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Am Ende des Horizonts: Australien-Roman
Nach einem traumatischen Erlebnis will Dr. Daniella Bell sich in dem kleinen Ort Ryders Ridge im Nordwesten Queenslands ein neues Leben aufbauen. Schnell gewinnt die einfühlsame Ärztin das Vertrauen ihrer neuen Patienten – und die Zuneigung des gut aussehenden Mark Walkers. Doch auch das Leben auf dem Land ist nicht ohne Komplikationen … Gerade als Daniella kurz davor ist, erneut die Flucht zu ergreifen, zwingt ein tragischer Unfall sie dazu, sich endlich ihrer Vergangenheit zu stellen, wenn sie Mark nicht für immer verlieren will.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
13 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Nash
30 books154 followersCharlotte Nash was born in England and grew up in the sunny Redland Shire of Brisbane. Before becoming a writer, she spent time building rockets and working as an industrial accident investigator (she swears the two were not related). Somewhere in that time, she acquired a penchant for motorbikes.
She now writes women's fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, teaches in some semesters, and works in technical writing with fascinating people. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing from The University of Queensland. She swears she is still fun at parties.
She now writes women's fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, teaches in some semesters, and works in technical writing with fascinating people. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing from The University of Queensland. She swears she is still fun at parties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 4, 2013
Dr Daniella Bell had just moved from Brisbane to the small outback town of Ryders Ridge in far north-west Queensland, and her first week was already proving to be nerve-wracking. Her supervisor, Dr Martin Harris, was working on young Sarah who was having an asthma attack. Daniella was tense and unable to relax, she had a vivid fear of being unable to save Sarah. But the danger was past, as Dr Harris had her breathing under control, explaining to Daniella that this was a regular occurrence with Sarah.
Daniella was trying to escape a traumatic event which occurred in the Brisbane hospital where she worked, just a few months previously. Her father was an esteemed and brilliant surgeon at the same hospital, and he was already pressuring her to return, not to waste her talents in the backwater of Ryders Ridge. But Daniella needed to do this, she needed to find peace with herself, and she was hopeful this would be the place to do it for her.
As the new doctor became friends with Jackie, the nurse/receptionist in Dr Harris’ clinic, she earned the trust of the patients quickly as well. While settling into life in the town she met some of the locals, including the owner of a nearby cattle station, Mark Walker. The man was devastatingly handsome, she could feel her stomach doing somersaults just from looking at him!
But there appeared to be secrets in the town, secrets that certain people didn’t want known. And with a vindictive female added to the mix, emotions ran high. As Daniella felt her feelings become more complex for Mark, she was determined not to let him into her life; she wanted no-one to know what had happened. So she had to leave again, didn’t she? Would she run away again…could she ever escape her past?
With her life threatening to crash around her once again, it took a terrible accident to make her face up to her past. Would she finally find the peace and happiness she needed?
I really enjoyed this book; I loved the characters, their strengths and weaknesses, the small outback town with everything that was typically Australian. I very much enjoyed the character of Valerie; though only a minor one, she made her mark! There was mystery, suspense and romance in this book, with family values up there too. I have no hesitation in recommending this book highly.
Daniella was trying to escape a traumatic event which occurred in the Brisbane hospital where she worked, just a few months previously. Her father was an esteemed and brilliant surgeon at the same hospital, and he was already pressuring her to return, not to waste her talents in the backwater of Ryders Ridge. But Daniella needed to do this, she needed to find peace with herself, and she was hopeful this would be the place to do it for her.
As the new doctor became friends with Jackie, the nurse/receptionist in Dr Harris’ clinic, she earned the trust of the patients quickly as well. While settling into life in the town she met some of the locals, including the owner of a nearby cattle station, Mark Walker. The man was devastatingly handsome, she could feel her stomach doing somersaults just from looking at him!
But there appeared to be secrets in the town, secrets that certain people didn’t want known. And with a vindictive female added to the mix, emotions ran high. As Daniella felt her feelings become more complex for Mark, she was determined not to let him into her life; she wanted no-one to know what had happened. So she had to leave again, didn’t she? Would she run away again…could she ever escape her past?
With her life threatening to crash around her once again, it took a terrible accident to make her face up to her past. Would she finally find the peace and happiness she needed?
I really enjoyed this book; I loved the characters, their strengths and weaknesses, the small outback town with everything that was typically Australian. I very much enjoyed the character of Valerie; though only a minor one, she made her mark! There was mystery, suspense and romance in this book, with family values up there too. I have no hesitation in recommending this book highly.
March 31, 2013
Young doctor Daniella Bell comes to Ryders Ridge for her country service. But she has a complicated relationship with her brilliant surgeon father, and her past is threatening her future. Mark Walker, local station owner is dealing with his own complications: a grieving father who won't take his medication, and a family debt that means he has to play nice with people he'd rather not be around at all. Set against a social background of B&S balls, rodeos, and camp drafts, and the beautifully rendered geographical background of big skies and mitchell grass, this story tenderly traces the growing relationship between Daniella and Mark, who come to heal each other in more ways than you can imagine.
I am not a particularly avid fan of rural stories or romances, but this is a "ru-ro" that thinks outside the box. Daniella is smart and quirky, with layers that unfold. The representations of daily life in a country doctor's office are engaging and represented with a lot of affection. The characters' relationships with the landscape are deftly drawn and integral to the development of a story. This is a story with brains and heart. The pages wouldn't stop turning.
I am not a particularly avid fan of rural stories or romances, but this is a "ru-ro" that thinks outside the box. Daniella is smart and quirky, with layers that unfold. The representations of daily life in a country doctor's office are engaging and represented with a lot of affection. The characters' relationships with the landscape are deftly drawn and integral to the development of a story. This is a story with brains and heart. The pages wouldn't stop turning.
July 10, 2013
A very enjoyable debut novel from Charlotte Nash. A refreshing rural romance storyline involving the medical profession in a small country town - it's struggle for funding, limited resources, inability to attract long-term doctors etc. as well as the types of medical cases that come through the doors.
Both Daniella and Mark were great main characters, each carrying their own worries for their careers and future. I also enjoyed Jackie's character and her need to further her studying as well as juggling life as a single mother and the small-mindedness of many in a small community.
Valerie was also another character that I enjoyed seeing glimpses of - not the sour old lady you first imagine :)
A great ending that, for once, still left a few hurdles to be negotiated but left you smiling.
Both Daniella and Mark were great main characters, each carrying their own worries for their careers and future. I also enjoyed Jackie's character and her need to further her studying as well as juggling life as a single mother and the small-mindedness of many in a small community.
Valerie was also another character that I enjoyed seeing glimpses of - not the sour old lady you first imagine :)
A great ending that, for once, still left a few hurdles to be negotiated but left you smiling.
February 5, 2015
I enjoyed Ryders Ridge, which told the story of Dr Daniella Bell, who runs away from an unfortunate incident in a city hospital to a country practice. I found the characters likeable (except for the ones I wasn't supposed to like) and the novel seems to be well researched (not being familiar with country life I can't be sure, but it sounded convincing to me!). The story progressed well and was engaging. Very entertaining.
April 22, 2013
This book is all about relationships. These relationships are not just between Daniella and Mark, but between all of the people in their lives. It's like a complicated spider's web that's intricate and fine, yet still beautiful and strong.
I've stayed up late wanting to finish this book before I went to bed. It's a great book with a great story that's written extremely well. The descriptions are almost thorough, imaginative, and so easy to picture in my head. The cast is long, and almost all are lovable if not likable.
Now I'm off to bed. This is Charlotte Nash's debut book. She's off to a fantastic start. I can't wait to see what she publishes next.
I've stayed up late wanting to finish this book before I went to bed. It's a great book with a great story that's written extremely well. The descriptions are almost thorough, imaginative, and so easy to picture in my head. The cast is long, and almost all are lovable if not likable.
Now I'm off to bed. This is Charlotte Nash's debut book. She's off to a fantastic start. I can't wait to see what she publishes next.
June 7, 2016
361 pages Beth -a Doctor finding herself
May 29, 2013
Really enjoyed this book was a great read
September 30, 2022
I loved this book, couldn't put it down. It's about a young woman, Dr Daniella Bell, who flees the busy hospital in Brisbane to work in a small country hospital in Ryder's Ridge. When she arrives in the town she quickly builds friends and receives the attention of a very gorgeous station heir, Mark Walker.
As they slowly build a relationship, Daniella starts to think she make a life in Ryders Ridge. Things keep getting thrown at the couple and she is sent away for a week after having words with Mark. Danielle also has a secret that she brought with her which won't go away, and which she needs to resolve. Will the pair reunite or go their separate ways?
As they slowly build a relationship, Daniella starts to think she make a life in Ryders Ridge. Things keep getting thrown at the couple and she is sent away for a week after having words with Mark. Danielle also has a secret that she brought with her which won't go away, and which she needs to resolve. Will the pair reunite or go their separate ways?
May 25, 2023
Wow, this author sure has a fetish about men wearing jeans and white shirts/t shirts!! Lovely, easy read with a story full of romance, drama and real-life issues. Enjoyed the medical aspect of it and it gave the protagonist some substance too. Quite the fantasy that there is such a thing as a sexy farmer too! It's not called fiction for nothing!
June 9, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. It was close to my heart because it resolves around where I was born and grew up Mt Isa and then also where I live now Cairns. I thought I had read it before but I hadn't. Thank You Charlotte for a fantastic book. I am now looking for more of yours
August 30, 2018
Really liked this one. Will be reading more of her books soon. Know I’m late to the party but lots to read now & catch up 👍🏼😍
August 9, 2019
Falling in love with this author. Her books are amazing
November 18, 2019
Beautiful story of love in a country town. I couldn’t put it down.
November 25, 2019
An enjoyable romantic novel
September 3, 2020
Another great read !!
August 19, 2022
A fantastic read!
July 9, 2014
After a tragedy that haunts her in the city hospital where she was working, doctor Daniella needs a change and she figures that a small town might just be the thing to help her get over her nerves. She’ll be working closely with the other local doctor and the nurses, she’ll be well supported and hopefully, she just might be able to move on from the terrible event that still weighs so much on her mind.
Quickly Daniella finds a friend and settles into the small community although it doesn’t really feel like home yet. She hasn’t even unpacked and spends little time in the home that comes with the job. She also catches the eye of local farmer Mark Walker who lives 50k’s out of town on one of the local area’s largest properties. As their friendship turns into a budding relationship, Daniella wonders if she might be able to stay in Ryders Ridge. But she’s a doctor, and still a young one with a lot to learn and experience. Settling in Ryders Ridge might mean sacrificing advancement in her chosen career.
Mark and his father had a tough few years and they accepted some outside investment into their farm. It was a relationship that never sat totally well with them, although they accepted that they’d needed it at the time. Now it seems like there’s pressure coming from every direction to sell to overseas interest. Everything Mark has is invested in the next sales and whether or not they’ll make a profit and can begin paying back the debts. Mark needs and wants a woman who is going to stick around and not someone who will ever make it seem like a choice, her or the farm.
A couple of months ago, I read Iron Junction by Australian rural author Charlotte Nash, not realising that it was kind of loosely linked to her first novel, Ryders Ridge. You can read both stand alone as they take place on opposite sides of Australia but the hero of Iron Junction is Will Walker, the brother of Mark, the hero in this book and late in the book, they visit Ryders Ridge and we meet Daniella and Mark. For readers of Ryders Ridge, that would’ve been a lovely little glimpse into seeing how they were doing. I decided then and there that I really wanted to go back and read Ryders Ridge given that I’d enjoyed Iron Junction and Will so much. And so the lovely Rachael Johns generously loaned me her copy.
I immediately warmed to Daniella as she settled into her new town and wanted to know what it was that had sent her running from the city. It’s clear that something terrible has happened, something that she can’t quite get over. You can put together a few ideas based on the panic she feels in certain situations. I loved the friendship she develops with Jackie, a nurse in the clinic and the way that Jackie teases Daniella into the small society, getting her to be a little more involved but without totally throwing her into the deep end. Jackie has her own sort of sub-plot in this book and I enjoyed that just as much as I did the budding romance and complications of Mark and Daniella.
I like the way Mark and Daniella grow as a couple – both of them have other interests that keep them apart. Daniella has to be close to the clinic/hospital. She and the other doctor take turns being on call overnight and there are times when Daniella just cannot leave the small town and travel the 50k’s out to Mark’s farm. Likewise Mark has a lot going on with the farm and the investors and trying to pull through after several years of drought and a devastating fire. Both of them remain very much separate to each other as much as they are together, as they both have ambitions and responsibilities that keep them apart. Barely after they get together, the other doctor sends Daniella on a rotation to Mt Isa for experience. The thing is, the two of them make it work. They want to be together and they find ways to see it each other but they also respect each other’s need for distance too. It isn’t until Mark realises that Daniella hasn’t unpacked and may have absolutely no plans to ever stick around, that things begin to become difficult.
I liked this book just as much as I liked Iron Junction and really got invested in the characters, their problems and their relationships. I wanted Mark to be able to find a way to free himself and the farm from the outside investors and I wanted Daniella to be able to find that balance between staying with Mark and finding happiness but also challenging herself with her career and I think it’s fantastic this was considered as necessary by so many people, including Mark. I loved the setting, which was not really somewhere that I’m overly familiar with. I appreciate the rurals that take me into unfamiliar territory (and let’s face it, given where I’ve lived, most of the country is unfamiliar territory!). I hope that Charlotte Nash keeps writing books linking them loosely together in this way. I mentioned that I’d love to see a book featuring Daniella’s brother and I’d like to see Will and Mark’s sister in her own book too at some stage.
Quickly Daniella finds a friend and settles into the small community although it doesn’t really feel like home yet. She hasn’t even unpacked and spends little time in the home that comes with the job. She also catches the eye of local farmer Mark Walker who lives 50k’s out of town on one of the local area’s largest properties. As their friendship turns into a budding relationship, Daniella wonders if she might be able to stay in Ryders Ridge. But she’s a doctor, and still a young one with a lot to learn and experience. Settling in Ryders Ridge might mean sacrificing advancement in her chosen career.
Mark and his father had a tough few years and they accepted some outside investment into their farm. It was a relationship that never sat totally well with them, although they accepted that they’d needed it at the time. Now it seems like there’s pressure coming from every direction to sell to overseas interest. Everything Mark has is invested in the next sales and whether or not they’ll make a profit and can begin paying back the debts. Mark needs and wants a woman who is going to stick around and not someone who will ever make it seem like a choice, her or the farm.
A couple of months ago, I read Iron Junction by Australian rural author Charlotte Nash, not realising that it was kind of loosely linked to her first novel, Ryders Ridge. You can read both stand alone as they take place on opposite sides of Australia but the hero of Iron Junction is Will Walker, the brother of Mark, the hero in this book and late in the book, they visit Ryders Ridge and we meet Daniella and Mark. For readers of Ryders Ridge, that would’ve been a lovely little glimpse into seeing how they were doing. I decided then and there that I really wanted to go back and read Ryders Ridge given that I’d enjoyed Iron Junction and Will so much. And so the lovely Rachael Johns generously loaned me her copy.
I immediately warmed to Daniella as she settled into her new town and wanted to know what it was that had sent her running from the city. It’s clear that something terrible has happened, something that she can’t quite get over. You can put together a few ideas based on the panic she feels in certain situations. I loved the friendship she develops with Jackie, a nurse in the clinic and the way that Jackie teases Daniella into the small society, getting her to be a little more involved but without totally throwing her into the deep end. Jackie has her own sort of sub-plot in this book and I enjoyed that just as much as I did the budding romance and complications of Mark and Daniella.
I like the way Mark and Daniella grow as a couple – both of them have other interests that keep them apart. Daniella has to be close to the clinic/hospital. She and the other doctor take turns being on call overnight and there are times when Daniella just cannot leave the small town and travel the 50k’s out to Mark’s farm. Likewise Mark has a lot going on with the farm and the investors and trying to pull through after several years of drought and a devastating fire. Both of them remain very much separate to each other as much as they are together, as they both have ambitions and responsibilities that keep them apart. Barely after they get together, the other doctor sends Daniella on a rotation to Mt Isa for experience. The thing is, the two of them make it work. They want to be together and they find ways to see it each other but they also respect each other’s need for distance too. It isn’t until Mark realises that Daniella hasn’t unpacked and may have absolutely no plans to ever stick around, that things begin to become difficult.
I liked this book just as much as I liked Iron Junction and really got invested in the characters, their problems and their relationships. I wanted Mark to be able to find a way to free himself and the farm from the outside investors and I wanted Daniella to be able to find that balance between staying with Mark and finding happiness but also challenging herself with her career and I think it’s fantastic this was considered as necessary by so many people, including Mark. I loved the setting, which was not really somewhere that I’m overly familiar with. I appreciate the rurals that take me into unfamiliar territory (and let’s face it, given where I’ve lived, most of the country is unfamiliar territory!). I hope that Charlotte Nash keeps writing books linking them loosely together in this way. I mentioned that I’d love to see a book featuring Daniella’s brother and I’d like to see Will and Mark’s sister in her own book too at some stage.
April 8, 2013
Debut novel Ryders Ridge claims a solid position for Charlotte Nash in the rural lit genre in Australian fiction. With a sweet developing romance, small-town politics and a hero/ heroine that are both passionate and flawed it makes for a captivating read.
Daniella Bell has escaped the chaotic lifestyle as a doctor in a city hospital to a rural town in north-west Queensland known as Ryders Ridge. She undergoes a medical placement in the town’s clinic run by Dr Harris and experiences a slower pace of life even though her work keeps her consistently occupied. Daniella is dedicated to her work and has quite a reserved personality so it takes some time to settle into a small-town where everyone knows everyone, dinner parties are an expectation and it’s likely to run into patients at the local supermarket or pub. She befriends Jackie the clinic nurse and single mother who takes her under her wing and introduces her to the town.
Cattleman Mark Walker makes an early impression on Daniella; his masculine, calm presence is noted at the outset. Brought together by his father’s health issues and an incident in the Hospital, it quickly becomes clear there’s a mutual attraction. Mark comfortably pursues Daniella who after some hesitation does allow herself to develop feelings for Mark and a sweet, natural romance develops thereafter.
Even though not a lot happens plot-wise in the story- there are a lot of small town events and patient consultations- it felt like as a reader I was taken on journey. It was so refreshing to see a couple just have an attraction to each other, go on a couple of dates and then become official without any major setbacks. There was a natural evolution of their relationship, even though some inner conflict kept the reader on edge about the longevity of their budding romance. I thought Mark Walker was the perfect hero, the right combination of masculinity and a protective presence that makes Daniella feel safe but he’s also very open with his feelings, honest and thoughtful. Though, he’s not without his own flaws as he quickly falls in love with Daniella and plans out their future without consulting her. Daniella on the other hand is a little reserved, cautious and guarded in her relationship with Mark- traits that sometimes can make it difficult to connect with the protagonist- but I really warmed to her, she has an inner strength and professional demeanor but there’s also the lack of confidence in her role and the anxiety she gets in social situations that makes her seem more human.
I read Ryders Ridge over the weekend and I really didn’t want to put it down. Unfortunately I had a busy weekend and was in and out of the house constantly but even when I wasn’t reading it; it was the kind of story where the characters stay with you and I was wondering what was going to happen next. Nash concludes the story in a way that I felt was quite realistic and fitting for Daniella and Mark even if everything wasn’t all tied up perfectly.
Nash is definitely a debut author to watch and I look forward to seeing what else she has in store in the future.
Daniella Bell has escaped the chaotic lifestyle as a doctor in a city hospital to a rural town in north-west Queensland known as Ryders Ridge. She undergoes a medical placement in the town’s clinic run by Dr Harris and experiences a slower pace of life even though her work keeps her consistently occupied. Daniella is dedicated to her work and has quite a reserved personality so it takes some time to settle into a small-town where everyone knows everyone, dinner parties are an expectation and it’s likely to run into patients at the local supermarket or pub. She befriends Jackie the clinic nurse and single mother who takes her under her wing and introduces her to the town.
Cattleman Mark Walker makes an early impression on Daniella; his masculine, calm presence is noted at the outset. Brought together by his father’s health issues and an incident in the Hospital, it quickly becomes clear there’s a mutual attraction. Mark comfortably pursues Daniella who after some hesitation does allow herself to develop feelings for Mark and a sweet, natural romance develops thereafter.
Even though not a lot happens plot-wise in the story- there are a lot of small town events and patient consultations- it felt like as a reader I was taken on journey. It was so refreshing to see a couple just have an attraction to each other, go on a couple of dates and then become official without any major setbacks. There was a natural evolution of their relationship, even though some inner conflict kept the reader on edge about the longevity of their budding romance. I thought Mark Walker was the perfect hero, the right combination of masculinity and a protective presence that makes Daniella feel safe but he’s also very open with his feelings, honest and thoughtful. Though, he’s not without his own flaws as he quickly falls in love with Daniella and plans out their future without consulting her. Daniella on the other hand is a little reserved, cautious and guarded in her relationship with Mark- traits that sometimes can make it difficult to connect with the protagonist- but I really warmed to her, she has an inner strength and professional demeanor but there’s also the lack of confidence in her role and the anxiety she gets in social situations that makes her seem more human.
I read Ryders Ridge over the weekend and I really didn’t want to put it down. Unfortunately I had a busy weekend and was in and out of the house constantly but even when I wasn’t reading it; it was the kind of story where the characters stay with you and I was wondering what was going to happen next. Nash concludes the story in a way that I felt was quite realistic and fitting for Daniella and Mark even if everything wasn’t all tied up perfectly.
Nash is definitely a debut author to watch and I look forward to seeing what else she has in store in the future.
April 14, 2013
I loved this. Fantastic debut by an Aussie author.
Ryders Ridge is the debut novel of Charlotte Nash, an Australian author who I’m sure we are sure to see a lot from in the future.
Ryders Ridge is a contemporary take on Rural Fiction with a unique twist. Like Loretta Hill who took the established genre of rural fiction, and tweaked it by setting her story in the Pilbara rather than an on a farm, Charlotte Nash has taken the genre of rural fiction and given it a new direction and voice. Rather then repeat some of the many story lines and tropes that are cropping up now a days in rural fiction and Chook lit alike, Nash has kept the rural setting, but added a secondary genre and spun a tale centred around the problematic issues of rural medicine.
The twist on the modern stable is not only refreshing, but also invigorating for the reader and really throws Nash as a debut author into the spotlight. Her writing is clear and crisp, her settings vivid and her characters strong and loveable. What’s more the situations her characters get themselves into are endless and you can never really tell where the story is going to go exactly.
With a team of vibrant and cheeky secondary characters, Nash’s cast of characters really come to life and spring off the pages.
Lively supporting cast of characters that range from the adorable dinosaur obsessed Jamie to Dave, to the snarky and downright controlling Stephanie and Maria Morgan who view Ryders Ridge as their own personal stomping ground, and Mark Webber as their property alone.
With family dramas and personal issues as far as the eye can see, the narrative is compelling and quickly draws the reader in from the very first page. To Nash’s credit, the narrative and her writing is neither angst-y or over the top, rather the characters and setting blend nicely together creating a coherent and inspiring story that is sure to pull at the readers heart strings.
I could go on and on about this book, and while I feel as though I’ve gushed a fair bit already, I don’t want to give too much of the story away. I urge you to pick up this brilliantly crafted, inspiring and compelling story for you will not be disappointed. By creating such a strong debut, Nash has not only proven her talents as a writer but also firmly presented herself as a must watch (and read) author who I am sure we will hear a lot from (and about) in the future.
Ryders Ridge is ideal for readers of rural fiction/Chook lit, but also readers of more medical type narratives. Full of small town politics, big city ideas, human spirit and love, Charlotte Nash’s debut Ryders Ridge is a novel not to be missed; I very much look forward to reading this authors work in the future.
This novel was read as part of my Australian Women Writer's Challenge 2013 and was posted on my blog on the 19th April and can be found here: http://theneverendingbookshelf.blog.c...
Ryders Ridge is the debut novel of Charlotte Nash, an Australian author who I’m sure we are sure to see a lot from in the future.
Ryders Ridge is a contemporary take on Rural Fiction with a unique twist. Like Loretta Hill who took the established genre of rural fiction, and tweaked it by setting her story in the Pilbara rather than an on a farm, Charlotte Nash has taken the genre of rural fiction and given it a new direction and voice. Rather then repeat some of the many story lines and tropes that are cropping up now a days in rural fiction and Chook lit alike, Nash has kept the rural setting, but added a secondary genre and spun a tale centred around the problematic issues of rural medicine.
The twist on the modern stable is not only refreshing, but also invigorating for the reader and really throws Nash as a debut author into the spotlight. Her writing is clear and crisp, her settings vivid and her characters strong and loveable. What’s more the situations her characters get themselves into are endless and you can never really tell where the story is going to go exactly.
With a team of vibrant and cheeky secondary characters, Nash’s cast of characters really come to life and spring off the pages.
Lively supporting cast of characters that range from the adorable dinosaur obsessed Jamie to Dave, to the snarky and downright controlling Stephanie and Maria Morgan who view Ryders Ridge as their own personal stomping ground, and Mark Webber as their property alone.
With family dramas and personal issues as far as the eye can see, the narrative is compelling and quickly draws the reader in from the very first page. To Nash’s credit, the narrative and her writing is neither angst-y or over the top, rather the characters and setting blend nicely together creating a coherent and inspiring story that is sure to pull at the readers heart strings.
I could go on and on about this book, and while I feel as though I’ve gushed a fair bit already, I don’t want to give too much of the story away. I urge you to pick up this brilliantly crafted, inspiring and compelling story for you will not be disappointed. By creating such a strong debut, Nash has not only proven her talents as a writer but also firmly presented herself as a must watch (and read) author who I am sure we will hear a lot from (and about) in the future.
Ryders Ridge is ideal for readers of rural fiction/Chook lit, but also readers of more medical type narratives. Full of small town politics, big city ideas, human spirit and love, Charlotte Nash’s debut Ryders Ridge is a novel not to be missed; I very much look forward to reading this authors work in the future.
This novel was read as part of my Australian Women Writer's Challenge 2013 and was posted on my blog on the 19th April and can be found here: http://theneverendingbookshelf.blog.c...
January 1, 2018
Sisu:
peale ühte traumaatilist kogemust põgeneb Dr. Daniella Bell pisikesse paika Ryders Ridge, mis asub loode Queenslandis, et seal uuesti oma elu üles ehitada. Kiiresti saavutab noor kaastundlik arst oma uute patsientide usalduse ja nägusa Mark Walkeri tähelepanu. Kuid ka elu maal võib kaasa tuua komplikatsioone. Hetkel, kil Daniella plaanib taas põgeneda, sunnib üks suur õnnetus ta jääma ja minevikule silma vaatama. Kui ta Marki kaotada ei taha, siis tuleb tal oma minevikuga leppida.
Mõtted:
See on selline mõnus armastuslugu, mida on lihtne lugeda ja mitte kõik ei ole kohe ette aimatav. Mõnusad maastikukirjeldused ja väikse kogukonna intriigid vürtsitavad lugemust. Saab muiata ja pisara poetada ja isegi veidi kiruda. Hea meelelahutus ja kompromissidele suunav lugemine.
peale ühte traumaatilist kogemust põgeneb Dr. Daniella Bell pisikesse paika Ryders Ridge, mis asub loode Queenslandis, et seal uuesti oma elu üles ehitada. Kiiresti saavutab noor kaastundlik arst oma uute patsientide usalduse ja nägusa Mark Walkeri tähelepanu. Kuid ka elu maal võib kaasa tuua komplikatsioone. Hetkel, kil Daniella plaanib taas põgeneda, sunnib üks suur õnnetus ta jääma ja minevikule silma vaatama. Kui ta Marki kaotada ei taha, siis tuleb tal oma minevikuga leppida.
Mõtted:
See on selline mõnus armastuslugu, mida on lihtne lugeda ja mitte kõik ei ole kohe ette aimatav. Mõnusad maastikukirjeldused ja väikse kogukonna intriigid vürtsitavad lugemust. Saab muiata ja pisara poetada ja isegi veidi kiruda. Hea meelelahutus ja kompromissidele suunav lugemine.
November 9, 2014
First book I've read by this author and absolutely loved it. Really liked how the author linked rural health with life in outback Australia. Being a nurse I actually understood all the medical terminology. Really enjoyed the love story between Daniella and Mark and the mystery surrounding Daniella's secret and also Jackie and Dave's secret too. Really enjoyed this book and the characters, you even grew to love Valerie in the end. Although Steph's character was easy to hate. This book reminded me so much of the television series Hart of Dixie...Dr Harris reminded me of Brick and Daniella reminded me of Zoe Hart :)
February 7, 2016
I loved this book. The setting in outback Queensland was brilliant - having lived in Brisbane my entire life, I'm a city girl through and through, but I still find the concept of outback Australia romantic and beautiful. The romance was sweet, understated, and really well done - Mark was completely lovely, and I'm not sure they actually make them like that anywhere. The plot was interesting, and the characters were all really well developed - however, Stephanie really was quite the evil bitch. I'd love to read more from this author!
May 28, 2015
As a city girl, I'll admit I was not quick to be swept up in the craze for outback stories (too much dust) but I thoroughly enjoyed this one (even, sniff, getting a bit glassy eyed at one point). Nash has created characters with a refreshing blend of intelligence, warmth and realism. So many bush tales end with the heroin giving up everything for the farmer she loves, and it gave this romantic story a modern edge to conclude Daniella and Mark's relationship the way Nash did. A Happy Ever After, but within an equal and balanced relationship. Great stuff. More please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2013
I have to disclose that Charlotte and I both attended the Hachette/QWC manuscript development programme together. If it hasn't been for that, I wouldn't have read this book as its not a genre I usually go for - but, I'm so glad I did. This book is beautifully written and structured, and a really great read. As a doctor, the medical scenes and background were really well done, and compelling to me, and I found myself cheering for Mark and Daniella.
June 16, 2014
Ryder's Ridge is the story of Dr Daniella Bell who flees from a large hospital in Brisbane after an upsetting event in the hope that she will come to terms with it. Meeting Mark Walker a cattle station heir was not part of the plan. Charlotte has written an interesting story situated in the Australian outback and the dilemma she places her characters in is very real. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Thanks Charlotte
June 9, 2014
I liked the next book in the series better, but this was an OK holiday read. Love the Aussie background and can imagine it will do well as a rural romance. I felt uncomfortable with this together, but not together romance though.
August 28, 2014
Charlotte Nash has a very enjoyable writing style! She writes A lovely book with really believable characters. Enjoyed the storyline . Found the negativity towards the Grey Nomads a little disappointing!
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April 6, 2013A very delightful first novel.
January 12, 2014
Nice light Australian romance. Excellent debut for this author. Looking forward to reading her future efforts. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2014
What an excellent read considering it was the author's first novel - bravo!
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