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Queenslander
Farms collect broken things. Things awaiting resurrection.
Since getting out of juvie, Ronnie Madonna has built a tentative life in Lionheart working as a farmhand for Nev at Upsend Downs, but one thing is still missing: her daughter Rainbow.
When she realizes she has a chance to get Rainbow back, she must prove she is a responsible adult and a good mother. Her quest will take a village, and will force her to confront demons from her past. Will she follow her football dreams to Brisbane or put down roots on the land that holds a mysterious power over her and her boss?
Ten years ago, jaded former war photographer Nev Bickerman woke to a pregnant teenager smashing the family room with a cricket bat. Now, Nev is far too professional to admit she’s falling in love.
Welcome to Lionheart, aka “Line Hat,” a small town between the Outback and the rainforest healing from colonial scars, where climate change threatens both agriculture and eco-tourism. Gritty and hilarious, with emotional momentum, Queenslander is the first book in this Australian family drama series about a close-knit village of misfits and monsters.
"This extraordinary debut from Laura Garden is so many things: a lyrical ode to Queensland and its people, an exploration of love in all its many forms, a double portrait of two women who only appear to be perfect opposites to one another, but in fact share a bond deeper than blood. Queenslander, like its protagonists Ronnie and Nev, never gives up its secrets easily, but the rewards along the way are well worth the journey. Lush and transportive, tender and fierce, this is a novel that lives on well after the last page."
—Hesse Phillips, author of Lightborne
"A moving story about queer family, identity, and belonging set on a sheep farm in Australia, Queenslander shows how people can atone for their past mistakes and discover who they're meant to be.”
—Milo Todd, nationally bestselling author of The Lilac People
Since getting out of juvie, Ronnie Madonna has built a tentative life in Lionheart working as a farmhand for Nev at Upsend Downs, but one thing is still missing: her daughter Rainbow.
When she realizes she has a chance to get Rainbow back, she must prove she is a responsible adult and a good mother. Her quest will take a village, and will force her to confront demons from her past. Will she follow her football dreams to Brisbane or put down roots on the land that holds a mysterious power over her and her boss?
Ten years ago, jaded former war photographer Nev Bickerman woke to a pregnant teenager smashing the family room with a cricket bat. Now, Nev is far too professional to admit she’s falling in love.
Welcome to Lionheart, aka “Line Hat,” a small town between the Outback and the rainforest healing from colonial scars, where climate change threatens both agriculture and eco-tourism. Gritty and hilarious, with emotional momentum, Queenslander is the first book in this Australian family drama series about a close-knit village of misfits and monsters.
"This extraordinary debut from Laura Garden is so many things: a lyrical ode to Queensland and its people, an exploration of love in all its many forms, a double portrait of two women who only appear to be perfect opposites to one another, but in fact share a bond deeper than blood. Queenslander, like its protagonists Ronnie and Nev, never gives up its secrets easily, but the rewards along the way are well worth the journey. Lush and transportive, tender and fierce, this is a novel that lives on well after the last page."
—Hesse Phillips, author of Lightborne
"A moving story about queer family, identity, and belonging set on a sheep farm in Australia, Queenslander shows how people can atone for their past mistakes and discover who they're meant to be.”
—Milo Todd, nationally bestselling author of The Lilac People
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
12 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Laura Garden
1 book10 followersLaura Garden is the author of Queenslander, a novel coming out in April, 2026.
Laura Garden raises sheep and is a flower grower. She studied conservation biology in Yungaburra, Queensland with the School for Field Studies, where she fell in love with Australia. Garden is passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and conservation. She has won several writing competitions, including an award from Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition, as well as fellowships from Wesleyan University and Harvard University. She was longlisted for the Minds Shine Bright Prize in Melbourne. She runs the substack “Writing in Work Gloves.” She has a Masters from Harvard University and lives on a farm in Massachusetts.
Laura Garden raises sheep and is a flower grower. She studied conservation biology in Yungaburra, Queensland with the School for Field Studies, where she fell in love with Australia. Garden is passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and conservation. She has won several writing competitions, including an award from Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition, as well as fellowships from Wesleyan University and Harvard University. She was longlisted for the Minds Shine Bright Prize in Melbourne. She runs the substack “Writing in Work Gloves.” She has a Masters from Harvard University and lives on a farm in Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to the author for letting me know this was on NetGalley to request. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, I loved this. I have been in a reading slump lately and this got me out of it. I read this so fast, it was so good! You’re drawn in immediately and it never lets up. Both MCs are complex and the way the author explores each of them makes you feel like you know the women personally. There are serious issues that are tackled in Queenslander and it is done well. Definitely check the content warnings before reading though.
I’m not even sure how to describe Queenslander but it’s a raw and real work of fiction. I seriously cannot wait to see where Ronnie and Nev’s story goes. This is literary fiction, so don’t expect it to follow the format of a romance. Queenslander is so much more than a romance. This will be one that I buy the physical copy of due to how much I love it!
Wow, I loved this. I have been in a reading slump lately and this got me out of it. I read this so fast, it was so good! You’re drawn in immediately and it never lets up. Both MCs are complex and the way the author explores each of them makes you feel like you know the women personally. There are serious issues that are tackled in Queenslander and it is done well. Definitely check the content warnings before reading though.
I’m not even sure how to describe Queenslander but it’s a raw and real work of fiction. I seriously cannot wait to see where Ronnie and Nev’s story goes. This is literary fiction, so don’t expect it to follow the format of a romance. Queenslander is so much more than a romance. This will be one that I buy the physical copy of due to how much I love it!
April 23, 2026
Queenslander by Laura Garden is a solid, technically well written novel. It took me a while to become interested, and I wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome for most of the story.
The novel features a large, diverse cast of characters, all sorts of animals, a preteen managing a divided family, and a well-described setting in rural Australian farmland.
Nev and Ronnie each have their own baggage and share a complicated but strong relationship.
I feel bad for Ronnie; it seems she was dealt a bad hand, as she is a genuinely good person who made some mistakes and lacked parental guidance. Her relationship with Maude stressed me out. I felt anxious about the co-parenting situation.
A lot of things happened over the course of the book, and at times it felt like a slog to continue.
Quoteworty:
"It was a privilege to be single. A gift. Selfish, in a way. People pitied single folks, but they had the best deal. They had figured out something and they weren’t letting the secret out. They were the lucky ones, the people who loved themselves."
“You belong everywhere. Home is a feeling you carry inside you.”
I am giving this book four stars because it is well written and has depth, and I think it could be someone’s favorite. Overall, I don't think it was the best fit for me. However, after thinking about it for a day, I do want to know how things turn out in book two, which says something. It isn't a cliffhanger, but it definitely isn't the end of the story. Ask me again when the next installment becomes available.
#literaryfiction #notaromance #panicattacks #ectopicpregnancy #miscarriage #farmerfarmhand #agegap #foundfamily #singleparent
#child #largefamily #toxicparent #toxicex #supportivefamily #smalltown #rural #farm #slowburn #sapphicwestern #Australia
I received a review copy from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
The novel features a large, diverse cast of characters, all sorts of animals, a preteen managing a divided family, and a well-described setting in rural Australian farmland.
Nev and Ronnie each have their own baggage and share a complicated but strong relationship.
I feel bad for Ronnie; it seems she was dealt a bad hand, as she is a genuinely good person who made some mistakes and lacked parental guidance. Her relationship with Maude stressed me out. I felt anxious about the co-parenting situation.
A lot of things happened over the course of the book, and at times it felt like a slog to continue.
Quoteworty:
"It was a privilege to be single. A gift. Selfish, in a way. People pitied single folks, but they had the best deal. They had figured out something and they weren’t letting the secret out. They were the lucky ones, the people who loved themselves."
“You belong everywhere. Home is a feeling you carry inside you.”
I am giving this book four stars because it is well written and has depth, and I think it could be someone’s favorite. Overall, I don't think it was the best fit for me. However, after thinking about it for a day, I do want to know how things turn out in book two, which says something. It isn't a cliffhanger, but it definitely isn't the end of the story. Ask me again when the next installment becomes available.
#literaryfiction #notaromance #panicattacks #ectopicpregnancy #miscarriage #farmerfarmhand #agegap #foundfamily #singleparent
#child #largefamily #toxicparent #toxicex #supportivefamily #smalltown #rural #farm #slowburn #sapphicwestern #Australia
I received a review copy from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Read
March 17, 2026I was drawn to the book by the title and the blurb. While I found both to be very appealing I struggled through this book.
After letting it rest and sit in my brain for a couple of days I still don’t know what I read. I couldn’t really tell you what this story is about, if the main characters are likeable. What I do know is that I kept reading for some reason, currently I am thinking because I was desperately hoping for it to get better, for it to start making sense.
For it never really did.
There will be sequel for this book. I think I will pass on it. The story, the writing style, just not for me.
After letting it rest and sit in my brain for a couple of days I still don’t know what I read. I couldn’t really tell you what this story is about, if the main characters are likeable. What I do know is that I kept reading for some reason, currently I am thinking because I was desperately hoping for it to get better, for it to start making sense.
For it never really did.
There will be sequel for this book. I think I will pass on it. The story, the writing style, just not for me.
April 20, 2026
This book completely swept me up and dropped me somewhere raw and achingly human; Nev and Ronnie have both completely stole my heart. The non-linear timeline works so beautifully here. It doesn’t just tell you the story, it fully envelopes you and makes you feel like you’re living alongside these characters and their families. You have become a part of Upsend and the tangled, deeply rooted connections that shape it.
This is a story about love in all its forms—messy, protective, patient, and tenderly restrained. The pining between Ron and Nev is so tender and vulnerable. It’s quiet but constant, soft but deeply rooted, the kind of connection that feels like it’s always been there, just waiting for the right moment to surface.
The sense of community and found-family here is heartwarming, especially when it comes to little Rainbow. She is so deeply loved and so fully held by all of those around her. It really leans into that idea that raising and loving someone isn’t a solitary act—it’s something shared, something built together. Every character adds to that feeling of warmth and belonging.
The emotional threads in this book run deep. It balances hurt and comfort so well, letting you sit in the ache while still offering something soft to land on. There’s something really special in how it explores identity, home, and what it means to truly belong—not just to a place, but to yourself and to the people who choose you.
If you love Western/Outback settings and that slow, steady burn of longing (that feels almost unbearable at times) this one absolutely delivers. A true standing ovation for this debut novel!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC! Fall cannot come soon enough!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“That’s all love was: an urge to protect forever things that didn’t belong to you.”
“Maybe that was the secret to happiness. See things as what they are, not what they appear to be.”
“You only get one chance to time it right. The longer you wait, the better the good ones get.”
“It wasn’t like any romantic relationship she had known. She wasn’t even sure if it was romantic, but hoped it would be. [She] would be a gentleman in a way that none of her previous partners had been.”
“What a rush it was to celebrate your victories loudly and unselfconsciously, to scream your success and be loved for it.”
“You belong everywhere. Home is a feeling you carry inside you.”
This is a story about love in all its forms—messy, protective, patient, and tenderly restrained. The pining between Ron and Nev is so tender and vulnerable. It’s quiet but constant, soft but deeply rooted, the kind of connection that feels like it’s always been there, just waiting for the right moment to surface.
The sense of community and found-family here is heartwarming, especially when it comes to little Rainbow. She is so deeply loved and so fully held by all of those around her. It really leans into that idea that raising and loving someone isn’t a solitary act—it’s something shared, something built together. Every character adds to that feeling of warmth and belonging.
The emotional threads in this book run deep. It balances hurt and comfort so well, letting you sit in the ache while still offering something soft to land on. There’s something really special in how it explores identity, home, and what it means to truly belong—not just to a place, but to yourself and to the people who choose you.
If you love Western/Outback settings and that slow, steady burn of longing (that feels almost unbearable at times) this one absolutely delivers. A true standing ovation for this debut novel!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC! Fall cannot come soon enough!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“That’s all love was: an urge to protect forever things that didn’t belong to you.”
“Maybe that was the secret to happiness. See things as what they are, not what they appear to be.”
“You only get one chance to time it right. The longer you wait, the better the good ones get.”
“It wasn’t like any romantic relationship she had known. She wasn’t even sure if it was romantic, but hoped it would be. [She] would be a gentleman in a way that none of her previous partners had been.”
“What a rush it was to celebrate your victories loudly and unselfconsciously, to scream your success and be loved for it.”
“You belong everywhere. Home is a feeling you carry inside you.”
May 4, 2026
This isn’t your usual sapphic romance book… and I think that’s what caught me.
Nev and Ronnie’s connection feels quiet. Not in a boring way, just not your usual sapphic read. There’s so much history between them, both individually and together, and you can feel that sitting underneath everything.
I have to say, the rural Australian outback setting felt really nostalgic to me. It made me want to pick those kinds of stories back up again too.
The timeline isn’t linear, which I LOVED, it adds this subtle tension throughout. It almost leans into a slightly suspenseful feel at times, slowly revealing pieces instead of laying everything out.
Nev and Ronnie’s connection feels quiet. Not in a boring way, just not your usual sapphic read. There’s so much history between them, both individually and together, and you can feel that sitting underneath everything.
I have to say, the rural Australian outback setting felt really nostalgic to me. It made me want to pick those kinds of stories back up again too.
The timeline isn’t linear, which I LOVED, it adds this subtle tension throughout. It almost leans into a slightly suspenseful feel at times, slowly revealing pieces instead of laying everything out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Queenslander is Laura Garden's debut(!!) novel, and I am genuinely struggling to wrap my head around this fact. Such an amazing novel, with incredibly lovable and complex characters, all set in the beautiful, rural Lionheart, Australia🦘
After their initial meeting when Ronnie was just a teenager, she has since come out of juvie, and is working on Nev’s farm, slowly rebuilding her life. The only thing that is missing, is Ronnie’s daughter, and once she learns she has a genuine chance of getting her back, Ronnie is determined to prove that she is a responsible and good parent👩👧
Nev, being all professional, will do anything but admit that she is falling in love with the person who smashed up her living room that fateful night a whole decade ago❤️🔥
There is a little something something between Nev and Ronnie, and their relationship is so well written. The pining, the banter, the caring for each other during hard times, as well as supporting each other through the good times. They go through it all, while at the same time having realistic expectations for a relationship, and being well aware of the age gap, they don’t rush into anything💕
The characters all feel so alive, and so well written, both Ronnie and Nev hold a very special place in my heart. I have to admit I felt my heart ache especially for Ronnie, who not only has gone through so much in her youth, but also ongoing struggles we see her facing, always with Nev on her side🦘
I am still nursing a proper book hangover after reading this one, and I can’t wait to read it again❤️🔥
After their initial meeting when Ronnie was just a teenager, she has since come out of juvie, and is working on Nev’s farm, slowly rebuilding her life. The only thing that is missing, is Ronnie’s daughter, and once she learns she has a genuine chance of getting her back, Ronnie is determined to prove that she is a responsible and good parent👩👧
Nev, being all professional, will do anything but admit that she is falling in love with the person who smashed up her living room that fateful night a whole decade ago❤️🔥
There is a little something something between Nev and Ronnie, and their relationship is so well written. The pining, the banter, the caring for each other during hard times, as well as supporting each other through the good times. They go through it all, while at the same time having realistic expectations for a relationship, and being well aware of the age gap, they don’t rush into anything💕
The characters all feel so alive, and so well written, both Ronnie and Nev hold a very special place in my heart. I have to admit I felt my heart ache especially for Ronnie, who not only has gone through so much in her youth, but also ongoing struggles we see her facing, always with Nev on her side🦘
I am still nursing a proper book hangover after reading this one, and I can’t wait to read it again❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Queenslander – Laura Garden
I can’t stop thinking of the two lead characters, Nev and Ronnie. Two women broken by the actions of others; but they are written to show their strength as survivors. As individuals they don’t help themselves; but they will fight to protect the other.
Summary
Nev is a retired war photographer who has witnessed the worst of humanity and has the scars to show for it. Despite her outward gruffness; she is kind, but she still has her own demons to battle.
If something bad could happen to someone; it has happened to Ronnie. She has experienced abuse from almost everyone in her life and when she finally confronts one of her abusers, she is the one who goes to prison. Ronnie was pregnant when she went to prison and gave up her parental rights hoping her daughter would have a better life.
When Ronnie is released from prison she is hired as a farm hand at Nev’s farm. The two form an unlikely bond as Ronnie tries to establish a life that will allow her to regain custody of her daughter, Rainbow.
My Review
In Queenslander, the land is as much part of this story as the people, and both are intricately linked to one another. The land and the lead characters have had things done to them beyond their control; and now both are dealing with the aftermath. The land is subject to more floods and forest fires; the lead characters are looking to one another for the support they haven’t had from anyone in the past.
When everything burns down there is renewal. Ronnie needs to burn down her past in order to live her future, she stumbles along the way, but her resilience and determination are remarkable. She has a goal, to gain parental rights to her daughter, and demonstrates what it takes to rebuild a life after so many people have worked to destroy it.
Nev, having seen people lives destroyed by war, will do anything to protect Ronnie. She formed a connection with Ronnie that she doesn’t quite understand, but she will do anything to help Ronnie.
The story is well written; I became immersed in the story and cared about the characters. But there were times that I was ready to throw the book across the room if one more thing didn’t work out for Ronnie.
It is an age gap romance; and is written in a way that is not exploitative, in a scenario where it really could be. Nev and Ronnie recognize the attraction and the love they have for one another while also understanding the power differential between them.
The themes in this story are not easy and include sexual and physical abuse, war crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, and incarceration of youth. The trauma isn’t gratuitous; but is shared in a way to help understand Nev and Ronnie.
This is a work of sapphic literary fiction, it is broad and its themes and characters as unique and sweeping as Queensland itself.
Final Thoughts
Can you heal by finding someone as damaged by their past as you are?
Protective of one another, even though they can’t protect themselves.
There are elements of physical and sexual abuse in the book, if these are triggers for you than you might want to be careful reading this book.
I can’t stop thinking of the two lead characters, Nev and Ronnie. Two women broken by the actions of others; but they are written to show their strength as survivors. As individuals they don’t help themselves; but they will fight to protect the other.
Summary
Nev is a retired war photographer who has witnessed the worst of humanity and has the scars to show for it. Despite her outward gruffness; she is kind, but she still has her own demons to battle.
If something bad could happen to someone; it has happened to Ronnie. She has experienced abuse from almost everyone in her life and when she finally confronts one of her abusers, she is the one who goes to prison. Ronnie was pregnant when she went to prison and gave up her parental rights hoping her daughter would have a better life.
When Ronnie is released from prison she is hired as a farm hand at Nev’s farm. The two form an unlikely bond as Ronnie tries to establish a life that will allow her to regain custody of her daughter, Rainbow.
My Review
In Queenslander, the land is as much part of this story as the people, and both are intricately linked to one another. The land and the lead characters have had things done to them beyond their control; and now both are dealing with the aftermath. The land is subject to more floods and forest fires; the lead characters are looking to one another for the support they haven’t had from anyone in the past.
When everything burns down there is renewal. Ronnie needs to burn down her past in order to live her future, she stumbles along the way, but her resilience and determination are remarkable. She has a goal, to gain parental rights to her daughter, and demonstrates what it takes to rebuild a life after so many people have worked to destroy it.
Nev, having seen people lives destroyed by war, will do anything to protect Ronnie. She formed a connection with Ronnie that she doesn’t quite understand, but she will do anything to help Ronnie.
The story is well written; I became immersed in the story and cared about the characters. But there were times that I was ready to throw the book across the room if one more thing didn’t work out for Ronnie.
It is an age gap romance; and is written in a way that is not exploitative, in a scenario where it really could be. Nev and Ronnie recognize the attraction and the love they have for one another while also understanding the power differential between them.
The themes in this story are not easy and include sexual and physical abuse, war crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, and incarceration of youth. The trauma isn’t gratuitous; but is shared in a way to help understand Nev and Ronnie.
This is a work of sapphic literary fiction, it is broad and its themes and characters as unique and sweeping as Queensland itself.
Final Thoughts
Can you heal by finding someone as damaged by their past as you are?
Protective of one another, even though they can’t protect themselves.
There are elements of physical and sexual abuse in the book, if these are triggers for you than you might want to be careful reading this book.
May 5, 2026
*Queenslander* by Laura Jean McKay (published as Laura Garden) is an absolute triumph, a sweeping, emotional, and vividly grounded story that completely pulled me in from the first page and never let go. This is one of those rare books that feels both epic in scope and deeply personal at the same time, balancing grit, humour, and heart with remarkable ease.
Set in the Australian Outback, the novel follows Ronnie Madonna, a young woman trying to rebuild her life after juvie while working on a remote farm in the small town of Lionheart. At the centre of her journey is her daughter, Rainbow, and Ronnie’s fierce determination to prove she is worthy of getting her back. It is such a powerful emotional core, and every decision Ronnie makes feels shaped by that love, even when she stumbles.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Ronnie is messy, stubborn, and incredibly real, the kind of protagonist you cannot help but root for. Her relationship with Nev Bickerman, the guarded farm owner with a past of her own, is layered and quietly compelling. The dynamic between them builds slowly, filled with tension, humour, and unspoken emotion. The supporting cast and the wider community of Lionheart add even more depth, making the town feel alive in a way that is rare.
As an Australian, one of the most striking aspects of this book was how accurately and beautifully the landscape is captured. The descriptions of the Outback, the shifting weather, the connection to the land, and the tension between agriculture and environmental change all feel incredibly authentic. You can practically feel the heat, the dust, and the vastness of it all. It is not romanticised, but it is deeply respected, and that makes it all the more powerful. The contrast between the rugged inland and the pull of places like Brisbane adds another layer to Ronnie’s internal conflict about where she belongs.
The themes woven throughout the novel, motherhood, redemption, belonging, and the lingering impact of colonial history, are handled with nuance and care. There is a raw honesty to the storytelling that makes both the painful and hopeful moments hit harder. At the same time, the book never becomes too heavy, with flashes of humour and warmth that keep it balanced.
The pacing is excellent, steadily building momentum as Ronnie’s past and present begin to collide. Every thread feels purposeful, leading toward an ending that is both satisfying and emotionally resonant. It also sets up the rest of the series in a way that leaves you eager for more without feeling incomplete.
If there is anything to critique, it is honestly hard to pinpoint. The novel feels confident in what it is trying to do and executes it beautifully.
Overall, *Queenslander* is an outstanding read. It is immersive, heartfelt, and unapologetically Australian in the best way. Amazing, no notes. Best read on a road trip up Australia’s east coast, where the landscapes on the page start to blur with the ones outside your window.
A well-deserved 5-star book that I will be recommending to everyone.
Set in the Australian Outback, the novel follows Ronnie Madonna, a young woman trying to rebuild her life after juvie while working on a remote farm in the small town of Lionheart. At the centre of her journey is her daughter, Rainbow, and Ronnie’s fierce determination to prove she is worthy of getting her back. It is such a powerful emotional core, and every decision Ronnie makes feels shaped by that love, even when she stumbles.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Ronnie is messy, stubborn, and incredibly real, the kind of protagonist you cannot help but root for. Her relationship with Nev Bickerman, the guarded farm owner with a past of her own, is layered and quietly compelling. The dynamic between them builds slowly, filled with tension, humour, and unspoken emotion. The supporting cast and the wider community of Lionheart add even more depth, making the town feel alive in a way that is rare.
As an Australian, one of the most striking aspects of this book was how accurately and beautifully the landscape is captured. The descriptions of the Outback, the shifting weather, the connection to the land, and the tension between agriculture and environmental change all feel incredibly authentic. You can practically feel the heat, the dust, and the vastness of it all. It is not romanticised, but it is deeply respected, and that makes it all the more powerful. The contrast between the rugged inland and the pull of places like Brisbane adds another layer to Ronnie’s internal conflict about where she belongs.
The themes woven throughout the novel, motherhood, redemption, belonging, and the lingering impact of colonial history, are handled with nuance and care. There is a raw honesty to the storytelling that makes both the painful and hopeful moments hit harder. At the same time, the book never becomes too heavy, with flashes of humour and warmth that keep it balanced.
The pacing is excellent, steadily building momentum as Ronnie’s past and present begin to collide. Every thread feels purposeful, leading toward an ending that is both satisfying and emotionally resonant. It also sets up the rest of the series in a way that leaves you eager for more without feeling incomplete.
If there is anything to critique, it is honestly hard to pinpoint. The novel feels confident in what it is trying to do and executes it beautifully.
Overall, *Queenslander* is an outstanding read. It is immersive, heartfelt, and unapologetically Australian in the best way. Amazing, no notes. Best read on a road trip up Australia’s east coast, where the landscapes on the page start to blur with the ones outside your window.
A well-deserved 5-star book that I will be recommending to everyone.
April 29, 2026
Laura Garden’s debut novel, "Queenslander", is a deeply immersive and emotionally rich reading experience that quietly grows on you. At first glance, it feels like a tribute to Queensland—its landscapes, its people, and its rhythm of life—but as the story unfolds, it becomes much more than that. It is a layered exploration of love, identity, and survival, told through characters who don’t reveal themselves all at once. The writing invites patience, and in return, it offers something truly meaningful.
The story revolves around Ronnie and Nev, two women who seem very different on the surface but are connected in ways that slowly come to light. Ronnie’s journey is especially touching, as she struggles with limited access to her daughter, Rainbow and tries to create small pockets of happiness within a difficult reality. Her love feels fierce yet fragile, expressed through simple, everyday moments that carry emotional weight. Nev, on the other hand, brings a quieter intensity. Her past trauma and her efforts to rebuild her life on a farm add depth to the narrative, making her both guarded and compassionate.
What makes this novel stand out is how it balances tenderness with harsh reality. Garden does not shy away from showing the darker sides of life—abuse, control, and emotional conflict—but she also gives equal space to moments of warmth, connection, and hope. The bond between Ronnie and Nev is particularly compelling, as it slowly reveals itself to be deeper than expected, challenging initial perceptions and adding emotional richness to the story.
The language is lyrical and vivid, bringing Queensland to life in a way that feels almost cinematic. From cattle herds and eucalyptus forests to quiet domestic spaces, every setting is described with care. The inclusion of a glossary of Australian terms is a thoughtful addition, making the story more accessible while still preserving its authenticity. It helps readers unfamiliar with the culture fully engage with the world Garden has created, without losing the local flavour that makes the novel so distinctive.
In the end, "Queenslander" is not a story that gives everything away easily. It asks the reader to slow down, to observe, and to feel. But that’s exactly where its strength lies. It is tender yet fierce, gentle yet unafraid of difficult truths. Long after finishing the book, its characters and emotions linger, making it a memorable and rewarding read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven storytelling.
The story revolves around Ronnie and Nev, two women who seem very different on the surface but are connected in ways that slowly come to light. Ronnie’s journey is especially touching, as she struggles with limited access to her daughter, Rainbow and tries to create small pockets of happiness within a difficult reality. Her love feels fierce yet fragile, expressed through simple, everyday moments that carry emotional weight. Nev, on the other hand, brings a quieter intensity. Her past trauma and her efforts to rebuild her life on a farm add depth to the narrative, making her both guarded and compassionate.
What makes this novel stand out is how it balances tenderness with harsh reality. Garden does not shy away from showing the darker sides of life—abuse, control, and emotional conflict—but she also gives equal space to moments of warmth, connection, and hope. The bond between Ronnie and Nev is particularly compelling, as it slowly reveals itself to be deeper than expected, challenging initial perceptions and adding emotional richness to the story.
The language is lyrical and vivid, bringing Queensland to life in a way that feels almost cinematic. From cattle herds and eucalyptus forests to quiet domestic spaces, every setting is described with care. The inclusion of a glossary of Australian terms is a thoughtful addition, making the story more accessible while still preserving its authenticity. It helps readers unfamiliar with the culture fully engage with the world Garden has created, without losing the local flavour that makes the novel so distinctive.
In the end, "Queenslander" is not a story that gives everything away easily. It asks the reader to slow down, to observe, and to feel. But that’s exactly where its strength lies. It is tender yet fierce, gentle yet unafraid of difficult truths. Long after finishing the book, its characters and emotions linger, making it a memorable and rewarding read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚 ARC Review 📚 Thanks to the author & Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is beautifully written queer literary fiction that captured my attention from the prologue and held it to the final page. Set in a small-town corner of Australia, it’s a love story that unfolds with emotional depth.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, told through dual perspectives that move between past and present. Ronnie's a single mother trying to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter, and this storyline is one of the most tender and affecting threads in the book. Nev, meanwhile, is an ex–war photographer with a gentle soul and a fondness for playing the fiddle — the sort of character whose quiet kindness leaves a lasting impression.
At its heart, it's a story about family, trauma, mistakes, and the long shadow of the past. The author's characterisation is wonderfully rich; these are people who feel fully realised, who you come to know deeply and miss once the story ends. Ronnie’s family, in particular, bring moments of humour and warmth that made the story feel vibrant and real for me 💖
Ronnie and Nev’s romantic relationship develops gradually over years of friendship (I can't lie, I was side-eyeing Nev at the start). There's plenty standing in their way — but the dynamic is both tender and electric, with a delightful grumpy–sunshine energy and the “touch her and die” protectiveness. Their dialogue is sharp and witty — and there is one particular “come here, baby” moment that may make you gasp.
The novel doesn’t shy away from complexity. The characters are flawed, their choices sometimes messy, and the narrative touches on dark and difficult themes. Yet the book never loses its sense of hope.
Ultimately, this feels like a story about women saving one another in all kinds of different ways ❤️ And I’m looking forward to returning to this world when the next book in the series arrives 📚
This novel is beautifully written queer literary fiction that captured my attention from the prologue and held it to the final page. Set in a small-town corner of Australia, it’s a love story that unfolds with emotional depth.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, told through dual perspectives that move between past and present. Ronnie's a single mother trying to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter, and this storyline is one of the most tender and affecting threads in the book. Nev, meanwhile, is an ex–war photographer with a gentle soul and a fondness for playing the fiddle — the sort of character whose quiet kindness leaves a lasting impression.
At its heart, it's a story about family, trauma, mistakes, and the long shadow of the past. The author's characterisation is wonderfully rich; these are people who feel fully realised, who you come to know deeply and miss once the story ends. Ronnie’s family, in particular, bring moments of humour and warmth that made the story feel vibrant and real for me 💖
Ronnie and Nev’s romantic relationship develops gradually over years of friendship (I can't lie, I was side-eyeing Nev at the start). There's plenty standing in their way — but the dynamic is both tender and electric, with a delightful grumpy–sunshine energy and the “touch her and die” protectiveness. Their dialogue is sharp and witty — and there is one particular “come here, baby” moment that may make you gasp.
The novel doesn’t shy away from complexity. The characters are flawed, their choices sometimes messy, and the narrative touches on dark and difficult themes. Yet the book never loses its sense of hope.
Ultimately, this feels like a story about women saving one another in all kinds of different ways ❤️ And I’m looking forward to returning to this world when the next book in the series arrives 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a seriously refreshing read. The characters are so well brought to life that I couldn’t put the book down because I was sharing their anxieties and joy so intensely. The description of the setting was stunning, I couldn’t put feel the fresh air of the country and picture all the plants and wildlife. I loved how integral the landscape and flora/fauna are to the characters’ lives.
The amount of yearning in this book is equalled only by the amount of understanding. The characters are clearly soulmates, but they are realistic and make difficult decisions, not based on tropes, but based on the situation they are in and the realities of their respective lives and personalities.
While there is plenty sexual tension, the story isn’t based around the amount of sex the author can squeeze into the book. The story flows beautifully, and encapsulated the delights and despairs the characters face as their lives weave together more and more.
Ronnie is a giant, muscular bisexual “disaster”… who is so much more than she appears.
Nev is a ln introverted lesbian who loves hard and sensibly.
Rainbow is an absolute delight of a child throughout the book. Her innocence and maturity mixing so well to produce a child character who feels real and adorable.
Reg is the dad we all wish we had. There are so many more characters who are important to the story and richly described.
The author writes with a flow that carries you through the story, the Australian slang and manner of speech clear through the book and adding to the atmosphere. It’s almost patriotic.
I cannot wait for the next book. I need more! But my poor heart won’t thank me.
The amount of yearning in this book is equalled only by the amount of understanding. The characters are clearly soulmates, but they are realistic and make difficult decisions, not based on tropes, but based on the situation they are in and the realities of their respective lives and personalities.
While there is plenty sexual tension, the story isn’t based around the amount of sex the author can squeeze into the book. The story flows beautifully, and encapsulated the delights and despairs the characters face as their lives weave together more and more.
Ronnie is a giant, muscular bisexual “disaster”… who is so much more than she appears.
Nev is a ln introverted lesbian who loves hard and sensibly.
Rainbow is an absolute delight of a child throughout the book. Her innocence and maturity mixing so well to produce a child character who feels real and adorable.
Reg is the dad we all wish we had. There are so many more characters who are important to the story and richly described.
The author writes with a flow that carries you through the story, the Australian slang and manner of speech clear through the book and adding to the atmosphere. It’s almost patriotic.
I cannot wait for the next book. I need more! But my poor heart won’t thank me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a lot of fun and I read it over a day and a half! It's fundamentally a story about love--lots of kinds of love, and the labels we give it, which are sometimes important and sometimes not. Set in Australia, which is so beautifully described I feel like I've been there, it's a story of a rural community that takes back one of its own after she commits a crime and serves her time, then returns to try to raise her daughter and to finish being raised herself by the woman who pointed a shotgun at her at the beginning of the book.
This is a first book by a talented writer, and the writing, while a little uneven, is always engaging, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, as some Important Issues have been left unresolved. Ms. Garden is really good at evocative description of place, and also understands emotional complexity. Her main character is well-drawn and lovable, though certainly not perfect. Ron's relationship with her daughter Rainbow is also touchingly described, and we can see that as Rainbow grows up their community is probably up for more of what it gets from her mom. The plot moves along and makes it hard to go to bed...I'm just warning you.
It's nice to see main characters whose queer sexuality is complex and hard to define--because sometimes it's like that. A little April/December, a little kinky, bisexual, straight, gay, and...whatever happens. The world doesn't fit into neat categories and neither do these characters.
I got an advance copy of this for free and I definitely want to read the next one, coming out this fall!
This is a first book by a talented writer, and the writing, while a little uneven, is always engaging, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, as some Important Issues have been left unresolved. Ms. Garden is really good at evocative description of place, and also understands emotional complexity. Her main character is well-drawn and lovable, though certainly not perfect. Ron's relationship with her daughter Rainbow is also touchingly described, and we can see that as Rainbow grows up their community is probably up for more of what it gets from her mom. The plot moves along and makes it hard to go to bed...I'm just warning you.
It's nice to see main characters whose queer sexuality is complex and hard to define--because sometimes it's like that. A little April/December, a little kinky, bisexual, straight, gay, and...whatever happens. The world doesn't fit into neat categories and neither do these characters.
I got an advance copy of this for free and I definitely want to read the next one, coming out this fall!
April 15, 2026
Ohhhh, this book - where do I start? I could quite simply say that this book is perfect and Laura Garden is a genius.
I have relished this book from start to finish - it had so many elements that I loved including the sport thread running through it, the music of Stevie Nicks, sheep farming and the The Bruce Highway (which I can proudly say I have driven down whilst in Queensland so this gave me all the feels). Aside from this magic though, I felt truly spoilt by the story itself. Two central characters, each with their self confessed faults, but who are absolutely loveable, admirable and BADASS. Their complex family dynamics. Their need for each other and the confusion of whether this need is based more on circumstance and place. The fact that the simple things in life are absolutely pivotal, essential and as vital as air.
I was blown away by how much Ron and Nev evolve as the story develops - by the end I was in awe at their growth. You see it, you feel it and it’s so encompassing because you are fully on their journey with them. The author uses dialogue and descriptions sparingly yet conveys so much which I am a total sucker for - it made me race through the book and want to start back at the beginning as soon as I’d finished (NGL, it’s also made me desperate to go back to QLD).
Laura Garden, thank you for transporting me to Australia in all its glory, and for sharing the addictive lives of the wonderful characters in this book. I can’t wait for the follow up. Big thanks also to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me the sheer joy of discovering this beauty. QLD 4 EVA!
I have relished this book from start to finish - it had so many elements that I loved including the sport thread running through it, the music of Stevie Nicks, sheep farming and the The Bruce Highway (which I can proudly say I have driven down whilst in Queensland so this gave me all the feels). Aside from this magic though, I felt truly spoilt by the story itself. Two central characters, each with their self confessed faults, but who are absolutely loveable, admirable and BADASS. Their complex family dynamics. Their need for each other and the confusion of whether this need is based more on circumstance and place. The fact that the simple things in life are absolutely pivotal, essential and as vital as air.
I was blown away by how much Ron and Nev evolve as the story develops - by the end I was in awe at their growth. You see it, you feel it and it’s so encompassing because you are fully on their journey with them. The author uses dialogue and descriptions sparingly yet conveys so much which I am a total sucker for - it made me race through the book and want to start back at the beginning as soon as I’d finished (NGL, it’s also made me desperate to go back to QLD).
Laura Garden, thank you for transporting me to Australia in all its glory, and for sharing the addictive lives of the wonderful characters in this book. I can’t wait for the follow up. Big thanks also to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me the sheer joy of discovering this beauty. QLD 4 EVA!
April 21, 2026
Whoa, I just finished this and honestly it was such a ride. Emotional, bare, honest, terrifying and yet so beautiful. This was a joy to read I couldn’t put it down. I am still thinking about Nev and Ronnie and their beautifully complicated relationship.
As a pregnant teen Ronnie steps into Nev life by getting house numbers wrong and messing up Nevs’s home with a cricket bat, she ends up in juvie after her troubled ways from her turbulent childhood and running clearly with the wrong people. Nev, a single stoic sheep farmer living her solitary life after her family died and seeing truly terrible things as a photographer in war torn areas of the world. 10 years pass and they reunite as boss and worker on the farm.
So much happens to Ronnie she wants better for herself and wants dual custody of her daughter Rainbow, growing up without her with her ex girlfriend(some serious trigger warnings throughout if I’m honest), we go through everything here a single mother trying her best to regain control. Ronnie by definition is a hot mess.
The story is so powerful with so many strands entwining throughout, that open up Ronnie’s life and story. Her family are amazing especially her brother and father. The story of her own redemption is a rollercoaster and her relationship with Nev is an interesting one. It’s one of respect, gratitude and love but Nev is not an easy woman to unlock but will always love her and protect her. I am rooting for both of them!
Honestly I was so pleased to have been given an opportunity to read this via NetGalley and the author, it is so worth it and I cannot wait for the next part out later this year.
As a pregnant teen Ronnie steps into Nev life by getting house numbers wrong and messing up Nevs’s home with a cricket bat, she ends up in juvie after her troubled ways from her turbulent childhood and running clearly with the wrong people. Nev, a single stoic sheep farmer living her solitary life after her family died and seeing truly terrible things as a photographer in war torn areas of the world. 10 years pass and they reunite as boss and worker on the farm.
So much happens to Ronnie she wants better for herself and wants dual custody of her daughter Rainbow, growing up without her with her ex girlfriend(some serious trigger warnings throughout if I’m honest), we go through everything here a single mother trying her best to regain control. Ronnie by definition is a hot mess.
The story is so powerful with so many strands entwining throughout, that open up Ronnie’s life and story. Her family are amazing especially her brother and father. The story of her own redemption is a rollercoaster and her relationship with Nev is an interesting one. It’s one of respect, gratitude and love but Nev is not an easy woman to unlock but will always love her and protect her. I am rooting for both of them!
Honestly I was so pleased to have been given an opportunity to read this via NetGalley and the author, it is so worth it and I cannot wait for the next part out later this year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alrighty! I’m sure everyone seen this book everywhere by now, I certainly have…for a good reason ☝️ Ronnie did kinda look like a stocky Lara Croft in my head….not sure if that’s accurate but that’s how she goes. 🤔
The book is a literary fiction novel with a minor romance subplot. It’s less about the romance and more about the connection and trust that slowly build between Nev and Ronnie.
The writing is vivid and it tackles a multitude of complexities such as poverty, trauma, domestic violence, climate change and more.
The beginning spends a good amount of time being you up to speed with the nitty gritty of Ronnie’s circumstances and why she is where she is in life.
There is some quick transitions between chapters that sometimes made me have to pause to realize whose POV I was reading. Likely more to do with my chronic insomnia than the authors writing though ☝️ so perhaps don’t retain that tidbit 🤷🏼♀️
I adored Nev, her humour was relatable and I enjoyed her banter and quick wit with pretty much everyone around her and her internal monologue was even more entertaining. I look forward to learning more of her story in the next one since it’s very clear she’s fighting a lot of demons.
As mentioned above, the relationship is about the connection so if you’re here for the spice you won’t really find it here.
It was a well written book that showed me some of the complexities of living in rural Australia from multiple different walks of life. 🙌
As always, this review is my own and thank you again Laura Garden for the lovely ARC!
The book is a literary fiction novel with a minor romance subplot. It’s less about the romance and more about the connection and trust that slowly build between Nev and Ronnie.
The writing is vivid and it tackles a multitude of complexities such as poverty, trauma, domestic violence, climate change and more.
The beginning spends a good amount of time being you up to speed with the nitty gritty of Ronnie’s circumstances and why she is where she is in life.
There is some quick transitions between chapters that sometimes made me have to pause to realize whose POV I was reading. Likely more to do with my chronic insomnia than the authors writing though ☝️ so perhaps don’t retain that tidbit 🤷🏼♀️
I adored Nev, her humour was relatable and I enjoyed her banter and quick wit with pretty much everyone around her and her internal monologue was even more entertaining. I look forward to learning more of her story in the next one since it’s very clear she’s fighting a lot of demons.
As mentioned above, the relationship is about the connection so if you’re here for the spice you won’t really find it here.
It was a well written book that showed me some of the complexities of living in rural Australia from multiple different walks of life. 🙌
As always, this review is my own and thank you again Laura Garden for the lovely ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Snapshots of Life
Queenslander called to me from the moment I opened its pages and began to read. It was beautifully told in snapshots that drew me along, traveling between the present and the past so I could experience the story, discover the answers to my questions, and yearn hopefully for the future.
Nev's kindness, understanding, protectiveness, and care were drawing and healing, while everything about Ronnie and her life caused me to pull for her and to believe in her.
Right away, I was seething at Maude, holding my breath, knowing she held so much power over Ronnie's life and her relationship with her daughter, though, in spite of it, Rainbow was crazy about her mum.
It was heartening and satisfying to see Ronnie begin to figure things out, causing her to take the steps necessary in order for her dreams, her relationships, and herself to begin to flourish despite obstacles and setbacks.
Though Ronnie had people who loved her, it was Nev who fought for her, encouraged others to step up for her, and helped her to learn to fight for herself.
When Nev stepped out courageously on Ronnie's behalf and was penalized for it by the police and the family of the person who was guilty and gave that person the power to decide Nev's fate, I was devastated and angry, though unfortunately not surprised.
I guess you can tell that the author, Laura Garden, made me care about this story and its inhabitants, and I'm so looking forward to its sequel. I'm eager to watch Nev's and Ronnie's sweet and intense connection build further from a slow-burning flame into a roaring fire.
Queenslander called to me from the moment I opened its pages and began to read. It was beautifully told in snapshots that drew me along, traveling between the present and the past so I could experience the story, discover the answers to my questions, and yearn hopefully for the future.
Nev's kindness, understanding, protectiveness, and care were drawing and healing, while everything about Ronnie and her life caused me to pull for her and to believe in her.
Right away, I was seething at Maude, holding my breath, knowing she held so much power over Ronnie's life and her relationship with her daughter, though, in spite of it, Rainbow was crazy about her mum.
It was heartening and satisfying to see Ronnie begin to figure things out, causing her to take the steps necessary in order for her dreams, her relationships, and herself to begin to flourish despite obstacles and setbacks.
Though Ronnie had people who loved her, it was Nev who fought for her, encouraged others to step up for her, and helped her to learn to fight for herself.
When Nev stepped out courageously on Ronnie's behalf and was penalized for it by the police and the family of the person who was guilty and gave that person the power to decide Nev's fate, I was devastated and angry, though unfortunately not surprised.
I guess you can tell that the author, Laura Garden, made me care about this story and its inhabitants, and I'm so looking forward to its sequel. I'm eager to watch Nev's and Ronnie's sweet and intense connection build further from a slow-burning flame into a roaring fire.
May 1, 2026
This is a brilliant read. I think I'll have to re-read it to catch every hidden meaning and especially all pieces of characterization.
If you're looking for flawed and traumatized characters, a love story that's not quite a romance, and a writing style that leaves room for interpretation while making it so that every word is important, this book is for you.
There was a lot of humor in dry and curt deliveries, which also leads to emotions landing like sucker punches, and a word choice that painted very clear pictures in my head. The book often leaves you guessing what is actually true and whose conclusions are the right ones. The characters have interesting and funny and sometimes clever opinions.
The dialogue is especially amazing and also very no nonsense/ straight to the point, same as the writing style.
It wasn't easy to get into the book at first, with this distinct voice, a non-linear timeline and starting off with a focus on setting rather than action. But it was worth paying a little more attention to. And after we knew what happened in the past, it was linear and easier to follow.
I don't think I ever really knew what was going to happen next... But in a good way. This book surprised me on many levels and left me thinking about what would be best for the characters in a psychologically complicated situation where there is probably not the one ideal solution.
Overall, it felt real and sad and hopeful and it was very well written.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
If you're looking for flawed and traumatized characters, a love story that's not quite a romance, and a writing style that leaves room for interpretation while making it so that every word is important, this book is for you.
There was a lot of humor in dry and curt deliveries, which also leads to emotions landing like sucker punches, and a word choice that painted very clear pictures in my head. The book often leaves you guessing what is actually true and whose conclusions are the right ones. The characters have interesting and funny and sometimes clever opinions.
The dialogue is especially amazing and also very no nonsense/ straight to the point, same as the writing style.
It wasn't easy to get into the book at first, with this distinct voice, a non-linear timeline and starting off with a focus on setting rather than action. But it was worth paying a little more attention to. And after we knew what happened in the past, it was linear and easier to follow.
I don't think I ever really knew what was going to happen next... But in a good way. This book surprised me on many levels and left me thinking about what would be best for the characters in a psychologically complicated situation where there is probably not the one ideal solution.
Overall, it felt real and sad and hopeful and it was very well written.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Queenslander” by Laura Garden is intense. Ronnie Madonna, the main character, has experienced serious turmoil and degradation through her life. She’s been at rock bottom more than once, managed to pull herself up to a certain extent, then been yanked back down. Finally she’s found a path to a “normal” life. Her daughter Rainbow becomes her purpose and inspiration. Ronnie, known as “Ron,” signed away her rights to Rainbow shortly after her birth. What else was she supposed to do as a poor teenager locked up in juvie for a serious assault? But, of course, there’s a twist to that. This book is full of twists and turns. Ron doesn’t have the best of luck but she rises to every challenge especially after she gets to know Nev. Ron already has a ready-made supporting cast with family and found family, and their encouragement and reinforcement is crucial to her development. They are admirable. But Nev is the linchpin. Nev becomes her boss, her friend, and her savior in many ways. And Nev is probably twice as complicated as Ron if not more. They make a compelling pair; their individual pasts are horrible in many ways. The author’s knowledge and descriptions of the Southern Australia location add a rich landscape to the book. All the background characters are foundational to Ron and, to a certain extent, Nev. Their story will be continued in a second book, and, frankly, I need closure. I’m looking forward to that second book. These characters deserve a happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know a book is good when the main characters don't get on my nerves within the first few pages.
It doesn’t happen often.
But me finding characters lovable and endearing? Virtually impossible.
I was offered an ARC of this book just a few days ago and I accepted despite being stuck in a bad reading slump for months because I will always do my best support new authors and queer stories, and this story in particular sounded like my cup of tea.
I wasn’t wrong.
I can't possibly express how mind-blown I was by this book. It's so well-written, so heartfelt and genuine... Nev is my favourite character and I knew right away: just a few lines and I just knew. The buildup between her and Ronnie doesn't lack a rocky component, but it's the sizzling banter and genuine mutual care that will get you invested in them. I'm generally not a fan of the age gap trope, because it often involves unhealthy power imbalances, but this is not the case and it even played a pivotal point in my appreciation for this book.
The author has a gift that I've rarely found even (or especially) in trad published books: she can make you feel her love for her story and her characters through her writing. And it's so fluid and compelling you'll hardly be able to put the book down.
If you like sapphic (b)romance, you can’t miss this incredible, deeply human journey in the Australian outback, and be ready to fall in love.
Read this book. You won't regret it.
It doesn’t happen often.
But me finding characters lovable and endearing? Virtually impossible.
I was offered an ARC of this book just a few days ago and I accepted despite being stuck in a bad reading slump for months because I will always do my best support new authors and queer stories, and this story in particular sounded like my cup of tea.
I wasn’t wrong.
I can't possibly express how mind-blown I was by this book. It's so well-written, so heartfelt and genuine... Nev is my favourite character and I knew right away: just a few lines and I just knew. The buildup between her and Ronnie doesn't lack a rocky component, but it's the sizzling banter and genuine mutual care that will get you invested in them. I'm generally not a fan of the age gap trope, because it often involves unhealthy power imbalances, but this is not the case and it even played a pivotal point in my appreciation for this book.
The author has a gift that I've rarely found even (or especially) in trad published books: she can make you feel her love for her story and her characters through her writing. And it's so fluid and compelling you'll hardly be able to put the book down.
If you like sapphic (b)romance, you can’t miss this incredible, deeply human journey in the Australian outback, and be ready to fall in love.
Read this book. You won't regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book captured my heart and ran away with it. I fell utterly in love with Ronnie and Nev. I feel like I know them personally, and I always miss them. Their stories were told through dual POV and a mixture of past and present. Ronnie is a single mum, trying to rebuild her life, find who she is in the world, and reconnect with her daughter, Rainbow. Nev is a hardworking sheep farmer who used to be an ex-war photographer, her heart made of gold despite her hardened exterior.
Their story together takes place over years, as we follow them both through life as they navigate many messy and complexly difficult situations, not to mention their relationship with each other. This book handles so many difficult themes, and whilst it doesn't shy away from them, it also never loses its sense of hope. You can't help but completely root for these women, for their families and friends. They have such an amazing dynamic together; it almost feels like grumpy/sunshine, and the banter between them was utterly phenomenal. The way the scenery of outback Australia was described was also breathtaking and felt incredibly realistic; you can just tell the author has a genuine appreciation for the place.
I cannot wait for the next book; I desperately need to know what happens next in the journey for Ronnie and Nev. I miss them already.
"You belong everywhere, Dain'y. Home is a feeling you carry inside you."
✨
Their story together takes place over years, as we follow them both through life as they navigate many messy and complexly difficult situations, not to mention their relationship with each other. This book handles so many difficult themes, and whilst it doesn't shy away from them, it also never loses its sense of hope. You can't help but completely root for these women, for their families and friends. They have such an amazing dynamic together; it almost feels like grumpy/sunshine, and the banter between them was utterly phenomenal. The way the scenery of outback Australia was described was also breathtaking and felt incredibly realistic; you can just tell the author has a genuine appreciation for the place.
I cannot wait for the next book; I desperately need to know what happens next in the journey for Ronnie and Nev. I miss them already.
"You belong everywhere, Dain'y. Home is a feeling you carry inside you."
✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A story of resilience and found family, set against an Australian backdrop, Queenslander tells the intimate story of Nev, owner of Upsend Downs farm and Ron, her farmhand with a troubled past.
The two first cross paths when Nev is awoken to the then teenaged, Ron breaking into her home and meet again two years later after Ron when Ron is in need of a job. The two work side by side for the next ten years, fostering a companionship that goes far beyond friendship.
When Ron makes the decision to pursue joint custody of her daughter Rainbow, the exact nature of Nev and Ron’s relationship comes into question. As Ron pursues options that could help her gain custody, we see that these same opportunities could take her away from Nev and the comfortable life she has created on the farm.
I enjoyed the story overall and loved the family dynamic of the Madonnas, but there were times when I felt the story was a bit broken and stilted, with scenes in places that didn’t quite fit into the story seamlessly. I would have liked to see some other relationship dynamics explored/explained in further detail like Maude and Ron, Rainbow and Maude, Ron and Reg. While I found the companionship between Nev and Ron to be endearing, I don’t feel like it translates to any kind of believable romantic love.
Thank you to Merrimack River Press for the eARC through NetGalley!
The two first cross paths when Nev is awoken to the then teenaged, Ron breaking into her home and meet again two years later after Ron when Ron is in need of a job. The two work side by side for the next ten years, fostering a companionship that goes far beyond friendship.
When Ron makes the decision to pursue joint custody of her daughter Rainbow, the exact nature of Nev and Ron’s relationship comes into question. As Ron pursues options that could help her gain custody, we see that these same opportunities could take her away from Nev and the comfortable life she has created on the farm.
I enjoyed the story overall and loved the family dynamic of the Madonnas, but there were times when I felt the story was a bit broken and stilted, with scenes in places that didn’t quite fit into the story seamlessly. I would have liked to see some other relationship dynamics explored/explained in further detail like Maude and Ron, Rainbow and Maude, Ron and Reg. While I found the companionship between Nev and Ron to be endearing, I don’t feel like it translates to any kind of believable romantic love.
Thank you to Merrimack River Press for the eARC through NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is set in rural Australia and the setting is one of its strongest parts. The descriptions of farm life, the Outback, and the surrounding nature are vivid and make the place feel very real. It was easy to imagine the landscape while reading.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, two characters who both carry emotional scars and are trying to figure out their lives. They are not perfect, which makes them feel very human and relatable. Watching them slowly grow and support each other was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The side characters and the small community also add a lot of warmth to the story. The people around them create a feeling of support and belonging, which makes the journey of the main characters even more meaningful.
Overall, this is an emotional and character-focused story about healing, community, and finding happiness where you might not expect it. It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy slower, thoughtful stories with strong characters and a vivid setting.
✨ Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. I’m sharing my honest thoughts voluntarily and with appreciation for the opportunity to read it early.
The story follows Ronnie and Nev, two characters who both carry emotional scars and are trying to figure out their lives. They are not perfect, which makes them feel very human and relatable. Watching them slowly grow and support each other was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book.
The side characters and the small community also add a lot of warmth to the story. The people around them create a feeling of support and belonging, which makes the journey of the main characters even more meaningful.
Overall, this is an emotional and character-focused story about healing, community, and finding happiness where you might not expect it. It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy slower, thoughtful stories with strong characters and a vivid setting.
✨ Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. I’m sharing my honest thoughts voluntarily and with appreciation for the opportunity to read it early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Queenslander is a slow-burn, slice-of-life novel revolving around broken characters striving to do better in their own ways. Ronnie is fighting for a chance to win her parental rights back after being played by the justice system. Nev is a retired war photojournalist struggling to keep her family farm afloat, among other issues.
Time skips in the beginning took me a while to get into this, but I was hooked once I’d gotten to know the characters. Queenslander’s pace feels rather slow, but the prose constantly plays with the feeling of time; intentionally crafted scenes hone in on the main character’s moods while creating a satisfying rhythm.
Growing up is a pain, but Ronnie dials up the notch; kudos to her messy upbringing. Watching her pick up the pieces of her past (and ongoing) decisions while growing into a more confident version of herself was satisfying.
And Nev, oh Nev. It was a heartache watching her struggle between her need to stay professional and letting Ron in. I couldn’t help rooting for her.
If you like a slow-burn, character-driven read set on a farm with sheep, dogs, campfires, and a new way of viewing strangler figs, give this a go. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Time skips in the beginning took me a while to get into this, but I was hooked once I’d gotten to know the characters. Queenslander’s pace feels rather slow, but the prose constantly plays with the feeling of time; intentionally crafted scenes hone in on the main character’s moods while creating a satisfying rhythm.
Growing up is a pain, but Ronnie dials up the notch; kudos to her messy upbringing. Watching her pick up the pieces of her past (and ongoing) decisions while growing into a more confident version of herself was satisfying.
And Nev, oh Nev. It was a heartache watching her struggle between her need to stay professional and letting Ron in. I couldn’t help rooting for her.
If you like a slow-burn, character-driven read set on a farm with sheep, dogs, campfires, and a new way of viewing strangler figs, give this a go. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
April 29, 2026
Laura Garden's debut novel Queenslander is a lovely, well-written story about very realistic people with their very realistically difficult lives. Leaving aside the elements that set this book apart from so many others, that core of humanity and dedication to the writing craft ensure that Queenslander is a successful novel. Let's not leave aside for too long those distinct elements, however, as they certainly lend a refreshing air to the experience of reading this story; how many other novels feature an age-gap sapphic relationship in the rural, sheep-farming outskirts of northeastern Australia?
One of the major strengths of Garden's writing is that her care and respect for real people and the real environments they inhabit imbue the story with a certain sincerity that is often absent from more droll or ironic works. Scenes and characters are played quite straight (even though the characters aren't, of course); there's not much winking and nodding from the narrative text. Garden believes in her characters and their journeys, and most readers will also, I imagine.
If you're a patient reader who enjoys the thought of full immersion in a colorfully rendered world of imperfect, interesting women and their imperfect, interesting journeys, Queenslander will reward you richly.
One of the major strengths of Garden's writing is that her care and respect for real people and the real environments they inhabit imbue the story with a certain sincerity that is often absent from more droll or ironic works. Scenes and characters are played quite straight (even though the characters aren't, of course); there's not much winking and nodding from the narrative text. Garden believes in her characters and their journeys, and most readers will also, I imagine.
If you're a patient reader who enjoys the thought of full immersion in a colorfully rendered world of imperfect, interesting women and their imperfect, interesting journeys, Queenslander will reward you richly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Intense, evocative, hopeful, set in the rainforest of Queensland
This is one beauty of a book: one of the main characters is the setting itself, the rugged tableland of Queensland, the rainforest, the small community of Lionheart and its characters and families. The pages turned itself because the author packed so much atmosphere, evocative lines and gorgeous descriptions into every page - it felt like living there with full technicolor. Kudos.
Add to this two memorable main characters - both with sharp edges and good people: Ronnie who has spend time on the wrong side of the tracks and now cleans up her act, Nev, 20 yrs her senior, who gives Ronnie a chance to work on her sheep farm and not to forget Rainbow, precocious, sweet Rainbow, Ronnie‘s daughter. I loved the slow character driven development of Ronnie, how she reclaims her life, and the exploration of Nev, complicated, haunted Nev. A slow building of attraction.
Queenslander is a breathtaking debut and I am glad to know that we will have the chance to revisit Lionheart.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This is one beauty of a book: one of the main characters is the setting itself, the rugged tableland of Queensland, the rainforest, the small community of Lionheart and its characters and families. The pages turned itself because the author packed so much atmosphere, evocative lines and gorgeous descriptions into every page - it felt like living there with full technicolor. Kudos.
Add to this two memorable main characters - both with sharp edges and good people: Ronnie who has spend time on the wrong side of the tracks and now cleans up her act, Nev, 20 yrs her senior, who gives Ronnie a chance to work on her sheep farm and not to forget Rainbow, precocious, sweet Rainbow, Ronnie‘s daughter. I loved the slow character driven development of Ronnie, how she reclaims her life, and the exploration of Nev, complicated, haunted Nev. A slow building of attraction.
Queenslander is a breathtaking debut and I am glad to know that we will have the chance to revisit Lionheart.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was different than the books I normally read. Every once in awhile I got lost almost as if a page was skipped over and I had to go back and read it again.
The story involves several characters but there didn’t appear to be any prime MCs initially. It started with Nev and Ronnie and the went to Ronnie’s family, her daughter Rainbow, Ronnie’s adopted father and family and centered around Nev’s farm. The book started out when Ronnie & Eve first came in contact with each other about 20 years ago. Then it went to present time and back and forth.
I appreciated the terminology definitions in the beginning of the book as there were a few that I did have to look up.
The book was a pleasant reading story that gave you quite a bit of information on Queensland and the people in that area as well as the trials they face with drought, flooding personalities and occasionally corruption in in city government.
I enjoyed the book and understand why it jumped back and forth in time, but it was hard to keep up with sometimes. I actually read it twice to make sure I could follow what was going on and understood it better the second time.
I received an ARC from the author.
The story involves several characters but there didn’t appear to be any prime MCs initially. It started with Nev and Ronnie and the went to Ronnie’s family, her daughter Rainbow, Ronnie’s adopted father and family and centered around Nev’s farm. The book started out when Ronnie & Eve first came in contact with each other about 20 years ago. Then it went to present time and back and forth.
I appreciated the terminology definitions in the beginning of the book as there were a few that I did have to look up.
The book was a pleasant reading story that gave you quite a bit of information on Queensland and the people in that area as well as the trials they face with drought, flooding personalities and occasionally corruption in in city government.
I enjoyed the book and understand why it jumped back and forth in time, but it was hard to keep up with sometimes. I actually read it twice to make sure I could follow what was going on and understood it better the second time.
I received an ARC from the author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded up! This book was good and very different than what I anticipated. Queenslander follows Nev and Ronnie, two women from different but complicated and traumatic backgrounds. This is an interesting love story of sorts- both lyrical and haunting at times. Their love story was uncommon yet relatable and I found myself getting anxious with the amount of times they spent downplaying their (obvious) feelings for each other. (The slow yearning-shew!)
The writing was beautiful, and I loved learning tidbits about Queensland in Australia. The author was nice enough to include a page of verbiage and definitions at the front that I found quite helpful. I would've been lost without it at the beginning!
The family drama was top-notch and the dual timelines kept it interesting. It was intense and emotional and messy (the good kind)! The author definitely has a way with words!
*Queenslander is due to release on April 21, 2026.*
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing was beautiful, and I loved learning tidbits about Queensland in Australia. The author was nice enough to include a page of verbiage and definitions at the front that I found quite helpful. I would've been lost without it at the beginning!
The family drama was top-notch and the dual timelines kept it interesting. It was intense and emotional and messy (the good kind)! The author definitely has a way with words!
*Queenslander is due to release on April 21, 2026.*
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 27, 2026
This was a complex and complicated story. Nev and Ronnie the MC's have definitely had raw deals. Their pain and the triggers for it are woven into the story in ways that made me ache for the protagonists. Ronnies teenage pregnancy and relationship with Maude gutted me while Nev's witnessing so much death and destruction immobilized me. Such an affecting story! The land plays an important role in this book. It is so impactful that just watching the weather shifts impacts the narrative. This story switches between past and present. The violence of the incident that drew them together and shocking and the fact that they develop any relationship after that is even more shocking. This relationship shouldn't have worked for so many reasons and the fact that it does is miraculous. There are a lot of miracles on the way to the redemption arc. These women are so beaten down by harsh circumstances that every glimpse of satisfaction is hard won. It kept my attention as it wound through so many pieces. The side characters were well drawn and added a lot to the story. I am looking forward to the next book!
April 28, 2026
“No matter how hard she tried , she couldn’t escape her mistakes. Everywhere in this town triggered embarrassing memories.”
Queens Lander wasn’t what I expected it would be. Despite the promo done a lot around Romance tropes, it was announced as LitFic —so no disappointment on this side— but I didn’t anticipate that a lot would revolve around motherhood. Most of the plot is built around one of the MCs trying to get custody of her kid, and some side lines are around other aspects of parenthood… which isn’t for me, especially when I don’t expect it. I was anticipating a lot more about life on the farm, or even more backstory for both MCs, and more emotional connection between the characters (and me with them) but that is not what I got. There is nothing wrong with that, and if you want to read about motherhood, then Queens Lander is lovely written, a succession of moments in daily life in an Australian farm, with soccer games and a side sapphic romance, and it could be a good match for you.
Thank you to the author for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Queens Lander wasn’t what I expected it would be. Despite the promo done a lot around Romance tropes, it was announced as LitFic —so no disappointment on this side— but I didn’t anticipate that a lot would revolve around motherhood. Most of the plot is built around one of the MCs trying to get custody of her kid, and some side lines are around other aspects of parenthood… which isn’t for me, especially when I don’t expect it. I was anticipating a lot more about life on the farm, or even more backstory for both MCs, and more emotional connection between the characters (and me with them) but that is not what I got. There is nothing wrong with that, and if you want to read about motherhood, then Queens Lander is lovely written, a succession of moments in daily life in an Australian farm, with soccer games and a side sapphic romance, and it could be a good match for you.
Thank you to the author for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I started reading this book I thought I would get a lot of details about living in the Australian outback, the special struggles deal with there to survive and that was very interesting to read about. To follow the two MCs, Ronnie and Nev, their backstories and still on-going struggles were very difficult to read for me, abuse, addiction and so dark at times. I just sat and hoped for some happiness and romance but so little of that. Ronnie and Nev are both very troubled persons, and I struggled to see how they ever can get some sort of realistic HEA.
There were some sweet moments as well. To read about Ronnie fighting to get custody of her daughter Rainbow was the highlight of the book besides the very detailed nature descriptions. To be able to read this book key you are mentally prepared though since not for people also struggling in real life. I don’t think I will be able to read the planned sequel.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and voluntarily leave an honest review.
There were some sweet moments as well. To read about Ronnie fighting to get custody of her daughter Rainbow was the highlight of the book besides the very detailed nature descriptions. To be able to read this book key you are mentally prepared though since not for people also struggling in real life. I don’t think I will be able to read the planned sequel.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and voluntarily leave an honest review.
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