Reviews

Daintree by Annie Seaton

samstillreading's review against another edition

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3.0

When I first saw the cover of Annie Seaton’s Daintree, I instantly fell in love. The combination of beautiful reflections, serenity and yet that cloudbank in the distance suggests that all may not be calm in this oasis for too long…The cover matches perfectly with this story that reunites two lonely people who stumble across something sinister in the forest, bringing them together as they fight their own demons in the background. It’s not all sweetness, but gutsy with a few shocking chapters! If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you will definitely enjoy Daintree.

Set in tropical Far North Queensland, Emma Porter has found her quiet life. She lives in an isolated cottage outside of the small town of Dalrymple and happily combines her work as a doctor with that of an alternative (holistic) practitioner. Sure, it can be a bit lonely but that’s what she wants after past hurts. But when she doesn’t get the job of Outreach clinic coordinator/doctor, she’s more than a little surprised to find that the successful applicant is none other than Jeremy, her first love. Their parting many years ago was traumatic and unresolved. Jeremy’s looking for a quiet place of his own to avoid his demons and the family plastic surgery practice. He’s more than happy to see Emma again and respects her ways even though he doesn’t always truly agree with them. But when Emma finds something in the rainforest that doesn’t make sense and her dear friend George is assaulted by strangers, it’s only the start of something big simmering in the town. Who can Emma and Jeremy trust – besides each other?

I haven’t read the first book in the series (Kakadu Sunset, which tells the story of Emma’s sister Ellie) but that didn’t matter. I felt Emma’s life was explained very well and in a bonus, it didn’t spoil the surprises of Ellie’s story. I’m guessing the next story will be about third sister Dru – who knows in which exotic locale she will be? (Actually, if you really want to know, Annie gives a good hint!) I respected Emma as a character, although like Jeremy, I can’t say I was always a fan of some of her actions. I found it a bit difficult to believe that she could be in her late twenties, a senior doctor and have an additional Masters in complementary medicine too – she must be a super genius! Sometimes I felt she got a bit preachy about alternative medicines and some of her speeches (particularly to Jeremy) were a bit of an information dump! (I bet he can Google well after his medical training an MBA – again at a young age). Emma can be a bit impulsive and determined to do things her way, but I found that Jeremy’s character countered her nicely. As a reader, I felt more in sync with him and I could relate to his need to be himself, rather than who everyone else wanted to be.

The supporting characters are also done well. I defy anyone not to love George, Emma’s elderly friend, who is a lovable scamp. Wilma, who lives at the edge of the forest, is a good influence on Emma and incredibly knowledgeable. Even the ‘baddies’ are crafted well – I didn’t even guess one of them!

Daintree is a solid read – once I got used to Emma’s slightly preachy ways and got more of Jeremy, I enjoyed it.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book - my review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

busyreading's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

Loving this series. Highly recommended. 

literateworld's review

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hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

cheryls's review

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5.0

4.5 Stars
This is book 2 in The Porter Sisters series and it features Emma Porter and Jeremy Langford. I would have liked a few things cleared up at the end for these two long-lost lovers. What happens when Jeremy's parents find out about Emma? What does Jeremy do about the letter? The story line was great but it left me with a few unanswered questions. Even so, it was still a fabulous read.

I always enjoy reading stories by this author because she describes the flora and fauna so perfectly. Although I've never been to Australia, her books play like a movie in my head. I can picture the majestic beauty of it all. When I say that books take me to another place, this book is exactly what I mean by that. The preservation efforts by the people of Dalrymple are inspiring. I love how Annie Seaton can write a romance, have a whole amazing backstory and nothing from either gets lost in the telling of it all. BRILLIANT! I can't wait for Dru's story!

samstillreading's review against another edition

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3.0

When I first saw the cover of Annie Seaton’s Daintree, I instantly fell in love. The combination of beautiful reflections, serenity and yet that cloudbank in the distance suggests that all may not be calm in this oasis for too long…The cover matches perfectly with this story that reunites two lonely people who stumble across something sinister in the forest, bringing them together as they fight their own demons in the background. It’s not all sweetness, but gutsy with a few shocking chapters! If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you will definitely enjoy Daintree.

Set in tropical Far North Queensland, Emma Porter has found her quiet life. She lives in an isolated cottage outside of the small town of Dalrymple and happily combines her work as a doctor with that of an alternative (holistic) practitioner. Sure, it can be a bit lonely but that’s what she wants after past hurts. But when she doesn’t get the job of Outreach clinic coordinator/doctor, she’s more than a little surprised to find that the successful applicant is none other than Jeremy, her first love. Their parting many years ago was traumatic and unresolved. Jeremy’s looking for a quiet place of his own to avoid his demons and the family plastic surgery practice. He’s more than happy to see Emma again and respects her ways even though he doesn’t always truly agree with them. But when Emma finds something in the rainforest that doesn’t make sense and her dear friend George is assaulted by strangers, it’s only the start of something big simmering in the town. Who can Emma and Jeremy trust – besides each other?

I haven’t read the first book in the series (Kakadu Sunset, which tells the story of Emma’s sister Ellie) but that didn’t matter. I felt Emma’s life was explained very well and in a bonus, it didn’t spoil the surprises of Ellie’s story. I’m guessing the next story will be about third sister Dru – who knows in which exotic locale she will be? (Actually, if you really want to know, Annie gives a good hint!) I respected Emma as a character, although like Jeremy, I can’t say I was always a fan of some of her actions. I found it a bit difficult to believe that she could be in her late twenties, a senior doctor and have an additional Masters in complementary medicine too – she must be a super genius! Sometimes I felt she got a bit preachy about alternative medicines and some of her speeches (particularly to Jeremy) were a bit of an information dump! (I bet he can Google well after his medical training an MBA – again at a young age). Emma can be a bit impulsive and determined to do things her way, but I found that Jeremy’s character countered her nicely. As a reader, I felt more in sync with him and I could relate to his need to be himself, rather than who everyone else wanted to be.

The supporting characters are also done well. I defy anyone not to love George, Emma’s elderly friend, who is a lovable scamp. Wilma, who lives at the edge of the forest, is a good influence on Emma and incredibly knowledgeable. Even the ‘baddies’ are crafted well – I didn’t even guess one of them!

Daintree is a solid read – once I got used to Emma’s slightly preachy ways and got more of Jeremy, I enjoyed it.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book - my review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

melsbookshelf's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 Stars

Another quality rural romance by Australian author Annie Seaton! Around this time last year the first of the Porter sisters novels was released "Kakadu Sunset" and I fell in love with the writing, the romance, and the setting. It wasn't until after my review was up, and I had a chat with the author - that I discovered she actually lived in the same town as me when I was growing up, and actually taught at my high school! Small world!

In this instalment, Emma Porter is living up in the Daintree rain forest. She is an emergency doctor who is happily living her life working and taking care of the community, when new doctor Jeremy enters the scene. He is an old flame and their relationship had ended abruptly and confusingly. As well as the old romance, Emma is trying to deal with some strange events that are occurring in the rain forest, ones which have put her life in danger.

Firstly, can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover of this book. Absolutely beautiful! Great choice! I think it was a perfect cover for the atmosphere of this book. I absolutely loved the setting! I thought Emma was a great character and I really enjoyed the mystery and adventure. And of course, the romance was lovely.

There are not may negatives! The only things were I felt that a few things in Daintree were a tiny bit rushed, and I was a bit disappointed about the way it went with Jeremy's family. It felt a bit unresolved to me. I also figured out the final twist and the identity of the bad guys very early on, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the thoroughly wonderful story! So much more positive than negative! I thought it was just wonderful!

Would I recommend Daintree?

Absolutely! For any romance fan, and who doesn't love an Aussie rural romance to get away from life for a few hours! I can't wait to read the next one!

Many thanks to author Annie Seaton and Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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