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Cedar
BORN IN THE OUTBACK, SCHOOLED ON THE VERANDAH, INURED BY STATION LIFE... Matty's life has been shaped by various experiences that have influenced his character and outlook.
Growing up in the rugged outback, he faced the challenges of droughts, fires and navigating a diverse culture.
His cherished bond with his horse, Cedar, epitomizes his existence and brings him true happiness as he rides through the vast bush with his closest friends.
However, his tranquil life is abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, which creates his need for a new maturity amongst the conflict of battle.
The scars of these battles result in significant loss and propel him on a journey of self-discovery with a newfound purpose that he had never imagined before.
Cedar is a compelling work of fiction that takes readers on an emotional journey through the complexities of human relationships, the power of love and the courage to face adversity.
"A delicate and moving tale of mateship and hardship in a time of amazing courage and resilience our world had to learn to survive... Excellent." Colin, Indie Book reviewer
Growing up in the rugged outback, he faced the challenges of droughts, fires and navigating a diverse culture.
His cherished bond with his horse, Cedar, epitomizes his existence and brings him true happiness as he rides through the vast bush with his closest friends.
However, his tranquil life is abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, which creates his need for a new maturity amongst the conflict of battle.
The scars of these battles result in significant loss and propel him on a journey of self-discovery with a newfound purpose that he had never imagined before.
Cedar is a compelling work of fiction that takes readers on an emotional journey through the complexities of human relationships, the power of love and the courage to face adversity.
"A delicate and moving tale of mateship and hardship in a time of amazing courage and resilience our world had to learn to survive... Excellent." Colin, Indie Book reviewer
398 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 20, 2024
Cedar, came into being after a stop start writing journey over a couple of decades. But like a good wine.....
I marvel at Kim Winter's dedication to the cause, demonstrated by the fact that, despite a busy life that interrupted her creativity, she stuck to her dream for decades and has now, finally published a colourful, authentic, and moving novel populated by characters as determined and tough as she is.
She launched the book, Cedar in home territory, Corryong, NE Vic in early September. The launch was supported by Keith Sheather and Clancy in Lighthorse kit and a colourful backdrop set the scene for Kim's presentation. She enthusiastically described her path to publication and read extracts from the novel, providing the audience with an enticing glimpse into the contents of her book.
Cedar is a beautifully written story that meanders from pre-WWI outback station life to the terrors and heroics of the battlefields of WWI before the emotional rollercoaster of demobilization and settling back into life which is forever altered by the intense experiences of war. Kim's grasp of history and militaria is evident in the narrative, her research has been extensive! This authenticity firmly grounds the novel in the period and enhances a gripping storyline.
Get your copy now!
I marvel at Kim Winter's dedication to the cause, demonstrated by the fact that, despite a busy life that interrupted her creativity, she stuck to her dream for decades and has now, finally published a colourful, authentic, and moving novel populated by characters as determined and tough as she is.
She launched the book, Cedar in home territory, Corryong, NE Vic in early September. The launch was supported by Keith Sheather and Clancy in Lighthorse kit and a colourful backdrop set the scene for Kim's presentation. She enthusiastically described her path to publication and read extracts from the novel, providing the audience with an enticing glimpse into the contents of her book.
Cedar is a beautifully written story that meanders from pre-WWI outback station life to the terrors and heroics of the battlefields of WWI before the emotional rollercoaster of demobilization and settling back into life which is forever altered by the intense experiences of war. Kim's grasp of history and militaria is evident in the narrative, her research has been extensive! This authenticity firmly grounds the novel in the period and enhances a gripping storyline.
Get your copy now!
November 25, 2023
Highly recommend
I loved this book, so many twists that you don’t see coming. The blurb read like it would be about war but it was more about true Aussie mateship. It was very obviously well researched which just added to its impact.
I loved this book, so many twists that you don’t see coming. The blurb read like it would be about war but it was more about true Aussie mateship. It was very obviously well researched which just added to its impact.
September 12, 2023
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horses and likes stories of the outback and country life. It starts off with the three main characters as young boys, Matty is the main one and he wants his own horse eventually being given a foal by his father. They form a close bond that he also has with the other two boys/ The first world war has them all going off to fight . the research for this part of the book is awesome. I found it was quite confronting too. It's not for the faint hearted to read as it is a sad story all round really but I will say no more as I think it needs to be read. Well done Kim its amazing.
April 13, 2024
Dear Kim
Cedar had the instant effect of transporting me back to my childhood in the first few pages growing up on the land in western New South Wales. It bought back so many memories of my first horse Sugar and the day-to-day emotions of no rain, no water, no feed but it didn't matter once I was riding through the scrub on Sugar all the worries disappeared. The story was engrossing and captured the times in a way that I couldn't put the book down, I couldn't help but have a tear for Matty at the end.
I can only hope that you have more stories to put to paper.
Regards Grahame
Cedar had the instant effect of transporting me back to my childhood in the first few pages growing up on the land in western New South Wales. It bought back so many memories of my first horse Sugar and the day-to-day emotions of no rain, no water, no feed but it didn't matter once I was riding through the scrub on Sugar all the worries disappeared. The story was engrossing and captured the times in a way that I couldn't put the book down, I couldn't help but have a tear for Matty at the end.
I can only hope that you have more stories to put to paper.
Regards Grahame
January 20, 2026
A Powerful Portrait of Courage and Change
Cedar is a deeply moving novel that captures the harsh beauty of the Australian outback and the emotional cost of war. Matty’s journey from a carefree bush life to the brutal realities of World War I is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. His bond with Cedar is unforgettable, grounding the story in warmth and humanity even in its darkest moments.
Cedar is a deeply moving novel that captures the harsh beauty of the Australian outback and the emotional cost of war. Matty’s journey from a carefree bush life to the brutal realities of World War I is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. His bond with Cedar is unforgettable, grounding the story in warmth and humanity even in its darkest moments.
February 21, 2024
Congratulations Kim! Cedar is a ripper read, I enjoyed every bit of it. Loved the characters, and how epic the beautifully told story was. Super evocative images of gorgeous parts of our country and incredibly well researched. Hopefully Kim has another in the works!! Xox
July 28, 2026
Cedar is a moving historical novel that beautifully captures the spirit of rural Australia, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, and the sacrifices of a generation shaped by war. The vivid storytelling and emotional depth make it an unforgettable read.
July 28, 2026
This powerful story blends history, adventure, and heartfelt emotion into a compelling journey from the Australian outback to the battlefields of World War I. The characters are authentic, and their resilience stays with you long after the final page.
January 4, 2025
'It rained. Not gentle spring rain or gusty winter rain; instead, drops the size of shillings plummeted to the ground.'
Everything about this book, from the first line had me absolutely hooked. From the station life and growing up learning from the Aboriginals that lived peacefully with the station. Such a gorgeous book and really shows the bonds people develop in times in both World Wars.
Everything about this book, from the first line had me absolutely hooked. From the station life and growing up learning from the Aboriginals that lived peacefully with the station. Such a gorgeous book and really shows the bonds people develop in times in both World Wars.
October 7, 2024
Cedar by Kim Winter
I was very lucky to win a copy of this gorgeous book, when I was participating in an online book club. It has been sitting on my TBR pile for way too long and I’m so happy I picked it up recently. I was enthralled from early in the book and really could not put it down. The story follows four characters, three young boys; Matty, Jack and Sammy. And the star, Cedar, a beautiful mare as the final main character. The description of life in outback Australia (New South Wales) is vivid and very realistic. The boys are raised by Matty’s parents, Thomas and Eliza, as well as the local First Nations mob, particularly Charlie and Minnie. The endearing cook Tan, is also very present and important in the boys growth from children to men. Sammy is First Nations and Jack joined the family at age nine, but the three kids are as close as blood brothers can be, and many adventures occur as they grow into their teens. As World War 1 expands, one by one the boys join up. The story in now set amongst the terrible and tragic battles in Gallipoli, Egypt and France as the fate of soldiers and Cedar pans out. I learnt so much about the Light Horse Brigade and truly, the authors descriptions have you there. The braveness of the soldiers and the role that Cedar and other horses played, truly is extraordinary reading. I don’t want to gush but I can’t help it! This is a real page turner, serious topics but so much humour through out, though be prepared for sadness too. This is a mighty story that needs to be read widely. It touches on issues of the time, the wrongful treatment of First Nations people (and the discriminatory Australian law), and the way a family like Matty’s treated and lived with their Indigenous friends as trusted and respected employees and adopted family, a rare occurrence at the time. I thank Kim, the author for the research she did, the time she took to get the novel complete and authentic and for sharing such a special story.
I was very lucky to win a copy of this gorgeous book, when I was participating in an online book club. It has been sitting on my TBR pile for way too long and I’m so happy I picked it up recently. I was enthralled from early in the book and really could not put it down. The story follows four characters, three young boys; Matty, Jack and Sammy. And the star, Cedar, a beautiful mare as the final main character. The description of life in outback Australia (New South Wales) is vivid and very realistic. The boys are raised by Matty’s parents, Thomas and Eliza, as well as the local First Nations mob, particularly Charlie and Minnie. The endearing cook Tan, is also very present and important in the boys growth from children to men. Sammy is First Nations and Jack joined the family at age nine, but the three kids are as close as blood brothers can be, and many adventures occur as they grow into their teens. As World War 1 expands, one by one the boys join up. The story in now set amongst the terrible and tragic battles in Gallipoli, Egypt and France as the fate of soldiers and Cedar pans out. I learnt so much about the Light Horse Brigade and truly, the authors descriptions have you there. The braveness of the soldiers and the role that Cedar and other horses played, truly is extraordinary reading. I don’t want to gush but I can’t help it! This is a real page turner, serious topics but so much humour through out, though be prepared for sadness too. This is a mighty story that needs to be read widely. It touches on issues of the time, the wrongful treatment of First Nations people (and the discriminatory Australian law), and the way a family like Matty’s treated and lived with their Indigenous friends as trusted and respected employees and adopted family, a rare occurrence at the time. I thank Kim, the author for the research she did, the time she took to get the novel complete and authentic and for sharing such a special story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews