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Outback Queensland Romance #2
Time Will Tell: Outback Queensland, Book 2
When Jess discovered love with Daniel in the tiny outback town of Gowrie, her previous troubled life was cast aside. However, differences in their backgrounds, her doubts about real love, and the urge to return and support her twin brother Johnno forced her to make a decision to leave.
A new home in the small community of Tamborine Mountain provides an opportunity to contemplate how she really feels and what is important.
Johnno lives nearby, and new friends and a romantic encounter give her a fresh start - but is this what she really wants? And if it isn't, will Daniel welcome her back with open arms? Will the decision be taken out of Jess' hands, pushing her further away - or will her heart lead her to where she can find true happiness?
A new home in the small community of Tamborine Mountain provides an opportunity to contemplate how she really feels and what is important.
Johnno lives nearby, and new friends and a romantic encounter give her a fresh start - but is this what she really wants? And if it isn't, will Daniel welcome her back with open arms? Will the decision be taken out of Jess' hands, pushing her further away - or will her heart lead her to where she can find true happiness?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
Audible Audio
First published March 4, 2021
About the author
Rhonda Forrest
70 books88 followersAn Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 2, 2021
Jess and her twin Johnno had had a rough upbringing with their father leaving before they were born and their mother dying of an overdose when they were only young. Foster care in various different places saw Jess grow up strong and independent while Johnno was lost in a life of drugs. Jess did her best for Johnno – always and all the time. They were two heartbeats.
When Jess obtained a job in Gowrie, in outback Queensland, her life was good. The people in the caravan park where she lived were good friends and her closeness to her boss, Daniel was alternately scaring her and thrilling her. But it came to a crunch when she, in her confusion, left Daniel and Gowrie for Tambourine Mountain where Johnno was in a rehabilitation clinic. She knew he needed her and she needed him…
Jess loved her life living and working on Tambourine Mountain. Her little cottage was perfect for her, the wildlife amazed and lifted her spirits – but she missed Daniel every day. What would she do? She loved Johnno but did he need her anymore? Was her life on Tambourine Mountain or out in the outback with Daniel?
Time Will Tell is the sequel to Two Heartbeats by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and I loved it! The continuing story of Jess and Daniel was perfect – a mix of friendships, love, loyalty, uncertainty and a quest for happiness filled the pages. Daniel’s family were so natural and down to earth – I felt like they were people I knew. I loved the visions of Tambourine Mountain as I have been a tourist there myself and it’s a beautiful place. Time Will Tell is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to the author for my autographed ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Jess obtained a job in Gowrie, in outback Queensland, her life was good. The people in the caravan park where she lived were good friends and her closeness to her boss, Daniel was alternately scaring her and thrilling her. But it came to a crunch when she, in her confusion, left Daniel and Gowrie for Tambourine Mountain where Johnno was in a rehabilitation clinic. She knew he needed her and she needed him…
Jess loved her life living and working on Tambourine Mountain. Her little cottage was perfect for her, the wildlife amazed and lifted her spirits – but she missed Daniel every day. What would she do? She loved Johnno but did he need her anymore? Was her life on Tambourine Mountain or out in the outback with Daniel?
Time Will Tell is the sequel to Two Heartbeats by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and I loved it! The continuing story of Jess and Daniel was perfect – a mix of friendships, love, loyalty, uncertainty and a quest for happiness filled the pages. Daniel’s family were so natural and down to earth – I felt like they were people I knew. I loved the visions of Tambourine Mountain as I have been a tourist there myself and it’s a beautiful place. Time Will Tell is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to the author for my autographed ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2026
Gowrie, Queensland. Jessica Bailey and Daniel Smith work for Seelo Mining in the dry outback, they fall in love and while his family is close knit, her mum died of an overdose and she and her twin brother Johnno spent years in foster care and on the streets of Brisbane.
Jess decides to take a break and go see Johnno in rehab in the Tamborine Mountains and Hoppy surprises her with a lovely gift. Here she rents an old cottage, finds a job in a café and a customer is keen on her. Jess can’t believe the change in her brother the first time she’s seen him well, clean, sober and he's not putting the hard word on her for money.
Jess enjoys living in the cottage, and it’s her first real home, the wildlife and made a best friend, but she misses Daniel, Red and Rosie and wonders if she made the biggest mistake of her life by running away, all because she was scared and they come from different backgrounds.
I really enjoyed reading Time Will Tell (Outback Queensland Romance #2) by Rhonda Forrest, I liked the new characters of Jade and Zarah, reading about the Tamborine Mountains, and how Johnno finally got his act together and how Daniel gave Jess space and didn’t rush her and he’s wise.
Four and a half stars from me, I can’t wait to read the next novel Turn Left and I highly recommend this series.
Jess decides to take a break and go see Johnno in rehab in the Tamborine Mountains and Hoppy surprises her with a lovely gift. Here she rents an old cottage, finds a job in a café and a customer is keen on her. Jess can’t believe the change in her brother the first time she’s seen him well, clean, sober and he's not putting the hard word on her for money.
Jess enjoys living in the cottage, and it’s her first real home, the wildlife and made a best friend, but she misses Daniel, Red and Rosie and wonders if she made the biggest mistake of her life by running away, all because she was scared and they come from different backgrounds.
I really enjoyed reading Time Will Tell (Outback Queensland Romance #2) by Rhonda Forrest, I liked the new characters of Jade and Zarah, reading about the Tamborine Mountains, and how Johnno finally got his act together and how Daniel gave Jess space and didn’t rush her and he’s wise.
Four and a half stars from me, I can’t wait to read the next novel Turn Left and I highly recommend this series.
March 19, 2021
Just loved this sequel to Two Heartbeats. Finally I found out what happened to all the characters - the trouble is now I want another book to continue the story. Rhonda Forrest has a lovely style that makes me feel like I'm at the place she's describing. Beautiful characters and relationships between them. Bring on the next one!
June 10, 2021
Another fabulous and heart-felt book by this author, this time a sequel to Two Heartbeats. I loved the contrasting locations between Mount Tamborine and outback Qld. A wonderful read
March 26, 2021
What a beautifully told story. Rhonda Forrest's descriptions of the dry and dusty outback provide a dramatic contrast to the lush environs of Tamborine. Continuing the story of Jess and Daniel from Two Heartbeats, the author sensitively includes themes of loyalty and betrayal, love and uncertainty, and the strength of family ties. Family can often include those unrelated, that we have gathered around us, providing the strongest support and love of all. I smiled a lot while reading this book, and cried a little too. I felt satisfied when the story ended (even nodding my head at the last few pages). Well done Rhonda Forrest.
August 15, 2021
Time Will Tell is book two in Jess & Daniel by Rhonda Forrest. Jess enjoyed her time in Gowrie and her love for Daniel. Jess felt she should go back to Tamborine Mountain to look after her twin brother Johnno. Jess settled in her new home in Tamborine Mountain. However,
Jess felt unsettle and started to think did she make the wrong choice. The readers of Time Will Tell will continue to follow Jess to find out what happens.
Time Will Tell is the first book I read by Rhonda Forrest. I am pleased that someone told me to read books by Rhonda Forrest. Time Will Tell is an enjoyable book to read, and I engage with the plot from the first page. I loved Rhonda Forrest's portrayal of the characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Time Will Tell is well written and researched by Rhonda Forrest. I like Rhonda Forrest's description of the settings of Time Will Tell, and it allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Time Will Tell will learn about living in the Tamborine Mountain in Queensland. The readers of Time Will Tell will understand the problems women have with pregnancies in rural areas.
I recommend this book.
Jess felt unsettle and started to think did she make the wrong choice. The readers of Time Will Tell will continue to follow Jess to find out what happens.
Time Will Tell is the first book I read by Rhonda Forrest. I am pleased that someone told me to read books by Rhonda Forrest. Time Will Tell is an enjoyable book to read, and I engage with the plot from the first page. I loved Rhonda Forrest's portrayal of the characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Time Will Tell is well written and researched by Rhonda Forrest. I like Rhonda Forrest's description of the settings of Time Will Tell, and it allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Time Will Tell will learn about living in the Tamborine Mountain in Queensland. The readers of Time Will Tell will understand the problems women have with pregnancies in rural areas.
I recommend this book.
March 27, 2021
Thank you Rhonda for sending us a copy to read and review.
Through troubles and the harsh land there’s a love that’s meant to be.
Jess has found the perfect love with Daniel in the small town of Gowrie.
Having a troubled past with her twin brother Johnno and her continuous doubts about not deserving love has reached boiling point and Jess has decided to leave the country.
Arriving in Tamborine Mountain, Jess soon settles in a new home, makes new friends and awaits the time when her brother will be with her again.
But things don’t always go to plan and Jess is missing Daniel.
Will she stay and make the new town her forever home or will she return to the arms of her true love?
Time Will Tell is the romantic sequel to the emotional classic Two Heartbeats.
The honest and tender love story that we all need.
For those of you who have read Two Heartbeats, know how it ends and it’s heartbreaking but real and this one continues immediately where it ends.
Rhonda’s beautiful writing and storytelling will once again capture your heart.
A moving and gentle contemporary fiction that gives the reader a gift of a solid passionate expressive affair of the heart.
A book showcasing the natural temperaments and issues that come with a relationship and one I enjoyed from start to finish.
Be transported back to the outback in an emotional rich novel of finding ones self, taking a chance and being brave in love.
Through troubles and the harsh land there’s a love that’s meant to be.
Jess has found the perfect love with Daniel in the small town of Gowrie.
Having a troubled past with her twin brother Johnno and her continuous doubts about not deserving love has reached boiling point and Jess has decided to leave the country.
Arriving in Tamborine Mountain, Jess soon settles in a new home, makes new friends and awaits the time when her brother will be with her again.
But things don’t always go to plan and Jess is missing Daniel.
Will she stay and make the new town her forever home or will she return to the arms of her true love?
Time Will Tell is the romantic sequel to the emotional classic Two Heartbeats.
The honest and tender love story that we all need.
For those of you who have read Two Heartbeats, know how it ends and it’s heartbreaking but real and this one continues immediately where it ends.
Rhonda’s beautiful writing and storytelling will once again capture your heart.
A moving and gentle contemporary fiction that gives the reader a gift of a solid passionate expressive affair of the heart.
A book showcasing the natural temperaments and issues that come with a relationship and one I enjoyed from start to finish.
Be transported back to the outback in an emotional rich novel of finding ones self, taking a chance and being brave in love.
March 25, 2021
And just like that... I was swept away. Sitting down and opening the first page of each of Rhonda's novels is a treat for the mind and soul. I am always drawn in immediately and don't want to put the books down.
I loved Two Heartbeats and was very excited to read the sequel 'Time will Tell'. At the end of Two Heartbeats Jess had left Daniel to spend time with her twin brother, Johnno and attempts to find herself. 'Time Will Tell' follows the story of Jess as she moves to Tamborine Mountain. For years Jess has been looking after Johnno and getting him out of trouble. She finds it hard to let go of this role she has placed herself in over the years. Jess moves to the mountain and in no time considers whether or not she has left her heart back in Gowrie. She tries to settle into life on the mountain... although is faced with some challenges with her new friend, Antonio and her biological father who comes back into her life. Jess makes friends with Jade and soon encourages her to make the best decision of her life.
Have you ever been left wondering, at the end of a novel, where the characters ended up and almost created your own story for them in your mind? Thanks to 'Time Will Tell', the reader's questions are answered. Jess is a beautiful character whose past has made her the strong and courageous woman she is. I fell in love all over again with the characters of Gowrie. From dependable and romantic Daniel and kind and thoughtful Hoppy. Rhonda pieces together the lives of Jess' family and friends.
Rhonda's writing provides a sense of peace to the reader. I always feel a sense of calm when reading a Rhonda Forrest novel and Time Will Tell is no exception. Time Will Tell is a feel good story of romance, love, family and what it means to belong.
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I loved Two Heartbeats and was very excited to read the sequel 'Time will Tell'. At the end of Two Heartbeats Jess had left Daniel to spend time with her twin brother, Johnno and attempts to find herself. 'Time Will Tell' follows the story of Jess as she moves to Tamborine Mountain. For years Jess has been looking after Johnno and getting him out of trouble. She finds it hard to let go of this role she has placed herself in over the years. Jess moves to the mountain and in no time considers whether or not she has left her heart back in Gowrie. She tries to settle into life on the mountain... although is faced with some challenges with her new friend, Antonio and her biological father who comes back into her life. Jess makes friends with Jade and soon encourages her to make the best decision of her life.
Have you ever been left wondering, at the end of a novel, where the characters ended up and almost created your own story for them in your mind? Thanks to 'Time Will Tell', the reader's questions are answered. Jess is a beautiful character whose past has made her the strong and courageous woman she is. I fell in love all over again with the characters of Gowrie. From dependable and romantic Daniel and kind and thoughtful Hoppy. Rhonda pieces together the lives of Jess' family and friends.
Rhonda's writing provides a sense of peace to the reader. I always feel a sense of calm when reading a Rhonda Forrest novel and Time Will Tell is no exception. Time Will Tell is a feel good story of romance, love, family and what it means to belong.
Www.chapterichi.com
Www.instagram.com/Chapter_Ichi
April 7, 2021
This book is the sequel to "Two Heartbeats". I must confess that I was in the minority in that when I heard a sequel was being written, I was a little disappointed. While Book 1 had an open ending, I felt that it fitted the characters and where they were at and any other ending would have felt forced. However, I stand corrected as this book was just such a beautiful read that I devoured it in one sitting.
Part of what I loved most about this book was that half of the book is set on Tamborine Mountain. It is very hard when an author writes about your home as there is usually some cringe-worthy aspect to it when they (typically) turn a place you love into a superficial travel brochure description. There was absolutely none of that. Rhonda brought the Mountain to life in all its beauty - from Main Street to the Hang gliders site to Piano Rock it was all there and I was just mesmerised how accurately she brought the essence of the mountain to life simply through words on a page.
If I was asked what the plot of this book was about I would be hard pressed to answer. There is no mystery, action, adventure - it is just about people and people connecting with other people. People finding love. People finding friendship. People finding a sense of belonging and acceptance. She is an author who focuses on the landscape and on the characters and having had the pleasure of meeting the author I would expect nothing less as she is down to earth and warm and has a genuine love of the Australian landscape and the Australian people and it comes through in her writing and makes me trust her as an author.
My only downside with this is that it all wrapped up a little neatly - especially the Brother's story line and it probably doesn't truly represent the battle to overcome addiction that he would have faced. Yet, it surprisingly didn't bother me as I wanted him to overcome his demons so much and to find acceptance and peace that I just embraced the change.
This was an absolutely delight to read and I recommend this author to anyone who is looking to connect - connect with characters and connect with the landscape. I always feel a sense of peace when I close the final page of Ms Forrest's books. Her books leave me with a sense of things being right in the world that quietens and soothes the mind. That is an author you follow to the end of the world. I am eagerly awaiting the next book from this author.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 April Spell-It-Out Challenge: April - A is for Australian Author. Read a book by an Australian Author.
Part of what I loved most about this book was that half of the book is set on Tamborine Mountain. It is very hard when an author writes about your home as there is usually some cringe-worthy aspect to it when they (typically) turn a place you love into a superficial travel brochure description. There was absolutely none of that. Rhonda brought the Mountain to life in all its beauty - from Main Street to the Hang gliders site to Piano Rock it was all there and I was just mesmerised how accurately she brought the essence of the mountain to life simply through words on a page.
If I was asked what the plot of this book was about I would be hard pressed to answer. There is no mystery, action, adventure - it is just about people and people connecting with other people. People finding love. People finding friendship. People finding a sense of belonging and acceptance. She is an author who focuses on the landscape and on the characters and having had the pleasure of meeting the author I would expect nothing less as she is down to earth and warm and has a genuine love of the Australian landscape and the Australian people and it comes through in her writing and makes me trust her as an author.
My only downside with this is that it all wrapped up a little neatly - especially the Brother's story line and it probably doesn't truly represent the battle to overcome addiction that he would have faced. Yet, it surprisingly didn't bother me as I wanted him to overcome his demons so much and to find acceptance and peace that I just embraced the change.
This was an absolutely delight to read and I recommend this author to anyone who is looking to connect - connect with characters and connect with the landscape. I always feel a sense of peace when I close the final page of Ms Forrest's books. Her books leave me with a sense of things being right in the world that quietens and soothes the mind. That is an author you follow to the end of the world. I am eagerly awaiting the next book from this author.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 April Spell-It-Out Challenge: April - A is for Australian Author. Read a book by an Australian Author.
May 7, 2021
Jess has left her job in the outback, her friends, and the only man who's ever made her feel safe, to help her recovering addict, twin brother. But when Jess discovers he doesn't need her, she questions her decision to leave.
I loved this book and the sequel was long overdue. Book 1 ended in a way that was shocking and powerful but had me wanting more. The sequel delivered on all levels.
A beautiful story about second chances and a woman's journey when she's at crossroads and undecided about her life.
Sometimes, all it takes to realize what you have is a little space and time.
I loved this book and the sequel was long overdue. Book 1 ended in a way that was shocking and powerful but had me wanting more. The sequel delivered on all levels.
A beautiful story about second chances and a woman's journey when she's at crossroads and undecided about her life.
Sometimes, all it takes to realize what you have is a little space and time.
August 25, 2023
I love the way this author writes her characters. You feel like you know them, and I love her descriptions of the scenery too. However, I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I didn't think this was as realistic as its prequel. It also wasn't as dramatic and the ending fizzled out in a non-exciting way. I would have liked her to focus more on Jade and Ben, and perhaps to have made their romance more prominent and given them a cliffhanger ending that made you want to buy Book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this sequel of books and reading about the Outback in Australia. The characters were believable and well developed, and the storyline was just what I needed to read at this time. Easy read!
January 12, 2023
Excellent Novel
I've read numerous novels by Rhonda Forrest and they're all excellent and addicting. She has a way of writing that draws you not only into the story, but also the setting. Her characters are so real as is the story line. I highly this second book in the series!
I've read numerous novels by Rhonda Forrest and they're all excellent and addicting. She has a way of writing that draws you not only into the story, but also the setting. Her characters are so real as is the story line. I highly this second book in the series!
July 16, 2021
a sequel to "two heartbeats" (2018)
November 15, 2022
A sweet duet.
December 5, 2024
cute story
Cute story. I’d prefer it to be shorter though. Great characters . Great plot. Just sometimes long writing to get to the point. Love the story though.
Cute story. I’d prefer it to be shorter though. Great characters . Great plot. Just sometimes long writing to get to the point. Love the story though.
December 1, 2022
Essa continuação foi maravilhosa. Amei todo o desenrolar da trama. É uma leitura ideal para quem gosta de refletir sobre a vida, sobre ligações familiares, sobre oportunidades... As descrições da autora sobre as paisagens australianas enchem a imaginação do leitor e aquecem o coração. Os personagens Jess e Daniel conquistam com seu amor tão forte. Amei conhecê-los através de Duas batidas do coração. Uma história que inicia com o amor fraternal e que avança com a benção do amor dos amigos e familia. Quem não quer esse amor?
November 25, 2023
Durante a leitura fui me conectando com os sentimentos de Jess, torci para que ela encontrasse a felicidade. Daniel também foi me conquistando.
E ainda temos Jhonno, irmão de Jess e sua luta contra o vício e seus traumas. Uma história que aborda um tema difícil, uma luta que sabemos que está presente em vários lares.
E ainda temos Jhonno, irmão de Jess e sua luta contra o vício e seus traumas. Uma história que aborda um tema difícil, uma luta que sabemos que está presente em vários lares.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews