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Outback Queensland Romance #4
A New Start
~ A Story of Love, Trust and Second Chance ~
In the small town of Matfield in outback Queensland, Elsie embarks on a fresh chapter of her life, leaving behind the shadows of a tough upbringing and a challenging neighbourhood. As she steps into her role as a teacher, the complex trails of her past give way to the promise of exciting new beginnings. When she meets Matt, a rugged fencing contractor, a connection forms and a tentative friendship unfolds.
Both carry responsibilities towards their families and soon find they share similar interests. Yet, when they venture on a date, the fragile thread holding them together unravels. Matt wonders if he has pushed away someone he cares for, or is there a chance to mend the friendship they once had. Will Elsie ever trust him again or is this the end of a promising connection that fate has intricately woven?
In a remote town where emotions can be as volatile as the weather, Elsie and Matt navigate the complexities of trust, love, and the echoes of their pasts. Will they find a way to bridge the gap or have they unwittingly let go of something that could have been extraordinary?
In the small town of Matfield in outback Queensland, Elsie embarks on a fresh chapter of her life, leaving behind the shadows of a tough upbringing and a challenging neighbourhood. As she steps into her role as a teacher, the complex trails of her past give way to the promise of exciting new beginnings. When she meets Matt, a rugged fencing contractor, a connection forms and a tentative friendship unfolds.
Both carry responsibilities towards their families and soon find they share similar interests. Yet, when they venture on a date, the fragile thread holding them together unravels. Matt wonders if he has pushed away someone he cares for, or is there a chance to mend the friendship they once had. Will Elsie ever trust him again or is this the end of a promising connection that fate has intricately woven?
In a remote town where emotions can be as volatile as the weather, Elsie and Matt navigate the complexities of trust, love, and the echoes of their pasts. Will they find a way to bridge the gap or have they unwittingly let go of something that could have been extraordinary?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
30 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Forrest
37 books70 followersAn Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 28, 2024
After being the parent to siblings Peter and Jane, sending them off to university was a proud moment for Elsie Jackson. When she boarded the train to head to her new job teaching at the small rural Queensland town of Matfield, she had no idea how much her life would change. A contract for twelve months with the Education Department while she finished her studies saw her extremely busy. But she loved her students, and having been warned about the vindictive, bullying nature of the school principle, Elsie was prepared. Her life had been a hard one to now - there was no way she'd let this person intimidate her.
Ethan was in Miss Jackson's English class, and he thought the world of her. His older brother Matt cared for Ethan, doing his best to provide everything he needed. Matt was a fencing contractor, working in the outback near Matfield. He was happy doing what he did, but sad his dreams of being a veterinarian had had to be put aside. When a fundraiser for the school brought Matt and Elsie together, their gradual friendship grew. What would be the outcome for Elsie once her twelve month contract was up?
A New Start is the 4th in the Outback Queensland Romance series by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and I enjoyed it very much. Both Elsie and Matt are excellent characters, while Ethan, Peter and Jane are a perfect support cast. Elsie is a strong, determined character, not willing to take any nonsense from anyone - after all, she and her siblings came out in front during their dreadful childhood. An excellent read, A New Start is one I recommend.
Ethan was in Miss Jackson's English class, and he thought the world of her. His older brother Matt cared for Ethan, doing his best to provide everything he needed. Matt was a fencing contractor, working in the outback near Matfield. He was happy doing what he did, but sad his dreams of being a veterinarian had had to be put aside. When a fundraiser for the school brought Matt and Elsie together, their gradual friendship grew. What would be the outcome for Elsie once her twelve month contract was up?
A New Start is the 4th in the Outback Queensland Romance series by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and I enjoyed it very much. Both Elsie and Matt are excellent characters, while Ethan, Peter and Jane are a perfect support cast. Elsie is a strong, determined character, not willing to take any nonsense from anyone - after all, she and her siblings came out in front during their dreadful childhood. An excellent read, A New Start is one I recommend.
April 1, 2024
Thank you Rhonda for gifting us a copy to read and review.
A New Start is heartfelt, honest, accessible and an emotionally interlaced tale.
I’ve been vocal about my love for Rhonda’s books and here is another rural fiction with romantic elements that should be added to your reading pile.
Matfield, in the far corners of the outback in Queensland, Elsie arrives to teach at the local school.
She takes on new challenges and is faced with a nasty bully of a principal.
Forming bonds with other teachers, Elsie will not let anything stand in her way including him.
When a charity auction puts her on a date with handsome fencer Matt, a friendship is born.
Both have a complex past, an attraction for each other and find they could just be better together than very far apart……
This one is book four in the Outback Queensland Romance Series but I felt it’s more of a direct sequel to Turn Left with a few returning characters.
Don’t fret it can be read as a standalone.
A novel penned by a very talented storyteller.
With Rhonda’s warm hug writing, endearing characters, relatable plot and harsh setting, you really can’t go wrong with this read.
As always, I have had the most outstanding reading experience with her book.
A New Start is heartfelt, honest, accessible and an emotionally interlaced tale.
I’ve been vocal about my love for Rhonda’s books and here is another rural fiction with romantic elements that should be added to your reading pile.
Matfield, in the far corners of the outback in Queensland, Elsie arrives to teach at the local school.
She takes on new challenges and is faced with a nasty bully of a principal.
Forming bonds with other teachers, Elsie will not let anything stand in her way including him.
When a charity auction puts her on a date with handsome fencer Matt, a friendship is born.
Both have a complex past, an attraction for each other and find they could just be better together than very far apart……
This one is book four in the Outback Queensland Romance Series but I felt it’s more of a direct sequel to Turn Left with a few returning characters.
Don’t fret it can be read as a standalone.
A novel penned by a very talented storyteller.
With Rhonda’s warm hug writing, endearing characters, relatable plot and harsh setting, you really can’t go wrong with this read.
As always, I have had the most outstanding reading experience with her book.
March 10, 2024
Adore this outback series.
A young city teacher with a tough background lands her first teaching position in a small outback town. The school Principal has scared off previous young recruits, but Elsie is sassy and determined. And she’s dealt with worse. She meets rugged fencing contractor Matt - his brother Ethan is in her English class. A satisfying read with engaging characters. The author paints such a vivid picture of the region that you’ll want to visit.
A young city teacher with a tough background lands her first teaching position in a small outback town. The school Principal has scared off previous young recruits, but Elsie is sassy and determined. And she’s dealt with worse. She meets rugged fencing contractor Matt - his brother Ethan is in her English class. A satisfying read with engaging characters. The author paints such a vivid picture of the region that you’ll want to visit.
February 28, 2024
a new start
A beautiful story, of how no matter how hard your childhood is. You can overcome all odds. Love will also come your way. Everyone has a happy ending
A beautiful story, of how no matter how hard your childhood is. You can overcome all odds. Love will also come your way. Everyone has a happy ending
March 29, 2024
A New Start by Rhonda Forrest
A New Start is book 4 in the Outback Queensland Romance Series.
When Rhonda writes a book about a teacher, I know I'm going to love it. When Elsie arrives in the outback town of Matfield, she is faced with a lot of new challenges in her first year of teaching. Elsie's kind, caring and approachable manner as a teacher is beautiful and it is lovely to see her friendships with some of the other staff blossom. Her life experience and tenacity makes her such a fantastic protagonist. Placed in a school with an unprofessional bully of a principal, Elsie is strong and holds her own. Rhonda knows how to write lovable characters and I soon found myself feeling that I would happily befriend Elsie too, if I worked with her.
When Elsie is thrown into a charity date fundraiser, she meets Matt, a man she had already seen on the train as she traveled to Matfield. Both Matt and Elsie's backstories are complex and the character development excellent. They are people who have had it tough in life, first finding friendship and a loving connection, better together than apart.
Rhonda writes memorable, page-turners. A New Start is a breathtakingly beautiful experience in the Australian outback. Just as the landscape, the story is picturesque, extraordinary and romantic. The writing is awe-inpsiring, in particular Rhonda's descriptions of the landscape, flora and fauna of the area. The characters appreciate the natural world around them and take readers on an exploration with them.
A New Start is a story written by a passionate teacher and brilliant author who shows the true joy that can be found in supporting students to follow their hearts and dreams. A book of laughter and love. A New Start is a heartfelt story that feels like a big warm hug on a cool autumn day. A story that readers will not be able to put down! Romance at its best!!
5 STARS
Congratulations @rhondaforrestauthor and thank you 😊
Each and every novel is a joy to read. I loved escaping to Matfield!
#bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger #romanceanz #aussieromance #romance #rhondaforrest #outbackaustralia #queensland #favouriteauthor #recommendedreading #melaniehunterbooks
A New Start is book 4 in the Outback Queensland Romance Series.
When Rhonda writes a book about a teacher, I know I'm going to love it. When Elsie arrives in the outback town of Matfield, she is faced with a lot of new challenges in her first year of teaching. Elsie's kind, caring and approachable manner as a teacher is beautiful and it is lovely to see her friendships with some of the other staff blossom. Her life experience and tenacity makes her such a fantastic protagonist. Placed in a school with an unprofessional bully of a principal, Elsie is strong and holds her own. Rhonda knows how to write lovable characters and I soon found myself feeling that I would happily befriend Elsie too, if I worked with her.
When Elsie is thrown into a charity date fundraiser, she meets Matt, a man she had already seen on the train as she traveled to Matfield. Both Matt and Elsie's backstories are complex and the character development excellent. They are people who have had it tough in life, first finding friendship and a loving connection, better together than apart.
Rhonda writes memorable, page-turners. A New Start is a breathtakingly beautiful experience in the Australian outback. Just as the landscape, the story is picturesque, extraordinary and romantic. The writing is awe-inpsiring, in particular Rhonda's descriptions of the landscape, flora and fauna of the area. The characters appreciate the natural world around them and take readers on an exploration with them.
A New Start is a story written by a passionate teacher and brilliant author who shows the true joy that can be found in supporting students to follow their hearts and dreams. A book of laughter and love. A New Start is a heartfelt story that feels like a big warm hug on a cool autumn day. A story that readers will not be able to put down! Romance at its best!!
5 STARS
Congratulations @rhondaforrestauthor and thank you 😊
Each and every novel is a joy to read. I loved escaping to Matfield!
#bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger #romanceanz #aussieromance #romance #rhondaforrest #outbackaustralia #queensland #favouriteauthor #recommendedreading #melaniehunterbooks
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews