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Ghost Gum Valley
A Sweeping Saga. An Unlikely Love. Isabel de Rolland, an English aristocrat, is sent to the penal Colony of New South Wales in 1833 to honour an arranged marriage. Wealthy ex-convict Garnet Gamble has paid her family's debts in exchange for the respectablility that her lineage will give his son Marmaduke whose 'convict stain' excludes him from Society. Isabel and Marmaduke detest each other on sight. She sees him as a Colonial barbarian. He has no intentin of relinquishing his bachelor freedom and his mistresses. But in the Gamble mansion the dark secrets of the past and the spectre of madness are destined to haunt them-forcing them into a strange alliance.
533 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Nicholls
6 books14 followersJohanna Nicholls comes from a theatrical family. She was a journalist and magazine feature writer in Sydney, Melbourne and London. In television she worked as a researcher/writer and Head Script Editor of TV Drama at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Johanna has lived in England, Italy and Greece. Her home is an 1830s convict-built sandstone cottage in Birchgrove, Sydney, where she is currently writing her fourth Australian historical novel and researching her fifth. Her first saga, Ironbark, was published by Simon & Schuster in Australia and New Zealand in 2009 and 2010. Ghost Gum Valley was published in 2012 and 2013. The Lace Balcony (2014) is her third novel to have been translated into German and published in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Golden Hope will be published in 2016.
Johanna has lived in England, Italy and Greece. Her home is an 1830s convict-built sandstone cottage in Birchgrove, Sydney, where she is currently writing her fourth Australian historical novel and researching her fifth. Her first saga, Ironbark, was published by Simon & Schuster in Australia and New Zealand in 2009 and 2010. Ghost Gum Valley was published in 2012 and 2013. The Lace Balcony (2014) is her third novel to have been translated into German and published in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Golden Hope will be published in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2016
I really don’t read enough historical novels, and when I do it is rarely one set in Australia. So was glad to find a book that reminded me that I really do enjoy historical settings and should do it more often. Through the eyes of the main characters early Australia is brought alive – warts and all. I found myself googling for pictures of the real historical locations mentioned in the story. Society is portrayed very realistically, shedding light on the complex hierarchy of early Sydney society; who is acceptable and who is not, and how to become acceptable. I found the story a little slow to get into but once it got going it took off at a cracking pace. Author, Johanna Nicholls, produced main characters that all appeared to be very strong on the outside and yet had many hidden weaknesses that had to be faced and beaten before the ‘happily ever after’ could happen. GHOST GUM VALLEY is not just a historical romance, there were many layers to the stories with subplots, some scarily spooky goings on and a lot of suspense.
July 14, 2012
A wonderful colonial Australian story! Ironbark was one of my favourite novels from last year, so when I saw Johanna had delved back into the convict era with another novel, Ghost Gum Valley was a must for me. This book is so well researched and written as soon as you open the first page you are sent hurtling into a by-gone era of convicts and land-hungry settlers, with the odd ‘other’ (ghost) thrown in also. I loved Isabel and Marmaduke, who struggle to break free from the past and start a new future…….I’m giving it 4 stars, but closer to 4 ½ as I do love an early Australian colonial saga!
August 11, 2012
This book transported me back in time . The characters were so real and their story amazing. I couldn't put this book down .
June 15, 2023
Not sure about this book. 3 1/2 would have been a better score but I opted for 4 because there were some good bits as well as some twists and turns. Some parts were a bit unbelievable, on the paranormal side. I love historical romance and it's rare to find one set in Australia with convicts. The old name words fascinated me - Currency lad / lass etc. The name Marmaduke made me cringe. Surely a better name would have suited. I kept reading the name as Marmalade.
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed it most of the time but wouldn’t really recommend it. Lost a star to being a bit too long and not credible at times. The other star I took out for the paranormal content which I really didn’t enjoy and it spoilt the plot for me.
August 19, 2017
Ghost Gum Valley was a most enjoyable read, with all the ingredients to make you laugh, cry, be angry and feel empathy. The historical value added to the depth and enjoyment. Well done Johanna!
December 3, 2020
Read this many years ago. Good Aussie storyline of the early days all fiction but still fast moving & entertaining.
August 23, 2012
Australian author Johanna Nicholls has contributed another solid read in the historical fiction genre with Ghost Gum Valley, set in early Australia. After reading her debut novel Ironbark (read my review), I couldn’t wait to pick up another Nicholls’ novel and immerse myself in Australia’s convict era.
Isabel de Rolland, a young English woman longs to escape her cousin Silas, but has been kept under lock and key by her guardian Godfrey for the past three years. Her sleepwalking escapade resulted in a pregnancy and Isabel cannot recall the conception. Isabel holds a strong belief that she is cursed; carrying the genes of her witch mother and convinced by her cousin she is evil. Silas is a creepy character who tends to haunt Isabel and I sensed immediately the connection between him and Isabel’s repressed trauma.
When she is sold by her uncle Godfrey to an emancipist’s son in New South Wales to clear the de Rolland family of all outstanding debts, Isabel succumbs to this decision with the hope of providing financial stability and keeping her secret safe.
The emancipist, Garnet Gamble has arranged the marriage of his bachelor son, Marmaduke. An engagement that has been in the works for two years without the groom having any clue. Marmaduke is nearing the age of 25 and will soon be free of his father’s manipulation and will claim his mother’s inheritance of Mingaletta- the property he dreams of owning and running independently. But Garnet always has something up his sleeve and he is determined for a Gamble heir to inherit all his fortune, but first Marmaduke must father a child. Isabel is of a noble bloodline that will not only provide Marmaduke with a respectable heir but will also provide him with the status in the community that Garnet has always desired for his son.
Neither Marmaduke or Isabel wish to abide by the marriage contract and both try to outwit each other to call off the engagement- only to discover that they can both gain what they desire through this arranged marriage.
Marmaduke’s first impression of Isabel isn’t of the gentle, young woman he expected rather his first meeting with Isabel is in a cell, where she is dressed as a boy and sporting a swollen, bruised eye. She has a directness and attitude that also surprises him. Isabel instantly detests Marmaduke, as she does any man, which suits Marmaduke fine as he has no intention of ceasing his womanising behaviour. However, there’s a softer, protective side to Marmaduke that intrigues her and for the first time in her life she begins to trust a man, one who will not abuse her trust. Despite her intense fear and hatred of all men, he seems to get under her skin.
So the marriage goes ahead, under the conditions that Marmaduke continues his bachelor ways and gets Mingaletta while Isabel does not want to be touched by any man though wants financial stability Their marriage will solve all their problems. Perhaps not! Neither expected they would fall in love.
Of course in a Nicholl’s novel, there’s no quick HEA, she tends to put her characters through many obstacles before they find happiness. Marmaduke and Isabel are such absorbing characters with many complexities. At first I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to relate to Marmaduke, but he soon grew on me, particularly because his viewpoint often dominated the novel and the author’s skilful characterisation allowed me access to his vulnerabilities and strengths. She even managed to evoke my empathy for the volatile Garnet Gamble as his own turmoil is revealed.
Nicholls’ characterisation is impeccable, she presents characters who are strong, determined and courageous but also vulnerable, flawed and in need of protection. The plot is multilayered and embodied with suspense and many subplots that weave together to an intense climax. I highly recommend both of Nicholls’ historical fiction novels for those who enjoy a meaty read and an admirable hero and heroine.
Isabel de Rolland, a young English woman longs to escape her cousin Silas, but has been kept under lock and key by her guardian Godfrey for the past three years. Her sleepwalking escapade resulted in a pregnancy and Isabel cannot recall the conception. Isabel holds a strong belief that she is cursed; carrying the genes of her witch mother and convinced by her cousin she is evil. Silas is a creepy character who tends to haunt Isabel and I sensed immediately the connection between him and Isabel’s repressed trauma.
When she is sold by her uncle Godfrey to an emancipist’s son in New South Wales to clear the de Rolland family of all outstanding debts, Isabel succumbs to this decision with the hope of providing financial stability and keeping her secret safe.
The emancipist, Garnet Gamble has arranged the marriage of his bachelor son, Marmaduke. An engagement that has been in the works for two years without the groom having any clue. Marmaduke is nearing the age of 25 and will soon be free of his father’s manipulation and will claim his mother’s inheritance of Mingaletta- the property he dreams of owning and running independently. But Garnet always has something up his sleeve and he is determined for a Gamble heir to inherit all his fortune, but first Marmaduke must father a child. Isabel is of a noble bloodline that will not only provide Marmaduke with a respectable heir but will also provide him with the status in the community that Garnet has always desired for his son.
Neither Marmaduke or Isabel wish to abide by the marriage contract and both try to outwit each other to call off the engagement- only to discover that they can both gain what they desire through this arranged marriage.
Marmaduke’s first impression of Isabel isn’t of the gentle, young woman he expected rather his first meeting with Isabel is in a cell, where she is dressed as a boy and sporting a swollen, bruised eye. She has a directness and attitude that also surprises him. Isabel instantly detests Marmaduke, as she does any man, which suits Marmaduke fine as he has no intention of ceasing his womanising behaviour. However, there’s a softer, protective side to Marmaduke that intrigues her and for the first time in her life she begins to trust a man, one who will not abuse her trust. Despite her intense fear and hatred of all men, he seems to get under her skin.
So the marriage goes ahead, under the conditions that Marmaduke continues his bachelor ways and gets Mingaletta while Isabel does not want to be touched by any man though wants financial stability Their marriage will solve all their problems. Perhaps not! Neither expected they would fall in love.
Of course in a Nicholl’s novel, there’s no quick HEA, she tends to put her characters through many obstacles before they find happiness. Marmaduke and Isabel are such absorbing characters with many complexities. At first I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to relate to Marmaduke, but he soon grew on me, particularly because his viewpoint often dominated the novel and the author’s skilful characterisation allowed me access to his vulnerabilities and strengths. She even managed to evoke my empathy for the volatile Garnet Gamble as his own turmoil is revealed.
Nicholls’ characterisation is impeccable, she presents characters who are strong, determined and courageous but also vulnerable, flawed and in need of protection. The plot is multilayered and embodied with suspense and many subplots that weave together to an intense climax. I highly recommend both of Nicholls’ historical fiction novels for those who enjoy a meaty read and an admirable hero and heroine.
May 5, 2015
Klappentext
Gloucestershire zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts: Trotz ihrer Jugend hat die heranwachsende Isabel de Rolland schon manchen Schicksalsschlag erlitten. Seit dem Tod ihrer Eltern lebt sie bei ihrem Onkel Godfrey in dessen düsterem Herrenhaus de Rolland Park. Die Familie lässt Isabel stets spüren, dass sie nicht dazugehört und nur geduldet ist. Dennoch möchte Isabel in de Rolland Park bleiben, denn ein anderes Zuhause kennt sie nicht. Doch dann will Godfrey die ungeliebte Nichte mit einem Mann in Australien verheiraten, den sie noch nie gesehen hat. Und so begibt sich Isabel auf eine gefährliche Reise in eine ungewisse Zukunft
Über die Autorin
Johanna Nicholls studierte in Sydney und hat als Journalistin in London sowie als Produzentin und Redakteurin für das australische Fernsehen gearbeitet. Sie bewundert die Werke von Shakespeare, Goethe und Tolstoi genauso wie Margaret Mitchells "Vom Winde verweht" oder Jane Austens "Stolz und Vorurteil". Mit ihrem Roman "Die Blüte des Eukalyptus", für den sie intensive historische Recherchen betrieben hat, erfüllte sie sich einen Lebenstraum: den Wunsch, Autorin zu werden und eine große Australiensaga zu schreiben. Sie lebt in einem Haus aus dem 19. Jahrhundert in einem Vorort von Sydney, wo sie gerade an einem weiteren historischen Roman schreibt.
Meine Meinung
Story
Ich habe diesen Roman als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen. Die Inhaltsangabe hatte mich sofort angesprochen. Die Handlung klingt zuerst wie die meisten Australienromane, naive, unschuldige junge Frau wird von Verwandten in ein fernes Land verscherbelt, um dort zu heiraten. Doch auf den zweiten Blick ist dieses Buch schon etwas anders, denn die Protagonistin Isabel kann die Geister der verstorbenen sehen und sieht wie dieses zu Tode gekommen sind, was diesem Buch einen völlig anderen Flair verleiht. Dieses hat die Autorin in eine schöne, romantische aber auch spannende Geschichte eingebunden, denn die Scheinehe, die Isabel und Marmaduke eingegangen sind, wird schnell zur wahren Liebe, die viele Hindernisse überwinden muss, wie zum Beispiel Isabels schlimme Vergangenheit, an die sie sich nach und nach wieder erinnern kann und die ihr immer noch zu schaffen macht. Als man schon denkt, dass beide ihr Glück gefunden haben, tauchen die Dämonen der Vergangenheit wieder auf und versuchen ihr Glück zunichte zu machen. Ich habe nur einen Kritikpunkt, es waren auch einige, wenn auch wenige, langatmige Passagen im Roman. Ich denke das Buch wäre mit 200 Seiten weniger auch gut bedient gewesen.
Der Schreibstil
Das Buch lässt sich sehr leicht und flüssig lesen, auch wenn es an einigen, aber wenigen Stellen etwas langatmig wird. Die Geschichte wird im Wechsel von Isabel und Marmaduke, aber auch einige Male von Marmadukes Vater erzählt, so das man die unterschiedliche Sichtweise der Protagonisten wunderbar nachvollziehen kann.
Die Chraktere
Ich habe die Charaktere von Isabel und Marmaduke sofort gemocht. Sie sind sehr schön und authentisch wiedergegeben und waren mir sofort sympathisch. Auch den Nebencharakteren hat Johanna Nicholls authentische und realistische Züge gegeben, so das diese perfekt in die Geschichte mit eingebunden wurden. Isabel konnte einem schon sehr Leid tun, was sie in ihrem jungen Leben schon alles mitgemacht hat. Sie wurde von ihrer Familie nur für ihren Eigennutz missbraucht und geschändet. Zum Glück verliebt sich Marmaduke schnell in sie, so dass sie nicht auch noch von ihm ausgenutzt wird.
Meine Meinung
Ein ganz besonderer Australienroman mit ein wenig mystischem Flair, spannend und mit tollen Charakteren, die das Ganze perfekt abrunden. Bis auf ein paar Längen ließ sich das Buch sehr gut lesen. Ich vergebe vier von fünf Sternen, ein MUSS für alle Fans von Australienromanen.
Gloucestershire zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts: Trotz ihrer Jugend hat die heranwachsende Isabel de Rolland schon manchen Schicksalsschlag erlitten. Seit dem Tod ihrer Eltern lebt sie bei ihrem Onkel Godfrey in dessen düsterem Herrenhaus de Rolland Park. Die Familie lässt Isabel stets spüren, dass sie nicht dazugehört und nur geduldet ist. Dennoch möchte Isabel in de Rolland Park bleiben, denn ein anderes Zuhause kennt sie nicht. Doch dann will Godfrey die ungeliebte Nichte mit einem Mann in Australien verheiraten, den sie noch nie gesehen hat. Und so begibt sich Isabel auf eine gefährliche Reise in eine ungewisse Zukunft
Über die Autorin
Johanna Nicholls studierte in Sydney und hat als Journalistin in London sowie als Produzentin und Redakteurin für das australische Fernsehen gearbeitet. Sie bewundert die Werke von Shakespeare, Goethe und Tolstoi genauso wie Margaret Mitchells "Vom Winde verweht" oder Jane Austens "Stolz und Vorurteil". Mit ihrem Roman "Die Blüte des Eukalyptus", für den sie intensive historische Recherchen betrieben hat, erfüllte sie sich einen Lebenstraum: den Wunsch, Autorin zu werden und eine große Australiensaga zu schreiben. Sie lebt in einem Haus aus dem 19. Jahrhundert in einem Vorort von Sydney, wo sie gerade an einem weiteren historischen Roman schreibt.
Meine Meinung
Story
Ich habe diesen Roman als Rezensionsexemplar bekommen. Die Inhaltsangabe hatte mich sofort angesprochen. Die Handlung klingt zuerst wie die meisten Australienromane, naive, unschuldige junge Frau wird von Verwandten in ein fernes Land verscherbelt, um dort zu heiraten. Doch auf den zweiten Blick ist dieses Buch schon etwas anders, denn die Protagonistin Isabel kann die Geister der verstorbenen sehen und sieht wie dieses zu Tode gekommen sind, was diesem Buch einen völlig anderen Flair verleiht. Dieses hat die Autorin in eine schöne, romantische aber auch spannende Geschichte eingebunden, denn die Scheinehe, die Isabel und Marmaduke eingegangen sind, wird schnell zur wahren Liebe, die viele Hindernisse überwinden muss, wie zum Beispiel Isabels schlimme Vergangenheit, an die sie sich nach und nach wieder erinnern kann und die ihr immer noch zu schaffen macht. Als man schon denkt, dass beide ihr Glück gefunden haben, tauchen die Dämonen der Vergangenheit wieder auf und versuchen ihr Glück zunichte zu machen. Ich habe nur einen Kritikpunkt, es waren auch einige, wenn auch wenige, langatmige Passagen im Roman. Ich denke das Buch wäre mit 200 Seiten weniger auch gut bedient gewesen.
Der Schreibstil
Das Buch lässt sich sehr leicht und flüssig lesen, auch wenn es an einigen, aber wenigen Stellen etwas langatmig wird. Die Geschichte wird im Wechsel von Isabel und Marmaduke, aber auch einige Male von Marmadukes Vater erzählt, so das man die unterschiedliche Sichtweise der Protagonisten wunderbar nachvollziehen kann.
Die Chraktere
Ich habe die Charaktere von Isabel und Marmaduke sofort gemocht. Sie sind sehr schön und authentisch wiedergegeben und waren mir sofort sympathisch. Auch den Nebencharakteren hat Johanna Nicholls authentische und realistische Züge gegeben, so das diese perfekt in die Geschichte mit eingebunden wurden. Isabel konnte einem schon sehr Leid tun, was sie in ihrem jungen Leben schon alles mitgemacht hat. Sie wurde von ihrer Familie nur für ihren Eigennutz missbraucht und geschändet. Zum Glück verliebt sich Marmaduke schnell in sie, so dass sie nicht auch noch von ihm ausgenutzt wird.
Meine Meinung
Ein ganz besonderer Australienroman mit ein wenig mystischem Flair, spannend und mit tollen Charakteren, die das Ganze perfekt abrunden. Bis auf ein paar Längen ließ sich das Buch sehr gut lesen. Ich vergebe vier von fünf Sternen, ein MUSS für alle Fans von Australienromanen.
May 18, 2015
Verlagstext:
Gloucestershire zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts: Trotz ihrer Jugend hat die heranwachsende Isabel de Rolland schon manchen Schicksalsschlag erlitten. Seit dem Tod ihrer Eltern lebt sie bei ihrem Onkel Godfrey in dessen düsterem Herrenhaus de Rolland Park. Die Familie lässt Isabel stets spüren, dass sie nicht dazugehört und nur geduldet ist. Dennoch möchte Isabel in de Rolland Park bleiben, denn ein anderes Zuhause kennt sie nicht. Doch dann will Godfrey die ungeliebte Nichte mit einem Mann in Australien verheiraten, den sie noch nie gesehen hat. Und so begibt sich Isabel auf eine gefährliche Reise in eine ungewisse Zukunft….
Die junge Isabel de Rolland macht sich also auf nach Australien um ihren zukünftigen Mann, dessen Familie und ihr neues Leben kennen zu lernen. Nach anfänglichen Startschwierigkeiten in dem fremden Land und mit Marmaduke, ihrem baldigen Ehemann, findet sich die junge Aristokratin gut zurecht. Sie ist wissbegierig und neugierig auf das Land und die Leute. Die Ehe mit dem jungen Currancy lad soll respektvoll und ohne Verpflichtungen beiderseits sein. Denn beide halten von der Liebe und von der Ehe nichts, sie erfüllen nur ihre Pflichten gegenüber der Familie……
Die Autorin Johanna Nicholls beschreibt in ihrem Roman recht anschaulich das Leben und die Menschen, als Australien noch eine Strafkolonie des Empires war. Die Handlung ist überschaubar mit nur wenigen Überraschungen. Persönlich fand ich, dass dem Land selber und den Ureinwohnern – mit einigen Ausnahmen, zu wenig Aufmerksamkeit in der Geschichte gewidmet wurde. Von einem Australienroman erwartete ich mir das dann doch. Die Geschehnisse in der Geschichte begrenzten sich für mich zu sehr auf die zwei jungen Leute und ihr Umfeld. Der Schreibstil und die Dialoge gefielen mir aber ansonsten sehr gut und die Saga las sich recht flüssig.
Mit Isabel und Marmaduke sind der Autorin zwei nette Protagonisten gelungen. Isabel ist nicht die schüchterne überreizte junge Dame, wie man sie oft in solchen Romanen erfährt, sondern kann sich sehr gut durchsetzen. Ihre Gabe die Toten zu sehen, verleiht der doch recht einfachen Liebesgeschichte eine gewisse Abwechslung in der Abfolge. Marmaduke ist der klassische Liebhaber in solchen Romanen, der sich vom Casanova zum Monogamist wandelt und aufsässig gegenüber seinem Vater ist. Gespickt wird die Handlung mit gut durchdachten Nebendarstellern. Ein Bösewicht fehlt natürlich nicht.
Mein Fazit:
Für die ca. 730 Seiten die der Roman hat erwartete ich mir mehr Abwechslung und Abenteuer. Besonders das Land selber und die Aborigines kommen in der Geschichte zu wenig zur Geltung. Bei einem Australienroman war dies doch eine meiner Erwartungen. Sieht man von diesen Schwachpunkten ab, ist der Autorin ein recht passabler Roman gelungen der die Herzen von Romantikern höher schlagen lässt.
September 15, 2013
Ghost Gum Valley is the story of Isabel de Rolland, a English girl of regal heritage sent to Australia to marry an emancipist's son, Marmaduke, who she has never met, in exchange for the money to pay her family's debts. It is not only the story of how Isabel copes with her current circumstances but with the spectre of her past, wrapped tightly in dark family secrets. It is also the story of Marmaduke's strained relationship with his father and of his transition from cavalier playboy to responsible husband. Maramduke's family too, has secrets, some of them entwined with Isabel's own family. Throughout all it is about the relationship between Isabel and Marmaduke, which commences as a marriage of convenience.
The story is set in the early days of Australia's development and the author does an excellent job of bringing that era to life. She weaves historical fact into vivid descriptions of the surrounds, in town and bush alike, and uses dress, language and attitudes to seamlessly place the characters in that time frame.
The romance between Isabel and Marmaduke is not sweet and sickly but grows as a natural part of the storyline. This novel is first and foremost, a saga.
There was throughout the book, a reference to Isabel as a witch and to the supernatural, in the form of communication with ghosts. I found this to be implausible and thought it an unnecessary addition to the tale. I would have been happy to read the book without it but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Ghost Gum Valley is a page turner, fast paced and revealing secret after secret. It is populated with strong and vibrant characters and is well worth the read.
I look forward to reading other work by this author.
My husband gave me a hard copy of this book for my birthday. I do not know the author and was not requested to leave a review.
The story is set in the early days of Australia's development and the author does an excellent job of bringing that era to life. She weaves historical fact into vivid descriptions of the surrounds, in town and bush alike, and uses dress, language and attitudes to seamlessly place the characters in that time frame.
The romance between Isabel and Marmaduke is not sweet and sickly but grows as a natural part of the storyline. This novel is first and foremost, a saga.
There was throughout the book, a reference to Isabel as a witch and to the supernatural, in the form of communication with ghosts. I found this to be implausible and thought it an unnecessary addition to the tale. I would have been happy to read the book without it but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Ghost Gum Valley is a page turner, fast paced and revealing secret after secret. It is populated with strong and vibrant characters and is well worth the read.
I look forward to reading other work by this author.
My husband gave me a hard copy of this book for my birthday. I do not know the author and was not requested to leave a review.
September 1, 2013
Johanna Nicholls' Australian historical saga is rich with description of life in 1830s Australia.
With the country just notching up its half-century as a colony of England, and still the dumping ground for English criminals, 'Ghost Gum Valley' charts the complex relationship that binds English aristocrat Isabel de Rolland and the Currency Lad son of a former de Rolland servant, Marmaduke Gamble.
At over 530 pages, the story is long but does justice to the saga that unfolds. Isabel leaves her creepy ancestral home and clinging cousin Silas for the sweeping New South Wales countryside and the rollicking Sydney Town for an arranged marriage with the card-carrying libertine Marmaduke, who has sworn to love no woman and is busy bedding as many of the ladies in the Top Thirteen families as he can. But in order to inherit his beloved mother's family property, Mingaletta, Marmaduke is forced to enter into marriage with eighteen year old Isabel.
The saga brings many skeletons out of the de Rolland/Gamble closets, including including child abuse, deep trauma, murder, a child born 'on the wrong side of the blanket', false accusations leading to criminal conviction and transportation, and illicit sex. As the story unfolds there are further elements of physical violence, cruelty, human slavery under the guise of penal colony punishment, abuse and death.
Within this context, 'Ghost Gum Valley' is both a good read and a good historical romance set in a time in our history when life was not as simple as it is now, and women were treated with much less respect.
With the country just notching up its half-century as a colony of England, and still the dumping ground for English criminals, 'Ghost Gum Valley' charts the complex relationship that binds English aristocrat Isabel de Rolland and the Currency Lad son of a former de Rolland servant, Marmaduke Gamble.
At over 530 pages, the story is long but does justice to the saga that unfolds. Isabel leaves her creepy ancestral home and clinging cousin Silas for the sweeping New South Wales countryside and the rollicking Sydney Town for an arranged marriage with the card-carrying libertine Marmaduke, who has sworn to love no woman and is busy bedding as many of the ladies in the Top Thirteen families as he can. But in order to inherit his beloved mother's family property, Mingaletta, Marmaduke is forced to enter into marriage with eighteen year old Isabel.
The saga brings many skeletons out of the de Rolland/Gamble closets, including including child abuse, deep trauma, murder, a child born 'on the wrong side of the blanket', false accusations leading to criminal conviction and transportation, and illicit sex. As the story unfolds there are further elements of physical violence, cruelty, human slavery under the guise of penal colony punishment, abuse and death.
Within this context, 'Ghost Gum Valley' is both a good read and a good historical romance set in a time in our history when life was not as simple as it is now, and women were treated with much less respect.
July 29, 2013
This book was great...all 500+ action packed pages of wonderfully creative writing!
From start to finish it kept the pace going with something happening all the time...often in several places at once, so that you are all the time intrigued as to how things will unfold and connect.
Yet they do unfold very nicely and convincingly with every twist and turn, totally complimenting the framework that formed it and brought it all neatly together.
Johanna Nicholls has a real knack for portraying drama with all the nuances that add flavor and excitement, and expectation to any event, but especially for managing to incorporate all those extra little difficulties that can, an often do, complicate an already tricky situation.
There is no padding in this story, it is all action, with significant situations evolving in different areas across time and space to create a whole sequence of events that will culminate into many unpredictable circumstances, which in turn create a flow on effect that forms into this epic tale. Very imaginative and evocative storytelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed her first book 'Ironbark' and have now added this, her second book to my list of favorite authors. I look forward with excitement to seeing what Johanna Nicholls comes up with next and hope it is more of this ilk...as she does it so well.
October 27, 2015
Read this book about Colonial Australia, love the research this author has put into her work. Have read two other of her novels also set in Colonial Australia and she has grown in her genre. This is one of her earlier works, her latest called The Lace Balcony is just brilliant.
If you like fiction based on fact with a bit of history, then do check out this book and the other offerings from this author, you will not be disappointed.Her ladies have spirit, no simpering misses need apply, but then Australia in its early days needed strong minded women to face the challenge that an emerging country evolving from convict stock and free settlers required.
A thoroughly engaging novel, make a cuppa, pull up a chair and be transported to another time in Australia's history.
If you like fiction based on fact with a bit of history, then do check out this book and the other offerings from this author, you will not be disappointed.Her ladies have spirit, no simpering misses need apply, but then Australia in its early days needed strong minded women to face the challenge that an emerging country evolving from convict stock and free settlers required.
A thoroughly engaging novel, make a cuppa, pull up a chair and be transported to another time in Australia's history.
August 2, 2014
It was only by chance that "Ghost Gum Valley" caught my eye in a Book shop and decided to buy it, and I am so glad I did. From the first pages it held me and I thought it was very well researched and written about the Colonial days and it took me back to my school days when we had to study early Australia. I just loved the Characters and the story line. I can't wait to read Johanna's new book. "The lace Balcony". A Great read.
October 14, 2012
A very long novel about early Australia. I found myself tuning out a bit at times, and found some
things a bit too trite (I live in Australia). A good read, but a little too long, which when things became a little boring I'm afraid my attention wandered somewhat.
Best if read in stages.
things a bit too trite (I live in Australia). A good read, but a little too long, which when things became a little boring I'm afraid my attention wandered somewhat.
Best if read in stages.
August 3, 2012
Characters were good all had lot's of secrets.
September 30, 2012
I read all of the book, but must admit to wondering why a few times. A 'sort of' rollicking romp is an apt description methinks.
November 10, 2012
A bit long and slow at times.
August 20, 2015
Brilliantly told historical romance and also some mystery.
February 15, 2016
awesome book. Australian based convict makes good story.
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