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The Porter Sisters #4
Hidden Valley
Happily working on her family’s macadamia farm in the rolling hills of northern New South Wales, Dee Peters receives an enigmatic letter hinting of family secrets, and the prospect of her inheriting a cattle station in the Northern Territory outback. Torn in many directions: the request that she meet with a solicitor in Darwin, the evasive behaviour of her parents and the opposition of family friend and her—almost—fiancé, Rodney Andrews, Dee’s contented life is suddenly thrown into turmoil.
The last thing she expects is to inherit a sprawling cattle station in the rugged outback, but she travels to the Territory to find the truth of the inheritance. Intrigued by the vague hints of the elderly solicitor, Dee decides to stay on the station for six months while she attempts to make sense of the past.
Ryan Carey, long-time manager of Wilderness Springs cattle station, has lived on the station since he was adopted by childless owners, Ray and Betty Murphy. Devastated when he discovers the property has not been bequeathed to him, the last thing Ryan expects is the arrival of a woman, and one who is keen to take over the running of the property. With reluctance, he agrees to work with Dee, but as she tries to make sense of why the property was left to her, a chilling secret from the past will shock them both.
As Dee and Ryan attempt to uncover the secrets of Wilderness Springs, it soon becomes very clear that someone will do anything to stop them discovering the truth.
Set on a remote cattle station west of Kakadu National Park, this is a thrilling mystery about hidden family secrets and finding love in the harsh Australian outback.
The last thing she expects is to inherit a sprawling cattle station in the rugged outback, but she travels to the Territory to find the truth of the inheritance. Intrigued by the vague hints of the elderly solicitor, Dee decides to stay on the station for six months while she attempts to make sense of the past.
Ryan Carey, long-time manager of Wilderness Springs cattle station, has lived on the station since he was adopted by childless owners, Ray and Betty Murphy. Devastated when he discovers the property has not been bequeathed to him, the last thing Ryan expects is the arrival of a woman, and one who is keen to take over the running of the property. With reluctance, he agrees to work with Dee, but as she tries to make sense of why the property was left to her, a chilling secret from the past will shock them both.
As Dee and Ryan attempt to uncover the secrets of Wilderness Springs, it soon becomes very clear that someone will do anything to stop them discovering the truth.
Set on a remote cattle station west of Kakadu National Park, this is a thrilling mystery about hidden family secrets and finding love in the harsh Australian outback.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
248 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Annie Seaton
165 books703 followersAnnie Seaton lives near the beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. She is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them. Her career and studies spanned the education sector for most of her working life until she took up a full-time writing career. Each winter, Annie and her husband leave the beach to roam the remote areas of Australia for story ideas and research.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 1, 2021
Book four in the Porter Sisters series when there are only three Porter sisters who have each had their own book. How can this be? Well there turns out to be another sibling in a delightful twist created by this talented Australian author.
I really enjoyed this portrayal of life in the Northern Territory. Most of the action takes place either in the lovely city of Darwin or on the huge cattle station of Wilderness Springs. There is an account of mustering the cattle using a helicopter which puts the size of the operation into perspective.
Of course there is a romance which is realistic and nicely written, and there are good guys and bad guys and a few scary moments along the way. I always enjoy how the author writes each of these stories about a different couple yet she brings all the other characters back as well.
I would be happy if she does it again. Another sibling might be a stretch but there are plenty of other characters who could come back and keep the series going.
I really enjoyed this portrayal of life in the Northern Territory. Most of the action takes place either in the lovely city of Darwin or on the huge cattle station of Wilderness Springs. There is an account of mustering the cattle using a helicopter which puts the size of the operation into perspective.
Of course there is a romance which is realistic and nicely written, and there are good guys and bad guys and a few scary moments along the way. I always enjoy how the author writes each of these stories about a different couple yet she brings all the other characters back as well.
I would be happy if she does it again. Another sibling might be a stretch but there are plenty of other characters who could come back and keep the series going.
April 5, 2021
Hilltop Nuts in Byron Bay had been Dee Peters’ home for as long as she could remember and having managed the farm for the past two years, it gave Dee a lot of satisfaction, especially when Hilltop Nuts won a prestigious award. But her father was always cold to her, never showed his appreciation of the work she did and when Dee received a letter, then discovered the ruse her father had tried to trick her with, she loaded her car with all her belongings and left her home for Darwin.
When Dee met with Ryan Carey in a solicitor’s office in Darwin, they both had no idea what was ahead. The secrets that neither had known about, secrets that linked the two together even though they had never met before, were mind-boggling. An inheritance with conditions faced Dee and Ryan, but they both needed answers and knowing they trusted no one else, set to work finding those answers themselves. Wilderness Springs, where Ryan lived and Dee was headed, was a huge cattle station not far from Kakadu with a beautiful sanctuary called Hidden Valley on the land. It had captivated generations of the owners of Wilderness Springs and would continue to do so.
As danger moved closer, it was obvious someone was prepared to kill to stop the long-held secrets from becoming known. Would Dee and Ryan survive as they moved closer to the truth?
Hidden Valley is the 4th in the Porter Sisters series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and I loved it. Set in the harsh conditions of the Northern Territory, with the heat and humidity, the wet and the dry, the violent storms which hit suddenly, Hidden Valley is an excellent catch up with the characters from the previous Porter Sisters’ books, plus meeting more. I think we need another one Annie! Gritty and filled with suspense, my heart was in my throat with the tension. A fantastic read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Dee met with Ryan Carey in a solicitor’s office in Darwin, they both had no idea what was ahead. The secrets that neither had known about, secrets that linked the two together even though they had never met before, were mind-boggling. An inheritance with conditions faced Dee and Ryan, but they both needed answers and knowing they trusted no one else, set to work finding those answers themselves. Wilderness Springs, where Ryan lived and Dee was headed, was a huge cattle station not far from Kakadu with a beautiful sanctuary called Hidden Valley on the land. It had captivated generations of the owners of Wilderness Springs and would continue to do so.
As danger moved closer, it was obvious someone was prepared to kill to stop the long-held secrets from becoming known. Would Dee and Ryan survive as they moved closer to the truth?
Hidden Valley is the 4th in the Porter Sisters series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and I loved it. Set in the harsh conditions of the Northern Territory, with the heat and humidity, the wet and the dry, the violent storms which hit suddenly, Hidden Valley is an excellent catch up with the characters from the previous Porter Sisters’ books, plus meeting more. I think we need another one Annie! Gritty and filled with suspense, my heart was in my throat with the tension. A fantastic read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2021
This story is fabulous, Annie Seaton you have done it again written a story that pulled me in had me turning the pages and I didn’t want to put it down, the setting is totally amazing I have never visited the Northern Territory in person so was thrilled that you took me there, fabulous characters Dee and Ryan I loved getting to know them when a will upends their lives and brings them together to uncover secrets from the past.
Dee Peters is working and managing the family macadamia plantation in northern New South Wales, she works hard and is an only child and just lately her parents and her friend Rodney have all been a bit off this troubles Dee but she is even more troubled when a letter arrives from a Darwin solicitor urging her to get in touch as soon as possible in regards to her family and an inheritance. Her parents won’t answer any of her questions and Rodney is suddenly proposing to her, it doesn’t take Dee long to pack up her ute and travel to Darwin to get to the bottom of this.
Ryan Carey has grown up on his family’s huge cattle station, Wilderness Springs in the territory and he loves it, he is an only child and he has now lost both of his parents, his uncle Joe and cousin Cy from his mother’s side are there helping, but when his father’s will is read he is dumbstruck that half the station is left to Dee Peters a woman he has never heard of and that there are so many stipulations set and information that the solicitor is not giving out, something is not right but Dee is caring and they decide that they must work together to find out what is going on.
Dee moves out to the station to help with the accounts, while they investigate as much as they can and try to uncover secrets about parents and so many other things, it gets dangerous and Dee’s life is in danger and Ryan is determined to keep her safe their feelings for each other are growing but there is a lot to be worked out.
This is a fast paced and at times edge of your seat story, some people will go to any lengths to get what they want not caring about the lives of others. Dee and Ryan uncover a lot of secrets, especially about family and they really have an uphill battle at times to get to the bottom of things and finding their HEA was fraught with questions that had to be answered, this is a story that I highly recommend, it is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, and it is a keeper for me I loved it.
My thanks to the author Annie Seaton for my copy to read and review
Dee Peters is working and managing the family macadamia plantation in northern New South Wales, she works hard and is an only child and just lately her parents and her friend Rodney have all been a bit off this troubles Dee but she is even more troubled when a letter arrives from a Darwin solicitor urging her to get in touch as soon as possible in regards to her family and an inheritance. Her parents won’t answer any of her questions and Rodney is suddenly proposing to her, it doesn’t take Dee long to pack up her ute and travel to Darwin to get to the bottom of this.
Ryan Carey has grown up on his family’s huge cattle station, Wilderness Springs in the territory and he loves it, he is an only child and he has now lost both of his parents, his uncle Joe and cousin Cy from his mother’s side are there helping, but when his father’s will is read he is dumbstruck that half the station is left to Dee Peters a woman he has never heard of and that there are so many stipulations set and information that the solicitor is not giving out, something is not right but Dee is caring and they decide that they must work together to find out what is going on.
Dee moves out to the station to help with the accounts, while they investigate as much as they can and try to uncover secrets about parents and so many other things, it gets dangerous and Dee’s life is in danger and Ryan is determined to keep her safe their feelings for each other are growing but there is a lot to be worked out.
This is a fast paced and at times edge of your seat story, some people will go to any lengths to get what they want not caring about the lives of others. Dee and Ryan uncover a lot of secrets, especially about family and they really have an uphill battle at times to get to the bottom of things and finding their HEA was fraught with questions that had to be answered, this is a story that I highly recommend, it is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, and it is a keeper for me I loved it.
My thanks to the author Annie Seaton for my copy to read and review
March 19, 2021
Hidden Valley By Annie Seaton
What a fabulous story that captivated my attention from the time I started to the time I finished (2 and half hours).
Dee and Ryan’s story will fill you with excitement, stress, worry, intrigue and most of all, insight into the beautiful outback area of Hidden Valley.
Secrets and lies are very evident in the book about the characters you think are good characters but hold some hidden truths and they slowly unravel to show who they really are and that they will not stop at anything to solve what they think is right.
Dee and Ryan characters are both strong willed with a connection they never knew about.
My rating for this book is 10/10.
What a fabulous story that captivated my attention from the time I started to the time I finished (2 and half hours).
Dee and Ryan’s story will fill you with excitement, stress, worry, intrigue and most of all, insight into the beautiful outback area of Hidden Valley.
Secrets and lies are very evident in the book about the characters you think are good characters but hold some hidden truths and they slowly unravel to show who they really are and that they will not stop at anything to solve what they think is right.
Dee and Ryan characters are both strong willed with a connection they never knew about.
My rating for this book is 10/10.
June 8, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
I began my journey with the Porter sisters in 2015 when I picked up the mesmerising Kakadu Sunset. I then followed this up with Daintree in 2016 and Diamond Sky in 2017. It’s been a while and a lot of books in between the last time I was acquainted with the Porter sisters, so my eyes lit up when I gained a copy of Hidden Valley. Annie Seaton’s latest is the fourth and final (maybe – check out the acknowledgements for more details) issue in this well received series. It delivers a combination of romance, family secrets, intrigue and drama, which is all set to stunning Australian backdrop.
Hidden Valley transports the reader effortlessly to the Kakadu National Park in Australia’s picturesque top end. Family secrets dominate this new outback-based title from Annie Seaton. We meet Dee Peters, a hardworking young woman who is dedicated to maintaining her family’s macadamia farm in NSW. When Dee is sent a letter indicating she is linked to a life changing family secret and an inheritance, Dee’s life is thrown into chaos. As Dee wrestles with some important decisions, Ryan Carey is dealing with the fallout from his father’s sudden death. In his grief, Ryan is confronted with the harsh reality that he is not the recipient of his family’s property and thriving cattle station. The arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to have ownership over the Wilderness Springs property sends Ryan in a spin. With some trepidation, Ryan lets Dee into his life and together they try to discover how Dee is linked to Ryan’s family. When the two uncover a shocking secret, they must both deal with the consequences. But someone is watching and waiting in the wings, determined to prevent the full truth from being exposed. Can Ryan and Dee settle the secrets that surround Wilderness Springs?
I consider myself a loyal fan of Annie Seaton. I have really enjoyed following the very engaging Porter sisters series since it began back in 2015. Although I have read all three previous books in the series, I will say that I read them almost as stand-alone novels, due to timing gaps between each story. I know of others who have read this series in complete order, one after the other, to enhance their reading experience. However, I was still able to appreciate Hidden Valley as an independent release. For those who love a spot of page-based travel, especially as we move into the cold winter months, Hidden Valley will definitely draw significant appeal. Annie Seaton’s new title was quite the winter warmer for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the top end.
As with all Annie Seaton’s previous releases Hidden Valley doesn’t disappoint scenery wise. We are taken to a couple of very memorable Australian locations in this tale and I loved my journey to both spots. I was completely transported to Seaton’s Aussie settings. Seaton is an author with an keen eye for detail when describing her landscapes. It is also very obvious that Seaton has a clear passion for her country. In addition, Seaton has an ability to expresses the spiritual awareness and wildlife features of the environment in which Hidden Valley is based. This is a real treat for those who have a deep appreciation for Australia’s magnificent landscape.
Seaton’s characters are a wonderful bunch to get to know. I enjoyed my connection to Dee for the duration of Hidden Valley. I felt very close to Dee as she made her way through some tricky territory in regards to family secrets, inheritance claims, land ownership and responsibility. Dee is character with her head on her shoulders, she is practical, hardworking, honest and loyal. I admired her spirit and I longed for Dee to succeed in this tale. I also wanted Dee to reach a sense of peace in regards to the family and emotional turmoil she is faced with as the storyline progresses. I’m going to avoid delving into this aspect too much, due to plot spoilers. Ryan is Seaton’s male lead and he is an admirable man. I warmed to this protagonist and I valued following his character pathway. Despite the twists, turns, hard choices, heartbreaking decisions, difficult truths and inner turmoil, Seaton’s leads manage to conquer their setbacks.
Hidden Valley features an engrossing narrative arc, that incorporates elements of intrigue, mystery, drama and romance, which is all set in the wonderful top end frontier. A big thumbs up from me!
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hidden Valley is book #53 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
I began my journey with the Porter sisters in 2015 when I picked up the mesmerising Kakadu Sunset. I then followed this up with Daintree in 2016 and Diamond Sky in 2017. It’s been a while and a lot of books in between the last time I was acquainted with the Porter sisters, so my eyes lit up when I gained a copy of Hidden Valley. Annie Seaton’s latest is the fourth and final (maybe – check out the acknowledgements for more details) issue in this well received series. It delivers a combination of romance, family secrets, intrigue and drama, which is all set to stunning Australian backdrop.
Hidden Valley transports the reader effortlessly to the Kakadu National Park in Australia’s picturesque top end. Family secrets dominate this new outback-based title from Annie Seaton. We meet Dee Peters, a hardworking young woman who is dedicated to maintaining her family’s macadamia farm in NSW. When Dee is sent a letter indicating she is linked to a life changing family secret and an inheritance, Dee’s life is thrown into chaos. As Dee wrestles with some important decisions, Ryan Carey is dealing with the fallout from his father’s sudden death. In his grief, Ryan is confronted with the harsh reality that he is not the recipient of his family’s property and thriving cattle station. The arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to have ownership over the Wilderness Springs property sends Ryan in a spin. With some trepidation, Ryan lets Dee into his life and together they try to discover how Dee is linked to Ryan’s family. When the two uncover a shocking secret, they must both deal with the consequences. But someone is watching and waiting in the wings, determined to prevent the full truth from being exposed. Can Ryan and Dee settle the secrets that surround Wilderness Springs?
I consider myself a loyal fan of Annie Seaton. I have really enjoyed following the very engaging Porter sisters series since it began back in 2015. Although I have read all three previous books in the series, I will say that I read them almost as stand-alone novels, due to timing gaps between each story. I know of others who have read this series in complete order, one after the other, to enhance their reading experience. However, I was still able to appreciate Hidden Valley as an independent release. For those who love a spot of page-based travel, especially as we move into the cold winter months, Hidden Valley will definitely draw significant appeal. Annie Seaton’s new title was quite the winter warmer for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the top end.
As with all Annie Seaton’s previous releases Hidden Valley doesn’t disappoint scenery wise. We are taken to a couple of very memorable Australian locations in this tale and I loved my journey to both spots. I was completely transported to Seaton’s Aussie settings. Seaton is an author with an keen eye for detail when describing her landscapes. It is also very obvious that Seaton has a clear passion for her country. In addition, Seaton has an ability to expresses the spiritual awareness and wildlife features of the environment in which Hidden Valley is based. This is a real treat for those who have a deep appreciation for Australia’s magnificent landscape.
Seaton’s characters are a wonderful bunch to get to know. I enjoyed my connection to Dee for the duration of Hidden Valley. I felt very close to Dee as she made her way through some tricky territory in regards to family secrets, inheritance claims, land ownership and responsibility. Dee is character with her head on her shoulders, she is practical, hardworking, honest and loyal. I admired her spirit and I longed for Dee to succeed in this tale. I also wanted Dee to reach a sense of peace in regards to the family and emotional turmoil she is faced with as the storyline progresses. I’m going to avoid delving into this aspect too much, due to plot spoilers. Ryan is Seaton’s male lead and he is an admirable man. I warmed to this protagonist and I valued following his character pathway. Despite the twists, turns, hard choices, heartbreaking decisions, difficult truths and inner turmoil, Seaton’s leads manage to conquer their setbacks.
Hidden Valley features an engrossing narrative arc, that incorporates elements of intrigue, mystery, drama and romance, which is all set in the wonderful top end frontier. A big thumbs up from me!
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hidden Valley is book #53 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 18, 2021
Totally unexpected ending to this Porter Sisters series! Thanks for all of the twists and turns as we work our way through this book. Dee and Ryan are both strong individually as they've grown up as only kids but their connection with each other was so immediate and powerful. Unknown childhood questions were presented and really got me to thinking about possible outcomes as the story progressed. Annie did an awesome job to keep the suspense growing as the story progressed and I just didn't want the story to end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I can't wait to re-read my purchased copy as soon as it arrives on my Kindle.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I can't wait to re-read my purchased copy as soon as it arrives on my Kindle.
March 24, 2021
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new book about the Porter sisters so Hidden Valley was a good opportunity to revisit their lives, meet some new characters, unravel a mystery or two, and try to work out how it all fits together.
This time we meet Dee (Deanne) Peters who lives with her parents Catherine and Gerard Peters on a 300-acre macadamia farm in the Byron Bay Hinterland. The farm belongs to Gerard, who seems to have little interest in it, preferring to work in the city at his financial consultancy business, leaving Dee to happily spend her days managing the farm and increasing the output and quality of the macadamias harvested.
A letter from a Darwin solicitor asking her to attend their offices to confirm her identity and containing the phrases ‘Family secret. Confidential. Essential that you contact us. Inheritance. At your earliest convenience’ comes out of the blue, as does the sudden expectation that she marry Rodney Andrew!
Rodney works for her father; but is also the son of the person Gerard originally bought the plantation, where the macadamia farm is situated, from. Dee has never seen him as more than a friend. So, this sudden switch from friend to besotted lover, tied up with some sort of family deal, just feels—wrong.
Frustrated that she is unable to get straight answers from her parents, wondering if they are in fact her parents, querying everything she has so far believed about her life, Dee packs up her belongings and heads to Darwin, hoping her meeting with the solicitor, Frank Baker, will provide some answers to her questions.
Meanwhile in the Northern Territory, Ryan Carey, has received a call asking him to attend the solicitor’s office, something to do with his father’s will, although Frank won’t say what on the phone.
That meeting in the solicitor’s office will throw both Dee and Ryan’s worlds into a spin. For reason’s neither of them understands—and Frank Baker won’t explain—half of Wilderness Station, Ryan’s family homestead, has been left to Dee, with the proviso that she lives and actively works on the property for six months!
As Ryan and Dee try to come to terms with the shock of the meeting in Frank’s office, and what it means for who they are, this turn of events sets in place a deadly game that will put many lives in danger and turn everything that Ryan and Dee grew up believing on its head.
With interspersed chapters giving us some understanding of the lives and times of Ryan and Dee’s parents, Hidden Valley provides some fabulously suspenseful moments, a rollicking good read, and of course a wonderful love story.
Highly recommended for lovers of Annie Seaton’s books.
I received this book from the author as an ARC in return for an honest review.
This time we meet Dee (Deanne) Peters who lives with her parents Catherine and Gerard Peters on a 300-acre macadamia farm in the Byron Bay Hinterland. The farm belongs to Gerard, who seems to have little interest in it, preferring to work in the city at his financial consultancy business, leaving Dee to happily spend her days managing the farm and increasing the output and quality of the macadamias harvested.
A letter from a Darwin solicitor asking her to attend their offices to confirm her identity and containing the phrases ‘Family secret. Confidential. Essential that you contact us. Inheritance. At your earliest convenience’ comes out of the blue, as does the sudden expectation that she marry Rodney Andrew!
Rodney works for her father; but is also the son of the person Gerard originally bought the plantation, where the macadamia farm is situated, from. Dee has never seen him as more than a friend. So, this sudden switch from friend to besotted lover, tied up with some sort of family deal, just feels—wrong.
Frustrated that she is unable to get straight answers from her parents, wondering if they are in fact her parents, querying everything she has so far believed about her life, Dee packs up her belongings and heads to Darwin, hoping her meeting with the solicitor, Frank Baker, will provide some answers to her questions.
Meanwhile in the Northern Territory, Ryan Carey, has received a call asking him to attend the solicitor’s office, something to do with his father’s will, although Frank won’t say what on the phone.
That meeting in the solicitor’s office will throw both Dee and Ryan’s worlds into a spin. For reason’s neither of them understands—and Frank Baker won’t explain—half of Wilderness Station, Ryan’s family homestead, has been left to Dee, with the proviso that she lives and actively works on the property for six months!
As Ryan and Dee try to come to terms with the shock of the meeting in Frank’s office, and what it means for who they are, this turn of events sets in place a deadly game that will put many lives in danger and turn everything that Ryan and Dee grew up believing on its head.
With interspersed chapters giving us some understanding of the lives and times of Ryan and Dee’s parents, Hidden Valley provides some fabulously suspenseful moments, a rollicking good read, and of course a wonderful love story.
Highly recommended for lovers of Annie Seaton’s books.
I received this book from the author as an ARC in return for an honest review.
March 29, 2021
Hidden Valley is the 4th book in the Porter Sisters Series. It is awesome as a standalone book, but by reading the previous three books you get the best experience as the four books are linked of course.
Dee Peters is proud of the effort and work she has put in to build up the family macadamia farm in Byron Bay, NSW. Her hurt and anger flares when her father accepts an award for the farm and does not acknowledge her in any way. On top of that she is stunned to find that her parents are trying to marry her off. When a surprise letter arrives from a Solicitor in Darwin it has her questioning if her parents really are her parents or not. She decides to load up her car and hit the road for Darwin to seek answers.
Ryan Carey is still struggling with the loss of his parents, but his love for Wilderness Springs in the Kakadu National Park is what keeps him going. He shares the homestead with his Uncle Joe, who is his Mothers Brother. Ryan's life is thrown into disarray when he finds that his Fathers will is not as straightforward and cut and dry as he had expected.
This story shows us how important a family's love for each other is. Sometimes those that should love us just don't, and somehow through all the struggles we end up where we are meant to be in the end.
Annie Seaton is a wonderful storyteller.
Dee Peters is proud of the effort and work she has put in to build up the family macadamia farm in Byron Bay, NSW. Her hurt and anger flares when her father accepts an award for the farm and does not acknowledge her in any way. On top of that she is stunned to find that her parents are trying to marry her off. When a surprise letter arrives from a Solicitor in Darwin it has her questioning if her parents really are her parents or not. She decides to load up her car and hit the road for Darwin to seek answers.
Ryan Carey is still struggling with the loss of his parents, but his love for Wilderness Springs in the Kakadu National Park is what keeps him going. He shares the homestead with his Uncle Joe, who is his Mothers Brother. Ryan's life is thrown into disarray when he finds that his Fathers will is not as straightforward and cut and dry as he had expected.
This story shows us how important a family's love for each other is. Sometimes those that should love us just don't, and somehow through all the struggles we end up where we are meant to be in the end.
Annie Seaton is a wonderful storyteller.
September 25, 2021
Faithless in Death is book fifty-two in the In Death series by J. D. Robb. Lieutenant Eve Dallas caught a case of a young woman bashed in her studio apartment. Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team rush to find the answers to the murder. For Lieutenant Eve Dallas, all the case details did not add up, especially when she tracked down the 911 caller Gwen Huffman. The readers of Faithless in Death will continue to follow Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigation to find out what happens.
Faithless in Death was another fantastic addition to this excellent series. I had no trouble engaging with the plot and characters of this book. I love J. D. Robb's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. I was excited to sit down with a pot of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits to read Faithless in Death. I like J. D. Robb's description of the settings of Faithless in Death that allows me to imagine being part of this book.
The readers of Faithless in Death will understand the dangers of militant groups to each other and the community. Also, the readers will learn about conspiracy in the criminal world.
I recommend this book.
Faithless in Death was another fantastic addition to this excellent series. I had no trouble engaging with the plot and characters of this book. I love J. D. Robb's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. I was excited to sit down with a pot of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits to read Faithless in Death. I like J. D. Robb's description of the settings of Faithless in Death that allows me to imagine being part of this book.
The readers of Faithless in Death will understand the dangers of militant groups to each other and the community. Also, the readers will learn about conspiracy in the criminal world.
I recommend this book.
March 27, 2021
Once again Annie another fascinating book filled with intrigue. Your description of the Territory make me feel like I’m back there exploring, it’s one series I will go back and reread. Keep on writing Annie.
March 30, 2021
I loved The Porter sisters series with book 3 being my favourite. Book 4 has now earned that spot. What a fabulous read, so many twists and turns and things I didn't see coming. I read way past my bedtime to finish this because I just had to know how everything was connected and how it was all going to turn out. Annie Seaton certainly weaved a lot of secrets into this novel. I loved the dynamic between Dee and Ryan and was certainly hoping for a particular outcome to one of their initial complications. There were plenty of unlikeable characters to be found in this novel, thank goodness there were also some very nice ones to counteract them. A great read.
July 30, 2023
Setting: Byron Bay, NSW and Northern Territory, Australia; modern day.
In Byron Bay, Deanna Peters manages her parents' macadamia nut farm but is becoming disenchanted with her father Gerard's lack of appreciation of her efforts and when she discovers that he may be planning to sell the farm, which she has painstakingly developed, to a local man - who her parents also wish her to marry!
So it is an opportune moment for a surprising letter to arrive from a firm of Darwin solicitors telling Deanna that she is a major beneficiary in a will they are administering - but that she must travel to Darwin to obtain her inheritance.
Meanwhile, on a large cattle station in the Northern Territory, Ryan Carey has also been summoned to the solicitors in Darwin regarding his father Peter's will - only to find that the station has been left jointly to him and Deanna by his father.
Both Deanna and Ryan are baffled by this - Deanna because she doesn't know how she may be related to Peter Carey and Ryan as he wasn't aware of any other possible siblings. As their initial animosity towards each other fades, the pair are soon investigating the details of their respective upbringings as Deanna's parents refuse to discuss it with her. But there has been some conspiracy involved in the station's past which the will may jeopardise, putting Deanna and Ryan unwittingly in the firing line of some unscrupulous businessmen....
This was yet another gripping read in the Porter Sisters series - this is the fourth book and I have only read the first previously but this did not in any way detract from my enjoyment as the books are effectively 'stand-alone' and any 'links' to previous books are explained. Again, I loved the raw outback setting of the book which, together with excellent characters and a fast-moving and exciting storyline, made for a really good read. Will be reading the next in the series shortly, which I happen to have on Kindle - 9/10.
In Byron Bay, Deanna Peters manages her parents' macadamia nut farm but is becoming disenchanted with her father Gerard's lack of appreciation of her efforts and when she discovers that he may be planning to sell the farm, which she has painstakingly developed, to a local man - who her parents also wish her to marry!
So it is an opportune moment for a surprising letter to arrive from a firm of Darwin solicitors telling Deanna that she is a major beneficiary in a will they are administering - but that she must travel to Darwin to obtain her inheritance.
Meanwhile, on a large cattle station in the Northern Territory, Ryan Carey has also been summoned to the solicitors in Darwin regarding his father Peter's will - only to find that the station has been left jointly to him and Deanna by his father.
Both Deanna and Ryan are baffled by this - Deanna because she doesn't know how she may be related to Peter Carey and Ryan as he wasn't aware of any other possible siblings. As their initial animosity towards each other fades, the pair are soon investigating the details of their respective upbringings as Deanna's parents refuse to discuss it with her. But there has been some conspiracy involved in the station's past which the will may jeopardise, putting Deanna and Ryan unwittingly in the firing line of some unscrupulous businessmen....
This was yet another gripping read in the Porter Sisters series - this is the fourth book and I have only read the first previously but this did not in any way detract from my enjoyment as the books are effectively 'stand-alone' and any 'links' to previous books are explained. Again, I loved the raw outback setting of the book which, together with excellent characters and a fast-moving and exciting storyline, made for a really good read. Will be reading the next in the series shortly, which I happen to have on Kindle - 9/10.
April 19, 2021
A big thank you to Annie for sending us a copy to read and review.
Family secrets never remain hidden and the truth always comes out.
Dee Peters works on the family macadamia farm.
One day she receives a letter stating she has inherited part of a legacy in outback Northern Territory.
Questioning everything, Dee packs up and heads north to seek the facts.
Ryan Carey has worked all his life on Wilderness Springs cattle station.
He goes about his daily routine like clockwork since his fathers passing.
When he finds out that he only gains half of his inheritance and the half goes to a mysterious woman he knows nothing about, he reluctantly agrees to meet her.
With stipulations in the will, both decide to work on the property until they can solve the decades old mystery of why this has happened.
But sneaking in the dark is someone who is trying to stop them unfolding the truth.
Hidden Valley is book four in the Porter sisters series and what a tremendous read it is.
It can be read as a stand-alone but I found the best experience was to read all four in order.
An addictive family drama with a splash of romance and lots of danger and suspense .
Annie has always been a leader in destination fiction and this novel adds to her impressive back catalogue.
Creating atmosphere is something this author excels at, with the heat, humidity, the bleak conditions, the complex characters and the mystery woven through, all these elements make for a compelling read, one that’s very hard to put down.
A polished and irresistible tale set against a mesmerising backdrop.
There’s a hint in the acknowledgements that Annie is not done with this series, so let’s hope there’s another to look forward too.
Family secrets never remain hidden and the truth always comes out.
Dee Peters works on the family macadamia farm.
One day she receives a letter stating she has inherited part of a legacy in outback Northern Territory.
Questioning everything, Dee packs up and heads north to seek the facts.
Ryan Carey has worked all his life on Wilderness Springs cattle station.
He goes about his daily routine like clockwork since his fathers passing.
When he finds out that he only gains half of his inheritance and the half goes to a mysterious woman he knows nothing about, he reluctantly agrees to meet her.
With stipulations in the will, both decide to work on the property until they can solve the decades old mystery of why this has happened.
But sneaking in the dark is someone who is trying to stop them unfolding the truth.
Hidden Valley is book four in the Porter sisters series and what a tremendous read it is.
It can be read as a stand-alone but I found the best experience was to read all four in order.
An addictive family drama with a splash of romance and lots of danger and suspense .
Annie has always been a leader in destination fiction and this novel adds to her impressive back catalogue.
Creating atmosphere is something this author excels at, with the heat, humidity, the bleak conditions, the complex characters and the mystery woven through, all these elements make for a compelling read, one that’s very hard to put down.
A polished and irresistible tale set against a mesmerising backdrop.
There’s a hint in the acknowledgements that Annie is not done with this series, so let’s hope there’s another to look forward too.
April 3, 2021
Another great book in this series. I didn't want to put it down as I wanted to work out what the secret was. I loved reading about this part of our beautiful country as I am currently researching Kakadu for a holiday later in the year. I also loved the feel of the paper!
March 16, 2021
Another fabulous book from Annie Seaton. Dee and Ryan’s story makes for a read that is hard to put down as the mystery and secrets unfold. Annie has the gift of bringing her characters and the Australian outback to life and making it all very real. I would highly recommend Hidden Valley to lovers of Australian Rural Fiction. 10/10
March 17, 2021
I fell in love with the Porter Sisters series in books 1-3 and wasn't sure what to expect with this additional book but I was totally blown away by the tale of intrigue woven by the Author. There were some unexpected twists in the plot that had me hooked from beginning to end and as always, Annie Seaton made me feel as though I was right there seeing the amazing landscapes of the Kakadu area. This is one series I would willingly read again and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Brilliant?
May 29, 2021
What can I say about Hidden valley by Annie Seaton. It was a great read full of mystery, suspence as she take us back to Darwin in the Northern Territory. Dee Peters is living in NSW working at her family's macadamia farm in Northern NSW, when she recieves a letter asking her to to meet with a solicitor in Darwin about inhereting a cattle station and linking it to family secrets. Dee asks her parents questions about whether they are her parents, when they lived in Darwin when she was younger and the evasive behaviour of her parents. Also Dee's family friend Rodney Ansrews tries to propose in which she declines after also find out that her father made a deal to sell the farm to him. Dee sets of for Darwin the following day with her belonings , driving with her ute.
Ryan Carey long-time manager of Wilderness Springs cattle station, he also is asked to be at the same meeting in Dariwn about the cattle station after his father's death to hear the will reading. It is hear they both meet and learn that the cattle station is shared between them and Dee is remain living on the cattle for next 6 months and work with Ryan.
Ryan asks Dee to help with the account records of the cattle station while they try to investigate why was it left to her as well, they look into being siblings even though they seem to be attracked to each otther. Ryans decides it is easier not to tell his Uncle Joe or Cousin Cy.
As you turn the pages reading you find an attempt on Dee's life, secrets that slowly come out from the past, murder, newspaper articles, DNA tests down to rule out that they are not silbings.
The Porter family also feautures with Ellie now married with a baby son is hired by Ryan to fly a helicopter over the station to muster the herd as one of the secrets lead directly to her father. Her mother is still healing after her husbands death. As you read on you find yourself not wanting to put the book down. I had forgetton how Annie Seaton writes she brings her readers Hidden Valley, Kakadu National Park and the harsh country of the Northen Territory. I hope three is more to the Porter Sisters or a sping series.
Ryan Carey long-time manager of Wilderness Springs cattle station, he also is asked to be at the same meeting in Dariwn about the cattle station after his father's death to hear the will reading. It is hear they both meet and learn that the cattle station is shared between them and Dee is remain living on the cattle for next 6 months and work with Ryan.
Ryan asks Dee to help with the account records of the cattle station while they try to investigate why was it left to her as well, they look into being siblings even though they seem to be attracked to each otther. Ryans decides it is easier not to tell his Uncle Joe or Cousin Cy.
As you turn the pages reading you find an attempt on Dee's life, secrets that slowly come out from the past, murder, newspaper articles, DNA tests down to rule out that they are not silbings.
The Porter family also feautures with Ellie now married with a baby son is hired by Ryan to fly a helicopter over the station to muster the herd as one of the secrets lead directly to her father. Her mother is still healing after her husbands death. As you read on you find yourself not wanting to put the book down. I had forgetton how Annie Seaton writes she brings her readers Hidden Valley, Kakadu National Park and the harsh country of the Northen Territory. I hope three is more to the Porter Sisters or a sping series.
April 3, 2021
Annie Seaton has done it again with another excellent paced eco-thriller with the usual romantic twist thrown into the mix! Hard to say much about the plot without giving away too many spoilers but Dee Peters suddenly finds her life turned upside down when she gets a letter telling her she has an inheritance waiting for her in Darwin, and her life changes from that day onwards, not always for the better. The main characters of Dee and Ryan were very likeable, and well developed with a lot of back story; the pace was good as was the intrigue and the secrets woven into the storyline. I love Annie's use of the remote landscapes of Australia and its clear a lot of research goes into understanding the farming and environment of the areas of Australia that she sets her books in, in this case the Northern Territories and cattle farming. Although I thought this series was done at the 3rd one, really happy to see this 4th one and would love there to be a 5th!
March 22, 2021
Absolutely beautiful book number 4 in the Porter series. The Dee and Ryan story had me captivated from the very beginning and I loved seeing their story unfold. The twists in the plot had me guessing until near the end. Makes me want to go to the Northern Territory and see a cattle station. A wonderful story from a brilliant author that continues my love of the Northern Territory. Highly recommend this book and the series.
April 9, 2021
Hidden Valley by Australian author Annie Seaton is the fourth and final book of the Porter Sisters series following Kakadu Sunset, Daintree and Diamond Sky. Reading all three previous books this was long awaited and it did not disappoint. This book can be read alone but it is extra special if you conclude with Hidden Valley.
Deanne (Dee) Peters is an only child working on her parent’s 300-acre macadamia farm “Hilltop Nuts” in Byron Bay, Hinterland NSW. She has put in tireless hours to build the business up for the success it sees today. Her father, Gerard who owns the farm works in the city at his financial consultancy firm and is happy to let Dee manage the crops and distribution with the help of Rodney Andrews whose father previously owned the plantation.
When Hilltop Nuts wins a prestigious award Gerard gracefully accepts without giving Dee the recognition and appreciation she deserves. Dee is deeply hurt and begins to question everything, especially Rodney’s recent actions of fondness towards her and her parents hinting towards marriage between herself and Rodney.
Out of the blue Dee receives a letter from a Darwin solicitor asking to meet her to confirm her identity regarding an inheritance, not being able to get a straight answer from her parents, she heads to Darwin for validity.
Dee meets with solicitor Frank Baker; whilst there she also meets Ryan Carey. After losing both his adoptive parents Ryan continues to work on his parents’ cattle station, “Wilderness Springs” in Kakadu sharing the homestead with his Uncle Joe cousin Cy. When the will is read out both Dee and Ryan are shocked by the secrets unfolding to which Frank is not forthcoming. Half of the cattle station is left to Dee on the condition she must live and work on the station.
On her arrival to Wilderness Springs Ryan is sceptical of her intentions, but he knows to find out the truth they must both work together to uncover the skeletons in the closet. As they dig deeper into past lives and history Dee’s life is put in danger when someone tries to stop her from finding out the truth, this brings Dee and Ryan closer developing at a smooth and natural pace.
The characters are realistic and range from courageous, selfish, brave, loyal and daring with each continuing to develop and grow. Ryan was my favourite with his large loving heart and what he has survived, lost and gained. When we think about our past, how much is clear and how much is blurred?
If you’re in need of a truly lovely and heart-warming relationship tale then I recommend Hidden Valley. An emotionally powerful and riveting family drama, combining razor-sharp suspense and the meaning of forgiveness, romance, friendship, joy and the possibility of happy endings.
Thank you to Beauty & Lace and Annie Seaton for the opportunity to read and review.
FOOTNOTE:
I have loved every book in the Porter Sisters series and sad this is the last one. Annie has given me an inescapable pull to chase all the character’s secrets in their lives that intertwined with love, regret, suspense, challenges and plots that keep you guessing. Annie’s books, whatever the subject, have an audience somewhere and will be read by someone who will feel forever grateful to have experienced it.
Deanne (Dee) Peters is an only child working on her parent’s 300-acre macadamia farm “Hilltop Nuts” in Byron Bay, Hinterland NSW. She has put in tireless hours to build the business up for the success it sees today. Her father, Gerard who owns the farm works in the city at his financial consultancy firm and is happy to let Dee manage the crops and distribution with the help of Rodney Andrews whose father previously owned the plantation.
When Hilltop Nuts wins a prestigious award Gerard gracefully accepts without giving Dee the recognition and appreciation she deserves. Dee is deeply hurt and begins to question everything, especially Rodney’s recent actions of fondness towards her and her parents hinting towards marriage between herself and Rodney.
Out of the blue Dee receives a letter from a Darwin solicitor asking to meet her to confirm her identity regarding an inheritance, not being able to get a straight answer from her parents, she heads to Darwin for validity.
Dee meets with solicitor Frank Baker; whilst there she also meets Ryan Carey. After losing both his adoptive parents Ryan continues to work on his parents’ cattle station, “Wilderness Springs” in Kakadu sharing the homestead with his Uncle Joe cousin Cy. When the will is read out both Dee and Ryan are shocked by the secrets unfolding to which Frank is not forthcoming. Half of the cattle station is left to Dee on the condition she must live and work on the station.
On her arrival to Wilderness Springs Ryan is sceptical of her intentions, but he knows to find out the truth they must both work together to uncover the skeletons in the closet. As they dig deeper into past lives and history Dee’s life is put in danger when someone tries to stop her from finding out the truth, this brings Dee and Ryan closer developing at a smooth and natural pace.
The characters are realistic and range from courageous, selfish, brave, loyal and daring with each continuing to develop and grow. Ryan was my favourite with his large loving heart and what he has survived, lost and gained. When we think about our past, how much is clear and how much is blurred?
If you’re in need of a truly lovely and heart-warming relationship tale then I recommend Hidden Valley. An emotionally powerful and riveting family drama, combining razor-sharp suspense and the meaning of forgiveness, romance, friendship, joy and the possibility of happy endings.
Thank you to Beauty & Lace and Annie Seaton for the opportunity to read and review.
FOOTNOTE:
I have loved every book in the Porter Sisters series and sad this is the last one. Annie has given me an inescapable pull to chase all the character’s secrets in their lives that intertwined with love, regret, suspense, challenges and plots that keep you guessing. Annie’s books, whatever the subject, have an audience somewhere and will be read by someone who will feel forever grateful to have experienced it.
September 22, 2021
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Happily working on her family's macadamia farm in the rolling hills of northern New South Wales, Dee Peters receives an enigmatic letter hinting of family secrets, and the prospect of her inheriting a cattle station in the Northern Territory outback. Torn in many directions: the request that she meet with a solicitor in Darwin, the evasive behaviour of her parents and the opposition of family friend and her-almost-fianc�, Rodney Andrews, Dee's contented life is suddenly thrown into turmoil.
The last thing she expects is to inherit a sprawling cattle station in the rugged outback, but she travels to the Territory to find the truth of the inheritance. Intrigued by the vague hints of the elderly solicitor, Dee decides to stay on the station for six months while she attempts to make sense of the past.
Ryan Carey has managed Wilderness Springs cattle station since his father died suddenly. Devastated when he discovers the property has not been bequeathed to him, the last thing Ryan expects is the arrival of a woman, and one who is keen to take over the running of the property. With reluctance, he agrees to work with Dee, but as she tries to make sense of why the property was left to her, a chilling secret from the past will shock them both.
As Dee and Ryan attempt to uncover the secrets of Wilderness Springs, it soon becomes very clear that someone will do anything to stop them discovering the truth.
Set in the harsh countryside west of Kakadu National Park, this is a thrilling mystery about hidden family secrets and finding love in the harsh Australian outback.
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Mystery and Suspense
Review:
This book is part of the Porter Sisters series but can be read as a standalone. We follow Dee Peters on her quest to discover her real ancestry as she discovers she has inherited a cattle station in The Northern Territory. The story is nicely written and has a nice pace to it. The setting in the Northern Territory of Australia is described in great detail this made the place appear very vivid and realistic. The characters were interesting and their actions were explained well this made them very true to life. The only thing that disappointed me was that the ending felt a bit rushed, it was wrapped up a bit too quickly, it would have been nice if it had been described in a bit more detail.
Overall:
This book is nicely written, well researched, and gives a little bit of an insight into life on a Cattle Station in The Northern Territory of Australia. The book is captivating from the start with the right of amount of suspense, intrigue and a bit of romance. This made the book interesting till the last page.
Happily working on her family's macadamia farm in the rolling hills of northern New South Wales, Dee Peters receives an enigmatic letter hinting of family secrets, and the prospect of her inheriting a cattle station in the Northern Territory outback. Torn in many directions: the request that she meet with a solicitor in Darwin, the evasive behaviour of her parents and the opposition of family friend and her-almost-fianc�, Rodney Andrews, Dee's contented life is suddenly thrown into turmoil.
The last thing she expects is to inherit a sprawling cattle station in the rugged outback, but she travels to the Territory to find the truth of the inheritance. Intrigued by the vague hints of the elderly solicitor, Dee decides to stay on the station for six months while she attempts to make sense of the past.
Ryan Carey has managed Wilderness Springs cattle station since his father died suddenly. Devastated when he discovers the property has not been bequeathed to him, the last thing Ryan expects is the arrival of a woman, and one who is keen to take over the running of the property. With reluctance, he agrees to work with Dee, but as she tries to make sense of why the property was left to her, a chilling secret from the past will shock them both.
As Dee and Ryan attempt to uncover the secrets of Wilderness Springs, it soon becomes very clear that someone will do anything to stop them discovering the truth.
Set in the harsh countryside west of Kakadu National Park, this is a thrilling mystery about hidden family secrets and finding love in the harsh Australian outback.
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Mystery and Suspense
Review:
This book is part of the Porter Sisters series but can be read as a standalone. We follow Dee Peters on her quest to discover her real ancestry as she discovers she has inherited a cattle station in The Northern Territory. The story is nicely written and has a nice pace to it. The setting in the Northern Territory of Australia is described in great detail this made the place appear very vivid and realistic. The characters were interesting and their actions were explained well this made them very true to life. The only thing that disappointed me was that the ending felt a bit rushed, it was wrapped up a bit too quickly, it would have been nice if it had been described in a bit more detail.
Overall:
This book is nicely written, well researched, and gives a little bit of an insight into life on a Cattle Station in The Northern Territory of Australia. The book is captivating from the start with the right of amount of suspense, intrigue and a bit of romance. This made the book interesting till the last page.
April 21, 2021
I LOVED THIS, absolutely loved it. I've read each of the Porter Sister's books and enjoyed each and when this became available through Beauty and Lace I crossed fingers and toes and eyes hoping I'd be selected and totally thrilled that I was.
The way Annie Seaton describes the country areas of Australia is wonderful. The characters are real,the story lines excellent with always some tension but not so much it becomes artificial.
Hidden Valley is absolutely fantastic, from the first word to the last. Authentic and beautiful. It is possible to "see" the scenery, even though I've unfortunately never been to The Northern Territory. The way Annie links the characters we've met before with new people is absolutely wonderful. Everyone fits where they should and by the end of the book you feel you know them all, love some and loath others.
The way Dee Peters (not one of the Porter Sisters) is thrown with Ryan Carey who suddenly finds the cattle station he has managed and thought was his inheritance when his father died suddenly, needing to be joint run with Dee, is incredibly well written. Why Ryan's father would involve an unknown woman in the inheritance is beyond understanding. Not until towards the end of the book do we understand why. Others are prepared to do anything including kill to get the property for themselves. The way the story unfolds with twists and turns and danger for all those involved, is brilliant.
Annie is a master at strong women characters - all her characters are strong and well drawn. The way the Porter family are brought together with others they care about is satisfying without ever being soppy.
It is a truly wonderful book, a fitting end to The Porter Sisters but we can hope that the story from their Mother will allow us to revisit favourite characters. It's been some time since I've engaged as much with a book. It is just beautiful.
The way Annie Seaton describes the country areas of Australia is wonderful. The characters are real,the story lines excellent with always some tension but not so much it becomes artificial.
Hidden Valley is absolutely fantastic, from the first word to the last. Authentic and beautiful. It is possible to "see" the scenery, even though I've unfortunately never been to The Northern Territory. The way Annie links the characters we've met before with new people is absolutely wonderful. Everyone fits where they should and by the end of the book you feel you know them all, love some and loath others.
The way Dee Peters (not one of the Porter Sisters) is thrown with Ryan Carey who suddenly finds the cattle station he has managed and thought was his inheritance when his father died suddenly, needing to be joint run with Dee, is incredibly well written. Why Ryan's father would involve an unknown woman in the inheritance is beyond understanding. Not until towards the end of the book do we understand why. Others are prepared to do anything including kill to get the property for themselves. The way the story unfolds with twists and turns and danger for all those involved, is brilliant.
Annie is a master at strong women characters - all her characters are strong and well drawn. The way the Porter family are brought together with others they care about is satisfying without ever being soppy.
It is a truly wonderful book, a fitting end to The Porter Sisters but we can hope that the story from their Mother will allow us to revisit favourite characters. It's been some time since I've engaged as much with a book. It is just beautiful.
July 1, 2021
Part mystery. Part search for ancestry. Part romance.
I chose this book because the story started in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales where I hail from. I also had in mind the exact macadamia farm where Dee is the manager in the Byron Hinterland. It’s not too far from Possum Creek. Knowing the area makes the story very real.
We travel with our heroine from the Byron Shire to Darwin and then onto a property not too far from the town of Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory of Australia. (I love this name). Clues are hidden throughout the book (like Easter eggs) each one delighting the reader as they reveal more of the mystery around the letter from the lawyer and her curious inheritance.
This was the first book I’d read in the Porter Sisters series, so I found the number of secondary characters a little overwhelming. Otherwise an enjoyable read, snaking it’s way through stunning countryside to the inevitable Happy Ever After.
I chose this book because the story started in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales where I hail from. I also had in mind the exact macadamia farm where Dee is the manager in the Byron Hinterland. It’s not too far from Possum Creek. Knowing the area makes the story very real.
We travel with our heroine from the Byron Shire to Darwin and then onto a property not too far from the town of Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory of Australia. (I love this name). Clues are hidden throughout the book (like Easter eggs) each one delighting the reader as they reveal more of the mystery around the letter from the lawyer and her curious inheritance.
This was the first book I’d read in the Porter Sisters series, so I found the number of secondary characters a little overwhelming. Otherwise an enjoyable read, snaking it’s way through stunning countryside to the inevitable Happy Ever After.
July 27, 2021
WOW! WOW! WOW! This gripping story will have you on the edge of your seat every minute as the plot quickly thickens with deceit, scheming, and deadly hatred. Dee is unaware of just how much turmoil an unexpected piece of mail can have on her very ordered life. Once her peace has been completely and truly shattered, Dee goes in pursuit of answers to the multitude of questions left in the wake of her initial shock. Australia's arid and strangely captivating landscape is the amazing background Dee travels in her quest to learn the truth about her past and her future. Ryan Carey, the very essence of a rugged Australian Stockman and the perfect counterpart for Dee, is brought into this plot with questions and mysteries of his own. This brilliant story is not to be missed. It is truly OUTSTANDING!!!!!
January 14, 2023
Secrets make living in an outback cattle station interesting in this novel about a single woman who inherited one half of it. Unknown to her, Dee had lived under the radar managing her father's macadamia farm for him. Though, all came to the front when she rejected her dad's preferred suitor for her, instead checking out an inheritance a long way from home. Right away, strange things began to happen to her upon her arrival. Though Ryan, despite being shocked by the will, remained supportive. Many twists and turns while the two attempted to unravel this strange will before realizing they were smitten but endangered. Clean novel with much well-researched info on running a cattle station. Maintains one's interest throughout for someone who enjoys a mystery and learning about life in the outback.
July 29, 2021
Awesome Aussie Read. This was the first Porter Sisters tale I picked up and it was a doozy. Descriptions of Australia vivid and true. The colours and sights and sounds perfect. Annie takes us on a lovely ride of discovery and intrigue from the Macadamia plantation in the foothills of Byron Bay to the huge cattle stations of the Northern territory. Its smooth and easily enjoyed and has you wondering who is it/ who done it along the way. The epilogue came too soon for me but it did indeed tie up all the loose ends. My edition could use a good going over by an editor. Words were wrong and in 1 or 2 instances a persons name was incorrect but I managed to overcome those annoyances because the book was just so lovely to read about my homeland.
August 7, 2021
Decent writing style and I enjoyed being reminded of places I have visited in the Northern Territory. I do think all the secrets and drama was drawn out for too long. It made the majority of the book feel quite negative in tone. And sometimes it was hard to keep track of the various characters and timelines. I would have liked to see more of the main characters after things had been resolved.
Dee and Ryan were likeable and well developed. There wasn't much romance beyond a few kisses and a sweet epilogue.
Dee and Ryan were likeable and well developed. There wasn't much romance beyond a few kisses and a sweet epilogue.
April 10, 2022
Nothing short of brilliant. Having loved the rest of the Porter Sister's set I looked forward to this and it did not disappoint. Absolutely wonderful descriptions of the characters and the scenery made it so real I could picture places I've never seen.
Fast paced with enough detail linking the earlier Porter Sister's books but not so much it bored anyone who had read them, I loved the way everything fitted. The suspense was believable and the ending beautiful, giving the reader the hope of another Porter Sister's book which has eventuated.
One of the best series of books I've read.
Fast paced with enough detail linking the earlier Porter Sister's books but not so much it bored anyone who had read them, I loved the way everything fitted. The suspense was believable and the ending beautiful, giving the reader the hope of another Porter Sister's book which has eventuated.
One of the best series of books I've read.
March 2, 2024
I will admit I was a little baffled when this book started, since Ellie only seemed to be a minor character and the only link to the previous three books, but once the story grabbed me, it did not let go. The action picked up very slowly, leaving me certain that something was rotten, but I wasn't sure what. The plot twists kept me guessing, all the way up to the climax, which was long, drawn out and incredibly delicious. I would have preferred more of a resolution, but that is how this series has always been. Can't wait to read the next in this series.
July 26, 2021
The high school gang of friends
Such a great series! Makes me want to book flights to see the wonders of Australia. Dee is shocked by a letter suggesting she has inherited land from "family" in the Northern territory. Ryan is blindsided when his father's will leaves half of their family cattle station to some unknown woman. When the meet in a lawyer's office, both are so shocked that neither understands what the future may hold.
Such a great series! Makes me want to book flights to see the wonders of Australia. Dee is shocked by a letter suggesting she has inherited land from "family" in the Northern territory. Ryan is blindsided when his father's will leaves half of their family cattle station to some unknown woman. When the meet in a lawyer's office, both are so shocked that neither understands what the future may hold.
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