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The Cedar Cutter
From the bestselling author of The Horse Thief comes a historical story of love, intrigue and danger in the majestic cedar forests of the Hunter Valley. Even if time heals all wounds, you still bear the scars…1855. When Roisin Ogilvie moves to Wollombi her thoughts are only of protecting her illegitimate son, Ruan, from the grasps of his powerful and dangerous father. Posing as an impoverished widow, she settles into a quiet existence as a local dressmaker. She doesn’t expect to catch the attention of Irish champion cedar cutter Carrick O’Connor, or any other man for that matter.Carrick O’Connor may have won the coveted Wollombi Wood Chop, but his mind is on the beautiful seamstress and her son. Or rather, on who they remind him of. Determined to exact revenge for the horrors of his past, Carrick plans to return to Ireland to seek revenge on the land agent who was responsible for the death of his wife and child, and his transportation. Then, hopefully, he can return to Wollombi to start life afresh.But a murder charge, a kidnapping, a growing attraction, and a past that refuses to stay silent will turn both his and Roisin’s lives upside down and will lead them to a hard choice. Redemption? Or cutters’ justice?
307 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
38 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Tea Cooper
28 books942 followersTea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 7, 2025
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I have to concur with the statement that adorns the back cover of The Cedar Cutter by Tea Cooper. It reads as follows, “A stunning new novel from the bestselling author of The Horse Thief”. The Cedar Cutter, as well as Cooper’s previous novel, The Horse Thief are both stunning reads. For those who love Australian historical fiction, this novel will sit very nicely in your hands.
It was initially interesting to discover from the historical note contained at the close of The Cedar Cutter that the inspiration for this book was sparked by a photograph located at the author’s local museum. This photograph of three larkakins observing a large cedar tree that had been chopped down, played an integral role in Cooper’s decision to write a novel revolving around the story of a cedar cutter. Cooper’s novel is the story of a champion cedar cutter from Ireland, Carrick O’Connor, who comes to Australia’s shores to through transportation, escaping the loss of his family. Carrick is a man haunted by his past, as his wife and son died at the hands of a man back in Ireland whom he seeks to enact revenge on. When Roisin Ogilvie and her young son Ruan make the move to Wollombi, they cross paths with Carrick. Immediately, something in both Roisin and Ruan reminds Carrick of the family. For Roisin, her attraction to Carrick is a dangerous one, as her dark past and a secret surrounding Ruan’s legitimacy stands in the way of any chance this couple has at happiness.
The Cedar Cutter was a novel I thoroughly enjoyed and I devoured the novel in just two days. For a start, The Cedar Cutter is my kind of novel. I love the genre of Australian historical fiction and the era in which the novel is set, the 1800’s, fascinates me. To discover that the main idea for this book was inspired by the author’s discovery of an old photograph, depicting a typical set of cedar cutters ,was equally compelling. These ingredients certainly set me on the path to enjoyment.
Cooper works hard at bringing her era, as well as setting alive for her audience. The research Cooper has undertaken to inform her novel is crystal clear. Although I have not had the opportunity to visit the region in which The Cedar Cutter is set, the Hunter Valley, Cooper’s writing made me feel like I was amongst the people, places and the very heart of the locale. It also enticed me to pay a visit to this region at some point in the future.
Cooper contrasts life as a cedar cutter through the character of Carrick, to life as a widow with little means by inserting the protagonist of Roisin as the central figure. I felt a strong sense of empathy towards the character of Roisin. The passages focussed in on Roisin trying to make a living from her talents as a dressmaker in a new town were of particular interest to me. Both Roisin and Carrick have compelling individual stories, which unfurl as the narrative progresses. Their back stories are full of unfairness, tragedy and heartbreak. The insertion of a particular bad character adds a sense of danger and fear, giving this story greater depth. Cooper does ensure there are opportunities for new love and hope for these two characters and the end result was to my full satisfaction.
Tea Cooper has penned another winning title with her historical fiction novel, The Cedar Cutter. It is a novel that gave me great pleasure in reading, due to the developing romance, the appealing setting, as well as the chance to learn about the trade of cedar cutters in the 1800’s.
I have to concur with the statement that adorns the back cover of The Cedar Cutter by Tea Cooper. It reads as follows, “A stunning new novel from the bestselling author of The Horse Thief”. The Cedar Cutter, as well as Cooper’s previous novel, The Horse Thief are both stunning reads. For those who love Australian historical fiction, this novel will sit very nicely in your hands.
It was initially interesting to discover from the historical note contained at the close of The Cedar Cutter that the inspiration for this book was sparked by a photograph located at the author’s local museum. This photograph of three larkakins observing a large cedar tree that had been chopped down, played an integral role in Cooper’s decision to write a novel revolving around the story of a cedar cutter. Cooper’s novel is the story of a champion cedar cutter from Ireland, Carrick O’Connor, who comes to Australia’s shores to through transportation, escaping the loss of his family. Carrick is a man haunted by his past, as his wife and son died at the hands of a man back in Ireland whom he seeks to enact revenge on. When Roisin Ogilvie and her young son Ruan make the move to Wollombi, they cross paths with Carrick. Immediately, something in both Roisin and Ruan reminds Carrick of the family. For Roisin, her attraction to Carrick is a dangerous one, as her dark past and a secret surrounding Ruan’s legitimacy stands in the way of any chance this couple has at happiness.
The Cedar Cutter was a novel I thoroughly enjoyed and I devoured the novel in just two days. For a start, The Cedar Cutter is my kind of novel. I love the genre of Australian historical fiction and the era in which the novel is set, the 1800’s, fascinates me. To discover that the main idea for this book was inspired by the author’s discovery of an old photograph, depicting a typical set of cedar cutters ,was equally compelling. These ingredients certainly set me on the path to enjoyment.
Cooper works hard at bringing her era, as well as setting alive for her audience. The research Cooper has undertaken to inform her novel is crystal clear. Although I have not had the opportunity to visit the region in which The Cedar Cutter is set, the Hunter Valley, Cooper’s writing made me feel like I was amongst the people, places and the very heart of the locale. It also enticed me to pay a visit to this region at some point in the future.
Cooper contrasts life as a cedar cutter through the character of Carrick, to life as a widow with little means by inserting the protagonist of Roisin as the central figure. I felt a strong sense of empathy towards the character of Roisin. The passages focussed in on Roisin trying to make a living from her talents as a dressmaker in a new town were of particular interest to me. Both Roisin and Carrick have compelling individual stories, which unfurl as the narrative progresses. Their back stories are full of unfairness, tragedy and heartbreak. The insertion of a particular bad character adds a sense of danger and fear, giving this story greater depth. Cooper does ensure there are opportunities for new love and hope for these two characters and the end result was to my full satisfaction.
Tea Cooper has penned another winning title with her historical fiction novel, The Cedar Cutter. It is a novel that gave me great pleasure in reading, due to the developing romance, the appealing setting, as well as the chance to learn about the trade of cedar cutters in the 1800’s.
June 24, 2017
Roisin Ogilvie and her six year old son Ruan were tired, hungry and a little bruised by their journey on the old cart when they arrived in Wollombi in 1855. The town was bustling with activity as a wood chopping competition concluded – the winner a big, handsome Irishman whose name Roisin later discovered was Carrick O’Connor.
As Roisin settled into the town with Ruan, she gradually started losing her tension and worry – her headlong rush to leave Sydney had been tempered by concern for Ruan’s safety; her Aunt Lil’s help was such that she couldn’t have done it without her. Now, comfortable in the old cottage she’d worked hard to make liveable, and letting the local ladies know about her dressmaking abilities, Roisin’s new life with Ruan was looking positive.
Carrick was one of the team of cedar cutters working in the district. The majestic cedar trees were worth a great deal of money – Carrick’s aim was to make enough to afford his ticket back to Ireland; he had a score to settle and bitter revenge in his heart. But his eye had been taken by the new arrivals in town; Roisin and Ruan reminded him of home – Ruan especially. An immediate bond had formed between the boy and Carrick…
Just as Roisin was at her happiest, the past reached out to her with terrifying consequences. But this time she would fight. She would not run again – her anger and fear fuelled a determination in her that she hadn’t felt before. And when she heard the devastating news about Carrick she was distraught. What could she do? Her new life had suddenly been turned upside down – it was up to her to set it to rights again…
The Cedar Cutter by Aussie author Tea Cooper is another brilliant historical fiction novel by this author and set in an area I’m particularly familiar with. The characters are well constructed; the research into the time quite obvious. I felt a deep empathy for Roisin; and Ruan is a little boy who reminded me of my own childhood and the antics we got up to! The blending into the story of the local natives; the rum drinking, loud mouthed cedar cutters and the strength of the women of the town – all combine to make an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read. Hard on the heels of her previous best seller, The Horse Thief, the author has another winner with The Cedar Cutter in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
As Roisin settled into the town with Ruan, she gradually started losing her tension and worry – her headlong rush to leave Sydney had been tempered by concern for Ruan’s safety; her Aunt Lil’s help was such that she couldn’t have done it without her. Now, comfortable in the old cottage she’d worked hard to make liveable, and letting the local ladies know about her dressmaking abilities, Roisin’s new life with Ruan was looking positive.
Carrick was one of the team of cedar cutters working in the district. The majestic cedar trees were worth a great deal of money – Carrick’s aim was to make enough to afford his ticket back to Ireland; he had a score to settle and bitter revenge in his heart. But his eye had been taken by the new arrivals in town; Roisin and Ruan reminded him of home – Ruan especially. An immediate bond had formed between the boy and Carrick…
Just as Roisin was at her happiest, the past reached out to her with terrifying consequences. But this time she would fight. She would not run again – her anger and fear fuelled a determination in her that she hadn’t felt before. And when she heard the devastating news about Carrick she was distraught. What could she do? Her new life had suddenly been turned upside down – it was up to her to set it to rights again…
The Cedar Cutter by Aussie author Tea Cooper is another brilliant historical fiction novel by this author and set in an area I’m particularly familiar with. The characters are well constructed; the research into the time quite obvious. I felt a deep empathy for Roisin; and Ruan is a little boy who reminded me of my own childhood and the antics we got up to! The blending into the story of the local natives; the rum drinking, loud mouthed cedar cutters and the strength of the women of the town – all combine to make an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read. Hard on the heels of her previous best seller, The Horse Thief, the author has another winner with The Cedar Cutter in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2018
A delightful romantic fiction based on historical fact.
The author, Tea Cooper, has a love of early Australian history. She even has her own museum . She was
inspired to write this story after seeing a photograph of 3 men sitting a top a giant felled cedar tree.
Set in Wollombi in the mid 1830s. Tea brings the time period to light with her terrific characters.
The author, Tea Cooper, has a love of early Australian history. She even has her own museum . She was
inspired to write this story after seeing a photograph of 3 men sitting a top a giant felled cedar tree.
Set in Wollombi in the mid 1830s. Tea brings the time period to light with her terrific characters.
February 3, 2020
A great Australian historical fiction with romance, history and some suspense.
October 14, 2018
A nice easy read and some interesting Australian history. Very enjoyable and easy to engage with the characters, if not a little repetitive at times.
July 28, 2016
Oh, how I love a good Oztorical! I've been looking forward to reading The Cedar Cutter for ages - and thanks to NetGalley, I got the chance.
An absorbing, fascinating tale set in the beautiful Hunter region of NSW, we are presented with two wonderful characters in Roisin and Carrick, whose stories intertwine in ways I had most definitely not seen coming. The growth of their bond and their love was done beautifully.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and wholeheartedly recommend it!
An absorbing, fascinating tale set in the beautiful Hunter region of NSW, we are presented with two wonderful characters in Roisin and Carrick, whose stories intertwine in ways I had most definitely not seen coming. The growth of their bond and their love was done beautifully.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and wholeheartedly recommend it!
September 12, 2016
Some of my favourite books are Australian Historical Fiction and The Cedar Cutter is a brilliant read that takes you back to the mid 1800’s in an area in Australia that I have grown up in so it was particularly nice to visit these places in the Hunter Valley New South Wales that are very well known to me. This is a well written tale, a nice steady read that captures a bygone era with beautiful characters, with a fantastic twist near the end that brings it all together. Great read!
August 12, 2017
I am half way through the book and enjoying it more than I thought I would. The main characters were a foreseen love affair from the first pages, but that detracted not one bit from the wonderful theme of historical Australia and how women survived the early years. I am absorbed by the fashions created from cloth and the prim and proper ladies of the time. A girlish excitement engulfs me at the outcomes of creativity and I have to make myself stop reading the book so I can savour it for the next day.
July 21, 2023
Love the way the author rights and historical events that she entwined in her book. Loved hearing about the cedar cutters and how difficult it was then being a woman raising a child without support. The claim that a man had on a woman and that a man would always in a court case over a woman. The class distinction and very apparent how even when people became free men after doing their time in the colonies were still looked down upon. Often things that were in this day and age ridiculous. I can't imagine anything happening like that today. Great book loved it
May 25, 2019
Fast paced historical romance-mystery, with vivid landscape writing. Some parts too repetitive - characters mulling over the same fears, hopes and dreams many times - but other sections so immediate and visceral (especially the landscape and cutters' lives) that I was right there.
September 11, 2025
More enjoyable then I thought. A bit cliche in its ending, yet it surprised me!
This was recommended to me by my great grandma, so shout out to her.
Not totally my style, happy it wasn’t too long lol. Not bad…. just not great either.
This was recommended to me by my great grandma, so shout out to her.
Not totally my style, happy it wasn’t too long lol. Not bad…. just not great either.
August 15, 2017
This was a wonderful Australian romantic historical fiction and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
November 15, 2017
this was better than expected. my only gripe was the villian turned out to be a little bit convenient to all parties
February 25, 2018
I thought this was going to be a 'expected ending' romance - it wasn't! Twists and turns, romance, intrigue - I loved it!
September 16, 2019
Easy reading with a nice dollop of local history. I felt very sad at the thought of all that beautiful timber lost to the cedar cutters though. The stands of cedar would have been glorious.
July 29, 2020
I went looking for more of Tea's books after reading her last three, and I wasn't disappointed.
August 11, 2020
Absolutely loved this story!!
March 5, 2021
I loved this book!
June 3, 2023
A lovely, reliably predictable story. The ending was a little too easy but enjoyed the story and the way it was written.
December 17, 2023
Great read, storyline and characters. Couldn't put it down.
February 29, 2024
Pretty light weight stuff with the "surprise" so obvious a four year old would have guessed it.
November 30, 2024
Good plot, with an unfolding mystery. Set in colonial Hunter Valley.
April 23, 2025
Didn't love this as much as other TC book. Revenge is not ours to decide nor celebrate, harder to make a hero of one who steals trees.
May 22, 2025
No. Lightweight.
October 11, 2024
suspenseful!
The Cedar Cutter is a wonderfully crafted tale that captures a sliver of the contrasting elements of a developing Australian society in the early period of colonisation….so suspenseful!
The Cedar Cutter is a wonderfully crafted tale that captures a sliver of the contrasting elements of a developing Australian society in the early period of colonisation….so suspenseful!
February 6, 2017
I'm not usually a romance devotee but am trying to broaden my reading and a friend lent me The Cedar Cutter. The writing is strong (no purple prose), the characters well-drawn and the colonial Australian setting authentic. Of course, the girl gets the guy in the end, and I enjoyed the adventure so might just dip into another of Tea Cooper's books.
October 10, 2016
Not for me. Harlequin as publisher, which I only noticed afterwards, should have been a giveaway to the breathless romance style. Good historical setting but too many cliched characters.
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November 4, 2016Wonderful read.
As I read more, I predicted in how it would unfold and finish but I was so wrong.. There was a twist, I had not foreseen.. I found it hard to put the book down and regretted that it finish.
I intend reading more of Tea Cooper's works
As I read more, I predicted in how it would unfold and finish but I was so wrong.. There was a twist, I had not foreseen.. I found it hard to put the book down and regretted that it finish.
I intend reading more of Tea Cooper's works
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews