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Queensland Chronicles #1
The Heart of Thornton Creek
After falling for a handsome young Australian named Daniel Thornton, Rebecca Williams gives up her life in high society Boston and follows him to his father's cattle station deep in the bush country of late 1800s Queensland. As she acclimates herself to her new surroundings and her new family, Rebecca is unpleasantly surprised to find that Daniel's father, Bertram, not only runs the prosperous cattle station, but also runs his son's life. And his influence doesn't stop there. It seems to Rebecca that Bertram oppresses his wife, his servants, his ranch hands, and even the rest of the townsfolk in Thornton Creek! Can Rebecca adjust to her awkward surroundings? Will she ever be able to get along with Bertram's bullying? Or will he drive Rebecca and Daniel apart once and for all?
First published January 1, 2005
137 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Leon
32 books182 followersBonnie Leon is the author of twenty-three novels, including the recently released One Hundred Valleys, To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 21, 2015
Why is it that so many Christian historical fiction novels feature women who defy the culture of the day, by seeking independence with a certain stubbornness and non conformity. And then proceed out of that attitude to do some act of defiance that is stupid and causes them to be a danger to themselves and others.
I've been enjoying The Heart of Thornton Creek, and found the Australian setting refreshing. But now the mc is about to do something so dumb I'm cringing in anticipation. So what is it about Christian historical fiction authors that makes them write this way?
Now that I've finished The Heart of Thornton Creek I'm unsure how to rate it. To be honest, I only finished it to find out what would happen. The characters, and those awful accents really got very annoying. Nothing peeves me off more in novels than stupid characters making stupid decisions. Because this book had so many of them, as well as an unoriginal and dissatisfying plot, I'd like to give it two stars. But the manner in which the story is clinging to me, suggests that perhaps it might just squeak in with a three.
I've been enjoying The Heart of Thornton Creek, and found the Australian setting refreshing. But now the mc is about to do something so dumb I'm cringing in anticipation. So what is it about Christian historical fiction authors that makes them write this way?
Now that I've finished The Heart of Thornton Creek I'm unsure how to rate it. To be honest, I only finished it to find out what would happen. The characters, and those awful accents really got very annoying. Nothing peeves me off more in novels than stupid characters making stupid decisions. Because this book had so many of them, as well as an unoriginal and dissatisfying plot, I'd like to give it two stars. But the manner in which the story is clinging to me, suggests that perhaps it might just squeak in with a three.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: After falling for a handsome young Australian named Daniel Thornton, Rebecca Williams gives up her life in high society Boston and follows him to his father's cattle station deep in the bush country of late 1800s Queensland.
As she acclimates herself to her new surroundings and her new family, Rebecca is unpleasantly surprised to find that Daniel's father, Bertram, not only runs the prosperous cattle station, but also runs his son's life. And his influence doesn't stop there. It seems to Rebecca that Bertram oppresses his wife, his servants, his ranch hands, and even the rest of the townsfolk in Thornton Creek!
Can Rebecca adjust to her awkward surroundings? Will she ever be able to get along with Bertram's bullying? Or will he drive Rebecca and Daniel apart once and for all?
REVIEW: An immensely compelling story that reminds me somewhat of The Thorn Birds. This is definitely a character driven story with the sweet Willa, the strong authoritarian Bertram, the feisty independent Rebecca and the weak, conforming Daniel. Each plays a role that determines whether Rebecca and Daniel's marriage will succeed or fail based on their view of God's word. I have to say this is the first time that I have really disliked a character til the very end of the book. But Bertram's judgmental view of God as a vengeful, uncompassionate God and his treatment of those around him was really bothersome.
The description of the Australian outback was well done and contributed to the feel of the story along with the phonetic dialect of the Australian characters. It was also interesting to see how the Aborigines were looked upon and treated during this period in history.
I look forward to reading the others in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But there are some offenses that can't be forgiven. Do not limit God. He's greater than we can comprehend."
"God didn't say we're to love only those who love us in reutrn, but we're to love even our enemies."
"You have been reading this book like it's a book. It's more than that; it's God's word, His very words spoken to us. ..... I suggest you spend time reading, only this time use your heart, not your mind."
As she acclimates herself to her new surroundings and her new family, Rebecca is unpleasantly surprised to find that Daniel's father, Bertram, not only runs the prosperous cattle station, but also runs his son's life. And his influence doesn't stop there. It seems to Rebecca that Bertram oppresses his wife, his servants, his ranch hands, and even the rest of the townsfolk in Thornton Creek!
Can Rebecca adjust to her awkward surroundings? Will she ever be able to get along with Bertram's bullying? Or will he drive Rebecca and Daniel apart once and for all?
REVIEW: An immensely compelling story that reminds me somewhat of The Thorn Birds. This is definitely a character driven story with the sweet Willa, the strong authoritarian Bertram, the feisty independent Rebecca and the weak, conforming Daniel. Each plays a role that determines whether Rebecca and Daniel's marriage will succeed or fail based on their view of God's word. I have to say this is the first time that I have really disliked a character til the very end of the book. But Bertram's judgmental view of God as a vengeful, uncompassionate God and his treatment of those around him was really bothersome.
The description of the Australian outback was well done and contributed to the feel of the story along with the phonetic dialect of the Australian characters. It was also interesting to see how the Aborigines were looked upon and treated during this period in history.
I look forward to reading the others in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But there are some offenses that can't be forgiven. Do not limit God. He's greater than we can comprehend."
"God didn't say we're to love only those who love us in reutrn, but we're to love even our enemies."
"You have been reading this book like it's a book. It's more than that; it's God's word, His very words spoken to us. ..... I suggest you spend time reading, only this time use your heart, not your mind."
March 24, 2017
A marriage of convenience; a strange country; a harsh and self-righteous father-in-law. Rebecca didn't know what she was getting herself into when as she as agreed to marry Daniel. Many times she is tempted to regret her decision and rebels against what is expected of her. I was a angry many times throughout the book. It came as a delightful surprise when Rebecca allowed God's love to flow into her heart.
July 4, 2014
I found myself completely drawn in to this story and felt my emotions matching those of Rebecca. I was so angry and frustrated at the behaviour of Bertram and the pain that Rebecca felt, my heart was bleeding for her. There were so many detestable characters that I wanted to see gone! She knows how to make the reader think non-devotional thoughts about her characters. I flew through this book because it was such an easy read. Lovely descriptive language and I could see in my mind's eye the scenery and my senses were brought alive.
Some minor irritations because I am Australian:
At the time this book was written, there would have been strong English accents, not Aussie accents.
The authors Aboriginal "accents" and the way that they spoke SUCKED. Not even remotely authentic.
Other than that.... can't wait to get into book #2
Some minor irritations because I am Australian:
At the time this book was written, there would have been strong English accents, not Aussie accents.
The authors Aboriginal "accents" and the way that they spoke SUCKED. Not even remotely authentic.
Other than that.... can't wait to get into book #2
July 17, 2015
Adventure and romance in the outback a good read
January 28, 2019
I know this is a terrible thing to say about a book but...
Meh.
Meh.
January 27, 2020
Quick rom com to read. I liked this one better than other rom coms b/c they just met each other and it worked for each other situation to marry each other. However, unlike other rom coms, they didn't immediatly fall in love with each other and have a fight or 2. They were at each others throats all the time. It didn't help that the father in law was a overbearing, demanding person. He wanted everyone to be in his command as he was the ruler of the people. But like Rebecca said, he was playing god. He read about god but didn't know god. yes, the ending is happy, but it there were many struggles along the way that made it seem like what any relationship would be under the circumstances.
December 11, 2016
Too much preaching!!!
It's an okay story, but awfully predictable! My second complaint is that the characters are pretty one-dimensional. But the most annoying part is the unrelenting preaching! I got sick and tired of the characters constantly quoting the Bible. Even when the characters are supposedly thinking, they're mulling over various religious points. I'm amazed I persevered to the all too predictable end. I wanted to read a good story -- not hear a sermon. Awfully disappointing, and I won't be reading anymore of this author's books.
It's an okay story, but awfully predictable! My second complaint is that the characters are pretty one-dimensional. But the most annoying part is the unrelenting preaching! I got sick and tired of the characters constantly quoting the Bible. Even when the characters are supposedly thinking, they're mulling over various religious points. I'm amazed I persevered to the all too predictable end. I wanted to read a good story -- not hear a sermon. Awfully disappointing, and I won't be reading anymore of this author's books.
February 22, 2020
I found it very difficult to empathize with the male characters in this book. Daniel, Rebecca's husband, refuses to stand up to his father, either for himself or for her. Bertram, Daniel's father, is tyrannical and verbally abusive to Rebecca, thinking she is not good enough for his son and won't have the strength of character to adapt to life in Australia.
Rebecca is about to give up and go back to Boston, with Daniel's unborn child, when a near-fatal accident gives her a new perspective.
I definitely want to find out what happens to this family.
Rebecca is about to give up and go back to Boston, with Daniel's unborn child, when a near-fatal accident gives her a new perspective.
I definitely want to find out what happens to this family.
August 22, 2017
Excellent book! The author does a great job of showing how God can use a woman who is willing to submit to her husband and a woman who decides she can't. She shows how we look the most like Jesus when we choose to forgive. This is one I'll enjoy reading again, especially when I can get the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
This ebook was downloaded to my Nook library in 2012 when Barnes and Noble offered it for free. I previously read two other books by Bonnie Leon, and I liked this one the least.
I know there is an audience of readers who want to be preached at while reading Christian fiction; I'm just not one who does.
I know there is an audience of readers who want to be preached at while reading Christian fiction; I'm just not one who does.
April 21, 2021
One of my favorites s that I would frequently read in high school. Hadn't read it in years and decided to see if it was just as good. It was, although the first third had me annoyed at character development. It got better though -more realistic, and I was right there with Rebecca throughout the rest.
March 25, 2022
I liked the theme of the book and it could be interesting, if the story was a bit more lively and the main character did not change into a whiny person who continued complaining that they married without love. Who cares if you love each other or just be kind to each other. Just enjoy what you have without spoiling it.
I tried, but could not finish the book. Too annoying and boring.
I tried, but could not finish the book. Too annoying and boring.
December 13, 2016
Captivating!
This is a book of sorrow, love, forgiveness and determination. It is a book that will open eyes to see that a lot of verses we quote and believe to hold one meaning actually when quoted as written hold a completely different meaning.
This is a book of sorrow, love, forgiveness and determination. It is a book that will open eyes to see that a lot of verses we quote and believe to hold one meaning actually when quoted as written hold a completely different meaning.
September 6, 2020
This was a great book & a fast read. I enjoyed learning more of ranch life in Australia. I liked the romance between Rebecca & Daniel, but they could both be stubborn, & that was frustrating. The inspirational parts of the novel were good & like in life the Lord answers prayers in his own time.
Read
August 27, 2021Nothing is impossible with God
This is wonderful inspirational book. The situations may sometime seem impossible. With faith and patience, God is always there to direct our paths if we trust Him. He always shows up right on time.
This is wonderful inspirational book. The situations may sometime seem impossible. With faith and patience, God is always there to direct our paths if we trust Him. He always shows up right on time.
January 17, 2021
A very enjoyable story.
I enjoyed this book very much, the story, the characters, and the country, all were exciting. I very much enjoyed the ending!
I enjoyed this book very much, the story, the characters, and the country, all were exciting. I very much enjoyed the ending!
May 8, 2021
One of my dreams has been to visit Australia. This book gave me a glimpse...
November 2, 2021
Geen hoogstandje. Wel prima op zich.
August 26, 2023
Nice historical Christian romance set in Queensland, Australia.
January 15, 2026
Moving to her husband's cattle station in the bush country of late 1800s Queensland, Australia, Rebecca learns she must adjust to both her unusual surroundings and her new family as well.
April 16, 2020
Setting: Australia
Time Period: 1871
Suddenly orphaned and left penniless, Boston born Rebecca marries Aussie Daniel Thornton and leaves for Australia with her new husband. In this first novel in the Queensland Chronicles, author Bonnie Leon takes a marriage of convenience to the outback where Rebecca is put to the test on whether she has what it takes to be a true Australian.
I’m torn about what to write in this review! In some ways, I enjoyed the book but in other ways, I didn’t. The descriptions of the landscape, animals and way of life made me feel like I was right there on the station; I loved those parts! I also really grew to really enjoy some of the characters like Cambria, Willa and even Jim. But, I didn’t care for Rebecca. I felt she was kinda selfish throughout the book and even at the end, made little effort to reconcile with the other characters though she spoke of God and the Bible a lot. Plus, she and Daniel fought the whole time - y’all, I mean the whole novel! The strain in their relationship made the book a rather heavy read and kinda sad. Though the book picked up towards the end and had an interesting wrap up, it wasn’t enough to make me want to continue the series.
Conclusion: After reading “To Love Anew” from the Sydney Cove Series I couldn’t wait to read “The Heart Of Thornton Creek” as well. I found out that though the story was okay and may be a very real reality for some, I just wasn’t up for a story where the characters were so at odds with each other in their marriage. I’m not going to say it was a bad book or poorly done, just that it wasn’t my cup of tea. If you’re looking to try out an Australian novel from this author with a romantic theme, I’d suggest “To Love Anew.” But, if you’re okay with a read that doesn’t have a happy romance in it, then you might enjoy this book.
Time Period: 1871
Suddenly orphaned and left penniless, Boston born Rebecca marries Aussie Daniel Thornton and leaves for Australia with her new husband. In this first novel in the Queensland Chronicles, author Bonnie Leon takes a marriage of convenience to the outback where Rebecca is put to the test on whether she has what it takes to be a true Australian.
I’m torn about what to write in this review! In some ways, I enjoyed the book but in other ways, I didn’t. The descriptions of the landscape, animals and way of life made me feel like I was right there on the station; I loved those parts! I also really grew to really enjoy some of the characters like Cambria, Willa and even Jim. But, I didn’t care for Rebecca. I felt she was kinda selfish throughout the book and even at the end, made little effort to reconcile with the other characters though she spoke of God and the Bible a lot. Plus, she and Daniel fought the whole time - y’all, I mean the whole novel! The strain in their relationship made the book a rather heavy read and kinda sad. Though the book picked up towards the end and had an interesting wrap up, it wasn’t enough to make me want to continue the series.
Conclusion: After reading “To Love Anew” from the Sydney Cove Series I couldn’t wait to read “The Heart Of Thornton Creek” as well. I found out that though the story was okay and may be a very real reality for some, I just wasn’t up for a story where the characters were so at odds with each other in their marriage. I’m not going to say it was a bad book or poorly done, just that it wasn’t my cup of tea. If you’re looking to try out an Australian novel from this author with a romantic theme, I’d suggest “To Love Anew.” But, if you’re okay with a read that doesn’t have a happy romance in it, then you might enjoy this book.
August 5, 2014
I expected yet another romance lacking originality but Leon took this Christian historical in another direction. When independent-minded Rebecca Williams is left without any prospects or means to support herself after her father dies, she has few prospects. Despite the fact that she doesn’t love him, she agrees to marry a young Australian, Daniel Thornton.
The Bostonian tries to mentally prepare herself for life in Australia but the reality of the stark landscape and culture broadside her. The Thornton’s are renown in the area and have vast holdings. Rebecca soon realizes the influence of her father-in-law, a professing Christian has. He enjoys a tyrannical rule in the local church and over his family. Her independent nature and self-righteous father-in-law’s determination to rule over her, his family and anyone in his sphere puts them on a collision course. Leon creates even more conflict with an ex-girlfriend who still has designs on Daniel.
Leon creates good tension among the characters and in Rebecca’s marriage. I didn’t feel the Australian accents felt authentic though I can’t precisely say why. Despite that, It’s a good story that shows the extreme difference between following the letter of the biblical law to the letter and living by grace. I give it four out of five stars.
The Bostonian tries to mentally prepare herself for life in Australia but the reality of the stark landscape and culture broadside her. The Thornton’s are renown in the area and have vast holdings. Rebecca soon realizes the influence of her father-in-law, a professing Christian has. He enjoys a tyrannical rule in the local church and over his family. Her independent nature and self-righteous father-in-law’s determination to rule over her, his family and anyone in his sphere puts them on a collision course. Leon creates even more conflict with an ex-girlfriend who still has designs on Daniel.
Leon creates good tension among the characters and in Rebecca’s marriage. I didn’t feel the Australian accents felt authentic though I can’t precisely say why. Despite that, It’s a good story that shows the extreme difference between following the letter of the biblical law to the letter and living by grace. I give it four out of five stars.
December 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this, as I did the Sydney Cove series. In fact I think I liked this one even more.
Summary
Rebecca Thornton finds herself in a position of need after her father leaves her without money. She arranges a marriage out of convenience with a handsome but mysterious Australian, and hopes that she will find happiness in the country of her husband. Little does she know that her father-in-law is overbearingly authoritarian, and her new country holds many dangers ....
Pros
This book went deeper into theological/spiritual issues than the Sydney Cove series did - it explored what the bible says about female/male roles and how we should put that into practise, racial issues and sin and forgiveness. I could really related to Rebecca's independent spirit. I loved how the author made the characters human, there were no 'mary-sue' characters here.
Cons
The only problem I have with Bonnie Leon books is that she often repeats certain phrases - in this book it was 'studied' and it becomes annoying. But other than that, a great read for Christians. If you enjoyed the Sydney Cove series you'll enjoy this too.
Oh, and the Australian accents. My goodness. Australians do NOT say 'No worries' all the time. And I don't think the Australian accent really existed then, as mentioned in another review here.
Summary
Rebecca Thornton finds herself in a position of need after her father leaves her without money. She arranges a marriage out of convenience with a handsome but mysterious Australian, and hopes that she will find happiness in the country of her husband. Little does she know that her father-in-law is overbearingly authoritarian, and her new country holds many dangers ....
Pros
This book went deeper into theological/spiritual issues than the Sydney Cove series did - it explored what the bible says about female/male roles and how we should put that into practise, racial issues and sin and forgiveness. I could really related to Rebecca's independent spirit. I loved how the author made the characters human, there were no 'mary-sue' characters here.
Cons
The only problem I have with Bonnie Leon books is that she often repeats certain phrases - in this book it was 'studied' and it becomes annoying. But other than that, a great read for Christians. If you enjoyed the Sydney Cove series you'll enjoy this too.
Oh, and the Australian accents. My goodness. Australians do NOT say 'No worries' all the time. And I don't think the Australian accent really existed then, as mentioned in another review here.
August 22, 2014
I wasn't sure at first about this book. I thought in the beginning chapters the heroine was a little TOO opinionated for the time she lived in. However, since this is the first book I ever read by this author I must say I am glad I stuck with it! This was one of the best books I ever read. God's message was woven wonderfully throughout the story with Scriptures abounding throughout. I am very glad I had gotten the other two books in this series before I started this one or I would be very mad right now! It was a very very good read! Highly recommend! If you do feel the heroine is a little too opinionated please give it more time it does get better!!!!
December 12, 2009
I struggled to like this, especially at first. The writing was too modern. The beginning just seemed...hollow. Emotionless. Little more than words on a page.
It was too fast paced, then too draggy. It was all over the place, it seems, and yet not really going anywhere. The end, too, I think was too fast paced. Everything was resolved too quickly. Everyone changed too quickly. And yet did they?
It was too fast paced, then too draggy. It was all over the place, it seems, and yet not really going anywhere. The end, too, I think was too fast paced. Everything was resolved too quickly. Everyone changed too quickly. And yet did they?
January 4, 2017
This was a lovely book! At first, the plot moved quickly and I felt like I was missing out on understanding the characters and their feelings. I found myself wanting more insight when all of the sudden, the book opened up to inside the characters' minds and became a truly wonderful read with well rounded characters. I look forward to reading more from this series as Bonnie Leon is a new favorite author of mine.
May 13, 2014
Decent story, abrupt ending
Decent story, abrupt ending
I enjoyed several elements of this one. I liked the characters, the visual descriptions, the plot, the life lessons. I just felt like the end was rushed and lack luster. Overall, one of the better Christian novels I've read.
Decent story, abrupt ending
I enjoyed several elements of this one. I liked the characters, the visual descriptions, the plot, the life lessons. I just felt like the end was rushed and lack luster. Overall, one of the better Christian novels I've read.
August 5, 2014
This was a good Christian historical fiction story. I like the added frontier of Australia as heroine, Rebecca leaves her Boston home to travel with new (almost stranger) husband, to his home in the "wilds" of Australia. It was a joy to read as they confront trying to get to know each other under the iron will and overbearing countenance of Bertram, her father-in-law.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews