Bella's Run
Bella threw her hat into the air. 'We've lived one of our dreams, Patty. Our outback road trip is done. Now we're free and ready for our next adventure. I love my life!'
Bella Vermaelon and her best friend Patty are two fun-loving country girls bonded in a sisterhood no blood tie could ever beat.
Now they are coming to the end of a road trip which has taken them from their family farms in the rugged Victorian high country to the red dust of the Queensland outback. For almost a year they have mustered on cattle stations, cooked for weary stockmen, played hard at rodeos and danced through life like a pair of wild tumbleweeds.
And with the arrival of Patty's brother Will and Bella's cousin Macca, it seems love is on the horizon too …
Then a devastating tragedy strikes, and Bella's world is changed for ever.
So she runs - from the only life she has ever known. But can she really turn her back on the man she loves? Or on the land that runs deep in her blood?
Both funny and heart-wrenching, Bella's Run is a rip-roaring debut brimming with the colour and vitality of life on the land.
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Bella's Run at Random House |
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Bella's Run Reader Comments
'This debut novel proves Margareta Osborn a wonderful storyteller whose exuberant passion for rural Australia is evident on every page. BELLA'S RUN is a delightful and engaging read that I very much enjoyed.' shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
Bella's Run bursts with energy and vitality. I loved every word.' (Fleur McDonald)
'An outback story of life, friendships and undeniable love. A great read.' (Sara Storer)
'Bella's Run is a fun read for women.' (Bookseller&Publisher)
WOW.....I have just finished the book and my full congratulations go out to you for such a fantastic read. It made me homesick but also grateful to be returning back to the land we love!! My favourite quote in 'Bella's Run'.....'A person didn't need a university degree, loads of money and material possessions to have a wonderful life'....so very true!! - Simone on FB
"Bella’s Run is an enjoyable read overall, and Osborn in it does a beautiful job of rendering her love of rural living and of depicting close female relationships." Single Sitting Reads
Sometimes I wish I wasn't such a fast reader because i ended up starting it last night and finished 4 hours later - couldn't put it down (starting at midnight probally not a good idea zzzzz) I really enjoyed it, Bella is such a great girl -... Bec on FB
"Well i finished it in 4 hours but thats normal for me and i cried i laughed i smiled and i shook my head when things were going wrong so i can honestly say that your book is now my fav it tops rachael treasure and all my other books and finally someone understands the arguement of ABC and 3TR in the dairy as it a regular in ours!! we all are proud and say congratulaions you have done an amazing job :) - Lucy on FB
Bella Run to Katherine NT. Good Aussie read. Loved it!! Could relate to the characters!! Sue on FB
Finished 'Bella's Run' 2day, it was awesome. Congratulations on such a great book. - Nicole on FB
Congrats on you on bella's run, We bought the last copy from collin's book shop in wang this morning, and I purchased it yesterday on my kindle. I really want to go to bed and start reading but there is the slight problems that the children can not look after themselves. - Anne on FB
I have just read Bella's Run. I loved every page of it!! Could not put it down. So cant wait for the next book. Nat
'fantastic, I read Bella's Run yesterday and loved it.' Ann, Vic on FB
'Have just turned the final page of Bella's Run :( encore please! Congratulations Margareta!! So amazing to read a novel where our love for Australian country and way of life is so clearly understood and passionately written. My favourite passage? "it sucked you in, made you become part of it, like a parasite feasting on your soul. ....it had you utterly bewitched and you felt like you could never live anywhere else in the world." Jackie, Vic, on FB
'Just finished Bella's Run ........what a great way to spent this day, the whole 387 pages were well worth it! Well done Margareta, loved it & cant wait to read your next book. :)' - Janine, Vic on FB
I couldn't put it down and read it in a day and a half. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one! Sheryl, Vic
Congratulations Margareta on an awesome book - I loved it! I laughted my way through it remembering the bush of Gippsland (bit of a shock to see Bairnsdale suddenly mentioned!). It was a great way to start my long weekend - curled up under my quilt on Friday night and then finishing it in my hammock yesterday afternoon! It is going to be a long wait for the next one... Love to all, Juliana x - Bunbury WA
'Loved bellas run. Couldnt put it down. Cant wait for your one' from Jessica on FB
Wow...well done, I got the novel in the mail yesterday and read it until I finished and then re-read my favourite bits again!!! I loved your characters, I loved the story line and I laughed and I cried......now I know I have to come and visit Gippsland!!! Thank you so much, I can hardly wait for your next book, until then I will re-visit Bella and her family.... Jen on F/B
OMG I started reading Bella's Run on Sunday night and finished it tis morning at 1am. I could not put it down. Thank you so much for writing this book it was the best read I have had in ages. Can't wait for your next book? Now I a different note where can I find a Will? lol. Thank you
Cheers Valonia, Nth Qld :) F/B
Margareta, I have just finished Bella's Run tonight it is a fantatic read, just loved it. :) Fiona Wigg Barry on F/B
Have just finished reading Bella's Run and had to let you know I loved it. I loved the story line, the highs and the lows, the down to earth way you wrote it, every thing. A wonderful and enjoyable read, thank you. Please keep writing :) - Gayle, FB
I just finished Bella's Run. It was fantastic . I laughed & cried I could relate to alot of the book especially the grief . I was glued to it , could'nt put it down . Can't wait for your next one . Your a very talented writer Thankyou . Di - via the Contact Page
I have just finished reading Bella's Run and absolutely loved it!! I want to congratulate you on the marvellous tale you have told. I even loved reading your thank you's and recognising the names of so many locals. You first of all got me drawn in with your dedication. Three wonderful women who were so well known and such shining examples to all who knew them; and your lovely father - such a gentleman still. Once again congratulations, thankyou and keep writing. I will be waiting for your next publication with much anticipation. Jenny via the website
I have just finished reading Bella's Run and absolutely loved it!! I want to congratulate you on the marvellous tale you have told. I even loved reading your thank you's and recognising the names of so many locals. ... Once again congratulations, thankyou and keep writing. I will be waiting for your next publication with much anticipation. Jenny, via website
Dear Margareta,
We met at your launch at Collins Bairnsdale. I just finished your book today. It's had me hooked all weekend. I love the way you weaved the story, what an epic! You bought back some wonderful memories of the Cattleman's Cup at Sheep Yard Flat and the B & S Balls of my own youth! What great characters! I can't wait till the next one is out now. You have yourself a folllower! Love your work! Thanks for your inspiration! - Jessica via the website
Just finished Bella's Run and had to tell you how fantastic it was - I couldn't put it down! Such a beautiful story, I cried, laughed, then cried some more, can't wait for the next one, but do we have to wait so long?!?! Thanks for sharing your story with us, look forward to seeing you back in Griffith on your next tour! Rina on F/B
"Love love love bella's run. I finished tonight, it was so hard to put it down at 5:30 this morning to go to work. I can't wait for the next one" - Amy on F/B
Hi my name is Tessa, i am 13 years old. i only just bought your book Bella's run a few days ago at the sturt mall in Wagga Wagga, just after you left. i like to read alot of books but so far nothing can beat this book!its mad me cry and made me laugh.
Its the BEST book in the entire world! From Tess / on the website
Donna wrote on F/B: "I have just finished reading Bella's Run. If I was not laughing I was crying it was a fantastic book and cannot wait for more of yours books :)"
Hi, I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your novel. Having finished Bella's Run in 2 days lol, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I haven't read a novel that can keep me so enthralled in awhile. Keep writing Margareta and I hope you find lots of inspriration in the surrounding area's and the people of the country.... Toni on the Website
My names Sarah, im 14 years old. i read your book fast. i bought it on Friday night and i Finished Saturday afternoon. i am a very avid reader and i LOVED your book. I love the way it made me feel when you described her feelings out in the bush riding her horse and so on. ... In the end my favourite character was Will. At the start though it was Patty, through the middle of the book i did love Bella but i just didnt understand why she would tease Will for so long. Thank you so much for writing such an amazing and inspiring book. I will treasure this book. Thanks again Regards Sarah / via the Website
Hi Margareta. I met u yesterday at farmworld, and got ur book "bellas run" I have just finished reading it and just wanted to let u know How much I enjoyed it. Really looking forward to the next book. Jane via the website
Brought your book at Farmworld and have already read it - had trouble putting it down. Great read and I look forward with anticipation to the next book. Nadine via the Website
I met you at Farm World last Sunday and purchased Bella's Run as I had seen a press release about a launch at Sale and not been able to attend. It is now Tuesday and I have finished the book and thoroughly loved it. Couldn't put it down so to speak. Looking forward to your next book eagerly. Lovely to have met you ... Kelly
I love the book, I have lived in Sydney for the last 36 years but grew up in various country towns in NSW This book brought back all those country memories, you are so spot on about the clothes,music bundie rum. On looking on your web site I have found out that I have to wait a whole year for your next one, I can't wait I am sure it will be great Keep up the good work. Liz
Just a quick note to congratulate you on your book bella's run, I couldnt put it down.. loved every page sarah on the website
Hi I just read Bella's Run and it is one of the best books I have read . I loved it didnt want it to end Just wanted to tell you , you are a great author.. Can't wait for another book from you.. :) Donna on the Website
Dear Margareta, I just wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed your book (which I borrowed from City of Sydney Library). My 2 1/2 year old often randomly picks books off the shelf for me and I was pleased that she picked your book for me. I read it in a day and a half, I couldn't put it down. I am really looking forward to your next book and I wish you every success in your writing career! Thank you for helping this country girl (who lives in the city) feel like she was back in the bush for a while :) - Sarah on the website
Dear Margareta, I have just finished reading Bella's Run (mind you only in 2 days) and I absolutely loved it. I am an avid reader but more so in the past few years, books by Australian women set in the Australian country/outback. ... It has been very exciting of late to see all the new books popping up in the shops from my favourite authors and yes they are all Australian women. You are now a new one I can add to my list and I eagerly look forward to your new book. Kindest regards Felicity
I literally just finished Bellas Run and just had to let you know how much much I thoroughly enjoyed your book !!! Thank you Julie
Well I finished the book - it didn't take me very long. Absolutely loved it!! I didn't want it to end and I'm a little sad that I've finished it, I could just keep reading and reading about their lives. Beautiful story and yes I did shed a little tear. I'm about to start Purple Roads by Fleur McDonald - can't wait for your next one to come out!! Keep writing!!
Michelle
We both finished reading Bella's Run recently, Jan first, me second, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We are avid readers of Australian books and dearly love the local content. What we love most about all you great "chick writers", is being able to relate to areas, towns and life styles we've either lived in, been through, or known of. Congratulations for a job well done. And thanks for adding one of our favourite Country singers, Sara Storer, to the book. ... Anyway, just thought you may like a 'Man's' point of view on BELLA'S RUN. Well done. With regards, Noel and Jan
Congrats!!!!! It is the BEST book I have read in years. I thank my daughter for giving it to me. I cant wait for your next book.
GOOD LUCK and keep writing. cheers Anne
Loved your book, not many reads keep me awake till after midnight, just couldn't put it down, what can I read now? I thought, guess I could relate to it! Waiting for Hope's Road, how long to March? Great work & wish you much success, Helen.
I met you at Batemans Bay a couple of weeks ago and since have read Bella's Run. I absolutely loved it, just couldn't put it down. It brought back so many memories from my younger B&S going days. I can't wait for Hope's Road. -- Alison
I just wanted to say what a wonderful book Bella's Run is. I enjoyed every minute of it and could hardly put it down. Thanks for sharing the Australian bush in such a beautiful way. I grew up in country NSW and lived in Springsure for 6 years, so was excited to see it mentioned. I now live in the city and miss the outback freedom every day. Kind Regards, Michelle.
I have just finished reading Bella's Run, my Grandaughter won it on Facebook, what a great book, look forward to reading more of your books. Rita via the Website
Thank you for Bella's run. I was previously not a reader of books but more a movie person. I had booked my first holiday overseas and wanted to take some books with me to read. When i went to the store i had no idea what i was looking for, which authors were good, etc. I looked around for about 30 minutes just feeling lost. Then the Front cover of Bella's run caught my eye. I decided to give it a go and i absolutely loved every word of it. I looked forward to reading a few chapters every night. I am now looking forward to buying a new book to read. I look forward to Hope's road. Natalie via the Website
I just finished reading Bella's Run and oh my god I could not put it down! I loved every single word of it! So great! I devestated I'm finished it now though! Can you recommend any books I might like to read? I can't wait until your next book, next year! Rosie via the website
I really enjoyed this novel, with the back stories on Montmorency Downs, the struggle by Tammy to keep the farm going, keep her cattle fed. The attraction between Travis and Tammy, and their struggle for denial of their feelings .. her battle with the husband, and the help of her friends. But I particularly liked old Joe, and his interaction with Billy, along with their love of Boots. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/479157072
"I doubt I’ll ever find a piece of rural fiction that would convert me to a life of dealing with livestock (especially some of what Tammy has to go through in this one – my God, I’m too squeamish for that!), but Hope’s Road was entertaining, and makes it into my collection of better Australian rural fiction titles. Recommended for fans of women’s fiction and anyone who dreams of escaping to the bush." http://sonyaheaneyblog.com/2013/03/01/hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn/
Hi, met you on Friday night at Inverloch, just wanted to say couldn't put Hope's Road down, read it all today, absolutely loved it, loved Trav and especially Joe, and adored Billy. What a wonderful ending, a box of tissues on hand. Thank you thank you. Best wishes and cheers Anne.
From Heather on The Australian Romance Readers website...
This was a great read for a rainy day and the characters are true to life and give the reader another perspective on rural life.
http://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/feature-book-hopes-road/
Congratulations Margareta. Another page-turner with great characters and a tight plot. Loved it. You were so right when you said we all know someone like Joe!
Hi Margareta, Just finished Hope's Road & loved it. I'm not a great "chick lit" fan (although who wouldn't want a Trav or a Will...) however, both Bella's Run & Hope's Road are so much more. You have portrayed country life, the places & the people in them with a refreshing honesty, warts & all, with passion, respect & a pinch of ambivalence. Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria and now living in Gippsland after a long stint in the "big smoke", I am thankful that your genuine, contemporary, female "bush" voice can be heard far & wide. Thank you for Tammy who makes dairying sexy - although she must have a rotary or a herringbone, because it is too hard to squat in bum hugging jeans! I can't wait for "Mountain Ash". See you around. Jo
http://1girl2manybooks.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/hopes-road-margareta-osborn/
http://theneverendingbookshelf.blog.com/2013/03/06/hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn/
http://confessionsfromromaholics.com/blog-tour-review-hopes-run-by-margareta-osborn/
http://bookmusterdownunder.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/aussie-book-review-hopes-road-by.html?spref=tw
http://mrsmichelles.wordpress.com/
http://readinginthebath.wordpress.com/
Both Bella's Run and Hope's Road were fantastic,I thoroughly enjoyed them both and had many late nights and reheated baths, because I just couldn't put them down! I loved both books and found that being a country girl, I could relate and visualise clearly most of the scenes through personal experience. Well done Margareta can't wait for the next one. Jenny
http://daystarz.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/blog-tour-hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn/
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013/03/hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn.html
http://bookdout.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/blog-tour-review-hopes-road-by-margaret-osborn/
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/blog-tour-hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn/
http://thischarmingmum.com/2013/03/16/review-hopes-road-by-margareta-osborn/#comment-26782
Kayleen
Hi Margareta, After hearing you speak ... I was very keen to begin reading your story. And I was not disappointed - a wonderful story that had me captivated and not wanting to put the book down. Completed in 2 days - a miracle for me. Well done, and I am off to purchase Bella's Run now.
http://4ravensreadingroom.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/blog-tour-hopes-road-by-margareta-osborne/