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Rose Hill #2
Something to Talk About
It's the opposite of love at first sight...or is it?
Dairy farmer Tabitha Cooper-Jones has a heart of gold, yet she's the eternal bridesmaid. Everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges over the years, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe, she's adored by her family and is an integral part of her hometown - there's just one thing missing from her life. But the last thing Tab wants is a man - or worse, love - to stop her achieving her dream.
In town for a temporary teaching contract, Fergus McWilliams thinks the small community of Walsh will be the perfect place to stay under the radar but he couldn't be more wrong. Suddenly, the kids' cricket team coached by Ferg is inundated with female supporters - single female supporters - and that's only the beginning.
The only woman who doesn't seem to have her sights set on Ferg is Tabitha. Despite a disastrous first meeting and a visit from a past love, circumstances keep throwing them together. Neither can deny the sparks between them, but can friendship even be possible for these two strong-willed people?
A moving story of overcoming obstacles and learning to love, from ABIA award-winning author Rachael Johns.
Dairy farmer Tabitha Cooper-Jones has a heart of gold, yet she's the eternal bridesmaid. Everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges over the years, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe, she's adored by her family and is an integral part of her hometown - there's just one thing missing from her life. But the last thing Tab wants is a man - or worse, love - to stop her achieving her dream.
In town for a temporary teaching contract, Fergus McWilliams thinks the small community of Walsh will be the perfect place to stay under the radar but he couldn't be more wrong. Suddenly, the kids' cricket team coached by Ferg is inundated with female supporters - single female supporters - and that's only the beginning.
The only woman who doesn't seem to have her sights set on Ferg is Tabitha. Despite a disastrous first meeting and a visit from a past love, circumstances keep throwing them together. Neither can deny the sparks between them, but can friendship even be possible for these two strong-willed people?
A moving story of overcoming obstacles and learning to love, from ABIA award-winning author Rachael Johns.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
55 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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April 17, 2020
Fergus McWilliams had just arrived in the small outback town of Walsh where he would be the temporary teacher, replacing a person who was ill. After this position he thought he’d head north, maybe up to the Pilbara or inland Western Australia. He’d left Perth determined not to return any time soon, if at all. When Fergus met Tabitha Cooper-Jones, he couldn’t stop staring. And Tabitha thought he was a jerk. They really didn't get off to a good start.
Tabitha had lived in Walsh all her life – other than three years away at school. She’d had some tragedy in her past and it had only made her stronger. Her burgeoning ice cream business was a huge success, while she helped her brother, Lawson and his wife Meg on the farm. Tab was a dab hand at milking, while young Ned was in Fergus’ class in school, and he thought his new teacher was pretty cool. There had never been a male teacher at the school before, so he was a novelty to the kids. Then when Fergus agreed to coach their cricket team, he realized Aunty Tab was assistant coach. He’d have to try to be friendly with her; after all he wouldn’t be in town long…
Something to Talk About is the 2nd in the Rose Hill series by Aussie author Rachael Johns, after Talk Of The Town. It was nice to catch up with some of the characters once again, with Something to Talk About Tabitha and Fergus’ story. For a small community, there was a lot going on, with the cricket, the annual show, plus dear old Mrs Lord whose house Fergus was renting after she entered the nursing home. And there was also Mrs Norris, Fergus’ Maine Coon - with attitude… Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Tabitha had lived in Walsh all her life – other than three years away at school. She’d had some tragedy in her past and it had only made her stronger. Her burgeoning ice cream business was a huge success, while she helped her brother, Lawson and his wife Meg on the farm. Tab was a dab hand at milking, while young Ned was in Fergus’ class in school, and he thought his new teacher was pretty cool. There had never been a male teacher at the school before, so he was a novelty to the kids. Then when Fergus agreed to coach their cricket team, he realized Aunty Tab was assistant coach. He’d have to try to be friendly with her; after all he wouldn’t be in town long…
Something to Talk About is the 2nd in the Rose Hill series by Aussie author Rachael Johns, after Talk Of The Town. It was nice to catch up with some of the characters once again, with Something to Talk About Tabitha and Fergus’ story. For a small community, there was a lot going on, with the cricket, the annual show, plus dear old Mrs Lord whose house Fergus was renting after she entered the nursing home. And there was also Mrs Norris, Fergus’ Maine Coon - with attitude… Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
Something To Talk About by Rachael Johns. (2020).
(Rose Hill ; #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 20 April 2020**
Dairy farmer Tabitha has a heart of gold and is everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe and is an integral part of her hometown. There is only one thing missing from her life but the last thing Tab wants is a man to stop her achieving her dream. Fergus is in town for a temporary teaching contract. He thinks he'll be under the rader but with a town full of single ladies he's wrong. Tab is the only woman who doesn't seem interested. But circumstances keep throwing them together and neither can deny the sparks between them...
I've read a few of this author's books and loved them; this is the first of her 'rural romances' that I've tried and I really enjoyed it. It was super easy to read and it took my mind off a few things that I had going on. Although it is technically part of a series, I haven't read the first book and I don't think that lessened my enjoyment at all. Tab was extremely likeable, as was Fergus. I loved the small town feel where everybody is up in everybody else's business haha. Although the genre is definitely romance, there are quite a few real-world issues that various characters experience and discuss that were a bit sad really but added to the realism.
I'd highly recommend this novel to any reader who is a fan of Australian rural romances or anyone looking for a feel-good romance.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Something To Talk About by Rachael Johns. (2020).
(Rose Hill ; #2)
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 20 April 2020**
Dairy farmer Tabitha has a heart of gold and is everyone's best mate. Despite facing some serious challenges, she's built a successful ice-cream business and cafe and is an integral part of her hometown. There is only one thing missing from her life but the last thing Tab wants is a man to stop her achieving her dream. Fergus is in town for a temporary teaching contract. He thinks he'll be under the rader but with a town full of single ladies he's wrong. Tab is the only woman who doesn't seem interested. But circumstances keep throwing them together and neither can deny the sparks between them...
I've read a few of this author's books and loved them; this is the first of her 'rural romances' that I've tried and I really enjoyed it. It was super easy to read and it took my mind off a few things that I had going on. Although it is technically part of a series, I haven't read the first book and I don't think that lessened my enjoyment at all. Tab was extremely likeable, as was Fergus. I loved the small town feel where everybody is up in everybody else's business haha. Although the genre is definitely romance, there are quite a few real-world issues that various characters experience and discuss that were a bit sad really but added to the realism.
I'd highly recommend this novel to any reader who is a fan of Australian rural romances or anyone looking for a feel-good romance.
April 21, 2020
Something To Talk About is Rachael John’s second rural romance in the Rose Hill series, which began with Talk of the Town featuring the relationship between widowed dairy farmer Lawson Cooper-Jones and new storekeeper Meg, but reads well as a stand-alone.
In Something To Talk About, Tabitha Cooper-Jones, Lawson’s younger sister, has created a life she is proud of. She’s refused to let the loss of her arm to cancer hold her back, developing a thriving gourmet ice cream business, operating a successful cafe, and volunteering as a St John’s emergency assistant, but what she wants most is a family of her own, and despairing of ever finding a partner in the small town of Walsh, she’s chosen to become pregnant via donor insemination.
Fergus McWilliams is looking to escape the fallout from a broken engagement when he accepts a short term teaching position at Walsh Primary School, but he’s unprepared for the attention a single man in a small town attracts. Not looking for another relationship so soon, a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement with Tabitha, despite her unusual circumstances, is a convenience for them both, but their plan to keep it casual goes awry when their hearts become involved.
I loved the chemistry between Tabitha and Fergus. Sparks fly at their very first meeting and as the story develops their growing affection for one another feels organic. Johns’s characters, both main and supporting, always feel genuine and elements of their situations relatable. The obstacles between Tab and Fergus are not insignificant, but I thought they were resolved convincingly.
The residents of Walsh add texture to the story from the members of Stitch & Bitch, to the children of Fergus’s class. The Western Australian setting is always a thrill for me, having been born there. I’ve holidayed in Bunbury and I’m familiar with the tiny farming towns in the southwest where community really matters.
Readers should be aware that several of the characters in Something To Talk About are affected by cancer, but the story really centers around the themes of independence, resilience, forgiveness, and trust.
Without fail, I finish each book by Rachael Johns with a sigh of satisfaction and contentment for a story well told, and it’s no different here. This is a book I am happy to talk about.
In Something To Talk About, Tabitha Cooper-Jones, Lawson’s younger sister, has created a life she is proud of. She’s refused to let the loss of her arm to cancer hold her back, developing a thriving gourmet ice cream business, operating a successful cafe, and volunteering as a St John’s emergency assistant, but what she wants most is a family of her own, and despairing of ever finding a partner in the small town of Walsh, she’s chosen to become pregnant via donor insemination.
Fergus McWilliams is looking to escape the fallout from a broken engagement when he accepts a short term teaching position at Walsh Primary School, but he’s unprepared for the attention a single man in a small town attracts. Not looking for another relationship so soon, a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement with Tabitha, despite her unusual circumstances, is a convenience for them both, but their plan to keep it casual goes awry when their hearts become involved.
I loved the chemistry between Tabitha and Fergus. Sparks fly at their very first meeting and as the story develops their growing affection for one another feels organic. Johns’s characters, both main and supporting, always feel genuine and elements of their situations relatable. The obstacles between Tab and Fergus are not insignificant, but I thought they were resolved convincingly.
The residents of Walsh add texture to the story from the members of Stitch & Bitch, to the children of Fergus’s class. The Western Australian setting is always a thrill for me, having been born there. I’ve holidayed in Bunbury and I’m familiar with the tiny farming towns in the southwest where community really matters.
Readers should be aware that several of the characters in Something To Talk About are affected by cancer, but the story really centers around the themes of independence, resilience, forgiveness, and trust.
Without fail, I finish each book by Rachael Johns with a sigh of satisfaction and contentment for a story well told, and it’s no different here. This is a book I am happy to talk about.
April 20, 2020
It's been a while since I read a Rachael Johns rural romance novel, so I was excited to hear she had a new one coming out. This is a sequel to Talk of the Town, a book I've had on my kindle for a while, when I looked it up I've actually had it waiting since July 2017 which is just ridiculous and after reading Something to Talk About, I plan on rectifying that ASAP.
While Something to Talk About is a sequel, it can easily be read as a standalone as enough background into the characters and the town was given for me to feel completely comfortable with the people and the setting.
It took me a couple of chapters to make a proper connection with the characters, but after that, I didn't want to put this novel down.
I really loved the two main characters, Tabitha and Fergus, they felt very real, like people I could meet myself at any point.
At first, Fergus is out of his comfort zone in the small town, he's certainly not used to single women wanting to throw themselves at him or everyone knowing everything that is happening, but he is fabulous with the kids he is there to teach.
Tabitha is a great character, she's a strong woman but has a vulnerable heart. She has been through a lot of loss in her life and has had a lot to contend with personally.
I really enjoyed the banter between these two, especially as they fought the chemistry between them. I loved it when they dived in, neither realising what they were getting themselves into. There was, of course, the usual miscommunication and misreading of situations, but it was all very realistic, we human beings do like jumping to conclusions before we have all the facts.
The secondary townspeople characters were all enjoyable, excepting of course Adeline, the town b***h, a very unlikeable character. I loved the knitting circle where it is as much about gossip as it is about knitting.
There were some serious issues raised, breast cancer being an important one and how important family is through the good and the bad. The relationship between Fergus and his sister played an important role in the story as Fergus struggles with the loss of trust in that relationship and the need to forgive.
I learned a bit about dairy farming and how hard the work is day in, day out, morning and night. Tabitha's brother, Lawson and her sister-in-law, Meg along with their son Ned were great characters to meet and I am really looking forward to reading their story in Talk of the Town.
If you enjoy a rural romance with all the feels, then this is the book for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
While Something to Talk About is a sequel, it can easily be read as a standalone as enough background into the characters and the town was given for me to feel completely comfortable with the people and the setting.
It took me a couple of chapters to make a proper connection with the characters, but after that, I didn't want to put this novel down.
I really loved the two main characters, Tabitha and Fergus, they felt very real, like people I could meet myself at any point.
At first, Fergus is out of his comfort zone in the small town, he's certainly not used to single women wanting to throw themselves at him or everyone knowing everything that is happening, but he is fabulous with the kids he is there to teach.
Tabitha is a great character, she's a strong woman but has a vulnerable heart. She has been through a lot of loss in her life and has had a lot to contend with personally.
I really enjoyed the banter between these two, especially as they fought the chemistry between them. I loved it when they dived in, neither realising what they were getting themselves into. There was, of course, the usual miscommunication and misreading of situations, but it was all very realistic, we human beings do like jumping to conclusions before we have all the facts.
The secondary townspeople characters were all enjoyable, excepting of course Adeline, the town b***h, a very unlikeable character. I loved the knitting circle where it is as much about gossip as it is about knitting.
There were some serious issues raised, breast cancer being an important one and how important family is through the good and the bad. The relationship between Fergus and his sister played an important role in the story as Fergus struggles with the loss of trust in that relationship and the need to forgive.
I learned a bit about dairy farming and how hard the work is day in, day out, morning and night. Tabitha's brother, Lawson and her sister-in-law, Meg along with their son Ned were great characters to meet and I am really looking forward to reading their story in Talk of the Town.
If you enjoy a rural romance with all the feels, then this is the book for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2020
Rachael Johns you have nailed Tabitha’s story, wow it is good, I loved seeing her and Fergus find the most beautiful HEA of course there are a few hurdles to cross before they get there and those hurdles add so much emotion to the story and the sensual pull between them is so very wonderful.
Tabitha Cooper-Jones is a woman filled with love, she is caring, strong and determined to do the things she has always wanted to even after life has dealt her a few challenges, she is a dairy farmer and now running an ice-creamery and tea shop and loving life even if she doesn’t have a man in her life and she is not looking for one, but when she meets the new temporary teacher things are about to get a little hotter as she is drawn to this man.
Fergus McWilliams is getting away from the city and a situation he wants to forget he is looking forward to the small town of Walsh, he loves teaching kids and helping them grow and learn, but he does not want to get involved with any woman and he is practically jumped on as soon as he arrives, there are a few single woman in this town, but he is drawn to Tabitha even after their very bad start and the fact that she seems to be the only one not after him.
I really liked Tabitha when we first met her in Talk of the Town and she really deserved her own story and she got a perfect story for her, this story is filled with emotion, love and it is heart- warming and beautiful, The sparks that fly between Tabitha and Fergus connect and bring them together even if it was not what either wanted, they talked, they opened up and they made love and became one in such a gorgeous story. Being back in Walsh was lots fun as well catching up with the characters we already love, thank you MS Johns another story that will stay with me for a while yet I smiled and cheered them on and felt so very good at the end. This is a story that I would highly recommend, a story not to be missed.
Tabitha Cooper-Jones is a woman filled with love, she is caring, strong and determined to do the things she has always wanted to even after life has dealt her a few challenges, she is a dairy farmer and now running an ice-creamery and tea shop and loving life even if she doesn’t have a man in her life and she is not looking for one, but when she meets the new temporary teacher things are about to get a little hotter as she is drawn to this man.
Fergus McWilliams is getting away from the city and a situation he wants to forget he is looking forward to the small town of Walsh, he loves teaching kids and helping them grow and learn, but he does not want to get involved with any woman and he is practically jumped on as soon as he arrives, there are a few single woman in this town, but he is drawn to Tabitha even after their very bad start and the fact that she seems to be the only one not after him.
I really liked Tabitha when we first met her in Talk of the Town and she really deserved her own story and she got a perfect story for her, this story is filled with emotion, love and it is heart- warming and beautiful, The sparks that fly between Tabitha and Fergus connect and bring them together even if it was not what either wanted, they talked, they opened up and they made love and became one in such a gorgeous story. Being back in Walsh was lots fun as well catching up with the characters we already love, thank you MS Johns another story that will stay with me for a while yet I smiled and cheered them on and felt so very good at the end. This is a story that I would highly recommend, a story not to be missed.
September 20, 2023
Tabitha Cooper-Jones is everyone's friend in her hometown of Walsh, Western Australia and she makes the best ice-cream. Tab’s life hasn’t been easy her mum passed away when she was a little girl and she lost lower part of her arm to cancer as a teenager.
Tab and her sister-in-law Meg run an ice-cream parlor and café in Rose Hill and they use all locally sourced produce and milk. Tab loves her brother Lawson, nephew Ned, she’s the assistant coach of his cricket team, she drives her van to practice and she gives the kids a free ice-cream afterwards. Tab has given up on finding a man and love, her last serious relationship was ten years ago, she really wants it to be a mother and she’s looking into doing this solo.
Fergus McWilliams takes a temporary teaching job in Walsh, he’s recently broken up with his fiancée and he needs some space. A handsome and young single man in a small town has a target back and even the mum's of the kids in his class get a bit giggly around him. Ferg fills in as the cricket coach and Tabitha is his assistant and he finds her rather prickly.
Living in Walsh it’s impossible for them to not to be at the same place at the same time, Fergus and Tabitha are attracted to each other, the sparks fly and there is defiantly sizzling chemistry between them.
The second book the Rose Hill trilogy, Something to Talk about is a heart-warming and thought provoking story about the two main characters overcoming obstacles and stop being so stubborn, learning to trust again and forgiving people who have hurt them in the past. Five stars from me, I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Talk to the Heart and Rachel John’s is one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors.
Tab and her sister-in-law Meg run an ice-cream parlor and café in Rose Hill and they use all locally sourced produce and milk. Tab loves her brother Lawson, nephew Ned, she’s the assistant coach of his cricket team, she drives her van to practice and she gives the kids a free ice-cream afterwards. Tab has given up on finding a man and love, her last serious relationship was ten years ago, she really wants it to be a mother and she’s looking into doing this solo.
Fergus McWilliams takes a temporary teaching job in Walsh, he’s recently broken up with his fiancée and he needs some space. A handsome and young single man in a small town has a target back and even the mum's of the kids in his class get a bit giggly around him. Ferg fills in as the cricket coach and Tabitha is his assistant and he finds her rather prickly.
Living in Walsh it’s impossible for them to not to be at the same place at the same time, Fergus and Tabitha are attracted to each other, the sparks fly and there is defiantly sizzling chemistry between them.
The second book the Rose Hill trilogy, Something to Talk about is a heart-warming and thought provoking story about the two main characters overcoming obstacles and stop being so stubborn, learning to trust again and forgiving people who have hurt them in the past. Five stars from me, I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, Talk to the Heart and Rachel John’s is one of my favourite Australian rural fiction authors.
May 4, 2020
Definitely a five-star read for the genre.
Fergus McWilliams and Tabitha Cooper-Jones are brilliant characters in this contemporary story set in the small farming town of Walsh, Western Australia. Johns successfully creates unique characters that I will not forget. These two individuals are definitely the highlight of this story for me. There was nothing predictable about them and I was really entertained by their wit, charm, enthusiasm and how they tackle life's problems (both big and small).
The setting added to the depth of the story and I found myself wanting to visit the area. A great Aussie portrayal of life in a small country town without being burdensome in that traditional Aussie lingo style some authors use.
The first two-thirds of the plot definitely kept me engaged but the more predictable ending not so much, but lovers of contemporary woman's fiction and romance will be very really happy with the conclusion. I have not read the first instalment of the series and did not find I was disadvantaged at all. Such a fantastic change of pace for me and I loved the novel.
Thank you to Sarana Behan at HarperCollins Australia for an ARC of this novel.
@HarperCollins
#Somethingtotalkabout
Fergus McWilliams and Tabitha Cooper-Jones are brilliant characters in this contemporary story set in the small farming town of Walsh, Western Australia. Johns successfully creates unique characters that I will not forget. These two individuals are definitely the highlight of this story for me. There was nothing predictable about them and I was really entertained by their wit, charm, enthusiasm and how they tackle life's problems (both big and small).
The setting added to the depth of the story and I found myself wanting to visit the area. A great Aussie portrayal of life in a small country town without being burdensome in that traditional Aussie lingo style some authors use.
The first two-thirds of the plot definitely kept me engaged but the more predictable ending not so much, but lovers of contemporary woman's fiction and romance will be very really happy with the conclusion. I have not read the first instalment of the series and did not find I was disadvantaged at all. Such a fantastic change of pace for me and I loved the novel.
Thank you to Sarana Behan at HarperCollins Australia for an ARC of this novel.
@HarperCollins
#Somethingtotalkabout
May 28, 2020
Something to talk about by Rachael Johns.
A modern, small community love story is what I would describe it as.
You just cant help but to find the main character Tabitha Cooper-Jones very likable. A strong, independant women who has had her battles with cancer and overcome many obstacles to get where she is. In her small country town she has everything she needs, loving brother and his family, her icecream, B&B and cafe businesses as well as many community volunteer groups as she can manage.
The only thing missing is a family of her own so having been single for many years she takes it upon herself to start a family on her own. Having done IVF she becomes pregnant and excited about her future, just herself and the baby.
A teacher, Fergus McWilliams, filling a tempory teaching role gets the woman's attention throughout the town of Walsh. Only one woman grabs his eye though, Tabitha.
The sparks continue between the two of them although they fight their feelings throughout the story.
This was a very easy to read book and kept me interested throughout.
Thanks to Beauty&Lace and Harper Collins for this ARC to read and review honestly.
A modern, small community love story is what I would describe it as.
You just cant help but to find the main character Tabitha Cooper-Jones very likable. A strong, independant women who has had her battles with cancer and overcome many obstacles to get where she is. In her small country town she has everything she needs, loving brother and his family, her icecream, B&B and cafe businesses as well as many community volunteer groups as she can manage.
The only thing missing is a family of her own so having been single for many years she takes it upon herself to start a family on her own. Having done IVF she becomes pregnant and excited about her future, just herself and the baby.
A teacher, Fergus McWilliams, filling a tempory teaching role gets the woman's attention throughout the town of Walsh. Only one woman grabs his eye though, Tabitha.
The sparks continue between the two of them although they fight their feelings throughout the story.
This was a very easy to read book and kept me interested throughout.
Thanks to Beauty&Lace and Harper Collins for this ARC to read and review honestly.
April 24, 2020
Now firstly, I will say that i am not a huge fan of rural romances, however I do like Rachael John's women's lit/contemp romance stories, and the blurb for Something To Talk About intrigued me.
Living in a small country town, for me it can sometimes be hard to get into the rural stories - they can either feel too like my town, or so unlike things that it takes me out of the story
The complete opposite happened for me with this book. I was hooked from the first time Tabitha met Fergus, and I was eagerly turning the pages. I just adore Tab, and I need to be her friend.
I completely understand Fergus being the new guy in town. I was subject to some of the same things when I first did the tree change, and understand his reactions to people and events. They made me laugh at times.
Tab is so strong and independent, however she also shows her vulnerabilities. I want to be her when I grow up.
There are plenty of wonderful secondary characters - if your heart isn't filled with Ned by the time you finish, well, I don't know what to think!
I didn't read Talk Of The Town, however this did not affect my reading and enjoyment of this installment, as we are given enough back story.
Thank you Harper Collins for a review copy
Living in a small country town, for me it can sometimes be hard to get into the rural stories - they can either feel too like my town, or so unlike things that it takes me out of the story
The complete opposite happened for me with this book. I was hooked from the first time Tabitha met Fergus, and I was eagerly turning the pages. I just adore Tab, and I need to be her friend.
I completely understand Fergus being the new guy in town. I was subject to some of the same things when I first did the tree change, and understand his reactions to people and events. They made me laugh at times.
Tab is so strong and independent, however she also shows her vulnerabilities. I want to be her when I grow up.
There are plenty of wonderful secondary characters - if your heart isn't filled with Ned by the time you finish, well, I don't know what to think!
I didn't read Talk Of The Town, however this did not affect my reading and enjoyment of this installment, as we are given enough back story.
Thank you Harper Collins for a review copy
Read
April 28, 2020I always love a Rachael Johns rural romance, and Something to Talk About was the perfect escape in the middle of a pandemic; just like a big mug of hot chocolate. I raced through this novel with a smile. I felt the characters were strong, the conflict (and heat) between the main characters Fergus and Tabitha was perfect, and there was a great balance of small town joys and frustrations. I also loved Tabitha's quirky career (ice cream maker slash dairy farmer) and the spotlight on inclusion and disability awareness with Tabitha's missing arm.
Many thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy, full blog interview at www.mayalinnell.com/blog from May 2.
Many thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy, full blog interview at www.mayalinnell.com/blog from May 2.
May 3, 2020
A great book. Loved it.
March 18, 2020
I was so lucky to get an advance copy of this one, it’s a rollicking read and I absolutely loved it.
April 26, 2020
What a great book. Absolutely loved it. It has been a while since Rachael Johns has written a Rural Fiction but definitely worth the wait. 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
April 12, 2020
Its been a while since I have read a Rural Romance novel so was keen to read Rachael John's latest offering Something to Talk About. This book is the sequel to Talk of the Town which was released a couple of years ago. It tells the story of Tabitha who is the younger sister of Lawson who appeared in the previous novel. Tabitha has not had much luck in love during their life and has pretty much given up finding that someone special. She has even decided to have a baby on her courtesy of a donor, that is until Fergus comes to town. He is a primary school teacher who is escaping to the country from a relationship that left him high and dry and thinks a 6 month assignment at a country primary school is just what he needs, he has sworn off having anything to do with women and definitely not interested in romance.
Of course the two of them meet and sparks fly but not without complications with the town gossip machines running into overdrive about the new teacher with every single lady in town vying for a front row seat to this affections. Tabs life is not without its own complications of course with a long lost love who is now a rock star coming back to town for the annual Show. It was nice to catch up on what Lawson and Meg and young Ned from the previous book are up to as well.
Rachael has absolutely nailed this story with just the right balance of story, description, plot, character and romance. She is definitely a wizard when it comes to this genre and is my favourite rural romance author by far. 5 big stars for this book!
Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
Of course the two of them meet and sparks fly but not without complications with the town gossip machines running into overdrive about the new teacher with every single lady in town vying for a front row seat to this affections. Tabs life is not without its own complications of course with a long lost love who is now a rock star coming back to town for the annual Show. It was nice to catch up on what Lawson and Meg and young Ned from the previous book are up to as well.
Rachael has absolutely nailed this story with just the right balance of story, description, plot, character and romance. She is definitely a wizard when it comes to this genre and is my favourite rural romance author by far. 5 big stars for this book!
Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
April 19, 2020
Something to Talk About is going to get those chins wagging, and you will find yourself talking about it. Rachael Johns’ second installment in this series is an absolute winner. This rural romance is set in the fictional towns of Rose Hill and Walsh. Two small towns whose residents have some very big hearts. Tabitha Copper-Jones is one of them and despite her disability she does not let anything get in her way. Tabitha is a character that you are going to love, she warmed my heart in the first book and continued in this book.
Fergus McWilliams is the new relief primary school teacher, and being a new member of the town, he is now the talk of the town. All the single women of the town are interested in Ferg, and who wouldn’t be, he’s McDreamy!!!
This story will pull at your heart strings and you will feel every single emotion with the characters. You really will feel like you are right there in the town living with them. Rachael has done an amazing job of making her characters so relatable and writing the scenery to perfection.
So many times I tried to imagine what towns these fictional towns were written on. Living in the South West of WA where it is set in cattle country. Towns mentioned in the story of Bunbury, Harvey and Brunswick are all just down the road. Do you find yourself thinking where is written on, when a book is set in your local area?
As I have said this is the second book in this series but if you find yourself wanting to read it before Talk of The Town, then go ahead as it can be read as a stand-alone. But I will say this, you will spoil the first book by reading the second one first, your choice!!!
I want to thank @harlequinaus and @netgalley for gifting me digital ARC.
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Fergus McWilliams is the new relief primary school teacher, and being a new member of the town, he is now the talk of the town. All the single women of the town are interested in Ferg, and who wouldn’t be, he’s McDreamy!!!
This story will pull at your heart strings and you will feel every single emotion with the characters. You really will feel like you are right there in the town living with them. Rachael has done an amazing job of making her characters so relatable and writing the scenery to perfection.
So many times I tried to imagine what towns these fictional towns were written on. Living in the South West of WA where it is set in cattle country. Towns mentioned in the story of Bunbury, Harvey and Brunswick are all just down the road. Do you find yourself thinking where is written on, when a book is set in your local area?
As I have said this is the second book in this series but if you find yourself wanting to read it before Talk of The Town, then go ahead as it can be read as a stand-alone. But I will say this, you will spoil the first book by reading the second one first, your choice!!!
I want to thank @harlequinaus and @netgalley for gifting me digital ARC.
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April 8, 2021
Fergus has just arrived in the tiny outback town of Walsh as a temporary teacher at the Primary School. He has sworn off women for a while as his heart has been broken. Of course being a new single man in town the single ladies are queuing up to attract his attention, except one.
Tabitha lost her arm and career to cancer. Starting over in her hometown she runs a homemade ice-cream cafe. She has a busy life as she is also a volunteer ambulance officer and coaches the local children’s cricket team. What she wants is a child of her own so she decides not to wait for a man in her life but gets pregnant with an anonymous donor.
Of course the two get together butting heads initially but eventually overcoming hurdles you wouldn’t think could be overcome.
The support cast - the rest of Walsh, both human and animal, are wonderful. Demonstrating how rural communities gossip and gripe but all pull together when needed.
As with all of Rachel Johns’s the story was a real page turner - one that once you start you can’t put down.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harlequin Australia & Mira Books, for my copy to review
Tabitha lost her arm and career to cancer. Starting over in her hometown she runs a homemade ice-cream cafe. She has a busy life as she is also a volunteer ambulance officer and coaches the local children’s cricket team. What she wants is a child of her own so she decides not to wait for a man in her life but gets pregnant with an anonymous donor.
Of course the two get together butting heads initially but eventually overcoming hurdles you wouldn’t think could be overcome.
The support cast - the rest of Walsh, both human and animal, are wonderful. Demonstrating how rural communities gossip and gripe but all pull together when needed.
As with all of Rachel Johns’s the story was a real page turner - one that once you start you can’t put down.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harlequin Australia & Mira Books, for my copy to review
June 1, 2020
Something to Talk About is the second book in the Rose Hill Series by Aussie author Rachael Johns. I read and enjoyed Talk of the Town so I was eager to return to familiar places and faces. That being said, while this book is listed as a sequel it can very easily be read as a standalone should you not have read the first book. Whilst my reading was enhanced through previous knowledge, Rachael does a good job of providing just the right amount of background details for new readers to feel comfortable with their knowledge of relationships.
This is the story of Tabitha and it was wonderful to see her claim her own space and time in the spotlight. Her entry is fun, emotional and heartwarming as she is quite the character - literally. She has much going on inclusive of her past, the present and exciting upcoming future events. Her love interest here of Fergus certainly sizzles (literally with lots of physical interactions) with the usual ups and downs, misunderstandings and confrontations. You know where the story is going and how it will end up, so it’s all about the journey and this is an emotionally charged one, much like Tabitha herself.
A definite plus of these books is how well Rachael captures life in a rural community - events and residents together - providing a snippet of the everyday. With everything from the weekly ‘Stitch and Bitch’ sessions to the committee for the upcoming Show, the reader gets a real feel for life in a small farming community. Rachael also touches upon some heartfelt themes - cancer, living with a disability and care for the elderly. The incident with Mrs Lord particularly resonated with me and I thought Rachael did a good job on all these sensitive issues.
All up, it was enjoyable to return to the local town and with a solid story about love and overcoming its many obstacles.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
This is the story of Tabitha and it was wonderful to see her claim her own space and time in the spotlight. Her entry is fun, emotional and heartwarming as she is quite the character - literally. She has much going on inclusive of her past, the present and exciting upcoming future events. Her love interest here of Fergus certainly sizzles (literally with lots of physical interactions) with the usual ups and downs, misunderstandings and confrontations. You know where the story is going and how it will end up, so it’s all about the journey and this is an emotionally charged one, much like Tabitha herself.
A definite plus of these books is how well Rachael captures life in a rural community - events and residents together - providing a snippet of the everyday. With everything from the weekly ‘Stitch and Bitch’ sessions to the committee for the upcoming Show, the reader gets a real feel for life in a small farming community. Rachael also touches upon some heartfelt themes - cancer, living with a disability and care for the elderly. The incident with Mrs Lord particularly resonated with me and I thought Rachael did a good job on all these sensitive issues.
All up, it was enjoyable to return to the local town and with a solid story about love and overcoming its many obstacles.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
July 31, 2020
Something to Talk About is book two in the Rose Hill series by Rachael Johns. Fergus McWilliams needed a change and decided to move to Walsh, a rural community in Western Australia. On arrival, he met Tabitha Cooper-Jones and sparkes flew. However, after Fergus help find an elderly resident of Walsh Tabitha and Fergus relationship started to change. The readers of Something to Talk About will continue to follow Fergus and Tabitha to find out what happens.
Wow, Something to Talk about is another fantastic book by Rachael Johns. I engaged with this book from the beginning, and I was unable to put the book down. I love Rachael Johns portrayal of the characters of Something to Talk About and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. I like the description of the settings of Something to Talk About it allowed me to imagine living in Walsh. Something to Talk About is well written and researched Rachael Johns.
The readers of Something to Talk About will learn about musculoskeletal tumours of the elbow and the consequences for the suffers. Also, the readers of Something to Talk About will learn how to make ice cream.
I recommend this book.
Wow, Something to Talk about is another fantastic book by Rachael Johns. I engaged with this book from the beginning, and I was unable to put the book down. I love Rachael Johns portrayal of the characters of Something to Talk About and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. I like the description of the settings of Something to Talk About it allowed me to imagine living in Walsh. Something to Talk About is well written and researched Rachael Johns.
The readers of Something to Talk About will learn about musculoskeletal tumours of the elbow and the consequences for the suffers. Also, the readers of Something to Talk About will learn how to make ice cream.
I recommend this book.
May 20, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I was so excited to read Tabitha’s story after finishing Talk of the town, and the story and relationship that developed between her and Fergus did not disappoint. I was sad when it was over!
Love the setting and the townspeople, such a beautiful read with plenty of laughs, drama, heat and the all important romance.
Highly recommend!
Love the setting and the townspeople, such a beautiful read with plenty of laughs, drama, heat and the all important romance.
Highly recommend!
April 14, 2020
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of “Something to Talk About” from Netgalley, and it certainly lived up to all my expectations, having read and loved several of Rachael’s previous rural romance novels, and found it to be a wonderful sequel to “Talk of the Town”.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the lovable characters and captivating story-telling that I’ve come to love from Rachael. We are re-united with dairy farmer and ice-cream maker extraordinaire, Tabitha, her hard-working brother Lawson, his wife Meg and son Ned. Fergus is the new primary school teacher in town, and as an eligible bachelor generates a lot of interest from the single ladies in town – sadly for them, Fergus is escaping a bad relationship and is very happily a single carer to a grumpy cat called Mrs Norris.
Fergus and Tabitha’s relationship gets off to a more-than-rocky start – he’s not really sure of her current relationship status – and who the father of her unborn baby is – but despite the many challenges that come their way, including a visit from Fergus’ ex, Tabitha’s long lost love coming to perform at the annual show and the mystery of a resident ghost – love blossoms.
I loved everything about this book, it’s got all the ingredients of a wonderful, feel good story, and I couldn’t put it down – in fact found myself thinking of my new “friends” for days after I finished reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy of this book for review purposes.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the lovable characters and captivating story-telling that I’ve come to love from Rachael. We are re-united with dairy farmer and ice-cream maker extraordinaire, Tabitha, her hard-working brother Lawson, his wife Meg and son Ned. Fergus is the new primary school teacher in town, and as an eligible bachelor generates a lot of interest from the single ladies in town – sadly for them, Fergus is escaping a bad relationship and is very happily a single carer to a grumpy cat called Mrs Norris.
Fergus and Tabitha’s relationship gets off to a more-than-rocky start – he’s not really sure of her current relationship status – and who the father of her unborn baby is – but despite the many challenges that come their way, including a visit from Fergus’ ex, Tabitha’s long lost love coming to perform at the annual show and the mystery of a resident ghost – love blossoms.
I loved everything about this book, it’s got all the ingredients of a wonderful, feel good story, and I couldn’t put it down – in fact found myself thinking of my new “friends” for days after I finished reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy of this book for review purposes.
April 14, 2020
This is the second book in this fun rural Australian series Tabitha the female lead in this story is the sister of Lawson the dairy farmed who starred in the first book "Talk of the Town"
Tabitha has faced heart break where love is concerned her previous love left her to forge his path as a rock star leaving her behind, but she has soldiered on and found her place in her country town she owns and runs the local ice cream shop She has decided that she is fed up of waiting for the right man and has decided that she will have a child by a donor giving her the family she has always wanted. Meanwhile Fergus a city teacher has take a six month contract at the local primary school after having his own heart broken When these two meet the sparks fly but do they have a future together when the town gossips all the single woman of the town get involved and then to further complicate things her rock star ex returns. This is a well written book that draws you in and is the perfect example of life in a small country town a town where it was great to catch up with friends we made in Lawson and Meg's book
Tabitha has faced heart break where love is concerned her previous love left her to forge his path as a rock star leaving her behind, but she has soldiered on and found her place in her country town she owns and runs the local ice cream shop She has decided that she is fed up of waiting for the right man and has decided that she will have a child by a donor giving her the family she has always wanted. Meanwhile Fergus a city teacher has take a six month contract at the local primary school after having his own heart broken When these two meet the sparks fly but do they have a future together when the town gossips all the single woman of the town get involved and then to further complicate things her rock star ex returns. This is a well written book that draws you in and is the perfect example of life in a small country town a town where it was great to catch up with friends we made in Lawson and Meg's book
April 29, 2020
Another wonderful addition to Rachael Johns repertoire and the second in the Rose Hill series.
Fergus McWilliams has taken a teaching contract for a few months in the small country community of Walsh to escape a broken engagement and betrayal but Tabitha Cooper Jones didn’t expect sparks to fly with her nephews new teacher.
Even though this is a 2nd in the series, there is no problem with reading this as a stand alone book.
What I loved most about this storyline is the fact there was the attraction and sparks that few between the two major characters and no major angst misunderstanding. Okay, you have to have some tension but it was resolved without being drawn out. I find I’m getting less tolerant of silly misunderstandings as I’m getting older, so it’s always refreshing to read one without it.
Well rounded characters and I’m hoping there will be a third in the series...I can even think of someone I’d like to know more about.....she needs a bit of love.
Thank you to Netgalleyand the publisher for a copy to read.
Fergus McWilliams has taken a teaching contract for a few months in the small country community of Walsh to escape a broken engagement and betrayal but Tabitha Cooper Jones didn’t expect sparks to fly with her nephews new teacher.
Even though this is a 2nd in the series, there is no problem with reading this as a stand alone book.
What I loved most about this storyline is the fact there was the attraction and sparks that few between the two major characters and no major angst misunderstanding. Okay, you have to have some tension but it was resolved without being drawn out. I find I’m getting less tolerant of silly misunderstandings as I’m getting older, so it’s always refreshing to read one without it.
Well rounded characters and I’m hoping there will be a third in the series...I can even think of someone I’d like to know more about.....she needs a bit of love.
Thank you to Netgalleyand the publisher for a copy to read.
January 4, 2021
Something to talk about by Rachael Johns is a wonderful romantic read that will keep you engaged right to the end. In fact, I wanted it to keep going. I really liked the book, Tabitha the female lead in the book has been through many hardships over the years but she is a strong, kind and giving woman who is doing what she feels is right to live her life. She lives in Walsh a rural community outside Perth and when she meets the new substitute teacher Fergus, who has come to Walsh to get away from his life, they don’t exactly meet under the best terms. They both believe they can live just fine without love, but life is going to educate them both of a different point of view. The book is a lovely read that keeps you hooked. Thanks to Beauty&Lace and Harper Collins For the chance to read this book.
April 20, 2020
I was lucky to get an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. I have enjoyed Rachael Johns women’s fiction in the past and enjoyed this rural romance. I was invested in the main characters Fergus and Tabitha and the small town of Walsh in which they lived . Some heavier topics covered in this light , feel good read .
April 30, 2020
Rachael Johns has done it again, and wrote another absolutely fabulous book. Well done Rachael i loved this book and it is definitely one of your best books.
May 5, 2020
I absolutely love Rachael Johns books, so I knew that this book would be fantastic and I wasn't wrong. A wonderful story about love and overcoming obstacles. I loved it. Tabithas story is so moving.
May 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book, such a great read.
May 18, 2020
I love these characters and it was so nice to catch up with the residents of Walsh again. Tabitha is a fantastic woman - she’s strong and independent, often to the point of stubborn! She meets her match in Fergus and the push and pull of their relationship is so authentic. I was so pleased to note Eliza is still in residence!!
Surely Adeline deserves a book? Especially after Tab confronts her with those home truths?!
Surely Adeline deserves a book? Especially after Tab confronts her with those home truths?!
May 30, 2020
A heart-warming story about Walsh local Tab and a teacher from Perth, Ferg. With ups and downs after they met, including many other local single girls trying to get involved with Tab, this is a heart warming sequel to Talk of the Town.
Rachael, if you’re reading this, what are the chances of a third instalment where we hear more about Adeline?
Rachael, if you’re reading this, what are the chances of a third instalment where we hear more about Adeline?
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