A Place with Heart

Rangelands Series #2

by Jennie Jones

Can three misfits build a family in this remote Australian town?

Jaxine Brown has made a good life for herself with her café and her animal rescue shelter in Western Australian outback town, Mt Maria. But the homecoming of her secret teenage daughter, Frances, changes everything. At only seventeen, Jax was coerced to give up the baby to Frances’s father and his wife. Finally, she has a chance to make it right for her resentful and awkward teenager, and hasn’t got time to think about the recently returned handsome former detective, who inexplicably disappeared in the middle of their only date last year.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell arrives in Mt Maria, seemingly back in uniform as Officer In Charge, while his mate Senior Sergeant Luke Weston is on leave. But Jack’s real purpose is investigating suspicion of drug trafficking and the man they’re watching works in the closest mine to the town. He expects to have this case wrapped up in four weeks, and feels he can take his time, not only with the case but also with Jaxine Brown, the woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his mind.

When graffiti and vandalism escalate in an issue involving stolen animals, Jax and Frances are unwittingly drawn into a mystery that suggests a connection to the same mine Jack has under surveillance. Can Jack get to the bottom of the furtive goings-on, and do whatever it takes to protect the would-be family that’s wound its way into his heart?

A new outback romance from the bestselling author of The Swallow’s Fall series.

Genres: Romance

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2018

About the author

Jennie Jones has been professionally involved in the arts most of her life. Theatre by theatre, stage by stage and later, book by book. From Wales to London to Auckland to Australia.

Jennie lives in Perth, Western Australia and remains a countryfied girl at heart. She has a passion for stately homes and rustic cottages, is fond of collecting too many vintage wares, has numerous pot plants she’s learning how to keep alive, and is happiest when writing stories about life, love, and everything between.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her daughter Franca - Frances - arrived, she was surly, didn't want to be there and scared Jax Brown half to death. Jax had been "persuaded" to hand her baby to the child's father when she was a naive seventeen year old. She had been told to keep out of her life, and though heartbroken, Jax had done as asked, thinking it was in Frances' best interests. But now the poor child - thirteen years old - was no longer wanted by her father and step-mother. What a terrible young life she had had.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell had recently arrived back in Mt Maria, and taken over the position of Officer In Charge while the current OIC - Senior Sergeant Luke Weston - was on leave. But Jack had an ulterior motive - one no one else was to know about. Jack's thoughts were that the undercover operation shouldn't take too long to resolve; in the meantime he was keen to rekindle the friendship he'd formed with Jax when last in town.

As usual, the best laid plans were bound to go wrong - and in spectacular fashion they did. When Jax began noticing vandalism on her property, she thought it was "just kids" - but the escalation was mind-boggling. Would Jack find the answers before anyone was hurt? Could he flush out the bad guys in Mt Maria?

A Place With Heart is the second in the Rangelands Series by Aussie author Jennie Jones, and it proved to be a gritty, fast-paced and tension-filled suspense novel that held me in its grip until the end! Set in rural outback Western Australia, the romance is light while the suspense is just as I like it - it made my heart race! I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series (A Place to Stay), and this one didn't disappoint. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place with Heart is book two in the Rangelands Series by Jennie Jones. Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell came to Mt Maria too relief Senior Sergeant Luke Weston for six weeks. However, no one knew that he was there to look into drugs trafficking. Isabelle Jaxine Brown run the local cafe and a farm looking after rescue animals. The readers of a Place with Heart will see if Jack and Jax will reunite their blossoming romance and became involved with the Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell investigation into drug trafficking.

I enjoyed reading A Place with Heart. I like Jennie Jones portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines them with each other. A Place With Heart is well written and researched by Jennie Jones. I loved Jennie Jones descriptions of her settings and the plot of A Place With Heart. The Rangelands series is fantastic and enjoyable series by Jennie Jones, and I have read both books in this series, and I found them excellent. I will differently re-read A Place with Heart due to that fact that Jennie Jones knows how to ensured that I was engaged in the plot from the beginning.

The readers of A Place with Heart will learn about law enforcement procedures in stopping people of interest on the highways. Also, the readers of A Place with Heart will see the problems rural communities have in receiving assistance during emergency situations.

I highly recommend this book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so good, there is a lot happening in this one it is sure to keep you turning the pages as it did me, it is book two in a series I have book one waiting for me and now very much need to read it although this one can be read as a standalone and I do highly recommend it. This is the story of three fabulous people Jaxine Brown café owner and lover of animals, and Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell want to be lover of Jax and Frances thirteen year old daughter of Jax who has just arrived in the small outback town of Mt Maria to start a new life with a lot of issues to sort out. Make yourself comfortable for this one I loved it.

Jaxine is doing well in MT Maria she loves her café and the animals that she cares for but life for Jax is about to change when the daughter that she had at seventeen and was coerced into giving up has now arrived to live with her, Frances has been through a lot in her short life and is not very trusting to begin with and then to have Jack Maxwell the one man that Jax thought something of a year ago has arrived in town as well to take over the being in charge of the police station, Jax is in for a journey and a half.

Jack has arrive doing undercover work chasing drug traffickers and he also wants to talk to Jax the woman that he has never forgotten and this time he is determined to explain what happened a year ago because he wants her so badly she is the place in his heart, but of course things never run smoothly where true love is concerned firstly her beautiful daughter Frances arrives and there is vandalism and animal stealing going on and danger is just around the corner.

This is a fast paced story that has everything that a romance reader would want in a story there is lots of action from criminals and the police and you are sure to be smiling with the Agatha Sisters and the help they offer the community but of course there is the romance and what a beautiful romance it is Jack is so very determined to win Jax and Frances over and to see them all so happy in the end is awesome. MS Jones has written a story that will stay with me for a while fabulous characters that add so much to the story not to mention the array of animals that you will also fall in love with. Thank you MS Jones for a fantastic story, it is moving, emotional and beautiful and one that should not be missed.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest book in the Rangeland Series. The characters of Jax and Jack were so complex and appealing, i loved hearing from their viewpoints as well as the other main character.. Jax's daughter. I loved all the plot changes/twists and how the story unravelled. Can't wait to read the next one, whenever that may come!

[Lily Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Jennie Jones' stories and they are always the type where I'll pick up the book to read a page or a chapter, and half a book later I'm still reading because I can't put it down. This one has some darker topics as we return to the town of Mt Maria, where there is mystery aplenty and always intrigue going on - this time with the cafe-owner character of Jax who we met in Book 1 of the Rangelands series. I loved Jax and her struggles, but I especially enjoyed reading about the character of Frances (Jax's daughter) and some of my favourite chapters involved Frances' point of view. These gave such insight to the life she'd lived so far, with her father and without her Mum. (She really needs to be with her Mum - she just doesn't know it yet!)
There are some lovely lines in this - as you always get with Jennie's books, and I highly recommend it to lovers of Australian romantic suspense and rural romance.

[Dianne James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jax is one strong woman. As a teen, she was too easily coerced into doing things she wasn't sure about. Not anymore. Thirteen years later, the daughter she gave up as a baby has been rejected by the only family she has ever known and is on her way to live with her. However much that excites her, it also scares her to death.
Jack is a detective who worked in the Mt Maria area once before. He met Jax then and the chemistry between them was palpable. However, on their first date he received a call and left Jax alone to take it. When he returned, she was gone.
Now, he has come back to take over while the local police chief goes on holiday. But he is still working undercover and he is determined to make everything right with Jax. However, she is not of a mind to forgive him so easily.
While Jax struggles to get her daughter (Frances) to settle in, Jack polices the town and tries to win Jax's heart. But he is also embroiled in strange things happening around town and with someone messing about on Jax's land. He pulls out all the stops to make sure she and Frances are safe and as strange happenings pile up, he is sure there is a connection to his case.
I have read and loved many books by Ms Jones and this is no exception. The setting in the outback is wonderfully drawn and as a visual reader, that's really important to me. The characters are well developed; down to earth, real people with real issues, making them easy to relate to. I just adored the old ladies, who were a bit of a mystery themselves.
It is an emotional journey, this book, but so well worth it. There is uncertainty and fear, reassurance and friendship, and of course the sense of community that comes with living in a small town. It is a great romance, with plenty of suspense and loads of humour. I found myself laughing out loud several times. It's definitely a book I'll read again at some point. Highly recommended.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/happyvalley...

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a top pick for reading! Jax and Jack shined and the townsfolk were equally memorable characters to read, especially the Agatha Girls whom stole the show :) Laugh out loud moments mixed with elements of drama, comedic and emotional moments combined to make A Place With Heart by author Jennie Jones an unmissable read.
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, I bought book one ages ago but somehow have never gotten to it, now I will definitely be making time to read it, I felt this was good as a stand alone too though. In the small town a long way from anywhere Jax has just taken custody of her 13 years old daughter Frances who she has never met, the struggle to build a relationship has many intricacies and ups and downs as the two get to know each other and Frances learns to trust. Jack is a detective in town and undercover, while at the same time determined to win Jax's heart. There were plenty of laughs in this, especially to do with the animals found throughout the story. The story moved at a good pace and had plenty of suspense and romance and friendship.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsPublishers AU for a copy in return for an honest review

[Anne Peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received A Place With Heart by Jennie Jones
from Beauty and Lace Book Club to read and write an honest review.
Set in the Western Australian Outback,
it has a variety of different characters in a storyline that flows easily.
The main character, Jax, has built a life for herself doing what she loves most.
She has her Cafe in the township and has set up a dog rescue.
Jax has combined her love of animals with her cafe
by having a secure section at the rear of her cafe avaliable if needed.
As the story unfolds, we learn Jax was a teenage mother
who has coerced into handing her newborn daughter over to the father.
Circumstances change and her daughter, Frances, comes to live with Jax.
It is not all happy families and a loving reunion.
Frances is an angry, sullen and confused teen.
Along comes Jack, a Dectective Senior Sergeant working undercover.
Jax and Jack had one date over a year previously and
he disappeared during the date.
When Jack's case and Jax and Frances become intertwined,
Jack has to pull out all stops to solve the case and keep Jax and Frances safe.
Jennie Jones has written beautifully with a love of the Australian Outback,
the people and animals that shines through her words.
It is an easy book to read.
This book will appeal to lovers of Rural Romance, Mystery, Crime and Thrillers.
I highly recommend A Place With Heart and enjoy this wonderful Australian Authors books.

[Dale Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Place with Heart by Jennie Jones is set in the remote township of Mount Maria near the Western Australian, South Australian and Northern Territory borders.
Jaxine Brown has a small hobby farm, animal refuge and café in Mount Maria. After 13 years apart, Jaxine becomes the sole carer for her daughter, Frances. Jaxine was coerced to give up her baby when she fell pregnant at the age of 17, to the father of the baby and his wife.
Enter into Jaxine’s life Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Maxwell and this makes for a thrilling, unputdownable read. Jack and Jaxine have a ‘history’, one date that did not end well but was full of fireworks from the moment they met. Jaxine is trying to get herself reacquainted with her daughter and doesn’t want the interest shown in her by Jack to do anything to stop that from happening BUT the attraction between them is real.
Jack is in Mount Maria whilst his mate and OIC, Luke, of Mount Maria police station is away on holidays. Jack is working as the local OIC but undercover to investigate the suspicion of drug trafficking from one of the towns closest mine sites.
This book has many characters that will make you smile and laugh out loud. Loved the book from start to finish and would like to thank Beauty and Lace and Harlequin for allowing me to read this amazing novel.

[Meg Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time on my Physical TBR: 2 Years 7 months

I have a new pet hate in books; when they are meant to be standalone books, but are set in the same universe AND the reader spends more than a paragraph rehashing what happened in a previous book. If I cared, I'd read that book. But I don't need to now because you have just summarized the entire plot in 5 clunky pages. This book does that and it made me angry.

The pacing was also a bit off. It couldn't decide if it wanted to be a crime book with a romance subplot or a romance with a crime subplot. The pacing and key plot points would be different depending and they were kind of mixed in meaning there were times when it was very slow or it skipped over key points.

The characters were good, even though it felt like some of the minor characters were put their just to be "quirky". I like the relationship as it developed between Jax and her daughter, and Rosie and her niece.

I considered DNF-ing a couple of times, but I wanted to see what happened with Jax and Frances and while frustrating at times it wasn't offensive.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Harlequin Mira and Beauty & Lace book club I had the opportunity to read A Place With Heart by Jennie Jones in exchange for an honest review. I must admit that this book left me feeling cold. I normally love this genre but something was missing for me. It just didn't feel authentic. I felt that the characters were alright but a bit bland and never really developed. There were some great topics such as dementia, abuse and dysfunctional families/the fostering system that the author could have delved into further but, instead, chose the safe path of only skirting around these issues. Although this book didn't engage me, I can see by the other reviews that I'm definitely in the minority do it might suit other people.

[The Reading Panda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am genuinely surprised this book has a 4-star average rating; after finishing A Place with Heart, I have nothing positive to say about it. The writing is superficial and lacks the finesse of other authors in women's fiction. The author showed and did not tell throughout the story, and the characters had no quirks or weaknesses. Honestly, I felt I was reading Home and Away (an Australian teen drama like The Secret Life of an American Teenager) in book form. Also, I could NOT stand Jack. He was too pushy with Jax. I appreciate a good story where the guy chases the girl, but this was overly pushy. Furthermore, the love story was too unrealistic; they go on one date, and suddenly Jack asks Jax to marry him. I prefer books where you experience love form and grow between the couple.

[Vicki Basham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can three misfits build a family in this remote Australian town?

Jaxine Brown has made a good life for herself with her café and her animal rescue shelter in Western Australian outback town, Mt Maria. But the homecoming of her secret teenage daughter, Frances, changes everything. At only seventeen, Jax was coerced to give up the baby to Frances’s father and his wife. Finally, she has a chance to make it right for her resentful and awkward teenager, and hasn’t got time to think about the recently returned handsome former detective, who inexplicably disappeared in the middle of their only date last year.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mt Maria is the backdrop for he second instalment in the Rangelands series.
Complex drug trafficking within the mining community and trouble in town brings DSS Jack Maxwell back to town in a relieving capacity as the local station manager. Jax Brown is still at home in Mt Maria although her life is somewhat complicated by the arrival of her teenage daughter and the dangerous DSS who ditched her quickly on a date last year.
Family intrigue, drug dramas and the mystery of Maxwell...

[Vicki Robe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely. A great follow-up to "A Place to Stay" with more details and depth divulged about the local characters of Mt Maria, and the goings on in the small outback Western Australian town.

[Tracey Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to finish. I have fallen into this story and grown to love so many of the characters. Heartache, lots of love, unexpected twists. I cried, laughed, growled and sighed out loud. Bravo Jennie Jones, thank you for introducing me to the folk of Mt Maria!!

[Lorraine Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Loved the ongoing love intetested between Jack and Jax. The inclusion of her daughter Frances just added to the beautiful family. Loved the romance but also loved the twist. Great read.

[Lilian Magill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ripper of a story Jennie Jones! Loved this book, the second on the Rangelands series.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story - definitely kept me interested

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I genuinely loved this book. Such a beautiful story that kept my thoughts away from life for a while. Really enjoyed it 👍🏼

[Cindy Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another fabulous read by Jennie....lots of mystery...fantastic characters and most of all love.