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When Kitty Farrell is offered a trinket by a street urchin, her impulsive response will change both of their lives forever, and place an unexpected strain on Kitty’s marriage. For the past four years, she has sailed the high seas on the trading vessel Katipo with Rian, her wild Irish adventurer, but when they return to the Bay of Islands in 1845, they find themselves in the midst of a bloody affray.
Their loyalties and their love are sorely tested, and Kitty’s past comes back to haunt her when she encounters the bewitching child she names Amber. As the action swirls around them, Kitty and Rian must battle to be reunited as they fight for their lives and watch friends and enemies alike succumb to the madness of war and the fatal seduction of hatred.
Their loyalties and their love are sorely tested, and Kitty’s past comes back to haunt her when she encounters the bewitching child she names Amber. As the action swirls around them, Kitty and Rian must battle to be reunited as they fight for their lives and watch friends and enemies alike succumb to the madness of war and the fatal seduction of hatred.
319 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
35 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Challinor
24 books245 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 8, 2017
It was the mid-1800s when Mrs Carlisle received the letter from her daughter Kitty, and she was overwhelmed. Kitty was on her way to London on a schooner, with the man she was going to marry; she requested her mother organise for Kitty’s wedding to be held in May. But the delight at seeing her daughter after so many years was foremost in her mind. It had been years since Kitty had left for New Zealand after a scandal and her letters had been few and far between.
Mrs Carlisle’s meeting with Captain Rian Farrell; the joy of her reunion with Kitty; the subsequent wedding – all seemed to happen quickly. Soon Kitty was on her way again, across the high seas with her husband and into an adventurous future.
When the Katipo finally returned to the Bay of Islands it was to find the country on the brink of war. Rian was determined to help and Kitty was furious at being sent to safety with her old friend Simon to Auckland. But their weeks in that city were to change Kitty’s life completely. And as her worry about her husband mounted, Kitty decided she’d had enough of being isolated and away from the man she loved. What would happen as the fight reached horrific levels? Would Kitty ever see Rian again?
Amber by Aussie/ New Zealand author Deborah Challinor is another brilliant episode in the Smuggler’s Wife series which I completely devoured. Tension and emotion rippled alongside humour and laugh out loud moments; my enjoyment was complete! I highly recommend Amber, book 2 after Kitty, and can’t wait to read the next instalment, Band of Gold. I love the cover too!
Mrs Carlisle’s meeting with Captain Rian Farrell; the joy of her reunion with Kitty; the subsequent wedding – all seemed to happen quickly. Soon Kitty was on her way again, across the high seas with her husband and into an adventurous future.
When the Katipo finally returned to the Bay of Islands it was to find the country on the brink of war. Rian was determined to help and Kitty was furious at being sent to safety with her old friend Simon to Auckland. But their weeks in that city were to change Kitty’s life completely. And as her worry about her husband mounted, Kitty decided she’d had enough of being isolated and away from the man she loved. What would happen as the fight reached horrific levels? Would Kitty ever see Rian again?
Amber by Aussie/ New Zealand author Deborah Challinor is another brilliant episode in the Smuggler’s Wife series which I completely devoured. Tension and emotion rippled alongside humour and laugh out loud moments; my enjoyment was complete! I highly recommend Amber, book 2 after Kitty, and can’t wait to read the next instalment, Band of Gold. I love the cover too!
April 3, 2023
This book is set where I grew up so all the places were familiar to me which made it extra special. Even the Kawakawa river features which runs through our family farm.
January 1, 2025
Stars: 4.5 ⭐️
Genre: fiction - historical fiction
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, for all four books
Sum it up: cheating a little bit here and reviewing the series as a whole because I really enjoyed all four books and it’s hard to review them separately without giving things away or the reviews sounding identical.
What you need to know is that this is a very well written set of books the follow the life of Kitty and her eventual husband Rian. I love that Challinor started the series in New Zealand and over time, takes us on a journey to the Australian colonies and China, with many other stops along the way. It’s refreshing to read historical fiction not set during either of the World Wars, instead we begin in 1838 and therefore get not only an entertaining read but one with a unique plot featuring a cast of amazing characters. Best of all, Challinor has again written a series in which it is clear that she has done her research to make everything historically accurate but in which she has restrained herself from putting in every little bit of information she’s discovered, thus distracting from the plot. Instead, the reader is given a very interesting and engaging series that contains historical events but in no way feels like a history lesson. You could read the books out of order or as standalones, but I’d advise reading them in order to make the most of what is a must read and highly recommended historical fiction series.
Who should read it: lovers of historical fiction will devour The Smuggler’s Wife series. I’d also recommend to it fiction lovers generally as well as those with an interest in New Zealand and the Australian colonies in the 1800s.
Genre: fiction - historical fiction
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, for all four books
Sum it up: cheating a little bit here and reviewing the series as a whole because I really enjoyed all four books and it’s hard to review them separately without giving things away or the reviews sounding identical.
What you need to know is that this is a very well written set of books the follow the life of Kitty and her eventual husband Rian. I love that Challinor started the series in New Zealand and over time, takes us on a journey to the Australian colonies and China, with many other stops along the way. It’s refreshing to read historical fiction not set during either of the World Wars, instead we begin in 1838 and therefore get not only an entertaining read but one with a unique plot featuring a cast of amazing characters. Best of all, Challinor has again written a series in which it is clear that she has done her research to make everything historically accurate but in which she has restrained herself from putting in every little bit of information she’s discovered, thus distracting from the plot. Instead, the reader is given a very interesting and engaging series that contains historical events but in no way feels like a history lesson. You could read the books out of order or as standalones, but I’d advise reading them in order to make the most of what is a must read and highly recommended historical fiction series.
Who should read it: lovers of historical fiction will devour The Smuggler’s Wife series. I’d also recommend to it fiction lovers generally as well as those with an interest in New Zealand and the Australian colonies in the 1800s.
January 23, 2025
3.5. A light read.
March 21, 2017
Another great book by Deborah Challinor. I really enjoy her writing and this was very interesting based in New Zealand in the mid 1800s.
March 23, 2012
Absolutely love this little series; historical fiction, romance, adventure, not completely predictable and easy to read! whats not to love!
March 12, 2021
I enjoyed the history component of this novel and the anti-colonialism stance of the main protagonists, but I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't listened to the audiobook version. The audiobook is painful to listen to, the narrator absolutely slaughters the Maori language and makes a hash of all the accents she attempts. I can speak a little Maori but the narrator pronounced most of the words, especially place names, so badly that they were unrecognisable. This is culturally insensitive and highly inappropriate and made it difficult to tolerate. If I'd read the book myself I may have given it 3 stars.
June 14, 2024
I did enjoy the book and its historical context.Some aspects were difficult to feel were realistic. Would you sail on a boat with your husband to go home and get married in your home town despite the arduous months long journey. Would you then invite the ships crew as the guests in the wedding party?
I was t sure about the reference to cooking toast on the campfire , felt it was a bit early historically to be eating that, just like you might have bought it at the shops.
Despite these far fetched ideas and what may even be a realistic representation of history it was a gripping tale and will definitely be keen to read the next in the series.
I was t sure about the reference to cooking toast on the campfire , felt it was a bit early historically to be eating that, just like you might have bought it at the shops.
Despite these far fetched ideas and what may even be a realistic representation of history it was a gripping tale and will definitely be keen to read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
Couldn't believe my eyes when I found this one already sitting on my bookshelf! No waiting to find it, yay! This story corresponds in certain aspects with my own young life although separated by just a little over 100 years. No murders or kidnappings, but I have strolled the areas, smelled the sea breezes aboard ship and remember vividly my first arrival at Port Jackson on board ship and also Wellington harbour where my father sailed with me all those years ago. Thank you Deborah for bringing my fondest memories to life again in these pages. Kitty and I would have been great friends!
November 12, 2021
I love reading books set in New Zealand, especially when they are well written with interesting characters. It had been a long time since I read the first book so I a little trouble with some of the characters but quickly caught up. I did feel cheated out of a wedding and the ending was rushed and only half satisfying. The last quarter of the book was the most exciteing and definately needed more of this.
September 4, 2020
I’m enjoying the historic context of this series, but everything just works out a little too smoothly for the characters. I did like the setting of Auckland in the mid-1840s, and the familiar street names when in the original city plan.
August 8, 2023
Very predictable and also somewhat frustrating with Kitty’s needy and clingy behavior… a quick and mostly enjoyable read though. The back of the book is so sensationalized, there is hardly any strain on her marriage! One “tiff” only…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
Enjoyed
April 23, 2018
As a lover of historical fiction I love the historical aspects of this story around the conflict and fighting in the Bay of Islands shortly after the signing of the treaty.
March 25, 2019
I love this series!!!
November 9, 2019
Great, fast read
Unable to put down. Love the authentic historical connections. Looking forward to book 3. Thank you Deborah for respecting our history
Unable to put down. Love the authentic historical connections. Looking forward to book 3. Thank you Deborah for respecting our history
August 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book as it encompasses lots of places I know in New Zealand inc Auckland & the Bay of Islands
May 11, 2021
Another great story, part 2 of the smugglers wife series. Follows in very well from ‘Kitty’ but easily picked up if you haven’t read the first book.
July 11, 2021
OK plenty happening no great drama.
December 7, 2024
3.5 stars
Gathering my thoughts still.
Gathering my thoughts still.
December 7, 2024
Another great historical fiction from Deborah Challinor. Always makes me want to research more on the subjects.
February 5, 2025
Fabulous New Zealand story. Deborah Challinor has hit the mark again.
March 9, 2017
I just love Deborah Challinor's book series! I loved The Convict Girls and I love this one now "The Smuggler's wife" - the first book is Kitty. I love how New Zealand features highly and have learnt a lot of the history that I never knew about before.
I admit to not reading any reviews or even that back of this book - I wanted a total surprise! (even more delicious that way, right?) ... so I was puzzled as to the title "Amber" for quite some time ... nearly half the book, actually! But, I just love the addition of Amber - Deborah Challinor always amazes me with the little twists and turns she throws in when you least expect it. That's one of my favourite things!
Now, onto #3 in the series: Band of Gold.
I admit to not reading any reviews or even that back of this book - I wanted a total surprise! (even more delicious that way, right?) ... so I was puzzled as to the title "Amber" for quite some time ... nearly half the book, actually! But, I just love the addition of Amber - Deborah Challinor always amazes me with the little twists and turns she throws in when you least expect it. That's one of my favourite things!
Now, onto #3 in the series: Band of Gold.
March 23, 2021
I dont know how I wasn't aware that Kitty had evolved into a series. Seriously, this was published before I first read Kitty, and I never knew. Sad that I didn't.
Having also read the Convict Girls Series, there seem to be character cross-overs when the scenes are set in Sydney - like I'm sure that Mick Doyles Mum is involved - (and I spent a good hour frustrated that I borrowed those books from the library, rather than owned them, so couldn't confirm that for myself, or figure out the timelines - it's something I hadn't even considered when reading the Convict Girls books!)
Overall, I liked this one. Easy to read, good emotional depth, interesting descriptions of a time in my countries past I've not known much about (having not done history at school).
Don't read it without having read Kitty first.
PS. Someone needs to put together a timeline of the NZ / AU based books so we can all see how things overlap or not.
Having also read the Convict Girls Series, there seem to be character cross-overs when the scenes are set in Sydney - like I'm sure that Mick Doyles Mum is involved - (and I spent a good hour frustrated that I borrowed those books from the library, rather than owned them, so couldn't confirm that for myself, or figure out the timelines - it's something I hadn't even considered when reading the Convict Girls books!)
Overall, I liked this one. Easy to read, good emotional depth, interesting descriptions of a time in my countries past I've not known much about (having not done history at school).
Don't read it without having read Kitty first.
PS. Someone needs to put together a timeline of the NZ / AU based books so we can all see how things overlap or not.
August 21, 2016
The Amber of the title does not appear until the last third of the book.
Interesting and easy read, I enjoyed this as much as the first and both are slightly better than the third.
These books weave a fictional story through historical New Zealand events, I have great admiration for all women who lived in the 1800s.
The description of this edition is actually about the first book.
Interesting and easy read, I enjoyed this as much as the first and both are slightly better than the third.
These books weave a fictional story through historical New Zealand events, I have great admiration for all women who lived in the 1800s.
The description of this edition is actually about the first book.
October 29, 2014
I enjoyed the further adventures of Kitty & Ryan in New Zealand & the historical background of the troubles between the Maoris & the English crown. The addition of Amber to the story was also sweet. Kitty is a feisty & rebellious heroine-good on her!
March 10, 2008
Waited quite a while for "Amber" to appear but was not disappointed when she did. A truly moving and captivating story which finishes the sequel of nicely!
March 13, 2014
The adventures of Kitty & the crew continue.. I enjoyed this one as much as the first & i'm eager to read the next. Great story
June 8, 2016
Totally easy, interesting and historically informative read. Now for the third!
October 26, 2016
Love this series, historical fiction mixed with romance and adventure
Kitty certain is a unique woman
I always feel like a time traveller when I read any of Deborah's fantastic books
Kitty certain is a unique woman
I always feel like a time traveller when I read any of Deborah's fantastic books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews