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A Place to Remember
A man loses five years of his life. Two women are desperate for him to remember. Running away for the second time in her life, twenty-seven-year old Ava believes the cook's job at a country B&B is perfect, until she meets the owner's son, John Tate. The young fifth-generation grazier is a beguiling blend of both man, boy and a terrible flirt. With their connection immediate and intense, they begin a clandestine affair right under the noses of John's formidable parents. Thirty years later, Ava returns to Candlebark Creek with her daughter, Nina, who is determined to meet her mother's lost love for herself. While struggling to find her own place in the world, Nina discovers an urban myth about a love-struck man, a forgotten engagement ring, and a dinner reservation back in the eighties. Now she must decide if revealing the truth will hurt more than it heals...
Audio CD
Published January 31, 2019
17 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Jenn J. McLeod
15 books133 followersJenn J McLeod loves ticking things off her bucket list. So far she’s made that sea change, run that country B&B, and written that bestseller. In 2014, Jenn downsized her life and home is now a 3-tonne, 25-foot caravan named Myrtle the Turtle.
With her Seasons Collection of four novels already adored by readers, Australia’s nomadic novelist is finding inspiration for more heart-warming small town tales of friendship, family, and contemporary country life.
Book #6 - House of Wishes is going back to Calingarry Crossing. Join me.
Other titles: House for all Seasons (#5 Top Selling Debut Novel), Simmering Season, Season of Shadow and Light, and The Other Side of the Season. Her fifth novel is A Place to Remember.
Small town stories from the country to the coast: www.jennjmcleod.com
Twitter: @jennjmcleod
Facebook author page: Jenn J McLeod.Books (or 'friend' me)
With her Seasons Collection of four novels already adored by readers, Australia’s nomadic novelist is finding inspiration for more heart-warming small town tales of friendship, family, and contemporary country life.
Book #6 - House of Wishes is going back to Calingarry Crossing. Join me.
Other titles: House for all Seasons (#5 Top Selling Debut Novel), Simmering Season, Season of Shadow and Light, and The Other Side of the Season. Her fifth novel is A Place to Remember.
Small town stories from the country to the coast: www.jennjmcleod.com
Twitter: @jennjmcleod
Facebook author page: Jenn J McLeod.Books (or 'friend' me)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 8, 2018
A Place to Remember is told in two time frames. Ava in her late 50’s and with failing health looks back 30 years to her 20’s and a love that ended abruptly sending her around the world on a quest in her late father’s honour. Present day Ava is a highly successful business woman who has brought up two children and run a large bakery franchise on her own. Her only regret is leaving the B & B Ivy-May, where she worked as a kitchen-hand, and the owners’ son, John, behind 30 years previously.
The books main theme is one of lost love but the story runs through many themes that are relevant and important to life on the land. Issues such as keeping rural towns alive and ensuring the townsfolk have access to doctors and schools, diversification of properties such as incorporating a B & B or retreats into a cattle farm, recycling and responsible land and cattle management, the burden of debt on farmers and their families, have been scattered throughout the story.
The story captures the fervour of love and the despair of a love lost, but never forgotten.
McLeod writes women that are strong, determined and extremely likeable.
There is so much depth to this story it’s hard for me to include everything in my review. Parent/ child relationships are also another driving force throughout the story.
Finally; the setting of A Place to Remember, Ivy-May near Candlebark Creek in the Capricornia region of Queensland was a character in itself, beautifully described, evocative and alluring it will have many a reader eager to experience the setting in real life.
McLeod’s entertaining and witty sense of humour is scattered throughout the story.
Highly recommended for lovers of romance, secrets and rural settings.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Bookclub
To read the original review on Beauty & Lace please visit http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
The books main theme is one of lost love but the story runs through many themes that are relevant and important to life on the land. Issues such as keeping rural towns alive and ensuring the townsfolk have access to doctors and schools, diversification of properties such as incorporating a B & B or retreats into a cattle farm, recycling and responsible land and cattle management, the burden of debt on farmers and their families, have been scattered throughout the story.
The story captures the fervour of love and the despair of a love lost, but never forgotten.
McLeod writes women that are strong, determined and extremely likeable.
There is so much depth to this story it’s hard for me to include everything in my review. Parent/ child relationships are also another driving force throughout the story.
Finally; the setting of A Place to Remember, Ivy-May near Candlebark Creek in the Capricornia region of Queensland was a character in itself, beautifully described, evocative and alluring it will have many a reader eager to experience the setting in real life.
McLeod’s entertaining and witty sense of humour is scattered throughout the story.
Highly recommended for lovers of romance, secrets and rural settings.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Bookclub
To read the original review on Beauty & Lace please visit http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
February 20, 2018
4.5★s
Ava Marchette's arrival in Candlebark Creek made her thankful it was so different from what she'd left behind. The volatile circumstances meant she'd needed to distance herself - just as she'd done at seventeen years of age. Now twenty seven, and a passionate chef, she was applying for the job of cook at the B&B on the family property, Ivy-May.
Her employer, Marjorie Tate, ran Ivy-May with aplomb; her iron fist was everywhere. Her husband Colin worked quietly in the background, while their only child, John was an up and coming farmer, and at only twenty he loved the land and the property which had been in their family for five generations. Often by his side was next-door neighbour and childhood friend Katie - their combined dreams for the property were known by all.
But the affair which began between Ava and John after a surprising connection was felt by them both would lead to nothing but heartache...
When Ava returned to Candlebark Creek thirty years later, she felt the memories assail her in waves. But it was when Nina, Ava's daughter, decided to check her mother's past out for herself that the secrets were uncovered...
A Place to Remember by Aussie author Jenn J. McLeod is a stunning family drama set in country Queensland, and filled with heartache, loss, hope and deeply buried secrets. Two generations and a thirty year gap with family love at the core with great, well-rounded characters as is usual by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and highly recommend A Place to Remember.
With thanks to the publisher for my uncorrected proof to read and review.
Ava Marchette's arrival in Candlebark Creek made her thankful it was so different from what she'd left behind. The volatile circumstances meant she'd needed to distance herself - just as she'd done at seventeen years of age. Now twenty seven, and a passionate chef, she was applying for the job of cook at the B&B on the family property, Ivy-May.
Her employer, Marjorie Tate, ran Ivy-May with aplomb; her iron fist was everywhere. Her husband Colin worked quietly in the background, while their only child, John was an up and coming farmer, and at only twenty he loved the land and the property which had been in their family for five generations. Often by his side was next-door neighbour and childhood friend Katie - their combined dreams for the property were known by all.
But the affair which began between Ava and John after a surprising connection was felt by them both would lead to nothing but heartache...
When Ava returned to Candlebark Creek thirty years later, she felt the memories assail her in waves. But it was when Nina, Ava's daughter, decided to check her mother's past out for herself that the secrets were uncovered...
A Place to Remember by Aussie author Jenn J. McLeod is a stunning family drama set in country Queensland, and filled with heartache, loss, hope and deeply buried secrets. Two generations and a thirty year gap with family love at the core with great, well-rounded characters as is usual by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and highly recommend A Place to Remember.
With thanks to the publisher for my uncorrected proof to read and review.
January 23, 2020
A Place to Remember was a brilliant read written by a brilliant and very talented Aussie author, Jenn J. McLeod. Having read a few books written by this writer, now I must say how I love the way she draws her readers in right from the start.
I flew through this book in only a couple of days which surprised me, but I just couldn’t put it down it was that good, no better than good it was fabulous. Jenn J. McLeod is one of my favorite authors her style of writing makes her books so easy and entertaining to read. This is a tale of family saga, loss, love and so much more. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Highly recommended.
I flew through this book in only a couple of days which surprised me, but I just couldn’t put it down it was that good, no better than good it was fabulous. Jenn J. McLeod is one of my favorite authors her style of writing makes her books so easy and entertaining to read. This is a tale of family saga, loss, love and so much more. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Highly recommended.
June 18, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
One of Australia’s most valued storytellers is back for her fifth novel, A Place To Remember. This stunning and richly Australian family saga encompasses the trials and tribulations of four generations of a family based in Northern Queensland. Jenn J. McLeod poses a thoughtful question to her readers on the front cover of the book, can you ever reignite a lost love? A Place To Remember will implore you to consider rekindled love, memories, betrayal, lies, missed opportunities and courage, all within the one involving storyline.
A Place To Remember introduces the reader to an unusual scenario. John Tate is a man who lost five years of his life. There are two figures who would like nothing more than for John to recover these lost memories, but this task is not easy. Thirty years ago, twenty seven year old Ava ran away from her life and took on a position as a cook at a country based B & B. Ava falls hard for the owner’s son, John. Their affair is intense but is marred by the objections of John’s controlling parents. Fast forward thirty years later and Ava has decided to make the heartbreaking journey back to Candlebark Creek, with her free spirited daughter Nina in tow. Nina is desperate to uncover her mother’s story of lost love while at the same time, trying to find out where she belongs. When Nina discovers a rumour about an unclaimed engagement ring and a man who never got to propose to the love of his life, the truth to this tale might be closer than Nina realises.
Welcome back Jenn J. McLeod, oh how I have missed you! I have found a deep connection to McLeod’s writing since I read her debut, A House for All Seasons, around five years ago now. Since then, I have enjoyed each and every Jenn J. McLeod book I have picked up. McLeod is one of those Australian writers that has a natural gift for storytelling, it’s in her heart and soul. A Place To Remember is a family saga with a great underlying mystery and some flooring twists that showcases McLeod’s talent as a gifted writer. There is no doubt at all that McLeod makes us feel and care about her memorable character set.
The gorgeous book that I held in my hands has been quite the labour of love for Jenn J. McLeod. Working closely with Rosie de Courcy, who has edited none other than Maeve Binchy’s books for years, along with Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds, has put A Place To Remember in good stead. It has also been championed by Amanda Ridout, another author I respect greatly, so it comes as no surprise that I found A Place To Remember a beautiful novel inside and out. Readers will find the storyline flows and the transitions from the mid 1980’s based narrative to the present day were perfectly in touch with one another. The movement in character perspectives as the novel progresses also gives us a great insight into the unfolding storyline. A solid mystery element to this novel, based around recovered memories, rounds off A Place To Remember.
One of the standout features of A Place To Remember, aside from the compelling narrative, is the authentic setting. Jenn J. McLeod has a gift for being able to move her reader to her rich settings. In A Place to Remember’s case, we are transported to a rural property in Northern Queensland. Candlebark Creek was presented in such crystal clear fashion, that it is almost unfathomable to contemplate that this place is simply fictional! I am certain the audience will feel the same about the full bodied landscape and country based descriptions that define this novel.
Characters are McLeod’s forte and she excels in this area of her new novel. I found Ava in the present day and in the past to be perfectly observed. John Tate was much the same, the lifeblood runs through this man in both time zones. McLeod paints her character set with gentle and precise brushstrokes so the final product is nothing short of amazing, a true masterpiece in characterisation. This extends to the secondary character cast, from Katie, to Blair, to Marjorie and Nina. All have a place to bear in the overall direction of this engaging novel.
There are so many resonating themes that can be drawn from A Place To Remember. I loved the umbrella theme of memory, which is connected to the lost love focus of the novel. McLeod also draws our attention to ageing, health, betrayal, long held secrets and self realisation. Each and every one of these themes made me dig deep and pull out a set of wild emotions that interchanged between love, hate, sadness, regret, happiness and finally – a sense of peace. A feeling of accomplishment washed over me as I reached the final moments of this novel, that all was put right in a world I had grown to care so much about.
A Place To Remember marks a triumphant and brave return to the publishing scene for my favourite travelling writer Jenn J. McLeod. This is one book hands down, I am going to endorse to all readers, far and wide, you must read this book!
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
A Place To Remember is book #63 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
One of Australia’s most valued storytellers is back for her fifth novel, A Place To Remember. This stunning and richly Australian family saga encompasses the trials and tribulations of four generations of a family based in Northern Queensland. Jenn J. McLeod poses a thoughtful question to her readers on the front cover of the book, can you ever reignite a lost love? A Place To Remember will implore you to consider rekindled love, memories, betrayal, lies, missed opportunities and courage, all within the one involving storyline.
A Place To Remember introduces the reader to an unusual scenario. John Tate is a man who lost five years of his life. There are two figures who would like nothing more than for John to recover these lost memories, but this task is not easy. Thirty years ago, twenty seven year old Ava ran away from her life and took on a position as a cook at a country based B & B. Ava falls hard for the owner’s son, John. Their affair is intense but is marred by the objections of John’s controlling parents. Fast forward thirty years later and Ava has decided to make the heartbreaking journey back to Candlebark Creek, with her free spirited daughter Nina in tow. Nina is desperate to uncover her mother’s story of lost love while at the same time, trying to find out where she belongs. When Nina discovers a rumour about an unclaimed engagement ring and a man who never got to propose to the love of his life, the truth to this tale might be closer than Nina realises.
Welcome back Jenn J. McLeod, oh how I have missed you! I have found a deep connection to McLeod’s writing since I read her debut, A House for All Seasons, around five years ago now. Since then, I have enjoyed each and every Jenn J. McLeod book I have picked up. McLeod is one of those Australian writers that has a natural gift for storytelling, it’s in her heart and soul. A Place To Remember is a family saga with a great underlying mystery and some flooring twists that showcases McLeod’s talent as a gifted writer. There is no doubt at all that McLeod makes us feel and care about her memorable character set.
The gorgeous book that I held in my hands has been quite the labour of love for Jenn J. McLeod. Working closely with Rosie de Courcy, who has edited none other than Maeve Binchy’s books for years, along with Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds, has put A Place To Remember in good stead. It has also been championed by Amanda Ridout, another author I respect greatly, so it comes as no surprise that I found A Place To Remember a beautiful novel inside and out. Readers will find the storyline flows and the transitions from the mid 1980’s based narrative to the present day were perfectly in touch with one another. The movement in character perspectives as the novel progresses also gives us a great insight into the unfolding storyline. A solid mystery element to this novel, based around recovered memories, rounds off A Place To Remember.
One of the standout features of A Place To Remember, aside from the compelling narrative, is the authentic setting. Jenn J. McLeod has a gift for being able to move her reader to her rich settings. In A Place to Remember’s case, we are transported to a rural property in Northern Queensland. Candlebark Creek was presented in such crystal clear fashion, that it is almost unfathomable to contemplate that this place is simply fictional! I am certain the audience will feel the same about the full bodied landscape and country based descriptions that define this novel.
Characters are McLeod’s forte and she excels in this area of her new novel. I found Ava in the present day and in the past to be perfectly observed. John Tate was much the same, the lifeblood runs through this man in both time zones. McLeod paints her character set with gentle and precise brushstrokes so the final product is nothing short of amazing, a true masterpiece in characterisation. This extends to the secondary character cast, from Katie, to Blair, to Marjorie and Nina. All have a place to bear in the overall direction of this engaging novel.
There are so many resonating themes that can be drawn from A Place To Remember. I loved the umbrella theme of memory, which is connected to the lost love focus of the novel. McLeod also draws our attention to ageing, health, betrayal, long held secrets and self realisation. Each and every one of these themes made me dig deep and pull out a set of wild emotions that interchanged between love, hate, sadness, regret, happiness and finally – a sense of peace. A feeling of accomplishment washed over me as I reached the final moments of this novel, that all was put right in a world I had grown to care so much about.
A Place To Remember marks a triumphant and brave return to the publishing scene for my favourite travelling writer Jenn J. McLeod. This is one book hands down, I am going to endorse to all readers, far and wide, you must read this book!
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
A Place To Remember is book #63 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 16, 2018
4.5★s
“Every family has a cupboard with a skeleton in it, and some secrets will hurt more than heal if they’re let out.”
A Place To Remember is the fifth novel by Australian author, Jenn J. McLeod. When Ava Marchette happens upon a magazine article about accidental artist, John Tate, she’s fifty-eight and the successful owner of the Bark Hut Bakery franchise. But a worrying diagnosis has forced her to retire and re-evaluate, and she cannot help but wonder about the man she left behind thirty years before.
John Tate was almost twenty-one when Ava Marchette, then twenty-seven, took a job as cook at their Ivy-May B&B near Candlebark Creek in Queensland’s Capricornia region. He loved their cattle farm and had great plans for the B&B business, but he loved to cook, too. For John and Ava it might have been love at first sight. It was definitely something that neither could resist, whether or not it was prudent. But less than a year later, Ava had gone, leaving behind the love of her life.
This rural romance has a plot that is not entirely unpredictable, but this does not diminish the reading pleasure. The characters are appealing and believable: none is perfect or blameless; neither are those who cause hurt or harm wholly malicious. Secrets, shame and guilt abound here, but strength and determination are also in evidence.
McLeod touches on the problems faced on rural properties and in country towns, and the need for diversification. The tourist bureau for Capricornia should certainly hire McLeod to write their advertising copy, because her descriptions of the place are bound to increase visitor numbers. This sweet Aussie romance is a very enjoyable read.
With thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and the publisher for this copy to read and review
“Every family has a cupboard with a skeleton in it, and some secrets will hurt more than heal if they’re let out.”
A Place To Remember is the fifth novel by Australian author, Jenn J. McLeod. When Ava Marchette happens upon a magazine article about accidental artist, John Tate, she’s fifty-eight and the successful owner of the Bark Hut Bakery franchise. But a worrying diagnosis has forced her to retire and re-evaluate, and she cannot help but wonder about the man she left behind thirty years before.
John Tate was almost twenty-one when Ava Marchette, then twenty-seven, took a job as cook at their Ivy-May B&B near Candlebark Creek in Queensland’s Capricornia region. He loved their cattle farm and had great plans for the B&B business, but he loved to cook, too. For John and Ava it might have been love at first sight. It was definitely something that neither could resist, whether or not it was prudent. But less than a year later, Ava had gone, leaving behind the love of her life.
This rural romance has a plot that is not entirely unpredictable, but this does not diminish the reading pleasure. The characters are appealing and believable: none is perfect or blameless; neither are those who cause hurt or harm wholly malicious. Secrets, shame and guilt abound here, but strength and determination are also in evidence.
McLeod touches on the problems faced on rural properties and in country towns, and the need for diversification. The tourist bureau for Capricornia should certainly hire McLeod to write their advertising copy, because her descriptions of the place are bound to increase visitor numbers. This sweet Aussie romance is a very enjoyable read.
With thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and the publisher for this copy to read and review
October 29, 2019
The prologue opens with 58 year old Ava Marchette, who has a problem with her heart, being handed a parcel by her daughter Nina. Inside the brown paper parcel, which Nina has already opened, is a portrait of Ava when she was younger. The story then takes the reader back to 1985 when Ava first arrived at Candlebark Creek as a twenty seven year old, running away for the second time in her life. The job as a cook at Ivy-May, a country B and B sounds ideal, until she meets John Tate, the owner’s son. Ava’s time at Candlebark Creek ends tumultuously. In 2015 she returns to Candlebark Creek, wanted to see if a memory can be resurrected. But she is not the only one wanting answers. Her daughter Nina has her own reasons for wants answers t troubling questions. But will the truth that has been hidden so long do more harm than good?
This is the fifth novel by Jenn J McLeod and while I have enjoyed her others, this one sucked me right in. The setting in Northern Queensland, the characters and the story had me captivated from the start. It’s a story of family, abuse, secrets, love, duty, expectations, memory loss, diversity and resilience. The realities and hardships of country life are well portrayed. At the heart is a love story that is a little unexpected. There were just a couple of places where things were repeated that I felt didn’t need to be re-stated. But still, it didn’t take away from my utter enjoyment of this novel. Moments of smiles, anger, laughter and a few tears accompanied my reading of this thoroughly involving book.
This is the fifth novel by Jenn J McLeod and while I have enjoyed her others, this one sucked me right in. The setting in Northern Queensland, the characters and the story had me captivated from the start. It’s a story of family, abuse, secrets, love, duty, expectations, memory loss, diversity and resilience. The realities and hardships of country life are well portrayed. At the heart is a love story that is a little unexpected. There were just a couple of places where things were repeated that I felt didn’t need to be re-stated. But still, it didn’t take away from my utter enjoyment of this novel. Moments of smiles, anger, laughter and a few tears accompanied my reading of this thoroughly involving book.
February 2, 2020
Did not resonate with me at all. A light read. A family drama.
April 14, 2018
A Place To Remember is a lovely long story that you can really get your teeth into and enjoy over several days. I was always happy to return to Queensland cattle station, Ivy-May, and its characters and goings on, and fit this book around my busy household. (That's not to say that I didn't stay up very late once or twice!!)
For me, I got most wrapped up in Ava's heartbreaking story. To be loved, and to lose that love through a physical injury that renders the person you love (and who loves you) unable to recall any memory of you - my gosh that would just be so very sad!! And to go through life unable to try to resurrect or rekindle those memories because family and events conspire to keep you out of the way - that's just plain wrong!
Ultimately, A Place To Remember for me is a story of resilience and courage, and hope - that love is enduring and does last the test of time.
I have read all of Jenn J McLeod's books and as always, this one has great country settings, interesting characters, well thought out plot and conflict, and a heap of fun events that bring the country home. (I'm thinking scone bake-offs, quad-bike rides across a rolling landscape, prairie oysters, cyclones - well that part wasn't a fun event but beautifully described.)
My favourite part came right at the end, with mention of a little dude daschund who thought he was a sheep dog, and a timely and epic shift to a first person POV epilogue, and letters and memories and reminiscing by an older Ava that made me cry - it truly was so beautiful and gentle and perfect the way this story ended.
Lovely story - in my opinion the author's best yet - and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family sagas, and great contemporary fiction.
For me, I got most wrapped up in Ava's heartbreaking story. To be loved, and to lose that love through a physical injury that renders the person you love (and who loves you) unable to recall any memory of you - my gosh that would just be so very sad!! And to go through life unable to try to resurrect or rekindle those memories because family and events conspire to keep you out of the way - that's just plain wrong!
Ultimately, A Place To Remember for me is a story of resilience and courage, and hope - that love is enduring and does last the test of time.
I have read all of Jenn J McLeod's books and as always, this one has great country settings, interesting characters, well thought out plot and conflict, and a heap of fun events that bring the country home. (I'm thinking scone bake-offs, quad-bike rides across a rolling landscape, prairie oysters, cyclones - well that part wasn't a fun event but beautifully described.)
My favourite part came right at the end, with mention of a little dude daschund who thought he was a sheep dog, and a timely and epic shift to a first person POV epilogue, and letters and memories and reminiscing by an older Ava that made me cry - it truly was so beautiful and gentle and perfect the way this story ended.
Lovely story - in my opinion the author's best yet - and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family sagas, and great contemporary fiction.
March 30, 2018
This book had such a great premise but the end product ultimately disappointed me.
It essentially is told in three parts. I struggled with the first part which is pretty much just your standard rural romance. It’s the 1980s and 27 year old Ava goes to work as a cook on a cattle property west of Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia, for those who’ve not heard of it). John is the 20 year old son of the family employing her. Despite their age difference they bond over cooking (baking mostly) and fall in love. Alas, John’s miserable mother and Katie, the young girl next door who’s always imagined she would marry John, team up to spoil the romance. Their opportunity soon comes when John suffers from a medical issue.
I had a hard time connecting with young John. I found him a bit of a bore. Ava’s sad past too left me a little cold. Instead of falling in love with her father, which I assume I was supposed to, I simply found him weak and complicit to his wife’s treatment of their daughter. (To do nothing is to aid and abet.)
The second part of the book started with much more promise. This John, now aged around 50, was more my type of man. He seemed so much stronger and his newfound love of painting suited him and the storyline much more than the cooking thing. Ava, now 58 and in the middle of her own health scare, decides to seek out John under the pretext of him painting her portrait. The whole idea was wonderful but I didn’t think McLeod executed it quite right. Ava and John’s scenes were too rushed. I would have preferred McLeod drag the sitting for the painting out much longer. I really wanted to get a middle aged romance with lots of UST. Instead I got a lot of Ava panicking about her scars and wrinkles and wishing she looked like she did when she was 28.
The third part of the book focuses of the romance between Ava’s daughter, Nina, and John’s son, Blair. Again, we were back to a normal rural romance which unfortunately didn't pique my interest. (I must add the secret surrounding Blair was quite obvious and I guessed it early on.)
I was keen to read the book seeing as it was set in my home state but McLeod’s style is not flowery descriptive prose and I was never really transported into the setting as I should have been. The fact that the characters were driving up and down from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton (about a seven hour drive) seemed unrealistic and annoyed me greatly also.
There were some good points to the book. Ava is quite the feminist and there is no slut shaming of her, NIna or Katie.
The book is quite long and I struggled because I’m fast learning I dislike rural romance, but if you’re a fan you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with essentially two featured in the book.
I think many people will love this book, but I just wasn’t one of them.
3 out of 5
It essentially is told in three parts. I struggled with the first part which is pretty much just your standard rural romance. It’s the 1980s and 27 year old Ava goes to work as a cook on a cattle property west of Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia, for those who’ve not heard of it). John is the 20 year old son of the family employing her. Despite their age difference they bond over cooking (baking mostly) and fall in love. Alas, John’s miserable mother and Katie, the young girl next door who’s always imagined she would marry John, team up to spoil the romance. Their opportunity soon comes when John suffers from a medical issue.
I had a hard time connecting with young John. I found him a bit of a bore. Ava’s sad past too left me a little cold. Instead of falling in love with her father, which I assume I was supposed to, I simply found him weak and complicit to his wife’s treatment of their daughter. (To do nothing is to aid and abet.)
The second part of the book started with much more promise. This John, now aged around 50, was more my type of man. He seemed so much stronger and his newfound love of painting suited him and the storyline much more than the cooking thing. Ava, now 58 and in the middle of her own health scare, decides to seek out John under the pretext of him painting her portrait. The whole idea was wonderful but I didn’t think McLeod executed it quite right. Ava and John’s scenes were too rushed. I would have preferred McLeod drag the sitting for the painting out much longer. I really wanted to get a middle aged romance with lots of UST. Instead I got a lot of Ava panicking about her scars and wrinkles and wishing she looked like she did when she was 28.
The third part of the book focuses of the romance between Ava’s daughter, Nina, and John’s son, Blair. Again, we were back to a normal rural romance which unfortunately didn't pique my interest. (I must add the secret surrounding Blair was quite obvious and I guessed it early on.)
I was keen to read the book seeing as it was set in my home state but McLeod’s style is not flowery descriptive prose and I was never really transported into the setting as I should have been. The fact that the characters were driving up and down from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Rockhampton (about a seven hour drive) seemed unrealistic and annoyed me greatly also.
There were some good points to the book. Ava is quite the feminist and there is no slut shaming of her, NIna or Katie.
The book is quite long and I struggled because I’m fast learning I dislike rural romance, but if you’re a fan you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with essentially two featured in the book.
I think many people will love this book, but I just wasn’t one of them.
3 out of 5
February 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much! I read this in a little over one sitting. I loved how we got to read Ava's story both in the present and the past and I could completely relate to the characters of Ava and John Tate. A really beautiful tale of true love, encompassing our dreams, hopes and losses, the way the story and it's secrets unfolded was perfect. The weaving of Nina into the story and her search for the truth was really well done. The strength that Ava carried within herself and her unwavering belief in herself was really refreshing. The setting was delightful and I am definitely adding this part of queensland to my travel itinerary. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for a copy in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2018
I have never read any of Jenn Mcleod’s books but I’m certainly aware of them. So I was really pleased to access an ARC of her new novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Set in two time periods, one in the 1980’s when Ada takes up a job as a cook in a country QLD B&B and then thirty years later, when Ada is experiencing declining health and thinking about the past.
When I first started this book, I thought it might be the ‘old chestnut’ of girl gets pregnant and is banished to bring up the baby alone but refreshingly it wasn’t!
It was a beautiful story of love lost and found, family and the lengths that some take to keep secrets safe. Admittedly, I have never heard of ‘Acquired Savant Syndrome’ which was a thread in the story and that was really interesting.
I also enjoyed the fact that the time periods were in ‘blocks’, therefore you could really get involved in the characters as they were, without the constant switching between chapters. (though this is not something that usually bothers me)
This book did take me more time to read and I think it was a big book but I admit I had a busy week and picked it up and put it down a bit, overall I found it enjoyable and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
Set in two time periods, one in the 1980’s when Ada takes up a job as a cook in a country QLD B&B and then thirty years later, when Ada is experiencing declining health and thinking about the past.
When I first started this book, I thought it might be the ‘old chestnut’ of girl gets pregnant and is banished to bring up the baby alone but refreshingly it wasn’t!
It was a beautiful story of love lost and found, family and the lengths that some take to keep secrets safe. Admittedly, I have never heard of ‘Acquired Savant Syndrome’ which was a thread in the story and that was really interesting.
I also enjoyed the fact that the time periods were in ‘blocks’, therefore you could really get involved in the characters as they were, without the constant switching between chapters. (though this is not something that usually bothers me)
This book did take me more time to read and I think it was a big book but I admit I had a busy week and picked it up and put it down a bit, overall I found it enjoyable and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
February 9, 2018
A Place to Remember is certainly a book to remember.
Jenn J McLeod captures the essence of the Australian landscape and the central Queensland countryside is depicted beautifully in this story. But it is the realistic and finely drawn characters who engage the reader, as we experience their love for each other in a sudden, intense and dramatic affair.
The story unfolds with perfect pacing and a relentless hold on the reader's emotions as we are taken through two generations, and joy and sadness vie for the reader's emotion as a tragedy unfolds.
No matter what life brings, women are resilient and their strength will endure to enable the creation of a happy life.
Will the love of a daughter for her mother enable her to make the right choice for her mother's continued happiness? Should she share her discovery of past events or let life stay as it is?
Uplifting, joyous and triumphant, A Place to Remember is a must read for 2018.
Jenn J McLeod captures the essence of the Australian landscape and the central Queensland countryside is depicted beautifully in this story. But it is the realistic and finely drawn characters who engage the reader, as we experience their love for each other in a sudden, intense and dramatic affair.
The story unfolds with perfect pacing and a relentless hold on the reader's emotions as we are taken through two generations, and joy and sadness vie for the reader's emotion as a tragedy unfolds.
No matter what life brings, women are resilient and their strength will endure to enable the creation of a happy life.
Will the love of a daughter for her mother enable her to make the right choice for her mother's continued happiness? Should she share her discovery of past events or let life stay as it is?
Uplifting, joyous and triumphant, A Place to Remember is a must read for 2018.
January 21, 2018
I was privileged to read an ARC of this book, how glorious. Jenn gives us two generations of women visiting Candlebark Creek - and how I wish this was a real place - first in the 1980's, then the present, and the story swings back and forth between the two times. To boil it down, the core story is that of a powerful first love, and how illness, misunderstandings, lies, murky family secrets and missed opportunities all conspire to muddy the waters. There is also a delightful sub-story about panna cotta and a lost engagement ring. A big book, it nevertheless bounds along and you simply get caught up in the story. Plus, now I have an insane urge to bake some scones. Thanks, Jenn!
January 25, 2018
This story has an epic quality – a multi-generational romantic saga, involving a dual timeline, lost love, heartache and second chances. In a vivid central Queensland setting, complete with a beautiful old homestead, we meet Ava, a strong, goal driven protagonist and a cast of very likeable characters. Throw in B&Bs (don't we all love them?) and plenty of tummy-tempting cookery moments, and Jenn J McLeod has produced another novel sure to delight her eagerly awaiting readers. Congratulations, Jenn!
May 24, 2019
I thought I had already reviewed this book, but hadn't. What is not to like about Jenn J McLeod's books? This is another brilliant story and if you enjoy family sagas, this is one for you. Even if you don't it will make you want to read more and more of Jenn's books. Jenn takes you on a journey, whereby you laugh, cry and just keep turning those pages!! When I review, I don't give the story away, I just say what I feel about the book. Jenn, like several others is an Australian author and I like to promote Australian authors, as we have some very very good ones in our country.
May 2, 2018
DNF at 10% (it was 49 pages though).
I decided to make a concerted effort to get back into this book but within a page or two of picking it up again I was totally exasperated by the way the author felt the need to give me a botany lesson about Epiphytes and then I was subjected to teenage angst and phrases like "... but could Ava articulate any of it to his face when his expression was burning holes in her heart?" Overall I didn't like the writing and I found it difficult to get into the story which is a pity because I thought the blurb sounded intriguing.
Because the intro was so slow and I DNF'd the book so early I'm afraid I can't tell you much about the plot.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I decided to make a concerted effort to get back into this book but within a page or two of picking it up again I was totally exasperated by the way the author felt the need to give me a botany lesson about Epiphytes and then I was subjected to teenage angst and phrases like "... but could Ava articulate any of it to his face when his expression was burning holes in her heart?" Overall I didn't like the writing and I found it difficult to get into the story which is a pity because I thought the blurb sounded intriguing.
Because the intro was so slow and I DNF'd the book so early I'm afraid I can't tell you much about the plot.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
I've been wanting to read one of Jenn's books for ages but haven't had time to sit down and read so I jumped at the chance to listen as soon as the audio was released. The story was everything I was hoping for and more. I hope her other books come out in audio too.
I loved the county setting and the way the stories from the past and present came together, exploring the same themes. And I loved the romance.
The narrator was fabulous and did an excellent job of giving different voices to each of the characters.
I loved the county setting and the way the stories from the past and present came together, exploring the same themes. And I loved the romance.
The narrator was fabulous and did an excellent job of giving different voices to each of the characters.
August 28, 2018
An entertaining read, one that will probably appeal to women of a variety of ages and from a variety of backgrounds.
May 17, 2018
My View:
A remarkable read! Jenn J McLeod has out done herself with this epic Australian family saga. Fantastic settings, family dramas that will wrench your heart, a little mystery and a compelling narrative. All that is left to say now is, what’s next Jenn?
A remarkable read! Jenn J McLeod has out done herself with this epic Australian family saga. Fantastic settings, family dramas that will wrench your heart, a little mystery and a compelling narrative. All that is left to say now is, what’s next Jenn?
July 21, 2018
A new Jenn J. McLeod novel is always cause for a celebration for me so I’ve kind of been keeping this one for a rainy day. I started reading it last week to take a break from the craziness and it was such a good story to get engrossed in and just while away some peaceful hours.
Ava Marchette is in her late 50s when she comes across an article about artist John Tate. She is transported back thirty years in time, to when she was a young woman in her late 20s, working for the Tate family on their cattle property Ivy-May. Ava had fled a difficult home life and although she hadn’t finished school, she was an accomplished cook with a dream to one day study in Paris. Although there’s a connection between her and John Tate, heir to the vast property, it’s clear that to Mrs Tate at the very least, Ava is not an option for her son. It’s a world she doesn’t inhabit and they have plans to join their property with the one next door, with John earmarked for Katie, the neighbour’s daughter.
I don’t often read a romance where the woman is older, especially when the male is only twenty. It was quite refreshing to see and the two of them complimented each other well. It seemed like John could truly be himself around Ava, and indulge the love he had for cooking, something that wasn’t really fostered in the family station environment. John was expected to work the land, things like cooking delegated to hired help. An added complication to their blossoming romance is Katie, the almost eighteen year old next door neighbour who definitely dreams of being Mrs John Tate as soon as she comes of age. Katie comes with the added attraction of her adjoining land, although John doesn’t have any romantic feelings toward her. This is of little consequence to his formidable mother, who believes that Katie will make him a good wife and the two will build on the family dynasty.
Jenn J. McLeod takes the reader on some unexpected twists, including why Ava and John were separated, all those years ago so soon after declaring their mutual love for each other. I really enjoyed a lot of the intricacies of the story and the way in which characters were developed and fleshed out. Even Katie, somewhat an unsympathetic character for a very large portion of the book, has several reveals that made me see her in an entirely different light. I still don’t agree with a lot of her choices and motives but I can definitely better understand them, especially with the position she was in at the time.
Also woven into the story is that of Ava’s daughter Nina, struggling with finding her place in the world, and John’s son Blair. After Ava visits John’s family home after a thirty year absence and confesses her connection to the place to Nina, her daughter decides to see this place for herself and the man that made such a mark on her mother. After getting off to a somewhat rocky start when Blair mistakes the reason Nina is there, the two find some common ground. I really liked the character of Nina, who was not really sure what her role of place was. Her mother had this amazing company that she’d built from scratch, her brother had found his niche within it, as well as marrying and having a family but Nina had yet to find that satisfaction in either her personal or her professional life. This is something I quite identify with (the professional part) and it’s interesting to read about people who are struggling in that way. She has a job, it’s fine but it doesn’t seem to particularly fulfil her. But through her visits to Candlebark Creek, a seed is born.
I found this book really satisfying overall. It had such an intriguing premise upon reading the beginning – why have these people been separated for thirty years? How did this happen? And in going forward and getting the answers to all my questions there were surprises and clever twists along the way as well as a thread of hope. I loved the part about the mystery surrounding the ring and that was just another loose end from quite early on that played much bigger part later in the book.
Another fantastic read from an author who always delivers a really lovely story.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Ava Marchette is in her late 50s when she comes across an article about artist John Tate. She is transported back thirty years in time, to when she was a young woman in her late 20s, working for the Tate family on their cattle property Ivy-May. Ava had fled a difficult home life and although she hadn’t finished school, she was an accomplished cook with a dream to one day study in Paris. Although there’s a connection between her and John Tate, heir to the vast property, it’s clear that to Mrs Tate at the very least, Ava is not an option for her son. It’s a world she doesn’t inhabit and they have plans to join their property with the one next door, with John earmarked for Katie, the neighbour’s daughter.
I don’t often read a romance where the woman is older, especially when the male is only twenty. It was quite refreshing to see and the two of them complimented each other well. It seemed like John could truly be himself around Ava, and indulge the love he had for cooking, something that wasn’t really fostered in the family station environment. John was expected to work the land, things like cooking delegated to hired help. An added complication to their blossoming romance is Katie, the almost eighteen year old next door neighbour who definitely dreams of being Mrs John Tate as soon as she comes of age. Katie comes with the added attraction of her adjoining land, although John doesn’t have any romantic feelings toward her. This is of little consequence to his formidable mother, who believes that Katie will make him a good wife and the two will build on the family dynasty.
Jenn J. McLeod takes the reader on some unexpected twists, including why Ava and John were separated, all those years ago so soon after declaring their mutual love for each other. I really enjoyed a lot of the intricacies of the story and the way in which characters were developed and fleshed out. Even Katie, somewhat an unsympathetic character for a very large portion of the book, has several reveals that made me see her in an entirely different light. I still don’t agree with a lot of her choices and motives but I can definitely better understand them, especially with the position she was in at the time.
Also woven into the story is that of Ava’s daughter Nina, struggling with finding her place in the world, and John’s son Blair. After Ava visits John’s family home after a thirty year absence and confesses her connection to the place to Nina, her daughter decides to see this place for herself and the man that made such a mark on her mother. After getting off to a somewhat rocky start when Blair mistakes the reason Nina is there, the two find some common ground. I really liked the character of Nina, who was not really sure what her role of place was. Her mother had this amazing company that she’d built from scratch, her brother had found his niche within it, as well as marrying and having a family but Nina had yet to find that satisfaction in either her personal or her professional life. This is something I quite identify with (the professional part) and it’s interesting to read about people who are struggling in that way. She has a job, it’s fine but it doesn’t seem to particularly fulfil her. But through her visits to Candlebark Creek, a seed is born.
I found this book really satisfying overall. It had such an intriguing premise upon reading the beginning – why have these people been separated for thirty years? How did this happen? And in going forward and getting the answers to all my questions there were surprises and clever twists along the way as well as a thread of hope. I loved the part about the mystery surrounding the ring and that was just another loose end from quite early on that played much bigger part later in the book.
Another fantastic read from an author who always delivers a really lovely story.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
March 24, 2018
I am a huge fan of Jenn McLeod's writing and I believe this latest book is her best work. The story spans 30 years and tells the story of Ava who leaves an abusive family home and retreats to a small town in Queensland's far north region where she is offered the job of cook at a property that runs a B & B. She forms a friendship with her employer's son who is younger than her and despite her resistance because of their age gap they fall in love. Tragedy strikes and Ava flees, broken hearted and with little more than what she brought with her.
Thirty years later, Ava has two children and a successful business behind her and her health is not great Her daughter Nina who is in the family business is curious about the man who her mother loved all those years ago and returns to the farm on a fact-finding mission. Little does she know that history is going to repeat itself and she falls for the son of the owner. Nina stays on and discovers that there are many secrets and lies in Candlebark Creek and she has to decide whether to tell her mother what she has found out or let love find its own way.
This book was fantastic and kept me turning the pages all week. I loved the characters therein and the back stories that they all had which came together so well,- even skipping ahead 10 years at the end, so you knew what had happened to them all gave the reader a sense of closure. This book will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction or Rural Fiction and Australian stories.
Thank you so such to Beauty and Lace Books and Head of Zeus for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thirty years later, Ava has two children and a successful business behind her and her health is not great Her daughter Nina who is in the family business is curious about the man who her mother loved all those years ago and returns to the farm on a fact-finding mission. Little does she know that history is going to repeat itself and she falls for the son of the owner. Nina stays on and discovers that there are many secrets and lies in Candlebark Creek and she has to decide whether to tell her mother what she has found out or let love find its own way.
This book was fantastic and kept me turning the pages all week. I loved the characters therein and the back stories that they all had which came together so well,- even skipping ahead 10 years at the end, so you knew what had happened to them all gave the reader a sense of closure. This book will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction or Rural Fiction and Australian stories.
Thank you so such to Beauty and Lace Books and Head of Zeus for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 25, 2019
Genuinely Australian
A moving saga with emotional connections at its heart
Love, honesty and lies, control and letting go
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story.
Ps. You made me teary again with this one Jenn J. Thank you. xx
A moving saga with emotional connections at its heart
Love, honesty and lies, control and letting go
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story.
Ps. You made me teary again with this one Jenn J. Thank you. xx
January 1, 2021
A PLACE TO REMEMBER is a sweet romance story spanning two generations. Ava takes a job as a cook for the B&B on a remote northern Queensland cattle station, Ivy-May owned by the Tate family, in the 1980s. She is running away from a troubled childhood and plans to stay just long enough to save enough money to travel overseas. She doesn’t plan on falling in love with the only son of the Tate family, John. Tragedy separates Ava and John until thirty years later in the present day when both Ava and her daughter, Nina, travel to Ivy-May to seek answers about the past.
I really enjoyed the remote and quintessentially Australian setting and characters of A PLACE TO REMEMBER. I’ve visited this area before and McLeod has perfectly captured the scenery and Aussie characters through her vibrant and descriptive writing style. Ava and John’s tragic romance story filled with long-buried family secrets and betrayal was beautifully told.
I really enjoyed the remote and quintessentially Australian setting and characters of A PLACE TO REMEMBER. I’ve visited this area before and McLeod has perfectly captured the scenery and Aussie characters through her vibrant and descriptive writing style. Ava and John’s tragic romance story filled with long-buried family secrets and betrayal was beautifully told.
March 13, 2018
Whilst an interesting story concept, I found this book rather boring, and remained uninterested and uninvested in any of the characters.
November 19, 2018
Jenn J. McLeod is another author I have discovered courtesy of the West Coast Fiction Festival, A Place To Remember the first of her books I've had the joy of reading.
Trying to describe this book is tricky though. It is the story of Ava and John, who meet after Ava takes the job of cook on the Tate family property. The people in John's life don't want them together though, and will do everything they can to keep them apart.
30 years later Ava and John, and their children, Nina and Blair, come face to face. Secret are revealed, mysteries are solved, new connections are made.
I'm going to honest, this book probably sat on the TBR shelf longer than it should have, because I wasn't sure I wanted to read it - I seriously did only buy it to get signed at WCFF. But then, what's the point in buying a book and not read it? Kinda dumb, right? So, you know, the obvious solution is to read the damn book.
So I did.
And you know what? I really enjoyed it. The vibrant descriptions of the landscapes, John's terrible puns, the realism of the characters. It was just all good.
Selfishly I would have loved more Nina and Blair, and more resolution on Katie, but this was John and Ava's story, and what a great story it was.
Trying to describe this book is tricky though. It is the story of Ava and John, who meet after Ava takes the job of cook on the Tate family property. The people in John's life don't want them together though, and will do everything they can to keep them apart.
30 years later Ava and John, and their children, Nina and Blair, come face to face. Secret are revealed, mysteries are solved, new connections are made.
I'm going to honest, this book probably sat on the TBR shelf longer than it should have, because I wasn't sure I wanted to read it - I seriously did only buy it to get signed at WCFF. But then, what's the point in buying a book and not read it? Kinda dumb, right? So, you know, the obvious solution is to read the damn book.
So I did.
And you know what? I really enjoyed it. The vibrant descriptions of the landscapes, John's terrible puns, the realism of the characters. It was just all good.
Selfishly I would have loved more Nina and Blair, and more resolution on Katie, but this was John and Ava's story, and what a great story it was.
March 19, 2019
4.5 stars. I bought this book after seeing Jenn at an author talk in a small country library. Her nomadic life was interesting and I loved how she weaved her story into the pages from the places she's stayed. Be warned though, it's a whopper of a read, and I wasn't sure how I'd go reading a genre I rarely pick up, but I was pleasantly surprised. Jenn's writing is flawless, her characters vivid and yet flawed. My only disappointment was when the book skipped ahead so many years, but then I sunk back into the story again and got swept away in it all.
I recommend this one to fans of gritty rural romance with a lot of heart.
I recommend this one to fans of gritty rural romance with a lot of heart.
April 14, 2018
BRILLIANT - I've read all Jenn J McLeod's books and loved every one. My introduction to this fabulous Australian author was through Beauty and Lace, who also sent me my copy of A Place To Remember. I loved House For All Seasons, Jenn's first book and was delighted to receive 2 other "Seasons" books from Beauty and Lace, the other I bought. I've been waiting for another Jenn J McLeod book since I finished the last one and I wasn't disappointed.
This is glorious, from the very beautiful cover to the last word. It's a lengthy novel of 467 pages but not one word is out of place. It's a beautiful story with wonderful characters, stories within a story and a glorious ending. It's wonderful when you finish a book and sigh with satisfaction, delighted in having been part of something special. That's what happened with A Place To Remember for me, a VERY special book which I will share but only with those I love and know they'll return my book so it can be returned to again. I cannot recommend Jenn J McLeod's A Place To Remember highly enough and thank Beauty and Lace so much for the "discovery" of Jenn J McLeod and her wonderful novels.
This is glorious, from the very beautiful cover to the last word. It's a lengthy novel of 467 pages but not one word is out of place. It's a beautiful story with wonderful characters, stories within a story and a glorious ending. It's wonderful when you finish a book and sigh with satisfaction, delighted in having been part of something special. That's what happened with A Place To Remember for me, a VERY special book which I will share but only with those I love and know they'll return my book so it can be returned to again. I cannot recommend Jenn J McLeod's A Place To Remember highly enough and thank Beauty and Lace so much for the "discovery" of Jenn J McLeod and her wonderful novels.
May 24, 2019
Had everything - mystery, love etc etc - great read, loved every minute reading
March 28, 2018
Absolutely loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!
September 3, 2019
Really enjoyed this, I loved the fact it spanned both Ava's younger and older years. I found it hard to put down, it was that good. It's quite an easy read, a great book to take on holiday.
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