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The Rivertown Vet
A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, by a favourite Australian author.
Local vet Jana Malinski runs a wombat sanctuary with her sister on their family’s serene property by the Murray River. But Jana’s routine is up-ended after a chance encounter with handsome accountant and single dad Mark – the man who broke her heart in high school.
Offered the opportunity to run Wildfell Park, the town zoo that has fallen into disrepair, Jana must push past her hostility to save the local landmark and home to countless native and exotic animals. But working alongside Mark every day isn’t easy, especially given the undeniable attraction between them. While she fights her feelings, a new danger emerges – one that could threaten the very existence of Wildfell Park and Jana’s dreams of an ideal future.
Set in the gorgeous river country of South Australia The Rivertown Vet is a heartfelt and charming tale about community, conservation and kindness.
Local vet Jana Malinski runs a wombat sanctuary with her sister on their family’s serene property by the Murray River. But Jana’s routine is up-ended after a chance encounter with handsome accountant and single dad Mark – the man who broke her heart in high school.
Offered the opportunity to run Wildfell Park, the town zoo that has fallen into disrepair, Jana must push past her hostility to save the local landmark and home to countless native and exotic animals. But working alongside Mark every day isn’t easy, especially given the undeniable attraction between them. While she fights her feelings, a new danger emerges – one that could threaten the very existence of Wildfell Park and Jana’s dreams of an ideal future.
Set in the gorgeous river country of South Australia The Rivertown Vet is a heartfelt and charming tale about community, conservation and kindness.
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2024
7 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Scoullar
24 books135 followersJennifer Scoullar Bio
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
Jennifer has always harboured a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world. Her house is on a hill-top, overlooking valleys of messmate and mountain ash. A pair of old eagles live there too. Black-shouldered wallabies graze by the creek. Eastern Spinebills hover among the callistemon. Jennifer lives with her family on a beautiful property in the mountains, that was left to her by her father. Horses have always been her passion. She grew up on the books of Elyne Mitchell, and all her life she’s ridden and bred horses, in particular Australian Stock Horses. She has nine published novels. Brumby’s Run (Penguin 2012), Currawong Creek (Penguin 2013), Billabong Bend (Penguin 2014), Turtle Reef (Penguin 2015), Journey's End (Penguin 2016), Fortune's Son (Penguin 2017), The Lost Valley (Pilyara Press 2018), The Memory Tree (Pilyara Press 2019) and Wasp Season (Pilyara Press 2020)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 29, 2024
4.5★s
Veterinarian Jana Malinski and her sister Sash ran Odessa, the wombat sanctuary on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Working from dawn to dusk, the sanctuary ran on a shoestring, drawing only enough in wages for themselves to survive. When Jana was approached to run Wildfell Park, a zoo which had run into disrepair since the elderly owner had died, with his wife Hazel in her eighties, unable to care for the animals and their enclosures like she used to, Jana was excited. Here was their opportunity to extend Odessa, and build Wildfell Park into a place which could save native species which were in danger of becoming extinct. They could have Tasmanian Devils there, among others, and would become affiliated with Aussie Ark, a well-known saviour of native animals.
But Jana had a secret from her past that she'd told no one. One that affected her life; damaged her parents; and ruined her trust in people. And when a person she'd gone to school with turned up - a person important to Wildfell Park - Jana knew she had to bury that animosity for the future of her dreams. Renovations of Wildlife Park stirred up the protesters, and suddenly dangerous things began happening in the Park. What was going on? Who was doing it? It seemed like someone was putting everything in jeopardy...
The Rivertown Vet by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is another excellent rural romance which I enjoyed very much. Jana and Sash were great characters, twelve year old Karly was adorable while her dad Mark was a bit "eye-rolly" at times! And Hazel was a strong, determined and well-loved character, not taking any rubbish from anyone! I always enjoy this author's work, and The Rivertown Vet was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Veterinarian Jana Malinski and her sister Sash ran Odessa, the wombat sanctuary on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Working from dawn to dusk, the sanctuary ran on a shoestring, drawing only enough in wages for themselves to survive. When Jana was approached to run Wildfell Park, a zoo which had run into disrepair since the elderly owner had died, with his wife Hazel in her eighties, unable to care for the animals and their enclosures like she used to, Jana was excited. Here was their opportunity to extend Odessa, and build Wildfell Park into a place which could save native species which were in danger of becoming extinct. They could have Tasmanian Devils there, among others, and would become affiliated with Aussie Ark, a well-known saviour of native animals.
But Jana had a secret from her past that she'd told no one. One that affected her life; damaged her parents; and ruined her trust in people. And when a person she'd gone to school with turned up - a person important to Wildfell Park - Jana knew she had to bury that animosity for the future of her dreams. Renovations of Wildlife Park stirred up the protesters, and suddenly dangerous things began happening in the Park. What was going on? Who was doing it? It seemed like someone was putting everything in jeopardy...
The Rivertown Vet by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is another excellent rural romance which I enjoyed very much. Jana and Sash were great characters, twelve year old Karly was adorable while her dad Mark was a bit "eye-rolly" at times! And Hazel was a strong, determined and well-loved character, not taking any rubbish from anyone! I always enjoy this author's work, and The Rivertown Vet was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2024
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Highly recommended! The Rivertown Vet is set in the stunning Riverlands in South Australia. This book took me on a heartwarming, captivating and suspenseful journey. The story features a single dad rural romance, a zoo in disrepair, an animal sanctuary, old secrets and sabotage.
Jana Malinski is the local vet who also runs a sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife with her sister Sash. Single dad and accountant Mark appears at the sanctuary with an injured wombat and his twelve year old daughter Karly, he doesn’t recognise Jana but boy does she remember him, the one who ripped out her heart in high school.
When Mark offers Jana the once in a lifetime opportunity to run Wildfell Park, the town zoo with its native and exotic animals she jumps at the chance. … but will she ever forgive him for his past cruelty and move forward?
The cast of characters including the animals were brilliant I particularly loved the elderly Hazel, she was so inspiring and Mark’s daughter Karly was a favourite too.
Jennifer Schoullar is a master at her craft and it shows in her storytelling, this is a beautiful romance story amongst a menagerie of animals and I loved how this was also a story reflecting on conservation.
This was my first read by this Australian author and I’m excited to read more of Jennifer’s books!
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Michael Joseph
Thank you so much to the fabulous team at @Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
Highly recommended! The Rivertown Vet is set in the stunning Riverlands in South Australia. This book took me on a heartwarming, captivating and suspenseful journey. The story features a single dad rural romance, a zoo in disrepair, an animal sanctuary, old secrets and sabotage.
Jana Malinski is the local vet who also runs a sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife with her sister Sash. Single dad and accountant Mark appears at the sanctuary with an injured wombat and his twelve year old daughter Karly, he doesn’t recognise Jana but boy does she remember him, the one who ripped out her heart in high school.
When Mark offers Jana the once in a lifetime opportunity to run Wildfell Park, the town zoo with its native and exotic animals she jumps at the chance. … but will she ever forgive him for his past cruelty and move forward?
The cast of characters including the animals were brilliant I particularly loved the elderly Hazel, she was so inspiring and Mark’s daughter Karly was a favourite too.
Jennifer Schoullar is a master at her craft and it shows in her storytelling, this is a beautiful romance story amongst a menagerie of animals and I loved how this was also a story reflecting on conservation.
This was my first read by this Australian author and I’m excited to read more of Jennifer’s books!
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Michael Joseph
Thank you so much to the fabulous team at @Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
May 30, 2024
This is my first book by this author and definitely won't be my last. This book is about new beginnings and leaving things in the past. So many themes in this book such as redemption, forgiveness and bullying. What I loved the most about this book was the second chance romance trope. The fact it was a high school one even better. I also enjoyed how the book centers on animal conservation. Such a refreshing storyline from the ones I'm used to. It held my interest the whole way through from start to finish.
May 14, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🦁West Gippsland based author Jennifer Scoullar presents The Rivertown Vet, her latest piece of Australian rural fiction. A moving and amiable novel about the strength of a populace, the importance of generosity and benevolence, The Rivertown Vet is a touching celebration of friendship as well as love in the rural environment.
🦁Environmental rural romance is one of my favourite brands of Australian fiction and no one does it better than Jennifer Scoullar, the author who brought us Brumby’s Run, Turtle Reef and the Tasmanian Tales. Now Jennifer turns her attention to a local zoo in dire straits, as an enemy to lover’s situation brews around the restoration of Wildfell Park in the Riverlands area of South Australia. I really appreciated the conservation side of The Rivertown Vet. I particularly connected to the wombat sequences in the early stages of the book and later some native and non-native fauna rescue attempts in the main narrative. It is blindingly clear that Jennifer Scoullar has an affinity to all animals and this shines through the book and bucketloads.
🦁Rural romance lovers will enjoy the slow burn romance, the second chance high school enemies to lovers style relationship that simmers through this tale with Mark and Jana. Added to the mix is Mark’s home life situation with his daughter Karly, who adds some complications to the tale. I enjoyed getting to know Jan, Mark and his daughter Karly. The staff at Wildfell Park are extremely personable and this includes the animals too! I loved the air of mystery that followed the renovation of Wildfell when it is believed that someone is sabotaging their efforts to save the park.
🦁Overall, The Rivertown Vet was a tension filled story with a big heart, encompassing our love of the animal kingdom and of each other in a time of need.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫4.5 stars
🙏Thank you to the team at @#penguinbooksaus for the gifted copy.
🦁West Gippsland based author Jennifer Scoullar presents The Rivertown Vet, her latest piece of Australian rural fiction. A moving and amiable novel about the strength of a populace, the importance of generosity and benevolence, The Rivertown Vet is a touching celebration of friendship as well as love in the rural environment.
🦁Environmental rural romance is one of my favourite brands of Australian fiction and no one does it better than Jennifer Scoullar, the author who brought us Brumby’s Run, Turtle Reef and the Tasmanian Tales. Now Jennifer turns her attention to a local zoo in dire straits, as an enemy to lover’s situation brews around the restoration of Wildfell Park in the Riverlands area of South Australia. I really appreciated the conservation side of The Rivertown Vet. I particularly connected to the wombat sequences in the early stages of the book and later some native and non-native fauna rescue attempts in the main narrative. It is blindingly clear that Jennifer Scoullar has an affinity to all animals and this shines through the book and bucketloads.
🦁Rural romance lovers will enjoy the slow burn romance, the second chance high school enemies to lovers style relationship that simmers through this tale with Mark and Jana. Added to the mix is Mark’s home life situation with his daughter Karly, who adds some complications to the tale. I enjoyed getting to know Jan, Mark and his daughter Karly. The staff at Wildfell Park are extremely personable and this includes the animals too! I loved the air of mystery that followed the renovation of Wildfell when it is believed that someone is sabotaging their efforts to save the park.
🦁Overall, The Rivertown Vet was a tension filled story with a big heart, encompassing our love of the animal kingdom and of each other in a time of need.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫4.5 stars
🙏Thank you to the team at @#penguinbooksaus for the gifted copy.
April 3, 2024
The Rivertown Vet follows the story of local vet Jana Malinski. She runs the wombat sanctuary in her spare time with her sister Sasha. One day while out in the field she unfortunately gets stuck in a wombat hole and is unable to get back out. To her prevail none other than the man that broke her heart in high school comes to her rescue - Mark. This chance encounter brings on a lot of different emotions for Jana. This also brings her the opportunity of a lifetime when Mark asks her to run Wildfell park, a zoo that is in dire need of help. Jana must put aside her emotions to work with Mark to get the zoo up and running again. Will she be able to do that for her dream job?
I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the setting, the animals and also how sanctuaries and zoo's work. I just wanted to hug this book when I finished. This is the first rural romance I have read and also the first from this author. It is safe to say I will definitely be reading more in the future.
A big thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a gifted copy of this book for my honest book review.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the setting, the animals and also how sanctuaries and zoo's work. I just wanted to hug this book when I finished. This is the first rural romance I have read and also the first from this author. It is safe to say I will definitely be reading more in the future.
A big thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a gifted copy of this book for my honest book review.
October 4, 2024
4.5★
The Rivertown Vet by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is a brilliantly written novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With characters you can relate to and a storyline that flows easily and before you know it you are turning the last page. Highly recommended.
The Rivertown Vet by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is a brilliantly written novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. With characters you can relate to and a storyline that flows easily and before you know it you are turning the last page. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2024
This was my first book by this author and it was really enjoyable.
With an overarching theme of second chances on multiple fronts, giving life to a small zoo on the brink of bankruptcy, a second chance romance (sort of - in an enemies to lovers way), and a second chance for Mark at being in the life of his child. It’s a very different Australian rural romance read and I’m here for it.
With an overarching theme of second chances on multiple fronts, giving life to a small zoo on the brink of bankruptcy, a second chance romance (sort of - in an enemies to lovers way), and a second chance for Mark at being in the life of his child. It’s a very different Australian rural romance read and I’m here for it.
April 4, 2024
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Wildlife conservation is critical as species find it harder to survive in a landscape denuded of habitat.
Saving a local zoo that can assist in animal rehabilitation and survival is at the core and redemption from school yard bullying is highlighted in this fantastic read.
Jana comes face to face with a guy that bullied her in school.
Mark was oblivious to this haunting when he first lays eyes on her.
He was wowed by her beauty and impressed by her passion and environmental conviction.
Mark sees an opportunity to build the bridge with Jana when the local zoo requires her expertise and dedication.
The new project will challenge them, being them closer and redefine the past.
What a joy it was to read this book.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters, the outcomes, the battles endured and especially the conservation element.
The story offered romance, conflict and redemption against a backdrop of a zoo that has to be saved.
Wildlife conservation is critical as species find it harder to survive in a landscape denuded of habitat.
Saving a local zoo that can assist in animal rehabilitation and survival is at the core and redemption from school yard bullying is highlighted in this fantastic read.
Jana comes face to face with a guy that bullied her in school.
Mark was oblivious to this haunting when he first lays eyes on her.
He was wowed by her beauty and impressed by her passion and environmental conviction.
Mark sees an opportunity to build the bridge with Jana when the local zoo requires her expertise and dedication.
The new project will challenge them, being them closer and redefine the past.
What a joy it was to read this book.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters, the outcomes, the battles endured and especially the conservation element.
The story offered romance, conflict and redemption against a backdrop of a zoo that has to be saved.
August 24, 2024
You’ll come for the storyline….you’ll stay for the menagerie and adventure.
This is a story of second chances, strength, determination and friendships, and it all happens in some unique and beautiful settings that capture your imagination, bringing out the inner child in all of us.
The opening pages has Jana, main character and local vet, in a bit of a tight spot. Stuck in a wombat hole and face to face with a tiger snake. Can I just say that if that was me, the story would have been short and sweet, with the ending….and she died quickly from the heart attack brought on by fear.
We are quickly introduced to some of the other characters including Sash, Jana’s sister and conservation partner, as well as Mark, the handsome crush from years past, and his energetic and caring daughter Karly, as they embark on the task of saving the local zoo and all its animals.
I absolutely loved getting to know all the animals, each with their personalities and special traits that make them not only adorable but worth fighting for. I mean who would have thought that even lions love to play in cardboard boxes….oversized boxes for oversized cats. Seeing for myself how Hazel’s love for her zoo and animals has been her entire existence.
Not everything is smooth sailing, and I was thrust through a range of emotions watching secrets threatening to tear apart relationships, the betrayal as someone sabotages the zoo, putting the lives of the animals and staff at risk, and the heartbreaking bullying.
I also found myself laughing at very comical moments and for me, Hazel’s and her say-it-as-it-is personality, that often has her and Mark at loggerheads, is an integral part of the story.
I loved this book and feel that it will appeal to lovers of romance, animals and conservation, it really has something for everyone, but what it really boils down to is that it a fabulous story that is easy-reading, entertaining and captivating.
Thanks to Jennifer Scoullar for my gifted signed copy from your appearance as Author for a Day on Global Girls Online Book Club.
#therivertownvet
#jenniferscoullar
#zooantics
#penguinbooksaustralia
This is a story of second chances, strength, determination and friendships, and it all happens in some unique and beautiful settings that capture your imagination, bringing out the inner child in all of us.
The opening pages has Jana, main character and local vet, in a bit of a tight spot. Stuck in a wombat hole and face to face with a tiger snake. Can I just say that if that was me, the story would have been short and sweet, with the ending….and she died quickly from the heart attack brought on by fear.
We are quickly introduced to some of the other characters including Sash, Jana’s sister and conservation partner, as well as Mark, the handsome crush from years past, and his energetic and caring daughter Karly, as they embark on the task of saving the local zoo and all its animals.
I absolutely loved getting to know all the animals, each with their personalities and special traits that make them not only adorable but worth fighting for. I mean who would have thought that even lions love to play in cardboard boxes….oversized boxes for oversized cats. Seeing for myself how Hazel’s love for her zoo and animals has been her entire existence.
Not everything is smooth sailing, and I was thrust through a range of emotions watching secrets threatening to tear apart relationships, the betrayal as someone sabotages the zoo, putting the lives of the animals and staff at risk, and the heartbreaking bullying.
I also found myself laughing at very comical moments and for me, Hazel’s and her say-it-as-it-is personality, that often has her and Mark at loggerheads, is an integral part of the story.
I loved this book and feel that it will appeal to lovers of romance, animals and conservation, it really has something for everyone, but what it really boils down to is that it a fabulous story that is easy-reading, entertaining and captivating.
Thanks to Jennifer Scoullar for my gifted signed copy from your appearance as Author for a Day on Global Girls Online Book Club.
#therivertownvet
#jenniferscoullar
#zooantics
#penguinbooksaustralia
May 17, 2024
This was quite a good story, of trials tribulation and tragedy. Things are not always what they seem.
The only reason this isn't a five star read is the female lead character made me want to cringe. Half the time I wanted to smack her for being such a twat.
The only reason this isn't a five star read is the female lead character made me want to cringe. Half the time I wanted to smack her for being such a twat.
March 9, 2024
Perfect for lovers of animal conservation, single dad and second chance vibe romance.
April 15, 2024
I loved this book for many reasons, and it absolutely deserves a full and thorough review.... but it is well past bedtime.
The characters were just lovely, heartwarming, and offered room brightening smiles at times.
Such characters, such personality.
The setting was divine, and I would love to know exactly where Wildfell Park is nestled along the river. It gave me visions of both Monarto and Adelaide Zoos at times, but it's neither.
I loved the crossover of characters from a much earlier story, Dr Penny Abbott seemed familiar, so I had to go check my memory.
The teenage drama and bullying were heartbreaking but definitely necessary to the story, and there was a beautiful breaking the cycle moment in the closing chapters.
The one thing that grated and I found I just could not move past was a surgical procedure on an 18-year-old that I know women in their 30s have had to fight tooth and nail for and still been knocked back. I can't imagine anyone doing it fornan 18yr old. In the big scheme of things a very small gripe, and I do appreciate that it was pretty necessary to the story but I wonder if there was a different way to achieve that end.
Overall I story I adored.
The characters were just lovely, heartwarming, and offered room brightening smiles at times.
Such characters, such personality.
The setting was divine, and I would love to know exactly where Wildfell Park is nestled along the river. It gave me visions of both Monarto and Adelaide Zoos at times, but it's neither.
I loved the crossover of characters from a much earlier story, Dr Penny Abbott seemed familiar, so I had to go check my memory.
The teenage drama and bullying were heartbreaking but definitely necessary to the story, and there was a beautiful breaking the cycle moment in the closing chapters.
The one thing that grated and I found I just could not move past was a surgical procedure on an 18-year-old that I know women in their 30s have had to fight tooth and nail for and still been knocked back. I can't imagine anyone doing it fornan 18yr old. In the big scheme of things a very small gripe, and I do appreciate that it was pretty necessary to the story but I wonder if there was a different way to achieve that end.
Overall I story I adored.
August 17, 2024
Local vet Jana Malinski runs a wombat sanctuary with her sister on their family’s serene property by the Murray River. Offered the opportunity to run the town zoo that has fallen into disrepair alongside the man who broke her heart in high school, single dad Mark, Jana must push past her hostility to save the local landmark and home to countless native and exotic animals.
I totally didn’t expect to get the Australian version of ‘We Bought a Zoo’, but this was it, and i loved every minute of it!
There were so many good points raised in this book - about zoos, wild parks and animal rescue. I could see both sides of the coin regarding the ethical aspects of running a zoo. This was a good depth I hadn’t expected from the story, in addition to Jana and Mark’s romance.
This was such a heartwarming, feel-good read, with cute baby wombats and cheeky dingos as cherries on top!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
I totally didn’t expect to get the Australian version of ‘We Bought a Zoo’, but this was it, and i loved every minute of it!
There were so many good points raised in this book - about zoos, wild parks and animal rescue. I could see both sides of the coin regarding the ethical aspects of running a zoo. This was a good depth I hadn’t expected from the story, in addition to Jana and Mark’s romance.
This was such a heartwarming, feel-good read, with cute baby wombats and cheeky dingos as cherries on top!
(Thanks to Penguin Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
July 8, 2025
This book had a little of everything in it!
Jana Malinski is a vet, running a struggling wombat sanctuary with her sister Sash on their family farm. By chance a man, Mark, from her past turns up at her farm with a daughter, and an orphan baby wombat requiring help. To show his appreciation Mark makes a sizeable donation to the sanctuary just in time to help the sisters.
Meanwhile they keep appearing as Mark's daughter, Karly, wants to see Womble the baby wombat.
Through Mark, Jana is offered a job at Wildfell Zoo, which has deteriorated due to the owner's husband passing away and Hazel in her eighties with declining health. This leaves Jana working with Mark and putting aside her past doubts about him aside for the sake of the zoo and its array of animals. Working alongside Mark has made things awkward because they have chemistry, which is in contrast to her past issues with him. As they continue working together they have many obstacles thrown at them, and the path to saving the zoo!
Jana Malinski is a vet, running a struggling wombat sanctuary with her sister Sash on their family farm. By chance a man, Mark, from her past turns up at her farm with a daughter, and an orphan baby wombat requiring help. To show his appreciation Mark makes a sizeable donation to the sanctuary just in time to help the sisters.
Meanwhile they keep appearing as Mark's daughter, Karly, wants to see Womble the baby wombat.
Through Mark, Jana is offered a job at Wildfell Zoo, which has deteriorated due to the owner's husband passing away and Hazel in her eighties with declining health. This leaves Jana working with Mark and putting aside her past doubts about him aside for the sake of the zoo and its array of animals. Working alongside Mark has made things awkward because they have chemistry, which is in contrast to her past issues with him. As they continue working together they have many obstacles thrown at them, and the path to saving the zoo!
May 4, 2024
As the back cover says “A slow-burn, enemies-to- lovers romance…” set on the banks of the Murray River, in South Australia. Jana Malinski and her sister, Sash, run a wombat sanctuary on their family’s property. One day Jana has an unexpected encounter with Mark Bell, accountant and single dad and the man who broke her heart in high school. Jana becomes involved in rescuing and running the local zoo which houses both native and exotic animals. Sabotage may undo all the staff’s efforts to rescue the zoo and continue their life-saving work. Bullying at school is also featured heavily. Conservation and community play an important role, as do the gorgeous animals and beautiful scenery. Heartwarming read. It’s truly wonderful to read an engaging story, mentioning Tasmanian Devils and their plight. set in South Australia, my home state.
May 28, 2024
Great read, until chapter 47… I enjoyed Jana & Mark as main characters. I enjoyed their story line. Amber however was a bit far fetched… really, you’d let her go without conviction? How that Tony character didn’t dob her in to the authorities is a bit out there, even for fiction. Not to mention Harper, a quick I forgive you and chapter 47 is over. It’s almost like you’d reached your word count, so quick, just forgive her.
Followed by a 5 page summing up of the future.
Mark, once the highly influential lawyer/accountant turned lowly office manager. That was an interesting turn of events. Even his slip up regarding the Trust, there’s no way he’d have missed that when in the city…. About to get fired. Now he’s a bumpkin, which is a real shame. Why he couldn’t have taken over the Trust and kept his professional integrity intact I’ll never know.
The ending wasn’t great.
Followed by a 5 page summing up of the future.
Mark, once the highly influential lawyer/accountant turned lowly office manager. That was an interesting turn of events. Even his slip up regarding the Trust, there’s no way he’d have missed that when in the city…. About to get fired. Now he’s a bumpkin, which is a real shame. Why he couldn’t have taken over the Trust and kept his professional integrity intact I’ll never know.
The ending wasn’t great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Started off ok but became super annoying (least favourite plot line - 'big misunderstanding' and people who won't talk to each other to resolve it) and unrealistic .
May 20, 2025
Once again another beautifully written book by Jennifer Scoullar.
Really enjoyed reading The Rivertown Vet and it's storyline. Loved the story of the zoo and all the characters. The story also covered the subject of bullying and the outcomes it can cause and stay with people... and how they deal with it..
Loved the setting and can recommend you to read The Rivertown Vet if you enjoy rural Australian romance fiction....
Thank you Jennifer Scoullar xx
Really enjoyed reading The Rivertown Vet and it's storyline. Loved the story of the zoo and all the characters. The story also covered the subject of bullying and the outcomes it can cause and stay with people... and how they deal with it..
Loved the setting and can recommend you to read The Rivertown Vet if you enjoy rural Australian romance fiction....
Thank you Jennifer Scoullar xx
March 4, 2025
I found this too annoying for true enjoyment although there were things that I did like: the setting, animals & conservation. I've never been a big fan of the enemies-to-lovers romance, & this one is particularly irritating because the dastardly deed that caused the enmity was mostly imagined in an adolescent brain & should have been reconsidered by the adult female MC, instead she reacted like a pouty teenager whenever the male MC was around. I fail to see why they would have come together in the end, despite getting to the bottom of the misunderstanding.
April 20, 2025
It's set in South Australia's Riverland district and is a must-read for those who have lived, visited or holidayed in that area.
Of course the vet in question just too lovely to be true, and the single-dad who broke her heart at school is way too handsome, so we all know how it will probably end. But the journey towards that end is both educational and enjoyable.
Of course the vet in question just too lovely to be true, and the single-dad who broke her heart at school is way too handsome, so we all know how it will probably end. But the journey towards that end is both educational and enjoyable.
April 23, 2024
4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this book, I loved learning about the Australian fauna. Plus a good romance and a bit of a mystery. Recommend.
July 16, 2024
Audiobook. This is a good Hallmark type story set in South Australia on or near the Murray River. I love the description of the land and the animals.
August 18, 2024
Absolutely loved it. What a well written book. I loved the characters and the storyline. I thought it might be a bit “lovey dovey” but it wasn’t and turned out to be an awesome book.
May 17, 2025
My 1st time reading this Australian Author, Jennifer Scoullar & I really enjoyed it!!!!:)
January 3, 2026
Absolutely love it! One of my favorite books I think! My first from this author. Easy read but exciting with the occasional surprise. Love that it wasnt to predictable.
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