It's been eleven years since Dr Peta Woodward, born into a horse-breeding dynasty, fled the family stud in the wake of a deadly tragedy that split her family apart. Carrying wounds that have never truly healed, Peta has focused on helping others. But when an injury during a solo trip through the Australian high country leaves her stranded, the man who comes to her rescue is Craig Munroe, a born and bred high-country horseman, and the kind of man legends are written about.
Stuck in the tiny town of Yarraman Falls while she recovers, Peta is surrounded by prying eyes and heartbreaking reminders of all she has lost. But while she resolves to leave as soon as she can, fate has other ideas . . .
Fans of Rachael Johns will devour THE HORSEMAN, the passionate new novel of romance, medicine and drama from much-loved author Charlotte Nash
Charlotte Nash was born in England and grew up in the sunny Redland Shire of Brisbane. Before becoming a writer, she spent time building rockets and working as an industrial accident investigator (she swears the two were not related). Somewhere in that time, she acquired a penchant for motorbikes.
She now writes women's fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, teaches in some semesters, and works in technical writing with fascinating people. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing from The University of Queensland. She swears she is still fun at parties.
Dr Peta Woodward was on leave from her job in a big Melbourne hospital and enjoying the solitude and ruggedness of the Australian bush country while she walked. Her solution to working through her problems had always been to walk; alone where she was able to think clearly. But the issue was more difficult this time – her heart was being torn in two as she grappled with what to do. The ferocious storm took her by surprise – as did her sudden slip in the mud and subsequent fall. Peta knew she was injured as she tumbled to a stop; but when she was unable to scramble up the side of the cliff again, she knew she was also stranded…
Craig Munroe loved his horses, especially Bel and Candy. He had magic in his hands and voice when it came to the horses – people wanted to watch as he gently tamed yet another wild horse. He was riding Candy, searching for cattle from a neighbouring property the morning he came across an abandoned pack lying in the mud from the overnight storm. And nearby was a cold, wet and injured young woman.
Peta was unable to leave the tiny town of Yarraman Falls until she had fully recovered. Annoyed at the interruption to her solitary walk, nevertheless she began to make friends with the locals. But strange things began to happen around the town – cattle disappeared; property vanished; even farmers were being injured. The local cop, Ash was frustrated at his inability to find answers. What was happening? Nothing ever went wrong in the sleepy little town of Yarraman Falls…
I thoroughly enjoyed The Horseman by Aussie author Charlotte Nash. An intriguing plot, I loved the detail of the horses; the beauty of the foal and sensitivity of Craig in his treatment of his horses. There was a blend of sadness and emotion; suspense and mystery; grief, hope and love throughout the story. The Horseman is one I have no hesitation in highly recommending – I’m impressed with this author’s work.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
In my review of Crystal Creek I said that Charlotte was a “gifted writer” – and that remains true after reading this latest.
When we first meet Dr Peta Woodward, she’s in the Wonnangatta National Park in the Victorian High Country where she’s come to try and gain some perspective on her life and make a decision that’s been forced on her. As she seeks solace in the bush, her thoughts continually turn to the grief and pain she carries around, even after she takes a fall and lands in a precarious position, unable to move because of her injured leg.
It’s not long afterwards that Craig Munroe, Yarraman Fall’s legendary horseman who’s been out searching for stray cattle on a neighbouring farm, comes to Peta’s aid and insists that he take her back to town to have her leg tended to.
After much deliberation on her part and the fill-in doctor’s diagnosis, she finally realises that her injury is a lot worse than she first thought and decides that it probably is best for her to put her bushwalking off for a while.
And so, it is here, that Peta begins to do a lot of reflection but at the same time is slowly drawn into the daily life of the small town – a place that, quite possibly, she could call home – if only her life wasn’t so complicated.
Charlotte has a knack for making her reader care about her characters and, in The Horseman, she has written an appealing novel with sympathetic and memorable characters as well as the usual suspects who we all love to hate. The stand-out for me though was the relationship between Craig and his horses which had me thoroughly mesmerised because the interactions are so beautifully written and touched my heart. And then of course, there’s the loveable Diane and our not-so-loveable villain!
While her characters keep the story moving, Charlotte also gives us an enchanting look into Aussie small-town life, offering delightful descriptions of life in the High Country, where life ambles along notwithstanding the daily struggles and threats that abound in Yarraman Falls. She writes the setting well and her combination of medicine and drama really fosters a sense of Aussie close-knit communities.
With its intriguing plot lines that create suspense and, paying tribute to the power of community, this is a novel that brims with warmth, great characters, simmering tension, small-town politics and a true blue Aussie landscape – a genuine treat for romantics and non-romantics alike.
Loved escaping to the high country in this enjoyable book. The characters are engaging and the horses are rendered with as much care and detail as the people. Have to admit, I developed a little crush on The Horseman himself. This is a relaxing read with a satisfying ending.
Peta is an Emergency Department Doctor from Melbourne who has experienced more than her share of heartbreak and difficult times in life. Because of these experiences Peta doesn't allow herself to have close personal relationships and is the queen of small talk. To deal with difficult times Peta walks, and so at the start of the book we find Peta hiking through the high country of Victoria. Peta gets herself into some difficulty and luckily is found by Craig a local farmer/horseman who comes to her aid. Peta is not good at accepting help and begrudginly accepts his offer of help.
From here one of my favourite characters of the book makes its appearance, the small town community of Yarraman Falls, all of the the towns people are some of my fav's and I can picture them now still so clearly in my mind.
Peta and Craig get to know one another and each of them has had tragedy in their past that the need to heal from. I don't want to give to much away but this really is a wonderful story, I had a few tears through the book and it really was a compelling read. If you love horses and small country towns than this is your book, or if you need something to lift your spirits and make you feel good about life, then this is also your book.
This was a wonderful read, so thankful to Charlotte for sharing these wonderful characters with us.
*4.5 stars The Horseman marks Aussie author Charlotte Nash’s fourth novel. It is safe to say I’m a fan of Nash’s work, as I have read Nash’s entire back catalogue. I was keen to read the latest release by Charlotte Nash as soon as it hit the shelves. I am happy to report that The Horseman is now my favourite novel from Charlotte Nash. The Horseman is a stirring read, which will appeal to romantics, fans of Australian based rural fiction and those who enjoy a good dose of medical romance The Horseman is focussed on the story of a fiercely independent young doctor named Peta Woodward. After a personal tragedy, Peta decides to embark on a solo hike across the high country region in Victoria. Peta has turned to hiking as a form of therapy, hoping that it will ease a tough decision that lies ahead of her. Unfortunately for Peta, an accident occurs that renders her unable to continue her trek. Peta is extremely lucky when Craig Monroe, a local horse whisperer of sorts, is making tracks in the same area as Peta and finds her injured. Craig insists Peta abandon her trek and follow him back to the local town of Yarraman Falls to receive treatment for her injury. After much persuasion, Peta reluctantly follows Craig back to Yarraman Falls. Despite her reservations, Peta finds the close-knit town of Yarraman Falls welcoming, providing her with the healing she needs both physically and emotionally. Peta even begins to turn her thoughts to love and a long term stay in the town. However, Peta’s determination to complete her trek may sway her decision to stay put in Yarraman Falls. What a truly beautiful and emotional journey I was taken on through my experience of reading The Horseman. What makes this book extra special are the characters that fill Nash’s pages. Main characters Peta and Craig, along with an excellent ensemble of secondary characters, are well formed by Nash. Nash shapes her characters in such a way that they offer a good dose of realism, connectivity and appeal. Peta and Craig are characters who stay imprinted on the mind long after reading the last pages of The Horseman. I was completely engrossed with the emotional journey both Craig and Peta take during the novel. Craig in particular is a highly memorable and likeable leading man, the relationship he holds with his horses was very touching. Peta is a character who is surrounded by her own fair share of grief, sadness and hardship. Peta's personal journey and eventual love story held my interest for the entirety of the novel. Secondary characters supplement the story perfectly, interacting with main characters Craig and Peta well. The casting of the villain of the story was a good choice of Nash’s behalf, adding a sense of intrigue to this mainly medical/rural drama. As in Nash’s previous novels, her employ of the Australian landscape, in this instance, the Victorian high country, is top notch. Readers will enjoy, as I did, being taken away by the descriptions depicting the sheer beauty and often brutal isolation of this part of Australia. Touching on some essential rural based medical themes is explored well by Nash. Inserting Peta as a doctor provides Nash with the opportunity to highlight medical based rural issues. I feel this is an important area of contention that all residents in non rural areas should be made aware of. The Horseman offers the reader a wonderful blend memorable characters, an appealing storyline, a picturesque rural setting, with a good exploration of issues at the core of country communities. Take a chance on this lovely book, you will not be disappointed.
