Slow Road to Love

Sunburned Land #1

by Juliette Duncan

A divorced reporter on a remote assignment. An alluring cattleman who captures her heart…  

City dwelling Maggie Donovan is trying her best to let go of her resentment after her high-profile politician husband of thirty-five years left her for a much younger woman. Her focus now is her job as a reporter for the Country Women’s Magazine, her two adult children, and her church.

She doesn’t care that her ex-husband now has a child who could be his grandchild.

No. It doesn’t worry her at all.

Frank Goddard has never considered moving on after his beautiful wife, Esther, was killed in a freak accident six years earlier. His family, who live with him on Goddard Downs, a cattle station in northern Australia, plus his faith, are what he lives for now.

But he’s lonely. He just doesn’t know it.

When Maggie is sent to the remote, mysterious Kimberley area to write about women living on isolated cattle stations, she jumps at the chance. A change is as good as a holiday, so they say.

Never did she expect to fall for the tall, handsome Frank Goddard of Goddard Downs.

But how can a relationship work when they live so far apart?

When the road is slow and dangerous.

When their lives are complicated.

And besides, how do you date when you’re going on sixty?

Slow Road to Love is Book One in the Sunburned Land Series, a mature-age Christian romance set in the beautiful, rugged and remote Kimberley region of northern Australia. Fall in love with Frank and Maggie today, but note that their story continues in Book Two, Slow Journey to Joy.

Books by Juliette Duncan

Contemporary Christian Romance

The Shadows Series 

Lingering Shadows

Facing the Shadows

Beyond the Shadows

Secrets and Sacrifice

A Highland Christmas

The True Love Series

Tender Love

Tested Love

Tormented Love

Triumphant Love

True Love at Christmas

Promises of Love

Precious Love Series

Forever Cherished

Forever Faithful

Forever His

The Potter’s House Books Series

The Homecoming

Unchained

Blessings of Love

The Hope We Share

A Time for Everything Series

A Time to Treasure

A Time to Care

A Time to Abide

A Time to Rejoice

Billionaires with Heart Christian Romance Series

Her Kind-Hearted Billionaire

Her Generous Billionaire

Her Disgraced Billionaire

Transformed by Love

Because We Loved

Because We Forgave

Because We Dreamed

Becuase We Believed

Middle Grade Christian Fiction

The Madeleine Richards Series

Rebellion in Riversleigh

Problems in Paradise

Trouble in Town

For all my books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/564

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Audiobook

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Reviews

[Alayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a number of things in this book to like, but a lot that was annoying. The author put a disclaimer at the beginning saying that this book is written in Australian English, and yet there were so many Americanisms that I was appalled. No station in Australia would have "biscuits" for breakfast, nor pancakes for that matter, because that would not be enough for all the hard work needed on a cattle station. Australians don't use purses, they use handbags or clutch bag. The injuries Maggie's daughter received in the Paris terrorist attack seemed wrong to me - if you are trapped under concrete for days, and receive burns to 60% of your body, surely you would die of smoke inhalation and/or shock before you could be rescued? Anyway, I did like it but found it annoying.

[Maxine Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in Juliette Duncan's series, "A Sunburned Land". I enjoyed this book (although I read very few romance books), but having started a series - I will continue with it.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a moving story. I felt so bad for Maggie because she was still emotionally dealing with the baggage her ex-husband caused her. And the info on Station life was very interesting to me. I also cried when they finally told her how Frank's wife had died. The amazing faith this family had was very inspiring. If you like clean stories with each paragraph pulling you into the characters lives and you want to become friends, 'Slow Road to Love' is for you. I highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Christian love story

[Rebekah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to read this book by Juliette Duncan and I enjoyed it very much. This is the first book I have ever read that is set in Australia. I loved learning about the cattle stations and could easily visualize the story as it unfolded.
Maggie is a very relatable character that is still dealing with very human emotions from her recent divorce. I found myself very sympathetic to her and all she had endured from her narcissistic ex-husband. She wasn’t looking for love, but it seems love came looking for her.
Frank is a darling man and in my mind he looks like Sean Connery and if a cowboy can be distinguished and rugged simultaneously, Frank Goddard has succeeded at it.
The characters in the story remind me of the couple in “Letters to Juliet” who are a bit older than your usual romantic hero/heroine. This is the first story I have read with characters in the 50-60 age group and while it was a quite unfamiliar and new experience, I enjoyed it immensely and found their whirlwind romance very sweet and endearing. I loved how faith in God is a central theme in the story and both lead characters rely on their faith when dealing with a personal dilemma.
I only gave 4 stars because I felt the last little bit of the story moved too fast to satisfactorily tie up all the loose ends, but yet left quite a bit undone/unsaid. There is a major cliffhanger at the end and because I’m not a very patient person, I like for everything to be all tied up at the end of the story. That being said, I will patiently await the sequel and follow along to see what happens and if Frank and Maggie will get their happily ever after.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts or ideas relayed here are entirely my own.**

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another beautiful story from one of my favorite authors. Ms. Duncan knows how to write stories that pull you in to the lives of her characters. In this one we are introduced to a couple that are more mature, Maggie is almost 60 and Frank is a year older. It is wonderful to see that life doesn't just put us on a shelf as we go into the later years of our life. Maggie and Frank both have an interesting story of their younger lives with their spouses. There meeting is something very unexpected and it is nice to read about their history. I also learned quite a bit about Australia and what it is like to live on what they call a cattle station, I think it is possibly similar to what we call a ranch in North America but I think they are quite a bit larger and because of this, more isolated. I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the next book. This book leaves us on quite a cliffhanger, so it is great to know the next book will release in a couple of weeks. I recommend this book to anyone that would like to know more about the beautiful continent of Australia. Also if you like romance with a touch of suspense, nothing is quite as easy as it is when you are young.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. I am leaving a review because I really enjoyed it and wanted to share my own honest opinion with others.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story of second chances at love, focused on 2 adults who had their chance at love and had no desire to love again. That is until God brought them together, but life is complicated and throws in hiccups. Does this second time love have a chance?

There is so many things I liked about this story. I love that it’s a romance of older adults. I also loved how faith is such an integral part of their lives and of this story. It was so beautiful to see both Maggie and Frank talk over life’s challenges and decisions with God. This was a true to life picture of walking with God day by day. I also loved how the story included realistic trials, challenges and temptations instead of painting an idealistic world. I loved how this story dealt with moving on after grief and after divorce.

Additionally I loved how the story highlighted the pivotal role brave women played in history of Australia, while at the same time educational about how cattle stations.

Some favorite quotes
-Most agreed they weren’t concerned with breaking barriers. They simply wanted to do a job they loved and to be respected as good cattle women.
-As warmth, like that of a hand resting on her shoulder, spread through her, she turned around but no one was there. Her heart filled with peace and assurance that she was not alone, and there was no doubt in her mind that God was with her.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a friend who "dislikes" reading romances, but I almost feel I could recommend this one to her as "one of the good ones". I think she would appreciate the prayers and Bible verses the novel contains. The author does a good job at weaving them into the story so they don't feel like interruptions. (Though I'm sure some readers would complain it is "preachy", I would disagree. I think it is two mature believers living out their faith.)

I would consider reading more books by this author--even though the ending to this book seemed rather sudden and seemed designed to make you need to buy the next book, which I usually don't like.

I appreciated the two main characters being more mature in age than the average romance (Christian or otherwise). Maggie is divorced (though the divorce was not her idea) and Frank is widowed. I do feel that they fell in love rather quickly but I can also see that Frank, having had a good marriage, might recognize love when he encounters it again. I can also understand Maggie's hesitancy--she is still dealing with the fallout from her husband's actions and mistrusting her judgement of people, especially men.

I enjoyed learning about Australian stations.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story and you will grow to love the characters and their love of God. Maggie is till recovering from her high profile divorce and needs something to restore her faith and direction. So when she is offered the opportunity to write a series for her magazine about the women who work on stations in the Kimberley she takes it. She enjoys meeting these strong women who have the guts to work on stations along side men taking care of cattle and other jobs required. Then she goes to Goddard Downs, which is still a family owned working station that has not opened up for tourist. Here she meets the women of the Goddard family and quickly makes connections with these women, not only does she connect with them, but the head of the Goddard family. Frank has devoted his life to the station and his family, and after his wife's death thought that would be his life. Now he feels a connection with Maggie. Will they be able to move forward or will existing problems stop them. Frank has several family issues that holds him to the station and Maggie's life has always been in the city. Can God heal old hurts? Can the two find a way tobe together?

[Jeanne Loidolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australia in a new light and a compelling romance

I enjoyed a new perspective on romance in this story. Cast from the view of more mature, experienced romance, the depth of feelings and honest attractions are not diminished with age. The formative impacts of previous marital connections expose both strengths and weaknesses as Maggie and Frank explore the possibility of strong attractions. Impressive descriptions of an Australia I never comprehended before and wish I could see in person. Well written and definitely engaging. The only thing that disappointments me about such a great story done with excellent craftsmanship is when the book ends abruptly and the only way to understand the point of it can only be to buy the next book and perhaps even several more I feel robbed and cheated out of what I paid for.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about the stations, as well as meeting the characters in this book!
Marge Donovan is a reporter for a magazine, and is sent out to a few stations (like US farms or ranches), to interview the women about the jobs they do for their station. She meets Frank Goddard, and they both feel a connection as they discover some commonalities. She leaves that station, but ends up going back through the Goddard station, on her way back, after running over a tree lying in the road, and asks Frank if he could check out her vehicle. This is a really good book, but you will need to wait awhile, before you know how the second book completes the story, which is coming out soon. I highly recommend this book!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros and cons

I enjoyed reading a mature age book. Both Maggie and Frank are wonderful characters. I lean more towards Frank as stronger and wishing I could know him better. He is stronger in his faith and family and comes across as very likable. Maggie is coming from a divorce and has been single for 18 months. Still a bit on the emotional unstable side of things.
The biggest con for me is the ending. It actually has no ending as it carries into book 2. Not a big fan of that. But I will be reading book 2 just to see where it goes.
It is a clean read, scripture placed throughout and even a wonderful sermon at church. Not sure if she made that up or was an actual sermon she heard. Spot on there. Overall well written and would have been a five but for the ending

[Mrs Judith Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thrilled with this book. Once again Juliette Duncan has written a story that has inspired me from start to finish. It is so inspiring to read as two mature people who had previously experienced tragedy and heart ache begin to find love again. I love the references to scripture and as always with this author's book they give a hope for the future. This is the first book in the series and ends with a cliff hanger. Can't wait to continue the story and find out how the story ends for Maggie and Frank.
I received a free copy of this book but this has not influenced my review which is fair and honest.

[Margaret Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Maggie and Frank discovering love. I also enjoyed learning more about the remote areas of Australia and how cattle ranches are run there compared to the U.S.A. This book stayed true to Juliette Duncan's goal to bring the message of God and His care for us into her stories. I enjoyed getting to know Maggie, Frank and their families. Juliette Duncan does leave us hanging at the end of the book. We will have to eagerly anticipate the release of the next book to find out what happens to Maggie's daughter. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have freely without obligation chosen to share my own thoughts and opinions.

[Meg Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the presence of the prayers they prayed throughout the story in response to events and personalities they encountered. Reading about God-lead people was so refreshing. This is the first book I've read by Juliette Duncan and more will follow as I enjoyed her writing, plot and character development tremendously.

The relationship that grew between two Australians, one a reporter and the other a cattleman was quite sweet, believable and dear. This reader rooted for them all the way through the story. They were both really good people who had endured hardships and together discover a way through to joyful life again.

[Linda Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is a journalist who has an assignment to cover cattle stations in the outback. Frank is a successful cattle rancher who agrees to participate in the story of success and challenges in cattle stations. Juliette’s description of Australia is very realistic and draws you into the country. Neither Maggie nor Frank expect to find love in this chance encounter but their attraction grows as their friendship grows. The road to love isn’t easy nor without challenges but the end result is so worth it! This is a great Christian read the you will enjoy. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. This is not a stand alone book.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Duncan has done it again with this new book. The characters are so well developed and the inspiration and Christian beliefs that are included really make the story interesting for me. I love that it's also about mature adults and second chances. The ending was not what I expected, but I will read the next installment. You really get involved in the lives of the characters and can't wait to see what happens. By all means, read this book. I was given a free copy of the book, but the review is all my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Road To love
By: Juliette Duncan
A Beautiful love story of second chances. This is Maggie and Frank, an older couple’s story. I enjoyed getting to know them. Maggie is trying to get her life back in order. I love the scripture and messages brought out in this story. The author pulls you in at the start and you are hooked. These two has no desire for a second chance, but does older couple not deserve a chance chance? I would say yes, because I did.
I was given a complimentary ARC copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Sharon Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie Donovan is a magazine reporter and her new assignment is writing about Cattle Stations which are huge acres of land run by families. She has two children and two grandchildren. This is the first book in the series. On one of the farms she met Frank Goddard who's wife died in an accident. He has two children and grandchildren. This is a good clean and heartwarming story. This is a second chance romance. I loved this story ❤️ and am looking forward to the next book. I was given a ARC of this book and I highly recommend reading this book.

[Anne Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learnt a lot in this book about what stations are in Australia. I enjoyed that the story (inside the story) was about strong woman and their roles in the stations. This story is about second chances and an older generation but it didn't feel like a 'dated' story. Instead it felt current and real and very well written. The ending was not expected and I am really looking forward to book #2. Thank you Juliette Duncan for writing such wonderful stories with biblical content to show how God really does work in people's lives.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his sixties, widower Frank never expected to love again. Also in her sixties, journalist Maggie is an interesting main character who is sent to do an article on stations in rural Australia! Maggie was hurt by her ex-husband but is lonely since her children are grown. When Maggie visits the large station owned by Frank, she is immediately attracted to him and his family. You will enjoy this Christian romance with an older couple in the outback! I received a complimentary e-book of Slow Road to Love from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you find love after a divorce?

Maggie was married to a politician who put his career ahead of his family. He filed for a divorce and married a young woman. Maggie was hurt and stopped being around others. On a job assignment she met a man who had lost his wife to an accidental drowning trying to save her young grandchildren. Frank and Maggie fell in love, but they lived over twelve hours from each other. If they marry, who would give up their home? Can Maggie trust in love again? Great story with many adventures.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank, a widower, has finally met a woman who makes him want to open his heart to love again. Maggie has been through a bad marriage and isn't sure she wants to open her life and heart to anyone...she's afraid of being hurt once again. But Frank loves away at the fear and Maggie slowly begins to respond to him and her heart. The characters are realistic and interesting. This is a clean, sweet story that is entertaining and inspirational.

I requested this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It says on the author's Amazon page that she lives in Brisbane, Australia, but this sounds like it was written by an American. "They feasted on scrambled eggs, thick slabs of bacon and homemade buttery biscuits." In Australia biscuits are sweet, like in the UK, and what she probably meant was hot buttered toast. There was nothing in the characters' speech to indicate they were Australian either, so they didn't jump off the page. It's a shame because they had some good backstory and it could have been a great book.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Road To Love

Maggie, a recent divorced journalist, visits a station that Frank, a widower, runs with his family to collect research about the women working there for an article she is writing for a woman’s magazine she works for. She feels an attraction to Frank and wonders whether he feels it too. She leans on her faith for direction and wants to make sure that God gives her peace and guides her steps for all her decisions. Complications set in for both her and Frank’s lives which make things difficult. This is an interesting and challenging faith romance read!

[Dottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Juliette Duncan and I'd been looking forward to reading it.
Although the storyline was engaging, I got distracted by the cliches and repetition in parts.
The author notes at the beginning that 'Australian spelling and terminology have been used...' however decides to use double quotation marks throughout the book instead of single quotation marks.
This may seem irrelevant to most readers but for consistency sake it should be noted that singular quotation marks are used in Australian writing.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is trying to get her life back together. When Maggie goes to Goddard Downs Station her life will change. Frank is a amazing man, he puts his family before everything. Watching Maggie and Frank start having feels for each other will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely an amazing book. A journalist doing an article on ranches in the back country of Australia . . . but not just the ranches but about the women and how they feel about it, what they do, what has changed. And of course the men that are part of it as well. And what a man she runs into!!! This book is absolutely superb!!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved the description of living up north and the outback stations in the Kimberleys, and felt I really got to know (and like) the characters. It was good reading a romance involving older people too for a change. While the story does continue in book 2 (which I am very much looking forward to reading), I didn't feel the story was left 'unfinished'. I was given an ARC, but the review is entirely my own.

[Susan Jalosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story so far! The story is about two older adults. One divorced, one widowed. Both going through changes in their own lives, their families lives and their responsibilities. As they maneuver through these changes, they both see God working and reminding them He is in control. As they decide to move forward together, more changes out of their control happen. Can’t wait for book 2. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and the thoughts in this review are my own.