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Tullagulla #1
The Cedar Tree
Would you accompany your husband to a run down, sun scorched sheep and cattle station in outback Queensland to save your marriage?
Grace Campbell agrees to do just that, buoyed by the belief that isolation and rural peace will repair her marriage and provide a good life for her growing family.
But, as the ramshackle old homestead, shaded by an ancient Cedar Tree, unravels it’s secrets, Grace is swept up in the harsh beauty of the outback and it’s colourful characters. As if adjusting to a new and isolated lifestyle isn’t enough, the handsome new owner of Tullagulla shows up and Grace is thrown into turmoil.
Torn between the gentle stranger and her hot-headed husband, Grace is forced to confront her feelings and question her loyalties, while her love for Tullagulla further challenges her ability to make a life changing decision.
When tragedy strikes, will a century old ghost help her or destroy her?
Similar in style to Barbara Hannay, Cathryn Hein, Sarah Williams, Fiona McArthur, Victoria Purman, Fiona Palmer and Tricia Stringer.
Grace Campbell agrees to do just that, buoyed by the belief that isolation and rural peace will repair her marriage and provide a good life for her growing family.
But, as the ramshackle old homestead, shaded by an ancient Cedar Tree, unravels it’s secrets, Grace is swept up in the harsh beauty of the outback and it’s colourful characters. As if adjusting to a new and isolated lifestyle isn’t enough, the handsome new owner of Tullagulla shows up and Grace is thrown into turmoil.
Torn between the gentle stranger and her hot-headed husband, Grace is forced to confront her feelings and question her loyalties, while her love for Tullagulla further challenges her ability to make a life changing decision.
When tragedy strikes, will a century old ghost help her or destroy her?
Similar in style to Barbara Hannay, Cathryn Hein, Sarah Williams, Fiona McArthur, Victoria Purman, Fiona Palmer and Tricia Stringer.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2020
152 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Heather Reyburn
22 books41 followersGrowing up in New Zealand’s North Island, Heather enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family sheep and cattle farm, generating a respect for the land, and a love of both animals and reading.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
Heather then wandered the world for three years before marrying and settling in rural Queensland, Australia where years of farming provided inspiration to fuel her dream to be a writer.
With eleven published books and the twelfth underway, Heather is now retired and is realising her dreams. When not writing, Heather spends her time in their large garden accompanied by two dogs and a varying number of chickens, hiking the vast expanses of Australia with her husband, or caring for grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 5, 2024
When Pete was laid off from the mines, he spiralled into a vicious temper, until he left Grace and their three year old son Daniel, not telling them where he was going. But his eventual return saw them preparing to leave rural New South Wales for Queensland and a property called Tullagulla, where Pete was to be the manager with Grace by his side, working in the house, preparing meals and doing the administration. But Pete's explosive demands and violent temper didn't abate, though sometimes he was in a good mood. Grace walked on eggshells, never knowing which mood she'd wake to.
As Grace fell in love with Tullagulla, the beautiful shady cedar tree, and the people on the property, the new owner also spent time there. Tom's father had handed the reins to him when he'd passed away, and Tom was learning all he could about Tullagulla, realising there was much work to be done; money to be spent, on the property. Daniel was a happy little boy and loved Greg's wife, Beth. She was also a life saver for Grace, showing her how to work the old stove, among other things. As Grace learned more about the property she now called home, Jane, the woman who had lived at Tullagulla with her son David and husband Angus a century ago, showed herself to both Grace and Daniel. But what was her motive? Grace always felt calm and at peace when she sensed Jane around, so she wasn't there to harm - was she?
The Cedar Tree is the 1st in the Tullagulla series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The vastness of the property, dryness from lack of rain, the mixture of cattle and sheep which needed to be culled, along with the horses and men on Tullagulla - all came together to create an excellent beginning to a new-to-me series. Highly recommended.
As Grace fell in love with Tullagulla, the beautiful shady cedar tree, and the people on the property, the new owner also spent time there. Tom's father had handed the reins to him when he'd passed away, and Tom was learning all he could about Tullagulla, realising there was much work to be done; money to be spent, on the property. Daniel was a happy little boy and loved Greg's wife, Beth. She was also a life saver for Grace, showing her how to work the old stove, among other things. As Grace learned more about the property she now called home, Jane, the woman who had lived at Tullagulla with her son David and husband Angus a century ago, showed herself to both Grace and Daniel. But what was her motive? Grace always felt calm and at peace when she sensed Jane around, so she wasn't there to harm - was she?
The Cedar Tree is the 1st in the Tullagulla series by Aussie author Heather Reyburn and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The vastness of the property, dryness from lack of rain, the mixture of cattle and sheep which needed to be culled, along with the horses and men on Tullagulla - all came together to create an excellent beginning to a new-to-me series. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2020
The Cedar Tree is book one of the Tullagulla series by Heather Reyburn. When Peter Campbell lost his job at the mines, he accepts the position of manager at Tullagulla. Peter moves to Tullagulla with his wife Grace and three-year-old son Daniel. The new owner of Tullagulla came too visit, and changes started to happen on Tullagulla. However, the aims that Grace wanted for the move to Tullagulla did not occur. The readers of The Cedar Tree will continue to follow Grace to see what happens.
I enjoyed reading The Cedar Tree. I engaged with The Cedar Tree from the first page and was unable to put the book down. I love Heather Reyburn's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Cedar Tree was well written and researched by Heather Reyburn. I like Heather Reyburn's description of the settings of Cedar Tree, which allowed me to imagine living at Tullagulla.
The readers of The Cedar Tree will learn about running a mixed sheep and cattle property in Queensland. Also, the readers of The Cedar Tree will learn about the importance of farm safety.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading The Cedar Tree. I engaged with The Cedar Tree from the first page and was unable to put the book down. I love Heather Reyburn's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Cedar Tree was well written and researched by Heather Reyburn. I like Heather Reyburn's description of the settings of Cedar Tree, which allowed me to imagine living at Tullagulla.
The readers of The Cedar Tree will learn about running a mixed sheep and cattle property in Queensland. Also, the readers of The Cedar Tree will learn about the importance of farm safety.
I recommend this book.
January 1, 2021
Thank you Heather for sending us a copy to read and review.
A tree, especially an aged tree offers a magic and calm and often has a history.
It will stand witness to generations of people and secrets they may hold.
The seasons and periods of drought and flood add to the marvel of its survival.
The Cedar Tree in this sweeping rural romance has a presence and will live long after this generation pass.
Grace is married to a hot headed, self righteous and nasty man.
One who tries to control her every move, her interactions and makes life tense.
He hides behind her brains and her degree yet he physically and verbally overshadows her.
The tension is felt by the reader evoking hatred for the man and sympathy for Grace and her son.
Relocating to manage a property many hours away from her family she follows him to salvage their marriage.
Rustic, drought stricken yet peaceful, the new life on Tullagulla station will throw many challenges and a dashing new owner may make her see the light.
Grace had an overwhelming feeling of a spirit with a swooshing skirt was present at times when her husband was aggressive and abusive, watching out for her and her son.
The history revealing a lady who lost her child lived there 100 years ago.
This added an interesting twist into the plot and a phenomenon we can relate to here on our farm.
This is the first book in a series of four.
I thought it was fantastic and cannot wait to indulge in the remaining.
The writing beautiful, the descriptions and explanations adding a nice touch and characters that make a rural romance a success abundant.
A tree, especially an aged tree offers a magic and calm and often has a history.
It will stand witness to generations of people and secrets they may hold.
The seasons and periods of drought and flood add to the marvel of its survival.
The Cedar Tree in this sweeping rural romance has a presence and will live long after this generation pass.
Grace is married to a hot headed, self righteous and nasty man.
One who tries to control her every move, her interactions and makes life tense.
He hides behind her brains and her degree yet he physically and verbally overshadows her.
The tension is felt by the reader evoking hatred for the man and sympathy for Grace and her son.
Relocating to manage a property many hours away from her family she follows him to salvage their marriage.
Rustic, drought stricken yet peaceful, the new life on Tullagulla station will throw many challenges and a dashing new owner may make her see the light.
Grace had an overwhelming feeling of a spirit with a swooshing skirt was present at times when her husband was aggressive and abusive, watching out for her and her son.
The history revealing a lady who lost her child lived there 100 years ago.
This added an interesting twist into the plot and a phenomenon we can relate to here on our farm.
This is the first book in a series of four.
I thought it was fantastic and cannot wait to indulge in the remaining.
The writing beautiful, the descriptions and explanations adding a nice touch and characters that make a rural romance a success abundant.
