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Khaki Fever
Game guide Alexandra Carnell-Ellis is principled, doesn’t suffer fools, and is
generally not too fond of ordinary people either. When she’s fired from The
Plains, a commercial ‘Ferrari Safari’-type game reserve in the Karoo for being
rude to guests, she’s determined to make a fresh start.
She lands a dream job at an exclusive game reserve in Mpumalanga, but
Alex arrives at the lodge with attitude, a few facts about her that aren’t strictly
true, and a stolen dog in tow.
Alex struggles to control her unruly tongue and almost immediately
makes enemies with the camp manager and the owner’s terrifyingly scary
girlfriend. She finds love in the form of the level-headed and attractive head
guide, but it’s not long before everything goes wrong.
After impulsively abandoning her vehicle and guests to rescue an
abandoned baby baboon, a storm breaks over her head and she flees the
reserve. Will she ever be able to find her way back?
generally not too fond of ordinary people either. When she’s fired from The
Plains, a commercial ‘Ferrari Safari’-type game reserve in the Karoo for being
rude to guests, she’s determined to make a fresh start.
She lands a dream job at an exclusive game reserve in Mpumalanga, but
Alex arrives at the lodge with attitude, a few facts about her that aren’t strictly
true, and a stolen dog in tow.
Alex struggles to control her unruly tongue and almost immediately
makes enemies with the camp manager and the owner’s terrifyingly scary
girlfriend. She finds love in the form of the level-headed and attractive head
guide, but it’s not long before everything goes wrong.
After impulsively abandoning her vehicle and guests to rescue an
abandoned baby baboon, a storm breaks over her head and she flees the
reserve. Will she ever be able to find her way back?
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 23, 2025
3 Verskriklike Stars ⭐️
**🇻🇪🇷🇸🇰🇷🇮🇰🇱🇮🇰🇪 🇲🇪🇦🇳🇸 🇹🇪🇷🇷🇮🇧🇱🇪 🇮🇳 🇦🇫🇷🇮🇰🇦🇦🇳🇸 🇦🇳🇩 🇮🇹 🇩🇴🇪🇸 🇳🇴🇹 🇲🇪🇦🇳 🇹🇭🇮🇸 🇧🇴🇴🇰 🇼🇦🇸 🇹🇪🇷🇷🇮🇧🇱🇪...
🇮🇹 🇼🇦🇸 🇯🇺🇸🇹 🇴🇳🇪 🇴🇫 🇹🇭🇪 🇨🇭🇦🇷🇦🇨🇹🇪🇷❜🇸 🇮🇳 🇹🇭🇪 🇧🇴🇴🇰 (🇲🇦🇷🇮🇪🇹🇯🇮🇪❜🇸) 🇫🇦🇻🇴🇺🇷🇮🇹🇪 🇼🇴🇷🇩
I’m a little two-minded about Khaki Fever, and I think it was largely due to my own expectations going in.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
After being fired from The Plains (an enclosed game park outside of Capetown) for her questionable behaviour and frequent clashes with guests, Alex is desperate to find another job. For fear of facing rejections or having her privileged family name to influence the outcome, she applies to her dream lodge under a false name… and a different gender and a couple of lies around her interest. Miraculously, she lands the job. But when she arrives at the Lodge with a stolen dog in tow and no way to hide the fact that she is very much not the man they hired. Now she has to prove herself, keep her lies in check, and avoid stirring up more chaos... all while trying not to get fired. Again...
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
So... based on the cover and the marketing I was expecting a cute, light South African rom com. What I got instead was a much less romance and more contemporary chick lit focused on self-discovery. That’s not a bad thing at all, it just wasn’t what I expected and since that’s not typically the genre I gravitate toward, it didn’t resonate with me in the way I’d hoped. This is not a story about Alex finding love. It’s a story about Alex finding herself.
I wanted to love Alex. She stands for many things I admire as she’s environmentally conscious, respectful of wildlife, and tries to live simply despite a privileged upbringing. But as the story goes on, I struggled with some of her choices. She’s ridiculously impulsive to a fault, often making reckless decisions that felt completely immature and rash. She can be incredibly selfish, and often lashes out quickly when angry, but when conflict or issues are directed towards her she tends to avoid her problems instead of facing them. It was a constant theme that in situations heightened emotions her default is flight over fight. This is even commented on by the "Love Interest" Kwanele - who says she a lion and an impala when it comes to her actions. Fighting at times but then fleeing when in danger. While I appreciate that no character should be perfect, it was hard to root for someone who kept repeating the same patterns and felt childish.
That said, there is SOME growth in her character as she begins the book increadibly reactive, and by the end, she’s rationalising her actions, able to communicate with customers and guests better and started on the journey to working through her family issues through communication and honesty. It was a glipse that she was stepping into a version of herself that feels more secure and grounded and one her parents could be proud of... I just wish we had one more chapter because the end of the book was incredibly sudden and aspects felt unresolved.
There were definitely elements I enjoyed especially the South African setting and I loved the incorporation of Afrikaans into the dialogue. While some phrases might be tricky for non-Afrikaans speakers to follow without a glossary (So I recommend having one on hand), I appreciated the nuance and vibe it added. I also loved the setting and feeling like I was in the bush, which is one of my favourite places to visit in our Country. And lastly I adored the found family Alex built. Each character played a part in her journey, shaped her growth and helped her become a better version of herself!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Hidden Identity
▶ Multicultural/Interratial Couple
▶ Chick Lit
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ MEGA Slow Burn
So while Khaki Fever wasn’t quite what I expected, I can still appreciate what it had to offer. If you’re in the mood for a story of self-discovery with a distinctly South African flair, a dash of chaos, and the unexpected charm of a stolen dog and a baby baboon, I’d say give this one a go!
Thank you so much to Johnathan Ball Publishers for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
**🇻🇪🇷🇸🇰🇷🇮🇰🇱🇮🇰🇪 🇲🇪🇦🇳🇸 🇹🇪🇷🇷🇮🇧🇱🇪 🇮🇳 🇦🇫🇷🇮🇰🇦🇦🇳🇸 🇦🇳🇩 🇮🇹 🇩🇴🇪🇸 🇳🇴🇹 🇲🇪🇦🇳 🇹🇭🇮🇸 🇧🇴🇴🇰 🇼🇦🇸 🇹🇪🇷🇷🇮🇧🇱🇪...
🇮🇹 🇼🇦🇸 🇯🇺🇸🇹 🇴🇳🇪 🇴🇫 🇹🇭🇪 🇨🇭🇦🇷🇦🇨🇹🇪🇷❜🇸 🇮🇳 🇹🇭🇪 🇧🇴🇴🇰 (🇲🇦🇷🇮🇪🇹🇯🇮🇪❜🇸) 🇫🇦🇻🇴🇺🇷🇮🇹🇪 🇼🇴🇷🇩
I’m a little two-minded about Khaki Fever, and I think it was largely due to my own expectations going in.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
After being fired from The Plains (an enclosed game park outside of Capetown) for her questionable behaviour and frequent clashes with guests, Alex is desperate to find another job. For fear of facing rejections or having her privileged family name to influence the outcome, she applies to her dream lodge under a false name… and a different gender and a couple of lies around her interest. Miraculously, she lands the job. But when she arrives at the Lodge with a stolen dog in tow and no way to hide the fact that she is very much not the man they hired. Now she has to prove herself, keep her lies in check, and avoid stirring up more chaos... all while trying not to get fired. Again...
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
So... based on the cover and the marketing I was expecting a cute, light South African rom com. What I got instead was a much less romance and more contemporary chick lit focused on self-discovery. That’s not a bad thing at all, it just wasn’t what I expected and since that’s not typically the genre I gravitate toward, it didn’t resonate with me in the way I’d hoped. This is not a story about Alex finding love. It’s a story about Alex finding herself.
I wanted to love Alex. She stands for many things I admire as she’s environmentally conscious, respectful of wildlife, and tries to live simply despite a privileged upbringing. But as the story goes on, I struggled with some of her choices. She’s ridiculously impulsive to a fault, often making reckless decisions that felt completely immature and rash. She can be incredibly selfish, and often lashes out quickly when angry, but when conflict or issues are directed towards her she tends to avoid her problems instead of facing them. It was a constant theme that in situations heightened emotions her default is flight over fight. This is even commented on by the "Love Interest" Kwanele - who says she a lion and an impala when it comes to her actions. Fighting at times but then fleeing when in danger. While I appreciate that no character should be perfect, it was hard to root for someone who kept repeating the same patterns and felt childish.
That said, there is SOME growth in her character as she begins the book increadibly reactive, and by the end, she’s rationalising her actions, able to communicate with customers and guests better and started on the journey to working through her family issues through communication and honesty. It was a glipse that she was stepping into a version of herself that feels more secure and grounded and one her parents could be proud of... I just wish we had one more chapter because the end of the book was incredibly sudden and aspects felt unresolved.
There were definitely elements I enjoyed especially the South African setting and I loved the incorporation of Afrikaans into the dialogue. While some phrases might be tricky for non-Afrikaans speakers to follow without a glossary (So I recommend having one on hand), I appreciated the nuance and vibe it added. I also loved the setting and feeling like I was in the bush, which is one of my favourite places to visit in our Country. And lastly I adored the found family Alex built. Each character played a part in her journey, shaped her growth and helped her become a better version of herself!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Hidden Identity
▶ Multicultural/Interratial Couple
▶ Chick Lit
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ MEGA Slow Burn
So while Khaki Fever wasn’t quite what I expected, I can still appreciate what it had to offer. If you’re in the mood for a story of self-discovery with a distinctly South African flair, a dash of chaos, and the unexpected charm of a stolen dog and a baby baboon, I’d say give this one a go!
Thank you so much to Johnathan Ball Publishers for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 27, 2025
Khaki Fever is a sweet South African safari story where the plot is of quick succession, bringing forth the hilarious, cute and inspiring self-growth journey of Alex. This is the pinnacle of the South African experience which was described and presented brilliantly by the author!
Within the pages of Khaki Fever, a familiar sense of feeling fell over me, the feeling of home 🥹 The basis of the story, game drives, braais, the Afrikaans phrases, it all tied into what I love most!
As I turned the pages, smiles and laughter came easily. The sparks that the side characters evoked engulfed the story in a warm ember. Every person had their own unique antics that brought such fun to every chapter. A family filled with avoidance and self-obsessed behaviour, friends who finally offer the hand of friendship to Alex—Khaki Fever brings a warmth to your soul, a cozy blanket of beautiful moments interwoven with the lessons of self-growth 🧡
However, the plot progressed with rapid speed which made the moments of intense importance feel dull and less impactful than hoped. I felt great disappointment when the romantic aspect of the story was not delved into. Small moments of romance leaked through the words, but most of it remained heavily underdeveloped. Alex and her love interest seemed to have a slight disconnect due to the nature of the author’s writing and how the plot was structured.
Even though the writing wasn’t my cup of tea, I still found a lot of joy in reading Khaki Fever. It had introspective messages regarding oneself and was displayed through various character journeys which added that extra touch 🧡🫶
Within the pages of Khaki Fever, a familiar sense of feeling fell over me, the feeling of home 🥹 The basis of the story, game drives, braais, the Afrikaans phrases, it all tied into what I love most!
As I turned the pages, smiles and laughter came easily. The sparks that the side characters evoked engulfed the story in a warm ember. Every person had their own unique antics that brought such fun to every chapter. A family filled with avoidance and self-obsessed behaviour, friends who finally offer the hand of friendship to Alex—Khaki Fever brings a warmth to your soul, a cozy blanket of beautiful moments interwoven with the lessons of self-growth 🧡
However, the plot progressed with rapid speed which made the moments of intense importance feel dull and less impactful than hoped. I felt great disappointment when the romantic aspect of the story was not delved into. Small moments of romance leaked through the words, but most of it remained heavily underdeveloped. Alex and her love interest seemed to have a slight disconnect due to the nature of the author’s writing and how the plot was structured.
Even though the writing wasn’t my cup of tea, I still found a lot of joy in reading Khaki Fever. It had introspective messages regarding oneself and was displayed through various character journeys which added that extra touch 🧡🫶
April 26, 2025
“.. 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥.”
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
This year I have really wanted to immerse myself with more local authors work, so I was so excited when I saw this was Jonathan Ball Publishers read-along pick for April and even more excited when I saw I got to be a part of it!
If you go into this book thinking this will be a sweet romance, you will surely be mistaken - just as I was. This book focused on Alex and her growth in her self-discovery. Alex despite her age, is emotionally immature in my opinion. She often reacts instantaneously to a situation instead of sitting with her feelings and formulating the best possible response to a situation. The majority of her decisions in life are based on impulse and when she finally starts to see she needs to take ownership of her actions, she in turn starts to grow as a character.
What I can absolutely appreciate about this book, was the South African landscape and Afrikaans slang that was incorporated - making it feel very homely.
Khaki Fever is for all those that love a story about second chances and healing as well as trying to find a place where you finally feel like you are accepted and valued for who you are.
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🐘 YA Safari romance
🐘 Family dynamics
🐘 Self growth
🐘 Game drive
🐘 Found family
🐘 South African setting
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺.”
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
This year I have really wanted to immerse myself with more local authors work, so I was so excited when I saw this was Jonathan Ball Publishers read-along pick for April and even more excited when I saw I got to be a part of it!
If you go into this book thinking this will be a sweet romance, you will surely be mistaken - just as I was. This book focused on Alex and her growth in her self-discovery. Alex despite her age, is emotionally immature in my opinion. She often reacts instantaneously to a situation instead of sitting with her feelings and formulating the best possible response to a situation. The majority of her decisions in life are based on impulse and when she finally starts to see she needs to take ownership of her actions, she in turn starts to grow as a character.
What I can absolutely appreciate about this book, was the South African landscape and Afrikaans slang that was incorporated - making it feel very homely.
Khaki Fever is for all those that love a story about second chances and healing as well as trying to find a place where you finally feel like you are accepted and valued for who you are.
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🐘 YA Safari romance
🐘 Family dynamics
🐘 Self growth
🐘 Game drive
🐘 Found family
🐘 South African setting
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺.”
Read
April 9, 2025Do you absolutely love animals?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a guide at a game reserve?
Then you'll enjoy this fun read about Alex, who could certainly do to be a bit more polite to the 'Ferrari Safari' guests she takes on game drives in the Karoo.
Will Alex be able to hold onto her job? What will become of the little baboon? And what happens when you steal a dog?
Khaki Fever by Lindsay Norman has friends, enemies and everything in between, as well as the whole big five and more.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a guide at a game reserve?
Then you'll enjoy this fun read about Alex, who could certainly do to be a bit more polite to the 'Ferrari Safari' guests she takes on game drives in the Karoo.
Will Alex be able to hold onto her job? What will become of the little baboon? And what happens when you steal a dog?
Khaki Fever by Lindsay Norman has friends, enemies and everything in between, as well as the whole big five and more.
August 17, 2026
This was a comedic story about, Alex, a safari guide. This book is filled to the brim with South African language and it’s hilarious, but someone who doesn’t know Afrikaans or South African culture would miss a lot.
I really wanted to give it a 4.5 star rating but its been knocked down to a 4 star because I felt the ending was extremely abrupt. There should have definitely been another chapter or two. At the very least an epilogue.
Just because the author has insinuated as to what will happen next, doesn’t mean that we don’t need to see it.
It was a good book, and so so funny. I will be recommending it. I just wish the ending could have been different.
“You must check this new oke, Knut” said Marietjie, walking in. “He’s got so many tattoos it looks like someone sommer klapped him with a wet Rapport”
I really wanted to give it a 4.5 star rating but its been knocked down to a 4 star because I felt the ending was extremely abrupt. There should have definitely been another chapter or two. At the very least an epilogue.
Just because the author has insinuated as to what will happen next, doesn’t mean that we don’t need to see it.
It was a good book, and so so funny. I will be recommending it. I just wish the ending could have been different.
“You must check this new oke, Knut” said Marietjie, walking in. “He’s got so many tattoos it looks like someone sommer klapped him with a wet Rapport”
June 15, 2025
I loved it, I need a sequel IMMEDIATELY.
April 28, 2025
Khaki Fever follows the misadventures of Alexandra Carnell-Ellis as she navigates life. Alex is a no nonsense type of person who isn’t really fond of people in general. Couple that with her brash, unruly tongue and you get a recipe for disaster. Alex initially works as a game guide at a Karoo reserve called “The Plains”. Even though Alex has incredible knowledge and expertise when it came to animals in the reserve - she struggled with the customer service aspect, due to her lack of filter. She finds it incredibly difficult to hold her tongue when faced with a difficult guest, and it ultimately results in her getting fired from The Plains.
From the onset of this book, I knew that Alex had a lot of growing up to do. She constantly lied about who she was and lied about her actions as well. When she lands her dream job at Yamihle Game Reserve, Alex tries to use it as an opportunity to make a fresh start however she makes more rash decisions and adds to her growing list of lies. I found Alex’s earlier actions in the book to be both incredibly bold and immature. Even though she had good intentions, her delivery was poor. There was an element of respect that she didn't afford many people - and I don’t know if she truly understood how her actions hurt people’s feelings.
Kwanele was also an interesting love interest for Alex. She admired and respected his work greatly, and the shared moments between them were quite sweet. Kwanele struck me as an individual who was sure of himself and his quiet strength seemed like the kind of thing Alex needed to flourish.
Kwanele had described Alex as an impala which is so accurate because she was so skittish and at the very first hint of danger, she bolted. I assumed that Alex would have stopped running at the end, but she continued to do so as more things came to light, so I do think she still has more growing to do.
The actions she started to take at the end of the book were more directions from someone else as opposed to things she decided to do on her own. I would have loved to see Alex take more control of her situation and come to those decisions on her own. In addition, I would have loved to see Alex and Kwanele’s story fleshed out more so that readers could understand more nuanced aspects of their relationship. Lastly, I would have also loved to read more about where things were headed when it came to The Plains!
All in all, there were so many different aspects about this book that I loved. The South African setting, the use of Afrikaans slang, and the shenanigans of characters like Barend, Antoinette, Legend and Maretjie brought so many smiles to my face. The author does an incredible job of weaving together a wonderful story filled with love, redemption and some wild drama
From the onset of this book, I knew that Alex had a lot of growing up to do. She constantly lied about who she was and lied about her actions as well. When she lands her dream job at Yamihle Game Reserve, Alex tries to use it as an opportunity to make a fresh start however she makes more rash decisions and adds to her growing list of lies. I found Alex’s earlier actions in the book to be both incredibly bold and immature. Even though she had good intentions, her delivery was poor. There was an element of respect that she didn't afford many people - and I don’t know if she truly understood how her actions hurt people’s feelings.
Kwanele was also an interesting love interest for Alex. She admired and respected his work greatly, and the shared moments between them were quite sweet. Kwanele struck me as an individual who was sure of himself and his quiet strength seemed like the kind of thing Alex needed to flourish.
Kwanele had described Alex as an impala which is so accurate because she was so skittish and at the very first hint of danger, she bolted. I assumed that Alex would have stopped running at the end, but she continued to do so as more things came to light, so I do think she still has more growing to do.
The actions she started to take at the end of the book were more directions from someone else as opposed to things she decided to do on her own. I would have loved to see Alex take more control of her situation and come to those decisions on her own. In addition, I would have loved to see Alex and Kwanele’s story fleshed out more so that readers could understand more nuanced aspects of their relationship. Lastly, I would have also loved to read more about where things were headed when it came to The Plains!
All in all, there were so many different aspects about this book that I loved. The South African setting, the use of Afrikaans slang, and the shenanigans of characters like Barend, Antoinette, Legend and Maretjie brought so many smiles to my face. The author does an incredible job of weaving together a wonderful story filled with love, redemption and some wild drama
July 28, 2025
What fun this book was! Lindsay Norman has an easy writing style, a story that has a degree of tongue-in-cheek observation and a heroine that is definitely ‘off the wall' in her total honesty. Khaki Fever was my light read after a spate of gripping thrillers and it delivered on all sides.
The wacky heroine, Alexandra Carnell-Ellis, has no filter, an unruly tongue, highly principled with a larger love for animals than humans. So no surprise she is a guide at a game farm. She is a natural. Game farm in question is known as The Plains, offering a ‘Ferrari Safari’. And that means animals in enclosures so very controlled. Owners, kindly but not great businesspeople. And the guests, well, when they get the sharp end of Alex’s tongue -undoubtedly deserved - she is fired.
While her rather dysfunctional family are very rich, Alex has learned to stand on her own feet since she is a serial-seeker-of-truth and has seen more trouble than most. As the youngest of four she was a little neglected by her busy, busy, business-oriented parents and so Alex goes it alone. Enlisting the help of best friend Saskia to stop her before she stuffs things up again she gets her dream job at an exclusive reserve in Mpumalanga, but arrives under slightly false pretenses with a stolen dog – and that’s a lovely story in itself.
Alex is so good hearted but ruffles the feathers of the camp manager, the ire of the owner’s vicious ‘influencer’ girlfriend - who digs to find the dirt on the poor girl – but finds an ally in the head guide and some of the staff. All goes well, until it doesn’t and Alex is on the back hoof yet again when she compassionately rescues a baby chimpanzee and has to flee the reserve.
This is the delightful story of a girl finding herself, a girl who you can’t help liking – who is true to her word, even when trouble brews – we all know someone like this. Norman’s experience in publishing has given her the edge in knowing what readers want in light but meaningful reading. Because its also so much about conserving our wonderful animals, our reserves and making then accessible, keeping greedy developers off that land. It’s about kindness and good intentions and the larger than life characters bounce off the pages and into your heart.
The wacky heroine, Alexandra Carnell-Ellis, has no filter, an unruly tongue, highly principled with a larger love for animals than humans. So no surprise she is a guide at a game farm. She is a natural. Game farm in question is known as The Plains, offering a ‘Ferrari Safari’. And that means animals in enclosures so very controlled. Owners, kindly but not great businesspeople. And the guests, well, when they get the sharp end of Alex’s tongue -undoubtedly deserved - she is fired.
While her rather dysfunctional family are very rich, Alex has learned to stand on her own feet since she is a serial-seeker-of-truth and has seen more trouble than most. As the youngest of four she was a little neglected by her busy, busy, business-oriented parents and so Alex goes it alone. Enlisting the help of best friend Saskia to stop her before she stuffs things up again she gets her dream job at an exclusive reserve in Mpumalanga, but arrives under slightly false pretenses with a stolen dog – and that’s a lovely story in itself.
Alex is so good hearted but ruffles the feathers of the camp manager, the ire of the owner’s vicious ‘influencer’ girlfriend - who digs to find the dirt on the poor girl – but finds an ally in the head guide and some of the staff. All goes well, until it doesn’t and Alex is on the back hoof yet again when she compassionately rescues a baby chimpanzee and has to flee the reserve.
This is the delightful story of a girl finding herself, a girl who you can’t help liking – who is true to her word, even when trouble brews – we all know someone like this. Norman’s experience in publishing has given her the edge in knowing what readers want in light but meaningful reading. Because its also so much about conserving our wonderful animals, our reserves and making then accessible, keeping greedy developers off that land. It’s about kindness and good intentions and the larger than life characters bounce off the pages and into your heart.
April 22, 2025
This was such a fun, light read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. For a shortish book, the characters' depth was so amazing & fun to read. I connected with each character instantaneously & they each had a voice of their own.
I absolutely loved the South African context. Every time some Afrikaans slang would pop up mid conversation, I'd giggle a little bit & it just made the book all that more enjoyable.
The storyline was so fun, funny & compelling. Everything that could go wrong would & you would start to feeling so sorry for the main character, Alex, but I won't give too much away. I seriously need a sequel....if you've read the book, anyone can see the sparks FLYING between Alex & Kwanele. I HAVE to see where that goes!!!
I love Lindsay's writing. Something about it is compelling & I couldn't put the book down. I kept catching myself saying "One more chapter." In all seriousness, this book is a must read, especially if you're South African, as it just hits close to home & brings on some nostalgia from growing up in South Africa. Ten out of ten would recommend!
I absolutely loved the South African context. Every time some Afrikaans slang would pop up mid conversation, I'd giggle a little bit & it just made the book all that more enjoyable.
The storyline was so fun, funny & compelling. Everything that could go wrong would & you would start to feeling so sorry for the main character, Alex, but I won't give too much away. I seriously need a sequel....if you've read the book, anyone can see the sparks FLYING between Alex & Kwanele. I HAVE to see where that goes!!!
I love Lindsay's writing. Something about it is compelling & I couldn't put the book down. I kept catching myself saying "One more chapter." In all seriousness, this book is a must read, especially if you're South African, as it just hits close to home & brings on some nostalgia from growing up in South Africa. Ten out of ten would recommend!
April 15, 2025
What a lovely story overall. Filled with humour and emotion. Alex’s character goes through amazing growth and the love story is a proper slow burn! 🔥 I loved the touch of South Africa without it seeming too in your face and I definitely laughed out loud more than a few times.
Definitely well written and the story progresses at a good pace with great plot development.
Thank you @jonathanballpublishers for the great pick for this months read along! ❤️
Definitely well written and the story progresses at a good pace with great plot development.
Thank you @jonathanballpublishers for the great pick for this months read along! ❤️
April 29, 2025
This book was definitely a drama! The amount of things that went wrong in Alex's life was absolutely hilarious. We start the book off with Alex already being somewhat of a train wreck and we follow along a story that brings her way more downs than ups until her character is finally strengthened and she has grown into someone who is able to deal with the world in a way she couldn't before!
I absolutely loved everything about the setting of this story. The game walks, the game drives, the animals, the lodge, the evening drinks and camp fires. It was just amazing! It made me feel like I was right there, with all these characters, in the middle of the bush - which is my favorite place to be! While Alex did come off very immature in some ways, I actually really enjoyed her "no filter" attitude, maybe she should have toned it down in the beginning but as the story went on, I loved that she stood up to the people she should.
I enjoyed some of the side characters too, like Petrus and Marietjie or Barend and Antoinette. And I think Legend would have made the most perfect MMC - even though he isn't one. I enjoyed the vibe and the drama this book was filled with but I really wish that it had a little more romance. I would have liked to have experienced Alex and Kwanele's interactions instead of having Alex tell us about them. And because of that I didn't really connect with Kwanele like I should have, he felt more like a side character. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a really fun, quick read!
I absolutely loved everything about the setting of this story. The game walks, the game drives, the animals, the lodge, the evening drinks and camp fires. It was just amazing! It made me feel like I was right there, with all these characters, in the middle of the bush - which is my favorite place to be! While Alex did come off very immature in some ways, I actually really enjoyed her "no filter" attitude, maybe she should have toned it down in the beginning but as the story went on, I loved that she stood up to the people she should.
I enjoyed some of the side characters too, like Petrus and Marietjie or Barend and Antoinette. And I think Legend would have made the most perfect MMC - even though he isn't one. I enjoyed the vibe and the drama this book was filled with but I really wish that it had a little more romance. I would have liked to have experienced Alex and Kwanele's interactions instead of having Alex tell us about them. And because of that I didn't really connect with Kwanele like I should have, he felt more like a side character. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a really fun, quick read!
April 28, 2025
This was a fun journey of self-discovery through the South African bush, peppered with Afrikaans slang and moments of humour. Alex often speaks her mind, without thinking through the impact thereof often coming across as harsh. Upon the prodding of a tourist, she takes a (calculated) risk but as a result, loses her job and has to return to her parents home, where we meet her successful siblings, horrible brother-in-law and sweet friend, Saskia. Alex gets her dream job at Yamihle and she has to manage the consequences of her actions, but in the process growing significantly reacting more maturely which is admirable. The climax beings it all to a head and is resolved in manner that leaves you hopeful, eager to learn what happens next with the characters you have come to like.
This story has it all, romance, drama, self-discovery, espionage (of a sort), complex family dynamics, blackmail and cute scenes. It was fun to read a book with mannerisms that we have heard in our daily settings as well as celebrates the beauty of South Africa, which is plentiful. I did not like Alex at the beginning of the story, finding her somewhat selfish and childish and I enjoyed having my opinion change as I read further. My favourite character was Legend who was unpredictable, a little crazy and most importantly, fair. I wanted to see more of him and what was teased at, in the last few chapters.
Pick this up for an easy read about a journey of self-growth set in the gorgeous South African bush, that will leave you wanting to go on a safari yourself.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for including me in this readalong with other amazing bookstagrammers.
This story has it all, romance, drama, self-discovery, espionage (of a sort), complex family dynamics, blackmail and cute scenes. It was fun to read a book with mannerisms that we have heard in our daily settings as well as celebrates the beauty of South Africa, which is plentiful. I did not like Alex at the beginning of the story, finding her somewhat selfish and childish and I enjoyed having my opinion change as I read further. My favourite character was Legend who was unpredictable, a little crazy and most importantly, fair. I wanted to see more of him and what was teased at, in the last few chapters.
Pick this up for an easy read about a journey of self-growth set in the gorgeous South African bush, that will leave you wanting to go on a safari yourself.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for including me in this readalong with other amazing bookstagrammers.
April 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book! I related to the FMC (Alex) very much. She's passionate about what she believes in, however her execution is often misinterpreted and misunderstood by the people around her. I loved seeing how she grows throughout this story.
My favourite character has to be Marietjie 🤣 She is extremely blunt and her "Afrikaans-isms" made her even more hilarious.
My favourite character has to be Marietjie 🤣 She is extremely blunt and her "Afrikaans-isms" made her even more hilarious.
June 10, 2025
We follow the story of a guide Alex who gets a job at her dream lodge. Alex is a traumatised soul without much of a filter on what comes out of her mouth. We get to see Alex grow as a person and form new friendships. The characters are diverse, it’s funny and sad. I was hoping for a bit more storyline at about the 75% mark of the book. Otherwise it is wonderful easy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
October 11, 2025
The South African Jilly Cooper without the bonking. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this book, but I loved it. Lindsay Norman manages to capture so many aspects of the range of cultures, issues and wonders of South Africa with a sharp, but humorous and affectionate eye. I certainly hope that this isn’t the last of her adult books.
April 25, 2025
I loved it! The familiarity of the landscapes, the languages, and I just love the Busch. It was its own read and anyone who is South African will find themselves so in love with this adventure.
Please do write many more! 💜
Please do write many more! 💜
April 29, 2025
Anyone who is South African or travelled in South Africa will love this. It's so nostalgic, so hilarious and makes you very homesick.
Thank you for this amazing story. Please do write more!
Thank you for this amazing story. Please do write more!
June 9, 2025
I loved these characters and the South African dialogue was spot on and made me laugh out loud. Thank you!
July 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Fast paced but enjoyable story once you’re into it.
Fast paced but enjoyable story once you’re into it.
October 6, 2025
A quick and easy read. A great cast of characters who all muddle along somehow. A few misunderstandings along the way but somehow it all comes together.
A good South African read.
A good South African read.
November 30, 2025
Cute story. I loved the setting. Alex is a very likable character who you can't help but start to protect and care for. All characters are humorous and lovable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
We follow the story of Alex a guide who gets a job at her dream lodge. Alex is a traumatised soul without much of a filter on what comes out of her mouth. We get to see Alex grow as a person and form new friendships. The characters are diverse, it’s funny and sad. I was hopping for a bit more storyline and depth at about the 75% mark of the book.
My rating 3.5⭐️
My rating 3.5⭐️
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