Author: Alissa Callen
ISBN: 9781489261700
RRP: $29.99
Publication Date: 21 January 2019
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Copy: Courtesy of the Publisher
The Round Yard by Alissa Callen is the third book in the Woodlea series and the first of this prolific Australian rural romance writer’s works that I have read.
While the story can be read as a standalone work, I think that there would be significant benefit in having read her earlier books (and possibly even her prequel novella Purple Hills which is downloadable from her website) in order to have a greater understanding of the characters. For those who have read The Long Paddock and The Red Dirt Road, this book develops the character of Tanner, the taciturn cowboy with superb horsemanship skills and looks that have every girl from miles around swooning over him.
The story focusses on Neve Fitzpatrick, an occupational therapist, who has returned to the bush to rent a farmhouse near her grandmother’s old family home after the death of her mother. Neve had nursed her mother for many years and is now at a loss as to where she belongs. To keep her mind occupied, and to help deal with her own grief, she cares for two little girls, Maya and Kait, whose mother recently died from a brain tumour, while their father Graham works during the day in Woodlea.
Courtesy of Ella, the local vet, Neve has acquired a pony, Sebastian or Bassie and a donkey, Delilah or Dell. Neve’s efforts to contain Bassie and Dell to their paddock are in vain as the wily pony continues to find ways to break them out. There’s only one thing for it, c
all for Tanner’s help.
Tanner, there’s only one thing unnerves him more than single women, and that’s small children. Past experiences have caused him to erect a protective barrier around his heart and he has no intention of letting that barrier down. But there’s something about Neve that keeps trying to put a chink in his armour, and then there are two little girls who having decided his favourite colour is blue keep baking him blue coloured cakes and biscuits!
Then there is Edna, the local matchmaker, who seems intent on matching Tanner with her daughter Bethany, keeping him away from Neve while pushing Neve towards one or other of the Barton boys. Whether that is what any of them want, or not!
When a small chest is found on Neve’s grandmother’s old family home, and an iron key opens it, Neve is suddenly faced with family secrets dating back to World War II making her question all she knew about her family. The only person who can help her is Tanner through his family connections, but to do so means he needs to confront some of his own demons.
Those who enjoy Australian rural romance, well written in an easy to read style with believable characters and a few gentle twists and turns will thoroughly enjoy this book. Many thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Mira, Harlequin Books for the opportunity read and review this book. I give it 4 stars.
This guest review was submitted by our Beauty and Lace Club member: Marcia. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Marcia.
Alissa Callen can be found on Facebook and her website.
The Round Yard is published by Harlequin Mira and is available now where all good books are sold.
Thanks to Harlequin Mira 15 of our Beauty and Lace Club Members will be reading The Round Yard so please be aware there may be spoilers in the comments below
I love to read, for many years my passion has been science fantasy but recently I’ve discovered many fabulous Australian women authors and am devouring all the new genres I am being exposed to.
In addition to reading and reviewing books I enjoy photography, spending time with my husband, daughter, grandson, 2 dogs and a cat and am an aspiring author.
I loved reading The Round Yard by Alissa Callen and it has prompted me to get the other books in the series and read them too. Nice to have an Australian romance story to read. I devoured it in one sitting as it was hard to put down 🙂 You won’t be disappointed! Thanks Harlequin Mira and Beauty & Lace.
The Round Yard by Alissa Callen is a very enjoyable read. It is the third book in the Woodlea series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. Having said that though, the reason I wanted to read it is because I’d previously read both The Long Paddock and The Red Dirt Road and I wanted to reacquaint myself with the characters of Woodlea.
This is a wonderful rural romance that tells the story of Neve, an occupational therapist who returns to the bush to get over the death of her mother who she had nursed through her illness. Here she meets Tanner Callahan, a drover and horse trainer who has his own issues to overcome.
I absolutely loved the way Alissa Callen developed the character of Tanner having first met him in the previous books in the series.
The Round Yard Was an enjoyable read and a great third instalment in the Woodlea series.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Harlequin Mira for giving me the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.
I really liked reading this book. Though it did take me awhile to get into it. I enjoyed the story of the rural romance. Neve keeps herself busy looking after Maya and Kait and her mischievous animals. Thank you Harlequin for another great read and to Beauty and Lace.