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Fantail Ridge #3
The Scent of Promise
A family farm, financial hardship, forgiveness, and fortitude.
With her thirtieth birthday just around the corner and a dream promotion on the cards at work, rising show jumping star Hannah Simpson has the world at her feet—until a series of events changes her life forever.
A disillusioned Hannah answers the call home to Fantail Ridge, the family farm in South Head, New Zealand, only to be shocked by what awaits her there. While having to deal with tragedy, she also faces a mountainous backlog of farm work and a financial emergency.
When a handsome shearer turns up at the farm gate, he seems like an answer to her prayers ... except for his dubious history. Although undeniably capable, not to mention pulse-poundingly attractive, the last thing Hannah wants in her life is another man of questionable integrity. One disastrous relationship is more than enough to put a girl off men forever.
But with no other options available, Hannah must recruit the shearer's help if she's to get the struggling, debt-ridden farm back on its feet.
Could diversifying into flower growing be a solution? Or is she headed for a lavender-scented disaster that could see Hannah lose her home, her farming future, and her grandparents' hard-won and precious legacy?
With her thirtieth birthday just around the corner and a dream promotion on the cards at work, rising show jumping star Hannah Simpson has the world at her feet—until a series of events changes her life forever.
A disillusioned Hannah answers the call home to Fantail Ridge, the family farm in South Head, New Zealand, only to be shocked by what awaits her there. While having to deal with tragedy, she also faces a mountainous backlog of farm work and a financial emergency.
When a handsome shearer turns up at the farm gate, he seems like an answer to her prayers ... except for his dubious history. Although undeniably capable, not to mention pulse-poundingly attractive, the last thing Hannah wants in her life is another man of questionable integrity. One disastrous relationship is more than enough to put a girl off men forever.
But with no other options available, Hannah must recruit the shearer's help if she's to get the struggling, debt-ridden farm back on its feet.
Could diversifying into flower growing be a solution? Or is she headed for a lavender-scented disaster that could see Hannah lose her home, her farming future, and her grandparents' hard-won and precious legacy?
- GenresRomance
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2021
4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Heather Reyburn
19 books38 followersGrowing up in New Zealand’s North Island, Heather enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family sheep and cattle farm, generating a respect for the land, and a love of both animals and reading.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 26, 2022
Thank you Heather for sending us a copy to read and review.
Enjoying new generations and the passage of time defines the joy of reading a series. It does however reflect how fast our own lives go and how we can relate to the experiences the characters go through.
Time moves us all in turn.
Hannah is the third generation and leaves her city life to return home and run the farm after her father’s death.
Fantail Ridge has been left financially in dire straits and decisions need to be made. New and improved enterprises are needed to ensure its survival for many more generations.
With assistance from her mother Dawn and a handy farm assistant she navigates country life and reacquaints with loved ones from the community.
A spark connects her and the farm hand, Justin.
This hint of romance perhaps the key to continue the legacy.
It’s with sadness a series comes to an end.
A period spanning three generations invites you not only into their lives but into the family history.
The slight differences in NZ farming practices and the native flora and fauna of the island country had me fascinated.
A well written series that captures life, both the good and bad aspects, will have you all engaged.
Congratulations Heather on a brilliant trilogy.
Enjoying new generations and the passage of time defines the joy of reading a series. It does however reflect how fast our own lives go and how we can relate to the experiences the characters go through.
Time moves us all in turn.
Hannah is the third generation and leaves her city life to return home and run the farm after her father’s death.
Fantail Ridge has been left financially in dire straits and decisions need to be made. New and improved enterprises are needed to ensure its survival for many more generations.
With assistance from her mother Dawn and a handy farm assistant she navigates country life and reacquaints with loved ones from the community.
A spark connects her and the farm hand, Justin.
This hint of romance perhaps the key to continue the legacy.
It’s with sadness a series comes to an end.
A period spanning three generations invites you not only into their lives but into the family history.
The slight differences in NZ farming practices and the native flora and fauna of the island country had me fascinated.
A well written series that captures life, both the good and bad aspects, will have you all engaged.
Congratulations Heather on a brilliant trilogy.
April 25, 2022
This review first appeared here: https://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/bo...
The Scent of Promise is the third instalment in the ‘Fantail Ridge series’ but the first book I have read of Heather Reyburn’s.
When her relationship ends and her science career isn’t panning out as expected, Hannah returns home to the family farm to be with her parents – including her terminally ill father.
Seeing how unwell her father is, Hannah realises she needs to step up and take responsibility of the family farm. The farm needs more attention than she expects but Justin (the handsome sheerer) offers his assistance. She has no other option but to take him up on his offer.
Hannah begins to make some changes to the farm to generate further income for the farm - such as dabbling in lavender. The book then follows her progress on the farm and her blossoming relationship with Justin. An enjoyable rural romance, and as a scientist myself, any book with a lead character as a female scientist gets my tick of approval.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The Scent of Promise is the third instalment in the ‘Fantail Ridge series’ but the first book I have read of Heather Reyburn’s.
When her relationship ends and her science career isn’t panning out as expected, Hannah returns home to the family farm to be with her parents – including her terminally ill father.
Seeing how unwell her father is, Hannah realises she needs to step up and take responsibility of the family farm. The farm needs more attention than she expects but Justin (the handsome sheerer) offers his assistance. She has no other option but to take him up on his offer.
Hannah begins to make some changes to the farm to generate further income for the farm - such as dabbling in lavender. The book then follows her progress on the farm and her blossoming relationship with Justin. An enjoyable rural romance, and as a scientist myself, any book with a lead character as a female scientist gets my tick of approval.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 5, 2022
Loved the final story of this engaging trilogy. Hannah is strong and determined and changes her life for her family. The characters are well-developed and the story line interesting, with a few twists and turns.
February 7, 2022
The Scent of Promise by Heather Reyburn is a rural historical fiction filled with love, sacrifice and family devotion.
Hannah Simpson’s life could not be any better, her thirtieth birthday is approaching, she is awaiting a promotion at work that she has strived for some time and she is training to compete in The Horse of the Year; New Zealand’s Premier Equestrian Event Showcase with her beloved horse Afternoon Delight.
Life isn't always good and fair as Hannah finds out in one day, her relationship with Todd is truly over even if it a good thing, she doesn’t get the promotion at work, Delight suffers an injury and her dream of competing at an elite level is over, to top it off her mother calls and informs her father has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and doesn’t have long to live.
Hannah makes her way home to Fantail Ridge; the family farm in South Head, New Zealand to be with her parents, Dawn and John. To see her father so ill breaks Hannah’s heart, she realises she needs to step up and take on the responsibility of running the farm whilst giving her mum more time caring for him.
To her surprise the farm is more rundown than she expected, when an unexpected and very handsome shearer Justin arrives and offers help she is hesitant due to his mysterious background. Due to financial burden and no other options she takes a chance and lets him stay in the family cottage while he helps on the farm
Hannah and Justin's relationship is the bedrock of the narrative, and their dynamic provides the thrust that moves the story along. It was easy to enjoy their palpable chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them until the end.
While the plot is fairly simple, the author builds on the emotional part of the story, creating characters that win the hearts of readers. You really get inside the life of Hannah and those around her, you feel her struggle and appreciate her growth as the story progresses. As far as personality traits, I liked her intelligence, strength and resilience.
Heather’s attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and poetic way with words make this book special. Strong emotions coupled with real-life scenarios make for realism and truth.
The novel is a wonderful mix of angst, loss, love and a hope to live life once again. I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Heather Reyburn for the opportunity to read and review.
Hannah Simpson’s life could not be any better, her thirtieth birthday is approaching, she is awaiting a promotion at work that she has strived for some time and she is training to compete in The Horse of the Year; New Zealand’s Premier Equestrian Event Showcase with her beloved horse Afternoon Delight.
Life isn't always good and fair as Hannah finds out in one day, her relationship with Todd is truly over even if it a good thing, she doesn’t get the promotion at work, Delight suffers an injury and her dream of competing at an elite level is over, to top it off her mother calls and informs her father has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and doesn’t have long to live.
Hannah makes her way home to Fantail Ridge; the family farm in South Head, New Zealand to be with her parents, Dawn and John. To see her father so ill breaks Hannah’s heart, she realises she needs to step up and take on the responsibility of running the farm whilst giving her mum more time caring for him.
To her surprise the farm is more rundown than she expected, when an unexpected and very handsome shearer Justin arrives and offers help she is hesitant due to his mysterious background. Due to financial burden and no other options she takes a chance and lets him stay in the family cottage while he helps on the farm
Hannah and Justin's relationship is the bedrock of the narrative, and their dynamic provides the thrust that moves the story along. It was easy to enjoy their palpable chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them until the end.
While the plot is fairly simple, the author builds on the emotional part of the story, creating characters that win the hearts of readers. You really get inside the life of Hannah and those around her, you feel her struggle and appreciate her growth as the story progresses. As far as personality traits, I liked her intelligence, strength and resilience.
Heather’s attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and poetic way with words make this book special. Strong emotions coupled with real-life scenarios make for realism and truth.
The novel is a wonderful mix of angst, loss, love and a hope to live life once again. I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Heather Reyburn for the opportunity to read and review.
February 3, 2022
Another warm-hearted and uplifting rural story from this Aussie author.
March 19, 2022
This book is a rural life story adding in the elements of romance, grieving and financial woes. A touch to slow for me but still an enjoyable read.
January 29, 2024
A beautiful finale to the Fantail Ridge set. While it is possible to read this as a stand alone book it would give much more enjoyment if read in sequence with the other two Fantail Ridge books. The third generation of the family with tragedy arising from the start causing considerable hardship is not a sad book. It is beautifully completed and the love of the family members and the wider community makes for a really enjoyable conclusion to the series. I enjoyed this thoroughly, lots of tissues needed but satisfying without being soppy.
May 22, 2022
Romantic? Eh, not very🙁
2.5🌟 stars
I generally love to read fiction set in New Zealand and The Scent of Promise grabbed my interest at the start with the trials and tribulations that quickly pile up for the female lead. But this story is so full of details about the daily farming life that I just could not get excited about it. The author obviously knows a lot about farming and the story gave me a much better appreciation for the continuous hard work involved in keeping a farm running. But I found the romance lackluster and marginalized by all of the other details of daily life. And we really only see things from the perspective of Hannah, the female lead. I never felt I got to know Justin, the male lead.
Just not my idea of a romance.
2.5🌟 stars
I generally love to read fiction set in New Zealand and The Scent of Promise grabbed my interest at the start with the trials and tribulations that quickly pile up for the female lead. But this story is so full of details about the daily farming life that I just could not get excited about it. The author obviously knows a lot about farming and the story gave me a much better appreciation for the continuous hard work involved in keeping a farm running. But I found the romance lackluster and marginalized by all of the other details of daily life. And we really only see things from the perspective of Hannah, the female lead. I never felt I got to know Justin, the male lead.
Just not my idea of a romance.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews