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Ellenvale Gold
It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850s 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 coincidentally 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?
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?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
29 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Deed
18 books30 followersAmanda 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, administrator/book-keeper, musician and fiction writer.
Amanda’s debut novel, The Game, was awarded the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction.
Amanda’s debut novel, The Game, was awarded the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2013
Ellenvale Gold is an enjoyable story, set during the gold rush days in Victoria. The story revolves around the developing romantic relationship between two unlikely people. Amanda Deed does a great job in creating a believable characters and a realistic context.
Penelope Worthington, the main character, faces a number of trials trying to run a property after her father’s death – the most dangerous of these being a flood and her dubious neighbours. She is offered help from an ex-convict which severely challenges her principles. Through these incidents Penelope finds faith but doubts also plague her as she faces difficult choices.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book is because Amanda has handled the Christian aspects of this story particularly well. Through the characters we are given insights into some of the less obvious issues confronting some people when they convert to Christianity. Prejudices and preconceived ideas can cause some to stumble in their faith and it was interesting to see this fleshed out in the story.
A good read.
Thanks to Even Before Publishing for providing a free book for review
Penelope Worthington, the main character, faces a number of trials trying to run a property after her father’s death – the most dangerous of these being a flood and her dubious neighbours. She is offered help from an ex-convict which severely challenges her principles. Through these incidents Penelope finds faith but doubts also plague her as she faces difficult choices.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book is because Amanda has handled the Christian aspects of this story particularly well. Through the characters we are given insights into some of the less obvious issues confronting some people when they convert to Christianity. Prejudices and preconceived ideas can cause some to stumble in their faith and it was interesting to see this fleshed out in the story.
A good read.
Thanks to Even Before Publishing for providing a free book for review
April 25, 2014
Thoughts while reading…
Do you consider yourself above … or below others? Throughout Ellenvale Gold a major theme is class or where you stand in society. Back in the 1850s those with higher a status never thanked their servants and basically treated all convicts like dirt. While reading I thought back to my own upbringing, and I did have thoughts of being better than others, how wrong I was. We are all equal in God’s eyes.
Do you consider yourself above … or below others? Throughout Ellenvale Gold a major theme is class or where you stand in society. Back in the 1850s those with higher a status never thanked their servants and basically treated all convicts like dirt. While reading I thought back to my own upbringing, and I did have thoughts of being better than others, how wrong I was. We are all equal in God’s eyes.
November 8, 2014
I found initially parts of this book were a little over-sentimental (a common issue with some Christian fiction, I find) but enjoyed it as I continued to read. I’m not sure whether I got so swept up in the story that I didn’t notice the sentimentality or whether there was less of it as the book went on! Certainly the main character, Penny Worthington, over-reacted somewhat in the beginning (in my opinion), and without saying too much and giving things away, I know that her wealthy status was kind of what the story was based on (in comparison to her servants' lowly status), but her reactions to some things felt artificial and forced.
But definitely an enjoyable read, and I will be interested to read the next in the series at some point.
But definitely an enjoyable read, and I will be interested to read the next in the series at some point.
May 14, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book set in the gold rush days of the 1850s. It was interesting to see the way Penny’s attitudes and actions change over the course of the novel. When we first meet here, she is a snob and a product of her class. Left orphaned and alone with a large sheep station to run she needs help. But who can she trust? Gus the ex convict or Rupert the wealthy neighbour?
While I found this an enjoyable and interesting read, the Christian content in this novel is much more overt than it is in some other novels published by Even before Publishing. What this means is that even as Christian readers and especially lovers of historical fiction will appreciate it, I suspect it may be too much for those who have not reached that point in life. That’s not to say that the Christian content is thrown in as an added extra, because faith is intrinsic to Gus and shapes the attitudes and behaviours he exhibits. One thing I particularly chuckled over and could relate to was his exasperation with God at one stage. It made his faith feel more real.
Christians who enjoy historical novels will find this right to their taste. This is the first novel I have read by Amanda Deed and I doubt it will be the last.
While I found this an enjoyable and interesting read, the Christian content in this novel is much more overt than it is in some other novels published by Even before Publishing. What this means is that even as Christian readers and especially lovers of historical fiction will appreciate it, I suspect it may be too much for those who have not reached that point in life. That’s not to say that the Christian content is thrown in as an added extra, because faith is intrinsic to Gus and shapes the attitudes and behaviours he exhibits. One thing I particularly chuckled over and could relate to was his exasperation with God at one stage. It made his faith feel more real.
Christians who enjoy historical novels will find this right to their taste. This is the first novel I have read by Amanda Deed and I doubt it will be the last.
August 9, 2016
I wanted this book from the time it was released. Read reports it was a good book and when I was in the City I bought it for a Christmas present for myself. I understand why people love the book so much. I was up til early morning finishing the book as I just couldn't put it down. The book is set at a time in the 1850's in Victoria and an area where there is a gold rush. I have always been interested in this era especially after being to Ballarat and seeing the information on the Eureka Stockade and also going to a performance which showed the events leading up to and during this time. This book is set in the months preceding the uprising and we hear some of the facts in the story.
The book is about Penelope who is now basically alone after the death of her stockman with a sheep station to run. She finds herself needing help from a Gus a stranger who turns up on her property. AT the same time the neighbouring stations son Rupert is showing her interest. We see how back in these times class was very much a factor and how hard it is for Penelope to see Gus as an equal. There are are several incidents that happen which lead Penelope questioning herself and what she thinks is right. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Penelope but at the same time I understand why she was like she was. I did grew to love her by the end of the book. A side note one character mentioned in the book is Thomas Blake. This was a nice surpass as this was my dads name. This book deals with second chances, forgiveness, acceptance and questions ones thinking. This is a book I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in Australian history and enjoys a good read.
The book is about Penelope who is now basically alone after the death of her stockman with a sheep station to run. She finds herself needing help from a Gus a stranger who turns up on her property. AT the same time the neighbouring stations son Rupert is showing her interest. We see how back in these times class was very much a factor and how hard it is for Penelope to see Gus as an equal. There are are several incidents that happen which lead Penelope questioning herself and what she thinks is right. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Penelope but at the same time I understand why she was like she was. I did grew to love her by the end of the book. A side note one character mentioned in the book is Thomas Blake. This was a nice surpass as this was my dads name. This book deals with second chances, forgiveness, acceptance and questions ones thinking. This is a book I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in Australian history and enjoys a good read.
June 12, 2014
Three reviews from our CALEB reviewers:
(1)
Miss Penelope Worthington is young but well aware of her status in society. She just knows she is superior to lesser mortals.
But the death of her parents and her father’s only farm–help, followed quickly by her maid’s desertion her circumstances change drastically. Penny is left to handle a large run–down property on her own. Who can she trust? Can she trust anyone? Can she even trust her own judgement? Her only choices are between Rupert, a handsome wealthy neighbour and Gus, a hard working rough and ready ex–convict. Time and time again, Penny is caught on the horns of a dilemma and she has a lot to learn.
Former CALEB Prize–winning author, Amanda Deed has another great tale in her latest book Ellenvale Gold, set in the gold rush times of the 1850s—a harsh time in Australia’s history. Ellenvale Gold is a romantic novel with a difference. It is also a good mystery with a Christian theme woven through the story. It is excellent light reading for the discerning reader. I could hardly put it down! DS
(2)
I really enjoyed this fictional story and was well aware of the difference in the two main character's Christian life - one as a distance 'God' and the other as a personal God who was consulted at every turn. Finally they both believed God as their personal Saviour - as we should also.
Volunteer reviewer - Bookseller's Prize section of CALEB Awards
(3)
Not my type of book.
Volunteer reviewer - Bookseller's Prize section of CALEB Awards
February 15, 2016
I enjoy a good historical romance and this is definitely one of them. I like the fact that I've found some authors who do Australian historical romance. It makes a change from the American ones that are usually all I can find. While this one didn't tread any unfamiliar ground as far as the genre went, it was well done and enjoyable, with characters I cared about. Recommended.
July 18, 2012
This book brought the old goldfields era to life very authentically.
October 25, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book set in Australia. There were moments when I couldn't help but hear the theme song from the movie, "The Man From Snowy River" playing in my head. But this story goes much deeper.
The author's descriptions of the setting was fantastic and really helped me feel like I was there. The characters are well written, complex and realistic. The story was engaging and fun to read. There were fun moments of laughter and tense moments when I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next.
I enjoyed the threads of faith and the overreaching trust in God woven into this story. The characters face hardships and challenges, and you can see their faith stretching and growing.
To see Full review visit: https://www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress...
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Netgalley. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
The author's descriptions of the setting was fantastic and really helped me feel like I was there. The characters are well written, complex and realistic. The story was engaging and fun to read. There were fun moments of laughter and tense moments when I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next.
I enjoyed the threads of faith and the overreaching trust in God woven into this story. The characters face hardships and challenges, and you can see their faith stretching and growing.
To see Full review visit: https://www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress...
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Netgalley. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
August 4, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the historical setting and being able to understand that part of Australia's history better. This book really make this fascinating part of Australian history come alive. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their personalities.
August 7, 2015
This was not admittedly my usual read but I was quickly impressed as I was soon absorbed into the story.
The story is nicely written, showcasing a time in Australian history of hardship, greed and societal pressure to keep upper, middle and lower classes divided and in their place. There was a good flow to the story that kept me intrigued from the beginning, taking me into the life of Penelope Worthington, a struggling landowner. Penny having been left in charge of her family estate after the passing of her father, finds herself alone and in need of support that she simply can't pay for. In walks Gus, an ex-convict looking for work (although he hardly walks in, rather he was half carried in by Penny after an incident with a rifle) to turn upside down everything Penny understood of her world. Meanwhile wealthy landowner Rupert Foxworth prizes Penny's attention and is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to win her affection.
I really enjoyed reading Ellenvale Gold and gave it a high four stars. It had an enough action to keep me on my toes while providing a tale of romance and faith.
I would recommend it to fans of Jane Austin or even Downton Abbey.
The story is nicely written, showcasing a time in Australian history of hardship, greed and societal pressure to keep upper, middle and lower classes divided and in their place. There was a good flow to the story that kept me intrigued from the beginning, taking me into the life of Penelope Worthington, a struggling landowner. Penny having been left in charge of her family estate after the passing of her father, finds herself alone and in need of support that she simply can't pay for. In walks Gus, an ex-convict looking for work (although he hardly walks in, rather he was half carried in by Penny after an incident with a rifle) to turn upside down everything Penny understood of her world. Meanwhile wealthy landowner Rupert Foxworth prizes Penny's attention and is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to win her affection.
I really enjoyed reading Ellenvale Gold and gave it a high four stars. It had an enough action to keep me on my toes while providing a tale of romance and faith.
I would recommend it to fans of Jane Austin or even Downton Abbey.
August 6, 2013
This was a fun story with a lot of twists I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the way Amanda shared the story of Jesus and of faith without being preachy and with some realistic challenges in the way of the main characters new faith.
April 25, 2014
I've just finished reading Amanda's book for a second time. I enjoyed it the first, and even more on second sitting. It was a book that once picked up, had me going until the last page.
May 10, 2017
Ellenvale Gold is set in Australia on a sheep station in the mid 1800's. Penny Worthington's parents have died and she has only her elderly housekeeper to help her run her father's sheep station. She loves her homestead but realizes she needs help. She comes across a stranger who is on her land and she gives him a job. The stranger, Angus, has a joy about him that draws Penny's curiosity. She realizes it is his relationship with the Lord that is the source of his joy. As the two begin to get to know one another, Penny begins to realize she is not the person she should be. Through the Bible, she learns she has been prideful and looking down on people. She begins to accept Angus as her equal and they become friends.
When a flood comes to her land, she and Angus are forced to seek refuge at the home of her wealthy neighbors. The neighbors have hidden motives to try and steal her land through deceptive measures. Angus prays Penny will be able to see their deception for what it is. When Angus uncovers the plot of her neighbors, Penny is forced to decide if she truly trust Angus or will she judge him and treat him the same way her neighbors have.
Ellenvale Gold teaches us that people are so much more than they appear. Once Penny lets go of her preconceived ideas about the people around them, she is able to have healthy relationships with them. I love the relationship between Penny and Angus and how it developed. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger so I am excited for the next book.
When a flood comes to her land, she and Angus are forced to seek refuge at the home of her wealthy neighbors. The neighbors have hidden motives to try and steal her land through deceptive measures. Angus prays Penny will be able to see their deception for what it is. When Angus uncovers the plot of her neighbors, Penny is forced to decide if she truly trust Angus or will she judge him and treat him the same way her neighbors have.
Ellenvale Gold teaches us that people are so much more than they appear. Once Penny lets go of her preconceived ideas about the people around them, she is able to have healthy relationships with them. I love the relationship between Penny and Angus and how it developed. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger so I am excited for the next book.
March 19, 2017
Ellenvale Gold is exciting at it's nexus. It has many adventures along the journey of Penelope's life, and what a life at that. She is made an orphan and left to take care of the property when her father passes, and this was a little daunting, there were a lot of snakes, like her neighbors,out there and there is a man who she is starting to like but she is relying on new her found faith in CHRIST and how could you lose when you have HIM on your side - AMEN? The author does a fantastic job bringing out the struggles of what a new Christian faces and how they overcome them - kudos. This is a magnificent book, and you really should take the time to read this one. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
June 8, 2017
I did not like Penny. For the first third of the book I saw no redeeming quality that made me want to try to like her. And then at the end she was stupid. Gus also wasn't the brightest. It made it hard for me to get lost in the story.
March 4, 2017
Ellenvale Gold
by Amanda Deed
Rhiza Press
Christian
Pub Date 01 Feb 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Ellenvale Gold through the publisher and Netgalley:
This book transports us back to 1854 Australia, where we meet Penny who for the past fourteen years has been dealing with the harshness of the land, when Penny falls sick, Gus is there to help her.
When Penny grows stronger she busies herself teaching Angus to learn to read.
Rupert seems to fancy Penny but Penny has no interest in him. A hint he can't seem to take.
If you are looking for history, and romance then Ellenvale Gold would be a great choice.
I give Elenvale Gold five out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
February 12, 2017
I'm very much conflicted on how precisely to review this book because I so wanted to love it from the beginning. I enjoy historical romance from a Christian perspective and I enjoy stories with an Australian setting. "Ellenvale Gold" is both and is quite readable...with drawbacks. The characters are extremely one dimensional and the dialogue really isn't terribly believable. One of the main characters is an obvious nod to Jamie Fraser from the "Outlander" series and his written Scottish is a bit flawed. The scenarios the characters find themselves in just feel extremely contrived. The "heroine" starts with a very unattractive, offensive personality and never quite fully transforms or becomes sympathetic to the reader. The Christian message feels more like a crutch or plot device than a real, true part of the story. That said, it isn't a horrible book and would be worth picking up at the library for a light read as long as expectations are properly adjusted.
April 18, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
This book was the first one I have read based in Australia during their own gold rush. I also wasn't sure that I was going to like the female protagonist. She started out thinking she was better than the others around her, although I guess that was the way of it when people had servants. Through the story, with the help of the male protagonist and Christ, she took on a new view of herself, her situation, and her life. I found the story to be very believable, with compelling characters. A few weeks ago, I might have thought that Angus was too forgiving to be real, but recent experiences show that to be true as well -- interesting timing on that. There were twists and turns that kept the story moving. I often found myself thinking about the characters and wanting to go "visit" with them -- hence, I breezed through this story very quickly. Highly recommended reading about a different locale.
This book was the first one I have read based in Australia during their own gold rush. I also wasn't sure that I was going to like the female protagonist. She started out thinking she was better than the others around her, although I guess that was the way of it when people had servants. Through the story, with the help of the male protagonist and Christ, she took on a new view of herself, her situation, and her life. I found the story to be very believable, with compelling characters. A few weeks ago, I might have thought that Angus was too forgiving to be real, but recent experiences show that to be true as well -- interesting timing on that. There were twists and turns that kept the story moving. I often found myself thinking about the characters and wanting to go "visit" with them -- hence, I breezed through this story very quickly. Highly recommended reading about a different locale.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews