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Wongan Creek #3
Shadows Over Wongan Creek
When the shadows ride in Wongan Creek... Fenella Rose-Waterman is happy running The Cranky Lizard winery until a broken relationship lifts the lid on the Pandora's Box of her past. After years of repressed memories haunting her dreams, she is forced to face the truth to find justice. But with truth comes a danger that puts everyone she loves at risk. Kieran Murphy left Wongan Creek a newly-wed and returned a widower. He believes he and his young son will find healing in the town that healed him once before. Instead, he finds the woman he loved running scared, her life in turmoil and her business under threat. As the shadows of the past gather on the horizon, will they lose their chance of happiness or will they find healing together?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2019
13 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Juanita Kees
21 books122 followersFinding love and hope in small towns with dark secrets …
Juanita escapes the real world by reading and writing Australian Rural Romance novels with elements of suspense, Australian Fantasy Paranormal and Small Town USA stories. Her romance novels star spirited heroines who give the hero a run for his money before giving in. She creates emotionally engaging worlds steeped in romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue, set in dusty, rural outback Australia and on the NASCAR racetracks of America.
Juanita escapes the real world by reading and writing Australian Rural Romance novels with elements of suspense, Australian Fantasy Paranormal and Small Town USA stories. Her romance novels star spirited heroines who give the hero a run for his money before giving in. She creates emotionally engaging worlds steeped in romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue, set in dusty, rural outback Australia and on the NASCAR racetracks of America.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 4, 2019
When Kieran and his four-year-old son Liam arrived at Wongan Creek, his job at the winery as manager was assured. The Cranky Lizard winery had been scammed by a person Fenella had trusted – the guilt she felt was deep. But her mum Liv, was on her side, knowing Fen had been scammed as well – but the darkness of the past was about to rise up and surround Fen once again.
Fen and Kieran had been best mates, supporting each other, when they were young, broken and alone. Now, many years later, both had moved on but the past was never far away. Fen’s memories of a time when she was seven years old were fractured; there were events she didn’t want to remember. But the nightmares were ever present. What was going to happen? The danger Fen sensed had her worried for Liv, for Liam and Kieran – would it ever stop?
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is the 3rd in the Wongan Creek series by Aussie author Juanita Kees and it was great to catch up with Travis and Heather (book 1) and Tameka and Harley (book 2) as well as become involved in Fen and Kieran’s lives. The suspense ripples through this book, intense and breathtaking – some very nasty characters here – along with heartbreak and poignancy. An enjoyable rural romantic suspense, and I look forward to #4. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Fen and Kieran had been best mates, supporting each other, when they were young, broken and alone. Now, many years later, both had moved on but the past was never far away. Fen’s memories of a time when she was seven years old were fractured; there were events she didn’t want to remember. But the nightmares were ever present. What was going to happen? The danger Fen sensed had her worried for Liv, for Liam and Kieran – would it ever stop?
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is the 3rd in the Wongan Creek series by Aussie author Juanita Kees and it was great to catch up with Travis and Heather (book 1) and Tameka and Harley (book 2) as well as become involved in Fen and Kieran’s lives. The suspense ripples through this book, intense and breathtaking – some very nasty characters here – along with heartbreak and poignancy. An enjoyable rural romantic suspense, and I look forward to #4. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
I loved being back in Wongan Creek, this town and the people who live there have so much love and caring they have been through some tough times but are always there to help and support, this time we meet Fenella and Kieran, can two troubled teenagers who moved to the town together years before finally get their HEA? Make yourself comfortable for this fabulous story.
Fenella Waterman is running the Cranky Lizard winery with the woman that she calls Mum, Fen has been through a lot in her life, she was a very troubled teenager when she arrived in Wongan Creek and was taken in by Liv and Muzz all those years ago, now settled and doing well, that was until a bad relationship ends badly and with danger and the need to finally get the repressed memories out in the open. When her best friend Kieran returns to town emotions are running high.
Kieran Murphy has returned to Wongan Creek a widower and single dad, to a little boy Liam who has been through so much already and he is hoping that this town will help heal his little boy, he takes on a job at the winery as manager and his feelings for Fen are as strong as they ever were, as they were growing up together before he married Diane and moved away, but will being close to Fen put Liam in danger, but there is no way he can leave Fen.
This is a page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat as Fen works at getting her memory back and keeping everyone safe from the outlawed gang and the danger they bring to town all because Fen fell for the wrong person, and a lot from the past is bought out. It is a fast paced story that is moving and emotional, the support and love that Kieran and Fen show had me cheering them on, this is such a great story one that I highly recommend, thank you MS Kees I loved it.
Fenella Waterman is running the Cranky Lizard winery with the woman that she calls Mum, Fen has been through a lot in her life, she was a very troubled teenager when she arrived in Wongan Creek and was taken in by Liv and Muzz all those years ago, now settled and doing well, that was until a bad relationship ends badly and with danger and the need to finally get the repressed memories out in the open. When her best friend Kieran returns to town emotions are running high.
Kieran Murphy has returned to Wongan Creek a widower and single dad, to a little boy Liam who has been through so much already and he is hoping that this town will help heal his little boy, he takes on a job at the winery as manager and his feelings for Fen are as strong as they ever were, as they were growing up together before he married Diane and moved away, but will being close to Fen put Liam in danger, but there is no way he can leave Fen.
This is a page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat as Fen works at getting her memory back and keeping everyone safe from the outlawed gang and the danger they bring to town all because Fen fell for the wrong person, and a lot from the past is bought out. It is a fast paced story that is moving and emotional, the support and love that Kieran and Fen show had me cheering them on, this is such a great story one that I highly recommend, thank you MS Kees I loved it.
January 31, 2025
5 ⭐️s
This book draws the Wongan Creek trilogy to a close and what a conclusion! Dramatic, gripping, heartwarming.
I’m fond of a good romantic suspense story and this book was thrilling in every possible way.
Loved the winery setting. Was immersed by the mystery and danger. The bikies gave me the heebie-jeebies. The supporting cast were amaaazing. Four year old Liam and Lucky the bearded dragon stole the show. Fen and Kieren, the main characters are extremely likeable, they’re good people.
I will definitely look for more books from this author.
This book draws the Wongan Creek trilogy to a close and what a conclusion! Dramatic, gripping, heartwarming.
I’m fond of a good romantic suspense story and this book was thrilling in every possible way.
Loved the winery setting. Was immersed by the mystery and danger. The bikies gave me the heebie-jeebies. The supporting cast were amaaazing. Four year old Liam and Lucky the bearded dragon stole the show. Fen and Kieren, the main characters are extremely likeable, they’re good people.
I will definitely look for more books from this author.
February 24, 2019
I've read all the Wongan Creek stories and I think this is my favourite so far. I loved Fenella and Kieran as the main characters, but the supporting cast (including a gorgeous bearded dragon) are what really made the book for me.
It's about a second chance at romance, but it is also about these two characters from such troubled backgrounds as children, making a second chance at living life right.
As usual, Juanita Kees writes with huge empathy and insight into modern issues, and the suspense line flows through this story, keeping everyone you've come to care for on their toes.
Another great episode in a lovely rural romantic suspense series.
It's about a second chance at romance, but it is also about these two characters from such troubled backgrounds as children, making a second chance at living life right.
As usual, Juanita Kees writes with huge empathy and insight into modern issues, and the suspense line flows through this story, keeping everyone you've come to care for on their toes.
Another great episode in a lovely rural romantic suspense series.
February 27, 2019
This is the newest book in the Wongan Creek series by Juanita Kees and I have to say it was fabulous, this is definitely my favourite of the series, and I've enjoyed them all.
Back in Wongan Creek we meet Fenella, or Fen as she's better known. Fen was such a great character, flawed but an amazingly strong person with a huge heart despite the trauma she's endured in her past. Fen is definitely my favourite female character from this series. After an error in judgement about a guy she let into her life and her families business, Fen is being threatened and told to keep quiet. Showing her strength, Fen works with the police to try to catch the bad guys.
Kieran was Fen's best friend, with a soul connection between them that has never been broken, only stretched. Arriving back in Wongan Creek and taking a job at Fen's vineyard, their emotional connection is like a magnet drawing them together. Both have issues to deal with, pretty difficult ones, especially since Kieran now has a 4 year old son, Liam to think of. Liam is a gorgeous little character, recovering from his own trauma, your heart will go out to this broken little boy, who Kieran hopes will heal in the only place he's ever really called home, surrounded by friends and a community that had his back when he was younger.
Lucky the bearded dragon, a rescue pet of Fen's plays an important role in this story too, another interesting character.
This is a story about second chances, but also a story about love, forgiveness and trust.
Juanita has written a story that highlights and deals with past traumas and memories, ones remembered and ones repressed and how they can follow us through our lives, affecting the things that are most important to us. Fen has some serious trauma and repressed memories that she is going to have to face if she wants to be free and whole. She is lucky, she has an amazing support system in her adopted mother Liv, a beautiful person, and in Kieran who won't let her deal with things by herself. Many people dealing with things like Fen is dealing with, don't have that support network available to them.
There is plenty of suspense, criminal activity and threats happening in this story and plenty of twists, something Juanita is very good at putting into her stories. There is also plenty of heart, from the community who are there to support each other, and Harry who pops in with his little pearls of knowing, and Riggs, the town policeman does another great job of trying to get to the bottom of things, as well as keep Fen and her family safe.
I found it hard to put this book down and if it hadn't been for having to sleep before work, I'd have read to whole thing in one sitting. I loved the characters in this story and I know Fen and Kieran will get their HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
Back in Wongan Creek we meet Fenella, or Fen as she's better known. Fen was such a great character, flawed but an amazingly strong person with a huge heart despite the trauma she's endured in her past. Fen is definitely my favourite female character from this series. After an error in judgement about a guy she let into her life and her families business, Fen is being threatened and told to keep quiet. Showing her strength, Fen works with the police to try to catch the bad guys.
Kieran was Fen's best friend, with a soul connection between them that has never been broken, only stretched. Arriving back in Wongan Creek and taking a job at Fen's vineyard, their emotional connection is like a magnet drawing them together. Both have issues to deal with, pretty difficult ones, especially since Kieran now has a 4 year old son, Liam to think of. Liam is a gorgeous little character, recovering from his own trauma, your heart will go out to this broken little boy, who Kieran hopes will heal in the only place he's ever really called home, surrounded by friends and a community that had his back when he was younger.
Lucky the bearded dragon, a rescue pet of Fen's plays an important role in this story too, another interesting character.
This is a story about second chances, but also a story about love, forgiveness and trust.
Juanita has written a story that highlights and deals with past traumas and memories, ones remembered and ones repressed and how they can follow us through our lives, affecting the things that are most important to us. Fen has some serious trauma and repressed memories that she is going to have to face if she wants to be free and whole. She is lucky, she has an amazing support system in her adopted mother Liv, a beautiful person, and in Kieran who won't let her deal with things by herself. Many people dealing with things like Fen is dealing with, don't have that support network available to them.
There is plenty of suspense, criminal activity and threats happening in this story and plenty of twists, something Juanita is very good at putting into her stories. There is also plenty of heart, from the community who are there to support each other, and Harry who pops in with his little pearls of knowing, and Riggs, the town policeman does another great job of trying to get to the bottom of things, as well as keep Fen and her family safe.
I found it hard to put this book down and if it hadn't been for having to sleep before work, I'd have read to whole thing in one sitting. I loved the characters in this story and I know Fen and Kieran will get their HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
February 28, 2019
As Australian rural romantic suspense stories go, this one is a corker and had me on the edge of my seat from the start. It’s the third in author Juanita Kees’ Wongan Creek series but the first one of this series that I’ve read. That didn’t make it difficult to follow the story though The other two books would certainly help set the scene, however and having read and enjoyed this story I’ll be adding them to my reading pile.
This story builds the suspense on several levels. Externally there is the increasing threat to heroine Fenella and her adopted mum Liv as members of the Beyond Hell’s Reach motorcycle gang punish her for reporting her ex-boyfriend’s criminal activities. Internally both Fenella and her teenage best friend Kieren, who is newly returned to Wongan Creek, have to face ghosts from their past while trying to help Kieren’s son Liam recover from the drowning death of his mother.
The danger facing them and the awful things that keep happening are hard to imagine yet perfectly plausible. The characters in this story are well developed and so easy to care about. The combination of these elements with a well structured plot make this a thoroughly entertaining story. Loved it!
This story builds the suspense on several levels. Externally there is the increasing threat to heroine Fenella and her adopted mum Liv as members of the Beyond Hell’s Reach motorcycle gang punish her for reporting her ex-boyfriend’s criminal activities. Internally both Fenella and her teenage best friend Kieren, who is newly returned to Wongan Creek, have to face ghosts from their past while trying to help Kieren’s son Liam recover from the drowning death of his mother.
The danger facing them and the awful things that keep happening are hard to imagine yet perfectly plausible. The characters in this story are well developed and so easy to care about. The combination of these elements with a well structured plot make this a thoroughly entertaining story. Loved it!
May 30, 2019
Eh...another book that was just okay.
I struggled understanding the past that Fenella and Kieran had. At some points I thought they were raised as foster siblings, then other parts I thought they just became friends and had a similar background but then still at other parts I was under the impression they knew each other. I think Kieran's background was developed enough. I think I eventually understood that he was taken in by his wife's family. But if that were the case, they were raised as siblings so when did their relationship change?
Once I got passed that part, the rest of the book was just okay for me.
** ARC received from netgalley **
I struggled understanding the past that Fenella and Kieran had. At some points I thought they were raised as foster siblings, then other parts I thought they just became friends and had a similar background but then still at other parts I was under the impression they knew each other. I think Kieran's background was developed enough. I think I eventually understood that he was taken in by his wife's family. But if that were the case, they were raised as siblings so when did their relationship change?
Once I got passed that part, the rest of the book was just okay for me.
** ARC received from netgalley **
August 14, 2022
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is book three by Juanita Kees in the Wongan Creek series. Fenella Rose-Waterman thought her life was perfect until someone she trusted broke her heart and put her dreams for The Cranky Lizard in danger. When Kieran Murphy realised that the Cranky Lizard needed a winemaker, he decided it would be perfect for him and his son. However, he found his childhood love scared and worried about her business on arrival. The readers of Shadows Over Wongan Creek will continue to follow Kieran and Fenella to find out what happens.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is another fantastic addition to this excellent series by Juanita Kees. I am unsure how Juanita Kees does it, but I always engage with her characters and plots. I always enjoy Juanita Kees's settings in her books, and Shadows Over Wongan Creek did not disappoint. I felt part of the plot of Shadows Over Wongan Creek. I love Juanita Kees's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwined with each other throughout this book. Shadows Over Wongan Creek was well written and researched by Juanita Kees.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek readers will learn about the consequences of embezzlement to a small business. Shadows Over Wongan Creek readers will learn about being a winemaker and the problems that can happen when running a small wine business.
I recommend this book.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is another fantastic addition to this excellent series by Juanita Kees. I am unsure how Juanita Kees does it, but I always engage with her characters and plots. I always enjoy Juanita Kees's settings in her books, and Shadows Over Wongan Creek did not disappoint. I felt part of the plot of Shadows Over Wongan Creek. I love Juanita Kees's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwined with each other throughout this book. Shadows Over Wongan Creek was well written and researched by Juanita Kees.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek readers will learn about the consequences of embezzlement to a small business. Shadows Over Wongan Creek readers will learn about being a winemaker and the problems that can happen when running a small wine business.
I recommend this book.
February 22, 2019
Shadows Over Wongan Creek is book 3 in a series but I read it as a stand alone. I don't feel I was missing much by reading it on own.
This is a romance set in rural Australia. There are quite a few Australian words or phrases throughout so if you aren't familiar, you might very well learn something.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek has some dark themes in it and really pulls on your heart at times. The sweetness and authenticity of the characters does offset the darkness. The characters were very likable. You really do want to just give them all a hug for all that they must go through. By the end of the book, you feel as though you were a part of their journey and can breath a sigh of relief right along with them.
This is a romance set in rural Australia. There are quite a few Australian words or phrases throughout so if you aren't familiar, you might very well learn something.
Shadows Over Wongan Creek has some dark themes in it and really pulls on your heart at times. The sweetness and authenticity of the characters does offset the darkness. The characters were very likable. You really do want to just give them all a hug for all that they must go through. By the end of the book, you feel as though you were a part of their journey and can breath a sigh of relief right along with them.
March 9, 2019
This is my first read by this author and I've become a new fan. I was so engrossed in this story that I was glued to the couch all afternoon.
A second chance romance for two tortured souls meeting again years later. A broken relationship, a tragic end to a marriage, a child that needs healing and a big mystery made for a very entertaining read.
I didn't read the blurb, I just thought it was an outback romance and I got so much more. I have Netgalley to thank for introducing me to this author, I've bought more now.
I'm a city girl in Australia and I just love reading about our countryside. Great story, I highly recommend it.
A second chance romance for two tortured souls meeting again years later. A broken relationship, a tragic end to a marriage, a child that needs healing and a big mystery made for a very entertaining read.
I didn't read the blurb, I just thought it was an outback romance and I got so much more. I have Netgalley to thank for introducing me to this author, I've bought more now.
I'm a city girl in Australia and I just love reading about our countryside. Great story, I highly recommend it.
April 12, 2020
This second chance romance, is also a drama and suspense thriller, with a ruthless biker gang causing havoc in the small town of Wongan Creek.
However the locals show what country people are made off, and with the help of a bearded dragon, in one instance show the bad guys they picked the wrong group to mess with.
It is a heartwarming story, but there is a fair bit of retrospection to sort out some unfinished business from the past, before they can look towards the future.
However the locals show what country people are made off, and with the help of a bearded dragon, in one instance show the bad guys they picked the wrong group to mess with.
It is a heartwarming story, but there is a fair bit of retrospection to sort out some unfinished business from the past, before they can look towards the future.
March 4, 2019
Everything I have read by Juanita Kees is beautifully written with strong characters under a heavy emotional load. Shadows over Wongan Creek, book 3 in the Wongan Creek, Australian Series certainly fits that bill. Survivors of the child care foster system, Fenella and Kieran are reunited after 10 years. Close friends years ago, this is a story of past unrequited love now a second chances at happiness.
Both main characters have had a difficult time, but it is Fenella’s difficulty that becomes very dangerous too. The author does a marvelous job with the character development. I was pulled into the story, understanding how a childhood trauma causes such great problems for the person as they grow up. Hope is given as Fenella overcomes so much thanks to the love of her new family. The story does not stop there but has the past coming back to hurt Fenella and those she loves. Boldly she stands, even while afraid, against the wicked; what a wonderful tough, resilient woman!
I have come to love this unique Wangan Creek community of tough, staunch characters, appreciating that they do not shy away from doing the necessary if hard things in life. Kieran was right to bring his son back to this town. I really appreciated that biker gangs were shown in their true light, not some kind of romantic version. Criminal, illegal and aggressive behavior should never be seen as anything but the evil that it is.
