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The Path Through the Coojong Trees
A page-turning new rural romance from the bestselling author of Wings Above the Mallee.
Once upon a time, Natasha believed in love. At nineteen, her heart was captivated by a man who promised her the world, only to vanish, leaving her to carry the weight of shattered dreams - and the child she never expected.
A decade later, Natasha is focused on providing love and stability for her daughter, determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her own childhood. As they ease into the peaceful rhythms of Settlers Bridge, Natasha is drawn to the local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings she hadn't thought she would ever experience again. Yet, despite this connection, Natasha can't shake the belief that moving on from her first love is impossible.
When her history and future abruptly collide, dividing the town that seems to provide sanctuary, Natasha must decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy everything she has built.
'Léonie Kelsall is not afraid to tackle some of the darker sides of human nature in a way that adds depth and emotion to the storyline. With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.' KARLY LANE, author of Twist of Fate
'Always at pains to show the tenacity, resilience and community strength of rural communities, Kelsall continues to produce insightful work.' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA on Wings Above the Mallee
Once upon a time, Natasha believed in love. At nineteen, her heart was captivated by a man who promised her the world, only to vanish, leaving her to carry the weight of shattered dreams - and the child she never expected.
A decade later, Natasha is focused on providing love and stability for her daughter, determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her own childhood. As they ease into the peaceful rhythms of Settlers Bridge, Natasha is drawn to the local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings she hadn't thought she would ever experience again. Yet, despite this connection, Natasha can't shake the belief that moving on from her first love is impossible.
When her history and future abruptly collide, dividing the town that seems to provide sanctuary, Natasha must decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy everything she has built.
'Léonie Kelsall is not afraid to tackle some of the darker sides of human nature in a way that adds depth and emotion to the storyline. With complex and endearing characters who will steal your heart away, these unputdownable books will have you turning the pages long into the night.' KARLY LANE, author of Twist of Fate
'Always at pains to show the tenacity, resilience and community strength of rural communities, Kelsall continues to produce insightful work.' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA on Wings Above the Mallee
- GenresRomance
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
10 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Kelsall
9 books131 followersThough fortunate to grow up in the South Australian country – initially on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in a tiny town where the school had a total enrolment of only eleven students, and later on a sheep and wheat farm in the Murraylands - in typical teen fashion, Léonie couldn't wait to hit the bright lights of the big city when she graduated.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 22, 2025
Nineteen year old Natasha was over caring for her father, and wondering if her deadbeat mother would ever help with the rent. She was sick and tired of being the only responsible person, the one working two jobs as well as studying to go to uni as soon as she could. Natasha needed to get out of the small town she hated - falling in love was not in her plans. But when Tarik moved into her orbit, they gravitated to one another. After months of wonder, Tarik disappeared from her life, leaving her shattered; wondering how she could go forward.
It was ten years later and Settlers Bridge was a welcoming town, not far from Murray Bridge in South Australia, when Natasha and Zehra moved there for Tash to start the new teaching year at the local primary school. They both felt the friendliness of the locals like a big warm hug. It wasn't long before Zehra had made lots of friends, and Tash was settled into her new job. Their small cottage was nestled on the banks of the Murray River, and Tash swam as often as she could. But change was coming, something that Tash hadn't foreseen in any way possible...
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is another spectacular rural romance by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall which I devoured. Filled with mystery, drama, angst and family - both good and bad - the depth of the story was both intriguing and breathtaking. I've read every book Ms Kelsall has written, and this one is up there with her best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
It was ten years later and Settlers Bridge was a welcoming town, not far from Murray Bridge in South Australia, when Natasha and Zehra moved there for Tash to start the new teaching year at the local primary school. They both felt the friendliness of the locals like a big warm hug. It wasn't long before Zehra had made lots of friends, and Tash was settled into her new job. Their small cottage was nestled on the banks of the Murray River, and Tash swam as often as she could. But change was coming, something that Tash hadn't foreseen in any way possible...
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is another spectacular rural romance by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall which I devoured. Filled with mystery, drama, angst and family - both good and bad - the depth of the story was both intriguing and breathtaking. I've read every book Ms Kelsall has written, and this one is up there with her best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
June 22, 2025
Natasha Wilson is nineteen, she’s in her last year of high school and due to her family’s circumstances it's not easy for her to attend and she knows education is her key to escaping her parents and poverty. Nat meets a guy, she’s instantly smitten and counts down the days until they can be alone and at their secret place.
A decade later Natasha and her daughter Zehra move to Settlers Bridge, situated in the Adelaide Hills and she’s the new teacher at the primary school and the job comes with a house and she plans on to making it into a safe haven. Her bungalow is close to the Murray River and Natasha finds it peaceful looking at water and the old Coojong trees lining its banks.
Natasha has been unlucky in love, Hamish McKenzie is the local mechanic, and he’s interested in her and she has to decide if she’s ready to move on from having her heart shattered?
I received a paperback copy of The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall from Allen & Unwin and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative focuses on how it’s possible to overcome deafness, adversity and a tough childhood. It highlights and calls out racism and prejudice in Australian, we have a long way to go to stopping the stereotypical attitude towards our First Nations People and those from different cultures and especially Muslims and women who wear a hijab.
A story about family’s exceptions and traditions, living in a country town and fresh starts, forming connections and friendships, the link between the land, past and the present, and is Natasha willing to give a bloke chance, to be vulnerable again and have the courage.
I’ve read both Wings Above the Mallee and The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall and she's one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors and her novels are full of vivid descriptions and Ms Kelsall makes it very easy for me to create an image in my mind of Settlers Bridge, and the characters feel like real people and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
A decade later Natasha and her daughter Zehra move to Settlers Bridge, situated in the Adelaide Hills and she’s the new teacher at the primary school and the job comes with a house and she plans on to making it into a safe haven. Her bungalow is close to the Murray River and Natasha finds it peaceful looking at water and the old Coojong trees lining its banks.
Natasha has been unlucky in love, Hamish McKenzie is the local mechanic, and he’s interested in her and she has to decide if she’s ready to move on from having her heart shattered?
I received a paperback copy of The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall from Allen & Unwin and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative focuses on how it’s possible to overcome deafness, adversity and a tough childhood. It highlights and calls out racism and prejudice in Australian, we have a long way to go to stopping the stereotypical attitude towards our First Nations People and those from different cultures and especially Muslims and women who wear a hijab.
A story about family’s exceptions and traditions, living in a country town and fresh starts, forming connections and friendships, the link between the land, past and the present, and is Natasha willing to give a bloke chance, to be vulnerable again and have the courage.
I’ve read both Wings Above the Mallee and The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Léonie Kelsall and she's one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors and her novels are full of vivid descriptions and Ms Kelsall makes it very easy for me to create an image in my mind of Settlers Bridge, and the characters feel like real people and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
June 29, 2025
I always get excited when a new Leonie Kelsall story coming out and that is because her stories bring me so much emotion, wonderful characters and of course the setting is fabulous as well and with this new one we are back in one of my favourite places, Settlers Bridge a small country town in South Australia, come along and meet Natasha.
At the young age of nineteen Natasha had her heart broken that just topped of the terrible life she has had, growing up in poverty, an alcoholic mother and a father who loved his beer, she showed such strength by working two jobs making sure the bills were paid and there was some food for her father, but life threw more her way when she found herself pregnant, but she never gave up, she moved to the city, worked hard to become a teacher and now ten years later she has moved back to a small country town with her daughter Zehra looking for a new life.
She is settling in well and making lots of friends even Hamish the local mechanic could there be a chance that she could find that love she had all those years ago? But it was way too hard to forget the man who stole her heart all those years ago, then the town is torn with a new restaurant opening up and the name of the restaurant stirs feelings in Natasha and the past is all of a sudden on her new doorstep, surely her heart could not be broken again is there a chance that it will finally heal?
This is a beautiful story, I loved it, my heart broke for Natasha so many times, MS Kelsall dug deep into family life, love and poverty and growing up and bought all of it to life on the pages, it is filled with so many emotions I cried and I cheered at the strength that Natasha showed through all that she had been through. This is one that I highly recommend, a truly wonderful story.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
At the young age of nineteen Natasha had her heart broken that just topped of the terrible life she has had, growing up in poverty, an alcoholic mother and a father who loved his beer, she showed such strength by working two jobs making sure the bills were paid and there was some food for her father, but life threw more her way when she found herself pregnant, but she never gave up, she moved to the city, worked hard to become a teacher and now ten years later she has moved back to a small country town with her daughter Zehra looking for a new life.
She is settling in well and making lots of friends even Hamish the local mechanic could there be a chance that she could find that love she had all those years ago? But it was way too hard to forget the man who stole her heart all those years ago, then the town is torn with a new restaurant opening up and the name of the restaurant stirs feelings in Natasha and the past is all of a sudden on her new doorstep, surely her heart could not be broken again is there a chance that it will finally heal?
This is a beautiful story, I loved it, my heart broke for Natasha so many times, MS Kelsall dug deep into family life, love and poverty and growing up and bought all of it to life on the pages, it is filled with so many emotions I cried and I cheered at the strength that Natasha showed through all that she had been through. This is one that I highly recommend, a truly wonderful story.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.
August 24, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🌳The Path Through the Coojong Trees is the latest release by celebrated Australian author and one of my own personal favourite writers in the contemporary fiction field, Leonie Kelsall. A story of breaking free from the confines of your past, education, moving away from poverty, first love, prejudice, misunderstanding, love across divides, second chances and healing, this is powerful tale of female resilience.
🌳I was kindly gifted the opportunity to listen to this new release thanks to the author. Although I’m a big audio book user at present, I actually hadn’t listened to a rural fiction novel yet on this format (I tend to listen to crime or thrillers). I have to say, or rather shout that the narrator attached to The Path Through the Coojong Trees was just phenomenal. She suited the tone of the book just perfectly, capturing every facet of the main character Natasha (who I have a great deal of time for). I lapped up the performance of new to me narrator Casey Withoos so much that I immediately went on a hunt for more of her work. The emotive and authentic narration, combined with the engrossing narrative made this by far my most favourite Leonie Kelsall novel.
🌳Kelsall takes a dual timeline structure to her latest tale and this works well as a device to create an emotional portrait of her lead’s journey. The narrative offers the reader a strong level of both depth, insight and big feeling that I valued very much. Natasha is a character who comes with a lot of judgement, she is rejected by her peers and struggles with wider society understanding her impairment. But Natasha’s life is irrevocably changed when one person shows her understanding and acceptance. This figure, a young man named Tarik gives Natasha’s life a glimmer of hope and possibility. However, roadblocks stand in the way of this couple’s future involvement and the situation forces Natasha to weigh up her future.
Moving forward into the present, we are placed in the community of Settlers Bridge, where Natasha has built a new home with her young daughter. The town has embraced them, giving her a sense of belonging, a renewed hope for love, and a refuge from the past. This was a good contrast from the past timeline.
I’m still a little lost for words when it comes to this one. I felt everything while listening. I was completely transported into Natasha’s world (complete with its setbacks) and I was fully immersed in both timelines. This one definitely took hold of my heart but it also opened my eyes to prejudice, small town attitudes, racism, family expectation, cultural divides, hearing impairment, trauma, social stigma, tradition, suspicion and isolation. Most of all it made me believe that love that transcends difference is possible in our world. This book shows that Kelsall’s storytelling continues to grow stronger and her cast are extremely memorable figures that stay with you and teach you so much about life. This is rural romance at its absolute finest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars
🌳The Path Through the Coojong Trees is the latest release by celebrated Australian author and one of my own personal favourite writers in the contemporary fiction field, Leonie Kelsall. A story of breaking free from the confines of your past, education, moving away from poverty, first love, prejudice, misunderstanding, love across divides, second chances and healing, this is powerful tale of female resilience.
🌳I was kindly gifted the opportunity to listen to this new release thanks to the author. Although I’m a big audio book user at present, I actually hadn’t listened to a rural fiction novel yet on this format (I tend to listen to crime or thrillers). I have to say, or rather shout that the narrator attached to The Path Through the Coojong Trees was just phenomenal. She suited the tone of the book just perfectly, capturing every facet of the main character Natasha (who I have a great deal of time for). I lapped up the performance of new to me narrator Casey Withoos so much that I immediately went on a hunt for more of her work. The emotive and authentic narration, combined with the engrossing narrative made this by far my most favourite Leonie Kelsall novel.
🌳Kelsall takes a dual timeline structure to her latest tale and this works well as a device to create an emotional portrait of her lead’s journey. The narrative offers the reader a strong level of both depth, insight and big feeling that I valued very much. Natasha is a character who comes with a lot of judgement, she is rejected by her peers and struggles with wider society understanding her impairment. But Natasha’s life is irrevocably changed when one person shows her understanding and acceptance. This figure, a young man named Tarik gives Natasha’s life a glimmer of hope and possibility. However, roadblocks stand in the way of this couple’s future involvement and the situation forces Natasha to weigh up her future.
Moving forward into the present, we are placed in the community of Settlers Bridge, where Natasha has built a new home with her young daughter. The town has embraced them, giving her a sense of belonging, a renewed hope for love, and a refuge from the past. This was a good contrast from the past timeline.
I’m still a little lost for words when it comes to this one. I felt everything while listening. I was completely transported into Natasha’s world (complete with its setbacks) and I was fully immersed in both timelines. This one definitely took hold of my heart but it also opened my eyes to prejudice, small town attitudes, racism, family expectation, cultural divides, hearing impairment, trauma, social stigma, tradition, suspicion and isolation. Most of all it made me believe that love that transcends difference is possible in our world. This book shows that Kelsall’s storytelling continues to grow stronger and her cast are extremely memorable figures that stay with you and teach you so much about life. This is rural romance at its absolute finest!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 five stars
August 18, 2025
This book is all about moving on and the choices we make in life. It has topics and themes such as multiculturism, poverty, vulnerability and dysfunctional families. I loved how this book included diverse characters, Natasha is deaf, and Tarik and his family are from Turkey. I love the trope of forbidden romance, and I couldn't stop reading this.
The story is told by Natasha's POV in a timeline of then (as a teenager) and now (when she returns to her hometown). Loved the inclusion of a hearing-impaired character as my daughter is hearing impaired too.
The ending in this book left it open ended in the fact we might get another book to see what happens in the future. I hope so !
The story is told by Natasha's POV in a timeline of then (as a teenager) and now (when she returns to her hometown). Loved the inclusion of a hearing-impaired character as my daughter is hearing impaired too.
The ending in this book left it open ended in the fact we might get another book to see what happens in the future. I hope so !
July 10, 2025
Another Fabulous Tale!!!
Can’t go wrong with Leonie’s books!!!
This one had a Great Then and Now aspect that really brought it all together!
Can’t go wrong with Leonie’s books!!!
This one had a Great Then and Now aspect that really brought it all together!
August 11, 2025
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Education is the only key to escape the cycle of poverty for Natasha.
A feat she has to do without the support of her absent family.
Working two jobs and running the house add pressure to the struggles, however escape is on a count down.
Will love thwart the plan?
A dual timeline enhances and paints the emotional picture of the journey.
A valuable insight into how the future may shape up.
Ostracised largely by her peers she finds comfort and solace when she meets Tarik.
Acceptance and validation allows hope.
Obstacles trouble most when the heart flutters and Natasha has to act in her best interests.
Fast forward she is living in Settlers Bridge with her young daughter.
A town that has welcomed them, inspired the hope she may love again and a safe place from the past.
A winning combination of dark and light elements of life are entwined with hope and truth.
Broken but not out is a motif that produces an abundance of inspiration and will have the readers rooting for Natasha and ultimately some happiness.
Education is the only key to escape the cycle of poverty for Natasha.
A feat she has to do without the support of her absent family.
Working two jobs and running the house add pressure to the struggles, however escape is on a count down.
Will love thwart the plan?
A dual timeline enhances and paints the emotional picture of the journey.
A valuable insight into how the future may shape up.
Ostracised largely by her peers she finds comfort and solace when she meets Tarik.
Acceptance and validation allows hope.
Obstacles trouble most when the heart flutters and Natasha has to act in her best interests.
Fast forward she is living in Settlers Bridge with her young daughter.
A town that has welcomed them, inspired the hope she may love again and a safe place from the past.
A winning combination of dark and light elements of life are entwined with hope and truth.
Broken but not out is a motif that produces an abundance of inspiration and will have the readers rooting for Natasha and ultimately some happiness.
October 31, 2025
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Leonie Kelsall is an incredible forbidden romance story set in the past and the present which I absolutely devoured. It was deep and emotional and so intriguing and I’m thinking this is one of Leonie’s best!
The themes in the story are dysfunctional families, multiculturalism, racism, poverty and community. The story highlights attitudes to our First Nations people and Muslim people.
Natasha is nineteen, lives in poverty and has a hearing impairment, which has isolated her from others, she’s in her last year of high school and looking forward to a scholarship at university and escaping her home town and family. Just before school year finishes Natasha meets Tarik a boy from Turkey. Tarik and Natasha soon become firm friends but she feels despair when he returns to Turkey.
Years later, a decade in fact finds Natasha moving to the small town of Settlers Bridge with her young daughter Zehra where she is looking forward to starting her position there as a teacher. When the past collides with the future Natasha has to make some difficult and emotional decisions.
An absolutely beautifully written story of breaking free, moving away from poverty, and healing. I loved Natasha’s character and her past timeline was absolutely shattering. Highly recommended reading.
Publication Date 01 July 2025
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Leonie Kelsall & Allen & Unwin Australia for this gorgeous book and treats 🤎
The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Leonie Kelsall is an incredible forbidden romance story set in the past and the present which I absolutely devoured. It was deep and emotional and so intriguing and I’m thinking this is one of Leonie’s best!
The themes in the story are dysfunctional families, multiculturalism, racism, poverty and community. The story highlights attitudes to our First Nations people and Muslim people.
Natasha is nineteen, lives in poverty and has a hearing impairment, which has isolated her from others, she’s in her last year of high school and looking forward to a scholarship at university and escaping her home town and family. Just before school year finishes Natasha meets Tarik a boy from Turkey. Tarik and Natasha soon become firm friends but she feels despair when he returns to Turkey.
Years later, a decade in fact finds Natasha moving to the small town of Settlers Bridge with her young daughter Zehra where she is looking forward to starting her position there as a teacher. When the past collides with the future Natasha has to make some difficult and emotional decisions.
An absolutely beautifully written story of breaking free, moving away from poverty, and healing. I loved Natasha’s character and her past timeline was absolutely shattering. Highly recommended reading.
Publication Date 01 July 2025
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Leonie Kelsall & Allen & Unwin Australia for this gorgeous book and treats 🤎
September 24, 2025
This has to be the most impactful read of Leonie's I've ever read!
Flipping between the past and present, we meet our heroine, Natasha Wilson. Because she lacked basic needs as a child, she is in her final year of high school at the age of nineteen. Nat also has to shoulder major responsibilities in order to keep her father and herself fed, clothed and not to become another homeless statistic. In a small town with even smaller possibilities, Nat is fully aware the key to getting out and breaking the cycle is education and attending uni in the big smoke.
Because Nat craves positive attention and affection, she is drawn to Tarik, the new boy at school. A Turkish immigrant, Tarik is everything that Nat has ever dreamed of and more. A forbidden romance is born and Nat starts to believe in a future where her and Tarik will overcome all barriers that are placed in their way.
Alas, a decade later, Nat arrives in South Australian town of Settler's Bridge with her ten year old daughter in tow. Nat has managed to build a safe and secure life for themselves, despite the poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood and is about to become the local school's newest teacher. But .. where's Tarik and why is she attracted to mechanic Hamish, despite promising herself that she could never love another man again?
I've mentioned that this is an impactful read, exploring themes of deafness, poverty, prejudice and racism. Nat and Tarik are beautiful souls and their tender love story will make your heart ache. They're facing adversity just by being together thus their relationship must be kept secret, only managing to steal moments to themselves hundreds of kilometres away once a week.
It's Natasha's past that provides the bulk of the plotline. She's spent more than enough time in small towns to know that sometimes it equals small minds. It happened in Borgainville, and it looks like it's occuring again here in Settler's Bridge. Still.... her new hometown has surprises in store, most of them good, even great. New friends, a new job, stability and security does wonders to Nat's wellbeing and it shows. Still... her heart has never been able to repair itself after a decade of pain despite her newfound happiness. So, is this move the right one after all?
Such glorious storytelling once more by Ms Kelsall!
4.75 🌟
Flipping between the past and present, we meet our heroine, Natasha Wilson. Because she lacked basic needs as a child, she is in her final year of high school at the age of nineteen. Nat also has to shoulder major responsibilities in order to keep her father and herself fed, clothed and not to become another homeless statistic. In a small town with even smaller possibilities, Nat is fully aware the key to getting out and breaking the cycle is education and attending uni in the big smoke.
Because Nat craves positive attention and affection, she is drawn to Tarik, the new boy at school. A Turkish immigrant, Tarik is everything that Nat has ever dreamed of and more. A forbidden romance is born and Nat starts to believe in a future where her and Tarik will overcome all barriers that are placed in their way.
Alas, a decade later, Nat arrives in South Australian town of Settler's Bridge with her ten year old daughter in tow. Nat has managed to build a safe and secure life for themselves, despite the poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood and is about to become the local school's newest teacher. But .. where's Tarik and why is she attracted to mechanic Hamish, despite promising herself that she could never love another man again?
I've mentioned that this is an impactful read, exploring themes of deafness, poverty, prejudice and racism. Nat and Tarik are beautiful souls and their tender love story will make your heart ache. They're facing adversity just by being together thus their relationship must be kept secret, only managing to steal moments to themselves hundreds of kilometres away once a week.
It's Natasha's past that provides the bulk of the plotline. She's spent more than enough time in small towns to know that sometimes it equals small minds. It happened in Borgainville, and it looks like it's occuring again here in Settler's Bridge. Still.... her new hometown has surprises in store, most of them good, even great. New friends, a new job, stability and security does wonders to Nat's wellbeing and it shows. Still... her heart has never been able to repair itself after a decade of pain despite her newfound happiness. So, is this move the right one after all?
Such glorious storytelling once more by Ms Kelsall!
4.75 🌟
July 13, 2025
Reviewed by Trish Palmer for Bluewolf Reviews and Allen and Unwin Publishers.
Author of seven books Leonie Kelsall has once again focussed her settings in the Australian bush. As a child raised in outback towns and has a knowledge of small-town characters and mentalities. This keeps her tales and characters based in reality. The Path Through The Coojong Trees looks at many aspects of small town living and some of the perks and draw backs.
Natasha is a young 16-year-old who is desperate to escape her home and town. She has a plan, and it involves studying hard and moving to Sydney to university. Her home life is horrendous. Her parents, one Aboriginal, one Australian, are happy for her to work two part time jobs and pay the bills.
They do not believe she will ever leave and are not that interested anyway. Natasha is different. At school as she is deaf and comes from the wrong side of the railway line, she has very few friends. Then a family moves into town. They are from Turkey and viewed with reservation by most. The young man, Tarik, and Natasha become close.
We skip about nine years and Natasha has moved to a small town as a classroom teacher. She has her daughter with her. The town mimics others in its suspicion of newcomers, however, being a teacher affords Natasha acceptance. She gradually meets and befriends different people. Then one day a new shop announces its opening. It is a Turkish bakery. The story unfolds as chance and fate play a hand in the resolution.
Definitely one for the romantics.
Author of seven books Leonie Kelsall has once again focussed her settings in the Australian bush. As a child raised in outback towns and has a knowledge of small-town characters and mentalities. This keeps her tales and characters based in reality. The Path Through The Coojong Trees looks at many aspects of small town living and some of the perks and draw backs.
Natasha is a young 16-year-old who is desperate to escape her home and town. She has a plan, and it involves studying hard and moving to Sydney to university. Her home life is horrendous. Her parents, one Aboriginal, one Australian, are happy for her to work two part time jobs and pay the bills.
They do not believe she will ever leave and are not that interested anyway. Natasha is different. At school as she is deaf and comes from the wrong side of the railway line, she has very few friends. Then a family moves into town. They are from Turkey and viewed with reservation by most. The young man, Tarik, and Natasha become close.
We skip about nine years and Natasha has moved to a small town as a classroom teacher. She has her daughter with her. The town mimics others in its suspicion of newcomers, however, being a teacher affords Natasha acceptance. She gradually meets and befriends different people. Then one day a new shop announces its opening. It is a Turkish bakery. The story unfolds as chance and fate play a hand in the resolution.
Definitely one for the romantics.
October 30, 2025
The Path through the Coojong Trees is Leonie Kelsalls latest book, set in Settlers Bridge the story focuses on Natasha who has just moved with her young daughter to start teaching at the school.
The story spends a lot of time in the past, when Natasha was 19, determined to break free from her childhood of poverty, the discrimination she faced from being 'different' to everyone else and her race she is studying hard to achieve her dreams, until she is blindsided by love.
Jumping back to present time she strikes up a friendship with local mechanic Hamish, could it lead to something more than friends?
I enjoyed reading this book, it was a bit different in it spend more time in the past than the present. Some tough subjects were explored, they weren't spelt out though and made you think a lot.
The descriptions of the river and environment are so real you feel like your there experiencing it to.
I was kept guessing as to how it was going to end, which kept me reading, eager to find out more. It's hard to say too much more without giving the story away! Another great read by Leonie, thank you Allen & Unwin and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read.
The story spends a lot of time in the past, when Natasha was 19, determined to break free from her childhood of poverty, the discrimination she faced from being 'different' to everyone else and her race she is studying hard to achieve her dreams, until she is blindsided by love.
Jumping back to present time she strikes up a friendship with local mechanic Hamish, could it lead to something more than friends?
I enjoyed reading this book, it was a bit different in it spend more time in the past than the present. Some tough subjects were explored, they weren't spelt out though and made you think a lot.
The descriptions of the river and environment are so real you feel like your there experiencing it to.
I was kept guessing as to how it was going to end, which kept me reading, eager to find out more. It's hard to say too much more without giving the story away! Another great read by Leonie, thank you Allen & Unwin and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read.
July 31, 2025
100 +100 stars ⭐️ omg just finished loved it. Was so nice to be back at Settlers. Loved Pge 327 so many surnames from mb prim school and mb highschool. and my mums last name is Bormann. Heading back to Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing to start all over again since I have to wait so long for the next one 💔😂📕 til we meet again Settlers Bridge
2nd time around for me. I loved it so much when I finished it the first time I went right back to the first book Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing and re read them all in sequence. So glad I did I picked up so many things about them all. Can’t wait for the next book.
2nd time around for me. I loved it so much when I finished it the first time I went right back to the first book Farm at Pepper Tree Crossing and re read them all in sequence. So glad I did I picked up so many things about them all. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 9, 2025
The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Australian author Leonie Kelsall is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, romance, and slice-of-life genres.
The storyline is told in two timeframes alternating throughout the novel between “then” and “now”. Nineteen-year-old Natasha Wilson is in her final year of high school. Her life and home situation has not been easy, her Mum would disappear for days on end after half price pub nights and reappear when the Centrelink cheque ran out. As well as caring for her father she also worked two jobs to help with the rent.
Once her high school years are completed Natasha is determined to leave her hometown of Borganville to study teaching at university in Sydney. Her childhood and hearing loss were not going to hold her back, she was determined to make a life for herself.
When a new student starts at her school from Türkiye, Nat is designated to show Tarik around. Seen as outsiders they form a close bond and become inseparable until Tarik up and leaves Borganville. Nat is heartbroken wondering how she could possibly go on especially when she finds out she is pregnant.
Ten years later Natasha and her daughter Zehra move to Settlers Bridge, a small country town in South Australia. She landed a teaching position at the local primary school along with a quaint cottage to live nestled on the banks of the Murray River. The townsfolks are welcoming and embrace them into their fold. When Hamish McKenzie the local mechanic crosses her path an attraction grows, is she ready to move on from the past and trust to love again?
This is one of the finest stories I have read in the authors complete work, it is an absolute wonder, tender, hypnotic, and deeply moving. It is pleasing to see her take a risk and try something off the beaten track from the set format of books from this genre, highlighting cultural differences and racism in Australia from our traditional custodians of the land to Islamophobia.
Kelsall has a way with narration that homes in on little details and gives you the aura of a whole person, the characters are real, and it will be sheer delight for any reader to navigate the hidden depths of the hearts of them and their powerful emotions.
Natasha’s determination, passion and spiritedness had me cheering her on, her personal struggles made for a compelling read. The chemistry between her and Hamish is evident throughout with twists and turns to keep you wanting more. The supporting characters, all equally well-developed, and fall into place naturally with their own personalities.
The depiction of an Australian small-town life and the landscape are brought into vivid clarity, providing the reader with a real sense of place, you feel like you are right there with the characters, and confirming that Kelsall writes what she knows.
As with every Leonie Kelsall book The Path Through the Coojong Trees will be your best friend through to the end. The novel touches on many topics including poverty, alcoholism, childhood trauma, young pregnancy and cultural differences and although this was balanced with charm, courage and hope, it made for a heartwarming but occasionally heartbreaking read.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves a small-town rural romance with a happy ending.
Thank you, Beauty & Lace and Allen & Unwin, for the opportunity to read and review.
August 27, 2025
Wow! I’ve loved every book written by Kelsall, but The Path Through the Coojong Trees takes her writing to another level.
A dual timeline, based in the familiar environment of Settlers Bridge where we first meet Natasha and her nine-year old daughter, Zehra, when she arrives to take up a teaching appointment.
From the very beginning we pick up on Natasha’s innate distrust of people and their intentions, ‘hidden secrets’, ‘a darker edge’, ‘houses on the wrong side of the tracks’ despite the ‘welcome to town speech’ from the cashier in the grocery store.
Guarded references to Tarik, negative connotations of a small town named Borgainville, and yet a desire to reconnect with a small country town after ten years living in Wollongong immediately pull us in, as we wonder what caused the sorrow and hurt that had only been allowed ‘to surface in the small hours of the morning, when darkness walled the tiny space she allowed for her own feelings.’
Meeting the younger Natasha in her hometown of Borgainville we begin to understand the reasons for the walls she has placed around herself. Nineteen, profoundly deaf, raised on the wrong side of the tracks with totally dysfunctional parents who squander the little money they bring in on drink and drugs, working two jobs to earn the money to pay the rent and buy food (which means putting up with ‘Handsy’ at the grocery store) and still attending school full time as she tries to achieve her dream of going to university.
And then Tarik arrives at the school, and the teacher decides to pair him with Natasha as his guide, because clearly (in her head at least) it made sense to pair the non-English speaking immigrant from Turkey, with the girl who was hard of hearing!
As we watch the friendship between Tarik and Natasha grow, Kelsall weaves in the anti-Muslim sentiment and marches that occurred in 2015, and the impact this had, not only in the big cities, but also the small towns where Muslim immigrants lived peacefully.
Fleeing the cultural divide that threatens to tear them apart brings Natasha eventually to Settlers Bridge. Here she slowly learns to trust again, developing relationships with the townspeople, and perhaps something special with the gorgeous Hamish. Until the imminent opening of a new restaurant in the town threatens to tear her world apart.
Kelsall has the amazing ability to not only write a fabulous story, but also make you see the world from the perspective of those who don’t fit in, whether because of perceived disability, where they live, or their religious and cultural background.
Highly recommended, five stars from me.
A dual timeline, based in the familiar environment of Settlers Bridge where we first meet Natasha and her nine-year old daughter, Zehra, when she arrives to take up a teaching appointment.
From the very beginning we pick up on Natasha’s innate distrust of people and their intentions, ‘hidden secrets’, ‘a darker edge’, ‘houses on the wrong side of the tracks’ despite the ‘welcome to town speech’ from the cashier in the grocery store.
Guarded references to Tarik, negative connotations of a small town named Borgainville, and yet a desire to reconnect with a small country town after ten years living in Wollongong immediately pull us in, as we wonder what caused the sorrow and hurt that had only been allowed ‘to surface in the small hours of the morning, when darkness walled the tiny space she allowed for her own feelings.’
Meeting the younger Natasha in her hometown of Borgainville we begin to understand the reasons for the walls she has placed around herself. Nineteen, profoundly deaf, raised on the wrong side of the tracks with totally dysfunctional parents who squander the little money they bring in on drink and drugs, working two jobs to earn the money to pay the rent and buy food (which means putting up with ‘Handsy’ at the grocery store) and still attending school full time as she tries to achieve her dream of going to university.
And then Tarik arrives at the school, and the teacher decides to pair him with Natasha as his guide, because clearly (in her head at least) it made sense to pair the non-English speaking immigrant from Turkey, with the girl who was hard of hearing!
As we watch the friendship between Tarik and Natasha grow, Kelsall weaves in the anti-Muslim sentiment and marches that occurred in 2015, and the impact this had, not only in the big cities, but also the small towns where Muslim immigrants lived peacefully.
Fleeing the cultural divide that threatens to tear them apart brings Natasha eventually to Settlers Bridge. Here she slowly learns to trust again, developing relationships with the townspeople, and perhaps something special with the gorgeous Hamish. Until the imminent opening of a new restaurant in the town threatens to tear her world apart.
Kelsall has the amazing ability to not only write a fabulous story, but also make you see the world from the perspective of those who don’t fit in, whether because of perceived disability, where they live, or their religious and cultural background.
Highly recommended, five stars from me.
August 20, 2025
I listened this story through audible. Casey Withoos did such a great narration and Leonie wrote such a heartfelt story bringing two cultures together that I did not want the story to end
November 6, 2025
A surprisingly thought provoking book with an unexpected ending!
November 25, 2025
This was a beautiful, interesting, and multi-layered story that I loved and couldn't put down. Natasha's life hasn't been easy but she believed her return home to Settler's Bridge would provide her with the sanctuary she needed. But small town communities are not always united, as Natasha discovers.
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
September 17, 2025
Narrated through a dual timeline of "now" in Settlers Bridge and "then" being 10 years earlier in another small town with the main character working through her last year of high school.
There was much more "then" than "now" and Natasha's story was quite sad which I think spoilt the romance theme I was expecting.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a story about an all consuming first love and heartbreak. With themes of racism, dysfunctional families, xenophobia and family duty. I did find the story a bit heavy going.
Overall I liked the story but it's not my favourite by this author. I liked that Leonie Kelsall featured a main character with a hearing impairment and showed how this was perceived by those around her.
There was much more "then" than "now" and Natasha's story was quite sad which I think spoilt the romance theme I was expecting.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a story about an all consuming first love and heartbreak. With themes of racism, dysfunctional families, xenophobia and family duty. I did find the story a bit heavy going.
Overall I liked the story but it's not my favourite by this author. I liked that Leonie Kelsall featured a main character with a hearing impairment and showed how this was perceived by those around her.
July 13, 2025
It was a very easy read with familiar characters and town but i really didnt like natasha from the start. I felt like there was something missing in this story and was not as good as all her other books
November 9, 2025
The Path Through the Coojong Trees by Leonie Kelsall is the story of Natasha who has a hard start to life with less than ideal parents and being deaf herself. She can't wait to escape her tiny town and go to college, until Tarik joins her high school class. There are many issues of race, religion, family, class, poverty and Natasha's deafness to deal with, but they make it work for a while until communication lets them down. Through all this Natasha becomes pregnant and moves away to tackle University. The story moves back and forth from the past to the present with Natasha and her daughter just moving to a town on the Murray River and dealing with all the changes and emotions this brings up. Natasha is now a teacher and more capable of dealing with the changes in her life making new friends and considering a relationship. That is until something big happens and she has to try and face it head on feel like she is running forever.
The writing was great and I could really picture Natasha's childhood and youth with all the struggles and hardships. The descriptive writing had me sensing all she went through very well. There were a lot of issues to think about so it felt heavier than a normal romance book. This felt like real life with both light and dark woven throughout the book. Another outstanding journey from Leonie Kelsall.
The writing was great and I could really picture Natasha's childhood and youth with all the struggles and hardships. The descriptive writing had me sensing all she went through very well. There were a lot of issues to think about so it felt heavier than a normal romance book. This felt like real life with both light and dark woven throughout the book. Another outstanding journey from Leonie Kelsall.
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a beautiful rural romance that explores poverty, multiculturalism, racism and young love. It was a heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
📖 Told through dual timelines, the story centres around Natasha. She is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood, and hopes that the peaceful rhythms of the Settlers Bridge community be good for her and her daughter Zehra.
Local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings long buried, makes Natasha reflect back to when she was nineteen, where a man who promised her the world, vanished, leaving her with shattered dreams - and pregnant.
But her history and future are about to collide and it divides the town she now calls home. Forcing Natasha to decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy her sanctuary.
✨ It was great to be back in the community of Settlers Bridge. A community that welcomes Natasha and Zehra with open arms. I admired the resilience of Natasha…her path could have taken many different directions, but her tenacity in the face of adversity had me devouring this one.
Kelsall tackled some heavier subjects as the story unfolded, but these topics were beautifully balanced by lightness too. It made for a deep and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to the author and Allen & Unwin for a copy to honestly review.
The Path Through the Coojong Trees is a beautiful rural romance that explores poverty, multiculturalism, racism and young love. It was a heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
📖 Told through dual timelines, the story centres around Natasha. She is determined to break the cycle of poverty and trauma that haunted her childhood, and hopes that the peaceful rhythms of the Settlers Bridge community be good for her and her daughter Zehra.
Local mechanic, Hamish, whose quiet strength stirs feelings long buried, makes Natasha reflect back to when she was nineteen, where a man who promised her the world, vanished, leaving her with shattered dreams - and pregnant.
But her history and future are about to collide and it divides the town she now calls home. Forcing Natasha to decide if she has the courage to take the path that offers love ... or whether the echoes of her past will destroy her sanctuary.
✨ It was great to be back in the community of Settlers Bridge. A community that welcomes Natasha and Zehra with open arms. I admired the resilience of Natasha…her path could have taken many different directions, but her tenacity in the face of adversity had me devouring this one.
Kelsall tackled some heavier subjects as the story unfolded, but these topics were beautifully balanced by lightness too. It made for a deep and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to the author and Allen & Unwin for a copy to honestly review.
July 19, 2025
This is my second book by Leonie Kelsall and I really enjoyed it. Telling a story in both past and present timelines about Natasha who grew up in a small town with an absent mother and struggling father who meets Tarik and instantly falls in love with him. But as schoolkids they face enormous hurdles, prejudice, hearing impediments, social issues amongst them. I really liked Natasha, she was such a strong woman and very determined to succeed in life despite the obstacles ahead of her. Of course, things don't go to plan and we see what life has in store for the both of them.
Captivating and page turning, I loved the realistic setting and circumstances that happens to ordinary people. I am a fan of this author and pleased that there is a back list to catch up on.
Captivating and page turning, I loved the realistic setting and circumstances that happens to ordinary people. I am a fan of this author and pleased that there is a back list to catch up on.
September 29, 2025
A great read Natasha showed many emotions and experiences falling in with a young man Tarik from.Turkey learning about his culture and meeting his family as teenagers. When he leaves for his family Natasha turns to Dean who works for her dad after knowing he like her. She falls pregnant to him. She leaves to have her baby and follow her dream of being a teacher. Ten years later she moves to Settler Ridge with her daughter for teaching role.
July 8, 2025
Picking up one of Leonie's books is like coming home to Settlers Bridge and The Path Through the Coojong Trees is no exception. With every word read I became more invested in the story of Natasha and her highs and lows of life.
October 20, 2025
Oof, it's that awkward moment where I have to rate my own book so that the GR 'compare your books' function works!
So instead of me tellling you just how much (and why) I love Natasha & Tarik's story, tell me what YOU think of it :-)
So instead of me tellling you just how much (and why) I love Natasha & Tarik's story, tell me what YOU think of it :-)
July 23, 2025
Not my favourite of her books. The back story was necessary but I found it to be a bit slow.
August 16, 2025
My attention strayed often but there was just enough interest to keep me reading to the end
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