Sunshine through the Rain

by Penelope Janu

For readers of Karly Lane, Fleur McDonald, Maya Linnell and Rachael Johns - a heartfelt and fresh rural romance about trust, hope and finding your place in life from an award winning and much loved author.
Country vet Primrose Cartwright knows more about heartache than most but in the close-knit community of Ballimore, she's found a place to call home. Prim has her work and the love of her sisters, and she doesn't need anything else - certainly not Blake Sinclair. The new vet in town, Scotsman Blake has a love-them-and-leave-them reputation. He is curiously protective of Prim, but his privileged upbringing and jet-set life are nothing like her own. Prim has tried - and failed - at the dating game. Even if there's a burning attraction between them, the last man she could ever trust is Blake. Blake finds Prim fiercely independent, vulnerable, and unlike any other woman he has ever known. But Prim won't tell him her secrets unless he tells her his own, and Blake's pain is buried deep. Will Prim's determination to unravel the mystery that threatens her career bring Prim and Blake together or tear them apart? As the storm clouds gather, can Prim and Blake confront their painful pasts and create a future together? Will they find the sunshine through the rain?

Genres: Romance, Australia

416 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2023

About the author

Penelope Janu writes contemporary fiction about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do. Penelope’s novels, whether coastal or rural, celebrate Australian communities.

Penelope is a lawyer with an interest in social justice issues and the environment. She has six children, a big dog, a distracting husband and never enough time to write. Now that she lives on a small farm, she also has an impossibly large garden, a vegetable patch and a herd of cattle that never get taken to market.

Penelope hopes readers will fall as passionately in love with her heroines and heroes as she invariably does. She has travelled to many places in the world but has lived most of her life in Sydney, Australia. When not reading or writing Penelope can be found walking the coastline, or in the bush (though she's not much of a walking companion as she plots as she walks).

Penelope loves to hear from readers so please contact her via Goodreads, or on her website http://www.penelopejanu.com, or email her on penelopejanu@penelopejanu.com.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primrose Cartwright is a country vet in Ballimore a place where she’s created a home for herself and her collection of rescued animals. Which includes horses of various shapes and sizes, a donkey and a couple of goats.

Prim is the youngest of three girls, they’re very close and they had to be. Primrose’s mother had a stroke when she was seven, her eldest sister Phoebe raised her younger siblings Primrose and Patience and their father wasn’t a very nice man.

The new vet in town is Blake Sinclair, he works at the zoo and has the reputation of being a bit of a ladies man and the rumor is he has a new girlfriend every week. Blake parents are doctors, he was raised by nannies and when he was old enough he was sent off to a private boy’s school and he stayed with his Scottish grandfather at his farm during the holidays. His parents aren’t very happy with his choice of career, leaving the UK and want him to return.

Prim is unique, she loves her job and believes animals including live stock should be treated fairly, given appropriate pain relief for all procedures, stress kept to a minimum and not everyone agrees with her. Prim was involved in an incident with one of the big time livestock breeders in the area Douglas Farquhar, she came across something dodgy with his program, when it was investigated he was proven innocent and Primrose lost customers and legally she can’t discuss the case.

I received a digital copy of Sunshine through the Rain by Penelope Janu from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. Ms. Janu writes wonderful Australian rural fiction, with a little bit of mystery, suspense and characters who are strong and yet vulnerable and especially when it comes to romance. Despite the obvious chemistry between Prim and Blake, she's very hesitant about forming any sort of attachment to him or accepting his help and is Blake really a heart breaker?

All of the authors stories are meaningful, insightful and this time the narrative includes important information about topics such as stuttering and anxiety, child abandonment, physical and metal well being, bullying and engaging in risky behavior as teenagers and young adults.

Ethical farming, breeding of livestock and the use of hormones, keeping mammals, reptiles and birds in zoos and prioritize animal welfare. Five stars from me, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Janu's previous novel Shelter from the Storm and I highly recommend both books.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primrose Cartwright loved animals, loved to care for and nurture them and her job as a country vet was perfect for her. She'd rescued Eeyore the donkey, horses Bonnie and Juniper, and Merrylegs, a pony who'd been treated dreadfully. She also had two goats and was fortunate to be living in a rental which had land attached for her animals. Prim's two sisters - Phoebe and Patience - were the only people she trusted after the traumatic upbringing she and her sisters had had, and when she was anxious, tired or stressed, her stuttering, which had been part of her life since childhood, took over - she lost her words.

Blake was a large animal vet, newly arrived in Ballimore and his first meeting with Prim wasn't a good one. Working on Tom and Billy's farm, Prim was cauterising horn nubs on calves - a job which needed concentration and precision. Blake was working at the Dubbo zoo and when Prim was asked to work there on a casual basis, she agreed as she needed the money. But could Prim and Blake work together? She couldn't trust him - not when he was friends with Douglas Farquhar - and she fought the attraction she felt towards Blake. But the mystery - or was it a scandal - which Prim had unexpectedly become involved in threatened her livelihood...

What a breath of fresh air Sunshine through the Rain was! An inspiring, poignant and heartwarming story, Prim was a damaged soul with courage and tenacity, and her fight was real. There were many in the town who cared for Prim; had her back. But there were also those who didn't. I loved Sunshine through the Rain and Aussie author Penelope Janu is fast becoming a favourite. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Janu is a must read author, her stories are always heartwarming and filled with issues that are important to life and this one is just so good, I have met Primrose Cartwright in a couple of her other books and this time it is Prim’s time to find love and happiness but will she find the man who will be the one?

Prim is a country vet living and working around the town of Ballimore she has her animals, horses and goats who mean so much to her and her sisters will always be there for her, growing up was very hard but through everything she came through with flying colours she is not looking for a relationship but when Scottish vet Blake Sinclair arrives in town things just might change.

Blake is a love them and leave them guy a specialist veterinarian anesthetist who is going to be working at the Dubbo zoo, when he meets Prim Cartwright he is instantly attracted to her, but she is pulling away from him struggling to communicate with him, but why, will he be able to ever get her to trust him?

When Prim questions one of her employers about his bull things start to get a but stressful which is not good for Prim but she stays strong and when asked to do some work at the Dubbo zoo needing the money she takes it even though she knows it will bring her closer to Blake.

This is a beautiful story, it is beautifully told filled with emotion as we get to know Prim really well and her empathy and kindness not only to the animals she cares for but the people around her as well and Blake what a hero strong caring and his love for Prim shines through the rain that continues to fall, Prim is a very popular person and so she should be and Blake is the best person for her. It was fabulous catching up with friends from other stories.

I loved this one from start to finish, so many tears fell, happy and sad, this is one that I do highly recommend, and it is a beautiful heartwarming and moving story.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Sunshine Through The Rain by Penelope Janu. (2023).

**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 November 2023**

Country vet Primrose knows about heartache but she's found a place to call home in Ballimore. She has work and sisters, she doesn't need more. The new vet in town, Blake, is a bit of a 'player'. He is curiously protective of Prim but his privileged upbringing and jet-set life is nothing like hers. Even if there's a burning attraction between them, Prim can't trust any man. Blake finds Prim fiercely independent, vulnerable and unique. But she won't tell him her secrets until he shares his. Will Prim's determination to unravel a mystery affecting her career bring them together or tear them apart? Can they create a future together?

I always enjoy picking up a rural romance in between darker themed books and this one was a charming story. I have read the novel about Prim's sister Phoebe ('Clouds On The Horizon') but somehow missed their other sister Patience's book ('Shelter From The Storm') so I'll have to make time to read that one as I have quite enjoyed several books now by this author. The storyline features a potential budding romance between Prim and newcomer vet Blake. However Prim has some drama in her life after going after a local cattle baron, who happens to also be her landlord, for some questionable animal practises; I appreciate how this author includes contemporary environmental issues in her novels. Both Prim and Blake also have trauma from their childhoods which results in some stumbling blocks in their potential relationship. With both lead characters being extremely likeable, readers will be crossing their fingers all of the dramas will work out...
Overall: fans of Australian rural romance with contemporary drama will enjoy this lovely novel.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
We are shaped by our environment, family and life experiences and often an exterior facade does not give away the trove of emotion, trauma and fears we carry.
Finding trust and love in life is rewarding and for some it is a long and hard journey.
Prim Cartwright is a local vet whose love for animals and her sisters stems back to her infant days.
Growing up in a less than ideal family home she sought comfort from saving injured animals and was shielded by adoring older sisters.
A speech blip did not or will not stop her from doing what she sets out to do.
Meeting Blake, who also works as a vet, creates a new destiny as they slowly understand each other.
Both have secrets and both need the affection and trust a relationship can bring.
The rural aspect really does make this the real deal.
The cattle work undertaken and the ailments felt like an everyday experience for this farmer.
Writing a character with a stammer must have been a huge challenge and breaks the mould of leading ladies.
This diversity coupled with intricate backstories had me hooked and a dash of wrong doing always adds to the excitement.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope always guarantees an engaging read with her books - I absolutely loved Shelter From the Storm, so I couldn’t wait to read this third book on the Cartwright sisters, Prim. This tale kept me engaged from beginning to end.

‘Phoebe on one side, Patience on the other. Just the three of us. They know me. I know them. I trust them.’

With much on offer, this really is more than your standard rural romance. Of course, there is a lovely relationship with a wonderful leading man but it is clearly evident the research that Penelope has gone into for this book. There is an engaging mystery with an environmental issue which I always fully appreciate about Peneolope’s books. The details concerning ethical farming and the use of hormones with a UN agent even getting involved was topical.

As always the Australian Outback is on display with life in a small rural town and the community that comes together in times of need. A special aspect that Penelope often includes is for all the animal lovers out there - on this occasion Prim being a vet, there is a range of animals and one cannot help but be moved by her advocacy for animal rights and welfare. Add onto that details on veterinary procedures and the life of animals kept in a zoo and there is much to appreciate and take on board.

‘I remember everything. The needing and wanting and craving. The finding and keeping and sharing. The sunshine through the rain.’

Yet for me I was captured by the themes concerning childhood trauma and facing/overcoming fears, especially with issues surrounding Prim’s stutter and the impact - past and present - of that. This was a wonderful novel about healing and being brave enough to go after your dreams. With tensions brewing, family dramas, animal welfare, Sunshine through the Rain is a highly engaging read.







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since childhood, Primrose Cartwright had proficiency in taking care of sick and injured animals. She's always related more to these creatures rather than humans, thanks to a traumatic childhood and upbringing. For Prim, animals never judge nor talk back. Veterinary science was always going to be her calling, and currently, she serves as a production farming vet not only in Ballimore but in the wider community as well.

Although Prim suffers with anxiety, trust issues, and a noticeable stutter, she has an overwhelmingly compassionate nature. Most people, including her two elder sisters, view this as a positive trait and are quick to defend if needed. However, others seemingly take advantage of Prim, most recently, her landlord and ex employer Douglas Farquar. As a result of the stress from the ongoing legal battle, Prim's mental health isn't in the greatest shape nor finances either.

The last thing Prim needs is another complication to make everything more stressful and confusing. Fellow vet Blake Sinclair is Scottish, ruggedly handsome, and full of charm. Seconded to Western Plains Zoo, he's sticking around until the end of the year. According to those who know him well, Blake is one of the good ones. But there's no way that he can possibly be trusted, not with a ladies' man reputation preceding him or the fact that he's affiliated with Farquar. So, why does she feel that gravitating pull towards the Scot from the moment they meet and why, oh why, did she have to accidentally fall in love with him?

Prim and Blake's relationship starts off rough, given that they both hold secrets close to their chests and find it impossible to trust one another, but they get there in the end. There's just something wonderfully poignant how all three Cartwright sisters have found the love of their lives after such adversity.

The passion that Prim and Blake have for their vocation shines throughout. Those moments where they tend to the various creatures were amongst my favourite parts, even if one or two interactions made me reach for the tissues.

Farmer Billy, publican Jock and his twin girls were perfect supporting cast members. I find it endearing that Billy is a massive Farmer Wants a Wife fan boy! Oh, and Jock, why do you have to be such a soft dad to those cutie pie daughters of yours? It's just a shame that you are a fictional character! 😉

Oh boy, what a treat to see some familiar faces pop up! It's a bit of a who's who of previous stories. It's a given that Phobe and Patience would be involved, alongside their partners Sinn and Hugo. I just wasn't expecting the rest, people I haven't thought about for such a long time.

Penelope's books are always written with pure heart and soul. Sunshine through the Rain is another classic to add to her ever growing repertoire, one that encapsulates bravery, hope, positivity, and the benefits of animal therapy to anyone that reads this.

4.75 🌟

[🌸 Shana 🌸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t mind the story line, however I found the writing terrible.

[Kylie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the same characters as "Up on horseshoe hill".

[Talking Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunshine Through the Rain by Author Penelope Janu is another great read with stand-out characters.

Prim Cartwright from the start grabs your focus. Her vulnerability and strength are compelling and heartfelt. Blake’s character is intriguing as each of his emotive layers are revealed.

Prim is the glue in the story - her connections with secondary characters draw your focus to the happenings in the story. Each of the animals depicted brought some chuckles and pulled on the heartstrings and were completely endearing.

Sunshine Through the Rain is a great story from Penelope Janu with a couple of surprises sure to entertain.

Likeable story, interesting characters overall made for a great read.
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set near Dubbo in western NSW, Sunshine Through The Rain is very much a character-driven story. The romantic interests are both vets, but that’s where the similariities end. Dr Primrose Cartwright, Prim was born with a stutter, which worsened to the point where she was mute for long periods of time thanks to an abusive childhood at home and bullying from her peers in high school. To make matters worse, she’s suffering the finncial effects of a run-in with wealthy local landholder Douglas Farquhar. Dr Blake Sinclair is an internationally respected large animal specialist anaesthetist, who has been contracted to work for several months at the western plains zoo where Prim also works part-time. The relationship between Blake and Prim is prickly to say the least. She can hardly say a word in his presence and her reluctance to become involved with him frustrates him. They’re one of the most unusual romantic pairings I’ve seen. While they’re dancing around each other, a secondary plot involvng possible cattle doping and international crime keeps the story bubbling along. This book is one for the keeper shelf.

[Sarah (sarahknowsthestory) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third Cartwright sister book was an engrossing and fun read for me - I couldn't put it down! I was happy to find that the romance of youngest sister Prim and lovely animal anesthetist Blake was so enjoyable to watch unfold.

Set in her fictionalised small towns in the region around Dubbo that Janu writes so well, we watch the two main characters meet, clash, be drawn together and lean away again and again throughout. I liked the care and attention paid to Prim's stammer, and once again so solidly impressed by this author's writing. She says so much with so few words, I just love it. Prim's big big heart for animals and her life's work to ease their suffering was really touching. Blake was introduced as a person she had reason to dislike, however his calm determination to change her mind about that and see the real him was impressive.

Like Janu's other books, the main theme is about animals and there is a suspense subplot that once again involves the mysterious UN agent from previous stories. The actual thrills and danger in this one is not as intense as some installments, but the final climactic scenes did still get the heart racing! The steamy scenes are well done too.

Recommended if you like spicy Aussie rural romance. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Vikki Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Penelope Janu’s heartwarming stories about rural life mixed with a caring real life message.
We meet Primrose Cartwright, her love of animals keeps her busy and happy. Surrounded by her special friends and her strong bond with her two sisters, helped with her healing, her childhood was traumatic.
I felt the pain and emotion of Primrose’s anxiety, her speech impediment was crippling. Penelope Janu’s storytelling style has the right balance of truth and empathy, truly inspiring.
The characters are strong in their own right, strive to protect animals in any way and fight their beliefs and attraction to each other. Primrose must find her voice at the right moment.

I would recommend this book to all Australian rural romance lovers, you’ll be left with a warm satisfied feeling!

Sincere thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the wonderful Penelope Janu for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! There's a slow burn romance, some mystery, horses, authentic rural life, a country zoo, and of course a villain hidden in plain sight.

Our hero Blake is so determined, first to find out Prim's secrets, then to discover all of her. She's not having it. This is a rare combination of fun and poignant, There's buried hurt for both of them, and we discover their secrets as they find each other.

Prim is feisty and tenacious and secretive. She is protecting her sisters, and ultimately herself, but is it necessary or will she miss out on a wonderful man and a wonderful opportunity? If you love a stubborn heroine, no one writes one better than Penelope Janu! Recommended :)

Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.

[GrowingInTheValley (Rhiannon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always astounded by the amount of factual information that is included in Penenopes' books. And 'Sunshine through the Rain' was no exception.

By reading this authentic Australian rural romance, I gained an insight into veterinary terminology and procedures, ethical farming practices, animal welfare and breeding programs.

It also touched on important subjects such as bullying, childhood abandonment and the use of alcohol and promiscuity as a coping mechanism for a disability.

At times, Prim's stubbornness was frustrating, and the chemistry with Blake was questionable, but this slow-burn romance, sprinkled with a touch of mystery, was a heartwarming and all-round delightful read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the chance to read this book.

In this story, we get to know the youngest Cartwright sister much better. Primrose Cartwright suffers from a stutter and, as a child dealing with trauma, stopped talking all together for a time. She has learnt to hide her pain and doesn't even share the true depths with her two sisters, who she is close to.
Blake Sinclair has learnt to rely only on himself after the way he was raised. He and Prim butt heads and clash at first, but there is undeniable chemistry.
This is a slow burn romance with some added drama.

Although it didn't grab me tightly and make me want to ignore all else to finish it, it was an enjoyable read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and these characters. I'm a little sad that we are out of Cartwrights because I would love to check back in on these guys. Blake and Prim's story doesn't feel resolved, there is still too much I want to know.

I love the amount of focus on the zoo at Dubbo, though I have only been once it's most definitely on my bucket list for a return visit.

Prim is such a beautiful soul, so much empathy and understanding; so much intuition - and so much buried pain and baggage.
Looking for a very brief description of Blake and the one above most definitely fits.

It was beautiful, there was also humour, tension and a large dose of concern; as well as topical issues and things to make you think.
A fabulo9us book that I wish I had read sooner.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve accidentally been saving Sunshine through the Rain for a rainy day,..Penelope Janu is an auto buy for me and I have no regrets; how silly that library books should be the priority...I knew I’d love Primrose and Blake and goodness I really do. I would have loved to have been a vet, but I am terrible with maths and science, faint at blood and aren’t even very logically minded…getting to vicariously care for animals through Prim was wonderful. Like everyone I’m also so concerned with production animals and seeing them cared for through the novel was so reaffirming ‘because they need her’
But wholeheartedly I was here for the romance, and goodness talk about sexual tension working…Absolutely loved this novel!!!!!!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line, interesting characters and a story that deals sensitively with the difficulties of being a stutterer and the long term effects of parents who are emotionally remote . The author obviously did her research into the work of veterinary surgeons. I listened to this as an audio and applaud the narrator for the sympathetic manner in which she portrayed the main character who had a stutter.

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Primrose Cartwright in a country town goes on more animal included adventures with lots of twists and turns in her own life as she settles into Ballimore.
For the rural romance readers this is one that really does show sunshine through the rain

[Renae Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story of overcoming childhood trauma to open yourself up to love in a gorgeous rural setting

[Michele Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not my kind of book. I found it some what boring with no substance to it. The characters were mostly boring and the story line was blah. Disappointed.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright, fun and emotional read. I believe strongly that Prim and Blake are made for each other. As they unravel each others mystery and connect on a deeper level.

[Mary Ladrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this listen. Very engaging. Loved it!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Lisa Mcmaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Blake and Prim. I also loved how the author included the stuttering of Prim.

[Annie Longmuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in first person a story of vet Primrose who stutters and prefers animals to humans after a traumatic childhood. She learns to trust again.

[Ann Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story, had a bit of everything, Animals, romance, mystery. What more can you need. Loved all her books and this one is up there with all the others.

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but I found the writing a little bit disjointed? I don’t know, it’s hard to explain but it just read a bit odd at times