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Outback Skye #2
Dust on the Heather
Can the Isle of Skye heal a heart broken by betrayal?
The unexpected death of her husband forces Helen to leave her farm and the red dust of Outback Queensland, the only home she’s known for forty years.
Weighed down by shocking revelations, unanswered questions, and an uncertain future, she heads to Scotland where her fractured spirit begins to heal with help from the kindness of friends and the wild and beautiful Isle of Skye.
Soon, unexpected circumstances throw her in the path of Doctor Michael Blakeney, a man with his own troubles. Through their slow-burning connection, Helen experiences glimmers of joy—the first in decades.
But when a call from home brings her face to face with painful truths, she has to make a choice. Will she retreat once more or embrace a second chance?
The heather always blooms again. But will her heart?
The unexpected death of her husband forces Helen to leave her farm and the red dust of Outback Queensland, the only home she’s known for forty years.
Weighed down by shocking revelations, unanswered questions, and an uncertain future, she heads to Scotland where her fractured spirit begins to heal with help from the kindness of friends and the wild and beautiful Isle of Skye.
Soon, unexpected circumstances throw her in the path of Doctor Michael Blakeney, a man with his own troubles. Through their slow-burning connection, Helen experiences glimmers of joy—the first in decades.
But when a call from home brings her face to face with painful truths, she has to make a choice. Will she retreat once more or embrace a second chance?
The heather always blooms again. But will her heart?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Heather Reyburn
27 books43 followersGrowing up in New Zealand’s North Island, Heather enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family sheep and cattle farm, generating a respect for the land, and a love of both animals and reading.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 27, 2025
Queensland, Australia. Helen Gooding’s husband dies in a farming accident, he was a difficult man and as soon as they could the couple’s three children Tim, Steve and Lisa left the home. After meeting with the accountant, Helen discovers her spouse has been hiding the financial details from her, and she will have to sell the property and she’s not sure is there will be enough left to start again.
Helen’s children organise for her and Lisa to have a holiday and visit Helen's friend Lucy and her partner Fergus in Scotland and on the Isle of Skye and have a much needed break.
For the first time in forty years Helen feels free, she shares what happened with Lucy, who's kind and thoughtful and can’t wait to explore the historical sites like Dunvegan Castle, walking trails and lochs and maybe pop over to the mainland.
Helen meets Doctor Michael Blakeney from Sydney, and he’s suffering from burnout and loss of a loved one. Helen and Michael feel a connection, but they live in different states and how could it work and Helen’s not sure she’s ready for a relationship and she has to sort out the mess in Queensland and find somewhere to live when she returns.
I received a copy of Dust on the Heather (Outback Skye Series #2) from Heather Reyburn in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed catching up with Lucy, Fergus, Callum and Ingrid from the first novel Letters in Blue and once again it’s set in Scotland, the Isle of Skye and Australia.
I love reading about my mum’s homeland, and it’s full of descriptions of Lucy’s croft and sheep, lochs and stunning mountains, and walking trails and everyone going to a dance called a Ceilidh and promise to return for a wedding.
The narrative covers serious topics such as toxic relationships, deceit, and cover ups, how hard it is for older women to start again, the importance of friends, Helen was blessed to have two Lucy and her neighbour Shelley.
My favourite quote “life is good-and it will get better.” I think we can all take something from this and it’s never too late for a fresh start and embrace opportunities and for Helen that’s finding a new home and having the lovely flower garden she’s always wanted and be valued.
I hope the next book in the series is about Lucy and Helen’s pal from boarding school Roslyn, I highly recommend Dust on the Heather and five stars from me.
Helen’s children organise for her and Lisa to have a holiday and visit Helen's friend Lucy and her partner Fergus in Scotland and on the Isle of Skye and have a much needed break.
For the first time in forty years Helen feels free, she shares what happened with Lucy, who's kind and thoughtful and can’t wait to explore the historical sites like Dunvegan Castle, walking trails and lochs and maybe pop over to the mainland.
Helen meets Doctor Michael Blakeney from Sydney, and he’s suffering from burnout and loss of a loved one. Helen and Michael feel a connection, but they live in different states and how could it work and Helen’s not sure she’s ready for a relationship and she has to sort out the mess in Queensland and find somewhere to live when she returns.
I received a copy of Dust on the Heather (Outback Skye Series #2) from Heather Reyburn in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed catching up with Lucy, Fergus, Callum and Ingrid from the first novel Letters in Blue and once again it’s set in Scotland, the Isle of Skye and Australia.
I love reading about my mum’s homeland, and it’s full of descriptions of Lucy’s croft and sheep, lochs and stunning mountains, and walking trails and everyone going to a dance called a Ceilidh and promise to return for a wedding.
The narrative covers serious topics such as toxic relationships, deceit, and cover ups, how hard it is for older women to start again, the importance of friends, Helen was blessed to have two Lucy and her neighbour Shelley.
My favourite quote “life is good-and it will get better.” I think we can all take something from this and it’s never too late for a fresh start and embrace opportunities and for Helen that’s finding a new home and having the lovely flower garden she’s always wanted and be valued.
I hope the next book in the series is about Lucy and Helen’s pal from boarding school Roslyn, I highly recommend Dust on the Heather and five stars from me.
December 3, 2025
Helen's husband, Jack's death on their farm was shocking, but not sad. If anything she knew she would finally relish the freedom being a widow would bring her. Her three adult children, Tim, Steve and Lisa, were her rock when they discovered Jack had left nothing but debt. The farm, home for forty years, would have to be sold to cover the debt, and Helen was hopeful she'd have enough left to buy herself a small place to live. When the three children banded together to send Helen and Lisa to the Isle of Skye where Helen's good friend Lucy and her husband Fergus lived, she was ecstatic. She'd never had a holiday; never even left Queensland before.
When an unexpected meeting with a fellow Australian on one of their long walks, saw them connect - Michael Blakeney, a doctor from Sydney - they found they had things in common. And when Michael's son Julian arrived, he and Lisa discovered they were both veterinarians. But a call from the detective looking into Jack's death back home, took the shine from the holiday when Helen headed home early. What was going to happen? Would the sale of the farm fall through?
Dust on the Heather is #2 in the Outback Skye series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and it was excellent. Once again, the verbal pictures of the Isle of Skye were mesmerizing; I would dearly love to visit but my armchair holiday will have to do ;) Outback Queensland is harsh, arid and barren; some of the places in Dust on the Heather - Stanthorpe for one - I've been. The characters are special, the storyline delightful with the added intrigue throughout. I loved Lucy's story in #1, this is Helen's story and I'm looking forward to #3, Roslyn's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
When an unexpected meeting with a fellow Australian on one of their long walks, saw them connect - Michael Blakeney, a doctor from Sydney - they found they had things in common. And when Michael's son Julian arrived, he and Lisa discovered they were both veterinarians. But a call from the detective looking into Jack's death back home, took the shine from the holiday when Helen headed home early. What was going to happen? Would the sale of the farm fall through?
Dust on the Heather is #2 in the Outback Skye series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and it was excellent. Once again, the verbal pictures of the Isle of Skye were mesmerizing; I would dearly love to visit but my armchair holiday will have to do ;) Outback Queensland is harsh, arid and barren; some of the places in Dust on the Heather - Stanthorpe for one - I've been. The characters are special, the storyline delightful with the added intrigue throughout. I loved Lucy's story in #1, this is Helen's story and I'm looking forward to #3, Roslyn's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 2, 2025
Book two in this beautiful series after seeing Lucy find her HEA on the Isle of Skye in the first book we now get to meet her friend Helen after the sudden death at her husband on their outback property Helen uncovers things that will change her life, their marriage had not been a happy one but her three adult children are there for her and there is nothing for her to do now than sell up, her children Tim, Steve and Lisa decide a trip to the Isle of Skye to visit Lucy is just what she needs and her and Lisa embark on a journey, will it heal Helen and turn her life around?
Dr. Michael Blakeney is a doctor in a busy Sydney hospital but after the loss of his young daughter and the break-up of his marriage, Michael is feeling that he needs a change and a holiday is just what he needs he loves walking and trekking so he decides on a trip to Scotland and the Isle of Skye here he sees things differently and when he comes across a woman on a walk who has hurt herself after a fall he is there to help could this be the turning point in his life that he needs, Helen and he get on really well and then he is thrilled that his son Julian arrives to join him.
Soon this group of people have become friends and you can almost feel Helen and Michael healing and Lisa and Julian are also making friends that may lead onto more, but when Helen gets a phone call from home this starts her worrying again will the police get to the bottom of what happened to her husband and why, will she be able to put it all behind her and move on now that she feels that life is changing for the better.
This is a fabulous story, moving and heart-warming as the author takes in many emotions that cause stress and heartache for these characters and brings them out the other side, I loved this one from start to finish catching up with Lucy and Fergus, Callum and Ingrid and another trip to the Isle of Sky was awesome and it is one that I do highly recommend and I am hoping that Roslyn will get her story as well, MS Reyburn you made me smile again, many thanks.
Thank you to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Dr. Michael Blakeney is a doctor in a busy Sydney hospital but after the loss of his young daughter and the break-up of his marriage, Michael is feeling that he needs a change and a holiday is just what he needs he loves walking and trekking so he decides on a trip to Scotland and the Isle of Skye here he sees things differently and when he comes across a woman on a walk who has hurt herself after a fall he is there to help could this be the turning point in his life that he needs, Helen and he get on really well and then he is thrilled that his son Julian arrives to join him.
Soon this group of people have become friends and you can almost feel Helen and Michael healing and Lisa and Julian are also making friends that may lead onto more, but when Helen gets a phone call from home this starts her worrying again will the police get to the bottom of what happened to her husband and why, will she be able to put it all behind her and move on now that she feels that life is changing for the better.
This is a fabulous story, moving and heart-warming as the author takes in many emotions that cause stress and heartache for these characters and brings them out the other side, I loved this one from start to finish catching up with Lucy and Fergus, Callum and Ingrid and another trip to the Isle of Sky was awesome and it is one that I do highly recommend and I am hoping that Roslyn will get her story as well, MS Reyburn you made me smile again, many thanks.
Thank you to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
December 6, 2025
Can the Isle of Skye heal a heart broken by betrayal? This is the question at the heart of Dust on the Heather, and Heather Reyburn answers it with such tenderness, honesty, and hope.
The blurb sets the tone perfectly—Helen, grieving the loss of her husband and the life she’s known for forty years, travels from dusty Outback Queensland to the windswept beauty of the Isle of Skye. What follows is a gentle, deeply human story of rediscovery. There’s something almost magical about the way Skye works its quiet healing into Helen’s life, especially as she reconnects with familiar faces and meets new ones who slowly help mend the fractures left behind by old wounds.
It was wonderful to return to the Isle of Skye and revisit some beloved characters while being introduced to new friends who instantly felt part of the world. I adored this book. It’s comforting and easy to read while still being layered, engaging, and filled with emotional depth. Heather’s writing flows beautifully—so natural and warm—and she hooked me from the very first page.
Heather Reyburn has firmly become one of my favourite authors and is now an auto-buy for me. I’m so grateful to have her backlist to keep me going while I wait (hopefully not too long!) for the next instalment in this gorgeous series.
A definite 5-star read. 🌟
The blurb sets the tone perfectly—Helen, grieving the loss of her husband and the life she’s known for forty years, travels from dusty Outback Queensland to the windswept beauty of the Isle of Skye. What follows is a gentle, deeply human story of rediscovery. There’s something almost magical about the way Skye works its quiet healing into Helen’s life, especially as she reconnects with familiar faces and meets new ones who slowly help mend the fractures left behind by old wounds.
It was wonderful to return to the Isle of Skye and revisit some beloved characters while being introduced to new friends who instantly felt part of the world. I adored this book. It’s comforting and easy to read while still being layered, engaging, and filled with emotional depth. Heather’s writing flows beautifully—so natural and warm—and she hooked me from the very first page.
Heather Reyburn has firmly become one of my favourite authors and is now an auto-buy for me. I’m so grateful to have her backlist to keep me going while I wait (hopefully not too long!) for the next instalment in this gorgeous series.
A definite 5-star read. 🌟
December 12, 2025
The perfect read after Letters in Blue. Well developed characters I found myself cheering for (and holding my breath at times), and an intriguing mystery to unravel. I read the last 30% quickly, needing to learn how it ends.
December 26, 2025
Big thanks to Heather for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Life likes to create obstacles and opens new opportunities when least expected.
The unexpected death of an abusive husband, a trip to Scotland and police investigations all forge together in a period of sadness and confusion for Helen.
The death of her husband was a blessing in disguise as he was controlling, foul tempered and manipulative.
Helen needs clarity to forge her future and new life.
An invite to see old friend Lucy in Scotland just the antidote.
An accident whilst hiking in the Isle of Skye leads to an unexpected series of feelings and events.
An unexpected phone call from the police back home in Queensland puts fear and trepidation centre place as she grapples with the past.
Second chance love for older the generation, property downsize and new beginnings all intertwine in a book that has Australian and Scottish ties.
This is book two in the series and can be read as standalone but I would recommend reading the first one.
A comfortable and enjoyable read that has a sprinkling of mystery and a web of relationships that are relatable.
Life likes to create obstacles and opens new opportunities when least expected.
The unexpected death of an abusive husband, a trip to Scotland and police investigations all forge together in a period of sadness and confusion for Helen.
The death of her husband was a blessing in disguise as he was controlling, foul tempered and manipulative.
Helen needs clarity to forge her future and new life.
An invite to see old friend Lucy in Scotland just the antidote.
An accident whilst hiking in the Isle of Skye leads to an unexpected series of feelings and events.
An unexpected phone call from the police back home in Queensland puts fear and trepidation centre place as she grapples with the past.
Second chance love for older the generation, property downsize and new beginnings all intertwine in a book that has Australian and Scottish ties.
This is book two in the series and can be read as standalone but I would recommend reading the first one.
A comfortable and enjoyable read that has a sprinkling of mystery and a web of relationships that are relatable.
December 19, 2025
After the sudden and unexpected death of her husband, the situation forces Helen to leave the property that had been her home for forty years. Facing an uncertain future, Helen and her daughter head to the Isle of Skye. When Helen suffers a slight accident, she crosses paths with Doctor Michael Blakeney, a man who has problems of his own. Helen and Michael share similar interests and Helen experiences moments of hope and joy, something she has not experienced in many years. When she is suddenly called back home to Australia, Helen has a choice to make.
This is a delightful second book in the Outback Skye Series. I felt very much at home with the Central Queensland part of the story as this is where I grew up.
Thank you Heather Reyburn, Book #1 was a delight to read and I loved catching up with the beautiful characters in that story when they appeared in Book #2. I am hoping there will be a third book in the series...three friends, three books?
This is a delightful second book in the Outback Skye Series. I felt very much at home with the Central Queensland part of the story as this is where I grew up.
Thank you Heather Reyburn, Book #1 was a delight to read and I loved catching up with the beautiful characters in that story when they appeared in Book #2. I am hoping there will be a third book in the series...three friends, three books?
December 6, 2025
I was excited to recieve an ARC copy of dust on the heather as I couldn't wait to see where the 2nd book in the outback skye series would take us. without giving too much away it was great catching up with some of the characters from the previous book and getting the new stories from others. I loved how Outback Australia and the isle of skye in Scotland are there own characters in the story and the back and forth between the two places is easy to follow. the story has adventures and a bit of romance too.
dust on the Heather was a great read and I can't wait for the next book 😀
dust on the Heather was a great read and I can't wait for the next book 😀
December 12, 2025
Another great book.
I absolutely love this Outback Skye Series.
This is about two different people living in difficult relationships and happenings in their lives, putting them onto the path of happiness.
This time, you will be taken from Outback Queensland back to the Isle of Skye and revisit old friends and meet new.
Loved it immensely.
I absolutely love this Outback Skye Series.
This is about two different people living in difficult relationships and happenings in their lives, putting them onto the path of happiness.
This time, you will be taken from Outback Queensland back to the Isle of Skye and revisit old friends and meet new.
Loved it immensely.
December 23, 2025
Dust on the Heather is the second book in the “Outback Skye” is every bit as good as the first (Letters in Blue) and I was so was when I got the end of the book as I really wanted to spend more time with the characters.
Dust on Heather opens in outback Queensland with Helen Gooding and her three grown up children, Lisa, Tim and Steve, attending the funeral of their husband and father. He was not a good man and the three kids left the farm as soon as they could. Even though the man had died in a tragic farm accident, the four of them only feel relief that he is gone.
After the funeral Helen visits with her accountant and finds out that her late husband has been hiding the financial situation from her and there is no money in the bank and massive debts; she has to sell the farm to cover the debts - and there may be no money for her to start over.
The local police are looking into the death, normal procedure when someone dies unexpectedly. Helen is completely overwhelmed. Her longtime friend, Lucy, invites Helen and Lisa over to Isle of Skye to rest and heal.
Helen meets Dr Michael Blakeney, a fellow Australian, who is suffering from burnout and looking to heal from the events in his life as well. Helen and Michael hit off immediately; as too do his son and Lucy - who are both veterinarians.
Called back to Australia to deal with legal issues early, Helen and Michael have to both sort out their separate issues before either of them have a chance of moving on.
Living in Queensland where the Australian component is set, I have visited some of the settings and the descriptions are absolutely spot on. The Skye settings makes me want to go and see for myself one day.
Dust on Heather was another absolute page turner and hard to put down. A seems to happen with all Heather Reyburn’s books I ended up reading through into the wee small hours as I couldn’t go to sleep until I knew for sure that a happy ending was achieved for all! I honestly loved the characters, they were so real that I felt that I could meet them for real at a cafe for a chat and catch-up.
Thank you to Heather Reyburn for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration. All opinions are my own
Dust on Heather opens in outback Queensland with Helen Gooding and her three grown up children, Lisa, Tim and Steve, attending the funeral of their husband and father. He was not a good man and the three kids left the farm as soon as they could. Even though the man had died in a tragic farm accident, the four of them only feel relief that he is gone.
After the funeral Helen visits with her accountant and finds out that her late husband has been hiding the financial situation from her and there is no money in the bank and massive debts; she has to sell the farm to cover the debts - and there may be no money for her to start over.
The local police are looking into the death, normal procedure when someone dies unexpectedly. Helen is completely overwhelmed. Her longtime friend, Lucy, invites Helen and Lisa over to Isle of Skye to rest and heal.
Helen meets Dr Michael Blakeney, a fellow Australian, who is suffering from burnout and looking to heal from the events in his life as well. Helen and Michael hit off immediately; as too do his son and Lucy - who are both veterinarians.
Called back to Australia to deal with legal issues early, Helen and Michael have to both sort out their separate issues before either of them have a chance of moving on.
Living in Queensland where the Australian component is set, I have visited some of the settings and the descriptions are absolutely spot on. The Skye settings makes me want to go and see for myself one day.
Dust on Heather was another absolute page turner and hard to put down. A seems to happen with all Heather Reyburn’s books I ended up reading through into the wee small hours as I couldn’t go to sleep until I knew for sure that a happy ending was achieved for all! I honestly loved the characters, they were so real that I felt that I could meet them for real at a cafe for a chat and catch-up.
Thank you to Heather Reyburn for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration. All opinions are my own
December 9, 2025
Book 2 in Heather's Skye series and this is so full of heart!
Helen Gooding is finally free after her husband's death and she's rethinking her life. A trip to the Isle of Skye with her daughter helps to give her some perspective and she meets a gorgeous Australian doctor, Michael Blakeney. He has his own demons and they are a long way from home, so there's moments for honesty. This slow-burn shows how both these vulnerable people can be brave enough to consider new life. It doesn't hurt that their adult children get on as well.
I loved this! Heather weaves together a mystery about Helen's husband's death, the responsibilities she has to navigate and what single looks like after nearly 40 years in an unhappy marriage. The pace keeps moving and we get different character's points of view, including Helen's daughter and Lucy from 'Letters in Blue'. You don't need to have read 'Letters in Blue' to enjoy this, but it's such a warm read, and sets up all the Skye characters, so I recommend it.
Closed door romance with 'mature' characters but no shortage of chemistry and pining!
Thank you so much Heather for the ARC, opinions are my own.
Helen Gooding is finally free after her husband's death and she's rethinking her life. A trip to the Isle of Skye with her daughter helps to give her some perspective and she meets a gorgeous Australian doctor, Michael Blakeney. He has his own demons and they are a long way from home, so there's moments for honesty. This slow-burn shows how both these vulnerable people can be brave enough to consider new life. It doesn't hurt that their adult children get on as well.
I loved this! Heather weaves together a mystery about Helen's husband's death, the responsibilities she has to navigate and what single looks like after nearly 40 years in an unhappy marriage. The pace keeps moving and we get different character's points of view, including Helen's daughter and Lucy from 'Letters in Blue'. You don't need to have read 'Letters in Blue' to enjoy this, but it's such a warm read, and sets up all the Skye characters, so I recommend it.
Closed door romance with 'mature' characters but no shortage of chemistry and pining!
Thank you so much Heather for the ARC, opinions are my own.
December 14, 2025
The courage to make new choices in ‘later life’
Although Ms Reyburn includes characters from “Letters in Blue”, this novel can be read as a standalone as she introduces Ellie’s friend, Helen, whose husband had recently died under somewhat mysterious circumstances. During a much-needed holiday on the Isle of Skye, Helen meets Dr Michael after a hiking accident.
The narrative moves from the Isle of Skye back to Queensland in Australia, where both Helen and Michael deal with personal challenges before they make the life-changes they both feel the need for.
This is an engaging novel with an authentic portrayal of both the main and secondary characters; the author uses a relaxed writing style with good plot progression that keeps the reader fully involved in the outcome.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although Ms Reyburn includes characters from “Letters in Blue”, this novel can be read as a standalone as she introduces Ellie’s friend, Helen, whose husband had recently died under somewhat mysterious circumstances. During a much-needed holiday on the Isle of Skye, Helen meets Dr Michael after a hiking accident.
The narrative moves from the Isle of Skye back to Queensland in Australia, where both Helen and Michael deal with personal challenges before they make the life-changes they both feel the need for.
This is an engaging novel with an authentic portrayal of both the main and secondary characters; the author uses a relaxed writing style with good plot progression that keeps the reader fully involved in the outcome.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews