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When Jacarandas Bloom
Set in the picturesque, idyllic villages of Maleny and Montville in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Stephanie Page has one chance to escape her abusive partner and she takes it. By the end of the day, she finds herself on the top of a mountain range. Is it far enough away? Can she be safe here?
She’s drawn to a rundown tearoom, although she’s not sure why. The owner, Lynette, is cheerful and friendly, and Stephanie finds herself calling in most days. Lynette never has any other customers, so this allows them time to chat.
Lynette encourages Stephanie to visit an antiques and craft place owned and run by Andrew, the son of a friend of Lynette’s. Stephanie calls in. The place is a treasure trove of wonderful antiques and books, but she finds Andrew to be rude and unfriendly. She tells Lynette so. Lynette urges her to go another day and make the effort to befriend him.
Stephanie has just run away from one bad relationship. She doesn’t want another, and she doesn’t want to befriend a rude man.
From what Lynette says one day over a Devonshire tea, it sounds as if she and Andrew have had a relationship. Then Lynette disappears. When Stephanie mentions this to Andrew, he orders her out of his antiques place.
Things are not what they seem.
Hurt and confused, Stephanie comes to the conclusion that she won’t find happiness here. Is it time to move on again?
Stephanie Page has one chance to escape her abusive partner and she takes it. By the end of the day, she finds herself on the top of a mountain range. Is it far enough away? Can she be safe here?
She’s drawn to a rundown tearoom, although she’s not sure why. The owner, Lynette, is cheerful and friendly, and Stephanie finds herself calling in most days. Lynette never has any other customers, so this allows them time to chat.
Lynette encourages Stephanie to visit an antiques and craft place owned and run by Andrew, the son of a friend of Lynette’s. Stephanie calls in. The place is a treasure trove of wonderful antiques and books, but she finds Andrew to be rude and unfriendly. She tells Lynette so. Lynette urges her to go another day and make the effort to befriend him.
Stephanie has just run away from one bad relationship. She doesn’t want another, and she doesn’t want to befriend a rude man.
From what Lynette says one day over a Devonshire tea, it sounds as if she and Andrew have had a relationship. Then Lynette disappears. When Stephanie mentions this to Andrew, he orders her out of his antiques place.
Things are not what they seem.
Hurt and confused, Stephanie comes to the conclusion that she won’t find happiness here. Is it time to move on again?
132 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2020
About the author
Ellen Read
15 books86 followersMulti Award winner, Ellen Read is the author of The Dragon Sleeps, The Inca’s Curse, The Amber Trap and The Feathered Nest - historical murder mystery romance novels published by Crimson Cloak Publishing. Also her ghost stories Die For Love and The Ghost Rider, and Love The Gift and When Jacarandas Bloom - Novellas.
Ellen was born in Queensland, Australia and lives in Brisbane with her husband, and her extended family.
She loves to read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She particularly loves history and stories of ancient myths and legends. Authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, and Victoria Holt, the latter of whom wrote gothic mystery/romances, have influenced her own work.
Ellen’s other passions are photography and painting. She loves to photograph flowers, landscapes and architecture. Her website features many of her photos.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 9, 2022
6 December 2022 - re read as a Christmas book, fits in well with the season, do not be fooled with it not having a "Christmas look".
5 August 2021 - Just letting you know I re read this "inbetween" a lengthy ARC, highly recommend this story for that reason PLUS ... if you are into lots of coffee like I am you will be pleased its mentioned several times.
.
3 March 2021 - Paperback version read. Gifted by Ellen Read.
Who do we have here? We have Stephanie, 25, who was in an abused relationship for 12 months, she decided to set herself free from the torture and the situation, and take the car and not much else and drive far away to another place, hopefully to start another life. On her way to goodness knows where, but just far enough away to feel safe, she decided to have some refreshments from an off the beaton track tearooms, with a broken down sign. She meets the owner, a friendly lady, Lynette. Both get on like a house on fire, this all started in the small village of Maleny, Queensland, where there is mountain air, friendly people, friendly faces (well almost), apart from Andrew that is.
.
Andrew has had problems of his own, so Lynette says. Small town, words whirl around. Andrew owns an antique place which is pretty handy as it sells second hand books, all of which are familiar to us readers. So this is quite interesting, why is Andrew acting in not a friendly manner? Where is all this leading to with Stephanie? Is she going to settle down in Maleny? and we are all thinking has Stepanie got rid of the abused boyfriend? A mystery is lurking with Lynette, I feel we are going to learn more about this mystery woman with the decrepit exterior tea rooms.
.
.
Firstly I want to thank Ellen Read for gifting me the ARC of, When Jacarandas Bloom. *This will be published on 1 November 2020*
.
I loved Stephanie for her get up and go attitude, it takes some doing to fly caution to the wind and to just dive and drive right into another an unknown life. I noticed though she was being very cautious to who she was befriending.
.
You know what? Ellen's books and writing improve as the years go by. Ellen's writing flows so well, that reading is not an effort at all. This time we are in the picturesque, idyllic villages of Maleny and Montville in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Ellen has taken a subject that can be taboo, physical and emotional abuse, a very hard subject to breach and has turned it into the most beautiful prose. Known for her mystery writing Ellen adds her style to this story as she feeds us a mystery surrounding Lynette. If you think Stephanie is something, wait till you read about Lynette!! Top notch job as always with Ellen's skills here and sometimes I wonder how she is going to pull it off with the next one she will write, but she does and always delivering to us a polished full proof book with plots that are so tight you wouldn't be able to prise them apart and we are always left guessing the outcome. This is definitely a gripping novella that will have you reading into the wee small hours of the morning. Lastly what an ending!! It sent chills down my spine.
.
I congratulate Ellen on designing the book cover, which I thought striking with the white background. Kudos also goes to Platform House Publishing, (Becky Wright) for formatting the interior for both the paperback and the ebook. The Jacaranda Tree placed at each beginning of each chapter and breaks in the story gave it a feel that you were reading underneath it with the blooms a mass of purple and the purple carpet of petals beneath them.
.
Five Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation
The genres are - Womens Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, romance, feel-good, new beginnings. Also, this is definitely a Christmas time read.
5 August 2021 - Just letting you know I re read this "inbetween" a lengthy ARC, highly recommend this story for that reason PLUS ... if you are into lots of coffee like I am you will be pleased its mentioned several times.
.
3 March 2021 - Paperback version read. Gifted by Ellen Read.
Who do we have here? We have Stephanie, 25, who was in an abused relationship for 12 months, she decided to set herself free from the torture and the situation, and take the car and not much else and drive far away to another place, hopefully to start another life. On her way to goodness knows where, but just far enough away to feel safe, she decided to have some refreshments from an off the beaton track tearooms, with a broken down sign. She meets the owner, a friendly lady, Lynette. Both get on like a house on fire, this all started in the small village of Maleny, Queensland, where there is mountain air, friendly people, friendly faces (well almost), apart from Andrew that is.
.
Andrew has had problems of his own, so Lynette says. Small town, words whirl around. Andrew owns an antique place which is pretty handy as it sells second hand books, all of which are familiar to us readers. So this is quite interesting, why is Andrew acting in not a friendly manner? Where is all this leading to with Stephanie? Is she going to settle down in Maleny? and we are all thinking has Stepanie got rid of the abused boyfriend? A mystery is lurking with Lynette, I feel we are going to learn more about this mystery woman with the decrepit exterior tea rooms.
.
.
Firstly I want to thank Ellen Read for gifting me the ARC of, When Jacarandas Bloom. *This will be published on 1 November 2020*
.
I loved Stephanie for her get up and go attitude, it takes some doing to fly caution to the wind and to just dive and drive right into another an unknown life. I noticed though she was being very cautious to who she was befriending.
.
You know what? Ellen's books and writing improve as the years go by. Ellen's writing flows so well, that reading is not an effort at all. This time we are in the picturesque, idyllic villages of Maleny and Montville in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Ellen has taken a subject that can be taboo, physical and emotional abuse, a very hard subject to breach and has turned it into the most beautiful prose. Known for her mystery writing Ellen adds her style to this story as she feeds us a mystery surrounding Lynette. If you think Stephanie is something, wait till you read about Lynette!! Top notch job as always with Ellen's skills here and sometimes I wonder how she is going to pull it off with the next one she will write, but she does and always delivering to us a polished full proof book with plots that are so tight you wouldn't be able to prise them apart and we are always left guessing the outcome. This is definitely a gripping novella that will have you reading into the wee small hours of the morning. Lastly what an ending!! It sent chills down my spine.
.
I congratulate Ellen on designing the book cover, which I thought striking with the white background. Kudos also goes to Platform House Publishing, (Becky Wright) for formatting the interior for both the paperback and the ebook. The Jacaranda Tree placed at each beginning of each chapter and breaks in the story gave it a feel that you were reading underneath it with the blooms a mass of purple and the purple carpet of petals beneath them.
.
Five Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Recommendation
The genres are - Womens Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, romance, feel-good, new beginnings. Also, this is definitely a Christmas time read.
Read
November 12, 2020Having just read The Dragon Sleeps by Ellen Read, I kept seeing this book on my Social Media. The colours attracted me, the book cover is lovely. Then I saw a review and in it was Kindle Unlimited, and finally the icing on the cake, it was a novella, and I love the shorter reads.
I loved this story, although in the review I read it said something which I am not going to repeat because it took the reviewer completely by surprise. This made me guess what she was referring to, so I knew the ending. It didn't matter though, because I enjoyed it just the same, and you will love the twist.
It's a romance set in Australia and at first, it was reminding me a little Nicholas Sparkes' Safehaven - I loved that book. But it quickly departed from that storyline and took up one of its own.
If you haven't discovered Ellen Read yet, you really should. She is a great writer and a great entertainer.
I loved this story, although in the review I read it said something which I am not going to repeat because it took the reviewer completely by surprise. This made me guess what she was referring to, so I knew the ending. It didn't matter though, because I enjoyed it just the same, and you will love the twist.
It's a romance set in Australia and at first, it was reminding me a little Nicholas Sparkes' Safehaven - I loved that book. But it quickly departed from that storyline and took up one of its own.
If you haven't discovered Ellen Read yet, you really should. She is a great writer and a great entertainer.
November 21, 2020
A sweet story with a touch of the supernatural
This story was the perfect read before falling asleep. With a mixture of mystery, romance, and a twist at the end, the story held my interest to the last word.
This story was the perfect read before falling asleep. With a mixture of mystery, romance, and a twist at the end, the story held my interest to the last word.
December 29, 2022
Beautiful storytelling, love and magic.
A beautiful story which touched my heart and pulled me in deeper with every turn of the page. Out of pain and sorrow, Stephanie and Andrew find not only love but peace. The twist of magic and mystery, though a little predictable, didn't spoil my enjoyment and added a wonderful layer of mystery. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
A beautiful story which touched my heart and pulled me in deeper with every turn of the page. Out of pain and sorrow, Stephanie and Andrew find not only love but peace. The twist of magic and mystery, though a little predictable, didn't spoil my enjoyment and added a wonderful layer of mystery. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 12, 2022
This book engaged me from the first sentence and until the last sentence.
I could not put this book down.
This book has a twist that was unexpected but added to the story.
This is a Great heartwarming book!!
I could not put this book down.
This book has a twist that was unexpected but added to the story.
This is a Great heartwarming book!!
June 3, 2021
Read this lovely book in a day.
It is great to read a story that has many places I visited on holidays; it helps to form a picture in my mind! Especially the villages of Maleny and Montville.
The story was compelling and had a surprise twist.
Stephanie Page has found the courage to get away from her abusing boyfriend. She finds herself a rental in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Once there for a week, she befriends an older lady that has a rundown tearoom. Lynette, is warm and welcoming, no wonder the two become friends in a hurry. Stephanie, although wounded, finds herself drawn to a quaint little shop, and its owner. Lynette takes every opportunity to speak highly of the shop owner, even I got suspicious... The twist in the end is where it all makes sense!
It is great to read a story that has many places I visited on holidays; it helps to form a picture in my mind! Especially the villages of Maleny and Montville.
The story was compelling and had a surprise twist.
Stephanie Page has found the courage to get away from her abusing boyfriend. She finds herself a rental in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Once there for a week, she befriends an older lady that has a rundown tearoom. Lynette, is warm and welcoming, no wonder the two become friends in a hurry. Stephanie, although wounded, finds herself drawn to a quaint little shop, and its owner. Lynette takes every opportunity to speak highly of the shop owner, even I got suspicious... The twist in the end is where it all makes sense!
December 12, 2020
Breaking free from an abusive relationship is never easy...Stephanie knows all about that. But finally she is on her way and in a small town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Queensland, Australia) she will find her inner strength, courage and other things she didn't quite expect.
A beautifully written modern love story with some twists.
A beautifully written modern love story with some twists.
October 31, 2020
I loved this novella. The setting was beautiful. I related to the characters and enjoyed the story. Great ending.
September 25, 2021
Jacaranda trees bloom in October and November in Australia. The trees become laden with purple blossom. It is a sight to behold.
I love the small towns of Maleny and Montville and have often visited. They are set in beautiful countryside in South East Queensland surrounded by farms, rainforest, and waterfalls. A place where flowers thrive and people can relax and unwind.
When I first had the idea for When Jacarandas Bloom, I immediately thought this would be the ideal place for a story about new beginnings.
Although Stephanie is escaping an abusive relationship, the story is about healing and finding a new path, and not just for Stephanie.
I hope you enjoy When Jacarandas Bloom.
I love the small towns of Maleny and Montville and have often visited. They are set in beautiful countryside in South East Queensland surrounded by farms, rainforest, and waterfalls. A place where flowers thrive and people can relax and unwind.
When I first had the idea for When Jacarandas Bloom, I immediately thought this would be the ideal place for a story about new beginnings.
Although Stephanie is escaping an abusive relationship, the story is about healing and finding a new path, and not just for Stephanie.
I hope you enjoy When Jacarandas Bloom.
March 13, 2022
I very much enjoyed this shorter lighter read ‘When Jacarandas Bloom” by Ellen Read.
A mixture of a controversial subject, mystery and romance – a story of new beginnings - set in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a place I have visited many times and love. I must admit I thought the ending would be predictable, so an unexpected twist was a welcome surprise. I love the way Ellen writes – very easy to read and keeps one’s interest. This novella is well worth the read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books to come in Ellen's “Thornton Mysteries”.
A mixture of a controversial subject, mystery and romance – a story of new beginnings - set in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a place I have visited many times and love. I must admit I thought the ending would be predictable, so an unexpected twist was a welcome surprise. I love the way Ellen writes – very easy to read and keeps one’s interest. This novella is well worth the read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books to come in Ellen's “Thornton Mysteries”.
November 6, 2020
Running from an abusive relationship Stephanie ends up in an unlikely town. Drawn to a little tea room that looks run down and dilapidated she enters and she meets a friend. Returning over and over for tea and lavendar scones her new friend encourages her to check out the local antique and crafts business run by a handsome gentlemen. He is not so welcoming at first and has his own secrets. The story progresses. I don't want to give it away. So I will just say there are some unlikely surprises with a satisfying end. I really enjoyed the book, and the pace. This author always writes beautifully. So what's next Ellen Read, I am ready.
January 11, 2021
I can not tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book. It tells you of new beginnings and love found. And a lovely twist in the middle which I was suspecting for a while but it was so welcome. This book has everything I like and it’s such a feel good book! I don’t like to give the story away so I will say: go get this book you won’t regret it. The writing flows effortlessly and your connection with the main characters is instantaneous. You want to be near that jacaranda tree and see it’s beauty. A beautiful story, beautifully written. Well deserved 5 stars.
March 23, 2023
Romance is not my usual go-to genre but I was sure that I would enjoy this because I knew Read's writing style. And I did. Sweet and poignant this is a story about new beginnings and hope, light at the end of a dark, dark tunnel. I have to applaud Read in tackling a taboo subject, such as domestic violence and I love the hope that she offers to the characters who had the strength to break the cycle.
My only suggestion is that this should have been a longer novel as the conclusion felt rushed. Getting over such a painful trauma takes more time and perhaps in a longer novel Read will be able to give this the time and respect that it deserves. Otherwise, as always, a good read.
My only suggestion is that this should have been a longer novel as the conclusion felt rushed. Getting over such a painful trauma takes more time and perhaps in a longer novel Read will be able to give this the time and respect that it deserves. Otherwise, as always, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews