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Jacaranda #1

Jacaranda

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At nineteen, Molly Jones has the world at her feet. Then one drunken night she falls into bed with Mark, a cowboy just passing through. By the time Molly realises she's pregnant, Mark is long gone.

Now, at twenty-six, Molly's life is almost perfect. She's the devoted mother of Rose, and a renowned horse trainer. She lives amid the beauty of Jacaranda Farm, surrounded by family and friends – none closer than hunky stockman Heath. But she's still looking for the love of her life, and a father for Rose. When Mark stumbles back into her world, as charming as ever, Molly begins to hope for a future she'd long ago relinquished.

But how will Mark react when he learns he's a father? And could the man of Molly's dreams be closer to home than she thinks?

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2012

32 people are currently reading
301 people want to read

About the author

Mandy Magro

39 books333 followers
Mandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.

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5 stars
252 (43%)
4 stars
201 (34%)
3 stars
98 (16%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,455 reviews266 followers
February 25, 2018
Nineteen year old Molly Jones should be out enjoying her life, but after a night of drinking and having a one night stand with, Mark, Molly's life is about to alter forever. Molly soon discovers she is pregnant and Mark has left, leaving Molly to somehow make do on her own. Raising a child is never easy, but it becomes a lot harder when you are entrusted to do it on your own.

Six years on and Molly's daughter, Rose is the most cherished person in her life, but life has its fair share of challenges. Now that Molly's life is beginning to settle down, she feels it's time for her to start dating again. Can Molly find someone special to spend her life, with or was there something or someone standing in her way?

A light, quick romance novel, which I enjoyed. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,906 reviews67 followers
August 24, 2023
I have had this one sitting on my TBR pile for a long time and I have read the second Jacaranda book and decided it was time that I got to the first one and I am so glad I did, I loved getting to know Molly and Heath, the setting is wonderful and if you love horses then there is another plus, this is an old one but a good one.

At nineteen Molly, gets drunk and ends up pregnant to a stranger, but having her beautiful daughter Rose she wouldn’t change a thing, she only hopes that one day she will meet up with Rose’s father again and let him know about his beautiful daughter.

Molly and Rose have been living very happily on Jacaranda Farm with her beloved grandparents mustering cattle, growing fruit and Molly is known to be a horse whisperer and she is loving life. There are three cattleman living on the farm as well and Molly is drawn to Heath but guilt tends to stop her from going forward, but does Heath feel the same way towards Molly maybe it is time to look to the future for them both.

Things change when Rose’s father Mark arrives on the scene, how will he cope with finding out he is a father when his daughter is nearly seven, emotions are running high, add to that a fire which makes everyone think about the future, how will things turn out for Molly?

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it to any lovers of rural romance, Mandy Magro brings wonderful characters and true life to her stories.
Profile Image for Emma Skapetis.
438 reviews278 followers
February 14, 2025
3.5 stars.
This book was a cute and sweet friends to lovers and single mother story. I enjoyed following Molly and seeing her end up in a bit of a love triangle before she got together with Heath. RTC.
The plot
This section of the review has spoilers.
Jacaranda follows Molly who is a young single mother who lost her parents in a tragic accident when she was a child. Molly had a one night stand with the father of her six year old daughter Rose who she never saw again. However she and her daughter are always supported by her friend Heath, who was the partner of her friend Jenny who died in a tragic accident (this author does love using tragic accidents as a plot device. She also does it in her other books). Molly is surprised when her feelings for Heath suddenly change and he is secretly in love with Molly and decides to make his feelings for her known. He does this but shortly after this the father of Molly's child returns to town. She does not actually know his name but she recognizes him immediately. She learns that his name is Mark and she decides to get to know and pursue a relationship with him so that her family can be together. Heath is of course extremely jealous of Mark and is hurt that she isn't pursuing a relationship with him instead but he wants Molly to be happy above everything. Therefore he doesn't interfere with her exploring things with Mark. Eventually Molly of course tells Mark that he is the father of her daughter and he freaks out and leaves crying (I hated Mark over this because it was so uncalled for). Anyway Molly and Heath confess their feelings for each other and start dating. However they do end up in danger before their happily ever after because a fire breaks out on Molly and her grandparents farm, which means that the horses have to be rescued and Heath later ends up rescuing Molly and Rose.
My thoughts
The romance between Molly and Heath was cute. It was similar to the romances in Mandy Magro's other books but it didn't feel as formulaic because this was one of her early novels. Her writing style wasn't as distinct in this one because it was her second book but it was still very easy to fly through. There is a second book about Molly's daughter Rose, which I will be reading at some point this year.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,336 reviews73 followers
May 29, 2018
Jacaranda is lovely rural romance between Molly Jones and Heath Miller. One night Molly Jones was at the local pub with friends when she realises that the pub singer was her daughter's father. Molly Jones did not know what to do about Rose tell Mark or not. An excellent opportunity came about for Molly to get to know Mark again by helping him with his horse JJ. However, Molly did not realise that will cause problems with her friendship with Heath Miller. The readers of Jacaranda will follow Mark, Heath and Molly to see what happens.

I enjoyed reading Jacaranda. I love the way Mandy Magro incorporated animals with her characters of Jacaranda. I like Mandy Magro portrayal of her characters. Mandy Magro knows how to ensure that became engaged in the plot of Jacaranda and unable to put the book down until the conclusion of this book. Jacaranda was well written and researched by Mandy Magro.

The readers of Jacaranda will learn about the role and benefits of being a horse whisperer. Also, the readers of Jacaranda well see the importance of diversity between crops and animals during the bad years.

I recommend the book.
Profile Image for Bettina.
362 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2012
Another awesome book by Mandy.
Profile Image for Caroline.
137 reviews
May 25, 2012
Loved it! Received my signed copy from the author on Monday and only took until Friday cos I had to do other stuff, would've read it all in one day like Rosalee Station if I could've tuned out the world!
Profile Image for Kelly Cameron.
Author 14 books15 followers
June 28, 2021
When I first started reading, I was sure I’d read this book along time ago. Nether the less I continued reading, and it hooked me in once again.
I loved the story line, the way the character Mark, added another dimension, and the way it was resolved.

Profile Image for Lauren Keegan.
Author 2 books73 followers
May 26, 2012
3.5 stars

Molly Jones is 26 years old and mother to beautiful 6 year old Rose, who was born as a surprise following a one-night stand. Molly never saw the man again and has regrets that Rose will never know her father. Molly lives with her grandparents on Jacaranda, a working farm where she works hard and spends time with her best mates Kenny and Heath. Molly is still recovering from the loss of her best-friend Jenny who died a year prior in a riding accident and so is Heath who not only lost his partner but their unborn child too.

A year on and Molly and Heath have a fantastic friendship and an emerging attraction, but Molly is reluctant to become involved with him as she fears she is betraying her friend. Heath provides Molly with a solid model of what a father should be for Rose; someone who is caring, thoughtful and provides unconditional love. So when Rose’s father, Mark strolls back into Molly’s life and instils hope that she can have the family she always dreamt of- she is torn between the men.

Mark is in a band and not a typical farm-boy but Molly is determined to get to know him and provide him with the opportunity to prove himself as someone who could be a good father for Rose. Unfortunately this laid-back party man doesn’t react the way she’d hoped when he realises their one-nighter all those years ago resulted in offspring.

Jacaranda captures what it is like on a working farm and it is obvious how much Molly enjoys being on the land, in her natural environment with her closest friends. She’s also a young mum who wants the best for her daughter and doesn’t want to make any hasty decisions.

I think Mandy has certainly grown as a writer since her debut novel Rosalee Station which I did enjoy but felt there were some weak points. This time around in Jacaranda, I think the characters were much better developed as was the romance between Molly and Heath and the conflicts that kept them apart.

Jacaranda is a lovely rural romance by Australian author Mandy Magro about following your heart and not giving up hope.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
Author 19 books57 followers
July 28, 2012
Jacaranda is the perfect chill out, lift-your-spirits-on-a-bad-day read. With a strong, likable and thoroughly good heroine and a beautiful depiction of rural Australia, it is difficult not to get sucked in by this romantic read. I picked this book up on a rainy weekend when my spirits were quite low and found myself drawn in to the story of Molly Jones and her family and friends at Jacaranda Station.

Molly is a single mother in her mid-20s. She has a loving home on Jacaranda station with her grandparents and her daughter, Rose. She is secretly in love with Heath, the boyfriend of her workmate and friend Jenny who died in a tragic accident. Molly knows better than to make a move on her friends boyfriend, though Heath has other ideas. He knows that although he will always love Jenny, life must go on and that she would want him to be happy. But before he can make a move, Rose's father comes back to town, further complicating Molly's life ...

What I loved about this book was not only the beautiful, romanticised depiction of rural Australia, but the wholesomeness of the characters. Molly and Heath are strong and likable leads who often put others ahead of themselves. I found it impossible to hate Mark (the closest thing the book has to a villain), as he has his own set of problems and reasons for his roguish behaviour. Some quirky characters, such as lovable larrikin Kenny, round out the book making it a fun read.
Profile Image for Stacey Houllis.
694 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2016
A brilliant book by Mandy Magro. It is the story of Molly Jones a single mother living on Jacaranda Fam with her grandparents Dave, Elizabeth, and daughter Rose. Molly had a one-night stand six years ago at the age of 19. Molly is ready to find love again but she never expects Rose's father to come back into town. She hoped one day she would meet him again so that Rose could get to know her father. Heath is one of the workmen on the farm who was once engaged to Jenny Molly best friend who died the year before in a horse tragedy. Heath is starting to have feelings for Molly so he decides it time to ask her out round about the time Rose's father Mark turns up. Heath becomes jealous and Molly tells him who his and that she wants t0 give it a chance to find out if Mark wants to know his daughter. Molly soon learns that Mark is selfish and feels that he is not the right person to be around her daughter. Heath and Molly decide that they would like to give it a try and give in to their attraction. However, a fire at the farm stables brings a fear of losing the ones they both love.
As Molly is critically hurt, Rose has a broken leg and Heath tries to save them both.
A beautiful realistic story of two people finding love and overcoming hurdles to be there for each other and became a family.
7 reviews
May 1, 2019
Loved this one. Great portrayal of how one night can change everything, often for the better (hey she had a gorgeous kid right?)

But also ... I appreciated how the plot wasn't the obvious one. And the love was something kinda carved out of not very optimal circumstances, but the romance was believable. I was left with that happy feeling of assurance that the main characters would probably still be happily in love for the rest of their lives (I know, I'm a romantic at heart, I want the happily ever after!)

Again a shout out to these gorgeous country Australian romances, that not only have such grat regional Aussie voices, but reveal parts of regional Australia, the lifestyles and issues that go with them. And hopefully my big-city sisters are reading, enjoying, and understanding some of the nuances of country life that may not come across in other media.

I'ma keepin' on reading them!
Profile Image for Beccabeccabooks.
928 reviews34 followers
April 5, 2021
Molly Jones lives on 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎, located in Far North Queensland with her grandparents and little girl, Rose. Her family is her entire world, and she strives to make all of her daughter's wishes come true.

However, Rose doesn't know her father. And this little cherub wants a daddy.

Molly fell pregnant after a one night stand- and she didn't even know his name. However, on a night out with friends, Molly is shocked when she recognises Rose's dad as the lead singer of the band.

Molly wants to give her daughter a family- will it be Rose's long lost father Mark or handsome stockman Heath that will steal Molly's heart?

𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂 was an incredibly sweet, beautiful and romantic with equal rural and tropical vibes! I absolutely adored Heath- he's completely in love with Molly and adores her little girl. He's also fiercely protective of the pair and oh so jealous of Mark. You can't help falling in love with Heath. Mark, on the other hand is an absolute tool and irritated me so much!!

If Magro's other novels are as perfect as 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂, I'll be a very happy reader indeed.

4.75/5
Profile Image for Bec.
930 reviews75 followers
January 19, 2013
Another great book Mandy - well done!

This book had some great twists and turns and kept me reading right to the end although Chapter 22 had my heart pounding (with worry lol) and i just had to keep reading to find out what would happen (i read this book in 4 hours)

I love a book that has you immediately invested in the charatcters - to the point i was saying in my head - no Molly not him the other guy is perfect for you (i won't add names - leave it for you to read)

Can't wait for Mandy's next book
Profile Image for Book Worm.
17 reviews
June 14, 2018
Another amazing read. I loved both the main characters and really enjoyed the suspense although this book. By far the ending was amazing and I defiantly had a book hangover when I finished it.
All the characters where realistic and I could really relate to all of them. I love how Mandy got a true Australian country Christmas in this book and captured the heart of the country life in every page, as well as true events in the country calendar all country Australians love to attend.
Well done Mandy you will defiantly find me buying, reading and loving all future books you bring out.
Profile Image for Vicki Robe.
405 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2019
This book is about Molly Jones who was brought up by her grandparents as her parents died in a car crash.
Going through a rebellious stage she meets Mark at a rodeo and ends up pregnant. With Mark long gone she brings up her daughter Rose by herself and helps run her grandparents farm. One of the farm workers and her friend Heath is falling in love with her, and then Mark reappears after seven years. Who will Molly end up with?
Profile Image for Fiona Barry.
4 reviews
August 2, 2012
A great Australian story, couldn't put it down until I finished it.
Profile Image for Corinne.
8 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2012
another great Aussie story loved it
Profile Image for Maureen.
2 reviews
August 9, 2012
Another excellent book....cannot wait for the next one
Profile Image for Patricia.
28 reviews
August 26, 2012
Another fabulous Aussie author..if you love stories of the outback then this is for you :)
Profile Image for Julie.
16 reviews
July 25, 2013
This book had a really good story line with adventures all round, but little bit too much romance in it for me, but I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Tracy.
290 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2018
Aaah. Nothing happens in this book. The writing is so clunky and the conversations the characters have with each other are so stilted. People just don’t talk like that in real life.
Beautiful child, beautiful mother, hunky cowboy - over and over and over. There’s no room left for anything to actually happen cos we’re too busy reading about the huskiness and gorgeousness of everybody and don’t forget the desire.
Found myself skipping pages just to get thru it.
Profile Image for Megan.
3 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2018
Jacaranda does exactly what it is supposed to do.

Single country girl has feelings for the man perfect for her, something is in the way of them being together, the problem sorts its self out, she ends up with the perfect man.
After having read a couple of Mandy Magro's novels - they all have the same formula.
And if you looking for an easy read, where the girl gets her man, with the bonus Australian landscapes - then these novels are for you.
358 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2022
I picked this one up wanting to read it again before the release of Jillaroo from Jacaranda.

This is a wonderful friends to lovers rural romance.

I always enjoy the humour in Mandy Magro’s books and the Yoga class in this one made me absolutely giggle 🤭

I am very much looking forward to reading Rose’s story when Jillaroo from Jacaranda is released on October 5th.
Profile Image for Donna.
386 reviews17 followers
June 17, 2025
I must say that this was not a very long book but it took me ages to get through it. I found it rather predictable, far to romantic for me but there were some good bits too. There really isn't much else to say. I gave it a go but I am now sure I am not much for the overly romantic and very predictable novels.
Profile Image for Sean Harding.
5,772 reviews33 followers
April 28, 2024
Stan Magro #2
Well this was not as good as the first Magro book, I found it very predictable and just by thee numbers, hoping for a return to the charm, humour and good story telling of book #1 with book #3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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