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Hope Creek
Now and Always in Hope Creek
A gripping, emotional story of courage, redemption, and the healing power of love - set against the rugged beauty and soaring skies of the Australian outback - from USA Today bestselling author Alyssa J. Montgomery.
Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot Morgan refuses to be distracted by the service's new doctor, who's sure to leave for the city, just like her ex. Not when there are emergencies to focus on - and a decades-old mystery to solve. As a child, Morgan lost her guardian when his flight vanished. An offhand comment hints that Uncle Craig was involved in something illegal, and Morgan sets out to learn the truth and clear his name.
Matt arrives at the RFDS compelled to use his medical skills to help others. He knows firsthand the trauma that can occur in a rural community. Determined to outrun the shadows of his past, the last thing he needs is to fall for the service's feisty and fearless pilot - especially when her search for answers draws danger to both their doors. Yet, every flight they take together, every rescue they make under the wide outback sky, binds them closer in ways neither expected.
When the truth about Morgan's uncle surfaces, Matt's own connections threaten to destroy everything they've built. They'll not only have to risk their hearts but to trust each other with their lives.
Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot Morgan refuses to be distracted by the service's new doctor, who's sure to leave for the city, just like her ex. Not when there are emergencies to focus on - and a decades-old mystery to solve. As a child, Morgan lost her guardian when his flight vanished. An offhand comment hints that Uncle Craig was involved in something illegal, and Morgan sets out to learn the truth and clear his name.
Matt arrives at the RFDS compelled to use his medical skills to help others. He knows firsthand the trauma that can occur in a rural community. Determined to outrun the shadows of his past, the last thing he needs is to fall for the service's feisty and fearless pilot - especially when her search for answers draws danger to both their doors. Yet, every flight they take together, every rescue they make under the wide outback sky, binds them closer in ways neither expected.
When the truth about Morgan's uncle surfaces, Matt's own connections threaten to destroy everything they've built. They'll not only have to risk their hearts but to trust each other with their lives.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Alyssa J. Montgomery
55 books89 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author, Alyssa enjoys writing pacy, passionate contemporary romance novels and her favourites involve some plot twists. She also writes medieval romance under the pen name Alyssa James.
Alyssa still has a busy private practice where she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist - mainly with children with developmental disorders, literacy difficulties and autism. She has also been a professional pianist and worked for Qantas Airways as an International Flight Attendant.
Alyssa lives with her husband and three children in New South Wales, Australia on a five acre property. They have a menagerie of animals and also enjoy occasional visits from deer, wallabies, echidna and the daily morning singing of numerous varieties of native birds.
Spare time is fairly limited with three children, however dinner parties with friends, gardening and playing tennis or saddling up the horses and going for a trail ride, are favourite activities.
Alyssa still has a busy private practice where she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist - mainly with children with developmental disorders, literacy difficulties and autism. She has also been a professional pianist and worked for Qantas Airways as an International Flight Attendant.
Alyssa lives with her husband and three children in New South Wales, Australia on a five acre property. They have a menagerie of animals and also enjoy occasional visits from deer, wallabies, echidna and the daily morning singing of numerous varieties of native birds.
Spare time is fairly limited with three children, however dinner parties with friends, gardening and playing tennis or saddling up the horses and going for a trail ride, are favourite activities.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 9, 2026
Victoria, Australia. Morgan Lincoln is a Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot based in Lancaster, she’s decided to never date anyone from work again after her disastrous relationship with Dean and focus on her job. As a child her Uncle Craig was Morgan’s guardian and a pilot, when he vanished and Jim and Margaret Richardson became her foster parents and Stella and Carrie her sisters.
Matt Carter is excited to start his new position with the RFDS, he spent his early years living in the outback and he knows how much his skills are needed. He had a troubled childhood, he escaped it by going to boarding school and university in Melbourne. While taking the new doctor to a vaccination clinic at a station, a ringer made a comment and hints that Morgan's uncle was involved in something illegal, and she wants to uncover the truth.
I find the RFDS fascinating and was keen to read what happened to Morgan, Matt, her fellow pilots and the medical staff and their patients. Matt notices Morgan is a brilliant at her job, she's all business and isn’t interested in anything more than being friends.
Morgan starts visiting people, asking questions and poking her nose in her uncle’s past, it puts both of them in danger. By this stage Morgan has formed a connection with Matt, she also has to consider that safety of her foster parents, sisters, brother-in-law’s and their families.
I received a copy Now and Always in Hope Creek from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed the two previous novels in the series, Alyssa J. Montgomery’s writing has noticeably improved with each book and the stories are more complex.
I felt like I was flying in the plane with Morgan and Matt, over the Australian outback, worrying about the weather and landing strip and what they will find when they arrived, what treatments the patients required and taking them to hospital, and it’s a very stressful job.
Five stars from me, I thought both of the main characters were strong, inspiring, and courageous, they overcame obstacles and Matt discovered the meaning of family and made peace with his. This is not just an Australian rural romance but a mild thriller and full of secrets, suspense, intrigue and I highly recommend.
Matt Carter is excited to start his new position with the RFDS, he spent his early years living in the outback and he knows how much his skills are needed. He had a troubled childhood, he escaped it by going to boarding school and university in Melbourne. While taking the new doctor to a vaccination clinic at a station, a ringer made a comment and hints that Morgan's uncle was involved in something illegal, and she wants to uncover the truth.
I find the RFDS fascinating and was keen to read what happened to Morgan, Matt, her fellow pilots and the medical staff and their patients. Matt notices Morgan is a brilliant at her job, she's all business and isn’t interested in anything more than being friends.
Morgan starts visiting people, asking questions and poking her nose in her uncle’s past, it puts both of them in danger. By this stage Morgan has formed a connection with Matt, she also has to consider that safety of her foster parents, sisters, brother-in-law’s and their families.
I received a copy Now and Always in Hope Creek from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I have read and enjoyed the two previous novels in the series, Alyssa J. Montgomery’s writing has noticeably improved with each book and the stories are more complex.
I felt like I was flying in the plane with Morgan and Matt, over the Australian outback, worrying about the weather and landing strip and what they will find when they arrived, what treatments the patients required and taking them to hospital, and it’s a very stressful job.
Five stars from me, I thought both of the main characters were strong, inspiring, and courageous, they overcame obstacles and Matt discovered the meaning of family and made peace with his. This is not just an Australian rural romance but a mild thriller and full of secrets, suspense, intrigue and I highly recommend.
May 18, 2026
EXCERPT: 'Morgan is one of our senior pilots.'
She felt the new doctor's regard upon her like a tangible weight.
Reluctantly, she sat straighter in her chair and looked his way to acknowledge him.
Their gazes locked.
It was like a strike of summer lightning on a field of dry grass - an instant burn.
ABOUT 'NOW AND ALWAYS IN HOPE CREEK': Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot Morgan refuses to be distracted by the service's new doctor, who's sure to leave for the city, just like her ex. Not when there are emergencies to focus on - and a decades-old mystery to solve. As a child, Morgan lost her guardian when his flight vanished. An offhand comment hints that Uncle Craig was involved in something illegal, and Morgan sets out to learn the truth and clear his name.
Matt arrives at the RFDS compelled to use his medical skills to help others. He knows firsthand the trauma that can occur in a rural community. Determined to outrun the shadows of his past, the last thing he needs is to fall for the service's feisty and fearless pilot - especially when her search for answers draws danger to both their doors. Yet, every flight they take together, every rescue they make under the wide outback sky, binds them closer in ways neither expected.
When the truth about Morgan's uncle surfaces, Matt's own connections threaten to destroy everything they've built. They'll not only have to risk their hearts but to trust each other with their lives.
MY THOUGHTS: A gripping blend of romance and crime thriller.
Although this is the third book in the Hope Creek trilogy, I have only read the second and this, which can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved both books and if I get the chance I will certainly pick up the first in the series.
Morgan is a feisty character and determined to investigate her uncle's disappearance. It is something she has never been able to get over, and she has never believed the rumors that circulated about him. Matt is a calming influence, although he does have to sometimes call on Margaret, Morgan's adoptive mother, as back-up. He is kind and thoughtful, selfless and almost too good to be true. But he also has a few things in his past to overcome . . .
A gripping and enticing story with great characters and a twisty plot.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#NowandAlwaysinHopeCreek #NetGalley.
MEET THE AUTHOR: ALYSSA J. MONTGOMERY enjoys writing pacy, passionate contemporary romance novels and her favourites involve some plot twists. She also writes medieval romance under the pen name Alyssa James.
Alyssa still has a busy private practice where she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist - mainly with children with developmental disorders, literacy difficulties and autism. She has also been a professional pianist and worked for Qantas Airways as an International Flight Attendant.
Alyssa lives with her husband and three children in New South Wales, Australia on a five acre property. They have a menagerie of animals and also enjoy occasional visits from deer, wallabies, echidna and the daily morning singing of numerous varieties of native birds.
Spare time is fairly limited with three children, however dinner parties with friends, gardening and playing tennis or saddling up the horses and going for a trail ride, are favourite activities.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Now and Always in Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
She felt the new doctor's regard upon her like a tangible weight.
Reluctantly, she sat straighter in her chair and looked his way to acknowledge him.
Their gazes locked.
It was like a strike of summer lightning on a field of dry grass - an instant burn.
ABOUT 'NOW AND ALWAYS IN HOPE CREEK': Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot Morgan refuses to be distracted by the service's new doctor, who's sure to leave for the city, just like her ex. Not when there are emergencies to focus on - and a decades-old mystery to solve. As a child, Morgan lost her guardian when his flight vanished. An offhand comment hints that Uncle Craig was involved in something illegal, and Morgan sets out to learn the truth and clear his name.
Matt arrives at the RFDS compelled to use his medical skills to help others. He knows firsthand the trauma that can occur in a rural community. Determined to outrun the shadows of his past, the last thing he needs is to fall for the service's feisty and fearless pilot - especially when her search for answers draws danger to both their doors. Yet, every flight they take together, every rescue they make under the wide outback sky, binds them closer in ways neither expected.
When the truth about Morgan's uncle surfaces, Matt's own connections threaten to destroy everything they've built. They'll not only have to risk their hearts but to trust each other with their lives.
MY THOUGHTS: A gripping blend of romance and crime thriller.
Although this is the third book in the Hope Creek trilogy, I have only read the second and this, which can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved both books and if I get the chance I will certainly pick up the first in the series.
Morgan is a feisty character and determined to investigate her uncle's disappearance. It is something she has never been able to get over, and she has never believed the rumors that circulated about him. Matt is a calming influence, although he does have to sometimes call on Margaret, Morgan's adoptive mother, as back-up. He is kind and thoughtful, selfless and almost too good to be true. But he also has a few things in his past to overcome . . .
A gripping and enticing story with great characters and a twisty plot.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#NowandAlwaysinHopeCreek #NetGalley.
MEET THE AUTHOR: ALYSSA J. MONTGOMERY enjoys writing pacy, passionate contemporary romance novels and her favourites involve some plot twists. She also writes medieval romance under the pen name Alyssa James.
Alyssa still has a busy private practice where she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist - mainly with children with developmental disorders, literacy difficulties and autism. She has also been a professional pianist and worked for Qantas Airways as an International Flight Attendant.
Alyssa lives with her husband and three children in New South Wales, Australia on a five acre property. They have a menagerie of animals and also enjoy occasional visits from deer, wallabies, echidna and the daily morning singing of numerous varieties of native birds.
Spare time is fairly limited with three children, however dinner parties with friends, gardening and playing tennis or saddling up the horses and going for a trail ride, are favourite activities.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing a DRC of Now and Always in Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
May 8, 2026
Book three in this fabulous series and we are back in Hope Creek and this is Morgan’s story, Morgan is an RFDS pilot and she is feisty, determined and so very caring about everything, she has been burnt by her last relationship a RFDS doctor and she has no intentions of finding a relationship again especially with a work colleague so when new doctor Matt Carter arrives Morgan is staying strong and not being very friendly with him how will this all turn out?
Morgan has been living with the Richardson family since she was nine years old, she lost her parents in an accident then her uncle Craig became her guardian, he too was a pilot delivering mail to the outback but when his plane goes down and he is presumed dead Morgan begins a new life with the Richardson’s and Stella and Callie, where she has been very happy, while on a clinic run an old ringer makes some comments about her uncle and what he was really doing while delivering the mail and Morgan sets a course on finding out the truth about what happened all those years ago.
Matt Carter has always wanted to be in a rural community and has planned his training well to be a good RFDS doctor and now he has come to the place that he wants to stay and meeting the team is good expect maybe the reaction he is getting from Morgan, she is very standoffish with him and he can’t understand that but one thing he does know is that he is very drawn to this feisty beautiful woman, will she let him get closer but what about his own past will that pull them apart?
Soon they have become friends and Morgan has uncovered some facts that she is determined to get the answers for and being Morgan she goes ahead and soon is in danger and Matt is by her side to help and keep her safe but it appears that maybe Matt’s family connections might be related and as danger looms very close will they come out the other end safe?
I loved this one so much I think it might be my favourite of the three so far, MS. Montgomery has pulled together a wonderful romantic suspense with such fabulous characters, people who were very easy to make friends with, Morgan is strong and feisty and Matt is so caring, this one is moving and filled with emotion and a must read, I do highly recommend this one the series, thank you for a fabulous story.
My thanks to Escape Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Morgan has been living with the Richardson family since she was nine years old, she lost her parents in an accident then her uncle Craig became her guardian, he too was a pilot delivering mail to the outback but when his plane goes down and he is presumed dead Morgan begins a new life with the Richardson’s and Stella and Callie, where she has been very happy, while on a clinic run an old ringer makes some comments about her uncle and what he was really doing while delivering the mail and Morgan sets a course on finding out the truth about what happened all those years ago.
Matt Carter has always wanted to be in a rural community and has planned his training well to be a good RFDS doctor and now he has come to the place that he wants to stay and meeting the team is good expect maybe the reaction he is getting from Morgan, she is very standoffish with him and he can’t understand that but one thing he does know is that he is very drawn to this feisty beautiful woman, will she let him get closer but what about his own past will that pull them apart?
Soon they have become friends and Morgan has uncovered some facts that she is determined to get the answers for and being Morgan she goes ahead and soon is in danger and Matt is by her side to help and keep her safe but it appears that maybe Matt’s family connections might be related and as danger looms very close will they come out the other end safe?
I loved this one so much I think it might be my favourite of the three so far, MS. Montgomery has pulled together a wonderful romantic suspense with such fabulous characters, people who were very easy to make friends with, Morgan is strong and feisty and Matt is so caring, this one is moving and filled with emotion and a must read, I do highly recommend this one the series, thank you for a fabulous story.
My thanks to Escape Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
May 1, 2026
This is a fantastic read. I've read the first two in the series and loved them. Female pilot, Morgan is a feisty heroine you won't forget. Matt, a doctor with the Flying Doctors, has to confront his past to help Morgan solve the mystery of her missing uncle.
This was such a well-crafted and interesting read. You'd do well to pick it up.
This was such a well-crafted and interesting read. You'd do well to pick it up.
May 24, 2026
Now and Always in Hope Creek
by Alyssa J. Montgomery
Set against the picturesque backdrop of a Victorian small town, this enchanting rural romance follows the journey of Morgan Lincoln, a spirited and determined pilot for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) based in Lancaster. Morgan is not just a skilled aviator; she is a fiercely independent woman with a deep commitment to uncovering the truth behind her uncle's mysterious disappearance, a haunting case that has remained unsolved for a decade. Despite her determination, she carries emotional scars from her past, particularly her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Dean, and she is wary of forming new connections.
Enter Matt Carter, the new doctor assigned to the RFDS in Lancaster. He arrives in town with his own troubled history, burdened by experiences he would rather leave behind. Although charming and dedicated, Matt quickly realises that his arrival is met with Morgan's cool demeanour. She is cautious, believing that he, like Dean, will not withstand the rigours of life in Lancaster and the challenges of working alongside her.
Yet, as circumstances draw them together for various emergency flights, the chemistry between Morgan and Matt becomes undeniable. Each mission they embark on under the expansive outback sky not only tests their limits but also brings them closer, as they share heart-pounding moments of rescue and teamwork.
As Morgan digs deeper into her uncle's past, she discovers that there are connections that intertwine their lives in ways neither of them anticipated. With every revelation, the stakes rise, and the fabric of their lives—both personal and professional—comes into question. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst the unfolding mystery, it becomes clear that their worlds may be forever altered, and some pieces of their lives may not be repairable.
This book is the third book in the series, but it is the first one I've had the pleasure of reading. I found it to be highly relatable, with characters that felt genuine and easy to connect with. Alyssia J. Montgomery has a knack for creating rich and memorable personalities. I have read some of her other works in the past, and I always appreciate her engaging writing style. Her ability to weave emotions and humour into the story truly enhances the reading experience, making it enjoyable from start to finish.
by Alyssa J. Montgomery
Set against the picturesque backdrop of a Victorian small town, this enchanting rural romance follows the journey of Morgan Lincoln, a spirited and determined pilot for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) based in Lancaster. Morgan is not just a skilled aviator; she is a fiercely independent woman with a deep commitment to uncovering the truth behind her uncle's mysterious disappearance, a haunting case that has remained unsolved for a decade. Despite her determination, she carries emotional scars from her past, particularly her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Dean, and she is wary of forming new connections.
Enter Matt Carter, the new doctor assigned to the RFDS in Lancaster. He arrives in town with his own troubled history, burdened by experiences he would rather leave behind. Although charming and dedicated, Matt quickly realises that his arrival is met with Morgan's cool demeanour. She is cautious, believing that he, like Dean, will not withstand the rigours of life in Lancaster and the challenges of working alongside her.
Yet, as circumstances draw them together for various emergency flights, the chemistry between Morgan and Matt becomes undeniable. Each mission they embark on under the expansive outback sky not only tests their limits but also brings them closer, as they share heart-pounding moments of rescue and teamwork.
As Morgan digs deeper into her uncle's past, she discovers that there are connections that intertwine their lives in ways neither of them anticipated. With every revelation, the stakes rise, and the fabric of their lives—both personal and professional—comes into question. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst the unfolding mystery, it becomes clear that their worlds may be forever altered, and some pieces of their lives may not be repairable.
This book is the third book in the series, but it is the first one I've had the pleasure of reading. I found it to be highly relatable, with characters that felt genuine and easy to connect with. Alyssia J. Montgomery has a knack for creating rich and memorable personalities. I have read some of her other works in the past, and I always appreciate her engaging writing style. Her ability to weave emotions and humour into the story truly enhances the reading experience, making it enjoyable from start to finish.
May 30, 2026
Now and Always in Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. Apparently it is the third in a series a out Morgan Lincoln but I didn’t find any difficulty following the story despite not having read the other two: mind you I feel I will find those other two and read them as it was a great easy read. Well developed characters and a combination of crime thriller and romance made it a compelling read.
The story is about those working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is a wonderful service to rural communities and provide much needed care and transport for patients.
Highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#NowAndAlwaysInHopeCreek #NetGalley
The story is about those working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is a wonderful service to rural communities and provide much needed care and transport for patients.
Highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#NowAndAlwaysInHopeCreek #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews