Elsa's Stand

I loved Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein, book three in the Outback Brides series, a wonderful friend to lovers story. Jack disliked the way people in Wirralong treated and thought of him, his brother and mother while growing up. This was because of who his father is and many of the Wirralong townspeople believed in the old adage ‘like father like son’. I liked how Jack proved everyone wrong. Elsa was a businesswoman, operating the hair salon, before Wirralong became the destination for weddings. Elsa was kind, caring, resilient, courageous, which had me enjoying how determined and stubborn she was to win over Jack. I also liked how she wasn’t afraid to stand up for Jack, even if it could harm her business. The fact that she believes no one has the right to judge someone because of who their parents are is another point in her favor. I also liked that Jack would do anything to protect Elsa from people’s judgment, especially when she’s so determined to defend him. Jack definitely had a streak of protectiveness in him as he showed in keeping his brother safe after their father is injured. Ms. Hein wrote a wonderful story that made me smile and laugh because of the heroine’s determination to show the hero that there are good people in Wirralong. Also, the chemistry between these two was strong and kept getting stronger every time they interacted. Jack being unsure whether he will stay had me worrying for a happy ending. This was a wonderful story which was easy to visualize in my head as I read. I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Heim did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is the third book in the Outback Brides series. If you have read the first two books you will know that Elsa is the hairdresser that Maggie and Izzy are friends with. If you have not read the other books, no biggie, as each book is easily read as a stand alone book. BUT might I highly suggest reading all the books. You will really enjoy this series of friends and enjoy the series so much more too. Now on to Elsa and her story. Elsa is the stronger of all the "Brides". She knows what she wants and she doesn't let anyone stand in her way. When the book opens we meet Jack Hargreaves and really get to know about the true Outback. Jack is an opal miner and he is back in town for his mother's funeral. She lived in town and was a sapphire miner herself. Oh yes one could say the need to hunt for stones runs deep with this family. He was left a voicemail on the day she passed away saying she finally found the sapphires and hide them again on the family farm. The one he inherited upon hr death. So does he stay and become a gentleman farmer or sell and go back to being an opal miner? But see Jake is not the only person left behind, he has a brother Jesse and their father as well. Jesse and their father live in Melbourne and lets just say they are different as night and day to Jake and his mom. And because of the fact that his father is known as a gangland person many of the people in the town look down on Jake. He thinks he is not worthy of Elsa and this is the theme we see in the book. So far this is my favorite of the three i have read. It has shown me so of how strong Elsa is both in character and mental strength. Jake had me in tears so many times reading his story and the backstory. I loved how well written this book is. I can see the outback in all the dirt and dust. The caves and all the places that the miners hunker down at night. Then we move into town and we get to meet the townsfolk some are nice,some not so much. But all true to a small town all up in each others business. What a I really loved this book and I especially loved the ending.

A nice quick read with some interesting characters and storyline. I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of the others in the series but overall it isn't a bad read. For me I had a hard time feeling the connection between Elsa and Jack. She's gregarious, outgoing and loves the little town of Wirralong. He's a loner, reserved, and has a major chip on his shoulders when it comes to the town and it's residents. The combo just seemed odd. The book is well written and the characters nicely developed so it's a solid book.