She imagined most people in her situation would be smiling, reminiscing fondly, eager to start adding to their memories. She had fond recollections too, if she looked back far enough, but they’d all been railroaded by her most painful memory. the memory of making the biggest mistake of her life and, as a result, having to leave the only place she’d ever really called home.
Ten years ago Ellie left Hope Valley in a hurry, leaving not just the town she’d come to know and love, but her jilted fiancee, Flynn. Now she’s back, hoping she cna keep a low profile while she cares for her godmother, Matilda, recovering from a fall. But the town is small and Ellie is now a famous soap opera star, so keeping that low profile is going to be impossible. Add to that the fact that the whole town seems to hate her for what she did to Flynn. then, of course, thre’s Flynn himself, who she’d like to avoid, but who seems to be everywhere, still just as handsome. Ellie finds her feelings for Flynn haven’t changed – but surely it’s too late to undo the past.
Jilted is a rural romance set in country Western Australia. Hope Valley is a fictional town, but the surrounding towns – Katanning, Tambellup and others – are very real, and the author has worked to create a believably West Australian setting. But readers don’t need to be familiar with the region to be able to connect with the characters and become absorbed in their relationships. As well as watching Ellie and Flynn reconnect and try to figure out their past – and future – we see Ellie also deal with the ageing of her godmother, and struggle with her past. Otehr characters too have difficulties to face and triumphs to celebrate.
A heartwarming read.
Jilted, by Rachael Johns
Mira, 2012
ISBN 9781921795503
This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond.