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Woodlea #7
The Boundary Fence
A warm-hearted and touching story about recovering after trauma, love and community. A new Woodlea rural romance by bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.
Healing doesn't just take time, it takes courage...
The scars country vet Ella Quinlivan hides are not solely on the outside. Men are off limits. She fills her world with her friends, work and the colourful community of small town Woodlea. She also becomes custodian of a sandstone cottage of an elderly friend whose teenage daughter went missing two decades ago.
With a broken marriage behind him, Saul Armstrong is determined to recapture his dreams by bringing American bison to the Australian bush. He intends to stick to his side of the high wire fence that divides his farm from his distracting new neighbour, Ella.
When Saul calls out Ella for a bison emergency she isn't just thrown out of her comfort zone by dealing with an unfamiliar animal. Slow-smiling and guarded Saul stirs emotions she'd long ago discarded.
As the summer heat parches the landscape and dust obscures the sun, hidden secrets come to light. Not only will Ella and Saul be tested, the connection forged between them will be threatened. Will love be enough to guarantee their freedom or will fear continue to dictate the direction their lives?
Healing doesn't just take time, it takes courage...
The scars country vet Ella Quinlivan hides are not solely on the outside. Men are off limits. She fills her world with her friends, work and the colourful community of small town Woodlea. She also becomes custodian of a sandstone cottage of an elderly friend whose teenage daughter went missing two decades ago.
With a broken marriage behind him, Saul Armstrong is determined to recapture his dreams by bringing American bison to the Australian bush. He intends to stick to his side of the high wire fence that divides his farm from his distracting new neighbour, Ella.
When Saul calls out Ella for a bison emergency she isn't just thrown out of her comfort zone by dealing with an unfamiliar animal. Slow-smiling and guarded Saul stirs emotions she'd long ago discarded.
As the summer heat parches the landscape and dust obscures the sun, hidden secrets come to light. Not only will Ella and Saul be tested, the connection forged between them will be threatened. Will love be enough to guarantee their freedom or will fear continue to dictate the direction their lives?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2020
35 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Callen
38 books301 followersWhen USA Today bestselling author Alissa Callen isn’t writing she plays traffic controller to four children, three dogs, two horses and one renegade cow who really does believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. After a childhood spent chasing sheep on the family farm, Alissa has always been drawn to remote areas and small towns, even when residing overseas. Once a teacher and a counsellor, she remains interested in the life journeys that people take. She also is partial to historic homesteads and country gardens and has been known to drive hours to see an open-garden. She currently lives on a small slice of rural Australia in central western New South Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 10, 2020
Ella Quinlivan is back in the outback town of Woodlea. She becomes custodian of her elderly friend Violet’s sandstone cottage. Violet’s daughter, Libby, went missing two decades before but she still holds out hope Libby will come home. The mystery of what happened to Libby is an important through this book. Ella is still trying to deal with her own issues and scars from the past. She meets Saul Armstrong, an Australian who has lived in America and started an American bison farm in Australia. His farm is the other side of the boundary fence from Ella and both Saul and Ella are determined to keep to their own side of the fence. But a bison emergency brings Ella, the local vet, to tend to the bison. Amid the summer sun and drought secrets come to light. Secrets that could mean changes for several people.
This rural read certainly gives the feel of country life, the impact of weather and drought on the land and its people. Ella, Sean and Violet ate all interesting and likable characters. Edna, the town gossip and one who is usually the one to organise people is a fun character. Can anything happen in Woodlea without her knowing and being a part of it? The mystery of what happened to Violet’s daughter Libby weaves a thread through the book adding another layer of interest. Community activities also play a big part in the story, as they find inventive ways to help each other.
I enjoyed this and the way the secrets were revealed over time. I liked the introduction of a bison farm, also Ella’s two goats, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, and Saul’s dog Duke, which all have their own part to play in the story. This is the second book I have read in this series about Woodlea. The first was book 1. This is book 7. It didn’t matter as this one reads fine as a standalone. A story of community, friendship, dealing with loss and hardship, romance, secrets and grief, I enjoyed this story. An engaging read that kept my interest throughout. A recommended read that leaves you feeling good and might just need a tissue at times and have you laughing at other times.
This rural read certainly gives the feel of country life, the impact of weather and drought on the land and its people. Ella, Sean and Violet ate all interesting and likable characters. Edna, the town gossip and one who is usually the one to organise people is a fun character. Can anything happen in Woodlea without her knowing and being a part of it? The mystery of what happened to Violet’s daughter Libby weaves a thread through the book adding another layer of interest. Community activities also play a big part in the story, as they find inventive ways to help each other.
I enjoyed this and the way the secrets were revealed over time. I liked the introduction of a bison farm, also Ella’s two goats, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, and Saul’s dog Duke, which all have their own part to play in the story. This is the second book I have read in this series about Woodlea. The first was book 1. This is book 7. It didn’t matter as this one reads fine as a standalone. A story of community, friendship, dealing with loss and hardship, romance, secrets and grief, I enjoyed this story. An engaging read that kept my interest throughout. A recommended read that leaves you feeling good and might just need a tissue at times and have you laughing at other times.
April 25, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
The Boundary Fence is the 7th book by Alissa Callen set in the town of Woodlea. All are stand alone.
Ella Quinlivan has taken a job as Vet in the town of Woodlea. She has many friends in the town and has purchased a small farm out of town. She is still recovering from a shattered romance and past traumas. The last thing she wants is a relationship.
Saul Armstrong has moved from American and started his own bison farm in Woodlea. When he meets local vet Ella, the attraction is instant but he is still getting over a very public and messy divorce. His heart isn’t ready for a relationship and Ella has a vulnerable, hurt look in her eyes.
I enjoyed the slowly developing relationship between Ella and Saul. Two shattered souls who were reluctant to give love a second chance but were pulled together, by circumstance, time and time again.
There are so many wonderful characters in this book. There is Edna, the town matchmaker and gossip, she knows exactly what everyone in town is doing which adds an element of humour into the story as no-one can figure out how Edna can know everyone’s business. And Violet, the lovely old lady who previously owned Ella’s house. Violet’s daughter had gone missing two decades ago but Violet has never given up on her return and asks Ella to leave the light on every night. The mystery of Violet’s daughter plays a big part in the story and shows how the town comes together for a common cause.
As you would expect in a rural setting the animals are as large a part of the story as the human characters. There are Ella’s goats cinnamon and Nutmeg, an escaping pet sheep, a pet bull and Saul’s best mate and work dog, Duke, all making an appearance throughout the book.
Alissa Callen deftly describes the Australian outback with vivid pictures of the landscape and the wildlife. We also get an insight into the life of a country vet and the variety of call outs they would encounter.
The Boundary Fence is a moving story with a touching romance weaving its way around and through the many issues facing a rural community.
The Boundary Fence is the 7th book by Alissa Callen set in the town of Woodlea. All are stand alone.
Ella Quinlivan has taken a job as Vet in the town of Woodlea. She has many friends in the town and has purchased a small farm out of town. She is still recovering from a shattered romance and past traumas. The last thing she wants is a relationship.
Saul Armstrong has moved from American and started his own bison farm in Woodlea. When he meets local vet Ella, the attraction is instant but he is still getting over a very public and messy divorce. His heart isn’t ready for a relationship and Ella has a vulnerable, hurt look in her eyes.
I enjoyed the slowly developing relationship between Ella and Saul. Two shattered souls who were reluctant to give love a second chance but were pulled together, by circumstance, time and time again.
There are so many wonderful characters in this book. There is Edna, the town matchmaker and gossip, she knows exactly what everyone in town is doing which adds an element of humour into the story as no-one can figure out how Edna can know everyone’s business. And Violet, the lovely old lady who previously owned Ella’s house. Violet’s daughter had gone missing two decades ago but Violet has never given up on her return and asks Ella to leave the light on every night. The mystery of Violet’s daughter plays a big part in the story and shows how the town comes together for a common cause.
As you would expect in a rural setting the animals are as large a part of the story as the human characters. There are Ella’s goats cinnamon and Nutmeg, an escaping pet sheep, a pet bull and Saul’s best mate and work dog, Duke, all making an appearance throughout the book.
Alissa Callen deftly describes the Australian outback with vivid pictures of the landscape and the wildlife. We also get an insight into the life of a country vet and the variety of call outs they would encounter.
The Boundary Fence is a moving story with a touching romance weaving its way around and through the many issues facing a rural community.
February 25, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Alissa Callen’s warm and embracing country based Woodlea series returns, with a new installment titled, The Boundary Fence. A consuming story of past hurts, new beginnings, a long buried mystery and community ties, Alissa’s Callen new rural treat will draw in fans old and new.
The Boundary Fence ushers in two new leads, Ella Quinlivan (a minor character from previous issues in the Woodlea series) and Saul Armstrong, a newcomer. Ella is a local vet, who is nursing some pretty big scars from her past. She loves her local community and although she has lots of friends in her life, she is not ready to welcome a man into her heart. Saul comes to Woodlea with a broken heart, but a stiff sense of determination to get his America bison stud off the ground. The boundary fence that divides Ella’s property with Saul’s, acts as a line to stop this couple from falling in love. However, a vet related emergency thrusts Ella straight into Saul’s arms. Bonding over his bison farm, the two begin to forge a tentative connection, which will see them slowly break down their barriers to love. But life isn’t easy, as Ella, Saul and the community members of Woodlea discover. There are new challenges to negotiate and problems from the past to overcome.
I consider myself a set fan of the Woodlea series, I have enjoyed the first book in the series, and The Boundary Fence. However, I am keen to catch up on the two books in between, The Red Dirt Road and The Round Yard, along with the accompanying novellas. So many books, so little time! Anyway, I digress, I do have a connection to Alissa Callen’s work. In the past, I have found great appeal in her genuine characters, down to earth rural settings, interesting plotlines and the pure warmth that seems to emanate from the pages of all her novels. The Boundary Fence was no exception to the rule here.
Ella is a character who is easily likeable and her life definitely pulled at my heartstrings. However, Ella is not one to wallow away and say ‘woe is me’. Rather, Ella ploughs away at her job as a vet and she passionately tends to her property. Ella also has strong links in the local Woodlea community and she seems to be embraced by all, who have taken Ella under their wing. Many of their intentions are honourable, but some got under my skin!
Saul, the hero of this tale, shares some similar traits as Ella, but he also stands out as an individual character. Saul is Australian, but he has spent some time in the US, working on rodeos. The Boundary Fence sees Saul return home, with big hopes to build a successful bison empire. I loved this aspect of the story. I felt that prior to this book I hadn’t given bison much thought at all, but now I feel more educated in the field of bison care and farming. Saul is recovering from quite a nasty relationship breakdown, which Callen delves into as the book progresses. It is understandable why Saul feels as he does and acts in the way he does towards Ella. However, I liked his character and the resulting romance journey, it felt authentic.
Callen presents us with a love story that is about a slow and growing attraction between two leads, who clearly have big hang-ups. Ella and Saul have plenty of past baggage. However, the small and gentle steps these two take to love was refreshing. The romance never felt forced and as a result, I was able to fully accept the love story that eventually develops.
Callen offsets her rural romance with an element of mystery. I did appreciate the sideline story about Violet, Ella’s neighbour and her missing daughter. This counteracted the character journey and romance plot very well. This segment of the story definitely kept the pages turning for me until the end.
I can’t say for sure if this is the final goodbye for Woodlea, I have inkling that Woodlea has some more secrets and stories to share in the future. In the meantime, I would highly recommend The Boundary Fence to fans of homely style rural fiction books.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Boundary Fence is book #18 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Alissa Callen’s warm and embracing country based Woodlea series returns, with a new installment titled, The Boundary Fence. A consuming story of past hurts, new beginnings, a long buried mystery and community ties, Alissa’s Callen new rural treat will draw in fans old and new.
The Boundary Fence ushers in two new leads, Ella Quinlivan (a minor character from previous issues in the Woodlea series) and Saul Armstrong, a newcomer. Ella is a local vet, who is nursing some pretty big scars from her past. She loves her local community and although she has lots of friends in her life, she is not ready to welcome a man into her heart. Saul comes to Woodlea with a broken heart, but a stiff sense of determination to get his America bison stud off the ground. The boundary fence that divides Ella’s property with Saul’s, acts as a line to stop this couple from falling in love. However, a vet related emergency thrusts Ella straight into Saul’s arms. Bonding over his bison farm, the two begin to forge a tentative connection, which will see them slowly break down their barriers to love. But life isn’t easy, as Ella, Saul and the community members of Woodlea discover. There are new challenges to negotiate and problems from the past to overcome.
I consider myself a set fan of the Woodlea series, I have enjoyed the first book in the series, and The Boundary Fence. However, I am keen to catch up on the two books in between, The Red Dirt Road and The Round Yard, along with the accompanying novellas. So many books, so little time! Anyway, I digress, I do have a connection to Alissa Callen’s work. In the past, I have found great appeal in her genuine characters, down to earth rural settings, interesting plotlines and the pure warmth that seems to emanate from the pages of all her novels. The Boundary Fence was no exception to the rule here.
Ella is a character who is easily likeable and her life definitely pulled at my heartstrings. However, Ella is not one to wallow away and say ‘woe is me’. Rather, Ella ploughs away at her job as a vet and she passionately tends to her property. Ella also has strong links in the local Woodlea community and she seems to be embraced by all, who have taken Ella under their wing. Many of their intentions are honourable, but some got under my skin!
Saul, the hero of this tale, shares some similar traits as Ella, but he also stands out as an individual character. Saul is Australian, but he has spent some time in the US, working on rodeos. The Boundary Fence sees Saul return home, with big hopes to build a successful bison empire. I loved this aspect of the story. I felt that prior to this book I hadn’t given bison much thought at all, but now I feel more educated in the field of bison care and farming. Saul is recovering from quite a nasty relationship breakdown, which Callen delves into as the book progresses. It is understandable why Saul feels as he does and acts in the way he does towards Ella. However, I liked his character and the resulting romance journey, it felt authentic.
Callen presents us with a love story that is about a slow and growing attraction between two leads, who clearly have big hang-ups. Ella and Saul have plenty of past baggage. However, the small and gentle steps these two take to love was refreshing. The romance never felt forced and as a result, I was able to fully accept the love story that eventually develops.
Callen offsets her rural romance with an element of mystery. I did appreciate the sideline story about Violet, Ella’s neighbour and her missing daughter. This counteracted the character journey and romance plot very well. This segment of the story definitely kept the pages turning for me until the end.
I can’t say for sure if this is the final goodbye for Woodlea, I have inkling that Woodlea has some more secrets and stories to share in the future. In the meantime, I would highly recommend The Boundary Fence to fans of homely style rural fiction books.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Boundary Fence is book #18 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 29, 2020
Technically this is book 7 in the Woodlea series but I think it’s the 4th full length book with 3 others being short stories or of novella length. I read the other 3 full length books when I was on holidays visiting family some six months ago and I’ve been waiting for this one to come out. Ella is a character who appears in several (or maybe even all) of the previous books and it’s always been obvious that she had some sort of painful past which has scarred her and made her quite determined to stay single, even with the best efforts of local matchmaker and busybody, Edna.
Ella is the local vet who bought a property belonging to a widow named Violet who has recently entered an aged care facility, somewhere smaller and closer to town. Violet’s daughter Libby disappeared at age sixteen some twenty or so years ago and she’s kept her bedroom exactly the same – and Ella keeps it the same way too. And every night, just like Violet did, she puts the porch light on so that Libby will always be able to find her way home. Ella has made some good friends in the local community – Cressy, Fliss, Neve and their partners. But she has never dated, nor has there been anyone that even tempted her. Until Saul Armstrong.
Saul is Australian but spent a large portion of his life in America riding bulls and whatever else with Denham. Now he’s returned to Australia and has bought the property adjoining Ella’s where he runs American bison. They were paired together at the wedding of their friends and both of them felt….and saw, something in the other. A shared pain, a secret past. For that Ella finds him unnerving and she’s aware that she’s been avoiding her friends so as to avoid Saul. But when he requires her veterinary services, she realises that she cannot continue that way. And the more time they spend together, the more they learn about each other and the deeper the friendship they build up.
I really liked both Ella and Saul. I already liked Ella, I knew less about Saul but I found him to be exactly the sort of man I like reading about in this sort of book. Quiet, dependable, a bit of a hint of a mystery. He’s the tall, strong and silent type but eventually he confides things about himself in Ella and is always willing to listen when she decides to return the favour. As neighbours they end up spending quite a bit of time together away from their shared friendship group – Ella’s occupation, her cheeky little goats, Saul’s dog, they’re all reasons why they end up in each other’s company. Saul is also fond of Violet, his former neighbour as well and when Ella starts looking into Libby’s disappearance a bit more, trying to see if she can find anything that might give Violet some closure, whether she be alive or not, Saul is all too willing to lend a hand and an ear as Ella digs around.
I loved the friendship they built up, how ensconced in each other’s lives they became. How they both turned to the other, whether things were going well or if things had been a bit rough. What is difficult at first becomes suddenly easy – almost too easy as they both realise they are catching feelings for people that have only ever claimed loudly to want to stay single. Their lives fit together so well, they’re both attracted to each other but there’s a lot more than that. They both manage to fulfil something for each other. Ella understands Saul’s passion for his animals, his dedication to his farm and he understands her job, the hours it takes, the demands it can sometimes make. I always enjoy books where the author really takes the time to build a friendship between the two characters, something deep and abiding that you can imagine carrying them through a lot of years. The instant attraction is fun too but I like to read about a couple and think that I know where I see them in the future, knowing that they have not just the hots for each other but a lot of mutual respect, admiration and trust. I definitely got that feeling with Saul and Ella.
I’m not sure if the author has more books planned for this series – there were ways in which this felt quite final for the core little friendship group. Marriages, babies, etc. But there were also characters I felt could possibly get their own story in the future, if there were to be more books and it’s easy to introduce new ones. I’d certainly be happy to read more. I really have enjoyed my experience reading about Woodlea and the people that live there.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Ella is the local vet who bought a property belonging to a widow named Violet who has recently entered an aged care facility, somewhere smaller and closer to town. Violet’s daughter Libby disappeared at age sixteen some twenty or so years ago and she’s kept her bedroom exactly the same – and Ella keeps it the same way too. And every night, just like Violet did, she puts the porch light on so that Libby will always be able to find her way home. Ella has made some good friends in the local community – Cressy, Fliss, Neve and their partners. But she has never dated, nor has there been anyone that even tempted her. Until Saul Armstrong.
Saul is Australian but spent a large portion of his life in America riding bulls and whatever else with Denham. Now he’s returned to Australia and has bought the property adjoining Ella’s where he runs American bison. They were paired together at the wedding of their friends and both of them felt….and saw, something in the other. A shared pain, a secret past. For that Ella finds him unnerving and she’s aware that she’s been avoiding her friends so as to avoid Saul. But when he requires her veterinary services, she realises that she cannot continue that way. And the more time they spend together, the more they learn about each other and the deeper the friendship they build up.
I really liked both Ella and Saul. I already liked Ella, I knew less about Saul but I found him to be exactly the sort of man I like reading about in this sort of book. Quiet, dependable, a bit of a hint of a mystery. He’s the tall, strong and silent type but eventually he confides things about himself in Ella and is always willing to listen when she decides to return the favour. As neighbours they end up spending quite a bit of time together away from their shared friendship group – Ella’s occupation, her cheeky little goats, Saul’s dog, they’re all reasons why they end up in each other’s company. Saul is also fond of Violet, his former neighbour as well and when Ella starts looking into Libby’s disappearance a bit more, trying to see if she can find anything that might give Violet some closure, whether she be alive or not, Saul is all too willing to lend a hand and an ear as Ella digs around.
I loved the friendship they built up, how ensconced in each other’s lives they became. How they both turned to the other, whether things were going well or if things had been a bit rough. What is difficult at first becomes suddenly easy – almost too easy as they both realise they are catching feelings for people that have only ever claimed loudly to want to stay single. Their lives fit together so well, they’re both attracted to each other but there’s a lot more than that. They both manage to fulfil something for each other. Ella understands Saul’s passion for his animals, his dedication to his farm and he understands her job, the hours it takes, the demands it can sometimes make. I always enjoy books where the author really takes the time to build a friendship between the two characters, something deep and abiding that you can imagine carrying them through a lot of years. The instant attraction is fun too but I like to read about a couple and think that I know where I see them in the future, knowing that they have not just the hots for each other but a lot of mutual respect, admiration and trust. I definitely got that feeling with Saul and Ella.
I’m not sure if the author has more books planned for this series – there were ways in which this felt quite final for the core little friendship group. Marriages, babies, etc. But there were also characters I felt could possibly get their own story in the future, if there were to be more books and it’s easy to introduce new ones. I’d certainly be happy to read more. I really have enjoyed my experience reading about Woodlea and the people that live there.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
January 18, 2020
Opening up an Alissa Callen book is like walking into a happy home filled with family and friends, always a warm welcome with characters that are real and true, I loved being back in Woodlea and journeying with Ella Quinlivan and Saul Armstrong as they find their way to true love and happiness.
Ella is the local vet and has made her home in the country town of Woodlea she has many friends whom we have seen find love, but that is not what Ella is looking for she has too many scars from the past, she now is living in a beautiful homestead and helping the past owner and friend Violet discover what happened to her teenage daughter years before, getting to know her neighbour Saul has to stay on a friends only basis, but there is a connection that pulls Ella.
Saul, ex bronco rider is making a new life for himself back here in Woodlea after the breakup of his marriage, looking for love is not on his horizon, he is starting an American bison farm and has a big fence between him and his neighbour the beautiful vet Ella, but when he needs a vet for one of the bison the attraction and the emotions she makes him feel will be hard to deny and the more time they spend together helping Violet the closer they get.
There is so much to love about this story, it is so beautifully written with emotions that flow from the pages, Saul is such a quiet man with a wall built around him and Ella such a beautiful caring person but guarded with her feelings and things that she keeps to herself, they come together so beautifully after a few ups and downs to find they are free of the past and to a love that is deep and lasting, this is one that I highly recommend, and of course catching up with all of the friends from Woodlea was just so good, I loved the ending so many happy sighs, thank you MS Callen for another keeper.
Ella is the local vet and has made her home in the country town of Woodlea she has many friends whom we have seen find love, but that is not what Ella is looking for she has too many scars from the past, she now is living in a beautiful homestead and helping the past owner and friend Violet discover what happened to her teenage daughter years before, getting to know her neighbour Saul has to stay on a friends only basis, but there is a connection that pulls Ella.
Saul, ex bronco rider is making a new life for himself back here in Woodlea after the breakup of his marriage, looking for love is not on his horizon, he is starting an American bison farm and has a big fence between him and his neighbour the beautiful vet Ella, but when he needs a vet for one of the bison the attraction and the emotions she makes him feel will be hard to deny and the more time they spend together helping Violet the closer they get.
There is so much to love about this story, it is so beautifully written with emotions that flow from the pages, Saul is such a quiet man with a wall built around him and Ella such a beautiful caring person but guarded with her feelings and things that she keeps to herself, they come together so beautifully after a few ups and downs to find they are free of the past and to a love that is deep and lasting, this is one that I highly recommend, and of course catching up with all of the friends from Woodlea was just so good, I loved the ending so many happy sighs, thank you MS Callen for another keeper.
March 11, 2021
he Boundary Fence is book seven in the Woodlea series by Alissa Callen. Ella Quinlivan moved out to her friend's Violet farm after she moved into a nursing home. After a bad relationship, Ella was not looking for love only wanted to look after Violet's goats and animals of the local community. Saul Armstrong came back to Australia after his marriage ended and only want to raise his beautiful Bison cattle. However, for Saul and Ella, things did not work out the way they wanted. The Boundary Fence readers will continue to follow Ella and Saul to find out if they fall in love.
The Boundary Fence is another fantastic addition to this excellent series. An enjoyable book to read about love, trauma and forgiveness. I had no problem engaging with the plot of The Boundary Fence. It was a lovely wet day, so I had no difficulty forgetting anything except this book. I love Alissa Callen's portrayal of The Boundary Fence characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. The Boundary Fence is well written and researched by Alissa Callen. I like Alissa Callen's description of The Boundary Fence settings that allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Boundary Fence will learn about looking after Bison cattle. Also, the readers of The Boundary Fence will understand the importance of forgiveness.
I recommend this book.
The Boundary Fence is another fantastic addition to this excellent series. An enjoyable book to read about love, trauma and forgiveness. I had no problem engaging with the plot of The Boundary Fence. It was a lovely wet day, so I had no difficulty forgetting anything except this book. I love Alissa Callen's portrayal of The Boundary Fence characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. The Boundary Fence is well written and researched by Alissa Callen. I like Alissa Callen's description of The Boundary Fence settings that allow me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Boundary Fence will learn about looking after Bison cattle. Also, the readers of The Boundary Fence will understand the importance of forgiveness.
I recommend this book.
July 19, 2022
Recently I finished reading 'The Boundary Fence' after reading it for a bit over a month and a half. I must admit, how long it took me to finish this book had nothing to do with the book itself, it was more so due to some personal things and being really busy/having a reading slump which meant I haven't been reading as much. Overall I really enjoyed this book and it speaks volumes that I have been binging this series over the past few months! At this stage this is the 7th and last book in the Woodlea series. I really liked that this book focused on the character Ella Quinlivan, who has previously been a minor character in other books in this series. I would really recommend this series to someone who loves the warm feeling of community/lovable characters, rural romance and books set in the country.
Synopsis: A warm-hearted and touching story about recovering after trauma, love and community. A new Woodlea rural romance by bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.
Healing doesn't just take time, it takes courage...
The scars country vet Ella Quinlivan hides are not solely on the outside. Men are off limits. She fills her world with her friends, work and the colourful community of small town Woodlea. She also becomes custodian of a sandstone cottage of an elderly friend whose teenage daughter went missing two decades ago.
With a broken marriage behind him, Saul Armstrong is determined to recapture his dreams by bringing American bison to the Australian bush. He intends to stick to his side of the high wire fence that divides his farm from his distracting new neighbour, Ella.
When Saul calls out Ella for a bison emergency she isn't just thrown out of her comfort zone by dealing with an unfamiliar animal. Slow-smiling and guarded Saul stirs emotions she'd long ago discarded.
As the summer heat parches the landscape and dust obscures the sun, hidden secrets come to light. Not only will Ella and Saul be tested, the connection forged between them will be threatened. Will love be enough to guarantee their freedom or will fear continue to dictate the direction of their lives?
Synopsis: A warm-hearted and touching story about recovering after trauma, love and community. A new Woodlea rural romance by bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.
Healing doesn't just take time, it takes courage...
The scars country vet Ella Quinlivan hides are not solely on the outside. Men are off limits. She fills her world with her friends, work and the colourful community of small town Woodlea. She also becomes custodian of a sandstone cottage of an elderly friend whose teenage daughter went missing two decades ago.
With a broken marriage behind him, Saul Armstrong is determined to recapture his dreams by bringing American bison to the Australian bush. He intends to stick to his side of the high wire fence that divides his farm from his distracting new neighbour, Ella.
When Saul calls out Ella for a bison emergency she isn't just thrown out of her comfort zone by dealing with an unfamiliar animal. Slow-smiling and guarded Saul stirs emotions she'd long ago discarded.
As the summer heat parches the landscape and dust obscures the sun, hidden secrets come to light. Not only will Ella and Saul be tested, the connection forged between them will be threatened. Will love be enough to guarantee their freedom or will fear continue to dictate the direction of their lives?
August 8, 2020
I was given a bagful of romance books and this was one of them. Easy reading, repetitive theme, happy ending.
June 25, 2024
Great light hearted read for a quick brain candy fix. The characters pop in a friendly positive sparkle. Good for a quick and easy read.
February 7, 2020
Thank you to @romanceanz for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Ella is a vet in Woodlea, a rural town in Australia, who has taken ownership of a lovely sandstone cottage that belonged to an elderly friend whose daughter went missing twenty years earlier.
When Saul moves into the farm next door with a plan to have a bison farm, he calls on Ella to check on one of his injured bison. Many old hurts and scars are brought to the surface, as Ella and Saul try to deny their attraction to each other.
Full disclosure: romance is not my favourite genre and up until quite recently (call me slow! 😆), I didn’t even know that rural romance was a thing! However, I really enjoyed this book, which was much more than just a romance.
I really enjoyed the sense of community the author captures in her words and how she really brings the country town to life.
Although this book is part of a series, as I’ve only read this one I can say that this works perfectly well as a standalone book. I did get a bit confused with some of the characters in the beginning, but once they were all sorted out in my head, they felt like people I knew, which I loved!
I also enjoyed that there were other storylines throughout the book besides the romance aspect, including an interesting one about the missing girl and a fun one which involved hiding a surprise birthday party for the town busybody without her finding out.
So maybe it’s the ‘rural’ that makes this romance more palatable to me!?!? Or perhaps I connect with this author’s words? Either way, this book has definitely made me open to reading more in this genre to find out! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me!
Ella is a vet in Woodlea, a rural town in Australia, who has taken ownership of a lovely sandstone cottage that belonged to an elderly friend whose daughter went missing twenty years earlier.
When Saul moves into the farm next door with a plan to have a bison farm, he calls on Ella to check on one of his injured bison. Many old hurts and scars are brought to the surface, as Ella and Saul try to deny their attraction to each other.
Full disclosure: romance is not my favourite genre and up until quite recently (call me slow! 😆), I didn’t even know that rural romance was a thing! However, I really enjoyed this book, which was much more than just a romance.
I really enjoyed the sense of community the author captures in her words and how she really brings the country town to life.
Although this book is part of a series, as I’ve only read this one I can say that this works perfectly well as a standalone book. I did get a bit confused with some of the characters in the beginning, but once they were all sorted out in my head, they felt like people I knew, which I loved!
I also enjoyed that there were other storylines throughout the book besides the romance aspect, including an interesting one about the missing girl and a fun one which involved hiding a surprise birthday party for the town busybody without her finding out.
So maybe it’s the ‘rural’ that makes this romance more palatable to me!?!? Or perhaps I connect with this author’s words? Either way, this book has definitely made me open to reading more in this genre to find out! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me!
January 20, 2020
The Boundary Fence is one of several books set in the fictional outback NSW town of Woodlea, but fear not. If this is your first Alissa Callen book it won’t in any way spoil your enjoyment of others she has set in this location.
If you love reading about country Australia and its people then you’ll feel right at home in this book.
Woodlea is the quintessential country town complete with people who truly care about each other and for whom it’s never too much trouble to drop everything and lend a hand. Of course there’s the town busybody as well and Edna seems to know everything about everyone long before anybody else does. The town is also the perfect setting for vet Ella Quinlivan and bull-rider turned bison breeder Saul Armstrong to heal from past hurts and discover love.
Ella and Saul are well rounded characters, competent in their working lives while dealing with the issues that act as a boundary fence between them as neither wants to enter into a relationship that is anything more than friendship.
While the developing relationship between Ella and Saul is central to this story the subplot revolving around the missing daughter of Violet, the former owner of Ella’s house, provides added interest.
This book is feel-good rather than earth shattering, drawing readers into the lives of Ella, Saul and their community. It’s packed with cute goats, a flock of guinea fowl, horses, bison and Saul’s dog Duke, all of whom contribute to the rural quality of the story. I felt right at home.
If you love reading about country Australia and its people then you’ll feel right at home in this book.
Woodlea is the quintessential country town complete with people who truly care about each other and for whom it’s never too much trouble to drop everything and lend a hand. Of course there’s the town busybody as well and Edna seems to know everything about everyone long before anybody else does. The town is also the perfect setting for vet Ella Quinlivan and bull-rider turned bison breeder Saul Armstrong to heal from past hurts and discover love.
Ella and Saul are well rounded characters, competent in their working lives while dealing with the issues that act as a boundary fence between them as neither wants to enter into a relationship that is anything more than friendship.
While the developing relationship between Ella and Saul is central to this story the subplot revolving around the missing daughter of Violet, the former owner of Ella’s house, provides added interest.
This book is feel-good rather than earth shattering, drawing readers into the lives of Ella, Saul and their community. It’s packed with cute goats, a flock of guinea fowl, horses, bison and Saul’s dog Duke, all of whom contribute to the rural quality of the story. I felt right at home.
April 5, 2022
What a beautiful wrap-up this is for the Woodlea series!
Rural vet Ella Quinlivan has been part of the series from the very start. Now, she gets her very own story- and Alissa has saved the best until the end!
Ella has had a very traumatic past, with the loss of her brother and a relationship breakdown whilst living in England. To no surprise, Ella has chosen to remain single. After a time helping out in the bushfires, Ella moves into her friend Violet's home after she goes to live in assisted care.
Her new neighbour is Saul Armstrong, who is a new resident to Woodlea. A close friend to Denham Rigby, the former cowboy is now running a bison farm on his property. However, Ella and Saul have made aquantice before, at Denham and Cressy's wedding.
Like Ella, Saul is against another relationship, after divorcing his wife back in the USA. These two lonely hearts quickly become friends as they help Violet out with the disappearance of her daughter.
Friends turn into lovers quite fast, but still they are denying their true feelings for another! Will they eventually come to their senses and realise that they are meant for each other? Or are they quite happy remaining as friends (with benefits)?
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, with it's charming characters, beautiful community and of course, it's gorgeous animal friends! Must say, Duke, Saul's Australian Shepherd steals many scenes in this book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Rural vet Ella Quinlivan has been part of the series from the very start. Now, she gets her very own story- and Alissa has saved the best until the end!
Ella has had a very traumatic past, with the loss of her brother and a relationship breakdown whilst living in England. To no surprise, Ella has chosen to remain single. After a time helping out in the bushfires, Ella moves into her friend Violet's home after she goes to live in assisted care.
Her new neighbour is Saul Armstrong, who is a new resident to Woodlea. A close friend to Denham Rigby, the former cowboy is now running a bison farm on his property. However, Ella and Saul have made aquantice before, at Denham and Cressy's wedding.
Like Ella, Saul is against another relationship, after divorcing his wife back in the USA. These two lonely hearts quickly become friends as they help Violet out with the disappearance of her daughter.
Friends turn into lovers quite fast, but still they are denying their true feelings for another! Will they eventually come to their senses and realise that they are meant for each other? Or are they quite happy remaining as friends (with benefits)?
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, with it's charming characters, beautiful community and of course, it's gorgeous animal friends! Must say, Duke, Saul's Australian Shepherd steals many scenes in this book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
March 30, 2020
This series of Woodlea books (The Long Paddock, The Red Dirt Road, The Round Yard, and The Boundary Fence) have been a really enjoyable to read and for anyone who love great country romance must read these books. Alissa Callen writes so well and you end up feeling like you are there living life with all of the characters.
The Boundary Fence is about Saul Armstrong and Ella Quinlivan and how there lives were brought together at the wedding of Denham and Fliss. They were both in the wedding party partnered together but living in different countries.
Then Saul decided to purchase a farm for his bison which happens to be for sale and right next door to Ella.
They have an instant attraction, but a lot of pain from their pasts that seems to get in the way.
The big question is can they overcome the pain and start a life together.
The Boundary Fence is about Saul Armstrong and Ella Quinlivan and how there lives were brought together at the wedding of Denham and Fliss. They were both in the wedding party partnered together but living in different countries.
Then Saul decided to purchase a farm for his bison which happens to be for sale and right next door to Ella.
They have an instant attraction, but a lot of pain from their pasts that seems to get in the way.
The big question is can they overcome the pain and start a life together.
August 18, 2025
I was so excited to finally read Ella's story! Saul arrived at the end of the last book and made the perfect man to break down Ella's defenses and help her find love again. Mainly because he was also needing to open his own heart after being so poorly used by his ex.
Saul is an ex-bullrider back from America and Ella is a local country vet. I also loved Saul's dog Duke, an Australian Shepherd who loves to chase cars along the fence line. Reminds me of my doggy! Saul is planning to breed bison in Australia, which was interesting. Ella's moved into a farmhouse after its previous owner moved to town into an aged care home, and she becomes intrigued by the story of Violet's missing daughter, who no one has seen for like 20 years.
Saul and Ella both have a lot of heartbreak to overcome, but they do it in a beautiful way in this fantastic rural romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Saul is an ex-bullrider back from America and Ella is a local country vet. I also loved Saul's dog Duke, an Australian Shepherd who loves to chase cars along the fence line. Reminds me of my doggy! Saul is planning to breed bison in Australia, which was interesting. Ella's moved into a farmhouse after its previous owner moved to town into an aged care home, and she becomes intrigued by the story of Violet's missing daughter, who no one has seen for like 20 years.
Saul and Ella both have a lot of heartbreak to overcome, but they do it in a beautiful way in this fantastic rural romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 14, 2021
Loved this book, Ella was one of my favourite characters of this series, so it was nice to learn more about her past and nice to see her drop her guard a bit with Saul.
I’m hoping there are to be more books in this series, but as most of the main characters now have a relationship I wouldn’t be surprised if not.
Ella the vet who always had her guard up after her return from the UK and her neighbour Bison rancher Saul both of whom are determined never to be in another relationship and not to let anyone of the other sex into their life in a romantic sense. Throw in a dog, some goats, horses, guinnea fowl, a joey, snakes, bison, a storm and friends and there’s no keeping their lives separate.
This was a lovely bush romance.
I’m hoping there are to be more books in this series, but as most of the main characters now have a relationship I wouldn’t be surprised if not.
Ella the vet who always had her guard up after her return from the UK and her neighbour Bison rancher Saul both of whom are determined never to be in another relationship and not to let anyone of the other sex into their life in a romantic sense. Throw in a dog, some goats, horses, guinnea fowl, a joey, snakes, bison, a storm and friends and there’s no keeping their lives separate.
This was a lovely bush romance.
March 21, 2020
Couldn't put the book down!
This is the fourth book in the Woodlea series that I've purchased as soon as it's been released in NZ.
Such strong female characters and although this one focused on Ella and Saul you still get a taster of the characters from previous novels. It's almost a continuation of the first and definitely draws you back in.
Lovely to read about the bison, we've got some just down the road here in rural North Canterbury!
This is the fourth book in the Woodlea series that I've purchased as soon as it's been released in NZ.
Such strong female characters and although this one focused on Ella and Saul you still get a taster of the characters from previous novels. It's almost a continuation of the first and definitely draws you back in.
Lovely to read about the bison, we've got some just down the road here in rural North Canterbury!
September 23, 2020
This was a lovely romantic story with great main characters, Ella and Saul. The background setting of a small rural town and the Australian bush were well described which bought the places to life. The romance was a slow burn and I liked the chemistry between Ella and Saul which came through via the narrative. A great read for some escapism.
May 5, 2022
Loved the diversity of characters, Ella with scars from her past and vow to remain single, meets her match when her hunky neighbour Saul has the same mandate, they are drawn together through events and friends each resisting the heat of attraction until life-threatening drama makes them both realise that life is too short not to be together.
October 8, 2025
Another lovely country, small town story in Woodlea. This time it's Ella the vet and she gets her happy hopefully ever after with Saul who has come to the Woodlea with his Bison. All the usual town folk are there of course. There is a very bittersweet side story with Violet which just added to the story.
May 29, 2020
Loved reading Ella and Saul's story and that Violet learnt about her lost daughter Libby.
Alissa Callen writes beautiful stories and characters that you feel a part of their lives. I cannot wait until I hopefully get to return to Woodlea again.
Alissa Callen writes beautiful stories and characters that you feel a part of their lives. I cannot wait until I hopefully get to return to Woodlea again.
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April 10, 2020Easy to read good Aussie book, with lots of dramas but of course a happy ending 😉
July 10, 2020
It improved as it got further into the book. Love how it ended, especially the mystery of the missing girl and the reason why she never returned.
May 15, 2021
I enjoyed the storyline - had some good off shoots from the love story, but the love story was just monotonous - all the Woodlea love stories became far too similar.
November 17, 2021
Another really interesting and enjoyable book from Alissa Callen. Twists and turns and loads of emotion.
January 3, 2022
Really enjoyed my first book I read of Alissas
May 6, 2022
So real & so beautiful. 🥰
July 3, 2022
Good book and story. First one of the series that I've read.....though definitely out of order! If this is the quality of the series then I'm looking forward to reading more
February 10, 2023
I love Alissa's books, a nice, relaxing and enjoyable read.
January 28, 2024
Another good read
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