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Outback Brides #1
Maggie's Run
Maggie Walker has never called Wirra Station home. Orphaned as a child, she spent more time at boarding school, and then working in the city, than she ever spent on the edge of the outback. But when her great aunt dies, Maggie inherits everything and reluctantly returns to tidy the place up before selling. Ambitious cowboy-next-door Max O’Connor has the means and the desire to buy Wirra Station outright and return it to its former glory. But first, he wants elusive Maggie Walker to know what she’s giving up. He challenges her to live at Wirra Station for three months—with him as farm manager. Just one season–and if she still doesn’t love the place, he’ll gladly pay up and she can be cashed-up and careless, with no ties to anything or anyone. Three months. Two hearts. One Summer. Roll on. Winner of Australian Romance Readers Association Favourite Australian Romance of 2018 Favourite Short or Category Romance 2018 Favourite 2018 romance that made me cry Favourite Continuing Romance Outback Brides
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2018
847 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hunter
284 books421 followersAustralian born Kelly Hunter is a three time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist, a USA Today Bestselling author and loves writing to the demands of the short category romance form.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 30, 2018
When great-aunt Carmel died, and Maggie Walker learned she had inherited Wirra Station, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. It was where her great-aunt had raised her after her parents had died when she was twelve, but it had never been a home to her. Her great-aunt was a cold, austere woman who kept to herself, especially in her latter years. Maggie had a job in Melbourne and lived in her parents’ old home, so moving to Wirra Station wasn’t an option.
Max O’Connor owned the property next to Wirra Station and expressed a desire to buy it, which would enlarge his holdings. But he also wanted Maggie to know what she would give up by selling. Could he persuade her to stay, at least for a few months? And how would Maggie feel once she started clearing out her great-aunt’s possessions? The homestead had been let run down – with its heritage listing, there wasn’t a lot she could do – was there?
Maggie’s Run by Aussie author Kelly Hunter is the first in the Outback Brides series in which different authors write each episode – and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Intrigue, emotion, humour, uncertainty – all found a place in this book, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
Max O’Connor owned the property next to Wirra Station and expressed a desire to buy it, which would enlarge his holdings. But he also wanted Maggie to know what she would give up by selling. Could he persuade her to stay, at least for a few months? And how would Maggie feel once she started clearing out her great-aunt’s possessions? The homestead had been let run down – with its heritage listing, there wasn’t a lot she could do – was there?
Maggie’s Run by Aussie author Kelly Hunter is the first in the Outback Brides series in which different authors write each episode – and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Intrigue, emotion, humour, uncertainty – all found a place in this book, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
August 2, 2019
Really sweet romance between a yummy nurturing alpha hero and a vulnerable, but brave heroine. Their relationship goes back to childhood with the hero always doing heroic things (he rescued heroine from a car accident that killed her parents) and the heroine feeling tongue-tied and helpless whenever she was around him.
That the hero is smitten and has been smitten for years is patently obvious - to the entire Outback town even - but the heroine is oblivious. She's too busy overcoming severe PTSD from the car accident, her own social anxiety and how she feels about inheriting the Outback station where she lived with her indifferent aunt.
The hero steps into advise her as do new friends from the Outback town. Soon she has plans to restore the house/mansion as a destination wedding venue with the hero running the sheep-farming acres.
And that's where the romance got swamped.
The romance was rather straightforward once the H/h talked - and it was so sweet and swoonworthy. Unfortunately, way too much page time was given to the house renovations, the ball, the social media accounts, etc. . . This was the set-up story for a four book series, so I can understand why. I just wish we had more from the H/h and a deeper dive into a relationship that is so intense because of past shared trauma.
That the hero is smitten and has been smitten for years is patently obvious - to the entire Outback town even - but the heroine is oblivious. She's too busy overcoming severe PTSD from the car accident, her own social anxiety and how she feels about inheriting the Outback station where she lived with her indifferent aunt.
The hero steps into advise her as do new friends from the Outback town. Soon she has plans to restore the house/mansion as a destination wedding venue with the hero running the sheep-farming acres.
And that's where the romance got swamped.
The romance was rather straightforward once the H/h talked - and it was so sweet and swoonworthy. Unfortunately, way too much page time was given to the house renovations, the ball, the social media accounts, etc. . . This was the set-up story for a four book series, so I can understand why. I just wish we had more from the H/h and a deeper dive into a relationship that is so intense because of past shared trauma.
