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The Orchard at Rosevale
Revelations versus secrets, city versus country, and grumpy versus sunshine ... Opposites attract in this new rural romance from USA Today bestselling author Nicola Marsh.
Elora Curtis is an advertising genius. Her innovative campaigns propel her clients to new heights, and she assumes that marketing Kinstead Avocados, a struggling farm in regional Victoria, will be no exception. Until she encounters Cruz Wardlow, the grumpy owner, and makes the biggest mistake of her career ...
Renowned chef Cruz is stuck running the farm for one year - the final demand of his late estranged father. The last thing he needs is a brash city girl like Elora telling him how to run his business. Especially when the two have already met in circumstances he'd rather forget.
For Ferne, Cruz's mother, she can't wait to escape Rosevale Grove. She's been tethered to the small country town long enough and is ready to explore the world. But a mishap renders her immobile for a month and she's forced to confront her future when Taj, a blast from her past, makes her re-evaluate her quest for freedom.
Three hearts yearning to start over, but will they find that what they've been looking for has been right in front of them the whole time?
Elora Curtis is an advertising genius. Her innovative campaigns propel her clients to new heights, and she assumes that marketing Kinstead Avocados, a struggling farm in regional Victoria, will be no exception. Until she encounters Cruz Wardlow, the grumpy owner, and makes the biggest mistake of her career ...
Renowned chef Cruz is stuck running the farm for one year - the final demand of his late estranged father. The last thing he needs is a brash city girl like Elora telling him how to run his business. Especially when the two have already met in circumstances he'd rather forget.
For Ferne, Cruz's mother, she can't wait to escape Rosevale Grove. She's been tethered to the small country town long enough and is ready to explore the world. But a mishap renders her immobile for a month and she's forced to confront her future when Taj, a blast from her past, makes her re-evaluate her quest for freedom.
Three hearts yearning to start over, but will they find that what they've been looking for has been right in front of them the whole time?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Nicola Marsh
489 books1,470 followersUSA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 90 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
She has published 90 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 7, 2026
Another fabulous story from Nicola Marsh, she has taken me on a trip to country Victoria with a grumpy hero and a bright and bubbly heroine who is determined to help get the family avocado orchard Kinstead Avocados from struggling to the top but will she be able to do that?
Elora Curtis has taken on a new position and she needs this one badly to end her connection with her ex but when she arrives at the orchard she meets the owner Cruz Wardlow he is now the owner of the orchard after the death of his estranged father and Cruz and his mother Ferne want nothing more than to sell it but to do that they must bring it out of the nearly red but when she makes the biggest mistake of her advertising career this could turn everything wrong.
Cruz left the orchard ten years ago and has made a name for himself in Melbourne as a renowned chef but now that his father is gone, his will stipulates that to take ownership of the orchard he must live there for one year and this is not going to be easy, his mother Ferne hires a marketing and advertising person to bring it up to standard and that woman is Elora who he met for a fleeting moment but one he will never forget and she sets his blood on fire will they be able to work together?
Then there is Ferne Cruz’s mother she has felt trapped on the orchard for many years now it is her turn to take off and travel glad to get away from the small town of Rosevale Grove, but she has uncovered a few secrets that her husband has kept all of these years then there is Taj the her first love who after having to cancel her trip she meets again after all of these years, her life has been turned upside down could she finally find happiness at her age and after all of these years?
I Loved this one so much Cruz grumpy as he is, is the best and Elora I loved her energy and enthusiasm and how positive she is no matter what, I think they are made for each other, and Ferne she too is such a wonderful character in this story and deserves her HEA, I do highly recommend this one, it is a beautiful story.
My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Elora Curtis has taken on a new position and she needs this one badly to end her connection with her ex but when she arrives at the orchard she meets the owner Cruz Wardlow he is now the owner of the orchard after the death of his estranged father and Cruz and his mother Ferne want nothing more than to sell it but to do that they must bring it out of the nearly red but when she makes the biggest mistake of her advertising career this could turn everything wrong.
Cruz left the orchard ten years ago and has made a name for himself in Melbourne as a renowned chef but now that his father is gone, his will stipulates that to take ownership of the orchard he must live there for one year and this is not going to be easy, his mother Ferne hires a marketing and advertising person to bring it up to standard and that woman is Elora who he met for a fleeting moment but one he will never forget and she sets his blood on fire will they be able to work together?
Then there is Ferne Cruz’s mother she has felt trapped on the orchard for many years now it is her turn to take off and travel glad to get away from the small town of Rosevale Grove, but she has uncovered a few secrets that her husband has kept all of these years then there is Taj the her first love who after having to cancel her trip she meets again after all of these years, her life has been turned upside down could she finally find happiness at her age and after all of these years?
I Loved this one so much Cruz grumpy as he is, is the best and Elora I loved her energy and enthusiasm and how positive she is no matter what, I think they are made for each other, and Ferne she too is such a wonderful character in this story and deserves her HEA, I do highly recommend this one, it is a beautiful story.
My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
August 10, 2026
SO much fun! Loved everything about this! Such a great read! I love me a rural romance, and an avocado farm setting might just be my most favourite yet. Grumpy Cruz and Sunny Elora could not have more destined to be. I loved Fern’s second chance and adventure. Ate this one up like the most delicious dessert ever!
August 4, 2026
The Orchard at Rosevale by @nicolamarshauthor is a heartwarming and immersive read.
I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives.
Cruz is back at his parents’ avocado farm after his father’s death. He needs to work the farm for 12 months to inherit.
Ferne, Cruz’s mother, is eager to escape the farm, which holds only bad memories, and start a life of travel.
Ferne employs Elora, a social media marketer, to update the farm’s socials and improve their website. Elora and Cruz have instant friction and an underlying sizzle of attraction.
Nicola Marsh has delivered a grumpy/sunshine romance plus a second chance mature romance. It’s not often you get two get romance tropes in one story and both executed with finesse.
Even though the majority of characters were getting over past hurts the story had a fun vibe brought about by Cruz and Elora’s flirty banter.
I loved every character, all so real with real hurts. I even had a soft spot for the posthumous antagonist Mac.
Read my full review at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives.
Cruz is back at his parents’ avocado farm after his father’s death. He needs to work the farm for 12 months to inherit.
Ferne, Cruz’s mother, is eager to escape the farm, which holds only bad memories, and start a life of travel.
Ferne employs Elora, a social media marketer, to update the farm’s socials and improve their website. Elora and Cruz have instant friction and an underlying sizzle of attraction.
Nicola Marsh has delivered a grumpy/sunshine romance plus a second chance mature romance. It’s not often you get two get romance tropes in one story and both executed with finesse.
Even though the majority of characters were getting over past hurts the story had a fun vibe brought about by Cruz and Elora’s flirty banter.
I loved every character, all so real with real hurts. I even had a soft spot for the posthumous antagonist Mac.
Read my full review at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
August 4, 2026
Well known chef Cruz finds himself reluctantly heading home to fulfil one of the stipulations of his late estranged Father's will - He needs to run the farm for 12 months. When he arrives though, he is not expecting to find that his Mother has hired city girl Elora to work on the marketing of Kinstead Avocados.
Elora is brilliant at advertising and marketing and this job out in the country is perfect timing for her. Little did she know that she has met the man she is about to work with previously...
Cruz's Mother Ferne is more than ready to move on from her time on the farm. She is eager to spread her wings, travel and explore the world, but finds herself having to delay her travel plans after an accident.
I absolutely adored this book. The writing is so beautifully descriptive and I found myself completely immersed in the storyline and transported to Rosevale. The sense of community found within these pages is heartwarming and I loved meeting the various characters found within the town.
The mutliple points of view were each so engaging and I loved how the journeys of these three were so well captured, with such heart and genuine emotion. There are some heavier themes that are explored throughout the book, but these are handled with sensitivity and care and are well balanced out with humour and some lighter moments.
For those who love Grumpy x Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Small Town Romance and New Beginnings/Fresh Starts - then this is a book that you will want to pick up!
Also - remember how I mentioned that Nicola's writing is so beautifully descriptive?
Well, this also extends to the food depicted throughout this book as well! Be prepared to feel a bit peckish from all the mouth watering descriptions of dishes! 😋
Thank you to @HQ books for the gifted copy of this book in return for an honest review
Elora is brilliant at advertising and marketing and this job out in the country is perfect timing for her. Little did she know that she has met the man she is about to work with previously...
Cruz's Mother Ferne is more than ready to move on from her time on the farm. She is eager to spread her wings, travel and explore the world, but finds herself having to delay her travel plans after an accident.
I absolutely adored this book. The writing is so beautifully descriptive and I found myself completely immersed in the storyline and transported to Rosevale. The sense of community found within these pages is heartwarming and I loved meeting the various characters found within the town.
The mutliple points of view were each so engaging and I loved how the journeys of these three were so well captured, with such heart and genuine emotion. There are some heavier themes that are explored throughout the book, but these are handled with sensitivity and care and are well balanced out with humour and some lighter moments.
For those who love Grumpy x Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Small Town Romance and New Beginnings/Fresh Starts - then this is a book that you will want to pick up!
Also - remember how I mentioned that Nicola's writing is so beautifully descriptive?
Well, this also extends to the food depicted throughout this book as well! Be prepared to feel a bit peckish from all the mouth watering descriptions of dishes! 😋
Thank you to @HQ books for the gifted copy of this book in return for an honest review
July 16, 2026
Nicola Marsh has once again delivered an enjoyable rural romance full of heart, family and fresh starts.
I really enjoyed spending time in Rosevale, with its beautiful orchard setting and welcoming small-town community. Elora and Cruz were easy characters to invest in, and I loved the city-versus-country dynamic between them. Their relationship had plenty of light-hearted moments, balanced with genuine emotion as they each worked through their own challenges.
One of the things I appreciated most was the inclusion of Ferne’s story. Her journey added depth to the novel and reminded me that it’s never too late to chase a different future or rediscover happiness. Having multiple generations represented gave the story an extra layer that I really enjoyed.
The writing flows beautifully, making this an easy book to settle into, and the themes of family, forgiveness, love and second chances are woven naturally throughout.
If you enjoy Australian rural romance with engaging characters, plenty of heart and a gorgeous country setting, The Orchard at Rosevale is a lovely read and one I’d happily recommend.
I really enjoyed spending time in Rosevale, with its beautiful orchard setting and welcoming small-town community. Elora and Cruz were easy characters to invest in, and I loved the city-versus-country dynamic between them. Their relationship had plenty of light-hearted moments, balanced with genuine emotion as they each worked through their own challenges.
One of the things I appreciated most was the inclusion of Ferne’s story. Her journey added depth to the novel and reminded me that it’s never too late to chase a different future or rediscover happiness. Having multiple generations represented gave the story an extra layer that I really enjoyed.
The writing flows beautifully, making this an easy book to settle into, and the themes of family, forgiveness, love and second chances are woven naturally throughout.
If you enjoy Australian rural romance with engaging characters, plenty of heart and a gorgeous country setting, The Orchard at Rosevale is a lovely read and one I’d happily recommend.
August 28, 2026
A smashing Aussie rural romance! ❤️🔥
August 2, 2026
Big thanks to HQ Books for sending us a copy to read and review.
Going to Nicola Marsh’s launch last week to celebrate her newest release was an honour.
Her 90th book bash and in conversation was a blast.
The powerhouse author and her delightful book The Orchard At Rosevale is a cause for applause.
Elora Curtis works in advertising and she’s damn good at her job.
So when struggling Kinstead Avocados owner Ferne needs help, Elora arrives with a plan.
But Ferne’s son, the handsome Cruz is there to assist.
The renowned chef has come home and is very grumpy.
His dead unpleasant father had a stipulation in his will.
Manage the farm for one year.
What he hasn’t planned is Elora stepping on his toes and causing his heart to flutter.
Meanwhile Ferne wants nothing more than to escape the farm and travel.
But fate has other ideas.
Three people and a mass of decisions…..
This author knows how to tell a story.
It’s welcoming, warmhearted, generous and inspiring.
An engaging plot, a bunch of interesting characters, a sense of community, a surprise or two all set against the backdrop of a country town.
Highly recommend you pick up this book and be entertained.
A standing ovation please as Nicola releases another wonderful read.
Going to Nicola Marsh’s launch last week to celebrate her newest release was an honour.
Her 90th book bash and in conversation was a blast.
The powerhouse author and her delightful book The Orchard At Rosevale is a cause for applause.
Elora Curtis works in advertising and she’s damn good at her job.
So when struggling Kinstead Avocados owner Ferne needs help, Elora arrives with a plan.
But Ferne’s son, the handsome Cruz is there to assist.
The renowned chef has come home and is very grumpy.
His dead unpleasant father had a stipulation in his will.
Manage the farm for one year.
What he hasn’t planned is Elora stepping on his toes and causing his heart to flutter.
Meanwhile Ferne wants nothing more than to escape the farm and travel.
But fate has other ideas.
Three people and a mass of decisions…..
This author knows how to tell a story.
It’s welcoming, warmhearted, generous and inspiring.
An engaging plot, a bunch of interesting characters, a sense of community, a surprise or two all set against the backdrop of a country town.
Highly recommend you pick up this book and be entertained.
A standing ovation please as Nicola releases another wonderful read.
August 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
The Orchard at Rosevale is another heartfelt Australian rural romance from Nicola Marsh, filled with family, forgiveness, fresh starts and just the right amount of romance.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself invested in all of the characters. They each carry emotional baggage from the past, particularly Cruz and his mother, Ferne, but what I appreciated most was that they recognised not all of their struggles were someone else's fault. They are wonderfully flawed, realistic characters who grow throughout the story.
The romance between Elora and Cruz was lovely to watch unfold. Their chemistry starts with plenty of tension, but beneath the grumpy-meets-city-girl dynamic is a relationship built on understanding and healing. I also loved that we were given a second romance between Ferne and Taj. Mature, second-chance romances don't always get the spotlight, and this one added so much warmth and depth to the story.
Set in the fictional town of Rosevale Grove near Mildura in regional Victoria, the setting is one of the book's greatest strengths. Nicola Marsh captures the charm of country Australia beautifully, making the orchard and the surrounding community feel like somewhere you'd love to visit.
While this is an easy and enjoyable read, it also touches on some important themes, including homelessness, loneliness, grief, family expectations and the importance of living an authentic life. These topics are handled with compassion without ever making the story feel heavy.
If you enjoy Australian rural romance with engaging characters, emotional family dynamics, beautiful country settings and stories about finding your place in the world, The Orchard at Rosevale is well worth picking up. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it.
The Orchard at Rosevale is another heartfelt Australian rural romance from Nicola Marsh, filled with family, forgiveness, fresh starts and just the right amount of romance.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself invested in all of the characters. They each carry emotional baggage from the past, particularly Cruz and his mother, Ferne, but what I appreciated most was that they recognised not all of their struggles were someone else's fault. They are wonderfully flawed, realistic characters who grow throughout the story.
The romance between Elora and Cruz was lovely to watch unfold. Their chemistry starts with plenty of tension, but beneath the grumpy-meets-city-girl dynamic is a relationship built on understanding and healing. I also loved that we were given a second romance between Ferne and Taj. Mature, second-chance romances don't always get the spotlight, and this one added so much warmth and depth to the story.
Set in the fictional town of Rosevale Grove near Mildura in regional Victoria, the setting is one of the book's greatest strengths. Nicola Marsh captures the charm of country Australia beautifully, making the orchard and the surrounding community feel like somewhere you'd love to visit.
While this is an easy and enjoyable read, it also touches on some important themes, including homelessness, loneliness, grief, family expectations and the importance of living an authentic life. These topics are handled with compassion without ever making the story feel heavy.
If you enjoy Australian rural romance with engaging characters, emotional family dynamics, beautiful country settings and stories about finding your place in the world, The Orchard at Rosevale is well worth picking up. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it.
August 31, 2026
A lovely in-between read!
Solid characters, some good conflict and a dose of social awareness.
Solid characters, some good conflict and a dose of social awareness.
September 15, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. ❤️
Every now and then, a book comes along that you don't just enjoy, you feel it. The Orchard at Rosevale was that book for me.
Nicola Marsh, your writing is just beautiful. There is something so natural and effortless about the way you tell a story. The words flow so beautifully that I was completely swept up in Rosevale and its world. I felt like I was there, living alongside these characters and experiencing it all with them.
And Cruz and Elora... I adored them. ❤️ I couldn't get enough of them or their story. I became so attached to them and to all the wonderful characters around them. They felt warm, real and beautifully human, and I loved watching their stories unfold.
I also fell completely in love with the setting. The way you brought Rosevale and the orchard to life was incredible. I could see it so clearly in my mind, the trees, the landscape, the beauty of it all, and I could almost smell the orchard. It felt so vivid and atmospheric that I could practically step inside the pages.
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story and one I genuinely didn't want to finish. I devoured it and was completely absorbed in these characters and their world.
Thank you, Nicola, for writing such a gorgeous book. ❤️ I loved every minute of my time at Rosevale, and I'm so grateful for the escape you gave me.
You have another very happy reader here, and now I'm already impatiently waiting for your next book,The House of Liars!
Every now and then, a book comes along that you don't just enjoy, you feel it. The Orchard at Rosevale was that book for me.
Nicola Marsh, your writing is just beautiful. There is something so natural and effortless about the way you tell a story. The words flow so beautifully that I was completely swept up in Rosevale and its world. I felt like I was there, living alongside these characters and experiencing it all with them.
And Cruz and Elora... I adored them. ❤️ I couldn't get enough of them or their story. I became so attached to them and to all the wonderful characters around them. They felt warm, real and beautifully human, and I loved watching their stories unfold.
I also fell completely in love with the setting. The way you brought Rosevale and the orchard to life was incredible. I could see it so clearly in my mind, the trees, the landscape, the beauty of it all, and I could almost smell the orchard. It felt so vivid and atmospheric that I could practically step inside the pages.
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story and one I genuinely didn't want to finish. I devoured it and was completely absorbed in these characters and their world.
Thank you, Nicola, for writing such a gorgeous book. ❤️ I loved every minute of my time at Rosevale, and I'm so grateful for the escape you gave me.
You have another very happy reader here, and now I'm already impatiently waiting for your next book,The House of Liars!
August 4, 2026
The Orchard at Rosevale is a heartwarming small town, grumpy v sunshine romance read set in rural Victoria. It’s Marsh’s 90th book and a wonderful addition to the rural romance genre.
🥑 I was really drawn to all of the characters in this book. Family trauma has affected each of them, especially Cruz and Ferne, yet they are all aware that some of their flaws and judgments are all of their own making. They’re perfectly imperfect characters!
I enjoyed Marsh’s writing style. The farm setting was descriptive and vivid, and the slow unfurling of secrets had me engrossed in the narrative. The story being told from three perspectives was great and kept the pacing and flow consistent and really enjoyable.
I also liked that readers are treated not only to the budding romance between Elora and Cruz but also to a second chance mature romance between Ferne and Taj.
If you enjoy tropes like city v country, revelations v secrets, second chances and forced proximity then I definitely recommend this one. It’s fun, heartwarming and compelling and will leave you with a smile on your face long after finishing.
Thank you to Harlequin Books Aus for a copy to honestly review.
🥑 I was really drawn to all of the characters in this book. Family trauma has affected each of them, especially Cruz and Ferne, yet they are all aware that some of their flaws and judgments are all of their own making. They’re perfectly imperfect characters!
I enjoyed Marsh’s writing style. The farm setting was descriptive and vivid, and the slow unfurling of secrets had me engrossed in the narrative. The story being told from three perspectives was great and kept the pacing and flow consistent and really enjoyable.
I also liked that readers are treated not only to the budding romance between Elora and Cruz but also to a second chance mature romance between Ferne and Taj.
If you enjoy tropes like city v country, revelations v secrets, second chances and forced proximity then I definitely recommend this one. It’s fun, heartwarming and compelling and will leave you with a smile on your face long after finishing.
Thank you to Harlequin Books Aus for a copy to honestly review.
July 28, 2026
Like Where The Heart Is, another recent book by Nicola Marsh, you get two romances for the price of one.
First you have Cruz, a grumpy chef, who has to return home. and you also have Ferne his mother who can't wait to escape her old life.
While Cruz works out his frustrations with Elora who has been hired to raise the profile of the Avocado Farm, a woman he has previosuly met, Ferne find her own blast from the past.
There's a couple of big topics covered, but all the heart you expect from a rural romance.
First you have Cruz, a grumpy chef, who has to return home. and you also have Ferne his mother who can't wait to escape her old life.
While Cruz works out his frustrations with Elora who has been hired to raise the profile of the Avocado Farm, a woman he has previosuly met, Ferne find her own blast from the past.
There's a couple of big topics covered, but all the heart you expect from a rural romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Melbourne, Australia. Elora Curtis is an advertising consultant, she's about to travel to regional Victoria and to Rosevale Grove and her new client is Kinstead Avocados and she really needs the work.
When, Mac Wardlow passes away, he puts a clause in his will, his son Cruz must return and run the avocado farm for a year otherwise he and his mum Ferne won’t inherited a cent. Cruz has been forced to come back to the place he hates and leave his successful job as a chef in Melbourne, he loves his mum, he doesn’t want her to end up penniless, and she deserves to have financial security and be able to travel.
Elora looks at Kinstead Avocados website and social media pages, they desperately need to be updated and maybe Cruz should feature in the new Instagram reels? Elora and Cruz have met before, her first day goes badly as Elora confesses she’s not fond of the product he’s growing and she's being paid to promote, the business is barely making a profit, Cruz desperately needs to increase sales and is under a lot of pressure.
Ferne arrives in Melbourne, her husband had been living a double life, and she has to deal with the consequences. A mishap has her stuck, two positive things happen as a result, she makes a new friend and encounters her first love Taj again and this has her rethinking her plans for the future.
I received a copy of The Orchard at Rosevale (Small Towns, Big Hearts Book 2) from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. When I discovered Nicola Marsh was releasing a new novel I was excited as I loved the first instalment in the series Where the Heart Is and the second is just as brilliant.
I now understand why Cruz is so grumpy, jaded, and cynical. Elora seemed to have everything under control, she has her own issues, including an annoying ex and being abandoned by her parents as a teenager. The narrative covers serious topics such as infidelity, women being homeless and it happens in small country towns, the importance of old high school friendships, and ways Cruz could open a small pop up eatery on the avocado farm and cook great food.
Nicola Marsh is one of my favourite Australian contemporary/romance authors and because I enjoy reading stories with strong, brooding and hot male main characters she creates. I have my fingers crossed the next novel in the series will be about Kyle and Bindi and I would like find out what happens next with Cruz and Elora, Ferne and Taj as I’m not done with them yet and ready to let them go.
Five stars, a must read for fans of Aussie rural fiction and I highly recommend.
When, Mac Wardlow passes away, he puts a clause in his will, his son Cruz must return and run the avocado farm for a year otherwise he and his mum Ferne won’t inherited a cent. Cruz has been forced to come back to the place he hates and leave his successful job as a chef in Melbourne, he loves his mum, he doesn’t want her to end up penniless, and she deserves to have financial security and be able to travel.
Elora looks at Kinstead Avocados website and social media pages, they desperately need to be updated and maybe Cruz should feature in the new Instagram reels? Elora and Cruz have met before, her first day goes badly as Elora confesses she’s not fond of the product he’s growing and she's being paid to promote, the business is barely making a profit, Cruz desperately needs to increase sales and is under a lot of pressure.
Ferne arrives in Melbourne, her husband had been living a double life, and she has to deal with the consequences. A mishap has her stuck, two positive things happen as a result, she makes a new friend and encounters her first love Taj again and this has her rethinking her plans for the future.
I received a copy of The Orchard at Rosevale (Small Towns, Big Hearts Book 2) from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. When I discovered Nicola Marsh was releasing a new novel I was excited as I loved the first instalment in the series Where the Heart Is and the second is just as brilliant.
I now understand why Cruz is so grumpy, jaded, and cynical. Elora seemed to have everything under control, she has her own issues, including an annoying ex and being abandoned by her parents as a teenager. The narrative covers serious topics such as infidelity, women being homeless and it happens in small country towns, the importance of old high school friendships, and ways Cruz could open a small pop up eatery on the avocado farm and cook great food.
Nicola Marsh is one of my favourite Australian contemporary/romance authors and because I enjoy reading stories with strong, brooding and hot male main characters she creates. I have my fingers crossed the next novel in the series will be about Kyle and Bindi and I would like find out what happens next with Cruz and Elora, Ferne and Taj as I’m not done with them yet and ready to let them go.
Five stars, a must read for fans of Aussie rural fiction and I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Picking up this book I knew the direction of the story and I was right but as with this genre, it’s always about the journey.
After the death of his estranged father Mac, Cruz Wardlow a successful chef in Melbourne finds out that for he and his mother Ferne, to be able to sell the family Avocado Farm he has to spend a year working it.
Unfortunately the farm has suffered over the years. His parents marriage is a sham, his mother has sacrificed her life to keep the farm running and they now find out that Mac has been leading a double life.
Ferne decides she wants out as soon as Cruz arrives and hires Elora Curtis for her marketing skills to bring the farm ‘Kinstead’ into the 21st century.
On paper this sounded the perfect escape book for me but for some reason it didn’t hit the spot.
I think part of it for me was the insta attraction between Cruz and Elora…it was like all professionalism went out the door and although I could understand Ferne’s need to get away, she left the day after Cruz arrives.
There were a few other things that bothered me but it did a good job of highlighting being homeless, loneliness and not living true to yourself. I did like the side characters of friends. I liked that they were so accepting of Cruz, since he had been away so long and even of Elora.
I feel I’m a bit more critical of this book as I’ve elected to write a review, so I’ve had to think about it more. If I was just reading it for example, from the library (and I would have) I think it just would have been a read and forget book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
After the death of his estranged father Mac, Cruz Wardlow a successful chef in Melbourne finds out that for he and his mother Ferne, to be able to sell the family Avocado Farm he has to spend a year working it.
Unfortunately the farm has suffered over the years. His parents marriage is a sham, his mother has sacrificed her life to keep the farm running and they now find out that Mac has been leading a double life.
Ferne decides she wants out as soon as Cruz arrives and hires Elora Curtis for her marketing skills to bring the farm ‘Kinstead’ into the 21st century.
On paper this sounded the perfect escape book for me but for some reason it didn’t hit the spot.
I think part of it for me was the insta attraction between Cruz and Elora…it was like all professionalism went out the door and although I could understand Ferne’s need to get away, she left the day after Cruz arrives.
There were a few other things that bothered me but it did a good job of highlighting being homeless, loneliness and not living true to yourself. I did like the side characters of friends. I liked that they were so accepting of Cruz, since he had been away so long and even of Elora.
I feel I’m a bit more critical of this book as I’ve elected to write a review, so I’ve had to think about it more. If I was just reading it for example, from the library (and I would have) I think it just would have been a read and forget book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
August 8, 2026
Set mostly in the fictitious town of Rosedale grove near Mildura and western Victoria, The Orchard At Rosevale is both a romannce and a story of healing for central characters Cruz and his mother Ferne. Cruz escaped Kinstead Avocados, his family far, twelve year earlier and has made a name for himself as a top flight chef in Melbourne. Forced byn the terms of his father’s will to manage the farm for a year, he returns with the intention of putting the place on the market after his time is up. Meanwhile his mother Ferne has lived an unhappy life with her terse and unpleasant husband and can’t wait to get away once Cruz is back. For each of them, the following weeks lead into the possibility of romance and new beginnings. Ferne is surprised to find Taj, her first love on the doorstep of her flat in Melbiurne, while Cruze is equally surprised to find Elora, the woman he nearly had sex with against the wall of the restaurant he is leaving. She’s been commissioned by his mother to lift the profile of the farm through her marketing and social media skills and the sparks between her and Cruz ignite almost as soon as they see each othernagain. This has been an entertaining story filled with emotion and two strong storylines.
July 30, 2026
Absolutely loved the complexity of the characters as they are so relatable, you have some who are dealing with betrayals and resentment, while others are looking for new beginnings. I really connected with Cruz and El as the feelings and struggles they work through and gosh I am glad Cruz's dad isn't around and he really did the dirty on Cruz along with his Mum Ferne and others and made opening hearts much harder. Secrets are never good and honesty is always best really shine through and I can't wait to read the next in the series for some more laughs, heartfelt moments and a good dollop of romance!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved everything about this grumpy/sunshine rural romance.
From the setting - familiar since I grew up not far from Mildura - the characters, and definitely the romance... this was a real page turner that I devoured in one (long) plane journey.
I definitely recommend getting this book on your Wishlist if you love a good Aussie rural romance... it will leave your heart just that little bit warmer on a cold Winter's day.
Thanks to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.
From the setting - familiar since I grew up not far from Mildura - the characters, and definitely the romance... this was a real page turner that I devoured in one (long) plane journey.
I definitely recommend getting this book on your Wishlist if you love a good Aussie rural romance... it will leave your heart just that little bit warmer on a cold Winter's day.
Thanks to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A pitch perfect romance with two love stories in three points-of-view. Cruz, Elora and Ferne each jumped from the page — human, flawed, hopeful and searching for fulfilment. I loved the avocado orchard setting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Heart-warming, quirky, left me with a smile on my fave and an epilogue that leaves a sequel right there to be written
Loved it.
Heart-warming and feel good. 😄
Loved it.
Heart-warming and feel good. 😄
September 29, 2026
Loved this book. I enjoyed every character & how it flowed. I looked forward to getting back to reading it every night.
August 3, 2026
With this being the authors 90th book and written in just 10 weeks, you can’t help but be impressed and in awe of Nicola's talent!!
I really enjoyed the story of grumpy Cruz and sunny Elora, who, after meeting briefly (and heatedly), end up being thrown together to help save the family orchard. An avocado orchard, no less. I do love an avocado!! 🥑
I was also very happy to see his seventy year old mum, Ferne, given a second chance at love and still out there wanting to see the world and live her life fully. It is always great to see older women represented in books with their lives still evolving.
It explores the themes of abandonment, homelessness, forgiveness, and identity, all with sensitivity, whilst also showing the absolute value of maintaining good friendships in your life.
A lovely, engaging, Aussie rural romance that you will gobble up in a couple of sittings.
I now have my fingers crossed that Nicola will continue Bindi and Kyle’s story. 🤞
4.5 ⭐️'s
I really enjoyed the story of grumpy Cruz and sunny Elora, who, after meeting briefly (and heatedly), end up being thrown together to help save the family orchard. An avocado orchard, no less. I do love an avocado!! 🥑
I was also very happy to see his seventy year old mum, Ferne, given a second chance at love and still out there wanting to see the world and live her life fully. It is always great to see older women represented in books with their lives still evolving.
It explores the themes of abandonment, homelessness, forgiveness, and identity, all with sensitivity, whilst also showing the absolute value of maintaining good friendships in your life.
A lovely, engaging, Aussie rural romance that you will gobble up in a couple of sittings.
I now have my fingers crossed that Nicola will continue Bindi and Kyle’s story. 🤞
4.5 ⭐️'s
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