Ellenvale Gold
by Amanda Deed
by Amanda Deed
About the Author
Amanda Deed grew up in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne in a Christian home, and found faith at an early age. She has followed her passion to serve the Lord through music and literature since her teen years. Now married, with three children, Amanda enjoys the variety of being a mother, finance administrator, musician and historical romance writer. Her debut novel, The Game, won the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction, and Ellenvale Gold was a finalist for the same prize in 2012. For more information go to www.amandadeed.com.au.
Website is http://www.amandadeed.com.au/
About the Book:
It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850’s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger.
But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?
Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or
will Penny’s faith prevail?
My thoughts:
What I loved about this book is that it was more than just a good romance novel. The hardships faced by brave pioneers living in the goldrush era were a highlight for me. Miss Penny Worthington couldn't sit back and daydream about her two suitors. She had to use all her fitness and intelligence just to stay alive. Yet, as you'll see in the story, the Australian bush is more than just a harsh, hot place settlers found themselves. It was full of beauty and surprises for those with courage and determination to stick it out. I like seeing books set in this time period in Australia. The heroine's gradual softening and change of heart gives a nice dimension of character development.
But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who co-incidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?
Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. But where and how will it all end? But…is it the end? Will vengeance return or
will Penny’s faith prevail?
My thoughts:
What I loved about this book is that it was more than just a good romance novel. The hardships faced by brave pioneers living in the goldrush era were a highlight for me. Miss Penny Worthington couldn't sit back and daydream about her two suitors. She had to use all her fitness and intelligence just to stay alive. Yet, as you'll see in the story, the Australian bush is more than just a harsh, hot place settlers found themselves. It was full of beauty and surprises for those with courage and determination to stick it out. I like seeing books set in this time period in Australia. The heroine's gradual softening and change of heart gives a nice dimension of character development.
Thanks for the lovely review, Paula. XXOO
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your thoughts Paula. xx
ReplyDelete