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Summer Rainfall
She'd been duly warned, of course
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Allyne
69 books48 followersKerry Allyne was born in England, UK. Her early childhood was uneventful, she remembered, until her father came home one day and began talking about emigrating to Australia. When they eventually arrived in Australia, Kerry took to her new land with a passion. During the family's first years "down under," she explored as much of the country as she could, journeying northward into Queensland and out onto the Great Barrier Reef, and sometimes south through New South Wales into Victoria. As a adult she returned to England for a short time. A long working holiday enabled her to travel the world before returning to Australia where she met her engineer husband-to-be, and they had a couple of children. The family eventually moved to a rural area and she started to write. She used the people and countryside as inspiration for her romances. She was published by Mills & Boon from 1976 to 1994.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 12, 2020
I am not sure which part of the heroine's personality I found more tedious. The fact that she decided to take up farming on a whim and showed up at the neighborhood with a chip on her shoulder as big as an iceberg whenever the hero had to lend her a hand. Or her dubious fashion choices, including a sheer (SHEER!) caftan in swirling shades of gold, green and apricot with matching apricot lipstick to go to dinner at a Fancy Restaurant, or mint green slacks combined with a safari style jacket and and white open toed sandals for a scintillating evening of at-home TV watching. I'm sure she thought she looked like J Lo in Versace resort wear but you say the word "caftan" to me and it's Mrs. Roper from Three's Company who comes immediately to mind.
October 22, 2009
One of my top 5 Harlequin romances as a teenager in the late 1970's. I loved reading about other countries (this time in the outback of Australia), and of course the romance was awesome to my unworldly mind.
I'll never forget that my mother, worried about the content, had my older brother read this to make sure it was suitable for my virginal eyes. Why she didn't just read it herself escapes me (but then that was my mother). I was sooooo worried that he would tell her about the last 5 pages, where the hero (after proposing marriage and being accepted), cops a feel off our heroine - lol! Harlequins were very tame in those days - that's about as risque as it got, but boy was I nervous he'd tell her. I don't even think it fazed him, and I spent the next few years blissfully entertained by these 75 cent romances. Good times!
I'll never forget that my mother, worried about the content, had my older brother read this to make sure it was suitable for my virginal eyes. Why she didn't just read it herself escapes me (but then that was my mother). I was sooooo worried that he would tell her about the last 5 pages, where the hero (after proposing marriage and being accepted), cops a feel off our heroine - lol! Harlequins were very tame in those days - that's about as risque as it got, but boy was I nervous he'd tell her. I don't even think it fazed him, and I spent the next few years blissfully entertained by these 75 cent romances. Good times!
November 24, 2022
Back in the late seventies, these Harlequins were my obsession.
No problem reading 3-4 sometimes 5 a week.
Of course that was before the kids came.
I did keep a few, ( I'm guessing some of them I considered "keepers to read again?")
Well, I enjoyed this one just as much as I did in 1976!
Most of it all came back, it was like meeting an old friend...even though this reader changed as BR came onto the scene..some of these will always remain "keepers" for a time now long gone :)
No problem reading 3-4 sometimes 5 a week.
Of course that was before the kids came.
I did keep a few, ( I'm guessing some of them I considered "keepers to read again?")
Well, I enjoyed this one just as much as I did in 1976!
Most of it all came back, it was like meeting an old friend...even though this reader changed as BR came onto the scene..some of these will always remain "keepers" for a time now long gone :)
January 22, 2022
Heroine is beyond annoying, but every other aspect of this story is delightful. Heroine inherits a small farm that the family next door wants to buy, but heroine has decided to assert her independence and live there for awhile.
The fun of this story is learning along with the heroine the ups and downs of rural life. The large family next door (hero is the oldest) befriends the townie heroine and helps her. The author does a masterful job in conveying the distinctive personalities of everyone in the family. (Including the hunky, ever-patient hero).
A summer rainfall floods the heroine’s house, so she has to live with them for awhile. (Awkward when the OM shows up) Eventually the author runs out of page time and allows the H/h their HEA. Just a nice story.
The fun of this story is learning along with the heroine the ups and downs of rural life. The large family next door (hero is the oldest) befriends the townie heroine and helps her. The author does a masterful job in conveying the distinctive personalities of everyone in the family. (Including the hunky, ever-patient hero).
A summer rainfall floods the heroine’s house, so she has to live with them for awhile. (Awkward when the OM shows up) Eventually the author runs out of page time and allows the H/h their HEA. Just a nice story.
June 24, 2024
3 Stars
This is the first of Ms. Allyne's romances. Set on a ranch on the coast of Australia, this is a charming story of independent Kim and her aloof neighbour Rafe. He reminds me of some of the rich doctor heroes of Betty Neels. He quietly plays the role of white knight while he waits for Kim to love him. I love a smitten hero.
This is the first of Ms. Allyne's romances. Set on a ranch on the coast of Australia, this is a charming story of independent Kim and her aloof neighbour Rafe. He reminds me of some of the rich doctor heroes of Betty Neels. He quietly plays the role of white knight while he waits for Kim to love him. I love a smitten hero.
March 31, 2013
It was only a 20 acre farm but it belonged to Kim and she planned to keep it despite the insufferable Rafe's attempts to obtain it; until....
http://www.amazon.com/SUMMER-RAINFALL...
http://www.amazon.com/SUMMER-RAINFALL...
December 23, 2017
Read this years ago and loved it then. Read it again and enjoyed it as much. A very sweet, fun-filled old-skool harlequin.
Kim Forsythe had no idea what she was getting into when she'd decided to give up her secretarial job in Sydney and go live on the twenty acres of plot in the north coast that she'd recently inherited after the death of her late mother's uncle. She had no family and was looking forward to a nice change even though Rafe O'Sullivan, on whose property the plot was situated, claimed that the uncle had made another will leaving the property to him since he'd looked after the ailing old man in his last years. However, as the will hadn't be found they had to go with the old will and Rafe was ready to buy it from her. When they first meet at the solicitor's office in Sydney, Rafe writes Kim off as a city slicker, making an infuriated Kim all the more determined to live on the property. Things get heated between the two of them and it's not only because of the property -- there is instant attraction.
Soon, Kim finds that besides the shabby house with an archaic stove she has also inherited a few livestock, that too, one cow that needed to be milked, which of course she didn't know a thing about, much to Rafe's amusement. When he offers her help, she refuses knowing his thoughts about her as a city-girl. Even though the two keep bickering, he sends his three brothers to help her out. In addition to three brothers, Rafe has two sisters, one married and one sixteen year old. The Sullivans are fun lot and Kim gets along with every one of them except for Rafe who can spike her temper in a heartbeat and also leave her senseless with his kisses.
When the plot gets flooded, the O'Sullivans open their house to her. Before she leaves for her temporarily abode, she finds the will that gives Rafe the right to inherit the twenty-acres. She knows now she has no option but to leave and it saddens her because she's fallen in love with Rafe.
It was amusing how the O'Sullivans, especially, Rick --the next older brother after Rafe-- caught on to the fact that Rafe has permanency on his mind with regard to Kim and how when Rafe was not around and Kim's date, Adam, goes over to the O'Sullivan's place to meet Kim, Rick does his best to keep the two apart by deliberating engaging Adam in inane conversations. He also had me laughing with his covert snickering and teasing when Kim lies to Adam ---about having a fiance in Sydney whom she'd broken up with and now wanted her back--- and also toward the end he and Rafe talk in riddles about Kim getting married before the summer was over and she's trying to figure out what they're up to.
I felt the end was a bit abrupt, but nevertheless it was a good, clean, fun book.
Kim Forsythe had no idea what she was getting into when she'd decided to give up her secretarial job in Sydney and go live on the twenty acres of plot in the north coast that she'd recently inherited after the death of her late mother's uncle. She had no family and was looking forward to a nice change even though Rafe O'Sullivan, on whose property the plot was situated, claimed that the uncle had made another will leaving the property to him since he'd looked after the ailing old man in his last years. However, as the will hadn't be found they had to go with the old will and Rafe was ready to buy it from her. When they first meet at the solicitor's office in Sydney, Rafe writes Kim off as a city slicker, making an infuriated Kim all the more determined to live on the property. Things get heated between the two of them and it's not only because of the property -- there is instant attraction.
Soon, Kim finds that besides the shabby house with an archaic stove she has also inherited a few livestock, that too, one cow that needed to be milked, which of course she didn't know a thing about, much to Rafe's amusement. When he offers her help, she refuses knowing his thoughts about her as a city-girl. Even though the two keep bickering, he sends his three brothers to help her out. In addition to three brothers, Rafe has two sisters, one married and one sixteen year old. The Sullivans are fun lot and Kim gets along with every one of them except for Rafe who can spike her temper in a heartbeat and also leave her senseless with his kisses.
When the plot gets flooded, the O'Sullivans open their house to her. Before she leaves for her temporarily abode, she finds the will that gives Rafe the right to inherit the twenty-acres. She knows now she has no option but to leave and it saddens her because she's fallen in love with Rafe.
It was amusing how the O'Sullivans, especially, Rick --the next older brother after Rafe-- caught on to the fact that Rafe has permanency on his mind with regard to Kim and how when Rafe was not around and Kim's date, Adam, goes over to the O'Sullivan's place to meet Kim, Rick does his best to keep the two apart by deliberating engaging Adam in inane conversations. He also had me laughing with his covert snickering and teasing when Kim lies to Adam ---about having a fiance in Sydney whom she'd broken up with and now wanted her back--- and also toward the end he and Rafe talk in riddles about Kim getting married before the summer was over and she's trying to figure out what they're up to.
I felt the end was a bit abrupt, but nevertheless it was a good, clean, fun book.
November 19, 2022
Yikes! This heroine was the *worst*. I truly couldn’t stand her—she’s rude, dumb as a bag of hair and has zero impulse control. The hero is a smug asshole, though, so I didn’t spend a lot of time feeling sorry for him. The only thing that saved this from the black hole of DNF-dom were the truly epic descriptions of 1970s fashions and home decor. And other than the vile heroine, it was pretty well written.
1.5 stars
1.5 stars
August 8, 2024
This is a story about a beautiful city girl who inherits (or so it seems) a farm located in the middle of the H's family estate.
The H wants to buy it from her but she insists on moving in to take care of the farm despite her glaring lack of expertise.
The rest of the book is basically the H and his family coming to her rescue in various situations and love befalling the two leads.
Simple, uncomplicated story but not angsty enough for my taste.
3.5 stars
The H wants to buy it from her but she insists on moving in to take care of the farm despite her glaring lack of expertise.
The rest of the book is basically the H and his family coming to her rescue in various situations and love befalling the two leads.
Simple, uncomplicated story but not angsty enough for my taste.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
City girl Kim Forsythe unexpectedly inherits a 20 acre farm. Despite her lack of knowledge about running a farm, she is tempted to quit her job in Sydney and move to Australia’s north coast. Two things, however, stand in her way. First, the farm lies in the middle of Rafe O’Sullivan’s property and he desperately wants to purchase it. And, second, there might be a more recent will in existence that gives all property to Rafe. Kim decided to brave these impediments and moves to the farm. This throws her constantly into the path of Rafe and his family, as Kim finds she needs a lot of guidance in running the property and dealing with the livestock.
Although Kim is attracted to Rafe, she doesn’t want to become just another one of his conquests. Rafe’s constant presence, however, means that Kim can’t help falling in love in spite of the fact she’s certain he doesn’t return her feelings. It takes a flood, the finding of the lost will, and the pursuit of Kim by another man before Rafe’s intentions become clear to both Kim and the readers.
This is a very cute and well written story. Allyne at times pushes Kim’s character toward snide and ungratefully, but continually drags her back from the brink of being obnoxious through her heart-felt apologies and sincerely good intentions. One of the best parts of the story is the teasing and loving relationship demonstrated by the O’Sullivan brothers and sisters, which makes them all so easy to like.
Although Kim is attracted to Rafe, she doesn’t want to become just another one of his conquests. Rafe’s constant presence, however, means that Kim can’t help falling in love in spite of the fact she’s certain he doesn’t return her feelings. It takes a flood, the finding of the lost will, and the pursuit of Kim by another man before Rafe’s intentions become clear to both Kim and the readers.
This is a very cute and well written story. Allyne at times pushes Kim’s character toward snide and ungratefully, but continually drags her back from the brink of being obnoxious through her heart-felt apologies and sincerely good intentions. One of the best parts of the story is the teasing and loving relationship demonstrated by the O’Sullivan brothers and sisters, which makes them all so easy to like.
November 14, 2020
Very enjoyable
I like most of Kerry Allyne's books, but this one was just super. I liked that there wasn't a lot of antagonism between the main characters. Instead there was more of mystery about what each was feeling about the other. I lived the family dynamics and also that the heroine was so willing to learn new things. Loved it
I like most of Kerry Allyne's books, but this one was just super. I liked that there wasn't a lot of antagonism between the main characters. Instead there was more of mystery about what each was feeling about the other. I lived the family dynamics and also that the heroine was so willing to learn new things. Loved it
June 27, 2019
An oldie but goodie!
I first read this when I was a tween in the 70s. A bit dated but still one of my favorite Harlequins of all time!
I first read this when I was a tween in the 70s. A bit dated but still one of my favorite Harlequins of all time!
September 11, 2025
When Kim knew she actually inherited a farm house from a far uncle of her mother's, she couldn't believe her luck finally flipped! Initially, she didn't know what to do with it, but after meeting Rafe O'Sullivan and hearing him tell her in no friendly terms she was not cut to be a farmer, she decided there and then to defy him! She declared she would not sell the house to him and would live on it permanently! Of course, she lived to regret her impulsive decision when Rafe started reminding her daily of her responsibilities as a farmer since her house was in his land!
To be honest, the story is fine, but the heroine was a little silly for my liking. For a person who was raised strictly by elderly parents, she behaved childishly and irrationally all the time. Nevertheless, I gave the book three stars for the main reason of it not being boring. ;)
To be honest, the story is fine, but the heroine was a little silly for my liking. For a person who was raised strictly by elderly parents, she behaved childishly and irrationally all the time. Nevertheless, I gave the book three stars for the main reason of it not being boring. ;)
November 27, 2024
I liked the heroine in this story (I am in a minority here ;-)) as I thought she was plucky and cute, although I don't deny she was irritating when interacting with the hero. BUT the hero was smug, sounded like a bit of a player, a know-it-all, and the reason he took out the OW is ludicrous upon reflection. His family were entertaining though, especially his younger sister, and I thought it was quite fun when the temporary OM came to hero's house to date the heroine.
Quite enjoyable for the setting alone.
Quite enjoyable for the setting alone.
August 30, 2022
"Summer Rainfall" is the story of Kim and Rafe.
LOL.
The heroine inherits a land from her mother, and decides to keep it.. despite having zero idea how to take care of a farm or ANY household chore. The whole book has her getting into trouble and the hero and his family rescuing her. After some drama and confusion, they end up together!
She's a damsel, he is smitten. I did chuckle it was so stupid. His family was so sweet!
Safe
3/5
LOL.
The heroine inherits a land from her mother, and decides to keep it.. despite having zero idea how to take care of a farm or ANY household chore. The whole book has her getting into trouble and the hero and his family rescuing her. After some drama and confusion, they end up together!
She's a damsel, he is smitten. I did chuckle it was so stupid. His family was so sweet!
Safe
3/5
October 3, 2025
There were way too many other people in this story because the H has a lot of siblings.
The b*tch h slapped the three-month old puppy that she had gotten from the H. And she sought refuge at the h’s house when she thought her house could be in danger of flooding but she didn’t take the pup with her. She just left him behind.
Because of the h’s animal abuse/neglect, it’s a one star. Someone should have taken that puppy away from her.
The b*tch h slapped the three-month old puppy that she had gotten from the H. And she sought refuge at the h’s house when she thought her house could be in danger of flooding but she didn’t take the pup with her. She just left him behind.
Because of the h’s animal abuse/neglect, it’s a one star. Someone should have taken that puppy away from her.
Read
June 24, 2020Ok
October 19, 2023
This was a bit strange! There was more interaction with H’s family than between h and H!
September 19, 2022
Honestly, I forgot most of what happened but I remember enjoying it. Looking at the reviews, it’s no surprise. The heroine has been labeled “annoying” and the hero is someone she she constantly bickers with. It’s a dynamic that I love reading in romance books.
December 30, 2022
She'd been duly warned, of course
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
April 1, 2024
She'd been duly warned, of course
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
But what really got her dander up was Rafe O'Sullivan's taunts that she wasn't the type to manage a farm.
She had inherited the twenty-acre piece of land near Australia's north coast and, fed up with city life, had decided to give the country life a try. Unfortunately, the land was smack dab in the middle of Rafe's, and he badly wanted her to sell out to him.
Not on your life, she said to herself.
March 17, 2021
Very nice romance. Good pas de deux..
May 19, 2016
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews