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The Farm at Peppertree Crossing
An unexpected inheritance, a traumatic past and a family whose secrets are kept by the town
After a fractured childhood spent in foster homes, city-girl Roni has convinced herself that she has no need of anyone - other than her not-as-tough-as-he-looks rescued street cat, Scritches, and her unborn baby, who she's determined will feel all the love she's been denied.
Despite facing a bleak future, Roni distrusts the news of a bequest from an unknown aunt, Marian Nelson. But, out of options, she and Scritches leave Sydney behind, bound for the 800-acre property on the edge of the wheat fields of South Australia.
However, this is no simple inheritance: Marian seeks to control her legacy from beyond the grave by setting tasks that Roni must complete before she can claim the property and a life that could change her future. With everything at stake, Roni must learn to trust in the truth of Marian's most important lesson: everyone deserves love.
A captivating story of family, friendship and forgiveness.
"'Everything you want in rural romance - heart, humour and hope' Sandie Docker, author of the much-loved The Kookaburra Creek Cafe"
After a fractured childhood spent in foster homes, city-girl Roni has convinced herself that she has no need of anyone - other than her not-as-tough-as-he-looks rescued street cat, Scritches, and her unborn baby, who she's determined will feel all the love she's been denied.
Despite facing a bleak future, Roni distrusts the news of a bequest from an unknown aunt, Marian Nelson. But, out of options, she and Scritches leave Sydney behind, bound for the 800-acre property on the edge of the wheat fields of South Australia.
However, this is no simple inheritance: Marian seeks to control her legacy from beyond the grave by setting tasks that Roni must complete before she can claim the property and a life that could change her future. With everything at stake, Roni must learn to trust in the truth of Marian's most important lesson: everyone deserves love.
A captivating story of family, friendship and forgiveness.
"'Everything you want in rural romance - heart, humour and hope' Sandie Docker, author of the much-loved The Kookaburra Creek Cafe"
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 2, 2020
16 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Kelsall
9 books132 followersThough fortunate to grow up in the South Australian country – initially on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in a tiny town where the school had a total enrolment of only eleven students, and later on a sheep and wheat farm in the Murraylands - in typical teen fashion, Léonie couldn't wait to hit the bright lights of the big city when she graduated.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!
And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 15, 2020
Veronica (Roni) had been in foster care from birth and her life had been one disappointment after another. Now at twenty nine, she had Scritches – her cat – and a mediocre job in Sydney, where the tiny apartment she lived in was on the bottom end of liveable; she was fine, needed no one else. But the letter from a solicitor’s office close to work had her thinking they obviously had the wrong person. But no. Roni and Scritches left Sydney – her first time on a plane – and headed for Peppertree Crossing in the wheat belt of South Australia where it seemed an aunt she didn’t know she had, had left Roni an 800 acre farm. What were the chances?
There were conditions to her inheritance – of course there were. Roni just wanted to do the required tasks and sell the property, get out of there and back to what she knew. But as Roni gradually learned about the property, met the sheep called Goat, bought a calf to milk only to find out Baby was male, discovered the beauty of the farm, she still found herself unable to trust. A past of trauma would do that to a person – but could Roni learn to trust? Could she learn to love? Meeting Tracey, her aunt’s good friend, and Taylor the local doctor; Matt the sharefarmer who looked after Peppertree Crossing – could she find a future in the place Aunt Marian had loved the most?
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is my first by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall and I really enjoyed it. A story of friendship, family (where it doesn’t have to be blood), trust and love, and Roni’s toughened exterior through necessity, her determination to remain independent; of always “being fine” even when she wasn’t. The heartache of a past that needed to be overcome so Roni could have a future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
There were conditions to her inheritance – of course there were. Roni just wanted to do the required tasks and sell the property, get out of there and back to what she knew. But as Roni gradually learned about the property, met the sheep called Goat, bought a calf to milk only to find out Baby was male, discovered the beauty of the farm, she still found herself unable to trust. A past of trauma would do that to a person – but could Roni learn to trust? Could she learn to love? Meeting Tracey, her aunt’s good friend, and Taylor the local doctor; Matt the sharefarmer who looked after Peppertree Crossing – could she find a future in the place Aunt Marian had loved the most?
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is my first by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall and I really enjoyed it. A story of friendship, family (where it doesn’t have to be blood), trust and love, and Roni’s toughened exterior through necessity, her determination to remain independent; of always “being fine” even when she wasn’t. The heartache of a past that needed to be overcome so Roni could have a future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing by Léonie Kelsall. (2020).
After a fractured childhood spent in foster homes, city girl Roni is convinced she doesn't need anyone other than her cat Scritches and her unborn baby. Despite facing a bleak future, Roni is distrustful of the news she has an inheritance from a previously unknown aunt Marian. But she is out of options so she leaves Sydney behind to travel to the 800 acre property on the edge of the wheat belt of South Australia. However this is no simple and straightforward inheritance. Roni must learn to believe in the truth of Marian's most important lesson: everyone deserves love.
What a fantastic and enjoyable read this was. We start the novel with Roni who has just worked out she's pregnant and is about to be homeless because her lease is coming up. All she's got is her cat that she rescued from the street. It becomes clear later that she's suffered a terrible trauma in her years in foster care (this is not graphically described which some readers will be happy to know) and has basically put up walls to shut everyone out. You would think she would become even more isolated living on the farm property she stands to inherit but over the course of the story she makes some genuine and lovely relationships.
I think anyone who enjoys Australian fiction with a bit of domestic drama and a bit of light romance with a whole lot of personal character development will find this one a treat.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing by Léonie Kelsall. (2020).
After a fractured childhood spent in foster homes, city girl Roni is convinced she doesn't need anyone other than her cat Scritches and her unborn baby. Despite facing a bleak future, Roni is distrustful of the news she has an inheritance from a previously unknown aunt Marian. But she is out of options so she leaves Sydney behind to travel to the 800 acre property on the edge of the wheat belt of South Australia. However this is no simple and straightforward inheritance. Roni must learn to believe in the truth of Marian's most important lesson: everyone deserves love.
What a fantastic and enjoyable read this was. We start the novel with Roni who has just worked out she's pregnant and is about to be homeless because her lease is coming up. All she's got is her cat that she rescued from the street. It becomes clear later that she's suffered a terrible trauma in her years in foster care (this is not graphically described which some readers will be happy to know) and has basically put up walls to shut everyone out. You would think she would become even more isolated living on the farm property she stands to inherit but over the course of the story she makes some genuine and lovely relationships.
I think anyone who enjoys Australian fiction with a bit of domestic drama and a bit of light romance with a whole lot of personal character development will find this one a treat.
July 11, 2020
Told with heart, humour and candour, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is Leonie Kelsall’s first contemporary rural romance novel.
When Veronica is told she is to inherit an 800-acre farm in South Australia she is at first convinced it is a scam, and then certain it’s a mistake. Growing up within the foster care system she learnt the hard way to trust no one, and believing in the generosity of an aunt she never knew is difficult, so Roni is not surprised when she learns there is a catch. In a series of letters, her late aunt explains that to freely inherit the Peppertree Crossing Roni must complete a number of tasks. Single, pregnant and with few other options, Roni, with her beloved cat Scritches in tow, decides to accept the challenge, and perhaps find the home she’s always yearned for.
Kelsall explores familiar themes such as family, friendship, and love in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are also strongly represented in a way I particularly appreciated. Several sensitive issues are also raised in the novel, among them sexual assault, addiction, suicide, and pregnancy loss, in a manner that feels genuine rather than contrived. These subjects add depth to the story, pushing it a little beyond the borders of the genre.
Romance is still a key element in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing though, with a twist on the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope between Roni and share-farmer, Matt. Roni’s first instinct, particularly around men, is to be wary and defensive and she misconstrues Matt’s genuine offer of advice, help and friendship as manipulative and devious. I appreciated that Matt is not cast as her saviour, Roni must reach the conclusion that she is worthy of love on her own before their relationship can progress.
Roni is a prickly character to begin with, nursing a deep hurt she is closed off, mistrustful, and stubborn. I really liked Kelsall’s development of her character, which is somewhat slow, but authentic. She’s destined to learn lessons the hard way it seems, but she does learn and grow. Her journey is supported by several charming characters, most notably her late aunt’s dearest friend/partner, Tracey, and Matt, but also of the four-legged variety which includes her cat, a sheep named Goat, and a calf named Baby.
Well written, thoughtful and engaging with an ideal balance of romance and drama, I am impressed by The Farm at Peppertree Crossing and look forward to more from the author.
When Veronica is told she is to inherit an 800-acre farm in South Australia she is at first convinced it is a scam, and then certain it’s a mistake. Growing up within the foster care system she learnt the hard way to trust no one, and believing in the generosity of an aunt she never knew is difficult, so Roni is not surprised when she learns there is a catch. In a series of letters, her late aunt explains that to freely inherit the Peppertree Crossing Roni must complete a number of tasks. Single, pregnant and with few other options, Roni, with her beloved cat Scritches in tow, decides to accept the challenge, and perhaps find the home she’s always yearned for.
Kelsall explores familiar themes such as family, friendship, and love in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are also strongly represented in a way I particularly appreciated. Several sensitive issues are also raised in the novel, among them sexual assault, addiction, suicide, and pregnancy loss, in a manner that feels genuine rather than contrived. These subjects add depth to the story, pushing it a little beyond the borders of the genre.
Romance is still a key element in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing though, with a twist on the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope between Roni and share-farmer, Matt. Roni’s first instinct, particularly around men, is to be wary and defensive and she misconstrues Matt’s genuine offer of advice, help and friendship as manipulative and devious. I appreciated that Matt is not cast as her saviour, Roni must reach the conclusion that she is worthy of love on her own before their relationship can progress.
Roni is a prickly character to begin with, nursing a deep hurt she is closed off, mistrustful, and stubborn. I really liked Kelsall’s development of her character, which is somewhat slow, but authentic. She’s destined to learn lessons the hard way it seems, but she does learn and grow. Her journey is supported by several charming characters, most notably her late aunt’s dearest friend/partner, Tracey, and Matt, but also of the four-legged variety which includes her cat, a sheep named Goat, and a calf named Baby.
Well written, thoughtful and engaging with an ideal balance of romance and drama, I am impressed by The Farm at Peppertree Crossing and look forward to more from the author.
September 21, 2020
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4.5 stars
‘Framed by the pewter sky and the raggedy, wind-lashed branches of the peppertrees, the white-painted entry fence to Peppertree Crossing lay only a hundred metres ahead. She’s made it home.’
One of my favourite Australian authors, Sandie Docker, has put her own big stamp of approval on Leonie Kelsall’s debut rural fiction offering, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. A truly wonderful novel full of emotion, feeling, wit and realism, Leonie Kelsall’s first foray in the field of rural fiction is to be applauded.
Roni is a troubled girl from the city who has had a difficult start to life. Living in and out of different homes and bouncing through the foster care system, Roni has no one in her life to love or trust. But Roni makes of it what she can and she is determined to protect her unborn child and beloved feline pal Scritches. Out of nowhere, Roni is issued with a bequest from a distant aunt. To claim this inheritance Roni must travel to a remote farm location out of the city. But claiming this property is no easy feat, Roni has been issued with a number of challenges set by her late aunt. These important exercises are designed to teach Roni about the core values in life, love, family and acceptance. It is not an easy journey, but for Roni life will never be the same again.
Over the years the Australian rural fiction and romance category has witnessed a steady growth. There are authors that continue to provide at least one new rural romance release a year to support this well received genre. It is always nice to greet a new face to the rural romance field and I was excited at the prospect of meeting a fresh contributor to the contemporary rural fiction scene. Leonie Kelsall does the genre proud with her debut release. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover.
Roni, wow, where do I start? What a sad soul. When the book opens we soon learn of Roni’s setbacks, personal tragedies, upsets and disappointments. Roni is a woman who has been let down so many times and it truly broke my heart. However, on the other side of this personal pain, we see a woman with a great deal of inner strength. Roni is brave, gutsy, determined and willful. It was nice to see Roni issued with a windfall of such when her late aunt bequeaths her a rural property. I really liked this set up, it was a little different from the traditional city slicker who must adapt to the country style scenario presented in many rural fiction stories.
Kelsall is a bold and fearless writer who is unafraid of presenting her readership with a plethora of darker style themes. We are issued with problems of adoption, abandonment, foster care, abuse, violence, grief, loss, longing, fertility problems and trust as this involving story unfolds. I admired Kelsall’s approach at all points in the novel, it was authentic, insightful and sensitive in the right places. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing also reiterates the point that some many of life’s challenges are faced not only by city dwellers, but by our country based citizens too. On the flipside, I enjoyed some the humour that came from the general day to day operations of the farm and this worked to offset some of the darker situations presented in the storyline.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing features a solid cast. From lead Roni, to love interest Matt, to the local surrounding community and finally to the gaggle of animals that support the story. Scitches and the crew were so endearing, and I’m sure they will appeal to all animal lovers! I really liked the device of Aunt Marian’s influence, which is relayed in letter form. Marion gently guides the story forward and she directs Roni’s character growth process. I loved the structure of using Marian’s letters which were carefully interspersed between the main narrative. What a great touch.
The resulting romance in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is definitely not a straightforward hearts and roses, or instant love style relationship progression. I appreciated the slow burn, enemy style banter that defined this love story. This couple was not going to fall in love easily! There were plenty of personal baggage and trust issues influencing this love story. I think this is always the best kind of romance personally and I hope readers embrace this relationship story as much as I did.
A quick mention of the setting before I close this review. What a wonderful experience Leonie Kelsall offers through her location descriptions. With our current travel restrictions, Kelsall offers the perfect country based escape through her prose, which was littered with many enviable rural feel scenery descriptions and realistic odes to country living. And the baking, well let’s just say it was simple delectable. I was definitely inspired to whip up a batch of lamingtons!
I want to wish Leonie Kelsall a warm welcome to the rural fiction and romance fold, what a great first contribution this new author has made to the scene with The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. I am looking forward to many more enjoyable novels to come from this promising debut author.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is book #103 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
‘Framed by the pewter sky and the raggedy, wind-lashed branches of the peppertrees, the white-painted entry fence to Peppertree Crossing lay only a hundred metres ahead. She’s made it home.’
One of my favourite Australian authors, Sandie Docker, has put her own big stamp of approval on Leonie Kelsall’s debut rural fiction offering, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. A truly wonderful novel full of emotion, feeling, wit and realism, Leonie Kelsall’s first foray in the field of rural fiction is to be applauded.
Roni is a troubled girl from the city who has had a difficult start to life. Living in and out of different homes and bouncing through the foster care system, Roni has no one in her life to love or trust. But Roni makes of it what she can and she is determined to protect her unborn child and beloved feline pal Scritches. Out of nowhere, Roni is issued with a bequest from a distant aunt. To claim this inheritance Roni must travel to a remote farm location out of the city. But claiming this property is no easy feat, Roni has been issued with a number of challenges set by her late aunt. These important exercises are designed to teach Roni about the core values in life, love, family and acceptance. It is not an easy journey, but for Roni life will never be the same again.
Over the years the Australian rural fiction and romance category has witnessed a steady growth. There are authors that continue to provide at least one new rural romance release a year to support this well received genre. It is always nice to greet a new face to the rural romance field and I was excited at the prospect of meeting a fresh contributor to the contemporary rural fiction scene. Leonie Kelsall does the genre proud with her debut release. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover.
Roni, wow, where do I start? What a sad soul. When the book opens we soon learn of Roni’s setbacks, personal tragedies, upsets and disappointments. Roni is a woman who has been let down so many times and it truly broke my heart. However, on the other side of this personal pain, we see a woman with a great deal of inner strength. Roni is brave, gutsy, determined and willful. It was nice to see Roni issued with a windfall of such when her late aunt bequeaths her a rural property. I really liked this set up, it was a little different from the traditional city slicker who must adapt to the country style scenario presented in many rural fiction stories.
Kelsall is a bold and fearless writer who is unafraid of presenting her readership with a plethora of darker style themes. We are issued with problems of adoption, abandonment, foster care, abuse, violence, grief, loss, longing, fertility problems and trust as this involving story unfolds. I admired Kelsall’s approach at all points in the novel, it was authentic, insightful and sensitive in the right places. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing also reiterates the point that some many of life’s challenges are faced not only by city dwellers, but by our country based citizens too. On the flipside, I enjoyed some the humour that came from the general day to day operations of the farm and this worked to offset some of the darker situations presented in the storyline.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing features a solid cast. From lead Roni, to love interest Matt, to the local surrounding community and finally to the gaggle of animals that support the story. Scitches and the crew were so endearing, and I’m sure they will appeal to all animal lovers! I really liked the device of Aunt Marian’s influence, which is relayed in letter form. Marion gently guides the story forward and she directs Roni’s character growth process. I loved the structure of using Marian’s letters which were carefully interspersed between the main narrative. What a great touch.
The resulting romance in The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is definitely not a straightforward hearts and roses, or instant love style relationship progression. I appreciated the slow burn, enemy style banter that defined this love story. This couple was not going to fall in love easily! There were plenty of personal baggage and trust issues influencing this love story. I think this is always the best kind of romance personally and I hope readers embrace this relationship story as much as I did.
A quick mention of the setting before I close this review. What a wonderful experience Leonie Kelsall offers through her location descriptions. With our current travel restrictions, Kelsall offers the perfect country based escape through her prose, which was littered with many enviable rural feel scenery descriptions and realistic odes to country living. And the baking, well let’s just say it was simple delectable. I was definitely inspired to whip up a batch of lamingtons!
I want to wish Leonie Kelsall a warm welcome to the rural fiction and romance fold, what a great first contribution this new author has made to the scene with The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. I am looking forward to many more enjoyable novels to come from this promising debut author.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is book #103 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 17, 2020
I've wanted to read this for a while and I was lucky enough to win an audiobook download of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing, which worked perfectly as I had no audiobooks waiting for me at the library.
This story kept me listening even when I turned off the car, I wanted to know how it would all turn out and whether Roni, our lead character managed to move on from her past and learn to trust the people around her who are showing that they care.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Roni for pretty much the entire novel, she was just far too prickly for me and jumped to conclusions about others all the time, even when they'd shown her she could rely on them. I empathised with her, however, and understood part of where she was coming from, she'd been through the foster system and had been abused, as well as abandoned as a baby, all things that had taught her no one could be trusted and everyone was only out for what they could get from you. Love, trust, compassion, honesty, and friendship were all things she had no concept of other than to believe she didn't need them.
When Roni is left an inheritance by an aunt she never knew, she has a lot to deal with, not the least finding out who her mother is and uncovering plenty of secrets, she also has to do a few tasks in order to gain her inheritance. She misjudges why her aunt set her the tasks, she misjudges many things, but she does grow throughout the journey of fulfilling these tasks. Every time I thought she was moving forward, she'd do something that made me wonder when she was going to loosen up a bit and start trusting those around her, especially Tracy and Matt.
I loved Tracy, her aunt's best friend, without whom Roni would never have been able to get through the trials of moving and learning. I also loved Matt, the farmer her aunt has a deal with to work on her farm. He was a gem, though he had his own demons and his up and down manner made it hard for Roni to get a proper understanding of him, mind you, I think she would have struggled even if he'd been super open and lovely all the time.
I loved Scritches, her cat, and all the other animals on the farm. There is a scene with Scritches that had me near tears as I was driving along as I'd come to adore him and knew how much he meant to Roni.
This was a really good read (listen), I do wonder if I'd have liked Roni more had I read the novel myself, the narrator possibly made her come across as more prickly than if I'd been reading her character in my own head, but then again, maybe not.
I look forward to seeing what Leonie Kelsall writes next.
This story kept me listening even when I turned off the car, I wanted to know how it would all turn out and whether Roni, our lead character managed to move on from her past and learn to trust the people around her who are showing that they care.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Roni for pretty much the entire novel, she was just far too prickly for me and jumped to conclusions about others all the time, even when they'd shown her she could rely on them. I empathised with her, however, and understood part of where she was coming from, she'd been through the foster system and had been abused, as well as abandoned as a baby, all things that had taught her no one could be trusted and everyone was only out for what they could get from you. Love, trust, compassion, honesty, and friendship were all things she had no concept of other than to believe she didn't need them.
When Roni is left an inheritance by an aunt she never knew, she has a lot to deal with, not the least finding out who her mother is and uncovering plenty of secrets, she also has to do a few tasks in order to gain her inheritance. She misjudges why her aunt set her the tasks, she misjudges many things, but she does grow throughout the journey of fulfilling these tasks. Every time I thought she was moving forward, she'd do something that made me wonder when she was going to loosen up a bit and start trusting those around her, especially Tracy and Matt.
I loved Tracy, her aunt's best friend, without whom Roni would never have been able to get through the trials of moving and learning. I also loved Matt, the farmer her aunt has a deal with to work on her farm. He was a gem, though he had his own demons and his up and down manner made it hard for Roni to get a proper understanding of him, mind you, I think she would have struggled even if he'd been super open and lovely all the time.
I loved Scritches, her cat, and all the other animals on the farm. There is a scene with Scritches that had me near tears as I was driving along as I'd come to adore him and knew how much he meant to Roni.
This was a really good read (listen), I do wonder if I'd have liked Roni more had I read the novel myself, the narrator possibly made her come across as more prickly than if I'd been reading her character in my own head, but then again, maybe not.
I look forward to seeing what Leonie Kelsall writes next.
July 28, 2020
Brilliant
What an absolutely brilliant story. Could not put it down. Everyone, you have to read this book. As sure as day is light and night is dark, you will love it too.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
What an absolutely brilliant story. Could not put it down. Everyone, you have to read this book. As sure as day is light and night is dark, you will love it too.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
July 31, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. Definitely one of my top Ten favourite books for 2020.
October 10, 2020
When city-girl Roni inherits a farm from an aunt she has never known she decides she will take a look and then sell as quick as she can. However Aunt Marian hasn't made the process of the inheritance that easy. She wants Roni to have the chance to fall in love with the farm.
I was immediately pulled into the story, with the threat of danger hanging in the air.
Roni is instantly likeable. She cares for stray cats and runs errands for her elderly neighbour. Her life spent in foster homes has been let down after let down and she has past traumas that are still affecting her life. How can you not like, and feel empathy for this girl!
I loved how Aunt Marian's character was introduced through letters to Roni and even though she had passed we got to know her and she was an integral character in the story.
I could totally relate to the city-girl stuck in the country and wondering how she was going to manage and feeling isolated and scared.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing subtly covers some heavy topics but there is plenty of humour, cute farm animals and a cute farm hand to lighten the mood.
It was a delight to watch Roni grow and start to trust people and also learn to say no when needed. She slowly came to realise not everyone was out to hurt her or rip her off and maybe, Matt was helping out on the farm because he was genuinely a nice guy.
I loved all the cooking and cakes, both disasters and successes, and the CWA meetings and their small town gossip. Lots of humour here!
Léonie Kelsall knows how to create an ever changing atmosphere as it moves from foreboding, funny, breath-holding, sad and sweet. I loved the way Léonie Kelsall unwrapped the secrets slowly throughout the story - little teasers that kept me glued to the pages.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a story of belonging, moving forward, guilt, secrets and learning to trust.
I was keen to read this book as soon as I heard about it and I was not disappointed!
I received my copy from the Beauty & Lace book club
I was immediately pulled into the story, with the threat of danger hanging in the air.
Roni is instantly likeable. She cares for stray cats and runs errands for her elderly neighbour. Her life spent in foster homes has been let down after let down and she has past traumas that are still affecting her life. How can you not like, and feel empathy for this girl!
I loved how Aunt Marian's character was introduced through letters to Roni and even though she had passed we got to know her and she was an integral character in the story.
I could totally relate to the city-girl stuck in the country and wondering how she was going to manage and feeling isolated and scared.
"There was far too much country out here for her liking."
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing subtly covers some heavy topics but there is plenty of humour, cute farm animals and a cute farm hand to lighten the mood.
It was a delight to watch Roni grow and start to trust people and also learn to say no when needed. She slowly came to realise not everyone was out to hurt her or rip her off and maybe, Matt was helping out on the farm because he was genuinely a nice guy.
I loved all the cooking and cakes, both disasters and successes, and the CWA meetings and their small town gossip. Lots of humour here!
Léonie Kelsall knows how to create an ever changing atmosphere as it moves from foreboding, funny, breath-holding, sad and sweet. I loved the way Léonie Kelsall unwrapped the secrets slowly throughout the story - little teasers that kept me glued to the pages.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a story of belonging, moving forward, guilt, secrets and learning to trust.
I was keen to read this book as soon as I heard about it and I was not disappointed!
I received my copy from the Beauty & Lace book club
Read
May 11, 2020This rural romance was right up my alley! I adored the quirky characters, the sheep named Goat, the baking and the relationship between the main couple, plus the meddling aunt and flaky mother. Highly recommend!
May 1, 2022
‘What could a solicitor want with her? She’d done nothing wrong.’
Roni Gates lives in the city, just her and her rescued street cat, Scritches. After spending her childhood moving between foster homes, Roni has learned to be mistrustful and not to rely on others. And newly pregnant, Roni is determined that her baby will be loved.
At first Roni ignores a letter she receives from a solicitor. When she does make contact, she discovers that she has been left a bequest by an unknown aunt, Marian Nelson. The bequest comes with conditions that Roni needs to fulfil. While deeply suspicious, Roni is running out of options and she and Scritches head off to her late aunt’s 800-acre property, on the edge of South Australia’s wheat fields.
Marian Nelson has left instructions for Roni, via a series of letters, as well as having arranged with some of the locals to help. Initially, Roni is determined not to stay at Peppertree Crossing. But with the help of her aunt’s friend Tracey, and Matt who helped her aunt manage the property, Roni starts to see a future for herself. And she also learns more about the past.
I enjoyed this novel with its mix of dramatic secrets and slow romance. Roni makes a few mistakes as she learns that it is possible to trust others and to enjoy their company.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Roni Gates lives in the city, just her and her rescued street cat, Scritches. After spending her childhood moving between foster homes, Roni has learned to be mistrustful and not to rely on others. And newly pregnant, Roni is determined that her baby will be loved.
At first Roni ignores a letter she receives from a solicitor. When she does make contact, she discovers that she has been left a bequest by an unknown aunt, Marian Nelson. The bequest comes with conditions that Roni needs to fulfil. While deeply suspicious, Roni is running out of options and she and Scritches head off to her late aunt’s 800-acre property, on the edge of South Australia’s wheat fields.
Marian Nelson has left instructions for Roni, via a series of letters, as well as having arranged with some of the locals to help. Initially, Roni is determined not to stay at Peppertree Crossing. But with the help of her aunt’s friend Tracey, and Matt who helped her aunt manage the property, Roni starts to see a future for herself. And she also learns more about the past.
I enjoyed this novel with its mix of dramatic secrets and slow romance. Roni makes a few mistakes as she learns that it is possible to trust others and to enjoy their company.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 7, 2021
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is about family secrets, love and forgiveness. Veronica Gates thought that her life was only her cat a small apartment and working in a cafe until Veronica received a letter from the lawyer's office saying she inherited a rural property from a woman she never heard of before. The first thought that came into Veronica mind was selling the property and moving back to Sydney. However, things change once she arrived at Peppertree Crossing. The reader's of Peppertree Crossing will continue to follow Veronica to see what happens.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is the first book I have read of Leonie Kelsall and I engaged with this book's plot from the first page. I am differently read another book by Leonie Kelsall. I love Leonie Kelsall's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is well written and researched by Leonie Kelsall. I like the way Leonie Kelsall description of the settings of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing readers will learn about the medical problem called a blighted ovum and the consequences. The readers of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing will also learn about children's issue in foster care.
I recommend this book.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is the first book I have read of Leonie Kelsall and I engaged with this book's plot from the first page. I am differently read another book by Leonie Kelsall. I love Leonie Kelsall's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is well written and researched by Leonie Kelsall. I like the way Leonie Kelsall description of the settings of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing readers will learn about the medical problem called a blighted ovum and the consequences. The readers of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing will also learn about children's issue in foster care.
I recommend this book.
August 1, 2020
What a fabulous debut rural romance from new to me author Leonie Kelsall, a beautiful heart- warming story of a young woman Veronica or Roni as she likes to be called, she grew up in foster care in Sydney a childhood that was not good, but when she gets a surprise inheritance, the girl from the city with her cat Scritches and her unborn child are off to the country to find some answers about her family.
When Roni arrives at Peppertree Farm she finds that this inheritance comes with some tasks set by her aunt Marian, in a series of letters Roni finds out what she has to do and she also finds out a little more about her mother and father and the dysfunctional life that they all led, Roni is determined to do well this farm holds the future for her and her child and the love that she missed out on.
Roni soon finds out that life on a farm is not easy but Roni is used to hard work and learning, she takes her tasks all in her stride although sour dough bread might just get the better off her. She is soon making friends with Matt who share farms with her and her aunts best friend Tracey who is sure that lamingtons will be Roni’s best, there is also all of the animals that she has come to love.
I really loved this story, a story that is filled with emotion and love it is about trust and opening up making new friends and a new life that will be filled with love of course there is heart break as well, but Roni never gives in she is strong and beautiful and a little vulnerable and there is a future for her and Matt, Roni has found her place in life her home and love.
I do highly recommend this story and I look forward to many more from MS Kelsall, thank you for a fabulous story.
When Roni arrives at Peppertree Farm she finds that this inheritance comes with some tasks set by her aunt Marian, in a series of letters Roni finds out what she has to do and she also finds out a little more about her mother and father and the dysfunctional life that they all led, Roni is determined to do well this farm holds the future for her and her child and the love that she missed out on.
Roni soon finds out that life on a farm is not easy but Roni is used to hard work and learning, she takes her tasks all in her stride although sour dough bread might just get the better off her. She is soon making friends with Matt who share farms with her and her aunts best friend Tracey who is sure that lamingtons will be Roni’s best, there is also all of the animals that she has come to love.
I really loved this story, a story that is filled with emotion and love it is about trust and opening up making new friends and a new life that will be filled with love of course there is heart break as well, but Roni never gives in she is strong and beautiful and a little vulnerable and there is a future for her and Matt, Roni has found her place in life her home and love.
I do highly recommend this story and I look forward to many more from MS Kelsall, thank you for a fabulous story.
January 4, 2021
Just looking at the cover is what got me interested in this book ,, and it did it justice the cover is gorgeous , The story of Roni is so good just loved it and Marian has set the plans for Roni to move on in a good way with her life its the first book I have read of Leonie Kelsall's I do hope she will be releasing a new book soon .Sharon.
September 18, 2020
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is the first reluctant rural romance by SA author Leonie Kelsall, who I happened to meet at an author event this week.
This is a story with depth, drama and delectable (and not so edible) delights set in the scenic Murraylands.
Kelsall has explored many small town themes which took a little getting used to for heart-hardened city girl Roni. It comes complete with endearing animal characters that are most definitely integral characters to the story and even the farm has a character all it's own.
A full review will come but this was a book that left me wanting to learn more of all it's characters, both their backstories and their future. I look forward to the next Leonie Kelsall offering.
This is a story with depth, drama and delectable (and not so edible) delights set in the scenic Murraylands.
Kelsall has explored many small town themes which took a little getting used to for heart-hardened city girl Roni. It comes complete with endearing animal characters that are most definitely integral characters to the story and even the farm has a character all it's own.
A full review will come but this was a book that left me wanting to learn more of all it's characters, both their backstories and their future. I look forward to the next Leonie Kelsall offering.
July 4, 2020
This book definitely hit all the feel-good highpoints of rural romance, with plenty of heart and humour, but I really enjoyed the fact that it didn’t shy away from some darker subjects. The author’s career as a Counsellor is probably reflected in the way she manages to treat these topics sensitively and portray them realistically, while still making the book an extremely enjoyable read. In my opinion the only way to abolish the stigma surrounding topics which some may consider to be dark is to normalise them. This book manages to do it in a realistic way. I GUARANTEE that you will be laughing and crying and smiling with these characters. Can’t wait to read again!
December 30, 2020
My library very kindly bought a copy of the ebook, so I was finally able to read this. It's a lovely read - set in the Australian countryside and complete with kangaroos, snakes, and carb-rich baking temptations. Kelsall does a great job at keeping the story and dialogue authentic, and the slow burn was delightful. Looking forward to the next one.
May 22, 2020
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this ruro novel and it was everything you want in a ruro - so much heart, humour and hope! A subtle yet very hot hero, and a flawed yet endearing heroine!
February 19, 2025
I met Leonie on GGOBC and realised I hadn't read any of her novels, so I ordered her first book from the library, and it didn't disappoint.
I felt all the feelings of Roni struggling, aloneness, and fighting spirit in an unfair world.
The manipulative family Roni finds she had been born into is a test to her spirit.
Roni finds acceptance in this small town, and love was a wonderful ending and had me captured from the beginning to the end.
I will be looking for the next book sooner than later Leonie, thanks 😊 📚❤️
I felt all the feelings of Roni struggling, aloneness, and fighting spirit in an unfair world.
The manipulative family Roni finds she had been born into is a test to her spirit.
Roni finds acceptance in this small town, and love was a wonderful ending and had me captured from the beginning to the end.
I will be looking for the next book sooner than later Leonie, thanks 😊 📚❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
An accidental reread because I wanted to check on the bitchface’s name 😂 this is just such a delightful story, I love ‘damaged’ Roni, with her ‘kick arse take no prisoners independence’ and the quiet sweet toothed Matt, I love love love the town of Settlers Bridge. Goat and Baby are just a delight! So glad I got to hang out here again and be reminded that ‘blood isn’t thicker than water. It just stains worse’
November 30, 2022
When former foster child Roni receives a letter from a Sydney solicitor, she thinks she’s being scammed. After all, who is her Aunt Marian Nelson and why is she leaving her a 800 acre property in South Australia?
With a baby on the way to a man she doesn’t love and her pet cat being her only family; Roni bites the bullet and travels to Peppertree Crossing; but that’s only the beginning. For not only is keeping the farm not going to be as easy as she thinks - especially with station manager Matt around - her birth mother has surfaced with family secrets she can’t begin to comprehend.
Will Roni adapt to life on the farm or is it all too much for an independent city girl? To find out you’re going to have read The Farm at Peppertree Crossing by Léonie Kelsall.
They say you should never judge a book by its cover and that’s the best way to sum up Kelsall’s novel. If you’re thinking this is simply a predictable romance that follows the usual romance formula of girl is in a hot mess, girl meets boy, disaster strikes, said disaster is rectified and then they live happily ever after; then think again. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a well written, intriguing and heartfelt book with brilliantly developed characters and a plot that you won’t be able to put down.
The plot had so much more substance than I expected and whilst there is certainly romance, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing takes you on a satisfying journey before reaching the inevitable happy ending. Similarly, the characters add to the enjoyment of reading this book because they keep you guessing, are relatable; but most of all are written in a way that you want to read on to find out what happens to them regardless of their good, bad or otherwise motives and intentions.
Combine this with the setting of a stunning rural backdrop that was easy to visualise thanks to Kelsall’s strong writing and you have a beautiful book which left me happy and content. I now can’t wait to read Kelsall’s next two books and highly recommend this one to you.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is my 21st read in #ktbookbingo, category ‘Has a photo of a real person on the cover.’ To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @kt_elder on Instagram.
With a baby on the way to a man she doesn’t love and her pet cat being her only family; Roni bites the bullet and travels to Peppertree Crossing; but that’s only the beginning. For not only is keeping the farm not going to be as easy as she thinks - especially with station manager Matt around - her birth mother has surfaced with family secrets she can’t begin to comprehend.
Will Roni adapt to life on the farm or is it all too much for an independent city girl? To find out you’re going to have read The Farm at Peppertree Crossing by Léonie Kelsall.
They say you should never judge a book by its cover and that’s the best way to sum up Kelsall’s novel. If you’re thinking this is simply a predictable romance that follows the usual romance formula of girl is in a hot mess, girl meets boy, disaster strikes, said disaster is rectified and then they live happily ever after; then think again. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a well written, intriguing and heartfelt book with brilliantly developed characters and a plot that you won’t be able to put down.
The plot had so much more substance than I expected and whilst there is certainly romance, The Farm at Peppertree Crossing takes you on a satisfying journey before reaching the inevitable happy ending. Similarly, the characters add to the enjoyment of reading this book because they keep you guessing, are relatable; but most of all are written in a way that you want to read on to find out what happens to them regardless of their good, bad or otherwise motives and intentions.
Combine this with the setting of a stunning rural backdrop that was easy to visualise thanks to Kelsall’s strong writing and you have a beautiful book which left me happy and content. I now can’t wait to read Kelsall’s next two books and highly recommend this one to you.
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is my 21st read in #ktbookbingo, category ‘Has a photo of a real person on the cover.’ To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @kt_elder on Instagram.
June 30, 2025
Another very local book. I love it. my State, my area. I really enjog Leonie Kelsall books.
August 6, 2020
Roni lives in Sydney – she was raised in a string of foster homes and for the last 10 years has worked in a cafe near Circular Quay. She makes just enough to get by, barely. But her rent will soon be increasing and she knows that she won’t be able to afford the new amount, she’ll need to find somewhere else to live. Sydney is an expensive city and it’ll be difficult. A strange phone call leads to a meeting with a lawyer and Roni learns that an aunt has left her a house. Well, property really, in South Australia, as well as the means to visit it. In order to inherit, Roni must undertake a series of tasks set by her late aunt, the first of which is visiting the family homestead. Her aunt has left her letters to read at various points, including with other people, whom she has tasked to help integrate Roni into the community. Roni goes to see the property with firm intentions of doing whatever she has to do to inherit it clear, and then selling it and going back to Sydney. After all, she was raised entirely in the city, she doesn’t know anything about farming or country life. But as she and her cat Scritches settle in, the place – and some of its residents – begin to get under her skin.
I really enjoyed this book – loved it actually. I thought that Lèonie Kelsall did an amazing job at showcasing what Roni’s life in foster care must’ve been like, but without going into extensive detail about it. It’s clear that she carries some deep, deep scars from that time, specifically related to an event as well as just the general instability of it. Roni has also lived a mostly solitary life since aging out of care – she seems to have no real friends, although a decent working relationship with her boss. She works long hours and then hurries home, often in the dark, to her apartment where she also helps elderly occupants occasionally get their medications or drops in groceries to them. She’s about to face a significantly troubling situation when she receives the news that she has what could be a substantial inheritance. All Roni seems to really have in her life is her cat Scritches, whom she rescued from behind a dumpster years ago after boys were coaxing him out and then pelting him with rocks. The bond between Scritches and Roni is seriously adorable – he has huge swathes of personality and is a massive part of the story. And there is a part in this book that made me cry and it was all because of Scritches.
Roni is a fish out of water on the farm and resentful of the ‘challenges’ her aunt has left her – things like make a loaf of bread from a sourdough starter, feed the poultry and care for them, integrate herself into the local community. Despite working in a cafe, Roni doesn’t seem to have ever really cooked herself meals and is clear about her distrust of vegetables. She makes a lot of mistakes, ones that you would expect people raised in the city to make and her lack of self confidence is quite an issue as well. Roni has had very little in the way of genuine care and affection in her life, which makes her vulnerable and also shapes her personality. She’s determined….but also tentative, which is an interesting combination. I enjoyed the way she slowly evolved, the longer she spent time at the farm. When she arrives she’s paranoid – locks herself in when the sun goes down, completely thrown by the silence of the country, freaked out by the lack of traffic noise etc. She carries with her a lot of scars from her city life and it takes her a while to relax, to settle into rural life, to even begin to embrace it. I understood her finding some of the challenges annoying – it felt like a lot of hoops to jump through by someone who had known of her existence and yet had done little to make her life more comfortable and seemingly nothing to be involved in her upbringing and life. It takes time for things to be explained and there were times when I thought Roni’s vulnerability was a bit frustrating, because it’s obvious to me what is happening, that she’s in danger of being exploited. But for someone who had grown up like Roni did, it was completely understandable that she’d want to find a happy ending, a reason for her being in care, for being abandoned. It’s idealistic and she has lessons to learn about how she can go about making her life fulfilling and rich herself, rather than relying on a relationship with one person to do that.
There’s a love interest in this book as well for Roni and I thought that played out perfectly. Roni requires a deep understanding and Matt gets that, without needing to be told. He himself has his vulnerabilities as well and they compliment each other very well, especially with the knowledge and help he is willing to impart to her. I loved them together.
I really enjoyed this book – loved it actually. I thought that Lèonie Kelsall did an amazing job at showcasing what Roni’s life in foster care must’ve been like, but without going into extensive detail about it. It’s clear that she carries some deep, deep scars from that time, specifically related to an event as well as just the general instability of it. Roni has also lived a mostly solitary life since aging out of care – she seems to have no real friends, although a decent working relationship with her boss. She works long hours and then hurries home, often in the dark, to her apartment where she also helps elderly occupants occasionally get their medications or drops in groceries to them. She’s about to face a significantly troubling situation when she receives the news that she has what could be a substantial inheritance. All Roni seems to really have in her life is her cat Scritches, whom she rescued from behind a dumpster years ago after boys were coaxing him out and then pelting him with rocks. The bond between Scritches and Roni is seriously adorable – he has huge swathes of personality and is a massive part of the story. And there is a part in this book that made me cry and it was all because of Scritches.
Roni is a fish out of water on the farm and resentful of the ‘challenges’ her aunt has left her – things like make a loaf of bread from a sourdough starter, feed the poultry and care for them, integrate herself into the local community. Despite working in a cafe, Roni doesn’t seem to have ever really cooked herself meals and is clear about her distrust of vegetables. She makes a lot of mistakes, ones that you would expect people raised in the city to make and her lack of self confidence is quite an issue as well. Roni has had very little in the way of genuine care and affection in her life, which makes her vulnerable and also shapes her personality. She’s determined….but also tentative, which is an interesting combination. I enjoyed the way she slowly evolved, the longer she spent time at the farm. When she arrives she’s paranoid – locks herself in when the sun goes down, completely thrown by the silence of the country, freaked out by the lack of traffic noise etc. She carries with her a lot of scars from her city life and it takes her a while to relax, to settle into rural life, to even begin to embrace it. I understood her finding some of the challenges annoying – it felt like a lot of hoops to jump through by someone who had known of her existence and yet had done little to make her life more comfortable and seemingly nothing to be involved in her upbringing and life. It takes time for things to be explained and there were times when I thought Roni’s vulnerability was a bit frustrating, because it’s obvious to me what is happening, that she’s in danger of being exploited. But for someone who had grown up like Roni did, it was completely understandable that she’d want to find a happy ending, a reason for her being in care, for being abandoned. It’s idealistic and she has lessons to learn about how she can go about making her life fulfilling and rich herself, rather than relying on a relationship with one person to do that.
There’s a love interest in this book as well for Roni and I thought that played out perfectly. Roni requires a deep understanding and Matt gets that, without needing to be told. He himself has his vulnerabilities as well and they compliment each other very well, especially with the knowledge and help he is willing to impart to her. I loved them together.
September 27, 2022
Absolutely loved this story. Couldn't put it down. Look forward to the next book.
January 15, 2023
Oh my goodness. I just don’t know where to begin. Leonie’s River Gum Cottage absolutely blew my mind, and has stayed with my long after I read it. That made purchasing The Farm at Peppertree Crossing an easy choice on my nightshift last night. I have cried, I have laughed, I smiled, I related so bad it hurt. I sacrificed sleep (only getting 2 hours this morning), because I needed to keep reading. I needed to know more. What Matt’s deal was, how he would cope with Roni’s secrets. Argh. I loved every minute of it. And am now torn between doing my own chores and downloading a other of her books. There are very few authors I deem worthy of purchasing both ebook and physical copies of all their works. Very few I would read repeatedly. Very few who I actively seek out release dates of new works, and even fewer I’d drive the 400km round trip to pick them up on release day, but Leonie Kelsall has fast become one of them. And let me tell you, despite the few reviews and adds to Goodreads cos I keep forgetting, I read alot. Honestly, if you are thinking of reading one of her books- go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
December 10, 2023
Wow
Another brilliant book by Leonie Kelsall, this one had me hook, line and sinker- I couldn’t put it down
Written with So much heart, humour and a great in site of life on the land,
If this is what they call a Rural Romance- I cannot wait too read more!
Another brilliant book by Leonie Kelsall, this one had me hook, line and sinker- I couldn’t put it down
Written with So much heart, humour and a great in site of life on the land,
If this is what they call a Rural Romance- I cannot wait too read more!
February 4, 2024
Roni is a city girl who grew up in the foster care system. From a young age, Roni learnt that life is just one big disappointment after another and that it's hard to love or trust anyone. Even now, as an adult, facing impending single parenthood and cat mum to Scritches, Roni still believes this.
Nothing ever changes in Roni's life. It's the same routine every day, catching the inner city train to a mediocre job and returning home to a tiny, inhabitable flat. Even the letters from a solicitor remain unopened. Why even bother finding out what they want from her, as it's surely a scam.
Or, rather not. An aunt that Roni has never heard about has bequeathed an 800 hectare property to her. Located in Peppermint Crossing, amongst South Australia's wheatbelt, this could be the answer to Roni's ever growing dilemma about the future. Why not just fly out there, view the property, and find out what it's worth if it's going to lead to happiness for the little family she's growing. There's no harm in that, right, and surely no one can stop her.
Late aunt Marian may have something to say about that. Or rather, write. A set of instructions has been left for Roni, and with the assistance of some carefully chosen friends, she must follow them to claim her sole inheritance. These tasks aren't designed to prove Roni's capacity as a farm owner though, but rather to build solid foundations that will allow her to live a fulfilled, satisfied life full of laughter, love, security and a sense of purpose, surrounded by family that is chosen, rather than related by blood.
Some people come into your life for a reason, and in Roni's case, it's farm manager/ vet Matt and Aunt Marian's close friend/ secret lover Tracey. Both are so endearingly patient and kind towards Roni as she navigates this new venture, even if Matt and Roni often butts heads over some pretty funny matters. Of course, it's pretty much a given from the get-go that Matt will be featured as a love interest. The way Leonie has portrayed it is equally frustrating and romantic, factoring in the popular enemies to lovers trope.
I really didn't care for Denise, Roni's mother, whose reputation precedes her. How dare she try and rebuild a fractured relationship with the child she abandoned, only for ulterior motives? It's also unfair that Roni is judged on hereditary alone by some busy bodies who have nothing better to gossip, rather than her own merits.
Sometimes, a mystery is all we need amongst a great rural romance, and the long buried secrets regarding Roni's parentage will become unearthed bit by bit. Is Roni truly ready for those long-awaited answers she's been desperate for?
This was such a heartwarming tale. The cuteness of the farm and animals was an added bonus. Absolutely adored the antics of Scritches, Goat the sheep, Baby the calf, and all the other furry and feathered friends. The setting was so peaceful and picturesque, somewhere I was easily able to imagine myself.
Leonie is one of my favourite Aussie authors, and it was a delight to finally read her debut.
4.75 🌟
Nothing ever changes in Roni's life. It's the same routine every day, catching the inner city train to a mediocre job and returning home to a tiny, inhabitable flat. Even the letters from a solicitor remain unopened. Why even bother finding out what they want from her, as it's surely a scam.
Or, rather not. An aunt that Roni has never heard about has bequeathed an 800 hectare property to her. Located in Peppermint Crossing, amongst South Australia's wheatbelt, this could be the answer to Roni's ever growing dilemma about the future. Why not just fly out there, view the property, and find out what it's worth if it's going to lead to happiness for the little family she's growing. There's no harm in that, right, and surely no one can stop her.
Late aunt Marian may have something to say about that. Or rather, write. A set of instructions has been left for Roni, and with the assistance of some carefully chosen friends, she must follow them to claim her sole inheritance. These tasks aren't designed to prove Roni's capacity as a farm owner though, but rather to build solid foundations that will allow her to live a fulfilled, satisfied life full of laughter, love, security and a sense of purpose, surrounded by family that is chosen, rather than related by blood.
Some people come into your life for a reason, and in Roni's case, it's farm manager/ vet Matt and Aunt Marian's close friend/ secret lover Tracey. Both are so endearingly patient and kind towards Roni as she navigates this new venture, even if Matt and Roni often butts heads over some pretty funny matters. Of course, it's pretty much a given from the get-go that Matt will be featured as a love interest. The way Leonie has portrayed it is equally frustrating and romantic, factoring in the popular enemies to lovers trope.
I really didn't care for Denise, Roni's mother, whose reputation precedes her. How dare she try and rebuild a fractured relationship with the child she abandoned, only for ulterior motives? It's also unfair that Roni is judged on hereditary alone by some busy bodies who have nothing better to gossip, rather than her own merits.
Sometimes, a mystery is all we need amongst a great rural romance, and the long buried secrets regarding Roni's parentage will become unearthed bit by bit. Is Roni truly ready for those long-awaited answers she's been desperate for?
This was such a heartwarming tale. The cuteness of the farm and animals was an added bonus. Absolutely adored the antics of Scritches, Goat the sheep, Baby the calf, and all the other furry and feathered friends. The setting was so peaceful and picturesque, somewhere I was easily able to imagine myself.
Leonie is one of my favourite Aussie authors, and it was a delight to finally read her debut.
4.75 🌟
January 24, 2022
Veronica (Roni) Gates has always had to make a life for herself without any help from family and friends. Her childhood was not a good one as she went from one foster home to another.
Now as an young adult , she has a job in the city (Sydney) at a Cafe , her rescue cat Scritches and the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy. Receiving a letter from a Solicitor's firm for Roni brings up doubts of a scam, but she goes and meets the lawyer and gets a massive surprise . The family lawyer of Mrs. Marian , Mr. Derek Prescott discloses that her Aunt who she never heard of has left her inheritance of a property to Roni, subject to some conditions.
Roni's World changes as she has to leave behind a life and people she knew and travel to South Australia as the 800 acre property is situated at Peppertree Crossing in the wheat belt region . A series of letters, from her Aunt is part of the legacy, the first letter handed to her by the family lawyer. Through the letters Roni gets to know her Aunt and life she led. A few secrets are revealed also. As days and months pass at Peppertree Crossing, Roni starts to love the land and the community .She learns to face many challenges and to over come them. She finally has a place to call ' Home' .
We come across some animals also on the land like a sheep named goat, a calf called baby etc that Roni loves . Roni begins to trust for the first time in a long time, discovers the family she never knew, her Mother Dennis who put her up for fostering. Her Aunt Marian's friend Tracey, cares and leads Roni along her journey of self discovery with wisdom, and life lessons. Taylor the GP was also a support to Roni. Her neighbour Matt Kreuger also helped on Marian's farm and was very supportive to Roni. Roni has to let go of her past and believe in herself in order to be happy have a second chance in life .
A very heart-warming and engaging story from start to finish of secrets, discovery, family, community, friendship, farming, love, loss and second chances.
Now as an young adult , she has a job in the city (Sydney) at a Cafe , her rescue cat Scritches and the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy. Receiving a letter from a Solicitor's firm for Roni brings up doubts of a scam, but she goes and meets the lawyer and gets a massive surprise . The family lawyer of Mrs. Marian , Mr. Derek Prescott discloses that her Aunt who she never heard of has left her inheritance of a property to Roni, subject to some conditions.
Roni's World changes as she has to leave behind a life and people she knew and travel to South Australia as the 800 acre property is situated at Peppertree Crossing in the wheat belt region . A series of letters, from her Aunt is part of the legacy, the first letter handed to her by the family lawyer. Through the letters Roni gets to know her Aunt and life she led. A few secrets are revealed also. As days and months pass at Peppertree Crossing, Roni starts to love the land and the community .She learns to face many challenges and to over come them. She finally has a place to call ' Home' .
We come across some animals also on the land like a sheep named goat, a calf called baby etc that Roni loves . Roni begins to trust for the first time in a long time, discovers the family she never knew, her Mother Dennis who put her up for fostering. Her Aunt Marian's friend Tracey, cares and leads Roni along her journey of self discovery with wisdom, and life lessons. Taylor the GP was also a support to Roni. Her neighbour Matt Kreuger also helped on Marian's farm and was very supportive to Roni. Roni has to let go of her past and believe in herself in order to be happy have a second chance in life .
A very heart-warming and engaging story from start to finish of secrets, discovery, family, community, friendship, farming, love, loss and second chances.
September 23, 2020
Can I just start by saying I have a love/hate relationship with books set in the Australian bush. Some are good and pique my imagination while others, not so much..... The short synopsis of this book really grabbed me and I am delighted to say the book did not let me down!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Roni is an amazing character with a tragic back story which is hinted at but not fully explored. The background provided was enough to understand her demons and to make the challenges she faces in her new community totally understandable. I also loved Marian and Tracey and their part of the story.
All the other supporting characters are well rounded and make the book interesting and realistic! I loved that not every person in the town was young, beautiful and successful! There was a real mix of young and old characters, some flawed some just plain nasty. But it was just as you would expect in a country town! Fabulous.
I was scared for Roni, happy for her, sad and I cried. Peppertree Farm took me to places I didn't expect. I cared about the characters and I was sad when it was over.
I cant recommend this book highly enough!
Thanks again.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Roni is an amazing character with a tragic back story which is hinted at but not fully explored. The background provided was enough to understand her demons and to make the challenges she faces in her new community totally understandable. I also loved Marian and Tracey and their part of the story.
All the other supporting characters are well rounded and make the book interesting and realistic! I loved that not every person in the town was young, beautiful and successful! There was a real mix of young and old characters, some flawed some just plain nasty. But it was just as you would expect in a country town! Fabulous.
I was scared for Roni, happy for her, sad and I cried. Peppertree Farm took me to places I didn't expect. I cared about the characters and I was sad when it was over.
I cant recommend this book highly enough!
Thanks again.
July 21, 2020
I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing. It is such a beautiful story, set in the picturesque South Australian wheat belt.
You will fall in love with city girl Roni, Scritches her loyal companion and the menagerie of animals who call Peppertree home 🏡
The letters, left by her late Aunt Marian, take Roni (and the reader) on an adventure to discover her past, and what they reveal ultimately sets her on the path to her future.
Everyone would want to have a ‘Tracey’ in their corner. I so loved this character. She is a virtual ‘warm hug’ who bounces off the pages. And then there is Matt ❤️
Peppertree is the perfect book to curl up with, in front of the fire, on these cold winter nights 🥰
You will fall in love with city girl Roni, Scritches her loyal companion and the menagerie of animals who call Peppertree home 🏡
The letters, left by her late Aunt Marian, take Roni (and the reader) on an adventure to discover her past, and what they reveal ultimately sets her on the path to her future.
Everyone would want to have a ‘Tracey’ in their corner. I so loved this character. She is a virtual ‘warm hug’ who bounces off the pages. And then there is Matt ❤️
Peppertree is the perfect book to curl up with, in front of the fire, on these cold winter nights 🥰
October 1, 2025
This is my first book of Leonie Kelsall. It may have took me longer than normal too read
but i enjoyed it very much seen Roni dealing with the truth of her parentage, her inheritance of Peppertree Crossing Farm, the township, her mother, Aunt letters left to her after her death in will, the man she comes to love.
Roni is young woman living Sydney who grew up in foster homes she has a cat Scritches and the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy which she has convinced herself she doesn't need anyone.
That is until the discovery of her Aunt Mariana's Nelson will bequests to her of an 800 acre farm in South Australia. As she moves there with her cat she learns of some truths about not only her Aunty, her mother, father and the man she ultimately fa
but i enjoyed it very much seen Roni dealing with the truth of her parentage, her inheritance of Peppertree Crossing Farm, the township, her mother, Aunt letters left to her after her death in will, the man she comes to love.
Roni is young woman living Sydney who grew up in foster homes she has a cat Scritches and the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy which she has convinced herself she doesn't need anyone.
That is until the discovery of her Aunt Mariana's Nelson will bequests to her of an 800 acre farm in South Australia. As she moves there with her cat she learns of some truths about not only her Aunty, her mother, father and the man she ultimately fa
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