The Ironbark Promise

 The Ironbark Promise

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       February 17, 2026

 

Author  Leonie Kelsall

Distributor:      Allen and Unwin
ISBN:                 9781761472411
Publisher:         Allen and Unwin
Release Date:   6 January 2026  

   Website:   https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Leonie-Kelsall-Ironbark-Promise-9781761472411

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Leonie Kelsall has written a uniquely Australian novel with splendid descriptions of the surrounds where her story is based.  Her characters and the storyline in The Ironbark Promise are believable and modern.

Jemma is a high-flying lawyer who has had to move away from the city job she had because of threats.  The small country town she moves to has nothing about it to endear her and she is just biding her time before returning to the big smoke.

Hamish is a local farmer who is completely charming, intelligent and a ladies’ man. He and Jemma lock horns immediately with many sparring conversations between the two. It is quite plain that they have taken each other in contempt; Jemma sees him as a man who wanders around the farm petting animals, and he see the lawyer as a high-flying city slicker.

When danger threatens Jemma and she is at risk, it is Hamish who shows a courageous and sensitive side and helps her to safety. To unravel the mystery and uncover the perpetrator of the threatening letters will take a great deal of clear thinking and questioning of friendships.

As always, Leonie Kelsall has written an enjoyable story focussing on the Australian way of life and the resilience of the women who live in the cities as well as the countryside.

Fiction, General, Romance