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The Stockman's Secret
From our favourite rural romance author comes an inspiring novel about having the courage to forgive past mistakes, set in the heart of Australia's countryside.
In the small town of Little Heart, Juliette Kerr and Joel Hunter are drawn together by their shared experience being targeted by school bullies. But when the bullying takes a drastic turn, Juliette can see no other way to protect Joel from the aftermath than to break his heart and make him leave her behind. Devastated and confused, Joel packs his bags, heading far away in the heart of the outback to jackaroo at Rosalee Station for as long as it takes his heart to heal.
A decade later, Joel returns to mend fences with his family and to offer Juliette support. He's no longer the hot-tempered young man who left, but he's never stopped loving her. Is it finally time to make things right between them? Will these two lovers find a way to make peace with the past and regain their future together?
PRAISE FOR MANDY MAGRO:
'Mandy Magro captures tragedy, suspense, heartache and second chances all in one read' - Talking Books blog
In the small town of Little Heart, Juliette Kerr and Joel Hunter are drawn together by their shared experience being targeted by school bullies. But when the bullying takes a drastic turn, Juliette can see no other way to protect Joel from the aftermath than to break his heart and make him leave her behind. Devastated and confused, Joel packs his bags, heading far away in the heart of the outback to jackaroo at Rosalee Station for as long as it takes his heart to heal.
A decade later, Joel returns to mend fences with his family and to offer Juliette support. He's no longer the hot-tempered young man who left, but he's never stopped loving her. Is it finally time to make things right between them? Will these two lovers find a way to make peace with the past and regain their future together?
PRAISE FOR MANDY MAGRO:
'Mandy Magro captures tragedy, suspense, heartache and second chances all in one read' - Talking Books blog
316 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2020
24 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books334 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 1, 2020
When Joel Hunter left his hometown of Little Heart and his sweetheart Juliette Kerr, he had no idea it would be years until he returned. The horrors that unfolded after the years of bullying, cracked their lives. Nothing would ever be the same and Joel was determined to put distance between his family and his best friend. What would it take for him to return?
Juliette kept the secret of that dreadful night close to her chest. No one must know or worse would follow. Although her heart was broken, she settled into marriage with Lachlan, longing for a happy life with children to bless them. When Joel unexpectedly returned to Little Heart, Juliette had realized her marriage was a sham. Joel wanted to mend fences with his family and be a friend to Juliette. But could that happen? Was the past destined to rule their lives forever?
The Stockman’s Secret by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a rural romance set in the fictional Queensland town of Little Heart, where the heat and humidity set the tone for most days. Juliette and her horse Warrior, along with her little dog Brute were a great team, while Joel and his newly acquired horse, Dynamite were slowly becoming friends. Family, loyalty, love and secrets sets the scene for The Stockman’s Secret which I recommend.
With thanks to HarperCollins Publishers AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
Juliette kept the secret of that dreadful night close to her chest. No one must know or worse would follow. Although her heart was broken, she settled into marriage with Lachlan, longing for a happy life with children to bless them. When Joel unexpectedly returned to Little Heart, Juliette had realized her marriage was a sham. Joel wanted to mend fences with his family and be a friend to Juliette. But could that happen? Was the past destined to rule their lives forever?
The Stockman’s Secret by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a rural romance set in the fictional Queensland town of Little Heart, where the heat and humidity set the tone for most days. Juliette and her horse Warrior, along with her little dog Brute were a great team, while Joel and his newly acquired horse, Dynamite were slowly becoming friends. Family, loyalty, love and secrets sets the scene for The Stockman’s Secret which I recommend.
With thanks to HarperCollins Publishers AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2020
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Stockman’s Secret marks bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro’s fifteenth release. A rural romance specialist, Mandy Magro is a trusted author in this popular genre, who consistently produces books that fill the reader with plenty of heart and enjoyment. The Stockman’s Secret is a compelling rural story of love, tragedy, heartbreak, disappointment, redemption and hope.
Little Heart is the beautiful rural setting in The Stockman’s Secret. Mandy Magro’s latest is based in tropical Queensland and this tiny locale is home to Joel Hunter and Juliette Kerr, the lead characters featured in The Stockman’s Secret. Together, these two have fought off the bullies of the town, but when a tragedy occurs, they go their separate ways. Joel moves away from Little Heart in the wake of this terrible and life changing incident, taking up a role as a jackaroo. Joel departs home home town with a big hole in his heart. A decade later, Joel comes home to Little Heart in an attempt to reconcile with his family and Juliette. But time has created a big rift between Joel and Juliette. Can these two former lovers find a way to rekindle their lost love?
There is a really touching dedication in the back of The Stockman’s Secret. It helped me to understand how passionate Mandy Magro is about her writing team, craft and readership. As Mandy Magro mentions in her closing sentence of her Acknowledgments, a Mandy Magro novel generally has you smiling, dreaming and hiding somewhere quiet in an attempt to overcome life’s hassles. If a book has the power to do any of these things, I am a happy bunny! I really enjoyed meeting the characters of The Stockman’s Secret and following their journey, it was a heartfelt sojourn to a quaint rural township of Queensland.
One of the areas that Mandy Magro displays her prowess is her setting. Through The Stockman’s Secret I was able to remove myself from cold, windy and stormy Western Australia to lush and sultry Queensland. What a joy! I immediately warmed up and I consumed Magro’s descriptions of the tropical surrounds and stunning local wildfire of this region. It is obvious that Magro is very familiar with this location and her passion for the rural areas of far north tropical Queensland is very evident in The Stockman’s Secret.
Another segment of the novel that Mandy Magro shines is her knowledge and understanding of Joel, the stockman’s role. Although I have read quite a lot of rural romance, I am still not confident in my understanding of the job description of a stockman. I found this area of the book fascinating and the horse based sections were such a pleasure to read. Magro ensures these segments of her novel are insightful, believable and authentic.
Character wise, the hero and heroine of this tale were credible, personable and refined. My sympathy for Joel and Juliette developed very early on the piece. My heart went out to both leads through the pressures of their family life, faith, strict rules and the awful bullies that targeted them. This was an emotional story that did bring some tears to my eyes. Magro draws out the heartbreak and upset in these areas. I really did empathise with both Joel and Juliette. There were some well drawn bad guys in this story, along with an endearing supporting character, Joel’s sister Zoe. I do hope Magro has plans to revisit this character, I think there is room for a flow on novel featuring Zoe.
Plot wise, The Stockman’s Secret was intriguing, often risky, edgy, but also clear in its intentions. Magro opens up a conversation around topics of family relations, cruelty, unfair treatment, fear, faith, devotion, abuse, control, betrayal, heartbreak, sacrifice, loyalty, resilience, past love, reconciliation and forgiveness. There is no doubt that The Stockman’s Secret is a book that hums with activity, keeping the reader fully engaged from start to finish. A truly heartwarming close leaves the reader completely satisfied. My thanks to Mandy Magro for giving life to such an endearing set of characters and pitting them against some complex life challenges. The Stockman’s Secret is a recommended read.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Stockman’s Secret is book #74 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Stockman’s Secret marks bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro’s fifteenth release. A rural romance specialist, Mandy Magro is a trusted author in this popular genre, who consistently produces books that fill the reader with plenty of heart and enjoyment. The Stockman’s Secret is a compelling rural story of love, tragedy, heartbreak, disappointment, redemption and hope.
Little Heart is the beautiful rural setting in The Stockman’s Secret. Mandy Magro’s latest is based in tropical Queensland and this tiny locale is home to Joel Hunter and Juliette Kerr, the lead characters featured in The Stockman’s Secret. Together, these two have fought off the bullies of the town, but when a tragedy occurs, they go their separate ways. Joel moves away from Little Heart in the wake of this terrible and life changing incident, taking up a role as a jackaroo. Joel departs home home town with a big hole in his heart. A decade later, Joel comes home to Little Heart in an attempt to reconcile with his family and Juliette. But time has created a big rift between Joel and Juliette. Can these two former lovers find a way to rekindle their lost love?
There is a really touching dedication in the back of The Stockman’s Secret. It helped me to understand how passionate Mandy Magro is about her writing team, craft and readership. As Mandy Magro mentions in her closing sentence of her Acknowledgments, a Mandy Magro novel generally has you smiling, dreaming and hiding somewhere quiet in an attempt to overcome life’s hassles. If a book has the power to do any of these things, I am a happy bunny! I really enjoyed meeting the characters of The Stockman’s Secret and following their journey, it was a heartfelt sojourn to a quaint rural township of Queensland.
One of the areas that Mandy Magro displays her prowess is her setting. Through The Stockman’s Secret I was able to remove myself from cold, windy and stormy Western Australia to lush and sultry Queensland. What a joy! I immediately warmed up and I consumed Magro’s descriptions of the tropical surrounds and stunning local wildfire of this region. It is obvious that Magro is very familiar with this location and her passion for the rural areas of far north tropical Queensland is very evident in The Stockman’s Secret.
Another segment of the novel that Mandy Magro shines is her knowledge and understanding of Joel, the stockman’s role. Although I have read quite a lot of rural romance, I am still not confident in my understanding of the job description of a stockman. I found this area of the book fascinating and the horse based sections were such a pleasure to read. Magro ensures these segments of her novel are insightful, believable and authentic.
Character wise, the hero and heroine of this tale were credible, personable and refined. My sympathy for Joel and Juliette developed very early on the piece. My heart went out to both leads through the pressures of their family life, faith, strict rules and the awful bullies that targeted them. This was an emotional story that did bring some tears to my eyes. Magro draws out the heartbreak and upset in these areas. I really did empathise with both Joel and Juliette. There were some well drawn bad guys in this story, along with an endearing supporting character, Joel’s sister Zoe. I do hope Magro has plans to revisit this character, I think there is room for a flow on novel featuring Zoe.
Plot wise, The Stockman’s Secret was intriguing, often risky, edgy, but also clear in its intentions. Magro opens up a conversation around topics of family relations, cruelty, unfair treatment, fear, faith, devotion, abuse, control, betrayal, heartbreak, sacrifice, loyalty, resilience, past love, reconciliation and forgiveness. There is no doubt that The Stockman’s Secret is a book that hums with activity, keeping the reader fully engaged from start to finish. A truly heartwarming close leaves the reader completely satisfied. My thanks to Mandy Magro for giving life to such an endearing set of characters and pitting them against some complex life challenges. The Stockman’s Secret is a recommended read.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Stockman’s Secret is book #74 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 25, 2025
I expected there to be more romance in this book than there is but it mainly focuses on Joel and Juliette learning to heal from the trauma they have been through. This was much more of a slow-burn than this author's other books but it is a second chance romance. RTC.
August 3, 2020
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**3.5 stars**
The Stockman's Secret by Mandy Magro. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 18 May 2020**
In the small town of Little Heart, Juliette and Joel are drawn together after being targeted by bullies. But when the bullying takes a drastic turn, Juliette can see no other way to protect Joel from the aftermath than to break his heart. Devastated and confused, Joel heads into the heart of the outback to jackaroo. 10 years later, Joel returns to mend fences with his family and offer Juliette support. He's never stopped loving her. Is it finally time to make things right between them, and will they find a way to make peace with the past and regain their future together?
I did like this one well enough, but I wouldn't say I really enjoyed it. I would like to point out that rural romance is not one of my preferred genres, I only read it here and there. I think for me the characters and plot in this one felt slightly cliche and overly dramatic at times which put me off a bit. In saying that, I was definitely hoping that Joel and Juliette would be able to sort out their respective issues and have a happy ending together. I liked the love that the main characters had for their animals, it was heartwarming. There were a couple of characters I would have liked to have spent more time with (Zoe and Ben) but to be fair I guess that wouldn't have fit with the whole romance concept.
I think that readers who are fans of Australian rural romance would really enjoy this novel.
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**3.5 stars**
The Stockman's Secret by Mandy Magro. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 18 May 2020**
In the small town of Little Heart, Juliette and Joel are drawn together after being targeted by bullies. But when the bullying takes a drastic turn, Juliette can see no other way to protect Joel from the aftermath than to break his heart. Devastated and confused, Joel heads into the heart of the outback to jackaroo. 10 years later, Joel returns to mend fences with his family and offer Juliette support. He's never stopped loving her. Is it finally time to make things right between them, and will they find a way to make peace with the past and regain their future together?
I did like this one well enough, but I wouldn't say I really enjoyed it. I would like to point out that rural romance is not one of my preferred genres, I only read it here and there. I think for me the characters and plot in this one felt slightly cliche and overly dramatic at times which put me off a bit. In saying that, I was definitely hoping that Joel and Juliette would be able to sort out their respective issues and have a happy ending together. I liked the love that the main characters had for their animals, it was heartwarming. There were a couple of characters I would have liked to have spent more time with (Zoe and Ben) but to be fair I guess that wouldn't have fit with the whole romance concept.
I think that readers who are fans of Australian rural romance would really enjoy this novel.
June 25, 2020
A contemporary tale featuring the themes of honesty, betrayal, family, friendship, deceit and integrity.
A young 18-year-old Joel Hunter leaves the Far North Queensland fictional town of Little Heart and his soulmate Juliette Kerr, after a devastating experience at the hands of the community bullies. Years later he returns and the horrors and devastation left in the wake of the incident have continued to destroy lives.
Juliette keeps their secret and many others, but she moves on and marries local rich lad Lachlan. Ten years later, Joel rides into town and the dramas begin to unfold. Repairing his relationship with his family is his first priority but secrets are challenged and egos bruised.
I found 'The Stockman’s Secret' a little long and broke up my reading with other novels. I am glad I persisted, as the resolution is rewarding, if not a little predictable. A great contemporary Australian read.
Thank you to publishers HarperCollins AU and Sarana Behan for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
#HarperCollins #TheStockmansSecret
A young 18-year-old Joel Hunter leaves the Far North Queensland fictional town of Little Heart and his soulmate Juliette Kerr, after a devastating experience at the hands of the community bullies. Years later he returns and the horrors and devastation left in the wake of the incident have continued to destroy lives.
Juliette keeps their secret and many others, but she moves on and marries local rich lad Lachlan. Ten years later, Joel rides into town and the dramas begin to unfold. Repairing his relationship with his family is his first priority but secrets are challenged and egos bruised.
I found 'The Stockman’s Secret' a little long and broke up my reading with other novels. I am glad I persisted, as the resolution is rewarding, if not a little predictable. A great contemporary Australian read.
Thank you to publishers HarperCollins AU and Sarana Behan for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
#HarperCollins #TheStockmansSecret
June 7, 2020
MS Magro has written a story that is filled with emotions, this one had the blood boiling with them as we get to know Jules and Joel in a story that starts when they are teenagers, sees them torn apart and reunited eleven years later, I have to say if you love a romance with lots of emotion, emotions that will have you yelling, cheering and tearing up and smiling then this is a book you should pick up, I loved it.
Joel Hunter lives on the farmstead in Little Heart in Northern Queensland he comes from a religious family that is filled with love and happiness, but there is a family in town who are bullies and do their best to cause a lot of trouble for Joel, as the years go by he and local girl Juliette Kern fall for each other and they have all the plans for the future, marriage living on the farm, but bullies and life have other plans and they are torn apart in the most sad and terrible way, and this and a promise to keep a secret will see Joel take off for eleven years.
After the incident that changed her life and her, she moves on with her life becomes a teacher and with pressure from her step-father the town Pastor and her mother she marries Lachlan Davies and looks forward to a family life with children and puts the past and the secret well behind her, but life is not what she had thought it would be and when after elven long years the man she had never forgotten arrives back in town, determined to right the wrong that was done before he left, this will mean a lot of feelings that Jules has pushed to a corner of her mind will need to be bought out.
This is a story that is so well written, beautifully told and pulled me in, I loved Joel so much a true gentleman cowboy, he had been through so much at the hands of others and learnt a lot while away for all those years but he never forgot Jules and Jules what can I say what this woman has been through in her life was so hard and to see her come through as such a beautiful loving and caring woman had me cheering her on. They had a lot to get through but with love and passion they did to the best HEA, this is another winner from MS Magro, a must read one that I highly recommend, thank you so much MS Magro.
Joel Hunter lives on the farmstead in Little Heart in Northern Queensland he comes from a religious family that is filled with love and happiness, but there is a family in town who are bullies and do their best to cause a lot of trouble for Joel, as the years go by he and local girl Juliette Kern fall for each other and they have all the plans for the future, marriage living on the farm, but bullies and life have other plans and they are torn apart in the most sad and terrible way, and this and a promise to keep a secret will see Joel take off for eleven years.
After the incident that changed her life and her, she moves on with her life becomes a teacher and with pressure from her step-father the town Pastor and her mother she marries Lachlan Davies and looks forward to a family life with children and puts the past and the secret well behind her, but life is not what she had thought it would be and when after elven long years the man she had never forgotten arrives back in town, determined to right the wrong that was done before he left, this will mean a lot of feelings that Jules has pushed to a corner of her mind will need to be bought out.
This is a story that is so well written, beautifully told and pulled me in, I loved Joel so much a true gentleman cowboy, he had been through so much at the hands of others and learnt a lot while away for all those years but he never forgot Jules and Jules what can I say what this woman has been through in her life was so hard and to see her come through as such a beautiful loving and caring woman had me cheering her on. They had a lot to get through but with love and passion they did to the best HEA, this is another winner from MS Magro, a must read one that I highly recommend, thank you so much MS Magro.
June 6, 2020
Mandy Magro knows far North Queensland so well and it shines through in her writing. The Stockman’s Secretis set on the Atherton Tablelands just west of Kuranda in the small rural town of Little Heart. One of the highlights of this book for me was the detailed setting, the combination of lush tropical plantations of fruit trees, beautiful tropical gardens filled with bougainvilleas and other gorgeous flowers and the open cattle country.
Both heroine Juliette Kern and hero Joel Hunter have grown up in deeply religious families, though that is where the similarities end. Joel’s father is strict in his faith and in his expectations of his son but this family is filled with love. Juliette, on the other hand, lives in fear of her stepfather, the local pastor, who is a bully behind the closed doors of his family home, treating both his wife and his stepdaughter to beltings and more when they fail to adhere to his strict rules.
Against this background Joel and Juliette have come together once again after eleven years apart, caused by an incident that forced Joel to leave home and become a stockman while Juliette enters into a marriage which turns out to be less than optimum. With many hurts to heal, Joel has an uphill battle to reconcile with his father, re-establish his relationship with Juliette and set past events to rights.
This story is an emotional journey for both protagonists, but one that kept me interested throughout. I loved Joel—he’s a fine and upstanding man who any parent would be proud to call their son. It took me longer to warm to Juliette, probably because like Joel I had no idea what burdens she was carrying and couldn’t understand where she was coming from at times. When I eventually understood what she was facing it all fell into place and from there on I was hoping and praying that these two would get through their issues and reach their happy ever after. What a relief that they did!
Both heroine Juliette Kern and hero Joel Hunter have grown up in deeply religious families, though that is where the similarities end. Joel’s father is strict in his faith and in his expectations of his son but this family is filled with love. Juliette, on the other hand, lives in fear of her stepfather, the local pastor, who is a bully behind the closed doors of his family home, treating both his wife and his stepdaughter to beltings and more when they fail to adhere to his strict rules.
Against this background Joel and Juliette have come together once again after eleven years apart, caused by an incident that forced Joel to leave home and become a stockman while Juliette enters into a marriage which turns out to be less than optimum. With many hurts to heal, Joel has an uphill battle to reconcile with his father, re-establish his relationship with Juliette and set past events to rights.
This story is an emotional journey for both protagonists, but one that kept me interested throughout. I loved Joel—he’s a fine and upstanding man who any parent would be proud to call their son. It took me longer to warm to Juliette, probably because like Joel I had no idea what burdens she was carrying and couldn’t understand where she was coming from at times. When I eventually understood what she was facing it all fell into place and from there on I was hoping and praying that these two would get through their issues and reach their happy ever after. What a relief that they did!
August 28, 2020
The Stockman's Secret is about how two people had a second chance of love. After an accident that killed his horse, and Joel Hunter end up with a concussion. Joel Hunter decided to come home to Little Heart. However, on arrival, Joel Hunter realised that there was something wrong with his childhood sweetheart Juliette Kerr and best mate Ben. Joel decided to stay to find the answers. The readers of The Stockman's Secret will continue to follow Juliette and Joel to find out want happens.
The Stockman's Secret is a fantastic book by Mandy Magro. Like all books by Mandy Magro, I engaged with the plot from the first page. I love Mandy Magro's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Stockman's Secret is well written and researched by Mandy Magro. The way Mandy Magro descript the settings of The Stockman's Secret allowed me to imagine living in Little Heart.
The readers of The Stockman's Secret will understand the consequences of bullying on everyone involved and realise that it can affect the suffers for life. Also, readers of The Stockman's Secret will learn about training a wild horse.
I recommend this book.
The Stockman's Secret is a fantastic book by Mandy Magro. Like all books by Mandy Magro, I engaged with the plot from the first page. I love Mandy Magro's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Stockman's Secret is well written and researched by Mandy Magro. The way Mandy Magro descript the settings of The Stockman's Secret allowed me to imagine living in Little Heart.
The readers of The Stockman's Secret will understand the consequences of bullying on everyone involved and realise that it can affect the suffers for life. Also, readers of The Stockman's Secret will learn about training a wild horse.
I recommend this book.
May 29, 2020
Yet another great novel from Mandy. Don't know where they all from but keep 'em coming!
May 25, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and Mandy just keeps getting better. I hope there will be a sequel about Zoe.
June 9, 2020
“The Stockman’s Secret” is a rural romance, with all the characteristics you’d expect of it. However, this places the characters in a situation unusual for romances, and plays it out in a surprisingly tense and very involving plot.
Joel and Juliette grew up together in a small rural town, and anticipated that they’d always be together. But their dreams were shattered. Joel left town after a bitter rejection from his father. Juliette moved on and married someone else.
It’s over a decade since Joel left the town and Juliette. Now he’s back. He wants to make amends with his parents; to resolve the events that led to his departure; and most of all, he wants to reconcile with Juliette. It’s not that simple, of course. Juliette is still adamantly opposed to ever letting anyone know why things went wrong. And she’s married. Very unhappily, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to take her wedding vows lightly.
I have to say, I haven’t read many romances which start from a point where one half of the couple central to the romantic plot is already married. It’s something of a challenge to build reader sympathy in that situation; Magro does it by painting Juliette’s husband and in-laws in a particularly unpleasant light. Although she just barely misses going over the top, this does work. However, it did rather leave me wondering why Juliette put up with it.
This is a complicated, believable story about realistic characters. The situation requires perhaps a slightly greater suspension of belief than most romances ask for, but that in turn makes it more original and engrossing than a cookie cutter romance.
The connection between Joel and Juliette is strongly and credibly drawn. It’s steamy, but also built on a long history. It’s not hard to see why Juliette would be tempted, despite being committed elsewhere.
This will definitely appeal to romance fans; the romance is well written and engaging, and the novel overall doesn’t stray too far from the conventions of the genre. However, it will also appeal to readers looking for character based stories, or light reads. I didn’t find this particularly demanding, although I enjoyed it immensely.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Joel and Juliette grew up together in a small rural town, and anticipated that they’d always be together. But their dreams were shattered. Joel left town after a bitter rejection from his father. Juliette moved on and married someone else.
It’s over a decade since Joel left the town and Juliette. Now he’s back. He wants to make amends with his parents; to resolve the events that led to his departure; and most of all, he wants to reconcile with Juliette. It’s not that simple, of course. Juliette is still adamantly opposed to ever letting anyone know why things went wrong. And she’s married. Very unhappily, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to take her wedding vows lightly.
I have to say, I haven’t read many romances which start from a point where one half of the couple central to the romantic plot is already married. It’s something of a challenge to build reader sympathy in that situation; Magro does it by painting Juliette’s husband and in-laws in a particularly unpleasant light. Although she just barely misses going over the top, this does work. However, it did rather leave me wondering why Juliette put up with it.
This is a complicated, believable story about realistic characters. The situation requires perhaps a slightly greater suspension of belief than most romances ask for, but that in turn makes it more original and engrossing than a cookie cutter romance.
The connection between Joel and Juliette is strongly and credibly drawn. It’s steamy, but also built on a long history. It’s not hard to see why Juliette would be tempted, despite being committed elsewhere.
This will definitely appeal to romance fans; the romance is well written and engaging, and the novel overall doesn’t stray too far from the conventions of the genre. However, it will also appeal to readers looking for character based stories, or light reads. I didn’t find this particularly demanding, although I enjoyed it immensely.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
June 13, 2020
I found this book to be a sweet story of young love taking a wrong turn and then coming good.
Juliette and Joel were so close as teenagers, until the night when something terrible happened. Joel left town and didn't come back for 10 long years. Juliette got on with her life, but was it a happy one? Do the events of that fateful night still haunt her, the way they haunt Joel? These and other questions will be answered in this book.
There were a lot of positives to be had here. The book is written by an Australian author and is set in Far North Queensland. I can just about feel the humidity and hear the cicadas doing their thing! I loved the descriptions of Joel working with the horses and the down-to-earth nature of Juliette, with her being a farm girl too. I could have done with a bit more depth to the story of their lives on the land though and thought that the solving of the nasty dilemmas in their lives was a little bit too simplistic. It annoyed me that the word "God" was written as god, throughout, especially that both Joel and Juliette had a strong faith.
Still and all, this is a nice read and will transport you to the outback for a couple of hours.
4 stars from me.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my opinion only and has not been influenced by anyone else.
Juliette and Joel were so close as teenagers, until the night when something terrible happened. Joel left town and didn't come back for 10 long years. Juliette got on with her life, but was it a happy one? Do the events of that fateful night still haunt her, the way they haunt Joel? These and other questions will be answered in this book.
There were a lot of positives to be had here. The book is written by an Australian author and is set in Far North Queensland. I can just about feel the humidity and hear the cicadas doing their thing! I loved the descriptions of Joel working with the horses and the down-to-earth nature of Juliette, with her being a farm girl too. I could have done with a bit more depth to the story of their lives on the land though and thought that the solving of the nasty dilemmas in their lives was a little bit too simplistic. It annoyed me that the word "God" was written as god, throughout, especially that both Joel and Juliette had a strong faith.
Still and all, this is a nice read and will transport you to the outback for a couple of hours.
4 stars from me.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my opinion only and has not been influenced by anyone else.
June 9, 2020
Loved it. A lovely read of love and dedication.
June 4, 2020
Oh WOW. What a story Juliette and Joel's story was. So there was so much emotion throughout the book I felt, from tender love, to hurt, to anger, to distrust, to uncertainty, to learning to trust and finally to forgive and move forward with the love felt. This book showed that even though life can hurt you, you can make life good again.
Mandy wrote this book with passion that draws the reader into the story.
Mandy wrote this book with passion that draws the reader into the story.
June 4, 2020
What a wonderful story this was, set in a small country town of Australia. I could hear the lingo, and despite being a city girl I could feel the characters. The land and animals were given life by this author.
Juliette and Joel were a great couple, split apart years before by circumstances out of their control. Too young to fix the issues at the time. So many feels in this book, you'll want to all to work out and give them their happy ending.
Juliette and Joel were a great couple, split apart years before by circumstances out of their control. Too young to fix the issues at the time. So many feels in this book, you'll want to all to work out and give them their happy ending.
June 6, 2020
Another fabulously good read, thanks Mandy!
June 1, 2020
Wow!!! Mandy Magro has done it again. An amazing story about secrets, family, suspense and heartache. I was completely hooked from the beginning to the end, I absolutely loved it.
Read
July 17, 2020I had a great time racing through the pages of Mandy Magro’s newest release – The Stockman’s Secret. The story follows Juliette and Joel, two childhood sweethearts whose future is ripped away from them by a nasty incident in their teenage years. Joel is determined to set things right, but dark secrets and small town dynamics conspire to keep them apart. There were characters I loved to hate, plenty of tension and of course some of the steamy scenes Mandy is renowned for. Mandy’s strong writing and particular attention to horse-related details hit all the right notes for me. The Stockman’s Secret is easy reading that will be lapped up by horse-lovers and rural romance fans across the country. Thanks to Harlequin for the review copy.
Mandy Magro lives in Far North Queensland, with country to one side and the coast on the other. Writing two rural romance books a year, Mandy describes herself as being ‘as busy as a blue arse fly at a barbecue’ and wouldn’t have it any other way. She revels in her role as home keeper and nurturer to her family, is a keen cook, loves the gym and yoga, and makes time each day for meditation. With 15 books published through Harlequin Mira and another two coming out later this year, Mandy is one of Australia’s leading rural romance authors. REVIEW AND interview also printed here: https://www.mayalinnell.com/blog
Mandy Magro lives in Far North Queensland, with country to one side and the coast on the other. Writing two rural romance books a year, Mandy describes herself as being ‘as busy as a blue arse fly at a barbecue’ and wouldn’t have it any other way. She revels in her role as home keeper and nurturer to her family, is a keen cook, loves the gym and yoga, and makes time each day for meditation. With 15 books published through Harlequin Mira and another two coming out later this year, Mandy is one of Australia’s leading rural romance authors. REVIEW AND interview also printed here: https://www.mayalinnell.com/blog
June 19, 2020
The Stockman’s Secret by Mandy Magro
Secrets can unite, and they can divide. Will he be able to make things right between them?
This is a story about childhood sweethearts Jules (Juliette) and Joel keeping details of nasty event to themselves so Juliette can protect her own family secrets, in doing so this drives a wedge between herself and Joel, as well as between Joel and his own father, resulting in Joel leaving the small town of Little Heart to find work as a jackaroo at Rosalee Station.
A decade later he returns to mend bridges and put things right, though in the time he was away things seem to have become even more complicated for Juliette.
I had a love hate relationship with Juliette’s character, I struggled to understand her at first, and I guess at times found her to be frustrating, but when all her own secrets that burdened her were revealed things did click into place a bit better. I did however really love the character of Zoe, Joel’s younger sister and Juliette’s close friend. I really liked the way she was written. I would happily read a novel based around her in the future!
I found parts of the story to be a tad repetitive, and I struggled just a little through the last part of the book. But I did enjoy the fact I was able to be drawn into the landscape and through Mandy’s descriptions I was able to easily picture it.
I rate this a 3.5 out of 5.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for gifting me this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets can unite, and they can divide. Will he be able to make things right between them?
This is a story about childhood sweethearts Jules (Juliette) and Joel keeping details of nasty event to themselves so Juliette can protect her own family secrets, in doing so this drives a wedge between herself and Joel, as well as between Joel and his own father, resulting in Joel leaving the small town of Little Heart to find work as a jackaroo at Rosalee Station.
A decade later he returns to mend bridges and put things right, though in the time he was away things seem to have become even more complicated for Juliette.
I had a love hate relationship with Juliette’s character, I struggled to understand her at first, and I guess at times found her to be frustrating, but when all her own secrets that burdened her were revealed things did click into place a bit better. I did however really love the character of Zoe, Joel’s younger sister and Juliette’s close friend. I really liked the way she was written. I would happily read a novel based around her in the future!
I found parts of the story to be a tad repetitive, and I struggled just a little through the last part of the book. But I did enjoy the fact I was able to be drawn into the landscape and through Mandy’s descriptions I was able to easily picture it.
I rate this a 3.5 out of 5.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for gifting me this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2020
What can i say loved this book Mandy Margo you have done it again. Your beautiful way of storytelling is amazing I loved Joel Hunter and Juliet story. So much happening in the book that feel for this beautiful young couple can they both forgive and put the past to rest , to find happiness. One night changed both their lives at 18 years old. Ten years later a Secret that had kept Joel away is about to open up old wounds in Juliet life past and present. Can't wait to read her next book. I highly recommend this book so much and all her books❤❤❤
September 1, 2020
A fantastic read with the two main characters being Juliette Kern and Joel Hunter who are high school sweethearts are targeted by the town bullies which turns bad on the evening Joel is going to propose.
In the aftermath of what happens Joel is kicked out by his father and flees his hometown of Little Heart leaving his family and the love of his life Juliette. He becomes a Stockman in the outback and after ten years gets injured and decides to return home to mend some broken relationships.
Things have changed in the ten years and Joel sets about trying to right some wrongs and help everyone involved heal and put to bed all the problems created from the horrid night all those years ago.
If you like country romance and an interesting story line this is a must read!
In the aftermath of what happens Joel is kicked out by his father and flees his hometown of Little Heart leaving his family and the love of his life Juliette. He becomes a Stockman in the outback and after ten years gets injured and decides to return home to mend some broken relationships.
Things have changed in the ten years and Joel sets about trying to right some wrongs and help everyone involved heal and put to bed all the problems created from the horrid night all those years ago.
If you like country romance and an interesting story line this is a must read!
July 10, 2020
Another great read from Mandy Magro, Secrets within secrets tha twist and twine through the lives of Joel and Juliette who staarteed as friends from school, this deals with bullying that exploded way out of hand and impacted to tear apart six lives from a small rural town of Little Heart in Queensland. A terrific yarn that finally resolves with action that defeats the first tormenting secret.five stars *****from CJ Holm
March 18, 2021
Whilst the story line had potential I really struggled with the style in which it was written. With a verbose and over embellished prose I skimmed some parts of this book just to get it finished. I know a lot of people enjoy these types of books, but romances like this are not my jam.
December 20, 2020
** Another 3 star read by Mandy Magro
I really enjoy the plot in Mandy Magro's novels, probably because I am a country girl at heart, but I hate her writing style.
End was a cliche and a little disappointing, I felt there were a few ends that weren't really tied..
I will continue to read her novels though, for the stories.
I really enjoy the plot in Mandy Magro's novels, probably because I am a country girl at heart, but I hate her writing style.
End was a cliche and a little disappointing, I felt there were a few ends that weren't really tied..
I will continue to read her novels though, for the stories.
October 20, 2022
Second time I have read this book. Still good the second time around. Good characters & good storyline.
December 11, 2020
Excellent story and characters. I like how Juliette's character developed. Just the right amount of suspense. Enjoy!
January 26, 2021
I can’t help but feel there could be a great sequel to this story. After 7 years, revenge on a family🤔🤔🤔🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
I’m feeling very conflicted about this and there’s no way that I can talk about this without spoilers but also before I do that I should say people may want to look into trigger warnings for this book before reading.
So I’m saying that, there was an attempted rape at the start of this book which wasn’t what I was expecting and in many ways served as a catalyst for events throughout the rest of the book. Honestly the way it was handled throughout was kind of uncomfortable to me at times because it felt like Joel was really pushing Juliette to tell people about what happened and more so to help himself than her? I don’t know but something about it just did not sit right with me.
Then there was also Juliettes abusive stepfather who was a minister. I was honestly just confused as to the role of religion in this book, I wasn’t sure if the author was trying to make comment on it or not because a majority of the villains within the story were hiding behind it but then the two main characters also seemed to place god as being somewhat important to them. I mean I’m not a religious person at all and it played a fairly big role in the book but like I said I’m really unclear on what the message was supposed to be about it.
Finally, I’ll touch upon the mess that was Juliettes husband. His name slips my mind but the whole thing with him was that he was actually gay but because of how religious his family and their town were they made a deal with Juliettes step father for them to get married and then her step father and mother got to live in some nice house. It was somewhat convoluted and just a lot. But are we not past the point when the gay man is the villain of a story? I just really did not like this plot point, it felt old and honestly a harmful portrayal of someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and in my opinion there’s enough of those that exist and there are better ways authors can create villains for their stories.
But despite this there were moments just between Joel and Juliette that I really appreciated which is why I’m so conflicted. I genuinely really enjoyed moments of this book but there were also elements that I found to be confusing and problematic and that would have been okay if I felt like they were fleshed out well but in many ways they often felt rushed or like the author didn’t think they deserved a bigger mention. I just don’t know.
So I’m saying that, there was an attempted rape at the start of this book which wasn’t what I was expecting and in many ways served as a catalyst for events throughout the rest of the book. Honestly the way it was handled throughout was kind of uncomfortable to me at times because it felt like Joel was really pushing Juliette to tell people about what happened and more so to help himself than her? I don’t know but something about it just did not sit right with me.
Then there was also Juliettes abusive stepfather who was a minister. I was honestly just confused as to the role of religion in this book, I wasn’t sure if the author was trying to make comment on it or not because a majority of the villains within the story were hiding behind it but then the two main characters also seemed to place god as being somewhat important to them. I mean I’m not a religious person at all and it played a fairly big role in the book but like I said I’m really unclear on what the message was supposed to be about it.
Finally, I’ll touch upon the mess that was Juliettes husband. His name slips my mind but the whole thing with him was that he was actually gay but because of how religious his family and their town were they made a deal with Juliettes step father for them to get married and then her step father and mother got to live in some nice house. It was somewhat convoluted and just a lot. But are we not past the point when the gay man is the villain of a story? I just really did not like this plot point, it felt old and honestly a harmful portrayal of someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and in my opinion there’s enough of those that exist and there are better ways authors can create villains for their stories.
But despite this there were moments just between Joel and Juliette that I really appreciated which is why I’m so conflicted. I genuinely really enjoyed moments of this book but there were also elements that I found to be confusing and problematic and that would have been okay if I felt like they were fleshed out well but in many ways they often felt rushed or like the author didn’t think they deserved a bigger mention. I just don’t know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
Childhood sweetherts and soulmates Joel and Juliette once had their lives mapped out. However, what should've been a special night was ruined by the bullies that made their childhood hell. Weighed down with the trauma that must never be spoken of again, the pair went their separate ways soon after.
Joel eventually found work as a stock man on Rosalee Station, out in central Australia. Meanwhile, Juliette married into one of Little Heart's wealthy families. It's been twelve long years since they've last been in contact, and now, Joel has returned home.
Life hasn't treated either one well. They're both living with regrets, and the bullies are still creating problems. But, it's evident that the sparks are still there. Can Joel and Juliette forget, forgive, and move on? If anyone deserves a second chance, it's these two.
The Stockman's Secret is yet another fine example of Mandy Margo's work. Far North Queensland is showcased in all of its beauty, and the rural setting of Little Heart provides a serene backdrop. Whilst this is a predominantly religious community, there are some characters who certainly don't act Christian like!
A sweet way to get back into Mandy's mindset after a long break!
4.5 🌟
Joel eventually found work as a stock man on Rosalee Station, out in central Australia. Meanwhile, Juliette married into one of Little Heart's wealthy families. It's been twelve long years since they've last been in contact, and now, Joel has returned home.
Life hasn't treated either one well. They're both living with regrets, and the bullies are still creating problems. But, it's evident that the sparks are still there. Can Joel and Juliette forget, forgive, and move on? If anyone deserves a second chance, it's these two.
The Stockman's Secret is yet another fine example of Mandy Margo's work. Far North Queensland is showcased in all of its beauty, and the rural setting of Little Heart provides a serene backdrop. Whilst this is a predominantly religious community, there are some characters who certainly don't act Christian like!
A sweet way to get back into Mandy's mindset after a long break!
4.5 🌟
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