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Burrabinda #1
Burrabinda Dawn
The sprawling farm of Burrabinda has been home to the Westman family for generations. Now, Charlotte has opened its doors and her heart to invite guests to lose themselves in the rugged beauty ... and perhaps find themselves again.
Amongst the first to arrive are solo mum Stella Lewis and her eighteen-year-old daughter, Evie. A sought-after city hairdresser, Stella needs time away after a devastating incident shatters her sense of security and unlocks a long-buried secret, threatening her confidence and even her career.
Evie was looking forward to university until a party took an unexpected turn, throwing her future plans into disarray. She leaps at the chance to visit the outback, needing time away from those she once trusted. As their journey unfolds, so do their secrets.
Beneath the endless skies, Stella and Evie discover that sometimes the best way forward is to lose yourself somewhere completely unexpected.
Amongst the first to arrive are solo mum Stella Lewis and her eighteen-year-old daughter, Evie. A sought-after city hairdresser, Stella needs time away after a devastating incident shatters her sense of security and unlocks a long-buried secret, threatening her confidence and even her career.
Evie was looking forward to university until a party took an unexpected turn, throwing her future plans into disarray. She leaps at the chance to visit the outback, needing time away from those she once trusted. As their journey unfolds, so do their secrets.
Beneath the endless skies, Stella and Evie discover that sometimes the best way forward is to lose yourself somewhere completely unexpected.
- GenresContemporary
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2026
About the author
Heather Reyburn
43 books48 followersGrowing up in New Zealand’s North Island, Heather enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family sheep and cattle farm, generating a respect for the land, and a love of both animals and reading.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burrabinda Farm had been in the Westman family for generations but now they needed a change of direction for it. With finances not giving them the confidence they needed, Charlotte & Anthony, current owners; Ray & Sylvie (Anthony's parents nearby) and Oliver & Nate, Charlotte & Anthony's two sons, put their heads together and began work on turning Burrabinda into a farm stay. With their sheep and cattle stock needing a lot of their time, everyone was busy. But the change went ahead and before long people were heading to the new farm stay in Queensland, only an hour from Winton.
Stella & Evie Lewis had had a traumatic time back at their home on the Gold Coast, and when Stella's parents encouraged them to take a holiday, everyone was supportive. Driving through the vast Queensland bush, with dust, flies and much more to contend with, they both loved it. Arriving at Winton and the dinosaur museum that Evie had loved so much as a child, she was in her element as they wandered the museum. Needing somewhere to stay, Burrabinda was recommended. And so the bulk of their holiday commenced. Both Evie and Stella loved it on the farm, Evie on the horses with Nate as her guide; Stella helping with the sheep, a job she didn't expect to enjoy but did. Gradually, the trauma eased...
Burrabinda Dawn is the 1st in the Burrabinda series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and in her usual inimitable style, it's perfect. Wonderful characters, excellent word pictures of Burrabinda and the surrounds, of the bush, wildlife and nature - I love Ms Reyburn's work. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Stella & Evie Lewis had had a traumatic time back at their home on the Gold Coast, and when Stella's parents encouraged them to take a holiday, everyone was supportive. Driving through the vast Queensland bush, with dust, flies and much more to contend with, they both loved it. Arriving at Winton and the dinosaur museum that Evie had loved so much as a child, she was in her element as they wandered the museum. Needing somewhere to stay, Burrabinda was recommended. And so the bulk of their holiday commenced. Both Evie and Stella loved it on the farm, Evie on the horses with Nate as her guide; Stella helping with the sheep, a job she didn't expect to enjoy but did. Gradually, the trauma eased...
Burrabinda Dawn is the 1st in the Burrabinda series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and in her usual inimitable style, it's perfect. Wonderful characters, excellent word pictures of Burrabinda and the surrounds, of the bush, wildlife and nature - I love Ms Reyburn's work. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Queensland, Australia. Burrabinda has been owned and run by generations of the Westman family. Roy and Sylvia have retired and handed over the reins to Anthony and Charlotte. They have two sons Nathan and Oliver and the couple don’t want them inheriting a financial mess. Farming is hard work, you have to deal with fickle weather, drought one minute and storms the next and fluctuating stock prices.
Charlotte has an idea, to diversify and make money, the homestead is large, she wants to open a farm stay and give city people a chance to see what it is like living on the land and to unwind and relax.
Two of their first guests are single mum Stella Lewis and her eighteen-year-old daughter, Evie from the Gold Coast. They have had a difficult time and for Stella it triggers a long buried fear to resurface. Stella no longer feels safe, she has been struggling at work and her mum and dad shout her and Evie a holiday.
Evie is happy to go on a road trip with her mum, they take in turns driving and she can’t wait to visit Dinosaur museum in Winton and she adores it. They need a place to stay, one of the staff recommended Burrabinda, here Stella clicks with Charlotte, and Evie enjoys riding horses with Nate and they don’t miss the city one bit.
I received a digital copy Burrabinda Dawn (The Burrabinda Series Book 1) by Heather Reyburn in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative, the characters are diverse and interesting, and so is setting for the farm stay in Burrabinda, including the sheep, horses, wildlife, serenity and history of the area.
I really liked how it focused on overcoming worries and fears, we all have them and five stars from me and due to be released on the 14th of October 2026. Bring on book two and I can’t wait.
Charlotte has an idea, to diversify and make money, the homestead is large, she wants to open a farm stay and give city people a chance to see what it is like living on the land and to unwind and relax.
Two of their first guests are single mum Stella Lewis and her eighteen-year-old daughter, Evie from the Gold Coast. They have had a difficult time and for Stella it triggers a long buried fear to resurface. Stella no longer feels safe, she has been struggling at work and her mum and dad shout her and Evie a holiday.
Evie is happy to go on a road trip with her mum, they take in turns driving and she can’t wait to visit Dinosaur museum in Winton and she adores it. They need a place to stay, one of the staff recommended Burrabinda, here Stella clicks with Charlotte, and Evie enjoys riding horses with Nate and they don’t miss the city one bit.
I received a digital copy Burrabinda Dawn (The Burrabinda Series Book 1) by Heather Reyburn in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative, the characters are diverse and interesting, and so is setting for the farm stay in Burrabinda, including the sheep, horses, wildlife, serenity and history of the area.
I really liked how it focused on overcoming worries and fears, we all have them and five stars from me and due to be released on the 14th of October 2026. Bring on book two and I can’t wait.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The start of a new series from one of my favourite authors and it didn’t disappoint, come along for a trip to outback Queensland and meet some wonderful characters.
Burrabinda is a large farm with cattle and sheep and has been home to the Westman family for generations but sadly farming is not an easy business and with drought, floods and the cost of fuel and fertilizer running Burrabinda is getting harder and Charlotte has come up with a plan to bring tourism onto the farm and keep it going by giving people the chance to experience farming for themselves, the doors have opened to this sprawling and beautiful land and the very welcoming Westman family, Anthony, Charlotte theirs sons Oliver and Nathan and Roy and Sylvia, Anthony’s parents and Charlotte’s cousin Heath.
Their first visitors are Stella Lewis and her eighteen year old daughter Evie, Stella is a single mum and a hairdresser but while house-sitting her parents home a terrible incident brings back past memories for Stella and shatters her confidence, her parents suggest a holiday and young Evie is very keen for this to happen.
Evie has also had a re-think about her future after a weekend away with her girlfriends goes wrong, so they decide on a trip to the outback they find themselves driving to Winton and Evie is stoked at the dinosaur’s museum and she is sure she has found what she wants her future to be and then they arrive at Burrabinda for a two week stay.
Staying at Burrabinda is what will change their lives, they really open up with the help of the Westman family and discover secrets that had been kept for many years and now the future is theirs to own and the happiness they have both found is what they needed and deserved.
I loved this one from start to finish and cannot highly recommend it enough, a beautifully told story of friendship, and of finding yourself, I loved all of the characters in this one and of course my trip to the outback was amazing, and I am really looking forward to more in this series and another visit to Burrabinda and the Westman family.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Burrabinda is a large farm with cattle and sheep and has been home to the Westman family for generations but sadly farming is not an easy business and with drought, floods and the cost of fuel and fertilizer running Burrabinda is getting harder and Charlotte has come up with a plan to bring tourism onto the farm and keep it going by giving people the chance to experience farming for themselves, the doors have opened to this sprawling and beautiful land and the very welcoming Westman family, Anthony, Charlotte theirs sons Oliver and Nathan and Roy and Sylvia, Anthony’s parents and Charlotte’s cousin Heath.
Their first visitors are Stella Lewis and her eighteen year old daughter Evie, Stella is a single mum and a hairdresser but while house-sitting her parents home a terrible incident brings back past memories for Stella and shatters her confidence, her parents suggest a holiday and young Evie is very keen for this to happen.
Evie has also had a re-think about her future after a weekend away with her girlfriends goes wrong, so they decide on a trip to the outback they find themselves driving to Winton and Evie is stoked at the dinosaur’s museum and she is sure she has found what she wants her future to be and then they arrive at Burrabinda for a two week stay.
Staying at Burrabinda is what will change their lives, they really open up with the help of the Westman family and discover secrets that had been kept for many years and now the future is theirs to own and the happiness they have both found is what they needed and deserved.
I loved this one from start to finish and cannot highly recommend it enough, a beautifully told story of friendship, and of finding yourself, I loved all of the characters in this one and of course my trip to the outback was amazing, and I am really looking forward to more in this series and another visit to Burrabinda and the Westman family.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burrabinda Dawn is the first book in author Heather Reyburn’s new Burrabinda series and what a fabulous start.
The fictional Burrabinda Station is located in central western Queensland and has been owned by the Westman family for many years, the 3rd generation are now old enough to take over the business and their mother, Charlotte, worries that if changes aren’t made then they may lose the Station and her sons will have no inheritance. She comes up with a plan to diversify their business by opening up Burrabinda to tourism. She suggests they convert four bedrooms in the main house to host paying guests and become a farm stay.
Their first guests are Stella and her eighteen-year-old daughter Evie. The two women have recently been through a horrific situation, and Stella especially is triggered by the event and cannot shake off the constant feeling of fear. They decide get away from it all and head west to outback Queensland and visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum near Winton as Evie loves dinosaurs. Here they learn about the newly opened Burrabinda farm stay, become the first guests, and start the journey to overcoming their fears.
Heather has introduced me to a whole new group of wonderful friends. I loved all of the Westman family - Roy, Sylvia, Anthony, Charlotte, Nathan and Oliver; and I loved Stella and Evie. The issues faced in the story are very current, drought, floods and rising prices are forcing farmers to the wall; violent crimes seem to be reported every day. Heather used these issues very effectively to build her story around.
And I loved how all these characters became friends, helped each other succeed in their goals and worked together when danger threatens. I can’t wait to visit with them all again. If you haven’t read any of Heather Reyburn’s books then I utterly recommend you start.
Thank you to the author, Heather Reyburn, for providing an advanced copy of her book, at my request, for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The fictional Burrabinda Station is located in central western Queensland and has been owned by the Westman family for many years, the 3rd generation are now old enough to take over the business and their mother, Charlotte, worries that if changes aren’t made then they may lose the Station and her sons will have no inheritance. She comes up with a plan to diversify their business by opening up Burrabinda to tourism. She suggests they convert four bedrooms in the main house to host paying guests and become a farm stay.
Their first guests are Stella and her eighteen-year-old daughter Evie. The two women have recently been through a horrific situation, and Stella especially is triggered by the event and cannot shake off the constant feeling of fear. They decide get away from it all and head west to outback Queensland and visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum near Winton as Evie loves dinosaurs. Here they learn about the newly opened Burrabinda farm stay, become the first guests, and start the journey to overcoming their fears.
Heather has introduced me to a whole new group of wonderful friends. I loved all of the Westman family - Roy, Sylvia, Anthony, Charlotte, Nathan and Oliver; and I loved Stella and Evie. The issues faced in the story are very current, drought, floods and rising prices are forcing farmers to the wall; violent crimes seem to be reported every day. Heather used these issues very effectively to build her story around.
And I loved how all these characters became friends, helped each other succeed in their goals and worked together when danger threatens. I can’t wait to visit with them all again. If you haven’t read any of Heather Reyburn’s books then I utterly recommend you start.
Thank you to the author, Heather Reyburn, for providing an advanced copy of her book, at my request, for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Burrabinda farm has been home to the
Westman family for generations. Charlotte and her husband Anthony have run the property and bought up four boys who are their pride and joy.
Charlotte can see changes need to happen to make the property more viable, so with the families blessing, they are opening their doors to invite guests to stay and experience life on the farm in different ways.
Stella is a solo mum bringing up her teenage daughter Evie. After a house invasion from four intruders whilst looking after her parents' home whilst they were on holiday, her life has been thrown into a big turmoil. This trauma has unlocked past happenings that need addressing.
Daughter Evie is planning on attending university, but a girls sleepover goes wrong, which makes her question her life's path. She is worried about her mum after the recent house invasion and jumps at the chance to go on a road trip with her so they can both relax and rethink plans.
Life on Burrabinda is a beautiful retreat, full of family get togethers, and a place to forget old hurts and make new friends and new plans.
I loved being introduced to new characters and learning about farm life experiences. I'm totally invested in this new series and can't wait for the next book.
Thanks for my ebook copy for an honest review.
Highly recommended reading 📚 👌 ♥️
Westman family for generations. Charlotte and her husband Anthony have run the property and bought up four boys who are their pride and joy.
Charlotte can see changes need to happen to make the property more viable, so with the families blessing, they are opening their doors to invite guests to stay and experience life on the farm in different ways.
Stella is a solo mum bringing up her teenage daughter Evie. After a house invasion from four intruders whilst looking after her parents' home whilst they were on holiday, her life has been thrown into a big turmoil. This trauma has unlocked past happenings that need addressing.
Daughter Evie is planning on attending university, but a girls sleepover goes wrong, which makes her question her life's path. She is worried about her mum after the recent house invasion and jumps at the chance to go on a road trip with her so they can both relax and rethink plans.
Life on Burrabinda is a beautiful retreat, full of family get togethers, and a place to forget old hurts and make new friends and new plans.
I loved being introduced to new characters and learning about farm life experiences. I'm totally invested in this new series and can't wait for the next book.
Thanks for my ebook copy for an honest review.
Highly recommended reading 📚 👌 ♥️
October 18, 2026
Heather Reyburn’s new series is set at Burrabinda near Winton in western Queensland and I’ve enjoyed reading about the challenges in this rural setting. As much general fiction as it is a romance, Burrabinda Dawn shows how multi-generational families manage their competing needs and work together for the good of the property.
The novel begins with Charlotte Westman deciding to add another income stream on Burrabinda, as the property will need to support their sons and families in the future, and times are already tough. Luckily everyone agrees and we get to know three generations of the Westmans as they make the farm ready for paying guests.
At the same time, on the Gold Coast, mother and daughter team Stella and Evie grab the opportunity to travel out west on a much-needed break from their everyday lives. Stella especially is struggling after a home invasion and Evie is ready for a change of scene as well. The novel is nearly 40% along before Stella and Evie get to Burrabinda, and the pace picks up as they help out on the property and think about possibilities to live and work outside of the Gold Coast.
I loved Heath who works subcontracts for the Westmans, and he takes a shine to Stella. Evie in turn is transfixed not only by the Winton dinosaurs, but also the second Westman son, Nate.
The imagery sings, as the reader gets to know the horses and dogs, the way of life on the land and of course, the Westman family. I hope we get to see more of them, and fingers crossed for a bright future for Burrabinda.
Thanks so much Heather for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
The novel begins with Charlotte Westman deciding to add another income stream on Burrabinda, as the property will need to support their sons and families in the future, and times are already tough. Luckily everyone agrees and we get to know three generations of the Westmans as they make the farm ready for paying guests.
At the same time, on the Gold Coast, mother and daughter team Stella and Evie grab the opportunity to travel out west on a much-needed break from their everyday lives. Stella especially is struggling after a home invasion and Evie is ready for a change of scene as well. The novel is nearly 40% along before Stella and Evie get to Burrabinda, and the pace picks up as they help out on the property and think about possibilities to live and work outside of the Gold Coast.
I loved Heath who works subcontracts for the Westmans, and he takes a shine to Stella. Evie in turn is transfixed not only by the Winton dinosaurs, but also the second Westman son, Nate.
The imagery sings, as the reader gets to know the horses and dogs, the way of life on the land and of course, the Westman family. I hope we get to see more of them, and fingers crossed for a bright future for Burrabinda.
Thanks so much Heather for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
October 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️Burrabinda Dawn, a beautiful property and family in Rural Queensland. 1st of a new series written by an author established in the Aussie rural / romance market.
Released yesterday and I devoured the story overnight. Enjoyable and relatable characters with the plot mixing the complexities of life in city versus country. I loved the descriptions of western QLD throughout the story.
The Burrabinda family proactively works to survive for future generations. The lifestyle of the property, and far western QLD, works its magic and both Stella and Evie (and the reader). Predictable to some extent (with a few revelations) and an easy read, but all the more entertaining for that.
Released yesterday and I devoured the story overnight. Enjoyable and relatable characters with the plot mixing the complexities of life in city versus country. I loved the descriptions of western QLD throughout the story.
The Burrabinda family proactively works to survive for future generations. The lifestyle of the property, and far western QLD, works its magic and both Stella and Evie (and the reader). Predictable to some extent (with a few revelations) and an easy read, but all the more entertaining for that.
November 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve loved every Heather Reyburn book I’ve read so far, and Burrabinda Dawn was no exception. Another really enjoyable, easy read with a wonderful storyline and characters I enjoyed getting to know.
One of my favourite things about this book was the setting. I loved the descriptions of the Australian outback and life at Burrabinda. It’s such an interesting part of Australia and reading this has made me even more keen to get out there and explore it for myself.
The story had a lovely mix of family, secrets, challenges and new beginnings, and I really enjoyed following Stella and Evie’s journey. Heather has a wonderful way of telling a story that makes it easy to become absorbed in the lives of her characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely five stars from me!
I’ve loved every Heather Reyburn book I’ve read so far, and Burrabinda Dawn was no exception. Another really enjoyable, easy read with a wonderful storyline and characters I enjoyed getting to know.
One of my favourite things about this book was the setting. I loved the descriptions of the Australian outback and life at Burrabinda. It’s such an interesting part of Australia and reading this has made me even more keen to get out there and explore it for myself.
The story had a lovely mix of family, secrets, challenges and new beginnings, and I really enjoyed following Stella and Evie’s journey. Heather has a wonderful way of telling a story that makes it easy to become absorbed in the lives of her characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely five stars from me!
October 22, 2026
Absolutely lovely - I'm so pleased this is the first in a series as I look forward to more from the beautiful people we've just met. The story flowed and the characters became real with the descriptions of Outback Australia bringing the Australian countryside to life. Nothing is forced and the conclusion is satisfying. I look forward to more from these special people we've just met. A truly lovely book.
October 25, 2026
Loved this book!
Such a great cast of characters!
Cannot wait for more in this series!
Such a great cast of characters!
Cannot wait for more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews