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

Craig Munroe is the kind of man legends are written about. Escape to the high country in this passionate love story of a young doctor and a legendary horseman whose lives become inextricably linked.
It's been eleven years since Dr Peta Woodward, born into a horse-breeding dynasty, fled the family stud in the wake of a deadly tragedy that split her family apart. Carrying wounds that have never truly healed, Peta has focused on helping others. But when an injury during a solo trip through the Australian high country leaves her stranded, the man who comes to her rescue is Craig Munroe, a born and bred high-country horseman, and the kind of man legends are written about.
Stuck in the tiny town of Yarraman Falls while she recovers, Peta is surrounded by prying eyes and heartbreaking reminders of all she has lost. But while she resolves to leave as soon as she can, fate has other ideas...

Having been a bit of a fan of Charlotte's books since I read Iron Junction a few years back, I was ready and eager for this novel. I have read a lot of great rural romance novels in the meantime and was looking forward to see how the author was able to keep up with the pack...

...and she does so in style. The one thing that always impresses me about these books in the descriptions of the Australian landscape. In this instance, it is the Victorian high country, and we really do get the impression of mountains and dales, grazing and farmland.

The story itself was also good. Big city doctor is hiking through the mountains and injures herself. She is saved by local hero and recuperates in town. While she is there, she helps with some medical dramas, as well as some bigger issues around the small community. She also slowly falls for her rescuer. Sounds run-of-the-mill, right? But in Nash's capable hands, the story flows well and you never get the feeling of predictability. Everything feels fresh and new.

As for the characters, I really did like Craig. He may have been just a little too "perfect", but his character really jumped off the page. However, I didn't really like Peta. She was just a little wishy-washy for me - one minute decisive and independent, the next she was falling over whoever would help her. One minute she wanted to leave "right now", the next she was helping the community with its issues. Not really a deal breaker kind of thing, but it was a little frustrating to read.
Also, the underlying issues - the back stories of these two - was just a little overwrought and played on throughout the book. At the halfway mark through the book, I was just "Oh, please, just tell us..."

Overall, though, a really good addition to the ranks of Australian rural romance, adding a medical angle and some decent mystery/suspense. Recommended for sure!


Paul
ARH