Peta Woodward always solves her problems by walking them off. Experienced in trail walking, she has taken leave from work to walk the track through the high country, while trying to come to terms with the need to sell the family property after her father's death. One evening during this solo walk, she slips down an embankment and hurts her ankle, with the slippery sides and an injured ankle all she can do is wait. Craig Munroe is scouring the ridge line above his property for his neighbours lost cows, they have got out and are roaming in the National Park which is against the law. Coming across injured Peta, she shows her feisty, bossy side as he tries to take her to medical help. Being a Doctor in an emergency department of a busy Melbourne hospital, she knows exactly what is wrong with her and refusing to be taken to hospital she finds herself in the only room available at the local pub.
While recuperating she is drawn into the local community and her skills as a Dr are called upon a number of times as farmers protect their properties from some odd occurrences. Finding herself more and more attracted to Craig, the local horse whisperer, she has to work out what is important to her and the towns people have to find what is happening in their community.
I really enjoyed this new novel from Charlotte Nash, another rural/medical romance story which I think she does so well. Romance, medical emergencies, dirty dealings and suspense are all here and I love how the community is there for each other. A great one to curl up with on a winters day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
This is the second book I have read by Charlotte Nash and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its the story of Peta who is a big city doctor and goes hiking in Victoria's high country. When she has an accident and is badly injured she is rescued by Craig - a local farmer and horseman. While recuperating she becomes involved with the small country community in the town she is temporarily living and meets a variety of locals who embrace her into their town. There is no doctor in the town and she is called upon to assist where needed. There is a bit of everything in this story, romance, domestic violence, farming, politicians and friendship. I read and listened to this book on kindle and audible and the story kept me engaged from start to finish. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys rural stories and Women's Fiction.
I will admit I usually wouldn't touch these with a four foot barge pole! But I picked one up as lockdown has made it very difficult to read and I'm bouncing all over the place bookwise. I was pleasantly surprised and actually finished it. Decent characters and the love interest was done well, without too much cheesiness
What a fabulous story this one is MS Nash is a new to me author but I will be looking for more of her stories. If you want a story that will take you to the beautiful high country of Victoria this is the book to pick up the scenery is wonderful and the story is moving and beautiful as two people are bought together by what I think is fate they are meant to be with each other, but this one shows the love that grows between a man and his horses and the strength that comes from that love.
Dr Peta Woodward is on a hike walking on her own she wants that peace and serenity to think and work out what needs to be done with her family horse stud in the Adelaide Hills after the death of her father, Peta has not been home for many years since losing her sister in a tragic accident she is a loner she woks hard and her walks are where she thinks but when she has an accident on the trail and rescued by Craig Munroe Peta has a lot more thinking to do this is a life changer for her in such a good way.
Craig Munroe is from the high country a true horseman he has such a way with them but his life didn't start out too good but when he came to the small town of Yarraman Falls at the age of 10 things improved and he is well regarded in this small community where everyone pitches in and helps and everyone knows everyone. Craig has worries that he keeps to himself he is caring and very close to his sister but when he rescues Peta she is very hard on him and he is not so sure about her but as they get to know each other that changes.
This is a story that has so much going on suspense and bad guy family problems and it shows the hardships of living on a farm and of course the horses they are such strong characters in the story and the up and down journey to a HEA between Peta and Craig. The characters come to life on the pages it is a story that you will want to sit down and read without any disturbances as you feel the emotions from everyone in the story it is beautifully written and I savoured every word I can't recommend this one enough. Do keep the tissues ready as there will be times that tears are shed and you will be smiling also I loved this one.
I really enjoyed THE HORSEMAN. This well-crafted, well-written story set in Australia's high country was obviously written by someone who knows her stuff (or scrupulously researches anything she doesn't know). As an author, I find it a struggle sometimes to turn off the internal editor when reading, which spoils my enjoyment of books somewhat. With THE HORSEMAN, however, I slipped easily into reader mode and thoroughly enjoyed the experience - thank you Charlotte Nash! :))
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Craig Munroe is the kind of man legends are written about. Escape to the high country in this passionate love story of a young doctor and a legendary horseman whose lives become inextricably linked. It's been eleven years since Dr Peta Woodward, born into a horse-breeding dynasty, fled the family stud in the wake of a deadly tragedy that split her family apart. Carrying wounds that have never truly healed, Peta has focused on helping others. But when an injury during a solo trip through the Australian high country leaves her stranded, the man who comes to her rescue is Craig Munroe, a born and bred high-country horseman, and the kind of man legends are written about. Stuck in the tiny town of Yarraman Falls while she recovers, Peta is surrounded by prying eyes and heartbreaking reminders of all she has lost. But while she resolves to leave as soon as she can, fate has other ideas...
Having been a bit of a fan of Charlotte's books since I read Iron Junction a few years back, I was ready and eager for this novel. I have read a lot of great rural romance novels in the meantime and was looking forward to see how the author was able to keep up with the pack...
...and she does so in style. The one thing that always impresses me about these books in the descriptions of the Australian landscape. In this instance, it is the Victorian high country, and we really do get the impression of mountains and dales, grazing and farmland.
The story itself was also good. Big city doctor is hiking through the mountains and injures herself. She is saved by local hero and recuperates in town. While she is there, she helps with some medical dramas, as well as some bigger issues around the small community. She also slowly falls for her rescuer. Sounds run-of-the-mill, right? But in Nash's capable hands, the story flows well and you never get the feeling of predictability. Everything feels fresh and new.
As for the characters, I really did like Craig. He may have been just a little too "perfect", but his character really jumped off the page. However, I didn't really like Peta. She was just a little wishy-washy for me - one minute decisive and independent, the next she was falling over whoever would help her. One minute she wanted to leave "right now", the next she was helping the community with its issues. Not really a deal breaker kind of thing, but it was a little frustrating to read. Also, the underlying issues - the back stories of these two - was just a little overwrought and played on throughout the book. At the halfway mark through the book, I was just "Oh, please, just tell us..."
Overall, though, a really good addition to the ranks of Australian rural romance, adding a medical angle and some decent mystery/suspense. Recommended for sure!
Craig Munroe is the kind of man legends are written about. Escape to the high country in this passionate love story of a young doctor and a legendary horseman whose lives become inextricably linked, by the bestselling author of RYDERS RIDGE, Charlotte NashIt's been eleven years since Dr Peta Woodward, born into a horse-breeding dynasty, fled the family stud in the wake of a deadly tragedy that split her family apart. Carrying wounds that have never truly healed, Peta has focused on helping others. But when an injury during a solo trip through the Australian high country leaves her stranded, the man who comes to her rescue is Craig Munroe, a born and bred high-country horseman, and the kind of man legends are written about.Stuck in the tiny town of Yarraman Falls while she recovers, Peta is surrounded by prying eyes and heartbreaking reminders of all she has lost. But while she resolves to leave as soon as she can, fate has other ideas . . .Fans of Rachael Johns will devour THE HORSEMAN, the passionate new novel of romance, medicine and drama from much-loved author Charlotte Nash.
This was a fantastic read that is country romance with a sinister under story behind it!
Dr Peta Woodward is trekking through the high country, to clear her head, when she injures herself and is rescued by handsome horseman, Craig Monroe.
Whilst she is re-cooperating in the small town of Yarraman Falls, she gets to know some of the locals and helps out at the medical centre which has been closed for a while now. She also gets closer to Craig through a growing attraction, but feels like something else is going on in the town.
Sinister things start happening and Peta feels like she is surrounded by prying eyes and sticky beaking people around her and she is still dealing with her own losses from the past.
This is an engaging story set in Victoria's high country. Two damaged people find each other by chance, learn to love, and start the process of healing each other.
Lots of horses, a fair bit of medicine, and one swear word a previous borrower helpfully whited out. The bad guy is satisfyingly bad, but my only complaint - our hero seems too good to be true.
Aww.....Australian Cowboy of the High Country. A Legend of the country people. A town barely staying alive. A broken Doctor from the city. What is her story, why is she climbing mountains? Everyone has a story. Charlotte Nash brings the True Aussie Spirit, Horse lovers will laugh and cry; And cry I did. Heart warming beautiful read. 5/5.
I enjoyed this story very much. The Horseman is an Australian story, but could have taken place in the American West. The strong, quiet hero is the perfect fit for the overtaxed woman in the story. Their coming together was a true romance.
Very slow going to start with. I found it took quite a bit to get into and I wasn't drawn to the female character. There were quite a lot of cliche moments including someone being caught with a lassoo. The second half improved and gained an extra star in my rating.
This was the first book by Charlotte that I have read and I loved it. A great book for readers who love the community of the Australian country and horses.
Strong independent woman with issues crosses paths with strong independent man with issues. Add in a weasel politician type, some low level crime about town and eventually a plot point that allows both people to realise they're keen on each other and need to sort out their issues.
Well written, easy to pick up and it held my attention. The horses and the high country are realistically portrayed and the romance is neither cheesy or too over the top. I enjoyed it!
I was loaned The Horseman by Charlotte Nash to read recently. As I started this novel, it was nice to read about some places I am familiar with. They are based here where I live in Victoria, Australia!
The Horseman by charlotte Nash is the story of Peta Woodward an emergency doctor from Melbourne who has taken leave from her job to walk through Wonnagatta National Park in Australia's high country to solve problems of excutor of her dad's will and what to with her family home ( A farm that bred horses). Peta takes a fall while on this walk and is rescued by Graig Munroe. Peta is now stuck in the town of Yarraman Falls due to her injury to her ankle. Peta is offered a place to stay in the local hotel by Diane who runs a store in town. Peta finds her herself helping the towns people on few occasions. Graig is the horseman who helps people with their horses how to train them. He lives on the family farm with her sister Gemma. Graig has his own problems as well Wade Masters a friend he grew up with comes back town after four years away is back. Graig is not happy as he know Wade is not a good person after the way he treated a horse he now has and loves. Wade causes a few issues with the community as well as hurting Graig sister after Graig warned her to stay away from him. Peta and Graig give into their feelings for each but Peta needs to get away and finish what she set out to do but along way discovers she need to get back to Graig but it here where Graig's beloved horse Bel is stolen and Graig finds the thief's only to have her hurt and need to be put down. Graig is seriously hurt with head injury and is rushed to Melbourne to the hospital and is in a coma. Peta is left wondering does she really want to stay in Melbourne and fears that Graig could die and she could tell him of her love. Diane Brings his horses Candle and Buck to see him and this bring him out of a coma. Graig and Peta need to find a way for their relationship to work. As well for Peta to overcome her past of her sister death and to heal and love Graig. A great read loved it would recommend another great rural romance.