Book Review: The Homestead in the Eucalypts by Leonie Kelsall
You’ll need a box of tissues for this one. Leonie Kelsall has a way of weaving history, romance, and raw emotion into her stories, and The Homestead in the Eucalypts is no exception. This book completely wrapped me up in its world, especially the love story between Anna and Luke. It’s one of those rare reads that balances heartbreak and joy so perfectly that you feel every moment as if you’re living it yourself.
Growing up in rural South Australia, I’ve always been fascinated by the names that have lasted generations—Turners, Pfitzners, Daws—families who have been farming the same land for over a century. I’ve often wondered: What were their stories? What did their lives look like? This book brings those kinds of questions to life in such a powerful way. It’s a love story, yes, but also a beautifully told piece of historical fiction that feels deeply personal.
Kelsall so beautifully shifts between past and present, giving us both the rich history and the modern-day romance we didn’t even know we needed. The connection between the timelines is seamless, creating an immersive experience that leaves you completely lost in the pages. If you’ve read her Settlers Ridge series, this book is a must-read—it's an origin story for Taylor, offering even more depth to a world that already feels so real.
The Homestead in the Eucalypts is pure escapism in the best possible way—heartbreaking, uplifting, and utterly unforgettable. If you love Australian rural fiction that lingers long after the final page, this one’s for you. Five stars.
