The Stationmaster's Cottage

Rivers End, Book 1

By: Phillipa Nefri Clark

Narrated by: Katherine Littrell

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Near the rugged Australian coastline beaten by the winds of the wild, great Southern Ocean sits a forgotten stationmaster's cottage holding secrets of a tragic love story.

These are secrets Christie Ryan knows nothing about when she unexpectedly inherits her estranged grandmother's cottage in the small seaside town of Rivers End. There, Christie finds love letters that have remained unopened for close to 50 years. The letters tell of a great-aunt she never knew existed and a love so powerful that Christie becomes determined to uncover what kept the young couple apart.

Her quest leads her to the door of reclusive local artist Martin, who Christie is convinced holds the key to the questions she seeks to answer. But Martin is wary of the newcomer and has important reasons for keeping Christie at arm's length.

As the search continues, Christie realizes uncovering her family's past may help her discover the truth of who she really is. But before the decades old mystery can be solved, Christie will be faced with deciding what it truly means to love someone.

Includes Taming the Wind, a bonus prequel novella from the Rivers End series.    

©2017 Phillipa Nefri Clark (P)2020 Podium Audio

Good story

The Stationmaster’s Cottage has a unique storyline that has a bit of everything you need for a good book: romance, history, drama, and a touch of mystery. It kept me engaged (even though a character used swear words I despise-GD) throughout with some interesting characters and fascinating twists. I appreciate the struggle the female lead goes through to find her independence from what I would call an emotionally abusive, passive-aggressive jerk. It shows the strength of her character. The narrator gave a nice performance throughout.

Romance and separation

I haven’t read a romance in a long time. I like something fast paced and characters woven into a convoluted mystery . So it was surprising to have given this story a 5 rating.

❤️Can't say enough how much I loved it❤️❤️

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for the Stationmasters Cottage I so loved ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️this story! I read this book a few weeks ago and immediately wished I would have gotten the audio as I knew I would have been completely swept away. Well know I've listened to it and it exceed my expectations which were set very high! The narrator is new to me, I loved her and will search out more books by her. She really brought all the emotion to life while moving in and out of character seamlessly.Such an amazing love story written in two timelines 1966 and present. I found a new favorite author and new favorite narrator!

This book sets you up for dissapointment... bigtim

The first 3/4 of this book are great. Good pacing and a story that keeps you listening. Then suddenly, several chapters from the end, the author decides this should be a trilogy and starts meandering into the backstory, most of which has already been briefly told. One of the story lines is completely left hanging (obviously hoping you will buy the second or third book) but it is done in such a clumsy manner that it just made me angry. I wont be listening to the rest of the trilogy.

Slow start but good

Although I liked the setting and the mystery (which was predictable but heartwarming) I had a hard time with the men in this romance. My experience of AUS men makes the dominance authentic, but I had a hard time understanding how a dictatorial male can help a woman achieve self worth and independence…

Not My Cup Of Tea

I think I picked it up from the Plus Catalogue So I am only out my time. Poor character development. Silly plot. Predictable ending. Not even beach read worthy.

Intricate love story

Although the beginning is a little slow for the setting of the story, it is necessary for the rest of the story. I enjoyed the intertwining love stories of past and present and appreciated the anticipation of the final resolve. Sweet story without the all too common explicit intimacy scenes.

Took some time to warm up

It took some time to get context for the characters. I like a strong woman character. I almost gave up on the story. It was entertaining and I’m happy I finished it. Liked not loved it.

Why so much exhaling???

Can’t get past chapter 1. The narrator exhales heavily after every sentence. Is she jogging or something???

Beautiful cinematic romance

I enjoyed this seaside escape to Australia. The writing is evocative and the narrator is excellent! This is the first time I’ve listened to an Australian audiobook and I loved her accent, though there were some Aussie expressions that were new to me - like how everyone has “pot plants” on their porches, not what it sounds like to an American XD haha! But it all helps build the atmosphere. I don’t want to spoil the story but I would recommend this to friends.

Emotional and Moving Read

This is book one of four in the River End Series.

Even though I don't usually read romance, saga, historical fiction novels, I really enjoyed this so much.

It was the mysterious aspect, the fantastic characterisation, sense of place, the dawning realisations, sexual tension, secrets, cute cottage and the mysteries regarding the deceased grandmother, Dorothy, and the painting - all of these managed to draw me in. And keep my attention. From the opening chapters, oh, how I hated the lead character Christy's fiance Derek! He was a total toad and even in the moments when you thought perhaps he wasn't as bad you were soon whisked off by the narrative skill of the author to a deeper understanding of his intentions. And conversely, I loved Martin!


Great read, moving, a little soppy in parts but highly recommend for romance saga and mystery lovers and all those who enjoy fantastic storytelling. The ending is terrific.

Listened to on audible, and the narrator did a fantastic job too. Also, have the kindle version.

Tangled lies and secrets keeping them apart.

Two people in love parted by secrets and lies, until a family member inherited a cottage with nothing but puzzled to unravel and after a long time finally the puzzle came together of two people in love kept apart by deception by a family member.

romance

Enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated, from the very beginning to the end.

Tearjerker

Heartbreaking from the start, should come with an alert. Make sure you’re curled up cosy with a box of tissues, not one for listening to on the way to work. Sounds wrong to say it was a great listen having said all that but it was.

Tom and Martha’s Story

A very detailed book about two lives that were ruined by interferences from those who thought they knew better.

would read this author again

Nice story...not earth shattering but when you want a read without a heavy plot, this one fits the bill and I would read this author again.

A good listen

not my usual listen but the book is very good and glad I downloaded it 😊 is it worth buying the other books in the series... Yes, though it took a while to get into the story and different times, it was none the less very enjoyable.

The Westminster cottage

I loved hearing this book so much th start to finish, the relationships, the questioning of human nature, Audible has allowed me to enjoy this lovely story. The scenery feeling it so real.The characters through out the book coming alive enough the magic voice of the auditor, thank you so much,

Absolutely brilliant!

Wow. What an unexpected delight was this book! I just love discovering a story that takes you on a page-turning emotional journey!

Fabulous from start to finish, this tale pulled at quite a few heart strings, is very authentic, and beautifully woven.

I’m thrilled to learn that it’s the first in a series of four. I just need now to be sufficiently patient to wait a whole five - yes five 😫, days (ugh..) for my next credits to arrive, so I can download the next instalment 😉

Thank you Phillipa Nefri Clark! You truly have a gift, and I’m so very glad you’ve shared it with us all!

CURRUPT!!!

I was really enjoying this book,
I love books with secrets in that
the characters have to solve.
Not sure about the narrator,
you can hear her breathing heavily or something. unfortunately this book is currupt, and I don't really know
if it will damage my other books
or anything on my phone.
I would have given 3 lots of 5 stars if it wasn't CURRUPT!