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The Palace of Lost Virtue
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26The bush keeps its secrets and its gold...
In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with conviction in her heart. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.
Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, a woman who has built her own small empire from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God's forgiveness, she surprises Pansy with unexpected kindness.
Though they come from opposite worlds, the two women spark an unlikely friendship. But, in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.
Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving voice to the lives of the formidable women who lived and died in the goldfields.
By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.
In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with conviction in her heart. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.
Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, a woman who has built her own small empire from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God's forgiveness, she surprises Pansy with unexpected kindness.
Though they come from opposite worlds, the two women spark an unlikely friendship. But, in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.
Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving voice to the lives of the formidable women who lived and died in the goldfields.
By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Audible Audio
Expected publication June 2, 2026
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy
I was grateful to receive an ARC copy of this book.
After reading The War Nurses, & appreciating the detail & research that Anthea Hodgson puts into her historical novels, I knew I’d love this book & I wasn’t disappointed.
The well developed characters that have made their home in Kalgoorlie during the gold rush, & in particular Marigold & Pansy will stay with me for a while.
I’m a West Australian, & loved being reminded of the history of that era (& learning a few new snippets). This book made me at times laugh out loud, & at others shed a few tears.
A brilliant read, highly recommended
After reading The War Nurses, & appreciating the detail & research that Anthea Hodgson puts into her historical novels, I knew I’d love this book & I wasn’t disappointed.
The well developed characters that have made their home in Kalgoorlie during the gold rush, & in particular Marigold & Pansy will stay with me for a while.
I’m a West Australian, & loved being reminded of the history of that era (& learning a few new snippets). This book made me at times laugh out loud, & at others shed a few tears.
A brilliant read, highly recommended
May 11, 2026
The Palace of Lost Virtue is a beautiful story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Marigold Harrington, a member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union, and Pansy Arlington, the owner of the local brothel, in 1898 Kalgoorlie during the gold rush. These two women who seem so different on the surface, have so much in common, especially how they deal with adversity. I really enjoyed seeing how both women grew and pushed each other.
This was my first Anthea Hodgson novel, but I will definitely be reading her earlier works.
This was my first Anthea Hodgson novel, but I will definitely be reading her earlier works.
Review of advance copy
What a brilliant book - lively, colourful and compelling, with great characters who win your heart. Anthea Hodgson has such a great a way of bringing to life the stories of remarkable Australian women from history, all wrapped up in a rollicking good read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews