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Flinders Ranges Series #3
Jewel in the North
Jewel in the North: A longstanding feud of land and love, a family torn apart and a quest for the ultimate prize...
A breathtaking historical family saga of love, death and forgiveness and a quest for the Jewel in the North
1895. The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful but harsh landscape as Joseph Baker, a pastoralist in that unforgiving environment, knows all too well. For three generations his family have farmed the land, married and had children at their property at Wildu Creek, but now, struggling with hostility from the local community for his choice of wife, Joseph finds himself fighting to save not just his friends and family but his very existence.
His son William has his own battles to fight: not only the drought that takes over the land but his own despair, as he faces rejection from the woman he loves. Meanwhile, a ruthless enemy will stop at nothing to take from William what he considers to be his. Could the vicious and cunning Charles Wiltshire be his nemesis? Or does another man, in a quest for the Jewel of the North, hold the key to his destruction?
As the First World War looms on the horizon, two men struggle to survive both the elements and each other on a quest to find that they hold dear — but only one will have the courage to stand strong.
The deeply satisfying conclusion to the bestselling Flinders Ranges series.
A breathtaking historical family saga of love, death and forgiveness and a quest for the Jewel in the North
1895. The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful but harsh landscape as Joseph Baker, a pastoralist in that unforgiving environment, knows all too well. For three generations his family have farmed the land, married and had children at their property at Wildu Creek, but now, struggling with hostility from the local community for his choice of wife, Joseph finds himself fighting to save not just his friends and family but his very existence.
His son William has his own battles to fight: not only the drought that takes over the land but his own despair, as he faces rejection from the woman he loves. Meanwhile, a ruthless enemy will stop at nothing to take from William what he considers to be his. Could the vicious and cunning Charles Wiltshire be his nemesis? Or does another man, in a quest for the Jewel of the North, hold the key to his destruction?
As the First World War looms on the horizon, two men struggle to survive both the elements and each other on a quest to find that they hold dear — but only one will have the courage to stand strong.
The deeply satisfying conclusion to the bestselling Flinders Ranges series.
576 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2017
61 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
27 books419 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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April 24, 2017
Joseph Baker’s wife Millie had given him three more children to add to the four with his first wife Clara and his happiness knew no bounds. Living at Wildu Creek with his father Thomas and the whole family meant the homestead was bursting at the seams. When Joseph’s eldest son William left to take over the running of Smith’s Ridge, William was proud his father had faith in his ability to manage the property.
William had had his eye on Georgina Prosser to be his wife since he was a young man. It seemed Georgina was also keen, but her father and Joseph Baker were sworn enemies. Charles Wiltshire, Henry’s son was younger than Georgina but was determined to ask her to be his wife as soon as he turned eighteen. The division between the Wiltshire family; the Prosser family and the Baker family was well known. The feud had been simmering for years…
With a harsh drought once again gripping the Flinders Ranges and surrounding countryside, the farmers were all feeling the pinch. So in turn were the business and home owners in the small town of Hawker. Henry Wiltshire and his son Charles were determined to keep attracting the elite and well to do in town to their shop; they were also determined to have nothing to do with the natives in the area. And it seemed Charles was cut from the same cloth as Henry – a cruel and vindictive man, Charles wouldn’t be thwarted in anything he’d set his mind to.
Who would be the survivors in the struggle to retain what was theirs? Would there ever be happiness for the families on the land they loved?
Jewel in the North is the third and final episode in the Flinders Ranges series by Aussie author Tricia Stringer, and it was a wonderful, indepth and breathtaking conclusion. Moving from the late 1800s through the turn of the century, Federation and beyond, this novel is filled with love, loss and grief plus it also shows what happens in a long-standing feud between several generations of families. A masterful historical fiction novel, Jewel in the North is set in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia where rains after a long drought is all that is wished for. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
William had had his eye on Georgina Prosser to be his wife since he was a young man. It seemed Georgina was also keen, but her father and Joseph Baker were sworn enemies. Charles Wiltshire, Henry’s son was younger than Georgina but was determined to ask her to be his wife as soon as he turned eighteen. The division between the Wiltshire family; the Prosser family and the Baker family was well known. The feud had been simmering for years…
With a harsh drought once again gripping the Flinders Ranges and surrounding countryside, the farmers were all feeling the pinch. So in turn were the business and home owners in the small town of Hawker. Henry Wiltshire and his son Charles were determined to keep attracting the elite and well to do in town to their shop; they were also determined to have nothing to do with the natives in the area. And it seemed Charles was cut from the same cloth as Henry – a cruel and vindictive man, Charles wouldn’t be thwarted in anything he’d set his mind to.
Who would be the survivors in the struggle to retain what was theirs? Would there ever be happiness for the families on the land they loved?
Jewel in the North is the third and final episode in the Flinders Ranges series by Aussie author Tricia Stringer, and it was a wonderful, indepth and breathtaking conclusion. Moving from the late 1800s through the turn of the century, Federation and beyond, this novel is filled with love, loss and grief plus it also shows what happens in a long-standing feud between several generations of families. A masterful historical fiction novel, Jewel in the North is set in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia where rains after a long drought is all that is wished for. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
June 15, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Jewel in the North features the Flinders Ranges, located in the heart of country South Australia, as the stunning backdrop to Tricia Stringer’s historical saga trilogy. This Australian saga principally focuses on the lives of two families, the Bakers and the Wiltshires, as they negotiate the harsh landscape of South Australia in the days of early settlement. It is a compelling story that exposes the lives, loves, deaths of those who are on a quest to claim the beauty of the region.
In this continuation of the Flinders Rangers series, brought to us by Tricia Stringer, Jewel in the North pays specific attention to the tumultuous times between the years 1895 through to 1914. This is a story that follows the rivalries that continue to exist between the Bakers and Wiltshires. The Flinders Ranges series to date has covered the trials and tribulations of three generations of these families that have forged a life for themselves off this unforgiving land, named Wildu Creek. After many decades characterised by love, marriages, deaths and struggles over land, the current day Bakers and Wiltshires face their toughest battle yet. With so much at stake, both families are tested to their very core, especially when a determined outsider makes their presence known. The threat of war also floats in the background, as these men and women dig deep to find all the courage they can to defend what they believe is rightfully belongs to them. The final chapter in Tricia Stringer’s historical series with leave you breathless with wonder, as the final events of the novel culminate in a dramatic conclusion.
I have read this series in completely the wrong order, as Dust on the Horizon – the second book in this series was the first book I read. After a gap of a few months, I followed Dust on the Horizon with The Jewel in the North. As soon as I concluded reading Jewel in the North, I selected Heart of the Country, the opener to this series to read. I will say that reading these novels completely out of sequence has not put a dampener on my enjoyment of the novels one bit. In fact, Stringer’s ability to ensure that each book can be read as a stand alone novel was appreciated. Series order issues aside, I completely enjoyed Jewel in the North, even though it was a very weighty read at over 550 pages!
Tricia Stringer is a South Australian based author and this strong affinity with the land in which she lives is reflected in her writing. The level of research Stringer has undertaken to bring Wildu Creek, the central location for this novel and surrounds to life, is palpable. In addition, Stringer’s commitment to getting the historical aspects of her novel correct is admirable. The opportunity to gain an authentic insight into South Australia’s history, during the late 1800’s through to the early 1900’s, was welcomed. It is this strong historical grounding and attention to the sense of place in her novel that makes Jewel in the North a worthy final instalment to this series.
The narrative in Jewel in the North is well crafted. Stringer incorporates a compelling tale, centered on the usual struggles faced by families of any time – love, marriage, births and deaths. Stringer also adds specific period detail to the mix. These include storylines focussed on drought, land rights, floods, federation, the changing role of women and the beginnings of the stolen generation. In particular, Stringer intertwines a subtle background of what life was like for the local indigenous people in this area and the influence of European settlement. Land ownership plays a significant part in this historical yarn and Stringer uses story arc to highlight the feuds, often deadly ones, that played out over land possession between pastoralists and the local indigenous people.
It is easy to develop strong feelings towards the characters featured in Jewel in the North. As this is a follow on from the previous two books in the series, there are some familiar faces, as well as some new ones to shake up the storyline. Love them or hate them, the characters that drive Jewel in the North’s plotline along are compelling in their own unique ways.
The last chapter in Tricia Stringer’s Flinders Ranges series was a fitting one and I felt satisfied when the book came to a close. A story filled with great hardships, injustices, suffering and with the theme of pure survival at its core, Jewel in the North gives us a glimpse of what life was like for our pioneering families of Australia. Jewel in the North is the powerful closing story to a fine historical family saga, written by a wonderful Australian storyteller, Tricia Stringer.
*I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway and the publisher, Harlequin Books Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
Jewel in the North features the Flinders Ranges, located in the heart of country South Australia, as the stunning backdrop to Tricia Stringer’s historical saga trilogy. This Australian saga principally focuses on the lives of two families, the Bakers and the Wiltshires, as they negotiate the harsh landscape of South Australia in the days of early settlement. It is a compelling story that exposes the lives, loves, deaths of those who are on a quest to claim the beauty of the region.
In this continuation of the Flinders Rangers series, brought to us by Tricia Stringer, Jewel in the North pays specific attention to the tumultuous times between the years 1895 through to 1914. This is a story that follows the rivalries that continue to exist between the Bakers and Wiltshires. The Flinders Ranges series to date has covered the trials and tribulations of three generations of these families that have forged a life for themselves off this unforgiving land, named Wildu Creek. After many decades characterised by love, marriages, deaths and struggles over land, the current day Bakers and Wiltshires face their toughest battle yet. With so much at stake, both families are tested to their very core, especially when a determined outsider makes their presence known. The threat of war also floats in the background, as these men and women dig deep to find all the courage they can to defend what they believe is rightfully belongs to them. The final chapter in Tricia Stringer’s historical series with leave you breathless with wonder, as the final events of the novel culminate in a dramatic conclusion.
I have read this series in completely the wrong order, as Dust on the Horizon – the second book in this series was the first book I read. After a gap of a few months, I followed Dust on the Horizon with The Jewel in the North. As soon as I concluded reading Jewel in the North, I selected Heart of the Country, the opener to this series to read. I will say that reading these novels completely out of sequence has not put a dampener on my enjoyment of the novels one bit. In fact, Stringer’s ability to ensure that each book can be read as a stand alone novel was appreciated. Series order issues aside, I completely enjoyed Jewel in the North, even though it was a very weighty read at over 550 pages!
Tricia Stringer is a South Australian based author and this strong affinity with the land in which she lives is reflected in her writing. The level of research Stringer has undertaken to bring Wildu Creek, the central location for this novel and surrounds to life, is palpable. In addition, Stringer’s commitment to getting the historical aspects of her novel correct is admirable. The opportunity to gain an authentic insight into South Australia’s history, during the late 1800’s through to the early 1900’s, was welcomed. It is this strong historical grounding and attention to the sense of place in her novel that makes Jewel in the North a worthy final instalment to this series.
The narrative in Jewel in the North is well crafted. Stringer incorporates a compelling tale, centered on the usual struggles faced by families of any time – love, marriage, births and deaths. Stringer also adds specific period detail to the mix. These include storylines focussed on drought, land rights, floods, federation, the changing role of women and the beginnings of the stolen generation. In particular, Stringer intertwines a subtle background of what life was like for the local indigenous people in this area and the influence of European settlement. Land ownership plays a significant part in this historical yarn and Stringer uses story arc to highlight the feuds, often deadly ones, that played out over land possession between pastoralists and the local indigenous people.
It is easy to develop strong feelings towards the characters featured in Jewel in the North. As this is a follow on from the previous two books in the series, there are some familiar faces, as well as some new ones to shake up the storyline. Love them or hate them, the characters that drive Jewel in the North’s plotline along are compelling in their own unique ways.
The last chapter in Tricia Stringer’s Flinders Ranges series was a fitting one and I felt satisfied when the book came to a close. A story filled with great hardships, injustices, suffering and with the theme of pure survival at its core, Jewel in the North gives us a glimpse of what life was like for our pioneering families of Australia. Jewel in the North is the powerful closing story to a fine historical family saga, written by a wonderful Australian storyteller, Tricia Stringer.
*I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway and the publisher, Harlequin Books Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
This is the third instalment in the Flinders Ranges series, following the lives of the Baker family. This books centres on William the grandson of Thomas. The setting is in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Rumour has circulated that a diamond was found by Joseph Baker, father of William, and a South African diamond prospector teams up with Charles Wiltshire (nemesis of William) to stake a claim and start looking for diamonds. The claim however is on a waterhole that William is dependent on through drought to keep his cattle alive.
The books touches on many aspects of life in this era, including the live of the natives who are being further encroached upon by white settlers.
I got very caught up in the drama's as they unfolded and really enjoyed the whole series.
Rumour has circulated that a diamond was found by Joseph Baker, father of William, and a South African diamond prospector teams up with Charles Wiltshire (nemesis of William) to stake a claim and start looking for diamonds. The claim however is on a waterhole that William is dependent on through drought to keep his cattle alive.
The books touches on many aspects of life in this era, including the live of the natives who are being further encroached upon by white settlers.
I got very caught up in the drama's as they unfolded and really enjoyed the whole series.
May 24, 2017
This one's hefty at 564 pages (that's a trade paperback, too) - best not to read late at night in case you drop it on your face as I did! Set in the Flinders Ranges, and reflecting the author's love of the landscape, Jewel in the North tells the story of the Bakers, who battle drought, prejudice and jealousy as they make a life for themselves on the land. A well-crafted tale of loves and losses, courage and cowardice, this one will tempt lovers of historical sagas, as well as those already familiar with the Flingers Ranges series.
September 22, 2021
The Jewel in the North is book three in the Flinders Ranges series by Tricia Stringer. The Jewel in the North is a lovely historical family sage highlighting the struggles and glory over three generations of the Baker Family. In 1895, Joseph Baker, after marring his wife, encountered hostility from the community. The hatred caused Joseph Baker and his son William to fight for their land, friends and family. The readers of The Jewel in the North will continue to follow Joseph and William Baker to find out what happens.
The Jewel in the North is a fantastic book to end this excellent series by Tricia Stringer. I have engaged with the characters and the story of the two previous books in this series. The Jewel in the North was no different. I like how Tricia Stringer highlighted rural families' problems living in the beautiful Flinders Ranges in South Australia. The Jewel in the North is well written and researched by Tricia Stringer. I love Tricia Stringer portrayal of the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. I like Tricia Stringer's description of the settings of The Jewel in the North, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Jewel in the North will learn about the beautiful Flinders Ranges during the earlier nineteenth century. Also, the readers of Jewel in the North will learn about the consequences of revenge.
I recommend this book.
The Jewel in the North is a fantastic book to end this excellent series by Tricia Stringer. I have engaged with the characters and the story of the two previous books in this series. The Jewel in the North was no different. I like how Tricia Stringer highlighted rural families' problems living in the beautiful Flinders Ranges in South Australia. The Jewel in the North is well written and researched by Tricia Stringer. I love Tricia Stringer portrayal of the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. I like Tricia Stringer's description of the settings of The Jewel in the North, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Jewel in the North will learn about the beautiful Flinders Ranges during the earlier nineteenth century. Also, the readers of Jewel in the North will learn about the consequences of revenge.
I recommend this book.
June 4, 2017
My Thoughts
This was the final instalment in a three generational saga, titled ‘Flinders Ranges Series’ by Tricia Stringer. Each of the three novels can be read as a stand-alone book, with each instalment providing it’s own storyline in relation to the time period. Some characters carry over, especially seeing as this was the final book of the trilogy; however, there is no real confusion (I had not read the preceding two books).
This book alone was a wonderful indepth look at society at the turn of the century in Australia, set against the backdrop of the rugged outback - a harsh and often cruel country, especially during times of drought. Life on the land was hard and this is a first hand account of what it might have been like to live during such a pioneering time.
Moving from the late 1800s through the turn of the century, the history teacher in me particularly enjoyed the Federation celebrations. With the focus on two main families - the Bakers and the Wiltshires - this is family drama at it’s finest: love and loss, joy and grief played out amongst these two feuding families over the years. It was I feel, a realistic portrayal of life on the land and the hardships they endured in their struggle for survival. You got a real sense of community in the outback and what life at the time may have been like.
That being said, there is quite an array of characters (given it spans over three books/generations) and each is given their voice - so you must be concentrating on the various relationships and understandings. Probably the most difficult thing I found was the time jumps - there did not appear to be ‘rhyme or reason’ to the chapter/dates provided. I found this a little disconcerting that a month, then maybe six months or longer may have passed by. I could not comprehend the significance of these dates and often large jumps in time.
Anyway, if you are looking to lose yourself back to the time of Australia becoming a nation and a genuine reflection of what life had been like, with the love and losses for those involved, then Tricia Stringers trilogy is for you.
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
This was the final instalment in a three generational saga, titled ‘Flinders Ranges Series’ by Tricia Stringer. Each of the three novels can be read as a stand-alone book, with each instalment providing it’s own storyline in relation to the time period. Some characters carry over, especially seeing as this was the final book of the trilogy; however, there is no real confusion (I had not read the preceding two books).
This book alone was a wonderful indepth look at society at the turn of the century in Australia, set against the backdrop of the rugged outback - a harsh and often cruel country, especially during times of drought. Life on the land was hard and this is a first hand account of what it might have been like to live during such a pioneering time.
Moving from the late 1800s through the turn of the century, the history teacher in me particularly enjoyed the Federation celebrations. With the focus on two main families - the Bakers and the Wiltshires - this is family drama at it’s finest: love and loss, joy and grief played out amongst these two feuding families over the years. It was I feel, a realistic portrayal of life on the land and the hardships they endured in their struggle for survival. You got a real sense of community in the outback and what life at the time may have been like.
That being said, there is quite an array of characters (given it spans over three books/generations) and each is given their voice - so you must be concentrating on the various relationships and understandings. Probably the most difficult thing I found was the time jumps - there did not appear to be ‘rhyme or reason’ to the chapter/dates provided. I found this a little disconcerting that a month, then maybe six months or longer may have passed by. I could not comprehend the significance of these dates and often large jumps in time.
Anyway, if you are looking to lose yourself back to the time of Australia becoming a nation and a genuine reflection of what life had been like, with the love and losses for those involved, then Tricia Stringers trilogy is for you.
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
April 28, 2017
This is the final stand-alone book in the Flinders Ranges series. I haven't read the first two so I can attest to the fact that this story can stand on its own but I think you would appreciate the story even more if you've read the preceding two books.
I loved the insight into life in the late 1800s and early 1900s in country South Australia. I enjoyed getting inside the heads of so many different characters. I liked some characters more than others but it was interesting to see what made them all tick.
I loved the insight into life in the late 1800s and early 1900s in country South Australia. I enjoyed getting inside the heads of so many different characters. I liked some characters more than others but it was interesting to see what made them all tick.
June 25, 2017
Absolutely loved it!! Couldn't put it down. Tricia Stringer is a wonderful author.
October 5, 2020
A deeply satisfying final book set in The Flinders Ranges....so much so that I had to stay up until 3am last night to finish it! Thanks Tricia for a wonderful read!
October 18, 2019
Another terrific read, with a delightfully heart-warming ending.
I have so enjoyed this series. Thank you Tricia Stringer!
I have so enjoyed this series. Thank you Tricia Stringer!
April 25, 2017
A saga that has spanned three generations as told within the three stand-alone novels contained in the Flinder’s Ranges series from author Tricia Stringer. Each instalment portraying a story with stand out characters. A striking backdrop of a story with vivid descriptive’s and detailed characters outlined within, in a time that was anything but easy. This series has been stunning reading from the first book. Jewel In The North by Tricia Stringer was another highlight read in an already remarkable series.
Review copy from Harlequin Australia
Review copy from Harlequin Australia
July 21, 2017
What an utterly fantastic historical saga trilogy from start to finish. Loved the three books and Jewel in the North completes the series off wonderfully. Following the Bakers and the Wiltshires through three generations has been a compelling series that effortlessly takes the reader to the early settlement of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia in late 1800’s early 1900’s through heat, flies, drought and floods and falling in love and knowing all of the characters, I know I am going to miss them all. If you are after that series to get lost in for a while I highly recommend this one!
October 20, 2017
Thank you Beauty & Lace Book Club for the opportunity to review this book. http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/
I can happily say that Jewel In The North is one of the most enthralling and enjoyable books I have read in many years. Having grown up just south of the Flinders Ranges, I fondly remember many happy holidays in the Flinders and it was lovely to relive the memories of this beautiful area.
Initially I was taken aback by the sheer length of this book, I wondered how I would ever get through it. The first couple of chapters introduced an almost overwhelming number of characters but the family trees became more evident as the story progressed. The story captivated my imagination very quickly and I was eager to hear of the trials and tribulations of each of the families.
This historical drama tells the story of the Baker, Wiltshire and Prosser families and their interwoven lives within the small rural community of Hawker. The characters are all very believable and relatable, many whom felt very familiar. As the story progressed I was able to feel the emotional toll felt by the characters as they endured the hardship of rural life, drought and family dramas. This emotion made it all the more difficult to hear of their suffering and survival as they faced some very difficult times in their lives.
In due course, I will endeavour to read the first two books in this series to learn more of the earlier lives of these families, however this book can easily be read as a complete story in its own right.
I wish the author Tricia Stringer great success in her future writing, she is no doubt an author with a terrific talent for storytelling and I look forward to many more books to come.
I can happily say that Jewel In The North is one of the most enthralling and enjoyable books I have read in many years. Having grown up just south of the Flinders Ranges, I fondly remember many happy holidays in the Flinders and it was lovely to relive the memories of this beautiful area.
Initially I was taken aback by the sheer length of this book, I wondered how I would ever get through it. The first couple of chapters introduced an almost overwhelming number of characters but the family trees became more evident as the story progressed. The story captivated my imagination very quickly and I was eager to hear of the trials and tribulations of each of the families.
This historical drama tells the story of the Baker, Wiltshire and Prosser families and their interwoven lives within the small rural community of Hawker. The characters are all very believable and relatable, many whom felt very familiar. As the story progressed I was able to feel the emotional toll felt by the characters as they endured the hardship of rural life, drought and family dramas. This emotion made it all the more difficult to hear of their suffering and survival as they faced some very difficult times in their lives.
In due course, I will endeavour to read the first two books in this series to learn more of the earlier lives of these families, however this book can easily be read as a complete story in its own right.
I wish the author Tricia Stringer great success in her future writing, she is no doubt an author with a terrific talent for storytelling and I look forward to many more books to come.
July 3, 2017
Only after finishing the book did I realise that this was the third book in the Flinders Series.
Sometimes when reading a book that is part of a series you find that there are parts of the story that just don’t make sense as they are following on in each book and that you really need the back story to understand what is happening. Gladly this was not the case with Jewel in the North. It is an entire story in itself that flows along and you don’t feel like something is missing.
The story itself is set in and around the town of Hawker. The hardships of drought and being a farmer are well told with compassion and thought.
William Baker is a man you will fall in love with and also feel his sadness, happiness and joy.
Charles Wiltshire is a man who will stop and nothing to get what he wants and will hurt those he sees as blocking his way to happiness.
I could really feel Tricia Stringer’s love of the land in this novel more so than any other novel of hers I have read. She seems to have a way of making you fall in love with the land that we walk on a little bit deeper.
This is a historical novel which gives it another edge to it. Being the family history buff that I am I really enjoyed a little insight about life on the land as a farmer that my family may have had.
This is not a quick read novel but rather a deep novel that makes you realise how hard life was around 1895 but it’s not heavy but one that you will enjoy reading.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Harlequin Books for the novel to read and many thanks to Tricia Stringer and her way with words.
Sometimes when reading a book that is part of a series you find that there are parts of the story that just don’t make sense as they are following on in each book and that you really need the back story to understand what is happening. Gladly this was not the case with Jewel in the North. It is an entire story in itself that flows along and you don’t feel like something is missing.
The story itself is set in and around the town of Hawker. The hardships of drought and being a farmer are well told with compassion and thought.
William Baker is a man you will fall in love with and also feel his sadness, happiness and joy.
Charles Wiltshire is a man who will stop and nothing to get what he wants and will hurt those he sees as blocking his way to happiness.
I could really feel Tricia Stringer’s love of the land in this novel more so than any other novel of hers I have read. She seems to have a way of making you fall in love with the land that we walk on a little bit deeper.
This is a historical novel which gives it another edge to it. Being the family history buff that I am I really enjoyed a little insight about life on the land as a farmer that my family may have had.
This is not a quick read novel but rather a deep novel that makes you realise how hard life was around 1895 but it’s not heavy but one that you will enjoy reading.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Harlequin Books for the novel to read and many thanks to Tricia Stringer and her way with words.
June 22, 2017
I received Jewel in the North by Tricia Stringer from Beauty and Lace Book Club to read and do an honest review.
An epic novel following 3 families between 1894 to 1914.
A wonderful read portraying the harsh enviroment of early Australian sheep and cattlemen and women and their familes, repercussions of choices made while struggling to survive a devestating drought.
Stringer has touched on a few controversial subjects as Stolen Generation, White Australia Policy, the outbreak of the Boer War, Rabbit Proof Fence and droving livestock along the 'long paddock' trying to ensure their survival until the drought breaks. Realistic situations that is part of Australian History.
The familes portrayed in this novel are a cross of down to earth farmers and snobby buisness people and the way they struggle to survive in an unforgiving time.
You will laugh with the familes, cry with them and rejoice with their sucesses.
I highly recommend Jewel in the North to lovers of Australian History and Historical Fiction.
An epic novel following 3 families between 1894 to 1914.
A wonderful read portraying the harsh enviroment of early Australian sheep and cattlemen and women and their familes, repercussions of choices made while struggling to survive a devestating drought.
Stringer has touched on a few controversial subjects as Stolen Generation, White Australia Policy, the outbreak of the Boer War, Rabbit Proof Fence and droving livestock along the 'long paddock' trying to ensure their survival until the drought breaks. Realistic situations that is part of Australian History.
The familes portrayed in this novel are a cross of down to earth farmers and snobby buisness people and the way they struggle to survive in an unforgiving time.
You will laugh with the familes, cry with them and rejoice with their sucesses.
I highly recommend Jewel in the North to lovers of Australian History and Historical Fiction.
November 3, 2017
The Flinders Ranges series with Jewel in the North being the final book in the series is worthy of being a mini series on TV. It is a fantastic snapshot of what life used to be like back in the late 1800s to the early 1900s and the type of things that went on in that era. The three books in this series (Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon, & Jewel of the North) cover the lives of three families in an outback town in a riveting can't put the book down manner and is full of twists, turns, and struggles faced by the interesting array of characters. You go on a real journey and feel so many emotions as you read through the changes each family faces as you grow with them.
I highly recommend this series of books as you will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this series of books as you will not be disappointed.
July 11, 2020
Unputdownable
This series is heart warming, it reaches into you so you feel the heartbreak of our indigenous people losing their heritage and their children. There has always been those people who only see the colour of someone skin and judge by that and not by the kindness and strength of that person. This story shows how hard it was for those people that didn’t see colour as anything than that just a different colour we all bleed red, and we all breath the same way. This story shows that there is good in the world and there will always be someone that stands up to adversity and wrong doing. Ther is good and bad in every race and in this beautiful story we see that good things come to those that treat others with love and kindness and not hate...
This series is heart warming, it reaches into you so you feel the heartbreak of our indigenous people losing their heritage and their children. There has always been those people who only see the colour of someone skin and judge by that and not by the kindness and strength of that person. This story shows how hard it was for those people that didn’t see colour as anything than that just a different colour we all bleed red, and we all breath the same way. This story shows that there is good in the world and there will always be someone that stands up to adversity and wrong doing. Ther is good and bad in every race and in this beautiful story we see that good things come to those that treat others with love and kindness and not hate...
September 4, 2021
Fairly epic read - yes, it is a thick book! It stands alone as a single novel even though it's apart of a series. Relatable characters who are all each driven by different aspect of human nature; greed, reputation, familial expectations, love, pride, etc. Wonderful historical backdrop to a story of several families aiming to survive financially against the challenges of the bush and small town life. Truly enjoyed the unique portrayal of the Australian way of life coming into its own as our nationhood was really established at the beginning of the 20th century.
June 8, 2017
I haven't read the first two books in the series but if the local library can get them I will read them. I did a tour in Flinders Ranges in 1984 but I'm sure there are changes now. The town names were familiar n the characters some likeable some not. I've heard some stories from my mother-in law of how things were for her family here in the west. Thanks for the story Tricia stirred the tears some.
September 17, 2022
The three books are a wonderful series. Well written and having been in the area brought back memories. Tricia is a great story writer. I understand why publishers want three books but this written in one would have been a great book like The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. Many readers don’t like waiting for books to be published and therefore never read this style of book. Luckily for me I was able to obtain all three at once. Great read and page turner.
May 22, 2017
It was so nice to revisit the Bakers and the Wiltshires and share in their stories of life in the Flinders Ranges. There is hardship, joy, sorrow and survival. The Australian landscape can be beautiful and also cruel. It is a lovely insight into what pioneering farming families had to achieve and how communities were built.
October 7, 2017
Book three in the Flinders Range series, as a reader you grow with characters and their families. You see them persecuted and feel their sorrow. Across generations this novel continues the hostility passed down through the years. As book 1 was aptly named Heart of the Country this novel seeks to explore how the heart and the dust can become a stunning jewel desired by many.
October 25, 2017
Wonderfully written and so true to the our Australian heritage , I would recommend this book for reading at schools through out Australia for o
our children try and understand,what is was like here in our country,as early settlements out side of the city's, that created our great country.
our children try and understand,what is was like here in our country,as early settlements out side of the city's, that created our great country.
February 19, 2021
3½ This was a Bookclub read, one I probably wouldn't have ordinarily read. It was the third in a series but was able to be read alone. Background on the older generations from the first two books would have added to the story as at times I did find it a little confusing keeping up with who was who! An enjoyable family saga set in South Australia.
December 30, 2017
Another great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. Tricia Stringer you have hit the nail in the head with these books. The history of all aspects of the books was great. You need to write a 4th to keep us following the lives of the Bakers.
December 28, 2020
An easy to read Australian drama/romance based in central/north South Australia. I haven't read the previous two in the series and it works well as a standalone novel. I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 11, 2023
Third in this wonderful Flinders range series! I’ve enjoyed reading all three in order and quite quick succession. It really does pay to do this so the full sweep of the history and the generations of the central family are not lost.
January 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this 3 book series. I read the first two consecutively and then the third after a couple of other books. I liked the history and also how Tricia reflected back on past characters to jog our memory of what happened in prior books.
June 7, 2017
Wow, what a great book to the end of a series. Loved them all. Definitely a favourite and looking forward to lots more.
December 2, 2018
Love this trilogy!! Didn’t want it to end.
My goodness those people did it hard. We really have no idea
Would so like another book to carry on the series.
Highly recommended.
My goodness those people did it hard. We really have no idea
Would so like another book to carry on the series.
Highly recommended.
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