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Barrington Series #4

Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges

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A small town romance novella, the 4th in the Barrington Series.

Buying the old courthouse near the Barrington Tops ragged mountain ranges was a fresh start for Nicole and daughter Lucy. Renovating the run-down building into a home and B & B accommodation would help them recover from the trauma they had endured. Nik promised Lucy it would be just the two of them. Always.
But the removal truck getting stuck in the driveway on the first day threw them into neighbour Robbie’s path. He sorted the problem, then returned with son Harry to help them unload. Nik instinctively liked him, but she couldn’t trust her instincts. And more importantly, she vowed to keep the promise she’d made to Lucy.

130 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2021

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About the author

Susan Mackie

23 books127 followers
Winner of the 2025 RUBY Award for Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements (Romance Writers of Australia) for The Barrington Book Club.

"Uniquely Australian, yet told in a companionable style, reminiscent of Maeve Binchy." Julie, Goodreads & Amazon.

Romance books you'll fall in love with.

Susan Mackie writes heart-warming, character-driven romance and women's fiction. Small town stories with all the feels and a community you'll want to move to.

Every person and every place has a story to tell.
Do you drive by old homes and wonder about the lives of those that built them, lived there, loved and lost?
Writers tell such stories. Sometimes real, sometimes imagined. Often both.

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5 stars
160 (56%)
4 stars
89 (31%)
3 stars
31 (10%)
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5 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,255 reviews3,047 followers
September 15, 2025
When Nik and her eleven year old daughter Lucy, arrived in Barrington after buying the old courthouse, ready to move in and begin their new life, Nik hoped it would go as she'd planned. They had both been through too much, and Lucy was still traumatised. The removalist truck became stuck through the arch of trees leading to the house, and Robbie Stewart from the next property over arrived with his chain saw. Soon he, his son Harry and the guys were moving their belongings inside. Nik couldn't wait to explore their new home and make plans to renovate, turning it into a B&B, ready for their future.

Nik and Lucy loved the area; the quiet peace of it after the city. Lucy also loved Scout, Robbie's dog, who was due to have puppies soon. And Robbie had horses - Lucy was enchanted...

Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is a novella, and the 4th in the Barrington Series by Aussie author Susan Mackie. I thoroughly enjoyed it, loved catching up with familiar characters, sinking into the charm of The Tops, and laughing out loud occasionally. This is a delightful series, and I'm looking forward to my next, soon. Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf).
963 reviews211 followers
February 3, 2022
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
I can’t rave enough about the Barrington Series, it gives you a cosy, feel-good vibe and each book is beautifully written. Once you start reading, you can’t put the book down.

The latest book (3rd in series) is a short one, a novella. Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges by Susan Mackie is set in a scenic rural landscape and has a fabulously interesting storyline that features renovating, romance and trauma and not necessarily in that order.

Nik and her daughter Lucy are leaving their troubled past behind and making a fresh start. Nik has bought a fine piece of real estate, an old rundown courthouse built in the 1880’s which she will be renovating with Lucy’s help. They plan to live there but Nik’s also going to turn part of the property into a B & B.

Lucy doesn’t trust people and is very shy, she’s been through unnecessary trauma in her young life and hopefully living in rural Barrington is a wonderful opportunity to heal.

Moving-in day turns into quite a disaster but their friendly neighbour ‘Cowboy Dad’ Rob comes to the rescue and he turns out to be a handy man to have around! But can the be trusted?

I loved the storyline, rural setting, relatable characters and the blossoming romance. I recommend you start with Charlie’s Will and work your way through the series although they are all perfect as standalones too.

Thank you to Susan Mackie for sending me a copy of her book
Profile Image for Karren  Sandercock .
1,407 reviews435 followers
November 14, 2025
Nicola Reid buys the old Copeland Courthouse near the Barrington Tops ragged mountain ranges, a fresh start for her and eleven year old daughter Lucy. The place is run-down, she plans on making a new home and turn the cottage what was once the stables into B&B accommodation and hopeful it will help them recover from the trauma they had endured from her ex-partner.

Of course the removal truck gets stuck in the rutted driveway and caught on a tree branch, neighbour Robbie Stewart offers to help, he and his teenage son Harry assist with unloading as well.

He gives her a quote for the renovations she wants to make, takes a look around at the sheds and he and his son have a good relationship. Nik likes Robbie, but she’s vowed to stay single and keep Lucy safe.

To Niki’s surprise Lucy isn’t scared of Robbie and bakes him treats, he offers to give her horse riding lessons and she likes his pregnant dog Scout and Lucy would love a canine companion of her own.

Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges by Susan Mackie is the fourth book in the popular Barrington Series. I really enjoyed this novella, Nik and Lucy both came out of their shell, learn to trust again, and highlights animals are great therapy and two kind hearted blokes. Four stars from me and I recommend and next up The Bee Whisperer.
Profile Image for beccabeccabooks.
982 reviews32 followers
April 8, 2025
I absolutely adore this sweet series! As always, it was a pleasurable visit to Barrington.

In this short stopover, we meet Nicola Ried and her daughter, Lucy. The pair have moved to the region for a fresh start, buying the old courthouse to renovate.

A mishap with the removalists brings Robbie Scott into their lives. The local builder and all-around good guy pops up at exactly the right moment, offering his services. Robbie AKA 'Cowboy Dad' has a teenage son, Harry, who helps out with the renovation as well.

Because of the domestic abuse that her mum suffered, Lucy has been left traumatised. When she meets Robbie's horses, Honey and Diana and his dog, Scout, the pre-teen immediately feels at ease. Eventually, with the help of her mum and patience from Robbie and Harry, she comes out of her shell.

There's no doubt that there's a mutual attraction between Nik and Robbie. Instincts tell her that Robbie would never intentionally harm them, but Nik's instincts have been wrong before. Besides, she has promised her daughter that no man will be brought into their lives ever again. What a dilemma.

So, are Nik and Robbie destined to be 'just friends' and maintain boundaries? You'll have to read to find out!

Susan never fails to take me to my happy place. The plotline is simple yet wholesome, and the handling of delicate topics is done with the utmost respect. It's such a beautiful story that will warm your heart.

5 🌟
Profile Image for Leanne Lovegrove.
Author 24 books93 followers
December 16, 2021
I loved being back in Barrington and this time with gentle and troubled Nik and her daughter Lucy. The setting is divine, and the developing relationship between Robbie and Nik and Lucy mixed in with horses and dogs is wonderful. Have the tissues handy. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Emma Powell.
Author 8 books15 followers
December 17, 2021
I loved this book. I laughed. I cried. Susan knows how to write endearing characters and who doesn't love a hot local cowboy! Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Kt.
659 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2022
4.5 ⭐️

Book 1 in #ktbookbingo is Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges (LITRMR) by Susan Mackie. Category ‘Less than 250 pages’.

Nik and her daughter Lucy need a new start after a traumatic experience. From now on it’s just the two of them, forever. Buying the rundown courthouse in Barrington and renovating it is just what the doctor ordered and they cannot wait. Especially Lucy, who now won’t talk to anyone but Nik.

However, disaster strikes the moment they arrive. Help comes in the form of their neighbours Cowboy Dad Robbie, Cowboy Son Harry and their dog Scout. Robbie is the perfect gentleman and in Nik wants to make new friends; but can she trust her instincts again and what about her promise to Lucy?

Will Nik and Robbie’s friendship develop into something more? Will Lucy come out of her shell again? And who will rescue Nik when trauma returns? To find out you’re just going to have to read this brilliant novella, Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges; by independent author Susan Mackie.

Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is the third book in Mackie’s Barrington series. I was so excited to return to this rural town for another instalment and it did not disappoint. Although set in Barrington, it’s a spin off with new main characters. However Mackie cleverly keeps a few of the Barrington’s residents that heavily featured in Charlie’s Will and A Place to Start Over involved by giving them cameo appearances and raising them in conversation. This was clever and tied the series together nicely.

Speaking of nice, Mackie’s writing was again nice and comfy and made for a book that I couldn’t put down. Although a novella and therefore shorter than the first two novels; I still read it in one sitting because Mackie is a born story teller. Her plots and characters are always so engaging, familiarly and comforting and Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is no exception.

Although you know that Nik and Robbie will end up together from the moment they meet; Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is all about the journey and not the destination. How Mackie brought them together was genius and just one of the many reasons why I highly recommend not only Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges, but the entire Barrington series. If you’re not already on the Mackie Bandwagon, there is no better time to get on board!

Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is my first read in #ktbookbingo, category ‘less than 250 pages.’ To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @kt_elder on Instagram.
Profile Image for Rhonda Forrest.
Author 94 books85 followers
December 31, 2021
Just loved this light Aussie romance that had wonderful characters and a feel-good ending. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Anna Marie Leffew.
399 reviews20 followers
November 13, 2023
Traumatized and Abused finds peace

This book, another awesome read by Susan Mackie, A story of an abused and traumatized woman and her daughter finding the needed peace in their lives. Another book that hit home. This book was very well written and the characters well developed. I again fell in love with the characters. I highly recommend this book it gives hope to those that feel they have no hope at all. Thank you Susan Mackie for another great read.
231 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2022
My final read of 2021 was this fabulous novella Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges by the lovely Susan Mackie @susanmackieauthor !

I can't get enough of Susan's writing! It's so wholesome, warm and comforting like freshly baked muffins! Like always with Susan's books I was drawn into the characters and loved the way they connected.

After a traumatic experience Nik and her daughter Lucy are after a fresh start. Well they certainly found the right place to do that! No better place than Barrington! Buying the old courthouse and renovating it will be just what is needed to elude their horrific past.

Soon after arriving and finding herself in a situation, Nik is aided by the the lovely Cowboy Dad Robbie (Oh and who wouldn't want themselves one of these 😉) He's kind and strong and handsome and Nik is noticing a little too much!

But Nik made a promise to Lucy and she's not about to break it. She will never put Lucy or herself in a situation where they have to deal with what they previously went through again!

But will Cowboy Dad Robbie be just the person both Nik and Lucy need to rid their fear of the past and allow them both to move on?

As always I loved being back in Barrington and while the focus here is more on the main characters above, you will see some of the characters from the first two books in the series pop up throughout the story!
Profile Image for Emma_bookaholic.
943 reviews34 followers
April 5, 2025
Barrington is growing! This book introduces us to Nicola and her daughter Lucy. Lucy is a young girl, she is shy around new people and I like that her mum obviously has her best interests at heart to make sure that Lucy is comfortable with the people she meets. It's nice to see children come out of their shells when more comfortable around new people, although nothing is wrong to want to spend time to yourself either! I love how Lucy spends some of her time baking for herself and her mum. Life skills in the making!

When Nicola meets Robbie, you can see the sparkle in their eyes, they both have a sad past but can see the good in each other and build strength from each other. I like how Henry introduced himself to Lucy, talking to her like an adult not down to her like a child. All good points!

Enjoyable read, this novella adds another family to the mix with a slight mention of Debbie's cage in the village but looking forward to reading more from these and potential other new arrivals to Barrington!
Profile Image for Sue Fysh.
194 reviews
March 10, 2022
My previous two reads were both over 500 pages, so I was looking for something lighter and shorter. What better than to return to the world of Barrington in Susan Mackie’s third book of the series.
Love in the Ragged Mountain Ranges is a Novella - short by definition. However it was a delightful read. I love the setting, the characters, and the story line. Well written and a ‘feel good’ read. Thank you Susan😊
Profile Image for Joanne McKinnon.
67 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2024
This is a wonderful read.
Started with the sample version and then had to read the full story. A great short small town romance, loved the story line, characters and setting; I laughed. I cried.
This was my first time reading a book by Susan Mackie, a great read you won’t want to put down, looking forward to reading more books by Susan.
49 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
A New Town and New Friendships

When Nik and Lucy move to Barrington, they are escaping a traumatic experience and are very wary of men. However their neighbour, Robbie and his son, Harry, soon convince them that not all people are bad. Robbie and Harry help renovate the cottage and house and a strong friendship develops between them and others in the community. A lovely story.
Profile Image for Louise Forster.
Author 18 books40 followers
December 22, 2021
Nik and her daughter Lucy are in for interesting times. Renovating their new home and meeting their neighbour is just the beginning. Wonderful characters bring this story to life. A great read you won’t want to put down.

35 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2022
good read

Thought this book was brilliant only short but had a big impact good follow on from her other books well thought out snd enjoyable
Profile Image for Becc McNally.
50 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2023
I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars! Another brilliant read
Profile Image for Judy G Spivey.
415 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2023
A new beginning after abude.

A Novella love of a new home anf animals can help a heart to heal. Then it can open to more love
Profile Image for Nicole West.
376 reviews18 followers
June 9, 2023
It's a wonderful story set in Barrington about finding love after escaping a violent relationship.

A novella from Love in a Sunburnt Land Anthology.
Profile Image for Elora Canne.
Author 7 books36 followers
April 17, 2026
Loved this novella with its gentle cowboy romance unfolding in the countryside. There’s something wholesome about falling in love in wide open spaces and author, Susan Mackie, wrote with a delicate nod to the healing balm of country life and the comfort of friends-to-lovers with heartwarming deliciousness.
Profile Image for Hayley (hayleys.little.library).
402 reviews13 followers
March 16, 2022
What else can I say other than I completely loved this book?! For the past two weeks I've barely had time to read, but when i've been able to sneak in a few pages it was a delight to dip in and out of this book. This is the third book in the Barrington series, but I believe you could easily read these books as stand alone's. Once again I really enjoyed the continuation of some of the characters from the previous novels and I loved seeing what they were up to (when you read a good series it feels like you know the characters personally hah!!)
If you're looking for a light-hearted read or something to get you out of a reading slump, this novella is for you!
Profile Image for Rachel Russo.
26 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2026
I love this story, it is all about second chances, start a new life with a beautiful community, nice neighbors, new hope, new purpose.
Profile Image for Stacey.
32 reviews
September 23, 2024
I absolutely love the Township of Barrington and all the charming characters that live in this quaint little place. It makes me want to book a flight out to Aus to experience this friendly, welcoming little place myself (I wish it were real!).

I can't wait to get started on Book 5 but want to hold out for the audiobook (Lucy Goleby's narration always brings the characters to life in such a lovely way).

I highly recommend reading the series. Full of charm, love, and happiness. Absolutely love it ✨
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
2,079 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2024
A lovely story set in the Barrington tops area of New South Wales, Australia. A single Mother and her daughter moved to the small town to hopefully recover from the trauma of a bad relationship. Her new neighbour and his son help her to do work on her new home and a true friendship developed between them. Can they each overcome their issues to become more than friends and would her daughter ever trust people again.
296 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2021
4.5 stars
I love the Barrington book series . This is the third ‘novella’ in the series and it was fabulous.. Susan has a knack of writing really relatable characters that really suck you into the storyline.. bring on book #4!
2,229 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2025
Audiobook: This story engendered all the feels for me. I liked Nicole and Lucy who were trying to recover from the trauma they had undergone. I appreciated the feeling of community that was shown when Robbie and Harry helped Nicole. My heart was touched by Nicole's and Robbie's pasts. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Lucy Goleby's narration was a joy to listen to as her voice was expressive and reflected the emotions which the characters were feeling. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions of the audiobook.
Profile Image for Toni Umar.
570 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2025
A delightful novella that I was very lucky to win thanks to my online book club author of the day. The author Susan, is local, living about an hour from me, so it was extra special to be gifted two of her books and other lovely goodies. The story features main characters of feisty Nicole and her daughter Lucy. As well as friendly neighbour’s Robbie with his son Harry. Nik has had some awful experiences in her past relationships, and this makes her naturally cautious of future friendships. Robbie too, has some history he is not dealing well with. Although the story pans out predictably it happens in a really lovey way. There are lessons to be learnt about renovation of ancient cottages and riding horses. I really enjoyed the story and keen to read more of Susan’s books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews