What I loved about this book was how relatable it was for me.

* The fishing industry, libraries, women's weekly cookbooks. I live in a fishing community, and we too have the same festival " The blessing of the fleet". Ours is held in Easter. It made me connect to the book so much more.

* Found family and DNA tropes are 2 of my favorite tropes to read about, so another connection with this book.

* Finally, the flirting going on between Fergus and Maggie, it was a slow burn romance, and I was yearning for them to get together. There was a lack of communication at times which had me very frustrated.

I adored this story from start to finish. Aussie author Maya Linnell certainly knows how to entertain her readers. A beautifully written story set in a small town with a mix of great characters including some cute animals. If you enjoy a good wholesome read then I highly recommend you add this book to your list.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.

EXTRACT: 'Have you seriously downloaded this app?'
'Which -' The question stuck in Maggie's throat and she grabbed the phone from her daughter. 'What are you doing on my phone? And when did you get here, Ben?'
'Small Town Singles? Taneisha's aunty was on that dating app, said all the guys were bogans or wannabe farmers, posting random photos of themselves with farm machinery that wasn't even theirs. Let me see your profile picture.'
Maggie stuffed her phone into her pocket. 'I forgot that was even on there,' she fibbed, pulling veggies from the crisper.
Isobel grinned gleefully. 'Liar. You're wearing those new earrings in your profile picture, the ones Granny got you for Easter instead of chocolate, and there's a bunch of open messages in your inbox.'
The microwave dinged and Maggie hacked at the semi-defrosted steaks. 'I was seeing what's out there.'
Ben smothered a laugh. 'You're really getting back on the horse? I hate to think what I'll miss when I go to the snow.'
'You're not the least bit perturbed about me considering a new relationship, then?' Maggie said. 'What if I get stalked by some internet Romeo? Harassed by a sex pest? Fall in love with a cattle baron from Alice Springs and uproot is all by shifting to the middle of nowhere?'
She watched as Isobel and Ben fell over themselves laughing. 'What? You don't think that might happen?'
Ben lifted his eyebrows. 'Those apps aren't for relationships, Mum. They're for hook-ups! You've got more chance of winning Lotto than finding someone interested in an old-fashioned "relationship".' He used air quotes as he said the last word . . .

ABOUT 'COCKTOO COVE': Maggie West has worked her entire adult life to prove herself, establishing a successful cattle stud instead of following her father into the crayfishing industry, though it's never enough to stop local speculation about her family's holdings. And with her teenage daughter close to veering off the rails, she knows all too well that money doesn't provide immunity against heartache or hardship.

Since landing in South Australia's picturesque Limestone Coast, Scottish winemaker Fergus Abernathy has gone from strength to strength. But it isn't just the awards or his stint as an unlikely social media superstar that's keeping him in the district; if he can put down roots, perhaps he can persuade his family to join him Down Under.

Missing his family back in Scotland, Fergus looks a little enviously at the close-knit West family, until a shocking phone call changes everything.

Misunderstandings, scams and long-withheld secrets create roadblocks for Maggie and Fergus, and with a community fundraiser hanging in the balance, it seems they're never destined to be in the right place at the right time.

MY THOUGHTS: A rural romance with fun, family, love and laughter - not to mention the odd disaster!

Cockatoo Cove is a stunning story featuring family misunderstandings, scams, educational dilemmas, parental rights, and romance, all accompanied by fantastic food, beautiful beaches, and plenty of fun.

I loved Maggie's relationship with her family - both her parents and her children - and even her ex-husband, with whom she shares custody of their children. She's had a couple of romantic disasters since parting with Todd, so I could understand her reticence at getting entangled with Fergus, especially when he seemed not to have been telling her the truth.

Isobel is a character who provides plenty of entertainment. She's a feisty teen, very opinionated, and not quick to forgive her mother's mistakes. And Maggie does make mistakes; she's only human and trying to navigate life as a single mum, albeit with plenty of familial support, manage her cattle stud and breeding border collies, play her part in the local community and somehow have a life of her own.

Fergus is a lovely Scotsman, and the sparks of desire are strong between him and Maggie from the start. But Fergus has a massive surprise heading his way and between that and a few misunderstandings, the odds seem stacked against anything developing between these two, despite fate (and Maggies parents) throwing them together at every opportunity.

I simply ate up this book, finishing it in record time. The plot is fast moving and relatable. The characters are charming and the relationships realistic. There is plenty of desire but no open-door sex scenes. I enjoyed the way Maya Linnell chose to highlight the problem of scamming and how very clever the scammers are getting.

I didn't realise that there is a previous book (Kookaburra Cottage) set in this area which includes parts of Maggie's and Fergus's stories. I will definitely be chasing it up. But don't worry, Cockatoo Cove reads brilliantly as a stand-alone.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#CockatooCove #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR - MAYA LINNELL: From country show baking to raising orphaned lambs, bestselling author Maya Linnell writes about the life she lives and loves. A keen bookworm, former rural journalist and radio presenter, Maya has six rural fiction titles published with Allen & Unwin - Wallaby Lane, Kookaburra Cottage, Paperbark Hill, Magpie's Bend, Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge.

She lives with her family in rural Queensland, writes to the soundtrack of kookaburras, and relies on copious amounts of tea and chocolate to fuel her days at the keyboard.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Allen & Unwin via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Cockatoo Cove by Maya Linnell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Absolutely loved this book. And how could you not.

Returning to Penwarra and the familiar characters make you feel like your home after a long trip away. Especially when your family means the world to you.

This book had me laughing and feeling like I’m in love again. The character Fergus brought another world to life, especially when he finds himself in a situation where he never thought he’d be in, but with Maggie offering advice, whether it was good or not, this made it even more enjoyable.

I received this book for an honest review.

It’s so easy to slip into the world of cattle farmer Maggie West and winemaker Fergus Abernathy as you begin to read Cockatoo Cove. Author Maya Linnell has created a believable world filled with family and a wider community who look after their own. This is definitely a feelgood roimance, though there is plenty of angst along the way too, keeping tensions high and the stakes even higher for protagonists Maggie and Fergus. She’s gun-shy when it comes to Scottish men after a disastrous relationship with her ex-boyfriend Dougal, but she just can’t seem to resist Fergus and his genuine affection for her. She’s also juggling parenthood of a sixteen year-old, who can’t wait to get away from home. He’s suddenly discovered a thirteen year-old son he knew nothing about until Lenny’s mother died and named Fergus in her will. Learning how to be a father of a ready-made son is no easy feat especially when that son idolises his absent Uncle Huey and can’t wait to get away from Cockatoo Cove. Blending these two families was never going to be easy and it certainly does pose plenty of challenges for Fergus and Maggie. As their story unfolds it’s easy to cheer for these two. I also loved the way their children bonded. This is a gently told story set in a part of South Australia that this author is clearly familiar with. It’s quite a long read, but perfect to savour on cold winter nights. It was a pleasure to read.

I always am happy when there is a new Maya Linnell book out, her stories are fabulous, it is like she can transport me to a rural location and I just feel comfortable getting to know the characters she has created to make me smile and feel all the emotions as we follow their story and Fergus Abernathy is a favourite of mine and seeing him in a new story had me cheering come along for another visit to The Limestone Coast and see how Fergus fares.

Maggie West is a divorced mother of two, after marrying young she has worked hard to prove to everyone that she is a capable and independent woman, she runs a successful cattle stud, breeds border collies even though her family run a big cray fishing company, she comes from a well off family but has made her own way in life, but her teenage daughter is causing a few problems at the moment and Maggie is doing her best to keep her on track, they have been through a rough time.

Fergus, who we have met before is a Scottish winemaker, a very successful one at that, but he has always wanted a wife and children like his brothers back in Scotland but he has yet to find the love of his life when he meets up with the West family especially Maggie he feels something, could she be the one for him, then there is news that rocks him and changes everything in his life.

Maggie and Fergus are soon working closely together, a weekend away in the Barossa Valley is what they both need but then everything is turned upside down again, scammers, secrets unfolding and stress play a big part in keeping them apart, will they both get through all of the dramas and ups and downs and find the love that they both deserve?

I loved this one so much, MS Linnell has set this one in such a beautiful setting, the beaches, the rural setting the food and the fabulous characters, I loved Fergus and Maggie, Izzy and Lenny. I do highly recommend this one, it was hard to put down, it is a page turner, and thank you MS Linnell this one goes straight to the keeper shelve.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read and review.

Another beautiful rural romance story in South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Loved following the characters in these series and I enjoyed reading about Fergus and Maggie.

Thank you Maya for writing such heartfelt and feel-good stories of family, love, friendship and community.

Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Allen & Unwin for a wonderful ARC.

Fergus Abernathy was a Scottish lad who'd left his homeland for South Australia's Limestone Coast, where he could put his winemaking skills to the test. He loved the vineyard, and was enjoying his time in the small rural town of Cockatoo Cove where he'd made quite a few friends. Heading to Maggie West's cattle stud, where he'd been invited to join the party, his fascination with the West family and admiration for Maggie's work with the cattle, shone. Neil West, Maggie's father, had been in the crayfishing industry all his life, loving the challenge each and every day.

When Maggie's teenage daughter Isobel was struggling, Maggie changed her school to the compact Cockatoo Cove high school, and Issy blossomed. Then Fergus received a phone call. Was he being scammed? How could this possibly have happened? As Fergus tried to navigate his new life, Maggie continued to try to direct Issy's. But things kept going wrong, first one thing, then another...

Cockatoo Cove is another excellent country story by Aussie author Maya Linnell which covers many topics. From misunderstandings between family members; fundraising and scams; secrets and romance - this rural story is surrounded by wine country, beautiful beaches, plenty of food, along with friendly locals, fun and entertainment. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Allen & Unwin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

Cockatoo Cove is a fun and feel-good book about finding love in a small rural town. As winter closes in, this is the perfect rural romance to curl up with and devour.

There is something about a small rural community that I love to read about and Linnell perfectly captures the essence and community spirit of them, writing characters who feel genuine. We see their struggles, failures and successes as though they are our friends through a beautiful writing style and picturesque setting.

I really enjoyed the personal and professional struggles both Fergus and Maggie go through. It made them both very relatable. And the slow burn between the two of them was so good.

Cockatoo Cove was a great read set in rural South Australia. Maggie is a divorced mother of two and runs a successful cattle stud. She is close to her family but chose cattle over the crayfish business her father runs. As the story opens Maggie’s rebellious daughter is running with the wrong crowd and Maggie is in the process of changing her school.

Fergus hails from Scotland and is a successful winemaker. After a broken relationship he wants to one day find love, settle down and raise his own family. He initially bonds with Maggie over her Pink Fridge but a series of misunderstandings results in a breakup. Shortly after this, Fergus finds out that after a one-night stand in Scotland thirteen years earlier he has a moody son who he is now responsible for as the boy’s mother has died. So moody son and rebellious daughter both end up at the same school.

Maggie and Fergus are asked to join together to raise funds for the school, but they lose it all through an online scam. They have to work together to try and redeem themselves and repay the money, and they may actually have to listen to their recalcitrance teens to get to a solution.

I loved the community of Penwarra, where everyone knows every one else and when a tragedy occurs they all pull together. It did take me a wee while to get into the story as I felt I was suppose to know why Maggie’s house had burned down and a new one built to warrant the opening scenes of a house warming party. This was my fault as there are two other books set in the area prior to Cockatoo Cove that I haven’t read yet. if I had read them then I probably would know all this background, but in the end it wasn’t important to the story to know this.

There is so much love and humour in this book, I really enjoyed reading it. It is full of down to earth characters. Family and friends join together to support each other, cry together, argue together and laugh together. I recommend this book to all my friends who like Australian rural romances. Oh, and Limestone Coast is home to six different wine regions which I toured recently and the wines are amazing.

Maya, has done it again!

Cockatoo Cove is an enchanting rural romance that immerses readers in the beauty and charm of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. The story follows Maggie West, a determined woman who’s carved her own path in the cattle stud industry, and Fergus Abernathy, a Scottish winemaker who’s found success but longs for deeper connections. From the first page, the engaging characters and picturesque setting draw you in, making it impossible to put down.

I loved how Maggie’s story balanced both personal and professional challenges, particularly her struggles with her teenage daughter. The backdrop of border collies, beaches, and community fundraisers brought the rural setting to life in such a vivid way. The humorous and heartfelt moments kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next.

Fergus, whom we meet in Linnell’s Kookaburra Cottage, adds a delightful Scottish flair to the storyline and if you are anything like me, you’ll be reading his chapters with your internal Scottish accent. His connection with Maggie is both endearing and complex.

The witty dialogues, small-town dramas, and slow-burn romance create an irresistibly cosy atmosphere. Cockatoo Cove is a must-read for fans of rural romance, offering a beautiful blend of love, humour, country spirit and had me wanting to pop out and buy myself a highland cow.

Highly Recommend!

A great country romance book with Scottish Fergus and local girl Maggie. Throw in the usual small country town dramas, family dramas and love life dramas and it makes for a great book.

Maggie West is a divorced mother of two, she lives and works at her cattle stud near the town of Penwarra in the South Australian Limestone Coast. Maggie’s teenage daughter Isabel is a handful, she doesn’t like the crowd she’s hanging out with, Maggie wants her to finish high school and not dropout.

Fergus Abernathy is a Scottish winemaker, he promotes the product he helps grow, and harvest and turn into award winning wine on social media. Fergus is envious of the West’s, Maggie and her sister Hazel and their parents Neil and Kathy and he wants to have the Aussie dream, a wife and kids and a home of his own and he’s been unlucky in love. Fergus gets a phone call that turns his world upside down, he’s torn between his loyalty to Scotland, his dad and being a good son and his brothers, and staying in Australia and the Limestone Coast and being responsible for his actions.

I received a copy of Cockatoo Cove by Maya Linnell from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. The author is known for including social topics in her bestselling rural fiction narratives and this time it includes subjects such as, being a young parent and divorcee, the paternity of a child and who should care for them, how it’s important to pick the right school and a private one doesn’t mean it’s better, fundraising and scams.

Set in the stunning wine country of the Limestone Coast, it has everything in the story from border collies and cattle, to idyllic beaches and the blessing of the fleet, boats and cray fishing, and it showcases what it's like to live in the area in a humorous and thought proving way and I could easily picture it all in my mind and it's set in beloved home state.

Fergus was a character I knew from Ms. Linnell’s previous book Kookaburra Cottage and it was great to catch up with him again and there's nothing hotter than a Scotsman in a kilt and Maggie found him hard to ignore. Five stars from me and I love reading authentic Australian stories and they are very important and so are the hardworking authors who write them and I highly recommend and a must read.

Maya Linnell is one of my go-to authors when I am in the mood for a quintessential Australian rural romance. This one did not disappoint! It felt warm and authentic, as if I was on a vacation in a small South Australian town full of friends. Another big highlight for me was the way Border Collies featured in the story, as I have one of my own and they will always be one of my favourite breeds of dog! The story was well written with likeable characters and a beautiful setting. If you are a fan of small town romance or Australian authors such as Alissa Callen and Stella Quinn, you'll love Maya Linnell's latest!
A massive thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this heartfelt story. The characters were all really interesting and while reading it I couldn’t help but hear a Scottish accent in my head when Fergus was talking.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.