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The Reluctant Jillaroo
Surf-loving Heidi impersonates her horse-mad twin to help Harper get a scholarship to attend the much sought-after agricultural school in this rural romance from Australia's queen of teen, Kaz Delaney. Suitable for teen readers of Rachael Treasure.
Harper Gage has won the opportunity of a lifetime - ten days at Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school. The camp could give her the recommendation she needs to go to the exclusive Agricoll for years 11 and 12. But when an accident leaves Harper hospitalised, her twin sister, Heidi, goes in her place. The only problem is that Heidi is not much of a country girl - not like her sister. And to make life even more complicated, her sister's biggest rival Trent is going to be there. Will she be able to fool him?
And then the reality of the school hits Heidi hard. It's all dust, snakes and heat - a million miles away from the surf she loves. When she meets the fun and handsome Chaz, life at the school suddenly doesn't seem so bad, although with Trent acting up and trouble brewing with the other students, Heidi's not sure how long she can keep her identity secret. And if her secret is revealed, will Chaz ever be able to trust her again?
Harper Gage has won the opportunity of a lifetime - ten days at Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school. The camp could give her the recommendation she needs to go to the exclusive Agricoll for years 11 and 12. But when an accident leaves Harper hospitalised, her twin sister, Heidi, goes in her place. The only problem is that Heidi is not much of a country girl - not like her sister. And to make life even more complicated, her sister's biggest rival Trent is going to be there. Will she be able to fool him?
And then the reality of the school hits Heidi hard. It's all dust, snakes and heat - a million miles away from the surf she loves. When she meets the fun and handsome Chaz, life at the school suddenly doesn't seem so bad, although with Trent acting up and trouble brewing with the other students, Heidi's not sure how long she can keep her identity secret. And if her secret is revealed, will Chaz ever be able to trust her again?
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2016
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 21, 2018
When Harper Gage injured herself the night before she was to leave for the ten day agricultural school course, which would hopefully set her up for a scholarship at Agricoll in Tamworth, identical twin sister Heidi didn’t think twice. Heidi would be Harper for the duration, and she hoped she could pull it off. Harper loved horses; anything country – while Heidi was a lover of the surf and city. But she had to try – it was her fault Harper was injured after all.
Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school was amazing. But Heidi was terrified. When she met Poppy, her horse for the time she’d be there, she fell in love. Poppy was a delightful girl, quiet and secure; Heidi felt Poppy was the only one who understood her. With Trent at the camp – someone Harper went to school with – and the kind hearted and fun Chaz, Heidi’s stress levels climbed. But it was when things started to go wrong that Heidi was sure her secret would be exposed. What would she do if that happened? Would Harper lose everything she’d worked for?
The Reluctant Jillaroo is my first by Aussie author Kaz Delaney and I loved it! Laugh out loud entertainment, as well as some teary moments, plus the usual teenage angst – all set in the rural countryside of NSW around Scone, horse capital of Australia. And I had no idea who the culprit was until the reveal! A really enjoyable read, The Reluctant Jillaroo is one I highly recommend.
Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school was amazing. But Heidi was terrified. When she met Poppy, her horse for the time she’d be there, she fell in love. Poppy was a delightful girl, quiet and secure; Heidi felt Poppy was the only one who understood her. With Trent at the camp – someone Harper went to school with – and the kind hearted and fun Chaz, Heidi’s stress levels climbed. But it was when things started to go wrong that Heidi was sure her secret would be exposed. What would she do if that happened? Would Harper lose everything she’d worked for?
The Reluctant Jillaroo is my first by Aussie author Kaz Delaney and I loved it! Laugh out loud entertainment, as well as some teary moments, plus the usual teenage angst – all set in the rural countryside of NSW around Scone, horse capital of Australia. And I had no idea who the culprit was until the reveal! A really enjoyable read, The Reluctant Jillaroo is one I highly recommend.
May 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish, it is a beautiful young adult romance with a bit of suspense thrown in and set on a property for teenagers to try their hand at being a jackeroo or jillaroo, and yes it has been sitting on my TBR pile for quite some time and I am so glad I got to it.
Harper Gage is keen to train to be a jillaroo and she is thrilled when she get a chance to go to Winmaroo for ten days this is the opportunity for her to win a scholarship to the agricultural school, it would make all of her dreams come true, but an accident leaves Harper on crutches but her loving identical twin Heidi goes in her place but Heidi is the beach girl not the farm girl can she pull this off to help Harper?
Heidi arrives with huge butterflies in her stomach worried that she may not be able to do this for Harper and then to make things worse Harper’s rival at school Trent is there as well putting more pressure on her. The other students do help make things a lot better for her there is lots of fun and then there is Chaz who sets her heart a fluttering. The pressure is on Heidi, but she shows such strength to keep up the hopes of doing the right thing but she is an honest person and when a few personal items go missing Heidi is feeling like she must be honest and she is getting closer to Chaz will he still speak to her after he finds out the truth her stress levels are rising but she has made some great friends.
There are so many laugh of loud moments in this story and some very emotional moments as well teenage love is not always easy and Kaz Delaney has done this one so well my heart went out to Heidi she is the most caring and loving person and always willing to stand up for anyone. I loved being on the farm with the animals and the fun they had learning and the ending is fabulous. This is a story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good rural romance.
Harper Gage is keen to train to be a jillaroo and she is thrilled when she get a chance to go to Winmaroo for ten days this is the opportunity for her to win a scholarship to the agricultural school, it would make all of her dreams come true, but an accident leaves Harper on crutches but her loving identical twin Heidi goes in her place but Heidi is the beach girl not the farm girl can she pull this off to help Harper?
Heidi arrives with huge butterflies in her stomach worried that she may not be able to do this for Harper and then to make things worse Harper’s rival at school Trent is there as well putting more pressure on her. The other students do help make things a lot better for her there is lots of fun and then there is Chaz who sets her heart a fluttering. The pressure is on Heidi, but she shows such strength to keep up the hopes of doing the right thing but she is an honest person and when a few personal items go missing Heidi is feeling like she must be honest and she is getting closer to Chaz will he still speak to her after he finds out the truth her stress levels are rising but she has made some great friends.
There are so many laugh of loud moments in this story and some very emotional moments as well teenage love is not always easy and Kaz Delaney has done this one so well my heart went out to Heidi she is the most caring and loving person and always willing to stand up for anyone. I loved being on the farm with the animals and the fun they had learning and the ending is fabulous. This is a story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good rural romance.
January 20, 2016
Ha, I don't often read books about Jillaroos, but this one had me intrigued. Firstly, it was YA, and secondly, it wasn't Rachael Treasure (one of my friends adores Rachel Treasure's books, but I've never really gotten into them) Obviously it's Australian, which is a tick, and there are horses, which is another tick! Adding all these things together made for a book that was a little different for me, and at the same time highly enjoyable.
I don't want to give away any of the plot, but suffice to say the mystery and the romance here intertwine perfectly with just enough comedy to keep me smiling. The writing is a gem, and the story itself flows beautifully from instance to instance. Seriously, Kaz Delaney, if you wrote a sequel about the next Winmaroo Adventures (and maybe a bit of Harper/Trent action...please?) then I would totally read it. If you like contemporary YA fiction without complications, then I highly recommend this one. Only twenty days into January, I know, but this is my favorite book of the year so far! Five stars :D
I don't want to give away any of the plot, but suffice to say the mystery and the romance here intertwine perfectly with just enough comedy to keep me smiling. The writing is a gem, and the story itself flows beautifully from instance to instance. Seriously, Kaz Delaney, if you wrote a sequel about the next Winmaroo Adventures (and maybe a bit of Harper/Trent action...please?) then I would totally read it. If you like contemporary YA fiction without complications, then I highly recommend this one. Only twenty days into January, I know, but this is my favorite book of the year so far! Five stars :D
March 31, 2016
Loved this book its got it all some 'g' rated romance, suspense & mystery, lots of laughs and some of our great Australian bush. This book is not just for teens (my mum loved it too) can't wait to get our copy for school (its on order) because i know the kids will love it as much as me! (and not id didn't actually take me weeks to ready, just didn't get time until the long weekend to read it, only too me a few hours
March 23, 2016
Identical twin sisters Heidi and Harper couldn’t be more different. Heidi is all about sun, skating and waves; while Harper prefers spending time on a farm, milking cows and caring for horses and sheep.
Heidi’s a… surfer out of water, and things aren’t exactly going smoothly.
A twin-swapping, horse-riding story full of fun, friendship, and blossoming romance?
If only.
The rest of this review can be found HERE!
There were differences, of course, but you had to know us to pick them. Like, my sister was left-handed and I was right. We each had one dimple – hers was in the left cheek, mine right. Dad reckoned we were the mirror image of each other. Then there were our non-physical differences: I was skirts, she was jeans. I was pink lip gloss, she was clear lip protection, which kind of summed up our personalities, really.But when Harper winds up in the hospital and is unable to attend the ten day Jillaroo camp that her agricultural scholarship hinges on, Heidi has to step in. It’s her fault, after all. It was Heidi’s skateboard that sent Harper to hospital and robbed her of her chances.
Heidi’s a… surfer out of water, and things aren’t exactly going smoothly.
Don’t ask me why, but the sheep I separated from the flock was one big mama. Like, huge. And she was smart. I had her pinned in the corner but she wasn’t going anywhere peacefully. She went left and I blocked. She went right and I blocked. She stared at me. I stared back. It was a Mexican standoff. And I was pretty worried that I was going to blink first and she’d win.Not least because she has to pretend to be her sister in front of Harper’s biggest competition at school. Trent is bound to notice that “Harper” is no good at things she used to be able to do with her eyes closed… And he seems to be trying to trick her into making a fool of herself.
‘You’re crazy, Harper, but you’re not fooling me. You know all this stuff. Trent’s been telling everyone how great you are at everything; all those ribbons you’ve won at the ag shows… weren’t you like runner-up for Junior Farmer of the Year one time? And you don’t even live on a property! I just can’t work out why you keep pretending you don’t know what you’re doing. Is it because you don’t want to show us up? That’s so sweet, but it’s okay, really. Just be yourself.’But there are good things too, like her sweet, gentle horse, Poppy.
When I stroked a hand down the white strip on her nose, she leaned her head into my shoulder and I had to admit it was love at first hug. I may not be a total horse person like Harper, but I was human and she’d melted my heart.Cute, supportive, funny surfer/Jackaroo-in-training, Chaz.
I tried not to, I really did, but somehow I found myself wandering closer to Chaz. Metal filings and magnets. Moths and flames. Heidi and Chaz. Whichever way you looked at it, it spelled a total lack of control.And she’s not as entirely hopeless at things as you might think.
A twin-swapping, horse-riding story full of fun, friendship, and blossoming romance?
If only.
The rest of this review can be found HERE!
August 16, 2017
Involved story with a mystery, lots of secrets, and a very appealing love interest.
Update January 25: Review now at Reading Time.
February 6, 2016
This was a quick, fun twin-swapping story. I thought the mystery wasn't much chop (we weren't really given clues to solve it), but the romance was sweet and the twin-swap almost believable. This story is young enough to be suitable for horsey preteens (there's nothing more than holding hands and the odd kiss).
Be aware that there is a scene where a horse .
Be aware that there is a scene where a horse .
May 16, 2017
Okay, so this book felt very slow to start with. I gave no time to it and put off reading it... boy was I wrong. The actual time spent reading this book amounted to maybe 4 hours? But I read it.
You think you are getting a cute love story, some little YA romance, then there is the classic twist of mystery that keeps you hooked.
I am an annoying person who guesses the ending and is generally right so this ending wasn't the greatest. There where too many twist and turns, some incredibly logical (slap in the face logic duurr) but others almost felt unnecessary, trying to get the characters to seem more 3dimensional.
You think you are getting a cute love story, some little YA romance, then there is the classic twist of mystery that keeps you hooked.
I am an annoying person who guesses the ending and is generally right so this ending wasn't the greatest. There where too many twist and turns, some incredibly logical (slap in the face logic duurr) but others almost felt unnecessary, trying to get the characters to seem more 3dimensional.
November 3, 2017
It was amazing if I could have it that will the best because I borrowed it from school and fell in love with and the characters were amazing Harper and Heidi were the best sisters out of all the books I read about sister this was my fav because even though they were not a like they still loved each and I loved the character Chaz because he was sweet and kind to blah............... I'm not going to spoil it for just try to read the book
November 22, 2017
The Reluctant Jillaroo, was a funny, heart beating and exciting book to read. When Harper and Heidi switch places at the jillaroo camp at Winmaroo because of Harper tripping on Heidi’s skateboard, Heidi decides to take her sisters place out of guilt… when things get rough Heidi needs her friends, but how can she make real friends when she’s trying to fly under the radar.
August 16, 2019
I Sped through this one and by the time I got to the end was really enjoying the cuteness of a romantic YA, a whodunnit and Aussie bush that's very familiar to me from growing up.
Good to read a book from a fellow Lake Macquarie lady too!
Good to read a book from a fellow Lake Macquarie lady too!
October 4, 2019
A fun story about a pair of identical twins who switch places with some really crazy (but totally believable!) results when surfer twin heads out country to learn to be a cowgirl/jilaroo. So much fun. Really enjoyed the characters and fun of being on 'jillaroo camp' with them.
July 22, 2017
Roll into this one horsey people. It's a love story as well.
For Y9-11 readers who can cope with love at first sight!
For Y9-11 readers who can cope with love at first sight!
July 4, 2018
What a great book packed with heaps of mystery, romance and of course horses. It was such a nice read - I really didn't want it to end.
April 6, 2022
Mate this is a really well written book. This is one of my favourite books of all time!
I would read this book over and over again. Just been caught up with so other many amazing books!
I would read this book over and over again. Just been caught up with so other many amazing books!
April 27, 2017
Once again Kaz Delaney had me awake until 3am finishing one of her books. Read, finished, and loved the same day I got it and it was wonderful from start to finish!
Kaz gets your attention early on by starting in the middle of a moment, we are thrown into the story with no idea what has happened, and only Heidi's thoughts to fill us in. I love stories that drop you straight in the action; it makes your curious and engaged right away. The idea that Heidi and Harper have concocted is well within the realm of believability, and Kaz writes so well that the story flows seamlessly and you get caught up in the story naturally.
Of course Heidi's experience isn't going to go smoothly. Watching Heidi deal with everything that comes her way is fun and commendable. She never gives in and covers her tracks as best she can, not without the pang of guilt and the sadness she feels at lying to people she's become good friends with.
Heidi is a great and admirable character. She is friendly and welcoming, even when she is out of her depth, and her loyalty and determination outweigh her fears and trepidations. What I also adored about her is that she has a great moral sense and good nature that makes her want to help people and make them feel included. Looking after other camp attendees and noticing what others are doing or feeling, making sure they are happy, is what makes her a wonderful person.
But this is not just a simple story where Heidi mustn't be found out, there are mysterious things happening at the camp as well. The gradual introduction of the mystery is subtle and at the same time doesn't deter from Heidi's fish out of water experiences. Kaz connects everything brilliantly and there are twists and turns offering up a different thrill away from watching Heidi try to drench sheep or milk cows.
The best part about reading this though is how it feels like you are right alongside these characters, riding along trails, whispering at night in bunks, and having everyday experiences. That's what makes Kaz's writing so wonderful, it feels so realistic. Everything happens all at once, everything overlaps, and there can be fun and drama and love alongside one another.
There really is so much to love about this story, it's fun, suspenseful, and filled with mystery and madness that keeps you hooked from the start, not to mention an ending that will amaze!
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
Kaz gets your attention early on by starting in the middle of a moment, we are thrown into the story with no idea what has happened, and only Heidi's thoughts to fill us in. I love stories that drop you straight in the action; it makes your curious and engaged right away. The idea that Heidi and Harper have concocted is well within the realm of believability, and Kaz writes so well that the story flows seamlessly and you get caught up in the story naturally.
Of course Heidi's experience isn't going to go smoothly. Watching Heidi deal with everything that comes her way is fun and commendable. She never gives in and covers her tracks as best she can, not without the pang of guilt and the sadness she feels at lying to people she's become good friends with.
Heidi is a great and admirable character. She is friendly and welcoming, even when she is out of her depth, and her loyalty and determination outweigh her fears and trepidations. What I also adored about her is that she has a great moral sense and good nature that makes her want to help people and make them feel included. Looking after other camp attendees and noticing what others are doing or feeling, making sure they are happy, is what makes her a wonderful person.
But this is not just a simple story where Heidi mustn't be found out, there are mysterious things happening at the camp as well. The gradual introduction of the mystery is subtle and at the same time doesn't deter from Heidi's fish out of water experiences. Kaz connects everything brilliantly and there are twists and turns offering up a different thrill away from watching Heidi try to drench sheep or milk cows.
The best part about reading this though is how it feels like you are right alongside these characters, riding along trails, whispering at night in bunks, and having everyday experiences. That's what makes Kaz's writing so wonderful, it feels so realistic. Everything happens all at once, everything overlaps, and there can be fun and drama and love alongside one another.
There really is so much to love about this story, it's fun, suspenseful, and filled with mystery and madness that keeps you hooked from the start, not to mention an ending that will amaze!
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...
February 22, 2016
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Harper and Heidi are identical twins that are anything but alike in personality. After an accident at the last minute prevents Harper from going to her dream summer week, Heidi steps in to create instead a week of awkwardness.
There’s too much reliance on obvious differences between Heidi and Harper to get some good characterisation happening. I couldn’t have cared less which one wore the pants or the skirt (and isn’t that cover awful? There wasn’t a pink tutu to be seen, thank goodness). Or which one is epic with guys, and the other is completely oblivious.
The guys themselves are just as predictable. There’s the comic duo, fighting over one unlikely lady, and the dark, steely Chaz who Heidi of could has to fall for. You could tell from the first page that he was going to be the love interest, and you would have been super disappointed if they didn’t get to be together.That’s not even a spoiler.
I would have really enjoyed more depictions of outback life, which would have made it possible for this novel to provide some interest to USA or UK markets. The things referenced weren’t in nearly enough detail. I think that could have been made more of in the campfire scenes, but Heidi was too busy staring at the sexy Chaz to pay attention.
On a final note, I’m not sure why there was intrigue added. It honestly didn’t do much for the novel, and I would have given a lot to have some more realistic characters in that page space. Or more character background. Or different perspectives.
What frustrated me the most was the too-neat, super annoying ending. Of course! Ah yes! Why didn’t I see that? Oh, because it wasn’t hinted about at all. Or it wouldn’t fit the romance. Before that point, I might have been generous to the novel, but that just dropped my opinion completely. I’ll give it 3.
Harper and Heidi are identical twins that are anything but alike in personality. After an accident at the last minute prevents Harper from going to her dream summer week, Heidi steps in to create instead a week of awkwardness.
There’s too much reliance on obvious differences between Heidi and Harper to get some good characterisation happening. I couldn’t have cared less which one wore the pants or the skirt (and isn’t that cover awful? There wasn’t a pink tutu to be seen, thank goodness). Or which one is epic with guys, and the other is completely oblivious.
The guys themselves are just as predictable. There’s the comic duo, fighting over one unlikely lady, and the dark, steely Chaz who Heidi of could has to fall for. You could tell from the first page that he was going to be the love interest, and you would have been super disappointed if they didn’t get to be together.That’s not even a spoiler.
I would have really enjoyed more depictions of outback life, which would have made it possible for this novel to provide some interest to USA or UK markets. The things referenced weren’t in nearly enough detail. I think that could have been made more of in the campfire scenes, but Heidi was too busy staring at the sexy Chaz to pay attention.
On a final note, I’m not sure why there was intrigue added. It honestly didn’t do much for the novel, and I would have given a lot to have some more realistic characters in that page space. Or more character background. Or different perspectives.
What frustrated me the most was the too-neat, super annoying ending. Of course! Ah yes! Why didn’t I see that? Oh, because it wasn’t hinted about at all. Or it wouldn’t fit the romance. Before that point, I might have been generous to the novel, but that just dropped my opinion completely. I’ll give it 3.
April 12, 2016
One of my favourite books suitable for 10-15 years old. This story is about 2 girls, twins who like any other story have to switch places. As one of the twin sits at home the other has to face her fears of doing every thing her sister is amazing at and well she is still working at. Along the way she meets a whole load of friends and falls in love. But what will happen when her best friend she met is thought of as a culprit, and she has to tell everyone the truth about her sister and her. I love this story and having a sister I can truly see what a kind sister she is. I love this story and it sucked you into a world of adventure. I won't lie it looks big but once your reading it, it feels to short. Collect it from Buderim bookshop.
June 5, 2016
This book is a lot of fun! I read it in a couple of hours. Romance, mystery and Heidi's skills (or lack thereof) on the insular world of a camp was a great place to be for the afternoon.
June 29, 2016
I REALLY, REALLY like this book and can relate to it a lot because i am a twin myself. I also love horses, so i can Relate to Harper and Heidi. Over all just loved this book!!!!
November 11, 2016
Wish this book was a series
December 27, 2016
I loved it! A great Australian book that was funny and enjoyable. I've got to read more Kaz Delaney.
December 27, 2017
[2.5/5] cutesy, a fun read but nothing particularly interesting or new
Read
February 23, 2017Too heavy on exposition, too much telling rather than showing, and I couldn't buy into the premise. This was a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews