The Ironbark Promise
Leonie Kelsall
Reviewed by Helen
Another fabulous story from Leonie Kelsall, we are back in Settlers Bridge and in this one will Hamish get his HEA, I really love Hamish and have seen him through all of the stories and have been cheering him on but will a new-comer to town be the one?
Jemma Di Angelis is a lawyer and barrister she works hard and is keen to make partner in the practice that she works at in Adelaide, her father Pierce lives in Settlers Bridge with his partner Sam, but when she starts getting threatening notes her father wants her at his home to keep her safe, to say that Jemma is fiercely independent is an understatement she learnt thought the years of living with her mother to make plans with her life and changing them is not good but she agrees to come for a short stay to make new plans.
Hamish MacKenzie is farmer and mechanic he has a reputation that has grown with him in the town, he is artistic and a rogue and loved by everyone but he still hasn’t found the one, but when he meets feisty Jemma at the new Turkish restaurant in town the sparks fly she comes across as strong willed and opinionated.
But they seem to be running into each other more and more and the banter between them is so good and as they get to know each other they see the good in each other and when Jemma is in danger it is Hamish who is there for her, could they have a life together, it will be a big move for either one of them but when hearts are involved they are willing to take that chance.
This is a beautiful story, I loved Hamish and Jemma the witty banter between them is so good and had me cheering them on as they journey to a HEA was filled with ups and downs, catching up with friends I have met in previous stories was wonderful. MS Kelsall has taken on some issues that are relevant in today’s lives addiction stalking to name a couple and done it so well. I loved this one and I do highly recommend it and I really am looking forward to another trip to Settlers Bridge.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
Jemma Di Angelis is a lawyer and barrister she works hard and is keen to make partner in the practice that she works at in Adelaide, her father Pierce lives in Settlers Bridge with his partner Sam, but when she starts getting threatening notes her father wants her at his home to keep her safe, to say that Jemma is fiercely independent is an understatement she learnt thought the years of living with her mother to make plans with her life and changing them is not good but she agrees to come for a short stay to make new plans.
Hamish MacKenzie is farmer and mechanic he has a reputation that has grown with him in the town, he is artistic and a rogue and loved by everyone but he still hasn’t found the one, but when he meets feisty Jemma at the new Turkish restaurant in town the sparks fly she comes across as strong willed and opinionated.
But they seem to be running into each other more and more and the banter between them is so good and as they get to know each other they see the good in each other and when Jemma is in danger it is Hamish who is there for her, could they have a life together, it will be a big move for either one of them but when hearts are involved they are willing to take that chance.
This is a beautiful story, I loved Hamish and Jemma the witty banter between them is so good and had me cheering them on as they journey to a HEA was filled with ups and downs, catching up with friends I have met in previous stories was wonderful. MS Kelsall has taken on some issues that are relevant in today’s lives addiction stalking to name a couple and done it so well. I loved this one and I do highly recommend it and I really am looking forward to another trip to Settlers Bridge.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
5 stars
January 6, 2026 by Allen & Unwin AU
