Publisher details

Author: Leonie Kelsall
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Genre: Fiction
Released: 06 January, 2026
ISBN: 9781761472411

The Ironbark Promise

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Synopsis

When a series of threats force fiercely independent lawyer Jemma Di Angelis to step away from her high-flying career, the last place she wants to be is Settlers Bridge. But her retreat will be brief; she's only staying long enough to plan her next move.

Laid-back local farmer Hamish MacKenzie has a roguish charm, a bad-boy reputation and an artistic soul he keeps carefully hidden. From the moment he meets Jemma, sparks fly—he sees an uptight city slicker and she sees a shallow womaniser.

But when Jemma finds herself in real danger, Hamish reveals a different side - unexpectedly gentle, infuriatingly protective and nothing like she imagined. As loyalties are tested, Jemma must decide if she's willing to risk her heart with a man who has made a habit of keeping his hidden.

About the author

Leonie Kelsall

Leonie grew up in the South Australian country - initially on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in a tiny town where the school had a total enrolment of only eleven students, and later on a farm near the stunning Murray River. Her rural upbringing encouraged a love of books, for which she will be forever grateful. She couldn't wait to hit the bright lights of the big city when she graduated -- however, a few years working in government departments saw her longing to make her way back to the country. She now finds herself dividing her time between her professional counselling practice in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, and her childhood farm, which provides the setting for many of her stories.