A Farm in Golden Clouds

by Leearna Shaw

A heartwarming new rural romance from a rising star, perfect for fans of Karly Lane, Maya Linnell and Rachael Johns.

What if you found the love of your life ... and then lost them?

Widow, struggling farmer and self-help author Indi Carmichael finds herself staring down the barrel of her spiralling debt. With her son acting stranger than usual and a best friend hellbent on getting her back in the dating saddle, Indi doesn't have the time or money to fix the endless problems facing Manna Gum Farm, let alone for romance.

Washed up actor Ben Whittam worries about everything. Controlling his life means he can control his grief, and he doesn't have to worry about any unscripted surprises. But with his anxious son's nightmares getting worse and producers breathing down his neck, Ben's summer filming on location in the small town of Kestrel Creek isn't going to plan.

With Indi's future on the farm hanging by a thread and Ben's career on the line, is falling in love while their lives are falling apart really the best idea?

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Leearna Shaw is a contemporary rural romance author inspired by the chaos of living on a small farm in north-east Victoria with her husband and two boys. She has a Diploma in Professional Writing & Editing and a Certificate in Professional Proofreading. ​

Away from her writing desk, Leearna is as competitive with her reading habits as she is on the basketball court. When she's not tending to her unhealthy obsession with indoor plants, Leearna can be found either on the yoga mat or chasing runaway lambs and her wayward boys on their property. ​

Leearna's first two rural romance novels will be published by Allen & Unwin in 2026 and 2027.

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

👩‍🌾Endorsed by one of my own favourite rural romance novelists Maya Linnell, Leearna Shaw is inspired by her own experiences living in rural Victoria with her family. Motivated to pen stories that detail a rural love story mixed with a powerful female journey Leearna Shaw has written a fabulous entry book to the contemporary rural romance genre. A story of upending love, life movements, loss, crisis and future developments, this is a heartfelt read that I very much recommend.

👩‍🌾Introducing Indi, a woman trying to balance the strains of being a farmer with her career as a self-help writer, this widower is completely focussed on trying her very best to keep her sanity and livelihood afloat, the last thing Indo wants to entertain is a new partner. However, things change when Indi encounters an actor who is at a crossroads in his life, with his screen career at a stalwart, the possibly of a new love as he battles to salvage his career is both invigorating but complicated too. Will small town life ignite the flame for Indi and Ben?

👩‍🌾As the winner of the 2024 Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, this first novel from Victorian author Leearna Shaw soon caught my attention. I always embrace new writers, especially those who contribute to one of my favourite comfort read genres, Australian rural romance. It really was a pleasure to acquaint myself with Leearna Shaw’s writing and meet her cast of her first novel.

👩‍🌾From the onset there is a homely tone to this one, that made me feel as though I had been personally greeted with a warm hug and good conversation. The tone Shaw takes is familiar, emotional and connective. Shaw balances a storyline approach that is both issue based but also full of feeling. The focus on grief, loss and heartbreak is juxtaposed with positive feelings of chance, hope and embracing happy changes. With themes integrated within the narrative such as a loss, death, emotional pain, forward thinking, healing, second chances, parenting, family pressures, resilience, economic struggles, overcoming hardship, small town tensions and renewal.

Shaw’s leads are natural and real constructions. As both grapple with grief, the impact of living as a widow and the pressures of parenting children alone, Shaw doesn’t shy away from the raw and realness of these situations. These characters and story complications are handled well and Shaw is extremely sensitive to issues surrounding more emotional problems such as the impact of grief and personal healing following the shock loss of someone you love mixed with career and money issues. On the love and relationship front this story explores the trust issues, the trepidation of entering a new relationship, loyalties to children, the feelings of guilt, self-protection guards and e eventual surrender to a happy new future.

My final mention, which I always love to give a shout out to in any rural fiction book is the landscape featured. Shaw’s setting is breathtaking. I loved the tiny community vibes, the rural escape feel and the farm life focus which was so believable. Thanks again for allowing me to take a trip with you to the country Leearna Shaw!

I extend my thanks to the folks at @allenandunwin @dmcprmedia and the wonderful @leearna.shaw.author for the tour spot opportunity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Star⭐️
A Farm in Golden Clouds is absolutely outstanding I can’t believe this is a debut, congratulations Leearna Shaw on the beginning of a successful career! This is a page turner and an author to watch out for in the future.

A Farm In Golden Clouds is the kind of rural romance that 100% grabbed my attention, it brings a whole lot of feelings and I couldn’t stop reading once I started.

The story is beautifully written with wonderfully descriptive settings and it’s about second chances

Indi Carmichael has been widowed two years, she’s mum to two children, runs an ethical farm and has just published her first book. Unfortunately before his death her husband made a huge error and now she’s in huge financial trouble. Indi’s journey is filled with grief after losing the love of her life and trying to hold onto the farm she loves.

Ben Whittam is an actor, a widower and a father raising his young son Will. Ben is also struggling after losing his wife. As Indi and Ben’s paths cross she is not prepared for the chemistry between them.

The challenges both come up against feel true to life and are told in a thoughtful and sensitive way. Parenting, grief, loss, financial stress, romance and everyday life. I loved the characters, farm animals and the town of Kestrel Creek. I particularly adored the way the children characters added to the mix. This book gave me joy, it’s a gorgeous and uplifting read.

Please support this fabulous debut author, if you get a chance to read this book it will be worth it!

Publication date 31 March 2026
Publisher Allen & Unwin

Thank you so much Leearna Shaw, DMCP Media & Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book to read and having me on the book tour.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these characters, the setting and the swoon-worthy connection between Indi and Ben.

This is a remarkable debut novel! I am looking forward to reading what comes next from Australian author Leearna Shaw.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Farm in Golden Clouds is the brilliant debut from Leearna Shaw. This book had it all, fabulously relatable and engaging characters, an emotionally charged story and a beautiful romance. I laughed and cried and did not want it to end.

Indi Carmichael is battling to stay afloat. A widowed mum, trying to dig her farm out of spiralling debt and having just published a self-help book, she’s also parenting her two gorgeous children Ollie and Noah on her own. With all these challenges she definitely does not have time for dating. However, when Ben Whitman arrives in Kestrel Creek to film his comeback movie, there’s a definite spark between them. He too has plenty of challenges, having also lost his wife, he’s struggling with being everything to his anxious son Will. With all this going on it’s possibly not the best time for Indi and Ben to fall in love.

What a beautifully heartwarming yet powerful story. Leearna writes about grief and loss so sensitively and with such realism adding a wonderful depth and rawness to the relationships in this book. I adored both Indi and Ben and could completely understand their reticence to start something and the protective walls that they had both built around their hearts. I loved that they were also incredibly focused on their children and could relate to the guilt they both felt that perhaps they were somehow failing.

The children too were written brilliantly. Their actions and responses were so genuine and I could vividly imagine them as I read this wonderful novel.

The setting was also an absolute winner with Manna Gum Farm and the town of Kestrel Creek portrayed with such loving description. I really wish it was an actual place as I would love to visit.

Congratulations Leearna on this absolute standout novel that I know will be one of my top reads of 2026. If this one is not on your shelf, then you need to fix that right now and go get yourself a copy pronto. It’s the perfect read for the Easter break.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Whilst Leearna Shaw focuses on surviving loss and the ensuing grief A Farm in Golden Clouds is also about how finding love unexpectedly can lead to healing.

I love how Indi and Ben's relationship grew organically through understanding each other's loss. They were so natural together, becoming good friends first. This is a slow-burn romance dripping with emotion as the characters help each other work through their pain.
Leearna Shaw adds moments of humour that lighten the theme of loss.

A Farm in Golden Clouds is a fabulous debut. Maybe a bit too heartbreaking for this reader at times. However, the characters were all lovable, their demons were real and I did get the anticipated HEA at the end.
Read my full review at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is a debut novel. Aussie author Leearma Shaw has written a beautiful story that will leave you wanting more as you turn the last page. Relatable and likable characters with a setting you can easily visualise as the descriptions are so well written. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital arc to read and review. Highly recommended.

[Kelly Sgroi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A golden read!
 
Thank you to NetGalley for approving my request to read an ARC of my dear friend, Leearna Shaw's debut. A Farm in Golden Clouds is a spectacular read!
 
The cover is a perfect depiction of the real-life view Leearna enjoys while she writes rural romance like an established author.
 
I was transported to the small town of Kestrel Creek, swept away by feelings, all while enjoying the writerly themes and country girl meets city boy trope instilled into this story.
 
Meet Indi Carmichael, a widow and struggling farmer who just become a self-help author. Love is the last thing on her mind when Hollywood comes to Kestrel Creek.
 
Meet Ben Whittam, AKA Rogue Barkley - famous superhero that lost his passion for life when his wife died. But he’s signed up to film the sequel and on location he’ll cross paths with Indi.
 
The two of them have a lot in common, maybe it’s meant to be.
 
This is an intimate look at embracing love after the death of a partner.
 
For readers of Rachael Johns
 
P.S. Leearna’s skill with words continues all the way to her acknowledgments. I’m so proud to be in her OG writing crew and was touched to read of the little girl who lived between the pages of a book that became the author of A Farm in Golden Clouds. Take a bow, Leearna

[Nicki KERKEMEYER · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely way to spend my Easter Weekend immersed in Kestrel Creek. Indi & Ben had me rooting for them. I felt the depth of their losses and was drawn into every challenge they faced!

Thoroughly enjoyable read by the debut author. I hope book 2 is on its way.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this debut novel filled with love and hope. I have definitely found a new Australian Author to add to my collection.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. I was left wanting more. Fantastic first book Leearna.

[Angela Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry (although that might just have been the author's dedication). I loved everything about this book, from the stunning rural setting which Leearna really brought to life, to the beautiful characters. Indi and Ben felt so real as they both struggled to deal with the loss of their partners and the challenges of being parents. This was such a beautiful story that I found impossible to put down. I can't wait to see what Leearna writes next.

[Bree T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rural boom has been around in Australia for some time now and books like these remind me why I love the genre so much.

In this book we meet Indi, single mother and widow, who lost her husband about two years ago. He died a short time after they purchased a farm, to live out what was their dream. Indi is now basically burning the candle at all the ends – she’s balancing running the farm almost singlehandedly, although she does get help from her in-laws, with parenting her two children, and just everything else that comes with that. She’s drowning in debt and her life is basically one stressful situation piling on top of another until she feels she’s almost at breaking point. Despite that, she loves the farm, loves her life there. She just wishes she wasn’t struggling so much with everything.

Ben also lost his partner in tragic circumstances and is a single father to his young son. Ben is an actor who filmed his first big project after the death of his wife, throwing himself into it. Now they want him for a sequel and Ben is finding it tougher than he expected. He’s not getting the takes they want, he has zero chemistry with his co-star, which the movie relies on and he feels like he’s failing his son at every turn. Meeting Indi, someone who knows what he’s going through and seems to have pieced it together a bit better than he has, gives Ben some hope. The two of them find themselves confiding the hard moments to each other, their kids get along great and well, it’d be a lie to say there wasn’t something simmering under the surface. But they have very different lives – Indi runs a farm in country Victoria, Ben is an actor from Sydney. How on earth would that work long term? They both have kids and commitments to think of……before doing something reckless.

This was so good. I loved the way Leearna Shaw took the portrayal of grief and heartbreak and showcased it in such raw and believable ways. Indi and Ben both lost people they loved deeply, it was very sudden in Indi’s case and not without warning but still quick in Ben’s. They are both basically barely treading water, for different reasons. Indi has significant financial pressures that she’s facing, that she feels like she can’t share with anyone for deeply personal reasons. Her children, who are 16 and 8 are portrayed in solidly realistic ways. Noah in particular, her 16yo son, is the sort of gem every mother hopes their boys grow up to be but also, his actions make Indi even more guilty that she’s not giving him a ‘normal’ life, that he’s having to take on more responsibility than a boy, a child, of his age should.

Both Indi and Ben understand the other’s feelings and struggles, Indi also connects with Ben’s young son, as does her daughter. Ben knows nothing about the land and Indi doesn’t even know who Ben is when they meet, despite the success of his previous movie. But you can see the potential of what they might be able to build together – if not for the complications. And it’s not the memories of their previous partners, both of them seem to feel comfortable with experiencing feelings for other people, although that’s not to say that there aren’t memories and second thoughts, etc. But it’s more about the practicalities of attempting something when their lives are so different. And Indi still has her secret hanging over her head about her financial position. I understood why she didn’t want to tell people but she still definitely should have. She shouldered the whole burden alone and it added so much financial pressure and stress to her life. Her whole thoughts were about money, how she might access more of it by selling off assets, so that she could keep the farm.

Good books make you feel something and I felt all the emotions reading this! I felt the grief that both Ben and Indi are experiencing, the heartbreak. The injustice and unfairness of it, to lose their partners at a young age, the prime of their lives. And the things those partners will never experience. I felt for them in parenting alone too, in realising some of the things their children had been struggling with and their own feelings of inadequacy and fear that even their very best wasn’t enough. And I felt all the potential of their feelings for each other, their chemistry, the lives that maybe they could have. I really enjoyed the setting and some of the secondary characters. Ben’s mother was a fun time and his best friend and manager was great as well.

This is a beautifully written debut and I am really, really looking forward to Leearna Shaw’s next book.

***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author for the purpose of an honest review***

[beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leearna Shaw joins the list of Australian rural romance writers with her stellar debut, A Farm in Golden Clouds. This is her debut novel and with a titular award and a two book contract under her belt, we can expect great things to come from her.

Set in rural Victoria, we meet Indi Carmichael and Ben Whittam. She's a single mum to Noah and Ollie, owner of Munna Gum Farm and has just published a self-help guide. However, in the past two years, life has been tough. Husband Mike died just four weeks after buying the farm and inadvertently left Indi with a pile of debt. Her beloved farm is on the line and Indi is beyond stressed at how she can possibly prevent yet another change for her children.

Ben is a washed up actor and lost his wife, Lily two years previously. Their son, Will, simply isn't the happy little boy that he once was and Ben has no idea of how to possibly navigate the next steps as a single dad and widower.

Rural Krestrel Creek may be just the ticket. Ben is on location there to film a sequel to his break out hit and the entire town is on star watch. Ben is desperately trying to go incognito, but a misunderstanding at the local bookstore finds him meeting Indi. She and her family quickly worm themselves into the Whittam lads hearts.

Yet, there's a lot at stake for Ben and Indi to succumb to the burning passion that's between them. How can you possibly set free the one you love, even if it's the best for them?

Indi and Ben's story was delightful. It's rare in this particular genre that we have the two main characters experiencing something so tragically raw and immediately having a mutual understanding. Leearna has effortlessly explored and expanded the grief process to include child and adolescent reactions, something that was really appreciated.

Leearna has brought visual vibrance to the story with her descriptive words. I could actually place myself at Munna Gum Farm in the golden sunlight, surrounded by the quirky named animals. I also bought the comparisons of there and busy Sydney, where Ben is based. No questions asked of where I'd rather be- Krestrel Creek is good for the soul.

I can't wait for you to read it. You'll be left wanting more of Indi, Ben and the second chances they are grabbing with both hands.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing an advanced copy for me to review.

5 🌟

[Amanda Cruickshanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book to read and for someone that loves rural genres, I wasn't disappointed. This is Leearna's debut book and I absolutely loved the storyline. It's one of those reads where you just settle back and read till the end. The storyline was so compelling where you know eventually, they will get together but it's the in between of the story that captures your attention.

Two people that have suffered the same fate of losing their spouses. One to cancer and the other an accident on the farm.

Indi loses the love of her life Mike after only 16 years of marriage. She has two children, Noah in his teens and Ollie 8 years old. they live on this beautiful farm called Manna Gum Farm where they breed cattle and have other animals as well to tend to. Indi has money problems due to Mike investing in some bad dealings and Indi is left with the debt. She hides all this from family and friends and is desperately in need of some money, so she writes a book about losing her husband and how you go on from there. it becomes a best seller but still not enough to save the farm.

Another character that we learn of is Ben Whitlam, a very handsome but washed-up actor who is filming in the town of Kestrel Creek and this is where he meets up with Indi when she happens to find Ben's young son Will.

It's so easy to absolutely love all the characters in the storyline. Mike was an only child and his parents Tracey and Peter love Indi as if she was their own daughter as Indi's mum died when she was younger. Indi's best friend Carleen is such a good friend to her.

Although this is only fictional, I firmly believe that fate does play a big handout when you are feeling down and then just happened to meet that person what makes your life whole again. I have lived it.

I cried in parts of the storyline, like real tears but then there are happy smiles where I giggled. this book shows that family and friends will always be there for you.

The cover depicts the story perfectly and I did notice that one of my Favourite authors has already read it and couldn't put the book down.

Thank you to @beauty&laceclub and @Allen&Unwin for sending me this book to read and give my honest review. To @leearna.shaw.author you definitely have a beautiful rural storyline in this book.

[Nick Wasiliev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided courtesy of Allen & Unwin, with an accompanying interview with Leearna Shaw featured on the literary podcast Date With A Debut in May 2026. All views and opinions are of my own, the reviewer.

Mild spoilers below.

Romance comes in many forms in the 21st-century world of literature, from the fluffy romcoms that are pure escapism delight to the likes of full-blown fantasy that flourishes in the world of book recommendations and booktok.

Yet, of all the romance novels I’ve dived into, Leearna Shaw’s debut has gripped me more than most - her rural romance not only has a beautifully crafted love between Indi and Ben, but a deep dive into grief, and giving yourself permission to find love again.

Indi, the owner of Manna Gum Farm near the small town of Kestrel Creek has been widowed for two years, is a mother of two and is dealing with a crippling financial decision her late husband made. Ben is a widower who has not moved on from the loss of his wife, is an actor trying to raise his young son Will and restart his career with a film being shot in town.

This book is a romance, first and foremost. You root for these two badly. These two characters make this story, processing their grief and the challenges of parenting in different ways. The children really sell this, with each one processing their own grief at the loss of a parent.

Ben is filled with weight; he reminded me of many blokes who are just trying their best but are seemingly held down by the trauma they struggle to process. Indi comes at it from a different angle, not being given the chance to stop due to her career as an author, while also trying to keep the farm going.

Manna Gum Farm is also a major character, being the place that really brings these two together. While there are some tough moments in their journey, it makes the blossoming romance between the two all the sweeter.

Shaw has hit the ground running with this delightful and well-executed contemporary romance debut. With her second novel coming in hot pursuit, expect to hear a lot more from this exciting new voice in an already talented crop of new Australian romance writers.

4/5

Booktopia: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0Zo60
Date With A Debut Podcast episode: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ep/series-...

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria, Kestrel Creek. Indi Carmichael is a widow, she has two children and runs a sustainable farm called Manna Gum and ethically raised cattle. Just prior to his death, her husband made an error of judgment and a financial one and a consequence of this is she’s up to her eyeballs in debt.

Her son Noah is a teenager but he’s carrying the weight of the world on his young shoulders, her daughter Ollie is a handful and her best friend Carlene calls her and pops in with a bottle of wine. Indi wrote down her feelings when she was first widowed, it has published into a book and she has to sign copies and do a mini tour of the area and she’s terrified.

Ben Whittam is a widower and dad to Will, after his wife passed away, he threw himself into making an action movie and his character is called Rogue Barkley. The producers want to make a sequel, but he’s struggling and so is Will. His son is plagued by nightmares, he’s extremely anxious and scared of everything.

Indi and Ben meet, with her farm is on the brink of financial ruin and his acting career on the ropes and he feels no chemistry towards his leading lady, and the only woman who makes his heart race is Indi and talk about great timing!

I received a copy of A Farm in Golden Clouds from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an unbiased review. Leearna Shaw has been mentored by members of the Romance Writers of Australia and won an Emerald Award in 2024 and I can understand why.

Via her main characters Indi and Ben, the reader is made to consider what you would do and cope if you lost the love of your life at a young age, the stages of grief and when is it too soon to move on and the guilty feelings associated with doing this.

That's why I like to read, stories take me to another place, contemplate situations and from other people's perspectives, this one most certainly did and I really love cows as well.

Ms Shaw is a rising star of rural Australian fiction, I look forward to reading what she comes up with next, five stars from me and I highly recommend her debut novel.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indi Carmichael loved Manna Gum Farm, near Kestrel Creek, as did her kids, Ollie & Noah. Indi's beloved husband, the kids' father, had died four weeks after they had acquired the farm, and there were days that Indi was overwhelmed. The grief, even after two years, was still with them every day, as Indi ran the farm - sheep & cattle - cared for the children, wrote a book, fell into bed with exhaustion, to get up and do it all again in a few hours. Indi struggled with making ends meet; paying the ever spiralling debts; always with the worry of perhaps having to sell their home out from under them.

Ben Whittam was an actor. His first film had been a raging success, but the grief after his wife died, saw him and his six year old son Will, shattered. Ben had built walls in his mind, and he wouldn't let anyone break through. But his producers in the sequel were pressuring him, hammering him to prove he could do it all again. Will's nightmares were worrying Ben; Noah's actions causing alarms for Indi - and the two were fighting an attraction that neither had time for...

Debut Aussie author Leearna Shaw has written a beautiful book in A Farm in Golden Clouds. Set in rural Victoria, Australia, with the heat beating down on them, the characters are well depicted and thoroughly likeable. Focussing on the grief which surrounded two families after losing loved ones, while life continues to go on, shows how people cope in different ways. The support of small town folks, is, as is usual, always there. A fabulous debut, I'm looking forward to what Ms Shaw will write next. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & A&U for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Widowed farmer and self-help author Indi Carmichael is struggling to keep her farm afloat while juggling debt, motherhood, and a looming book deadline, leaving little room for love, while anxious, washed-up actor Ben Whittam is barely holding it together as he manages his grief, his son’s worsening nightmares, and a failing film shoot in a small town. When their paths cross in Kestrel Creek, they find themselves drawn together - but with both their lives unravelling, falling in love might be the biggest risk of all.

Indi, in my eyes, was like a female Indiana Jones - running a farm, raising two kids as a single parent, publishing a book, and even wrangling snakes on the side 😂. Even though Ben was the action actor in the story, Indi was the real tough one.

Ahh, I loved the romance in this one. It went beyond just two people choosing to be together, grounding itself in real-life considerations. Both Indi and Ben carried scars and emotional baggage, and I really appreciated their journeys through grief and healing - both individually and together. It’s a sensible, mature love story that genuinely warmed my heart.

I adored the kids - they were such an integral part of the story, and I really felt for their struggles at such young ages. One chapter about Will’s past memory was especially haunting, written so vividly that it genuinely unsettled me (iykyk which scene).

This was an impressive debut that didn’t feel like a debut at all. The characters were memorable and likeable, and the plot was engaging without relying on an over-the-top villain to create drama. I’m already looking forward to Leearna’s next book.

(Thanks to DMCPR Media and Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a five star read for me and is a stunning exploration of heartbreak and hope, that was so beautifully written I couldn’t put it down. The characters were engaging and relatable, the setting was vivid and the narrative emotional.

🌾What if you found the love of your life ... and then lost them?

Indi Carmichael is struggling. She never imagined that she would be a widow and single mother, running her dream business Manna Gum Farm. Yet here she is… With mounting debt and a new self-help book to promote, there are not enough hours in her day and fear of failure is her constant shadow.

Australian actor Ben Whittam controls his days in the hope he can control his grief. So when filming of his new movie starts in the small town of Kestrel Creek, he finds his anxious son’s nightmares are getting worse and the producers breathing down his neck. Things, it’s seems, are spiraling out of his control.

So when Indi and Ben meet and start spending time together, is falling in love while their lives are falling apart really the best idea?

✨I found this to be a beautiful exploration of grief, guilt and hope. Indi and Ben’s characters, through their heartache and uncertainty, felt real and raw as they questioned and doubted their budding connection.

Their protectiveness, paired with how overwhelmed and out of their depth they felt with their grieving children, was very relatable. This was such an asset to the overall storyline, adding their internal emotional narrative to an already richly layered story.

Overall this was a beautiful and emotional read. Leearna Shaw is a fabulous new voice in Australian rural romance fiction. I definitely recommend adding A Farm in Golden Clouds to your autumn reading list 🍂

Thanks to the author, Allen and Unwin and DMCPR Media for a copy to honestly review.

[Jodie (Sunshinejode) W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this heartfelt debut by Leearna Shaw and it was beautifully written. The blurb on the back of the book fully embodies what this book is about - "What if you found the love of your life.....and then lost them?

Indi Carmichael is a widower who is struggling to keep her family farm afloat. She misses her Husband Mike who died 2 years prior. She accidently becomes a self help author after her best friend prompts her to publish her diary on how she made it through her first year grieving her husband and trying to raise her two children Noah and Ollie.

Ben Whittam is an actor who lost his wife Lily 2 years ago but he has closed himself off to all - he finds himself worrying about everything and everyone including his son Will. He thinks he is ready to revisit his character Rogue Barkley as the filming for the sequel starts in the town of Kestrel Creek.

When Will goes missing in town - Ben is frantic and it is here that Indi and Ben meet.

I found this an easy story to read - the characters were so real with themes of grief, loss, guilt and heartbreak interwoven with family dynamics and them trying to find their new normal.

Considering this was her debut novel, Leearna wrote like a seasoned professional and I look forward to reading more of her work in the coming years.

[Kate thebooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story that felt real, raw, and was impossible not to get invested in, A Farm in Golden Clouds is a five star debut ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it has me genuinely excited to see what she does next.

Set in rural Victoria, Indi Carmichael is barely keeping it all together. A struggling farmer, widow, mother—and self-help author—she’s doing everything she can to hold onto Manna Gum Farm. With endless problems piling up, romance is the last thing on her mind… no matter how determined her best friend is to push her back into the dating world.

Ben Whittam, on the other hand, prefers life tightly controlled. He’s a washed-up actor clinging to what’s left of his career, he avoids anything unpredictable. But with his son’s anxiety worsening and producers demanding results, filming in the small town of Kestrel Creek is far from the fresh start he hoped for.

As Indi’s future on the farm hangs by a thread and Ben’s career teeters on the edge, the last thing either of them needs is a complication. But when their worlds collide, they’re forced to ask can love survive when everything else is falling apart?

[Sharyn O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of a rural romance.

The title might be A Farm in Golden Clouds but life is anything but golden for our two main characters. With both dealing with the loss of their partners and trouble in their work and home lives, there's a lot going on... so a relationship is the last thing on their minds. This story delves a lot into the hardships of life for them, but also the beauty and joy they both get from doing what they love. It just happens those things are worlds apart... one being a film star, the other a farmer. 

Many of us love a small town setting for the found family that form part of the backdrop, and this is no different, but it's the immediate family of both that shine for me in this one... their children and parents / in laws. 

This made me cry (twice) and sigh with satisfaction at the ending, which is always a win.

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a rural romance, and this was a fabulous debut! I can’t wait to see what Leearna writes next - a new auto read author for me for sure!

It’s been two years since Indi’s husband Mike died, leaving her to raise their two kids as a single mum and run their farm. The farm has debts though, and if she doesn’t raise enough money in time she’s at risk of losing it all. She’s also a newly published author, and hopes she can manage to get another book deal to help her finances. Ben is an actor who lost his wife to cancer and is raising his young son Will, but he worries about everything. When he heads to small town Kestrel Creek to film his latest movie, he doesn’t expect to meet Indi and feel a connection he wasn’t sure he’d ever find again. They’ve both got more important things on their minds aside from romance, but they can’t deny there’s a spark between them.

I loved this book! Indi and Ben felt so real, and their kids were just gorgeous! I loved that Indi’s daughter Ollie took shy Will under her wing and Indi’s son Noah was so lovely to his mum. The budding romance felt authentic and natural, and the topic of grief was handled so well. Kestrel Creek was a wonderful setting, and I fell in love with its inhabitants. I highly recommend this book if you’re also a rural romance fan - Leearna is a fantastic new voice to the genre!

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your life gets muddled and you are trying to keep yourself and your children’s heads above water, you will try anything to keep going. Even if it means, trying to be someone who has know idea what they are doing.

But when a famous star arrives in town, they are more than willing to help, but Indi doesn’t want to rely on anymore people. But Ben is insisting that he can and his little boy has a fondness for Indi’s farm and her kids.

This book looks at trying to make sense of what life has left you and how to be happy and move forward without drowning.

I loved the nature of the storyline, as it was poignant reminder that life sometimes throws curve balls, but allowing others to be by your side is not such a bad thing.

[Anne Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Farm in Golden Clouds offers that rare and satisfying balance of true escapism and emotional grit, drawing the reader into a world that feels both expansive and deeply grounded. The land, with all its pressures and demands, is rendered with authenticity, while the emotional landscape is just as real, tender, and unflinching.

I was particularly taken with the collision of worlds—the ceaseless demands of farming life set against the glamour of the film industry. It is an unexpected pairing, and yet it works beautifully, adding texture, tension, and a sense of wonder to the story.

This is a novel that feels lived-in and heartfelt, and one that lingers well beyond the final page.

[Helen Farch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is debut book is as hopeful as it is heartbreaking.

Indi and Ben are wonderful characters who are both hurting, both grieving, and both doing their best to be the best parents they can possibly be.

Their chemistry is sweet, and their reluctance to start a new relationship is handled in such a sensitive way.

This is a story that will leave your heart soaring, as much it will leave your heart broken.

A stunning debut that is written with such depth, such sensitivity, and with a setting that almost makes wants me to move to a cattle farm.

I definitely recommend this book as a wonderful addition to any TBR.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy of this book

[Jenny Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eally enjoyed Leearna Shaw's first published novel.
She has a excelent way of making you become one of her characters.
Ben an Indie's story is definately a very challenging time as they are both from different situations, one an actor the other a farmer on the brink of losing everything and looking at having to change the enviroment that her children love.
They both have lost their partners to death and trying to cope daily...
It is set in a beautiful countryside of Victoria and makes you feel like you want to visit their....
Can reccommend this novel to all who like a bit of rural romance written by an Australian author... Leearna Shaw thank you for letting me escape in your novel....

[Camille Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rural romance has everything you’re looking for - it’s heartwarming and hopeful, and so beautifully immersive. I thought the descriptions of life on a farm, with the endless list of chores and repairs, felt so authentic. If you follow Leearna on instagram you will know what I mean - you can just visualise all of her descriptions through the images she posts regularly.

All the characters were written so well: I really loved Indi’s grit and determination, as well as her inner conflict about publishing her journal.

And the cows!

This is a pure comfort read.

Leearna is going to have an amazing career ahead of her - I’m so excited for her next book!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding debut novel! I loved the story of Indi and Ben who had both lost their partners. Indi trying to run a farm and bringing up her two children, and Ben who is an actor trying to work with a little boy who is scared of everything. The author has done a great job of showing the issues and obstacles of running a farm on your own, as well as showing how things can be misconstrued when you see photos on social media. Such a good story which had me turning the pages constantly! Highly recommended for readers of rural fiction and women’s fiction.

[Heather Reyburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heart-warming story. I loved this book. Indi's struggles are real - a young widow struggling with a chaotic life, managing children, a farm and with a book to write. Add to that an enormous debt to repay or she will lose their farm. Enter Ben - good looking young actor who, with his son, is on location in the small town of Kestrel Creek. Carrying his own burden, the last thing he needs is a relationship. But the universe and the attraction between he and Indi has other ideas. Fresh, light and delightful!