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Driftwood
When the bushranger heritage of a family explodes into modern day, buried secrets are unearthed... with lasting consequences.
To Taylor Whitworth, knowing that she’ll never meet her deceased biological father is devastating. All she knows is he was a stockman, so she yearns to be like her father and to become a jillaroo. She packs her bags and hits the road, destination unknown, until she happens upon the country township of Driftwood.
Life-burdened Jay Cooper is a cowboy through and through, with his passion for the outback and bad boy image inherited from his forefathers. The whole town whispers about him but Jay doesn’t care. Except that his rough and tumble lifestyle is stopped dead in its tracks when he happens across Taylor on a deserted country road. And soon, their mutual love of horses begins a wonderful friendship that develops when Jay offers Taylor a job as a jillaroo on his cattle station.
To Taylor Whitworth, knowing that she’ll never meet her deceased biological father is devastating. All she knows is he was a stockman, so she yearns to be like her father and to become a jillaroo. She packs her bags and hits the road, destination unknown, until she happens upon the country township of Driftwood.
Life-burdened Jay Cooper is a cowboy through and through, with his passion for the outback and bad boy image inherited from his forefathers. The whole town whispers about him but Jay doesn’t care. Except that his rough and tumble lifestyle is stopped dead in its tracks when he happens across Taylor on a deserted country road. And soon, their mutual love of horses begins a wonderful friendship that develops when Jay offers Taylor a job as a jillaroo on his cattle station.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
21 people are currently reading
648 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 51 reviews
September 9, 2016
Taylor Whitworth may have been raised in the city, but she's longed to be in the country. After another tiring argument with her mother and stepfather about going to university to study medicine, Taylor has had more than enough. Packing up her things she loads up the car and decides to head up north to Brisbane in the hope of getting a job as a jillaroo.
It's in the small town of Driftwood where Taylor meets Jay Donnellson who runs Waratah a property outside of Driftwood. With working the family farm after his father died in an accident, Jay has more than enough to do, but on top of all of that he also has to worry about his mother. After losing his father, Jay's mother can no longer cope and she finds herself turning to alcohol to get through her days.
As the days pass Taylor and Jay form a good relationship, but Jay has been heartbroken by his latest girlfriend, so getting involved with someone else is not in his foreseeable future. And Jay really isn't sure how long Taylor is planning to stick around.
Driftwood by Aussie author Mandy Margo was an engaging story which I truly enjoyed. If you enjoy reading historical romances, then I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
It's in the small town of Driftwood where Taylor meets Jay Donnellson who runs Waratah a property outside of Driftwood. With working the family farm after his father died in an accident, Jay has more than enough to do, but on top of all of that he also has to worry about his mother. After losing his father, Jay's mother can no longer cope and she finds herself turning to alcohol to get through her days.
As the days pass Taylor and Jay form a good relationship, but Jay has been heartbroken by his latest girlfriend, so getting involved with someone else is not in his foreseeable future. And Jay really isn't sure how long Taylor is planning to stick around.
Driftwood by Aussie author Mandy Margo was an engaging story which I truly enjoyed. If you enjoy reading historical romances, then I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
December 22, 2017
It was 1861 and the Goldbury township in New South Wales was run by a cruel and vicious man who had the law on his side. Anne Willows feared him but knew she couldn’t leave town with her bushranger lover just yet. She desperately hoped William was safe with his friends – she didn’t know when she’d see him again, but Anne missed him terribly when he wasn’t by her side.
2012 in far north Queensland and Taylor Whitworth was driving north with her dog Floyd – getting away from her mother and step-father and their constant harping on what she should be doing with her life. Taylor loved horses and wanted to become a jillaroo – that was her dream; the one her mother and step-father laughed at. When she spotted the signpost which pointed to Driftwood, she liked the sound of it – that would be her new destination.
Jay Donnellson had struggled with the property since his father had died. Waratah Station was where he’d grown up – he loved the land; the cattle musters; the feel of the dirt and the brightness of the sun. But his mother still grieved terribly; she wasn’t coping at all and Jay sometimes felt despair at things ever being right again.
What would happen when Jay and Taylor met? And what was the mystery of Waratah Station’s ancestors?
Driftwood by Aussie author Mandy Magro surprised me when I began reading, as I hadn’t realised it was historical fiction as well as rural romance! What a great mix it was! I thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth over a century apart, and finding out how it all came together. I have no hesitation in recommending Driftwood to fans of both genres.
2012 in far north Queensland and Taylor Whitworth was driving north with her dog Floyd – getting away from her mother and step-father and their constant harping on what she should be doing with her life. Taylor loved horses and wanted to become a jillaroo – that was her dream; the one her mother and step-father laughed at. When she spotted the signpost which pointed to Driftwood, she liked the sound of it – that would be her new destination.
Jay Donnellson had struggled with the property since his father had died. Waratah Station was where he’d grown up – he loved the land; the cattle musters; the feel of the dirt and the brightness of the sun. But his mother still grieved terribly; she wasn’t coping at all and Jay sometimes felt despair at things ever being right again.
What would happen when Jay and Taylor met? And what was the mystery of Waratah Station’s ancestors?
Driftwood by Aussie author Mandy Magro surprised me when I began reading, as I hadn’t realised it was historical fiction as well as rural romance! What a great mix it was! I thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth over a century apart, and finding out how it all came together. I have no hesitation in recommending Driftwood to fans of both genres.
July 11, 2017
Driftwood is about Taylor Whitworth who left home to find her biological father. One day Taylor Whitworth life was changed forever when after her car ran out of petrol. Taylor was looking at a long walk to the next town until Jay Donnellson. However, this did not happen because Jay Donnellson came to the rescue. Readers of Driftwood will follow the twist and turns in their relationship and how Taylor found her father.
I enjoy reading Driftwood. I like the way Mandy Magro entwines two plots one historical story about William and Anne long side Taylor and Jay story. The readers of Driftwood will be surprise and please in the way Mandy Magro combine both stories in the conclusion of this book. Wow, I was impress that Mandy Magro incorporated Adam Brand the country and western singer into the story.
Readers of Driftwood will learn about how grief effects everyone differently and ways to help the suffer. Also, readers will learn about the devastion of cyclons to rural communities. I learnt by reading Driftwood the hardships that rural people went though during the 1860's.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading Driftwood. I like the way Mandy Magro entwines two plots one historical story about William and Anne long side Taylor and Jay story. The readers of Driftwood will be surprise and please in the way Mandy Magro combine both stories in the conclusion of this book. Wow, I was impress that Mandy Magro incorporated Adam Brand the country and western singer into the story.
Readers of Driftwood will learn about how grief effects everyone differently and ways to help the suffer. Also, readers will learn about the devastion of cyclons to rural communities. I learnt by reading Driftwood the hardships that rural people went though during the 1860's.
I recommend this book.
November 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s
Mandy Magro’s writing in this book is exceptional. She has really showcased her talent with Driftwood. While the ones I've read have been amazing, this one was ace.
I love books with dual timelines, and this one alternates between the past and present. 1860s and 2012. Both timelines were fascinating.
This book was even more special to me because it features one of my favourite country singers, Adam Brand, and is set in the beautiful region of Tropical North Queensland, which is a stunning holiday destination.
Fair dinkum, any book with Aussie lingo gets a massive thumbs up.
Loved every page of this book.
Mandy Magro’s writing in this book is exceptional. She has really showcased her talent with Driftwood. While the ones I've read have been amazing, this one was ace.
I love books with dual timelines, and this one alternates between the past and present. 1860s and 2012. Both timelines were fascinating.
This book was even more special to me because it features one of my favourite country singers, Adam Brand, and is set in the beautiful region of Tropical North Queensland, which is a stunning holiday destination.
Fair dinkum, any book with Aussie lingo gets a massive thumbs up.
Loved every page of this book.
August 24, 2022
As I move ever closer to finishing Mandy's back catalogue, I've came across one of her earlier books that's quite the gem! There's no doubt that whatever Mandy writes, it turns to gold!
Loved simply everything about Driftwood! Taylor and Jay's love story, the going ons at Waratah Station, the gorgeous seaside town of Driftwood and their residents, the animal friends (Floyd is such a good doggie!), the surprise famous country music guest and ohmygosh the iconic Australian bushrangers! My favourite part of the read was certainly William and Annie's story set way back in the late 1800's- early 1900's. This, and the Category 5 Cyclone that bears down later in the book!
What I love about Mandy's books is the constant reminder that soulmates exist and positivity always goes a long way! There's always a light at the end of the tunnel for those who are struggling- whom some are in this absolutely brilliant read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Loved simply everything about Driftwood! Taylor and Jay's love story, the going ons at Waratah Station, the gorgeous seaside town of Driftwood and their residents, the animal friends (Floyd is such a good doggie!), the surprise famous country music guest and ohmygosh the iconic Australian bushrangers! My favourite part of the read was certainly William and Annie's story set way back in the late 1800's- early 1900's. This, and the Category 5 Cyclone that bears down later in the book!
What I love about Mandy's books is the constant reminder that soulmates exist and positivity always goes a long way! There's always a light at the end of the tunnel for those who are struggling- whom some are in this absolutely brilliant read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
November 9, 2013
Taylor Whitworth has the country in her blood – it’s where she longs to be. After yet another argument with her mother and stepfather about jacking in her stablehand job and going to university to study medicine, Taylor has had enough. She doesn’t want to be a doctor and she loads up her Jeep with her dog and her belongings and takes off from Brisbane for up north. She wants to find somewhere she can maybe get a job as a jillaroo.
She comes across the small town of Driftwood when a kind stranger stops and helps her after she runs out of fuel. That stranger is Jay Donnellson and he runs Waratah, a large property outside of Driftwood. He points Taylor in the right direction for a pub job and offers her work as a jillaroo come the time of the big muster. Taylor settles in to life in Driftwood like she was born for it – and perhaps she was.
She also bonds with Jay, developing a bit of a crush on him even though she’s warned not to by a local girl. Taylor decides that she doesn’t care about Jay’s reputation and rumours of his issues, she sees the man he is and he seems to like her too. They have a love of the land and horses in common and Taylor can’t wait until she can head out to Waratah and help with the muster. That’s the sort of work that she wants to do, being on the land with her horse, doing something useful.
Life up here can be perfect….but as Taylor is about to find out it can also be dangerous and destructive as the north gets hit by a cyclone that could take everything she’s come to love from her just as she’s found it.
Driftwood is Mandy Magro’s fourth novel and her first for Harlequin Australia. Taylor is in her early 20s and has been pushed by her ambitious stepfather to “do something with her life” and stop mucking around with horses and presumably, get a real job that pays well and has prestige associated with it. Although Taylor scored well in her exams, all she wants to do is work with horses. And when she can’t handle the pressure anymore, she takes off, escaping the pressure and the expectations to do what she loves.
Taylor is a very likable character – I felt sorry for her with the weight of the expectations upon her and the callous disregard by her stepfather of her feelings and her wishes. I also felt that the way in which she ran off, although a bit immature and irresponsible, especially as she didn’t tell anyone where she was going and left her phone off a large portion of the time, was probably in line with the way someone in her situation might act. I do wish she’d made more of an effort to reassure her mother of her safety rather than allowing voice mail messages to pile up on her phone for days but that just might be the parent in me talking. However I can’t imagine, even at Taylor’s age and even being angry, not at least telling my mother right away that I was safe and well. I feel as though Taylor’s family were out of sight and mind for her and although she was hurt and angry, she should still have considered the way they might feel in regards to her lack of communication. Taylor was lucky that it was someone trustworthy and friendly who picked her up and gave her a lift when she ran out of fuel (which again shows her youth and inexperience, she neglected to fill up believing there’d be another fuel station further along even though she was heading into fairly remote country).
Jay is a character who has a lot on his shoulders: his father died not too long ago in an accident, he almost lost his farm which has been in the family for five generations and his mother is spiraling further into alcoholism, unable to cope with the loss of his father. He works the farm almost singlehandedly with the help of a foreman who has been around for many years and the extra help he hires come the mustering time. He is also still heartbroken over the departure of his girlfriend who left him for someone with more prospects in the city, which has kind of sworn him off romance, although it doesn’t take long for Taylor to catch his eye and have him thinking about changing his mind even though she’s not from around here and he doesn’t know if she’ll stay around forever.
Driftwood is a very pleasant read that will surely find winners with fans of rural romance. It has a lot going for it in terms of the characters of Taylor and Jay and the setting is lovely. It does lack a bit of depth but this is countered by the inclusion of a historical story that runs alongside the contemporary which was quite enjoyable about how Jay’s ancestors came to own and work Waratah and how they left a legacy that turned up when he needed it most. For those that appreciate a nice easy-going read with minimal conflict to keep the characters apart, this will be a winner. For others that prefer their romance with a little more angst and a lot more passion, then this one might turn out to be a little too tame!
She comes across the small town of Driftwood when a kind stranger stops and helps her after she runs out of fuel. That stranger is Jay Donnellson and he runs Waratah, a large property outside of Driftwood. He points Taylor in the right direction for a pub job and offers her work as a jillaroo come the time of the big muster. Taylor settles in to life in Driftwood like she was born for it – and perhaps she was.
She also bonds with Jay, developing a bit of a crush on him even though she’s warned not to by a local girl. Taylor decides that she doesn’t care about Jay’s reputation and rumours of his issues, she sees the man he is and he seems to like her too. They have a love of the land and horses in common and Taylor can’t wait until she can head out to Waratah and help with the muster. That’s the sort of work that she wants to do, being on the land with her horse, doing something useful.
Life up here can be perfect….but as Taylor is about to find out it can also be dangerous and destructive as the north gets hit by a cyclone that could take everything she’s come to love from her just as she’s found it.
Driftwood is Mandy Magro’s fourth novel and her first for Harlequin Australia. Taylor is in her early 20s and has been pushed by her ambitious stepfather to “do something with her life” and stop mucking around with horses and presumably, get a real job that pays well and has prestige associated with it. Although Taylor scored well in her exams, all she wants to do is work with horses. And when she can’t handle the pressure anymore, she takes off, escaping the pressure and the expectations to do what she loves.
Taylor is a very likable character – I felt sorry for her with the weight of the expectations upon her and the callous disregard by her stepfather of her feelings and her wishes. I also felt that the way in which she ran off, although a bit immature and irresponsible, especially as she didn’t tell anyone where she was going and left her phone off a large portion of the time, was probably in line with the way someone in her situation might act. I do wish she’d made more of an effort to reassure her mother of her safety rather than allowing voice mail messages to pile up on her phone for days but that just might be the parent in me talking. However I can’t imagine, even at Taylor’s age and even being angry, not at least telling my mother right away that I was safe and well. I feel as though Taylor’s family were out of sight and mind for her and although she was hurt and angry, she should still have considered the way they might feel in regards to her lack of communication. Taylor was lucky that it was someone trustworthy and friendly who picked her up and gave her a lift when she ran out of fuel (which again shows her youth and inexperience, she neglected to fill up believing there’d be another fuel station further along even though she was heading into fairly remote country).
Jay is a character who has a lot on his shoulders: his father died not too long ago in an accident, he almost lost his farm which has been in the family for five generations and his mother is spiraling further into alcoholism, unable to cope with the loss of his father. He works the farm almost singlehandedly with the help of a foreman who has been around for many years and the extra help he hires come the mustering time. He is also still heartbroken over the departure of his girlfriend who left him for someone with more prospects in the city, which has kind of sworn him off romance, although it doesn’t take long for Taylor to catch his eye and have him thinking about changing his mind even though she’s not from around here and he doesn’t know if she’ll stay around forever.
Driftwood is a very pleasant read that will surely find winners with fans of rural romance. It has a lot going for it in terms of the characters of Taylor and Jay and the setting is lovely. It does lack a bit of depth but this is countered by the inclusion of a historical story that runs alongside the contemporary which was quite enjoyable about how Jay’s ancestors came to own and work Waratah and how they left a legacy that turned up when he needed it most. For those that appreciate a nice easy-going read with minimal conflict to keep the characters apart, this will be a winner. For others that prefer their romance with a little more angst and a lot more passion, then this one might turn out to be a little too tame!
November 18, 2013
HOLY COW! This was a first Mandy Magro book for me and certainly not the last. I absolutely loved the historical and current day interactions; watching how the two match up and become one was fabulous. Ms Magro has a wonderful very colloquial writing style that I loved, very Australian mate. All of the characters in Driftwood were multifaceted, so many fun aspects and the romance wasn’t instalove.
It begins back in 1861 with William Campbell and Anne Willows being in love, but William is a bushranger and their love cannot be in public. William has been accused of murdering a wealthy family, but he is innocent and cannot prove it. William comes to visit Anne whenever he can without being caught by the lawman, Hocking. Their dream is to run away up to North Queensland to buy some land and start a cattle station.
2012 – Taylor Whitworth has left home in a huff. Her stepfather and Mother do not understand her love and obsession with the country. Feeling lost with grief for her biological father, rural country Australia is in her blood. Her dream is to work as a jillaroo and with horses. After an argument Taylor heads off with her dog, Floyd and her guitar, not knowing where she is going, but just driving until the urge to stop hits her. Driving along, she realises she in out in the middle of nowhere and running out of fuel. It is night and the closest town is still 40 odd kilometres away. With Floyd by her side, Taylor starts walking.
Jay Donnellson has had an extremely hard time the last few years.His Father died suddenly, his girlfriend up and left him for a city bloke and his Mum is drinking herself into oblivion over the loss of her soul mate. In the meantime, Jay has to run Waratah Station to make money before the bank reclaims it. Not much pressure on this poor lad at all!! Driving home from the pub, Jay spots a chick walking along the side of the road heading to Driftwood with her dog. Being the gentleman he is, Jay pulls over and offers her a ride into town. A little sceptical, Taylor said ok but only if Floyd sat up front with them.
Meeting Jay must be an omen, she now has a job working at the pub and lodging there as well with the promise of work at Waratah Station for the annual muster in three months’ time. Taylor is over the moon with happiness at finding her dreams becoming a reality and it doesn’t hurt being given a lift from the super-hot handsome man Jay.
The two carry on their lives with little interaction, Taylor working and Jay avoiding the pub. He doesn’t want his heart broken again and with the instant connection he felt for Taylor, Jay is staying as far away from her as he can. But it doesn’t last long. Fate brings them together.
Back to Anne in 1861, Hocking is hunting for William, he is jealous of William’s relationship with Anne and wants him hanged for murder. Deciding he can take what he wants from her, Anne is battered and bruised. William has come into money and takes Anne up north to begin their wonderful life. Follow their journey from creating their wonderful love filled life together through to tragedy and passing on Waratah Station to future generations.
Taylor and Jay find themselves working together and the more time they spend together the more their affections grow. When Cyclone Iva heads straight for Driftwood, everybody goes in the survival mode. Will they all survive the category 5 cyclone? Will Waratah Station be decimated? Can Taylor and Jay overcome Jay’s fears and let true love envelope them?
Sorry for the length of this review, there is so many surprises along the way and so much happening that I wanted to share some of it with you. This book is just fantastic and my heart has grown attached to Jay’s big heart and Taylor’s strong will. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
It begins back in 1861 with William Campbell and Anne Willows being in love, but William is a bushranger and their love cannot be in public. William has been accused of murdering a wealthy family, but he is innocent and cannot prove it. William comes to visit Anne whenever he can without being caught by the lawman, Hocking. Their dream is to run away up to North Queensland to buy some land and start a cattle station.
2012 – Taylor Whitworth has left home in a huff. Her stepfather and Mother do not understand her love and obsession with the country. Feeling lost with grief for her biological father, rural country Australia is in her blood. Her dream is to work as a jillaroo and with horses. After an argument Taylor heads off with her dog, Floyd and her guitar, not knowing where she is going, but just driving until the urge to stop hits her. Driving along, she realises she in out in the middle of nowhere and running out of fuel. It is night and the closest town is still 40 odd kilometres away. With Floyd by her side, Taylor starts walking.
Jay Donnellson has had an extremely hard time the last few years.His Father died suddenly, his girlfriend up and left him for a city bloke and his Mum is drinking herself into oblivion over the loss of her soul mate. In the meantime, Jay has to run Waratah Station to make money before the bank reclaims it. Not much pressure on this poor lad at all!! Driving home from the pub, Jay spots a chick walking along the side of the road heading to Driftwood with her dog. Being the gentleman he is, Jay pulls over and offers her a ride into town. A little sceptical, Taylor said ok but only if Floyd sat up front with them.
Meeting Jay must be an omen, she now has a job working at the pub and lodging there as well with the promise of work at Waratah Station for the annual muster in three months’ time. Taylor is over the moon with happiness at finding her dreams becoming a reality and it doesn’t hurt being given a lift from the super-hot handsome man Jay.
The two carry on their lives with little interaction, Taylor working and Jay avoiding the pub. He doesn’t want his heart broken again and with the instant connection he felt for Taylor, Jay is staying as far away from her as he can. But it doesn’t last long. Fate brings them together.
Back to Anne in 1861, Hocking is hunting for William, he is jealous of William’s relationship with Anne and wants him hanged for murder. Deciding he can take what he wants from her, Anne is battered and bruised. William has come into money and takes Anne up north to begin their wonderful life. Follow their journey from creating their wonderful love filled life together through to tragedy and passing on Waratah Station to future generations.
Taylor and Jay find themselves working together and the more time they spend together the more their affections grow. When Cyclone Iva heads straight for Driftwood, everybody goes in the survival mode. Will they all survive the category 5 cyclone? Will Waratah Station be decimated? Can Taylor and Jay overcome Jay’s fears and let true love envelope them?
Sorry for the length of this review, there is so many surprises along the way and so much happening that I wanted to share some of it with you. This book is just fantastic and my heart has grown attached to Jay’s big heart and Taylor’s strong will. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
November 3, 2013
Ever just wanted to take off from your life and hit the road with no destination in mind? Taylor Whitworth is fed up with life in the city and her stepfather’s demands, so she does just that. She finds herself outside the northern Queensland town with no petrol when she’s rescued by Jay Donnellson from Waratah Station. Finding a job in the local pub and friendly people is like a dream come true to Taylor. But when she gets a job as a jillaroo, things start falling into place beyond her wildest dreams…
Meanwhile, back in 1860s New South Wales, Anne and William are having a secret love affair. He’s a bushranger and she’s a wanted lady – by the crooked local policeman. A dramatic turn of events means that they need to flee town quickly. Will Waratah Station in Queensland be their salvation, or will it all unravel?
As the novel progresses, these two narratives become increasingly entwined. I did enjoy the historical narrative – I don’t think there’s enough historical romance involving kind-hearted bushrangers and I would have liked to have read more about Anne and William. There was enough material to develop into a separate novel. However, I did find their dialogue a little clunky at times – it just didn’t ring true for me, seeming a little formal, particularly between the bushrangers.
Back in the present day, the romance between Taylor and Jay is sweet. I did find Taylor a little immature as a hero (perhaps because of her age, she’s in her early twenties and I’m er, older) at times, but at others she seemed to have a wisdom beyond her years. The coincidence at the end is kind of implausible, but, hey this is why we like fiction! The way it comes to fruition is dramatic and heart wrenching. There was fairly little standing between them (one half-hearted scheming woman a lack of privacy) as the focus shifted to the station.
I found the inclusion of Adam Brand (Australian country and western singer) as a character original. It really held my interest, seeing this person from television interacting with fictional characters (as well as being caught up in a number of dramas, big and small). I don’t want to spoil the big event at the end, but suffice to say, Magro has put a lot of research into just what happens during a disaster. Having been in a similar situation, I found her words to ring true (and thank goodness Adam Brand was okay). I liked that this dramatic event wasn’t based around the romance, but everyone working at the station. It was very refreshing.
I read this book during an unusually hectic week and found it enjoyable and easy to keep track of the narrative. If you’re looking for a light read with bushrangers, sexy singers and dramatic events, this is just the read for you!
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Meanwhile, back in 1860s New South Wales, Anne and William are having a secret love affair. He’s a bushranger and she’s a wanted lady – by the crooked local policeman. A dramatic turn of events means that they need to flee town quickly. Will Waratah Station in Queensland be their salvation, or will it all unravel?
As the novel progresses, these two narratives become increasingly entwined. I did enjoy the historical narrative – I don’t think there’s enough historical romance involving kind-hearted bushrangers and I would have liked to have read more about Anne and William. There was enough material to develop into a separate novel. However, I did find their dialogue a little clunky at times – it just didn’t ring true for me, seeming a little formal, particularly between the bushrangers.
Back in the present day, the romance between Taylor and Jay is sweet. I did find Taylor a little immature as a hero (perhaps because of her age, she’s in her early twenties and I’m er, older) at times, but at others she seemed to have a wisdom beyond her years. The coincidence at the end is kind of implausible, but, hey this is why we like fiction! The way it comes to fruition is dramatic and heart wrenching. There was fairly little standing between them (one half-hearted scheming woman a lack of privacy) as the focus shifted to the station.
I found the inclusion of Adam Brand (Australian country and western singer) as a character original. It really held my interest, seeing this person from television interacting with fictional characters (as well as being caught up in a number of dramas, big and small). I don’t want to spoil the big event at the end, but suffice to say, Magro has put a lot of research into just what happens during a disaster. Having been in a similar situation, I found her words to ring true (and thank goodness Adam Brand was okay). I liked that this dramatic event wasn’t based around the romance, but everyone working at the station. It was very refreshing.
I read this book during an unusually hectic week and found it enjoyable and easy to keep track of the narrative. If you’re looking for a light read with bushrangers, sexy singers and dramatic events, this is just the read for you!
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 14, 2015
Even though raised in the city Taylor has always felt an affinity to the country. Her horse Dolly is her greatest love and her dream job is to be a jillaroo,play her guitar and sing country music. Her mother and step-father are always at her to forget her childish dreams and study to be a doctor. One day she finally cracks,jumps in her car along with her dog Floyd and just drives. After driving for hours she sees a sign to Driftwood. As she pictures Driftwood in her mind it seems like the perfect place to be until she runs out of petrol and has to start walking. It's getting late and very dark and Taylor is just a little scared.Jay Donnellson is driving back from Driftwood to his home "Waratah" when he happens upon Taylor walking at the side of the road. He offers her a lift and it's instant attraction.
1860 - Anne and William are deeply in love. William has been charged for a murder he didn't commit. He is now a bushranger on the run from the law. William and his friends need to hold up this one last carriage and they will have enough money to move up north and start a new life.
Anne and Williams story had me totally captivated. The harshness of the 1860's comes across extremely well in the story. Anne was such a strong person already owning a pub and a butchers shop at the age of 24, in an era that was dominated by males. But her love for William far outweighed anything she was leaving behind.
I had to stop sometimes between the jump from 1860's to 2012 because I didn't want to lose the magic of Anne and William's story.
There were a couple of cliched moments but pfft, you wouldn't want the story to turn out any other way. It had me tearing up at times.
We all knew Jay and Taylor would fall deeply in love but it was getting there that was the fun.
A guest appearance by Adam Brand would make any girl swoon.
A one page sex scene I can handle, but two pages!! Come on get on with it I want to get on with the story.
My only gripe is the cover photo. Whilst I loved it. Who was it? Both Anne "William brushed her long red shock of curls back from her face" and Taylor "pulling her waist-length strawberry blonde ringlets into a ponytail" had curly red hair.
Content: sex scenes, language.
Recommended for: Anyone who likes happy endings all round. Within a great Aussie outback setting.
1860 - Anne and William are deeply in love. William has been charged for a murder he didn't commit. He is now a bushranger on the run from the law. William and his friends need to hold up this one last carriage and they will have enough money to move up north and start a new life.
Anne and Williams story had me totally captivated. The harshness of the 1860's comes across extremely well in the story. Anne was such a strong person already owning a pub and a butchers shop at the age of 24, in an era that was dominated by males. But her love for William far outweighed anything she was leaving behind.
I had to stop sometimes between the jump from 1860's to 2012 because I didn't want to lose the magic of Anne and William's story.
There were a couple of cliched moments but pfft, you wouldn't want the story to turn out any other way. It had me tearing up at times.
We all knew Jay and Taylor would fall deeply in love but it was getting there that was the fun.
A guest appearance by Adam Brand would make any girl swoon.
A one page sex scene I can handle, but two pages!! Come on get on with it I want to get on with the story.
My only gripe is the cover photo. Whilst I loved it. Who was it? Both Anne "William brushed her long red shock of curls back from her face" and Taylor "pulling her waist-length strawberry blonde ringlets into a ponytail" had curly red hair.
Content: sex scenes, language.
Recommended for: Anyone who likes happy endings all round. Within a great Aussie outback setting.
November 7, 2013
Dual narratives unfold in Driftwood, Mandy Magro's fourth Australian rural fiction novel.
In 1861, wanted bushranger William Campbell and his beloved, Anne Margaret Willow, are forced to flee the Goldbury Township of New South Wales, changing their names to evade the law. They settle in Northern Queensland, purchasing Waratah Station and work hard to leave their past behind them, building a future for their family.
In the present day, Taylor Whitworth has fled the city, and the expectations of her family, to pursue her dream of country living, when she stumbles into the tiny Northern Queensland town of Driftwood. Taylor immediately feels at home and within days has gained an apartment, a job in the local pub and an invitation by the handsome Jay Donnellson, to join the next muster on Waratah Station as a jillaroo.
Though I thought there were a few minor issues with the writing, the dialogue was sometimes stilted and the pacing a little uneven, I enjoyed the stories presented in both timelines of Driftwood.
The historical period involves a tale of bushranging, corruption, murder and a beautiful love story touched by both tragedy and joy. The present day timeline focuses on the budding romance between Taylor and Jay but is also deepened by the mystery of Taylor's father, a man she believes is dead, and enlivened by a cyclone that threatens to destroy everything. Fate eventually reveals the tie between the two timelines, and Taylor's affinity for Driftwood.
Music is an important part of this novel, Taylor is a talented songstress and Australian country and western singer Adam Brand has an extended cameo in Driftwood. Though I am not much of a country music fan I thought he was a sweetheart after watching his participation in Dancing With the Stars and I really enjoyed his role in the novel.
A quick read, Driftwood is an engaging story of love and drama with appealing characters and an interesting plot to satisfy fans of both contemporary and historical romance.
May 27, 2018
This is the 17th time I have read this book and it is as amazing as the first time I read it. Mandy Magro wrights some of the best country romance.
As an Australian country girl myself it is so great to read a book on the kind of life I live a see it be done right.
For anyone around the world wanting to know what living the Australian country life is like pick up one of Mandy Magro's books and see first hand what it is like.
As an Australian country girl myself it is so great to read a book on the kind of life I live a see it be done right.
For anyone around the world wanting to know what living the Australian country life is like pick up one of Mandy Magro's books and see first hand what it is like.
December 1, 2013
Driftwood was a really well written novel. I felt connected with the characters and the author really sucked the reader into the situation that was unfolding. I loved the inclusion of the connection with the original owners of the station and the way in which Mandy jumped from past to present was so smoothly done and easy to follow. Mandy ensured that there was always a gripping situation unfolding making the reader want to continue to read on and find out what the outcome of that particular event was going to be. Absolutely loved the ending also, smiles all around.
I would definitely recommend this title.
I would definitely recommend this title.
November 21, 2013
Thankyou so much for the prize...I enoyed reading this book.
Taylor Whitworth is an extremely strong, determined and gutsy lady, but is that her real name? And the Character of Jay Donnellson is so believeable. I also like the fact that country music star Adam Brand. And there is nothing like going on a good country round up with a few good characters...
The only negative from me is just my personal taste,whilst I do like background on characters. I am not one for old historical stories inter-twined with romances. That however is just me.
For anyone else who likes these two areas mixed then this book would be perfect.
Taylor Whitworth is an extremely strong, determined and gutsy lady, but is that her real name? And the Character of Jay Donnellson is so believeable. I also like the fact that country music star Adam Brand. And there is nothing like going on a good country round up with a few good characters...
The only negative from me is just my personal taste,whilst I do like background on characters. I am not one for old historical stories inter-twined with romances. That however is just me.
For anyone else who likes these two areas mixed then this book would be perfect.
August 12, 2016
Loved it. Took four days to read only because I had other stuff I had to do, wouldn't have put it down otherwise. Another great FNQ story, got me a bit emotional with the cyclone stuff, Yasi was our first cyclone and it made me picture the four of us sitting in our walk-in-robe and listening to the ABC on the radio as it unfolded. Keep writing Mandy, love your stories and hadn't really thought about how "moseying" was spelt!
February 23, 2016
This book was fantastic it written about a town in northern Queensland. It set in the year 2012 . And also goes back to the 1861 talking about Jay Donnellson forefathers who lived in the town of Driftwood on a cattle station farm. Taylor comes to Driftwood of dream to become a jillaroo. Cyclone Iva hits the town. Country singer Adam Brand features in the book. This book is basically about family and find your way to your heart.
August 21, 2016
Another Rural Romance that I couldn't put down! I loved how Mandy wrote this book, entwining the history of the Donellson family with today. Taylor and Jay made a gorgeous couple as did Anne and William before them. Goes to show that sometimes destiny has its way after all and to always expect the unexpected.
March 22, 2015
Whilst the historical vs current storyline aspects of the novel didn't do much for me, I liked how the novel ended up and it was hard to put down (sign of a good novelist). I will definitely be checking more Mandy Magro novels out, as her characters are delightful and the country themes fairly believable.
March 23, 2015
I liked the story. Going back in history n present time of story seems to "in" as I read different books. I have no problem with that as I like historical books. Very descriptive cyclone chapters as we have Cyclone Nathan up north happening at present time. Having Adam Brand in the book as well was a bonus. First book from this author hopefully I can read more of her work.
August 15, 2020
My favourite of Mandy Magro's stories so far,
and that is a big call because they have all been awesome so far. It covered absolutely everything: quirky characters, amazing countryside portrayals; romance, drama, humour, history, suspense, country hospitality, and a great sense of community.
Adam Brand nailed it when he wrote about her books "...sexy and uniquely Australian..."!
and that is a big call because they have all been awesome so far. It covered absolutely everything: quirky characters, amazing countryside portrayals; romance, drama, humour, history, suspense, country hospitality, and a great sense of community.
Adam Brand nailed it when he wrote about her books "...sexy and uniquely Australian..."!
December 16, 2023
Driftwood is a relaxing read that has Australiana, climatic twists, and revelations with two romantic love stories intertwined.
The flashbacks of a love story in yesteryear gave the book an interesting way to include a back story that fitted in well with the novel all round.
All characters fitted in nicely in the scenes with beautifully narrated scenery.
The flashbacks of a love story in yesteryear gave the book an interesting way to include a back story that fitted in well with the novel all round.
All characters fitted in nicely in the scenes with beautifully narrated scenery.
August 27, 2016
I just love the Ru-Ro genre and love that the aussie female authors are really making their mark! Mandy's written a great, enthralling story with great, easy to love characters - thanks for a great read, Mandy!
August 10, 2018
I loved this book!
There are two stories in this novel.
It flicks between the late 1800's and 2012.
Generations apart but on the same land.
I especially loved the story of Anne and Will from the 1800's
Loved every moment of this book.
There are two stories in this novel.
It flicks between the late 1800's and 2012.
Generations apart but on the same land.
I especially loved the story of Anne and Will from the 1800's
Loved every moment of this book.
December 13, 2013
Amazing book! I won the book and wasn't expecting it to be any good but it was brilliant! Both my mother and I loved it and we recommend it
January 22, 2014
loved it
November 4, 2013
I am left wanting more, fabulous book, it's refreshing to read a book that is somewhat close to home, with events that take place!! Loved it:)
January 2, 2014
Another beautifully written book by Mandy. Loved it! It reminded me of the TV series 'Wild Boys' though, so I kept picturing Daniel MacPherson as William. :) Can't wait to read 'Country at Heart'!
January 15, 2014
Driftwood brought the past and present together in a wonderfully told story. Adam Brands appearance in this book gave it a very personal feel to it. Loved it!
January 25, 2016
this is an amazing book. absolutely loved the story line. The characters in the book are awesome. loved the Australian theme.
July 8, 2019
Interesting weaving of history and contemporary fiction. Romance, adventure, natural catastrophes and family stories entwine to make an easy but interesting read.
October 12, 2019
This is two main stories with two-three smaller plots woven in - one that takes place mainly in the 1800’s and the other in 2012. I enjoyed the way the author connected the two stories but the issue I had with this book was that a lot of the story took place in the background and we didn’t really get to see the relationships between the two main couples develop properly. When we first meet William and Anne they are already in love. With Jay and Taylor they seem to go from attraction to being “deeply in love” after a few weeks of spending time together but most of it we never saw - there is just the advance in time. I think the book could have been improved by filling in more of the back story between these characters and actually show us them falling in love. This author provided excellent description of what it is like to experience a cyclone - best part of the book IMO. Taylor’s grief over losing her father as a baby I just didn’t relate to cause there was no development of that story. Jay’s mom’s fight with alcoholism makes it seem like it is as simple as just deciding to go cold turkey with alcohol and you can get past it. This not the reality with alcohol addiction but that is another tangent altogether. I can actually buy that story arc better than the romance between Jay and Taylor based on how the author wrote it. This book would have benefitted from being a lot longer or cutting some stuff out in order to allow more development of the two main story arcs.
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