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Secrets of Silvergum
Bestselling Australian author Mandy Magro returns with a compelling rural romance about love and the cost of keeping secrets.Can dark family secrets ever truly be buried?When a horrible twist of fate leaves teenage friends Emma Kensington and Zane Wolfe reeling in the wake of a fatal accident, the two are driven apart for decades.As a professional bull rider in America for the past sixteen years, Zane has stayed a sensible distance from the one woman he's always loved but could never have - Emma, his childhood friend and his brother's wife. But a phone call revealing his stepfather's sudden death means keeping half a world between them is no longer an option. Returning to Silvergum, how will he keep his long-held feelings under control?For Emma, the death of her father-in-law, Peter, is shadowed by the secrets he'd been blackmailing her with. She's finally free to tell the truth to the man she's covertly loved from afar all this time. But Peter's hand stretches beyond the grave, and all too soon Emma discovers she's not the only one who has been keeping secrets. And to make peace with her past, she could very likely lose everything she loves most...PRAISE FOR MANDY'Seasoned Australian rural romance novelist Mandy Magro gifts her readers with another genuine read told from the heart ' - Mrs B's Book Reviews'A little bit of everything to take your emotions on a non-stop-ride .' - Beauty & Lace
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2023
25 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books332 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 17, 2023
Buried family secrets have a way of festering away for many years. Especially when you're a person who has knowledge of events and isn't able to share the burden. For Emma Kensington, this is reality. She's being blackmailed by her ex husband and father in law about an unfortunate incident that occurred in her teens AND is also unable to tell the one man she's ever loved and trusted that he's the father of her teenage daughter.... Who also happens to be her ex brother-in-law.
Emma and Zane Wolfe grew up together and should've been so much more if they weren't separated for years. Whilst Emma was stuck in a loveless marriage, Zane was making a successful name for himself as a champion bull rider in the USA. That wasn't the only title Zane earned- the other being Cassanova- a nickname that he detests, seeing that he's been holding a candle for Emma since forever.
So when the death of his adoptive father brings Zane home, Emma feels that it's finally time to drop that biggie.. until Peter Wolfe's estate is read. There's a controlling message from beyond the grave, reminding Emma that her life is still able to be ruined. Meanwhile, Zane is fighting his own battles- that forbidden line between friendship and love with Emma AND the horrible conflict with his brother Michael. Our hunky cowboy has absolutely no idea what is about to knock him out for six!
Wowsers, this one from our rural romance Queen was really angsty!! Sometimes obstacles get in the way for true love, something Zane and Emma must hurdle over multiple times. When you add a teenage girl who's trying to figure out life, a lawyer father/son duo who's extremely nasty plus a stunning FNQ setting that's blended with Mandy's usual fab writing, a perfect recipe for a ripper tale is created.
A real treat for someone who hasn't read a Mandy Magro gem in ages!!
A nice little throwback to Australia's Funniest Home Videos is included, featuring a feuding duck named Peking and cat named Kat... Which spans a generation.
🦆🐈⬛🤭
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Emma and Zane Wolfe grew up together and should've been so much more if they weren't separated for years. Whilst Emma was stuck in a loveless marriage, Zane was making a successful name for himself as a champion bull rider in the USA. That wasn't the only title Zane earned- the other being Cassanova- a nickname that he detests, seeing that he's been holding a candle for Emma since forever.
So when the death of his adoptive father brings Zane home, Emma feels that it's finally time to drop that biggie.. until Peter Wolfe's estate is read. There's a controlling message from beyond the grave, reminding Emma that her life is still able to be ruined. Meanwhile, Zane is fighting his own battles- that forbidden line between friendship and love with Emma AND the horrible conflict with his brother Michael. Our hunky cowboy has absolutely no idea what is about to knock him out for six!
Wowsers, this one from our rural romance Queen was really angsty!! Sometimes obstacles get in the way for true love, something Zane and Emma must hurdle over multiple times. When you add a teenage girl who's trying to figure out life, a lawyer father/son duo who's extremely nasty plus a stunning FNQ setting that's blended with Mandy's usual fab writing, a perfect recipe for a ripper tale is created.
A real treat for someone who hasn't read a Mandy Magro gem in ages!!
A nice little throwback to Australia's Funniest Home Videos is included, featuring a feuding duck named Peking and cat named Kat... Which spans a generation.
🦆🐈⬛🤭
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
May 27, 2019
Secrets of Silvergum was utterly intriguing. Set in rural North Queensland this is a second chance at love for Emma Kensington and Zane Wolfe. After sixteen years away Zane has returned to Silvergum following his stepfather’s death.
Blackmail is very much the driving force for this story — Emma’s former father in law Peter has had her over a barrel over an accidental death in his kitchen, a death which he has convinced her is her fault. With this hanging over her head, Emma is reluctant to pursue a relationship with Zane now that he’s back in town and she’s divorced from his stepbrother.
There are so many twists to this story and so many times that I thought Emma and Zane would finally get their happy ever after only to have yet another issue arise and thwart them. This was edge of my seat reading combined with the comfort of an Australian rural setting that I could relate to. It’s been a terrific read.
Blackmail is very much the driving force for this story — Emma’s former father in law Peter has had her over a barrel over an accidental death in his kitchen, a death which he has convinced her is her fault. With this hanging over her head, Emma is reluctant to pursue a relationship with Zane now that he’s back in town and she’s divorced from his stepbrother.
There are so many twists to this story and so many times that I thought Emma and Zane would finally get their happy ever after only to have yet another issue arise and thwart them. This was edge of my seat reading combined with the comfort of an Australian rural setting that I could relate to. It’s been a terrific read.
October 30, 2019
Secrets of Silvergum is about revenge, greed and jealousy. Emma Kensington and Zane Wolfe families were childhood friends until an incident that happened at Zane family home tore them apart. Zane Wolfe runs away to be a professional bull rider in the USA. Emma Kensington married Zane brother Michael and had a daughter Riley. However, her father-in-law was blackmailing Emma to ensure she keeps her secret. The readers of Secrets of Silvergum will follow the twists and turns to find out what happens to Zane and Emma.
I loved reading Secrets of Silvergum; Mandy Magro engaged me with this book from the start in the way she incorporated all the twists and turns. Mandy Magro excellently does the portrayal of the characters and the way she intertwines then throughout this book. Secrets of Silvergum is well written and researched by Mandy Magro. I like the description of the settings of this book and could picture myself living in the township of Silvergum.
The readers of Secrets of Silvergum will learn about the problems that teenage children have when a parent neglects them. Also, the readers of Secrets of Silvergum will learn about being a professional
I recommend this book.
I loved reading Secrets of Silvergum; Mandy Magro engaged me with this book from the start in the way she incorporated all the twists and turns. Mandy Magro excellently does the portrayal of the characters and the way she intertwines then throughout this book. Secrets of Silvergum is well written and researched by Mandy Magro. I like the description of the settings of this book and could picture myself living in the township of Silvergum.
The readers of Secrets of Silvergum will learn about the problems that teenage children have when a parent neglects them. Also, the readers of Secrets of Silvergum will learn about being a professional
I recommend this book.
July 8, 2019
Ohhh what a story.
Two people who both are connected through a terrible incident and also through emotions that they must deal with amongst other demands that are pushed upon them. Emma and Zane are two people who are both a strong and resilient characters that make the book one you cannot put down.
Two people who both are connected through a terrible incident and also through emotions that they must deal with amongst other demands that are pushed upon them. Emma and Zane are two people who are both a strong and resilient characters that make the book one you cannot put down.
June 13, 2019
Another enjoyable read by Mandy with intrigue, interesting plot twists, hot romance, and an authentic rural tone. :)
June 11, 2019
Finished this in 4 hours of reading. Went to bed early and couldn't put it down.
April 28, 2020
**2 stars**
Poor story, poor writing.
When a horrible twist of fate leaves teenage friends Emma Kensington and Zane Wolfe reeling in the wake of a fatal accident, the two are driven apart for decades. 17 years later they are reunited after the death of Zane's stepfather...
Overall I thought this was a stupid story that was farfetched and way over the top. There was absolutely nothing realistic or believable about it. The story about the mafia? Ridiculous, how anyone could believe that was kinda stupid. If I was to list all of the things that annoyed me about this novel the list would be too long.
Poor story, poor writing.
When a horrible twist of fate leaves teenage friends Emma Kensington and Zane Wolfe reeling in the wake of a fatal accident, the two are driven apart for decades. 17 years later they are reunited after the death of Zane's stepfather...
Overall I thought this was a stupid story that was farfetched and way over the top. There was absolutely nothing realistic or believable about it. The story about the mafia? Ridiculous, how anyone could believe that was kinda stupid. If I was to list all of the things that annoyed me about this novel the list would be too long.
June 4, 2019
Found the book by chance in Oxford shop after a revoltingly cold start to the Queens Birthday weekend. A family drama of secrets, hidden memories and hostility that extended beyond the grave. How far the hand of blackmail reaches, how true friendships never die, how lust is replaced by love.
Oh what I would give to turn the drama of my daily life into rich rural romances that fly off the shelves for readers. Maybe it's time I tried, reignite that childhood passion of writing combined with the complications of running a school, sure there would be plenty of colourful characters.
Oh what I would give to turn the drama of my daily life into rich rural romances that fly off the shelves for readers. Maybe it's time I tried, reignite that childhood passion of writing combined with the complications of running a school, sure there would be plenty of colourful characters.
May 22, 2019
My first read by this author, I love outback romances. This author is a very chatty writer, there was so much detail and though I loved the plot I just wanted to get on with it.
A murder years ago kept secret, will it come to light?
A secret that will come back to haunt these characters 16 yrs later. Can a relationship survive this? A lot going on, characters you will hate, heart stopping moments. Great story, I enjoyed their journey of love.
A murder years ago kept secret, will it come to light?
A secret that will come back to haunt these characters 16 yrs later. Can a relationship survive this? A lot going on, characters you will hate, heart stopping moments. Great story, I enjoyed their journey of love.
July 26, 2021
Enjoyable Australian read with twists and turns, love and lust, death, betrayal and secrets
July 25, 2020
Quite a good storyline, but very repetitive. Emma and Zane's reasons for their actions are annoying and, at times, unbelievable.
December 29, 2019
The Secrets of Silvergum was one of those books I just couldn't put down. I really enjoyed the main characters and the love story that unfolded over many decades at the hands of a mean nasty man who tried to control those around him for his own personal greed and that of one of his sons.
Well done Mandy Magro on another great read!
Well done Mandy Magro on another great read!
August 1, 2019
One of your best MM!! I seriously loved this book. I could not put it down once I got about a third of the way in...... lovely story, beautiful scenery & setting. Love, love, loved it!!!!!
September 12, 2019
Sexy drama in rural Australia
May 30, 2019
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
February 9, 2020
Great story.
February 26, 2022
Secrets Of Silvergum
by
Mandy Magro
Mandy Magro’s Secrets of Silvergum was my seventh of this author’s books and as usual, it is set in rural Queensland inland from Cairns.
Secrets of Silvergum is a romance that begins with a one night stand between Emma and Zane when they were just seventeen. For family reasons, Zane headed to America and its professional bull riding circuit.
Fast forward sixteen years and Zane still does not know he has a daughter, Rylie, from this liaison when he receives news that his adoptive father, Peter has died. Zane was never good enough for his father and for that reason Zane opted to leave Australian shores.
Emma and Zane both have feelings for each other and both think it will go nowhere after all this time. Therefore, they both skirt the issue when they meet up after Zane arrives back at the family farm near Silvergum for his father’s funeral.
Emma decides she can now tell Riley and Zane about each other when she is met with a message from the grave. But can this message of blackmail hold any weight? Will it throw Emma’s plans into disarray? Or will there be a happy ever after in it for Emma and Zane?
I think Secrets of Silvergum to be the most enjoyable of Mandy Margo’s books so far.
I rated Secrets Of Silvergum as a three-star read/audiobook.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers had awarded Secrets Of Silvergum
an average of 4.07 stars, from 171 ratings and 19 reviews.
by
Mandy Magro
Mandy Magro’s Secrets of Silvergum was my seventh of this author’s books and as usual, it is set in rural Queensland inland from Cairns.
Secrets of Silvergum is a romance that begins with a one night stand between Emma and Zane when they were just seventeen. For family reasons, Zane headed to America and its professional bull riding circuit.
Fast forward sixteen years and Zane still does not know he has a daughter, Rylie, from this liaison when he receives news that his adoptive father, Peter has died. Zane was never good enough for his father and for that reason Zane opted to leave Australian shores.
Emma and Zane both have feelings for each other and both think it will go nowhere after all this time. Therefore, they both skirt the issue when they meet up after Zane arrives back at the family farm near Silvergum for his father’s funeral.
Emma decides she can now tell Riley and Zane about each other when she is met with a message from the grave. But can this message of blackmail hold any weight? Will it throw Emma’s plans into disarray? Or will there be a happy ever after in it for Emma and Zane?
I think Secrets of Silvergum to be the most enjoyable of Mandy Margo’s books so far.
I rated Secrets Of Silvergum as a three-star read/audiobook.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers had awarded Secrets Of Silvergum
an average of 4.07 stars, from 171 ratings and 19 reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Secrets of Silvergum. I have read numerous Mandy Magro books and like them for their themes of romance, family dramas, Australiana and small town communities
Secrets of Silvergum tells the story of long-time friends Emma and Zane, friends since they were young but torn apart by tragedy and scandal. Years later, they meet again, Emma with a teenage daughter, Zane a hot-shot rodeo rider from America. Can they ever overcome their past and rebuild their friendship?
Thank you to Harlequin Books and Beauty & Lace Book Club for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
Secrets of Silvergum tells the story of long-time friends Emma and Zane, friends since they were young but torn apart by tragedy and scandal. Years later, they meet again, Emma with a teenage daughter, Zane a hot-shot rodeo rider from America. Can they ever overcome their past and rebuild their friendship?
Thank you to Harlequin Books and Beauty & Lace Book Club for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
February 21, 2020
Enjoyed this book, although at times it did play out as a bit overdramatic.
One of the author's better books.
One of the author's better books.
February 28, 2023
I love rural fiction and this was an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of Mandy's books.
July 6, 2023
Couldn't finish it. Lacked any kind of depth. Basic sentence structure made it difficult to enjoy
July 29, 2025
interesting twists on this story. loved it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews