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Barrington Series #6
Meggie & Max
He's the new Vet with something to hide.
She's got a wedding to organise.
Meggie’s in Barrington for her brother’s wedding, local Vet Angus Hamilton. After working overseas for years, she hasn’t told her family she’s not going back.
And she hasn’t told them why.
Max is the Locum Vet hired to help out in the lead up to the wedding and during the honeymoon.
But he doesn’t arrive alone.
They each need to move on from their past. When their secrets are revealed, will it empower them, or tear them apart?
She's got a wedding to organise.
Meggie’s in Barrington for her brother’s wedding, local Vet Angus Hamilton. After working overseas for years, she hasn’t told her family she’s not going back.
And she hasn’t told them why.
Max is the Locum Vet hired to help out in the lead up to the wedding and during the honeymoon.
But he doesn’t arrive alone.
They each need to move on from their past. When their secrets are revealed, will it empower them, or tear them apart?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2022
About the author
Susan Mackie
22 books134 followersWinner of the 2025 RUBY Award for Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements (Romance Writers of Australia) for The Barrington Book Club.
"Uniquely Australian, yet told in a companionable style, reminiscent of Maeve Binchy." Julie, Goodreads & Amazon.
Romance books you'll fall in love with.
Susan Mackie writes heart-warming, character-driven romance and women's fiction. Small town stories with all the feels and a community you'll want to move to.
Every person and every place has a story to tell.
Do you drive by old homes and wonder about the lives of those that built them, lived there, loved and lost?
Writers tell such stories. Sometimes real, sometimes imagined. Often both.
"Uniquely Australian, yet told in a companionable style, reminiscent of Maeve Binchy." Julie, Goodreads & Amazon.
Romance books you'll fall in love with.
Susan Mackie writes heart-warming, character-driven romance and women's fiction. Small town stories with all the feels and a community you'll want to move to.
Every person and every place has a story to tell.
Do you drive by old homes and wonder about the lives of those that built them, lived there, loved and lost?
Writers tell such stories. Sometimes real, sometimes imagined. Often both.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 5, 2025
Meggie Hamilton arrives in Barrington to help plan her brother Angus’s wedding to Rose Gordon and she can’t wait to cuddle her nephew Charlie. Meggie has been living and working as an event’s organiser in Napa Valley and she’s not planning on returning.
Angus is the town vet, he’s flat out running the practice even with the help of Melanie his receptionist, he’s hiring a locum for three months, for the lead up to the big day and so he and Rose can have a honeymoon.
When, Max Masters attends his interview and he’s not alone and with him is his eight year old son Tommy and fingers crossed this isn't a problem with Angus. He and Tommy need a break from life in Newcastle, a fresh start and he hopes Barrington might be the place.
While Meggie, Max and Tommy are new characters, it was great catching up with Debbie from the café and Rose’s matron of honour, Drum and Harriet, and youngsters Billie and Tiffany. I always enjoy returning to Barrington, all the people are friendly and kind, with a focus on the old homestead, horses, animals, and community.
Like most adults Meggie and Max have pasts, they have feelings for each other, but Max can’t risk his job and he has Tommy to consider.
Five stars from me, I thoroughly enjoyed Meggie & Max (Barrington Series Book 6) by Susan Mackie and I have already downloaded a copy of Something in the Water and to see what happens with the couple’s budding relationship.
Angus is the town vet, he’s flat out running the practice even with the help of Melanie his receptionist, he’s hiring a locum for three months, for the lead up to the big day and so he and Rose can have a honeymoon.
When, Max Masters attends his interview and he’s not alone and with him is his eight year old son Tommy and fingers crossed this isn't a problem with Angus. He and Tommy need a break from life in Newcastle, a fresh start and he hopes Barrington might be the place.
While Meggie, Max and Tommy are new characters, it was great catching up with Debbie from the café and Rose’s matron of honour, Drum and Harriet, and youngsters Billie and Tiffany. I always enjoy returning to Barrington, all the people are friendly and kind, with a focus on the old homestead, horses, animals, and community.
Like most adults Meggie and Max have pasts, they have feelings for each other, but Max can’t risk his job and he has Tommy to consider.
Five stars from me, I thoroughly enjoyed Meggie & Max (Barrington Series Book 6) by Susan Mackie and I have already downloaded a copy of Something in the Water and to see what happens with the couple’s budding relationship.
January 3, 2023
Thank you Susan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A sweet romantic novella that will make you smile.
I’ve enjoyed my return time to Barrington even though it was only brief and it’s left a warm place in my heart.
After returning from overseas, Meggie’s back in small town Barrington for her brother’s wedding.
She plans to stay but hasn’t told anyone yet of her decision or why.
Max arrives to begin work at the local vet and he’s hoping for a new start with his young son.
Both need to move on and heal from the past.
When they meet sparks fly but secrets are holding them back from being their true selves.
Can they overcome this and will love win them over?
A tender rural romance with a small dash of mystery.
Readers are also graced in the pages with familiar faces from previous books and we see how life is treating them as we witness new characters going about every day life.
Community country vibes, close knit region feels, rustic town charm, matters of the heart, secrets and drama all bundled together for a fast paced, tiny package read.
A storyline that will keep you entertained and engaged all the way through.
I look forward to my next trip to the area away from the city called Barrington.
A sweet romantic novella that will make you smile.
I’ve enjoyed my return time to Barrington even though it was only brief and it’s left a warm place in my heart.
After returning from overseas, Meggie’s back in small town Barrington for her brother’s wedding.
She plans to stay but hasn’t told anyone yet of her decision or why.
Max arrives to begin work at the local vet and he’s hoping for a new start with his young son.
Both need to move on and heal from the past.
When they meet sparks fly but secrets are holding them back from being their true selves.
Can they overcome this and will love win them over?
A tender rural romance with a small dash of mystery.
Readers are also graced in the pages with familiar faces from previous books and we see how life is treating them as we witness new characters going about every day life.
Community country vibes, close knit region feels, rustic town charm, matters of the heart, secrets and drama all bundled together for a fast paced, tiny package read.
A storyline that will keep you entertained and engaged all the way through.
I look forward to my next trip to the area away from the city called Barrington.
November 14, 2023
Fantastic! Need I say more!
This is one of the best in the series thus far! I love how the completion of Rose and "Gus" story was told here. The introdution of the story of Max and Meggie both of them having past troubles and working thru them together, i cant wait to read the rest of their story. Little Tommy was so cute and precious and Indiana bless her precious heart. As you can tell I fell in love with these new characters as well as got to see some of the past characters that made my heart happy how this story ended. I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book! Thank you Susan Mackie for making me laugh and giving me a good cry too.
This is one of the best in the series thus far! I love how the completion of Rose and "Gus" story was told here. The introdution of the story of Max and Meggie both of them having past troubles and working thru them together, i cant wait to read the rest of their story. Little Tommy was so cute and precious and Indiana bless her precious heart. As you can tell I fell in love with these new characters as well as got to see some of the past characters that made my heart happy how this story ended. I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book! Thank you Susan Mackie for making me laugh and giving me a good cry too.
December 23, 2022
I need another
Way too short....plenty of room for another lol...
I resonate with your writing... thank you...please keepthem coming. Thoroughly enjoyed this one as it involved most of your characters
Way too short....plenty of room for another lol...
I resonate with your writing... thank you...please keepthem coming. Thoroughly enjoyed this one as it involved most of your characters
February 5, 2023
Thank you Susan for another beautiful story set in Barrington. The easy way you encompass the reader in the warm, true life experiences of your characters makes your books a joy to read. I look forward to your next book!
June 26, 2023
A Novella Two in the Barrington series where you get to meet the new Vet Max who is looking after the place whilst Angus and Rose get married.
Meggie turns up to help with her brother's wedding from overseas with her own problems.
Matt is finding new beginnings with his son, but can they both move on from their past.
Loved this story ❤️
Meggie turns up to help with her brother's wedding from overseas with her own problems.
Matt is finding new beginnings with his son, but can they both move on from their past.
Loved this story ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
Meggie is heading back from America for her brother Angus’ wedding to Rose. Little does anyone know, she’s not going back because something has happened, something that she’s too ashamed to even tell her own brother.
Max the vet is looking for a new beginning after the death of his wife. Barrington looks like the ideal place to start over and he’s desperate to work for Angus. However, he has some baggage and a secret or two himself.
With two new singles in town, plenty of people are looking to play matchmaker; but can Meggie and Max stop licking their wounds long enough to let go of their secrets and move on? To find out, you’re just going to have to read this beautiful novella with all the feels by Mackie.
I’ve been on the Mackie Bandwagon since we first met Angus and Rose in book one of the series, Charlie’s Will. Although marketed as a romance book; this is no airy fairy peace of fluff! Rather, it’s a novella set against the beautiful backdrop of rural NSW, where country charm abounds and the plot immediately draws you in and doesn’t let go.
The plot is easy to visualise thanks to Mackie’s superb writing; but the characters are just as good, which is always the sign of an excellent read for me. I love that with each book in the series we get reacquainted with the characters from the previous books, learning more about them; but we also get to meet new ones. Mackie absolutely nails her character development; making them relatable, relevant and interesting people. You feel like you’ve known them forever and they could easily be members of your own social group.
I can’t say enough good things about Meggie & Max. It’s a short but stunning read that will make you laugh, cry (in a good way), smile and generally just feel happier for having read it. Whether you’re a romance fan or not, I cannot recommend Meggie & Max, or the whole Barrington Series; highly enough. Be sure to go to Mackie’s website and order your copy today. Or even better, support local this Christmas and get a copy for someone else too. I promise you won’t regret it!
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Max the vet is looking for a new beginning after the death of his wife. Barrington looks like the ideal place to start over and he’s desperate to work for Angus. However, he has some baggage and a secret or two himself.
With two new singles in town, plenty of people are looking to play matchmaker; but can Meggie and Max stop licking their wounds long enough to let go of their secrets and move on? To find out, you’re just going to have to read this beautiful novella with all the feels by Mackie.
I’ve been on the Mackie Bandwagon since we first met Angus and Rose in book one of the series, Charlie’s Will. Although marketed as a romance book; this is no airy fairy peace of fluff! Rather, it’s a novella set against the beautiful backdrop of rural NSW, where country charm abounds and the plot immediately draws you in and doesn’t let go.
The plot is easy to visualise thanks to Mackie’s superb writing; but the characters are just as good, which is always the sign of an excellent read for me. I love that with each book in the series we get reacquainted with the characters from the previous books, learning more about them; but we also get to meet new ones. Mackie absolutely nails her character development; making them relatable, relevant and interesting people. You feel like you’ve known them forever and they could easily be members of your own social group.
I can’t say enough good things about Meggie & Max. It’s a short but stunning read that will make you laugh, cry (in a good way), smile and generally just feel happier for having read it. Whether you’re a romance fan or not, I cannot recommend Meggie & Max, or the whole Barrington Series; highly enough. Be sure to go to Mackie’s website and order your copy today. Or even better, support local this Christmas and get a copy for someone else too. I promise you won’t regret it!
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
January 12, 2023
I cannot get enough of this series!
February 6, 2023
Maggie and Max
Nice easy going story, all characters lovely,everyone deserves a second chance,so lovely when kids are awesome and everything works out.
Nice easy going story, all characters lovely,everyone deserves a second chance,so lovely when kids are awesome and everything works out.
August 29, 2026
"Barrington. Place of new beginnings."
I admit it, I got this book because Barrington (RI USA) is my hometown. However, I was quickly taken to Australia with Susan Mackie and her characters. Meggie,Gus, Max and Tommy are so well drawn and at the end I felt like I had made a bunch of new friends. Highly recommended 5/5
I admit it, I got this book because Barrington (RI USA) is my hometown. However, I was quickly taken to Australia with Susan Mackie and her characters. Meggie,Gus, Max and Tommy are so well drawn and at the end I felt like I had made a bunch of new friends. Highly recommended 5/5
August 1, 2025
This novella is a nice little snippet into Max, the new vet in Barrington. I adored Max and his son Tommy! It's a lovely little read and I like how nice Barrington sounds! I think it's a real place so it's even better although the people are obviously fictional!
I love how friendly Barrington is, the people all know and look out for each other, there is no hard feelings, all wanting each other to do well in their individual ventures.
Meggie, Angus' sister, is also relatively new, mentioned briefly at first but comes into her own. Angus and Rose, Harriet, Billie, Debbie etc are amongst the newbies but welcomed with open arms.
This novella is more about new people arriving rather than continuing the original gang but they still fit in well as everyone is so engaging.
I'm looking forward to carrying on with the series and seeing more from Max and Meggie!
I love how friendly Barrington is, the people all know and look out for each other, there is no hard feelings, all wanting each other to do well in their individual ventures.
Meggie, Angus' sister, is also relatively new, mentioned briefly at first but comes into her own. Angus and Rose, Harriet, Billie, Debbie etc are amongst the newbies but welcomed with open arms.
This novella is more about new people arriving rather than continuing the original gang but they still fit in well as everyone is so engaging.
I'm looking forward to carrying on with the series and seeing more from Max and Meggie!
January 5, 2023
A beautiful story and as enjoyable as the previous three books in “The Barrington Series”. Meggie has returned home to Barrington for her brother’s wedding, local vet Angus Hamilton. Max is the locum vet hired for three months to cover the wedding and honeymoon, but he is not alone.
Both Meggie & Max have secrets from their past which has hurt them. Will the past destroy them or will they take a chance on love?
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging story around old and new characters in this series that I love. I always enjoy the interactions of people in small country towns - the heart of our country. Susan’s books emphasise this - neighbours helping neighbours. Highly recommend this book and the whole series 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Both Meggie & Max have secrets from their past which has hurt them. Will the past destroy them or will they take a chance on love?
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging story around old and new characters in this series that I love. I always enjoy the interactions of people in small country towns - the heart of our country. Susan’s books emphasise this - neighbours helping neighbours. Highly recommend this book and the whole series 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 5, 2024
Meggie and Max - A beautiful story, Meggie has returned home to Barrington for her brother’s wedding, local vet Angus Hamilton, Max is the locum vet hired for three months to cover the wedding and honeymoon. Both Meggie & Max have secrets from their past which has hurt them.
An absolutely enjoyable story, enjoyed discovering how their story started, lovely easy read, which made me laugh and cry. Well done Susan 😘
I highly recommend this book! Thank you
An absolutely enjoyable story, enjoyed discovering how their story started, lovely easy read, which made me laugh and cry. Well done Susan 😘
I highly recommend this book! Thank you
May 19, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked that Maggie and Max were able to be open with each other and those close to them about their personal issues. I loved the bond that Maggie developed with Max’s children. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I especially liked that it was a shorter book and that there was not the normal to and fro, Will they or won’t they get together
January 26, 2026
loved it, can't wait to read the next one
August 10, 2026
Really easy, enjoyable reading. Lovely characters and perfect for times when you don't need or want anything intense to read.
April 6, 2026
Meggie & Max is a charming story bringing two new characters into the Barrington community. He’s the new vet ready to take over the business as Angus gets married. She’s the wedding co ordinator and Angus’ sister home from Napa Valley. Both coming into town with emotional baggage, secrets and looking for a new start. And maybe a romance.
I enjoyed this novella, the romance courtship and the inclusion of old friends as Angus and Rose get married. An easy read, cute characters and a chance to feel more at home in Barrington. I look forward to reading the next book in the Barrington series.
I enjoyed this novella, the romance courtship and the inclusion of old friends as Angus and Rose get married. An easy read, cute characters and a chance to feel more at home in Barrington. I look forward to reading the next book in the Barrington series.
March 17, 2026
Love this series, love how she write the story, good characters, love the environment.
November 30, 2022
Do opposites attract? In this case, they definitely do. Meggie is back in the small country town where she grew up. Max is there to take a chance at somewhere new. They both have baggage they must acknowledge and learn to offload, not always easy. But with a wedding taking place and all the family taking part, as they do, this story is both emotional and fun. An enjoyable and colourful, romantic read. Recommend.
June 27, 2024
A feel good story, well written. Country living, family, children , with a touch of drama. Of course there is a wedding.
This is my first introduction to Susan’s writing. I have enjoyed it and will read more. If I have a negative, it is that it is too ‘nice’. Will say however , there is so much negativity in the world presently & this is a lovely escape from this.
I score this read 4 stars 🌟
This is my first introduction to Susan’s writing. I have enjoyed it and will read more. If I have a negative, it is that it is too ‘nice’. Will say however , there is so much negativity in the world presently & this is a lovely escape from this.
I score this read 4 stars 🌟
March 23, 2024
Another cute story with new people in town. Let's see what they get up to.
Read
December 21, 2024Can't get enough of this series 😍
April 28, 2026
Absolutely loved it. Beautifully written. I cried when personal secrets were revealed. I felt like I was part of the family. Looking forward to the next book.
July 7, 2025
Audiobook: I liked this novella. I loved being a spectator at Angus' and Rose's wedding. I enjoyed getting to know Angus' sister, Meggie. I appreciated the relationship between Max and Tommy. I agonized over Meggie's and Max's past mistakes, but I applauded their determination to recover and start new lives. I thought Lucy Goleby's narration was great, and I appreciated her performance which added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
March 22, 2025
As always, starting another book in the Barrington series feels like coming home to old friends. Susan Mackie has a way of writing her characters that makes you feel like you’re right there in Barrington, part of their lives, sharing in their joys and struggles.
Maggie & Max is another superb addition to the series, filled with warmth, heart, and the kind of storytelling that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Meggie is such a beautifully crafted character—her gentle kindness shines through, but it’s her quiet strength in the face of difficult circumstances that really makes her stand out. And then there’s Max, the mysterious locum vet with secrets of his own. Their journey together is emotional, engaging, and impossible to put down.
This is a shorter read, but it’s packed with depth and feeling. It not only delivers a wonderful story in its own right but also sets up the next instalment perfectly. If you’re a fan of the series, you won’t be disappointed. And if you haven’t discovered Barrington yet, now’s the perfect time.
July 18, 2025
Angus’ sister Meggie comes to Barrington for Angus’ and Rose’s wedding and Max is a new locum vet who has also moved to town with his son Tommy and they’re the main characters of this instalment of this series. Plenty of familiar faces in this story due to the wedding being planned and happening. A sweet romance with a few extra dramas thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews