the story. The story is a bit slow, but the details make it worth the read. It’s about two entirely different people, who come from different places and have different interests. Both of them are trying to recover from loss and get over the traumatic situation. Matt lost a loved one, while Bec is dealing with betrayal and they both find comfort and healing with each other. Exploring the rural romance genre was fun as it’s new for me. Overall, I enjoyed the story.
March 24, 2017
I love rural romances and I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately it wasn't very enjoyable. I hate writing 'bad' reviews but I also like to be honest.
The things that bugged me most:
Errors: For a published book, I was surprised by the amount of errors there were. Either missing words or glaringly obvious typos. I won't list them here but anyone who's read it will see them for themselves. They were frequent enough to be off putting I'm sorry to say.
Humour: Or lack thereof. It was quite off putting. Take for example page 137 - 'they shared an undying passion for suspense novels and pavlova...the fruit-topped dessert, that was, not the ballerina'. To me this is a poor attempt at humour, not in the least bit funny. And trust me, I laugh at pretty much anything and the fact this didn't even result in me smiling has to say something. Who would have thought of a Russian ballerina whose surname wouldn't even sound the same? I don't want to be picky or rude but it stood out like a sore thumb and it didn't work.
Backstory: We already know Zane cheated on Bec so why do we need an entire scene of the backstory? (Pages 141-148). I actually flicked through these pages because it was boring and unnecessary. Why repeat it? I've had manuscripts rejected because of backstory so how does someone get accepted? It felt more like a filler, which is a no-no in my eyes.
Repetitiveness: Page 156 - 'the quietness and isolation of White Gum Creek took a bit of getting used to. All things considered, he was starting to like the quietness and isolation of White Gum Creek'. I don't even need to explain this. How did this slip past the editor?
Black moment: Cliche. One can't commit so the other walks away. It lets the story down. I want to feel like they're never going to get back together. I know all black moments lead them getting back together but usually when it's well written, I get a bit panicky. I have to stop myself turning to the last page to see if they make it back. This story I actually don't care because I already know. I almost didn't bother reading on.
Romantic scenes: Kisses etc. are boring. I like to feel the flutter in my stomach. I didn't get it in this story. It doesn't feel like a romance.
Characters: Bec and Matt were half baked. I wanted to like them but they weren't very well developed. Bec was the overdone terrified girl. Matt was the overdone struggling writer who needs the heroine to finish a scene in his story. Add to that the fact the story he was writing was basically about him and Bec was another let down. Tash and Nicholas' story had great potential but it fizzled out. Left me very disappointed. I wanted to see Nicholas face the world again and woo Tash. I know this is supposed to be a romance story between Bec and Matt, but I feel there could have been a little more about Tash and Nicholas, even just a little to hint at another story in the future. As it was, it was a huge disappointment when it could've lifted the story so well. However, Maggie and Jack were well written. The story should've been about them. I actually felt Bec was being very unfair to her father, she didn't seem to fully understand his condition. Typical of someone who doesn't understand mental illness, which is clearly what her father had. His sudden loss of mobility had made him depressed. It's why I disliked Bec so much. She was rude and acted like a petulant child. Perhaps at times Jack was a little harsh but she should have been more understanding.
Emotion: There was very little of it. I had no attachment to Bec or Matt. I didn't care what happened for them. The prologue was great but it seemed that's where it stopped. The only emotion I really felt was between Maggie and Jack when he said he loved her and when Jack apologised. Otherwise I felt nothing.
I realise how upsetting this review might sound but I want to be honest. I really wanted to like the story and I did like parts but not a lot. The fact I could put it down for a few days before coming back to it was proof it wasn't fantastic. A really good book is one I can't put down and stay up late to read. This I left for a week before continuing again.
To ease the sting a little, the author certainly has a lovely writing style. Despite not enjoying the actual story, it did have a good flow. Apart from the unnecessary backstory of course. She described the rural scenery really well, I felt like I was there. But sadly, that's about all there is to it. Sorry.
The things that bugged me most:
Errors: For a published book, I was surprised by the amount of errors there were. Either missing words or glaringly obvious typos. I won't list them here but anyone who's read it will see them for themselves. They were frequent enough to be off putting I'm sorry to say.
Humour: Or lack thereof. It was quite off putting. Take for example page 137 - 'they shared an undying passion for suspense novels and pavlova...the fruit-topped dessert, that was, not the ballerina'. To me this is a poor attempt at humour, not in the least bit funny. And trust me, I laugh at pretty much anything and the fact this didn't even result in me smiling has to say something. Who would have thought of a Russian ballerina whose surname wouldn't even sound the same? I don't want to be picky or rude but it stood out like a sore thumb and it didn't work.
Backstory: We already know Zane cheated on Bec so why do we need an entire scene of the backstory? (Pages 141-148). I actually flicked through these pages because it was boring and unnecessary. Why repeat it? I've had manuscripts rejected because of backstory so how does someone get accepted? It felt more like a filler, which is a no-no in my eyes.
Repetitiveness: Page 156 - 'the quietness and isolation of White Gum Creek took a bit of getting used to. All things considered, he was starting to like the quietness and isolation of White Gum Creek'. I don't even need to explain this. How did this slip past the editor?
Black moment: Cliche. One can't commit so the other walks away. It lets the story down. I want to feel like they're never going to get back together. I know all black moments lead them getting back together but usually when it's well written, I get a bit panicky. I have to stop myself turning to the last page to see if they make it back. This story I actually don't care because I already know. I almost didn't bother reading on.
Romantic scenes: Kisses etc. are boring. I like to feel the flutter in my stomach. I didn't get it in this story. It doesn't feel like a romance.
Characters: Bec and Matt were half baked. I wanted to like them but they weren't very well developed. Bec was the overdone terrified girl. Matt was the overdone struggling writer who needs the heroine to finish a scene in his story. Add to that the fact the story he was writing was basically about him and Bec was another let down. Tash and Nicholas' story had great potential but it fizzled out. Left me very disappointed. I wanted to see Nicholas face the world again and woo Tash. I know this is supposed to be a romance story between Bec and Matt, but I feel there could have been a little more about Tash and Nicholas, even just a little to hint at another story in the future. As it was, it was a huge disappointment when it could've lifted the story so well. However, Maggie and Jack were well written. The story should've been about them. I actually felt Bec was being very unfair to her father, she didn't seem to fully understand his condition. Typical of someone who doesn't understand mental illness, which is clearly what her father had. His sudden loss of mobility had made him depressed. It's why I disliked Bec so much. She was rude and acted like a petulant child. Perhaps at times Jack was a little harsh but she should have been more understanding.
Emotion: There was very little of it. I had no attachment to Bec or Matt. I didn't care what happened for them. The prologue was great but it seemed that's where it stopped. The only emotion I really felt was between Maggie and Jack when he said he loved her and when Jack apologised. Otherwise I felt nothing.
I realise how upsetting this review might sound but I want to be honest. I really wanted to like the story and I did like parts but not a lot. The fact I could put it down for a few days before coming back to it was proof it wasn't fantastic. A really good book is one I can't put down and stay up late to read. This I left for a week before continuing again.
To ease the sting a little, the author certainly has a lovely writing style. Despite not enjoying the actual story, it did have a good flow. Apart from the unnecessary backstory of course. She described the rural scenery really well, I felt like I was there. But sadly, that's about all there is to it. Sorry.
April 14, 2018
A beautiful story of falling in love again after being by the one person you thought loved you the same back as Bec Duprey learned four years earlier that Zane Tanner the man she was engaged to cheated on her with Tanya. Bec helps run Bluestone Ridge the family farm day and night and it one of the biggest in White Gum Creek with her father who is now in a wheelchair due an accident on the farm as he still doesn't want to relinquish the full running to Bec.
Matt Harvey is writer from the city who buys the cottage on boundary of Bluestone Ridge he is recovering from a car accident two years earlier that his fiancee died in and was left with injuries to leg that he now walks with a limp he has his own blog that he posts to fans and his writes crime stories.
Bec has two friends Sally who married to Davey and Tash who feature in the book. We get to Bec relationship with her father and mother aswell as she tries her best to run the farm and gain her dads approval.
Zane Tanner and his Dad hatch a plan to try to get Bluestone Ridge as Cara Downs their farm the second largest is going through hard times. His dad suggests for Zane to go after Bec even though he doesn't love her.
Bec is smart not fall for Zane attempts to woo her back.
After argument with her Dad Bec finds her at Matt's door asking for casual relationship with him and agrees. But its not long before Matt realizes that he is falling for Bec and tells this sends Bec running away.
It not long before Bec learns she has to trust Matt if she wants to find love again. Also Bec mum also informed her dad of some home truths for him realize what is going on.
A great story by Alissa Cullen.
Matt Harvey is writer from the city who buys the cottage on boundary of Bluestone Ridge he is recovering from a car accident two years earlier that his fiancee died in and was left with injuries to leg that he now walks with a limp he has his own blog that he posts to fans and his writes crime stories.
Bec has two friends Sally who married to Davey and Tash who feature in the book. We get to Bec relationship with her father and mother aswell as she tries her best to run the farm and gain her dads approval.
Zane Tanner and his Dad hatch a plan to try to get Bluestone Ridge as Cara Downs their farm the second largest is going through hard times. His dad suggests for Zane to go after Bec even though he doesn't love her.
Bec is smart not fall for Zane attempts to woo her back.
After argument with her Dad Bec finds her at Matt's door asking for casual relationship with him and agrees. But its not long before Matt realizes that he is falling for Bec and tells this sends Bec running away.
It not long before Bec learns she has to trust Matt if she wants to find love again. Also Bec mum also informed her dad of some home truths for him realize what is going on.
A great story by Alissa Cullen.
January 11, 2018
Rebecca Duprey is a hard working farmer who works hard to keep her family farm running well. Matt Harvey quits his job in advertising and moves to the country side after a tragic accident. He becomes a full time crime novelist. Both Rebecca and Matt our neighbours and at first they do not get along with each other. They slowly fall in love with each other and it helps them to open up on the issue that they have. The Author has described the country side so well and its beauty.
A story about family bond , friendship and betrayal. Enjoyed the book from the start to the end.
A story about family bond , friendship and betrayal. Enjoyed the book from the start to the end.
March 4, 2019
This was a really wonderful quick read! I loved all the characters, and I really loved the way the community feeling was developed. You really get a feel of what life is like in a small Aussie town, and how the community works an operates!
I liked that we got snippets of Bec's mother reprimanding her father and making him see the errors in his ways!
I also loved the city to country boy story Matt had, it felt very authentic and pure - I loved seeing him fit into life and get himself some goats.
All in all a really really good read, a solid romance but with some real heart behind it!
I liked that we got snippets of Bec's mother reprimanding her father and making him see the errors in his ways!
I also loved the city to country boy story Matt had, it felt very authentic and pure - I loved seeing him fit into life and get himself some goats.
All in all a really really good read, a solid romance but with some real heart behind it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
Another great story from Nicole. I'm really enjoying her writing. The only thing that detracts from this book is the cover. The landscape looks like north western NSW, but the story is set in the Victorian goldfields around Bendigo. And the model on the cover is definitely not Matt...... The cover really should have some relationship to the story and it really irritates me when it doesn't.
July 9, 2018
Poor Rebecca Duprey has been broken hearted after she saw her fiancee in a compromising position so would she will she ever be able to find love again can she learn to trust.
Matt has moved in next door after a tragic accident took his love away, and when he meets Bec there are sparkes eull they get a happy ever after or will there past tradgides keep them apart.
Matt has moved in next door after a tragic accident took his love away, and when he meets Bec there are sparkes eull they get a happy ever after or will there past tradgides keep them apart.
October 9, 2019
After chasing all over this book afterdtarting over so many times I have finished it and am glad to say it is a very good read and it you wish to read it that you have better
icklI have not finished this book and wish to do so I have several other books the same I have reported having trouble
With these before
icklI have not finished this book and wish to do so I have several other books the same I have reported having trouble
With these before
August 1, 2018
Quite a nice story but I found it didn’t have me sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to see what would happen next. Bec & Matt’s relationship is sweet, and it’d be nice to see what’s in store for them next.
February 27, 2017
Author Matt Harvey is new to the small mostly farming town of White Gum Creek. Having experienced a devastating loss he has sold his city pad and bought a small parcel of land complete with a cottage that needs a bit of work, hoping the peace and tranquil surroundings will help with his writers block. Encouraged by his sister to interact with his fans more, Matt is taking the step of vlogging his move and his settling in, sharing the videos online.
Matt gets off on the wrong foot with his new neighbour Bec Duprey. Firstly the land he’s bought she’d hoped to acquire for her family farm and secondly she finds Matt doing things like burning things in a bonfire on a hot and dry day and being careless where he films. The entire town of White Gum Creek definitely needs rain. The land is in desperate need of it and some families are already struggling, either selling off land or stock, or getting out all together. Bec doesn’t want that – and her frugal father’s ways ensure that there’s a safety net of money behind them. But that frugality causes friction when Bec desperately wants to upgrade things, like the farm machinery. Although she now runs the farm, her father seems to have the last say, dismissing her suggestions and ultimately overruling her. She’s frustrated and short tempered, even more so when her ex suddenly begins showing some renewed interest in her.
Matt is interested in Bec pretty much right away and he wants to make amends for doing the wrong thing in the country and kind of improve himself in her eyes so that she doesn’t think he’s quite a fool. Bec seems like the sort of person who doesn’t really suffer fools that much and she wasted no time launching into Matt and telling him what an idiot he was being – where she could’ve perhaps educated him in a slightly less aggressive way. Matt was unaware what he was doing was dangerous, he was not deliberately flouting rules. However he does kind of get her to give him a bit of a second chance and they do become friends with a strong undercurrent of attraction. Bec’s friends and a few of the locals seem a bit keen to play matchmaker as well, drawing Matt into their little social circle.
A lot of the conflict for Bec revolves around her father, who although has been forced to hand the reins over to her somewhat earlier than he would like due to an accident, still makes all the decisions. He dismisses her ideas, won’t let her buy new machinery or equipment and seems to make all of the decisions on his own despite Bec running the farm. This continues on for a lot of the book but then is basically all resolved after one conversation. It was a bit of a low key ending to something that had been such a large part of the story and had probably damaged the relationship Bec had with her father. The whole thing makes Bec’s father look quite unreasonable and like he doesn’t even want Bec in charge or think she can do anything for herself and then that just vanishes. He’s also against the idea of Bec forming a relationship with Matt as well and seems to not mind the idea of Bec reuniting with her former fiance, despite the fact that it’s the last thing Bec wants.
This was a pleasant read – I liked it but I didn’t love it. The conflict felt a little too contrived and although the romance between Matt and Bec was nice, it was just that – nice. There’s a friend of Bec’s that features in this book who has a crush on a reclusive man who sort of befriends Matt in this novel. Their story would be really interesting and I do hope that’s a book that I get to read in the future though.
Matt gets off on the wrong foot with his new neighbour Bec Duprey. Firstly the land he’s bought she’d hoped to acquire for her family farm and secondly she finds Matt doing things like burning things in a bonfire on a hot and dry day and being careless where he films. The entire town of White Gum Creek definitely needs rain. The land is in desperate need of it and some families are already struggling, either selling off land or stock, or getting out all together. Bec doesn’t want that – and her frugal father’s ways ensure that there’s a safety net of money behind them. But that frugality causes friction when Bec desperately wants to upgrade things, like the farm machinery. Although she now runs the farm, her father seems to have the last say, dismissing her suggestions and ultimately overruling her. She’s frustrated and short tempered, even more so when her ex suddenly begins showing some renewed interest in her.
Matt is interested in Bec pretty much right away and he wants to make amends for doing the wrong thing in the country and kind of improve himself in her eyes so that she doesn’t think he’s quite a fool. Bec seems like the sort of person who doesn’t really suffer fools that much and she wasted no time launching into Matt and telling him what an idiot he was being – where she could’ve perhaps educated him in a slightly less aggressive way. Matt was unaware what he was doing was dangerous, he was not deliberately flouting rules. However he does kind of get her to give him a bit of a second chance and they do become friends with a strong undercurrent of attraction. Bec’s friends and a few of the locals seem a bit keen to play matchmaker as well, drawing Matt into their little social circle.
A lot of the conflict for Bec revolves around her father, who although has been forced to hand the reins over to her somewhat earlier than he would like due to an accident, still makes all the decisions. He dismisses her ideas, won’t let her buy new machinery or equipment and seems to make all of the decisions on his own despite Bec running the farm. This continues on for a lot of the book but then is basically all resolved after one conversation. It was a bit of a low key ending to something that had been such a large part of the story and had probably damaged the relationship Bec had with her father. The whole thing makes Bec’s father look quite unreasonable and like he doesn’t even want Bec in charge or think she can do anything for herself and then that just vanishes. He’s also against the idea of Bec forming a relationship with Matt as well and seems to not mind the idea of Bec reuniting with her former fiance, despite the fact that it’s the last thing Bec wants.
This was a pleasant read – I liked it but I didn’t love it. The conflict felt a little too contrived and although the romance between Matt and Bec was nice, it was just that – nice. There’s a friend of Bec’s that features in this book who has a crush on a reclusive man who sort of befriends Matt in this novel. Their story would be really interesting and I do hope that’s a book that I get to read in the future though.
May 20, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, infact, I just couldn't put it down. I loved the storyline and the characters and of course the happy ending is always good!
December 20, 2019
Follows a fairly generic romantic formula but with its own unique story line and characters. Was well written and fun to read.
July 11, 2020
Country Roads
Nice story,good read on a Winters day,good characters,interesting lives always working hard.the message always appreciate what you have,enjoyed it,easy to read.
Nice story,good read on a Winters day,good characters,interesting lives always working hard.the message always appreciate what you have,enjoyed it,easy to read.
August 2, 2022
Another good book in this series
October 6, 2022
Just finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing I think should change is the cover, it should have had a strong female as this story is mainly about the lead female character.
March 14, 2017
I rather enjoyed this book but I thought perhaps it ended rather suddenly. Hopefully there will be another novel to follow up maybe Tash and Nicholas' story
February 21, 2017
Country Roads is a contemporary romance novel set against a rural Victorian backdrop. It evokes the small, country town feel, where everyone knows everyone else and the rumour mill has a tendency to run rampant.
White Gum Creek is a farming town, recovering in the wake of drought. Farmers are trying to keep their farms afloat in hard times, hoping for the wetter seasons to bring respite. Some of the farmers are holding off on much-needed purchases to upgrade needed farming tools, others are selling off land, and others still are trying to maintain the visage of a perfectly running farm. The town itself is close-knit, with many of its inhabitants being 'locals' while affectionately adopting the 'blow-ins' who moved to the area and stayed.
Bec Duprey works on her family's farm, Bluestone Ridge, in the aftermath of an accident that has left her father wheelchair bound. Despite the fact that Bec runs the farm on a day-to-day basis, living and breathing the work, her father, Jack, still holds tight to the financial and decision-making reigns, unable to let them go. Bec, herself, finds herself becoming incredibly frustrated with the inability to make decisions or purchases that will aid her in running the farm and increasing the output.
Matt Harvey is a Melbourne-born writer who moves to White Gum Creek, purchasing a small parcel of land on the property neighbouring Bluestone Ridge. He's escaped city living after a car accident that killed his fiancé and left him injured and stuck with writer's block.
Bec and Matt have a tough introduction to one another: not only has Matt bought land Bec and her father intended to purchase to expand their farm, but Matt has no clue about country living and this causes him to butt heads with the fiery Bec initially. With the aid of friends - new and old - the two eventually overcome the initial iciness in a heartwarming story of taking chances as both characters have to find ways to open themselves up to new opportunities despite personal histories that might not otherwise incline them to.
I loved the characters in this story - except for the ones that you're not supposed to like, and for good reason. They're real and honest and hard-working. Nicole Hurley-Moore has crafted a group of friends for both her main characters that are warm and funny and make you want to join in their conversations. Each one was well-developed, and with Bec and Matt it was easy to sympathise and hope for the best outcome for them both. We see the characters at their lowest points and their highest and the main story wraps up beautifully, leaving me with a sense of great satisfaction.
Of course, there are some other characters and stories that I'm just dying to know about, too, that are on the periphery to the main narrative.
Country Roads is an easy, enjoyable read, perfect for curling up on the couch one afternoon.
4 out of 5 stars.
(I was sent a copy of Country Roads by Allen & Unwin in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
White Gum Creek is a farming town, recovering in the wake of drought. Farmers are trying to keep their farms afloat in hard times, hoping for the wetter seasons to bring respite. Some of the farmers are holding off on much-needed purchases to upgrade needed farming tools, others are selling off land, and others still are trying to maintain the visage of a perfectly running farm. The town itself is close-knit, with many of its inhabitants being 'locals' while affectionately adopting the 'blow-ins' who moved to the area and stayed.
Bec Duprey works on her family's farm, Bluestone Ridge, in the aftermath of an accident that has left her father wheelchair bound. Despite the fact that Bec runs the farm on a day-to-day basis, living and breathing the work, her father, Jack, still holds tight to the financial and decision-making reigns, unable to let them go. Bec, herself, finds herself becoming incredibly frustrated with the inability to make decisions or purchases that will aid her in running the farm and increasing the output.
Matt Harvey is a Melbourne-born writer who moves to White Gum Creek, purchasing a small parcel of land on the property neighbouring Bluestone Ridge. He's escaped city living after a car accident that killed his fiancé and left him injured and stuck with writer's block.
Bec and Matt have a tough introduction to one another: not only has Matt bought land Bec and her father intended to purchase to expand their farm, but Matt has no clue about country living and this causes him to butt heads with the fiery Bec initially. With the aid of friends - new and old - the two eventually overcome the initial iciness in a heartwarming story of taking chances as both characters have to find ways to open themselves up to new opportunities despite personal histories that might not otherwise incline them to.
I loved the characters in this story - except for the ones that you're not supposed to like, and for good reason. They're real and honest and hard-working. Nicole Hurley-Moore has crafted a group of friends for both her main characters that are warm and funny and make you want to join in their conversations. Each one was well-developed, and with Bec and Matt it was easy to sympathise and hope for the best outcome for them both. We see the characters at their lowest points and their highest and the main story wraps up beautifully, leaving me with a sense of great satisfaction.
Of course, there are some other characters and stories that I'm just dying to know about, too, that are on the periphery to the main narrative.
Country Roads is an easy, enjoyable read, perfect for curling up on the couch one afternoon.
4 out of 5 stars.
(I was sent a copy of Country Roads by Allen & Unwin in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
March 1, 2017
A nice, easy read about leaving your past behind you and allowing yourself the chance to move forward. Everyone can relate to the topics addressed in this novel - betrayal, grief, loss, acceptance, family pressures and of course love. A great book to relax with a glass of something and enjoy.
February 22, 2017
Nicole Hurley-Moore delivers a gentle romance with Country Roads.
Both lead characters, Bec Duprey and Matt Harvey have difficult pasts particularly when it comes to romance and it's those shared difficulties that both help and hinder their being together.
Hurley-Moore treads carefully yet purposefully around the topics of betrayal and tragedy whilst still creating a passionate and sensual love story.
Both lead characters, Bec Duprey and Matt Harvey have difficult pasts particularly when it comes to romance and it's those shared difficulties that both help and hinder their being together.
Hurley-Moore treads carefully yet purposefully around the topics of betrayal and tragedy whilst still creating a passionate and sensual love story.
February 18, 2017
I found the story simple, meaning nothing much happened so sometimes it was slow and I flicked through a few pages here and there. I'm glad I persisted as the story line was good and Matt and Bec were meant for each other.
A few repetitions and mistakes but otherwise an okay read.
A few repetitions and mistakes but otherwise an okay read.
March 29, 2017
Look out for a much more detailed review on my blog Words and Warpaint shortly, but for now, indulge me by letting me get a little ranty.
I am a huge fan of romance as a genre. I read plentifully from its glorious bounty. I dabble occasionally in the rural romance subgenre pool. I'm not really the target audience, though I have enjoyed almost all of the ones I have read. ALMOST.
I personally had not heard of Nicole Hurley-Moore until this arrived on my doorstep. So I have to assume her publisher is telling the truth when they say both of her previous two novels were best sellers. Which brings me to my main gripe with this novel. The editing. For her two previous novels to have been best sellers I have to also assume that she had a better editor. But why then, would the quality of editing for a supposed best selling author be so poor on her third, and sure to be best selling novel?
I know, I don't understand either. This book was RIDDLED with errors from begining to end. Some only visible to the keen amateur editors eye, others glaringly obvious.
I hate mixed metaphors and this book had them in spades. It was also hard to tell in some parts whether the book was being written for the Australian market or she had deliberately tried to make the setting and some word choices vague so as to not have to rewrite too much if the book was picked up for, say, the American market. You can either use British English or American English, but not both, and certainly not peppered throughout with Americanisms seemingly just because.
I also hate word order errors and there were quite a lot of these, along with spelling mistakes, missing words, incorrect or missing punctuation etc etc. If I didn't know this was a final copy, I'd have assumed it was a proof copy going off the myriad examples of, quite frankly, some of the worst editing I've seen. Ever.
Content wise, I was bored. 200+ pages and nobody has even kissed yet, 60 or so pages from the end and the sex is peppered in. I found very few of the characters to be likeable or interesting and it just didn't help my already negative leaning response to the story.
I'm sure I could think of more things I had issue with in this novel, but I really just need to distance myself from this book right now. Bloody awful.
I am a huge fan of romance as a genre. I read plentifully from its glorious bounty. I dabble occasionally in the rural romance subgenre pool. I'm not really the target audience, though I have enjoyed almost all of the ones I have read. ALMOST.
I personally had not heard of Nicole Hurley-Moore until this arrived on my doorstep. So I have to assume her publisher is telling the truth when they say both of her previous two novels were best sellers. Which brings me to my main gripe with this novel. The editing. For her two previous novels to have been best sellers I have to also assume that she had a better editor. But why then, would the quality of editing for a supposed best selling author be so poor on her third, and sure to be best selling novel?
I know, I don't understand either. This book was RIDDLED with errors from begining to end. Some only visible to the keen amateur editors eye, others glaringly obvious.
I hate mixed metaphors and this book had them in spades. It was also hard to tell in some parts whether the book was being written for the Australian market or she had deliberately tried to make the setting and some word choices vague so as to not have to rewrite too much if the book was picked up for, say, the American market. You can either use British English or American English, but not both, and certainly not peppered throughout with Americanisms seemingly just because.
I also hate word order errors and there were quite a lot of these, along with spelling mistakes, missing words, incorrect or missing punctuation etc etc. If I didn't know this was a final copy, I'd have assumed it was a proof copy going off the myriad examples of, quite frankly, some of the worst editing I've seen. Ever.
Content wise, I was bored. 200+ pages and nobody has even kissed yet, 60 or so pages from the end and the sex is peppered in. I found very few of the characters to be likeable or interesting and it just didn't help my already negative leaning response to the story.
I'm sure I could think of more things I had issue with in this novel, but I really just need to distance myself from this book right now. Bloody awful.
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