This is my kind of story. Juanita Kees is my kind of author. John Wayne would definitely approve. Highly recommend Shadows Over Wongan Creek which reads well as a stand-alone.
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.
August 16, 2019
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Title: Shadows Over Wongan Creek
Author(s): Juanita Kees
Character(s):
― Fenella Rose-Waterman: Grey Eyed
― Kieran Murphy: Brunette
Setting: Wongan Creek, Australia
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: ―
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: ―
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
“Shadows Over Wongan Creek” was the opposite of what I was expecting. When I picked up this series, I anticipated a cowboy romance filled with the typical small-town drama before the old flames rekindle their teenage romance. There was definitely a darker element to this series that dealt with suicide, depression, abuse, and death. Normally elements like would instantaneous draw me in but this series was just missing that “it” factor to really win me over. Sure I enjoyed the darker elements and the characters seem pretty likable but I felt like it was more than a chore to finish this and that's something no reader should feel. My motivation shriveled down to finish this chapter after chapter and I decided it was probably best I dropped this before it was too late. I will notate I would definitely consider picking this back in the future to see what the outcome was.
February 26, 2019
This is the third book in this wonderful series and although it can be read separately I do think that you will get a far better read if you read the entire series in order
This is the story of Fenella Rose-Waterman and Kieran Murphy both have chequered pasts that revolve around Wongan Creek. Both of these characters have pasts that should have damaged them but they have both managed to strive above them and in the process become great members of their community She runs a local winery and he left after getting married but has now returned a widower ith a young son. There sre many secrets in Wongan Creek and Fenella is getting drawn into it and risks losing the winery Will Kieren be able to protect the woman he is growing to love This is a glorious book and been set in my own county makes it extra special there are a few terms used that may confuse overseas readers but the context is easy to work out.
This is the story of Fenella Rose-Waterman and Kieran Murphy both have chequered pasts that revolve around Wongan Creek. Both of these characters have pasts that should have damaged them but they have both managed to strive above them and in the process become great members of their community She runs a local winery and he left after getting married but has now returned a widower ith a young son. There sre many secrets in Wongan Creek and Fenella is getting drawn into it and risks losing the winery Will Kieren be able to protect the woman he is growing to love This is a glorious book and been set in my own county makes it extra special there are a few terms used that may confuse overseas readers but the context is easy to work out.
February 16, 2019
As an Australian myself, I was engrossed in Juanita Kees’s description of our rural communities, and the wonderful account of the Wongan Creek way of life. I’m disappointed that I didn’t realise this was book 3, as I did feel I missed out on some previous information. That said, the book provided some suspense, mystery, and danger, along with the deep emotional turmoil faced by Fenella and Kieran. This is definitely a second chance romance, with some intense and confronting moments thrown in. Overall, this was a good story and kept me interested throughout.
March 5, 2019
Today I finished Juanita Kees latest book, Shadows over Wongan Creek. What a powerful story and so close to home. A story of repressed childhood memories and hurts, that even though you feel you are on top of them, they are always there lingering in the background until you face those fears and memories and then that is when you can start to finally heal properly. I’d like to thank Juanita for not only this great book but for also helping me to heal just that little bit more. Excellent book. 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅❤️❤️ — with Juanita Kees.
May 2, 2019
Like Juanita Kees other Wongan Creek stories, Shadows does not disappoint. I liked the main characters right from the start and had a soft spot for one particular little boy. The author does a lovely job of portraying Fenella’s tortured soul and the life of someone who’s done it hard. And Kieran. Well, he’s just plain loveable. There’s a suspense side to the story and a dark side to Wongan Creek too, so if you like rural romance, you’ll love this. I did!
May 28, 2019
With a flair of mystery and suspense, Shadows over Wongan Creek is a tale of love and the chance to start over. I loved the characters and the masterful story telling as well as the beautiful setting.
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February 19, 2019Review to follow
December 22, 2019
Part of a 3-in1 suspense book. Unread author that reflects my growing bookshelf.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews