Kakadu Dawn — Annie Seaton

When his father was jailed for a cold case murder, stockman Cy Prescott fled his life on the land. The victim was the birth mother of Dee Porter-Carey, his cousin's wife and joint owner of Wilderness Station. Now that the Porter and Hardy families are connected by marriage, past events made it too difficult for Cy to hang around. Moving to a managerial job in livestock export at the port of Darwin, Cy cut ties with his family until circumstances put him in a position where he needs another job. Kane and Ellie Porter's mango farm has expanded, and when Ryan approaches Kane seeking a job for his cousin, Kane is happy to employ Cy as assistant manager. When horticulturist, Tarni Morgan, takes on a part-time position at the McClaren Mango Farm, it's a chance for a new beginning in the Northern Territory. Hiding a tragic past, Tarni treasures her privacy. She is surprised when the property owner, Kane and his wife, Ellie leave on a three-month trip not long after she accepts the position, but is happy to house-sit in their absence. The only downside is Cy Prescott, the relieving manager. As they work together, Tarni begins to realise that Cy holds secrets as she does, and fights her growing attraction to this taciturn man. Can Cy and Tarni both overcome the past that has defined their lives? Is a new beginning in reach or will Cy move on again as he refuses to give in to his feelings for this enigmatic woman?