Reader and Newspaper Reviews
Outback romances are becoming all the literary rage and this one delivers with its tale of love, adventure, mustering, rodeo and all things rural. Sarah Clarke's outback dream goes awry and her bid to redeem herself catches the eye of the station owner's son. Love has hurdles, but Sarah's no quitter. In a word:Aussie
Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin
Jacaranda is the perfect chill out, lift-your-spirits-on-a-bad-day read. With a strong, likable and thoroughly good heroine and a beautiful depiction of rural Australia, it is difficult not to get sucked in by this romantic read. I picked this book up on a rainy weekend when my spirits were quite low and found myself drawn in to the story of Molly Jones and her family and
friends at Jacaranda Station.Molly is a single mother in her mid-20s. She has a loving home on Jacaranda station with her grandparents and her daughter, Rose. She is secretly in love with Heath, the boyfriend of her workmate and friend Jenny who died in a tragic accident. Molly knows better than to make a move on her friends boyfriend, though Heath has other ideas. He knows that although he will always love Jenny, life must go on and that she would want him to be happy. But before he can make a move, Rose's father comes back to town, further complicating Molly's life ...What I loved about this book was not only the beautiful, romanticised depiction of rural Australia, but the wholesomeness of the characters. Molly and Heath are strong and likeable leads who often put others ahead of themselves. I found it impossible to hate Mark (the closest thing the book has to a villain), as he has his own set of problems and reasons for his roguish behaviour. Some quirky characters, such as lovable larrikin Kenny,
round out the book making it a fun read.
KATHRYN WHITE
Jacaranda is a page turner! Once started, it is impossible to stop. You start an amazing journey with Molly Jones, you feel as though you are there right beside her, feeling every emotion, every touch, every kiss, and her heartache. It helped me to realise that life is too short to have walls up protecting you, you need to let the walls fall and let life in. Enjoy every second, and not worry. I cant compare it to Rosalee Station because they are both so different but both so amazing. Mandy you have really shown your true talent with Jacaranda, showing people a different side to The Australian Outback. It is like you are writing my dreams on paper and letting me re live them while I am awake. You inspire me to follow my dreams of working on the land! Thankyou so much for giving me a truly wonderful read. You should be so proud of yourself Mandy. Good work matey, Cant wait for the next one!
CORINNE JONES
Hi Mandy. I loved Jacaranda. With your writing, I'm there. I Can see it all, everything you talk about from the landscapes to the emotions...everything. I mean the other books do that too, but not as well as you do Mandy. That's why I love your work. Keep on scribbling mate.
DANIELLE MOYSES
Well so far it has made me laugh and it has made me almost cry a few times too....really resenting the assignments I have due tomorrow because all I want to do today is read Jacaranda!
TIA BUTLER
Just Finished reading Rosalee Station...and I LOVED it. You can really tell you are reading a great book when you get to chapter 26, and before you even realise tears are streaming down your face. I was so engrosed in the book, I thought I was watching a movie! Rushing out to get Jacaranda tomorrow.
REBEKAH CLARK
I love your books.. I have to wipe away tears so I can read on.
TAMARA FREDERICKS
I've just finished Jacaranda, and I had to let you know that I loved it!!!! Couldn't put it down!! Loved all the characters!! Can't wait to read your other books!! Thanks for your hard work!! :)
JOLENE HENRY
Hi Mandy, Just finished Jacaranda and indeed it made me smile!! Such a fab read! I just love your style of writing. You are certainly the best of Aussie!! Thanks for your books and look forward to any in the future.
DEE CLONAN
I've brought a couple of books since receiving yours in the mail and I saved the best till last! And boy it didn't disappoint! Words cannot describe how much I loved Jacaranda! You had me hooked right from the beginning till that last page. It was an amazing story line with a perfect ending!! All I need now is to find my very own cowboy:) But seriously, you are an incredibly talented author and all I can say is bring on book 3!
MYKAYLA COONEY
I’ve just spent the afternoon reading Jacaranda and it was bloody fantastic!! Our little lamb was a bit annoyed that he was late being fed, but I just lost track of time. Congratulations on writing another magnificent piece of rural literature. You have a way of transporting me into the book so it feels as though I’m there watching the characters in person. Now, if Heath had walked onto my property, I’m sure I would have looked twice!! I just thought I’d send you a quick congratulations and a huge thank you for all your hard work. Jacaranda is taking pride of place on my bookshelf now (along side Rosalee Station). I wish I was a writer, because I can’t find the words to thank you for taking me to another place and sharing such a wonderful story with me. Congrats mate!!!
KYLIE ILES
Your first book, Rosalee Station, was what got me reading again and I read it from Brisbane to Bangkok and I couldn't put it down. Your 2nd book is amazing once again and finished it in under a week! Your writing is amazing and an inspiration to farm life and love. Your amazing! I hope to see your 3rd book soon as I always wait to pre order it - everyone needs to read your books you're an inspiration so keep up the great work.
SELENA STARK
Sarah moves to the outback with her boyfriend and discovers a secret that threatens everything. This novel has a powerful blend of "love, self-discovery and forgiveness"
The Mercury
When offered the job of cook at Rosalee Station, Sarah Clarke jumps at the chance to follow her dream and live in the outback. She embraces life on the station,cooking for the hardworking, funloving men. Unlike in many books on outback Australia, this author has really captured the day-to-day life of her tough characters who live, work and play there, and their very Australian conversations. A great read.
Dandenong Leader Newspaper
Hi Mandy. Just wanted to write and say that Rosalee Station has really inspired me to find my 'Aussie roots'. I envied the space and freedom you portrayed in the story, and, as flippant as it sounds, I've decided to sell my 600 square metre surburbia property and look for something more rural (and spacious!). As an editor myself, I love discovering new authors and cannot wait until your next book comes out. You've really captured the essence of the outback and I think you've succeeded in creating interest in what essentially is our own backyard.
Kindest regards and your (new) loyal fan...
BELINDA
Hi there Mandy,
Oh dear oh dear, just turned the last page yesterday night, and.....
Sob....
can't let go of the story....
Sob...
Where is the follow up to Rosalee Station??
You can't just leave us there, out in limbo, and NOT tell us what is happening to that gorgeous couple!!!! Where’s the sequel, Mandy?? I won't allow it!! :)
I loved your descriptions of the Outback. I have lots of images in my head now, especially as I have seen some with my own eyes, when we visited Australia some years back. While describing Sarah's journey down to Mt Isa, I followed on the map to see which places she drove through.
I found your book to be filled with little life's lessons, some of them too easily forgotten in our hectic lives, especially when you live in/close to big cities. One of them comes immediately to mind which is "Life isn't always fair, but it's at these moments that you have to decide if you are going to be a victim or a survivor". I think I'll take that with me; or "dew are angels dancing in the sunlight"....so cute. Where did you get that one from?
There were others, but I'd need to re-read the book.
Thanks again for a lovely read.
BRIGITTE
Hi Mandy. I purchased your book yesterday and I couldn't put it down. Loved it! Cannot wait to read another one of your Australian outback stories, we do not have enough authors who write these stories. As a ex manager of a book store there is large following for outback fiction. Once again, thanks for the great read. What an experience and journey you took me on.
It was as if I was there.
AMANDA
Well, thanks to the rain I wasn't needed on the tractor today so I was able to go to town and get the mail. I was pleased to see my copy of Rosalee Station there (thanks for signing it by the way!). I haven't put it down and have finished it just in time to start getting tea ready. A lovely day listening to the rain in front of the fire with a book. Something I NEVER do!! What an amazing book!!!! Thank you so much!! I can't tell you how absorbed I got in the story and how much I wished that it was me experiencing the station life. It was always a dream of mine to work on a station, but my life took a different path (one which has blessed me with a wonderful husband, 2 beautiful children and a great place to live and work). Your book has let me experience that dream through words and imagination. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.I hope there will be more books to come in the future.Once again,thank you for Rosalee Station. I will be recommending it to my mates for sure!
KYLIE
I finally got the book thank you so much!! I started at 2 this arvo and just closed it!! Haven't been able to put it down, it was truly amazing and you are now one of my favourite authors. I just wish the next one was out now as I just want to keep reading. I really felt as though I was there and I shared the same feelings as Sarah. I felt her love and her heartache. Mandy you should be so proud of your novel, you really have shown people what country life is really like and what the true meaning of love is!!!! Thankyou for such an amazing adventure and I can't wait for the next!! Congratulations!
CORINNE JONES
Hey Mandy! Picked up Rosalee station at Big W last week and just read the last half in one sitting! Loved it,loved it,loved it!!! Felt the heat, the gritty dust and the love of Sarah for her family.Loved Victory and Duke.Laughed out loud a few times.Well done!
ANNIE
Hi Mandy,I just finish reading your book, Rosalee Station.
Brilliant! I live in outback WA, in a small mining town. Your book was fantastic reading and the Aussie slang in your book made me laugh and feel part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed your book and look forward to your next book.
Keep up the great work.
MICHELLE DUIKER
Dear Mandy, Just wanted to let you know LOVED your book... I need MORE though:) I have a pile of books by Rachael Treasure, Fiona Palmer, Tony Parsons And a few more, only the best make the cut and I am excited to say yours will definately be there tooo... Definately re-reading it. Only 1 complaint I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!
KERRIE
Hi Mandy, Your book is just brilliant...I loved it and really could not put it down. I am tired now though, I work during the day for a builder then coach gymnastics in the arvo/night plus the 2 kids so it's been midnight sleeps this week for me. I hope you are super proud and I love a book when you actually get taken away to that place....I felt like I was out at that station...I hope sales go well and wish you every bit of sucsess with the book. I can not wait for your next book and thank you for giving me a few days away from my normal life...
BEC
Hi Mandy,I've just finished Rosalee Station. What an awesome story, I really loved it. Was up till 1130 last night and up again super early to finish it off. It made me feel like I'd escaped into Sarah's life on the station. I think she's really lucky! I loved how you wrote about the Aussie outback country-its exactly how I imagine it to be.
MARY-ANNE
Mandy, I just finished reading Rosalee Station. Absolutely loved it, couldn't put it down, took 7 hrs to read. You must and should be so proud!
CASEY
Hi Mandy, finished reading your book on Tuesday (was a great distraction while I tried not to itch through an allergy test!) Had to tell you I really loved it! The way you described things made you really feel as though you were right them with them and loved the storyline. Hope you have another one coming out soon!
BEC
Just finished your book in just two days, I couldn't put it down it was so amazing. I loved every page!
DANIELLE
Hi Mandy. Just finished reading your book. Great story and keep up the good work for the next book. A great insight to outback Australia.
JAINE
I finished a whole book – hasn’t happened for a couple of years, since I picked up The Call of The High Country and the sequel (great read that too!)! I have to confess to having quite a few started… L A bad habit of mine. And guess what book it was??!! Yep, Rosalee Station! Thank you Mandy, it was wonderful, it stirred a lot of my own memories, I shed a few tears and you had me laughing out loud too. As I read more and more of the story, that feeling (like a tightening in the chest??) had me reading until I knew that everything was going to turn out ok. Grahame and I spent a bit of time in the territory (when we were much younger…), not on a station but in and around Tennant Creek – your story and how well you described the feeling of outback Australia, left me wanting to go back, that vast array of nothingness (but really full of everything) that has such a special appeal… I had forgotten how it felt. I want my kids to be able to take a deep breath and enjoy it too. Thanks for bringing back some very pleasant memories. Last night, you had me contemplating selling everything, loading the kids and horses and just GOING! Now its morning, I’m not feeling quite so inspired to do just that, but more sensibly planning our next family holiday, extending our Beef Australia/Rockhampton trip next year to maybe a lengthier trip around Northern Australia… catching up with friends and making new ones too.
SAL EDWARDS, HORSE DOWNUNDER MAGAZINE
I don't read, I never did! But as they say it soothes the soul... - Rosalee Station is by far the best book I have ever read! Great Author Mandy Magro and she's a dimbulah kid! Even better shes local! Looking forward to the next book!
DANIELLE