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Country at Heart
A wounded soldier and a free spirit, both determined to follow their dreams – can their love survive?
The Army, protecting the country he loves, and his dearly beloved explosive detection dog Indy are Dean’s life – he can’t imagine doing anything else. But life has other plans for Dean when he and Indy are wounded in action in Afghanistan and sent home to his family’s seaside horse property, Whispering Meadows, to heal.
Free-spirited Summer has agreed to spend one last holiday with her parents at their luxurious vacation home, despite her father’s resistance to her plans for her career. But events take an unexpected turn when Summer and Dean meet and discover that love at first sight truly exists.
But can they overcome the very real challenges of coming from different sides of the tracks? And when Summer has to face the unpleasant truth about an old friend, as well as come to terms with the after-effects of a bewildering assault, she has to make a heartbreaking decision about their relationship. Can Dean’s love ultimately sway her?
‘A timeless tale of love and war brought to vivid life from war-torn Afghanistan to country Australia’ - TONY PARK, author of The Delta and Ivory
The Army, protecting the country he loves, and his dearly beloved explosive detection dog Indy are Dean’s life – he can’t imagine doing anything else. But life has other plans for Dean when he and Indy are wounded in action in Afghanistan and sent home to his family’s seaside horse property, Whispering Meadows, to heal.
Free-spirited Summer has agreed to spend one last holiday with her parents at their luxurious vacation home, despite her father’s resistance to her plans for her career. But events take an unexpected turn when Summer and Dean meet and discover that love at first sight truly exists.
But can they overcome the very real challenges of coming from different sides of the tracks? And when Summer has to face the unpleasant truth about an old friend, as well as come to terms with the after-effects of a bewildering assault, she has to make a heartbreaking decision about their relationship. Can Dean’s love ultimately sway her?
‘A timeless tale of love and war brought to vivid life from war-torn Afghanistan to country Australia’ - TONY PARK, author of The Delta and Ivory
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books334 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 10, 2014
Dean Lockwood couldn't imagine being in a place like Afghanistan without his trusty Blue Heeler dog, Indy. Indy is a explosive detection dog and works along side, Dean every day. Indy gives, Dean hope and understanding and, Dean knows he can tell, Indy anything including his secrets. Dean will be returning home to Edens Edge for a few weeks over Christmas and as far as he's concerned it can't come soon enough. He longs to see his father and sister, but he knows the few weeks he gets to spend with them will pass quickly. Dean's mother was killed in a tragic accident and since that day both, Dean's father and sister have been struggling.
After spending the last three years at James Cook University Edge friends, Summer and Fiona are looking forward to returning to Edens Edge. Both Summer and Fiona can't wait to hit the beach and enjoy relaxing around the beach house that belongs to, Summer's father which he generously offered to them over the holiday season. Summer also can't wait to start up her own business which has been a life long dream of hers, but trying to convince her parents how good an idea it is will be another matter. Summer knows her parents only want what's best for her, but this time she won't be backing down.
Growing up together, Summer and Marcus have always had a close relationship, but having only been back a short while, Summer quickly sees a side of, Marcus that she never knew existed. Upset and confused, Summer is on the beach one morning when she runs into, Dean. Dean can see that, Summer has been crying and asks if she is alright. Instantly, Summer and Dean feel a connection between one another. Although, Summer is not willing to tell, Dean what has happened to her he can tell something or someone has upset her. That night, Summer visits, Dean at his home and from here the pair form a strong and loving relationship. Dean's time is nearly up and he will have to return to Afghanistan, but his time spent with, Summer has been the best time of his life as he knows he has found true love. But just before, Dean leaves for Afghanistan, Summer discovers something that will turn their happy and loving lives upside down.
A beautifully written book which I thoroughly enjoyed it. A heartwarming story of love, loss, war, family and forgiveness. I absolutely LOVED this book and I especially loved the twist towards the end. Aussie author, Mandy Magro is a talented author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Highly recommended.
After spending the last three years at James Cook University Edge friends, Summer and Fiona are looking forward to returning to Edens Edge. Both Summer and Fiona can't wait to hit the beach and enjoy relaxing around the beach house that belongs to, Summer's father which he generously offered to them over the holiday season. Summer also can't wait to start up her own business which has been a life long dream of hers, but trying to convince her parents how good an idea it is will be another matter. Summer knows her parents only want what's best for her, but this time she won't be backing down.
Growing up together, Summer and Marcus have always had a close relationship, but having only been back a short while, Summer quickly sees a side of, Marcus that she never knew existed. Upset and confused, Summer is on the beach one morning when she runs into, Dean. Dean can see that, Summer has been crying and asks if she is alright. Instantly, Summer and Dean feel a connection between one another. Although, Summer is not willing to tell, Dean what has happened to her he can tell something or someone has upset her. That night, Summer visits, Dean at his home and from here the pair form a strong and loving relationship. Dean's time is nearly up and he will have to return to Afghanistan, but his time spent with, Summer has been the best time of his life as he knows he has found true love. But just before, Dean leaves for Afghanistan, Summer discovers something that will turn their happy and loving lives upside down.
A beautifully written book which I thoroughly enjoyed it. A heartwarming story of love, loss, war, family and forgiveness. I absolutely LOVED this book and I especially loved the twist towards the end. Aussie author, Mandy Magro is a talented author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2016
4.5★s
Summer and Fiona were delighted to have finally graduated from university. Their joy was infectious as they headed to Summer’s parent’s holiday home where they were spending a few weeks before starting their new lives as responsible adults. Expecting to be on their own until Christmas, the shock when they were confronted by Summer’s ex-boyfriend Marcus and his friend Bailey was intense. Summer couldn’t stand him, and the thought of spending their relaxing days with him on the scene made her shudder.
Explosive detection dog Indy and his handler Dean were exhausted – the tour of duty in Afghanistan had been long and arduous. Dean was counting the days until he could go home for his R&R for three weeks over Christmas - his family property Whispering Meadows beckoned. Dean had had tragedy in his life but he knew his animals including the horses would help him find peace.
When Summer and Dean met on the beach in front of her family home, there was an immediate attraction. But Summer was shattered by a recent event and although her connection to Dean was strong, she was fragile. With Summer having a wealthy family, as well as a father who was determined she “marry the right person” and Dean from the other side of the tracks, it seemed their fledgling romance was destined to fail. What would happen to Summer and Dean?
Country at Heart by Aussie author Mandy Magro was a great rural romance which included detail on the war in Afghanistan and the role of the handler and his dog in searching for IEDs which are scattered all over by the Taliban. The tragedy of innocent women and children amid the heat and dust of the country is heartbreaking. Summer irritated me a little – typically the “spoilt little rich girl” came to mind! I wanted to smack her at times! I also found my copy needs editing as there are quite a lot of typos. But the story was great and I have no hesitation in recommending Country at Heart.
Summer and Fiona were delighted to have finally graduated from university. Their joy was infectious as they headed to Summer’s parent’s holiday home where they were spending a few weeks before starting their new lives as responsible adults. Expecting to be on their own until Christmas, the shock when they were confronted by Summer’s ex-boyfriend Marcus and his friend Bailey was intense. Summer couldn’t stand him, and the thought of spending their relaxing days with him on the scene made her shudder.
Explosive detection dog Indy and his handler Dean were exhausted – the tour of duty in Afghanistan had been long and arduous. Dean was counting the days until he could go home for his R&R for three weeks over Christmas - his family property Whispering Meadows beckoned. Dean had had tragedy in his life but he knew his animals including the horses would help him find peace.
When Summer and Dean met on the beach in front of her family home, there was an immediate attraction. But Summer was shattered by a recent event and although her connection to Dean was strong, she was fragile. With Summer having a wealthy family, as well as a father who was determined she “marry the right person” and Dean from the other side of the tracks, it seemed their fledgling romance was destined to fail. What would happen to Summer and Dean?
Country at Heart by Aussie author Mandy Magro was a great rural romance which included detail on the war in Afghanistan and the role of the handler and his dog in searching for IEDs which are scattered all over by the Taliban. The tragedy of innocent women and children amid the heat and dust of the country is heartbreaking. Summer irritated me a little – typically the “spoilt little rich girl” came to mind! I wanted to smack her at times! I also found my copy needs editing as there are quite a lot of typos. But the story was great and I have no hesitation in recommending Country at Heart.
June 4, 2017
Country at Heart is a story about how two people can overcome difficulties and find their soul mate. Summer Milton was the only daughter of the Mayor, and she wanted to be a yoga teacher after finishing her degree. However, Summer's parents were against this idea and started to interfere with her life. Dean Lockwood was Soldier fighting in Afghanistan and while home at Christmas found Summer crying on the beach. Readers of Country at Heart will follow the trust and turns in Summer and Dean blossoming romance. Also, the readers will enjoy the ending of this book.
I enjoyed reading Country at Heart. Mandy Magro did an excellent job on highlighting to her readers that sometimes the issues in the past can affect the present generation. I like the way Mandy Magro portrays her characters. Reading Country at Heart highlighted to me the dangers and consequences of someone spiking your drink.
