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Outback Queensland Romance #3
Turn Left
***A stand-alone story with some links to the other books in the Outback Queensland Romance Series (Two Heartbeats and Time Will Tell)
When Amy takes up her first teaching position in an outback Queensland town she feels like her life is going ahead in leaps and bounds. However, her new boss doesn’t make life easy and she begins to question her choice of career.
Angus, a third-generation local, also struggles with life in the small town. A mistake made in his youth haunts him and stops him from letting anyone get too close
As the two become friends and hostilities within the small town come to a head, Amy and Angus are faced with decisions that could take them in an unknown direction. Should they trust their instincts, turn left, and leave their problems behind, or would staying and facing their adversaries be a better choice?
A Queensland outback story about friendship, family, and love with some unexpected twists and turns in the road.
When Amy takes up her first teaching position in an outback Queensland town she feels like her life is going ahead in leaps and bounds. However, her new boss doesn’t make life easy and she begins to question her choice of career.
Angus, a third-generation local, also struggles with life in the small town. A mistake made in his youth haunts him and stops him from letting anyone get too close
As the two become friends and hostilities within the small town come to a head, Amy and Angus are faced with decisions that could take them in an unknown direction. Should they trust their instincts, turn left, and leave their problems behind, or would staying and facing their adversaries be a better choice?
A Queensland outback story about friendship, family, and love with some unexpected twists and turns in the road.
- GenresRomance
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2023
56 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Forrest
35 books79 followersAn Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 11, 2023
Amy had arrived from the Sunshine Coast to the small rural town of Matfield in Western Queensland to begin her new teaching career. But the principal was a bully, determined the "new teacher" toe the line. When Amy needed to go to a funeral, inland from the town, to direct her school choir, the principal pointed her to a rarely used track and when she broke down with a flat tyre, she was desperate for someone to come along. Luckily for her, Angus and his Nana pulled up beside her, only having gone that way for Nana and Grandpa to reminisce.
As time moved forward, Amy decided teaching wasn't for her. Although the other teachers were kind, and the pupils mostly good, the gut-churning nausea she felt every day as she prepared for work told Amy she couldn't continue. Amy had built and continued her friendship with Angus, and when he asked her to join him in his journey around Australia, purely as mates, and in the VW Combi van he'd been preparing for his trip, it didn't take much for her decision to be made. But was it the answer? As they reached the crossroad, together they said "turn left"... and so they did...
Turn Left is the 3rd in the Outback Queensland Romance series by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and is loosely connected to Two Heartbeats and Time Will Tell but can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoy the author's writing, and this one is no exception. Amy and Angus are great characters, with their friendship becoming strong, and I enjoyed Angus' Nana's character as well as Amy's parents. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my uncorrected proof copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
As time moved forward, Amy decided teaching wasn't for her. Although the other teachers were kind, and the pupils mostly good, the gut-churning nausea she felt every day as she prepared for work told Amy she couldn't continue. Amy had built and continued her friendship with Angus, and when he asked her to join him in his journey around Australia, purely as mates, and in the VW Combi van he'd been preparing for his trip, it didn't take much for her decision to be made. But was it the answer? As they reached the crossroad, together they said "turn left"... and so they did...
Turn Left is the 3rd in the Outback Queensland Romance series by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and is loosely connected to Two Heartbeats and Time Will Tell but can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoy the author's writing, and this one is no exception. Amy and Angus are great characters, with their friendship becoming strong, and I enjoyed Angus' Nana's character as well as Amy's parents. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my uncorrected proof copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2023
Thank you Rhonda for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Turn Left is a delightful country Aussie tale about friendship, love, loyalty and rich in emotion with a link to Two Heartbeats and Time Will Tell.
It can be read as a stand-alone but to get the best reading experience read all three books in order.
Amy arrives in outback Queensland for her new job as a teacher at the school.
The principal, her boss, doesn’t make her life easy and is intent on causing drama and being a bully.
Angus is a local, he works locally and his extended family are always around.
One of them chooses to be a nuisance and he won’t let anyone too close because of an incident in his youth.
The two get close and form a friendship but living in the town continues to be difficult and the conflict comes to a head.
An understanding is made and the decision to turn left could very well be the right answer.
A timeless story that brings two souls together and then life intervenes to intertwine them organically.
Taking chances, social attitudes, making split second decisions, all here for the cast to experience real world problems, situations and life challenges.
Rhonda has this seamless talent for bringing her flawless characters to life and making the reader feel the feels naturally.
A tenderly, moving and warm hearted story from a talented and giving storyteller.
Turn Left is a delightful country Aussie tale about friendship, love, loyalty and rich in emotion with a link to Two Heartbeats and Time Will Tell.
It can be read as a stand-alone but to get the best reading experience read all three books in order.
Amy arrives in outback Queensland for her new job as a teacher at the school.
The principal, her boss, doesn’t make her life easy and is intent on causing drama and being a bully.
Angus is a local, he works locally and his extended family are always around.
One of them chooses to be a nuisance and he won’t let anyone too close because of an incident in his youth.
The two get close and form a friendship but living in the town continues to be difficult and the conflict comes to a head.
An understanding is made and the decision to turn left could very well be the right answer.
A timeless story that brings two souls together and then life intervenes to intertwine them organically.
Taking chances, social attitudes, making split second decisions, all here for the cast to experience real world problems, situations and life challenges.
Rhonda has this seamless talent for bringing her flawless characters to life and making the reader feel the feels naturally.
A tenderly, moving and warm hearted story from a talented and giving storyteller.
September 11, 2023
Turn Left by Rhonda Forrest
Get ready to go on an outback adventure! Turn the cover (to the left, of course), and you will be wrapped up in the pages of Rhonda Forrest's latest romance novel set in the Australian outback.
Amy, a teacher who is new to the profession, has been offered a position in a school in a remote outback town. The boss is unprofessional, underhanded, and attempts to make her life miserable. When she meets Angus and his Nana, they are headed to a funeral. The beginning of the story had me captivated. The characters are intriguing and they have interesting backstories, some that will have you in tears, others feeling the warm and fuzzies. Rhonda's characters are always fascinating and her romance stories have much more than simply romance. Turn Left explores grief, loss, forgiveness, love and a fresh start. Rhonda writes romance in a way that shows how love should be - respect, care, and friendship first.
The pace of Turn Left is perfect, and I love that I could go on a fun adventure with the protagonists. The descriptions of the landscape and environment gave me peace and a sense of calm whilst reading the book.
As a teacher, I found Turn Left to be an inspirational novel. Amy is a new teacher with passion for her job as a music teacher, yet soon feels the struggles of an unsupportive workplace, which knocks her confidence. Her passion is inspiring and her interaction with the kids shows exactly why teachers love their jobs. To be able to share our knowledge, teach and learn from students is a privilege. Turn Left is a realistic portrayal of the roller coaster motions of teaching.
Turn Left is a road trip with romance on the side. I started this book on the weekend and could not put it down. Entertaining, enthralling and exceptionally written.
Thank you Rhonda for your delightful books. I love every single one of them, each for their unique characters and stories.
@rhondaforrestauthor
#turnleft #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #ilovereading #welovebooks #outback #outbackaustralia #forgiveness #kindness #friendship #teachersofinstagram #melaniehunterbooks
Get ready to go on an outback adventure! Turn the cover (to the left, of course), and you will be wrapped up in the pages of Rhonda Forrest's latest romance novel set in the Australian outback.
Amy, a teacher who is new to the profession, has been offered a position in a school in a remote outback town. The boss is unprofessional, underhanded, and attempts to make her life miserable. When she meets Angus and his Nana, they are headed to a funeral. The beginning of the story had me captivated. The characters are intriguing and they have interesting backstories, some that will have you in tears, others feeling the warm and fuzzies. Rhonda's characters are always fascinating and her romance stories have much more than simply romance. Turn Left explores grief, loss, forgiveness, love and a fresh start. Rhonda writes romance in a way that shows how love should be - respect, care, and friendship first.
The pace of Turn Left is perfect, and I love that I could go on a fun adventure with the protagonists. The descriptions of the landscape and environment gave me peace and a sense of calm whilst reading the book.
As a teacher, I found Turn Left to be an inspirational novel. Amy is a new teacher with passion for her job as a music teacher, yet soon feels the struggles of an unsupportive workplace, which knocks her confidence. Her passion is inspiring and her interaction with the kids shows exactly why teachers love their jobs. To be able to share our knowledge, teach and learn from students is a privilege. Turn Left is a realistic portrayal of the roller coaster motions of teaching.
Turn Left is a road trip with romance on the side. I started this book on the weekend and could not put it down. Entertaining, enthralling and exceptionally written.
Thank you Rhonda for your delightful books. I love every single one of them, each for their unique characters and stories.
@rhondaforrestauthor
#turnleft #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #ilovereading #welovebooks #outback #outbackaustralia #forgiveness #kindness #friendship #teachersofinstagram #melaniehunterbooks
January 7, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
I have worked with this wonderful author for many years and every time I pick up one of her new books I feel immensely proud (and excited). She is such a talented writer in capturing the Australian landscape and in capturing Australian characters and she is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met so deserves all the success.
This book has links to previous novels by the author, but they are not required to follow this story depicting country/small town life in rural Queensland and the ups and downs that come with that. I am deducting a half star though for the killing of the snake....I know it happens, but they are protected creatures and it it illegal to harm or kill snakes :-). Also, even though I loved the writing, the last thing I wanted to do when trying to destress over the holidays is think about the (deficiencies/inequities) in the education system so I would say this was the right book...maybe just the wrong time.
I really love the notion of "Turn Left" and I look forward to the future where I too can Turn Left on a whim. Another beautiful read.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 December "Natasha Lester" Challenge: Natasha Lester is the multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author. Read a book by an Australian author.
Aussie Readers 2023/2024 "Happy Summer Bingo Challenge": Row #1 -Read a book where the first letter of each word in the title appears in ISLAND ADVENTURE
I have worked with this wonderful author for many years and every time I pick up one of her new books I feel immensely proud (and excited). She is such a talented writer in capturing the Australian landscape and in capturing Australian characters and she is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met so deserves all the success.
This book has links to previous novels by the author, but they are not required to follow this story depicting country/small town life in rural Queensland and the ups and downs that come with that. I am deducting a half star though for the killing of the snake....I know it happens, but they are protected creatures and it it illegal to harm or kill snakes :-). Also, even though I loved the writing, the last thing I wanted to do when trying to destress over the holidays is think about the (deficiencies/inequities) in the education system so I would say this was the right book...maybe just the wrong time.
I really love the notion of "Turn Left" and I look forward to the future where I too can Turn Left on a whim. Another beautiful read.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 December "Natasha Lester" Challenge: Natasha Lester is the multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author. Read a book by an Australian author.
Aussie Readers 2023/2024 "Happy Summer Bingo Challenge": Row #1 -Read a book where the first letter of each word in the title appears in ISLAND ADVENTURE
August 23, 2023
turn left
A great story of how friendship, can change lives forever. Love turns left too into full blown love. A grandmother for seeing what will happen and encouraging it. A brief encounter with a bully who won't let go along with a very nasty boss, loved it
A great story of how friendship, can change lives forever. Love turns left too into full blown love. A grandmother for seeing what will happen and encouraging it. A brief encounter with a bully who won't let go along with a very nasty boss, loved it
March 9, 2025
I felt a lovely warm glow reading this book. Apart from the authenticity of the descriptions of the outback and its people, I loved that this was not an instant-fall-in-lust story. Amy and Angus had much to learn about themselves and each other, and their journey together is natural and unforced. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 15, 2025
Wonderful
August 30, 2025
Às vezes a gente só precisa reformular a rota e buscar uma nova direção, mesmo que isso signifique ir contra tudo aquilo que conhecemos.
Amy Coops abandonou sua vida no litoral para viver uma aventura no interior, ou melhor, começar a sua carreira como professora de música em uma cidade pequena.
A expectativa criada foi enorme, mas acabou sendo uma grande frustração.
O diretor do colégio abusava de sua boa vontade e transformou a sua vida em um inferno. Porém, nem tudo foi de se jogar fora.
Angus Carmody é um homem com um passado complicado. Perdeu seu melhor amigo em um acidente e literalmente, precisou lidar com as consequências sozinho. Passou três anos recluso e quando saiu da prisão precisou se reencontrar. O problema de viver em uma cidade pequena? Todo mundo sabe da vida de todo mundo e o julgamento é constante. Foi difícil encontrar o seu norte, mesmo ele tendo o apoio e o amor dos seus avós.
Conheceu Amy de uma forma bem inusitada. Ambos estavam indo para enterro do avô do Angus e se esbarraram no meio da estrada, por causa de um pneu furado.
A conexão nesse dia foi muito forte, apesar de toda a situação e pouco a pouco eles construíram uma amizade como poucas.
A cumplicidade do casal era tão grande, que eles resolverem curar suas feridas na estrada. Vivendo em uma kombi e se permitindo viajar seguindo apenas seus corações.
É uma história linda da qual vemos o processo de aceitação e o renovar do espírito.
Uma experiência ruim não define absolutamente nada. Portas se abrem e se fecham, e isso não quer dizer que vai ser sempre igual. E nessa jornada de autoconhecimento, o que era apenas uma amizade se tornou algo mais, mas sem a pressão de ser, sabe? Eram duas almas que viraram à esquerda sem pretensão e simplesmente encontraram o sentido de tudo.
Amy Coops abandonou sua vida no litoral para viver uma aventura no interior, ou melhor, começar a sua carreira como professora de música em uma cidade pequena.
A expectativa criada foi enorme, mas acabou sendo uma grande frustração.
O diretor do colégio abusava de sua boa vontade e transformou a sua vida em um inferno. Porém, nem tudo foi de se jogar fora.
Angus Carmody é um homem com um passado complicado. Perdeu seu melhor amigo em um acidente e literalmente, precisou lidar com as consequências sozinho. Passou três anos recluso e quando saiu da prisão precisou se reencontrar. O problema de viver em uma cidade pequena? Todo mundo sabe da vida de todo mundo e o julgamento é constante. Foi difícil encontrar o seu norte, mesmo ele tendo o apoio e o amor dos seus avós.
Conheceu Amy de uma forma bem inusitada. Ambos estavam indo para enterro do avô do Angus e se esbarraram no meio da estrada, por causa de um pneu furado.
A conexão nesse dia foi muito forte, apesar de toda a situação e pouco a pouco eles construíram uma amizade como poucas.
A cumplicidade do casal era tão grande, que eles resolverem curar suas feridas na estrada. Vivendo em uma kombi e se permitindo viajar seguindo apenas seus corações.
É uma história linda da qual vemos o processo de aceitação e o renovar do espírito.
Uma experiência ruim não define absolutamente nada. Portas se abrem e se fecham, e isso não quer dizer que vai ser sempre igual. E nessa jornada de autoconhecimento, o que era apenas uma amizade se tornou algo mais, mas sem a pressão de ser, sabe? Eram duas almas que viraram à esquerda sem pretensão e simplesmente encontraram o sentido de tudo.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews