Book Review: Wings Above the Mallee by Leonie Kelsall

Wings Above the Mallee by Leonie Kelsall is a deeply emotional, poignant story that explores the aftermath of grief, the courage it takes to heal, and the possibility of rediscovering joy even when it feels like life has already taken too much.

The novel centres around Amelia Fraser, a bush pilot who’s been forced away from the Outback she both loves and resents. Still reeling from a tragedy that shattered her world, Amelia has built walls around herself, convinced that protecting her heart is the only way forward. She lands—figuratively and literally—in Settlers Bridge, a small town where she’s determined to keep her distance. Letting anyone in would mean she’s ready to move on. And she’s not sure she ever will be.

Then there’s Heath Brennan, a widower carrying the weight of guilt over the loss of his wife. He’s closed off, hardened by grief, and unable to bridge the emotional gap with his nineteen-year-old daughter, Charlee, who is spiralling into addiction. Their fractured relationship is heartbreaking, raw, and real—both suffering in silence and locked in a cycle of blame and pain.

When Amelia and Heath’s paths cross, the connection is tentative at first—wary, prickly, and full of emotional landmines. But as their stories unfold and their pasts are laid bare, a quiet strength emerges. It’s not a sweeping romance or a neatly tied-up resolution. It’s about second chances, the slow work of healing, and how love—of self, of others—can find a way through even the darkest times.

I loved everything about this book. The themes of loss, courage, and the belief that happiness is still possible after devastation are handled with sensitivity and honesty. Each character’s journey felt authentic, and the setting—rural, grounded, and beautifully Aussie—only added to the depth of the story.

Leonie Kelsall has once again delivered a heartfelt and memorable novel that lingers long after the final chapter. If you love rural fiction that digs deep into emotional terrain and leaves you with hope, Wings Above the Mallee is a must-read.

"Mending a broken heart begins with a single, courageous step" Quote from font cover