March 6, 2020
Grace heads for the outback with her husband, Pete, and their young son, Daniel. Pete has some issues with his temper, and is sometimes abusive toward Grace, but she's hoping that his new job as a station manager will improve things between them. She feels the presence of a ghost, and Daniel talks of seeing and talking to her, but Pete doesn't believe in such things. Tom is the new owner of Tullagulla, having inherited the station when his father passed away. He has no experience with a station, but he's a smart man, and interested in making a success of it. He seems more attuned to what's going on with Grace than Pete does. And Grace certainly notices Tom. But she would never betray her marriage vows to Pete. Life has a way of making decisions for us when we don't act, and it did just that for Grace. This is another new-to-me Australian writer, and I'm in love with her story. Descriptions of the property and surrounding areas make me feel like I'm there. The characters are interesting, real and flawed. Pete is frustrating, keeping Grace out of contact with her friends and family, and his dalliance is unforgivable. Grace is beautiful, so much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and outgoing, making friends in this small and somewhat desolate area. Daniel is adorable and resilient. I just love the story of Jane, and her connection to Grace. This is a terrific debut book, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2020
This is the debut novel for this author Heather Reyburn, I must say she has done very well as she has covered some great topics facing life for women in the Australian outback.
The characters were interesting and the plot had you wanting more. Grace was a strong character that you could not help to care about and wish her well. I loved the connection she had with Tom. The story told the true hardships of some woman that choices to live in the outback the isolation and hard life on the land. This was all shown in the author's words as we get to share the journey of Grace to reconnect with her marriage in the Queensland outback station fo Tullagulla.
There are many characters we meet along the way that sounds like they also have a great story's to tell and I hope that this being book one of this series that we will get to read more about them all again very soon. It is not just Grace's story will this learn about but also a hundred-year-old one as well as we find out about a ghost of the Tullagulla homestead.
Will the Ghost welcome the new arrival or will they try to drive them away?
Will Grace fix her marriage?
Will she like the life in the outback?
A New Year is a great time to find a new author to read and this one would be a perfect choice.
I received an ARC copy of this book to which I have given my honest and voluntary opinion during this review.
The characters were interesting and the plot had you wanting more. Grace was a strong character that you could not help to care about and wish her well. I loved the connection she had with Tom. The story told the true hardships of some woman that choices to live in the outback the isolation and hard life on the land. This was all shown in the author's words as we get to share the journey of Grace to reconnect with her marriage in the Queensland outback station fo Tullagulla.
There are many characters we meet along the way that sounds like they also have a great story's to tell and I hope that this being book one of this series that we will get to read more about them all again very soon. It is not just Grace's story will this learn about but also a hundred-year-old one as well as we find out about a ghost of the Tullagulla homestead.
Will the Ghost welcome the new arrival or will they try to drive them away?
Will Grace fix her marriage?
Will she like the life in the outback?
A New Year is a great time to find a new author to read and this one would be a perfect choice.
I received an ARC copy of this book to which I have given my honest and voluntary opinion during this review.
Read
November 1, 2021Book 1 in the Tullagulla Series (4 books in the series) - a sheep and cattle station in Western Queensland, Australia.
The Cedar Tree is a story close to my heart - situated on a property similar to one of my own homes and encompassing true life experiences.
I hope you enjoy meeting Grace and learning to love the land as I do in this fictional novel.
Draft to Digital - https://books2read.com/u/mqgyVv
Google Play - https://bit.ly/37fEdxa
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-...
Amazon Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B098LSRZZ9
US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098LSRZZ9
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098LSRZZ9
The Cedar Tree is a story close to my heart - situated on a property similar to one of my own homes and encompassing true life experiences.
I hope you enjoy meeting Grace and learning to love the land as I do in this fictional novel.
Draft to Digital - https://books2read.com/u/mqgyVv
Google Play - https://bit.ly/37fEdxa
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-...
Amazon Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B098LSRZZ9
US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098LSRZZ9
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098LSRZZ9
April 26, 2020
Couldn't put it down! A great read, dealing with real issues sympathetically and telling of life on an outback station with truth and humour. Highly recommend.
March 8, 2020
The Cedar Tree is the first book in the Tullagulla series and is a great start to this series.
I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a great portrayal of a hard life in the outback. The descriptions of the outback are wonderful and bring the scenes to life. The characters are well developed and realistic. The storyline is well written and engaging, with an abusive marriage, emotions, a ghost, tragedy, and joy.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a great portrayal of a hard life in the outback. The descriptions of the outback are wonderful and bring the scenes to life. The characters are well developed and realistic. The storyline is well written and engaging, with an abusive marriage, emotions, a ghost, tragedy, and joy.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 23, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Heather Reyburn; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2020
WOW what a wonderful book. Bring on book 2!
June 15, 2020
Review
A beautiful story thoroughly enjoyed it, I could through the writer invisage actually being there in person, chasing after the stock
A beautiful story thoroughly enjoyed it, I could through the writer invisage actually being there in person, chasing after the stock
April 13, 2020
Couldn't put the book done. Love the characters, setting and plot. Can't wait for the next book..
May 4, 2020
A wonderful story of love, second chances, a little mental abuse and adventure. I loved this story and can't wait to read her next book.
July 20, 2020
Worth reading
This is a wonderful story with great characters makes u want to move to the outback and live.. looking forward to reading the next book.
This is a wonderful story with great characters makes u want to move to the outback and live.. looking forward to reading the next book.
March 3, 2021
I absolutely loved this book so much! I can not wait to read the rest in the series!
July 21, 2020
Good book
Hopefully there is a book 2 I enjoyed this one very much I like the outback stories especially the old times
Hopefully there is a book 2 I enjoyed this one very much I like the outback stories especially the old times
December 26, 2020
A great read
I really enjoyed this book. The story flowed well, the characters were very believable and it had a great plot. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. The story flowed well, the characters were very believable and it had a great plot. Can't wait to read more from this author.
November 12, 2020
Excellent
Loved this story
Full of tragedy and hope against adversity. The characters were strong and imaginative leaving you feeling both sadness and happiness by the end of the narrative.
Loved this story
Full of tragedy and hope against adversity. The characters were strong and imaginative leaving you feeling both sadness and happiness by the end of the narrative.
February 2, 2021
A wonderful Australian regional story filled with salt of the earth characters, real friendships, community spirit, harsh, though, beautiful scenery and unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, having had it in my Amazon Kindle Library for at least 3 months I finally started and finished it in one night.
I could not wait to start the second book in the Tullagulla and am pleased to say it was equally and as quickly devoured and enjoyed as the first!
Looking forward to starting book 3 very soon!!
I could not wait to start the second book in the Tullagulla and am pleased to say it was equally and as quickly devoured and enjoyed as the first!
Looking forward to starting book 3 very soon!!
February 28, 2020
The book is a good small town western romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2020
Grace is gutsy and intelligent to boot. Held back by a husband who wants the limelight for himself, Grace plays her role for as long as needed.
June 27, 2020
Review to come
October 17, 2020
The Cedar Tree
Very enjoyable book,love outback stories,hard work and hot sun,but a good life.Very good characters,especially Grace,had to put up with so much.
Very enjoyable book,love outback stories,hard work and hot sun,but a good life.Very good characters,especially Grace,had to put up with so much.
January 19, 2020
The Cedar Tree Is a debut novel for Heather Reyburn which showcases her love and knowledge of farming life as she has lived on the land for many years.
Would you accompany your husband to a rundown, sun scorched sheep and cattle station in outback Queensland to save your marriage?
We are introduced to the main character Grace Campbell when she agrees to do just that. Her husband Pete is not the man she married anymore and she hopes this new job and opportunity will help them become one again a family with their young son Daniel.
I found the story gave a realistic portrayal of life on the land, the hardships and the triumphs. The characters engaged me and I was so invested in Grace’s story and really disliked her Husband Pete.
As the homestead starts to feel like home the new handsome owner of Tullagulla shows up and she starts to realize that Pete her husband doesn’t treat her the way she should be treated. The other storyline that was weaved throughout the novel is the resident spirit/ghost who resides in the house - I wanted to know more about who and why?
I found The Cedar Tree to be a great addition to the Rural fiction genre, I am glad that this is the first in the Tullagulla series of books and there are more on the way.
Would you accompany your husband to a rundown, sun scorched sheep and cattle station in outback Queensland to save your marriage?
We are introduced to the main character Grace Campbell when she agrees to do just that. Her husband Pete is not the man she married anymore and she hopes this new job and opportunity will help them become one again a family with their young son Daniel.
I found the story gave a realistic portrayal of life on the land, the hardships and the triumphs. The characters engaged me and I was so invested in Grace’s story and really disliked her Husband Pete.
As the homestead starts to feel like home the new handsome owner of Tullagulla shows up and she starts to realize that Pete her husband doesn’t treat her the way she should be treated. The other storyline that was weaved throughout the novel is the resident spirit/ghost who resides in the house - I wanted to know more about who and why?
I found The Cedar Tree to be a great addition to the Rural fiction genre, I am glad that this is the first in the Tullagulla series of books and there are more on the way.
July 1, 2021
The first book I have ever read by this author.
Set in the Australian outback (which I do enjoy reading about) its a lovely, easy to read book with likeable characters that are easy to follow... the kind of book you want to read when you don't want to think.
All I can say is I didn't see that ending coming and now I want to read book #2 in the series to see where Grace ends up.
Set in the Australian outback (which I do enjoy reading about) its a lovely, easy to read book with likeable characters that are easy to follow... the kind of book you want to read when you don't want to think.
All I can say is I didn't see that ending coming and now I want to read book #2 in the series to see where Grace ends up.
December 16, 2024
Grace Campbell moves with her husband Pete from her parent's dairy farm in NSW to the country property Tullagulla in remote Queensland. Tge ancient homestead is sheltered by an old Cedar tree and though the property and the homestead are rundown, Grace begins to enjoy the beauty of rhe outback and adjusts to a new lifestyle.
The move does not improve her hot-headed husband Pete and when they meet the new owner of Tullagulla, Grace is torn between her growing fear of her husband and the handsome and gentle Tom.
When Grace begins to sense the presence of a ghost within the homestead, she begins to investigate the history of the property and the women who lived there in the past.
This is the first of four books in the Tullagulla series by Heather Reyburn and I look to reading all tge books in the series.
The move does not improve her hot-headed husband Pete and when they meet the new owner of Tullagulla, Grace is torn between her growing fear of her husband and the handsome and gentle Tom.
When Grace begins to sense the presence of a ghost within the homestead, she begins to investigate the history of the property and the women who lived there in the past.
This is the first of four books in the Tullagulla series by Heather Reyburn and I look to reading all tge books in the series.
February 8, 2025
So pleased this is part of a series - I LOVED IT. The review by Craig and Phil is brilliant and puts the awful, nasty, controlling person Grace is married to in perfect perspective.
The cedar tree, beautiful, peaceful and strong ties everything together so subtly and the "visits" from someone with a swishing skirt and a sense of lavender are beautifully written - anyone who thinks ghosts or a "presence" crazy wouldn't turn away from the beautiful and sensitive writing.
The book is gentle but strong and I am so happy to know I can continue the journey in following books. As beautiful a read as any I've read for a long time.
The cedar tree, beautiful, peaceful and strong ties everything together so subtly and the "visits" from someone with a swishing skirt and a sense of lavender are beautifully written - anyone who thinks ghosts or a "presence" crazy wouldn't turn away from the beautiful and sensitive writing.
The book is gentle but strong and I am so happy to know I can continue the journey in following books. As beautiful a read as any I've read for a long time.
June 5, 2022
The Cedar Tree is a story about taking chance, finding home, betrayal, and kindness. The first in the Tullagulla series is a well written rural romance.
Grace Campbell’s married the man of her dreams, or so she thought but lately things haven’t been going so well. When an opportunity arises for her husband to take a new job she hopes the change will also help redirect the course of their marriage for both them and their son.
The characters and their emotions are real, the story is touching and raw. I really enjoyed this story and recommend you grab a copy and start reading.
Grace Campbell’s married the man of her dreams, or so she thought but lately things haven’t been going so well. When an opportunity arises for her husband to take a new job she hopes the change will also help redirect the course of their marriage for both them and their son.
The characters and their emotions are real, the story is touching and raw. I really enjoyed this story and recommend you grab a copy and start reading.
July 16, 2024
Gorgeous 😍
Oooh wow what a stunning read.
She moves with her husband when he finds a new job on a outback station.
How will Pete , Grace and their son Daniel go out there.
It's a gorgeous sweet, heartbreaking 💔 finding out secrets read.
Oooh wow what a stunning read.
She moves with her husband when he finds a new job on a outback station.
How will Pete , Grace and their son Daniel go out there.
It's a gorgeous sweet, heartbreaking 💔 finding out secrets read.
February 17, 2025
A good read
I enjoyed reading Grace's story as she moved to Tullagulla with her husband and young son. I was engrossed as she settled in and became a working member who pulled her weight in it's return to life. The characters were well crafted and I felt as if I knew them.
I enjoyed reading Grace's story as she moved to Tullagulla with her husband and young son. I was engrossed as she settled in and became a working member who pulled her weight in it's return to life. The characters were well crafted and I felt as if I knew them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews