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Wish You Were Here
Sometimes the end of the road is just the beginning
As a kid brought up on a cattle property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie MacLeod vows she is going to swap the country for city life as soon as she can. And she's followed her dream. Everything is going to plan.
Until one phone call rocks her world entirely.
Reggie's parents have been badly injured in a car accident and they need her help to run the farm while her brother builds up their recently launched farmstay business. It was only going to be for a couple of months … but that was almost three years ago.
When Tim Warbois checks in to one of their cabins and extends his booking several times, all he seems to want is peace and quiet. But what is really going on under the surface? Is this new hope and purpose he's discovered going to last?
Will Reggie and Tim manage to overcome the wounds of their pasts and build a new future?
As a kid brought up on a cattle property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie MacLeod vows she is going to swap the country for city life as soon as she can. And she's followed her dream. Everything is going to plan.
Until one phone call rocks her world entirely.
Reggie's parents have been badly injured in a car accident and they need her help to run the farm while her brother builds up their recently launched farmstay business. It was only going to be for a couple of months … but that was almost three years ago.
When Tim Warbois checks in to one of their cabins and extends his booking several times, all he seems to want is peace and quiet. But what is really going on under the surface? Is this new hope and purpose he's discovered going to last?
Will Reggie and Tim manage to overcome the wounds of their pasts and build a new future?
368 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
21 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Karly Lane
34 books378 followersKarly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia. She has romantic suspense titles published under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle and her latest release, Third Time Lucky is available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 8, 2023
Staring out her office window looking at the raindrops and the grey skies, Reggie MacLeod should’ve been used to the UK weather, but she was still surprised at how much it rained. Reggie could cope with the cold as she had grown up in Ebor, a little village in the New England region of New South Wales in Australia. She recalls having to feed the animals on her family property before school in the winter and the summers were so long and hot.
Reggie had been feeling a bit down of late, but she had no reason to as she had the job she’d always dreamed of and an apartment in the most beautiful part of London. She was respected by her work colleagues and her income allowed her to explore Europe. But Reggie was missing her family, she was homesick and decided maybe she needed to visit them.
It was not long after thinking about visiting her family that Reggie’s phone rang and it was her brother, Brent. Unfortunately, Brent was ringing with bad news. Their parents had been in a bad car accident and had been badly injured. Reggie was needed back at home to help her brother run the farm.
The family farm was now a business called River Styx which her brother Brent help build into a farm stay business that now had cabins where people could come and stay and experience farm life. There was still one cabin to be finished that Brent was going to do, but after the news of the accident, his priority would be keeping up with running the farm.
After quite some time Reggie and Brent’s parents are well enough to go home, it was a day both Brent and Reggie feared might never happen. With their injuries, it would mean the bulk of the work around the farm would still be up to Brent and Reggie. Not long after their parents are home from the hospital the family have more bad news, but this news will turn their lives upside down and their lives will never be the same. Coming to terms with what happened was taking its toll on everyone, but what would it mean for the future of River Styx?
Wish You Were Here by Aussie author Karly Lane was such a good read. I warmed to the characters and I felt their emotions when an author can have their readers feeling this way it means they have written a fabulous book. Highly recommended.
Reggie had been feeling a bit down of late, but she had no reason to as she had the job she’d always dreamed of and an apartment in the most beautiful part of London. She was respected by her work colleagues and her income allowed her to explore Europe. But Reggie was missing her family, she was homesick and decided maybe she needed to visit them.
It was not long after thinking about visiting her family that Reggie’s phone rang and it was her brother, Brent. Unfortunately, Brent was ringing with bad news. Their parents had been in a bad car accident and had been badly injured. Reggie was needed back at home to help her brother run the farm.
The family farm was now a business called River Styx which her brother Brent help build into a farm stay business that now had cabins where people could come and stay and experience farm life. There was still one cabin to be finished that Brent was going to do, but after the news of the accident, his priority would be keeping up with running the farm.
After quite some time Reggie and Brent’s parents are well enough to go home, it was a day both Brent and Reggie feared might never happen. With their injuries, it would mean the bulk of the work around the farm would still be up to Brent and Reggie. Not long after their parents are home from the hospital the family have more bad news, but this news will turn their lives upside down and their lives will never be the same. Coming to terms with what happened was taking its toll on everyone, but what would it mean for the future of River Styx?
Wish You Were Here by Aussie author Karly Lane was such a good read. I warmed to the characters and I felt their emotions when an author can have their readers feeling this way it means they have written a fabulous book. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2023
Reggie MacLeod had spread her wings after uni and was now working in London, following her dreams. But a phone call from home one day changed the course of her life, as she found herself heading back to Australia and the farm - River Styx, a cattle property - in New South Wales. Her parents had been in a car accident and both were badly injured, their prognosis not good. Reggie settled in with her brother Brent as they worked on the property while their parents were in hospital. Brent had recently begun a farmstay business right there on the farm, and although sceptical at first, Reggie could see that things were starting to go well.
Tim Warbois was drifting, alone with his dark thoughts, his grief and guilt. After his mate Deano's funeral, he'd jumped into his car and driven away, desperate to escape, though from what he wasn't sure. When he happened upon the farmstay on River Styx, he booked one of their cabins, knowing the peace and quiet plus the beautiful, serene countryside would soothe his soul. As Tim gradually came to know Ray MacLeod, his wife Peggy and daughter Reggie, he could feel an improvement to his mental health. But would it last? And was it anything to do with Reggie?
Wish You Were Here is another well written and researched rural romance by Aussie author Karly Lane. Touching on a subject which is in the media often these days (returned soldiers and their mental health), the strength of character Tim needed to overcome the darkness, plus Reggie's strength for her future, makes this a novel well worth reading. Highly recommended.
Tim Warbois was drifting, alone with his dark thoughts, his grief and guilt. After his mate Deano's funeral, he'd jumped into his car and driven away, desperate to escape, though from what he wasn't sure. When he happened upon the farmstay on River Styx, he booked one of their cabins, knowing the peace and quiet plus the beautiful, serene countryside would soothe his soul. As Tim gradually came to know Ray MacLeod, his wife Peggy and daughter Reggie, he could feel an improvement to his mental health. But would it last? And was it anything to do with Reggie?
Wish You Were Here is another well written and researched rural romance by Aussie author Karly Lane. Touching on a subject which is in the media often these days (returned soldiers and their mental health), the strength of character Tim needed to overcome the darkness, plus Reggie's strength for her future, makes this a novel well worth reading. Highly recommended.
May 16, 2023
Karly Lane never disappoints, her stories are beautifully written with wonderful characters and awesome rural settings and the emotions fly from the pages and this one is just beautiful, we all cope with grief differently and maybe that is what has bought Reggie and Tim together, come along and meet them you are sure to be left smiling.
Reggie was bought up on a cattle farm in the New England Tablelands in New South Wales, but farming and a farm stay business was never her dream it was the dream of her brother Brent so after university Reggie moved to the UK and was doing really well in her marketing job, but when a call comes through from Brent Reggie is on the first flight home, her family needs her after a car accident and soon the loss of her dear brother sees Reggie swapping heals for boots and loving it.
Tim has resigned from his army position, he has done a few stints in Afghanistan and he has just lost another of his mates they were like family, his only family when he takes off to the country to try and work himself out, he sees an add about cabins and fly fishing, this is something him and his mates had planned to do together maybe he will give it a go, peace and quiet and time to think. But meeting the Macleod family, especially Reggie makes him see that there is a future.
Neither were looking for love and commitment but it found them in the most beautiful of ways they talked and fell in love and overcome their grief together, I cried happy tears for them as I got to know them, as they learnt to put the past behind them and look to the future, yes there were a few ups and downs to contend with, a bit of drama, which in the end really let Tim and Reggie see their future together.
I loved this one from start to finish and I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
Reggie was bought up on a cattle farm in the New England Tablelands in New South Wales, but farming and a farm stay business was never her dream it was the dream of her brother Brent so after university Reggie moved to the UK and was doing really well in her marketing job, but when a call comes through from Brent Reggie is on the first flight home, her family needs her after a car accident and soon the loss of her dear brother sees Reggie swapping heals for boots and loving it.
Tim has resigned from his army position, he has done a few stints in Afghanistan and he has just lost another of his mates they were like family, his only family when he takes off to the country to try and work himself out, he sees an add about cabins and fly fishing, this is something him and his mates had planned to do together maybe he will give it a go, peace and quiet and time to think. But meeting the Macleod family, especially Reggie makes him see that there is a future.
Neither were looking for love and commitment but it found them in the most beautiful of ways they talked and fell in love and overcome their grief together, I cried happy tears for them as I got to know them, as they learnt to put the past behind them and look to the future, yes there were a few ups and downs to contend with, a bit of drama, which in the end really let Tim and Reggie see their future together.
I loved this one from start to finish and I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
January 13, 2023
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Wish You Were Here by Karly Lane is a fabulous rural romance, it begins with a family tragedy and Reggie Macleod is left to return home to Australia and mostly manage the running of her parents farm when they are both seriously injured.
The Macleod farm has farmstay cabins and when standoffish Tim Warbois arrives to stay he finds peace from his demons and troubled past and decides to extend his time there. It seems River Styx is a good place for him to heal.
It was delightful how two people who both had tragedy in their lives were finally brought together to find a romance they weren’t looking for.
The writing is well paced and I loved the country vibes, community spirit and animal escapades. This was an engaging read and I found I enjoyed it so much. There is some emotional and dark themes throughout the book, some crime and a wonderfully crafted cast of characters.
I learnt more about cattle farming and found this the perfect book to snuggle up on the recliner with! Loved it.
Publication Date 29 November 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book to review
Wish You Were Here by Karly Lane is a fabulous rural romance, it begins with a family tragedy and Reggie Macleod is left to return home to Australia and mostly manage the running of her parents farm when they are both seriously injured.
The Macleod farm has farmstay cabins and when standoffish Tim Warbois arrives to stay he finds peace from his demons and troubled past and decides to extend his time there. It seems River Styx is a good place for him to heal.
It was delightful how two people who both had tragedy in their lives were finally brought together to find a romance they weren’t looking for.
The writing is well paced and I loved the country vibes, community spirit and animal escapades. This was an engaging read and I found I enjoyed it so much. There is some emotional and dark themes throughout the book, some crime and a wonderfully crafted cast of characters.
I learnt more about cattle farming and found this the perfect book to snuggle up on the recliner with! Loved it.
Publication Date 29 November 2022
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Thank you so much Allen & Unwin for a copy of the book to review
January 31, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
A comely rural romance, that encapsulates the heart and emotions of Australian country life, Wish You Were Here is the latest contemporary fiction delight from Karly Lane. A story of dreams, hopes, plans, setbacks, accidents, solitude and future plans, I really enjoyed this new Karly Lane release.
Introducing lead protagonist Reggie Macleod, Wish You Were Here takes the reader into the depths of the cattle country region of New England. Reggie has dreams of breaking away from her rural existence and moving to the city. In a terrible twist, these carefully laid plans are destroyed by a phone call. Unfortunately, Reggie’s parents are involved in a horrific car accident just as she is on the cusp of moving away. Reggie knows she cannot leave her family in their time of need, especially as her brother has just started his own business. So Reggie puts her carefully laid plans on hold for now, but a short delay turns into months and then years, completely derailing Reggie’s move. Then a man named Tim Warbois comes to stay in a cabin owned by Reggie’s family. Tim is a man on a mission, hoping to find a sense of peace and solace in New England. But Tim is holding a secret or two close to his chest. The question is, will the cattle country give Tim the fresh start he needs? Reggie and Tim have a possible future together, if they are both willing to release their past regrets.
The perfect book to enjoy this summer season, I’m so glad I added Wish You Were Here to my summer holiday reading list. You can’t go wrong with a Karly Lane novel and this latest one was no exception. A gentle and touching story with some wonderful rural themes, I highly endorse Wish You Were Here.
Main characters Reggie and Tim are beautifully integrated into Karly Lane’s new rural treat, Wish You Were Here. It is always a pleasure to be acquainted with Lane’s cast members and this particular couple managed to occupy a space in my heart very quickly. I appreciated the authentic interplay between Reggie and Tim, especially as the plot progressed. This budding relationship style romance is handled with expert care thanks to the passionate storytelling skills of Karly Lane. I think readers will fall in love with Reggie and Tim very easily.
In addition to the gentle romance, Lane ensures that we are fully immersed in her country town setting. Wish You Were Here has plenty of rural vibes and a rich community base. I loved the sense of belonging and high spirit that went along with this latest Karly Lane composition. The New England setting is rendered well by Lane and it was wonderful to just sit back, relax and take a great big breath of country air. I could easily see myself booking an extended stay in one of cabins featured in Wish You Were Here. What a great place to escape to when life orders you to slow down!
Lane’s central plot does contain a good dollop of mystery that kept me engaged throughout. Wish You Were Here also deals with some heavier themes around loss, grief, tragedy and healing. Karly’s writing shines in these pockets as she takes us through the shifting emotions and mixed feelings of her characters. With a sense of respect and understanding following these strong issues, Karly Lane has crafted a tender country tale. On the lighter side, we have some fantastic animal folk who bring a number of memorable moments to this narrative. In addition, we gain a valuable insight into the interesting world of cattle farming, which is carefully brought to life thanks to Karly Lane’s rural fiction expertise.
A country reading delight, Wish You Were Here is another splendid rural fiction tale from Karly Lane.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
A comely rural romance, that encapsulates the heart and emotions of Australian country life, Wish You Were Here is the latest contemporary fiction delight from Karly Lane. A story of dreams, hopes, plans, setbacks, accidents, solitude and future plans, I really enjoyed this new Karly Lane release.
Introducing lead protagonist Reggie Macleod, Wish You Were Here takes the reader into the depths of the cattle country region of New England. Reggie has dreams of breaking away from her rural existence and moving to the city. In a terrible twist, these carefully laid plans are destroyed by a phone call. Unfortunately, Reggie’s parents are involved in a horrific car accident just as she is on the cusp of moving away. Reggie knows she cannot leave her family in their time of need, especially as her brother has just started his own business. So Reggie puts her carefully laid plans on hold for now, but a short delay turns into months and then years, completely derailing Reggie’s move. Then a man named Tim Warbois comes to stay in a cabin owned by Reggie’s family. Tim is a man on a mission, hoping to find a sense of peace and solace in New England. But Tim is holding a secret or two close to his chest. The question is, will the cattle country give Tim the fresh start he needs? Reggie and Tim have a possible future together, if they are both willing to release their past regrets.
The perfect book to enjoy this summer season, I’m so glad I added Wish You Were Here to my summer holiday reading list. You can’t go wrong with a Karly Lane novel and this latest one was no exception. A gentle and touching story with some wonderful rural themes, I highly endorse Wish You Were Here.
Main characters Reggie and Tim are beautifully integrated into Karly Lane’s new rural treat, Wish You Were Here. It is always a pleasure to be acquainted with Lane’s cast members and this particular couple managed to occupy a space in my heart very quickly. I appreciated the authentic interplay between Reggie and Tim, especially as the plot progressed. This budding relationship style romance is handled with expert care thanks to the passionate storytelling skills of Karly Lane. I think readers will fall in love with Reggie and Tim very easily.
In addition to the gentle romance, Lane ensures that we are fully immersed in her country town setting. Wish You Were Here has plenty of rural vibes and a rich community base. I loved the sense of belonging and high spirit that went along with this latest Karly Lane composition. The New England setting is rendered well by Lane and it was wonderful to just sit back, relax and take a great big breath of country air. I could easily see myself booking an extended stay in one of cabins featured in Wish You Were Here. What a great place to escape to when life orders you to slow down!
Lane’s central plot does contain a good dollop of mystery that kept me engaged throughout. Wish You Were Here also deals with some heavier themes around loss, grief, tragedy and healing. Karly’s writing shines in these pockets as she takes us through the shifting emotions and mixed feelings of her characters. With a sense of respect and understanding following these strong issues, Karly Lane has crafted a tender country tale. On the lighter side, we have some fantastic animal folk who bring a number of memorable moments to this narrative. In addition, we gain a valuable insight into the interesting world of cattle farming, which is carefully brought to life thanks to Karly Lane’s rural fiction expertise.
A country reading delight, Wish You Were Here is another splendid rural fiction tale from Karly Lane.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 21, 2022
What a beautiful and bittersweet story. With a delightful ending.
You always take me on a roller-coaster ride emotionally Karly and I love it, especially when I can close the book on the final page with a smile
You always take me on a roller-coaster ride emotionally Karly and I love it, especially when I can close the book on the final page with a smile
February 1, 2023
Reggie MacLeod had been living an impressive life over in London when she was called home urgently. Her beloved parents had been severely injured in a car accident, and Reggie was needed. Stepping up to take on the workload of running the family farm with her brother Brent, Reggie believed that she would only stick around until everything settled down.
That's until Brent was diagnosed with a brain tumour and tragically died.
Now two years on, Reggie has found herself actually enjoying the farming life. The fact that funds are down isn't bothering her much. Brent had left his legacy on River Styx with a popular farmstay and a cattle breeding program that will eventually bring the big bucks. However, it sometimes becomes a bit too much for her recovering parents and there's talk of some pretty huge changes. Still, Reggie is determined to take on a management role despite her parents insistence for her to move on with her life.
Army veteran Tim Warbois has seen his mates becoming victims of the Black Dog recently. Being the last one left, Tim has fallen into a dark place. Knowing that he doesn't want to become a statistic, he chucks in his life in Sydney and takes to the open road. Upon stopping at an intersection, it's serendipity that leads him to River Styx for some much needed contiplation and rest. It's already the perfect remedy for Tim's suffering, but being welcomed with open arms and falling for Reggie were unexpected bonuses.
Wish You Were Here is Karly Lane's latest release and whilst it deals with those uncomfortable issues surrounding mental health and grief, there's plenty of love, new beginnings and hope to outshine them. I always enjoy a brilliant rural romance, especially when they feature a sexy ex-Army officer who's struggling emotionally. Tim's journey is realistically raw. All I wanted to do was jump into the story to comfort this gentle giant.
Karly's sense of humour manages to sneak in once again. That moment when Tim is mistaken as a stripper seriously made me crack up laughing. Oh, the poor poor guy being manhandled by a group of drunken women on a hens weekend. 🤭
This was one gorgeous book by one of my favourite Aussie authors. Karly, you never fail to disappoint in my eyes!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
That's until Brent was diagnosed with a brain tumour and tragically died.
Now two years on, Reggie has found herself actually enjoying the farming life. The fact that funds are down isn't bothering her much. Brent had left his legacy on River Styx with a popular farmstay and a cattle breeding program that will eventually bring the big bucks. However, it sometimes becomes a bit too much for her recovering parents and there's talk of some pretty huge changes. Still, Reggie is determined to take on a management role despite her parents insistence for her to move on with her life.
Army veteran Tim Warbois has seen his mates becoming victims of the Black Dog recently. Being the last one left, Tim has fallen into a dark place. Knowing that he doesn't want to become a statistic, he chucks in his life in Sydney and takes to the open road. Upon stopping at an intersection, it's serendipity that leads him to River Styx for some much needed contiplation and rest. It's already the perfect remedy for Tim's suffering, but being welcomed with open arms and falling for Reggie were unexpected bonuses.
Wish You Were Here is Karly Lane's latest release and whilst it deals with those uncomfortable issues surrounding mental health and grief, there's plenty of love, new beginnings and hope to outshine them. I always enjoy a brilliant rural romance, especially when they feature a sexy ex-Army officer who's struggling emotionally. Tim's journey is realistically raw. All I wanted to do was jump into the story to comfort this gentle giant.
Karly's sense of humour manages to sneak in once again. That moment when Tim is mistaken as a stripper seriously made me crack up laughing. Oh, the poor poor guy being manhandled by a group of drunken women on a hens weekend. 🤭
This was one gorgeous book by one of my favourite Aussie authors. Karly, you never fail to disappoint in my eyes!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
December 26, 2022
Reggie McLeod is living the life she pursued overseas when she gets a phone call that her parents have been in a car accident. Racing back home to rural NSW to care for them, she and her brother take over the running of the family farm until the unthinkable happens to her brother. Three years later, Reggie's still working on the farm, a far cry from the life that she first envisioned when she escaped the country life for the city. But when Tim Warbois rents one of the cabins on the farm property, she strikes up a friendship with the quiet man with his own demons in his past. As the two get closer, Reggie fights to prove to her family and her community that she has what it takes to manage the farm.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's always a great day when a new Karly Lane book is released. So much so that I saved reading this book for the first day when I knew I could sit and read, uninterrupted by life or work or any other thoughts that can often drag me out of book. Her books are always a reminder of a life very different to my own (city-slicker that I am) and way to experience that small town country life that I've only ever experienced in small doses.
Reggie was a great character to spend some time in the headspace of - she truly thought the career she pursued was the life she wanted to leave until she found herself back home. And, despite the tragedy and heartache-y reasons for why she came home, she's found something she's truly passionate about and wants to get better at. Even throughout all the frustrations she experiences throughout the story there's a fighting spirit in her that I love to read about in female protagonists in books and made me want to see her succeed in all her great ideas for the farm. Similarly, learning about Tim, and his past, and his reasons for escaping into the wilderness was equally as compelling. He's seen and lived through a lot and is dealing with grief for the loss of his found family and he finds peace in the countryside - something he didn't think he would find. And for all the secrets he keeps, he's willing to be there for Reggie when she needs a partner, which was fantastic.
Wish You Were Here has all the small town country vibes you could want in a closed door romance that has a whole lot of heart. (And yes, anytime the CWA was mentioned I started getting hungry, because what self-respecting Aussie wouldn't?!) There's an underlying mystery plot to do with the farm which provides most of the reason for the third act conflict - which was mostly an external conflict - and when all was said and I done I just wanted these characters to have their happily ever after because they deserved it.
I may have saved this book to read, but it was so worth it.
CW/TW: Mentions of car accident and related injuries and trauma, death of sibling (brain tumour), firearms (for use in farming), death of wild animal, mentions of suicide and mental health issues related to servicemen (and women), cattle birthing
Representation: Wheelchair user
Tropes: Small town, rural romance, closed door
I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's always a great day when a new Karly Lane book is released. So much so that I saved reading this book for the first day when I knew I could sit and read, uninterrupted by life or work or any other thoughts that can often drag me out of book. Her books are always a reminder of a life very different to my own (city-slicker that I am) and way to experience that small town country life that I've only ever experienced in small doses.
Reggie was a great character to spend some time in the headspace of - she truly thought the career she pursued was the life she wanted to leave until she found herself back home. And, despite the tragedy and heartache-y reasons for why she came home, she's found something she's truly passionate about and wants to get better at. Even throughout all the frustrations she experiences throughout the story there's a fighting spirit in her that I love to read about in female protagonists in books and made me want to see her succeed in all her great ideas for the farm. Similarly, learning about Tim, and his past, and his reasons for escaping into the wilderness was equally as compelling. He's seen and lived through a lot and is dealing with grief for the loss of his found family and he finds peace in the countryside - something he didn't think he would find. And for all the secrets he keeps, he's willing to be there for Reggie when she needs a partner, which was fantastic.
Wish You Were Here has all the small town country vibes you could want in a closed door romance that has a whole lot of heart. (And yes, anytime the CWA was mentioned I started getting hungry, because what self-respecting Aussie wouldn't?!) There's an underlying mystery plot to do with the farm which provides most of the reason for the third act conflict - which was mostly an external conflict - and when all was said and I done I just wanted these characters to have their happily ever after because they deserved it.
I may have saved this book to read, but it was so worth it.
CW/TW: Mentions of car accident and related injuries and trauma, death of sibling (brain tumour), firearms (for use in farming), death of wild animal, mentions of suicide and mental health issues related to servicemen (and women), cattle birthing
Representation: Wheelchair user
Tropes: Small town, rural romance, closed door
February 4, 2023
A great rural romance with some deeper issues.
December 1, 2022
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
There’s no stopping the passion of rural romance writer Karly Lane when it comes to entertaining country love stories and Wish You Were Here is another to add to the growing catalogue of quality books.
Living in London in a successful job was all Reggie MacLeod wanted growing up and for many years now it’s been a dream come true.
But one day a phone from the family property in the outback changes everything.
After her parents were in a serious car accident, Reggie came home to run the farm and soon a second tragedy happened.
Now many years later and Reggie is still living at home, also helping to run the business of farm stay cabins.
Then new guest Tim Warbois arrives with secrets and a standoffish attitude and awakens a spark in Reggie.
When Tim extends his stay a few times, his heart begins to open.
Can they both find happiness while dealing with the past?
With the magic of country atmosphere, a cast of incredible characters, the cuteness of animal folk, true community spirit and a relatable romance, it’s all the contents of an engaging read.
You can smell the way of life, feel the weather and breathe in the fresh air as Karly’s inviting storytelling comes to life from the pages.
Readers will be pleased and illuminated with this latest book from the bestselling author.
There’s no stopping the passion of rural romance writer Karly Lane when it comes to entertaining country love stories and Wish You Were Here is another to add to the growing catalogue of quality books.
Living in London in a successful job was all Reggie MacLeod wanted growing up and for many years now it’s been a dream come true.
But one day a phone from the family property in the outback changes everything.
After her parents were in a serious car accident, Reggie came home to run the farm and soon a second tragedy happened.
Now many years later and Reggie is still living at home, also helping to run the business of farm stay cabins.
Then new guest Tim Warbois arrives with secrets and a standoffish attitude and awakens a spark in Reggie.
When Tim extends his stay a few times, his heart begins to open.
Can they both find happiness while dealing with the past?
With the magic of country atmosphere, a cast of incredible characters, the cuteness of animal folk, true community spirit and a relatable romance, it’s all the contents of an engaging read.
You can smell the way of life, feel the weather and breathe in the fresh air as Karly’s inviting storytelling comes to life from the pages.
Readers will be pleased and illuminated with this latest book from the bestselling author.
May 11, 2024
Look it wasn’t a bad story, wholesome and sweet and just an easy read. But I could not get past the bad editing job! At one point I had to laugh as Tim was spelt Rim 🤣
October 23, 2024
Karly Lane always delivers
January 15, 2025
Reggie had a life in London until her parents were in an accident and she had to head back to the family farm. Then her brother died and her life in London was a distant memory. Then former soldier Tim arrives at the farm to stay in the cabins and while they’re both re-finding themselves they turn to each other. A lovely story with great characters, a beautiful setting and great storyline.
February 25, 2023
⭐️4.5⭐️ The past is in the past and while our history will always be part of who we are, it doesn’t mean our paths are set- they can change at any time 😍 A story of tragedy, loss, grief but also of HOPE, LOVE & BELONGING🤞🏻
Thanks Karly for another comforting read. My KL collection is growing 📖
Thanks Karly for another comforting read. My KL collection is growing 📖
March 23, 2023
Another fabulous story from Karly depicting a rural property. I have read so many of her books and everyone one is just as good as the last one but this one, wow, I loved it from the beginning to the end. I couldn’t put it down but then I didn’t want to finish it too quick, I just wanted to saviour every page.
From the first chapter and reading the story of the MacLeods you can’t help but tear up. The main characters of Reggie MacLeod and her parents Ray & Peggy you warm to straight away. They run a cattle property and due to an unforseen accident Reggie comes home from her job in the UK to come back and live with them.
Her parents are thinking of selling the property as they think Reggie doesn’t want the burden of running or is even interested in the place whereas Reggie really wants to live there and make it all work.
From the start, Karly’s writing captures your attention immediately to the whole storyline and brings in other characters into the mix as well. Some you will dislike with a vengeance and others you will love immediately.
Of course there has to be romance and the character of Tim Warbois will make your heart swarm. He has a background and is very quiet at first but as you get to know him, everything makes sense.
There are parts in the book where the bantering makes you giggle which is a good feeling when reading. For me as I was reading I could actually visualise this as a movie, I can see the property, see the scenery and also put faces to the names.
This book has romance, suspense and is very entertaining with all the characters. I think I have also learnt a bit more when it comes to cattle as well.
This book is definitely another fantastic read that I would highly recommend for any book lovers out there. Absolutely loved the book.
To Karly Lane as always you have created another astounding storyline and the cover is just beautiful. I will always look forward to reading any future books from you.
I was given this book to review by @BeautyandLace and @Allen & Unwin.
From the first chapter and reading the story of the MacLeods you can’t help but tear up. The main characters of Reggie MacLeod and her parents Ray & Peggy you warm to straight away. They run a cattle property and due to an unforseen accident Reggie comes home from her job in the UK to come back and live with them.
Her parents are thinking of selling the property as they think Reggie doesn’t want the burden of running or is even interested in the place whereas Reggie really wants to live there and make it all work.
From the start, Karly’s writing captures your attention immediately to the whole storyline and brings in other characters into the mix as well. Some you will dislike with a vengeance and others you will love immediately.
Of course there has to be romance and the character of Tim Warbois will make your heart swarm. He has a background and is very quiet at first but as you get to know him, everything makes sense.
There are parts in the book where the bantering makes you giggle which is a good feeling when reading. For me as I was reading I could actually visualise this as a movie, I can see the property, see the scenery and also put faces to the names.
This book has romance, suspense and is very entertaining with all the characters. I think I have also learnt a bit more when it comes to cattle as well.
This book is definitely another fantastic read that I would highly recommend for any book lovers out there. Absolutely loved the book.
To Karly Lane as always you have created another astounding storyline and the cover is just beautiful. I will always look forward to reading any future books from you.
I was given this book to review by @BeautyandLace and @Allen & Unwin.
May 10, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Brought up on a property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie, (short for Regina, can’t wait to escape to the city. Everything has gone according to plan until the day she receives a call from her brother Brent that her parents have been badly injured in a car accident. Without a backward glance Reggie Macleod leaves the city to go back and manage the farm while Brent takes care of the farm stay business he launched. But then unexpectedly Brent dies. His death leaves a gaping hole in the family. Reggie misses her brother. She never saw herself as a farmer but family comes first. Her parents need her and she is beginning to enjoy being back and helping run the River Styx property with Brent’s prize bull and the herd.
Tim Warbois is looking for a way to heal after the deaths of his army mates, the most recent being Dean who committed suicide. Tim checks in to one of the cabins on the property. Although he is attracted to Reggie he is not looking for romance, just healing, relief from guilt and quiet.
I really loved Reggie. She is a hardworking, family oriented woman. Tim is also interesting and it is good to see the changes with Reggie’s parents and the support of the community. Or most of the community. There are one or two notable exceptions.
The story moves at a good pace and a couple of twists occur that keep things interesting. Perhaps a tad predictable in parts but nevertheless an engaging read. The setting and farm lifestyle are brilliantly portrayed and great characters hold the reader’s attention. Another great read from this Aussie rural fiction author.
Brought up on a property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie, (short for Regina, can’t wait to escape to the city. Everything has gone according to plan until the day she receives a call from her brother Brent that her parents have been badly injured in a car accident. Without a backward glance Reggie Macleod leaves the city to go back and manage the farm while Brent takes care of the farm stay business he launched. But then unexpectedly Brent dies. His death leaves a gaping hole in the family. Reggie misses her brother. She never saw herself as a farmer but family comes first. Her parents need her and she is beginning to enjoy being back and helping run the River Styx property with Brent’s prize bull and the herd.
Tim Warbois is looking for a way to heal after the deaths of his army mates, the most recent being Dean who committed suicide. Tim checks in to one of the cabins on the property. Although he is attracted to Reggie he is not looking for romance, just healing, relief from guilt and quiet.
I really loved Reggie. She is a hardworking, family oriented woman. Tim is also interesting and it is good to see the changes with Reggie’s parents and the support of the community. Or most of the community. There are one or two notable exceptions.
The story moves at a good pace and a couple of twists occur that keep things interesting. Perhaps a tad predictable in parts but nevertheless an engaging read. The setting and farm lifestyle are brilliantly portrayed and great characters hold the reader’s attention. Another great read from this Aussie rural fiction author.
June 20, 2023
An absolutely glorious book. The sensitivity and depth of feeling is immense and the descriptions of the countryside are magical.
Beautifully written with believable characters. No one does sensitive subjects better than Karly. Tim Warbois enters Reggie MacLeod's life by accident. Tim is a returned Vet from Afghanistan who survived the experience but lost his best friends to the consequences and wonders if he is lost forever too. The way Karly deals with the difficulties faced by Tim who represents all those who have had time in the Services in Afghanistan is brilliant. Nothing is trivialised or over written, nothing is preached but Karly manages to give the reader a valued insight into the difficulties these young men and women have faced and are still facing, trying to rebuild their lives.
The blending of characters is excellent and the story just flows. Reggie's family have survived immense hardships, but they've come through each one with love and caring for and from each other.
This is without doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. The story and the people within will stay with me for a long time to come. I just loved it.
Beautifully written with believable characters. No one does sensitive subjects better than Karly. Tim Warbois enters Reggie MacLeod's life by accident. Tim is a returned Vet from Afghanistan who survived the experience but lost his best friends to the consequences and wonders if he is lost forever too. The way Karly deals with the difficulties faced by Tim who represents all those who have had time in the Services in Afghanistan is brilliant. Nothing is trivialised or over written, nothing is preached but Karly manages to give the reader a valued insight into the difficulties these young men and women have faced and are still facing, trying to rebuild their lives.
The blending of characters is excellent and the story just flows. Reggie's family have survived immense hardships, but they've come through each one with love and caring for and from each other.
This is without doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. The story and the people within will stay with me for a long time to come. I just loved it.
January 26, 2024
As a fan of Karly Lane and her writing I can't say a bad word! Her stories are always top notch and I can't believe she can write so many country romance titles and they are all very different, easy reading, and catchy story lines. Each character has many layers and are they are very realistic.
Reggie MacLeod is called back home from London to absolute disaster in her family and is required to help on the farm for a couple of months. Things go from bad to much worse as she tries to hold things together.
Tim Warbois has struggled with life after returning home from serving for his country in the Army.
One -by-one his Army friends are ending their lives and he is now the only one left. After the last funeral he decides to pack up and travel. As he travels around he decides to hire a farmstay cabin. With the peace and quiet he starts to feel a little more at ease and much of it has to do with the manager Reggie MacLeod.
Can these two put aside their tragic lives and become a couple?
Reggie MacLeod is called back home from London to absolute disaster in her family and is required to help on the farm for a couple of months. Things go from bad to much worse as she tries to hold things together.
Tim Warbois has struggled with life after returning home from serving for his country in the Army.
One -by-one his Army friends are ending their lives and he is now the only one left. After the last funeral he decides to pack up and travel. As he travels around he decides to hire a farmstay cabin. With the peace and quiet he starts to feel a little more at ease and much of it has to do with the manager Reggie MacLeod.
Can these two put aside their tragic lives and become a couple?
February 20, 2023
Sometimes the end of the road is just the beginning
As a kid brought up on a cattle property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie Macleod vows she is going to swap the country for city life as soon as she can. And she's followed her dream. Everything is going to plan.
Until one phone call rocks her world entirely.
Reggie's parents have been badly injured in a car accident and they need her help to run the farm while her brother builds up their recently launched farmstay business. It was only going to be for a couple of months … but that was almost three years ago.
When Tim Warbois checks in to one of their cabins and extends his booking several times, all he seems to want is peace and quiet. But what is really going on under the surface? Is this new hope and purpose he's discovered going to last?
Will Reggie and Tim manage to overcome the wounds of their pasts and build a new future?
As a kid brought up on a cattle property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie Macleod vows she is going to swap the country for city life as soon as she can. And she's followed her dream. Everything is going to plan.
Until one phone call rocks her world entirely.
Reggie's parents have been badly injured in a car accident and they need her help to run the farm while her brother builds up their recently launched farmstay business. It was only going to be for a couple of months … but that was almost three years ago.
When Tim Warbois checks in to one of their cabins and extends his booking several times, all he seems to want is peace and quiet. But what is really going on under the surface? Is this new hope and purpose he's discovered going to last?
Will Reggie and Tim manage to overcome the wounds of their pasts and build a new future?
May 14, 2023
I particularly appreciated the setting in this novel, small-town New England, I know that area & went to uni in "Armaglen" way back in the darkest reaches of last century.
The characters are truly likable, even if Reggie almost lost me with Felicity-the-unforgiven (it's not always about you, Reggie my girl!). Tim is very well-written: how much of this continues to be unspoken, undealt with? how many men take their inability to cope to an early grave? Quite a few, I imagine. I love the idea of the men's retreat in "a good place to heal" & wish the book were longer so it could include this part of River Styx's future.
There is lightness & darkness in this well-crafted rural romance & I enjoyed it very much. This is the first book of Karly Lane's that I've read & I am so happy to see she has a lovely long back-catalogue for me to get into. Super!
The characters are truly likable, even if Reggie almost lost me with Felicity-the-unforgiven (it's not always about you, Reggie my girl!). Tim is very well-written: how much of this continues to be unspoken, undealt with? how many men take their inability to cope to an early grave? Quite a few, I imagine. I love the idea of the men's retreat in "a good place to heal" & wish the book were longer so it could include this part of River Styx's future.
There is lightness & darkness in this well-crafted rural romance & I enjoyed it very much. This is the first book of Karly Lane's that I've read & I am so happy to see she has a lovely long back-catalogue for me to get into. Super!
February 18, 2023
A touching and emotional story by Karly on how a family an move forward and heal after losing someone dear to them.
Reggie comes home to help after her parents are hurt. But the real tragedy comes when her family suffers more pain. But Reggie can understand the pain Tim, a paying customer at the cabins is feeling.
Reggie fights against Tim in continuing on with the last cabin being built, but also with her growing feelings and her parents trust in Tim.
Reggie also wants to do more than just be part of her parents plan. Tim needs to keep himself busy. As they begin to work together, their emotions become something to needs to be worked out together.
A fabulous story of emotions, needing to grow and be part of something where they belong.
Reggie comes home to help after her parents are hurt. But the real tragedy comes when her family suffers more pain. But Reggie can understand the pain Tim, a paying customer at the cabins is feeling.
Reggie fights against Tim in continuing on with the last cabin being built, but also with her growing feelings and her parents trust in Tim.
Reggie also wants to do more than just be part of her parents plan. Tim needs to keep himself busy. As they begin to work together, their emotions become something to needs to be worked out together.
A fabulous story of emotions, needing to grow and be part of something where they belong.
December 1, 2022
Another fine rural story by well known Aussie author Karly Lane. Reggie returns home to Australia after her parents are injured in a car accident to help run the family property with her brother Brent. Heartbreak follows with the death of a loved one, but Reggie is determined to learn the family business and keep the family farm running. Tim arrives and rents one of the cottages on the property but he is trying to escape the demons that haunt him from his time in the army. A lovely story evolves between these scenarios and I enjoyed reading this book very much.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a review copy on exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a review copy on exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
Karly Lane has tackled some heavy grief and loss issues in a heart-warming way against the beautiful backdrop of the New England cattle country. Returning from her dream job in London after her parents' car accident and other horrific events, Reggie Macleod (love the Scottish ties!) finds herself managing not only the family farm but their guest cabins too. With her mums worries that she'll end up a lonely old spinister, has fate intervened when handsome ex-soldier Tim Warbois checks in for a stay? Or will the ghosts of the past he's bought with him collide with Reggie's?
This beautiful, gentle story of healing is a must-read! ✨️
This beautiful, gentle story of healing is a must-read! ✨️
October 5, 2024
Not my favourite book by Karly unfortunately - I felt like it was missing something, what that something is, I can’t really explain - it just didn’t bring the expected vibes I usually get when I read her books.
In no way was it bad, it still touched on important issues, this one dealing with grief and how being in nature can help to heal trauma and it did shed light on the issues farmers face with wild dogs.
It reminded me a little too much of Something Like This - which is a book I love (I gave that one 5⭐️), but this didn’t quite hit me emotionally in any way.
Still one of my favourite authors there’s plenty more of her work for me to pick up and read 🤩
In no way was it bad, it still touched on important issues, this one dealing with grief and how being in nature can help to heal trauma and it did shed light on the issues farmers face with wild dogs.
It reminded me a little too much of Something Like This - which is a book I love (I gave that one 5⭐️), but this didn’t quite hit me emotionally in any way.
Still one of my favourite authors there’s plenty more of her work for me to pick up and read 🤩
January 28, 2023
Good morning Everyone , I just finished reading another fabulous book Wish You Were Here by Karly Lane its the story of Reggie Mcleod who was brought up on a cattle property in New England Tablelands , she has followed her dream to move to city life but what happens next .........I cant say anything more there is so much happening in this book from the first page to the last .........so do yourselves a favour and enjoy .....😀
March 28, 2023
Another great book by Karly. I loved the two main characters and found them to be genuine and believable in the way they were portrayed. The storyline outside of the romance was interesting enough to keep the book flowing to the point where I ended up reading it very quickly despite not wanting it to end. I've never been disappointed reading Karly's books, especially reading about the scenery and landscapes of rural NSW. It's definitely on my bucket list of places to visit.
December 29, 2022
Another heartfelt story from Karly Lane. I’ve enjoyed ‘staying’ at River Styx and believe Karly has touched on a subject that needs to be addressed. Giving more help to Returned Service personnel to find and re-establish themselves into ‘normal’ life. A great read and I can’t wait for the next adventure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 10, 2023
Aussie author. Aussie tale.
Reggie and Tim's story. (unlikely relationship and meeting but circumstances changed things).
Aussie traits fully written into story. (farmer, to be or not to be.? Legacy, left by those who died.! Overcoming tragedy there is no formulae to reach this place. Life is.
Glad to catchup with homegrown summer reading from the local library.
Reggie and Tim's story. (unlikely relationship and meeting but circumstances changed things).
Aussie traits fully written into story. (farmer, to be or not to be.? Legacy, left by those who died.! Overcoming tragedy there is no formulae to reach this place. Life is.
Glad to catchup with homegrown summer reading from the local library.
December 22, 2022
Another rustic rural romance with high emotional depth. Reggie returns home to support her family and ends up farming away her time.
Ex-special forces Tim wants time to escape his demons. A cabin at a new farm stay ends up his staying point.
Stunning start to summer!
Ex-special forces Tim wants time to escape his demons. A cabin at a new farm stay ends up his staying point.
Stunning start to summer!
December 27, 2022
Wow! Karly Lane has definitely hit it out of the ballpark with this one. I may even go as far as saying this is her best yet.
She has dealt with some strong themes and issues in a beautifully crafted, respectful way and still left you with that warm and fuzzy feeling at the end.
She has dealt with some strong themes and issues in a beautifully crafted, respectful way and still left you with that warm and fuzzy feeling at the end.
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