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Rushworth Country #1
Rushworth Country - Tilly
Tilly Ferguson gave up on her dreams the day her mum passed away. Now, she’s determined to keep her family’s tiny Rushworth petrol station alive, even as whispers spread of a shiny, big franchise set to roll into town. Losing the station would mean losing the last memory of her mum, and Tilly refuses to let that happen.
Nate Hunter arrives in Rushworth with shorts so crisp they practically have their own post code, and one goal: prove he’s ready to take over the family company. But the town’s loyalty to Tilly is fierce, and her grit is unlike anything he’s faced, even from his grandfather. Between her stubborn determination that he finds incredibly attractive, the community’s unwavering support, and Kevin—the resident emu with a talent for trouble—Nate’s plans may not happen how he planned.
As Tilly begins to wonder whether the man she’s supposed to hate might be the one who sees her dreams more clearly than she does, Nate must decide where his future should be, and if the woman who makes him question everything, is worth taking the risk on.
A warm, spirited rural story of legacy, loyalty, and the unexpected places to find home.
Nate Hunter arrives in Rushworth with shorts so crisp they practically have their own post code, and one goal: prove he’s ready to take over the family company. But the town’s loyalty to Tilly is fierce, and her grit is unlike anything he’s faced, even from his grandfather. Between her stubborn determination that he finds incredibly attractive, the community’s unwavering support, and Kevin—the resident emu with a talent for trouble—Nate’s plans may not happen how he planned.
As Tilly begins to wonder whether the man she’s supposed to hate might be the one who sees her dreams more clearly than she does, Nate must decide where his future should be, and if the woman who makes him question everything, is worth taking the risk on.
A warm, spirited rural story of legacy, loyalty, and the unexpected places to find home.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2026
About the author
Laurelle Cousins
7 books33 followersI’m a country girl at heart, having grown up around all things smelly, damp, dirty and awe inspiring.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so when I changed career, it was obvious to me what I’d choose to work with. Sheep.
But deep down, a little thought niggled. So … when a speaker said ‘If you want to write, go do it’, I scraped my jaw off the carpet and began to dream.
Many self-help books later along with writing conferences, workshops and a couple of writing mentorship with Lisa Ireland and Pamela Cook, I practiced the craft. And I had a go.
I love creating characters that become my best friends, and my worst enemies. I write the books I’d love to read. I hope you will too.
PS: Tea and cake, or biscuits, or slice, or truffles, or salted caramel fudge (need I say more?) go wonderfully with a good book! Have I mentioned that already?
What makes a book so memorable?
For me, an unforgettable book is the make up of many aspects. It’s the characters who become your best friends; the ones you wish you knew for real or the ones you can relate to on so many levels it’s uncanny.
And yes, there needs to be a great story line, one so striking you could almost feel yourself living their lives or doing life beside them.
That’s where I want to take you, on a rural journey with all the highs and lows, with the outcomes so intrinsically wound you’ll feel the need to celebrate at the end of it. And wish for more.
And there’s the romance entwined in it all that seems insurmountable to the very end, before you find relief for the characters you’ve fallen in love with. Forever.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so when I changed career, it was obvious to me what I’d choose to work with. Sheep.
But deep down, a little thought niggled. So … when a speaker said ‘If you want to write, go do it’, I scraped my jaw off the carpet and began to dream.
Many self-help books later along with writing conferences, workshops and a couple of writing mentorship with Lisa Ireland and Pamela Cook, I practiced the craft. And I had a go.
I love creating characters that become my best friends, and my worst enemies. I write the books I’d love to read. I hope you will too.
PS: Tea and cake, or biscuits, or slice, or truffles, or salted caramel fudge (need I say more?) go wonderfully with a good book! Have I mentioned that already?
What makes a book so memorable?
For me, an unforgettable book is the make up of many aspects. It’s the characters who become your best friends; the ones you wish you knew for real or the ones you can relate to on so many levels it’s uncanny.
And yes, there needs to be a great story line, one so striking you could almost feel yourself living their lives or doing life beside them.
That’s where I want to take you, on a rural journey with all the highs and lows, with the outcomes so intrinsically wound you’ll feel the need to celebrate at the end of it. And wish for more.
And there’s the romance entwined in it all that seems insurmountable to the very end, before you find relief for the characters you’ve fallen in love with. Forever.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 3, 2026
Victoria, Australia. Tilly Ferguson is the third generation manager of the Rushworth petrol station, every day she fills client's fuel tanks, washes their windscreens and waves goodbye.
Tilly hates big petrol franchises, they might look fancy but don’t provide personalized service she does, or care about their customers, and her two old bowsers do the job.
Nate Hunter arrives in Rushworth, his grandfather who owns Hunter Enterprises and the town is halfway to Bendigo and it’s the perfect location to build the companies next petrol station.
Nate has never met anyone like Tilly before, she’s frosty, cool, determined, and very stubborn, she doesn’t trust him and despite all of this he finds her attractive. Tilly dislikes Nate, she has no idea why he’s in town, she knows some fancy city bloke snooping around means trouble and the sooner he leaves the better.
Nate strolls the streets of Rushworth, he notices its old world charm and closed shops, and he can forget about the pressure his grandfather putting on him to succeed, be ruthless and take over the reins. The block where the new petrol station is going to be built, has two inhabitants Saul an ex-mechanic and Kevin the emu who scares Nate, chases him and Tilly finds it hilarious.
I received a copy of Rushworth Country - Tilly (Rushworth Country #1) from Laurelle Cousins in exchange for an honest review. When I discovered one of my favourite Australian rural authors is releasing a new series and I was delighted.
I know the narrative will include funny and slightly eccentric characters, like Tilly, Nate, Reg, Saul, Pearl who pens the Rushy Muse and her hubby Lloyd, Stella, Fran, Mrs Edwards and a naughty animal and this time it’s Kevin the emu.
Both Tilly and Nate are not following their own dreams, Tilly has an interest in interior design, wants to open home-wares shop and holds on to the petrol station because it's a link to her late mother; Nate dislikes living in the city, and being at his grandfather’s beck and call.
A story about expectations, loyalty, loss, grief, guilt, playing it safe and not taking risks, and having the courage to let go of the past and Tilly and Nate stepping up and living the life they want and fingers and toes crossed together.
I want to move to Rushy, I highly recommend and I’m very keen to read the next book in the Rushworth Country series about Brynn and five stars.
Tilly hates big petrol franchises, they might look fancy but don’t provide personalized service she does, or care about their customers, and her two old bowsers do the job.
Nate Hunter arrives in Rushworth, his grandfather who owns Hunter Enterprises and the town is halfway to Bendigo and it’s the perfect location to build the companies next petrol station.
Nate has never met anyone like Tilly before, she’s frosty, cool, determined, and very stubborn, she doesn’t trust him and despite all of this he finds her attractive. Tilly dislikes Nate, she has no idea why he’s in town, she knows some fancy city bloke snooping around means trouble and the sooner he leaves the better.
Nate strolls the streets of Rushworth, he notices its old world charm and closed shops, and he can forget about the pressure his grandfather putting on him to succeed, be ruthless and take over the reins. The block where the new petrol station is going to be built, has two inhabitants Saul an ex-mechanic and Kevin the emu who scares Nate, chases him and Tilly finds it hilarious.
I received a copy of Rushworth Country - Tilly (Rushworth Country #1) from Laurelle Cousins in exchange for an honest review. When I discovered one of my favourite Australian rural authors is releasing a new series and I was delighted.
I know the narrative will include funny and slightly eccentric characters, like Tilly, Nate, Reg, Saul, Pearl who pens the Rushy Muse and her hubby Lloyd, Stella, Fran, Mrs Edwards and a naughty animal and this time it’s Kevin the emu.
Both Tilly and Nate are not following their own dreams, Tilly has an interest in interior design, wants to open home-wares shop and holds on to the petrol station because it's a link to her late mother; Nate dislikes living in the city, and being at his grandfather’s beck and call.
A story about expectations, loyalty, loss, grief, guilt, playing it safe and not taking risks, and having the courage to let go of the past and Tilly and Nate stepping up and living the life they want and fingers and toes crossed together.
I want to move to Rushy, I highly recommend and I’m very keen to read the next book in the Rushworth Country series about Brynn and five stars.
September 12, 2026
Tilly Ferguson has lived all of her life in the small Victorian country town of Rushworth, known to the residents as Rushy her family have owned and run the service station for many, many years but Tilly has always had a dream to do interior design and this was encouraged by her mother but when her mother suddenly passes away, Tilly steps up to help run the service station with her father, yes it is run down and needs a little work and Tilly does have plans but they never seem to happen, life moves along as normal, until a stranger arrives in town.
Nate Hunter arrives in town with his flashy ute and is immaculately dressed, he has worked for his grandfather’s company since leaving school and he is ready to take over the business, you see the family company plans to build a new service station right next door to the Ferguson’s but when he comes up against the very stubborn Tilly and Kevin the emu and the community that rally around Tilly, maybe it is time for Nate to re-think his life.
There is a spark between Tilly and Nate from the start but aren’t they supposed to be against each other? This is a fabulous tory that had me smiling, cheering them on and tearing up with happy tears, I loved Nate what a hero and Tilly strong determined and a bit stubborn and Kevin the emu he is so good and what can I say about the community of Rushy, Saul, Pearl they are all so good and help make this story one not to be missed, come along and see what happens with Nate and Tilly, I loved it and highly recommend it, can’t wait for book two.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Nate Hunter arrives in town with his flashy ute and is immaculately dressed, he has worked for his grandfather’s company since leaving school and he is ready to take over the business, you see the family company plans to build a new service station right next door to the Ferguson’s but when he comes up against the very stubborn Tilly and Kevin the emu and the community that rally around Tilly, maybe it is time for Nate to re-think his life.
There is a spark between Tilly and Nate from the start but aren’t they supposed to be against each other? This is a fabulous tory that had me smiling, cheering them on and tearing up with happy tears, I loved Nate what a hero and Tilly strong determined and a bit stubborn and Kevin the emu he is so good and what can I say about the community of Rushy, Saul, Pearl they are all so good and help make this story one not to be missed, come along and see what happens with Nate and Tilly, I loved it and highly recommend it, can’t wait for book two.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
September 24, 2026
As always, Laurelle Cousins never disappoints. I always look forward to her books, and I really loved this one.
There was so much to enjoy about Tilly’s story. She’s determined, stubborn, loyal and deeply attached to the people and places she loves, and I have to admit, I could see quite a bit of myself in her. Although I’m considerably older than Tilly! I loved watching her relationship with Nate develop, particularly as they began to see beyond their first impressions of each other.
But I think one of my favourite things about this book was Rushworth itself. Laurelle has created the kind of small country town that feels like a character in its own right, with a strong sense of community, people who look out for each other and, of course, Kevin the emu causing trouble along the way. By the end, I felt as though I knew the place and its people.
Rushworth sounds exactly like the sort of town I would love to visit, or possibly even live in. I’m now very keen to visit the real Rushworth and see it for myself. I hope to meet Kevin too 🤣
This was such an enjoyable start to the series, full of warmth, humour, romance, family and community, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Rushworth in the next book.
Another lovely read from Laurelle Cousins, and definitely one I’m very happy to recommend.
There was so much to enjoy about Tilly’s story. She’s determined, stubborn, loyal and deeply attached to the people and places she loves, and I have to admit, I could see quite a bit of myself in her. Although I’m considerably older than Tilly! I loved watching her relationship with Nate develop, particularly as they began to see beyond their first impressions of each other.
But I think one of my favourite things about this book was Rushworth itself. Laurelle has created the kind of small country town that feels like a character in its own right, with a strong sense of community, people who look out for each other and, of course, Kevin the emu causing trouble along the way. By the end, I felt as though I knew the place and its people.
Rushworth sounds exactly like the sort of town I would love to visit, or possibly even live in. I’m now very keen to visit the real Rushworth and see it for myself. I hope to meet Kevin too 🤣
This was such an enjoyable start to the series, full of warmth, humour, romance, family and community, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Rushworth in the next book.
Another lovely read from Laurelle Cousins, and definitely one I’m very happy to recommend.
September 14, 2026
Big thanks to Laurelle for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sadly times move on and change happens to many places.
Bigger and better developments allow for insatiable desires and for chain store businesses to economically exploit.
In small towns it changes the landscape and the heart and soul of a community.
Tilly Ferguson runs her family petrol station.
It’s old, needs a facelift and definitely will not survive competition.
Sentiment and memories of her mother make it worth fighting for.
Nate is in Rushworth and discretely buying land.
He has a pushy and arrogant Grandfather behind a grand plan with little regard to others.
Nate sees and hears Tilly.
A tumultuous relationship ensues.
Deception, heartbreak and dreams all unfold as Tilly grapples with a new reality.
The impacts and challenges of change are real in small towns and a connection to an old world slowly disappears.
It’s a catch twenty two as opportunities can arise and keep the town afloat.
A cheeky and sometimes cantankerous emu named Kevin keeps people honest and is a loved town mascot.
A reflective and heart warming rural tale awaits in this new series.
Sadly times move on and change happens to many places.
Bigger and better developments allow for insatiable desires and for chain store businesses to economically exploit.
In small towns it changes the landscape and the heart and soul of a community.
Tilly Ferguson runs her family petrol station.
It’s old, needs a facelift and definitely will not survive competition.
Sentiment and memories of her mother make it worth fighting for.
Nate is in Rushworth and discretely buying land.
He has a pushy and arrogant Grandfather behind a grand plan with little regard to others.
Nate sees and hears Tilly.
A tumultuous relationship ensues.
Deception, heartbreak and dreams all unfold as Tilly grapples with a new reality.
The impacts and challenges of change are real in small towns and a connection to an old world slowly disappears.
It’s a catch twenty two as opportunities can arise and keep the town afloat.
A cheeky and sometimes cantankerous emu named Kevin keeps people honest and is a loved town mascot.
A reflective and heart warming rural tale awaits in this new series.
September 23, 2026
This book will draw you in from beginning to the end into the small town of Rushworth. There are future development changes happening to the town that some town folk are excited about and one not so happy.
The local service stations' daughter Tilly has dreams and is dedicated to fighting for her family business. She is keen to help keep the big business out of her small town but finds she's up against the odds of getting her wishes.
Nate City Boy has come to Rushworth to expand his grandfathers business with a new service station. But he didn't account for meeting small town girl Tilly and sparks flying.
The towns local Emu Kevin is a delightful addition to the story with his antics and added humour.
What a cleverly mastered new series to sink my reading eyes into. Thank you for my copy to read and review 5 stars 🌟 all the way. I can't wait for the next book in this series 😍.
Highly recommend reading 📚 👌
The local service stations' daughter Tilly has dreams and is dedicated to fighting for her family business. She is keen to help keep the big business out of her small town but finds she's up against the odds of getting her wishes.
Nate City Boy has come to Rushworth to expand his grandfathers business with a new service station. But he didn't account for meeting small town girl Tilly and sparks flying.
The towns local Emu Kevin is a delightful addition to the story with his antics and added humour.
What a cleverly mastered new series to sink my reading eyes into. Thank you for my copy to read and review 5 stars 🌟 all the way. I can't wait for the next book in this series 😍.
Highly recommend reading 📚 👌
September 18, 2026
Rushworth County Tilly- by Laurelle Cousins. Loved it, I come from a long generational line of Rushworth born and raised, @Laurellecousinswrites describes the town perfectly. As I was reading I could see exactly where the characters were. This was a good read and I enjoyed it. It’s funny how as adult children we try to pass down what our parents and grandparents have shown or taught us. I could relate to a bit of what Tilly was thinking and going through. This book had twists and turns and friends and community but it had love and I can’t wait for the next one
September 21, 2026
Another Wonderful Feel Good Story!
September 20, 2026
Another beautiful story! Characters feel so real, like they are people you could stop and have a coffee with. Small town, close knit community, romance and a cheeky Emu named Kevin!! Thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rushworth, a tiny town not far from Violet Town, inland toward Bendigo in Victoria, is the focus of Rushworth Country - Tilly, and Tilly is our MC.
Tilly and her father Reg had been the proprietors of Ferguson's Service Station in Rushworth for generations with Saul always there helping out. Tilly had given up her dreams to support her father, after her mother had died. She knew the service station was run down, seriously needed an upgrading, but the lack of funds was a problem. When Nate Hunter arrived in Rushworth, he immediately got off on the wrong foot with Tilly, and their problems began.
Nate was in town to build a new service station for the Hunter dynasty, run by his grandfather. And it was going next door to Ferguson's on Saul's land. But Saul and Reg kept it from Tilly, which made Nate the bad guy and her dislike of him grew. Soon he'd been in town for weeks, knew all the neighbours and much to his surprise, liked the little town - wasn't so sure about Kevin though! Tilly wanted him gone. But she could also see she wouldn't win this fight - her heart was broken...
A fun and enjoyable read, Rushworth Country - Tilly by Aussie author Laurelle Cousins was a trip down memory lane for me. I know the area well, as we turn off the Hume Highway into Violet Town to go inland through Victoria. I've done the trip many times, and love the small towns - Rushworth and Murchison - especially. With a variety of characters, all different, all good, it was a lovely read. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Tilly and her father Reg had been the proprietors of Ferguson's Service Station in Rushworth for generations with Saul always there helping out. Tilly had given up her dreams to support her father, after her mother had died. She knew the service station was run down, seriously needed an upgrading, but the lack of funds was a problem. When Nate Hunter arrived in Rushworth, he immediately got off on the wrong foot with Tilly, and their problems began.
Nate was in town to build a new service station for the Hunter dynasty, run by his grandfather. And it was going next door to Ferguson's on Saul's land. But Saul and Reg kept it from Tilly, which made Nate the bad guy and her dislike of him grew. Soon he'd been in town for weeks, knew all the neighbours and much to his surprise, liked the little town - wasn't so sure about Kevin though! Tilly wanted him gone. But she could also see she wouldn't win this fight - her heart was broken...
A fun and enjoyable read, Rushworth Country - Tilly by Aussie author Laurelle Cousins was a trip down memory lane for me. I know the area well, as we turn off the Hume Highway into Violet Town to go inland through Victoria. I've done the trip many times, and love the small towns - Rushworth and Murchison - especially. With a variety of characters, all different, all good, it was a lovely read. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews