What do you think?
Rate this book
Man Drought
Imogen Bates moved to the small rural town of Gibson’s Find to start a new life for herself after the death of her husband. Tired of being haunted by the painful memories of her old life, Imogen set her last remaining hopes on the little town and, in particular, pouring her heart and savings into restoring The Majestic Hotel to its former glory. But while the female-starved town might be glad to see a young woman move in, not everyone is happy about Imogen’s arrival.
Sheep and crop farmer Gibson Black once dreamed of having the kind of family his grandfather reminisces about, but he’s learnt not to dream anymore. Living in the mostly male town suits Gibson down to the ground...and he won’t have anyone — least of all a hot redhead from the city — change a thing.
Imogen has never been one to back down from a challenge, especially when it concerns her last chance at happiness. She’s determined to rebuild the pub and create a future for the little town. But can she create a future for Gibson and herself, too?
Sheep and crop farmer Gibson Black once dreamed of having the kind of family his grandfather reminisces about, but he’s learnt not to dream anymore. Living in the mostly male town suits Gibson down to the ground...and he won’t have anyone — least of all a hot redhead from the city — change a thing.
Imogen has never been one to back down from a challenge, especially when it concerns her last chance at happiness. She’s determined to rebuild the pub and create a future for the little town. But can she create a future for Gibson and herself, too?
365 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
59 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 131 reviews
December 30, 2016
4.5★s
Imogen Bates needed a fresh start after her husband had died. Her life in Perth was busy, she had a lot of friends including best friends Jenna and Amy, but she wasn’t happy. Her love of all things rural sent her searching the small country towns east of Perth and when she found Gibson’s Find and saw the beautiful, rustic old Majestic Hotel was for sale, she knew it was a sign. Within a month it was hers – Imogen knew she had challenges ahead, but she also knew she was up for them.
Charlie was the crusty old man who came with the sale – the bartender for as long as anyone could remember, it turned out that Charlie was also the delectable Gibson Black’s grandfather. But Gibson was off limits in more ways than one. He was rude and surly to Imogen and she had no idea why. Just because his rugged good looks stirred her blood didn’t mean anything to Imogen, did it?
Gibson’s Find had very few young women residents and Imogen was determined to help the town get back on its feet. Her renovations of the Majestic went a long way toward that, but she needed more. Would she be able to do what she had set her mind to? And would she and Gibson ever make their peace with each other?
Man Drought by Aussie author Rachael Johns was a laugh-out-loud bundle of fun! Serious and emotional at times, it had the right blend of humour mixed with the profound to make it a really good read. My favourite character though was Charlie! He was adorable - the loveable grandpa everyone wants! A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
Imogen Bates needed a fresh start after her husband had died. Her life in Perth was busy, she had a lot of friends including best friends Jenna and Amy, but she wasn’t happy. Her love of all things rural sent her searching the small country towns east of Perth and when she found Gibson’s Find and saw the beautiful, rustic old Majestic Hotel was for sale, she knew it was a sign. Within a month it was hers – Imogen knew she had challenges ahead, but she also knew she was up for them.
Charlie was the crusty old man who came with the sale – the bartender for as long as anyone could remember, it turned out that Charlie was also the delectable Gibson Black’s grandfather. But Gibson was off limits in more ways than one. He was rude and surly to Imogen and she had no idea why. Just because his rugged good looks stirred her blood didn’t mean anything to Imogen, did it?
Gibson’s Find had very few young women residents and Imogen was determined to help the town get back on its feet. Her renovations of the Majestic went a long way toward that, but she needed more. Would she be able to do what she had set her mind to? And would she and Gibson ever make their peace with each other?
Man Drought by Aussie author Rachael Johns was a laugh-out-loud bundle of fun! Serious and emotional at times, it had the right blend of humour mixed with the profound to make it a really good read. My favourite character though was Charlie! He was adorable - the loveable grandpa everyone wants! A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
November 7, 2014
Opening line: ‘…”Are you absolutely Insane?”…’
I first discovered author Rachael Johns last year when I read the first book in her Bunyip Bay series – Outback Dreams. Now she has finished the third one and the next one is not immediately imminent I thought I’d look up some of her earlier books. MAN DROUGHT is the first one I could get my hands on. I was immediately struck by Johns’ recreation of a typical small country town in the Western Australian outback. The isolation, the close knit community fighting to stay alive, quirky characters and the local pub as the central gathering point for the local residents. Rural life is not easy, and the people who live remotely are there at the whim of the elements. In the case of Gibson’s Find it is not only a drought but mining companies pulling out leaving the town behind. Most of the women have left town to for various reasons so the arrival of a gorgeous woman who is aiming to stay around gladdens the hearts of even the oldest inhabitant.
My hands down favourite character was one of the support cast, Charlie, the elderly barman who was ‘sold’ along with the hotel and was Gibson’s uncle. I engaged with him from his first appearance and worried about him the whole way through. I remember after one particular scene making a note that I really hoped he was going to get his happily ever after because things weren’t looking too good for him. It is always a joy when you can connect to a character so emotionally. This is not to say I didn’t like Imogen or Gibson. Their romance was very believable because despite the fact neither of them was looking for a relationship as far as their heads were concerned – their bodies had a different idea and hormones raced when they were near each other. Johns resisted getting the two of them together straight away – she allowed Imogen to get her head space right as she moved from grieving widow to woman with a hope for a future. And Gibson? Well Johns let him just grow up – it took a while for me to warm to him but once I ‘got’ him all was good. There was lots of fun in the book, and a lot more depth to the story than just a light and fluffy romance. Subplots such as a dance organised for city girls that didn’t quite run according to plan, an unexpected second romance (and the hint of a third), a baby born unexpectedly, and a rain drenched drama as a person goes missing; each one demonstrated how when things go bad it’s all hands on deck helping out.
MAN DROUGHT is romantic, funny and a wonderful way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
I first discovered author Rachael Johns last year when I read the first book in her Bunyip Bay series – Outback Dreams. Now she has finished the third one and the next one is not immediately imminent I thought I’d look up some of her earlier books. MAN DROUGHT is the first one I could get my hands on. I was immediately struck by Johns’ recreation of a typical small country town in the Western Australian outback. The isolation, the close knit community fighting to stay alive, quirky characters and the local pub as the central gathering point for the local residents. Rural life is not easy, and the people who live remotely are there at the whim of the elements. In the case of Gibson’s Find it is not only a drought but mining companies pulling out leaving the town behind. Most of the women have left town to for various reasons so the arrival of a gorgeous woman who is aiming to stay around gladdens the hearts of even the oldest inhabitant.
My hands down favourite character was one of the support cast, Charlie, the elderly barman who was ‘sold’ along with the hotel and was Gibson’s uncle. I engaged with him from his first appearance and worried about him the whole way through. I remember after one particular scene making a note that I really hoped he was going to get his happily ever after because things weren’t looking too good for him. It is always a joy when you can connect to a character so emotionally. This is not to say I didn’t like Imogen or Gibson. Their romance was very believable because despite the fact neither of them was looking for a relationship as far as their heads were concerned – their bodies had a different idea and hormones raced when they were near each other. Johns resisted getting the two of them together straight away – she allowed Imogen to get her head space right as she moved from grieving widow to woman with a hope for a future. And Gibson? Well Johns let him just grow up – it took a while for me to warm to him but once I ‘got’ him all was good. There was lots of fun in the book, and a lot more depth to the story than just a light and fluffy romance. Subplots such as a dance organised for city girls that didn’t quite run according to plan, an unexpected second romance (and the hint of a third), a baby born unexpectedly, and a rain drenched drama as a person goes missing; each one demonstrated how when things go bad it’s all hands on deck helping out.
MAN DROUGHT is romantic, funny and a wonderful way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
May 21, 2017
Imogen started life in country WA but had to move back to Perth for high school. The only good things about the city were her two best friends, Amy and Jenna, and Jaime, The One and her husband. After Jaime is killed during his work as a firefighter, Imogen believes that love, marriage and children are no longer for her.
On a trip through outback WA she stops in a small town pub and falls in love with it. Ready for a change of direction to help her get past her grief, she immediately buys the pub and starts a new life. The town has few women and she is extremely welcome, especially by Charlie, an oldtimer and farmer who has retired to town and now works in the pub. He adopts Imogene and is always telling her stories of how the town and area used to be. Lucky Charlie is so welcoming because his farmer grandson, Gibson, is anything but. Which is a bit of a problem for Imogen because he is the only one who makes her wonder if interest in the opposite sex might just be possible after all, even with Jaime gone.
Gibson has seen women arrive in country WA ... and then go again. They don't stay and they aren't worth the trouble and pain. No matter how much he's attracted to Imogen, he is not getting involved. If only he didn't have to keep seeing her when he visits his grandad, Charlie, at the pub ...
A heartwarming and amusing read although very anglocentric.
On a trip through outback WA she stops in a small town pub and falls in love with it. Ready for a change of direction to help her get past her grief, she immediately buys the pub and starts a new life. The town has few women and she is extremely welcome, especially by Charlie, an oldtimer and farmer who has retired to town and now works in the pub. He adopts Imogene and is always telling her stories of how the town and area used to be. Lucky Charlie is so welcoming because his farmer grandson, Gibson, is anything but. Which is a bit of a problem for Imogen because he is the only one who makes her wonder if interest in the opposite sex might just be possible after all, even with Jaime gone.
Gibson has seen women arrive in country WA ... and then go again. They don't stay and they aren't worth the trouble and pain. No matter how much he's attracted to Imogen, he is not getting involved. If only he didn't have to keep seeing her when he visits his grandad, Charlie, at the pub ...
A heartwarming and amusing read although very anglocentric.
January 8, 2013
As I enjoyed Jilted, Rachael John's debut contemporary rural romance novel published in 2012, I have been eagerly awaiting her next release and I am pleased to report that I found Man Drought a charming and delightful read.
After her husband's death, Imogen Bates decides to escape the city and begin a new life in the small Western Australian country town of Gibson's Find, becoming the sole owner of The Majestic Hotel. The town is happy to welcome Imogen who is content to pour her heart and soul into revitalising the pub, and with it the community, but Gibson Black isn't so sure change is a good thing, especially when Imogen threatens to turn his whole world upside down.
It didn't take me long to fall in love with the main protagonists of Man Drought. Imogen proves to be determined and feisty, but vulnerable in her grief over the death of her husband. I really liked the way in which the author allowed Imogen to slowly work out her growing feelings for Gibson, without ignoring the very real emotions and contradictions inherent in such a situation.
Gibson had to work a little harder to earn my affection given the giant chip on his shoulder, a result of his own failed marriage, but I was immediately attracted to his physical portrait,
"He was tall with liquorice dark hair and a two day growth along his jawline. He wore faded jeans and a flannelette shirt rolled up to his elbows." This being a romance Gibson is, of course, hiding a heart of gold behind his gruff exterior and with the care he takes of his grandfather and his respect for Imogen's confused emotional state he quickly redeems himself.
The chemistry between Imogen and Gibson is terrific with Johns building the tension between the pair so that when they finally succumb to their mutual attraction it's an explosive scene, only to repeat the process as their relationship stumbles.
One of John's strengths is her ability to create a community among the pages of her book with appealing and authentic supporting characters. Imogen's employees and patrons evoke both the peculiarities and spirit of the residents in small rural towns. It is Charlie that nearly steals the show though as Imogen's surprising confidante. A grizzly man of the land, yet a romantic at heart, Gibson's grandfather gives the story an unexpected depth as he battles with a failing memory and the enduring pain of his own long ago loss.
Imogen's city friends round out her past nicely and I liked the way in which they interacted with Imogen's new life. Jenna and Guy provide an enjoyable secondary romantic subplot with their culture clash proving to be no obstacle to true love (and lust). I also have to applaud Johns for the subtle development of the relationship between Pauli and Cal, I was both surprised and pleased by it's inclusion in the novel, given the traditional genre constraints of romance fiction.
Like Imogen I have always admired old fashioned country Australian pubs with their wide verandah's and graceful facades so I found the setting particularly appealing and thought Johns captured the details beautifully. The novel is well grounded in rural Australia but Johns also brought country and city together with the modernisation of the pub, the intermingling of Imogen's friends with the locals and the idea of the Man Drought weekend.
I thought the writing very accomplished, in many ways each of the main elements of the story - plot, character and setting, are much stronger in Man Drought than in Jilted. I enjoyed John's humour and the way in which she captures the natural rhythm of Australian speech in her dialogue. The pacing is just right and all the threads lead to a happy and satisfying conclusion.
Man Drought is a heartwarming, well crafted contemporary romance with appealing characters and engaging story and Rachael Johns is proving herself to be one of my favourite rural romance novelists.
September 22, 2013
A couple of years after the death of her husband, Imogen Bates recognises she is stuck in a rut and needs a change. What better way to escape the oppressive city filled with memories of her late Husband then to move to the country and buy an old run down pub? With her friends believing she’s lost the plot, Imogen sets out on her new adventure knowing full well that it won’t be a walk in the park, but insistent that she can handle it. What she hasn’t bargained for however was the male dominated town and an increasingly attractive, and simultaneously infuriating, Gibson Black.
Although set in the country, the narrative itself is more at the rural romance end of the scale to rural fiction and thus perfect for the converted title of Chook Lit within the genre of rural fiction. The characters are playful and energetic, and the story is well paced and flows easily – sometimes too easily, so much so that before you know it you find yourself lost in story and you’ve reached the end of the book.
Keeping with the genre, Imogen is a feisty female protagonist who is sure to pull at the reader’s heartstrings. Although not perfect, she is easily accepted by the reader and the town due to her charming personality and her eager need to please. She is hard working and will stop at nothing to get what she feels need to be done. Gibson, on the other hand takes a bit more time to warm up to due to his stand off nature and past experiences. That said, the tension between the two characters is palpable, and quickly builds as the story progresses, sweeping both the characters and the reader off their feet and into a whirlpool of emotion and romance.
Johns’ use of description and setting is second to none, with her writing so vivid and tangible that I almost felt as though I was watching the narrative play out before my eyes. Although set in the fiction town of Gibson’s Find, Johns captures the very heart of rural Australia and delivers the very essence of every day life that is common throughout small towns. The supporting characters were loud, and created the perfect blend of society and narrative release for our main characters. Charlie, Gibson’s beloved Grandfather was a show stealer in particular and I challenge any reader to not feel for the old man. As for our leads, I could sense the growing tension between our protagonists, and felt each characters excitement and pain in equal measures. I was so involved in the story and their lives that I was disappointed to find myself closing the book at the end. That’s not to say the book ends too quickly, or unsatisfactory, it’s just I was so there with the characters, that once it ended it was almost as though I had been thrown back to reality in a cruel manner and it no longer measured up. If you’re a fan of romance, I urge you to give this book a go, for you will not be disappointed. Who knows, you might just be like me and find yourself wishing for you very own Gibson Black to claim …
Read as part of my 2013 Australian Women Writers challenge. Review originally posted on my blog The Never Ending Bookshelf on April 17 2013: http://nevendbookshelf.wordpress.com/...
Although set in the country, the narrative itself is more at the rural romance end of the scale to rural fiction and thus perfect for the converted title of Chook Lit within the genre of rural fiction. The characters are playful and energetic, and the story is well paced and flows easily – sometimes too easily, so much so that before you know it you find yourself lost in story and you’ve reached the end of the book.
Keeping with the genre, Imogen is a feisty female protagonist who is sure to pull at the reader’s heartstrings. Although not perfect, she is easily accepted by the reader and the town due to her charming personality and her eager need to please. She is hard working and will stop at nothing to get what she feels need to be done. Gibson, on the other hand takes a bit more time to warm up to due to his stand off nature and past experiences. That said, the tension between the two characters is palpable, and quickly builds as the story progresses, sweeping both the characters and the reader off their feet and into a whirlpool of emotion and romance.
Johns’ use of description and setting is second to none, with her writing so vivid and tangible that I almost felt as though I was watching the narrative play out before my eyes. Although set in the fiction town of Gibson’s Find, Johns captures the very heart of rural Australia and delivers the very essence of every day life that is common throughout small towns. The supporting characters were loud, and created the perfect blend of society and narrative release for our main characters. Charlie, Gibson’s beloved Grandfather was a show stealer in particular and I challenge any reader to not feel for the old man. As for our leads, I could sense the growing tension between our protagonists, and felt each characters excitement and pain in equal measures. I was so involved in the story and their lives that I was disappointed to find myself closing the book at the end. That’s not to say the book ends too quickly, or unsatisfactory, it’s just I was so there with the characters, that once it ended it was almost as though I had been thrown back to reality in a cruel manner and it no longer measured up. If you’re a fan of romance, I urge you to give this book a go, for you will not be disappointed. Who knows, you might just be like me and find yourself wishing for you very own Gibson Black to claim …
Read as part of my 2013 Australian Women Writers challenge. Review originally posted on my blog The Never Ending Bookshelf on April 17 2013: http://nevendbookshelf.wordpress.com/...
January 2, 2013
My Review:
If you're a romantic at heart, (let's face it...you're reading the romance genre... the chances are pretty good that you're a romantic at heart) then you will love the theme of this book. Imogen always believed that everyone has The One out there for them. For her, she found that person in Jamie. They had a perfect love, but it was cut way too short when he tragically died doing his job as a firefighter. He was her One and she's accepted that the rest of her life will be spent alone.
As a result, she feels the need for a new start...somewhere where her every move isn't shadowed by the specter of her tragic circumstance. She needs to go somewhere where no one knows about Jamie so that maybe she can find some semblance of happiness. A romantic nostalgia for countryside pubs brings her to Gibson's Find as the newest owner and publican of the local rundown inn and tavern. There she finds new focus and challenge for her life and is surprised by how quickly she comes to love this small rural town.
One of the members of that town is Gibson. Unlike Imogen, his marriage was not a happy one. After his divorce, he's completely disillusioned by love and women and that definitely affects his relationship with Imogen. He keeps expecting her to be like the shallow woman his wife was. But there is one person who continues to bring them together, Gibson's grandfather and Imogen's barkeep, Charlie. I loved Charlie. He and Imogen connect because the love of his life died really young too. They have that in common. Charlie's story line added so much to this story. I loved Gibson's devotion to him and I loved how he connected with Imogen.
In fact, I loved most of the characters in this book. There's a fairly large cast of them from both Gibson's Find and Imogen's friends from Perth. There was even a secondary love story between Jenna and Guy which was a really surprising match-up, but they worked together. And there were just tons of really sweet moments in the story...the birth of Amy & Ryan's baby and the town working on the pub, immediately come to mind.
This is a book about true love and how you have to hang on to it when you find it. Imogen was lucky enough to find her second "One" and it truly made for a super-romantic read. Yes, I'm a sucker for stories like that. There were moments when I just wanted to stop the story and hug both the main characters. They've had a hard go at it and watching them find their new Happily Ever After was just incredibly sweet. This was a fun book to read. And I have to add, it was a great book to really take you into rural life of Australia. The pictures Rachael Johns paints...*sigh*...someday I am going to visit there!! But in the meantime, visiting via her books is almost as good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
If you're a romantic at heart, (let's face it...you're reading the romance genre... the chances are pretty good that you're a romantic at heart) then you will love the theme of this book. Imogen always believed that everyone has The One out there for them. For her, she found that person in Jamie. They had a perfect love, but it was cut way too short when he tragically died doing his job as a firefighter. He was her One and she's accepted that the rest of her life will be spent alone.
As a result, she feels the need for a new start...somewhere where her every move isn't shadowed by the specter of her tragic circumstance. She needs to go somewhere where no one knows about Jamie so that maybe she can find some semblance of happiness. A romantic nostalgia for countryside pubs brings her to Gibson's Find as the newest owner and publican of the local rundown inn and tavern. There she finds new focus and challenge for her life and is surprised by how quickly she comes to love this small rural town.
One of the members of that town is Gibson. Unlike Imogen, his marriage was not a happy one. After his divorce, he's completely disillusioned by love and women and that definitely affects his relationship with Imogen. He keeps expecting her to be like the shallow woman his wife was. But there is one person who continues to bring them together, Gibson's grandfather and Imogen's barkeep, Charlie. I loved Charlie. He and Imogen connect because the love of his life died really young too. They have that in common. Charlie's story line added so much to this story. I loved Gibson's devotion to him and I loved how he connected with Imogen.
In fact, I loved most of the characters in this book. There's a fairly large cast of them from both Gibson's Find and Imogen's friends from Perth. There was even a secondary love story between Jenna and Guy which was a really surprising match-up, but they worked together. And there were just tons of really sweet moments in the story...the birth of Amy & Ryan's baby and the town working on the pub, immediately come to mind.
This is a book about true love and how you have to hang on to it when you find it. Imogen was lucky enough to find her second "One" and it truly made for a super-romantic read. Yes, I'm a sucker for stories like that. There were moments when I just wanted to stop the story and hug both the main characters. They've had a hard go at it and watching them find their new Happily Ever After was just incredibly sweet. This was a fun book to read. And I have to add, it was a great book to really take you into rural life of Australia. The pictures Rachael Johns paints...*sigh*...someday I am going to visit there!! But in the meantime, visiting via her books is almost as good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 1, 2013
Imogen Bates has left Perth and its city limits for rural Gibson's Find hoping for a new start after losing her husband. She buys a local pub The Majestic Hotel and is set on restoring it to its former glory. She finds that the town has very few females and one male citizen in particular, Gibson Black is not very happy to have her there. He's happy with out the hot publican he can't stop thinking about. While Imogen isn't looking for anything at all, her mind won't stop wandering to think about Gibson. Can anything come of this?
This book is fabulous! I love how while the story centers around Imogen and Gibson, we get to see how so many other people surrounding them are important to this story as well. Charlie, Gibson's grandfather is just charming and adorable. Gibson's mates and Imogen's besties also play important roles in this story.
I loved both Gibson and Imogen. Did I want to shake some sense into them? Sure, but I understand their hangups, and boy were they big ones! Basically I fell in love with Gibson's Find and all the characters of Man Drought.
I can't wait to read what Rachael Johns publishes next!
This book is fabulous! I love how while the story centers around Imogen and Gibson, we get to see how so many other people surrounding them are important to this story as well. Charlie, Gibson's grandfather is just charming and adorable. Gibson's mates and Imogen's besties also play important roles in this story.
I loved both Gibson and Imogen. Did I want to shake some sense into them? Sure, but I understand their hangups, and boy were they big ones! Basically I fell in love with Gibson's Find and all the characters of Man Drought.
I can't wait to read what Rachael Johns publishes next!
April 29, 2013
Racheal Johns continues to delight with her sassy gals and sexy guys. But there is a lot more substance to this book, which is llabelled rural romance. I am getting used to the authors knack of hooking me with something clever from the get-go. She so knows about small town life and her writing is natural and easy t read. I love her books.
October 19, 2013
Awesome!!!!
Read
September 26, 2013This was such a good book it was so rural with twists and turns loved it
April 9, 2013
Loved this book. Could not put it down
October 17, 2013
Fantastic!!! Loved it!!!
December 14, 2015
This was the first book of Rachael John's that I read. It was truly fantastic. It introduced me to her writing and now I never miss a book of hers.
August 17, 2014
Loved it :)
December 28, 2021
While this started well, it really tanked for me…here’s why:
1) Imogen is a pretty terrible heroine. As her friends find happiness (love, babies) she becomes jealous and bitter. As someone else said, it makes me think she was likely a very smug woman while she was married while they were single. Jealousy is ugly on anyone.
2) Imogen was very much in love with her dead husband and just didn’t want to move on. At 86% she’s still talking to him and calling him “hon”. She repeatedly says he’s the one true love of her life. She said she moved for a fresh start and then decorated her entire apartment with his pictures. She talks to him every night - not exactly “moving on” behaviour and definitely not conducive to me believing she loves Gibson.
3) Imogen (notice the trend here??) went from independent and brave to a judgy, holier-than-thou prude. She’s horrified at the thought if using a vibrator lest anyone think she has no morals and is sex-obsessed. She treats Gibson like absolute shit after they have sex - frankly if the roles were reversed nobody would forgive the man. She was a bitch.
4) I absolutely do no like the way she thought about Gibson. When he mentions his infertility (which should have a trigger warning!!!) she says he’s a good man but maybe “not enough”. Like, wow…absolutely lovely way to talk about him. I hated this bomb being dropped at the 85% point and her reaction.
Honestly, I hated Imogen. I liked her for about 2 chapters and then her obsessive talking about her dead husband killed the ENTIRE romance for me…murder death kill.
Gibson was an absolutely wonderful hero - nothing about him I would change.
1) Imogen is a pretty terrible heroine. As her friends find happiness (love, babies) she becomes jealous and bitter. As someone else said, it makes me think she was likely a very smug woman while she was married while they were single. Jealousy is ugly on anyone.
2) Imogen was very much in love with her dead husband and just didn’t want to move on. At 86% she’s still talking to him and calling him “hon”. She repeatedly says he’s the one true love of her life. She said she moved for a fresh start and then decorated her entire apartment with his pictures. She talks to him every night - not exactly “moving on” behaviour and definitely not conducive to me believing she loves Gibson.
3) Imogen (notice the trend here??) went from independent and brave to a judgy, holier-than-thou prude. She’s horrified at the thought if using a vibrator lest anyone think she has no morals and is sex-obsessed. She treats Gibson like absolute shit after they have sex - frankly if the roles were reversed nobody would forgive the man. She was a bitch.
4) I absolutely do no like the way she thought about Gibson. When he mentions his infertility (which should have a trigger warning!!!) she says he’s a good man but maybe “not enough”. Like, wow…absolutely lovely way to talk about him. I hated this bomb being dropped at the 85% point and her reaction.
Honestly, I hated Imogen. I liked her for about 2 chapters and then her obsessive talking about her dead husband killed the ENTIRE romance for me…murder death kill.
Gibson was an absolutely wonderful hero - nothing about him I would change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
Book club pick! I’ve joined a Sydney Romance Readers Book Club and this was the pick for January with an Australian theme. Gotta love book clubs for that, I wouldn’t have even come across this book if not for the book club.
I really liked the Aussie lingo and outback farm life vibe from the book. I felt like I was living in 40 degree WA the whole time. Very sensitively written when it came to the plot line as well. I think Johns handled it very well.
Was not a 4 star book for me because at times it felt like a mild drag. What can I say? I’ve been spoiled by the likes of Lucy Parker and Penny Reid when it comes to my Contemporary Romances.
I really liked the Aussie lingo and outback farm life vibe from the book. I felt like I was living in 40 degree WA the whole time. Very sensitively written when it came to the plot line as well. I think Johns handled it very well.
Was not a 4 star book for me because at times it felt like a mild drag. What can I say? I’ve been spoiled by the likes of Lucy Parker and Penny Reid when it comes to my Contemporary Romances.
January 10, 2013
Imogen is looking for a fresh start. She lost her husband and a chance passing of The Majestic Hotel in rural town Gibson’s Find has given her an idea. She uses her husband’s life insurance money to purchase the pub, filled with ideas about how to restore it to its former glory. Her friends are a little wary of her moving away to somewhere so remote, where she doesn’t know anyone but Imogen knows this can work.
Gibson Black has lived in Gibson’s Find all his life and knows he’ll never leave. The town has a serious lack of women between the ages of 20 and 50 and that’s the way he likes it. Gibson was married once to a city girl and it ended in disaster. When Imogen blows in with her grand ideas for the pub, Gibson doesn’t like it at all. She upsets his calm life in many ways with her plans for the pub and also her looks. The redhead has immediately caught Gibson’s reluctant eye and he’s helpless to fight the growing attraction between them.
Imogen loves a challenge and the pub and enigmatic Gibson Black are certainly providing her with that. As much as he intrigues her and frustrates her with his hot/cold attitude, Imogen is a throwing her everything into The Majestic. She has ideas to bring women back to the town, bring the life back to this dying town and save it from becoming a ghost town. And now that Gibson’s thawed a little, she’s thoroughly enjoying herself and her new life.
But Imogen has guilt and Gibson still has a secret that might threaten the happy ending that these two deserve.
It kind of feels like I was waiting for this novel forever but let’s face it, it was probably only about six months because I think I read Jilted back in June. Of course it arrived after we left for our holiday and for three weeks I watched others read it and love it and the anticipation continued to build. Sometimes the anticipation is much greater than the pay off but I’m happy that wasn’t the case with this one. This book had me hooked from start to finish!
Imogen and I are the same age and she is already a widow, something I can’t even imagine facing. Since she lost her husband she’s been on a sort of autopilot until she sees The Majestic Hotel during a rural drive and is suddenly struck by an idea of her future. The pub is grand in style, a real old country pub but has seen better days and needs a good scrub, some new furniture and a bit of TLC. Imogen wastes no time hiring herself a new bar tender and cook to replace the married couple selling up and heading off to be grey nomads and begins to put her grand plans into action. It seems like the one thorn in her side is Gibson Black, who seems to be the only local not particularly friendly.
The chemistry between Imogen and Gibson sizzles from the time they first lock eyes. They dance around each other, clearly interested but suffering from their own baggage and issues – Imogen is still grieving her husband, believing that she’ll never marry again or have a family and she often feels extremely guilty over the fact that she’s attracted to another man. Gibson had a fairly disastrous marriage to a woman who walked out on him and went back to the city and he’s kept himself closed off to people, especially women, ever since. That hasn’t been a problem before, because there were no women in Gibson’s Find. But the arrival of Imogen has turned his cool world upside down and things are definitely heating up!
I did love the realism between Imogen and Gibson – I thought her guilt was very well done and probably very likely of someone in that position. When you marry someone it’s supposed to be for life and to have her husband taken from her when they’d barely started their married lives together would be horrible. She faces a dilemma of finding something that could possibly make her very happy but also having to let go of something else and feeling as though she has betrayed someone she loves, even though he’s not technically with her anymore. And likewise Gibson’s marriage breakdown was a bit of a blow to his ego and he’s still harbouring the sort of secret that makes him think that Imogen will definitely walk out of his life, just like his ex-wife did.
The supporting characters in this novel are a highlight as well – especially Charlie, Gibson’s grandfather and the 80-something year old bar worker at The Majestic Hotel. Charlie works hard in the early parts of the novel to push Gibson and Imogen together, which doesn’t really work as Gibson is mostly rude to her and doesn’t make the best impression so Charlie is forever apologising for him and trying to explain that normally, he’s a very good man! He was seriously adorable and his own life circumstances had quite a lesson for Imogen to learn in regards to her own future happiness.
Man Drought is a much stronger book than Jilted and even though I really did love Jilted, I see where Man Drought has benefited from being a second novel. There’s much more confidence in the story and the characters and as a reader, seeing each book improve and become better lends so well to anticipating the next one – which I already am!
Gibson Black has lived in Gibson’s Find all his life and knows he’ll never leave. The town has a serious lack of women between the ages of 20 and 50 and that’s the way he likes it. Gibson was married once to a city girl and it ended in disaster. When Imogen blows in with her grand ideas for the pub, Gibson doesn’t like it at all. She upsets his calm life in many ways with her plans for the pub and also her looks. The redhead has immediately caught Gibson’s reluctant eye and he’s helpless to fight the growing attraction between them.
Imogen loves a challenge and the pub and enigmatic Gibson Black are certainly providing her with that. As much as he intrigues her and frustrates her with his hot/cold attitude, Imogen is a throwing her everything into The Majestic. She has ideas to bring women back to the town, bring the life back to this dying town and save it from becoming a ghost town. And now that Gibson’s thawed a little, she’s thoroughly enjoying herself and her new life.
But Imogen has guilt and Gibson still has a secret that might threaten the happy ending that these two deserve.
It kind of feels like I was waiting for this novel forever but let’s face it, it was probably only about six months because I think I read Jilted back in June. Of course it arrived after we left for our holiday and for three weeks I watched others read it and love it and the anticipation continued to build. Sometimes the anticipation is much greater than the pay off but I’m happy that wasn’t the case with this one. This book had me hooked from start to finish!
Imogen and I are the same age and she is already a widow, something I can’t even imagine facing. Since she lost her husband she’s been on a sort of autopilot until she sees The Majestic Hotel during a rural drive and is suddenly struck by an idea of her future. The pub is grand in style, a real old country pub but has seen better days and needs a good scrub, some new furniture and a bit of TLC. Imogen wastes no time hiring herself a new bar tender and cook to replace the married couple selling up and heading off to be grey nomads and begins to put her grand plans into action. It seems like the one thorn in her side is Gibson Black, who seems to be the only local not particularly friendly.
The chemistry between Imogen and Gibson sizzles from the time they first lock eyes. They dance around each other, clearly interested but suffering from their own baggage and issues – Imogen is still grieving her husband, believing that she’ll never marry again or have a family and she often feels extremely guilty over the fact that she’s attracted to another man. Gibson had a fairly disastrous marriage to a woman who walked out on him and went back to the city and he’s kept himself closed off to people, especially women, ever since. That hasn’t been a problem before, because there were no women in Gibson’s Find. But the arrival of Imogen has turned his cool world upside down and things are definitely heating up!
I did love the realism between Imogen and Gibson – I thought her guilt was very well done and probably very likely of someone in that position. When you marry someone it’s supposed to be for life and to have her husband taken from her when they’d barely started their married lives together would be horrible. She faces a dilemma of finding something that could possibly make her very happy but also having to let go of something else and feeling as though she has betrayed someone she loves, even though he’s not technically with her anymore. And likewise Gibson’s marriage breakdown was a bit of a blow to his ego and he’s still harbouring the sort of secret that makes him think that Imogen will definitely walk out of his life, just like his ex-wife did.
The supporting characters in this novel are a highlight as well – especially Charlie, Gibson’s grandfather and the 80-something year old bar worker at The Majestic Hotel. Charlie works hard in the early parts of the novel to push Gibson and Imogen together, which doesn’t really work as Gibson is mostly rude to her and doesn’t make the best impression so Charlie is forever apologising for him and trying to explain that normally, he’s a very good man! He was seriously adorable and his own life circumstances had quite a lesson for Imogen to learn in regards to her own future happiness.
Man Drought is a much stronger book than Jilted and even though I really did love Jilted, I see where Man Drought has benefited from being a second novel. There’s much more confidence in the story and the characters and as a reader, seeing each book improve and become better lends so well to anticipating the next one – which I already am!
November 1, 2018
Loved this book a beautiful story with lovable characters
January 27, 2020
Easy to read, I just wish there had been slightly more nuance with Imogen coming to grips with her attraction to Gibson. It felt a bit whiplash-y for my tastes.
February 23, 2020
A lovely rural romance.
January 31, 2022
With the name Rachael Johns printed on the front cover I've learnt I can be guaranteed a fabulous read. 💖
October 17, 2024
Old favourite re-read
January 12, 2013
The second rural romance novel by Australian author Rachael Johns, Man Drought is a tender story about a widow and a divorcee afraid of opening their hearts to love, again.
Set in the small, rural town of Gibson’s Find, Imogen Bates relocates to the male dominated community to run the local pub and start afresh. It’s been two and a half years since the love of her life-her husband- died in an accident. She’s convinced he was the one and she has no intention of becoming involved with anyone else, she’s forfeited any chance of finding happiness with a man or having a family.
Until brooding, sexy farmer Gibson Black catches her eye. He hasn’t moved past the disastrous end of his marriage and has vowed he will never marry again. But when feisty, red-head Imogen strolls into town she consumes his every thought. Quite happy with the low female population in Gibson’s Find, Gibson is confronted by the reality of his attraction to Imogen. So he does whatever he can to avoid the temptation which entails rudeness, avoidance and death stares.
The only man not to trip over his feet to talk to her, Imogen is intrigued by the sulky Gibson and determined to find out what she’s done to offend him and be friends. In the meantime, Imogen befriends his grandfather and bar attendant Charlie who is showing the first signs of a condition far more serious than just old age, and it is he who forces Imogen and Gibson to find a common ground.
When I first picked up Man Drought, I thought it would be about a town lacking in men (hence the title) when in fact it was the opposite. Man Drought became the name for the speed dating program (a.k.a farmer wants a wife imitation) that Imogen and her two friends Jenna and Amy set up in Gibson’s Find for women back in the city of Perth who want to find a man. This was such a great addition to the story and something Imogen really threw herself into. I also enjoyed the sub-plots with Imogen’s friends. Amy who was pregnant and delivers her baby in the middle of the pub and Jenna a socialite who finally finds the man of her dreams, in the outback. Imogen’s conflicting feelings about her friend’s happiness also felt very realistic with her happiness for them sometimes overpowered by the loss of her husband and envy over her potential to ever have a family of her own.
Initially I thought Imogen a little flighty and Gibson a bit dismissive, but this is because they are very well defended due to their previous experiences of pain and loss. The slow-building romance between Imogen and Gibson creates an avenue of friendship- once they get over their initial differences- and realise they are really quite similar in many ways. When Imogen and Gibson finally succumb to their desires, the aftermath is also sensitively handled and wholly realistic. Imogen is overwhelmed with guilt and questions the solidity of her marriage when she so easily finds happiness in Gibson’s arms. Even when she finally managed to work through this and open herself to Gibson only to be faced with another loss when he reveals the truth behind his marriage break-down, Imogen doesn’t shy away from her feelings for Gibson.
Man Drought is a story full of stories of growth and hope for the future. From Imogen and Gibson growing individually and as a couple, Amy delves into motherhood much sooner than expected, Jenna experiences a mature relationship and Charlie faces his fears. But it’s not just the characters that come to life, it’s the town. Gibson’s Find grows and prospers with new residents and a newly renovated pub, it comes alive as a small-town community.
Man Drought is a sweet, contemporary romance set in rural Australia. It’s a story about accepting the past, embracing the future and taking a risk for a second chance at love.
Set in the small, rural town of Gibson’s Find, Imogen Bates relocates to the male dominated community to run the local pub and start afresh. It’s been two and a half years since the love of her life-her husband- died in an accident. She’s convinced he was the one and she has no intention of becoming involved with anyone else, she’s forfeited any chance of finding happiness with a man or having a family.
Until brooding, sexy farmer Gibson Black catches her eye. He hasn’t moved past the disastrous end of his marriage and has vowed he will never marry again. But when feisty, red-head Imogen strolls into town she consumes his every thought. Quite happy with the low female population in Gibson’s Find, Gibson is confronted by the reality of his attraction to Imogen. So he does whatever he can to avoid the temptation which entails rudeness, avoidance and death stares.
The only man not to trip over his feet to talk to her, Imogen is intrigued by the sulky Gibson and determined to find out what she’s done to offend him and be friends. In the meantime, Imogen befriends his grandfather and bar attendant Charlie who is showing the first signs of a condition far more serious than just old age, and it is he who forces Imogen and Gibson to find a common ground.
When I first picked up Man Drought, I thought it would be about a town lacking in men (hence the title) when in fact it was the opposite. Man Drought became the name for the speed dating program (a.k.a farmer wants a wife imitation) that Imogen and her two friends Jenna and Amy set up in Gibson’s Find for women back in the city of Perth who want to find a man. This was such a great addition to the story and something Imogen really threw herself into. I also enjoyed the sub-plots with Imogen’s friends. Amy who was pregnant and delivers her baby in the middle of the pub and Jenna a socialite who finally finds the man of her dreams, in the outback. Imogen’s conflicting feelings about her friend’s happiness also felt very realistic with her happiness for them sometimes overpowered by the loss of her husband and envy over her potential to ever have a family of her own.
Initially I thought Imogen a little flighty and Gibson a bit dismissive, but this is because they are very well defended due to their previous experiences of pain and loss. The slow-building romance between Imogen and Gibson creates an avenue of friendship- once they get over their initial differences- and realise they are really quite similar in many ways. When Imogen and Gibson finally succumb to their desires, the aftermath is also sensitively handled and wholly realistic. Imogen is overwhelmed with guilt and questions the solidity of her marriage when she so easily finds happiness in Gibson’s arms. Even when she finally managed to work through this and open herself to Gibson only to be faced with another loss when he reveals the truth behind his marriage break-down, Imogen doesn’t shy away from her feelings for Gibson.
Man Drought is a story full of stories of growth and hope for the future. From Imogen and Gibson growing individually and as a couple, Amy delves into motherhood much sooner than expected, Jenna experiences a mature relationship and Charlie faces his fears. But it’s not just the characters that come to life, it’s the town. Gibson’s Find grows and prospers with new residents and a newly renovated pub, it comes alive as a small-town community.
Man Drought is a sweet, contemporary romance set in rural Australia. It’s a story about accepting the past, embracing the future and taking a risk for a second chance at love.
February 7, 2013
Rachael’s name started popping up last year in the Australian book blogging community with lots of positive reviews about her novel, Jilted. Too busy reading other books, I simply added the book to my mental to-be-read list and picked up another book from my towering pile. When I saw the anticipation leading up to the release of Man Drought, I knew it was time to check out Rachael’s books myself. I’m glad I did; Man Drought made me smile, laugh and sigh (sometimes all at once).
Man Drought is set in the small rural town of Gibson’s Find (a fictional town about 300km from Perth); there are few women there so when 30-year-old Imogen Bates moves in and buys the pub, most of the men are pretty pleased to see her. It’s water off her back though; Imogen is still dealing with the painful loss of her husband, Jamie, a few years earlier and a relationship is not on her agenda. As far as she’s concerned, she married for life and no one could measure up to Jamie. The men simply don’t have a chance. All Imogen wants to do is pour her heart into restoring The Majestic Hotel to its former glory. She just didn’t count on meeting Gibson Black, a brooding farmer who makes it clear from the start that he’s not too pleased with her arrival.
Unlike most of his mates, Gibson likes living in a town with very few women. He once dreamed of having the kind of family his grandfather Charlie reminisces about, but badly burnt by his short-lived marriage to Serena, he’s sworn off women. In his eyes, most women can’t handle the bush and they may as well not try; just as he may as well not focus on dreams that have no hope of coming true. What he didn’t count on was the force of his attraction to the red-headed publican.
There’s a lot to love about this book. In pride of place is the smokin’ chemistry between Imogen and Gibson – these two could spark a bush fire with their heated looks (and loins!). What starts as a smouldering fire inevitably builds to a blazing passion … but will their baggage and guilt burn the flame too fast? Johns skilfully develops the tension and the characters to leave readers wondering this very question.
Likewise, there is a strong sense of place in this novel – building on her experiences, Johns has recreated the essence of a small Australian country town, with the requisite watering hole, oddball characters and most of all, the enduring strength of spirit. While the novel is light-hearted in many aspects, underlying the romance is the reminder that rural life is not easy … and it’s not for everyone. This is beautifully highlighted when a bunch of city girls come out to the town for a Man Drought weekend (essentially, to meet hunky farmers) and a planned outing is thwarted by a dangerous thunderstorm. Out in the Wheatbelt, a pout will get you nowhere, but a pair of Blundstones and a helpful attitude is as sexy as it gets.
The supporting cast is just as likeable – in particular Charlie. The ageing barman may forget what someone ordered a second ago, but he has not forgotten what true love feels like. And he doesn’t want a bar of Imogen and Gibson’s claims that love is no longer for them. The novel touches on the complexities of ageing in a rural community through Charlie’s increased forgetfulness and reluctance to leave the home he’s always known. This sub-plot (and the drama surrounding a premature birth) added depth to the story in an authentic way.
I expected light and fun … and fireworks. What I got was a book that surprised me with its emotional depth and realism … oh, and lots of fireworks. Man Drought is a well-written novel that left me warm and satisfied inside, but wanting more … Rachael, when is your next book due?
This copy was courtesy of Harlequin.
For more of my reviews, visit www.writenotereviews.com
Man Drought is set in the small rural town of Gibson’s Find (a fictional town about 300km from Perth); there are few women there so when 30-year-old Imogen Bates moves in and buys the pub, most of the men are pretty pleased to see her. It’s water off her back though; Imogen is still dealing with the painful loss of her husband, Jamie, a few years earlier and a relationship is not on her agenda. As far as she’s concerned, she married for life and no one could measure up to Jamie. The men simply don’t have a chance. All Imogen wants to do is pour her heart into restoring The Majestic Hotel to its former glory. She just didn’t count on meeting Gibson Black, a brooding farmer who makes it clear from the start that he’s not too pleased with her arrival.
Unlike most of his mates, Gibson likes living in a town with very few women. He once dreamed of having the kind of family his grandfather Charlie reminisces about, but badly burnt by his short-lived marriage to Serena, he’s sworn off women. In his eyes, most women can’t handle the bush and they may as well not try; just as he may as well not focus on dreams that have no hope of coming true. What he didn’t count on was the force of his attraction to the red-headed publican.
There’s a lot to love about this book. In pride of place is the smokin’ chemistry between Imogen and Gibson – these two could spark a bush fire with their heated looks (and loins!). What starts as a smouldering fire inevitably builds to a blazing passion … but will their baggage and guilt burn the flame too fast? Johns skilfully develops the tension and the characters to leave readers wondering this very question.
Likewise, there is a strong sense of place in this novel – building on her experiences, Johns has recreated the essence of a small Australian country town, with the requisite watering hole, oddball characters and most of all, the enduring strength of spirit. While the novel is light-hearted in many aspects, underlying the romance is the reminder that rural life is not easy … and it’s not for everyone. This is beautifully highlighted when a bunch of city girls come out to the town for a Man Drought weekend (essentially, to meet hunky farmers) and a planned outing is thwarted by a dangerous thunderstorm. Out in the Wheatbelt, a pout will get you nowhere, but a pair of Blundstones and a helpful attitude is as sexy as it gets.
The supporting cast is just as likeable – in particular Charlie. The ageing barman may forget what someone ordered a second ago, but he has not forgotten what true love feels like. And he doesn’t want a bar of Imogen and Gibson’s claims that love is no longer for them. The novel touches on the complexities of ageing in a rural community through Charlie’s increased forgetfulness and reluctance to leave the home he’s always known. This sub-plot (and the drama surrounding a premature birth) added depth to the story in an authentic way.
I expected light and fun … and fireworks. What I got was a book that surprised me with its emotional depth and realism … oh, and lots of fireworks. Man Drought is a well-written novel that left me warm and satisfied inside, but wanting more … Rachael, when is your next book due?
This copy was courtesy of Harlequin.
For more of my reviews, visit www.writenotereviews.com
February 4, 2016
West Australian author Rachael Johns clearly had fun writing her second book, Man Drought. I also had fun sharing the journey of the lively cast of characters that inhabit the tiny fictional town of Gibson’s Find, a few hundred kilometres from Perth, Western Australia. Man Drought is a perfect light hearted read that will definitely bring a smile to your dial. It is the story of Imogen Bates, a young woman who lost the love of her life, Jamie, a Fire fighter, tragically and unexpectedly. Believing that you have one only true love in your lifetime, Imogen feels she will never find a love like the one she shared with Jamie ever again. Wanting a fresh start for herself, Imogen makes the fearless shift from city to country. She buys the Majestic Hotel and country pub and sets about restoring it. The locals soon embrace Imogen, banding together to help her repair the Majestic. One person who is not keen on Imogen’s arrival to Gibson’s Find is local farmer Gibson Black. Gibson is a man tortured by the loss of his wife Serena, who left him after being unable to deal with small town country life and a heartbreaking secret Gibson holds close to his heart. Gibson does all he can to keep his distance from Imogen. However, he finds it impossible not to be drawn to the fiery redhead from the city. In rebuilding the pub and restoring new life into Gibson’s Find, Imogen and Gibson are thrust together in the town’s festivities. They both begin to consider a future with one another may indeed be possible.
Reading Man Drought was the most entertained I have felt for some time. It really was a breath of fresh air. I adore my Australian rural romance novels and I love the humour that was injected to this novel. It had a good dose of feel good, laugh out loud moments. The characters in the book bring a sense of endearing charm to Man Drought. Hero Gibson, is a typical brooding farmer, who you just can’t help but feel for. I got a feeling of Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice coming through him at times, which was a good thing! Heroine Imogen has a fantastic back story. I admired her determination and grit to move from the city to the country and revamp the Majestic. What I also liked about Imogen is that she made me consider the prospect of are we all destined to have just one great love in our lives? The second chance at love theme than runs through the book was presented very well by Johns. Secondary characters in Gibson’s grandfather Charlie, who works at the pub with Imogen round up the novel perfectly. He was such a sweet and unforgettable character, any reader would find it hard not to let him capture your heart. Imogen’s close girlfriends, employees of the Majestic and the town’s residents also add to the fun flavour of Man Drought. A review of the novel Man Drought could not be complete with the mention of the favourite part of the novel, the Man Drought weekend organised by Imogen. Imogen hopes hosting a weekend where single city girls visit the male dominated community of Gibson’s Find, love will blossom for these lonely hearts. It doesn’t exactly go to plan and the result is definitely a rollicking read! Finally, the setting in Man Drought deserves an honourable mention. Johns encapsulates the sense of small town community through the creation of her fictional town of Gibson’s Find. John’s own wealth of experience living in a town not to dissimilar to Gibson’s Find, comes across clearly to her readers. I always love to take something away about farming and living in the country from my rural reads and Man Drought certainly did this. So thank you Rachael Johns for entertaining me so for two days solid, I enjoyed being in the company of your Imogen, Gibson and the crew of Gibson’s Find.
Reading Man Drought was the most entertained I have felt for some time. It really was a breath of fresh air. I adore my Australian rural romance novels and I love the humour that was injected to this novel. It had a good dose of feel good, laugh out loud moments. The characters in the book bring a sense of endearing charm to Man Drought. Hero Gibson, is a typical brooding farmer, who you just can’t help but feel for. I got a feeling of Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice coming through him at times, which was a good thing! Heroine Imogen has a fantastic back story. I admired her determination and grit to move from the city to the country and revamp the Majestic. What I also liked about Imogen is that she made me consider the prospect of are we all destined to have just one great love in our lives? The second chance at love theme than runs through the book was presented very well by Johns. Secondary characters in Gibson’s grandfather Charlie, who works at the pub with Imogen round up the novel perfectly. He was such a sweet and unforgettable character, any reader would find it hard not to let him capture your heart. Imogen’s close girlfriends, employees of the Majestic and the town’s residents also add to the fun flavour of Man Drought. A review of the novel Man Drought could not be complete with the mention of the favourite part of the novel, the Man Drought weekend organised by Imogen. Imogen hopes hosting a weekend where single city girls visit the male dominated community of Gibson’s Find, love will blossom for these lonely hearts. It doesn’t exactly go to plan and the result is definitely a rollicking read! Finally, the setting in Man Drought deserves an honourable mention. Johns encapsulates the sense of small town community through the creation of her fictional town of Gibson’s Find. John’s own wealth of experience living in a town not to dissimilar to Gibson’s Find, comes across clearly to her readers. I always love to take something away about farming and living in the country from my rural reads and Man Drought certainly did this. So thank you Rachael Johns for entertaining me so for two days solid, I enjoyed being in the company of your Imogen, Gibson and the crew of Gibson’s Find.
January 3, 2017
It took me a little bit to get back into reading this after a slump and let me say, Gibson is one hell of a Man and Imogen you can't help but love her. Rachael johns does not dissapoint!
June 12, 2019
When Imogene takes on the restoration of a pub, she pours all the love and passion she holds for her deceased husband into rebuilding a new life for herself. She’s certain she’ll never know romantic love again but hopes to inject some happiness into the small country town. As she gains the trust and admiration of the inhabitants, it’s obvious at least one stubborn inhabitant believes she and her ideas are little more than a joke. While Imogen wonders why she cares what he thinks, there’s no doubting her desire to prove him wrong.
If there’s one thing Gibson Black hates, it’s a city girl prancing around town thinking she’s one of the country folk. He’s seen it all before. Once the glamour wears off, they can’t wait to hightail it back to the city, and they don’t care who they hurt in the process. It’s only a matter of time until Imogen proves him right. But with everyone else raving about her, especially his beloved grandfather, Charlie, Gibson hopes the novelty diminishes soon. Because this time when the city girl leaves, she might take more than one broken heart with her.
While they clash at every turn, Imogen and Gibson soon realise they have more in common than the adamant thought neither will fall in love again. Country life isn’t easy, but neither is losing someone you care about. And when someone they both care for is in danger, Imogen and Gibson must let go of more than their pasts if there’s any chance for future happiness together.
What a fabulous story. I loved the moment the title made sense. :) Imogen’s ‘country change’ from the city to a pub in the country was beautifully portrayed. I love how Ms Johns captured the openness of a country welcome and the willingness of country folk to step in and help one another out. Gibson’s grandfather was a standout character for me, and I love not only the way Ms Johns portrayed him but also how Imogen and Gibson were around him. The last few chapters of this story were amazing and ramped up the emotional stakes. I also love that the author didn’t make an obvious choice in how the book ended but embodied the main characters’ choices. I look forward to reading more of Ms Johns books. :)
If there’s one thing Gibson Black hates, it’s a city girl prancing around town thinking she’s one of the country folk. He’s seen it all before. Once the glamour wears off, they can’t wait to hightail it back to the city, and they don’t care who they hurt in the process. It’s only a matter of time until Imogen proves him right. But with everyone else raving about her, especially his beloved grandfather, Charlie, Gibson hopes the novelty diminishes soon. Because this time when the city girl leaves, she might take more than one broken heart with her.
While they clash at every turn, Imogen and Gibson soon realise they have more in common than the adamant thought neither will fall in love again. Country life isn’t easy, but neither is losing someone you care about. And when someone they both care for is in danger, Imogen and Gibson must let go of more than their pasts if there’s any chance for future happiness together.
What a fabulous story. I loved the moment the title made sense. :) Imogen’s ‘country change’ from the city to a pub in the country was beautifully portrayed. I love how Ms Johns captured the openness of a country welcome and the willingness of country folk to step in and help one another out. Gibson’s grandfather was a standout character for me, and I love not only the way Ms Johns portrayed him but also how Imogen and Gibson were around him. The last few chapters of this story were amazing and ramped up the emotional stakes. I also love that the author didn’t make an obvious choice in how the book ended but embodied the main characters’ choices. I look forward to reading more of Ms Johns books. :)
January 15, 2013
My first time reading this Australian author but it won't be my last, Man Drought was a really delightful read.
Rachael Johns has created characters to adore, not just human ones either, I fell in love with the old Majestic Hotel, the local watering hole in the town of Gibson Find, and mentally cheered as it was brought back to life. Imogen was easy to love, vulnerable in her grief but resolutely seeking happiness and a new sense of purpose as owner and publican of the pub.
Gibson Black was easy to lust after despite an unpleasant divorce giving him a craptacular attitude regarding women. But his mulishness masked a whole lot of hurt and it didn't take long to see a heart of gold. The chemistry between Imogen & Gibson was charged and after lustfully jumping each others bones, I loved that the author allowed their relationship to develop at a natural pace with the odd hiccup of guilt and uncertainty.
I also had a soft spot for Gibson's grandfather Charlie, he's as much a part of the story as Imogen and Gibson and he reminded me of my dear pop who was the butcher in a small rural town in NSW. Imogen's besties Amy and Jenna aren't forgotten either. Rachael Johns has nailed it with the perfect balance of character driven and plot driven writing.
Having worked in A&E with four-wheeler accident victims with brains the consistency of cottage cheese I got really annoyed reading this -
"Do we need helmets?" Imogen asked when she eyed the red four-wheeler he planned on taking out.
"Nope." He shook his head. "We're tough in the bush." (umm bullshit)
I know ... it's a minor detail, just something I have a personal thing with but seeing that kind of blithe stupidity in writing got up my nose. Ok rant over, back to more good stuff.
Johns captures the essence of a small rural town, the genuine community spirit, loyalty, friendships, the highs and lows of life on the land with humour and honesty and an ease born of experience. Man Drought spoke to my romantic soul, putting your heart on the line and taking a chance made my heart glad.
Rachael Johns has created characters to adore, not just human ones either, I fell in love with the old Majestic Hotel, the local watering hole in the town of Gibson Find, and mentally cheered as it was brought back to life. Imogen was easy to love, vulnerable in her grief but resolutely seeking happiness and a new sense of purpose as owner and publican of the pub.
Gibson Black was easy to lust after despite an unpleasant divorce giving him a craptacular attitude regarding women. But his mulishness masked a whole lot of hurt and it didn't take long to see a heart of gold. The chemistry between Imogen & Gibson was charged and after lustfully jumping each others bones, I loved that the author allowed their relationship to develop at a natural pace with the odd hiccup of guilt and uncertainty.
I also had a soft spot for Gibson's grandfather Charlie, he's as much a part of the story as Imogen and Gibson and he reminded me of my dear pop who was the butcher in a small rural town in NSW. Imogen's besties Amy and Jenna aren't forgotten either. Rachael Johns has nailed it with the perfect balance of character driven and plot driven writing.
Having worked in A&E with four-wheeler accident victims with brains the consistency of cottage cheese I got really annoyed reading this -
"Do we need helmets?" Imogen asked when she eyed the red four-wheeler he planned on taking out.
"Nope." He shook his head. "We're tough in the bush." (umm bullshit)
I know ... it's a minor detail, just something I have a personal thing with but seeing that kind of blithe stupidity in writing got up my nose. Ok rant over, back to more good stuff.
Johns captures the essence of a small rural town, the genuine community spirit, loyalty, friendships, the highs and lows of life on the land with humour and honesty and an ease born of experience. Man Drought spoke to my romantic soul, putting your heart on the line and taking a chance made my heart glad.
January 20, 2013
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY BOOK
After excitedly winning Man Drought in the giveaway comp I couldn't wait to dive into Gibson's Find and all that it offered and I wasn't disappointed.
From the dusty roads to the open fields this is a love story that captured my heart and left me wanting more.
I felt myself understanding so much of these characters, from Amy & Ryan's IVF attempts (personal experience) to Imogen's feelings on
holding baby Gibson and her tears at learning of her normally single friend's pregnancy - These are feelings that I could have written myself, and yet somehow, it was someone else :)
When I start reading a book I begin with hoping I'll fall in love with the characters. Very often do I find myself exactly understanding and knowing their feelings.
Right from the start you know that Imogen and Gibson should be together, you can tell there is so much intense chemistry and when the car, in the abandoned paddock happens you are like 'YES' because finally they'll be together... But stubbornly Imogen takes her time realising she loves him.
When learning of Gibson's secret and the real reason his ex-wife left I felt my heart break for him because I could feel his heartache at not knowing if a woman would believe in him, and that only him would ever be good enough. It's a realisation that I'm sure few would ever have to deal with, but one that I can sympathise with.
Thank you Rachael for a truly lovely book. I knew I'd love it, not only cos I love novels by Australian authors but because bush novels take me back to my childhood holidays in the bush at my Grandparents and a time when life was simple and easy.
About to start reading Jilted and then, because I love you're writing so much, I will break my e-book rule and use hubby's kindle to read Stand-In Star and One Perfect Night. Xxp
After excitedly winning Man Drought in the giveaway comp I couldn't wait to dive into Gibson's Find and all that it offered and I wasn't disappointed.
From the dusty roads to the open fields this is a love story that captured my heart and left me wanting more.
I felt myself understanding so much of these characters, from Amy & Ryan's IVF attempts (personal experience) to Imogen's feelings on
holding baby Gibson and her tears at learning of her normally single friend's pregnancy - These are feelings that I could have written myself, and yet somehow, it was someone else :)
When I start reading a book I begin with hoping I'll fall in love with the characters. Very often do I find myself exactly understanding and knowing their feelings.
Right from the start you know that Imogen and Gibson should be together, you can tell there is so much intense chemistry and when the car, in the abandoned paddock happens you are like 'YES' because finally they'll be together... But stubbornly Imogen takes her time realising she loves him.
When learning of Gibson's secret and the real reason his ex-wife left I felt my heart break for him because I could feel his heartache at not knowing if a woman would believe in him, and that only him would ever be good enough. It's a realisation that I'm sure few would ever have to deal with, but one that I can sympathise with.
Thank you Rachael for a truly lovely book. I knew I'd love it, not only cos I love novels by Australian authors but because bush novels take me back to my childhood holidays in the bush at my Grandparents and a time when life was simple and easy.
About to start reading Jilted and then, because I love you're writing so much, I will break my e-book rule and use hubby's kindle to read Stand-In Star and One Perfect Night. Xxp
Displaying 1 - 29 of 131 reviews