The River Gum Cottage

by Leonie Kelsall

A heart-warming rural romance from the best-selling author of The Wattle Seed Inn.

Sometimes, home isn't a place: it's a feeling.

Lucie Tamberlani had it all: a business manager with a passion for naturopathy, she was set to take over the bookwork at the family strawberry farm in South Australia. But the unexpected fallout from a relationship sees her flee to Melbourne, raising her daughter alone. Summoned back to the farm after her father's death, Lucie must find a way to deal with not only grief, guilt, and the betrayal that forced her away - but the fear of losing her daughter.

Jack Schenscher is doing it tough: caring for his aged grandparents and managing their wheat farm while simultaneously pursuing his passion of sustainable eco-farming on his own acreage leaves him with little time and even less money. With the death of his business partner, he could lose all he has worked toward. Yet when he meets Lucie, can he set aside one passion for another?

Both Lucie and Jack must discover that home is wherever the heart is.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook

448 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

Though fortunate to grow up in the South Australian country – initially on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in a tiny town where the school had a total enrolment of only eleven students, and later on a sheep and wheat farm in the Murraylands - in typical teen fashion, Léonie couldn't wait to hit the bright lights of the big city when she graduated.
However, a couple of years working in various government departments, including the State History Trust and the Education Department, saw her longing to make her way back to the country.
Through a circuitous route (isn't that life?) she now finds herself splitting her time between her home and professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and her childhood farm. She definitely has the best of both worlds!


And, speaking of doubling up, check out
LANEY KAYE
Léonie writes outback noir/romantic suspense, super hot contemporaries and fun erotic fantasy under this pen name.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucie Tamberlani was living in Melbourne, raising her daughter Keeley, and house-sharing with her best friend Geoff, when she received notification that her father Gus had died. Lucie was devastated as she had left their property near Adelaide in South Australia, not speaking to her father, sure he was angry with her. She and her father had been exceptionally close when she was a child, to the detriment of her mother and she couldn't bear the thought of never seeing or speaking to him again. Lucie, Geoff, Keeley and their puppy Dash made the trip to Adelaide for the funeral, where her mother, stiff and aggressive as she always was, told Lucie she needed her there to manage the paperwork of the strawberry farm. Lucie didn't want anything to do with her mother after what had happened...

Lucie took some leave from her job in Melbourne and headed to Settlers Bridge, not far from the strawberry farm, where her mother had organised a rental cottage for the time she and Keeley - and Dash - would be there. When Lucie met Jack Schenscher, share farmer with Gus, she was astounded at how alike they were. Lucie's passion was natural therapies, while Jack's work on The Twenty was with sustainable eco-farming. But Lucie was there to sort out her father's paperwork for probate and then she'd return to Melbourne. What would be the outcome to their convoluted story?

The River Gum Cottage by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall is one I enjoyed very much. Filled with intrigue, courage, passion, heartbreak and misunderstandings, the author blended it all well, tying it up nicely. I loved three year old Keeley and her mischievousness and Dash was adorable. You can hardly see them, but both Keeley and Dash are on the cover, playing among the flowers. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my first book from this author nor will it be my last. I greatly enjoy these Australian novels that are a combination of contemporary domestic drama and light romance. Even better, I appreciate that all of them are in the same area so readers are treated to some familiar faces from the other books. In this one we meet Lucie with her young daughter, and Jack. Lucie returns to town after her father passes away and I really felt for her as she has quite a strained relationship with her mother. Jack has his own traumatic history and is stressed about losing his sustainable property. Lucie and Jack have an immediate connection with their shared interests and all readers will be hoping it works out for them. The various relationship depictions between different characters are all realistic and delve into real-world issues including misunderstandings, estrangement, single parenthood, elderly relatives needing care and so on.
Overall: a very enjoyable read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonie Kelsall has done it again, with her new book, she has pulled out all the stops for a beautiful and emotional story that dug deep, so many emotions flow through this one from hurt, betrayal and yes of course love, come along and meet Lucie Tamberlani, Jack Schenscher and little Keely and Dash for a journey that is sure to keep you turning the pages.

Lucie grew up on a strawberry farm with her loving father and distant mother, she went to university and did business management as she was pushed to do but also did naturopathy the true love of her mind, aiming to take over the bookwork at the farm but when things don’t go to plan with a relationship and Lucie runs to Melbourne and becomes a single mother bringing up her daughter Keely. Staying away from the farm was hard and when news comes that her father has passed she goes home at the request of her mother, there she uncovers truths that hurt badly.

Jack is helping care for his grandparents and their farm and is putting everything into his sustainable eco farm that he is in partnership with Gus Tamberlani, he has no money to spare and not much time either and when Gus dies it looks like Jack might just lose everything he has worked for, then he meets Lucie, Lucie who feels the same way he does about sustainable farming, someone who understands, and such a spark, could there be a chance?

Leonie Kelsall brings her characters to life on the pages and makes them so real, I loved Lucie and Jack so much they both are caring and loving after what they had both been through but they meld together, the pull is sensual and they open up to each other, Lucie’s mother Monica what can I say about her best you read and find out about her, and of course there is Lucie’s three year old daughter Keely and her dog Dash they are adorable and add so much to the story, then catching up with characters we have met in other stories is the best.

Another awesome story from MS Kelsall, her works pull you in, make you feel part of the story, I cheered Lucie and Jack on and there were tears from me different types throughout, this is a book I would highly recommend a great cast of characters, a story not to be missed.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucie returns home after a four year estrangement, devastated that her father's sudden death means the rift between them will now, never be healed. But on returning she may also lose the thing she holds most dear; her daughter.

Jack is concerned that he will lose all he has worked for now his business partner has died.

I've thoroughly enjoyed Leonie's previous books and The River Gum Cottage was no exception. It reads well as a standalone but I loved that familiar characters from previous books came in and out of the story.
The story kept me fully immersed with jaw-dropping twists that had me turning the pages eagerly hoping that Jack and Lucie would be able to forget the past and look to the future.

The characters were all endearing and their problems realistic. The story put a permanent smile on my face. Kelsall's writing is engaging with vivid descriptions of the scenery, the plants and the animals.
Leonie Kelsall, through The River Gum Cottage, reminds us just how beautiful the Australian environment is. I loved Lucie's use of natural therapies and crystals and Jack's sustainable, eco-friendly farming methods that were also environmentally conscious.

Leonie has delivered another book that was an absolute pleasure to read.
* I received my copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of your book for review.

This book ticked all the boxes for me !!


1) Set in Rural Australia

2) Love story involved.

3) Connected with all the characters.

4) An eco farm. My dream is to have a farm and be self sufficient.

5) The timelines has flashbacks to 1990. I love the 80's and 90's !

6) The ending. Wow - thats what was the icing on the cake. I love an unpredictable book.

7) This book transported me to another place.

Highly recommend this book filled with love, loss and complicationed relationships.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
The River Gum Cottage is an intriguing and beautifully written book! South Aussie author Leonie Kelsall returns with an emotional story filled with alarming secrets, betrayal, courage, heartbreak, misunderstandings and romance.

I enjoyed spending time in the charming rural setting of Settlers Bridge. There’s some dark moments along with happy ones in this story that has a theme of complicated family relationships, farming and finding love.

Our protagonist Lucie grew up on a strawberry farm with her parents, she’s gone through some heartache and hasn’t spoken to her loving dad in years. Lucie is now living in Melbourne where she is raising her young daughter Keeley with help from her best friend and housemate Geoff.

When Lucie receives the devastating news that her father Gus has died she takes extended leave from work and makes the trip to Adelaide for the funeral and to help her mother sort out the legal arrangements.

In Adelaide Lucie meets Jack Schenscher her father’s business partner and realises they have similar interests, her passion is in natural therapies and crystals and his in sustainable eco-farming.

With a strong and fascinating cast of characters including a loveable three-year old named Keelie and Dash the dachshund and a wow ending, I highly recommend this read.

I was thrilled reading about all the familiar locations in Adelaide - Botanic Park, Adelaide Zoo, Mannum to name a few and felt nostalgic about the places that are no longer around but were iconic like The Buffalo and Le Cornu’s.

Publication Date 05 July 2022

Publisher Allen & Unwin


Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
South Australian author marvel Leonie Kelsall returns with a new story of hope, emotion, feeling, second chances and authenticity as we revisit her fictitious community town of Settler’s Bridge for another engaging rural romance fiction.
Lucie has returned to the family strawberry farm after the tragedy of her father’s death.
She fled many years before after a relationship argument saw her run with her small daughter, raising her alone.
Now back and not only dealing with grief but having to face her unfeeling mother.
Jack is single, caring for his grandparents, dealing with his own problems as well as coming to terms with the sudden passing of his business partner.
Now he may lose it all.
Very soon, Lucie and Jack meet and passion flares and sparks ignite but nothing is ever smooth sailing and when the truth comes out, it could very quickly explode.
A wonderful embracing new tale for fans of the genre as we continue our journey through the familiar town where there’s many stories to tell and drama to unfold.
Leonie has this wonderful gift of bringing her complex characters to life and as the scenes take place and begin to act out, you feel like you’re standing next to them as the writing is so vivid.
Feeling drawn in and part of the action, evoking a strong desire of wanting to visit.
This latest title is essential reading for those who love a traditional country love story with family dynamics, much melodrama with a small twist and a fiery ending.
A captivating, inspiring plot, insert a bunch of vibrant cast members and a stunning, illuminating backdrop and you have a narrative with much heart that’s very memorable.
Another great read and one I’m happy to endorse.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucie Tamberlani was once incredibly close to her father, Gus. With a degree in business and a passion for naturopathy, Lucie was set to take over her parents strawberry farm, until a fleeting affair with an older man ruined her chances and her relationship with her dad.

Four years later, Lucie is sharing a house in Melbourne with her best friend, Geoff, daughter Keeley and small pup Dash. Despite having a near perfect life, the lack of presence of her father has created a massive hole. All Lucie desperately wants to do is clear the air, but is too afraid to make that first step.

Then one morning, her world comes crashing down with the news of her father's sudden passing. Making the trip home to attend his funeral is tolling enough, but a more permanent stay may be intoreable. Her overbearing and controlling mother has summoned Lucie back to the farm to oversee final paperwork, but those intentions aren't well meant. Monica is witholding some pretty huge revelations, that could potentially ruin any chances of reconciliation with her daughter.

Of course, Lucie is having many doubts with her homecoming- spending any time with her mother is unbearable and there's a chance that Keeley's father may come back into the picture. However, a welcoming community and residing in a beautiful country cottage is the perfect remedy for her worries. Becoming acquainted with the endearing farmer Jack is just an added bonus. The pair become fast friends, sharing the same ideals and beliefs but Jack has his own concerns: his struggling farm was co-owned by Gus, and with Lucie's arrival it could mean that he'll lose it all... Including being able to repay his elderly grandparents for the love and care they bestowed in his childhood.

The River Gum Cottage was a delightful read. The environmental and alternative therapy aspects were informative and interesting, the rural South Australian scenery stunning and the engaging cast full of heart. I particularly enjoyed Keeley and Dash's cuteness overload and the slow build up of Lucie and Jack's blossoming romance. Ma and Pops were a real hoot as well with their lack of filter!! Their vulnerability is a real issue though and it's clear that they're struggling with day to day tasks. It made me incredibly sad at times, but grateful that help is out there for those in need. Thanks for highlighting this important sociological issue Leonie.

A well deserved 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5

[Leonie Kelsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi lovely readers!
I'm throwing my hat in the ring here so I can address a couple of things I've noted in the reviews, or been asked at author appearances.

Yes, Sam (from Ploughs & Pies) DOES get her own story.... look out for next year's book, currently titled The Willow Tree Wharf.

The timeline of The River Gum Cottage is shared with that of The Wattle Seed Inn....which is why Lucie makes a brief appearance in the pub in Wattle Seed, but her story isn't explored. So you can read these two books in either order without getting 'spoilers'. See, I thought I was being so clever, having the two stories happening at the same time - but, although I wrote them together, I didn't allow for the fact that many readers assume there's a year between the stories because there's been a year between them reading the books.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.
Lee xx

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I love a rural romance and have so been looking forward to Lucie and Jack’s story. It was so perfectly done. I loved the town of Settlers Bridge, I so loved the community; you know it’s a great novel when you know the local IGA! I loved learning about Lucie’s passion as a ‘fully dressed natural health therapist’ I loved the exploration of home being a feeling that ‘you are your father’s only legacy’…loved it all so much

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight The River Gum Cottage is! This latest novel by Leonie Kelsall has all the feels, delivering love, betrayal, lies, heartbreak and all set in an idyllic rural community with wonderful townsfolk. Oh, and did I mention Jack? Read the book for the hero Jack, trust me, it’ll be worth it!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! A couple of huge twists, one I did not see coming.
A couple.of heartbreaks, some tears
But some beautiful moments.
Redemption for the seemingly irredeemable, a desire to visit the gorgeous Mannum Waterfalls.... and a desire for Sam's story
My only gripe with this book is that I want to know about Sam

Page turner Leonie, loved it. Can't wait for the next

[Chrissie Bellbrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story.

It’s everything I love in a book– family drama, love, lust, betrayal, misunderstanding, laughter, loss and hope. We return to some of the town’s colourful characters from previous books, but not in a way that would spoil it as a stand alone story for a first time reader. It’s jam-packed with the vivid minutiae that makes up small country town life. For a few hours I almost believed I lived in Settlers Ridge.

The delicious narrative is alive with brilliant descriptive passages; I imagined the taste of strawberries, the wind in my hair, and the scent of herbal essence on my skin. It oozes the presence of a rural landscape.

The most appealing aspect was the couple at the centre; alternative natural therapist Lucie and farmer Jack, are drawn by their mutual love and respect for sustainable living - there is an aligning of body and spirit. The research involved in this book is impressive, but never made me believe it a natural therapist’s guide to gardening, or a study of the methods of sustainable farming or crystal alchemy. There’s much to unpack in the care and love that has gone into this story.

Alternating POVs move the narrative along at a rapid pace. Relationships between Lucie and Geoff, her daughter, Keeley, and then the tricky reunion with her mother, offer diverse but realistic interactions. Dialogue is perfect –sometimes snappy, then on the next page, deep and meaningful. The internal monologue offers some seriously laugh out loud great humour. The characters are wholly believable — sometimes even the cast of animal characters steal the show.

There was also more than one part of the story that had me in tears. Such as when Lucie mourned at her father’s desk and searched for his hieroglyphics on the blotter pad; I was with her—I remember sitting in my dearly departed dad’s office, seeing his bold capitalisation and squiggles all over the sheets on his desk too. Heartrending memories so poignantly painted.

The River Gum Cottage truly is delightful but powerful reading. One of my favourites so far for the year.

This is a great story. Don’t miss it.

[Vicki Robe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters in this book are Lucie Tamberlani, who is a Business Manager and also her other interest in Naturopathy, and Jack Schenscher who manages his grandparents wheat farm as well as a side business doing sustainable eco-farming on his own property.

Lucie left town heading to Melbourne when her relationship fell apart so she could bring up her daughter by herself. She is summoned back after the death of her father by her mother.

Meanwhile Jack is doing all of the work on the farm and also trying to look after his aging grandparents who are struggling. It turns out that his business partner is Lucie's dead father, and he is worried that he is going to lose it all.

Will this pair be able to put aside many issues that complicate their lives to get together or will Lucie return to Melbourne?

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

When Lucie’s father dies unexpectedly, she’s filled with guilt. Having been banished to Melbourne by her mother Monica from the family farm in South Australia, she will never to see him again and he’ll never get to meet his granddaughter.

Jack lives in the South Australian wheat belt. He wants to practise eco-farming but it’s not cheap and then there is his grandparents to look after.

When Luice returns home for her father’s funeral, neither her nor Jack are looking for love; yet the universe seems to be drawing them together. The only question now is, will Monica’s desire to keep the truth hidden keep them apart?

Kelsall is back with her third book set in South Australia and I could not put it down. Kelsall knows how to write an engaging plot that will draw you in from page one and keep you invested right until the end and she’s done that again here.

I enjoy Kelsall’s romance novels because they also contain a little mystery and drama and come with a plot twist or two. This is what takes her books to the next level and makes me recommend them so highly. The ending of this one though! Wowsers! I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. What a brilliant way to tie the stories of Lucie, Jack and Monica together. Best of all, I never saw it coming, which for me; is the sign of an accomplished author.

A good plot becomes a great one when supported by well developed and interesting characters. Kelsall again crafts a great band of new characters, whilst interweaving old favourites from her first two books. I love this as it’s gives a warm sense of familiarity for long time fans, as well as some new and exciting for all readers. Having alternating chapters narrated by each of the three characters really brought the book to life and made it easy to visualise the characters as the dealt with family dynamics, blossoming romance and life in a small country town.

It was so good to come back to the South Australian wheat belt. I throughly enjoyed my time here and can’t wait to come back. The River Gum Cottage is another highly recommended five star read from Kelsall.

The River Gum Cottage is my first read in #ktbookbingo, category ‘Authors first name and surname both start with consonants.’ To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @kt_elder on Instagram.

[Sarah Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars I would
I absolutely loved it
I loved the way it was written
I loved the story line- the last few chapters had me speed reading too find out faster how it ends
I literally couldn’t put it down
I love that the places in the book are places I’ve been too and visited myself- so relatable

Thank you Leonie for a brilliant read

[Naomi Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read...can't wait for next book.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, home isn't a place: it's a feeling.

Lucie Tamberlani had it all: a business manager with a passion for naturopathy, she was set to take over the bookwork at the family strawberry farm in South Australia. But the unexpected fallout from a relationship sees her flee to Melbourne, raising her daughter alone.

Summoned back to the farm after her father's death, Lucie must find a way to deal with not only grief, guilt, and the betrayal that forced her away - but the fear of losing her daughter.

Jack Schenscher is doing it tough: caring for his aged grandparents and managing their wheat farm while simultaneously pursuing his passion of sustainable eco-farming on his own acreage leaves him with little time and even less money.

With the death of his business partner, he could lose all he has worked toward. Yet when he meets Lucie, can he set aside one passion for another?

Both Lucie and Jack must discover that home is wherever the heart is.

The story has all the requirements for a wonderful Australian Rural fiction story - set in a small country town ✅, Country Women’s Association ✅, gossip ✅, love ✅, lies and intrigue ✅ and most of all, a great storyline ✅✅. I thoroughly enjoyed the story - getting to know Jack and Lucie - seeing their relationship unfold page after page. Another masterpiece - highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lucie’s father dies unexpectedly she returns to the country town with her 4 year old daughter Keeley on tow. She dreads seeing her mother, having been bundled up and run out of town when she fell pregnant to her father’s business partner, a man twice her age. Lucie never saw her father again, and is devastated the opportunity for reconciliation is now lost.

It’s with some trepidation Lucie makes a move to Settler’s Ridge for the reading of her father’s will. She settles into the small town way of life, manages to keep her mother at arms length for a while, and meets Jack a partner with her father in The Twenty, the land he farms sustainably.

Pick this one up if you like
➡️ small town stories
➡️ rural fiction
➡️ family drama
➡️ romance off the page
➡️ cute kids, farm animals and dogs
➡️ redemption stories

Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of The River Gum Cottage.

[Nicole West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucie is young, strong minded, and chasing a man too old for her age. When the relationship ends badly, she moves away.

Lucie returns to her family property for her father's funeral whilst grieving, guilt, and a strained relationship with her mother. Will she find peace whilst sorting out the books of the family business.

Jackson is a business partner on a small eco-friendly farm whilst running his grandparents' wheat farm.

Of one mind Lucie meets Jack, they both have so much in common. They are bonded in weird circumstances and will love concer all.

I feel in love with Jack (Thor).

This has been my favourite book of yours so far!

[T.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot describe how beautiful this book is. I laughed, I cried (sobbed) and I smiled my way through it. Kelsall transports her readers to Settlers Bridge. You know the characters as if they were your friends and you fall in love with them. The characters are real, this isn't a typical boy meets girl romance, it's people with history and issues explored in the best way possible. Do yourself a favour and buy a copy!

[Claudine Tinellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from one of my favourite rural fiction authors. Loved being back in Settlers Bridge and reading more about the characters in Leonie’s first two novels. I love a good plot twist and the one at the end of this book floored me. Definitely didn’t see that coming!

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.

[Egea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee - you have done it again but this time there were a few twists and turns which kept me guessing. I really enjoyed reading the book and how the twists all came to the end. Just couldn’t put the book down! Amazing story xxx

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to have a third book after reading The Farm At Peppertree Crossing and The Wattle Seed In.
A balanced narrative of community spirit, relationships, romance and drama.
Can’t wait to pass it onto my mum and sister.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story although I spent too much time trying to work out what towns were the inspiration as I have spent a lot of time in the area.

[Cassandra Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book despite the ‘techie’ stuff on farming, sustainability & new ageie crystals….

[Tanya Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read thanks to Leonie Kelsall based out of Settlers Bridge with realistic characters that you find yourself cheering for.

[Jasmine Molnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one of those midday movie romances were a book!
Cute and easy to read - enjoyed the references to Murray Bridge / Tailem etc.

[Courtney Boerger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! I wish it didn’t end.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!