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The Lawson Sisters
Family, fortune and holding on to what counts... A compelling story of family, secrets and second chances from an award-winning new voice in Australian fiction.For many years Elizabeth Lawson has battled single-handedly to run the family's historic horse stud in memory of her beloved father. But a devastating loss puts her dreams at risk. With no options left, Liz is forced to turn to her estranged sister Kayla for help.Kayla has built a new life in the city as a wedding planner, far removed from the stableyard sweat and dust of her rural upbringing. She never thought she'd go back. But when Liz calls out of the blue, Kayla forms a plan that could save their childhood home.Kayla's return forces Liz to confront her past ... and her future, in the shape of Mitch, her first and only love, who still watches over her from the other side of the creek.But Liz still hides a terrible secret. When Kayla learns the truth, will the Lawson sisters find common ground or will their conflict splinter the family once again?PRAISE FOR JANET'A stirring family drama, set to a spectacular rural stage ... The Lawson Sisters is an exceptional read from cover to cover.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews'Easy to read and beautifully written - the characters came to life...' - Beauty and Lace'With the scent of eucalyptus on the air, estranged sisters and a homestead echoing past regrets and missed chances, The Lawson Sisters has everything you want in an Aussie romance.' - Fiona Lowe, bestselling Australian author
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2021
45 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Janet Gover
24 books112 followersJanet Gover was born in Melbourne, Australia. When she was very small, her family moved to a small country town in Queensland. She studied Journalism and Politics at Queensland University. She went on to forge a path in television journalism, she worked as a reporter and producer of news and other factual TV programmes in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK. Today matched with a Englishman, she lives in West London and works as a consultant, implementing high end digital systems in TV stations and production facilities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Janet Gover published her first short story, called The Last Dragon, in 2002, and since then she published some short stories. In 2007 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Trophy, and now she is part of the RNA's Committee.. She published her first romance novel in 2009.
Janet Gover published her first short story, called The Last Dragon, in 2002, and since then she published some short stories. In 2007 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association's Elizabeth Goudge Trophy, and now she is part of the RNA's Committee.. She published her first romance novel in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 31, 2022
Liz Lawson had continued on with her father's legacy after he and her mother had died in a horrific car crash fifteen years prior. Willowbrook was a well-known horse stud in Scone in the Hunter Valley and with Apollo, the stallion who'd fathered a lot of famous foals, now gone, Liz knew she had to face facts. Willowbrook was old and rundown, and she didn't have the time or money to make things better. The bank was hovering and Liz knew it was time to talk to her estranged sister Kayla.
Kayla lived in Sydney and worked as a wedding planner. She and her boss, Pascale, ran Elite Weddings and had resounding success. When Pascale had an idea, Kayla put the idea to Liz and although reluctant, had agreed as she had no choice. But the secrets, memories and grief about that long ago day still guided her life - her own happiness had been pushed to the bottom of the pile of things to do. But would Kayla's plan work?
The Lawson Sisters by Aussie author Janet Gover is set in the rural countryside of the Hunter Valley in NSW, a beautiful area I know well. I can image Willowbrook Stud on one side of the road or the other, as I've driven through Scone on many an occasion. Guilt, secrets, regrets and more drive The Lawson Sisters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
Kayla lived in Sydney and worked as a wedding planner. She and her boss, Pascale, ran Elite Weddings and had resounding success. When Pascale had an idea, Kayla put the idea to Liz and although reluctant, had agreed as she had no choice. But the secrets, memories and grief about that long ago day still guided her life - her own happiness had been pushed to the bottom of the pile of things to do. But would Kayla's plan work?
The Lawson Sisters by Aussie author Janet Gover is set in the rural countryside of the Hunter Valley in NSW, a beautiful area I know well. I can image Willowbrook Stud on one side of the road or the other, as I've driven through Scone on many an occasion. Guilt, secrets, regrets and more drive The Lawson Sisters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2023
Elizabeth Lawson has been running the family horse stud Willowbrook on her own since her parents Sam and Kath passed away fifteen years ago and the bank pays her a visit. Liz needs to do something to save the family property and she’s run out of options. Kayla Lawson is Elizabeth’s younger sister she works in Sydney as a wedding planner and she’s a successful one. She never thought she would go back to Willowbrook, but when Liz unexpectedly calls her and she pays her difficult sister a visit.
Kayla and Liz are very different, Liz is too busy looking after the horses to worry about what she’s wearing and Kayla looks like she could grace the cover of a fashion magazine. Kayla business partner Pascale comes up with an idea to save the property, people want to have weddings in the country, Willowbrook is perfect and it’s in the beautiful Hunter Valley. All they need to do is convince Liz; she doesn’t want a whole lot of strange people stomping all over her farm, in her house and scaring her horses. Her other issue is living across the creek and it’s the handsome stock man Mitch; he’s Liz’s first love and a old family friend. Liz is angry at Mitch, Kayla has no idea why and when she discovers the truth and will the sister’s truce be over?
The Lawson Sisters plot is based around relationships, very complicated ones and all set in the Hunter Valley, with an old rundown house and horse stud as the location. With a cast of characters perfect for the story, a wonderful Australian tale, I loved it and five stars from me.
Kayla and Liz are very different, Liz is too busy looking after the horses to worry about what she’s wearing and Kayla looks like she could grace the cover of a fashion magazine. Kayla business partner Pascale comes up with an idea to save the property, people want to have weddings in the country, Willowbrook is perfect and it’s in the beautiful Hunter Valley. All they need to do is convince Liz; she doesn’t want a whole lot of strange people stomping all over her farm, in her house and scaring her horses. Her other issue is living across the creek and it’s the handsome stock man Mitch; he’s Liz’s first love and a old family friend. Liz is angry at Mitch, Kayla has no idea why and when she discovers the truth and will the sister’s truce be over?
The Lawson Sisters plot is based around relationships, very complicated ones and all set in the Hunter Valley, with an old rundown house and horse stud as the location. With a cast of characters perfect for the story, a wonderful Australian tale, I loved it and five stars from me.
February 28, 2020
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The Lawson Sisters by Janet Gover. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 20 January 2020**
For many years Liz has been running her family's historic horse stud in memory of her father. But a devastating loss puts her dreams at risk and Liz is forced to turn to her estranged sister Kayla for help. Kayla has built a new life in the city as a wedding planner and never thought she'd go back home. But to help Liz, Kayla forms a plan that might save their childhood home. Kayla's return forces Liz to confront her past, her future and Mitch; her first and only love who watches over her. But Liz still hides a terrible secret and when Kayla learns the truth will the sisters find common ground or will they stay estranged?
This was a lovely random bookmail that I received not remembering I'd requested it haha! I loved the setting of the story, the author really made Willowbrook and its land sound simply gorgeous. I personally found Liz quite hard to warm to; definitely felt sympathy for the situation she was put into at such a young age but it felt like her reaction to that was cut off her closest relationships, which you would think over time would have lessened in harshness a bit but not in Liz's case. On the other hand I found Kayla extremely likeable and really enjoyed the chapters from her point of view. I did like that Mitch's perspective was also included, it was good to see his motivations for certain actions. Overall it's a mix of romance and family drama with both sad and heartwarming parts. Happily recommend this one!
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Lawson Sisters by Janet Gover. (2020).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel; published 20 January 2020**
For many years Liz has been running her family's historic horse stud in memory of her father. But a devastating loss puts her dreams at risk and Liz is forced to turn to her estranged sister Kayla for help. Kayla has built a new life in the city as a wedding planner and never thought she'd go back home. But to help Liz, Kayla forms a plan that might save their childhood home. Kayla's return forces Liz to confront her past, her future and Mitch; her first and only love who watches over her. But Liz still hides a terrible secret and when Kayla learns the truth will the sisters find common ground or will they stay estranged?
This was a lovely random bookmail that I received not remembering I'd requested it haha! I loved the setting of the story, the author really made Willowbrook and its land sound simply gorgeous. I personally found Liz quite hard to warm to; definitely felt sympathy for the situation she was put into at such a young age but it felt like her reaction to that was cut off her closest relationships, which you would think over time would have lessened in harshness a bit but not in Liz's case. On the other hand I found Kayla extremely likeable and really enjoyed the chapters from her point of view. I did like that Mitch's perspective was also included, it was good to see his motivations for certain actions. Overall it's a mix of romance and family drama with both sad and heartwarming parts. Happily recommend this one!
February 10, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Lawson Sisters by Janet Gover is a stirring family drama, set to a spectacular rural stage. The Lawson Sisters represents the writer’s thirteenth publication, with eleven of these books under her name Janet Gover and two others released as Juliet Bell. This involving new novel from Gover explores the intricacies of a broken family unit, the estranged relationship between two sisters, long held guilt and the financial pressures of keeping a rural horse stud afloat. The Lawson Sisters is an exceptional read from cover to cover.
The Lawson Sisters is a consuming family drama about loyalty, changed fortunes and promises. It revolves around Elizabeth (Liz) Lawson, a hardworking woman, who has toiled for years on her own two feet trying to keep her family’s precious horse stud and accompanying homestead afloat. Liz made a pact with her father many years ago, before he passed away, that she would always keep Willowbrook, the family’s historic horse stud in their name. Liz’s father was very clear about not selling any of the family land off. However, Willowbrook falls on tough times, Liz is confronted with the harsh reality that she may have to sell off the family land to survive. Liz’s last and only lifeline is her sister Kayla, who she reluctantly turns to for help in a last ditch attempt to save Willowbrook. For Kayla Lawson, life has taken a very different turn. She doesn’t live in or near Willowbrook, instead she has built a life for herself in the big smoke as a successful wedding planner. It takes some convincing, but eventually Kayla manages to get Liz’s blessing to open up Willowbrook to a different form of business and this could be the plan that saves the Lawson family home. Not only does Kayla’s presence at Willowbrook signal an opportunity for the two sisters to mend broken bridges, it forces Liz to confront a long held feud she has with Mitch, Willowbrook’s neighbour, and the man who once held Liz’s heart. The Lawson Sisters unveils a story of closely held secrets, lost love, the fight to survive and family relations.
Janet Gover’s new novel is a story of second chances and family estrangement, set to a rich Australian platform. I formed an immediate connection to The Lawson Sisters and my interest level remained at a constant high for the duration of the story.
The Lawson Sisters is based around the strained relationship between two sisters, Kayla and Liz, who suffered the double loss of both their parents, twelve years prior to when the book is set. The accident that robbed the Lawson girls of their dear parents has resulted in a long standing estrangement between the sisters. Kayla has forged a new life for herself in the city, working as a top wedding planner, while Liz remained home, running the family’s historic hose stud on her own. These two sisters are contrasted, both in their personalities and priorities. Gover does an excellent job in the characterisation department with these two, I thought they came across as deeply authentic and well rendered. This also goes for Mitch, Willowbrook’s neighbour and Liz’s former love. Gover rounds The Lawson Sisters off with an exceptional secondary cast. I loved that the horses present in this book had a big stage presence. This aspect of the book will be sure to appeal to horse lovers.
I’m not going to shy away from the issue that Liz is incredibly hard to like. She is standoffish, selfish, single minded, stuck in her ways, angry and she is filled with guilt, as well as pity. However, I could see why Liz behaved in the way she did, it was a protective barrier of sorts, to push people away and remain distanced, in an attempt not to get close to anyone. Liz is a broken soul, consumed by the need to honour a promise she made to her father and the guilt she carries over the incident that resulted in the loss of her parents. It takes some time and I almost couldn’t understand how Liz could go on for so long (12 years), with all those pent up emotions. However, the journey made to eventual acceptance and second chance love, as well as a repaired relationship with her sister is well worth the investment as a reader.
For those who enjoy a rural atmosphere, The Lawson Sisters will bring you much joy. I am yet to get to the upper Hunter region, the area in which The Lawson Sisters is set, which sounds very picturesque and inviting. I hope to get to the area one day in the future. Gover certainly provides a convincing case for the reader to take a sojourn to the Scone region, where the fictional Willowbrook property is set. What a shame this locale is a fictional representation! I think I would be unable to leave if this place existed, it was magical!
The business of horses plays a significant part in The Lawson Sisters. Although I loved riding horses as a teen, I have not been able to extend this interest in my adult life. However, I do really enjoy reading stories about horses. Liz has a very special connection with her horse stud and its inhabitants, which I appreciated reading. The way in which this segment of the story is presented by Gover is very enticing, as well as insightful.
I really enjoyed the format of The Lawson Sisters, the story flipped between Liz, Kayla and Mitch. This is interchanged with events in the present day, along with flashbacks that eventually lead up to the revelation of the secret Liz is holding. This was a clever narrative device that encouraged me to turn page after page in fervor. I also liked the inclusion of Kayla’s profession as a wedding planner, it worked really well for this story. The end was a happy tears style finale, which perfectly suited my mood and expectations.
Janet Gover has arranged a rural story centered around the importance of family, the ties of the past, repairing relationships and the strength to carry on in difficult circumstances. I have absolutely no hesitation in awarding this novel five glimmering stars – I loved it.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Lawson Sisters is book #11 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Lawson Sisters by Janet Gover is a stirring family drama, set to a spectacular rural stage. The Lawson Sisters represents the writer’s thirteenth publication, with eleven of these books under her name Janet Gover and two others released as Juliet Bell. This involving new novel from Gover explores the intricacies of a broken family unit, the estranged relationship between two sisters, long held guilt and the financial pressures of keeping a rural horse stud afloat. The Lawson Sisters is an exceptional read from cover to cover.
The Lawson Sisters is a consuming family drama about loyalty, changed fortunes and promises. It revolves around Elizabeth (Liz) Lawson, a hardworking woman, who has toiled for years on her own two feet trying to keep her family’s precious horse stud and accompanying homestead afloat. Liz made a pact with her father many years ago, before he passed away, that she would always keep Willowbrook, the family’s historic horse stud in their name. Liz’s father was very clear about not selling any of the family land off. However, Willowbrook falls on tough times, Liz is confronted with the harsh reality that she may have to sell off the family land to survive. Liz’s last and only lifeline is her sister Kayla, who she reluctantly turns to for help in a last ditch attempt to save Willowbrook. For Kayla Lawson, life has taken a very different turn. She doesn’t live in or near Willowbrook, instead she has built a life for herself in the big smoke as a successful wedding planner. It takes some convincing, but eventually Kayla manages to get Liz’s blessing to open up Willowbrook to a different form of business and this could be the plan that saves the Lawson family home. Not only does Kayla’s presence at Willowbrook signal an opportunity for the two sisters to mend broken bridges, it forces Liz to confront a long held feud she has with Mitch, Willowbrook’s neighbour, and the man who once held Liz’s heart. The Lawson Sisters unveils a story of closely held secrets, lost love, the fight to survive and family relations.
Janet Gover’s new novel is a story of second chances and family estrangement, set to a rich Australian platform. I formed an immediate connection to The Lawson Sisters and my interest level remained at a constant high for the duration of the story.
The Lawson Sisters is based around the strained relationship between two sisters, Kayla and Liz, who suffered the double loss of both their parents, twelve years prior to when the book is set. The accident that robbed the Lawson girls of their dear parents has resulted in a long standing estrangement between the sisters. Kayla has forged a new life for herself in the city, working as a top wedding planner, while Liz remained home, running the family’s historic hose stud on her own. These two sisters are contrasted, both in their personalities and priorities. Gover does an excellent job in the characterisation department with these two, I thought they came across as deeply authentic and well rendered. This also goes for Mitch, Willowbrook’s neighbour and Liz’s former love. Gover rounds The Lawson Sisters off with an exceptional secondary cast. I loved that the horses present in this book had a big stage presence. This aspect of the book will be sure to appeal to horse lovers.
I’m not going to shy away from the issue that Liz is incredibly hard to like. She is standoffish, selfish, single minded, stuck in her ways, angry and she is filled with guilt, as well as pity. However, I could see why Liz behaved in the way she did, it was a protective barrier of sorts, to push people away and remain distanced, in an attempt not to get close to anyone. Liz is a broken soul, consumed by the need to honour a promise she made to her father and the guilt she carries over the incident that resulted in the loss of her parents. It takes some time and I almost couldn’t understand how Liz could go on for so long (12 years), with all those pent up emotions. However, the journey made to eventual acceptance and second chance love, as well as a repaired relationship with her sister is well worth the investment as a reader.
For those who enjoy a rural atmosphere, The Lawson Sisters will bring you much joy. I am yet to get to the upper Hunter region, the area in which The Lawson Sisters is set, which sounds very picturesque and inviting. I hope to get to the area one day in the future. Gover certainly provides a convincing case for the reader to take a sojourn to the Scone region, where the fictional Willowbrook property is set. What a shame this locale is a fictional representation! I think I would be unable to leave if this place existed, it was magical!
The business of horses plays a significant part in The Lawson Sisters. Although I loved riding horses as a teen, I have not been able to extend this interest in my adult life. However, I do really enjoy reading stories about horses. Liz has a very special connection with her horse stud and its inhabitants, which I appreciated reading. The way in which this segment of the story is presented by Gover is very enticing, as well as insightful.
I really enjoyed the format of The Lawson Sisters, the story flipped between Liz, Kayla and Mitch. This is interchanged with events in the present day, along with flashbacks that eventually lead up to the revelation of the secret Liz is holding. This was a clever narrative device that encouraged me to turn page after page in fervor. I also liked the inclusion of Kayla’s profession as a wedding planner, it worked really well for this story. The end was a happy tears style finale, which perfectly suited my mood and expectations.
Janet Gover has arranged a rural story centered around the importance of family, the ties of the past, repairing relationships and the strength to carry on in difficult circumstances. I have absolutely no hesitation in awarding this novel five glimmering stars – I loved it.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Lawson Sisters is book #11 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 20, 2020
This is the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last, it is a beautiful story, compelling, moving and emotional and one that was very hard to put down once I picked it up. I loved the setting The Hunter Valley, is a beautiful place and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth and Kayla Lawson and seeing them find their way again.
Lizzie and Kayla are living a fabulous life on a horse stud, Willowbrook at Scone in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales with their parents and many beautiful horses, and life is good, that is until tragedy takes their parents away and Liz must take over running Willowbrook and Kayla is sent to boarding school.
Liz never stops working she has made promises to her father that she must keep and guilt is a hard task master to cope with, the horses and the homestead are her life always, showing and training the horses is a lot of work but times are tough and Willowbrook is struggling financially and Liz is forced to contact her sister Kayla to ask for help.
Kayla makes a very good life for herself as a wedding planner in a the city far away from her sister and Willowbrook, visiting home or even chatting to Liz does not really happen, but when Liz calls and needs her help Liz goes home for a visit and puts a plan into place to help add some much need money to the homestead, being home makes her feel good, but working with Liz is not easy.
Kayla makes Liz remember the past even more and the secret is hurting more, especially seeing as how Mitch is now living next door, so many things have happened over the years, is it now time to tell Kayla the truth and will Kayla finally remember the day her parents were taken away?
I cannot highly recommend this book enough, beautifully written it is a must read, getting to know Liz and Kayla was fabulous there were tears and smiles as the girls finally find their way to happiness, Mitch was such a hero in my eyes, always there for Liz, I hope I have done this book justice it is so good, thank you Janet Gover for an awesome read, I look forward to many more stories from you.
Lizzie and Kayla are living a fabulous life on a horse stud, Willowbrook at Scone in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales with their parents and many beautiful horses, and life is good, that is until tragedy takes their parents away and Liz must take over running Willowbrook and Kayla is sent to boarding school.
Liz never stops working she has made promises to her father that she must keep and guilt is a hard task master to cope with, the horses and the homestead are her life always, showing and training the horses is a lot of work but times are tough and Willowbrook is struggling financially and Liz is forced to contact her sister Kayla to ask for help.
Kayla makes a very good life for herself as a wedding planner in a the city far away from her sister and Willowbrook, visiting home or even chatting to Liz does not really happen, but when Liz calls and needs her help Liz goes home for a visit and puts a plan into place to help add some much need money to the homestead, being home makes her feel good, but working with Liz is not easy.
Kayla makes Liz remember the past even more and the secret is hurting more, especially seeing as how Mitch is now living next door, so many things have happened over the years, is it now time to tell Kayla the truth and will Kayla finally remember the day her parents were taken away?
I cannot highly recommend this book enough, beautifully written it is a must read, getting to know Liz and Kayla was fabulous there were tears and smiles as the girls finally find their way to happiness, Mitch was such a hero in my eyes, always there for Liz, I hope I have done this book justice it is so good, thank you Janet Gover for an awesome read, I look forward to many more stories from you.
January 6, 2020
The Lawson Sisters is part rural romance, part family drama. Liz runs the family horse stud near Scone in New South Wales whilst her younger sister, Kayla, lives and works in Sydney as a wedding planner. When the farm gets into financial trouble, they decide to earn some extra cash by hosting weddings at the farm and thus the two sisters have to work and live together for the first time in many years.
The sisters' rift began when their parents were killed in a car accident. Kayla was in the car at the time and has no memory of the accident at all. Liz does not help by refusing to talk about anything surrounding the accident or the difficult years following, and taking offense for just about everything Kayla does and says.
Actually, I didn’t find Liz a very likeable person unfortunately. Besides the issues she and Kayla need to sort out, she also needs to sort out her relationship with her neighbour and former boyfriend, Mitch. The conflict which keeps Mitch and Liz apart is a bit weak and its resolution obvious, and one which could have been sorted within a few minutes instead of about 12 years. Also I thought Mitch and Liz’s chemistry was a bit underdone. I didn't have that burning desire for them to get together as I should have really. Kayla’s chemistry with her love interest is also pretty non-existent and this storyline was pretty obvious too.
If you’re into horses, I think you’d love this book. It’s pretty well written on this level. I am petrified of horses and would not go near one if you paid me but I still read all these parts and, on a whole, enjoyed the rural aspect of the book. Weddings are also featured and I must admit I switched off for most of the time here. That's probably just me though because weddings and wedding planners etc seem to be a popular inclusion in romance books!
I will admit I thought the book was too long. I enjoyed it more in the beginning but then started to think it was dragging, especially the flashbacks which, as I said, all seemed to be rather obvious plot-wise.
If you’re into chook lit and want to read a clean romance in an authentic Aussie setting, however, I’d say this wouldn’t be a bad choice. As I said, it's well written but just not my thing. 3 out of 5
The sisters' rift began when their parents were killed in a car accident. Kayla was in the car at the time and has no memory of the accident at all. Liz does not help by refusing to talk about anything surrounding the accident or the difficult years following, and taking offense for just about everything Kayla does and says.
Actually, I didn’t find Liz a very likeable person unfortunately. Besides the issues she and Kayla need to sort out, she also needs to sort out her relationship with her neighbour and former boyfriend, Mitch. The conflict which keeps Mitch and Liz apart is a bit weak and its resolution obvious, and one which could have been sorted within a few minutes instead of about 12 years. Also I thought Mitch and Liz’s chemistry was a bit underdone. I didn't have that burning desire for them to get together as I should have really. Kayla’s chemistry with her love interest is also pretty non-existent and this storyline was pretty obvious too.
If you’re into horses, I think you’d love this book. It’s pretty well written on this level. I am petrified of horses and would not go near one if you paid me but I still read all these parts and, on a whole, enjoyed the rural aspect of the book. Weddings are also featured and I must admit I switched off for most of the time here. That's probably just me though because weddings and wedding planners etc seem to be a popular inclusion in romance books!
I will admit I thought the book was too long. I enjoyed it more in the beginning but then started to think it was dragging, especially the flashbacks which, as I said, all seemed to be rather obvious plot-wise.
If you’re into chook lit and want to read a clean romance in an authentic Aussie setting, however, I’d say this wouldn’t be a bad choice. As I said, it's well written but just not my thing. 3 out of 5
May 25, 2023
Ever since her parents died, Liz Lawson has been managing her family's historical horse stud single handily. Now, with her father's beloved horse Apollo gone, there isn't any more income coming in. Desperate, Liz has no other choice but to call her estranged sister, Kayla for help.
After being sent away to boarding school after their parents death, Kayla has never set foot back on Willowbrook. Living in Sydney and working as a wedding planner, she's as far removed from her rural upbringing as she can get. Still, when she becomes aware that her legacy is threatened, Kayla pushes back all the bad blood and comes up with a plan- turn the family stud into an exclusive wedding venue.
However, Liz refuses to co-operate, even though she's aware that it will get her out of the red. Her reluctance stems right back to the events leading to the car crash- one that Liz blames herself for. Her grief has gotten so bad, that she's turned away everyone she cherishes- not only Kayla, but the one man she's ever loved, Mitch.
This was an incredibly touching novel. The Hunter Valley setting provided a glorious backdrop and the horse's calmness really enhanced the plot. It's a long road of healing for the sisters, but together they can accomplish anything.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
After being sent away to boarding school after their parents death, Kayla has never set foot back on Willowbrook. Living in Sydney and working as a wedding planner, she's as far removed from her rural upbringing as she can get. Still, when she becomes aware that her legacy is threatened, Kayla pushes back all the bad blood and comes up with a plan- turn the family stud into an exclusive wedding venue.
However, Liz refuses to co-operate, even though she's aware that it will get her out of the red. Her reluctance stems right back to the events leading to the car crash- one that Liz blames herself for. Her grief has gotten so bad, that she's turned away everyone she cherishes- not only Kayla, but the one man she's ever loved, Mitch.
This was an incredibly touching novel. The Hunter Valley setting provided a glorious backdrop and the horse's calmness really enhanced the plot. It's a long road of healing for the sisters, but together they can accomplish anything.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
January 29, 2020
Set in the western region of the NSW Hunter Valley, The Lawson Sisters by Janet Gover could be considered both a family drama and a rural romance.
Fifteen years after the tragic death of her parents, Liz is struggling to keep the family horse stud, Willowbrook, from foreclosure, and with nowhere left to turn, swallows her pride and turns to her estranged younger sister Kayla for advice.
Kayla, who has made a life for herself in the city as a wedding planner for wealthy clients, isn’t sure she cares if they lose Willowbrook, and is certain her sister won’t like the only suggestion she has to offer - to use the homestead and grounds as a wedding destination.
Liz’s reluctance to concede stems not only from her shame in failing to make the property profitable, but also because Kayla’s return to Willowbrook will force her to face some shocking secrets about her parents deaths, her relationship with her sister, and her feelings for the boy next door.
Exploring the themes of love, guilt, estrangement, and reconciliation, The Lawson Sisters unfolds primarily from the perspectives of Liz and Kayla as both come to terms with the secrets that have kept them apart.
Not only is Liz under enormous financial pressure to keep the stud viable, she has the sole physical and emotional responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the farm, all intensified by the crushing burden of guilt she carries. As a result, Liz is single-minded, closed-off, and bitter, and Gover’s characterisation is so convincing that unfortunately I had more pity than empathy for her. I want to at least in part identify with the heroine in this type of story, and I found that difficult here as Liz wasn’t particularly likeable.
However, I was rooting for the sisters reconciliation, for Willowbrook’s fortunes to be reversed, and for Liz to be able to let go of her guilt and move on with the ever patient Mitch.
January 17, 2020
Estranged sisters, a tragic past, a family homestead that needs saving - this is a beautiful story about making mistakes, loss, love and healing set in the beautiful Hunter Valley region.
December 3, 2022
The Lawson Sisters by Aussie author Janet Gover is set in the Hunter Valley in NSW. From the cover to the setting and great characters this book is captivating read and one I found hard to put down. This author really knows how to entertain her readers. A fabulous read with a beautiful cover.
July 28, 2023
I was rewatching the tv series McLeod’s Daughters and went in search of a book with the same feel. After some googling I decided to give this book a go. Australian farm setting, check. Horses, check. Strong female leads, check. While the story was fairly predictable, it was also very warm and just a good summer vacation read. Perfect match if you like McLeod’s!
3.5 stars. Rounding up to 4.
3.5 stars. Rounding up to 4.
March 22, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. I really enjoyed the story of Liz and Kayla Lawson and their battle to save their family property. Lots of different themes and a bit of romance to! I will look out for more books by the author.
November 26, 2020
Australian rural romance is a hugely popular category these days and many authors have taken to this genre. To me, the stories have become stereotypical: a city girl returns to the family farm for a reason; she meets up with her ex-boyfriend and sparks fly; a country drama occurs such as drought, an accident, a storm, a developer who wants to buy the family's land; family secrets are held.... then discovered, before the lovers can reunite. I was hoping that Janet Glover's 'The Lawson Sisters' might be different. But no, the same old plotlines and a very predictable outcome. I did enjoy parts of it (who doesn't like reading about a run-down mansion being brought back to life as an exclusive wedding venue), and the younger sister was nicely drawn, but what spoilt it for me was the portrayal of the older sister as a stubborn and obstinate woman whose rudeness was abhorrent and difficult to read. The character was frustrating and annoying to say the least. I just wish the author had been more subtle and sensitive in her characterisation. No wonder I didn't feel any sparks flying between her and Mitch.
August 24, 2020
The Lawson Sisters opens with older sister Liz facing the prospect of losing Willowbrook, the horse stud that she and her sister Kayla inherited from their parents. Set mostly in the NSW Hunter Valley, this is a dual timeline story with the earlier timeline providing readers with the backstory of the sisters’ rift thanks to glimpses of their childhood leading up to the deaths of their parents fifteen years earlier.
Author Janet Gover has created two sisters who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Liz is very much the farmer, struggling to run the family horse stud in drought conditions and with virtually no income. Younger sister Kayla has made a life for herself as a successful wedding planner in Sydney. While she still owns half the property her interest in it at the opening of the story is minimal as she is up to her ears in weddings and brides.
This story is not just about repairing the relationship between Liz and Kayla, nor about how they go about rescuing Willowbrook. It is also a love story involving some of my favourite tropes. Mitch Saunders was a childhood friend, falling in love with Liz as a teenager, only to have something cause a massive estrangement. With Mitch now owning the property next door to Willowbrook, there’s animosity aplenty on Liz’s part, but of course this is also a second chance at love story and I enjoyed watching the way these two slowly grew back together thanks more to Mitch’s efforts than Liz’s.
I loved the rural setting, which showcases so much that is good about country life, whether it is the clean fresh air or the brilliant night sky or perhaps the fact that you might chat to your neighbour if you run into them in town. I also loved the characters, all of whom were well rounded. This story drew me in and had me turning the pages as fast as I can to see how it would unfold. Overall it was an immensely entertaining and engaging read.
Author Janet Gover has created two sisters who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Liz is very much the farmer, struggling to run the family horse stud in drought conditions and with virtually no income. Younger sister Kayla has made a life for herself as a successful wedding planner in Sydney. While she still owns half the property her interest in it at the opening of the story is minimal as she is up to her ears in weddings and brides.
This story is not just about repairing the relationship between Liz and Kayla, nor about how they go about rescuing Willowbrook. It is also a love story involving some of my favourite tropes. Mitch Saunders was a childhood friend, falling in love with Liz as a teenager, only to have something cause a massive estrangement. With Mitch now owning the property next door to Willowbrook, there’s animosity aplenty on Liz’s part, but of course this is also a second chance at love story and I enjoyed watching the way these two slowly grew back together thanks more to Mitch’s efforts than Liz’s.
I loved the rural setting, which showcases so much that is good about country life, whether it is the clean fresh air or the brilliant night sky or perhaps the fact that you might chat to your neighbour if you run into them in town. I also loved the characters, all of whom were well rounded. This story drew me in and had me turning the pages as fast as I can to see how it would unfold. Overall it was an immensely entertaining and engaging read.
April 16, 2020
A fractured family. Guilty Secrets. Can the Lawson legacy be saved?
Janet Gover writes stories of strong women, rural communities and falling in love, The Lawson Sisters is the first novel I have read from this author.
When I read the synopsis of The Lawson Sisters it hooked me and once it arrived I did not put it down until I finished it. I found it easy to read and beautifully written - the characters came to life on the pages especially Willowbrook the family’s historic horse stud.
For many years Elizabeth (Liz/Lizzie) Lawson has run the beloved family horse stud herself while her estranged sister Kayla has made a life for herself in the city as a Wedding Planner. After a devastating loss and with the bank visiting Liz is forced to turn to Kayla for help. Kayla returns to her childhood home to find Liz as prickly as ever but can the sisters come together to save Willowbrook.
The story is told through Liz and Kayla predominantly with Mitch (Liz’s first and only love) featuring also. The book switches from the present to the past seamlessly and I found it easy to follow. It is hard to like Liz as she is very stubborn and negative towards Kayla and her ideas and the way she treats Mitch is terrible but as we read we start to understand why she is so hard on the ones she loves.
Can the sisters heal the past, save Willowbrook and become family again? Pick up this beautiful novel and find out. Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins for the chance to read and review it. I am looking forward to reading more from Janet Gover now.
#AustralianRuralFiction #JanetGover #family #legacy #homestead #romance
June 12, 2021
*spoilers*
Picked up this book because it's set close to where I live. The secret was obvious from the start and there were no surprises. The childhood flashbacks added nothing for me and I skipped most of them. I couldn't understand why 2 teenagers would feel the need to run away and get married in 2002, as if it was 1852, or why a long-distance relationship in this day and age was the end of the world. Mitch also could have just told his father he wanted to stay considering he was 18. Seemed like confected drama which would have worked much better if it was set in earlier time.
Liz was an extremely unlikeable character and I lost count of the number of times she stormed off in a huff. It was very hard to sympathise with her or to understand why Mitch hung around and waited for years to get her back. Why would she think that her father didn't want her to marry a boy he loved like a son? Why did she think they were trying to stop her from getting married when Kayla couldn't remember anything about that morning? Even if her parents had been trying to stop her, it would only have been because she was so young and not because they disliked Mitch. I could understand why she blamed herself for the accident but the rest was more confected drama.
On the positive side, I did read to the end even though I already knew exactly how it was all going to turn out.
Picked up this book because it's set close to where I live. The secret was obvious from the start and there were no surprises. The childhood flashbacks added nothing for me and I skipped most of them. I couldn't understand why 2 teenagers would feel the need to run away and get married in 2002, as if it was 1852, or why a long-distance relationship in this day and age was the end of the world. Mitch also could have just told his father he wanted to stay considering he was 18. Seemed like confected drama which would have worked much better if it was set in earlier time.
Liz was an extremely unlikeable character and I lost count of the number of times she stormed off in a huff. It was very hard to sympathise with her or to understand why Mitch hung around and waited for years to get her back. Why would she think that her father didn't want her to marry a boy he loved like a son? Why did she think they were trying to stop her from getting married when Kayla couldn't remember anything about that morning? Even if her parents had been trying to stop her, it would only have been because she was so young and not because they disliked Mitch. I could understand why she blamed herself for the accident but the rest was more confected drama.
On the positive side, I did read to the end even though I already knew exactly how it was all going to turn out.
July 7, 2021
This was the most enjoyable book. Janet Gover has an easy reading style with lots of interest, intrigue and romance all wrapped up in one.
The story is about two estranged sisters who are brought together when the oldest Liz, has run into financial difficulties, and calls for her sister's help to save the family farm. Kayla the youngest sister has been working in Sydney as a wedding planner to the rich and famous and returns home.
The only way Kayla knows to save the property is to use the home as a venue for weddings and photo shoots. Very reluctantly Liz agrees to the proposal put to her. The home and gardens need to be renovated, so this is done by Kayla and her business partner and the cost will be paid back as they use the venue.
As the sister's start uncovering the past they discover that the heartache, loneliness, and misunderstandings of the past can be sorted out and they can move on with their lives.
The story is about two estranged sisters who are brought together when the oldest Liz, has run into financial difficulties, and calls for her sister's help to save the family farm. Kayla the youngest sister has been working in Sydney as a wedding planner to the rich and famous and returns home.
The only way Kayla knows to save the property is to use the home as a venue for weddings and photo shoots. Very reluctantly Liz agrees to the proposal put to her. The home and gardens need to be renovated, so this is done by Kayla and her business partner and the cost will be paid back as they use the venue.
As the sister's start uncovering the past they discover that the heartache, loneliness, and misunderstandings of the past can be sorted out and they can move on with their lives.
May 4, 2020
Thanks to Harlequin and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
I absolutely loved the sumptuous cover on this book.
Set in the beautiful Hunter valley on a horse stud, we learn the tale of Liz and Kayla Lawson, the tragic death of their parents and a lost love.
I enjoyed the metamorphosis of the homestead from rundown relic to divine wedding venue.
The setting is divine, Liz is very prickly and Mitch is a saint.
Kayla, the little sister helps to save the day.
A nice story though a little predictable.
I absolutely loved the sumptuous cover on this book.
Set in the beautiful Hunter valley on a horse stud, we learn the tale of Liz and Kayla Lawson, the tragic death of their parents and a lost love.
I enjoyed the metamorphosis of the homestead from rundown relic to divine wedding venue.
The setting is divine, Liz is very prickly and Mitch is a saint.
Kayla, the little sister helps to save the day.
A nice story though a little predictable.
June 17, 2021
This book was based in Australia which appealed to me greatly. The descriptions of scenery and atmosphere where excellent.
The thing I disliked about this book was the obvious and overused juxtaposition of the hardworking, worn down sister living in the country to the glamorous, city dwelling successful sister. It’s and old trope and I do not enjoy it.
This book had a relatively unsurprising end, however I continued through to the end of the story. It was a light read which cleansed my palate after reading several consecutive thrillers.
The thing I disliked about this book was the obvious and overused juxtaposition of the hardworking, worn down sister living in the country to the glamorous, city dwelling successful sister. It’s and old trope and I do not enjoy it.
This book had a relatively unsurprising end, however I continued through to the end of the story. It was a light read which cleansed my palate after reading several consecutive thrillers.
March 21, 2020
Strong willed Lizzie refuses to see what is in front of her until it is almost too late. Her sister returns to the historic family home and transforms it into a new venture, one that is so far removed from Lizzie's comfort zone.
Engaging neighbour Mitch, a one time love of Lizzie's causes her heart to shatter a fragment more.
Coming home for both sisters unearths tragedy and truths that must be addressed in order to move on.
Engaging neighbour Mitch, a one time love of Lizzie's causes her heart to shatter a fragment more.
Coming home for both sisters unearths tragedy and truths that must be addressed in order to move on.
December 12, 2025
I found Liz to be an unlikeable character and I lost count of the number of times she walked away from conversations with her sister and Mitch so sympathising with her or trying to understand why Mitch hung around and waited for years to get her back was a stretch. I found the plot difficult to believe as her father loved Mitch like a son so why stop them from marrying. This is the second book I have read of this author that I thought was just ok.
July 24, 2022
Best book I think I’ve ever read. Loved the storyline and the characters. I love horses and it was great to have a lot included in this book. It’s story reminds you to confuse de and share with someone after grief. Lis and Mitch could have been together earlier. Also would have been nice to see them married at willowbrook.
August 7, 2025
A very entertaining tale about love, family, secrets & guilt. I loved the setting in the Hunter Valley, & bringing Willowbrook back to life. I'm not sure Elizabeth 'Liz' Lawson deserved her wonderful Mitch Saunders, but it was a sweet ending after all the hardships. I do hope Kayla finds the right one for her, she deserves it. 3.5★
March 14, 2021
This was an easy read, set in rural Australia, about loss, grief and misunderstandings. Family farms can be tricky, and hard to maintain, and Janet Gover has shown all the problems that can beset even the best intentioned child. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
March 31, 2020
Nice story, easy to read, fairly predictable
April 3, 2020
A nice enough story and well written but not really my cup of tea.
I didn't like the main character much and the storyline was a bit slow and predictable.
I didn't like the main character much and the storyline was a bit slow and predictable.
April 4, 2020
This is the first book l have read of this author , it won't be my last . Such a good read thankyou
April 13, 2020
A lovely rural romance.
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