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The Australian Sandstone Series #10
Tenacity Prevails: Australian Historical Fiction
On the Banks of the Hawkesbury
A Novel from The Australian Sandstone Series
The Hawkesbury River, 1830s New South Wales—a land of resilience, where hearts are carved as deeply as the sandstone itself. Deirdre Walsh, the capable and charming assistant innkeeper, has ended her deep romance with a Sydney stonemason. She longs for more than marriage—she seeks a true partner, a man who will stand beside her as she builds the life she dreams of.
Then Art Kilty arrives.
A master builder, Art is rough-hewn, quiet, and deeply intelligent. Tasked with restoring the inn’s outbuildings, he intrigues Deirdre—not just with his innovative building techniques, but with the delicate pencil sketches he hides in the quiet moments.
At first, they are simply two people working side by side. But then—
A glance lingers.
Fingertips brush.
A rare, fleeting smile—devastating.
Deirdre is drawn to him, to his silent strength, his steady presence, the way his words—few but meaningful—set her pulse racing.
But love is never simple.
Another man watches from her past—one who has saved her life. His claim is undeniable, yet he carries a shadowed past best left undisturbed.
As old ghosts return and choices must be made, Deirdre must safety or passion, the past she knows… or the man quietly stealing her heart.
Through endurance, tragedy, and love, one truth remains—
The Hawkesbury remembers all.
A Novel from The Australian Sandstone Series
The Hawkesbury River, 1830s New South Wales—a land of resilience, where hearts are carved as deeply as the sandstone itself. Deirdre Walsh, the capable and charming assistant innkeeper, has ended her deep romance with a Sydney stonemason. She longs for more than marriage—she seeks a true partner, a man who will stand beside her as she builds the life she dreams of.
Then Art Kilty arrives.
A master builder, Art is rough-hewn, quiet, and deeply intelligent. Tasked with restoring the inn’s outbuildings, he intrigues Deirdre—not just with his innovative building techniques, but with the delicate pencil sketches he hides in the quiet moments.
At first, they are simply two people working side by side. But then—
A glance lingers.
Fingertips brush.
A rare, fleeting smile—devastating.
Deirdre is drawn to him, to his silent strength, his steady presence, the way his words—few but meaningful—set her pulse racing.
But love is never simple.
Another man watches from her past—one who has saved her life. His claim is undeniable, yet he carries a shadowed past best left undisturbed.
As old ghosts return and choices must be made, Deirdre must safety or passion, the past she knows… or the man quietly stealing her heart.
Through endurance, tragedy, and love, one truth remains—
The Hawkesbury remembers all.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
About the author
Michael Beashel
22 books17 followersMichael Beashel writes historical fiction that explores the unsettling power of truth — and the courage required to live with its consequences.
Set against the formative years of nineteenth-century New South Wales, The Australian Sandstone Series follows men and women tested by ambition, injustice, loyalty, and love. Central to many of these stories are women of moral clarity — characters who confront difficult truths and shape events, often at personal cost.
Born in Sydney and descended from Irish immigrants who settled in Millers Point in 1863, Beashel developed an early fascination with the city’s built form and colonial history. That lifelong interest in construction and the making of places provides the historical texture for his novels — but it is the interior lives of his characters that drive the narrative.
Before turning to fiction, Beashel built a career in the construction and asset development industry, restoring iconic Sydney buildings such as Customs House and Town Hall, and leading projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. Years spent in leadership roles, both in Australia and abroad, deepened his understanding of responsibility, consequence, and human resilience — themes that now shape his writing.
He lives in Sydney with his wife, with whom he has shared decades of marriage, and remains committed to writing stories where truth is tested and character revealed.
The Australian Sandstone Series continues to grow, offering readers psychologically grounded historical fiction that lingers beyond the final page.
Set against the formative years of nineteenth-century New South Wales, The Australian Sandstone Series follows men and women tested by ambition, injustice, loyalty, and love. Central to many of these stories are women of moral clarity — characters who confront difficult truths and shape events, often at personal cost.
Born in Sydney and descended from Irish immigrants who settled in Millers Point in 1863, Beashel developed an early fascination with the city’s built form and colonial history. That lifelong interest in construction and the making of places provides the historical texture for his novels — but it is the interior lives of his characters that drive the narrative.
Before turning to fiction, Beashel built a career in the construction and asset development industry, restoring iconic Sydney buildings such as Customs House and Town Hall, and leading projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. Years spent in leadership roles, both in Australia and abroad, deepened his understanding of responsibility, consequence, and human resilience — themes that now shape his writing.
He lives in Sydney with his wife, with whom he has shared decades of marriage, and remains committed to writing stories where truth is tested and character revealed.
The Australian Sandstone Series continues to grow, offering readers psychologically grounded historical fiction that lingers beyond the final page.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 1, 2025
Tenacity Prevails by Michael Beashel had me reading into the night and during my lunch breaks, eagerly turning the pages to see what happened next.
Set in the early convict days of New South Wales, Australia, the story follows a young, very talented and innovative carpenter. Tired of working on mundane projects in the city of Sydney, he longs to get back to the country.
When he is offered a carpentry job working in the Australian bushland rebuilding an ageing storage facility near a country Inn he is overjoyed to get back to the land and rivers he loves. Little does he know that the Innkeeper’s daughter will make his life that much better and the land will not be all he loves.
The storyline, descriptions of the land and life of the era, and the realism of the characters are well written and make for a very interesting and enjoyable read.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
DISCLAIMER: I received this book at no cost in return for an honest and unbiased review, and what I have written above is wholly my own opinion and recommendation.
Set in the early convict days of New South Wales, Australia, the story follows a young, very talented and innovative carpenter. Tired of working on mundane projects in the city of Sydney, he longs to get back to the country.
When he is offered a carpentry job working in the Australian bushland rebuilding an ageing storage facility near a country Inn he is overjoyed to get back to the land and rivers he loves. Little does he know that the Innkeeper’s daughter will make his life that much better and the land will not be all he loves.
The storyline, descriptions of the land and life of the era, and the realism of the characters are well written and make for a very interesting and enjoyable read.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
DISCLAIMER: I received this book at no cost in return for an honest and unbiased review, and what I have written above is wholly my own opinion and recommendation.
September 1, 2025
Building for the future
I learned a lot about the art of carpentry and inventions to aid in construction reading this story. I enjoyed the complex cast of characters and the descriptions of the river and the surroundings as well as of the city of Sydney. You got a great idea of the epic proportions of the land and the courage it took to conquer it. The romantic triangle was dynamic and took some unexpected turns. I loved the ending of hope.
I learned a lot about the art of carpentry and inventions to aid in construction reading this story. I enjoyed the complex cast of characters and the descriptions of the river and the surroundings as well as of the city of Sydney. You got a great idea of the epic proportions of the land and the courage it took to conquer it. The romantic triangle was dynamic and took some unexpected turns. I loved the ending of hope.
July 17, 2025
A story of three lives brought together by attraction. This has its own complications with jealousy, rivalry and secrets to add intrigue to the read. An incredible story and a favourite of mine so far by this author. I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
August 4, 2025
Yet another top yarn
This author makes early Australia's stories come alive. Reading this series has been a continuous present-tense experience. Superb plots and character development.
This author makes early Australia's stories come alive. Reading this series has been a continuous present-tense experience. Superb plots and character development.
September 14, 2025
A lighthearted story that will keep you wondering what could possibly happen next. Two people, a chance at love. How will this all turn out don’t miss out.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews