What do you think?
Rate this book
Distant #1
Avec l'espoir pour horizon
" Un cadre historique bien dépeint, et cette femme qui force l'admiration. Un roman coup de cœur ! " Goodreads
Irlande, 1851. Depuis que la maladie de la pomme de terre a frappé le pays, les paysans crient famine. Comme nombre de métayers, Ellen Kittrick et son mari peinent à nourrir leurs enfants et craignent de perdre leur toit.
Touchée par des drames successifs, la jeune femme choisit l'exil.
Grâce à Ralph Hamilton, un ami du propriétaire du manoir où elle est domestique, Ellen embarque avec ses enfants à bord d'un navire en partance pour l'Australie, pays de tous les espoirs.
Sur place, l'associé de Ralph dans une affaire d'import-export la prend sous son aile. Sa nouvelle vie lui apportera-t-elle la sécurité et le bonheur auxquels elle aspire ? Ellen pourra-t-elle s'épanouir en terre étrangère ou a-t-elle commis la plus grande erreur de sa vie ?
Irlande, 1851. Depuis que la maladie de la pomme de terre a frappé le pays, les paysans crient famine. Comme nombre de métayers, Ellen Kittrick et son mari peinent à nourrir leurs enfants et craignent de perdre leur toit.
Touchée par des drames successifs, la jeune femme choisit l'exil.
Grâce à Ralph Hamilton, un ami du propriétaire du manoir où elle est domestique, Ellen embarque avec ses enfants à bord d'un navire en partance pour l'Australie, pays de tous les espoirs.
Sur place, l'associé de Ralph dans une affaire d'import-export la prend sous son aile. Sa nouvelle vie lui apportera-t-elle la sécurité et le bonheur auxquels elle aspire ? Ellen pourra-t-elle s'épanouir en terre étrangère ou a-t-elle commis la plus grande erreur de sa vie ?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
AnneMarie Brear
86 books309 followersAustralian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 4, 2021
I absolutely loved this book❤️ From the perspective of an Irish reader this book is incredibly well researched. We start the story right in the middle of the famine in Co. Mayo with Ellen and her family. The author describes the haunting scenes that many people had become accustomed to seeing during that time such as families living in ditches, facing daily starvation, evictions and poverty. The author also touches on the subject that so many Irish people were sent in chains to Australia with many found guilty of petty crimes such as stealing food.
After losing so much Ellen decides to take the risk and bring her family to Australia in search of a better life.
There were so many loveable characters in the book. The main two men in helping Ellen were Rafe and Allistair and I loved both their characters. I found it really refreshing to see people helping one another build anew life. There are some villains throughout but overall a very uplifting ending.
I’m really excited that there will be a sequel to this book.
After losing so much Ellen decides to take the risk and bring her family to Australia in search of a better life.
There were so many loveable characters in the book. The main two men in helping Ellen were Rafe and Allistair and I loved both their characters. I found it really refreshing to see people helping one another build anew life. There are some villains throughout but overall a very uplifting ending.
I’m really excited that there will be a sequel to this book.
July 8, 2021
This historically accurate and heart-wrenching story follows the tumultuous road of Ellen’s life. Ellen is a strong and capable heroine who captivates the reader from the beginning.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 1, 2021
I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this book. I read it in a day, it was the perfect book to read over a bank holiday. As a fan of historical fiction, I loved the settings and the narrative tone of the book. The author’s research into that time period in Ireland and Australia was incredibly well done. The characters were so lovely, and their relationships were heart-warming. While there was the odd villain, it made such a nice change to read a story where all of the main characters were good people. I particularly liked how Rafe and Alistair were incredibly kind men and had good relationships with the children. I was so engrossed in this book that I wasn’t prepared for the end, which crept up on me suddenly (my kindle had stopped showing me the percentage), so I was really pleased to learn that there is a sequel and cannot wait to return to NSW to find out what awaits Ellen on the next step of her journey.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last.
This is a well-researched historical fiction story about Ellen and her family’s struggle during the Irish potato famine. Ellen goes against her family and works for a Protestant Englishman to try to stop the landowner’s agent from destroying her home because of rent arrears. After a terrible run of events, she has to make a huge decision. Help comes from an unlikely source and she takes herself and her family, some of whom are less than willing to go, on the adventure of a lifetime to make a new start in a new country.
I really enjoyed this book, I am a fan of historical fiction and I read it over 2 days, it was the perfect book to read whilst enjoying the sunny weather. It made a nice change to read a book where the majority of the characters were good people, with good intentions, even if at times, they made the wrong decisions. Of course, there were a few rogues thrown in too. Considering this book was set in the mid-19th century, it was nice to read that both Rafe and Alistair were incredibly kind men and had good relationships with the children.
I was so invested in this book, both the characters and the setting that I wasn’t prepared for the end, which crept up on me suddenly, but was in no way rushed. I was pleased to learn that there is a sequel and cannot wait to return to NSW to find out what awaits Ellen on the next step of her journey.
I highly recommend this book to both readers who enjoy historical fiction and for those who enjoy uplifting reads too.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
This is a well-researched historical fiction story about Ellen and her family’s struggle during the Irish potato famine. Ellen goes against her family and works for a Protestant Englishman to try to stop the landowner’s agent from destroying her home because of rent arrears. After a terrible run of events, she has to make a huge decision. Help comes from an unlikely source and she takes herself and her family, some of whom are less than willing to go, on the adventure of a lifetime to make a new start in a new country.
I really enjoyed this book, I am a fan of historical fiction and I read it over 2 days, it was the perfect book to read whilst enjoying the sunny weather. It made a nice change to read a book where the majority of the characters were good people, with good intentions, even if at times, they made the wrong decisions. Of course, there were a few rogues thrown in too. Considering this book was set in the mid-19th century, it was nice to read that both Rafe and Alistair were incredibly kind men and had good relationships with the children.
I was so invested in this book, both the characters and the setting that I wasn’t prepared for the end, which crept up on me suddenly, but was in no way rushed. I was pleased to learn that there is a sequel and cannot wait to return to NSW to find out what awaits Ellen on the next step of her journey.
I highly recommend this book to both readers who enjoy historical fiction and for those who enjoy uplifting reads too.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
July 17, 2021
What an entrance to a book the detail is beautiful completely mesmerising. Although it’s a sad start to the book with the blight. It’s wonderful to read a book based in Ireland that contains Gaelic, this has been a first for me.
Instantly I felt connected to Ellen, a mother working so hard to provide for her four children. The book really makes you appreciate life and how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads with food on the table. You appreciate how hard you work everyday. The book has a heart breaking incident along the way and the sadness you feel completely overwhelms you.
The chapters are tiny and the read on a kindle is fab it’s so spacious it made it such an enjoyable read. I really struggled to put this down and read it in one day.
From the moment Mr Hamilton walks into Ellen’s life you start to feel hope and warmth ❤️
Instantly I felt connected to Ellen, a mother working so hard to provide for her four children. The book really makes you appreciate life and how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads with food on the table. You appreciate how hard you work everyday. The book has a heart breaking incident along the way and the sadness you feel completely overwhelms you.
The chapters are tiny and the read on a kindle is fab it’s so spacious it made it such an enjoyable read. I really struggled to put this down and read it in one day.
From the moment Mr Hamilton walks into Ellen’s life you start to feel hope and warmth ❤️
October 22, 2024
Key points
Key points from this book:
- The strength and perseverance of Ellen during the Irish famine was praiseworthy. She took the lead when her husband had given up and took her children, sister and mother on the voyage to Australia to start a new life.
- The famine showed the divide of the community when the wealthy Irish were not empathetic or helpful to their fellow citizens in poverty. Though the English were seen as selfish and in Ireland for their own gains, in this particular storyline it was a couple of Englishmen that did more to help the Irish families than the wealthy Irish themselves. This shows there are always people in any society trying to do good even if there are many that do not care.
- People have and do take advantage of those in unfortunate situations. In this story line it was men wanting women for sex. The author showed how those in need may accept and give up their key values in order to survive. However, there are also those who would die or struggle than give in to unwanted demands.
- This story shows how trials can change people as well as relationships for the worst. People may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as i.e. addictions to alcohol and gambling despite poverty and their responsibilities.
- Trials test faith and values.
- It is very hard to be accepted into a society you are not born into. People of the higher class will look down at those who come up from a lower class. Ellen is determined to earn her own respect by having her own money and land and not merely by being the wife of a businessman though she knew this would be advantageous.
- Men are attracted to a woman who uses her brain, has self-confidence and beneath the surface has a sensual side to her. Some men may be uncomfortable with this.
- Rushing to marry for the purpose of stability and security when one's heart still holds another man is unhealthy and can be detrimental to one's marriage. Even those who have previously refused to give themselves to any strange man can become unfaithful should the opportunity arise to be with the one they hold in their hearts. Sadly, Ellen never knew Rafe liked her as she liked him until it was too late. This particular plot actually made this story heart-wrenching!
Key points from this book:
- The strength and perseverance of Ellen during the Irish famine was praiseworthy. She took the lead when her husband had given up and took her children, sister and mother on the voyage to Australia to start a new life.
- The famine showed the divide of the community when the wealthy Irish were not empathetic or helpful to their fellow citizens in poverty. Though the English were seen as selfish and in Ireland for their own gains, in this particular storyline it was a couple of Englishmen that did more to help the Irish families than the wealthy Irish themselves. This shows there are always people in any society trying to do good even if there are many that do not care.
- People have and do take advantage of those in unfortunate situations. In this story line it was men wanting women for sex. The author showed how those in need may accept and give up their key values in order to survive. However, there are also those who would die or struggle than give in to unwanted demands.
- This story shows how trials can change people as well as relationships for the worst. People may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as i.e. addictions to alcohol and gambling despite poverty and their responsibilities.
- Trials test faith and values.
- It is very hard to be accepted into a society you are not born into. People of the higher class will look down at those who come up from a lower class. Ellen is determined to earn her own respect by having her own money and land and not merely by being the wife of a businessman though she knew this would be advantageous.
- Men are attracted to a woman who uses her brain, has self-confidence and beneath the surface has a sensual side to her. Some men may be uncomfortable with this.
- Rushing to marry for the purpose of stability and security when one's heart still holds another man is unhealthy and can be detrimental to one's marriage. Even those who have previously refused to give themselves to any strange man can become unfaithful should the opportunity arise to be with the one they hold in their hearts. Sadly, Ellen never knew Rafe liked her as she liked him until it was too late. This particular plot actually made this story heart-wrenching!
June 9, 2021
#ADistantHorizon
#AnneMarieBrear
Thank you @lovebookstours and @annemariebrear for the #gifted digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb
1851 Ireland.
After enduring years of a devastating potato famine, Ellen Kittrick is a survivor. Crop failures and a descent into poverty changes her from a happy wife and mother to a woman struggling to keep her children alive.
To put food on the table and to stop the landowner's agent from tearing down their cottage due to unpaid rent, Ellen defies her family and works at an Englishman’s manor, but with her husband out of work, and a secretive brother-in-law wanting her for his own, Ellen must face every challenge with new strength. When several shocking events occur, it forces her to make an enormous decision. With aid coming from an unlikely source, namely Englishman Rafe Hamilton, Ellen leaves Ireland with what is left of her family to start again in a new country. But will the colony give her the security and happiness she longs for, especially when she has left her heart behind? Can Ellen thrive in a strange land?
Or has she made the greatest mistake of her life?
My thoughts:
The read is inspiring. The hardships and poverty are real; yet the never-say-die attitude of Ellen Kittrick infuses you with her strength and positivity. The writing style is classic and understated. The context is extremely well-researched and the use of Gaelic adds an authentic touch. With quiet resilience and strength, Ellen Kittrick is reminiscent of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. Ireland and the blight, the long ship crossing and the life in the lower steerage, the city life and the countryside of New South Wales, the society do’s and the fashion, the hansoms and the horses are all evocatively brought alive by the author. Ellen Kittrick rules the show, but her children and the two male characters are imbued with depth and layers.
The romance is soft and tender in keeping with the tone of the book. It ends at a very tantalising twist and you know you are ready for the sequel.
Recommended read .
#historicalfiction
#womenstories
#AnneMarieBrear
Thank you @lovebookstours and @annemariebrear for the #gifted digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb
1851 Ireland.
After enduring years of a devastating potato famine, Ellen Kittrick is a survivor. Crop failures and a descent into poverty changes her from a happy wife and mother to a woman struggling to keep her children alive.
To put food on the table and to stop the landowner's agent from tearing down their cottage due to unpaid rent, Ellen defies her family and works at an Englishman’s manor, but with her husband out of work, and a secretive brother-in-law wanting her for his own, Ellen must face every challenge with new strength. When several shocking events occur, it forces her to make an enormous decision. With aid coming from an unlikely source, namely Englishman Rafe Hamilton, Ellen leaves Ireland with what is left of her family to start again in a new country. But will the colony give her the security and happiness she longs for, especially when she has left her heart behind? Can Ellen thrive in a strange land?
Or has she made the greatest mistake of her life?
My thoughts:
The read is inspiring. The hardships and poverty are real; yet the never-say-die attitude of Ellen Kittrick infuses you with her strength and positivity. The writing style is classic and understated. The context is extremely well-researched and the use of Gaelic adds an authentic touch. With quiet resilience and strength, Ellen Kittrick is reminiscent of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. Ireland and the blight, the long ship crossing and the life in the lower steerage, the city life and the countryside of New South Wales, the society do’s and the fashion, the hansoms and the horses are all evocatively brought alive by the author. Ellen Kittrick rules the show, but her children and the two male characters are imbued with depth and layers.
The romance is soft and tender in keeping with the tone of the book. It ends at a very tantalising twist and you know you are ready for the sequel.
Recommended read .
#historicalfiction
#womenstories
June 12, 2021
I received this book as an eARC from @lovebookstours and I’m so glad to have been introduced to this author’s books through it. I had not read Annemarie Brear before but I think I definitely will now.
This book was pretty much flawless from beginning to end.
Without doubt my favourite part of this book is the context. It seemed to me that it was incredibly well researched. It was so interesting to read about the Irish famine from the perspective of a woman just trying to provide for her family when her husband doesn’t.
Which leads me onto our heroine, Ellen. I love her. She’s admirably strong, has a very do what must be done attitude, and cares deeply for her family (particularly her children). She makes this book go from four to five stars because while the context and the beautiful storyline is fantastic, she is such a wonderful character as a whole that makes the story far easier to relate to and sympathise with despite the extreme circumstances.
The other characters aren’t as detailed but they are still well developed and two dimensional. I loved her sons, especially Austin. They are lovely, protective darlings, and her daughter was so cute. The two men important to the story romantically (no spoilers as to who) were lovable and decent. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with Ellen and her children.
The story was authentic and heartbreaking at times but also massively uplifting as a whole. It’s an interesting time period, with interesting characters, and an interesting story. Truly a great read. Absolutely recommend!
This book was pretty much flawless from beginning to end.
Without doubt my favourite part of this book is the context. It seemed to me that it was incredibly well researched. It was so interesting to read about the Irish famine from the perspective of a woman just trying to provide for her family when her husband doesn’t.
Which leads me onto our heroine, Ellen. I love her. She’s admirably strong, has a very do what must be done attitude, and cares deeply for her family (particularly her children). She makes this book go from four to five stars because while the context and the beautiful storyline is fantastic, she is such a wonderful character as a whole that makes the story far easier to relate to and sympathise with despite the extreme circumstances.
The other characters aren’t as detailed but they are still well developed and two dimensional. I loved her sons, especially Austin. They are lovely, protective darlings, and her daughter was so cute. The two men important to the story romantically (no spoilers as to who) were lovable and decent. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with Ellen and her children.
The story was authentic and heartbreaking at times but also massively uplifting as a whole. It’s an interesting time period, with interesting characters, and an interesting story. Truly a great read. Absolutely recommend!
July 17, 2021
Dating back to 1851, Ireland has witnessed the worst conditions due to potato blight causing failure of harvest which leads to a sequence of damaging effects to both the land and its people. Amidst poverty, lack of food, and humungous debts Ellen Kittrick struggles to overcome all the struggles.
She goes through a lot of troubles but she is strong-willed to keep going and to never stop. She has to support her 4 children with very less or to say no help from her husband, pay the pilling debts and also stay away from her brother-in-law who wants to make her his own.
Things turn grim when she loses a few of her family members causing her unbearable pain. But help comes her way through Mr. Wilton and Mr. Hamilton, the Englishmen who help her to travel over to Australia to start a new life. did Ellen find the new life in Australia easy and rewarding for all the struggles she went through?
I really loved this book. This author has portrayed a strong female protagonist who I think is the strongest character I have read so far. There are many lovable characters in this book who help and support each other. I read this too fast only to find it ended in a cliff-hanger. This book will make you feel grateful for everything you have and also the people who love you. This book will also teach you to stay strong even in the darkest of times. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel.
December 30, 2021
What an amazing novel by AnneMarie Brear! I was captivated by the strength, courage and determination of Ellen Kittrick who survived the famine, numerous horrendous deaths of loved ones, betrayal, a gambling alcoholic husband, a frightening brother-in-law, landowner’s abuse, untold violence under English control, destruction of her home and more endless setbacks than you can possibly imagine.
A Distant Horizon is book one of AnneMarie Brear’s Irish Australian historical saga The Distant Series. And it is my first ever book of hers I have read and I can say with heartfelt sincerity, I became absolutely lost in this magnificent story. I am keen to dive into book two of the series and many more of AnneMarie’s books as I am seriously impressed by her skill and story-telling ability. It is apparent she has done extensive research on the Irish Famine era and utilised it well in A Distant Horizon. This attention to detail has provided a clear picture also of the difficulties of ship life for those who emigrated from Ireland to distant lands like Australia.
Thankfully in spite of the cruelty Ellen endured, she has also been on the receiving end of some incredible kindness shown to her by various gentlemen in high places who admired her sustaining qualities, her hard work and strong moral character. Hardships beyond belief are portrayed throughout the novel making us cringe at the brutal reality of the Irish famine and the utter devastation and abuse the Irish experienced under a bad system and corrupt leaders. AnneMarie never once softens the truth under her pen. This story tells it all. But these horrors are also sprinkled with acts of goodwill. We know from history there were a few English manor owners who showed kindness by providing food and jobs when possible and we see this in the character of Mr Wilton. These true Christian acts of humanity shine in a dark cesspool of greed, prejudice, ignorance and religious arrogance.
As Ellen’s life unfolds, her faith is severely tested. She questions God’s allowance of such cruelty and loss done by evil men. And why has mother nature become plagued with disease? For these woes have threatened the very existence of the Irish people. Sadly, the lines blur when the scythe of injustice cuts deeper than even nature’s calamity. For though the seasonal potatoes are blighted, there is other food grown in Ireland that could save the people but it is shipped offshore by the greedy hands in power. Basically, they stole the sustenance that should have been available to stop such deaths and starvation. But those in higher positions ignored the cries of a dying hungry nation and used religion against them to blame these blights on their disobedience to God. (The Catholic versus the Protestant debate.)
AnneMarie’s writing is top level. She soars with a masterful skill, always in control of her characters, maintains a tight plot and descriptive settings. Reading this novel was like watching a movie and I mean exactly that. The detail was so visual I felt as if I was seeing it all on the big screen. I was easily transported to 1851 Ireland, then England and later to colonial Australia where Ellen is trying to rebuild her life. Unexpected love is on the horizon for her as well. Plus, other key figures who offer life security and position. It seems as if there is a special mark on her for she not only experiences the worst losses imaginable but also the greatest triumphs possible.
Ellen’s journey is a powerful life changing one and I am keen to read part two in the sequel Beyond the Distant Hills. The author has utilised her own family history— including taking us to the Southern Highlands. What a story! I cannot rave enough about this novel and the writing skills of AnneMarie Brear. Unforgettable, inspiring and more-ish fiction! 5 Brilliant Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Distant Horizon is book one of AnneMarie Brear’s Irish Australian historical saga The Distant Series. And it is my first ever book of hers I have read and I can say with heartfelt sincerity, I became absolutely lost in this magnificent story. I am keen to dive into book two of the series and many more of AnneMarie’s books as I am seriously impressed by her skill and story-telling ability. It is apparent she has done extensive research on the Irish Famine era and utilised it well in A Distant Horizon. This attention to detail has provided a clear picture also of the difficulties of ship life for those who emigrated from Ireland to distant lands like Australia.
Thankfully in spite of the cruelty Ellen endured, she has also been on the receiving end of some incredible kindness shown to her by various gentlemen in high places who admired her sustaining qualities, her hard work and strong moral character. Hardships beyond belief are portrayed throughout the novel making us cringe at the brutal reality of the Irish famine and the utter devastation and abuse the Irish experienced under a bad system and corrupt leaders. AnneMarie never once softens the truth under her pen. This story tells it all. But these horrors are also sprinkled with acts of goodwill. We know from history there were a few English manor owners who showed kindness by providing food and jobs when possible and we see this in the character of Mr Wilton. These true Christian acts of humanity shine in a dark cesspool of greed, prejudice, ignorance and religious arrogance.
As Ellen’s life unfolds, her faith is severely tested. She questions God’s allowance of such cruelty and loss done by evil men. And why has mother nature become plagued with disease? For these woes have threatened the very existence of the Irish people. Sadly, the lines blur when the scythe of injustice cuts deeper than even nature’s calamity. For though the seasonal potatoes are blighted, there is other food grown in Ireland that could save the people but it is shipped offshore by the greedy hands in power. Basically, they stole the sustenance that should have been available to stop such deaths and starvation. But those in higher positions ignored the cries of a dying hungry nation and used religion against them to blame these blights on their disobedience to God. (The Catholic versus the Protestant debate.)
AnneMarie’s writing is top level. She soars with a masterful skill, always in control of her characters, maintains a tight plot and descriptive settings. Reading this novel was like watching a movie and I mean exactly that. The detail was so visual I felt as if I was seeing it all on the big screen. I was easily transported to 1851 Ireland, then England and later to colonial Australia where Ellen is trying to rebuild her life. Unexpected love is on the horizon for her as well. Plus, other key figures who offer life security and position. It seems as if there is a special mark on her for she not only experiences the worst losses imaginable but also the greatest triumphs possible.
Ellen’s journey is a powerful life changing one and I am keen to read part two in the sequel Beyond the Distant Hills. The author has utilised her own family history— including taking us to the Southern Highlands. What a story! I cannot rave enough about this novel and the writing skills of AnneMarie Brear. Unforgettable, inspiring and more-ish fiction! 5 Brilliant Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 13, 2021
I absolutely love historical fiction set in England, Ireland, and Australia. So when asked to review this book I was elated that the journey the Main Character Ellen goes on transports her from Ireland to England.
This was a fantastic read about one of Ireland’s most devastating periods in time that had major impacts on the land and economy, the Potato Famine. Throughout the book I kept wondering what choices I would have made if I had been in her shoes.
Weather this famine, the Great Depression, or war, women throughout history have had to overcome tragedy and strife during these times with little voice and no rights. As the story goes on Ellen’s character takes her to the depths of what it means to fight.
Make sure you pop this read into your cart this month.
This was a fantastic read about one of Ireland’s most devastating periods in time that had major impacts on the land and economy, the Potato Famine. Throughout the book I kept wondering what choices I would have made if I had been in her shoes.
Weather this famine, the Great Depression, or war, women throughout history have had to overcome tragedy and strife during these times with little voice and no rights. As the story goes on Ellen’s character takes her to the depths of what it means to fight.
Make sure you pop this read into your cart this month.
November 27, 2022
A Wonderful Story!
This is my first Annemarie Brear book and I loved reading 'A Distant Horizon'. It is a wonderful story filled with hardship and sadness but at the center of the story a strong and determined young mother named Ellen. I love the strong character of Ellen and her family and feel like I am there through out her sadness and triumphs and her love for her family. I can not wait to read the second book to find out what happens to Ellen, her family, Alistair and the love she has for Rafe. This is one of the best books I have read this year!
This is my first Annemarie Brear book and I loved reading 'A Distant Horizon'. It is a wonderful story filled with hardship and sadness but at the center of the story a strong and determined young mother named Ellen. I love the strong character of Ellen and her family and feel like I am there through out her sadness and triumphs and her love for her family. I can not wait to read the second book to find out what happens to Ellen, her family, Alistair and the love she has for Rafe. This is one of the best books I have read this year!
April 1, 2022
This was a fantastic and captivating book. I was immersed in the history of Ireland during the great famine and the trials that beset so many of that time. I was at times, laughing at some passages, but also close to tears with the situations presented as part of daily life during this time in Ireland. I would definitely recommend this book if you love history of that era. I am already starting the next book to this series. Give this a read. You won't be disappointed.
June 27, 2021
A wonderfully rich saga. AnneMarie's writing is easy-reading. The storyline has many twists and turns in it with characters that are well-developed and dialogue that is realistic to the times. If you have a couple of 'me' hours and want to be swept away to another place and time, this might be worth the read.
August 3, 2021
A fairly intense story, with a great romance running through it...but that will obviously be continued in the next book! One of the first fiction books I've read that occurs during the Irish famine in 1851, such a terrible time. Can't really say where she ends up (spoilers!), but it was so interesting!
November 9, 2021
LOVED IT!
Amazing book, very well written, and a wonderful story.
I look forward to the sequel very much.
There was more I wanted to say about it, but I have forgotten what it was at the moment.
If it comes back to me, I will add it later.
Amazing book, very well written, and a wonderful story.
I look forward to the sequel very much.
There was more I wanted to say about it, but I have forgotten what it was at the moment.
If it comes back to me, I will add it later.
October 28, 2022
Well written
A good depiction of the era. Whispersync made the book come alive with the narrator's use of dialect. Disappointed that the book ended without answering pending questions in this reader's mind. Must read book 2 to find answers.
A good depiction of the era. Whispersync made the book come alive with the narrator's use of dialect. Disappointed that the book ended without answering pending questions in this reader's mind. Must read book 2 to find answers.
June 27, 2021
Excellent
As always this wonderful author has given us a wonderful story. I am now going to read the next in the series
As always this wonderful author has given us a wonderful story. I am now going to read the next in the series
June 29, 2021
A Great Book
I thoroughly loved this book.It was another book that all you wanted to do was keep on reading it. I can't wait for the next book to be ready.
I thoroughly loved this book.It was another book that all you wanted to do was keep on reading it. I can't wait for the next book to be ready.
July 18, 2021
a woman's struggle to keep her children fed in during the Ireland potato famine after the death of her husband she migrates to Australia and continues to fight for a better life
November 24, 2021
The best
One of the best, if not the best story teller's I have ever read , I can't wait for the next installment x
One of the best, if not the best story teller's I have ever read , I can't wait for the next installment x
May 27, 2022
I enjoyed this book . My ancestors arrived in Canada due to the potatoe famine in Ireland . This book gave me a sense of those times of famine and hardship and the decision to leave.
July 17, 2022
A good read, but I felt it needed a sequel
September 28, 2022
Good
The story of Ellen's struggle to provide for her family and her determination to
provide for them was brilliant and the one You really should read
The story of Ellen's struggle to provide for her family and her determination to
provide for them was brilliant and the one You really should read
October 16, 2022
A Distant Horizon
Read all of Annemarie Brear books, captivating up to the end, leave you in suspense waiting for next instalment in series.
Read all of Annemarie Brear books, captivating up to the end, leave you in suspense waiting for next instalment in series.
November 10, 2022
Good insight into early life in Australia
I thoroughly enjoyed the book giving good insight into the potato famine in Ireland and early life in Australia. Well worth reading
I thoroughly enjoyed the book giving good insight into the potato famine in Ireland and early life in Australia. Well worth reading
February 26, 2023
thoroughly enjoyed this book
Very well written and I couldn’t put it down!
I definitely would recommend this.
So much history and I can’t wait to read Book 2.
Very well written and I couldn’t put it down!
I definitely would recommend this.
So much history and I can’t wait to read Book 2.
October 4, 2024
Excellent book. Gives you insight into the hardships the elite created.
July 15, 2025
Felt like half a story. I know it's the first in a series, but it really should also stand alone. Disappointed with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews