What do you think?
Rate this book
Convict Girls #4
A Tattooed Heart
The fourth and final book in the epic Convict Girls saga from bestselling author Deborah Challinor, vividly bringing the past and its people to life. 1832: Convict girls Friday Woolfe, Sarah Morgan and Harriet Clarke have been serving their sentences in Sydney Town for three years. For much of that time they have lived in fear of sinister and formidable Bella Jackson, who continues to blackmail them for a terrible crime. Each of them has begun to make a life for herself, but when Harrie's adopted child Charlotte is abducted and taken to Newcastle, the girls must risk their very freedom to save her. But is Friday up to the task? Will the desperate battle with her own vices drive her to fail not only herself, but those she loves and all who love her? In this final volume of a saga about four convict girls transported halfway around the world, friends and family reunite but cherished loved ones are lost, and an utterly shocking secret is revealed. Praise for Deborah Challinor and the Convict Girls 'Deborah Challinor brings Australia's convict past to life' - Good Reading 'Challinor is a good storyteller; her characters have depth and her historical backdrops are well researched, seamless joining fact and fiction and creating a convincing, atmospheric yarn' - Bookseller + Publisher 'Seamlessly fuses historical fact and engrossing fiction' - Queensland Times
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
37 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Challinor
24 books248 followersBorn in Huntly, she holds a PhD in New Zealand history from the University of Waikato. Challinor has worked as a fulltime writer and historian since 2000.
Primarily known for her historical novels, Deborah Challinor’s first published books were non-fiction history books, including the best-selling Grey Ghosts: New Zealand Vietnam Vets Talk About Their War (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998).
Her first historical novel, Tamar, was published in 2002 and has been reprinted six times. Tamar is set in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and South Africa and covers the period from 1879 until the Boer War. The series continues with White Feathers (2003) and Blue Smoke (2004).
Union Belle (2005) tells the love story of a young woman caught up in the 1951 waterfront strike, and Kitty (2006) is set in the Bay of Islands in nineteenth century New Zealand. Both novels have been at the top of the New Zealand fiction bestseller list.
Attention to historical detail is an important part of writing for Challinor. ‘I base my novels on actual historical events, and it’s very important to me to research those events in depth and to present them accurately,’ she says.
Reviewing Union Belle in North and South magazine in April 2005, Warwick Roger commented that: ‘You can smell the beer and cigarette smoke in the public bar of the Huntly Hotel, hear the band at the Saturday night dances at the miner’s hall … it’s a book I kept sneaking back to whenever I had a spare quarter hour, eager to advance the story.’
Fire (HarperCollins, 2007), Challinor's seventh novel, is set in Auckland during the hype leading up to the royal visit of 1953, but is based on the Ballantyne’s department store fire of 1947 in Christchurch. A powerful and dramatic story of passion, ambition and greed, it became a number one bestseller.
Amber, the sequel to Kitty, was published later in 2007 and also became a bestseller. Amber opens in New Zealand in 1945, on the eve of the Northern War in the Bay of Islands, in which Kitty is caught up. Sent to Auckland away from the fighting, Kitty encounters an orphaned part-Maori girl she names Amber. Together they return to the Bay of Islands, where both Kitty must risk her own life to save Amber’s.
Isle of Tears (HarperCollins NZ Ltd, 2009) is a story about 14-year-old Scottish immigrant Isla McKinnon and her younger brothers and sister. When they are orphaned they are adopted by Taranaki Maori and become caught up in the wars in Taranaki, the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
A revised edition of Challinor’s Grey Ghosts (HarperCollins NZ) was published in 2009. This edition included a new chapter on how the New Zealand Vietnam veteran community has fared since the book was first published in 1998.
Primarily known for her historical novels, Deborah Challinor’s first published books were non-fiction history books, including the best-selling Grey Ghosts: New Zealand Vietnam Vets Talk About Their War (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998).
Her first historical novel, Tamar, was published in 2002 and has been reprinted six times. Tamar is set in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and South Africa and covers the period from 1879 until the Boer War. The series continues with White Feathers (2003) and Blue Smoke (2004).
Union Belle (2005) tells the love story of a young woman caught up in the 1951 waterfront strike, and Kitty (2006) is set in the Bay of Islands in nineteenth century New Zealand. Both novels have been at the top of the New Zealand fiction bestseller list.
Attention to historical detail is an important part of writing for Challinor. ‘I base my novels on actual historical events, and it’s very important to me to research those events in depth and to present them accurately,’ she says.
Reviewing Union Belle in North and South magazine in April 2005, Warwick Roger commented that: ‘You can smell the beer and cigarette smoke in the public bar of the Huntly Hotel, hear the band at the Saturday night dances at the miner’s hall … it’s a book I kept sneaking back to whenever I had a spare quarter hour, eager to advance the story.’
Fire (HarperCollins, 2007), Challinor's seventh novel, is set in Auckland during the hype leading up to the royal visit of 1953, but is based on the Ballantyne’s department store fire of 1947 in Christchurch. A powerful and dramatic story of passion, ambition and greed, it became a number one bestseller.
Amber, the sequel to Kitty, was published later in 2007 and also became a bestseller. Amber opens in New Zealand in 1945, on the eve of the Northern War in the Bay of Islands, in which Kitty is caught up. Sent to Auckland away from the fighting, Kitty encounters an orphaned part-Maori girl she names Amber. Together they return to the Bay of Islands, where both Kitty must risk her own life to save Amber’s.
Isle of Tears (HarperCollins NZ Ltd, 2009) is a story about 14-year-old Scottish immigrant Isla McKinnon and her younger brothers and sister. When they are orphaned they are adopted by Taranaki Maori and become caught up in the wars in Taranaki, the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
A revised edition of Challinor’s Grey Ghosts (HarperCollins NZ) was published in 2009. This edition included a new chapter on how the New Zealand Vietnam veteran community has fared since the book was first published in 1998.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 24, 2016
Absolutely loved this series!!
This is the fourth and [sadly] final book in this Convict Girls series and I am going to miss those girls! Can't say more without referencing characters which may spoil it for those beginning this series.
No spoilers here, it is recommended that this series be read from book one for continuity.
From the very first pages of book one I knew I was going to love this series, and for me, they didn't miss a beat. If I had any issues at all with any of these books it was that I always had to wait for the next in the series as I snatched each one up hot from the press and devoured them as soon as they were released!
I made this final one last as long as I possibly could because I was so reluctant to finish ;(
The good news is that Deborah Challinor has hinted at giving some of these characters guest appearances in future books. (Happy dance)
These characters are so well developed that you get really attached to them...even the ones that grate on your nerves a bit...so it is easy to develop an interest in their future well being.
Such is the breadth and depth of the stories and characters within this series, that many new and equally wonderful stories could easily be developed from it, taking it in many fascinating new directions.
I would love to see this series made into a television series, it is so well researched and described that it would translate wonderfully to the screen...especially the locations depicted.
If you love historical fiction (even if you don't) these books are hard to beat when it comes to continuity and flow between the pages and the following books.
The author's thorough research and attention to the finest details is evident, and gives these books an authenticity that brings them to life.
I marvelled at the way Deborah Challinor kept the threads of the story connecting seamlessly from book to book and all the while developing the characters' personalities in proportion to the passage of time, everything was consistent and convincing.
This is...in my opinion...a brilliant series, and I can't wait to see what is next from this author who is clearly devoted to her craft.
Highly recommended 5★s....and for the series 5+★s
February 8, 2017
3.5★
More fun with the rollicking Friday Woolfe and her fellow convicts, still risking life and limb to avenge their fallen friend. There are more challenges, more secrets uncovered, more drinking and brawling.
It’s as well-written as the previous 3 books, and readers of the series will enjoy the conclusion. A new character is introduced, Lucy, a highly educated young woman who decides to become a bounty emigrant and go to Australia.
Lucy is invited to teach and chaperone some children who are going to Sydney, and has been warned she might find them pretty rough.
“But Lucy had dealt with, in her opinion, far more obnoxious children at the school in Clapham—a handful of unfortunate individuals already so stewed in the juices of religious dogma that they were nasty, bitter and unforgiveingly judgmental. What were a few nits, curse words and possibly light fingers compared to that? In her view there was nothing worse than a closed mind.”
That will certainly resonate with today’s teachers! Lucy accepts the challenge and boards the ship, setting out for the long journey to a new life for them all. They’re all excited.
“All four children would be hanging over the ship’s rail freezing cold, watching the bow slice through the swathes of dazzlingly luminous, greenish-blue plankton floating on the rolling sea. Sophie had told Anna it had fallen down from the moon and Lucy hadn’t corrected her because that’s exactly what it looked like—as though the moon had shed its skin."
Some of the Maori characters from the third book reappear. Friday stares at a new one, whom she is already pre-disposed to dislike.
“She was sure the dog skins in his cloak must have been cured, but the roaring fire was definitely drawing out any last, lingering smells they’d retained. . .his face was certainly no oil painting. He had really bulgy eyes like a certain type of fish you sometimes saw at the George Street market, a strong, high-bridged nose, heavy lips, a tattoo covering his entire face, and a few warts thrown in for good measure. "
Some of it does get repetitious, though—(I don’t need to see Friday drinking quite so much or being quite so disgustingly sick quite so many times)-- and I’d have liked it better if the last two books had been combined. I had already figured too much out, and was impatient to see the loose ends tied up—which they were, and very neatly, too. But I came close to not finishing it, sadly.
Still, she's such a good writer, and I know it will be loved, so it's worth at least 3.5 for that.
All in all, I enjoy Challinor’s characters, and those who love long sagas will not be disappointed. Her research seems terrific, and her writing style is professional and smooth. I’m sure I’ll read more of her work.
More fun with the rollicking Friday Woolfe and her fellow convicts, still risking life and limb to avenge their fallen friend. There are more challenges, more secrets uncovered, more drinking and brawling.
It’s as well-written as the previous 3 books, and readers of the series will enjoy the conclusion. A new character is introduced, Lucy, a highly educated young woman who decides to become a bounty emigrant and go to Australia.
Lucy is invited to teach and chaperone some children who are going to Sydney, and has been warned she might find them pretty rough.
“But Lucy had dealt with, in her opinion, far more obnoxious children at the school in Clapham—a handful of unfortunate individuals already so stewed in the juices of religious dogma that they were nasty, bitter and unforgiveingly judgmental. What were a few nits, curse words and possibly light fingers compared to that? In her view there was nothing worse than a closed mind.”
That will certainly resonate with today’s teachers! Lucy accepts the challenge and boards the ship, setting out for the long journey to a new life for them all. They’re all excited.
“All four children would be hanging over the ship’s rail freezing cold, watching the bow slice through the swathes of dazzlingly luminous, greenish-blue plankton floating on the rolling sea. Sophie had told Anna it had fallen down from the moon and Lucy hadn’t corrected her because that’s exactly what it looked like—as though the moon had shed its skin."
Some of the Maori characters from the third book reappear. Friday stares at a new one, whom she is already pre-disposed to dislike.
“She was sure the dog skins in his cloak must have been cured, but the roaring fire was definitely drawing out any last, lingering smells they’d retained. . .his face was certainly no oil painting. He had really bulgy eyes like a certain type of fish you sometimes saw at the George Street market, a strong, high-bridged nose, heavy lips, a tattoo covering his entire face, and a few warts thrown in for good measure. "
Some of it does get repetitious, though—(I don’t need to see Friday drinking quite so much or being quite so disgustingly sick quite so many times)-- and I’d have liked it better if the last two books had been combined. I had already figured too much out, and was impatient to see the loose ends tied up—which they were, and very neatly, too. But I came close to not finishing it, sadly.
Still, she's such a good writer, and I know it will be loved, so it's worth at least 3.5 for that.
All in all, I enjoy Challinor’s characters, and those who love long sagas will not be disappointed. Her research seems terrific, and her writing style is professional and smooth. I’m sure I’ll read more of her work.
September 5, 2016
4.5★s
This fourth and final instalment of the Convict Girls series opens with Friday Woolfe lurking around the cemetery to watch the burial of Clarence Shand, the late husband of the Convict Girls’ nemesis, the ruthless Bella Shand. The story picks up with Friday continuing to drink uncontrollably, to the consternation of her friends and Elizabeth Hislop, her mistress. Friday is desperately sad that she cannot be with her lover Aria, the Maori princess. The other Convict Girls have settled well into their new lives. Despite being bonded, and only part-way through their sentences, they are living a good and decent life in Australia, far better than anything they could expect in the Old Country. Now happily married to Dr James Downey, Harrie is making a new home for herself and Rachel's daughter Charlotte in a fine house, while Sarah remains devoted to her beloved husband Adam Green, master jeweller. They worry greatly about Friday’s deterioration, something which is described in graphic detail (perhaps too often for my liking!) This summarises the situation at the outset of this lively and entertaining story.
One of the key aspects of Deborah Challinor's writing is her meticulous research into aspects of 19th century life in colonial Australia. It adds a serious, meaningful element to an otherwise rollicking tale. Over the course of the four volumes in this series, I've learned quite a few things about women's lives - 19th century contraception methods, abortion, attitudes to women, education for girls, the hard lives in prison and aboard intercontinental sailing ships, social mores...and more.
Challinor's style is spirited and witty, and the prevailing tone of A Tattooed Heart is upbeat. It is an opportunity for the author to really anchor the characters to their new lives in 1830s Sydney, and to celebrate their triumph over personal adversity. You are left in no doubt that a sentence of transportation to the colonies was not a dire punishment, for those individuals with the mettle to make something of themselves in the new world. (Most Australians are aware that not all convict stories end happily.)
Introducing a new character at this late stage, Challinor enriches the narrative by showing how another form of immigration brought further benefits to the fledgling society. The poised, educated young woman, Lucy Christian, arrives as a bounty passenger, at a time when the English government was encouraging the importation of respectable girls to the colony. The Convict Girls' dear friend Matthew Cutler is smitten, and his gentle courting of Lucy shows how a man's respect for women's education can lead to good things for both the individuals concerned and the society overall.
Indeed the entire series of novels can be read as an alternative history of early Australia - this time from a female perspective. Our accepted foundation stories are heavily based on male narratives. Challinor invites the reader to consider the wide variety of important but understated roles played by women in the building of this nation. Characters like:
- Harrie Downey (nee Clarke), a respectable working class woman transported for stealing a piece of fabric, kind-hearted, dedicated to family and friends, enjoying prosperity and a happy marriage.
- Elizabeth Hislop, publican, brothel-keeper and philanthropist, originally a convict herself, now an important element in the growing society of Sydney.
- and, in contrast, Bella Shand, evil schemer, source of much violence and grief, a greedy money-grabber, but socially acceptable because of her enormous wealth.
The disclosure of Bella Shand's secret was not a total surprise to me - I'd had my suspicions - but the reasons behind it did give me food for thought.
I also loved the development of the character of Aria, who is such a delightful mixture of contradictions.
These women, with their richly faceted personalities and talents, are fascinating individuals, whose stories animate the novel and the series. Challinor hints in her Afterword that some of these characters may make guest appearances in later novels and I will look forward to reacquainting myself with them.
There's a feeling of melancholy when one reaches the end of a series of books that have been so engaging. I'll really miss the wickedly vulgar and humorous Friday in particular - for me she is the stand-out character of the entire Convict Girls saga. I hope the rest of her life in colonial Sydney fares well...
This fourth and final instalment of the Convict Girls series opens with Friday Woolfe lurking around the cemetery to watch the burial of Clarence Shand, the late husband of the Convict Girls’ nemesis, the ruthless Bella Shand. The story picks up with Friday continuing to drink uncontrollably, to the consternation of her friends and Elizabeth Hislop, her mistress. Friday is desperately sad that she cannot be with her lover Aria, the Maori princess. The other Convict Girls have settled well into their new lives. Despite being bonded, and only part-way through their sentences, they are living a good and decent life in Australia, far better than anything they could expect in the Old Country. Now happily married to Dr James Downey, Harrie is making a new home for herself and Rachel's daughter Charlotte in a fine house, while Sarah remains devoted to her beloved husband Adam Green, master jeweller. They worry greatly about Friday’s deterioration, something which is described in graphic detail (perhaps too often for my liking!) This summarises the situation at the outset of this lively and entertaining story.
One of the key aspects of Deborah Challinor's writing is her meticulous research into aspects of 19th century life in colonial Australia. It adds a serious, meaningful element to an otherwise rollicking tale. Over the course of the four volumes in this series, I've learned quite a few things about women's lives - 19th century contraception methods, abortion, attitudes to women, education for girls, the hard lives in prison and aboard intercontinental sailing ships, social mores...and more.
Challinor's style is spirited and witty, and the prevailing tone of A Tattooed Heart is upbeat. It is an opportunity for the author to really anchor the characters to their new lives in 1830s Sydney, and to celebrate their triumph over personal adversity. You are left in no doubt that a sentence of transportation to the colonies was not a dire punishment, for those individuals with the mettle to make something of themselves in the new world. (Most Australians are aware that not all convict stories end happily.)
Introducing a new character at this late stage, Challinor enriches the narrative by showing how another form of immigration brought further benefits to the fledgling society. The poised, educated young woman, Lucy Christian, arrives as a bounty passenger, at a time when the English government was encouraging the importation of respectable girls to the colony. The Convict Girls' dear friend Matthew Cutler is smitten, and his gentle courting of Lucy shows how a man's respect for women's education can lead to good things for both the individuals concerned and the society overall.
Indeed the entire series of novels can be read as an alternative history of early Australia - this time from a female perspective. Our accepted foundation stories are heavily based on male narratives. Challinor invites the reader to consider the wide variety of important but understated roles played by women in the building of this nation. Characters like:
- Harrie Downey (nee Clarke), a respectable working class woman transported for stealing a piece of fabric, kind-hearted, dedicated to family and friends, enjoying prosperity and a happy marriage.
- Elizabeth Hislop, publican, brothel-keeper and philanthropist, originally a convict herself, now an important element in the growing society of Sydney.
- and, in contrast, Bella Shand, evil schemer, source of much violence and grief, a greedy money-grabber, but socially acceptable because of her enormous wealth.
The disclosure of Bella Shand's secret was not a total surprise to me - I'd had my suspicions - but the reasons behind it did give me food for thought.
I also loved the development of the character of Aria, who is such a delightful mixture of contradictions.
These women, with their richly faceted personalities and talents, are fascinating individuals, whose stories animate the novel and the series. Challinor hints in her Afterword that some of these characters may make guest appearances in later novels and I will look forward to reacquainting myself with them.
There's a feeling of melancholy when one reaches the end of a series of books that have been so engaging. I'll really miss the wickedly vulgar and humorous Friday in particular - for me she is the stand-out character of the entire Convict Girls saga. I hope the rest of her life in colonial Sydney fares well...
April 2, 2016
1832 in Sydney Town and Friday Woolfe, Sarah Green (who married Adam) and Harrie Downey (who married James) were watching a funeral procession pass through Hunter Street. Clarence Shand, husband of their nemesis Bella had suffered a sudden heart attack – Bella was following in her carriage. The three girls all wished it was Bella in the coffin, not Clarence – they would never have any peace from that vicious woman until she was dead…
Harrie and James doted on their adopted daughter Charlotte – she was a delight, though a mischievous one at only two years of age. But trouble was afoot in the form of Jonah Leary – still searching for his brother, he was trying to concoct a scheme to get himself what he wanted. Meanwhile Friday was relying more and more on her tipples of gin to get her through each day. Sarah and Harrie were disgusted and angry with her and Mrs Elizabeth Heslop, Friday’s boss and owner of her papers was threatening to sack her if she didn’t stop drinking.
When the girls had to head to Newcastle to rescue Charlotte, they had to do it on the quiet; the darkness of night would be their saviour they hoped. They were convicts and as such, weren’t able to leave Sydney Town – but Charlotte was far more important; and a promise was a promise. But what would happen in Newcastle? And would they succeed in finding her?
Was Friday strong enough to beat her demons? Did she even want to? Problems were escalating and secrets on top of lies would soon find a way of being known. What would be the end result? Would loved ones be lost in the maelstrom of chaos surrounding them all?
A Tattooed Heart is the fourth and final book in the Convict Girls series by Aussie author Deborah Challinor and oh, what a divine read it was! A brilliant conclusion with everything tied up nicely. I’ve been holding off on reading it as it didn’t want it to be over. I’ve loved the whole series but highly recommend they’re read in order to get to know the main characters of Friday, Harrie, Sarah and Rachel as they begin their journey in London and head to Australia in the early 1800s as convicts. Beautifully written, impeccably researched and with the use of actual towns and places throughout, I’m extremely happy not to have lived in those times. I have great admiration for this author, and am very much looking forward to her next book, whatever it may be. Highly recommended.
Harrie and James doted on their adopted daughter Charlotte – she was a delight, though a mischievous one at only two years of age. But trouble was afoot in the form of Jonah Leary – still searching for his brother, he was trying to concoct a scheme to get himself what he wanted. Meanwhile Friday was relying more and more on her tipples of gin to get her through each day. Sarah and Harrie were disgusted and angry with her and Mrs Elizabeth Heslop, Friday’s boss and owner of her papers was threatening to sack her if she didn’t stop drinking.
When the girls had to head to Newcastle to rescue Charlotte, they had to do it on the quiet; the darkness of night would be their saviour they hoped. They were convicts and as such, weren’t able to leave Sydney Town – but Charlotte was far more important; and a promise was a promise. But what would happen in Newcastle? And would they succeed in finding her?
Was Friday strong enough to beat her demons? Did she even want to? Problems were escalating and secrets on top of lies would soon find a way of being known. What would be the end result? Would loved ones be lost in the maelstrom of chaos surrounding them all?
A Tattooed Heart is the fourth and final book in the Convict Girls series by Aussie author Deborah Challinor and oh, what a divine read it was! A brilliant conclusion with everything tied up nicely. I’ve been holding off on reading it as it didn’t want it to be over. I’ve loved the whole series but highly recommend they’re read in order to get to know the main characters of Friday, Harrie, Sarah and Rachel as they begin their journey in London and head to Australia in the early 1800s as convicts. Beautifully written, impeccably researched and with the use of actual towns and places throughout, I’m extremely happy not to have lived in those times. I have great admiration for this author, and am very much looking forward to her next book, whatever it may be. Highly recommended.
July 25, 2019
3.5★
It was a fitting end to the the series, the loose ends were neatly tied up, and it was all really quite clever, but somehow it was missing something that the second and third books had. I think it might be that the behaviour of one of the main characters annoyed me so much, that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I understand why it was necessary, but still...
It was a fitting end to the the series, the loose ends were neatly tied up, and it was all really quite clever, but somehow it was missing something that the second and third books had. I think it might be that the behaviour of one of the main characters annoyed me so much, that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story. I understand why it was necessary, but still...
April 13, 2019
The first volume of the series was so promising and then it just went down the hill, unfortunately. I am not sure which one was the worst: the 3rd or the 4th, but they are very close.
The most interesting (and realistic) part of this one was Friday's drinking problem but, just as it happened with Harrie's nervous breakdown, the final happy ending was just too easy. Also, the first part of the novel, is plainly silly, the whole kidnapping episode doesn't make sense: the villain's motivation is flimsy or rather doesn't make sense at all and all the other characters behave stupidly.
The most interesting (and realistic) part of this one was Friday's drinking problem but, just as it happened with Harrie's nervous breakdown, the final happy ending was just too easy. Also, the first part of the novel, is plainly silly, the whole kidnapping episode doesn't make sense: the villain's motivation is flimsy or rather doesn't make sense at all and all the other characters behave stupidly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2020
5 stars
November 10, 2015
Supplied by HarperCollins New Zealand in rtrn for an honest review
Life is looking good for Friday, Sarah, and Harrie, convict girls in 1832 Sydney. Friday is now a dominatrix, running Mrs H’s whipping room; Sarah runs the best jewellery shop in Sydney; Harrie is married to the dashing Dr Downey and the loving mother of Charlotte while providing Leo with unique flash (tattoo designs).
Then Charlotte is kidnapped and taken to Newcastle. As bonded convicts they can’t leave Sydney so how will they find her? I am reluctant to say too much and give the story away but we meet Aria again (yay!) and Jonah Leary (boo hiss!) and of course the despicable Bella Shand.
The plot moved swiftly and there were heart-warming moments, a worrying cliff-hanger (until the next chapter), a well-I-didn’t-see-THAT-coming revelation, and an of-course! moment. The can be read as a stand-alone book but all previous three books really should be read.
I loved the final in the fascinating and addictive quartet. It wraps everything up nicely and the final pages have an answer to a question raised in the first book Behind The Sun. I love these characters and the author has said they may appear in future stories she writes. I hope so!
Life is looking good for Friday, Sarah, and Harrie, convict girls in 1832 Sydney. Friday is now a dominatrix, running Mrs H’s whipping room; Sarah runs the best jewellery shop in Sydney; Harrie is married to the dashing Dr Downey and the loving mother of Charlotte while providing Leo with unique flash (tattoo designs).
Then Charlotte is kidnapped and taken to Newcastle. As bonded convicts they can’t leave Sydney so how will they find her? I am reluctant to say too much and give the story away but we meet Aria again (yay!) and Jonah Leary (boo hiss!) and of course the despicable Bella Shand.
The plot moved swiftly and there were heart-warming moments, a worrying cliff-hanger (until the next chapter), a well-I-didn’t-see-THAT-coming revelation, and an of-course! moment. The can be read as a stand-alone book but all previous three books really should be read.
I loved the final in the fascinating and addictive quartet. It wraps everything up nicely and the final pages have an answer to a question raised in the first book Behind The Sun. I love these characters and the author has said they may appear in future stories she writes. I hope so!
December 21, 2015
A Tattooed Heart
This is Challinor’s fourth and last novel about four convict girls transported to Sydney Town. It includes the meticulous research obvious in the other novels about Sydney in the 1830s. Despite the fact that this is the last novel in the series, Challinor has continued to maintain the engaging pace and drama, so much so that I would say this is my favourite of the four. I certainly read it quickly, keen to go with Challinor as she brought the lives of other significant characters to a wonderful, but not at all predictable, conclusion. But this is Friday’s story and, although I trusted Challinor to allow Friday her happy ever after, Friday’s journey kept me engaged throughout. I was barracking for her, hoping to see her pick herself up and learn some hard lessons. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
This is Challinor’s fourth and last novel about four convict girls transported to Sydney Town. It includes the meticulous research obvious in the other novels about Sydney in the 1830s. Despite the fact that this is the last novel in the series, Challinor has continued to maintain the engaging pace and drama, so much so that I would say this is my favourite of the four. I certainly read it quickly, keen to go with Challinor as she brought the lives of other significant characters to a wonderful, but not at all predictable, conclusion. But this is Friday’s story and, although I trusted Challinor to allow Friday her happy ever after, Friday’s journey kept me engaged throughout. I was barracking for her, hoping to see her pick herself up and learn some hard lessons. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
April 16, 2016
A wonderful conclusion to The Convict Girls series, which really need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. A Tattooed Heart builds on the story of Friday, Sarah and Harrie and their arch-nemesis, Bella, with a surprise twist to the story. This is primarily Friday's story, and I really liked the portrayal of her and Aria's love. As always, brilliantly researched and well-written, this story tied up all the loose ends of the series. Hopefully we'll see more of the girls in a future book though!
May 29, 2022
The last in a series about the four convict women Friday, Harrie, Sarah and Rachel who become firm friends on the voyage to Sydney and the adventures that befall them. This novel is set in 1832 in Sydney Town and centres around fiery hooker Friday Woolfe and the love of her life Maori princess Aria. When Harrie’s adopted daughter Charlotte is abducted the girls must pull together to rescue her, but Friday’s battle with the gin bottle makes her the loose cannon amongst the group. Plenty of adventure along with a well-researched historical background.
March 7, 2016
ugh...the ending was like return of the king - i kept thinking surely this is it but then it just kept on keepin on....
October 31, 2022
Really enjoyed this series but it could have been 3 books. It was becoming repetitive. Would have loved a synopsis of where they all are now though!
January 12, 2018
This is the final book in The Convict Girls Series. I have wanted to read this book for some time.
I love the characters of this series. It was like catching up with a group of friends I haven’t spent time with for a while. Even though some time has passed since I read Bk3, from page 1 it was like I spoke to all the girls last week. I really loved the depth that Challinor gave all her girls. They are so beautiful, courageous, broken and loyal above all else.
This final book bought the story to a beautiful end. Nothing too neat and tidy, but complete in her choices for all the women’s lives.
I will miss my girls, I have truly loved reading these books.., definitely worth taking the time to read...
I love the characters of this series. It was like catching up with a group of friends I haven’t spent time with for a while. Even though some time has passed since I read Bk3, from page 1 it was like I spoke to all the girls last week. I really loved the depth that Challinor gave all her girls. They are so beautiful, courageous, broken and loyal above all else.
This final book bought the story to a beautiful end. Nothing too neat and tidy, but complete in her choices for all the women’s lives.
I will miss my girls, I have truly loved reading these books.., definitely worth taking the time to read...
July 24, 2017
The final book of the Convict Girls. The girls are settled in Sydney, each doing their own thing. Friday's job changes from prostitute to a dominatrix, which is lucky for Friday because she's found a beautiful girlfriend who frowned upon her being a prostitute. Harrie has adopted baby Charlotte who is left by herself for just a minute or two then she was abducted. The Girls must find their way from Sydney to Newcastle to get Charlotte back, while risking their own lives if they are found outside Sydney. The evil Bella, who has been blackmailing the girls since they arrived by convict ship in Sydney has an exciting part in the story. A really good finale of the Convict Girls.
April 26, 2020
A wonderful conclusion to The Convict Girls series, which really need to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. A Tattooed Heart builds on the story of Friday, Sarah and Harrie and their arch-nemesis, Bella, with a surprise twist to the story. This is primarily Friday's story, and I really liked the portrayal of her and Aria's love. As always, brilliantly researched and well-written, this story tied up all the loose ends of the series. Hopefully we'll see more of the girls in a future book though!
January 30, 2018
4.5 stars. Sadly, I can't quite find it in my heart to give this 5 stars, even if I did have trouble putting it down. The story lines from the previous books heated up in a big way, and kept me guessing. This time it was Friday's turn to be the main character, and I found her less interesting than the others in the group, which is annoying. The climax was rather delicious and drawn out, and there were sort of two for the price of one. The resolution was also a brilliant touch.
January 30, 2018
The fourth and last book of the Convict Girls Series was every bit as good as the preceding books. The series is about four young women who were transported to Australia on a convict ship. Deborah Challinor combines history with the stories of these girls, and those they meet, after their arrival in Sydney - their lives, their adventures and their loves. I thoroughly enjoyed the series.
May 29, 2018
When I borrowed this book from the library I didn't realise it was the fourth in the series. Only a couple of pages in when I did, I nearly gave up - I hate joining a series halfway through - but I couldn't stop! Not only is it a great read, it is clear that the author really knows her Australian history.
December 15, 2019
This was a great series. Each of the four books picked up where the previous one had left off. Although a novel the author went to great lengths to keep the history of the era genuine and accurate. I also liked the fact that there are lots of good references to explore this
Australia history and the convicts more. Each book kept me turning the pages.
Australia history and the convicts more. Each book kept me turning the pages.
September 22, 2020
Oh my, I simply adore reading novels based around Australia history & convicts in the 1800's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series of books, following the lives of Friday, Sarah, Harrie, and even Elizabeth, Bella, Aria and many more enjoyable characters who travelled along with them...and the ending was wonderful! I definitely didn't see that coming, but it wrapped up beautifully.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series of books, following the lives of Friday, Sarah, Harrie, and even Elizabeth, Bella, Aria and many more enjoyable characters who travelled along with them...and the ending was wonderful! I definitely didn't see that coming, but it wrapped up beautifully.
September 24, 2017
A great end to the Convict girls series. I really enjoyed this series and am a little sad to leave the characters behind. These characters really live in my imagination, so I think that is a sign of really well developed characters and good writing.
November 11, 2017
This is the Fourth and final in a series by this author and you need to read them in the right order. behind the Sun, Girl of Shadows, The silk Thief.
I reallly enjoyed the series, albeit finding this one took a while to get into. Well worth finishing tho
I reallly enjoyed the series, albeit finding this one took a while to get into. Well worth finishing tho
June 21, 2020
One of the very best series I have ever read. Totally believable. I want to pack my bags and go right now to The Rocks. I'm sure I'll find them lurking in the depths of the shadows. Thank you Deborah!
November 17, 2020
The only thing I have to say is I AM GOING TO MISS these GIRLS, they were my companion for a little over a month .... you will devour the whole series in no time, amazing style, quite entertaining, a page-turner, I wish it was more.....sadly I finish them all.
September 27, 2025
I did enjoy this book. But I have a huge problem with the audiobook. The accent used for Aria, makes her sound like she is South African, and there are a huge number of pronunciation screw ups with the Maori language in the book. That a New Zealand author was okay with this is really disappointing.
May 18, 2017
I loved this book! It finished the series off nicely, tying up all the loose ends and giving Sarah, Harrie and Friday the happy endings they deserved. I loved the plot twists - very nicely done.
September 18, 2017
final in the series...just loved them
February 1, 2018
Great end to the series. Good, light hearted read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews