Review of 'The Ironbark Promise' by Leonie Kelsall

Review of 'The Ironbark Promise' by Leonie Kelsall

Release date: January 6th, 2026

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

REVIEW

I am a new reader to Leonie Kelsall’s rural romance novels but I can certainly understand her popularity. I was aware of her reputation as a successful author when Allen and Unwin kindly sent me her newest novel. After reading The Ironbark Promise it is easy to see she has a unique accomplished style in this genre.

The Ironbark Promise is narrated from two viewpoints: Jemma’s and Hamish’s. This works well on so many levels: particularly because these two are very different people with vastly different ambitions. We get to see all the reasons they are such an unlikely pair to hook up as friends, casual acquaintances or long lasting romance partners.

Jemma is a successful confident high-flying lawyer who has been working hard to become partner at her firm. But after a number of threats unsettle her, she decides to go home and put some distance between her and the stalker. When she meets up with impish Hamish, a mechanic and farmer—a country boy who plays guitar and draws, he upsets her neatly ordered ideas.

Although, I did not identify with any of the characters specifically, I certainly appreciated the quality of the characterisation of the two leads. I truly knew Jemma and Hamish by the end of the story and their journey towards each other was quite engaging and fun. They each had a unique voice coming from very different backgrounds or at least work positions and the dual point of view technique added layers to the narrative as it gave the author a chance to explore the two opposing perspectives. And weren’t they opposites! This approach, of course, kept me engaged during their frequent humorous and clever bantering. Strangely in this department these two were a perfect match! The dialogue alone was priceless entertainment and I was always wondering how these two were going to react in any given situation. Both are head strong and competitive. But equal opponents in many ways. Hamish realises, besides their obvious attraction to each other, they are connected on an intellectual level, too.

Jemma’s and Hamish’s ideas about each other are challenged as they get closer. And we see this as we are able to zero in on their innermost thoughts. This advantage allowed me to be more sympathetic or annoyed with both of them! Jemma’s fine-tuned lawyer-social skills are tested by this charming easy-going man who is a lot more than he appears. In an earlier chapter, the text reveals something interesting about Jemma. ‘Years of pretending an interest in people while covertly assessing them made it easy to feign enthusiasm for the affairs of the small town.’ We see how someone can present an acceptable public face while hiding their true feelings. I suppose this would be a necessary lawyer skill during consultations and in a court of law.

There is a bit of danger and mystery woven into the plot. In Jemma’s profession, we would expect she encountered all types of personalities and characters. Her father never wanted her to become a criminal defence lawyer due to the potential threats she might encounter and he is upset when he discovers she is representing someone with ‘bikie connections.’ Of course, it leads him to think the worst.

This is a novel about relationships that may seem incompatible on the surface but once digging deeper, have more similarities than expected. And that even with the differences that remain, a good balance can be possible. Beside the romantic themes, the novel says a lot about potential work issues among colleagues. It also covers the sobering topic of drug addiction.

For lovers of original rural romantic fiction with a dash of mystery, this novel is for you!

4.5 stars

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy.