Escape to Copper Brae: A heartfelt page turner where love, intrigue, and belonging come together in an evocative setting that will sweep you away.

by Bronnie Thomas

350 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2025

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With career and mental stresses taking its toll, Sera heads to Copper Brae to recharge, and try to adjust to the change of pace and handle her grief. Combining her business skills, culture and passion, Sera's holiday in the countryside turns into a life changing and healing experience, with a splash of romance, mystery, and reinvigoration.
Helpful and handsome locals Lachie and Baxter fight for Sera's affection, but they both have their secrets, flaws and baggage.
As momentum grows for their business ideas, things also take a turn with bad luck and sinister threats to their home, which dig up family secrets and vendettas.
It's a sweet and emotional journey, with a supportive community coming together, bonds of family and friendship, and finding joy in life again.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Escape to Copper Brae"
by Bronnie Thomas

This book is a delightful and easy read. I was captivated from the first page, completely immersed in the richly developed characters and their intricate lives, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the South Island of New Zealand.

Sera Castaldo embarks on a journey to Copper Brae, seeking solace and restoration after experiencing severe burnout from her demanding job in Auckland. Her holiday, filled with the hope of relaxation, transforms into an unexpected adventure that she never anticipated. Copper Brae is not just any property; it’s her godmother Maggie's sprawling family estate—an idyllic, rustic haven with stunning views and an allure she had long overlooked. For years, Sera had been invited to visit, but the relentless pace of her career had always kept her away.

Upon her arrival, she immerses herself in revitalising the old homestead back into the Lodge it once was, a charming yet weathered building that whispers stories of the past. Sera discovers a passion for creating high-quality olive oil from the ancient, gnarled trees of the estate’s olive grove—a labour of love that connects her to her family's heritage.

As Sera settles into her new life, she finds herself caught in a complex web of emotions due to her attraction to two compelling men, Lachie and Baxter. Each man offers her something different: Lachie embodies the rugged charm of the countryside, while Baxter represents a more polished, urban sophistication, complicating her journey of self-discovery.

The writing style is vivid and cozy, painting a portrait of the town that feels like a place you could truly step into. The author captures the sounds of rustling leaves, the scent of fresh olive oil, and the warmth of community gatherings. As Sera and the other characters grapple with their personal challenges—including past traumas, the struggle for identity, and unexpected twists in their relationships—the narrative beautifully blends elements of mystery, emotional depth, and gentle romance.

This story is not just a light-hearted escape; it thoughtfully addresses sensitive issues such as mental health, addiction, and grief, offering a rich exploration of resilience and healing. It’s a comforting read that leaves you smiling, wishing you could linger in Copper Brae a little longer, enveloped in its charm and warmth.

[Dani (piggindani_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. It was such an easy read. I flew through the pages utterly immersed in the characters and their lives.

Another story that took me by surprise. Not only do we follow Sera and her journey to rediscover her passion and herself, but there’s a mystery element as well. And, even thought my suspicions were right, I still didn’t know why they were trying to sabotage the olive grove so when that was revealed I was shocked. Fantastic twist.

I loved the characters. They are raw, real and relatable. I don’t think I have a fave as they all add something wonderful and different to the story but Sera & Lachie’s slow burn romance was amazing. It also talks about some difficult topics in an honest and sensitive way. (Mental health, addiction & grief). On the subject of grief, there was one thing I didn’t expected to happen and it had me tearing up. 😢

And how can I not mention the setting. It’s described in such a detailed and luscious way, it was so easy to picture and image yourself there. Oh how I wish I was.

Thank you, Bronnie, for writing such a beautiful story full of amazing characters, love, tenderness, sensitivity and kindness. I loved it.

I have to also say thank you to Love Books Tours for always introducing me to new and wonderful authors such as Bronnie Thomas. 🥰

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you LBT for having me on this book review and for my gifted copy of this EPUB.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how quickly I got into this book. Sera is someone who I related to so much. She went to Copper Brae to recharge but her holiday turned into so much more than she could have ever imagined. I related to Sera I lost my mom and I don’t think I’ve ever fully dealt when the trauma of her death.

Lachie and Baxter are 2 of the locals who are trying to get Sera attention but they both have flaws and baggage so I kinda felt like I wasn’t sure of them. I feel had good intentions though.

This book had so much to offer like it was really diverse and good. We had some mystery thrown in which I loved and secrets too so many that just kept coming to light.

I really liked the writing style and I just everything about this book. Oh did I mention it takes place in New Zealand like I want to go now. Sounds so beautiful!!!

Highly recommend this book!!!

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this lovely, cosy love story. When Sera loses her cool at her high-powered job, she’s asked to take a break to get herself back on track. Realising that she is at breaking point, she heads for Copper Brae and her godmother Maggie. What she finds, changes her life forever. I loved the characters in this book. Although they all had their baggage, they all came together in a way to help each other, especially Sera and Lachie. Their slow burn romance was a great story. There were some unpleasant things that we don’t always like to discuss, such as grief, mental health and addiction, But they were sensitively handled in the story. I fell in love with the setting of this book. It is so vividly described, I felt like I was there and now I really want to go to New Zealand! I highly recommend this book for anybody who loves a good heartwarming love story.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this was a lovely cosy read. Sets heads for Copper Brae after things go a bit wrong at work, a story of growth finding yourself and starting over.
The characters in the books written by Bronnie Thomas are fantastic, their relationships and willingness to help others whatever their own troubles feel so relatable.
This is a slow burn romance that I didn’t want to end, I was sad to finish this book I didn’t want to leave, a great story and full of emotion and with some very tough subject matters but written with such sensitivity.
The cover is stunning and matches the setting within I cannot wait to see what @bronniethomas writes next.

Thank you @bronniethomas for a copy of this book I loved it just as much as Only Isla.

#escapetocopperbrae #bronniethomas #arcreader #arcreview #outnow #newrelease

[Sarah Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters had a lot of depth, especially Sera. The plot was great too; it was super emotional halfway through. I couldn't put this book down; it was so good. When I was reading this, it made me feel like I was there, watching everything like a movie. The plot was relatable to everyday people, too, which I felt, because sometimes I need to get away from everything. There was a mystery to be solved, which made me keep thinking of what was going to happen next. The writing style was phenomenal. I recommend this author, and hopefully I can read another one by her!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author, my review is late, my apologies the book has now published. 4.5 stars but GRs doesn’t give half stars and no way is this a 4 star, so happy to assign a 5 star on GRs.

I count this book as one of my best reads in the last 12 months, right up there with Tom Lake! Love story among family, romantic love, mystery, healing emotional wounds, a most beautiful description of the land and the magical olive grove. These characters will stay with me and a sequel would be wonderful! Bronnie Thomas is now an auto buy author for me. It was just shy of 5 stars because I felt some of it was a little rushed but fantastic book. Thanks Bronnie for the ARC!

[Chez Za · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape to Copper Brae - Set in NZ, this was a sweet little romance which also had a few twists and turns (not in the romance, slight mystery) in the background to keep me intrigued. Some parts felt slightly rushed, but Sera's story kept me wanting to read to see how it all went for her. Of course, there is a HEA, but it's the journey I'm there for. Overall, just a nice, sweet read :)

3.5 out of 5

Thanks to Bronnie Thomas and Love Book Tours for the chance to read and review.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copper Brae a place to escape to after burning out. Very detailed description of surroundings you can see if you close your eyes. A romantic suspense story with great characters twists you don’t see coming and a warm community. Friends and family are healing. Is she going to stay? You will have to read this story.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Bronnie Thomas, this time set in Aotearoa New Zealand, which I was delighted about.

Bronnie writes her characters to life beautifully, and it was a joy to get to know them in such a well known (to me) setting.