Fur and Farm and Cheeky Country Charm
Looking for a Rural Getaway you can have today?
For readers of Karly Lane and Rachael Johns:
On 1st June 2022, Harper/Collins Harlequin released a compelling Rural Romance novel through Escape Publishing … a story that proves forgiveness is possible and fighting for love is worth the heartache.
I’ve loved partnering with Escape Publishing to release my first novel, The Lonely Paddock. Escape Publishing is the digital arm of Harlequin where you can buy my book on four different platforms. And I couldn’t be happier with my front cover. They have captured the essence of Ross and his connection with his horse perfectly.
Blurb:
Country vet Ross Harrington would rather throw himself into his work than face the memories of a tragic childhood accident. But the protective animal-lover cannot forgive himself, tied by the belief he is unworthy of love. So, when the adorable Flick Parker bounds into his clinic with her unruly dog and a smile that threatens to dissolve his protective walls, he’s torn between his fascination with her zest for life and the overwhelming desire to tail-turn for the hills.
Meanwhile, Flick is falling for the handsome vet but doesn’t know if her heartfelt desire to care for terminally ill children can be in her future or if it’s the very thing that will keep her and Ross apart. Finding the balance between offering too much heart or guarding it like an open wound feels like an impossible task unless Ross can open himself to forgiveness and Flick can show him it’s worth taking the risk.
The Inspiration Behind The Story:
Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so when the idea of The Lonely Paddock began to sprout, I wanted to explore the idea of a character who was a vet (I’ve had many visits to vets over the years so I felt somewhat familiar with their roles) who wanted to hide his pain behind his work. Ross was perfect because I think we can all be guilty at times of saying everything is okay when perhaps it’s not. The ‘Are You Okay’ campaign that promoted talking about things openly gave me the idea of the premise. And the country men I know and work with have a high tendency to clam up and hide their thoughts and feelings which results in them not always coping, especially with past hurts, often many years later.
Matched with this, I needed a love interest that challenged Ross to the highest level. Flick was the absolute opposite to him on every level, her huge heart fully open regardless of the pain she had to go through and her smile wider than the sun.
I think many of us soldier on, unwilling to admit when we’re finding things hard. I know I can so this story was a way for me to convey the importance of opening up and risking vulnerability regardless of the outcomes. We all need trusted friends to listen. Thankfully for Ross and Flick, it paid off.
