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The Landowner's Secret
New South Wales, 1885
When Alice Ryan wakes to find thugs surrounding her cottage, on the hunt for her no-good brother, she escapes into the surrounding bush.
It is wealthy landowner Robert Farrer who finds her the next morning, dishevelled, injured, and utterly unwilling to share what she knows. With criminals on the loose and rumours that reckless bushrangers have returned to the area, Robert is determined to keep Alice out of danger, and insists on taking her into his home-despite the scandal it may cause. Convincing her to stay on with him for her own safety, however, is going to take some work.
What Robert doesn't expect is his growing attraction to the forthright, unruly woman staying in his home. Before either of them can settle into their odd new situation, their home and wellbeing come under threat and they will need to trust each other to survive. But they are both keeping secrets, secrets that have the potential to ruin their burgeoning love, their livelihood ... and their lives.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2019
19 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Sonya Heaney
6 books41 followersSonya Heaney began her professional life aged eight, as the Changeling in Queensland Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After many more years of hard work, even more blisters, and plenty of pretty tutus, one too many injuries forced her out of her pointe shoes.
Between then and now she has worked in a posh Dublin hotel (that didn’t last long), pulled pints in London pubs (that lasted years), taught English in Korea (her apartment was broken into and her computer was stolen – along with many half-finished manuscripts), and worked on costumes backstage in various theatres (it was always chaos).
Sonya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing, and spent years putting it to use in nonfiction fields before turning her hand to romance.
After working her way around the world, she once again calls Canberra, Australia’s gorgeous capital city, home.
Between then and now she has worked in a posh Dublin hotel (that didn’t last long), pulled pints in London pubs (that lasted years), taught English in Korea (her apartment was broken into and her computer was stolen – along with many half-finished manuscripts), and worked on costumes backstage in various theatres (it was always chaos).
Sonya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing, and spent years putting it to use in nonfiction fields before turning her hand to romance.
After working her way around the world, she once again calls Canberra, Australia’s gorgeous capital city, home.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews
June 12, 2022
Alice Ryan wakes up in the middle of the night, she hears noises outside and her cottage is surrounded by strange men. Her brother Ian’s always getting into trouble, they must be looking for him and of course he's not home.
Alice runs for her life, the next morning Robert Farrer finds her curled up in the bush, and he takes her home to Endmoor. Alice has a fever and his housekeeper Mrs. Adamson thinks she may have been bitten by a spider and she calls for the doctor. Alice slowly recuperates, Robert isn’t keen for her to return to her cottage, and it’s not safe for her to live on her own. With Mrs. Adamson and his sister Elizabeth as chaperones it’s perfectly respectable and then people in Barracks Flat start talking.
Robert does the honorable thing, he and Alice are married. Alice worries that she’s not good enough for her husband, too common and he’s married below his social status. Robert runs merino sheep on his land, he and his friend John Stanford are considering starting a vineyard and making riesling. The Southern Tablelands in New South Wales have the perfect soil and climate to grow grapes and all they need is financial backing.
Alice and Robert both have secrets, Alice does reveal hers to Robert, and she stumbles across his and it make her feel insecure. When a Cobb & Co Coach is robbed and two people are shot, Alice is worried, surely Ian wouldn't join a gang of bushrangers and what will Robert think!
The Landowner’s Secret by Sonya Heaney is a historical romance set in Australia in 1885, it’s about Alice and Robert slowly falling in love and facing life's challenges together. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Artist’s Secret and three and a half stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Alice runs for her life, the next morning Robert Farrer finds her curled up in the bush, and he takes her home to Endmoor. Alice has a fever and his housekeeper Mrs. Adamson thinks she may have been bitten by a spider and she calls for the doctor. Alice slowly recuperates, Robert isn’t keen for her to return to her cottage, and it’s not safe for her to live on her own. With Mrs. Adamson and his sister Elizabeth as chaperones it’s perfectly respectable and then people in Barracks Flat start talking.
Robert does the honorable thing, he and Alice are married. Alice worries that she’s not good enough for her husband, too common and he’s married below his social status. Robert runs merino sheep on his land, he and his friend John Stanford are considering starting a vineyard and making riesling. The Southern Tablelands in New South Wales have the perfect soil and climate to grow grapes and all they need is financial backing.
Alice and Robert both have secrets, Alice does reveal hers to Robert, and she stumbles across his and it make her feel insecure. When a Cobb & Co Coach is robbed and two people are shot, Alice is worried, surely Ian wouldn't join a gang of bushrangers and what will Robert think!
The Landowner’s Secret by Sonya Heaney is a historical romance set in Australia in 1885, it’s about Alice and Robert slowly falling in love and facing life's challenges together. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Artist’s Secret and three and a half stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
February 3, 2020
A lovely debut from author Sonya Heaney. This historical romance is set in New South Wales, circa 1885, and the flora and fauna of Australia are very much a part of how the hero, Robert Farrer, and heroine, Alice Ryan, meet and fall in love (spoiler: it involves a spider bite). The growing romance is sweet and filled with great romantic tension. I really enjoyed it.
September 12, 2019
Can two very different persons, from both side of the fence find a way to another’s heart?
I confess I didn’t know what to expect from this book, it was my first time reading a romance set in Australia, if I forgot some books by Colleen McCullough 2/3 decades back and it was no historical.
I just loved it, I was unable to put it down until I turned the last page.
Mrs Sonya Heaney brought her characters to life with her vivid and colorful descriptions of the flora and fauna in these newly inhabited lands. The wildlife is much part of the story as are the personages in this lovely tale which took me on a journey in the wild of the New South Wales, with two persons from different standings trying to figure out a common ground when circumstances push them on the same road.
Alice is no lady nor damsel-in-distress, she is made of bones of steel, she uses her brain and acts. Sure her stubbornness might cause her more wrong than good but she is also able to accept when she is on thé wrong path. She has no big dreams but some hope for her future if she can leave her actual place but everything is derailed when her home is ambushed.
After being rescued, she still seek for a better tomorrow. So Robert comes as a surprise, with not an once of romanticism but she is pragmatic and after warning him she is no well-bred girl, she accepts his proposal.
I smiled at her outlook of her wedding night, it was very refreshing, no steam nor hot sex, just the wonders and interrogations of a young woman learning the meaning of the marriage bed.
Robert is a nice sort man, he respects people and refuses to let Alice go back home when he fears for her security. But his work is his first concern, after his sister’s wellbeing. Even if he cares for Alice, when tricked he used her for his gain. And when she comes clean with all her “secrets” on their mariage day, he still hold back some details of his past life that might hurt her if she get to know it.
I adored Alice forthrightness, at time she does not always knows how to ask or tell but she always finds a way. When she is open, Robert is closed with his feelings and he struggles to express them.
It is these kinds of flaws that bring blood and flesh to paper characters, their inner conflicts, their inability to speak plainly or too bluntly and that not everyone get its right reward.
It is not a sizzling romance, it is more on the long run side as it is daily life and tiny details here and there that brought them to see another on a different light, and slowly they will come to love another.
5 stars for this lively tale.
I was granted through Netgalley by the publisher Escape Publishing an advance copy, and I purchased my own too. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://m.facebook.com/42983013427283...
I confess I didn’t know what to expect from this book, it was my first time reading a romance set in Australia, if I forgot some books by Colleen McCullough 2/3 decades back and it was no historical.
I just loved it, I was unable to put it down until I turned the last page.
Mrs Sonya Heaney brought her characters to life with her vivid and colorful descriptions of the flora and fauna in these newly inhabited lands. The wildlife is much part of the story as are the personages in this lovely tale which took me on a journey in the wild of the New South Wales, with two persons from different standings trying to figure out a common ground when circumstances push them on the same road.
Alice is no lady nor damsel-in-distress, she is made of bones of steel, she uses her brain and acts. Sure her stubbornness might cause her more wrong than good but she is also able to accept when she is on thé wrong path. She has no big dreams but some hope for her future if she can leave her actual place but everything is derailed when her home is ambushed.
After being rescued, she still seek for a better tomorrow. So Robert comes as a surprise, with not an once of romanticism but she is pragmatic and after warning him she is no well-bred girl, she accepts his proposal.
I smiled at her outlook of her wedding night, it was very refreshing, no steam nor hot sex, just the wonders and interrogations of a young woman learning the meaning of the marriage bed.
Robert is a nice sort man, he respects people and refuses to let Alice go back home when he fears for her security. But his work is his first concern, after his sister’s wellbeing. Even if he cares for Alice, when tricked he used her for his gain. And when she comes clean with all her “secrets” on their mariage day, he still hold back some details of his past life that might hurt her if she get to know it.
I adored Alice forthrightness, at time she does not always knows how to ask or tell but she always finds a way. When she is open, Robert is closed with his feelings and he struggles to express them.
It is these kinds of flaws that bring blood and flesh to paper characters, their inner conflicts, their inability to speak plainly or too bluntly and that not everyone get its right reward.
It is not a sizzling romance, it is more on the long run side as it is daily life and tiny details here and there that brought them to see another on a different light, and slowly they will come to love another.
5 stars for this lively tale.
I was granted through Netgalley by the publisher Escape Publishing an advance copy, and I purchased my own too. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://m.facebook.com/42983013427283...
September 13, 2019
Alice Ryan has been living on her own. Her parents are both deceased and her unreliable brother has left her to fend for herself once again. Late one night, she awakes to the sound of men surrounding her cottage, knowing the danger she is in, she makes a run for it into the nearby bush. Eventually she is able to lose them, but she spends the night huddled in hiding.
The following morning, Robert Farrer, with the help of his dog, stumble across her. She is largely unresponsive and clearly ailing from some form of injury. He carries her back to his estate to protect her from any lingering danger in the area and so that she may be seen by a physcian.
With Alice recovering and the continuing risk in the area, she stays on in his home. But Alice is harboring secrets and the state of a couple of unmarried and unrelated young people residing in the same home is causing a bit of trouble for Robert and his business ventures.
Spending so much time in one another's company has spurred on an unexpected attraction betweent the two. With more danger threatening in the area they will be forced to confide and place even more trust in one another if they are to ensure the safety of their home and of those around them.
*****
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but the beautiful cover cuaght my eye on NetGalley and the synopsis really intruiged me, so I interested in giving it a read. This is the first historical fiction set in Australia that I have ever read, so I was very curious.
Alice is very independent, if a bit stubborn, and enjoyed that about her character. She was determined to do everything she could to try to protect the people around her and wasn't willing to simply sit around waiting for someone else to act. She took the responsibilty into her own hands and held her own quite well.
I liked Robert's character as well, but I do wish that he had been more upfront with her about his past. Alice was very upfront about being from a different background from him and that she wasn't sure if she could be the type of wife and mistress expected of such a wealthy man and estate. I wish he had been better about leveling with her. Only after being confronted and having to face such drama and risk is he able to clear things up for her.
This story was a slow burn and all the better and more believable for it. The author built their relationship very well.
This was a enjoyable read and I would recomend it to fans of historical fiction with a bit of romance and a touch of mystery (basically my favorite type of book). I would also recommend this book if, like me, you have not come across many Australian historical ficitons and are looking for something a bit different to read.
Many thanks to Escape Publishing for sharing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, this is my honest review.
The following morning, Robert Farrer, with the help of his dog, stumble across her. She is largely unresponsive and clearly ailing from some form of injury. He carries her back to his estate to protect her from any lingering danger in the area and so that she may be seen by a physcian.
With Alice recovering and the continuing risk in the area, she stays on in his home. But Alice is harboring secrets and the state of a couple of unmarried and unrelated young people residing in the same home is causing a bit of trouble for Robert and his business ventures.
Spending so much time in one another's company has spurred on an unexpected attraction betweent the two. With more danger threatening in the area they will be forced to confide and place even more trust in one another if they are to ensure the safety of their home and of those around them.
*****
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but the beautiful cover cuaght my eye on NetGalley and the synopsis really intruiged me, so I interested in giving it a read. This is the first historical fiction set in Australia that I have ever read, so I was very curious.
Alice is very independent, if a bit stubborn, and enjoyed that about her character. She was determined to do everything she could to try to protect the people around her and wasn't willing to simply sit around waiting for someone else to act. She took the responsibilty into her own hands and held her own quite well.
I liked Robert's character as well, but I do wish that he had been more upfront with her about his past. Alice was very upfront about being from a different background from him and that she wasn't sure if she could be the type of wife and mistress expected of such a wealthy man and estate. I wish he had been better about leveling with her. Only after being confronted and having to face such drama and risk is he able to clear things up for her.
This story was a slow burn and all the better and more believable for it. The author built their relationship very well.
This was a enjoyable read and I would recomend it to fans of historical fiction with a bit of romance and a touch of mystery (basically my favorite type of book). I would also recommend this book if, like me, you have not come across many Australian historical ficitons and are looking for something a bit different to read.
Many thanks to Escape Publishing for sharing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, this is my honest review.
March 3, 2020
This one's a little tricky for me to review.
After what I thought was an excellent start, with high stakes and a whole lot of intrigue and drama, I found things slowed to the point where I'd almost decided this one wasn't for me.
But what kept me reading (and I'm glad I kept reading) was a real love of this spunky little heroine, Alice. She is just a classic character - the scrapes she got into - her audacity and courage - Alice really appealed to me.
I also particularly liked her honesty, and that spread through all areas of this book. It felt natural to me that Alice and Robert would forge a marriage of convenience. I liked how those two, and the secondary characters such as John and Elizabeth and Martha, they all tended to try to talk out their feelings and problems and find solutions rather than stir up angst and drama through having 'big secrets/misunderstandings'.
Alice and Robert in bed together were lovely... and I felt very invested in the early days of their married life.
In the end, I rated the story a solid 4 stars. It's very well written, in an engaging way, and while I can't comment on the accuracy of historical detail (I'm no expert), the Australia in this book felt authentic and real.
It felt just a little long for me, but that said, I could have read about Alice for days and days. She really is delightful.
After what I thought was an excellent start, with high stakes and a whole lot of intrigue and drama, I found things slowed to the point where I'd almost decided this one wasn't for me.
But what kept me reading (and I'm glad I kept reading) was a real love of this spunky little heroine, Alice. She is just a classic character - the scrapes she got into - her audacity and courage - Alice really appealed to me.
I also particularly liked her honesty, and that spread through all areas of this book. It felt natural to me that Alice and Robert would forge a marriage of convenience. I liked how those two, and the secondary characters such as John and Elizabeth and Martha, they all tended to try to talk out their feelings and problems and find solutions rather than stir up angst and drama through having 'big secrets/misunderstandings'.
Alice and Robert in bed together were lovely... and I felt very invested in the early days of their married life.
In the end, I rated the story a solid 4 stars. It's very well written, in an engaging way, and while I can't comment on the accuracy of historical detail (I'm no expert), the Australia in this book felt authentic and real.
It felt just a little long for me, but that said, I could have read about Alice for days and days. She really is delightful.
July 27, 2019
This is my first time reading a historical romance set in Australia and it was amazing. I felt utterly transported there. I had a hard time putting this one down. This was a slow burn with a bit of suspense mixed in.
Alice awakes as thugs surround her cottage looking for her brother. She escapes into the surrounding bush and the next morning Robert finds her injured and unable to communicate what she knows. With outlaws somewhere out there roaming the bush Robert is intent to keep her out of danger, even if it causes scandal.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheLandowner'sSecret #NetGalley
Alice awakes as thugs surround her cottage looking for her brother. She escapes into the surrounding bush and the next morning Robert finds her injured and unable to communicate what she knows. With outlaws somewhere out there roaming the bush Robert is intent to keep her out of danger, even if it causes scandal.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheLandowner'sSecret #NetGalley
February 5, 2020
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The Good
+ Aussie author! Writing an Australian historical novel! I've been reading so much historical romance recently, it was nice to jump into something set in my own country. It certainly gave me a good taste and now I want more Aussie historical romance (please send me recs!)
+ Very strong beginning. It's written in present tense and grabs you straight away. I'm very interested in seeing if Sonya Heaney's next books are similar, since this is the author's debut
+ Marriage of convenience trope. You know it's a fun trope.
The Not So Good
- After a strong start, this really slowed down a lot. Which was a shame. I was ready for some exciting, bush ranger filled suspense and then... the bush ranger action fizzled out and wasn't as big of a part of the story as I expected.
- I'm still not sure exactly how to describe the plot. Like I said, the bush ranger stuff mostly happens off screen and there wasn't as much romance stuff as I expected?
- It doesn't help that I don't feel like I got to know the characters all that well and wasn't entirely sold on the chemistry between the main characters.
- I really am conflicted with my thoughts on this book :/
Overall
A decent debut that's definitely given me a taste for Australian historical fiction. It might not have been entirely what I was after, but it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
The Good
+ Aussie author! Writing an Australian historical novel! I've been reading so much historical romance recently, it was nice to jump into something set in my own country. It certainly gave me a good taste and now I want more Aussie historical romance (please send me recs!)
+ Very strong beginning. It's written in present tense and grabs you straight away. I'm very interested in seeing if Sonya Heaney's next books are similar, since this is the author's debut
+ Marriage of convenience trope. You know it's a fun trope.
The Not So Good
- After a strong start, this really slowed down a lot. Which was a shame. I was ready for some exciting, bush ranger filled suspense and then... the bush ranger action fizzled out and wasn't as big of a part of the story as I expected.
- I'm still not sure exactly how to describe the plot. Like I said, the bush ranger stuff mostly happens off screen and there wasn't as much romance stuff as I expected?
- It doesn't help that I don't feel like I got to know the characters all that well and wasn't entirely sold on the chemistry between the main characters.
- I really am conflicted with my thoughts on this book :/
Overall
A decent debut that's definitely given me a taste for Australian historical fiction. It might not have been entirely what I was after, but it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
August 18, 2019
It's my first time reading a historical fiction based in Australia. A change in scenery from the usual is always nice, and I'm glad for all the descriptions of the country. The characters are pretty likeable too; hardly anything to find fault in, other than the fact that there's nothing special about it.
It is in the middle of the night when Alice Ryan is awoken from her slumber. Men have arrived at her home to find her brother, who has gone missing. To save herself, she decides to run into the bushes. That's where she will reside until the next morning, when Robert Farrer finds her injured and dishevelled. He is determined to protect her from the dangers the criminals pose even with the scandal it might cause, and takes her to his house, large and sturdy compared to Alice's run-down farmhouse. Eventually, after much convincing, Alice has agreed to stay. But danger of the bush rangers continues to linger even as their feelings for each other grows.
Alice is the best thing that can ever happen to this book. Having the chance to get into her head, knowing her thought processes, as well as the way she holds her conversation, I know she's the reason why I smiled so much when reading The Landowner's Secret. The experience is rather humorous, and that makes her all the more charming when coupled with her strength. She is so hard-working that I couldn't help rooting for her all the way. Her innocence as a young woman is, most of the time bearable (I expected worse), but there is a point in time during Alice and Robert's marriage night that caught me unawares. Yes, I understand if a woman didn't know anything about something so intimate in the past until someone had to tell themoutrightly vaguely on the day of the marriage itself or whenever, but... I find it a bit far-fetched when she actually wondered what the act was for. But other than that, Alice Ryan is a realistic character who fumbles at being suddenly shoved into the world of the rich. Although it seems easily done for her, as we don't see her being so ruthlessly outcasted by higher society, we can see her trying her hardest, and it's her strength that allows her to succeed as Mrs Farrer.
Robert, on the other hand, is an okay man. You and I both know that when it comes to a relationship, being honest is always better than hiding something through omission. And that is Robert's worst mistake. I also find it a little... bothersome that he always finds Alice's innocence amusing — but who am I to say that when I find Alice's own musings interesting to read? All that said, Robert Farrer is a nice, rich man, a character that is almost perfect, rendering him boring compared to Alice.
Albeit the author's writing style is extremely easy and comfortable to read, the plot in here is lacking. My reading experience of this book is pretty much average, and I can tell it won't leave a lasting impression. The romance is sweet, but again, everything about the couple's relationship is too smooth. The conflict is fairly nonexistent, resolved in an instant. With the blurb and the title going on about these secrets that Alice and Robert keep, I expected something more impactful, but they are mundane, and I don't see how keeping them could ruin their lives (just quoting the blurb there). Plus, the secret Robert keeps isn't properly concluded, in my opinion. The mystery of the bush rangers is not at all impressive too, even if I appreciate Heaney's effort in including it.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
By A Floret's Breath
It is in the middle of the night when Alice Ryan is awoken from her slumber. Men have arrived at her home to find her brother, who has gone missing. To save herself, she decides to run into the bushes. That's where she will reside until the next morning, when Robert Farrer finds her injured and dishevelled. He is determined to protect her from the dangers the criminals pose even with the scandal it might cause, and takes her to his house, large and sturdy compared to Alice's run-down farmhouse. Eventually, after much convincing, Alice has agreed to stay. But danger of the bush rangers continues to linger even as their feelings for each other grows.
Alice is the best thing that can ever happen to this book. Having the chance to get into her head, knowing her thought processes, as well as the way she holds her conversation, I know she's the reason why I smiled so much when reading The Landowner's Secret. The experience is rather humorous, and that makes her all the more charming when coupled with her strength. She is so hard-working that I couldn't help rooting for her all the way. Her innocence as a young woman is, most of the time bearable (I expected worse), but there is a point in time during Alice and Robert's marriage night that caught me unawares. Yes, I understand if a woman didn't know anything about something so intimate in the past until someone had to tell them
Robert, on the other hand, is an okay man. You and I both know that when it comes to a relationship, being honest is always better than hiding something through omission. And that is Robert's worst mistake. I also find it a little... bothersome that he always finds Alice's innocence amusing — but who am I to say that when I find Alice's own musings interesting to read? All that said, Robert Farrer is a nice, rich man, a character that is almost perfect, rendering him boring compared to Alice.
Albeit the author's writing style is extremely easy and comfortable to read, the plot in here is lacking. My reading experience of this book is pretty much average, and I can tell it won't leave a lasting impression. The romance is sweet, but again, everything about the couple's relationship is too smooth. The conflict is fairly nonexistent, resolved in an instant. With the blurb and the title going on about these secrets that Alice and Robert keep, I expected something more impactful, but they are mundane, and I don't see how keeping them could ruin their lives (just quoting the blurb there). Plus, the secret Robert keeps isn't properly concluded, in my opinion. The mystery of the bush rangers is not at all impressive too, even if I appreciate Heaney's effort in including it.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
By A Floret's Breath
September 11, 2019
eARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
A thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Australian countryside! The late-1800s time period and the rural Australian setting made this a great escape from "ballroom" historicals. Throw in a slow and sweet romance and a dash of mystery and this was a lovely little read that I'm glad I took a chance on - proving that advertising can work, I saw this in a sidebar ad on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and liked the cover, so I requested it on NetGalley.
Alice Ryan, our heroine, is trying to make ends meet on her homestead when she's woken by a gang of men and flees into the night. Robert Farrer discovers her the next morning and brings her back to his house to recuperate, scandalizing the town and setting off a whole chain of events that includes arson, stagecoach robbery, marriage, cats, gardening, and wine-making. Alice is under twenty in this book - I don't remember an exact age being given, but I imagined her as 18 or 19 and she certainly doesn't read like a modern New Adult heroine, having had to take care of herself from a young age. Robert is older, I think in his mid to late twenties, having been to university in England and come back to Australia to start a business.
I liked Alice's practical approach to the world and her determination, even when she was determined to do things that probably weren't in her best interest (running away on a swollen ankle, for example!). I feel like I didn't get to know Robert as well, but he seems like a solid man who's trying to provide for and protect those in his household, and probably needs someone like Alice around to help him loosen up from time to time. Their romance doesn't follow the conventional path, but I appreciated that they were (mostly) honest with each other about how they expected their relationship to go, and that even though they weren't expecting it, they were able to find love together. While there are intimate scenes between Alice and Robert, they're not explicitly detailed in the normal way, but I did like how they were mainly from Alice's POV and how the focus was on her sensations and feelings at exploring this whole new act.
The mystery/suspense element is the other driving force behind the plot and I thought it was relevant to the characters and the setting. It's fairly non-violent and the mystery isn't much of a mystery, since the characters know that it's likely bushrangers causing all the trouble and we're just waiting to see exactly who's involved and what the big finale will be. There is indeed a big finale and Alice gets to do her own rescuing, but that's all I'm going to say about that.
Australia and its wildlife are also a large part of the setting, and I thank Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries for helping me paint a mental picture, haha! But really, the casual mentions of birds like parrots, cockatoos, and currawongs (along with spiders and snakes) and the sheer difference in place names helps anchor the story in a specific setting that is so different from my own experiences living in the Midwest and Northeastern US.
Congratulations to Sonya Heaney on a great debut novel; I look forward to reading more!
A thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Australian countryside! The late-1800s time period and the rural Australian setting made this a great escape from "ballroom" historicals. Throw in a slow and sweet romance and a dash of mystery and this was a lovely little read that I'm glad I took a chance on - proving that advertising can work, I saw this in a sidebar ad on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and liked the cover, so I requested it on NetGalley.
Alice Ryan, our heroine, is trying to make ends meet on her homestead when she's woken by a gang of men and flees into the night. Robert Farrer discovers her the next morning and brings her back to his house to recuperate, scandalizing the town and setting off a whole chain of events that includes arson, stagecoach robbery, marriage, cats, gardening, and wine-making. Alice is under twenty in this book - I don't remember an exact age being given, but I imagined her as 18 or 19 and she certainly doesn't read like a modern New Adult heroine, having had to take care of herself from a young age. Robert is older, I think in his mid to late twenties, having been to university in England and come back to Australia to start a business.
I liked Alice's practical approach to the world and her determination, even when she was determined to do things that probably weren't in her best interest (running away on a swollen ankle, for example!). I feel like I didn't get to know Robert as well, but he seems like a solid man who's trying to provide for and protect those in his household, and probably needs someone like Alice around to help him loosen up from time to time. Their romance doesn't follow the conventional path, but I appreciated that they were (mostly) honest with each other about how they expected their relationship to go, and that even though they weren't expecting it, they were able to find love together. While there are intimate scenes between Alice and Robert, they're not explicitly detailed in the normal way, but I did like how they were mainly from Alice's POV and how the focus was on her sensations and feelings at exploring this whole new act.
The mystery/suspense element is the other driving force behind the plot and I thought it was relevant to the characters and the setting. It's fairly non-violent and the mystery isn't much of a mystery, since the characters know that it's likely bushrangers causing all the trouble and we're just waiting to see exactly who's involved and what the big finale will be. There is indeed a big finale and Alice gets to do her own rescuing, but that's all I'm going to say about that.
Australia and its wildlife are also a large part of the setting, and I thank Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries for helping me paint a mental picture, haha! But really, the casual mentions of birds like parrots, cockatoos, and currawongs (along with spiders and snakes) and the sheer difference in place names helps anchor the story in a specific setting that is so different from my own experiences living in the Midwest and Northeastern US.
Congratulations to Sonya Heaney on a great debut novel; I look forward to reading more!
September 5, 2019
I don't know what it is about Australia-based romance, but every time I read one, I feel like we need more Australia in our lives. The history of Australia is one that I don't think is taught enough in American schools, and I find it so rich and fascinating. This being a historical romance taking place in the late 19th century, you get an idea of what life was like back then, the different social classes among the people in the Australian bush, and how much of English society was brought over into the local society. Sonya Heaney did a superb job bringing 19th century Australia to life.
When Alice Ryan hears a man's voice outside her home and realizes that it's not her brother, she knows she's in danger. Living alone in New South Wales is not wise for a young woman, and with her brother off doing God knows what, she has only herself to rely on. In her haste to escape the men surrounding her home, she ends up on Farrer land, owned by a wealthy young man named Robert Farrer. Recognizing Alice as his neighbor, Robert takes her in and ensures she is safe in his home. However, neither expects the drama that ensues from such a scandalous arrangement, and soon they are forced to take drastic measures to ensure their futures are secure. Danger and secrets abound in this story of two people from entirely different worlds who find strength in each other and in themselves.
Alice was a riot! I loved her strength, her sense of humor, and her willingness to accept people for all their flaws. She was a lovely, admirable character, even though her youth definitely shone through on occasion, in how she handled certain situations. Her determination to persevere in spite of the challenges she faced endeared her not only to the reader but also to the hero, Robert. Robert's character was shy, generous, and forgiving, wanting to think the best of others and willing to lend a hand and ear to anyone who needed them. It was only natural for him to assume the role of protector for Alice, even if she didn't think she needed him at times. Their loves was a slow, gentle thing, but I loved how it blossomed into a strong relationship. It was amusing to see them interact as their lives progressed from mere acquaintances to much, much more.
Definitely an author to keep my eye on! I loved her writing style, her unique characters, and her wonderfully educational setting for her story.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
When Alice Ryan hears a man's voice outside her home and realizes that it's not her brother, she knows she's in danger. Living alone in New South Wales is not wise for a young woman, and with her brother off doing God knows what, she has only herself to rely on. In her haste to escape the men surrounding her home, she ends up on Farrer land, owned by a wealthy young man named Robert Farrer. Recognizing Alice as his neighbor, Robert takes her in and ensures she is safe in his home. However, neither expects the drama that ensues from such a scandalous arrangement, and soon they are forced to take drastic measures to ensure their futures are secure. Danger and secrets abound in this story of two people from entirely different worlds who find strength in each other and in themselves.
Alice was a riot! I loved her strength, her sense of humor, and her willingness to accept people for all their flaws. She was a lovely, admirable character, even though her youth definitely shone through on occasion, in how she handled certain situations. Her determination to persevere in spite of the challenges she faced endeared her not only to the reader but also to the hero, Robert. Robert's character was shy, generous, and forgiving, wanting to think the best of others and willing to lend a hand and ear to anyone who needed them. It was only natural for him to assume the role of protector for Alice, even if she didn't think she needed him at times. Their loves was a slow, gentle thing, but I loved how it blossomed into a strong relationship. It was amusing to see them interact as their lives progressed from mere acquaintances to much, much more.
Definitely an author to keep my eye on! I loved her writing style, her unique characters, and her wonderfully educational setting for her story.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
September 13, 2019
‘The Landowner’s Secret’, presents the reality of the Australian outback, with its vividly described landscape. The harsh nature of the outback is well detailed, yet its beauty is also clearly evident. Having grown up in an Australian country town, I could appreciate Alice’s fear of spiders throughout the book. The story begins with Alice fleeing her home, when she hears men outside in pursuit of her missing brother. When Robert Farrer, the landowner of ,,,,, finds her, she is injured by what is later thought to be a spider’s bite. Robert insists on her staying on his property, worried about the threat of bush rangers in the area. Given the scandal of remaining in his home, he proposes marriage to Alice and it is the relationship that develops between two people of different social standings, that made for an interesting read.
Sonya Heaney has delivered two quite fascinating characters. Alice is a strong woman who despite her pragmatic nature about her marriage, soon finds herself wanting more from Robert, whilst rising to her new responsibilities as the landowner’s wife. Robert, despite his reasons for marrying Alice, also begins to appreciate her strength and outlook on life. However, he struggles to reveal his feelings, which is understandable given the period. The development of the relationship, given the nature of how it came to be, was delivered in a manner to give it credibility.
This is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Sonya Heaney has delivered two quite fascinating characters. Alice is a strong woman who despite her pragmatic nature about her marriage, soon finds herself wanting more from Robert, whilst rising to her new responsibilities as the landowner’s wife. Robert, despite his reasons for marrying Alice, also begins to appreciate her strength and outlook on life. However, he struggles to reveal his feelings, which is understandable given the period. The development of the relationship, given the nature of how it came to be, was delivered in a manner to give it credibility.
This is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2019
"The Landowner's Secret" is the story of a couple finding love in 1880s colonial Australia, despite being from quite different social classes. Robert Farrer, wealthy landowner, rescues Alice Ryan, a poor woman living nearby, and takes her to his home for her own safety.
The description of the flora and fauna of Australia is lovely and evocative, giving one a real feel for the location. Where I live there are flocks of geese or crows; here there are flocks of cockatoos. Alice, although ignorant of many things, really knows her flowers. This is all very enchanting, if one can ignore the spiders and snakes, that is. Ugh. At least bushrangers are a thing of the past!
While I came to like Alice more and more, sadly I liked Robert less and less for awhile. Secrets and a past are one thing. However, denying knowledge of one particular thing (no spoilers here) not only doesn't make sense, it smacks of dishonesty. He really is a good man, though.
Still though, this is a well-written shorter novel with a minimum of grammatical errors. There is a non-graphic sex scene in the book; otherwise it was clean. Actually, Alice's thoughts, some verbalized, are pretty humorous. I look forward to more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
The description of the flora and fauna of Australia is lovely and evocative, giving one a real feel for the location. Where I live there are flocks of geese or crows; here there are flocks of cockatoos. Alice, although ignorant of many things, really knows her flowers. This is all very enchanting, if one can ignore the spiders and snakes, that is. Ugh. At least bushrangers are a thing of the past!
While I came to like Alice more and more, sadly I liked Robert less and less for awhile. Secrets and a past are one thing. However, denying knowledge of one particular thing (no spoilers here) not only doesn't make sense, it smacks of dishonesty. He really is a good man, though.
Still though, this is a well-written shorter novel with a minimum of grammatical errors. There is a non-graphic sex scene in the book; otherwise it was clean. Actually, Alice's thoughts, some verbalized, are pretty humorous. I look forward to more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
September 9, 2019
When Alice Ryan wakes to find thugs surrounding her cottage, on the hunt for her no-good brother, she escapes into the surrounding bush.
It is wealthy landowner Robert Farrer who finds her the next morning, disheveled, injured, and utterly unwilling to share what she knows. With criminals on the loose and rumors that reckless bush rangers have returned to the area, Robert is determined to keep Alice out of danger.
What Robert doesn’t expect is his growing attraction to the forthright, unruly woman staying in his home. Before either of them can settle into their odd new situation, their home and wellbeing come under threat.
Can these two trust each other enough to survive?
This is a well written debut novel with a great deal of mistrust and passion.
I was rather surprised by the quality of this novel from this new on the scene author. Now I am looking forward to more.
I gave this debut effort a lofty 4.3 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
This is an unusually good book for a first time author.
I received a complimentary copy to read via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which i read and reviewed voluntarily.
It is wealthy landowner Robert Farrer who finds her the next morning, disheveled, injured, and utterly unwilling to share what she knows. With criminals on the loose and rumors that reckless bush rangers have returned to the area, Robert is determined to keep Alice out of danger.
What Robert doesn’t expect is his growing attraction to the forthright, unruly woman staying in his home. Before either of them can settle into their odd new situation, their home and wellbeing come under threat.
Can these two trust each other enough to survive?
This is a well written debut novel with a great deal of mistrust and passion.
I was rather surprised by the quality of this novel from this new on the scene author. Now I am looking forward to more.
I gave this debut effort a lofty 4.3 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
This is an unusually good book for a first time author.
I received a complimentary copy to read via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which i read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 26, 2019
I've been following Sonya Heaney's blog for a couple of years and when she said her first book was going to be published I was looking forward to reading it. But Wow! I did not expect a first book to be this good!
The story is kicked off with a life and death run through the Australian Bush and then it is a stubborn Alice vs a rather level headed Robert. Back in 1885 Australia there were the usual Victorian ideas of propriety and Alice under the roof of a bachelor was a big no-no. Robert's business partner decided to bring pressure to Robert to marry Alice or send her home. Sending her home is not an option. This is a marriage of convenience story with a slow building romance. There is enough action that I stayed up to the wee hours to finish and then didn't want the book to end. The characters are so well drawn and personalities are so well written that they come to life on the page.
I highly recommend this book!
More reviews: http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
The story is kicked off with a life and death run through the Australian Bush and then it is a stubborn Alice vs a rather level headed Robert. Back in 1885 Australia there were the usual Victorian ideas of propriety and Alice under the roof of a bachelor was a big no-no. Robert's business partner decided to bring pressure to Robert to marry Alice or send her home. Sending her home is not an option. This is a marriage of convenience story with a slow building romance. There is enough action that I stayed up to the wee hours to finish and then didn't want the book to end. The characters are so well drawn and personalities are so well written that they come to life on the page.
I highly recommend this book!
More reviews: http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
October 24, 2019
= Read this book from NetGalley UK in exchange for a fair review. =
My first historical romance read set in New South Wales, Australia. The hero Robert Farrer is an upright fellow setting out to do the right thing by his neighbour Alice Ryan after she was found in the bush all alone.
Being offered safe haven was not what Alice was expecting but soon relented. All while reading, I hoped that the motivations of both characters were explored further. There was so much potential here. source of conflict and tension between them that festered and fizzled out too quickly.
I sympathised with Alice but the way she kept putting herself down because of their social differences just makes me mad. Every time someone wants to explain/clear the air about what’s going on, she turns them down flat. Every. Time. She deserves so much better!
The story felt rather anti-climatic overall.
My first historical romance read set in New South Wales, Australia. The hero Robert Farrer is an upright fellow setting out to do the right thing by his neighbour Alice Ryan after she was found in the bush all alone.
Being offered safe haven was not what Alice was expecting but soon relented. All while reading, I hoped that the motivations of both characters were explored further. There was so much potential here. source of conflict and tension between them that festered and fizzled out too quickly.
I sympathised with Alice but the way she kept putting herself down because of their social differences just makes me mad. Every time someone wants to explain/clear the air about what’s going on, she turns them down flat. Every. Time. She deserves so much better!
The story felt rather anti-climatic overall.
October 30, 2021
Sonya Heaney is an Australian writer and because of this any book she sets 200 or so years ago will not resemble those set in England 200 years ago. Such is The Landowner's Secret set in New South Wales in 1885. Until now I don't know what the secret of Robert Ferrar, the landowner, was. That after finding Alice Ryan, his lower class neighbor, unconscious on his property and bringing her to his home would later force him into marrying her? That he had been engaged at one time to Martha the high class lady living in town and Robert's sister, Elisabeth, best friend, or that he wanted to grow grapes and manufacture German wines on his land?
This novel is not really a love story, there is no history, the writing is just okay; if you like Australia and its history you may like this book.
This novel is not really a love story, there is no history, the writing is just okay; if you like Australia and its history you may like this book.
August 23, 2019
I loved Heaney's unlikely heroine/hero pairing in The Landowner's Secret. Set in rugged South Wales, the novel follows Alice Ryan, a spitfire orphan with a rogue brother. When her brother's band attacks her house late at night, Alice runs-- and ends up straight in the care of local landowner Robert Farrer. Farrer plays into many of the uppercrust, educated expectations of a landowner, but sets himself apart with his sense of humor, his love of wineries, and his past.
This book is so well plotted! Between the drama between Alice and Robert and trying to figure out the plans of the villains that threaten the whole community, I was totally engaged. Good love story, good insight into a place and time I hadn't thought much about, and good prose! What more can you ask?
This book is so well plotted! Between the drama between Alice and Robert and trying to figure out the plans of the villains that threaten the whole community, I was totally engaged. Good love story, good insight into a place and time I hadn't thought much about, and good prose! What more can you ask?
October 28, 2019
I took forever to open this book, and now I'm so happy I did!
Robert is an honorable man trying to make it in the bush country of Australia. Alice is a sweet girl, trying to just survive the bush. Their story is compelling...we see each character grow because of their relationship. Strength they never knew they had... There are very interesting secondary characters. and I hope we get to read their stories.
Robert is an honorable man trying to make it in the bush country of Australia. Alice is a sweet girl, trying to just survive the bush. Their story is compelling...we see each character grow because of their relationship. Strength they never knew they had... There are very interesting secondary characters. and I hope we get to read their stories.
January 22, 2025
Such a surprise in finding this entertaining read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that makes you feel like you are reading in an Australian bush setting. It had a very subtle beginning that developed the interesting characters with energy and fun. There is a second book and I will be reading it. I did read the kobo ebook edition.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that makes you feel like you are reading in an Australian bush setting. It had a very subtle beginning that developed the interesting characters with energy and fun. There is a second book and I will be reading it. I did read the kobo ebook edition.
January 19, 2020
A good vacation read - I liked the characters, the love story and the Australian bush setting. The “romance” tag is a bit misleading because it had plenty of soul and style with a bit of romance thrown in that was nicely done and key to the story/characters.
August 21, 2019
The Landowner's Secret is set in Australia in the 1880's, Alice Ryan is a young woman who is on her own and runs into trouble with friends of her absent brother. Her wealthy neighbor, Robert Farrer comes to her aid and takes her in. Despite their differences in social status they wed. Alice must learn her new place in society as Robert tries to unravel the mysterious men who chased Alice from her home and threaten the safety of the town.
As they try and build their relationship, they slowly learn more about each other and learn to care for one another.
This was just average for me, overall it was a simple story that came together too easily. It lacked deep character development and could have benefited from some additional conflict between Alice and Robert.
As they try and build their relationship, they slowly learn more about each other and learn to care for one another.
This was just average for me, overall it was a simple story that came together too easily. It lacked deep character development and could have benefited from some additional conflict between Alice and Robert.
October 16, 2019
I was able to read an early copy of this book.
This was my first read from Sonya Heaney. It is set in 1880s Australia and is the story of Alice and Robert. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story. However, I did not get a lot from the building of the relationship. I saw the affection, but there wasn't a lot of display of love. There also wasn't a lot to the secrets aspect of the story. Alice was pretty forthright and Robert had something from his past that he did not talk directly about, but there wasn't a lot of drama or anything around it.
This was my first read from Sonya Heaney. It is set in 1880s Australia and is the story of Alice and Robert. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story. However, I did not get a lot from the building of the relationship. I saw the affection, but there wasn't a lot of display of love. There also wasn't a lot to the secrets aspect of the story. Alice was pretty forthright and Robert had something from his past that he did not talk directly about, but there wasn't a lot of drama or anything around it.
February 5, 2020
I read this book after reading a review by one of my favorite new authors. It is not a clean romance and does contain a sex scene between a newly married couple (not graphic). And some language. I mention this only for people who follow me for clean books to read.
Overall the book is delightful and fun. I loved it and will read more by this new author in the future.
Overall the book is delightful and fun. I loved it and will read more by this new author in the future.
October 3, 2020
Very enjoyable read!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice read to pass the hours...it has unusual beginning to a marriage. Some mystery and enough levity to keep it moving.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice read to pass the hours...it has unusual beginning to a marriage. Some mystery and enough levity to keep it moving.
June 29, 2022
A Delightful Read
This was a lovely start to my holiday reading. It is good - and unusual - to read a successful Australian colonial era romance. The feisty protagonist, Alice, is drawn in such a way that that the story moves quickly and I cared very much about the outcome.
This was a lovely start to my holiday reading. It is good - and unusual - to read a successful Australian colonial era romance. The feisty protagonist, Alice, is drawn in such a way that that the story moves quickly and I cared very much about the outcome.
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