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Hope Junction #1
Jilted
After more than ten years away, Australian soap star Ellie Hughes returns to the small country town of Hope Junction, determined to remain anonymous while caring for her injured godmother, Matilda.
But word spreads fast in the tight-knit community. It isn't long before the people of Hope are gossiping about the real reason for Ellie's visit and why she broke the heart of golden boy Flynn Quartermaine all those years ago.
Soon Ellie and Flynn are thrown back together again, forced to deal with the unresolved emotions between them. For Ellie is not the only one with secrets. Flynn has his own demons to battle, and Matilda is hiding something from her much-loved goddaughter.
When all is uncovered, can the ill-fated lovers overcome the wounds of their past? Or is Flynn destined to be jilted again?
But word spreads fast in the tight-knit community. It isn't long before the people of Hope are gossiping about the real reason for Ellie's visit and why she broke the heart of golden boy Flynn Quartermaine all those years ago.
Soon Ellie and Flynn are thrown back together again, forced to deal with the unresolved emotions between them. For Ellie is not the only one with secrets. Flynn has his own demons to battle, and Matilda is hiding something from her much-loved goddaughter.
When all is uncovered, can the ill-fated lovers overcome the wounds of their past? Or is Flynn destined to be jilted again?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
81 people are currently reading
1615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
February 20, 2018
Jilted, the word, is mentioned only once in the book. The author keeps the secret of why Ellie ditched her soulmate, Flynn, at the altar.
I must say that the wait was not worth the denouement. We have enough people who appear onscreen to believe in the world, more precisely in that small town in Australia. Also I'm grateful for the common speech spoken by the population.
In all romance books, the hero simply has to do something stupid to prolong the suspense and postpone the climax for another time. This particular book was okay, but it's forgettable. At least it was good enough so I could persevere with it.
I must say that the wait was not worth the denouement. We have enough people who appear onscreen to believe in the world, more precisely in that small town in Australia. Also I'm grateful for the common speech spoken by the population.
In all romance books, the hero simply has to do something stupid to prolong the suspense and postpone the climax for another time. This particular book was okay, but it's forgettable. At least it was good enough so I could persevere with it.
July 6, 2017
Ellie Hughes has come back to her hometown of Hope Junction to care for her beloved grandmother, Matilda, who is recovering from a broken ankle. Ellie is actually hoping to keep out of sight and not bump into many of the locals, but that could be a little harder than she thinks.
News soon spreads amongst the locals that Ellie has returned and it doesn't take long before, Flynn also learns of the news. It was ten years ago that Ellie left Flynn standing at the altar. Can Ellie and Flynn find a way to resolve what happened or is it too late?
Jilted by Aussie author, Rachael Johns was a very pleasurable and easy to read book which I have no hesitation in recommending. Looking forward to reading all her other books.
News soon spreads amongst the locals that Ellie has returned and it doesn't take long before, Flynn also learns of the news. It was ten years ago that Ellie left Flynn standing at the altar. Can Ellie and Flynn find a way to resolve what happened or is it too late?
Jilted by Aussie author, Rachael Johns was a very pleasurable and easy to read book which I have no hesitation in recommending. Looking forward to reading all her other books.
March 22, 2016
4.5 stars.
This was an unexpected treat. My Aussie Reader friend in real life, Veronica, gave me this book on the day we met the lovely Rachael Johns. I was impressed by this young author, she was delightful and down to earth, just the type of gal you'd like to be friends with.
Ellie and Flynn are some cool young Aussies to read about, in a fast paced romantic story. Rural life and contemporary real life scenarios are covered realistically with writing that is really good. Loved it.
I read this quickly and downed the second half in a quick afternoon. Very glad to have stumbled across this author. I am curious about these Aussie gals from the bush that can write. They know the land, have good stories to tell, and deliver them in style. Late to the party - yes, but good things come to those who wait.
This was an unexpected treat. My Aussie Reader friend in real life, Veronica, gave me this book on the day we met the lovely Rachael Johns. I was impressed by this young author, she was delightful and down to earth, just the type of gal you'd like to be friends with.
Ellie and Flynn are some cool young Aussies to read about, in a fast paced romantic story. Rural life and contemporary real life scenarios are covered realistically with writing that is really good. Loved it.
I read this quickly and downed the second half in a quick afternoon. Very glad to have stumbled across this author. I am curious about these Aussie gals from the bush that can write. They know the land, have good stories to tell, and deliver them in style. Late to the party - yes, but good things come to those who wait.
January 21, 2022
I do love a good rural romance and one from Rachael Johns is sure to have me turning the pages and this one did that, I loved getting to know Ellie and Flynn in the small town of Hope Junction, this is filled with a cast of wonderful characters that all add to this beautiful romance of second chance love.
Ellie Hughes left the small town of Hope Junction ten years ago in a rush and left her fiancé Flynn Quartermaine standing at the altar, this did not make her a popular person in the town but she had her reasons. Finding a new life in Sydney working as an actor on a popular TV show Ellie has done well but when her beloved Godmother, Matilda needs her help Ellie arrives back in Hope Junction and not everyone is happy to see her.
Flynn is running the family sheep farm and doing well these days although it was a few years before he got his life back on track after the girl he loved with all of his heart left him and now she is back in town, he is determined to stay clear but when the people of Hope Junction are treating her badly Flynn with his caring nature steps up to help, this brings them closer together and the walls he has built around himself are falling.
Ellie is so close to her godmother Matilda and when she finds out how ill she is Ellie’s world is shattering around her but Flynn steps up and is there for her and their hearts are joining again like they have not been apart, but truths and trust play a big part in a relationship and there are a few hurdles to cross before Ellie and Flynn find their true HEA. I did love this story and would highly recommend it, it is moving and emotional and there were many tears shed along the way.
Ellie Hughes left the small town of Hope Junction ten years ago in a rush and left her fiancé Flynn Quartermaine standing at the altar, this did not make her a popular person in the town but she had her reasons. Finding a new life in Sydney working as an actor on a popular TV show Ellie has done well but when her beloved Godmother, Matilda needs her help Ellie arrives back in Hope Junction and not everyone is happy to see her.
Flynn is running the family sheep farm and doing well these days although it was a few years before he got his life back on track after the girl he loved with all of his heart left him and now she is back in town, he is determined to stay clear but when the people of Hope Junction are treating her badly Flynn with his caring nature steps up to help, this brings them closer together and the walls he has built around himself are falling.
Ellie is so close to her godmother Matilda and when she finds out how ill she is Ellie’s world is shattering around her but Flynn steps up and is there for her and their hearts are joining again like they have not been apart, but truths and trust play a big part in a relationship and there are a few hurdles to cross before Ellie and Flynn find their true HEA. I did love this story and would highly recommend it, it is moving and emotional and there were many tears shed along the way.
September 23, 2015
Ellie returns to her country hometown of Hope Junction to care for her Godmother while she recovers from a broken ankle. It’s been 10 years since Ellie has been to Hope Junction and she is certain her homecoming will not be a joyous one.
Flynn is wondering why everyone is acting strange in town this morning. But it doesn’t take long for the gossip to spread and he learns that the woman that left him at the altar 10 years ago is back in town.
Jilted is an engaging rural romance told in a uniquely Australian voice.
It’s a story about second chances and forgiveness. It’s about making choices, good or bad, and living with those choices. There is the mystery of why Ellie ran and left Flynn at the altar all those years ago. A host of truly likeable country characters makes this an enjoyable weekend read. The on again, off again romance will have you pining for a happy ending. It’s not all smooth sailing for Ellie and Flynn. There is plenty of heartache that could either bring them together or tear them apart forever.
I was happy to learn at the end of this book that the next book “The Road to Hope” is about Lauren Simpson. I really liked Lauren in Jilted and I’m looking forward to reading her story. She really deserves her HEA.
With thanks to Goodreads for my copy to read and review.
Flynn is wondering why everyone is acting strange in town this morning. But it doesn’t take long for the gossip to spread and he learns that the woman that left him at the altar 10 years ago is back in town.
Jilted is an engaging rural romance told in a uniquely Australian voice.
It’s a story about second chances and forgiveness. It’s about making choices, good or bad, and living with those choices. There is the mystery of why Ellie ran and left Flynn at the altar all those years ago. A host of truly likeable country characters makes this an enjoyable weekend read. The on again, off again romance will have you pining for a happy ending. It’s not all smooth sailing for Ellie and Flynn. There is plenty of heartache that could either bring them together or tear them apart forever.
I was happy to learn at the end of this book that the next book “The Road to Hope” is about Lauren Simpson. I really liked Lauren in Jilted and I’m looking forward to reading her story. She really deserves her HEA.
With thanks to Goodreads for my copy to read and review.
February 16, 2022
4.5 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in the Australian outback....an angsty at times but captivating second chance romance with a 10-year time lag.
And yes... it was the hero that was Jilted!!!
Think .... runaway bride (she has her reasons) from a small town that has since come to idolize Flynn (the hometown hero).
Ellie (now a celebrity actress) returns to the small town of Hope Junction to take care of her sick and beloved godmother (that essentially raised her) .... in this sweet, poignant and emotional story with its humorous touches and sad moments.
A truly great read with an interesting cast of characters and I absolutely loved it.
I have had this book on my kindle for a really long time and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it.
Alas....too many books too little time!
Set in the Australian outback....an angsty at times but captivating second chance romance with a 10-year time lag.
And yes... it was the hero that was Jilted!!!
Think .... runaway bride (she has her reasons) from a small town that has since come to idolize Flynn (the hometown hero).
Ellie (now a celebrity actress) returns to the small town of Hope Junction to take care of her sick and beloved godmother (that essentially raised her) .... in this sweet, poignant and emotional story with its humorous touches and sad moments.
A truly great read with an interesting cast of characters and I absolutely loved it.
I have had this book on my kindle for a really long time and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it.
Alas....too many books too little time!
June 14, 2017
This was not one of my favourite Rachael Johns as the characters and behaviours didn't really gel for me but it was a nice easy read.
June 12, 2012
Rachel Johns contemporary rural romance, Jilted, is a wonderful story of second chance love in small town Australia. Ellie Hughes, a television soap star, has returned to Hope Springs to help her godmother, Matilda, while she is recovering from a broken ankle. A decade ago, Ellie fled the town leaving her fiance at the altar without any explanation. Ellie's return to Hope Springs puts her at the mercy of whispered speculation, more than a few dirty looks, and Flynn Quartermaine.
I found Ellie a likeable protagonist, despite her stardom, she is grounded and authentic. While at times she is insecure and vulnerable she has a core strength that allows her to face down those her shun her. Her loyalty to, and love for, Matilda is lovely and I enjoyed their close relationship. That Ellie finds the courage to confront Flynn and apologise without any expectation of forgiveness is also admirable. Ellie's reasons for jilting Flynn are not immediately clear, Johns hints at a deeper reason that that which she offers to both Matilda and Flynn but doesn't reveal it til near the end of the book.
Ellie leaving the way she did left things unresolved for both she and Flynn and its this lack of closure that has left both of them vulnerable during the interceding years. I like the way in which the author shows how wary the pair are in renewing their acquaintance and the fragile process of rebuilding trust between them.
As with most traditional romance leads, Flynn is handsome, desirable and a genuinely nice guy but he is not without his flaws, after Ellie's desertion he went a little wild, drinking too much and taking off. Johns skillfully illustrates Flynn's hurt at Ellie's rejection, his bewilderment as he discovers he is still attracted to Ellie and his pain and anger when he discovers why Ellie jilted him. I appreciate that his character is as well developed as Ellie's own.
Jilted doesn't have the distinct Australian setting as some of the other rural romance novels I have read recently but between the weekend footy games, drama society, CWA functions and the odd eccentric resident, Hope Springs is a charming background for the novel. It takes courage for Ellie to return to the town where she is the subject of scorn for leaving Flynn in the lurch and she has to work hard to be accepted in the community. It is her love for Matilda that allows Ellie to brave, but it is Flynn's offer of forgiveness that gives her the opportunity she needs to regain acceptance.
Jilted has a surprising depth, though the rekindling of the romance between Ellie and Flynn is the heart of this novel, Johns sensitively explores the emotive issues of terminal illness, alcoholism and rape. These rather dramatic subplots complement the growth of the protagonists rather than provide distraction which is important for me to believe in the story.
I have very few criticisms of Jilted, I'm not fond of the town name which is a little twee, and I'm not keen on women throwing their career away for the sake of a relationship but they are minor quibbles. I thought the writing and dialogue accomplished - particularly for what is essentially a debut novel and the pacing just right.
I enjoyed Jilted as a contemporary romance and being an ex-Sandgroper (whose maiden name is Hughes!), I quickly grew fond of Hope Springs and it's residents. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and Rachael Johns provides one for Ellie and Flynn that left me smiling. I'm looking forward to the author's next novel, likely to be published in 2013.
I found Ellie a likeable protagonist, despite her stardom, she is grounded and authentic. While at times she is insecure and vulnerable she has a core strength that allows her to face down those her shun her. Her loyalty to, and love for, Matilda is lovely and I enjoyed their close relationship. That Ellie finds the courage to confront Flynn and apologise without any expectation of forgiveness is also admirable. Ellie's reasons for jilting Flynn are not immediately clear, Johns hints at a deeper reason that that which she offers to both Matilda and Flynn but doesn't reveal it til near the end of the book.
Ellie leaving the way she did left things unresolved for both she and Flynn and its this lack of closure that has left both of them vulnerable during the interceding years. I like the way in which the author shows how wary the pair are in renewing their acquaintance and the fragile process of rebuilding trust between them.
As with most traditional romance leads, Flynn is handsome, desirable and a genuinely nice guy but he is not without his flaws, after Ellie's desertion he went a little wild, drinking too much and taking off. Johns skillfully illustrates Flynn's hurt at Ellie's rejection, his bewilderment as he discovers he is still attracted to Ellie and his pain and anger when he discovers why Ellie jilted him. I appreciate that his character is as well developed as Ellie's own.
Jilted doesn't have the distinct Australian setting as some of the other rural romance novels I have read recently but between the weekend footy games, drama society, CWA functions and the odd eccentric resident, Hope Springs is a charming background for the novel. It takes courage for Ellie to return to the town where she is the subject of scorn for leaving Flynn in the lurch and she has to work hard to be accepted in the community. It is her love for Matilda that allows Ellie to brave, but it is Flynn's offer of forgiveness that gives her the opportunity she needs to regain acceptance.
Jilted has a surprising depth, though the rekindling of the romance between Ellie and Flynn is the heart of this novel, Johns sensitively explores the emotive issues of terminal illness, alcoholism and rape. These rather dramatic subplots complement the growth of the protagonists rather than provide distraction which is important for me to believe in the story.
I have very few criticisms of Jilted, I'm not fond of the town name which is a little twee, and I'm not keen on women throwing their career away for the sake of a relationship but they are minor quibbles. I thought the writing and dialogue accomplished - particularly for what is essentially a debut novel and the pacing just right.
I enjoyed Jilted as a contemporary romance and being an ex-Sandgroper (whose maiden name is Hughes!), I quickly grew fond of Hope Springs and it's residents. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and Rachael Johns provides one for Ellie and Flynn that left me smiling. I'm looking forward to the author's next novel, likely to be published in 2013.
May 7, 2012
Jilted is a deeply emotional reunion love story. Flynn and Ellie meet each other ten long years after she jilted him at the altar. Ten long years in which Flynn went to hell and back and in which Ellie rose to the heights of fame as a television soap star. Can this pair say hello to each other? Can they ever be friends again? It's a moot point. But why did Ellie leave the man she loved so much in such a cruel manner? The compulsion to discover why will keep you reading and reading.
Rachael Johns is a sensitive and compassionate writer who objectively shows what's going on inside the heads of the main characters without being judgmental. She shows us Flynn's hurt, which won't go away and his fighting against the love and attraction he still can't help feeling for Ellie. She shows Ellie's love for Flynn, her shame at having wronged him and the mortification she feels as the barbs of Flynn's protective circle of friends hit home. We come to admire her courage at coming home to nurse her sick guardian in the face of the community which doesn't feel like welcoming her. In this novel the life of a small town is laid bare - the good, the bad and the frustrating. There are some memorable characters thronging the pages too. Ellie's bohemian aunt Matilda, one of the 'characters' of the town and the bitchy nurse Flynn dates to try to get over Ellie. I was particularly charmed by the Australian lingo which is peppered throughout the book. I would classify this story as emotional rather than sexy, yet there are frank love scenes (although admittedly not many) and I was surprised at the way a certain four letter word made it's appearance at times, right out of the blue!
If you like reading emotional love stories, you'll love this one. You'll learn a heck of a lot about life in small town Western Australia too.
Rachael Johns is a sensitive and compassionate writer who objectively shows what's going on inside the heads of the main characters without being judgmental. She shows us Flynn's hurt, which won't go away and his fighting against the love and attraction he still can't help feeling for Ellie. She shows Ellie's love for Flynn, her shame at having wronged him and the mortification she feels as the barbs of Flynn's protective circle of friends hit home. We come to admire her courage at coming home to nurse her sick guardian in the face of the community which doesn't feel like welcoming her. In this novel the life of a small town is laid bare - the good, the bad and the frustrating. There are some memorable characters thronging the pages too. Ellie's bohemian aunt Matilda, one of the 'characters' of the town and the bitchy nurse Flynn dates to try to get over Ellie. I was particularly charmed by the Australian lingo which is peppered throughout the book. I would classify this story as emotional rather than sexy, yet there are frank love scenes (although admittedly not many) and I was surprised at the way a certain four letter word made it's appearance at times, right out of the blue!
If you like reading emotional love stories, you'll love this one. You'll learn a heck of a lot about life in small town Western Australia too.
August 30, 2012
Have you ever thought when you write a review with coloured font that sometimes certain books just scream out a colour and that's what you associate the story with ? For me Jilted screamed out Purple.
I have to say when it comes to Australian Rural fiction, I am in two minds as I have read some really amazing ones like North Star by Karly Lane , The Girl in the Steel Capped Boots by Loretta Hill and then I have also read a few that I just couldn't get into. Jilted by Rachael Johns falls into the first category of AMAZING. I loved it , from the very first page I was hooked and trying to discover what reasons the main character Ellie could have for standing up Flynn when it was obvious she always loved him and readers, I can tell you I never expected anywhere close to the actual reason and it will blow you readers away. Jilted tells the tale of Ellie , a big-shot Sydney TV Soap star who has returned to her hometown of Hope's Junction to look after her guardian Matilda while she recuperates from a fall. Her visit home is anything but peachy as the whole town remembers the day she stood Flynn Quartermaine - the golden boy of Hope Junction up at the altar. All Ellie wants to do is look after Matilda and return back to her old life. However, as the novel goes along it seems that Hope's Junction still plays a part in Ellie's life and that no matter what happened she never stopped loving and vice versa Flynn. Can Ellie win not only the heart of Flynn back but also the hearts of those in Hope Junction ? What will happen when tragedy strikes in Ellie's life and it seems that there is no-one who will pick up the pieces ? Will the town come together for Ellie's sake or will she discover what it is truly like to be an Outsider ?
Find out in this awesomeness novel "Jilted" by Rachael Johns and I look forward to seeing and reading what she brings out in future times.
I have to say when it comes to Australian Rural fiction, I am in two minds as I have read some really amazing ones like North Star by Karly Lane , The Girl in the Steel Capped Boots by Loretta Hill and then I have also read a few that I just couldn't get into. Jilted by Rachael Johns falls into the first category of AMAZING. I loved it , from the very first page I was hooked and trying to discover what reasons the main character Ellie could have for standing up Flynn when it was obvious she always loved him and readers, I can tell you I never expected anywhere close to the actual reason and it will blow you readers away. Jilted tells the tale of Ellie , a big-shot Sydney TV Soap star who has returned to her hometown of Hope's Junction to look after her guardian Matilda while she recuperates from a fall. Her visit home is anything but peachy as the whole town remembers the day she stood Flynn Quartermaine - the golden boy of Hope Junction up at the altar. All Ellie wants to do is look after Matilda and return back to her old life. However, as the novel goes along it seems that Hope's Junction still plays a part in Ellie's life and that no matter what happened she never stopped loving and vice versa Flynn. Can Ellie win not only the heart of Flynn back but also the hearts of those in Hope Junction ? What will happen when tragedy strikes in Ellie's life and it seems that there is no-one who will pick up the pieces ? Will the town come together for Ellie's sake or will she discover what it is truly like to be an Outsider ?
Find out in this awesomeness novel "Jilted" by Rachael Johns and I look forward to seeing and reading what she brings out in future times.
June 11, 2012
After more than 10 years away from the tiny town of Hope Junction, Ellie Hughes has returned. She was just a teenager when she left the town and its golden boy, Flynn Quartermaine and fled, right to the other side of the country. There Ellie found work as an actress and now after a stint on a long-running and successful soap, she has taken a leave of absence and returned to Hope Springs in order to look after her godmother Matilda, the one woman who has cared for her and supported her.
Matilda has broken her ankle and needs some help until the cast comes off and she is mobile again. Ellie knows that returning to this small town won’t be easy for her – she ran away without a word and there are people that haven’t forgotten what she did to Flynn. She faces judgement from the entire town and outright hostility from some. Despite this though, Ellie puts her head down and remains determined to stay in order to help Matilda in any way she can, even seeking out Flynn to apologise and hope that they can perhaps attempt to put the past behind them and remain civil while she is in town. After all, if Flynn can be polite to her, when it was he she did wrong, then surely the rest of the town can too…
Jilted is a lovely new rural romance from Western Australian author Rachael Johns. As I’ve mentioned before, rural romance is enjoying a very strong resurgence in popularity recently and I’ve been enjoying quite a few new releases so I had been looking forward to this one.
Ellie Hughes knows once she steps off the bus into Hope Springs that life isn’t going to be easy for her. She’s been living a city life for the last 10 years in Sydney but now she’s returned to the tiny, rural town in order to play nursemaid to her godmother. Ellie is an unlikely soap star; she fell into the work rather than seeking it out and it’s been something that she turned out to be good at and it paid the bills. And most importantly, it meant that she didn’t have to return to Hope Springs. And face her past.
Ellie is just what I like to see in a main character – she’s tough, strong and very loyal but with a distinctly vulnerable side and a streak of uncertainty. She is well prepared for the hostility she knows she will face by well meaning local busybodies intent on ‘supporting’ the town golden boy, Flynn Quartermaine, who she jilted at the altar all those years ago. And I have to say, poor Ellie! Her first few days in town are really uncomfortable for her and it definitely made me form an attachment to her and give her my sympathies. I know what small towns can be like and I admired her bravery for repeatedly going out there to face these people day after day when she knew she’d get dirty looks, snide remarks and often outright insults to her face. It would’ve been tempting to just hole herself up with Matilda and hide away from the world, but she doesn’t. She keeps going back out and eventually, she begins to make headway, earning herself a few friends and having more people realise that she is still a person, no matter her past actions (which are mostly no one else’s business anyway!).
The backstory of Flynn and Ellie is extremely well explored – they were the golden teenage couple, passionately in love and engaged to be married. Until Ellie disappeared without a trace. Flynn has never quite recovered from that rejection and it sent him into a bit of a downward spiral that only ended when his father died. He’s still got his issues to work through and we see them laid bare. I liked Flynn right from the start, he was beautiful but he was also flawed – a nice, country boy with a passion for farming and his small town but who had also managed to see a bit of our big country as well. He had some deep issues, some related to Ellie’s leaving him and some not so. I admired the way he was able to be ‘okay’ with Ellie being in town so swiftly and it was nice to see two characters attempt to use maturity as a way to deal with their issues rather than fighting, accusations and bitterness. It’s quite clear that they both still have very strong unresolved feelings for each other, but also that it’s not that easy. There’s a lot of things they still need to work through and Ellie has been keeping quite a big secret from Flynn that she really needs to air out before they can ever take even a tentative step forward towards romance again.
Often ‘dark secrets’ are overrated or sort of a let-down but in this case I think enough backstory was laid and the secret was good enough (juicy enough) that I do believe it totally justified Ellie’s flight response as being her best option. Flynn is really painted as the town’s beautiful, golden boy – almost perfect in every way. I keep using the word ‘golden’ but it’s true. He’s the sort of bloke that everyone loves. He has a lovely property he’s doing exciting new things with, he is handsome, he is thoughtful, he is kind. He looks after his mother, grandmother and younger sister. Ellie was very much the town blow in, people considered her at the time barely good enough for Flynn as she wasn’t a local. Her secret plays on that I think, makes her feel that she is even less worthy of him and she needs to let that go fully which, 10 years ago she couldn’t.
Rural romance is primarily about the couple but there’s also a strong emphasis on the secondary characters, usually the local townspeople. I adored Ellie’s relationship with Matilda, and there’s some lovely foreshadowing of a secret Matilda is hiding from her goddaughter. Likewise I liked Ellie’s tentative friendships with various people in town – newbies who weren’t around when she left Flynn and also her blossoming friendship with Flynn’s teenage sister, taking her under her wing and helping her with her desire to become an actress. Johns has created a small town that, for all its judgement and flaws, you can still see yourself wanting to live in.
Thoroughly enjoyable and firmly at home on my ‘re-reads’ shelf.
Matilda has broken her ankle and needs some help until the cast comes off and she is mobile again. Ellie knows that returning to this small town won’t be easy for her – she ran away without a word and there are people that haven’t forgotten what she did to Flynn. She faces judgement from the entire town and outright hostility from some. Despite this though, Ellie puts her head down and remains determined to stay in order to help Matilda in any way she can, even seeking out Flynn to apologise and hope that they can perhaps attempt to put the past behind them and remain civil while she is in town. After all, if Flynn can be polite to her, when it was he she did wrong, then surely the rest of the town can too…
Jilted is a lovely new rural romance from Western Australian author Rachael Johns. As I’ve mentioned before, rural romance is enjoying a very strong resurgence in popularity recently and I’ve been enjoying quite a few new releases so I had been looking forward to this one.
Ellie Hughes knows once she steps off the bus into Hope Springs that life isn’t going to be easy for her. She’s been living a city life for the last 10 years in Sydney but now she’s returned to the tiny, rural town in order to play nursemaid to her godmother. Ellie is an unlikely soap star; she fell into the work rather than seeking it out and it’s been something that she turned out to be good at and it paid the bills. And most importantly, it meant that she didn’t have to return to Hope Springs. And face her past.
Ellie is just what I like to see in a main character – she’s tough, strong and very loyal but with a distinctly vulnerable side and a streak of uncertainty. She is well prepared for the hostility she knows she will face by well meaning local busybodies intent on ‘supporting’ the town golden boy, Flynn Quartermaine, who she jilted at the altar all those years ago. And I have to say, poor Ellie! Her first few days in town are really uncomfortable for her and it definitely made me form an attachment to her and give her my sympathies. I know what small towns can be like and I admired her bravery for repeatedly going out there to face these people day after day when she knew she’d get dirty looks, snide remarks and often outright insults to her face. It would’ve been tempting to just hole herself up with Matilda and hide away from the world, but she doesn’t. She keeps going back out and eventually, she begins to make headway, earning herself a few friends and having more people realise that she is still a person, no matter her past actions (which are mostly no one else’s business anyway!).
The backstory of Flynn and Ellie is extremely well explored – they were the golden teenage couple, passionately in love and engaged to be married. Until Ellie disappeared without a trace. Flynn has never quite recovered from that rejection and it sent him into a bit of a downward spiral that only ended when his father died. He’s still got his issues to work through and we see them laid bare. I liked Flynn right from the start, he was beautiful but he was also flawed – a nice, country boy with a passion for farming and his small town but who had also managed to see a bit of our big country as well. He had some deep issues, some related to Ellie’s leaving him and some not so. I admired the way he was able to be ‘okay’ with Ellie being in town so swiftly and it was nice to see two characters attempt to use maturity as a way to deal with their issues rather than fighting, accusations and bitterness. It’s quite clear that they both still have very strong unresolved feelings for each other, but also that it’s not that easy. There’s a lot of things they still need to work through and Ellie has been keeping quite a big secret from Flynn that she really needs to air out before they can ever take even a tentative step forward towards romance again.
Often ‘dark secrets’ are overrated or sort of a let-down but in this case I think enough backstory was laid and the secret was good enough (juicy enough) that I do believe it totally justified Ellie’s flight response as being her best option. Flynn is really painted as the town’s beautiful, golden boy – almost perfect in every way. I keep using the word ‘golden’ but it’s true. He’s the sort of bloke that everyone loves. He has a lovely property he’s doing exciting new things with, he is handsome, he is thoughtful, he is kind. He looks after his mother, grandmother and younger sister. Ellie was very much the town blow in, people considered her at the time barely good enough for Flynn as she wasn’t a local. Her secret plays on that I think, makes her feel that she is even less worthy of him and she needs to let that go fully which, 10 years ago she couldn’t.
Rural romance is primarily about the couple but there’s also a strong emphasis on the secondary characters, usually the local townspeople. I adored Ellie’s relationship with Matilda, and there’s some lovely foreshadowing of a secret Matilda is hiding from her goddaughter. Likewise I liked Ellie’s tentative friendships with various people in town – newbies who weren’t around when she left Flynn and also her blossoming friendship with Flynn’s teenage sister, taking her under her wing and helping her with her desire to become an actress. Johns has created a small town that, for all its judgement and flaws, you can still see yourself wanting to live in.
Thoroughly enjoyable and firmly at home on my ‘re-reads’ shelf.
August 29, 2012
Four and a half stars. So what can I say about this gem of a story. They call it 'chook lit' as the aussi version of Chicklit which reminds me of a very confused German exchange student when I was a child asking what a 'chook' was. I reckon it's a great little romance and a lovely snapshot of country town living in rural Australia.
This book had it all, the footie on Saturday arvo, the gossipy hairdresser, the CWA crafts and cooking, the local pub. All very familiar to those of us living or having lived in outback Australia.
The story of Flynn and Ellie is a classic reunion of two young people in love who don't quite know how to cope when things go wrong. Ellie ran, leaving Flynn humiliated and bewildered. On the surface she made a success of her life, becoming a famous soapie star beloved by all Australia, except in her home town of Hope Junction.
Flynn didn't deal so well, making some poor choices in his grief and anger. But all is well now to all appearances, though he is still a bachelor, having taken over the farm after his father's death.
When Ellie's only real family member, Matilda, needs her support after an injury, Ellie knows she has to do the right thing, even if it means facing the townsfolk, and Flynn, after ten years.
When the two former lovers meet, it is obvious that they are kindred spirits though Ellie is determined her stay is temporary and Flynn is equally convinced that Ellie is off limits.
The dangling of another woman in Flynn's life at this point was entirely too stressful for me. I don't cope well with those potentially lethal plot elements and it trickled on quite a way through the book. If I was Flynn's auntie at that point I would have clipped him under the ear and told him think about what he was doing in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately much as I would love to live in Hope's Junction, I don't and had to chew my fingernails, watching helplessly as disaster seemed only a drink or two away.
Flynn and Ellie really had to work for their happy ending, and there were moments when I really wondered if I was reading a classic HEA romance because there was an element of Nicholas Sparkes, almost inevitably doomed relationship thing, happening now and then. There is probably a reason why I keep my angst reading to categories under 200 pages generally. The dark parts of their mutual and separate history make for some heartbreaking reading.
Now all this being said. In spite of my angst and nail biting and stressed out hand wringing, I loved this book. If I hadn't been totally engaged and loving the characters I wouldn't have cared what they did and whether they got their happily ever after.
Flynn is just gorgeous and Ellie is such a sweetie you want them so much to overcome the tragedies of the past. They are so real you could just about touch them, with flaws and fears and little quirks that endear rather than irritate.
The setting of Hope Junction is beautifully and lovingly drawn and for those of you who haven't ever been there, presents an accurate if rather rose coloured portrait of a town that could exist anywhere in Rural Australia.
This book had it all, the footie on Saturday arvo, the gossipy hairdresser, the CWA crafts and cooking, the local pub. All very familiar to those of us living or having lived in outback Australia.
The story of Flynn and Ellie is a classic reunion of two young people in love who don't quite know how to cope when things go wrong. Ellie ran, leaving Flynn humiliated and bewildered. On the surface she made a success of her life, becoming a famous soapie star beloved by all Australia, except in her home town of Hope Junction.
Flynn didn't deal so well, making some poor choices in his grief and anger. But all is well now to all appearances, though he is still a bachelor, having taken over the farm after his father's death.
When Ellie's only real family member, Matilda, needs her support after an injury, Ellie knows she has to do the right thing, even if it means facing the townsfolk, and Flynn, after ten years.
When the two former lovers meet, it is obvious that they are kindred spirits though Ellie is determined her stay is temporary and Flynn is equally convinced that Ellie is off limits.
The dangling of another woman in Flynn's life at this point was entirely too stressful for me. I don't cope well with those potentially lethal plot elements and it trickled on quite a way through the book. If I was Flynn's auntie at that point I would have clipped him under the ear and told him think about what he was doing in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately much as I would love to live in Hope's Junction, I don't and had to chew my fingernails, watching helplessly as disaster seemed only a drink or two away.
Flynn and Ellie really had to work for their happy ending, and there were moments when I really wondered if I was reading a classic HEA romance because there was an element of Nicholas Sparkes, almost inevitably doomed relationship thing, happening now and then. There is probably a reason why I keep my angst reading to categories under 200 pages generally. The dark parts of their mutual and separate history make for some heartbreaking reading.
Now all this being said. In spite of my angst and nail biting and stressed out hand wringing, I loved this book. If I hadn't been totally engaged and loving the characters I wouldn't have cared what they did and whether they got their happily ever after.
Flynn is just gorgeous and Ellie is such a sweetie you want them so much to overcome the tragedies of the past. They are so real you could just about touch them, with flaws and fears and little quirks that endear rather than irritate.
The setting of Hope Junction is beautifully and lovingly drawn and for those of you who haven't ever been there, presents an accurate if rather rose coloured portrait of a town that could exist anywhere in Rural Australia.
May 31, 2012
My Review:
A++
This begins my official campaign to get this book printed in the US and worldwide. I enjoyed one of Rachael Johns books earlier in the year, so she contacted me to see if I would like to read and review Jilted. I love contemporary romance and this had a fun premise so I jumped on it. I expected cute and fun. I did not expect deeply emotional, beautiful, and so well-written that I could feel my pulse rate raise and lower as the story had its highs and lows. This book has everything.
Ten years ago, Flynn and Ellie were on the precipice of their Happily Ever After when her world came crumbling down. She left him at the altar and neither one of them has ever recovered. Neither one of them has ever had to see each other again since then either. But now, Ellie's godmother (and truly mother in every sense of the word) has gotten hurt, so Ellie has come home to help her during her recovery. It's painful, it's heart-wrenching, and OMG, it was the best love story ever.
Flynn grew up in this small town. He's their golden boy, so when Ellie left him at the altar, she messed with the town too and they aren't so willing to forgive. Coming home for Ellie is hard in so many ways, but she grits through it and is so strong when she just wants to sit down and cry. I adored her character. She knows that she completely messed things up and is willing to accept the ostracism because of that. But even more amazing, the first person to forgive her in the town is Flynn.
There were so many highs and lows through this book as Ellie and Flynn work through their emotions. The heart-wrenching part of it all is that they both truly love each other and there was never a moment when that changed for either one of them over the last ten years.
For his part, Flynn was devastated ten years ago. It honestly took him two years before he even began to get over the hurt of Ellie leaving him. He absolutely does NOT trust her with his heart again. The issue for him though is that he can't find it in his heart to love anyone else and he really wants a family. They're both stuck, although neither of them realizes it until they see each other again.
This is a fantastic book about small-town life. Even though it took place in Australia, there was never a moment that I couldn't relate to it. It's definitely quintessential small-town life. I live in ranch country in Texas and so much of the life/events in this book absolutely resonated as true in any small ranching community/town. It truly is a beautiful book with such incredible themes....love, forgiveness, family, happiness. I loved it and hope that all my friends get a chance to fall in love with it too. We NEED this published in the US and I NEED a print copy of it on my bookshelf because I plan to read this one over and over and over again.
A++
This begins my official campaign to get this book printed in the US and worldwide. I enjoyed one of Rachael Johns books earlier in the year, so she contacted me to see if I would like to read and review Jilted. I love contemporary romance and this had a fun premise so I jumped on it. I expected cute and fun. I did not expect deeply emotional, beautiful, and so well-written that I could feel my pulse rate raise and lower as the story had its highs and lows. This book has everything.
Ten years ago, Flynn and Ellie were on the precipice of their Happily Ever After when her world came crumbling down. She left him at the altar and neither one of them has ever recovered. Neither one of them has ever had to see each other again since then either. But now, Ellie's godmother (and truly mother in every sense of the word) has gotten hurt, so Ellie has come home to help her during her recovery. It's painful, it's heart-wrenching, and OMG, it was the best love story ever.
Flynn grew up in this small town. He's their golden boy, so when Ellie left him at the altar, she messed with the town too and they aren't so willing to forgive. Coming home for Ellie is hard in so many ways, but she grits through it and is so strong when she just wants to sit down and cry. I adored her character. She knows that she completely messed things up and is willing to accept the ostracism because of that. But even more amazing, the first person to forgive her in the town is Flynn.
There were so many highs and lows through this book as Ellie and Flynn work through their emotions. The heart-wrenching part of it all is that they both truly love each other and there was never a moment when that changed for either one of them over the last ten years.
For his part, Flynn was devastated ten years ago. It honestly took him two years before he even began to get over the hurt of Ellie leaving him. He absolutely does NOT trust her with his heart again. The issue for him though is that he can't find it in his heart to love anyone else and he really wants a family. They're both stuck, although neither of them realizes it until they see each other again.
This is a fantastic book about small-town life. Even though it took place in Australia, there was never a moment that I couldn't relate to it. It's definitely quintessential small-town life. I live in ranch country in Texas and so much of the life/events in this book absolutely resonated as true in any small ranching community/town. It truly is a beautiful book with such incredible themes....love, forgiveness, family, happiness. I loved it and hope that all my friends get a chance to fall in love with it too. We NEED this published in the US and I NEED a print copy of it on my bookshelf because I plan to read this one over and over and over again.
September 20, 2015
2.5 Have been reading my way through the Booklist Top 10 romances of the past year, of which JILTED is a member. A pretty traditional second-chance-at-love story, although its Australian setting made it slightly more interesting to this American reader. Ten years ago, Ellie Hughes left Flynn Quartermaine at the altar, apparently with no explanation (we're never told if he tried to chase her down, or if she left him a note). The small town of Hope Junction is shocked by this; Flynn is the town golden boy, and Ellie an outsider who only came to town at 15.
We hear via backstory that Flynn goes on a 2-year bender, but gets his act back together after the death of his father, and returns to Hope to run his family's sheep farm. Ellie, in contrast, is now working as an actress in a nightly soap opera.
Flash forward ten years, and the whole town is agog at the news that famous, hated Ellie is returning to town to take care of her beloved godmother, who fell from a ladder and broke her ankle. Ellie and Flynn inevitably run into each other (small town, you know), and the sparks fly. Ellie apologizes, giving Flynn a partial answer to why she left. But we know that there's a bigger secret hovering, one that Ellie will have to tell Flynn about if they are ever to get back together.
Tragedy strikes, and the two end up sleeping together out of grief and a desire to comfort each other. And then, the big reveal occurs (a reveal which astute readers will have read the clues and guessed by now, even though this is the first time the reader is directly told, too). Instead of being sympathetic, Flynn flips out and runs away. He only returns because he has to see his younger sister in a play, but when he sees Ellie waiting for the bus...
Flynn and Ellie are both pleasant characters, although Ellie is rather passive and not that passionate about her career as an actress. The last quarter of the book, though, really grated; Flynn's response to the big reveal did not seem at all nuanced or ambivalent, especially given the traumatic events that led Ellie to flee the wedding. So the story basically ends up being about HIS choice, his decision, rather than anything Ellie has done or will do to make their relationship work. And of course, Ellie .
A good premise undercut by a weak, unfulfilling last quarter of the story.
We hear via backstory that Flynn goes on a 2-year bender, but gets his act back together after the death of his father, and returns to Hope to run his family's sheep farm. Ellie, in contrast, is now working as an actress in a nightly soap opera.
Flash forward ten years, and the whole town is agog at the news that famous, hated Ellie is returning to town to take care of her beloved godmother, who fell from a ladder and broke her ankle. Ellie and Flynn inevitably run into each other (small town, you know), and the sparks fly. Ellie apologizes, giving Flynn a partial answer to why she left. But we know that there's a bigger secret hovering, one that Ellie will have to tell Flynn about if they are ever to get back together.
Tragedy strikes, and the two end up sleeping together out of grief and a desire to comfort each other. And then, the big reveal occurs (a reveal which astute readers will have read the clues and guessed by now, even though this is the first time the reader is directly told, too). Instead of being sympathetic, Flynn flips out and runs away. He only returns because he has to see his younger sister in a play, but when he sees Ellie waiting for the bus...
Flynn and Ellie are both pleasant characters, although Ellie is rather passive and not that passionate about her career as an actress. The last quarter of the book, though, really grated; Flynn's response to the big reveal did not seem at all nuanced or ambivalent, especially given the traumatic events that led Ellie to flee the wedding. So the story basically ends up being about HIS choice, his decision, rather than anything Ellie has done or will do to make their relationship work. And of course, Ellie .
A good premise undercut by a weak, unfulfilling last quarter of the story.
May 5, 2012
Jilted, such a nasty sounding word but yes that is what this truly wonderful read by Rachel Johns was about, making you forget all about the implications behind such a word as Jilted.
The author got my attention for the word get go ! The intriguing mystery behind why she left sexy Flynn behind all those years ago,breaking the goldenboy's heart into a million shattered pieces,not the mention the fantastic sizzling secret that Ellie's godmother is hiding,all had me reading as fast as I could to see what truly lies beneath !
This was my very first Rachel Johns book for me and I will be making a habit of looking out for more fantastic reads by her. The never forgotten passion between Ellie and Flynn is unmistakably and without a doubt one of the most delicious set of scenes in one book I have ever read.
I loved how the author brought the two characters to the point of a face-off so to speak each owing up to their own mistakes and unspoken feelings. Each and every character in this small town played a important role to bring the book to a fabulous completion.
The book was also not at all overwritten like in some books the story drags on and on and on to a point where I feel like I am about to scream out loud if the author does not reveal the facts immediately, that was not the case in Jilted. The author left plenty to the imagination and gave me just enough secrecy to keep me going to get to the end to see the end results.
I highly recommend Jilted for every romance reader out there.
5/5 Star Review
The author got my attention for the word get go ! The intriguing mystery behind why she left sexy Flynn behind all those years ago,breaking the goldenboy's heart into a million shattered pieces,not the mention the fantastic sizzling secret that Ellie's godmother is hiding,all had me reading as fast as I could to see what truly lies beneath !
This was my very first Rachel Johns book for me and I will be making a habit of looking out for more fantastic reads by her. The never forgotten passion between Ellie and Flynn is unmistakably and without a doubt one of the most delicious set of scenes in one book I have ever read.
I loved how the author brought the two characters to the point of a face-off so to speak each owing up to their own mistakes and unspoken feelings. Each and every character in this small town played a important role to bring the book to a fabulous completion.
The book was also not at all overwritten like in some books the story drags on and on and on to a point where I feel like I am about to scream out loud if the author does not reveal the facts immediately, that was not the case in Jilted. The author left plenty to the imagination and gave me just enough secrecy to keep me going to get to the end to see the end results.
I highly recommend Jilted for every romance reader out there.
5/5 Star Review
May 5, 2012
My Blog: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
Jilted by author Rachel John was amazing, this book reeled me in from get go. The writing was flawless and the way book started out was pretty unique. I liked the buildup to Ellie and Flynn finally running into each other literally 10 year after Ellie had jilted Flynn at the alter with out a word or an explanation, this is where the story takes off.
There was nothing rushed about this book, I loved the pace, the story flowed seamlessly through the chapters. Jilted put me through an emotional roller coaster, I laughed, I cried and routed for the Ellie and Flynn and hoped they would get a HEA they so deserved.
Jilted is a story about small towns and big relationships; of facing your demons and perseverance in the face of adversity; of forgiveness and second chances; of friendship and True Love that transcends through time, loss, and pain.
Jilted was hard to put down, I so badly wanted to see Ellie and Flynn fall in love again and get back together but I wasn’t sure how this story was going to end. The author kept me engrossed and at the edge of my seat, I didn’t even blink until I was finished reading the book and boy was it worth skipping lunch over!
I really enjoyed reading Jilted, this was my first book by author Rachel John and it definitely won’t be my last.
Jilted by author Rachel John was amazing, this book reeled me in from get go. The writing was flawless and the way book started out was pretty unique. I liked the buildup to Ellie and Flynn finally running into each other literally 10 year after Ellie had jilted Flynn at the alter with out a word or an explanation, this is where the story takes off.
There was nothing rushed about this book, I loved the pace, the story flowed seamlessly through the chapters. Jilted put me through an emotional roller coaster, I laughed, I cried and routed for the Ellie and Flynn and hoped they would get a HEA they so deserved.
Jilted is a story about small towns and big relationships; of facing your demons and perseverance in the face of adversity; of forgiveness and second chances; of friendship and True Love that transcends through time, loss, and pain.
Jilted was hard to put down, I so badly wanted to see Ellie and Flynn fall in love again and get back together but I wasn’t sure how this story was going to end. The author kept me engrossed and at the edge of my seat, I didn’t even blink until I was finished reading the book and boy was it worth skipping lunch over!
I really enjoyed reading Jilted, this was my first book by author Rachel John and it definitely won’t be my last.
June 15, 2012
Click here for my full review at Book Thingo.
Jilted is an outback romance with broad appeal. The setting never overshadows the characters, and the romance follows a familiar path without being too predictable. It feels like an extended Australian Superromance. The plot navigates some very emotional territory and, yes, it made me cry.
This book is a rare species is a rare species—an outback romance that fits squarely into the romance genre without losing its character. The setting is familiar but not intrusive, and the story navigates some very emotional territory. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a good read.
Who might enjoy it: Romance readers who like variety in characters and settings
Who might not enjoy it: Rural lit readers who prefer the outback to be centre stage
Jilted is an outback romance with broad appeal. The setting never overshadows the characters, and the romance follows a familiar path without being too predictable. It feels like an extended Australian Superromance. The plot navigates some very emotional territory and, yes, it made me cry.
This book is a rare species is a rare species—an outback romance that fits squarely into the romance genre without losing its character. The setting is familiar but not intrusive, and the story navigates some very emotional territory. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a good read.
Who might enjoy it: Romance readers who like variety in characters and settings
Who might not enjoy it: Rural lit readers who prefer the outback to be centre stage
March 6, 2013
Finished this on the plane the day after meeting author Rachael Johns at the Australian Romance Readers Convention. Really enjoyed both this and her latest book Man Drought and was pleased to learn from Rachael that another book is due out later this year. Australian rural literature is proving very popular at the moment and it is authors like Rachael who are adding to this rise. Anyone who wants a birds-eye view of a small country community and appreciates that we all make mistakes in love, will really enjoy Jilted.
September 28, 2012
Really loved this book. My stomach was clenched right along with Ellie's as she returned to Hope Junction after 10 years and jilting the local heartthrob. This was a beautiful story that captured the small town community of rural Australia perfectly. Flynn was great hero, brooding, quiet and gorgeous. When he almost dabbled with another girl you could almost hear Ellie's heart breaking. So glad this pair got their happy ever after and can't wait for the next story by Rachael Johns
June 2, 2012
WOW!
Amazing book, amazing story and now I'm off to write my complete review. I'll bring it back when I'm done.
But I really strongly recommend this one.
And the complete review can now be found at Beauty and Lace here http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/jilted
Amazing book, amazing story and now I'm off to write my complete review. I'll bring it back when I'm done.
But I really strongly recommend this one.
And the complete review can now be found at Beauty and Lace here http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/jilted
Read
June 29, 2012Thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 14, 2014
I loved this book. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters for the reader to invest in. I enjoyed every minute.
April 29, 2018
When I started this book I thought, hmm I think this is going to be predictable but I ended up absolutely loving it anyway and really got into the characters.
June 30, 2012
I read Jilted in one day and I loved it!
Ellie Hughes has returned to her home town, Hope Junction to help care for her godmother, Matilda. It’s the first time she’s been back in ten years, since she left her high school sweetheart, Flynn Quartermaine at the altar.
After that dreadful mistake, Ellie made a life for herself on the other side of Australia, in Sydney as a television soap star, but she’s never really stopped loving Flynn. He on the other hand continues to run a successful farm and after a decade without Ellie he still can’t quite find his feet in the world, he avoids dating and now avoids alcohol after his broken-heart led to an unhealthy addiction.
Protective of their star football player, the town make Ellie’s return difficult and she realises she can’t just hide out at Matilda’s; she actually has to face the ghosts of her past.
At first, Ellie avoids Flynn but when the journalists begin to hound him and regurgitate their tragic past she decides to make amends with Flynn- even though an apology wouldn’t take away the grief she had caused him.
Initially, Flynn made it clear they could never be friends, but when he sees the locals bullying her, he steps in to help her without thinking. The beginnings of a friendship is sparked and both Ellie and Flynn experience the dilemma of trying to move forward with their lives when so much was unresolved in their past. Ellie tries to tell Flynn why she really left him, but is too ashamed by the truth that she denies him this. In turn, Flynn’s insecurities heighten as he wonders whether Ellie really loved him and whether she ever could again.
I think both Ellie and Flynn were quite well-developed as characters as the story switched POV between the two of them. Ellie loves Flynn but has never experienced unconditional love, coming from a troubled home and doesn’t know how to trust him completely. Flynn struggles with his mixed feelings for Ellie- both love and pain. I was quite moved during the story, even getting teary at times as the author adeptly expressed the character’s emotions through the pages.
I really can’t fault Jilted- I was drawn in by the emotional experience of the characters, their internal conflicts seemed very real and I think they were overcome in a natural, realistic way. I was also very satisfied by the ending. If you haven’t picked up one of the many rural lit novels on the market yet, then perhaps you should start with Rachael Johns! A tear-jerking, moving love story set in a small country town, bound to have you anxiously awaiting another title by this Australian author.
Ellie Hughes has returned to her home town, Hope Junction to help care for her godmother, Matilda. It’s the first time she’s been back in ten years, since she left her high school sweetheart, Flynn Quartermaine at the altar.
After that dreadful mistake, Ellie made a life for herself on the other side of Australia, in Sydney as a television soap star, but she’s never really stopped loving Flynn. He on the other hand continues to run a successful farm and after a decade without Ellie he still can’t quite find his feet in the world, he avoids dating and now avoids alcohol after his broken-heart led to an unhealthy addiction.
Protective of their star football player, the town make Ellie’s return difficult and she realises she can’t just hide out at Matilda’s; she actually has to face the ghosts of her past.
At first, Ellie avoids Flynn but when the journalists begin to hound him and regurgitate their tragic past she decides to make amends with Flynn- even though an apology wouldn’t take away the grief she had caused him.
Initially, Flynn made it clear they could never be friends, but when he sees the locals bullying her, he steps in to help her without thinking. The beginnings of a friendship is sparked and both Ellie and Flynn experience the dilemma of trying to move forward with their lives when so much was unresolved in their past. Ellie tries to tell Flynn why she really left him, but is too ashamed by the truth that she denies him this. In turn, Flynn’s insecurities heighten as he wonders whether Ellie really loved him and whether she ever could again.
I think both Ellie and Flynn were quite well-developed as characters as the story switched POV between the two of them. Ellie loves Flynn but has never experienced unconditional love, coming from a troubled home and doesn’t know how to trust him completely. Flynn struggles with his mixed feelings for Ellie- both love and pain. I was quite moved during the story, even getting teary at times as the author adeptly expressed the character’s emotions through the pages.
I really can’t fault Jilted- I was drawn in by the emotional experience of the characters, their internal conflicts seemed very real and I think they were overcome in a natural, realistic way. I was also very satisfied by the ending. If you haven’t picked up one of the many rural lit novels on the market yet, then perhaps you should start with Rachael Johns! A tear-jerking, moving love story set in a small country town, bound to have you anxiously awaiting another title by this Australian author.
July 28, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Maria
Review Copy Provided by the Author
An emotional love reunion story set in small town Western Australia. There can’t be anything worse than being stood up on a date. Well, Ellie stood Flynn up at the altar ten years ago. As humiliation goes, that was pretty much the ultimate, especially when you live in a small, closely knit community. She’s now a big star on a television soap and she’s back in town on account of her guardian’s ill health. What next? Well, the town stands with Flynn. He’s a local hero on the football team and the image of him as being dumped by the girl he loved who left him for the bright lights of the big city pretty much holds. Ellie gets short shrift from the locals, to the extent of being cold shouldered in the shops and ignored in the pub. The joys and sorrows of small town living are highlighted beautifully in this book. One of the most endearing qualities of the novel is the Australian English the locals speak, which is easy to understand, although the terms can be a little puzzling at times, for non-Australians like me. It only adds to the unique flavour and overall enjoyment of the novel, however.
Rachael Johns is a sensitive writer who shows the ambiguity of the couple’s feelings for each other. Flynn both loves and dreads Ellie. Loves her because he can’t help it and dreads her because losing her in that manner nearly cost him his sanity. He comes across as endearingly human rather than the classic alpha male of contemporary romance. We can see how Ellie loves Flynn and is ashamed of her desertion, but we don’t come to know the reason for the desertion – and there was a pretty significant reason – until very late in the story. As they tentatively approach each other, arranging a friendly truce and testing each other carefully, we wait with baited breath for the conclusion. Will it be a happy one? Let’s hope so. There’s quite a few people who’d like these former lovers to reunite and a few more who wish they never come near each other again. It’s a longish read, for a romance, but a worthwhile one. The characters come alive on the page and some of them are quite memorable, particularly Matilda, Ellie’s bohemian aunt and the bitchy nurse who Flynn dates in a vain attempt to try to forget Ellie.
A memorable and worthwhile read.
Favorite Quote: There was something about the way certain people smiled that made you feel it all over your body. Just a simple lift of their lips and your bones melted. Ellie had always been that kind of person for Flynn, but he didn’t want to feel that way about her anymore.
Reviewed by Maria
Review Copy Provided by the Author
An emotional love reunion story set in small town Western Australia. There can’t be anything worse than being stood up on a date. Well, Ellie stood Flynn up at the altar ten years ago. As humiliation goes, that was pretty much the ultimate, especially when you live in a small, closely knit community. She’s now a big star on a television soap and she’s back in town on account of her guardian’s ill health. What next? Well, the town stands with Flynn. He’s a local hero on the football team and the image of him as being dumped by the girl he loved who left him for the bright lights of the big city pretty much holds. Ellie gets short shrift from the locals, to the extent of being cold shouldered in the shops and ignored in the pub. The joys and sorrows of small town living are highlighted beautifully in this book. One of the most endearing qualities of the novel is the Australian English the locals speak, which is easy to understand, although the terms can be a little puzzling at times, for non-Australians like me. It only adds to the unique flavour and overall enjoyment of the novel, however.
Rachael Johns is a sensitive writer who shows the ambiguity of the couple’s feelings for each other. Flynn both loves and dreads Ellie. Loves her because he can’t help it and dreads her because losing her in that manner nearly cost him his sanity. He comes across as endearingly human rather than the classic alpha male of contemporary romance. We can see how Ellie loves Flynn and is ashamed of her desertion, but we don’t come to know the reason for the desertion – and there was a pretty significant reason – until very late in the story. As they tentatively approach each other, arranging a friendly truce and testing each other carefully, we wait with baited breath for the conclusion. Will it be a happy one? Let’s hope so. There’s quite a few people who’d like these former lovers to reunite and a few more who wish they never come near each other again. It’s a longish read, for a romance, but a worthwhile one. The characters come alive on the page and some of them are quite memorable, particularly Matilda, Ellie’s bohemian aunt and the bitchy nurse who Flynn dates in a vain attempt to try to forget Ellie.
A memorable and worthwhile read.
Favorite Quote: There was something about the way certain people smiled that made you feel it all over your body. Just a simple lift of their lips and your bones melted. Ellie had always been that kind of person for Flynn, but he didn’t want to feel that way about her anymore.
November 5, 2014
Received through a Goodreads/Firstreads giveaway
Jilted. Left at the altar.
One usually associates the bride as the recipient of that particular horror. In "Jilted", Flynn Quartermaine, the groom, is the one left standing alone in front of his family, friends and most of the town wondering what the h*** just happened. His intended, Eleanora (Ellie) Hughes never showed and left town with no word of explanation to anyone. Of course, that was years ago. She is a big soap opera star now and he is top dog at the family ranch. They have both moved on...really.
Ellie is back though and causing no small amount of havoc (and gossip) in the small town she called home. Her godmother, Matilda, has broken her ankle and needs a bit of tender loving care. Ellie would do anything for her eccentric godmother but she is not looking forward to running into Flynn or attempting to deal with the reception she is bound to receive from the townspeople who love him. Can anyone say, pariah? Being in a small town, they do encounter each other and with each encounter realize they have unresolved feelings. They want to move forward but are not sure if their future is together. Flynn doesn't want to fall into the pit that Ellie's flight put him in the first time. And, Ellie doesn't think she can divulge the real reason for her vanishing act. But, to be able to move forward they must look back to that day long ago and come to terms with the truth surrounding Ellie's betrayal and their feelings for one another.
Ms. Johns has written a fabulous story that has you invested in every character and emotion. Her 'people' are so well written with the supporting characters just as interesting as the main ones. There were several times she had me squirming because I knew what was coming and didn't want it to or crying because 'it' did happen and the emotions got the better of me. Even though Rachael Johns has written numerous titles, she is a new-to-me author. I don't know how I could have missed such treasures. I LOVED "Jilted" and plan on reading her other works ASAP.
Jilted. Left at the altar.
One usually associates the bride as the recipient of that particular horror. In "Jilted", Flynn Quartermaine, the groom, is the one left standing alone in front of his family, friends and most of the town wondering what the h*** just happened. His intended, Eleanora (Ellie) Hughes never showed and left town with no word of explanation to anyone. Of course, that was years ago. She is a big soap opera star now and he is top dog at the family ranch. They have both moved on...really.
Ellie is back though and causing no small amount of havoc (and gossip) in the small town she called home. Her godmother, Matilda, has broken her ankle and needs a bit of tender loving care. Ellie would do anything for her eccentric godmother but she is not looking forward to running into Flynn or attempting to deal with the reception she is bound to receive from the townspeople who love him. Can anyone say, pariah? Being in a small town, they do encounter each other and with each encounter realize they have unresolved feelings. They want to move forward but are not sure if their future is together. Flynn doesn't want to fall into the pit that Ellie's flight put him in the first time. And, Ellie doesn't think she can divulge the real reason for her vanishing act. But, to be able to move forward they must look back to that day long ago and come to terms with the truth surrounding Ellie's betrayal and their feelings for one another.
Ms. Johns has written a fabulous story that has you invested in every character and emotion. Her 'people' are so well written with the supporting characters just as interesting as the main ones. There were several times she had me squirming because I knew what was coming and didn't want it to or crying because 'it' did happen and the emotions got the better of me. Even though Rachael Johns has written numerous titles, she is a new-to-me author. I don't know how I could have missed such treasures. I LOVED "Jilted" and plan on reading her other works ASAP.
September 17, 2014
I'm so tired, but it was my own fault. I simple couldn't stop reading this delightful confection replete with Aussie words and phrases. I don't often get the opportunity to read a story that pulls me right onto a Western Australian sheep farm, but this story did it and in spades. One reason to read it, but not the only one.
Ellie Hughes, now a daytime TV actress in Sydney, goes home to Hope Junction to help her aging godmother who has broken one leg and sprained the other ankle. Her first time back after have left her first love at the altar and fled. We don't know why, but Matilda wisely urges Ellie to tell him. That man, Flynn Quartermaine is the gorgeous farmer in question and being jilted like that sent him into a downward spin that included alcohol and drug abuse until he got his head back on straight and decided to try to forget her. But he can't, which he refuses to acknowledge until Ellie shows up again.
She dreads having to meet him, but how can she avoid him in a town where everyone knows everyone else? More to the point, how can she keep herself from losing it completely when everything about the town reminds her of their time together?
Memorable characters include Matilda's wise old friend, Joyce, as well as Flynn's kid sister--who wants to be an actress like Ellie--and his mother, Karine, who doesn't want him hurt again. Add in a nurse who has had the hots for Flynn for years and you have a fabulous, detail-enriched novel in which to dive. You may need to take the day off after you finish it if it keeps you up well into the early hours. At least it will give you time to wipe away your tears, whether they are the result of hoots or laughter, or sympathetic grief.
Ellie Hughes, now a daytime TV actress in Sydney, goes home to Hope Junction to help her aging godmother who has broken one leg and sprained the other ankle. Her first time back after have left her first love at the altar and fled. We don't know why, but Matilda wisely urges Ellie to tell him. That man, Flynn Quartermaine is the gorgeous farmer in question and being jilted like that sent him into a downward spin that included alcohol and drug abuse until he got his head back on straight and decided to try to forget her. But he can't, which he refuses to acknowledge until Ellie shows up again.
She dreads having to meet him, but how can she avoid him in a town where everyone knows everyone else? More to the point, how can she keep herself from losing it completely when everything about the town reminds her of their time together?
Memorable characters include Matilda's wise old friend, Joyce, as well as Flynn's kid sister--who wants to be an actress like Ellie--and his mother, Karine, who doesn't want him hurt again. Add in a nurse who has had the hots for Flynn for years and you have a fabulous, detail-enriched novel in which to dive. You may need to take the day off after you finish it if it keeps you up well into the early hours. At least it will give you time to wipe away your tears, whether they are the result of hoots or laughter, or sympathetic grief.
July 5, 2012
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was sceptical at first, but thought 'why not give it a go'. Very glad I did. Imaginative beginning that really sucked me in. The characters are wonderful, and the town itself very accurately portraying life in rural Australia. I was particularly drawn to John's descriptions of the hospital.
The main character Ellie arrives back in Hope Junction to care for her injured godmother. Having left Hope Junction 10 years earlier, for reasons more dramatic than first appears, she is confronted by Flynn, her one true love that she jilted all those years ago. Through laughs and tears, we see how these two lovely characters deal with being around eachother once again. The surrounding characters provide a great backdrop of country life warts and all.
My only teeny tiny annoyance was when Flynn.... Although I'm not a big fan of epilogues, I would of liked this book to have one, just to round everything off a little more. All in all a heart-warming story that holds more to it than what one might first assume.
The main character Ellie arrives back in Hope Junction to care for her injured godmother. Having left Hope Junction 10 years earlier, for reasons more dramatic than first appears, she is confronted by Flynn, her one true love that she jilted all those years ago. Through laughs and tears, we see how these two lovely characters deal with being around eachother once again. The surrounding characters provide a great backdrop of country life warts and all.
My only teeny tiny annoyance was when Flynn.... Although I'm not a big fan of epilogues, I would of liked this book to have one, just to round everything off a little more. All in all a heart-warming story that holds more to it than what one might first assume.
September 22, 2014
This book surprised me and was ended up being a lot better than I thought it would be. I'll be honest, I shed a few tears - quite a few actually. I've never been a fan of authors throwing every possible sob story at you in an effort to make you like a book - almost to the point where you'd feel guilty if you don't like it. It actually irritates the hell out of me. But for some reason, it worked for the most part in this book.
I didn't warm up to it right away. From the first chapters, I pretty much assumed it would be cute, light fluff with the overboard, typical star from the big city who returns to her home in some small town to deal with her past, only to have the community be cold to her.
After a while though, I found that I really liked Ellie and could sympathize with her. And Flynn was so quick to forgive - a bit unrealistic to hope for that in a man but makes him more oh-so-dreamy. I love Matilda and Joyce, and even Lauren, who wasn't your vindictive bimbo everyone initially wrote her off as but rather a good-hearted person who was just lonely and misread.
Perhaps it's a bit cliche, but I can honestly say it's one of the better women's romances that I've read in a while.
I didn't warm up to it right away. From the first chapters, I pretty much assumed it would be cute, light fluff with the overboard, typical star from the big city who returns to her home in some small town to deal with her past, only to have the community be cold to her.
After a while though, I found that I really liked Ellie and could sympathize with her. And Flynn was so quick to forgive - a bit unrealistic to hope for that in a man but makes him more oh-so-dreamy. I love Matilda and Joyce, and even Lauren, who wasn't your vindictive bimbo everyone initially wrote her off as but rather a good-hearted person who was just lonely and misread.
Perhaps it's a bit cliche, but I can honestly say it's one of the better women's romances that I've read in a while.
March 27, 2013
Ellie Hughes is back. It's been 10 years since she stepped foot in Hope Junction and she already knows she's not going to be welcomed. After all anyone who broke the town's golden boy's heart is despicable right? But Flynn and Ellie can't help but be attracted to each other. And until the truth about why Ellie jilted Flynn comes out, they don't really have a chance to see if things will work this time around.
Wow. Blurbs these days are written by mad geniuses. They tantalize and tease, but not many live up to their promise. As you can tell, Jilted is not one of them. I feel as if the blurb is actually an understatement in this case. I fell in love with this book and its characters. I laughed with them and cried with them. And Rachael Johns is why. I loved the descriptions of Mat and her house, the views from Flynn's property, and the emotions she evoked.
I can not wait to read Man Drought and I look forward to seeing her books on the shelves or as e-books sooner than later. I've discovered another favorite author and I'm sure you will too.
Wow. Blurbs these days are written by mad geniuses. They tantalize and tease, but not many live up to their promise. As you can tell, Jilted is not one of them. I feel as if the blurb is actually an understatement in this case. I fell in love with this book and its characters. I laughed with them and cried with them. And Rachael Johns is why. I loved the descriptions of Mat and her house, the views from Flynn's property, and the emotions she evoked.
I can not wait to read Man Drought and I look forward to seeing her books on the shelves or as e-books sooner than later. I've discovered another favorite author and I'm sure you will too.
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