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Daughters of the Darling #1
From Across the Sea
Home again at Ceann Mara Station, where she spent a happy childhood with her four sisters on the banks of the Darling River, Caitriona O'Byrne feels safe. Scarred by a harrowing attack during her final year at university, she falls into the familiar, nursing both her body and her trust in all that she once believed in.
Desperate for a pursuit that will fill the days as she recovers, and eager to escape the shadows of her past, Caitriona stumbles upon a hidden family legacy. Her father's relentless research of their ancestors, the O'Byrne brothers—Thomas and Samuel—leads her on a journey through time and Caitriona begins to uncover family secrets.
In the nineteenth century, two siblings faced a life-altering choice: to abandon their ancestral farm in County Kerry or remain and endure the relentless struggle of famine. As Caitriona unearths the layers of history, a gripping family saga unfolds. Thomas’s pursuit of success along the Darling River stands in stark contrast to Samuel’s arduous battle to adapt to a foreign land. Hidden resentments festered, and Caitriona is surprised to uncover the existence of a third brother who did not emigrate with Thomas and Samuel.
For a century and a half, silence has shrouded their Irish kin, but Caitriona becomes captivated by the whispered betrayals of the past and Samuel's tenacious fight for survival. As she immerses herself in the stories of their forbears, she uncovers a multitude of secrets.
When her university friends arrive unannounced at the sheep station, Caitriona is confronted by a betrayal that threatens not only her newfound peace but her very survival.
In her confusion, where past and present collide, can Caitriona navigate their sad family history and learn who she can trust before it’s too late?
A riveting tale of resilience, secrets, and the unbreakable bonds of family, where betrayal and survival hang in the balance.
Desperate for a pursuit that will fill the days as she recovers, and eager to escape the shadows of her past, Caitriona stumbles upon a hidden family legacy. Her father's relentless research of their ancestors, the O'Byrne brothers—Thomas and Samuel—leads her on a journey through time and Caitriona begins to uncover family secrets.
In the nineteenth century, two siblings faced a life-altering choice: to abandon their ancestral farm in County Kerry or remain and endure the relentless struggle of famine. As Caitriona unearths the layers of history, a gripping family saga unfolds. Thomas’s pursuit of success along the Darling River stands in stark contrast to Samuel’s arduous battle to adapt to a foreign land. Hidden resentments festered, and Caitriona is surprised to uncover the existence of a third brother who did not emigrate with Thomas and Samuel.
For a century and a half, silence has shrouded their Irish kin, but Caitriona becomes captivated by the whispered betrayals of the past and Samuel's tenacious fight for survival. As she immerses herself in the stories of their forbears, she uncovers a multitude of secrets.
When her university friends arrive unannounced at the sheep station, Caitriona is confronted by a betrayal that threatens not only her newfound peace but her very survival.
In her confusion, where past and present collide, can Caitriona navigate their sad family history and learn who she can trust before it’s too late?
A riveting tale of resilience, secrets, and the unbreakable bonds of family, where betrayal and survival hang in the balance.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
63 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Annie Seaton
170 books703 followersAnnie Seaton lives near the beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. She is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them. Her career and studies spanned the education sector for most of her working life until she took up a full-time writing career. Each winter, Annie and her husband leave the beach to roam the remote areas of Australia for story ideas and research.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 22, 2024
1846 in County Kerry, Ireland and Caitriona and her family were in dire straits. Caitriona worked at the big house, while their small cottage was rented from the owner. The famine was on them all and change was coming. When Caitriona's parents and siblings had to sail for America, leaving Caitriona and her two oldest brothers behind, she was devastated. But soon she was travelling herself - to Australia and a future she hadn't dreamed of.
It was current day, and Caitriona (Cat to all who knew her) arrived at her family's station on the Darling River in the New South Wales outback - Ceann Mara - shattered, and in the following three weeks she isolated herself in the bedroom, worrying her parents terribly. But when they flew to Broken Hill, Cat was able to venture out, getting the fresh air and sunshine she needed. She rode her pushbike down to the mailbox, with the dogs frolicking around her, and gradually she began to feel better. But when her parents finally knew what had happened in Cat's Sydney home, they wanted to call the police, but she wasn't ready. Would she ever return to Sydney to complete her Honours degree? Her dad would welcome her help on Ceann Mara, and she would love being there, but her future was uncertain. The catalyst came when her university friends arrived for a short visit...
From Across the Sea is the 1st in the Daughters of the Darling series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and once again she has hit the nail on the head with this one! Cat is an excellent character as she works through her problems, helping her father with their research into their family history and the five generations of the O'Byrne family on Ceann Mara. There is mystery and intrigue, murder and mayhem in From Across the Sea and I'm looking forward to #2 which will be Cat's sister, Roison's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was current day, and Caitriona (Cat to all who knew her) arrived at her family's station on the Darling River in the New South Wales outback - Ceann Mara - shattered, and in the following three weeks she isolated herself in the bedroom, worrying her parents terribly. But when they flew to Broken Hill, Cat was able to venture out, getting the fresh air and sunshine she needed. She rode her pushbike down to the mailbox, with the dogs frolicking around her, and gradually she began to feel better. But when her parents finally knew what had happened in Cat's Sydney home, they wanted to call the police, but she wasn't ready. Would she ever return to Sydney to complete her Honours degree? Her dad would welcome her help on Ceann Mara, and she would love being there, but her future was uncertain. The catalyst came when her university friends arrived for a short visit...
From Across the Sea is the 1st in the Daughters of the Darling series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and once again she has hit the nail on the head with this one! Cat is an excellent character as she works through her problems, helping her father with their research into their family history and the five generations of the O'Byrne family on Ceann Mara. There is mystery and intrigue, murder and mayhem in From Across the Sea and I'm looking forward to #2 which will be Cat's sister, Roison's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
What an awesome start to a new series, set over two timelines, this one was so hard to put down, I loved the setting and the characters, book one is Catriona O’Byrne’s story, she has been living in Sydney while attending university but after a terrible attack, Cat runs to her family home Ceann Mara Station on The Darling River, here she knows she will mend.
When Cat arrives home she really is not herself both physically and emotionally wounded, she takes refuge in her old bedroom but soon realises that she must recover and what better way than to help her father with his research into the O’Byrne family, she is a sixth generation O’Byrne and there has been an O’Byrne living on Ceann Mara for well over one hundred years.
1843 the famine in Ireland is growing and people are moving away from Ireland in droves, young Catriona Lowe is working on the Ceann Mara estate in the big house helping her Ma and Da with her large family, but soon her parents are moving to The United States and Catriona is left behind, when Thomas O’Byrne requests her hand in marriage she accepts and soon Thomas, herself and Thomas’s brother Samuel are on a ship to New South Wales to start a new life.
Logan Wainwright has recently moved to the Darling River area to re-think his life, he finally meets his new neighbours across the Darling River and instantly becomes friends with the O’Byrne family, he is very helpful to Cat in helping her report what happened to her in Sydney and is thrilled as he is now helping the research into the history of her family, which is so interesting and the more time he spends with Cat the more his heart opens up.
Things change when three of Cat’s university friends arrive at Ceann Mara for a surprise visit and some truths come out and life is changing again for Cat, Logan is there for Cat and now maybe the past can be put behind her and she can look to the future.
I loved this story so much, it is a story of strength and courage a journey back in time and an intriguing discovery of family history, there is still more to come and I can’t wait for book two in this series. I highly recommend this one it really is compelling reading, intrigue, mystery and romance, don’t miss this one another Annie Seaton keeper.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
When Cat arrives home she really is not herself both physically and emotionally wounded, she takes refuge in her old bedroom but soon realises that she must recover and what better way than to help her father with his research into the O’Byrne family, she is a sixth generation O’Byrne and there has been an O’Byrne living on Ceann Mara for well over one hundred years.
1843 the famine in Ireland is growing and people are moving away from Ireland in droves, young Catriona Lowe is working on the Ceann Mara estate in the big house helping her Ma and Da with her large family, but soon her parents are moving to The United States and Catriona is left behind, when Thomas O’Byrne requests her hand in marriage she accepts and soon Thomas, herself and Thomas’s brother Samuel are on a ship to New South Wales to start a new life.
Logan Wainwright has recently moved to the Darling River area to re-think his life, he finally meets his new neighbours across the Darling River and instantly becomes friends with the O’Byrne family, he is very helpful to Cat in helping her report what happened to her in Sydney and is thrilled as he is now helping the research into the history of her family, which is so interesting and the more time he spends with Cat the more his heart opens up.
Things change when three of Cat’s university friends arrive at Ceann Mara for a surprise visit and some truths come out and life is changing again for Cat, Logan is there for Cat and now maybe the past can be put behind her and she can look to the future.
I loved this story so much, it is a story of strength and courage a journey back in time and an intriguing discovery of family history, there is still more to come and I can’t wait for book two in this series. I highly recommend this one it really is compelling reading, intrigue, mystery and romance, don’t miss this one another Annie Seaton keeper.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
December 4, 2024
Caitriona O'Byrne is a university student and she feels safe at the family homestead called Ceann Mara Station and it’s nettled on the banks of the Darling River, and after an incident in Sydney she returns home. Her parents are worried about her, they decided to let her rest and she will tell them what happened when she’s ready.
Cat’s dad is very interested in his family history, his great-great-great grandfather and his brother left Ireland during the famine and built the house, and surrounding buildings. Cat needs something else to focus on, she drags herself out of bed and joins her father in trying to create the family tree and of course like most families there's the odd black sheep and hidden secrets.
From Across the Sea has a dual time line and it’s set in Australia in present time and in County Kerry, Ireland, before the great famine in 1843 and when it struck in 1845. As we known millions of Irish people starved and died and others immigrated to America and Australia.
Caitriona Lowe lives with her da and ma and siblings in a tiny cottage and she’s just started working at the big house as a maid and her father is a tenant farmer and he grows potatoes so when the crop is struck by the blight, and it has a ripple effect and her family and others are torn apart.
Cat tells her parents Tom and Laura what happened, and when her friends from uni turn up as a surprise, her peace and quiet is disturbed and that’s not the only thing to occur and luckily the new neighbour Logan Wainwright knows what to do.
A narrative about generations of one family in the past and present, full of historical details and the famine in Ireland, and the unfortunate victims of assault, how they cope and obtain help, can feel safe and get justice.
I really enjoyed reading From the Sea and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Daughters of the Darling series called Over the River and it’s about Roisin O'Byrne. I have read Ms. Seaton's previous books Osprey Reef and East of Alice and I highly recommend and she's an accomplished, knowledgeable and talented self-published Australian author.
Cat’s dad is very interested in his family history, his great-great-great grandfather and his brother left Ireland during the famine and built the house, and surrounding buildings. Cat needs something else to focus on, she drags herself out of bed and joins her father in trying to create the family tree and of course like most families there's the odd black sheep and hidden secrets.
From Across the Sea has a dual time line and it’s set in Australia in present time and in County Kerry, Ireland, before the great famine in 1843 and when it struck in 1845. As we known millions of Irish people starved and died and others immigrated to America and Australia.
Caitriona Lowe lives with her da and ma and siblings in a tiny cottage and she’s just started working at the big house as a maid and her father is a tenant farmer and he grows potatoes so when the crop is struck by the blight, and it has a ripple effect and her family and others are torn apart.
Cat tells her parents Tom and Laura what happened, and when her friends from uni turn up as a surprise, her peace and quiet is disturbed and that’s not the only thing to occur and luckily the new neighbour Logan Wainwright knows what to do.
A narrative about generations of one family in the past and present, full of historical details and the famine in Ireland, and the unfortunate victims of assault, how they cope and obtain help, can feel safe and get justice.
I really enjoyed reading From the Sea and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Daughters of the Darling series called Over the River and it’s about Roisin O'Byrne. I have read Ms. Seaton's previous books Osprey Reef and East of Alice and I highly recommend and she's an accomplished, knowledgeable and talented self-published Australian author.
April 23, 2024
Thank you Annie for gifting us a copy to read and review.
From Across The Sea is Book One in the Daughters Of The Darling series, a new adventure by destination fiction royalty author, Annie Seaton.
A rousing country mystery story that mixes the past with the present and comes up with magic.
In this lead tale, we meet the first O’Bryne sister, Catriona or Cat, as she likes to be called.
After a distressing attack while out in the city, Cat returns home to the outback and the family property, Ceann Mara Station.
Sleeping away the days and keeping to herself, Cat’s parents are worried.
Logan Wainwright is on a break from his detective duties and lives in his newly built home across the river from the O’Bryne family dealing with his own issues.
Cat and Logan come together in an unexpected way and help each other with the healing while digging into the family ancestry.
What they discover is a mysterious family saga that slowly begins to unravel.
As time goes on, the truth comes out…….
Filled with drama, romance, conundrum, history, courage and secrets.
A compelling, indulgent read from an accomplished author.
The book finishes with a hint of the next sister’s story and there’s some history that needs to be solved as well.
And we don’t have to wait too long, it’s released in November.
From Across The Sea is Book One in the Daughters Of The Darling series, a new adventure by destination fiction royalty author, Annie Seaton.
A rousing country mystery story that mixes the past with the present and comes up with magic.
In this lead tale, we meet the first O’Bryne sister, Catriona or Cat, as she likes to be called.
After a distressing attack while out in the city, Cat returns home to the outback and the family property, Ceann Mara Station.
Sleeping away the days and keeping to herself, Cat’s parents are worried.
Logan Wainwright is on a break from his detective duties and lives in his newly built home across the river from the O’Bryne family dealing with his own issues.
Cat and Logan come together in an unexpected way and help each other with the healing while digging into the family ancestry.
What they discover is a mysterious family saga that slowly begins to unravel.
As time goes on, the truth comes out…….
Filled with drama, romance, conundrum, history, courage and secrets.
A compelling, indulgent read from an accomplished author.
The book finishes with a hint of the next sister’s story and there’s some history that needs to be solved as well.
And we don’t have to wait too long, it’s released in November.
April 16, 2024
A glorious book. I love the way Annie gets the pre ordered books out before the release date. I've been looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. It is a fabulous book. Everything weaves in beautifully and although this is the first of a series it doesn't leave anything hanging.
The characters are beautifully drawn and real, the time lines with links to the family line in Ireland are never confusing and the scenery described is done in a way few authors manage as well as Annie does. You can see the area in your mind even though you have never been there.
I loved the way the first Catriona O'Byrne, born in Ireland has similarities in appearance with the beautiful main character in this book, another Catriona O'Byrne who is involved in a harrowing experience that she knows happened but remembers little. The sensitive way this difficult subject is handled is excellent.
There is not one flaw in this lovely book. Although the harrowing experience the current Catriona has to deal with is horrific it is sensitively handled and with so much love and support from those closest to her Catriona is able to heal. The research that Catriona's Dad is carrying out of the family from Ireland starting in 1843 is fascinating and will continue through the series.
I am now looking forward to the other books in the series! Annie's fans will just love this and readers yet to discover her excellent work will be drawn to her books.
Satisfying, inspiring reading, I really loved it.
The characters are beautifully drawn and real, the time lines with links to the family line in Ireland are never confusing and the scenery described is done in a way few authors manage as well as Annie does. You can see the area in your mind even though you have never been there.
I loved the way the first Catriona O'Byrne, born in Ireland has similarities in appearance with the beautiful main character in this book, another Catriona O'Byrne who is involved in a harrowing experience that she knows happened but remembers little. The sensitive way this difficult subject is handled is excellent.
There is not one flaw in this lovely book. Although the harrowing experience the current Catriona has to deal with is horrific it is sensitively handled and with so much love and support from those closest to her Catriona is able to heal. The research that Catriona's Dad is carrying out of the family from Ireland starting in 1843 is fascinating and will continue through the series.
I am now looking forward to the other books in the series! Annie's fans will just love this and readers yet to discover her excellent work will be drawn to her books.
Satisfying, inspiring reading, I really loved it.
November 30, 2024
A wonderful outback family of five daughters leaving home (Ceann Mara Station) to pursue their dreams.
Book 1 is about Caitriona, who is at university, just about to finish her final year, and a terrible attack brings her running back home.
Logan is also running away and has bought the property next door. Will he stay or go back to the city as a detective.
You will be thrown back into the nineteenth century to learn the history of Ceann Mara Station and its decendants.
After reading this book, you will want to visit the Darling River NSW.
Loved it 📚❤️
Book 1 is about Caitriona, who is at university, just about to finish her final year, and a terrible attack brings her running back home.
Logan is also running away and has bought the property next door. Will he stay or go back to the city as a detective.
You will be thrown back into the nineteenth century to learn the history of Ceann Mara Station and its decendants.
After reading this book, you will want to visit the Darling River NSW.
Loved it 📚❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
Loved it, what a start to the series, drama, great setting and a delightful romance.
June 9, 2024
Daughters of the Darling
Starting to get into a few of my books on my TBR list. Was worth the wait for this one. Once again Annie Seaton you have not let me down. Loved Caitriona’s story. Can’t wait for the next one in the series. Going to be another incredible journey.
Starting to get into a few of my books on my TBR list. Was worth the wait for this one. Once again Annie Seaton you have not let me down. Loved Caitriona’s story. Can’t wait for the next one in the series. Going to be another incredible journey.
May 20, 2024
from across the sea
A great story, encompassing the beauty of the Darling River, and what it has to offer, those that choose to
Iive by her. A story of dual time lines, one Ireland and the potatoe famine. The other present day, a young lady and what befalls her. How she heals from a traumatic event, along her precious Darling River, and her parents property. A great story a must read. Looking forward to the next chapter, surrounding the Darling River.
A great story, encompassing the beauty of the Darling River, and what it has to offer, those that choose to
Iive by her. A story of dual time lines, one Ireland and the potatoe famine. The other present day, a young lady and what befalls her. How she heals from a traumatic event, along her precious Darling River, and her parents property. A great story a must read. Looking forward to the next chapter, surrounding the Darling River.
May 5, 2024
Annie an excellent start to a new series. It was easy to read between the two time lines and not lose the thread of the story. The description of the settings helps one imagine where the story is happening. I enjoyed reading about Catriona and her relationship with her parents and Logan. Looking forward to the next story in this series.
October 12, 2024
I loved this, the characters are so real and the story flies along, it was a most enjoyable read! The landscape comes to life, the dust and trees, the beautiful river. And the romance ... swoon. I loved watching them learn to trust again. I particularly enjoyed the historical chapters too as they were about the impact of the potato famine in Ireland in the 1840s. A terrific read!
March 13, 2025
Kept me guessing
Although it was obvious from early on that boy meets girl, boy & girl fall in love, I usually guess “whodunnit” pretty quickly but this one kept me guessing to the end.
I also enjoyed the fact it went back in time and gave an insight into the family history. Another great read from Annie.
Although it was obvious from early on that boy meets girl, boy & girl fall in love, I usually guess “whodunnit” pretty quickly but this one kept me guessing to the end.
I also enjoyed the fact it went back in time and gave an insight into the family history. Another great read from Annie.
November 20, 2024
I discovered Annie Seaton several years ago. I've since read several series from her and have never been disappointed. I enjoy reading about other countries and their geography and customs. With Annie Seaton I learn and get a good story every time.
July 2, 2025
Amazing story
The story of strength thru pain and new beginnings was great!!! Hardly put it down until the shocking end. Happily ever after for the main character after so much pain.
The story of strength thru pain and new beginnings was great!!! Hardly put it down until the shocking end. Happily ever after for the main character after so much pain.
October 22, 2025
I love a story that has historical secrets that appear when least expected. Catriona and Logan's story is one that I delved into and enjoyed to the end. Twists and turns, strong characters and a beautiful setting made this a great read.
January 11, 2026
What more can I say about Annie Seatons books. She has mastered the art of combining the historic with present day and weaving it into a story that keeps the reader wanting more, and this first in a series is a perfect example. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 22, 2024
We were left hanging for a while and I get it, but I still find it annoying. Interesting how station life has to evolve to keep ahead.
January 5, 2025
This book was difficult to get interested in. I found the characters 2-dimensional and the plot predictable and cliched. The story had a very slow start but then ended abruptly.
August 4, 2025
Awesome read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews