Review of 'Secrets of Riverside' by Mandy Magro

Review of 'Secrets of Riverside' by Mandy Magro

Release date: May 1st, 2024

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

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REVIEW

Secrets of Riverside is the second book I have read of Mandy Magro’s and enjoyed. This was an intriguing story of second chances (though sad in parts) with solid characters that kept me turning the pages fairly rapidly. Amelia Price went through a horrific event when she was a child. A fire that killed all her family except she was saved by an unnamed rescuer. This trauma continues to haunt her with nightmares into her adulthood and she battles to keep her life together, especially after a rocky relationship and another loss. She has a wonderful friend, Ebony, who has been like a sister to her helping her through the trauma and all. Then one day a mysterious letter turns up at her Sydney apartment that shocks her with its message. Its sender wants her to go to Riverside in Far North Queensland to uncover the truth of the reasons behind the fire and loss of her family.  Since she is seeking answers—she hopes this journey will provide closure and decides to go against the pleas of her best friend. But she reassures Ebony she will be fine, she can handle the trip herself and her friend should continue with her planned holiday.

Once Amelia (or Millie as she is called by her friends) is almost at her destination, she has vehicle problems and is rescued by Jarrah King. This meeting leads to a job as a cook at his Riverside Roadhouse (a business and home left to him by his grandfather) where she manages to impress everyone with her fine cooking skills; except Jarrah’s nephew who takes an instant dislike to her.

Jarrah and Millie get to know each other over time and there is a strong familiarity and attraction. They fight the feelings that are developing between them but we know this won’t last forever. With roadblocks like limited trust and hiding major information about their past lives from each other, building a sound relationship will be impossible. At least not until the walls of self-protection come down. They fear that honest revelations about who they are and their past will change perceptions and they could lose control of their own narrative. Can they overcome these hurdles, trust each other and get closer?

Identity issues is a big theme in this novel. Jarrah changed his last name at the request of his grandfather to get away from the bad connections to his mobster father. So, there is a big risk in exposing his identity. Millie has not let on her real reasons for coming to Far North Queensland either and has pretended she is just a free spirit drifting from place to place.

Ironically this pair will discover they have more connections than they originally knew and there is a rocky journey ahead. But all will be revealed after heated discussions, hurts, misunderstandings and a new surprise. Be assured, the various threads of this story will come together in a satisfying ending. This rural romance with some mystery and mayhem is well written and kept my attention to the very last page and word. I loved the hero and heroine who are genuine and very likeable. The unfolding drama in such a beautiful setting is a bonus, too. Plus, the uplifting ending made me smile. I enjoyed watching these two work things out, find their places and answers and overcome the past when wrongs are made right. A heartfelt satisfying read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for a review copy.