Retreat into Paradise

An Amusing Love Triangle 

City girl Hannah Stockton writes histories as her day-job and family histories in her spare time. Needing a temporary escape from a violent boyfriend, she takes up an advertised position as a live-in caretaker ‘with light duties’ at a country retreat outside Melbourne. The owner, Philip Boulton, is a hunky high-flying banker who visits on weekends to attend to his small herd of cattle.

Hannah is dismayed to discover that Philip has been taught all he knows about farming by his next-door neighbour, who lusts after Philip and resents Hannah’s presence. Hannah can’t tell whether Philip is ‘more than friends’ with his guru.

Philip has recently discovered a family secret. Given his profession, he’s sensitive about this fact becoming public. Fearing Hannah’s skills as a family history researcher, he keeps her at a distance while he processes his secret.

Meanwhile, as her ‘boss’, he helps Hannah to overcome her fear of cattle and she learns to love them … and Philip.

A 'slow burn', rural romance.

Hannah becomes a caretaker, of Phillip Boulton's country property, in country Victoria. With Pat, the beautiful neighbour, staking her 'claim' to Phillip, Hannah tries to hide her feelings. Does Phillip feel the same? Will Hannah's past catch-up with her? An excellent story, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. I started it Christmas night and finished it Boxing Day, so easy was it to read, loved it. Lilian Magill, Amazon

Romantic fiction is not normally what I read but I was already familiar with Louisa Valentine’s writing as Louise Wilson, author of some very acclaimed family histories so I gave it a go and it was well worth it. Hannah Stockton, like her creator, researches and writes family histories. Reeling from an abusive relationship and needing a quiet retreat to write her new history, she accepts a position as caretaker of a small cattle property just outside of Melbourne. The owner is successful banker, Phillip Boulton, who is not only attractive but a conscientious, modern week end farmer. But, alas,he is very sensitive about a mysterious blot on his own family story. His next door neighbour, Pat, has taught him a great deal about farming, she is extremely attractive, and is obviously ready to take the relationship further. Hannah is a city girl but ready to learn about the needs and habits of the somewhat intimidating cattle and Phillip is a patient instructor. Hannah’s ex partner is determined to find her and renew their relationship. So the scene is set. Louisa/Louise herself is not only a family historian but also has a background in economics and finance and she obviously knows a bit about domestic violence and farming. There are enough issues in the story to make it a good choice for book clubs and as a family and local historian myself I would recommend it to anyone interested in these activities. PLUS it is a jolly good story! Shirley Evans, Goodreads

Love the book, hope you are working on the next one.  Eliza Renton, Facebook

I am not a great fan of the Romance genre but was interested to read Louisa’s first novel. I found it to be an enjoyable read with great descriptions of country life in rural Victoria. My only criticism (and a minor one) is that the explanation for Philip’s behaviour, which was one of the main themes of the story, was something of an anti-climax. Robyn Lobb, Goodreads

I loved 'Retreat into Paradise', it brought back so many memories for me of the beautiful farm.
I enjoyed the characters in the book and all of the twists in the story. Karen Wilson, Facebook

I really enjoyed your book. I think it will appeal to both genealogists and others equally. Perhaps a little predictable in parts, but definitely made me chuckle in parts with some of your family history references. It was a great holiday read. Well done. Jenny Scammell, FB Messenger

I enjoyed this romance for many reasons including its wit and humour. It has the requisite amount of sexual tension as well as some very interesting aspects of life on a cattle property. The setting is rural Victoria, a small enough state to allow primary producers to commute to Melbourne with relative ease. The writer uses this circumstance to explore the diverse experience of country and city life. Her male protagonist manages to straddle the two worlds with convincing allure as a love interest. The female, first person protagonist, is from a completely different world adding more interesting plot points to the story. There has never been a better time to read an enjoyable romance with substantive extra ingredients. Frances, Goodreads

I am half way through your book and loving it! As a 50 year old Yea local, I particularly enjoy the local references- Hamilton Island, Horace the fencer, the Rotary Club Art Show, a young Pat Drysdale, the local hospital with the helipad opposite and the Yea PS Skipping Team! I think it would be a great Book Club book for locals- so much discussion, I have recommended it to everyone! Well done! Meagan Callander, Facebook

It was a very interesting read and even though I suspected a happy ending from the beginning I enjoyed the education you provided on the way. Termed fiction but containing so much fact! I purchased ginger beer and ale this morning and enjoyed my first “Gunner”, delicious .... Truly, I loved the education on cows and the behaviour of cattle in general too. Also your sensible gardening advice made me smile as did the plant references. I had an idea you may kill off the hero with a twist somewhere, but he survived to ride into the sunset! Loved it all and am now about to find your next one. Thank you. Julie Simpson, email

A jolly good read and once started I found it very hard to put down. It is beautifully written and the story very believable. Marilyn Thrupp, Goodreads

Good fun delivered from a non-core genre for me! A genuinely enjoyable romance set in the Victorian countryside. Engaging characters fill the storyline and there is a real richness to the description of the bush and farm environment that provides the backdrop. Bravo! Robert C Stanley, Goodreads

Addictive! 'Retreat into Paradise' helped me through tough time, I was hooked from the beginning - the story line kept me involved till the very conclusion. What a great insight into Australian country life - farming, nature - and all the characters - spot on. Thank you, Louisa Valentine. Ava Niall, Goodreads

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once I started reading kept going until I had finished the book, neglecting all the chores I was supposed to be doing that day. The characters are engaging and I enjoyed the descriptions of a city girl coming to grips with life in the country whilst finding romance along the way. Great read. Jennifer, Goodreads

Not your typical cattle rancher. Very different from the books I normally read. Hannah was a woman needing a fresh start. Philip needed her and he didn’t realize how much. Good descriptions of characters, their personalities and the area in which the story took place. A very enjoyable read. Doksci, Amazon USA

Clean relationship-building, working out differences, overview of cattle operations in the outback. Bear, Amazon USA

Loved the book. Quite thrilling in parts, waiting for the Romance to begin. Beautifully written and the suspense at times was gripping. The ending was most satisfying with the relief it gave me. Thankyou for the brilliant ‘cannot put it down’ reading! Look forward to the next novel. Diana Hughes, Goodreads

This is my second time reading this book and it was just a great this time as the first. Set between Melbourne and a country town, it is the story of Hannah Stockton and Philip Boulton. Hannah takes on the job of caretaker of Philip’s farm. Both carry secrets and scars, can they help each other? Lilian Magill, Goodreads

A story of domestic abuse in different styles. How the healing properties of the rural settings heal the heart and soul. How two people heal each other, and find love. Julia Reynolds, Amazon AU

Hannah needs this retreat, little does she realise it’s the hot god running it that’s her treat. Phillip has no interest in any relationships but then he meets Hannah…A healing process for two lost souls. Lovely story overcoming trust issues to find happiness. Jane Litherland, Amazon UK

This was another engaging read from Louisa. Hannah and Phillip were a wonderful couple. They had the same sense of humour and they connected on many levels each helping the other become better stronger people. Aliama, Amazon Ca

This is a lovely story, well written and I loved seeing Philip and Hannah break down the walls and open their hearts to each other, there are a few ups and downs along the way first but lots of happy smiles from this reader. I do highly recommend this one to any lover of rural romance. Mrs Helen Sibbritt, Amazon USA & Goodreads

This book is set in rural Australia, outside of Melbourne. Hannah Stockton, a writer of family stories, is seeking refuge from a violent ex-boyfriend. She embarks on a “rather scary transformation from city-dweller to country girl,” moving from Melbourne to a rural cattle farm to work for Philip Boulton. There seems to be an instant attraction between the two characters, although they don’t immediately follow it. I liked this book. I enjoyed the good characters and the writing style. It’s a longer book than I usually read, but once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down. The twists and turns led me on a journey with the characters. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good romance. Jennie M Bechtel, Amazon USA