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The Vet from Snowy River
A hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but well-meaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country... A fresh and funny rural romance, perfect for readers of Alissa Callen and Rachael Johns.
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...
And thanks to her ex-boyfriend she's also broke, jobless and staring down the barrel of a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with a killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?
'The perfect feel-good blend of warmth, wit and small-town charm. This debut will leave you smiling.' Alissa Callen, bestselling Australian author
'A funny, feel-good read. Highly recommended.' Better Reading
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...
And thanks to her ex-boyfriend she's also broke, jobless and staring down the barrel of a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with a killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?
'The perfect feel-good blend of warmth, wit and small-town charm. This debut will leave you smiling.' Alissa Callen, bestselling Australian author
'A funny, feel-good read. Highly recommended.' Better Reading
Paperback
Published June 1, 2022
76 people are currently reading
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About the author
Stella Quinn
35 books104 followers Drama | Romance | Mystery
Stella Quinn is a multi-award winning author.
She writes outback drama for Harper Collins HQ Fiction, and she's currently scribbling away at a small town rom-com mystery mashup in her spare time.
She loves reading GoodReads reviews so don't be shy!
Stella Quinn is a multi-award winning author.
She writes outback drama for Harper Collins HQ Fiction, and she's currently scribbling away at a small town rom-com mystery mashup in her spare time.
She loves reading GoodReads reviews so don't be shy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 3, 2021
Vera De Rossi had planned her move to Hanrahan at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains with care. Her Aunt Jill was in Connolly House, not too far away, and Vera’s cooking skills saw her about to open her new café in Hanrahan, The Billy Button Café. When a stranger approached her café not long before she opened, she hired Graeme pretty much on the spot and what a godsend he proved to be. Vera had moved from Queanbeyan near Canberra, where she’d lived and worked. Her ex-boyfriend pulled the rug from under her feet; being jobless and penniless, and facing a court case which could put her in prison, the peace of the Snowy Mountains had called her name.
Josh Cody had joined his sister Hannah in their Vet practice after leaving Hanrahan under a cloud some years prior. Now Josh was back in his home town, a town he loved, and as a qualified vet was prepared to face the future with his fifteen year old daughter Poppy occasionally by his side. Poppy lived with her mother and stepfather in Sydney, visiting Josh on school holidays. But she was a volatile and grumpy teenager (as they mostly all are) aiming her ire at her father.
The small town’s residents stuck by each other, having one another’s backs and it wasn’t long before both Vera and Josh were being welcomed into the fold. But there were those who didn’t want Josh back. And Vera’s worries never left her. Would the town’s matriarch, Marigold, and her husband Kev, be able to render assistance? Would they be able to stop what was about to happen?
The Vet From Snowy River is the debut novel by Aussie author Stella Quinn and I thoroughly enjoyed it (reading late into the night to finish it) Set in rural NSW in the beautiful Snowy Mountains, the setting is gorgeous! A fictional town set in real surrounds, I wish I could visit Hanrahan someday. I felt I knew the characters – the pregnant labrador which was handed into Josh whom he named Jane Doe, and her eight pups; the big stray cat which Vera called grey-cat, until she named her Daisy. And Marigold was an absolute delight! Plus, the topical aged care industry... I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Ms Quinn comes up with next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Josh Cody had joined his sister Hannah in their Vet practice after leaving Hanrahan under a cloud some years prior. Now Josh was back in his home town, a town he loved, and as a qualified vet was prepared to face the future with his fifteen year old daughter Poppy occasionally by his side. Poppy lived with her mother and stepfather in Sydney, visiting Josh on school holidays. But she was a volatile and grumpy teenager (as they mostly all are) aiming her ire at her father.
The small town’s residents stuck by each other, having one another’s backs and it wasn’t long before both Vera and Josh were being welcomed into the fold. But there were those who didn’t want Josh back. And Vera’s worries never left her. Would the town’s matriarch, Marigold, and her husband Kev, be able to render assistance? Would they be able to stop what was about to happen?
The Vet From Snowy River is the debut novel by Aussie author Stella Quinn and I thoroughly enjoyed it (reading late into the night to finish it) Set in rural NSW in the beautiful Snowy Mountains, the setting is gorgeous! A fictional town set in real surrounds, I wish I could visit Hanrahan someday. I felt I knew the characters – the pregnant labrador which was handed into Josh whom he named Jane Doe, and her eight pups; the big stray cat which Vera called grey-cat, until she named her Daisy. And Marigold was an absolute delight! Plus, the topical aged care industry... I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Ms Quinn comes up with next. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Vet from Snowy River by Stella Quinn. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 2 June 2021**
Vera no longer believes in love. Thanks to her ex-boyfriend, she's broke, jobless and facing a court case that could lead to prison. She opens a cafe in small tourist town Hanrahan. Josh, once Hanrahan's golden boy, left 16 years ago with a pregnant girlfriend and gossip hard on his heels. Now he's back as a qualified vet and single dad. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter is a lot to juggle, but then he meets Vera... Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions...
I never used to describe myself as a fan of rural romance, but with stories like this I've definitely come on the bandwagon. This one is the author's Australian rural romance novel debut and I predict will be super popular with fans of this genre. It was easy to dive into, featured likeable characters, had that bit of drama to offset the romance but as all good rural romances do, ended happily ever after for our main characters. I haven't looked it up to see if I'm right but I am feeling like maybe there's scope for us to revisit this town in the future, specifically I think Josh's sister needs her own book.
Overall: I'd happily recommend this entertaining rural romance/domestic drama for any fan of those genres.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Vet from Snowy River by Stella Quinn. (2021).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 2 June 2021**
Vera no longer believes in love. Thanks to her ex-boyfriend, she's broke, jobless and facing a court case that could lead to prison. She opens a cafe in small tourist town Hanrahan. Josh, once Hanrahan's golden boy, left 16 years ago with a pregnant girlfriend and gossip hard on his heels. Now he's back as a qualified vet and single dad. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter is a lot to juggle, but then he meets Vera... Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions...
I never used to describe myself as a fan of rural romance, but with stories like this I've definitely come on the bandwagon. This one is the author's Australian rural romance novel debut and I predict will be super popular with fans of this genre. It was easy to dive into, featured likeable characters, had that bit of drama to offset the romance but as all good rural romances do, ended happily ever after for our main characters. I haven't looked it up to see if I'm right but I am feeling like maybe there's scope for us to revisit this town in the future, specifically I think Josh's sister needs her own book.
Overall: I'd happily recommend this entertaining rural romance/domestic drama for any fan of those genres.
August 10, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
Stella Quinn’s 2021 release The Vet from Snowy River pairs a talented baker with a charming local vet. In this tale of reinvention, atonement, life repair, homecoming, healing, faith and love, readers will be swept away by this Australian small town drama.
Vera De Rossi’s life takes a turn for the worst when she finds that she is single, broke, in trouble with law and without any job prospects. In an effort to turn her life around Vera decides to use her passion for baking in a new job venture. Vera’s new life in a close-knit town in the Snowy Mountains region now revolves around a café. Vera has high hopes that this new business initiative will take off. When Vera crosses paths with the town’s resident vet, her life is changed. We soon learn that the vet in question, Josh Cody, was once the toast of the town but now he returns with a teenage daughter and a qualification as a vet. Josh isn’t looking for love at all, but feisty Vera might just change his mind, especially if the whole town is behind them!
Following my five-star reading experience of Stella Quinn’s brand-new release A Town Like Clarence, I literally snatched The Vet from Snowy River from my groaning shelves to read immediately after A Town Like Clarence. To say I developed a connection to Stella Quinn’s writing is an understatement. This Queensland based author seemed to put a fresh spin on a genre I adore, Australian rural romance.
It was interesting see that Stella Quinn placed a thorny female lead against a former golden boy, this was a cracking love scenario. Both leads have brilliant back stories and a fantastic load of personal baggage to work through. I enjoyed unpacking their respective histories. In terms of the leads themselves, Josh has a perfect good guy veneer that was slightly damaged by a discretion in his earlier years. Despite this recklessness, Josh is still a man who takes full responsibility for his affairs and he is incredibly caring of all those around him, especially his animal brood. When Vera enters the equation sparks seem to fly everywhere! Vera is a little harder to get to know. I did find her a bit distanced but this personality trait is closely linked to Vera’s backstory. The townsfolk of the local community base are a really colourful lot and they seem to carry this book in the right direction. There is a strong community bonding theme than runs through in The Vet from Snowy River. It is great to see the author draw on this aspect of togetherness in her depiction of the local town in this novel.
The Vet from Snowy River contains a generous serving of storyline advances. From redemption, acceptance, the past, personal damage, difficult choices, responsibility, heartbreak, trust and starting afresh, Stella Quinn covers a lot of ground. With many realistic and credible situations, along with some engaging small talk between the cast, The Vet from Snowy River offers plenty of regalement. I was hanging out for the final union of these two deserving souls and I left the pages of this book feeling quite marvellous. Thank you, Stella Quinn!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
4.5 stars
Stella Quinn’s 2021 release The Vet from Snowy River pairs a talented baker with a charming local vet. In this tale of reinvention, atonement, life repair, homecoming, healing, faith and love, readers will be swept away by this Australian small town drama.
Vera De Rossi’s life takes a turn for the worst when she finds that she is single, broke, in trouble with law and without any job prospects. In an effort to turn her life around Vera decides to use her passion for baking in a new job venture. Vera’s new life in a close-knit town in the Snowy Mountains region now revolves around a café. Vera has high hopes that this new business initiative will take off. When Vera crosses paths with the town’s resident vet, her life is changed. We soon learn that the vet in question, Josh Cody, was once the toast of the town but now he returns with a teenage daughter and a qualification as a vet. Josh isn’t looking for love at all, but feisty Vera might just change his mind, especially if the whole town is behind them!
Following my five-star reading experience of Stella Quinn’s brand-new release A Town Like Clarence, I literally snatched The Vet from Snowy River from my groaning shelves to read immediately after A Town Like Clarence. To say I developed a connection to Stella Quinn’s writing is an understatement. This Queensland based author seemed to put a fresh spin on a genre I adore, Australian rural romance.
It was interesting see that Stella Quinn placed a thorny female lead against a former golden boy, this was a cracking love scenario. Both leads have brilliant back stories and a fantastic load of personal baggage to work through. I enjoyed unpacking their respective histories. In terms of the leads themselves, Josh has a perfect good guy veneer that was slightly damaged by a discretion in his earlier years. Despite this recklessness, Josh is still a man who takes full responsibility for his affairs and he is incredibly caring of all those around him, especially his animal brood. When Vera enters the equation sparks seem to fly everywhere! Vera is a little harder to get to know. I did find her a bit distanced but this personality trait is closely linked to Vera’s backstory. The townsfolk of the local community base are a really colourful lot and they seem to carry this book in the right direction. There is a strong community bonding theme than runs through in The Vet from Snowy River. It is great to see the author draw on this aspect of togetherness in her depiction of the local town in this novel.
The Vet from Snowy River contains a generous serving of storyline advances. From redemption, acceptance, the past, personal damage, difficult choices, responsibility, heartbreak, trust and starting afresh, Stella Quinn covers a lot of ground. With many realistic and credible situations, along with some engaging small talk between the cast, The Vet from Snowy River offers plenty of regalement. I was hanging out for the final union of these two deserving souls and I left the pages of this book feeling quite marvellous. Thank you, Stella Quinn!
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 24, 2021
This was my first Stella Quinn book and wow I loved it so much and I am really looking forward to many more, I love rural romance and this author has hit the spot big time, I loved my visit to Hanrahan a small town in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the hero and heroine are the best and the people who live there are fabulous this is a must read story, I do hope that you pick this one up I am sure you will be very pleased.
Vera De Rossi runs from her journalist position and her ex to the small town of Hanrahan where she wants to be left alone to care for her aunt who is in nursing care and run her café to make sure she has some money to do so, but there is a cloud hanging over her head in the form of a court case.
Josh Cody the once golden boy of Hanrahan has moved back home after a sixteen year absence to take up residence as a vet with his sister, he is dad to a teenage daughter Poppy and he is determined to ignore the gossips and get on with his life but when he walks into the new Billy Button Café and meets the owner things might not go as he thought.
Vera didn’t account for the people who live here to want to get to know her, she wants to be left alone but with her manager Graeme pushing this is not going to happen, her cakes and the café are a hit with everyone and Josh is someone Vera doesn’t want to get close to but she is hard pressed to control her feelings as she gets to know him better, worries about the court case and her aunt are playing havoc with her feelings.
This is such a fabulous story, there were lots of happy tears from me, it is fun, witty, moving and filled with emotion a real feel good story as we get to know Vera, Josh and the town folk, add to that a stray dog and cat and this is a must read story that has all of the feels of a beautiful romance. Josh is a to die for hero what more could you want than a vet in a tool belt, he is caring loving and lots of fun and then Vera vulnerable so very caring, loving and she deserves love so much and Cody is the hero to give her that love.
Stella Quinn has bought this town and the characters to life on the pages I loved my visit there and very much hope I will be back there soon I would love to see Hannah get her HEA. Huge congrats MS Quinn for an awesome story I loved this one.
My thanks to Harlequin Mira for my ARC to read and review.
Vera De Rossi runs from her journalist position and her ex to the small town of Hanrahan where she wants to be left alone to care for her aunt who is in nursing care and run her café to make sure she has some money to do so, but there is a cloud hanging over her head in the form of a court case.
Josh Cody the once golden boy of Hanrahan has moved back home after a sixteen year absence to take up residence as a vet with his sister, he is dad to a teenage daughter Poppy and he is determined to ignore the gossips and get on with his life but when he walks into the new Billy Button Café and meets the owner things might not go as he thought.
Vera didn’t account for the people who live here to want to get to know her, she wants to be left alone but with her manager Graeme pushing this is not going to happen, her cakes and the café are a hit with everyone and Josh is someone Vera doesn’t want to get close to but she is hard pressed to control her feelings as she gets to know him better, worries about the court case and her aunt are playing havoc with her feelings.
This is such a fabulous story, there were lots of happy tears from me, it is fun, witty, moving and filled with emotion a real feel good story as we get to know Vera, Josh and the town folk, add to that a stray dog and cat and this is a must read story that has all of the feels of a beautiful romance. Josh is a to die for hero what more could you want than a vet in a tool belt, he is caring loving and lots of fun and then Vera vulnerable so very caring, loving and she deserves love so much and Cody is the hero to give her that love.
Stella Quinn has bought this town and the characters to life on the pages I loved my visit there and very much hope I will be back there soon I would love to see Hannah get her HEA. Huge congrats MS Quinn for an awesome story I loved this one.
My thanks to Harlequin Mira for my ARC to read and review.
August 19, 2021
The Vet From Snowy River was a bit of a change of pace for me but one that I really enjoyed. A rural romance/drama with lots of animals and cake - sounds good to me.
And it was. A fun read with the hot vet Josh, who has returned to Hanrahn, years after the gossip and pointing fingers ran him out to Sydney. He is back to work with his sister in the local vet's practice and just wants a simple and uncomplicated life. And then he meets Vera, also new to town. She has just opened The Billy Button Cafe as a way to pay for her sick aunts care. She was once a journalist, and now she is broke and jobless and thanks to her ex boyfriend, facing a date with a judge. Neither of them want a relationship but maybe the attraction is too much to resist.
I am not normally a romance reader as you know, but there was a great story around these 2 characters which made it an enjoyable read. The dog, Jane was my favourite character though. And those cakes that Vera made for the cafe sounded amazing and made me crave sugar!
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending this book my way. The Very From Snowy River is out now.
And it was. A fun read with the hot vet Josh, who has returned to Hanrahn, years after the gossip and pointing fingers ran him out to Sydney. He is back to work with his sister in the local vet's practice and just wants a simple and uncomplicated life. And then he meets Vera, also new to town. She has just opened The Billy Button Cafe as a way to pay for her sick aunts care. She was once a journalist, and now she is broke and jobless and thanks to her ex boyfriend, facing a date with a judge. Neither of them want a relationship but maybe the attraction is too much to resist.
I am not normally a romance reader as you know, but there was a great story around these 2 characters which made it an enjoyable read. The dog, Jane was my favourite character though. And those cakes that Vera made for the cafe sounded amazing and made me crave sugar!
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending this book my way. The Very From Snowy River is out now.
August 6, 2021
The Vet from Snowy River by Stella Quinn
Synopsis /
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...and thanks to her ex-boyfriend - she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
My Thoughts /
The Vet from Snowy River is written by Australian Author, Stella Quinn.
Nothing to see here, except yet another exceptionally well written debut book by an Australian author.
Honestly, who could resist this cover?
But in all seriousness, this novel is pretty darn good. In honour of Jane Doe and her 8 pups, I will henceforth leave you with the following 8 reasons why I think you should read this book:
1 - There is no swearing; no eye gouging; no kicking or screaming; no-one is murdered or physically maimed; and there were no puppies or kittens harmed in the writing of this book!
2 - The characters are diverse and extremely likeable. Graeme smiled. ‘Marigold is a bit of a hippy. She throws words like fate and karma and mindfulness around like she’s throwing Frisbees for a pet dog….I blame it on the yoga’.
3 - There’s romance. Not the 50 Shades of Grey type, nor is it red hot and scorching closed door AO/Restricted18+ rated; it’s more like, PG+ (with some scenes for more mature readers).
4 - Joshua Cody. Single Dad. Newly qualified Vet. Heart-melter (that’s the PG version of ‘smoking hot!”). Joshua Cody has quite the past. He left Hanrahan under something of a cloud, after getting a trainee teacher pregnant right after he graduated high school. After leaving Hanrahan, Josh worked in construction for a number of years to make ends meet before finally settling into Veterinary School. He’s now returned home to Hanrahan to join his sister, Hannah (who is also a vet) as partner in her veterinary practice.
5 - Vera De Rossi - Our heroine. Vera no longer believes in love, in no small part thanks to her ex-boyfriend. Because of him, she's broke, jobless and facing a court case that could lead to prison. So what would any sane person do in this situation? Why open a cafe in small tourist town of course! Vera thinks she’s all alone in her journey, but quickly discovers she has a ‘family’ in the gorgeous cast of characters from Hanrahan who are absolutely not about to let her down.
6 - Rosewater meringue (served deconstructed with strawberries and gold kiwi fruit and crème anglaise). Tiramisu Trifle (served with a generous tipple of amaretto sluiced over it, homemade ice-cream, and whipped mascarpone. I mean seriously, that is so much better than jam drops and chocolate sundaes!
7 - I learned stuff! Who knew that I would enjoy a warm, funny and charming ‘rural’ romance? Well thank you for converting me Stella Quinn!
8 - Lastly, I might/[will] admit that the plot is fairly predictable, but sometimes a low-stakes easy read is just what you need. The author has bought this town and its characters to life in these 410 pages and I have loved my visit there.
Synopsis /
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...and thanks to her ex-boyfriend - she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
My Thoughts /
The Vet from Snowy River is written by Australian Author, Stella Quinn.
Nothing to see here, except yet another exceptionally well written debut book by an Australian author.
Honestly, who could resist this cover?
But in all seriousness, this novel is pretty darn good. In honour of Jane Doe and her 8 pups, I will henceforth leave you with the following 8 reasons why I think you should read this book:
1 - There is no swearing; no eye gouging; no kicking or screaming; no-one is murdered or physically maimed; and there were no puppies or kittens harmed in the writing of this book!
2 - The characters are diverse and extremely likeable. Graeme smiled. ‘Marigold is a bit of a hippy. She throws words like fate and karma and mindfulness around like she’s throwing Frisbees for a pet dog….I blame it on the yoga’.
3 - There’s romance. Not the 50 Shades of Grey type, nor is it red hot and scorching closed door AO/Restricted18+ rated; it’s more like, PG+ (with some scenes for more mature readers).
4 - Joshua Cody. Single Dad. Newly qualified Vet. Heart-melter (that’s the PG version of ‘smoking hot!”). Joshua Cody has quite the past. He left Hanrahan under something of a cloud, after getting a trainee teacher pregnant right after he graduated high school. After leaving Hanrahan, Josh worked in construction for a number of years to make ends meet before finally settling into Veterinary School. He’s now returned home to Hanrahan to join his sister, Hannah (who is also a vet) as partner in her veterinary practice.
5 - Vera De Rossi - Our heroine. Vera no longer believes in love, in no small part thanks to her ex-boyfriend. Because of him, she's broke, jobless and facing a court case that could lead to prison. So what would any sane person do in this situation? Why open a cafe in small tourist town of course! Vera thinks she’s all alone in her journey, but quickly discovers she has a ‘family’ in the gorgeous cast of characters from Hanrahan who are absolutely not about to let her down.
6 - Rosewater meringue (served deconstructed with strawberries and gold kiwi fruit and crème anglaise). Tiramisu Trifle (served with a generous tipple of amaretto sluiced over it, homemade ice-cream, and whipped mascarpone. I mean seriously, that is so much better than jam drops and chocolate sundaes!
7 - I learned stuff! Who knew that I would enjoy a warm, funny and charming ‘rural’ romance? Well thank you for converting me Stella Quinn!
8 - Lastly, I might/[will] admit that the plot is fairly predictable, but sometimes a low-stakes easy read is just what you need. The author has bought this town and its characters to life in these 410 pages and I have loved my visit there.
August 1, 2021
There is always that feel good sensation of reading a satisfying romance. It fills a place in our hearts. This is a wonderful debut and fulfills that sensation.
There is much I enjoyed about this tale. I like that both the lead characters had backstories that succeeded in adding more depth to the story. There was Josh returning to his hometown and the issues concerning the veterinary practice; and, Vera with the reasons why she was escaping city living. I enjoyed the story behind the building restoration and as for the baking … well be prepared to salivate for all the yummies on offer.
I loved that the secondary characters had a real depth to them. Graeme was a real stand out for me … so much in fact, that he achieved almost a whole star rating just for his contribution alone! Coming a close second was Josh’s daughter Poppy - I really enjoyed her character arc and loved to see the journey she was on. Even the animals, especially dear Jane Doe, really added that extra something to this tale.
The issue I had was concerned the ‘Insta-love’ - it all happened too quickly. The relationship needed time to develop and I just found Josh to be too committed too early. I also felt that there were some loose threads all tied together very quickly and needed a bit more fleshing out eg. the issues surrounding the veterinary business. I am also still at a loss as to why Hannah was so closed up on her own personal life. Perhaps that is a future story?
Overall, this provided some good escapism with solid backstories for both the main leads. The sense of community was rich and inviting - the cafe is certainly a place I would love to visit - if for no other reason than the food alone! I am with Vera, I would love to escape to a quiet rural spot with the view of a mountain, something yummy to eat and drink, with a cat purring in my lap!
‘She didn’t want coffee in some grey, city bistro. She wanted mountain air. She wanted a quiet moment in the chair by her window with a fat grey cat on her lap. She wanted to go home.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
There is much I enjoyed about this tale. I like that both the lead characters had backstories that succeeded in adding more depth to the story. There was Josh returning to his hometown and the issues concerning the veterinary practice; and, Vera with the reasons why she was escaping city living. I enjoyed the story behind the building restoration and as for the baking … well be prepared to salivate for all the yummies on offer.
I loved that the secondary characters had a real depth to them. Graeme was a real stand out for me … so much in fact, that he achieved almost a whole star rating just for his contribution alone! Coming a close second was Josh’s daughter Poppy - I really enjoyed her character arc and loved to see the journey she was on. Even the animals, especially dear Jane Doe, really added that extra something to this tale.
The issue I had was concerned the ‘Insta-love’ - it all happened too quickly. The relationship needed time to develop and I just found Josh to be too committed too early. I also felt that there were some loose threads all tied together very quickly and needed a bit more fleshing out eg. the issues surrounding the veterinary business. I am also still at a loss as to why Hannah was so closed up on her own personal life. Perhaps that is a future story?
Overall, this provided some good escapism with solid backstories for both the main leads. The sense of community was rich and inviting - the cafe is certainly a place I would love to visit - if for no other reason than the food alone! I am with Vera, I would love to escape to a quiet rural spot with the view of a mountain, something yummy to eat and drink, with a cat purring in my lap!
‘She didn’t want coffee in some grey, city bistro. She wanted mountain air. She wanted a quiet moment in the chair by her window with a fat grey cat on her lap. She wanted to go home.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
May 20, 2021
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Look out rural writers there’s a fresh new voice out in the wild and what a talent she is.
Vera De Rossi has just opened The Billy Button Cafe in small town Hanrahan.
She has just arrived from the city where her ex boyfriend has got her into all sorts of trouble that could lead to a prison stint if convicted.
While she awaits her court date she cooks up a storm in the little country community, meeting the locals, visiting her sick aunt and attracting the attention of the spunky vet.
Josh Cody ran from the gossip and deserted the town many years ago but now has returned and is working with his sister in the regional vet clinic.
Vera has no intention of getting mixed up with Josh but destiny has stepped in and when the past meets the present and the comings and going’s of the town all collide, everyone gets involved.
A great entertaining and enjoyable book that’s a wonderful addition to the rural romance slash fiction category.
With its warm selection of colourful and charismatic characters, the welcoming embrace of the district and the storyline of engaging, relatable and sympathetic issues and situations, those picking up this book will be charmed to the max.
The banter between characters flows naturally and the writing is inviting.
A book that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommended as I’m sure it will captivate many.
A solid plot that gives the reader all they have come to expect from the genre.
Look out rural writers there’s a fresh new voice out in the wild and what a talent she is.
Vera De Rossi has just opened The Billy Button Cafe in small town Hanrahan.
She has just arrived from the city where her ex boyfriend has got her into all sorts of trouble that could lead to a prison stint if convicted.
While she awaits her court date she cooks up a storm in the little country community, meeting the locals, visiting her sick aunt and attracting the attention of the spunky vet.
Josh Cody ran from the gossip and deserted the town many years ago but now has returned and is working with his sister in the regional vet clinic.
Vera has no intention of getting mixed up with Josh but destiny has stepped in and when the past meets the present and the comings and going’s of the town all collide, everyone gets involved.
A great entertaining and enjoyable book that’s a wonderful addition to the rural romance slash fiction category.
With its warm selection of colourful and charismatic characters, the welcoming embrace of the district and the storyline of engaging, relatable and sympathetic issues and situations, those picking up this book will be charmed to the max.
The banter between characters flows naturally and the writing is inviting.
A book that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommended as I’m sure it will captivate many.
A solid plot that gives the reader all they have come to expect from the genre.
June 1, 2021
What a wonderful story!
My first book from Stella Quinn, won't be my last.
The Vet from Snowy River is rural romance with depth, heart and unforgettable characters.
Vera is a prickly cafe owner caring for Jill, her aunt with dementia, and running from her past, including a court date/trial courtesy of her sleaze bag ex.
Josh is the utterly charming small town vet who is a heart-melter.
I loved that their road to romance was rocky and fraught with obstacles.
And the secondary characters in this lovely story almost steal the show. Graeme the barista, Marigold, Kev, and Poppy, Josh's 15 year old daughter, are a wonderful addition to this layered story.
(And I hope we get Hannah and Tom's story soon!)
This book was truly a delightful surprise for me and I devoured it quickly.
My first book from Stella Quinn, won't be my last.
The Vet from Snowy River is rural romance with depth, heart and unforgettable characters.
Vera is a prickly cafe owner caring for Jill, her aunt with dementia, and running from her past, including a court date/trial courtesy of her sleaze bag ex.
Josh is the utterly charming small town vet who is a heart-melter.
I loved that their road to romance was rocky and fraught with obstacles.
And the secondary characters in this lovely story almost steal the show. Graeme the barista, Marigold, Kev, and Poppy, Josh's 15 year old daughter, are a wonderful addition to this layered story.
(And I hope we get Hannah and Tom's story soon!)
This book was truly a delightful surprise for me and I devoured it quickly.
July 19, 2022
I've been meaning to read The Vet from Snowy River for awhile now. And Oh. My. Goodness, it's so sweet! And I'm not just talking about the drool worthy cakes that are served in The Billy Button Cafe!
Our heroine is Vera De Rossi. She's a newcomer to the fictional town of Hanrahan, set in the Snowy Mountains. Once a journalist, she's now the propertier of The Billy Button Cafe, dishing out treats to the public on a day to day basis.
Vera is determined not to let herself get involved with anyone or anything in the community. In her eyes, she's only opened this cafe to fund her aunt's medical bills. But what circumstances has caused this young woman to lose the spark that was once in her eyes?
Luckily for her, the community of this historical town welcomes her with open arms. Especially local vet Josh Cady, who's just returned back to his hometown after fifteen years.
Josh is our hero, and he's just perfection wrapped up with a bow. After causing a scandal as a teenager, he's returned home after fifteen years. Now newly minted as a veterinarian, he's bought into a partnership with his sister Hannah. And oh boy, doesn't sweet Josh have heart shaped eyes for the very private Vera?
I'm always a sucker for a small town romance, that is filled with memorable and quirky characters. Whilst a strong supportive community and cute animals is a huge bonus (which are plentiful here), it's the topic of aged care, especially elder abuse that makes this different to anything else in this genre. These sensitive subjects may be hard to read about for some, so just be warned. Still, they're handled with a lot of care and diligence.
Stella has written something that's just so gorgeous, and it comes with the highest of recommendations! Keep an eye out for the side characters and animal friends, for they steal the show often!
An easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 from me!
Our heroine is Vera De Rossi. She's a newcomer to the fictional town of Hanrahan, set in the Snowy Mountains. Once a journalist, she's now the propertier of The Billy Button Cafe, dishing out treats to the public on a day to day basis.
Vera is determined not to let herself get involved with anyone or anything in the community. In her eyes, she's only opened this cafe to fund her aunt's medical bills. But what circumstances has caused this young woman to lose the spark that was once in her eyes?
Luckily for her, the community of this historical town welcomes her with open arms. Especially local vet Josh Cady, who's just returned back to his hometown after fifteen years.
Josh is our hero, and he's just perfection wrapped up with a bow. After causing a scandal as a teenager, he's returned home after fifteen years. Now newly minted as a veterinarian, he's bought into a partnership with his sister Hannah. And oh boy, doesn't sweet Josh have heart shaped eyes for the very private Vera?
I'm always a sucker for a small town romance, that is filled with memorable and quirky characters. Whilst a strong supportive community and cute animals is a huge bonus (which are plentiful here), it's the topic of aged care, especially elder abuse that makes this different to anything else in this genre. These sensitive subjects may be hard to read about for some, so just be warned. Still, they're handled with a lot of care and diligence.
Stella has written something that's just so gorgeous, and it comes with the highest of recommendations! Keep an eye out for the side characters and animal friends, for they steal the show often!
An easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 from me!
September 14, 2022
So lovely! Absolutely loved every thing about this novel! Loved the historical town of Hanrahan, where ‘we take care of people here’ loved Josh Cody, the once golden child of the town, loved Vera with her ‘track record of screwing things up..’ loved loved loved the Billy Button Cafe…I would have loved to spend more time here, I’m not ready to leave!!!
September 19, 2021
Un romance molto carino, ben strutturato, ambientato nella piccola comunità - fittizia - di Hanrahan nel parco nazionale australiano di Snowy River in primavera, quindi un periodo in cui la stagione sciistica e turistica è ferma (e sembra sempre strano pensare che ottobre e novembre sono primavera down-under!)
I due protagonisti non hanno certo una vita idilliaca e fino agli ultimi capitoli la situazione continua a peggiorare e peggiorare e peggiorare. Vera con un processo pendente sul capo e la possibilità di andare in prigione e la zia che - a causa della demenza senile - non la riconosce e non le parla più; Josh con i problemi collegati alla ristrutturazione dell'edificio di famiglia in cui c'è la clinica veterinaria in cui esercita assieme alla sorella Hannah.
Alla fine, naturalmente tutto si sistema (altrimenti che romance sarebbe?), mentre la narrazione della Quinn si fa sempre più incalzante, con capitoli brevi e vorticosi, che fanno terminare la lettura col fiato sospeso.
I due protagonisti non hanno certo una vita idilliaca e fino agli ultimi capitoli la situazione continua a peggiorare e peggiorare e peggiorare. Vera con un processo pendente sul capo e la possibilità di andare in prigione e la zia che - a causa della demenza senile - non la riconosce e non le parla più; Josh con i problemi collegati alla ristrutturazione dell'edificio di famiglia in cui c'è la clinica veterinaria in cui esercita assieme alla sorella Hannah.
Alla fine, naturalmente tutto si sistema (altrimenti che romance sarebbe?), mentre la narrazione della Quinn si fa sempre più incalzante, con capitoli brevi e vorticosi, che fanno terminare la lettura col fiato sospeso.
June 23, 2021
I really felt like another rural romance to read and this one was the only one that’s on my June TBR pile that fit the bill. I didn’t really know much about it but the setting intrigued me – the snowy mountains have been popping up a little in rural fiction recently and I was keen to get into this one and see how it was.
Vera De Rossi is new in the small town of Hanrahan and she’s opening a cafe which she helps will provide enough income to pay for her aunt’s fees at a hospice. Vera has definitely had a rough time of it lately and she has a court case pending over her head, the outcome uncertain. Josh Cody grew up in Hanrahan and is back after 15 or so years away, to work in a veterinary practice with his sister. There’s definitely an attraction between Josh and Vera but Vera is very reluctant to become involved: she can’t trust her judgement at the moment and she’s been let down (and believes she’s let people down) so her self-confidence and esteem is at rock bottom. She’s prickly but that doesn’t put Josh off at all.
There was a lot about this that I really liked – the idea of Josh returning to his hometown, the veterinary practice setting and Vera opening the cafe. All the baked treats and meals described in this sounded absolutely delicious and the character of Graeme, who becomes Vera’s barista/front of house person was amazing – I thought he was fabulous. I also really liked Poppy, Josh’s daughter and also the way in which Josh and Poppy’s mother had a really great relationship. Josh’s relationship with Poppy too felt realistic and fraught with the tension of parenting a teenage girl and negotiating feelings of abandonment. The animals were excellent little characters in their own right – Jane Doe and all her pups as well as the stray cat that befriends Vera.
But there were a few things that I thought needed some work, plot wise – such as the development of the relationship between Josh and Vera. Josh’s first move felt very premature and there were times he came across as a bit pushy when Vera was giving some clear signals that she wanted him to back off. Even if her thoughts were conflicted, Josh should listen to what she was saying. There were times when Josh came across a bit younger than I think he was supposed to be, almost like an eager puppy. Also there’s a bit of the later part of the book devoted to a sort of sabotage attempt on his and his sister’s business and it kind of flares up and then fizzles out and goes no where but there’s a bit about Hannah, Josh’s sister in this book and whatever she may have going on or not going on with a high school friend of Josh’s. So perhaps there’ll be another book about those two and there’ll be more about that in the future because I felt like it took up quite a bit of page time for something that felt well, honestly, a bit like filler. It felt like drama for drama’s sake rather than advancing the plot in a meaningful way.
Overall I mostly enjoyed this, especially parts surrounding the building of the community and Vera’s journey in the cafe and her growth as a character. But I didn’t really love Josh and I think some of the pacing in the relationship needed a little bit of work, for me it just felt a bit rushed, especially because of Vera’s personality. I liked this and found it enjoyable but I didn’t love it. However, if there does turn out to be a book about Hannah I’d definitely read that because I found whatever was or wasn’t going on with her, interesting and I’d like to know more.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Vera De Rossi is new in the small town of Hanrahan and she’s opening a cafe which she helps will provide enough income to pay for her aunt’s fees at a hospice. Vera has definitely had a rough time of it lately and she has a court case pending over her head, the outcome uncertain. Josh Cody grew up in Hanrahan and is back after 15 or so years away, to work in a veterinary practice with his sister. There’s definitely an attraction between Josh and Vera but Vera is very reluctant to become involved: she can’t trust her judgement at the moment and she’s been let down (and believes she’s let people down) so her self-confidence and esteem is at rock bottom. She’s prickly but that doesn’t put Josh off at all.
There was a lot about this that I really liked – the idea of Josh returning to his hometown, the veterinary practice setting and Vera opening the cafe. All the baked treats and meals described in this sounded absolutely delicious and the character of Graeme, who becomes Vera’s barista/front of house person was amazing – I thought he was fabulous. I also really liked Poppy, Josh’s daughter and also the way in which Josh and Poppy’s mother had a really great relationship. Josh’s relationship with Poppy too felt realistic and fraught with the tension of parenting a teenage girl and negotiating feelings of abandonment. The animals were excellent little characters in their own right – Jane Doe and all her pups as well as the stray cat that befriends Vera.
But there were a few things that I thought needed some work, plot wise – such as the development of the relationship between Josh and Vera. Josh’s first move felt very premature and there were times he came across as a bit pushy when Vera was giving some clear signals that she wanted him to back off. Even if her thoughts were conflicted, Josh should listen to what she was saying. There were times when Josh came across a bit younger than I think he was supposed to be, almost like an eager puppy. Also there’s a bit of the later part of the book devoted to a sort of sabotage attempt on his and his sister’s business and it kind of flares up and then fizzles out and goes no where but there’s a bit about Hannah, Josh’s sister in this book and whatever she may have going on or not going on with a high school friend of Josh’s. So perhaps there’ll be another book about those two and there’ll be more about that in the future because I felt like it took up quite a bit of page time for something that felt well, honestly, a bit like filler. It felt like drama for drama’s sake rather than advancing the plot in a meaningful way.
Overall I mostly enjoyed this, especially parts surrounding the building of the community and Vera’s journey in the cafe and her growth as a character. But I didn’t really love Josh and I think some of the pacing in the relationship needed a little bit of work, for me it just felt a bit rushed, especially because of Vera’s personality. I liked this and found it enjoyable but I didn’t love it. However, if there does turn out to be a book about Hannah I’d definitely read that because I found whatever was or wasn’t going on with her, interesting and I’d like to know more.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
November 17, 2021
I love a good rural romance and supporting Australian authors who write in this fairly market-heavy genre. Stella Quinn's debut novel, The Vet from Snowy River', had some lovely moments but fell short of being a satisfying read. The good stuff: The descriptions of Australia's alpine country were beautiful and made me want to visit. I enjoyed meeting the quirky inhabitants of Hanrahan (a fictional town). I loved the mouth-watering goodies depicted at the cafe. I liked Vera's interaction with her aunt. Poppy was a sweetheart. Not so good: The romance fell flat for me and neither Josh nor Vera seemed very mature. Josh acted more like a teenager. There are constant references to his high school years, salaciously describing how he 'went through the netball team' and even that he had an affair with his teacher who became pregnant (I would have thought this was illegal.... but the author almost cheerfully dismisses this when Josh says 'she was only a trainee teacher'). I thought this was a very puzzling backstory to include. Vera's irritating character fell into the trap that so many of these stories rely on - secrets from her past life, not confiding or communicating with anyone, and the fact that one man betrayed her so she is not going to trust any man again and just wants to live alone - a very tired plot element. Disappointing stuff: I would have liked the court case about caring in the aged care sector to have been discussed in the town. I would have thought Vera would have been proud of what she had done and told everyone, instead of feeling ashamed. I didn't get that. Hannah seemed merely a foil for her brother so they could make witty remarks to each other. She didn't seem to have any other purpose. Any lastly, why do publishers put photos on the cover of a book that bear no resemblance to the actual characters.
June 1, 2021
What an amazing story!! I was hooked from the first page. Definitely one of my top reads this year and I have a new favourite Australian Author. I look forward to reading lots more of your books Stella.
September 25, 2021
Couldn't put it down. If you love warm-hearted stories full of small town characters with true community, plus heritage buildings, lovable animals, cooking, coffee and an angsty teenager - then this is one book you need to read. I'm heading back to my kindle to get some more Stella Quinn ...
June 27, 2021
Such an easy, breezy read - the exact right level of cheese required for a lockdown weekend.
June 24, 2025
It gets two stars cos I do truly enjoy hate reading a book.
I don’t love romance books (unless they’re historical fiction or written by Jane Austen) but if they’re 99c on Apple Books I will give them a go.
Which is how I ended up here. In a white settler town in Australia somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney. Ish.
I’m not sure which trope this is exactly but it is the one where a woman is unavailable because of contrived reasons plus she is establishing a new cafe because she is magically an amazing baker. Despite a lack of any business plan (or basic business nous) the cafe seems to thrive.
Across the park is a handsome six foot two single dad. Who is also a vet and works construction for free in his spare time (so imagine FIT). And we are repeatedly told he got a scholarship out of high school which is more of an American thing but it is a narrative device to let us know that despite being handsome and fit he is also smart.
We need to be told this because no one acts like an actual human in this.
It’s very PG and sweet and I read it in a day at my hairdressers while she worked her magic. That might have also added to my 2 star rating of an otherwise 1 star book.
But if you love a light romance which gives pumpkin spice vibes if you know what I mean and isn’t really connected to any real world you’ll probably love it.
I don’t love romance books (unless they’re historical fiction or written by Jane Austen) but if they’re 99c on Apple Books I will give them a go.
Which is how I ended up here. In a white settler town in Australia somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney. Ish.
I’m not sure which trope this is exactly but it is the one where a woman is unavailable because of contrived reasons plus she is establishing a new cafe because she is magically an amazing baker. Despite a lack of any business plan (or basic business nous) the cafe seems to thrive.
Across the park is a handsome six foot two single dad. Who is also a vet and works construction for free in his spare time (so imagine FIT). And we are repeatedly told he got a scholarship out of high school which is more of an American thing but it is a narrative device to let us know that despite being handsome and fit he is also smart.
We need to be told this because no one acts like an actual human in this.
It’s very PG and sweet and I read it in a day at my hairdressers while she worked her magic. That might have also added to my 2 star rating of an otherwise 1 star book.
But if you love a light romance which gives pumpkin spice vibes if you know what I mean and isn’t really connected to any real world you’ll probably love it.
February 4, 2022
This was a very well written, warm - hearted rural romance that I've thoroughly enjoyed during my summer break. If you're after a feel good book to escape to with wonderful characters, small town community vibes, food, pets, romance and a happy ending I can recommend The Vet From Snowy River.
I'm finding that during this pandemic that I'm putting off reading certain books containing challenging subject matter ( they're sitting on my bookshelves for future reading). Instead I'm choosing more "feel good" books and this one ticked the right boxes for me. Is anyone else being more selective about their reading choices right now?
This is my 1st read by this author and I see she has written more than 20 books. How did I not know that? I'll be looking out for more of Stella's books in the future.
I'm finding that during this pandemic that I'm putting off reading certain books containing challenging subject matter ( they're sitting on my bookshelves for future reading). Instead I'm choosing more "feel good" books and this one ticked the right boxes for me. Is anyone else being more selective about their reading choices right now?
This is my 1st read by this author and I see she has written more than 20 books. How did I not know that? I'll be looking out for more of Stella's books in the future.
March 11, 2022
I listened to this book as an audio book. The story of the new cafe owner in town, and the recently returned local vet is the cornerstone of this romance novel. But it’s richer and more layered than that simple storyline. The story of Vera’s aunt Jill, who suffers vascular dementia and is in a nursing home, and the side-spotlight shown on this industry (both good and bad) brought many-a-tear to my eye, as it touched closely on my experiences of having parents with Dementia. I really wish that the book mentioned at the end of the story was a reality.
It was beautifully written with a great, warm and diverse cast of characters, both human and pet. I would love to go for a drive up to the snowy mountains to enjoy these beautiful views and sit in her cafe for a cake and coffee special. Thanks for writing such a gorgeous story.
It was beautifully written with a great, warm and diverse cast of characters, both human and pet. I would love to go for a drive up to the snowy mountains to enjoy these beautiful views and sit in her cafe for a cake and coffee special. Thanks for writing such a gorgeous story.
May 28, 2021
ARC received from Harper Collins/Mira for an honest review
Now I will admit that I am not the biggest fan of of rural romance (I did the tree change and know what it is really like in the country), and have found that things have been getting a little stale in the genre.
But what a refreshing voice Stella Quinn is.
I get Vera's feeling of moving into a small town, of feeling like an outsider, of feeling alone (I moved to my town 18 years ago, and it took me a long time to feel like a local!). I could completely relate with her.
I get the feeling of all eyes on you, waiting for you to be the next piece of gossip for the mill. Just like Vera and the lovely vet Josh, you can't sneeze without someone two streets over saying bless you!
I loved the colourful characters of Hanrahan, with all their quirk. Before you know it, they will feel like family to you as you are reading along.
Full of heart and emotion, I enjoyed every minute of reading The Vet From Snowy River,
In fact, this book is like a big, warm hug. It was a delightful read, that is perfect to curl up under a blankie and just get completely swept away with.
a>
Now I will admit that I am not the biggest fan of of rural romance (I did the tree change and know what it is really like in the country), and have found that things have been getting a little stale in the genre.
But what a refreshing voice Stella Quinn is.
I get Vera's feeling of moving into a small town, of feeling like an outsider, of feeling alone (I moved to my town 18 years ago, and it took me a long time to feel like a local!). I could completely relate with her.
I get the feeling of all eyes on you, waiting for you to be the next piece of gossip for the mill. Just like Vera and the lovely vet Josh, you can't sneeze without someone two streets over saying bless you!
I loved the colourful characters of Hanrahan, with all their quirk. Before you know it, they will feel like family to you as you are reading along.
Full of heart and emotion, I enjoyed every minute of reading The Vet From Snowy River,
In fact, this book is like a big, warm hug. It was a delightful read, that is perfect to curl up under a blankie and just get completely swept away with.
a>
June 4, 2021
Pithy humour balances out the angst in this lovely rural romance. Set in the fictitious town of Hanrahan in the Australian Alps, it is a story of second chances for café owner Vera de Rossi and single father Josh Cody. This gorgeous story is character-driven with the secondary characters like café manager Graeme and town force of nature Marigold demanding their place on the page. These two along with Josh’s fifteen year old daughter Poppy provide plenty of humour to lighten what is at times a very tough load for Vera and Josh to bear. I found myself loving the lot of them as I powered through the pages.
Author Stella Quinn has done a marvellous job of setting the scene. It’s easy to imagine Hanrahan’s granite Federation buildings, the cosy atmosphere in the Billy Button Café and the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. I felt so at home in this book. I laughed at Graeme’s little notes to Vera and cried a little when reading Vera’s notes to her Aunt Jill. This story engaged me from the start and had me captivated to the end. It has been a joy to read.
Author Stella Quinn has done a marvellous job of setting the scene. It’s easy to imagine Hanrahan’s granite Federation buildings, the cosy atmosphere in the Billy Button Café and the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. I felt so at home in this book. I laughed at Graeme’s little notes to Vera and cried a little when reading Vera’s notes to her Aunt Jill. This story engaged me from the start and had me captivated to the end. It has been a joy to read.
June 10, 2021
Australian rural romance at its best! Loved this heart-warming story set in small town Australia. Ticked so many boxes for me - vets, pets, café life, sense of community, humour and plenty of drama... Stella Quinn’s writing was like a warm reassuring embrace. A real literary hug! Can’t wait to read more of her novels.
Read
June 16, 2021A warm, funny and charming rural romance from fellow RWA blogger, Stella Quinn. Lots of laughs, quirky small-town characters and supporting cast of much-loved animals. Thanks to Harlequin Books for sending me a review copy of this, it's sure to be a big hit with rural romance fans!
July 5, 2021
A book that went from laugh out loud to mouth watering whilst raiding the pantry. Absolutely loved this book and the characters! Really hope a certain sassy sister gets her own book.
September 10, 2021
Absolutely love this book.
March 24, 2022
DNFed at 145p because the writing was absolutely appalling.
April 3, 2022
"Trustworthiness shone out of Josh Cody the way lemon scent steamed out of a fresh-cooked souffle."
The Vet From Snowy River is an enjoyable Aussie romance set in the fictional Snowy Mountains town of Hanrahan. It's told from two perspectives. There's the vet, Josh, who returns home after a 15-year hiatus to run the local practice alongside his sister. Then there's the new cafe owner, Vera.
Both characters have complicated pasts and presents, which definitely added to the plot and kept the story flowing. On one hand, Vera has an aunt with dementia and a court date looming. Meanwhile, Josh has an angsty teenage daughter and an arsonist issue.
But together, it's hard to deny their chemistry. Now, Vera was very hot and cold towards Josh, which was understandable in the beginning but somewhat exacerbating towards the end. Josh was a total charmer though and didn't give up without a fight. I mean, how could she resist him? His best friend was a labrador! And she did call him "six feet of chiselled sunshine." Her unsureness towards their blossoming relationship meant I found the ending to be quite unrealistic.
Nevertheless, I still found the book to be a very heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) read. The pair were supported by a great cast of small-town characters. I particularly loved Graeme, who clearly deserves his own book. I also really liked Quinn's descriptive writing style. I wouldn't hesitate to read another of her books.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
The Vet From Snowy River is an enjoyable Aussie romance set in the fictional Snowy Mountains town of Hanrahan. It's told from two perspectives. There's the vet, Josh, who returns home after a 15-year hiatus to run the local practice alongside his sister. Then there's the new cafe owner, Vera.
Both characters have complicated pasts and presents, which definitely added to the plot and kept the story flowing. On one hand, Vera has an aunt with dementia and a court date looming. Meanwhile, Josh has an angsty teenage daughter and an arsonist issue.
But together, it's hard to deny their chemistry. Now, Vera was very hot and cold towards Josh, which was understandable in the beginning but somewhat exacerbating towards the end. Josh was a total charmer though and didn't give up without a fight. I mean, how could she resist him? His best friend was a labrador! And she did call him "six feet of chiselled sunshine." Her unsureness towards their blossoming relationship meant I found the ending to be quite unrealistic.
Nevertheless, I still found the book to be a very heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) read. The pair were supported by a great cast of small-town characters. I particularly loved Graeme, who clearly deserves his own book. I also really liked Quinn's descriptive writing style. I wouldn't hesitate to read another of her books.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
October 19, 2025
Most enjoyable book to read, great characters, good story. A nice relaxing read.
A hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but well-meaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country ... A fresh and funny rural romance, perfect for readers of Alissa Callen and Rachael Johns.
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...
And thanks to her ex-boyfriend- she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with his killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?
Funny, feel-good and entertaining, a stellar romance debut from an award-winning new talent.
A hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but well-meaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country ... A fresh and funny rural romance, perfect for readers of Alissa Callen and Rachael Johns.
Vera De Rossi no longer believes in love ...
And thanks to her ex-boyfriend- she's also broke, jobless, and staring down the barrel at a court case that could land her in prison. Turning to her talent for baking, Vera opens a cafe in Hanrahan, a cosy tourist town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Josh Cody, once Hanrahan's golden boy, escaped sixteen years ago with gossip hard on his heels and a pregnant girlfriend in tow. Now he's back: a qualified veterinarian - and a single dad with a lot to prove. A new start and a grumpy teenage daughter ... it's a lot to juggle, and there's no room in his life for further complications. But that's before he walks into The Billy Button Cafe and meets its prickly owner ...
Reeling from the past, Vera has no intention of being sidetracked by the hot vet with his killer smile. But fate has a way of tripping up our best intentions and between a stray cat and a busybody with a heart of gold, this is a town - a family - unlike any other. And, whether Vera wants it or not, is there anything a family won't do to help one of its own?
Funny, feel-good and entertaining, a stellar romance debut from an award-winning new talent.
December 23, 2022
This review is going to be a mixed bag! There were elements I thoroughly enjoyed but I also have some criticisms.
I’d like to preface this by saying, I’m Australian. I read a lot of books and if I had to guess, I’d say a good 95% of what I read does not have an Australian setting. So, as I was reading this book set in Aus, I was absolutely delighted by familiar slang and the consistent stream of references to Australian foods, sports, animals and more. It makes me want to seek out more.
I also enjoyed the plot. I liked how both the FMC and the MMC had their own seperate worries and issues they were facing. The book was well paced and the arcs wrapped up nicely.
I loved that this book was in dual POV. I ALWAYS want this in any romance.
Unfortunately, this romance was fade to black. I acknowledge that some authors/readers have a preference for closed door scenes but this review is a reflection of my own personal tastes and I … hate it 🙈
In fact, I struggled to buy the chemistry between the main pairing. Why did Josh even like Vera as much as he did, as quickly as he did? Additionally, I would’ve enjoyed more detailed descriptions of their physical attraction for one another.
Primarily this is a contemporary romance so I expected a little more I think, from the actual romance. There was something … lacklustre about it.
That being said, I think if you are a reader who prefers closed door romances and like a small town setting - you might just love this!
I’d like to preface this by saying, I’m Australian. I read a lot of books and if I had to guess, I’d say a good 95% of what I read does not have an Australian setting. So, as I was reading this book set in Aus, I was absolutely delighted by familiar slang and the consistent stream of references to Australian foods, sports, animals and more. It makes me want to seek out more.
I also enjoyed the plot. I liked how both the FMC and the MMC had their own seperate worries and issues they were facing. The book was well paced and the arcs wrapped up nicely.
I loved that this book was in dual POV. I ALWAYS want this in any romance.
Unfortunately, this romance was fade to black. I acknowledge that some authors/readers have a preference for closed door scenes but this review is a reflection of my own personal tastes and I … hate it 🙈
In fact, I struggled to buy the chemistry between the main pairing. Why did Josh even like Vera as much as he did, as quickly as he did? Additionally, I would’ve enjoyed more detailed descriptions of their physical attraction for one another.
Primarily this is a contemporary romance so I expected a little more I think, from the actual romance. There was something … lacklustre about it.
That being said, I think if you are a reader who prefers closed door romances and like a small town setting - you might just love this!
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