Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsA decent historical fiction read.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 18, 2012
Initial Thoughts:
As a lover of historical fiction AND chick lit, I knew this would be the book for me. Throw in some serious romance and you've got a hit.
The Pros:
Emma is introduced to us as a selfish ballerina without a care in the world but herself. How she evolves throughout the book is amazing. Her volunteer work within the community in rural Australia is inspiring.
Beattie leaves her hometown with no family to call her own after being disowned by her family when they find out she is pregnant, and unwed. The pain and suffering she endures throughout the book would be enough to knock anyone down for the count, but she gets up each timer, stronger than the time before.
I loved reading about the house on Wildflower Hill. Maybe it's just because I am an old house junkie, but the history contained within the walls of the house is amazing.
The way that Beattie kept a reminder of her true love all those years with the painting of the gum tree was incredibly heartwarming.
The Cons:
I was more into Beattie's story than Emma's. Emma's lacked something, although I'm not sure what it was.
I wish there was more time spent talking about restoring the house.
The Wrap Up:
This was a really good historical fiction novel. Would I call it wonderful? Probably not. But, it was a quick and entertaining read that actually taught me things about Australia and their native people.
Favorite Quote:
"There are two types of women in the world, Beattie, those who do things and those who have things done to them."
