Where the Wattles Bloom

by Amy Andrews

Two people who have given up on happily ever after find an unexpected second chance in a rural romance that is equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming, from USA Today bestselling Australian author Amy Andrews.


City girl Rowena Murray needs a new beginning, after her high-pressure career as a neonatal intensive care nurse is derailed by a monumental panic attack. So she's glad to be heading to rural Acacia Junction for a low-stress, short-term contract to get back in the game. It's only for six months - then she's outta here.

Sheep farmer Lachlan McCabe is on his way into town when he comes across the new nurse saving the life of the town's beloved baker after a suspected heart attack on a deserted road. It's not the kind of meet-cute anyone would ask for, but Rowena and Lachlan soon find sparks flying.

They're both twice-divorced and have experienced enough of life to know exactly what they want - and neither of them is looking for a long-term partner. A casual fling, on the other hand ... well, that's a different story.

When an honest-to-God miracle offers an unexpected second chance they'd both thought impossible, Rowena and Lachlan must decide if they will be sharing life as co-parents or true partners.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.

Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.

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Reviews

[Karren Sandercock]

Sydney, New South Wales. Rowena Murray was a neonatal intensive care nurse, until the stress of her job built up and she had a huge panic attack. Rowena takes a job at Acacia Junction Hospital, for six months working in the emergency department and to get her confidence back.

Lachlan McCabe is a sheep farmer and on his way into town when he comes across an accident and he assumes the new nurse saving the life of a loved business owner and helps.

Both Rowena and Lachlan have been unlucky in love, married twice, one isn’t open to having a relationship and the other is and the dating pool is shallow in a small country town, and sparks fly.

Rowena wants to do her six months, return to Sydney and her job in the NICU and with no fuss. Lachlan takes her to meet his grandmother Reggie and her partner Albert at Blairgowrie, and she offers her an opportunity that she can’t refuse.

I received a copy of Where the Wattles Bloom by Amy Andrews from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy second chance romance stories, but this one is a little different, both Rowena and Lachlan have struggled with heartbreak and loss, health issues, been married twice (people instantly judge you) and are slightly older and wiser.

I really liked the town of Acacia Junction, the bakery, country fair and cooking competition and the characters are brilliant, Rowena, Lachlan, Brooke, Silvano, Reggie, Albert and dogs Red and Blue.

It highlights medical conditions many people have to deal with, including heart disease, cancer, infertility and what it’s like to have an anxiety disorder and the importance of medication and seeing a psychologist.

Ms Andrew drew me into the narrative from the start, and I felt invested and really wanted the relationship between Rowena and Lachlan to work out and five stars.

[what.karli.reads]

𝙰 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝙰𝚞𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍!

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜, 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎, 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚢𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚌𝚜, 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊 𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 🔥

𝙸𝚏 𝚝𝚋𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍!

𝙿𝚜 𝙱𝚁𝙱 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚊 ’𝙻𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚢’ 😍

[Tabetha (tabsbooknook)]

ARC Review: Where The Wattles Bloom by @amyandrewsbooks published by @hqbooks
Release date: 1 September
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a beautiful rural romance about second chances and overcoming the many obstacles that life might throw at a person.
Rowena is a NICU nurse who has left Sydney for a 6 month contract out bush in Acacia Junction after burning out at work. One her arrival into town, she is thrown into a high adrenaline situation where she has to save the life of a car crash victim, leading to her meeting sheep farmer and former cop Lachlan is the most unconventional meet cute.
From here their story grows and when a surprise suddenly changes their trajectory, Rowena must reflect on her traumas and how she can move forward with her future. Is there a chance for Lachlan to be party of this future or will Rowena return to Sydney?
Amy tackled heavy themes of mental health and infertility with compassion. As a former nurse myself, I felt Rowena’s compassion burnout along with the stresses of working in a high intensity environment. I loved the community of Acacia Junction and now really want to eat one of Silvano’s cannolis.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out]

Where the Wattles Bloom by Amy Andrews is a beautifully emotional story about second chances, unexpected miracles and finding a place to belong.

After a devastating panic attack derails her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse, Rowena Murray accepts a six month contract in the local emergency department of Acacia Junction, a small farming community in western NSW. She’s determined to use the time to recover her confidence and then return to the city and rebuild her old life. A relationship is definitely not on the agenda. Then she meets Lachlan McCabe, a rugged sheep farmer with a complicated history of his own, who could offer Rowena the future she’s always dreamed of, if she’s brave enough to take a chance on a miracle.

Rowena and Lachlan’s first meeting is rather dramatic as they work together to save the life of heart attack victim, and beloved local baker on a rural road, and the emotional intensity rarely lets up as the pair negotiate their relationship.

I really enjoyed the progression of Rowena and Lachlan’s romance which begins, by agreement, as an impulsive one time thing. When the relationship becomes complicated, I like they behave like the mature the adults they are. Andrews develops the emotional connection between them well, allowing their relationship to evolve naturally as they navigate the unexpected consequence of their affair and their very different plans for the future.

There’s considerably more emotional weight in Where the Wattles Bloom than I was expecting. Rowena and Lachlan both carry plenty of emotional baggage including a similar history of illness, divorce, burnout, and grief. There are some genuinely heartbreaking moments in the story, but Andrews skilfully balances them with plenty of humour, warmth and hope.

The small-town setting is a delight, and the colourful supporting cast, including the baker and his grateful family, enhance the charm. Lachlan’s grandmother Reggie is a wonderful secondary character who threatens to steal every scene she appears in. There are also a pair of loyal blue heelers and their puppies, an orphaned lamb and spectacular scenery, especially from an outdoor bath.

Heartfelt, tender and uplifting, Where the Wattles Bloom by Amy Andrews is an engaging contemporary rural romance.

[Helen]

Amy Andrews is one of my favourite authors and I love that she can take me on a journey to a HEA with awesome characters and across multiple genres and I loved this one meeting Rowena and Lachlan was emotional, moving and fun.

Neonatal intensive care nurse Rowena Murray needs a break from her high pressure and stressful job in a Sydney hospital, after a breakdown and three months of therapy she is now ready to ease back into work she loves her job and wants to get back to it but a stint in the small country town of Acacia Junction is what she hopes will get her back on track. She is here for six months and six months only.

Sheep farmer Lachlan McCabe has been a police officer, divorced twice but being back on the family sheep farm Blairgowrie has suited him really well being with his grandmother Reggie and her partner Albert is the best, he has no intention of any sort of relationship again been there done that but when he comes across a woman on the side of the road into town saving the life of one of the locals then maybe life is about to change.

The pull between these two adults who have both been burnt by what was supposed to be HEA twice is something that they cannot ignore for long but a proposed one night only could be just what they need, but that night leaves consequences could Ro and Lachy find a second chance for a HEA with a miracle to go with it?

I loved this one from start to finish, it is a beautifully written story with so many fabulous characters not only Lachlan and Rowena but Reggie and Albert and then there is the close knit community that all bring this story together, yes there were tears happy and otherwise But I would highly recommend this one to any reader who loves a good rural romance, thank you Amy Andrews for another awesome read, I loved Lachy so very much.

My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

[Shelagh]

Where The Wattles Bloom is Amy Andrews’ first foray into rural romance and it is a fabulous story. Combining the intimacy of country town living where everybody knows everything about everybody else with two strong and independent charcters, each with their own issues, this story sucked me in from the start. I loved that Rowena and Lachlan are both mature characters who have lived their share of life before they meet. Thirty-six year-old Rowena is twice dfivorced and has had trouble getting pregnant and holding the pregnancy. She works as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at a busy Sydney hospital but after a major panic attack, she’s taken up her friend’s suggestion that she work for six months in the quieter and less stressful atmosphere of the Acacia Junction hospital. Lachlan, a forty year-old farmer and former policeman, is also twice divorced and has returned to the family farm, which he runs with his grandmother Reggie and Albert, her partner. Lachlan is regarded as quite a catch in Acacia Junction, but it soon becomes clear that he and Rowena have a thing. The fact that they had a one-night stand that had unexpected consequences is a driving force in this gorgeous story, but there is so much more depth to it than that. Reggie is a very unconventional grandmother and she truly steals the page whenever she appears. Then there is the scenery, the wattles, the night sky and the quieter pace of country life. There is so much about this book that made me feel quiet at home but I think it comes down to the characters, both central and secondary. I loved them all. I believe in them all and I was thoroughly invested in their lives as I read along.

[Anita D]

Advanced reader copy review of Where the Wattles Bloom by Amy Andrews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - I loved it.
🔥🔥🔥 – open door (1+ scenes)

Amy Andrews never disappoints. Where the Wattles Bloom is full of heart, devastation, and joy.

Rowena has an Escape to the Country moment, and leaves Sydney for the rural town, Acacia Junction. Her NICU nursing career put on hold while she spends some time recovering. She gets a job with her mate, Brooke, at a rural hospital in the Emergency Department.

Lachlan is a sheep farmer who lives near Acacia Junction. He lives with his grandmother, Reggie, in the family homestead, Blairgowrie.

They’ve both been burnt by love and loss. Rowena is not ready for a relationship, but can’t get him out of her head. They agree to have a one-night-stand (and it’s pretty hot).

I love Andrews’ writing, and this was no exception. The character arcs made sense. And I was right there with Rowena through all of her feelings about being pregnant. (You nailed that, Andrews. 10/10.)

Also the outdoor bathtub? Yes please.

Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Amy Andrews, Harlequin Australia, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Maree Gray]

This is my second book by Amy, with the first being Engaged, Apparently, which I adored.

Amy has created such strong characters, who you just can't help falling in love with.
I felt like I was right there with Rowena and Lachlan, experiencing the highs and lows, as they spent time getting to know each other.

I also love the close-knit rural community, how everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.

Love that hard hitting medical conditions are handled delicately, covering diverse topics such as mental health, heart attacks and cancer, and pointing out the difficulties faced with receiving care so far from a big city.

I laughed and cried along with these wonderful characters, tears of sorrow and happiness, which just goes to show how well Amy has done bringing these people to life.

I will certainly be looking out for new offerings from Amy in future, as well as adding her back catalogue to my tbr pile.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Books Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Craig and Phil]

Big thanks to HQ Books for sending us a copy to read and review.
Amy Andrews next release with HQ Books is a beautiful country love story with a splash of drama and authenticity.
Where The Wattles Bloom is about an unforeseen second chance love and letting someone into your life unexpectedly with risk and consequences.
This one was a delightful, heartfelt and entertaining read.
City slicker nurse Rowena has a panic attack at her workplace.
So to heal and take life easy, she takes on a low stress position in rural Acacia Junction.
Handsome sheep farmer Lachlan is twice divorced and runs the property while living with his straight shooter grandmother Reggie.
In the most unconventional meet cute, Rowena and Lachlan meet when an accident happens where both arrive to assist.
Sparks fly, secrets act and both not wanting anything serious, casual fun is imminent but is it…..
So much fun, melodrama and community spirit and gossip.
There’s even some steam, spice and I did feel this was a lot more realistic than some that I’ve read.
I loved her previous novel Engaged, Apparently and now this one, so more books with HQ please….

[marlin1]

3.5 stars A heartfelt book filled with second chances.
Rowena Murray has taken time out from her role as a Neonatal intensive care nurse in a busy Sydney hospital after her mental health spirals.
Hopefully a quieter job as a midwife at Acacia Junction for 6 months will see her back on track but she’s made an impression on the town by saving the life of the town’s favourite baker and at her side on the fatal day was Lachlan Mcabe. Attraction between the two grow but Rowena refuses to acknowledge it until an unplanned event transpires.
I did enjoy this story, especially as the characters were a little older and had life experiences but I did feel frustrated at Rowena’s insistence that she wasn’t attracted to Lachy. There was no love triangle of which I’m very grateful but times I felt it moved a bit slowly.
The outline of mental health and stress was well covered.
This to me had a feel of the old Mills and Boon books which I never really took to, so maybe that was in my head a bit.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

[Libby Iriks]

If I could give this book six stars, I would!

From the multicultural vibes in the quintessential small Aussie town of Acacia Junction to the glorious landscape descriptions of Blairgowrie (especially from that outdoor bath!), I could not get enough of the setting!

The main characters, Rowena and Lachlan, were both so well developed, each with a sh*t tonne of baggage and very definitive goals, but they were perfectly suited for one another and I was cheering them on from start to finish. Throw in a headstrong grandmother, a cute baby lamb who knows how to flirt, and a couple of incredibly obedient and loyal working dogs, and you've got yourself a fabulous cast of characters.

Where the Wattles Bloom is a beautiful story of second third chances, found family and tiny miracles. It's Amy Andrews' finest!

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den)]

Amy Andrew’s Where the Wattles Bloom is a beautiful addition to the Australian rural romance genre. It’s a heartwarming story about starting over and second chances.

Andrew’s is a master at putting emotion into the narrative and I was on an emotional rollercoaster right from the start with this book. While it was light and fun, it also tackled some heavy themes such as anxiety disorders, heart disease and fertility issues.

I was really drawn to Lachy’s character. He was warm, gentle, understanding and the calm to Rowena’s more anxious personality. He made for a fabulous book boyfriend!! I also thoroughly enjoyed the welcoming Acacia Junction community and found family elements woven throughout.

Where the Wattles Bloom is a beautiful rural romance about finding yourself, love and the unexpected when you least expect it. It’s a book that lingers long after turning the last page.

Thank you to HQ Books Aus for a copy to review.

[Kylie-Anne Martin]

This book had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Where The Wattles Bloom has it all, I laughed, I cried and everything in between. At first I thought it was just going to be boy meets girl, they like each other, go back and forth and then at the end they fall in love. This book had that and so much more. I loved the way it dealt with different types of grief and most of all the impacts of jobs on peoples lives and their mental health. A must read

[Nicola Marsh]

Amy Andrews debut rural romance will have you swooning.

Lachy is the perfect hero: rugged and alpha with a beta core.
Rowena is realistic heroine with depth.

Together, their romance is beautiful as it unfolds.

Reggie, Lachy's grandmother, is a memorable secondary character.

Thoroughly enjoyed curling up on the couch and devouring this story.

[Nikki Sims-Chilton]

A great read from Amy Andrews. I loved the characters and the wattle (as an ecologist any plant story sparks my interest)! Timed perfectly with a release date on World Wattle Day.
Both Rowena and Lachlan have been through heartbreak and disappointment and watching them slowly lower their guards and open themselves up to the possibility of happiness again was beautiful.
The rural Australian setting added so much charm, creating a strong sense of community that made Acacia Junction feel like a place you'd want to visit. The story balances emotional depth with warmth and humour, tackling serious issues like anxiety, loss, and starting over while never losing its hopeful heart.
What I enjoyed most was the mature romance. Rowena and Lachlan aren't naïve twenty-somethings looking for their first love. They're adults carrying the scars of past relationships, which made their connection feel authentic and meaningful. Their chemistry was great, and I found myself cheering them on from the very beginning.
Most of all, I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and this book delivered beautifully. The journey is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, but the ending left me smiling and completely satisfied. If you enjoy small-town romances, second chances, lovable characters, and a story that leaves you feeling good long after you've finished, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction (HarperCollins Publishers Australia) for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[N]

I wasn’t a fan of some of the writting style. I wished there was less jumps in time and more details. More details between actions of conversations rather then describing the jumps in time but no details. Such as at the show then a time jump. No talk about the ride home. Or more internal thoight about Lachlan getting the baby book or how that went instead of it just being mentioned

[Katie Bowman]

This was such a beautiful read filled with hope, and it left me feeling like my heart had been hugged 💖

[Cookie1]

A enthralling book with a twist. Amy Andrews at her best.
I love the Australian ness of this book.

[Sue Thorpe]

4.5 ⭐️'s
Review to follow

[Michelle Delaney]

A fantastic read, I really enjoyed this story and the characters relationships.

[Kirsten]

I loved Amy’s last books Engaged, Apparently and have been keen to check out her extensive backlist. I was excited to see she was back with an Aussie rural romance. Set in the small town of Acacia Junction and featuring nurse Rowena and sheep farmer Lachlan. It starts off with the two of them meeting as first responders at a car accident and keeps up a good pace the whole way through. I enjoyed Rowena and Lachlan’s chemistry. They were both very relatable and I liked that they were a bit older and had past love loves. The small town with its pub setting, bakery and hospital had a cast of fun characters and some delicious sounding cannoli. Amy weaved in issues such as PTSD and infertility sensitively. I love how she injects bits of humour into her books.
For fans of small town romance, big city girl, comfrey boy and accidental pregnancy tropes.