There is a lot to enjoy in this book. It has a genuine feel-good vibe. I enjoyed the relationship between Holden and Ford his brother and the story of how they were named. The foster family of boys and the dogs, and even the small-town community, were heartwarming. I couldn’t get past Adeline joining the convent- it felt hopelessly unrealistic to me. I am not a religious person. I felt the potential of a relationship between Adeline and Holden was well explored and believable. I received an Advance Copy through Net Gally and this is my review.

Rachael has done it again. This book and the small town prescriptions were so vivid and lovely. Five out of five stars.

Talk to the Heart – by Rachael Johns

A REVIEW - 5 STARS


Thank you to both HQ Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this incredible story as an ARC. As this was my first ARC review, I felt it added to my reading enjoyment.


A beautifully written, stand-alone novel, ideally read as Book 3 in the Rose Hill series. However, if like me, you’ve been slow to join the Johns fan club, Talk to the Heart provided great reading enjoyment despite not having read the previous titles.


When Adeline Walsh turns to God for guidance following a family death and the revelation of hidden family secrets, she is drawn away from her day-to-day life and hometown of Walsh. Sacrificing many of life’s modern-day luxuries, Adeline heads toward Smallton, a small country town quite some distance away, where she joins a convent and begins a life of service to God. It is here that she finds a family of sorts, a place where she feels strongly connected.



Enter Holden and Ford, two Smallton resident brothers, along with their foster children, turn Adeline’s world upside down and test her faith in a multitude of ways.


To say I loved this story from cover to cover would not do Talk to the Heart justice. I felt that all the story lines connected together superbly, with great pace and well-integrated characters from books one and two, it ensured that there no questions were left unanswered. Talk of the Town and Something to Talk About will now be added to my TBR pile so I can learn more about Adeline’s past.



One of my favourite underlying themes from Talk to the Heart would be Johns’ ability to remind us that we are all human and many of us make mistakes on a daily basis. Adeline’s life in the convent was portrayed as a true sisterhood, religious beliefs aside, the connections Adeline made while there, were strong. When lapses in judgement were made, she wasn’t ridiculed or belittled, rather encouraged to reflect and listen once more to God’s messages. Even if not religious, perhaps we could all take a little away from this and when mistakes are made, by ourselves or those around us, remember to stop and listen before criticizing.


Another favourite of mine was the banter between Adeline and Holden. He constantly riled her beyond exasperation, and she unintentionally frustrated him in more ways than she could imagine. The dialogue accompanying these moments was hilarious. Though Holden tried to ignore his increasing feelings, his attempts only added to the level of friction between these two pivotal characters. This friction provided many LOL moments and the odd sympathetic tear.


With wonderful attention to scene setting detail, I was able to gain inspiration for my next tattoo… I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Thanks for the idea Rachael 😊


The more of Johns’ books I read, the more I understand why she is called the Queen amongst the women’s fiction fan world. Johns’ undeniably easy to read stories, relatable characters and realistic view of the world keeps me coming back for more.

Talk to the Heart – by Rachael Johns
A REVIEW - 5 STARS


Thank you to both HQ Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this incredible story as an ARC. As this was my first ARC review, I felt it added to my reading enjoyment.


A beautifully written, stand-alone novel, ideally read as Book 3 in the Rose Hill series. However, if like me, you’ve been slow to join the Johns fan club, Talk to the Heart provided great reading enjoyment despite not having read the previous titles.


When Adeline Walsh turns to God for guidance following a family death and the revelation of hidden family secrets, she is drawn away from her day-to-day life and hometown of Walsh. Sacrificing many of life’s modern-day luxuries, Adeline heads toward Smallton, a small country town quite some distance away, where she joins a convent and begins a life of service to God. It is here that she finds a family of sorts, a place where she feels strongly connected.



Enter Holden and Ford, two Smallton resident brothers, along with their foster children, turn Adeline’s world upside down and test her faith in a multitude of ways.


To say I loved this story from cover to cover would not do Talk to the Heart justice. I felt that all the story lines connected together superbly, with great pace and well-integrated characters from books one and two, it ensured that there no questions were left unanswered. Talk of the Town and Something to Talk About will now be added to my TBR pile so I can learn more about Adeline’s past.



One of my favourite underlying themes from Talk to the Heart would be Johns’ ability to remind us that we are all human and many of us make mistakes on a daily basis. Adeline’s life in the convent was portrayed as a true sisterhood, religious beliefs aside, the connections Adeline made while there, were strong. When lapses in judgement were made, she wasn’t ridiculed or belittled, rather encouraged to reflect and listen once more to God’s messages. Even if not religious, perhaps we could all take a little away from this and when mistakes are made, by ourselves or those around us, remember to stop and listen before criticizing.


Another favourite of mine was the banter between Adeline and Holden. He constantly riled her beyond exasperation, and she unintentionally frustrated him in more ways than she could imagine. The dialogue accompanying these moments was hilarious. Though Holden tried to ignore his increasing feelings, his attempts only added to the level of friction between these two pivotal characters. This friction provided many LOL moments and the odd sympathetic tear.


With wonderful attention to scene setting detail, I was able to gain inspiration for my next tattoo… I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Thanks for the idea Rachael 😊


The more of Johns’ books I read, the more I understand why she is called the Queen amongst the women’s fiction fan world. Johns’ undeniably easy to read stories, relatable characters and realistic view of the world keeps me coming back for more.

I have yet to read the other two books in this series. However, I stumbled upon "Something to Talk About" on my Kindle and am planning on reading it soon. I have always been a fan of Rachael Jones' books, and this one did not disappoint. You can read it as a stand-alone or as part of the series, which I highly recommend.

The story has many layers, and the characters are fantastic. You will likely find a connection to at least one of them and will enjoy every word. The reference to "The Sound of Music" is well done, and the author did an excellent job of updating this classic tale.

I am recently new to the Rose Hill series and have completely fallen in love with all the characters bar one. You guessed it, Adeline.

I very much enjoyed getting to know the new and improved Adeline. Whilst this book was mostly set in a different town we still had glimpses of our favourite characters from the first two books.

Adeline, after discovering her grans dark secret sets off to a convent to become a sister. Enter Holden, Ford and their foster boys who Adeline’s dog Bella can’t seem to stay away from. A lot of soul searching, a bit of religion, sex, love and you have a book you can’t put down.

I thoroughly enjoyed Talk to the Heart and highly recommend it. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two, though I suggest you do, this can definitely be read alone.

Adeline Walsh grew up on a dairy farm in the small country town of Walsh, Western Australia, Adeline thinks she’s better than everyone else until one day she discovers a long hidden family secret and it makes Adeline reconsider her standing.

Adeline decides she’s going to become a nun, she will give up her expensive clothes, breeding Maremma dogs, move to Smallton, in Victoria and start her training at The Sisters of Grace Convent. Adeline vowing to be chaste, obedient and give up all her worldly goods made me laugh and at least she's a practicing catholic and that's one thing she doesn't need to change.

Life in Smallton and the convent is nothing like Adeline expected, the other sisters are lovely, a big family, they all help each other, work together and support people in the community. For Adeline it gives her time to reflect on what she’s done in the past, she can turn over a new leaf and her sins will forgiven.

Mother Catherine kindly let's her bring her dog Bella to the convent, through one of her exploits and escapes she meets Holden Campbell, and at first Adeline can’t see past his long unkempt hair, beard and tattoos.

Adeline discovers behind scruffy exterior beats a heart of gold and he and his brother Ford are foster parents to teenage boys who’ve had a tough childhood. Adeline's had quite a lot of experience in fund raising and obtaining grants back home in Walsh and she offers to help Holden fill out applications and for a worthy project he wants to start.

Adeline finds Holden attractive, she's committed to being a nun and it’s the happiest she’s ever been and she doesn't want to muck it up. Will she be able to resist temptation, Holden has made it very clear he doesn’t believe in love and being in an exclusive relationship?

I received a digital copy of Talk to the Heart by Rachael Johns from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Wow, this was my favourite book out of the three in the Rose Hill trilogy and Ms. John’s certainly exceeded my high expectations with her latest novel.

A story highlights some really relevant topics and brings them to your attention like, foster children and how financial support ends when they turn eighteen, youth homelessness, and families come in all shapes and sizes. You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance, especially those with body art and don't own a hairbrush.

Being a nun has changed over the years, they have fun and are part of the community. People can can change, Adeline does, she accepts she was a bully, selfish, shallow, and vain and your typical mean girl and she's sorry for her behaviour and wants to make amends.

An emotional, uplifting, moving and hilarious narrative by Ms. Johns, I highly recommend reading all three books in the Rose Hill series, Talk of the Town, Something to Talk About and my absolute favourite Talk to the Heart and five big stars from me. Perfect for fans of The Sound of Music, heroes with a bad boy image and body art.

Wow Rachael has done it again. This is my favourite of all of her books and thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance copy.
The character development in this book was wonderful along with it being such a warm and cosy read. I wanted to be part of this awesome little town with its quirky community and welcoming people.

I didn’t want the book to end! Great writing Rachael. I’d highly recommend this book.

A bike riding, lumberjack looking, Captain Von Trapp-esque foster dad and a nun/sister-to-be? Small town Sound Of Music?

That is what Rachael Johns has given us with Talk To The Heart.

Now, I will admit that I didn't think our leading lady Adeline could have been redeemed after remembering what she did in the earlier books (which you do not have to have read), however I should never question where Ms Johns takes her characters.

Holden and Adeline have sparks and attraction for days, and both have their reasons to ignore the attractions - but I am so glad they didn't.

The more I read, the more I wanted to hug Adeline (whoda thunkit?). Yes, she was an absolute beech in the earlier books, but now I know her more, I understand her. Don't condone what she did, but her personal growth and healing really shines through.

And Holden? Well,I feel that he is an absolutel delight that you need to just dive in and get to know for yourself.

Beautiful storytelling, wonderful characters, and plenty of emotions, this is a new favourite by Ms Johns for me.

Ok well, Rachael is one of the BEST authors out there, and boy did she bring it in Talk to the Heart. I LOVED IT!!!!

I had to read this as I loved the first book that ties to this one, Something to talk about. We finally get Adeline's story.

I loved the flow of the story and where it went and how it went down. A few surprises along the way. I really loved Holden and Ford, and I hope Ford will have his own book....HINT HINT!

The twist in the story I was even like WHOA! such a great twist, and didn't see it coming!

OMG! I loved where Adeline was questioning the name of the boys, Holden and Ford. I was reading at work and was dying laughing. Too funny! LOL!!!

I also love insta attraction books, and this was right there with that!! They both tried to push it away cause due to why Adeline was there. But how long can they hold out??

Loved when Holden was talking about spreadsheets "I'd rather tattoo my own eyeball than do a spreadsheet." Me too Holden, Me too!

One of my fave scenes in the whole book was when Holden walked Adeline to the end of the drive. OMG! LOVED IT!!

And lastly, loved the reference to Farmer wants a wife! Love that show!!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for letting me read this book for an honest review. What can I say…I love Rachael’s books and characters and this was no exception. Firstly there’s Adeline who’s going through a life crisis and ends up meeting a whole raft of new characters as the book, even though it’s the third in the series is set across the country. There’s Ford & Holden who bring so much more to the story than just the reason behind their names and they add so much more to the story. There’s sex, love, religion and even the Middle of Nowhere, which is one of the best names for an Australian town that I’ve ever heard, as we all say it when we’re driving around the country. Such a great book which I loved from start to finish.

Talk to the Heart – Rachael Johns
Review summary: Rachael Johns has done it again – a heartwarming tale that is sure to exceed expectations. Number 3 in the Rose Hill series transforms an easy to dislike character into a charming protagonist.
Star rating: 4/5
Thank you to NetGallery and Harlequinn Australia for the opportunity to review this book. Talk to the Heart will be available for purchase from 1 November 2023.
The announcement of a third book in the Rose Hill series by Rachael Johns sent me into excitement. However, I was slightly cautious when Adeline was announced as the protagonist. If you’ve read the two other books in the series (and I recommend you do – it enriches this book but they’re excellent novels), you may have similar opinions to me. Adeline is unlikeable and will likely remind you of someone you went to high school with that didn’t exactly make you want to stay in touch after graduation.
As a fan of Rachael Johns’ writing and enjoying the continuation of this series, I was eager to read this book as quickly as possible. Although set in a new town, the linkages to the first two books in the series enhanced the references to plotlines in previous novels – enhanced context and richness to the story (and the storylines of the previous books, particularly if you like to reread series).
My hesitation, apprehensive and annoyance about Adeline as the star of this book was quickly forgotten as I began the novel. The writing, storylines (and wow – the multiple interesting storylines – this book just kept giving) and characters meant I couldn’t put this [electronic] book down. This is interesting, as I was worried my preconceptions and thoughts about previous storylines about Adeline would put me off. But, if anything I wanted to read more and I very quickly was positioned to be in Adeline’s corner, without forgiving her past transgressions. The storyline from her gran very quickly pivoted me to sympathise and want to read about Adeline – this was a great choice by Johns, particularly to neutralise any reader with a dislike or bias towards Adeline.
Adeline’s development alongside the discussions of religion, faith and purpose, as well as family and past mistakes, were all interwoven into various subplot lines that were just as engrossing. This was a multi-layered book with lots to take from it – and I’m sure if you read this book a few times you will take different things on each read. You just want to keep reading – and it all starts with Gran. It’s interesting that although the characters were well developed, I initially felt that the storylines were pushing and driving the novel forward.
In less than a day I started and finished this book because I had to know how it ended and the writing was so enthralling, I couldn’t put it down. It also made me realise that there is something ordinarily relatable about Adeleine Walsh, we’ve all been the Adelina at some point in time – not quite fitting in but desperately wanting to.
With the Bunyip Bay series getting another book in the series in early 2024, it’s a great time to be a Rachael Johns fan. Beyond this, fans of chick list and broader rural romance will enjoy this fun novel with unique storylines. A must-read novel and the series will make a perfect Christmas gift!
Will there be more in the Rose Hill series? I hope so. I need more of Ford, the boys, the sisters and all that Smallton has to offer. The last few chapters leave me wanting more, and I hope Johns explores these developments as standalone stories.

I have long been a fan of Rachael Johns books so I rushed to request this book as soon as I heard it was available on NetGalley, and this book didn’t disappoint.

I have been waiting to hear more about Adeline Walsh since we first met her in ‘Talk of the town’, the first book in the Rose Hill series, and again in ‘Something to talk about’.
Adeline is the character we love to hate and ‘In Talk to the heart’ Adeline has left her hometown to join a convent on the other side of the country after the discovery of a shocking family secret. Whilst at the Smallton Convent Adeline meets Holden, a foster carer with his own unhealed traumas. Adeline and Holden are repeatedly drawn together by their dogs despite trying to avoid the temptation of each other.

This book is full of heart, humour and emotion and is one of my favourite books by Rachael Johns.

There is no doubting that I am a massive Rachael Johns fan, she is the queen of rural romance, so I jumped straight into this one as soon as it was available on NetGalley, devouring it just a few days.

I am not able to find the words I want to express how much I really loved this book.

Other than to say I loved it, it ticked all the boxes for me! I can’t get enough of Rachael’s magic formula, and this one was just the perfect uplifting read about overcoming your past.

In true Rachael Johns Rural Romance style this is a book that has its ups and downs and happy endings.

As soon as talk of the heart was released on NetGalley, you best believe I requested it straight away. It was like catching up with old friends reading about the families in the Walsh community and to see if Adeline Walsh had redeemed herself.

Talk of the heart was everything I was hoping for. I never was expecting to read a book about nuns and ‘nuntok’ but holy wow I devoured it. I knew how this book would wrap up but I was frantically turning pages at 1am this morning to complete. I fell in love with the characters Rachael had created and would love a spin off in future for Adeline’s mum or some of the foster boys and I really hope they isn’t the end of the Walsh family.

Rachael has once again, created a heartwarming story showcasing family, resilience and the importance of friendships and the ultimate sisterhood. Glad to hear Adeline got her happy ending

This is a masterclass in romantic fiction. Wonderful characters, great small town setting, it’s warm, tender and ultimately uplifting. I cried, a lot! It’s fabulous. Highly recommend

I enjoyed this rural romance. I loved the modern day take of The Sound of Music meets current day trends. I also enjoyed the other books in the series. I enjoyed Adeline’s journey and I just wanted to hug her.

This has to be Rachael’s best book so far!
I absolutely loved it. I laughed, I cried and thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. It was entertaining the whole way through.
It’s definitely worth more than 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.