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A Bindarra Creek Mystery #2
Beyond the Gate
When Charlotte leaves her old life to start afresh near the township of Bindarra Creek, she experiences a sense of liberation and adventure. The rural property she purchases is perfect for her new business venture and a friendly neighbour, Alex, along with his two children, Isla and Eli, help her settle in.
However, plans for a peaceful rural life do not run smoothly and when she stumbles on a sinister connection to her past, Isla is also drawn into the web of evil. Now Charlotte faces the perilous task of saving the young girl from a deadly situation.
Will Alex rescue Charlotte and Isla in time? Or will the secret places beyond the gate, hide forever, their fate?
~~~
Welcome to the latest best-selling Bindarra Creek romances. Each book features a standalone mystery / romance and can be read in any order. You will love re-visiting this quaint country town and its quirky community of compelling characters as they search for love and happiness. Follow along as they unearth secrets and face threats from their past and their present.
However, plans for a peaceful rural life do not run smoothly and when she stumbles on a sinister connection to her past, Isla is also drawn into the web of evil. Now Charlotte faces the perilous task of saving the young girl from a deadly situation.
Will Alex rescue Charlotte and Isla in time? Or will the secret places beyond the gate, hide forever, their fate?
~~~
Welcome to the latest best-selling Bindarra Creek romances. Each book features a standalone mystery / romance and can be read in any order. You will love re-visiting this quaint country town and its quirky community of compelling characters as they search for love and happiness. Follow along as they unearth secrets and face threats from their past and their present.
236 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2022
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Forrest
38 books76 followersAn Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2022
Arriving later than she'd planned, Charlotte drove through Bindarra Creek to the road which would take her to her new home. The storm was violent and the skies were dark apart from the lightning which striped the sky so she was pleased to see the gate which led to her house. The padlock wasn't supposed to be there and after getting drenched trying to open it, she went back to her car to ring someone for help. It wasn't long before her neighbour arrived to unlock the padlock and she soon found herself inside, wet, tired and cold...
The twenty acre property with the old homestead and cottages would soon see Charlotte's dream of an artist and writer's retreat fulfilled, but she knew she had some work to do before it could happen. Charlotte's brother Jacob was going to visit from the Gold Coast to help out, and when she met her neighbour Alex (properly), and his two children Isla - six years old - and Eli - eight years old - she felt happy and content. The rural life was a balm to her soul after the city and all she'd been through. But it was when she spotted a quiet, sullen man on Alex's property, that she felt shivers down her spine. She knew him from somewhere - was it a dangerous connection to her past?
Beyond the Gate by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest is the 2nd in A Bindarra Creek Mystery series, written by seven different Aussie authors and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in the small, fictitious town of Bindarra Creek in NSW, the quiet rural outlook was peaceful and quiet. Revisiting the town and all its people was nice while the characters have special qualities (except for the bad guy!) I'm looking forward to #3 coming in September and highly recommend this one as well as #1.
With thanks to the author for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The twenty acre property with the old homestead and cottages would soon see Charlotte's dream of an artist and writer's retreat fulfilled, but she knew she had some work to do before it could happen. Charlotte's brother Jacob was going to visit from the Gold Coast to help out, and when she met her neighbour Alex (properly), and his two children Isla - six years old - and Eli - eight years old - she felt happy and content. The rural life was a balm to her soul after the city and all she'd been through. But it was when she spotted a quiet, sullen man on Alex's property, that she felt shivers down her spine. She knew him from somewhere - was it a dangerous connection to her past?
Beyond the Gate by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest is the 2nd in A Bindarra Creek Mystery series, written by seven different Aussie authors and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in the small, fictitious town of Bindarra Creek in NSW, the quiet rural outlook was peaceful and quiet. Revisiting the town and all its people was nice while the characters have special qualities (except for the bad guy!) I'm looking forward to #3 coming in September and highly recommend this one as well as #1.
With thanks to the author for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2022
Another trip to Bindarra Creek and another wonderful story, we meet Charlotte and Alex who become neighbours, the setting is beautiful Alex owns a horse stud and he has two delightful children Eli and Isla and Charlotte has just purchased a twenty acre property to turn into an artist and writer retreat, come along and meet them all it is well worth the trip.
Charlotte is determined to start afresh and is eager to start her new venture, her brother Jacob is going to help, a locked gate meets her arrival on a cold rainy night but her new neighbour Alex is there to help and soon she is becoming fast friends with him and his adorable children, but there is someone else living on Alex’s property that makes Charlotte feel very uncomfortable and she can’t help but think she knows him from somewhere.
Charlotte is feeling really good the best she has felt for a long time this country life is suiting her and as she gets closer to Alex and the children she also worries more about them and when young Isla goes missing Charlotte is out looking for her only to find they are both in grave danger, as she remembers the man from her past, will she and Isla be saved?
This really is a beautiful story, fabulous characters and what a lovely town Bindarra Creek is, MS Forrest has pulled the story and characters together to bring her readers into the story, I loved Alex, Isla and Eli, they are a beautiful family and Charlotte fits in with them so well and Isla what a beautiful child I loved her, I loved Jasper the dog such a hero and I loved seeing them all find the happiness they deserved after what they all went through. I would highly recommend this one I am looking forward to the next one in the series
Charlotte is determined to start afresh and is eager to start her new venture, her brother Jacob is going to help, a locked gate meets her arrival on a cold rainy night but her new neighbour Alex is there to help and soon she is becoming fast friends with him and his adorable children, but there is someone else living on Alex’s property that makes Charlotte feel very uncomfortable and she can’t help but think she knows him from somewhere.
Charlotte is feeling really good the best she has felt for a long time this country life is suiting her and as she gets closer to Alex and the children she also worries more about them and when young Isla goes missing Charlotte is out looking for her only to find they are both in grave danger, as she remembers the man from her past, will she and Isla be saved?
This really is a beautiful story, fabulous characters and what a lovely town Bindarra Creek is, MS Forrest has pulled the story and characters together to bring her readers into the story, I loved Alex, Isla and Eli, they are a beautiful family and Charlotte fits in with them so well and Isla what a beautiful child I loved her, I loved Jasper the dog such a hero and I loved seeing them all find the happiness they deserved after what they all went through. I would highly recommend this one I am looking forward to the next one in the series
October 29, 2022
Beyond the Gate is book two in the A Bindarra Creek Mystery by Rhonda Forrest. For Charlotte receiving her inheritance from her aunt allowed her to purchase a lovely rural property near Bindarra Creek to set up her artist retreat. On arrival in Bindarra Creek, she forged a friendship with her neighbours, Alex's children. However, when his daughter went missing, she became involved in searching for her. The readers of Beyond the Gate will continue to follow Charlotte to find out what happens.
Beyond the Gate is another well-written, enjoyable book by Rhonda Forrest. I was excited to start reading this book, and I was not disappointed, and I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. Rhonda Forrest took me on a journey with her characters, and the sittings of this book allowed me to imagine being part of the story. I love Rhonda Forrest's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book.
The readers of Beyond the Gate will understand the consequences of guilt on a person after a traumatic situation. Also, the readers of Beyond the Gate will learn about the importance of small rural schools for the community.
I recommend this book.
Beyond the Gate is another well-written, enjoyable book by Rhonda Forrest. I was excited to start reading this book, and I was not disappointed, and I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. Rhonda Forrest took me on a journey with her characters, and the sittings of this book allowed me to imagine being part of the story. I love Rhonda Forrest's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book.
The readers of Beyond the Gate will understand the consequences of guilt on a person after a traumatic situation. Also, the readers of Beyond the Gate will learn about the importance of small rural schools for the community.
I recommend this book.
August 18, 2022
I was engaged from the very first page. Well-rounded characters (the children are especially adorable) and a layered story line kept me guessing until the end. Vivid descriptions had me right there - I could see it all in my mind's eye. Well done Rhonda Forrest, can't wait for your next book. And I'm now keen to read more Bindarra Creek stories too.
September 9, 2022
A few years ago I read a book by the author and remember thinking "this author could write a mystery book so well". There was just something in the writing that created suspense and atmosphere that reminded me of the old school classic mystery novels that I love so much. So imagine my delight when I found out the author was co-authoring a romance mystery/suspense series where each book is written by a different author, but the location and genre are common. Now I have done the unthinkable and read book #2 before book #1, so I am not sure how much overlap there is in the stories, but I will definitely grab book #1 at some stage to find out.
As for this book, well it had everything in it that I love about a Rhonda Forrest book. There was the love of the land. There was the love of the people and can I again say that no one writes side characters like Ms Forrest (The old caretaker was just such a beautiful character). This book surprised me with the Aussie Humor coming out way more than I was expecting and I didn't expect to chuckle along as much as I did "and we all got time for that.... :-)". The mystery itself was quite (intentionally) obvious, but the suspense was more about how it was going to play out and
This was a beautiful romance book where I loved the complexity and back story of both of the main characters. The writing was so descriptive and evocative that it transported me from my reading chair into the characters' world. This was such an effortless read and I was so thankful for the escapism it brought at such a busy time of the work year where I am lucky to get in a few dozen pages read each day - but every time I picked this up, I felt recharged. A very refreshing take on the romance suspense genre.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 Spring Challenge: Read books with author initials that spell out FRESH (R = Rhonda)
Aussie Readers 2022 September "Jay Kristoff" Challenge: Jay was born in 1973 in Perth and now lives in Melbourne. Read a book by an Australian author.
As for this book, well it had everything in it that I love about a Rhonda Forrest book. There was the love of the land. There was the love of the people and can I again say that no one writes side characters like Ms Forrest (The old caretaker was just such a beautiful character). This book surprised me with the Aussie Humor coming out way more than I was expecting and I didn't expect to chuckle along as much as I did "and we all got time for that.... :-)". The mystery itself was quite (intentionally) obvious, but the suspense was more about how it was going to play out and
This was a beautiful romance book where I loved the complexity and back story of both of the main characters. The writing was so descriptive and evocative that it transported me from my reading chair into the characters' world. This was such an effortless read and I was so thankful for the escapism it brought at such a busy time of the work year where I am lucky to get in a few dozen pages read each day - but every time I picked this up, I felt recharged. A very refreshing take on the romance suspense genre.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 Spring Challenge: Read books with author initials that spell out FRESH (R = Rhonda)
Aussie Readers 2022 September "Jay Kristoff" Challenge: Jay was born in 1973 in Perth and now lives in Melbourne. Read a book by an Australian author.
August 26, 2022
Thank you Rhonda for sending us a copy to read and review.
I do love a rural romance, the setting and scenery and the down to earth characters and caring community make it a pleasure to read.
A perfect escapism especially when it has a criminal element woven in.
Charlotte has bought a beautiful property with acreage to fulfil her dream of a creating an artistic retreat.
A fresh start to reinvigorate her soul and move forward after a breakup.
The children from next door becoming daily visitors, escaping the treachery of a step parent that refused to tolerate or accept them.
Their father taking a shine to Charlotte while reflecting on the unhappiness in his own home.
A creepy sort of uncle made Charlotte’s skin crawl.
She knew that face but couldn’t place from where.
The children also had spot on intuition about the man.
The peace and tranquility of country life snapped to a halt when the young daughter goes missing.
Danger and adversity lurk as Charlotte’s past and present collide.
A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read that has all trademarks of the genre from an author who is renowned for her talented writing.
I particularly enjoyed the drama of the pretentious Belinda Maree who was to become the step mother.
Children and dogs are not silly.
Men can be at times though.
I do love a rural romance, the setting and scenery and the down to earth characters and caring community make it a pleasure to read.
A perfect escapism especially when it has a criminal element woven in.
Charlotte has bought a beautiful property with acreage to fulfil her dream of a creating an artistic retreat.
A fresh start to reinvigorate her soul and move forward after a breakup.
The children from next door becoming daily visitors, escaping the treachery of a step parent that refused to tolerate or accept them.
Their father taking a shine to Charlotte while reflecting on the unhappiness in his own home.
A creepy sort of uncle made Charlotte’s skin crawl.
She knew that face but couldn’t place from where.
The children also had spot on intuition about the man.
The peace and tranquility of country life snapped to a halt when the young daughter goes missing.
Danger and adversity lurk as Charlotte’s past and present collide.
A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read that has all trademarks of the genre from an author who is renowned for her talented writing.
I particularly enjoyed the drama of the pretentious Belinda Maree who was to become the step mother.
Children and dogs are not silly.
Men can be at times though.
September 8, 2022
I loved my first visit to Bindarra Creek. This novel has the perfect balance of mystery, romance, and well-drawn and interesting characters in a wonderful setting
November 15, 2022
Charlotte moves to Bindarra Creek after a nasty divorce. Her Aunt Isla dies leaving her money, so she decides to buy property and build an art / writers retreat.
Her brother is going to help but has his own issues to deal with before joining her.
As Charlotte tries to move forward she comes across a sinister fellow who she thinks she knows.
Her next door neighbour's children start visiting, their keeper Barney, then their father Alex offers her help and they all get closer.
Whilst trying to resist her attraction to Alex, because he is engaged, she gets closer to his children.
The sinister fellow Lester robs Charlotte whilst she visits her brother who needs her after a break up. Charlotte also needs to put distance between Alex and herself.
When she returns to a ransacked house her little friend Isla follows Lester to get Charlotte's possessions back. Charlotte finds her first, so Lester ties them both up.
Alex and Barney find them both but Charlotte finds it hard to recover and move on after the ordeal. Alex calls Charlotte's family to help her recover.
Things look clearer to Charlotte and she accepts Alex's love
I just love your books Rhonda. This is a wonderful story of heartbreak, family and friends relationships and finding love ❤️
Her brother is going to help but has his own issues to deal with before joining her.
As Charlotte tries to move forward she comes across a sinister fellow who she thinks she knows.
Her next door neighbour's children start visiting, their keeper Barney, then their father Alex offers her help and they all get closer.
Whilst trying to resist her attraction to Alex, because he is engaged, she gets closer to his children.
The sinister fellow Lester robs Charlotte whilst she visits her brother who needs her after a break up. Charlotte also needs to put distance between Alex and herself.
When she returns to a ransacked house her little friend Isla follows Lester to get Charlotte's possessions back. Charlotte finds her first, so Lester ties them both up.
Alex and Barney find them both but Charlotte finds it hard to recover and move on after the ordeal. Alex calls Charlotte's family to help her recover.
Things look clearer to Charlotte and she accepts Alex's love
I just love your books Rhonda. This is a wonderful story of heartbreak, family and friends relationships and finding love ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
Another beautifully crafted novel, by the wonderful author, Rhonda Forrest, this time set in rural Qld.
Her characters and settings truly come to life on the page - you can hear the birds, smell the dew, feel the sun on your face. This novel goes down a different path with Rhonda exploring the mystery genre, with great success. 10/10, would definitely recommend.
Her characters and settings truly come to life on the page - you can hear the birds, smell the dew, feel the sun on your face. This novel goes down a different path with Rhonda exploring the mystery genre, with great success. 10/10, would definitely recommend.
September 28, 2022
✍️Charlotte arrives to Bindarra Creek to start anew. Living next door is the handsome Alex and his two adorable children who frequent her life and help to settle her in. All is going smoothly until she stumbles on an evil connection to her past.
This story brandished all the things I relish in a book. Mystery, Romance, Love. I ADORED it and was immersed from beginning to end. The writing style was absolutely eloquent and expressive and I was thoroughly engrossed in the mystery and romance side of the story to which delivered a outstanding balance.
I cherished the characters of Charlotte and Alex and their instant connection and reverence towards each other and their matched family values.
A fabulous story with well developed characters and a charming rural terrain.
This story brandished all the things I relish in a book. Mystery, Romance, Love. I ADORED it and was immersed from beginning to end. The writing style was absolutely eloquent and expressive and I was thoroughly engrossed in the mystery and romance side of the story to which delivered a outstanding balance.
I cherished the characters of Charlotte and Alex and their instant connection and reverence towards each other and their matched family values.
A fabulous story with well developed characters and a charming rural terrain.
February 19, 2024
This book was very enjoyable with not only the romantic elements, but the suspense, especially around that creepy Lester character. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Lester freaked me out and I couldn't help rooting for the hero and heroine all the way through. And the kids were adorable too. The one thing I didn't really like was glamorising suntans - I know there's no such thing as a healthy natural tan. It's really a sign that your skin is damaged and speeds up the ageing process. Apart from that, a great book all round.
April 22, 2025
I loved it - The Bindarra Creek works are really "feel good fiction" and this one was just beautiful. About REAL people, real situations and without any soppiness or a feeling of "you can't be serious?" Just delightful reading that lifted my spirits. I've read a few of Rhonda Forrest's and enjoyed them and this is up there with the best.
Really, really lovely and a wonderful view of the Australian countryside. Definitely worth 5 stars plus.
Really, really lovely and a wonderful view of the Australian countryside. Definitely worth 5 stars plus.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews