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Hana Johal is an English immigrant, who settled in New Zealand with her husband and two children. Cruelly widowed in her thirties, Hana has raised her teenagers alone. Now older and wiser, she has become bored with her predictable life working in an all boys' school in the Waikato region of the North Island. She begins the new school year with a desire for excitement, wishing quickly that she hadn't been so rash. While the attempted mugging seemed random at first, it becomes clear that Hana is being particularly targeted but she has no idea why or by whom. Falling in love with a new colleague had not been part of her plan either and brings complications of its own, especially when she discovers that they met once before back in London, on one of the worst days of Hana's life.

581 pages, ebook

First published May 26, 2013

326 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

K.T. Bowes

39 books66 followers
Married and bringing up four children during her twenties and thirties, K T Bowes reserved her storytelling for them.

She emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 with her family on a one way ticket. They arrived with just one suitcase each. The international bestselling Hana Du Rose Mysteries began shortly afterwards, hammered out on an old laptop used for Skyping family back home.

Since then, she has published more than twenty five books ranging from women's literature through teen series, to a fantasy trilogy.

The author has given interviews to That's Life Magazine and the BBC during her writing career. Each of her first in series novels are free to readers on all digital platforms.

K T Bowes has a passion for folk art and renovating wooden furniture. Her work as an archivist often appears within story lines. After two significant falls, she gave up horse riding but often has a guest horse or two in the paddock. She lives above the city of Hamilton, close to the Waikato River and the Hakarimata Ranges. Many of her novels are based in New Zealand, but some transport the reader back to England and the Midlands where she grew up.

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5 stars
134 (41%)
4 stars
109 (33%)
3 stars
45 (13%)
2 stars
21 (6%)
1 star
16 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Kari.
85 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2020
I’m shocked by the positive reviews. How many times can a kiss make your stomach “drop to your knees,” or can your expression “betray you, or can a jaw “be worked.” It’s so repetitive, completely unrealistic in every possible way, and the characters are ridiculous. I admit, by the second half, I was skimming, just wanting to know what the big secret was. And I still don’t know. I shouldn’t have spent precious time reading this.
Profile Image for Michelle TheOtter.
58 reviews
July 24, 2017
This book was okay but I was disappointed that things weren't sorted out at the end.

If you want a complete book, this is not the one for you.

As much as I'd like to find out what the Asian and blond men were after I don't think I can be bothered to read another 2 books to get to the bottom of it.

Profile Image for Roxie Holdsworth.
1 review1 follower
August 17, 2013
This book was a surprising read for me; funny, detailed and incredibly relational to an immigrant audience. I have just downloaded the next one and will continue to read on. The element of mystery outlined in this book is intriguing.
Profile Image for Diana Anderson.
198 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2020
I have read this twice

This is the kind of book that sticks with you. I remembered it for more than a year, and I was happy y to read it again. This is a tale of an unconventional romance and much more.
68 reviews
August 30, 2020
Great introduction to the Hana/Du Rose series

I wasn't sure what to expect from the series, it seemed more a romance novel than mystery, but I stayed with it because the writing was so engrossing, and I'm glad I did. As the story progresses, the character of Hana progressed from what at first appeared somewhat sophomoric to a better understanding of why she at first appears that way. The cast of supporting characters are well developed (even if, in some cases, nauseatingly so!) and round out the story nicely.
The main reason I could not give this novel 5 stars is that I will NEVER be a fan of cliffhangers, so be forewarned, gentle readers, just be forewarned. The other reason is, the "mystery" is not as well-developed as I enjoy. The fact that I could not understand many of the NZ references was not, to me, a deterrent. I enjoy getting lessons in a new environment. My fondest wish while serving in Vietnam was to visit New Zealand or Australia, but it was not to be. I was asked to stay and help, and I did.
However, do not let these peccadilloes deter you from an overall good read. I will, no doubt, follow the monetary breadcrumbs and purchase at least the next book, most likely more.
Profile Image for J.C. Brennan.
Author 8 books334 followers
October 28, 2016
Review of KT Bowes
About Hana: A New Zealand Mystery Romance (Book 1)
When a woman’s life is unfulfilling, uninteresting, lonely, and dull and mugging is the last thing she expects. But when it happens repeatedly, each time more intense than the last she is ready to lose her mind, pack up her belongs and get the hell out of town—wouldn’t you? Hana has lost her husband, her kids are grown, and she has to go through this torment by herself. However, it’s the romance that ensues with the handsome Logan Du Rose that keeps her from fleeing.
The author, K T Bowes, created a story about heartache, releasing the past, and starting a new. She proves that destiny has a hand in live and love can come into play at any age. This first book is the beginning of an impressive this series, a family narrative set in New Zealand.
The story drops the reader off, leaving them wanting to read the next book. I would suggest that readers buy the boxset so that they may continue Hanna’s journey without being left hanging say, “Don’t do this to me! I have to know what happens!” As far as KT Bowes writing it is compelling, interesting and funny in places. Her storytelling is captivating.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,873 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2024
While I appreciate this was a freebie, I was frustrated by the fact that no resolution was reached. Hana and Logan marry at the end of this book but there is no sense of completion. It just opened up more issues. The book finished with a birthday party/wedding reception but the next book starts from the moment they walk into the party. In other words, it is a continuation of the same book. There are so many threads left hanging, which apparently have significance in subsequent books, but their lack of significance to this one is so obvious. Given that there are 10 books in the series, I suspect that I would be driven crazy before I got too far in.

I also found most of the characters to be immature. They do not communicate well; their antics are often childish; a typist at the school is having an affair with an 18yo student and other staff wonder if they should say something; and staff don’t turn up to lessons because they can’t be bothered. I find it hard to believe that KT Bowes was a teacher because schools cannot function as this one does.

While the story has some merit, the problems outweigh them. I won’t be reading any further.
Profile Image for Ian Williams.
1 review
November 27, 2017
A well-written mystery romance set in the glorious New Zealand countryside involving a widowed school admin clerk and a newly appointed English teacher with a murky past.
The author has mixed comedy and suspense with credible characters to produce an engaging though sometimes confusing read. The annoying confusion comes about because sometimes we do not know if we are in the past or the present and often context does not help. However, this is only a minor detraction from a thoroughly enjoyable story. Unfortunately, the mystery of why Hana is being pursued by a psychopathic criminal and his sidekick is not revealed, presumably in order to encourage you to buy the next book in the series.
A recommended read for lovers of both romance and mystery, punctuated with some excellent comic scenes and repartee which adds light relief to make the suspense bearable.About Hana
378 reviews
August 8, 2018
I bought this book a while ago but I'm so glad I waited until now to read it because it hit me right where I'm at in my life now! Maybe you know how that can happen? Anyway, KT Bowes sure can spin a lively and entertaining tale just packed with feels and culture.
I read this story BEFORE reading the Prequel - Logan Du Rose - and I am glad I did it in that order. It was more fun trying to figure out the mystery man right along with Hana, not having read his back story yet.
And BE ADVISED, while the ending of the book comes at a good place, it is NOT the end of the story. This is a saga. You've been warned. :) Just go on to the next one. I know I will!
148 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Infuriatingly intriguing!

I truly enjoyed the conviction Logan held in finding his love. The tribulations that follow Logan & Hana are more realistic than what I've read in many stories. I can't wait to read more!
I live in the US & some of the punctuation & word usage was different for me, yet I could still understand the gist of everything.
I'd recommend this book for teens & older. Exceptionally excellent!
157 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2017
Oh Hana! So beautiful and such a handful. No confidence; always seeing the glass emptying - not even half full. Impetuous and madding. Why do I love you? The book is a romance mystery with a lot of troubled romance and occasional mysterious violence. What do dangerous people want from Hana?

I'm diving right into the next book.
5 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
No conclusion!

I dislike books that dont have a conclusion. The reader invests the time and energy to read and the author uses a cheap ruse to try to make the reader purchase the next in a series by not bringing the loose ends to a conclusion, but instead it annoys me.
7 reviews
November 18, 2020
Bought the first six books which were so interesting and beautiful with Hana's and Logan's romance, I bought the rest in one hit. It has been a long time since reading such an absorbing story of love and mystery, unmissable
Profile Image for Cemaliye Nouri.
193 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2022
I DFN’d this book. It started off well, but by the time I got to the middle, I was bored. I tried to get into it, but I couldn’t. I wouldn’t recommend this book. It’s a waste of time. The characters are boring and the story in itself is boring. I wouldn’t bother with this book. 👎🏼

Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 12:06 AM
2 reviews
January 10, 2018
Great read

Looking forward to the next book in this series. Characters fully developed and the mystery has me trying to figure it all out.
Profile Image for john r shell.
121 reviews
January 29, 2018
A clean read

Could have been 5 stars, but for the ending. A wonderful long book and still it left me wanting the answer that comes in the next book of this series
6 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2019
Just a great novel

Love the way you build up the mysteries in this story. Can not wait to read the next adventurous part.
2 reviews
May 22, 2021
Story didn't really go anywhere

Not really much of a story, quite hard work with no real outcomes. Wasn't tempted to buy the next book. Sorry
1,020 reviews
October 18, 2021
Lost and found love

Th I s was truly different with a or of surprises but some were a bit confusing I didn't like he fact we still don't know what the bad guys want from Hanna.
Profile Image for Maria (a).
870 reviews10 followers
dnf
May 8, 2024
DNF @ not-even-1%. This is adverb overload even for me.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Driggers.
369 reviews16 followers
October 23, 2017
Yep, I gave this one my rare 5 stars, and it earns every single one. This is a fantastic romance book, set in New Zealand. Great characters, and an awesome story. This is a book you'll definitely want to read. No sex scenes, no violence. Just great characters and an awesome story.
Profile Image for Heather Osborne.
Author 29 books128 followers
September 10, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite

About Hana by KT Bowes is a women’s fiction novel chronicling the trials and tribulations of Hana Johal. The first installment of a three book serial, continuing on to several other sequels, the reader is introduced to our heroine, a support assistant at a local New Zealand All Boys Christian school. Hana navigates life the best she can after the premature death of her husband, Vik. Just when she thinks she has a handle on it all, Logan Du Rose turns up at the school as the new English teacher. Nearly instantly, the pair are infatuated with each other, each afraid to really act on their feelings. On top of all this, Hana seems to be the target of mysterious men who are certain she has something they want. Will Hana and Logan finally succumb to their longings, or will every complication thrown in their way cause irreparable harm to their budding relationship?

Miss Bowes has a knack for drawing the reader back to old school women’s fiction. I would liken About Hana to the works of Fern Michaels, both in the technique and way she describes each seemingly mundane event in a person’s life. By saying this, I do not mean that About Hana is in any way boring. Bowes draws us in with a flawed character. I found myself hating her at some points, but also recognizing that I may have acted the same irrational ways in the same situations. An excellent beginning, I eagerly look forward to reading the next installment. About Hana by KT Bowes is not what I would call your easy beach read. It will force the reader to really use their comprehension skills. It was a breath of fresh air compared to some of the books out today.
Profile Image for Demelza Carlton.
Author 934 books3,879 followers
August 10, 2016
This book had me in stitches, on the edge of my seat and right there beside the characters for every moment. Luckily, Ms Bowes doesn't write graphic sex scenes or I'd be blushing something terrible. In fact, this book easily qualifies as sweet romance.

Anyone who's ever worked in a high school or college admissions office will instantly sympathise with Hana's job in the careers/guidance office at a New Zealand, all-boys high school. She's lost her husband in a tragic car accident and both her children are grown up, so poor Hana is alone when her life is threatened - not once, but repeatedly.

It's a story about grief and letting go; about new beginnings and how love isn't just for the very young, especially when destiny takes a hand; it's about how the best things can come out of the worst days of your life.

The funny part is that it's not just about Hana, either - it's about Logan Du Rose and Hana's son, Bodie. As the first book in this series, it's shaping up to be an epic family saga, which reminds me of Colleen McCullough's The Thorn Birds - though Hana's story is definitely set in New Zealand.

The biggest flaw in this book is that it's not Hana's complete story from start to finish - it's a distinct chapter in Hana's life that dropped me in the middle and left me dying to find out what happens in the next chapter...or, in this case, the next book. Five well-deserved stars for superb storytelling that kept me captivated.
Profile Image for Sahara Foley.
Author 20 books166 followers
December 13, 2015
This is a story I had a hard time getting into. Part of the problem was I didn’t have the time to read the book at my normal reading pace. So, it took me over a month to read it, making it seem like it took forever. Even with that consideration, this was still a slow, paced book. I felt there were a lot of unnecessary scenes. But once I was finished, while I was reflecting on my review, it dawned on me how much Hana, Logan, Pete, Bodie and the other characters had slowly crept into my mind. I had come to think of them as friends, and now I want to know more. What are Logan’s dark secrets? Who and why is Hana being pursued? What about the child that looks so much like Vik and Bodie?

KT Bowes has a knack for turning an ordinary event into something extraordinary. Like shopping for a bed. This is probably my favorite scene, other than when Hana went horseback riding. And this is where I felt the story had a tendency to be long and drawn out. But those special little scenes like this, and the closet, also underlined Hana’s character flaws. How she finally realized she had to drag herself out of the non-existent, safe little world she had been content living in after the death of her husband. But once I relaxed, and just let the story flow over me, I really enjoyed it. So, grab a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy the world that Ms. Bowes has created for your reading pleasure. I give this story 4 feathers.
Profile Image for K.T..
Author 39 books66 followers
Read
July 6, 2020
This novel began as a short story and evolved into something huge. I absolutely love Hana Johal and if she were a real person, I would definitely want to be friends with her. Perhaps that was what I did in essence - created the perfect friend - someone with a good heart, a sense of fairness and solid moral values. Many of her greatest attributes are probably a mimic of a good friend I had in England - and still have. Emigration is a lonely walk and despite being in your chosen country for many years, there is often still a feeling of isolation and not quite fitting in for periods of time. That much about Hana's life is true. The Waikato Presbyterian School for Boys is entirely made up, from memories and incidents both here in NZ and in England, out of my experience of working in education in many capacities. The kind of things that happen at my fictional school, happen every day somewhere else. I have tried to keep it realistic and also very cultural. New Zealand is entirely different from the UK in so many ways, not just the architecture but the way of doing things. The mystery is actually not that complicated, but will take a full school year to sort out and consequently leak its influence into Hana's life for some time to come.
Profile Image for Devinder Dhiman.
Author 4 books32 followers
February 22, 2015
In the background of well depicted activities of a Boys school in Newzealand, with various pranks by students and the usual interaction among faculty of the school, this story of Hana and Logan, two teachers of the school, keeps you entertained throughout. Hana, who had lost her husband in an accident, finds Logan attractive when he joins as English teacher. He also is attracted towards her, and the relationship starts building. Hana recalls her life as wife of an Indian sikh and compares it with Logan at every step she takes in new relationship, that tells you about her life. The story is made more interesting by a mysterious attacker, who wants something from Hana and has attacked her many times to get it from her, but she doesn’t know what he wants. Living under constant danger, love between Hana and Logan develops, though with a few up and downs caused due to misunderstanding on past life of both of them. The story is enjoyable and if you want something to distract you from daily hustle and bustle of your life and give you some peaceful time, then this is the book you can pick up and start reading. I liked the horse riding part in this book and how Hana and Logan cross the dangerous patch in the forest. Would like to read the next book of this series too.
Profile Image for Celia Kennedy.
Author 11 books116 followers
November 19, 2014
The book opens epically!

We find ourselves watching the sun rise through Logan Du Rose's eyes. Sitting atop his horse on a mountain, he drinks in the colors and scents of the rugged terrain of New Zealand. KT Bowes continues to draws us in using her masterful skill at painting visuals with words, each page a well crafted sensory experience.

We meet Hana, a guidance counselor who works at a boys school, a widow who has lost her husband tragically, and mother to grown children. Innocuous incidents occurs, but it quickly becomes clear that her life is at risk. Fortunately for her, her son Bodie, is there to provide support and comfort.

While the mystery develops, Logan Du Rose, arrives in town, having taken a teaching position at the school where Hana works. An attractive man, his livens up what has become a hum-drum existence for most of the schools employees.

There is more than one mystery in this book - who is after Hana, and who is Logan Du Rose, because in neither case, is all what it seems. The first in a series, this book reads quickly and begs the reader to continue on to book two.

Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
March 1, 2015
I downloaded About Hana as a free book from Amazon. This was a slow read for me, not because it was a bad book-- quite the opposite-- but it was so rich with detail, it was a slower read I order to absorb the writing.

About Hana was a book I selected through one of my book clubs. Normally, I read fast-paced, dialog-driven novels with (hopefully) complex plots and a bit of mystery. This book had a totally different pace with a slower build. The mystery and romance were present, but the dialog is not what pulls the reader in, as much as the story of the characters.

I will say, the description /synopsis for the story was misleading (and may have changed since I purchased my ebook), as I found this to be a romance about a widow who needs to learn to trust herself and to believe in her own worthiness to be loved. I also found the story to largely focus on her dysfunctional coworkers-- a point not mentioned in the blurb, yet the antics of her fellow teachers had me laughing through most of the story. This is a wonderful novel about a woman rediscovering herself, and opening herself to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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