Sunshine Through The Rain by Penelope Janu. (2023).
**4 out of 5 stars**
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 29 November 2023**
Country vet Primrose knows about heartache but she’s found a place to call home in Ballimore. She has work and sisters, she doesn’t need more. The new vet in town, Blake, is a bit of a ‘player’. He is curiously protective of Prim but his privileged upbringing and jet-set life is nothing like hers. Even if there’s a burning attraction between them, Prim can’t trust any man. Blake finds Prim fiercely independent, vulnerable and unique. But she won’t tell him her secrets until he shares his. Will Prim’s determination to unravel a mystery affecting her career bring them together or tear them apart? Can they create a future together?
I always enjoy picking up a rural romance in between darker themed books and this one was a charming story. I have read the novel about Prim’s sister Phoebe (‘Clouds On The Horizon’) but somehow missed their other sister Patience’s book (‘Shelter From The Storm’) so I’ll have to make time to read that one as I have quite enjoyed several books now by this author. The storyline features a potential budding romance between Prim and newcomer vet Blake. However Prim has some drama in her life after going after a local cattle baron, who happens to also be her landlord, for some questionable animal practises; I appreciate how this author includes contemporary environmental issues in her novels. Both Prim and Blake also have trauma from their childhoods which results in some stumbling blocks in their potential relationship. With both lead characters being extremely likeable, readers will be crossing their fingers all of the dramas will work out…
Overall: fans of Australian rural romance with contemporary drama will enjoy this lovely novel.
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