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The Moon Gate
From the author of the Richard & Judy pick The Midnight House. A wartime secret. An abandoned house. How long can they run from the past?
A mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, moving between Tasmania, London, and Kerry in 1939, 1975 and 2004. Perfect for fans of Natasha Lester, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley.
1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey and her companion, the strikingly beautiful - yet impossibly distant - Rose Munro, must travel to the far side of the world to stay with Grace's eccentric uncle. Coaxed out of her shell by the extreme wilderness of Tasmania - and helped by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel McGillycuddy - Grace finally learns to live. But when Daniel is called to the war in the Pacific, he unwittingly leaves behind a terrible secret which will forever bind them together.
1975: When an anonymous benefactor leaves artist Willow Hawkins a house on Tasmania's remote and treacherous west coast, she and her new husband, Ben, can't believe their luck. Confused and delighted, they set out to unravel the identity of Towerhurst's previous owner and in doing so uncover a mystery that will alter the course of their lives.
2004: Libby Andrews is living in the shadow of her mother's grief. Willow has sheltered Libby from the truth behind her father's death for her whole life. But, when she discovers a faded photograph of a house emblazoned with the name 'Towerhurst', it unlocks a long-buried memory. As Libby follows in the footsteps of the investigation her father could never complete, she realises that some secrets are best left buried . . .
502 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
624 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Geard
7 books229 followersAmanda Geard is the bestselling author of THE MOON GATE and Richard & Judy Book Club pick THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE which was a UK Heatseeker and a top 10 kindle bestseller. Both novels are translated into ten languages. Her new book, THE GLASS KEY, will be published in May 2026 and has already sold across the world.
She has always loved novels with multiple timelines, ones which weave a complex web that resolve as the reader turns the final page, where secrets lie just beneath the surface if only the characters know where to look. She’s also a geologist who explores and maps the earth’s remote places. She splits her time between Ireland, Norway and ‘the field’.
“The inspiration for my first novel, THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, appeared in the rafters of our Irish home, a two-hundred-year-old stone building perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Hidden there was a message, scratched into wood: 'When this comes down, pray for me. Tim O’Shea 1911'. As I held that piece of timber in my hands, dust clinging to my paint-stained clothes, I was humbled that a person’s fingerprint could, in a thousand ways, transcend time, and I wanted nothing more than to capture that feeling of discovery on the page.
My second novel, THE MOON GATE, is set across three locations: Tasmania (the place I grew up), London (where I lived for years in a houseboat on Paddington Canal) and County Kerry, Ireland (my home). Each of these places is special to me and I hope the settings, as much as the characters, will reach out from the page and reassure you that – in this world – you are not alone.
Finally, THE GLASS KEY is coming in May 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited! The inspiration for this novel began in April 2011. As Kate and Wills walked down the aisle, my soon-to-be husband and I walked onto an isle, a 52-acre Norwegian one, one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
It was for sale.
It was love at first sight.
We were 29.
We bought the island, learned to live. The Glass Key pays homage to this, weaving in the struggles of four women in Occupied Norway and the lengths they’ll go to to survive. Expect love and sacrifice. Expect tears. Expect hope. I can’t wait to share this book with you soon!”
You can find more information about Amanda Geard and her books on Instagram (@amandageard) or contact her at www.amandageard.com – where you can also join her mailing list for updates on books, events and giveaways.
She has always loved novels with multiple timelines, ones which weave a complex web that resolve as the reader turns the final page, where secrets lie just beneath the surface if only the characters know where to look. She’s also a geologist who explores and maps the earth’s remote places. She splits her time between Ireland, Norway and ‘the field’.
“The inspiration for my first novel, THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, appeared in the rafters of our Irish home, a two-hundred-year-old stone building perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Hidden there was a message, scratched into wood: 'When this comes down, pray for me. Tim O’Shea 1911'. As I held that piece of timber in my hands, dust clinging to my paint-stained clothes, I was humbled that a person’s fingerprint could, in a thousand ways, transcend time, and I wanted nothing more than to capture that feeling of discovery on the page.
My second novel, THE MOON GATE, is set across three locations: Tasmania (the place I grew up), London (where I lived for years in a houseboat on Paddington Canal) and County Kerry, Ireland (my home). Each of these places is special to me and I hope the settings, as much as the characters, will reach out from the page and reassure you that – in this world – you are not alone.
Finally, THE GLASS KEY is coming in May 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited! The inspiration for this novel began in April 2011. As Kate and Wills walked down the aisle, my soon-to-be husband and I walked onto an isle, a 52-acre Norwegian one, one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
It was for sale.
It was love at first sight.
We were 29.
We bought the island, learned to live. The Glass Key pays homage to this, weaving in the struggles of four women in Occupied Norway and the lengths they’ll go to to survive. Expect love and sacrifice. Expect tears. Expect hope. I can’t wait to share this book with you soon!”
You can find more information about Amanda Geard and her books on Instagram (@amandageard) or contact her at www.amandageard.com – where you can also join her mailing list for updates on books, events and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
July 28, 2023
When fifteen year old Grace Grey left London with her chaperone, Rose Munro, it was 1939 and they were escaping to Tasmania to live with Uncle Marcus and Aunt Olive for the duration of the war. Grace's mother had no love for her daughter, her cold and aloof manner, as well as the words, keeping Grace with no faith in herself. She was unloveable, as her mother had always said - but slowly, in the home called Towerhurst, Grace gradually shed that skin. Meeting a young Daniel McGillycuddy and his good friend Puds saw her blossom. But war was to call Daniel and Puds...
Willow and Ben Hawkins, newly married in 1975, were gobsmacked when they inherited a home in western Tasmania from an anonymous benefactor. The moon gate was fascinating; the waterfall and dense bush, the bird song - but the home had been neglected; there would be work to be done.
Libby Andrews was only ten years old when she first saw Towerhurst but was only there for a matter of hours. Her mother, Willow, was in a strange mood as they left to head back home. When Libby was in her twenties, she travelled to London in 2004 to follow in her father's footsteps, to search for the past. There was so much to learn, so much to discover. But she didn't expect to find what she did.
The Moon Gate by Aussie author Amanda Geard is spectacular! Fiction blended with fact, and at just over 500 pages, it was long - but the words sped by, capturing me from the first page to the last. The characters are well written, the verbal descriptions such that I was there, in that beautiful setting in Tasmania; in London at Grosvenor Square; in Kerry, Ireland among its delicate beauty. I was so pleased that what I wanted to happen, did. But I didn't expect the clever twist at the end! This is my first by this author, and now I have to search out her first novel, The Midnight House Highly recommended.
With thanks to Simone Corletto at Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Willow and Ben Hawkins, newly married in 1975, were gobsmacked when they inherited a home in western Tasmania from an anonymous benefactor. The moon gate was fascinating; the waterfall and dense bush, the bird song - but the home had been neglected; there would be work to be done.
Libby Andrews was only ten years old when she first saw Towerhurst but was only there for a matter of hours. Her mother, Willow, was in a strange mood as they left to head back home. When Libby was in her twenties, she travelled to London in 2004 to follow in her father's footsteps, to search for the past. There was so much to learn, so much to discover. But she didn't expect to find what she did.
The Moon Gate by Aussie author Amanda Geard is spectacular! Fiction blended with fact, and at just over 500 pages, it was long - but the words sped by, capturing me from the first page to the last. The characters are well written, the verbal descriptions such that I was there, in that beautiful setting in Tasmania; in London at Grosvenor Square; in Kerry, Ireland among its delicate beauty. I was so pleased that what I wanted to happen, did. But I didn't expect the clever twist at the end! This is my first by this author, and now I have to search out her first novel, The Midnight House Highly recommended.
With thanks to Simone Corletto at Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2023
Amanda Geard’s masterful writing seeps into every corner of this evocative, enveloping, and unforgettable mystery!
She quickly pulled me in and kept me spellbound for the entirety of her multi-timeline story (1939, 1975, and 2004) spanning three generations and set in three places dear to her heart; London, Tasmania, and County Kerry. I was in awe of how she continues to display her mastery of the triad of writing; setting, character, and plot. Each is fully developed and layered and I truly felt like I was exploring stately homes and wandering the rainforests or heather-covered hills with her characters. Libby, Grace, and Willow’s stories examined love, war, and sacrifice and were each seamlessly stitched together with soul-searching poetry and secrets.
If you haven’t experienced the thrill of reading Geard’s books, what are you waiting for? You’ve been forewarned: this book will take longer than usual to finish because you’ll be re-reading sections just to experience the magical pull of the prose.
There is no doubt that the author’s geology knowledge, love of poetry, and time spent at each location contributed to the success of this book. Geard’s technique and nuances, added to these three influences, take this story to the next level.
This twisty, atmospheric, and magical book needs to be front and center on your night table!
I was gifted this copy by Headline and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
She quickly pulled me in and kept me spellbound for the entirety of her multi-timeline story (1939, 1975, and 2004) spanning three generations and set in three places dear to her heart; London, Tasmania, and County Kerry. I was in awe of how she continues to display her mastery of the triad of writing; setting, character, and plot. Each is fully developed and layered and I truly felt like I was exploring stately homes and wandering the rainforests or heather-covered hills with her characters. Libby, Grace, and Willow’s stories examined love, war, and sacrifice and were each seamlessly stitched together with soul-searching poetry and secrets.
If you haven’t experienced the thrill of reading Geard’s books, what are you waiting for? You’ve been forewarned: this book will take longer than usual to finish because you’ll be re-reading sections just to experience the magical pull of the prose.
There is no doubt that the author’s geology knowledge, love of poetry, and time spent at each location contributed to the success of this book. Geard’s technique and nuances, added to these three influences, take this story to the next level.
This twisty, atmospheric, and magical book needs to be front and center on your night table!
I was gifted this copy by Headline and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 13, 2023
The Moon Gate is a rich, multi-layered story with an intricate tale spanning three generations. Complex characters in three evocative locations and with a plot that testifies to Amanda’s mastery in storytelling.
“Come on, tell me. An old house in the rainforest, a secret legacy, some hidden history her mum wouldn't talk about.”
This is a book that I can’t even begin to imagine how it was possible to weave it all together into such a riveting and successful story. There is 2004 as Libby searches for answers about her father, Ben’s, death. There is 1975 when Ben is alive and seeks to unravel the mystery and identity of Towerhurst - an old house on the rugged Tasmanian west coast. Finally, there is 1939 when two young women, Grace and Rose, are sent away from London and the advancing threats of Nazi Germany to a distant relative in the house called Towerhurst.
‘… the moon gate … stepping through it was like walking into another life. A rebirth … he'd realised just how circular human existence was, and that no matter how hard you tried to shake off the past it was always there, coiling round the years, holding them tight.’
Three timelines - I don’t think I have ever attempted a read such as this. All related, all linked - intricate puzzle pieces in a slowly unfolding mystery. Now this did mean I had to pay attention - closely! This interwoven, multigenerational mystery will be a challenge but well worth it for the end result. The characters both main and secondary and the locations from west coast Tasmania, to London, to Ireland's county Kerry are rich and inviting. The writing ties it all wonderfully well in a masterclass of historical fiction.
‘It seems silly, doesn't it, that we spend all this time in life not saying things to people that we should, and then it's too late?’
The Moon Gate is definitely in the category of a sweeping saga inclusive of all the romance, heartbreak with family drama and mystery. The twists and turns will unfold in this highly ambitious tale, with some definite surprises. A wonderful and encapsulating read for lovers of this genre.
‘Everything that happens to us, everything we do, weaves into the future as though we're sewing ourselves together with invisible threads.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
“Come on, tell me. An old house in the rainforest, a secret legacy, some hidden history her mum wouldn't talk about.”
This is a book that I can’t even begin to imagine how it was possible to weave it all together into such a riveting and successful story. There is 2004 as Libby searches for answers about her father, Ben’s, death. There is 1975 when Ben is alive and seeks to unravel the mystery and identity of Towerhurst - an old house on the rugged Tasmanian west coast. Finally, there is 1939 when two young women, Grace and Rose, are sent away from London and the advancing threats of Nazi Germany to a distant relative in the house called Towerhurst.
‘… the moon gate … stepping through it was like walking into another life. A rebirth … he'd realised just how circular human existence was, and that no matter how hard you tried to shake off the past it was always there, coiling round the years, holding them tight.’
Three timelines - I don’t think I have ever attempted a read such as this. All related, all linked - intricate puzzle pieces in a slowly unfolding mystery. Now this did mean I had to pay attention - closely! This interwoven, multigenerational mystery will be a challenge but well worth it for the end result. The characters both main and secondary and the locations from west coast Tasmania, to London, to Ireland's county Kerry are rich and inviting. The writing ties it all wonderfully well in a masterclass of historical fiction.
‘It seems silly, doesn't it, that we spend all this time in life not saying things to people that we should, and then it's too late?’
The Moon Gate is definitely in the category of a sweeping saga inclusive of all the romance, heartbreak with family drama and mystery. The twists and turns will unfold in this highly ambitious tale, with some definite surprises. A wonderful and encapsulating read for lovers of this genre.
‘Everything that happens to us, everything we do, weaves into the future as though we're sewing ourselves together with invisible threads.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 29, 2023
3.75 🌟
This book drew me in immediately with the writing style and the setting but I was left confused by all the characters and timelines. The storyline I enjoyed the most was the WW2 timeline with Grace and Rose. The characters in that story were wonderfully fully formed and I felt a strong kinship with Grace.
The story had a bit too many twists and turns for my liking and seemed to take away from my enjoyment and the current timeline with Libby was not as developed.
A bit slower of a read for me and I struggled in places but a great story.
This book drew me in immediately with the writing style and the setting but I was left confused by all the characters and timelines. The storyline I enjoyed the most was the WW2 timeline with Grace and Rose. The characters in that story were wonderfully fully formed and I felt a strong kinship with Grace.
The story had a bit too many twists and turns for my liking and seemed to take away from my enjoyment and the current timeline with Libby was not as developed.
A bit slower of a read for me and I struggled in places but a great story.
April 19, 2024
Not sure how many stars to give this book, a 2 or a 3? It could have been shorter. I like stories with dual timelines, this one had three. Not a problem but the story dragged on longer than I thought it should and the characters seemed like they should have caught on sooner.
June 30, 2023
The Moon Gate by Amanda Geard published with Headline June 8th and is described as ‘a mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, sweeping the reader from London to Tasmania and to Ireland. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley and Eve Chase.'
I thoroughly enjoyed The Midnight House, Amanda Geard’s debut novel, a book that was packed full with intrigue and sumptuous descriptions. As a fan of historical fiction I love to be swept away to another time and place and to be immersed in the lives of those who went before us. One of the many attractions of The Moon Gate is the fact that part of it is set in Tasmania, which is the birthplace of Amanda Geard. Now, living in Kerry, she combines her passion for nature, her homeland, and her adopted homeland, into this beautifully expressive mystery set across three timelines. I had never heard of a moon gate before, so I was intrigued to see where I would travel to once I stepped through the image on the cover. A moon gate, by the way, is of Chinese origin, a garden feature giving access onto a particular pathway, and is a circular design built out of brick.
‘The letter opens a hole in the earth, and through the darkness she tumbles’
In 1939, Grace Grey is packed off to Australia for her safety, with her chaperone, Rose Munro. Grace has grown up under the illusion that she is a person that is difficult to love and lacks confidence in her strength and ability. Rose is her elder by a couple of years and draws people to her like a moth to a light, leaving Grace feeling very inadequate and plain.
‘Rose was exactly the kind of young woman who inspired winks and lingering glances. She was physical perfection in every way’
Grace’s uncle Marcus is married and living on the Tasmanian coast in a big house in quite an isolated area but the silence suits Grace, as she slowly steps out from her shell. She befriends a young Irish boy, Daniel, who longs to return home to his family place in Kerry. But the war changes the colour of everything with Daniel enlisting and being called to fight.
In 1975, Willow and her husband Ben are shocked, yet also thrilled, to hear that they have been bequeathed a property on the Tasmanian coastline.
‘There, before them, was a magnificent Federation house, large but not ostentatious, in two shades of white, crisp alabaster on the lower half, peeling ivory above, as though someone had set down a paintbrush at the end of the work day, gone home for tea, and never returned. Eight windows peered from the elevation and a deep verandah promised sundowners and shelter from the west coast’s famous rain. But the most remarkable, and most out of place, was the tower that reached from the house, rising above the red corrugated iron roof and soaring over the canopy. A sea view, indeed’
The inheritance was from an anonymous donor, much to their surprise, sending the adventurous pair off an extraordinary journey that would have consequences, sending ripples through the years.
In 2004 Libby leaves Australia for London, off on a search for the truth into her father’s death. Libby never knew him and has always hungered for information. Her mother clamps up whenever she asks questions and Libby, after suffering her own personal tragedy, decides to find out more. There is a trail of breadcrumbs waiting to be followed, one that could possibly take Libby on an extraordinary journey across generations but is she willing to take the risk?
Like The Midnight House, The Moon Gate is an entirely captivating read, with incredible attention to detail across continents and generations. A layered and complex tale, Amanda Geard has expertly woven multiple threads, with secrets and lies cleverly revealed in the most perfectly timed moments. I have to mention the references to Australian poetry, in particular the work of the bush poet, Banjo Paterson. Waltzing Matilda is known to many of us, but Amanda directs our attention to The Man from Snowy River, with beautiful references throughout the book.
A wonderfully seductive mystery that will keep all readers engaged, The Moon Gate is an intricate & intriguing novel, a descriptive and absorbing piece of work.
“I hope you’ll feel you’re entering the temperate rainforest with Grace, opening the door to Towerhurst with Willow, walking through London’s layered history with Libby and stepping out to the heather-clad hills of County Kerry”– Amanda Geard
I thoroughly enjoyed The Midnight House, Amanda Geard’s debut novel, a book that was packed full with intrigue and sumptuous descriptions. As a fan of historical fiction I love to be swept away to another time and place and to be immersed in the lives of those who went before us. One of the many attractions of The Moon Gate is the fact that part of it is set in Tasmania, which is the birthplace of Amanda Geard. Now, living in Kerry, she combines her passion for nature, her homeland, and her adopted homeland, into this beautifully expressive mystery set across three timelines. I had never heard of a moon gate before, so I was intrigued to see where I would travel to once I stepped through the image on the cover. A moon gate, by the way, is of Chinese origin, a garden feature giving access onto a particular pathway, and is a circular design built out of brick.
‘The letter opens a hole in the earth, and through the darkness she tumbles’
In 1939, Grace Grey is packed off to Australia for her safety, with her chaperone, Rose Munro. Grace has grown up under the illusion that she is a person that is difficult to love and lacks confidence in her strength and ability. Rose is her elder by a couple of years and draws people to her like a moth to a light, leaving Grace feeling very inadequate and plain.
‘Rose was exactly the kind of young woman who inspired winks and lingering glances. She was physical perfection in every way’
Grace’s uncle Marcus is married and living on the Tasmanian coast in a big house in quite an isolated area but the silence suits Grace, as she slowly steps out from her shell. She befriends a young Irish boy, Daniel, who longs to return home to his family place in Kerry. But the war changes the colour of everything with Daniel enlisting and being called to fight.
In 1975, Willow and her husband Ben are shocked, yet also thrilled, to hear that they have been bequeathed a property on the Tasmanian coastline.
‘There, before them, was a magnificent Federation house, large but not ostentatious, in two shades of white, crisp alabaster on the lower half, peeling ivory above, as though someone had set down a paintbrush at the end of the work day, gone home for tea, and never returned. Eight windows peered from the elevation and a deep verandah promised sundowners and shelter from the west coast’s famous rain. But the most remarkable, and most out of place, was the tower that reached from the house, rising above the red corrugated iron roof and soaring over the canopy. A sea view, indeed’
The inheritance was from an anonymous donor, much to their surprise, sending the adventurous pair off an extraordinary journey that would have consequences, sending ripples through the years.
In 2004 Libby leaves Australia for London, off on a search for the truth into her father’s death. Libby never knew him and has always hungered for information. Her mother clamps up whenever she asks questions and Libby, after suffering her own personal tragedy, decides to find out more. There is a trail of breadcrumbs waiting to be followed, one that could possibly take Libby on an extraordinary journey across generations but is she willing to take the risk?
Like The Midnight House, The Moon Gate is an entirely captivating read, with incredible attention to detail across continents and generations. A layered and complex tale, Amanda Geard has expertly woven multiple threads, with secrets and lies cleverly revealed in the most perfectly timed moments. I have to mention the references to Australian poetry, in particular the work of the bush poet, Banjo Paterson. Waltzing Matilda is known to many of us, but Amanda directs our attention to The Man from Snowy River, with beautiful references throughout the book.
A wonderfully seductive mystery that will keep all readers engaged, The Moon Gate is an intricate & intriguing novel, a descriptive and absorbing piece of work.
“I hope you’ll feel you’re entering the temperate rainforest with Grace, opening the door to Towerhurst with Willow, walking through London’s layered history with Libby and stepping out to the heather-clad hills of County Kerry”– Amanda Geard
July 9, 2024
I found this quite slow with so many characters it took me a long time to get my head around them all. The timeline kept jumping about too. It got better halfway through.
May 18, 2023
An epic story set over 3 timelines all mysteriously brought together in this beautifully written story by Amanda Geard.
In 1929 Grace Grey and her companion Rose Munro set off for Tasmania to stay with Grace's Uncle Marcus to escape the coming war. Once there Grace comes alive and learns all about Australian poets, but the threat if war is not too far off Australian shores and she's set to lose all she's grown to love
1974 and Willow and Ben discover they've inherited an historic house Towerhurst. With no idea why Ben attempts to discover the story behind the inheritance. His quest takes him to London and tragedy
2004 Libby finds her dad's old satchel and wants to gets some answers about him that her mother has never been able to give her. Following in his footsteps Libby rediscovers herself and uncovers a long lost tale.
I loved this story, all timelines are easily explained at the beginning of each chapter. All the characters, except maybe 2, were likeable and relatable. Historical fact merged seamlessly into the prose and I loved all the poetry and how it fitted into the story. A worthy tale for all lovers of historical fiction
In 1929 Grace Grey and her companion Rose Munro set off for Tasmania to stay with Grace's Uncle Marcus to escape the coming war. Once there Grace comes alive and learns all about Australian poets, but the threat if war is not too far off Australian shores and she's set to lose all she's grown to love
1974 and Willow and Ben discover they've inherited an historic house Towerhurst. With no idea why Ben attempts to discover the story behind the inheritance. His quest takes him to London and tragedy
2004 Libby finds her dad's old satchel and wants to gets some answers about him that her mother has never been able to give her. Following in his footsteps Libby rediscovers herself and uncovers a long lost tale.
I loved this story, all timelines are easily explained at the beginning of each chapter. All the characters, except maybe 2, were likeable and relatable. Historical fact merged seamlessly into the prose and I loved all the poetry and how it fitted into the story. A worthy tale for all lovers of historical fiction
September 28, 2023
Love this author
I’m always looking for a new author who can draw me into their writing until I end up reading all night. Amanda Geard weaves that kind of story.
I love her writing. Her characters are well developed and she teaches history in such a subtle way that you long to know more.
I’ll be watching for her next book.
I’m always looking for a new author who can draw me into their writing until I end up reading all night. Amanda Geard weaves that kind of story.
I love her writing. Her characters are well developed and she teaches history in such a subtle way that you long to know more.
I’ll be watching for her next book.
March 1, 2024
I have to admit I didn’t finish this book, I read about 50 pages and got fed up of the timelines jumping around and I couldn’t keep up with the characters. I am sure it is an interesting story but I found it difficult to get into.
March 23, 2023
'Amanda Geard's stories are so special and stand alone in a category of their own. Genuine, original and awe inspiring like a flock of swans transcending ordinary time as their wings lift us into extraordinary places. The Moon Gate is magical, mesmerising and moving. Rainforest inspiring moments, little breaths of captured air— now escaping like mist into the dawn as they become a tapestry of wishes and wonder. This novel hovers over the ancient while its leaves of memories are blown up into the sky by tumultuous winds to reveal its roots of age-old story telling. Just stunning! Poetic, powerful and transcending. Yes, war is part of its fabric: hearts will change I am sure. But the journey is already magnificent.'
These words above I wrote and posted on social media when I had only read a few chapters of The Moon Gate. I was so inspired by the magnificent opening of this book I had to say something. Now that I have completed it, my strong sentiments still stand. I am so glad I indulged in this wonderful escape to Tasmania and Ireland, through a story that all began in an intriguing house of secrets and mystery.
Amanda’s fascinating cast of characters certainly put my heart through the paces— stirring up every emotion imaginable! Warning: this is a complex multi-generational, secret-filled story that contains three timelines: 1939, 1975, 2004 which is a fair juggle of details and characters. So, you must sit up and pay attention. The descriptions of the landscapes are gorgeous as you would expect from Amanda Geard. Ireland glitters like the emerald jewel it is, and Tasmania sparkles through the mists and wildness of its location at the ends of the earth. I have been to both islands so Amanda’s exquisite details are spot on and true to my own recollections. But she has added another creative element to this story: she has sewn into the mix of this madness and mystery a very Australian icon. Not only do the island settings become an extension of the characters (particularly Grace) but so does poet Banjo Paterson’s poetry.
Everything is about timing with this novel. Even my reading of it. I read this one slowly to soak up all that I could from the text and to enjoy Banjo Paterson’s poetry which is featured in The Moon Gate in a unique and gorgeous way—particularly in the 1939 timeline. I had a few of his poems in my various Australian poetry collections but oddly not as many as I thought. So, I purchased a dedicated collection. Re-acquainting myself with a larger body of his work, added to The Moon Gate reading experience. It is always lovely to revisit The Man from Snowy River poem and the movies that inspired the world (I met the talented Tom Burlinson, star of the show) but to also read Paterson’s less-familiar poems is a wise move, too.
Amanda demonstrates wonderfully how Banjo’s poetry inspires English heiress Grace Grey to dream and write; to feel more connected to the landscape and culture and to help her deal with life’s disappointments. Even before being transported to Australia from England (on the eve of WW2), she did not have it easy. This delicate girl never had much support—particularly from her mother. Her uncle Marcus in Tasmania, though, is kind to her and she finds some comfort in his home. But his wife is quite another matter. Fortunately, she meets Daniel McGillycuddy, an Irish neighbour, and they become close friends and share her love of Banjo’s bush poems. Their experiences together and apart are quite tumultuous at times. But those beautiful moments behind the moon gate linger like an Australian floral perfume in the face of dark forces that frequently try to pull them apart: such as war and other jealous characters.
In the timeline of 1974, we meet artist Willow Hawkins and her husband Ben. They inherit the moody Towerhurst legacy home. It has been given to them by a mysterious benefactor. They are delightfully surprised (who wouldn’t be?!) but of course, curiosity sends them on a journey of trying to unveil the person’s identity. Is it an unknown relative or someone else? And if so, why have they been chosen? The only clue provided to them by the legal representative is that it is someone who appreciates the arts.
But wait! How did all this start? Chapter one begins with the timeline of 2004 where we meet Ben’s daughter Libby who has stumbled across a photograph that shakes free a childhood memory of a house with ‘a turret reaching to the sky.’ It is in many ways her story for she is the one who reaches into the past to uncover the secrets and mysteries surrounding her family— a quest her father started but was unable to complete before his death. Her search takes her to some interesting places, including Ireland and it is here where much truth is unveiled. But not before many twists and turns and surprises!
And Grace, of course, is the central figure: a most intriguing character. A few lines from a poem in the novel is quoted: ‘It’s her memory that haunts me/ Of a girl that time forgot decades long before…’ Hidden in these two lines of poetry are subtle clues and once you read the story it will all make sense. The war is on but there are less known battles happening behind closed doors in families. For Grace, there are many feuds: including some with Rose, the older girl who travelled with her to Towerhurst.
The second world war shaped and changed the world in a big way but also on a smaller scale—individuals’ lives. There was a lot of movement of people across waters seeking safety, change and relief but with all those journeys, a lot of personal events happened. Some returned to their former birth homes and some adopted their new ones. In all this fierce shifting of people and transporting of cultures, many secrets were buried, names were forgotten and identities changed. These things are part of the weave of this story. Like the sea in a storm when waves roll back and rocks underneath are exposed. Hidden threads surface and truth rises to the surface like messages in tossed bottles.
The story comes full circle. From the Prologue, when a letter arrives in Ireland addressed to Mrs McGillycuddy from a Libby Andrews wishing to know more about her husband Daniel, to their meeting on the last pages. All is revealed. I actually recommend once finishing the story to go back to the beginning and re-read the opening again. Even more gems will jump out at you: trinkets, memories, breadcrumbs that were carefully laid from the start that will carry you along the waves of change to the finish line. This giant sea swell will eventually unfurl from one shore to another—leaving its remnants and a full exciting climax on the sand.
Take a walk through The Moon Gate (a circular opening in a garden wall that provides a passageway— common in traditional Chinese gardens) and see the wonder of it all: the good, bad, ugly and beautiful. It’s all here in Amanda’s novel and see if your heart is not changed by the journey. Besides the jealousy, hatred and rage, love is here among the ruins and grief.
This is a great story about family: of sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. Some who’ve been kept apart by lost or hidden identities. Then there is the grandchild who tries to pull it all together. The call and wonder of ancestral memories speak loudly above the ocean’s roar. This family’s stories will linger in my mind for a very long time and continue to smart the edges of my heart forever. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thank you to author Amanda Geard and her publisher Headline for my review copy.
These words above I wrote and posted on social media when I had only read a few chapters of The Moon Gate. I was so inspired by the magnificent opening of this book I had to say something. Now that I have completed it, my strong sentiments still stand. I am so glad I indulged in this wonderful escape to Tasmania and Ireland, through a story that all began in an intriguing house of secrets and mystery.
Amanda’s fascinating cast of characters certainly put my heart through the paces— stirring up every emotion imaginable! Warning: this is a complex multi-generational, secret-filled story that contains three timelines: 1939, 1975, 2004 which is a fair juggle of details and characters. So, you must sit up and pay attention. The descriptions of the landscapes are gorgeous as you would expect from Amanda Geard. Ireland glitters like the emerald jewel it is, and Tasmania sparkles through the mists and wildness of its location at the ends of the earth. I have been to both islands so Amanda’s exquisite details are spot on and true to my own recollections. But she has added another creative element to this story: she has sewn into the mix of this madness and mystery a very Australian icon. Not only do the island settings become an extension of the characters (particularly Grace) but so does poet Banjo Paterson’s poetry.
Everything is about timing with this novel. Even my reading of it. I read this one slowly to soak up all that I could from the text and to enjoy Banjo Paterson’s poetry which is featured in The Moon Gate in a unique and gorgeous way—particularly in the 1939 timeline. I had a few of his poems in my various Australian poetry collections but oddly not as many as I thought. So, I purchased a dedicated collection. Re-acquainting myself with a larger body of his work, added to The Moon Gate reading experience. It is always lovely to revisit The Man from Snowy River poem and the movies that inspired the world (I met the talented Tom Burlinson, star of the show) but to also read Paterson’s less-familiar poems is a wise move, too.
Amanda demonstrates wonderfully how Banjo’s poetry inspires English heiress Grace Grey to dream and write; to feel more connected to the landscape and culture and to help her deal with life’s disappointments. Even before being transported to Australia from England (on the eve of WW2), she did not have it easy. This delicate girl never had much support—particularly from her mother. Her uncle Marcus in Tasmania, though, is kind to her and she finds some comfort in his home. But his wife is quite another matter. Fortunately, she meets Daniel McGillycuddy, an Irish neighbour, and they become close friends and share her love of Banjo’s bush poems. Their experiences together and apart are quite tumultuous at times. But those beautiful moments behind the moon gate linger like an Australian floral perfume in the face of dark forces that frequently try to pull them apart: such as war and other jealous characters.
In the timeline of 1974, we meet artist Willow Hawkins and her husband Ben. They inherit the moody Towerhurst legacy home. It has been given to them by a mysterious benefactor. They are delightfully surprised (who wouldn’t be?!) but of course, curiosity sends them on a journey of trying to unveil the person’s identity. Is it an unknown relative or someone else? And if so, why have they been chosen? The only clue provided to them by the legal representative is that it is someone who appreciates the arts.
But wait! How did all this start? Chapter one begins with the timeline of 2004 where we meet Ben’s daughter Libby who has stumbled across a photograph that shakes free a childhood memory of a house with ‘a turret reaching to the sky.’ It is in many ways her story for she is the one who reaches into the past to uncover the secrets and mysteries surrounding her family— a quest her father started but was unable to complete before his death. Her search takes her to some interesting places, including Ireland and it is here where much truth is unveiled. But not before many twists and turns and surprises!
And Grace, of course, is the central figure: a most intriguing character. A few lines from a poem in the novel is quoted: ‘It’s her memory that haunts me/ Of a girl that time forgot decades long before…’ Hidden in these two lines of poetry are subtle clues and once you read the story it will all make sense. The war is on but there are less known battles happening behind closed doors in families. For Grace, there are many feuds: including some with Rose, the older girl who travelled with her to Towerhurst.
The second world war shaped and changed the world in a big way but also on a smaller scale—individuals’ lives. There was a lot of movement of people across waters seeking safety, change and relief but with all those journeys, a lot of personal events happened. Some returned to their former birth homes and some adopted their new ones. In all this fierce shifting of people and transporting of cultures, many secrets were buried, names were forgotten and identities changed. These things are part of the weave of this story. Like the sea in a storm when waves roll back and rocks underneath are exposed. Hidden threads surface and truth rises to the surface like messages in tossed bottles.
The story comes full circle. From the Prologue, when a letter arrives in Ireland addressed to Mrs McGillycuddy from a Libby Andrews wishing to know more about her husband Daniel, to their meeting on the last pages. All is revealed. I actually recommend once finishing the story to go back to the beginning and re-read the opening again. Even more gems will jump out at you: trinkets, memories, breadcrumbs that were carefully laid from the start that will carry you along the waves of change to the finish line. This giant sea swell will eventually unfurl from one shore to another—leaving its remnants and a full exciting climax on the sand.
Take a walk through The Moon Gate (a circular opening in a garden wall that provides a passageway— common in traditional Chinese gardens) and see the wonder of it all: the good, bad, ugly and beautiful. It’s all here in Amanda’s novel and see if your heart is not changed by the journey. Besides the jealousy, hatred and rage, love is here among the ruins and grief.
This is a great story about family: of sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. Some who’ve been kept apart by lost or hidden identities. Then there is the grandchild who tries to pull it all together. The call and wonder of ancestral memories speak loudly above the ocean’s roar. This family’s stories will linger in my mind for a very long time and continue to smart the edges of my heart forever. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thank you to author Amanda Geard and her publisher Headline for my review copy.
June 30, 2023
I read this book while in Ireland. Found it at the dingle book shop and gave it a try. It captivated me and I enjoyed reading every minute of it, especially while in Ireland amongst the sea air, blooming heather and rolling green hills. It talks about how gorgeous county Kerry is. I’ve been staying in west Kerry (Donquin) this whole trip and have to agree. I loved the bits of wisdom found in this story. 💕 Be bold, be brave, what have you got to lose? Don’t let the past steal your future potential. Take the first step to new possibilities and potentially a new you. Be grateful for every minute given to you and to those you love. Bitterness, anger, jealousy, comparison will only steal your happiness. I immensely related to the grief of a lost parent. Loved the various timelines and characters. I couldn’t put it down. Not a revolutionary story by any means but a simple and enchanting tale, tastefully done, and a mystery to hold your interest. Throw in some craic of Irish humor and a sweet love story- I’m sold. Highly recommend!
Favorite Quotes:
you can’t plough a field by turning it in your mind
The deceased? A ribbon wound itself around Libby’s heart, and from somewhere deep within, familiar pain burbled. She’d felt it thousands of times over the years: on Father’s Day, the anniversary of his death, the times friends bemoaned frustrating moments with their dads as though having a dad wasn’t by itself joyful enough.
If we can’t help one another now and again, then what’s it all about?
She wondered what it might be like to fall in love, be swept away, and pine for another human, knowing that it was only when you were with them once again that your heart could possibly be full.
‘You’re far too young to be living in the past.’ It was true, of course, though sometimes she felt she resided nowhere else.
‘You know what they say? Cold feet, warm heart.’
‘Marcus was only sixteen when he left for France, but he’d aged decades three years later. War does that, steals the years, steals futures.’
‘knowing your own mind is said to be the solution to all your problems.’
‘I’ve been here for . . . for . . . for ever!’ He bit his lip, tilting his head to the side. ‘Well, when God made time, he made plenty of it.’
‘Didn’t you know? We Irish are immune to bad luck.’
‘Well. May your . . . health always be like the capital of Ireland.’ ‘Sorry?’ ‘Always Dublin.’
We all make mistakes, which means,’ he conceded, ‘we should all have the capacity for forgiveness, me included. Because holding onto bitterness, jealousy, anger, it’s like . . . buying poison intended for another, then drinking it yourself. And what sort of madman,’ he added, ‘would ever do that?’
‘My father always said: forgetting a debt doesn’t mean it’s paid.’
It seems silly, doesn’t it, that we spend all this time in life not saying things to people that we should, and then it’s too late? We think there will always be time.
But grief didn’t discriminate, Libby had come to learn. No matter how little, or how well, you knew someone, when they’re gone they’re gone, and the sorrow that lingers for years also stems from the future that might have been.
When God made time, he made plenty of it.
That itself was a trick of time, which some people thought to be linear. A ridiculous notion. Time looped and turned out and back on itself, a shifting, slippery thing.
‘Keep hoping,’ he’d said. ‘Hope isn’t rationed, you know.’
to know that, as the years passed, something vital was missing, never a day going by when you didn’t wonder what might have been.
You can be proud of what you do. Be brave.’
‘I lost him,’ she said. It always felt silly putting it that way. Lost him. As if she’d merely misplaced him, which couldn’t be further from the truth. He had been with her, nestled in her memory where no one could take him away.
And all the while, he’d listened, seeming to understand, and she felt a sense that something inside her was rebuilding, a structure that would not cover the old, but would add to it, so that her history would be incorporated into the walls of something new.
happiness was the antidote to so many of life’s ills.
‘Everything that happens to us, everything we do, weaves into the future as though we’re sewing ourselves together with invisible threads.’
She was determined to cherish the parts of the past that deserved to be cherished –
but to let go of the feelings that had, for so long, held her back.
Favorite Quotes:
you can’t plough a field by turning it in your mind
The deceased? A ribbon wound itself around Libby’s heart, and from somewhere deep within, familiar pain burbled. She’d felt it thousands of times over the years: on Father’s Day, the anniversary of his death, the times friends bemoaned frustrating moments with their dads as though having a dad wasn’t by itself joyful enough.
If we can’t help one another now and again, then what’s it all about?
She wondered what it might be like to fall in love, be swept away, and pine for another human, knowing that it was only when you were with them once again that your heart could possibly be full.
‘You’re far too young to be living in the past.’ It was true, of course, though sometimes she felt she resided nowhere else.
‘You know what they say? Cold feet, warm heart.’
‘Marcus was only sixteen when he left for France, but he’d aged decades three years later. War does that, steals the years, steals futures.’
‘knowing your own mind is said to be the solution to all your problems.’
‘I’ve been here for . . . for . . . for ever!’ He bit his lip, tilting his head to the side. ‘Well, when God made time, he made plenty of it.’
‘Didn’t you know? We Irish are immune to bad luck.’
‘Well. May your . . . health always be like the capital of Ireland.’ ‘Sorry?’ ‘Always Dublin.’
We all make mistakes, which means,’ he conceded, ‘we should all have the capacity for forgiveness, me included. Because holding onto bitterness, jealousy, anger, it’s like . . . buying poison intended for another, then drinking it yourself. And what sort of madman,’ he added, ‘would ever do that?’
‘My father always said: forgetting a debt doesn’t mean it’s paid.’
It seems silly, doesn’t it, that we spend all this time in life not saying things to people that we should, and then it’s too late? We think there will always be time.
But grief didn’t discriminate, Libby had come to learn. No matter how little, or how well, you knew someone, when they’re gone they’re gone, and the sorrow that lingers for years also stems from the future that might have been.
When God made time, he made plenty of it.
That itself was a trick of time, which some people thought to be linear. A ridiculous notion. Time looped and turned out and back on itself, a shifting, slippery thing.
‘Keep hoping,’ he’d said. ‘Hope isn’t rationed, you know.’
to know that, as the years passed, something vital was missing, never a day going by when you didn’t wonder what might have been.
You can be proud of what you do. Be brave.’
‘I lost him,’ she said. It always felt silly putting it that way. Lost him. As if she’d merely misplaced him, which couldn’t be further from the truth. He had been with her, nestled in her memory where no one could take him away.
And all the while, he’d listened, seeming to understand, and she felt a sense that something inside her was rebuilding, a structure that would not cover the old, but would add to it, so that her history would be incorporated into the walls of something new.
happiness was the antidote to so many of life’s ills.
‘Everything that happens to us, everything we do, weaves into the future as though we’re sewing ourselves together with invisible threads.’
She was determined to cherish the parts of the past that deserved to be cherished –
but to let go of the feelings that had, for so long, held her back.
August 28, 2024
So many twists and turns
I never read a book by Geard, but when I started, I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, there are so many surprises, all the characters are well developed, and I loved that the book went on for 500 pages. It was guess work finding a new author to read. I love historical fiction, and it was only one of four books I chose from Amazon. The others I tried to read and couldn’t get past chapter two.
I never read a book by Geard, but when I started, I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, there are so many surprises, all the characters are well developed, and I loved that the book went on for 500 pages. It was guess work finding a new author to read. I love historical fiction, and it was only one of four books I chose from Amazon. The others I tried to read and couldn’t get past chapter two.
February 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this beautifully written, compelling novel with a mystery woven into three timelines. Amanda Geard is a natural storyteller and I cannot wait for her next book!
July 29, 2023
The overall structure of The Moon Gate is comprised of three timelines, which tell the stories of three generations of women from 1939, 1975, and 2004, who are all connected in some way to a house in Tasmania and the drama that took place there.
I enjoyed the constant movement back and forth across the decades and thought the storylines were deftly woven together. Amanda used imagery, objects, and themes to link each timeline, so I always had a clear sense of where I was in the story. The past resonated with the present in ways that were moving and added depth.
The characters were intriguing and I loved the build-up of suspense as each storyline progressed. I was drawn to Libby, in the present day, who goes to London to discover more about her past. The poignancy of her grief and her quest to answer the questions that had been on her mind for so long meant that I was really rooting for her. I enjoyed seeing her develop in confidence and in her personal life.
Grace had my sympathy from the very beginning. It was fascinating to see her step out from under the shadow of others and carve her own place in Tasmania. The twists and turns of her story, especially the love affair, had me turning the pages late into the night. I also wanted to find out how Grace's story was connected to Libby's and Willow's, and Amanda kept the mystery going right up to the very end.
It was interesting to meet Libby's parents in the 1975 storyline. It gave a fascinating window into a time of promise and new beginnings before Ben's death and bridged the gap between events in 1939 and 2004.
I was completely in awe of how Amanda created such a complex plot, while also bringing to life characters that had depth and agency.
The romance element of a story is something I always look out for. I love seeing how a couple - from any period of history - shape, challenge and support each other as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed the development of Libby's relationship with Sam and how it was linked to her search for clues about her father's past. I also loved the meeting of minds, and later hearts, that characterised Grace's journey with Daniel. The romance between Willow and Ben was tinged with sadness. It was heart-breaking to read how happy they'd been as a couple and to know that Libby had never experienced that because Ben had died before she was born.
In all three storylines, the romance developed the characters and gave a deeper sense of meaning to the events that were happening to and around them.
The setting of each storyline was wonderfully depicted. Amanda has such a skill for making you feel like you're actually there: whether it's a busy London street or the dense, Tasmanian undergrowth. I particularly enjoyed travelling with Grace to Tasmania, and seeing how the landscape and climate, as well as Daniel, played a part in bringing her out of her shell.
The poetry of Banjo Paterson, and how his writing inspired Grace, added another dimension to my understanding of Tasmania. I've never been there but I could picture it in my mind from Amanda's descriptions - the house and its gardens, the sea, and the mines, the vast sprawling forest - it was very evocative.
In summary, I felt like I had been on such a journey after reading this book. The characters stayed in my mind long after I finished it. The end was so satisfying and moving, and such a revelation. I spent a while afterwards thinking back over the story and how the events were all connected - it really is incredible how all the details piece together. Amanda is a natural-born storyteller and that shone out from this novel and made it such a pleasure to read.
I enjoyed the constant movement back and forth across the decades and thought the storylines were deftly woven together. Amanda used imagery, objects, and themes to link each timeline, so I always had a clear sense of where I was in the story. The past resonated with the present in ways that were moving and added depth.
The characters were intriguing and I loved the build-up of suspense as each storyline progressed. I was drawn to Libby, in the present day, who goes to London to discover more about her past. The poignancy of her grief and her quest to answer the questions that had been on her mind for so long meant that I was really rooting for her. I enjoyed seeing her develop in confidence and in her personal life.
Grace had my sympathy from the very beginning. It was fascinating to see her step out from under the shadow of others and carve her own place in Tasmania. The twists and turns of her story, especially the love affair, had me turning the pages late into the night. I also wanted to find out how Grace's story was connected to Libby's and Willow's, and Amanda kept the mystery going right up to the very end.
It was interesting to meet Libby's parents in the 1975 storyline. It gave a fascinating window into a time of promise and new beginnings before Ben's death and bridged the gap between events in 1939 and 2004.
I was completely in awe of how Amanda created such a complex plot, while also bringing to life characters that had depth and agency.
The romance element of a story is something I always look out for. I love seeing how a couple - from any period of history - shape, challenge and support each other as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed the development of Libby's relationship with Sam and how it was linked to her search for clues about her father's past. I also loved the meeting of minds, and later hearts, that characterised Grace's journey with Daniel. The romance between Willow and Ben was tinged with sadness. It was heart-breaking to read how happy they'd been as a couple and to know that Libby had never experienced that because Ben had died before she was born.
In all three storylines, the romance developed the characters and gave a deeper sense of meaning to the events that were happening to and around them.
The setting of each storyline was wonderfully depicted. Amanda has such a skill for making you feel like you're actually there: whether it's a busy London street or the dense, Tasmanian undergrowth. I particularly enjoyed travelling with Grace to Tasmania, and seeing how the landscape and climate, as well as Daniel, played a part in bringing her out of her shell.
The poetry of Banjo Paterson, and how his writing inspired Grace, added another dimension to my understanding of Tasmania. I've never been there but I could picture it in my mind from Amanda's descriptions - the house and its gardens, the sea, and the mines, the vast sprawling forest - it was very evocative.
In summary, I felt like I had been on such a journey after reading this book. The characters stayed in my mind long after I finished it. The end was so satisfying and moving, and such a revelation. I spent a while afterwards thinking back over the story and how the events were all connected - it really is incredible how all the details piece together. Amanda is a natural-born storyteller and that shone out from this novel and made it such a pleasure to read.
June 15, 2023
Captivating, Memorable, Magnificent.
I literally could not put this book down. I adore Amanda Geard's writing. Finishing this book makes me look forward to reading any and every future book by Amanda.
The twists and turns in this book make you want to turn the page and read the next chapter. I loved all the research that went into this book, it makes it incredibly special.
Libby is a lovely character, I feel incredibly proud of her and her journey. I have so many favourite parts of the book but I'm not going to give spoilers in my review
This is an incredible story. I highly recommend this book and also Midnight House, the author's first book.
It was an incredible five star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books, the publisher for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I needed a physical copy of the book for my shelf so I picked up a copy in my local Bookstation.
I literally could not put this book down. I adore Amanda Geard's writing. Finishing this book makes me look forward to reading any and every future book by Amanda.
The twists and turns in this book make you want to turn the page and read the next chapter. I loved all the research that went into this book, it makes it incredibly special.
Libby is a lovely character, I feel incredibly proud of her and her journey. I have so many favourite parts of the book but I'm not going to give spoilers in my review
This is an incredible story. I highly recommend this book and also Midnight House, the author's first book.
It was an incredible five star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books, the publisher for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I needed a physical copy of the book for my shelf so I picked up a copy in my local Bookstation.
September 5, 2023
A moon gate is a circular opening in a garden wall that acts as a pedestrian passageway and is a traditional architectural element in Chinese gardens. As it visually rises up out of the landscape, a moon gate is symbolic of birth and renewal.The moon gate is perceived to be a connection between heaven and earth,approaching architecture as a symbolic language to represent one's character, feelings, and spirit.Shedding one's skin like a snake is a metaphor for personal growth.The snake is the ancient sacred symbol for transformation. In order to grow, it must shed its skin. This process is painful, dangerous, and necessary for growth.The snake’s insides are literally outgrowing its outsides, and it must remove its restrictive, outermost layer. But when it successfully completes the process, the snake emerges stronger and healthier–a new incarnation.This shape-shifting life cycle represents rebirth and renewal, the enigmatic power of life to thwart death.The Moorgate tube crash occurred on 28 February 1975 at 8:46AM on the London Underground's Northern City Line; 43 people died and 74 were injured after a train failed to stop at the line's southern terminus, Moorgate station, and crashed into its end wall. It is considered the worst peacetime accident on the London Underground. The 2/40th Battalion was part of the Australian Army. Formed in mid-1940 from personnel mainly recruited from Tasmania, the battalion was assigned to the 23rd Brigade,and then the 8th Division.After basic training, the 2/40th was sent to Darwin.Following Japan's entry into the war, the battalion was deployed to Timor as part of Sparrow Force,and in early 1942,they took part in the fighting on the island against the Japanese.Outnumbered and lacking supplies, the majority of the 2/40th's personnel were captured.Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company was a Tasmanian mining company formed on 29 March 1893,and was the dominant copper mining company of Tasmania's West Coast region.Kenmare (Irish: Neidín, meaning 'the little nest') is a small town in the south of County Kerry.The name Kenmare is the anglicised form of Ceann Mara,meaning "head of the sea",referring to Kenmare Bay.
September 16, 2023
This well-told tale will have you reading just one more chapter, as the mystery and intrigue deepen. Grace is awkward and shy contrasting with her companion the self-possessed Rose. Gradually the wildness and beauty of Tasmania work their magic as does Daniel McGillycuddy and Grace begins to bloom.
In 1975 Willow and Ben are bemused yet delighted to inherit Towerhurst. As an artist it inspires Willow while Libby grows up knowing not to ask about her father and what happened to him.
2004, Travelling to London adult Libby determines to find out more about her father and the family’s past. Unravelling the mystery will deepen her feelings of connection to the past and her father. There is poignancy and satisfaction in how the story concludes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
In 1975 Willow and Ben are bemused yet delighted to inherit Towerhurst. As an artist it inspires Willow while Libby grows up knowing not to ask about her father and what happened to him.
2004, Travelling to London adult Libby determines to find out more about her father and the family’s past. Unravelling the mystery will deepen her feelings of connection to the past and her father. There is poignancy and satisfaction in how the story concludes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
June 19, 2023
Oh my goodness, this was a total treat. Amanda Geard sure knows how to tell a story over three timelines, multiple complex characters, and stunning locations. We experience Tasmania, London, and Kerry in this rich and multi-layered tale of generations. It’s not an easy thing to bring three timelines together in a seamless story but this is a perfect example of how to do it. I learned so much from this book where historical fact blended effortlessly with the author’s flowing prose bringing the three locations and their generations together. A beauty of a book. A delight!
July 2, 2023
Easiest 5 star of the year so far! This book is beyond epic!
I got so emotional reading this book and the twists were phenomenal. I love multi time lines mysteries and this is one of the best ones I’ve ever read.
The scenes were beautifully written and I could picture them so clearly whilst I read this book. The characters were all memorable and some were extremely lovable. I felt the anguish and the heartbreak in some parts of the story.
Would highly recommend.
I got so emotional reading this book and the twists were phenomenal. I love multi time lines mysteries and this is one of the best ones I’ve ever read.
The scenes were beautifully written and I could picture them so clearly whilst I read this book. The characters were all memorable and some were extremely lovable. I felt the anguish and the heartbreak in some parts of the story.
Would highly recommend.
September 21, 2023
Unable to put down
I went straight form the Midnight House to this. Both are excellent books by a talented writer. Similar to Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, etc. I can't wait to read the next book.
I went straight form the Midnight House to this. Both are excellent books by a talented writer. Similar to Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, etc. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 2, 2025
This book started off quite slow and with lots of characters to get your head round, it took me a while to know who was who. The book is also split into three different timelines, but once you’ve got to know the characters, and you know which part of the three they’re in, it all falls into place and was an engaging story.
May 30, 2023
great who was it?
it was not the easiest of reads because the story interweaving was challenging. you will understand when you read it. very enjoyable and having been to Aus a real sense of the wild beauty that afflicts your heart and enriches your love of nature.
it was not the easiest of reads because the story interweaving was challenging. you will understand when you read it. very enjoyable and having been to Aus a real sense of the wild beauty that afflicts your heart and enriches your love of nature.
January 10, 2025
Not for me. Such a shame x
July 10, 2025
This one was such a drag. So confusing as it kept going back and forth in time with different characters. Took so long to get to the point - was a struggle to finish
February 12, 2024
I really enjoyed following the journey these characters went on. The book was well written, the characters all had different motives, and it showed the heartache the characters endured to get to where they are today.
Grace's story I found most interesting. I could relate part of my younger self to her and watching her bloom and find a love that could never be broken was wonderful to see. Her anguish over Daniel leaving for war came across beautifully, and that moment they shared together forever changed the lives of everyone.
I loved following Ben's journey and how he slowly found out bits and pieces and worked them all together to figure out the truth. His love for his wife showed through, and all he wanted was to have his own family.
Libby's adventure of following her father's footsteps to only discover what he found decades later and piece it all together the same way showed that she was more like her father than she ever thought. Watching her grow and bloom in a way similar to what Grace did was two parallels that in the end came full circle.
This was a five star read to me even if I figured out the main plot lines about 40% of the way through the book. The journey alone was beautiful, and I highly recommend this book.
Grace's story I found most interesting. I could relate part of my younger self to her and watching her bloom and find a love that could never be broken was wonderful to see. Her anguish over Daniel leaving for war came across beautifully, and that moment they shared together forever changed the lives of everyone.
I loved following Ben's journey and how he slowly found out bits and pieces and worked them all together to figure out the truth. His love for his wife showed through, and all he wanted was to have his own family.
Libby's adventure of following her father's footsteps to only discover what he found decades later and piece it all together the same way showed that she was more like her father than she ever thought. Watching her grow and bloom in a way similar to what Grace did was two parallels that in the end came full circle.
This was a five star read to me even if I figured out the main plot lines about 40% of the way through the book. The journey alone was beautiful, and I highly recommend this book.
January 25, 2024
I loved the Midnight House and this is every bit as good. A sweeping story that spans 60 years, three countries, three timelines (1942, 1975 and 2004 with a brief mention of 1986) with secrets and betrayals galore and two strong lead characters. My heart went out to poor Grace, unloved by her appalling mother and believing it to be because she was, as her mother told her, “very, very difficult to love”. Libby also had a difficult relationship with her mother Willow to the extent that she was following the investigation started by her late father Ben, without her mother’s blessing. author made a really good job of describing the scenery in Tasmania and in Ireland, as well as London in 1975 and 2004 and provided some great twists in the story. A great read and I am now eagerly waiting for Amanda Geard’s next book.
November 18, 2024
Finally I finished this book. I will always remember this story or stories of three generations. It has a special place in my heart and I love Grace, Ben, Will and Libby so much. Forevermore
April 4, 2025
Loveeeed this book. All the characters and their stories had me gripped and I loved the linking of their stories and the dynamics. Actually learnt a lot about Australia / Tasmania during WW2 also. Was so well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it
July 12, 2023
I LOVED this book, it had so many twists and turns as soon as I thought I had something figured out new things would be thrown in that changed my mind. I’ve come to realize that I greatly enjoy historical fiction. I really liked how there were so many stories within the book that the author wove into one and in the end everything made sense. All the characters were really well developed, and the book had me going through all sorts of emotions. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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