Riverstone Ridge, set in far north Queensland, perfectly showcases author Mandy Magro’s exceptional knowledge of the flora and fauna of this area. The setting is exquisitely described over and over through this story, bringing readers right into the location and almost able to hear a possum running over the tin roof nearby. For me this was the absolute winning aspect of this story, though this is a rural romance, a story of second chances for protagonists Nina Jones and Logan Steele as they learn to love again after twenty years apart. With secrets unfolding and hints of danger throughout there was plenty to keep me turning the pages of this gorgeous story.

So, I live on acreage between Cairns and Mareeba which is around where Magro also lives and [sort of] set this novel, and why I was eager to give it a go. However, unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I think my biggest issue with the book is that it lacks plot. I’m afraid nothing substantial really happens which really affected any enjoyment I might have gained from reading it.

Our hero and heroine, Logan and Nina, were childhood friends and just-the-once lovers before Nina moved to Brisbane to live. When Bea, who brought Nina up as her own daughter, passes away Nina returns to Bea’s far north Queensland property. There Nina receives a letter every week for four weeks from Bea, explaining some of her family secrets along with encouraging Nina to stay on and live at Riverstone Ridge.

The secrets, unfortunately, were very cliched (and kind of ridiculous in this modern age) and I guessed them pretty much from the start. I was actually crossing my fingers, hoping I might be proved incorrect and there’d be some special twist in the letters but, alas, it was not to be.

Riverstone Ridge is being marketed as a romantic suspense but the suspense/mystery part was way too light on for my liking. Seriously, it was a couple of pages at the most and this made me slightly frustrated. A bit of extra plot or storyline here and the book might have worked for me.

The conflict keeping Nina and Logan apart was also weak. There was a lot of navel gazing by the pair in amongst a lot of ‘I really think he/she is hot’ thoughts. I admit, by the 60 percent mark I was starting to skim.

The setting is mostly authentic, especially when I compare it to Candice Fox’s ridiculous portrayal of the far north in Crimson Lake. The local setting wasn’t enough for me though.

Sorry, maybe 2 out of 5

Set in North Queensland, Riverstone Ridge is a rural romance with an element of suspense from bestselling author, Mandy Magro.

“I do think it’s high time you knew the truth, about me, about your past, and perhaps it will open doors to a future you never imagined possible.”

Nearly twenty years after Nina Jones left her hometown, certain that she’d never be able to return, the last wish of her beloved adoptive mother, Bea, draws her back to Riverstone Ridge to face the secrets she left behind.
Bea has arranged that Nina will receive a letter each week, hoping that the missives will allow Nina reconnect with her love of Riverstone Ridge, and perhaps the boy next door she never forgot.

Riverstone Ridge explores a number of themes including love, romance, family, truth, and loss. I thought the author’s examination of grief and the ways in which people react differently was particularly thoughtful and tender.

The ‘second chance’ romance between Nina and Logan Steele, now the town’s police officer who has experienced his own devastating loss, is emotional and passionate. The narrative occasionally shifts between their perspectives so their intense attraction to, and feelings about, one another are crystal clear, and I found their connection appealing and believable.

There are two main secrets that create suspense in Riverstone Ridge, both of which take almost the whole length of the book to be revealed. One is quite sinister, placing Nina unknowingly in the path of a man seeking revenge. I thought these threads were well paced and enhanced the story, surprising me with the twists they offered.

Magro’s writing is very descriptive, be it of people, emotions, places, or things. I again loved Magro's distinctly Australian settings which draws on her own experience and knowledge of the land. Her depiction of the landscape is especially evocative, and I found it easy to visualise Riverstone Ridge and it’s surrounds.

An emotive and enjoyable novel, Riverstone Ridge is an engaging story of love and suspense.

Riverstone Ridge by author Mandy Magro captures tragedy, suspense, heartache and second chances all in one read. A story with some stand out characters and moments that will pull at the heart strings. Readers cannot help but be caught up in the escapades, memories and dream moments of Logan and Nina. Tangled webs throughout the narrative that held more than one story arc. Another good story by Ms Magro.
Review copy received from Harlequin Mira via Netgalley.

Riverstone Ridge is a story packed with emotion, regrets, tragedy, and finally hope. The author has penned a truly passionate account of life in a small town, the demons that often follow us through the years, and how a common goal can bring two broken souls together to mend and find love. I found myself drawn to these characters and the inner turmoil they battled, along with a mysterious foe, to find their HEA. Riverstone Ridge is a heartfelt, captivating and satisfying book, and look forward to reading more titles by Ms Magro.