Sunday 20 November 2022

The Forthright Woman

 The Forthright Woman

Darry Fraser




Reviewed by Helen


I loved this book from start to finish, the mystery, the setting and the wonderful characters, and the title is perfect once you get to meet Marcella Ross, if you love a good Australian historical mystery with a lovely romance threaded throughout, then this is one book that you should read, Marcella is someone you should meet.

In 1898 widow Marcella Ross born to Italian immigrants lives in the town of Port Pirie in South Australia she is now living with her brother Adam and his wife Hilda running the fruit and vegie store their parents opened. While going through her late mother’s things Marcella comes across a small piece of paper that starts her on a journey to find the truth about her Uncle Luca’s death.
Marcella sets out with her brother and sister in law to the ruins of Kanyaka ruins near Quorn, here she meets Proby Cutler and discovers he too is looking for answers about his missing grandfather.

1955 Francesca and husband Joe decide that if they can’t have children they will travel after purchasing a caravan they start their trip but Fran is pulled to the ruins of an old property Kanyaka a place that her grandparents visited a lot and talked about the past and what happened there, this visit will change Fran’s life.

This story shows the strength and courage that two woman show when faced with what life has handed them, Marcella forced into her marriage is determined to never marry again and never to be forced to do what she is not happy with, she is a very independent woman and determined to stay that way but Proby weaves his way into her life, he is there for her when most needed. Fran too stood up and made the changes she needed to in her life as she too researched the past.

This book is so well written the characters called to me they are so easy to love and Mrs. Costa what a wonderful character you have to meet her, as well as Marcella, Proby and Fran. With such a beautiful ending there were tears from me. This is one that I highly recommend, it is an awesome story.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review

5 stars
November 30, 2022 by Harlequin Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd