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Winter's Walk

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She plans to work alone. He wants to be left alone.
What connects them is a country lane that may be their pathway to love—if only they’d stop irritating each other


Recovering from a personal trauma, IT geek, Jessica, stumbles into Heart Springs with one goal in mind. What she hadn’t planned on was clashing with the bantering, blue-eyed, hard-bodied, Brett.

Shouldering his own emotional tragedy, Brett prefers the solitude of his farm. Until he discovers his new neighbour, the disagreeable yet desirable Jessica standing in his way.

Over six long weeks of winter, these two torn souls somehow agree to work together. But do they dare act upon their mutual attraction, or will they walk away from each other for good?

From the lush countryside of New South Wales to the harsh Centralian outback, hike into the heart of this sweet, small-town rural romance. Where learning to let go of the past can be the most imperfectly perfect step towards love.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2019

131 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Mel A. Rowe

30 books68 followers
♥︎ International bestselling Australian author creating romantic escapes for readers who crave emotionally rich stories — from outback cowboys to magic and moody manors — all with hard-won happily-ever-afters and a twist in every tale. ⋆˙⟡♡

For more visit: MelAROWE.com.

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5 stars
173 (48%)
4 stars
111 (31%)
3 stars
45 (12%)
2 stars
21 (5%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
2,937 reviews66 followers
August 20, 2019
This is a great novella, short, sweet and very witty, Jessica is and IT geek who wants time alone and Brett a country boy is a loner he is not good at talking to new people, but throw them together and both of their lives are about to change.

Jessica has been injured in an accident and the time has come for her to get back on her feet, she plans on hiking in the outback and needs lots of training first, she arranges some jobs helping people with their web pages in the small town of Heart Springs in New South Wales for six weeks here she will also train for her hiking expedition, here she meets local Brett and their first meeting will have you smiling.

Brett has lived in Heart Springs all of his life, he has lost his partner and left the army and now wants nothing but to keep to himself and be alone, but when he meets the new girl in town she seems to be having an effect on him, that makes him start to think that maybe it is time to get back to life, after he gets closer to Jessica helping her with her hiking training.

This is a well written story that I loved from start to finish, it brings Jessica and Brett together in such a beautiful way both strong and stubborn they learn to open up as they have never before, there are lots of smiles and sighs along their journey as Jessica gets stronger every day and Brett lets go of the past and looks to the future with Jessica, the ending is just so very good, with lots of cheering from me. I do recommend this one, thank you MS Rowe for a very entertaining story of love and happiness, this one left me feeling very happy.
Profile Image for Veronica ⭐️.
1,345 reviews292 followers
August 11, 2022
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Winter’s Walk is a sweet novella that comes free when you sign up to the author’s newsletter.

Brett thought that he could never love again and Jess thought no-one could ever love her.
The two fall hard and fast in this sweet romance about healing and moving on.
A beautiful short read about resilience set in a small country town. The vivid descriptions will have you yearning to take a trip to the Larapinta trail and see it all for yourself.
Profile Image for Ruby The Romance Enthusiast.
428 reviews34 followers
September 22, 2019
Winters Walk is my 3rd book by Mel. And I loved it from the first chapter. You can't help but be drawn into these characters. Their first meeting was hilarious and then their second meeting knocked someone on their arse. And I couldn't stop laughing.

Jessica is on a holiday/work trip of sorts to the outback. She's a city girl so she's out of her element. On her first day she encounters two indigenous beings; one who stops her journey to sunbath, the other makes her feel an inch tall for being a city girl.

But that doesn't stop her aspirations and reasons for being in this small town. As she set off on her journey she unexpectedly finds herself drawn to a man that can either derail her goals or push her harder than she thought she could go.

Brett is a character unto himself all together, not just theoretically but actually, despite his tragic past. With his intentions where Jessica were concerned, you immediately know he's a good guy even if he did put his foot in his own mouth several times.

I loved their chemistry, the pushing of buttons is one of my favorite things about a enemies-to-lovers trope. But their drawn to each other because they've both experienced difficult things in their lives. One trauma and one tragedy.

I see what you did there Mel! I applaud you for showing us two characters who experienced some of the worst situations in life, only to rise above it all! I love the realism, I love the struggles! I loved it all!

Winters Walk is the sort of book you need if you want something to help you be refreshed from a book comma. It will draw you in and make you forget about all your other book woes.

ARC generously provided by the author.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,354 reviews73 followers
June 30, 2020
Winter's Walk is a lovely rural novella. After the accident, Jessica decided to move to a small country town called Heart Spring to get fit again. However, Jessica did not accept to met someone like Brett and the people of this small rural community. The readers of Winter's Walk will continue to follow Brett and Jessica to see if their blossoming friendship turns into love.

Winter's Walk is the first book I have read of Mel A. Rowe. At first, with all new authors, I not sure if I would enjoy reading this book. However, Winter's Walk engaged me from the start. I love the portrayal of the characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Winter's Walk is well written and researched by Mel A. Rowe. I like Mel A. Rowe description of the settings and the way they complement the plot of this book.

The readers of Winter's Walk will understand the problems people with a disability have in accessing buildings and their reactions to the people around them. Also, the readers of Winter's Walk will learn about the role of Website designers.

I recommend this book.
41 reviews
April 25, 2021
Nice easy hopeful sweet story

This was a nice story that I enjoyed reading about love determination and moving on from difficult situations. I recommend it
3,769 reviews44 followers
August 18, 2019
4.5 stars
With two main characters mired in the sorrows of their past, this story really hits the heart. Visiting IT specialist Jessica has plans to conquer her past whereas local Brett has buffered himself as much as possible from the places and people who remind him of his loss and regrets. Their developing adversary to supportive relationship makes for a great story and realistic, gradually developing romance as they discover whether they can recover their joy and lust for life.

Mel Rowe has a talent for bringing small-town Australia to life. Like in her novel The Art of Dust, she creates a warm atmosphere of intimately interconnected lives ready to welcome visitor Jessica and support her recovery in her own terms. This is rural hospitality at its best and a perfect foil for the stifling atmosphere in her parents' house that Jessica left behind.

The emotional connection between Jessica and Brett is palpable. You will not find steamy clinches here, but it is not essential IMO when the emotional content is this good. I enjoyed the story from its serpentine start to its triumphant conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodie (Sunshinejode) W.
145 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2019
A sweet contemporary novella that was perfect to read in one sitting.
Two people dealing with hurts, Jessica needs to be alone to prove her independence after suffering personal trauma while Brett needs no one and prefers to be isolated. When IT expert Jessica comes to the Town of Heart Springs she is annoyed to find out the cocky man she met on the highway Brett, is going to be her Neighbour while she works in town. A shared access track on their properties makes them cross paths more than they both like.
I found the story to be heartwarming and engaging and the characters real and witty. The banter between Jessica and Brett was a highlight.
Jump on board and grab this novella that gives you a break from reality and makes you want to read more about Heart Springs. I hope this novella spans more tales about the residents of the town and Jessica and Brett. Thank you for my ARC - I highly recommend this sweet but sassy piece of Australian Rural Fiction.
Profile Image for Sandra.
329 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2019
Jessica & Bretts initially meeting was not the greatest so they become frenemies. She's in the small rural town for work & also to recoup after a major trauma. Brett is hiding from life & a major tragedy. Almost the perfect pair with their stubbornness.
Bit by bit an actual friendship of sorts develops as does their feelings for the other. But she is leaving to fulfil a wish list dream.
It was wonderful how they helped each other mend & perhaps leading towards a promising future. Again Mel depicts a true to life picture of the Aussie Outback with her words. While this was a quick read it did however achieve everything that was needed for this couples story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 4.5*
Profile Image for Edwina Cowgill.
323 reviews57 followers
February 5, 2020
Overcomes

Both main characters, Jessica and Brett, have gone through a lot and have issues they must overcome. They help each other and in the process fall in love. Set in the beautiful scenery of Australia, this was a great story that proved that anyone can be an overcomer if they set their mind to it.
1,413 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2019
Jessica and Brett are damaged. One by tragedy and one by accident. Jessica is determined to do what everyone says is foolish and impossible. Brett's life has virtually stopped. Can being friends help them? Lead to more? I liked this read. It's a sweet romance.
Profile Image for marlin1.
736 reviews23 followers
November 28, 2019
Quick novella and enjoyable. Loved the bantering between the characters.
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books54 followers
March 26, 2021
Easy Reading

This was a nice and easy read with two likeable leads. Nice flow of words winding to the happy ending.

Profile Image for Shebb.
790 reviews
September 8, 2020
An inspiring story of courage and second chances.

Winter's Walk is more than a romance between city slicker, Jessica, and farm boy Brett. It's a story of two broken people overcoming their physical and mental handicaps, courage under fire, and true grit. Second chances at life and love are weaved through the pages of this novel in an engaging storyline filled with real characters facing real-life challenges.

A wonderful story, I stayed up till 1:15am reading this baby! Oh, and not to disparage other authors but I appreciated the respite from constant f'bombs.

Also, Aussie humour, wit and awesomeness is the best. Oi! 🙊🤣
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,126 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2019
What a wonderful heart-warming story this book was I was invested by the end of page two, by the characters as well as the story the author was telling us. The joy this story gave me will stay with me for a while as will the laughter and banter between Jessica and Brett.

Heart Springs welcomes Jessica into their community, a welcome Jessica had not planned as she was only staying for six weeks. Six weeks to gain her independence back so she could plan to take a trek in central Australia. She has planned some IT works while she is here to train and soon find own that the cranky neighbour is one of those clients she must to work for.

Brett is recluse who loves his farm and being on his own. So when he runs into his new neighbour he soon finds an enemy, not a friend. But he soon will have to eat crow as he learns a bit about her and his first impression of her changes. He soon finds the need to help her when he learns her true meaning of being in town.

Two people with hurt and pain within them find common ground and attraction for each other that builds slowly as Brett helps Jessica with her training. They both fight the attraction between them as they know their time together is only short and life will return to normal. But fear, sorrow, tragedy, regret, challenges, hope, loneliness but mainly loss may be what brings them together in the end.

The message of got from this book was even at your very worse stage of life, you can rise above it to find your true happiness and love if you are truly determined to overcome what life has dealt you.

Mel A. Rowe is a wonderful writer that will have you feeling you are part of the place she is writing about as her love and description of Outback Australian is so obvious in the words she shares with us during this and every outback book she writes. My only issue was it was too short as I wanted more of this story and didn’t want it to end but a wonderful ending it was. I would highly recommend this book that I received an ARC copy of from Booksprout and the Author. This is my honest and voluntary review of this book.
Profile Image for Sofie Sehested.
313 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2019
I gave this novella 4,5 stars.
I really, really loved this novella about two people becoming friends and helping each other navigate through the troubles of their lives and feelings in the Australian outback.
I loved the way Mel A. Rowe lead me through this story by using such a beautiful written language and even though it is an emotional story I felt completely safe in the knowledge that they get their happy ending.
The only problem I had with the story is that we get to know how their friendship starts and we read about their first 2 weeks of knowing each other but then suddenly we jump to the last week and we don’t see how their friendship evolves through those four editional weeks they have left together. Even though it is explained a little in the ending I thought I needed more of the relationship.
I loved the ending and the two main characters are so meant to be together. They are both very strong, stubborn and independent people and they don’t give up on their goals.
I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves an emotional contemporary romance without any sexual content and a beautiful description of the Australian outback.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2019
Jessica was seriously injured in a hit-and-run, and is still recovering. She's ready to move on, and is training for a long trail hike. Brett's wife died, and his military mates were all killed by an IED; he'd rather stay on his farm and avoid people altogether. They have a rocky first meeting, but quickly learn how to push each others' buttons. He begins to help Jessica with her training, at first so she doesn't further injure herself with bad form. He becomes both the pushiest trainer and her biggest cheerleader. These two strong, hard-headed people belong together, but first they need to face their fears and open up to each other. I absolutely love this book - a small town romance that grabbed me from the first page. I could close my eyes, and visualize every scene in this story. I took a chance on a previous release, and this author has become a must-read for me now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,039 reviews46 followers
August 24, 2019
Jessica was left crippled in the wake of a hit and run. Her parents were there for her when she came out of hospital, yet they would likely have put her in bubble wrap on a shelf if they could keep her from getting hurt again.

An IT specialist, she took the insurance payout and set up herself as a consultant. Training in the remote farmland Brett calls home, she plans to consult for the travel agent who booked her 6 day hike.

Suddenly Jessica finds herself with several clients, including her snake charming widowed neighbor.

New beginnings- in so many different ways.

Cool inspirational personal growth and healing romantic KU story.

I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
August 23, 2019
This the third book by this Author that I have read and I find her stories to be ones that grab my interest from the start. IT geek, Jessica is trying to get back on her feet after an hit and run accident left her in a wheelchair she is determined to prove she can now walk again as good as before. She comes to Heart Springs, Australia. She meets Brett who comes to her rescue by letting her stay in a cabin on his land. Brett is suffering from the death of someone dear to him, he wants to be left alone. These two do not start out to well. I enjoyed reading this well written story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews35 followers
August 23, 2019
This is a beautiful story of healing and love. Brent and Jessica are wonderful, strong, stubborn characters who both have healing to do, one mentally and the other physically. The banter between them keeps you laughing and their sweet chemistry makes you sigh as their friendship grows and you hope that they can put aside their pasts and move on to a future together.

The author's mastery of the written word is evident in the vivid descriptions of the Australian outback. I cannot wait to read the next book by Mel Rowe.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book from the author.
440 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2019
I liked Winter's Walk by Mel A Rowe.
It was a lovely read. I liked Jessica's character very much. She was on the road to recovering from a serious trauma. I liked very much the delicacy with wich Mel A Rowe had crafted this female lead. I think she handled issues with disabilities with a great sense.
I liked Brett's quiet moodiness and loved to see him gradually open up, giving up his recluse life.
It was a great read. I think Ms Rowe has a knack for introducing delicate subjects with care and style which I honestly appreciate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
802 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2020
Jessica and Brett turn out to be quite the couple! They had me chuckling in their first encounter and it only got better as the story progressed. This was definitely different than I anticipated, but I am so glad that I did read it. The author has done an excellent job in developing this story - I felt like I was watching Jessica on the Road (and I have never been out of USA). I enjoyed the progressive strength and friendship that developed by the couple and throughout the community. But what an ending! Good book that I recommended to friends.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
4,965 reviews31 followers
August 23, 2019
Jessica lost a leg when someone did a hit and run then her parents started to try and shelter her so she decides to take a long hike. She meets Brett when she leaves the city for the country to work and train for her long hike. They do not like each other at first but has he helped her train they became close. What does the future hold for Jessica and Brett?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for D..
1,850 reviews
August 23, 2019
Another book by Mel Rowe that I truly fell in love with. Although it is considered a novella, there is a lot packed into the pages. I found it a great read and also inspiring. Thank you for writing such a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
138 reviews
August 26, 2019
Inspirational!

Great story of two people challenging and recovering from their pasts. Brett had quit living after his wife died. Jessica had been smothered and coddled by her family since surviving a hit and run accident. They irritate each other greatly, but there is a spark. This is the story of the spark catching fire.
10.9k reviews125 followers
September 8, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Mel Rowe; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
August 18, 2019
The book is a good sweet small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable sweet contemporary romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
August 20, 2019
Annoyance - challenges - goals before feelings. A thoroughly enjoyable story! Jessica and Brett were each going thru their own specific grief and had challenges to overcome and goals to meet. Where did these feelings come from and what to do about them? Loved all the feels.
3,353 reviews19 followers
August 26, 2019
An enjoyable read of two characters that work on overcoming personal challenges. Strong characters who have good chemistry and the story line is a sweet small town romance between the two characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

18 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2019
A good read. Inspiring.

I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and Australia. The plot was a bit above. Very good. Will definitely read the author's work again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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