(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Country-girl Cressida Knight fills her days with her farm, a mischievous pet bull called Reggie and her volunteer emergency services work. The busier she keeps, the less she thinks about the cowboy who left her behind. She’s convinced the small-town Woodlea grapevine that she’s moved on, but now it’s time to move on for real.
Champion bull rider Denham Rigby shares Cressy’s deep love for the land and all he’s ever wanted was to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cressy through life. But three years ago a dark family secret left him no choice but to run. Now family duty gives him no choice but to return to the bush.
What Denham hasn’t come home to do is to hurt Cressy by rekindling their relationship. He’s nothing but a liability and the beautiful, self-reliant cowgirl has to stay off limits. But when faced with Cressy’s desperation to save her drought-stricken farm, he can’t keep his distance. He joins her out droving on the long paddock. Then when Woodlea is hit by more than just rodeo fever, they are further thrown together and Denham loses the battle to lock down his emotions.
But has he left it too late to stop running? And will the woman he’s always loved be prepared to risk her heart for a second time?

*4.5 stars*

Rural romance is a huge seller in Australia and I don't think anyone does it better than Alissa Callen. "Down Outback Roads" was one of the first rural romance books I read and have been a fan of both the genre and Callen ever since. She has written a number of shorter romance novellas about cowboys and ranches but, for me, she really shines in her novels set in Australia.

So what makes this book so good? Definitely the characters. Writing a good story of any genre requires characters that we can identify with, connect to - or even dislike when the need calls for it. In this story, we can't help but like Cressida - she is a strong, independent woman which we get to see either working on the farm or her volunteer work with the SES. She is also vulnerable and flawed, especially when it comes to Denham. He is a successful bull-rider whose attraction to danger and his attraction to Cressy makes for an interesting character.
Also, the rest of the gang in this book are wonderful - small towns are renowned for being populated by the more unusual characters and we get that here with the townfolk and neighbours. Sure, there are negative elements in small towns - the rumour-mill being the worst and for Cressy and Denham, that goes into overdrive. But the way the community pulls together in times of hardship or disaster - that is what we know best about rural communities and Callen does an amazing job of bringing them all to life.
Finally, one of the surprising elements to the "characters" were the animals. Cressy's farm is populated with an intriguing group - from her hilarious cockatoo to Reggie, the mischievous pit-bull, the scenes from the farm are just too good to write off as "country life." There is a whole gamut of "I know a dog/bird/horse like that" all the way through.

As for the rest, the romance side isn't in your face like some rural novels - it is there and it is well-defined but it doesn't take over the plot of the story at any time and I really appreciated that. The plotlines of hardship, drought and mental health are especially important right now in this country and I think Alissa deals with these topics in a meaningful and respectful way. None of these issues are just used as a hook - they hold deep and complicated meanings for those who live on the land.

Should you read this book? Absolutely. Alissa Callen delivers another stunning novel that belongs on the bookshelf on not just Australians, but lovers of outback romance novels the world over.


Paul
ARH

This may have been released back in January this year, but due to the controlled chaos that I preside over at home, it has taken me until now to read

This may have been released back in January this year, but due to the controlled chaos that I preside over at home, it has taken me until now to read The Long Paddock by Alissa Callen. I can only say now that I wish I had read it sooner.

An honest and truthful depiction of rural life, along with a deliciously slow-burning romance, The Long Paddock is probably one of my favourite reads of the year so far. I loved that Alissa was not afraid to address some really tough subjects (mental health, grief, drought, and the effect of these on rural communities) and that she tackled them in a sensitive and realistic way.

Cressy is strong yet vulnerable, a dreamer yet a realist, and her passion for her land is evident. Denham is alpha and beta male all rolled into one – he has a crazy dangerous job but he has such a gentle, caring side. The connection between Cressy and Denham is undeniable, and I found myself actively wanting to know what would keep a couple so suited apart. The progress of their reconnection and rediscovery of each other is slow-moving, but this pace is perfect. Rushing them back together would have served no purpose, so I am really glad Alissa resisted the temptation to do that. I got why Denham felt he needed to stay away and I loved that Cressy didn’t get all pushy about it. There are hints throughout the story as to what tore them apart and what Denham sees as the barrier to them being together, and while I picked up on it pretty quickly, it wasn’t blindingly obvious – the mystery was well done.

Country towns and rural life are teeming with unique and interesting characters, and Woodlea is no different. I must say I have a major soft spot for Reggie the carrot-addicted bull. The setting in the central west of NSW is a familiar one to me, as my maternal grandparents hailed from that part of the world.

As I understand it, The Long Paddock is the start of a series – which I couldn’t be happier about, because there are some characters I encountered that I would love to see more of. So, here I will wait, patiently, for a return visit to Woodlea.

Set in the heart of Australia,The Long Paddock is the story of Cressida 'Cressy' Knight and Denham Rigby, two neighbouring farmers who have shared more than the odd drought season together. Fighting unresolved chemistry and feelings for one another, the pair are put through their paces time and time again as life in the country throws everything it has at them. What ensures is a book of remarkable character, strength and heart. One I couldn't put down.

Giving a voice to some pretty serious, and often taboo / rarely spoken about topics, Callen doesn't shy from representing all aspects of rural life in Australia, nor from revealing the often fatal and unfortunate toll our beautiful sunburnt country can and does sometime inflict on its inhabits. Each of her characters reflect various attitudes and standpoints of Australia, and in fact most small towns, that its often hard to look away. These characters and the situations/conflicts they endure, could easily be anyone of us. It's heartbreaking, but incredible to witness and seeks to remind us all of what we stand to loose if we do not act.

Callen absolutely nails the Australian dialect in this book, so much so that you can totally hear the characters talking to each other as you read the book. When you combine this with her vivid imagery and larger than life characters, it's no wonder the book swept me away.

I know I've mentioned it a lot lately, but this book is the King of slow burns. When the book opens we already know that Cressy and Denham have had a romantic past, but we don't know the reasons for why they aren't together now; a point of intrigue and conflict since it's clearly evident to the reader that they were made for each other. Throughout the course of the novel we get to glimpse both characters heartaches and longings as they learn to navigate the hardships that life continues to throws at them. Both characters grow explenetry throughout the course of the novel because of this, and the fragile reltaionship they build together is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but one of the most magical and honest thing one can hope to witness.

The Long Paddock is a delightful and inspiring rural novel that hits all the right boxes: an alpha male and he's equally stubborn childhood sweet heart, a rather cheeky bull with a carrot addiction, a cattle dog with swinging loyalties and bucket loads of mystery, small town gossip and a good dash of romance thrown in as well. More importantly though, The Long Paddock has so much heart and soul that it is sure to grip the reader until the very last page. Perhaps, if you are like me, even longer than that!!

So far 2017 has been a top notch reading year for me personally, and this latest addition from Aussie Author Alissa Callen is no exception. Full of mystery and intrigue and a good dash of romance, it's the kind of book that is going to demand the readers attention and never let them go. Dealing with some heavier topics - alcoholism, mental illness, suicide and drought - it's the kind of book that I find myself often returning too for it is unmatched in heart and soul. It's brilliant and one page turner that you won't want to miss this Summer.

The Long Paddock is the typical rural romance that has become bread and butter in my reading repertoire. So when I picked up Callen’s latest one , I knew I was in for a treat. A second chance story which always work in favour for me . The Long Paddock tells the story of Cressida ‘ Cressy’ and Denham sweethearts whose families have lived on neighbouring properties for years. Everything was perfect in their lives and they lived for their farms

Until three years ago when Denham bought a one way ticket to Montana and never looked back at the small town he lived and breathe, determined to become a champion bull rider . The devastation affecting his family clouded everything else . Leaving Cressy behind wondering why and how to fix what was broken .

Cressy has moved on and now she fights for her farm trying desperately to make a go of the drought conditions which is affecting her property with sheer determination. All she needs Reggie, her sister and her best friend.

However Claremont has come calling for its favourite son in its time of need and Denham has returned determined to fix things for the property. Nothing else, the ache is still there for Cressy but with the family secrets will he be able reclaim it all including Cressy who wants him back but is torned

The small town of Woodlea could be anywhere but I loved the setting and the rich history that she created . Callen got it perfect, the characters and the problems. It was the perfect foil for the story of Cressy, Denham and the others. I loved she didn’t just focused on them but weaved other problems caused by the drought and the couple to the story. It made for a rich powerful story that touches to close to the problems that small communities are facing Callen blurred the lines of reality here with her personal experience and it made for more richer experience.

This may be my first Callen book but it wont’ be the last

This a beautiful moving and emotional story that shows us the love of the small town country community what they go through in times of drought and storms and when loved ones health is causing problems how they step up and help. MS Callen has written a magical story that had me turning the pages to see Denham Rigby champion bull rider and Cressida Knight Cowgirl journey to a second chance HEA.

Denham has moved back home from Montana after being away for three years he has just lost his mother and has plans for the family property Claremont but he also has a lot of worries family secrets and the only person he will ever love neighbour Cressy whom he broke of their relationship three years ago for reasons he feels he must shoulder she is the last person he wants to hurt.

Cressy lives on the family property they are suffering from drought and she is doing it tough she has her animals a bull Reggie a cockatoo Kevin and faithful Kelpie Tippy truly these animals are the best loved them. Cressy is caring strong and well- loved in the community she has a sister who lives in the city but the farm holds Cressy’s heart as does neighbour Denham who is back home and Cressy has a decision to make does she push to get Denham back or not.

This is a story that I did not want to put down it pulls you in I felt so connected to the characters in the small town of Woodlea Denham is haunted by the family secrets he is quiet and strong and so loved but Cressy is determined to win her man back and does not give in till she has him these two people so needed each other there were tears and smiles. I hope I have done this one justice because it is going to stay with me for a long time thank you MS Callen for an amazing story that looked at the hardships that the back bone of this country struggles with and did it so well.

The Long Paddock by Alissa Callen was a feel good story full of likeable characters. Describing the many highlights and challenges of farm-life in a small town rural setting. A vast tale of broken hearts, second chances and family secrets.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley

Thw Long Paddock resonates so well for me. Alissa Callen has captured the heart of the country and woven it into a captivating story of love, hope and persistence against the odds.
So many events depicted in this story have clearly been drawn from real life and from a strong understanding of life on the land. Alissa Callen has touched on the subjects of rural mental health, drought and the hardship it brings, and also that wonderful sense of community that is so much a part of small country town living.
There's a good deal of warmth and humour in this novel delivered through both the genuine concern characters display for each other and through the quirky yarn bombing that pops up nearly every time Cressy pops into town.
This book has brought me smiles and moments where I have really connected with the characters or smiled at those familiar small town events and the way everyone pulls together to make them a success. For pure feel-good reading you'd be hard pressed to go past Alissa Callen. I just loved this one.