What do you think?
Rate this book
The Traders #2
The Trader's Sister
Ismay Deagan has one wish in the world – to leave Ireland and join her brother, Bram, in Australia. But her father has other ideas and orders her to marry their vicious neighbour Rory Flynn, even though she can’t stand him.
After Rory brutally attacks her, Ismay runs away, disguising herself as an impoverished young widow. When she meets Adam Tregear on the ship, she finally starts to believe her dreams of future happiness may come true.
Before she reaches Australia, however, she’s flung into adventures in Suez, Ceylon and Singapore. Dare she tell Adam the truth about who she really is? Does he have secrets of his own? Or will her past catch up with her and ruin her new-found happiness?
After Rory brutally attacks her, Ismay runs away, disguising herself as an impoverished young widow. When she meets Adam Tregear on the ship, she finally starts to believe her dreams of future happiness may come true.
Before she reaches Australia, however, she’s flung into adventures in Suez, Ceylon and Singapore. Dare she tell Adam the truth about who she really is? Does he have secrets of his own? Or will her past catch up with her and ruin her new-found happiness?
447 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
133 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
271 books503 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 31, 2024
4.5 stars
The Trader series book two.
One word: Magnificent!
The Trader series book two.
One word: Magnificent!
June 14, 2018
Ismay and Adam
The traders sister was a riveting read with old and new characters there is only Anna jacobs who can write like this the characters come to life .5 STARS.
The traders sister was a riveting read with old and new characters there is only Anna jacobs who can write like this the characters come to life .5 STARS.
June 6, 2015
Another great storyline can't wait to get the next one in the series
July 8, 2021
Un second tome qui nous permet de retrouver Isabella et Bram mais également de faire la connaissance de la soeur de Bram, Ismay. J'ai vraiment apprécié ce personne que j'ai trouvé très touchant et également fort. Ses aventures m'ont réellement emportée, en particulier les rebondissements du voyage menant à Swan River. Adam est juste parfait pour lui donner la réplique et j'ai apprécié la tante Harriet. Alors, oui, le tout ressemble à un bonbon où tout se termine toujours bien et où, exception faite de Rory, tout le monde est gentil mais ça fait du bien et j'aime particulièrement les paysages et la manière dont l'auteure décrit la naissance de la colonie et les déboires de chacun. Sur le sujet, j'ai aimé retrouver Flora et j'ai été plus que ravie de lire le tour donné à sa vie.
Ce que j'aime : Ismay, j'ai le coup de foudre pour ce personnage. Son histoire, la manière dont l'auteure décrit le voyage et la vie en Australie
Ce que j'aime moins : parfois, les gens sont trop gentils pour être vrais
Pour résumer
Un très bon second tome, porté par une héroïne attachante.
Ma note
7,5/10
Ce que j'aime : Ismay, j'ai le coup de foudre pour ce personnage. Son histoire, la manière dont l'auteure décrit le voyage et la vie en Australie
Ce que j'aime moins : parfois, les gens sont trop gentils pour être vrais
Pour résumer
Un très bon second tome, porté par une héroïne attachante.
Ma note
7,5/10
June 3, 2021
Mon avis en français
My English review
L’auteure écrit des romances historiques originales, de multiples séries qui se croisent et même si je ne me rappelle pas toutes les histoires, c’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver les personnages.
Nous suivons cette fois-ci, principalement, l’histoire d’Ismay et d’Adam. Ismay est la sœur de Bram que nous avons rencontré dans le premier tome. Elle rêve de rejoindre son frère en Australie mais son père en a décidé autrement. Il désire qu’elle se marie avec l’homme qu’elle déteste depuis son enfance : Rory Flynn. Et il est prêt à tout pour ça ! Il va même jusqu’à laisser le jeune homme agresser sa fille. Ismay, bien décidée à fuir, réussit, grâce à ses employeurs, à partir pour l’Australie. De l’autre côté, on suit Adam qui reçoit en legs des biens en Australie et qui doit décider s’il les accepte ou pas. Son père l’a toujours détesté et il sait qu’il lui réserve bien des surprises.
C’était un roman très sympa. J’ai pris plaisir à découvrir Ismay et à voir sa force malgré tout ce qu’elle subit. Rien n’est simple et pourtant, elle avance comme elle peut. Adam est un personnage que j’ai aussi apprécié, ainsi que sa tante Harriet. Et c’était un régal de découvrir leur histoire. J’ai été assez surprise, mais on lit aussi la suite des histoires d’autres personnages que j’ai adoré revoir.
Les romans d’Anna Jacobs sont toujours très intéressant et je les suis avec plaisir.
My English review
L’auteure écrit des romances historiques originales, de multiples séries qui se croisent et même si je ne me rappelle pas toutes les histoires, c’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver les personnages.
Nous suivons cette fois-ci, principalement, l’histoire d’Ismay et d’Adam. Ismay est la sœur de Bram que nous avons rencontré dans le premier tome. Elle rêve de rejoindre son frère en Australie mais son père en a décidé autrement. Il désire qu’elle se marie avec l’homme qu’elle déteste depuis son enfance : Rory Flynn. Et il est prêt à tout pour ça ! Il va même jusqu’à laisser le jeune homme agresser sa fille. Ismay, bien décidée à fuir, réussit, grâce à ses employeurs, à partir pour l’Australie. De l’autre côté, on suit Adam qui reçoit en legs des biens en Australie et qui doit décider s’il les accepte ou pas. Son père l’a toujours détesté et il sait qu’il lui réserve bien des surprises.
C’était un roman très sympa. J’ai pris plaisir à découvrir Ismay et à voir sa force malgré tout ce qu’elle subit. Rien n’est simple et pourtant, elle avance comme elle peut. Adam est un personnage que j’ai aussi apprécié, ainsi que sa tante Harriet. Et c’était un régal de découvrir leur histoire. J’ai été assez surprise, mais on lit aussi la suite des histoires d’autres personnages que j’ai adoré revoir.
Les romans d’Anna Jacobs sont toujours très intéressant et je les suis avec plaisir.
January 11, 2014
I've been waiting ages for the `The Trader's Sister' to be released. It's the latest historical novel by Anna Jacobs and book two in her Trader Series. The previous book `The Trader's Wife' was magical, enough to have me wait impatiently for more.
The Trader's Sister invites the reader to join the protagonist on a journey to escape a lifetime of oppression. We embark from an impoverished 1900-century Irish village where futures are mapped on religious ignorance and enforced via brutal gender focused social stigmas.
This journey is an enchanting one with many bumps and curves but always leading towards the Swan River Colony and the hope of a future determined via the realisation of ambitious self worth.
Anna Jacobs take of woman's fiction never fails to impress. She continues to etch her mark as a wonderful storyteller. Five stars.
The next book in The Trader Series, `The Trader's Dream.' It's due for release in October this year; I'm waiting.
The Trader's Sister invites the reader to join the protagonist on a journey to escape a lifetime of oppression. We embark from an impoverished 1900-century Irish village where futures are mapped on religious ignorance and enforced via brutal gender focused social stigmas.
This journey is an enchanting one with many bumps and curves but always leading towards the Swan River Colony and the hope of a future determined via the realisation of ambitious self worth.
Anna Jacobs take of woman's fiction never fails to impress. She continues to etch her mark as a wonderful storyteller. Five stars.
The next book in The Trader Series, `The Trader's Dream.' It's due for release in October this year; I'm waiting.
June 5, 2021
J’attendais avec impatience la suite de « Swan Hill » et de découvrir l’histoire d’Ismay, une histoire qui m’a beaucoup touché de par son départ précipité pour fuir celui qui l’a agressé au bout du monde ou presque. L’Australie où elle compte rejoindre son frère Bram est bien loin et c’est tout un périple qui l’attend semé d’escales dans des lieux exotiques telles les croisières de Mr Cook dont le projet est abordé dans ce récit. On retrouve avec plaisir les personnages du précédent tome et le destin des personnages secondaires a droit à une seconde chance tout comme Ismay et Adam… Un coup de cœur pour un livre qu’on n’arrive pas à lâcher…
Irlande, mai 1868.
Ismay n’a qu’un rêve, quitter l’Irlande pour rejoindre son frère Bram à Swan Hill, en Australie, bravant l’autorité paternelle qui veut la marier de force à Rory Flynn. Pour le moment, elle a trouvé refuge chez ses patrons où Madame Jamieson l’a pris sous son aile comme femme de chambre, la mettant temporairement hors de portée de son père.
Suite à une agression des plus violentes, Ismay part rejoindre son frère à Swan Hill, mettant le plus de distance entre elle et son père.
Adam Tregear part lui aussi en Australie pour prendre possession de son héritage. Un héritage sous conditions et notamment d’Ismay dont l’aide lui sera précieuse pour celle qu’il considère comme sa tante qui souffre du mal de mer. Quant à Rory, il n’est pas prêt à rendre à Ismay sa liberté et est prêt à tout pour la récupérer.
Son voyage sera semé d’embûches mais Ismay pourra compter sur le soutien d’Harriet, la tante d’Adam. Quant à celui-ci, il admire le courage et l’intelligence de la jeune femme face aux épreuves qu’elle doit endurer.
Serait-ce des sentiments qu’ils ressentent l’un pour l’autre ?
On retrouve des personnages du tome précédent qui s’entremêlent avec les personnages principaux . Dans ce tome, c’est plusieurs histoires qui ont droit à une seconde chance.
Pour les lecteurs de la première trilogie sur Cassandra et ses sœurs, il en est fait brièvement mention au cours de l’histoire.
Comme dans ses précédents romans, les sujets sont nombreux : le viol, les violences, la survie des femmes soumise à un homme, la mention de Mr Cook, pionnier des croisières, le canal de Suez…
Une ode aux voyages tel pourrait être le décor de l’histoire d’Ismay dont l’émerveillement et les nombreuses descriptions nous font rêver.
L’Australie, le lieu où les femmes ont droit à un nouveau départ !
Une plume magnifique où l’élégance et la finesse arrivent à sublimer les héroïnes des romans d’Anna Jacobs !
Irlande, mai 1868.
Ismay n’a qu’un rêve, quitter l’Irlande pour rejoindre son frère Bram à Swan Hill, en Australie, bravant l’autorité paternelle qui veut la marier de force à Rory Flynn. Pour le moment, elle a trouvé refuge chez ses patrons où Madame Jamieson l’a pris sous son aile comme femme de chambre, la mettant temporairement hors de portée de son père.
Suite à une agression des plus violentes, Ismay part rejoindre son frère à Swan Hill, mettant le plus de distance entre elle et son père.
Adam Tregear part lui aussi en Australie pour prendre possession de son héritage. Un héritage sous conditions et notamment d’Ismay dont l’aide lui sera précieuse pour celle qu’il considère comme sa tante qui souffre du mal de mer. Quant à Rory, il n’est pas prêt à rendre à Ismay sa liberté et est prêt à tout pour la récupérer.
Son voyage sera semé d’embûches mais Ismay pourra compter sur le soutien d’Harriet, la tante d’Adam. Quant à celui-ci, il admire le courage et l’intelligence de la jeune femme face aux épreuves qu’elle doit endurer.
Serait-ce des sentiments qu’ils ressentent l’un pour l’autre ?
On retrouve des personnages du tome précédent qui s’entremêlent avec les personnages principaux . Dans ce tome, c’est plusieurs histoires qui ont droit à une seconde chance.
Pour les lecteurs de la première trilogie sur Cassandra et ses sœurs, il en est fait brièvement mention au cours de l’histoire.
Comme dans ses précédents romans, les sujets sont nombreux : le viol, les violences, la survie des femmes soumise à un homme, la mention de Mr Cook, pionnier des croisières, le canal de Suez…
Une ode aux voyages tel pourrait être le décor de l’histoire d’Ismay dont l’émerveillement et les nombreuses descriptions nous font rêver.
L’Australie, le lieu où les femmes ont droit à un nouveau départ !
Une plume magnifique où l’élégance et la finesse arrivent à sublimer les héroïnes des romans d’Anna Jacobs !
April 18, 2020
Truly good read!
I am always in awe of a good storyteller, and this author has that gift. The writing is excellent and truly enjoyable.
This is the second book of the series about a trader in the Mid-19th century Australian colonies. Bram's sister Ismay is the central character here and the story begins in Ireland. The plot is very good. Ismay is a 22-year-old spirited beauty who wants more out of life than the drudgery of her own mother's. Her father has his own ideas as to get future as he insists she marry a brute of a man regardless of her own feelings. Ismay yearns to live in Australia with her brother.
The subject of rape and bastard children is central here and the limitations on the lives of women during this era. I thought the author did a fine job describing the effects and impacts on the victim's lives very well here. I found it difficult to put the book down finishing in a day.
I look forward to the next book of this series with its multiple interesting characters and lively, engaging plot. I will recommend to readers of historical fiction.
I am always in awe of a good storyteller, and this author has that gift. The writing is excellent and truly enjoyable.
This is the second book of the series about a trader in the Mid-19th century Australian colonies. Bram's sister Ismay is the central character here and the story begins in Ireland. The plot is very good. Ismay is a 22-year-old spirited beauty who wants more out of life than the drudgery of her own mother's. Her father has his own ideas as to get future as he insists she marry a brute of a man regardless of her own feelings. Ismay yearns to live in Australia with her brother.
The subject of rape and bastard children is central here and the limitations on the lives of women during this era. I thought the author did a fine job describing the effects and impacts on the victim's lives very well here. I found it difficult to put the book down finishing in a day.
I look forward to the next book of this series with its multiple interesting characters and lively, engaging plot. I will recommend to readers of historical fiction.
May 19, 2021
Easy read however has lots of drama that Anna Jacobs had in her books. I've been surprised by the amount of people who did not like the Irish . I do like this authors books and sometimes it is nice to read something powerful and demonstrating what it was really like those times. Her books are not just about romance there is always little bits that you can learn along the way great book
April 5, 2019
A fantastic follow on from 'The Traders Wife', Anna Jacobs sure knows how to write a great page turning story. I would definitely recommend this 2nd book in The Traders Series, and all of Anna's books. Now for the next installment. 😍💗📚.
February 26, 2020
Just finished book two. Oh my word what a fabulous set of new characters and one or two old familiar ones too. Seriously if you haven’t read this series please do. The characters already feel like friends, and I’ve got three more books to go.
October 4, 2020
Loved this book. Loving this series. It’s a great continuation and nothing has been lost. I love how the keep the subtle bits of the last book into it. I can’t wait for the next book. I love all the characters and the part they play in the book.
November 13, 2023
Belle histoire entre Islay et Adam. J'ai bien aimé également le personnage de Flora et je suis contente qu'elle ait eu droit à son happy ending.
Le seul bémol c'est tous les personnages issus de la série précédente dont il n'est pas toujours facile de se rappeler.
Le seul bémol c'est tous les personnages issus de la série précédente dont il n'est pas toujours facile de se rappeler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
So many love stories. I guessed two from the start but was certain of a third one that didn't happen. I loved Floras' happiness, kindness, and fierceness.
Terrible things happened, but there were always good people around to make it work.
Terrible things happened, but there were always good people around to make it work.
May 29, 2020
Good story
I was a bit disappointed by this story i felt like I'd been down this road before on another ship the people in the same situation.
I was a bit disappointed by this story i felt like I'd been down this road before on another ship the people in the same situation.
June 29, 2020
Loved it
What a lovely addition to The Traders series. I love it how they all come together in the end. Can't wait to start the next one ( book 3 )
What a lovely addition to The Traders series. I love it how they all come together in the end. Can't wait to start the next one ( book 3 )
May 9, 2021
Nice for escaping a bit. Easy to read, like watching the Hallmark Channel.
January 12, 2022
Could not put this book down ,excited to reading the next book in the series
September 19, 2022
Loved this second book in the series. Couldn't put it down, read it in just over 24 hours. Another great story from Anna Jacobs.
November 13, 2022
Another great book in this series. Ms Jacobs really manages to make you love the protagonists and hate the antagonists! I'm glad I have the next book in the series ready to read!
January 6, 2024
This series has been great so far! Can't wait to read more about their adventures.
August 29, 2024
Brilliant 2nd book in the series love how the scenery and detail have been captured. Ismay is a strong and brave female character and there are moments which pull on your heart strings.
November 19, 2024
Very intriguing and a nice continuation of the story.
August 19, 2025
Another Anna Jacobs triumph, 2nd in the Traders series. Cant wait to read book 3!!
August 3, 2016
After finishing the first book, I went straight onto this one and I can honestly say I enjoyed this one just as much. Reading about Ismay and the way her father tries to force her to marry Rory Flynn is horrendous - the fact that he and the priest encouraged Rory to rape her was sickening. By no means do I like Rory, and while I believe he would have been a heavy handed husband and not one that anyone would actually like to marry, I didn't get the feeling that he would have became a rapist had Ismay's father and the priest not told him that the only way she would HAVE to marry him is if she got pregnant by him. Maybe I'm wrong but I genuinely got the feeling that he only raped her because he was so convinced it meant she would be his wife.
Never thought I'd write that.
I knew that she'd fall pregnant from that one attempt. And I thought it'd follow the convention - repulsion until she felt the child move or gave birth and then unrivalled love from then on. Instead, we get Ismay who is sick with the idea that she carries his child and, a rarity, ends up miscarrying. For some reason it feels as if authors are too scared to write about a miscarriage or abortion or any methods to rid a woman of a child, and it's something I find lowers my opinion of them. But this book broached the topic and even went one more - where she admits that she felt relief when she lost the child. Honestly, I could have fainted then and there for finally coming across a book where there are women who fall pregnant and don't automatically love the child and would rather lose it than have it. A book that finally discussing the idea that getting pregnant doesn't mean automatic love for the child.
Seeing Bram and Isabella were some of my favourite bits of this book - I thoroughly enjoy following their life as they build together and expand their family. And while I had thought about what the end conflict could be - because I assumed there would be one, judging from the previous book - the fact that it was the runner of the old brothel was more, I don't know, off? It did set up to deal with the Rory situation though, where Ismay's just married and because of this attack Bram steps up and shows her that while they all hate him, trouble would be more damaging for their lives and really, it offers something of a new slate for Rory, one where he doesn't have the priest telling him that a woman must wed him if he beds her, or where Ismay's father is encouraging him to rape her so that his unruly daughter is chastised. I presume we'll see him a bit more so I look forward to that.
The side-plot of Clara getting her love back was uplifting as her treatment in the first book was poor and she deserved happiness. I do understand Dougal's behaviour, warning her not to be too rash because she could hardly handle the rumours about her last time, and I know he did it because he loved her, but locking her in her cabin was such a poor idea! But very in line with him and how he does wants what is best for her, and considering what their mother had told him and what Clara had been though, he was weary. If they both spoke more it probably could have been resolved in a better manner. But alas, people don't.
Another book I surprisingly enjoyed, and I'm certain to finish this entire series. I'm not sure whether to check out any more of her books but we shall see once I get my hands on the last two of this series.
Never thought I'd write that.
I knew that she'd fall pregnant from that one attempt. And I thought it'd follow the convention - repulsion until she felt the child move or gave birth and then unrivalled love from then on. Instead, we get Ismay who is sick with the idea that she carries his child and, a rarity, ends up miscarrying. For some reason it feels as if authors are too scared to write about a miscarriage or abortion or any methods to rid a woman of a child, and it's something I find lowers my opinion of them. But this book broached the topic and even went one more - where she admits that she felt relief when she lost the child. Honestly, I could have fainted then and there for finally coming across a book where there are women who fall pregnant and don't automatically love the child and would rather lose it than have it. A book that finally discussing the idea that getting pregnant doesn't mean automatic love for the child.
Seeing Bram and Isabella were some of my favourite bits of this book - I thoroughly enjoy following their life as they build together and expand their family. And while I had thought about what the end conflict could be - because I assumed there would be one, judging from the previous book - the fact that it was the runner of the old brothel was more, I don't know, off? It did set up to deal with the Rory situation though, where Ismay's just married and because of this attack Bram steps up and shows her that while they all hate him, trouble would be more damaging for their lives and really, it offers something of a new slate for Rory, one where he doesn't have the priest telling him that a woman must wed him if he beds her, or where Ismay's father is encouraging him to rape her so that his unruly daughter is chastised. I presume we'll see him a bit more so I look forward to that.
The side-plot of Clara getting her love back was uplifting as her treatment in the first book was poor and she deserved happiness. I do understand Dougal's behaviour, warning her not to be too rash because she could hardly handle the rumours about her last time, and I know he did it because he loved her, but locking her in her cabin was such a poor idea! But very in line with him and how he does wants what is best for her, and considering what their mother had told him and what Clara had been though, he was weary. If they both spoke more it probably could have been resolved in a better manner. But alas, people don't.
Another book I surprisingly enjoyed, and I'm certain to finish this entire series. I'm not sure whether to check out any more of her books but we shall see once I get my hands on the last two of this series.
May 7, 2012
The Trader’s Sister is the second book in the Trader’s series following The Trader’s Wife. This series is a spin-off of the Swan River Colony trilogy which I have read and observed many of these characters popping up in this book and it was lovely to see where they were up to.
I really enjoy Anna Jacobs’ books, historical fiction set in early Australia but also across England and Ireland too. I am seeing many similar storylines across her books as young women embark on a journey from the UK to immigrate to Australia- but I find every book I pick up by this Australian author very enjoyable.
In the Trader’s Sister we are introduced to Ismay Deagan, strong-willed Irish lass who longs to join her brother Bram (the focus of The Trader’s Wife). However, her father has other plans for her, to marry the horrid Rory Flynn who has had his eye on her since she was a kid. When her father makes the announcement of their marriage, Ismay flees to her employer and begs them to let her stay there. To her relief they agree and stand up to her father. This isn’t enough to stop her father from getting his way and he conspires with Flynn to ‘make’ Ismay marry him by forcefully impregnating her.
Ismay is traumatised by Flynn’s attack on her and desperate to flee the country as she no longer feels safe knowing he is nearby. Her employer arranges for her to get on the next ship to Australia, disguising herself as a widow in case she is in fact pregnant.
Ismay is an intelligent, determined young woman who wants to use her brains and not be used by a man for reproduction. Going to Australia to join her brother is her ticket to freedom and despite her hesitation of travelling the big voyage alone; she embraces the opportunity to live the life she always dreamed. During the voyage, her companionship is sought by Harriet, a woman who has fallen ill on the ship and requires caretaking. Her foster son, Adam Tregear is journeying to Australia to finalise the inheritance left by his father. He had never been a true father to him and Adam fears what has really been left for him Australia. One stipulation of the will was for him to leave his home country to go to Australia and to marry within a year. When he sets his eyes on Ismay, he becomes taken to her, admiring her intelligence and zest for life.
Ismay and Adam both have internal conflicts to overcome as well as the fact that they are of different social classes and will be looked down upon by society if they were to marry. But as they soon discover, class and social standing in Australia isn’t as highly valued as in the UK and perhaps they have a chance after-all.
I really enjoyed these two likeable characters and observing their growing connection. Jacobs throws in plenty of action and suspense as the despicable Flynn finds a spot on the ship and does not give up on trying to secure Ismay as his wife. I empathised with her and her desperate need to be free of the man who attacked her.
Despite some of the serious issues raised in this novel such as rape and the mistreatment of women of those times, Anna Jacobs lines the story with plenty of hope, engaging characters and romantic suspense that held me captive until the last page. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I really enjoy Anna Jacobs’ books, historical fiction set in early Australia but also across England and Ireland too. I am seeing many similar storylines across her books as young women embark on a journey from the UK to immigrate to Australia- but I find every book I pick up by this Australian author very enjoyable.
In the Trader’s Sister we are introduced to Ismay Deagan, strong-willed Irish lass who longs to join her brother Bram (the focus of The Trader’s Wife). However, her father has other plans for her, to marry the horrid Rory Flynn who has had his eye on her since she was a kid. When her father makes the announcement of their marriage, Ismay flees to her employer and begs them to let her stay there. To her relief they agree and stand up to her father. This isn’t enough to stop her father from getting his way and he conspires with Flynn to ‘make’ Ismay marry him by forcefully impregnating her.
Ismay is traumatised by Flynn’s attack on her and desperate to flee the country as she no longer feels safe knowing he is nearby. Her employer arranges for her to get on the next ship to Australia, disguising herself as a widow in case she is in fact pregnant.
Ismay is an intelligent, determined young woman who wants to use her brains and not be used by a man for reproduction. Going to Australia to join her brother is her ticket to freedom and despite her hesitation of travelling the big voyage alone; she embraces the opportunity to live the life she always dreamed. During the voyage, her companionship is sought by Harriet, a woman who has fallen ill on the ship and requires caretaking. Her foster son, Adam Tregear is journeying to Australia to finalise the inheritance left by his father. He had never been a true father to him and Adam fears what has really been left for him Australia. One stipulation of the will was for him to leave his home country to go to Australia and to marry within a year. When he sets his eyes on Ismay, he becomes taken to her, admiring her intelligence and zest for life.
Ismay and Adam both have internal conflicts to overcome as well as the fact that they are of different social classes and will be looked down upon by society if they were to marry. But as they soon discover, class and social standing in Australia isn’t as highly valued as in the UK and perhaps they have a chance after-all.
I really enjoyed these two likeable characters and observing their growing connection. Jacobs throws in plenty of action and suspense as the despicable Flynn finds a spot on the ship and does not give up on trying to secure Ismay as his wife. I empathised with her and her desperate need to be free of the man who attacked her.
Despite some of the serious issues raised in this novel such as rape and the mistreatment of women of those times, Anna Jacobs lines the story with plenty of hope, engaging characters and romantic suspense that held me captive until the last page. I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 17, 2014
I feel at ease with Anna Jacob’s gentle and atmospheric writing style. Immediately upon opening the Trader’s Sister, I was transported back to Swan River Colony of Western Australia. In this second book of the Traders series, the reader has an opportunity to revisit Irish settler Bram Deagan and his wife Isabella. The reader is also introduced to Bram’s younger sister Ismay, who is the focus of this novel. Ismay Deagan’s story is a tragic tale. At just seventeen years old and one of six children, she suffers at the hands of her Father. Ismay’s Father beats her in drunken rages, labeling her “wild”. Ismay’s saving grace is her job as a housemaid in a manor house. However, Ismay longs to follow her older brother Bram, who has found opportunity in the Swan River colony in Australia. Ismay’s Father has other ideas, he wants to marry her off to the neighbour's son Rory, who is also a cruel young man. Rory, frustrated that Ismay continues to refuse his advances, viciously attacks her. Ismay is devastated but does not want to be confined to a marriage with a man who could commit such an act. Ismay’s finds sympathy in her employers, who secretly arrange a passage to Australia, so Ismay can be with her brother Bram. The voyage to Australia is adventurous, as Ismay has the opportunity to see lands she never dreamed of. Ismay’s passage to Australia takes a dangerous turn and she turns to two passengers she has meet aboard the ship for help. These passengers have the capacity to change her life for the better, but Ismay’s chance at happiness in Australia is overshadowed by her past.
The Trader’s Sister was a riveting and charming tale, which I enjoyed even more than its predecessor, the Trader’s Wife. The characters in this book are both believable and endearing. Ismay’s experiences really kept the pages turning for me. There was a strong sense of familiarity during the scenes with Bram and Isabella, as we find out the next chapter in their lives. A great cast of supporting characters, both good and bad, round up this story nicely. As in the previous Trader’s book, the locations Anna Jacob’s uses are rich in detail. It was a pleasure to continue the journey of the Trader’s series, I look forward to reading the next novel, The Trader’s Dream.
The Trader’s Sister was a riveting and charming tale, which I enjoyed even more than its predecessor, the Trader’s Wife. The characters in this book are both believable and endearing. Ismay’s experiences really kept the pages turning for me. There was a strong sense of familiarity during the scenes with Bram and Isabella, as we find out the next chapter in their lives. A great cast of supporting characters, both good and bad, round up this story nicely. As in the previous Trader’s book, the locations Anna Jacob’s uses are rich in detail. It was a pleasure to continue the journey of the Trader’s series, I look forward to reading the next novel, The Trader’s Dream.
May 25, 2023
I first read these as they came out 10 or so years ago. These were the books that made me fall in love with Anna Jacobs books. The beautiful covers, the adventures in far away places and the first three (I think take place on or around ships. The Suez Canal is built by the next one but they do go and see the construction in this one. We start back in Ireland with Bram's favourite sister Ismay. Ismay longs to join her brother in Australia but her father wants her to marry Rory Flynn a bully who is obsessed with Ismay. He assaults Ismay and with the help of the lord of the manor she flees to Australia. Rory also gets on the ship to torment her. Oh the early days of ship travel. Steerage passengers not allowed on deck while the rich people are out, a captain who's self righteous and nearly causes mutiny. Ismay becomes friends with a lady Harriet who's traveling with her nephew Adam. Adam is a bastard child and his father has given him a ship and some properties in Australia. Along the journey Ismay learns she is pregnant and loses the baby around the Suez Canal which makes them miss the ship and separate from Rory. Adam finds the ship he inherited and they board and sail to Singapore introducing Mr. Lee and family. Flora McBride reunites with her long lost love resulting in a stupid pointless scene that brought the story down a bit and made me dislike two otherwise likeable characters. Adam and Ismay agree to marry as they've fallen in love, Rory plots against them but in the end as always love wins and there's a happy ending. I do love these stories and even that odd scene didn't diminish my enjoyment.
August 18, 2016
I enjoy reading historical fiction, although this was the first book I had read of recent history. At first I was a bit shocked as to how abruptly the book started, and due to not reading the first book in the series (this being the second) I was worried I would struggle through it. However after the first chapter or two, I got really in to this book and struggled to put it down. The characters and the stories unravel relatively quickly, meaning there is no time in the book which is difficult to get through. You like and dislike characters early on, and this meant I was more intrigued as to how their stories would unfold. This book really was a roller-coaster, with happiness, sadness and being scared all experienced. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series, and possibly more from this author.
May 22, 2012
I have become a fan of Anna Jacob's over the last couple of years and really enjoy her historical fiction books. The Trader’s Sister follows The Trader’s Wife. These two books have come about and are loosely related to the Swan River Colony trilogy.
I just loved Ismay as we follow her on her journey to Australia from a life of poverty in Ireland. We are also taken on a journey that keeps the pages turning to see what Ismay is to endure to find happiness.
So looking forward to what other characters we get to explore in Anna Jacob's further novels.....
I just loved Ismay as we follow her on her journey to Australia from a life of poverty in Ireland. We are also taken on a journey that keeps the pages turning to see what Ismay is to endure to find happiness.
So looking forward to what other characters we get to explore in Anna Jacob's further novels.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews