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Outback Brides #3
Elsa's Stand
When the sudden death of his mother forces outback opal miner Jack Hargreaves home to Wirralong, his plan is mourn his mother, sort out the family farm, and get the hell out of the town that has always hated him. But Elsa O'Donoghue, the beautiful hairdresser with a big heart and even brighter smile, has other plans.
From the moment Jack strides into her salon and helps himself to her clippers, Elsa is in lust. He might be a poster boy for the strong silent type, but she senses there’s a good man behind that stoic facade. With her business taking off, Elsa is finally ready for a relationship and Jack is just her kind of man. Not to mention, she’s never said no to a challenge.
Worried their association will harm Elsa’s business, Jack tries to avoid her, but Elsa is irresistible. Soon, she has him believing and hoping for a future with her in Wirralong, but another family tragedy shatters Jack’s fragile dream. Jack knows he must leave Elsa to protect her, no matter the cost to himself.
From the moment Jack strides into her salon and helps himself to her clippers, Elsa is in lust. He might be a poster boy for the strong silent type, but she senses there’s a good man behind that stoic facade. With her business taking off, Elsa is finally ready for a relationship and Jack is just her kind of man. Not to mention, she’s never said no to a challenge.
Worried their association will harm Elsa’s business, Jack tries to avoid her, but Elsa is irresistible. Soon, she has him believing and hoping for a future with her in Wirralong, but another family tragedy shatters Jack’s fragile dream. Jack knows he must leave Elsa to protect her, no matter the cost to himself.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2018
415 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Hein
34 books176 followersCathryn Hein is a best-selling author of rural romance and romantic adventure novels, a Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year finalist with Santa and the Saddler, and a regular Australian Romance Reader Awards finalist.
A South Australian country girl by birth, Cathryn loves nothing more than a rugged rural hero who’s as good with his heart as he is with his hands, which is probably why she writes them! Her romances are warm and emotional, and feature themes that don’t flinch from the tougher side of life but are often happily tempered by the antics of naughty animals. Her aim is to make you smile, sigh, and perhaps sniffle a little, but most of all feel wonderful.
Cathryn lives in Newcastle, Australia with her partner of many years, Jim. When she’s not writing, she plays golf (ineptly), cooks (well), and in football season barracks (rowdily) for her beloved Sydney Swans AFL team.
Do you love free stories? Join my newsletter team for new release news, teasers, book sales and more, along with access to my collection of smile-inducing romantic short stories.
A South Australian country girl by birth, Cathryn loves nothing more than a rugged rural hero who’s as good with his heart as he is with his hands, which is probably why she writes them! Her romances are warm and emotional, and feature themes that don’t flinch from the tougher side of life but are often happily tempered by the antics of naughty animals. Her aim is to make you smile, sigh, and perhaps sniffle a little, but most of all feel wonderful.
Cathryn lives in Newcastle, Australia with her partner of many years, Jim. When she’s not writing, she plays golf (ineptly), cooks (well), and in football season barracks (rowdily) for her beloved Sydney Swans AFL team.
Do you love free stories? Join my newsletter team for new release news, teasers, book sales and more, along with access to my collection of smile-inducing romantic short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 25, 2018
Jack Hargreaves had been mining opals at Lightning Ridge for years, not going home to the farm and his mother in Wirralong very often. The estrangement from his father and brother had been a long and intense one, but he was very close to his mum, ringing her when he had service. The day Jack drove into town to pick up supplies - when his phone pinged to let him know he had messages – was the day his heart shattered into pieces.
Driving to the small Victorian town that had once been home would take hours, but he wanted to be there; had to be there, for his mum’s funeral. But would he see his brother Jessy, or his father? He only knew he wanted to sort everything out as quickly as possible and head back to Lightning Ridge with his beloved dog Daisy.
Elsa O’Donoghue was Wirralong’s hair dresser. Her salon, Hair Affair was in the main street, and the red-haired beauty was a favourite with the locals. When Jack walked in, needing a haircut and shave before the funeral, Elsa couldn’t believe what she was seeing. A giant of a man, covered in hair. She liked the look of him. But with Jack’s past getting in the way, Jack knew he had to leave town as soon as he could…
Elsa’s Stand by Aussie author Cathryn Hein is the third in the Outback Brides series, all written by different authors. This is the only one I have read, so it’s fine as a standalone. Elsa is a perfect character, vibrant and bubbly, with great strength and determination while Jack has a massive chip on his shoulder. And I loved Daisy! I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, feel good story which has sadness, humour and love blended throughout. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Driving to the small Victorian town that had once been home would take hours, but he wanted to be there; had to be there, for his mum’s funeral. But would he see his brother Jessy, or his father? He only knew he wanted to sort everything out as quickly as possible and head back to Lightning Ridge with his beloved dog Daisy.
Elsa O’Donoghue was Wirralong’s hair dresser. Her salon, Hair Affair was in the main street, and the red-haired beauty was a favourite with the locals. When Jack walked in, needing a haircut and shave before the funeral, Elsa couldn’t believe what she was seeing. A giant of a man, covered in hair. She liked the look of him. But with Jack’s past getting in the way, Jack knew he had to leave town as soon as he could…
Elsa’s Stand by Aussie author Cathryn Hein is the third in the Outback Brides series, all written by different authors. This is the only one I have read, so it’s fine as a standalone. Elsa is a perfect character, vibrant and bubbly, with great strength and determination while Jack has a massive chip on his shoulder. And I loved Daisy! I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, feel good story which has sadness, humour and love blended throughout. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
July 17, 2018
2.5 - "You don’t talk much, do you..?" Stars.
The third book in the Outback Brides series continues in the same vein of its predecessors, in that it left me completely underwhelmed, with the added bonus of a little frustrated this time as well. I really liked Elsa O’Donoghue; the owner of Hair Affair as a secondary character in the first two books, so I was hoping her story would step out of the realms of mediocrity, but unfortunately what started okay, took a turn to the weird with a possible mob association trope thrown in, in the second half.
She was sunny, and sweet, and soft and curved in the best places. He couldn’t remember the last time he wanted a girl so badly…
The added frustration came from the author having Jack Hargreaves walk around with an almost constant hard-on for Elsa in the first half of the book (which is stretched out over a couple of months) to then go closed door on the sex between them. So not cool, especially when the first two books were front and center where the sex was concerned, for me it just felt lazy because the writing up to the points they got down to it, did not feel like it was leading to a fade to black type of sex scene.
Although consistent in being average in enjoyment levels, it really annoys me with the lack of consistency with the heat levels, this has happened before when I have read multi-author series by Tule Publishing and I wish they would denote the heat level at the beginning of all of their books so you know what you are getting. I have no problem with closed door, but my expectations were not for that when the rest of the series (so far) has not been written in that style.
On a side note, I hope that Serenity (Beautician @ Hair Affair) gets her own book at some point, I liked her too, but she doesn’t seem to be an inclusion in this series from what I can see. I do have the final book; Holly’s Heart to review as well, and while my expectations are really low for it now, I would like to hope that the series will finish on a high.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in the Outback Brides series continues in the same vein of its predecessors, in that it left me completely underwhelmed, with the added bonus of a little frustrated this time as well. I really liked Elsa O’Donoghue; the owner of Hair Affair as a secondary character in the first two books, so I was hoping her story would step out of the realms of mediocrity, but unfortunately what started okay, took a turn to the weird with a possible mob association trope thrown in, in the second half.
She was sunny, and sweet, and soft and curved in the best places. He couldn’t remember the last time he wanted a girl so badly…
The added frustration came from the author having Jack Hargreaves walk around with an almost constant hard-on for Elsa in the first half of the book (which is stretched out over a couple of months) to then go closed door on the sex between them. So not cool, especially when the first two books were front and center where the sex was concerned, for me it just felt lazy because the writing up to the points they got down to it, did not feel like it was leading to a fade to black type of sex scene.
Although consistent in being average in enjoyment levels, it really annoys me with the lack of consistency with the heat levels, this has happened before when I have read multi-author series by Tule Publishing and I wish they would denote the heat level at the beginning of all of their books so you know what you are getting. I have no problem with closed door, but my expectations were not for that when the rest of the series (so far) has not been written in that style.
On a side note, I hope that Serenity (Beautician @ Hair Affair) gets her own book at some point, I liked her too, but she doesn’t seem to be an inclusion in this series from what I can see. I do have the final book; Holly’s Heart to review as well, and while my expectations are really low for it now, I would like to hope that the series will finish on a high.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
July 12, 2018
Tule authors have done it again! They’ve created a community - Wirralong - populated it with great characters and have written entertaining romances based there, each by a different author and involving different main characters but sharing many of the secondary ones and events. Each story can be read as a standalone but this is a superb series and I highly recommend reading them all, I’ve loved escaping into this Australian Outback town, getting to know the characters, places and events whilst reading all four books.
The third story in the Outback Brides series is Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein and this time the heroine is hairdresser Elsa and this story is a very moving one that is also packed with humour and laugh out loud moments. It is so sad when a community judges a child because of what are perceived as their parent’s actions and that’s what happened to Jack, people assumed he was like his Dad and didn’t attempt to get to know him for himself. He is an opal miner and returns home from Lightning Ridge to attend his mother’s funeral. His encounter with Elsa in her hair salon had me giggling and that set the tone for much of the story. Elsa certainly doesn’t judge Jack and is supportive of him. Together they’re a great couple but overcoming his background, facing those who judge him without evidence and a shooting as well as a treasure hunt are all in store in this brilliant read.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The third story in the Outback Brides series is Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein and this time the heroine is hairdresser Elsa and this story is a very moving one that is also packed with humour and laugh out loud moments. It is so sad when a community judges a child because of what are perceived as their parent’s actions and that’s what happened to Jack, people assumed he was like his Dad and didn’t attempt to get to know him for himself. He is an opal miner and returns home from Lightning Ridge to attend his mother’s funeral. His encounter with Elsa in her hair salon had me giggling and that set the tone for much of the story. Elsa certainly doesn’t judge Jack and is supportive of him. Together they’re a great couple but overcoming his background, facing those who judge him without evidence and a shooting as well as a treasure hunt are all in store in this brilliant read.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
July 12, 2018
Elsa’s Stand is an absolutely delightful outback romance, and in a fascinating twist, I’m incredibly well qualified to review some of the ‘technical’ aspects of the plot. Jack Hargreaves, the hero, is an opal miner from Lightning Ridge, left a property by his mother with a sapphire find hidden on it… somewhere. And it just so happens that I’m a member of a lapidary club, with experience of both opal and sapphire hunting myself.
If Cathryn Hein hasn’t been fossicking, she’s definitely consulted thoroughly with someone who has. She uses all the right terminology and really gets the mindset of the lone miner chasing that elusive big strike.
Returning home to Wirralong after his mother’s sudden death, Jack’s first encounter with Elsa is when he walks into her hairdresser’s shop half an hour before his mother’s funeral after a two-day drive. Desperately in need of a shave and a haircut, he helps himself to her clippers when she can’t fit him in because she’s preparing a bride for her wedding, and leaves a hundred bucks on the counter before changing his shirt out in the street.
Born and raised in Wirralong, Elsa knows exactly who Jack is - the son of a black sheep who left chasing dreams of opal. Now he’s back, and staying on his mother’s property searching for a legendary sapphire strike she claimed to have found before her death. Some of the town’s most prominent citizens have already judged him by the sins of his father, but Elsa’s not that type. She’s fascinated by the quiet giant’s strength and fortitude, and he in turn is enchanted by her sunny attitude to life.
I thought Jack and Elsa were such a cute couple. I’d actually say the book was told more from Jack’s point of view than Elsa’s; certainly we got much more of his background, but then I think he was a more nuanced character all around. Elsa was charming but a little bit too good to be true, and I must admit I burst out laughing the first time I read about a hairdresser’s work outfit involving strappy, high-heeled sandals. I’ve never yet met a hairdresser who doesn’t wear the most comfortable flats she can find, considering how much time she’ll spend on her feet in the course of a working day. Twice Elsa wore heels to work, and then when she and Jack finally got a date, she wore flats!
Even with that amusingly unlikely scenario, I enjoyed this so much I have to give it five stars. This is a lovely addition to a delightful series, and can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer; I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
If Cathryn Hein hasn’t been fossicking, she’s definitely consulted thoroughly with someone who has. She uses all the right terminology and really gets the mindset of the lone miner chasing that elusive big strike.
Returning home to Wirralong after his mother’s sudden death, Jack’s first encounter with Elsa is when he walks into her hairdresser’s shop half an hour before his mother’s funeral after a two-day drive. Desperately in need of a shave and a haircut, he helps himself to her clippers when she can’t fit him in because she’s preparing a bride for her wedding, and leaves a hundred bucks on the counter before changing his shirt out in the street.
Born and raised in Wirralong, Elsa knows exactly who Jack is - the son of a black sheep who left chasing dreams of opal. Now he’s back, and staying on his mother’s property searching for a legendary sapphire strike she claimed to have found before her death. Some of the town’s most prominent citizens have already judged him by the sins of his father, but Elsa’s not that type. She’s fascinated by the quiet giant’s strength and fortitude, and he in turn is enchanted by her sunny attitude to life.
I thought Jack and Elsa were such a cute couple. I’d actually say the book was told more from Jack’s point of view than Elsa’s; certainly we got much more of his background, but then I think he was a more nuanced character all around. Elsa was charming but a little bit too good to be true, and I must admit I burst out laughing the first time I read about a hairdresser’s work outfit involving strappy, high-heeled sandals. I’ve never yet met a hairdresser who doesn’t wear the most comfortable flats she can find, considering how much time she’ll spend on her feet in the course of a working day. Twice Elsa wore heels to work, and then when she and Jack finally got a date, she wore flats!
Even with that amusingly unlikely scenario, I enjoyed this so much I have to give it five stars. This is a lovely addition to a delightful series, and can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer; I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
July 30, 2018
It was light, fun, and enjoyable, just nice to satisfy my craving for a small-town romance set in rural Australia.
Both MCs were extremely likeable. Elsa was a total whacko. She was sunshine to Jack's silent, brooding although good-hearted self. Her mother too, was just like her. Both movie-buffs, I liked how they connected everything to movies and on learning that Jack didn't watch movies, for which Elsa kept calling him a virgin, they were determined to end his virginity where movies were concerned. I chuckled when Jack thinks both women together could be scary. It was also amusing how Elsa's father & twin brothers try to escape when the two women get into their movie mood.
Nevertheless, while Elsa was blessed with a happy & close-knit family, Jack's was a dysfunctional family. His father, a city boy from a good family, had rescued Jack's mother, a farm girl when she was digging for gemstones in the outback then stayed back to father two sons before moving back to his family in Melbourne. They had never married. With the father suspected of being a drug criminal, Jack & his brother, Jesse, would always be treated with suspicion by the townspeople of Wirralong believing they were just like their father. Although, his mum was looked upon as the town's eccentric because of her obsession to dig, especially with her determination to find the legendary sapphires rumored to be buried on their farm, she was still tolerated because she belonged to a foundation family. When Jesse was twelve, he chose to live with their father in Melbourne while Jack stayed on with the mother he loved. Few years later, Jack, having inherited his mother's obsession for finding black opals left Wirralong to move up north and did not return, However, he called his mother every fortnight. He also spoke to his brother once in a while, but not his father.
He's now back in Wirralong for the funeral of his mother and on the way realizing he needs a haircut and shave off his bushranger's beard he walks into Elsa's hair salon and when she tells him she's busy with bridal bookings, he helps himself to her clippers & chops of his extra hair. She's at first peeved with him, but when she realizes why he's in Wirralong, she feels sympathetic toward him. Seeing him bare-chested as he quickly changes into a shirt beside his car that was parked in front of the salon followed by a smouldering look for her, she cannot help be smitten, for which she gets ribbed by her friends, some of the outback brides of the previous books in the series. Called the 'Smart Ladies' Supper club, they meet once every fortnightly at her salon where they let down their hair with gossip, wine and grooming.
She doesn't see Jack for months after that first meeting, although she knew he was around because his mother left her farm to him. When he does walk in for another haircut, Elsa manages to get him to laugh as she gets talking about movies while treating him to an exotic hair spa. But, then a local elderly man walks in and ruins their fun when he gives Jack the dirty looks. That also prompts him to decline her invitation to her grandparents' Christmas party, telling her it wouldn't be good for her business if she associates with him in any way, but Elsa tells him she didn't care what ppl thought & that not everyone in town were like the few who thought the worst of everyone. But, still racked by old insecurities and a bitter argument with his brother, Jack decides not to go to the Christmas do, but he cannot help think about her constantly.
It was fun to see how Elsa shocks Jack out of his insecurities, defiantly holding his hand, kissing him on the cheek & inviting him to dinner at her place in front of the townspeople, especially the spiteful ones. Soon, he's reciprocating, inviting her to dinner at his place. But, they combust before they could even eat and end up satisfying another kind of hunger. Now that he's fallen for Elsa, Jack see things differently especially his strained relationship with his brother & father and what he's been doing wrong. Wanting to make amends, he accepts his brother's invite to a party that their father was throwing over the weekend, even though he didn't want to be away from Elsa even for a moment. He is able to make amends with his father, whom he now learns has gone clean, but something dreadful takes place and Jack finds he's needed by his father and brother. He feels torn because in doing so he has to leave Wirralong and Elsa. Loved the scene where he goes to say goodbye to her
She tilted her face to his. ‘Promise you’ll come back to me.’
‘Elsa …’
‘Please.’
His gaze moved to the back of the building, the roofline, the sky. ‘This place won’t want me back, not now.’
‘But I do. And I’ve worked too damn hard to prove to you that not everyone here is a narrow-minded bigot to let you go that easily.’
A small smile tipped his mouth. He brushed her cheek with his thumbs.
‘Little lioness.’
‘Big lioness.’ She poked his chest. ‘And don’t you forget it, Jack Hargreaves.’
He laughed and embraced her with another of those encompassing, ferocious hugs, like he wanted to absorb her. ‘Christ, Elsa, you’re one of a kind.’
‘Which is why you have to come back. You won’t find another me anywhere else. And I won’t find another you.’ She pressed against him. ‘I don’t want another you. The one I have is just fine.’
The embrace eased into a kiss.
‘I’m not going to let you forget me, Jack. No matter how far away you run.’
He stroked her hair and smiled back. ‘That’s one thing I could never do.’
‘Good. Now kiss me again and then go before I try to kidnap you.’
The kiss was brief but searing.
‘Take care, little lioness,’ he whispered, and with a last tender kiss on Elsa’s forehead Jack swung the car door wide and lowered himself inside.
Also, loved the scene where Jack ends the relationship with the woman he'd been seeing on-and-off -- a single mum-- before Elsa came into his life. It was a very sweet and touching scene. You could sense the woman loved him and also his fondness for her little girl. With Elsa having filled his life with colour and laughter he finds everything that had been his life in the past few years now looking drab and boring and is able to appreciate all that Elsa had done for him, but he'd screwed up badly having sent her something with a curt two-word note. It was fun having him plead forgiveness from a hurt Elsa that was keenly watched by all the ladies in the salon.
The epilogue in the end was very sweet.
Although, this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Moreover, with no appearance of heroes of previous books in the series, no couple moments with their outback brides, I didn't feel the pull to read about their romances as it usually happens in most romance series.
Nevertheless, it was overall an enjoyable book.
Both MCs were extremely likeable. Elsa was a total whacko. She was sunshine to Jack's silent, brooding although good-hearted self. Her mother too, was just like her. Both movie-buffs, I liked how they connected everything to movies and on learning that Jack didn't watch movies, for which Elsa kept calling him a virgin, they were determined to end his virginity where movies were concerned. I chuckled when Jack thinks both women together could be scary. It was also amusing how Elsa's father & twin brothers try to escape when the two women get into their movie mood.
Nevertheless, while Elsa was blessed with a happy & close-knit family, Jack's was a dysfunctional family. His father, a city boy from a good family, had rescued Jack's mother, a farm girl when she was digging for gemstones in the outback then stayed back to father two sons before moving back to his family in Melbourne. They had never married. With the father suspected of being a drug criminal, Jack & his brother, Jesse, would always be treated with suspicion by the townspeople of Wirralong believing they were just like their father. Although, his mum was looked upon as the town's eccentric because of her obsession to dig, especially with her determination to find the legendary sapphires rumored to be buried on their farm, she was still tolerated because she belonged to a foundation family. When Jesse was twelve, he chose to live with their father in Melbourne while Jack stayed on with the mother he loved. Few years later, Jack, having inherited his mother's obsession for finding black opals left Wirralong to move up north and did not return, However, he called his mother every fortnight. He also spoke to his brother once in a while, but not his father.
He's now back in Wirralong for the funeral of his mother and on the way realizing he needs a haircut and shave off his bushranger's beard he walks into Elsa's hair salon and when she tells him she's busy with bridal bookings, he helps himself to her clippers & chops of his extra hair. She's at first peeved with him, but when she realizes why he's in Wirralong, she feels sympathetic toward him. Seeing him bare-chested as he quickly changes into a shirt beside his car that was parked in front of the salon followed by a smouldering look for her, she cannot help be smitten, for which she gets ribbed by her friends, some of the outback brides of the previous books in the series. Called the 'Smart Ladies' Supper club, they meet once every fortnightly at her salon where they let down their hair with gossip, wine and grooming.
She doesn't see Jack for months after that first meeting, although she knew he was around because his mother left her farm to him. When he does walk in for another haircut, Elsa manages to get him to laugh as she gets talking about movies while treating him to an exotic hair spa. But, then a local elderly man walks in and ruins their fun when he gives Jack the dirty looks. That also prompts him to decline her invitation to her grandparents' Christmas party, telling her it wouldn't be good for her business if she associates with him in any way, but Elsa tells him she didn't care what ppl thought & that not everyone in town were like the few who thought the worst of everyone. But, still racked by old insecurities and a bitter argument with his brother, Jack decides not to go to the Christmas do, but he cannot help think about her constantly.
It was fun to see how Elsa shocks Jack out of his insecurities, defiantly holding his hand, kissing him on the cheek & inviting him to dinner at her place in front of the townspeople, especially the spiteful ones. Soon, he's reciprocating, inviting her to dinner at his place. But, they combust before they could even eat and end up satisfying another kind of hunger. Now that he's fallen for Elsa, Jack see things differently especially his strained relationship with his brother & father and what he's been doing wrong. Wanting to make amends, he accepts his brother's invite to a party that their father was throwing over the weekend, even though he didn't want to be away from Elsa even for a moment. He is able to make amends with his father, whom he now learns has gone clean, but something dreadful takes place and Jack finds he's needed by his father and brother. He feels torn because in doing so he has to leave Wirralong and Elsa. Loved the scene where he goes to say goodbye to her
She tilted her face to his. ‘Promise you’ll come back to me.’
‘Elsa …’
‘Please.’
His gaze moved to the back of the building, the roofline, the sky. ‘This place won’t want me back, not now.’
‘But I do. And I’ve worked too damn hard to prove to you that not everyone here is a narrow-minded bigot to let you go that easily.’
A small smile tipped his mouth. He brushed her cheek with his thumbs.
‘Little lioness.’
‘Big lioness.’ She poked his chest. ‘And don’t you forget it, Jack Hargreaves.’
He laughed and embraced her with another of those encompassing, ferocious hugs, like he wanted to absorb her. ‘Christ, Elsa, you’re one of a kind.’
‘Which is why you have to come back. You won’t find another me anywhere else. And I won’t find another you.’ She pressed against him. ‘I don’t want another you. The one I have is just fine.’
The embrace eased into a kiss.
‘I’m not going to let you forget me, Jack. No matter how far away you run.’
He stroked her hair and smiled back. ‘That’s one thing I could never do.’
‘Good. Now kiss me again and then go before I try to kidnap you.’
The kiss was brief but searing.
‘Take care, little lioness,’ he whispered, and with a last tender kiss on Elsa’s forehead Jack swung the car door wide and lowered himself inside.
Also, loved the scene where Jack ends the relationship with the woman he'd been seeing on-and-off -- a single mum-- before Elsa came into his life. It was a very sweet and touching scene. You could sense the woman loved him and also his fondness for her little girl. With Elsa having filled his life with colour and laughter he finds everything that had been his life in the past few years now looking drab and boring and is able to appreciate all that Elsa had done for him, but he'd screwed up badly having sent her something with a curt two-word note. It was fun having him plead forgiveness from a hurt Elsa that was keenly watched by all the ladies in the salon.
The epilogue in the end was very sweet.
Although, this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Moreover, with no appearance of heroes of previous books in the series, no couple moments with their outback brides, I didn't feel the pull to read about their romances as it usually happens in most romance series.
Nevertheless, it was overall an enjoyable book.
July 5, 2018
OMG this is such an awesome story, MS Hein has bought every emotion there is out in this one, it sparkles with love and caring and strength, it is one that I just literally inhaled and savoured, I am loving this series. My visit back to Wirralong brings us Elsa’s HEA with the gorgeous opal miner Jack Hargraves who has arrived back in the town he grew up and never felt at home in for his mother’s funeral, but a meeting at the local hairdressers with Elsa the best hairdresser in town and all round fabulous woman is about to turn his life upside down, sit back and enjoy this ride.
Jack has never felt comfortable in Wirralong and inherited his mother’s prospecting genes and took off as soon as he could for Lightning Ridge and opal mining, he is a loner and keeps to himself doesn’t see his father or brother much or keep in touch with them but he does with his mother eccentric Kate who is still living on the family farm trying to find her sapphires, Jack is devastated when her learns of her death and makes I home just in time for the funeral, but being a mess he first goes to the hairdresser for a haircut, where he meets Elsa and this first meeting is amazing.
Elsa has been working hard getting her hair salon off the ground and with the weddings being held at Wirra Station things are moving well, but when the gorgeous giant of a man walks into her hair salon caring Elsa picks up on his pain and allows him to cut his own hair, this starts a sensual pull that Elsa will not give up on no matter what anyone in the town says or Jack either and her sheer determination had me cheering her on as Jack does what he thinks his right for Elsa.
There were tears, there was laughter, and there were sighs and such joy reading this one, I loved Jack and Elsa and their very sensual journey to such a fabulous HEA, yes there were a few hurdles to jump over along the way, but that is happens when true love runs deep and Elsa what a heroine the strength that she shows to get her man and Jack the strong silent hero and when he walks back into that salon wow awesome, I highly recommend this story, and I am loving this series can’t wait for the next one. Thank you MS Hein for such an awesome story.
Jack has never felt comfortable in Wirralong and inherited his mother’s prospecting genes and took off as soon as he could for Lightning Ridge and opal mining, he is a loner and keeps to himself doesn’t see his father or brother much or keep in touch with them but he does with his mother eccentric Kate who is still living on the family farm trying to find her sapphires, Jack is devastated when her learns of her death and makes I home just in time for the funeral, but being a mess he first goes to the hairdresser for a haircut, where he meets Elsa and this first meeting is amazing.
Elsa has been working hard getting her hair salon off the ground and with the weddings being held at Wirra Station things are moving well, but when the gorgeous giant of a man walks into her hair salon caring Elsa picks up on his pain and allows him to cut his own hair, this starts a sensual pull that Elsa will not give up on no matter what anyone in the town says or Jack either and her sheer determination had me cheering her on as Jack does what he thinks his right for Elsa.
There were tears, there was laughter, and there were sighs and such joy reading this one, I loved Jack and Elsa and their very sensual journey to such a fabulous HEA, yes there were a few hurdles to jump over along the way, but that is happens when true love runs deep and Elsa what a heroine the strength that she shows to get her man and Jack the strong silent hero and when he walks back into that salon wow awesome, I highly recommend this story, and I am loving this series can’t wait for the next one. Thank you MS Hein for such an awesome story.
June 29, 2018
I really loved this third chapter in the Outback Brides series. Elsa is such a great character, open and honest and strong in her beliefs. And Jack, well I'd happily have Jack, the tough looking guy who deep down hides his hurt at being made to feel less than, just because of who his father is. I really enjoyed the coming together of these two characters. Serenity is another great character who I definitely hope gets her own story or we at least get to hear about her happily ever after, because she is such good fun, her antics cracked me up at times. This is definitely a great series and I look forward to book 4.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
July 1, 2018
I liked Elsa and Jack’s characters. The emotions portrayed by Jack held merit and at times, were moving. Elsa’s nickname fit well in the story to depict her character. A quick read in the Outback Brides series.
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
September 7, 2020
This one was a bit disappointing. The others have been so good and I was expecting a similar level of steam/romance in this one. The first half of the book was excellent and I loved the way the story was developing and then it all went strange. Entertaining but it didn't match the standard of the others in the series.
July 13, 2018
I didn’t love this as much as the previous two and would have loved to have more involvement of the characters in the previous books.
April 19, 2025
sweet love story
Elsa and Jack are the main characters, strong and bold. There are hidden gems and an obsession to find them
Elsa and Jack are the main characters, strong and bold. There are hidden gems and an obsession to find them
July 23, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
3,5 stars
It was cute and short story. Interesting one, we get a glimpse of Australian small town, about opals industry.
The heroine got some balls, I didn't like her agresive style for pursue our H. It was a bit stalkerish. Girl, he wasn't interested, and she came back on him 3 or 4 times. It was patetic.
And hero... He didn't know what to do with this girl. He looked a bit silly one.
No cheating. No OP scenes.
No sex scenes. Only hot making over.
Merged review:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
3,5 stars
It was cute and short story. Interesting one, we get a glimpse of Australian small town, about opals industry.
The heroine got some balls, I didn't like her agresive style for pursue our H. It was a bit stalkerish. Girl, he wasn't interested, and she came back on him 3 or 4 times. It was patetic.
And hero... He didn't know what to do with this girl. He looked a bit silly one.
No cheating. No OP scenes.
No sex scenes. Only hot making over.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
3,5 stars
It was cute and short story. Interesting one, we get a glimpse of Australian small town, about opals industry.
The heroine got some balls, I didn't like her agresive style for pursue our H. It was a bit stalkerish. Girl, he wasn't interested, and she came back on him 3 or 4 times. It was patetic.
And hero... He didn't know what to do with this girl. He looked a bit silly one.
No cheating. No OP scenes.
No sex scenes. Only hot making over.
Merged review:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
3,5 stars
It was cute and short story. Interesting one, we get a glimpse of Australian small town, about opals industry.
The heroine got some balls, I didn't like her agresive style for pursue our H. It was a bit stalkerish. Girl, he wasn't interested, and she came back on him 3 or 4 times. It was patetic.
And hero... He didn't know what to do with this girl. He looked a bit silly one.
No cheating. No OP scenes.
No sex scenes. Only hot making over.
July 9, 2018
Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein
When the sudden death of his mother forces outback opal miner Jack Hargreaves home to Wirralong, his plan is simple: mourn his mother, sort out the family farm, and get the hell out of the town that has always hated him. But Elsa O’Donoghue, the beautiful hairdresser with a big heart and even brighter smile, has other plans.
From the moment Jack strides into her salon and helps himself to her clippers, Elsa is in lust. He might be a poster boy for the strong silent type, but That was the thing about opal mining, especially around the Ridge where a black opal run could turn a man into a millionaire overnight: it was a game built on potential.
Jack gripped the steering wheel, resisting the urge to turn around. Rumour had it there were a couple of new blokes doing the thieving, perhaps a gang. One ratter you at least had a chance against. A gang, nope. Whoever it was, they’d want to watch themselves. Bush retribution could be savage, as the last ratter who’d been caught discovered. Jack wondered if the bloke’s fingers had been worth the price.
Worried their association will harm Elsa’s business, Jack tries to avoid her, but Elsa is irresistible. Soon, she has him believing and hoping for a future with her in Wirralong
This is Jack Hargreaves and Elsa O’Donoghue's story.
The claustrophobic outback heat and swirling red dust suited Jack Hargreaves’s mood. Ratters had hit his neighbour last night. Snuck in while Dimitry was off visiting his lady friend in Lightning Ridge, a woman no one was supposed to know about but everyone did. Dimitry had arrived home in the morning to find his claim raided, the promising opal seam he’d just caught a glimpse of hacked out. Gone forever, along with its potential, perhaps making someone else a fortune. It could have been useless rock. It could have been riches. Now he’d never know.
He turned off the unsealed and unnamed goat track onto a wider gravel road that would eventually lead him to the Castlereagh Highway and Lightning Ridge. The track was one of many that criss-crossed the rocky, barren landscape and hid a secret population that most of the world, most of Australia for that matter, had no idea existed.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cathryn Hein.
Cathryn's Books with Tule:
Elsa’s Stand
Outback Brides
Outback Brides
Book 1
Maggie’s Run
by Kelly Hunter
Book 2
Belle’s Secret
by Victoria Purman
READ · PRE-ORDER
Book 3
Elsa’s Stand
by Cathryn Hein
READ · PRE-ORDER
Book 4
Holly’s Heart
by Fiona McArthur
When the sudden death of his mother forces outback opal miner Jack Hargreaves home to Wirralong, his plan is simple: mourn his mother, sort out the family farm, and get the hell out of the town that has always hated him. But Elsa O’Donoghue, the beautiful hairdresser with a big heart and even brighter smile, has other plans.
From the moment Jack strides into her salon and helps himself to her clippers, Elsa is in lust. He might be a poster boy for the strong silent type, but That was the thing about opal mining, especially around the Ridge where a black opal run could turn a man into a millionaire overnight: it was a game built on potential.
Jack gripped the steering wheel, resisting the urge to turn around. Rumour had it there were a couple of new blokes doing the thieving, perhaps a gang. One ratter you at least had a chance against. A gang, nope. Whoever it was, they’d want to watch themselves. Bush retribution could be savage, as the last ratter who’d been caught discovered. Jack wondered if the bloke’s fingers had been worth the price.
Worried their association will harm Elsa’s business, Jack tries to avoid her, but Elsa is irresistible. Soon, she has him believing and hoping for a future with her in Wirralong
This is Jack Hargreaves and Elsa O’Donoghue's story.
The claustrophobic outback heat and swirling red dust suited Jack Hargreaves’s mood. Ratters had hit his neighbour last night. Snuck in while Dimitry was off visiting his lady friend in Lightning Ridge, a woman no one was supposed to know about but everyone did. Dimitry had arrived home in the morning to find his claim raided, the promising opal seam he’d just caught a glimpse of hacked out. Gone forever, along with its potential, perhaps making someone else a fortune. It could have been useless rock. It could have been riches. Now he’d never know.
He turned off the unsealed and unnamed goat track onto a wider gravel road that would eventually lead him to the Castlereagh Highway and Lightning Ridge. The track was one of many that criss-crossed the rocky, barren landscape and hid a secret population that most of the world, most of Australia for that matter, had no idea existed.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cathryn Hein.
Cathryn's Books with Tule:
Elsa’s Stand
Outback Brides
Outback Brides
Book 1
Maggie’s Run
by Kelly Hunter
Book 2
Belle’s Secret
by Victoria Purman
READ · PRE-ORDER
Book 3
Elsa’s Stand
by Cathryn Hein
READ · PRE-ORDER
Book 4
Holly’s Heart
by Fiona McArthur
July 10, 2018
I have to admit I truly did not like Jack when he appeared all strong alpha male on the pages I was reading. Not to mention when I knew he was to be Elsa’s love interest.
You see Elsa has bee the driving force of all the women in Wirralong. Yes, she will try and convince anyone that Maggie and Izzy are the ones. Yes, they did the physical work at Wirra Station, the destination wedding spot in the Victoria, Australia area.
Yet, it has been Elsa giving a lot of the great ideas and spearheading and organizing things linking to everyone in town. With her great connections and her willingness to listen and knowing who to talk to or point you in the right direction. You see she not only grew up in Wirralong she is the owner and number on stylist at the local salon ‘Hair Affair.’
Which by the way, is the all-in-one-service salon for bridal parties for pampering on the days of the wedding. There is also her brash friend Serenity who at any time can have who knows what color hair. On the day Jack Hargreaves walks in for a haircut it did shock him for sure.
Elsa had two wedding parties back to back. She had no time to fit him in but he was desperate. He had just driven two days to get to Wirralong on time. Due to his hateful cousin, Anne, scheduling the funeral without his permission.
He walks over to the barber chair on the other side of the salon where a young boy is sitting. He picks up a pair of electric shears and starts cutting his hair. Before Elsa, who was watching him off and on through the mirror in front of her client, could say that the blade was at one it was too late. He was bald.
Making eye contact with her in the mirror bot their eyes twinkled but nothing was said. When he gets done he asks the boy for help. Before the kid could handle the shears, she reaches for them and cleans up the places he missed. Then he wants to start on his beard. She hands him shears for the beard.
When he’s done he looks at the clock and knows he’s running late. He says he’ll be back to clean up the mess. She walks up to him and says not to worry. Elsa makes eye contact with him when she realizes who he is and says how sorry she is to hear about his mom. He just nods and leaves one hundred dollars on her counter when she goes back to her client.
See how these two take this first meeting to so much more. It is a complicated relationship filled with pain and joys. Laughter and heartache.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
You see Elsa has bee the driving force of all the women in Wirralong. Yes, she will try and convince anyone that Maggie and Izzy are the ones. Yes, they did the physical work at Wirra Station, the destination wedding spot in the Victoria, Australia area.
Yet, it has been Elsa giving a lot of the great ideas and spearheading and organizing things linking to everyone in town. With her great connections and her willingness to listen and knowing who to talk to or point you in the right direction. You see she not only grew up in Wirralong she is the owner and number on stylist at the local salon ‘Hair Affair.’
Which by the way, is the all-in-one-service salon for bridal parties for pampering on the days of the wedding. There is also her brash friend Serenity who at any time can have who knows what color hair. On the day Jack Hargreaves walks in for a haircut it did shock him for sure.
Elsa had two wedding parties back to back. She had no time to fit him in but he was desperate. He had just driven two days to get to Wirralong on time. Due to his hateful cousin, Anne, scheduling the funeral without his permission.
He walks over to the barber chair on the other side of the salon where a young boy is sitting. He picks up a pair of electric shears and starts cutting his hair. Before Elsa, who was watching him off and on through the mirror in front of her client, could say that the blade was at one it was too late. He was bald.
Making eye contact with her in the mirror bot their eyes twinkled but nothing was said. When he gets done he asks the boy for help. Before the kid could handle the shears, she reaches for them and cleans up the places he missed. Then he wants to start on his beard. She hands him shears for the beard.
When he’s done he looks at the clock and knows he’s running late. He says he’ll be back to clean up the mess. She walks up to him and says not to worry. Elsa makes eye contact with him when she realizes who he is and says how sorry she is to hear about his mom. He just nods and leaves one hundred dollars on her counter when she goes back to her client.
See how these two take this first meeting to so much more. It is a complicated relationship filled with pain and joys. Laughter and heartache.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
July 10, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
It’s always sad to me when a person, a community judges children based on their parents’ actions. Jack had outrun that by heading away from home to follow a miner’s dream of finding that perfect opal jackpot. You could say that mining was in his blood as his mother loved to search for her own gems as well. It is his mother’s death that has brought Jack home, and he plans to stay only as long as absolutely necessary and then hit the road out of town once again. He hadn’t planned on meeting a woman like Elsa. Someone who would see him for the man he is now, not his father’s face superimposed over his own. That she would be willing to risk everything that she has worked for in order to be with him is… astounding. But it’s not a sacrifice that Jack can allow… except when a stubborn, in love woman gets a thought in her head about her man, nothing will stop her.
Everyone needs someone who sees them exactly as they are and loves them, accepts them without one single change. For Jack, that someone was Elsa. I loved this couple, and Elsa’s Stand certainly does describe this story in so many ways. It’s many things – a steamy romance, a chance at finding that one person perfect for you romance, a town ready to see beyond a parents’ history… but most of all it’s a love story between two equally strong in different ways people who fit, who belong, who will stand for each other no matter what. It’s a love story, the kind many people dream of finding. Discover their romance in Elsa’s Stand for yourself, I believe you’ll find a lovely romance, a second chance, and some truths that needed to be said. There is nothing better than finding that one person who loves you just as you are… and you can feel free to love them that way right back.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
It’s always sad to me when a person, a community judges children based on their parents’ actions. Jack had outrun that by heading away from home to follow a miner’s dream of finding that perfect opal jackpot. You could say that mining was in his blood as his mother loved to search for her own gems as well. It is his mother’s death that has brought Jack home, and he plans to stay only as long as absolutely necessary and then hit the road out of town once again. He hadn’t planned on meeting a woman like Elsa. Someone who would see him for the man he is now, not his father’s face superimposed over his own. That she would be willing to risk everything that she has worked for in order to be with him is… astounding. But it’s not a sacrifice that Jack can allow… except when a stubborn, in love woman gets a thought in her head about her man, nothing will stop her.
Everyone needs someone who sees them exactly as they are and loves them, accepts them without one single change. For Jack, that someone was Elsa. I loved this couple, and Elsa’s Stand certainly does describe this story in so many ways. It’s many things – a steamy romance, a chance at finding that one person perfect for you romance, a town ready to see beyond a parents’ history… but most of all it’s a love story between two equally strong in different ways people who fit, who belong, who will stand for each other no matter what. It’s a love story, the kind many people dream of finding. Discover their romance in Elsa’s Stand for yourself, I believe you’ll find a lovely romance, a second chance, and some truths that needed to be said. There is nothing better than finding that one person who loves you just as you are… and you can feel free to love them that way right back.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 20, 2018
This is the third book in the Outback Brides series. If you have read the first two books you will know that Elsa is the hairdresser that Maggie and Izzy are friends with. If you have not read the other books, no biggie, as each book is easily read as a stand alone book. BUT might I highly suggest reading all the books. You will really enjoy this series of friends and enjoy the series so much more too. Now on to Elsa and her story. Elsa is the stronger of all the "Brides". She knows what she wants and she doesn't let anyone stand in her way. When the book opens we meet Jack Hargreaves and really get to know about the true Outback. Jack is an opal miner and he is back in town for his mother's funeral. She lived in town and was a sapphire miner herself. Oh yes one could say the need to hunt for stones runs deep with this family. He was left a voicemail on the day she passed away saying she finally found the sapphires and hide them again on the family farm. The one he inherited upon hr death. So does he stay and become a gentleman farmer or sell and go back to being an opal miner?
But see Jake is not the only person left behind, he has a brother Jesse and their father as well. Jesse and their father live in Melbourne and lets just say they are different as night and day to Jake and his mom. And because of the fact that his father is known as a gangland person many of the people in the town look down on Jake. He thinks he is not worthy of Elsa and this is the theme we see in the book. So far this is my favorite of the three i have read. It has shown me so of how strong Elsa is both in character and mental strength. Jake had me in tears so many times reading his story and the backstory. I loved how well written this book is. I can see the outback in all the dirt and dust. The caves and all the places that the miners hunker down at night. Then we move into town and we get to meet the townsfolk some are nice,some not so much. But all true to a small town all up in each others business. What a I really loved this book and I especially loved the ending.
But see Jake is not the only person left behind, he has a brother Jesse and their father as well. Jesse and their father live in Melbourne and lets just say they are different as night and day to Jake and his mom. And because of the fact that his father is known as a gangland person many of the people in the town look down on Jake. He thinks he is not worthy of Elsa and this is the theme we see in the book. So far this is my favorite of the three i have read. It has shown me so of how strong Elsa is both in character and mental strength. Jake had me in tears so many times reading his story and the backstory. I loved how well written this book is. I can see the outback in all the dirt and dust. The caves and all the places that the miners hunker down at night. Then we move into town and we get to meet the townsfolk some are nice,some not so much. But all true to a small town all up in each others business. What a I really loved this book and I especially loved the ending.
September 29, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jack Hargreaves bolsters into Hair Affair on his way to his mother’s funeral, impatiently helps himself to a haircut and shave and garners the interest of owner Elsa. He gets through his mother’s funeral and sets to work trying to find sapphires she said she found. Hein shows Jack’s emotions surrounding his mother succinctly and realistically. His interactions with various family members are interesting and left me wondering if I missed out on any backstory by not having read the preceding two books. His grief for his mother is stark and sad. For a very taciturn man, his pov is eye opening.
Elsa pursues Jack with a relentless, almost teenage infatuation even though in some situations he is clearly uncomfortable, like when he made it clear he didn’t enjoy being teased about being a movie virgin and Elsa didn’t stop, or stop poking him, which really made her seem immature. Some of their interactions seem more brother and sister like than potential lovers.
Despite their minimal, sporadic interactions Jack finds himself in love with Elsa. His thoughts read more like in lust, but as this is a romance book, we all know where it is heading.
There is a lot of Jack describing Elsa’s body, his reactions to it and vice versa for a book that takes the actual sex off page. A closed-door approach to sex scenes isn’t always a bad thing but ramping up the sexual tension and not delivering to readers is a cruel thing to do 😉.
Jack is clearly uncomfortable being back in the town he grew up in. The sins of his father have been foisted onto his shoulders by older townsfolk and he allows their judgments to essentially keep him out of his mother’s property. Elsa tries to counteract this by encouraging Jack to ignore the looks they give him. Which is often easier said than done.
Hein reuses “Christ on a bicycle” eight times in less than 200 pages and often didn’t fit the scenario. It was too repetitive for a short novel.
All in all this is a sweet tale of finding one’s place, facing the past and falling in love.
Jack Hargreaves bolsters into Hair Affair on his way to his mother’s funeral, impatiently helps himself to a haircut and shave and garners the interest of owner Elsa. He gets through his mother’s funeral and sets to work trying to find sapphires she said she found. Hein shows Jack’s emotions surrounding his mother succinctly and realistically. His interactions with various family members are interesting and left me wondering if I missed out on any backstory by not having read the preceding two books. His grief for his mother is stark and sad. For a very taciturn man, his pov is eye opening.
Elsa pursues Jack with a relentless, almost teenage infatuation even though in some situations he is clearly uncomfortable, like when he made it clear he didn’t enjoy being teased about being a movie virgin and Elsa didn’t stop, or stop poking him, which really made her seem immature. Some of their interactions seem more brother and sister like than potential lovers.
Despite their minimal, sporadic interactions Jack finds himself in love with Elsa. His thoughts read more like in lust, but as this is a romance book, we all know where it is heading.
There is a lot of Jack describing Elsa’s body, his reactions to it and vice versa for a book that takes the actual sex off page. A closed-door approach to sex scenes isn’t always a bad thing but ramping up the sexual tension and not delivering to readers is a cruel thing to do 😉.
Jack is clearly uncomfortable being back in the town he grew up in. The sins of his father have been foisted onto his shoulders by older townsfolk and he allows their judgments to essentially keep him out of his mother’s property. Elsa tries to counteract this by encouraging Jack to ignore the looks they give him. Which is often easier said than done.
Hein reuses “Christ on a bicycle” eight times in less than 200 pages and often didn’t fit the scenario. It was too repetitive for a short novel.
All in all this is a sweet tale of finding one’s place, facing the past and falling in love.
July 9, 2018
I loved Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein, book three in the Outback Brides series, a wonderful friend to lovers story. Jack disliked the way people in Wirralong treated and thought of him, his brother and mother while growing up. This was because of who his father is and many of the Wirralong townspeople believed in the old adage ‘like father like son’. I liked how Jack proved everyone wrong. Elsa was a businesswoman, operating the hair salon, before Wirralong became the destination for weddings. Elsa was kind, caring, resilient, courageous, which had me enjoying how determined and stubborn she was to win over Jack. I also liked how she wasn’t afraid to stand up for Jack, even if it could harm her business. The fact that she believes no one has the right to judge someone because of who their parents are is another point in her favor. I also liked that Jack would do anything to protect Elsa from people’s judgment, especially when she’s so determined to defend him. Jack definitely had a streak of protectiveness in him as he showed in keeping his brother safe after their father is injured.
Ms. Hein wrote a wonderful story that made me smile and laugh because of the heroine’s determination to show the hero that there are good people in Wirralong. Also, the chemistry between these two was strong and kept getting stronger every time they interacted. Jack being unsure whether he will stay had me worrying for a happy ending.
This was a wonderful story which was easy to visualize in my head as I read. I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Heim did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Hein wrote a wonderful story that made me smile and laugh because of the heroine’s determination to show the hero that there are good people in Wirralong. Also, the chemistry between these two was strong and kept getting stronger every time they interacted. Jack being unsure whether he will stay had me worrying for a happy ending.
This was a wonderful story which was easy to visualize in my head as I read. I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Heim did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 9, 2018
I really liked it
The story starts out with a lot of hardship. Sadness, anger. Jack’s a miner, wanting to find black opal. Elsa’s a hairdresser. The way they meet was quite original! Alternating POV’s, Jack and Elsa. Jack has a bad reputation only because of his father. “Sons automatically bear their fathers’ sins” seems to be the sentiment. And Jack runs away from that, he can’t handle it. He has yet to learn that it doesn’t matter: love matters. When you find it, you hold on to it.
I really liked it. A sweet story full of emotions. I liked Elsa: compassionate and kind but also fiery when she needs to be. And she is a bit of a tease. I liked Jack too, although he was a little harder to get to know. Withdrawn. Attractive but not arrogant. A diamond in the rough. Or better: a sapphire in the rough ;)
I would advise the author to choose between clean or steamy. The way it is now (quite explicit and graphic until you get to the real deal, then the door closes) it’s neither fish nor fowl and I think it’d be better ‘either’ ‘or’ to attract more readers. I prefer clean myself but with the build-up in this book even I was kind of disappointed when the door closed. It felt like an anti-climax. And another minor thing: the third time a shaving session was described in great detail it felt a bit repetitive.
But on the positive again: I liked the connection between Jack and Elsa: I really felt it. And I also felt the bond between dog Daisy and Jack. All in all, a good book that I’ll happily recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems. I’m not required to leave a review; I voluntarily posted an honest review. My opinions are my own. I received no remuneration for it.
The story starts out with a lot of hardship. Sadness, anger. Jack’s a miner, wanting to find black opal. Elsa’s a hairdresser. The way they meet was quite original! Alternating POV’s, Jack and Elsa. Jack has a bad reputation only because of his father. “Sons automatically bear their fathers’ sins” seems to be the sentiment. And Jack runs away from that, he can’t handle it. He has yet to learn that it doesn’t matter: love matters. When you find it, you hold on to it.
I really liked it. A sweet story full of emotions. I liked Elsa: compassionate and kind but also fiery when she needs to be. And she is a bit of a tease. I liked Jack too, although he was a little harder to get to know. Withdrawn. Attractive but not arrogant. A diamond in the rough. Or better: a sapphire in the rough ;)
I would advise the author to choose between clean or steamy. The way it is now (quite explicit and graphic until you get to the real deal, then the door closes) it’s neither fish nor fowl and I think it’d be better ‘either’ ‘or’ to attract more readers. I prefer clean myself but with the build-up in this book even I was kind of disappointed when the door closed. It felt like an anti-climax. And another minor thing: the third time a shaving session was described in great detail it felt a bit repetitive.
But on the positive again: I liked the connection between Jack and Elsa: I really felt it. And I also felt the bond between dog Daisy and Jack. All in all, a good book that I’ll happily recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems. I’m not required to leave a review; I voluntarily posted an honest review. My opinions are my own. I received no remuneration for it.
July 8, 2018
Elsa's Stand is book three of the Outback brides Series. Each book is by a different author, reads as a stand alone but has connections within the Wirralong community. Cathryn Hein’s addition to the series has two of my favorite characters in the series. Perhaps that is because Jack needs love and there is not one brighter or better than Elsa to love him. This story also had the most authentic feel to it. I could feel the heat and see the harsh landscape of the outback in my mind. Then the actions and ways of the characters was just wonderfully done. The expressions or turn of a phrase seemed just so real to me; not “Crocodile Dundee” real but normal talk real. Still I must say I cringed every time I read an expression about a bicycle that Jack often used.
Elsa has minor roles in the first books, but it is in this one that she really shines. Ms. Helms does a fantastic job fleshing out these two opposite personalities, whose lives have been rather opposite too. I loved the strong, silent Jack that Elsa brought color to his otherwise brown, dusty existence. I loved their first meeting even if it was on a sad day. I knew life would get better for Jack. I loved watching Jack open-up as a person, emotionally and socially.
Which brings me to my wish for Serenity and Jesse to have their stories told. I was a bit disappointed to see that the fourth book was not Serenity’s. Still I have hope for the future.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elsa has minor roles in the first books, but it is in this one that she really shines. Ms. Helms does a fantastic job fleshing out these two opposite personalities, whose lives have been rather opposite too. I loved the strong, silent Jack that Elsa brought color to his otherwise brown, dusty existence. I loved their first meeting even if it was on a sad day. I knew life would get better for Jack. I loved watching Jack open-up as a person, emotionally and socially.
Which brings me to my wish for Serenity and Jesse to have their stories told. I was a bit disappointed to see that the fourth book was not Serenity’s. Still I have hope for the future.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2018
Oh goodness this is a good story. Third in the Outback Brides series, Elsa’s Stand is set in the northern Victorian town of Wirralong. Mining is central to this story as Jack Hargreaves, an outwardly strong, confident and self-assured man returns to his home town for his mother’s funeral.
I adore Jack, a huge, muscled tough looking man who is carrying a world of hurt on his shoulders, having been shunned by many of the townsfolk because of his father. He’s a loner but as you get to know Jack you realise he’s keeping to himself to protect his feelings. He’s also a decent, hardworking and caring man and oh my goodness the struggle he has to contain himself when he meets Elsa. I loved his “Christ on a bicycle” declarations, even if they were only muttered to himself. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor man.
Elsa is pretty much the exact opposite of Jack. She’s gregarious, fun-loving, a bit of a flirt and a bit of a tease, but she’s also loyal and generous and willing to stand up for what she believes in. I loved the way she stood up for Jack in the face of disapproval from some of the townspeople.
This story has so much appeal for me that it’s hard to say exactly what I liked most about it. The setting, the characters, the plot and the pace were all perfect and I galloped through the story as fast as I could, loving each and every page along the way.
I adore Jack, a huge, muscled tough looking man who is carrying a world of hurt on his shoulders, having been shunned by many of the townsfolk because of his father. He’s a loner but as you get to know Jack you realise he’s keeping to himself to protect his feelings. He’s also a decent, hardworking and caring man and oh my goodness the struggle he has to contain himself when he meets Elsa. I loved his “Christ on a bicycle” declarations, even if they were only muttered to himself. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor man.
Elsa is pretty much the exact opposite of Jack. She’s gregarious, fun-loving, a bit of a flirt and a bit of a tease, but she’s also loyal and generous and willing to stand up for what she believes in. I loved the way she stood up for Jack in the face of disapproval from some of the townspeople.
This story has so much appeal for me that it’s hard to say exactly what I liked most about it. The setting, the characters, the plot and the pace were all perfect and I galloped through the story as fast as I could, loving each and every page along the way.
June 28, 2018
Jack Hargreaves, didn't plan on staying in Wirralong for long. He was only there for his mother's funeral and to sort out the farm. Then, he would head back to Lightning Ridge where he mined for opals. He always felt out of place in Wirralong and never felt welcome.
Jack met Elsa O’Donoghue at her salon where he stopped for a haircut. There was something special about her and Jack really wanted to get to know her better. So, he decided to stay in Wirralong a while longer. Plus, he really wanted to find the legendary Strathroy sapphires that his mother mentioned during her last call. But when a situation occurs at Jack's father's house and Jack gets caught up in the drama, will the scandal be the end for Jack and Elsa's new romance?
I liked Jack right from the start. He was a hard worker, a bit stubborn and standoffish, especially when it came to women and the town he was raised in. But, I could tell he had a sensitive side. He just needed the right woman to bring it out of him. The author did a wonderful job with the plot and the background details of the characters. I enjoyed the setting too. There were some emotional moments along with some parts that made me laugh. All around, this is a great addition to the Outback Brides series.
Jack met Elsa O’Donoghue at her salon where he stopped for a haircut. There was something special about her and Jack really wanted to get to know her better. So, he decided to stay in Wirralong a while longer. Plus, he really wanted to find the legendary Strathroy sapphires that his mother mentioned during her last call. But when a situation occurs at Jack's father's house and Jack gets caught up in the drama, will the scandal be the end for Jack and Elsa's new romance?
I liked Jack right from the start. He was a hard worker, a bit stubborn and standoffish, especially when it came to women and the town he was raised in. But, I could tell he had a sensitive side. He just needed the right woman to bring it out of him. The author did a wonderful job with the plot and the background details of the characters. I enjoyed the setting too. There were some emotional moments along with some parts that made me laugh. All around, this is a great addition to the Outback Brides series.
July 10, 2018
💕Jack leaves the minefields and finds his treasure closer to home😍
July 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 stars
Loved the hero and heroine, the Australian setting, and Daisy, hero opal miner Jack's faithful canine companion. Heroine ✂ salon owner Elsa also has a fun group of close friends and a movie-mad mom who add some humor to the story. But my favorite character was Jack, who has self esteem issues because some town residents will never forget that his Melbourne-based father has rumored connections to the criminal world and are all too ready to assume the worst about Jack's character and actions. Jack does not recognize his own good looks and has heaps of family issues. Thank goodness Elsa knows a good man when she sees him and overtly demonstrates her interest in him until Jack's ready to make a move!
Moving, at times humorous, enjoyable small-town romance with not too graphic steam and a range of obstacles to overcome in their journey to togetherness. The last chapter is a tad long, but definitely supplied the desired HEA.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 stars
Loved the hero and heroine, the Australian setting, and Daisy, hero opal miner Jack's faithful canine companion. Heroine ✂ salon owner Elsa also has a fun group of close friends and a movie-mad mom who add some humor to the story. But my favorite character was Jack, who has self esteem issues because some town residents will never forget that his Melbourne-based father has rumored connections to the criminal world and are all too ready to assume the worst about Jack's character and actions. Jack does not recognize his own good looks and has heaps of family issues. Thank goodness Elsa knows a good man when she sees him and overtly demonstrates her interest in him until Jack's ready to make a move!
Moving, at times humorous, enjoyable small-town romance with not too graphic steam and a range of obstacles to overcome in their journey to togetherness. The last chapter is a tad long, but definitely supplied the desired HEA.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 23, 2019
What a wonderful book! I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in the Outback Brides series, each written by a different author. We met Elsa in books 1 and 2 but this is her story. We meet a new character, Jack and his brother and dad. Jack returns to his childhood home. We learn his mother passed away and left him the ranch at Strathroy in the town of Wirralong. Elsa owns her own beauty salon, made very busy with the weddings taking place through Maggie and Isabella. Jack and his mother used to search for opals and sapphires. They meet in the salon when Jack comes in to get a haircut before his mother’s funeral. They met and start to see each other occasionally. Jack and his brother Jesse’s father has a past history with criminal elements. Jack is very sensitive to the his reputation he has in town by association. Jack goes to a party at his dads house in Melbourne and there’s a driveby shooting. One of his dads friends is killed. Jack is so ashamed he goes back and tells Elsa goodbye and leaves town. There is a lot of angst and romance. The story is so wonderful to read. I am so excited to read book 4.
August 8, 2018
Elsa’s Stand is the third book in new multi-author Outback Brides series.
In this book we have story of Elsa O’Donoghue. Elsa is the owner of Hair Affair and the hairdresser and she is a part of all the stories so far. Elsa is a hard-working woman and she has such a warm heart that will make you fall in love with her. She is strong-willed and will not let anything stop her getting what she wants.
Jack Hargreaves has returned to Wirralong after his mother’s death. He enters Hair Affair on his way to his mother’s funeral to get a quick haircut, but Elsa is too busy with a wedding party. So, Jack walks over to the trolley with her clippers on it and helps himself and has a quick shave with the beard trimmers and before leaving he drops a hundred bucks on the counter.
Elsa is drooling when he leaves and strips off his shirt in the main street outside her shop to change for the funeral.
Jack left Wirralong many years ago after the town had judged him on his father’s wrong doings. He has been an opal miner since then with his own claim. He is staying at his mother’s property and repairing it as she had let it go into disrepair, in her search for sapphires on the property. Jack had a call from her before she died saying she had found them but had reburied them. Now Jack was searching for the illusive sapphires.
Elsa’s Stand is another fun-loving story in this fantastic series. There are many twists that will once again keep the reader hooked until the very end. I totally enjoy how Cathryn has written the characters in this book and how realistic she has made the story feel. We feel every single emotion along with the characters and we laugh and cry at times and then feel frustrated at other times. We all know how true it is to be judged by communities on past family mistakes. People are always quick to judge and not give the benefit of the doubt. It is why I likes Elsa so much as she was not like that she trusted Jack for who he was.
This book and the others in this series could be read as standalone.
I would highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to continuing reading in this series.
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In this book we have story of Elsa O’Donoghue. Elsa is the owner of Hair Affair and the hairdresser and she is a part of all the stories so far. Elsa is a hard-working woman and she has such a warm heart that will make you fall in love with her. She is strong-willed and will not let anything stop her getting what she wants.
Jack Hargreaves has returned to Wirralong after his mother’s death. He enters Hair Affair on his way to his mother’s funeral to get a quick haircut, but Elsa is too busy with a wedding party. So, Jack walks over to the trolley with her clippers on it and helps himself and has a quick shave with the beard trimmers and before leaving he drops a hundred bucks on the counter.
Elsa is drooling when he leaves and strips off his shirt in the main street outside her shop to change for the funeral.
Jack left Wirralong many years ago after the town had judged him on his father’s wrong doings. He has been an opal miner since then with his own claim. He is staying at his mother’s property and repairing it as she had let it go into disrepair, in her search for sapphires on the property. Jack had a call from her before she died saying she had found them but had reburied them. Now Jack was searching for the illusive sapphires.
Elsa’s Stand is another fun-loving story in this fantastic series. There are many twists that will once again keep the reader hooked until the very end. I totally enjoy how Cathryn has written the characters in this book and how realistic she has made the story feel. We feel every single emotion along with the characters and we laugh and cry at times and then feel frustrated at other times. We all know how true it is to be judged by communities on past family mistakes. People are always quick to judge and not give the benefit of the doubt. It is why I likes Elsa so much as she was not like that she trusted Jack for who he was.
This book and the others in this series could be read as standalone.
I would highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to continuing reading in this series.
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November 2, 2025
This is the third book in the Outback Brides series by Cathryn Hein. Jack Hargreaves is a rugged opal miner who returns to Wirralong after his mother’s death, planning to settle her affairs and leave the town that’s always rejected him because they assumed he was like his father. Elsa O'Donoghue is a spirited hairdresser with a thriving business and a big heart. From the moment Jack walks into her salon and grabs her clippers, she becomes intrigued with him. Elsa sees through Jack’s gruff exterior and senses the good man underneath. Jack, however, worries that being seen with him will damage Elsa’s reputation and business. As their bond deepens, Jack begins to hope for a future in Wirralong. But another family tragedy threatens to unravel everything. This story of second chances, small-town charm, and love that blossoms amid how people judge them no matter what happened in the past. I really enjoyed this wonderful contemporary romance novel.
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November 12, 2025This is the third book in the Outback Brides series by Cathryn Hein. Jack Hargreaves is a rugged opal miner who returns to Wirralong after his mother’s death, planning to settle her affairs and leave the town that’s always rejected him because they assumed he was like his father. Elsa O'Donoghue is a spirited hairdresser with a thriving business and a big heart. From the moment Jack walks into her salon and grabs her clippers, she becomes intrigued with him. Elsa sees through Jack’s gruff exterior and senses the good man underneath. Jack, however, worries that being seen with him will damage Elsa’s reputation and business. As their bond deepens, Jack begins to hope for a future in Wirralong. But another family tragedy threatens to unravel everything. This story of second chances, small-town charm, and love that blossoms amid how people judge them no matter what happened in the past. I really enjoyed this wonderful contemporary romance novel.
June 10, 2018
I don't know where to start. I loved the beginning of Elsa and Jack's story, the middle was teasing and not and I adored the ending. Jack comes home from opal mining in the outback when his mother, Kate dies. His mom had always believed there were sapphires on her property but had never found them. Jack meets Elsa, a kind hearted hairdresser and the chemistry sizzles but he doesn't think he is good enough for her and believes the town thinks that, also. Elsa believes in Jack, they fall in love but never tell each other. He goes away and doesn't call her for too long. One short message and a gift is all. He finally comes to his senses and comes back for her, but will she have him? Will the sapphires ever be found? I thought this was an absolutely great book. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.
March 23, 2019
So far I have loved this series, but this book not so much. Elsa is the local hairdresser who is busy at work when a big handsome man comes into her shop needing a haircut. She can't do it at the time but he insists and does it himself, then leaves money on the counter and leaves. She is immediately attracted to this man Jack, who has come home to attend his mother's funeral. From there on they both have the hots for each other but Jack comes from a difficult background and family. Unfortunately it seemed that there was a lack of story-line in the first half of the book and they were both keen to get it on. The second half had a criminal element which to me just didn't work with the rest of the story and quite unnecessary. There wasn't a lot of crossover with the previous two novels which was a little disappointing. I look forward to reading the last book in this series.
June 5, 2018
I love when a romance brings a strong woman up against a strong man with baggage instead of the other way around. Elsa’s Stand, book three of the Outback Bride series, pairs Elsa O’Donoghue with Jack Hargreaves in rural Australia. He left the unforgiving town of Wirralong in the dust when he left for the solitary world of opal mining. He’s only returned for his beloved mother’s funeral, to find the fabled Strathroy sapphires, and to return to opal mining. Fate has a different path for Jack in the form of Elsa. She sees the deep sorrow in Jack’s eyes and the reprehensible attitude of some of the townsfolk. It is Elsa’s determination, coupled with their intense chemistry, which can change everything for Jack-if only he will believe.
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