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Acacia Haven #2
The Promise of Home
This dyed-in-the-wool country girl will do anything to protect the home she loves... A fast-paced, heartwarming rural romance from a USA Today bestselling Australian author.
Entrusted with running her grandfather's real estate business, Karlana Vogel's determined to make it thrive. Pop raised her in small-town Acacia Haven after her parents died, so the family legacy is her pride and joy. When the competition, a cocky city mogul, breezes into town with a deal to take over, she's incensed.
Hudson Grenville came from less than nothing and has worked nonstop to turn it all around. But he's only a hard-nosed salesman on the outside - acquiring the Vogels' agency is the linchpin he needs to make his housing project for homeless kids work. Unless he's willing to let down all those counting on him, he has no choice but to stick around town and try to persuade Karly to sell.
Despite being on opposite sides of the boardroom, the deal is complicated by the chemistry that keeps bringing them back to the table. Both parties will have to assess what they want out of life. And what they're willing to give up...
Entrusted with running her grandfather's real estate business, Karlana Vogel's determined to make it thrive. Pop raised her in small-town Acacia Haven after her parents died, so the family legacy is her pride and joy. When the competition, a cocky city mogul, breezes into town with a deal to take over, she's incensed.
Hudson Grenville came from less than nothing and has worked nonstop to turn it all around. But he's only a hard-nosed salesman on the outside - acquiring the Vogels' agency is the linchpin he needs to make his housing project for homeless kids work. Unless he's willing to let down all those counting on him, he has no choice but to stick around town and try to persuade Karly to sell.
Despite being on opposite sides of the boardroom, the deal is complicated by the chemistry that keeps bringing them back to the table. Both parties will have to assess what they want out of life. And what they're willing to give up...
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
About the author
Nicola Marsh
483 books1,467 followersUSA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 90 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
She has published 90 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
She loves chatting on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 12, 2022
Karlana Vogel and her Pop lived side by side, and worked together in his real estate agency and he was all the family Karly had. Her parents had deserted her when she was an infant, then when they died, Pop was parent and grandparent to her and they loved each other dearly. Acacia Haven was where Karly had lived all her life and her Pop had moved there from Melbourne to care for her. Country Victoria was all Karly had known, and although Melbourne was only a three hour drive away, she didn't go there often.
When Hudson Grenville, self-made millionaire, decided he wanted to buy the Vogel's agency, he knew he'd do it. He always succeeded in what he wanted, having worked hard to get there. Contacting Jem Vogel, he knew he was keen to sell so he could retire and travel, but it was Jem's granddaughter he knew he'd have to convince. Karly loved the real estate business and had planned to take over when Pop retired. When Hudson arrived in Acacia Haven, he was astounded to meet the feisty, hard-nosed Karly and disbelieving when sparks flew between the two of them. What would be the outcome between two people who knew what they wanted and wouldn't bend to each other?
The Promise of Home by Aussie author Nicola Marsh is an enjoyable rural romance set in country Victoria where good friends had each other's backs, the locals knew everything going on in town and there were plenty of issues that needed to be worked through. Although I can't say I liked many of the characters, they played their parts well. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Hudson Grenville, self-made millionaire, decided he wanted to buy the Vogel's agency, he knew he'd do it. He always succeeded in what he wanted, having worked hard to get there. Contacting Jem Vogel, he knew he was keen to sell so he could retire and travel, but it was Jem's granddaughter he knew he'd have to convince. Karly loved the real estate business and had planned to take over when Pop retired. When Hudson arrived in Acacia Haven, he was astounded to meet the feisty, hard-nosed Karly and disbelieving when sparks flew between the two of them. What would be the outcome between two people who knew what they wanted and wouldn't bend to each other?
The Promise of Home by Aussie author Nicola Marsh is an enjoyable rural romance set in country Victoria where good friends had each other's backs, the locals knew everything going on in town and there were plenty of issues that needed to be worked through. Although I can't say I liked many of the characters, they played their parts well. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed another visit to Acacia Haven and meeting up with the wonderful characters who live here, this time Karlana Vogel is about to meet her match when city business man Hudson Grenville comes to town with intentions that will change her life, some fireworks are in the wind.
Karly has lived all of her life her in the fabulous beach side town, she was bought up by her grandfather Jem after losing her parents when very young and she has the best of friends in Summer and Nev. Her grandfather started the local real estate agency when she was young and Karly loves working with him and has hopes of taking it over when Jem retires, but is that wish about to blown away?
Hudson grew up in hard circumstances but has worked hard to get to where he is today running a huge real estate company but his passion is helping homeless youths and providing them with housing and to extend this program he needs to take over another small agency in the country and Vogel’s is the one he is after, but there is someone who stands in his way.
Both Karly and Hudson have never had a long relationship and neither are looking for one but the chemistry and heat that sparks between them is so strong, too strong to be ignored the fireworks reign in all directions and Hudson is finding it hard stick to his guns about the acquisition of the estate agency and as for Karly she is so confused at the moment what are her dreams for the future, will they change and will she be able to put Hudson out of her mind and life with her heart falling more for him every day.
This is a fabulous story filled with heartwarming emotions, both Hudson and Karly deserved to find love and happiness and then there is a second romance as well in this book with Karly’s grandfather, will he find his love with local Heidi? I do highly recommend this one it is sure to leave you smiling.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Karly has lived all of her life her in the fabulous beach side town, she was bought up by her grandfather Jem after losing her parents when very young and she has the best of friends in Summer and Nev. Her grandfather started the local real estate agency when she was young and Karly loves working with him and has hopes of taking it over when Jem retires, but is that wish about to blown away?
Hudson grew up in hard circumstances but has worked hard to get to where he is today running a huge real estate company but his passion is helping homeless youths and providing them with housing and to extend this program he needs to take over another small agency in the country and Vogel’s is the one he is after, but there is someone who stands in his way.
Both Karly and Hudson have never had a long relationship and neither are looking for one but the chemistry and heat that sparks between them is so strong, too strong to be ignored the fireworks reign in all directions and Hudson is finding it hard stick to his guns about the acquisition of the estate agency and as for Karly she is so confused at the moment what are her dreams for the future, will they change and will she be able to put Hudson out of her mind and life with her heart falling more for him every day.
This is a fabulous story filled with heartwarming emotions, both Hudson and Karly deserved to find love and happiness and then there is a second romance as well in this book with Karly’s grandfather, will he find his love with local Heidi? I do highly recommend this one it is sure to leave you smiling.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
July 28, 2022
Karlana Vogel's parents died when she was a baby, her grandfather Jeremiah raised her, he’s owns the local real estate agency in Acacia Haven, and they work together. Karly likes her job, and her two best friends Summer and Nev live in the quaint beach side town, and they catch up regularly for fish and chips. Karly isn’t happy when Hudson Grenville a hotshot agent from Melbourne arrives in Acacia Haven with plans of taking over her grandfathers real estate agency, he really makes her mad, and riles her up!
Hudson had a difficult childhood, he’s worked very hard to be a successful agent in Melbourne and he wants to increase his portfolio. Buying Vogel’s agency is important, Hudson wants to expand Grenville Sanctuary, and they provide housing for troubled teens and people down on their luck. He presents his pitch to Jem and Karly, it sounds great to Jem, and Karly isn’t impressed at all.
Jem and Karly need to discuss Hudson offer, Jem thinks Karly is being stubborn and there is more to life than living in Acacia Haven and running his agency, he could retire and wouldn’t Karly like a change? Hudson has really ruffled her feathers, he makes Karly feel rather flustered and of course it because she's mad at him!
Jem is sixty nine, Karly thinks he’s happy living and working in Acacia Haven. Jem has been secretly dating a widower, who runs the Kick Knack Shop, their trying to work out where their romance is heading, do they want to travel, and what the future holds?
I received a copy of The Promise of Home from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I have read by Nicola Marsh, included in the narrative are characters from the first book Summer of Serenity, I liked catching up with them again and Acacia Haven. I admired Karly and Hudson for their work ethic, both are perfectionists and high achievers. I enjoyed reading about their evolving relationship, both had to learn to be more adaptable, pull down the barriers and follow their hearts. If you like reading a fictional story set in a small Australia town, with chemistry and sparks flying between the main two characters, I highly recommend reading this book, and five stars from me.
Hudson had a difficult childhood, he’s worked very hard to be a successful agent in Melbourne and he wants to increase his portfolio. Buying Vogel’s agency is important, Hudson wants to expand Grenville Sanctuary, and they provide housing for troubled teens and people down on their luck. He presents his pitch to Jem and Karly, it sounds great to Jem, and Karly isn’t impressed at all.
Jem and Karly need to discuss Hudson offer, Jem thinks Karly is being stubborn and there is more to life than living in Acacia Haven and running his agency, he could retire and wouldn’t Karly like a change? Hudson has really ruffled her feathers, he makes Karly feel rather flustered and of course it because she's mad at him!
Jem is sixty nine, Karly thinks he’s happy living and working in Acacia Haven. Jem has been secretly dating a widower, who runs the Kick Knack Shop, their trying to work out where their romance is heading, do they want to travel, and what the future holds?
I received a copy of The Promise of Home from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I have read by Nicola Marsh, included in the narrative are characters from the first book Summer of Serenity, I liked catching up with them again and Acacia Haven. I admired Karly and Hudson for their work ethic, both are perfectionists and high achievers. I enjoyed reading about their evolving relationship, both had to learn to be more adaptable, pull down the barriers and follow their hearts. If you like reading a fictional story set in a small Australia town, with chemistry and sparks flying between the main two characters, I highly recommend reading this book, and five stars from me.
September 3, 2022
The Promise Of Home brings readers back to the fictitious Victorian seaside town of Acacia Haven. There are two romantic threads, the first involving Acacia Haven real estate agent Karly Vogel and Melbourne real estate mogul Hudson Grenville. While the sexual tension between these two is very apparent from their first meeting, so is the clash of wills. I loved Hudson, who is not only handsome and successful but also caring and compassionate. I felt a bit ambivalent about Karly, though she did grow on me. The second romance takes place between Karly’s grandfather Jem, owner of the Acacia Haven real estate agency and Heidi, a 50 year-old widow. Heidi is lovely. She’s got low self esteem in her personal arena, thanks to a 30-year marriage in which she is treated as a carpet. Jem’s pretty gorgeous too. At 69, he knows exactly what he wants, though he struggles to soften his business persona when he’s working on the sale of her home. I liked the setting. I loved the characters The story flows well, though both relationships face challenges. I enjoyed watching each couple resolve their differences and was more than satisfied with the ending.
July 25, 2022
I found The Promise of Home to be laugh out loud witty, insightful and heartwarming. I love Nicola Marsh's writing style and her story telling, across genres, but this one definitely left a warm feeling in my chest and a smile on my face.
And a little tease of intrigue that there may be a series crossover in the future... so that has me excited.
It has also left me feeling like I can't focus on a review because I need to do some recon on a character from a different series.
Keep an eye out for The Promise of Home, it is an emotional tale of following your dreams, reassessing what's important, and being open to emotion. I loved it and I loved these characters; I hope to hear more about them.
And a little tease of intrigue that there may be a series crossover in the future... so that has me excited.
It has also left me feeling like I can't focus on a review because I need to do some recon on a character from a different series.
Keep an eye out for The Promise of Home, it is an emotional tale of following your dreams, reassessing what's important, and being open to emotion. I loved it and I loved these characters; I hope to hear more about them.
August 25, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Superstar bestselling author Nicola Marsh excites readers with her latest rural slash contemporary romance that will capture your soul.
After her parents died and being raised in Acacia Haven by her grandfather, Karly has been happy running the family real estate business.
But her Pop is thinking about his retirement and she may have to move on.
When the opinionated Hudson arrives in town to make an offer on the small company, it ruffles her feathers in the wrong way.
Being on opposite sides of the sale makes it even more complicated and interesting as the chemistry between the two is explosive.
Jem and Heidi are both mature aged and secretly dating but this doesn’t come without issues of it’s own for both of them.
Each will have choices to make and decide what they want out of life.
There’s no doubt that Nicola is a force in the book world and her country stories continue to melt hearts everywhere.
This sequel to last year’s Summer of Serenity sees us return to the welcoming town of Acacia Haven where many colourful characters live their life to the fullest.
A guaranteed heartwarming adventure with small community vibes and inviting atmosphere.
An author who writes with genuine emotion, honesty and lots of feeling, you will always be satisfied after finishing one of her books.
I’m consistently impressed and this slight enemies to lovers trope tale will warm all your insides.
Superstar bestselling author Nicola Marsh excites readers with her latest rural slash contemporary romance that will capture your soul.
After her parents died and being raised in Acacia Haven by her grandfather, Karly has been happy running the family real estate business.
But her Pop is thinking about his retirement and she may have to move on.
When the opinionated Hudson arrives in town to make an offer on the small company, it ruffles her feathers in the wrong way.
Being on opposite sides of the sale makes it even more complicated and interesting as the chemistry between the two is explosive.
Jem and Heidi are both mature aged and secretly dating but this doesn’t come without issues of it’s own for both of them.
Each will have choices to make and decide what they want out of life.
There’s no doubt that Nicola is a force in the book world and her country stories continue to melt hearts everywhere.
This sequel to last year’s Summer of Serenity sees us return to the welcoming town of Acacia Haven where many colourful characters live their life to the fullest.
A guaranteed heartwarming adventure with small community vibes and inviting atmosphere.
An author who writes with genuine emotion, honesty and lots of feeling, you will always be satisfied after finishing one of her books.
I’m consistently impressed and this slight enemies to lovers trope tale will warm all your insides.
June 14, 2023
The Promise of Home is a beautiful romance by Nicola Marsh. From a young age, Karlana Vogel believed she would take over her grandfather's real estate business when he retired. However, she was wrong. Grandfather expects a visit from a prospective new owner name Hudson Grenville. Karlana Vogel was angry and did not accept Hudson Grenville initially, but Hudson Grenville needed this purchase to increase his housing project for people experiencing homelessness. However, Karlana and Hudson did not expect the reaction they had to each other. The readers of The Promise of Home will continue to follow Karlana and Hudson to discover what happens.
The Promise of Home is a fantastic book to read by Nicola Marsh. I engage with this book from the first page until the end. I love Nicola Marsh's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Promise of Home is well-written and researched by Nicola Marsh.
The readers of The Promise of Home will understand the importance of having a place for homeless youth to call home. Also, the readers of The Promise of Home will learn about running a small rural real estate business.
I recommend this book.
The Promise of Home is a fantastic book to read by Nicola Marsh. I engage with this book from the first page until the end. I love Nicola Marsh's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Promise of Home is well-written and researched by Nicola Marsh.
The readers of The Promise of Home will understand the importance of having a place for homeless youth to call home. Also, the readers of The Promise of Home will learn about running a small rural real estate business.
I recommend this book.
September 29, 2022
Nicola Marsh brings us home again.
Karlana, brought up in Acacia Haven, is cared for, has the love of family and the townspeople around her. Her relationship with her Pop is filled with love and support for one another. When Hudson Grenville arrives in town and threatens Karlana's dream for her future, her life takes a different path. Change is challenging. Pop finds a love interest and her life plans are questioned.
Nicola Marsh is an accomplished romance writer. She entertains the idea of her protagonist doing enrosques with the enemy. Karlana and Hudson's tango is emotional, passionate and everything I could have hoped for in a romance novel.
The characters have substance and reasons for their actions that matter. Hudson's past has shaped his future. He hopes to help homeless children and make a difference. The Promise of Home is a romance novel that raises the theme of doing things that make a difference in our lives, not simply going through the motions.
Picking up a Nicola Marsh rural romance is like coming home. The Promise of Home is no exception. Romance, small town and a meaningful storyline. Grab a cup of tea and settle in. What a comfort read!
Thank you @nicolamarshauthor @harlequinaus 💖
#thepromiseofhome #nicolamarsh #bookreview #bookreviewer #chapterichi #romance #romanceanz #bookrecommendations #aussieauthors #melaniehunterbooks #comfortread
www.instagram.com/chapter_ichi
Karlana, brought up in Acacia Haven, is cared for, has the love of family and the townspeople around her. Her relationship with her Pop is filled with love and support for one another. When Hudson Grenville arrives in town and threatens Karlana's dream for her future, her life takes a different path. Change is challenging. Pop finds a love interest and her life plans are questioned.
Nicola Marsh is an accomplished romance writer. She entertains the idea of her protagonist doing enrosques with the enemy. Karlana and Hudson's tango is emotional, passionate and everything I could have hoped for in a romance novel.
The characters have substance and reasons for their actions that matter. Hudson's past has shaped his future. He hopes to help homeless children and make a difference. The Promise of Home is a romance novel that raises the theme of doing things that make a difference in our lives, not simply going through the motions.
Picking up a Nicola Marsh rural romance is like coming home. The Promise of Home is no exception. Romance, small town and a meaningful storyline. Grab a cup of tea and settle in. What a comfort read!
Thank you @nicolamarshauthor @harlequinaus 💖
#thepromiseofhome #nicolamarsh #bookreview #bookreviewer #chapterichi #romance #romanceanz #bookrecommendations #aussieauthors #melaniehunterbooks #comfortread
www.instagram.com/chapter_ichi
May 25, 2023
Thank you, Nicola Marsh, for such a brilliant book!
October 9, 2022
This was a fabulous, fun and witty story filled with heartwarming emotions and happy endings.
December 31, 2022
A passionate story that is everything you want in a romance. I loved seeing how the characters developed and Karly's romance. Another novel that is a fantastic hit especially for romance lovers.
August 28, 2022
Loved being back in Acacia Haven, fantastic small town setting and community. Highly recommend
June 15, 2023
Another great read from Nicola Marsh. Great storyline. Loved being back in Acacia Haven with Karly’s besties 🤍
October 22, 2022
enjoy as did her last book. hope there is third with Nerv
You can relate to friendship and everyday life plus about different people but all relate to story, look forward to her next book in this series
You can relate to friendship and everyday life plus about different people but all relate to story, look forward to her next book in this series
July 31, 2023
A delightful read set in an Australian country town.
Just what I needed something light, loving and easy to read.
Just what I needed something light, loving and easy to read.
April 10, 2023
As a disclaimer, I was given this acclaimed Aussie author’s new paperbaby to judge for the 2023 RWA Ruby Awards.
Set in the sleepy little seaside village of Acacia Haven, nestled along Victoria’s NE coast near Mallacoota, this is a heartwarming tale of a young woman and her beloved grandfather who run the local real estate agency.
Jem has raised Karly since her parents abandoned her as a young baby, which naturally means they’re very close and their relationship is important to both of them. When a city slicker real estate mogul comes to town, intent on purchasing the business to add to his portfolio, Karly and Jem find themselves on opposing sides - he’s a stickler for the ‘old ways’ and has been quite happy pottering away with a few sales each year and a host of holiday rentals keeping the business afloat, but now he’s ready to retire and needs a comfortable nest egg to live out his days, while the agency is Karly’s ‘baby’ and her dream is to buy him out and then build it up by bringing it into the modern online-world - that is until Hudson, a good-looking albeit hard-nosed salesman, comes to town.
Hudson was raised rough after seeing his father gamble everything away and then losing his mother as a youngster, so there’s a determination about him like a dog with a bone. With his heart set on snaffling up Jem’s business to get his dream of a housing project for homeless kids up and running, Karly has her work cut out for her trying to convince Jem not to sell.
Until her heart gets involved…
The characters are thoroughly believable and wriggle their way into your heart, while the backstories make you smile and picture yourself in several of the touching scenarios.
Of course, there’s a romance - two in fact - and both are delightfully portrayed with all the usual conflicts and tenderness found in stories of this genre.
I give it 8/10 stars.
Set in the sleepy little seaside village of Acacia Haven, nestled along Victoria’s NE coast near Mallacoota, this is a heartwarming tale of a young woman and her beloved grandfather who run the local real estate agency.
Jem has raised Karly since her parents abandoned her as a young baby, which naturally means they’re very close and their relationship is important to both of them. When a city slicker real estate mogul comes to town, intent on purchasing the business to add to his portfolio, Karly and Jem find themselves on opposing sides - he’s a stickler for the ‘old ways’ and has been quite happy pottering away with a few sales each year and a host of holiday rentals keeping the business afloat, but now he’s ready to retire and needs a comfortable nest egg to live out his days, while the agency is Karly’s ‘baby’ and her dream is to buy him out and then build it up by bringing it into the modern online-world - that is until Hudson, a good-looking albeit hard-nosed salesman, comes to town.
Hudson was raised rough after seeing his father gamble everything away and then losing his mother as a youngster, so there’s a determination about him like a dog with a bone. With his heart set on snaffling up Jem’s business to get his dream of a housing project for homeless kids up and running, Karly has her work cut out for her trying to convince Jem not to sell.
Until her heart gets involved…
The characters are thoroughly believable and wriggle their way into your heart, while the backstories make you smile and picture yourself in several of the touching scenarios.
Of course, there’s a romance - two in fact - and both are delightfully portrayed with all the usual conflicts and tenderness found in stories of this genre.
I give it 8/10 stars.
February 23, 2026
I really tried to like this one but I am not a fan of "insta love". I want yearning that is slow burn. Within the first few chapters the two main characters were swimming together and already starting to "love" each other. Frankly, this felt exactly like Summer of Serenity again. All I know if some hotshot was wanting to buy the business I'd spent my whole life on, I would not be acting like the FMC was. Plus her friend's were pushing for it just because he was "hot". I want a story where the FMC chooses herself or at least takes most of the book to fall for the guy. Could not finish this one. Too predictable.
April 25, 2023
Although I found the characters frustrating at times I enjoyed this book. Following along to two different love stories made it interesting enough to stay and connect with the characters. I was unaware until I had finished reading it that there was a book from the same series already released so that is now on my to be read pile.
September 13, 2022
I felt that this happened then that happened, there was no real flow to the story.
September 27, 2022
This was an easy read however i found some parts didnt really make sense or were missing something. I think some stories needed to go into more depth
March 5, 2023
Good light hearted read
February 25, 2025
Trigger warning: gambling references; homelessness
As a first-time reader of Nicola Marsh, her writing transported me to Acacia Haven, where I was able to witness first hand the blooming relationships between Karlani Vogel and Hudson Grenville, along with Jeremiah Vogel and Heidi, the manager of The Knick Knack Shop.
'The Promise of Home' is a return to Acacia Haven, beginning with 'Summer of Serenity', but readers can enjoy this book without having read 'Summer of Serenity'.
As a first-time reader of Nicola Marsh, her writing transported me to Acacia Haven, where I was able to witness first hand the blooming relationships between Karlani Vogel and Hudson Grenville, along with Jeremiah Vogel and Heidi, the manager of The Knick Knack Shop.
'The Promise of Home' is a return to Acacia Haven, beginning with 'Summer of Serenity', but readers can enjoy this book without having read 'Summer of Serenity'.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews