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Summer at Kangaroo Ridge
A stunning new rural romance from the bestselling author of The McCalister Legacy and Lawson's Bend.
The Carrington family own the only pub in the small country town of Kangaroo Ridge in rural Victoria. It's been many years since the five Carrington siblings became orphans, but with the help of their aunt Maddie, twins Sebastian and Tamara stepped up and looked after their younger brothers and sister.
Seb and Tam gave up their own teenage years to make sure the family stayed together, and because of their experiences they have turned into very different people. Now, eight years after the accident, Seb is silent and stoic. Tam, on the other hand, wants to kick over the traces and catch up on the life she missed out on.
To complicate matters, Tam is having a secret relationship which she's sure Seb will question. But can Tam ever give herself a happy future while she still, deep down, blames herself for the accident that killed her parents?
The Carrington family own the only pub in the small country town of Kangaroo Ridge in rural Victoria. It's been many years since the five Carrington siblings became orphans, but with the help of their aunt Maddie, twins Sebastian and Tamara stepped up and looked after their younger brothers and sister.
Seb and Tam gave up their own teenage years to make sure the family stayed together, and because of their experiences they have turned into very different people. Now, eight years after the accident, Seb is silent and stoic. Tam, on the other hand, wants to kick over the traces and catch up on the life she missed out on.
To complicate matters, Tam is having a secret relationship which she's sure Seb will question. But can Tam ever give herself a happy future while she still, deep down, blames herself for the accident that killed her parents?
- GenresRomance
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 2, 2022
It was Christmas Eve eight years ago that the five Carrington children lost their parents in a dreadful road accident, and seventeen-year-old twins, Seb and Tam put their own lives on hold to take care of the rest of their family. Their Aunt Maddie came to live with them, helping in the caring. But Tam suffered silently, blaming herself for the accident, not letting herself be happy, while Seb rarely smiled anymore, berating Tam more often than not.
Seb had finally taken over the running of the local pub, which his father had owned and run, and Uncle Mick had taken over until Seb was old enough to take the reins. Tam’s idea of turning their farm into something more was a great one, and along with Aunt Maddie they finally had a family business they all worked at, making it a popular and well sought-after venue. But Tam’s secret relationship was about to be outed and she was concerned about how Seb would react – although it was none of his business…
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge by Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore is another excellent contemporary/rural novel, set in the small town of Kangaroo Ridge, not far from Bendigo on one side and Melbourne on the other. The Carrington’s farm was a beautiful place, well drawn by the author, and the characters were special. Brothers to Seb and Tam, Felix and Grayson, and their sister Lucy, made up the five siblings, while Rori, Aunt Maddie’s daughter was an enchanting inclusion. All in all, another delightful novel from Ms Hurley-Moore which I recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Seb had finally taken over the running of the local pub, which his father had owned and run, and Uncle Mick had taken over until Seb was old enough to take the reins. Tam’s idea of turning their farm into something more was a great one, and along with Aunt Maddie they finally had a family business they all worked at, making it a popular and well sought-after venue. But Tam’s secret relationship was about to be outed and she was concerned about how Seb would react – although it was none of his business…
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge by Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore is another excellent contemporary/rural novel, set in the small town of Kangaroo Ridge, not far from Bendigo on one side and Melbourne on the other. The Carrington’s farm was a beautiful place, well drawn by the author, and the characters were special. Brothers to Seb and Tam, Felix and Grayson, and their sister Lucy, made up the five siblings, while Rori, Aunt Maddie’s daughter was an enchanting inclusion. All in all, another delightful novel from Ms Hurley-Moore which I recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
I am a big fan of Nicole Hurley-Moore’s stories, I love how she brings such emotion to her characters and makes me as a reader feel very close to them and this book is no exception, beautifully written we meet the Carrington family five siblings, twins Seb and Tamara are the eldest, Gray, Lix and Luce who were affected by tragedy eight years ago and this story shows how they pull together with the help of their Aunt Maddie and get on with life and how Tamara finds love even if it takes some time and a few hurdles, grief and guilt can cause a lot of pain.
The Carrington’s own the only pub in the small country town of Kangaroo Ridge and also a farm, Seb and Tam gave up their teenage years to ensure that the family have stayed together and moved on after losing their parents in an accident, the farm has been converted into a wedding venue and Tam has worked hard with Maddie to make it a huge success but Tam has had a few wild years after the accident and Seb has knuckled down and become very serious. But Tam is in a secret relationship with Dylan who is Seb’s best friend and she knows Seb will not be happy about it, but she loves Dylan he has always been there for her.
Tam worries that she will never be able to give Dylan the happiness he deserves because all these years after the accident Tam believes that she is responsible and the guilt is eating at her it takes her to dark places and when things come out in the open there needs to be a lot of talking done between brother and sister, will they finally open up and leave the past behind and move towards the future?
I loved this story, it is filled with emotion as we see Tam struggle with her future and go back and find out what happened that terrible day, yes there were tears from me and lots of emotion I was cheering them on and getting ready to yell at times, so many wonderful characters that add to this story and the setting is beautiful. I do look forward to more trips back to Kangaroo Point. This is one that I would highly recommend I loved the ending moving and wonderful.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
The Carrington’s own the only pub in the small country town of Kangaroo Ridge and also a farm, Seb and Tam gave up their teenage years to ensure that the family have stayed together and moved on after losing their parents in an accident, the farm has been converted into a wedding venue and Tam has worked hard with Maddie to make it a huge success but Tam has had a few wild years after the accident and Seb has knuckled down and become very serious. But Tam is in a secret relationship with Dylan who is Seb’s best friend and she knows Seb will not be happy about it, but she loves Dylan he has always been there for her.
Tam worries that she will never be able to give Dylan the happiness he deserves because all these years after the accident Tam believes that she is responsible and the guilt is eating at her it takes her to dark places and when things come out in the open there needs to be a lot of talking done between brother and sister, will they finally open up and leave the past behind and move towards the future?
I loved this story, it is filled with emotion as we see Tam struggle with her future and go back and find out what happened that terrible day, yes there were tears from me and lots of emotion I was cheering them on and getting ready to yell at times, so many wonderful characters that add to this story and the setting is beautiful. I do look forward to more trips back to Kangaroo Point. This is one that I would highly recommend I loved the ending moving and wonderful.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
June 5, 2022
Meet the Carrington children, Tamara, Sebastian, Grayson, Felix and Lucy. A family full of strength, and determination and all of them are grieving after a terrible car accident that took the lives of their parents eight years ago.
Twins Tam and Seb are the eldest and they are desperate to keep their family together with the help of their aunt Maddie they believe they can make it work, but had they taken on more than they could handle. Taking care of your siblings was a big enough challenge. Then Tam wants to turn the family farm into a business where they can all work together, but would this be a good thing for the family or would it put tension amongst them all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Aussie author Nicole Hurley-Moore knows how to entertain her readers with characters you warm to straight away and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages wanting to know how the story will end. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2022
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
It's been a long time since I've read a Nicole Hurley-Moore novel and reading Summer at Kangaroo Ridge brought back all the reasons I love her stories.
For the last eight years, since the tragic death of their parents, Tamara, her twin Sebastian and their aunt Maddie have been working to save the family farm, keep the family together and looking after their three younger siblings.
Right from the opening chapter I was immediately intrigued, Tam was in a secret relationship that she was sure Seb wouldn't approve of and although the two were twins a past trauma was causing unresolved conflict between them.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge has all the country feels; beautiful descriptive scenery, a small town location where people look after each other, a close knit family at the core of the story and a sweet romance.
Told through a dual timeline it was compelling reading and I enjoyed following the story as Tam and Seb, with the help of family and friends, tried to come to terms with their feelings of guilt.
I loved all the wedding preparation and decorating as Tam and Maddie converted the farm to a wedding reception venue.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is filled with charming, likeable characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Tam and younger brother Lix, he was her confidant and wise beyond his years. Tam's rocky romance had me eager to keep reading, following her highs and lows.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is a heartwarming story brimming with country charm and a dash of mystery and drama.
Nicole Hurley-Moore doesn't disappoint with her latest novel about family, country life and forgiveness.
*I received my copy from the publisher
It's been a long time since I've read a Nicole Hurley-Moore novel and reading Summer at Kangaroo Ridge brought back all the reasons I love her stories.
For the last eight years, since the tragic death of their parents, Tamara, her twin Sebastian and their aunt Maddie have been working to save the family farm, keep the family together and looking after their three younger siblings.
Right from the opening chapter I was immediately intrigued, Tam was in a secret relationship that she was sure Seb wouldn't approve of and although the two were twins a past trauma was causing unresolved conflict between them.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge has all the country feels; beautiful descriptive scenery, a small town location where people look after each other, a close knit family at the core of the story and a sweet romance.
Told through a dual timeline it was compelling reading and I enjoyed following the story as Tam and Seb, with the help of family and friends, tried to come to terms with their feelings of guilt.
I loved all the wedding preparation and decorating as Tam and Maddie converted the farm to a wedding reception venue.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is filled with charming, likeable characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Tam and younger brother Lix, he was her confidant and wise beyond his years. Tam's rocky romance had me eager to keep reading, following her highs and lows.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is a heartwarming story brimming with country charm and a dash of mystery and drama.
Nicole Hurley-Moore doesn't disappoint with her latest novel about family, country life and forgiveness.
*I received my copy from the publisher
March 19, 2022
This is an engaging story that will grab your heart strings.
The main narrators in this book are Twins Tam and Seb and friends Dylan and Gemma.
Its a story about how Tam and Sebastians parents were killed in a car accident going to pick up Tam. Tam lives with guilt of this and cant move forward with her life as she always regrets making them pick her up.
The timeline in this story is 8 years ago (2014) to present day. It flashes back prior to the accident also.
The story is set in Kangaroo Ridge in country Victoria. I have visited this beautiful part of the world and could just picture the scenery.
This book is for fans of Rural Romance and this is my first Nicole Hurley Moore book and definately wont be my last.
Her writing style is easy to follow and will having you turning the pages. Its a short book packed with romance and drama.
Even though I predicted what was going to happen, there still was an "oh no" moment at the end. Which made for a great way to end the book.
I had a real connection with all the characters and felt like I was a part of the family.
The main narrators in this book are Twins Tam and Seb and friends Dylan and Gemma.
Its a story about how Tam and Sebastians parents were killed in a car accident going to pick up Tam. Tam lives with guilt of this and cant move forward with her life as she always regrets making them pick her up.
The timeline in this story is 8 years ago (2014) to present day. It flashes back prior to the accident also.
The story is set in Kangaroo Ridge in country Victoria. I have visited this beautiful part of the world and could just picture the scenery.
This book is for fans of Rural Romance and this is my first Nicole Hurley Moore book and definately wont be my last.
Her writing style is easy to follow and will having you turning the pages. Its a short book packed with romance and drama.
Even though I predicted what was going to happen, there still was an "oh no" moment at the end. Which made for a great way to end the book.
I had a real connection with all the characters and felt like I was a part of the family.
April 25, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is the seventh novel from bestselling Australian rural fiction author Nicole Hurley-Moore. Heartbreaking, conflicting, intriguing and engaging, Summer at Kangaroo Ridge was an easy-to-follow book that I consumed in just one reading session.
Meet the Carrington family of the small Australian country town of Kangaroo Ridge. The Carringtons are the proud owners of this tiny township’s only pub. A family still clearly suffering from the loss of their parents, the Carringtons have supported one another through the hard times. Twins Sebastian and Tamara have taken the reins, acting as guardians for their younger siblings. It is a tough gig, but the Carringtons have each other, along with their Aunt watching over them. The toll of the tragic loss of their parents has had a direct impact on the twins. After sacrificing so much for their younger siblings, Seb and Tamara are now breaking away from the fold. Tamara is seeking comfort in a hidden relationship and it is a connection that Tamara fears will anger her twin brother. Meanwhile, Seb is distancing himself further from his family unit but why is he so detached of late? Will this grieving family ever move on from their loss and find happiness again?
Nicole Hurley-Moore is a familiar face on my reading square and I’m happy to report that I have enjoyed every single book by this author that I have picked up. I was eager to read Summer at Kangaroo Ridge, following a recent interview I was lucky to conduct with Nicole Hurley-Moore. As I expected this respected Australian rural romance novelist delivered a fantastic rural fiction treat. I lapped this one up in just a sitting.
Family grievances, rifts, tragedy, loss, stress and fractions all play a part in Summer at Kangaroo Ridge. The characters in this book are issued with a great deal of responsibility, strain and decision making that is teased out well by Nicole Hurley-Moore. With topics such as family relationships, love, bereavement, abuse and trauma all entering the equation, this story really hits hard theme wise. It is clear that Nicole Hurley-Moore is implicitly aware of the sorts of pressing issues that impact small town communities and isolated rural families at a micro level. Within the pages of her seventh novel, Nicole Hurley-Moore has managed to capture the emotional hurt and conflicts that we all face, whether we are country or city based. However, by zoning in on the perspective of a remote location, it becomes apparent that there is a definite lack of services and a lessened amount of support available to our country townships. I was impressed by Nicole Hurley-Moore’s compassion, sensitivity, empathy and understanding of the real issues at stake across our distanced communities.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge features a thoughtfully composed cast of characters. There was a welcoming feel to this protagonist and community set which allowed me to become very involved in the activities of this bunch. I sympathised with and appreciated getting to know the Carrington family, along with the extended township of Kangaroo Ridge. Nicole Hurley-Moore captures the upside to living in a network hub, alongside the pitfalls of living in a close-knit community, especially when you have secrets close to your chest! Keeping the rumour mill at bay forms a significant part of this novel and I enjoyed watching from the sidelines. With a mix of predictable and not so predictable elements, it was a satisfying journey from the start to the close Summer at Kangaroo Ridge .
An embracing rural romance story that will be sure to resonate with a wide audience range, Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is a drama filled tale that I highly recommend.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is the seventh novel from bestselling Australian rural fiction author Nicole Hurley-Moore. Heartbreaking, conflicting, intriguing and engaging, Summer at Kangaroo Ridge was an easy-to-follow book that I consumed in just one reading session.
Meet the Carrington family of the small Australian country town of Kangaroo Ridge. The Carringtons are the proud owners of this tiny township’s only pub. A family still clearly suffering from the loss of their parents, the Carringtons have supported one another through the hard times. Twins Sebastian and Tamara have taken the reins, acting as guardians for their younger siblings. It is a tough gig, but the Carringtons have each other, along with their Aunt watching over them. The toll of the tragic loss of their parents has had a direct impact on the twins. After sacrificing so much for their younger siblings, Seb and Tamara are now breaking away from the fold. Tamara is seeking comfort in a hidden relationship and it is a connection that Tamara fears will anger her twin brother. Meanwhile, Seb is distancing himself further from his family unit but why is he so detached of late? Will this grieving family ever move on from their loss and find happiness again?
Nicole Hurley-Moore is a familiar face on my reading square and I’m happy to report that I have enjoyed every single book by this author that I have picked up. I was eager to read Summer at Kangaroo Ridge, following a recent interview I was lucky to conduct with Nicole Hurley-Moore. As I expected this respected Australian rural romance novelist delivered a fantastic rural fiction treat. I lapped this one up in just a sitting.
Family grievances, rifts, tragedy, loss, stress and fractions all play a part in Summer at Kangaroo Ridge. The characters in this book are issued with a great deal of responsibility, strain and decision making that is teased out well by Nicole Hurley-Moore. With topics such as family relationships, love, bereavement, abuse and trauma all entering the equation, this story really hits hard theme wise. It is clear that Nicole Hurley-Moore is implicitly aware of the sorts of pressing issues that impact small town communities and isolated rural families at a micro level. Within the pages of her seventh novel, Nicole Hurley-Moore has managed to capture the emotional hurt and conflicts that we all face, whether we are country or city based. However, by zoning in on the perspective of a remote location, it becomes apparent that there is a definite lack of services and a lessened amount of support available to our country townships. I was impressed by Nicole Hurley-Moore’s compassion, sensitivity, empathy and understanding of the real issues at stake across our distanced communities.
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge features a thoughtfully composed cast of characters. There was a welcoming feel to this protagonist and community set which allowed me to become very involved in the activities of this bunch. I sympathised with and appreciated getting to know the Carrington family, along with the extended township of Kangaroo Ridge. Nicole Hurley-Moore captures the upside to living in a network hub, alongside the pitfalls of living in a close-knit community, especially when you have secrets close to your chest! Keeping the rumour mill at bay forms a significant part of this novel and I enjoyed watching from the sidelines. With a mix of predictable and not so predictable elements, it was a satisfying journey from the start to the close Summer at Kangaroo Ridge .
An embracing rural romance story that will be sure to resonate with a wide audience range, Summer at Kangaroo Ridge is a drama filled tale that I highly recommend.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
March 1, 2022
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has established herself as one of this country’s favourite rural fiction slash romance writers with stories about strong women and dashing heroes living on the harsh countryside dealing with real everyday issues and problems.
Her books continue to pack a punch and her plots are always addictive.
Summer At Kangaroo Ridge is her latest creation that will have you begging for more.
Twins, Tamara and Seb Carrington lost their parents eight years ago.
Back then, they put their own lives on hold to look after the younger brothers and sister with the assistance of their adored Aunt.
But it’s taken it’s toll on them and they have grown apart.
Now Tamara has kept her romantic relationship secret from him and can’t stop blaming herself for her parents death.
Can they mend their bond, heal from the past and have a peaceful future?
A wonderful, enjoyable tale that’s short in length but bulk in entertainment.
A reminder that great things come in small packages.
I’m proud to say I’ve devoured all Nicole’s rural stories and enjoyed them all.
Nicole manages to give the reader a great balance of romance, drama, swoon and country life.
The storyline is a joy to read, not always easy but honest and true.
Always delivering the perfect elements that make a compelling novel and guaranteed to leave you feeling good after the last page.
Be swept away to Kangaroo Ridge where you are assured to have a good day.
Nicole Hurley-Moore has established herself as one of this country’s favourite rural fiction slash romance writers with stories about strong women and dashing heroes living on the harsh countryside dealing with real everyday issues and problems.
Her books continue to pack a punch and her plots are always addictive.
Summer At Kangaroo Ridge is her latest creation that will have you begging for more.
Twins, Tamara and Seb Carrington lost their parents eight years ago.
Back then, they put their own lives on hold to look after the younger brothers and sister with the assistance of their adored Aunt.
But it’s taken it’s toll on them and they have grown apart.
Now Tamara has kept her romantic relationship secret from him and can’t stop blaming herself for her parents death.
Can they mend their bond, heal from the past and have a peaceful future?
A wonderful, enjoyable tale that’s short in length but bulk in entertainment.
A reminder that great things come in small packages.
I’m proud to say I’ve devoured all Nicole’s rural stories and enjoyed them all.
Nicole manages to give the reader a great balance of romance, drama, swoon and country life.
The storyline is a joy to read, not always easy but honest and true.
Always delivering the perfect elements that make a compelling novel and guaranteed to leave you feeling good after the last page.
Be swept away to Kangaroo Ridge where you are assured to have a good day.
July 31, 2023
A great story with many characters I would like to read more about.
March 28, 2022
A devastating outfall from a family tragedy - very emotional, and always resonates.
March 27, 2022
Summer at Kangaroo Ridge by Nicole Hurley-Moore is a lovely rural romance set in a small country town, Kangaroo Ridge, in Victoria.
This story features the Carrington siblings, who were orphaned eight years ago after a terrible Christmas Eve car accident. Their Aunt, Maddie, moved in with them, but the two eldest children, twins Sebastian and Tamara stepped up to take on the caring for their three younger siblings. Taking on such a huge responsibility in their late teen years fundamentally changed the twins. While being caretaker resulted in Sebastian becoming quiet and serious, Tamara is itching to finally live her life. Although she’s happily working at the family farm, and Sebastian is happily running the local pub, Tamara knows her secret could tear the family apart. She has a secret relationship, and she’s certain Sebastian will not approve once he discovers this.
The story is heart warming, and emotional, with plenty of romance, but also family dynamics, and decision making at pivotal points in their lives. This was an engaging read, and I will definitely seek out other books by Nicole Hurley-Moore.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen and Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story features the Carrington siblings, who were orphaned eight years ago after a terrible Christmas Eve car accident. Their Aunt, Maddie, moved in with them, but the two eldest children, twins Sebastian and Tamara stepped up to take on the caring for their three younger siblings. Taking on such a huge responsibility in their late teen years fundamentally changed the twins. While being caretaker resulted in Sebastian becoming quiet and serious, Tamara is itching to finally live her life. Although she’s happily working at the family farm, and Sebastian is happily running the local pub, Tamara knows her secret could tear the family apart. She has a secret relationship, and she’s certain Sebastian will not approve once he discovers this.
The story is heart warming, and emotional, with plenty of romance, but also family dynamics, and decision making at pivotal points in their lives. This was an engaging read, and I will definitely seek out other books by Nicole Hurley-Moore.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen and Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
This book was a roller coaster of emotions and how you need to deal with problems in your life or they can come back to haunt you in so many different ways.
It's about a family who live in a small town and own a farm which hasn't worked for years, and the only local pub in the town. There are five siblings who eight years ago became orphaned, so their aunt comes to live with them to keep the family together and try to make ends meet.
Add to this the fact that the two oldest siblings are twins, and put their lives on hold to at times take jobs they didn't really want just so that they could pay the bills. The longer time went on the twins were at each other and fighting because Tam was secretly seeing Seb's best mate for twelve-months until they got found out. As Tam blames herself for her parents death it's beginning to look like she win't ever be happy.
It's about a family who live in a small town and own a farm which hasn't worked for years, and the only local pub in the town. There are five siblings who eight years ago became orphaned, so their aunt comes to live with them to keep the family together and try to make ends meet.
Add to this the fact that the two oldest siblings are twins, and put their lives on hold to at times take jobs they didn't really want just so that they could pay the bills. The longer time went on the twins were at each other and fighting because Tam was secretly seeing Seb's best mate for twelve-months until they got found out. As Tam blames herself for her parents death it's beginning to look like she win't ever be happy.
June 4, 2022
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family dynamics were realistic but also felt a little one-dimensional. The past chapters, especially after the accident were emotional and heart-wrenching.
Grief is hard to define and even harder to understand someone else's journey through it when we're walking our own sad path.
Dylan is so patient and probably deserves better. A better girlfriend and a better nest friend.
Some parts were a little choppy but it was a really good read.
I read it in one go and got hooked quickly.
One of the quotes on the back cover (from The Weekly) made the book sound more like a murder mystery whodunit and I was put off to discover that wasn't the case.
I won a copy of this via Mouth of Mums. All opinions are my own.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family dynamics were realistic but also felt a little one-dimensional. The past chapters, especially after the accident were emotional and heart-wrenching.
Grief is hard to define and even harder to understand someone else's journey through it when we're walking our own sad path.
Dylan is so patient and probably deserves better. A better girlfriend and a better nest friend.
Some parts were a little choppy but it was a really good read.
I read it in one go and got hooked quickly.
One of the quotes on the back cover (from The Weekly) made the book sound more like a murder mystery whodunit and I was put off to discover that wasn't the case.
I won a copy of this via Mouth of Mums. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2022
Really enjoyed this book it was a very easy read with some secrets, love and home truths. It is great to see how the family struggled at times but knew they always had somewhere in their corner. It can get a bit sad in parts so if u have recently lost someone close it could bring up memories and make u want to cry for a little bit. Looking forward to reading more. I would love a book focusing on Felix and his career and passion or a Seb and Gemma story.
May 17, 2022
This is a wonderful but heartbreaking story of twins of Seb and Twin Tamara ,trying to keep the family , home and property together after their loss .........both stepping up with their auntie Maddie to raise the family and get threw the hard times ,,,but there is a secret and other things happening in this book that bring it altogether ........loved it .
April 19, 2025
Perfectly fine book, but it felt like a bit of a slog at times. There were good little reveals thought that kept me turning the pages. All the characters seemed to have 3 letter nicknames, and that threw me off at the start, didn't realise who everyone was until about the middle of the book.
March 3, 2022
couldnt hold my interest was like so many other books ive read
March 14, 2022
Really good read … just loved it 📚💞📚
June 5, 2022
An enjoyable read.
July 17, 2022
An easy read book.
Not a or of depth to it
Not a or of depth to it
December 27, 2023
4.5 stars. This was very easy to read and get into.
May 4, 2024
Excellent listen. Really enjoyed this!
September 23, 2022
This is a sweet story centering around a family that suffered a tragedy some years ago. That left twins Sebastian and Tamara who were 17 at the time, to hold together their family which consisted of other siblings Felix, Grayson and Lucy. Their Aunt Maddie, who was pregnant at the time, came home to help and now has daughter Rori. Their tragedy has made them all mostly very close and a lot of them also work together, turning the family property into a weddings and functions business which is thriving. Seb and Tam are now in their mid-20s and the family is doing well. They’ll never be fully healed of their trauma of losing both their parents so suddenly and at such young ages, but they are doing okay. And for Tam, that means doing something for herself even though she knows Seb wouldn’t approve.
Once close, Seb and Tam have drifted apart in the years since they lost their parents, despite their roles in helping keep things together for their younger siblings. Tam finds Seb judgemental and overbearing, desperate to control her and everything she does. And that I think, makes Tam want to strain against that, act out, maybe even fulfil this idea that Seb has of her. He isn’t her father but seems to feel that he has to take on the role and instead of talking to her as an equal, one sibling to another, he often accuses her of things or demands things of her or even basically orders her. Seb often seems to think the worst of Tam and when he finds out she’s been in a relationship, his immediate thought is that it won’t work because of Tam.
It’s really easy to dismiss the dynamic between the twins but I think without experiencing what they have, it would be hard to understand. Seb clearly does have this “I am the head of the family now, without me it’d all fall apart” type of thing, he hasn’t realised that they’re basically all adults now, they’re doing okay. They can make their own decisions, they’ve come through the hardest part. He’s kept them all together, he’s done his job and now…..honestly, he can just go back to being a brother, especially to Tam. Tam did go through a wild streak when she was younger, she also seems to enjoy some adventurous activities which makes Seb judgemental, further seems to play into his thoughts that she’s silly and immature and flighty and like he’s the only one pulling weight when it’s not true. Seb definitely needed a reality check or two in this book.
Tam also has a lot of guilt about the death of her parents and it tends to overshadow her life whenever anything starts to go well for her. She clearly needed some help with this as it’s become quite a self-destructive trait and even threatens her relationship. Tam was fine really, when things were kept a secret and she could easily refuse any progression of the relationship but when it became public and the person she was seeing began to push harder for more it definitely triggered a response to flee. For the most part, I think both people in the relationship equally needed to be listened to: Tam about her fears and also maybe gently urged to get some help and the person she was seeing, honestly needed to slow down a bit and stop pressing for more. I know they’d been seeing each other secretly for a while but they’re still quite young, they both have a lot on and it was quite obvious Tam was going to need time to really accept the development into something serious.
This is a short book. And at times I think for me, it felt like the depth of the story suffered because of that. There’s a lot in here as I feel like there are going to be probably other books focusing on Tam’s siblings, maybe even her Aunt, maybe even some other people mentioned in the story so we had to be introduced to everyone, get the background and then develop not only the conflict between Seb and Tam but also Tam and the person she was secretly seeing. It occasionally made things feel a bit rushed and resolved very easily. I think there definitely were a few circumstances where the story could’ve taken it’s time a little, developed things a bit more and allowed the path towards reconciliation to feel less swift.
Still I enjoyed this story and I really liked the family. Took me a long time to warm to Seb but he definitely made an effort to be less overbearing and hearing that he needed to from more people than just Tam, really helped. So I’d be interested in reading any future books that might involve this family again.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Once close, Seb and Tam have drifted apart in the years since they lost their parents, despite their roles in helping keep things together for their younger siblings. Tam finds Seb judgemental and overbearing, desperate to control her and everything she does. And that I think, makes Tam want to strain against that, act out, maybe even fulfil this idea that Seb has of her. He isn’t her father but seems to feel that he has to take on the role and instead of talking to her as an equal, one sibling to another, he often accuses her of things or demands things of her or even basically orders her. Seb often seems to think the worst of Tam and when he finds out she’s been in a relationship, his immediate thought is that it won’t work because of Tam.
It’s really easy to dismiss the dynamic between the twins but I think without experiencing what they have, it would be hard to understand. Seb clearly does have this “I am the head of the family now, without me it’d all fall apart” type of thing, he hasn’t realised that they’re basically all adults now, they’re doing okay. They can make their own decisions, they’ve come through the hardest part. He’s kept them all together, he’s done his job and now…..honestly, he can just go back to being a brother, especially to Tam. Tam did go through a wild streak when she was younger, she also seems to enjoy some adventurous activities which makes Seb judgemental, further seems to play into his thoughts that she’s silly and immature and flighty and like he’s the only one pulling weight when it’s not true. Seb definitely needed a reality check or two in this book.
Tam also has a lot of guilt about the death of her parents and it tends to overshadow her life whenever anything starts to go well for her. She clearly needed some help with this as it’s become quite a self-destructive trait and even threatens her relationship. Tam was fine really, when things were kept a secret and she could easily refuse any progression of the relationship but when it became public and the person she was seeing began to push harder for more it definitely triggered a response to flee. For the most part, I think both people in the relationship equally needed to be listened to: Tam about her fears and also maybe gently urged to get some help and the person she was seeing, honestly needed to slow down a bit and stop pressing for more. I know they’d been seeing each other secretly for a while but they’re still quite young, they both have a lot on and it was quite obvious Tam was going to need time to really accept the development into something serious.
This is a short book. And at times I think for me, it felt like the depth of the story suffered because of that. There’s a lot in here as I feel like there are going to be probably other books focusing on Tam’s siblings, maybe even her Aunt, maybe even some other people mentioned in the story so we had to be introduced to everyone, get the background and then develop not only the conflict between Seb and Tam but also Tam and the person she was secretly seeing. It occasionally made things feel a bit rushed and resolved very easily. I think there definitely were a few circumstances where the story could’ve taken it’s time a little, developed things a bit more and allowed the path towards reconciliation to feel less swift.
Still I enjoyed this story and I really liked the family. Took me a long time to warm to Seb but he definitely made an effort to be less overbearing and hearing that he needed to from more people than just Tam, really helped. So I’d be interested in reading any future books that might involve this family again.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
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