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A Windamere Novel #1
Lavender Hill
Second-chance love, family secrets and a small-town mystery to uncover
... A charming and heartwarming new series begins. Picture-perfect rural romance from bestselling author Alissa Callen.
When horticulturalist Rylea Laurent lost both her brother and the boy she loved, she fled rural Tasmania and found refuge among the lavender fields of France. After nine years, her father's poor health brings her home, but to her dismay she's not the only one back in town.
Kane Ashford has returned to Windamere in search of answers. Despite his success as a grain trader, the past still haunts him. What really happened to his brother and best mate, Rylea's brother, on that long-ago camping trip? As for Rylea, the girl he was forced to leave behind to protect his family secret, he's never forgotten her either.
Determined not to fall for Kane again, Rylea tries to keep her distance. But when the two are thrown together to unravel their family tragedies, old feelings resurface - along with a new threat to Rylea's lavender farm.
As matchmaking whispers spread and Rylea and Kane become the small town's most watched couple, will the not-so-subtle efforts of the Windamere Gardening Girls be enough to help them risk their hearts and claim a long-overdue second chance?
PRAISE FOR ALISSA
'I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to say goodbye to Bundilla ... Snowy Mountains Dawn is a heartwarming story of facing your fears and opening your heart to love.' - The Burgeoning Bookshelf
'An enjoyable story about community ties and love.' - Canberra Weekly magazine
'Snowy Mountains Promise is a delightfully charming rural story about love and healing. If you love rural romance, electrifying chemistry and page-turning prose, this is the book for you.' - Better Reading.
When horticulturalist Rylea Laurent lost both her brother and the boy she loved, she fled rural Tasmania and found refuge among the lavender fields of France. After nine years, her father's poor health brings her home, but to her dismay she's not the only one back in town.
Kane Ashford has returned to Windamere in search of answers. Despite his success as a grain trader, the past still haunts him. What really happened to his brother and best mate, Rylea's brother, on that long-ago camping trip? As for Rylea, the girl he was forced to leave behind to protect his family secret, he's never forgotten her either.
Determined not to fall for Kane again, Rylea tries to keep her distance. But when the two are thrown together to unravel their family tragedies, old feelings resurface - along with a new threat to Rylea's lavender farm.
As matchmaking whispers spread and Rylea and Kane become the small town's most watched couple, will the not-so-subtle efforts of the Windamere Gardening Girls be enough to help them risk their hearts and claim a long-overdue second chance?
PRAISE FOR ALISSA
'I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to say goodbye to Bundilla ... Snowy Mountains Dawn is a heartwarming story of facing your fears and opening your heart to love.' - The Burgeoning Bookshelf
'An enjoyable story about community ties and love.' - Canberra Weekly magazine
'Snowy Mountains Promise is a delightfully charming rural story about love and healing. If you love rural romance, electrifying chemistry and page-turning prose, this is the book for you.' - Better Reading.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
22 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Callen
38 books318 followersWhen USA Today bestselling author Alissa Callen isn’t writing she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. After a childhood spent chasing sheep on the family farm, Alissa has always been drawn to remote areas and small towns, even when residing overseas. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open-garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 30, 2025
Rylea Laurent lost her brother Caleb in an accident, at the time she had a huge crush on Kane Ashford, and she left Tasmania and has been working as a horticulturalist in the lavender fields of France. After nine years Rylea returns home permanently due to her father's declining health and she discovers she’s not the only one back in town!
Kane has returned to Windamere in search of answers, about what happened to his brother Lucas and his mate Caleb on the fateful camping trip? Kane, his mum and remaining sibling were forced to depart not long after the tragedy, for their own safety and he’s never revealed this to anyone.
Rylea tries to keep away from Kane which is very hard to do in a rural area, and he offers a reward for information, soon he and Rylea together are investigating leads and trying to connect the dots, and it’s obvious they still have feelings for each other and will they give in to temptation?
The narrative is full of vivid descriptions of Tasmania, lavender fields, Kane’s grandfather’s cottage and Windamere. The perfect location for a story, it has great characters including, Rylea, Kane, Denevan, Darcy, Naite, Tory, Mem, Hannah, Dr McKinley and Viola from the Windamere Gardening Girls Club.
I received a copy of Lavender Hill (A Windamere Novel Book 1) by Alissa Callen from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A small town mystery and where people are hiding secrets, it’s full wonderful and diverse personalities, cute children, dogs, cats and goats and I can’t wait to discover who will be featured in the next instalment.
I’m on team Rylea or is that Denevan, Tasmania has so much yummy food and it would be a shame not to eat it.
I guarantee like me you will want to move to Windamere, meet the community and be a part of it. Yes, it’s a second chance love story, but is so much more than that, I could rave on about Lavender Hill forever and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
Kane has returned to Windamere in search of answers, about what happened to his brother Lucas and his mate Caleb on the fateful camping trip? Kane, his mum and remaining sibling were forced to depart not long after the tragedy, for their own safety and he’s never revealed this to anyone.
Rylea tries to keep away from Kane which is very hard to do in a rural area, and he offers a reward for information, soon he and Rylea together are investigating leads and trying to connect the dots, and it’s obvious they still have feelings for each other and will they give in to temptation?
The narrative is full of vivid descriptions of Tasmania, lavender fields, Kane’s grandfather’s cottage and Windamere. The perfect location for a story, it has great characters including, Rylea, Kane, Denevan, Darcy, Naite, Tory, Mem, Hannah, Dr McKinley and Viola from the Windamere Gardening Girls Club.
I received a copy of Lavender Hill (A Windamere Novel Book 1) by Alissa Callen from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A small town mystery and where people are hiding secrets, it’s full wonderful and diverse personalities, cute children, dogs, cats and goats and I can’t wait to discover who will be featured in the next instalment.
I’m on team Rylea or is that Denevan, Tasmania has so much yummy food and it would be a shame not to eat it.
I guarantee like me you will want to move to Windamere, meet the community and be a part of it. Yes, it’s a second chance love story, but is so much more than that, I could rave on about Lavender Hill forever and five stars from me and I highly recommend.
January 29, 2026
Ten years ago horticulturist Rylea Laurent left the family Lavender Farm after losing her brother and she also lost the boy she loved, moving to Provence to work and learn more about lavender she makes a new life for herself but never forgets her home, her family or Kane Ashford.
Rylea is now home her father is not well and she has decided that it is time to come home and take over the family farm so her parents can take some time off, being back with her parents and her sister Darcy is what she needs and she also is determined to find the truth behind the death of her brother and his friend Caleb but when she arrives she realizes that Kane is back in Windamere as well.
Kane has decided that it is time to find the answers into the death of his brother, Lucas and his mate Caleb brother of the girl he has never forgotten, Rylea it has been a mystery as to what happened to them for all these years. He is now a successful grain trader and has recently purchased his old family farm that had to be sold when he and his mother and brother Denevan left very quickly to protect not only his family but the secrets he has held for many years.
Kane and Rylea are soon working together to get the answers they need and want along with help from their siblings they are asking lots of questions and spending more time together, the last thing Rylea wants is to fall for the kind and handsome Kane again and as for Kane he feels he is not good enough for anyone let alone Rylea, but of course the local Windamere Gardening Girls who love playing matchmakers have other ideas, will Viola’s special tea make a difference?
This is a fabulous story and a brilliant start to a new series the setting is gorgeous and descriptions of the area in Tasmania made me feel like I was there and as for the characters they are the best not only the human ones but also the wonderful pets that make their presence known throughout the story. I loved Kane and Rylea their love had never gone anywhere it just needed them to be together again to make it grow again, as they dig for answers will they find out what really happened all those years ago and will Kane come to terms with his father and his past so as Rylea and he can make a future for themselves?
I loved this one from start to finish Alissa Callen has taken me on a beautiful trip to Tasmania, she made me smile, she made me cry, this story is witty, moving and emotional and one that I do highly recommend, I can’t wait for book two and see who’s story that will be.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for my digital copy to read and review.
Rylea is now home her father is not well and she has decided that it is time to come home and take over the family farm so her parents can take some time off, being back with her parents and her sister Darcy is what she needs and she also is determined to find the truth behind the death of her brother and his friend Caleb but when she arrives she realizes that Kane is back in Windamere as well.
Kane has decided that it is time to find the answers into the death of his brother, Lucas and his mate Caleb brother of the girl he has never forgotten, Rylea it has been a mystery as to what happened to them for all these years. He is now a successful grain trader and has recently purchased his old family farm that had to be sold when he and his mother and brother Denevan left very quickly to protect not only his family but the secrets he has held for many years.
Kane and Rylea are soon working together to get the answers they need and want along with help from their siblings they are asking lots of questions and spending more time together, the last thing Rylea wants is to fall for the kind and handsome Kane again and as for Kane he feels he is not good enough for anyone let alone Rylea, but of course the local Windamere Gardening Girls who love playing matchmakers have other ideas, will Viola’s special tea make a difference?
This is a fabulous story and a brilliant start to a new series the setting is gorgeous and descriptions of the area in Tasmania made me feel like I was there and as for the characters they are the best not only the human ones but also the wonderful pets that make their presence known throughout the story. I loved Kane and Rylea their love had never gone anywhere it just needed them to be together again to make it grow again, as they dig for answers will they find out what really happened all those years ago and will Kane come to terms with his father and his past so as Rylea and he can make a future for themselves?
I loved this one from start to finish Alissa Callen has taken me on a beautiful trip to Tasmania, she made me smile, she made me cry, this story is witty, moving and emotional and one that I do highly recommend, I can’t wait for book two and see who’s story that will be.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for my digital copy to read and review.
February 27, 2026
A rural romance set in Tasmania. Rylea & Kane are reunited softer being away for ten years. Kane left Windemere for family reasons, Rylea left because Kane left as she was in love with him. They are reunited to find the truth behind their brothers deaths. And they find more than they want. Kane father is not who they thought he was. very intriguing read, when everything is untied.
January 28, 2026
Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A new town, new state and a new set of characters awaits.
Welcome to Windamere in Tasmania.
The island state is renowned for its young folk to leave and explore the mainland and abroad but a magical lure brings many home.
Rylea returns home after spending many years in France.
Aging parents and running the family lavender farm are the main draw cards. An old flame from the past has returned also.
Kane is back to discover the truth about his brother’s death.
The family still have properties, interests and a dark past in the district.
Kane wants answers.
The town is keen to see if a spark ignited between the two.
A delightful group of local gardeners observing closely and subtly encouraging.
A story of second chances, dodgy relatives, fur babies and ultimately the truth permeates throughout the story and enhances the beautiful backdrop of the Apple Isle.
Another fabulous rural romance from an author that delivers authentic and heartwarming stories.
This Tasmanian could taste and smell that cinnamon tea cake and can imagine the quality of goods at the local bakery.
A new town, new state and a new set of characters awaits.
Welcome to Windamere in Tasmania.
The island state is renowned for its young folk to leave and explore the mainland and abroad but a magical lure brings many home.
Rylea returns home after spending many years in France.
Aging parents and running the family lavender farm are the main draw cards. An old flame from the past has returned also.
Kane is back to discover the truth about his brother’s death.
The family still have properties, interests and a dark past in the district.
Kane wants answers.
The town is keen to see if a spark ignited between the two.
A delightful group of local gardeners observing closely and subtly encouraging.
A story of second chances, dodgy relatives, fur babies and ultimately the truth permeates throughout the story and enhances the beautiful backdrop of the Apple Isle.
Another fabulous rural romance from an author that delivers authentic and heartwarming stories.
This Tasmanian could taste and smell that cinnamon tea cake and can imagine the quality of goods at the local bakery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Copy reeived via Netgalley for an honest review
It has been a while since I have read an Alissa Callen story, however it was like coming home when I opened up the pages.
However they both are home with an agenda, and when they join teams to find answers, of course those butterflies are going to take flight again.
I did the tree change to a small town, so I get the small town vibe of the tale. What it is like to live in the smalltown fishbowl. The gossips and the rumours.How secrets have a way of coming out.
I really got into the mystery of Rylea and Kane's past, and I couldn't help but get swept up with them as they chase down all their leads, the disappointments, the heartaches. And along the way, watching as they fell in love again.
My only thing about the whole mystery was that it felt like a bit of a... shall we say let down as to how it all played out in the end. But that is probably just a me thing.
I look forward to more in the Windamere series in the future.
It has been a while since I have read an Alissa Callen story, however it was like coming home when I opened up the pages.
However they both are home with an agenda, and when they join teams to find answers, of course those butterflies are going to take flight again.
I did the tree change to a small town, so I get the small town vibe of the tale. What it is like to live in the smalltown fishbowl. The gossips and the rumours.How secrets have a way of coming out.
I really got into the mystery of Rylea and Kane's past, and I couldn't help but get swept up with them as they chase down all their leads, the disappointments, the heartaches. And along the way, watching as they fell in love again.
My only thing about the whole mystery was that it felt like a bit of a... shall we say let down as to how it all played out in the end. But that is probably just a me thing.
I look forward to more in the Windamere series in the future.
March 12, 2026
4.5 rounded up.
What a setting. I was transported to the lavender fields of Tassie and then carried along by the unfolding story. Enough unique elements to the drama to make it special.
What a setting. I was transported to the lavender fields of Tassie and then carried along by the unfolding story. Enough unique elements to the drama to make it special.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
EXCERPT: '. . . Ryles, do you ever wonder what happened?'
Darcy didn't need to add anything for Rylea to know she was talking about Caleb and Lucas. They'd made a stop at the local cemetery to put fresh flowers on their graves and since then, Darcy had been quieter than usual.
'Every single day.'
When their funny, high-energy brother and his best mate hadn't come back from a boys' camping weekend, the void they'd left behind had been immeasurable.
While Lucas's official cause of death was blunt force trauma due to his ute rolling after hitting a tree, the circumstances surrounding the crash had never been established. An investigation by police had found no mechanical problems, even though it had been proven that Lucas hadn't been wearing a seatbelt. His toxicology report had also come back clear.
Likewise, despite a full autopsy, there continued to be no explanation as to why Caleb had died in his swag. From all her research, the most likely foul play scenario was death by suffocation. A scenario that even eleven years later gave her nightmares.
'Do you think . . .' Darcy said, 'I don't know, so much time has passed, but is there any way we could look into things? Something had to have been missed.
'Darcy, I have a confession to make.' She cast her sister a quick glance. 'I'm already looking.'
ABOUT 'LAVENDER HILL': When horticulturalist Rylea Laurent lost both her brother and the boy she loved, she fled rural Tasmania and found refuge among the lavender fields of France. After nine years, her father's poor health brings her home, but to her dismay she's not the only one back in town.
Kane Ashford has returned to Windamere in search of answers. Despite his success as a grain trader, the past still haunts him. What really happened to his brother and best mate, Rylea's brother, on that long-ago camping trip? As for Rylea, the girl he was forced to leave behind to protect his family secret, he's never forgotten her either.
Determined not to fall for Kane again, Rylea tries to keep her distance. But when the two are thrown together to unravel their family tragedies, old feelings resurface - along with a new threat to Rylea's lavender farm.
As matchmaking whispers spread and Rylea and Kane become the small town's most watched couple, will the not-so-subtle efforts of the Windamere Gardening Girls be enough to help them risk their hearts and claim a long-overdue second chance?
MY THOUGHTS: A wonderful start to a new Australian rural romance series.
Lavender Hill is a beautifully written second-chance romance interwoven with a mystery or two.
Kane broke Rylea's heart when he and his family disappeared when they were teenagers. Where they went and why is only one of two mysteries. The other is what caused the deaths of Kane's and Rylea's brothers, Lucas and Caleb.
Her father's declining health has brought Rylea home from France. She isn't expecting to run into her old flame and first love Kane who has ignored her attempts to contact him over the intervening years.
Kane has never forgotten Rylea. He's not expecting her to be in town either and is determined not to get involved with her. He's only staying long enough to look into his brother's death then he'll be gone again.
Can Rylea and Kane continue to keep one another at arms lengths while they work together to solve the mystery behind their brothers' deaths? Not if the Windamere Girls' Gardening Group has anything to do with it.
As well as writing easy to love characters, Alissa Callen has depicted Tasmania as an enticing place to visit. The small town of Windamere is typical of small towns everywhere - everyone knows, or likes to think they do, everyone else's business.
There are a lot of supporting characters about whom Alissa Callen has supplied interesting snippets of information. I love the support Rylea's and Kane's friends provide, even to the extent of running interference for them.
Lavender Hill will appeal to garden, mystery and romance lovers.
I'm eagerly awaiting the second book in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#LavenderHill #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: ALISSA CALLEN When she isn't writing, she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. After a childhood spent chasing sheep on the family farm, Alissa has always been drawn to remote areas and small towns, even when residing overseas. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open-garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia (HQ & MIRA) via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Lavender Hill by Alissa Callen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Lavender Hill by Alissa Callen is scheduled for publication 28 January, 2025.
Darcy didn't need to add anything for Rylea to know she was talking about Caleb and Lucas. They'd made a stop at the local cemetery to put fresh flowers on their graves and since then, Darcy had been quieter than usual.
'Every single day.'
When their funny, high-energy brother and his best mate hadn't come back from a boys' camping weekend, the void they'd left behind had been immeasurable.
While Lucas's official cause of death was blunt force trauma due to his ute rolling after hitting a tree, the circumstances surrounding the crash had never been established. An investigation by police had found no mechanical problems, even though it had been proven that Lucas hadn't been wearing a seatbelt. His toxicology report had also come back clear.
Likewise, despite a full autopsy, there continued to be no explanation as to why Caleb had died in his swag. From all her research, the most likely foul play scenario was death by suffocation. A scenario that even eleven years later gave her nightmares.
'Do you think . . .' Darcy said, 'I don't know, so much time has passed, but is there any way we could look into things? Something had to have been missed.
'Darcy, I have a confession to make.' She cast her sister a quick glance. 'I'm already looking.'
ABOUT 'LAVENDER HILL': When horticulturalist Rylea Laurent lost both her brother and the boy she loved, she fled rural Tasmania and found refuge among the lavender fields of France. After nine years, her father's poor health brings her home, but to her dismay she's not the only one back in town.
Kane Ashford has returned to Windamere in search of answers. Despite his success as a grain trader, the past still haunts him. What really happened to his brother and best mate, Rylea's brother, on that long-ago camping trip? As for Rylea, the girl he was forced to leave behind to protect his family secret, he's never forgotten her either.
Determined not to fall for Kane again, Rylea tries to keep her distance. But when the two are thrown together to unravel their family tragedies, old feelings resurface - along with a new threat to Rylea's lavender farm.
As matchmaking whispers spread and Rylea and Kane become the small town's most watched couple, will the not-so-subtle efforts of the Windamere Gardening Girls be enough to help them risk their hearts and claim a long-overdue second chance?
MY THOUGHTS: A wonderful start to a new Australian rural romance series.
Lavender Hill is a beautifully written second-chance romance interwoven with a mystery or two.
Kane broke Rylea's heart when he and his family disappeared when they were teenagers. Where they went and why is only one of two mysteries. The other is what caused the deaths of Kane's and Rylea's brothers, Lucas and Caleb.
Her father's declining health has brought Rylea home from France. She isn't expecting to run into her old flame and first love Kane who has ignored her attempts to contact him over the intervening years.
Kane has never forgotten Rylea. He's not expecting her to be in town either and is determined not to get involved with her. He's only staying long enough to look into his brother's death then he'll be gone again.
Can Rylea and Kane continue to keep one another at arms lengths while they work together to solve the mystery behind their brothers' deaths? Not if the Windamere Girls' Gardening Group has anything to do with it.
As well as writing easy to love characters, Alissa Callen has depicted Tasmania as an enticing place to visit. The small town of Windamere is typical of small towns everywhere - everyone knows, or likes to think they do, everyone else's business.
There are a lot of supporting characters about whom Alissa Callen has supplied interesting snippets of information. I love the support Rylea's and Kane's friends provide, even to the extent of running interference for them.
Lavender Hill will appeal to garden, mystery and romance lovers.
I'm eagerly awaiting the second book in this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#LavenderHill #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: ALISSA CALLEN When she isn't writing, she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. After a childhood spent chasing sheep on the family farm, Alissa has always been drawn to remote areas and small towns, even when residing overseas. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open-garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia (HQ & MIRA) via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Lavender Hill by Alissa Callen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Lavender Hill by Alissa Callen is scheduled for publication 28 January, 2025.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lavender Hill by Alissa Callen was an excellent read, and an absolute page turner. In the space of a few days Rylea’s brother had died unexpectedly when camping and the man she loved, Kane, disappeared overnight with his family without a word. She went overseas to work to get away from her double loss and now nine years later has returned to Tasmania to take over the family lavender farm due to her father’s deteriorating health. She also wants to look in to her brother’s death as she feels it was never investigated properly. To her horror Kane has recently returned - and she realises she still has feelings for him.
Kane’s brother had died at the same time as Rylea’s brother, they were best mates and were camping together when they both died. Kane also wants to investigate the deaths because his family left so quickly he couldn’t follow through at the time.
So Rylea and Kane join forces both determined to keep their distance from each other emotionally, but as the suspense rises and secrets are revealed the barriers gradually breakdown.
I adored the small country community of Windamere, and enjoyed how quickly gossip spread, which was so true to life. There are some lovely back stories demonstrating - mostly involving the garden club ladies, lead by Viola, who were the main facilitators of the spread of information in the community - both truthful and way off truthful - but swung into action when anyone needed help. They also worked as matchmakers and determined that Kane and Rylea should be a pair.
An example of a back story, is when Naite, a close friend of Kane’s lied and said he had gluten issues when asked why he didn’t come into the bakery (the truth being he was avoiding the garden club ladies) by the time he got to the counter his requested egg and bacon bread roll was gluten free. Later at the pub he was refused a beer as it had gluten in it. The community had swung into action to help him cope with his dietary condition.
There were many little back stories like this which brought the community alive and made me want to visit. One other, my absolute favourite, was about a kleptomaniac Barbie! You really will have to read the book to laugh along with this one.
This is book one in Alissa’s new ‘Windamere’ series - and there are a couple of lovely single lady support characters, and single males, that I really hope are going to be come main characters in future books and get their happy ever afters.
Thank you to HQ fiction for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Kane’s brother had died at the same time as Rylea’s brother, they were best mates and were camping together when they both died. Kane also wants to investigate the deaths because his family left so quickly he couldn’t follow through at the time.
So Rylea and Kane join forces both determined to keep their distance from each other emotionally, but as the suspense rises and secrets are revealed the barriers gradually breakdown.
I adored the small country community of Windamere, and enjoyed how quickly gossip spread, which was so true to life. There are some lovely back stories demonstrating - mostly involving the garden club ladies, lead by Viola, who were the main facilitators of the spread of information in the community - both truthful and way off truthful - but swung into action when anyone needed help. They also worked as matchmakers and determined that Kane and Rylea should be a pair.
An example of a back story, is when Naite, a close friend of Kane’s lied and said he had gluten issues when asked why he didn’t come into the bakery (the truth being he was avoiding the garden club ladies) by the time he got to the counter his requested egg and bacon bread roll was gluten free. Later at the pub he was refused a beer as it had gluten in it. The community had swung into action to help him cope with his dietary condition.
There were many little back stories like this which brought the community alive and made me want to visit. One other, my absolute favourite, was about a kleptomaniac Barbie! You really will have to read the book to laugh along with this one.
This is book one in Alissa’s new ‘Windamere’ series - and there are a couple of lovely single lady support characters, and single males, that I really hope are going to be come main characters in future books and get their happy ever afters.
Thank you to HQ fiction for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
February 21, 2026
Thank you, Harlequin Australia, for sending this sweet book my way!
Lavender Hill was a super cozy read, the one you’d love to have with a lovely cup of tea and your favourite treat, and you won’t notice a couple of hours disappearing while you are wrapped in this story.
Rylea Laurent had a good life in France and a wonderful boyfriend, Didier. It was a wonderful getaway for her, but things changed when her father’s health got worse. She must return home to Tasmania and take over her family's lavender farm. Going back to that place isn’t the easiest thing for Rylea; it is the place where everything reminds her of her brother’s tragic death in the past and her sudden breakup with Kane Ashford
Kane Ashford, the hot, broody guy with secrets that he guards so carefully. He broke her heart by leaving her without any explanation. But he returns at the same time she does, to find some answers to clear the past.
He and Rylea are not the thing. Not anymore and never again. So she tries to keep her distance.
But her treacherous heart betrays her own confidence when she sees him again. Like France and Didier never happened. Like she was not left in the dark with many questions. And Windamere town is buzzing when they both are back, the whispers of matchmaking in the air. But is there any chance for Rylea and Kane when there are so many secrets and unexplained things that separate them?
This book was a lovely and clean second-chance small-town romance laced with old family secrets and surprising discoveries!
Kane and Rylea’s chemistry was so beautiful and sweet! They were truly destined for each other, and the only thing that separated them for years was miscommunication. I think this pair would definitely have reached happiness years ago if they were more open with each other. Their story in this book sounded like a closure they both deserved.
Oh, and the unique tea blend mentioned in the story also caught my eye! Gotta try that one!
Lavender Hill was a super cozy read, the one you’d love to have with a lovely cup of tea and your favourite treat, and you won’t notice a couple of hours disappearing while you are wrapped in this story.
Rylea Laurent had a good life in France and a wonderful boyfriend, Didier. It was a wonderful getaway for her, but things changed when her father’s health got worse. She must return home to Tasmania and take over her family's lavender farm. Going back to that place isn’t the easiest thing for Rylea; it is the place where everything reminds her of her brother’s tragic death in the past and her sudden breakup with Kane Ashford
Kane Ashford, the hot, broody guy with secrets that he guards so carefully. He broke her heart by leaving her without any explanation. But he returns at the same time she does, to find some answers to clear the past.
He and Rylea are not the thing. Not anymore and never again. So she tries to keep her distance.
But her treacherous heart betrays her own confidence when she sees him again. Like France and Didier never happened. Like she was not left in the dark with many questions. And Windamere town is buzzing when they both are back, the whispers of matchmaking in the air. But is there any chance for Rylea and Kane when there are so many secrets and unexplained things that separate them?
This book was a lovely and clean second-chance small-town romance laced with old family secrets and surprising discoveries!
Kane and Rylea’s chemistry was so beautiful and sweet! They were truly destined for each other, and the only thing that separated them for years was miscommunication. I think this pair would definitely have reached happiness years ago if they were more open with each other. Their story in this book sounded like a closure they both deserved.
Oh, and the unique tea blend mentioned in the story also caught my eye! Gotta try that one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5★s
Horticulturalist Rylea Laurent returned home to Windamere in Tasmania from France, and their lavender farm, with her father in poor health. She was determined to take over the farm and prove to her dad she was more than capable. Rylea's sister Darcy lived nearby and had kept her in touch with how things were going both on the farm and around town. The unexplained deaths of both Rylea & Darcy's brother Caleb, and their neighbour Lucas Ashford, brother to Kane & Denevan, ten years prior, was still heavy on their minds. Kane arrived back in Windamere around the same time as Rylea - searching for answers.
Both Kane & Rylea had been close when they'd both been in Windamere with their families, before the boys' deaths, with Rylea being devastated when he left town. Was she brave enough to get close to him again? She knew she would help him search for the answers they both needed, but was that all?
Lavender Hill is the 1st in a new series by Aussie author Alissa Callen and one I'm sure I'll enjoy. A Windamere Novel is the series set in the beautiful Australian island of Tasmania, so I know I'll be keen to read more about that state. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HQ Fiction for my digital ARC to read and review.
Horticulturalist Rylea Laurent returned home to Windamere in Tasmania from France, and their lavender farm, with her father in poor health. She was determined to take over the farm and prove to her dad she was more than capable. Rylea's sister Darcy lived nearby and had kept her in touch with how things were going both on the farm and around town. The unexplained deaths of both Rylea & Darcy's brother Caleb, and their neighbour Lucas Ashford, brother to Kane & Denevan, ten years prior, was still heavy on their minds. Kane arrived back in Windamere around the same time as Rylea - searching for answers.
Both Kane & Rylea had been close when they'd both been in Windamere with their families, before the boys' deaths, with Rylea being devastated when he left town. Was she brave enough to get close to him again? She knew she would help him search for the answers they both needed, but was that all?
Lavender Hill is the 1st in a new series by Aussie author Alissa Callen and one I'm sure I'll enjoy. A Windamere Novel is the series set in the beautiful Australian island of Tasmania, so I know I'll be keen to read more about that state. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HQ Fiction for my digital ARC to read and review.
February 20, 2026
I was so thrilled to see that Alissa Callen had written a new book and loved everfy page of Lavender Hill. Set in Tasmania, in and around the fictional town of Windamere near Launceston, this is a friends to lovers romance with a twist. Rylea Laurent has returned home from France to help her father run the family lavender farm and is shocked to see Kane Ashford shortly after her arrival. She had a crush on Kane when she was a teenager and just a few years younger than him. They became firm friends though he always kept her firmly in the friend zone, so when he, his brother and his mother suddenly left Windamere after the death of both his brother Lucas and her brother Caleb in suspicious circumstances and she was hurt both by his departure withlut a goodbye and by his subsequent apparent disappearance off the face of the earth.Kane, meanwhile, is focused on finding out what happened to his brother though he is also struggling against the strong attraction he has always felt for Rylea. There’s lots to love in this book, starting with the characters, most of whom quuickly found a place in my heart. The plot has plenty of twists to keep readers interested, and then there is that gorgeous small-town country setting. I’m delighted this is the start of a new series as I'm looking forward to reading more about Windamere and the people that live there.
January 28, 2026
Alissa Callen begins a new series with Lavender Hill. Set in rural Tasmania in Australia Alissa brings all the flora and fauna of that area. Throughout the book there are a number of wild and domesticated creatures. Some of them so cute. When Kane returns and bonds with an an animal he had to leave behind, I found myself swallowing tears.
Evidently Kane and Rylea had a thing for each other when they were younger, now they are back and they are obviously meant for each other, but Rylea is hurt at Kane's previous unexplained leaving of Windamere. Added to that they each lost a brother to sad and unexplained circumstances. And Kane seems to shoulder burdens that just seem to make it impossible for him to form a romantic relationship.
There is a wide ranging number of characters who populate this small rural area, and so we can expect their stories to eventuate further in the series.
I found it a little slow paced and over detailed at times, however eventually things happen that lead them to solve a mystery. Plus Rylea and Kane both grow as people - Rylea becomes bolder and Kane learns to open up. I'd say that bodes well for their future.
I think those who enjoy Australian rural romance will find enough in the book to be entertained.
Evidently Kane and Rylea had a thing for each other when they were younger, now they are back and they are obviously meant for each other, but Rylea is hurt at Kane's previous unexplained leaving of Windamere. Added to that they each lost a brother to sad and unexplained circumstances. And Kane seems to shoulder burdens that just seem to make it impossible for him to form a romantic relationship.
There is a wide ranging number of characters who populate this small rural area, and so we can expect their stories to eventuate further in the series.
I found it a little slow paced and over detailed at times, however eventually things happen that lead them to solve a mystery. Plus Rylea and Kane both grow as people - Rylea becomes bolder and Kane learns to open up. I'd say that bodes well for their future.
I think those who enjoy Australian rural romance will find enough in the book to be entertained.
March 2, 2026
Loving lavender as I do I was drawn to this book - from the lovely cover to the last word I found it to be one of the most beautiful books I've read in a while. It was glorious.
The writing was perfect - meaningful, easy to read and thought provoking. Definitely a story I didn't want to end but wanted to make sure it finished as I hoped it would.
The relationships, the beautiful lavender fields, the scenery descriptions, the way the story involved the reader - everything perfect. The kind of book you finish with a sigh and know you'll keep thinking about it for a long, long time. The tension with the unknown details to the deaths of the brothers is brilliant - tension can spoil a book if it isn't done effectively - this was just right. There was not one jarring word, not one disappointment. A book I can't rate too highly.
I absolutely loved it and I know it will stay as one of my favourite books for a very long time.
The writing was perfect - meaningful, easy to read and thought provoking. Definitely a story I didn't want to end but wanted to make sure it finished as I hoped it would.
The relationships, the beautiful lavender fields, the scenery descriptions, the way the story involved the reader - everything perfect. The kind of book you finish with a sigh and know you'll keep thinking about it for a long, long time. The tension with the unknown details to the deaths of the brothers is brilliant - tension can spoil a book if it isn't done effectively - this was just right. There was not one jarring word, not one disappointment. A book I can't rate too highly.
I absolutely loved it and I know it will stay as one of my favourite books for a very long time.
March 2, 2026
This was another lovely read by Alissa Callen. I loved her Bundilla Series and I know I’m going to love her new series.
I found it very addictive and very hard to put down. Hence not much housework was done this weekend. Set in rural Tasmania on a lavender farm, Rylea has returned home after 10 years away to run the family lavender farm in the hope that her parents will travel and let her run the farm. Kane returns to the town he fled ten years earlier in the hope of finding out what really happened to his brother and his brother’s best friend (Rylea’s brother). Together Rylea and Kane set out to find the answer, before Kane leaves Windamere forever.
I loved how the gardening ladies set out to be matchmakers, not that they really needed to. I enjoyed the journey of discovery that Rylea and Kane went on to find the truth about what happened to their brothers.
I highly recommend this and all of Alissa’s books.
I found it very addictive and very hard to put down. Hence not much housework was done this weekend. Set in rural Tasmania on a lavender farm, Rylea has returned home after 10 years away to run the family lavender farm in the hope that her parents will travel and let her run the farm. Kane returns to the town he fled ten years earlier in the hope of finding out what really happened to his brother and his brother’s best friend (Rylea’s brother). Together Rylea and Kane set out to find the answer, before Kane leaves Windamere forever.
I loved how the gardening ladies set out to be matchmakers, not that they really needed to. I enjoyed the journey of discovery that Rylea and Kane went on to find the truth about what happened to their brothers.
I highly recommend this and all of Alissa’s books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've only read one story so far by Alissa Callen, which was Under Christmas Stars, and I absolutely adored it. I have her 4 Snowy Mountains Bundilla novels on my tbr read pile and will be adding others as I find them.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the wonderful characters of Windamere. I have never been to Tasmania (I live in Brisbane Qld) but I have visited a Lavender farm in Bundaberg so could easily picture the farm Rylea and her family love so much.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I love the small town gossip vine and how quickly it works.
Also it's great to see how everyone looks out for each other and lends a helping hand when needed.
I can't wait to read future Windamere stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the wonderful characters of Windamere. I have never been to Tasmania (I live in Brisbane Qld) but I have visited a Lavender farm in Bundaberg so could easily picture the farm Rylea and her family love so much.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I love the small town gossip vine and how quickly it works.
Also it's great to see how everyone looks out for each other and lends a helping hand when needed.
I can't wait to read future Windamere stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2026
Unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me.
Initially I enjoyed the setting of the Australian bush, and the promise of slow-burn, second chance romance between our MCs Kane and Rylea.
The mystery surrounding their respective brother’s untimely deaths, was the most intriguing part of this book for me. The resolution to this storyline unfortunately felt quite hurried and flat however.
The romance, although sweet, felt entirely rushed. One minute Rylea and Kane were both avoiding each other, the next he was discussing engagement rings with his friends and making “unspoken promises” with his eyes.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, with an Australian flair, and a low stakes mystery, this may be for you.
Otherwise I wouldn’t recommend.
Thank you @harlequinaus for the early copy of this book.
Initially I enjoyed the setting of the Australian bush, and the promise of slow-burn, second chance romance between our MCs Kane and Rylea.
The mystery surrounding their respective brother’s untimely deaths, was the most intriguing part of this book for me. The resolution to this storyline unfortunately felt quite hurried and flat however.
The romance, although sweet, felt entirely rushed. One minute Rylea and Kane were both avoiding each other, the next he was discussing engagement rings with his friends and making “unspoken promises” with his eyes.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, with an Australian flair, and a low stakes mystery, this may be for you.
Otherwise I wouldn’t recommend.
Thank you @harlequinaus for the early copy of this book.
February 10, 2026
Lavender Hill is the first book in a new heartwarming series from Aussie author Alissa Cullen, and it’s such a wonderful read! I’ve always been a fan of a good rural romance and this one definitely delivers!
I am always drawn to the sense of community that Cullen brings to her novels and Lavender Hill is no exception. It’s a beautiful and emotional story of second chances, community spirit and family secrets, supported by great characters, a host of cheeky animals and a stunning Tasmanian setting.
I really liked both Rylea and Kane’s characters and their perspectives. Each had a quiet strength to them, and the slow burn and longing between them was so good! And the Windermere Gardening Club ladies were hilarious.
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us…I’m hoping it’s Denevan’s story 🤞
Huge thank you to @harlequinaus for a copy to read.
I am always drawn to the sense of community that Cullen brings to her novels and Lavender Hill is no exception. It’s a beautiful and emotional story of second chances, community spirit and family secrets, supported by great characters, a host of cheeky animals and a stunning Tasmanian setting.
I really liked both Rylea and Kane’s characters and their perspectives. Each had a quiet strength to them, and the slow burn and longing between them was so good! And the Windermere Gardening Club ladies were hilarious.
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us…I’m hoping it’s Denevan’s story 🤞
Huge thank you to @harlequinaus for a copy to read.
February 28, 2026
Lavender Hill is a beautiful blend of second-chance romance, family secrets, and a small town mystery and it had me hooked from the very first page.
The Tasmanian setting was simply gorgeous, the author’s descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there, surrounded by lavender fields and fresh country air.
The characters were warm, relatable, and easy to invest in. The mystery surrounding what really happened to their brothers on that ill-fated camping trip added a compelling layer of suspense. Alongside that was the emotional pull of the classic question; will they, or won’t they find their way back to each other?
Rylea returns home after many years in France, drawn back by her ageing parents and the responsibility of the family lavender farm but she isn’t the only one returning. Kane, her first love, is back too determined to uncover the truth about his brother’s death. He needs answers, and coming home means facing both his past and his father’s.
I absolutely loved Kane and Rylea, their love never truly disappeared, it was simply waiting for the right moment to grow again. As they search for the truth, they must also decide if they are brave enough to build a future together.
The small town atmosphere added so much charm, especially the delightful group of local gardeners, quietly watching and gently encouraging their reunion.
This was a heartfelt, engaging read filled with romance, mystery, and the magic of coming home.
Highly recommended.
The Tasmanian setting was simply gorgeous, the author’s descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there, surrounded by lavender fields and fresh country air.
The characters were warm, relatable, and easy to invest in. The mystery surrounding what really happened to their brothers on that ill-fated camping trip added a compelling layer of suspense. Alongside that was the emotional pull of the classic question; will they, or won’t they find their way back to each other?
Rylea returns home after many years in France, drawn back by her ageing parents and the responsibility of the family lavender farm but she isn’t the only one returning. Kane, her first love, is back too determined to uncover the truth about his brother’s death. He needs answers, and coming home means facing both his past and his father’s.
I absolutely loved Kane and Rylea, their love never truly disappeared, it was simply waiting for the right moment to grow again. As they search for the truth, they must also decide if they are brave enough to build a future together.
The small town atmosphere added so much charm, especially the delightful group of local gardeners, quietly watching and gently encouraging their reunion.
This was a heartfelt, engaging read filled with romance, mystery, and the magic of coming home.
Highly recommended.
February 17, 2026
When horticulturalist Rylea Laurent lost her brother, she fled the family farm for the lavender fields of France. The one person Rylea thought she could trust, Kane Ashford, disappeared with his younger brother and their mother not long after the death of Lucas and Caleb. Hurt and disappointed, it is nine years before her father's poor health brings her back to Tasmania. The decision is to be made what will happen with the lavender farm, will Rylea remain or will she return back to France.
Kane Ashford has also returned to find answers to the deaths of his brother Lucas and Rylea's brother Caleb. The boys were best mates and the answer to both their deaths remains a mystery. What happened on that camping trip? Kane has his own secrets he is not willing to share, particularly with Rylea. When Kane offers a reward, he and Rylea join forces trying to find answers.
I have always delighted in reading Alissa Callen's series book and I am always sorry to say goodbye to the characters when a series ends. I am also delighted that this new series, Windamere, is set in the Tasmania lavender fields. I have visited and love Tasmania and was lucky to be able to visit the Lavender fields there. Windamere # 1 is a great beginning and I look forward to the other books in this new series.
Kane Ashford has also returned to find answers to the deaths of his brother Lucas and Rylea's brother Caleb. The boys were best mates and the answer to both their deaths remains a mystery. What happened on that camping trip? Kane has his own secrets he is not willing to share, particularly with Rylea. When Kane offers a reward, he and Rylea join forces trying to find answers.
I have always delighted in reading Alissa Callen's series book and I am always sorry to say goodbye to the characters when a series ends. I am also delighted that this new series, Windamere, is set in the Tasmania lavender fields. I have visited and love Tasmania and was lucky to be able to visit the Lavender fields there. Windamere # 1 is a great beginning and I look forward to the other books in this new series.
March 1, 2026
A heartwarming rural romance with a fantastic story and setting. A cosy read while you are having your coffee and sweet treats. With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA for the ARC.
March 23, 2026
Can we please stop romanticising emotionally stunted men.
I found this book frustrating for a number of reasons. Most of them relating to Kane's self victimisation and need to control Rylea's happiness.
The mystery of the brothers kept me reading.
I found this book frustrating for a number of reasons. Most of them relating to Kane's self victimisation and need to control Rylea's happiness.
The mystery of the brothers kept me reading.
February 17, 2026
I tried to read this as slow as possible as I didn’t want it to end. Loved the first book in the Windamere series. Looking forward to what happens next ❤️📖📚
February 3, 2026
A second-chance love story set in Tasmania. What’s not to like! The imagery throughout the book really brought the story alive, reminding me of visiting there a few years ago and how peaceful it was. The characters were all likeable and relatable. The suspense of solving the mystery of what really happened to their brothers on a camping trip gone wrong, and the suspense of will they won’t they get back together made this another great book by Alissa Callen. Can’t wait to read book 2 in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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