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High Country Hero
Having brokered a fragile peace with his demons at last, ex-Afghan War pilot Mitch Stuart isn't in the market for redemption. But when he steps outside his comfort zone to help a stranger in a country pub, he inadvertently opens the door to the ghosts of a woman and a white dog he thought he'd left behind him long ago.
Veterinary specialist Lennie O'Donnell and her beloved dog, Pesh, are taking a break from big-city life to help Lennie's grandfather sell his old-fashioned rural clinic. Lennie has dedicated her career to healing those unable to tell her what's wrong, but Mitch is a puzzle even she struggles to solve - or completely let go.
Meanwhile, back in Lennie's old home town, another man of mixed messages, her high school crush Benji Cooper, is all grown up and looking at Lennie the way she always dreamed he would.
Can Mitch find the courage to let Lennie into his life? And with gorgeous, sunny, funny Benji waiting in the wings, is it a threshold Lennie wants to cross?
There's also the matter of her grandparents' unexpectedly fractured marriage to mend, and Lennie's growing suspicion there might be more to the sale of her grandfather's clinic than meets the eye.
Veterinary specialist Lennie O'Donnell and her beloved dog, Pesh, are taking a break from big-city life to help Lennie's grandfather sell his old-fashioned rural clinic. Lennie has dedicated her career to healing those unable to tell her what's wrong, but Mitch is a puzzle even she struggles to solve - or completely let go.
Meanwhile, back in Lennie's old home town, another man of mixed messages, her high school crush Benji Cooper, is all grown up and looking at Lennie the way she always dreamed he would.
Can Mitch find the courage to let Lennie into his life? And with gorgeous, sunny, funny Benji waiting in the wings, is it a threshold Lennie wants to cross?
There's also the matter of her grandparents' unexpectedly fractured marriage to mend, and Lennie's growing suspicion there might be more to the sale of her grandfather's clinic than meets the eye.
- GenresRomance
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2018
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Holly Ford
9 books21 followersHolly Ford was raised in southern sheep country, spending her childhood and early adult years among hill properties of varying sizes. Like most New Zealanders, she has always loved the South Island's high country, and admired the women and men who work it.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 14, 2018
High Country Hero is the fifth book from New Zealand author Holly Ford. It’s my first book by Holly and I’m very select with the rural romance genre as I find they can be predictable and follow the latest trend. To my surprise, I found myself happily escaping into the protagonists, Lennie O’Donnell’s, world for hours as the characters were relatable and the story line unique.
Lennie is a honest and caring 30 something woman that I instantly warmed to. Working as a vet in Sydney, Lennie has temporarily moved back home to New Zealand, so she can help her grandfather, Jim, make some difficult business decisions. Jim owns a veterinary practice that he must decide to sell or keep, a passion that he has passed on to Lennie. Reading about life as a veterinarian made for some interesting reading as I learnt about the love and heartbreak that go hand in hand for this job. With age against him and a marital spat with his wife, Jim relies on his close relationship with his granddaughter to help him. I really enjoyed reading about Lennie’s and Jim relationship as it took me back to my own childhood. It’s a reminder of the role that grandparents play in a child’s life through to their adult years, something which can be taken for granted in today's society. As for the marital disagreement, the cause is something that many women could relate to!
As in any good romance book, there is the romantic interest, in this case, two. Benji is the crush of Lennie’s teenage years and who she never really got over. When they cross paths again, it is immediately obvious that Benji is interested in the returned Lennie. I never really warmed to Benji, perhaps because the tall, dark and quiet Mitch stole my heart from the very beginning. I think he stole Lennie’s heart too but she needed to see where her relationship could go with Benji for her teenage self. Mitch is the ex-Afghan war pilot with a tragic past he is still coming to terms with. For spouses with a defense partner, this is a storyline that will certainly hit home in some respects and help others to understand the long term affects.
Told in the third person, High Country Hero will take readers to New Zealand and occasionally, Sydney, as Lennie goes on a journey to discover her heart's desire.
Lennie is a honest and caring 30 something woman that I instantly warmed to. Working as a vet in Sydney, Lennie has temporarily moved back home to New Zealand, so she can help her grandfather, Jim, make some difficult business decisions. Jim owns a veterinary practice that he must decide to sell or keep, a passion that he has passed on to Lennie. Reading about life as a veterinarian made for some interesting reading as I learnt about the love and heartbreak that go hand in hand for this job. With age against him and a marital spat with his wife, Jim relies on his close relationship with his granddaughter to help him. I really enjoyed reading about Lennie’s and Jim relationship as it took me back to my own childhood. It’s a reminder of the role that grandparents play in a child’s life through to their adult years, something which can be taken for granted in today's society. As for the marital disagreement, the cause is something that many women could relate to!
As in any good romance book, there is the romantic interest, in this case, two. Benji is the crush of Lennie’s teenage years and who she never really got over. When they cross paths again, it is immediately obvious that Benji is interested in the returned Lennie. I never really warmed to Benji, perhaps because the tall, dark and quiet Mitch stole my heart from the very beginning. I think he stole Lennie’s heart too but she needed to see where her relationship could go with Benji for her teenage self. Mitch is the ex-Afghan war pilot with a tragic past he is still coming to terms with. For spouses with a defense partner, this is a storyline that will certainly hit home in some respects and help others to understand the long term affects.
Told in the third person, High Country Hero will take readers to New Zealand and occasionally, Sydney, as Lennie goes on a journey to discover her heart's desire.
December 14, 2018
This is not my usual genre, and I have to confess that I’m not won over.
We basically have a story of lust and luggage. The luggage being the emotional baggage carried by handsome high country farmer and helicopter pilot Mitch Stuart, and the lust being provided by the mutual attraction between him and the alluring Lennie O’Donnell, who has returned from Sydney to take up a veterinary position in her grandfather’s practice.
Just when you thought all the men with sparkling, flashing smiles had left for good, enter old school heart throb Benji Cooper. Will he step in when Lennie has her doubts about Mitch and his time in a war zone? Will Lennie’s compulsive need to fix animals stretch as far as Mitch?
The storyline is good, the outcome is inevitable, the sex, when we get to it, is quite graphic with all parts scientifically named, and I began to think that if Lennie chewed her lip one more time she would need the services of a good plastic surgeon.
We basically have a story of lust and luggage. The luggage being the emotional baggage carried by handsome high country farmer and helicopter pilot Mitch Stuart, and the lust being provided by the mutual attraction between him and the alluring Lennie O’Donnell, who has returned from Sydney to take up a veterinary position in her grandfather’s practice.
Just when you thought all the men with sparkling, flashing smiles had left for good, enter old school heart throb Benji Cooper. Will he step in when Lennie has her doubts about Mitch and his time in a war zone? Will Lennie’s compulsive need to fix animals stretch as far as Mitch?
The storyline is good, the outcome is inevitable, the sex, when we get to it, is quite graphic with all parts scientifically named, and I began to think that if Lennie chewed her lip one more time she would need the services of a good plastic surgeon.
April 3, 2018
I absolutely loved this book.
I liked the character of Mitch Stuart in Holly Ford’s previous book The Last McAdam and I mentioned in my review of that one that I hoped that Mitch would get his own story one day and I don’t think I was the only one. Holly Ford has answered those wishes and Mitch moves to front and centre.
Lennie O’Donnell is a veterinary specialist living and working in Sydney although she has answered a call from her grandfather in rural New Zealand to come and help him in his veterinary practice while he decides if he should accept a buy out offer from a big company so that he can retire. Lennie is willing to help her grandfather although she suspects he’s luring her back for other reasons and she’s not sure that’s where she wants to be in her life. She hasn’t done a lot of this sort of veterinary work in many years and she knows the facilities will not be what she has become accustomed to.
She meets Mitch after her grandmother’s car breaks down and she is forced to spend a night in a hotel. Mitch is in the bar and comes to her aid against some persistent locals and although there’s an immediate attraction, Lennie doesn’t ever expect to see him again. However when she moves to help in her grandfather’s practice, she discovers that Mitch works on a property around an hour and a half away, a property that her grandfather’s practice does work on. It means the two see each other relatively regularly and although that attraction is still there, Mitch still has some inner struggles.
I loved all the interactions between Lennie and Mitch. I really felt like Holly Ford did a great job showcasing Mitch’s struggle. He’s still on his journey of healing – he may never be “fully” healed from the things he has seen and experienced, the people he has lost. He definitely has good reason for questioning whether or not he is at the stage in his life where he can be in a committed relationship and give that person what they deserve. I liked the fact that this took some deliberation on Mitch’s part, he was very self-aware and wasn’t just willing to dive in and perhaps deal with consequences later. He also confides in Lennie about his past and what he has experienced and I think he’s trying to be as honest as he can with her. There’s also the question of whether or not Lennie will stick around – she’s only supposed to be in the area temporarily.
The setting was also really lovely – I’ve read a few New Zealand rurals now and I really like them. I loved the country vet practice as the base and some of the animals in the story were large as life. Lennie’s Maremma Pesh is adorable and Alice the deer has her own charms as well. There’s a scene in this book that had me reaching for the tissues and it’s so well told that you feel like you’re there, urging them on. The local community is wonderful – a place that you’d really want to live. And there always seemed a bit of an ulterior motive from Lennie’s grandfather…..I thought their relationship was fantastic but I liked that that portion of the story was still full of surprises. He’s sort of exactly what I picture when I think of “rural vet” and it feels like the sort of practice you’d be ecstatic to take your own animals to. But it’s also sort of outdated as well, lagging behind in terms of technology and facilities and although the offer would help fix that, giving access to the company’s assets, it would also change the practice. But I think the outcome is so satisfying….and very well orchestrated.
I just loved this from start to finish, it’s such a good story and so well written. Lennie and Mitch are perfect and I’m thrilled to see him get his own story and the life that he deserves to lead. Highly recommend this – you probably don’t have to read the other book first as Mitch does explain his backstory but it’d be helpful for the Mitch of the before. They’re a good pair.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
I liked the character of Mitch Stuart in Holly Ford’s previous book The Last McAdam and I mentioned in my review of that one that I hoped that Mitch would get his own story one day and I don’t think I was the only one. Holly Ford has answered those wishes and Mitch moves to front and centre.
Lennie O’Donnell is a veterinary specialist living and working in Sydney although she has answered a call from her grandfather in rural New Zealand to come and help him in his veterinary practice while he decides if he should accept a buy out offer from a big company so that he can retire. Lennie is willing to help her grandfather although she suspects he’s luring her back for other reasons and she’s not sure that’s where she wants to be in her life. She hasn’t done a lot of this sort of veterinary work in many years and she knows the facilities will not be what she has become accustomed to.
She meets Mitch after her grandmother’s car breaks down and she is forced to spend a night in a hotel. Mitch is in the bar and comes to her aid against some persistent locals and although there’s an immediate attraction, Lennie doesn’t ever expect to see him again. However when she moves to help in her grandfather’s practice, she discovers that Mitch works on a property around an hour and a half away, a property that her grandfather’s practice does work on. It means the two see each other relatively regularly and although that attraction is still there, Mitch still has some inner struggles.
I loved all the interactions between Lennie and Mitch. I really felt like Holly Ford did a great job showcasing Mitch’s struggle. He’s still on his journey of healing – he may never be “fully” healed from the things he has seen and experienced, the people he has lost. He definitely has good reason for questioning whether or not he is at the stage in his life where he can be in a committed relationship and give that person what they deserve. I liked the fact that this took some deliberation on Mitch’s part, he was very self-aware and wasn’t just willing to dive in and perhaps deal with consequences later. He also confides in Lennie about his past and what he has experienced and I think he’s trying to be as honest as he can with her. There’s also the question of whether or not Lennie will stick around – she’s only supposed to be in the area temporarily.
The setting was also really lovely – I’ve read a few New Zealand rurals now and I really like them. I loved the country vet practice as the base and some of the animals in the story were large as life. Lennie’s Maremma Pesh is adorable and Alice the deer has her own charms as well. There’s a scene in this book that had me reaching for the tissues and it’s so well told that you feel like you’re there, urging them on. The local community is wonderful – a place that you’d really want to live. And there always seemed a bit of an ulterior motive from Lennie’s grandfather…..I thought their relationship was fantastic but I liked that that portion of the story was still full of surprises. He’s sort of exactly what I picture when I think of “rural vet” and it feels like the sort of practice you’d be ecstatic to take your own animals to. But it’s also sort of outdated as well, lagging behind in terms of technology and facilities and although the offer would help fix that, giving access to the company’s assets, it would also change the practice. But I think the outcome is so satisfying….and very well orchestrated.
I just loved this from start to finish, it’s such a good story and so well written. Lennie and Mitch are perfect and I’m thrilled to see him get his own story and the life that he deserves to lead. Highly recommend this – you probably don’t have to read the other book first as Mitch does explain his backstory but it’d be helpful for the Mitch of the before. They’re a good pair.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
July 28, 2019
The series I didn't know I needed.
I spent a weekend feeling unwell with Lennie and Mitch for company. It was the perfect comfort read, bringing me to tears at times but with a delicious happy ever after.
My only quibble, as a New Zealander, with knowledge of where the book is set, I found the imaginary places annoying. I kept trying to work out where it was supposed to be, and not quite getting there. It upset my sense of place. But that's minor when it comes to a lovely story with so much heart. And Weimaraner sheep dogs.
I spent a weekend feeling unwell with Lennie and Mitch for company. It was the perfect comfort read, bringing me to tears at times but with a delicious happy ever after.
My only quibble, as a New Zealander, with knowledge of where the book is set, I found the imaginary places annoying. I kept trying to work out where it was supposed to be, and not quite getting there. It upset my sense of place. But that's minor when it comes to a lovely story with so much heart. And Weimaraner sheep dogs.
March 8, 2018
Most recent purchase straight off the press. Great to see NZ positively depicted and the vast remoteness of our rural backdrops home to characters you can only dream of discovering. When love inadvertently comes flying into town one night the local ex-war pilot with a few foreign ghosts meets his match in the vet specialist granddaughter who has come to save her grandfather's business. Love the iron hut!
May 16, 2024
This book took me on a real journey of emotions with the two main characters, and highlights what fighting for our country does to the minds and souls of our troops. They come back different people who are trying to deal with so much when trying to fit back into our society.
I just couldn't put the book down until it was finished and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good old-fashioned country romance.
If you liked Rachael Johns' early books you will love this!
I just couldn't put the book down until it was finished and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good old-fashioned country romance.
If you liked Rachael Johns' early books you will love this!
January 23, 2021
My first Holly Ford book and I was pleasantly surprised as it was an interesting story that encompassed both the trauma of war and rural life in New Zealand. An easy read or in my case listen as I used the audio version and I enjoyed the characters.
April 29, 2021
Absolutely love the characters, how amazingly real the writing makes them and the incredible countryside, I could smell it, hear it and feel it.
I could not do anything else but read until the book was finished. Thanks Holly, your craft opened a whole new world to me and I loved every bit!
I could not do anything else but read until the book was finished. Thanks Holly, your craft opened a whole new world to me and I loved every bit!
February 26, 2018
I loved this from start to finish. The writing is exceptionally good, the characters feel real and easy to identify with and it’s a rollicking story.
April 24, 2018
This is the forth book by Holly Ford, I totally enjoyed this book as I did the others. It is an easy read not complicated look forward to the next novel
August 7, 2018
Loved it!
February 20, 2019
It lost its way very quickly.
August 16, 2019
Healing
Growing
Loving
Growing
Loving
February 3, 2020
I loved Lennie and Mitch’s story......and we can’t forget Pesh, Alice and Chase.
June 18, 2022
Romance in the high country of NZ South Island. An easy and enjoyable read.
May 30, 2025
An enjoyable read
Read
February 17, 2019Interesting premise but the pacing was slow, the writing wasn't engaging, and I found it difficult to connect to the MCs. This was a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews