Tuesday 8 January 2019

The Widow of Ballarat

The Widow of Ballarat

Darry Fraser

The Widow of Ballarat by Darry Fraser

Reviewed by Helen

This is a book that takes us back to some hard times in Australia’s history the gold fields of Ballarat, where woman struggled to be treated well, this one shows us the hardships that they went through but it also shows that love is always there as well, this is a book that will keep you turning the pages as you get to know Nell and Finn.

Nell Amberton is forced into a marriage to a very cruel man by her father, life is hard for her but her strength and courage shine though and when the riots start in the gold fields and her husband rushes her out of Ballarat, they are accosted by a bushranger and her husband is shot, although shocked she is very relieved as well and when the bushranger turns out to be a gentleman to her, Nell can feel that her life might change as they have a few mysterious meetings.

Finn Seymour lost his wife and went to England to fight in the war only to return when his sister dies, her death was caused by her cruel husband and Finn vows to end Andrew Amberton’s life this brings him in contact with the beautiful and strong Nell and his feelings are coming back with the meeting, but life is hard in these times and there is a lot to uncover and sort out before there may be a chance of happiness.

This is a moving story, with many ups and downs as the struggles come to life that Nell’s dead husband has been a party too and they need to be set straight and with people after Nell and Finn trying to keep his identity a secret for as long as he can the feelings they have for each other are growing, and when Nell is in danger Finn opens up and a beautiful HEA is enjoyed by them and me, this is a story that I recommend, there is a lot going on and I loved Nell and Finn, their courage and strength shine through and there are many more characters that add a lot to this story, some nasty, some lovely, I hope you pick this book up and enjoy it as I did.

4/5 stars for a great story


Published December 1st 2018 by Mira Books