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Clouds on the Horizon
'A rural story that has it all ... simmering romance, international intrigue, a complex heroine and a swoon-worthy hero. What's not to love?' Karly Lane, bestselling Australian author
Will a misunderstanding and past trauma stand in the way of profound attraction? Immovable determination meets irresistible charm in this delightful rural romance from an award-winning and much-loved author - for readers of Rachael Johns, Karly Lane and Fleur McDonald.
When Phoebe Cartwright finds Sinn T�rrissen, a naval officer and meteorologist, frozen half to death in the middle of a thunderstorm, she believes she's saved his life. Sinn, unfailingly competent and infuriatingly arrogant, disagrees. In Phoebe's small country town to track down the members of an illegal horse-racing syndicate, the last thing he needs is to become entangled with Phoebe.
A much-loved member of her community, the prickly and independent Phoebe is used to solving other people's problems. So when she learns her younger sister could be implicated in their father's dishonest accounting for the syndicate, she insists on working with Sinn to uncover the truth.
Sinn is both confused and entranced by the passionate Phoebe and in spite of her resistance, Phoebe finds herself drawn to him. But Phoebe is determined to protect her sister above all, and the secrets she cannot tell Sinn threaten to sweep his investigation - and their romance - way off course. With clouds building on the horizon, can Phoebe and Sinn weather the gale and find in each other a shelter from the storm?
'Encapsulates everything I love about the romance genre and so much more. A go-to author for rural romance for the head as well as the heart, ' Joanna Nell, Bestselling Australian Author
Will a misunderstanding and past trauma stand in the way of profound attraction? Immovable determination meets irresistible charm in this delightful rural romance from an award-winning and much-loved author - for readers of Rachael Johns, Karly Lane and Fleur McDonald.
When Phoebe Cartwright finds Sinn T�rrissen, a naval officer and meteorologist, frozen half to death in the middle of a thunderstorm, she believes she's saved his life. Sinn, unfailingly competent and infuriatingly arrogant, disagrees. In Phoebe's small country town to track down the members of an illegal horse-racing syndicate, the last thing he needs is to become entangled with Phoebe.
A much-loved member of her community, the prickly and independent Phoebe is used to solving other people's problems. So when she learns her younger sister could be implicated in their father's dishonest accounting for the syndicate, she insists on working with Sinn to uncover the truth.
Sinn is both confused and entranced by the passionate Phoebe and in spite of her resistance, Phoebe finds herself drawn to him. But Phoebe is determined to protect her sister above all, and the secrets she cannot tell Sinn threaten to sweep his investigation - and their romance - way off course. With clouds building on the horizon, can Phoebe and Sinn weather the gale and find in each other a shelter from the storm?
'Encapsulates everything I love about the romance genre and so much more. A go-to author for rural romance for the head as well as the heart, ' Joanna Nell, Bestselling Australian Author
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2022
16 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Janu
18 books131 followersPenelope Janu writes contemporary fiction about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do. Penelope’s novels, whether coastal or rural, celebrate Australian communities.
Penelope is a lawyer with an interest in social justice issues and the environment. She has six children, a big dog, a distracting husband and never enough time to write. Now that she lives on a small farm, she also has an impossibly large garden, a vegetable patch and a herd of cattle that never get taken to market.
Penelope hopes readers will fall as passionately in love with her heroines and heroes as she invariably does. She has travelled to many places in the world but has lived most of her life in Sydney, Australia. When not reading or writing Penelope can be found walking the coastline, or in the bush (though she's not much of a walking companion as she plots as she walks).
Penelope loves to hear from readers so please contact her via Goodreads, or on her website http://www.penelopejanu.com, or email her on penelopejanu@penelopejanu.com.
Penelope is a lawyer with an interest in social justice issues and the environment. She has six children, a big dog, a distracting husband and never enough time to write. Now that she lives on a small farm, she also has an impossibly large garden, a vegetable patch and a herd of cattle that never get taken to market.
Penelope hopes readers will fall as passionately in love with her heroines and heroes as she invariably does. She has travelled to many places in the world but has lived most of her life in Sydney, Australia. When not reading or writing Penelope can be found walking the coastline, or in the bush (though she's not much of a walking companion as she plots as she walks).
Penelope loves to hear from readers so please contact her via Goodreads, or on her website http://www.penelopejanu.com, or email her on penelopejanu@penelopejanu.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 6, 2022
Astride her ex-racehorse in the pouring rain, Phoebe Cartwright wondered why Camelot was skittish. But the shape of a person lying on the ground ahead of her gave the answer. The man was freezing cold and barely conscious, and Phoebe struggled to take him into the nearby shed on her neighbour’s property. When he told her of the satellite phone on his person, rescue was soon on the way. But it was a helicopter which arrived, not an ambulance. Sinn Tørrissen was from Norway and seconded to the UN, in the country investigating an illegal horse racing syndicate – suddenly Phoebe was involved, whether she wanted to be or not.
Phoebe had had a dreadful childhood and she’d cared for her two sisters, Primrose and Patience. Both adults now, Phoebe still felt it her duty to look out for them. So when Phoebe’s father and sister were implicated in the syndicate, Phoebe stepped in to take the blame. The church where Phoebe lived in Warrandale was her home, her safe place, with her dog Wickham, two horses – Camelot and Mintie - and a lamb called Lottie, plus the children she worked with each day. And Sinn was determined not to allow Phoebe close, and especially not to let her be included in his investigation. But would that work, with the investigation coming to a head and Phoebe putting herself in danger?
Clouds on the Horizon by Aussie author Penelope Janu is an extraordinary rural romantic suspense novel, heavy on the suspense and intrigue, with twists galore. I had trouble putting it down, with my heart racing in certain sections. Phoebe is a strong character who makes a few impulsive decisions detrimental to her health! I loved the animals on Phoebe’s property and her affinity to them and the children she was helping. A brilliant read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Phoebe had had a dreadful childhood and she’d cared for her two sisters, Primrose and Patience. Both adults now, Phoebe still felt it her duty to look out for them. So when Phoebe’s father and sister were implicated in the syndicate, Phoebe stepped in to take the blame. The church where Phoebe lived in Warrandale was her home, her safe place, with her dog Wickham, two horses – Camelot and Mintie - and a lamb called Lottie, plus the children she worked with each day. And Sinn was determined not to allow Phoebe close, and especially not to let her be included in his investigation. But would that work, with the investigation coming to a head and Phoebe putting herself in danger?
Clouds on the Horizon by Aussie author Penelope Janu is an extraordinary rural romantic suspense novel, heavy on the suspense and intrigue, with twists galore. I had trouble putting it down, with my heart racing in certain sections. Phoebe is a strong character who makes a few impulsive decisions detrimental to her health! I loved the animals on Phoebe’s property and her affinity to them and the children she was helping. A brilliant read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
I never miss a Penelope Janu book, her books are written with lots of emotion and feelings, she bring hers characters to life as we get to know them on the pages and this time we get to meet Phoebe Cartwright and Sinn Torrissen in a story packed with passion and fraught with ups and downs as they both find their way to love and happiness, set in a beautiful rural setting it is a story that had me turning the pages.
Phoebe is a young woman who works hard as an occupational therapist helping children overcome their difficulties, she didn’t have the best childhood growing up and this plays a part in who Phoebe is today, while out riding on her horse Camelot she discovers naval officer Sinn Torrissen lying on the ground bleeding and freezing she gets him safe and before she knows it he is being whisked away by men in a helicopter, but her first impressions of him run deep for Phoebe.
Sinn is a meteorologist and Norwegian naval officer and is here in Australia investigating a horse racing syndicate and Phoebe’s name is linked to the case but he does not need to be involved with her in any other way than his investigation but even though he was not feeling the best at their first meeting the explosive pull that he feels for her shocks him, he is here to do a job not get mixed up romantically, the job must come first.
Phoebe is determined to work with Sinn on this investigation seeing as how it involves her sister and father, Sinn can be very arrogant and this is not what he wants and he does all he can to push Phoebe away but the more they are together the closer they get both are fighting their feelings as best they can. Danger lurks around corners and truths come out in this passionate story.
I really did love this story and the many characters that added to it, not just the people but the animals as well Lottie, Wickham, Mintie and Camelot are very special especially how they help the kids that Phoebe works with, and with mentions of the characters from past books is always good, and then there is Sinn and Phoebe what can I say yes Sinn is arrogant but he knows when he loves someone and will do whatever to protect her and Phoebe her strength and courage after what she has been through had me cheering her one in so many ways. This is a story that I would highly recommend, don’t miss this one.
My thanks to the publisher Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
Phoebe is a young woman who works hard as an occupational therapist helping children overcome their difficulties, she didn’t have the best childhood growing up and this plays a part in who Phoebe is today, while out riding on her horse Camelot she discovers naval officer Sinn Torrissen lying on the ground bleeding and freezing she gets him safe and before she knows it he is being whisked away by men in a helicopter, but her first impressions of him run deep for Phoebe.
Sinn is a meteorologist and Norwegian naval officer and is here in Australia investigating a horse racing syndicate and Phoebe’s name is linked to the case but he does not need to be involved with her in any other way than his investigation but even though he was not feeling the best at their first meeting the explosive pull that he feels for her shocks him, he is here to do a job not get mixed up romantically, the job must come first.
Phoebe is determined to work with Sinn on this investigation seeing as how it involves her sister and father, Sinn can be very arrogant and this is not what he wants and he does all he can to push Phoebe away but the more they are together the closer they get both are fighting their feelings as best they can. Danger lurks around corners and truths come out in this passionate story.
I really did love this story and the many characters that added to it, not just the people but the animals as well Lottie, Wickham, Mintie and Camelot are very special especially how they help the kids that Phoebe works with, and with mentions of the characters from past books is always good, and then there is Sinn and Phoebe what can I say yes Sinn is arrogant but he knows when he loves someone and will do whatever to protect her and Phoebe her strength and courage after what she has been through had me cheering her one in so many ways. This is a story that I would highly recommend, don’t miss this one.
My thanks to the publisher Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
June 21, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Phoebe Cartwright finds Norwegian naval officer and meteorologist, in the middle of a thunderstorm and rescues him. He seems to have a different view of the situation. Sinn Tørrissen is in the small South Australian country town of Warrandale to track down members of an illegal horse racing syndicate. His plans do not include a woman or becoming tied up with Phoebe. Phoebe on the other hand is a strong woman used to helping other people with their problems, this especially includes her two younger sisters, Patience and Prim. Phoebe also helps a number of young people with learning difficulties, using her dog Wickham and horse Camelot in various training exercises.
When she learns her sister Patience could be implicated in their father’s dishonest involvement with the dodgy syndicate, Phoebe pesters Sinn to let her help uncover the truth. But she has kept some facts secret from him. But that is not the only secret she wants to keep hidden. As they work together to uncover the truth it becomes harder to keep their attraction to each other from interfering. But can they?
Phoebe is a caring character, with lingering fears, largely due to treatment by her abusive father. Yet she still seeks to look after him. Sinn is interesting and the puzzle of the syndicate maintains interest. I liked the inclusion of Phoebe’s work with children too. Romance, mystery, good characters, some cute animals like Lottie the lamb, and a great rural setting means there is plenty to like in this book. Recommended reading for lots of reasons. I took a little bit of time to settle in to to this book, but that could well be me at present. In the end, I loved it.
Phoebe Cartwright finds Norwegian naval officer and meteorologist, in the middle of a thunderstorm and rescues him. He seems to have a different view of the situation. Sinn Tørrissen is in the small South Australian country town of Warrandale to track down members of an illegal horse racing syndicate. His plans do not include a woman or becoming tied up with Phoebe. Phoebe on the other hand is a strong woman used to helping other people with their problems, this especially includes her two younger sisters, Patience and Prim. Phoebe also helps a number of young people with learning difficulties, using her dog Wickham and horse Camelot in various training exercises.
When she learns her sister Patience could be implicated in their father’s dishonest involvement with the dodgy syndicate, Phoebe pesters Sinn to let her help uncover the truth. But she has kept some facts secret from him. But that is not the only secret she wants to keep hidden. As they work together to uncover the truth it becomes harder to keep their attraction to each other from interfering. But can they?
Phoebe is a caring character, with lingering fears, largely due to treatment by her abusive father. Yet she still seeks to look after him. Sinn is interesting and the puzzle of the syndicate maintains interest. I liked the inclusion of Phoebe’s work with children too. Romance, mystery, good characters, some cute animals like Lottie the lamb, and a great rural setting means there is plenty to like in this book. Recommended reading for lots of reasons. I took a little bit of time to settle in to to this book, but that could well be me at present. In the end, I loved it.
March 10, 2022
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Clouds on the Horizon by Penelope Janu. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 January 2022**
When Phoebe finds Sinn, a naval officer and meteorologist, frozen half to death in the middle of a thunderstorm, it leads to a connection. Sinn is in Phoebe's small country town to investigate an illegal horse-racing syndicate and doesn't need to be distracted. When Phoebe learns her younger sister could be implicated in their father's dishonest accounting for the syndicate, she insists on getting involved in the investigation. Sinn is entranced by Phoebe but she's keeping secrets to protect her sister and this threatens both the investigation and their romance...
I've now read a few of this author's books and enjoyed them all; this one being no exception. I really liked the characters of both Phoebe and Sinn, and the progression of their relationship; sparks fly from their initial dramatic meeting but there's some obstacles they'll need to face, including a criminal investigation and some past traumas. I thought Phoebe's job was intriguing and I found the scenes in relation to her work very interesting. The story was well-written, very engaging and easy to get lost into for a few hours.
Overall: would definitely recommend this one for readers that enjoy a bit of romance with some added suspense type drama on the side.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Clouds on the Horizon by Penelope Janu. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 January 2022**
When Phoebe finds Sinn, a naval officer and meteorologist, frozen half to death in the middle of a thunderstorm, it leads to a connection. Sinn is in Phoebe's small country town to investigate an illegal horse-racing syndicate and doesn't need to be distracted. When Phoebe learns her younger sister could be implicated in their father's dishonest accounting for the syndicate, she insists on getting involved in the investigation. Sinn is entranced by Phoebe but she's keeping secrets to protect her sister and this threatens both the investigation and their romance...
I've now read a few of this author's books and enjoyed them all; this one being no exception. I really liked the characters of both Phoebe and Sinn, and the progression of their relationship; sparks fly from their initial dramatic meeting but there's some obstacles they'll need to face, including a criminal investigation and some past traumas. I thought Phoebe's job was intriguing and I found the scenes in relation to her work very interesting. The story was well-written, very engaging and easy to get lost into for a few hours.
Overall: would definitely recommend this one for readers that enjoy a bit of romance with some added suspense type drama on the side.
April 30, 2022
Clouds on the Horizon is about love and trust in beautiful rural settings. One stormy night Phoebe Cartwright found Sinn Torrissen nearly frozen to death and got him help, and through that, she would not see him again. However, she was wrong. Naval Officer and meteorologist Sinn Torrissen was on a mission to discover an illegal horse-racing syndicate and belief that Phoebe was involved. Clouds on the Horizon readers will continue to follow Sinn and Phoebe to discover what happens.
Clouds on the Horizon is another fantastic book by Penelope Janu, and I continued my love affair with her books. I engaged with Clouds on the Horizon from the start and continued until the end. I love Penelope Janu's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine which each other throughout this book. Clouds on the Horizon is well written and researched by Penelope Janu. I like Penelope Janu's description of the settings of Clouds on the Horizon, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Clouds on the Horizon readers will learn about running an international law enforcement investigation. Also, the readers of Clouds on the Horizon will learn about the benefits of animals for children.
I recommend this book.
Clouds on the Horizon is another fantastic book by Penelope Janu, and I continued my love affair with her books. I engaged with Clouds on the Horizon from the start and continued until the end. I love Penelope Janu's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine which each other throughout this book. Clouds on the Horizon is well written and researched by Penelope Janu. I like Penelope Janu's description of the settings of Clouds on the Horizon, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Clouds on the Horizon readers will learn about running an international law enforcement investigation. Also, the readers of Clouds on the Horizon will learn about the benefits of animals for children.
I recommend this book.
January 27, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Behind the clouds, there is light.’
In her fourth rural romance outing, Penelope Janu strives to unite new readers and old to her work, thanks to her highly engaging 2022 release, Clouds on the Horizon. A story of romance, attraction, charm, intrigue, community, family ties, independence and withheld truths, Clouds on the Horizon is an absorbing small-town story.
In this enchanting new tale from rural romance regent Penelope Janu, we are acquainted with an alluring and fiercely independent heroine named Phoebe Cartwright. When Phoebe crosses paths in a chance encounter with a naval officer/meteorologist called Sinn Tørrissen, she offers him a lifeline. Caught up in a dangerous storm, Phoebe rescues the stranded mystery man and this fateful meeting will change the lives of both Phoebe and Sinn. When it is revealed that Sinn is on a mission to uncover an unlawful horse-racing syndicate fix, things get complicated for these two determined leads. Phoebe has plenty of her own problems, she has her father’s health and ill choices to consider. Now her younger sister could also be implicated in her father’s underhanded dealings in the syndicate fix, which sends Phoebe in a spin. As Phoebe swallows her pride and throws herself into Sinn’s investigation, she must decide if the protection of her family is worth casting aside for a shot at love. Can this family and potential couple weather the strong storms ahead?
If you long for an escape to the country or from your life as it stands at present, Clouds on the Horizon is the perfect option. A wonderful summer read, Penelope’s latest release offers the reader a delightful page-based escape. Introducing a firecracker lead with a fierce sense of protection and righteousness, along with a dashing hero, Clouds on the Horizon was a top rural romance production.
Penelope Janu’s Clouds on the Horizon offers a unique blend of romance, family issues, drama, small-town politics, a true-blue landscape, larger than life characters and a good dollop of intrigue. As a collective, this makes for a great synthesis, which allows this story plenty of time to grow and evolve. I was drawn into Penelope Janu’s engaging narrative from the opening chapter and my attention never tapered off. With a tough side storyline based on money laundering, underhanded deeds, desperation, greed, hopelessness and horse syndicates, I really enjoyed the finer points of this tale. Penelope Janu also incorporates her signature blend of environmental impact topics, which are finely weaved into this narrative. With an additional focus on family stresses and relations, Clouds on the Horizon proved to be a thoroughly involving tableau.
Romance is Penelope Janu’s strong power and she uses this passion to her advantage. In Sinn and Phoebe, we have two polarising and forceful souls who eventually find a sense of attraction. This passage to love is impaired by personal reserves, family responsibilities, work related expectations, trust, secrets, lies and dishonesty. Emotions run high in this story, along with the rising attraction between the leads. It was a cracking love story to follow. Along with her robust focus on romance, Janu delivers some solid characterisation in Clouds on the Horizon. With fully fleshed out leads, a set of sturdy secondary characters and some unforgettable animal players, this new rural romance presentation from Penelope Janu was a gratifying read.
With a stunning stage setting of the fictional Central West of NSW country town of Warrandale illuminating this entire story, Clouds on the Horizon offered a utopian reading experience. I can speak very highly of this one, Clouds on the Horizon is definitely another victory rural fiction piece from Penelope Janu.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
‘Behind the clouds, there is light.’
In her fourth rural romance outing, Penelope Janu strives to unite new readers and old to her work, thanks to her highly engaging 2022 release, Clouds on the Horizon. A story of romance, attraction, charm, intrigue, community, family ties, independence and withheld truths, Clouds on the Horizon is an absorbing small-town story.
In this enchanting new tale from rural romance regent Penelope Janu, we are acquainted with an alluring and fiercely independent heroine named Phoebe Cartwright. When Phoebe crosses paths in a chance encounter with a naval officer/meteorologist called Sinn Tørrissen, she offers him a lifeline. Caught up in a dangerous storm, Phoebe rescues the stranded mystery man and this fateful meeting will change the lives of both Phoebe and Sinn. When it is revealed that Sinn is on a mission to uncover an unlawful horse-racing syndicate fix, things get complicated for these two determined leads. Phoebe has plenty of her own problems, she has her father’s health and ill choices to consider. Now her younger sister could also be implicated in her father’s underhanded dealings in the syndicate fix, which sends Phoebe in a spin. As Phoebe swallows her pride and throws herself into Sinn’s investigation, she must decide if the protection of her family is worth casting aside for a shot at love. Can this family and potential couple weather the strong storms ahead?
If you long for an escape to the country or from your life as it stands at present, Clouds on the Horizon is the perfect option. A wonderful summer read, Penelope’s latest release offers the reader a delightful page-based escape. Introducing a firecracker lead with a fierce sense of protection and righteousness, along with a dashing hero, Clouds on the Horizon was a top rural romance production.
Penelope Janu’s Clouds on the Horizon offers a unique blend of romance, family issues, drama, small-town politics, a true-blue landscape, larger than life characters and a good dollop of intrigue. As a collective, this makes for a great synthesis, which allows this story plenty of time to grow and evolve. I was drawn into Penelope Janu’s engaging narrative from the opening chapter and my attention never tapered off. With a tough side storyline based on money laundering, underhanded deeds, desperation, greed, hopelessness and horse syndicates, I really enjoyed the finer points of this tale. Penelope Janu also incorporates her signature blend of environmental impact topics, which are finely weaved into this narrative. With an additional focus on family stresses and relations, Clouds on the Horizon proved to be a thoroughly involving tableau.
Romance is Penelope Janu’s strong power and she uses this passion to her advantage. In Sinn and Phoebe, we have two polarising and forceful souls who eventually find a sense of attraction. This passage to love is impaired by personal reserves, family responsibilities, work related expectations, trust, secrets, lies and dishonesty. Emotions run high in this story, along with the rising attraction between the leads. It was a cracking love story to follow. Along with her robust focus on romance, Janu delivers some solid characterisation in Clouds on the Horizon. With fully fleshed out leads, a set of sturdy secondary characters and some unforgettable animal players, this new rural romance presentation from Penelope Janu was a gratifying read.
With a stunning stage setting of the fictional Central West of NSW country town of Warrandale illuminating this entire story, Clouds on the Horizon offered a utopian reading experience. I can speak very highly of this one, Clouds on the Horizon is definitely another victory rural fiction piece from Penelope Janu.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
December 28, 2021
Absolutely devoured this novel x I love rural romance and I did love and appreciate the romance of Phoebe and Sinn’s I loved my time in Warrendale, always nice to live in a decommissioned church and all the farm animals felt like friends to me by the end; I especially loved Lottie the lamb, what a honey xx I loved learning about the role of a children’s occupational therapist and there was so much I never knew about clouds and stars, it was wonderful having a meteorologist as a hero x I love a Penelope Janu novel, just perfect
January 26, 2022
Stunning, I loved everything about this story
January 9, 2022
Penelope Janu is one of my must-read authors, she has one character who features in several of her books, including this one, Nate, and I am hoping once again that he gets his own happy ever after in his own book soon.
Clouds on the Horizon was a book I was looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. I must say though, that it took me quite a while to get into this one, the characters didn’t lend themselves to me becoming caught up in their story for quite a while.
Phoebe has had a traumatic upbringing and hasn’t had much luck in relationships, she is like two different people; with the kid’s she is a therapist for she is warm and caring, but with most of the people around her, she keeps herself separate on an emotional and personal level. I found her brittleness and the way she was with Sinn, took me a while to get used to and though I understood her past dictated her behaviour, I just couldn’t warm up to her for the first part of the novel. Sinn was abrupt with Phoebe and though he wanted her help he didn’t want her involved in his investigation, Phoebe wouldn’t take no for an answer, a very stubborn woman. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Sinn and Phoebe until the second half of the novel, neither were willing to allow their feelings to really show, though Sinn was more willing than Phoebe.
I don’t understand much about horse syndicates other than people can make money from them, but it was clear Penelope Janu had done her research. The reason Sinn is in the area and needs Phoebe’s help was because of the work her father and her sister did on the accounts for the syndicate. While I got Phoebe’s need to protect her sister’s because of their upbringing, I did get frustrated with her behaviour in the case of this investigation.
I liked that because of this investigation and her relationship with Sinn, Phoebe had to really take the time to look at who she was now as an adult, and where she wanted to be on an emotional level and whether she wanted to take steps to change her life. She had two good friends who had her back, Mandy who was a counsellor and Jeramiah a local police officer, both of these helped her on an emotional level while dealing with Sinn and his investigation.
The animals in this story were fabulous characters, from the horses to Phoebe’s dog and then the gorgeous baby lamb, they made for some great scenes. I also liked Nate, Sinn’s off-sider and Pheobe’s small cast of friends and the children she helped. Penelope Janu has obviously done a lot of research around treatment for children with various issues and I found this very interesting seeing as this is part of my own work.
There was plenty to like about this novel and once I became fully engaged with the characters, I couldn’t put it down.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Clouds on the Horizon was a book I was looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. I must say though, that it took me quite a while to get into this one, the characters didn’t lend themselves to me becoming caught up in their story for quite a while.
Phoebe has had a traumatic upbringing and hasn’t had much luck in relationships, she is like two different people; with the kid’s she is a therapist for she is warm and caring, but with most of the people around her, she keeps herself separate on an emotional and personal level. I found her brittleness and the way she was with Sinn, took me a while to get used to and though I understood her past dictated her behaviour, I just couldn’t warm up to her for the first part of the novel. Sinn was abrupt with Phoebe and though he wanted her help he didn’t want her involved in his investigation, Phoebe wouldn’t take no for an answer, a very stubborn woman. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Sinn and Phoebe until the second half of the novel, neither were willing to allow their feelings to really show, though Sinn was more willing than Phoebe.
I don’t understand much about horse syndicates other than people can make money from them, but it was clear Penelope Janu had done her research. The reason Sinn is in the area and needs Phoebe’s help was because of the work her father and her sister did on the accounts for the syndicate. While I got Phoebe’s need to protect her sister’s because of their upbringing, I did get frustrated with her behaviour in the case of this investigation.
I liked that because of this investigation and her relationship with Sinn, Phoebe had to really take the time to look at who she was now as an adult, and where she wanted to be on an emotional level and whether she wanted to take steps to change her life. She had two good friends who had her back, Mandy who was a counsellor and Jeramiah a local police officer, both of these helped her on an emotional level while dealing with Sinn and his investigation.
The animals in this story were fabulous characters, from the horses to Phoebe’s dog and then the gorgeous baby lamb, they made for some great scenes. I also liked Nate, Sinn’s off-sider and Pheobe’s small cast of friends and the children she helped. Penelope Janu has obviously done a lot of research around treatment for children with various issues and I found this very interesting seeing as this is part of my own work.
There was plenty to like about this novel and once I became fully engaged with the characters, I couldn’t put it down.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2022
My first, but certainly not last, Penelope Janu.
At times, I felt like I was in Outback Australia with the fantastic setting and depictions of life on the land. There were quite a few unexpected laugh out loud moments too - from the orphaned lamb, the sheepdog that hates sheep but is the perfect therapy dog for children, and of course a regal cubbyhouse for said lamb. Throw in Sinn, the Scandanavian naval hottie on secondment to the UN (despite his weird entry into the story) and Phoebe, a strong, positive female protagonist, and the rest is reading pleasure.
Suspense, great rural setting, interesting action, with the right amount of conflict and I really enjoyed this read!
Thanks to Harlequin Books AU for the ARC.
At times, I felt like I was in Outback Australia with the fantastic setting and depictions of life on the land. There were quite a few unexpected laugh out loud moments too - from the orphaned lamb, the sheepdog that hates sheep but is the perfect therapy dog for children, and of course a regal cubbyhouse for said lamb. Throw in Sinn, the Scandanavian naval hottie on secondment to the UN (despite his weird entry into the story) and Phoebe, a strong, positive female protagonist, and the rest is reading pleasure.
Suspense, great rural setting, interesting action, with the right amount of conflict and I really enjoyed this read!
Thanks to Harlequin Books AU for the ARC.
December 15, 2021
Clouds on the Horizon by author Penelope Janu contained some likeable characters and stunning settings in a story that held many twists. I liked Phoebe and Sinn and their chemistry was strong throughout the story. Nate was a stand out character who I hope gets a story simply because his character is so likeable. There were many characters that stood out in the story. I could have kept reading about Phoebe and Sinn and their antics and chemistry, however, not to forget that the animals stole the show for sure: Camelot, Lottie, Wickham and Mintie, and Phoebe's demenour throughout the read was truly charming. Clouds on the Horizon was another delightful read that did not disappoint, serving to firmly cement my view that Penelope Janu is an author deserving of a place on one's fave reads list for the colourful, charming characters and settings that she creates that simply entertain.
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
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February 5, 2022It's hard to choose between my favourite part of this novel - the orphaned lamb, the sheepdog that hates sheep but is the perfect therapy aid for children, the Scandanavian naval hottie on secondment to the UN, or the complex female lead, Phoebe. Once again Penelope Janu gives readers plenty to love in her new rural romance Clouds on the Horizon. Suspense, spice, action, conflict and of course, horses. Best enjoyed with a big cup of tea, chocolate and a comfy chair. Many thanks to Harper Collins for an early copy!
January 1, 2022
Thank you Harlequin and Penelope for sending us a copy of read and review.
A rural romance tale with the mystification of a mystery spread throughout.
Phoebe Cartwright finds Sinn Torrissen collapsed in the middle of a storm.
Sinn has arrived in town to search for answers to an illegal horse racing syndicate which members of Phoebe’s family could be involved.
What he doesn’t expect as he’s recovering was to be attracted to Phoebe and she to him.
They eventually join forces to try and solve the mystery but Phoebe will stop at nothing to protect her family.
Will love conquer all or will there be a storm on the horizon among the clouds.
A warm, tender and heartwarming story offering a sense of hope and the power of love.
At the centre of this book is two very different people who manage to come together for their instant attraction to one another and to seek out the truth.
Penelope has given eager readers a fresh, original and entertaining book.
It’s always an exciting pleasure to start off the year with a wonderful voice in rural fiction who continues to embrace her audience with a strong, uplifting narrative.
One that will intrigue as well as entertain.
A gutsy heroine, a robust Norwegian hero, the scenic landscape, important issues and themes, a promising romance, a colourful selection of personality plus animals and a plot that puts it all together with such ease.
A great book filled with all the guts for a successful read.
A rural romance tale with the mystification of a mystery spread throughout.
Phoebe Cartwright finds Sinn Torrissen collapsed in the middle of a storm.
Sinn has arrived in town to search for answers to an illegal horse racing syndicate which members of Phoebe’s family could be involved.
What he doesn’t expect as he’s recovering was to be attracted to Phoebe and she to him.
They eventually join forces to try and solve the mystery but Phoebe will stop at nothing to protect her family.
Will love conquer all or will there be a storm on the horizon among the clouds.
A warm, tender and heartwarming story offering a sense of hope and the power of love.
At the centre of this book is two very different people who manage to come together for their instant attraction to one another and to seek out the truth.
Penelope has given eager readers a fresh, original and entertaining book.
It’s always an exciting pleasure to start off the year with a wonderful voice in rural fiction who continues to embrace her audience with a strong, uplifting narrative.
One that will intrigue as well as entertain.
A gutsy heroine, a robust Norwegian hero, the scenic landscape, important issues and themes, a promising romance, a colourful selection of personality plus animals and a plot that puts it all together with such ease.
A great book filled with all the guts for a successful read.
January 24, 2022
Clouds on the Horizon is the second book by Penelope Janu that I have read. It is a rural romance story, but there is so much more to it than that which is why I enjoyed it so much. Romance is not my favourite genre, but I do love a good story.
The setting of the small country town, of farms and a small community of people who all look out for each other was lovely. The author really brought Warrandale to life. And the animals - the horses and the dogs! I love a book where some of the main characters are animals. Phoebe Cartwright is an occupational therapist for children. She meets Sinn Torrissen and helps him to safety in a thunderstorm. There are definately sparks between them from the beginning. But then she discovers why he is in town, and it involves her family. She will do anything to protect her sisters and father so she makes life difficult for Sinn. But can she stop her feelings?
Thank you to Harlequin Books for this surprise bookmail. A lovely story with plenty of layers. Clouds on the Horizon is out in Australia now.
The setting of the small country town, of farms and a small community of people who all look out for each other was lovely. The author really brought Warrandale to life. And the animals - the horses and the dogs! I love a book where some of the main characters are animals. Phoebe Cartwright is an occupational therapist for children. She meets Sinn Torrissen and helps him to safety in a thunderstorm. There are definately sparks between them from the beginning. But then she discovers why he is in town, and it involves her family. She will do anything to protect her sisters and father so she makes life difficult for Sinn. But can she stop her feelings?
Thank you to Harlequin Books for this surprise bookmail. A lovely story with plenty of layers. Clouds on the Horizon is out in Australia now.
January 19, 2022
An amazing story about love, romance, heartache and trauma. I love Penelope's books, looking forward to reading lots more.
January 19, 2022
With 6 full-length books under her belt, I would like to show my appreciation for 6 of the finer themes within Janu’s signature style that are showcased to perfection in “Clouds on the Horizon." In no particular order they are as follows:
1. Family. Protagonists in Janu’s world fiercely protect loved-ones to the point they will happily play the fall-guy, the scapegoat or even the bad-guy – to the detriment of their burgeoning relationship with the leading men. While “Clouds on the Horizon” is another fine example, this story deviates interestingly where the power-dynamics shift. In Janu’s other works the romantic interest shoe-horns themselves into the main-character’s lives, wreaking chaos, anxiety and imposition. But this time the shoe’s on the other foot as Phoebe attempts to blackmail Sinn into bringing her into his work and life. Although Sinn would prefer to separate church and state, things don’t exactly follow his plan. While there’s still plenty of tension–and denial–and avoidance–and attraction–, without the devastating spectre of losing a home or other extreme-high-stakes vulnerabilities, Phoebe and Sinn’s dynamic is less volatile than other pairings. Readers who expressed moral outrage at Per or Tor’s ‘boy-said-what-now? arrogance and control-methods in their stories should feel more comfortable with this softer, gentler storyline (Confession your honour: after the emotional rollercoaster of the last five books, I never, ever thought I’d say this but I kinda missed feeling righteously indignant on the MC’s behalf. I guess I'd better own I'm now *that* petty drama-loving-queen). Which brings us to:
2. Romance. The words I’d use to describe any of Janu’s romances would always be: intelligently unconventional. For example, a male who follows predictable stereotypes like bringing roses and chocolates? Blah. Bland. Boring. Ya basic. A man who turns the task of building a tiny lamb’s temporary enclosure into a bespoke ovine mansion? Who obviously loves animals, holds the same values as Phoebe, is generous with his time and builds things to last? Girl, go get your manses, stat! As far as romantic gestures go, it’s meaningful, thoughtful, individualised and of course, unconventional, and it works. (Especially when you compare this to Robbie who effectively commissioned a whole house for Phoebe without any consideration towards, you know, Phoebe.) This one-two-three serve that delivers characterisation and romance while furthering the plot encapsulates the clever writing found in all of Janu’s works.
3. Animals. Always a staple in any Janu story, the animals are characters in their own right and I love them all. I especially stan an unconventional sheepdog called Wickham that decides stock handling is not in his purview. And bonus-points to Phoebe for accepting what her animals are and not what they could have been. Only the truly compassionately-natured could see Austen’s Wickham for his faults and still find some good there.
4. Secondary characters. There's a beautiful sense of community you get in small towns and “Clouds on the Horizon” captures that essence of connectedness. It reminds me of the quirky locals of Pearl Bay in the classic Aussie TV show SeaChange (the original 90’s series, please). Every character in Janu’s works – not matter how minor – is a fully-realised person, and it’s lovely to spend time with each and every one of them (cf point 6). Shout out to stupid Benjamin who sucks and I absolutely adore him! I know this kid. I’ve taught this kid. I’ve been friends with kids like this in school. This rolls into my next point –
5. The kids. Every protagonist supports kids’ learning in some sphere and it’s just. So. Fricken. Wholesome. Especially kids who experience and interact with the world in neurodiverse ways. Those little snippets of insight let the reader see the world in an entirely new perspective. And the patience, empathy and encouragement that is shown to these kids by everyone around them – it’s a soothing balm in a world the news would tell us is horrible and soul-destroying. It’s these little details that elevate the story beyond a romance centred around two people, and into a whole world that lives beyond the pages.
6. Patience. Everyone talks about Nate getting his own book (fair point) but also a snappy, short, mutinous young woman named Patience? *makes grabby hands impatiently* Gimme.
In summary: a compassionate, considerate (in both senses of the word), and unconventional tale. As an addendum: cumulus ☁️☁ I always enjoy learning about each character’s quirks and interests 😊
January 28, 2022
Clouds on the Horizon by Australian author Penelope Janu hits every aspect of a true rural romance story.
Phoebe Cartwright lives in a decommissioned church in Warrendale surrounded by farm animals. For someone who did not have a pleasant childhood she realised there was a different side to life and the most fulfilling part of it was her job as an occupational therapist, offering a myriad of benefits for children with sensory challenges and disabilities.
Sinn Torrissen, a Norwegian naval officer and meteorologist is in Australia investigating an illegal horse racing syndicate secondment to the UN. When he collapses in a storm Phoebe finds him injured and bitterly cold. She helps him into a nearby shed on her neighbour’s property, Sinn informs her he has a satellite phone and will be rescued soon. Little did she know when a helicopter arrives to take him away how far she would become involved.
Phoebe learns that her father is involved in the syndicate and her younger sister is under suspicion. Phoebe believes her sister is innocent and joins Sinn in the investigation to prove her innocence. When it comes to her sisters she will do everything she can to protect them even if it means hiding secrets.
What I like about this novel is the character of Phoebe. She is a glowing example of how one not only endures trouble but triumphs over it. Though she is a little stubborn, this is the trait that helps her persevere in the long run. Janu has a talent for getting you inside Phoebe's life and mindset, causing you to feel as the character feels, so much so that you wonder how you would fare in such situations. Readers are sure to connect with the character's journey.
The supporting characters are well balanced throughout the book with likeable personality traits progressing the story well, Patience and Prim Phoebes sisters, Mr Ridley, Nate and the adorable Matilda. I thoroughly enjoyed the animal’s characters Camelot and Mintie the horses, Wickham the border collie and Lottie the lamb, they radiated through the pages and you want to surround yourself with everyone of them.
I liked that the book incorporates both romance and mystery elements that will tug at the strings of your heart but also keeps you intrigued. Penelope successfully pulls on the reader’s emotions with the pain of loss, the worry of making tough decisions, the worry of uncertainty, and the thrill of new love. Clouds on the Horizon demonstrates the joy of living in a rural town with breathtaking descriptions of the beautiful, sweeping landscape and its elements creating the perfect backdrop for the story.
Clouds on the Horizon isn't a fast-paced story, but it is filled with plenty of drama, a quiet journey from heartache and despair to love and happiness. Penelope Janu is to be applauded for plot creation. The reader is able to visualise each and every character, the landscape, the animals, as well as being able to feel the tangle that Phoebe finds herself caught in.
A fantastic book to curl up with that you could possibly finish in a sitting.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
Phoebe Cartwright lives in a decommissioned church in Warrendale surrounded by farm animals. For someone who did not have a pleasant childhood she realised there was a different side to life and the most fulfilling part of it was her job as an occupational therapist, offering a myriad of benefits for children with sensory challenges and disabilities.
Sinn Torrissen, a Norwegian naval officer and meteorologist is in Australia investigating an illegal horse racing syndicate secondment to the UN. When he collapses in a storm Phoebe finds him injured and bitterly cold. She helps him into a nearby shed on her neighbour’s property, Sinn informs her he has a satellite phone and will be rescued soon. Little did she know when a helicopter arrives to take him away how far she would become involved.
Phoebe learns that her father is involved in the syndicate and her younger sister is under suspicion. Phoebe believes her sister is innocent and joins Sinn in the investigation to prove her innocence. When it comes to her sisters she will do everything she can to protect them even if it means hiding secrets.
What I like about this novel is the character of Phoebe. She is a glowing example of how one not only endures trouble but triumphs over it. Though she is a little stubborn, this is the trait that helps her persevere in the long run. Janu has a talent for getting you inside Phoebe's life and mindset, causing you to feel as the character feels, so much so that you wonder how you would fare in such situations. Readers are sure to connect with the character's journey.
The supporting characters are well balanced throughout the book with likeable personality traits progressing the story well, Patience and Prim Phoebes sisters, Mr Ridley, Nate and the adorable Matilda. I thoroughly enjoyed the animal’s characters Camelot and Mintie the horses, Wickham the border collie and Lottie the lamb, they radiated through the pages and you want to surround yourself with everyone of them.
I liked that the book incorporates both romance and mystery elements that will tug at the strings of your heart but also keeps you intrigued. Penelope successfully pulls on the reader’s emotions with the pain of loss, the worry of making tough decisions, the worry of uncertainty, and the thrill of new love. Clouds on the Horizon demonstrates the joy of living in a rural town with breathtaking descriptions of the beautiful, sweeping landscape and its elements creating the perfect backdrop for the story.
Clouds on the Horizon isn't a fast-paced story, but it is filled with plenty of drama, a quiet journey from heartache and despair to love and happiness. Penelope Janu is to be applauded for plot creation. The reader is able to visualise each and every character, the landscape, the animals, as well as being able to feel the tangle that Phoebe finds herself caught in.
A fantastic book to curl up with that you could possibly finish in a sitting.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
March 4, 2022
Penelope Janu is fast becoming one of my favourite Australian authors! Her books always seem to tug at my heart with the likeable and relatable characters, living in glorious rural settings. And her latest, 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒐𝒏 is no exception.
Phoebe Cartwright is a paediatric occupational therapist, who has a traumatic and challenging childhood herself. As a result, she's left with trust issues with men and a deep phobia of darkness. Phoebe is also very protective of her two younger sisters, Patience and Primrose. So when she rescues a very handsome Norwegian man who is found in a ditch, she is completely shocked that he already knows her name. Sindre Torrisen is a naval officer and meteorologist who is on secondment with the UN. Sinn is investigating a money laundering and illegal horse racing syndicate which Phoebe's father was a part of.
As Phoebe is drawn into the investigation, she starts falling hard for Sinn. The Norwegian is unlike any man she's been attracted to before. He's kind, patient, trusting and fiercely overprotective of Phoebe. Even if they give in to their attraction, there is hardly a chance that their relationship would survive. Their worlds are so vastly different, and neither belongs in the others.
This is such a slow burn but totally worth the angst! I've got a thing for hot geeky men, and Sinn totally fits that bill. It was also a surprising delight to reconnect with some familiar characters in this book!
I also really enjoyed learning about Phoebe's work with children. Her horse, pony, dog and lamb are also wonderful additions! And the fact that Phoebe lives in a former church with its own graveyard is just so charming and unique!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Phoebe Cartwright is a paediatric occupational therapist, who has a traumatic and challenging childhood herself. As a result, she's left with trust issues with men and a deep phobia of darkness. Phoebe is also very protective of her two younger sisters, Patience and Primrose. So when she rescues a very handsome Norwegian man who is found in a ditch, she is completely shocked that he already knows her name. Sindre Torrisen is a naval officer and meteorologist who is on secondment with the UN. Sinn is investigating a money laundering and illegal horse racing syndicate which Phoebe's father was a part of.
As Phoebe is drawn into the investigation, she starts falling hard for Sinn. The Norwegian is unlike any man she's been attracted to before. He's kind, patient, trusting and fiercely overprotective of Phoebe. Even if they give in to their attraction, there is hardly a chance that their relationship would survive. Their worlds are so vastly different, and neither belongs in the others.
This is such a slow burn but totally worth the angst! I've got a thing for hot geeky men, and Sinn totally fits that bill. It was also a surprising delight to reconnect with some familiar characters in this book!
I also really enjoyed learning about Phoebe's work with children. Her horse, pony, dog and lamb are also wonderful additions! And the fact that Phoebe lives in a former church with its own graveyard is just so charming and unique!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
January 27, 2022
I loved the diversity of this book, bringing up the past, looking to a brighter future, love, life and finding yourself.
The female lead character jumps off the pages and establishes herself immediately as a strong leader, with a hint of vulnerability!
Phoebe has looked after others since early childhood, she finds herself struggling to continue as Sinn investigates her friends and family for money laundering.
I enjoyed the history and development of the characters as they became familiar with each other, trust was welcomed as answers were revealed, it was particularly nice to see Sinn reveal his emotions.
Thank you Penelope Janu for an awesome story of new beginnings, definitely a must read.
Thanks so much to Harlequin Australia HQ, NetGalley and Penelope Janu for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The female lead character jumps off the pages and establishes herself immediately as a strong leader, with a hint of vulnerability!
Phoebe has looked after others since early childhood, she finds herself struggling to continue as Sinn investigates her friends and family for money laundering.
I enjoyed the history and development of the characters as they became familiar with each other, trust was welcomed as answers were revealed, it was particularly nice to see Sinn reveal his emotions.
Thank you Penelope Janu for an awesome story of new beginnings, definitely a must read.
Thanks so much to Harlequin Australia HQ, NetGalley and Penelope Janu for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2022
Penelope Janu’s best romance yet
I adored this story about vulnerable, fiercely independent Phoebe and her gorgeous, fiercely protective Norwegian hero Sinn. ‘Clouds on the Horizon’ touches on difficult childhoods, sibling relationships and the healing power of animals as Phoebe and Sinn lurch down the road towards trust and happily ever after. There is adventure (enough to make me turn the pages faster and faster) passion (enough to make my heart beat faster and faster) and love (more than enough to make me sigh contentedly). Oh, and rainbows and a lamb called Lottie. It’s lovely. Read and enjoy.
I adored this story about vulnerable, fiercely independent Phoebe and her gorgeous, fiercely protective Norwegian hero Sinn. ‘Clouds on the Horizon’ touches on difficult childhoods, sibling relationships and the healing power of animals as Phoebe and Sinn lurch down the road towards trust and happily ever after. There is adventure (enough to make me turn the pages faster and faster) passion (enough to make my heart beat faster and faster) and love (more than enough to make me sigh contentedly). Oh, and rainbows and a lamb called Lottie. It’s lovely. Read and enjoy.
January 20, 2022
I always think it’s important to start the reading year off on a good note and for the last 2 years, my first book has been Penelope Janu’s new release. She’s one of my favourite romance authors and although I could’ve read this book in the last days of 2021, I chose to keep it to begin 2022 with and it was definitely the right decision.
Phoebe lives in a tiny country town – it’s a quiet sort of life. She works with children, paediatric occupational therapy where she helps those with issues like sensory processing difficulties and motor skill delay develop coping mechanisms and techniques that will benefit them in every day life. She has a dog named Wickham, a Welsh pony named Mintie and an off-track thoroughbred named Camelot. Phoebe has 2 sisters, one of which is in the Navy and the other is in the Northern Territory on a research project. Her father, an academic, is in the early stages of dementia and some of the practicality of his care falls to Phoebe, despite the way he treats her. Her isolated life is disrupted when she rescues a man in a storm and later learns he’s there to investigate her father’s involvement in a horse-racing gambling syndicate that may have been used to launder money. Phoebe doesn’t know much about it but she’s willing to do anything to protect the person that probably does – and that puts her at odds with Sinn, who just wants to finish this job. But Phoebe is making that very difficult for him, in more than one way.
If you’ve read any of the author’s books before, they can all be read stand alone but are sort of connected in that a lot of the characters are related in some way and inhabit the same world, crossing over in work and recreation at times. In this book Sinn is the cousin of Per and Tor and both of them rate a couple of mentions in this story which will give you a bit of an idea of how they’re doing and I always love Easter eggs like that! It satisfies my desire to always know what comes next.
Sinn and Phoebe have great chemistry complicated by Phoebe’s potential involvement in the racing syndicate and also, the wall she’s sort of built around herself. She has good reason to have done so, her childhood was traumatic in multiple ways and she’s had to protect herself and present a calm front in order to also protect her sisters, to keep them all together. Phoebe bears deep scars from an event in her childhood that she’s never really gotten over and it still dominates a lot of her day to day thought processes and controls her actions. This trauma is written really well and it’s not something I’ve experienced before, reading from the perspective of a character who has this fear but I could really feel and experience it the way Phoebe did and it was incredibly easy to understand why it still had such an impact on her.
Sinn had a really interesting background that I would’ve liked to be explored a bit more – a lot of the focus is on what he’s doing now and how it relates to Phoebe and how it acts as a barrier at times as well as a catalyst for bringing them together often. But he has some complications as to why he’s doing what he’s doing now and not what he originally trained for. I did really like all the time Sinn got to regale Phoebe with his knowledge of climate and weather patterns, about precipitation and things like that. I find that really interesting especially as the patterns are changing and there are plenty of people who don’t seem to want to acknowledge that. I also really loved the inclusion of Phoebe’s sessions with her various children – especially when she uses the animals to assist in their sessions and therapy. One of my children had OT for fine motor skill issues and it was great to get a little bit of an insight into this work and how Phoebe used various techniques to provide the children with coping mechanisms when they required it or to convince reluctant children to do their exercises by applying it to things they cared about. I feel like we learn a lot about both characters through their work, Phoebe especially. The way she devotes herself to her clients, and the way she takes in strays. The lamb was super cute (I don’t like sheep but I do like lambs, is that weird? I don’t know) and Nate with the lamb was adorable. Oh yeah, Nate’s back! If you liked him in On The Right Track, you’ll love him in this too. He’s still all for dropping truth bombs much to Sinn’s frustration (who probably runs off to commiserate with Tor after every time Nate speaks to Phoebe).
I’m pretty sure hopeful we will see books featuring Phoebe’s sisters Patience and Prim in the future and Sinn mentions having a brother and of course there’s still Nate hanging around and I’m basically like bring on ALL the relatives and colleagues so that I can have many more books. There’s always such excellent push-pull chemistry which is my absolute favourite thing. It makes me want to take a deep dive into re-reading all the previous books while I wait for the next because now it’s a whole year.
Such a good start to my reading year.
***A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Phoebe lives in a tiny country town – it’s a quiet sort of life. She works with children, paediatric occupational therapy where she helps those with issues like sensory processing difficulties and motor skill delay develop coping mechanisms and techniques that will benefit them in every day life. She has a dog named Wickham, a Welsh pony named Mintie and an off-track thoroughbred named Camelot. Phoebe has 2 sisters, one of which is in the Navy and the other is in the Northern Territory on a research project. Her father, an academic, is in the early stages of dementia and some of the practicality of his care falls to Phoebe, despite the way he treats her. Her isolated life is disrupted when she rescues a man in a storm and later learns he’s there to investigate her father’s involvement in a horse-racing gambling syndicate that may have been used to launder money. Phoebe doesn’t know much about it but she’s willing to do anything to protect the person that probably does – and that puts her at odds with Sinn, who just wants to finish this job. But Phoebe is making that very difficult for him, in more than one way.
If you’ve read any of the author’s books before, they can all be read stand alone but are sort of connected in that a lot of the characters are related in some way and inhabit the same world, crossing over in work and recreation at times. In this book Sinn is the cousin of Per and Tor and both of them rate a couple of mentions in this story which will give you a bit of an idea of how they’re doing and I always love Easter eggs like that! It satisfies my desire to always know what comes next.
Sinn and Phoebe have great chemistry complicated by Phoebe’s potential involvement in the racing syndicate and also, the wall she’s sort of built around herself. She has good reason to have done so, her childhood was traumatic in multiple ways and she’s had to protect herself and present a calm front in order to also protect her sisters, to keep them all together. Phoebe bears deep scars from an event in her childhood that she’s never really gotten over and it still dominates a lot of her day to day thought processes and controls her actions. This trauma is written really well and it’s not something I’ve experienced before, reading from the perspective of a character who has this fear but I could really feel and experience it the way Phoebe did and it was incredibly easy to understand why it still had such an impact on her.
Sinn had a really interesting background that I would’ve liked to be explored a bit more – a lot of the focus is on what he’s doing now and how it relates to Phoebe and how it acts as a barrier at times as well as a catalyst for bringing them together often. But he has some complications as to why he’s doing what he’s doing now and not what he originally trained for. I did really like all the time Sinn got to regale Phoebe with his knowledge of climate and weather patterns, about precipitation and things like that. I find that really interesting especially as the patterns are changing and there are plenty of people who don’t seem to want to acknowledge that. I also really loved the inclusion of Phoebe’s sessions with her various children – especially when she uses the animals to assist in their sessions and therapy. One of my children had OT for fine motor skill issues and it was great to get a little bit of an insight into this work and how Phoebe used various techniques to provide the children with coping mechanisms when they required it or to convince reluctant children to do their exercises by applying it to things they cared about. I feel like we learn a lot about both characters through their work, Phoebe especially. The way she devotes herself to her clients, and the way she takes in strays. The lamb was super cute (I don’t like sheep but I do like lambs, is that weird? I don’t know) and Nate with the lamb was adorable. Oh yeah, Nate’s back! If you liked him in On The Right Track, you’ll love him in this too. He’s still all for dropping truth bombs much to Sinn’s frustration (who probably runs off to commiserate with Tor after every time Nate speaks to Phoebe).
I’m pretty sure hopeful we will see books featuring Phoebe’s sisters Patience and Prim in the future and Sinn mentions having a brother and of course there’s still Nate hanging around and I’m basically like bring on ALL the relatives and colleagues so that I can have many more books. There’s always such excellent push-pull chemistry which is my absolute favourite thing. It makes me want to take a deep dive into re-reading all the previous books while I wait for the next because now it’s a whole year.
Such a good start to my reading year.
***A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
January 12, 2022
Clouds on the Horizon, Penelope Janu’s fifth novel, encompasses all those things that I’ve come to love about her books: a rural setting, horses, and a love of Norway, which is clearly reflected in her magnificent Norwegian heroes.
Sinn Tørissen is just such a hero, balancing his swoon-worthy good looks with his intelligence and wide-ranging knowledge, while still getting away with being secretive about his work.
Phoebe Cartwright is a complex heroine. On one hand she is a talented and competent therapist working with children with conditions such as autism. On the other hand, as an adult, she’s still suffering the effects of an abusive childhood. With this background, she is very slow to trust and tends to push men away rather than risk falling in love. Until Sinn.
The sexual tension between these two is palpable. They can’t take their eyes off each other, can’t help but touch whenever there’s an opportunity and yet both of them resist a relationship, Phoebe because of her background and Sinn because of his work.
This story flowed beautifully. The secondary plot involving international arms dealing helps to keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the rural setting, complete with an orphaned lamb keeps you grounded. I loved this story. Thanks Penelope Janu. This has been another ripping good read.
Sinn Tørissen is just such a hero, balancing his swoon-worthy good looks with his intelligence and wide-ranging knowledge, while still getting away with being secretive about his work.
Phoebe Cartwright is a complex heroine. On one hand she is a talented and competent therapist working with children with conditions such as autism. On the other hand, as an adult, she’s still suffering the effects of an abusive childhood. With this background, she is very slow to trust and tends to push men away rather than risk falling in love. Until Sinn.
The sexual tension between these two is palpable. They can’t take their eyes off each other, can’t help but touch whenever there’s an opportunity and yet both of them resist a relationship, Phoebe because of her background and Sinn because of his work.
This story flowed beautifully. The secondary plot involving international arms dealing helps to keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the rural setting, complete with an orphaned lamb keeps you grounded. I loved this story. Thanks Penelope Janu. This has been another ripping good read.
February 22, 2022
Another great read by Janu! Phoebe has played the role of caregiver since she was a child. To her parents, her sisters, her clients, her animals and recently the handsome Sinn who she found passed out and almost hypothermic. With her trusty dog, horses and sheep, she tries to deal daily with the trauma left by her childhood and a previous relationship and is not looking for love, until Sinn seems to capture every waking moment. The problem is Sinn and his colleague Nate are investigating Phoebe and her family in conjunction with some illegal syndicates and what they uncover may threaten Phoebe and her sisters. Will Sinn be able to mix business with pleasure and will Phoebe learn that she can allow herself to be taken care of for a change? A great read with some amazing characters (especially the animals). Loved it.
March 11, 2022
Life takes a twist when paediatric occupational therapist Phoebe Cartwright discovers a man’s body - while she is out riding her horse. That man is Sinn Tørrissen, naval officer and meteorologist, who is currently working a case. This makes for an exciting start to the story and a most-memorable meet-cute. The story blends the pleasures of country life with the mystery of solving a crime. Due to a personal connection with the case, Phoebe is compelled to help with the investigation, but Sinn is conflicted about her involvement, and desperate to keep her safe. The chemistry is fiery from the start. While Phoebe works with children, her parents’ medical conditions are also real and relatable, making it and raw and immersive read. This is a beautifully-written, multi-layered, page-turning romance. Highly recommend!
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January 12, 2022If you like a rural romance then Clouds on the Horizon is for you!
Set in a small rural town we follow Phoebe the MC and her super cute farm animals as she falls for Sinn this naval officer she literally finds oneday while riding her horse.
As you read on you discover more about Phoebe's past - including her relationship with her dad, sisters and others in the town and follow her as she teams up with Sinn to try and find the truth.
Pheobe is a likeable character who goes about her life helping others and you just hope she finds love with Sinn (that I'm not going to tell you!! You'll have to read it!)
An easy holiday rural romance read.
Thank you Harlequin books for this gifted copy.
Set in a small rural town we follow Phoebe the MC and her super cute farm animals as she falls for Sinn this naval officer she literally finds oneday while riding her horse.
As you read on you discover more about Phoebe's past - including her relationship with her dad, sisters and others in the town and follow her as she teams up with Sinn to try and find the truth.
Pheobe is a likeable character who goes about her life helping others and you just hope she finds love with Sinn (that I'm not going to tell you!! You'll have to read it!)
An easy holiday rural romance read.
Thank you Harlequin books for this gifted copy.
January 23, 2022
This was a lovely story. There was intrigue, mystery, and brewing romance among a whole bunch of lovely animals - especially Wickham, Phoebe's gorgeous border collie. He helps Phoebe with her work as an occupational therapist where she helps children with sensitivity difficulties. So do the horses, Camelot and Mintie. Sinn was a loveable hero who was well deserving of Phoebe overcoming her fears and opening herself up to love. A wonderful piece of rural fiction. :)
January 20, 2022
Penelope Janu has created another absorbing novel with intriguing characters and an unusual journey for the headstrong and engaging romantic leads, Phoebe and Sinn. The backdrop of horse racing syndicates and money laundering makes for a breathtaking read. I found this a completely satisfying book which was impossible to put down!
January 31, 2022
Pen Janu goes from strength to strength in her writing and over-delivers in this novel of all we've come to expect from her; brooding Scandi heros and complex, scarred heroines who don't NEED a man, but are open to a love that compliments their lives. Love the intrigue in this one, and of course, all the wonderful supporting cast that make us all want to move to the country!
July 22, 2022
Penelope Janu is one of my favourite Aussie rural authors. I love her writing style and I simply adore her Norweigian heroes.
I expected I would love this, and I did.
Janu finds a way to teach but not preach, which sits beautifully with me. As with all her past stories, her heroines have very interesting and unusual jobs, which creates an atmosphere to learn while reading. In this story, Phoebe specialises in assisting children with physical or learning disabilities, such as Matilda who cannot bear to be touched; and Benjamin who struggles with fine motor skills.
Scenes involving those children are particularly engaging.
If you've yet to read a Penelope Janu story, you can start here, or start with her earlier books. She has a few behind her now so you are in for a treat.
I expected I would love this, and I did.
Janu finds a way to teach but not preach, which sits beautifully with me. As with all her past stories, her heroines have very interesting and unusual jobs, which creates an atmosphere to learn while reading. In this story, Phoebe specialises in assisting children with physical or learning disabilities, such as Matilda who cannot bear to be touched; and Benjamin who struggles with fine motor skills.
Scenes involving those children are particularly engaging.
If you've yet to read a Penelope Janu story, you can start here, or start with her earlier books. She has a few behind her now so you are in for a treat.
March 5, 2022
I found this a bit disjointed.
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