Readers of Country At Heart will learn about the relations with explosive expert dogs and their handlers. Also, the dangers that explosive expert dogs and their handlers go through during unrests.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Country at Heart. Mandy Magro did an excellent job on highlighting to her readers that sometimes the issues in the past can affect the present generation. I like the way Mandy Magro portrays her characters. Reading Country at Heart highlighted to me the dangers and consequences of someone spiking your drink.
Readers of Country At Heart will learn about the relations with explosive expert dogs and their handlers. Also, the dangers that explosive expert dogs and their handlers go through during unrests.
I recommend this book.
July 12, 2017
3 1/2 stars for this cutie.
I read this one a little earlier in the year when I forgot to pack a book for a flight (I know what you're thinking, basic logic to have a book ready always. But I was in a rush!) and I just picked the first thing I saw in the over priced book section of the airport convenience store.
I actually really enjoyed it. It was cute and kind of sexy.
The reason it's only 3 and a half stars is because it was extremely corny and not at all realistic. I love a good romance but I am not a fan of the vom kind. The two main characters in this book fall head over hills within a couple of weeks and I am not at all saying this is impossible, I mean every love story is different, but there was no depth. No Epic Love, just plain and simple "I think his hot and I'm in love".
That's the only real downfall for me. I would still recommend it though honestly it was good!
I read this one a little earlier in the year when I forgot to pack a book for a flight (I know what you're thinking, basic logic to have a book ready always. But I was in a rush!) and I just picked the first thing I saw in the over priced book section of the airport convenience store.
I actually really enjoyed it. It was cute and kind of sexy.
The reason it's only 3 and a half stars is because it was extremely corny and not at all realistic. I love a good romance but I am not a fan of the vom kind. The two main characters in this book fall head over hills within a couple of weeks and I am not at all saying this is impossible, I mean every love story is different, but there was no depth. No Epic Love, just plain and simple "I think his hot and I'm in love".
That's the only real downfall for me. I would still recommend it though honestly it was good!
October 6, 2015
Mandy Magro is a new to me author, and I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Country At Heart from the publisher via Netgalley.
I love a rural romance, and a rural romance set in Australia even more.
From the start, Country at Heart felt like a warm blanket on a cold night, covering the reader with love.
I instantly adored Summer - she goes for what she wants, she stands up to her parents about what she want to do with her life.
Dean - oh Dean. Sexy soldier boy with a heart of gold. Though, this may just be me, but at times He felt a bit girly, a bit flowery. So not the bad ass soldier that we know he is.
But his scenes in Afghanistan, with his bomb-detection team and his dog Indy - heartstrings were pulled.
Some of Summer's actions made me scratch my head a couple of times - particularly when it came to her "friend" Marcus - gah, I wanted to throat punch him, bitch slap him and neuter him all at the same time. He was just completely unlikable.
From the start I kind of knew where this story was going to end up - not a bad thing by any means. I love a good story with a HEA, and knew this was what I would be getting.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Magro's work, both her past books and future reads.
**copy received for an honest review**
I love a rural romance, and a rural romance set in Australia even more.
From the start, Country at Heart felt like a warm blanket on a cold night, covering the reader with love.
I instantly adored Summer - she goes for what she wants, she stands up to her parents about what she want to do with her life.
Dean - oh Dean. Sexy soldier boy with a heart of gold. Though, this may just be me, but at times He felt a bit girly, a bit flowery. So not the bad ass soldier that we know he is.
But his scenes in Afghanistan, with his bomb-detection team and his dog Indy - heartstrings were pulled.
Some of Summer's actions made me scratch my head a couple of times - particularly when it came to her "friend" Marcus - gah, I wanted to throat punch him, bitch slap him and neuter him all at the same time. He was just completely unlikable.
From the start I kind of knew where this story was going to end up - not a bad thing by any means. I love a good story with a HEA, and knew this was what I would be getting.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Magro's work, both her past books and future reads.
**copy received for an honest review**
October 27, 2014
Loved this book as I do with all of Mandy's books. Gave us an insight into the life of a soldier and what it's like being in the army. Just loved Dean's character. If only all men were like that...*sigh*. I was on holiday in far north Queensland when reading this book and I could just picture Port Douglas being Eden's Edge :)
July 23, 2021
The heartbreak nearly killed me but I loved this novel.
June 3, 2017
Long weekend, winter's day a perfect time to read an Aussie author's story of Dean n Summer in north Queensland setting.
June 21, 2020
Excellent
Read about the difficulty finding love and different classes of people. War hero and poor little rich girl both love each other but are being pulled in different directions
Read about the difficulty finding love and different classes of people. War hero and poor little rich girl both love each other but are being pulled in different directions
March 18, 2016
Another great book by Mandy Margo read it in a day. Love the story about Summer a free spirited young women who's dreams are of opening a wellness center to teach yoga to people. Her and friend Fiona go on a vacation to her parents holiday house. When they arrive there they find old friend Marcus there who her parents think he is one she should one day marry but Summer wants to find that one true love. Marcus drugs her and leads her to believe they had sex. She goes down to the beach to think where she meet Dean Lockwood instantly they find they have some sort of connection. Dean is in the Army a bomb explosive officer who travel to Afgastan and is hurt. I will not give all the story line away You have go get the book and read it loved it.
May 31, 2015
This is a beautiful moving and emotional journey to such a great HEA make sure you have a box of tissues at the ready when you read this one there are so many hurdles that soul mates Dean and Summer need to overcome until they reach that beautiful place that means so much to them and their families. I love their first meeting and the way they open up to each other throughout their journey so many things are thrown at them but true love conquers all in the end and the pets in this story add so much joy to both Summer and Dean.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time and I highly recommend that you get to know Dean and Summer.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time and I highly recommend that you get to know Dean and Summer.
August 3, 2017
A beautiful story of love overcoming lots of obstacles. I like that Country at Heart wasn't a predictable romance. There is, of course, an adorable feisty female protagonist Summer and a handsome alpha-male Dean. There was heartache a plenty, particularly since Dean is in the army and on leave from Afghanistan. As a mother of a returned soldier, there were parts that brought a lot of the emotions to the surface. Mandy portrayed how family feel about their soldiers return accurately. I'll definitely read more of her books. Loved it!
January 27, 2015
I loved this book, and the insight into Afghanistan. I recently watched American Sniper, so this gave more precedence to that life. I think that maybe it could have reflected a little more on Dean's emotion turmoil serving time, but loved how their dogs were a great support to both Summer and Dean. Well written.
January 24, 2015
Great read
Great read, if you enjoy her other books you'll love this one, really wraps you up in the story !
Great read, if you enjoy her other books you'll love this one, really wraps you up in the story !
June 14, 2015
I loved this book.. didnt want to put it down..
May 16, 2015
Have read this before and am sure that someone has borrowed it from my bookshelf. A quick escape read that contains the complexity of a war hero, tragedy and summer romance.
February 25, 2016
This was an excellent book. It's not your typical country romance, there is some drama and intrigue in the storyline as well. I absolutely loved this book and wish it didn't have to end.
March 17, 2018
I loved this book so much that I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want it to end!
December 31, 2018
First of this author will definitely read more
October 12, 2019
The in-depth descriptive writing is great and lots of research was obviously done with the war in Afghanistan.
November 4, 2019
Love Mandys books. Terrific Country Australian stories that will tug at your heart
October 28, 2018
This book was a mixed bag. It started off Ok but then I got frustrated, then bored and then there was a big WTF moment near the end. I can't believe where this author took the subject of date rape. I'm going to have to spell it out because it's the most ridiculous conclusion I've ever read. Basically Summer and another woman were drugged by a creep (on separate occasions) and assumed they had been raped since they woke up next to the aforementioned creep. It eventually goes to court (after a lot of frustrating secrets and indecision) where it's revealed that the creep did drug the women but didn't rape them. Somehow his reason for doing this was to hide his homosexuality from his family. See what I mean - WTF?! I had to re-read that bit to make sure I hadn't misunderstood.
And as for Dean and Summer - we get it you're soulmates. Their 'once in a lifetime' love was well and truly rammed down our throats. I still feel a bit nauseas. For someone so in love Summer was sure quick to jump to conclusions and make stupid decisions.
I actually didn't mind the writing style. And I liked Dean and his connection to animals. And the Australian setting was enjoyable. But the plot just got too over the top; both with the romance and also the amount of dramatic things happening. Partway through the book I'd say my rating was sitting at 3 stars but after thinking about all that annoyed me I'm floating between one or two.
And as for Dean and Summer - we get it you're soulmates. Their 'once in a lifetime' love was well and truly rammed down our throats. I still feel a bit nauseas. For someone so in love Summer was sure quick to jump to conclusions and make stupid decisions.
I actually didn't mind the writing style. And I liked Dean and his connection to animals. And the Australian setting was enjoyable. But the plot just got too over the top; both with the romance and also the amount of dramatic things happening. Partway through the book I'd say my rating was sitting at 3 stars but after thinking about all that annoyed me I'm floating between one or two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑨𝒕 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 is yet another brilliant read from Mandy Magro. It's got everything you would expect from the Queen of rural romance, with an unique edge. If there's anything that this book has taught me, it's the harsh reality of being a part of the Australian Army.
This time around, we meet rich girl Summer Milton and brave soldier Dean Lockwood. Our (their) love story begins one Christmas, with Dean on leave, and Summer celebrating the end of uni by staying at her parents holiday home. When they first meet on the beach, it's instant mutual attraction and love at first sight. You may even say that Summer and Dean are true soulmates.
But it's not an easy road for the pair. Poor Summer is not only seeking her father's approval, she's also dealing with a terrible secret- she was recently drugged and raped by the son of her parents friends.
On the other hand, Dean is not only serving the country, he's also grieving. Not only has he lost his mother but his best friend was killed in action. The only good thing in his life is Summer. But with a meddling father and Summer choosing not to tell Dean about the assault, their path to happiness is a rocky one. It's a case of one lie turning into a web of them here!
Will true love prevail, or will everything end in heartbreak for our loved up couple?
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
This time around, we meet rich girl Summer Milton and brave soldier Dean Lockwood. Our (their) love story begins one Christmas, with Dean on leave, and Summer celebrating the end of uni by staying at her parents holiday home. When they first meet on the beach, it's instant mutual attraction and love at first sight. You may even say that Summer and Dean are true soulmates.
But it's not an easy road for the pair. Poor Summer is not only seeking her father's approval, she's also dealing with a terrible secret- she was recently drugged and raped by the son of her parents friends.
On the other hand, Dean is not only serving the country, he's also grieving. Not only has he lost his mother but his best friend was killed in action. The only good thing in his life is Summer. But with a meddling father and Summer choosing not to tell Dean about the assault, their path to happiness is a rocky one. It's a case of one lie turning into a web of them here!
Will true love prevail, or will everything end in heartbreak for our loved up couple?
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
February 9, 2023
A wounded soldier and a free spirit, both determined to follow their dreams – can their love survive?
The Army, protecting the country he loves, and his dearly beloved explosive detection dog Indy are Dean’s life – he can’t imagine doing anything else. But life has other plans for Dean when he and Indy are wounded in action in Afghanistan and sent home to his family’s seaside horse property, Whispering Meadows, to heal.
Free-spirited Summer has agreed to spend one last holiday with her parents at their luxurious vacation home, despite her father’s resistance to her plans for her career. But events take an unexpected turn when Summer and Dean meet and discover that love at first sight truly exists.
But can they overcome the very real challenges of coming from different sides of the tracks? And when Summer has to face the unpleasant truth about an old friend, as well as come to terms with the after-effects of a bewildering assault, she has to make a heartbreaking decision about their relationship. Can Dean’s love ultimately sway her?
The Army, protecting the country he loves, and his dearly beloved explosive detection dog Indy are Dean’s life – he can’t imagine doing anything else. But life has other plans for Dean when he and Indy are wounded in action in Afghanistan and sent home to his family’s seaside horse property, Whispering Meadows, to heal.
Free-spirited Summer has agreed to spend one last holiday with her parents at their luxurious vacation home, despite her father’s resistance to her plans for her career. But events take an unexpected turn when Summer and Dean meet and discover that love at first sight truly exists.
But can they overcome the very real challenges of coming from different sides of the tracks? And when Summer has to face the unpleasant truth about an old friend, as well as come to terms with the after-effects of a bewildering assault, she has to make a heartbreaking decision about their relationship. Can Dean’s love ultimately sway her?
November 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, however I did find it a bit corny in some parts.
I enjoyed reading about Dean whilst he was at war, so much detail and emotion, I may have even shed a tear or two.
Dean and Summers love for each other goes over lots of rocky roads, which keeps the book interesting.
I enjoyed reading about Dean whilst he was at war, so much detail and emotion, I may have even shed a tear or two.
Dean and Summers love for each other goes over lots of rocky roads, which keeps the book interesting.
August 26, 2021
Dean and his dog Indy are in a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan when they are wounded .after discharge from hospital they are sent home to the family property there he meets Summer who has her own problems
July 15, 2018
Not my usual genre of choice, I found it quite sloppily written, with the characters difficult to take seriously. The ending felt rushed.
September 18, 2022
A lack of proofreading is only the start of what I disliked about this book. I will never read books by this author again! Was, so not what I was expecting. I am very disappointed!
October 19, 2022
I loved this book and such a great story…the only thing is that I felt it moved very quick
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews