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Home to Echidna Lane
With Eva Scott's trademark warmth and wit comes a rural rom-com about friendship, family, failure and finding the place you truly belong.
It's been thirteen years since Lacey Kane escaped the small town of Whitton for the big city, and life couldn't be better. Or so she thought. When her seemingly perfect life is exposed in the worst way, on live television no less, she suddenly finds herself facing her worst returning to her parents' home on Echidna Lane in the small Tasmanian town of her childhood. It's a decision she's willing to make for the sake of her two young sons, but there's a reason she hasn't been back for the last decade. Except the longer she spends on Echidna Lane, the less clear that reason is becoming. Is small town life really as bad as her teenage self thought? Or is she merely being swayed by the handsome owner of the neighbouring walnut farm and his gorgeous daughter? Shane Morrisey has had a crush on Lacey Kane for as long as he can remember. After the death of his wife, it became a way of protecting his heart from ever getting hurt like that again. After all, who could be more unattainable than the beautiful, charismatic woman who hasn't stepped foot in Whitton since university? Except now she is back, as beautiful as ever, and suddenly not so out of reach. But Shane's place is on Echidna Lane, and he has no plans to uproot himself or his daughter. And Lacey doesn't seem to have any plans to stay ...
It's been thirteen years since Lacey Kane escaped the small town of Whitton for the big city, and life couldn't be better. Or so she thought. When her seemingly perfect life is exposed in the worst way, on live television no less, she suddenly finds herself facing her worst returning to her parents' home on Echidna Lane in the small Tasmanian town of her childhood. It's a decision she's willing to make for the sake of her two young sons, but there's a reason she hasn't been back for the last decade. Except the longer she spends on Echidna Lane, the less clear that reason is becoming. Is small town life really as bad as her teenage self thought? Or is she merely being swayed by the handsome owner of the neighbouring walnut farm and his gorgeous daughter? Shane Morrisey has had a crush on Lacey Kane for as long as he can remember. After the death of his wife, it became a way of protecting his heart from ever getting hurt like that again. After all, who could be more unattainable than the beautiful, charismatic woman who hasn't stepped foot in Whitton since university? Except now she is back, as beautiful as ever, and suddenly not so out of reach. But Shane's place is on Echidna Lane, and he has no plans to uproot himself or his daughter. And Lacey doesn't seem to have any plans to stay ...
- GenresRomanceContemporary
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2023
6 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 9, 2023
Lacey Kane left the small Tasmanian town of Whitton thirteen years ago, she didn’t think she could reach her full potential unless she moved to the mainland and went to university. From the outside Lacey’s life looks perfect, she and her husband Carter work on morning television and they have two sons. Live the Australian public discover her husband has betrayed her, Lacey was clueless and she needs to put some distance between them and time to think.
Lacey returns home to Echidna Lane, to stay with her parents Joyce and James and they are delighted. Her sons Harry and Ollie have never been to Tasmanian before and her eldest son isn’t happy with their current living arrangements and situation. Joyce gives Lacey time to lick her wounds, she knows her daughter can’t hide away forever and what's happened isn't a secret.
Shane Morrisey went to school with Lacey, she was popular and he was a shy skinny teenager. Shane now owns and runs a walnut orchard, he’s a widower and has a daughter Matilda. He had a big crush on Lacey years ago, Shane is really good friends with her parents and he tries not make a fool of himself around her and he doesn’t want to have his heart broken again.
Lacey starts to look at life in Tasmania and living on Echidna Lane from a different perspective, she finds comfort in the things she once hated, like the fresh air, beautiful countryside, spending time with her parents, her dad is a wonderful cook and story teller. The boys get to experience things they have never done before and making memories with their grandparents.
Lacey has to make a decision, her time in Tasmania has given her a chance to re-evaluate her life, reflect and move forward.
I received a digital copy of Home to Echidna Lane by Eva Scott from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A wonderful story about discovering what’s really important in life and it’s not fame and fortune. There is no place like home and being with your family, making new friends and catching up with old acquaintances, familiar places, and feeling like you belong.
The characters in narrative are realistic and funny, especially Matt and Bella they made me laugh out loud and included throughout the book are the recipes for the yummy food they made with walnuts. I enjoy reading Australian small town rural romantic fiction and with a handsome Aussie bloke in a flannel shirt and Lacey might as well! The first novel I have read by Ms. Scott, it won't be my last and five stars from me.
Lacey returns home to Echidna Lane, to stay with her parents Joyce and James and they are delighted. Her sons Harry and Ollie have never been to Tasmanian before and her eldest son isn’t happy with their current living arrangements and situation. Joyce gives Lacey time to lick her wounds, she knows her daughter can’t hide away forever and what's happened isn't a secret.
Shane Morrisey went to school with Lacey, she was popular and he was a shy skinny teenager. Shane now owns and runs a walnut orchard, he’s a widower and has a daughter Matilda. He had a big crush on Lacey years ago, Shane is really good friends with her parents and he tries not make a fool of himself around her and he doesn’t want to have his heart broken again.
Lacey starts to look at life in Tasmania and living on Echidna Lane from a different perspective, she finds comfort in the things she once hated, like the fresh air, beautiful countryside, spending time with her parents, her dad is a wonderful cook and story teller. The boys get to experience things they have never done before and making memories with their grandparents.
Lacey has to make a decision, her time in Tasmania has given her a chance to re-evaluate her life, reflect and move forward.
I received a digital copy of Home to Echidna Lane by Eva Scott from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A wonderful story about discovering what’s really important in life and it’s not fame and fortune. There is no place like home and being with your family, making new friends and catching up with old acquaintances, familiar places, and feeling like you belong.
The characters in narrative are realistic and funny, especially Matt and Bella they made me laugh out loud and included throughout the book are the recipes for the yummy food they made with walnuts. I enjoy reading Australian small town rural romantic fiction and with a handsome Aussie bloke in a flannel shirt and Lacey might as well! The first novel I have read by Ms. Scott, it won't be my last and five stars from me.
August 3, 2023
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Home to Echidna Lane by Eva Scott. (2023).
**Thank you to the author and Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
It's been 13 years since Lacey escaped her Tasmanian small hometown. But when it is revealed on live TV that her husband has been cheating, she takes her two young sons back to her parents' home. She couldn't wait to leave the place as a teenager but is it as bad as what she thought it was? Or is she being influenced by her handsome neighbour and his gorgeous daughter? Shane is a walnut farmer and has always had a crush on Lacey. As a widower, he hasn't dated. But now beautiful Lacey is back and not so out of reach. But he loves his hometown and has no plans to leave, and Lacey seems to have no plans to stay...
Having read previous novels from this author, I had a strong feeling that I would find this story a pleasure and I was absolutely correct. Both lead characters, Lacey and Shane, are very likeable. Was I slightly confused why a beautiful intelligent woman even contemplated returning to her cheating husband after being publicly humiliated? Yes... but it was understandable that Lacey was fearful of the effect on her sons of her family spitting up. Readers can immediately see that Shane and Lacey would make a great couple if only Lacey can accept the end of her marriage as well as the fact that her hometown is not some horrible place. In fact, her hometown sounded quite appealing! Shane's daughter and Lacey's boys provide some light banter and humorous moments throughout the book, with Lacey's parents and Shane's workers rounding out a great cast of characters.
Overall: an extremely enjoyable rural romance that is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys that genre.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Home to Echidna Lane by Eva Scott. (2023).
**Thank you to the author and Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
It's been 13 years since Lacey escaped her Tasmanian small hometown. But when it is revealed on live TV that her husband has been cheating, she takes her two young sons back to her parents' home. She couldn't wait to leave the place as a teenager but is it as bad as what she thought it was? Or is she being influenced by her handsome neighbour and his gorgeous daughter? Shane is a walnut farmer and has always had a crush on Lacey. As a widower, he hasn't dated. But now beautiful Lacey is back and not so out of reach. But he loves his hometown and has no plans to leave, and Lacey seems to have no plans to stay...
Having read previous novels from this author, I had a strong feeling that I would find this story a pleasure and I was absolutely correct. Both lead characters, Lacey and Shane, are very likeable. Was I slightly confused why a beautiful intelligent woman even contemplated returning to her cheating husband after being publicly humiliated? Yes... but it was understandable that Lacey was fearful of the effect on her sons of her family spitting up. Readers can immediately see that Shane and Lacey would make a great couple if only Lacey can accept the end of her marriage as well as the fact that her hometown is not some horrible place. In fact, her hometown sounded quite appealing! Shane's daughter and Lacey's boys provide some light banter and humorous moments throughout the book, with Lacey's parents and Shane's workers rounding out a great cast of characters.
Overall: an extremely enjoyable rural romance that is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys that genre.
August 20, 2023
You can never go wrong when you pick up an Eva Scott book, they are heartwarming, witty and beautiful, her characters are so true to life and very easy to make friends with, and I loved this one so much, set in Tasmania in such a beautiful area and set around a walnut farm, I learnt so much and the recipes throughout the book are so yummy I am going to need to try them, this is one not to be missed.
When Lacy Clark’s world explodes around her on live TV she is devastated, this cannot be happening to her, what does she do now? The only thing she can and that is to take her two boys Harry and Ollie and escape back to the place she never wanted to be, her home town of Whitton back to Echidna Lane in Tasmania and back to her parents.
Shane Morrisey is widowed and has a daughter Matilda, they own Coal River walnut farm and life is going well, he has had a lot of help from his neighbours Joyce and James Kane with Matilda and the farm, he went to school with their daughter Lacey and always had a crush on her, so when she returns home heartbroken and unsure of what the future holds, Shane is determined to be there for his friend, knowing that, that crush is still there.
Soon the chemistry between Lacey and Shane is growing, but Lacey is going through so much and is uncertain if she wants to stay in rural Tasmania or return to Sydney, Shane knows that his life is here on the farm with his daughter they are all getting on so well, could they make a new life together, will they find the love they both really deserve after all they have both been through?
This is such an awesome story, beautifully told, filled with emotion, it is witty and heartwarming, I loved Matilda, Harry and Ollie they are the best kids, the farm and the setting are fabulous and of course Shane and Lacey are perfect for each other. This is one that I highly recommend, Eva Scott is one of my favourite authors and I never miss one of her stories.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
When Lacy Clark’s world explodes around her on live TV she is devastated, this cannot be happening to her, what does she do now? The only thing she can and that is to take her two boys Harry and Ollie and escape back to the place she never wanted to be, her home town of Whitton back to Echidna Lane in Tasmania and back to her parents.
Shane Morrisey is widowed and has a daughter Matilda, they own Coal River walnut farm and life is going well, he has had a lot of help from his neighbours Joyce and James Kane with Matilda and the farm, he went to school with their daughter Lacey and always had a crush on her, so when she returns home heartbroken and unsure of what the future holds, Shane is determined to be there for his friend, knowing that, that crush is still there.
Soon the chemistry between Lacey and Shane is growing, but Lacey is going through so much and is uncertain if she wants to stay in rural Tasmania or return to Sydney, Shane knows that his life is here on the farm with his daughter they are all getting on so well, could they make a new life together, will they find the love they both really deserve after all they have both been through?
This is such an awesome story, beautifully told, filled with emotion, it is witty and heartwarming, I loved Matilda, Harry and Ollie they are the best kids, the farm and the setting are fabulous and of course Shane and Lacey are perfect for each other. This is one that I highly recommend, Eva Scott is one of my favourite authors and I never miss one of her stories.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
August 5, 2023
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Dubbed the new queen of rural romance by Better Reading, Eva Scott makes a warm and welcome return with her latest release. Home to Echidna Lane is just a lovely story, filled with all the things that are important to us. With family, friendships, connections and belonging filling the pages of this heartwarming rural romance tale, there is much to enjoy in Home to Echidna Lane.
Eva Scott brings us lead character Lacey Kane, a woman who makes a dramatic return to her little Tasmanian home town following a big fall from grace on life television. Now life in the big smoke is just a distant memory as Lacey embraces her old life. Lacey has her two sons with her as she makes the trek back home. But Lacey has some concerns about coming to live with her parents again and she must learn to look through these issues and embrace her old life. When Lacey connects with a walnut farmer who lives on a nearby farm, she is sent in a flurry. Shane holds reservations about committing to a woman again. This single dad is in flight mode after the death of his wife. But Shane cannot resist his former crush. Will Lacey find a way back home and into the arms of Shane?
I am definitely in the Eva Scott camp. I have loved all the previous novels I have had the joy of reading from this warm and bubbly author’s backlist. As a big fan of Tasmania, I was so pleased to see that Home to Echidna Lane is set in this stunning part of our country, so I couldn’t wait to get my nose into this book. As I predicted, I really enjoyed this one.
Eva Scott has produced yet another memorable and likeable cast set in Home to Echidna Lane. These are people that you feel you know so well thanks to the highly relatable and engaging dialogue featured in this new release from Eva Scott. I would like to give a big shout out to the leads Lacey and Shane who were just fabulous to get to know. The side protagonist set are just a fantastic bunch too. There are some really interesting interludes included in this latest Eva Scott story that feature the offspring of both main characters. It made for some sensational reading. I loved the pathway to love featured in Home to Echidna Lane. The sense of homecoming attached to his romance plot was superb. Eva Scott also balances the love narrative with miscommunication, mishaps and drama abound in her latest.
For me the drawcard of this novel was always going to be the setting. I just adore Tasmania in bucketloads, so this Eva Scott book was able to take me there with a sense of ease. Those who would like to learn more about Tasmania’s heartlands in narrative form will value the chance to be whisked away to such a pretty corner of the world. Home to Echidna Lane showcases the greatness of the region in which the book is set. I know I didn’t want to leave Eva Scott’s book, maybe a visit to this region is in order very soon!
With the added bonus of a number of walnut inspired recipes that will make you drool included in this sweet novel, there is just so much to appreciate in Home to Echidna Lane. Take this with you on your next weekend away, it won’t let you down.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Dubbed the new queen of rural romance by Better Reading, Eva Scott makes a warm and welcome return with her latest release. Home to Echidna Lane is just a lovely story, filled with all the things that are important to us. With family, friendships, connections and belonging filling the pages of this heartwarming rural romance tale, there is much to enjoy in Home to Echidna Lane.
Eva Scott brings us lead character Lacey Kane, a woman who makes a dramatic return to her little Tasmanian home town following a big fall from grace on life television. Now life in the big smoke is just a distant memory as Lacey embraces her old life. Lacey has her two sons with her as she makes the trek back home. But Lacey has some concerns about coming to live with her parents again and she must learn to look through these issues and embrace her old life. When Lacey connects with a walnut farmer who lives on a nearby farm, she is sent in a flurry. Shane holds reservations about committing to a woman again. This single dad is in flight mode after the death of his wife. But Shane cannot resist his former crush. Will Lacey find a way back home and into the arms of Shane?
I am definitely in the Eva Scott camp. I have loved all the previous novels I have had the joy of reading from this warm and bubbly author’s backlist. As a big fan of Tasmania, I was so pleased to see that Home to Echidna Lane is set in this stunning part of our country, so I couldn’t wait to get my nose into this book. As I predicted, I really enjoyed this one.
Eva Scott has produced yet another memorable and likeable cast set in Home to Echidna Lane. These are people that you feel you know so well thanks to the highly relatable and engaging dialogue featured in this new release from Eva Scott. I would like to give a big shout out to the leads Lacey and Shane who were just fabulous to get to know. The side protagonist set are just a fantastic bunch too. There are some really interesting interludes included in this latest Eva Scott story that feature the offspring of both main characters. It made for some sensational reading. I loved the pathway to love featured in Home to Echidna Lane. The sense of homecoming attached to his romance plot was superb. Eva Scott also balances the love narrative with miscommunication, mishaps and drama abound in her latest.
For me the drawcard of this novel was always going to be the setting. I just adore Tasmania in bucketloads, so this Eva Scott book was able to take me there with a sense of ease. Those who would like to learn more about Tasmania’s heartlands in narrative form will value the chance to be whisked away to such a pretty corner of the world. Home to Echidna Lane showcases the greatness of the region in which the book is set. I know I didn’t want to leave Eva Scott’s book, maybe a visit to this region is in order very soon!
With the added bonus of a number of walnut inspired recipes that will make you drool included in this sweet novel, there is just so much to appreciate in Home to Echidna Lane. Take this with you on your next weekend away, it won’t let you down.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
August 11, 2023
Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
This is a story about a woman getting her life back on track after a humiliating incident. Sometimes you have to move away to appreciate what you actually have at home. It has city vs country, unrequited love , chemistry , friends to lovers. Eva certainly has a way with words and rural rom coms are my comfort read. The recipes in the book are in our recipe box ready to make in the near future.
This is a story about a woman getting her life back on track after a humiliating incident. Sometimes you have to move away to appreciate what you actually have at home. It has city vs country, unrequited love , chemistry , friends to lovers. Eva certainly has a way with words and rural rom coms are my comfort read. The recipes in the book are in our recipe box ready to make in the near future.
August 2, 2023
Why do I feel like jumping on the next flight to Tasmania after finishing this delight? Thanks for the inspiration Eva!!
Lacey Kane thought that she'd had it all. Married to an ex Olympian champion and mother to two boys, she's spent the last thirteen years in Sydney. Even the notion of visiting her parents back in the small town of Whitton wasn't on the cards- for all intents and purposes, Lacey was done with that part of her life.
But being in the public eye has it's downsides. In this case, exposure of her husband's infidelity live on air, in front of millions of viewers.
Distraught, the only option for Lacey is to return home, back to everything she once turned her back on. Only, this also includes her old school friend, Shane Morrissey, who now conviently owns a walnut farm up the hill from her parents.
Whilst Lacey remembers Shane as the quiet nerdy guy who drifted in the background, the widower and single dad has always held an unrequited flame for the most popular girl in school. Now, with Lacey's return with her two boys in tow, will he finally have a chance?
Not if Carter Clark has a say. Now, Lacey's husband is one big fat jerk. Who seriously has an affair with his co-host, exposes it in such a public way and then doesn't have the decency to acknowledge his two confused sons? Luckily, Lacey recognises that she's been more or less gaslighted, but that doesn't stop her from considering to move back to Sydney, right into his arms. She's been conditioned to accept and expect abuse, so learning to live life on her own terms is a steep learning curve. Luckily she's got a sexy farmer living next door right, who's the epitome of who Carter isn't.
Home to Echidna Lane is likened to sitting by the fire, cocooned in a warm blanket. Despite some minor angsty moments, the rest of the plot is filled with joy, hope and sooooo much love. The three kids (Matilda, Harry and Ollie) and Lacey's parents (James and Joyce) actually outshine our main characters. Ollie in particular, who at just seven, just doesn't understand how the world works just yet. His truthful observations are often hilarious and his sunny deposition is a perfect remedy for Harry's sullenness about this brand new and scary situation that he's been placed in.
You're in for a real treat everyone! One outstanding moment for me was Shane and Lacey's 'date' chasing the Aurora Australis, something that's always been on my own personal bucket list. Oh and the recipes celebrating walnuts are making my mouth salivate right now.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
5 🌟 (like it would be anything else)
Lacey Kane thought that she'd had it all. Married to an ex Olympian champion and mother to two boys, she's spent the last thirteen years in Sydney. Even the notion of visiting her parents back in the small town of Whitton wasn't on the cards- for all intents and purposes, Lacey was done with that part of her life.
But being in the public eye has it's downsides. In this case, exposure of her husband's infidelity live on air, in front of millions of viewers.
Distraught, the only option for Lacey is to return home, back to everything she once turned her back on. Only, this also includes her old school friend, Shane Morrissey, who now conviently owns a walnut farm up the hill from her parents.
Whilst Lacey remembers Shane as the quiet nerdy guy who drifted in the background, the widower and single dad has always held an unrequited flame for the most popular girl in school. Now, with Lacey's return with her two boys in tow, will he finally have a chance?
Not if Carter Clark has a say. Now, Lacey's husband is one big fat jerk. Who seriously has an affair with his co-host, exposes it in such a public way and then doesn't have the decency to acknowledge his two confused sons? Luckily, Lacey recognises that she's been more or less gaslighted, but that doesn't stop her from considering to move back to Sydney, right into his arms. She's been conditioned to accept and expect abuse, so learning to live life on her own terms is a steep learning curve. Luckily she's got a sexy farmer living next door right, who's the epitome of who Carter isn't.
Home to Echidna Lane is likened to sitting by the fire, cocooned in a warm blanket. Despite some minor angsty moments, the rest of the plot is filled with joy, hope and sooooo much love. The three kids (Matilda, Harry and Ollie) and Lacey's parents (James and Joyce) actually outshine our main characters. Ollie in particular, who at just seven, just doesn't understand how the world works just yet. His truthful observations are often hilarious and his sunny deposition is a perfect remedy for Harry's sullenness about this brand new and scary situation that he's been placed in.
You're in for a real treat everyone! One outstanding moment for me was Shane and Lacey's 'date' chasing the Aurora Australis, something that's always been on my own personal bucket list. Oh and the recipes celebrating walnuts are making my mouth salivate right now.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
5 🌟 (like it would be anything else)
July 26, 2023
Eva Scott knows how to get me, every single time. She has a wonderful knack of retelling my favourite 90's movies with a beautiful Aussie twist - this time we have the Sandra Bullock/Harry Connick Jr flick, Hope Floats.
I love a good homecoming tale, throw in some unrequited love and you have me - hook, line and sinker.
Lacey and Shane made my heart melt. I adored how his heart is still all aflutter over the girl who went away. I loved Lacey's realisation that she was only living a half-life, and there is so much more to what she thought was life.
I loved the imagery of small town Whitton. I could sort of see people from the small town where I live in the characters of Echidna Lane and Whitton. Small towns can feel quite smothering, however they are the best places to live if you ever need help (once the gossipping all stops!)
Ms Scott has written believable, relatable character with believable, relatable issues - as she always does.
Now, while I am waiting for whichever movie favourite of mine she retells, I am off to dust of my DVD of Hope Floats.
I love a good homecoming tale, throw in some unrequited love and you have me - hook, line and sinker.
Lacey and Shane made my heart melt. I adored how his heart is still all aflutter over the girl who went away. I loved Lacey's realisation that she was only living a half-life, and there is so much more to what she thought was life.
I loved the imagery of small town Whitton. I could sort of see people from the small town where I live in the characters of Echidna Lane and Whitton. Small towns can feel quite smothering, however they are the best places to live if you ever need help (once the gossipping all stops!)
Ms Scott has written believable, relatable character with believable, relatable issues - as she always does.
Now, while I am waiting for whichever movie favourite of mine she retells, I am off to dust of my DVD of Hope Floats.
August 2, 2023
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A new country romance tale from our newest Queen of the rural romcom.
Home To Echidna Lane is a treat.
Lacey is embarrassed and humiliated on live television.
Her perfect life comes crumbling down.
So she returns with her two sons, Harry and Ollie to the one place she vowed never to return.
Her hometown, Whitton and Echidna Lane in Tasmania.
There’s a reason, Lacey hasn’t been back but as time passes she changes her mind.
Shane is a walnut farmer and a single dad to Matilda after the death of his wife.
He also has life long feelings for Lacey from when he was a teenager.
But since Lacey has been back he knows she will eventually return to the mainland so uprooting his daughter and leaving Echidna Lane is out of the question.
A path to happiness doesn’t always come with ease.
What happens next, read the book and find out.
Eva Scott’s 90’s inspired rural romcom continues to catch her reader’s hearts with her latest fictional vision.
The author’s writing style shines and is warm, welcoming, engaging, delightful and fun.
An Aussie landscape, a cast of lovely characters, small town drama and a great read to enjoy.
A rustic reading delight with memorable moments and many layers to the story.
In this delightful new story from a generous storyteller we are given much to celebrate and share with this book.
Another five star appraisal.
I highly recommend and endorse Home To Echidna Lane from this strong talent.
A new country romance tale from our newest Queen of the rural romcom.
Home To Echidna Lane is a treat.
Lacey is embarrassed and humiliated on live television.
Her perfect life comes crumbling down.
So she returns with her two sons, Harry and Ollie to the one place she vowed never to return.
Her hometown, Whitton and Echidna Lane in Tasmania.
There’s a reason, Lacey hasn’t been back but as time passes she changes her mind.
Shane is a walnut farmer and a single dad to Matilda after the death of his wife.
He also has life long feelings for Lacey from when he was a teenager.
But since Lacey has been back he knows she will eventually return to the mainland so uprooting his daughter and leaving Echidna Lane is out of the question.
A path to happiness doesn’t always come with ease.
What happens next, read the book and find out.
Eva Scott’s 90’s inspired rural romcom continues to catch her reader’s hearts with her latest fictional vision.
The author’s writing style shines and is warm, welcoming, engaging, delightful and fun.
An Aussie landscape, a cast of lovely characters, small town drama and a great read to enjoy.
A rustic reading delight with memorable moments and many layers to the story.
In this delightful new story from a generous storyteller we are given much to celebrate and share with this book.
Another five star appraisal.
I highly recommend and endorse Home To Echidna Lane from this strong talent.
August 8, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the chance to read this book.
Eva Scott has a talent for heartwarming rural romance novels. The characters have depth, and the story draws emotion from you.
Home To Echidna Lane is set in rural Tasmania and is centred around Lacey and Shane. Lacey has always wanted the bright city lights and couldn't wait to escape rural life and get to the mainland. Unfortunately, her marriage ends in a spectacular fashion, and she has no choice but to retreat to her parents' home to give her mind and heart a chance to recover.
Shane has always been happy with his rural life and is growing a successful walnut farm. He's had his heartbroken a couple of times - once by Lacey when his teenage crush went unnoticed and again when his wife passed away, leaving him a single father. His feelings are reignited when Lacey returns home.
They build a strong friendship and can't deny the chemistry between them. But they want different things... or do they!?
A fantastic story for lovers of rom-coms and Australian fiction.
Eva Scott has a talent for heartwarming rural romance novels. The characters have depth, and the story draws emotion from you.
Home To Echidna Lane is set in rural Tasmania and is centred around Lacey and Shane. Lacey has always wanted the bright city lights and couldn't wait to escape rural life and get to the mainland. Unfortunately, her marriage ends in a spectacular fashion, and she has no choice but to retreat to her parents' home to give her mind and heart a chance to recover.
Shane has always been happy with his rural life and is growing a successful walnut farm. He's had his heartbroken a couple of times - once by Lacey when his teenage crush went unnoticed and again when his wife passed away, leaving him a single father. His feelings are reignited when Lacey returns home.
They build a strong friendship and can't deny the chemistry between them. But they want different things... or do they!?
A fantastic story for lovers of rom-coms and Australian fiction.
June 15, 2023
Eva Scott is new for me author, though I have seen her books around and have been hearing good things about her work.
Lacey works on a National TV morning show with her anchorman husband, they have a lovely house, two lovely sons and Lacey is feeling very blessed. Then in the space of a few minutes she goes from happy to hysterical as her husband is publicly outed as a cheating rat and the cameras zoom in on her face for a reaction. Humiliated she takes her two sons and retreats to lick her wounds at her family home in Tasmania. Her parent’s neighbour, and best friend, is a walnut farmer, Shane, a high school friend of Lacey’s who had the biggest crush on her. Shane is now a widower with a nine year old daughter who bonds with the two boys immediately. Now Lacey needs to sort out her life, work out what she wants to do rather than be told what she should do. Her rat husband throws a few more curve balls at her before Lacey finally realised what she wants to do.
I was swept into the story from the very first page. The anguish of Lacey was very real, and her relationship with her two sons as she tried to support and protect them was very well done. There was eating, drama, fights, hugs, friendship and laughter as Shane tries to give Lacey her space as she sorts out what she wants out of life.
There were some lovely scenes in the book - one that had a lot of meaning for me was where Shane and Lacey were watching for the “Lady” - something my husband and I have done - and the breathless excitement when you see her is indescribable.
Home to Echidna Lane Was a real page turner for me - I loved how all the threads were resolved, and the recipes, I will certainly be reading more of Eva’s books in the future.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for my copy to review
Lacey works on a National TV morning show with her anchorman husband, they have a lovely house, two lovely sons and Lacey is feeling very blessed. Then in the space of a few minutes she goes from happy to hysterical as her husband is publicly outed as a cheating rat and the cameras zoom in on her face for a reaction. Humiliated she takes her two sons and retreats to lick her wounds at her family home in Tasmania. Her parent’s neighbour, and best friend, is a walnut farmer, Shane, a high school friend of Lacey’s who had the biggest crush on her. Shane is now a widower with a nine year old daughter who bonds with the two boys immediately. Now Lacey needs to sort out her life, work out what she wants to do rather than be told what she should do. Her rat husband throws a few more curve balls at her before Lacey finally realised what she wants to do.
I was swept into the story from the very first page. The anguish of Lacey was very real, and her relationship with her two sons as she tried to support and protect them was very well done. There was eating, drama, fights, hugs, friendship and laughter as Shane tries to give Lacey her space as she sorts out what she wants out of life.
There were some lovely scenes in the book - one that had a lot of meaning for me was where Shane and Lacey were watching for the “Lady” - something my husband and I have done - and the breathless excitement when you see her is indescribable.
Home to Echidna Lane Was a real page turner for me - I loved how all the threads were resolved, and the recipes, I will certainly be reading more of Eva’s books in the future.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for my copy to review
August 3, 2023
As an Aussie living on the West Coast, I love reading stories that focus on areas of Australia outside of the major cities. The story begins with FMC Lacey returning unexpectedly to her hometown in Tasmania after learning her husband has been unfaithful on live television. Throughout the story, we witness her rise from the ashes, rediscover her self worth and rebuild her life in her hometown for her children.
I adored the setting and wish I could fly over to Tasmania ASAP! The physical beauty, friendly locals and community spirit all drew me in and gave the story such a warm, snuggly feeling. Lacey and Shane were a sweet match and I enjoyed the slower pace of their relationship in the story.
Thank you to Author Eva Scott, Harlequin & Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions shared are my own.
I adored the setting and wish I could fly over to Tasmania ASAP! The physical beauty, friendly locals and community spirit all drew me in and gave the story such a warm, snuggly feeling. Lacey and Shane were a sweet match and I enjoyed the slower pace of their relationship in the story.
Thank you to Author Eva Scott, Harlequin & Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions shared are my own.
August 7, 2023
I LOVE Eva Scott’s rural romances, I was ecstatic when I received an early copy of Home to Echidna Lane in the mail. I immediately settled on in and devoured it. It’s not just the armchair travel (I’m yet to travel to Tasmania, but am definitely going now I’ve read this novel) and it’s not just the characters (although Lacey Cane and Shane; perfect) it’s not even just the beautiful imagery I’ve come to expect from a Eva Scott novel. It’s the vibe to quote a 90s movie I’m yet to see reflected back through an Eva Scott rural romance (although yes please…) this is such a comfort read; warm, wise and witty! I absolutely loved it x
January 17, 2025
Great story about second chances and all the hurdles you have to overcome before you see what’s standing right in front of you.
The family network Shane has built for Matilda and himself, since Georgias passing is really only missing one thing - Lacey (& her boys)
A lovely story about reconciliation and finding oneself after heartbreak.
Tasmania as a setting, did not disappoint.
The family network Shane has built for Matilda and himself, since Georgias passing is really only missing one thing - Lacey (& her boys)
A lovely story about reconciliation and finding oneself after heartbreak.
Tasmania as a setting, did not disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
Like Eva Scott’s earlier novels, “Home to Echidna Lane” riffs off the plot of a 90s movie. The result is a warm, if not overly original, romance novel.
Here Scott is working off “Hope Floats”, a not so successful Sandra Bullock vehicle. If you’re familiar with the movie, you’ll recognise a lot of the plot beats. However, this isn’t just a repeat of the movie; Scott has built a very different story around those beats.
Lacey Kane has just discovered, live on air during a national TV broadcast, that her husband is having an affair. She collects their two young sons and flees to her family home in rural Tasmania. Lacey left Tasmania years ago, couldn’t wait to shake the dust from her feet, and has barely returned since then.
So Lacey has some way to go with becoming familiar with her parents as an adult. There’s also the problem of Shane. In high school he had a ferocious crush on her, but never admitted to it. To his horror, he finds his crush is as strong as ever. Although he’s a widower, a single father, and a successful farmer, he still reacts like a schoolboy in Lacey’s presence.
Lacey initially has no time to notice Shane – she’s got a very public breakup, an errant husband, and two young boys to deal with. She also finds she has few real friends, no money, no job, and no idea what she’s going to do long term.
This will suit romance readers beautifully. The story is fairly meaty, and the protagonists are well drawn and largely empathetic. Scott portrays the challenges of parenting well, although it’s not her main focus.
I was, however, a little sceptical of the premise of the novel. I don’t think someone who hated rural life, and has enjoyed living elsewhere for a long time, is necessarily going to discover that it’s the place they wanted to be all along. Yes, people can change. But going backwards? I’m not sure that’s ever really successful. Especially if the desire to do it is prompted purely from trauma.
However, it’s a warm story, and the plot is certainly wish fulfilment for a lot of people. A past love (or at least crush), a supposedly simpler lifestyle, and having your family right on top of you constantly.
As both the central characters are sole parents, and both have experienced loss, this is quite textured and has more depth than some romances. Both are rounded characters with a lot of past. Although an American movie was the jumping off point, this is distinctly Australian. The semi-rural area is well portrayed, as is the mental isolation from the mainland that some feel.
This novel didn’t strike a strong chord with me, but that’s down to me as a reader and my particular preferences. Others will find this an enjoyable romance, although it’s not particularly original (even if you ignore the apparent use of a film as a jumping off point). I think this is one for romance readers who like a bit of meat but can also glide past improbabilities in motivation and action.
You may also be interested in my review of other novels by Eva Scott:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Here Scott is working off “Hope Floats”, a not so successful Sandra Bullock vehicle. If you’re familiar with the movie, you’ll recognise a lot of the plot beats. However, this isn’t just a repeat of the movie; Scott has built a very different story around those beats.
Lacey Kane has just discovered, live on air during a national TV broadcast, that her husband is having an affair. She collects their two young sons and flees to her family home in rural Tasmania. Lacey left Tasmania years ago, couldn’t wait to shake the dust from her feet, and has barely returned since then.
So Lacey has some way to go with becoming familiar with her parents as an adult. There’s also the problem of Shane. In high school he had a ferocious crush on her, but never admitted to it. To his horror, he finds his crush is as strong as ever. Although he’s a widower, a single father, and a successful farmer, he still reacts like a schoolboy in Lacey’s presence.
Lacey initially has no time to notice Shane – she’s got a very public breakup, an errant husband, and two young boys to deal with. She also finds she has few real friends, no money, no job, and no idea what she’s going to do long term.
This will suit romance readers beautifully. The story is fairly meaty, and the protagonists are well drawn and largely empathetic. Scott portrays the challenges of parenting well, although it’s not her main focus.
I was, however, a little sceptical of the premise of the novel. I don’t think someone who hated rural life, and has enjoyed living elsewhere for a long time, is necessarily going to discover that it’s the place they wanted to be all along. Yes, people can change. But going backwards? I’m not sure that’s ever really successful. Especially if the desire to do it is prompted purely from trauma.
However, it’s a warm story, and the plot is certainly wish fulfilment for a lot of people. A past love (or at least crush), a supposedly simpler lifestyle, and having your family right on top of you constantly.
As both the central characters are sole parents, and both have experienced loss, this is quite textured and has more depth than some romances. Both are rounded characters with a lot of past. Although an American movie was the jumping off point, this is distinctly Australian. The semi-rural area is well portrayed, as is the mental isolation from the mainland that some feel.
This novel didn’t strike a strong chord with me, but that’s down to me as a reader and my particular preferences. Others will find this an enjoyable romance, although it’s not particularly original (even if you ignore the apparent use of a film as a jumping off point). I think this is one for romance readers who like a bit of meat but can also glide past improbabilities in motivation and action.
You may also be interested in my review of other novels by Eva Scott:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
August 4, 2023
4.5 STARS
This book was kindly sent to me by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When life give you walnuts, fall in love with the farmer and his daughter…
The one thing Lacey Kane wanted to do was get out of Whitton and Tasmania the moment she could. In the last thirteen years, with a husband and two kids under her belt, she’s never returned home once. Not until her “perfect” life turns upside down on live television and she’s suddenly returning home to the safety of her parents farm on Echidna Lane. As she soaks up the fresh country air and begins to re-evaluate her marriage and the last decade, she starts to wonder if running away and never looking back was such a good idea. Especially when she starts to reconnect with Shane Morrisey, a walnut farmer and her parent’s neighbour, who she used to go to school with. Both of them took different paths in life, and yet both have led them to being reunited in the place where it all started. Shane has always held a candle for Lacey, but having also had his heartbroken with the death of his wife, he’s not ready to jump into anything with Lacey if she’s not planning on sticking around Whitton.
Eva can honestly do no wrong when it comes to rural romances! I’ve barely seen Tasmania, let alone set foot on a walnut farm, but I instantly felt like I was living in this stunning and picturesque landscape. I never gave much consideration to how walnuts are actually farmed so I really appreciated Eva going into detail about the entire process. I’m seriously considering hightailing it to Tasmania to track down my own walnut farmer with an adorable daughter!
The romance was sweet and swoony and you can instantly feel the history and connection between Lacey and Shane. There’s something about reunited high school friends that you just can’t not love. Not to mention, their children are adorable - I loved the friendship between Shane’s daughter Matilda and Lacey’ youngest son Ollie, and I honestly feel like their adventures alone would be a blast to read about.
In fact, the entire dynamic between the Kane and Morrisey families was filled with so much heart and soul, and everything that’s to love about living in a rural community. I think this is the essence that makes rural romances in general such a fantastic genre to read and Eva has absolutely excelled at being able to capture this in her books.
One of the thing I’ve loved about Eva’s recent books is the inclusion of fun little details like newspaper articles, Facebook posts, or in this case, recipes. I really enjoyed seeing the walnut-based recipes for food mentioned in the story scattered throughout the book and you can bet that I’m going to try my hand at making them - the Walnut Brownies have my name written all over them!
If you’re looking for a swoony rural escape with a gorgeous farmer, look no further than this romp on Echidna Lane!
This book was kindly sent to me by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When life give you walnuts, fall in love with the farmer and his daughter…
The one thing Lacey Kane wanted to do was get out of Whitton and Tasmania the moment she could. In the last thirteen years, with a husband and two kids under her belt, she’s never returned home once. Not until her “perfect” life turns upside down on live television and she’s suddenly returning home to the safety of her parents farm on Echidna Lane. As she soaks up the fresh country air and begins to re-evaluate her marriage and the last decade, she starts to wonder if running away and never looking back was such a good idea. Especially when she starts to reconnect with Shane Morrisey, a walnut farmer and her parent’s neighbour, who she used to go to school with. Both of them took different paths in life, and yet both have led them to being reunited in the place where it all started. Shane has always held a candle for Lacey, but having also had his heartbroken with the death of his wife, he’s not ready to jump into anything with Lacey if she’s not planning on sticking around Whitton.
Eva can honestly do no wrong when it comes to rural romances! I’ve barely seen Tasmania, let alone set foot on a walnut farm, but I instantly felt like I was living in this stunning and picturesque landscape. I never gave much consideration to how walnuts are actually farmed so I really appreciated Eva going into detail about the entire process. I’m seriously considering hightailing it to Tasmania to track down my own walnut farmer with an adorable daughter!
The romance was sweet and swoony and you can instantly feel the history and connection between Lacey and Shane. There’s something about reunited high school friends that you just can’t not love. Not to mention, their children are adorable - I loved the friendship between Shane’s daughter Matilda and Lacey’ youngest son Ollie, and I honestly feel like their adventures alone would be a blast to read about.
In fact, the entire dynamic between the Kane and Morrisey families was filled with so much heart and soul, and everything that’s to love about living in a rural community. I think this is the essence that makes rural romances in general such a fantastic genre to read and Eva has absolutely excelled at being able to capture this in her books.
One of the thing I’ve loved about Eva’s recent books is the inclusion of fun little details like newspaper articles, Facebook posts, or in this case, recipes. I really enjoyed seeing the walnut-based recipes for food mentioned in the story scattered throughout the book and you can bet that I’m going to try my hand at making them - the Walnut Brownies have my name written all over them!
If you’re looking for a swoony rural escape with a gorgeous farmer, look no further than this romp on Echidna Lane!
June 16, 2023
First up this book had me wanting to book a flight to Tasmania as I fell in love with Echidna Land and Whitton. This is my first time reading by Eva Scott but she is an author I will be looking out for in the future as I was totally head-in with this story. So many wonderful characters and only so many words on the page, that I could not read fast enough to learn more and feel the story.
Shane Morrisey is a widower single dad of a very delightful 9-year-old Matilda, they live on their walnut farm along Echidna Lane. With the help of their neighbours, Joyce and James Shane has managed to grow the farm at the same time growing up with his daughter as they make their life as a twosome.
Lacey Kane aka Candy Kane mother of Harry and Ollie had her life all mapped out married to a TV host and a job on this same show life in Syndey was going just the way she thought her life would be. All until it wasn't, so to protect her boys she returns to her parent's place in the very sleeping town in Tasmania, a place she never planned to return to.
A great second chance story that will warm your heart and falling in love with the area within the story is told in. A small-town feel read that has so many feel-good moments as well as life lessons to learn along the way. Lacey had to do what was best for her boys at the same time realising she had some very hard decisions to make, but hopefully, with the love and understanding from her parents and the newfound friendship with an old school friend from her past, she may just make the worse day of her life the start of the best thing to ever happen to her small little family of three.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just reviewed Home To Echidna Lane by Eva Scott. #HomeToEchidnaLane #NetGalley
Shane Morrisey is a widower single dad of a very delightful 9-year-old Matilda, they live on their walnut farm along Echidna Lane. With the help of their neighbours, Joyce and James Shane has managed to grow the farm at the same time growing up with his daughter as they make their life as a twosome.
Lacey Kane aka Candy Kane mother of Harry and Ollie had her life all mapped out married to a TV host and a job on this same show life in Syndey was going just the way she thought her life would be. All until it wasn't, so to protect her boys she returns to her parent's place in the very sleeping town in Tasmania, a place she never planned to return to.
A great second chance story that will warm your heart and falling in love with the area within the story is told in. A small-town feel read that has so many feel-good moments as well as life lessons to learn along the way. Lacey had to do what was best for her boys at the same time realising she had some very hard decisions to make, but hopefully, with the love and understanding from her parents and the newfound friendship with an old school friend from her past, she may just make the worse day of her life the start of the best thing to ever happen to her small little family of three.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just reviewed Home To Echidna Lane by Eva Scott. #HomeToEchidnaLane #NetGalley
August 9, 2023
Home to Echidna Lane is set in the Coal River Valley, a stunning area of Tasmania which Eva Scott now calls home.
Her recent books have followed tropes from 90’s romcoms and Home to Echidna Lane is no different drawing comparisons to the Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr movie Hope Floats.
I couldn’t get enough of the local Tassie references, there were just so many moments this book made me smile due to the mention of something like a familiar place, the aurora australis, or even just a reference to the Tasmania way of life.
Although the main setting of the book, the town of Winton, is fictional, quite a few Southern Tasmania towns and locations get a mention like Richmond and Sorell and even Eva’s favourite coffee shop, Czegs’ Café, makes a cameo.
I just adored the characters in this book, Shane, a local lad, widower, a single father who makes a living walnut farming, and Lacey, Shane’s high school crush, is a local girl who only ever wanted to escape the small-town life for the glamour of the big city.
Lacey finds herself back living with her parents in Echidna Lane after her perfect life crumbles live on television.
She brings with her, her two boys and a broken heart and it’s her parents and Shane that help to piece it back together.
I really enjoyed the banter between Shane and Lacey, and the way they navigate through this new chapter in their lives. The minor characters also really added to the story. Lacey's father had me smiling with his bedtime stories.
I loved the walnut inspired recipes included at the end of chapters; I am definitely going to give some of them a try as they sound utterly delicious. First up will be the Sunday Lunch Tortellini with Burnt Butter, Sage and Walnuts.
I have no doubt that Home to Echidna Lane will be very popular with Tassie readers and lovers of rural romance.
Her recent books have followed tropes from 90’s romcoms and Home to Echidna Lane is no different drawing comparisons to the Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr movie Hope Floats.
I couldn’t get enough of the local Tassie references, there were just so many moments this book made me smile due to the mention of something like a familiar place, the aurora australis, or even just a reference to the Tasmania way of life.
Although the main setting of the book, the town of Winton, is fictional, quite a few Southern Tasmania towns and locations get a mention like Richmond and Sorell and even Eva’s favourite coffee shop, Czegs’ Café, makes a cameo.
I just adored the characters in this book, Shane, a local lad, widower, a single father who makes a living walnut farming, and Lacey, Shane’s high school crush, is a local girl who only ever wanted to escape the small-town life for the glamour of the big city.
Lacey finds herself back living with her parents in Echidna Lane after her perfect life crumbles live on television.
She brings with her, her two boys and a broken heart and it’s her parents and Shane that help to piece it back together.
I really enjoyed the banter between Shane and Lacey, and the way they navigate through this new chapter in their lives. The minor characters also really added to the story. Lacey's father had me smiling with his bedtime stories.
I loved the walnut inspired recipes included at the end of chapters; I am definitely going to give some of them a try as they sound utterly delicious. First up will be the Sunday Lunch Tortellini with Burnt Butter, Sage and Walnuts.
I have no doubt that Home to Echidna Lane will be very popular with Tassie readers and lovers of rural romance.
September 16, 2023
Props to books that come with complementary recipes! Interwoven into Home to Echidna Lane by @evascott were a sprinkling of recipes inspired by the walnut farm owned and operated by Shane, one of the protagonists in this book. He reconnects with Lacey, the other main character, a long-lost unrequited love from high school, who has returned to her family after a very public disaster with her husband.
This book definitely puts Tasmania on the map, and felt like a warm hug on a cool Autumn evening. There is a careful balance of the two plotlines for Shane and Lacey becoming interwoven with the sparks of romance, the sense of family, a comedy of errors in communication and antics of the younger characters were highlights for me. Ollie and matilda were rambunctious young souls whose hearts were as innocent as they were cheeky, and I loved that about them both. Harry, the older almost teenage brother was captured well as his heart strings were pulled with his parents’ relationship breakdown.
I liked the focus on the role of the family from a few perspectives: Lacey’s reconnection with James and Joyce, her ageing parents, Shane’s connection to James and Joyce as almost surrogate grandparents to Matilda, and Shane’s predicament as a single dad. If you’re looking for a romance story with a bit of substance and reconnections to and from the past, this one will be for you.
This book definitely puts Tasmania on the map, and felt like a warm hug on a cool Autumn evening. There is a careful balance of the two plotlines for Shane and Lacey becoming interwoven with the sparks of romance, the sense of family, a comedy of errors in communication and antics of the younger characters were highlights for me. Ollie and matilda were rambunctious young souls whose hearts were as innocent as they were cheeky, and I loved that about them both. Harry, the older almost teenage brother was captured well as his heart strings were pulled with his parents’ relationship breakdown.
I liked the focus on the role of the family from a few perspectives: Lacey’s reconnection with James and Joyce, her ageing parents, Shane’s connection to James and Joyce as almost surrogate grandparents to Matilda, and Shane’s predicament as a single dad. If you’re looking for a romance story with a bit of substance and reconnections to and from the past, this one will be for you.
August 2, 2023
Eva Scott has excelled in this wonderful (almost) tribute to her own move to Tasmania! A beautiful area and small country town is the perfect spot for any rural romance.
The storyline covers many aspects of life, small town gossip, family connection and personal growth. The main characters, Lacey and Shane have very different lives, Lacey didn’t open her eyes until she’s forced to return home but Shane loves the farm life he’s a part of.
All of the characters in this fabulous book bring their own unique experience to ensure a relatable experience on Echidna Lane. Lacey’s parents are adorable, helping their grandsons adjust to the new living arrangements. Shane has also been on the receiving end of Joyce and James’ wisdom and love.
I particularly loved the inclusion of special family recipes and how Matt and Bella kept everyone on their toes! This special group come together as they learn to make their own memories.
Huge thanks and congratulations to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the fabulous Eva Scott for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The storyline covers many aspects of life, small town gossip, family connection and personal growth. The main characters, Lacey and Shane have very different lives, Lacey didn’t open her eyes until she’s forced to return home but Shane loves the farm life he’s a part of.
All of the characters in this fabulous book bring their own unique experience to ensure a relatable experience on Echidna Lane. Lacey’s parents are adorable, helping their grandsons adjust to the new living arrangements. Shane has also been on the receiving end of Joyce and James’ wisdom and love.
I particularly loved the inclusion of special family recipes and how Matt and Bella kept everyone on their toes! This special group come together as they learn to make their own memories.
Huge thanks and congratulations to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the fabulous Eva Scott for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2023
Shane Morrisey lives on Echidna Lane on his walnut farm with his daughter Matilda. He has kept it that way since his wife died during the birth of Matilda. He lives next door to the Kane family, James and Joyce. When Shane is struggling with bringing up Matilda on his own he always seeks help from Joyce to know which direction to take.
Lacey Kane thinks her life is perfect until it isn't and falls apart dramatically on TV in front of millions. It turns out that her husband Carter is having an affair with his co-host and announces it on air. Lacey flees Sydney with her two boys and returns to Tasmania to her home town of Whitton. Lacey has not looked back since she got out of there thirteen years ago, but is returning for her boy's sake. She meets up with Shane whom she used to go to school with years back and he has evolved into a handsome, caring, and empathetic adult. The more time she spends with him the more sparks fly.
The problem is that she doesn't plan on staying and his plan is to never leave. So how could they possibly make this work ...........
So far I have enjoyed each of Eva Scott's books and will continue to purchase them as they hit the shelves.
Lacey Kane thinks her life is perfect until it isn't and falls apart dramatically on TV in front of millions. It turns out that her husband Carter is having an affair with his co-host and announces it on air. Lacey flees Sydney with her two boys and returns to Tasmania to her home town of Whitton. Lacey has not looked back since she got out of there thirteen years ago, but is returning for her boy's sake. She meets up with Shane whom she used to go to school with years back and he has evolved into a handsome, caring, and empathetic adult. The more time she spends with him the more sparks fly.
The problem is that she doesn't plan on staying and his plan is to never leave. So how could they possibly make this work ...........
So far I have enjoyed each of Eva Scott's books and will continue to purchase them as they hit the shelves.
October 8, 2023
Lacey is one of those tele-marketer types on a tv mid morning show where her husband, Carter, is the main male co-host. One morning, her marriage becomes fodder for the grocery store magazines when Carter is outed as having an affair with his much younger female co-host. Lacey, who was clueless, is distraught and quickly escapes to her parents’ home in Tasmania to lick her wounds and contemplate her future. In Tassie, she is reunited with Shane, a widower, who she vaguely knew as a teenager. Shane owns the neighbouring farm and he, obviously, makes sorting out her marriage even more complicated.
Being a rural romance, I guess we all know the outcome but the book remained readable throughout. My only complaint would be that maybe Lacey should have had a bit more time between men.
I loved the Tasmanian setting. I desperately want to go to the area now, browse the antique stores before indulging at the coffee shop. Shane’s farm being a walnut farm was nicely unique. Scattered amongst the pages were some lovely recipes featuring walnuts even (but alas, I could not make them as my daughter has a severe nut allergy!).
4 out of 5
Being a rural romance, I guess we all know the outcome but the book remained readable throughout. My only complaint would be that maybe Lacey should have had a bit more time between men.
I loved the Tasmanian setting. I desperately want to go to the area now, browse the antique stores before indulging at the coffee shop. Shane’s farm being a walnut farm was nicely unique. Scattered amongst the pages were some lovely recipes featuring walnuts even (but alas, I could not make them as my daughter has a severe nut allergy!).
4 out of 5
September 23, 2023
Home to Echidna Lane by Ava Scott
Small Town Romance | Close Proximity
•Lacey Kane escapes to the small town she grew up in after her seemingly perfect marriage is exposed on live TV. Shane’s teenage crush on Lacey resurfaces when she returns to Echidna Lane with her two sons (Harry and Ollie). Lacey is no longer out of reach but does she plan on staying around?
•A heartwarming plot with well-developed characters. Harry, Ollie and Matilda were adorable and believable children characters. The chemistry between Lacey and Shane was undeniable. I enjoyed the pace of the story and relatable events in the story. The walnut inspired recipes were a nice addition. The ending was sweet but I was hoping it would end with some more unpredictability.
★★★★ 4/5
Small Town Romance | Close Proximity
•Lacey Kane escapes to the small town she grew up in after her seemingly perfect marriage is exposed on live TV. Shane’s teenage crush on Lacey resurfaces when she returns to Echidna Lane with her two sons (Harry and Ollie). Lacey is no longer out of reach but does she plan on staying around?
•A heartwarming plot with well-developed characters. Harry, Ollie and Matilda were adorable and believable children characters. The chemistry between Lacey and Shane was undeniable. I enjoyed the pace of the story and relatable events in the story. The walnut inspired recipes were a nice addition. The ending was sweet but I was hoping it would end with some more unpredictability.
★★★★ 4/5
December 26, 2023
I just loved the way this book started with the female lead being totally trashed on Australian television; contemplate the worst thing you think could happen and double it. It was such a train-wreck that I couldn't stop laughing.
Of course the victim didn't see it that way; she had to quit her job and retreat with her two offspring to her parents place in .. Australia's backwater .. Tasmania. The two offspring are so overdrawn that I started laughing again. One of them sees the good in every calamity, and the other one is like a template grouch.
Of course the parents just happen to live next to a widower with whom she went to school, and you can guess the rest.
It's chick-lit, but it's Fun!
Of course the victim didn't see it that way; she had to quit her job and retreat with her two offspring to her parents place in .. Australia's backwater .. Tasmania. The two offspring are so overdrawn that I started laughing again. One of them sees the good in every calamity, and the other one is like a template grouch.
Of course the parents just happen to live next to a widower with whom she went to school, and you can guess the rest.
It's chick-lit, but it's Fun!
July 19, 2023
What a delight this book was.
Home to Echidna Lane has everything about a rural romance you expect. In this case it's a single dad who runs a walnut farm and a mother of two who returns home after her marriage breakdown.
No spoilers, so I won't go into details, but this was a relatable story, sweet and satisfying. You get the small town feels, some laugh-out-loud moments mostly thanks to the kids, and even some recipes.
It's not so much a page-turner, more a relaxing read that will put a smile on your face.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy to review.
Home to Echidna Lane has everything about a rural romance you expect. In this case it's a single dad who runs a walnut farm and a mother of two who returns home after her marriage breakdown.
No spoilers, so I won't go into details, but this was a relatable story, sweet and satisfying. You get the small town feels, some laugh-out-loud moments mostly thanks to the kids, and even some recipes.
It's not so much a page-turner, more a relaxing read that will put a smile on your face.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy to review.
August 30, 2023
Lacey finds out about a horrible situation live on TV. This makes her want to run. So she does. Back home to Tasmania with her 2 boys.
Shane lives next door to Lacey’s family with his daughter. Coming face to face with Lacey again brings back old memories.
Their old friendship picks up and Lacey feels the need to move on from Sydney. She needs support and she needs to allow Shane to help.
A fantastic story of learning from ourselves when things don’t always turn out how we thought,
Shane lives next door to Lacey’s family with his daughter. Coming face to face with Lacey again brings back old memories.
Their old friendship picks up and Lacey feels the need to move on from Sydney. She needs support and she needs to allow Shane to help.
A fantastic story of learning from ourselves when things don’t always turn out how we thought,
July 26, 2023
Australian romance fiction, this story has more depth then a typical romance book. The characters have personal growth and at the heart of the story is the connection to family. The family we are born to and the family we make for ourselves.
I enjoyed the inclusion of recipes in the book that are items the characters have made.
I enjoyed the inclusion of recipes in the book that are items the characters have made.
August 17, 2023
When Lacey left her small Tasmanian hometown 13 years ago, she never thought she'd come back for good. But after her husband publically cheats on her, she is left with no choice but to return to her parent's house with her sons and her shattered pride. Eventually she realises home isn't so bad at all, especially when you have family friends like Shane and Matilda. A great story.
August 23, 2023
Absolutely Loved this Book!!
I love Eva’s Characters, (although I though she was way too nice to Carter, if I was Lacey I’d have taken that scumbag for everything and some!).
Loved the setting and feel the need to go visit Tassie, but I might wait till Summertime!
❤️📚❤️
I love Eva’s Characters, (although I though she was way too nice to Carter, if I was Lacey I’d have taken that scumbag for everything and some!).
Loved the setting and feel the need to go visit Tassie, but I might wait till Summertime!
❤️📚❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
I wanted to love this since I loved Eva's last book. But unfortunately this one wasn't for me.
I think the timeline between her ex-husband and new relationship was too tight to be believable.
I don't do books with cheating.
I think the timeline between her ex-husband and new relationship was too tight to be believable.
I don't do books with cheating.
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed this story, I went in blind not knowing what it was about. Not usually one to like kids in stories but the kids in this one were cute.
My heart broke for Harry and I wanted to kick Carter in his walnuts.
My favourite character was Lacey's father such a sweetheart.
My heart broke for Harry and I wanted to kick Carter in his walnuts.
My favourite character was Lacey's father such a sweetheart.
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