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Mountain Ash
From bestselling author Margareta Osborn comes another scintillating rural romance with a devastating love triangle twist.
After years of struggling as a single mother, Jodie Ashton has given up on love and passion. What she craves now is security for herself and her beloved daughter Milly. And marriage to widower Alex McGregor, the owner of the prosperous Glenevelyn cattle station in East Gippsland, will certainly offer that. If only he wasn't so much old er and so controlling.
Needing space to decide her future, Jodie reluctantly agrees to a girls-only weekend at the Riverton rodeo …
Meanwhile, cowboy Nate McGregor vows off women, after his latest one-night stand costs him his job in the Northern Territory. Perhaps it's time to head back to his family home, Glenevelyn, to check out for himself the ‘gold-digger' his father seems determined to marry.
But first, on his way through Riverton, he plans to stop off at a rodeo.
Two lives are about to collide in one passionate moment - with devastating results...
After years of struggling as a single mother, Jodie Ashton has given up on love and passion. What she craves now is security for herself and her beloved daughter Milly. And marriage to widower Alex McGregor, the owner of the prosperous Glenevelyn cattle station in East Gippsland, will certainly offer that. If only he wasn't so much old er and so controlling.
Needing space to decide her future, Jodie reluctantly agrees to a girls-only weekend at the Riverton rodeo …
Meanwhile, cowboy Nate McGregor vows off women, after his latest one-night stand costs him his job in the Northern Territory. Perhaps it's time to head back to his family home, Glenevelyn, to check out for himself the ‘gold-digger' his father seems determined to marry.
But first, on his way through Riverton, he plans to stop off at a rodeo.
Two lives are about to collide in one passionate moment - with devastating results...
- GenresRomance
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 8, 2017
Being a single parent is a struggle, but for Jodie Ashton it seems a lot harder as she lives in a rural community. Doing all she can to keep the wolf from the door, Jodie works varied shifts at a nursing home as well as looking after her daughter Milly. Life just feels like one big battle to Jodie and she can't see the battle ending any time soon, especially after she has an accident whilst on her horse at a riding event. Jodie is raced off to hospital where they carry on numerous test to find out how serious her accident was. Lucky for Jodie she didn't break anything, but she will need to rest for a few days.
Jodie's friend Muriel looks after her and Milly whilst she was recuperating, then she helps Jodie and Milly move into their new home. The home they were moving into belonged to one of Jodie's friend's father whom had passed away. It called for a little attention, but Jodie knew in time she would have it looking good like it did many years ago.
Alex McGregor had stayed friends with Jodie after her father passed away. Although Alex was older than Jodie he still enjoyed her companionship and was quite keen on her. Alex owned Glenevelyn station as well as being a member of the local council. Alex was a hard controlling man, but Jodie could see security with him something she desperately needed for both her and Milly. But was that really a good enough reason to want to marry the man.
Aussie author Magareta Osborn has performed an excellent job in writing this book. Not only does she present us the reader a very entertaining read, but she also gives us a snippet if you like on issues like single mothers, domestic violence and rural communities. I felt like I was in a hidden maze reading this book turning the next page, but never really knowing where it might lead to. Highly recommended.
Jodie's friend Muriel looks after her and Milly whilst she was recuperating, then she helps Jodie and Milly move into their new home. The home they were moving into belonged to one of Jodie's friend's father whom had passed away. It called for a little attention, but Jodie knew in time she would have it looking good like it did many years ago.
Alex McGregor had stayed friends with Jodie after her father passed away. Although Alex was older than Jodie he still enjoyed her companionship and was quite keen on her. Alex owned Glenevelyn station as well as being a member of the local council. Alex was a hard controlling man, but Jodie could see security with him something she desperately needed for both her and Milly. But was that really a good enough reason to want to marry the man.
Aussie author Magareta Osborn has performed an excellent job in writing this book. Not only does she present us the reader a very entertaining read, but she also gives us a snippet if you like on issues like single mothers, domestic violence and rural communities. I felt like I was in a hidden maze reading this book turning the next page, but never really knowing where it might lead to. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2017
Mountain Ash is another great book by Margareta Osborn. Readers of Mountain Ash will find out how single mum Jodie Aston finds love with Nate McGregor. Mountain Ash highlights the problems that single mothers have especially in rural communities. Also, Mountain Ash also discusses domestic violence and how it affects children. Readers of Mountain Ash will follow a roll coaster ride that ends with a surprising ending. I loved the way Margareta Osborn portrays that having money does not mean that you have a comfortable life. The other character I like in the Mountain Ash is Wallace Price. I recommend this book.
February 6, 2022
Two and a half stars. Single mother Jodie Ashton is after security for herself and daughter Milly. She can have that by agreeing to marry her father’s long time friend Alex McGregor, owner of Glenevelyn cattle station. But is that the right move? Then on a girls only weekend she meets Nate and that complicates matters. This was rather predictable and I wasn’t overly enamoured of the main characters. Several times I considered giving up on this one. Didn’t though ended up skimming a bit. I quickly got over drunken antics and the liberal use of the f word throughout. It did get more interesting towards the end but it never really grabbed me and some aspects of my the ending were just too convenient. Still, I know others have really liked it so maybe try it yourself and see what you think. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
March 2, 2014
Jodie Ashton was riding her beloved horse Parnie in the camp drafting event; she was determined to do well this time, and was gradually besting the steer ahead of her. But suddenly Parnie put a foot wrong – Jodie flew over his head and into the depth of darkness, hearing her daughter Milly’s screams as she went. When she regained consciousness in the hospital, strapped down to restrict movement and in intense pain, the tear-streaked face of seven-year-old Milly swam into view. But after tests and more tests, the doctor was able to deliver the good news that she was not seriously injured – she could leave the hospital the following day, as long as she had someone to care for her and make sure she took things easy for a few days.
Jodie’s dear friend Muriel Bailey opened her house to them both, then continued with her help when Jodie needed to move everything into her and Milly’s new home. She was moving up to old Joe McCauley’s home above Montmorency Downs on Hope’s Road. Tammy and Travis were grateful to her, knowing she would bring life into the old place once again. Her father had recently passed away from cancer and Jodie and Milly had been living with him, caring for him this past little while – now he was gone, the house had been packed up and sold. Parnie was her dad’s horse and he gave him to Jodie; so with the horse and a few other belongings, Jodie and Milly moved into their new home.
Alex McGregor had been a close friend to her father, playing chess with him at least once a week. He had continued to be a friend to Jodie after her dad’s passing and seemed to care for her. He was an astute business man, owner of Glenevelyn station and member of the Narree council. He was also older than Jodie (her father’s age) and ran a tight ship – abrupt and controlling. But being a single mother was a struggle, and the security of a relationship and marriage to Alex was tempting…
When Jodie, her friend Stacey and a few other girlfriends decided to go to a rodeo for a girl’s weekend, little did Jodie know her life as she knew it was about to change forever. The enigmatic and handsome Nate drew her attention – the attraction was immediate, but Jodie fought it all the way. Leaving with Stacey early a couple of mornings later, she knew she would never see the cowboy who stirred her heart again….
Wow! I absolutely loved this novel! It started off with a bang and continued throughout the whole book. I will admit to it being a little predictable early in the piece, but the predictability disappeared to weave a tale of deception, lies, secrets, anguish and insecurity; a wonderful story which drew me in from the start, and left me sighing and smiling when it was over. I absolutely loved Milly; I laughed often at her comments and antics – she is a typical kid; “out of the mouths of babes” was so true with her. With characters from Hope’s Road making an appearance in Mountain Ash, it was like greeting old friends…Tamara (Tammy) and Travis along with young Billy and Old Joe’s house – I hope Aussie author Margareta Osborn continues in this vein. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Jodie’s dear friend Muriel Bailey opened her house to them both, then continued with her help when Jodie needed to move everything into her and Milly’s new home. She was moving up to old Joe McCauley’s home above Montmorency Downs on Hope’s Road. Tammy and Travis were grateful to her, knowing she would bring life into the old place once again. Her father had recently passed away from cancer and Jodie and Milly had been living with him, caring for him this past little while – now he was gone, the house had been packed up and sold. Parnie was her dad’s horse and he gave him to Jodie; so with the horse and a few other belongings, Jodie and Milly moved into their new home.
Alex McGregor had been a close friend to her father, playing chess with him at least once a week. He had continued to be a friend to Jodie after her dad’s passing and seemed to care for her. He was an astute business man, owner of Glenevelyn station and member of the Narree council. He was also older than Jodie (her father’s age) and ran a tight ship – abrupt and controlling. But being a single mother was a struggle, and the security of a relationship and marriage to Alex was tempting…
When Jodie, her friend Stacey and a few other girlfriends decided to go to a rodeo for a girl’s weekend, little did Jodie know her life as she knew it was about to change forever. The enigmatic and handsome Nate drew her attention – the attraction was immediate, but Jodie fought it all the way. Leaving with Stacey early a couple of mornings later, she knew she would never see the cowboy who stirred her heart again….
Wow! I absolutely loved this novel! It started off with a bang and continued throughout the whole book. I will admit to it being a little predictable early in the piece, but the predictability disappeared to weave a tale of deception, lies, secrets, anguish and insecurity; a wonderful story which drew me in from the start, and left me sighing and smiling when it was over. I absolutely loved Milly; I laughed often at her comments and antics – she is a typical kid; “out of the mouths of babes” was so true with her. With characters from Hope’s Road making an appearance in Mountain Ash, it was like greeting old friends…Tamara (Tammy) and Travis along with young Billy and Old Joe’s house – I hope Aussie author Margareta Osborn continues in this vein. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
March 16, 2014
Mountain Ash is Margareta's Osborn's third appealing contemporary rural romance novel set in the Victorian Highlands, loosely linked to Bella's Run and Hope's Road.
Single mother Jodie Ashton craves security for herself and her precious daughter, Milly, too much to dismiss the attentions of the much older, wealthy landowner Alex McGregor. Despite his old-fashioned views, Jodie believes Alex is a good man but when he proposes a romantic relationship she needs some time to think it through. A weekend away with girl friends at the Riverton Rodeo offers her the time and distance she needs to make a decision and it's there that she meets the friendly and handsome Nate with sky blue eyes, a stockman passing through town. Though she initially rebuffs his advances, passion flares and they spend a single night together before Jodie flees, chastising herself for having let her heart overrule her head. Determined to put the lapse behind her, she returns home but is no closer to making a decision about what she wants until her hand is forced by an unexpected discovery and Jodie believes that accepting Alex's marriage proposal is the only sensible option. And then, on the eve of their hastily arranged wedding, Alex opens the door to his estranged son, Nathaniel, a man with sky blue eyes...
Vivid and realistic characterisation is again the highlight of Osborn's writing. I always find myself intrigued by the mix of the protagonists flaws and strengths, no one is either all good or all bad and this is especially true in Mountain Ash.
To be honest I didn't always like Jodie much. I could understand why she would have been tempted by all that Alex offers, including stability, security and legitimacy, and could even sympathise somewhat, some of her actions in this story are not very honourable.
Osborn skillfully reveals the two sides of Alex, who is both a gentleman and a tyrant. While his affection for Jodie is genuine, it becomes obvious he would not consider her a partner in their relationship and his past shows him as an uncompromising man.
Nate has a love 'em and leave 'em history but we warm to him as he proves his loyalty to Wal and then later, when Jodie steals his heart. He is the most likeable character and perhaps the least to blame for all that follows.
There are some surprising twists and turns in the story, though mostly reserved for last third or so of the book when shattering family secrets are revealed, along with Jodie's deception. The final scenes are action packed and tense as tragedy strikes, not everyone gets a happy ending but Mountain Ash is essentially a romance so Jodie and Nate do find theirs.
Though perhaps not my favourite story from Margareta Osborn I did enjoy Mountain Ash. It is well written with complex characters and provides an interesting story of betrayal, family and love.
February 23, 2018
Ok, but predictable story. Far too much unnecessary swearing. Won't read more by this author for that reason.
September 29, 2017
Another new favourite rural romance author for me!!
This book ticked all the boxes. A great plot, awesome characters, funny, well-written, sweet and sexy. I loved it!! I'll be looking for more books by this author.
This book ticked all the boxes. A great plot, awesome characters, funny, well-written, sweet and sexy. I loved it!! I'll be looking for more books by this author.
November 5, 2017
Absolutely loved it! Once you've started you won't want to put it down, it's a page turner alright. Two worlds connected without realisation makes for an interesting journey.
July 10, 2019
Loved reading this book
November 14, 2022
I really enjoy reading rural fiction books. This was another great one.
March 29, 2014
I generally don’t read a lot of rural romances (nothing against the genre, it must just be the city girl in me). However, when I read the description for Margareta Osborn’s Mountain Ash, I was in. The lead character getting involved with both the father and the son? Now there’s an idea! From an author’s perspective, I also wanted to see how Osborn handled it without destroying our respect for the heroine and whether it would come across as contrived or not.
Jodie Ashton is our leading lady and I can state without any hesitation that she weathered the novel with my respect. She’s a character who is genuinely likable, a hard working country girl who is trying to raise her seven year old daughter on her own. She’s just lost her father and it’s his good friend, Alex, who is keen to help Jodie–never mind he’s fifty-eight (to Jodie’s early thirties).
It’s Alex pursuing Jodie at first, while Jodie debates internally whether she can love Alex or not. For a woman who fell in love with a cowboy at a young age and has paid the price, Alex’s stability and financial support represents a strong argument in favour of the relationship in Jodie’s mind. Unfortunately Alex is also old-fashioned and Jodie worries his outdated expectations of women will prove restrictive. He’s also strict with her daughter and the two don’t seem to warm to one another.
Needing some time to truly work out how she feels about her relationship with Alex, Jodie escapes on a girl’s weekend to a rodeo. It’s there she meets cowboy Nate. Hang on, you’ll just have to give me a moment (fans myself with my hand). Ahem. I never thought of myself as a cowboy sort of girl, but Osborn has converted me. While the reader is hard-pressed to resist Nate’s charm, nor does Jodie stand the chance.
Early in the book I felt myself becoming impatient because a lot of time was spent setting up Jodie’s relationship with Alex. It was important to the story, but because we already knew about the conflict to come, I found myself eagerly awaiting that point in time where Jodie and Nate would meet. There was also a degree of inevitability later in the book when things came to a head between Alex and Nate, and when Jodie is torn between stability and trusting a cowboy again. Despite this, I found myself eager to turn the pages on the sheer power of Nate and Jodie’s magnetic relationship.
The latter part of the book packed a punch. It was laced with family drama, a heady dose of unsuspecting plot twists and a dramatic conclusion to keep your heart pounding. Osborn has a gift for creating authentic characters and even the supporting characters have a depth that succeeds in bringing Jodie’s community alive to us.
By the time I came up for air, I was convinced of several things. Osborn is an author of prowess, pulling the father v son conflict off with ease and in a way that didn’t damage our respect for Jodie. And the other thing? I think I may have fallen in love with a cowboy for the first time in my life. Not sure how my husband will take that one…
*I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Jodie Ashton is our leading lady and I can state without any hesitation that she weathered the novel with my respect. She’s a character who is genuinely likable, a hard working country girl who is trying to raise her seven year old daughter on her own. She’s just lost her father and it’s his good friend, Alex, who is keen to help Jodie–never mind he’s fifty-eight (to Jodie’s early thirties).
It’s Alex pursuing Jodie at first, while Jodie debates internally whether she can love Alex or not. For a woman who fell in love with a cowboy at a young age and has paid the price, Alex’s stability and financial support represents a strong argument in favour of the relationship in Jodie’s mind. Unfortunately Alex is also old-fashioned and Jodie worries his outdated expectations of women will prove restrictive. He’s also strict with her daughter and the two don’t seem to warm to one another.
Needing some time to truly work out how she feels about her relationship with Alex, Jodie escapes on a girl’s weekend to a rodeo. It’s there she meets cowboy Nate. Hang on, you’ll just have to give me a moment (fans myself with my hand). Ahem. I never thought of myself as a cowboy sort of girl, but Osborn has converted me. While the reader is hard-pressed to resist Nate’s charm, nor does Jodie stand the chance.
Early in the book I felt myself becoming impatient because a lot of time was spent setting up Jodie’s relationship with Alex. It was important to the story, but because we already knew about the conflict to come, I found myself eagerly awaiting that point in time where Jodie and Nate would meet. There was also a degree of inevitability later in the book when things came to a head between Alex and Nate, and when Jodie is torn between stability and trusting a cowboy again. Despite this, I found myself eager to turn the pages on the sheer power of Nate and Jodie’s magnetic relationship.
The latter part of the book packed a punch. It was laced with family drama, a heady dose of unsuspecting plot twists and a dramatic conclusion to keep your heart pounding. Osborn has a gift for creating authentic characters and even the supporting characters have a depth that succeeds in bringing Jodie’s community alive to us.
By the time I came up for air, I was convinced of several things. Osborn is an author of prowess, pulling the father v son conflict off with ease and in a way that didn’t damage our respect for Jodie. And the other thing? I think I may have fallen in love with a cowboy for the first time in my life. Not sure how my husband will take that one…
*I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2014
Thank you to Random House Australia for the eARC of this book.
I think Mountain Ash is Margareta Osborn’s best book yet. Packed full of twists, turns, action and awkward situations, it’s a real page turner.
Mountain Ash is about Jodie Ashton, a single mother trying to make ends meet in a small country town. It’s not easy – juggling shifts at the nursing home, organising care for her daughter Milly and trying to stretch her finances. Older pillar of the community Alex is interested in Jodie and would love to take things further, but would it work between them? There’s not really a spark, but Alex offers stability – something that is incredibly desirable to Jodie for Milly’s sake. Sure, she and Alex may not agree on some things, but that’s okay…isn’t it? His lack of relationship with his own must have a very good reason…
Jodie decides on one final fling before tying herself to Alex – a rodeo and patch working weekend. The patch working is fun, but the rodeo is wild, throwing Jodie into the path of Nate. Nate is everything that Alex isn’t – will Jodie take a chance on a cowboy?
There are so many juicy parts to this novel – some that I didn’t see coming. Osborn takes every opportunity to get poor Jodie absolutely tied up in knots. Sometimes I couldn’t see any way out of situations for Jodie, but then a clever twist would suddenly open up a solution. There are also some amazing secrets revealed towards the end – they make such perfect sense you wonder that you didn’t work it out earlier! The plot is speedy and never dull.
The characters are wonderful too – I couldn’t help liking Jodie as she’s so realistic with her concerns for her daughter and conflict at doing what is right for them both. I thought she was a bit of a pushover at first, but her strength was later demonstrated. Alex was well done too – his kindness and slight creepiness were portrayed in equal measures – I didn’t know whether to feel sorry for him or not! Nate was a lovely cowboy with a heart of gold and his friend Wal was delightful with his old-school charm. Mue was a valuable friend to Jodie, full of wisdom and Jodie’s other friends helped to illustrate how much Jodie could be giving up in her life.
Another thing that Osborn does brilliantly is capture the spirit of the Australian bush – not only the physical, but the generosity that is characteristic of the people. (Mue is a fantastic example of this – she helps Jodie and Milly out well beyond what is expected). The sense of community is also a strong thread through this book, especially at the end when a major event brings all the characters together and demonstrates the strength to help those in need.
A powerhouse of emotion with an exceptionally strong plot, Mountain Ash is a lovely book celebrating the Aussie bush.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
I think Mountain Ash is Margareta Osborn’s best book yet. Packed full of twists, turns, action and awkward situations, it’s a real page turner.
Mountain Ash is about Jodie Ashton, a single mother trying to make ends meet in a small country town. It’s not easy – juggling shifts at the nursing home, organising care for her daughter Milly and trying to stretch her finances. Older pillar of the community Alex is interested in Jodie and would love to take things further, but would it work between them? There’s not really a spark, but Alex offers stability – something that is incredibly desirable to Jodie for Milly’s sake. Sure, she and Alex may not agree on some things, but that’s okay…isn’t it? His lack of relationship with his own must have a very good reason…
Jodie decides on one final fling before tying herself to Alex – a rodeo and patch working weekend. The patch working is fun, but the rodeo is wild, throwing Jodie into the path of Nate. Nate is everything that Alex isn’t – will Jodie take a chance on a cowboy?
There are so many juicy parts to this novel – some that I didn’t see coming. Osborn takes every opportunity to get poor Jodie absolutely tied up in knots. Sometimes I couldn’t see any way out of situations for Jodie, but then a clever twist would suddenly open up a solution. There are also some amazing secrets revealed towards the end – they make such perfect sense you wonder that you didn’t work it out earlier! The plot is speedy and never dull.
The characters are wonderful too – I couldn’t help liking Jodie as she’s so realistic with her concerns for her daughter and conflict at doing what is right for them both. I thought she was a bit of a pushover at first, but her strength was later demonstrated. Alex was well done too – his kindness and slight creepiness were portrayed in equal measures – I didn’t know whether to feel sorry for him or not! Nate was a lovely cowboy with a heart of gold and his friend Wal was delightful with his old-school charm. Mue was a valuable friend to Jodie, full of wisdom and Jodie’s other friends helped to illustrate how much Jodie could be giving up in her life.
Another thing that Osborn does brilliantly is capture the spirit of the Australian bush – not only the physical, but the generosity that is characteristic of the people. (Mue is a fantastic example of this – she helps Jodie and Milly out well beyond what is expected). The sense of community is also a strong thread through this book, especially at the end when a major event brings all the characters together and demonstrates the strength to help those in need.
A powerhouse of emotion with an exceptionally strong plot, Mountain Ash is a lovely book celebrating the Aussie bush.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
March 9, 2015
Mountain Ash is the third full length novel from rural romance writer Margareta Osborn. A full time farmer as well as author, Osborn’s stories reflect her love of the land and depict the resiliency of the people that inhabit rural Australia. The leading lady of Osborn’s Mountain Ash is Jodie Ashton, a tough, hardworking single mother to daughter Molly. Thinking of only a safe future for her daughter, Jodie finds herself seriously contemplating marriage to Alex McGregor, a friend of her late Father’s and owner of the successful cattle station Glenevelyn. Although Alex offers Jodie and her daughter security, Alex is possessive and there is a large age gap between them. In the hope that she can come to the right decision, Jodie clears her mind by agreeing to accompany her girlfriends on a weekend away to a rodeo. Jodie’s life becomes much more complicated than she ever would have expected when she meets handsome cowboy Nate. As Jodie and Nate’s worlds collide that fateful weekend, they discover that their lives are already interconnected.
Mountain Ash is the third book I have read and enjoyed by Margareta Osborn. Her focus on contemporary rural romance stories never fail to disappoint. This book features Osborn’s trademark descriptions of the land. The East Gippsland region depicted in Mountain Ash vividly comes to life for the reader though Osborn’s writing. I was impressed by Osborn’s depiction of the realities of single parenthood through the experiences of the main protagonist, Jodie. I could feel the internal struggle Jodie, the heroine of the story goes through, deciding on security rather than what the heart wants. Although flawed at times and making some questionable decisions, I still found Jodie inspiring. Alex and Nate were both authentic characters, Alex offering stability, while Nate was simply a charming cowboy, who was hard to resist. Osborn’s minor characters also supported to story well. The pacing of this book was a bit off to begin with, I found the latter part of the book the most enthralling. Great plot twists, surprising character decisions, family dramas, secrets exposed and a tragedy wind the book off nicely. A more than satisfying ending, with a mixture of happiness, sadness and love, Mountain Ash comes highly recommended.
Mountain Ash is the third book I have read and enjoyed by Margareta Osborn. Her focus on contemporary rural romance stories never fail to disappoint. This book features Osborn’s trademark descriptions of the land. The East Gippsland region depicted in Mountain Ash vividly comes to life for the reader though Osborn’s writing. I was impressed by Osborn’s depiction of the realities of single parenthood through the experiences of the main protagonist, Jodie. I could feel the internal struggle Jodie, the heroine of the story goes through, deciding on security rather than what the heart wants. Although flawed at times and making some questionable decisions, I still found Jodie inspiring. Alex and Nate were both authentic characters, Alex offering stability, while Nate was simply a charming cowboy, who was hard to resist. Osborn’s minor characters also supported to story well. The pacing of this book was a bit off to begin with, I found the latter part of the book the most enthralling. Great plot twists, surprising character decisions, family dramas, secrets exposed and a tragedy wind the book off nicely. A more than satisfying ending, with a mixture of happiness, sadness and love, Mountain Ash comes highly recommended.
March 28, 2014
4.5 stars
"There was a fleeting touch of possession in that look, which made Jodie’s insides momentarily quiver with uncertainty. But it was shuttered away as quickly as it had come, and an engaging smile was back on his face. A grin she had come to rely on for its ability to brighten her day.
‘Think about it, Jodie,’ he’d said. ‘I can make your and Milly’s life very comfortable.’"
Jodie Ashton is a single mother struggling to find security for her and her rather awesome daughter, Milly. She is wary of passion, having been abandoned by her cowboy lover, and craves stability and predictability. There is a safe offer in the table: older cocky Alex McGregor. Can she overlook the red flags of him not liking her daughter, and his outbursts of dominating behaviour? She takes off on a rodeo weekend with her friends, telling Alex she's going to a quilting workshop. There her eye is drawn again by gorgeous cowboy Nate, which sets off a whole other set of red flags, but Ash finds it hard to resist him.
A huge and coincidence brings all three of them together, and fireworks ensue (in more ways than one).
This is a novel for those who love flawed characters. Ash can be a bit annoyingly passive, and makes some decisions with very questionable ethics. But her fierce love for her daughter is a delight - this sort of passionate motherhood is a rare thing in books in this genre - and her less acceptable actions can, mostly, be explained by her abandonment trauma and her search for a way to forge a safe future for her family.
Alex is certainly very flawed - I rather despised him at times - but this book finds some redemption for him also. And Nate. What can I say about Nate? He makes a pretty dodgy decision also, one with profound consequences, but we end up liking him too.
The best things about this book for me were the examination of single motherhood and financial insecurity, and the ethical dilemmas this can bring to a woman's life. Minor characters Mue and Clem are great, too.
Recommended to people who like flawed characters. Not recommended to [content warning]
"There was a fleeting touch of possession in that look, which made Jodie’s insides momentarily quiver with uncertainty. But it was shuttered away as quickly as it had come, and an engaging smile was back on his face. A grin she had come to rely on for its ability to brighten her day.
‘Think about it, Jodie,’ he’d said. ‘I can make your and Milly’s life very comfortable.’"
Jodie Ashton is a single mother struggling to find security for her and her rather awesome daughter, Milly. She is wary of passion, having been abandoned by her cowboy lover, and craves stability and predictability. There is a safe offer in the table: older cocky Alex McGregor. Can she overlook the red flags of him not liking her daughter, and his outbursts of dominating behaviour? She takes off on a rodeo weekend with her friends, telling Alex she's going to a quilting workshop. There her eye is drawn again by gorgeous cowboy Nate, which sets off a whole other set of red flags, but Ash finds it hard to resist him.
A huge and coincidence brings all three of them together, and fireworks ensue (in more ways than one).
This is a novel for those who love flawed characters. Ash can be a bit annoyingly passive, and makes some decisions with very questionable ethics. But her fierce love for her daughter is a delight - this sort of passionate motherhood is a rare thing in books in this genre - and her less acceptable actions can, mostly, be explained by her abandonment trauma and her search for a way to forge a safe future for her family.
Alex is certainly very flawed - I rather despised him at times - but this book finds some redemption for him also. And Nate. What can I say about Nate? He makes a pretty dodgy decision also, one with profound consequences, but we end up liking him too.
The best things about this book for me were the examination of single motherhood and financial insecurity, and the ethical dilemmas this can bring to a woman's life. Minor characters Mue and Clem are great, too.
Recommended to people who like flawed characters. Not recommended to [content warning]
June 30, 2014
I saved Mountain Ash for my long plane ride home recently and I finished it off by the light of my phone on the bus ride from the airport to home at 11pm. It held my attention all day.
Margareta's new book finds us in East Gippsland, with the struggling single mum Jodie Ashton and her lovely little daughter Milly. She has worked hard and gone without to support her daughter and when she is offered the protection and security of marrying her late father's friend Alex McGregor she decides this is probably the best decision she can make for her future, and that of Milly.
But even sensible single mum's need to let there hair down and Jodie lets her best friend Stacey talk her into a girl's weekend at the rodeo, even if she does plan on spending at least one day at a quilting class. But little does she know the trouble that one weekend can do to her secure life she has worked so hard to build.
Nate McGregor is a hardworking cowboy who has been away from home for a long time, working in the Northern Territory. But when he latest boss causes problems and his estranged father demands his presence at home he decides maybe its time to hit the road. And what harm can stopping off at the rodeo do?
What happens next neither Nate or Jodie could of imagined but the consequences are long reaching.
This moving book has lots of twists and turns and parts of it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its full of moving characters and Margareta's vivid imagery of rural Australia Mountain Ash held me from beginning to end.
Margareta's new book finds us in East Gippsland, with the struggling single mum Jodie Ashton and her lovely little daughter Milly. She has worked hard and gone without to support her daughter and when she is offered the protection and security of marrying her late father's friend Alex McGregor she decides this is probably the best decision she can make for her future, and that of Milly.
But even sensible single mum's need to let there hair down and Jodie lets her best friend Stacey talk her into a girl's weekend at the rodeo, even if she does plan on spending at least one day at a quilting class. But little does she know the trouble that one weekend can do to her secure life she has worked so hard to build.
Nate McGregor is a hardworking cowboy who has been away from home for a long time, working in the Northern Territory. But when he latest boss causes problems and his estranged father demands his presence at home he decides maybe its time to hit the road. And what harm can stopping off at the rodeo do?
What happens next neither Nate or Jodie could of imagined but the consequences are long reaching.
This moving book has lots of twists and turns and parts of it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its full of moving characters and Margareta's vivid imagery of rural Australia Mountain Ash held me from beginning to end.
August 3, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Mountain Ash is the third rural romance novel by Margareta Osborn and is loosely connected to the previous two novels, Bella's Run and Hope's Road.
Jodie Ashton is a single mother trying to make the most of her situation. Her cowboy-husband had left her alone to raise their young daughter Milly. She is approached by an older landowner for a relationship but begs off, needing more time before she commits. She takes some time away with friends where she meets Nate, a stockman who is passing through. Although Jodie turns down his advances, she questions her decision and they spend one night together, forever changing both of their lives...
I gave this book 3.5 stars - I enjoyed it for the most part. After reading a few Australian rural romances, the characters and plot of this book were not a stand out. However, I enjoyed it enough to want to go and find her first two books and see how she is progressing as an author.
Paul
ARH
Mountain Ash is the third rural romance novel by Margareta Osborn and is loosely connected to the previous two novels, Bella's Run and Hope's Road.
Jodie Ashton is a single mother trying to make the most of her situation. Her cowboy-husband had left her alone to raise their young daughter Milly. She is approached by an older landowner for a relationship but begs off, needing more time before she commits. She takes some time away with friends where she meets Nate, a stockman who is passing through. Although Jodie turns down his advances, she questions her decision and they spend one night together, forever changing both of their lives...
I gave this book 3.5 stars - I enjoyed it for the most part. After reading a few Australian rural romances, the characters and plot of this book were not a stand out. However, I enjoyed it enough to want to go and find her first two books and see how she is progressing as an author.
Paul
ARH
June 30, 2015
Really enjoyed this book...who couldn't deny the drama, there was plenty of it....Jodie meeting a total stranger on a girls weekend away, sleeping and falling in love with him then becoming pregnant, only to find out much later that....oops that stranger just happens to be your boyfriends son!! Alex was just so arrogant and annoyed the hell out of me. I mean, if you had the option of choosing between Alex and Nate, what is there really to think about?!...It was nice to see some past character's from Margareta's past books make an appearance too, and Wal was a breath of fresh air. Throughout the bushfire scene's I just kept picturing the Black Saturday fires and how terrible they must have been.
March 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the descriptions of things like the Snowy Mountains and especially the fires. They made you feel as though you were there and experiencing the heat and difficulties in fighting the fire.
Jodie is a very real character. A single Mum who spends a weekend away with friends. She is to marry Alex which will give her and her daughter security which is extremely important to her. But then she meets Nathaniel. The path to true love is not smooth and they encounter many bumps.
Jodie is a very real character. A single Mum who spends a weekend away with friends. She is to marry Alex which will give her and her daughter security which is extremely important to her. But then she meets Nathaniel. The path to true love is not smooth and they encounter many bumps.
May 15, 2014
Honesty - with yourself and everyone around you is the life lesson. Although I enjoyed Jodie and Nate's characters, Wal really shone for me - I just loved his honesty and vulnerability. I think Alex's intentions were there, but for all the wrong reasons and he proved to be a bit of tyrant and unforgiving in his ways.
Ultimately a love story with a happy ending for some, this had plenty of twists and turns in the last few chapters which made a lot make sense. A great read :)
Ultimately a love story with a happy ending for some, this had plenty of twists and turns in the last few chapters which made a lot make sense. A great read :)
October 27, 2014
Mountain Ash by Margareta Osborn was a story that completely sweeps the reader away with its lively, spirited characters and immense drama. Lots of tension and so many emotions have the reader utterly immersed in the pages. Multiple stand out characters set the scene for many twists in the story that has the reader more than a little captivated. A monumentally brilliant read that did not disappoint.
*ARC Received from the Publisher for an honest review.
*ARC Received from the Publisher for an honest review.
March 6, 2014
Loved this book. Did NOT see some of the twists and turns coming. There is so much more in this book, it was action all the way with characters that were soooo easy to relate to! I've read all this author's books and this is the best one yet! Loved to read about the great Gippsland High Country and this book didn't disappoint.
April 1, 2014
I have had the pleasure of reading all Margareta Osborn books which I can honestly say were fantastic. Margareta is getting better and better with each new book and Mountain Ash would have to be her best yet. Keep up the fabulous story lines and I am looking forward with pleasure to further new releases from you. Must read for all Rural Romance readers. Sandra D
June 22, 2014
The stubborn independence and determination of a single mother is awe inspiring in this book. Thrown in a hunky cowboy and a beautiful country back drop and you know you'll fall in love. Thank you Margareta for another piece of literary magic.
September 10, 2015
Loved it!!! Couldn't put it down :)
June 6, 2014
A romantic entangled rural romance. An easy read not great literature but nice enough
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September 17, 2014Margareta Osborn writes wonderfully readable rural romance.
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October 2, 2014Another book by a local author. A bit smaltzy for me.
June 8, 2016
This is the first book of Margareta's I have read. Was very impressed. The characters were interesting. The plot was fantastic. Couldn't put it down!
November 6, 2016
Loved it - wow - what a story - excellent read - kept me interested the whole book - what a writer
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