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A Greater World
When Elizabeth Morton hears her father wants her to travel to the other side of the world to marry a complete stranger, she decides he must be crazy. This is 1920 and a woman has rights - she might still be too young to vote, but she's not going to be treated like a chattel. But she's reckoned without the brother-in-law she's always despised, who brutally shatters her comfortable world, so she has no choice but to sail to Australia.
When Michael Winterbourne, a Cumbrian lead miner wakes up with a hangover after his engagement celebrations, he has no idea he is about to be the cause of a terrible tragedy that will change his life and destroy his family. When Michael and Elizabeth meet on the SS Historic, bound for Sydney, they are reluctant emigrants from England. They may start to hope their troubles are over, but they'll find they're only just beginning.
A Greater World is set in the early 1920s, a period of transition between the old pre-World War One way of life and the post-War, with the coming economic Depression, major social change and the evolving role of women in society. It moves from the dales of Cumberland and the docks of Liverpool to Sydney and the beautiful Blue Mountains.
A Greater World is now available for free as an ebook and is also available as a paperback
When Michael Winterbourne, a Cumbrian lead miner wakes up with a hangover after his engagement celebrations, he has no idea he is about to be the cause of a terrible tragedy that will change his life and destroy his family. When Michael and Elizabeth meet on the SS Historic, bound for Sydney, they are reluctant emigrants from England. They may start to hope their troubles are over, but they'll find they're only just beginning.
A Greater World is set in the early 1920s, a period of transition between the old pre-World War One way of life and the post-War, with the coming economic Depression, major social change and the evolving role of women in society. It moves from the dales of Cumberland and the docks of Liverpool to Sydney and the beautiful Blue Mountains.
A Greater World is now available for free as an ebook and is also available as a paperback
380 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2014
About the author
Clare Flynn
46 books236 followersClare Flynn is the author of twety historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Historical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 28, 2019
I enjoyed reading the story of Elizabeth and Michael - two people from very different social rankings, who were forced to leave their homes in England to start anew in Australia during the 1920s. They met on the boat journey to Australia and the story follows how things unfolded for each of them in the this new ‘greater’ world.
It makes for a good historical romance with lots of occurrences over a number of years. You will certainly feel for both Elizabeth and Michael with what fate (or the actions of others) had in store for them. It is quite epic with a lot happening entailing life and death, city and country existence, family and friends, love and ruin just to name a few. The hardships they endure is cruel at times, however, nothing was to be easy in starting over with nothing.
The true vision of this story I believe, is about enduring and overcoming circumstances to build resilience and inner strength to do what is right and just with the cards life has dealt you. Both the main and secondary characters were well executed, my only concern is that there were a few too many convenient encounters throughout the story that you have to simply let go of and just ride with them on the journey of unfolding events. However, I read to escape, not to question, therefore it’s a good experience if a little contrived.
An easy and enjoyable read that I believe fairly accurately captures life back then, the hardships for women and the strength and fortitude to overcome them in the long run.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
It makes for a good historical romance with lots of occurrences over a number of years. You will certainly feel for both Elizabeth and Michael with what fate (or the actions of others) had in store for them. It is quite epic with a lot happening entailing life and death, city and country existence, family and friends, love and ruin just to name a few. The hardships they endure is cruel at times, however, nothing was to be easy in starting over with nothing.
The true vision of this story I believe, is about enduring and overcoming circumstances to build resilience and inner strength to do what is right and just with the cards life has dealt you. Both the main and secondary characters were well executed, my only concern is that there were a few too many convenient encounters throughout the story that you have to simply let go of and just ride with them on the journey of unfolding events. However, I read to escape, not to question, therefore it’s a good experience if a little contrived.
An easy and enjoyable read that I believe fairly accurately captures life back then, the hardships for women and the strength and fortitude to overcome them in the long run.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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September 20, 2015Free 09-20-15 (Historic Fiction Romance)
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April 21, 2024
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September 24, 2015
A Greater World is the journey of Elizabeth from London to Australia and is set from the 1920s and runs through the years that follow.
It is a tale of despair, longing, love and most of all healing.
Elizabeth is kicked out of their home by her sister and she finds herself aboard a ship heading to Australia to meet her Father. While on the ship she meets Michael who is charming and though she takes a liking to him, they are on different paths. He is finding his way believing there's more to the world after the war. She sets out for her father but finds out that he'd died a week earlier and is to be buried and to make matters worse he left behinds huge debts that can only be settled by her marriage to the brutal Mr. Jack Kidd, what follows is a life of misery due to the mistreatment from her husband.
You cannot help but shed a tear or two as you read this book because you ask, how could she take it all? But then you go back in history and the 1920s were trying times for women, all that mattered was financial security and it did not matter what kinds of man you married as long as he could provide for you.
And Jack is the typical man back then who expects Elizabeth to do as he wishes without speaking her mind and who has no say in business matters.
I loved this book because it depicted the strength of a woman and Elizabeth's hope for a better future and love is quite admirable.
It is a tale of despair, longing, love and most of all healing.
Elizabeth is kicked out of their home by her sister and she finds herself aboard a ship heading to Australia to meet her Father. While on the ship she meets Michael who is charming and though she takes a liking to him, they are on different paths. He is finding his way believing there's more to the world after the war. She sets out for her father but finds out that he'd died a week earlier and is to be buried and to make matters worse he left behinds huge debts that can only be settled by her marriage to the brutal Mr. Jack Kidd, what follows is a life of misery due to the mistreatment from her husband.
You cannot help but shed a tear or two as you read this book because you ask, how could she take it all? But then you go back in history and the 1920s were trying times for women, all that mattered was financial security and it did not matter what kinds of man you married as long as he could provide for you.
And Jack is the typical man back then who expects Elizabeth to do as he wishes without speaking her mind and who has no say in business matters.
I loved this book because it depicted the strength of a woman and Elizabeth's hope for a better future and love is quite admirable.
January 9, 2016
Finally! A terrific story where nothing turns out the way you'd think but everything ends as it should. The surprise I needed after my recent spate of literary disasters. Could be a magnificent film.
Regarding editing complaints: I think it's awful to knock a 5-star story down to 4 stars because of e-book editing issues. Had an interesting chat today with an author who writes non-fiction hardbacks. She spoke of the layers of editing her books go through in comparison to online e-books, which do not get anywhere near so thorough a comb-through. Perhaps really good ebooks like this would have a much better chance at brilliantly edited mainstream hard-copy publishing were reader-reviewers a bit less nit picky, awarding stars and positive reviews for story content alone? Honestly, the editing glitches were so minor, in my opinion, and I was so wrapped up in the story, I hardly noticed them. Really, this book was wonderful, much more so than most of the fiction I've read so much of lately.
Oh, yes. I'll be reading more Clare Flynn - and SOON.
Regarding editing complaints: I think it's awful to knock a 5-star story down to 4 stars because of e-book editing issues. Had an interesting chat today with an author who writes non-fiction hardbacks. She spoke of the layers of editing her books go through in comparison to online e-books, which do not get anywhere near so thorough a comb-through. Perhaps really good ebooks like this would have a much better chance at brilliantly edited mainstream hard-copy publishing were reader-reviewers a bit less nit picky, awarding stars and positive reviews for story content alone? Honestly, the editing glitches were so minor, in my opinion, and I was so wrapped up in the story, I hardly noticed them. Really, this book was wonderful, much more so than most of the fiction I've read so much of lately.
Oh, yes. I'll be reading more Clare Flynn - and SOON.
July 1, 2017
Kindle e-book
July 17, 2019
This is a beautiful well written and researched story. This is first book by Clare Flynn that I have read. It was so easy to read and once started on this book I could not put it down. I recommend this book and give it five stars.
October 5, 2025
'It's never right to go backwards. You have to keep moving forward in this life. To keep going. To move on."
It's 1920. Michael accidentally causes a tragedy in his family and decides to embark on a ship to Australia to start over.
Elizabeth receives a letter from Australia written by her father about an arranged marriage. Reluctant to go, something vile happens to her in her childhood home, now owned by her sister and brother in law, so she too sets off to Australia.
The two meet and easily bond over their dissimilar backgrounds.
Arriving in Australia brings its own difficulties. Each struggle with their past and new problems arise as romance is in the midst. Can two people from different walks of life make it work?
Beautiful historical drama, fast-paced, exciting and romantic. I loved it and the ending. Will be seeking out more of the author's novels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's 1920. Michael accidentally causes a tragedy in his family and decides to embark on a ship to Australia to start over.
Elizabeth receives a letter from Australia written by her father about an arranged marriage. Reluctant to go, something vile happens to her in her childhood home, now owned by her sister and brother in law, so she too sets off to Australia.
The two meet and easily bond over their dissimilar backgrounds.
Arriving in Australia brings its own difficulties. Each struggle with their past and new problems arise as romance is in the midst. Can two people from different walks of life make it work?
Beautiful historical drama, fast-paced, exciting and romantic. I loved it and the ending. Will be seeking out more of the author's novels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 3, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 2015 B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE
Elizabeth Morton is a young woman used to living in comfort surrounded by her sister and nieces. Her father is off in Australia seeking a fortune. Elizabeth receives word that her father wishes her to move to Australia to marry and leaves the house to her sister’s vile husband. The vile brother-in-law forces Elizabeth to make the move and leaves her a little something to remind her of him.
“Elizabeth curled her lip. ‘Excited? Excited at being treated like a piece of baggage that can be shipped across the world on a whim and handed over, sight unseen, to an old man who has to be raving bonkers himself to go along with it?’”
Struggling to forget the incident and making plans to refuse to marry whoever her father wants her to marry, she finds herself meeting a young man who is struggling to forget things as well. Michael is running away too. He needs to forget his role in his brother’s death and the grieving horror his parents are going through due to that loss. He opens himself up to Elizabeth briefly.
Once in Australia, the two find themselves struggling through the obstacles that fate continues to throw in their way. Each one is far worse than the other – both marry but not for love. Elizabeth struggles through loneliness and death, she watches her whole world collapsing around her as she continues to fulfill her promises to a man she had grown fond of but does not truly love.
“Jack Kidd may not be the man you dreamed of, but then the man you dreamed of wouldn’t be that for long either. At least if you’ve no high expectations, you won’t ever be disappointed.”
As a woman, Elizabeth has few options left to her in a world where men rule. She perseveres and finds that in the end, fate allows her some happiness.
Clare Flynn clearly communicates that women during the 1920’s were mere chattel in the eyes of men and the law. Men saw the women of that time as weak and inferior mentally. Flynn does an excellent job of proving that this is not true. Elizabeth is a strong character; her morals and ethics are strong as well. Michael is shown as strong but hurting as well. He is struggles to overcome the tragedy of his brother’s death, losing Elizabeth, marrying for position. Michael seems to adapt easier to demands in Australia. Elizabeth is faced with daily challenges that would leave most hiding under the blankets.
Flynn did an excellent job of making this novel a real and authentic story. The dialect, descriptions, and seamless plot are excellent further identifying this as a book worth reading multiple times. Her attention to details is thorough. Characters are so vividly described one can see them.
This is an excellently written book, I enjoyed the characters and her rich vocabulary. Flynn is gifted at making the characters real and vivid. The connections between reader and characters were true, leaving the reader to grieve, cry, laugh and gasp throughout.
This was one of those books that grab you from beginning to end!
WordsAPlenty gives Clare Flynn’s A Greater World, a 2015 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, five stars.
Elizabeth Morton is a young woman used to living in comfort surrounded by her sister and nieces. Her father is off in Australia seeking a fortune. Elizabeth receives word that her father wishes her to move to Australia to marry and leaves the house to her sister’s vile husband. The vile brother-in-law forces Elizabeth to make the move and leaves her a little something to remind her of him.
“Elizabeth curled her lip. ‘Excited? Excited at being treated like a piece of baggage that can be shipped across the world on a whim and handed over, sight unseen, to an old man who has to be raving bonkers himself to go along with it?’”
Struggling to forget the incident and making plans to refuse to marry whoever her father wants her to marry, she finds herself meeting a young man who is struggling to forget things as well. Michael is running away too. He needs to forget his role in his brother’s death and the grieving horror his parents are going through due to that loss. He opens himself up to Elizabeth briefly.
Once in Australia, the two find themselves struggling through the obstacles that fate continues to throw in their way. Each one is far worse than the other – both marry but not for love. Elizabeth struggles through loneliness and death, she watches her whole world collapsing around her as she continues to fulfill her promises to a man she had grown fond of but does not truly love.
“Jack Kidd may not be the man you dreamed of, but then the man you dreamed of wouldn’t be that for long either. At least if you’ve no high expectations, you won’t ever be disappointed.”
As a woman, Elizabeth has few options left to her in a world where men rule. She perseveres and finds that in the end, fate allows her some happiness.
Clare Flynn clearly communicates that women during the 1920’s were mere chattel in the eyes of men and the law. Men saw the women of that time as weak and inferior mentally. Flynn does an excellent job of proving that this is not true. Elizabeth is a strong character; her morals and ethics are strong as well. Michael is shown as strong but hurting as well. He is struggles to overcome the tragedy of his brother’s death, losing Elizabeth, marrying for position. Michael seems to adapt easier to demands in Australia. Elizabeth is faced with daily challenges that would leave most hiding under the blankets.
Flynn did an excellent job of making this novel a real and authentic story. The dialect, descriptions, and seamless plot are excellent further identifying this as a book worth reading multiple times. Her attention to details is thorough. Characters are so vividly described one can see them.
This is an excellently written book, I enjoyed the characters and her rich vocabulary. Flynn is gifted at making the characters real and vivid. The connections between reader and characters were true, leaving the reader to grieve, cry, laugh and gasp throughout.
This was one of those books that grab you from beginning to end!
WordsAPlenty gives Clare Flynn’s A Greater World, a 2015 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, five stars.
July 22, 2016
A great historical romance for a greater world. Don't expect literature with capital L, but do expect a nice smooth reading with a lot of turnabouts, life issues, expectancies, struggles, acceptation, passion, understanding, love, family difficulties and much more.
As always I won't spoil anything, I'll just tell you that the author don't break the readers' horizon of expectations, even if the adventures of Elizabeth (the main character) are the most difficult and prove her a great woman in search of herself. It is really the case of falling seven times, and standing up eight. Without losing one's dignity and with a strong self esteem and resilience. The story itself is that of inner strength, which characterized many women and men searching for their fortunes at the end of the XIX cent. and beginning of the XX. Part of their stories are the stories of my family too, which is now divided all around the world, from Canada to Australia, from France to Argentina. In this case Elizabeth after an argument with her insufferable sister has to get away from England to reach her father in Australia. But during the ship journey she meets Michael, and her life won't be the same from that moment on.
As always I won't spoil anything, I'll just tell you that the author don't break the readers' horizon of expectations, even if the adventures of Elizabeth (the main character) are the most difficult and prove her a great woman in search of herself. It is really the case of falling seven times, and standing up eight. Without losing one's dignity and with a strong self esteem and resilience. The story itself is that of inner strength, which characterized many women and men searching for their fortunes at the end of the XIX cent. and beginning of the XX. Part of their stories are the stories of my family too, which is now divided all around the world, from Canada to Australia, from France to Argentina. In this case Elizabeth after an argument with her insufferable sister has to get away from England to reach her father in Australia. But during the ship journey she meets Michael, and her life won't be the same from that moment on.
October 6, 2015
The storyline of this book encompasses love, loss, drama and vast sweeping landscapes; yet because the two main characters never seemed to come to life for me, their hardships and relationship problems did not move me at an emotional level. And there were so many convenient coincidences scattered throughout the story that it became totally unbelievable in the end. How frequently can two characters meet at just the perfect moment, or disappear from each others lives at just the perfect moment to carry the story along?
The ending was especially problematic for me employing the most contrived meeting in the entire story, to finish in the predictable conclusion I had been expecting since Chapter 1.
An easy read, fairly enjoyable, but a little too much in the style of a television soap opera for my liking.
The ending was especially problematic for me employing the most contrived meeting in the entire story, to finish in the predictable conclusion I had been expecting since Chapter 1.
An easy read, fairly enjoyable, but a little too much in the style of a television soap opera for my liking.
January 14, 2015
A story that takes us from London to The Blue Mountains of Australia.
The heroine, Elizabeth must resist living her new life in Australia, with a husband she hadn't chosen but rather was forced upon her by her father . Despite all her tribulations, Elizabeth proved herself to be an honest person with respect for her new family.
I found the characters to be well developed and very realistic in facing all the dramatic situations they were obliged to confront.
The Readers can get totally involved with the plot and this to me is a sign of an excellent story.
An added extra: the many interesting insights into discovering the natural beauties of Australia.
I highly recommend this book, It would make a fantastic film!
The heroine, Elizabeth must resist living her new life in Australia, with a husband she hadn't chosen but rather was forced upon her by her father . Despite all her tribulations, Elizabeth proved herself to be an honest person with respect for her new family.
I found the characters to be well developed and very realistic in facing all the dramatic situations they were obliged to confront.
The Readers can get totally involved with the plot and this to me is a sign of an excellent story.
An added extra: the many interesting insights into discovering the natural beauties of Australia.
I highly recommend this book, It would make a fantastic film!
September 30, 2014
I won this book from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in Australia in the 1920's. It follows the story of Elizabeth and Michael, who meet on the boat to Australia from England. Both are escaping tragic events in their life and hope to make a fresh start in Australia. The plot is pretty predictable, but still enjoyable, this is probably because I personally love the time period and location the story is set in. There are so many times where you want to bang your head against the wall because they miss chances, and misinterpret the things going on around them, but it's a fun story.
This book is set in Australia in the 1920's. It follows the story of Elizabeth and Michael, who meet on the boat to Australia from England. Both are escaping tragic events in their life and hope to make a fresh start in Australia. The plot is pretty predictable, but still enjoyable, this is probably because I personally love the time period and location the story is set in. There are so many times where you want to bang your head against the wall because they miss chances, and misinterpret the things going on around them, but it's a fun story.
March 9, 2018
Equally as good the second time around.
Yes, I have read this book before, but as I wanted to read Storms Gather Between Us, I was just going to skim through this. Well, I became so engrossed, and read the whole book again .
Elizabeth and Michael meet on a ship from England to Australia, become attracted to each other, but circumstances do not allow them to be together.
Set mainly in the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales, this is not only a novel, but a history book as well.
Clare Flynn's books are always so well written and researched; I cannot recommend this and others highly enough.
Yes, I have read this book before, but as I wanted to read Storms Gather Between Us, I was just going to skim through this. Well, I became so engrossed, and read the whole book again .
Elizabeth and Michael meet on a ship from England to Australia, become attracted to each other, but circumstances do not allow them to be together.
Set mainly in the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales, this is not only a novel, but a history book as well.
Clare Flynn's books are always so well written and researched; I cannot recommend this and others highly enough.
March 5, 2017
Not your average historical romance. I'm more of a thriller reader usually, often finding romances to be a little cloying and conveniently coincidental. However... I felt a real sense of time and place reading this. The coincidence that occurs here is exactly the sort of thing my aussie pals speak of; it may be a large country, but back then (still now in many areas) everyone is interconnected. Elizabeth has a tough time, but bears it with the kind of stoicism I associate with my grandmother's generation. It is anything but run of the mill; I really enjoyed this well crafted novel.
September 30, 2014
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It was so good, I couldn't put it down! A great surprise ending too.
June 15, 2021
This was a bit much for me. I found that I had to suspend my disbelief a lot, and I'm not really sure why I kept reading - other than a desire to reach a happy ending after so many unhappy events. I feel as though this story had a bit of everything in it, but not everything fit.
A lot of the plot was revealed through conversations between people, which became a little bit annoying. There were also so many awful things that happened to Elizabeth - at times unrelated - that I felt it was almost becoming too ridiculous. Other stories I have read, where the main character goes through traumatic events, are injected with some hope - however small - and focus on a central traumatic event, whereas Elizabeth seemed to experience every possible trauma that the author could conceive. This led to the problem that at times the trauma was dealt with too lightly.
Honestly, I think after reading this it just isn't what I expected when I looked at the cover and read the blurb, which probably contributes to my disappointment. I would recommend it if you are looking for something that is full of drama, that leads to a very predictable outcome. I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something more true to life or thought-provoking.
A lot of the plot was revealed through conversations between people, which became a little bit annoying. There were also so many awful things that happened to Elizabeth - at times unrelated - that I felt it was almost becoming too ridiculous. Other stories I have read, where the main character goes through traumatic events, are injected with some hope - however small - and focus on a central traumatic event, whereas Elizabeth seemed to experience every possible trauma that the author could conceive. This led to the problem that at times the trauma was dealt with too lightly.
Honestly, I think after reading this it just isn't what I expected when I looked at the cover and read the blurb, which probably contributes to my disappointment. I would recommend it if you are looking for something that is full of drama, that leads to a very predictable outcome. I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something more true to life or thought-provoking.
September 8, 2020
Elizabeth Morton is living with her younger sister and her husband. Their father has emigrated to Australia after their mother passed away. When Elizabeth receives a letter from their father with a one way ticket on the ship to join him, she learns he has made arrangements for her to marry a stranger. He has also changed the title of their home to her brother-in-law's name. She is shocked but has no intention of making the journey until disaster strikes and she knows she can no longer stay in England.
Michael Winterbourne has returned from WWI and is set to marry his long time sweetheart. He hates the mines and wants to leave the country but she doesn't. When a tragedy occurs, he finds she no longer wants to marry him. He decides to take the first ship whether it is travelling to America or Australia.
The two meet on the ship and both are attracted to each other but circumstances are not in their favor when they arrive in Australia. The story switches back and forth between the two characters as to how they coped in a new country.
Quite enjoyed this book and admire Elizabeth for her tenacity in sticking with a bad situation. So many of the women in the earlier years had no choice but to make the best of the situation they had been handed. We should all appreciate what we as women have accomplished!
Michael Winterbourne has returned from WWI and is set to marry his long time sweetheart. He hates the mines and wants to leave the country but she doesn't. When a tragedy occurs, he finds she no longer wants to marry him. He decides to take the first ship whether it is travelling to America or Australia.
The two meet on the ship and both are attracted to each other but circumstances are not in their favor when they arrive in Australia. The story switches back and forth between the two characters as to how they coped in a new country.
Quite enjoyed this book and admire Elizabeth for her tenacity in sticking with a bad situation. So many of the women in the earlier years had no choice but to make the best of the situation they had been handed. We should all appreciate what we as women have accomplished!
August 8, 2018
Amazing story
What a great book!! What a great writer!!! I am so very thankful I chose this book to read.
The story of two people, a man and woman from very different stations in life, both leaving their homes in England to start anew in Australia in 1920. They meet during the crossing, both running from circumstances not their fault. The meeting is the beginning of an emotional journey that kept me glued to the pages.
The descriptions of characters is very well done as are geographic location. As both are new to Australia and not knowing what to expect, each harbors deep-seated feelings for each other, never diminishing over the years as they become separated early on upon arrival. I felt like gritting my teeth at times over situations beyond their control.
This is an emotional ride and a jam-packed story with loads of twists and turns.
Highly recommended to readers of historical fiction and romance novels. Superb!!
What a great book!! What a great writer!!! I am so very thankful I chose this book to read.
The story of two people, a man and woman from very different stations in life, both leaving their homes in England to start anew in Australia in 1920. They meet during the crossing, both running from circumstances not their fault. The meeting is the beginning of an emotional journey that kept me glued to the pages.
The descriptions of characters is very well done as are geographic location. As both are new to Australia and not knowing what to expect, each harbors deep-seated feelings for each other, never diminishing over the years as they become separated early on upon arrival. I felt like gritting my teeth at times over situations beyond their control.
This is an emotional ride and a jam-packed story with loads of twists and turns.
Highly recommended to readers of historical fiction and romance novels. Superb!!
March 1, 2019
A rollercoaster of a novel, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
I enjoyed reading the story of Elizabeth and Michael - two people from very different social rankings, who were forced to leave their homes in England to start anew in Australia during the 1920s. This is a story of adventures, tragedy, love, betrayal, hope, redemption and new beginnings. Well written with strong characters who I really liked. This book kept me engrossed right from the start, with plenty of twists and turns and a very satisfying ending.
I shall look out for more books by Clare Flynn and am looking forward to her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading the story of Elizabeth and Michael - two people from very different social rankings, who were forced to leave their homes in England to start anew in Australia during the 1920s. This is a story of adventures, tragedy, love, betrayal, hope, redemption and new beginnings. Well written with strong characters who I really liked. This book kept me engrossed right from the start, with plenty of twists and turns and a very satisfying ending.
I shall look out for more books by Clare Flynn and am looking forward to her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
A Greater World
Hunters Down, England 1920
Ladies in the 20’s didn’t have much say in the lives in England. Elizabeth Morton was just such a case when her father demanded she go to Australia to get married to an unknown man. She was devastated as she could no longer live in her family home.
On the ship she men an unlikely man whom she fell in love with, Michael Winterbourne. They came from completely different worlds. Both had suffered horrible problems and heartache in England and desired to get away from their serious worries.
This is a marvellous book about love, fear, heartache and chances. It is a compelling story that the reader doesn’t want to put down. A superb book that holds your attention right to the end. Definitely a 5 star book for me.
Hunters Down, England 1920
Ladies in the 20’s didn’t have much say in the lives in England. Elizabeth Morton was just such a case when her father demanded she go to Australia to get married to an unknown man. She was devastated as she could no longer live in her family home.
On the ship she men an unlikely man whom she fell in love with, Michael Winterbourne. They came from completely different worlds. Both had suffered horrible problems and heartache in England and desired to get away from their serious worries.
This is a marvellous book about love, fear, heartache and chances. It is a compelling story that the reader doesn’t want to put down. A superb book that holds your attention right to the end. Definitely a 5 star book for me.
December 27, 2018
From start to finish this book held me. I really enjoy Clare Flynn's style of writing of modern history.
Two complete strangers meet by chance of a ship sailing to Australia, they are from completely different social lifestyles but they find a strong connection.
Circumstances beyond their control lead them on different paths and not always for the best.
Can they both put their past behind them? Keep their inner secrets safe?
Can their new life in Australia heal their broken hearts?
Two complete strangers meet by chance of a ship sailing to Australia, they are from completely different social lifestyles but they find a strong connection.
Circumstances beyond their control lead them on different paths and not always for the best.
Can they both put their past behind them? Keep their inner secrets safe?
Can their new life in Australia heal their broken hearts?
July 13, 2020
The world of the 1920's was a great place if you had money in London. Elizabeth had a wealthy father, lived with her sister and brother-in-law and their children in bliss, until her father lost a large gambling debt. She was sent to Australia to marry a stranger to pay off her father's debts. She met Michael on the ship to Australia and fell madly in love with him. But life intervened.
December 29, 2021
Clare Flynn has quickly become a favorite. She writes a fast-paced novel with unpredictable events between the pages. The characters come to life and the chapters flow right to the end. This was a difficult book to put down; wish it could have continued beyond the last page. Better than a “good read”!
January 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. I have listened to the sequel to this already and came back to listen to this first one which was every bit as good as the 2nd and great to hear more of the backstory of the characters. Would rate the story 5 ⭐️ and would like to read the books now too. There is a 3rd book in this series so I look forward to reading that soon!!
June 19, 2024
I thought the author described the characters and their thoughts and emotions well. It got to a point where I didn't like what she was doing with the story, but I'm glad I finished it because the last part was more interesting than I thought it would be. I think I would read other books by this author.
December 13, 2025
I have previously read this book which is the first of a series. I remember how much I loved this story and how it came back to me as I read it. What drew me to rereading is that the author Clare Flynn has just released number 4 In the sequel. I wanted to do it justice by rereading the first 3 books before the newest addition. I’m so glad I did. I’m onto book number 2 now.
October 21, 2018
Deje Vu
A good tired old story if you are an avid reader. I did stick with the story even though I knew what the outcome would be perhaps because I had nothing else to read. Not sorry I read it as it was written very well.
A good tired old story if you are an avid reader. I did stick with the story even though I knew what the outcome would be perhaps because I had nothing else to read. Not sorry I read it as it was written very well.
November 16, 2018
A very satisfying read that takes you on an emotional journey around the globe. With intense characters and misunderstandings left and right that guide the plot through every possible twist and turn, this book is one you'll want to both savor and breeze through.
January 9, 2019
A Truely inspirational book of how two people from different backgrounds meet and share a joy together can they find what there really looking for a very gripping story that kept me totally captivated from being to end can highly recommend this book to family and friends
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