A warm-hearted and touching story about recovering after trauma, love and community. A new Woodlea romance by bestselling Australian author Alissa Callen.

Healing doesn't just take time, it takes courage...

The scars country vet Ella Quinlivan hides are not solely on the outside. Men are off limits. She fills her world with her friends, work and the colourful community of small town Woodlea. She also becomes custodian of a sandstone cottage of an elderly friend whose teenage daughter went missing two decades ago.

With a broken marriage behind him, Saul Armstrong is determined to recapture his dreams by bringing American bison to the Australian bush. He intends to stick to his side of the high wire fence that divides his farm from his distracting new neighbour, Ella.

When Saul calls out Ella for a bison emergency she isn't just thrown out of her comfort zone by dealing with an unfamiliar animal. Slow-smiling and guarded Saul stirs emotions she'd long ago discarded.

As the summer heat parches the landscape and dust obscures the sun, hidden secrets come to light. Not only will Ella and Saul be tested, the connection forged between them will be threatened. Will love be enough to guarantee their freedom or will fear continue to dictate the direction of their lives?

PRAISE FOR ALISSA CALLEN:

'A consuming story of past hurts, new beginnings, a long buried mystery and community ties, Alissa's Callen new rural treat will draw in fans old and new.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews

'A moving story with a touching romance weaving its way around and through the many issues facing a rural community.' - The Burgeoning Bookshelf

'Warm-hearted and unforgettable' - Queensland Times

'Alissa brings romance and country together in just the right balance.' - Tricia Stringer, bestselling Australian author

'A moving rural romance ... a must-read for fans of the genre, exploring tragedy and perseverance' - Better Reading