July 31, 2019
Oh my. This was absolutely adorable and had some amazingly romantic moments.
I miss romance like this in romance novels. Lovely!
Grade: A
I miss romance like this in romance novels. Lovely!
Grade: A
March 6, 2021
I thought both leads were great but they didn't spend enough time together. Also the h & H should have been left to sort things out for themselves. They were mature adults who had a lot of pain to deal with but they would have gotten there on their own—they didn't need H's mom showing up and issuing "if you hurt my son I'll ruin you" threats. Mind your own beeswax lady!
June 21, 2018
3.5 - "I'm ready..." Stars!
Maggie’s Run brings us the first book in Tule Publishing’s new multi-author Outback Brides series. I am a big fan of Kelly Hunter, so was eager to get my hands on Maggie and Max’s story.
She was still looking at him as is she’d never seen him before and he’d had enough of it. He’d been bound to her in tragedy and death since he was twelve years old…
This isn’t really a second-chance romance more of a first love getting a chance romance, Maggie has not been home in years and it’s only the death of her last remaining family member that brings her back to Wirra Station to deal with being the sole heir to the ranch and land and everything else it entails.
"You’re being friendly. This is not normal. You’re up to something…"
Max saved Maggie’s life when they were kids, by rescuing her from the car wreck that took her parents from her. He has always believed that she blamed him for not saving them as well, but that never stopped him having feelings for her. Her return to town and him wanting to buy Wirra Station gives him the perfect chance to see if the attraction is mutual.
"Even when she’s not around she’s still here… she always has been."
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, as it’s not a long story. I liked both characters well enough, and the plot progressed at a steady clip. I have read a few books by Kelly now, and she always manages to inject a little heart and humor into them books no matter what the subject matter. Max’s dry wit was definitely the humor, but I did find the emotional aspect of the story a little dry in regards to the heart. I don’t know if it was due to the shorter length of the book but it felt like the characters were never given quite enough scope or space to really expand their feelings fully in relation to dealing with their shared past. I loved the ending though and the author set up the rest of the series well.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Maggie’s Run brings us the first book in Tule Publishing’s new multi-author Outback Brides series. I am a big fan of Kelly Hunter, so was eager to get my hands on Maggie and Max’s story.
She was still looking at him as is she’d never seen him before and he’d had enough of it. He’d been bound to her in tragedy and death since he was twelve years old…
This isn’t really a second-chance romance more of a first love getting a chance romance, Maggie has not been home in years and it’s only the death of her last remaining family member that brings her back to Wirra Station to deal with being the sole heir to the ranch and land and everything else it entails.
"You’re being friendly. This is not normal. You’re up to something…"
Max saved Maggie’s life when they were kids, by rescuing her from the car wreck that took her parents from her. He has always believed that she blamed him for not saving them as well, but that never stopped him having feelings for her. Her return to town and him wanting to buy Wirra Station gives him the perfect chance to see if the attraction is mutual.
"Even when she’s not around she’s still here… she always has been."
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, as it’s not a long story. I liked both characters well enough, and the plot progressed at a steady clip. I have read a few books by Kelly now, and she always manages to inject a little heart and humor into them books no matter what the subject matter. Max’s dry wit was definitely the humor, but I did find the emotional aspect of the story a little dry in regards to the heart. I don’t know if it was due to the shorter length of the book but it felt like the characters were never given quite enough scope or space to really expand their feelings fully in relation to dealing with their shared past. I loved the ending though and the author set up the rest of the series well.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
August 24, 2019
A prickly, brittle heroine (Maggie) with no family and few ties returns to the place she was raised by her distant aunt and reunites with the hero (Max) with a savior complex and who actually did save her multiple times who is very deeply rooted-including to the heroine.
This was a really sweet, and had some genuinely great parts in it. IT's a very short book, so it's hard to connect to the characters but somehow Hunter did pull that off. There was still plenty of angst and some funny stuff, all the while dealing with both characters and their traumatic pasts. 3.25
This was a really sweet, and had some genuinely great parts in it. IT's a very short book, so it's hard to connect to the characters but somehow Hunter did pull that off. There was still plenty of angst and some funny stuff, all the while dealing with both characters and their traumatic pasts. 3.25
July 30, 2019
Fabulous dialogue, engaging characters, solid plot.
The descriptions were lovely and I found myself 'in' the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read. There was one moment of brief 'manly' conversation between the H and his father which - foolishly - I didn't highlight but it was simply perfect!
Five stars! (I noted that I rated an earlier book by this author with 1 star. But that was written 4 years ago. I'm glad I decided to give this one a chance. And now I'll look for more by Kelly Hunter)
The descriptions were lovely and I found myself 'in' the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read. There was one moment of brief 'manly' conversation between the H and his father which - foolishly - I didn't highlight but it was simply perfect!
Five stars! (I noted that I rated an earlier book by this author with 1 star. But that was written 4 years ago. I'm glad I decided to give this one a chance. And now I'll look for more by Kelly Hunter)
June 22, 2018
OMG!!! I love Kelly Hunter’s stories more and more and her latest, Maggie’s Run, is an absolute corker. Set in country Victoria, a part of Australia I love more than any other since I happen to live there, this is the first story in the multi-author Outback Brides series. It works so well by itself, but I suspect it will also tie in nicely with the other three stories.
Maggie and Max have history. He pulled her from the wreck of her parents’ car when they were children and he still lives next door to Wirra Station, the property where she grew up and which she has just inherited from her aunt Carmel. When they come together as adults it’s easy to see that they are perfect together.
These are two strong, capable characters, perfectly matched in terms of drive, ambition and ability and they complement each other beautifully. Max has already made his mark on the world while Maggie is just discovering what she can do as the story opens. As it develops and her self confidence grows, ably assisted by new friends in Wirralong, the town she grows to love, Maggie learns to trust others, to lean on them when she needs to and to know what it feels like to belong.
I adore Maggie. One minute she’s a basket of self-doubt and the next she’s organising a banquet for over a hundred people. She’s complex and rounded and so real. Max is also a wonderful character. He’s a lovely blend of successful Aussie farmer, suave businessman and genuinely decent guy. These two and the other characters in this book are so well drawn that I could easily imagine any one of them wandering through town.
This story is sweet and sexy and warm-hearted and so, so romantic. I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved it from the very first page to the last.
Maggie and Max have history. He pulled her from the wreck of her parents’ car when they were children and he still lives next door to Wirra Station, the property where she grew up and which she has just inherited from her aunt Carmel. When they come together as adults it’s easy to see that they are perfect together.
These are two strong, capable characters, perfectly matched in terms of drive, ambition and ability and they complement each other beautifully. Max has already made his mark on the world while Maggie is just discovering what she can do as the story opens. As it develops and her self confidence grows, ably assisted by new friends in Wirralong, the town she grows to love, Maggie learns to trust others, to lean on them when she needs to and to know what it feels like to belong.
I adore Maggie. One minute she’s a basket of self-doubt and the next she’s organising a banquet for over a hundred people. She’s complex and rounded and so real. Max is also a wonderful character. He’s a lovely blend of successful Aussie farmer, suave businessman and genuinely decent guy. These two and the other characters in this book are so well drawn that I could easily imagine any one of them wandering through town.
This story is sweet and sexy and warm-hearted and so, so romantic. I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved it from the very first page to the last.
July 28, 2019
Maggie was not a very likeable woman. She seemed so brittle and standoffish. I did not see the attraction nor the need to finish this book. DNF at 30%.
June 25, 2018
This is such a great story, a fabulous start to a series and MS Hunter you rock, I loved Maggie and Max, this story is filled with witty banter, humour and heart felt love and honesty. The setting country Victoria, a sheep station and a journey to the most beautiful HEA makes this a story that is not to be missed.
Maggie Walker has arrived back at Wirra Station after the death of her great Aunt Carmel although this has not felt like home to Maggie, it was while she wasn’t at boarding school after the tragic death of her parents in a car accident when she was eleven years old, she was never close to her Aunt and the station is in a bit of disrepair, this visit brings her back in contact with Max the person she will always feel a closeness to even if she finds it hard to be open about.
Max O’Connor the successful sheep-farmer and neighbour to Wirra Station but the man who will do anything to help Maggie, yes he wants the acres from Wirra and to restore it to its former glory but he also wants Maggie to stay and be happy and he will do what he can to make this happen, but he must tread carefully.
I truly loved Maggie and Max, both so strong and caring but with what had happened years before there was a lot that needed to be said, but the magical pull between them could not be denied, this is a beautifully written story, romantic, heart-warming, fantastic and so very sensual. The journey to love and happiness and bringing Wirra back to life and discovering secrets about the past, is one that I would highly recommend, it has left this reader so very delighted, I want to move to Wirra Station with Max . I look forward to the other books in this series.
Maggie Walker has arrived back at Wirra Station after the death of her great Aunt Carmel although this has not felt like home to Maggie, it was while she wasn’t at boarding school after the tragic death of her parents in a car accident when she was eleven years old, she was never close to her Aunt and the station is in a bit of disrepair, this visit brings her back in contact with Max the person she will always feel a closeness to even if she finds it hard to be open about.
Max O’Connor the successful sheep-farmer and neighbour to Wirra Station but the man who will do anything to help Maggie, yes he wants the acres from Wirra and to restore it to its former glory but he also wants Maggie to stay and be happy and he will do what he can to make this happen, but he must tread carefully.
I truly loved Maggie and Max, both so strong and caring but with what had happened years before there was a lot that needed to be said, but the magical pull between them could not be denied, this is a beautifully written story, romantic, heart-warming, fantastic and so very sensual. The journey to love and happiness and bringing Wirra back to life and discovering secrets about the past, is one that I would highly recommend, it has left this reader so very delighted, I want to move to Wirra Station with Max . I look forward to the other books in this series.
November 7, 2021
The redecorating porn in this one is GREAT, also the childhood friends to lovers stuff was top notch. If both of those are things you enjoy, would definitely recommend grabbing this one at some point.
July 12, 2018
Tule authors have done it again! They’ve created a community - Wirralong - populated it with great characters and have written entertaining romances based there, each by a different author and involving different main characters but sharing many of the secondary ones and events. Each story can be read as a standalone but this is a superb series and I highly recommend reading them all, I’ve loved escaping into this Australian Outback town, getting to know the characters, places and events whilst reading all four books. I hope there will be more books based in this small town in future.
The first story is Maggie’s Run by Kelly Turner and features Maggie Walker who is returning to Wirra Station, the home of her great aunt who had custody of her after being orphaned, though she spent most of her time at boarding school. Maggie is returning to sort everything out before selling up but Max O’Connor is the cowboy-next-door who actually saved her from the wreck in which her parents died and he challenges her to live there for three months . . . and she can’t resist the challenge - or is it just him she can’t resist? This is a story of reexamining the past, coming to terms with memories, making discoveries and being willing to work together for their future. It has plenty of twists to keep things interesting and is a great start to this series.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The first story is Maggie’s Run by Kelly Turner and features Maggie Walker who is returning to Wirra Station, the home of her great aunt who had custody of her after being orphaned, though she spent most of her time at boarding school. Maggie is returning to sort everything out before selling up but Max O’Connor is the cowboy-next-door who actually saved her from the wreck in which her parents died and he challenges her to live there for three months . . . and she can’t resist the challenge - or is it just him she can’t resist? This is a story of reexamining the past, coming to terms with memories, making discoveries and being willing to work together for their future. It has plenty of twists to keep things interesting and is a great start to this series.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
October 6, 2018
Loved this start to the Outback Brides series. This is the first story I've read by Kelly Hunter and I loved her writing style. These were awesome, well-written characters and I warmed to both immediately. I loved that it didn't get too over-done on the angst department, and issues were resolved through conversation and actions.
Just a beautiful story and a great recent holiday read. A page turner for sure!
Just a beautiful story and a great recent holiday read. A page turner for sure!
June 23, 2018
A really sweet rural romance about finding your own strength, believing in yourself and giving love a chance. This wasn't a long story, but it packed a fair bit into it. Maggie has come home due to her aunt dying and has many issues of her own to deal with, one of those is her relationship with long time friend and neighbour Max. Maggie and Max must work through these many issues if they want to make a life together. Trust in self and others is a big hurdle Maggie must overcome. This is the first in a new rural romance series Outback Brides by various Australian Women Authors and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2018
Read in a single sitting. Not often I do that these days.
Enjoyed the set up for the rest of the series too!
Enjoyed the set up for the rest of the series too!
June 29, 2018
A sweet rural romance.
June 28, 2018
Maggie Walker returns to Wirra Station after her great aunt's death. An orphan who nearly died in the car accident that killed both her parents, Maggie has had a chequered history with her great aunt and the boy next door Max O'Connor. She intends to sell the property but Max convinces her to spend three months, learning about how to manage the farm and come to peace with the past before she sells up and moves back to the city for good.
I hate to have to say this because I have enjoyed several of Kelly Hunter's other novels but this was just a bit meh. Maggie has had a difficult childhood and Max has been front and centre for much of her worst moments. He sort of hates her for leaving him, but not really. There's a mild sub-plot about trying to divide the ownership of Wirra Station so that Max gets the land for farming and Maggie has a smaller area around the house to run a wedding planning business. Even worse, it was all a bit fade to black.
If my review seems vague it's because nothing really stuck. There was nothing wrong with the novel, but it also didn't have any grit, it was all a bit greige for me the reader. I saw that the second book in this series is available for request on NetGalley but I won't be requesting it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I hate to have to say this because I have enjoyed several of Kelly Hunter's other novels but this was just a bit meh. Maggie has had a difficult childhood and Max has been front and centre for much of her worst moments. He sort of hates her for leaving him, but not really. There's a mild sub-plot about trying to divide the ownership of Wirra Station so that Max gets the land for farming and Maggie has a smaller area around the house to run a wedding planning business. Even worse, it was all a bit fade to black.
If my review seems vague it's because nothing really stuck. There was nothing wrong with the novel, but it also didn't have any grit, it was all a bit greige for me the reader. I saw that the second book in this series is available for request on NetGalley but I won't be requesting it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 8, 2019
Very well written and lots going on in this short novel. The romance is only a small portion of the book - it's mostly about Maggie and how she copes with her inheritance and running the property now in her possession. Max has been a good friend since they were children, so they fall into a relationship while all this is happening. There are quite a few other characters fleshing out the story as well. Friends, Max's mother, etc. There's not really much said about the years between Maggie leaving the property and coming home again. The romance was not the main focus of this book, rather it was the renovation of the homestead and living on a sheep station and life in a small rural Australian town. 3.5 stars.
June 20, 2018
Maggie Walker returned to Wirra Station, after inheriting it from her aunt. She has no idea what to do with the land or the house until she runs into her childhood friend Max O’Connor, who is her neighbor. Max doesn’t want Maggie to sell the property, has another idea, he will stay on as farm manager while she sorts through the homestead. If Maggie still wants to sell after three months, Max will buy it from her. If Maggie decides to stay, Max suggests she sell her Melbourne house and pay him back what he has put into the land. But then, Maggie comes up with the brilliant idea of turning it into an events and wedding venue. It doesn’t take long for Maggie and Max to give in to the growing attraction they have for each other. But will Maggie’s fears and secrets ruin their new relationship?
There was so much more to this book than just the romance. I enjoyed the discoveries Maggie makes as she goes through the house, especially what was in the hidden room. There were a lot of secrets that Maggie’s aunt kept from everyone and it was fun to see that part of the story unfold. The fact that Maggie suffered PTSD and why she has it gave the story an emotional feel. It was an interesting and entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There was so much more to this book than just the romance. I enjoyed the discoveries Maggie makes as she goes through the house, especially what was in the hidden room. There were a lot of secrets that Maggie’s aunt kept from everyone and it was fun to see that part of the story unfold. The fact that Maggie suffered PTSD and why she has it gave the story an emotional feel. It was an interesting and entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 28, 2018
Written in the style of one of my favorite Australian romance authors, Margaret Way, Kelly Hunter takes us on a trip to the outback and the inheritance of the historical Wirra Station.
Maggie Walker never planned on returning to her childhood home and the ghosts she’d left behind, but the death of her great-aunt forces her to confront the past.
Including the boy who’d saved her life the night her parents died.
Max O’Connor has never forgotten the shy, introvert who’d grown up next door. Now that Maggie has come back he falls for the woman she’s become. But can he convince her to let the past go and give their future a try?
This book is filled with an emotional tug-o war between the main characters, Max and Maggie, and a horrifying accident they can’t forget.
Favorite line:
And then their eyes locked, and her heart tried to fly to him while the rest of her stayed perfectly still.
Hunter, Kelly. Maggie’s Run (Outback Brides Book 1) (Kindle Locations 1918-1919). Tule Publishing. Kindle Edition.
I give Maggie’s Run 4.5 lovely kisses- An emotional journey!
Maggie Walker never planned on returning to her childhood home and the ghosts she’d left behind, but the death of her great-aunt forces her to confront the past.
Including the boy who’d saved her life the night her parents died.
Max O’Connor has never forgotten the shy, introvert who’d grown up next door. Now that Maggie has come back he falls for the woman she’s become. But can he convince her to let the past go and give their future a try?
This book is filled with an emotional tug-o war between the main characters, Max and Maggie, and a horrifying accident they can’t forget.
Favorite line:
And then their eyes locked, and her heart tried to fly to him while the rest of her stayed perfectly still.
Hunter, Kelly. Maggie’s Run (Outback Brides Book 1) (Kindle Locations 1918-1919). Tule Publishing. Kindle Edition.
I give Maggie’s Run 4.5 lovely kisses- An emotional journey!
December 30, 2018
Audiobook Review: Maggie's Run (Outback Brides Book 1) by Kelly Hunter (Author), Amy Soakes (Narrator)
It's a brave new world for a woman on her own. For Maggie Whitaker the child within is working to catch up to the woman she's become. Life has not always been kind. A child who needed love ended up orphaned, lonely and scared. The woman that emerges is one on a mission to create her own happy ending. Love was not part of that equation until her past ends up calling her home. Maggie's Run is a romanticized adventure of broken hearts, shattered dreams and new beginnings played out against the backdrop of the Australian outback. With a sense of wonder and a hint of hope Hunter and Soakes put a little love in our hearts.
It's a brave new world for a woman on her own. For Maggie Whitaker the child within is working to catch up to the woman she's become. Life has not always been kind. A child who needed love ended up orphaned, lonely and scared. The woman that emerges is one on a mission to create her own happy ending. Love was not part of that equation until her past ends up calling her home. Maggie's Run is a romanticized adventure of broken hearts, shattered dreams and new beginnings played out against the backdrop of the Australian outback. With a sense of wonder and a hint of hope Hunter and Soakes put a little love in our hearts.
June 22, 2018
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion
A great book and a great start to a new series. Book one in the Outback Brides series, Maggie's Run by Kelly Hunter. A fast paced story with likable characters, great character development and dialogue. A sure win. I look forward to read the next book Belle's Secret by Victoria Purman soon and read more books by Kelly Hunter
A great book and a great start to a new series. Book one in the Outback Brides series, Maggie's Run by Kelly Hunter. A fast paced story with likable characters, great character development and dialogue. A sure win. I look forward to read the next book Belle's Secret by Victoria Purman soon and read more books by Kelly Hunter
July 10, 2018
Maggie’s Run is the first book in the series. I love the Australia setting. I have read several books by Kelly Hunter and love them all. She captures the emotions of a young lady returning home where the memories aren’t all good. I enjoyed the secondary characters in the book and hope to read more of their stories.
June 30, 2018
I absolutely heart this story :D Maggie and Max are fabulous characters who draw you into the story with their boundless emotions. I like the story, the setting and the secondary characters who were a hoot to read as well. Maggie's Run by author Kelly Hunter is an all round fantastic read that I could go back and read again.
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
June 12, 2019
Always love a Aussie outback story with fantastic story line, and Maggie's Run delivered just that! Loved Maggie & Max's history and journey! Great start to Outback Brides!
March 5, 2020
A great book for a quick romance fix. It was easy to read and enjoyable.
July 22, 2020
A very enjoyable read. I particularly liked the tension between the female protagonist and her man. It flagged a little for me at the end but aid definitely read more by this author.
August 31, 2020
What a beautifully satisfying story. Maggie and Max have a chequered history when he rescued her from the car crash which killed her parents. Now, she’s inherited the station that she lived on with her great Aunt and is back to decide what to do with it. Max persuades her to take 3 months to make her mind up - stay or sell to him.
She decides to try and set up as a wedding venue and she and Max start to cooperate and gradually open up. The developing story of their relationship was really well done and I was so pleased when they reached their happy ever after. A really great story to enjoy on this rainy afternoon.
I like this author very much. Great story telling. 😉
She decides to try and set up as a wedding venue and she and Max start to cooperate and gradually open up. The developing story of their relationship was really well done and I was so pleased when they reached their happy ever after. A really great story to enjoy on this rainy afternoon.
I like this author very much. Great story telling. 😉
June 21, 2018
Maggie’s Run by Kelly Hunter
Maggie Walker has never called Wirra Station home. Orphaned as a child, she spent more time at boarding school, and then working in the city, than she ever spent on the edge of the outback. But when her great aunt dies, Maggie inherits everything and reluctantly returns to tidy the place up before selling.
Ambitious cowboy-next-door Max O’Connor has the means and the desire to buy Wirra Station outright and return it to its former glory. But first, he wants elusive Maggie Walker to know what she’s giving up. He challenges her to live at Wirra Station for three months—with him as farm manager. Just one season–and if she still doesn’t love the place, he’ll gladly pay up and she can be cashed-up and careless, with no ties to anything or anyone.
Three months. Two hearts. One Summer. Roll on.
This is Maggie Walker and Max O’Connor's story.
Maggie Walker often wished she looked more intimidating. She could have taken after her late father who’d been broad of shoulder, firm of jaw and had cut an imposing figure no matter whose company he’d sought. She could have taken after her recently deceased great aunt who’d been a model in her younger years—one of those aloof, impossibly leggy, aristocratic types. She could have been in possession of glacier-cut cheekbones, a piercing blue glare and enough height to make looking down on other people far too easy.
Maggie had inherited none of it.
Instead she’d topped out at five-two, was slight of form and had a sweetness of face more commonly associated with wet kittens and baby fawns.
“Problems?” The deep voice that came from the doorway was instantly recognizable. The lazy drawl, the chocolate-coated rumble. The owner of that delectable voice was often at odds with her, or she with him, but he was never one to roar. Nor had she ever seen him back down. Not from a black snake in her great aunt’s garden when they were kids, not from the wild dogs that had trapped her in the hay shed when she was ten. Not even from the hideous car accident that had cost her parents their lives.
Twelve-year-old Maxwell O’Connor had been the first one to reach the accident scene all those years ago. Max had saved her and not them and in the darkest corners of her heart she still hadn’t forgiven him.
Maggie turned to face him reluctantly, wincing only slightly as she met his deep blue gaze. Warmer than the ocean, a couple of stars lighter than the midnight sky, his eyes were his best feature; assuming one discounted his voice. One also had to ignore his untamed mop of messy black hair, his country tan on a lean, rangy body and his smile. His smile was lethal. Good thing she so rarely saw it.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kelly Hunter.
Maggie’s Run by Kelly Hunter is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
Kelly's Books with Tule:
What a Bride Wants
Great Wedding Giveaway
The Courage of Eli Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
The Heart of Caleb Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
What a Bachelor Needs
Bachelor Auction
The Great Wedding Giveaway
Pursued by the Rogue
The Fairy Tales of New York
The Downfall of Cutter Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
Casey
American Extreme Bull Riders Tour
Maggie’s Run
Outback Brides
Outback Brides
Book 1
Maggie’s Run
by Kelly Hunter
Book 2
Belle’s Secret
by Victoria Purman
Book 3
Elsa’s Stand
by Cathryn Hein
Book 4
Holly’s Heart
by Fiona McArthur
Maggie Walker has never called Wirra Station home. Orphaned as a child, she spent more time at boarding school, and then working in the city, than she ever spent on the edge of the outback. But when her great aunt dies, Maggie inherits everything and reluctantly returns to tidy the place up before selling.
Ambitious cowboy-next-door Max O’Connor has the means and the desire to buy Wirra Station outright and return it to its former glory. But first, he wants elusive Maggie Walker to know what she’s giving up. He challenges her to live at Wirra Station for three months—with him as farm manager. Just one season–and if she still doesn’t love the place, he’ll gladly pay up and she can be cashed-up and careless, with no ties to anything or anyone.
Three months. Two hearts. One Summer. Roll on.
This is Maggie Walker and Max O’Connor's story.
Maggie Walker often wished she looked more intimidating. She could have taken after her late father who’d been broad of shoulder, firm of jaw and had cut an imposing figure no matter whose company he’d sought. She could have taken after her recently deceased great aunt who’d been a model in her younger years—one of those aloof, impossibly leggy, aristocratic types. She could have been in possession of glacier-cut cheekbones, a piercing blue glare and enough height to make looking down on other people far too easy.
Maggie had inherited none of it.
Instead she’d topped out at five-two, was slight of form and had a sweetness of face more commonly associated with wet kittens and baby fawns.
“Problems?” The deep voice that came from the doorway was instantly recognizable. The lazy drawl, the chocolate-coated rumble. The owner of that delectable voice was often at odds with her, or she with him, but he was never one to roar. Nor had she ever seen him back down. Not from a black snake in her great aunt’s garden when they were kids, not from the wild dogs that had trapped her in the hay shed when she was ten. Not even from the hideous car accident that had cost her parents their lives.
Twelve-year-old Maxwell O’Connor had been the first one to reach the accident scene all those years ago. Max had saved her and not them and in the darkest corners of her heart she still hadn’t forgiven him.
Maggie turned to face him reluctantly, wincing only slightly as she met his deep blue gaze. Warmer than the ocean, a couple of stars lighter than the midnight sky, his eyes were his best feature; assuming one discounted his voice. One also had to ignore his untamed mop of messy black hair, his country tan on a lean, rangy body and his smile. His smile was lethal. Good thing she so rarely saw it.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kelly Hunter.
Maggie’s Run by Kelly Hunter is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
Kelly's Books with Tule:
What a Bride Wants
Great Wedding Giveaway
The Courage of Eli Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
The Heart of Caleb Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction
What a Bachelor Needs
Bachelor Auction
The Great Wedding Giveaway
Pursued by the Rogue
The Fairy Tales of New York
The Downfall of Cutter Jackson
The Jackson Brothers
Casey
American Extreme Bull Riders Tour
Maggie’s Run
Outback Brides
Outback Brides
Book 1
Maggie’s Run
by Kelly Hunter
Book 2
Belle’s Secret
by Victoria Purman
Book 3
Elsa’s Stand
by Cathryn Hein
Book 4
Holly’s Heart
by Fiona McArthur
July 20, 2018
A life full of nothing but heartache and no love has a profound affect on a woman. He wants to over come the past so that they can have a future. An emotional story of how a past can influence your future and it's up to you to change. Kelly Hunter's story of love and how it helps to heal.
Maggie has inherited the family sheep station from her great aunt. She doesn't know if she wants to keep it because of all the memories. She's the only surviving family member. She grew up their from the age of 12 when her parents died in a car crash. Max was the one who pulled her out of the car. He's always had feelings for Maggie and has been protective of her. They meet again when she goes to town with a question for the local feed store. They go to lunch and Max offers to buy her place if she'll stay for an allotted time. He wants to get past their shared past but doesn't think Maggie does. Maggie and friends come up with an idea to turn the place into an event center. Selling her family home to pay for the renovations. She also includes the community in her planning. Max takes over fixing up the station for sheep. Max helps Maggie with her self-esteem. She works on her problems. They go out on a date and Maggie tries to put Max at a distance by revealing her secrets. After making love and the nightmare that follows, Max backs off. Maggie gets a visit from his mother about her great aunt and the secret that will be revealed if she stays. She's making friends in the area. Max comes to see Maggie and they discuss their issues. He moves in, only after making love Maggie leaves because of the nightmares. Maggie finds out that Max won't be at her opening ball. She invites her best friend to come and offers her a job. Max's mother makes another visit and helps with the ball. She also reveals the secret Maggie's great aunt had. Maggie decides to tackle the problem. The ball is a success and Maggie get a surprise along with a proposal. the first event at the station is Max and Maggie's wedding with a surprise guest. Maggie receives an invitation.
The Outback Brides series follows the lives of Maggie and her friends as they work together in her event business. It brings together a community and shows a woman that she can be happy and have love even when you've hardly had any and that you can over come your past if you work at it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the others.
Maggie has inherited the family sheep station from her great aunt. She doesn't know if she wants to keep it because of all the memories. She's the only surviving family member. She grew up their from the age of 12 when her parents died in a car crash. Max was the one who pulled her out of the car. He's always had feelings for Maggie and has been protective of her. They meet again when she goes to town with a question for the local feed store. They go to lunch and Max offers to buy her place if she'll stay for an allotted time. He wants to get past their shared past but doesn't think Maggie does. Maggie and friends come up with an idea to turn the place into an event center. Selling her family home to pay for the renovations. She also includes the community in her planning. Max takes over fixing up the station for sheep. Max helps Maggie with her self-esteem. She works on her problems. They go out on a date and Maggie tries to put Max at a distance by revealing her secrets. After making love and the nightmare that follows, Max backs off. Maggie gets a visit from his mother about her great aunt and the secret that will be revealed if she stays. She's making friends in the area. Max comes to see Maggie and they discuss their issues. He moves in, only after making love Maggie leaves because of the nightmares. Maggie finds out that Max won't be at her opening ball. She invites her best friend to come and offers her a job. Max's mother makes another visit and helps with the ball. She also reveals the secret Maggie's great aunt had. Maggie decides to tackle the problem. The ball is a success and Maggie get a surprise along with a proposal. the first event at the station is Max and Maggie's wedding with a surprise guest. Maggie receives an invitation.
The Outback Brides series follows the lives of Maggie and her friends as they work together in her event business. It brings together a community and shows a woman that she can be happy and have love even when you've hardly had any and that you can over come your past if you work at it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the others.
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