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A Town Like Clarence
When Kirsty Fox goes on the run to escape a crash-and-burn at work, she finds a family she didn't know she needed... A witty and warm rural romance perfect for readers of Rachael Johns and Alissa Callen.
They say change is as good as a holiday. Joey Miles is hoping so after leaving the city behind, his stockbroking career in flames, to embrace a brand-new challenge: farming. But while returning to his hometown somehow feels right, he's got a long way to go to get back on his feet financially and the last thing he needs is the townsfolk meddling in his love life (or lack thereof).
To the townsfolk of Clarence, Joey has always been the ultimate tragic romantic hero - and it's time this hero had a happy ever after...
But Kirsty Fox is only in Clarence to dig up information about a World War II figure from her family's past - she has no intention of sticking around and finding out if Joey is as adorable as he seems. Kirsty doesn't stick around. Ever.
But when the locals of Clarence spy the chemistry between these two, a secret item gets added to the agenda of the next town committee meeting: matchmaking. This warm-hearted community will pull every trick in the book to show Joey and Kristy everything they've unwittingly been searching for is right under their noses... What could possibly go wrong?
Chicken wrangling, an adorable kid niece, a secret in a cow shed and a big-hearted town full of meddlesome wannabe poets... This new romance from Australian author Stella Quinn is a knockout.
They say change is as good as a holiday. Joey Miles is hoping so after leaving the city behind, his stockbroking career in flames, to embrace a brand-new challenge: farming. But while returning to his hometown somehow feels right, he's got a long way to go to get back on his feet financially and the last thing he needs is the townsfolk meddling in his love life (or lack thereof).
To the townsfolk of Clarence, Joey has always been the ultimate tragic romantic hero - and it's time this hero had a happy ever after...
But Kirsty Fox is only in Clarence to dig up information about a World War II figure from her family's past - she has no intention of sticking around and finding out if Joey is as adorable as he seems. Kirsty doesn't stick around. Ever.
But when the locals of Clarence spy the chemistry between these two, a secret item gets added to the agenda of the next town committee meeting: matchmaking. This warm-hearted community will pull every trick in the book to show Joey and Kristy everything they've unwittingly been searching for is right under their noses... What could possibly go wrong?
Chicken wrangling, an adorable kid niece, a secret in a cow shed and a big-hearted town full of meddlesome wannabe poets... This new romance from Australian author Stella Quinn is a knockout.
443 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2022
42 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Stella Quinn
35 books105 followers Drama | Romance | Mystery
Stella Quinn is a multi-award winning author.
She writes outback drama for Harper Collins HQ Fiction, and she's currently scribbling away at a small town rom-com mystery mashup in her spare time.
She loves reading GoodReads reviews so don't be shy!
Stella Quinn is a multi-award winning author.
She writes outback drama for Harper Collins HQ Fiction, and she's currently scribbling away at a small town rom-com mystery mashup in her spare time.
She loves reading GoodReads reviews so don't be shy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 28, 2022
A sweet simple love story that takes us from Lismore to Sydney to Port Augusta ending in Clarence, NSW. The author’s acknowledgements mention the connection to places and people and her choices for the settings, which is always a nice plus. She holds significant importance to these areas and people, and her sixth-grade teacher, which was lovely.
Kirsty Fox is a young firecracker of a woman, a pilot working for a medical transportation service, she is capable, hardworking, and stubborn. After a landing incident that rocks her confidence, and sparks issues from a past childhood trauma, she contemplates running away like she always has; after all, her mother has always spoken of the ‘Fox curse’ that has plagued her small family. Her mother has a gambling addiction, and as an older lady, this did not always come across as authentic to me. Although she was always outrunning the owed rent and bad men their entire livers, her and Kirsty were pretty much on their own, and built up a dependence and good ability to avoid problems and run if needed.
Kirsty was working when she received a call saying her mother was breaking into her house, through a window, mind you! What trouble had she gotten herself into? Fast forward a little and we see the senior Ms Fox knitting tea cozies. It was nice to see her find a good hobby, one that did not involve pouring her money into a pokie machine.
Kirsty ends up on a mission after receiving a suitcase and inheritance from an unknown grandmother – this little bump in the road takes her to other parts of the country and into the path of lovely Joey, who is setting up a farm stay property after problems in his stockbroking career, and returns him home where he had been avoiding for good measure; the entire town was gossipy and wanting to set him up with all and sundry. When Kirsty agrees to free board in return for labour, the town is rather excited.
Of course, the country folk love Kirsty and this feel good story doesn’t fail to deliver. Not a hefty amount of substance, but a happy easy read which is not heavy on any accounts. Romance readers will enjoy this.
Kirsty Fox is a young firecracker of a woman, a pilot working for a medical transportation service, she is capable, hardworking, and stubborn. After a landing incident that rocks her confidence, and sparks issues from a past childhood trauma, she contemplates running away like she always has; after all, her mother has always spoken of the ‘Fox curse’ that has plagued her small family. Her mother has a gambling addiction, and as an older lady, this did not always come across as authentic to me. Although she was always outrunning the owed rent and bad men their entire livers, her and Kirsty were pretty much on their own, and built up a dependence and good ability to avoid problems and run if needed.
Kirsty was working when she received a call saying her mother was breaking into her house, through a window, mind you! What trouble had she gotten herself into? Fast forward a little and we see the senior Ms Fox knitting tea cozies. It was nice to see her find a good hobby, one that did not involve pouring her money into a pokie machine.
Kirsty ends up on a mission after receiving a suitcase and inheritance from an unknown grandmother – this little bump in the road takes her to other parts of the country and into the path of lovely Joey, who is setting up a farm stay property after problems in his stockbroking career, and returns him home where he had been avoiding for good measure; the entire town was gossipy and wanting to set him up with all and sundry. When Kirsty agrees to free board in return for labour, the town is rather excited.
Of course, the country folk love Kirsty and this feel good story doesn’t fail to deliver. Not a hefty amount of substance, but a happy easy read which is not heavy on any accounts. Romance readers will enjoy this.
July 4, 2022
Kirsty Fox lived and worked in Port Augusta, South Australia and while she and her mother had moved around a lot in her past, this place was the longest she'd stayed. But the day things went wrong at work, she also received a letter from a solicitor in a town called Clarence in northern NSW. She was shocked to read she'd been left an inheritance from a grandmother she hadn't known she had. Her discussions with her mother didn't reveal a lot, so Kirsty decided to go to Clarence herself, and find out what she could about her past.
Her father, whom she didn't meet as he died before she was born, was Trevor Bluett and the family farm was just outside Clarence. But the property had long since sold, so Kirsty went out to investigate and met Joey Miles, new farmer not long arrived from Sydney, where his stockbroking business had gone up in flames. Joey was determined to turn his property into a farm stay - his hard work would show dividends he hoped.
With Kirsty researching her WWII great grandfather who flew the plane in Joey's barn, and helping him prepare his farm stay, the people in their vicinity - Joey's precocious eight year old niece Amy, fluffy groodle Gus, plus Joey's many siblings and their parents, it seemed their involvement was being noticed by the friendly folk of Clarence. Is that what they wanted? Kirsty was going back to Port Augusta as soon as her inheritance was sorted. And she didn't do relationships...
A Town Like Clarence is a captivating contemporary/rural novel by Aussie author Stella Quinn which I really enjoyed. I loved her previous novel, The Vet from Snowy River and am very much looking forward to her next. I loved the elderly Carol, feisty, sharp and kind, plus Amy was a delight! The folk of Clarence were all a pretty special bunch! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Her father, whom she didn't meet as he died before she was born, was Trevor Bluett and the family farm was just outside Clarence. But the property had long since sold, so Kirsty went out to investigate and met Joey Miles, new farmer not long arrived from Sydney, where his stockbroking business had gone up in flames. Joey was determined to turn his property into a farm stay - his hard work would show dividends he hoped.
With Kirsty researching her WWII great grandfather who flew the plane in Joey's barn, and helping him prepare his farm stay, the people in their vicinity - Joey's precocious eight year old niece Amy, fluffy groodle Gus, plus Joey's many siblings and their parents, it seemed their involvement was being noticed by the friendly folk of Clarence. Is that what they wanted? Kirsty was going back to Port Augusta as soon as her inheritance was sorted. And she didn't do relationships...
A Town Like Clarence is a captivating contemporary/rural novel by Aussie author Stella Quinn which I really enjoyed. I loved her previous novel, The Vet from Snowy River and am very much looking forward to her next. I loved the elderly Carol, feisty, sharp and kind, plus Amy was a delight! The folk of Clarence were all a pretty special bunch! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2022
This is such an awesome story, it is funny, heartwarming, emotional and has the best characters, real people that I loved getting to know and I loved the setting, come along for a fabulous journey to a HEA that is sure to leave you smiling.
Joey Miles has returned to his home town of Clarence, it is time for a change after what happened in the city, time to start afresh and farming is the thing that he is sure will help, he is close to his family now and it is a big family. He is working hard on his farm planting trees, mowing and setting up some old cottages as farm stays things should run smoothly provided he can financially get back on his feet.
Kirsty Fox is a pilot who has led a nomadic life growing up with her mother who taught her that the Fox curse would always be there, do not stay in one place too long and when needed run, after a crash and the arrival of her mother with a letter, Kirsty is off to uncover a family and secrets that she knew nothing about, but will she find that staying in Clarence might just be what she needs to end the curse.
Kirsty is in Clarence to uncover information about her great grandfather and is World War two history nothing more but when she meets Joey after discovering an old plane in Joey’s old cowshed that used to belong to her family the attraction between them rockets but staying in Clarence is not on the cards, that is maybe until the local committee organising the Annual Clarence River Bush Poetry Muster decide that another agenda needs to be added and that is finding Mrs. Farmer Joe.
I loved this book so much, I laughed out loud and smiled all the way through, Joe is the best guy and just who Kirsty needed to make her life complete and Kirsty what can I say she is strong and vulnerable at the same time, finding love was just what she needed, they make the best couple even if it took them a bit to work that out, Now the other characters in this story added so much to it, The Miles family I loved eight year old Amy the witty banter between Joey and his siblings and then the animals Gus the dog, I love him, you need to read this book it is a must read and bring on Daisy’s story I can’t wait to return to Clarence. I do highly recommend this one.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review
Joey Miles has returned to his home town of Clarence, it is time for a change after what happened in the city, time to start afresh and farming is the thing that he is sure will help, he is close to his family now and it is a big family. He is working hard on his farm planting trees, mowing and setting up some old cottages as farm stays things should run smoothly provided he can financially get back on his feet.
Kirsty Fox is a pilot who has led a nomadic life growing up with her mother who taught her that the Fox curse would always be there, do not stay in one place too long and when needed run, after a crash and the arrival of her mother with a letter, Kirsty is off to uncover a family and secrets that she knew nothing about, but will she find that staying in Clarence might just be what she needs to end the curse.
Kirsty is in Clarence to uncover information about her great grandfather and is World War two history nothing more but when she meets Joey after discovering an old plane in Joey’s old cowshed that used to belong to her family the attraction between them rockets but staying in Clarence is not on the cards, that is maybe until the local committee organising the Annual Clarence River Bush Poetry Muster decide that another agenda needs to be added and that is finding Mrs. Farmer Joe.
I loved this book so much, I laughed out loud and smiled all the way through, Joe is the best guy and just who Kirsty needed to make her life complete and Kirsty what can I say she is strong and vulnerable at the same time, finding love was just what she needed, they make the best couple even if it took them a bit to work that out, Now the other characters in this story added so much to it, The Miles family I loved eight year old Amy the witty banter between Joey and his siblings and then the animals Gus the dog, I love him, you need to read this book it is a must read and bring on Daisy’s story I can’t wait to return to Clarence. I do highly recommend this one.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review
August 27, 2022
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A Town Like Clarence by Stella Quinn. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 July 2022**
Joey is embracing becoming a farmer after leaving the city and his stockbroker career behind. It feels right but he's got a long way to go financially and the last thing he needs it the townsfolk meddling in his non-existant love life. But they want their tragic romantic hero to have a happy ever after... Kirsty is only in town to dig up information about a WWII figure from her family's past and has no intention of sticking around despite her attraction to Joey. But the locals see the chemistry and secretly decide to get involved; they'll do anything to get these two together...
Who doesn't love a handsome man who has a tragic romantic past? In his small hometown, pretty much everybody is wanting prodigal son Joel to have a happy ever after and it seems that clever-with-her-hands (I only wish I was that handy) Kirsty might be a good possibility. But Kirsty has her own traumas in her past to deal with before she can commit to anything, let alone a relationship... and so ensures some dramas. Both Joel and Kirsty are extremely likeable characters, with the other townspeople all sounding realistic and easy to imagine in one's mind. I thoroughly enjoyed Joel's vision for his farm, and really felt for Kirsty having spent her life coping with her mother's issues. I feel like there's scope to revisit this town and the Miles family - would definitely love a novel for Joel's sister Daisy and her sassy young daughter Amy!
Overall: happily recommend for any readers who enjoy Australian rural romance.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
A Town Like Clarence by Stella Quinn. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 July 2022**
Joey is embracing becoming a farmer after leaving the city and his stockbroker career behind. It feels right but he's got a long way to go financially and the last thing he needs it the townsfolk meddling in his non-existant love life. But they want their tragic romantic hero to have a happy ever after... Kirsty is only in town to dig up information about a WWII figure from her family's past and has no intention of sticking around despite her attraction to Joey. But the locals see the chemistry and secretly decide to get involved; they'll do anything to get these two together...
Who doesn't love a handsome man who has a tragic romantic past? In his small hometown, pretty much everybody is wanting prodigal son Joel to have a happy ever after and it seems that clever-with-her-hands (I only wish I was that handy) Kirsty might be a good possibility. But Kirsty has her own traumas in her past to deal with before she can commit to anything, let alone a relationship... and so ensures some dramas. Both Joel and Kirsty are extremely likeable characters, with the other townspeople all sounding realistic and easy to imagine in one's mind. I thoroughly enjoyed Joel's vision for his farm, and really felt for Kirsty having spent her life coping with her mother's issues. I feel like there's scope to revisit this town and the Miles family - would definitely love a novel for Joel's sister Daisy and her sassy young daughter Amy!
Overall: happily recommend for any readers who enjoy Australian rural romance.
July 13, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
A Town Like Clarence captivated me completely with its easy charm, true-blue Aussie setting and delightful cast. A story of family ties, history, secrets, the past, trauma, addiction, escape, love, care, community, support and connections, A Town Like Clarence is a book that filled my heart with immense happiness.
Meet Joey Miles. This city-based stockbroker has exchanged his high flying life in the city for a new career in farming. For Joey, this is a sort of homecoming, as he returns to his hometown in the hope that he can recover personally and financially from his career crisis. But the local townsfolk have a very close eye on Joey and they soon set up a secret matchmaking committee to help this new farmer find love. Joey isn’t looking for love but all that changes when he meets Kirsty Fox. The tiny town of Clarence welcomes Kirsty into its supportive arms as she searches for information about her family’s past. Kirsty’s visit to Clarence is meant to be fleeting, but as she digs further into the past Kirsty is drawn to this town and its local hero. Kirsty’s natural instinct is to take off and head for a new town as soon possible, but will she be tempted to stay put in Clarence?
A Town Like Clarence is my first experience of Stella Quinn’s writing. I immediately found this award-winning romance author’s narrative style warm, engaging, welcoming and fun. A Town Like Clarence is exactly the type of book that I needed after a huge weekend. It proved to be the most relaxing and entertaining read I have encountered for some time. I enjoyed this one so much that I abandoned my planned review book schedule and I pulled Stella Quinn’s previous book from my toppling shelves to read immediately after A Town Like Clarence!
A Town Like Clarence is Australian small rural romance done right. With a typical rural backdrop, a tragic romantic hero, an independent spirit style heroine, plenty of past issues, meddling townsfolk and some cracking animal characters, Stella Quinn’s novel ticked all the boxes for this reader. With this fantastic formula, A Town Like Clarence soon bewitched me with its gentle country charm. I was completely fascinated by the heroine’s family story and the legacy attached to her investigations in Clarence. Likewise, Joey’s life prior to returning to Clarence is explored extremely well by Stella Quinn. I don’t think you could have asked for two better lead characters to take us on such a memorable rural journey.
Joey and Kirsty are supported by a wonderful set of townsfolk. Filled with personality, interest and high rural colour, I loved getting to know this genuine bunch of people. I really warmed to animal characters in this tale and the committee members of Clarence. I loved all their little tricks, plots and set-ups, it was just one great Aussie country romp! On a more serious note, Quinn tackles some important issues that will reach many readers. From loss, trauma, addiction and trust, this novel covers difficult ground with a strong sense of respect. Thanks to the credible dialogue and engaging writing style there are moments that will make you shed a tear, laugh with hilarity, or have your heart pumping wildly! Hats off to the inclusion of the highly memorable Bush Poetry Muster. What a creative community building initiative and its inclusion in the novel is utterly priceless. I also completely mesmerised by the war story aspect involving a suitcase, an old shed and a plane. What a fantastic side history storyline. However, it is the romance that lifted A Town Like Clarence to five-star victory for me. The leads deserved to be together and get their happy ever after!
What a wonderful introduction to the work of Queensland based author Stella Quinn’s work. A Town Like Clarence receives a five-star rating from me. Pick this one up without delay!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
A Town Like Clarence captivated me completely with its easy charm, true-blue Aussie setting and delightful cast. A story of family ties, history, secrets, the past, trauma, addiction, escape, love, care, community, support and connections, A Town Like Clarence is a book that filled my heart with immense happiness.
Meet Joey Miles. This city-based stockbroker has exchanged his high flying life in the city for a new career in farming. For Joey, this is a sort of homecoming, as he returns to his hometown in the hope that he can recover personally and financially from his career crisis. But the local townsfolk have a very close eye on Joey and they soon set up a secret matchmaking committee to help this new farmer find love. Joey isn’t looking for love but all that changes when he meets Kirsty Fox. The tiny town of Clarence welcomes Kirsty into its supportive arms as she searches for information about her family’s past. Kirsty’s visit to Clarence is meant to be fleeting, but as she digs further into the past Kirsty is drawn to this town and its local hero. Kirsty’s natural instinct is to take off and head for a new town as soon possible, but will she be tempted to stay put in Clarence?
A Town Like Clarence is my first experience of Stella Quinn’s writing. I immediately found this award-winning romance author’s narrative style warm, engaging, welcoming and fun. A Town Like Clarence is exactly the type of book that I needed after a huge weekend. It proved to be the most relaxing and entertaining read I have encountered for some time. I enjoyed this one so much that I abandoned my planned review book schedule and I pulled Stella Quinn’s previous book from my toppling shelves to read immediately after A Town Like Clarence!
A Town Like Clarence is Australian small rural romance done right. With a typical rural backdrop, a tragic romantic hero, an independent spirit style heroine, plenty of past issues, meddling townsfolk and some cracking animal characters, Stella Quinn’s novel ticked all the boxes for this reader. With this fantastic formula, A Town Like Clarence soon bewitched me with its gentle country charm. I was completely fascinated by the heroine’s family story and the legacy attached to her investigations in Clarence. Likewise, Joey’s life prior to returning to Clarence is explored extremely well by Stella Quinn. I don’t think you could have asked for two better lead characters to take us on such a memorable rural journey.
Joey and Kirsty are supported by a wonderful set of townsfolk. Filled with personality, interest and high rural colour, I loved getting to know this genuine bunch of people. I really warmed to animal characters in this tale and the committee members of Clarence. I loved all their little tricks, plots and set-ups, it was just one great Aussie country romp! On a more serious note, Quinn tackles some important issues that will reach many readers. From loss, trauma, addiction and trust, this novel covers difficult ground with a strong sense of respect. Thanks to the credible dialogue and engaging writing style there are moments that will make you shed a tear, laugh with hilarity, or have your heart pumping wildly! Hats off to the inclusion of the highly memorable Bush Poetry Muster. What a creative community building initiative and its inclusion in the novel is utterly priceless. I also completely mesmerised by the war story aspect involving a suitcase, an old shed and a plane. What a fantastic side history storyline. However, it is the romance that lifted A Town Like Clarence to five-star victory for me. The leads deserved to be together and get their happy ever after!
What a wonderful introduction to the work of Queensland based author Stella Quinn’s work. A Town Like Clarence receives a five-star rating from me. Pick this one up without delay!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
June 14, 2022
What a perfect feel good! I loved it! It’s Aussie Rural Romance done perfectly! Just loved Kirsty and Farmer Joe, our main characters, and of course Gus the groodle, Ken with his ixoras and Carol with her tough love..loved experiencing the farmstay 101 and the ww2 research. Loved being part of a big family in a small country town..can’t recommend it more highly enough, thanks so much Harper Collins for my advanced copy 🤗
November 30, 2022
That's twice now Stella Quinn has blown me away with her wonderful writing! I'm going to miss my time in Clarence so much! Why, oh why isn't this a real town, because I would pack up everything and move their in a heartbeat. Added bonus for me is that it's set in an area I know very well, that being the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
I loved absolutely everyone and everyone in this feel good small town romance novel. Really don't want to choose a favourite character, because they are all as equally charming and have their own quirks as much as the next person... So I'm going for my favourite animal friend instead. Gus the Groodle, you are so damn cute with your misbehaving, curious and idiotic but ever so loyal ways. Now... Where can I find a puppy like Gus?
Must confess, I do enjoy some Australian Wartime fiction from time to time. Kirsty's heritage coming to life in this way gave the story a certain charm. After some research, I've discovered the military museum located in Wacol does exist. I'm pretty confident that a certain suitcase, it's belongings and a WW2 Wirraway would be a popular exhibit there!
The dynamic between Kirsty and Farmer Joe was often hilarious, always sweet and sometimes frustrating as they fight their obvious attraction for each other. Let's face it, it's pretty obvious that they eventually get together, but they've got some pretty serious hang-ups to work through first.
How fun were the committee meetings and the bush poetry though? The minute taking and the whole matchmaking plan made me chuckle plus those rhymes were crackers!
Such a sweet story that I needed after some pretty hard hitting reads!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
I loved absolutely everyone and everyone in this feel good small town romance novel. Really don't want to choose a favourite character, because they are all as equally charming and have their own quirks as much as the next person... So I'm going for my favourite animal friend instead. Gus the Groodle, you are so damn cute with your misbehaving, curious and idiotic but ever so loyal ways. Now... Where can I find a puppy like Gus?
Must confess, I do enjoy some Australian Wartime fiction from time to time. Kirsty's heritage coming to life in this way gave the story a certain charm. After some research, I've discovered the military museum located in Wacol does exist. I'm pretty confident that a certain suitcase, it's belongings and a WW2 Wirraway would be a popular exhibit there!
The dynamic between Kirsty and Farmer Joe was often hilarious, always sweet and sometimes frustrating as they fight their obvious attraction for each other. Let's face it, it's pretty obvious that they eventually get together, but they've got some pretty serious hang-ups to work through first.
How fun were the committee meetings and the bush poetry though? The minute taking and the whole matchmaking plan made me chuckle plus those rhymes were crackers!
Such a sweet story that I needed after some pretty hard hitting reads!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
July 5, 2022
Review - A Town Like Clarence - Stella Quinn
A Town Like Clarence is like reading a warm hug. Stella Quinn's writing is filled with love and laughter. Her style is authentic and her language quintessentially Australian.
Kirsty Fox escapes her problems, when she inherits a suitcase from her paternal grandmother, Mary Bluett and travels to the town of Clarence. The suitcase leads Kirsty to a historically significant aeroplane and helps her to discover her own family history. Upon arriving in Clarence, Kirsty meets the good looking Farmer Joe. Their interests in the aeroplane are vastly different and yet, their meeting changes their lives.
The romance between Kirsty and Joey is sexy and sweet. The townspeople are welcoming and each character encompasses the very reason why I love small town romance novels!
I would highly recommend A Town Like Clarence by Stella Quinn. Romance, drama, history and a sexy Aussie farmer - what more could I ask for as a reader?! A wonderful read that I couldn't put down.
Thank you @harlequinaus
@stella.quinn.author
for sending me a copy of A Town Like Clarence to read and review.
#atownlikeclarence #stellaquinn #romancenovel #australianauthors #aussiebookstagrammer #bookstagram #review #myreview #bookreview #bookreviewer #ilovereading #chapterichi
A Town Like Clarence is like reading a warm hug. Stella Quinn's writing is filled with love and laughter. Her style is authentic and her language quintessentially Australian.
Kirsty Fox escapes her problems, when she inherits a suitcase from her paternal grandmother, Mary Bluett and travels to the town of Clarence. The suitcase leads Kirsty to a historically significant aeroplane and helps her to discover her own family history. Upon arriving in Clarence, Kirsty meets the good looking Farmer Joe. Their interests in the aeroplane are vastly different and yet, their meeting changes their lives.
The romance between Kirsty and Joey is sexy and sweet. The townspeople are welcoming and each character encompasses the very reason why I love small town romance novels!
I would highly recommend A Town Like Clarence by Stella Quinn. Romance, drama, history and a sexy Aussie farmer - what more could I ask for as a reader?! A wonderful read that I couldn't put down.
Thank you @harlequinaus
@stella.quinn.author
for sending me a copy of A Town Like Clarence to read and review.
#atownlikeclarence #stellaquinn #romancenovel #australianauthors #aussiebookstagrammer #bookstagram #review #myreview #bookreview #bookreviewer #ilovereading #chapterichi
September 4, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A country town that hides a secret is the destination for a runaway pilot who believes her family are cursed and is the place where a new start from the big city is home to a returning local.
A bequeathment the catalyst for an embracing tale.
Transient and itinerant best describe Kirsty Fox.
An intriguing inheritance letter takes her to Clarence.
Not aware of her father’s ancestry she accepts a bequeathed suitcase that contains her legacy.
Her mother quite cagey on the subject.
Her late Grandmother leaves information on a WW2 family connection.
Joey has returned to Clarence after living a corporate life in Sydney.
Buying a farm he hopes to create a mixed farming enterprise with a farm stay business.
Unlucky in love his single status creates a flutter among locals.
Kirsty needs Joey to pursue her family legacy dream.
Joey has an attraction to her and the meddling community see the potential of a union.
So many factors contributed to my absolute enjoyment of this rural romantic story.
The plot, the cast and the realistic normality of the whole scenario are set against a backdrop of community, dysfunction and determination.
You can never go wrong animals, children and hunky farmers but it takes talent to cohesively intertwine into a great read.
A country town that hides a secret is the destination for a runaway pilot who believes her family are cursed and is the place where a new start from the big city is home to a returning local.
A bequeathment the catalyst for an embracing tale.
Transient and itinerant best describe Kirsty Fox.
An intriguing inheritance letter takes her to Clarence.
Not aware of her father’s ancestry she accepts a bequeathed suitcase that contains her legacy.
Her mother quite cagey on the subject.
Her late Grandmother leaves information on a WW2 family connection.
Joey has returned to Clarence after living a corporate life in Sydney.
Buying a farm he hopes to create a mixed farming enterprise with a farm stay business.
Unlucky in love his single status creates a flutter among locals.
Kirsty needs Joey to pursue her family legacy dream.
Joey has an attraction to her and the meddling community see the potential of a union.
So many factors contributed to my absolute enjoyment of this rural romantic story.
The plot, the cast and the realistic normality of the whole scenario are set against a backdrop of community, dysfunction and determination.
You can never go wrong animals, children and hunky farmers but it takes talent to cohesively intertwine into a great read.
Read
July 2, 2022This book will immerse you in Aussie country life, with a vast range of characters to make you smile.
Joey is a wonderful hero.
Took Kirsty a while to realise it.
Clarence sounds like a fun place to live!
Joey is a wonderful hero.
Took Kirsty a while to realise it.
Clarence sounds like a fun place to live!
August 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this read, it has a lot of pages but read it in a few days. It was a good story and easy to keep up with the characters and how they fit in. It was also nice to have a bit of the history element as well.
January 18, 2023
There is something about Rural Romances that I gravitate towards. The love connections, the landscape and the warmth of the people. The characters in the book all played a part in the storyline and I really liked the dialogue between them. They are characters you can relate to. There is no unlikeable characters in this one. This is a story about coming home, life changes , relationships both family and personal, and of course small country towns and their communities. I love it when an author transports you to another place . I also loved the mention of family history as Im fascinated with geneaology.
January 28, 2024
I love when I take a chance on a book, and it works out. I don't know what I expected when I first saw this book, but I knew pretty early on that I was going to like it.
There were a couple of things that detracted from the story for me.
--I thought it was strange that they loved each other when Kirsty had never opened up.
--Amy was incredibly annoying. Too precocious.
--Kirsty destroyed someone else's property
--The poetry club meeting notes
In spite of the things mentioned, I really enjoyed this book, mainly because I found Joey so likable. He was charming, sweet, considerate, self aware, etc. He was by far my favorite character. He just seemed like a great guy. Also, I sympathized with him. He had a lot of responsibilities placed on his young shoulders. I understand why he left and never returned.
I also liked the dog, Gus, I think.
Finally, I enjoyed reading about small town Australia.
Fiona Macleod has a lovely voice.
There were a couple of things that detracted from the story for me.
--I thought it was strange that they loved each other when Kirsty had never opened up.
--Amy was incredibly annoying. Too precocious.
--Kirsty destroyed someone else's property
--The poetry club meeting notes
In spite of the things mentioned, I really enjoyed this book, mainly because I found Joey so likable. He was charming, sweet, considerate, self aware, etc. He was by far my favorite character. He just seemed like a great guy. Also, I sympathized with him. He had a lot of responsibilities placed on his young shoulders. I understand why he left and never returned.
I also liked the dog, Gus, I think.
Finally, I enjoyed reading about small town Australia.
Fiona Macleod has a lovely voice.
April 25, 2022
For someone who always believed in bad luck, Kirsty Fox sure thought she’d gotten past that. But somehow, her life hit a snag and she suddenly decided to do find out about her history, after her mum gave her information about her needing to see a solicitor.
Kirsty goes on her adventure, unsure of what she she would find. And she certainly did find something that meant more to her than anything.
Lucky for Kirsty, a man happens to help after she finds her treasure. Joey assistsKirsty with housing, but is that all.
The town itself steps in to help Kirsty with her treasure to preserve it and continue the history of family and help her and Joey on the love front.
This book was a way to step back into history, with the just the right amount of romance to allow the story to be a fabulous read.
10/10.
#netgalleyarc
Kirsty goes on her adventure, unsure of what she she would find. And she certainly did find something that meant more to her than anything.
Lucky for Kirsty, a man happens to help after she finds her treasure. Joey assistsKirsty with housing, but is that all.
The town itself steps in to help Kirsty with her treasure to preserve it and continue the history of family and help her and Joey on the love front.
This book was a way to step back into history, with the just the right amount of romance to allow the story to be a fabulous read.
10/10.
#netgalleyarc
April 29, 2022
Heya, readers, I hope you'll all love A Town Like Clarence. I'd love to hear your reviews when you get a chance ... fair warning, I can't get through the scene with Amy's tale about the runaway 🐕 without 😭😭. I'll be interested to hear if you can! Don't worry, no animals were left unloved in this book. There's 🐥🐥🐥, a naughty groodle, even a close encounter with a 🐍. Dobbin the miniature horse is on weeding duty, the tractor 🚜 gets a fair workout, there's macadamia trees being looked after, avo trees being planted, and a local town committee very VERY involved with pretty much everything and even a ww2 secret to be revealed. A Town Like Clarence is up for preorder now at all your favourite retailers, and it will hit the shelves in Dymocks and Target and Kmart and Big W etc from July 6 2022.
June 9, 2022
So grateful to have received an advanced readers copy of this adorable rural-romance! It's the perfect story to fall into at the end of a long day; there were places to laugh, places to cry and had the best of Aussie charm.
Sidenote: I would do absolutely anything for Gus the groodle, he owns my whole heart.
Sidenote: I would do absolutely anything for Gus the groodle, he owns my whole heart.
July 24, 2022
No matter who you are or what you believe, once Cupid aims his arrow all bets are off. A fabulous story with memorable characters! I do hope we get to visit with Carol Wallace and her meddling ways again in Clarence.
November 22, 2022
I loved so many things about this book. Stella Quinn really knows small Aussie towns ... the committee minutes were a highlight for me (still chuckling) and I adore Amy and the whole Miles family. No spoilers here .... but I want more!
July 22, 2022
Absolutely loved it!!
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June 24, 2022An uplifting read filled with warm, quirky characters and a whole lot of heart. Full review and author interview to come. Thanks to Harper Collins for an early copy.
July 21, 2022
They say change is as good as a holiday. Joey Miles is hoping so after leaving the city behind, his stockbroking career in flames, to embrace a brand-new challenge: farming. But while returning to his hometown somehow feels right, he's got a long way to go to get back on his feet financially and the last thing he needs is the townsfolk meddling in his love life (or lack thereof).
To the townsfolk of Clarence, Joey has always been the ultimate tragic romantic hero - and it's time this hero had a happy ever after...
But Kirsty Fox is only in Clarence to dig up information about a World War II figure from her family's past - she has no intention of sticking around and finding out if Joey is as adorable as he seems. Kirsty doesn't stick around. Ever.
But when the locals of Clarence spy the chemistry between these two, a secret item gets added to the agenda of the next town committee meeting: matchmaking. This warm-hearted community will pull every trick in the book to show Joey and Kristy everything they've unwittingly been searching for is right under their noses... What could possibly go wrong?
Another outstanding rural romance from an Australian author, I was captivated from the start and just kept flowing from there. Stella has an amazing way with words. This will be another highly recommended outback rural romance. Thank you netgalley and harlequin Australia for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
To the townsfolk of Clarence, Joey has always been the ultimate tragic romantic hero - and it's time this hero had a happy ever after...
But Kirsty Fox is only in Clarence to dig up information about a World War II figure from her family's past - she has no intention of sticking around and finding out if Joey is as adorable as he seems. Kirsty doesn't stick around. Ever.
But when the locals of Clarence spy the chemistry between these two, a secret item gets added to the agenda of the next town committee meeting: matchmaking. This warm-hearted community will pull every trick in the book to show Joey and Kristy everything they've unwittingly been searching for is right under their noses... What could possibly go wrong?
Another outstanding rural romance from an Australian author, I was captivated from the start and just kept flowing from there. Stella has an amazing way with words. This will be another highly recommended outback rural romance. Thank you netgalley and harlequin Australia for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 10, 2022
When Kirsty is left an inheritance from a relative she didn't know existed, she makes the trek to the small town of Clarence to find out more about her family history. When she discovers what her inheritance is, she is determined to do everything she can to hold onto it, even if it means dealing with cute farmer Joe.
Small town Aussie rural romances are the best. This one was no different. With a distinct Aussie flavour, this book felt like coming home. I loved all the characters and was rooting for our main characters to get together. I was left with a huge smile on my face at the end of this one. Can't wait to read more by Stella Quinn!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimetary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Small town Aussie rural romances are the best. This one was no different. With a distinct Aussie flavour, this book felt like coming home. I loved all the characters and was rooting for our main characters to get together. I was left with a huge smile on my face at the end of this one. Can't wait to read more by Stella Quinn!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimetary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2023
Sweet. Well written. Engaging story. Likeable characters.
September 17, 2022
This my second Stella Quinn book. A Town Like Clarence was wonderful read and I pe read more of Stwlla Quinn's books in the future. This one was set in the country town of Clarence Northern New South Wales. Kirsty Fox recieves a letter from a solicitor informing her of an inheritance left to her from her grandmother, she hadn't met and was was living in Port Augusta in Adelaide working as a Medinet Pilot. When an incident at work makes her decide to go visit Clarence the town where her father Trevor Bluett grew up. It there she finds the farm where her grandparnts once owned and in its shed was an old fighter plane in need of restoration.
Joey Miles returns to Clarence after being living in Sydney as a stoke brocker buys the farm once owned by Kirsty grandparents. He lost everything in an investment, and owes a loan on the farm. He has his sites of now being a farmer, with his groodle dog Gus, Dooblin the horse, chicken coop and dream of turn it into a farm stay.
Joey comes across Kristy tresspassing on farm looking at the old war plane, it here he offers her the chance to work four hours day and she can restore the plane. There is instant attraction between the two of them. There is the town committe planning to find Farmer Joe a wife as well, his siblings, niece Amy, parents and town wanting him to fim love and be along as kept away from them far too long.
Then their Kristy her mum Terri how she has gambling problem and Kristy's research into her grandfather's WWII plane and father as he died before she was born.
A Twon like Clarence is wonderful rural romance novel which I really enjoyed reading. As I enjoyed reading her previous novel, The vet from Snowy River. I am very much looking forward to see what she has installed for us to read whether it about a a return to Clarence for another one of the Miles children finding or another country town to capitvate us all in to want to read more. I loved the community town of Clarence of Carol, Ken, Hodgey, and young Amy was treat with her fun loving of poetry. I highly recommend both Stella Quinn's books.
Joey Miles returns to Clarence after being living in Sydney as a stoke brocker buys the farm once owned by Kirsty grandparents. He lost everything in an investment, and owes a loan on the farm. He has his sites of now being a farmer, with his groodle dog Gus, Dooblin the horse, chicken coop and dream of turn it into a farm stay.
Joey comes across Kristy tresspassing on farm looking at the old war plane, it here he offers her the chance to work four hours day and she can restore the plane. There is instant attraction between the two of them. There is the town committe planning to find Farmer Joe a wife as well, his siblings, niece Amy, parents and town wanting him to fim love and be along as kept away from them far too long.
Then their Kristy her mum Terri how she has gambling problem and Kristy's research into her grandfather's WWII plane and father as he died before she was born.
A Twon like Clarence is wonderful rural romance novel which I really enjoyed reading. As I enjoyed reading her previous novel, The vet from Snowy River. I am very much looking forward to see what she has installed for us to read whether it about a a return to Clarence for another one of the Miles children finding or another country town to capitvate us all in to want to read more. I loved the community town of Clarence of Carol, Ken, Hodgey, and young Amy was treat with her fun loving of poetry. I highly recommend both Stella Quinn's books.
July 31, 2022
Stella Quinn has definitely slotted her way in as one of my favourite rural romance writers.
A Town like Clarence was fantabulous, it was such a pleasure to read, I knew going in to this one, like all good romances, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after, but it’s the journey in between that makes the story, and this one had that in spades.
I loved the way Kirsty was drawn to the town of Clarence, a family inheritance, an old suit case and whatever was stashed away in an old farm shed.
She’s spent her life believing in a curse and feeling the need to constantly move on, I love how spending time in the one place gave her the answers she needed.
Amy, well wholly crap, this kid needs a whole book all to herself, she was definitely an unexpected highlight throughout the story.
And I so need to rethink the way I do my work minutes, Carol does such an amazing job and what a wonderful character she is too!
A Town like Clarence is released today in Australia so run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookshop and grab yourself a copy of this heartfelt novel.
A Town like Clarence was fantabulous, it was such a pleasure to read, I knew going in to this one, like all good romances, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after, but it’s the journey in between that makes the story, and this one had that in spades.
I loved the way Kirsty was drawn to the town of Clarence, a family inheritance, an old suit case and whatever was stashed away in an old farm shed.
She’s spent her life believing in a curse and feeling the need to constantly move on, I love how spending time in the one place gave her the answers she needed.
Amy, well wholly crap, this kid needs a whole book all to herself, she was definitely an unexpected highlight throughout the story.
And I so need to rethink the way I do my work minutes, Carol does such an amazing job and what a wonderful character she is too!
A Town like Clarence is released today in Australia so run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookshop and grab yourself a copy of this heartfelt novel.
July 9, 2022
I love Australian rural romances and A Town Like Clarence certainly fits the bill. Set mostly in the fictitious town of Clarence, on the Clarence River near Lismore in northern NSW, this book is filled with quiet humour and moments of heartache.
The characters are believable and so easy to like. Pilot Kirsty Fox is so easy to empathise with as she deals first with the news that her gambling addict mother has been caught breaking into her house and subsequently with being grounded after a crash. Farmer and former stockbroker Joey Miles appealed to me from his first appearance. I loved his work ethic and his clear affection for family members who are far from run-of-the-mill. There are also some fabulous supporting characters in this story including Kirsty’s mother Terri and Joey’s eight year-old niece. This story flows beautifully and has been a joy to read.
The characters are believable and so easy to like. Pilot Kirsty Fox is so easy to empathise with as she deals first with the news that her gambling addict mother has been caught breaking into her house and subsequently with being grounded after a crash. Farmer and former stockbroker Joey Miles appealed to me from his first appearance. I loved his work ethic and his clear affection for family members who are far from run-of-the-mill. There are also some fabulous supporting characters in this story including Kirsty’s mother Terri and Joey’s eight year-old niece. This story flows beautifully and has been a joy to read.
May 27, 2023
This is another great read by Stella Quinn with her usual flair and twists she manages to deliver in her Country Romance genre.
In this book her main characters are ex-stockbroker come farmer, Joey Miles and run-away pilot come rouseabout, Kirsty Fox.
Kirsty has been bequeathed a suitcase and a Wirraway war plane that her grandfather crashed in the war and then went back and rescued. AS it turns out the plane is in a shed on the land Farmer Joey has purchased.
Between the organisation of a poetry muster, dealing with the past, the moving of the plane, floods, a plane accident, a mother with gambling problems, a sick father, renovating buildings for farm stays, and work commitments will this pair end up together?
In this book her main characters are ex-stockbroker come farmer, Joey Miles and run-away pilot come rouseabout, Kirsty Fox.
Kirsty has been bequeathed a suitcase and a Wirraway war plane that her grandfather crashed in the war and then went back and rescued. AS it turns out the plane is in a shed on the land Farmer Joey has purchased.
Between the organisation of a poetry muster, dealing with the past, the moving of the plane, floods, a plane accident, a mother with gambling problems, a sick father, renovating buildings for farm stays, and work commitments will this pair end up together?
August 6, 2022
Oh wow I wish I could give this more stars. Stella Quinn knows how to write about country towns and it's people. Absolutely loved this book. Joey and Kirsty were made for each other. I love the whole vibe and witty conversation. I live in a small town and Stella just get it right. The Story just kept me turning the page and deals with a few sensitive issues in a really good way. Such a great supporting cast and Any certainly steals the show. I'm pretty sure we will be back in Clarence soon. One of my best reads this year.
April 14, 2023
A multi-layered, heart-warming and witty story with flawed and delightful characters, a town of loveable larrikins and loads of adorable animals. It’s authentic and real, filled with love and lots of fun. Rural fiction at its best
October 9, 2022
Quick easy read. I nostalgically read stories set in country towns. This one evoked fond memories of farm communities. Characters in this story were quirky enough. A feel good book.
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