Feature book: Jilted

Jilted by Rachael Johns

Ellie Hughes left Hope Junction over a decade ago, on the verge of achieving her childhood dream. When she left, Flynn Quartermaine was heartbroken to be left standing at the altar but now she’s back in town. The physical attraction is still there, however, they are both now different people and it seems the entire town is on Flynn’s side. This time Ellie doesn’t flee as she attempts to repay her godmother for taking her in as a teenager when her mother dumped her, by caring for her after she breaks her ankle.

Ellie has become a soap actress since leaving town and is drawn back into the community through her godmother, Matilda, and the local community theatre group, she’s involved with. This also brings her into contact with Lucy Quartermaine, Flynn’s younger sister, and slowly she also begins to form new relationships with all members of the Quartermaine family. She also learns of the impact her leaving had on Flynn and is saddened to hear of his regrets around this time and his father’s death.

Slowly the rest of the town begins to accept Ellie with Matilda and her friend, Joyce’s help. Then, just as Ellie is moving forward, she finds out Matilda has bone cancer and only has a few months to live. This news has her confronting some inner demons and keeps her in town longer. She and Flynn had agreed to be friends but maintaining the ‘just friends’ bond is difficult. When Matilda dies, Flynn comforts Ellie and they have sex. All of Ellie’s important and intimate relationships are evolving and she opens up to Flynn about the whole truth behind her leaving.

Flynn doesn’t appreciate Ellie’s ‘noble reasons’ for leaving and steps back. Ellie gives in to her agent’s calls to return to Sydney and hops on the bus to head back to her city life. Just in time, Flynn comes to his senses and decides to take a risk. Can he talk Ellie into staying in Hope Junction and building a life with him and his family?

This is a story rich with a strong hero and heroine, interesting secondary characters and a warm rural community which is portrayed with vivid description. You are immediately drawn into the story and keep turning the pages needing to know what’s going to happen next. This is the perfect book for a cold afternoon or evening where you can snuggle up and be undisturbed.

reviewed by Tracey T

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All ARRA members who leave a comment will go in the draw to win the book. The giveaway will close on 15 August. (The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Malvina.)