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Along Country Roads
Can love ever be enough to heal two damaged souls?
On the run from her troubled past in a stolen four-wheel drive, Matilda Denver seeks the sanctuary of sleepy Moonstone Valley where she hopes to heal and make a fresh start. But her plans go awry when the vehicle breaks down and she's stranded at the side of a deserted country road.
Ryan Hunter, after working himself into the ground at his interstate truck-driving job since his sister's death, is making his last run before a well-earned month off. On the last stretch home, he happens across a beautiful woman and scraggy dog hitchhiking. It's not long before he connects Matilda's bruises to her past and what she's on the run from. He instinctively wants to protect Matilda and offers her a place to stay at Heartsong Hills.
Although both battling their own demons, they start to discover how much they have in common – and soon they're also battling the strong desire to fall hard for one another. But when Ryan tries to help by organising for the four-wheel drive to be fixed, he unwittingly gives away Matilda's location and her life may be on the line. Can Ryan find her before it's too late?
On the run from her troubled past in a stolen four-wheel drive, Matilda Denver seeks the sanctuary of sleepy Moonstone Valley where she hopes to heal and make a fresh start. But her plans go awry when the vehicle breaks down and she's stranded at the side of a deserted country road.
Ryan Hunter, after working himself into the ground at his interstate truck-driving job since his sister's death, is making his last run before a well-earned month off. On the last stretch home, he happens across a beautiful woman and scraggy dog hitchhiking. It's not long before he connects Matilda's bruises to her past and what she's on the run from. He instinctively wants to protect Matilda and offers her a place to stay at Heartsong Hills.
Although both battling their own demons, they start to discover how much they have in common – and soon they're also battling the strong desire to fall hard for one another. But when Ryan tries to help by organising for the four-wheel drive to be fixed, he unwittingly gives away Matilda's location and her life may be on the line. Can Ryan find her before it's too late?
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2017
20 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books332 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 12, 2017
Matilda Denver was on the run. Escaping her abusive partner a matter of hours before, she was still shaking; shattered and terrified at the same time. Troy had always said he would never let her leave him – she was his and he’d kill her if she tried to leave. The fact that she’d left him unconscious when she rushed out the door, unable to check if he was alive or dead, had the tremors she tried to keep at bay shuddering through her body.
When the old four wheel drive came to a shuddering halt in the middle of the deserted bush, Tilly was determined to keep going. Although walking through the bush on her own wasn’t ideal, she had no choice. And when she found a malnourished, filthy dog which had obviously been abandoned, she adopted him in a heartbeat. Naming him Huckleberry, the two of them continued to trudge in the direction Tilly was heading – towards Moonstone Valley where her beloved mother had always wanted to go…
Ryan Hunter was a long distance truck driver, and when he spotted the hitchhiker and her dog by the side of the road in the darkness, he wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. But he was also a caring person and didn’t want to leave someone who was obviously vulnerable. Ryan’s meeting of Tilly was one that immediately changed both of their lives.
What would happen between Tilly and Ryan - two people with pasts fraught with trauma – one person whose past could well catch up with her. Moonstone Valley was indeed the beautiful place her mother had said, and Ryan’s home at Heartsong Hills and his parent’s farm made her soul happy. But was it enough? Or was Tilly going to have to keep running?
Along Country Roads by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a heartbreaking look at the horrors of domestic violence and the affect it has on everyone around the victims. A rural romance which was unfortunately quite predictable and clichéd; I was also horrified at what Tilly did continually – I wanted to shake her! With all she had been through, she still didn’t seem to think before she acted! But the author's descriptions of the vast Australian outback was vivid - the depth of beauty in our country shone through with her words; she definitely succeeds in taking us there! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
When the old four wheel drive came to a shuddering halt in the middle of the deserted bush, Tilly was determined to keep going. Although walking through the bush on her own wasn’t ideal, she had no choice. And when she found a malnourished, filthy dog which had obviously been abandoned, she adopted him in a heartbeat. Naming him Huckleberry, the two of them continued to trudge in the direction Tilly was heading – towards Moonstone Valley where her beloved mother had always wanted to go…
Ryan Hunter was a long distance truck driver, and when he spotted the hitchhiker and her dog by the side of the road in the darkness, he wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. But he was also a caring person and didn’t want to leave someone who was obviously vulnerable. Ryan’s meeting of Tilly was one that immediately changed both of their lives.
What would happen between Tilly and Ryan - two people with pasts fraught with trauma – one person whose past could well catch up with her. Moonstone Valley was indeed the beautiful place her mother had said, and Ryan’s home at Heartsong Hills and his parent’s farm made her soul happy. But was it enough? Or was Tilly going to have to keep running?
Along Country Roads by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a heartbreaking look at the horrors of domestic violence and the affect it has on everyone around the victims. A rural romance which was unfortunately quite predictable and clichéd; I was also horrified at what Tilly did continually – I wanted to shake her! With all she had been through, she still didn’t seem to think before she acted! But the author's descriptions of the vast Australian outback was vivid - the depth of beauty in our country shone through with her words; she definitely succeeds in taking us there! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
October 23, 2017
Along Country Roads is about how two damaged people who believe no one will love them found out that not the case. Matilda Denver was running away from a violent relationship to find a safe place to heal. However, everything started to come undone when her car broke down and on the walk to the nearest town Matilda found a lost dog that was caught in a fence. Ryan Hunter was a long-distance truck driver and on the way home stop to pick up Matilda and the dog to take her to the nearest town. The readers of Along Country Roads will continue to follow Ryan and Matilda to found out what happens.
I enjoy reading Along Country Roads. I have enjoyed reading other books by Mandy Magro and Along Country Roads has not disappointed me. I love the way Mandy Magro describes her plots. I like Mandy Magro portrayal of her characters especially Ryan and Matilda. Mandy Magro does a great job in entwines her characters throughout the book.
The readers of Along Country Roads will learn about the consequences of domestic violence. Also, readers of Along Country Roads will learn about the life of a long-distance truck driver.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading Along Country Roads. I have enjoyed reading other books by Mandy Magro and Along Country Roads has not disappointed me. I love the way Mandy Magro describes her plots. I like Mandy Magro portrayal of her characters especially Ryan and Matilda. Mandy Magro does a great job in entwines her characters throughout the book.
The readers of Along Country Roads will learn about the consequences of domestic violence. Also, readers of Along Country Roads will learn about the life of a long-distance truck driver.
I recommend this book.
May 26, 2017
Another great page turner by Ms Magro! From the first page Matilda grabs your attention and Ryan was just as entertaining. Another top read from author Mandy Magro.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley
June 10, 2020
This book was sweet but unfortunately I didn't like it as much as I'd hoped to. The Australian lingo was laid on a little thick so maybe it would be better for non- Australians.
I appreciated that the story covered serious topics such as domestic violence and anxiety and it handled them fairly well. Ryan was more in touch with his emotions then most male characters we see so that was also a nice change. Matilda was frustrating how she kept flirting and lusting after Ryan but then whenever he actually made a move she would shoot him down. But anyway of course it all works out in the end.
Something I didn't appreciate is Ryan's ex faking a pregnancy to try and get him back. So apparently he dated her happily enough for 11 years or something and then she's only a psycho once they've broken up? I really wish authors would stop thinking it's mandatory for exes to be crazy. I've read the fake pregnancy scenario way too often and I have to say it's quite unrealistic (I hope) and insulting to women.
Overall I liked a lot of the ingredients that went into this but for some reason I was bored and the final product just didn't work for me.
I appreciated that the story covered serious topics such as domestic violence and anxiety and it handled them fairly well. Ryan was more in touch with his emotions then most male characters we see so that was also a nice change. Matilda was frustrating how she kept flirting and lusting after Ryan but then whenever he actually made a move she would shoot him down. But anyway of course it all works out in the end.
Something I didn't appreciate is Ryan's ex faking a pregnancy to try and get him back. So apparently he dated her happily enough for 11 years or something and then she's only a psycho once they've broken up? I really wish authors would stop thinking it's mandatory for exes to be crazy. I've read the fake pregnancy scenario way too often and I have to say it's quite unrealistic (I hope) and insulting to women.
Overall I liked a lot of the ingredients that went into this but for some reason I was bored and the final product just didn't work for me.
June 21, 2017
Having read Mandy’s previous book, I was looking forward to another escape to the country. All the right ingredients are there for an enjoyable escape as Mandy portrays real characters facing real issues, thus ensuring that the reader is always engaged. There is a bit of background mystery to our two main leads in this tale which helps to build the tension. Add to the mix a sincere and swoon worthy male lead, a female looking to break free and some wonderful secondary characters, even including the stray dog Huckleberry, and what you have here is some great escapism.
Full review at:
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Full review at:
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July 6, 2023
Thanks Mandy for this beautiful book.
Although it brought up alot of painful memories for me from my own abusive marriage, which I walked away from 6.5 years ago. It also reminded me that I am allowed to be loved and be happy in my life without the fear of being abused and told I'm worthless.
Tilly showed enormous courage by leaving Troy, no one should live in fear like she was. Finding Ryan that night was her saviour, he showed her that love is out there, she deserves love and she is worth it. 💗
Although it brought up alot of painful memories for me from my own abusive marriage, which I walked away from 6.5 years ago. It also reminded me that I am allowed to be loved and be happy in my life without the fear of being abused and told I'm worthless.
Tilly showed enormous courage by leaving Troy, no one should live in fear like she was. Finding Ryan that night was her saviour, he showed her that love is out there, she deserves love and she is worth it. 💗
June 18, 2017
Another great story from Mandy. I loved the twists.
July 7, 2017
This is truly a heart wrenching story of young woman running away from her abusive boyfriend Troy who hurt Tilly (Matilda) so bad she was afraid of him that it took her 4 years to years to leave. She defended herself one night knocking him out and taking his car to get away. i have finish this review later as it is late and find it hard to write.
July 8, 2017
Waking the valley upon entry and the heart of the local heartbreaker, Matilda and Ryan are destined to travel a rocky road together.
Within the sanctuary of Ryan's property Heartsong Matilda begins to trust again.
Within the sanctuary of Ryan's property Heartsong Matilda begins to trust again.
May 30, 2017
this book was a fantastic read. emotional, suspenseful, loving the list goes on hard to put down.
June 16, 2017
A lovely Australian story featuring a very contemporary issue. Discusses domestic violence well and will keep you turning the pages until your eyes can no longer stay open. Beautiful love story and gripping ending. A wonderful, easy, and intriguing read.
June 2, 2017
I "Loved this story"... I wanted it to go on and on... thank you so much for your storys and books..
July 4, 2017
I've read most of Mandy's book and have to say this one was the best. Absolutely loved it, just sat in the sun and finished it in one sitting.
October 13, 2017
This was a wonderful book. In her acknowledgements Mandy said that she wished this book makes the readers laugh out loud, reach for the tissues, and leaves them with a warm fuzzy feeling at the end. It definitely delivered.
September 29, 2017
Mandy's Along Country Roads shows how a scared young woman can learn to trust and love again. Her saviour is someone who is willing to put his own life on the line for her and her family. Add a bit of dust, finding family and love and you have a fantastic story that shows emotions you never ever thought of showing.
January 2, 2018
I absolutely loved this story. It was very hard to put down.
December 29, 2017
Another enjoyable read by Mandy Magro. This tackles the huge issue of domestic violence. Also full of suspense, secrets and romance.
July 5, 2018
Not a bad read but a little too unrealistic for me. Ryan finds Tilly by the side of the road and she is in the exact same situation his sister was in before she died. Not a lot of intrigue to the story the reader new exactly what was going to happen the whole time. I prefer books that keep you guessing and the Australian slang lingo was a bit too much.
December 10, 2017
This book was fantastic and I could not put it down. Mandy Magro is a magician with words and the storyline had so many twists and turns with some I didn't see coming. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading country romance, or any kind of romance really.
January 22, 2019
Great quick read! Love myself a good old romance and this was exactly that.
March 27, 2021
I like to give authors a second chance, but this was worse than first one I read. Diabolically bad. I hated it. I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the worst books I’ve read in a long time. It’s like there was no editing done at all. Infuriating doesn’t cut it. First of all, the character is called Matilda, then it switches to Tilly partway in. The writing is riddled with cliches and stereotypes. Direct quotes: “a curvy figure that could turn a gay man straight.” [On man buns]: “A man that has a bun is not a real man in my eyes.” Who let this book go to print? They stupidly feed an emaciated abandoned dog hamburgers instead of dog food. The male love interest has a neck tattoo and blue eyes - just like the love interest in the last book and they are not a series. Conveniently, he’s a trucker who loves Nicholas Sparks novels. The female lead is, of course, a fiery redhead who loves to eat tons of food but conveniently has a magically fast metabolism and “perfect body”. They all talk in this very unnatural way. And despite being nearly killed by her old boyfriend, the main character doesn’t blink at going home to live with a complete (male) stranger. It’s insulting to anyone who has experienced abuse. I think this author thought making the characters suffer recent hardships will make readers more sympathetic, but this did not work. The only good thing? It educates you about tomato sauce. You won’t be eating that again.
January 10, 2022
Matilda 'Tilly' Denver had spent the past three years being the punching bag of her boyfriend Troy. One day, she had enough and fought back. Stealing his car, Tilly went on the run... Until she broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Luckily for her, truckie Ryan Hunter was driving past at the right time. Picking up Tilly and the stray dog she had befriended, Ryan recognised immediately what she had endured. Being the nice guy he is, Ryan immediately offered Tilly a place to stay.
There's a whole heap of instant attraction between Tilly and Ryan, but despite this they are too afraid to act on it. Needless to say, Ryan is very over protective of his new mate. However, his kindness inadvertantly brings Troy to town, risking Tilly's life. Enter love sick Ryan who is shattered at this news, because he knows exactly how things can change in an instant.
Whilst this book deals with the very disturbing issue of domestic abuse, the themes of family, love and support overrides it. Tilly and Ryan are so perfect for one another, and nothing can get in their way- even Troy and Pippa, Ryan's manipulative ex girlfriend.
I'm a huge fan of Mandy Magro's and 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔 is amongst her best.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Luckily for her, truckie Ryan Hunter was driving past at the right time. Picking up Tilly and the stray dog she had befriended, Ryan recognised immediately what she had endured. Being the nice guy he is, Ryan immediately offered Tilly a place to stay.
There's a whole heap of instant attraction between Tilly and Ryan, but despite this they are too afraid to act on it. Needless to say, Ryan is very over protective of his new mate. However, his kindness inadvertantly brings Troy to town, risking Tilly's life. Enter love sick Ryan who is shattered at this news, because he knows exactly how things can change in an instant.
Whilst this book deals with the very disturbing issue of domestic abuse, the themes of family, love and support overrides it. Tilly and Ryan are so perfect for one another, and nothing can get in their way- even Troy and Pippa, Ryan's manipulative ex girlfriend.
I'm a huge fan of Mandy Magro's and 𝑨𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔 is amongst her best.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
May 1, 2019
I was a bit 'yeah-nah' about this book. To be honest, it was tackling some heavyduty shit of the kind I've been through myself. And ... the reactions and choices weren't really authentic. I'm sad to say that coz I usually love Mandy Magro's books.
I ended up skipping through lots of it. :-( And the ending was great, but ... I really wished for like some plot thing that extended the time frame. Without that, I was left thinking 'blah, those two are either gonna end up co-dependent or break up.' And I'm much into the Happily Ever After. Or not. But whatever, I want it believable. And it wasn't.
Kudos for trying to tackle such a hard issue, but I was left feeling the author just obviously hadn't been through anything like it. Nice to think she hasn't, for her sake, but ... just ... Nah. Didn't pull it off. Not to someone who's been through that kinda shit.
I ended up skipping through lots of it. :-( And the ending was great, but ... I really wished for like some plot thing that extended the time frame. Without that, I was left thinking 'blah, those two are either gonna end up co-dependent or break up.' And I'm much into the Happily Ever After. Or not. But whatever, I want it believable. And it wasn't.
Kudos for trying to tackle such a hard issue, but I was left feeling the author just obviously hadn't been through anything like it. Nice to think she hasn't, for her sake, but ... just ... Nah. Didn't pull it off. Not to someone who's been through that kinda shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
Mandy Magro has absolutely smashed this book!
Tilly, Matilda Denver, is a lost, broken and traumatised soul who is quickly put on the right path by fate, even though her past relentlessly chases her with every step she takes.
Heart throb, Ryan Hunter, is no other than Tilly’s knight in shining armour who not only heals her broken heart but helps to patch her life back together, past, present and future.
How could someone not fall in love!? This was certainly the page turner for me, and I couldn’t put it down!
An absolutely gobsmackingly-good read!
Tilly, Matilda Denver, is a lost, broken and traumatised soul who is quickly put on the right path by fate, even though her past relentlessly chases her with every step she takes.
Heart throb, Ryan Hunter, is no other than Tilly’s knight in shining armour who not only heals her broken heart but helps to patch her life back together, past, present and future.
How could someone not fall in love!? This was certainly the page turner for me, and I couldn’t put it down!
An absolutely gobsmackingly-good read!
October 14, 2017
I enjoyed reading this tale overall but there were times it was repetitive in thought,she must allow us to imagine the flow of the storey in our own right.The surprising thing to me was the twist in the end to Ryan at the phone booth,maybe the author did this on purpose to wake us up as I was getting sleepy. But I'm looking for one of her other books so don't read this to be a bad review.It is an excellent book.
August 22, 2020
Wow!! What a story...pretty shocking at times, but so much care, consideration and love has been woven in that it takes a little of the edge off. I keep mentioning great characters in these books...I won't apologise, because they are!! Particularly in this one. I totally got lost in this book. Thank you Mandy Magro!
June 12, 2023
Having loved other Mandy Magro books I was disappointed in this. Very predictable for the most part, dealing with domestic violence resulting in death this could very well distress a survivor rather than help, in my opinion. I was so close to giving up before finishing but I plowed on. Ending was "nice" but overall disappointing.
November 25, 2018
This book is certainly better than the previous Mandy Magro one I tried (Moment of Truth) and I enjoyed the hero, but at about the halfway point it degenerated into a melodramatic and unrealistic farce. I also agree with other reviewers that the Australian lingo was laid on a little thick.
July 23, 2019
Amazing!!! Completely inputdownable!!!!!! Read in one day! One of your best MM! My mum read & said how good it was and she wasn’t wrong!!!! Thank you for such a beautiful journey x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews